Travel Tips
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Monday, March 17, 2008
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
In honor of St. Paddy’s Day, I thought I’d write about some of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations taking place around the world. I have a bit of Irish heritage, so I’ve been known to enjoy this fun day – but one day I’d love to enjoy it while on vacation in Ireland. I can always dream!
St. Patrick’s Day is in honor of St. Patrick believed to have been born in the late fourth century. Saint Patrick was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. He is probably best known for driving the snakes from Ireland. Presently there are no snakes in Ireland – but there probably never was since the island was separated from the rest of the continent at the end of the Ice Age! Saint Patrick’s Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick’s Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.
In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in most major cities. Parades and parties mark the day. Here are just a few for your perusal…
- In Brooklyn, NY they celebrated with a parade on the 16th.
- In Manhattan, locals and visitors can enjoy the 247th New York City Parade taking place on the 17th; hundreds of thousands of people will line the street donning green clothing, green face paint and enjoy green food and drinks.
- Los Angeles also celebrates with a parade on the big day presented by the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Department.
In Canada, many of the major cities also enjoy this fun day. Toronto boasts one of the largest St. Patrick’s parades in the world, which has taken place on the 16th this year.
Australia also gets in on the action. In Sydney, they planned the 2008 Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade & Family Day for Sunday the16th of March. With events the whole family will love, it’s a great day to celebrate all things Irish and to enjoy the huge parade!
England also plans many events surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. Likely, the biggest is the London parade on the 16th. The parade will showcase marching bands from Ireland and the UK, community groups, sports clubs, schools and street theatre in the streets of central London.
Of course, most parts of Ireland participate in the big day. Here’s what you can expect in the major cities…
- In Belfast, the city council organizes a huge colorful carnival parade with a giant monkfish, flying angels and dancing serpents.
- In Dublin, they start the celebrations on the 13th through to the 18th with music, street theatre, family carnivals, comedy, street performances, dances, a treasure hunt and night spectacles. The big finish is the huge parade on the 17th.
No matter where you will be celebrating this fun day, I hope that you too can get out there and take in some of the fun events planned to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Don’t forget to wear green!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Six Reasons to Visit Buenos Aires
My fiancée suggested we plan a vacation to Buenos Aires, as it is a place he has always wanted to visit. While I liked the idea, I have to admit that Buenos Aires wasn’t on my list of places to visit. So, I started doing some research – now I’m pumped to go. We have started booking our trip and I’ve come up with my six reasons (in no particular order) that I cannot wait to visit Buenos Aires!
- Shopping – Known to be quite the shopper, Buenos Aires sounds like it will be a shopping haven. I can’t wait to visit the trendy boutiques in the Palermo Soho area. Better bring an extra piece of luggage…just in case, or maybe I will just buy one there!
- Dollar – Our dollar still goes far in South America so we can stay in nicer hotels than we might normally be able to afford.
- Friendly People – Reportedly, Argentinean people are friendly and personable…not to mention stylish! We can’t wait to experience the Buenos Aires hospitality and to meet some new people.
- Wine – I love wine. There I said it. I cannot wait to enjoy all the wonderful wines of the region. Apparently, Argentina is the world’s fifth largest producer of wine. Reds are my favorite and I hope to try some that I’ve never tasted before.
- Party – When I travel, I love to cut loose and have a great time. Buenos Aires is known as a great place if you are looking for a happening nightlife. Sounds like we had better rest up because with all the amazing nightclubs to choose from – we won’t be getting a lot of sleep!
- The Markets – Did I mention my love of shopping? The markets in Buenos Aires are known around the world. We’re planning to visit San Telmo’s flea market – reportedly the most popular. Located in Dorrego Square, which in itself is a place to visit, as it is the oldest square in the city after the Plaza de Mayo. It’s a great place to see the old style housing, as many of them have been transformed into lovely antique shops.
Buenos Aires sounds like an exciting, beautiful, dynamic and modern city. We have our plans all made and are counting the days until we embark on the Virgin Vacations deal that we found! I’ll write when we return and give you a low down about everything we did, saw and experienced! Until next time…
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Five Surefire Ways To Stay Fit While Traveling
As a personal trainer, clients often ask me how they can keep up their workout regime when traveling. While it isn’t as easy as when you are at home in your own personal and familiar surroundings, it is possible to keep up your healthy living routine when you are on the road. Here are my five surefire ways to keep you fit when traveling for either business or pleasure!
- Walk! - It is the easiest way to keep from packing on the pounds. Walk wherever you can. If you are traveling for pleasure, you will probably find yourself walking more than you normally do. Make it a brisk walk so that you do get fitness benefits. Another idea is to take a walk first thing in the morning before you hit the hotel’s continental breakfast. Ask the front desk to give you some walking routes that might lead you to an interesting sight or a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee. Take advantage of sightseeing packages and guided tours are also great ways to get in some extra-walking.
- Bring a Few Core Essentials – With a few small things that you can slip into your suitcase, you can work out in your hotel room, bed and breakfast or wherever you might be staying. Bring a resistance band, a jump rope, workout video, or anything else that you use at home. You don’t have to do your regular workout – but as long as you keep yourself active, that is the main goal!
- Use the Fitness Center – Many hotels have fitness centers – all you need to do is use it! Smaller hotels sometimes arrange with local fitness centers that you can use free or at a discount. Ask the front desk to find out what they offer.
- Do Your Regular Fitness Class – If you take yoga, Pilates or aerobics, you probably already have a fitness workout ingrained in your brain. Just harness that knowledge and keep doing what you usually do! The best thing is that these types of classes can be done fairly easily in your room if the hotel doesn’t have a fitness facility.
- Beware of Portion Sizes – One of the biggest culprits of the five pound gain when traveling is the ridiculous portion sizes served at some restaurants. If you can, try sharing with a dining partner, asking for a half portion or ordering an appetizer and salad instead of a main course. If you continually eat the large main course portions for every meal, you’ll definitely have tighter pants when you get home!
My biggest piece of advice is that you shouldn’t stress out about keeping in shape when you’re on the road. Arm yourself with a plan to keep relatively active and to watch how much you consume. Your goal should always be to maintain your weight, don’t put pressure on yourself to lose any. Also, be sure you don’t miss any of the fun and important vacation experiences just because you are trying to stay fit and workout! Your travel and Vacations should be fun, carefree and healthy! Best of luck!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
My Stay At Grand Hotel Europa
I recently visited Innsbruck Austria for a friend’s wedding. The bride recommended staying at Grand Hotel Europa and I was sure glad she did. This hotel was built in 1869 and is located in the heart of the city. I felt it was an ideal location and it provided a wonderful Austrian atmosphere. Innsbruck is the capital of the federal state Tyrol and the biggest city in the Western part of Austria.
We arrived at the hotel after a lengthy travel day and I was weary and really just wanted to get into my room to collapse. Advertised as the only five star hotel in Innsbruck, I was hopeful that it would meet all our expectations.
Friendly front desk staff immediately greeted us. They were quick and efficient in assigning our room and giving us a brief overview of the hotel’s amenities. A bell captain assisted us with our luggage and escorted us to our room. The room was decorated in a traditional style and had everything we needed. And I didn’t collapse on the bed for a nice nap!! One disappointment was that the wireless Internet didn’t work in our room – not a big deal – but we were hoping to keep in touch with our laptop.
I definitely appreciated that the hotel was a non-smoking one since I’ve been in some European hotels that still allow smoking. One downside was that we found the bar smoky. In terms of food, we really enjoyed our breakfast at the hotel. They had an immense, fresh and delicious breakfast buffet that gave us everything we could hope for. It was a wonderful way to fuel up before doing some sightseeing.
Speaking of sightseeing, the location of the hotel was ideal. It is centrally located so it made it easy to get to everything we wanted to see in the old city. Innsbruck is surrounded by tall mountains like Nordkette, Patscherkofel and Serles so it is easy to take in a day of skiing. The ski bus stops right in front of the hotel door giving us the ultimate in convenience!
My stomach just rumbled so it reminded me to tell you that apparently the best restaurant in town is located right in the hotel. If you stay at the hotel, you simply must make time to have a meal at this restaurant. We did – and WOW – it was amazing. The restaurant Europastüberl was won several awards – including one from Gault Millau. You’ll have an opportunity to try delicious Tyrolean dishes and to enjoy the local produce prepared to perfection.
Another bonus of the hotel is that it is only a five-minute walk to the casino. If you enjoy gambling then this is the place to be. It is a wonderful way to enjoy lively gaming, charming entertainment and culinary wonders! The casino offers 22 gaming tables, 199 slot machines and various event programs. Ask the staff at the Grand Hotel Europa to let you know what’s happening at the casino because the entertainment changes regularly.
I hope to have another opportunity to visit the charming city of Innsbruck and to stay at the Grand Hotel Europa. If you are interested in your own trip, check out Virgin Vacations Austria travel deals!
Monday, March 03, 2008
Travel Trends
I recently came across a really interesting article covering the top travel and tourism technology trends for 2008. It was a fascinating read, and I thought I’d share a bit of what I’ve learned here.
- Increase in adoption of mobile travel applications – With everyone getting smarter phones like Blackberries, iPhones, etc, experts predict that more technologies will be developed enhancing the traveler experience through mobile phones and wireless devices. For instance, we’ll all be turning to our phones for maps, directions, restaurant and hotel recommendations, weather conditions at our destination and much more.
- Travel specific social networks will flourish – With the popularity of social media sites like Facebook; social networks that cover a specific niche like travel will emerge in greater numbers. You’ll see networks for everything from travel agents, travel suppliers, and those with an affinity for specific locations.
- Travel to China will be hot in 2008 and beyond – Of course, with the 2008 Olympics, travel to China will be at an all time high. However, beyond the Olympics, travelers from around the world are more accepting of seeing China as a vacation destination.
- Baby boomers will continue to influence travel – With many boomers opting to stay in the workforce, but scaling back, it is anticipated that they will take longer vacations. This should increase travel across the board – but some areas like cruising, spas, and all-inclusive resorts should see healthy increases.
- Environmentally friendly travel – With everyone concerned about the health of our planet, green travel will come out in real force. Travelers will be concerned with renting hybrid cars, picking accommodations with earth friendly policies and looking for zero carbon emissions packages.
Overall, it is predicted that the travel sector will continue to be solid and there will likely be some great travel deals to be had! Bon Voyage!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Is a Higher SPF Really Necessary?
I was inspired to write this blog because a friend of mine was so insistent that she uses nothing less than SPF 60 whenever she is in the sun. I had always believed that once you got up higher than SPF 15 that the differences were really negligible and it wasn’t worth the extra money.
So, if you are traveling to the Cook Islands, the Greek Islands, or any other hot spot, read on to discover the truth as to whether a higher SPF is really necessary.
I started my research at the American Academy of Dermatology. First of all, it is important to understand the UV Index. The UV (ultraviolet) index forecasts the amount of sun damaging UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface when the sun is highest in the sky. However, it does not account for reflective surfaces. The higher the UV Index, the more protection you need.
SPF (sun protection factor) represents how much longer a person wearing sunscreen can stay in the sun before beginning to burn. For example, SPF 8 means that someone can stay in the sun 8 times longer without burning than if she or he was wearing sunscreen. SPF usually ranges from 2 to 60.
The big question – Is SPF Higher Than 15 Really Necessary? The American Academy of Dermatology and the Sun Safety Alliance, recommend that every individual use a broad spectrum sunscreen all year with an SPF of at least 15. For children, both groups suggest sunscreen products with an SPF of at least 30. They also suggest lip balm with SPF, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect lips, head and eyes.
A higher SPF sunscreen is recommended for those that are fair skinned, sunburn easily or are spending many hours outdoors (ex. those that work outside). The Academy also reminds people that all sunscreens, regardless of SPF, need to be reapplied, so always follow the guidelines provided on the bottle.
A hot vacation is always a welcome change especially if you come from a cold or damp climate. It is vitally important to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and to reapply as directed. You don’t want to get a nasty burn that makes your vacation uncomfortable and puts you at higher risk for getting skin cancer down the road!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Stay In a Castle? You Bet!
Ever since I was a little girl who loved fairy tales, I’ve wanted to live in or at least stay in a real castle. While I thought those dreams were never going to come true – my husband surprised me with a thoughtful package from Virgin Vacations that included a stay in a Scottish Castle!
For me, that was the true highlight of the trip. I anticipated our stay like a little kid anticipates Christmas. I dreamed about what the room would look like, exploring the grounds that had so much history and soaking in every moment of my castle experience.
Our package included a two night stay in a Castle Hotel located in Fintry Scotland. From the research I did before we left, I found out that Culcreuch Castle belonged to the Galbraith family who built it in the 15th century. The castle is on an amazing 1600-acre country park to the northeast of Fintry, in the south Stirling Council area. The castle was purchased in 1984 with an eye of developing the castle into a tourist destination. Today, the castle is a thriving hotel with fine dining and many weddings, conferences etc. taking place there.
As we drove up to the castle, I could feel my pulse quicken with excitement. It was everything I dreamed of. An immense structure surrounded by forest and rolling fields of grazing sheep. I was so excited to get out of the car and to start exploring. Even though I was a bit tired from our journey, the adrenaline kicked in and I was raring to go. After checking in, we immediately started checking out the castle.
I really love the drawing room. Overlooking the loch, the drawing room now acts as a resident’s lounge – a quiet place for reading, writing and relaxing. We had our morning coffee here and it was a thoroughly enjoyable atmosphere. We were also lucky enough to make the acquaintance of several other guests while we were in the drawing room.
Next, we went to our room. As I opened the door, it didn’t disappoint. I had a great big smile on my face as I checked out our digs for the next two nights. We had a great big four-poster bed in a beautiful deep dark wood. We found it to be most comfortable and allowed us a great night’s rest. The washroom was small, but adequate and there was plenty of hot water – always a bonus!
We were a bit hungry so we went exploring to find where to eat. The staff suggested the Dungeon Bar as an excellent place to get a quick bite. Well, don’t’ be scared off by the name, The Dungeon Bar is really atmospheric and so cozy! Nothing like a dungeon!
The rest of the day, we spent exploring the truly magnificent grounds. There is no need to ever leave the castle and the grounds because you can fill every waking moment exploring! There is a charming lake in the middle that you can walk around and you can follow the winding road up in to the woods. We enjoyed many romantic strolls! Oh yeah, I really enjoyed one night when we saw the sunset and every rabbit imaginable in the area came for a nibble on the lawn!
If you are like me and always wanted to stay in a castle, then hunt down a Scotland vacation deal and head over to Culcreuch Castle. It is a romantic, beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, historic and just amazing place to visit. I cannot wait to go back!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Hidden Travel Locations to Consider in 2008!
A friend of mine wanted to travel somewhere this year that isn’t a typical touristy place people visit. So, I started doing some research for her and found three locales that I thought I would share with the readers of this site! Hope you get to travel to some places off the beaten track this year!
Jura Region, France – Located in eastern France, about an hour or so drive from Geneva is the Jura Region. Described on one website as ‘like Wisconsin crossed with Switzerland’, this is an ideal place to visit if you love all things cheese. Amazingly, there are close to 200 creameries making cheese in this region and tourist counts are low. Wine shops also abound making this a food lover’s paradise. You will also love the landscapes varying from mountains, forests, rivers, immense lakes and picturesque grottos! 
Wroclaw, Poland – Around five hours drive from Warsaw, lists the city of Wroclaw (pronounced vrot-swav) described by some as having the prettiest plaza in central Europe. This city is a haven for people who love handcrafted items like linens, jewelry, clothing and more. Tourist numbers are low and you can get a true sense of how the Polish live. 
Sangkhia Buri, Thailand – This village located around 220 miles northwest of Bangkok has been described as incredibly relaxing and calming. With a mixture of cultures, the town is on the banks of a lake flanked by two amazing temples. An interesting thing to do is to rent a canoe and paddle the lake to visit the various temples. If you like places that are off the beaten track and where the locals don’t depend on tourism, then you’ll love this village. You’ll find authentic cuisine and friendly people in a relaxed atmosphere!
Oftentimes we get caught up visiting touristy countries and then complain about how many tourists there were. If you want a vacation that’s more authentic and will give you a real sense of the local people, consider a trip to one of these three destinations. It’s sure to be a unique trip of a lifetime!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Don’t Forget About Europe’s Channel Islands!
You may have heard about the Channel Islands off the coast of California – but Europe’s Channel Islands are another locale you should definitely remember if you are planning an upcoming trip to Europe.
The Channel Islands are defined as a group of islands in the English Channel, off the French coast of Normandy, but they belong under British rule. Collectively they include the inhabited islands of:
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- Alderney
- Herm
- Sark
- Brecqhou
- Jethou
- Lihou
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Jersey and Herm when I made a side trip when visiting friends in England. My friends encouraged me to take this little island jaunt to visit this unique area of Europe. I learned from them that the islands are famous for their finance industries, their marine and bird life and for two of the islands – for their cows! The Jersey Cow and the Guernsey cow!
I visited the islands by boat and felt that was an authentic and fun way to get there. First stop was Jersey. I had a couple of days so I carefully planned my itinerary. First off, I visited the famed zoo, which was an interesting way to spend several hours. Next, I visited Mont Orgueil Castle that overlooks the harbor of Goney. Apparently, this castle protected the Island from invasion since the early 13th century.
On my second day, I wasn’t feeling all that well, so I choose to enjoy the beaches on the island to relax and rest. Gazing out to the sea from the comfort of my beach towel with a book in hand was just what the doctor ordered!
Next, it was onto Herm Island. The smallest of the Channel Islands, cars and bicycles are banned making this a walker’s paradise. An abundance of white sandy beaches makes it the perfect place to spend the day. The island is only 1 ½ miles long and less than a half mile wide so it is easy to explore. You’ll find that the northern half of its coastline is surrounded by the lovely sandy beaches, while the southern half is rocky. I enjoyed my time at the two main tourist areas – Belvoir Bay and Shell Beach.
The Channel Islands really are beautiful places to visit. If you are in France or England on a vacation deal, why not plan your own trip too. You’ll love the relaxed pace of the islands and their rugged, natural beauty!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Landmark London is Lovely!
I just came back from a quick trip on a London vacation deal - what a great time! Although the flight was a little long, it was all worth it when we arrived at the Landmark London hotel. We were a bit haggard when we arrived just before lunch and we’re hoping that our room would be ready so that we could collapse on our bed and have a nap before exploring the city. I walked up to the clerk at the desk - keeping my fingers crossed that even though we’d arrived before check in that she would, maybe, hopefully have a room!
She greeted me with a great big smile and I was hopeful that my chances were good… After checking our registration, she asked if I would like a room right away! Of course, I said yes - and after a moment or two - she said ‘yes - we can get you into a deluxe room right away’! Hooray! Nothing beats heading up to a well appointed room after a long Trans Atlantic flight.
I got so busy telling you about getting our room that I forgot to tell you about the hotel! What a dream! It certainly lives up to its name the Landmark London Hotel. As our taxi dropped us off, I liked seeing the traditionally dressed doorman waiting to greet us. Complete with a top hat, he opened the door and I began to feel like royalty. Entering into the lobby, I was gazing with bleary eyes around the beautiful decor and gorgeous traditional touches. I had high hopes for our room and I wasn’t disappointed!
Before I tell you about our room - I have to talk about the location. If you want to do shopping, theater and historic sights, you can’t beat the location of this hotel. Located next door to Regent’s Park, we found it very convenient for almost everything we wanted to do.
O.k. back to the room. My hubby and I were pleasantly surprised by the size of the rooms because we’ve had friends complain that most hotels in London have rooms that are only a teeny bit bigger than a closet. We found our room to be spacious, well laid out and had everything we needed. Our room was decorated in a classic style - which I appreciated given this is a heritage style hotel. Well, as a true woman - I loved the bathroom! After having my quick nap after we arrived, I enjoyed the sumptuous marble bathroom and took a relaxing soak in the awesome tub. Everything was perfect!!
We spent the majority of our time sightseeing (Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Kensington Gardens) and shopping on Oxford, but when we were in the hotel, we took advantage of the amenities. The hotel has a great pool and fitness facility so there are no excuses for not staying on top of the fitness regime when staying there! One of the most helpful resources for our travel was a list of sites to see in London - I recommend following this list that Virgin has, it’s great.
Well, you might be wondering about the food… We usually don’t dine at hotel restaurants because of the cost, but we made an exception with our stay at the Landmark. Friends had told us not to miss the Sunday brunch - and they were right! Advertised by the hotel as a Sunday Champagne Brunch, it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the surroundings of the hotel’s beautiful atrium while enjoying culinary delights. As an added bonus, local musicians entertain the diners and it is a wonderful backdrop to this ultimate brunching experience. My husband devoured the smoked salmon and perfectly cooked ham while I ate more than my fair share of home baked pastries. Make sure you leave room for the dessert table!
After a tired start, our stay at the Landmark London is one we won’t soon forget. I hope we can make it back to London soon on another vacation deal and we’ll be reserving our room and brunch reservations!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Traveling With A Disability
I recently took my Grandma on a trip back to her homeland of France. I found a France vacation deal and I just couldn’t resist surprising her with this trip for her 75th birthday.
However, it was a really difficult decision because my grandma needs a walker most of the time and sometimes needs a wheel chair. In addition, she does take medication for a few ailments so I needed to understand exactly what she would need when we were away.
I did some research on what to do when traveling with someone who has a disability and I created this checklist for my trip. I thought it might be helpful to anyone else out there who may have the same concerns that I did.
- Contact Grandma’s Doctor – Before I even told Grandma about the trip, I called her physician to get her o.k. The doctor thought it would be fine and provided me with copies of all her prescriptions so that we could easily fill the prescription overseas should we lose her medication.
- Talk With the Airline – I called the airlines I was going to be using to ask about wheelchair assistance for getting on and off the plane. I made these arrangements ahead of time so that we were met with a wheelchair when transferring flights and when we deplaned.
- Call The Hotel – Since many European hotels can have small rooms and bathrooms, I called the hotel ahead of time and asked for a wheelchair accessible room. That way, I knew she would have plenty of room to maneuver with her walker.
- Locate Medical Help and Pharmacies Before Leaving – Since we would be visiting two areas of France, I made sure I had the addresses and phone numbers of medical facilities, hospitals and pharmacies near where we would be staying. It gave me piece of mind to know that I would know where to go if an emergency arose.
- Check Insurance Coverage – It was important for me to ensure we both had adequate travel health insurance coverage. I also took it one step further and determined whether the hospitals where we were visiting would take our insurance coverage. Again – a little piece of mind…
We ended up having a lovely trip to France and didn’t encounter any problems with her health or disability. In fact, I think she was more spry and fit than I’ve seen her in a long time! Since I was prepared in case of any emergencies, I was able to enjoy our time and relax. Hope these few tips help you with your future travel plans with a loved one!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Lovely Hotel Lotti!
As part of a Virgin Vacations France vacation deal, I was able to stay at the gorgeous Hotel Lotti Paris - and what a treat it was! This hotel dates back to 1910 and is the epitome of luxury.
Let’s start with the location - it doesn’t get much better than Hotel Lotti. Located on jewelry row on rue de Castiglione, it is an ideal locale for anyone wanting to visit tourist attractions like the Louvre, the Opera House, and the rue du Faubourg Saint Honore. Really, this hotel is about the best location possible. Bring a good pair of walking shoes and Paris is at your doorstep.
Now, back to the hotel. As soon as I entered the lobby, I knew that I was in for something truly special. I hadn’t really done any prior research on the hotel, so I was really surprised and pleased by the caliber of this place. As soon as you check in, you note the training of the staff - they really seem to want you to enjoy your stay.
As for the room, I was in a deluxe room and it had everything I needed. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the room, as it was rather large - especially by European standards. Even the bathroom was spacious! One thing to note, depending on where you are located in the hotel, street traffic can be noisy - so be prepared with earplugs or request a room higher up to drown out traffic noise. The hotel also has a newer wing, as I was in the older part of the hotel I can’t comment on rooms in that area - although I’ve since read that rooms in the original part of the hotel are larger!
If you don’t like to pay too much for meals during your travels, then I would avoid room service and the hotel bar, as they were really pricey. There are loads of dining options surrounding the hotel - so if you are on a budget - try them instead!
One thing I needed that wasn’t in our room was an iron and ironing board. However, just one quick call to the front desk, and one was delivered to our room within five minutes! One example of the impressive service we received during our stay!
Another thing to note if you will be staying at the Lotti… While I was there a couple of unscrupulous guys were trying a scam where they pick up a gold ring in front of you and try to talk you into to buying it from them for a ‘deal price’. They were persistent and tried it on us a couple of times! Just walk away if you are approached.
All in all, I loved my stay at Hotel Lotti. The staff was polite, helpful and added to the ambiance of the stay. The rooms were spacious, clean and well equipped. The location of the hotel cannot be beat… I cannot wait for another trip to Paris and another stay at Hotel Lotti!
Monday, February 04, 2008
Planning A Destination Wedding
A hot idea right now is the destination wedding. That’s where the engaged couple, family, and friends head down to a particular destination and the couple exchanges their vows and often has their honeymoon at the same time.
Planning a destination wedding is quite a bit different from planning a wedding in your own town since it involves travel and picking everything you need from a far. So whether you’ve always dreamed of getting married in France, exchanging vows on a beautiful beach in Tahiti or basically any location you fancy, it is a great way to celebrate the start of your new lives together.
Here are just a few tips for any of you who might be planning your own destination wedding!
- Truth be told, a destination wedding can be less expensive than a traditional wedding! Even with the travel, reception, dress etc. the bill will likely add up to far less than if you would had the wedding in your hometown. The reason they are usually less expensive is that they don’t have as many guests and depending on the hotel/resort, you may be able to pick an all inclusive or package deal to save you money.
- The guest list – Well, your guest list is wholly dependent on your budget and of course, which friends and family are willing to part with serious cash and vacation time to join you. It’s best to set realistic expectations and recognize that your guest list will be small because not everyone can afford the travel costs associated with your wedding.
- Plan early and let guests know – With a destination wedding, you need to give your guests as much notice as possible. They will want to make arrangements to take time off work and to determine if the trip is in their budget. A cute way to let guests know is to send ‘save the date cards’ at least six months (more is preferable) in advance.
- Find someone to help you – It is imperative that you have a wedding planner or someone on site at the hotel/resort where you are getting married to handle the planning, secure the vendors and handle all the details. Many hotels/resorts offer package deals that include a coordinator to help you.
- Details are important – You need to understand the legalities involved with getting married in another country so that you can be assured that your marriage is legal when you return to the United States. Check out the US State Department to get all the details on getting married in various countries.
Above all else, a destination wedding should be a fun and fabulous time with your loved ones and friends. With careful planning, there is no doubt that the wedding will be an event long remembered by those in attendance! Have Fun!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Healthy Kid Snacks For Traveling!
With the lack of food available on planes nowadays, it has become very important for anyone traveling with children to be prepared. Rather than resorting to the overpriced junk that the airlines will sell you, by simply packing a few simple snacks you fill their hungry tummies with healthy food.
Here are some tips to help!
- Chopped fruit and veggie sticks. If you will be going through customs and immigration when you land, you can bring fruits and veggies with you on board. Grapes, cherries, and bananas are ideal because they don’t require any prior preparation other than washing! Just be sure you finish up your fruit and veggie snacks before landing because many countries will not allow you to bring in fruits and vegetables.
- With your snacks, it is important to try to get a balance between carbs, protein, fat and fiber. Consider cheese and crackers, celery with peanut butter, tortilla chips and bean dip.
- Bake some healthy muffins beforehand and bring them with you. It’s a great idea to make mini muffins because they are the ideal size for smaller appetites.
- Trail mix is another easy idea for traveling. Include an assortment of nuts and dried fruit and maybe even some dark chocolate pieces for a sweet addition.
- With the new liquid rules, you cannot bring bottled water or juices with you. However, when the flight attendants come by, request juice or water instead of a soft drink. Remember to have your children drink plenty of water while they are on board so that they stay hydrated.
- Pack all your snacks in small containers that are easily accessible in your carryon baggage. That way, you can refill your containers when you reach your vacation destination so that you always have healthy snacks for when the kids whine – ‘I’m hungry’!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Five Reasons You Should Visit Rome in 2008!
Buon giorno! I went to Rome last year – yes, I was lucky enough to visit this city and let me tell you, it was amazing! I’ve been talking about it to anybody who will listen, so I finally thought it was time for me to shut up and write down my top five reasons to make a trip to Rome!
- Art – Simply put, Italy has an amazing amount of art, paintings, sculptures, monuments, masterpieces etc. Rome itself houses many of these and any art lover could spend every moment discovering art covering nearly 2,800 years at the various galleries and museums.
- The Vatican – Even if you don’t belong to the Catholic Church, a visit to the Vatican is a necessity. Did you know that Vatican City is the world’s richest country in the world per square foot? I digress; at the Vatican you can see priceless treasures, climb the top of the dome and visit St. Peters Basilica (don’t forget to take in the view).
- Food – O.k. food is very important to me when I travel and Rome certainly didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed a huge range of restaurants suiting a variety of budgets! Of course, you’ll want to indulge in pizza and fresh pasta until you are blue in the face! Don’t forget to enjoy a nice glass of Italian wine too!
- Weather – You can basically visit Rome at any time of the year. The weather it typically sunny and pleasant!
- Heritage – There is a great history and heritage in Rome that is unlike any other place I’ve visited. From the amazing architecture, the melodious language and wonderful people, this place oozes Italian heritage and is definitely worth a visit.
I hope you plan a trip to Rome sometime soon. Oh yeah, I just so happened to book a package with Virgin Vacations and it was awesome. All the details were taken care of!
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The ultimate blog about the wonderful world of vacation travel brought to you by Virgin Vacations. Learn what you need to know to get the most out of your next vacation. Virgin Vacations is the way life should be.
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