Go Ahead! Use Your Cell Phone in Flight

Go Ahead! Use Your Cell Phone in Flight

Go Ahead! Use Your Cell Phone in Flight

Soon cell phone use in flights will be the norm. Imagine

At least texting and chatting away at 32,00 feet.

Whatever happened to the caution that using cell phones in flight was a danger to navigation?

Simple: the airlines realized they can make big bucks on in-flight cell phone usage.

But a majority of travelers polled (84%) said they were not in favor of airborne wireless calls in the air.
It seems most passengers use a flight time to relax and not stay connected to the office or cares on the ground.

kaleel.tvp@gmail.com

Litlele Cayman: Divers' Paradise

The Little Island That Could

There’s an island in the Caribbean so unpretentious, so natural and authentic, it’s one of my very favorite places to visit.
Little Cayman Island, about 10 miles long with maybe 500 full time residents, is a divers paradise.

But it’s much more than that. .

It’s open, empty roads, untouched-up nature and a simple grace of things.
The eye-popping, multiple shades of blue water and the vastness of sand, sea and horizon are mesmerizing… as is the magic of the stars at night. Far from the glare of plastic resorts and too many lights, the dome of heaven sparkles on Little Cayman.
Gladys Howard runs Pirates Point Resort. She’s the island’s most natural, natural resource. An extraordinary cook and open person, Pirates Point is as friendly and laid-back as the island itself where swaying hammocks and untouched charm of place create a true Caribbean experience.

http://www.piratespointresort.com
www.itsyourstoexplore.com

Drugging Kids on Planes: Reaction!

Drugging Kids on Planes Redux

When we created a Travel Video PostCard video a year or more ago about the practice of some parents giving their kids Benadryl or a related “drug” to keep the kids calm during a flight, we were not prepared for the volume and intensity of the feedback.

Full-fledged arguments broke out among viewers and followers, and it often wasn’t pretty.

We were interviewed by the Associated Press on the topic, spoke to health care providers, posted our results…and the comments kept coming from parents, flight attendants, health care workers, and others.

We are fascinated by the range of opinions and the passions stirred up by the topic, so every so often we update readers with the most recent comments.

Here are a few, unedited except to take out the expletives:

You can watch the Travel Video PostCard at www.travelvideopostcard.com

“Nevertheless, there comes a point where a parent can’t control all the stress factors involved that can make a kid go into a tantrum. Adults who travel know how hard it is to keep OURSELVES well fed, hydrated, rested, and entertained, and even when we aren’t and become stressed we (mostly) know how to control our impulse to let people know we’re unhappy.
Children do not, and I don’t see a problem with THEN using a chemical aid to help them overcome that stress and calm down until journey’s end.”

Why not (drug kids)?
I (expletive) hate it when I have to sit there defencelessly with that little (expletive) crying for something stupid like toys and their tiny cake stuffed ears hurting. Kids are menace!
If the medical proffesions have no opinion, it could be because they are not giving a (expletive), or it’s the right thing to do.
DRUG THEM!”

“Naturally, I strongly advise everybody viewing this video to ignore this person.”

“It seems like the medical community HAS made a statement: let the parent decide. Benadryl is NOT a controlled substance. I think it SHOULD be up to the parent – not a doctor – to decide if s/he will give a child a chemical aid to help them overcome the stress of travel. Doctors should be on hand to advise on the possible side effects of its use, and offer alternatives, but in the end that’s all they can do in this case: advise. And that’s what they have done.”

“I think the medical profession refusing to comment is more of a moral issue they don’t want to touch rather than refusing definitive medical advice. I mean, why wouldn’t it be safe if we can give kids benadryl anyway for allergies? If docs said it was safe they could be perceived as committing to a moral position on this rather than strictly providing medical advice for parents to use. That would put their asses on the line in the eyes of the general public and no doc wants that…”

“you obviously have no kids and are probably very young- ive flown twice when my daughter was only 3 and 4. its all about how the parents prepare them for a flight; plenty of coloring books; & other things they can bring on to keep them occupied. youde be amazed at just how well just doing the right thing works! your obviously not very well-informed; because there ARE airlines that have stopped & kicked a family off with a misbehaving child. drugs arent the answer you idiot.”

That’s the tip of the iceberg. What do you think??

kaleel.tvp@gmail.com

Nothing is Rotten in Denmark!

It’s been a while since I last visited the land of the Little Mermaid, so when the assignment came up, I was eager to revisit Copenhagen, the Lilliputian capital of the Kingdom of Denmark, the oldest monarchy in Europe.

I was also eager to visit my dear friends, Pia, Liva and Vaun, who rewarded me with new insights into this vivacious city by the sea.

I reoriented myself, as a visitor should, by standing on the bright, flower-swept plaza, vividly yellow in an intense sun that’s too rarely seen in these parts. Hulking in the background is the medieval-looking castle, Denmark’s city hall, the Radhuspladsen.

The plaza is the cross roads of pedestrian traffic, a perfect place to “people watch.”

If the Danes are not crossing, then they’re sitting on a bench or at an outside café enjoying the long days of summer after too many months of darkness.

The first clue to the city’s unique ambience is the absence of fiery orators or victorious warriors, those kinds of statues that crowd most public places in most capital cites. The only figure here is one of a solitary, gentle-looking man in a tall hat, sitting on a stool, and gazing somewhat wistfully at the passersby.

In his hand is a book; his finger marks the page in one of his famous stories. This is Hans Christian Andersen (the Danes just call him H.C.), Denmark’s famous son and the beloved author of so many sweet tales, including of course the Little Mermaid.

Historically, Denmark has been perhaps the most Democratic country on earth. It’s possible to nod hello the Prime Minister on the street as he walks to work just like everyone else, sans the big, black cars and guys in suits and Raybans. And the welfare system is as egalitarian as it gets, paying for everything for everyone from “cradle to grave,”
Danes are also very laid-back. They like their beer (they make some of the best anywhere) and they like to eat and laugh.

They consider themselves much more fun-loving than their Swedish cousins, a stone’s throw away.

And they love their bicycles, the preferred mode of transportation here. The city is full of them. Hundreds of bikes line stalls, and even more wind their ways through the cobbled streets of the city. When I was there last, no one locked his bike. Today, alas, that’s changed. Some. But it’s still an incredibly law-abiding country, where folks never even think about crossing the street against the light…or while the sign says, “Don’t Walk,” even if there isn’t a car in sight.

You could opt for a City Safari, a guided bike tour through Copenhagen, certainly a more active, non-traditional way of experiencing the city’s considerable charm. (City Safari. www.citysafari.dk). Another fun way to get an overview is with a Canal Tour. Copenhagen is not exactly Venice, but the intricate system of canals is impressive, a reminder of the times when this was indeed a major sea faring, Viking nation, and the city a major harbor. In fact ”Copenhagen” comes from the Danish meaning, “Merchants Harbor, the “Hagen” being “Harbor.” There are several kinds of guided Canal Tours, most concentrate on the numerous castles and churches of Copenhagen, but some offer an inner city dinner cruise along the waterways. (www.canal-tours.dk). I recommend the canal cruise as a perfect way to get a sense of the town. Departures are across the street from Christianborg (the House of Parliament) or Nyhavn, a sort of “old salt” section of town with sleek slops at anchor and some fun pubs.
Everyone speaks nearly perfect English in Copenhagen, often better English than do our native speakers here. Getting directions is simply not a problem.

and Hamlet

My favorite pub? Snaren (2 Kompagistraede). I like its rough wooden tables, the fire in the fire place, and the merciful absence of a TV. Most Danish pubs eschew TV, preferring to enjoy each other and the great beer.

Slightly north of the city is Helsingør, the home of even a more famous Dane than H.C. Anderson. This is where the brooding, vacillating Hamlet agonized within himself whether to be or not to be.

Kronborg, or Hamlet’s castle ( www.kronborgslot.dk) is actually an old custom’s inspectors’ building located on the strait between Denmark and Sweden, a 20 minute ferry ride away, and easily visible. As far as castles go, it’s interesting enough with some lovely 17th century tapestries, royal apartments, appropriately winding balustrades and ramparts. But its real power lies in the imagination. Imagine being in the courtyard where Hamlet staged his famous play (“the play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king”)?

Or stop and stare at the ghost of Hamlet’s father slithering along the castles walls to goad the hapless prince!

Emergency at Sea: can You Get Home?

So, you’re hundreds of miles at sea and you receive the dreaded news that a family member or dear friend has passed away or has taken seriously ill. It should be easy you think to arrange transfer from the ship to the shore, and from there catch the next flight home.

Not so fast
Passengers are taken off a ship that’s at sea only in medical emergencies, and that means unless you, the passenger are in critical condition. In most other cases, it really is a matter of determining where the next port of call is and from there, the crucial flight home

Travel insurance with trip interruption coverage can be invaluable here, but in all cases, work with the cruise ships guest services representative who will arrange flights from the next port.

And remember, if something affects your cruise experience negatively like a broken toilet or other cabin related problems your first call should be to the cabin steward, and then the purser.

You may well be entitled to compensation

kaleel.tvp@gmail.com

Solo Traveler? Out of Luck

The math is simple. But deceptive.

If a hotel room cost two hundred bucks, that’s a hundred bucks per person, because hotels assume two people are sharing the room.

But if you’re not a couple and are traveling alone, you’re still paying $200.00, which amounts to a penalty for single travelers since they’re paying a two people rate.

Worse, some hotels, cruise ships and resorts actually charge a Single Supplement fee, which can be as high as 150% of the rack rate.

Hotels and cruise ships don’t give single travelers a price break because that cuts into their revenues, and so the single traveler continues to exist as a second-class citizen in the travel world.

The policy has frustrated many of the 18.9 million singles, about a third of all travelers.

Some travel agents create itineraries for singles, bringing them together for trips. But the results are mixed

Some don’t mind traveling and sharing ma room with another single, of the same sex that is.

Others do.

According to TravelMole, an on-line news source, some travel industry officials justify their single-supplement policy by saying that a room rate is a room rate and since they can’t sell a half room, they feel no obligation to cut solo travelers a break.

Shame on them! We think the industry can do better.

Some places offer a reduced rate for singles, but they’re frequently inferior rooms.

Some companies like Kathy Sudeikis’ relations at All About Travel, does her best in steering clients toward Solo Travel-sensitive tours.

Noah may have had it right. But unless you’re on an ark, traveling in pairs shouldn’t have to be the only way to go.

What do you think?

Falconing: Sport of Kings

Falconing: The Sport of Kings

For sheer heart stopping beauty, nothing beats the sensation of watching a hawk descend at lightening speed and land on an outstretched, gloved wrist…softly; a velvet touch on a coarse glove. Sun reflecting from mahogany feathers; restless eyes scanning the horizon for prey, it’s a feathered flash of light; a poem in flight.

The British School of Falconry at the Equinox Resort in Manchester, Vermont (802-362/4780 www.equinoxresort.com) is one of two schools in North America whose program is open to the public. For years this was a sport for nobility only.

Today, it’s available to anyone.

Nestled against the Green Mountains, in a valley of 2,300 acres of unparallel beauty, Master Falconers provide instruction on how to “cast” the hawk from glove to tree, and they offer hawk hiking and hunting trips to travelers with spirit and curiosity.

One 2 hour trek involves an exquisite choreography among instructor, hawk, and a hunting dog that suddenly drives the prey from its lair for the hawk, and the chase is on.

The sport is closely regulated by the government, and at Equinox, the emphasis is on providing an education; on the pleasure of exposing visitors to the joy of handling and “flying” these magnificent creatures.

Gift certificates are available. Children 12 and older are welcome.

The Equinox itself is a 229 year old, white, rambling structure in a quintessential New England town. Mary Todd Lincoln, President Lincoln’s wife, reportedly fell in love with the Equinox. She scheduled a trip to the resort with her husband.
One week before they left, President Lincoln was assassinated. His son, Todd, came and stayed. His home is still there in the woods

kaleel.tvp@gmail.com

Prince Edward Island: Prince of the Maritimes

Take Me to Prince Edward Island

In this euro inflated world, savvy travelers are heading for euro immune destinations like Canada,

Prince Edward Island on Canada’ east coast, is the smallest of the Atlantic Maritimes, but rich in culture and traditions

It’s a quiet, gentle island, all about the sea and the land.

There are no billboards or traffic jams

There are farmers’ markets, terrific lobster suppers, unspoiled sea coast and emerald, rolling hills.

The island’s small so golfers can do more than one course in a day.

And river or sea kayaking gets you up close and personal to bald eagles and osprey

Certainly, anyone who’s ever read Anne of Green Gables will be at home in Anne’s house. This is where the freckled faced heroine is from

kaleel.tvp@gmail.com

Mini Bar Gets Sexy

Intimacy Kits

Travel has gotten sexier, and we mean that literally.

The hotel mini bar is not what it used to be. Some Hotels in New York, Arizona and elsewhere now stock their mini bars with condoms, cinnamon mints, scented cloths, and even personal lubricants and feather ticklers.

No, these are not your parents’ hotels. Maybe we can understand pleasure rings and blind folds at the hotel Montalembert in gay Paris, but in middle-America Arizona?

A marketing director of a Scottsdale hotel says the Intimacy Kits are a great marketing device….and not all risqué.

He told us that the intimate contents of the Intimacy Kits plays into the life style of his guests and are, “very well received.”

The kits sell for $19.50.

Since we’ve been hearing the recession is sparking a lot of sex, a way, we assume, of staying alive in this dismal economy, the price is right!

Not a lot to pay for intimacy, we guess