New Years Eve in Knoxville

For those who can't make it to New York City in Times Square for New Years Eve with 999,999 other people and do not want to sit home with a six pack and a bag of popcorn, listening to the neighbors shoot Roman candles in the back yard, then you may want to check out the First Night festivities in and around Market Square.   First Night Knoxville 


It promises to be a cheap, family friendly event It is rumored that instead of a "Ball Drop" UT Alumni will be dropping Derek Dooley from a high place on the square.

Picking Out Your Luggage at the Airport Carousel

Have you been frustrated trying to determine which piece(s) of luggage are yours as you wait at the airport carousel after a long flight? Is your luggage black, or red, or olive drab; like my own Samsonite? Worse yet, has your luggage been picked up by someone other than you, thinking that they had their own bag?


Why not travel with some style and avoid those hassles. Diane von Furstenberg to the rescue!

Yes the 4 piece luggage shown above, in 28", 25", 21" carry-on, and 16" tote is available for  under $300.  Also available in Champagne and Khaki. Goodbye to dull Grey,Black, and Olive Drab.

Live Luggage and bags that deliver a charge

A British company has introduced the world's first power assisted luggage that senses when you are going uphill, upstairs, or over a curb. It also features an Anti-Gravity Handle that puts 85% of the bags weight on the wheels and away from your body, sparing your arms, shoulders and back.This is a sure bet for those who are not  professional athletes or body builders

How can you travel with all of you electronic devices and keep up with the various charging systems and their cord?. Simple, here is a video from a company that charges up to four of your devices from the bag itself!  Powerbag Video

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New Years Eve with 1,000,000 of your closest friends

Where will you spend the evening of Dec 31, 2011? Well you may want to check off an item on your bucket list and be on Times Square to watch the Ball Drop. So here are some tips.


You need to arrive early for good viewing, around 4pm, since 999,999 others have the same idea. Take one of the following trains to Times Square; 1,2,3,7,A,B,C.D,E,F,M,N,Q,R,S,W. Eat a big lunch and bring along plenty of  snacks like granola/energy bars, nuts, fruits,etc. Alcohol is not permitted and the police will confiscate any that they see..hello flasks!


Public restroom facilities are available at the Port Authority bus station, although they will be crowded.


The best views are along Broadway from 43rd St. to 50th St. and along Seventh Ave.  to 59th St.


The weather is unpredictable in NYC on Dec 31, so dress warm and in layers. Hats, scarves and gloves are a good idea. Backpacks are not and are not allowed. Of course you will want to record your experience so don't forget a camera or smartphone.


You will be crowded, pushed and stepped on. Bring plenty of patience and leave the brand new party shoes at home, you will be on your feet for 8 hours.


If you still want to go, but this does not sound like your cup of tea, then consider spending the evening on a ship in the harbor. They depart at 9pm arrive back at the dock at 1am. For $140 you get to see the fireworks at the Statue of Liberty, enjoy a cash bar, hors d'ouerves, and a non-stop DJ.

Happy Halloween!

Girl getting ready for Trick or Treat

Rental Car Insurance Precautions

"That scratch was there when I picked up the car"!  It's your word against theirs....unless, you pull out your smartphone and take pictures before you leave the rental car lot. This takes just a few moments and you can be on your way.


But that brings up the choices that confront you at the rental counter when the agent asks you to initial "Accept" or "Decline" the CDW.  What is that acronym? It stands for Collision/Loss Damage Waiver. It makes your life easier if your rental car is damaged, but at a price; about $20 per day!


So what can you do to save money and protect yourself?

• Use a Visa, Diners Club, or American Express Credit Card not a debit card, since debit cards do not offer any insurance.
• Be aware that coverage on the credit card is secondary to your personal auto insurance,  unless you use Diners Club where the card coverage is primary or buy primary coverage with American Express for around $25 per rental not per day.
• Use a Travel Insurance package that includes CDW at lower rates than the car rental co.

The card companies have limits on how long they will provide coverage:
Diners Club                45 days
American Express    30 days
MC,Visa, Discover   15 days


When traveling to the beautiful, but traffic accident prone island of Jamaica, note that the credit card companies do not provide insurance on your rental.

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SOC for the Holidays

I will be going out to check out the red rocks in Sedona for the holidays so I am using this service to prepare my Christmas cards now and they will be mailed first class while I relax. Check out the video. SOC for the Holidays Want to do the same?Contact me.

Solo Travel Appeals to More Travelers

Most hotels and cruises still are priced on double occupancy. However there is a growing trend that caters to those who want to travel for new experiences on their own.


Last year Norwegian Cruise Lines rolled out 128 Studio staterooms on their   Norwegian Epic .They are adding these to two other new ships being delivered in 2013 and 2014. These sell out quickly, drawing both solo travelers and friends traveling together who just want their own space. Also, many of the solo travelers are married, but have partners who do not share the same interests, so they want to travel with people who share those interests, giving them a sense of community and interaction while allowing them some private time.


Women compose about 90% of solo travelers. They are no longer hesitant to travel alone when they have the security of being in a group, particularly if the destination is challenging. The stigma of a woman traveling alone has gone the way of the white gloves that they once needed to go shopping downtown.


Now if some of the resorts and hotels can spot this trend and get on board, many more travelers can get out and enjoy new experiences.

Where are we going on vacation this time "Dear?"

Couples often have a lot in common, but not always. It is also said that opposites attract. Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus. So if yours is a relationship that requires some give and take on a vacation destination, here are some ideas on how to reach a consensus that makes you both happy...which is one of the reasons for going on vacation, right?

• Find activities you both enjoy, no matter which location. Biking, shopping, clubbing, walking etc.
• Alternate vacation types. If you enjoy a cruise and your partner enjoys the mountains, take turns on your choices.
• Make your decisions together. For instance, if you are going to the beach and your partner prefers the mountains, involve them on decisions like dinner choices, or activities to show that you are both involved.
• Enjoy yourself if you are on vacation that was not your chosen type. The whole idea is to keep an open mind and open yourself up to new experiences. Do not put a damper on the trip.
• Create a surprise for your partner. If it is your turn to pick the destination/type, then plan a surprise on the trip that really caters to the other person's interests.

U.S. Virgin Islands

It is getting cold outside and soon the winter doldroms will be with us and you, like me, may be needing a shot of sunshine. Well, I am thinking about the Caribbean again and want to go with as little hassle as possible. So I am thinking about the US Virgin Islands, specifically, St. Johns which is the greenest.


Why there? No Passport required, no currency exchange needed, and the cellphone works just like at home!


This time around, we are looking at renting a Villa and bringing along some friends for a house party 50 feet from the beach. They can be had for $3,500/week or $167 per couple per night versus one of the resorts at $509/night. The villas give more privacy and allow us to save money on some meals, by preparing them ourselves. 


This GetAway sure beats watching football at the relatives house and dreading the trip home in the snow.

Memories for a Lifetime

Reading the NY Times this weekend, I noticed that despite the negative talk about the economy, there was no shortage of advertisements for luxury goods. Designer shoes, purses dresses, jackets, suits, jewelry and watches with prices that would choke the average income earner. So my take on this is that the affluent will continue to buy luxury products even in this down economy when they perceive  lasting value.


Another trend that is related to this phenomenon is the trend in leisure travel. People are looking for travel experiences that will provide memories that will last a lifetime. The travel can be educational as well as reduce stress. They are looking for experiences that go beyond sight-seeing. They want to connect with the people and cultures around the world. Giving back to others and volunteerism travel are in vogue. Other experiences include such activities as Kayaking, Mountain bike tours, Yoga, Cooking classes, and Wine culture excursions.


Whether at hotels, resorts, or cruises, they want first class gyms,tai-chi classes, accupuncture,or aerobic instruction.


So where do these travelers find information  and make reservations for their memory-making trips? Two thirds use their computer or smartphone and do so on-line. Therefore it seems that anyone who wants to tap into this trend would be well served to make that search experience as effortless as possible,

Keeping Track of your Travel Itinerary with your smartphone

How do you keep track of your travel itinerary? Forget carrying paper printouts from different vendors with your flight bookings,
hotel reservations, rental car reservations, and dinner reservations.


Take a look at TripIt for your Blackberry, iPhone, or Android. This app will let you organize all of your tracking numbers and itinerary in one convenient place. You email whatever you have scheduled to them @tripit.com They collect it all, organize it (even when traveling with a partner or group), and send it back to you on your device.


You can then share the itinerary with family, friends meeting you, co-workers, or just about anyone.


So everything is with you, accessible and easily shared.


TripIt's base product is free and their Professional account, for frequent travelers is only $49/year.

How to avoid looking like an American Tourist

As an American in a foreign country, you do not want to be approached by every tourist trapper on the street/beach. Also, you are subject to being mugged or abducted. Here are a few tips.

1. Take your time the pace of life in many foreign countries is slower.
2. If traveling alone, buy a local paper, keep in under your arm or open and read it on a bus or train.
3. Keep the map out of sight, study it before you leave your hotel.
4. Consider buying a pair of local shoes, especially if you arrived in white tennis shoes or God forbid, Crocs.
5. Use local currency, not US dollars, or better yet any form of electronic payment to avoid fumbling through a wad of foreign currency.
6. Fanny packs are a flashing neon sign for "Ugly American."
7. For women, instead of a purse, consider a plastic bag, which is also good for maps and guide books.
8. Place your cash, credit cards, and other valuables close to your body and not all in the same place. Keep a small amount of cash in your wallet. If accosted, hand over your wallet without question or comment. Most thieves will leave quickly. Resistance just buys you trouble.
9. Do not give money to beggars and urchins. Many are run by criminals. If you want to help, ask about local charities.
10. Backpacks are a target. One person will distract you while an accomplice slices open the bottom and removes the contents.

     
Ray Wells
YourTripConsultant