Travel Tips & Adventures

Real People. Real Travel.

Whale watch redux: A great adventure

If you try something once, you’re just interested.  If you try something a second time and you still enjoy it, you know it’s a great thing.  So, I’m here to report that whale watching was even better the second time! Read the rest of this entry »

Travel Adventures: Why Watch a Whale?

Go on a whale watch and it might change you for life.  Why? Read the rest of this entry »

Geocaching adventures

One adventure that almost anyone can have anywhere in the world is “geocaching.” To the uninitiated, geocaching is using a Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate coordinates and find where someone has left a “treasure.” But, really, the fun is in the hunt. Read the rest of this entry »

10 Things We Could Use LESS of in Travel

Thinking back on 2009, a very hectic year of travel, there are a number of items that could make traveling a more pleasurable experience for everyone.  I’m sure many people could add to this list. (Feel free to write in and add your comments!)

  1. At restaurants, Read the rest of this entry »

10 Things I’d Like to See/Hear More of in Traveling

As a frequent traveler, the new year has me wishing for the following in my travels – actually, in general.

  1. Genuine courtesy.  Not forced, but real manners.
  2. Airlines that don’t charge for everything under the sun. Give me a real price.  Don’t I need to sit for the flight?  So, why do I need to pay for my seat?
  3. Equal opportunity security at all airports.  In one airport, I forgot to take out my quart-sized bag of 3 oz items.  They never stopped me. In another airport, they checked me until I was almost embarrassed.
  4. Restaurants that remember to ASK if you’d like anything else. I’m tired of them trying to turn tables when we’d really like to be asked about dessert.  Wait staff show up with the bill before asking. Wouldn’t they like to earn a bigger tip for dessert?
  5. Unscented bath items.  The floral scents are driving us nuts!  My husband would prefer not to smell like he was wearing a bad woman’s perfume.  I just can’t tolerate scents. We are trying to cut back on how much we carry (see #3, above.)
  6. Earlier check in times at hotels.  We never seem to get somewhere when it’s time to check in yet.  Just a coincidence of scheduling.  Sometimes hotels are ready and willing to have us check in, but sometimes not. Think about it – you rent a room for about 19 hours at some hotels – if check in time is 4 PM and check out time is 11 AM.  Do they really need all that time to clean a room? (Especially when maids come knocking on your door trying to get in early!)
  7. People turning off their cell phones when they are in theaters, meetings and gatherings.  Do they really want us to hear about all of their issues and dirty details of their life, love and hygiene?
  8. Lighting that actually lights a room.  I actually like to see to get around.  With the new LCD lights that use less wattage, that shouldn’t be such a big deal or cost to hotels.
  9. “You’re welcome” instead of service and other people saying, “No problem.”  I didn’t expect that what I’ve requested or paid for is a PROBLEM.  If I did you a favor – changed seats, offered a courtesy, etc. -Try the ever popular – THANK YOU!

10.  And, last but not least, remember that we are all passengers on this “Earth Ship.” – Be nice to each other and the environment.  I’m tired of people dropping their cigarettes, refuse and leftovers for me to squish with my shoes or sit in.  Yes, be nice!  A little kindness goes a long way!

What do you think, readers?  Do you have some things you’d like to see more – or less of- in your travels? Write in and I’ll post them!

Enjoy your travels – even if it means just taking an elevator with someone.  Try smiling and giving someone eye contact!  That will really shake people up!  They won’t believe you are just being friendly!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Travel to Granite Dells

Actually, the location is called Watson Lake Park just north of Prescott Arizona. Whatever it is called, I find it breathtaking. Read the rest of this entry »

Travel to Prescott Arizona Restaurants

Prescott Arizona has many restaurants.  Per capita, they’re way up there in the number of restaurants per person.  On this winter trip, we chose venues that were cozy and had comfort food. Read the rest of this entry »

Travel to Prescott Resort & Conference Center

Over the years, we’ve stayed in many hotels.  Some were great; some were lacking.  We were fortunate to stay at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center in Prescott, Arizona recently.  In almost every aspect, our stay was superior. Read the rest of this entry »

Travel to Bucky’s Casino in Prescott Arizona

This is it!  The last Wednesday of the year, and, the last of a series of articles on Arizona tribal Hotel-Casinos.

For the culmination of the last four weeks, we decided to get out of town and head for Prescott, Arizona, less than 2 1/2 hours northwest of Phoenix. Read the rest of this entry »

Holiday Travels in Prescott, Arizona

During the holidays, Prescott decorates more than most communities. Their Courthouse, the Yavapai County Courthouse, acts as the center of a giant light display. Read the rest of this entry »