Archive for category Travel Information
Tasty TwEats
Posted by TravelDesigned in My Travelin' Tweeps, Sustainable travel, Travel Information, TravelDesigned, Uncategorized on June 7th, 2010
Tasty TwEats
Have you ever wondered how the French seem to always make their croissants just right, or exactly what Italians do to make their sauces so mouth-watering wonderful? Can you identify all the spices in an authentic Moroccan dish, or pick out the seasonings that make a Midwest barbecue famous? If you've ever wondered how the flavors of the world converge, Tasty TwEats is for you.
The first and only cookbook created by travelers and conceived from #TNI (Travelers Night In, a weekly Thursday travel conversation on Twitter at 3:30 EDT. Tasty TwEats is a mash-up of all the best food and recipes from around the world, as tried and tested by those who've traveled far on an empty stomach.
But of course, we haven't been everywhere… so we're relying on you to contribute some of your favorite recipes. All submissions are completely voluntary and no money is exchanged between writers.
Tasty TwEats is a travel e cookbook, after all, so we're proud to feature some of our favorite travel companies from around the world in our cookbook. If you want to sponsor a part of Tasty TwEats, let us know! A minimum $25 donation is required for either a 1/4-page ad or on your 5×8 recipe page. 100% of all sponsorship or donation dollars to Tasty TwEats goes directly to Planeterra, a global grassroots organization donating to the people and communities around the world. You can choose how your donation is used, either by selecting a a specific project or submitting to a non-profit with the greatest need. There are over 30 project to choose from and all donations are matched 100%, which means if you donate $50, your charity is going to get $100.
The cookbook will be available for download Aug. 1 for a minimum $10 donation.
Thanks to Melanie Nayer @chic_travel for donating her time and writing for this post. Hugs to you, Melanie!
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You Can Do It All or Nothing At All
Posted by TravelDesigned in Caribbean, Mexico, My Travelin' Tweeps, Travel Information, TravelDesigned on April 21st, 2010
You Can Do It All or Nothing At All
This is what I always say about Mexico, “You can do it all or nothing at all!” This is especially true about a Yucatan holiday! There are party boats, romantic sunset cruises and pirate ships to sail. You can swim with whale shark, dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays.
If you like watersports, you have come to the right place. There’s windsurfing, kayaking, hobie cat sailing, snorkeling, diving and windkite surfing. At Rio Secreto you can swim in cenotes (underground rivers) and see amazing stalactites and stalagmites formations.
Do you love waterparks? The Yucatan is the place for you! There’s the traditional waterpark WetnWild in Cancun however, unique to the area are nature themed waterparks. At El Garrafon on Isla Mujeres you can go ziplining, walk around the sculpture park, snuba or climb 50ft into the air. Near Playa del Carmen, Hidden Worlds has extensive ziplining trails. Go early and stay late at Xcaret. Don’t miss the butterfly world, jaguars, or Mayan ball court game. At Xel-Ha, near Tulum, is a natural snorkeling aquarium, manatee experiences and so much more!
Speaking of Tulum, it’s the only Mayan fortress by the sea. Inland find the Mayan ruins of Coba and Chichen Itza, a UNESCO world heritage site. Spend your vacation at the ruins of Chacchoben, Chac Mool, Dzibilchaltun, Ek Balam,Uxmal, Mayapan, Muyil, Kohunlich, Dzibanche and Oxtankah. Discover natural wonders at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, another UNESCO site.
Bring your game- you can play a different golf course every day of the week! There’s El Camaleon, Playacar, Puerto Aventuras, Riviera Maya Golf Club, Pok Ta Pok, Hilton Golf Course and Playa Paraiso.
Only in the Yucatan will you find a certified thalasso spa with Mayan Shaman and their temazcal treatments. Or just relax on miles of beaches or at the pool with your favorite flavored margarita. As you can see on a Yucatan holiday,
you can do it all or nothing at all!
I wrote the above blog as an entry for the Yucatan Holidays Travel Writers' Contest
Ask an Agent Press Release
Posted by TravelDesigned in Travel Information, Uncategorized on March 26th, 2010
Leave Vacation Planning to the Professionals
Consumers are more inundated than ever with seemingly too-good-to-be-true vacation prices, especially on-line. How can even the most seasoned travelers be expected to cut through the clutter and make the right decision?
Part personal shopper and part matchmaker, a professional travel agent can match up options from hundreds of travel deals with your personal preferences, and take the stress out of the vacation planning process. Consider the following:
o First-Hand Experience- Chances are good that your travel agent has experienced the resort first-hand or has received personal feedback from clients who have. With so many websites containing outdated or misleading information, the expert advice and personal recommendation of a travel professional can be far more reliable and less biased than a travel brochure or web posting.
o Interpreting the Fine Print- Professional travel agents are familiar with the disclaimers and hidden fees that could cost you far more than you bargained for. They’ll provide expert advice on everything from optional resort excursions to the real value of travel insurance.
o Convenience, Cost and Value Recognition- By sifting through the web or making countless phone calls to hotels and airlines, you may be able to find a lower price on your own. But more likely, a travel agent will find you the best value in far less time, and you can avoid making a decision that may cost you dearly. Knowledgeable travel agents can discern the difference between a low price and a good value. When you book a vacation, you’re investing not only hard-earned dollars but also valuable vacation time. It pays to get it right.
o Clout- With a travel agent, you have someone who will go to bat for you should the unexpected happen. Experienced travel agents have long-standing relationships with travel suppliers. They have the right contacts and know how to get things done in the most efficient and timely manner.
Apple Vacations, one of the nation’s leading wholesale vacation companies, recommends booking through a professional, retail travel agent for the right advice and best price.
So why use an agent when you can go online and book yourself? Perhaps the question should be, why not?
reprinted with permission
Travel Tips
Posted by TravelDesigned in Travel Information on August 16th, 2009
I'm often asked by clients what I suggest they bring with them on vacation so I've created 'The Ultimate Packing List' for them to use in preparation for their trip.
Please email me if you have some of your own great tips for traveling!
Miscellaneous
PASSPORT
Room freshener/candle-just in case Fabric sheets to keep the static cling away and to keep clothes smelling fresh in tropical climates
Zip loc bags for wet suits on the way home
Beach Bag
Book/magazines
Money/ Credit Cards-Discover is not widely accepted/Amex often has surcharge Mastercard or Visa are the best credit cards for foreign travel Travel checks-ATM Beach towels-all inclusive hotels provide beach towels
Sunglasses
Belt
Shoes/socks
Flip Flops/Sandals
Night light
Toys/water wings/goggle
mask/snorkel
Bottles
Formula
Crayons and coloring book
Puzzle books
Playing cards
Batteries/chargers/memory cards for phones and cameras Camera/video camera/laptop
Sewing kit/safety pins
Costume jewelry- always leave your precious jewelry home
Address book for postcards/or pre print labels –must use foreign postage when traveling outside the US
In the unlikely event you loose your credit card or passport.
It is a good idea to photocopy all passports, identification and credit cards – front and back, leave a copy at home and take one with you.
Keep this information separate from your purse or wallet
Credit card number Phone number on back of card Name of issuing bank Name on card Name on Passport Passport Number Date if issue and expiration of passport
Medications Always bring at least 2 days extra in the event of unforeseen circumstances
Birth control-or not
Blood pressure
Cholesterol
Pain meds
Insulin
All of your prescription drugs
Over the counter meds
Vitamins Aspirin/ibuprophen/naproxen
Pepto tablets – Tums/Rolaids/Pepcid
Cold and sinus tablets
Anti-Motion sickness
Neosporin
Band-aids; various sizes Ace bandage or knee brace
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Diapers and wipes/swim ups/desinex
Purell Hand Sanitizer
Toiletries Razor Shaving gel
Toothpaste Toothbrush – be sure to dampen with bottle water and rinse in bottle water – Never use tap water!
Floss
Aftershave/Cologne/perfume-small or samples
Brush/Comb Curling/flat Iron
Hair accessories-scrunchie/bands/barrettes
Hairspray Mousse/Gel/Styling products
Feminine Hygiene Products
Contacts/Solution Eye drops
Lip Balm with sunscreen
Deodorant
Makeup – mascara, foundation, eyeliner, blush, eye shadow, lip gloss, bronzer, powder Makeup brushes Moisturizer Aloe Kleenex
Tipping Guidelines At all inclusive resorts – some resorts strictly prohibit gratuities. These are only guidelines; if you receive exceptional service, tip more. Maid Tip daily as maids change $2-3 Turndown Maid $2-3
Buffets $2 per person at all inclusive resorts
Ala Carte $3-5 per person depending on type of dining experience at all inclusive resorts
Bar $1-2 per drink round or $5- per day per person if you spend the day at the bar
Bellman/Luggage handlers $1 per bag or 5- $10 for 3-4 pieces heavy luggage or stairs
Spa/Salon 15% – 20%
Tour Guide $5-10 per person depending on length and quality of tour
Bus/Driver $2 -5 per person depending on length of trip
Taxi Drivers Always negotiate the price before ever even getting into the car!
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