Packing and Travel Essentials – Perennial Favorites Eagle Creek products live in my closet in the form of everything from rolling luggage to handy Pak-It Cubes. My latest find is the Slim Cube Set. It is perfect for nooks and crannies in a suitcase. Another new item is the Ranger XE Waistpack 3L. It easily[…]
This year’s recommendations feature companies that have stated environmentally responsible goals with product lines to match. Klean Kanteen I admit to being a Klean Kanteen groupie. If you can hold off until January 2, treat yourself to their newest collection, Rise Drinkware. I was lucky enough to get advanced samples of the 16 oz. Tumbler[…]
Arriving a day or two early for a cruise is a savvy traveler’s move. There are too many weather and airline challenges these days, plus there’s a chance to acclimate to time zone changes and do some sightseeing. Sailing from Savannah is a good example. There’s lots to discover including historic districts, neighborhood squares, parks,[…]
The small desert town of Twentynine Palms is the gateway to Southern California’s iconic Joshua Tree National Park. The 1,200 square mile park straddles two distinct ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado deserts. Its landscape features craggy rocks, jumbles of stacked boulders, and stark barren terrain dotted by Joshua Trees. The “Joshua Tree” was named[…]
My suitcase is ready for action, but where will my wanderings take me? There’s lots to evaluate. If the planets are in alignment, here are my top choices for 2021. On the Beach The Hotel Riu Palace Baja California, located in Cabo San Lucas on famed El Médano Beach, is only three years old. The[…]
During 2019, I searched out new products that are worthy of mention in my year-end travel gift column. Here are my recommendations for clothing, shoes, and accessories, along with a vacation tip. Head to Toe Outdoor Research manufactures top of the line travel clothing, most with UPF 50+. Here is a fashionable trifecta: lightweight Swift[…]
Before I became a full-time travel writer, I was in the hotel business. At that time, in the early 1970s in San Diego, revenue management wasn’t even a phrase, much less a concept or coveted position in an organizational chart. In its primitive state, it was a loose practice. In summer how we loved the[…]
I have been fortunate enough to be on both sides of the fam tour equation. My CV includes a 10 year stint working in sales/marketing in San Diego for the Hyatt Islandia, the Rancho Bernardo Inn and Paradise Point (then Vacation Village). It was followed by a thirty year run with my hotel consulting business.[…]
Efficient packing is the first step for any trip. Eagle Creek always has innovative gear and this year I discovered their Adventure Pop Top Carry On. It converts from a wheeled under seat tote to full size luggage. The company stands behind all of their products with a “no matter what warranty.” Shop at www.eaglecreek.com.[…]
Pack light, include a spare pair of glasses and use a credit card that doesn’t charge for ATMs or currency exchanges. My Pop Top Carry-On (www.eaglecreek.com) eliminated unwelcome airline luggage fees. A couple of trips pay for the product. Teva’s Wander Lace (www.teva.com) is a comfortable walking shoe and ideal for the ship’s[…]