Wicked Good Travel Tips2013-05-22T17:40:23-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/index.php?author=wicked-good-travel-tipsCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Wicked Good Travel TipsGood old fashioned elbow grease.6 Sweet Southern Charms of St. Simons Islandtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.32605632013-05-14T09:14:54-04:002013-05-14T11:46:44-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/
Of its many charms of St. Simons Island, here are our favorites:
#1 The Historic King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort
We almost feel like royalty checking into the King and Prince Resort, the island's only beachfront hotel. The Mediterranean styled resort began its life in the 1930s as a dance club, served as a navy observation post during WWII, and through the years has expanded to offer hotel rooms, condo units and vacation homes. It's hard to decide what to do first, take a long walk on miles of uncrowded beach or lounge by the elaborate pool pavilion. We take a romantic swing outside our hotel room door to decide. Beautiful stained glass windows, a friendly staff and delicious cuisine are highlights of our stay.
#2 Lighthouse Trolley Tours with Cap Fendig
It would be difficult to visit St. Simons Island without meeting a friendly member of the Fendig family whose family roots stretch back for centuries. Taking an island tour aboard an 1800's reproduction street trolley with Cap Fendig at the wheel is a treat indeed. Cap fills his Lighthouse Trolley Tours and boating excursions with entertaining tales of life and lore on St. Simons Island. Cap will set you straight, whether he finds the best spot to watch the sunset that you've been looking for or he teaches your four-yea-old to catch a crab right off a local dock.
#3 The Magic Of The Oaks
The majestic ancient oaks of St. Simons Island give testament to the strong, resolute nature of all who live here. Expansive oaks with sprawling knotty limbs line island roads and dot public parks. The dappled sunlight is mesmerizing, shining through moss-draped canopies and creating havens to dream in and reflect. St. Simons Islanders are passionate about their oak trees and protect each and every one of them like members of the family. While we had come for the beach, it's the majesty of the oaks that has captured our hearts.
#4 A Celebration of Nature
It's clear right from the start that the residents of St. Simons Island treasure their unique coastal environment and delight in sharing it with visitors. Long stretches of beach are accessible and free for public use. Safe biking trails encircle the entire island and opportunities for boating, kayaking and paddling are literally around every corner. The surf here is gentle and with sandbars to explore and miles of meandering creeks and rivers, St. Simons is a mecca for paddle enthusiasts. A visit to The Pier Village is a must, especially for families with young children. The recreation hub includes the town fishing pier, Neptune Park Fun Zone with multiple swimming pools, mini-golf, kids playground, picnic tables, a library and theater -- all with a waterfront view. Presiding over all this fun is the historic St. Simons Island Lighthouse, still in operation as a navigation beacon. Energetic visitors can climb the 129 steps for a panoramic view past Jekyll Island and out to sea. Watch for playful dolphins passing by and pods of right wales who migrate here in spring to feed on the abundant krill.
#5 Locavores To The Max
Shrimp, oysters, crayfish and crabs, oh my! Marsh grasses surrounding the St. Simons Island are a species related to sugar cane, which gives the local island shellfish an exceptionally sweet, delicate flavor. Leaving without trying some Low Country Shrimp and Girts is almost a crime. And it's not just all about the fish, as attested to by nationally famous Southern Soul BBQ, who attracts lines of hungry devotees most days of the week. Nearby organic farms add to the bounty with Georgia favorites, pecans and peaches for dessert. Dining is serious entertainment on St. Simons Island, with over 50 restaurants all cooking with local ingredients -- abbondanza indeed!
#6 World Class Golf
Georgia's passion for championship golf is legendary, so it's no surprise that the Golden Isles have some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the state. St. Simons is home to two wonderful courses, Sea Palms and the King and Prince Golf Course -- each with a distinct personality. While Sea Palms is handsomely manicured, the King and Prince course winds through lush salt marshes and seems as much a nature reserve as a golf course. Herons, crocks and eagles are frequent companions on the course. Just a bit down the road are the exclusive courses of Sea Island that will host the McGladrey Classic in November, thanks to local resident Davis Love III. There is definitely a robust enthusiasm for the game of golf on Georgia's Golden Isles.
Visiting St. Simons Island is like taking a deep breath of all that is good and wholesome about living by the sea. We'll return again with children and grandchildren to immerse ourselves in the many sweet southern charms of St. Simons Island.
Correction: This post incorrectly identified a restaurant as Sweet Southern BBQ, when the name of the restaurant is Southern Soul BBQ.]]>How To Take President's Day For Valentine's Day Getaways (PHOTOS)tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.24918162013-02-02T08:58:00-05:002013-04-04T05:12:01-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/
This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Thursday and coincides with President's Day Weekend, presenting would-be romantics an ideal opportunity to indulge in an extended Valentine's Day celebration. Here are a dozen fun and imaginative ways to spark romance and show your loved one how much you appreciate them on Valentine's Day.
Come to think of it, these wouldn't make solo getaways either.
]]>9/11 Memorial Tribute Walking Tour: A Memorable Experiencetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.17706472012-08-19T09:45:00-04:002012-10-19T05:12:03-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/
A bit of online research connected me with the wonderful folks at the 9/11 Tribute Center located just across the street from ground zero, at 120 Liberty Place. The Tribute Center was conceived by Jennifer Adams and Lee Ielpi of the September 11th Families' Association, along with the hard work and community bond between loved ones, survivors, residents, friends and rescue workers of the 9/11 tragedy. They have pulled together to ensure that visitors to the 9/11 memorial site have a deeply moving experience and that their loved ones are remembered with dignity and honor. A dedicated staff of 300 volunteers, each personally impacted by the events of 9/11, lead walking tours through the memorial site five times per day, every day of the week.
We reserved tickets online at TributeWTC.org and selected the combo option that would give us entry to the Tribute Museum, a guided walking tour and entrance to the 9/11 memorial site. ($20 for adults.) We arrived at the museum 45 minutes before our scheduled walking tour to give us time to tour the museum first.
Walking through the museum is like being transported back to the turmoil, destruction and anguish of 9/11. Exhibits express the disbelief and heartache of New York and the nation. A dramatic, heart-wrenching, display features the "Have You Seen" flyers that peppered lower Manhattan in the days following the collapse of the towers. Further along in the museum is a memory wall where families have shared smiling photographs of their loved ones lost on 9/11. A young boy sitting alone on the bench facing the photos whispered, "Wow, that's a lot of people to lose." And indeed, looking at all those smiling faces so full of life and love, squeezed our hearts and started tears to flow.
We looked forward to meeting our tour guides and being able to verbalize our emotions and share common experiences. Our tour group gathered around our guides, Doug and Gail, just outside of FDNY Ladder Company 10, the firehouse first to respond on 9/11 and destined to suffer the most casualties. Doug's voice was as strong as his emotions as he declared we were about to visit the hallowed ground where 3,000 of his fellow New Yorkers were murdered on 9/11, with most remains never recovered.
We spent an hour with Doug, a former Port Authority inspector, and Gail, whose apartment was (and is) just across the street from the World Trade Center. Together they helped us appreciate how chaotic and mind-shattering the events of 9/11 were for anyone in the vicinity of the World Trade Center on that crystal clear September morning.
Doug and Gail led us through the 9/11 memorial site pointing out significant aspects of the park, explaining the design of the footprint waterfalls, voids within voids, and detailing the progress of buildings rising anew. They delivered a message of past, present and future; honor, reflection and hope, as we made our way through the site. They also reminded us of the neighborhood displaced; the local businesses, restaurants, even street performers and the 50,000 people who came to the World Trade Center to work each day. In the midst of persistent construction noise and swarms of visitors, we were grateful to have the perspective of 9/11 survivors to help us interpret and appreciate the full impact of the memorial park.
Doug points out that the victims of the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993 are also honored here, as well as those who perished in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at the Pentagon and the firefighters who died fighting the adjacent Deutsche Bank building fire in 2007. As we gather near the "survivor tree," a pear tree that survived amidst the rubble of the collapsed towers, Gail shares with us what it was like to see her apartment destroyed, to be denied access to it for a year and a half and to finally reach the decision to return to live adjacent to the World Trade Center site as a tribute to the people who lost their lives there on 9/11.
Gail and Doug volunteer their time along with many other New Yorkers to make certain that visitors to the 9/11 memorial site have a personal connection to the site and that the victims will never be forgotten. The "official" 9/11 memorial museum stands in stark contrast to the Tribute Museum. While the official 9/11 museum remains closed and shuttered due to political acrimony, the families and friends of 9/11 victims are providing the interpretation and narration which has not been absent from the completed 9/11 Memorial Site.
Walking the site with our Tribute guides, hearing their stories and witnessing the reawakening of the World Trade Center site left us with a resolve to never forget, but also to look forward with hope for renewal. For a very memorable visit to the World Trade Center site, be sure to walk with the exceptional guides of 9/11 Tribute Museum, whose efforts help us all to heal.]]>Dazzling Foliage And Great Wine at Niagara-On-The-Laketag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.9816542011-09-27T14:39:01-04:002011-11-27T05:12:02-05:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/Niagara-On-The-Lake in Ontario, Canada. Hugged by water on three sides, this tranquil settlement has emerged as one of the world's most respected wine-growing regions, yet remains largely undiscovered by oenophiles.
With a rich history dating back to the first Loyalist settlement in pre-revolutionary days, the region has been lovingly cultivated and manicured for generations. Mile upon mile of orchards that once yielded sweet crops of strawberries, peaches, plums and cherries, now produce some of the most sophisticated and complex wines this side of Bordeaux (which shares it's same latitude). A unique micro-climate influenced by Lake Ontario and the mist swirling into the air from nearby Niagara Falls, warms the air keeping the area more temperate than most northern farming regions.
Today Niagara-On-The-Lake boasts 22 innovative and distinctive wineries which produce exceptional estate vintages, sparkling wines and Icewines that have won worldwide acclaim as "liquid gold". To sample the world's premier Icewines is reason enough to plan a visit to Ontario wine-country, but fine wines are just the beginning of the delights that await.
The village of Niagara-On-The-Lake is often considered to be the loveliest town in Canada. It exudes quaint Victorian charm. Streets are dotted with stately inns, charismatic bed and breakfasts and elegant historic hotels. The Prince of Wales Hotel which holds center stage on King Street, is a prime example with its regal "Place des Vosges" red brick facade and playful white latticework frills. Flower plantings fill your every glance and invite you to stroll along the streets to discover artist boutiques, antique shops, delectable bakeries and cozy restaurants.
Niagara-On-The-Lake is also known for their wonderful summer theater performances. The highly acclaimed Shaw Festival is celebrating it's 50th year. The festival stages performances from June until November, in three theaters that celebrate the works of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. This year's playbill includes My Fair Lady, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, On the Rocks, and many others.
Your days will be filled with visits to unique and impressive vineyards, from historic homesteads, to grand chateaus, to Leed Certified Eco-designed wineries. Half the fun is learning about each maverick vintner and discovering how they have carefully crafted their individual low yield - high quality wines. And as you might expect, a region that is so passionate about its' harvest of grapes, is equally as devoted to cultivating the highest quality organic produce. This abundance of exceptional local ingredients has attracted celebrated chefs, artisanal fromageries, and food craftsmen of every description. This region is a foodies paradise!
Should you need a bit of exercise to work off your sumptuous meals and wine tastings, you'll find the Greater Niagara Circle Route a perfect choice. The wide, paved, and mainly traffic free, scenic route is designed for hiking, cycling or even rollerblading. It winds its way past the Welland Canal, Lake Ontario shoreline, Fort Erie, and numerous vineyards. Companies like Zoom Leisure will set you up with equipment and gear, and even provide an entertaining guided tour if you wish.
All in all, Niagara-On-The-Lake makes a spectacular destination for a romantic getaway, girlfriend weekend or nature lovers escape. If you have more time to spend, immerse yourself in Ontario Wine Country where you'll find over 100 charming wineries in 5 distinct growing regions. All this abundance is just a 30 minute drive from Buffalo NY. For more information visit Wine Country Ontario and read my full trip report of restaurants and vineyards to visit.
Photo Credit: Ontario Wine Country and WickedGoodTravelTips.com
]]>Cast Your Cares To The Wind On a Maine Windjammer Cruisetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.9085322011-07-25T10:55:10-04:002011-09-24T05:12:01-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/
These magnificent ships are maintained by dedicated owners who have lovingly restored and retrofitted them: Many have even been declared National Landmarks. These tall ships sail the calm waters of island-dotted Penobscot Bay. Consider it a casual camping experience with cozy cabins, able captain and crew, magnificent scenery and down home cooking that will have you salivating for every meal. Come along on our photo journey aboard the Schooner Grace Bailey on a 4th of July cruise.
]]>Bring On The Royal Weddings -- Monaco Is Next!tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8591552011-05-10T10:34:42-04:002011-09-19T12:51:39-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/
If you're already missing the excitement of England's Royal storybook wedding, take heart; the Principality of Monaco is in final stages of planning its own fairytale wedding. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco will wed former South African Olympic athlete Charlene Wittstock on July 1, 2011. Like any royal wedding with an unlimited budget, the jubilation will last for days and this gala will include the entire population of Monaco. I can't imagine a more enchanting setting for a dazzling wedding celebration than the diminutive country of Monaco, perched high above the Mediterranean Sea.
Wikimedia CC by Lvelin Vraykov
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. on July 1, 2011, when Prince Albert will wed Miss Wittstock in a civil ceremony in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace. Following a private reception for invited guests, there will be an evening of revelry hosted by the newlywed couple. Residents of Monaco are invited to the Harbor for their own reception at 8 p.m. followed by an invitation for all to gather at 10:30 p.m. at the Port for a free concert and unique light and sound show created by Jean-Michel Jarre.
On July 2nd, the couple will wed again in an open air religious ceremony to take place in the Main Courtyard of the Prince's Palace. More than 3,500 guests have been invited to witness the wedding on giant screens placed about the Palace. Residents and visitors to Monaco will also be treated to prime viewing spots as giant screens will be placed in prominent locations all around the city. Following the wedding, Prince Albert and his bride will journey throughout the principality on a processional route ending at the Church of Sainte Devote where the bride will lay her bouquet at the base of Monaco's patron saint. Then it's time for the official banquet and gala ball to be held at the incomparable Salle Garnier and the Terraces of the Casino. Finally, the midnight sky will sparkle with a dramatic firework display for the entire principality to enjoy.
Flickr: tylerdarden1
Monaco is a dazzling destination for vacationers at any time or in any year, but the summer ahead promises to be truly magical. For more information on visiting Monaco visit the tourism bureau site at www.visitmonaco.com.
]]>A Lover's Guide To Dominican Republic Resortstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8206192011-02-09T18:47:49-05:002011-09-19T13:03:27-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/
The Dominican Republic is famed for toe tickling silky white sand beaches and vibrant turquoise waters. But for many years vacationing in the DR meant sharing your romantic interlude with hundreds if not thousands of other vacationers at gigantic mass market all-inclusive resorts. Thankfully that has changed recently, with the introduction of a number of premier resorts who cater to discerning travelers dreaming of indulgent, pampered vacations. Take a walk with me through three fabulous resorts that will set the stage for your next dreamy romantic escape.
Secrets Sanctuary, Cap Cana
Stepping through the stone archway at Secrets Sanctuary immerses you in a world of Spanish colonial serenity with muted sandstone hues punctuated by intricate tile work. The resort is a collection of cool courtyards, lofty community rooms, and a magnificent stone fortress. An inviting infinity pool coaxes you to float your cares away or lounge beside the intimate beach. This all-suites, all-adults resort offers an amazing 17 styles of suites and villas to select from. Choose a bungalow sitting directly on the beach, a Fortress suite with a private rooftop plunge pool, swim out room, or perhaps a tower suite with private terraces, open air jacuzzi and gazebo. The staff is smiling, attentive and competent. Words that come to mind when I think of Secrets Sanctuary are: intimate, lush, dramatic, serene and pampered.
Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana
We stepped into a magnificent paradise at the Paradisus Palma Real and never wanted to leave their "Royal Service." WOW is the immediate impression of the dramatic views from marble lobby, through fountain lined shimmer pools, to the aqua sea. The pampering begins at check-in in the exclusive Royal Lounge offering personal butler service, attractive internet center, and a buffet offering small treats throughout the day and evening. Rooms are inviting and elegant with romantic canopy bed, jet-tub for two, espresso maker, custom stocked mini-bar and comfortable living room. This resort is all about dramatic views, stunning pools, jacuzzi islands, sun beds on the beach, thatch-roofed palapas, underwater loungers, and swim up bars. Words that come to mind for this resort are: FUN, lively, congenial, decadent, pampered.
Parents are lovers too at The Reserve The Paradisus Palma Real has a unique and fabulous resort within the property designed just for families -- The Reserve. Imagine checking into a luxury suite complete with kitchen, living room, dining room, AND a family concierge to help plan activities for your entire family. Babysitting in the fully equipped nursery, play date for your tykes at the kids water park, arts and craft classes, sports for your teens -- all included. Now once the kids are all taken care of... deserving parents can enjoy a large terrace with plunge tub, cushioned lounge chairs, your own private thatched palapa, AND swim out entrance to the pool, your own private paradise -- sensational. The nearby YHI Spa is the most extensive and sensuous that I experienced among all the resorts I visited in the DR. Words that come to mind for The Reserve are: Ingenious!
The Iberostar Grand, Bavaro
The name says it perfectly. Grand will definitely be your first impression of this sophisticated resort, not because of its size, but because of its elegance. Cool arched colonnades line the U-shaped adults-only resort. You can view the entire complex at once and pick your spot for indulgence. Be pampered poolside where attendants offer complimentary sunscreen, magazines, and cocktails under the shade of a private pavilion or catching the rays on a sun bed. True gourmet dining is what sets The Grand apart from other resorts. Every meal is exquisite whether it's offered in buffet style or at one of the whimsically themed restaurants. At cocktail time, step aboard an authentic sailing ship that is permanently docked inside the resort. This is a resort where you can wear your designer silk cocktail dress and frost yourself with tropical jewels and feel right at home. Personal butlers are at your beck and call to attend to your every desire. Words that come to mind for The Grand are: impressive, elegant, refined, relaxed, and indulgent.
Clearly lovers of all ages will find an extraordinary luxury resort just waiting for them in the Dominican Republic.]]>Debunking Myths of Death Valleytag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7989022010-12-19T22:33:13-05:002011-05-25T18:20:30-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/Pink Jeep Tours, that there is unexpected beauty and fascinating history in this rugged valley with the unfortunate name.
Early morning finds us hopping into an impressive jeep safari vehicle painted bright flamingo pink and greeting our guide for the day, Boston Bob.
As we pass through the outskirts of Las Vegas heading west toward California, Bob imparts historical tidbits of the city we're leaving behind. Before long we're passing Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire and Mt. Charleston where we're told there's skiing in winter. As the landscape becomes more desolate and boulder strewn, we cross The Old Spanish Trail used by wagon trains to make their way westward from New Mexico, winding between pockets of underground springs all the way to California. The scenery reminds me of a Lone Ranger movie, rough rocky hillsides strewn with millions of boulders; outcroppings perfect for a rifle perch, and tumble weeds rolling along. I can almost hear the clip, clip, clip of horse hooves now.
Soon our perky jeep is motoring up a steep mountainside to a 5,400 foot scenic overlook, Dante's View. Peering over the edge, the valley basin unfolds below us revealing Death Valley, the hottest, driest and lowest elevation in North America. The view is unexpectedly quite beautiful with a ring of purple mountains in the distance and a valley floor of pure white salt. With this panorama before us, we hear the legend of how Death Valley got its name. In 1849 a wagon train of prospectors heading for the California gold rush decided to take a short-cut across the valley to find a pass through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Their journey was extremely arduous in the hot, dry basin, and the group resorted to slaughtering their horses and burning their wagons to survive. They thought they would all surely die in the valley. While only one person died during the transit, after reaching the mountains, the group looked back and one declared "Goodbye Death Valley", and the valley has held the name ever since.
The next few hours see us wandering through rugged canyons where generations of miners have extracted minerals from the landscape. Tales of 20 mule team borax workers come to life at Furnace Creek Ranch where evidence of borax mining can still be seen in surrounding areas. We are awestruck by the vibrantly colored rock formations along 'Artist's Scenic Drive' where hillsides shine with green, purple, pink, yellow and orange hues. Instead of being the drab lifeless region we had imagined, Death Valley National Park is actually filled with fascinating displays of dramatic rock formations and colorful vistas.
Bob has saved the best for last, a stop a Zabriskie Point where a short climb brings us to an overlook revealing a jaw dropping field of golden rock formations smoothed into undulating waves by centuries of erosion. Mesmerizing!
So now as we head back to the glittering man-made streets of Las Vegas, our minds are filled with visions of natural beauty and colorful landscapes emerging unenhanced from the earth. This excursion into a desolate valley has revealed an abundance of life and surprising beauty in Death Valley.
]]>Glam Up The Holidays -- Signature Martini Recipes From Ritz-Carlton Hotels Across Americatag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7886762010-12-01T16:14:40-05:002011-05-25T18:15:22-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/]]>Journey With Me Through the New National Museum of Jewish American Historytag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7870152010-11-23T14:57:07-05:002011-05-25T18:15:22-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/National Museum of American Jewish History at Independence Mall in Philadelphia. Come along with me to see the festivities and peek inside the museum where the story of the Jewish experience in America unfolds. ]]>World's Top Luxury Spas by Continent (PHOTOS)tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7750832010-10-29T13:22:45-04:002011-05-25T18:10:25-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/
The good folks at SpaFinders.com have just announced the winners of their 2010 reader survey of the best spas in the world.
Here is the coveted list of the spas that are the best on their continent.
]]>My Disaster and 10 Vital Questions to Ask Before Taking an Adventure Tourtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7461912010-10-08T13:57:40-04:002011-05-25T17:55:20-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/ The firm ground of the riverbank offered only temporary comfort. Our leader announced, "You have a choice to make here... either carefully walk along the cliff edge or take the path which has become quite muddy." Well that's easy, how bad could a bit of mud be? I soon found out as I took a tentative step, hit a slippery tree root and sank thigh deep in chocolate brown ooze... my foot wedged nicely between crisscrossed roots. By the time I was hauled out, I looked like I was wearing thigh high brown leggings and had bruises that lasted well past the end of our tropical vacation. Lesson learned -- ask questions of an adventure tour operator before putting your life in their hands.
Glossy brochures and websites are created in perfect weather conditions using smiling models in optimal physical health. Before booking an adventure vacation, remove those rose colored glasses and ask these 10 vital questions to assure your safety and enjoyment.
Can I Speak Directly With a Tour Company Representative? While it has become easy enough to book travel arrangements online, I would suggest that researching an adventure tour takes a more personal approach. A good tour company will make it easy for you to speak with a company representative and ask all the questions you like. Beware of companies that outsource their reservations and information to call centers!
What Physical Strengths and Conditioning Do You Expect of Tour Participants? -- Are There Age or Height Limitations/Recommendations? It's important to understand what physical attributes the tour company expects participants to have. Will you need to walk for several hours, hike on rough terrain, change elevations, swim, paddle, etc. You must decide if you have the physical strengths the tour is designed for.
What Will the Terrain Be Like? It's important to research in advance what the area you will be "adventuring" in will be like. Will it be relatively flat with wide trails, or steep with rocky boulders? Are there waterways involved -- flat water or choppy -- shallow or deep? Will you be changing elevations which could effect your oxygen intake (and perhaps have an adverse effect on prescription medications?)
What Is the Weather Like During the Time I'm Planning to Travel? No one likes to think about days of rain, but it does happen (even in Tahiti & Tuscany), so you'll need to plan accordingly. And they do call it a "rainforest" for a reason. The greener the landscape the more likely you'll encounter precipitation -- just be aware. "What type of layers of clothing do you recommend?" is a great question. It's also a good practice to follow the weather conditions online for several weeks prior to your trip to help with packing choices.
What Native Creatures Do I Need to Be Aware of? Will there be biting insects, malaria mosquitoes, snakes, poisonous spiders, black flies, jelly fish, water parasites, crocks? What precautions should I take to stay safe?
What Tourism and Industry Organizations Does the Company Belong to? Companies with good reputations typically belong to several industry associations who provide certifications to members in good standing. Look for membership in the USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association) for instance, that provides 1 million dollars in coverage to reimburse consumers in the event of company default. The more well-known and responsible a tour company is, the more likely it is that they take a leadership role in their industry.
Tell Me About Your Guides; What Are Their Experience and Qualifications? It is vital to know if the company you are booking with employs and trains their own guides or outsources the tour operation to a local operator. There are pros and cons to each approach, as local guides may in fact know the area the best, but guides employed and trained directly by the company will likely keep closer adherence to company standards. It's important to have a conversation with the tour company about their guides and get a sense about how they are trained, what certifications they have, and what standards are expected of them. Inquire about the language skills of your guide -- do they speak a different language than you and how well do they communicate?
What Procedures and Resources are in Place for Emergency Situations? For me the most important aspect here is, are they in continuous communication with the home base? Is their home base monitored 24 hours a day? Are the guides certified in first aid and what is the availability of emergency medical services? What safety and medical equipment is on hand for injury situations? Do they carry a defibrillator, epi pen, satellite phone, etc.? You should also travel with the address and phone number of your country's closest Embassy, as well as know the three-digit code for emergency phone calls.
Do You Have a List of Former Tour Participants That We Could Call for a Reference? What do others say about this tour company? Pay a visit to review sites like TripAdvisor, IGoUGo, ConsumerAffairs.com, Better Business Bureau etc. to see if you can find candid tour reviews. You might also do an online search for the tour company name plus "complaints".
Do You Recommend Any Advance Preparations, Safety or Medical Precautions? Their recommendations will no doubt include trip insurance, which you should seriously consider. After all, you will be likely be engaging in activities that are outside your normal day to day physical demands. Review the inclusions of the tour company's offered policy, and check comparison travel insurance sites like InsureMyTrip and SquareMouth. Be certain to inquire if any vaccinations are recommended or specific items for your travel kit (bug repellent etc). It's always a good idea to visit a doctor who specializes in travel medicine before venturing off to unfamiliar lands. Make sure you have ample provisions for any prescription medications you require and inquire about what procedures the tour company has for special dietary requirements. If you anticipate needing specific adjustments because of a medical condition, be certain to communicate clearly about it before booking your trip.
By asking these questions and establishing a clear channel of communication with the adventure tour company you are considering, you will be well on your way to a wonderful vacation. Rarely does everything on a trip go perfectly, so anticipating the blips and preparing for challenges in advance will help ensure a wonderful and memorable journey. Happy adventuring!
Photo by: Evgeni Dinev]]>12 Beloved Historic English Pubs (PHOTOS)tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7519062010-10-07T16:31:53-04:002011-09-19T13:21:20-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/
Take a slideshow tour across England to find its most beloved and inviting historic pubs.
]]>Lip Smacking Good Fall Food Festivals Across Americatag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7154412010-09-14T11:01:12-04:002011-05-25T17:40:20-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/
Here, then, are some of the best and most anticipated Fall Food Festivals taking place across the United States in the coming months. Oh what a road trip this would make!
So jump into your favorite ride and head out to follow your taste buds to culinary excellence and community revelry. See you there!]]>Cat Island Bahamas: A Perfect Place To Get Lost And Foundtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.6904722010-08-23T16:47:23-04:002011-09-19T13:24:47-04:00Wicked Good Travel Tipshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wicked-good-travel-tips/Cat Island in the Bahamas won my challenge for it's Robinson Crusoe charm and easy proximity to major airports. We tossed a few casual clothes in a bag and flew away on a nonstop flight from Boston to Nassau with a short connecting flight to Cat Island. Ten minutes after stepping off the plane, my toes were sinking into sun warmed sand -- ahhhh ... I'd lost my winter grimace already!
The Fernandez Bay Village was our destination for four nights of total relaxation and romance in a gorgeous beachfront setting. The resort is centered on a stunning one mile stretch of beach which forms a perfect half moon bay. The sun sets directly over the bay providing the ultimate backdrop for your dinner on the veranda each evening. There are 15 rustic (but chic) beach side cottages and villas made of native stone for a quaint and quiet stay. Be forewarned, there are no TVs, VCRs, radios or clocks! It's just you and nature in a stunning setting -- a perfect place to get lost with the one you love.
Days are spent beach combing, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. There are miles and miles of winding mangrove trails just the other side of the bay making for safe and intriguing kayak adventures. Or rent one of the resorts Boston Whalers and venture out to smaller offshore islands and the famous blue hole. Take one of the complimentary bikes out for a spin, or hike to the top of The Hermitage, the highest point in the Bahamas. Trust me, within a few hours you'll even forget you own a computer! (But if you just can't stay unplugged.... there is Wifi in the Club House for those who bring a laptop along.)
Evenings are spent strolling along the beach or meeting fellow visitors at the 'honor' bar where you prepare your own favorite beverage. I loved the barkeeper's journal with suggested cocktail recipes from hundreds of previous guests. Dinner is delicious! Each evening a varied menu is prepared by the hotel's able and talented kitchen staff and served buffet style in the Club House. The Bahamian lobster and almond encrusted grouper were my favorites. Following dinner, congenial guests gather around the nightly bonfire on the beach and share stories of home -- perfection!
By the end of our stay, we had found a new appreciation for being 'unplugged.' We found it was still possible to spend endless days together enjoying each others company, relaxing and adventuring. We found that we wanted to stay forever gazing at the translucent sea, and that the friendly staff at Fernandez Bay Resort had recharged our spirits.
If you'd like to read more about our stay at Cat island, here is my full trip report, and a video slide show of the resort. And finally, some really great news. The Bahamas Tourist Bureau has announced a companions fly free promotion for reservations made to the Bahamas by September 15th, for travel through December 22nd. There are direct flights to Cat Island from Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, and connecting flights from Nassau. Go enjoy, rekindle, relax and recharge, Cat Island awaits!
We spent an hour with Doug, a former Port Authority inspector, and Gail, whose apartment was (and is) just across the street from the World Trade Center. Together they helped us appreciate how chaotic and mind-shattering the events of 9/11 were for anyone in the vicinity of the World Trade Center on that crystal clear September morning.
Doug points out that the victims of the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993 are also honored here, as well as those who perished in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at the Pentagon and the firefighters who died fighting the adjacent Deutsche Bank building fire in 2007. As we gather near the "survivor tree," a pear tree that survived amidst the rubble of the collapsed towers, Gail shares with us what it was like to see her apartment destroyed, to be denied access to it for a year and a half and to finally reach the decision to return to live adjacent to the World Trade Center site as a tribute to the people who lost their lives there on 9/11.
The firm ground of the riverbank offered only temporary comfort. Our leader announced, "You have a choice to make here... either carefully walk along the cliff edge or take the path which has become quite muddy." Well that's easy, how bad could a bit of mud be? I soon found out as I took a tentative step, hit a slippery tree root and sank thigh deep in chocolate brown ooze... my foot wedged nicely between crisscrossed roots. By the time I was hauled out, I looked like I was wearing thigh high brown leggings and had bruises that lasted well past the end of our tropical vacation. Lesson learned -- ask questions of an adventure tour operator before putting your life in their hands.
