We’ve been featuring Central and South America over on The Travelers Way this month, and it’s gotten me thinking about the warm weather south of the border.  I’ve enjoyed my visits to Central and South America and count Costa Rica, Panama, and Cartagena, Columbia as some of my most memorable trips.

But I know that language differences, combined with a different culture, cuisine, and lifestyle, can make Central and South America a bit intimidating to travelers.  If you can’t go it alone, don’t write off the destination, just find a tour that takes care of all the details while still leaving you independent enough to enjoy what you want to see and do.

For some time now I’ve been following information about tours offered by Friendly Planet Travel.  While I have not taken one of their tours. . . yet. . . I’ve been impressed with the high quality, affordable vacation packages they offer to some of the most exotic destinations around the world.  Some destinations that you might think aren’t affordable may be well within your budget with these tours.

Friendly Planet Travel is offering three new tours to South America that give you an opportunity to see the best of the sites, sample some great food, and enjoy an exotic part of the world.  Take a look at what’s in store and see if any might be just what you’re interested in.

Marvelous Rio de Janeiro – With the famous Christ the Redeemer statue over looking the city from atop Corcovado Mountain, Rio embraces visitors with its joyous culture.  This tour includes a visit to Corcovado, a tour of Rio, and an excursion to the Hippie Fair and Craft Market in Ipanema.  Optional tours are available, including a jeep tour of the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, and a tour of Sugarloaf Mountain.  While you’re in Rio, be sure to check out a churrasco, a traditional all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue.  Seven day tours start at $1,399 per person, double occupancy, and include round trip air far from Miami to Rio, arrival and departure transfers, guided touring, accommodations in a first class hotel, and daily breakfast.

Spectacular Rio & Iguazu Falls – This tours continues from where the previous one left off.  From Rio, this tour heads to Iguaza Falls, the world’s largest waterfall, that straddles the border of Brazil and Argentina.  The falls can be visited from both countries, and great debate goes on about which country’s view is the best.  Nine day tours start at $1,899 per person, double occupancy, and include round trip air far from Miami to Rio, arrival and departure transfers, guided touring, accommodations in a first class hotel, and daily breakfast.

Best of South America – If neither of the previous tours give you enough time in country,extend your stay with this tour that includes a visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Often called the “Paris of the south,” you’ll have a chance to soak up the French influence on this South American city.  In addition to what the previous two tours include, this one also includes a tour of Buenos Aires. 11 day tours start at $2,599 per person, double occupancy, and include round trip air far from Miami to Rio, all land transportation and transfers, intra-South America flights, guided touring, accommodations in a first class hotel, and daily breakfast.

There are a few things that the tour price doesn’t include – taxes and security fees (approximately $95) and a required visa for Brazil ($160 from a consulate, approximately $250 from visa service agency).

If you’ve been nervous about visiting South America independently, these value-priced tours may be just what you’re looking for.  And if you price out the airfare, you’ll realize how really great these prices are.

OK now, who wants to go?

Photo credit:  bellman via wikimedia

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The southern United States may be known for seceding from the Union and its checkered civil rights history, but with those issues long in the past (hopefully), the South is now carving out a name for itself with signature cuisine, tourism, and don’t forget those charming accents.

Part of the culture of the South has always been its love of sports and all things sports related.  It’s not surprising then, that sports museums have cropped up around the area, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world.  Here are a few that you might not be familiar with:

PGA Museum of Golf – Recently renamed (it was formerly known as the PGA Historical Center), this museum showcases the history of the PGA, with interactive exhibits, and a variety exhibits of golf artifacts and memorabilia.

The PGA Museum of Golf is located at 8565 Commerce Center Pkwy., in Port St. Lucie, Florida.  Hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm.  Admission is free.

International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum – This non profit organization focuses on the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices, and its 4,700 square foot Hall of Fame is sure to appeal to fishermen.  The museum has seven galleries where visitors can see life-size replicas of word record catches, virtual fishing, indoor and outdoor demonstrations, and a chance to go alligator spotting on a boardwalk through four acres of wetlands.

The International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum if located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida.  Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 am-6 pm and Sunday noon-6 pm.  Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and children (ages 3-16).

NASCAR Hall of Fame – This celebration of the history and heritage of stock car racing opened last year and has been a big hit, educating and entertaining visitors with interactive exhibits, racing artifacts, theater, broadcast studio, and restaurant.  A visitor favorite is Glory Road, a banked ramp that simulates and highlights 40 current and historic racetracks.  It simulates banking up to 33 degrees so you’ll have a chance to get a feel for what’s it’s like to walk on a banked track.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame (in top photo) is located at 400 East Martin Luther King Blvd., in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Hours are 10 am-6 pm daily.  Admission is $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors (60+) and military, and $12.95 for children (ages5-12).

International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum – This three building complex is located adjacent to the Talladega Superspeedway and showcases the history of motorsports.  Popular exhibits include the Budweiser Rocket car, the first car to break the speed of sound on land (it can accelerate from 0 to 140 mph in one second!) and Richard Petty’s famous STP Dodge Charger, in which he had 31 wins.  This is also the setting for the Hall of Fame Inductions each year.

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is located at on Speedway Boulevard, next to Talladega Superspeedway, in Talladega, Alabama.  Hours are 9 am-5 pm daily during racing season; check for hours during other times of the year.  Admission is $12 for adults, $5 students (ages 5-12).  Combine with a speedway tour for a combo admission tickets of $16 adults and $8 students.  Discounts for seniors (55+), AAA, AARP, military, police, and firefighters.

Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame – Opened in 1999, this venue celebrat3es the past, present, and future of women’s basketball, from the struggles of sports in the schools to the triumphs of the WNBA.

You can spot the Hall of Fame by the world’s largest basketball, weighing in at 10 tons, that sits on top of a glass basketball net.  Inside you’ll find multimedia presentations, artifacts and memorabilia, and a locker room exhibit with recordings of pre-game and halftime chalk talks.  Then show off your skills on the indoor court.

The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is located at 700 Hall of Fame Drive, in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm, and closed on Sunday and Monday during fall and winter hours.  Extended spring and summer hours are Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm.  Admission is $7.95 for adults, $5.95 for seniors (62+) and children (ages 6-15).

Kentucky Derby Museum – On the grounds of Churchill Downs, this 2-floor thoroughbred racing museum has exhibits ranging from the birth of champions, derby fashion, horse owners, jockeys, and the famous winner’s circle.  Visitors can try for their own Derby win with a race simulator and soak up the ambiance of the Sport of Kings. Admission also includes a walking tour of Churchill Downs and a high-definition movie.

The Kentucky Derby Museum is located at 704 Central Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky.  Hours are Monday-Saturday, 8 am-5 pm; Sunday 11 am-5 pm through November 30th.  Then, Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm; Sunday 11 am-5 pm through March 14th.  Admission is $13 for adults; $12 for Seniors (55+); $11 young adults (ages 13-18); $5 kids (ages 5-12). Discounts for military families, AAA, and CAA.

Photo credits:  Tabitha Kaylee Hawk (Churchill Downs); Tennessee Wanderer (Motorsports Hall of Fame); David Berkowitz (NASCAR)

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While riding in a gondola in Venice is one of the most common ways to see the city, it is also one of the most expensive.  A ride on the traghetto, a sort of foot ferry on a gondola, is usually crowded and quick, leaving little time to see the city from the water.  A ride on the vaporetto (water taxi) can be so crowded that you may not even be able to see the water from your standing spot.

Although I think a trip to Venice should include all three of the above, on a hot summer day I’d suggest taking to the water on a motor boat.

A motor boat will take you nearly everywhere that a gondola will.  The faster pace may be a little less romantic, but the trade off is a little breeze on your face and a chance to see a little bit more of the city during your rental time.

Photo credit:  from the author’s collection

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When heading to the beach, the fun usually starts when you arrive at your destination.  However, sometimes the stunning views along the road to the beach can mean that the journey itself is an enjoyable one thanks to the amazing sights you can take in along the way.  Great ocean drives allow you to witness some stunning scenery of both sea and land while enjoying the freedom of the open road.

Below, are five of the best driving routes with views of the ocean:

Pacific Coast Highway – California

Heading along the Pacific Coast Highway in southern California will see you travelling a 123-mile route that affords breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Starting from Monterey, the highway takes you through the Big Sur region of the state to Morro Bay and as it is a designated All-American Road, you can be sure of some stunning sights.  Driving the entire motorway can be completed in a couple of hours, but you may want to take your time in order to see everything that the area has to offer.

After departing Monterey, you’ll arrive at Carmel Highlands. Take a diversion at Garrapata State Park (in photo above), and head to the beach to look for sea otters splashing around in the water.  Continue northwards and you’ll soon arrive at Bixby Bridge; the single-span concrete bridge is one of the most-photographed features of the western coast of the US.

Among the other attractions on the route are the Little Sur River and Andrew Molera State Park, with the highway ending at Morro Rock, an extinct volcanic cone that is some 23 million years old.

Pirate Route – Jamaica

You’ll be able to take in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean by going on Jamaica’s so-called Pirate Route. This 380-mile trip sees you start from Port Royal, winding your way clockwise through the country along the A1 and A2 roads.

As you drive, you’ll see beached freighter ships and come across a number of historic forts that protected Jamaica’s coastal towns from pirates during the 17th and 18th centuries. Eventually, you’ll arrive in Kingston, the Jamaican capital, where you can see the remains of a 19th century courthouse.

Along this route, you can stop of in Negril which is home to the Seven Mile Beach (in photo). The beach is absolutely stunning with golden sand, crystal clear blue water and plenty of things to do.

Atlantic Highway – Devon and Cornwall

In the UK, there is a great drive along the coast of Devon and Cornwall. The section of the A39 which runs from Barnstaple to Newquay is known as the Atlantic Highway and you’ll come across a great number of places to stop off as you drive.

Take a quick diversion at the A399 and pay a visit to Exmoor Zoo, where you can see creatures ranging from penguins and kangaroos to meerkats and cheetahs.

You’ll also be able to take in Tintagel. According to local legend, the village is the birthplace of King Arthur and you may be able to learn more about the iconic figure by visiting Tintagel Castle.

Your 135-mile road trip ends at Newquay (in photo), a resort that is popular with both families and young people. Here, you can go surfing at the renowned Fistral Beach and visit the Blue Reef Aquarium.

Pacific Highway – Australia

Visit Australia for a road-trip and you’ll be able to travel along the Pacific Highway from Sydney up to Brisbane.

This 596-mile road also affords you views of the Pacific Ocean and you’ll be able to take in a number of bustling destinations on your way, including Port Macquarie (in photo) which is a popular spot for surfing. The beaches in the area are unspoiled and reasonably quiet.  In total, the Greater Port Macquarie is home to 18 beaches, 6 of which are patrolled by lifeguards, 8 of which are dog friendly and pretty much all of which are suitable for swimming and surfing.

The Pacific Highway forms part of Australia’s highway one, which links all the country’s major cities, and at the end you’ll come to Brisbane. Upon arriving at the Queensland state capital, you can visit attractions such as Brisbane City Hall, Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and Roma Street Parkland.

Seward Highway – Alaska

Up in Alaska, the Seward Highway (in photo) will offer you a very different US coastal driving experience. While the views may not be of the beaches you’re used to in terms of golden sand and sunny weather, this coastal road will allow you great views of the ocean and stop off points which allow you right onto the coast.

While you’ll still be able to see the Pacific coast for large parts of your trip, it’ll be ice fields and fjords rather than golden beaches that you’ll be taking in from your car.

Starting in Anchorage, the state’s largest city, the 127-mile road takes you southward to the harbor town of Seward.  Stop by Chugach State Park, the third-largest state park in the country, where you can go horseback riding and cycling in the summer and enjoy snowmobiling and skiing in the winter. Upon reaching Seward, you can take a charter boat ride along the waterfront and dine at a number of restaurants that specialize in fresh seafood.

Photo credit:  Provided courtesy of the author

Author bio:  Written by the Travel Supermarket car hire team

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I’m always impressed with promotions that Four Seasons Seattle offers, so I went looking to see what some of their sister properties were cooking up for the remaining days of summer.  Just up I-5 a few hours, the Spa at Four Seasons Resort Whistler is offering kid-perfect spa treatments.

OK, at first I thought this was kind of creepy, with visions of overly made up little girls parading around in those inappropriate way that you see on television.  But then I followed some tweets from Kara Williams of The Vacation Gals talking about the wonderful bonding experience she had with her daughter as a result of a stop off at the local mall for a manicure and pedicure.  Hmmmmm, perhaps I need to check my preconceptions at the door and take a closer look.

The Spa is offering ice cream-themed manicure and pedicure packages designed to create a perfect mom-daughter experience.  Especially if your daughter is a girly-girl type who would adore strawberry shortcake ice cream flavored treatments.

Doesn’t this sound both delicious and relaxing:

Princess Dreams Ice Cream Pedicure featuring yummy flavors like lavender, strawberry, kiwi , marshmallow, and vanilla (products from the ME! product line of bath and body products), with an Ice Cream Sandwich Pumice Stone for mom.  Prices start at $45 for a 30-minute pedicure and $55 for a 30-minute manicure.  (All prices CAD.)

Why not let the staff at the Spa, recently rated as one of the Top 10 spas in the Americas and Caribbean, work their magic on you, creating a very special mom-daughter experience.

Location:  Four Seasons Resort Whistler is located at 4591 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, British Columbia

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Four Seasons, Robert Leon photographer

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July 4th, 2011.  In the United States it was a holiday celebrating the 235th anniversary of the country’s independence.

Back home friends had get-togethers with family and friends.  There were steaks, chicken, and burgers on the grill.  There was time for a game of baseball, badminton, or maybe a little time to be out on the water.  There was probably ice cream, watermelon, beer, and plenty of good natured fun.  When it was finally dark, the fireworks came out – whether they were the safe and sane sparklers, the bigger fire power purchased on the reservation, or the even bigger powered community displays.  The weather looked like it was fairly nice (and that’s a real blessing in Seattle right now) and I’m guessing it was a pretty good day all around.

But here in Italy, July 4th, 2011 was simply a Monday, a little cooler, a little cloudier, but just a Monday.

We slept in a little bit, spent some time by the pool, and then headed off to see the town of Pitigliano.

Pitigliano seemed like it was out in the middle of nowhere – but then you round a bend in the road and you see the town seemingly growing out of a rock formation.  It’s both on top of the rocks and growing out of the rocks, and is one of the most dramatic sights I’ve seen here in Italy (and there have been some pretty dramatic ones).

Pitigliano is basically a volcanic ridge that is located at the meeting point of two rivers.  The caves carved into the landscape their date back to Etruscan times, and if you peer into the canyon you can see the waterfalls caused by the rivers.  It’s much like other medieval towns in that there are a hodgepodge of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways spurring off in all different directions in a haphazard way.  Follow one or another and you’ll see much the same thing – stone buildings, flowers growing everywhere there’s a free spot, and people going about daily life.

The main attraction in the town is the Palazzo Orsini, the 16th century residence of the prominent Orsini family.  Other interesting sights include the remains of a 14th century aqueduct (in the middle of the town) and and 18th century cathedral.  Personally, I suggest wandering through the town and stopping for gelato when you need a break, maybe even stopping more than once.

When we got back to the farmhouse where we are staying there was a large group of Italian travelers finishing up their evening meal.  As is so typical here, we were invited to join them.  Wine was being poured (along with grappa), and conversation was lively even though we knew very little of one another’s language.  Oh, and they passed around watermelon, too.  I guess it wasn’t all that different from back at home.

The Euro to Dollar valuation makes travel to Europe less of a buy that is was last year, but it is still VERY doable.  Look for cheap deals on holidays abroad to find something that fits your budget and then make the most of every single day you’re there.

We’re coming into the home stretch of our holiday – just another couple of days – and I’m already making a list of things that I want to check out on the next trip.

Photo credit:  from the author’s personal collection

NOTE:  This post is sponsored by Direct Holidays; the experiences and opinions are solely those of the author.

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Elvis has not left the building!  His music is alive and well, and performed every night in the ARIA showroom.  Viva Elvis! ,the new production show from Cirque du Soleil, traces the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll from his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi to his headlining days on the Las Vegas Strip.  And in between, well let’s just say there’s a whole lotta shakin’ going on.

The show follows a largely chronological time line, telling the life story of Elvis Aron Presley through photos, staging and his music – both recorded and taped numbers.  While Elvis never actually appears on stage, there can be no doubting that his presence is larger than life.

The life story of Elvis is paired up with music representative of the time and the performances of 28 acrobats and 32 dancers with the creative costuming and theatrics that Cirque du Soleil is known for.  Some of the highlights include:

• It’s Now or Never – Repurposed and set to a flamenco routine.
• Viva Las Vegas – The finale, complete with showy costumes and fireworks evoking the glamour of Las Vegas in days gone by.
• One Night – Transformed into a ballad as two men climb and frolic about a guitar-shaped design hanging above the stage.
• Jail House Rock – The inmates stage a lively and flashy jail break.
• Are You Lonesome Tonight – The beautiful love song sets the mood for two aerialists soaring through the air.
• Got a Lot o’Livin’ to Do – ,The song provided the backdrop for an impressive trampoline routine by performers dressed in superhero costumes.  This was by far the audience favorite, with murmurs of WOW and “how do they do that.”  At the time I didn’t understand the significance of the superhero reference, but it turns out Elvis was a comic book fan.
• Return to Sender – Elvis’s induction into the Army, complete with video showing his thick, wavy locks being shorn off, and looking handsome in his uniform.
• Bossa Nova Baby – Providing background for an acrobatic stacking and climbing chairs that seemed to reach all the way to the ceiling.
• Burning Love – Video clips showed the hunk-a-hunk of burning love kissing co-stars from his movies.  Film buffs will want to be looking for Anne Margaret, ADD OTHERS HERE
• Mystery Train – Cowboys out on the range perform lasso tricks, including lassos on fire, in a routine that I wasn’t quite sure how it fit in

The fact that the showroom was well under half full for a Thursday night performance is more about a struggling economy than about the production.  The show room will hold 1,840 people.  I can only imagine how challenging it is to play to an audience whose response was, at times, lukewarm, but the performers still gave it their all.

Who will like the performance?  For me that’s a tough question to answer.  Fans of Elvis’s music will probably like the music, assuming that can make the transition to some of the creative ways the songs have been covered and styled.  Fans of Cirque du Soleil will likely be entertained, but feel disappointed that the show was more about the music and the persona than about the impressive performances for which the troupe is known.  ..

My take on it:  I liked it, but I didn’t love it.  I’ve seen LOVE – playing at the Mirage – Cirque du Soleil’s show celebrating the music and life of the Beatle’s and found it far more entertaining.

It’s worth the time and money to catch Viva Elvis!, and for most of us, it’s the only way we’ll hear the King perform.

Thinking about staying at the ARIA?  Read my review of ARIA to help you decide.

Location:  ARIA Hotel Showroom

Show times:  7 ad 9 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.  The show runs 90 minutes, with no intermission.

Tickets:  Priced at $99 – 175, plus taxes and fees  CHECK FOR PROMOTIONAL PRICING

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Julie Aucoin and MGM Mirage

NOTE:  I received a complimentary ticket for the performance of Viva Elvis; the opinions expressed herein are solely my own.

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With 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, and winter temperatures averaging in the low 70’s,  Fuerteventura, Spain lures travelers to its shores offering white and black sand beaches, terrific year-round surfing, sailing, diving, sport fishing, and all sorts of adventure both on land and water.

Fuerteventura is one of the Canary Islands, owned by Spain and located about 63 miles off the coast of Africa.  Flights to Fuerteventura go into the airport at El Mattoral from dozens of cities across Europe, making it easy and affordable for a beach vacation.

So what about the beaches?

There are over 150 beaches on the island ranging from fine, white sand to black volcanic rock from volcanic activity ranging back thousands of years.  Generally speaking, the beaches on the north part of the island have expansive sand dunes, and the beaches in the south tend to be a bit more remote.

How do you select the best beach?  Or maybe it’s the best best for today, with a list of others for the days to come?  Here’s some highlights of some of the main beaches to get you thinking:

Ajuy – This fine black sand beach isn’t suitable for swimming, but it’s still a popular attraction for visitors to Fuerteventura.  Walk up the paved trail to the top of a nearby cliff and enjoy the view of Mother Nature at her finest.

Caleta de Fuste – Light-colored fine sand and calm water make this a great beach for families with young children.  Located close to many hotels, the beach is popular with tourists for swimming, wading, and other water activities.  You can even ride a camel on the beach!

Cofete – This rather desolate beach has waves and wind that make it unsuitable for swimming, yet it has an unexplainable appeal.  It’s worth exploring to find some solitude and to appreciate nature, and a great spot for some photography.

Corralejo Dunes – This fine sand beach (in photo above) is part of the National Park system, and is popular with families for sunning, swimming and other water activities.  The beach is clothing optional, so leave any prudish attitude in the car.

Corralejo Town – There are several small bays offering beaches that are enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.  The family friendly spots are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and all water activities.  You’ll also find a surf school.  Bars and pubs are located right on the beach.

Costa Calma – This beach is popular with families as the waves are calm, the sand fine, and hotels very close nearby.  Clothing optional is permitted.

El Cotillo – Several bays, separated by lava rocks, make up this beach area that is removed from the tourist areas.  The water is very shallow, making it a great spot for families with young children, and the fine sand makes for great sunbathing.  Clothing optional is permitted.

El Salmo – Another quiet beach that is frequently overlooked by visitors since no hotels are located nearby.  The sand is fine, but there are lots of lava rocks scattered about, so sunbathing may be difficult.  Still, if you want to escape the crowds, it’s a solid choice.

Esquinzoi – This small beach has fine sand with larger lava rocks that you an easily work around.  Family friendly, with a town located right nearby, this is a very popular beach.  Clothing optional is permitted.

Giniginamar – This remote beach on a pebbly bay is more of a local favorite than a tourist one.  Fishing boats and limited visitors make it a rather romantic beach spot.  Sit and talk, have a picnic, and enjoy having few people around you.

Gran Tarajal – The beach on a large bay has fine sand that makes it perfect for sunbathing, although it’s more popular with locals than with tourists.  Enjoy swimming and sunning, or find a pick up game of beach football (there are goals on the beach).

Jandia – 13 miles of sandy beach make this a popular spot for beach lovers (in photo above).  It’s divided into four sections, each with its own special personality, and offers something for everyone.  Clothing optional is permitted.

La Lajita – This small beach on a quiet bay is primarily a fishing area, so you’ll find more locals than tourists.  The sand is dark and fine near the water, becoming more rocky as you move away.

La Pared – Rough surf and a strong current make this beach unsuitable for swimming, but it is a beautiful look at nature.  If you’re happy just to sunbathe with the sound of crashing surf, this beach is for you.

Las Playitas – This fine, dark sand beach is a local favorite.  It has no public access and you must go through hotel gardens to get to the beach.  There is a sailing school, and kayaks and surfboards are available for rent.

Mal Nombre – Calm, shallow waters and a fine sand make this a great beach for families.  Get there early and snag one of the small black sand castles, perfect for laying on the beach in privacy.  Clothing optional is permitted.

Playa de Garcey – This spot is the former resting place of the American Star which sunk in water right in front of the beach.  It’s now been removed.  Getting to the beach is a real effort, and will take you through scenic country, but strong currents and dangerous jellyfish make this unsuitable for swimming.

Puerto de la Cruz – Predominantly locals visit these rocky beaches on small bays.  The nearby town is the most southern part of the island, and is full of sights worth seeing.  Combine a visit to the beach with a visit to the town for a great day trip.

Sotavento – This beach is quite windy, making it popular with surfers, wind surfers and kite boarders, but not so much with sun bathers – unless you fancy lots of sand in your face (in photo above).  There are some protected areas to lay so get there early to nab one.  The water is shallow, and good for small children, but you will need to watch out for lots of water activity.  Clothing optional is permitted.

Tarajalejo – A little off the beaten bath, this dark sand beach is full of rocks and pebbles, but makes an easy stop off if you’re walking the promenade that goes alongside it.  Lots of services are available in the area.

Whether you’re looking for a beach full of fun and activities, or something remote and quiet, Fuerteventura has the right beach for you!

Photo credits:  Courtesy of Shutterstock

NOTE:  This post is sponsored by Thomas Cook; the opinions expressed are those of the author

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As I sit in my hotel room on Maui, watching the sun come up on this island paradise, I think about how fortunate I am to have the type of job that allows me to leave the rain (and occasional snow) of Seattle.  I get to wear shorts, read by the pool, and sit on my deck with a morning coffee.  I can look out my balcony at some lovely grounds (I don’t have an ocean view), and hear the waves in the distance.  Later this morning I might go for a walk and then have my favorite macadamia french toast for breakfast.  Life seems pretty darn good!

But what I rarely talk about are the side effects to flying.  From frequent time zone changes, inconsistent sleep patterns, injuries from pushing carts and lifting bags, poor eating habits, and exposure to countless germs and illnesses, and allergy, sinus, and ear related problems.  It’s that latter problem that is interfering with my enjoyment of my layover on Maui.

Back in 1999 I was diagnosed with adult onset allergies, directly related, my doctor said, to flying.  I have no idea how long it had been going on, but what led me to finally seek medical intervention was my inability to clear my ears.  All the tricks of the trade, from chewing gum to Valsalva, failed to get my ears to “pop” and clear, so I knew it was time for help.  I had fluid in the ear, swelling, sinus issues, the list went on and on, and it was so bad that I was unable to fly for the nearly four month that it took to get things cleared up.  (For a easily understandable medical description of why this happens, read this previous guest post.)

Ever since then I’ve been more cognizant of what’s going on, and make sure that I don’t fly when I get the tingling itchiness in my ears that’s the signal of a potential problem.  It means that I miss some time from flying, but it keeps me healthier, and more importantly keeps me from getting to a destination but being so blocked that I can’t get on a flight to go home.  While I hate missing a flight to Hawaii, when I’m symptomatic, calling in sick is the more responsible choice to make all the way around.

Which is all background to my layover today.

When I arrived yesterday, I felt a little itchiness in my ears.  I felt sinus pain on the left side, and had a horrible headache  This morning the headache is a little better, but the congestion is still there, and as I rub my ears I feel and hear a little crackling and sloshy sound.  This does not bode well.

I’m not going to panic, though, because even though I know that it may not be the most comfortable trip back to the mainland, I do have an ace in the hole that will be there to help me out.  For several months now, I’ve been relying on the EarPopper to get me through flights and situations when my ear problems make it difficult to clear.  When my ears are totally blocked, I still stay firmly on the ground, but for those days where it could go either way, the EarPopper has greatly improve my quality of life.

I learned about the device rather serendipitously – via Twitter.  A tweet by @JetWithAnya caught my eye, led to several email discussions about my ear problems, flying, and her experience and background as a nurse.  I explained my history, complained about a hearing loss (most people in this industry will have one), and she recommended setting up a medical appointment to see if I might be a candidate for the EarPopper (it’s available only by prescription).

I’ve tried drugs and nasal spray, with their side effects and limited success, so I was guardedly optimistic when I went to my appointment with a local Nurse Practitioner.  The NP had experience in aero-medicine, so she totally understood the nature of flight attendant work, the continually changing of altitudes, and the lifestyle.  How wonderful it was not to have to explain my “office” to her. She did the expected examination, looking into my ears, nose, and throat, and pretty quickly summed up the situation – allergy ears.  We spent some time talking about preventative things that I could do, including a few new techniques for me to try, and she said that I was a classic candidate for using the EarPopper.

The NP had a demo model in the office, and she explained to me what it does, how it does it, then showed me how to use it and had me try it out.  I thought that I was feeling pretty good, but that first time using it made me realize that my ears were blocked even though I didn’t realize it.  My right ear crackled and popped a little bit, but I knew it wasn’t completely clear.  My left ear didn’t clear at all.

I filled the prescription for the EarPopper, received it in the mail within a few days, and was excited to start using it.  Within a week or so my right ear was completely clear.  No backed up sinus pain, no itchy ear, and a remarkable improvement in quality of hearing in that ear.  It still remains that way, with good preventative care and using the EarPopper.  My right ear has been a tougher go.  It still has not completely cleared.  I get a little crackling sound like it’s going to clear, but it just doesn’t quite get there.  I will be following up with my NP about it, looking to see if there’s some other issue going on, but despite my recalcitrant left ear, the overall awareness and improvement has been a big success.

If you don’t suffer from ear problems, this post won’t have much meaning for you.  But if you’re nodding your head as you read this and identifying with the symptoms that I’m talking about, you may benefit from a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for the EarPopper.  You may have accepted that  ear discomfort and blockage is a fact of life, and that you need to find a way to manage your problems rather than resolve them.  You don’t have to.

The EarPopper is not a miracle cure — I’ve been at it for a few months with partial success — and there are still going to be times I will need to stay on the ground.  Everyone’s situation is different and you need to consult and work with your health care practitioner about what’s right for you, but you have nothing to lose by starting the dialogue and learning more.  The device costs about $200, and may be covered by your insurance plan.

I’d recommend that you check out the EarPopper website and follow @EarPopperNurse on Twitter to learn more and then get a referral to see if this is the right choice for you.

NOTE:  I requested a referral to a local health care practitioner and that appointment was covered by my health insurance.  The prescription was submitted to EarPopper who graciously provided me with a complimentary device for purposes of seeing how it would work with flight crews.  The opinions expressed here are my own, and I can tell you that I consider it worth every penny of its $200 price tag.

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If a visit to New York City is in your plans, you’ll enjoy today’s guest post outlining your options from getting into the city from the area’s three major airports.  One method not mentioned, and I think worth exploring, in the train/subway connection.  Do your homework and you’ll save time and money.

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Whether flying for business or leisure, planning transportation can often bet the most challenging part of a trip. Not only that, but if there is something that travelers typically forget to plan for, transportation and parking is often that one thing. Thus, many travelers have to settle for the most convenient transportation and parking options, which aren’t always the most economical.

This couldn’t more so be the case than in NYC, which has multiple airports, including the big three, LaGuardia, JFK and Newark. As one of the largest metropolitans in the world, it usually takes some planning when traveling to and from New York City’s airport and can often times make for a stressful experience if not carefully planned out.

Unless you’re traveling with a large family, most travelers settle for just taking a taxi to and from New York City’s major airports. This is typically the easiest and takes the least amount of effort. However, depending on where you’re going, a taxi cab ride to and from the airport can easily put you out $100 unless you’re sharing a cab. If taking a cab, this of course, is the most ideal situation if traveling with a friend or colleague. However, the cab is usually the most expensive option for getting to and from NYC’s airports.

Although taking a taxi is typically regarded as the most expensive transportation method to the airport, it’s not exactly the most pricey. If traveling with a family or group of colleagues, you may consider a luxury sedan or SUV, which typically start around $69. This is certainly the classiest and most comfortable way to get to the airport, but at a little more cost than a taxi.

The best case scenario for getting to and from New York City’s airports is typically going to be by taking an airport shuttle. Airport shuttles often vary in services and prices. The cheapest airport shuttle is usually going to be a shared shuttle that is picking up multiple passengers. This requires some planning as it means you have to be ready to leave much sooner than if you were just taking a cab. Shared shuttles can often cost as little as $10 each way, but is more usually closer to $15 or $20.

Although the number of hotels that offer it can be few and far between, using your hotel’s airport shuttle service can be one of the most convenient and economical alternatives for going to and from the airport. Hotels close to the airport may offer a complimentary shuttle. The farther out from the airports you get, the more you’ll be paying for a hotel shuttle, as well as the less likelihood that the hotel will offer a shuttle. Those hotels that do offer a shuttle typically run them in 15 to 30 minute intervals.

If staying in Manhattan and flying in and out of LaGuardia, taking the city bus is a convenient and economical option. The M60 runs to all LaGuardia terminals, and travels from the East Side, West Side and Astoria. It runs from 5 am to 1 am between 106 St. and Broadway. Travel time on the M60 depends on your location, but is often between 40 minutes and an hour.

There are many factors to consider when choosing whether or not to use a taxi, shuttle, sedan or public transportation. The most important factor of course is time. If you have the time before your flight and want to save some money, than publication transportation on the city bus or catching a shuttle is often the best choice. Early morning flights are typically going to require a taxi.

Photo credit:  via flickr

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