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Do not read newspapers
Returned home today to The New York Times on my doorstep. Having read half of the first section, I decided not to go to Asia, Mexico, Turkey or even to leave my apartment as there was a gas explosion in Manhattan. Then on line, I read the headline about London airport being closed due to fog; yikes.
Why do we allow print and other media to destroy our sense of adventure?
My belief is we are basically a skittish lot and any hint of trouble or misunderstanding is enough to keep us home. …
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Hotel Bars and Do Not's for Women Travelers
After a long day working, don’t you wish the hotel bar were less intimidating and less noisy? Tips to find the right hotel with the right amenities for women:
Living Lobbies: these are lobbies that incorporate the bar into a larger living space. So you can sit away privately from the bar and have your glass of wine.
Magazine and newspaper racks: these say, come relax and read without being bothered.
Armchairs in bar areas: armchairs let you sit alone and enjoy your drink; they insinuate you wish to be left alone.… -
'Do Not Eats' on First Day of Trips
If you do not eat these food items on your first day of an overseas trip, you will feel and look better: the photo here is from our healthy Mexican Party at Ixtapan Spa in February 2014.
1- Too many salty pretzels or other salty snacks. These can include hidden salt as in dried meats, ham, salamis as on our trip to Sicily.
2- Too much oil of any kind: hidden in roasted veggies, salads, on bread or drizzled on other dishes as hummus or on steak in our Argentina trip.… -
Comments about Women Travelers from the "Experts"???
Just back from speaking at The Times Travel Show where we had a chance to chat with many of you.
We thought you might want to hear these comments. Here are some of the outrageous misconceptions about women’s travel I heard during the panel discussions. It is 2014 folks!
One operator said they see a large increase in women booking their luxury package tours. This was evidenced in more requests for triples and quad rooms. What woman pays for a luxury tour and then asks for a quad room?…
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Tips to Recover from a Spa Vacation
Clean out the fridge except for your must have delights.
Try on clothes and feel good about how they fit.
Exercise even if you are still unpacking.
Take a long walk and do errands ambulatorially. If that is a word.
Buy cut up fruit and veggies today!If you need to choose between organizing photos and something active. Do the active bit.
Join us to Canyon Ranch for a deal price May 1-4/5 or wait till next year and Ixtapan Spa Feb.… -
The Pre-Trip 3 Day Guide
1. Re-read all the documents that came with your trip package and put them in carry on bags. Same with your insurance policy and keep the travel insurance company number handy. You might need to call them from the airport if your flight is cancelled. Solo travelers especially be diligent.
2. Check weather again in both destination and any stopover airport.
3. Re-scan the seating chart of your flight to see if a better seat turned up.
4. Starting at your head, going down to your toes, think through what you packed and what you have forgotten.…
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Travel Don'ts with Special Needs
Today I had a nice call from a woman who is planning on going to Morocco with us for Thanksgiving. She studied the itinerary and asked if she could sit in front of the bus for the one longer drive over the Atlas Mts. The answer was of course, yes.
Here are typical and atypical special needs we have been asked before:
1. Car sickness, yes sit in front.
2. Hearing impaired, yes sit near the guide so you can hear him.…
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How to Complain about Airline Crew
As we are not allowed to carry liquids on planes we suggest you, at least bring an empty bottle. You can then be more vigilant about staying hydrated during the trip. Crew serve water/juice etc in those tiny cups and even two at a time is not enough. Drinking more for the 48 hours before your trip is also a smart idea. We have heard that some travelers have carried on frozen water as a non liquid; truly do not. Each time travelers play around with the rules, we put the airline in jeopardy of fines.…
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Do's and Don'ts for a First Spa Trip from The Women's Travel Group
* Go for at least 4 nights if you want a true perspective.
* Arrive at a reasonable hour, even if you need to leave work early.
* Meet with spa coordinators immediately and have a list of prepared questions.
* Choose a spa that fits your needs; beauty, weight loss, stress, just a getaway, exercise, nutrition etc.
* Some spas are really resorts with a few spa facilities.
* A good gauge of a spa is the number of professionals on staff.…
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A non-group with The Women's Travel Group
Sometimes we obtain specials which we like to share with you. Many women come with us for the group dynamics and group dining. But sometimes, women come for the discounted prices we offer at famous spas and fitness hotels. If you are interested in Ixtapan Spa or Canyon Ranch Health Resort, and want the special price but not the groupie business, that is fine with us.
We also offer AMA Waterways, which is valuable as we have blocks on hard to get Burma and Tulip cruises.…