The U.S. Dollar and Travel
Fortunately, there are still safe havens out there — countries where our currency and the host country’s currency move in lockstep. In two cases, our dollars are the actual currency, so you don’t even have to visit an exchange booth. Here are five destinations where your costs should be stable no matter when you arrive.
Panama
Panama has been using the U.S. dollar as its own for more than 100 years. As I noted in this longer article about travel in Panama, prices are lower here than in neighboring Costa Rica, but many of the reasons for visiting are similar. If you’re a birdwatcher, a wildlife buff, an adventure traveler, or someone who loves to sail and go island hopping, Panama will keep you occupied for weeks.
Ecuador
Ecuador also uses the dollar as its own currency. The land best known as the home of the Galapagos Islands has a lot more to offer, with the Andes Mountains, thick rainforest jungle, and some bargain-priced beach resorts. Ecuador gets its name from the equator passing through, but much of it is not all that hot because of altitude: this is the one spot where you can find snow on the equator-on Volcán Cayambe at nearly 19,000 feet. The historic center of capital city Quito has gotten a major makeover in the past few years and is also worth a visit.
Belize
The exchange rate with Belize never budges much beyond a range of 1.97 to 2.05. In other words, its 2 Belize dollars for every 1 American dollar, give or take a couple pennies. You don’t have to take a time machine to get a lot for your dollars here, whether you want to scuba dive, snorkel, sail, lie on a beach, or explore the jungle interior.
Caribbean and Atlantic Islands
As many cruise ship passengers have learned, there are several Caribbean islands and clusters of islands that peg their currency to the greenback. Barbados’ currency trades at a stable 2 to 1 with the dollar, while in the Bahamas or Bermuda you can use their dollars or your own—the value is the same. The exchange rate is stable in Turks & Caicos and the British Virgin Islands, and of course the U.S. dollar is the principal currency in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This doesn’t mean you’ll find bargains galore in all these locations, but you can feel secure that prices won’t suddenly rise because of an exchange rate change.
Argentina
This is an example that may not stand the test of time, but since 2003 the Argentine currency has moved in a narrow range of around 3 pesos to 1 U.S. dollar. Before the massive economic crisis that hit the country at the beginning of the decade, it was 1 to 1 and it’s certainly possible things will change again in the future. For now though, even though inflation is high and prices aren’t as low as they were a few years ago, Argentina is a relative bargain and Buenos Aires is the best substitute for a visit to a European cit
All of the above destinations are in this hemisphere, places where you can frequently find reasonable flight or package deals and you won’t have to worry about jet lag. If you want to go further, Hong Kong, Guam, Saipan, Jordan, and Dubai all have currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar.
Of course, it’s important to look at the full range of actual costs for what you are planning to do. Belize is less expensive than most islands in the Caribbean, while Panama and Ecuador are true bargains when it comes to food and transportation. Rises in fuel and grain prices are driving up costs everywhere around the world though, wherever you are heading, so always assume prices you’ve read about will probably be higher when you arrive.
But if you’re going to an inexpensive place that’s already a good deal, such as these and other greenback deals around the world, it’s much easier to budget and live large without breaking the bank.
If you live in Europe and have been getting paid in euros, forget all of this advice and go anywhere: your currency is at the top of the heap right now. Take advantage of it! As we Americans have painfully found good times don’t last forever.
For Currency Conversion visit www.dmttravel.com, click on services.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Vacation Preperation
1. You should have two credit cards (Different accounts)
2. Be sure and call your Credit Card Companies and tell them the dates and the destinations of your vacation.
3. You might want to go to your bank and get some currency before your trip. You should be able to get some at the airport but that would be just one more thing to have to do then, and I think you would get a better deal from your bank.
4. Make sure and make a copy of your passport, carry that copy in your carry-on.
Also leave a copy with your travel agent or a family member.
5. Make a copy of your itinerary and place it inside your checked luggage, right on top. That way if your luggage happens to get misplaced the airlines will have the information needed to forward it to you.
Also leave a copy of your itinerary home with a family member or friend.
Another thing to consider is for you to share suitcases. Each pack half your clothes in the others suitcase.
That way if one losses their luggage you at least have something to wear until your bags show up.
If by some chance your luggage is not there, go directly to the claims center and let them know. If you are going to be greeted by a tour guide be sure and tell them also .Then call your Travel Insurance Company!
6. Be sure and have any medication, camera, jewelry (I would not even take any jewelry) in your carry-on. Do not pack these things in your checked bags. AND DO NOT PACK ANY CASH, TRAVELERS CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS.
To Purchase Your Travel Insurance contact Donna at www.dmttravel.com
1. You should have two credit cards (Different accounts)
2. Be sure and call your Credit Card Companies and tell them the dates and the destinations of your vacation.
3. You might want to go to your bank and get some currency before your trip. You should be able to get some at the airport but that would be just one more thing to have to do then, and I think you would get a better deal from your bank.
4. Make sure and make a copy of your passport, carry that copy in your carry-on.
Also leave a copy with your travel agent or a family member.
5. Make a copy of your itinerary and place it inside your checked luggage, right on top. That way if your luggage happens to get misplaced the airlines will have the information needed to forward it to you.
Also leave a copy of your itinerary home with a family member or friend.
Another thing to consider is for you to share suitcases. Each pack half your clothes in the others suitcase.
That way if one losses their luggage you at least have something to wear until your bags show up.
If by some chance your luggage is not there, go directly to the claims center and let them know. If you are going to be greeted by a tour guide be sure and tell them also .Then call your Travel Insurance Company!
6. Be sure and have any medication, camera, jewelry (I would not even take any jewelry) in your carry-on. Do not pack these things in your checked bags. AND DO NOT PACK ANY CASH, TRAVELERS CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS.
To Purchase Your Travel Insurance contact Donna at www.dmttravel.com
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Hurricane Season
Peak hurricane season, which runs between August and October in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the U.S. south Atlantic coast, is certainly nothing to take lightly. Most every year you can see a fair bit of storm activity: according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), on the average there will be 14 to 18 storms, with winds of at least 40 mph, will be generated. Seven to 10 of these storms may be hurricanes, with winds of 75 mph.
Still, the lure of these warm-weather destinations, especially during the off-season, can be hard to resist. Crowds are thin, prices are excellent, perks—like free meals and spa treatments—are numerous, and very often, the weather winds up being perfectly fine (if slightly more humid than in high-season months). So, the question is: are there ways to “hurricane-proof” a vacation—to minimize the chances that a storm will ruin a low-season trip to the tropics?
Indeed there are—although most of the tricks for lessening hurricane risks require some research on the traveler’s part. The Internet can be an indispensable tool for scoping out predicted weather patterns, for example, or for comparing the hurricane policies of different hotels, tour groups, and airlines. Booking accommodations and flights with companies that offer hurricane guarantees (most often in the form of penalty-free rebooking) is a good way to safeguard a vacation; so is shopping around for and purchasing traveler’s insurance (the further in advance, the better).
Still, the lure of these warm-weather destinations, especially during the off-season, can be hard to resist. Crowds are thin, prices are excellent, perks—like free meals and spa treatments—are numerous, and very often, the weather winds up being perfectly fine (if slightly more humid than in high-season months). So, the question is: are there ways to “hurricane-proof” a vacation—to minimize the chances that a storm will ruin a low-season trip to the tropics?
Indeed there are—although most of the tricks for lessening hurricane risks require some research on the traveler’s part. The Internet can be an indispensable tool for scoping out predicted weather patterns, for example, or for comparing the hurricane policies of different hotels, tour groups, and airlines. Booking accommodations and flights with companies that offer hurricane guarantees (most often in the form of penalty-free rebooking) is a good way to safeguard a vacation; so is shopping around for and purchasing traveler’s insurance (the further in advance, the better).
Sunday, June 6, 2010
A Little Info Regarding Your Flight
AIRLINE MEALS
An airline meal is not something people rave about. In fact, people don't rave at all lately because the meals are almost nonexistent in domestic economy class. Some airlines sell snacks or sandwiches on board, but a hot meal behind the curtain is the exception, not the rule. Surprisingly, many people still get on a plane expecting to be fed. Many tell the story of how they flew all day and got nothing to eat but a bag of pretzels. There's a note in your flight confirmation that says "meal service," "no meal" or "food for sale." Check this note ahead of time so you know whether to pack a lunch or an extra 10-dollar bill. Airline food doesn't cost peanuts.
GETTING THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE
Why do airlines only reserve seats for you if you remember to ask? By the time you remember, the good ones are gone. To get the better coach seats, you want to avoid the restrooms and galleys because they're busy with lots of traffic. The seats in the last row and in front of exits often don't recline, Middle seats are cramped. Bulkheads have less leg room, but no one reclines into your lap, Window seats have a view but less head room or aisle access. Show up when the counter opens to get the desirable exit row. Each airline configures its aircraft differently, so check out www.seatguru.com before your next flight for the scoop on which seats to ask for.
www.dmttravel.com
An airline meal is not something people rave about. In fact, people don't rave at all lately because the meals are almost nonexistent in domestic economy class. Some airlines sell snacks or sandwiches on board, but a hot meal behind the curtain is the exception, not the rule. Surprisingly, many people still get on a plane expecting to be fed. Many tell the story of how they flew all day and got nothing to eat but a bag of pretzels. There's a note in your flight confirmation that says "meal service," "no meal" or "food for sale." Check this note ahead of time so you know whether to pack a lunch or an extra 10-dollar bill. Airline food doesn't cost peanuts.
GETTING THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE
Why do airlines only reserve seats for you if you remember to ask? By the time you remember, the good ones are gone. To get the better coach seats, you want to avoid the restrooms and galleys because they're busy with lots of traffic. The seats in the last row and in front of exits often don't recline, Middle seats are cramped. Bulkheads have less leg room, but no one reclines into your lap, Window seats have a view but less head room or aisle access. Show up when the counter opens to get the desirable exit row. Each airline configures its aircraft differently, so check out www.seatguru.com before your next flight for the scoop on which seats to ask for.
www.dmttravel.com
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Look 10 lbs Thinner in Your Vacation Photos
How to Look 10 lbs Thinner in Your Vacation Photos
I always intend to loose a whole bunch of weight before going on vacation so I will look great in the travel photos and feel a little less guilty when sampling the local cuisine. But reality being what it is, it’s the same old me (the good and the bad) in all the photos. Here are some great tricks recommended by professional photographers that will help you look thinner in pictures.
#1 – Turn your body slightly sideways to the camera.
#2 – Move one foot a little forward of the other and point it in the general direction of the person taking your photo. Your weight should be on your back foot.
#3 – Hold your arms away from your body; waive, hold out a glass, give a thumbs up etc.
#4 – Hold your head slightly forward to minimize a double chin.
#5 – NEVER let someone snap a picture of you angled from below – everything will look huge! Shots taken from slightly above or at eye level will be best.
#6 – Stand tall, no slouching. If you’re sitting, cross your legs at the ankle or sit with both feet on the ground, one foot slightly forward of the other.
#7 – Use props to hide undesirable areas. I hate being photographed in a bathing suit (are you with me on this???). I usually grab a beach towel to hold over my arm and let it drape to cover the evidence of my good living, or holding a colorful sun hat or beach bag works as well. If seated, drape one arm across your middle, clasping your other hand at the side to cover some of your midriff.
#8 – A one color outfit helps the eye travel from top to bottom and back without pausing inbetween. – And we all know that nothing makes you look wider than horizontal stripes! If you’re wearing stripes, be sure you do not stand straight to the camera.
#9 – Use local props – instead of standing in front of scenic objects, step partially behind and peak out at the camera.
#10 – Think about what a great time you’re having, how much you love being on vacation, and then put a gleaming smile on your face. People seeing your picture will look right at your face first and when they see the fun and joy there, it will make absolutely no difference how the rest of your looks!
www.dmttravel.com
I always intend to loose a whole bunch of weight before going on vacation so I will look great in the travel photos and feel a little less guilty when sampling the local cuisine. But reality being what it is, it’s the same old me (the good and the bad) in all the photos. Here are some great tricks recommended by professional photographers that will help you look thinner in pictures.
#1 – Turn your body slightly sideways to the camera.
#2 – Move one foot a little forward of the other and point it in the general direction of the person taking your photo. Your weight should be on your back foot.
#3 – Hold your arms away from your body; waive, hold out a glass, give a thumbs up etc.
#4 – Hold your head slightly forward to minimize a double chin.
#5 – NEVER let someone snap a picture of you angled from below – everything will look huge! Shots taken from slightly above or at eye level will be best.
#6 – Stand tall, no slouching. If you’re sitting, cross your legs at the ankle or sit with both feet on the ground, one foot slightly forward of the other.
#7 – Use props to hide undesirable areas. I hate being photographed in a bathing suit (are you with me on this???). I usually grab a beach towel to hold over my arm and let it drape to cover the evidence of my good living, or holding a colorful sun hat or beach bag works as well. If seated, drape one arm across your middle, clasping your other hand at the side to cover some of your midriff.
#8 – A one color outfit helps the eye travel from top to bottom and back without pausing inbetween. – And we all know that nothing makes you look wider than horizontal stripes! If you’re wearing stripes, be sure you do not stand straight to the camera.
#9 – Use local props – instead of standing in front of scenic objects, step partially behind and peak out at the camera.
#10 – Think about what a great time you’re having, how much you love being on vacation, and then put a gleaming smile on your face. People seeing your picture will look right at your face first and when they see the fun and joy there, it will make absolutely no difference how the rest of your looks!
www.dmttravel.com
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Passport Fees Going Up And How to Fly Without Interruptions
Passport Fees Going Up (Again!) – Renew Now
In this era of escalating fees, the State Department has requested an increase in the cost of obtaining a passport. The new proposed rates would be $135 for a first-time passport application, $110 for a renewal and $82 for additional pages (which are currently free). It’s hard to believe that the cost of a passport could more than DOUBLE since 2002 when the fee was $60! The fees can’t go into effect until the end of a 30 day “comment” period
How To Fly Without Interruptions
Here’s a great tip I picked up yesterday at a Air Tahiti Nui (national airlines of Tahiti) meeting. When you’re on an overnight flight and want to sleep undisturbed, here’s what to do…. Bring along a Post-It note or two and write “Do Not Wake For Meals” or “Wake For Meals” on the note and stick it to the top of your seat back. When the flight attendants come by they’ll know instantly whether you want to be disturbed or not. The nice folks at Air Tahiti Nui provide these notes for your in their amenity pack – great idea.
www.dmttravel.com
In this era of escalating fees, the State Department has requested an increase in the cost of obtaining a passport. The new proposed rates would be $135 for a first-time passport application, $110 for a renewal and $82 for additional pages (which are currently free). It’s hard to believe that the cost of a passport could more than DOUBLE since 2002 when the fee was $60! The fees can’t go into effect until the end of a 30 day “comment” period
How To Fly Without Interruptions
Here’s a great tip I picked up yesterday at a Air Tahiti Nui (national airlines of Tahiti) meeting. When you’re on an overnight flight and want to sleep undisturbed, here’s what to do…. Bring along a Post-It note or two and write “Do Not Wake For Meals” or “Wake For Meals” on the note and stick it to the top of your seat back. When the flight attendants come by they’ll know instantly whether you want to be disturbed or not. The nice folks at Air Tahiti Nui provide these notes for your in their amenity pack – great idea.
www.dmttravel.com
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Trip to Italy
I just returned from a nine day trip to Italy and I cannot wait to go back.
Our trip started in Stresa on the shores of Lago Maggiore.
Our first night we had a welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands.
We ate at the Ristorante Casabella and family owned and operated restaurant.
The most delicious ravioli I have ever had eaten!!
The next day we were off to Lake Orta, upon arrival to this hidden treasure we took a boat ride to Isola di San Giylio where we walked the grounds of a still working convent. We then returned to Lake Orta and enjoyed the enchanting lakeside resort with its many outdoor cafes and shops.
On day three we drove to the city of Lucca, one of Tuscany’s hidden gems. We enjoyed a walking tour with a local expert and visited the 14th century Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca’s medieval streets, Piazza S, Michele in Foro and Piazza Napoleone. Then we departed for the Etrusan town of Cortona.
We enjoyed a relaxing three night stay in the Villa Aurea tucked away in the uniquely beautiful Tuscan countryside.
Day four we headed for the city of Florence, the cradle of Italy’s Renaissance. We had a walking tour which highlighted the city’s treasures and monuments, including the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, and Piazza della Signoria with its many sculptures.
For dinner we enjoyed sampling some delicious Tuscan cuisine at one of the medieval Cortona family owned restaurants, once again fabulous food, wine and company.
Everyone should visit Cortona; this is one of the most beautiful, quant villages I have been to.
Day five we had the pleasure of visiting a winery in the heart of Tuscany. Upon are arrival we got to visit the wine cellar, family estate and beautiful grounds submersed in vineyards, olive groves and stunning views.
We then met the winery’s chef for a Tuscan cooking lesson.
Afterwards we enjoyed our authentic Tuscan lunch, expertly paired with the wines produced in site.
This winery is owned and operated by women only.
Upon our return to the villa we enjoyed a relaxing picnic with our new found friends.
I was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy a marvelous massage at the spa that evening before our picnic.
Day six we drove to Siena for an expert-led walking tour through narrow medieval streets to the dramatic cathedral. We had time to enjoy the little shops hidden away on all the beautiful cobble stone streets and walkways that wind there way through the city and end up at the square.
We then enjoyed our scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside and across the valleys and mountain passes of Apennines.
We continued towards the truly unique city if Venice, built on 117 islands with 150 canals and 400 bridges.
The entire city if Venice is about the size of central park.
Within this city there are about 100 churches, of those 100 churches 95% are Catholic.
The next morning we enjoyed a boat trip to Murano Island for a fascinating glassblowing demonstration with time to visit the factory and shop. The group had no trouble finding beautiful Murano Glass items to purchase.
We returned to the charming St.Mark’s Square, the hub of Venetian city life. We met our local expert who took us on a walking tour which featured the Clock Tower with it’s famous Moors, St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs.
We were then left on our own to explore. Some chose to return to our fabulous hotel right on the canal, some took a gondola ride.
A few of us chose to find our way back through the winding little roads/walkways and over many of the 400 bridges. I managed to get the most fascinating pictures that day.
The last night we had a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip and our new found friends.
And as it would go we got on our way home just in time.
We had a 10 hour flight home, and sometime during our flight is when the volcano in Iceland erupted.
So as much as we wanted our trip to continue, I guess ending when it did was a good thing.
I am looking forward to visiting Italy again soon, and hopefully we will have the opportunity to see our new friends on another trip someday.
I know I have left out some details and experiences, but I will remember this trip for a long time, and I hope you will all get the opportunity to experience this wonderful country.
www.dmttravel.com
Our trip started in Stresa on the shores of Lago Maggiore.
Our first night we had a welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands.
We ate at the Ristorante Casabella and family owned and operated restaurant.
The most delicious ravioli I have ever had eaten!!
The next day we were off to Lake Orta, upon arrival to this hidden treasure we took a boat ride to Isola di San Giylio where we walked the grounds of a still working convent. We then returned to Lake Orta and enjoyed the enchanting lakeside resort with its many outdoor cafes and shops.
On day three we drove to the city of Lucca, one of Tuscany’s hidden gems. We enjoyed a walking tour with a local expert and visited the 14th century Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca’s medieval streets, Piazza S, Michele in Foro and Piazza Napoleone. Then we departed for the Etrusan town of Cortona.
We enjoyed a relaxing three night stay in the Villa Aurea tucked away in the uniquely beautiful Tuscan countryside.
Day four we headed for the city of Florence, the cradle of Italy’s Renaissance. We had a walking tour which highlighted the city’s treasures and monuments, including the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, and Piazza della Signoria with its many sculptures.
For dinner we enjoyed sampling some delicious Tuscan cuisine at one of the medieval Cortona family owned restaurants, once again fabulous food, wine and company.
Everyone should visit Cortona; this is one of the most beautiful, quant villages I have been to.
Day five we had the pleasure of visiting a winery in the heart of Tuscany. Upon are arrival we got to visit the wine cellar, family estate and beautiful grounds submersed in vineyards, olive groves and stunning views.
We then met the winery’s chef for a Tuscan cooking lesson.
Afterwards we enjoyed our authentic Tuscan lunch, expertly paired with the wines produced in site.
This winery is owned and operated by women only.
Upon our return to the villa we enjoyed a relaxing picnic with our new found friends.
I was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy a marvelous massage at the spa that evening before our picnic.
Day six we drove to Siena for an expert-led walking tour through narrow medieval streets to the dramatic cathedral. We had time to enjoy the little shops hidden away on all the beautiful cobble stone streets and walkways that wind there way through the city and end up at the square.
We then enjoyed our scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside and across the valleys and mountain passes of Apennines.
We continued towards the truly unique city if Venice, built on 117 islands with 150 canals and 400 bridges.
The entire city if Venice is about the size of central park.
Within this city there are about 100 churches, of those 100 churches 95% are Catholic.
The next morning we enjoyed a boat trip to Murano Island for a fascinating glassblowing demonstration with time to visit the factory and shop. The group had no trouble finding beautiful Murano Glass items to purchase.
We returned to the charming St.Mark’s Square, the hub of Venetian city life. We met our local expert who took us on a walking tour which featured the Clock Tower with it’s famous Moors, St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs.
We were then left on our own to explore. Some chose to return to our fabulous hotel right on the canal, some took a gondola ride.
A few of us chose to find our way back through the winding little roads/walkways and over many of the 400 bridges. I managed to get the most fascinating pictures that day.
The last night we had a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip and our new found friends.
And as it would go we got on our way home just in time.
We had a 10 hour flight home, and sometime during our flight is when the volcano in Iceland erupted.
So as much as we wanted our trip to continue, I guess ending when it did was a good thing.
I am looking forward to visiting Italy again soon, and hopefully we will have the opportunity to see our new friends on another trip someday.
I know I have left out some details and experiences, but I will remember this trip for a long time, and I hope you will all get the opportunity to experience this wonderful country.
www.dmttravel.com
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