Anonymous Traveler

Bomb Threat on Jan 28th Mariner of the Sea

2010-01-30T21:39:00.000-08:00

We left the ship early in the day in Puerto Vallarta. When we came back to the pier, my friend noticed many police vehicles with flashing lights. I had been focusing on the unusual long lines of fellow-passengers trying to board.

We stood with three extremely obnoxious guys who took pleasure in telling us that our ship had received a bomb threat. At this point we weren’t certain if passing rumors was part of their charm, or the truth.

It was when we saw the Military with their automatic weapons and the Coast Guards with scuba divers in gear that we realized the threat was extremely real.

Royal Caribbean was allowing passengers to board in groups of 20 after individual searches. This heightened security was disconcerting as at the two prior ports, Royal Caribbean limited their concerns to passengers bringing alcohol on board, which might interfere with their profit margin.

Though passengers asked what was happening, we were told everything from, “this was a safety drill,” to “the machines that document passengers coming and going are broken,” to “staff has no idea what is going on.”

The ambiguity in the answers caused undue stress for most passengers. We could see something was going on. And not keeping people informed or lying only increased everyone’s anxiety.

We eventually found out that an hour after we left the ship, there was a lockdown. A bomb threat was phoned in, (by what group we still do not know), while ‘procedures’’ were followed. Even the vendors in the flea market on the pier were cleared out.

No one was able to get off or on. The 2^nd and 3^rd floors were evacuated while the ship was ‘swept,’ with law enforcement personnel and bomb-sniffing dogs. Passengers that were stuck on board told us that there were a slew of government vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances surrounding the ship for several hours.

Passengers overheard discussions of ‘orderly evacuations’ from top operations staff.

Yet, when fellow passenger Andy Smith from Liverpool, England suggested to staff that precedence be given to the elderly, the disabled, children and pregnant women, those suggestions fell on deaf ears.

Royal Caribbean’s procedures need changing. Passengers have a right to know exactly what is going on…as it is happening. They do not need to hear rumors about Terrorists or the Mexican Mafia. Passengers have a right to choose whether or not to proceed with the cruise, or to fly home.

We certainly had questions. While the Captain did make an announcement of generic details at to what occurred, it was several hours too late and way too vague.

The offer of one hour of free Screwdrivers or Mimosas for our inconvenience was not okay. A bomb threat is far from an inconvenience. The fact the Captain would make himself available for a few minutes, and we couldn’t find was unacceptable. He should have made himself or one of his right hands accessible all evening.

It was a rude awakening to hear that other cruise lines have experienced the same thing, yet it hasn’t been publicized.

Terrorism does cross my mind when I travel, and it is my hope that bomb threat procedures will be re-evaluated, heightened and standardized, as cruise ships are a venue that is extremely vulnerable. How can port security be so careless? Many passengers continue to feel uneasy as we head to Los Angeles.

What Guarantees a Good Night Sleep?

2009-08-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

The newest trend in hotel marketing is that really comfortable bed.

The Westin Heavenly Bed, The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed or The W Difference; sounds enticing, huh?

Travel and Leisure has an article called Battle of the Beds, but who will write up the Battle of the Bang.

I can't ignore unwanted noise. That mandatory aspect of a good nights sleep is often ignored

Noise is the most important consideration that will disturb a hotel guest’s sleep yet it is a detail frequently ignored, or value engineered out during hotel construction.

Who cares how great the mattress if you hear doors slamming in the hall, elevators opening and closing, or television sets in adjacent rooms?

I do not want to hear the person above me flushing their toilet or showering!

I can't tell you how often I have had to call a front desk at a 5 star properties with noise complaints.

While the manager will often offer a discount, I'd rather be able to sleep.

Noise mitigation is easy when a hotel is being built but if attention isn't paid to this in the design and construction phases, the guests have to pay in more ways than one.

I am looking forward to a day when hotels advertise "Dreamy Hotels" and what they mean by dreamy is a place you can dream because it is a noise free!

The Vulnerable Traveler; Are You An Easy Target?

2009-08-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

I recently sat next to a highly respected government official.

My lengthy flight went quickly as we talked for hours, actually he talked and I listened. All he asked was to keep his position and identity confidential when writing this article, which I will.

I have rarely felt unsafe or vulnerable anywhere I have traveled though I am aware that traveling makes you somewhat vulnerable.

Lets face it, being alive makes you vulnerable.

Petty theft is the biggest risk a tourist faces.

Do you think you are a tough or easy target?

Whether you are male or female, are you well dressed?

Are your hands well manicured?

Are you wearing anything shiny?

Is your purse or briefcase worn, or new? Does it look expensive?

Even if your watch is fake, would someone staking you out across the street know that?

Are your glasses this year’s style?

Are your clothes elegant and appropriate?

When the man I was talking with pointed out I was quite the target, I thought he was joking.

After all, before I left home I took off my engagement ring.

I replaced my good watch with a watch that I bought for under a hundred dollars.

I changed my normal red nail polish to a neutral color.

And I changed from my designer handbag to a non-descript one.

He shook his head explaining that my entire persona screamed ‘target.’

Would a thief know my shiny watch wasn’t real gold?

My rootless blonde hair and recently manicured hands say ‘well-kept.’

Designer or not, my purse didn’t have a scratch on it.

My shoes were clean and looked new, as did my clothes.

The style of my eyeglasses was current as any eyeglass ad out there.

I guess you have to be extremely vanilla to not be targeted.

Forget that manicure before you travel.

Things you wouldn’t be caught dead in at home might be perfect for traveling,

unless of course you are taking pictures.

But carrying that expensive camera also makes you a target!

Look for significant insight in the upcoming series called Better Safe Than Sorry at www.travelersanonymous.com

What Will Connoisseurs of Luxury Overlook for Good Service?

2009-08-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

If a property is a bit rundown but the staff responds as quickly as humanly possible is it easier to overlook things?

Last week end , a friend of mine and her husband vacationed at The St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, California.

When they opened the door to the oceanfront suite the first thing that caught my friend's eye was a small hole in the fabric of the sofa.

Just then the suite’s doorbell rang. The butler was inquiring if she could make them reservations for any upcoming meals.

My friend and her husband decided to checkout the facilities before they unpacked. They returned to fresh flowers in the room, a bowl of fruit and bottled water, which made the hole in the couch virtually unnoticeable.

Hearing this I wondered if the hole in the couch was there in October 2008 when AIG sponsored their retreat at this property after accepting the federal bailout money.

Anyway, late in the evening, day two of my friend's weekend trip, the cable connection in their suite failed. The television screen just went blank. My friend phoned the front desk who sent up engineering in less than 10 minutes.

After analyzing the issue, the engineer explained that fixing the connection was no small task. He offered to work on it immediately, or he return in the morning at a time convenient for them.

They decided to give up television that night and schedule the service call the next morning. Unlike many appointments made in this fashion, the same engineer showed up and the service call was an unobtrusive as possible.

Now if I was the guest, I would have been on the phone with the hotel's general manager. I would have demanded a discount on my bill. If I was paying $750 a nigh for a suite, no matter how unobtrusive the service, I would expect everything working in the room 100% of the time.

No matter how small a hole, holes in couches are not okay for me a $750 a night.

Though the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resorts future is uncertain due to financial woes what is certain is that they can still get $750 a night for a suite with imperfections, that is, if I am not the guest staying there.

Coupons and Online Travel

2009-08-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

Always look for Coupons if you are shopping for travel online.

Coupon Craze

Coupon Cabin

Most of the time the coupons listed work.

If you don't try, you won't save.

Learn to Hold It, or Budget for the Bathroom in Prague

2009-08-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

In Prague everything costs... everything. Watch your liquids and your fiber especially if you will be sightseeing all day or if you are on a limited budget. Secure a 'bathroom budget.' Using the toilet will cost.

Plan to pay anywhere from 5 czk to 20 czk (about 28 cents to $1.11). Thank goodness they don't charge by the minute or one could really go broke. Because when you gotta go, you gotta pay! That applies to restaurants, churches, etc.

While having breakfast in our hotel, I had to go. Since we were eating, it was free. Instead of leaving my friend and going to my room, I asked to decided to use the hotel's restroom. I was directed down down a winding staircase to a ladies room located by the Spa.

I entered the room, went in the stall and sat down to do my business.

Now I don't dilly-dally. Even my husband has commented about how fast I am. I go, wash my hands and leave. But in Prague it is not so fast.

Where were you when the lights went out? I was in the bathroom in our hotel's restroom in Prague. So now I am sitting in the bathroom stall in the dark trying to remember the way out and cursing under my breath.

After my eyes adjusted, I decided to feel my way out. I got up from the you-know-what, which apparently triggered the light sensor and my problem was solved. I flushed, washed and hurried out of there.

So if your stomach rumbles, you can go into an upscale hotel but beware of light sensors.

Or go to a cafe and order a drink albeit coffee, bottled water or beer. You can stay all day if you need, and can use the toilet as often as you'd like.

As ludicrous as it sounds, as long as you are spending money, no one cares how long you sit. And if you are with someone else, only one of you needs to order something.

Prague is not America, land of the Pee for Free.

Crossing from Hungary to Slovakia

2009-07-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

Many beautiful cities sit along the Danube and river cruising is a very convenient way to see them. The ship is a wonderful base to explore each city as the attractions, for the most part, are within walking distance. It is a great way to sample of each stop. I will review River Beatrice next week on Travelers Anonymous.

It is now morning. I am listening to Elton John's Tiny Dancer as I sit on UNIWORLD's River Beatrice sun-deck. I woke up in time to see the largest lock we will pass this trip. It is a man-made canal built inside the Danube. We left Hungary but haven't yet entered Slovakia. There are lots of tiny villages along the river. In the distance a man rollerblades pushing a stroller.

I can't imagine taking a Danube Cruise in the winter but it is July and the weather is perfect, just perfect. Moody Blues New Horizons is now playing on my Ipod as sip a great cup of coffee.

Prague's Royal Castle; Truth or Dare

2009-07-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Can you see all of Prague Castle in a day?

No...but you can see a lot.

There are two types of tickets available; a short-tour ticket or a long-tour ticket.

We bought the later and added the extremely worthwhile audio-guide, which is a must-do!

The historic information is told in an interesting, succinct yet compelling way. And a mega-perk of renting the audio-guide is you do not have to stand in line to enter St. Vitus Chapel.

Since St. Vitus Chapel is considered the most important in Prague there are always massive queues and many, many people.

Here is your choice - Get ready to Stand for Hours or Rent the Audio -Guide and walk right in? No Brainer!

So after we had spent six hours on the Castle grounds, our pace had definitely slowed. The Prague Castle is the 2^nd largest Castle in the world. Even at a brisk pace it takes over an hour to cross the grounds, (and our calf muscles will vouch for it.)

In the Royal Palace, we were in the last phase of our battle with yet another long, steep and winding staircase. We were about to take our last descending step out when a woman assuming we spoke English asked in a snippy tone, “Is there anything to see up there?”

The poor woman was sweating profusely. She looked like she was about to die of exhaustion. Although her eyes pleaded ‘save me this hike’ we just couldn’t do it.

“Go slowly.” was all we said.

She rolled her eyes. Flustered, she barely uttered the words, “come on,” to her granddaughter.

I don't want to know the words she muttered about us.

Surviving the Streets in Prague

2009-07-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

Walking through the intimate beautiful neighborhoods of Prague is heavenly. But in order to survive the streets flat shoes are a functional necessity! I actually saw a few women in spiked heels. Brains or beauty?

The narrow cobblestone streets are picturesque but far from perfect. While you want to look everywhere, looking down is imperative. Walking across the Charles Bridge will cause a gleam in your eye but don’t let Prague’s allure fool you. If you forget where you are, it can be treacherous. If you don’t remember you are walking on cobblestone, you’ll be hobbling home. Prague is great but watch your step – literally!

Ultimate Communication Mishaps & Mexican Food in Prague

2009-07-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Prague is not the place you think of for Mexican food but after asking three different locals where they go when they go when they want to have a special dinner out, I kept hearing the same answer - Cantina. Yet, I just couldn’t make myself go.

Although tonight, I wish I had.

Today must have been International Miscommunication Day.

Around 2 pm, I handed the hotel's front desk clerk my friend’s flight information. I requested that he check if the flight was on time.

He phoned and explained that the flight would arrive at 4:30pm. I wasn’t surprised that it was running that late. I had wandered enough in the rain so I decided to see if the hotel’s spa had availability. I booked a 90 minute de-stress treatment – their specialty. If I started at 2:30, I’d be done well before she arrived.

My treatment, by the way, ran over by 30 minutes. I figured that 15 minutes was no big deal, as my friend needed time to unpack and the hotel staff knew I was in the spa.

At 4:45, I hurried to the front desk and asked if she had arrived. There was different staff on duty. They looked at each other, thoroughly bewildered. Arrived? She arrived at the hotel a bit after 2:30 and had waited almost 2 hours before leaving to go explore.

Apparently the person that morning not only got the wrong information, but to add insult to injury, he didn’t let my friend (or the afternoon) staff know my whereabouts. So they kept trying my room... no luck. They even tried the spa... I was listed as having an appointment.

I asked, "Do you know where she went?"

Yes, off to see the Statue of Baby Jesus.

Could they direct me to the right church?

Don’t ask! I could go on and on about how armed with minimal directions, I took off trying to find her but that was not my best decision of the day.

After getting too much exercise in too little time, all stress relief from the massage earlier was gone.

I returned to the hotel, darted up two flights of stairs to my room and picked up the phone in my hotel room. In order to reach my friend here in Prague, I had to dial the US to get connected to her. A million dollar phone call later, we did meet up.

You might wonder why I didn’t I just call her on my cell phone in the first place. Answer is simple; Sprint didn’t activate my International SIM Cards as promised.

Now while the people at Sprint speak fluent English – though they don’t necessarily know how to follow through with requests. Understanding the language of the request and following through with completing the request are not always the same thing.

Had I personally called British Airways to get the ETA of my friend’s flight, this wouldn’t have happened.

Had I left a note under my friend’s door saying I was in the spa instead of asking the hotel employee to deliver the message, this wouldn’t have happened.

Had I taken the time to call Sprint this morning and give them an earful, I would have had my international phone working.

Had I changed my service to A T & T before I left, I wouldn’t have had the problem at all.

Always have the person giving you directions be specifc and ask them to look up the address. Have them hand write the address for you and verify the accuracy.

“Go left at the first street, don’t go in the first restaurant but go though the garden of the second restaurant and that is the place.”

We believe we never found the right restaurant because the place where we ended up dining was mediocre-at-best, horrendously overpriced, had horrific service and the audacity to bring back our bill and argue that we didn't tip. We politely tried to point to the service charge which clearly showed up on the bill as 19% to which the waiter replied, "the service charge is not the tip." At 19% it damned better be!

And so tonight, I am going to dream about highly recommended Margaritas and Mexican food at a place easy to find located... in Prague - of all places.!

Anytime is the Time to Marry in Prague

2009-07-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

In a quaint all-day cafe called Il Balcone, I escaped the rain to have breakfast. It was raining too hard for anyone to sit al fresco and watch the baroque charm of Prague. Though early in the morning, the café was far from boring.

At first I noticed the two women seated at the table next to me. They each had well-behaved dogs with them. The women, who seemed to be regulars, enjoyed their coffees while the two dogs enjoyed a periodic piece of ham.

A young couple sat in a booth in the back. The girl was wearing a bridal gown and her groom a tux. The two of them sat alone at the table talking. Maybe in Prague it is traditionally for the bride and groom to have coffee together after they marry.

I asked around and found out that the Bride and Groom were waiting for the rain to stop so they could go around the corner to marry at Vrbouska Zahrada , one of the most beautiful gardens in Prague.

Another customer explained that on Fridays many couples go to the gardens to marry. I know I was jet lagged and all, but I was almost positive that it was Wednesday. But whatever day it is, I guess when you are ready to get married; only the rain can stop you. But then again, what do I know?

The Prague Pub and Insight into Prague Pricing

2009-07-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

I checked into my hotel and took an evening stroll through the Mala Strana. It is dotted with embassies, colorful pubs and restaurants. I landed at a very typical, very tiny pub called Uklicu. There were 10 stools but I was told by a customer, “during the summer the garden also has a few tables.” Because everyone was so friendly, I decided not to tell him this was July, which is summer where I come from.

If you have an issue with smoking than better skip Prague because cigarette smokers are everywhere. Though I am a devout non-smoker and usually have an attitude when someone intrudes on my air, I kept my mouth shut.

I sat between a couple locals and ordered a beer. In the background Led Zeppelin played. This pub plays the Oldies Station so the music was great. I stuck up a conversation with a guy who spoke impeccable English. I mistakenly asked him to recommend a ‘Czechoslovakian’ restaurant. “Czech Republic,” he replied correcting me immediately.

I explained that old habits are hard to break. I knew the Czech Republic was formed in 1989. My children’s paternal grandparents were born there, I explained I love spent my twenties eating Czech food and never quite perfecting my ex-mother-in-laws recipes for Czech pastries and ‘Gulas.’ Rather amused, he excused my politically incorrect reference and gave me several local restaurants to try. He explained that many restaurants have menus in English and in Czech. What most people don’t know is the English menus are triple the price!

I thanked him for the information, finished the mug of beer in front of me and headed back to my smoke-free room in my hotel where I took out a guidebook and made notes on how to order in Czech. Tomorrow, I’ll dine from the Czech menu. Gulis Podavany’s, here I come!

No One Checks in Czech; Or Do They?

2009-07-15T04:14:00.000-07:00

You can imagine my surprise that after I left the plane, grabbed my luggage and headed to meet my pre-arranged ride. No customs and no passport check.

I stopped to change some currency though I knew better. Banks and ATM’s are always best but I wanted some local currency for tips and did they gouge me.

The driver was there as promised holding a sign that had my name. It was still relatively light outside (8:30ish pm) so I was able to see Prague’s impressive scenery. Generous stretches of gardens are everywhere. It is Green and Clean. The roads

So we drove along and entered the Mala Strana area where I was staying. We turn onto my street, reached a stop sign and were greeted by armed guards holding a mirror under the car and looking for bombs. I though my driver had very good English until his explanation was “They know me but they always look.”

My hotel was a block or two up the slight hill. We passed a few more armed guards. I was looking at them not to my right or I would have noticed the US Embassy, which would have explained the security. Since 2001 there are bomb checks on all cars entering the area. Supposedly they carefully check each vehicle. They look under the car, under their hood and in the trunk. But for our vehicle they briefly scanned the car with a mirror. No trunk or hood check. After all...they knew the driver.

Take Stock In Travel; Wall Street isn't the Only Sale

2009-01-23T19:38:00.000-08:00

One of my longest-term, closest, dear friends is a stock broker. He is making money as most of the world is losing it. I have sat on the sidelines and watched him the past couple of months.

When I've asked for advice, he's explained that he can't tell me what to do, but he will tell me what he is going to do. And his instincts are usually good. So I have put my foot in the Wall Street water. So far, I have learned that there is always something else for me to learn.

Stocks aren't the only bargain in this recession.

With an unstable economy and employment shaky at best, should you travel?

While I can't tell you what to do, I can tell you what I am going to do.

Airfares are down, deals are up. Follow your instincts. If travel is important to you, cut back, don't cut out.

Though I believe our economy will get worse before it gets better, for me, now is the time to take advantage of some of the best deals I've ever seen.

The travel industry is responding to Americans as we cut back on discretionary spending and travel less. We spend less; they offer more.

Use it to your advantage. Do you have a list of places you'd go if the price were right?

Friends or family you'd like to see?

American Airlines, Northwest, Alaska and other airlines all have sales this weekend

Yesterday, my husband booked a round-trip flight to Syracuse including taxes for $227, half of what he usually pays. I am signed up for instant notifications for air sales to all the places where we have family.

As with all offers, there are stipulations. This one needs to book at least 14 days prior to departure or within 1 day of making reservations, whichever comes first, but no later than 11:59 p.m. (CT) January 26, 2009. Flights are for 14 days from now till the end of April.

As the Caribbean prepares for a tough year, why not plan a trip there? I haven't tried a Wyndham all-inclusive but their All-Inclusive Valentine's Day Deals caught my eye.

Viva Wyndham Playa Dorado at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic is offering an all-inclusive price of $80 a day per person, based on double occupancy. The fine print is a minimum stay of 3 consecutive nights required. Stay must be booked by 2/25/2009 and completed by 2/28/2009.

For fun, I looked on the American Airlines website earlier today, and plugged in the dates February 12 - Feb 17th.

To go to the Dominican Republic from Miami, it is $135 a person, from LA $249, and from Detroit $209 round trip. I haven't seen fares like this in years.

That means that if you are looking for a Valentine's Day deal today, hypothetically, two people could go from Detroit to the Dominican Republic for 5 nights - everything included except airport parking for about $1200. That's a deal.

The unfortunate thing about 'travel deals' is you have remain on top of them. You might want to sign-up for my soon to launch website - www.travelersanonymous.com for help.

Don't want to go so far, how about spending Superbowl Weekend in Las Vegas? The Mirage has a Superbowl Special for $69 a night. Two nights in Vegas for about $149. I can't throw a Superbowl Party for that. And the Mirage buffet is one of the best in my opinion.

The Four Seasons, Miami is offering 'Stay 2 nights, get a third night free.' While paying $1000 for three nights may not be a bargain to you, it is for some.

Just like some might think Goldman Sachs at $74.91 a share is a great deal. Last year when it dropped to $47.41 a share, though it was a bargain, it would have still been too high for me.

Wall Street isn't the only thing on sale, but you have to watch it just as carefully.

Cell Phones in Airports; Should There Be Limits

2009-01-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

You are in a public airport. Your stomach is rumbling. You regret the indulgence from the last food kiosk. Rushing into the restroom, you are relieved there is no line. You sit down, and then it happens.

The person in the next stall had been on the phone all along but was listening not talking. To let them know you are there, you flush. There is an exasperated response. You freeze horrified! Your mission can’t be complete, nor do you want to leave.

You are trapped in the stall as that conversation is going on for what seems like eternity.

While it is always uncomfortable to use an airport restroom, what is worse than being in the stall trying to do your deed while someone is carrying on a conversation?

When you finally exit, as luck would have it, the other person does too. You exchange hostile glances though no one says a word.

In general, I am not a fan of public restrooms but if I am in an airport what choice do I have? It is better to wait till you are off the airplane, or is it? At least with the size of an airplane bathroom, you know you are alone.

Cell phone etiquette has become a thing of the past. We all walk around in our own bubbles oblivious to the fact that our loud conversations might be invasive to the people around us. For this reason alone, I am not a fan of allowing cell phones on airplanes or even for that matter in airport (or any other) public restrooms.

Escorted Trips to Korea; FAM or not

2008-12-11T20:01:00.001-08:00

I have posted earlier about travel in Seoul, South Korea. You might wonder what exactly brought me there in the first place. I stumbled across "an advertised as" luxury FAM (Familiarization) trip to South Korea, a place I had never visited.

Familiarization tours (FAMS) are trips in which journalists, tour operators or travel agents experience the region first-hand.

I decided to go as part of this particular FAM as the offer seemed just too good to pass up. Beware, if something seems to good to pass up, it is!

Having never heard of the company who was sponsoring this trip, I called and spoke with the agency's manager directly. They talked a good talk. They claimed to specialize in Asia and offered different FAM trips once to twice a month. They confirmed that we would be not-only be staying at five-star hotels but that indeed all air, meals, gratuities and sightseeing admissions would be included for just under a thousand dollars.

The land-package was for only 6 nights, which I knew would be a bit of an issue for me as I usually need a few days to adjust to the time change. But this deal persuaded me to leave my comfort zone.

I talked my daughter into accompanying me and a few weeks later we left.

We arrived in Seoul very late at night the only connection possible from Los Angeles. As promised, we were met at Incheon International Airport by the tour company's driver. He didn't speak English and we didn't speak Korean.

The van we were in so desperately needed shock absorbers that we felt every bump for an hour and a half. We had no idea that the Seoul airport was located so far from the city. We kept asking "Are we there, yet?" like little kids the whole trip. He kept answering us in Korean but neither of us understood a word the other was trying to say.

But we finally arrived and the COEX Intercontinental was very nice. Our driver took us and our luggage to the reception desk. The front desk clerk gave us our keys, breakfast coupons and a note telling us to be in the lobby at 8 a.m. to meet our guide.

Exhausted, we went to our room The rooms were exceptionally clean, spacious and very adequate. The furnishings were nothing special, but the room didn't lack for anything either.

The COEX hotel breakfast buffet was unbelievable and seemed to have everything and more: bagels and smoked salmon, dim sum, made-to-order omelets, miso soup, sushi, pancakes, cereal, crepes and steak--it was all there.

Unfortunately, the hotel turned out to be the only high-end feature of our trip. This trip was pitched as a luxury FAM, but the semi-luxurious features ended there. Our tour group was small: 7 of us, plus our guide and driver.

Though our guide was very nice and knowledgeable about Korea, the tour itself was horrendous.

The bus we were on was old and worn. The daily itineraries were very poorly paced and very poorly planned. We spent extremely long periods of time on the bus and often found ourselves taken from one part of town to another part and then back again.

The waste of time and fuel would be upsetting under any conditions, but what added injury to insult was Seoul's traffic, some of the worst in the world. It makes driving in Los Angeles traffic look like child's play.

Our tour was not expertly planned. Though our guide was sweet, she could not think outside of the box at all. She planned our itinerary around our meals, which were bad at best. The touristy nature of the itinerary was shocking as we are a group of professional travel planners and travel writers who know better.

I was flabbergasted that they would take us to such overt tourist traps such as [give a specific example or two here]. Somewhere there was a huge disconnect between our expectations as travel professionals and the way we were treated.

Sure, we saw the Royal Palace, the Folk Village, the National Museum and we shopped in the Dongdaemun Market and Itaewon to name a few places. But we were also taken to the Amethyst Factory, which was not even a glorified show-room where they tried to sell us jewels at "very special prices."

We were also shown the government-authorized "Ginseng Factory," which turned out to be just another storefront selling the same ginseng available on every street corner.

But nothing topped our cooking school experience at Seoul's Kimchi School.

Kimchi is served everywhere in Korea. It's a fermented dish consisting of a main vegetable flavored with a variety of spices and seasonings. The most popular version is made with cabbage. Chili pepper and salt seems to be the most popular spices, but you'll find lots of others like ginger, scallions, garlic, etc. There are hundreds of types of kimchi and it is said to be very healthy. The Koreans are very proud of it and take it very seriously.

As for me, I ate enough kimchi and rice to last the rest of my life that week. But that may be the fault of our guide as she pre-arranged every meal and every meal was some type of kimchi dish: beef and kimchi, chicken and kimchi, seafood and kimchi.

The Kimchi School is located in a large commercial building. We waited in a large foyer where pictures of kimchi hang everywhere. Our group was taken into one of several rooms where prearranged ingredients were laid out in front of us. A staff member from the so-called cooking school gave us gloves and instructed us how to make kimchi from the ingredients. Five minutes later, we were done. We were given the option of taking our kimchi with us or we could donate it. Bizarrely, the one thing we couldn't do was eat it there!

I love to cook. In fact I have taken many cooking lessons during my life, but never have I taken a class where you aren't even offered a sample of the food or a glass of water.

After our "lesson," we were taken to an exhibit of traditional Korean Wedding Costumes that we were encouraged to try on ourselves. Very bizarre. I failed to be entertained by dressing up in costumes and modeling them in front of a mirror. To add insult to injury, I believe these costumes were created for non-Koreans as Koreans are of smaller stature overall than Westerners. If these costumes weren't made for Westerners, there would be no way that anyone would have been able to fit in the costumes.

Finally, our group rebelled and demanded that we actually see something significant. We paid a lot for it, but we spent our last day at the DMZ, the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, a trip that truly deserves it's own future blog.

The lesson of this experience is that if you opt to go with an organized tour, make sure you do your homework about the tour company and the guide you will be assigned. Make sure you know if the Escorted Tours will be Budget, First Class, Deluxe or Luxury. Make sure you ask questions!

Not having to get directions or make parking arrangements if you're visiting several spots can be great. Having your day mapped out, pre-planned and pre-paid can make a lot of sense, but it's essential to be smarter about it than I was.

Find out as much detail as you can, even about the less-obvious things. For example, will there be pre-paid meals at fine restaurants where you get to choose your meal or will you be taken to a different tourist-class place and served same horrible meal at every lunch and dinner?

Find out what entertainment is included. If the guide suggests a show not on theitinerary for an added price, find out exactly what it is before you agree to go. Do not feel the need to go along with everyone else like we did. Keep in mind, the guides often get kickbacks to take you to local tourist trap shows.

Make sure your itinerary has a good balance between unscheduled and scheduled time. Know what tips are actually included in the costs.

Although gratuities were supposed to be included in our trip, my guess is that the porters, hotel staff, waiters and drivers did not see one red cent.

The moral of this story is that I would never put my client in the hands of that particular tour group, even if it turned out to be the only way for them to see Korea.

Be careful and do your homework. We travel professionals can only give you first-hand advice if we have had first-hand experience.

Always ask your travel professional if they have personally been to the place you want to visit. If not, have they actually sent any clients with this company before? Do not be their experiement! If they personally sent clients' to that hotel, find out the feedback the provided.

Always remember, forewarned is forearmed, and you get what you pay for!

Korean Massage or Mauling?

2008-12-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

Dare I tell you about our most unforgettable Korean mother-daughter experience?

As previous posts explain, I was traveling with my adult daughter in Seoul.

On the flight over I came down with an horrendous cold and ear infection. Unfortunately, I passed it on to my daughter, who shortly was in even worse shape than I was and could barely breathe at all.

Both of our colds turned into serious sinus infections. I couldn't sleep so I went to the spa to check it out.

The entire ladies spa at the COEX Intercontinental is literally located within a sauna, which is where the treatments are given. I am not usually a sauna lover but I figured that a sauna just might clear our sinus.

The receptionist handed me a menu of services. I booked appointments for both of us, scheduled simultaneously--my daughter for an aroma therapy massage. For me, a foot and face massage.

We went down to the 5-star-rated health club and, as the rules stated, left our shoes at the door. The attendant handed us house-coat type robes made from light cotton and shower shoes and escorted us to our lockers. We changed and headed for the treatment room.

Inside the room we found two Korean women, both dressed only in matching black bras and underwear. One woman was relatively thin while the other was built like a sumo wrestler.

My daughter and I thought we had stumbled into someone else's treatment session. Before we could turn around to leave, the thin one whipped off her bra, grabbed me by the hand and led me to a table.

What in the world had I got us both into?

Before my daughter could stop her, the fat one snatched her robe from her and laid her down on the other table.

My daughter gave me that 'what the hell is this' look. She sniffed through her cold: "This is totally awkward."

Meanwhile, I start roaring with laughter.

The treatments began. I was wondering why my therapist took her bra off but, I figured, what the hell--if topless massages are the thing in Korea, so be it!

The foot massage felt like the masseuse was poking me with a corkscrew every few seconds in a different spot--constant pain with no relief.

Even with plugged ears I heard my daughter quietly pleading, "Lighter please." As it turned out, the whale had placed a towel on my daughter's rear, then climbed on top of her and dug her knees into her to add more pressure. Luckily, my daughter survived.

Meanwhile, my "therapist" is working on my legs with what feels like a mallet. I was laughing hysterically--the more we ask them to lighten up the more pressure they apply.

My therapist turned me over for my face massage. She started out by slapping me in the face and then pinching me in very quick rhythmic fashion, until I felt one of the Three Stooges.

This beating was followed by the application of some cold, soothing ointment, which I hoped might stop the black and blue marks from appearing. Next, she started to wrap my face in gauze as though I were a mummy. When the wrapping reached my cold-clogged nose and mouth, I grabbed her hand and firmly said, "No."

My therapist muttered something in Korean, then took a scissors and cut a tiny hole for my nose. I grabbed the gauze and unwrapped myself: "No! I can't breathe!"

Meanwhile, my daughter's therapist was sprawling across her body to massage her neck. My poor child was encased in the therapist's blubber and literally wiggling to crawl out from under her.

My daughter escaped before me. Later, I found in her house-coat-like robe, dangling her feet in the hot tub.

"That--" she took a giant pause"--was not relaxing."

The black and blue marks on my legs were starting to appear. I dipped my toe in one of the individual baths and almost went into shock at the temperature of the freezing cold water.

I quickly dressed and met my daughter at the desk as she was signing us both out.

How was the massage? Did she feel better? the receptionist wanted to know.

"Definitely," she lied.

We limped back to our room now needing to recover from far more than a bad cold!

Real Korean Women Do Eat

2008-12-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

A very disturbing observation is that the Korean women really do eat. They all look like models. They are tall and skinny. I made a point of gawking at every dish everyone of these stunning woman (and men) ate. And they did not push food around their plates anorexic-style; they ate whatever was put in front of them

Now in yet another future Blog, I will address Kimchee which by the way was the only meal our tour guide ever arranged for us, but this is a good place to point out that the Seoul has more American Food chains then most US cities. We saw Subway, Quiznos, Coldstone, Baskin Robbins, Tony Roma, California Pizza Kitchen, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, KFC, Bennigans, Fridays, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, Outback Steak House, and I could go on and on.

When you look inside these places they are packed with Koreans, not Americans.

But I had my reality check when I went into Red Mango, a tart frozen yogurt franchise which began in Korea. I looked at the portions and asked for a large.

For reference, their large is equivalent to our medium. I had ordered to-go. They intelligently prepared my desert in ice to make sure it stayed cold. I was impressed. I looked inside the bag and saw four spoons.

I must have looked puzzled so the woman handed me more. Why would I need so many spoons? I could see one extra in case I dropped one but....

Then, I looked around the place and saw groups of people sharing that same large that I was about to go back to the hotel and eat all by myself.

Maybe the Korean's do eat less than we do, at least when it comes to dessert!

Shopping in Seoul

2008-12-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

My apologies for my lengthy writing absence. I was traveling and blew my eardrum on the return flight but that will be a future Blog.

I love to shop in Asia. Yet for the first time it was tough to buy. To begin, there are no real bargains. It is not like shopping in China or Thailand.

But if you are tiny from head to toe, you may be in luck. But tiny does not have a universal definition.

The people of Seoul are some of the best dressed people in the world. Even the street people are somewhat fashionable.

The Korean fashion sense is exquisite but unfortunately it is not a shopping mecca for most Americans. Their large maybe the equivalent of our extra-small. The only safe purchase is a scarf. They are unique, gorgeous and fit everyone.

Since I couldn't get my foot in a shoe, it was accessories only.

And the sizing is also true for men's clothing. My son is a medium in most US brands. He has a slim but athletic build but even some of the extra-large t-shirts I bought him were too small.

The majority of stores will not allow you to try clothes on. The sales clerks only speak two words of English, "No try."

But this is my favorite shopping experience:

We went into this very tiny jacket boutique, it was no larger than 14 by 8. The store had about 5 racks. I handed the sales clerk my jacket to try on a couple of their jackets. I was so excited as I stood in my cami. I had finally found someone who would let me try on. I proceeded to have a party trying on at least 6 jackets until I was convinced nothing would fit.

I don't love traveling with a group (yet another future Blog) but as I was with a group and we had pre-arranged a time and place to meet, I had to leave. I asked the clerk for my jacket but she was clueless as to what I wanted. I couldn't explain anything in Korean and she didn't know a word of English. I began to pantomime.

She continued to have no idea what I was talking about. I began searching the racks for "My jacket.". Now keep in mind, this store was so tiny you hardly could turn around in there.

Finally, she seemed to understand but was puzzeled as well. She couldn't remember where she put my jacket. She hung it up somewhere and couldn't find it.

Of course by now I had less than 5 minutes to meet our group- and had to be on time as we were on our way to a Korean play (which turned out to be similar to a Korean Blue Man Group) -

Half-naked and totally frustrated, I took the shop's business card and ran several blocks to our bus. I told our tour guide what happened. She used her cell phone to call the clerk and they proceeded to speak back and forth in Korean. This Mensa-candidate clerk searched again and again. By now, the store owner had been called and arrived at the store. With his help, finally they found it.

Do ya think this is how they stock the joint?

SuperClubs offers Super Promtions Unless You Try To Use Them

2008-09-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Getting an advertised travel deal is often a “bait and switch” experience. You must read the very small fine print!

I have become an expert at getting the best of all deals, but that’s only after learning from experiences where I was badly burned or overcharged, call it what you will.

Hyatt runs promotions like Sunshine on Sale. It is easy to understand as the requirements are clear and visible. Kimpton Hotels offered their In Touch Members a very self-explanatory 'Stay 3, Get 1 Night Free Summer Promotion.'

Other promotions like Holiday Inn’s Kid’s Eat Free have the complete terms and conditions online, but it is of in fine print. If you read carefully, it stipulates the rules. Kid’s Eat Free when the child is under 12 and eating off the children’s menu. It also states that your child must be accompanied by a paying family member who is dining from the regular menu. Therefore, if you have an 11 year old with a hearty appetite or a 4 year old finicky eater, watch out.

If you don’t book online and/or you are not a detail-detective, beware! I once had a horrible experience with Super Clubs, from which I learned that some of the large vacation companies like Super Clubs often expect the guest/customer to know the promotion details. I learned no matter how well you have documented the chain of events, management can stand by the fine print online even if you never went online; even if you book your trip by phone

Here is what happened.

In August a few years ago, I called Super Clubs to discuss an upcoming family vacation in Jamaica, which incidentally turned into the site for my destination wedding. (Look for the tips on planning a destination wedding in a future post.)

I called the toll-free number and was immediately put on hold, at which time I tuned in to their recording, which stated that if you have been a cruise passenger sometime in the preceding 12 months, you would qualify for one free night as long as you would be staying at a Super Clubs property five or more nights.

This sounded great to me as we had all just taken a Royal Caribbean cruise and therefore seemed to qualify. Traveling with a blended family of 6 and needing 3 rooms, I am in the business of price comparison.

When the reservation specialist finally took my call, I asked exactly how to qualify for the recorded promotion. I was told that all I had to do was send proof that we took a cruise. I verified what they considered proof and I was told they needed either each person’s Sea Boarding Pass or our final bill that listed each person’s name.

I was instructed to fax in this proof to the operations office and was told that Super Clubs would apply the discount to our reservation immediately. I asked specifically if the fact that we would be traveling around Christmas made a difference and was told in typical Jamaican fashion, “No Problem, Man.”

In good faith, I booked the reservation, gave and her my credit card number for the required deposit. I then proceeded purchased 6 airline tickets which required coordinating flight times from various places in the country.

I rounded up all the documents required for the discount and within a couple weeks, faxed them off to Super Clubs so they could be applied to our reservations.

Two weeks later, I called Super Clubs to follow-up and make sure the free days were applied to all three of our reservations.

They claimed not to receive it. I re-faxed the required proof, waited a week, and called back. This is the first time l was told that the period in which we were traveling was during the Cruise Promotion Blackout dates.

By now they had our deposit money, we had invested over $2000 in airline tickets, and my (then) fiancé and I had decided that since we would have our four children with us, we should marry there.

In the time since we made our initial reservation, our wedding plans had been set; I had purchased a dress and we had hired and sent non-refundable deposits for a wedding coordinator located in Jamaica, a photographer, an off-property beachfront site for our ceremony, etc.

Since it was a financial mess, I began to work my way up the ladder within International Lifestyles office in Hollywood, Florida. Superclubs US representative was more concerned about their revenue loss than our covering their employee’s mistakes and what how the outcome affected us.

They told me I should have read the fine print on the website even though I never went to the website. They offered to discount our room by a whopping $100.00 and said they would grant us the ability to extend use of that promotion beyond the twelve month rule but we could not use it for our upcoming trip.

I appealed by mail to International Lifestyles, Ltd’s President of US Finance and Operations and was offered a refund of our deposit money. This was an insult to injury as by now it was far too late for this, it was November and there was no way we could change our plans. Our wedding was fully planned. We had to either pursue it by court, or let it go.

We did not want to allow this experience to ruin our wedding so as difficult as it was, we let it go.

What happened in the end, I consider poetic justice. The Superclubs property at which we were booked, Breeze’s Runaway Bay, had issues and they had to relocate every reservation for the end of December. I adamantly refused to go to some of the low-rated alternatives they tried to offer us. I insisted on an upgrade to one of their Grand Lido properties. After a lot of explanation and some negotiation, I spoke with an empathetic manager who upgraded our family to their Grand Lido Braco property.

I guess all’s well that end’s well, but I can’t end this post without telling you that they actually had the audacity to ask me if I would consider changing the venue of our wedding plans and use of their onsite wedding packages.

No Problem, right!

10 Top Considerations with Concierge Floors

2008-09-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Many hotels (and cruise ships) have concierge-level service, but the services are not all identical. Besides the different names they are given— from “club floors” to “executive level”—they are also inconsistent in the amenities they offer as well as their pricing. Concierge floors differ not only from chain-to-chain, but also within chains—from property to property. In my experience, some of these services are worth the surcharge while others are not. And the surcharge can be quite high.

Call the hotel and ask to be connected to the concierge floor to find out ahead of time what it offers and make sure the service justifies the extra expense. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Believe me, if you can’t get answers on what amenities or services the concierge floor provides, then it isn’t worth the extra cost.

Here are a few of those questions:

1. Is there a private check in? Does that matter to you? For example, The Venetian in Las Vegas checks you in and out of the concierge floor, which is very convenient. As anyone who has been in Las Vegas knows, the lines to check in and out can be atrocious!
2. What hours is the concierge lounge open? On a recent trip, we discovered The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta’s club floor refused to let us inside even thought we were not even a minute late. Make sure that the hours of operation are compatible with your travel schedule. Do the hours differ on the weekend? When I’m on vacation I do not want to get up early just to have breakfast and I don’t like to pay for services I’m am not able to use.

3. What about the food service? If they say they offer a continental breakfast, ask what that means. Does the menu change daily, or is it the same every day? Most concierge floors will tell you they do not provide a meal substitute. Some of the meals are glamorous, like those offered at The Ritz Carlton, St. Louis, but many are limited to cheese and crackers and a few veggies.

4. If you are traveling with kids, are children are permitted in the lounge? When my children were younger, I frequently stayed on concierge levels. Children and teens want soft drinks and snacks throughout the day, but some properties have age and hour restrictions. For example, the Hyatt Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona, does not allow kids and teens in the lounge after five P.M.

5. Are you able to take food and drinks purchased in the lounge to your room? Last month, I stayed at Hotel Art Barcelona,, a Ritz Carlton property in Barcelona, Spain. They do not allow you to take anything edible out of the lounge. A major negative for me.

6. Does the concierge lounge charge for alcohol? Or do they have what they call an “honor bar”—meaning that you can pour your own, but you are expected to fill in the correct amount on the bill yourself. Renaissance Seattle Hote offers a couple bottles of wine available, but they charge you by the glass. I was very disappointed, as If I am going to pay for a glass of wine, I’d like a larger wine list.

7. What are their policies about bringing in guests? Don’t assume that you can have your friend who lives locally or a colleague who is staying at the same hotel (but is not paying for the service) meet you at the lounge for a drink.

8. Do the actual rooms have different amenities? What are those amenities?

9. Would staying on the concierge floor offer a higher, better level of security? Some require key or key car access. If you’re traveling alone, that can be a positive thing.

10. Does the hotel actually have a concierge on duty, not just a food attendant? Remember, though, that a food attendant is not always a bad thing. Westin's Detroit Metropolitan Airport does not have a concierge, but the attendants are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

A few Hotel Chains that have concierge levels include Ritz Carlton, Hyatt Regency, Shangri-La, Sheraton, Westin and Marriott.

Looking for Sunscreen in China

2008-08-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

I suffer with migraines and let me tell you, I don't want to be trying to get Relpax in a country where no one speaks English.

Last year, I was in China and forgot to bring sunscreen so I stopped into a pharmacy. I walked up and down the aisles and didn't recognize a thing except Viagra, by the way, which incidentally is even sold at the airport.

A typical Chinese pharmacy looks extremely different than a typical Western pharmacy. In Chinese pharmacies, the employees wear nurse's caps and nurse's uniforms. I couldn't find a person who spoke English. There was no Coppertone or Hawaiian Tropic anywhere in the store. There wasn't any brand that I recognized. I couldn't differentiate one product in the pharmacy from the next.

I spoke to one of the women who was eager to help. I pointed at the sun, my skin, and fanned myself. The pharmacist had that 'aha' look and handed me a carton to purchase. I didn't question the SPF, knew there was no way to get that across UVA protection. I just paid and applied. The cream was lightweight, and not the least bit goopy. It was not too thick, not too heavy. It went on my face first and was going onto my neck as I approached my husband who was hysterical. I had zinc oxide all over. I was white as a ghost.

I can't imagine what I would have gotten if I was trying to explain headache. Make sure you bring all the medications and products you might need!

10 Tips to Prevent Passport Problems & Other Losses

2008-08-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

Anonymous Traveler apologies for not posting last week but I was traveling.

This morning I read a question on Linked-In, "What do you do if you lose your passport while you are away?" I was compelled to share some tips on preventing passport loss and other serious problems when abroad.

Here are 10 Ten Tips for Preventing Serious Problems while Traveling Abroad

1. Register your trip with the state department if you are American. Link to Register.

2. Make several colored copies of your Passport before you go. Write our your itinerary. Make a copy of the credit cards you are taking. Make a list of the medications you can't be without.

3. Give a copy of #2 to someone you know and trust and make sure you know where it is being kept. I'm not kidding, here. Not everyone is organized and if you have an emergency then you need it instantly

4. Now Captain Obvious wants to note that you need to make sure that person isn't traveling with you and is easily accessible. By that I mean that person needs to be around. It could be your adult child, your parents, and your ex-wife, preferably someone who has a vested interest in your safe return.

5. E-mail your itinerary and whatever other information in #2 you are comfortable e-mailing to yourself. Keep it in a folder. There is hardly a place you can go where you can't find a computer.

6. Make sure you carry a colored copy of our passport with you where ever you go, but leave your original passport locked safely. I haven't found a store yet that won't accept a copy of my passport with my driver's license for an overseas purchase.

7. Now I admit, 90% of the time I stay at luxury properties which have safes; but for the traveler without access to a safe, here are my tips to keeping your passport and also your money secure for that matter: Wear socks and keep your passport in a plastic bag in your sock. Females - no one is getting in your bra that you don't want there This is not always comfortable but it works - especially to carry some money or credit cards - of course do not have it rubbing against your skin directly. Yes people laugh when you reach to pay them but it works

8. Different countries have different policies as to passport rules. Research it ahead of your trip. Do you need at least six months left to enter the country? If you like or may need to travel keep your passport current. Use common sense. If you have a child taking a semester abroad - make sure your passport is current. No one knows when an emergency is coming. Passport Information United States Passport Renewa l and Replacement Guide

9. Pick a couple outfits for heavy sightseeing or what I call higher risk days. You planned the trip, you know which days I'm referring to and if you don't, read any guidebook. They’ll tell you where to watch for pick pocketing. Prevent it! Take at least 2 items of clothing to the tailor and have them altered. I use cargo pants or jeans but that is me. Have the tailor sew one of the front top pockets shut and then have them make a zippered opening on the inside. Voila - secret pocket. You can modify a sports jacket, a skirt, whatever you prefer but that is a place to keep perpetrators out.

10. Decide what you are protecting. Forget not looking like a tourist; you are a tourist, you'll have a camera and whatever else you need so just prioritize what you want safe. You can't be looking everywhere all the time so limit what items you need to worry about. Once you step off the plane, you can't protect, your I-Pod, your cell phone, your camera, your medications, etc. at the same time.

* Oh yeah, while on medications and money - make sure you have more than one place you keep it so you can never be without it! Take two separate places where you keep medication, money, traveler’s checks, credit cards, etc.

SOMETIMES STANDBY IS LITERAL

2008-08-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, my daughter and I had an incident in the Minneapolis airport. We had just landed from our first flight and were facing a daunting five-hour layover. We approached the gate agent to see if there was anything earlier. She told us that there was another flight but that going standby seemed unlikely as it was fully booked and the departure gate was at the complete opposite end of the airport, which, by the way, may actually be the longest airport in the world.

We decided to take our chances anyway and took off running. When we arrived at the other gate (aka the other side of the world), the boarding was almost complete. Amazingly, the gate agent said there was room, took our luggage, and told us to board the plane and take any available seat. We sat down in the only two open seats and began to catch our breath. That was the moment when two additional passengers came on board. There were not enough seats and they stood in the aisle looking very confused.

The flight attendant on the plane was trying to figure out the problem but we knew immediately what had happened. I told my daughter to share my seat and let the other people share theirs.

Then the plane started to back out. Meanwhile the flight attendant was flustered and completely clueless. My daughter and I sat there looking at each other, trying not to attract any attention, glancing over at the flight attendant periodically. After a little while, she apparently figured out the problem, hung up the phone, and stopped the plane. I guess it’s against the policy to take off with people standing in the aisles or sharing seats.

At this point, we knew what was coming. Instead of approaching us, however, the flight attendant announced our names over the loud speaker, asking us to come to the front of the fifty-passenger plane. We accepted defeat and slithered to the front waving goodbye to all our new friends, but that’s not the best part.

We were laughing so hard that we could hardly walk onto the exterior stairs, which several men wearing yellow coveralls were quickly rolling to the plane, providing us with a way to exit. Glad to not just be thrown out the door, we descended onto the tarmac. There we stood with all the signalers and luggage handlers, and jet engines so loud that we couldn’t hear a thing. It was windy and cold and we were standing there screaming at a couple luggage handlers trying to describe our luggage because the plane couldn’t move until it was off.

On the tarmac, I couldn’t help thinking about the post-911security breeches we were committing as we waited for someone to unlock the door to the jet way so we could get back inside the airport.

Luckily, the gate agent felt sorry for us and gave us passes not only for dinner but several drinks as well. We still believe she gave these to us to ease the pain as she informed us that our boarding gate, the one for our originally scheduled flight, was back at the other end of the airport, one gate over from where this escapade began.

Top 10 Hotel Pet Peeves

2008-08-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

Considering the state of the economy, we might have to make budgetary adjustments when it comes to our vacation plans. With gas prices and airfares soaring, if we are going to splurge, now more than ever, we want what we pay for.

Here are my top 10 Pet Peeves:

1. Noise – I do not want to hear anything from the next room. I don’t want to hear doors slamming in the hallway. I don't want to hear the elevator. I don't need to know when the person in the room above me is taking a shower. I want silence.

2. Napkin-sized towels – This speaks for itself!

3. Management not visible or available – If there is a problem, deal with me now – I don't want to hear that the manager will be in at later. You really don’t me to boil before we talk.

4. Untrained staff whose excuse is “I’m in training.”

5. Resort Facilities that do not have enough chairs for everyone – I have no intention of getting up at the crack of dawn to save chairs.

6. Rooms not cleaned when you return.

7. Resort fees – Why would you go to a resort unless you are going to use it?

8. Room Service Tip Expectations– if there is already an 18% fee, isn’t that enough?

9. Ongoing Renovations - Give me a chance to book somewhere else.

10. While I am environmentally friendly, please, don't under staff housekeeping under the auspices of environmental efforts. Use as many environmentally friendly cleaning products as you can, put a recycle bin in my room, use recycled paper products but tell me your policies when I check in; don't place a small note in a drawer to explain where I need to place my towels if I want clean ones. If you can offer me a mini-bar key at check-in, you can tell me the policies on linen and towel reuse.