WhereDaily - Top 10 2010 Travel Scams

Top 10 Travel Scams for 2010
WWW.WHEREDAILY.COM
January 29, 2010

  

The top ten travel scams for 2010 are the same top ten travel scams of 2009. There is nothing new under the sun in the travel fraud department - only new players, new places and new ways of playing. Whether the advice comes from the wisdom of trained perps, jaded police or overly concerned parents it has teeth. And it is simply this:

* Do your research, know your prices.

* Keep your valuables on you and safe inside a sealed pocket or inside pouch

* Know the currency and carry a lot of small bills in US denominations.

* Do not step into un-metered or unofficial taxis; do not accept involved unsolicited help; do not act too open, bored or friendly.

* If a gypsy tosses a baby at you, put your hands in your pockets and scat.

Unless, of course, you have nothing to lose. Wandering unfettered through foreign cities has its virtues. The Escape Diva here evaded many scams in her youth as she simply did not have any thing to steal. Even the charming snake handler at Jama-al-Fna Square in Marrakech had been out-scammed when the boa constrictor he placed around her neck -- and would not remove unless paid his ransom --had to chase after this unlikely victim - who refused to pay him anything and started to run off with the snake around her head.

According to such experts as Kevin Coffey,  a former police detective and scam expert as well as others with expert input into the game, the following acts of conartistry contend for the Oscars of travel fraud.

1)    The $500 Travel Agent. This scam has been around since the mid 1990s and offers would-be travelers travel agent credentials for the price of about $500. The credentials are supposed to bring incredible hotel and cruise discounts and a host freebies just for being a part of this bogus "agency." But the days of the agent comps are as gone as brick-sized cell phones and the only benefits here might be the jazzy sales motivation talks and the monthly newsletter.

2)    The Free Trip. Whether you have won a trip to some island in the Bahamas or a gate pass to Disneyland just for picking up your mail or clicking a pop-up box, chances are you will be asked to fork over $100 for an "admin" fee for a trip that does not exist.

3)    The Up Front Cashout. This really did happen - to the Los Angeles Times Travel Editor Catharine Hamm. The editor had wedding plans set for a spot on the island of Oahu. However, a few weeks before the wedding she had to change venues and found the perfect place nearby through research on the Internet. She contacted the leasing agency and the agent asked her to quickly wire the funds - nearly $5,000 - to the "owner's" bank account in Texas, as time was short. After wiring the money, Hamm requested the accompanying papers - which never came.

4)    The Discount Travel Club. Unless this is a club of like-minded pals who want to ski or beach together, the discounted travel promised for the price of admission is likely too good to be true or something you could gain for yourself. Use a travel agent and pay with a credit card. Even if an agent can't cinch that extra $25 off the trip you want, as seen on some fleeting site in the middle of the night, he or she can offer assurances that the room you get is the room you want - on the ocean, not ten blocks away. And should anything go wrong, you're covered. Peace of mind? $25 please.

5)    The Lady with the Baby. This happens in Europe a lot: a gypsy woman carrying a baby in a blanket walks toward you and suddenly tosses the child into your arms. Nearby partners in crime grab your purse, wallet, camera, whatever can be snatched in the confusion and run away, leaving you to care for the doll or log you just caught.

6)    The Newspaper in Your Face. Kids, usually Gypsy children, pass you in a chaos of laughter, conversations and newspapers. While waving the newspapers in your face to block your vision and disorient you, the cagey youths run through your pockets and grab your bag-and everything else they can grab.

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7)    Five for Fifty. This bait and switch is common in Turkey where the denominations in questions look similar, but it is certainly duplicated to perfection in other destinations as well - including the cash register at your local 7-11. You get into a cab, get a estimate for a fare, pay the fare when you get there with a 50 note, which the driver drops and exchanges for a 5 and exclaims that you gave him a 5 not a 50.

8)   The English Student. One of the most rewarding experiences of travel is spontaneous interaction and adventures with local residents. Indeed, Escape Diva has discovered hidden dumpling houses in Shanghai, friendly hookah dens in Sanaa, even bohemian coffee houses in Addis Abeba with the help of friendly locals - often students - who want to practice their English. But chances are you will be paying for dinner for your host and several of his friends in the transaction, and even buying his family a few bags of groceries while you are at it.

9)   Waiting for the Bus. Whether your adversaries are on bicycle, running through a crowd or offering a friendly dose of help in a bustling bus station, it's your bags they want - not your smiling face. A common scene has travelers waiting for their ride on a street in Barcelona as thieves on bicycles grab a purse from a woman nearby. She screams. The travelers drop their bags and run after the purse-snatchers while cohorts in the shadows run for the bags. Similarly, you are struggling with your luggage at a train or bus terminal. A nice guy insistently offers a hand to help and helps himself to your belongings.

10)   The Cut and Roll. This classic comes from Detective Kevin Coffey who had made a post-department career in lecturing about travel scams and fraud to travel groups and meeting planners. You are on line at the security gate at an airport. Suddenly, one or two people cut in line and get through the scanner ahead of you. They go through your things while you are stuck in place and disappear into the terminal - and out - with your cell phone and your wallet.

Extra Credit - In Paris look out for the "lost ring" scam.  A woman will approach you, bend over and pick up a ring and ask you if you just lost it.  She expects you to say yes, take the ring, and then give her a reward.  This happened to me in Paris by the Eiffel Tower last year.  It was almost comical how text book the scam was.  And no I didn't fall for it!

Safe Travels!

-Doug

WhereDaily - Morocco

La Mamounia: Still Magnificent
WWW.WHEREDAILY.COM
February 2, 2010

If it looks like a movie set, that is because it is. Mamounia has played background to such classics as Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much and Morocco with Marlene Dietrich. And the stars continue to haunt the mosaic-tiled halls: Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Orlando Bloom and Salma Hayek are recent sightings.

But Mamounia's history is much deeper than the fleeting flash of stardom. The circa-1923 hotel in the middle of Marrakech has seen its share of presidents as well: Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt retreated there following a strategic summit during WWII. Today, following a three-year $180 million makeover La Mamounia is again in the spotlight, having opened its intricately carved doors last fall to reveal new interiors of Art Deco and Arabesque by famed French designer Jacques Garcia. 

The property is surrounded by sprawling gardens more than two centuries old. And while the curious can admire the hotel from these vantages, they cannot glimpse the cavernous marble corridors or antique-laden lobby unless they book a reservation - for dinner or the night in one of the hotel's 136 rooms or 71 suites.

Once in, the 27,000-square-foot spa should be sought, if only for a gaze upon the indoor pool surrounded by white couches and golden columns. The hamam lies just below where guests purify from the inside out on heated marble platforms surrounded by mesmerizing plays of ancient zellij design while doting attendants scrub the body until any memory of dirt disappears.

La Mamounia has come up with three exclusive "Unique Experiences" celebrating the mystique of Marrakech all available through the end of June.  From private art lessons with local artists, a helicopter ride through the Atlas Mountains and shopping with the Souk's savviest shopping experts, visitors can have a seamless Moroccan sojourn with a stay in the country's legendary digs.

* Majorelle's Footsteps Experience:

Beginning with a complimentary airport transfer in a ruby red Jaguar guests get a jet-lag massage upon arrival and over the next three days, experience a 90-minute Hamam ritual, private art lessons with a local artist, a guided visit of the famous Majorelle Gardens and a tour of the Marrakech with a professional photographer. In addition, guests have a breakfast each morning, plus a la carte dinners at L'Italien and at Le Marocain, two of Morocco's top restaurants.  Expect to pay around $4,500 per room per couple for three nights.

* Shopping Experience:

Similarly, this option begins with a complimentary airport transfer and a relaxing massage upon arrival. Over the next three days, guests take in the traditional a 90-minute Hamam ritual and then run around the faded pink city in a guided shopping tour of Marrakech that includes a $1,000 credit at selected boutiques at La Mamounia. The Shopping Experience also includes a beauty package: hair brushing and make-up for her, and haircut and shaving for him. Each morning, it's a buffet breakfast, and for dinner, consider cocktails and a la carte dinner at Le Marocain - plus dinner reservations one night at an upscale restaurant in Marrakech. Rates run $5,700 per room, per couple for three nights.

* Morocco by Air Experience:

As with the other experiences, this choice starts with Jaguar or Range Rovers airport transfers and massage upon arrival. Over the next three days, guests enjoy a helicopter ride around the Atlas Mountains and a balloon ride at dawn. The thrill of the heights are complemented by the down to earth pleasures of the 90-minute Hamam ritual - and an added 90-minute Shiseido massage. It's buffet breakfast each morning, as well as a la carte dinner at Le Marocain and another dinner at Le Francais by Jean Pierre Vigato. Prices begin at $10,500 per room per couple based for the three nights.

Please contact me for more information.

Vacation and exercise, yes you can!

Think you can't work in some exercise while on vacation?  Think again, here are some activities and the calories burned:


Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Oahu, Hawaii
Calories burned: Up to 1,000 per hour

Sea Kayaking in Scotland
Calories burned: More than 10,000 over six days of activity

Rafting, Biking, and Kayaking in the Rockies
Calories burned: Up to 7,400 over five days

Running and Boxing in New York City
Calories burned: Up to 2,200 per day

Rappelling in Brazil
Calories burned: About 1,000 per day

Walking Village to Village in Japan
Calories burned: Up to 7,500 over 11 days

Cross-Country Skiing in Québec
Calories burned: About 600 per hour

Rock Climbing in Ojai, California
Calories burned: Up to 2,100 in one weekend

Playing Polo in Barbados
Calories burned: About 870 per hour

Playing Tennis in Marrakesh
Calories burned: About 550 per hour

From http://www.concierge.com/

Holiday travel

Flying this holiday season?

Take a deep breath and be prepared for a lot of company!

There are a few things you can do to make sure your flying plans stay on track, and if something does happen to be prepared.

1. Always watch your reservation at the airlines website for schedule changes, delays and cancelations.  If something does happen call the airline right away to confirm the changes or ask to re-booked on another flight.

2. Check-in with the airline at the earliest possible time, usually 24 hours before your first flight.  Checking in online will usually get you a seat assignment,m and allow you to make changes to your seat if you aren't happy with the one you already have.  If you are not able to confirm a seat while checking in get to the airport early to have a seat assigned.  With no seat you risk being the first one bumped off a flight if it is oversold.

3. Make sure the airline has your contact information and your frequent flyer numbers.  Airlines are doing a good job of being more proactive during irregular operations (irrops), calling customers to let them know of changes.

4. I always have a back-up plan, I know which other flights the airline operates that will get me to the same destination, and the flights of other airlines if I need to ask to be moved to another carrier.

5. If something does go wrong and you are at the airport don't wait for the airline staff to tell you what to do.  Get in a customer service line immediately AND call the airlines 1-800 number, use which ever one you get to first.  If you are at a big airport and an airline hub they should have customer service desks located throughout the airport.  Sometimes a desk a couple gates away will have shorter lines.

6. If it looks like you are going to be stuck at an airport overnight call a hotel and make a reservation right away, before the rest of the crowd catches on and beats you to the last available room.

7. Remain calm, remember that there will be a lot of other people in the same situation, you will do yourself no favor by getting angry at the airline staff, they control the seats, and being nice might just get you that last seat to grandma's house.

Happy Holidays

Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes flight for first time...

Awesome!

Lake Tahoe Skiing gets even better!

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe Opens

Lake Tahoe’s First Five-Star Caliber Ski Resort Opens under Blankets of Snow

The snow is flying across the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and the highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe opened today to much fanfare, during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this morning at 10:30 am.  Northstar-at-Tahoe has received over thirty inches of snowfall at the summit in the last 48 hours, setting the stage with near perfect winter conditions for the launch of this world class destination ski resort, the first resort of a luxury hotelier in the Lake Tahoe area.  The forecast predicts that even more snow will fall.

Following five years of design, construction and development phases, The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe opens mid-mountain in Northstar-at-Tahoe resort, offering the finest ski-in, ski-out experience in California if not all the world. “This is truly a first of its kind experience for North Lake Tahoe” said Allen Highfield, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton resort.  “It has been incredibly exciting to see the final details fall into place, the training of the Ladies and Gentlemen and their enthusiasm to welcome our first guests.”  The Ritz-Carlton has created over 350 jobs this year in Northern California, providing highly respected hospitality jobs and excellent training.

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe is the first new-build resort development in the Lake Tahoe area in decades.  Anticipated to be the premier Northern California contemporary mountain retreat, the $300 million project, situated mid-mountain in the Northstar-at-Tahoe ski area will feature ski-in, ski-out access with mountain concierge services. Manzanita, the resort’s signature restaurant has been created by San Francisco’s James Beard Award Winning chef Traci Des Jardins.  The Highlands Spa is a 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center with treatments and therapies themed around water and the woods. The new Highlands Gondola also opens today and will connect guests between the nearby Village-at-Northstar and The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe resort. Perched slope-side within a 15 minute drive of both Lake Tahoe and the historic town of Truckee, the year-round destination includes 170 guest rooms, 23 private Ritz-Carlton Residences and 25 Ritz-Carlton Destination Club residences.

The hotel is the contemporary legacy of the great mountain lodges built at the turn of the 20th century, inspired by the iconic Ahwahnee in Yosemite and the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood.   The hotel was designed as a series of linked pavilions tucked into the contour of the hillside with a grand octagonal lobby at the center.  The rusticity of the building has been tempered and modernized through the use of contemporary materials such floor-to-ceiling windows in the Living Room that provide dramatic views and natural light. Great care was taken to protect the natural form of the landscape and to integrate the building seamlessly into its forest setting.  Landmark trees were selected and tagged important so that construction crews could work around the forest as opposed to clear cutting the site.

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands will be one of the first major five-star caliber mountain resorts to seek LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.  Beyond the pedestrian-friendly design of the site, some of the environmental features include underground parking instead of outdoor asphalt lots, the use of recycled steel, and the incorporation of energy efficient heating and cooling systems.  The Highlands Gondola acts as public transportation connecting the resort to the Village-at-Northstar below.


Please contact me for more details.  doug@davaulttravel.com

Hawaii Air Credit with Classic Vacations

Thinking of a trip to Hawaii this winter?  Classic Vacations is offering a $500.00 air credit for selected hotels and resorts through out the Hawaiian Islands.  Book now through December 20, 2009, travel through March 2010.  Contact me for the details as there are some blackout dates and a few rules.