The Savvy Tourist

Welcome to my Mid-Life Renovation

Starting a new project...for anyone still reading:

My Mid-Life Crisis...Renovation!

 

It Pays to use a Travel Agent

The general belief or myth is that is costs more to use a travel agent when booking your vacation. That is simply not true. Actually, the opposite can be true after you see what kind of special deals an agent has access to and the savings you will incur thanks to their expertise. I was a travel agent for many years and still get requests for assistance with vacations from my readers and past clients. I can offer advice but I no longer have any affiliation that allows me to book trips, so I ask anyone out there that is interested in planning a vacation, please call Carolyn, a.k.a. Blondie, at Why Not Travel. You will be in good hands.

For more information on why you should consider the services of a travel agent, check out a post I wrote a few years back, Why Travel Agents?  And don't forget to read How to be a Good Customer

 

Welcome Aboard

I would like everyone to welcome aboard a new family member to the illustrious writing team here at The Savvy Tourist. Lindsay will not only be writing here and posting on our Facebook page, but she is also embarking on the latest savvy adventure, The Great American Road Trip with me. So check back and see what she has to say as she shares her wit and wisdom along the way.
You can check out some of that wit at her blog A Spoonful of Sugar at http://spoonfulofsugarman.blogspot.com/

Trip Planning Tools

While trying to make the most out of my savvy trip planning experience, I came across a few tools that I think are going to prove to be very helpful. I've been playing with many road trip planning tools and iPhone apps and other recommended helpful hints, but so far, I've only found a few worth writing home about.

The most worrisome issue when taking a road trip is the cost of fuel. Well, I found 2 different sites for that. The first one is Fuel My Route. It is similar to Google Maps in that you key in your route using multiple destinations to find your way. The difference is that Fuel My Route tells you where the cheapest gas stations are along your route. It will also tell you if a different route might be a little more cost effective. It tells you whether you are purchasing below, above, or within the national average current fuel price. If you are a fan of a particular brand of gas, you can tell the program to only locate those fuel stops. On the flipside, if you are adamant against a certain brand, you can tell it that too. Me, I'm not too picky so I'm going with the cheapest as long as it isn't too far off the beaten path. Then again, considering we have no intended path, it might not matter. I've adjusted my itinerary just enough and managed to project a savings of 38¢ per gallon.

The other gas related app is available on the App Store for all us Apple Lovers. It is called Gas Buddy. You can download it for free. This app can be used a few different ways. You do not have to take advantage of it just for traveling. You can search in your local city for the best gas prices of the day. If you are traveling, just type in the city you will be stopping at and it will guide you to the cheapest place to make your fuel purchase. It would be wise to have already calculated your estimated mpg so you can plan your fill-ups and know just how far you can go until the next gas purchase. You never know, it might be very frugal of you to fill up while still retaining a half tank of gas.

Another major concern while traveling is weather. During the summer you may elect to travel a more northern route and visa versa during the winter months. No matter which route you decide on, there are still weather concerns like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other assorted catastrophes that Mother Nature might throw your way. I have decided to use the road trip planning tool on Wunderground. I just type in my chosen destinations and it will provide me with the forcasted weather conditions for approximately one week ahead. So far, given my few selected city stops I can expect extreme heat with a few scattered thunderstorms and more extreme heat!!! Maybe I should head North to Alaska!!! I guess you could check the weather option on Google Maps, which shows the weather everywhere. Then, you could map out your trip based solely on the weather, but that sounds boring to me.

That brings me to the website I am having the most fun with. Roadtrippers.com has a unique selection of planning tools. You start out by putting the same information in...your chosen route. Then you have so many extras to add to your experience. There are several tabs for things like Accommodations, Attractions, Food, Nature, History, Scenic, Shopping and Sports. Deeper within these tabs are more specific criteria for narrowing down what might interest you along the way. For example, under Attractions you can narrow it down to Amusement Parks, Tourist Attractions, Film & TV, or even Offbeat Attractions. Of course I had to click on every single tab to see what kind of stops were recommended under the different categories. Under Offbeat Attractions I found Cadillac Ranch just outside of Amarillo, along with A Huge Pair of Legs right out in the middle of nowhere. There is a town called Nothing in AZ., and the world's largest buffalo (anatomically correct I am told) in Jamestown, ND.  Of course, if you want to drive to Eugene, OR, you can visit the Frat House (Omega House) of Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, or more commonly known as Animal House!!

The choices are endless, the destinations intriguing, the company is splendid, and the trip itself will prove to be very inspirational in so many ways. Stay tuned!!

Understatement

To say I've been lacking in my postings would be an understatement. To say I've been busy doing other things and working on other projects, that too would be an understatement. To say I've turned my life a little topsy-turvy lately, well, we won't even go there!!! No worries though, The Savvy Tourist will survive, as will my alter ego.

One of my latest distractions..er projects has really lit a fire in my heart. It is something I have always believed in but it wasn't until my dear friend asked for a little "assistance" with "something" that I actually got involved in the movement. There is nothing better than a "Mom and Pop" shop, or a family run business in a local community. That is all part of the American Dream that started this country on the road to prosperity so many years ago. Much of the country has lost site of that and so many small, locally owned businesses have been swallowed up by the larger big box conglamerates like WalMart. Remember the cute little bookstore in "You've Got Mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks that couldn't stay in business when forced to compete with the bigger "Fox Books" around the corner? Remember how sad that was? Well, guess what? It is happening every day around the country and mostly in your community!!

It has become more and more crucial that we all understand the need to support and keep the money flowing within our local community. If each one of us shifted just $20 of our monthly spending to a local establishment, it could result in millions of dollars every year going directly back into our own local towns and communities. Check out this calculator to see for yourself!

It is because of this issue that I am working to support an organization called Why Local Matters. Please stop by our website and see what we are all about. Maybe you can help with some ideas as to how to keep the money flowing within your local community.

Why Local Matters is not the only thing that has kept me busy this year. I've done some traveling and I plan to do more. I've drank some wine and I plan to drink more.  There is a huge road trip in my future and I am currently working on making it a very savvy trip using maps and apps and helpful hints from my very savvy readers. So, check back soon and I promise I will be here this time and hopefully you can assist me with my "On The Road With Annie" project.

I Never Check My Luggage

I have been saying this for years. I have not checked any luggage in well over 20 years and for good reason!  When my son was just a little guy, I managed to pack everything including the kitchen sink in a large suitcase for our trip to Sacramento to see friends. It was the first time I was taking my not quite two year old on an airplane for an extended vacation. We had to pack the usual clothes, and diapers, some toys and books, and of course his favorite videos, not to mention all of my stuff. Needless to say, this was not a carry on sized suitcase, so it was necessary to check it from my small hometown of Salisbury, MD, through our connection in Baltimore, MD, and continue on to Sacramento, CA. I had a carry on with me that contained some emergency toiletries, my wallet and a change of clothes, and toys for the kiddo, but that was about it.  Well, I am sure you figured out by now where this is going. I arrived at my final destination but my luggage did not!! It took me 3 days to finally get my suitcase rerouted from somewhere in Connecticut with an airport code of SWF to Sacramento with an airport code of SMF. Maybe you see the problem here. Luckily, as inconvenient as it all was, I was eventually reunited with my luggage and all of our belongings. I don't know what I would have done had I lost all those expensive VHS tapes, ha ha!

Basically, my story had a happy ending, but that isn't the way for everyone. Many travelers have lost their luggage only to never see it again. This can become quite devastating to people who have possibly lost items of great monetary or sentimental value. Can you imagine being stuck somewhere because you have lost your passport or other identification that was in your luggage? Or possibly photographs or one of a kind gifts? 

The first place someone heads when they don't see their familiar suitcase on the conveyor belt carousel is over to the Lost and Found area located discreetly out of sight from the baggage claim area. Of course there are lines to wait in, forms to fill out, questions to answer, and phone calls to be made. Quite the grueling process and not one I would like to do more than once in my life, if at all. 

Now, instead of waiting an indefinite period of time for word about your lost luggage, there is a much better solution. It is appropriately named Airport Lost and Found, and it is an online service that is designed to match you up with your lost belongings. I recently had a reader alert me to this service after they successfully found her missing laptop case. You can file an online claim for free or search their database of lost property. Either way, Airport Lost and Found works with thousands of airports and airlines through state of the art technology to provide this much needed service of matching people to their lost luggage. Check out their website and "Like" them on Facebook. 

 

7 Night Hawaii Cruise Special

The Savvy Tourist recognizes the importance of a good travel agent. I receive many inquiries for assistance in booking trips and for sound vacation advice. Well, I am always willing to share my expert advice and my humble opinion when it comes to travel, but that does not replace the services of a reliable travel agent.

The Savvy Tourist has recently partnered with a savvy travel agent that can provide you with the services you need to book your dream vacation. Not only will you have the pleasure of working with someone on a more personal level, but you will also have access to specially priced cruises and vacation packages that you won't be able to find anywhere else.

There will be a permanent link in the sidebar to connect directly with Carolyn, or "Blondie" as she is known to all of her friends at Why Not Travel. In the meantime, here is a preview of what she has to offer:

The following cruise has been customized with additional nights pre and post cruise. Please feel free to contact Blondie directly for further customization. Please tell her "Annie" sent you!!!

7 Night Hawaii Cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's "Pride of America"

  (Feb. 14th - 24th, 2013)

2/14 - Flight to Honolulu

(Stay at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach)

2/15 - Honolulu  (Option to renew wedding vows on the beach - complimentary based on availability)

2/16 - Honolulu                                                               Departs 7:00 pm

2/17 - Kahului (Maui)             Arrives 8:00 am                Overnight

2/18 - Kahului (Maui)                                                      Departs 6:00 pm

2/19 - Hilo                            Arrives 8:00 am                 Departs 6:00 pm

2/20 - Kona                           Arrives 7:00 am                Departs 6:00 pm

2/21 - Nawiliwili (Kauai)       Arrives 8:00 am                Overnight

2/22 - Nawiliwili (Kauai)                                                Departs 2:00 pm

2/23 - Honolulu                     Arrives 7:00 am  

 (Stay at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach)

2/24 - Return Night Flight arriving 2/25 morning.

CRUISE RATES:

Inside Cabin, 1st and 2nd person (*based on dbl occupancy) = $1,582.19 per person

Inside Cabin, 3rd and 4th person = $842.19 per person

Oceanview Cabins - Group rates not offered, please call for personal quote.

Outside Balcony Cabin, 1st and 2nd person (*based on dbl occupancy) = $2,255.25 per person

Outside Balcony Cabin, 3rd and 4th person = $891.47 per person

*Cruise Line charges 200% for single occupancy cabin

Price includes cruise fare, port taxes and fees, Hawaii tax, gratuities and trip insurance. Airfare, transfers, and hotel costs are additional. If you are not interested in staying the extra nights in Honolulu, flights will be arranged for Feb. 15th, and return on Feb. 23rd. All return flights are at night so you would return home the next morning.

 

A deposit of $500.00 per cabin is due at time of booking and the balance no later than Dec. 1st, 2012

 

WHY NOT TRAVEL

Carolyn Parsons, Travel Consultant

Phone: 443-235-9359 

                                                                      Email Blondie

 

 

"...independent travel agent acting on behalf of Nexion, LLC, a CA registered seller of travel (2071045-50); located at 6225 N. State  Hwy 161, Suite 450, Irving, TX 75035.  Telephone 800-949-6410"

Where The Magic Begins

The journey to Thailand from our home was indeed a long one. We flew from Los Angleles, CA to Narita,Japan, then continued on to Bangkok, Thailand. It was a combined 18 hours of flight time, which I said I'd never do unless I could fly first class and be super comfortable the entire time. Well, I actually did get to fly first class and I was most comfy in my accommodations. The flights didn't seem long at all considering there were numerous movies to watch and it seemed they fed us every few hours . United Airlines really does know how to provide first class service. I have to admit I indulged in the free alcoholic beverages too, and took advantage of the dark, cool, and quiet cabin for a much needed nap.

It was late at night when we finally arrived. Getting through customs and out of the Suvarnabhumi Airport was a breeze. It is a beautiful airport and relatively easy to navigate. We headed for ground transportation to get a cab to our hotel. As a former travel agent, I had already done all the research as to the best way to get where we were going. I had booked a hotel near the train station that would take us to Northern Thailand the next day, and the best way to get there was by cab. Of course there were other ways, but I wasn't sure that we should be wandering around Bangkok while switching bus lines late at night. Just a feeling I had!

The folks at the airport were more than helpful, and very friendly. They were actually jumping in front of us to offer their services. We were a little overwhelmed and made our first rookie mistake by taking the first ground transport service that was offered to us. Luckily, we only paid a little more than twice as much as we should, but oh well. We had yet to grasp the value of a Thai Baht but at least we ended up with a nice private car, and as a bonus we arrived safely at our hotel, which we never would've found had we been on our own. Trust me, some things are worth paying for even on a budget.

Inside of our hotel room

I had made a reservation at The Bangkok Centre Hotel prior to leaving our homeland, but still wasn't sure what to expect. Turns out the hotel

was very nice and I would certainly recommend it if you need to be near the train station. It is practically at the entrance of the transportation hub. It was also very reasonably priced and our reservation included breakfast which was most enjoyable.

The view from our hotel room

The surrounding area, however, is very questionable and I would not plan to wander out on your own, especially at night. I won't go into detail as to how I know this, just take my savvy advice!

 

 

We would be taking the first train out in the morning from Bangkok to Chang Mai. It is a very popular train for both commuters and tourists because it is considered the "express" train. The total time from Bangkok to Chang Mai is approximately 12 hours. We were only going as far as Uttaradit which was scheduled for about 6 or so hours. As it turns out, the nice people of Thailand are in no real hurry to get anywhere or do anything so the 6 hours turned into 8 hours and I have no idea how long it took to finally get to Chang Mai.

 

My relunctant Monk

I thoroughly enjoyed just hanging out at the Bangkok station waiting for the train to depart. It was my first real glimpse into the Thai culture and the condition of downtown Bangkok. I was taking pictures of everything and everyone. The locals were fascinating to me with their simple ways of living.
The stories that their faces told without actually saying a word were heartwarming. I even took a candid shot of a local Monk, which when I think about it might not have been a great idea. He probably didn't want his picture taken but just couldn't tell me.

 

 

Here are a few pictures from hanging out at the Bangkok Railway Station early in the morning.

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 Many people peddle their wares as a daily source of income, not just to tourists but to locals alike. My favorite part, however, was the Dunkin Donuts booth. I was raised on Dunkin Donuts only to be without in SoCal. Imagine my surprise, after traveling half way around the world, to be able to drink my favorite coffee.

The actual train experience was a bit of a culture shock. Even with an open mind I was surprised at the sights I saw along the way. The countryside is beautiful but littered with trash and squalor along the path
of the train. The one thing that sticks in my mind though, is the strength of the faith of these quiet and friendly people. Everywhere you looked, whether a small humble shack, or a Thai palace of sorts, you
would see the gold buddha statue.

Upon arriving in Uttaradit, we were met by a very pleasant Thai fellow from Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary, who took our bags and escorted us to his truck to begin the final leg of our journey into the jungle of Thailand. It took about 45 minutes before we arrived at BLES, where we were greeted with open arms by Katherine Connor and her beautiful children.

We were able to get our bags into our guest house just in time for a mesmerizing storm to come upon us. The sky was turning dark, the trees were whipping around in the wind, and the chimes were ringing sweetly. The mahouts were rushing around to finish their chores, and the children were laughing madly.

It was then that I knew...this is where the magic begins.

This post is part of a series so please check back for more of our adventures at BLES.

Driving the Central Coast of Cali

One of my absolute favorite vacations is when we take the time to drive up the coast of California. As most of my savvy readers already know, I live in the SoCal region (Southern California for all you folks not from around these parts). So, our journey really begins when we reach Ventura. The first couple hours from our home in the Inland Valley to the coast is more of an adventure as we make our way through and around Los Angeles and it's neighboring overpopulated cities. When you break through and reach Ventura, you start to smell the salty sea and life takes on a more casual existence. (It is also a great place to stop and pee). Ventura is nicknamed "the city of good fortune" and is known for it's scenic coastline and it's historic Downtown district.

When we drive along the coast we try not to make any one place our destination. We like for the whole drive to be the destination. We stop frequently for those Kodak moments as it seems that every turn we take is another breathtaking scene that we feel we have to capture. Personally I never mind getting caught behind a huge RV struggling around the turns and up the mountain because it forces us to take our time and see even more things.

Our next favorite place along the way is Santa Barbara. We don't usually stop here as a family but we have been known to do a romantic getaway on occasion. We love to walk on the beach and take pictures of the seagulls and all their feathered friends. Then, we stroll along Stearn's Wharf and check out all the cute little local shops before choosing a restaurant. Last time we were there we ate at Longboard's Beach Bar and Grill. It is billed as casual dining for locals and visitors alike. The food was good, but I defintely think it is the local's place to be as it was sure crowded and noisy and it appeared everyone knew everyone else. We did see Dennis Miller there, but chose not to be crazed fans and left him to eat his dinner in peace. We like to stay at The Hotel Oceana, located directly across from the wharf area. The rooms are delightful and affordable, and the customer service is superb. The best time to visit Santa Barbara is when they are having an event such as the Big Dogs Canine Festival, local artists exhibits, or celebrating a holiday such as Cinco de Mayo. It is a very outdoor and casual city.

A few miles north you will have a choice to either continue on Highway 1 or to turn inland a bit on Highway 101. If you do not have a specific destination on Highway 1, I recommend you head inland. This will take you to the sleepy little town of Buellton. The name of the town does not usually stand out in anyone's mind, but many people have heard of Anderson's Split Pea Soup. This is what puts Buellton on the map. 

Just a few more miles off the beaten path is Solvang. This little town takes you back in time to a small Danish village where food,wine and baked goods are the main attraction. You can take a tour of the wineries, ride bicycles, or shop in the shops where you will encounter folks dressed in authentic Danish costumes. Whatever you do, don't leave without a bucket of famous Danish shortbread cookies.

The drive through the countryside on Highway 101 will certainly make you feel relaxed and possibly thinking of where you would like to retire. At least that is what it does for me. The rolling hills are dotted with those healthy free range California cows that you see on all the TV ads for milk and cheese. There are some roadside tasting rooms for some of the hidden local wineries along the way, as well as an occassional produce stand or antique store.

We usually head up to San Luis Obispo before getting back on Highway 1, where our next favorite destination happens to be Morro Bay. Morro Bay is marked on the map by it's own natural wonder, Morro Bay Rock. Back in the day, Morro Bay was a busy little port used to import dry goods for farmers and export their dairy, meat and produce. It later became a fishing port, developing a huge abalone fishing industry. Today, Morro Bay is governed mostly by the tourism industry, but is still used as a fishing port. If you are in the market for a fresh seafood meal, this is the place. There are several great restaurants along the Embarcadero where you can count on the "Catch of the Day" being prepared just the way you like it. We chose the Harbor Hut, where we discovered the best clam chowder we had ever eaten. Little did we know at the time, they are famous for it. There is a great view of the harbor and "the rock" while dining in a warm, inviting atmosphere with great service. I could sit there all day with a nice bottle of...well, just about anything!

Morro Bay is also host to many special events so check the calendar before planning your vacation. You might be able to see a kite show, a car show, or participate in an oyster festival. 

After leaving Morro Bay, the drive is all coastal. The scenery is breathtaking and there are so many places  I want to stop for pictures that sometimes it feels like we aren't making very much progress. There is a very popular tourist attraction along this drive, right near the area of San Simeon. Hearst Castle is rich in history and art and ambiance, along with architecture and beauty. There are daily tours available so you can experience the castle in all it's glory. For more information on the tours and the history behind Hearst Castle please visit their website. Allow a lot of time for this stop. There are several tours and there is a lot to see including the museum and the gift shop.

Every time we make this trip we stop by and see our friends, the Elephant Seals. They are located at Piedras Blancas just a few miles past Hearst Castle. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of Elephant Seals just sunbathing on the beach. There are so many that sometimes you look right at them and don't realize right away that is what you are looking at. It looks more like a rocky beach. To learn more about the Elephant Seals and the folks who work hard to protect them, please visit Friends of the Elephant Seal. For a very special treat, please click on the Elephant Seal Live Web Cam. This will give you a chance to view the seals without getting wind blown, which is usually the case in this area.

Our most recent trip up the coast took us to a new place, The Ragged Point Inn. It was accidental that we ended up there since my original search for lodging was supposed to be for the Big Sur area. Ragged Point appeared in the search results so I assumed it was close to where I thought I wanted to be. I fell in love with the description of the tranquility and the nature and the ocean view from the cliffs where this quaint little place sits, so I booked it immediately. The price was right and it sounded just like what I needed. It was a few days later that one of the family members pointed out that it was about 50 miles south of Big Sur. This could have posed quite a dilemna but instead of changing our location to accomodate our schedule, I changed our schedule to accomodate our location. I am certainly glad that is what I did because as it turns out, we couldn't have been happier with our experience at The Ragged Point Inn. Our room was about 20 feet from the edge of the cliff with amazing views whether sunrise or sunset. The grounds had nature trails and gorgeous flowers, along with butterflies and ground squirrels and wild bunnies. There is a restaurant on site that prepares amazing food and offers some of the best local wines. You can dine indoors or out, and the service can't be beat. They also have a gas station with a little mini market, a coffee bar, and a gift shop. The Ragged Point Inn has been family owned since the late 1950's and you can surely tell because they make you feel right at home while you're there. I can't wait to go back. I hope to make this a yearly getaway.

Our final destination on this trip was about an hour north to an enchanted little place called Nepenthe. This has been a family favorite visiting site for generations so naturally we stop by whenever we are in the area. Nepenthe has always been known as an artist's retreat. It was a place where people went to get away from the hustle and bustle and lock into their creative minds. The first famous owners of what used to be a small cabin overlooking the cliffs was Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles. They purchased it as their love retreat, only to never spend a night in it. They sold it in 1947 to the Bill and Lolly Fassett family, who's grandchildren and great-grandchildren operate it today as a restaurant for all travelers and locals alike. The Nepenthe Restaurant serves food that has been created over the years from family tradition. The property now boasts, in addition to the restaurant, The Phoenix Gift Shoppe, and the Cafe Kevah.
The wonderment that surrounds this place can only be experienced in person for the true effect, so I strongly suggest you put this on your list of family favorites when you are driving Highway 1 along the coast of California.

This is why I am going to Thailand

Katherine Connor of Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary - Why I do what I do to help the elephants

Anyone who wishes to get involved by helping to sponsor our trip, please click on the donate button below. All proceeds will be given directly to BLES to help the elephants. We will be producing a "Sounds of BLES" audio CD as a fundraiser for the sanctuary. Anyone sponsoring our trip will receive a CD when it is available.

Thank you all in advance for your support.