Monday, December 28, 2009

New Airport Security Rules due to terror attempt

On Christmas Day, a terror attempt was made upon a Northwest Flight bound to Detroit from Amsterdam. Obviously, the Transportation Security Administration is now beefing up security again, during the busiest travel season of the year.

Some additional security measures involve extra screening of carry on items and your person. Allow extra time to get through security. It is being said to allow 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.

Some other security measures MIGHT include:

no access to your carry on bag within the last hour of your flight
no access to any carry on items in your lap, within the last hour of your flight
no bathroom use during the last hour of your flight.

Please keep on top of any new TSA rules at
www.tsa.gov/

Safe travels!


TSA Guidance for Passengers on Heightened Security Measures in Place Following Dec. 25 IncidentNews & Happenings

December 27, 2009

On Dec. 25, 2009, an individual on board Northwest Airlines Flight 253 set off a device and was subdued by passengers and crew. TSA wishes to acknowledge the heroic efforts of those individuals.

As a result of this incident, TSA has worked with airline and law enforcement authorities, as well as federal, state, local, and international partners to put additional security measures in place to ensure aviation security remains strong. Passengers traveling domestically and internationally to U.S. destinations may notice additional screening measures.

The American people should continue their planned holiday travel. TSA encourages passengers to remain observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: What additional security measures is TSA taking domestically?A: TSA has a layered approach to security that allows us to surge resources as needed on a daily basis. We have the ability to quickly implement additional screening measures including explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport.

Q: What additional security measures are being taken for international flights to U.S. destinations?
A: TSA issued a directive for additional security measures to be implemented for last point of departure international flights to the United States. Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international airports such as increased gate screening including pat-downs and bag searches. During flight, passengers will be asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight.

Q: Do passengers need to do anything differently to prepare for checkpoint security procedures? Has anything changed in terms of what passengers can bring in their carry-on or checked bags?
A: At this time, security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need to do anything differently, but they may notice additional security measures at the airport.

Q: Should passengers plan to arrive at airports earlier than normal?
A: Passengers traveling within the United States should give themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the security checkpoint before their flight, especially during the busy holiday travel season. TSA advises that passengers traveling on international flights to U.S. destinations allow extra time for security and arrive an additional hour earlier.

Q. How long will these measures remain in place?
A: TSA will continuously review these measures to ensure the highest levels of security.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Disney's New Promotion

Disney just announced a new promotion for winter travel:

When guests purchase a five-night/six-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, they’ll get a free Disney Gift Card to use at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort for merchandise, recreation and dining.

This Magic Your Way package includes accommodations for five nights right in the middle of the magic;
***a six-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket, with admission to one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks for each day of their stay

***a $300 Disney Gift Card for stays most nights Jan. 3, Jan.10 to 12, Jan. 18 to Feb. 9, Feb. 15 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Value Resorts

OR***a $500 Disney Gift Card for stays most nights Jan. 3, Jan.10 to 12, Jan. 18 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Moderate Resorts

OR*** a $750 Disney Gift Card for stays most nights Jan. 3 to 11, Jan. 19 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Deluxe Resorts, or Jan. 3 to 11, Jan. 19 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.

For reservations and more info on this and other Walt Disney World packages, please contact, mindy@myvacationlady.com

Monday, December 21, 2009

USA Today's Airport Guide

Cheapest places to park, how to get thru security fast, best places to eat and more

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/airportguides/index.htm

Friday, December 18, 2009

Oahu's different seasons

Most people that Hawaii only has 1 season but in actuality, when you go can mean a lot, especially if you are a surfer.

Do you know how to differentiate between Oahu’s winter and summer months?

A key point of seasonal differentiation is the surf. Oahu’s winter surf averages 6-12 feet, but can reach as high as 25-35 feet. Oahu’s North Shore beaches take on a very different personality between seasons.

In the winter, the North Shore beaches are pounded with large surf and are not swimmable.

In contrast, during summer months you can float in a raft and drift with the gentle winds.

Hawaii’s summer: May-September
Hawaii’s winter: November-March.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

World's Coolest Pools

Check out the world's coolest pools

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-coolest-pools/1

Monday, December 14, 2009

Labadee has been renovated to welcome the Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International’s private beach destination of Labadee, Haiti, has completed a multi-year renovation in time to welcome the line’s Oasis of the Seas on the ship’s Dec. 1 voyage. The primary areas of focus under the development plan included renovations to the island’s pier to allow for the accommodation of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom- and Oasis-class ships, an overhaul of the facilities and dining venues, and a complete revamp of Labadee’s upland areas, including the construction of new bars and the renourishment of area beaches. The dining establishments saw a 57 percent growth in capacity, and the new pier area stretches 1,300 feet (pier and trestle) in length.

Two areas new to Labadee and central to the redesign of the destination are Dragon’s Plaza and Labadee Town Square, both of which offer meeting places where guests can experience Haitian culture and take in shopping, shows, cultural activities and other activities. Within Dragon’s Plaza, Columbus Cove Beach offers family-friendly attractions including water slides, which complement the area’s aqua park. Labadee Town Square offers an expanded version of the artisan market, as well as music, folkloric dancers and other entertainment.

New activities and redesigned public areas elsewhere on Labadee include the new Dragon’s Tail Coaster, offering a high-speed ride through 2,232 feet of the destination’s tropical flora and rock formations. Upland-area favorites like Barefoot Beach Club, dedicated for the use of Royal Caribbean’s suite guests, offers enhanced food and beverage services; and 20 private cabanas are available for rent along the water’s edge and within the hillside areas. The spa facilities at Barefoot Beach have also been revamped to provide an Oasis-like feel, and an expanded area has been set aside for yoga classes and other spa services.

With Oasis of the Seas introducing additional calls to Labadee and other ports on the ship’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary, shore excursions and tour capacities at each stop have increased. On Labadee, new tours include the High Speed Coastal Cruise & Swim excursion and the Discover Haiti Coastal Cruise.

For information and reservations on the Oasis of the Seas or any other cruise, please contact mindy@myvacationlady.com

Friday, December 11, 2009

Spotlight on Uniworld River Cruises

For over 30 years, Uniworld has taken guests to the world's great rivers in Europe, Russia, China, and Egypt. Uniworld offers over 500 departures on more than 30 itineraries sailing on 12 rivers in 20 countries across 4 continents.

Since 2006, when Uniworld was purchased by Travel Corporation (parent company of Red Carnation Hotels - the award-winning five-star luxury hotel collection), Uniworld has made major investments in its ships and its people. The ultimate goal of these investments is a first-class European river cruise boutique, hotel-style experience. The winning combination of Uniworld's new sister company's expertise in first-class hotel management coupled with Uniworld's decades of superior nautical experience has created a new dimension in river cruising.

Boutique Hotel-Style Ships
Boutique hotel designers often invest a lot of thought, time, and resources into an interior decor reflective of a destination, as well as the amenities that ensure an elegant, relaxed, and intimate experience.

This is apparent on each of Uniworld's eight company-owned ships. Over the course of the last two years, Uniworld's ships have been completely refurbished to the highest standard of comfort, so guests travel from one exciting destination to the next with access to stylish lounges, cozy libraries, panoramic restaurants offering sumptuous cuisine, and inviting riverview staterooms.

More Personalized Attention
Exceptional service guaranteed doesn't just happen; it's planned. Uniworld has invested in a team of dedicated professionals who work together to ensure guests have a truly memorable experience. With no more than 134 guests per ship and a ratio of one highly-trained crew member for every three guests, Uniworld's staff is able to anticipate the needs and desires of each guest and offer more personalized attention.

Uniworld employs an all English, professionally trained staff, so there are no language barriers and no problems understanding what is being said or going on. All announcements are made only in English. Unlike many companies offering river cruise programs in Europe and elsewhere, Uniworld is an American company focused on North American travelers, or at least English-speaking clientele (the trips are popular with Canadians and Australians as well).

The readers of Condé Nast Traveler have named Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Collection in the coveted top ten ranking in the magazine's 21st Annual Readers' Choice Awards. The awards are based on the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' choice survey, the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Azamara Cruises to rebrand and redesign itself

A new name and more for Azamara Cruises:

"Azamara Cruises, the two-ship brand launched in 2007 with the 694-guest Azamara Journey and sister ship Azamara Quest, has changed its name to Azamara Club Cruises, and refined its focus with a series of new brand attributes designed for up-market, experienced travelers. “This isn’t a strategy of going ‘from good to great,’” said Azamara Club Cruises President & CEO Larry Pimentel (pictured). “This is about taking an already great product and making it exceptional.”

Pimentel, who joined Azamara in July, spent several weeks talking with travel agents, past guests and the press to determine how to make his great-to-exceptional goal a reality. He also tapped a new team focused 100 percent on Azamara, including Edie Borstein, vice president of sales and marketing; Bert Van Middendorp, assistant vice president of hotel operations; Signe Bjorndal; director of marketing; Michelle Nevin, director of national; and an eight-member field sales team dedicated solely to Azamara. Together, Pimentel and his team shaped the new Azamara Club Cruises, whose most distinguishing new attributes will be in effect by April 2010.

“Today’s cruisers have incredible new vacation options — like Celebrity’s stunning Solstice Class and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas,” said Pimentel. “Azamara Club Cruises will distinguish itself by delivering the destination like no other line.”

The newly rebranded Azamara Club Cruises will be based on four pillars -- destination immersion, extraordinary customer service, cuisine and wine, and wellness and vigor. From a destination standpoint, Azamara will visit 140 ports in 50 countries in 2010, with itineraries featuring more overnight stays to allow guests to immerse themselves in communities and cultures. Among the overnight locations are Istanbul, Turkey; Sorrento, Italy, which offers a host of tour options along the Amalfi Coast and Capri; a full three days and two nights in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Azamara’s Scandinavia and Russia itineraries; and multiple overnight stays in Azamara’s Southeast Asia region, including Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.

“We’re going to slow down the tempo, and allow our guests to not just see the destination, but to live it,” said Pimentel. “Consider destinations like St. Tropez or St. Petersburg, Russia. If you’ve experienced them only by day, you haven’t really experienced them. With Azamara, through more overnight stays and late-night stays, you can.”
The destination focus of Azamara Club Cruises inspired the brand’s new tagline -- “You’ll love where we take you” -- and will extend to its shore excursions, an essential ingredient to allow guests to truly experience a community and its culture.

Azamara has created distinctive two-day packages tailored to the overnight destinations to make it easy for guests to immerse themselves in each location, including Dubrovnik, Croatia; Odessa, Ukraine; Livorno (Florence), Italy; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; or London, in addition to Sorrento and St. Petersburg.
Azamara also will offer experiences such as a two-night package from Bangkok to Laos; an overnight tour from Hiroshima to Osaka via bullet train; a three-night experience from Mumbai, including a visit to the Taj Mahal; overnight tours in Israel between Ashdod and Cairo; and a Grand Egypt tour featuring the best of both Luxor and Cairo.

Azamara’s specialty tours include a Ferrari driving tour in Civitavecchia, Italy; a visit to Liverpool with the “In the Steps of The Beatles” tour; a private demonstration of chocolate flavors in Dubrovnik; a “Theatre A La Carte” evening in London; Croatian liqueur tasting in Zadar; an Imperial Russian Court evening at Tsarskoye Selo in St. Petersburg; an evening gondola serenade in Venice; and high tea at the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai.

Azamara will continue to place a heavy emphasis on fine cuisine, and will expand its focus on wine to include vintages from boutique wineries around the world. Guests will have the opportunity to taste high quality wines that may be unavailable at home, because the selected vineyards produce a strictly limited quantity each year, distributed primarily locally. The featured wines will be offered complimentary at lunches and dinners on every sailing. Azamara also will offer a program at ports of call featuring dining opportunities at popular local restaurants. These culinary shore excursions will focus on regional cuisines and wine.

Wellness and vigor also will be a core component of the Azamara experience, with onboard and land-based experiences designed to help guests feel and look healthier and more youthful. Azamara’s aim in wellness and vigor is to help guests balance their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual needs through massages, facials and other spa treatments, as well as acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, and enrichment programs.

The newly refined brand also is focused on delivering exceptional service. “Extraordinary service is paramount with Azamara Club Cruises,” said Pimentel. “We know every travel and hospitality organization proclaims it’s committed to great service, so what will make Azamara stand out? First, our butlers will be trained to be true English butlers to offer that fine balance of anticipatory, pampering, yet non-intrusive service to guests in every suite.” Guests in staterooms will be served by the line’s host of experienced stateroom attendants.

Azamara also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest: a specific brand of bottled water offered at no charge throughout the voyage, whether in public venues or in staterooms; specialty coffees and teas; housekeeping and dining gratuities; shuttlebus service to/from port communities, where available; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; most meals and room service; house wine at lunches and dinners; and self-service laundry. Specialty dining in Azamara’s intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise.

With the planned improvements, Azamara is raising fares. “We started to increase prices several weeks ago, and we continue to,” Bornstein said. “On Monday, Dec. 14, we’ll see the biggest price increase. When our story gets out there and people see what’s included, they will realize it will be worth every penny. This product was so underpriced. Now we’re offering additional things that further justify the price increase.”

Finally, Azamara is a launching a new guests loyalty program, Le Club Voyage, with specific features and benefits yet to be announced."

For information and reservations for Azamara Club Cruises, contact mindy@myvacationlady.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Hidden Hotel Fees (part 3)

Don't be surprised when your hotel bill reflects a higher rate than you anticipated.
Here are some other "surprise fees" that can appear on your bill.

Packages: Some hotels charge $1 to $25 to mail packages for their guests, with similar fees for receiving packages. These fees may vary based on the size or number of packages. If you are near a post office or a mail boxes/shipping store, it may be more cost effective to just drop the package off.

Parking: Mandatory valet parking can easily add $25 a day onto the cost of your downtown hotel -- and don't forget the tip. Ask if there is free self parking. You may have to walk a bit and possibly get wet if it rains but could save you a bundle.

Resort fee: This ubiquitous surcharge generally runs between $10 and $25 per day and can cover a wide variety of services and amenities, such as a business center, a pool, a gym, daily newspaper delivery, housekeeping or "free" local calls. Even if you don't use any of these services, you'll still get stuck with the tab. This is extremely common in Hawaii and will tend to include "free self parking", bottles of water, newspaper delivery and, if you are lucky, free internet access. On our last visit, one resort didn't have a resort fee but charged $15 for self parking. The other had an $18 resort fee but included self parking. Be sure to read what the resort fees include before you book.

Taxes and other local charges: Taxes are no huge surprise to most travelers, but what about concessionary fees to pay for local building projects or tourism marketing efforts? Hotels often pass these mandatory charges straight from the local government to you. Energy surcharges are my biggest pet peeve.

Telephone: Before picking up the receiver, study your hotel's list of telephone charges carefully. Some hotels charge for local and toll-free calls, while others do not. You may occasionally be charged simply for dialing, even if your call is never connected. Check with your cell phone carrier on charges made from your destination. It may be less than using the hotel room phone. Palace Resorts in Mexico, in particular, include free 800 # calls and calls back to the US. That's a nice perk.

Towels: An extra towel at the pool could cost you an extra buck or two, particularly if you bring it back to your room with you. For me, it is easier for me to spot my towel if I bring one from home. A blue and red towel amidst a sea of beige makes it so much easier to find my lounge chair.

Tips for Avoiding Fees
Do Your Research
Beyond taxes, it can be difficult to figure out which fees will be charged at a particular hotel or resort before you book. Most of the fees listed above aren't listed on hotel booking sites in your final breakdown of charges. For example, we tried booking a stay at the Westin St. John Resort and Villas on Hotels.com, Travelocity and Expedia. All three sites collected taxes and "service fees" (note that these are charged not by the hotel but by the booking sites), but it wasn't until we visited the Westin's Web site that we discovered the resort also charges a $40 resort fee per night. The moral of the story? No matter where you finally book your stay, be sure to check multiple sources for a better idea of what fees may apply.

Ask Ahead of Time
You can find some information online, but often your best bet is simply to pick up the phone. Call the hotel and ask what fees will apply to your stay -- and whether any of them can be waived ahead of time. Keep in mind that fees can vary within the same chain, so it's best to dial the individual property directly instead of calling the 800 reservations number. Write down the names of any staff members you speak with and which fees they agree to waive.

Don't Tip Twice
Before you leave a tip for your housekeeper, make sure the hotel isn't already charging you a housekeeping gratuity fee. If it is, you can skip the additional tip -- or ask for the fee to be removed so that you can tip at your own discretion.

Stock Up
Bring your own snacks and bottled water to help yourself resist the lure of the minibar or the edible "gifts" the hotel leaves on your desk.

When in Doubt, Ask
During your stay, don't take anything for granted. Before using the gym or taking an extra towel at the pool, ask if a fee applies.

Use Your Cell Phone
Hotel telephone charges can be confusing and pricey, so avoid the hassle entirely by using your own cell phone.

Allow Plenty of Time at Checkout
Many travelers are in such a hurry to leave their hotel that they sign and pay their bill without looking it over -- and that's just what hotels are counting on. Allow yourself plenty of time to survey the charges and dispute any that seem unfair. You'll have a much better chance of getting them removed from your bill if you negotiate before you sign on the dotted line.

Know Your Rights
Federal law requires that all hotel fees be clearly disclosed. This usually happens in the fine print -- so read the terms and conditions of your reservations agreement carefully. If you discover fees at checkout that weren't disclosed to you in writing, point them out to the hotel staff and ask them to be removed.

Friday, December 4, 2009

One Stop Luggage Limits on Airlines!

One of my Linked In contacts published this website for a fast way to check the luggage limits for each airline. I'm not sure if it has every airline in the world but it is a good place to start.

www.Luggagelimits.com

I plugged in Newark to Cancun (since I just booked clients on this route yesterday) and the info came up correct- 1 free piece of luggage per person (up to 50 lbs) and 1 free carry on per person up to 40 lbs for coach class tickets.

Of course, I am not recommending that you take this website's info as gospel but it might make your researching a bit easier.

Good travels!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Hidden Hotel Fees- Part 2

Just some more ideas to help you save money while staying in hotels:

Energy surcharge: In an effort to pass rising energy costs on to consumers, many hotels now tack an energy surcharge of several dollars a day onto their guests' bills. One of the islands in particular that does this is the Bahamas. It always bothered me to send a client to the Atlantis at a premium rate to have them pay an additional $5 per day as an energy surcharge.

Groundskeeping fee: If your resort has acres of lush lawns, gardens or golf courses, look out -- you could be footing the bill in the form of a groundskeeping surcharge. I have personally never seen this but I'm sure it exists.

In-room safe: Some hotels are charging guests $1 - $3 just for the privilege of having a safe in their room, even if it's never opened. The fee supposedly covers both the cost of the safe and insurance for its contents.

Internet: Many hotels, particularly those serving business travelers, offer high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi services. Costs vary widely; while many hotels offer complimentary Internet access, others charge per minute or per day, so be sure to ask before logging on. Believe it or not, many of the less expensive hotels, like the Courtyard by Marriott, include free internet access but the Hyatt resorts charge up to $15 per day for the priviledge of logging on.


Luggage holding
: Need your hotel to store your bags for a few hours after you check out? At certain hotels, you'll have to pay a few bucks for the privilege.

Minibars: There are a number of different fees associated with minibars -- even if you never eat or drink any of the goodies inside. Picking up an item and putting it back can trigger the minibar's sensors, immediately adding the price of the item to your bill. On sensitive machines, even jostling minibar items as you add your own food to the fridge can incur a charge. And if you try to avoid the hassle entirely by calling ahead and asking the minibar to be emptied before your arrival, beware -- you could be charged an "unstocking" fee. If you know you are not going to be using the minibar, just don't even open it.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Celebrity Cruises offers Beverage Packages

Celebrity Cruises is offering new beverage packages fleetwide that include bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine or liquor. Beverage packages must be pre-reserved a minimum of four days before sail date. Packages also can be purchased onboard at the guest relations desk. A bottled water package includes Evian and Pellegrino for a price starting at $13.50 per night. The soft drink package for Coca-Cola products in a souvenir cup starts at $5.75 per night. A beer package, which includes Heineken, Samuel Adams and other domestic and imported beers, is priced from $34.50 per night. Wine packages start at $114 per package. A stateroom bar set-up includes a one-liter bottle of liquor and mixers and starts at $80 per package.

For more information about booking your next Celebrity cruise, contact mindy@myvacationlady.com

Friday, November 27, 2009

Hotel Hidden Fees

This was taken from the Independent Traveler blog from Nov 9, 2009

Hidden hotel fees- Independent traveler 11/9/09

Hotels have always offered their share of unreasonable fees -- such as exorbitant taxes and dollar-a-minute telephone charges -- but in recent years the industry has begun upping the ante. Ever been socked with a $25-a-night "resort fee," or had the pleasure of paying $3 simply for having a safe in your room, even if you never used it? These are just a few of the pesky fees that hotels are tacking onto travelers' bills.

What fees might apply to your stay, and more importantly, how can you avoid them? Read on...

The Most Common Fees, A to C- more to follow...

Airport shuttle: Before you assume that the shuttle from the airport to your hotel is free, be sure to ask; some hotels are starting to charge a fee for this usually complimentary service.

Bellhop/housekeeper gratuities: Sometimes called a service charge or service fee, this expense may be charged per day or per stay, and it covers gratuities for bellhops and housekeeping staff. Look out for this charge particularly if you're traveling with a convention or large group.

Bottled water and snacks: Think twice before touching that "complimentary" bottle of water that the hotel has left on your desk. It could cost you upwards of $5. Ditto for fruit plates, cookies or other munchies. If in doubt, call down to the front desk before indulging.

Cancellation: Before assuming that you can cancel your reservation a day or two before you arrive, read your hotel's cancellation policy carefully. You may be penalized the price of a night's stay (or more).

Checking in and out: Have your travel plans changed? Some hotels will charge you a fee for checking in early or checking out late.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Kauai Marriot Resort- pix and info




Earlier this month, we visited Kauai, Hawaii and it has quickly become our favorite islands. Kauai is one of the most stunning places on earth. Its astounding beauty creates a perfect backdrop for the Kauai Marriott Resort. We visited this property on one of our site inspections and came to appreciate it much more than I anticipated. It is just minutes from the airport on the east coast of Kauai, a short walk or drive from the town of Lihue with lots of shops and dining options. You can see the cruise ships pulling into harbor right from the beach.

Experience the newly renovated guest rooms and restaurants while you are surrounded with the beauty and splendor of the Garden Island at this enchanting resort on Kalapaki Beach. Come enjoy this 800-acre paradise where Kauai Lagoons Jack Nicklaus championship golf, Hawaii’s largest single-level swimming pool, an expansive swimmable beach and oceanfront dining together create an experience you will never forget. Amenities include: Complimentary Airport Shuttle, Complimentary Fitness Center, Alexander’s Day Spa & Salon, Resort shops, Kauai Beach Boys with surf lessons and Kalapaki Kids Club. There are also six restaurants on property: newly redesigned Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach featuring daily breakfast buffet with local ingredients and Pacific Rim cuisine, Duke’s Canoe Club has local island fare and great fresh fish specials, Café Portofino offers Northern Italian dishes, Aupaka Lounge has tropical drinks with Kauai-made Koloa Rum and fresh fruit juices, Kalapaki Grill with casual poolside snacks and drinks and brand new Oceanfront Toro-Tei Sushi Bar where you can enjoy specialty sushi with light ocean breezes and wonderful views. For a unique dining experience, enjoy a romantic evening in your own private seaside cabana or private gazebo overlooking our spectacular pool. Your personal server will greet you with a fresh flower lei and free-flowing champagne to start out your enchanted evening.

Great location for those clients who want to be in between the North and South Shores of Kauai and the new renovations make the Kauai Marriott Resort a top choice for my clients.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Travel Agent Review of the Fairmont Orchid





As a Vacation, Cruise and Honeymoon Specialist, I am always more critical of hotels and resorts than your average traveler. I am always on the look out for properties that will fit the needs of my clients and to know which property to recommend to which client. I also make a point of not reading reviews of the resorts I am visiting so I can give an honest opinion of the property.

The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island has quickly become one of my favorite resorts in all of Hawaii. We arrived late (our flight from the East Coast was delayed) and we drove up to the resort in the dark so we really had no clue how stunningly beautiful the grounds are and we also had no idea of the great view from our balcony.

In the morning, we were in awe of both. We were in a deluxe ocean view room on the 5th floor of the North Tower. Tower is not the word I would use since it is only 6 stories high. The view was spectacular- ocean to the right, pool and waterfalls in the front, lush tropical gardens to the left. I felt relaxed just looking at the view!

The room itself is a good size- over 500 square feet with a great bathroom- double sink vanity, separate shower, good size tub, and the toilet was separated from the main section of the bathroom. Great bath amenities are a Fairmont trademark. The bed was comfortable and I am a bed snob so for me to say that, it had to be good. Since I am highly allergic to feathers and down, I emailed my contact at the resort and the room was down free when we arrived. The balcony- my favorite part of the room had a lounge chair, 2 chairs and a table. The only negative to the balcony was that there was no outdoor light- so if you wanted to eat outside or read at night, it was a bit too dark.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with an orchid lei, promptly checked in and escorted to our room by a bellhop who explained some of the amenities of the resort- restaurant, spa, fitness center and more. What amazed us even more is that he refused to take a tip.

The room had an empty refrigerator, large safe, coffee maker, bottled water and enough storage. It is a very comfortable room. We had a king bed with enough space for a table and chairs as well as a comfy chair and ottoman for relaxing or reading.

The resort is divided into 2 “towers”- the North (Kohala) tower which had views of the courtyard or ocean or a combination of both, or the opposite side of the building has golf mountain views. We had fabulous sunset views. The rooms opposite us had great sunrise views. The South (Kona) Tower has either courtyard/ocean view rooms or views of the private homes and trees which back the property. We didn’t see the rooms or views in the South Tower but I’m sure all rooms are similar- it is the view that differs.

There is an air conditioned fitness center- open 24/7 with individual heat sets for TV’s on each piece of equipment. Sorry to say- I didn’t use this at all. The lagoon style pool is 10,000 square feet, gorgeous and heated. There were lounges and cabanas (additional daily charge) around the pool but not enough shade if you didn’t want to rent a cabana. The one day when we actually had time to relax at the pool, it was too windy to open the umbrellas and since I can’t sit in the sun, this presented an issue. We ended up going down to Coconut Grove, at the edge of the property in a treed area just off the swimming beach. It was lovely and quiet there but I was hoping to sit by the pool.

The beach is a swim-able lagoon. Please realize that most of the resorts on the Big Island only have small beaches due to the lava rocks that surround the island. The Fairmont’s beach is more of a cove which makes it very safe for swimming, children and snorkeling. There is bar service on the beach area so that you can get drinks while lounging by the beach, as well as by the pool. The Fairmont offers an activity pass that includes free outrigger canoe lessons (which we took advantage of) and a host of other water sports, hikes, lessons and classes but we were so busy that we didn’t get a chance to take full advantage of them. For those guests who were not out and about every day, as we were, this Fun and Sun Activity Pass is worth looking into. The current price is $65 for adults and $50 for kids and is valid for your length of stay. It includes an introductory scuba, snorkeling and outrigger canoe lesson, complimentary tennis drill, aqua aerobics plus free snorkel equipment, floats, kayaks, boogie boards, games, books, and more available to borrow.

One of the amenities of this resort that is unique and such a great feature is the Spa Without Walls. Outdoor hales (huts) are throughout the property (both Oceanside and in the gardens) that are private spa treatment rooms. This is probably one of the most relaxing ways to take a spa treatment. There are indoor treatment rooms as well, if you prefer. The Paradise Within is another great concept that the Fairmont Orchid offers to help relax both body and soul. This program offers classes and lessons from outdoor yoga, relaxation techniques, pilates, meditation, art classes, and so much more. You can take these classes individually or sign up for a package. According to their brochure, the Paradise Within is “well being you can take home- a toolbox of skills for living a joyous life of energy and flow.” I met one of the instructors, Callie, and she was so incredibly passionate about what she does that she almost had me convinced to join her for an 8am yoga class! The entire concept of the Spa Without Walls and the Paradise Within, makes the Fairmont Orchid one of the perfect resorts for guests who want to relax and rid themselves of the stress of every day life.

I would highly recommend the Fairmont Orchid to honeymooners, couples, golfers (forgot to mention that the property has 2 golf courses within the Mauna Lani complex), and certainly those guests who want a great spa and to relax and de-stress. There is a beautiful wedding gazebo and the Fairmont is a great resort for destination weddings. Families are certainly welcomed and there are many complimentary activities to keep the kids busy, in addition to the pool and ocean.

While we were in the Big Island, we toured many different hotels and the Fairmont Orchid is definitely up at the top of my list of favorites. Five nights was definitely not enough time to spend at the Fairmont Orchid and my next visit will be longer.

Just one other point to make—we never saw an employee who didn’t greet you with a smile and an Aloha—from the maids to the valets to the concierge and front desk. Whether it is the Hawaiian culture or the Fairmont culture, happy employees will certainly make happy guests.

If you have specific questions about the resort or some of the others on the Big Island, feel free to contact me at mindy@myvacationlady.com

Friday, November 20, 2009

Avoiding an airline cold

Last Updated: 10/28/09 Independent Traveler

Many travelers would swear that they get sick after every trip or vacation. They wonder if it was the food, the water, the pina coladas -- or, like me, the airplane ride. While I don't think you can count out the pina coladas (or that burrito you bought on the street), it turns out you could be right about airplanes.

Airline carriers are also formidable carriers of the common cold. A recent study says you may be 100 times more likely to catch a cold on a plane than you are in your normal daily life, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Research.

Why this is the case isn't perfectly clear, but the publishers of the study investigate a panoply of possible causes, including close quarters, shared air and, as I will explain, the most likely culprit: extremely low cabin humidity.

On to the Numbers
The study found that "When the scenarios of 6 days, 24 hours or 5 hours were taken as the relevant flight exposure times to colds, passenger transmission rates for colds of 5, 23 and 113 times the normal daily ground level transmission rate were obtained." (Ominously, transmission rates for tuberculosis were also found to be dramatically increased as well.)

Thus, the common perception that flying causes colds seems to be based in fact -- maybe even 113 times over.

The Culprit: Low Cabin Humidity
The study runs through several potential sources of higher transmission, but settles primarily on a single likely cause: extremely low cabin humidity caused by low humidity at high elevations. (A review of the study reveals the conclusion that aircraft that actively recirculated air actually showed slightly lower transmission rates than those that did not.)

Most commercial airlines fly in an elevation range of 30,000 to 35,000 feet, where humidity typically runs at 10 percent or lower. At very low levels of humidity, the "natural defense system" of mucus in our noses and throats dries up and is crippled, creating a much more tolerant environment for germs to infect us.

This protective system, called the Mucociliary Clearance System, is your first line of defense against harmful germs and bacteria. To wit, if the common cold is pounced on by a sufficiently moist and percolating proboscis and throttled by your throat, you remain uninfected. Shut down those systems, and you'll be suffering within days.

Tips to Avoid the Airline Carrier Cold
1. Stay hydrated. It turns out that drinking plenty of water will not only counter the overall dehydrating effects of air travel, which can lead to headaches, stomach problems, cramps, fatigue and more, but can actually fortify your preemptive natural immune mechanisms to function considerably better. Of course, this is the case in normal daily life -- when exercising, during prolonged sun exposure, etc. Even caffeine and alcohol consumption can dry you out. However, in an airplane, where your nose and throat are on the front lines of the war with exceedingly dry air, these are the first places to suffer.

Sipping water or some other fluid regularly throughout the flight may be more effective than drinking a lot of water at one time before or during the flight; this will keep your protective system from long dry spells. (And we do mean to single out water here -- as noted above, alcohol and caffeinated drinks such as coffee or sodas can actually dehydrate you.)

Nasal mists have been found to be very effective in keeping this system working in your nose. Additionally, hot drinks are a good way to keep your protective mucous membranes working -- first, to assist in keeping you generally hydrated; second, by triggering the system into gear; and third, by directly providing moisture in the form of steam. Note that this is not a treatment per se. Rather, it just keeps your defenses strong and functioning.

2. Keep your hands clean. Your hands are the most consistent point of first contact with cold, flu and other germs. It is a direct line from armrest/seatback/handshake to fingers to fork to mouth to full-blown fever a few days later. According to a National Institutes of Health factsheet, the type of virus that causes the common cold and the flu has been found to survive for up to three hours on your skin or on objects such as armrests, TV remote control handsets, tray tables and other similar surfaces. However, the simple act of washing your hands with hot water and soap is a formidable rampart against this transfer of harmful microorganisms.

Hand washing is not just for restaurant workers and travelers; health professionals and researchers working to combat communicable diseases in many third-world countries are waging a fierce campaign to encourage residents to adopt this simple practice into their daily routines. If possible, wash your hands before any in-flight meals, and after your flight as well.

Of course, airplane cabins are tight places, and getting out of your seat to wash up before and after every snack time can be almost impossible, as the flight attendants command the aisles, your seatmates are trying to eat, tray tables are down cabin-wide, and no one involved really wants to have folks getting up and down and roaming around the cabin. (Even on the ground, the water in many locations can carry water-borne bacteria that may not agree with all Western constitutions.) In these cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends alcohol-based products made specifically for washing hands.

3. Don't forget the dental hygiene. Just as keeping your hands clean can prevent transmission of germs, using a germ-killing mouthwash in-flight may add another layer of protection while simultaneously helping to keep your throat moist. Just make sure your mouthwash bottle is three ounces or smaller to comply with the latest carry-on rules for liquids and gels.

4. Take your vitamins. The rapid response effect of vitamins is unproven, but many travelers swear by them. Charles Westover, a retired VP of fleet management for a major shipping company, starts taking vitamins two days before flying. "I have no idea if it helps at all, but of the hundreds or thousands of flights I have taken, I rarely get colds," he said. "I just take a standard multivitamin, and it has never let me down." The NIH concurs, sort of, offering that no conclusive data has shown that large doses of vitamin C will prevent colds, although it may reduce the severity or duration of symptoms.

5. Wear a face mask. The NIH cites airborne germs as one of the top two sources of cold virus infection; some travelers have taken to wearing masks either to prevent infection, or when they themselves are already infected. Personally, I would not last more than a half-hour or so behind a hot mask, but this may be an effective prevention tactic nonetheless.

As the proverb goes, an ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure -- or perhaps 113 cures.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

New Cruise ships coming out

New Cruise Ships Launching Over the Next 6 Months


RCI
Oasis of the Seas 5,400-passengers

Expected Launch December, 2009
A floating Island with 7 neighborhoods: Central Park, Boardwalk, AquaTheater, Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Entertainment Place, The Youth Zone


Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Dream 3652- passengers
Expected Launch December, 2009
Laser Light Show at Sea, Top-deck Seaside Theater, 11,250-square-foot Adults Serenity area, 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa


Silversea
Silver Spirit 540 Passengers

Expected Launch December, 2009
One of Cruising's Most Elegant Small Ships
Large Suites, Most with Verandas, More Dining Choices, Luscious, Gourmet Cuisine. Truly All-Inclusive Fares, Elegant, Modern Decor


Costa Cruises
Costa Deliziosa 2260 Passengers

Expected Launch February, 2010
Samsara Spa, la Carte Club Restaurant, 4-D Cinema, Innovative Golf and Grand Prix Simulators, 68% Balcony Cabins, Outdoor Mega-Screen


MSC
MSC Magnifica 2518 Passengers
Expected Launch March, 2010
Mostly Sea-Facing Cabins with Private Balcony.
MSC AUREA SPA, 3 Swimming Pools, Magrodome Retractable Roof, Tennis and Basketball, Jogging Track, Mini-Golf Course, Choice of 5 Restaurants, Numerous Bars, an Internet Caf Cigar Lounge - Plush 1,200-Seat Theatre, Cinema, Casino and Disco


Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Eclipse 2850 Passengers

Expected Launch April, 2010
The Lawn Club, the Hot Glass Show, Quasar, a Mod-futuristic Disco, 10 Restaurants Onboard, Two-story Glass Wine Tower, Cellar Masters, Inspired by the Vineyards of Napa Valley, Aquaspa, AquaClassSM stateroom, Eclipse Theatre, Murano Restaurant, Tuscan Grille Restaurant, Blu Restaurant, Sky Observation Lounge

For reservations on these new ships or any other cruise ship, please contact me at mindy@myvacationldy.com

Monday, November 16, 2009

A Dream by Carnival

A Dream by Carnival
By Theresa Norton Masek
Published on: November 16, 2009

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, is a beauty, and the first without a shipwide theme. But make no mistake -- the décor is lively and exuberant, but not quite as over-the-top as some of the other ships in the fleet. The Dream was christened Nov. 12 in a pierside ceremony in New York City by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden. It then embarked on a two-night revenue cruise-to-nowhere full of New Yorkers making the most of the ship’s amenities -- at least those indoors, since the weather wasn’t exactly cooperating.

The Dream is now Carnival’s largest ship but nowhere near the size of its new competitor, Royal Caribbean International’s 225,000-ton Oasis of the Seas, which arrived at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 13. Although the consumer media likes to portray cruise lines as engaging in a continual race to build the world’s biggest ship, Carnival executives say the Dream is as big as the Fun Ship line is likely to go.

Carnival is maintaining its traditional goal, which is to offer lively ships with excellent value. “This ship is booking very, very well, and the pricing has been higher than across the fleet,” Cahill said of the Dream. “But it’s a reflection of demand.” Cahill also said Carnival wants to keep its ships no larger than the Dream so it can continue its strategy of basing ships in non-traditional homeports.

The Carnival Dream is a family-focused cruise ship with expansive facilities for kids and teens, as well as a two-level, adults-only area called Serenity. The Carnival WaterWorks Park boasts a twisting yellow waterslide billed as the largest at sea.

Of particular note are the 193 staterooms that sleep five and have two bathrooms -- one full and the other with a junior tub, shower and sink. Open-seating dining is being rolled out across the fleet, allowing passengers to dine in the main restaurant anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The ships continue to offer traditional early and late seatings for those who prefer that dining style. There’s also casual dining in the Lido buffet area, even for dinner.

Many people confuse value with cheapness, and even during this down economy Carnival didn’t cut back on the onboard product or on marketing. “Most people in the travel business are cutting back on marketing, which is the easiest thing to cut,” Cahill said. “We didn’t. It is the engine that drives newcomers into the cruise industry. And we did not cut back on our product. We have a golden opportunity. People in the past who wouldn’t have tried Carnival are now trying Carnival because of its value. This is our opportunity to capture them.”

As for Carnival Dream’s décor, the line’s long-time interior architect Joe Farcus said the Dream is the first ship without a theme that carries through the public rooms. “We’re going more into pure design and less high-concept design, which raises the level of the ship,” he said. “It allows me to be a better designer and create an atmosphere rather than a high concept.”

The Carnival Dream is currently operating two more eight-day Bahamas cruises from New York departing Nov. 15 and 23, and then will then reposition to its new homeport at Port Canaveral. From there it will alternate year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises on Dec. 12.

For info and reservations, please contact me at mindy@myvacationlady.com

Friday, November 13, 2009

Secrets of Paris

This is an interesting article about unusual tours in Paris from the Sydney Morning Herald.

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/unusual-paris-tours-secrets-of-the-city-of-love-20090908-ffny.html

Monday, November 9, 2009

Top 20 Secrets of Napa Valley

Napa Secrets

by Thayer Allyson Gowdy

1. There aren't that many vineyards
Although it has casually been dubbed California's wine country, Napa Valley is hardly the state's largest wine-producing region (that honor goes to San Joaquin Valley, 80 miles southeast). Napa's 400 wineries produce only 4 percent of the state's wine. The focus here is quality, not quantity.
2. A kitchen shop with character
Shackford's Kitchen Store in downtown Napa has a seemingly endless selection of gleaming gizmos: cupcake molds, paella pans, cappuccino makers. But the most compelling item in the place is John Shackford himself, a true Napa legend who runs the shop with his wife, daughter, and granddaughter. At 80, Shackford works in the store six days a week, just as he has for the past 34 years, punching an antique cash register, hand-printing receipts, and calling his customers by first name. 1350 Main St., Napa, 707/226-2132.
3. A wine tour using legs, not limos
In the town of Napa, 18 tasting rooms stand within easy walking distance of one another, and a $20 Taste Napa Downtown card gets you a pour at 13 of them. Officially, each winery is supposed to charge you 10¢ to do the tasting, but most won't take your dime. napadowntown.com.
4. The Preiser Key tells all
Consider Monty and Sara Preiser your all-knowing wine country guides. They're the couple who in March 2007 launched The Preiser Key to Napa Valley, a free booklet that comes as close as possible to listing every Napa wine label (over 800) and restaurant (170)—but no chains! The Key also includes detailed maps of the region. They put out a new issue three times a year and distribute it all throughout the valley. preiserkey.com.
5. It's all casual, all the time
In Napa, there's no such thing as a dress code, even in the poshest places. So that bearded guy in weathered blue jeans sitting at the next table? He's just the billionaire from next door.
6. Fainting goats. Yes, fainting goats
In Calistoga, a town near the top of the valley known for its hot springs, there's a regularly erupting geyser called—you guessed it—Old Faithful. You'll want to tread lightly; the area near the geyser is also home to a herd of Tennessee fainting goats, a quirky breed with a nervous-system disorder that causes them to keel over (harmlessly and temporarily) when startled. 1299 Tubbs Ln., Calistoga, 707/942-6463, oldfaithfulgeyser.com, $10 adults, $3 kids 6–12.
7. Real sleeper cars
At the recently refurbished Napa Valley Railway Inn, seven suites, fashioned from 100-year-old train cars, lie on the dormant tracks of the Napa Valley Railroad, which went out of passenger service in 1929. Black-and-white photos of the old Yountville train station adorn the walls, and the cupolas, once used as lookout posts by railway employees, serve as skylights. An eighth car, a quaint red caboose, was converted into a coffeehouse this summer. 6523 Washington St., Yountville, 707/944-2000, napavalleyrailwayinn.com, from $125.
8. The road less traveled
When the traffic bottlenecks on Highway 29, Napa's central thoroughfare, find salvation on the 35-mile Silverado Trail, a pastoral road along the valley's eastern edge that's lined with world-class, often small-batch wineries whose labels you're unlikely to find at your local grocery store. silveradotrail.com.
9. The two-wheel option
Founded 22 years ago, Napa Valley Bike Tours is an area fixture. Among the staff's favorite routes to lead you on is the Rutherford Loop, a 16-mile spin that meanders through the Rutherford and Oakville appellations, known for their cabernets, before depositing you back at the shop. If you'd rather go solo, you can pick up a map with other suggested routes. 6795 Washington St., Bldg. B, Yountville, 800/707-2453, napavalleybiketours.com, tours from $134, rentals $35 per day.
10. There's a respectable oil industry
Forget grapes—olives are another treasured Napa crop. Round Pond Estate, one of the valley's top olive oil producers, offers guided tours that lead you from harvest to mill and culminate in tastings paired with cheese and freshly baked bread. 886 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford, 888/302-2575, roundpond.com, tours $25, by appointment.
11. Wineries double as art galleries
A heart-shaped sculpture by pop artist Jim Dine greets visitors at Cliff Lede Vineyards, one of several wineries that put prized private collections on free display (1473 Yountville Cross Rd., Yountville, 800/428-2259, cliffledevineyards.com, tastings from $20). At Artesa Vineyards & Winery, a waterfall-flanked stairway leads to a tasting room that could pass for a museum. Credit artist-in-residence Gordon Huether, who mounts dramatic glass, metal, and canvas installations that change throughout the year (1345 Henry Rd., Napa, 707/224-1668, artesawinery.com, tastings from $10).
12. A vineyard tour with a third-generation owner
The best Napa Valley wine tours go beyond the tasting room. At Gamble Family Vineyards, owner Tom Gamble takes you on a hay-bale ride through his organic and sustainable vineyards, on land his grandfather first farmed almost a century ago. This is no cookie-cutter tour; it's a chance to hear wine-making tales from a third-generation Napa native—and taste an old-vine Syrah and a robust cabernet. 707/944-2999, gamblefamilyvineyards.com, by appointment, free with suggested purchase of two to four bottles of wine, bottles from $25.
13. A supersize mineral bath
The nearly Olympic-size pool at Indian Springs Resort and Spa, fed by geysers and infused with minerals, is naturally warm—typically 102 degrees in winter and 92 in summer—and preternaturally relaxing. A single spa treatment, like a vitamin C facial or a volcanic-ash mud bath, comes with an all-day pass to the pool. Rooms and cottages in the Spanish-style resort, many with private patios, are pictures of casual comfort. 1712 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707/942-4913, indianspringscalistoga.com, treatments from $65, rooms from $185.
14. The valley's most awesome view
The subtle drama of Napa is never more obvious than when you're sitting on a veranda on a hill overlooking the vineyards. Auberge du Soleil, a high-end resort on the eastern side of the valley, has one of the region's best spots for taking in the view. Forget booking a $575 (or more) room; a shaded terrace out back opens up onto the valley below, and everyone is welcome for sparkling wine at sunset or cappuccinos in the morning—the perfect time to take in hot-air balloons rising through the mist. 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford, 707/963-1211, aubergedusoleil.com, sparkling wine from $13.
15. Even the malls are gourmetFounded by Steve Carlin (who helped start San Francisco's Ferry Building Marketplace), the Oxbow Public Market feels like it belongs in an epicurean fantasy. In a concrete building that calls to mind an industrial barn, 23 artisanal vendors sell everything from strawberry-balsamic ice cream (from Three Twins) to soothing oolong (Tillerman Tea) to peanut-butter-and-chocolate cupcakes (Kara's Cupcakes). 610 and 644 1st St., Napa, oxbowpublicmarket.com.
16. And even the beans are better here
Rebosero. Flageolet. Black and white runners. In a world overrun with plain-tasting and industrially processed pinto beans, Steve Sando is committed to preserving heirloom legumes. His love for the earthy flavors of distinct organic strains has given rise to Rancho Gordo, a bean-centric specialty store whose coveted products can be found at top California markets and at restaurants across the country. 1924 Yahome St., Napa, 707/259-1935, ranchogordo.com, beans from $5 per pound.
17. A taco to remember
No reservations required at La Luna Market & Taqueria, a home-style Mexican takeout counter. Get there before noon, at which point locals have already started to line up. Adventurous eaters swear allegiance to the smoldering tacos al pastor (spicy, marinated pork). 1153 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford, 707/963-3211, lalunamarket.com, tacos from $1.75.
18. Anything's possible
House-made granola. Lavender-dusted almonds. Yoga gear. These are just a few of the things you can get at Ubuntu Annex, a tasting room and variety store that opened in June two doors down from its eclectic sister spot, chef Jeremy Fox's acclaimed vegetable restaurant (please, not "vegetarian") and yoga studio Ubuntu. 1130 Main St., Napa, 707/251-5656, ubuntunapa.com, almonds $8.
19. 150-foot-tall redwood trees
The footpaths in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, a peaceful swatch of green just down the road from the Beringer winery, provide a perfect way to work off food-and-wine-related excess. The six-plus-mile hike that connects the Ritchey Canyon Trail and the Redwood Trail runs past Douglas firs and the easternmost stands of redwoods in California. 3801 St. Helena Hwy. N., Calistoga, 707/942-4575, parks.ca.gov.
20. A local dive bar with class
Pancha's of Yountville is just the kind of place where the guy slumped on the bar stool next to you might start giving you tasting notes on his margarita. This is where Napa's winemakers come to unwind (and unwind and unwind). Expect to eavesdrop on gossip about rivalries and romances that seem sprung from Falcon Crest. 6764 Washington St., Yountville, 707/944-2125.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

How to Choose the Right Cruise for You

Cruising offers such variety it is difficult to know where to begin to find the right cruise for you. The best advice experts offer is to create an inventory of what you want to get out of this trip.

Here are some good questions to yourselves before deciding on your cruise.

1. Are you looking for rest and relaxation or lots of activity and/or adventure?

2. Is this a romantic getaway? Are you celebrating a special occasion?

3. Do you want to see as many different sights as possible or just a few indepth?

4. What do you want to do when you are on the ship and not sight seeing?

5. Do you prefer dressy or causal?

6. Do you want to meet new people?

7. Do you want to be pampered?

8. How long would you like to be on your trip?

9. What type of cabin would you prefer- suite, balcony, oceanview or interior?

10. Do you have a budget in mind?

Once you have given some thought to all of these questions, I can help your dream cruise become reality.

Contact me at 732-418-0819 or mindy@myvacationlady.com

Friday, October 30, 2009

Sydney Australia Part 3

This is the last part of a great article found at the Independent Traveler.

"Where to Eat
There are so many -- and so many kinds of -- restaurants, pubs and cafes in Sydney that it's hard to go wrong. Here's a guide to neighborhoods (or, as Australians say, "eat streets") where there is a fun variety of restaurants for the choosing:

Fashionable and trendy cafes and restaurants abound in Paddington and in Darlinghurst and Double Bay. Among the best options here are Tigerbakers, a cozy casual cafe that has the best breakfast in town; Gertrude and Alice, a bookstore with an attached coffee shop; and the Victoria Room, an upscale destination specializing in great tapas dishes and even better cocktails.

Head to the Rocks for elegant restaurants with historic atmosphere. Rockpool and Altitude both create superior meals prepared by chefs that have garnered considerable attention from international critics for their Australian cuisine. The fresh seafood is exceptional at both locations.

Head to Woolloomooloo Wharf for superb food and even better views. The row of restaurants along the wharf includes China Doll for Asian fusion and the Italian Otto Ristorante.

Manly and Bondi are known for fresh seafood and the many outdoor cafes that line their beachfronts. Try the fish and chips, especially at Fishmongers in Bondi, which serves the best battered barramundi in town.

Darling Harbour's King Street and Coco Bay wharves have such mind-boggling variety that there's something for everyone. The wharves' collection of restaurants and bars includes everything from the London's cheap noodle chain Wagamama to classy lounges like The Loft and Cargo.

In Sydney, Leichhardt (Norton Street) is considered a bit of "Little Italy." Grappa serves up great pasta with genuine Italian flair.

For ethnic cuisine, head to Glebe (Glebe Point Road) where there are numerous Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants.

Where to Stay
Visitors have their pick of Sydney's neighborhoods, as hotels are spread throughout the city center and around the Eastern beaches. High-end properties are clustered along Circular Quay. Though there are some hotels and hostels in the King's Cross area, the neighborhood can be a bit seedy and isn't recommended.

Good deals can be difficult to find during the summer high season from November through January. Many locals have time off from work around Australia Day (January 26) and hotels sell out quickly -- so be sure to book early if you're planning on traveling during that time.

The luxurious Hilton Sydney recently underwent a flashy $200 million renovation. Its 577 rooms and suites are elegant and modern, with lots of natural light.

Feeling starstruck? Sheraton on the Park and the Park Hyatt cater to elite visitors and host most of the international celebrities who come to town.

BLUE Sydney (formerly the W) is one of the city's trendiest hotels, located on the wharf in Woolloomooloo. Russell Crowe lives in one of the apartments in the building.

Darling Harbour hotels are centrally located, on the water and generally affordable. Our favorites include the Ibis Hotel at Darling Harbour and the Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour.

Hotels right around the Rocks tend to be the most expensive, but if you're willing to venture up to the Holiday Inn Potts Point, which is located in the heart of Darlinghurst cafe society, prices drop considerably. The Mercure Sydney (818 - 820 George Street) are also reasonable and centrally located.

Some of Sydney's best hotels are outside of the central city. The beaches have particularly attractive options, with small places like Ravesi's in Bondi and larger chains such as the Crowne Plaza - Coogee Beach providing beachfront accommodation.

Where to Shop
Melbourne has long been considered Australia's premier shopping city, but in recent years Sydney's shopping scene has been quietly gaining ground. Major international labels Christian Dior and Burberry launched their first Australian locations in Sydney, not Melbourne, as did local designers Tsubi and Sass & Bide. In addition to cutting-edge fashions, Sydney is also home to some of the world's best opal jewelry, drawn from the nation's many opal mines. Local handicrafts and unique artwork are on display in open-air markets around the city.

Go beyond the kangaroo T-shirt. Visitors in search of unique souvenirs and mementoes should browse the Rocks Weekend Market, held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The local art, handcrafted jewelry, photo albums and antiques here are distinctive and well made. More traditional souvenirs -- Aboriginal art, Australian cowboy boots, paintings of the Opera House, even didgeridoos -- can be found in neighboring shops in the Rocks.

The Queen Victoria Building and the Strand Arcade, just a block apart in Sydney's CBD, are must-see shopping. While both complexes are home to a wealth of good boutiques, the real attraction is the historic buildings themselves, which are ornately decorated and stately -- definitely the opposite of a typical mall.

While you'll find the usual international labels (Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada) in boutiques on Castlereagh Street, head to Oxford Street for a sample of Australia's own cutting-edge fashion scene. Some of the biggest names in Australian design have their flagship stores here, including Lisa Ho, Sass and Bide, Scanlan and Theodore, and Alex Perry. Another popular designer, Colette Dinnigan, is located on William Street, just off of Oxford.

For good deals and unusual merchandise, join the locals at the weekly open-air markets in Glebe, Paddington and Bondi. Vintage clothes, antiques, handmade jewelry, local art and fashions by up-and-coming designers are just a few of the unique offerings. Glebe's market is held each Saturday at the Glebe Primary School, while Paddington's is held the same day at the Paddington Uniting Church. Bondi's market is held Sundays at the Bondi Beach Public School.

There's a fierce rivalry between Australia's two biggest department stores, David Jones and Myer, both located in the CBD near Hyde Park. They literally war over who can sign Australia's top designers to exclusive contracts -- so if you see a certain label carried in one store, it's likely that you won't find it in the other. While David Jones is the older and more established of the two, we'll let you decide which store you find truly superior."

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sydney Australia- Part 2

Again, this was featured in the Independent Traveler

"What to See
Take a tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House. There are a handful of varieties (including an intimate backstage tour), held throughout the day. Of course, schedule permitting, travelers can also take in a show.

The best way to see the harbor is to get a bird's eye view from the top of the Harbour Bridge on a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb -- not your ordinary stroll across a bridge and not just for the young and crazy. The 3.5-hour trek up and down the famous landmark is safe, slow and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels; you'll don a bridge suit and wear a bridge harness along the ladder-like stairways and narrow catwalks. Recently added is an Express Climb, which takes only two hours and 15 minutes.

The climbs are guided tours and are offered during the day as well as at night. There are lots of rules and regulations, including: no kids under 10 (and children aged 10 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult), no women more than 24 weeks pregnant, climbers must wear rubber soled shoes, and all climbers must pass a breath-test (for a blood alcohol limit of less than .05 percent).

From the bridge, visitors can walk around the inlet to tour the always-crowded Opera House. It is easy to continue from there through the Royal Botanical Gardens, a collection of flowers and trees overlooking the water, where it is possible to see some of Australia's unique flora without leaving the city.

Get your bearings in Sydney by taking a ride on the Sydney Explorer bus, an air-conditioned motorcoach that offers commentary (and hop-on, hop-off options). The service stops at Circular Quay daily at regular intervals, beginning at 8:40 a.m. You can also board the "Bondi Explorer," which offers the same kind of service to areas outside of the city, including Bondi Beach and the eastern suburbs. The SydneyPass Network also offers a harbour ferry ride (morning, afternoon and evening).

Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic Rocks, Sydney's birthplace (it dates back to Sydney's beginnings as a British convict colony). There are numerous historic buildings (archeological sites and the like); plus, the neighborhood is a lively one, with many shops, restaurants and bars. Today, the narrow, twisting streets are free of criminals and fun to wander through. The shops here sell every kind of Australian souvenir imaginable, but the best come from the Rocks market, which is full of handcrafted and unique mementoes.

Explore Darling Harbour. While one main attraction is Harbourside, a waterfront shopping and dining complex, Darling Harbour is also a nexus for tourist attractions such as the Sydney Aquarium, the IMAX Theatre, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Powerhouse Museum, which focuses on "creativity," whether through art, technology or science. There are also exhibitions, displays and impromptu music performances, plus numerous restaurants grouped around King Street Wharf. Also worth a visit is the Chinese Garden of Friendship, which features winding pathways, meandering waterways, and exotic flora and fauna.

Visit Sydney Wildlife World, an exhibit of Australia's most exotic critters and plants. You may not be able to find wild koalas lounging around Sydney, but you can get up close with them at the koala sanctuary. The park includes nine sample habitats, such as the Rainforest and Wallaby Cliffs, that supply a peek into different climates and animal homes around Australia. The Sydney Aquarium is right next door, and combination ticket deals are available.
Get out on the water via Harbour Jet (departing daily from the Convention Jetty in Darling Harbour). It's not for the faint of heart -- the speedboat ride offers some commentary, but the real fun is in the 270-degree spins, wild fishtails and other boat-acrobatic maneuvers. Captain Cook Cruises offers a gentler ride.

See Sydney from above on a helicopter tour (offered by several companies, including Adrenalin). They offer views of Sydney's entire extensive coastline, as well as the harbour, the city and even the Blue Mountains out to the west.

Check out Sydney's art scene with a visit to the edgy Museum of Contemporary Art. The Art Gallery of New South Wales features a wide range of art, including Australian, Aboriginal, Western and Asian exhibits.

A slightly different kind of museum is the Powerhouse, which is devoted to celebrating outstanding technology and design. An old power station in the former industrial district of Ultimo has been converted into Australia's largest museum. Exhibitions change continuously (recent topics have ranged from the Great Wall of China to Australian pub history), but are always fascinating, interactive and well planned.

Explore King's Cross, Sydney's infamous red light district. This once-bohemian town is now in the process of gentrifying into one boasting fancy bars and upscale apartments. Take a Crimes and Passions tour to catch a glimpse of the area's seedy, sometimes sordid and always fascinating history.

Rent a car or hop on one of the bus tours that leave from Sydney and go wine tasting in Hunter Valley (a two-hour drive from Sydney), which features some 50 wineries. Boutique Wine Tours will take you from Sydney up to the Hunter in a Mercedes limo and ferry you from winery to winery.

If you have a couple of days to spare, drive out to the Blue Mountains, where draws include beautiful scenery, bushwalking, rain forests, waterfalls, a scenic railway and more. The area is an hour and a half by car from Sydney. It's also a very romantic destination with lots of intimate inns.

Hit the beach! Manly, accessible via a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, offers scenic walking, watersports ranging from windsurfing to parasailing, and numerous cafes and restaurants. Bondi Beach (reachable by bus from Circular Quay) is Australia's best known, with lots of restaurants, shops and cafes. It's also the most crowded strip of sand in Sydney. Be aware that topless sunbathing is accepted and common.

A hiking path cuts through the cliffs between Bondi and Coogee, another beach suburb several miles south. The walk can be strenuous, but the views of the seemingly endless Pacific Ocean from the top of the cliffs are unbeatable, and there are several other beaches to make rest stops at along the way for a refreshing drink or swim."

Monday, October 26, 2009

Sydney Australia- part 1

This article was taken from the Independent Traveler. Since it was so long, it will be posted in a couple of different blogs

Sydney Essentials

Sydney is the largest city in Australia, boasting many of the nation's cultural and financial institutions -- as well as truly dramatic natural scenery. Although it is a modern city strongly influenced by British roots and current American popular culture, Sydney's real character is derived from its exotic location and brash beauty. Walking through the glass and concrete downtown, known as the Central Business District (CBD), you could be in any other Western-culture metropolis -- until a fluorescent red and green lorikeet parrot swoops overhead or an unexpected flash of the brilliant blue harbor appears between the skyscrapers.

Any proper visit to Sydney must begin in the harbor, which is both the birthplace of the city and its current iconic centerpiece. The area is called Circular Quay (pronounced "key" by locals). It is hard to imagine a more picturesque setting for a city's heart than this, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge displayed against the inlet's bright water.

Sydney spreads across a massive geographic area, but the majority of its most interesting areas can be found near the ocean coast, in the area known as the Eastern suburbs. Oxford Street, the main thoroughfare running east from downtown to the ocean beaches, hosts Sydney's famous gay and lesbian Mardi Gras parade each February and is popular year-round for its upscale shops and cafes.

Sydney is a well-balanced blend of a big-city lifestyle and the laid-back Australian mentality. Although Aussies who hail from other towns often disparage Sydney for its flashiness and hectic pace, urban inconveniences seem minor here compared to places like New York and London. Tourism is a huge industry around Sydney, and locals are accustomed to providing visitors with service, helpful directions and a rousing welcome to the stunning city that they call home.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Spot light on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is one of my favorite cruise lines. We sailed on the Constellation last November and loved the ship.

Here is a little synopsis on Celebrity:

Consistently recognized with five- and six-star rankings as the highest-rated premium cruise line, Celebrity Cruises is committed to innovative design, impeccable service, and unparalleled spa and dining offerings.
Since its inception in 1989, Celebrity has held true to its original commitment of taking the very best aspects of classic, elegant cruising and updating them to reflect current lifestyles.
What sets Celebrity apart from other vacation choices today is the cruise line's dedication to providing guests with a cruise experience that exceeds expectations.

2010 Europe Season
Celebrity Cruises in 2010 will base all three Solstice-class ships in Europe--the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice, which sets sail for the first time in November; the Celebrity Equinox, launching later this year; and the Celebrity Eclipse, setting sail in 2010 as Celebrity's first primarily U.K.-sourced vessel. The trip will be joined by the 2,039-guest Celebrity Constellation.
Celebrity Constellation will sail 12-night "Scandinavia and Russia" and 7-night Mediterranean sailings. Celebrity Eclipse will offer a varied lineup of new 11-night and longer cruises to the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, and the Canary Islands. Celebrity Equinox will sail 12-night voyages throughout the Mediterranean, and the Celebrity Solstice will offer 10- and 11-night Eastern Mediterranean as well as 13-night Holy Land cruises. Pre-cruise escorted land tours of three to five nights are available with each of these cruises.
The four-ship program includes 76 trans-Atlantic and Europe sailings visiting 22 countries and calling at 65 different ports. Four ports are new to Celebrity: Alicante, Spain; Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy; La Spezia, Italy; and Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. Celebrity Constellation's seven-night Mediterranean sailings will call on Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Naples, Italy; and Villefranche, France. Guests can extend this vacation with pre-cruise escorted land tours, including a four-night Madrid and Barcelona tour or a three-night Paris and Amsterdam tour.
Celebrity Eclipse will offer 13 open-jaw, 12-night sailings between Barcelona and Venice from from May into October 2010, with an overnight stay in Venice included. These cruises visit Athens and Santorini, Greece; Florence, Naples, Rome and Venice, Italy; either Dubrovnik or Split in Croatia; and either Villefrance or Toulon in France.
Celebrity Solstice's 10- and 11-night Mediterranean voyages from Civitavecchia are similar to those offered in 2009. The 10-night voyages in 2010 will feature a call to Rhodes, Greece, and the 11-night cruises will include an overnight in Istanbul. Solstice's five 13-night Holy Land sailings, sailing roundtrip out of Rome from late August through mid-October, will include overnight stays in Alexandria, Egypt, and calls throughout Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Israel.

Open Seating Dining
Celebrity Cruises offers passengers the option of open seating in the main dining rooms of its ships. The offering will be in addition to -- not a replacement for -- traditional assigned early and late seating on the line's vessels. Passengers can choose which type of seating they want -- open or traditional -- at the time they book their cruise.

Contact me for information and reservations on any Celebrity cruise at mindy@myvacationlady.com

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Some Tips on Tipping

This was published by the Independent Traveler on 10/7/09 and it is worth repeating.

"Tipping requires more than cash and generosity; a modicum of research is essential for travelers to know exactly who deserves a tip and how much to give. Generous travelers shouldn't hand out gratuities like Halloween candy to cover their bases. In some countries -- like Japan, where giving someone a wad of cash is often considered rude -- tipping can be an insult. On the other side of the coin, traveling tightwads shouldn't try to save money by stiffing their service person, because millions of waiters, bellmen, tour guides and other workers in the tourist trade rely on tips to feed their families and pay the rent.

The happy medium between spendthrift and scrooge is a well-informed traveler! Below, we've listed some solid-gold tips for handling the tricky practice of tipping in a foreign country with often different and sometimes confusing customs and codes of behavior. Take our advice and tip wisely...

Know Before You Go
Here's the most important tipping tip you need: destination-specific tipping information is vital if you want to avoid an awkward or offensive encounter with a service person during your trip. Magellan's offers a useful Worldwide Tipping Guide that summarizes acceptable tips in other countries in a convenient chart.

You'll also want to pore over a good guidebook for more detailed information on local tipping practices; this way you won't be caught off guard when the colorfully dressed musicians in Marrakesh's Jemma el-Fna square want a few dirhams for letting you snap their picture, and you'll know not to leave a tip at that trendy restaurant in New Zealand.

Cover Your Bases
Whom you should tip (as well as how much you should give and how often) varies by destination. But here's a list of the types of folks you may have to present with some extra euros or pesos when you're jetsetting around the globe. Yes, the list is long, but remember that you will probably not need all of these services on a single getaway (unless you have some kind of elaborate around-the-world spa and boat trip planned -- in which case we're jealous!).
• Waitstaff
• Hotel cleaning staff
• Porter
• Bellhop
• Taxi/van driver
• Tour guide
• Concierge
• Restroom attendant
• Local who is posing for a photograph
• Bartender
• Tour boat captain and staff
• Maitre'd
• Childcare staff/day camp counselor
• Hairdresser/masseuse/manicurist

Carry Cash
If you're taking a cab or shuttle from the airport to your hotel, in most countries you'll have to tip. This means that you will need some local currency almost as soon as you get off your plane. Although some countries, like many Caribbean destinations, accept U.S. dollars in addition to their own local currency, it's important not to tip in dollars if it's not an accepted national currency.

Most airports have ATM's and exchange rate counters -- even if you're not planning on exchanging all of your money at the airport, you need to get enough local currency to cover your tips before you get in that cab. Contact your airport before you leave to find out what banking or money exchange facilities they offer.

Make sure you have plenty of small bills on hand throughout your trip, too. Use larger bills to pay for souvenirs, meals and other expenses, and keep the change to use as tips. If you run out of small bills, your hotel's front desk may be able to make change for you.

Follow the Leader
If you forget to research the acceptable tipping practices of your locale, or simply don't know what to do, look around and see what other visitors are doing. Is there money on the empty tables in your restaurant? Did everyone else on your boating excursion offer the captain and crew a few dollars? You get the idea.

If that doesn't work, here's a basic, common-sense rule of thumb: tip 5 to 10 percent, or a few dollars (in the local currency), to anyone who is providing you with a service -- like arranging an excursion with a tour company, bringing you a meal, or handing you some mints and a warm towel in the bathroom -- when you are visiting a country where tipping is generally an accepted practice.

Don't Ask
A common mistake made by travelers is asking their service person if he or she requires a tip. Not only does this present a conflict of interest to a cash-strapped service person who doesn't normally take tips, but in countries where saying what you mean is not the social norm, a clueless traveler may end up stiffing a polite waiter or bellhop. For example, in India, a service person whose income is mostly comprised of tips may say that he or she requires no gratuity out of modesty and good manners. This doesn't mean you shouldn't tip if it's the acceptable practice in your destination! Know before you go (see above) and you won't have to ask.

Beware of Service Charges
You may think that a "service charge" on your restaurant bill indicates that the tip is included. This is true for most countries; for others, not so much. In destinations such as Greece, Guatemala, Italy and Hong Kong, you should leave a tip in addition to a service charge. This is because the service charge may not necessarily go to the waiter -- and your tips make up a significant percentage of your server's salary."

Monday, October 19, 2009

Airlines surcharging holiday travel- can you avoid it?

This article is pretty long but worth the read.
Taken from the Independent Traveler published on 10/13/09

Just when you thought the airlines had exhausted every possible surcharge, they still manage to impress with their ability to reach into our pockets. This time, it is a $10 holiday travel surcharge on all seats on peak travel dates, reaching very nearly into summer. There is both good news and bad news to be found in these latest duns, and some hints on how to save money and avoid crowds this winter and holiday travel season.

American and United first floated the surcharge a few weeks ago, focusing on three peak holiday travel dates: November 29 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving), and January 2 and 3 (the Saturday and Sunday after New Year's, when everyone is going to be traveling to get back to work and school). US Airways soon followed suit, and when they were only mildly pilloried in the press, all of the other major airlines fell into line late last week, with the complete list now comprising American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways.

In the meantime, the list of affected dates ballooned from three to 13, to include November 29 and 30; December 19, 26 and 27; January 2 and 3; March 14, 20, 21 and 28; April 11; and May 28.

Southwest and JetBlue have not adopted the surcharge, and have given indications that they will not do so.

Why Not Just Raise Fares?
These are, of course, fare increases by any other name, but the airlines greatly prefer to levy them as surcharges for a couple strategic reasons. First of all, the airlines can hide the surcharges when promoting sale fares; laws governing truth in advertising allow the airlines to bury surcharge information in the fine print. So the airlines can advertise $39 sale fares as they did last week, but they don't have to mention the date-specific $10 in their headlines.

The airlines are pretty much shameless when it comes to this kind of thing. For example, according to Tim Smith of American, the surcharges "absolutely are not a fee." Ha. Even a kindergarten kid caught red-handed sneaking treats knows he can't get away with saying "this is not candy; it is a piece of caramel wrapped in chocolate."

Perhaps more significantly, the airlines get the $10 revenue on every seat sold, whether for first class, business class, coach, discount, name your price and so on -- every person is paying the extra $10. The $10 remains the same irrespective of what the sale price or the airline's yield management pricing system says the seat is worth. So even if they are advertising seats for $39, they know they're at least going to get the extra $10, even on the (very few) seats they sell at the advertised sale price.

On a peak travel day, that is a lot of "free" income. How much income? If we use AAA's number from last year, when they estimated that 4.5 million people would fly over the Thanksgiving weekend, and make the assumption that most of those folks will be flying home on Saturday the 29th or Sunday the 30th, you're talking about upwards of $45 million dollars in just two days.

And note that the surcharge is applied to the base fare each way, so they can literally get you coming and going.

The surcharge is likely here to stay. After all, last year's fuel surcharges never really went away completely, despite gas at the pump edging down close to $2/gallon these days. These surcharges will show up again next winter holiday season, and don't be surprised when peak summer travel dates are added to the list; the inclusion of May 28, the Friday before Memorial Day, is the proof. It's going to happen, folks.

Peak Travel Days, Holiday Season 2009 - 2010
At this point, I don't have to tell you which days will be the peak travel days -- the airlines have already done that for me. From the list of dates above, I predict that January 3 will be a particularly rough day this year. When January 1 falls on a Friday, as it does this winter, almost every business and many schools in America will resume "normal" hours on the first Monday morning after New Year's. Similarly, the workers and students on furlough will try to extract every last minute from their vacation time. Add to that the potential for some travel-hostile winter weather, and you have a perfect storm of travel volume and maxxed-out airports all day long on Sunday, January 3.

True to form, the airlines added January 2 to their surcharge calendar to snag the more sensible among us who avoid that last-minute Sunday crush. No one wants to travel on January 1, so if you are in good enough shape to board a plane on Friday morning, you should be able to get low fares without surcharges, and have a pretty smooth go of it as well.

As for Thanksgiving, consistent problems over the past several years (not to mention all the resulting media attention) have actually resulted in a change of behavior among the traveling public, where many have adjusted their travel schedules to avoid the peak days. People are traveling a little earlier in the week, and heading home either a little earlier or later than usual. As a result, the overall volume is much more spread out. I have several friends who damn the torpedoes and travel each year on the day before Thanksgiving, and all have had tales of short lines and uncongested airports to tell in recent years.

Folks may leave work on Tuesday or even Monday, and the day before Thanksgiving no longer seems to be the relentlessly nastiest travel day of the year. Similarly, travelers may head home earlier as well, perhaps on Friday morning, which is traditionally one of the lighter holiday travel days.

With Christmas falling on a Friday, the Christmas travel week could be horrendous. I had been hopeful that schools might let out on the 18th, which would make it among the easiest Christmas travel years possible; a full week between the end of school and Christmas day would help to spread out the volume nicely. But then I did an informal sample of a dozen universities and school districts, and all but two set the last day of school as December 23.

When that is the case, the business world often follows suit to some extent, which means that the entire country will be getting off work at lunchtime on Wednesday, December 23 and muscling their way to airports to be home in time for the holiday. I recommend you try to avoid being in that number.

The upside potential for folks who can travel earlier in the week, or even the previous week, is obvious: lower fares and empty airports could be all yours. My advice would be to plan to travel on or about the 21st of December. That way, folks who freed up and bolted to the airports on December 19 will already be long gone, and you'll avoid the December 23 onslaught entirely.

The Silver Lining
The peak travel surcharge is targeted toward family and vacation travelers; let's face it, there's not a lot of business travel happening on January 2. So the folks who give the airlines their business and create the environment that lets them jack fares up around the holidays will be ponying up even more.

However, there may be a hidden upside for leisure travelers in the trend toward surcharges: holiday travel is expected to be down considerably this year, and fares are down as well. At present, holiday fares are down 12 - 15 percent, according to FareCompare.com, who broke the surcharge story. The airlines are terrified that they are going to have to price fares extremely low on the peak holiday travel dates, and are trying to figure out another way to dip into your pockets with the surcharge gambit.

If you're not forced to travel on the peak travel dates, the silver lining is that you may be able to find some fantastic fares, even just a day or two off the most popular travel dates. Many fare-tracking experts believe that we won't see a lot of last-minute fare sales this year, and I tend to agree; in a round of tests, I found a large selection of very low fares on popular routes on popular travel days. I suspect that folks who are searching for holiday travel now will pounce on these fares, and there won't be as many discounted seats later on in the game.

Thus, my recommendation would be to choose your travel dates well -- and well in advance -- to get the best fares and flight times. It may be more risky in 2009 - 2010 than in recent years to try to wait it out until the last minute.

Best Fares
The airlines' list of peak travel dates is useful in at least one respect: it functions as a perfect roadmap of when not to travel, as the surcharge dates are also most likely to have the highest base fares as well. And if travel is down sufficiently that fares stay low even on the busiest days, the $10 may seem like a pittance in the end. My suggested travel dates for getting the best fares, avoiding the crowds and eluding the surcharges are as follows:
• November 23
• November 26
• November 27
• December 21
• December 25
• December 28
• January 1
• January 6
• January 9
And don't be afraid to check out the surcharge dates as well; a really cheap fare with $10 tacked on is still going to be very affordable. If the airlines scare everyone away by piling up the fees, they may have to lower the fares, and the thorough consumer will win in the end.