FABULOUS AT FIFTY!

Cruise West Celebrates Alaska’s 50th Anniversary with Itineraries That Salute Alaskan History, Culture and Cuisine

Seattle, WA – What makes a legend? When it’s a truly legendary state like Alaska – now celebrating its 50th year of statehood – it’s a birthday celebration that includes special guests, delectable food, great wine and the kinds of trips down the state’s memory lane that only its oldest (and most famous) friends can offer!

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), one of the world’s leading providers of small-ship specialty cruises to the most fascinating destinations on earth, is celebrating Alaska’s golden anniversary with 89 individual cruises to the nation’s largest state. And, to provide even better value, the company has partnered with Alaska Geographic (www.alaskageographic.org) to offer discounted memberships and numerous additional benefits.

“The West family has deep roots in Alaska. My father, Chuck West, started operating land tours in Alaska 63 years ago and was fondly called ‘Mr. Alaska,’” said Chairman and Managing Director Dick West. “We started offering cruises in Alaska in 1973 and since then have grown to be the major small-ship cruise line in Alaska, now offering ten distinct itineraries.”

And, while no velvet ropes are involved, like all great birthday celebrations this party has a select VIP guest list; with Cruise West ships catering to no more than 138 guests per sailing. Each guest receives personal attention as they explore Alaska in the kind of up-close, casual and personal manner that larger ships simply can’t offer. Plus, as part of the celebration, select itineraries in 2009 will feature some of the state’s oldest friends joining the party including Vic Fischer and Jack Coghill, both of whom signed the original statehood document in 1959; former Governor of Alaska Tony Knowles; famous Iditarod champion Dick Mackey as well as an ever-changing group of talented Alaskan entertainers who will bring to their performances a sense of what makes Alaska their home and inspiration.

For foodies and localvores, Cruise West – already known for the fresh and delicious cuisine offered onboard all nine of their ships – is serving up a special 2009 Alaska itinerary menu that features the very best of Alaska’s culinary bounty. From breakfasts featuring birch tree syrup, preserves made from local berries and locally roasted coffees to dinner entrees celebrating the state’s world-famous salmon, black cod, halibut and crab, each guest will return from “America’s Last Frontier” with a new appreciation of the gourmet delights that Alaska has to offer. And, to remember just whose birthday it is, the original Baked Alaska will be served on every cruise!

Ten distinct Cruise West itineraries offer guests wanting to experience Alaska in its special year the opportunity to focus in on everything from sea-based and land-loving wildlife to indigenous cultures. Cruises range from four-to-twenty-five days and are as diverse as Alaska’s Inside Passage and Glacier Bay Highlights to extended trips that include coastal Alaska and the Russian Far East. Land tours are equally exciting and include visits to the historically rich “Gold Rush” cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks as well as awe-inspiring Denali National Park. Exceptional optional excursions in Denali include the Heli-Hiking Adventure and fly-fishing for Arctic Grayling.

Ready to RSVP for this year-long party?! Early booking discounts are still available for all of Cruise West’s Alaska itineraries through February 27, 2009 and if you’re lucky enough to be celebrating your own special 50th – think birthday or wedding anniversary – Cruise West will provide an additional credit of $50 to your onboard experience. Anniversary introductory rates start at $999 (with early booking discount) for Glaciers of Prince William Sound.

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More information about Cruise West, Cruise West’s 2009 Alaskan itineraries or cruise locales as diverse as Panama & Costa Rica, Mexico’s Sea of Cortes, Vietnam, the Galapagos, the Pacific Northwest or the romantic rivers of Europe can be found online at www.cruisewest.com or by calling 800-296-8307.

Contact: Jerrol Golden

Cruise West

jerrolg@cruisewest.com

206-733-5692

Baja AirVentures Combines Whales with Wellness, Land with Sea and Air for One-of-a-Kind Baja Adventure Program

SAN DIEGO, CA, Nov. 11, 2008 – Baja AirVentures’ most popular package, Best of Baja, just got better. Along with close encounters with whales and other marine life from both sides of the peninsula, the ocean and the gulf, participants can now purchase a wellness add-on and receive multiple sessions of rejuvenating massage and yoga.

The package features private roundtrip air carriage from San Diego with ample opportunity for aerial flightseeing, Pacific whale watching in Scammons Lagoon by motorized panga, two nights in the Mexican hamlet of Guerro Negro and three nights of total seclusion at Baja AirVenture’s Las Animas eco-retreat, an hour’s boat trip south of Bahia de Los Angeles on the shores of the Sea of Cortez.

“The combination of air and sea viewing is something no other whale watching operator in Baja is able to offer,” says Kevin Warren, owner of Baja AirVentures. “In fact, the opportunity to view these creatures with a bird’s eye view is a rarity in itself.”

The 6-day / 5-night “Best of Baja’s Whales, Dolphins & Sea Lions Tour” departs Mondays in February and March. The all-inclusive per person rate, including private air carriage from San Diego, across the peninsula and back, is $2,495 (exclusive of 10% Mexican IVA tax and the $200 wellness package add-on).

Guests spend nearly three days by boat and air scanning for migrating California Gray whales in the famous Scammons Lagoon located on the Pacific Ocean. For two nights guests will lodge at a nearby B&B in Guerro Negro. Prior to boat transfer to Las Animas Wilderness Retreat on day three, there’s more whale watching and an aerial tour of Laguna Ojo de Libre and the Midriff Island chain. Days four and five are spent hiking, kayaking and snorkeling with sea lions and dolphins. Boat excursions from the retreat provide an added opportunity to view several types of whales, including the fin whale (the second largest in the world).

Las Animas Wilderness Retreat, the only boat-in lodge along the Sea of Cortez, is a remote, eco-friendly property that accommodates up to 16 guests in eight romantic beachside yurts. Each features its own private bathroom, solar shower, twin and king-size beds with comforters and high thread-count linens, and covered patios with hammocks. Lodging is built around a large centrally located yurt with attached patio that serves as kitchen, central dining area, cantina bar, and communal lounging and game area.

The all-inclusive tour price of $2,495 includes double occupancy B&B and yurt accommodations, roundtrip air from San Diego, naturalist guided outings, boat transportation, healthy homemade meals, beverages and such activities as kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, sailing and hiking. The $200 per person wellness add-on offers personalized treatments that range from body work therapies to body scrubs and mud therapy wraps. Daily yoga and meditation are part of the curriculum supervised by wellness professionals.

For details on Best of Baja tour call 1-800-221-9283 or visit online:

http://www.bajaairventures.com/bajawhaletours.htm

For information on other packages offered year-round by Baja AirVentures please go to:

http://www.bajaairventures.com.

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For more information, interviews and photos please contact:

Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com

or

Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 d.wiggins@comcast.net

Country Walkers Celebrates 30 Years as an Adventure Travel Innovator

Special Anniversary Trips to Egypt and Vermont, Plus Win a Trip to Venice!

Waterbury, VT (January 2009) – Human beings may have several million years of walking experience under our collective ancestral belt, but only in the last 30 years has walking become such an incredible adventure. In 2009, Country Walkers – the world’s leading small-group walking tour provider – celebrates its 30th anniversary with two charitable “Giving Back Tours,” new destinations and itineraries, an innovative, new “Walking à la Carte” program and, most importantly, an unfaltering passion for adventure travel.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Country Walkers has launched several wide-reaching new adventures for 2009 – from Laos & Vietnam and Ecuador to Maine and Alaska. Several of these new tours offer the new “Walking à la Carte” program, allowing guests even more cultural options and a more relaxed pace. In addition, the company will donate 100% of its profits to community and environmental projects on two new 30thanniversary tours in Egypt and Vermont. Travelers who book a 2009 Country Walkers tour can submit their favorite travel memory for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip for two to Italy on the new Venice à la Carte tour in September. More special anniversary offers and benefits are available on www.countrywalkers.com.

There’s no better way to explore the world than by foot. Low-impact and environmentally-friendly, walking immerses travelers in surroundings they could never experience from a tour bus, car, or even a bike. A healthful alternative to the usual travel grind, walking in groups inspires camaraderie and a sense of adventure that sets the tone for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The Vermont-based tour operator has come a long way since launching in 1979 with two tours through the Green Mountain wilderness. But even at a pace that now encompasses more than 70 international itineraries, Country Walkers’ success can’t be measured by the thickness of its trip catalog alone. Over the decades, the company has employed creative thinking; an attentive ear for client feedback; a global team of expert, local guides; and a knack for staying on top of travel trends.

“We’ve come a long way since 1979, but after 30 years in the business our passion for travel remains steadfast,” said Timo Shaw, President of Country Walkers. “We are continually inspired by the regions we explore and especially by our guests, whose input has fostered many of our innovative programs and itineraries.”

All Country Walkers tours are lead by local, expert guides who lead guests on journeys that include exceptional cuisine and accommodations and unique cultural experiences – from visiting Buddhist shrines in Nepal to learning authentic Mexican cooking from a local family in Baja. Also new, Culinary Adventures in Provence, Sicily, and Tuscany are as tasty as they sound, celebrating food and wine with culinary explorations of regional markets and cooking classes with local chefs.

For more information or to make reservations with Country Walkers, please contact (800) 464-9255, or www.countrywalkers.com.

ABOUT COUNTRY WALKERS
Country Walkers, based in Waterbury, Vermont (www.countrywalkers.com) was established in 1979 and is the world’s premier small group walking tour provider. Country Walkers offers well-crafted itineraries for Classic, Walking à la Carte, Hiking, and Private & Custom Adventures. All trips highlight superb cuisine, outstanding tour guides, and authentic accommodations.

First Choice Holidays PLC is a leading international leisure travel company. It operates from 17 major source markets, has 8 million customers and 72 brands. For more information visit First Choice Holidays PLC www.firstchoiceholidaysplc.com

Contact:
Carolyn Walters Fox
800-464-9255/802-244-1387
carolyn@countrywalkers.com

Stacey Francisco
Hawkins International PR
212-255-6541
stacey@hawkpr.com
www.hawkpr.com

Pedalers Pub & Grille Offers Family-Friendly, Multi-Sport Adventures in Asia for 2009

GAINESVILLE, FL, Dec. 11, 2008 — The active travel company with the funny name, Pedalers Pub & Grille (PP&G), announces a line of culturally rich, family-friendly multi-sport adventures in Asia for 2009. Programs coincide with spring break, summer vacation and late year holidays.

Traveling at the speed of a bike is a great way for kids to learn about other cultures outside the classroom while having fun at the same time, says Tom Sheehan, founder and general manager.

“We get off the main tourist paths and invite more spontaneous interaction with the local people we meet.  We’re as curious a sight to them as they are to us,” he says.

There’s paddling and hiking mixed in with the primary activity of cycling. The trips are:

Discover Bhutan — Cycling is on small paved roads with very little traffic, complimented by Class 2 & 3 whitewater rafting and hikes to ancient monasteries.  July 1 and Aug. 5 departures, 8 days, $3,395 adults, $2,995 ages 13 to 18 and college students up to age 25, $2,795 ages 8 to 12.
http://www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/bike_tours/bhutan/Bhutan_Multisport.htm

Thailand Land & Sea — Offers alternating days of scenic cycling on paved secondary roads with sea kayaking amid Phang Nga Bay’s towering limestone islands.  Mar. 23, Apr. 6 and Dec. 21 departures, 7 days, $1,795 adults, $1,625 ages 8 to 18, $1,525 ages 16 and under sharing room with two parents.
http://www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/bike_tours/thailand/Thailand_Land_Sea.htm

Vietnam Highlights — Cycling is on small coastal roads and the new Ho Chi Minh scenic highway. A junk cruise on Ha Long Bay and sea kayaking finish the week-long tour.  Mar. 9, Apr. 13 and Dec. 23 departures, 10 days, $2,095 adults, $1,895 ages 8 to 18, $1,795 ages 16 and under sharing room with two parents.
http://www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/bike_tours/vietnam/Highlights_Multisport.htm

Age 8 is the minimum to participate; younger children are accepted, but a parent must travel in the sag wagon with them and/or bring a trailer from home for the cycling.

Except for international air, the trips are all inclusive: accommodations, most meals, professional guides, daily route directions and maps, sightseeing and cultural activities, plus airport transfers. Personal departures may be scheduled for private groups and bike clubs.

Annually, PP&G offers multiple set departures and custom trips to 18 exotic destinations in Asia, the South Pacific and Alaska. The company has been conducting cycling tours of these regions since the 1980′s and is known for creating spontaneous, up close and personal cultural encounters along its well-researched cycling routes.

Asia’s most seasoned bicycle tour operator, Pedalers Pub & Grille specializes in sag wagon-supported road bike tours. They organize rides that are geared toward cycling enthusiasts, featuring longer daily rides designed to fill the day with adventure, while still allowing sufficient time for “off the bike” exploration at fascinating stops along the route. Accommodations are carefully chosen to provide modern western amenities, a comfortable night’s rest and an immersion in the local culture and lifestyle. Meals are a celebration of local beverages and cuisine. Trips are led by either a bi-lingual international guide living in the area or a native born guide fluent in English, complimented by an English speaking support crew from that country. All levels of riders are welcome, from energetic beginners to elite cyclists.

National Geographic Adventure magazine selected PP&G as one of the Best Adventure Tour Operators for 2009. The awards will be featured in the February 2009 issue.

For more details you can visit Pedalers Pub and Grille online at their newly designed website http://www.pedalerspubandgrille.com or send an Email to tours@pedalerspubandgrille.com.

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For more information and/or photos on Pedalers Pub & Grille please contact:

Sara Widness
802-234-6704
sara@widnesspr.com
or
Dave Wiggins
303-554-8821
d.wiggins@comcast.net

Austin-Lehman Adventures Targets School Holidays For Educational Family Safaris to South Africa

BILLINGS, MT, Dec. 17 – Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) believes some of the best learning is done outside of the classroom. For 2009 the company is offering three departures of an active and edifying family safari to South Africa targeting winter, spring and summer school holidays.

Designed for families with children 7 years and older, emphasis is put on fun, culturally immersive, small group learning opportunities that benefit both kids and parents. Accompanied by veteran nature guides and rangers, participants will get up close with iconic wildlife on foot, by bike, on horseback and by 4-wheel drive in South Africa’s safe and secluded private wildlife reserves. A trip to a township school to watch local artists create trinkets from recycled products is also included.

It is the nature of ALA to limit the size of its programs to increase access afforded only to small groups. “Our credo has always been smaller is better,” says Dan Austin, co-founder and operating director. “With an average of just 12 guests and led by local experts, we can go places and do things that larger safari companies can’t.”

He underscores that his company also arranges custom journeys for as few as two guests. Tailored to personal schedules and budgets these exclusives offer better wildlife viewing opportunities and provide increased access to special and spontaneous experiences.

The South Africa Family Adventure Safari begins in Cape Town. From upscale family-friendly lodgings guests head into the bush of Waterberg and Welgevonden Private Game Reserves to observe elephant, rhino, giraffe and lion. Home base for the remainder of the trip is Cape Town where families will swim with African penguins, tour a local township and school and enjoy a regional wine and cheese tasting tour.

Three 10-day / 9-night holidays begin Feb. 15, Apr. 5 and July 5, 2009. The nearly all-inclusive per person cost, double, is $5,998 ($1,280 single supplement); $5,398 first child; $4,798 each additional child. Children must be age 7 and older. Go to:

http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/south_africa___family_adventure_safari/45.php

ALA is also offering four additional Southern Africa itineraries for 2009 expressly designed for adults and teens with a minimum age of 16:

Zambia – Luxury Safari (Kafue, South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi)

Trip Length: 10 days/9 nights in country

Price: $7,498 per person ($3,980 Single Supplement)

Dates: Open scheduling for your exclusive group

http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/zambia___luxury_safari/42.php

Zambia – Africa’s Hidden Gem (Luangwa Valley, Lower Zambezi National Park, and Victoria Falls)

Trip Length: 11 days / 10 nights in country

Price: $7,898 per person ($2,880 single supplement)

Dates: Open scheduling for your exclusive group

http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/zambia___africa__s_hidden_gem/43.php

South Africa – Safari & Multisport Adventure (Cape Town, Kruger National Park)

Trip Length: 11 days / 10 nights in country

Price: $7,998 per person ($1,080 single supplement)

2009 Dates: Aug 23-Sep 11; Sep 13-23; and Nov 01-11

http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/south_africa___safari___multisport_adventure/51.php

Southern Africa – Namibia and Botswana Safari (Namib Naukluft Park, Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls)

Trip Length: 13 days/12 nights in country

Price: $9,798 per person

Dates: Open scheduling for your exclusive group

http://www.austinlehman.com/trips/southern_africa___namibia___botswana_safari/44.php

Austin-Lehman Adventures manages all of the arrangements for its selected destinations that include iconic regions of North, Central and South America as well as southern Africa and in spring 2009 cycling holidays in Europe. Small groups are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures). Rates include first-class accommodations, most meals and beverages, expert guides, park entry fees, multisport activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding and more, ground transportation and luggage service. Not included is round trip travel to the host city.

For a copy of the 2009 catalog as well as information on ALA’s 66 unique itineraries for active adult and family travel, please call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries you can log onto its website: http://www.austinlehman.com.

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For more information and photos on Austin-Lehman Adventures please contact:

Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com

or

Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / d.wiggins@comcast.net

Travel Ambassadors

There doesn’t seem to be any way to discourage people from traveling. The Wild Pair is delighted to discover that no matter how many annoyances and inconveniences travelers face, they don’t stop buying tickets. Even when the price of airline seats goes up and services go down, planes are flying at capacity and airports are jammed.

The benefits of travel are obvious to all of you–expanding your mind, having thrilling adventures, meeting people, changing your habitual environment, taking time out from work and responsibility, challenging yourself, enjoying life–but have you ever thought of yourself as an ambassador without a portfolio? Here are some tips from the Wild Pair about how to step into that role.

1. Being Label Conscious

None of us like to be typed, and certainly not stereotyped, but people do it all the time. They label you by your country of origin. “He is an American,” or “She is Brazilian.” It’s important to be aware of this, because your behavior helps others to determine what they think about your country. If they like you, they tend to generalize and think Americans or Brazilians as likeable.

2. To Err is Human

Everyone makes cultural faux pas. It is inevitable, even if you are well-meaning. So it always helps to find out about cultural norms in advance, and apologize if you make a mistake and are chided.

Instead of getting defensive, apologizing shows you are willing to learn. It earns you good will points, and makes people think well of the culture you come from.

3. There Is No Comparison

People want to think their city or country is admired by others. Even if they are plagued by poverty, crime, natural disasters or manmade disasters, they love knowing that you find good things about the place they live. Try not to make comparisons to “what we have back home.” A compliment to one’s city or country is, to many people, like a compliment paid to them.

4. Investing in Bonds

The more contact you have with locals, the more they have an opportunity to get to know something about your country. If you’re eating around a campfire at night, sit next to someone you don’t know. If you’re hiking with a group, don’t just stay with your mate or travel partners. Get to know people in the place you are visiting. They will really appreciate it.

5. They Like Me, They Like Me

There has been a lot of ink lately about the bad image America has abroad. It doesn’t matter what end of the political spectrum you are on–but you can be patient, explain your point of view, ask people what they think. Every time you engage, share your opinions and really, truly listen, you allow folks to look behind the headlines and see that Americans are real people, with awareness, conscience, patience, interest in others. If they like you, they will begin to see that they may not like American policy, but the American people are a different story.

6. Sharing is Caring

Wherever you go, you can’t assume that people know a lot about where you come from. They may know a lot about American music and movie stars, but your home town is probably off their radar. Bring photos from home. The more they learn about you, the more they are apt to like you and the country you come from.

7. Turn the Other Cheek

If you encounter people who are hostile to your country, don’t get angry. Listen. Listening is the most powerful tool you have, because it shows people you respect them. Present your views in a clear, reasoned way. Remind them that you may not agree, but it is good to hear each other out and learn from each other.

8. You’re Not Mrs. or Mr. Moneybags

Some people may assume that all Americans are rich, because America is a wealthy nation. You are never obliged to give handouts or cough up money because it is expected of you. You may wish to buy from people who really need money, or make donations to charities. You may choose to return home with souvenirs and gifts for friends that you purchase during your travels. What you can always give–whether you buy or not– is attention, fairness and respect.

9. Be a Blender

If people greet each other with folded hands, try to do the same. If they cover up, make sure you are not showing a lot of skin. If they don’t drink alcohol, try to forego it. If they speak quietly, adjust the volume of your voice. Your blending behavior is an unspoken way of telling people you respect their ways. It reflects well on you and your country.

10. So There You Are…

If you follow the tips above, you are already an ambassador for your country. You will create good will wherever you go, and show what generous, open-minded people your countrymen and women are. If enough of you are ambassadors, it can affect the way America is perceived in the world, and create opportunities for peace and cooperation.

The Wild Pair wishes you Bon Voyage!

ABOUT THE WILD PAIR: Judith Fein and Ellen Barone ,
They’re smart, sassy, savvy, award-winning travel journalists and photographers and now they’ve joined forces to become THE WILD PAIR, bringing you cutting-edge information and tips on how to turn your next vacation into a life-enhancing experience.

Tasty Adventures

The Wild Pair knows that the way to a great trip is often through your stomach. Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, carnivore or omnivore, what you eat on the road sometimes lasts as long or longer in your memory than other trip adventures.

So here are some of our fave food tips for your culinary enjoyment.

1. THE PRICE IS ALWAYS RIGHT

It doesn’t have to be expensive to be good. Your lip-smacking adventure can be at a rib joint in Kansas, a street food stall in Thailand, a picnic in the south of France or around a campfire after a safari in Africa. Once you decide to have a foodie experience, look for options and don’t let expense guide your choice.

2. A QUESTION OF MOOD

Sometimes the key to great eats is to follow your mood and let it dictate your choice. Just because brochures and guidebooks recommend a dining experience, it may not be right for you on a particular day or at a specific time.

Do you want a long, lingering culinary experience? An intimate, romantic treat? Something noisy and exciting? Casual? Check your inclination before you make a decision.

3. GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Go to every dining experience with an open mind and palate. If you decide in advance what it will be like, you’re likely to be disappointed.

Select. Go. Order. See what happens.

4. THE RAW DEAL

If you are traveling abroad and do not want to take chances with your digestive tract, order cooked food. Don’t eat ANYTHING raw. Not even a sassy little sprig of parsley. No ice. No fruit without a thick peel. Nothing that has been standing out too long. These few rules can make a huge difference. You don’t want to spend all that hard-earned money contemplating the décor of bathrooms.

5. THE GREAT EXPERIMENT

Try food that is new to you. Travel is about broadening your experience. Order a plate of krill in South America. Try mushroom fungus in Mexico. Sip hibiscus tea in Egypt. Experiment with cheeses in Wisconsin. Sample eel. What have you got to lose? If you don’t like it–you can push it aside and order something else.

6. GO WHERE THE LOCALS GO

Ask your guide or cab driver where she or he eats. Write down the name and get directions. Go there. You’ll have an authentic dining experience.

If you ask the concierge in a hotel about food recommendations, ask him where he eats. Go there.

7. LEARN TO SAY NO

If you are served something you don’t like, don’t fuss. Push it around your plate with your fork and no one will know you didn’t eat it. You are never obliged to eat anything you don’t like. Ever. Even if your host is momentarily taken aback, a quick explanation about a food allergy or dietary restriction will smooth it over. This is one of the few cases in life where lying is okay. Better to lie than to lie in bed with a belly ache.

8. HIGHER UPS

If you are climbing a mountain, re-think the drink. Alcohol will affect you more strongly at higher altitudes. So watch how much you drink and know when to say no. Drink plenty of water.

9. SPLURGE

If you really want a special meal but are on the fence about spending the money on it, go for it. Order less alcohol with your meal to save money. Don’t order more than one appetizer. But don’t pass up the chance for a culinary experience of a lifetime.

10. QUESTIONS TO ASK

What is the special of the day? Of the house? What is the house cocktail? Is service included? What do most people order? Is there a chef’s tasting menu?

The Wild Pair wishes you bon voyage and bon appetit!

ABOUT THE WILD PAIR: Judith Fein and Ellen Barone

They’re smart, sassy, savvy, award-winning travel journalists and photographers and now they’ve joined forces to become THE WILD PAIR, bringing you cutting-edge information and tips on how to turn your next vacation into a life-enhancing experience.

This article was published with permission from Judith Fein and Ellen Barone.

Staying Safe On The Road

The Wild Pair believes that if you are aware and prepared, travel is not only safe but good for body, mind and soul. Most destinations in the world are so dependent upon tourism for their economies that they go to great lengths to protect their visitors. So, if you feel that someone is watching out for you when you travel, you are probably right.

There are, however, scams and lousy customer services that prey on the good nature and open-heartedness of travelers and are in the business of bait-and-switch. There are also crooks at home and abroad, and we are confident that the karma wagon will roll over their toes when it makes its rounds.

Here are a few insider tips on how to protect yourselves, your belongings, your wallet and your sanity when you hit the road.

1 ) EYES IN BACK OF YOUR HEAD

When you go through security at the airport, you are probably so busy taking off your shoes and tucking your lotions and liquids into zip-lock bags that you take your eyes off your personal belongings as they bump along the conveyor belt. Have your shoes and plastic bags prepared ahead of time, so you can watch your precious cargo when it leaves your hands. Sticky fingers can whisk away the things you need most—right under the noses of the TSA workers.

2 ) MORE EYES IN BACK OF YOUR HEAD

See “Eyes in Back of Your head.” The same is true when you retrieve your checked luggage after your flight. Set down your carry-on bag, attaché case or small duffle in front of you, not behind you, as you wait for your luggage to arrive. It’s much too easy for The Nasties to grab and run, especially since many airports no longer have officials looking at your luggage claim receipts as you exit the baggage claim area.

3 ) IF IT’S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Howard Johnson is currently making an offer to travelers, and, in our opinion, it’s thumbs down all the way. If you are looking for a reasonably-priced place to stay and go to their website or call them, they offer to give you a free night’s stay if you can find a better price on the web. It’s not hard to do, and you’ll probably be eager to collect that free bed in a city of your choice. But what follows is a labyrinth of rules and regulations so that the offer is virtually worthless. No, no, Howard Johnson. You can do better than this.

4 ) CAMERA BLUES

When you buy a digital camera, it’s important to find out if it is “all weather” or is weather sealed. If it is not, you may find that water, snow, humidity or even a loose hair can get into your camera. And then, when you try to take a picture, you find out that the camera is dead.

Canon’s expensive 5D is a wonderful instrument–provided you don’t spill coffee on it, get caught in the rain, or try to use it when it’s too muggy outside. You may be lucky and have no problema, or……your camera may be irreparable. And Canon does not stand behind it. You will have to shell out money for a new camera or a refurb, and that means thousands of dollars squandered. So ask in advance: is it weather sealed?

5 ) PEACE AT ANY PRICE

If you want to sleep soundly at night, buy trip interruption/cancellation insurance, and get insurance in case anything is lost or damaged on the road. If you try to collect on a claim, it helps to have original receipts to prove the cost of your expensive purchases. You will probably never get back the full price of your belongings, but you will get compensated if you can prove the items were lost and have kept receipts for their purchase.

6 ) IT’S OKAY TO TELL THE TEACHER

Remember when you were in school and it was a no-no to snitch on other kids? Do you have a lingering distaste for denouncing wrongdoers? When you are traveling, it’s a MUST to report any yecchy behavior to authorities. Tell the hotel manager, the police, the airline representatives. If it involves theft, have them write down the incident and give you a copy (always report the incident to the police whenever possible; this will be helpful and sometimes mandatory for insurance claims). If it is a case of inappropriate behavior, report it. Travel is a service industry and professional are there to provide service. They will generally be sympathetic and helpful.

7 ) TOUTS

So there you are, in Tunis, walking out of your hotel, and a friendly guy comes up to you and addresses you in English. “Do you recognize me from your hotel?” he asks. You squint in the glorious sunlight, and can’t quite figure out if he’s one of the bellmen or waiters. “Sure,” you say open-heartedly. “There’s a great festival going on in the souks (market) today, and I’d love to take you there,” he offers. Wow. What luck. He leads you through the labyrinthine market for twenty minutes and finally ends up at a perfume stall. Where’s the festival? He smiles and says you just missed it, but this is the best perfume stall in the market. If you choose to buy perfume, he gets a cut. If you choose not to buy, he says you owe him money for being his guide. you hate a public scene and pay him off. But you feel really lousy afterwards. He does not work in your hotel. He is a tout.

Maybe you’re in Bangkok, and a young man approaches you and says he wants to practice English with you. You grin, and he falls into step beside you. You walk around the city, he points things out to you, and then he says he has to go and expects you to pay him for his guiding services. He, too, is a tout.

So how do you avoid being tout-ed?

First, make arrangements up front. Ask, “how much will this cost?” If you come to an agreement, fine. If he says it will cost you nothing, clarify by saying, “This is a lot of time for you to be spending with me. Are you sure there is no charge?” Or say, “I do not wish to pay for your services. Do you still want to accompany me?” If he agrees, and you have a pleasant time together, you will probably wish to tip him. If he agrees up front that there is no charge and then demands money, you do not owe him anything. If he makes a scene, you may want to ask a policeman or shopkeeper for help. If he leads you to a shop and waits as you make your purchase, you can be pretty certain he is getting a cut. Trust your sniffer. If something feels odd, it probably is. If it feels sincere and above-board, you may make a new friend. But no matter what the outcome, it’s rarely dangerous and the worst case scenario is that it may end up costing you money.

8 ) WHEN SKIES ARE GRAY

When you purchase electronic equipment from a dealer online or at an online auction site, always ask–in writing– if it is gray market. This is especially true if the price is lower than it would normally be. If it is a gray market product, it is being sold outside of normal distribution channels by companies which may have no relationship with the producer of the goods. What this means to you is that the warrantee and/or guarantee may not be valid in the U.S.A. Sometimes the product will be slightly different from the version normally sold in the U.S.A. If the price is great, you may decide to buy it anyway. But ask first whether it is gray market, so you have no unpleasant surprises later.

9 ) UNLOCKING THE PHONE SECRET

When you travel abroad, your cell phone provider probably has you in a stranglehold. They may offer you an international calling plan, but it’s most certainly very expensive–like 2 dollars a minute for airtime. This means your phone is locked, and you can only use it with a plan offered by your provider. The big secret is that you do not have to be bound to your cell phone provider. You can buy an unlocked phone at a phone store or online or from another provider (as of this writing, Alltel sells them). You can take the unlocked phone abroad and buy a SIM card at the airport or in local stores (your hotel will be able to tell you the nearest place). Insert it into your unlocked phone, and you can make calls for pennies. You will be charged the local rate. If everyone starts doing this, maybe U.S. cell phone providers will be forced to sell unlocked phones. Before you buy your next cell phone from your provider, be sure to ask if they sell unlocked phones.

10 ) BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

One of the greatest pleasures of travel is walking around the town or city you are in. When night falls, ask at your hotel if it’s safe to walk in the neighborhood. They will generally say yes, or tell you stay away from certain areas. They know the streets, and they can assure that your walk will be pleasant and without hassle.

The chances are that you will avoid most or all of these hassles if you are prepared and aware. So, bon voyage from the Wild Pair!

ABOUT THE WILD PAIR: Judith Fein and Ellen Barone,

They’re smart, sassy, savvy, award-winning travel journalists and photographers and now they’ve joined forces to become THE WILD PAIR, bringing you cutting-edge information and tips on how to turn your next vacation into a life-enhancing experience.

This article was published with permission from Judith Fein and Ellen Barone.

Luggage Lore

Here are a dozen suggestions on packing, luggage and what to do about the weight thing.

1 ) If the Shoe Fits, Wear It

When you go shopping for shoes, do you ever fall in love with the softness of the leather and the cool trim and say to yourself, “I’ll break it in?” We can almost guarantee that the shoe will break you before you break it. It is a very bad idea to buy new hiking boots or walking shoes right before a trip. You haven’t had time to check them for the blister factor. You don’t know if they are really water proof, or if they’re too tight when your foot expands from hot weather. If you want to avoid shoes blues, use your oldies but goodies or buy a new pair well in advance of departure.

2 ) Two is Better Than One

More folks than ever are traveling, and the airlines are misplacing or losing luggage at a startling rate. The groans of missing luggage are louder than ever before. You can almost assume, if you are a frequent traveler, that sooner or later you will arrive but your bags won’t. If you are traveling with a friend or mate, a real insider tip is to mix and match your clothes–between two suitcases. Put two of your shirts in her suitcase. Let her put a pair of pants in yours. Give each other a few pairs of socks and underwear. This way, if one of you loses a suitcase, the other isn’t stuck looking like Lady Godiva. Sadly, the chances of you and your bags being separated is increasing. To be on the safe side, you can avoid the baggage blahs by shipping your luggage ahead. More and more travelers are opting to do that. You can choose from a burgeoning list of luggage delivery companies like LUGGAGE CONCIERGE, VIRTUAL BELLHOP, FIRST LUGGAGE, BAGGAGE QUEST, LUGGAGE FREE and UNIVERSAL EXPRESS.

3 ) There’s No Place Like Home

If you are on the road and your luggage hasn’t shown up, most airlines will give you a minimal amount of money to replace essentials after the first 24 hours. Be sure and keep the receipts for anything you buy. Generally speaking, your luggage will show up after a few days. If not, the airlines will tell you what your daily allowance is as you continue to buy essentials. It really helps if you put a copy of your itinerary inside your suitcase. When they find your suitcase, they can arrange to have it catch up with you on the road. However, if you arrive back home and your suitcase doesn’t, most airlines will not reimburse you at all for your immediate expenses. If you have to buy makeup or replace your electric toothbrush, you won’t get anything. In the long run, if your suitcase never shows up, they will reimburse you, but it’s no shoe-in. You have to provide receipts, lists, prove what is lost and its worth. You can’t count on getting full value back.

So even though it’s a horrible inconvenience, it’s better to have your luggage missing when you’re on the road. If your luggage is really lost, fight for your rights but know that it can take months to be reimbursed and you will never get back all that you paid for the contents of your luggage. Now pour yourself a stiff drink or lace your mineral water with strong cranberry juice and read this: it is estimated that 30 million bags are mishandled each year. The culprits are airport congestion, reduced flight availability and mounting baggage volume. One way to protect yourself and your belongings is to purchase travel insurance; it’s possibly your best bet for recouping any losses. Companies that offer policies which cover incidents of lost, delayed or damaged luggage include TRAVEL GUARD AND INSUREMYTRIP.COM, ACCESS AMERICA and TRAVELEX.

4 ) Lists, Lists, Lists

You get an A plus if you have a list of what’s in your suitcase. If it is ever lost, you just pull our your list and submit it. One way of doing this is to make a list each time you depart. Another way is to have a general packing list for all trips on your computer–and just print it out and modify it each time you travel. If you don’t have a list, and you make one up when your luggage is lost, you can be very embarrassed when it shows up. You’ve claimed a rolex watch, but inside your bag is a Timex.

5 ) Speaking of Timex…

Travel with inexpensive jewelry. That black jade necklace you just bought looks great, and it’s very tempting to itchy fingers on the road. Leave it home. Buy a nice beaded thingie for travels. Timex watches have glow-in-the-dark features that allow you to tell what time it is when you wake up in your tent or hotel room, or want to check the hour during an opera. On the road, cheaper is better. Another option is an Oakley D5 watch–basically indestructible, waterproof to 100 meters, with dual times zones, a large backlit LCD display, and an alarm that will wake you so you don’t miss your flights or sights. And why not buy something unique and inexpensive from local vendors? It will look great on the road and make the perfect gift for your cat sitter.

6 ) The Fateful Moment

As soon as you realize your bag hasn’t arrived with you, go right to the airline you’ve been traveling on and make a claim. Sometimes they will tell you to wait until you get home to make a claim, but this isn’t always good advice. A paper trail will serve you well. Have the airline personnel note the loss, and give you a copy to keep. Be sure to ask for a complimentary overnight kit from the airline rep when you file your claim. Too often, the airlines only offer these kits to those who ask for them. You’ll appreciate the toothbrush, deodorant and other goodies when you want to flop into bed and not scour the streets looking for an open pharmacy.

7 ) Weighing In

When the airline says you have a 50 pound limit, they mean it. If your luggage weighs in at 51 pounds, they can either charge you $25 or more for excess weight, or ask you to take out a pound of clothes at the airport. Weigh your luggage at home before you leave to make sure it is under 50 pounds. Take a large enough bag with you as carry-on luggage to stuff in the extra pound…or five..or twelve. Or pack a duffle in your suitcase. Pull it out and stuff the extra items in it. Ship it as an extra piece of luggage. We have done this many times.

8 ) Why a Duffle?

On the eighth day, God created the duffle. You can lay it flat on the inside of your suitcase and it makes an extra piece of luggage when you are traveling back home with acquisitions and souvenirs. Duffles are made in sturdy, lightweight material now, so they don’t add much to the weight in your suitcase. Be sure to put luggage tags on your duffle before you leave home so that if you use it, it’s ready to ship through. We love Eagle Creek duffles.

9 ) Not Your Mama’s Polyester

All the well-known travel clothiers like Magellan’s, Travelsmith, Patagonia, Royal Robbins, Ex Officio and Sierra Trading Post offer clothes from synthetic materials that don’t have you sweating like a boxer. The key word is BREATHABLE. Make sure you buy fabrics that allow your skin to breathe rather than sweat. Also make sure they are fast-drying. If you have to sacrifice style to breathability and rapid drying, do so. These are garments you can rinse out at night and wear the next morning. Sometimes they dry in two or three hours. And, unlike the rest of us, they don’t really show their wrinkles. Remember to wear your washables when you travel. If you arrive in Bali and your bags are in Boston, you’ll be happy to have fresh clothes when you wake up the next morning.

10 ) Sunny Side Up

We all love the sun. If dermatologists weren’t breathing down our necks, we would probably lie in the sun all day. But they are, and we don’t. Sunscreens with a high SPF are helpful, but the latest research says you have to re-apply them every few hours. Companies like Solumbra and Coolibar sell hats with 4 inch brims, and Ex Officio has clothing with a high SPF factor. We are noticing that the styles are getting better, so you don’t have to feel like a sunproof geek. Wear your SPF clothes proudly. They are often wrinkle-free or wrinkle-resistant –which makes them very packable. The jury is out on the clothing saturated with insect repellent. It may not be a good idea to have such intense exposure to repellents hour after hour. Repellents you apply yourself can be washed off. But a shirt stays on your back after the bugs are gone.

11 ) The Light Side

Everyone tells you to pack light, but do you listen? If you’re a smashing dresser, it’s hard to wear the same rags day after day. Even if they are washed and drip-dried. So make a joke out of it. Announce to your traveling companions that they will be seeing the same you over and over. Laugh, and let it go. What everyone has told you is right: lighter is better. And here’s a toe tip: Onesole’s lightweight, fashionable line of interchangeable shoes. Each Onesole shoe features tops made of soft, stretchy neoprene that can be snapped on and off to change the shoe’s look.

12 ) Like a Scout, Be Prepared

It can be 90 degrees outside, but the inside of the plane may be freezing. And the airlines are not so generous with blankets and pillows these days. In your carry-on bag, pack a shawl or jacket that can double as a body-warmer in a cold plane. Always try to pack things that do double duty when possible. Your camera’s monopod makes a wonderful walking stick. The ziplock bags you use to pack your vitamins can make a laundry bag for your clothes when the vitamins are gone. And when you have read the book you took along with you, give it to someone you meet on the road. It will leave more room in your luggage for newbies you buy on your trip.

ABOUT THE WILD PAIR: Judith Fein and Ellen Barone,

They’re smart, sassy, savvy, award-winning travel journalists and photographers and now they’ve joined forces to become THE WILD PAIR, bringing you cutting-edge information and tips on how to turn your next vacation into a life-enhancing experience.

This article was published with permission from Judith Fein and Ellen Barone.

How To Have A Memorable Trip

1 ) Thanks for the memories

Are you one of those blessed people with perfect recall? You can remember what happened on September 14, 1986 and what you ate for dinner three days ago? If you are not, then you know how elusive memory can be. Sometimes your long term memory lets you down, and sometimes it’s the shorty that is just out of reach. While you are traveling, you think you will remember the moments forever. But, trust us, you won’t. So you can start by making a commitment to really imprinting your trip.

2 ) A picture is worth a thousand words

If you are a photo hound, you already know this. If you are a technophobe, there is a three-word solution: Point and Shoot. There are digital cameras that are really digital servants–they do all the work for you. You decide what you want to capture, you point the camera, it makes adjustments and calculations for you, and all you have to do is click. When you get home, you load the photos into your computer. You can save them, send them to friends and family, print them out and put them in an album. But, once you get home, there is something you cannot do: shoot things you missed on your trip. So always shoot more than you will need and always travel with more than one memory chip. One of the beauties of digital cameras is that you can look at the photos after you have shot them, and decide what’s a keeper and what needs to be dumped. It’s as simple as selecting “delete” on your camera. We’ll be dealing more with photography in future months, but for now we’ll address the 500 pound beast that may be hiding in your closet: should you use your old, trusted film camera? Our answer is–nope. Film takes up more space in your luggage, it can be damaged when you go through repeated scanners, it costs much more. So make the digital leap. And what if you don’t want to take pictures at all? Of course that is an option, but photos are a wonderful memory aid, and looking at them can make you relive your favorite trips.

3 ) It’s In The Cards

When you are traveling, you will fall in love with certain hotels, restaurants, parks, museums, inns, canoe paddles in a sports store, songs, dishes, shops, bikes. You think you will always remember the name of your new fave, but….it’s that memory thing again. Wherever you are, when you like something, take a card or a brochure. Have one place in your suitcase where you keep all the information from the road. When you get home, put it all in one envelope which you label with the place and date of your trip. Then, in the future, when you want to give information to a friend or make a purchase…it will all be right there, in one place, waiting for you.

4 ) A Crib Sheet Always Comes in Handy

Always have a small pad and pen or pencil handy. If you’re chatting away with someone on a kayak trip and she recommends a book, you’ll want to write it down. If you’re in the Galapagos and you want to remember information about iguanas or blue-footed boobies, make a note. If you eat a fabulous dessert on a biking trip and score the recipe, you will want to record it in your pad. If you ask a Jordanian how to say “thank you” in Arabic and want to remember how to say it a few hours later, your pad is your crib sheet. They sell very small pads now. Scan the shelves at Office Depot or any of the other office supply stores.

5 ) The Write Way To Do It

Not everyone is a great writer. There’s only one Faulkner, one Shakespeare, one Moliere. But everyone can write. Even if you have never scribed anything other than a company report, believe us when we say that there is a writer hiding inside of you. Make a commitment to writing something about your trip. You don’t have to be specific. Just agree to befriend your pen.

6 ) The Joys of Journaling

Maybe you kept a diary when you were a kid. Maybe you scribbled down things you wanted to remember on the backs of cocktail napkins in noisy bars. Maybe you always wanted to keep a record of your life, but didn’t get around to it. Traveling is the time to start, to continue, or pick up an old habit that somehow went missing. A journal is just for you. Maybe no one will ever see it. Maybe you will choose to share it with people. Maybe you will select portions you want to send to friends when you get back home. There is always down time on a trip–waiting for meals, resting under the shade of a friendly tree, after dinner, flying or driving. You already have your little pad. Now all you have to do is write. It doesn’t matter if it’s in full sentences or short phrases. Just write down what you saw, how you felt about it, what you want to remember. The entries can be short. Or long. A few words. Or pages. Just. Write.

7 ) A Bump On A Blog

Some folks have caught blog fever. They have found out that they can be published writers by recording their experiences and their feelings and anything else about their lives. Travel blogs are a fabulous way of taking your friends along with you on your trips. You can write blog entries on a bumpy bus or in the quiet of your hotel room. You can think about your blog entries as you hike, bike, eat, engage with people, visit sites, paddle on the water. You can even think about your blog when you dream. We hope you’re not traveling with your laptop (unless it’s really necessary), but you can find internet cafes or internet access in hotels always everywhere. Or, you can choose to stay fully immersed in the travel experience and blog in your note pad–to be transferred to your computer when you get home.

8 ) Traveling Through Life

When you get back home, your trip is obviously over, but you don’t have to leave your travels behind. If you are a minister, you can incorporate what you learned or observed into your sermons. If you are a teacher, you can pass on the experience to your students. A doc? Maybe you’ll want to tell patients about healing modalities you encountered in exotic cultures, or extol the benefits of exercising on the road by taking an adventure trip. People love to learn, and love to hear first-hand about travels. If you select trip details to suit the folks you are talking to–rather than just give an I-went-there-and-did-this rundown of your trip, you are sure to have a captive audience.

9 ) Talk Is Cheap

While you are traveling, talk about the trip with your fellow travelers. Discuss what you like, what you are learning, questions that come up, the value of what you are experiencing. Not only does it provide a great way to bond, but it also helps to imprint the memories and impressions by verbalizing them.

10 ) Padding Through Life

That little notepad is, along with your photos, your best memory aid. Label it with the name of your trip and the date (i.e. Egypt, January 2008). Don’t use it for anything else when you get home. When are 150, take out the pads and the photos and experience your trips all over again.

Bon voyage!

ABOUT THE WILD PAIR: Judith Fein and Ellen Barone ,

They’re smart, sassy, savvy, award-winning travel journalists and photographers and now they’ve joined forces to become THE WILD PAIR, bringing you cutting-edge information and tips on how to turn your next vacation into a life-enhancing experience.

This article was published with permission from Ellen Barone and  Judith Fein .

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