Travel Responsibly

coastal rocks2A few years ago one of the leading beer companies used the slogan “drink responsibly” to promote responsible drinking. It was designed to save lives and remind people not to drink and drive. Hearing the slogan recently reminded me that it’s a good idea to encourage travelers to travel responsibly. Here are some of the ways that we can do that:

LEARN SOME OF THE LANGUAGE – Knowing as much of the language of the country you’ll be visiting can make the trip a lot easier. Communicating with the locals is one of the joys of traveling. You can get great info from chatting with shopkeepers and vendors in markets. Cab drivers always have a wealth of information to share – but only if you can understand them. Even if you only know a few words, people are always happy that you tried. Since I can speak some Spanish, I struck up a conversation with a shopkeeper in Vigo, Spain. OK, I’ll be honest – I can only speak a “teaspoonful” of Spanish. So when she began to answer me, I realized just how little I really knew. I was translating madly and conjugating verbs in my head, as I realized that I only understood every other word….sbut she was so friendly that I enjoyed our conversation.

FAMILIARZE YOURSELF WITH THE CUSTOMS – It is very important to know the “do’s” and “don’ts” of the country you’ll be visiting. Whether it is tipping, or hand gestures or dress code, it is important to know and abide by what is acceptable. When I was in the United Arab Emirates last October the temperature reached at least 99 degrees farenheit every day. Definitely shorts & t-shirt weather, if I were at home in California. But showing skin would definitely not have been acceptable. Make sure you know what is considered acceptable behavior. Loud shouting may be acceptable at a soccer match, but in a cathedral, not so much. So do your homework and keep an open mind. After all, traveling is all about new experiences. If you have problems with being flexible, perhaps international travel is not for you. As James Michener said, “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home”.

ac at eiffel towerPHOTO ETIQUETTE – Whether you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Taj Mahal or any iconic sight, there will probably be hundreds – if not thousands – of other people who also want to take a photo or selfie in front of the monument. So please make it quick. Have your camera ready, take the shot and move out of the way so that other people can do the same thing.

Suricata, small carnivorous mammals, a pair of observers around the hole in the zoo.

RESPECT THE ANIMALS – Animals around the world are hurt, and even killed when careless tourists insist on taking pictures with them and end up putting them at risk. A few weeks ago in Argentina a couple pulled a small dolphin up onto the beach to take a photo with it. Soon after others crowded around to do the same thing. The dolphin eventually died of dehydration. At the Unnan Animal Park in China 2 peacocks died after tourists picked them up to take photos. So no matter how cute or cuddly an animal is, take pictures….from a safe distance.

jamaica greeneryRESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT – As citizens of this planet, it’s up to everyone to work together to safeguard its plants, animals and natural systems. So we need to keep that in mind when we travel. We need to dispose of waste responsibly. For example, when cruising on the high seas it can be tempting to throw a little trash overboard – don’t do it. When traipsing through the rain forest you may be tempted to pick a leaf or blossom – don’t do it. When visiting the Parthenon you may be tempted to pick up a small rock or stone – don’t do it.

A trip can be a life-changing experience, but it is important to prepare, and expect the unexpected. Every trip can be a great adventure if you’re prepared to take it in….responsibly.

 

A Day in the City by the Bay

Travel has always been my passion. So I live in a constant state of packing and unpacking, relishing my last trip while planning the next trip. When I mention that I have been to more than 22 countries and many of the world’s most-visited cities, people always ask what my favorite city is. I have never been able to answer that question, because there is so much to love in each city that I’ve visited. Munching warm croissants in Paris, people watching in Plaza Catalunya in Barcelona, watching the sun melt into the caldera in Santorini, watching the Changing of the Guard in London, sailing into Oslo at sunrise….the list is endless. However, one city that is always on my short list of favorites is San Francisco. Since I grew up in the Bay Area and have lived here most of my life, I have the opportunity to visit the City by the Bay very often. Although I’ve been there hundreds of times, I am still discovering new experiences and hidden jewels. At only 46.9 square miles, it is not one of the world’s largest cities. But it is certainly one of the most exciting and diverse. There is always something new and exciting to see and do. 8 hours isn’t nearly enough time to experience this vibrant city, but here are a few of the activities it has to offer:

gg bridgeGolden Gate Bridge is one of the world’s most iconic structures. Well-known by its orange color and majestic structure, it spans the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco to the Marin Headlands. It is beautiful to drive across and is accessible to pedestrians and bicycles during daylight hours. There are viewing areas on both sides of the bridge that serve as great places to take photos or just enjoy that gorgeous bay.

crabs 2

Fisherman’s Wharf is always a fun place to spend an afternoon. It lines the bay and offers world-class hotels, restaurants and family-friendly attractions. It is best known for its seafood. The air is permeated with the aroma of just-caught crab boiling in the pots along the sidewalk. Whether you enjoy fine dining or just a snack from a sidewalk stand, it is the place to enjoy some of the best seafood in the world. The fish & chips is the best I’ve ever tasted. There are always lots of street performers who provide great free entertainment.

Union Square is a good place to begin a day in the City. Since it is centrally located, it provides easy access to public transportation by bus; streetcar and no visit would be complete without hopping onto a Cable Car. Union Square is a plaza where it’s easy to sit and do some people watching. Since tourists visit the city from all over the world, I’ve often heard 5 or 6 different languages in just a few minutes. It is also the city’s top spot for shopping since the square is surrounded by large department stores like Barneys New York, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. There is also an extensive selection of top designer shops like Tiffany & Co, Carolina Herrera, Chanel and Christian Louboutin.

ac & cat

Hangin’ in the Haight is always a good way to spend a few hours. Known for it’s history as the home of the 60s hippie movement, it is still one of the coolest areas of the city. I love wandering in and out of the trendy boutiques and vintage clothing stores. It also has some really great restaurants like Indian Oven and Memphis Minnie’s. I always make a stop at Three Twins shop for some of their delicious organic ice cream.

Dining is one of my favorite things to do in San Francisco. With its hundreds of restaurants and every cuisine imaginable, it is truly a foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for a celebrity-chef owned restaurant or just a food truck, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Here are a few of my favorites. I recommend Alioto’s for exceptional seafood and a fine dining experience. I like chef Hubert Keller’s Burger Bar when I’m in the mood for a good burger and great beer. For some down-home cooking I like Brenda’s French Soul Food. Her crispy fried chicken and fluffy biscuits are simply the best. My husband and I discovered Café Mason by chance and were very pleased with its homey atmosphere, large portions and delicious food – especially the chicken picatta. When we’re in the mood for Italian food we head to North Beach, where there are dozens of choices. We’ve tried several and have never been disappointed. The area is a little “touristy”, so when we want something a little quieter we head to the Nob Hill Café for its intimate atmosphere and delicious Italian food.

indian oven feastGolden Gate Park is a large urban park that offers beautiful green space and a variety of activities. It is often the site of music concerts during the spring and summer months. It is also home to the De Young Museum that features American Art, Modern Art, and special alternating exhibitions. Beauty abounds in the park and you can visit the Japanese Tea Garden, The Conservatory of Flowers, and a botanical garden. There are also several beautiful lakes throughout the park. It is like getting out of the city without actually leaving the city limits.

cable carSan Francisco is a surprisingly “walkable” city. Since it is so compact it is easy to stroll from one area to another. But remember, it’s also a very hilly city, so sometimes a stroll can turn into a steep climb. But it is a great city to explore on foot. One evening my husband and I decided to stroll to a new restaurant in the North Beach area. We started at the top of Nob Hill with its luxury and opulence went through the vibrant Union Square, then through the Chinatown Gate where we were met with the kaleidoscope of activity and exotic atmosphere of Chinatown. From there it wasn’t long before we were in North Beach strolling down Columbus Avenue past all of those wonderful Italian restaurants. It felt as if we’d been on a short international trip.

San Francisco is an international city with a patchwork of cultures and a vibrant energy all its own.

 

 

 

 

Sailing Takes me Away

allure of the seas“Sailing takes me away
To where I’ve always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free”

These lyrics are from the song “Sailing” by Christopher Cross. When he wrote it back in 1980, I don’t know if he was referring to cruising as we know it, but it serves as a nice cruise reference. Cruising happens to be one of our favorite ways to travel. We started in 1988 and since then have taken 18 cruises in locations all over the world. The cruise industry has evolved quite a bit since then, but it still remains one of the best values for the vacation dollar.

Aerial Oasis of the Seas - At Sea off Miami shoreline Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International
Aerial Oasis of the Seas – At Sea off Miami shoreline
Oasis of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International

Here are some of the benefits:

Cruising is a great way to enjoy several destinations in one trip. For example, on Mediterranean cruises we’ve visited Venice, Dubrovnik, Naples, Florence, Athens, Santorini, Monte Carlo and Barcelona. We were in each city 1-2 days, so it was a good way to get introduced to those cities and decide if we’d like to go back and spend more time there. If we had booked flights to each of those cities the trip would have been REALLY expensive.

Cruising is great for family/multi-generational travel. There are activities onboard for every age group – from infants to toddlers, to children, teens, adults and senior citizens – everyone can find something that interests them.

Cruising is great for group travel. There are even themed cruises that are targeted to specific affinity groups: jazz cruises, blues cruises, crafting cruises, singles cruises, adventure cruises, Disney cruises…. the list goes on and on. So chances are there’s a cruise that caters to your interests….whatever they may be.

allure promenade view“It’s not far back to sanity
At least it’s not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find serenity”

This verse from Christopher Cross’ song speaks directly to one of the best benefits that cruising has to offer….relaxation. The sea rocks you gently to sleep each night. And there is nothing quite as peaceful as sitting on your balcony watching the waves gently roll by. A cruise is a great place to refresh and renew.

Cruise ships offer a variety of dining options. The main dining room offers a fine dining experience every day. But there are also buffets for those who prefer a more casual atmosphere. And there are many other options like burger spots, pizza parlors and so much more. Of course there’s always 24-hour room service available, so you can just pick up the phone and order whatever you like. The price of unlimited food is always included in the cruise fare. Many ships offer specialty-dining venues where, for a small cover charge you can enjoy an exceptionally fine dining experience with impeccable service. I’ll admit, I was doubtful that the specialty restaurants could be better than the main dining room….until our last transatlantic cruise when we decided to try it. It was FABULOUS!

lamb shank

Cruises offer so much for one price. Unlimited food, excellent stage shows and Broadway caliber, entertainment, nightclubs, state-of-the-art gym facilities, designer shopping, duty-free shopping, beautiful swimming pools and Jacuzzis, housekeeping services from your stateroom attendant who will clean your cabin 2-3 times each day and turn down your bed every night.

Is cruising right for everyone? Of course not. There is no one travel style that fits everybody – but cruising covers quite a few of the bases that make a vacation enjoyable. However, it’s important to remember that all cruises are not created equal. It is important to choose a cruise that fits you and will deliver what you want from your vacation. So here are a few tips:

  • Consult a travel professional who is familiar with cruising and can help you plan your cruise vacation.
  • Choose the right cruise style. There are huge ships that can carry in excess of 5000 passengers, and very small ships that only carry a few hundred people. There are ocean-going ships that sail on the open seas and there are river cruises that only sail up and down rivers. There are smaller vessels that do adventure cruises down the Amazon or to the Galapagos Islands. There are cruise lines that cater to young people and others who cater to an older crowd. There are Disney cruises So it is very important to choose the ship that fits you best. Choosing the right ship can make or break your cruise experience.

lees on dockk2

  • Cruise at the right time of year. Be sure to research weather patterns in the region that you plan to cruise. For example, hurricane season can hit the Caribbean anytime between July and September. The Alaska cruise season goes from May through September.
  • Choose the right cruise length. There are cruises as short as 3-4 days. FYI, the cruise lines tend to use their older ships for the short cruises, so they can be more worn and not have all of the modern amenities of the newer ships. But they are a great choice for a long weekend or an introduction to cruising. On the other end of the spectrum there are also world cruises that last from 89-132 days and visit some of the world’s most iconic destinations.

I have logged quite a few travel miles during the last 30 years, and I’ve traveled by land, by sea, by air and by car. But cruising is still my favorite way to go……sailing takes me away.
ac balcony silouhnette