That is a smart thought. Before an Olympic, cities have to pass a tight audit well in advance of their dates. The audit covers their ability to host a major event: infrastructure, transportation, hotels, security, and such.
All images Sources: Paris Tourism and VisitParis
The benefits of hosting the games are huge: employment and a gigantic boost in tourism. The city builds new arenas and cleans up older ones.Most…
Today I started packing for Europe: specifically England, Italy and Switzerland. Although packing is no big deal for me, many women asked for my ‘system’. There are no fancy gadgets, no newly acquired clothes. There is no $1,000 cashmere scarf, which travel magazine writers tout as an airplane coverup.
Here goes THE SYSTEM.
Start at the bottom of your body, literally.
Shoes: 2 pairs only, sneakers with which your feet are old friends AND one pair of light weight flats. Mine are black Allbirds.
Women choose destinations based on 2 factors: intrinsic interest and the strong effect of marketing. Movies like Eat Pray Love or a TV Series like Emily in Paris tempt us. Gorgeous Caribbean blue water ads warm our hearts. Special events, ie King Charles III coronation, gets us packing.
When some of us first traveled, this is what we did. We went to the airport in a dress, heels and stockings. Even gloves and hats.
Source: Smithsonian Museum
Our suitcase was heavy. It had no wheels so we carried it yard by yard from the street to the check in area. Our carry-on was a regular hand bag, not a backpack/no Longchamps bags.…
The Women’s Travel Group was recently asked: Can you ‘walk’ me through the airport? I have not traveled overseas in a long time. Re-entry to travel is daunting. So here is The Women’s Travel Group’s step by step airport walk through.
When you arrive at the airport, have handy your passport and booking information. The latter might be a print out of your flights? An electric pass in your phone? Or just a record locator you jotted down.
If there is a special event, restaurant or museum exhibit you wish, book it now. Europeans are raring to travel; so far a 14% increase. A Vermeer exhibit in Amsterdam was sold out months in advance. A revival of Guys and Dolls in London same situation. I am not a believer of Skip the Line tickets; seems elitist. If the ticket relates to your dreams, then go ahead.
There is a room share available on Northern Italy/ Switzerland trip in July1 Here is how to deal with a room share on a WTGroup trip. Hotels charge exorbitantly if one person is in a room. From their revenue point of view they sell ‘real estate’. One person (versus two persons) takes up the same square footage as two, uses the minibar and room service less, tips porters less and buys a one half breakfast. Thus the single supplement as high as 100%. …
When I was a banker, HR chose 5 star hotels. 5 star business hotels are not always female friendly. If in commercial neighborhoods, streets are dark at night. A majority male population might mean loud guy-friendly bars. Today with The Women’s Travel Group, we chose differently.
Who (of a certain age) does not use car services? They can be cheaper than taxis, are scheduled, and generally women feel safer. Price is known up front. Tips as well. What happens if you are overseas and need a service? Here is personal experience to date from The Women’s Travel Group.
WTG August 2022 group at Ixtapan Resort.
Uber operates in many countries. You use the same app as on a US mobile phone.For Uber and other services, follow these rules.…
