Have you sat and watched travelers say at an airport, or any other travel staging point? It is hilarious at times to see the difference in what traveler's wear, and, the amount of luggage they drag along with them. There are good sites for those looking for some rules of the road for specific travel venues. TRAVELSAPIEN won't repeat all that here. Every good travel group includes hints for your perusal. www.travelsense.org has a great "How to pack" page.
It is usually not hard to seperate the seasoned traveler from the novice. Hard to believe that people still wear "his and hers" matching wear. Hard to believe that others put on brand spanking new duds that will never get by the first coffee spill when air turbulence arrives. There are many good travel wear company's out there and wise travelers should first take a look at the options they have before rushing into the brink. Two TRAVELSAPIEN finds worth looking at are www.travelsmith.com and for the finest quality in my opinion of travel wearables is www.tilley.com AND never pass up the opportunity of www.amazon.com Lots there too!
The choices are only two but you get the idea. Check out what works. These people know. What I like to do is wear okay, but, not perfect older clothes and shoes. I like to take an on board bag where I can keep the better stuff close by me as necessary. When I get to where I am going there is the oppportunity to donate your worn goods or throw them away. Boy does that ever lighten the load when heading home! TRAVELSAPIEN has been on extended out of country jaunts and when returning the customs guys go nuts. They ask the most interesting questions. "How could you be away 8 weeks and carry one small bag? Didn't you every change? Didn't you ever wash your clothes? Like where are the gifts and all? HAHA Well I always buy gifts that fold up nicely and take up little space. Like wall tapestry, T-Shirts, what have you. It sure makes travel fun. Why take a lap-top either? Unless absolutely necessary there are Cyber-Cafes everywhere. You can upload files from the Web and or you can carry CD-Rom's. There is hardly a country in the world where you cannot find access to open your files or stay in touch with banking, stock brokers, and mom. Another story another day. In the mean time check out the clothing links travelers and pass on the bright prints with shocking white shorts. Talking about Travel Gear don't leave Fido at home either. Look in at www.doggear.com Now your traveling!
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Friday, July 22, 2005
TRAVELSAPIEN "GARLIC PRAWNS"
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm Hey why not? Okay this is a Travel Site sort of but when you travel you have to eat. TRAVELSAPIEN will share the odd recipe from time to time that is simple for everybody to do. The odd mixed cocktail too. Like why travel if you do not attempt to keep refreshed with things you may not do at home but could. For those on bottled water I guess enough said.
GARLIC PRAWNS
1/2 cup (Extra Virgin) olive oil
1 TBSP Dijon Mustard (Do not substitute)
3 or more cloves of minced garlic. ( Do not used store bought minced)
Juice of a fresh lemon (Do not use reconstituted juice) USE REAL LEMON!
Juice of fresh orange (As Above) USE REAL ORANGE depit of course.
Fresh Basil (Crushed in a mortar bowl or something.) Don't overkill either
Okay - NOW - Marinate Prawns (Large count type) for one hour.
(Do not over marinate)
Grill, BBQ, or FRY, just until the prawns turn pink (2 -3 minutes)
There you are. A recipe even TRAVELSAPIEN can do.
Pssst. Very popular dish.
GARLIC PRAWNS
1/2 cup (Extra Virgin) olive oil
1 TBSP Dijon Mustard (Do not substitute)
3 or more cloves of minced garlic. ( Do not used store bought minced)
Juice of a fresh lemon (Do not use reconstituted juice) USE REAL LEMON!
Juice of fresh orange (As Above) USE REAL ORANGE depit of course.
Fresh Basil (Crushed in a mortar bowl or something.) Don't overkill either
Okay - NOW - Marinate Prawns (Large count type) for one hour.
(Do not over marinate)
Grill, BBQ, or FRY, just until the prawns turn pink (2 -3 minutes)
There you are. A recipe even TRAVELSAPIEN can do.
Pssst. Very popular dish.
Monday, July 18, 2005
RIDE A SPACESHIP. RIDE A MiG JET FIGHTER. OUCH!
For some really EXTREME travel fun this might just interest those bored with the ordinary. Let's be honest. Ordinary to one is not to someone else. In this case this is EXTRA-ORDINARY!
These guys are doing something positive with the old Soviet Military utensils and Space Hardware. Gotta like it. Looks like Putin enjoys the thrills too. Anyway Ride a Spaceship. Ride a MiG Jet Fighter. Work out with the Spetsnaz (old USSR Special Forces Guys) or take a little Space Travel Training in their sophisticated Star City Whirler. No milkshakes please. For something a little less adventurous try hunting. Perhaps a Dagastan Tur Hunt would thrill you. Tur? What's a Tur. Wild sheep it is. Then there is fishing trips. Off to Yakutsk for Taimen fishing in Yakutia. Take some extra time and enjoy driving Military Copters, Tanks, or Balloons. Now is this not a way to tell your friends you have what it takes? An EXTRA-ORDINARY extreme holiday in Russia. Won't that work up the parents? Extreme Travel & Adventures have offices in California and can be found on the web at www.rusad.com
Be first! Live to brag. See you soon.
These guys are doing something positive with the old Soviet Military utensils and Space Hardware. Gotta like it. Looks like Putin enjoys the thrills too. Anyway Ride a Spaceship. Ride a MiG Jet Fighter. Work out with the Spetsnaz (old USSR Special Forces Guys) or take a little Space Travel Training in their sophisticated Star City Whirler. No milkshakes please. For something a little less adventurous try hunting. Perhaps a Dagastan Tur Hunt would thrill you. Tur? What's a Tur. Wild sheep it is. Then there is fishing trips. Off to Yakutsk for Taimen fishing in Yakutia. Take some extra time and enjoy driving Military Copters, Tanks, or Balloons. Now is this not a way to tell your friends you have what it takes? An EXTRA-ORDINARY extreme holiday in Russia. Won't that work up the parents? Extreme Travel & Adventures have offices in California and can be found on the web at www.rusad.com
Be first! Live to brag. See you soon.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
TRAVEL AGENT REVENGE
TRAVELSAPIEN takes no sides however thought this eMail received might be of interest to travelers to weigh the value of Agents and their services as necessary.
To quote:
" I have been both a traveller (must be English or Canadian by spelling) for a long time (not a tourist, but a traveller), and I wonder if anyone else out there has noticed the change in the consumer over the past few years. They seem to expect prices to be below the cost before they buy.
The travel industry has changed considerably over the past few years to adapt to this consumer attitude. The general public seems to feel it has been over-charged for travel in the past and now it is time to strike back. As a result, airlines, cruise lines, some tour companies, and many other travel suppliers have steadily reduced their pricing to come in line with what the consumer wants to buy. Volume has become more important than quality. This seems to have resulted in less value and reliability in travel arrangements and much antagonism within the travel industry itself.
Because airlines now find themselves pricing their flights at or below an acceptable return, they have become nothing more than a bus (no offense) with wings and have no alternative but to squeeze more people on the planes, have fewer and older aircraft, and, disturbingly, stall off making repairs unless essential. Part of their strategy has been to cut off commissions to the Travel Agency Community, which books 90% of their seats for them. You will notice costs are rarely inclusive but add-on's prevail. Extra Taxes. Fuel Surcharges, and Fees that equal or surpass the airfare quotation are frequent.
Has quality and profit in the Travel Industry become a dirty word? For those consumers who insist on cheap prices regardless of maintaining company survivability, do they work for their respective companies (and earn a living to pay for their travel) also to not make a profit? A profit that is a legitimate reason to be in business. I doubt it." Signed - Frustrated Travel Industry Person.
Hmmmmmmmmm I leave it there everyone. No comment from me on this one. We have to all make choices. The only thing my own experience suggests is that "driving prices to the bottom" eventually puts everyone at risk. Company's. Employees. Travelers. Too many failures over the past few years attest to that.
To quote:
" I have been both a traveller (must be English or Canadian by spelling) for a long time (not a tourist, but a traveller), and I wonder if anyone else out there has noticed the change in the consumer over the past few years. They seem to expect prices to be below the cost before they buy.
The travel industry has changed considerably over the past few years to adapt to this consumer attitude. The general public seems to feel it has been over-charged for travel in the past and now it is time to strike back. As a result, airlines, cruise lines, some tour companies, and many other travel suppliers have steadily reduced their pricing to come in line with what the consumer wants to buy. Volume has become more important than quality. This seems to have resulted in less value and reliability in travel arrangements and much antagonism within the travel industry itself.
Because airlines now find themselves pricing their flights at or below an acceptable return, they have become nothing more than a bus (no offense) with wings and have no alternative but to squeeze more people on the planes, have fewer and older aircraft, and, disturbingly, stall off making repairs unless essential. Part of their strategy has been to cut off commissions to the Travel Agency Community, which books 90% of their seats for them. You will notice costs are rarely inclusive but add-on's prevail. Extra Taxes. Fuel Surcharges, and Fees that equal or surpass the airfare quotation are frequent.
Has quality and profit in the Travel Industry become a dirty word? For those consumers who insist on cheap prices regardless of maintaining company survivability, do they work for their respective companies (and earn a living to pay for their travel) also to not make a profit? A profit that is a legitimate reason to be in business. I doubt it." Signed - Frustrated Travel Industry Person.
Hmmmmmmmmm I leave it there everyone. No comment from me on this one. We have to all make choices. The only thing my own experience suggests is that "driving prices to the bottom" eventually puts everyone at risk. Company's. Employees. Travelers. Too many failures over the past few years attest to that.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
TOURING AMERICA ON MOTORCYCLES
Touring America On Motorcycles Not your average Biker anymore. Motorcycle Touring has become an International phenomena. What kind of bikes? Well BossHoss, California Choppers, Martin Group and the recently departed Indian Larry kind of wheels Harley still holds it's own. For those wishing something different there is the Buell, or Honda Golden Wings, and even the silent whispering slinky the BMW. It is your choice. America offers up some great Bike Touring Highways. For reference you might want to click on www.harley-davidson.com or www.buell.com Then there is www.roadtripamerica.com to satisfy your highway urges. For world Biking there is www.moto-directory.com. Alway a special USA ride is found at www.tailofthedragon.com
Here are a few Twisty Road Polls that suggest great rides for you.
1. Deal's Gap (US 129) Known to motorcycle riders as "The Dragon" (see above) It features 318 turns in 12 miles along one stretch between Maryville, Tennessee and Topoco, North Carolina.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive - Following the spine of the Smoky Mountains from Cherokee, North Carolina to Shenadoah National Park in northern Virginia, this 469-mile National Park climbs to over 6,000 feet and is renowned for its magnificent views. If you are a rider who rides with stero why not listen in the super Blue Ridge Parkway Special Drive-Time music supplied by the people at SONY Classical Music. Click On the June Archives for full story.
3. US 12 - The scenic stretch between Lolo, Montana and Lewiston, Idaho, follows a route originally used by explorers Lewis & Clark.
4. Spearfish Canon (US 85)- The stretch from Spearfish to Lead is a favorite while touring the Black Hills in South Dakota.
5. Angeles Crest Highway (California Highway 2), remember your helmets here for sure, A picturesque, undulating voyage on California Highway 2 and its side roads between Glendale and San Bernardino. - Helmet slang (Brain Bucket)
6. Wisconsin State Highway 35 - As it traces the path of the Mississippi River, few stretches of Midwestern pavement offer the beauty and curves you will find between Prescott and Pepin Wisconsin.
7. New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway (Highway 112) Winds over New Hampshire's White Mountain ridges and past waterfalls from Lincoln to Conway.
8. Oregon's Green Springs Highway (Highway 66) Three river crossings and a climb over 4,700 foot Hayden Mountain Summit highlight this stretch between Klamath Falls and Ashland.
9. John Wayne Country. Million Dollar Highway (US 550) Named from the low-grade gold ore present in parts of its road bed, this high-altitude highway climbs to over 10,000 -foot passes between Durango and Silverton in Southwestern Colorado. This is COWBOY COUNTRY. Yahooooo! Many US Western films were made in this region.
10. Arkansas Highway 7 Winding from Harrison to Jasper on through the Ozark National Forest this route is a southern delicacy.
There you go Bikers and those timid who might wish to drive their convertible Corvette or such.
The above trips are excerpts from the BUELL Twisty Road Poll in the order of popularity.
Take your choice but please make one. You will enjoy the open air and the big grand America Highways. Truly a thrill. For more information contact all the links TRAVELSAPIEN has offered herein. Surely you will find your special road warrior holiday. If you are destined you could always attend the 500,000 + Bikers who annually take in Sturgis, South Dakota. First timers are simply just intimidated with the range of characters and the bikes as well. Second year types show their wares well and after that all the great meeting places in America happen.
For a look at what you are in for check out www.fullthrottlesaloon.com Now fire up that knucklehead, hang off the ape bars or cruise in with the beach bars. Gear down with your jockey stick and be kool. You are now certified. Stay safe.
Here are a few Twisty Road Polls that suggest great rides for you.
1. Deal's Gap (US 129) Known to motorcycle riders as "The Dragon" (see above) It features 318 turns in 12 miles along one stretch between Maryville, Tennessee and Topoco, North Carolina.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive - Following the spine of the Smoky Mountains from Cherokee, North Carolina to Shenadoah National Park in northern Virginia, this 469-mile National Park climbs to over 6,000 feet and is renowned for its magnificent views. If you are a rider who rides with stero why not listen in the super Blue Ridge Parkway Special Drive-Time music supplied by the people at SONY Classical Music. Click On the June Archives for full story.
3. US 12 - The scenic stretch between Lolo, Montana and Lewiston, Idaho, follows a route originally used by explorers Lewis & Clark.
4. Spearfish Canon (US 85)- The stretch from Spearfish to Lead is a favorite while touring the Black Hills in South Dakota.
5. Angeles Crest Highway (California Highway 2), remember your helmets here for sure, A picturesque, undulating voyage on California Highway 2 and its side roads between Glendale and San Bernardino. - Helmet slang (Brain Bucket)
6. Wisconsin State Highway 35 - As it traces the path of the Mississippi River, few stretches of Midwestern pavement offer the beauty and curves you will find between Prescott and Pepin Wisconsin.
7. New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway (Highway 112) Winds over New Hampshire's White Mountain ridges and past waterfalls from Lincoln to Conway.
8. Oregon's Green Springs Highway (Highway 66) Three river crossings and a climb over 4,700 foot Hayden Mountain Summit highlight this stretch between Klamath Falls and Ashland.
9. John Wayne Country. Million Dollar Highway (US 550) Named from the low-grade gold ore present in parts of its road bed, this high-altitude highway climbs to over 10,000 -foot passes between Durango and Silverton in Southwestern Colorado. This is COWBOY COUNTRY. Yahooooo! Many US Western films were made in this region.
10. Arkansas Highway 7 Winding from Harrison to Jasper on through the Ozark National Forest this route is a southern delicacy.
There you go Bikers and those timid who might wish to drive their convertible Corvette or such.
The above trips are excerpts from the BUELL Twisty Road Poll in the order of popularity.
Take your choice but please make one. You will enjoy the open air and the big grand America Highways. Truly a thrill. For more information contact all the links TRAVELSAPIEN has offered herein. Surely you will find your special road warrior holiday. If you are destined you could always attend the 500,000 + Bikers who annually take in Sturgis, South Dakota. First timers are simply just intimidated with the range of characters and the bikes as well. Second year types show their wares well and after that all the great meeting places in America happen.
For a look at what you are in for check out www.fullthrottlesaloon.com Now fire up that knucklehead, hang off the ape bars or cruise in with the beach bars. Gear down with your jockey stick and be kool. You are now certified. Stay safe.
Friday, July 15, 2005
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