traveling seniors

LUXE City Guides---My Opinion!!!

Several weeks ago I listed an article on LUXE City Guides. The article was based on a magazine article that praised the guides as a new and exciting concept. Since I will be going to Paris next month, I decided to purchase the Paris guide and use it wtih my other guides. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with this guide. The picture in this article is the exact size of the guide. The accordion style brochure is 3 x 6 inches and has very small lettering. The information is very limited and written with a British slang. The guide is definitely not worth $9 plus shipping. For a few more dollars, you can purchase a guide with pictures and detailed information. The inside of the guide.This is the exact size of the print. Although I have traveled a lot, I don't know what a "flamboyant" hotel is. If you visited Paris a lot, this guide might be helpful. I would not recommend these guides for most travelers. You should purchase a guide that provides you the most information you need with terms you understand.

TSA Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Cases--Mobile Edge

Mobile Edge's ScanFast Collection of briefcases, messenger bags and backpacks will be available next month. These bags have been designed, tested and meet the TSA guidelines for carry-on luggage. The most important aspect of these new bags is that you will not be required to take out your laptop at the security checkpoint. The laptop can be X-rayed through the bag. The bags start at $80 and will be available online and in stores. They come in black and will fit almost any laptop. For more information, go to www.mobileedge.com.

Apply For Your Pocket-Size Passport Now!!!

Beginning in January, travelers can no longer reenter the country from Mexico or Canada by verbally declaring their USA citizenship. They must have valid travel and identification documents. To make it easier to carry a passport and to make it cheaper, the government is issuing pocket-size passports. You can expect a 4-week wait for the cards. The cost of the card is $45 for adults; $35 for minors and $20 for passport holders. These cards are good for 10 years for adults and 5 years for those younger than 18. Where do you get them? Search locations by ZIP codes at www.iafdb.travel.state.gov. These cards will help day-trippers and frequent visitors who travel by land and sea. A regular passport is required for international air travel.

Cavallo Point--The Lodge at the Golden Gate

Cavallo Point is located at a spot where he San Francisco Bay meets the Pacific Ocean in a new national park. Guests can beachcomb or hike the Marin Headlands. This lodge is not a base camp. There is a French-inspired restaurant and Healing Arts Center with fitness training and a spa for massages and facials on site. At Fort Baker's restored Colonial Revival buildings there are 68 guest rooms and 74 additional guest rooms are in new comtemporary buildings. All rooms have a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and are open th the bay breezes. The cost for doubles start at $225. For more information, go to www.cavallopoint.com.

11 Great American Beach Towns

If you are tired of going to loud, crowded and noisy beaches, these beach towns are for you. Also, they are more affordable than the popular beaches like Miami or Virginia Beach. These great American beach towns are: Ogunquit, Maine; Mexico Beach, Florida; Newport, Rhode Island; Folly Beach, Soutj Carolina; Saugatuck, Michigan; Coral Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands; Port Aransas, Texas; Santa Cruz, California; Jekyll Island, Georgia; Cannon Beach, Oregon; and Haleiwa, Hawaii.

The Jane Hotel--$99--Great For Budget Travelers

A $99 a night room in Manhattan that's not a fleabag--that's the Jane Hotel concept. The rooms are reminiscent of old-time ship cabins with 50 square feet. The rooms have a single bed, luggage rack, free wireless internet, telephone with voicemail, 23-inch LCD television, DVD player and IPOD dock. All rooms share the communal bathrooms located at the end of hall on each floor. There is a restaurant and a mult-lingual staff. The hotel is located in the West Village at 113 Jane Street at the Hudson River. Across the street from the hotel is the Hudson River Park. The hotel is within walking distance of Soho, Chelsea and Union Square. Subways and bus stops are nearby. For more information, go to www.thejanenyc.com.

Harley-Davidson Museum--Milwaukee, WI

The Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI opens July 12, 2008. The museum is stuffed with 150 motorcycles, historical photos and biking apparel. It hopes to draw 350,000 visitors a year. It has Elvis Presley's 1956KH model and replica of the "Captain America" chopper in the 1969 movie Easy Rider. The musuem has two restaurants, Motor and Cafe Racer as well as a shop to purchase all kinds of Harley-Davidson merchandise. If you plan to go, it is recommended that you purchase your ticket online at www.h-dmuseum.com.

The Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, DC Opens to the Public on Dec 2.

8 New Natural Wonders

The World Heritage has listed 8 new natural wonders. The World Heritage List now has 878 sites--670 cultural, 174 natural and 25 mixed. The 8 new natural wonders are:
Joggins Fossil Cliffs---Canada

Mount Sangingshan Nation Park (picture at the top)---China
Surtsey---Iceland
The Saryarka---Kazakhstan
Monarch Butterfky Biosphere Reserve---Mexico
Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona---Switzerland
Socotora Archipelago---Yemen
Lagoons of New Caledonia (picture at the bottom)---France

European Rental Car Traps

Rental cars in Europe can appear resonably priced and jump to unbelieveable when you return the car to the agency. Many rental car companies in Europe will not rent cars to people who are 70 or older. The first rule is to rent the car from America and not when you arrive in Europe. Renting a car in Europe can be as much as $200 to $300 a day.

First, ask in advance for the total charges for renting the car. Somthing as simple as sharing the driving with someone else can add $80 to $100 to the bill. There are always additional fees for car rental in Europe.

If you are using a credit card, make sure you know the insurance coverage the card is providing. Some cards don't cover you in specific countries, like Italy. Make sure your name is on the rental agreement and not a travel companion.

Read the fine print of the rental contract before you sign it. Make sure you know your responsiblities. Ask for an English version if you don't speak the language.

Check the car you are renting inside and out for any damages and make sure they are recorded. You will be held responsible for all damages.

Before renting extra equipment, consider buying it. For example, if you own a portable GPS, purchase and download a map for Europe instead of renting a GPS.

It is not unusal for rental cars in Europe to use diesel gas. Make sure you know the word for "diesel". Filling your tank with regular gas will damage the car and you will pay for it.

Fill the gas tank before you return the car. Since gas is very expensive in Europe, it could cost you double the amount if the agency fills the car.

Return the car when the agency is open and manned. This will insure that you'll get a written record of the car's condition. Make sure you settle all disagreements in writing before you leave.

Do not leave the agency until you have a final itemized bill that you agree with.

Remember that all traffic tickets you receive will be billed to your credit card by the agency. Traffic cameras are eveywhere in Europe, so don't be surprised if your credit card is billed 6 months after you return home.