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November 2005
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8.
To book on line… or to book with a travel agent, that’s the question.
The growth of savvy, up to the minute travel web sites has many analysts
predicting the demise of the travel agent.
In fact there are 15,000 fewer agents today than in 2001.
But does booking travel on-line really save time and money?
And when is it better to use a travel agent?
Arnie Weissmann is the editor in chief of
Travel Weekly, the industry’s
publication of record.
(Please listen to the
audio segment
to hear travel expert Weissmann’s comments on booking on line)
The Travel Agent slogan is “Without a Travel Agent, You’re On Your Own,”
Maybe. But as travel sites show us images in full color and offer
savings, agents have to figure out how to get us to pick up the phone…
and leave the mouse alone.
http://www.travelweekly.com/
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7.
 It’s tough to know whether to
laugh or cry…or just get angry at the gall.
The editor of a well-known luxury travel magazine was quoted as saying
his readers spend an average of $147,000 on a typical stay at a hotel or
resort.
Apparently they take two suites and two regular rooms for their guests,
and they typically fly in a private jet to their destination.
And here’s where it’s really interesting. The editor says that for his
readers, flying a private jet at $10,000 an hour is like “buying a
Starbucks coffee.”
Imagine.
Elite Traveler identified 14 suites that cost more than $10,000 a
night…including the Presidential Suite at Manhattan’s Four Seasons and
The Mandarin Oriental.
We ask… Do you really have a better time in a $10,000 a night room
which, for most us, is just a place to sleep, when we’re not out
enjoying the destination?
http://www.elite-traveler.com/
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6.
(Please listen to the sound-rich
audio version of this update to
appreciate fully this exciting destination)
Mexico City is unlike any other place.
Sprawling, boisterous and endlessly intriguing it’s ringed by majestic
mountains…and all too often covered in smog.
Still, few cities are so rich in culture and variety.
Here, in the colorful Plaza Garibaldi, tight-suited, sombrero wearing
musicians play the foot stomping, heart stopping Mariachi music.
Outstanding examples of architecture, fashionable boutiques, luxury
hotels and exclusive art galleries line the Paseo de la Reforma.
A “must see” are the dramatic murals of Mexico’s famous son,
Diego
Riviera.
His stunning masterpieces capture the cruelty of the Spanish invaders
and the destruction of the rich, indigenous Indian culture.
For all its madness, Mexico City is jewel; a “must” on any traveler’s
travel wish list.
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5.
It’s not your parents’ cruise
anymore!
 The stereotype of an all you can eat cruise on a massive, anonymous
Ocean Liner is giving way to creative voyages, with personalized themes.
River boats and Barges now meander the Danube, Po and Volga Rivers…while Small Ship cruises offer focused itineraries stopping off at
places like the Galapagos Islands and Madagasgar.
But is cruising for everyone?
Fran Golden is a cruise expert and travel editor for the
Boston Herald.
(Please listen to the audio version to hear Ms. Golden’s helpful
comments)
Small cruises can dock in the middle of medieval towns in Germany and
France and focus on themes like wines or classical music…and
all cabins have outside views.
http://theedge.bostonherald.com/travelNews/
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4.
A lot of jaws dropped when
word got out that several new hotels were boasting six star properties.
Six stars? Whoever heard of six stars?
Apparently no one before the current trend to inflate standards and
stretch advertising hype.
One so-called six star resort, in a bid to provide the absolute ultimate
service, has a pool-side valet to, get this, polish the sun glasses of
guest!
Seriously!
Truth is, there’s less here than meets the eye. As Shane O’Flaherty of
Mobil Travel Guide says, “In our world, when you achieve 5 stars that’s
perfection.”
And travel sleuths who checked out the so-called 6 Star properties found
many of them didn’t even warrant 4 or 5 stars.
Savvy travelers need to demand that a property meet or exceed its
claims.
That’s the only way to keep a property honest… and fight creeping “six
star inflation.”
http://www.mobiltravelguide.com/mtg/
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3.
Skinny-dipping in
the local swimming hole may be a thing of the past, but nude recreation
as a travel option is becoming very popular.
There are 270 clubs and resorts in the United States, Canada, Mexico
offering clothes free vacations of all kinds. And the American
Association for Nude Recreation has 50,000 members spending 400 million
bucks on nude vacations.
But who does this kind of thing and what do you do on a nude holiday?
Erich Schuttauf is the association’s Executive Director
( For Eric Schuttaf’s comments please listen to the audio version of
this Go Travel update)
Nude travelers say when they take off their clothes…they put on a smile!
And we assume, insect repellant!
http://www.aanr.com/
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2.
This is Kaleel Sakakeeny with
your XM Audio Postcard
(please download the sound-rich the audio to appreciate fully this
destination)
We’re standing in front of Ottawa’s impressive Gothic parliament
building, where the red-coated guards with their tall fur hats present
arms in a dazzling military tattoo.
Those that think Canada lacks color, character and identity have never
been to the country’s classy, cultivated bilingual capital.
The Rideau Canal runs through the city. It’s a favorite for winter- time
ice-skating and summer time lazy cruises.
Ottawa’s open-air markets are extensive and vibrant for a northern city.
And while the season of outdoor living is brief, the open air
restaurants are sophisticated…with imaginative cuisine and terrific
service
No, it doesn’t have the energy of London or New York, and it’s not
especially chic, but it’s museums and green spaces are ideal for family
vacations.
It’s colorful. Accessible…and just foreign enough.
Check out the "Hill Cam" at Parliament Hill:
http://www.parliamenthill.gc.ca/text/hillcam_e.html
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1.
 How safe are your kids in the
hands of a stranger …and how do parents choose a sitter they can trust
when they hit the road?
Most good hotels and resorts offer kids clubs and baby-sitting services
for vacationing families, giving mom and dad a badly needed night out.
The good news is that the majority of child-care providers are reliable
and trustworthy.
Still, some precautions are necessary.
In some cases hotels offer their staffs as baby sitters.
But most now recommend two or three outside agencies.
Experts say never leave your child in the care of just one adult. But
since sitters don’t come in pairs, what to do?
Be sure the potential sitter has worked at the hotel before and sat for
staff members.
Check to see that the agency screens and fingerprints sitters… and
always ask for references.
Then, relax. It’s your night out!
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When Kaleel
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