Travel Tips Blog

If you are like me, you do a lot of walking when you are traveling.  Probably much more walking than you do in your regular day to day life.  My friend is a podiatrist, and she suggested I write a blog of travel tips for your feet!  I thought that was a great idea since more than once I have had painful blisters and other feet issues when traveling.  Hope your feet enjoy these few ideas!

• If you are having any pain before you go away, visit a doctor or podiatrist because foot pain shouldn’t be ignored.
• Start doing regular walking before your trip to get your legs and feet in shape for the trip.  Remember to do your walking in the shoes you’ll be traveling in!  Want to break them in BEFORE you travel!
• Skip the fashion and pack sensible comfortable walking shoes.  Also remember to pack proper socks!  Think about the type of weather you’ll be encountering so that you bring proper footwear.  Never bring a new pair of shoes on a trip.
• Like a good Boy Scout – be prepared.  Pack bandages, medicated foot powder, first aid cream, nail clippers and tweezers.  Your feet will thank you should you have a nicks, blisters or slivers while away!
• You should only walk barefoot on sandy beaches that are safe and in areas immediately surrounding the pool.  At all other times, you should have footwear on so that you don’t pick up any foot related viruses.  Don’t forget to always apply sunscreen to your feet! 
• At the end of a long day of shopping, sightseeing or hiking, give your feet a break.  Why not soak them, massage them and keep them elevated so that they are ready for the next busy day!

Hope these tips help you start each travel day ‘on the right foot’!

Share This

When I was 19, I was lucky enough to visit Cannes France with my family.  I was in awe of the glitz and beauty of the place and of course, loved hearing about celebrities that had just been there the week before for the Cannes Film Festival.

Last year (18 years later), I was lucky enough to visit again.  Coming as an adult, I appreciated other aspects of the city than my first trip!

The South of France is a wonderful area to visit.  With pleasant weather, ocean views and plenty of things to do, it is a great trip for anyone.  Here are a few of my favorite things to do when in Cannes!

• Musee de la Castre – This museum is renowned for its amazing collection of musical instruments from around the world.  You’ll also enjoy the prints of old Cannes and the archeology section.
• La Croisette – La Croisette gets its name from a small cross that used to stand east of the bay.  Today it is the long boulevard along the seafront.  On one side is the ritzy hotels and designer boutiques and on the other the private beaches and great views of the Mediterranean.  The private beaches are owned by the super deluxe hotels.
• Forville Market – If you enjoy picking up your own food for a picnic lunch be sure to visit this unique market full of French delicacies.
• Les ÃŽles de Lerin – While not technically in Cannes, these islands are only a 15-minute boat ride away.  The largest of the Lerin Islands, ÃŽle de Sainte-Marguerite is worth the trip to see the seventeenth century fort housing the Maritime Museum (free admission).
• Festival international d’art pyrotechnique – Last year, we were lucky enough to be in town when the fireworks festival was on.  This festival brings together the most accomplished fireworks designers worldwide.  Find yourself a great spot to view the Bay of Cannes and witness the most amazing fireworks reflected off the water.  Arrive early because this is a popular festival!  Admission is free!

Cannes is a great place to spend a few days or even a week.  You’ll love strolling the quaint streets, enjoying the beaches and taking in some of the local sites!

Share This

Nowadays, women are traveling on their own in greater numbers than ever before.? Whether it is for business or pleasure, women can feel safe traveling to many destinations throughout the world.

Despite the world being opened up, it is still important for women to take precautions to stay safe during their travels.? Here are nine easy safety tips for any woman traveler!

1. Leave a detailed itinerary – its best if someone back home knows where you are going to be.? If you have a detailed itinerary, be sure to leave that with someone you trust.? If you don’t know what you’ll be doing until you arrive at your destination, be sure to be in touch via email outlining your whereabouts.
2. Don’t divulge your room number – Keep your room number to yourself.? If your room number is stated aloud during check in, ask to be reassigned.? Have the room number written down and don’t keep your key in the envelope that it came in.? If anyone gets your key, they won’t be able to use it if they don’t know the room number!
3. Never open your door – Always check the peephole before opening your door.? If a hotel employee is at the door, call down to the front desk to see if they have sent someone to your room.? It is also important to always use the additional dead bolt on your room door.
4. Look for well lit parking – If you’ll be going out in the evening on your own, find parking close by to your destination in a well lit area.? Better yet, opt for valet parking (if it is available) as it is worth the extra cost for your safety.
5. Avoid jewelry – It may be hard for some women, but it is best to avoid jewelry.? Even costume jewelry may be mistaken for something of value.? However, it is advisable to wear a wedding ring to ward off potential suitors.
6. Study the map – Before you go sightseeing, study your map so you know the way.? Ask hotel staff to indicate any dangerous areas on your map.? When on the streets, it is safer to use a pocket guidebook instead of a large map that will identify you as a tourist.
7. Rent a mobile phone or bring your own – Put the local police on speed dial as well.
8. Choose a hotel in a well trafficked area – Aim to choose your accommodations in a well trafficked street because that will mean restaurants close by and people around in the evenings.? Interior room entrances are also safer than motel style or exterior entrances. Another idea is to choose a smaller hotel so that staff becomes familiar and loiterers become more noticeable.
9. Keep the contents of your purse to a minimum – When going out sightseeing or for the evening, keep your purse to a bare minimum, wallet, hotel key, and license and makeup essentials.? Lock your passport, bankcards, keys from home and other important items in your hotel safe.? Do not carry more cash than is necessary.

Hope these nine tips help keep you safe the next time you are traveling on your own!

Share This

Nowadays, women are traveling on their own in greater numbers than ever before.? Whether it is for business or pleasure, women can feel safe traveling to many destinations throughout the world.

Despite the world being opened up, it is still important for women to take precautions to stay safe during their travels.? Here are nine easy safety tips for any woman traveler!

1. Leave a detailed itinerary – its best if someone back home knows where you are going to be.? If you have a detailed itinerary, be sure to leave that with someone you trust.? If you don’t know what you’ll be doing until you arrive at your destination, be sure to be in touch via email outlining your whereabouts.
2. Don’t divulge your room number – Keep your room number to yourself.? If your room number is stated aloud during check in, ask to be reassigned.? Have the room number written down and don’t keep your key in the envelope that it came in.? If anyone gets your key, they won’t be able to use it if they don’t know the room number!
3. Never open your door – Always check the peephole before opening your door.? If a hotel employee is at the door, call down to the front desk to see if they have sent someone to your room.? It is also important to always use the additional dead bolt on your room door.
4. Look for well lit parking – If you’ll be going out in the evening on your own, find parking close by to your destination in a well lit area.? Better yet, opt for valet parking (if it is available) as it is worth the extra cost for your safety.
5. Avoid jewelry – It may be hard for some women, but it is best to avoid jewelry.? Even costume jewelry may be mistaken for something of value.? However, it is advisable to wear a wedding ring to ward off potential suitors.
6. Study the map – Before you go sightseeing, study your map so you know the way.? Ask hotel staff to indicate any dangerous areas on your map.? When on the streets, it is safer to use a pocket guidebook instead of a large map that will identify you as a tourist.
7. Rent a mobile phone or bring your own – Put the local police on speed dial as well.
8. Choose a hotel in a well trafficked area – Aim to choose your accommodations in a well trafficked street because that will mean restaurants close by and people around in the evenings.? Interior room entrances are also safer than motel style or exterior entrances. Another idea is to choose a smaller hotel so that staff becomes familiar and loiterers become more noticeable.
9. Keep the contents of your purse to a minimum – When going out sightseeing or for the evening, keep your purse to a bare minimum, wallet, hotel key, and license and makeup essentials.? Lock your passport, bankcards, keys from home and other important items in your hotel safe.? Do not carry more cash than is necessary.

Hope these nine tips help keep you safe the next time you are traveling on your own!

Share This

Anyone who goes to visit Switzerland tends to visit the popular spots, Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne, Bern - you get the picture.? But, after spending a year in the country, I would like to suggest you consider Northeastern Switzerland for your next trip.

This picture book pretty area offers unique cultural experiences along with some of the best cheese in the country.? Located on the northern border where Switzerland meets Germany, you’ll find a relatively flat landscape, castles lining the shores of Lake Constance and the Rhine River, and an abundance of things to see and do.

When in this area, you’ll want to be sure to visit Europe’s largest waterfall.? Rhine Falls are truly a spectacle with 600 cubic meters of water per second pounding by.? Consider taking a river cruise along the Rhine between Schaffhausen and Lake Constance for a great experience and amazing vistas at every turn.? The 45km boat trip is considered to be one of the Rhine’s most beautiful stretches - worth every penny.

If you are a cyclist, northeastern Switzerland will become your new favorite vacation destination.? We toured Schaffhausen Canton where we found relatively cheap accommodations (be careful to book ahead if you will be visiting during the weekend as rooms book up rather quickly).? Schaffhausen is a charming medieval town you might expect to find in Germany.? What makes it even more beautiful is the fact that it is a pedestrian only city.? You can also see the city’s signature fortress, the circular Munot.? If you want to visit, admission is free and you can enjoy a drink while enjoying the views over Schaffhausen’s rooftops.?

If you are a writer or reader, you might want to plan a trip to St. Gallen Canton.? With history as the ‘writing room of Europe’ - the main attraction is the ornate library of its Catholic Abbey.? In addition to the amazing library, the town is ideal for wandering and enjoying the vibe.? The Old Town is pedestrian only.

Appenzellerland might be up your alley if you are interested in seeing what some local Swiss call ‘country bumpkins’.? This area is charming and is best known for its strong smelling cheese.? If you like stinky cheeses then come here and enjoy these cheeses, which make for amazing fondues!? The local restaurants also serve the cheese in the form of Kaseschnitte (cheese on toast), Chashoornli (cheese dumplings with friend onions) or Chaasmageroone (macaroni and cheese).? I loved each of these dishes and if you are a cheese lover like me, I highly recommend a trip to this area.

Switzerland is one of my favorite countries to visit and I really enjoyed discovering and exploring the northeastern area.? If you are planning a trip to Switzerland - be sure to make the trek - you’ll be happy you did!

Share This

My fiancée suggested we plan a vacation to Buenos Aires, as it is a place he has always wanted to visit.  While I liked the idea, I have to admit that Buenos Aires wasn’t on my list of places to visit.  So, I started doing some research – now I’m pumped to go.  We have started booking our trip and I’ve come up with my six reasons (in no particular order) that I cannot wait to visit Buenos Aires!

1. Shopping – Known to be quite the shopper, Buenos Aires sounds like it will be a shopping haven.  I can’t wait to visit the trendy boutiques in the Palermo Soho area.  Better bring an extra piece of luggage…just in case, or maybe I will just buy one there!
2. Dollar – Our dollar still goes far in South America so we can stay in nicer hotels than we might normally be able to afford.
3. Friendly People – Reportedly, Argentinean people are friendly and personable…not to mention stylish!  We can’t wait to experience the Buenos Aires hospitality and to meet some new people.
4. Wine – I love wine.  There I said it.  I cannot wait to enjoy all the wonderful wines of the region.  Apparently, Argentina is the world’s fifth largest producer of wine.  Reds are my favorite and I hope to try some that I’ve never tasted before.
5. Party – When I travel, I love to cut loose and have a great time.  Buenos Aires is known as a great place if you are looking for a happening nightlife.  Sounds like we had better rest up because with all the amazing nightclubs to choose from – we won’t be getting a lot of sleep!
6. The Markets – Did I mention my love of shopping? The markets in Buenos Aires are known around the world.  We’re planning to visit San Telmo’s flea market – reportedly the most popular.  Located in Dorrego Square, which in itself is a place to visit, as it is the oldest square in the city after the Plaza de Mayo. It’s a great place to see the old style housing, as many of them have been transformed into lovely antique shops.

Buenos Aires sounds like an exciting, beautiful, dynamic and modern city.  We have our plans all made and are counting the days until we embark on the Virgin Vacations deal that we found!  I’ll write when we return and give you a low down about everything we did, saw and experienced!  Until next time…

Share This

As a personal trainer, clients often ask me how they can keep up their workout regime when traveling.  While it isn’t as easy as when you are at home in your own personal and familiar surroundings, it is possible to keep up your healthy living routine when you are on the road.  Here are my five surefire ways to keep you fit when traveling for either business or pleasure!

1. Walk! - It is the easiest way to keep from packing on the pounds.  Walk wherever you can.  If you are traveling for pleasure, you will probably find yourself walking more than you normally do.  Make it a brisk walk so that you do get fitness benefits.  Another idea is to take a walk first thing in the morning before you hit the hotel’s continental breakfast.  Ask the front desk to give you some walking routes that might lead you to an interesting sight or a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee.  Take advantage of sightseeing packages and guided tours are also great ways to get in some extra-walking.
2. Bring a Few Core Essentials – With a few small things that you can slip into your suitcase, you can work out in your hotel room, bed and breakfast or wherever you might be staying.  Bring a resistance band, a jump rope, workout video, or anything else that you use at home.  You don’t have to do your regular workout – but as long as you keep yourself active, that is the main goal!
3. Use the Fitness Center – Many hotels have fitness centers – all you need to do is use it!  Smaller hotels sometimes arrange with local fitness centers that you can use free or at a discount.  Ask the front desk to find out what they offer.
4. Do Your Regular Fitness Class – If you take yoga, Pilates or aerobics, you probably already have a fitness workout ingrained in your brain.  Just harness that knowledge and keep doing what you usually do!  The best thing is that these types of classes can be done fairly easily in your room if the hotel doesn’t have a fitness facility.
5. Beware of Portion Sizes – One of the biggest culprits of the five pound gain when traveling is the ridiculous portion sizes served at some restaurants.  If you can, try sharing with a dining partner, asking for a half portion or ordering an appetizer and salad instead of a main course.  If you continually eat the large main course portions for every meal, you’ll definitely have tighter pants when you get home!

My biggest piece of advice is that you shouldn’t stress out about keeping in shape when you’re on the road.  Arm yourself with a plan to keep relatively active and to watch how much you consume.  Your goal should always be to maintain your weight, don’t put pressure on yourself to lose any.  Also, be sure you don’t miss any of the fun and important vacation experiences just because you are trying to stay fit and workout!  Your travel and Vacations should be fun, carefree and healthy!  Best of luck!

Share This

I recently visited Innsbruck Austria for a friend’s wedding.  The bride recommended staying at Grand Hotel Europa and I was sure glad she did.  This hotel was built in 1869 and is located in the heart of the city.  I felt it was an ideal location and it provided a wonderful Austrian atmosphere.  Innsbruck is the capital of the federal state Tyrol and the biggest city in the Western part of Austria.

We arrived at the hotel after a lengthy travel day and I was weary and really just wanted to get into my room to collapse.  Advertised as the only five star hotel in Innsbruck, I was hopeful that it would meet all our expectations.

Friendly front desk staff immediately greeted us.  They were quick and efficient in assigning our room and giving us a brief overview of the hotel’s amenities.  A bell captain assisted us with our luggage and escorted us to our room.  The room was decorated in a traditional style and had everything we needed.  And I didn’t collapse on the bed for a nice nap!! One disappointment was that the wireless Internet didn’t work in our room – not a big deal – but we were hoping to keep in touch with our laptop.

I definitely appreciated that the hotel was a non-smoking one since I’ve been in some European hotels that still allow smoking.  One downside was that we found the bar smoky.  In terms of food, we really enjoyed our breakfast at the hotel.  They had an immense, fresh and delicious breakfast buffet that gave us everything we could hope for.  It was a wonderful way to fuel up before doing some sightseeing. 

Speaking of sightseeing, the location of the hotel was ideal.  It is centrally located so it made it easy to get to everything we wanted to see in the old city.  Innsbruck is surrounded by tall mountains like Nordkette, Patscherkofel and Serles so it is easy to take in a day of skiing.  The ski bus stops right in front of the hotel door giving us the ultimate in convenience!

My stomach just rumbled so it reminded me to tell you that apparently the best restaurant in town is located right in the hotel.  If you stay at the hotel, you simply must make time to have a meal at this restaurant.  We did – and WOW – it was amazing.  The restaurant Europastüberl was won several awards – including one from Gault Millau.  You’ll have an opportunity to try delicious Tyrolean dishes and to enjoy the local produce prepared to perfection.

Another bonus of the hotel is that it is only a five-minute walk to the casino.  If you enjoy gambling then this is the place to be.  It is a wonderful way to enjoy lively gaming, charming entertainment and culinary wonders!  The casino offers 22 gaming tables, 199 slot machines and various event programs.  Ask the staff at the Grand Hotel Europa to let you know what’s happening at the casino because the entertainment changes regularly.

I hope to have another opportunity to visit the charming city of Innsbruck and to stay at the Grand Hotel Europa.  If you are interested in your own trip, check out Virgin Vacations Austria travel deals!

Share This

I recently came across a really interesting article covering the top travel and tourism technology trends for 2008.  It was a fascinating read, and I thought I’d share a bit of what I’ve learned here.

• Increase in adoption of mobile travel applications – With everyone getting smarter phones like Blackberries, iPhones, etc, experts predict that more technologies will be developed enhancing the traveler experience through mobile phones and wireless devices.  For instance, we’ll all be turning to our phones for maps, directions, restaurant and hotel recommendations, weather conditions at our destination and much more.
• Travel specific social networks will flourish – With the popularity of social media sites like Facebook; social networks that cover a specific niche like travel will emerge in greater numbers.  You’ll see networks for everything from travel agents, travel suppliers, and those with an affinity for specific locations.
• Travel to China will be hot in 2008 and beyond – Of course, with the 2008 Olympics, travel to China will be at an all time high.  However, beyond the Olympics, travelers from around the world are more accepting of seeing China as a vacation destination.
• Baby boomers will continue to influence travel – With many boomers opting to stay in the workforce, but scaling back, it is anticipated that they will take longer vacations.  This should increase travel across the board – but some areas like cruising, spas, and all-inclusive resorts should see healthy increases.
• Environmentally friendly travel – With everyone concerned about the health of our planet, green travel will come out in real force.  Travelers will be concerned with renting hybrid cars, picking accommodations with earth friendly policies and looking for zero carbon emissions packages.

Overall, it is predicted that the travel sector will continue to be solid and there will likely be some great travel deals to be had!  Bon Voyage!

Share This