Category Archives: Tips/Advice
Barcelona Safety – Learn and Apply The 16 Safety Guidelines to Safeguard Your Personal Safety.
This is a difficult article to write because I don’t want to scare people off from coming to Barcelona. By writing about safeguarding your personal safety in Barcelona and how to ensure you are not pick pocketed or robbed implies that the city is not safe.
However it’s true to say that there is a pick pocketing and bag snatching problem in Barcelona.
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The wrong thing to do on La Rambla. You should go to a cafe or restaurant to consult your map. This couple have clearly labelled themselves as tourists.
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So many times I walk down La Rambla and see tourists with maps open, looking lost and with their bags unguarded. These tourists will almost certainly be noticed by all the wrong people and be an instant target. You can be a tourist, no problem, but what you must behave like is a savvy tourist and you will be much, much safer.
Please take these precautions to safeguard yourself. I know you may think it will never happen to you. You may even think that “all big cities are the same in this respect” but I would say perhaps think again. I see so many tourists that are leaving themselves wide open for something to happen and all they need to do is just take a few simple steps to help safeguard themselves.
Is The Ramblas Safe? (The Ramblas is the main promenade through central Barcelona)
At night time La Rambla can be seedy and there are prostitutes who are often than not also pickpockets. They operate along the full length of Las Ramblas. They will aim to get physically close to tourists by linking arms or pulling the tourist close to them. That is when they will attempt to pickpocket you. Sometimes they will work with more than one person and one causes the distraction whilst the other steals from you. The stolen goods are then quickly passed on to someone else for safe keeping so that if you ever go back to challenge them (not recommended) they miraculously have nothing on them that was yours!
Please take care at night and particularly on Las Ramblas. The “prostitutes” undertaking these thefts can be quite persistent even if you tell them repeatedly to go away they often still continue to pursue you. However if you just keep on walking quickly past and repeatedly keep saying “no” in my experience they get the message and leave you alone eventually. It is advisable not to make eye contact nor to confront them just keep walking, keep your valuables guarded and keep saying “no”.
More needs to be done to protect tourists from this type of harassment. We should be free to walk along the most famous street in Barcelona without being harassed or made a victim of a theft by these lowlifes.
Site Visitor Feedback from Jan in the UK
I have lived in Barcelona for 18 years now ( drank from the fountain I’m afraid!) and I wanted to add my reassurances that Barcelona is indeed a safe city, however I would comment Spanish worry about their clothes and that people who live here don’t ever dress in shorts on the metro or in centre of town .. to do so identifies you as a tourist.(Therefore increasing risks of being a pickpockets target)
In restaurants don’t leave your bag on the floor or hanging over your chair especially in Ramblas area as they will pick it up or quickly cut the strap.
Thanks Jan – what you described actually happened to a friend of mine. She left her bag on the back of her chair. It was gone in minutes in a full restaurant with tables all around her. We still don’t know how they managed to take her bag.
If you want to know the “dress code” in Barcelona and what you should wear to blend in with the locals – see our Barcelona Dress Code Article John ( Editor)
Pick pocketing and bag snatching is a problem on the Ramblas, at rail stations, on the beaches and on the metro (subway). One visit to any police station will demonstrate that.
Following the next 16 Safety Guidelines will radically reduce the chances of someone trying to pick pocket or rob you. We have compiled these guidelines after reading actual real events sent to us from site visitors. Each one of the guidelines will help protect you against the most common theft types.
The 16 Personal Safety Guidelines
1) Pick pockets prefer to choose easy victims – if you look like you’re paying attention and don’t have any valuables on show it’s less likely that you will be pick pocketed.
2) Pick pockets and scam merchants often work in groups. This can confuse people – one person (or a group of people) would cause a distraction while another takes your valuables. If you are confronted with a group of people attempting to gain your attention promptly turn your back and walk away.
3 ) Only carry around as much money as you need for that day no more. Leave valuables that you aren’t going to use on the day in the hotel safe.
4) Do not carry around a haversack on your back – be especially aware of this on the metro. Pickpockets have been known to steal from haversacks on people’s backs when on the metro. If you have a haversack wear it the other way around with the bag in front of you.
5) Do not have a camera slung around your neck (or any other expensive items like video cams) I was once witness to someone snatching a camera from around someone’s neck and running off with it.
Keep any valuables out of sight. If you have a camera put it in your inside jacket pocket. If it’s too big for this then put it in a small bag and have the bag strap go diagonally over your neck and shoulder so that it goes under your arm -this makes it much more difficult for someone to snatch your bag. Keep the bag in front of you – not at your side. The bag should not be a camera bag – choose a small ordinary day bag with a zip fastener top.
Do not put your wallet in the bag – keep that separate.
6) If you need to look up anything on a map go into a cafe and sit down rather than look up your destination in the streets. This is like advertising that you are new to the area and a tourist and that is exactly what pickpockets are looking for.
7) In Cafes and restaurants pay attention to your bags/purses and wallets. This may seem obvious but when you’re on holiday it’s easy to “switch off” and not pay attention to where your belongings are. Typical places where bags are stolen are in cafe’s when tourists put them down at their feet, or if they leave their wallets in their jacket pockets and put their jackets on the back of a chair. When you put your bag down keep it in sight. If you can’t keep it in sight all the time wrap the bag strap around something so that it can’t just be easily picked up.
8) Watch out for distraction / theft scams – these start with a distraction e.g. someone asks for directions, drop money in front of you, asks you to make a donation -and variations on these distractions. Then once your attention is taken either the person involved or someone else will steal from you. Watch out for the famous bird poo distraction/theft scam. Someone will come up to you claiming that you have had bird poo on your back. They will attempt to “help” you wipe it off, whilst pick pocketing you of course! This is now an infamous and all too common scam. (see site visitor feedback below) or click here to read one site visitor’s experience of this scam
9) Pay particular attention at stations.
Stations are hotspots for pickpockets and thieves. There are many reasons for this:
a) You have identified yourself as a likely tourist by being there.
b) You are also likely to be a little disorientated in a new place.
c) There are legitimate reasons for someone to press up against you or to be in close vicinity to you, e.g. getting on or off a train or metro.
d) You have to either pay for tickets or take your tickets out from a purse or wallet. The pickpockets will be watching for this because then they will know exactly where you keep you money. They will watch where you put your purse or wallet after you have paid for your tickets.
e) You are most likely loaded up with all your belongings at this point. Unlike when you have made it to your hotel you can take out just what you need.
So what can you do? The tip here is to keep your purse / wallet out of sight. Keep your tickets separate from your purse or wallet. If you can obtain your tickets in advance of your arrival in Barcelona (see the tip below) that way you do not need to take out your purse or wallet to pay for tickets.
Buy a transport pass that covers all your transportation needs before you arrive in Barcelona e.g the Barcelona Card. This way you do not need to handle money to pay for tickets when you are travelling on the public transport in Barcelona and it will also mean you are much less of a target.
Click here to read one site visitor’s experience of being robbed at a train station.
10) Pick pockets work very fast. One second they are there and the next they’re gone. Just be aware of the people around you and pay attention to what they are doing. Pick pockets are often looking at one thing – tourists and tourists bags – they are not interested in anything else around them..except maybe the police so if you keep your eyes open you will become more aware of when to keep your guard up. The most common place for pickpockets is Las Ramblas and in particular at night there are pickpockets that are posing as prostitutes.
11) Take out a travel insurance policy – make sure that you meet the terms of the policy before you leave (some policies require that you can prove your belongings are worth what you say they are worth).
When I was Trekking in Nepal I did not have receipts of purchase for the camera I lost in the mountains and the insurance company refused to pay out. I recommend you get it in writing or via e-mail from the insurance company that you don’t need proof of the cost of every item.
Make sure also that you meet the terms of the policy this often means making a police report and getting an official police statement which you can take back with you to make your claim. Unfortunately when in Nepal I was 3 days trek from civilization and could not report the loss to the police station within 24 hours. This, along with the lack of receipts, meant that the insurance company would not pay out – it’s not just Barcelona where you can be scammed!
12) Keep your passport safe –
Spanish law requires that you have photographic identification with you at all times although a photocopy of your passport is often seen as sufficient.
13) Do not be fooled by fake policemen or “undercover” police: This is now becoming an all too common scam. Several people are involved with this scam. They say they are undercover police and they have seen someone come up to you earlier who they have been following. They ask for your identification and wallet / purse of course to check your identity but when you do they run off with your wallet!
What you can do: First of all policemen are clearly identifiable in Barcelona with clearly recognizable uniforms. It is unlikely that a real “undercover” policeman will ever need to speak with you. If an officially dressed policeman stops you ask to see their identification and when they show it to you look at it carefully make sure that it is indeed real. Do not be satisfied with someone flashing an ID at you.
Click here to read one site visitor’s experience of being robbed by fake police.
14) Emulate the dress code of the Catalans. You will be seen as a savvy tourist and also much less likely to stand out from the crowd. You will also have an excellent excuse to buy some new clothing! Read our article on dress code and how to blend in with the locals.
15) Avoid walking in dark isolated back streets, especially if you are alone.
16) When on the beach do not leave your belongings unattended. If you’re going to do some sunbathing etc ensure to leave any valuables locked up in the hotel safe.
Car Safety: Ensuring your personal safety when driving a car in Barcelona
In addition to the above if you are intending on driving a car in or around Barcelona we highly recommend you read our Barcelona car crime and safety tips article. Click here for our car crime article
Distraction Theft Strategy: Site Visitor Feedback Submitted by Barry, UK
I went to Barcelona this month, July, and was visiting Parc Guell, with my young son, getting off at the metro stop Vallcarca, I had stopped to plan a route to the next destination and fallen behind the other tourists. I was in long trousers with no bag approximately 200 metres from the metro station near a Subaru garage. I felt something on the back of my neck and a guy in front of me said it was a bird, I was covered in filth, I took off my shirt and started wiping off the filth, the man who had identified it as bird muck came over with water and tissues and started helping me, I refused his help, he was there 15/20 seconds and left with my wallet and approximately €300.00 and a tube ticket. Fortunately, we had nothing else in the wallet and some spare money back at the hotel, I reported this to the police within the hour, with a very good description and location but they didn’t want to know, they suggested I report it to my insurance company.
Site Visitor Feedback from Jennifer, UK
“Having perused your website, my friend and I, both middle aged British ladies, took on board your safety tips and felt reasonably confident about security. However, we were still robbed by gypsies and thought our experience might prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
Outside the Sagrada Familia we were approached by two women who forced a red carnation onto each of us. Mine was pushed down the front of my tee shirt! They indicated that there was to be an exhibition of flamenco and then asked us each for 1 cent. As this was such a small amount of money we both thought this would be a good way of getting rid of them and got out our purses. That was what they wanted. They tried to ‘help’ us find the appropriate coin by putting their fingers into the coin compartments of our purses. Later, and too late, we realised that whilst doing this, they had milked out the notes from the note compartment. The next day we returned to the same place and watched two other gypsy women pull the same scam.“
Bag Snatching Crime
Bag snatching is also a problem in Barcelona. I have been witness to a bag snatch on one occasion. The bag was around the person’s shoulder but only had a very thin strap. The thief ran in, grabbed the bag, ripping it off the shoulder strap and then ran off. It all happened in a few seconds.
It is hard to avoid a bag snatch from happening as we all need to take around a small bag with us for our visit. The best thing to remember is do not put any valuables in the bag. If the bag looks like a camera bag or a purse then it is more of a target than an ordinary looking day bag. Another thing to avoid is to wear bum bags which are very easy to remove. Thieves know that you keep your valuables in these too so bum bags are an A1 target with PLEASE STEAL ME written all over them. If you don’t believe me, just visit any Barcelona police station and ask anyone in the long queue why they are there.
Site Visitor Feedback – Bag Snatching Experience…
Denise, Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
“I wanted to thank you so much for all the helpful information in your newsletters. We (mother and 17-year-old daughter) made our trip last week, and used a great deal of information I had found on your website.
We loved Barcelona! It was our first trip to Europe, and we were both in awe beyond words at what we saw. We also found the people friendly, the food great, and the wine fantastic.
The only downside was on our very final evening, we took the parallel metro, hoping to take the funicular to be able to see Montjuic at least from the air, since we ran out of time to see it on foot during the day.
When we got out of the metro station, we found that the funicular was closed, and walked across the street to the little park, where the view was stunning.
As we returned to the station, a thief sliced off my purse (just exactly as you had described in your newsletter!) and ran off….thanks to your warnings, I had no cash or credits cards in it, but unfortunately did realize afterward that there was a roll of slide film my daughter had taken – I wish I had that back. But, silly me for having gone in to the park – even though we didn’t go far, I should have been more aware of who was around me.
Thank you very much for your warnings – this could have been worse! – great website and newsletter!”
Dodgy areas at night – Areas to avoid at night. Parts of the Raval area ( to the left of the Ramblas as we look northwards), Parts of Barri Xines, and the Southern most end of the Ramblas and streets off it. Any small dark empty streets – but this is common sense – if you want to be much safer try to avoid quiet empty streets and if you do have to go down them then try to ensure you are with someone
Site visitor feedback – Robbery – Submitted by Per, Hamburg
“I have just been robbed yesterday night in Barcelona gothic quarter, and then I found this site. I think the section about safety is great, but the section about robbery seems too short! 🙂 My lesson for today: Never go out alone at night, and try to avoid not only dark empty streets, but also any bending streets where you cannot be seen by other people, even when there are plenty of people around in the streets. These two guys who stole my money were very quick, intimidating, but I guess they would not have taken the risk if I had had my friend with me. I have to add that I have never been robbed before, even though I live in the red light district in Hamburg, plus I don’t look like the typical tourist either. It can happen to just anyone, and that is something you may want to add to your info page too. Apart from that: Nice site!!“
Site Visitor Feedback – Beach Bandits…
And here is some feedback from one site visitor if you’re not completely convinced that you should take these precautions:
” I fell victim to a wallet snatching bandit on the beach in Barcelona. Thinking it was a nice night to camp out on the beach, I fell asleep on one of those lawn-chairs that are provided. At night beach bandits come up to you silently and sift through your pockets as you sleep. I heard of an American girl who lost her passport this way as well. I thought you might be able to add this to your site. Thank you. Barcelona is a very beautiful city, and I will surely return (though have not sipped from the fountain yet!) ” Kris from Ottawa
Site Visitor Feedback: Station Robbery
“I’m just back from a week in Barcelona and unfortunately all did not go to plan. I had read the Safety Tips but I should have made my partner read them too.
We had gotten the train from the airport to Passeig de Gracia and were getting off the train. He got held up by a supposedly elderly woman in front of him. By the time he had realised there was something wrong, they had made off with his wallet and all his spending money for the week. Unfortunately because he hadn’t visited this website, he had decided that putting his wallet in his bag was safer than in his trousers as his trousers had no zips. He had also taken his wallet out of his bag on the train and obviously was being watched. I would advise everyone to read the < Barcelona-Tourist-Guide.Com > safety advice themselves and to make sure that everyone else in their group reads them too. Those extra few minutes may just save you heartbreak of having your holiday ruined.” –Niamh from Ireland
“I’d like to warn your users about an all too common scam which is unfortunately being used on the streets of Barcelona, usually by East European immigrants. This happened to me on 18 May 2007, and I think you’ll be doing your users a great favour by alerting them to this attempt to steal goods and possessions. It works like this: A young man comes up to you and asks for directions to a popular landmark – eg the Gaudi Museum or the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. As you’re explaining or just saying you don’t know, 2 or 3 men come up to you both and say they are police, and flash an ID card at you that looks like a police ID. They ask if you know the person that asked you for directions. They then explain that they have been trailing this man under suspicion of drug smuggling and that you are now also a material witness. They ask for your ID. When you take your wallet out of your pocket or bag they assault you and run off with the bag, passport, or whatever they can get their hands on. My advice is don’t ever stop and discuss anything with anyone you don’t know – if this happens to you, you just say ‘sorry I don’t know’ and walk off very quickly and don’t stop – like I did! “
Andy Varga, Sitges
Barcelona Scams
Shuffle scam
One famous scam and can be found on the Ramblas every day of the week. It is the pea under the egg cup shuffle scam. I am amazed that tourists fall for this scam time and time again.
Basically you bet on which cup the pea is under. The shuffler will put a pea under one of three cups move them around and then you have to guess which one it’s under.
Click here for a photo I took of the “Ramblas shuffle scammers in action”
If you are watching this “show” you may not be aware that there are about 10 to 15 people involved with this scam. They all gather around the shuffler so that tourists crowd around out of interest. The victim is then attracted to the crowd and watches the performance. People are betting on where the pea is and each time the victim does not play but watches and is amazed to see that each time they guess correctly where the pea is. Apparent tourists pass by and join in – some win some loose but then win back again and walk away with the money. Each time the victim thinks that they had guessed correctly where the pea is.
The host of the “show” will then invite the victim to bet and can be quite forceful about this. With everyone else who has already bet looking on there is quite some peer pressure to try your luck. “Why not” you think – I was right 10 times so far.
The victim puts down their bet and sure enough this time they get it wrong and loose their money. If you complain you get 10 people crowding around you explaining it’s the luck of the game and you leave feeling cheated.
The very best thing that you can do when you see this street “performance” is walk on by.
Bouncing cartoon characters.
One of the biggest scams around is run by people that sell bouncing cartoon characters. These cut out characters bounce up and down to the music that is coming out of a stereo placed near by. They cost anything between €5.00 to €10.00 per character and of course you need a stereo to make them bounce….. I think not.
Tourists buy these and are very disappointed to find they don’t work when they get back home. The reason is those figures that where so merrily bouncing away in the street were hooked up by a fine hair-thin wire that is practically invisible. The wire is attached to the back of the stereo cassette player that has a small wheel that spins around making the characters jump and making it appear as though they are jumping to the music.
I’m just amazed that the people selling these have the nerve to go on selling them when thousands of people are disappointed by what they have bought.Don’t fall for this one! It may be only €5.00 to €10.00 but why not spend your money on something you will be happy with instead of funding scam artists to upset more tourists.
Site Visitor Feedback Mary Douglas, Scotland, UK
I’ve just been reading all the unfortunate experiences of visitors to Barcelona regarding being pick pocketed etc. I’ve been paying homage to Barcelona via holidays for eight years now, and I am aware of the scams being acted out. There is no easy answer, except to pay heed to the advice given on this site. Try to keep a low profile, emulate the dress code of the Catalans, and if you find yourself drawn to watch some street theatre or other, keep an eye on the people around you. You will be surprised at how you will recognize those intent on pick pocketing !
The beach is a prime target for those intent on stealing. While you are busy sunbathing or swimming, it is a robbery waiting to happen, so keep your belongings hidden, and don’t leave them unattended I’ve been a victim in this situation, and have also seen it happen to others when at the beach. I reported to the beach patrol guardia that ‘ a one-armed women accompanied by a dark skinned man were rifling through people’s belongings that had been left unattended.
Conclusion
Barcelona is a safe city (despite all the things you’ve read above) and to not visit it because you are afraid of what might happen is a terrible waste of a potentially wonderful experience.
Problems are most likely to start when tourists don’t take the right precautions. Those that will follow these guidelines will significantly reduce the chances of anything unsavoury happening and increase your chances of enjoying a trouble-free visit.
Just take a few precautions and it’s unlikely that you will fall victim to a scam or pick pocket or bag snatch. Thieves prefer to choose easy victims so follow the Personal Safety Guidelines listed above.
But whatever you do don’t fall for the thought that you will never be a victim of theft in Barcelona. Keep your wits about you and take the above precautions.
And remember if it does happen to you take it in your stride and remember that it has happened to many others too (me included). You will not have been the only one.
Take a positive stance like Denise of Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA in her letter above. You will have happy memories to take back that way.
CANARY ISLANDS: NATIONAL PARKS OFFER REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE
The beautiful Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago situated near the south-west coast of Africa, attract nature lovers with a number of national parks. Each of the four reserves offers quite a different experience.
Spain boasts a total of 13 national parks four of which are located in the Canaries. Two of them were declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the other two as World Biosphere Reserve. Tourists going on Canary Islands holidays can look forward to abundant wildlife and stunning creations of nature.
Caldera de Taburiente=
The official name of the park established in 1954 and situated on the island of La Palma is Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente. It is believed that Caldera used to be a huge crater but now it is a mountain arch with a crater shape. The total area of the park is about 46.9 sq. km.
Among the most popular attractions for visitors is the wall of Caldera de Taburiente. At some places, the wall is more than 2000 m high (from Caldera floor). Roque de los Muchachos is the highest point on the wall (northern part) reaching exactly 2,423 m high. The Observatory situated near the peak is a convenient place for tourists offering nice views of the park. In 2002, Caldera de Taburiente was declared as World Biosphere Reserve.
Garajonay=
UNESCO declared Garajonay a World Heritage Site in 1986. Situated in the center and north of La Gomera, Garajonay was established in 1981, covering an area of 40 sq. km. It is named after the highest point of the island, Garajonay rock formation (1,484 m).
The park is famous as the best example of the humid subtropical forest known as Laurisilvia. Other than Laurisilvia, the forests of Garajonay include many different types of forest structures thanks to distinct humidity and stability of temperature.
The soothing forest greens of different trees are the main attraction for tourists while visiting Garajonay National Park. The park also has two wooden statues of the legendary lovers of Guanche, Gara and Jonay, also a well known destination for visitors.
Timanfaya National Park=
Parque Nacional de la Timanfay, established in 1974, was declared a World Biosphere Reserve along with the whole Lanzarote island in 1993. It covers the southern part of Tinajo and northern part of Yaiza with an area of 51.07 sq. km.
What is quite remarkable for all visitors is that the whole land is volcanic-soil made. Although today Timanfaya is the only active volcano the surface temperature is still very high at places ranging between 100 °C and 600 °C. Tourists thus can enjoy views of geysers of steam.
Teide National Park=
Parque Nacional de la Teide is located on the island of Tenerife. Established in 1954, Teide was declared as the second World Heritage Site of Canary Islands by UNESCO in 2007. The park is situated around the highest mountain of Spain, Mount Teide, which is also the world’s third largest volcano (3,718 m). The Pico Viejo volcano is located near Teide as well.
Apart from being the oldest and largest national park of Spain and a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site, it is a huge attraction for the tourists for being one of the twelve Treasures of Spain. The Observatorio de Teide can be found midway up the mountain. This gives a very clear view of the whole place.
http://www.tourism-review.com/canary-islands-national-parks-volcanoes-and-stunning-geysers-news3152
How to Hide Your Money While Traveling
Hiding money while traveling is key — where and how to do it?
Money Belts
Money belts are a tried and true way to hide money while traveling. I often stash cash in a buttoned or zipped cargo pants pocket, but money belts have their place, like while you’re wearing a skirt; I’ve hidden backup bucks in a money belt that stays in my locked backpack back at the room, too. Some money belts look like belts, and some are cloth pouches worn against the skin.
Secret Money Pockets
One famous traveler has designed his own thief-proof pants pocket for keeping a credit card safe on the road, and some folks like socks with a secret pocket for money and credit cards, though I’ve not tried those. And a few handy-with-a-needle women sew money-hiding pockets inside bras, where a mugger may not wish to fish — just tack a piece of fabric near a strap and fold a few big bills into it, or follow About’s Sewing Guide’s Debbie Colgrove’s Bra Money pocket pattern made just for this (we collaborated a bit, and she came up with an ingenious snap arrangement you should see).
Top Travel Money Tips
However you hide your money while traveling, remember these travel money tips:
- Carry little cash — debit is better. Traveler’s checks are a pain and seldom worth it.
- Get two copies of your debit card. Leave one with someone at home who can mail it to you quickly if you kill the magnetic strip on yours while far from home.
- Leave deposit slip copies with someone like Dad, whom you can dial for dollars. Call him if you need to borrow money and it’ll shortly be available via debit card.
More reading on debit cards and travel:
Plan Your Dream Vacation with About.com’s Disney Trip Planner
Where to Hide Travel Money
Handy Travel Gear
Travel Tips
Spring Break Travel Tips
Spring Break is just around the corner and we want to make sure you have the best time ever!
So we’ve gathered the Best Travel Tips our students have sent us and put them below to make sure this Spring Break is memorable!
Have a look! 🙂
- Watch your drinks! This one is pretty self-explanatory 🙂
- Date a local. What better way to get to know the culture, right?
- Volunteer! Look for volunteer programs in the places you are staying. Not only is it rewarding, but it’s a great way to meet natives and learn about a culture from within!
- Just go for it! Everything good and bad is a learning experience and they all make great memories! Be flexible and learn to laugh at things when things don’t go as planned.
- Get a towel and a lock. Invest in a pack towel and a small lock. The towel is super lightweight, small and dries fast. And you always need a lock when staying in hostels. Two small things that make a big difference!
- Go with the flow! Stick to nothing except your budget and your friends! The only plans you really need to keep are the ones that will make your belly full and your memories last! Other than that, be flexible and adventurous with your time.
- Pack a big scarf. A scarf can be used as a neck warmer, pillow, blanket, hairband, belt, beach cover up, towel, knapsack and handkerchief!
- Let go! Be happy with the way things happen even if they don’t happen as planned. Many obstacles can and will get in your way while traveling and it is important to not let it stop you from enjoying yourself, so don’t be afraid to let go.
- Travel in the now. While photos and videos of your travels are amazing things to have, don’t spend your whole experience staring through a lens. Pictures may last longer, but nothing can ever replace a moment entirely. Travel in the now, not in preparation for the future.
Caribbean resorts elevating Eco Friendliness
By Gay Nagle Myers, Travel weekly
Like hospitality enterprises around the globe, resorts in the Caribbean region have been making significant efforts to go green in recent years, moving well beyond simply placing cards in guest bathrooms regarding laundering of towels and turning out lights when leaving the room.
Initiatives today range from cooking classes in resort kitchens using resort-grown produce to turtle protection programs and reef preservation techniques. Guests are encouraged to volunteer, clean up walking trails and beaches and help harvest vegetables.
The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, for example, has many basic initiatives in place, including recycling bins and graywater-collection units.
However, one of the property’s efforts stands out. The Green Key 1000-5000 Microbial Food Digestor, affectionately referred to by resort staff as “The Stomach,” is the newest piece of ecofriendly machinery to be introduced at the property. Inside the machine, micro-organisms convert solid organic waste into graywater, which can conveniently flow down any drain system, municipal or septic.
The hotel staff does its part for the environment by putting leftover waste from the cafeteria into the GK Digestor, preventing waste products from having to be carted off by sanitation trucks, trains and barges to distant and increasingly scarce landfills.
The machines “radically decrease the current carbon footprint created by food waste and encourage cost reduction,” according to a company spokesman.
Sandals Resorts International underscored its sustainability credentials by launching an environmental management program last July called “Sandals Earthguard Powered by EarthCheck.” (EarthCheck is an environmental certification organization.)
Sandals CEO Adam Stewart said the program “allows us to take practical, meaningful action, and we believe it will be seen as the most comprehensive and credible environmental program in the industry.”
The first Sandals resort to be recognized by EarthCheck for its environmental efforts was Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, which had to pass eight or more benchmarking indicators to be certified.
The resort passed with flying colors in all categories, including energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water-saving, waste sent to landfill and community contributions.
Guests at the Westin St. John Resort & Villas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, meanwhile, who volunteer to maintain walking trails and clean up debris at historical ruins receive a $100 resort credit through Feb. 15.
A green focus on greens
Several resorts put the eco-focus on food. CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa on Anguilla features a working hydroponic farm, the process of cultivating plants in water and a nutrient-rich fertilizer solution without soil.
This type of farming method is ecofriendly and produces plants year-round that taste better and look better, according to a resort spokesman.
CuisinArt’s half-acre farm produces a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, edible flowers and herbs that are used in daily meal preparations at the resort’s three restaurants.
Vegetables currently harvested include tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli rabe, bok choy, arugula and watercress. Organic bio-agents and natural organisms are used to protect the produce from pests.
Reliance on local farmers and fishermen for produce and the “catch of the day” by chefs in resort kitchens has blossomed as the eco-initiative trend spreads throughout the region.
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman created a special budget for purchases of food and fish from locals.
At the new Fatty Crab restaurant on St. John, menu items are based on what’s available locally from farms and herb gardens, while Puerto Rico’s St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Rio Grande flavors its culinary creations with basil, peppers, rosemary, cilantro and other herbs from the garden out back.
Hermitage Bay on Antigua has an on-site organic garden and a new spa menu that incorporates the garden bounty into its entrees and appetizers. The resort also introduced farm and garden tours and complimentary cooking classes for its guests.
Grace Bay Club on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, takes guests to a nearby conch farm for tours. It supplements that excursion with cooking classes and recipes for preparing conch.
Caneel Bay on St. John employs an on-site beekeeper who harvests honey through the Virgin Fresh Beekeeping Project. The honey is used in the resort’s cuisine, cocktails and spa treatments.
Turtle protection
The CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort and its adjoining sister property, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, involve their guests in their Turtle Protection and Release program.
The beaches of Cancun have been the sites of the sea turtles’ annual migration for thousands of years, typically from May through September. The resort’s sea turtle program saves an average of 3,000 endangered baby turtles each year.
Guests are invited to join Marriott staff to help release the baby turtles into the water once they have hatched.
“We feel it is important to demonstrate to our guests the way in which our individual actions can make a difference in the lives of these endangered animals,” said Christopher Calabrese, vice president and general manager of both resorts. “Participating in a turtle release — watching over and protecting turtle hatchlings as their make their way to the ocean for the first time — is one of the most important and profoundly emotional experiences we offer our guests.”
Working with biologists from the Department of Natural Resource Ecology in Quintana Roo, Marriott’s staff undergoes an annual training program that teaches them how to relocate turtle nests to a designated safe area.
Each night, the beach is scoured for turtles that have emerged to nest. When one is spotted, staff members secure the area to protect the turtle as she lays her eggs. They then relocate the eggs to the turtle nursery at the CasaMagna to protect them during the three-month incubation period.
“We’re committed to the protection of these turtles and the conservation of their environment,” Calabrese said.
The Four Seasons Resort on Nevis also is involved in the protection of sea turtles and launched its turtle adoption program in 2004. Kids staying at the resort can adopt a turtle, get an adoption certificate and then track their turtle friend online, thanks to GPS tagging.
Travelwise: The dual sides of destination wedding etiquette
By Suemedha Sood, BBC
There is any number of reasons for having a destination wedding.
Maybe you’ve always dreamt of getting married on an Indonesian beach or in a French chateau. Maybe you want to keep your wedding small and get your honeymoon started early. Or maybe a significant chunk of your family lives abroad. Whether your reasons are romantic or logistic, throwing a destination wedding comes with an etiquette all its own. To help avoid any social faux pas, we scoured the internet for answers to some of the most common questions about destination weddings – from the perspective of both those hosting and those attending.
Tips for the happy couple:
Who pays for what?
The travel agency and website DestinationWeddings.com points out that guests should not be expected to pay for any events they are invited to as part of the wedding – the ceremony, the reception, group activities, rehearsal dinners, etc. Everything else is their responsibility – airfare, accommodations, salon appointments, etc. To cut down on guests’ costs, search for group travel deals and offer options for vacation rentals, such as beach houses and villas that sleep multiple people.
When should we send invitations and what do they need to include?
Try to announce the date of your destination wedding as far in advance as possible – at least eight months before, advises the wedding planning website The Knot. Online “save-the-dates” and invitations are becoming more commonplace, as are wedding websites, which can include information about the ceremony, reception and any other events you invite your guests to.
Can we invite folks to local, pre-wedding events who we can’t invite to the wedding?
If you are not inviting certain people to the wedding, it is bad form to invite them to you engagement/bachelor/bachelorette parties or bridal shower, said Elise Mac Adam, author of the book Something New: Wedding Etiquette for Rule Breakers, Traditionalists, and Everyone in Between. “The exceptions to this policy are very specific, for instance, office bridal showers where co-workers aren’t going to be invited to the wedding,” shetold About.com.
What about friends and family who can’t attend?
Some couples who throw destination weddings are surprised when very close friends or family members are unable to attend. Be prepared for this and do not let your feelings get hurt. Instead, Brides Magazine suggests hosting a hometown reception after the main event to accommodate anyone who cannot make it to the wedding. Consider keeping your destination wedding small, allowing room in your budget to make a second celebration feasible. If you do this, Mac Adam stresses the importance of making two separate guest lists, even if there is overlap between them, to ensure that neither event becomes massive (and massively expensive).
What about registering for gifts?
Martha Stewart Weddings declares that it is not tacky to register for giftswhen having a destination wedding, as long as your registry includes low-priced items. But also don’t forget how much money your guests arealready spending to come to your wedding – “[T]hat’s a huge gift in itself”, wedding planner Brenda Babcock said.
After the wedding festivities are over, how do we gently let guests know that our honeymoon has started?
While it is generally understood that the newly married couple needs some time alone after the wedding events have concluded, you can also expect that some guests may wish to stay in town to enjoy the rest of their vacation. So Brides Magazine recommends taking this opportunity toexplore a new part of the country or city that you are in. If you had been taking advantage of a resort package, Brides points out that some hotel chains will give you the same deals for any of their locations. Otherwise, you can choose to stay somewhere cheaper, saving yourself some money after the big day.
Tips for guests:
How to save yourself some dollars
Going to a destination wedding is expensive. You often have to take off work, buy a plane ticket and book a hotel room, not to mention any additional money you may need to spend on a suit, dress or gift. If the wedding you are attending is being held at a resort or hotel, do not feel obligated to stay there. You can usually find cheaper accommodations elsewhere – especially if you split rooms with friends. Also, as per usual, check sites like Kayak, Priceline, and Hipmunk for deals on airfare and hotels (and for packages that let you book both together for lower rates).
How to get a vacation out of it
The key to making a destination wedding worth your while is to pair it with a vacation. Luckily, most weddings take place over the weekend, so even if you have limited time off, you can have a few days to yourself. Do not feel obligated to attend every wedding-related event you are invited to. If you would rather use the days before the wedding to travel, do that.
What to wear
If the wedding invitation or website does not specify, the lifestyle network TLC says, men can never go wrong with “a tailored shirt, tie, slacks and a sport coat”, and women can never go wrong with a suit or “a dress that hits somewhere between mid-calf and six or so inches above the knee”. Generally speaking, TLC adds, an outdoor wedding in hot weather tends to indicate less dressy attire. If the ceremony or reception is very formal (think black tie) or very casual (think flip flops), the invitation should make a note of that.
Travelwise is a BBC Travel column that goes behind the travel stories to answer common questions, satisfy uncommon curiosities and uncover some of the mystery surrounding travel. If you have a burning travel question, contact Travelwise.
Valentine Message to Clients: Travel Is Good for Relationships
Vacations Have Positive Effect on Love – and Health
With Valentine’s Day coming up, travel sellers might want to let clients know that a vacation probably will help their love life. In a recent Hotwire.com poll, 70% of travelers said that their personal romantic relationships would be better if they took more vacations together.
At least one medical expert agrees. Commenting on the survey results, Dr. Mathew Edlund, director of the Center for Circadian Medicine and author of The Power of Rest, noted, “In the past, romance was about tales of love and adventure – the kinds of experiences that help regenerate mind and body. Modern ideas of romance focus more on sharing, like sharing deep experiences with someone you love.
“Why not combine the old and new and take a travel adventure together? Think of what it can do for your health – and your relationship.”
Get Marketing Tips from Super Bowl Commercials
While few travel agencies have the resources of the big corporations behind those famous Super Bowl commercials, small business consultant Barry Moltz, writing for American Express’ Open Forum, suggested ways that small business owners can use some of the themes from last weekend’s Super Bowl commercials in their own marketing and advertising strategies.
As an example, he cited a commercial jointly presented by GE and Budweiser, which showed the effectiveness of unusual business partnerships. A Hyundai commercial, which used the theme from Rocky, illustrated the effectiveness of a nostalgia theme. “When all else fails, use vampires in advertising like Audi,” he advised. “This is a safe bet, since every hit movie or television show last year seemed to include them.”
Travel Industry Job Growth Outpaces Other Sectors
A recent U.S. Labor Dept. report on employment figures shows that the travel industry is doing relatively well in terms of job growth, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The travel industry added 7,000 jobs in January. “Since the employment recovery began in March of 2010, travel industry employment has expanded by 223,000 jobs, making a 3.1% increase – faster than the 2.4% rise in other sectors of the economy,” said David Huether, vice president of economics and research for the U.S. Travel Association. The industry has already made up for 45% of the job losses that took place during the recession. By comparison, job gains in the rest of the economy to date have offset just 35% of the job losses during the recession.
Advice to Agents: Be a Risk Taker
“When the market is overcrowded, innovating is the only way to break free from the pack. If you aren’t living on the edge, you are taking up too much space. You must take major risks.” – Scott Koepf, CTC, MCC, vice president of sales, Avoya Travel / American Express
Optimism Grows Among Small Business Owners
Small business owners are feeling better than they have in the past three years about revenue, cash flow, credit access and hiring, according to the new Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index. The survey of 600 small business owners in 50 states found that 22% expect to hire new employees this year, while just 8% expect to let employees go. By contrast, last quarter’s numbers were 15% and 13%, respectively. According to Scott Anderson, a senior economist for Wells Fargo, the improving mood of business owners has to do with the fact that consumer spending, job growth and the construction industry all experienced upturns during the last quarter of 2011.
http://www.travelmarketreport.com/retail?articleID=6878&LP=1
The United States of Chocolate, top spots for chocolate lovers
by Food Network Magazine
Treat yourself to a road trip like no other: We found America’s best spots for chocolate lovers, from coast to coast.
South
CHOCOLATE BUFFET
Four Seasons Atlanta
On Fridays in March, the Four Seasons’ restaurant, Park 75, rolls out an over-the-top, all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet, and there’s usually a line out the door. The menu includes endless chocolate creations: brownies, chocolate-dipped macaroons and more. $30 for buffet; room rates start at $400 per night; 75 14th St. Northwest; fourseasons.com/atlanta
GIANT MILKSHAKE
Chick & Ruth’s Delly, Annapolis, MD
The 6-pound milkshake here was supposed to be a dessert for sharing, but customers started ordering one per person and trying to finish the shake alone. (It contains a half gallon of ice cream!) Now the milkshake challenge is official: Consume one in less than an hour and you’ll join hundreds of champions on the restaurant’s website. $18; 165 Main St.; chickandruths.com
CHOCOLATE FOR BREAKFAST
Wagon Wheel, Greenbrier, AR
This is the place to try an unusual Arkansas specialty: biscuits with chocolate gravy. The dish is exactly as it sounds — two biscuits topped with a sweet gravy made of chocolate and cornstarch. Wagon Wheel is just off Highway 65 on the way to Branson, Mo., so lots of out-of-towners stop in to taste this quirky dish for the first time. $3 for a full order, $2 for a half order; 166 South Broadview St.; 501-679-5009
LOCAL FLAVOR – GOO GOO CLUSTERS
Goo Goo Clusters were invented in Nashville 100 years ago, and they’re still sold all over town. An iPhone app called “Goo Goo Finder” will help you track down the nearest location. googoo.com
CHOCOLATE HISTORY
Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA
In the 18th century, chocolate bars weren’t snacks — they were a delicacy, intended to be melted for drinking. Back then, turning raw cacao beans into one pound of chocolate could take all day. You can see a reenactment on the first Tuesday of the month from September through June. (Why no summer shows? Experts think colonists likely didn’t make chocolate in July and August.) Free admission with $19 to $38 tickets to Colonial Williamsburg; 101 Visitor Center Dr.; history.org
MONK-MADE FUDGE
Abbey of Gethsemani Homemade Fudge, Trappist, KY
When the Trappist monks settled in the hills of central Kentucky in 1848, they supported themselves by farming. Now they sell fruitcake, cheese and, best of all, homemade fudge. The monks make it daily in eight flavors, including Kentucky-themed chocolate bourbon and mint julep. It’s sold online, but we recommend stopping by in person and hiking the abbey’s trails. $22 per pound; 3642 Monks Rd.;gethsemanifarms.org
CHOCOLATE TASTING
Whetstone Chocolates Factory, St. Augustine, FL
This spot calls its hour-long factory tour a “tasting tour” because you get to try so many treats along the way. Among the samples: 72-percent cacao chocolate (it’s intense!), roasted cacao nibs and Whetstone’s famous chocolate seashells. $7 for adults, $5 for children; 139 King St.;whetstonechocolates.com
Northeast
CHOCOLATE MOOSE
Len Libby, Scarborough, ME
No trip to Maine would be complete without a moose sighting, and stopping at Len Libby guarantees you’ll see at least one: a 1,700-pound, life-sized moose named Lenny that’s made of milk chocolate. You can’t take a bite of his antlers (just about everyone asks), but you can eat as many of the one-pound versions as you’d like. $19 for a one-pound chocolate moose; 419 U.S. Route One; lenlibby.com
CHOCOLATE VILLAGE
Daffin’s Candies, Sharon, PA
The chocolate kingdom inside this supermarket-sized store is filled with castles, animals, even a moving Ferris wheel — all made of milk chocolate. Two Sundays before Easter (March 25), the factory is open for tours — and lots of free treats. Store located at 496 East State St., Sharon, PA; factory located at 7 Spearman Ave., Farrell, PA; daffins.com
CHOCOLATE SIGHTSEEING
Chocolate Trolley Tour, Boston
On this three-hour ride, tour conductors give a history lesson on Boston specialties like Toll House cookies and Boston Cream Pie as you travel from one chocolate tasting to the next. Guides ask chocolate-trivia questions along the way and award you with a diploma from the “Institute of Chocology” at the end. $80 per person; 3 Park Plaza; 617-269-7150
LOCAL FLAVOR – PEANUT CHEWS
These popular Philadelphia candy bars were originally created as military rations during World War I; today they’re sold at almost every pharmacy and supermarket in town. justborn.com/peanut-chews
MEGA CANDY STORE
Chutters, Littleton, NH
How much candy do you need to stock the world’s longest candy counter? Ask the folks at Chutters: Their 112-foot counter holds about 600 jars full of candies and chocolate bars — and that doesn’t even count the truffle and fudge selection. The milk chocolate fudge is a must-try. 43 Main St.; chutters.com
EDIBLE FACIAL
The Spa at the Hotel Hershey, Hershey, PA
We’ve heard of chocolate spa treatments, but never edible ones. Here, customers can lick their lips after a chocolate mask is applied. Other chocolate services include a cocoa bath, a sugar scrub and a mud wrap. Chocolate services start at $50, room rates start at $259 per night; 100 Hotel Rd.;chocolatespa.com
GIANT COCOA POD
Jacques Torres Chocolate, New York City
Renowned chocolatier Jacques Torres is so obsessed with chocolate, he designed his West Village shop to be brown and oval-shaped, so you feel like you’re stepping into a cocoa pod. Sit in the café with a chocolate croissant and hot chocolate and watch the candy-making in action. 350 Hudson St.;mrchocolate.com
West
CHOCOLATE LOVER’S GARDEN
Chocolate Flower Farm, Langley, WA
Everything grown in this 8-acre garden is chocolate themed, including 6-foot brown sunflowers, chocolate-colored corn and cocoa-scented blossoms. The farm is open from April to September, but the store in town, stocked with fun chocolate gardening supplies, is open year-round. Free admission; garden located at 5040 Saratoga Rd.; chocolateflowerfarm.com
COLOSSAL CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN
Bellagio Resort, Las Vegas
The Bellagio’s chocolate fountain set a Guinness World Record when it was built in 2005: It’s more than 26 feet tall and circulates nearly two tons of melted chocolate. It’s enclosed in glass (sorry, no dipping!), but Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie is right next door to satisfy cravings. Rooms from $159 per night; 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South; bellagio.com
LOCAL FLAVOR – ROCKY ROAD
Try a Rocky Road candy bar when you’re in the area: The chocolate-covered cashew-and-marshmallow treats, invented in California in 1950, are still a West Coast favorite. annabelle-candy.com
CHOCOLATE BINGE
Oregon Chocolate Festival, Ashland, OR
The first weekend in March means one thing in Ashland: chocolate. A ticket to the town’s annual chocolate festival buys two days of chocolate-themed seminars and classes, and practically unlimited sampling. “People really leave in a chocolate coma,” says organizer Karolina Wyszynska. $20 per ticket; 212 East Main St.; ashlandspringshotel.com
TOP-SECRET CANDY BARS
Ethel M Chocolates, Henderson, NV
The candy-making execs at Mars are normally as tight-lipped as Willy Wonka about their upcoming products, but at this chocolate factory, about 20 minutes from the Vegas Strip, you can check out some products before they hit shelves. The Ethel M company store stocks small-batch items produced on-site before Mars decides whether to roll them out. You can also see chocolate-making in action on the factory tour. Free tour; 1 Sunset Way; ethelm.com
DECORATING MEGASTORE
Spun Sugar, Berkeley, CA
This candy-supply superstore has everything you need to turn your kitchen into a chocolate factory: thousands of molds, every shade of food coloring, plus garnishes like edible glitter. The main attraction is the Wall of Chocolate, which holds just part of the store’s 5,000-pound stash of chocolate. 1611 University Ave.; spunsugar.com
ALL-CHOCOLATE DINNER
The Grill at Hacienda del Sol, Tucson, AZ
Chefs at this Southwestern restaurant host a chocolate-themed dinner every few months, and they’re thinking way beyond molé. Past menus include scallops in a white chocolate sauce and dark chocolate-marinated beef. The next dinner is scheduled for March 17. $50 for a four-course meal; 5501 North Hacienda del Sol Rd.; haciendadelsol.com
Midwest
CHOCOLATE-COVERED EVERYTHING
Carol Widman’s Candy Company, Fargo, ND
You won’t believe what this place dips in chocolate: olives, jalapeños and, best of all, potato chips (aka Chippers). Ask for a sample! 4325 13th Ave. South; carolwidmanscandy.com
KOOKY CHOCOLATIER
Northern Chocolate Company, Milwaukee
Jim Fetzer is the real-life chocolate-shop version of Seinfeld’s “Soup Nazi.” His mandates: no fur, no cell phones and no unaccompanied children. “It can be horrific or it can be fabulous coming here, depending on what mood I’m in,” Fetzer says. If he lets you in (you have to buzz and meet his standards to gain entry), try the mint meltaways. 2034 North Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.; 414-372-1885
HOTEL FUDGE SHOP
Murray Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI
Mackinac Island has seven fudge shops on its 4.4 square miles, earning it the unofficial title of fudge capital of the world. Stay at the historic Murray Hotel, home to the biggest fudge selection in town.Fudge, $13 per pound; rooms from $89 per night, mid-May through October; 7260 Main St.;mymurrayhotel.com
CULT COOKIES
Bradley Center, Milwaukee
When Frontier merged with Midwest in 2010, frequent fliers wondered what the name change would mean for Midwest Airlines’ beloved chocolate chip cookies. Frontier still offers them — but you can also get your fix on the ground at Milwaukee basketball and hockey games. Wisconsin’s Sendik’s Food Markets also sell the dough. $3.50 per cookie; 1001 North 4th St.; bradleycenter.com
DESSERT AS BOOZE
Baileys’ Chocolate Bar, St. Louis
In most bars you’re lucky to find one chocolate cocktail on the menu, but at Baileys’ Chocolate Bar, you can choose from dozens. In addition to chocolate beer, chocolate port and a Chocolate Stout Shake, Baileys’ has a separate chocolate martini menu with 15 options. 1915 Park Ave. (in Lafayette Square);baileyschocolatebar.com
SWEET ARTWORK
Long Grove Confectionery Co. Factory, Buffalo Grove, IL
This isn’t your average chocolate-factory tour: A 2,500-pound chocolate Statue of Liberty greets you in the lobby, a 500-pound chocolate Santa sits in the theater and the hallways are lined with art — eight Monets and one Seurat made of chocolate. $2 per person for a tour (free on weekends), weekday reservations required: 888-459-3100; 333 Lexington Dr.; longgrove.com
LOCAL FLAVOR – TWIN BING
Grab an Iowa-made Twin Bing from a local store. Each pack comes with two chocolate-and-peanut-coated cherry nougat treats. palmercandy.com
CHOCOLATE SLICE
Amore Chocolate Pizza Company, Leawood, KS
You won’t find any pepperoni or Parmesan in this pizza joint: Owner Annette Cook makes her pies out of chocolate. She opened the shop two years ago after friends raved about her fun twist on pizza — a puffed-rice cereal, marshmallow and chocolate base with coconut and white chocolate “cheese.” The shop sells several varieties. Chocolate pizzas starting at $3; 4821 West 117th St.;amorechocolatepizza.com
He Said/She Said: Dream golfing destinations
- By Bailey Mosier , The Golf Guy
- Jan 12, 2012 10:00 AM ET
As the PGA Tour island-hops from Maui to Oahu this week, The Golf Guy and Birdie Bailey decided it was an appropriate time to bust out their picks for their top-5 dream golfing destinations. Feel free to add your thoughts on where YOU dream of playing.
By GOLF GUY
Maui, Hawaii: Wailea to be exact. The Blue Course, the Emerald Course and the Gold Course. Three fun layouts, each with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and some of the nearby islands. And I’ve never witnessed more beautiful shades of green in my entire life. My favorite part? Playing late in the afternoon with the setting sun, and realizing some cocktails and a steak are waiting after the round in the clubhouse, where you can talk about how this may have been the greatest day of your life.
Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand, pictured above): Never been there. Good chance I’ll never get there. But just seeing a picture of that golf course makes me think that it is has to be the home course of the golfing gods.
Whistling Straits (Kohler, Wis.): Strange as this may sound, I have mixed feelings when I think of my trip last year to Whistling Straits. I played all three course in the area – Blackwolf Run (the fairways are in better shape than most greens), the Irish Course (incredible, perfectly framed course standing on the tee), and the Straits Course (pretty sure what filmmaker Tim Burton would have in mind if he ever designed a golf course). Where do the “mixed feelings” come from? I had to go to the hospital (no joke) after playing the Straits Course. No carts allowed. Walking mandatory. Bring muscle relaxers.
Cypress Point (Pebble Beach, Calif.): Aerial views of the famed par-3 16th are awesome (Google it). The rugged coastline around the hole looks like pre-historic times, the crashing waves are awe-inspiring … and it’s a par 3. That means, I could somehow get a green in regulation on one of the world’s greatest golf holes. Only one problem: It’s is a very exclusive club. Not likely to see ‘Golf Guy’ on the tee times sheet … ever.
Anywhere, Ireland: Again, never been there … yet. Do I want to play in the wind, cold and rain? No. Do I want to at least set out to play in horrible conditions knowing full well that I can quit at any time and instead head back into a pub and try to decipher crazy Irish talk? Absolutely.
By BIRDIE BAILEY
Monterey, Calif.: Pebble Beach is as amazing as its reputation suggests. And yes, Cypress Point is even more spectacular and breathtaking. Throw in a few other rounds at Spyglass, Poppy Hills or Monterey Peninsula Country Club and have yourself a bowl – or 10 – of clam chowder from the Old Fisherman’s Grotto on the wharf and I can’t say it gets any more heavenly than that.
Long Island, N.Y.: Bethpage, Shinnecock, Long Island National and a slew of other courses crowd the populated state and I imagine any of them would be one of the best courses I’ve ever played. I’ve never been, but would love to see grown men sleeping in their cars overnight just to be one of the first in line to tee up at Bethpage.
Bandon, Ore.: Rumor has it that Bandon is home to some of the most beautiful, links-style courses on the western coast. With four courses to choose from – Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails and Old Macdonald – I’d be lucky to play just one, let alone all four.
Scottsdale, Ariz.: Call me biased, call me partial. I spent three years in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area playing golf and writing about it, and it was nearly the perfect job. A few of my favorites include Quintero, We-Ko-Pa, Southern Dunes, Estancia, Grayhawk and DC Ranch, but you can hardly go wrong anywhere you play. Throw in a good margarita, guacamole and some short rib tacos and call me a happy clam.
St. Andrews: I surmise St. Andrews is on every golfer’s list of dream destinations, so I don’t have to explain myself on this one. Seeing the birthplace of golf and soaking in the history? I’ll get there one day.
Originally posted on : http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golftalkcentral/he-said-she-said-top-5-golf-destinations/
Checkout some of these Adventure/Sports vacation packages: http://vcolon.worldventuresdreamtrips.com/new/
Mexico looks for rebound in U.S. tourists
This undated photo shows part of Xcaret, near Cancun on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico known as the Riviera Maya. Despite the ongoing drug war, travel companies seem to be increasingly optimistic about Mexico. Starting in May, Southwest/AirTran will offer daily service from San Antonio, Texas, to Cancun.
After a few years in which drug-fueled violence prompted many Americans to think twice abouttraveling to Mexico, a rebound in U.S. tourists could be on the horizon.
“We are very optimistic about 2012,” said Rodolfo Lopez Negrete, chief operating officer of the Mexico Tourism Board. “We’re forecasting an increase of 10 percent from the U.S. market.”
That would represent a significant change from 2011, in which arrivals from the U.S. are estimated to have fallen 3 percent from the 11.9 million travelers who flew in from U.S. cities or arrived via U.S.-based cruise ships in 2010.
Nevertheless, the U.S. State Department still advises Americans to exercise caution when traveling to Mexico. On Wednesday, the department released its latest travel warning, updating one that had been in effect since April 2011. As with the earlier warning, it reiterated that millions of Americans safely visit the country every year and that most of the drug-related violence occurs near the Mexico-U.S. border and along drug-trafficking routes, rather than in resort towns and other tourist destinations.
Meanwhile, travel companies seem to be increasingly optimistic about Mexico, inaugurating or reinstating more options for southbound travelers:
- In December, Virgin America launched nonstop service between San Francisco and Puerto Vallarta with five flights per week.
- Starting in May, Southwest/AirTran will offer daily service from Orange County, Calif., to Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City, along with service from San Antonio, Texas, to Cancun and Mexico City.
- After canceling stops in Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta last year, Princess will once again call on Puerto Vallarta later this month and resume stops in Mazatlan this fall.
Together, such developments provide something of a counterpoint to the toll Mexico’s ongoing drug war has taken on both the country’s residents and the tourism industry. The former have borne the brunt of the violence — the conflict has claimed more than 47,500 lives since 2006, said Pablo Weisz, regional security manager for the Americas at International SOS — but the resulting headlines have also put a chill on the country’s tourism trade.
The problem, at least in part, said Weisz, is one of perception. “The security situation has not necessarily changed,” he told msnbc.com. “It’s more a case that the perception among travelers has become more aligned with the reality that Mexico is a huge country and a complex security environment.”
Most of the violence — roughly 70 percent, said Weisz — has taken place in the northern states that border the U.S. Other hot spots include Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Veracruz.
“As long as you’re going to places outside the affected areas,” he said, “you’re going to see a relatively benign security environment.”
That said, Mazatlan may still present a special case that warrants extra caution, says Marie Metz, Latin American security analyst for iJET International Inc. “It’s in Sinaloa, which is among the states with the highest homicide rates,” she said. “I wouldn’t peg it as an A-OK place to go; you could go to Cabo or Puerto Vallarta just as easily.”
In fact, just last month, The Globe and Mail reported that a young Canadian woman was brutally beaten in the elevator of an all-inclusive resort in the Mazatlan.
While dismayed by the incident, Lopez Negrete maintains that it was the type of crime that could happen in any city in the U.S., Canada or Europe. “It was an isolated incident and not cartel-related,” he said. “The guy was immediately apprehended and is already facing the law.”
In the meantime, security experts and tourism officials agree that, isolated incidents and petty crime aside, the vast majority of visitors to Mexico have little to fear when traveling to resort communities, colonial cities and the nation’s capital. As that message gets out, the hope is that Americans will once again put the country on their travel itineraries.
In fact, it may already be happening, suggests travel agent Karin O’Keefe, owner of Fun ‘n Sun Travel in Springfield, Mass. “There’s been major resistance in recent years,” she said. “Between the drug violence and the swine flu ‘epidemic,’ nobody wanted to go to Mexico.”
Recently, though, she’s seen a change, citing a client who had just returned from a trip to Tulum on the Yucatan peninsula. “They’d never been to Mexico,” said O’Keefe, “and they were intimidated by people who said, ‘Don’t go, it’s dangerous.’”
Their impression?
“They had no problems, they had a ball and they said they’d go again,” said O’Keefe. “They came back wondering what everybody was talking about.”
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