Tuesday, August 17, 2010
THE ICE TEASE
While we Americans use a lot of ice in our drinks, many countries around the world not only forgo the ice, they don't even chill their beverages. Pubs in Britain are famous for warm beer. Italy usually serves soft drinks and alcoholic beverages without ice to avoid watering them down. Japan will only put one or two ice cubes in the glass. When traveling, remember to order drinks cold, chilled or with a glass of ice on the side, but only in a country where you're sure of the water safety. If you can't drink the tap water, you can't use the ice, either. If in doubt, go without.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Just For Fun! Be sure and Check Your Hotel Bill
Be sure and check next time you think your hotel bill is too high, you might want to consider this.
My wife and I are traveling by car from Victoria to Prince George. Being seniors, after almost eleven hours on the road, we were too tired to continue, and decided to take a room. But, we only planned to sleep for four hours and then get back on the road. When we checked out four hours later, the desk clerk handed us a bill for $350.00.
I exploded and demanded to know why the charge is so high. I told the clerk although it's a nice hotel; the rooms certainly aren't worth $350.00 for four hours. Then the clerk tells me that $350.00 is the 'standard rate.' I insisted on speaking to the Manager.
The Manager appears, listens to me, and then explains that the hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference centre that were available for us to use. “But we didn't use them," I said. ''Well, they are here, and you could have," explained the Manager.
He went on to explain that we could also have taken in one of the shows for which the hotel is famous. "We have the best entertainers from New York, Hollywood, and Las Vegas perform here," the Manager says.
"But we didn't go to any of those shows," I said. "Well, we have them, and you could have," the Manager replied.
No matter what amenity the Manager mentioned, I replied, “But we didn't use it!"
The Manager is unmoved, and eventually I gave up and agreed to pay.
I wrote a check and gave it to the Manager.
The Manager is surprised when he looks at the cheque. “But sir, this cheque is only made out for $50.00." ''That's correct. I charged you $300.00 for sleeping with my wife," I replied.
"But I didn't!" exclaims the Manager.
I said, "Well, too bad, she was here, and you could have."
Don't mess with Senior Citizens
My wife and I are traveling by car from Victoria to Prince George. Being seniors, after almost eleven hours on the road, we were too tired to continue, and decided to take a room. But, we only planned to sleep for four hours and then get back on the road. When we checked out four hours later, the desk clerk handed us a bill for $350.00.
I exploded and demanded to know why the charge is so high. I told the clerk although it's a nice hotel; the rooms certainly aren't worth $350.00 for four hours. Then the clerk tells me that $350.00 is the 'standard rate.' I insisted on speaking to the Manager.
The Manager appears, listens to me, and then explains that the hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference centre that were available for us to use. “But we didn't use them," I said. ''Well, they are here, and you could have," explained the Manager.
He went on to explain that we could also have taken in one of the shows for which the hotel is famous. "We have the best entertainers from New York, Hollywood, and Las Vegas perform here," the Manager says.
"But we didn't go to any of those shows," I said. "Well, we have them, and you could have," the Manager replied.
No matter what amenity the Manager mentioned, I replied, “But we didn't use it!"
The Manager is unmoved, and eventually I gave up and agreed to pay.
I wrote a check and gave it to the Manager.
The Manager is surprised when he looks at the cheque. “But sir, this cheque is only made out for $50.00." ''That's correct. I charged you $300.00 for sleeping with my wife," I replied.
"But I didn't!" exclaims the Manager.
I said, "Well, too bad, she was here, and you could have."
Don't mess with Senior Citizens
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Things to consider when choosing a Hotel
Questions To Ask And Where To Ask Them
According to Sal Caccavale, Director of Security for the Waldorf=Astoria in New York, there are three questions to ask for selecting a secure hotel:
•Are there electronic door locks?
•Is there good key control?
•Is there a fire alarm and water sprinkler system?
"Generally, the only way to find this out is contacting the hotel directly. The number one security issue is controlling who has access to a guest's hotel room. While we can install electronic locks and keep a closely controlled system of key control, it's the guests themselves who often let down their guard and fail to lock their door when they go out to get ice at the end of the hall, or open their door to an uninvited intruder," says Caccavale. "It is important to remember that a hotel is a public place and criminals are attracted to places where outsiders are vulnerable."
What Room To Reserve
If possible, avoid staying in a first floor room, as they often have sliding doors or windows that are accessible from ground level, and are a greater security risk than rooms on higher floors. Second floor to fifth floor rooms are usually a good choice in the event of a fire, as they are more easily accessible for rescue purposes than rooms on higher levels. Rooms away from the ice machine or utility area will minimize your exposure to the noise of hallway traffic, and a room near a stairwell will provide a quick escape route in the event of an emergency. Women traveling alone may wish to choose a room near hall or stairwell surveillance cameras for added security. Before you get settled into your assigned room, verify that there is a reasonably quick access to a fire escape route by window or stairway.
Smoke and Fire
Most hotels offer in-room instructions outlining what to do in case of fire, and it is wise to read them carefully. Count the number of doorways on your floor from the door to the exit staircase, and then walk down the staircase to the ground floor. This will help you familiarize yourself with your escape route so that in a fire situation when it is likely to be dark and smoky, you will be able to exit safely with no confusion, surprise turns, or unexpected locked doors. Put your room key and glasses beside your bed so that in an emergency you will be able to find them quickly. If you leave your room in an emergency, take your room key with you so you can retreat back into your room if necessary.
If you discover that the hotel does not have a smoke detector system, carry your own. It is also a good idea to carry an emergency escape smoke hood, which filters out the harmful gases that are present in a smoke-filled environment, and provides those precious extra minutes you, might need to escape.
According to Sal Caccavale, Director of Security for the Waldorf=Astoria in New York, there are three questions to ask for selecting a secure hotel:
•Are there electronic door locks?
•Is there good key control?
•Is there a fire alarm and water sprinkler system?
"Generally, the only way to find this out is contacting the hotel directly. The number one security issue is controlling who has access to a guest's hotel room. While we can install electronic locks and keep a closely controlled system of key control, it's the guests themselves who often let down their guard and fail to lock their door when they go out to get ice at the end of the hall, or open their door to an uninvited intruder," says Caccavale. "It is important to remember that a hotel is a public place and criminals are attracted to places where outsiders are vulnerable."
What Room To Reserve
If possible, avoid staying in a first floor room, as they often have sliding doors or windows that are accessible from ground level, and are a greater security risk than rooms on higher floors. Second floor to fifth floor rooms are usually a good choice in the event of a fire, as they are more easily accessible for rescue purposes than rooms on higher levels. Rooms away from the ice machine or utility area will minimize your exposure to the noise of hallway traffic, and a room near a stairwell will provide a quick escape route in the event of an emergency. Women traveling alone may wish to choose a room near hall or stairwell surveillance cameras for added security. Before you get settled into your assigned room, verify that there is a reasonably quick access to a fire escape route by window or stairway.
Smoke and Fire
Most hotels offer in-room instructions outlining what to do in case of fire, and it is wise to read them carefully. Count the number of doorways on your floor from the door to the exit staircase, and then walk down the staircase to the ground floor. This will help you familiarize yourself with your escape route so that in a fire situation when it is likely to be dark and smoky, you will be able to exit safely with no confusion, surprise turns, or unexpected locked doors. Put your room key and glasses beside your bed so that in an emergency you will be able to find them quickly. If you leave your room in an emergency, take your room key with you so you can retreat back into your room if necessary.
If you discover that the hotel does not have a smoke detector system, carry your own. It is also a good idea to carry an emergency escape smoke hood, which filters out the harmful gases that are present in a smoke-filled environment, and provides those precious extra minutes you, might need to escape.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Hotel Room Security
Some hotels can monitor when and with which key a room is entered, and there are usually room cleaning procedures to help thwart intruders. Out-of-the way hotels in foreign countries and hotels in less developed countries often do not have secure door locks. In some cases, the hotel staff may actually target you and your belongings. Your level of security awareness and the precautions you take must be adjusted for each city and area you visit, but there are standard minimal precautions that apply almost anywhere. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your belongings when you travel:
•Don't leave valuables in your room when you are absent - professional thieves and hotel staffers are usually aware of every possible hiding place. Use the hotel safe, and get a receipt for what you leave there. Although some hotels provide a safe in each guest room for storing valuables, be aware that there could be insurance issues if you use a guest room safe rather than the main hotel safe (e.g. your credit card loss/theft policy may not apply if you use the room safe).
•When you are in your room, lock the door, use the chain lock, and use your door peephole to identify people who knock at your door. Overseas, there may be no chain lock and no peephole, so you should carry a good quality traveler's door lock, a doorstop alarm that wedges against the base of the door, or a motion detector.
•Do not open the door for unexpected visitors. Call the front desk to verify that maintenanceworkers are truly from the hotel.
•Some hotels and motels that do not have their own dining facilities allow food to be delivered to your room from outside the hotel. It is best to have such deliveries made to the lobby. Also, be careful about the leftovers you leave on the tray outside your door. A single drinking cup with lipstick marks and/or remnants of a single meal can alert passersby to the fact that you are alone in the room.
•Before you go to sleep, make sure that your deadbolt lock and chain locks are in place and that all windows and sliding doors are secured. To make your room appear occupied when you leave, place the DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door and leave the TV or radio on at an audible level. At foreign destinations, this may be difficult as housekeeping may have instructions to remove DO NOT DISTURB signs in your absence.
•Most security specialists advise you to keep your room key with you at all times so that no one (including hotel staff) can see by checking the front desk that you are not in your room.
•Don't leave valuables in your room when you are absent - professional thieves and hotel staffers are usually aware of every possible hiding place. Use the hotel safe, and get a receipt for what you leave there. Although some hotels provide a safe in each guest room for storing valuables, be aware that there could be insurance issues if you use a guest room safe rather than the main hotel safe (e.g. your credit card loss/theft policy may not apply if you use the room safe).
•When you are in your room, lock the door, use the chain lock, and use your door peephole to identify people who knock at your door. Overseas, there may be no chain lock and no peephole, so you should carry a good quality traveler's door lock, a doorstop alarm that wedges against the base of the door, or a motion detector.
•Do not open the door for unexpected visitors. Call the front desk to verify that maintenanceworkers are truly from the hotel.
•Some hotels and motels that do not have their own dining facilities allow food to be delivered to your room from outside the hotel. It is best to have such deliveries made to the lobby. Also, be careful about the leftovers you leave on the tray outside your door. A single drinking cup with lipstick marks and/or remnants of a single meal can alert passersby to the fact that you are alone in the room.
•Before you go to sleep, make sure that your deadbolt lock and chain locks are in place and that all windows and sliding doors are secured. To make your room appear occupied when you leave, place the DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door and leave the TV or radio on at an audible level. At foreign destinations, this may be difficult as housekeeping may have instructions to remove DO NOT DISTURB signs in your absence.
•Most security specialists advise you to keep your room key with you at all times so that no one (including hotel staff) can see by checking the front desk that you are not in your room.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
What to expect when cruising week two
LIFE ON BOARD
Every day you will receive a ship newspaper and the ship's day sheet. The day sheet will list everything that is happening onboard that day, including whether the evening meal will be formal or casual. Have fun reading it and planning your day or just recycle it and plan to do nothing!
A word about the ship photographer, you will be photographed as you enter the ship and many other times during your vacation. Imagine walking down a secluded path on a private beach in paradise, turning a corner and nearly bumping into the ship photographer! He's everywhere, ready to snap pictures to record your journey. Every evening you can go to the photograph gallery and view your photos. If you like them, you can buy them. If not, just leave them there and eventually they will disappear. There is no obligation when you let the photographer take your picture. These pictures are usually excellent and are a great way to save your memories.
TIPPING
Tipping may vary from ship to ship but the cruise lines are good about letting you know what they expect. Here is the most common approach: gratuities are added automatically to your onboard account up front. Most cruise lines add $10 per day per person for gratuities. If you feel you received better service than expected, you can tip more.
In most cases you are expected to tip your cabin steward, waiter and assistant waiter. Everyone else is optional. Usually bar tabs include gratuities, but if you have a wonderful bar server who took the time to form a relationship with you, you can tip them too! You can usually find tipping information regarding your particular ship on-line, in a brochure, or just call us and we'll get it for you! It is good to know what to expect so you can have the cash with you beforehand if that is the ship policy.
Another important thing happens the last night. Read on.
DISEMBARKATION
Darn, the dreaded day is going to arrive, despite your best efforts to ignore it! Disembarkation actually starts the night before. If you didn't guarantee your onboard account with a credit card, you must pay off your onboard account. If you have used a credit card, this is just like express checkout in a hotel, nothing to do. You must also leave your packed suitcases outside your cabin door to be taken by the stewards to prepare for disembarkation. Be sure to keep the nightclothes you will sleep in, your clothes for the trip home, and anything you will need to get ready in the morning. Be sure you have a carry-on that can hold these items, as you will not see your suitcases again until you are off the ship.
In the morning you will have one last wonderful breakfast and then you will leave your cabin for good. Make yourself comfortable in any one of the public lounges until the number or color you have been given is called. If you have one of the earlier flights, you will be called quickly. If you are driving, staying for a post-cruise vacation, or have an evening flight, you will be one of the last to disembark. Please remember that you may be out of your room for an hour or two before you disembark. When your number is called, you will disembark and go into the terminal where you will find your luggage. Finding your luggage has been organized. The luggage has color-coded tags, and you find the row with your color and locate your bag. Putting something bright or obvious (such as ribbon) on your bag is also a good idea. Another good idea is to wrap your bag handle with colored duck tape; this will not get pulled off. You will find the tape a good option for the cruise and the air travel.
Every day you will receive a ship newspaper and the ship's day sheet. The day sheet will list everything that is happening onboard that day, including whether the evening meal will be formal or casual. Have fun reading it and planning your day or just recycle it and plan to do nothing!
A word about the ship photographer, you will be photographed as you enter the ship and many other times during your vacation. Imagine walking down a secluded path on a private beach in paradise, turning a corner and nearly bumping into the ship photographer! He's everywhere, ready to snap pictures to record your journey. Every evening you can go to the photograph gallery and view your photos. If you like them, you can buy them. If not, just leave them there and eventually they will disappear. There is no obligation when you let the photographer take your picture. These pictures are usually excellent and are a great way to save your memories.
TIPPING
Tipping may vary from ship to ship but the cruise lines are good about letting you know what they expect. Here is the most common approach: gratuities are added automatically to your onboard account up front. Most cruise lines add $10 per day per person for gratuities. If you feel you received better service than expected, you can tip more.
In most cases you are expected to tip your cabin steward, waiter and assistant waiter. Everyone else is optional. Usually bar tabs include gratuities, but if you have a wonderful bar server who took the time to form a relationship with you, you can tip them too! You can usually find tipping information regarding your particular ship on-line, in a brochure, or just call us and we'll get it for you! It is good to know what to expect so you can have the cash with you beforehand if that is the ship policy.
Another important thing happens the last night. Read on.
DISEMBARKATION
Darn, the dreaded day is going to arrive, despite your best efforts to ignore it! Disembarkation actually starts the night before. If you didn't guarantee your onboard account with a credit card, you must pay off your onboard account. If you have used a credit card, this is just like express checkout in a hotel, nothing to do. You must also leave your packed suitcases outside your cabin door to be taken by the stewards to prepare for disembarkation. Be sure to keep the nightclothes you will sleep in, your clothes for the trip home, and anything you will need to get ready in the morning. Be sure you have a carry-on that can hold these items, as you will not see your suitcases again until you are off the ship.
In the morning you will have one last wonderful breakfast and then you will leave your cabin for good. Make yourself comfortable in any one of the public lounges until the number or color you have been given is called. If you have one of the earlier flights, you will be called quickly. If you are driving, staying for a post-cruise vacation, or have an evening flight, you will be one of the last to disembark. Please remember that you may be out of your room for an hour or two before you disembark. When your number is called, you will disembark and go into the terminal where you will find your luggage. Finding your luggage has been organized. The luggage has color-coded tags, and you find the row with your color and locate your bag. Putting something bright or obvious (such as ribbon) on your bag is also a good idea. Another good idea is to wrap your bag handle with colored duck tape; this will not get pulled off. You will find the tape a good option for the cruise and the air travel.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
What to expect when cruising
This is the first post of a two week series on what to expect when you cruise
DOCUMENTS
When your documents arrive be sure to check them over very carefully. Make sure that all of the information is correct and fill out any paperwork that is required. Make sure you have your valid passport, or valid copy of birth certificate and photo ID. Passport expiration dates must be at least six months after your return date. Documents will also include information about appropriate clothing for the climate you are visiting and what is acceptable for dining and other onboard activities. The documents will also advise you which on-board nights are formal, semi-formal or casual.
AT THE PORT
Boarding a ship is similar to boarding an airplane. You may wait in line before you reach the check-in counter where you will check your luggage and provide your birth certificate and photo ID or valid passport. Then you will be invited to board.
BOARDING
Boarding a ship for the first time, or the tenth, is one of the most exciting moments of a cruise. Sailing away is another one! A crew member will escort you to your cabin. Do not be surprised if your luggage is not in your cabin. It will show up. There will be an envelope in your stateroom with your dining table and seating. If you would like to change either assignment, take the envelope with you and speak to the maitre'd in the dining room. Otherwise, memorize the number so you will know which table to ask the dining room escort to take you to at dinner.
GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE SHIP
After you get settled in your stateroom, it's time to tour the ship. Check out the excursions offered during the week at the Shore Excursion Desk, located near the purser's desk. If you see something you really want to do, reserve your spot! It may fill up later and you could miss out.
While you're in the lobby area of the ship, follow the ship's instructions and open your onboard account. Purchases onboard can't occur without this. Most ships run on a cash-less system except in the casino, which is cash-only. This is very liberating, especially when you are spending your day in a swimsuit! Simply bring a credit card, or post an amount of cash to the cashier after you board the ship. From then on, you will use your room key to pay for anything you purchase on the ship whether it's drinks, excursions, souvenirs, massages. You can check on the amount you have spent anytime during the cruise and a summary of your charges will be put under your door on the last night of the cruise. Be sure to review it carefully and report any errors immediately.
The first time you wander the ship is a memorable experience. You won't believe this will be your home for your entire vacation!
LIFEJACKET DRILL
There are two events on a cruise that most people wish did not have to happen. They are the lifejacket drill, and disembarking (more on that later.)! The lifejacket drill, sometimes referred to as the "muster drill", is important and is for your safety. The Coast Guard requires this drill to take place within 24 hours of sailing. On the day you board, there will be information about where to meet when the lifejacket drill horn is blown. When the horn blows seven times, everyone must get their lifejacket and go to their assigned muster station and put on their lifejacket. Crew members will be there to help and each passenger must be checked off of a list before the drill is over. Bring your camera to the drill and use this great opportunity to get pictures of friends and family wearing a huge orange vest!
DOCUMENTS
When your documents arrive be sure to check them over very carefully. Make sure that all of the information is correct and fill out any paperwork that is required. Make sure you have your valid passport, or valid copy of birth certificate and photo ID. Passport expiration dates must be at least six months after your return date. Documents will also include information about appropriate clothing for the climate you are visiting and what is acceptable for dining and other onboard activities. The documents will also advise you which on-board nights are formal, semi-formal or casual.
AT THE PORT
Boarding a ship is similar to boarding an airplane. You may wait in line before you reach the check-in counter where you will check your luggage and provide your birth certificate and photo ID or valid passport. Then you will be invited to board.
BOARDING
Boarding a ship for the first time, or the tenth, is one of the most exciting moments of a cruise. Sailing away is another one! A crew member will escort you to your cabin. Do not be surprised if your luggage is not in your cabin. It will show up. There will be an envelope in your stateroom with your dining table and seating. If you would like to change either assignment, take the envelope with you and speak to the maitre'd in the dining room. Otherwise, memorize the number so you will know which table to ask the dining room escort to take you to at dinner.
GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE SHIP
After you get settled in your stateroom, it's time to tour the ship. Check out the excursions offered during the week at the Shore Excursion Desk, located near the purser's desk. If you see something you really want to do, reserve your spot! It may fill up later and you could miss out.
While you're in the lobby area of the ship, follow the ship's instructions and open your onboard account. Purchases onboard can't occur without this. Most ships run on a cash-less system except in the casino, which is cash-only. This is very liberating, especially when you are spending your day in a swimsuit! Simply bring a credit card, or post an amount of cash to the cashier after you board the ship. From then on, you will use your room key to pay for anything you purchase on the ship whether it's drinks, excursions, souvenirs, massages. You can check on the amount you have spent anytime during the cruise and a summary of your charges will be put under your door on the last night of the cruise. Be sure to review it carefully and report any errors immediately.
The first time you wander the ship is a memorable experience. You won't believe this will be your home for your entire vacation!
LIFEJACKET DRILL
There are two events on a cruise that most people wish did not have to happen. They are the lifejacket drill, and disembarking (more on that later.)! The lifejacket drill, sometimes referred to as the "muster drill", is important and is for your safety. The Coast Guard requires this drill to take place within 24 hours of sailing. On the day you board, there will be information about where to meet when the lifejacket drill horn is blown. When the horn blows seven times, everyone must get their lifejacket and go to their assigned muster station and put on their lifejacket. Crew members will be there to help and each passenger must be checked off of a list before the drill is over. Bring your camera to the drill and use this great opportunity to get pictures of friends and family wearing a huge orange vest!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Travel tips for seniors
All travelers should plan carefully to ensure their health and safety while away. However, older people have a few extra concerns.
Pre-trip planning
Suggestions include:
•Consult with your travel agent for suggestions. For example, many tour operators specialize in accommodating the needs of travelling seniors.
•Find out about the medical facilities in the areas you will be visiting.
•Research important factors such as climate, language and culture. Buy a guide book and read it before you go.
•Make arrangements for wheelchairs, guide dogs and seating needs well in advance.
•Organize travel insurance with pre-existing illness coveager if needed.
•If you are concerned about your health, arrange to go on a package tour.
Reciprocal health care agreements
Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with some countries, which means emergency care is available. Non-emergency health care is only offered if delaying medical attention until returning home is unreasonable. Check with Medicare for an up-to-date list of countries participating in reciprocal health care agreements. Remember that travel health insurance is still needed.
Pre-trip medical check-ups
Suggestions include:
•Consult with your doctor for a complete medical check-up. This is especially important if you have coronary heart disease, hypertension or any other chronic condition, or if you have recently undergone surgery or experienced a heart attack.
•Discuss any particular health concerns you may have, such as dietary changes and the possible impact of different eating habits on your specific condition.
•People with diabetes will need medical advice on how to safely stagger their medications to fit a different time zone.
•Consider having your flu and pneumonia vaccinations before you go on your trip.
•If you intend travelling to areas where infectious diseases are present, make sure you are fully vaccinated.
•Visit your dentist for a check-up.
•Visit any other health care providers you consult with on a regular basis, such as your optometrist.
Contact Donna for all your travel arrangments: www.dmttravel.com
Pre-trip planning
Suggestions include:
•Consult with your travel agent for suggestions. For example, many tour operators specialize in accommodating the needs of travelling seniors.
•Find out about the medical facilities in the areas you will be visiting.
•Research important factors such as climate, language and culture. Buy a guide book and read it before you go.
•Make arrangements for wheelchairs, guide dogs and seating needs well in advance.
•Organize travel insurance with pre-existing illness coveager if needed.
•If you are concerned about your health, arrange to go on a package tour.
Reciprocal health care agreements
Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with some countries, which means emergency care is available. Non-emergency health care is only offered if delaying medical attention until returning home is unreasonable. Check with Medicare for an up-to-date list of countries participating in reciprocal health care agreements. Remember that travel health insurance is still needed.
Pre-trip medical check-ups
Suggestions include:
•Consult with your doctor for a complete medical check-up. This is especially important if you have coronary heart disease, hypertension or any other chronic condition, or if you have recently undergone surgery or experienced a heart attack.
•Discuss any particular health concerns you may have, such as dietary changes and the possible impact of different eating habits on your specific condition.
•People with diabetes will need medical advice on how to safely stagger their medications to fit a different time zone.
•Consider having your flu and pneumonia vaccinations before you go on your trip.
•If you intend travelling to areas where infectious diseases are present, make sure you are fully vaccinated.
•Visit your dentist for a check-up.
•Visit any other health care providers you consult with on a regular basis, such as your optometrist.
Contact Donna for all your travel arrangments: www.dmttravel.com
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