I just encountered some information even I did not know—when US citizens return home from overseas, TSA is entitled to seize our laptops and KEEP THEM FOR MONTHS if we present suspicious aspects. Please see:http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/08/new-dhs-laptop-search-policy-crap-sandwich-fancier-bread.ars
If you think this is not something to worry about, may I remind you that TSA recently detained a former president of India?
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
This week London got all dressed to celebrate the summer and the famous horse races at Ascot with Her Majesty the Queen. At It’s Your London they are celebrating the launch of something new for visitors to London with the start of their customised tours.
It’s Your London is a new tailor made service for visitors to London. The service is aimed at visitors who want their planning headaches taken care of, the first timers to London, the lucky ones on a very special occasion treat, those on business and their spouses, and visitors who just don’t have the time to sort it all out.
It’s Your London will design the perfect trip to London and make sure it really fits each person’s requirements. They can do the big sights, put together a unique programme or get you to the quirky one-off sights. It’s whatever you want. As the company strapline says - your visit, your interests, your London.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Aficionados of Scottish Whisky can spend their days visiting and touring several of Scotland’s most popular distilleries and themed events while enjoying their evenings (and off days) at one of Connoisseurs Scotland’s 23 distinctive upscale hotel properties. Three of Scotland’s most popular distillery attractions are conveniently located near one or more Connoisseur Scotland property, offering their own reasons to visit:• The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is located close to the Malt Whisky Trail — a 68-mile route through the picturesque glens of Speyside, connecting several of the country’s finest distilleries. The five-star country hotel is offering a “Partner Stay Free” package, allowing a second guest to stay for free when a single rate Executive or Deluxe room is booked Monday-Thursday; the offer includes a full Scottish breakfast and runs through the year. Amenities include world class salmon fishing, championship golf, nearby historic castles, chefs specializing in the best of Grampian produce and a selection of more than 400 wines and 100 malt whiskies.
• “Whisky Live” is a world-wide celebration taking place in cities from Glasgow to Tokyo, bringing together hundreds of different whiskies for tasting by both industry professionals and novices. Hotel du Vin (at One Devonshire Gardens) is the perfect host for those partaking, conveniently located in the fashionable West End of Glasgow. The boutique hotel has walled-in gardens, impeccable service and a new bistro and bar and is offering a free half or whole bottle of Macallan to those booking Standard/Club or Superior rooms, respectively, and a complimentary in-house whisky tasting to those booking suites.
• The Glasshouse, Edinburgh’s five-star boutique hotel - voted by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 50 hottest hotels - is ideal for those wishing to visit the popular Glenkinchie — the 19th-century distillery known for its highly regarded single malt whisky. The Glasshouse is currently offering three nights for the price of two, with regular prices starting at £185 ($250) per room per night. Built behind the facade of the 150-year-old Lady Glenorchy church, the hotel features a two-acre, lilac-scented roof garden, in-room massages and an impressive whisky selection. The special three-night offer, valid through July, includes full Scottish breakfast for two, a luxury fruit plate, noon checkout and VAT.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
A great guide can make a successful trip just as quickly as an average or sub-par guide can ruin one, says Dan Austin, co-founder and Director of Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA), a leading active tour company based in Billings, Montana.
With over 20 years in the business, Austin knows what he’s talking about. ALA was honored this year by the editors of National Geographic Adventure Magazine with its highest accolade as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.”
Here are the top traits ALA looks for in selecting guides:
1. Focused with laser-like precision on making sure that guests feel like a V.I.P.
2. Naturally intuitive and has the innate ability to foretell what a guest is thinking or wanting.
3. Spontaneous and can seamlessly deal with the unexpected, both pleasant and potentially disastrous. This means having a Plan B ready in case of such things as sudden weather changes, lodging snafus and road delays.
4. Passionate and eager to share his / her knowledge about an unfamiliar destination.
5. Multi-tasks, switching from chauffeur, coach, and doctor, to teacher, culinary wizard, athlete, mechanic, social worker and psychologist, all in a heartbeat..
6. Has sense of humor and can loosen everyone up to break out of their shell, helping to create strong bonds between absolute strangers.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
A few years back, my sister and I enjoyed an idyllic respite at Rio Caliente Hot Springs Spa Resort near Guadalajara. You can read about it here. Having lived in Mexico on-and-of for the past decade, I adore the place. So, my heart ached today when I read this newsletter (see below) from Rio Caliente owner, Caroline Durston. I hope you’ll read it with an open mind and share it with a generous heart.
Vaya con Diós,
Ellen
Reflection of Different Times
Our longstanding friends and guests will recognise that this newsletter is a bit different than the ones we usually send you - a reflection of how different and challenging things are these days.
We all have been affected in some way by the economic downturn. Then in early April there was widespread media coverage of drug wars at the US/Mexico border. And since April 23, you’ve all been hearing the swine flu stories.
Like the drug war coverage, it is now being reported that there was an overreaction to the swine flu which may be no more severe than seasonal influenza. The Economist reported on May 4 that “the overreaction extends to an unfair vilification of Mexico, which in fact has handled this outbreak in a laudably transparent and competent manner.” The impact of this overreaction may cost the Mexican economy something like $5 billion.
We know there certainly has been an impact on Rio Caliente. We’ve experienced unprecedented numbers of cancellations and the lowest occupancy levels we’ve ever had at this time of year, creating uncertainty and stress for our Mexican staff. The guests who are here, however, have been enjoying absolute peace and tranquility and a research biologist from California told us in early May that she couldn’t think of a safer place to be at this time.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Win the vacation of a life time. A crewed-yacht charter from the Moorings and 4 round trip tickets to the British Virgin Islands.
Click here to learn more.
Source: Caribbean Travel + Life
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".