Aug 31, 2007
In any forum on travel, ten questions are constantly asked, to which I propose the following ten answers
On a weekly radio program that I conduct every Sunday from Noon-2pm EST (you can hear it live via streaming video or later via podcast, on www.wor710.com), I've been asked hundreds of varied and exotic questions about vacations. (One woman recently stumped me by asking my favorite among geological tours.) But ten almost-identical questions are asked over and over, every week, indicating a widespread concern. Here are three of them, along with my answers, and I'll be posting four more tomorrow and three more on the day after that.
1) Should I book my trip now or later? Now. The days of the last-minute discount are fast diminishing, and fewer and fewer tour operators, airlines and hotels offer reductions to persons booking late. The best travel deals are those offered long in advance.
2) How can I, as a single person, avoid the single room supplement? You can't -- it is an inescapable fact of hotel life, and if you refuse to share with another (an option offered by more and more tour operators), you'll have to pay the entire cost of the room you occupy. About the only way to avoid the single room supplement is to book those institutional lodgings (hostels, university residences and the like) that simply charge per person (often for dorm-like accommodations) and not by room.
3) How much foreign currency should I take on my trip abroad? Only a tiny, tiny amount -- the sum needed to get you from the arrival airport to your hotel. In a world of pickpockets, the last thing international travelers should do is walk around with large amounts of currency on their person. Carry your money in the form of ATM cards, credit cards and travelers' checks, and cash only a bit at a time. And obtain cash either at an ATM machine (be sure to have a four-digit PIN number) or at a big bank -- the source of the best exchange rates.
Tuesday: four more frequently-asked travel questions, and my answers to them.
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1) Should I book my trip now or later? Now. The days of the last-minute discount are fast diminishing, and fewer and fewer tour operators, airlines and hotels offer reductions to persons booking late. The best travel deals are those offered long in advance.
2) How can I, as a single person, avoid the single room supplement? You can't -- it is an inescapable fact of hotel life, and if you refuse to share with another (an option offered by more and more tour operators), you'll have to pay the entire cost of the room you occupy. About the only way to avoid the single room supplement is to book those institutional lodgings (hostels, university residences and the like) that simply charge per person (often for dorm-like accommodations) and not by room.
3) How much foreign currency should I take on my trip abroad? Only a tiny, tiny amount -- the sum needed to get you from the arrival airport to your hotel. In a world of pickpockets, the last thing international travelers should do is walk around with large amounts of currency on their person. Carry your money in the form of ATM cards, credit cards and travelers' checks, and cash only a bit at a time. And obtain cash either at an ATM machine (be sure to have a four-digit PIN number) or at a big bank -- the source of the best exchange rates.
Tuesday: four more frequently-asked travel questions, and my answers to them.
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Labels: tips
Think November. That's when prices plummet to and within every European destination
November 1 is the start of the European off-season. Not earlier, but November 1; and continuing until mid-December (when prices spike for the Christmas season) and resuming again from January 8, 2008 until the end of February. If you can possibly delay your departure to fall within those dates, you'll experience marvels of pricing for both your airfare and air-and-land packages.
I've already written about the remarkable $399 that Eurofly will charge to passengers flying round-trip between New York and Rome in November, provided only that they book on the internet (www.euroflyusa.com).
Three hundred ninety-nine dollars round-trip to Rome translates to $300 round-trip to London -- and that apparently is what most airlines and airline discounters will charge starting in November. If you'll phone an airfare consolidator like 1-800 FlyEurope (their name is also their phone number; www.1800flyeurope.com), which is already selling trans-Atlantic airfares for November, they'll quote a $450 price for the round-trip during that month between New York and London Heathrow on an American Airlines daytime departure, daytime return. Because that price includes government taxes and fees of $149, you're really paying the equivalent of $300 for the round-trip -- not much more than you'd spend for a round-trip shuttle flight between New York and Boston.
Starting November 1, all air-and-land packages to Europe will also plummet in price from November 1 to December 13 and then again from January 8 to February 24. Although Go-Today (www.go-today.com) has recently raised the price at that time to $579 round-trip for its classic six-nighter in London, including airfare, that's only $80 more than the $499 that used to be charged in the days before heavy security charges -- still a stunning value. And that price is the same out of New York, Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., and only $70 more out of Los Angeles.
Every other price to Europe, from every other major tour operator, will also plunge starting November 1. And since the weather in Europe is rarely bitter (it is never as cold as in Chicago or Minneapolis), the time is perfect for a stay focusing almost entirely on the indoor attractions -- museums, galleries, shops -- of the major European capitals.
Think November.
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I've already written about the remarkable $399 that Eurofly will charge to passengers flying round-trip between New York and Rome in November, provided only that they book on the internet (www.euroflyusa.com).
Three hundred ninety-nine dollars round-trip to Rome translates to $300 round-trip to London -- and that apparently is what most airlines and airline discounters will charge starting in November. If you'll phone an airfare consolidator like 1-800 FlyEurope (their name is also their phone number; www.1800flyeurope.com), which is already selling trans-Atlantic airfares for November, they'll quote a $450 price for the round-trip during that month between New York and London Heathrow on an American Airlines daytime departure, daytime return. Because that price includes government taxes and fees of $149, you're really paying the equivalent of $300 for the round-trip -- not much more than you'd spend for a round-trip shuttle flight between New York and Boston.
Starting November 1, all air-and-land packages to Europe will also plummet in price from November 1 to December 13 and then again from January 8 to February 24. Although Go-Today (www.go-today.com) has recently raised the price at that time to $579 round-trip for its classic six-nighter in London, including airfare, that's only $80 more than the $499 that used to be charged in the days before heavy security charges -- still a stunning value. And that price is the same out of New York, Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., and only $70 more out of Los Angeles.
Every other price to Europe, from every other major tour operator, will also plunge starting November 1. And since the weather in Europe is rarely bitter (it is never as cold as in Chicago or Minneapolis), the time is perfect for a stay focusing almost entirely on the indoor attractions -- museums, galleries, shops -- of the major European capitals.
Think November.
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Labels: deals
Those "purchase deadlines" in tour literature are often a marketing device and not a true cut-off date
A number of readers have expressed themselves as "intimidated" by those scary conditions that often appear at the bottom of tour literature, either in print or on the internet: "Book by October 10", "Available only until June 16". While I'm not saying that some of them aren't legitimate warnings, many are intended simply to pressure the customer and touch off an early booking, which is advantageous to the tour operator. Funny thing is, that many of these are "rolling" deadlines that invariably get extended when the date is reached. Having been told that you must book by April 8, you reach April 8 and discover that the date has been changed to April 22. And later, the date becomes May 5.
Travel decisions should not be made under pressure. In most cases, you can book the package up until a reasonable amount of time prior to departure. If you're intrigued by the possibility of a budget-friendly trip in the month of November, you can usually book it as late as October -- you don't need to feel threatened by a deadline as early as August. Mind you, I'm not guaranteeing it, but I feel reasonably safe in suggesting the possibility.
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Travel decisions should not be made under pressure. In most cases, you can book the package up until a reasonable amount of time prior to departure. If you're intrigued by the possibility of a budget-friendly trip in the month of November, you can usually book it as late as October -- you don't need to feel threatened by a deadline as early as August. Mind you, I'm not guaranteeing it, but I feel reasonably safe in suggesting the possibility.
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Labels: tour companies
Aug 30, 2007
From the Department of Homeland Security, another procedure that will discourage tourism to the U.S. without making us safer
Because travel to the United States has declined by up to 20% since 9/11, causing a loss to our economy of tens of billions of dollars, there was rejoicing in the travel industry several weeks ago over the passage of a bill to ease visa requirements for citizens of an additional 12 countries. Less noticed was a provision inserted by the Department of Homeland Security requiring foreign visitors to register their travel plans with that department at least 48 hours in advance of arrival. That provision, which has caused shock waves in Europe, will again diminish the number of foreigners traveling to the United States, without any benefit at all to our security. If you were a foreigner considering a trip, and you heard of such burdensome rigamarole, would you visit the U.S.A. -- or go somewhere else? And couldn't the terrorists, like Mohammed Atta (one of the 9/11 hijackers), simply inform us they were planning to visit friends and relatives? One shudders to think of the task of reviewing all those hundreds of thousands of "travel plans", diverting employees of the Department of Homeland Security from more productive areas.
The new requirement is from the same people who, several months ago, divvied up funds for anti-terrorism equally among the cities -- the same amount to Enid, Oklahoma, as to New York. How long will Michael Chertoff remain in charge of Homeland Security?
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The new requirement is from the same people who, several months ago, divvied up funds for anti-terrorism equally among the cities -- the same amount to Enid, Oklahoma, as to New York. How long will Michael Chertoff remain in charge of Homeland Security?
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Specially-designed small RVs in New Zealand enable camping on a budget in that awesome, camp-friendly country
Traveling in New Zealand via RV -- or campervan, as the Kiwis say -- is enormously popular, and thanks to the recent introduction of special minivan campers called Spaceships, the activity is cost-effective and easy even for couples. The first Spaceship began zooming around New Zealand in the fall of 2004, and now there are approximately 200 vehicles available for rent in the country. The vehicles are Toyota minivans that have been custom-fitted with a comfortable bed that folds out. With the rear hatch open, a special tent-like attachment can be set up for extra space and fresh air on warm nights. Sheets, duvet, and pillows are included, along with a small refrigerator, a tiny gas barbecue grill, pots, pans, cutlery, plates, cups, and a built-in DVD player that you can watch in bed.
While traveling by RV has been popular in New Zealand for decades, it has traditionally made the most sense for families or groups of friends. Spaceships are instead perfect for couples. They're priced just a bit higher than a standard car rental, they get much better gas mileage than a standard RV, and because of their smaller size, there are no worries about maneuvering a bulky vehicle through small towns or on windy mountain roads. They're a great mode of transportation for exploring New Zealand's amazing landscapes, featured so prominently in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
Rental rates, which include all taxes and standard insurance, start at $68 per day in peak summer season (when it's winter in North America). A quote for October (springtime in New Zealand) revealed that rates for Spaceships in the South Island city of Christchurch -- within easy striking distance of the country's most beautiful mountains -- cost only about $45 per day, and by booking a few weeks early you can save an additional 10 percent. Considering that during this same time period a tiny compact rental car will cost at least $35 per day, and larger traditional RVs rent for upwards of $95 daily, Spaceships are an excellent value. Call tel. 011-649/309-8777 or visit www.spaceships.tv for more information.
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Labels: camping, car rental, new zealand
Don't ever book a large hotel without inquiring whether they charge a "resort fee" -- and if they do, refuse to book unless they eliminate it
It's a practice, shamefully enough, of some of the most prominent chain hotels -- and it needs to be stopped. You check out of your room and discover that they've added from $15 to $20 a day as a "resort fee" supposedly meant to cover the cost of the hotel's fitness room, large swimming pool towels, the availability of the business center. And you're charged that added fee despite the fact that you don't plan to use the fitness room, large swimming pool towels, or the business center. Some hotels even mention that the "resort fee" covers the in-room coffee-maker perched on the bathroom ledge, even though you have no intention of ever using it.
That ubiquitous "resort fee" is an outrageous scam meant to raise the hotel's income (and its room rates) without telling you. It's a shameful, deceptive practice on the part of hotel executives, who should know better; and yet it seems to be spreading all over the world of hotels, or at least to the larger ones.
Never get tricked into paying it. When confirming your reservation, ask politely whether there are extra charges such as a "resort fee" (or other similar scam). And if there are, refuse to book unless they remove them.
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That ubiquitous "resort fee" is an outrageous scam meant to raise the hotel's income (and its room rates) without telling you. It's a shameful, deceptive practice on the part of hotel executives, who should know better; and yet it seems to be spreading all over the world of hotels, or at least to the larger ones.
Never get tricked into paying it. When confirming your reservation, ask politely whether there are extra charges such as a "resort fee" (or other similar scam). And if there are, refuse to book unless they remove them.
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Need a passport? Fast? Go to a city with a smaller backlog
We learned something this week about the backlog in processing applications for U.S. passports: it differs from city to city. In New York and Boston, for instance, the lag may be as long as a month; yet in Philadelphia, the lag is less than a week to people who pay an expediting fee. By being willing to travel to a city whose regional passport office has a shorter backlog, you can often obtain your passport in just a few days.
That was the recent experience of a relative of ours. Her company needed her to fly to Toronto -- two weeks from now. Yet her U.S. passport had expired (and passports are now required of people flying to and from Canada). She called the passport offices in New York and Boston, but with no luck -- they would need three weeks. She then called the passport office in Philadelphia and was told that if she went there on a Tuesday morning, they would have her passport later that afternoon. Though it was a hardship to make that trip, she had no choice.
So if you can't obtain a timely passport, phone around. In fact, the central passport information office (known as the National Passport Information Center), reached at 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) may know of a nearby passport office able to quickly issue your passport. And if you're willing to go to that other city, you can often shorten the necessary time -- and shorten it dramatically.
(A final hint: people without a touch tone phone are eventually able to speak with a human being at the National Passport Information Center. And these humans often have good information to impart).
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That was the recent experience of a relative of ours. Her company needed her to fly to Toronto -- two weeks from now. Yet her U.S. passport had expired (and passports are now required of people flying to and from Canada). She called the passport offices in New York and Boston, but with no luck -- they would need three weeks. She then called the passport office in Philadelphia and was told that if she went there on a Tuesday morning, they would have her passport later that afternoon. Though it was a hardship to make that trip, she had no choice.
So if you can't obtain a timely passport, phone around. In fact, the central passport information office (known as the National Passport Information Center), reached at 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) may know of a nearby passport office able to quickly issue your passport. And if you're willing to go to that other city, you can often shorten the necessary time -- and shorten it dramatically.
(A final hint: people without a touch tone phone are eventually able to speak with a human being at the National Passport Information Center. And these humans often have good information to impart).
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Labels: passports
Gate 1 Travel has become the "Thanksgiving King," with airfare and 4-night stays in six cities for $499 to $629 per person
From the amount of attention by tour packagers to short Thanksgiving stays in Europe, it appears that the eat-turkey-with-the-family tradition is fast dissolving. That's the only explanation for Gate 1's surprisingly broad array of offerings: air-and-land to six European cities, leaving the U.S. on either November 19, 20 or 21 (Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 22) and spending four hotel nights there (with breakfast included) in London for $499, Paris $569, Rome or Florence $599, Madrid $599 (departing November 21 only), and Budapest $629. Prices are from New York, but Gate 1 will quote only slightly higher rates from dozens of other U.S. cities. Access them at www.gate1travel.com or by phoning tel. 800/682-3333.
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Labels: deals, europe, holidays
Aug 29, 2007
Costa Rica and South Africa are nations where the U.S. dollar has recently strengthened rather than declined
So much attention is paid to the poor exchange rates for Americans in Europe and Britain, that it feels good to find places where the opposite is the case. In choosing a vacation destination, it's smart to favor countries where the dollar remains strong, and both Costa Rica and South Africa are just that.
Much closer to home than Europe, and easy to reach, Costa Rica is one of the most spectacular countries in our region, rich with rainforests, rainbow-colored wild birds, and some of the best surf in the world. Two years ago, US$1 could only buy around 487 colon, but today our dollar fetches nearly 530, increasing our purchasing power in a jewel of a destination that is safe, pristine, and well organized for international tourism.
In South Africa, our dollar bought 6.6 rand two years ago, but now fetches 7.1. That makes a stay in a simple thatched bungalow deep inside world-famous Kruger National Park $75 a night versus $82 in 2005. (Remember that the coming autumn is prime game-viewing time in South Africa). When booking a trip to South Africa, travelers should steer clear of the major corporate-run hotels, which charge U.S. level prices, and find family-run B&Bs and guesthouses to preserve the bargains. Everyday purchases here have not seen their prices inflated.
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Much closer to home than Europe, and easy to reach, Costa Rica is one of the most spectacular countries in our region, rich with rainforests, rainbow-colored wild birds, and some of the best surf in the world. Two years ago, US$1 could only buy around 487 colon, but today our dollar fetches nearly 530, increasing our purchasing power in a jewel of a destination that is safe, pristine, and well organized for international tourism.
In South Africa, our dollar bought 6.6 rand two years ago, but now fetches 7.1. That makes a stay in a simple thatched bungalow deep inside world-famous Kruger National Park $75 a night versus $82 in 2005. (Remember that the coming autumn is prime game-viewing time in South Africa). When booking a trip to South Africa, travelers should steer clear of the major corporate-run hotels, which charge U.S. level prices, and find family-run B&Bs and guesthouses to preserve the bargains. Everyday purchases here have not seen their prices inflated.
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Labels: costa rica, deals, south africa
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises is again sailing -- and hopefully will emerge from the financial difficulties of the last few weeks
I spoke this morning with Shannon Manno, VP of Sales and Marketing of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, and a 22-and-a-half year veteran with that company. She told me that Windjammer's three large sailing ships -- the S.V. Legacy (sailing from Costa Rica), the S.V. Polynesia (ABC Islands, BVI, and French West Indies) and the S.V. Mandalay (Panama, San Blas, and West Indies) -- are all at sea with nearly-full passenger loads, pursuing their normal itineraries among the turquoise waters and green islands of the Caribbean. A fourth ship, the S.V. Yankee Clipper (St. Vincent and Grenadines), is in scheduled drydock.
A tentative deal has been struck, she further reported, for sale of a majority interest in Windjammer to a financial equity firm in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which will bring a major new investment into the company. The agreement has not yet closed, however; and there is always the outside chance that it will not close. But arrears in crew wages have been resolved, and payments made to suppliers, and for the time being at least, all is back to normal at this unusual cruiseline. Shannon, well-known and well-regarded in the travel industry, is optimistic about the future and heartened by the support from Windjammer's loyal following.
I told her that every admirer of Windjammer joins me in wishing them well.
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A tentative deal has been struck, she further reported, for sale of a majority interest in Windjammer to a financial equity firm in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which will bring a major new investment into the company. The agreement has not yet closed, however; and there is always the outside chance that it will not close. But arrears in crew wages have been resolved, and payments made to suppliers, and for the time being at least, all is back to normal at this unusual cruiseline. Shannon, well-known and well-regarded in the travel industry, is optimistic about the future and heartened by the support from Windjammer's loyal following.
I told her that every admirer of Windjammer joins me in wishing them well.
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Labels: cruise
In China, take a cab -- they rarely cost more than $1.50 for 10 or 15 minutes -- and independent travel thus becomes easy and inexpensive
Although you'll need to ask your hotel desk clerk to write out the Chinese for the museum or sight you're hoping to visit (as well as the name and address of your hotel), that simple act will win you freedom from the tour guides and the group-jammed motor coaches. And the sights themselves charge a pittance to enter (usually, the yuan equivalent of a dollar). By either taking a cab or walking to the closer-in places, you enjoy independent travel in any Chinese city, which is infinitely preferable to joining a chattering crowd of your fellow tourists. As for meals, nearly every Chinese restaurant of size has either an English-language menu or English translations under Chinese menu items -- or even more frequently, photographs of the dishes they serve. Tourism by foreign visitors is today so highly developed in China that the lone tourist or tourist couple can enjoy their stays solely on their own, without surrendering to the rigidities and cultural barriers of escorted group travel. As for the out-of-town places (like the Great Wall or the Summer Palace), Chinese travel agencies visited on the spot, or your hotel, will book you aboard either half-day or full-day tours to such heavily visited attractions.
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A veteran of the marriage scene passes on her explanation for why people choose Las Vegas for weddings
In response to my question of some weeks ago, "Why do people get married in Las Vegas", one reader answered so cogently that her essay deserves to be repeated here:
"I agree with the responses so far -- weddings are becoming prohibitively expensive in my opinion, and I've been to some wedding ceremonies and receptions where (and this doesn't apply to everyone) the effort to "outdo" and produce awe in the attendees has actually created the opposite effect of what was originally intended: to create a memorable event to all who were present. On the contrary, each ceremony and reception has begun to blur into each other in my mind.Write and read comments about this post.
"The most memorable weddings I've been to were either very simple, yet gorgeous affairs, or fun, unusual shindigs where the couple had made an effort to put their guests at ease.
"To that effect, a Las Vegas wedding -- at least for now -- not only makes sense to me on a monetary level, but on a "memorable" level as well. Our circle of friends see the stereotypical "shotgun" Las Vegas wedding (even if not technically shotgun) as something funny (and fun), kitschy (in a self-mocking and ironic way) and something guaranteed to give everyone a ridiculous good time ... if planned well. Although I'm not a fan of Las Vegas the city, I can still defend the concept of the Las Vegas wedding just for these reasons.
"In this era of the 'Bridezilla,' it's a refreshing change of pace to attend or have a wedding where the original concept OF a wedding -- to celebrate the love and union of two people -- stands true. No unrealistic effort for perfection, no one-upmanship, no subjecting others to enormous whims... but a true and simple love celebration. And if a couple wants to throw some fun and campiness into the mix, who are we to argue against it?"
Aug 28, 2007
The last three of my twelve rules for traveling better (regardless of cost)
After traveling to almost every major destination, I've adopted three final approaches to that life of endless novelty, which I recommend to you:
10) I stay calm and roll with the travel "punches". I accept the fact that travel is an inherently uncertain activity that doesn't always come about without glitches or delays. I no longer rant and rail when the airport announces a postponed flight time. I whip out a paperback book and savor an interlude of leisure.
11) I buy various forms of cheap travel insurance. I never did so when I first traveled, but, oh, how I learned! Travel is a complex activity in which many things can and do go wrong. Insurance can protect against many of the consequences.
12) I avoid the heavily touristed, and opt for the undiscovered. Having had my fill of all the massively popular destinations -- the Londons and the Acapulcos, the Honolulus and the Orlandos -- my current tastes are for the places as yet not inundated by visitors. Mature travel consists of continuing to act as a pioneer, always seeking out the new, pursuing the dreams of discovery and challenge.
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10) I stay calm and roll with the travel "punches". I accept the fact that travel is an inherently uncertain activity that doesn't always come about without glitches or delays. I no longer rant and rail when the airport announces a postponed flight time. I whip out a paperback book and savor an interlude of leisure.
11) I buy various forms of cheap travel insurance. I never did so when I first traveled, but, oh, how I learned! Travel is a complex activity in which many things can and do go wrong. Insurance can protect against many of the consequences.
12) I avoid the heavily touristed, and opt for the undiscovered. Having had my fill of all the massively popular destinations -- the Londons and the Acapulcos, the Honolulus and the Orlandos -- my current tastes are for the places as yet not inundated by visitors. Mature travel consists of continuing to act as a pioneer, always seeking out the new, pursuing the dreams of discovery and challenge.
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Labels: tips
For a real bargain to Jamaica, and a memorable stay, use a 20-year-old travel firm made up of Jamaican ex-pats
I've been remiss in failing to make more mention of Atlas Vacations (tel. 800/634-1057; www.visitatlasvacations.com), a New York tour operator founded more than 20 years ago by Jamaican ex-pats. They currently book you to places all over the world, but their arrangements in Jamaica are their special pride and best values. I've had numerous favorable comments from people who used them.
A current example is their amazing rate of only $383 for roundtrip airfare to Jamaica and seven nights of accommodations in the cluster of low-rise condos at the Fisherman's Point Resort on the beach in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The same package sells for $442 from Orlando, $524 from Charlotte, $540 from Baltimore, $582 from Philadelphia, $592 from Chicago, and $653 from Los Angeles. And those rates are available all throughout September, October and November.
Jamaica is the classic Caribbean destination, with all the outstanding pleasures and attractions -- both beaches and waterfalls, inland waterways and lush mountains, reggae and steel drums, jerk pork and jerk chicken, phenomenal Red Stripe beer, an articulate and dynamic people -- for which the tropics are known. In considering a trip to Jamaica, you can't do better than to use this firm of Jamaicans who have scored such a success in America.
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A current example is their amazing rate of only $383 for roundtrip airfare to Jamaica and seven nights of accommodations in the cluster of low-rise condos at the Fisherman's Point Resort on the beach in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The same package sells for $442 from Orlando, $524 from Charlotte, $540 from Baltimore, $582 from Philadelphia, $592 from Chicago, and $653 from Los Angeles. And those rates are available all throughout September, October and November.
Jamaica is the classic Caribbean destination, with all the outstanding pleasures and attractions -- both beaches and waterfalls, inland waterways and lush mountains, reggae and steel drums, jerk pork and jerk chicken, phenomenal Red Stripe beer, an articulate and dynamic people -- for which the tropics are known. In considering a trip to Jamaica, you can't do better than to use this firm of Jamaicans who have scored such a success in America.
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Despite the energy crisis and the urgent need for mass transit, the anti-Amtrak people are again on the march
In late July, efforts were made in the House of Representatives to cut back next year's appropriation for Amtrak from 1.4 billion dollars down to 800 million dollars, barely enough to fund a greatly-reduced operation of the trains. Though the anti-Amtrak forces failed to achieve that reduction, it is feared that when the 1.4 billion figure is approved by both houses of Congress in September, that the margin of victory will be insufficient to overcome an expected veto by the administration.
This controversy takes place at a time when our nation faces dreadful consequences from our dependence on foreign oil. We are currently studying every frantic way -- subsidies for hybrid cars, ethanol and switch grass -- to reduce both the gas consumption and gas emissions of our automobile-based way of life and their contribution to both global warming and dependence on unstable nations in the Middle East. And yet the single most effective method of reducing oil use -- mass transit through the increased use of trains -- is deliberately starved and thwarted.
The same pro-oil, pro-automobile policies are being pushed on a state level. Just a few years ago, Florida repealed a measure to mandate the construction of a high speed rail line along its heavily-populated coasts. Other initiatives to encourage the development of mass-transit light-rail have gone nowhere. Last winter, I spent nearly three hours traveling the 60 miles between Ft. Myers and Naples, Florida, on a highway that resembled a continuous parking lot jammed with thousands of cars barely-inching along. In a vacation area (the southwest coast of Florida) that is today populated by millions of Americans, there is no passenger rail transportation.
We will be returning to the Amtrak question in September, when both houses of Congress are expected to pass that 1.4 billion dollar appropriation for the national passenger rail system. In the meantime, we should all alert our representatives in Congress to the importance of providing adequate financial support for our trains. And beyond this yearly appropriation, we should urge them to support a bi-partisan measure sponsored by Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Trent Lott (R-MS) to place the funding of Amtrak on a long-term basis, allocating nineteen billion dollars over six years to the improvement and expansion of our passenger railways.
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This controversy takes place at a time when our nation faces dreadful consequences from our dependence on foreign oil. We are currently studying every frantic way -- subsidies for hybrid cars, ethanol and switch grass -- to reduce both the gas consumption and gas emissions of our automobile-based way of life and their contribution to both global warming and dependence on unstable nations in the Middle East. And yet the single most effective method of reducing oil use -- mass transit through the increased use of trains -- is deliberately starved and thwarted.
The same pro-oil, pro-automobile policies are being pushed on a state level. Just a few years ago, Florida repealed a measure to mandate the construction of a high speed rail line along its heavily-populated coasts. Other initiatives to encourage the development of mass-transit light-rail have gone nowhere. Last winter, I spent nearly three hours traveling the 60 miles between Ft. Myers and Naples, Florida, on a highway that resembled a continuous parking lot jammed with thousands of cars barely-inching along. In a vacation area (the southwest coast of Florida) that is today populated by millions of Americans, there is no passenger rail transportation.
We will be returning to the Amtrak question in September, when both houses of Congress are expected to pass that 1.4 billion dollar appropriation for the national passenger rail system. In the meantime, we should all alert our representatives in Congress to the importance of providing adequate financial support for our trains. And beyond this yearly appropriation, we should urge them to support a bi-partisan measure sponsored by Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Trent Lott (R-MS) to place the funding of Amtrak on a long-term basis, allocating nineteen billion dollars over six years to the improvement and expansion of our passenger railways.
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Labels: trains
Aug 27, 2007
Three more of the twelve rules for traveling better, regardless of price level
I've named six such rules in our two earlier posts (on Thursday and Friday); here are three more ways in which I travel better, which I humbly suggest to everyone else:
7) In advance of departure, I acquire the names and addresses of people to look up. I pester friends, associates or relatives for the names of their own acquaintances in the cities I am about to visit. I take pains to enjoy the most memorable events of travel, when you interact with residents of a foreign location.
8) I make use of government tourist offices and "institutes". By simply requesting literature from them, I often learn about fascinating events and activities at the destination, of which I would otherwise be totally unaware.
9) I bring alone a small but select assortment of travel products. And I emphasize "small". Eyeshades to insure sleep. Ear plugs to blot out unwanted noise. A small coffee immersion heater. Tums or Maalox for indigestion. And comfortable walking shoes, however unsightly they may be.
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7) In advance of departure, I acquire the names and addresses of people to look up. I pester friends, associates or relatives for the names of their own acquaintances in the cities I am about to visit. I take pains to enjoy the most memorable events of travel, when you interact with residents of a foreign location.
8) I make use of government tourist offices and "institutes". By simply requesting literature from them, I often learn about fascinating events and activities at the destination, of which I would otherwise be totally unaware.
9) I bring alone a small but select assortment of travel products. And I emphasize "small". Eyeshades to insure sleep. Ear plugs to blot out unwanted noise. A small coffee immersion heater. Tums or Maalox for indigestion. And comfortable walking shoes, however unsightly they may be.
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Labels: tips
Such typical rates as $434 for five all-inclusive nights, have made a popular favorite of the Dominican Republic. What's the drawback?
The wholesale rush to vacation in the Dominican Republic is one of the great current trends in travel, and proof positive that low prices attract vacationers. On this cheapest of all Caribbean islands, thousands of hotel rooms are currently in construction at resorts offering "all-inclusive" stays. To get a glimpse of what's being offered for the immediate months ahead, go to www.vacmart.com and read about Vacation Travel Mart's September 5-to-October 31, 2007 package to the Grand Oasis Punta Cana in the D.R. for $434 per person. That includes round-trip airfare from Miami, five nights at the Grand Oasis (four restaurants, seven bars, children's pool, fitness room, Jacuzzi and kayaks) directly on the island's most popular beach, three meals a day, unlimited snacks and beverages, nightly entertainment, and hotel taxes and gratuities. $434 per person for that "fall extravaganza", with extra nights costing only $56. And there's no cut-off date to book.
So what's the catch? These new resorts of the Dominican Republic offer all-inclusive stays (as you've seen) that confine their guests, in essence, to the grounds of each hotel (that's because they receive all meals, drinks and sports, enticing them never to leave the hotel). I'm dismayed by the artificial nature of the vacation that then ensues, which involves no contact at all with the culture of the island, and effectively separates the visitor from the resident. I'm told that most of these hotels give meringue dance lessons each afternoon, in which scores of vacationers couple off with each other under the tutelage of an American dance instructor. Some foreign experience!
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So what's the catch? These new resorts of the Dominican Republic offer all-inclusive stays (as you've seen) that confine their guests, in essence, to the grounds of each hotel (that's because they receive all meals, drinks and sports, enticing them never to leave the hotel). I'm dismayed by the artificial nature of the vacation that then ensues, which involves no contact at all with the culture of the island, and effectively separates the visitor from the resident. I'm told that most of these hotels give meringue dance lessons each afternoon, in which scores of vacationers couple off with each other under the tutelage of an American dance instructor. Some foreign experience!
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Labels: deals, dominican republic
Discouraged about the high cost of travel to Europe? Why not substitute Mexico?
In sharp contrast to the rise of the Euro and the British Pound against our Dollar, the currency of our southern neighbor has narrowly fluctuated between a rate of 10 and 11 pesos to the dollar for the past two years. That means our money hasn't sunk in value at all.The culture of Mexico is remarkably rich and diverse, attracting tourists with powerful lures of art, music, dance, history, archaeology, and community activities. The south and east have secluded beaches, the center has countless colonial towns renowned for their cuisine, and both its coasts are dotted with high-rise resort getaways. It has always amazed me that people are willing to fly halfway around the world to some countries but completely ignore the wonders of tropical Mexico, whose people are friendly, sophisticated, and welcoming to tourism. If you haven't yet been there, you are missing a lot.
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Labels: mexico
Aug 26, 2007
Hopefully for just a short while, you'd be wise to pass up a Windjammer Barefoot Cruise
I've been flooded with messages from readers about the financial travails of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, the legendary group of vintage sailing ships operated with laid-back panache on island-hopping itineraries of the Caribbean. Crews for two of the ships have gone on strike claiming they haven't been paid; two islands have apparently impounded their vessels. None other than the Wall Street Journal has run a short notice about these problems in the sun.
When I recently phoned Windjammer to learn what was going on, I was told by a reservationist that help was on the way; that everything would be all right by the weekend. According to Windjammer, a private equity firm was planning to take over the stricken company, inject a large sum of cash, and resume operations. When I phoned again the morning of Sunday, August 26, the lone reservationist on duty stated that, as far as he knew, the ships would be "boarding" today, for sailing on Monday -- that was the latest information he had or was authorized to announce.
If I were to guess, I would say that Windjammer will probably emerge in good health from its present predicament: its brand is just too strong to expire; its prospects would be tremendously appealing to investors with deep pockets.
But how long the rescue will require is unknown. For the time being, you'd do best to put off that trip.
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When I recently phoned Windjammer to learn what was going on, I was told by a reservationist that help was on the way; that everything would be all right by the weekend. According to Windjammer, a private equity firm was planning to take over the stricken company, inject a large sum of cash, and resume operations. When I phoned again the morning of Sunday, August 26, the lone reservationist on duty stated that, as far as he knew, the ships would be "boarding" today, for sailing on Monday -- that was the latest information he had or was authorized to announce.
If I were to guess, I would say that Windjammer will probably emerge in good health from its present predicament: its brand is just too strong to expire; its prospects would be tremendously appealing to investors with deep pockets.
But how long the rescue will require is unknown. For the time being, you'd do best to put off that trip.
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Labels: cruise
Fifty years ago, 
Arthur Frommer is generally acknowledged to be the nation's foremost travel authority. He is the founder of the
