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Chủ Nhật, 12 tháng 5, 2013

Taking the Kids -- how much family travel has changed

Beach time at Curtain Bluff.James Callaghan
Tranquil view of Morris Bay.Curtain Bluff
Kids tennis, Curtain Bluff.Curtain Bluff
Curtain Bluff, Morris Bay.Curtain Bluff

The kids are everywhere.

They're chasing lizards in the glorious tropical gardens, building sandcastles with resort-provided sand toys, paddle-boarding, kayaking, fishing, playing beach volleyball and basketball and doing cannonballs into the pool. They're even getting lessons from the bartender in whipping up mocktails.

"The banana smoothies are the best!" an 8 year old named Brady told me.

Talk about kid vacation heaven -- Caribbean style. "They really cater to the kids here at Curtain Bluff observes Dr. Tania Spenlinhauer, here in Antigua from Maine with her husband and three kids, including Brady, for her sister's wedding at the resort. That the small (just 72 rooms) all-inclusive resort offered so much for the six young grandchildren was a big factor in why the family opted to gather here, they said.

"We could even give the older kids some independence because we knew they'd be safe," said the bride's mom, Peg Spenlinhauer.

Another mom confides that her son who has Asperberger syndrome is having the vacation of his life, trying things he's never done like snorkeling. "He is completely relaxed," she said. "There is no comparison to a regular hotel."

I can't help but flash back 30 years when my husband and I honeymooned here. He had found the place in a book, charmed by the story of how the late owner Howard Hulford decided to build a hotel on this peninsula after spotting the land -- surrounded by reef -- and seeing the two beaches -- one tranquil, one with crashing waves.

Seeing all the kids -- and their parents and grandparents -- having so much fun here recently made me realize that Curtain Bluff is emblematic of how much family travel has changed in the last three decades -- and how the travel industry has changed as a result.

On our honeymoon, we sat on the windswept surf beach outside our room -- every room faces the ocean -- drinking champagne left over from our wedding, watching the crashing waves and talking about the kids we would have and, just as important, the adventures we would share with them. And that, of course, is the sea change resorts like Curtain Bluff have had to face.

"When I was a kid, my parents left us and they went away. This generation takes our kids," said Steven Rosenbaum, here with his family from Connecticut.

Grandparents too. Alida and Rod McRae have been coming here for 30 years, mostly with another couple and only occasionally with one son or another when they were nearly grown. This summer, they're returning with all three sons and their families -- five grandchildren ranging in age from six to 16.

Kids were not a big part of Hulford's equation when Curtain Bluff opened in 1962. Wine was (the resort boasts the biggest wine cellar in the Caribbean), so was food. The resort has long been known for its cuisine. Kids were only here during the holidays and sometimes, spring break; some months they weren't permitted at all. There certainly wasn't a playground or a kids' club. The resort wasn't open in the summer when most families vacation.

Today, you can vacation through July and it's a bargain, with rates as much as 40 percent lower than winter and free-night deals on certain category rooms. (For more summer vacation ideas in the Caribbean and elsewhere, check out our new Summer Fun section.)

The best part is that parents are guaranteed a break too -- maybe a massage at the spa or a soak in the hot tub on the bluff overlooking the sea -- because there are some organized kids' activities and the watchful staff keeps an eye on those old enough to wander on their own. Tired kids old enough to be in their room on their own can even order room service for dinner at no extra charge while parents linger over theirs.

The all-inclusive nature of the resort means the family can enjoy any activity -- even scuba diving and deep sea fishing -- and eat as much as they like without any sticker shock, which McRae says he's faced at other resorts when it comes time to pay the bill. (All-inclusive rates for two start at just $625 a night; with kids and teens sharing the room it's $155 a night). That's certainly not cheap -- this is an upscale resort -- but it's a good value when you realize it doesn't cost anything extra, even if you go fishing every morning and snorkeling every afternoon; even if the boys order three portions of French toast at breakfast or a double portion of lobster salad at lunch; no matter how many tropical cocktails you drink or how many smoothies the kids order. (And those add up fast!)

The young general manager, Chris Eastmond, himself the father of a 5 year old, says he wants to preserve "the magic dust" that has made so many guests return to Curtain Bluff year after year, while meeting the needs of today's guests -- whatever their age.

They're ramping up organized kids' activities (think learning to fish and sailing instruction) and special early kids' dinners when a lot of children are in house. There are even plans to partner with a local school so visiting kids can learn what it is like to grow up on a Caribbean island. Already on weekends, when local kids come to the resort to learn to play tennis, they meet the guests at lunch. (The most promising tennis players are awarded scholarships to a tennis camp in Maine through Curtain Bluff's guest-supported Old Road Fund.)

"We want to incorporate what's new with the soul that is here," Eastmond said.

That soul is a long-term staff that hugs each guest when they arrive and when they leave. Hulford's widow, Chelle, still lives on the property and is a constant presence, chatting up the guests and their kids.

"We'll keep coming back as long as we're able," vows Alida McRae.

Us too.

Eileen Ogintz is a syndicated columnist and writes about family travel on her Taking the Kids blog, and is the author of the new series of Kid’s Guide to NYC, Orlando and the just released Washington, DC from Globe Pequot Press.

View the original article here

Chủ Nhật, 5 tháng 5, 2013

Confessions of a travel psychic client

I was a little skeptical when a colleague approached me to visit a ‘travel psychic,’ who was coming to our building.

My daughter and I were about to go on a vacation to Pompano Beach, Fla.; but I thought – what could she possibly tell me that would be informational? I envisioned her saying, “It’s going to rain on the third day,” – please, she can look that up on the Weather Channel’s website – or your plane will be delayed by an hour (which happens to travelers all the time, and in fact did happen on my trip). I’m a little leery of psychics in general – if they really exist, wouldn’t our lives be easier?

But, I decided to give it a try, at the very least, it would be entertaining.

I met with Linda Lauren and told her where we were going. I told her it was just my daughter and I – as my husband couldn’t get the time off of work. I only gave her the flight itinerary – flying from White Plains to Ft. Lauderdale and the dates of the trip. That was it.

Lauren said my daughter didn’t understand the concept of flying on an airplane – well, duh! She’s three. The last time she flew on an airplane she was barely two, and to her, it meant we were transforming into butterflies (because butterflies can fly in the sky). Who knows? Maybe she thought we would magically sprout wings and instantly be at the beach.

She did grasp the concept we would be visiting Nina and Poppy (my parents) at the beach (where she hoped to see a dolphin and a mermaid, she told me). I suppose a dolphin encounter could’ve been possible, had we had the time to visit Miami’s Seaquarium – but a mermaid just wouldn’t happen, unless Darryl Hannah or Ariel washed ashore.

Anyway, back to the travel psychic. Lauren told me it was important to keep my daughter occupied, she might not tolerate this flying business too well. Again, I thought – that’s common sense! Most children don’t do well on airplanes. Remember the last time you flew? Wasn’t there a screaming baby among the crowd? There inevitably always is.

Next, Lauren told me I would be relaxed – like “a different person” on this trip. I would be surrounded by love. OK, she didn’t know I was visiting my parents, but who isn’t relaxed on vacation? I guess there is such a thing as a stressful vacation, but when you are flying to a destination with 80-degree weather and palm trees, stress is not likely in the forecast.

She also told me she saw me surrounded by a pink aura. To this day, I’m still not sure what she meant by that.

Lauren added she saw me surrounded by “a lot of love” and there would be great weather. Well, I was visiting my parents, and I’m pretty sure they love me , but don’t people usually go on vacation with people they love (or at least like)? And I was visiting Florida for heaven’s sake – in April, which is notorious for its “great” weather. To me, it seemed a no-brainer.

The interesting part of my visit with Linda, was that she picked up on my desire to cross something off my bucket list on this trip. I was currently working on a project that was most definitely on my bucket list and I figured since I’d be in a relaxing atmosphere, and my parents could watch my daughter, I’d have plenty of time to work on it. OK, one point for the psychic.

The night of the flight I was nervous. It’s in my nature to be nervous, anyone who knows me knows that – and I was traveling alone with a toddler. I replayed what Lauren had told me, and I had visions of strangers glaring at me on the plane as my daughter screamed bloody murder. Not that my daughter is that type of person, but hey, there’s a first time for everything.

But, as we ascended into the sky at full speed, my daughter said (with fist pumped in the air), “ROCK STARRRRR!” She had a huge smile on her face. Soon after she got her milk and cookies from the flight attendant, she fell into a deep sleep. I relaxed, leaned back against my seat, ready to enjoy the flight.

Except for the severe turbulence, which made me extremely nauseous. Why didn’t the psychic tell me about this? I wondered. My daughter slept through the entire bumpy ride.

The trip was relaxing, and Lauren was right. I was like a different person, probably because I didn’t have deadlines looming over me, the pressures of running a household, no hour-long commute and my parents fawned over me like I was royalty. I got to actually sleep in (Poppy entertained my daughter when she woke up. He was more than happy to color with her and take her to the playground while I got my ZZZs). I watched my daughter splash around the pool with my mother, went for walks along the beach, ate ice cream outside at sundown, read my Kindle on a lounge chair and shopped my heart’s content. Who wouldn’t be a different person with that kind of lifestyle?

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances and technological difficulties, I wasn’t able to cross anything off my bucket list, though it wasn’t for a lack of trying. It was a disappointment, but I got over it when I looked out the window at the ocean waves lapping on the sand. How could anyone stay upset when they were in paradise?

The flight back home was far less bumpy, and my daughter fell asleep soon after take-off. She was excited to get home to see her Daddy, so there weren’t any temper tantrums or breakdowns, and by now, she definitely understood what it meant to fly in an airplane. In fact, there were three kids who did cry on the plane, but I’m happy to report that none of them were my child.

And so we’re home again, and a few days ago, my daughter looked at me and said, “I want to go to the airport and fly on the airplane. We can go to the beach!”

Me, too, I said. Me, too.

View the original article here

Chủ Nhật, 14 tháng 4, 2013

12 phrases that mean big travel savings

Here at Budget Travel we speak fluent French, Italian, Spanish, and other languages. But we've also mastered the magic words that can score you a deep discount, a steep upgrade, or some tasty perks.

Have you ever had a conversation where moments--or even days--later you realize, "I wish I'd said that"? Travel booking and airline and hotel check-ins can often feel like that, with so many questions, options, and price points to juggle. We've assembled a 12-point cheat sheet with twelve phrases to help make your next travel booking easier, nab you some upgrades, and save you money.

"Can I get an upgrade?"

Well, that question seems a little on-the-nose, doesn't it? But most airline passengers never ask, and it can pay off. Ask politely, and if you're met with silence, be willing to wait for an answer instead of backing down. Last-minute first and business class seat availability can mean you pay an "up-sell" fee (typically $50 and up) to get out of coach. The same question can work at a hotel, especially if it's a hotel that caters to business travelers and you're checking in over the weekend.

"Bump me!"

Airline crews deal with a lot of tired, anxious, and sometimes just plain cranky passengers all day every day. Letting them know that you're willing to get bumped to another flight solves some major problems for them--and can result in your being moved up to first class just because you were willing to be accommodating. Note: It might also get you bumped, so use this phrase only if you mean it.

"I serve in the military."

We can't guarantee it, but first-class passengers have been known to trade seats with military personnel as a way of saying "thank you" for their service. On a more predictable note, cruise lines will often offer a discount if you tell them about your military service.

"Would you like some chocolate?"

This may sound a little precious, but as Budget Travel's Trip Coach Fran Golden reported last year, handing out one-pound chocolate bars to the gate agents and flight crew gets John E. DiScala, founder of travel advice site Johnnyjet.com, a better coach seat or upgrade about half the time.

"We're on our honeymoon!"

Our evidence here is anecdotal, but Budget Travel readers have reported that telling airline personnel at check-in that you're newlyweds can get you moved to first or business class. Hotels, of course, will almost always respond with an indulgence or two. But don't say it if it's not true--apart from the fact that lying is wrong, you may have a difficult time answering questions about your alleged recent nuptials.

"I have kids."

Hotels may be willing to upgrade you to a suite at no charge, and if you ask for a later check-out to accommodate the little ones you'll almost always get a thumbs-up.

"I'm flying alone."

When airlines try to accommodate families who want to sit together, it helps if they know they can move your seat, and there's a chance they'll move you to first or business class, where single empty seats are more common.

"Give me the cheapest car you have."

We know, we know. When renting a car, you don't really want to cram yourself into the cheapest model in the company's garage. But if you're willing to take the chance, booking the lowest-priced car available and showing up super-early in the morning (before most people have returned their rental cars) can garner you a free upgrade to a bigger car.

"Has the price gone down?"

Yeah, airline seats and hotel room prices fluctuate, and there's a chance that the price has dropped since you made your reservation. Call the airline or hotel regularly as your trip approaches and, if the price goes down, ask for a refund or re-book. (But make sure there's no significant re-booking fee!)

"Is that 'free' newspaper going to cost me $25?"

Resorts are notorious for tacking on fees up to $25 per night for goodies you might assume were free--including pool towels, Wi-Fi, newspaper delivery, gym access, and even access to the resort's casino. Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Las Vegas are especially known for these non-negotiable surprises. Your best bet it to ask about extra fees up front when making a reservation.

"I'm a return customer."

When booking a cruise, mentioning that you've sailed with the line before can nab you a 5 to 15 percent discount on your fare.

"I'm 55+."

Yup, just remembering the 1960s should get you a 5 percent discount from most cruise lines.

View the original article here

Thứ Năm, 11 tháng 4, 2013

Google returns Frommer's Travel back, all apparently except social media

All of the @FrommersTravel followers are now following Google-owned @ZagatTravel.

Remember last week when Google sold Frommer's back to Arthur Frommer, the 83-year-old founder, giving him the rights to publish the guidebooks and run the travel website that bears his name?

Well, now it appears that Google didn't sell back the entire Frommer's brand. According to Skift, Google kept the company's social media contacts and is integrating it with Zagat Travel. That includes all the followers that Frommer’s had on Twitter, Facebook, FourSquare, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest.

The move became apparent when Google tweeted that it had changed the name of Frommer's handle--@FrommersTravel--to @ZagatTravel, saying: “This account is now @ZagatTravel! Welcome. Stay tuned for info on where to go, where to stay and how to explore around the world.”

PaidContent speculates that social media data may have been one of Google’s main goal in the first place.

“Google is keeping all of the followers that Frommer’s accrued on Twitter, Facebook, FourSquare, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest.” PaidContent writes. “These thousands—or more likely millions—of accounts are valuable because they represent a huge collection of serious travel enthusiasts.”

Google paid $22 million for Frommer's last August. It hasn't been disclosed how much Frommer's paid to the the brand back.

So what's Google doing with the followers? Google is trying to position itself as a trusted source for travel guides and information by aggregating online content and comments (think Yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com), but it also wants that content showing in search results so Google could sell travel-related ads against it. More eyeballs means more money.

A Google spokesperson responded to PaidContent saying, “we’ve spent the last several months integrating the travel content we acquired from Wiley into Google+ Local and our other Google services. We can confirm that we have returned the Frommer’s brand to its founder and are licensing certain travel content to him.”

Already, the @FrommersTravel Twitter handle is back and running."OK, we're back! Tell all your pals to follow @FrommersTravel please. Arthur, Pauline and the rest of the Frommer's gang r tweeting here!"

View the original article here

Thứ Sáu, 5 tháng 4, 2013

Luxury travel on a shoestring budget

Reading about Pedro Quezada’s massive lottery win last week got me thinking about traveling in the lap of luxury—it’s something that many hope to experience, but few believe is financially possible unless you get a windfall like Pedro’s.

The recent recession hasn’t helped; in fact it’s scared some travelers into believing they still have to scale back their vacation plans, downgrade their hotel choice or put trips on hold completely. If there’s one thing I’d like to tell travelers in response, it’s to stop all that negative thinking!

Travel providers know that today’s globetrotter is more budget conscious, and they’re discounting heavily through sites like Hotwire to attract them. These days, travelers can have the ultimate luxury getaway at a fraction of retail cost—they just need to know when to travel, how to book their travel and where to stay.

In order to help you book your next “luxury for less” getaway, I’ve put together the following tips. They are sure to help you travel like a celebrity, even on an average Joe’s (or Jane’s) paycheck.

When to book your stay – timing is everything

When it comes to finding a trip that feels like it’s “beyond your means,” the best tip I can give you is to be flexible. I’ve mentioned having a flexible travel schedule in the past when referring to cruise bookings but the same holds true for folks looking for a luxurious, budget-friendly getaway. It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but you can score great deals by waiting until the last-minute to book your hotel.

This is especially true in larger cities, and some of the biggest discounts are actually found on the day of arrival. Hotels with mid-level pricing naturally tend to get more bookings early-on. This leaves the upscale hotels with larger retail price tags with extra rooms left to fill, and they cut rates at the last-minute to attract customers.

Additionally, try to plan your visits over the weekends. Business travel is primarily during the weekdays so these properties often keep rates up Monday thru Friday. However, once the business travelers head back home at the end of the week, many 4- and 5-star rooms become highly discounted to attract leisure travelers.

Finally, keep track of a destination’s different travel seasons as prices may vary throughout the year. Traveling during the off-season or shoulder season instead of peak months is a great way to get a 4-star room for a 2-star price.

People who are unfamiliar with a city’s travel seasons can use sites like AOL Travel to find average temperatures and when travelers are most likely to visit (e.g. see the New York travel seasons here). But traveling during the off-season means more than just great deals—it also means there will be fewer people visiting these destinations, allowing travelers to enjoy shorter lines and lighter traffic.

How to book your stay – utilize online tools and mobile apps

So now that you know when to book your luxurious trip, let’s talk about how you go about getting the best deals. During a down economy or a destination’s off-season, travel providers look for various channels to maximize their reach to consumers. The travel industry has ramped up using sites like Facebook and Twitter to offer exclusive promotional discounts and host contest giveaways.

Folks can follow travel experts and providers, keep a sharp eye on popular travel hashtags (like #TravelTuesday) and conduct their own travel searches on social sites to find the best deals. Discount-hunters can also download the mobile app for their favorite travel sites, many of which now offer more mobile exclusive deals. Plus, apps like the one from Hotwire let you easily book on the go – even as last-minute as the day of check in – which, as mentioned before, can result in some incredible savings.

Folks can also find deep discounts through more well-known means like online travel sites and newsletters. At any moment, airlines, hotels and car rental agencies will turn to online travel sites to sell extra inventory at discounted prices. As a newsletter subscriber, you will often be notified immediately about the great deals being offered in a destination you had shown interest in. There are even online tools like TripStarter, where you can quickly and easily find the best time to travel to your destination by tracking pricing trends—something that usually only those inside the travel industry get to see.

Where to book your stay – new investments = lower prices

Cities are always changing and many of them make major investments to develop new hotels in anticipation of more travel demand. It’s best to keep an eye out for areas hosting events such as the Olympics, which will almost always prompt an increase in new hotels. These hotels typically offer promotions and deals with complementary add-ons as part of the opening. But discounted prices aren’t exclusive to the opening of new hotels.

Established hotels now have to compete with the low prices of aggressive new competitors. A great example of an investment area would be the luxury hotel-heavy Las Vegas strip, where there always seems to be construction. Vancouver and London, both of which built new hotels to host the Olympics, are also great destinations to keep in mind as they have an abundance of 4-star-and-up hotel deals.

Not to be overlooked, up-and-coming destinations also allow folks to secure discounted, luxury getaways. I’ve mentioned several of these previously as “sleeper cities.” These cities, like Palm Springs and Scottsdale, have fantastic, higher-star hotels that are trying to attract visitors from larger cities by offering better prices. And truth is, you can have amazing experiences equal to those offered by some more top-of-mind destinations at a fraction of the cost.

You don’t have to max out your credit cards or empty your bank account in order to book a luxurious getaway. Simply follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to traveling like royalty, and still be well within your budget. Then you can use what’s left on activities, upgrades or maybe even a car to take you to/from the airport, which is a relatively small perk that gives you the luxury feeling from the moment you leave your door.

Clem Bason is the president of the Hotwire Group. Every month he provides FoxNews.com readers travel information, tips and advice to help them plan a fun, affordable trip.

Clem Bason

View the original article here

Thứ Ba, 19 tháng 3, 2013

Best insider bargain travel tips

You may already know some of these tips and strategies for stretching your travel dollar. Or maybe you don't. Even if you do, it's good to get a refresher now and then.

Getting money back when the airfare or hotel room drops in price

If your hotel lowers the your room rate between the time you buy and check in, which happens about 20 percent of the time, you can usually rebook at the lower rate, or get a refund automatically. Tingo.com checks and re-checks your hotel rate almost until the hour of check in and automatically refunds a price drop to your credit card. It also alerts you if there's a room upgrade available at the original price you paid. (Full disclosure: Airfarewatchdog.com is a subsidiary of Smarter Travel Media, which also operates Tingo.com. )

Orbitz.com will give you 110 percent of the price difference if another Orbitz customer rebooks the exact same dates and room type. Orbitz also works with airfares and packages. But you no longer get cash back; now you get Orbucks, which can be spent on future travel on Orbitz. Orbucks expire a year from issue however. I'd rather get the cash back from Tingo.

Yapta.com will alert you to airfare price drops but it only works with a relatively small number of airlines, and all but three airlines will charge a change fee (typically $150 on a domestic fare). The three domestic US airlines that will refund a price drop in the form of a future travel voucher without charging a fee: Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue.

Bottom line: airfares and hotel rates are not static, and you can get money back.

Airline frequent flyer credit cards with perks

A number of fairly new airline-affiliated credit cards offer unusual perks formerly reserved for uber-flyers. The United Explorer Card, for instance, has no annual fee for the first year; 30,000 bonus miles with a modest $1000 spend; and then the perks kick in:

-First checked bag free

-Priority boarding privileges so you get first crack at the overhead bins

-Two lounge passes per year (50 each were you to buy them)

The American Airlines Platinum Select Signature Card is similar. First checked bag free, priority boarding.

Coupon codes

Many airlines, travel agencies such as Expedia, and other travel vendors offer coupon code discounts, on flights or packages, which can be substantial. You can find these coupon codes by signing up for the airlines' email lists, or just googling "vendor (American Airlines etc) + coupon codes". Or just troll the Airfarewatchdog.com's blog. Southwest has had 50 percent off coupon codes in the past. Rental car agencies and hotels have these too.

Bottom line: before making any travel purchase, check to see if there's a coupon code offering discounts, upgrades, or extra perks.

Hotel upgrades

It's always wise to sign up for every hotel's frequent stay program, even if you're staying just once. Kimpton Hotels gives you a $10 mini bar credit for each stay plus free WiFi, just for signing up. Fairmont gives you free Internet access. And the hotels offer upgrades, promos, and other perks, even at the lowest membership levels.

It still pays to ask for a room upgrade when checking in. You just never know. It works for me about 50 percent of the time even without "status" in the frequent stay program. I recently requested a "quiet room at the end of the hall" at the very luxe Sofitel Heathrow, and got an upgrade because the only rooms at the end of the hall were more expensive than what I booked. On another occasion in Palm Springs, there was a lengthy delay checking in due to a computer glitch, so I asked for an upgrade to a suite "in compensation" for my inconvenience. Voila, granted. You only get what you ask for.

Rental cars

Again, sign up for the frequent user programs, such as Hertz Gold Plus. It's free to join, and there are discounts, upgrades and extra perks. A site called Autoslash.com will check your car rental reservation and alert you if the price has gone down since the time you originally booked.

Frequent flyer program "hacks"

One real insider secret is how to get "Gold" status on the Star Alliance airline group, which has 27 member airlines. Gold status gives you a lot of perks, such as lounge access, even when flying on cheap fares, and priority boarding. Aegean Airlines has the easiest path to Gold status with a low threshold of 20,000 status miles. (Most other programs require 50,000 miles to be flown before earning this top-tier). It's a little known short cut to this important benefit.

Thứ Tư, 13 tháng 3, 2013

Musical instruments will get passports to travel

Musicians who have instruments made from endangered animals, like pianos made with ivory keys or violin bows crafted from tortoise shell, could find international travel a bit easier, thanks to new trade rules that will require a passport for their instruments.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) agreed to a multi-entry system based on a U.S. proposal to issue passports good for three years, the U.K.'s Telegraph newspaper reported.

Prior to this, musicians needed a new permit for each time they traveled and were forced to do such drastic things as remove all the ivory from the piano in order to transport the instrument.

"This is monumental because it facilitates movement of musicians, particularly orchestras," Bryan Arroyo, head of the U.S. trade delegation that proposed the scheme told the Telegraph.

A British expert, who wished to remain anonymous, told the AFP: "No one wants to harm elephants but it seems a little ridiculous to have to apply for a CITES (permit) for a 120-year old piano."

View the original article here

Best and worst countries for travel and tourism

Countries are vying for hard-earned tourist dollars like never before. But have you ever wondered which country does the best –and worst--job on tourism?

You might not be surprised that the U.S. didn’t take the number one spot (it was ranked 6th). What is interesting is that Europe, despite its austerity measures, is doing a great job at luring in the tourists, while China and Russia –not so much.

Switzerland, Germany and Austria ranked the best for travel and tourism industry competitiveness, according to the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2013, released by the World Economic Forum. The index, which looked at 140 countries and ranked them by data from international travel and tourism institutions and expert surveys, cited factors such as efficient infrastructure, cultural sites, world-class hotels and availability of trained staff.

But Spain –yes, the country with 26 percent unemployment --climbed to fourth from eighth, due to its abundance of World Heritage sites, cultural resources and sports stadiums. France fell four places from third in 2011 to seventh due to restrictive regulations in the tourism sector. The U.K. and Sweden were also in the top 10.

On the bottom of the ranking aren’t all strife-riddled countries like Chad and Haiti (139 and 140 respectively). Russia’s corruption and Venezuela’s anti-Western sentiment are all tourist turn-offs. China fell six spots with an overall ranking of 45th due, in part, to its lack of infrastructure.

In terms of developing nations, some of the rising stars include Panama (moving from 56th to 37th) and the Philippines (rising from to 82th from 94th). The UAE also continues to draw tourist to its hotspots, fueled by oil money, but also making it more attractive are its “world-class” airports.

So what does this mean for you? The report doesn’t get into specifics, but knowing which countries are working to make tourists welcome could help you make better choices the next time you travel.

Click here for the complete report.

View the original article here

Thứ Hai, 4 tháng 3, 2013

Best spring break value travel destinations: Miami

Miami needs no explanation as to why it’s among the best spring break destinations in the country: its warm-water, white sand beaches are top-notch, and celebrities regularly turn up popping-bottles in the youth-mecca nightclubs in South Beach along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.

While the glitz and glam is, indeed, everywhere, Miami is also a bustling, vibrant collection of neighborhoods, with no shortage of free and inexpensive activities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.

Miami Beach has the most 1920s and 1930s art deco buildings in the U.S.--over 800. Join a walking tour, or simply wander down Ocean Drive between 5th and 17th streets and marvel at the gorgeous architecture for free.

Twice a month, New World Symphony offers free Wallcasts concerts, projected onto a 7,000 square foot ball of a Frank Gehry building. Or, watch movies like The Wizard of Oz and The Goonies under the stars at the free SoundScape Cinema Series.

The Wynwood Arts District features outdoor murals by respected graffiti artists, with its galleries opening their doors—and serving drinks—on the second Saturday of the month to artists, art buyers and passers-by.

Stop by Little Havana—a vibrant neighborhood with Cuban cafes, Maximo Gomez Park (known as Domino Park), and Paseo de las Estrellas (like the Hollywood Walk of Fame)—on the last Friday of the month for Viernes Culturales, which includes dancing, dominos, cigar rolling, and free walking tours.

Think you have the stuff to hold a baby gator? Prove it at the Everglades Alligator Farm, where you can also watch alligator and snake handling shows. Or take an airboat tour instead.

While, hotels can get expensive, Miami is frequently featured sites on like Groupon Getaways, Living Social Escapes, and Jetsetter, as well as Priceline.com. Get stylish bang for your hotel buck with The South Beach Group which offers small but stylish rooms for as low as $178/night.

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Thứ Sáu, 1 tháng 3, 2013

How to travel like a billionaire

Break-the-Bank Birthday
PRICE TAG $2.5 MILLION

As part of a $2.5 million, two-week birthday romp through southern France that a Los Angeles man threw for his wife and 30 of her friends, 20 vintage cars from all over Europe were imported to Provence for a road rally through the Bandol wine region. The road was closed to the public for the 90-minute race, and at one of the pit stops the birthday girl’s favorite chef from Los Angeles served snacks. Other highlights included a six-night sailing on a luxury cruise ship and a private cooking lesson with a two-star Michelin chef. –Lia Batkin, In the Know Experiences (212-776-1784)

Copter Crazy
PRICE TAG $17,000

A traveler in Istanbul who wanted to visit Troy at the last minute insisted on a twin-engine helicopter for the trip. One was procured—along with two pilots and a noted historian—for a tour that lasted just a few hours. –Kevan Cowie, Exeter International (800-633-1008)

Bieber Fever
PRICE TAG $25,000

Justin Bieber brings a girl onstage to serenade at every concert, so one client paid $25,000 for his daughter to be picked by the teen heartthrob. A New York couple paid close to $19,000 for a two-day trip to D.C. to attend President Obama’s second inauguration and inaugural ball. –Jim Zissler, Inside Sports & Entertainment Group (646-453-8821)

Politburo Par-tay!
PRICE TAG $1 Million

Six members of the Russian parliament, their wives, and adult children had planned a month-long, $1 million vacation in Canada fishing, hunting, and stopping in Montreal for plastic surgery. Sadly, visa setbacks forced them to cancel the trip. –Marc Telio, Entrée Destinations (604-408-1099)

It Takes a Village
PRICE TAG $1 Million

For a diversion during a $500,000 three-day holiday to Ireland, a family of five had a Celtic village, complete with thatched-roof roundhouses and silversmiths, constructed at Lismore Castle. Entertainment included jugglers, fiddle players, a sword fight, and a private fireworks show. –David Tobin, Dream Escapes (44-845-260-1085)

From Russia, with Rubles
PRICE TAG $800,000

A Russian tycoon took seven employees and their sons on a ten-day off-road trip in Mexico. They flew from Moscow to Chiapas in the client’s private 747, rented fifteen 4 x 4s directly from the owners (at $10,000 apiece), hired local police and private security for every leg of the trip, and had groceries imported from around the world—lobster from Maine, pheasant from England, and caviar from you know where. –Zachary Rabinor, Journey Mexico (800-513-1587)

Peak Experience
PRICE TAG $800,000

For a fiftieth-birthday celebration, a Canadian woman surprised her husband with a trip to Brazil. Birthday festivities—for some 30 guests—included a private dinner on Sugarloaf Mountain and joining in the winners’ parade during Carnaval. Price tag for the week: approximately $800,000. –Martin Frankenberg, Matueté (866-709-5952)

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Thứ Ba, 26 tháng 2, 2013

Are your hot air balloon travel excursions safe?

The tragic hot air balloon accident in Egypt that killed at least 19 people and injured two others has thrust the safety of hot air balloons into the international spotlight and has shaken the public's trust of tour operators.

While hot air balloon accidents rare, accidents like the one in Eqypt have resulted in a number of fiery deaths over the years.

In August 2012 six people were killed and 26 injured when a hot air caught fire and crashed near the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. Earlier that year, a hot air balloon struck power lines near Carterton, New Zealand and exploded, killing all 11 people on board. And in 2009 four Dutch tourists were killed in Guangxi, China, after pilots lost control and their hot air balloon burst into flames and crashed.

“Most of the time balloon accidents are not fatal. Most of the time they’re high wind incidents resulting in broken arm or leg,” Michael Gerred, the president of balloon operator Light Flight in Maryland, told FoxNew.com.

Initial reports from Egypt say the accident occurred after a cable got caught around a helium tube while the balloon was landing. A fire erupted, according to an investigator with Egypt’s state prosecutor's office, which caused the balloon to shoot up in the air in a fiery ball and then plunge some 1,000 feet to the ground.

While it’s too early to say who’s at fault, some industry experts caution that in countries like Egypt and Burma where hot balloon rides over the ancient temples and rivers are the cornerstone of the tourist trade, highly experienced pilots from the U.K. or the U.S. are increasingly being replaced by locals who may not have the same level of experience.

There are no international standards that regulate the ballooning industry, and tour companies must adhere only to safety regulations imposed by each country. In developing countries, the regulations are more lax than those in the U.S. or the U.K., although most large operators follow the stricter U.S. and U.K. safety guidelines.

But if you’re considering a hot air balloon excursion, how do you know if a company you’re booking is trustworthy or not?

Gerred says one of the biggest obstacles when booking a hot air balloon trip overseas is finding the tour company’s safety record and information about the pilots.“To find the level of experience is next to impossible. The best thing to do is go through a reputable company.”

Austin-Lehman Adventures owner and founder Dan Austin says one thing you can do is to look for a fully insured tour operator. They must have a crisis management plan for emergency scenarios–and practice it regularly—a requirement for the top insurance company.

If you’re booking a hot air balloon excursion in the U.S. finding information about an outfit or pilot is much easier. The Federal Aviation Administration, which licenses and regulates all balloon pilots, has a database which enables users to look up pilots by name. In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board keeps accident records that are available to the public.

Austin says to start your research by first creating a short list of potential tour operators. “Google is your friend. Pour through your travel magazines. They often list the ‘best of the best’ in special annual editions. Look for them online.”

Gerred says not to be afraid to pick up and phone and ask the company about its safety record and if it ever had an accident. He advises looking for a company that has multiple pilots who’ve had five or more years’ experience.

Some good questions to ask are:

How long they’ve been in business.

Do they run their own tours or outsource them to others?

What is the average group size (there are regulations on the amount of people you can have in the basket at one time)?

Do they own their own equipment or rent it?

Also ask them to give you referrals, and find out about deposit and cancellation policies.

Austin says the key is to track all interactions. ”If a company fails to get back to you in a timely manner and/or answer your questions accurately and thoroughly, do you really want to trust your vacation to them?” Bottom line, they should handle their customers like their business.

And one final bit of advice, consider a good travel insurance plan. While situations beyond your control do arise, making sure you have access to a medical evacuation if you need it will give you peace of mind.

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