Thousands of Miles Traveled and Counting

How to Make a Difference

There is something to be said for the glamour associated with flying back in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. The airlines made an effort to make the customers feel special. Customers dressed for the occasion and the airline attendants uniforms were designed by famous designers such as Christian Lacroix, Givenchy, Richard Tyler, and Emilio Pucci.

I received an email with this description of a trip from a recent traveler who was stuck on an airplane in Phoenix.

“The auxillary unit that runs the A/C on the plane while its grounded was broken so we were sitting at the gate, on the plane, it was 104 in the plane, no air movement, for  an hour, after about 45 minutes they started letting people deplane cause people were freaking out, sweating all over, gettin dizzy and what not…..it was an hour of hell watching these people get rude and upset.”

Have airlines gotten to the point where they do not have any concerns about their customers and there comfort or in this case their well being?

I ran across this article, How did the friendly skies get so unfriendly? As you read thru this article, the author shows both the good and bad sides to flying. Today flying has become expensive with added fees, less friendly attendants, and delays, however, there is the good side. There is hope! There are friendly customers flying and making a difference in someone’s life. Maybe the airlines or the flight attendants have changed the friendly skies to not so friendly, but I say lets all participate in making the skies friendly by helping a frantic mom out, assisting an elderly person, or simply smiling at someone.

American Airways Travel Poster

TWA Travel Poster

Smile! Southern California Travel Poster

Hotels are starting to get creative with their customer service programs and implementing exercise programs such as yoga and running for guests. You can stay fit, work out the kinks from the airplane, and tour cities all at the same time.

Running groups are a great way to see a city. Imagine running along the water in Chicago and checking out the skyline, the architecture of the buildings, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. The new Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Chicago offers a running tour on Wednesday and Fridays at 6:15am. You do need to sign up in advance to reserve your spot.  The Westin New York also has a running tour from their Times Square hotel. If your hotel doesn’t offer a running program, check out  City Running Tours. They provide information on running tours in cities nationwide.

If you practice yoga check out the yoga program here at the Hotel Palomar. Check out this article from the New York Times on how yoga is an amenity that hotels cannot forego.

I love the idea of hotels providing more and more unique programs for those who travel. It always make your stay nicer when you can keep up your fitness and healthy eating habits.

You don’t have to rely on your hotel to get in your exercise while traveling. It is easy to bring bands to practice pilates or bring your sneakers to walk, run, or run stairs.

I am not sure if I am ready to explore space yet are you?

Virgin Airlines has now ventured into travel to space. Virgin Galactic is the first airline to attempt a commercial spaceship option. The first flight with a crew was only days ago on July 15th, 2010 at the Mojave Air and Spaceport CA. The flight time was 6 hours 12 minutes. You can check out the details on how to book a flight, watch videos and more here.

Virgin Galactic Photo from blog.paradizo.com

Jetsetter

Last week I heard about a website called Jetsetter.com which features travel deals on the web for exclusive members.  I tried to become a member and they responded that I had to be invited. Apparently they only accept a certain number of members.  This morning I received an email inviting me to this website where I can view sales on some pretty impressive hotels worldwide. The pictures of the hotels make me want to pack my bags and leave immediately! I am excited to see what deals come my way. Stay tuned…

Has anyone heard of the Global Entry Program? As I stood in an incredibly long line waiting to go thru customs recently, I watched as people would walk up to a kiosk, swipe their passports and head out for the baggage claims area. What were they doing? Why was I not in this special line that took seconds to pass customs? Come to find out, these U.S. citizens are a part of the Global Entry Program. You do have to be pre-approved, low risk citizen returning from an international trip, but once approved, you are on your way thru the fastest customs process. I love the thought of not standing in a customs line after a 10 hour flight! Check the list below to see if you are near an airport that is set up with the Global Entry kiosk.

The following airports have the Global Entry Program available:

• Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston (IAH)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas (LAS)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• San Juan-Luis Múñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
• Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport-SeaTac (SEA)
• Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)

For more information and details, click here…

The Bachelorette was filmed at the Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa. This hotel is on my favorite side of the island and happens to face Bora Bora. Near the hotel is the most amazing snorkeling I have ever experienced called The Coral Gardens.  As you snorkel over the coral, the current carries you along as you discover fish of all sizes and colors.  This place is gorgeous!

Le Taha'a Tahiti

Coral Gardens Snorkeling

Coral Gardens Snorkeling with Bora Bora in the distance

Why did I wait so long to visit Yosemite? If you have not visited this amazing valley put it on the must see list immediately. To be perfectly honest, I was scared to visit because of the bears that frequently show their faces around the park both in the campgrounds and the trails. I went to REI ahead of time and bought bear spray! Fortunately, I did not have to break open the canister.

We reserved our campground site for the end of April, which was perfect because the waterfalls were gushing from all of the melting snow. I had no idea that there were several different waterfalls in the park to hike to.

Vernal and Nevada Falls hike was our hike of choice for this trip. We skipped the Mist Trail on the way up and hiked thru some snow to the Vernal Falls, however on the way back decided we could not miss the Mist Trail. This trail is on sheer granite and very slippery as the waterfall mist falls on the steep stairs. It is gorgeous and because the waterfall is so full, you are getting sprayed by the mist. There are beautiful rainbows jutting out the side of the fall hitting the brilliant green grass below. It is breath taking. If it wasn’t chilly out, I would have stood their forever. I had to take a few pictures and keep moving away from the mist.

Vernal Falls on the Mist Trail

If you enjoy photography, you can sign up for a photography walk thru the Ansel Adams Gallery.  The walk is led by a photographer who will help you with lighting and composition to help you maximize your photos to capture the beauty of the valley. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time as space fills up quickly.

Yosemite Falls

Last summer I experienced my first outdoor concert in the park. It was August, the night was warm, the music played while the young and old danced away. Children ran, played and danced around us as we ate our panini’s and drank our wine on our blanket. This brings back happy memories. If you are in the Coronado or San Diego area visiting, stop by Spreckels Park at 6 pm for music and fun. Don’t forget to bring your favorite picnic snacks and drinks. Alcohol is allowed, however dogs are not.

See below for more information and the concert line up for Summer 2010

Spreckels Park

Orange Avenue, between 6th and 7th streets.
Sundays at 6 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).

Info: (619) 437-8788 or coronadovisitorcenter.com
May 30: Coronado Community Concert
Band
June 6: COSA Jazz Ensemble
June 13: Kearny Mesa Concert Band
June 20: Navy Band Southwest
June 27: Sue Palmer & Her Motel
Swing Band
July 3: The Stilettos (4 p.m.)
July 4: Coronado Community Concert Band
July 11: Navy Band Southwest
July 18: Stars on the Water
July 25: Rockola
Aug. 1: Benny Hollman
Aug. 8: The Corvettes
Aug. 15: Lamb’s Players
Aug. 22: Marine Corps Recruit Depot Band
Aug. 29: Neil Diamond Experience
Sept. 5: Redlands Fourth of July Band (5 p.m.)
Sept. 6: Coronado Big Band (5 p.m.)
Sept. 12: Bayou Brothers (5 p.m.)

Palm Desert

If you live in Southern California and you need a break from the May Gray, June Gloom, or July Rain…  Escape to the desert! The sky is clear and the sun is shining. The Marriott Renaissance Esmeralda Indian Wells has summer specials starting at $89 a night. Check out the website for further details (click on Deals at this Hotel for the best pricing and packages).

This resort is not only budget friendly but family friendly as well. The kids can attend Nickelodeon events and watch outdoor movies on the lawn at dusk.

For the adults, the poolside service, spa, golf, exercise room and exercise classes are amazing.

Lunch Poolside

We found the best Happy Hour in the desert at Mamma Gina’s on El Paseo. Happy Hour is every day at 4:30pm until close. The beer is $3.50 and the pasta dishes range from $5.00 to $9.00. You can’t beat drinks and dinner for 2 for $35.00.

Mamma Gina's Palm Desert

I think I will head out there again next week if we these clouds don’t go away…

Tired of filling the little clear 3 oz. bottles with your favorite products to put in your carry on luggage?

If you travel often and are in need of toiletries that you can put inside your carry on, check out 3floz.com. This brilliant store carries TSA friendly travel toiletries from many reputable companies such as Ahava, Avalon Organics, Dr. Hauschka, Go Smile, Ole Hendriksen, Pangea Organics, Tantowel, Tocca, and Weleda.

This online store carries pre-made kits for women, men, special kits for face, hair, body, sun, shave, and special kits made with all organic products.

If you have a last minute flight and live in New York City, you have the option of same day delivery.

P.S. Ladies, check out the LA Fresh Nail Polish Remover Towelettes…