Trains In Italy

Riding trains in Italy is a must-do adventure for your Italian holiday pleasure!

The people of Italy are a generous, hospitable and lively group. When you meet Italians on the street, just to ask directions, you’ll find that they are so eager to be genuinely helpful. Many do not speak English, but are quite adept at getting the message across. On a busy street in Rome, I approached a lady, to see if she could direct me to a watchmaker’s repair shop. Although she didn’t speak much English, she got me on my way, pointing the direction and counting blocks before turning.

Despite these many virtues, Italians are somewhat disorganized. Perhaps spontaneous is the better word!  Trains in Italy do suffer from infrequent, unexpected strikes, usually lasting just a day or even only hours, before resuming regular service. Whatever you may have heard, it’s still unlikely you’ll encounter one of these strikes. You must avail yourself of the adventures to be found riding the rails of the trains in Italy.

Getting a rail pass before you leave the States results in better rates. Impromptu purchases in Italy cost more, but spontaneity is a recommended part of the Italian experience. Italy is a fairly small country, and the majority of trains in Italy travel in a north-south direction, serving major towns and cities. Unlike France, with train routes virtually covering the map, trains in Italy provide convenient travel between major cities, with transfers required if you get off the main network.

Italian train stations are typically teeming with people. Allow extra time to find your platform, if you’ve got your ticket in hand. If you’re buying your ticket at the station, you may want to allow a couple of hours before your scheduled departure to accomplish the task. However, the process is highly entertaining, so just enjoy the experience. The enthusiasm of the ticket seller may seem unwarranted to some Americans, so used to efficient, snap-snap service here in the States. However, you can be sure that the ticket seller will make every effort to get you a good deal and get you where you want to go as quickly as is possible.

For your part, for best results when traveling on trains in Italy, spring for the book of European train schedules. It will prove invaluable. This book allows you to look up when and where you must be to travel from point A to point B. If you’re traveling between, say, Milan and Rome, look for the Eurostar trains, which make just a couple of brief stops, with a total trip time of just about three hours. The regular train makes stops at every little town along the way and can eat up the better part of a day out of your holiday.

When you buy your ticket, specify the Eurostar, as possible, and your final destination. You’ll get where you want to go, in the adventurous Italian style!

Train Travel In France

Traveling to France? Trains in France are a great transportation choice!

When we plan trips overseas, there’s always a need to plan your transportation needs prior to leaving the States. You can arrange car rentals and train passage after you arrive, but it then becomes a far more expensive proposition. If you buy a transportation package in the U.S., you enjoy discounts of up to half the cost of buying as you go, within Europe.

This pre-arrangement does require that you carefully consider your itinerary and know just how many days you’ll spend traveling from one place to another. Plenty of first time visitors to France arrange for a car rental her in the States, believing it will allow them more freedom and spontaneity in terms of when and where they travel during their holiday.

What you may not be aware of is the absolute excellence of the trains in France. Unlike here in America, rail travel in France is ultra-fast, lavish in comfort and accessible to all major cities, as well as the vast majority of towns and villages. The network of trains in France is amazing, well organized such that you can reach almost any destination within France with, at worst, a single transfer. The French are very particular about train schedules and it’s rare that you’ll miss your connecting train. My own experience, in two months of extensive use of the trains in France, only once resulted in a train missing its scheduled arrival.

The specific circumstances should make it clear that such an occurrence is not the norm. Approaching Pau, a small town in the south of France, the train came to a rather sudden stop. Within a few minutes, the train conductor came to tell us that, unfortunately, a cow was resting on the tracks and that we would be unable to proceed until the cow was lured off the tracks. It turned out that this process took over two hours! By the time we reached our destination in Lourdes, it was after 9pm, the station was closed and all the taxi drivers had gone home. Fortunately, we were familiar with the layout of the town and just hoofed it through the quiet, winding streets, to a hotel. No harm done. In fact, I found it quite charming that the Frenchmen had such patience with getting this cow off the tracks.

When you ride trains in France, you are pampered in comfortable seating, with a large table and attractive lamp, allowing you to read, play board games, enjoy your lunch or dinner or just kick back and watch the scenery.

There is just one feature which may surprise you when riding trains in France. The French love their dogs and its de rigeur for your pet to accompany you on the train. So how does Fifi endure for several hours without a walk around the block to do her business? She uses the train’s doggie bathroom, of course!

 

Touring the Jungles of Mexico

Touring the Mexican Jungle

 There are an almost unlimited number of activities while you’re vacationing in Mexico.  There are the pristine beaches with their aquatic activities, there are the resorts with their spas, pools and restaurants there is shopping for inexpensive jewelry – and then there are some of the lesser known activities.  For instance, touring the jungles of Mexico.  To many who prefer these kinds of adventures, this sounds more adventurous and fun.

Mexican jungle tours are a well-kept secret however there has been an increase in popularity due to the adventurous aspect.  One of the reasons that jungle tours have been gaining in popularity is that they have now become accessible by ATV.

The density of most Mexican jungle terrain makes it impossible to tour by bus or car.  Hiking and biking in a jungle is often too dangerous.  Therefore, with the increased popularity of ATVs (all terrain vehicles) this is an ideal way to take a fun and exciting jungle tour. 

Although ATV rentals are available, if you’re interested in a jungle tour, it’s important to schedule through a tour guide or company.  The professional tour guides know where to look and what exciting things to show you and they also know how to keep you safe.  You can find ATV jungle tours through your hotel concierge, through your travel agent or even research on the internet.

While researching ATV jungle tours, it is likely that you will come up with a number of tour companies.  When selecting a tour guide, it is advised that you determine the location of each tour and then compare it to your intended Mexico destination.  ATV jungle tour guides are popular, but they can only be found in limited areas.  If you are interested in scheduling an ATV jungle tour, you may have to be prepared to travel to the intended tour site.

While Mexican jungle tours on ATVs are popular, they aren’t the only tours that you can take while on vacation.  You can also rent an ATV and ride along the coast.  But prior to anything make sure that you know whether reservations are required.  Research the tour company to make sure that their vehicles are well maintained.  The internet is a great place to start and, in fact, many companies offer such incentives as discounts for booking over the internet and also a “flex” reservation which allows you to decide when you’re on your vacation, the day that you’d like to go.  This is great in the case of inclement weather.

You should also look at tour packages that allow you to schedule multiple activities, such as hiking, fishing and ATV tour all in one package for one price.

Touring Disneyland

Take a Disneyland Tour

If you love Disneyland or have never been there before, you might want to consider taking a Disneyland tour.  Currently there are four tours that you can choose from and you’re required to have a paid admission to take the tours.  You also should make a reservation for any tours that you want to take.

The “Discover the Magic Tour” is probably the most popular of the four tours available.  You’ll be working alongside popular Disney characters to hunt for treasure as you fine clues.  You can live out a Disneyland fantasy and outsmart the bad guys.  The tour includes lunch and a give that is exclusive to the tour.  The three hour “Discover the Magic Tour” costs $49.00 each with a two ticket minimum (and each additional ticket is $39.00).  The age range for this tour is 5-9 years old and adults.  It’s not appropriate for children under 5 or kids in strollers.

For adults (not appropriate for children) who love Disneyland and Disneyland history, there’s the VIP tour.  The cost is $75.00 per hour, for up to 10 people.  This tour must be booked well in advance or there’s an additional $20.00 fee. 

Are you going to Disneyland for the first time?  Then the “Welcome to Disneyland Tour” is perfect for you.  This two and a half hour tour has many benefits including tips and suggestions, priority seating at one of the stage shows and one of the restaurants, two bonus FastPass tickets, a history of the park and much more.  The cost of the tour is $25.00 per person.

Have you ever wondered what Walt Disney envisioned for his company and park?  Then you can’t miss “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” which focuses on Walt Disney’s vision.  This tour is filled with trivia and history about Disneyland, lasts for more than 3 hours and costs $49.00 per person.  It’s not suitable for small children.  A highlight of the tour is a tour of the exclusive restaurant Club 33. 

If you’re planning on visiting Disneyland (especially if this is your first time) then considering taking a Disneyland tour – where you’ll discover new and wonderful things about the “happiest place on earth.”

The World’s Five Largest Hotels

Travel and sleep in the 5 biggest hotels in the world

 

 

Super-size me…Occasionally we just want to go bigger because we think it’s better.  This matters in fast food and sometimes it even has to do with hotels. 

 

Have you ever wondered about those huge mega-hotels around the world?  Well here is a breakdown of the world’s 5 largest hotels.

 

The Ambassador City Jomtien is the largest hotel in Asia.  It’s located in Thailand and boasts a 40-acre beach surrounded by mountains of green forests.  The hotel is just 10 minutes by boat from Pattaya, yet it’s worlds away from the hussle and bustle of the city.  The hotel has a sports and tennis center as well as the largest swimming pool in Asia.  This hotel has 5,100 guest rooms and suites.

 

The next four largest hotels in the world are located all in one city…you guessed it…Las Vegas.  The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino is the largest hotel in North America with 4 thirty story towers.  There is a large gold lion outside with live lions inside the hotel.  The hotel also boasts two food courts and nine restaurant.  The MGM Grand has 5,005 guest rooms and suites.

 

Would you like to travel to Egypt but don’t have the time?  Then try the world’s third largest hotel, also located in Las Vegas…The Luxor Hotel and Casino.  The tower house and pyramid have 4,408 guest rooms and suites.

 

The Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas is the 4^th largest hotel in the world.  This hotel has a very popular night club and has also held concerts, museums, and an aquarium as well as numerous restaurants.  The Mandalay Bay has 4,341rooms.

 

And finally, if you love Italy but it’s just too far away, you can visit The Venetian.  Starting out with a replica of St. Mark’s Square, you can experience Italy with it’s gondola rides and strolling musicians.  The Venetian also has the largest standard rooms with an average of 700 square feet per room.  The Venetian Hotel has 4,049 guest rooms and suites.

 

Take Care While You’re Traveling

It was 4:00 am when my phone rang waking me out of a sound sleep and shooting my heart into the stratosphere.  I immediately knew that something must have happened to my elderly parents who were traveling with my brother and sister-in-law on a dream vacation through Greece, Egypt, Israel and Italy.

Sure enough, it was an international call from my mother – upset, flustered and not a little angry.

She had given her wallet to my father to hold while on a crowded subway in Rome.  Despite her warnings, Dad had ignored her, and choosing to believe that nothing could ever happen, he’d placed her wallet, containing driver’s license, 7 credit cards, 5 traveler’s checks and about $100 in his cargo pant’s pocket. 

One bump, one quick swish and sure enough, she lost everything. 

“But mom” I questioned as my brain begged for coffee in order to comprehend what she was saying…”didn’t Dad have a money belt?”  I know you got one.

“Well yes…but you know your father, he didn’t like wearing it and didn’t think anything would happen.”

“OK – so what do you need me to do?  Do you need money?”

“Well, I need you to call the credit card companies and cancel our cards…and the bank about the traveler’s check…oh, and can you call the DMV also…?”  Suddenly my already packed day just became a little more hectic as visions of spending hours on the phone, pushing the silly buttons to get through the automated voices started through my head.

“Sure mom, of course I will…” (Gritting my teeth). 

Fortunately, she had the numbers all in one place because we’d planned ahead in case something like this happened and making the most out of the situation was a relatively simple thing.

Unfortunately, this could also have been prevented if some very simple steps had been followed.

1. It CAN happen to you.  Don’t ever believe that just because you believe you’re a savvy traveler or it doesn’t happen at home that you won’t be targeted.  My father is in his late 70’s and was the perfect target for a pickpocket.  There was clearly a bulge in the shape of a wallet in his cargo pants and it was only a matter of a moment before my mom’s wallet disappeared.
2. Travel lightly. Never carry more than you need to.  7 credit cards, 5 traveler’s checks and a driver’s license, etc.?  My parents were out for a day’s tour in Rome.  There was never a reason to carry that many credit cards.  The hotel where they were staying provided a safe for tourists and they easily could have taken 1 or 2 cards and left the rest in the hotel. 
3. Wear your money belt.  A money belt is a small, lightweight nylon bag that goes under your shirt and around your waist.  Certainly it’s less comfortable than not wearing it however it’s much less trouble than a phone call back to the States at 4:00 am. 
4. Be aware of your surroundings. This goes without saying.  You must always be aware of who is sitting next to you.
5. Prior to leaving, make a list of the numbers and types of credit cards, — providing a photocopy to someone you trust.  Because I insisted that my mother give me information, it was a simple task to retrieve the information from my safe and call the credit card companies who immediately cancelled the cards and replaced them – even offering to overnight them the hotel in Rome.

 

By simply following a few simple rules, nearly all petty crimes can be avoided – or at least minimized.  You’re on vacation – you’re there to have fun however you need to travel smart.  Travel should be fun if you a careful.

St. Thomas Vacations for Seniors

St. Thomas Vacations for Seniors

One of the best things about retirement is that you have the opportunity to travel.  You have more options now that you’re not tied down by the 9 to 5 grind.  Seniors are generally healthier than they used to be and so often they choose to vacation several times a year.

If you’re a senior and you enjoy traveling there are many options available.  One of the most affordable destinations that you should consider is St. Thomas.

St. Thomas is a Caribbean island, part of the Virgin Islands.  It’s known for romantic getaways and beautiful beaches.  It’s a warm and inviting place that’s ideal for senior travelers.

So what is there to do when you’re on vacation in St. Thomas?  What are some of the activities you might want to participate in?  Well, St. Thomas really has an almost unlimited amount of things to do for people of all ages. 

As you might have suspected, St. Thomas, being an island, has absolutely beautiful beaches which offer a variety of activities that are ideal for especially seniors.  For the active seniors, there is swimming, SCUBA, skin diving and snorkeling and deep sea fishing as well as strolling down the warm sand.  You can always just relax by sunbathing or people watching.  And many resorts on St. Thomas have private beaches which are ideal for seniors.

St. Thomas has numerous resorts to choose from if you decide to vacation on the island.  Check to make see if the resorts are reserved for people over eighteen years old.  An age limit may be ideal so you don’t have to contend with overcrowded beaches and screaming children.

Although you might enjoy relaxing on the beautiful St. Thomas beaches, it’s also a lot of fun to explore St. Thomas and its many interesting sights.  One thing to consider is to take a guided tour.  If you decide to tour St. Thomas this way, there are a variety of tours to choose from.  The most popular tours are by boat, however there are also tours available by car or bus.  By taking a guided tour, you can learn more about St. Thomas and you’ll have the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy your vacation.

An activity that most tourists enjoy while vacationing in St. Thomas is shopping.  St. Thomas is well known for having top of the line products at reasonable process.  Beach resorts also have reasonably priced retail shops.  But for the cheapest prices and best deals, shop at an inland shopping center as everything is more expensive at the beach shops.

Spa Resorts in St. Thomas

Spa Resorts in St. Thomas

When you start planning your vacation, are you confused about where you’d like to go and even what activities you’d like to participate in? Perhaps you’re an active person who craves a wide variety of activities, or maybe you’d just to relax, read a good book or even get a massage.

Well if this is you, then you should consider vacationing in St. Thomas, in the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is a very popular destination because there are so many things to do while there. St. Thomas has an almost unlimited number of accommodations including hotels and resorts to choose from. In fact, you might have a difficult time deciding which resort or hotel to choose. However, you can narrow it down by deciding what you’d like to do while you’re vacationing there. For instance, do you like the beach and water activities, or would you prefer something like golfing or spending time at a spa? If you sit down and make a list of what you enjoy, then you can pick out the best resort to suit your needs.

Although many people visit St. Thomas strictly for the beach and water activities, there are those who choose one of the spa hotels for the perfect relaxing vacation.

If you are interested in spending the day at a spa, you may want to consider vacationing at a spa resort. Below is a summary of three top rated spa resorts in St. Thomas.

One of St. Thomas’ most famous resorts is the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa which is not only a spa but an all-inclusive one at that.

The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa caters to people of all ages and levels of activities. While children certainly are welcome, there are areas which are designated off limits for children under 18. This means that adults can enjoy the onsite restaurants, bars and gaming rooms while the children enjoy the onsite activities in the kid’s club.

The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa is located along the coast which makes it ideal for those who enjoy swimming, SCUBA diving, sunbathing, boating and snorkeling.

Another Spa resort that is located along the beach shore of St. Thomas is The Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. Owned by the Marriott International, this hotel chain is one of the most respected and popular worldwide and the Frenchman’s Reef lives up to the reputation.

The Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort is best known for its onsite spa, the Reef Health Club. While the health club is very popular, guests can also enjoy activities such as golf and tennis. No expense was spared when decorating the rooms and the common areas such as the restaurants and bars. The Frenchman’s Reef is the ultimate spa destination.

But the spa isn’t the only reason to visit this fantastic resort. There are numerous beach/water related activities such as SCUBA, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, boating, wind surfing and kayaking.

Located on the eastern side of St. Thomas, the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is considered one of the island’s most beautiful resorts. And while it caters to people of all ages, including children, adults will benefit from the first class treatment at the Boutique Spa. There is also a fitness center, golf course and salon. When adults are enjoying their favorite activities, children can enjoy the fun activities designed specifically for them.

The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is, as the other two, a beach resort and therefore activities can include swimming, SCUBA, sun bathing, beach activities and sailing.

These three resorts are just three of the many first class accommodations located on St. Thomas. For more information, check online or with your travel agent.

Singles Cruises

Travel and cruises: Searching for LOVE?

 

A friend of mine recently decided that it was time to move on after getting her heart broken, so, she booked her reservation on a 4-night, 5 day singles cruise.  I saw her off and wondered how in the world she was going to even enjoy herself as she cried about her lost love and his new girlfriend all the way to the port. 

 

Occasionally, during the time she was gone, I wondered if she had holed up in her cabin and only came out for meals. 

 

 

Boy, was I wrong.  The first indication came when I received a phone call that I didn’t need to pick her up…because her new friend had offered her a lift home.  Recently, my friend called to let me know that she’d and the man she met on the cruise were talking about getting married.

 

So, if you’re single and would like the chance to meet someone new, consider a single’s cruise.

Singles cruises have organized cocktail parties, group activities, one on one dining and games.  Many of the groups also have singles chat sites.  For the single person who wants to meet someone new, all you have to do is to “go for it”.

 

 

There are many very popular singles cruises.  You can sail on a 7 night Greek Isles cruise from Venice, Italy to Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu for as little as $1,699.

 

 

Or for $1,999 enjoy a 7 night cruise from Honolulu to Kauai and Maui.  Or perhaps a Western Caribbean cruise for 8 nights for around $750 might be more your style. 

 

 

By searching on the internet or asking your travel agent, you can find incredible deals for singles cruises.

 

 

These cruises were created specially for singles. The activities are planned to enhance self-confidence and interpersonal relationships.  There are also a variety of leisure activities that are planned by professional cruise directors.

 

 

Most people who have experienced joining the cruise are working professionals from mid 20s to mid 60s.

 

 

So, based on the success my friend had, I’ve decided that I, too will be looking for a cruise where I might meet my soulmate.

Shopping In Mexico: Traveler’s Tips

Shopping in Mexico: Tips for Travelers 

 A vacation in Mexico can be a wonderful experience, filled with wonderful scenery, resorts and beaches.  But Mexico is also known for wonderful bargains and terrific shopping experience – and tourists love to take advantage of the many deals that are available in Mexico.

While shopping in Mexico can be a wonderful experience, it’s important to realize that there are strictly enforced rules regarding what can and can’t be brought back into the U.S.  Prior to purchasing items in Mexico, you should review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules; they will alert you as far as what you can and can’t bring home with you.

Endangered species.  Endangered animals are not allowed to be purchased and brought into the United States. Many products that are available in Mexico are illegal when brought across the border.  The Customs and Border Patrol is very strict about this – and if caught you might not just have your items confiscated, but also fined and possibly jailed.  Stay away from wild animals that are for sale. 

In addition to live animals, stay away from products made from animals that are considered endangered.  One of those animals on the endangered species is crocodile.  While you might enjoy a crocodile purse or pair of boots, avoid the temptation.  The U.S. government is very strict and they take the violations seriously.  The customs patrol makes routine inspections looking for endangered animals and you don’t want to endanger yourself.

Another thing to avoid are the colorful and exotic Mexican Birds, such a parrots.  While it may seem like a great idea, purchasing birds in from Mexico is illegal.  In fact, even stuffed birds are against the last. It’s just probably best if you avoid any kind of wildlife and purchase other souvenirs that are legal and much less hassle.

Another thing that tourists to Mexico have discovered are the Mexican antiques and glazed ceramics.  While it may be tempting to being home an antique from Mexico, the Mexican government considers their antiquities to be government property – so if they discover you trying to bring them out of the country, they can prosecute you for theft and you might face a stiff fine or even prison.  It’s best to just leave any antiques where you found them.

Another area that many people are unaware of are ceramics purchased in Mexico.  While glazed ceramics are bright, colorful and beautiful and maybe look great in your home, many of the ceramics you purchase in Mexico may be made with lead.  So, although it is legal to bring ceramics back across the border, consider avoiding the purchase of glazed ceramics – or make sure everyone in your house is aware of the potential danger that your ceramics pose.  The other possibility is to purchase a small home lead test and test any ceramics prior to purchasing them.  That way you can know that you are purchasing something that’s safe.

While it may seem as if there are things that you can’t purchase, if you look around you’ll find that there are many more things that you can.  Just remember to follow a few simple rules and regulations and stay on the safe side.  That way your Mexican vacation will be an enjoyable and memorable one.

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