Are you a frequent rental car user? Do you do your research BEFORE booking a vehicle? Or do you just book the first car you see on the first website you search.
What a costly mistake! You could be throwing away hundreds of dollars.
Read on. . .
Archive for March, 2008
Renting a car? Why are you paying full price when all you need is a code?
Monday, March 24th, 2008How a Tilley Hat Nearly Caused my Husband’s Death!
Sunday, March 16th, 2008
Nothing proclaims, “This person is an adventurer” like a Tilley hat. It’s true; look at a group of tourists – the ones in the khaki Tilley hats don’t look so touristy – they look more serious, more experienced, more like seasoned travelers.
Yes, it’s all good when you wear a Tilley hat unless, of course, you (like my husband and world travel companion) refuse to wear the hat’s chin strap. That decision, or lack thereof, can get you into a lot of trouble.
Read on. . .
Dunedin, New Zealand: Cheese, Churches and Beer!
Sunday, March 16th, 2008
I was feeling a tad envious as I watched other passengers board the charming Taieri Gorge vintage train. They didn’t even have to drive into Dunedin because the train pulled up alongside our Celebrity ship.
However, had I known how wonderful a day in Dunedin, New Zealand was going to be, I would have merrily waved them on their way, without a second thought.
I found out later those folks didn’t get much of a chance to explore Dunedin (Celtic for Edinburgh) and that would have meant missing so much.
Read on . . . (more…)
All-inclusive Vacation Resorts: Luxurious Getaways or Velvet Prisons?
Saturday, March 15th, 2008
If you are pining for a well-deserved vacation, an escape from the drone of the business world, you might be tempted by an “all-inclusive” vacation. But think very carefully before you don that thong bikini or those Speedo trunks. All-inclusive vacations are not for everyone.
Read on . . .
Whitewater Rafting: Water Torture or Death by Extreme Fun?
Saturday, March 15th, 2008
The wall of icy water hit me so hard that I sat unable to take my next breath – for over a minute – I’m sure of it. I am also sure our whitewater rafting guide had it in for me.
I could see it in his eyes, from the moment he handed me that ridiculously small wetsuit. I mean, who in their right mind expects any self-respecting woman to don one of those things; it outlines your fat, for heavens’ sakes.
But wear it I did, and what’s more I got back at our nasty guide.
Read on . . .
Rule of Thirds: Be sure to BREAK this photography rule AFTER you learn it!
Friday, March 14th, 2008Would you like to improve your photography? In a split second? Then try “splitting” your frame. Into thirds. It’s a tried-and-true photographic compositional technique called the “Rule of Thirds.”
Once you’ve learned the rule, you should break it. But only with intent.
Read on . . .
Computer file or photo gone? Don’t panic, it might only be misplaced!
Friday, March 14th, 2008
A tidal wave of sweat surged across my body, and my stomach rocked with nausea. The writing file I had requested was not to be found. An error message about incorrect paths was the “helpful” information appearing on my laptop’s screen. Had I accidentally erased my entire writing file? My mind spun as I comprehended the enormity of my situation, and the potential data loss. Helplessly, I wrung my hands in despair.
I took a deep breath, gave my head a shake, and forced my heart to quell its tap-dance against my chest wall. Then, I took the steps needed to solve my problem.
Has this happened to you? Have you gone in search of a necessary file only to have your computer spew out a heart-stopping message that your document cannot be found? If so, there is good news: The problem may be very simple, and even simpler to fix.
Read on . . .
Hana, Maui, Hawaii: Dramamine and Orchids – the Perfect Pair!
Wednesday, March 12th, 2008
The road to Hana may be a cruel drive for those who suffer from motion sickness, but for orchid lovers, it might be the pathway to Nirvana.
Driving the road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii is a trip that can’t be committed to lightly. Replete with narrow roads and endless curves, driving to Hana is not for the squeamish.
But it is the way for orchid lovers to reach one of the prettiest places on Maui. You might even see Oprah Winfrey’s land.
Read on . . .
Florence, Italy: A shocking encounter behind Dante’s house!
Wednesday, March 12th, 2008
Favorite travel destinations? The question is hard to answer because there are so many. But if I am asked what some of my favorite foreign cities are, the question is more easily answered.
In the number one position is the ancient city of Florence, Italy.
It’s in Florence that I had my best cappuccino, at a sidewalk café; it was so artfully decorated with the image of a fern leaf designed with coffee in the milky foam. Florence is also the city that introduced me to one of the most surprising street performers I have ever encountered.
Read on . . .
New York’s Renaissance Faire: Escapism at its best!
Monday, March 10th, 2008
If you desperately need an escape from reality, and you will be traveling in the vicinity of New York City, then a visit to the New York Renaissance Faire could be the perfect fantasy tonic for you.
Located in Sterling Forest, Tuxedo (about an hour’s drive out of New York City), the Faire is one of those tourist-type memories that only get rosier with time.
Don’t think the fantasy aspect of the Faire is childish; it is not. This is adult entertainment, but kids will have a blast, too.
Read on . . .
