4.18.2014
4.16.2014
Credit Cards
I am often asked what credit cards I travel with and which cards I think offer the best rewards. My current choices are the Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa and Platinum American Express.
The Chase Visa offers some great sign up bonuses if you look for them, the Ultimate Rewards program lets you move points to many different travel partners, sometimes with a bonus. And the card doesn't charge any foreign transaction fees while traveling and uses the new "Chip & Sign" technology. Making it easier to use in Europe.
I keep the AmEx Platinum for its great travel benefits, lounges access, no foreign transaction fees, chip & sign technology, a decent rewards program, car rental insurance, lost baggage coverage, a long list.
My previous choice, the Chase British Airways card is still a good option if they run the 100,000 miles sign up bonus. I'm about to take my 4th trip to Europe this summer in First Class using the miles from this and a few other promotions Chase had.
Whichever card you choose, be sure to look for sign up bonuses and read all the card details for things like annual fees, foreign transaction costs, etc.
A service I offer my clients is award ticket booking. It can sometimes be difficult to find availability if you don't know how and where to look for flights. There are a lot of great tools available and this is one of my specialities.
The Chase Visa offers some great sign up bonuses if you look for them, the Ultimate Rewards program lets you move points to many different travel partners, sometimes with a bonus. And the card doesn't charge any foreign transaction fees while traveling and uses the new "Chip & Sign" technology. Making it easier to use in Europe.
I keep the AmEx Platinum for its great travel benefits, lounges access, no foreign transaction fees, chip & sign technology, a decent rewards program, car rental insurance, lost baggage coverage, a long list.
My previous choice, the Chase British Airways card is still a good option if they run the 100,000 miles sign up bonus. I'm about to take my 4th trip to Europe this summer in First Class using the miles from this and a few other promotions Chase had.
Whichever card you choose, be sure to look for sign up bonuses and read all the card details for things like annual fees, foreign transaction costs, etc.
A service I offer my clients is award ticket booking. It can sometimes be difficult to find availability if you don't know how and where to look for flights. There are a lot of great tools available and this is one of my specialities.
9.22.2013
Royal Caribbean Offers Onboard Spending Credit of Up to $300
Royal Caribbean International is offering travelers onboard spending credit for cruises sailing from a U.S. port. Vacationers who book a cruise from Sept. 23 through Oct. 15, 2013, on any Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean or Alaska sailing, will receive an onboard credit of up to $300 per stateroom when sailing between Nov. 1 and June 30, 2014. Guests can apply their onboard credit toward a range of new specialty dining options, shore excursions, or a spa treatment.
The cruise offers Gold Anchor Service from every staff and crew member exclusively on Royal Caribbean. Vacationers who book up to a five-night Royal Caribbean cruise will receive $25 onboard credit per Interior and Oceanview stateroom, $50 per Balcony- and Junior Suite-category stateroom, or $150 per Grand Suite or higher category stateroom.
Vacationers who make a booking on sailings of six-nights or longer will receive $25 onboard credit per Interior and Oceanview stateroom, $100 per Balcony stateroom and Junior Suite-category stateroom, or $300 per Grand Suite or higher category stateroom. The winter offer is applicable for all new individual U.S. and Canadian bookings.
For more information please contact me.
6.26.2013
5.25.2013
Traveling to Europe This Summer? Top 10 Things You’ll Need to Pack Before You Go
So you think you’re ready for your trip to Europe, huh? Guess again. Until you’ve packed, re-packed, and whittled down your belongings to only the essentials, you won’t realize that you’re missing the most essential elements.
Below we’ve listed (in descending order) the most important things that most families traveling to Europe forget to bring. Read on to find out what you’re missing from your luggage.
10. Sunscreen
Whether you’ll be on the sunny beaches of Spain or the rainy moors of Scotland, you can easily ruin your trip in a matter of hours if you don’t protect yourself from the elements. Remember, the sun’s UV rays can still burn your skin through the clouds, and direct sunlight can even burn your skin through some types of clothing. So don’t take the risk!
9. Speedos
Hey, you’ll be in Europe. Do as the Europeans do!
8. Language Dictionary
These days, you rarely have to learn much of the European languages unless you plan on spending time away from tourist destinations or major cities. And even if you’re in Paris or Berlin, you still may run into lots of signs and informational boards written in other languages, like Chinese or Japanese. Still, a dictionary allows you to quickly communicate, and that can be a life saver.
7. Pouches for Travel Documents
If you lose your passport (or it gets stolen) while traveling abroad, call the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs office as soon as possible. This link will take you to the department’s website, which is full of information about how to protect your identity, your documents and yourself while spending time traveling in Europe.
Keep such information with you in organized pouches as you travel; you never know when you may need help out of a jam.
6. A Small Bag
Packing another bag in your luggage seems extraneous, but having that small purse, fanny pack, or backpack during your daily trips into the city gives you somewhere to keep your guidebook, camera, and other small items and souvenirs. You’ll have free hands, plenty of storage space, and an extra accessory for your outfit.
5. GPS
When you take your family to Europe, be sure to pre-load maps onto your GPS device. It will load faster and give you better control over where you’re headed. Plus, you can also pre-load destinations and sights you want to check out while you’re there.
4. Flashlight
This is one of those things you’ll wish you had if you didn’t bring it, but probably won’t need if you do. Still, if you’re traveling to the European countryside or to Eastern Europe, you may want to consider bringing a small flashlight in case you’re in an area where consistent electricity is hard to come by.
3. Universal Power Adapters
The biggest shock you’ll get in Europe literally deals with the electric plug in the walls of your hotel or hostel. Europe uses different standardized electrical receptors than we do in the U.S. That means your laptop or Kindle won’t charge unless you grab an adapter pack. These packs include virtually all of the plugs you’ll need wherever in the world you are, so keep them in a safe place or risk being caught without the next two items on our list.
2. Digital Camera
When you’re taking pictures in Europe, your iPhone just won’t cut it. Spend a few hundred bucks and get a real digital camera that lets you zoom in, record video and tag your images with GPS coordinates. They even make cameras now that automatically upload pictures to Facebook, as long as you’re within reach of a WiFi hotspot. And with our number one item, you will be.
1. Global Mobile MiFi Hotspot
For around $14.95 a day, you and your family can have unlimited access to the Internet no matter where you go. This MiFi hotspot is specifically designated to work in the country (or countries) you’ll be visiting so you’re never stuck without the web. Connect to Facebook, Twitter, your email accounts, and even your secure business servers on the go.
This pocket-sized hotspot is battery powered, provides a signal for up to five simultaneous devices, and covers an area with a 30-foot radius. Best of all, there are no overage charges like there are with your cell phone company. Access your foreign language support apps, travel documentation and even upload your family’s best pictures so your family and friends can join in on your adventure.
5.24.2013
Frontier Announces Nonstop Service From Denver to Eugene
New service from Eugene. Lots of connection options through Denver.
Denver-Eugene (beginning May 16, 2013)
Route Departs Arrives Frequency Aircraft
DEN-EUG 12:15 p.m. 1:55 p.m. Tues, Thurs, Sun A319
EUG-DEN 2:35 p.m. 6:05 p.m. Tues, Thurs, Sun A319
Denver-Eugene (beginning May 16, 2013)
Route Departs Arrives Frequency Aircraft
DEN-EUG 12:15 p.m. 1:55 p.m. Tues, Thurs, Sun A319
EUG-DEN 2:35 p.m. 6:05 p.m. Tues, Thurs, Sun A319
2.01.2012
8.30.2011
Free Museum Day
In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket...for free.
Read more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/#ixzz1WXdxOdMz
8.04.2011
Fantastically free attractions around the world
From BBC Travel:
Located in Casablanca, the Mosquée Hassan II is considered the world’s fifth largest.
Some cities like London and New York have enough exceptional free activities to easily fill a week. Other destinations want money from you for something as simple as peeking in the front door (Le Grand Casino in Monte Carlo), sitting down for a few minutes (Las Ramblas in Barcelona), or voiding your bladder (pretty much all of Norway).
Here are a few free attractions that are indisputably superior to others and, in many cases, completely outshine their un-free neighbours.
The Roof Gardens, London
Located one hundred feet above Kensington High Street, the 1.5-acreRoof Gardens are comprised of three different style: the Spanish Garden, Tudor Garden and English Woodland. Unfortunately, its popularity means this freebie is frequently closed for special events.
Located one hundred feet above Kensington High Street, the 1.5-acreRoof Gardens are comprised of three different style: the Spanish Garden, Tudor Garden and English Woodland. Unfortunately, its popularity means this freebie is frequently closed for special events.
Street art, Buenos AiresThe Argentinean capital is full of streets known for outdoor artistic expression, including La Boca, Caminito and Calle Lanín. To find the bestoutdoor street art, follow one of the self-tour maps and itineraries from Buenos Aires’ official tourism site.
St Peter’s Basilica, Rome
In addition to being one of the world’s holiest Catholic sites, St Peter’s Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, capable of holding 60,000 people. It contains works by Michelangelo (notably the dome), Raphael and Bramante among many others.
In addition to being one of the world’s holiest Catholic sites, St Peter’s Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, capable of holding 60,000 people. It contains works by Michelangelo (notably the dome), Raphael and Bramante among many others.
Bahá’í House of Worship (aka Lotus Temple), Delhi
Completed in 1986, the Lotus Temple serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent and is famous for its award-winning, flowerlike architectural design.
Completed in 1986, the Lotus Temple serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent and is famous for its award-winning, flowerlike architectural design.
Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC
The world’s largest museum and research complex includes 20 free attractions, like the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum and the National Zoological Park.
The world’s largest museum and research complex includes 20 free attractions, like the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum and the National Zoological Park.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris (aka Notre Dame), Paris
One of the world’s great landmarks, Notre Dame took more than 200 years to construct, including its (at the time) cutting-edge flying buttresses, three spectacular sections of stained glass windows and a 7,800 pipe organ. Incredibly detailed, free English language tours run on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 pm and Saturdays at 2:30 pm. Bonus freebie: if you are in the neighbourhood after 6 pm on Fridays, or on the first Sunday of the month, cross the river for free entry to the mammothLouvre Museum.
One of the world’s great landmarks, Notre Dame took more than 200 years to construct, including its (at the time) cutting-edge flying buttresses, three spectacular sections of stained glass windows and a 7,800 pipe organ. Incredibly detailed, free English language tours run on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 pm and Saturdays at 2:30 pm. Bonus freebie: if you are in the neighbourhood after 6 pm on Fridays, or on the first Sunday of the month, cross the river for free entry to the mammothLouvre Museum.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
There are remarkable markets around the world, but few compare in historical significance and sheer size to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Opened in 1461, it is one of the largest covered markets in the world, comprised of more than 58 streets and more than 4,000 shops.
There are remarkable markets around the world, but few compare in historical significance and sheer size to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Opened in 1461, it is one of the largest covered markets in the world, comprised of more than 58 streets and more than 4,000 shops.
Mosquée Hassan II, Casablanca
Morocco’s largest mosque -- and the fifth largest in the world -- has a glass floor, the world’s tallest minaret and a retractable roof. Non-Muslims may only enter the building on guided tours, but everyone is free to wander the grounds.
Morocco’s largest mosque -- and the fifth largest in the world -- has a glass floor, the world’s tallest minaret and a retractable roof. Non-Muslims may only enter the building on guided tours, but everyone is free to wander the grounds.
Central-Mid-Levels escalator, Hong Kong
This 800-metre-long, outdoor covered escalator is the largest system of its kind in the world. Opened in 1993, it carries people up the 135m from the Central Business District to the Mid-Levels residential neighbourhood.
This 800-metre-long, outdoor covered escalator is the largest system of its kind in the world. Opened in 1993, it carries people up the 135m from the Central Business District to the Mid-Levels residential neighbourhood.
Gateway of India, Mumbai
Stand under the monumental arch that faces Mumbai Harbour and bask in the chaos of touts and laughing kids. It is a fitting start to a trip to India.
Stand under the monumental arch that faces Mumbai Harbour and bask in the chaos of touts and laughing kids. It is a fitting start to a trip to India.
6.01.2011
Expanding Hotel Loyalty Rewards
Anyone who knows me knows that I love frequent flyer programs, American Express Membership Rewards, and hotel frequent traveler programs. Now you can earn rewards on stays at small independent hotels. The following is an article from the New York Times:
TRAVELERS who prefer boutique hotels to big cookie-cutter brands have long faced a trade-off. While often more charming and memorable than your typical chain hotel, most independent hotels don’t offer loyalty programs.
Not anymore. In an effort to compete head to head with chains, small hotel brands and individual boutiques have begun joining together to create their own loyalty programs with perks that reflect the personalized service and local flair that independent hotels tend to offer.
Full article on New York Times website
TRAVELERS who prefer boutique hotels to big cookie-cutter brands have long faced a trade-off. While often more charming and memorable than your typical chain hotel, most independent hotels don’t offer loyalty programs.
Not anymore. In an effort to compete head to head with chains, small hotel brands and individual boutiques have begun joining together to create their own loyalty programs with perks that reflect the personalized service and local flair that independent hotels tend to offer.
Full article on New York Times website
4.13.2011
4.05.2011
Scheduled commercial air service returns to Salem Oregon
Salem City Council approved an agreement Monday night that will re-start commercial air service to its newly upgraded airport.
SeaPort Airlines will operate two flights a day from Salem to Seattle, with a stop in Portland. The morning and afternoon flights on nine-passenger aircraft will start April 27, one week after a grand opening of the airport’s newly expanded terminal. A recent airport upgrade featured a 4,000-square-foot addition to the terminal building and remodeling of 1,600 square foot of the existing terminal.
“We are excited to be entering into this partnership with the city,” said Rob McKinney, the president of SeaPort Airlines. “Salem can no longer be the answer to the trivia question of which state capital does not have air service.”
4.04.2011
Delta Airlines check-in procedures
It appears that Delta Airlines may be enforcing a seldom used rule for passengers checking in for flights. That is, Delta may require you to present the Credit Card used for the purchase of the airline ticket when checking in. There have been reports of passengers being denied boarding if they cannot produce the credit card and matching ID used for booking the flight.
Here is the specific rule:
Credit Card Presentation
To safeguard against credit card fraud, the purchaser may have to show us the credit card along with a valid photo ID. The time varies based on the billing address of the credit card or the country of travel. If the purchaser is not traveling, they can show us their credit card and ID at an airport ticket counter or another ticket office location, whichever is most convenient.
To safeguard against credit card fraud, the purchaser may have to show us the credit card along with a valid photo ID. The time varies based on the billing address of the credit card or the country of travel. If the purchaser is not traveling, they can show us their credit card and ID at an airport ticket counter or another ticket office location, whichever is most convenient.
It has always been my recommendation to my clients that they travel with the credit card used to purchase the tickets, especially for international travel, this is just a reminder.
4.03.2011
Think your airline ticket was a good deal?
You may get a good ticket price, but don't forget to factor in the hidden costs, like checked baggage fee's. Here is a good posting from AirFareWatchDog.com:
Airline | First checked bag | Second checked bag | Additional bags | Overweight bags | Oversized bags |
Airtran | $0 $15 ($20 effective Sept 1 2010) | $10 paid online, $20 at airport $25 | $50 | 51-70 lbs (23-32kgs): $29 $39 71 to 99 lbs: $69 $79 | 62-70 total linear inches: $29 $39; 71-80 inches $69 $79 |
Alaska | $15; $20 | $0 $20 | 3rd, $20; 4th or more $50 each | 51-100 lbs: $50 | 63-80 inches: $50; 81-115 inches: $75 |
Allegiant | At flight check in, $35; gate checked bag: $35; purchased online: $14.99-$29.99 | At flight check in, $35; gate checked bag: $35; purchased online: $14.99-$29.99 | "Subject to additional fees" | "Subject to additional fees" | "Subject to additional fees" |
American | $25 ($15 $25 to/from Canada; free for travel to/from US to Caribbean, Europe and India) | $35 ($30 $35 to/from Canada; $30 to/from Caribbean; $50 $60 for travel to/from US and Europe and India) | Bags 3-5: $100; 6th or more: $200 $150 | 51-70 lbs (23-32kgs): $50 $60; 71-100 lbs: $100 (bags over 70lbs not accepted on some international routes) | 63 inches and over: $150 (to/from UK max size is 80 linear inches) |
Continental | $23 ($2 more if not paid online) | $32 ($3 more if not paid online) $30 to/from Mexico, South America (exc. Brazil), $50 to/from Europe and India | 3 or more bags each: $100 to/from US, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgins; $150 to/from Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America; $200 other routes. | 51-70 lbs (23-32kgs): $50 $100 to/from US, Canada and Puerto Rico; $200 other routes; Over 70 lbs not accepted. | 63 inches and over: $100 $200 |
Delta | $23 ($2 more if not paid online) | $32 ($3 more if not paid online) $50 for European travel | For travel within the US and Canada: Third bag: $125; Bags 4 to 10 $200 each; For travel to/from Europe: no charge for first or second; $200 for 3-10 extra bags see Delta additional, overweight and oversized fees | 51-70 lbs (23-32kgs): $90 ($150 for travel outside US; bags over 70 lbs not allowed on some international routes) | 63-80 total linear inches: $150 $175 |
Frontier | $0 $15 $20 | $25 $30 $20 | $50 | 51-100 lbs: $75 | 63-80 inches: $75 |
JetBlue | $0 | $20 $30 $35 | $75 | 51-70 lbs: $50; 71-99 lbs: $100 | 63-80 inches: $75 |
Spirit | Note: if you change planes, you may be charged for each leg for all these fees. Checked bags: $28 paid online ($38 if paid at airport); $5 international. Carry on bag $30 online, $40-45 at airport; $20 for $9 Club members (one "personal item" free) | $35 online or $45 at airport; $5 more for international | Bags 3-5: $95 at airport; $85 online; $5 for international flights. | 41-50 lbs $25; 51-70 lbs $50; 71 to 99 lbs: $100 | 62-79 inches: $100; 80 inches and over: $150 |
Southwest | $0 | $0 | 3-9: $50; 10 and more: $110 | 51 -100 lbs: $50 | 62-80 inches: $50 |
United | $25 ($2 discount if paid online) | $35 ($3 discount if paid online); to/from US and Canada or South/Central America $30 (effective Mar 9 2011) | Within and between US, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgins: $100 (effective Mar 9, 2011); 5th or more: $250 | Within and between US, Canada, Puerto Rico and US Virgins: 51-70 lbs $100 each; 71-99.9 lbs $200 each; other routes: $400 | Within and between US, Canada, Puerto Rico and US Virgins: more than 62 linear inches: $100; Other routes: $200 |
US Airways | $25 at airport, $23 online | $35 at airport, $32 online, $50, online, to Europe ($55 at airport) | Bags 3-9: $125 | 51-70 lbs (23-32kgs): $70 $90 71 to 99 lbs: $120 $175 | 62-80 total linear inches: $100 $175 |
USA 3000 | $15 if bought online, $25 otherwise | $25 | Extra bags "subject to availability" | Over 50 lbs $25 extra; Over 70 lbs. Not accepted | |
Virgin America | $25 (up to 70 pounds) | $25 (up to 50 lbs) | Bags 3-10 $25 | 51-70 lbs $50; 71-100 lbs $100 | $50 (63-80 linear inches) |
3.06.2011
Apple Tech - What I have learned in the last year...
The last 12 month's were big if you are an Apple fanatic like me.
First came the iPad
and then the new MacBook Air
and then the new MacBook Pro's
and finally word of a new iPad
and don't forget the iPhone 4 at Verizon.
iPhone 4 - I love my iPhone 4, I have the GSM model from AT&T and I don't plan on switching to Verizon, why? Because the AT&T model operates on a GSM network I can use the phone outside of the USA in many of the places I travel. The CDMA version that Verizon sells is much more limited.
iPad vs MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air - I have a late 2008 model 17" MacBook Pro, and while I love the performance of the computer, it's just too heavy for me to travel with as much as I'm getting on and off airplanes. So I thought the iPad would be a great solution. No heavy laptop to carry, full email and web functionality, and fun to use.
My 3g/WiFi 64GB iPad was delivered on the first day they were available. And I have to say it's one the best pieces of technology I have ever owned. Light enough to keep with me wherever I am, easy to connect via WiFi and 3G so I always have access to email and the web. I though this was THE SOLUTION.
But my first "experiment" where I travelled to Europe without a laptop was a bit frustrating. It was easy enough to connect to WiFi, and to pick up a 3G SIM for local data service. But I did run into a few obstacles. One time the iPad would not authenticate into my hotels WiFi service, I think this was an issue with 3.0 IOS system, so the upgrade to 4.0 should have fixed the issue. The second problem was I couldn't access the configuration utility for an AirPort Express wireless router I travel with. I hope Apple addresses this issue and releases an App for that. And third was that I needed Windows and Internet Explorer to run a few work applications, so I had to hunt down a computer at my hotel to run those applications.
So while I was generally happy traveling with just the iPad it didn't quite meet all my needs.
And then along came the MacBook Air. The moment I held it in my hands I was in love. Light weight, yet still a fully powered laptop. I bought the 13" "fully loaded" model, added Windows 7 in Boot Camp and Parallels so I could run the Windows applications I needed for work, and I had the perfect machine.
What I love about the MacBook Air:
Lightweight
Fully functioning Mac OS X operating system & Windows 7
Great battery life
Lighting fast start ups and shut down due to a SSD drive instead of a conventional hard drive
It runs very cool because of the SSD, no heat from a hard drive
Great design
So now I have my travel line-up:
iPhone 4.0 AT&T - email, maps on the go, great camera, travel app's
iPad - games, email, movies on the plane, internet access, 3G data service
MacBook Air - fully functioning operating systems, Mac & Windows, light weight, very portable
AirPort Express - create my own secure network while traveling for all my devices to share
And it all fits nicely in this great travel bag from Tumi:
First came the iPad
and then the new MacBook Air
and then the new MacBook Pro's
and finally word of a new iPad
and don't forget the iPhone 4 at Verizon.
iPad vs MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air - I have a late 2008 model 17" MacBook Pro, and while I love the performance of the computer, it's just too heavy for me to travel with as much as I'm getting on and off airplanes. So I thought the iPad would be a great solution. No heavy laptop to carry, full email and web functionality, and fun to use.
My 3g/WiFi 64GB iPad was delivered on the first day they were available. And I have to say it's one the best pieces of technology I have ever owned. Light enough to keep with me wherever I am, easy to connect via WiFi and 3G so I always have access to email and the web. I though this was THE SOLUTION.
But my first "experiment" where I travelled to Europe without a laptop was a bit frustrating. It was easy enough to connect to WiFi, and to pick up a 3G SIM for local data service. But I did run into a few obstacles. One time the iPad would not authenticate into my hotels WiFi service, I think this was an issue with 3.0 IOS system, so the upgrade to 4.0 should have fixed the issue. The second problem was I couldn't access the configuration utility for an AirPort Express wireless router I travel with. I hope Apple addresses this issue and releases an App for that. And third was that I needed Windows and Internet Explorer to run a few work applications, so I had to hunt down a computer at my hotel to run those applications.
So while I was generally happy traveling with just the iPad it didn't quite meet all my needs.
And then along came the MacBook Air. The moment I held it in my hands I was in love. Light weight, yet still a fully powered laptop. I bought the 13" "fully loaded" model, added Windows 7 in Boot Camp and Parallels so I could run the Windows applications I needed for work, and I had the perfect machine.
What I love about the MacBook Air:
Lightweight
Fully functioning Mac OS X operating system & Windows 7
Great battery life
Lighting fast start ups and shut down due to a SSD drive instead of a conventional hard drive
It runs very cool because of the SSD, no heat from a hard drive
Great design
So now I have my travel line-up:
iPhone 4.0 AT&T - email, maps on the go, great camera, travel app's
iPad - games, email, movies on the plane, internet access, 3G data service
MacBook Air - fully functioning operating systems, Mac & Windows, light weight, very portable
AirPort Express - create my own secure network while traveling for all my devices to share
And it all fits nicely in this great travel bag from Tumi:
3.01.2011
Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Peru - Someplace new
The new Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa is an eco-friendly property built in glass and stone that sits beside the Vilcanota River in Peru's Urubamba Valley. The 128-room complex centers on a gorgeous two-pool spa, an ideal place to relax after hiking or cycling the quinoa-covered grounds or a day trip up to Machu Picchu on the recently opened Urubamba train line.
Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado stands as a contemporary doorway to the vast cultural, historical, and natural richness of this enchanted region—and signals the start of an inspired journey.
The only hotel in Urubamba with a private train station to Machu Picchu, we go to every length to ensure an indelible stay, offering refined dining, a therapeutic spa, and premier fitness center, along with an emerald lagoon and blooming riverside gardens.
In homage to the ancient legacy of the region, each of our 128 elegantly designed rooms including 12 suites harmonize with the rich beauty of the surrounding area and offer mesmerizing views of the Andes and the Vilcanota River from private balconies.
Consider Peru for a multi-destination vacation. Lima for culture, history, great restaurants and a true urban experience, Cuzco and Machu Picchu for out of this world scenery and history.
2.27.2011
Keeping Venice from Sinking
Slowly, gradually, Venice is sinking. In the last century, the marshy land that the city sits on has lowered by about 11 inches.
But the far greater threat is the rate at which the sea level is rising. In recent years, Venice's acqua alta, or high water, has resulted in an average of 100 floods a year. The increasing sea level is largely a consequence of climate change.
Since the Great Flood of 1966, which displaced 5,000 people from their homes and destroyed $6 billion worth of treasured artwork, Italy has been working on a plan to fight back the waters of the Adriatic Sea. That plan has become Italy's biggest public works project ever.
The MOSE Project, or Experimental Electromechanical Module Project, is scheduled to begin operating next year. MOSE, named after Moses and the parting of the Red Sea, is a system of floodgates seeking to protect the Venetian Lagoon from becoming inundated with water from the sea. When inactive, the gates will lay flat on the seafloor; when water levels rise, they will be pumped full of air and rise above the surface to block sea water.
This project is so controversial, though, that it took almost four decades of political fighting for construction to start. Eight years and several billion dollars later, experts are still unsure about MOSE's ability to save Venice.
Pictures from my own trip to Venice in 2010, luckily it was dry. But clients that were in Venice later that year during a high tide/full moon experienced a flooded Venice.
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