Where In the World Is Ilene?

TRAVEL TIP: The Art of Packing

2009-11-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

I get questions all the time on packing tips. Because I travel so much, people assume I’m an expert on packing. I’m learning, but I’m certainly no expert. I make the same mistake as everyone else--I pack too much and say a few choice words because my suitcase is too heavy to carry.

When my children were growing up, and packing for a trip, they used to ask me all the time, “Mom, can I take ‘this’ or ‘that’ with me on the trip?” My answer was always the same: “You can take whatever you want, as long as you can carry it.” My daughters, now young women, remember those words and repeat them back to me quite often, particularly when I can’t pick up my own suitcase because I over packed

I recently read an article in our trade magazine ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) that had some good pointers that might prove useful when packing for future trips. It is particularly important now when most airlines are charging for checked luggage. Cutting down is the name of the game.

Make a packing list so you don’t forget anything. This list could also help with repacking --not to forget anything hanging behind the bathroom door or a pair of shoes under the bed. Also, if you are one of those unfortunate few who have their luggage lost or stolen, you have a list of the contents for insurance purposes.

Think about where you’re going and plan your wardrobe accordingly. Are you going on a bicycle trip through France, a luxury cruise in the Mediterranean, a business meeting in Chicago or river rafting in Colorado? Consider the events you will participate in, both day and night, and write down what you will need for the different activities. Crosscheck your packing list to see if one piece can be worn with more than one outfit. Pick clothes that coordinate well together.

Over the years my travel wardrobe is basically black, with colorful accessories. Black hides a multitude of sins, and it also matches my shoes. I try hard to get away with two pairs of shoes: shoes for walking and a pair of sandals or flats to change into for the evening. Depending on the trip, I may include my hiking boots.

Since I often have to carry my own suitcase, I long ago stopped packing an outfit for every occasion. Also, since most of my trips are over two weeks, I have started using the hotel ‘s laundry facilities. It can get expensive, but it sure beats packing 14 different outfits. I always pack a windbreaker with a hood and a jacket/sweater. For outdoor activities I layer my clothes to be prepared for cooler weather.

By making a list, I have a good idea what I want to take. Next, I start laying everything out in my guestroom. Actually, I may start a week before the trip and when I remember something, I put it with the other items. Once everything is laid out, I go over my itinerary again and try to eliminate what I think I can live without.

Over the years I have tried folding my clothes, layering my clothes, and using those space-saver airtight bags. The article I just read suggests ironing everything first, then button all buttons, zip all zippers and fold your clothes like they do in the stores. Also, using a piece of tissue paper when folding your clothes helps prevent wrinkling. That seems like a lot of work to me. Again, check your itinerary and think chronologically, placing the items to be worn first on the top. Eliminate wasted space by possibly rolling t-shirts or putting socks and underwear in the insides of shoes.

Several months ago I found a great travel bag at a container store. This bag can be folded flat and has at least 15 pockets of different shapes and sizes. I have my toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, make-up, tweezers, aspires, band-aids, body lotion, liquid soap, deodorant, sunscreen, hair gel, hair spray, etc. This bag always stays packed and after each trip, I refill everything. Now, with the new rules about carrying liquids on board, I put this travel bag in my checked luggage.

Thank goodness for digital cameras. Not having to pack rolls and rolls of film saves me lots of room in my carry-on. I do pack my camera accessories, i.e. a battery charger and lenses and even my laptop computer in my carry-on. I used to carry a corkscrew, a Swiss army knife and razor in the bag, but that is now packed separately in my checked baggage and stays in the suitcase to be used on my next trip. I also keep a small umbrella and rain cape packed, just in case.

As for jewelry, leave the flashy stuff at home. Once again, it depends on where you’re going. In most deluxe hotels and on cruise ships, there is a safe in the room (or cabin), and expensive jewelry can be locked up. If you were going to a third world country, where there is lots of poverty, I definitely would leave my good jewelry home. It doesn’t pay to advertise, or better yet, don’t take what you don’t want to lose.

Always carry travel documents, medications, jewelry and your passport in your carry-on luggage. Label each piece of luggage, inside and out, with your name and telephone number, not your address. I actually put my business card in my luggage tag. Remove old airline tags to avoid confusion. I carry my passport, credit cards and cash on my body, in a holder that fits around my neck. There are several different types of travel holders that fit around your waist or under your arm. Find one that is comfortable for you and if there is not a safe in your room, I’d definitely carry my passport, cash and credit cards with me.

Throughout the years I have learned lots of tricks that make traveling a little easier. I always carry extra zip-lock plastic bags for a wet bathing suit or a bottle of lotion that might leak. I also use disposable shower caps to cover my shoes to protect my clothes. I bring pre-addressed labels that I can stick on postcards. I pack one or two wire coat hangers for drying clothes. I always carry a small bottle of anti-bacterial soap in my pocket.

If you have helpful hints on packing or information you’ve gathered over the years that could prove helpful, please let me know. I’ll gladly pass on your information.

Have a great trip.

TRAVEL TIP: Better Safe Than Sorry

2009-11-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

In the past few years I’ve written several articles on travel safety. Sometimes we get lax and in a rush to get ready for a trip, we sometimes forget the basics.

When I travel I tend to use credit cards and a debit card whenever I can. Before I leave home I always call my credit card companies and tell them where I am going and the dates I am traveling. I always take more than one credit card; if I should lose one I don’t want to be stranded far away from home without a credit card for unexpected expenses. I do not sign the back of my credit cards. Instead, I write photo I.D. required. That will certainly make it harder for someone to walk into Neiman Marcus in Dallas or Harrods in London and buy that diamond bracelet they always wanted! Seriously, every time you use your credit card having to show photo identification is an added safety factor.

I also make sure I have a photocopy of everything in my wallet--driver’s license, credit cards (both front and back,) insurance cards, etc. Not only will I have the account numbers if my wallet is stolen, I will also have the numbers to call to report the loss. I do not carry my social security card with me. Most of us know our social security numbers and that is not a valid form of identification. Someone who steals your wallet could do serious damage if they also have your social security number.

I recently read in a travel magazine that if your wallet is stolen and you lose credit cards, you should also call the three national credit reporting organizations (Equifax: 800-525-6285, Experian: 888-397-3742 and Trans Union: 800-680-7289) and place a fraud alert on your name as well as the Social Security fraud line (800-269-0271.) If thieves decide to buy a big-ticket item, this could prevent serious damage to your credit and stop the thieves dead in their tracks.

In many developing countries it isn’t always practical using credit or debit cards. In the larger cities there are ATM machines in most banks, but not in small, rural villages. Sometimes carrying cash is a necessity. When shopping at flea markets in Botswana or Honduras, it’s important to have cash in the local currency. Sometimes lots of one-dollar bills come in handy. When carrying cash I always wear a money belt. I do carry a small amount of money for purchases in my pockets or in a purse with a strap that goes across my chest. I also pin a small change purse to the inside of my jacket or blouse. I don’t ever open my money belt in public…that is asking for trouble.

If there is a safe in my hotel room, I leave my passport, but always have a copy with me. Depending on what I’m doing for the day, I will also leave my money belt, credit cards, airline tickets, etc.

Another safety tip I recently read about was locking your car with your automatic door lock on your key. Most of us get out of our car, key in hand, press the locking mechanism and walk away. Apparently thieves have discovered a way to clone your security code when locking your door automatically. This has been working well at tourist attractions and shopping malls when thieves know you will be gone for a while. The police suggest manually lock your car door by hitting the lock button inside your car or using the key itself to lock the door. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

A word about hotel reservations. I know many people like to wing it and don’t want to be tied to a set itinerary. However, trying to find a hotel room at midnight isn’t fun either. When my daughter Erin and I were driving across country several years ago, we arrived in La Crosse, Wisconsin, at 9:00 pm and there wasn’t a hotel room to be found. The entire city was sold out. When I realized we would have to drive to Madison, Wisconsin, a two hour drive, I picked up my AAA book and started calling major hotel chains, i.e. Days Inn, Holiday Inn, Courtyard, etc. There was very little available, but we did manage to make a reservation at the Holiday Inn Express, arriving at midnight. The moral of the story: once you decide on your destination for the night, go online or call ahead and make reservations. Most people stop between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm and hotels sell out. Guaranteeing your reservation to a credit card will guarantee you a place to stay, even if you arrive at 9:00 pm.

One quick word about jewelry…leave the good stuff home!! Seriously, if you are traveling to third world or developing countries, or anywhere, for that matter, there’s no reason to be flashing your two-carat diamond ring. I have had clients look at me and tell me they haven’t had their wedding ring off in 20 years, and they don’t want to take it off now. I understand the sentimentality, but wearing jewelry when traveling attracts too much attention and puts you and the group in a precarious position.

I think the best word of advice is to use your intuition and be smart. Be aware of where you are and who is around you. Traveling is fun and going new places is exciting. Be safe.

TRAVEL TIP: Health Tips for Traveling Abroad

2009-10-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

I realize I write a travel column, not a family column. However, when you are sidetracked with a knee replacement, and not traveling, a family column sounds pretty good. The “Cox” family have been in the paper several times this past month; thank you for all your wonderful comments and letting me share the happy events in our lives.

In the past eight years, the majority of my travels have been to developing or third world countries. I’m often asked if I experienced any health problems while traveling, and are there any “secret remedies” to avoid the usual travel maladies.

I have no secret remedies or family recipes to avoid the typical travel woes, but I do pass on lots of advice for those going to a developing country.

The first thing I suggest is to see your family doctor to make sure you have no health problems that would be difficult to treat far from home. Next, I suggest you go to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov/travel/ to see if any vaccinations are needed. You can also check with a local travel clinic for the same information (Loma Linda Travel Clinic, 909-558-4594.) If vaccinations are suggested, it’s best to start several weeks or even months in advance. Some vaccines don’t reach their highest protection until six weeks after the injection. Some viral diseases, i.e. Hepatitis A, require multiple vaccinations at timed intervals. This is also a good time to update routine immunizations, i.e. polio and tetanus-diphtheria. Living in the United States, many diseases have been eradicated, however, that is not the case in many developing countries.

If you’re going to a country with a risk of malaria, the travel clinic, or your personal physician will prescribe anti-malaria medication. Remember to start taking your malaria medicine before you leave on your trip, take it during your travels and keep taking it after you get home. There are several different types of malaria medicine; some you take once a week, others you take daily. Tell the doctor your travel destination, which will determine the type of malaria medicine you need to take. Once you have all the required immunizations, make sure to keep your immunization record with your passport, in case you’re required to show proof of vaccinations in order to enter a country.

The most common problem when traveling in third world countries is travelers’ diarrhea. Even if you follow all the rules: drink only bottled water, avoid ice, don’t eat fruits or vegetables that can’t be peeled, use bottled water to brush your teeth, avoid eating foods from street vendors, don’t eat raw or undercooked seafood or meats, etc., etc., I’m not sure you can totally avoid a day or two of discomfort. It happens to the best of us. Eve John got sick in India and I managed to be down for a day in Vietnam. In both places we received excellent care and managed to be back with the group the next day. In most cases a little Pedialyte will help. I recently read that taking Pepto Bismol four times a day while traveling is a good prophylaxis for travelers’ diarrhea. My only other suggestion is to pack some Imodium and hope for the best.

Whenever I travel, I do have my own personal first-aid kit, which definitely includes both Imodium and Pepto Bismol. I also carry antacids, cough and cold medications, Tylenol, ibuprofen, a decongestant and antihistamine for allergies, some antibiotic ointment and hydrocortisone cream for bites, Band-Aids and moleskin for blisters. If you’re going on a cruise or even traveling on a bus over winding roads, make sure you have some Dramamine or Bonine for motion sickness. Also, I always pack sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, lip balm and a good insect repellent that contains DEET. I also carry anti-bacterial cleanser in my pocket, i.e. Purell, and use it throughout the day as needed. According to every article I’ve read on international travel, hand washing is one of the most important practices in preventing illness from infection. In fact, I’ve become so paranoid I even carry Purell in my purse at home and use it several times a day, particularly if I’m not near a restroom.

International travelers should be aware that medical care in some countries might only be available in larger cities and at private clinics. I do recommend buying travel insurance that includes trip cancellation for medical reasons, medical care in case of illness, hospitalization and emergency medical transportation. If you cancel your trip due to illness, or become ill overseas, you must see a doctor in order to be reimbursed for your trip, or the unused portion of the trip. Keep all your receipts.

If you take prescription drugs, make sure you pack enough for the duration of your trip, and have an extra prescription in case of emergency. If you have allergies or are allergic to certain medications, or have a medical condition, I strongly suggest wearing a medical information bracelet. One of my clients, highly allergic to peanuts, learns the word for peanut in the language of the country she’s visiting. In China, she had our guide write out a sentence, in Chinese, that let the restaurants know she could not have any foods with peanuts or peanut oil. If you wear prescription eyewear, make sure to bring an extra pair of contacts or glasses. I always pack two pairs of sunglasses. I found out the hard way that trying to buy a pair of sunglasses in the middle of the Amazon rainforest is impossible!

Traveling to third world countries is interesting, educational, fun and sometimes challenging. The joy of traveling to far off and exotic places is more than compensation for having to take a few vaccinations in order to make travel safer. My philosophy is, I’d rather be safe than sorry. Have a good trip.

Happy First Birthday, Sarah Bina!

2009-10-13T12:39:00.001-07:00

Over the years I’ve been known by lots of monikers--mom, chauffer, cook, circus club president, travel agent, Kiwanian, travel writer, mother-in-law and grandma, to name just a few. By far, grandma is my favorite!

I was on my way to Portugal, via New Jersey, when I received the call that my daughter, Heather, had gone into labor. I arrived at the hospital shortly after Sarah Bina was born and I knew then and there, she had my heart forever. It’s hard to believe it has been a year since Sarah Bina was born--October 5, 2008. I decided that being a grandmother definitely gives me bragging rights, so this column is dedicated to Sarah Bina’s first birthday. Sarah is my first grandchild and is named after my mother, who died in 2006. In this picture, my mother is framed by my daughters, Heather (left) and Erin (right) with me above.Among Ashkenazi Jews (Jews from Germany and Eastern Europe,) it is customary to name children after a deceased relative. This is a way of honoring that person and keeping their memory alive. Naming a child is one of the most important decisions new parents make. The Talmud (Berachot 7b) teaches that a Hebrew name has an influence on its bearer. Hence, it is extremely important to name your children after individuals with positive character traits who have led fortunate lives and have helped bring goodness to the world. My mother, who died at age 89, was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Bina, her middle name, is a Hebrew name that means understanding, intelligence and wisdom.

Over the past year I have visited Passaic Park, New Jersey, where Heather, Rob and Sarah Bina make their home. Only 30 minutes from downtown Manhattan through the Lincoln Tunnel (20 minutes by train or express bus,) Passaic Park is an old town with beautiful, large, wooden-frame houses, parks, and shopping centers nearby. It is also a town in transition with a growing, young observant community. There are several synagogues and religious schools, a kosher market and a kosher bakery within a half-mile of their home. It is a common sight to see women pushing strollers to and from the main shopping area or out and about on “Shabbat” (Sabbat begins on Friday evening at sundown and is over on Saturday evening at sundown.) There are even three kosher restaurants in Passaic--a Chinese restaurant, a deli and a pizza parlor. Traffic in Passaic is light since most residents commute into Manhattan by bus or train. The biggest traffic jam I saw was the abundance of strollers parked outside the synagogue on Simchat Torah (The Joy of the Torah--the celebration of the completion of and the beginning of the “Reading of the Torah.”) It was definitely a joyous occasion and entire families were celebrating at the synagogue.

Most of my trips back east are in combination with groups I am taking to Europe. I usually go three or four days early and spend time with Sarah. When I’m not traveling, I go on the web cam every Sunday and Sarah and I “chat.” In the following photograph you can see her delight with the phone!I got to see when she first started crawling and when she pulled herself up on the bookcase. I’m waiting for her to start walking --that should be any day now. This year Sarah, along with her parents, visited California twice--the last time was this past September for her Auntie Erin’s wedding.

Happy birthday, Sarah Bina! I’ll see you in November for Thanksgiving.

Heather, Sarah Bina, and Rob Tzall:

Erin's Wedding

2009-10-13T12:31:00.001-07:00

You never know what will happen when you board an airplane.

These past several weeks have been hectic, to say the least. Closing my physical office, opening my cyber office and having to learn the technology that keeps me in continuous contact with my clients has been a challenge. (If cut you off, I do apologize.) Once I get my Blackberry in sync with my laptop and Bluetooth, I’ll be a happy camper.

Add a wedding and a total knee replacement to the mixture and my life has been a bit stressful. My knee surgery went fine (thank you, Dr. Gustafson,) and I am home recovering, learning to walk straight, and to bend my knee at a 120 degree angle. Another challenge.

But this article is not about my tech or knee problems, it is about a love story that culminated in the wedding of my youngest daughter, Erin Allison Cox on September 6, 2009. Erin grew up in Redlands and between the Great Y Circus and cheerleading at Redlands High School, was active in the Redlands community. Erin graduated from RHS in 1998, and continued her education at the University of California at Davis followed by four years of medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Like her mother and sister, Heather Cox Tzall, Erin inherited the “travel gene” and has worked and traveled in many third world countries, including, Nicaragua, Honduras, Cuba and Uganda.

This love story actually began in June, 2007, when Erin, upon medical school graduation, was assigned by the US Army to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, to begin her four-year residency in OB/Gyn. Earlier that April, knowing her assignment, Erin traveled to San Antonio to buy a small condo since she would be living there for at least four years. The condo was to be refurbished and available the Friday before the Memorial Day weekend, when Erin and I planned to fly back to San Antonio to start the moving-in process. Unfortunately (or fortunately as the case may be) we received notice two days prior to our travels that the condo would not close until the Tuesday after the Memorial Day weekend. I could not go with her at that time so Erin changed her reservations and left on her own from Ontario on Monday. When she changed planes in Las Vegas, she sat next to a friendly couple from San Antonio: Denise and Joe Haley. They talked all the way back to San Antonio, and by the time the plane landed, Joe and Denise had taken Erin under their wing. They drove her to Ft. Sam Houston that evening, they waited for her household goods to be delivered a few days later when Erin was back in New York for graduation, and they helped her with the delivery of her new couch a week later. To Erin, and to me, 1500 miles away, Joe and Denise were a godsend.

Their friendship continued and three months after Erin moved to San Antonio, Denise asked her if she would like to be fixed up with the son of a friend--a young man who worked in the local DA’s office. The rest is history. On September 6, 2007, Erin had a blind date with Shane Patrick Keyser, an assistant D.A. with the District Attorney’s office in San Antonio, Texas.Shane was born and raised in the San Antonio area. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and, after traveling and working a couple of years, completed his law school education at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. Shane has a younger brother, Mike Keyser, and a younger sister, Erin Keyser Davis. His parents and grandmother also live in San Antonio.

After dating for exactly two years, Erin and Shane were married at the home of Bill and Marjorie Handel on Sunday, September 6, 2009. Bill performed the ceremony and, as expected, was full of humor and yet very sentimental since Marjorie has known Erin since birth and Bill has known her almost as long.Erin’s attendants included Heather Cox Tzall, New Jersey, Dr. Lisa Levine, New York, Rebecca Dengrove, New York, Cheryl Concannon Lynch, San Diego and Stacy Ellsworth, Redlands. Groomsmen were Mike Keyser, San Antonio, Chris Parker, Dallas, John Muller, San Antonio Patrick Ehemann, Virginia and David Deleon, San Antonio.
This is a love story, but also a story how travel can build new and long lasting friendships.

TRAVEL TIP: Working in Cyberspace & Luggage Update

2009-08-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

I first want to thank Janet Landfried for writing the Travel Tips column these past several weeks. Her articles on Southeast Asia were wonderful and it definitely makes me want to go back.I have moved from my physical office on State Street to a world of computers, Blackberry’s and phones that are not at all sure how and where they are suppose to ring and also seem to be dropping calls. The world of technology is still a mystery to me and I think at my age I’m on the downward slope of the learning curve. It’s interesting how a dot, dash, or slash communicates something totally different to the computer than I had in mind. And having to learn a completely new airline computer system has been a daunting challenge. For over 20 years I have worked on Apollo, the United Airlines network. Travel of America uses Sabre, a division of American Airlines. The only saving grace in the whole mess is the city abbreviations are the same in both computer systems: LAX is still Los Angeles, YUL is still Montreal and SMF is still Sacramento. (I always remembered that abbreviation because for many years I called the people working in our state capital Smurfs--little blue men from outer space.) But that is about the only thing that is similar!! Thank you for you patience during the changeover. If I’ve “dropped” your call, it isn’t that I don’t want to talk to you, it’s somewhere in cyberspace trying to find the right “static IP address.”
In many ways it’s been lovely. I can now take more time with individual clients, share a cup of coffee going over documents and have fun planning vacations and putting together new and different itineraries. With my daughter, Erin, getting married over the Labor Day weekend, it has definitely given me more time to help her and do a lot of the foot work. In June, Erin started her third year of residency in OB/GYN at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. As a Captain in the U.S. Army, Erin gets very little time off and since she is getting married in Los Angeles, I have done a lot of the calling, planning and running. All mothers of the bride will certainly understand!!!

I now sit in front of my world map and dream. Where next? I know people think I have been everywhere, but there are still lots and lots of places I haven’t been and would love to visit. I haven’t been to Japan. I haven’t been to Transylvania to see Dracula’s Castle. I haven’t been to Greenland, Iceland, or Norway. There is still much of South America I would love to see plus a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda is still a dream of mine. That actually may be possible in August, 2010. Mostly it’s been my knees preventing me from going. According to my daughter, Erin, who was on a trek four years ago when living in Uganda, it is rough terrain and can take from one to eight hours to get to the gorilla families. But, come mid-September I will have my first bionic knee and hopefully my second in December. By April, I’ll be ready for my Turkey group (visiting Cappadocia will be a breeze) and by August I’ll be ready for Kenya, with a side trip to Rwanda.

Several months ago, before my trip to Australia in April, I wrote an article on luggage and bought some new lightweight luggage for the trip. Since then I have received several calls about the luggage, asking me the brand name and where I purchased it. I purchased it through the Internet: www.DiscountLuggage.com. The name of the luggage is Hawa SUB -0-G.

It is lightweight. The 26” case weighs only 5.5 pounds compared to the same size luggage by Pathfinder, which weights 13.5 pounds. However, I did find some problems with the lighter suitcase and would not recommend it. I found the biggest problem to be no handle on the side. Usually a suitcase has a handle on top, along with a pullout handle to help with rolling the suitcase, plus a handle on the side to pick it up to put in a trunk or on a train, etc. When a suitcase weighs 50 pounds I found it awkward to pick it up by the top handle, particularly if you are short. Even at the airline counter, when I put it on the scale to check in, it was awkward for them to put it on the conveyor belt without the side handle.

There are other brands of lightweight luggage. The LA Times did an article on the Hawa luggage and I though it looked good. It does look good, it just isn’t practical for me or anyone under 5’5.”

I’ve also been asked about the next Bill Handel trip. We really haven’t set a date. Most likely it will be a river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest in June, 2010. I should know more in the next few weeks and will put it on my blog--www.WhereInTheWorldIsIlene.blogspot.com. I’m also putting a link on my blog to Travel of America’s new website. They have some awesome specials on cruises. They even have a rail/cruise package for those people who like to cruise, but not fly to get to the cruise.

Speaking of cruises, even when we book your air as part of your cruise package, you still have to pay for checked luggage at the airline counter. Very few airlines have free checked luggage. Southwest, Alaska and Jet Blue were still allowing a free checked bag, but don’t quote me! Check with the airline before going to the airport. Rules and regulations literally change overnight. This topic came up several weeks ago when some clients were surprised they had to pay to check their suitcases. Get use to it --I don’t seen it changing anytime soon.

Another reminder. If you are going out of the country please call your credit card company. With all the fraud going on they want to make sure you are the one using your credit card. If all of a sudden a charge is made in Bogotá, Columbia, and no one notified the company of your vacation itinerary, I guarantee they will not let the charge go through. Save yourself time, call your credit card company before leaving home.

Take care over the Labor Day weekend!

TRAVEL TIP: Are You a Passport Procrastinator?

2009-07-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Not another column on passports! How many times can you tell people they need a passport to travel outside the United States? Apparently, it still hasn’t sunk in. Of course, it doesn’t help when the government keeps changing the rules.

The final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative went into effect June 1, 2009. It very clearly states that U.S. citizens must present a passport book, a passport card or another document approved by the U.S. government when entering the United States by land or by sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

I’m not sure if it was the cruise companies or the cruise passengers that complained the loudest, but a tiny loophole was created. U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present government-issued photo identification (i.e. a drivers license,, along with proof of citizenship such as an original copy of his or her birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization.

This type of cruise is called a closed-loop cruise. So, for all you cruisers who love the three-, four- and seven-day cruises to Mexico out of Los Angeles or a short hop to the Bahamas out of Miami, or even a Canadian cruise (as long as it comes to the same port in the U.S.) have a temporary reprieve. However, keep in mind that you could be refused entrance into a foreign country without a passport card or a passport book. And, if there is an emergency and you need to fly back to the U.S., you will not be permitted to board the plane without a passport.

One day the government is really going to mean what it says--all U. S. citizens will need to have a passport if they plan to travel to foreign lands, including Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Save yourself a headache-- apply for a passport, or at least a passport card if you frequently go to Mexico or Canada. According to Ann at the passport office on Brookside, it is now taking four to six weeks to get a passport. A rush order takes two to three weeks. If you want to plan a trip or it’s an emergency and you need to depart within 14 days, you can make an appointment at the Los Angeles Passport Office (1-877-487-2778.) You will need proof you are leaving the country such as an airline ticket or trip itinerary. If you are really desperate you can contact a private company that will walk your application through, usually the same day. Be prepared to pay dearly for that service.

There are also some updated requirements for children and groups. Children under 16, who are U.S. citizens entering the U.S. by land or by sea from “contiguous territory” (Mexico or Canada,) may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or a Canadian citizenship card.

Children under 19 traveling in groups, including school groups, religious groups, social or cultural organizations or sports teams, who are entering the U.S. by land or by sea from contiguous territory may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or a Canadian citizenship card. Hopefully no one will need to fly back to the U.S. because without a passport, they will not be able to board a flight. These new regulations only apply when entering or leaving the U.S. by land or by sea.

Last week my article was about Redlands Travel Service moving from its present location on West State Street. I received several phone calls from clients who don’t own computers and still prefer to use a telephone or meet face to face. That’s great. Our phone numbers will not change and I always enjoy meeting with clients. You will receive the same personalized service plus enjoy the benefits of being affiliated with Travel of America. Between my computer and my cell phone, I can always be reached.

A Brighter Tomorrow

2009-07-10T08:50:00.001-07:00

For several months there have been rumors that Redlands Travel is closing its doors. That is not the case. Times are changing and so is Redlands Travel Service. On the first of August we are moving from our physical space to cyberspace. It simply makes more sense. We have found that the majority of our clients are already communicating with us online or by phone. Thanks to cell phones and laptop computers, we can now work from anywhere (my granddaughter, Sarah Bina, is growing much too fast and this will definitely enable me to travel to New Jersey every few months so she will know her grandma!)Don’t worry; you will still receive the same personalized service, the same quality products and the same expertise that has made Redlands Travel Service your choice to see the world. For our clients who enjoy meeting with us in person, we will gladly arrange a time to meet with you to review your travel documents, future travel plans, or to answer any of your travel related questions.In order to broaden our approach to travel and enhance future trips, we have affiliated with Travel of America, an agency with which we have worked on many occasions planning the Bill Handel trips. Travel of America shares our commitment to personalized service and uses many of the same companies with whom we have worked with for many years.We are also updating our website, www.RedlandsTravelService.com. On the site we are adding new features and information and will include the pictorial journal of past trips, formally seen on my blog, WhereInTheWorldIsIlene.blogspot.com. Click the comment box and let me know when you cyber visit.

I keep using the term we. Peggy Jacinto, whom I have worked with for over 20 years, will continue to work with me. You can still reach us at the same familiar numbers:

909-792-8100 and
800-339-8417.

My e-mail is ilenecox@hotmail.com.

Peggy can be reached at 4peggyj@verizon.net.

Our new mailing address, as of August, will be
700 E. Redlands Blvd., Suite U407,
Redlands, CA 92373.

I will still continue traveling and writing my Travel Tips column. Look for articles on Turkey in October, Whale Watching in Baja in February, a wonderful river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest (part of the Bill Handel series) in June and a Kenya safari in late August.We are excited about this next chapter in travel. We look forward to working with you on your future travel plans.

AUSTRALIA #8 -Farewell!

2009-07-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Our last two days in Sydney. We were up bright and early for our outing to Featherdale Wildlife Park, the Blue Mountains and to Leura Village for lunch. Since we had already been to Kangaroo Island and saw an abundance of animals in their natural environment, we scoffed at the thought of seeing animals in a “zoo-like” environment. It was fabulous.

Kangaroos and wallabies were bouncing around the park and koalas were smiling for pictures from their perch in a eucalyptus tree. In one area you could actually feed and pet the kangaroos and wallabies. When they had “had it” with tourists, they bounced off to a roped off area where no tourists were permitted. We even saw a wallaby with a joey in her pouch, sticking its head out to check out his new surroundings. So cute!!!

We walked through the park, amazed at the abundance of animals and the interesting and well-kept areas in which they were housed. I finally saw a tasmanian devil…strange looking with a disproportionate head and prominent jaw and teeth.

I also saw an albino kangaroo for the first time. I didn’t even know they existed. And I finally saw a Glossy Black Cockatoo (we looked in Kangaroo Island but never did find one in the wild.) It was an amazing morning and none of us wanted to leave the park. If you’re planning an outing outside Sydney, Featherdale Wildlife Park is a must. If you’re an animal person plan for at least two to three hours, you won’t be disappointed.

Next on our agenda were the Blue Mountains and the famous “Three Sisters” rock formation. The Tree Sisters is one of several well-known natural attractions, a unique sandstone rock formation towering above the Jamison Valley at Echo Point. The name of the formation is from an Aboriginal legend about three sisters who fell in love with three brothers from another tribe, whom they were not allowed to marry. This caused a tribal battle. To make the story short, in order to protect the three sisters they were turned into stone by a witchdoctor. It was supposed to be a temporary spell, but the witchdoctor died and no one could reverse the spell. I love these romantic tales.

The Blue Mountain region is absolutely beautiful with many hiking trails, waterfalls and amazing rock formations. While most tourists come out to see the Three Sisters rock formation, there are lots of places to visit if you have the time and enjoy the great outdoors. On our way back to Sydney we stopped for a late lunch in Leura, a small village with quaint shops and a really nice restaurant, the Bon Ton.

Sunday, our last day in Sydney. Carolyn Groves and I walked down to the Rocks, near the base of the Harbour Bridge, to an artisan outdoor market that stretched on for blocks.

Several members of the group visited the Sydney Aquarium and spent the afternoon in Darling Harbour. And then there was Dave and Lisa Lunzer and Sabina and Alan Duke, who had reservations to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge at 11:00 that morning.

I’m glad to report that all went well and they had a great time on the climb. They reported in at 10:30, changed into the grey climbing suit and met with the other eight brave souls for an orientation meeting and a class on Bridge Climbing 101!!! According to the climbers, the view was magnificent, the climb down a bit scary, and the exaltation and realization that they actually climbed 440 feet above Sydney Harbour, priceless. Check out their smiling faces--they really enjoyed the climb. If you are planning a trip to Sydney the cost of the climb is $125 (AUS) per person and reservations are a must.
We met for cocktails at 6:00 that evening at the Shangri-La lounge to share our days’ adventures and then to the Summit Restaurant for our farewell dinner. The restaurant was delightful and we thoroughly enjoyed the revolving 360-degree view of the city skyline. According to Lisa and Sabina, it was a lot easier seeing the view from the restaurant and taking the elevator up 47 floors than it was climbing the bridge that morning!!!

Usually after a three-week trip I’m ready to head home. I wasn’t ready to leave Australia. The trip was wonderful from the rainforests and reefs of Cairns to the bright lights and excitement of Sydney. For nature lovers to city slickers, Australia has something for everyone.

AUSTRALIA #7 - Sydney, the Heartbeat of Australia

2009-06-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

We flew into Sydney in the late afternoon. I had mixed emotions. I didn’t want to leave Tasmania, yet I was excited to get to Sydney. It also meant our trip was coming to an end.
We stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel in the historic Rocks area overlooking Sydney Harbor and the Sydney Opera House. The view from our room was spectacular.Once settled in the hotel we walked down the hill to Circular Quay, a lively area with parks, boutiques and restaurants and a great place to people watch. It is also the transportation hub for ferries and trains coming into the city and is quite near the Opera House.

The following morning we were off early for a tour of the city. Our first stop--the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia's most well known and photographed landmarks. It is the world's largest (but not the longest) steel arch bridge with the top of the bridge standing 440 feet above the harbour. The bridge opened for traffic in March, 1932. Four people in the group had reservations to climb the bridge the following Sunday. It was interesting to see their reaction as our guide talked about the bridge and the height over the water.Our next stop was Darling Harbour, a large recreational and pedestrian area near Chinatown in downtown Sydney. On my first trip to Sydney in 1999 we stayed in the Darling Harbour area and it was fun with all the restaurants and tourist attractions close by. Since 1999 the area has doubled in size. The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, a venue for the 2000 Summer Olympic, contributed to the area’s popularity along with several other major facilities including the Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Imax Theater, among others.The last stop on our morning tour was Bondi Beach, well known among surfers worldwide. It became a household name during the 2000 Summer Olympics as the venue for volleyball. It has a beautiful white sandy beach and lots of cafes and restaurants, a popular nightspot for the younger crowd.Absolutely no trip to Sydney would be complete without a tour of the Sydney Opera House. It is probably the most recognizable building in the world as well as the most famous performing arts center in the world. The tour of the Opera House was wonderful.The planning of the Opera House actually began in the late 1940s. A competition was launched in September 1955 to find the best design for a multi-functional performing arts center. The criteria specified a large hall seating 3,000 and a small hall for 1,200 people, each to be designed for different uses including full-scale operas, orchestral and choral concerts, mass meetings, lectures, ballet performances and other presentations. The winner, announced in 1957, was Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect.The estimated cost of the project was seven million dollars with a time estimate of three years. The Sydney Opera House opened its doors on October 20, 1973, 93 million dollars over budget and taking 14 years to build. Jorn Utzon, the architect, was ahead of his time. His original design was structurally impossible to build. After several long and frustrating years Utzon finally altered his design and gave the roof vaults a defined spherical geometry. This enabled the roofs to be constructed in a pre-cast fashion, greatly reducing both time and cost.The construction problem’s continued and were compounded when a new government was elected in NSW (New South Wales) in 1965, partly on the campaign promise to "do something" about the cost overruns with the Opera House." The new government refused to agree to Utzon’s new design ideas and proposed construction methods. In February. 1966, Utzon was forced to resign as stage II was nearing completion. A team of Australian architects took over and after an extensive review of the proposed functions of the building, proceeded with its completion. Utzon went back to Denmark. He was not invited to the grand opening in 1973. In later years there was a reconciliation and Utzon was hired as a consultant for a new addition to the Opera House. In June, 2007, the Sydney Opera House was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jorn Utzon died in Copenhagen in November, 2008, at the age of 90, having never seen in person his masterpiece come to life for the world to enjoy.
The Opera House tour is an hour and cost approximately $25.00, less if you order online. Since we had tickets for a concert that same evening we strolled along the waterfront and had dinner at the very popular Opera House Bar, overlooking the Harbour Bridge.
The concert, Sense and Sensibility, from Bizet to Debussy, was fabulous and being in the Concert Hall made it even more special. A perfect ending to a wonderful day in Sydney.
Join me next week as we venture outside the city to Featherdale Wildlife Park and a tour of the Blue Mountains.

AUSTRALIA #6 - Cradle Mountain: The Great Outdoors in Tasmania

2009-06-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

When I first started planning my trip to Australia, the company I worked with suggested a week in Tasmania. I, of course, said no because there were just too many other places I wanted to see on the mainland. I should have listened--or at least spent more than four days on the island. Tasmania is beautiful with lots to see and do all year around.
After two nights in Hobart we left early in the morning for Cradle Mountain--Lake St Clair National Park, a World Heritage area in central Tasmania. After being on the move for the past two weeks the thought of a restful two days surrounded by Mother Nature was a real plus. From Hobart it took us about six hours driving through small towns and some beautiful wilderness areas.

We stopped for lunch in Sheffield, a small town with a nice restaurant for lunch and a great country store with everything from groceries to ski equipment. The weather had turned cold (not typical fall weather in Tasmania) and we took the opportunity to shop for scarves and gloves.
By the time we arrived at Cradle Mountain Lodge, the skies looked ominous but it wasn’t snowing, and for that we were thankful.We checked into our “cabins” and for the next two days we were free to do some hiking, mountain trekking, have a massage or just sit and enjoy the great outdoors.I learned that my good friend, Carolyn Groves, had been a camper in her youth and could actually build a fire in the pot-bellied stove in our cabin. I was impressed. We would have frozen to death if it had been left to me!!The group actually did it all. The park covers more than 650 square miles of wilderness area with stunning gorges, lakes, and mountains plus a vast variety of wildlife.There are hiking trails throughout the park, which you can pick and choose, depending on your fitness level. Carolyn and I did a combination tour and hike that ended at Lake St. Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake.
The scenery was magnificent and we even saw a wombat and echidna scurrying across the trail. Wombats are marsupials and look like small, furry bears with short legs. For some reason I always thought wombats were like beavers and spent most of their time in the water. They spend all their time on land digging extensive burrow systems and are vegetarians.

The Echidna, which we first saw on Kangaroo Island, looks like a cross between a porcupine and an anteater. They are actually egg laying mammals and live on a diet of ants and termites, but are not related to the anteater species. Being an animal person I was really excited when our guide spotted the echidna.
We were actually on the lookout for a Tasmanian Devil (a carnivorous marsupial that smells bad, has a loud screech and is about the size of a small dog), but we never did find one, even on our nocturnal tour.

Day two we spent relaxing and enjoying the amenities of the lodge, including a massage in the spa adjacent to the lodge. For a long time I sat on the balcony of our cabin with my binoculars, hoping to do some bird watching. Apparently, when the weather turned cold the birds headed north (Southern hemisphere) and I mostly saw blackbirds, which I thought were crows but were actually Currawongs, not part of the Australian crow family (thank you Terry Davitt Powell and her knowledge of crows.)
In the afternoon, on one of the many trails around the lodge, we did find a wallaby taking a nap and enjoying the few minutes when the sun peaked through the clouds. He blended in so well we passed him.

The people behind us spotted him. After our hectic schedule in Hobart, Adelaide and even Kangaroo Island, it was good to have a day to ourselves.

In the evening we gathered for cocktails and dinner to catch up with the group and share the days activities. It was a great way to end a near perfect day.

Refreshed and ready to go, we packed up and headed for Launcestron Airport for our flight to Sydney. Join me next week as we explore Sydney, tour the Opera House and take a trip outside Sydney to the Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park.

Care to comment? Click "comments" at the end of the column.

AUSTRALIA'S Tasmanian Devil

2009-06-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

After viewing this video from National Geographic, I'm glad I didn't stumble across one of these devils in the dark!

AUSTRALIA: One Meal We Missed--Not for Sheilas!!

2009-06-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

AUSTRALIA #5 - Hobart, the Heart of Tasmania

2009-06-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

I guess it’s a good sign when you’re not ready to leave a particular city or destination. That’s how I felt about Kangaroo Island; I could have stayed and watched the animals for several more days.

We left Kangaroo Island in the evening with a quick overnight in Adelaide before heading for Tasmania. Actually, the overnight proved useful. From all our hiking and outdoor activity on Kangaroo Island we had a lot of muddy clothes and it was nice to have a washer and dryer in our hotel suite. Not exactly an exciting evening in Adelaide, but it sure is nice to have clean clothes to wear!

It was interesting flying into Hobart. Like California, you are not permitted to bring plants or fruit products into Tasmania, and they are serious about checking both hand and checked luggage. I was glad I took the apples out of my suitcase when I saw the dog sniffing the luggage on the carousel.When I was researching Tasmania I found a hotel in Hobart that sounded absolutely fascinating--the Henry Jones Art Hotel.Standing on Hobart’s waterfront where Europeans first stepped ashore over 200 years ago, stands a row of warehouses dating back to the 1820s that have been transformed into a first-class, unique hotel and shopping area that showcases the work of Tasmania’s finest visual and performing artists. The hotel is a unique combination of antique and the ultra modern.In its prime the building was a jam factory and, in its conversion, lost none of the original charm. It still has some original staircases, brick interior walls and restored machinery along with a new, magnificent all-glass atrium that is used for major hotel functions. It lived up to all the hype--we all loved staying at the hotel.When we arrived in Hobart the weather had turned cool and none of us ventured far from the hotel. There were several seafood restaurants along the waterfront that turned out to be really good. We also discovered that Tasmania produces quite nice wines, particularly their Chardonnay and Riesling due to the cooler climate down south.

The following morning we took off for a full day tour of Port Arthur, the infamous penal colony that became the major center for punishment of convicts who re-offended after their arrival in Australia from Britain in the late 1700s.When you first look at the colony it looks quite tranquil: beautiful old buildings, manicured grounds with lovely gardens, a nice church and several beautiful homes once lived in by the administrative staff. Over the years, convict labor was used to develop the public facilities of the colonies--roads, causeways, churches, courthouses and hospitals. But the guided tour certainly dispelled any notion that this was a “walk in the park” for the convicts incarcerated in Port Arthur. According to our guide, convicts shared deplorable conditions.One convict described the working conditions as inhuman:

We have to work from 14 - 18 hours a day, sometimes up to our knees in cold water, 'til we are ready to sink with fatigue.... The inhuman driver struck one John Smith with a heavy thong.

The first boys' prison was built on Point Puer, two miles across Opossum Bay from Port Arthur. (Puer is the Latin word for boy.) It was for young boys, some as young as nine, like James Lynch, arrested for stealing toys. James Gavagan stole some umbrellas when he was 11 and was sent to Tasmania for seven years. He arrived at Point Puer in 1835. When he turned 17, he was sent to the main prison at Port Arthur. He was released in March, 1842.

The boys were kept away from the main convict area. About 3,500 boys were sent to Point Puer. Like the adults, the boys were given hard work such as stone cutting and construction. There was also a school run by two ex-convicts. There are only a few stones left on the island to mark the site of the boys' prison.Escape from Port Arthur was said to be impossible, often compared to Alcatraz. Some prisoners did try to escape. One prisoner, George "Billy" Hunt, covered himself with a kangaroo skin and tried to escape. The hungry guards on duty tried to shoot him for food. When he saw them pointing their guns, Hunt gave himself up. He was whipped 150 times.

I was glad when the tour was over. It was interesting, and is a significant part of Australian history, but I truly hate hearing about the terrible conditions and treatment the prisoners were subjected to.

On the way back to Hobart we stopped at a cheese factory and tasted some really interesting cheeses. My favorite was the wasabi cheese, strong with a real bite!Gus, our driver, took us on a city tour of Hobart, pointing out the downtown shopping area, the town hall, the large sports arena, the residential areas and other points of interest. Several of us got out and walked back to the hotel, after engaging in some shopping therapy! Actually, we went to a sporting goods store to buy some long johns --the weather report for Cradle Mountain was snow.

Join me next week on our adventures in Cradle Mountain.

AUSTRALIA #4: A Hop, Skip and Jump to Kangaroo Island

2009-06-06T16:45:00.001-07:00

This was the part of the trip I was most excited about--Kangaroo Island. I’m a real animal person and love seeing animals in their natural environment. I had read an article several years ago about the animals of Kangaroo Island and knew I had to go. Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest Island (after Tasmania and Melville Island) with a population of around 4,200 inhabitants. The island is 92 miles long and 35 miles wide with beautiful beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Several species of kangaroo and wallabies are native to the island along with the common brushtail possum, the New Zealand fur seal and the short-beaked echidna (a type of anteater that looks like a porcupine.) The koala was introduced to the island and has survived because of the vast numbers of Eucalyptus forests. More than half of the island has never been cleared of vegetation and a quarter of it is conserved in National Parks, Conservation Parks and wilderness area. I did my homework before leaving for Australia!!!

We left Adelaide in the early morning for the short flight (35 minutes) to Kangaroo Island.For this flight we had to pare down our luggage to 33 pounds, which wasn’t too hard since we were only staying one night. We were met at the airport by our naturalist guide, Brian, and immediately set off to explore the island. Brian told half the group to keep their eyes on the treetops and look for dark clumps (koala bears,) while the other half was checking along the highway for wallabies and echidnas. It didn’t take us long to spot our first koala bear--high up on a eucalyptus tree, sleeping. During our two-day stay on the island we saw several koalas, and only one was actually awake, eating.Koala bears, which are not really bears, but marsupials, may look cute, but have long claws and can be vicious when cornered. Apparently koalas sleep 75 percent of the time and the other 25 percent they spend eating eucalyptus leaves. Koalas have a slow metabolic rate due to their high-fiber, low nutrient diet. Because they store little or no fat, koalas must adopt strategies that conserve energy. Sleeping is one of them. Each koala eats over a pound of leaves a day.Not long after we arrived the weather cleared and the sun peeked through the clouds. With the sun came the wallabies. All along the road they were sunning themselves and trying to get dry like the rest of us!!They are so cute. Wallabies look like small kangaroos and come in a variety of sizes from the very small hare wallaby to the larger shrub wallaby. All wallabies are marsupials or pouched mammals. Wallaby young are born tiny, helpless, and undeveloped.
They immediately crawl into their mothers' pouches where they continue to develop after birth--usually for a couple of months. Young wallabies, like their larger kangaroo cousins, are called joeys. Even after a joey leaves the pouch, it often returns to jump in when danger approaches.

That first day we literally drove from one end of the island to the other. On the way to the North Coast we stopped at Lathami Conservation Park in search of the Glossy Black Cockatoo, a rare subspecies of cockatoo found only on Kangaroo Island. We never did see the elusive Black Cockatoo, but did see a pair of beautiful Crimson Rosella Parrotsand flocks of Galahs ( beautiful pink and grey parrots native to Australia,)and several kangaroos lounging in the grass.One in particular had quite a large joey in her pouch with the feet and tail sticking out--a funny sight to see.Our next stop was Seal Bay Conservation Park on the North Coast. On the way we stopped for lunch among a forest of Eucalyptus trees in hopes of seeing more Koalas. What we thought was going to be a quick lunch turned out to be a feast with fish cooked over an open grill, several different kinds of salads, yummy grilled potatoes, rolls, wonderful Australian wines and, of course, the local beer of the region--Coopers.Not only was Brian a fabulous naturalist guide, he was also a fabulous cook.We made it to Seal Bay and started our walk down to the beautiful sandy beach, home for a large family of sea lions. We were greeted on the path by a fairly large sea lion that came out of the bushes and “honked” at us for several minutes.
I think we disturbed his nap!!! We stood on the beach for a long time watching the sea lions play in the surfand chase each other around the sand.We checked into our hotel in the late afternoon. It had been a full day and we were looking forward to the nocturnal tour planned for that evening. Many of the animals living on Kangaroo Island are nocturnal--marsupials are mainly active at night. We did see some kangaroos and wallabies foraging for food along with a small group of Fairy Penguins nesting by the beach. Our guide did point out a brush-tailed possum, but he moved too fast for me to get a good look.

The next morning we were off again bright and early--our flight back to Adelaide wasn’t until 7:00 that evening so we had the whole day to explore the west end of the island. Our first stop that morning was Flinders Chase National Park--a vast wilderness area covering the entire west end of the island. At Cape du Couedic there is a large fur seal colony and we made a valiant attempt to climb down the path to Admirals Arch,
a spectacular coastal grotto where the fur seals congregate. The wind was fierce and at one time I was actually pushed up against the rail. I gave up the quest but several of our group did make it down. The pictures are courtesy of Dave Lunzer.
Another fun stop was the old Eucalyptus Oil Factory at Ridge. At one time eucalyptus distilling was one of Kangaroo Islands major industries with over 100 stills. Sheep farming took over being more viable for farmers, and thus eucalyptus distilling became part of history. Today Emu Ridge is the only commercial Eucalyptus Distillery in South Australia. We walked around the farm, visited with a pair of Emus, and did some shopping in the craft center adjacent to the distillery.
We continued our drive along the rocky coastline at the west end of the island to Kelly Hill Conservation Park. We had another late lunch and thoroughly enjoyed Brian’s “home cooking.” We walked through the park, on the lookout for kangaroos and wallabies, and was pleasantly surprised when a pair of kangaroos hopped across our path.

It had been a wonderful two days and I really didn’t want to leave. If you’re planning a trip to Australia, definitely consider adding Kangaroo Island to your itinerary.

Join me next week in Tasmania and our visit to Port Arthur.

AUSTRALIA #3: Adelaide

2009-05-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

None of us were ready to leave the outback; we loved our experiences at Uluru and at Longitude 131. Our aboriginal guides were terrific and really imparted the deep spiritual feeling the “rock” holds for the aboriginal people of the area.

We left Longitude 131 for the small airport at Ayers Rock for our flight to Adelaide, only to learn our flight had been delayed and that we were certain to miss our connection in Alice Springs.Depending where you are, missing connections is usually no big deal. However, when you’re in the middle of the outback with very few flights in or out, it can become a problem or in the least, a major inconvenience. Longitude 131 was wonderful. Since our flight was going to be delayed for several hours, they took us back to the camp and provided us full use of the facility including meals and beverages. It certainly made the wait a lot easier.

We ended up flying from Ayers Rock to Perth to Adelaide. That was the only flight the entire day, that would get us into Adelaide the same day--10:30 pm. If you’re not familiar with Australia, that’s like going from Chicago to Los Angeles to get to Dallas, definitely a long way around.With only minutes to spare in Perth we were met at the gate and escorted to our Adelaide flight. Our luggage even made it!!!

Kudos to Qantas Airlines. My gut feelings tell me if we were flying an American carrier we would still be waiting for our luggage!!!We finally made it to Adelaide and arrived at our hotel well after 11:00 pm, exhausted, but in good spirits, rain and all. Geologically speaking, Australia is 90 per cent desert and when it rains, Australians are happy. Adelaide has been in a drought situation for seven years and any rain was welcome, even on their parade on Anzac day (April 25th, a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand to honor members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I).

The next morning we were not up bright and early, but managed to meet our guide at 10:00 am for a wine tour of the Barossa Valley, one of the most popular and best-known wine regions in Australia.Lisa Lunzer, Carolyn Groves, Sabina and Alan Duke really enjoyed the wine.

The Barossa Valley is about 70 miles north of Adelaide and, according to Ana, our guide for the afternoon, is renowned for its opulent styles of Shiraz, as well as producing excellent examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Chardonnay.After visiting three different wineries (Chateau Tanunda, Barossa Valley Estates and Langmeil Winery,) I agree with Ana, their Shiraz is wonderful, along with their Cabernet and Chardonnay. I don’t remember tasting any Semillon, but I’m sure it was good!!!They served a delicious lunch!Since our flights were delayed the previous day Ana graciously gave us a quick city tour of Adelaide. Adelaide is the capital and most populous state in South Australia, with a population of more than 1.1 million. I was impressed with all the parks and green areas set aside for recreation, which definitely gives the city a friendly feel. According to Ana, Adelaide is best known for its many festivals, its trendy food and good wines and its wonderful beaches. What’s there not to like!!?

The rain was with us on and off all day. Instead of walking around the city several of us opted to peruse the large central market in downtown Adelaide, across from our hotel. The stalls in the market sell everything from toys to food to freshly baked goods.You can get seafood with the tails twitching, meat that had breakfast that morning, and a lot of specialty mustards, jams, cheeses, nuts--you name it, they have it.There is also a large section of the market devoted to Asian cooking and other ethnic-style foods. I managed to find the Haigh Chocolate shop, a specialty of South Australia. I also discovered that Adelaide is the home of Cadbury Chocolate. As a journalist I felt it was my duty to sample the different brands of chocolate, and report my findings. The Haigh dark chocolate was divine, but my preference was the Cadbury milk chocolate. It’s a hard job but someone has to do it!!!!Directly across the street from our hotel was a lovely cathedral with an interesting story. It took 140 years to complete St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral. Since the parish lost many of its members (and their funding) due to the exodus to the goldfields in Victoria around 1851, the cathedral was designed to be built in 3 stages. Opened in 1858, the cathedral was finally dedicated in 1996.
You can’t write about Adelaide without visiting Glenelg or other beach communities close to the city. Glenelg is a popular tourist destination with its white sandy beaches, a variety of restaurants and a great place for clubbing. In fact, there is a trolley line from Victoria Square (the center of Adelaide) that takes you right to the main square in Glenelg for a mere 25 cents Australian.We managed a couple of hours in Glenelg and particularly enjoyed the museum in Heritage Hall.Glenelg dates back to the mid 1800s and is the oldest European settlement on the mainland in South Australia.

Our time was far too short in Adelaide. Because of the weather we didn’t do a lot of walking, which I think is the best way to become familiar with a city. It just means I have to go back and spend more time in Adelaide!
Join me next week on our adventures in Kangaroo Island.

AUSTRALIA #2: Beautiful Uluru

2009-05-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Cairns and were now well rested and on “Australian time.” The next stop on our itinerary was Uluru, the aboriginal name for Ayers Rock.We flew into the airport at Ayers Rock and drove to our "camp” in the middle of nowhere.Last year, as I was planning this trip, I found a camp in the middle of the Outback that featured views of “the rock” from every “tent.”I use the word tent very loosely. Longitude 131 is modeled after South African safari camps: elevated luxury tents with stone floors, ensuite bathrooms and all the comforts of a five star hotel, plus an awesome view of Uluru.I must say that waking up at sunrise and watching the rock change colors from shadowed hues to intense reds was magnificent and well worth the pricey accommodations.

One more word about Longitude 131: it is an all-inclusive camp which means all your meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and many tours are included in the price of the accommodations. There are 16 tents, all offering unrivaled views of Ayers Rock.

We arrived at the camp in the early afternoon and after a delicious lunch had a guided tour of the area by our aboriginal guide, which included both history and geology lessons. The first question asked was about the name. Uluru is the aboriginal name and has been used by the local Pitjantjatara and Yankunytjatjara peoples for centuries. It has no particular meaning in their language; however, it is considered sacred by the aboriginal people of the area. In July, 1873, the surveyor William Gosse visited Uluru and named it Ayers Rock in honor of the then Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. Since then Ayers Rock became the more common name used by people living outside Australia. However, in 1993 the official name of “the rock” was changed to Ayers Rock/Uluru. In 2002 that was officially reversed and it is now called Uluru/Ayers Rock. A little trivia just in case you ever appear on Jeopardy!!

Geologically speaking, Uluru is a large sandstone rock formation located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, 220 miles southwest of Alice Springs. It is the second-largest monolith in the world (after Mount Augustus, also in Australia,) more then 986 ft high and 5 miles around. It also extends 1.5 miles into the ground. It has a plethora of natural springs and waterholes. It also has rock caves, ancient paintings and an over abundance of very annoying flies. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site.

For dinner that evening we had the unique experience of dining under the stars. At sunset we met for cocktails on a bluff overlooking Uluru and Kata Tjuta (large domed rock formations) and watched once again as “the rock” changed colors with reflections of the setting sun.Adding the sounds of a didgeridoo in the background was absolutely magical.

From there we were driven to a secluded campsite and sat down to a candlelight dinner under the stars.Even though it was autumn in Australia it was a warm night in the desert. After dinner the candles were extinguished and our guide oriented us to the southern skies and told stories from Aboriginal folklore about the different constellations. From all my trips to South America I actually found the Southern Cross with no problem; however, I’m glad I wasn’t tested on the other constellations.

The following morning we were up bright and early for an Uluru Sunrise Walk and again experienced the incredible changing colors of the entire desert landscape and the spectacular sight of Uluru and Kata Tjuta at dawn.We arrived at the base of Uluru as the sun began to rise and day was beginning in the Australian outback. Our group sat quietly listening to our guide share his personal experiences with “the rock” and the meaning of Uluru to the aboriginal people. A unique and wonderful way to start the morning.

That afternoon we toured the Cultural Centre with its impressive display of aboriginal art and literature. There was also an opportunity to shop and many in our group did buy ceramic works and paintings by local artists. Our guide finally managed to get us all out of the Cultural Center and we again traveled to Uluru. We took a short walk into Kantju Gorge where we were served drinks and hors d'oeuvres ‘inside’ Uluru, and watched the sun set over Kata Tjuta--an awesome site.We returned to our camp for another wonderful dinner and truly lamented the fact that we were leaving the following morning.

We all loved our two days in the middle of nowhere. Uluru is amazing and the camp and our accommodations were perfect. The only criticism I have is the pesky flies that followed us during the day. In the rooms were mosquito type nets to wear on walks that really helped keep the flies away from our faces. Check out the picture of Lisa Lunzer, Bonnie Roberts, Carolyn Groves and me in our stylish “fly netting.”Join me next week in Adelaide and for some wine tasting in the Barossa Valley.

AUSTRALIA #1: The Great Barrier Reef & Kuranda Rainforest

2009-05-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

I’m back from Australia and had a fabulous time. What a wonderful, vibrant country! I can’t wait to share my experiences with you.

Before I begin I want to give you an update on my new “featherweight” luggage I bought specifically for my trip to Australia. Given I could only take 23 kilos (50 pounds) on certain flights within Australia, I appreciated the lightweight feature. However, to help keep the bag lightweight (only 5lbs.10 oz. empty,) they did away with the handle on the side, which made it difficult to maneuver onto carts, for checking-in, taking off the conveyor belt, etc. Otherwise, it was fine and my luggage never exceeded 21 kilos.

We arrived into Cairns on April 16 (two days later than when we left due to passing over the international date line.) Even thought the actual flight time into Sydney is less than13 hours and another three hours to Cairns (in northern Queensland on the Coral Sea,) I felt like I had been on the plane forever. Thank goodness for movies. I caught up on all the good pictures I missed this past three months. Two thumbs up for Slum Dog Millionaire.

April is autumn in Australia (Australia is in the southern hemisphere south of the equator) and the weather was warm with a nice breeze. Instead of staying in downtown Cairns, I opted to stay in a small town in the Northern Beaches area, about 25 minutes north of Cairns. I immediately felt like I was on vacation. Everyone in the group decided to come in a day early to rest up from the long flight and get acclimated to a different time zone (Cairns is 19 hours ahead of Los Angeles.) We stayed at the Angsana Resort and Spa, right on the beach in Palm Cove.Surrounded by tropical gardens and palm trees, it reminded me of Kauai 25 years ago. For a day and a half we lounged, swam in the different pools, had massages and strolled on the sandy white beaches. When time came to play tourist, we were ready!Our first major outing was on the Ocean Spirit, a 100 ft. catamaran that took us out to Michaelmas Cay in the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world.The Great Barrier Reef is over 133,000 sq. miles and is composed of 29,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. Other than the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef is the most visited tourist attraction in Australia.

We had a ball. Most of us were snorkelers, but there were a few divers in the group. After we signed up for our respective groups, and picked up the appropriate gear, we set off for the beach. The water was clear and warm, really no need for a wet suit except for protection against jellyfish, which I never saw.I have snorkeled around the world including Hawaii, Tahiti, the Caribbean, Mexico, etc. and I was expecting really colorful coral and more brightly colored fish. It may be where we were snorkeling, because the divers, in far deeper waters, saw a much larger array of fish and types of coral. However, I did see blue coral, which I had never seen before,and giant, iridescent clams.I always enjoy my snorkeling experiences and was thrilled I had the opportunity to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. We spent the entire day on the reef and by the time we returned to Palm Cove we were exhausted. I tell you, it takes energy to play tourist!!!

The following morning we were off to the rainforest, or, more accurately, the Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda. Even though it has tourist stamped all over it--it was fun and educational. There are three ways to reach Kuranda Village--bus, rail or skyway. Our package included the skyrail up to the village, a tour of Rainforeststation and returning by train.The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway glides over and through the rainforest stopping at two different stations where you can get out and take a short nature walk before reaching Kuranda Village. The “ride” takes over an hour and for someone who doesn’t like heights, I really enjoyed the skyrail. As you first ascend up to the canopy the views of the water and the valley below were absolutely spectacular.The “village” is cute and really has some nice galleries featuring aboriginal art. We spent about 30 minutes browsing through the boutiques and galleries before going into the nature park. The park is divided into three main attractions: the Aboriginal Experience, the Wildlife Park and the Army Duck Rainforest Tour.

The Aboriginal Experience was interesting; we tried our hand at boomerang and spear throwing, watched as the dancers told stories of the indigenous peoples and their culture,and listened as our guide played the didgeridoo, an ancient wind instrument of the Aborigines of northern Australia.Once we entered the Wildlife Park we didn’t want to leave. The exhibits were interesting, but the kangaroos and wallabies were wonderful as they hopped around the park “greeting” tourists from around the world. They are really cute and it was great fun being able to actually pet and feed them.We ended our tour of the park with a ride through the rainforest aboard an amphibious World War II Army Duck. Our guide, who truly loved his Army Duck, did point out the many different tropical plants and kept his eyes peeled for reptiles lying in wait in the tall grass. We never did see a crocodile, except for “Big Sam” in the Wildlife Park.We came up by the skyrail and down by the Kuranda Scenic Railway.The railroad dates back to the 1800’s. By shear determination 150 miles of track was laid along with 15 tunnels, a dozen bridges and over 90 sharp curves. It really is an engineering masterpiece given the rough terrain and no modern equipment.Another full day of touring. There really is a lot to see in and around Cairns. “I wish we had another day,” became our mantra throughout the trip. Join me next week as we journey to Uluru in the Australian Outback.

TRAVEL TIP: The Changing Face of Air Travel

2009-05-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

I can remember the days when we actually dressed up to get on an airplane, had lunch served and baggage checked for no additional cost and changing airlines in the midst of a trip didn’t up the price of the ticket. Those days are gone. The airline industry has definitely changed and even though many of the changes affect our pocketbook, they have come out of necessity to keep up with the changing economy. I’m not defending the airlines, I’m just stating the obvious facts. Can you imagine our life without air travel? Three days by train to Chicago, five days to cross the Atlantic from New York to Dover, England, and several weeks to get to Sydney, Australia. It takes 14 hours by air from Los Angeles to Sydney. So lets look on the positive side and figure out ways to make airline travel easier.

Today most airlines enable you to get your boarding pass online. Many airlines have made traveling more convenient through new features on their websites. Travelers can obtain their boarding passes from the comfort of their own homes up to 24 hours before the time of the flight. You can ensure that you will be in an early boarding group and can save yourself a step at the airport. Make sure to print out the boarding pass! Many concierge desks at leading hotels also offer this feature. Call ahead to see if the hotel you are staying at offers this option.

Another feature offered by some airlines is paying for that “extra” legroom. Are you the person at the counter negotiating for an exit row seat for each of your flights? If so, many airlines have new programs that guarantee a better seat at a better deal than paying for first class or business class. United Airlines offers its Economy Plus seating starting at $14 more per flight. For lots of travelers, it is a marginal fee to guarantee stretch room and extra comfort for a long flight.

To block out the noise of the plane I’ve started traveling with my own set of headphones. These headphones are great and effectively block out surrounding noise, and definitely help me sleep better on long flights. It’s also much better sound when watching the in flight movies or listening to music.

On domestic flights I’ve also started bringing my own food, or picking something up before I get on the plane. Most of the time the food is better and I definitely have more choices. The food on the plane is also expensive for what you get.

Wear easy to remove footwear for both on-flight comfort and breezing through the security line. It is now customary to remove footwear, jewelry and jackets or over sweaters before walking through security. Save yourself and the people behind you in line some time by wearing easy to remove shoes. They will be just as easy to slip off before you start dozing off on your flight.

Nothing can put a damper on travel plans more than missing a connecting flight. To avoid this, take the time and go online and check out the connecting airport and its terminals. Check out the airport's website to gauge how far you have to walk from your arrival terminal to your next departure terminal. Give yourself the extra time to make the flight, especially if you need to board a tram to travel from terminal to terminal.

Different airlines have varied rules on how much luggage can be carried on board. For certain airlines, passengers are only allowed one small carry-on and a personal bag. This means if you have a carry-on bag, a computer case, and a purse, you are out of luck. Be prepared ahead of time and not when you are at the front of the security line. Also, travel with only what you are able to comfortably carry, wheel or haul. If you are checking luggage, make sure you stay underneath the maximum weight or be prepared to pay a hefty fee.

Have a change of clothes handy. Don't let luggage woes ruin your trip. In case of a mix up with your luggage, keep a change of clothes and other important items such as a cell-phone charger and a spare set of contact lenses handy. This will help get your vacation or business trip off to a decent start even if your luggage is stuck in another city.

I hope some of the ideas that have made air travel easier for me will also help you. Enjoy your trip and make that changing face of air travel a happy face.

TRAVEL TIP: Using Your Frequent Flier Miles: Joke or Reality?

2009-05-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

For years I have been writing about frequent flier programs and was wondering how long it would take the airline industry to realize, and attempt to tame, the monster they created. American Airlines started their frequent flier program 25 years ago to attract loyal customers. The concept was simple, the more you flew on American Airlines, the more rewards you earned. Not to be left behind, other airlines created their own mileage programs. Then came the partnership programs, the alliances, hotel programs, car programs and the greatest earner of all--credit card programs. According to an article in Conde Nast Traveler (June 2008,) at the start of 2007 there were 180 million members of frequent- flier programs worldwide sitting on almost 10 trillion unused miles. To grasp that thought, “that’s more miles than there are stars in the Milky Way (about 100 million,) people on earth (6 billion) or U.S. pennies in circulation (8.23 billion in 2007.)” And you wonder why you have a hard time redeeming miles!!!

In the survey taken by Conde Nast Traveler, I was not at all surprised to learn that 70 percent of readers use their miles for free tickets as opposed to 27 percent that use them for upgrades. Based on airline ticket prices, which for business or first class can be more than 10 times the cost of an economy ticket—you get a better per-mile value by upgrading than by redeeming miles for a ticket, particularly on a long-haul flight. That may be true, but for those travelers that don’t fly frequently and get their miles through credit card purchases, a free ticket is far more important.

Only those clients that take multiple vacations to far off corners of the world realize the significance of saving miles to be able to upgrade to business or first class. They know the cost of business class tickets and they try their best not to pay it!! Beware that mileage programs are constantly changing. When I first started saving my miles for my Australian trip it was 100,000 miles for a “free” business class ticket on Qantas (using my American miles.) When I finally redeemed my miles it was 120,000, and I still couldn’t get business class on my return flight!

So, if I’m serious about using miles for either a free ticket or to upgrade to either business or first class, how do I compete with the other 180 million members of frequent flier programs? Following some simple rules won’t guarantee you a free ticket, but it will put you on the right track and increase your chances of being able to use your miles to your advantage.

---Focus on one mileage program. Figure out which airline you fly the most and try to stay with that airline. And check out the airline partnerships. Almost every airline is now part of an alliance: American Airlines is partners with Qantas, Alaska, British Air, El Al, Air Tahiti, etc. which means you can redeem miles on any of these airlines as long as they are in the alliance. Also, most airlines today issue credit cards that give you miles for dollars spent. Use your card for all your purchases: groceries, gasoline, the cleaners, restaurants, etc. You’ll be surprised how fast you can accumulate miles. I’m not suggesting you use your card indiscriminately. Make the same purchases you would normally and pay off your credit card at the end of each billing cycle. Also, know which partners will give you mileage credit. Which hotel and car rental companies are affiliated with your mileage program.

---Book early. On most airlines you can book your flight 331 days in advance. That’s how far in advance airline schedules are loaded into the computer system. I realize most people don’t plan their life 11 months in advance, but if you want to use your miles to popular destinations, you have to start planning ahead. Remember, frequent flier seats are very capacity controlled--you’re not the only one wanting to go to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year or to the Caribbean during Spring break.

---Be flexible. If you can’t get the exact dates you want, try other dates. Avoid weekend travel. It really is easier to redeem miles for flights in the middle of the week. Also, consider traveling in off-peak times. London may be cold in March, but there are no crowds and the Crown Jewels are indoors and will look the same.

---Don’t waste your miles. Look at the price of a ticket before using your miles. Though I’ve never seen the exact figures, I know the airlines equate dollars to miles when they set the number of miles needed to redeem a ticket. According to the article in Conde Nast Traveler, experts put the average value of a mile at about 1.2 cents. (It may be higher today since fuel prices are up!) If we use these figures, then to use 25,000 miles for a ticket that costs $250.00 doesn’t make a lot of sense. On the other hand, by redeeming 120,000 miles for a business class ticket that cost $6,000 is an excellent value. You just bought a $6000 seat for $1,440.

Most airline mileage programs now enable you to buy miles at an inflated price. Unless it’s really worthwhile, i.e. the $6,000 business class seat for $1,445 I don’t think it’s a good idea. Also, most mileage programs also have a gifting option--maybe your wife or son has miles in their accounts that can be gifted to you. The number of miles you can buy or gift is limited--check with your mileage program.

Remember, frequent-flier program rules keep changing. So keep track of the ones you join so that you can make the most of your miles. Two sites that can help: FrequentFlier.com and InsideFlyer.com. Also, if you absolutely cannot get any flights using your miles, think about using them for a hotel room or car rental for the week. If you’re going to have to pay for those services anyway, you might as well try to cut down costs and use your airline miles.

Good luck and happy traveling.

TRAVEL TIP: The Art of Packing

2009-04-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

I get questions all the time on packing tips. Because I travel so much, people assume I’m an expert on packing. I’m learning, and with every trip I learn something new (silver sandals go with lots of outfits.) I make the same mistake as everyone else--I pack too much and say a few choice words because my suitcase is too heavy to carry. It will definitely be easier with my new lightweight luggage (see April 19 Travel Tips,) but the tendency to take more than you need is inbred. And, with airlines charging for checked luggage, it’s even more important to pack light and stay under that 50 pound limit.

When my children were growing up and packing for a trip, they used to ask me all the time, "Mom, can I take ‘this’ or ‘that’ with me on the trip?” My answer was always the same. “You can take whatever you want, as long as you can carry it.” My daughters, now young women, remember those words and repeat them back to me quite often, particularly when I can’t pick up my own suitcase because I over-packed!

I recently read an article in our trade magazine ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) that had some good pointers that might prove useful when packing for future trips.

Make a packing list so you don’t forget anything. This list could also help with repacking---not to forget anything hanging behind the bathroom door or a pair of shoes under the bed. Also, if you are one of those unfortunate few who have their luggage lost or stolen, you have a list of the contents for insurance purposes.

Think about where you’re going and plan your wardrobe accordingly. Are you going on a bicycle trip through France, a luxury cruise in the Mediterranean, or a business meeting in Chicago? Consider the events you will participate in, both day and night, and write down a possible outfit for the different activities. Crosscheck your packing list to see if one piece can be worn with more than one outfit. Pick clothes that coordinate well together.

Over the years my wardrobe is basically black, with colorful accessories. Black hides a multitude of sins, and it also matches my shoes. I try hard to get away with two pairs of shoes: shoes for walking and a pair of sandals or flats to change into for the evening. Depending on the trip, I may include my hiking boots.

Since I often have to carry my own suitcase, I long ago gave up packing an outfit for every occasion. Also, since most of my trips are over two weeks, I have started using the hotel ‘s laundry facilities. On my most recent trip to Israel and Egypt, I had my laundry done every week. I also hand wash personal items and depending on the material, I will also wash t-shirts and blouses. Hotel laundries can get expensive, but it sure beats packing 14 different outfits. I also discovered that jeans can be worn several times and look none the worse for wear. I always pack a windbreaker with a hood and a jacket/sweater. For outdoor activities I layer my clothes to be prepared for cooler weather.

By making a list, I have a good idea what I want to take. Next, I start laying everything out in my guestroom. Actually, I may start a week before the trip and when I remember something, I put it with the other items. Once everything is laid out, I go over my itinerary again and try to eliminate what I think I can live without. I actually go through the elimination process more than once.

Over the years I have tried folding my clothes, layering my clothes, and using those space-saver airtight bags. The article I just read suggests ironing everything first, then button all buttons, zip all zippers and fold your clothes like they do in the stores. Also, using a piece of tissue paper when folding your clothes helps prevent wrinkling. Again, check your itinerary and think chronologically, placing the items to be worn first on the top. Eliminate wasted space by possibly rolling t-shirts or putting socks and underwear in the insides of shoes. A friend suggested putting a piece of cardboard (cut to fit your luggage) between layers. If you need to get what’s on the bottom you takes out the whole layer, get what you need, and replace the cardboard with all the clothes still neatly folded on top. I did that on my last trip and it worked well.

I usually have everything in my suitcase a few days before I leave. I now put most liquid products in my checked luggage, since all the new travel regulations on taking liquids aboard. Several months ago I found a great travel bag at a container store. This bag can be folded flat and has at least 15 pockets of different shapes and sizes. I have my toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, make-up, tweezers, body lotion, liquid soap, deodorant, sunscreen, hair gel, hair spray, etc. This bag always stays packed and after each trip, I refill everything. That’s the last thing I throw in before I close my suitcase.

My suitcase is packed; it’s now time for my carry-on. I no longer have to worry about film since I bought a digital camera, but I do pack my camera accessories, i.e. a battery charger and lenses, cell phone, and any other electronic device I made need. I used to carry a corkscrew, a Swiss army knife and razor in the bag, but that is now packed separately in my checked baggage and stays in the suitcase to be used on my next trip. I also keep a small umbrella and rain cape packed, just in case. And I always pack extra set of clothes, jut in case my luggage is lost. When I went to the Black Sea in July 2008 my luggage was “misplaced” in Frankfurt. It didn’t get to Istanbul until the following day and I was very happy I had a change of clothes with me.

Check on line, or give your travel agent a call to see what amenities are in your hotel room or cabin. Today, almost all four and five star hotels and most cruise ships have hair dryers. Many hotels even have an iron and ironing board in the room.

As for jewelry, leave the flashy stuff at home. Once again, it depends on where you’re going. In most deluxe hotels and on cruise ships, there is a safe in the room (or cabin,) and expensive jewelry can be locked up. If you are going to a third world country, where there is lots of poverty, I definitely would leave my good jewelry home. It doesn’t pay to advertise, or better yet, don’t take what you don’t want to lose.

Always carry travel documents, medications, jewelry and your passport in your carry-on luggage. Label each piece of luggage, inside and out, with your name and telephone number, not your address. I actually put my business card in my luggage tag. Remove old airline tags to avoid confusion. I carry my passport, credit cards and cash on my body, in a holder that fits around my neck. There are several different types of travel holders that fit around your waist or under your arm. Find one that is comfortable for you and if there is no safe in your room, check at the front desk. Make sure you get a receipt for what you leave in the hotel safe. As a last resort, I carry my passport, cash and credit cards with me, but that is definitely not my first choice.

Throughout the years I have learned lots of tricks that make traveling a little easier. I always carry extra zip-lock plastic bags for a wet bathing suit or a bottle of lotion that might leak. I also use disposable shower caps to cover my shoes in my suitcase to protect my clothes. I bring pre-addressed labels that I can stick on postcards. I pack one or two wire or plastic coat hangers for drying clothes. I always carry a small bottle of anti-bacterial hand wash in my pocket.

If you have helpful hints on packing or information you’ve gathered over the years that could prove helpful, please let me know. I’m always looking for ways to make travel a bit easier and safer.

Have a great trip.

TRAVEL TIP: Light Luggage and Locks

2009-04-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

As you read this article I will be snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. I have been to Australia before, but only to Sydney. On this trip I will be visiting Cairns, Ayers Rock, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Tasmania and Sydney. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Australia; so in about six weeks, start looking for articles on my adventures in Australia.

In preparation for my trip to Australia I actually bought new luggage. With the strict weight regulations on some airlines, I decided lighter luggage could mean an extra pair of shoes and another blouse, important items in any woman’s wardrobe.

In the LA Times Travel Section (March 22, 2009) I read about some new “feather-light” luggage that just came on the market. The article claimed it was the lightest luggage on the market with the 19-inch carry-on weighing less than 4.6 pounds and the 30-inch case weighing less than 6 pounds. Wow, that sounded impressive. I immediately went to the garage and pulled out my old faithful, 26-inch case that has traveled with me around the world. I knew it felt heavy, but I was surprised to see that it actually weighed 13.5 pounds, empty. If their big case weighs less that 6 pounds, the difference could mean more than just an extra pair of shoes and a blouse, maybe another pair of pants or even a sweater set.

I ordered the luggage. When it arrived at my office a week later the first thing I did was pick up the box. It felt light--the two together felt lighter than my one big suitcase. I took the cases out of the box and was amazed when I picked them up. They really are lightweight. I ordered the 26-inch case, which weighs 5.10 pounds and the 19-inch carry-on weighed in at 4.6 pounds, as was advertised. They are sturdy, according to the literature on the bags, they are made using ultra-light fiberglass frames.What did I pay for these lightweight, sturdy bags? The 26-inch bag was on sale for $99.95 and the carry-on cost $79.95. I ordered them online from discountluggage.com. They come in black and red. Neither case has the expandable zipper that lets you stuff those last minute souvenirs into your suitcase. You’ll have to do what I do, buy jewelry; it doesn’t take up any room at all!!!

My clients often ask me if I lock my bags. The answer is yes, and I use a TSA lock. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys, so that the locks may not have to be cut. The locks are combination locks, either three or four numbers.

If you travel infrequently, you may be interested in some of the newer regulations concerning what you can and cannot take in your carry-on bag and checked luggage. The catchphrase for carry-on bags is 3-1-1: any liquid or gel must go into a 3.4oz. bottle or less, all bottles need to be put in a quart size plastic bag, one bag per person going through security.
Obviously, 3-1-1 is for shorter trips. Since most of my trips are two to three weeks I put most of my liquids in my checked luggage (wrapped in a plastic bag).

There are some exceptions to these rules: medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

I would suggest having everything sorted and in the proper size bottles and bags before going through security--each time they stop the line to check carry-on items it causes a back-up and, from personal experience I can tell you that people tend to get cranky.

As of January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) no longer allows loose lithium batteries in checked baggage. Keep batteries and equipment with you, or in carry-on baggage, not in your checked baggage! It has something to do with a fire hazard and the situation can be better controlled if the batteries are in your carry bag or purse.

In August, 2008, TSA came up with new guidelines for laptop computers. To help streamline the security process and better protect laptops the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet new "checkpoint friendly" standards. For a bag to be considered checkpoint friendly it should meet a designated laptop-only section:

The laptop-only section completely unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray belt,
No metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section,
No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section, and
Nothing packed in the laptop-only section other than the computer itself

Since I finally entered the 21st century and will be taking my laptop on trips, I better go check and see if my laptop computer bag meets all the new TSA standards.

Have a safe trip and travel lightly.

VIDEO: Dolphin Bubbles: An Amazing Behavior

2009-04-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

I found this video fascinating and wanted to share it with you.

EGYPT #5: Coptic Cairo

2009-04-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Our last few days in Cairo were hectic. What we didn’t see at the beginning of the trip, Amr attempted to squeeze into the last two days.This morning we headed for Old Cairo, so named because it is the oldest part of Cairo, and, in fact, predates what is now Cairo. Some Egyptologists believe that there was a settlement here as far back as the 6th century BCE. Later, the Romans built a fortress here, which was called Babylon. Some of these Roman walls still exist. Later, it became a Christian stronghold, with as many as 20 churches built within an area of one square mile. Today there are only five churches remaining. Our first stop that morning was the Coptic Church of St. Sergius where it is said that Jesus and the holy family stayed after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.Continuing our ecumenical journey through the old city, we next stopped at Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Egypt. The building dates from the 19th century, but the land for the synagogue was purchased in 882 CE by Abraham ibn Ezra of Jerusalem.Not wanting to leave anyone out, we continued our journey to the Amr Ibn el Asse Mosque, the first and oldest existing Mosque in Egypt. For several centuries, this Mosque had been the religious and social center of the cosmopolitan city and the old capital al-Fustat. In 641 CE. Amr entered Egypt after the surrender of Alexandria. When the whole country became under Muslim rule, Amr chose El- Fustat as the capital of Islamic Egypt.

Next on our itinerary was the Citadel of Saladin built by Salah El Din El Ayyubi, founder of the Ayubbid dynasty. Looking like a medieval stronghold, the Citadel was started in 1183 CE. Six centuries later (1830 CE.). the impressive Mohammed Ali Mosque was built within the compound. Also on the site is the Jewel Museum, the Cairo Carriage Museum, and the Military Museum.According to Amr, our guide, the Mohamed Ali Mosque is amongst the most interesting Mosques in Egypt. It stands proudly on the highest point inside the courtyard of the Citadel of Saladin, and is also called the Alabaster Mosque. The architect was Yousf Boushnaq, a Turkish man who had come over from Istanbul to build this great Mosque for Mohamed Ali, the ruler of Egypt from1805 until 1849. In 1899, the Mosque showed signs of cracking and repairs were undertaken, but some of these repairs were not adequate. Therefore, in 1931, during the reign of King Fuad I, the big main dome, the semi domes and the small domes were demolished and then reconstructed according to the original design. The project began in 1931 and was finally completed in 1939.
It was an interesting morning. The Old City has a different feel than the more modern, cosmopolitan side of Cairo. It was even more apparent when Amr “let us loose” at the Khan-el-Khalili Bazaar, a major marketplace for both locals and tourists. The market was originally built in 1382 and has remained Cairo’s most important shopping area.
With camera in hand and lots of $1.00 bills, we ventured out to see what treasures we could find. Since several of us had recently been in the main bazaar in Istanbul a few months earlier, there really wasn’t a lot we wanted to buy. However, walking around the neighbourhood immediately surrounding the bazaar was wonderful--an insight into a way of life foreign to many of us: relaxing with friends over a Huka,buying bread on the street,and having lunch with a friend, curb side.None of us wanted to leave the bazaar,but it was time to get back to the hotel to finish packing and get ready for our farewell dinner.

It seems incredible that three weeks earlier we had arrived in Tel Aviv and sat down to our first Shabbat dinner. There were so many special moments in Israel:

our visit to Caesarea, the town King Herod built in the first century BCE,
going to Atlit, the Illegal Immigrant Detention Camp that tells the story of the struggle of Jews fleeing Europe from Nazi persecution and death,
visiting Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus,
watching the planes take off and having a special tour of Hatzerim Air Base,
crossing the Sea of Galilee,
walking the Twelve Stations of the Cross,
standing on top of Mt. Scopus and seeing the old city of Jerusalem and the Temple on the Mount as it dominates the skyline,
standing at the Kotel--the Western Wall,
crossing the border into Bethlehem and visiting the Grotto of the Nativity,
walking through the Children’ Memorial at Yad Vashem
and celebrating the B’not Mitzvah of Barbara and Pamela Handel and Zoe and Stacie atop Mt. Masada.

Egypt has its own memories:

standing in front of the Pyramids of Giza,
cruising the Nile, ballooning over the Valley of the Kings,
seeing the mummies at the Egyptian Museum,
walking through the great temples of Karnak and Luxor, and
visiting Abu Simbel was my dream come true. I had finally made it to Egypt.

It had been a wonderful trip with memories that will last a lifetime.

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Egypt #4: The Temple Ramses II Built

2009-04-06T09:32:00.001-07:00

After the Pyramids of Giza, probably the most recognized monuments in all of Egypt are the two Temples of Ramses II carved out of solid rock at a site on the west bank of the Nile, south of Aswan, known today as Abu Simbel. The temples are magnificent, but the fact that they were moved, actually dismantled and raised over 60 meters up the sandstone cliff from where they had been built more than 3,000 years before is even more remarkable. Once moved, they were reassembled, in the exact same relationship to each other and the sun.

I’m getting ahead of my story. It was our last day on the cruise,we were heading back to Cairo that evening for a New Year’s Eve celebration. We were up bright and early to catch a 6:00 a.m. flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Before coming on the trip I had read about the reconstruction of the temples and knew they had to be relocated due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. I was excited to see this remarkable feat.
The temples were built by Pharaoh Ramses II (1279-1213 BCE) over a 20-year period beginning in 1244 BCE and dedicated to the sun gods Amon-Re and Re Horakhte. Known as the "Temple of Ramses, beloved by Amun", it was one of six rock temples erected in Nubia during the long reign of Ramses II. With the passage of time, the temples fell into disuse and eventually became covered by sand. The temples were actually discovered by a Swiss orientalist, JL Burckhardt, in 1813, but it wasn’t until 1817, when Italian explorer, Giovanni Belzoni, traveled to the site and was able to enter the complex that their existence became known. Belzoni took everything valuable and portable with him. Tour guides at the site relate the legend that "Abu Simbel" was a young local boy who guided these early re-discoverers to the site of the buried temples, which he had seen from time to time in the shifting sands. Eventually, they named the complex after him: Abu Simbel. True or not, it makes a good story.

The massive facade of the main temple is dominated by the four seated colossal statues of Ramses. These familiar representations are of Ramses II himself.Each statue, 67 feet high, is seated on a throne and wears the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. Each are sculpted directly from the rock face. The thrones are decorated on their sides with Nile gods symbolically uniting Egypt. I can go on and on about the various statuary, the bas-relief that frames the entrance and much of the interior that tells stories of the marriage of Ramses to battle scenes and military champaigns. It was a wonderful morning and if you ever have the opportunity to visit Egypt, visiting Abu Simbel is a must.

We flew back into Aswan and since we still had several hours until our flight back to Cairo we took a motorboat to the beautiful island of Philae. Philae Temple was also dismantled and reassembled in the wake of the High Dam. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Iris is in a beautiful setting, which has been landscaped to match its original site.

For a change of pace (after four days of visiting temples I was templed out!!!!) we stopped at a wonderful perfumery on the way back to the ship.The owner of the factory explained the use of oils and aromatherapy by the ancient Egyptians, who distilled essential oils for cosmetic purposes as well as to treat all manner of illnesses.Oils were also used in religious practices and in preserving dead bodies for the afterlife. According to our presenter, essential oils of different flowering plants cure everything from heartburn to headaches to insomnia. Since I’ve been an insomniac for years, I bought the magic elixir (oil of lavender) in hopes of getting a few hours of sound sleep. The verdict is still out!We made it back to the ship for a late lunch, said our goodbyes to the ship’s captain,gathered our mountains of luggage, and headed back to the airport at Aswan for our flight back to Cairo. It was New Year’s Eve. I had arranged for a special dinner at the Villa D’Este, a wonderful Italian restaurant in the Conrad Hotel. Because of the horrendous traffic in Cairo we didn’t get back to the hotel until almost 8:00 p.m. We managed to stay awake long enough for dinner, but faded fast after a couple glasses of champagne. So much for whooping it up in Cairo for New Year’s!!!

The job of a tourist is never ending. Amr, our guide, did let us sleep in, so to speak, but by 9:00 a.m. we were heading out of Cairo to see the Pyramids of Dahshur and the soaring Step Pyramid, the first stone structure ever erected and a prelude to the Pyramids of Giza.The earliest Egyptian pyramids were actually step pyramids. During the Third Dynasty the architect Imhotep built Egypt's first step pyramid, the Pyramid of Djoser, by building a series of six successively smaller mastabas (an earlier form of tomb structure), one atop of another. But, by the Fourth Dynasty, plans had changed into the transformation of the "true pyramid". The earliest smooth-sided pyramids are those found in Dahshur.At the archaeological site of Dahshur are some of the oldest pyramids in Egypt, including the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
Also at Dahshur are several minor temples and tombs, some constructed during the Middle Kingdom.

We headed back to Cairo in the late afternoon with a brief stop at a local carpet factory.Having been to carpet showrooms and factories in Turkey, it was interesting to compare the types of carpets made in Egypt. From what little we saw at the factory, I definitely prefer Turkish carpets.Join me next week in old Old Cairo visiting the beautiful Coptic Church of St. Sergius and the century old Ben Ezra Synagogue.