Travel Secrets: Two of Worlds Top 10 Most Dangerous Airports are i...

Travel Secrets: Two of Worlds Top 10 Most Dangerous Airports are i...: What makes an airport dangerous? Top of the list is a short runway followed by traffic congestion, how close is it to a city,difficult terra...

Two of Worlds Top 10 Most Dangerous Airports are in the United States

What makes an airport dangerous? Top of the list is a short runway followed by traffic congestion, how close is it to a city,difficult terrain and/or high altitude, take off and approach procedures and how well does the airport controller speak English. Two of the worlds top ten most dangerous airports are in the United States. Are you flying and and out of one of them?

Vail, Colorado "Eagle Co Airport" is dangerous because of the weather which is constantly changing and unpredictable. The weather can change between approach to mid-approach. The high altitude reduces the horsepower of the planes engines.

San Diego, California "Lindbergh Field" is dangerous because it is right on top of the cities mass population, has been called the "one runway wonder" and is the single busiest airport in the United States, so congested airspace and volume of traffic are a given. Back in the 1920's this was home for Charles Lindbergh who began his famous Paris flight from here. It is also known for having the worst aviation accident in California history, which also ranked among the top worst in all of the USA. Besides the runway being short a parking garage sits just 200 yards from the end of it, then there are the mountains and surrounding community.

So, you ask... what's the number one most dangerous airport in the world? Guess.... I'll let you know if you're correct. HINT: The runway is only 1,600 feet.

Travel Secrets: CAMEL SAFARI IN CABO

Travel Secrets: CAMEL SAFARI IN CABO: "I've never been up close to a camel and always heard they were dirty, smelly and spit at people. I have to say nothing could have been furth..."

CAMEL SAFARI IN CABO

I've never been up close to a camel and always heard they were dirty, smelly and spit at people. I have to say nothing could have been further from the reality of my camel experience. These camels are well cared for with clean fur and they're happy, not overworked or poorly treated. In fact we had to do our safari on Friday because the camels do not work on Saturdays! It was a smooth ride and very comfy, no spitting, bad smells or aggressive behavior. The camels even gave kisses! There was a lot attached to this excursion and it was well worth the $100 and the lunch they provided was the best food I've eaten in all of Mexico. It's the only Camel Safari in Cabo.... in all of Mexico I believe. I met Sidi Amar, a lovely man from Egypt who brought the camels to Cabo and acclimated them to the environment. He has established many camel safari adventures around the world and was fascinating. After the camel ride they serve you a traditional tea which is sweet and you can visit while everyone takes close-up pictures with the camels. This is a must do when in Cabo!

Travel Secrets: Where Has Judalon Been? MUST HAVE APPS.

Travel Secrets: Where Has Judalon Been? MUST HAVE APPS.: "I have been non-stop traveling & had computer challenges along the way, so forgive my lack of posts. I'll try to catch you up with all the f..."

Where Has Judalon Been? MUST HAVE APPS.

I have been non-stop traveling & had computer challenges along the way, so forgive my lack of posts. I'll try to catch you up with all the fun & exciting things happening in travel. While in Mexico I had my hard drive go out on me. They do have an Apple store in Cabo, but I didn't want to waste travel time dealing with it & unless they had everything in stock I wouldn't have been there when parts arrived. Thank goodness for iPhone... all Smart Phones for that matter. With Smart Phones one can at least check email: in a foreign country keep it in "airplane mode" and tap into FREE WIFI at your hotel or a local Starbucks (yes, even in Cabo there is the famous Seattle brew).

I was turned on to a great APP called TEXTFREE with VOICE: unlimited texting and pic messaging, while they last you get your own free number, text from the web, Facebook chat from the app, free texting to Australia, Canada, China, UK, France and at least a dozen more.

Another one many of our group used in Cancun was HeyTell which is free, but in Cabo I learned Voxer Walkie Talkie is faster, group chats, sign up with your Facebook account and you are instantly connected with your FB friends also using Voxer, and it's all FREE! These apps are nice because the resort we were at didn't have a voice message system on your room phone so we could stay in touch without roaming or expensive cell charges.

NEW CRUISE LINE

The ships, the 68-passenger Wilderness Discoverer and 60-passenger Wilderness Adventurer, will be deployed in Alaska for InnerSea's first season there, sailing one- and two-week Inside Passage cruises. The vessels formerly sailed for the now-defunct Glacier Bay Cruiseline. 

Dan Blanchard and Tim Jacox who own American Safari Cruises are launching a new line, InnerSea Discoveries, with two refurbished expedition ships formerly part of the Glacier Bay Cruiseline, which is no longer in business. The Wilderness Discoverer carries 68 passengers and the Wilderness Adventurer holds 60. They will sail the Alaska Inside Passage. 


The new line strives to be 'eco-friendly.' All cabins are above deck and have large windows, memory foam mattresses, flat-screen TVs with DVD players and iPod docking stations. The main lounge was designed to feel like a mix between a mountain lodge and a neighborhood pub. Both ships have a sauna, exercise equipment, a resource library, a DVD library, board games and a hot tub with a view. The ships offer complimentary yoga classes on deck. 


Apparently the first season is nearly sold out, so if you're looking for a more intimate cruise experience and less of a big party with hundreds of others you better go on line and check it out.


Meanwhile, I'm packing for my own amazing Alaska Cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl and while I wouldn't mind checking out InnerSeas I love being able to share this with 50 of my fellow travel lovers and have the opportunity to meet many new people. Hey, I'm single and the more guests on ship the more likely I am to meet my match.

SHREK MEETS GAYLORD

Gaylord Entertainment has made a deal with DreamWorks Animation to bring the studio's characters to Gaylord hotels across the country. The Gaylord Palms Hotel in Kissimmee may hold the greatest interest for our family travelers. All the DreamWorks' cartoon characters, such as "Shrek," "Kung Fu Panda" and "Madagascar," will be part of the new program to compete with theme-park hotels by offering amenities such as character breakfasts, parades, meet-and-greet sessions, poolside activities and more. So far the plan extends only to entertainment and Gaylord is not planning on redecorating their rooms to fit with the child-oriented themes such as princess-rooms. More details and pricing to be announced this summer. The debut of the characters will be Christmas-time events, which begin in November.

Since last year you could experience these characters when sailing on one of the four  Royal Caribbean ships featuring DreamWorks characters. So, if you're looking for a new family experience and your kids (or you) are a fan of Shrek here are some new options for immersing yourselves in GREEN!

LET"S TALK MEXICO TRAVEL WARNINGS

I just returned from a lovely trip to Maya Riviera. Our travel club does numerous trips to the Cancun area as well as Cabo San Lucas and to date we've had no incidents or seen any alarming signs. I'm not saying the U.S. State Departments warning update of April 22  advising against travel to these Mexican states: Jalisco, Nayarit, San Luis Potosi, Sonora and Zacatecas along with the states of Tamaulipas and Michoacán and to parts of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Sinaloa, Durango, Northern Baja California and Nuevo Leon should not be observed, I'm saying don't live in fear and be smart about how you travel. Mexico is filled with beautiful, all-inclusive beach-front resorts most of  which have guards at their gates and security patrols on the grounds. You never have to leave them and can have a vacation of a life time. They also work with tour companies for excursions and they have every intention and motivation to keep you safe.




What gets you into trouble is taking off on your own and while this can often lead to amazing experiences and friendships it's not the thing to do when in or around an area on a warning list. We have drug gangs and wars going on right here in America and shootings on our city streets too. Be aware of what's around you and keep your head, don't get drunk in a little bar on a side street, don't engage in any possibly illegal activities, don't allow arguments with locals to start let alone escalate.... Stick to the resorts & sanctioned tour companies and have a great vacation.

Naked Women & Crazy Behavior in the Air!

I just read two insane stories about a twenty-something Playboy centerfold trying to open an exit door to jump out of the plane in flight. She apparently forgot her medication. Then Delta had a twenty-something strip naked while in flight and caused a huge disruption. Both women were taken into custody and may or may not have charges filed against them. What is going on? Is our society that out of control that sitting on a flight for a few hours is beyond being able to maintain personal control and respect for those around us? There is a documentary out called "I AM" and these two stories tell me that we all need to see it and take the message to heart. Re-examine our priorities... reduce the stress inducing people, things and aspirations, and get back to healthy living that revolves not around celebrity and money, but around loving, supportive relationships and our service to others. I don't know, is it just me or is it out-of-control-crazy?

Certainly, if you're on medication don't forget them and make sure they are in your carry-on. Dress in layers and perhaps others will stop you before your get down to your birthday suit!

GREAT DISCOVERY

What's one of the best things about travel? The memories, right? I used to remember everything down to the smallest detail, but in that past few years life is so fast & I get back from a trip & look at various pictures & can't recall which city I was in. This was really tough when I did the Ring Of Kerry because you pass thru so many villages. I try to keep a small note pad with me but it usually ends up with a grocery or "To Do" list of some sort & my travel notes forgotten or tossed without knowing. I've also gone the traditional travel journal but they are just too big & often heavy to cart with you all day on a trip. I just ran across the most amazing travel journal site with compact, waterproof journals specializing in specific types of travel and data entry. A wine journal, a hiking, fishing, music festival... you name it & they have one! I'm not making a penny by shouting out about this, I just want to share a good thing. Here is the URL:http://www.nomadjournals.com/index.cfm and these make nice gifts for your friends who love to travel.... hint, hint, hint... :-)

CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

My favorite time of year in Japan is now when the Sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom. I remember walking to the train station, to school or the park after school and being enveloped in a sift pink cloud of delicate silk. The smell is heaven and it's hard to imagine anything but good. You must visit Japan during this season because if you don't believe in heaven you will after walking in a park of cherry trees in bloom.

American Airlines Warning to Fliers

Had a truly horrible American Airline experience and want to give you all a heads-up when flying AA out of Cancun, Mexico. American Airlines had a crazy moment when they decide to have several flights departing out of Cancun all within an hour of each other so the check in line was excessive. You can't check in online, you have to go to the counter. My hotel and shuttle service had no clue AA had lost their senses and said being their 2 hours in advance was enough. Fortunately, they were early and I was actually at the airport 2.5 hours in advance and it took 2 hours to get to the check in counter! Another 20 minutes to go through security and on the plane. As a result I had no time to stop and purchase food. I wasn't worried because I figured I'd buy their food... it was an International flight of 4-plus hours. They had no food! I could buy Pringles for almost $5 or crackers/cheese also expensive for what they are and I am allergic to cow products! The final "food" item was a chocolate chip cookie... pure poison to a diabetic or person with a sugar like myself. The flight attendant was very nice and offered me her own chicken salad or tuna snack that she brought from home for herself. I'm just not the sort of person who can accept such generosity. I hadn't eaten since breakfast at 7AM because I was working in Mexico and had things to do up until the shuttle arrived at 12:45PM and figured I'd eat at the airport or at least buy food to take on the plane. I asked about food from first class but was told they had none. I wasn't asking for the sake of eating to just eat; I felt my blood sugar crashing & still had limited time to go thru customs & change planes in DFW and by the time we landed I'd been without food for 12 hours. I felt faint, but AA doesn't care. Not even a bag of peanuts! It was so bad that they only had a few cans of tomato juice. It was horrible. I kept thinking how many diabetics and hypoglycemic there are in todays world and how foolish AA was not to have some decent protein to keep people functioning. So, be warned; pack plenty of food in advance and don't count on buying it at the airport and certainly not on the plane when you fly American Airlines.

Photo Sharing by MyPhotoAlbum :: judalonsdreamtrippers's MyPhotoAlbum Gallery :: H3R:Maya Riviera, MX April 2011

Just back from an amazing trip to Hacienda Tres Rios in Maya Riviera, Mexico

Photo Sharing by MyPhotoAlbum :: judalonsdreamtrippers's MyPhotoAlbum Gallery :: H3R:Maya Riviera, MX April 2011

CRYSTAL GOES ALL-INCLUSIVE

Come spring of 2012 the Crystal cruise line will add gratuities, wine and bar service to its all-inclusive pricing. No more the difficult to explain and understand "As You Wish" program. Complimentary fine wines, premium alcohol, and open bar service in all lounges, plus pre-paid gratuities for all bar, dining and housekeeping staff when the all-inclusive program rolls out on the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

ENTERPRISE CAR RENTALS GONE FROM ORBITZ

As of April 1, 2011 you will no longer find any Enterprise brands on Orbitz or Cheaptickets, which  means no Alamo, National or Enterprise, and that means less competition & most likely higher prices on the remaining suppliers. An Enterprise executive claimed Orbitz was demanding too high a commission, but Orbitz doesn't want to own up to that & simply claims they will fully meet travelers' needs. If you're a fan of Enterprise & like booking your car rental at the same time as you book air & hotel then book using: www.TravelSecrets.rovia.com.

ROMANTIC GETAWAY DANA POINT, CA

Recently I stayed at the Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa in Dana Point, CA and found it to be a romantic spot worthy of Jane Eyre with sweeping ocean views and a cozy fireplace in the lobby bar. The room was large with a comfortable bed and good sheets... very important to us girls! Let me also say the fish tacos are the best I've ever had! This location is isolated enough to feel like you're really out-of-town and can let your hair down & let go of the stress, but it's also just a short drive to Laguna Beach for art galleries, restaurants, and shopping. The staff was very nice. I was there with my travel club and we had a couple celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary... I think they are happily enjoying 32 years because they celebrate with travel and romantic getaways. They said "being friends" and "good communications" helped as well.

Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa is definitely a place I want to return to.

GREAT LINK FOR JAPAN HELP UPDATE

I have to thank Emily Tang for sharing this great link for update and how to help Japan....http://www.good.is/post/earthquake-and-tsunami-in-japan-how-to-help/

Thanks, Emily! What times like these show us is the true nature of our spirit.

TSA TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM

The USA Travel Association is strongly suggesting the TSA put a "trusted traveler" program in place, but popular opinion is that unless congress steps in and demands it, don't expect it to happen. Actually, George W. Bush tried to get just such a program in place and was shut down by congress. Maybe congress needs to hear your voice. What I've read leaves me with mixed feelings; I can see fingerprints, even footprints, but our tax returns? How do our tax returns and credit scores relate to whether or not we are terrorists? I could see asking for jail records and even a mental health exam, but tax returns? What are your thoughts on what should be required to be labeled a "trusted traveler"?

JAPAN - The Home of My Youth

As we approach April and cherry blossom season I always find myself a bit homesick, but this year finds me sad and concerned. Having grown up with earthquakes I'm pretty easy-going about them. Even tho' the school I attended in Japan had been devastated in the 1923 earthquake (before I was born) and many students died. This current earthquake shares the same fault line as California. I was expecting to be flooded as I'm not far enough inland from the beach front to escape a tsunami, but we were blessed and saw no effects of the tsunami. We will feel the economic challenges as Japan is our 4th highest source of travelers to the USA and pump $13 billion into our economy as a result; mostly Hawaii, California, New York and Nevada will feel the pinch. In turn, travel plans to Japan seem to be making record cancellations. If you enjoy travel that "helps" like going to a country and build homes or schools, or assist in delivering medicine then perhaps this is a good time for a humanitarian trip. If not, and you want the 5-star treatment it's a toss up... with so many cancelations those who do show will have undivided attention and resources. I went to Mexico when the swine flu caused most to cancel and it was wonderful. Actually, Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka are in pretty good shape. The Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea reported no damage. If your vacation plans were in these cities, and especially if you don't have trip insurance then you may want to keep them. The coast of Honshu is not a major tourist destination and that is where the devastation is. Cherry Blossom time in Japan is so beautiful, romantic, hopeful and inspiring.

TRAVEL BUCKET LIST

What's on your travel bucket list? I've got many, but at the top of the list is Machu Picchu in the Andean mountains of Peru. These ancient ruins were only rediscovered by an American archaeologist in 1911. This Inca site was  built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls  around AD 1430 and one hundred years later was abandoned. This is one of my must see before I die destinations. Tell me yours....

BUY BROADWAY TICKETS BELOW FACE VALUE

When in New York going to a Broadway show is a must do,so I'm sharing a huge value secret with you... where to get Broadway & Off Broadway show tickets below face-value. I don't get anything for sending you to this site, but the satisfaction of knowing my readers are saving some bucks. Check out http://www.applause-tickets.com/ and they have an 800 number that allows you to talk to a real person! You can also pick up a New York Pass from this site as well. What is it you ask?  Looks like a credit card and gives you priority and cash-free access to over 55 of New York’s most popular attractions. The more you use it, the more you save. The card allows you to skip the long lines; just look for the New York Pass signs when you arrive at the attraction and find the attendant to swipe your card, and you're in. You can get a one, two, three or seven day adult or child pass starting at $55 up to $190. You can purchase up to a year in advance and they have a money back guarantee. This can save you so much money and lead you to many well known and not so well known adventures and gems of New York city.

PACKING

I like to lay out everything I am packing on my bed & take digital photos, which I keep in my phone as well as email to myself. Then I type the itemized list & print out 2 copies; one I keep with my travel documents in my purse & the other in my suitcase. If either of those go MIA then I always have a copy in my computer. The list speeds the process of notifying the airline and insurance company if your suitcase gets lost or stolen. Don’t forget to make a list of your medications including name of meds, purpose, doctor’s name and contact information, and prescription number. When packing to go home check everything off as you pack it so nothing gets left behind.

DON'T LEAVE THE HOTEL WITHOUT IT

When you check in to your hotel make sure everyone in your party has a hotel business card to keep on their person whenever leaving the hotel. If the hotel does not have a business card ask if they have a postcard, matchbook, pen or other item with their address and phone number. This is even more important when traveling in foreign countries with an unfamiliar alphabet. If you get lost or turned around just show it to a taxi driver for no misunderstandings and a quick return to the hotel.

ESSENTIALS: TOILET PAPER

TOILET PAPER is a must to carry when traveling in the Middle East, Asia, South & Central America. Not that European toilet paper is wonderful, but they generally have it. Take the cardboard core out of half-size roles & flatten to pack in plastic bags. Travel packs of baby wipes (just not in China, I'm told airport security will take them from you) are advisable along with hand sanitizer. If you don’t bring your own toilet seat covers, even in many parts of the United States they are not provided… squatting helps build leg muscles! Since I grew up in Japan where most toilets were bowls in the floor I'm good at squatting & forget about the worry of what you might contract from contact with the toilet seat!

WHERE DO YOU KEEP MONEY SAFE WHEN TRAVELING?

I prefer to travel with new bills in small denominations. If you can’t get new bills then steam iron your money to help compact it. I carry $100- $200 in singles for tips and small purchases. Also, keep money in more than one location; wallet, money belt, your sock, inside your bra… what are some of your creative spots for keeping money safe while traveling?

TRAVELING WITH MEDICATION

Don’t carry your entire bottle of prescription medication with you. Go to a craft supply store and buy small baggies or  the snack size ziplocks from the grocery store and put the required number of dosages plus 3… just incase you miss a flight or get delayed a day or so. Photo copy the prescription label and insert into the baggie. Then make a list of all medications including the dosage and strength. Keep this list in a safe place incase you need to replace medication while traveling, or are traveling to a country that can duplicate the medication without a prescription and is cheaper to obtain. I know people who travel to Mexico on a regular basis to stock up on antibiotics and claim to save hundreds of dollars a year. Another time saver: package pills by day/doses. Say you take  2 medications and a multi every morning put all in a baggie and label AM. If you have afternoon, dinner or bedtime dosages label the baggies so it makes sense to you. I use AM (upon waking), N (afternoon), D (dinner time) and PM (bedtime).

Mosquitoes Be Gone

BOUNCE fabric softener sheets are a must to pack if traveling to places with mosquitoes… tie one to a belt loop to repel the pests. Also keeps your clothes smelling fresh in your suitcase.

Before You Travel

Scan your driver’s license, passport, your travel documents & only the credit cards you are taking (never take more than 2 credit cards) & email them to yourself so if any become lost or stolen you can easily access them at an Internet Café. Not a bad idea to copy these to someone close to you that is not traveling with you.

Travel Teaches Life Lessons

When I was growing up our family didn't take vacations, but we traveled quite often because my father's career took him to new towns, new states & new countries every couple of years. My Dad always said, "Travel is the best education you'll ever get." He was right. The travels of my youth taught me to appreciate the differences in cultures and others opposed to wanting the world and the people in it to be one way. Travel taught me patience and to go with the flow. It taught me that it is better to face challenges with a light heart and laughter... to make the best of what you have. It taught me to trust that whatever happens it ultimately happens for the higher good of all concerned. Travel is a classroom for living a more open, loving, tolerant and appreciative life.