"If, again, you wander"-The Travel Thread

[Ahura Mazda]

Good for you Tzarinna, if you ever decide to head to my part of the world just send me word if you need any advice.

Storm, with regard marrakesh, if you give me an idea of budget I can give you an idea of options. There is the epitomy of luxury or advantage of low cost depending where you stay.

 

[tzarinna]

At least you're not letting it hold you back . Thats probably way I haven't travelled alone, I look younger than I am so that would just bring a load of questions!

Same here. I've been asked for two forms of ID for a drink in my own hometown. I was sitting at a bar in the airport and the b1tch behind the bar felt the need to tell me it was such.

 

[Ahura Mazda]

Same here. I've been asked for two forms of ID for a drink in my own hometown. I was sitting at a bar in the airport and the b1tch behind the bar felt the need to tell me it was such.

Take it as a complement

 

[The Storm]

I'm in the low/ish budget range, I found a airline with reasonably priced flights. We'll probably settle for a low cost hotel close to the heart of Marrakesh.

 

[tzarinna]

Danke,Ahura Mazda.

 

[The Storm]

Same here. I've been asked for two forms of ID for a drink in my own hometown. I was sitting at a bar in the airport and the b1tch behind the bar felt the need to tell me it was such.

I've never bought a lottery ticket or cigarettes for this very reason. When I'm out clubbing my ID is in my hand before the bouncers can ask for it! Abroad they are more laid back, they either don't ask or don't have a bouncer. My vice is that my friends look their age.

 

[Ahura Mazda]

I'm in the low/ish budget range, I found a airline with reasonably priced flights. We'll probably settle for a low cost hotel close to the heart of Marrakesh.

It all depends on what time of year you plan to go. Summer is when it is cheapest but also hottest.

The Sofitel and Mammounia are good hotels and you can get good rates.

Be careful of what you choose and make it something you are sure to enjoy.

 

[tzarinna]

Tips for the Nervous Flier

We've all seen the cheery statistics that insist we're far more likely to be attacked by killer bees in our own bathrooms than be involved in an airplane accident. But those figures somehow don't soothe the jangled nerves and sour stomach that accompany many of us to the airport. If you're a nervous flier, these tips may help.


Know Your Fear: As soon as the airplane doors close, nervous fliers start noticing things -- and every single sound and sensation is often built up into an irrefutable sign of an impending disaster. Classes for people who hate to fly, like the ones offered by Flying Without Fear or Soar, focus on getting you familiar with the normal happenings in-flight. Understanding how planes are engineered and how pilots and aviation systems work is calming. The courses also teach coping techniques to use when you start feeling stressed.

Potholes in the Sky: The tiniest bit of turbulence can send a semi-calm nervous flier into absolute hysterics. It's hard not to believe that an airplane that's suddenly morphed into an amusement park ride isn't going to plummet to the earth at any second. But turbulence really isn't going to break the plane or fling it from the sky. Keep your seat belt snugly fastened when you're seated so you don't get bounced around too badly during sudden, strong turbulence. If you do experience choppy conditions, breathe deep and think of the turbulence as potholes in the road. You don't assume your life is in imminent danger when you're driving along on a bumpy road, do you?

Barf Bag Routes: Turbulence can happen on any flight, but is most likely to occur when flying over certain locations due to atmospheric conditions. In the U.S., you may have a rough ride if you're flying over or near the Rocky Mountains, or over or during takeoff or descent into desert cities like Las Vegas. Arrival and departure at airports situated near mountains (Reno and Denver, for instance), can also produce an interesting ride. Flights to Hawaii can be a bit rough as you near the Islands during the winter months, and inter-island short flights anywhere can get bouncy. Elsewhere: flights over or near the Bay of Bengal, near and over Japan, near the equator in the Pacific, and the flight from Los Angeles to Sydney are all known for roller coaster moments.

Smooth Rides: In general, early morning or late-night flights are smoothest (less low-level hot air meeting the chilly upper atmosphere air). Larger planes handle the sensations of turbulence better than smaller ones, and larger planes also often fly at higher altitudes where they are less likely to hit turbulence. Seats towards the front of the plane will deliver a less bumpy ride than those towards the back. Seats at the rear of the airplane and over the wings tend to be noisier as well, which may disturb nervous fliers. So if you need to fly one of the typically rougher routes, or if you just want the least bumps for your buck, book an early or late flight, and remember to choose a seat towards the front of the plane.

Avoid Self-Created Insanity: Some nervous fliers so dread the whole idea of flying that they avoid packing their suitcases until the last minute and leave for the airport as late as they can. These delaying tactics may take your mind off your fear of flying, but in the long run manufacturing things to be anxious about just makes you more jittery and produces adrenalin that further feeds your fear. It's far better to get to the airport early and find something to distract yourself with there than to rush around like a lunatic at the last minute.

Boggle your Brain: Include some amusements in your carry on bag that entertain the parts of your brain that are most likely to start manufacturing disaster scenarios if left to its own devices. Crossword puzzles, magazines with lots of photos, a book with good plot twists and plenty of characters will occupy the creative/worrywart segment of your brain better than a newspaper. If you need to work, visual activities like making PowerPoint presentations are more calming than reviewing paperwork (the latter doesn't engage the more imaginative part of your brain). Try to save the less-scintillating work for your hotel room.

Treat Yourself Kindly: Sometimes having something to look forward to in the near future can help get you through a flight. Consider mailing the makings of a nice relaxing bubble bath to your hotel (since you still can't carry on a decent amount of liquids at the moment), or plan a wonderful soon-after-arrival activity. When you start to get nervous, take a few deep breaths and think about the joys that are waiting for you at your destination.

---Michelle Delio

 

[tzarinna]

I went to NYC last weekend and stayed in a really crappy hostel.
Lessoned learned: read comments left by other travelers and don't want until the last minute to make accommodations. Avoid the Times Square Hostel.


Planning a trip to Prague and found a really cool apartment to rent. This time I did read reviews. The guy will pick me up at the airport.

 

[tzarinna]

Okay,I'm feeling super indulgent but I haven't been able to get my lap top on line to post pictures or videos.
It was slow going but now that I've gotten the hang of the city I'm a little more relax. The manager of the apartment I'm renting told me of a good dance club that I'll scout out during the day before going friday night. I can't wait.

 

[Victarion]

I'm heading to a beautiful spot in PCB, Florida for my first actual dive. God, i'm stoked-my dad's been diving for a while and always brings back beautiful pictures of the undersea life. Can't wait to see it all for myself! .

 

[jaguarr]

Heading for Vegas in June for a few days of debauchery.

jag

 

[tzarinna]

Okay,I've finally started a trip report here.

I don't know what's going on with photobucket,it's taken forever to load just three ****ing pictures.

 

[Honey Vibe]

I miss Cameroon so much.
I'm thinking about joining Peace Corps just to get over there free, and building my house and just staying and getting situated. I feel like... like I just want to go home, so bad.

 

[tzarinna]

I'm heading to a beautiful spot in PCB, Florida for my first actual dive. God, i'm stoked-my dad's been diving for a while and always brings back beautiful pictures of the undersea life. Can't wait to see it all for myself! .

I hope you share your photos with us. That sounds like fun.

Heading for Vegas in June for a few days of debauchery.



jag

We'll miss you while you're gone.

I miss Cameroon so much.
I'm thinking about joining Peace Corps just to get over there free, and building my house and just staying and getting situated. I feel like... like I just want to go home, so bad.

I didn't know you were from Cameroon. How long have you been away from home? I've thought about joining the Peace Corps,that's when you know you really need to get away.

 

[tzarinna]

Some pictures of my holiday.

and a direct link to my report.

 

[tzarinna]

10 Tips for Stress-Free Summer Flying

6.20.07

Start your flight at home. Check in online and get your boarding pass before you leave your living room. In addition to saving you time at check-in, many airlines, such as Continental, release premium seats (such as exit and bulkhead rows) 24 hours before a flight -- check in early and you'll have a good chance of snagging the golden extra legroom seat.

Use the check-in kiosk. When you arrive at the airport, skip the long lines waiting for regular check-in. Don't be afraid of this self-service option, where it's available -- all you need to do is swipe a credit card (or your frequent-flyer card) to access your account, and you'll be on your way.

Put your suitcase on a diet. Know your air carrier's baggage weight allowances. With fuel costs skyrocketing, airlines are really cracking down on suitcase weight restrictions. Often you'll be better off packing two lightweight bags than stuffing one big suitcase past the maximum weight.

Be prepared for runway delays. Busy routes and congested airports often equal long waits on the tarmac before your flight can take off. Since you won't be able to use electronics until you're airbound, be sure to bring some old-fashioned entertainment, such as books, magazines, crossword puzzles -- anything that doesn't require a battery. And be sure to bring a snack, as you might end up missing more than one meal in transit. Bagels, apples and oranges are usually sold at the airport, or bring some carrot sticks from home.

Keep your phone close at hand. Even if you're headed on a vacation where you won't be using your cell phone, it's imperative that you fully charge it before you leave and then keep it with you on the plane. We hope it doesn't happen to you, but if your jet gets stranded on the runway for hours, you'll want access to your phone (and if it's in the overhead compartment, and the seatbelt sign is still on, don't count on flight attendants letting you get up from your seat to get it).

Dress for success. Leave your studded jeans, oversize jewelry, loose change, and hard-to-put-on-and-take-off shoes at home or in your suitcase. Already long lines for security are getting longer because people remain blissfully unaware of everything that must be removed before you pass through security. Try to avoid wearing anything that delays your progress.

Carry-on comfort. Pack earplugs (or headphones) to cut out the chatter next to you or the banter behind you. Eye masks are essential to catch some ZZZs (and are a great deterrent to pesky seatmates). Neck pillows and light blankets can make you feel like you're snug in bed (or at least not jammed in steerage with your neighbors).

Kid friendly. Bring lots of wet naps or wipes. Use them for sticky hands and messy faces and to wipe down icky airplane trays as well as dirty seat arms. Pack zip lock bags. They're great for drippy sippy cups, boxless crayons, snack remains, and any small toys you need to corral. Also, be sure to bring entertainment backup in case your portable DVD player runs out of juice.

Use common sense. the restroom before you board the plane, get on the plane when your row is called, listen to the flight attendants when they ask you to take your seat, have your drink order ready when the cart comes around, and offer exact change for items you buy on the plane. All of these small niceties add up to a much more pleasant flying experience, not just for you, but for everyone else as well.

Finally, do your homework. Last but not least, don't forget to check with travel.state.gov about the latest travel document requirements. See the Fodors.com travel wire for the latest update.

 

[tzarinna]

Anyone been to Quebec City?
I'm thinking about a weekend trip.

 

[tzarinna]

I miss Prague.

10 Things Travel Agents Can't Believe You Don't Know About Holiday Travel

Seems appropriate.

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

With regard Hotels, my favourite is the Pierre. thier Junior Suites/Corner rooms are fabulous with amazing views.

The Waldorf Astoria is a bit run down.

The Palace hotel was great as well.

And if you like smaller hotels, the Plaza Athennee is an option. W is also not bad for a younger crowd.


For Paris, any of the top hotels will do. Just depends on what location you want. I do not know them very well, though as I had my own flat in Paris.

Just saw this.

For Paris, (if I actually HAVE to go there, as much as I hate the place), Hotel de Crillon is where I'd go.