You’ve booked a Priceline “Name your own price” hotel room and car rental. Hopefully, you’ve paid a lot less than others for these. But, does that leave you vulnerable to whatever comes?
Well, yes and no.
At the rental car counter
If you’ve reserved a car or better hotel, I urge you to present its frequent traveler card or at least its number.
With the rental car, you probably won’t get points or the ability to bypass the counter, but you may receive special service with the card.
For example for a recent “Name your own price” Priceline Hertz reservation, the agent appreciated being able to use my Hertz #1 Club Gold number to pull up easily my credit card and other personal information. He then assigned me a vehicle in the #1 Club lot that was nearly new.
At hotel check in
You may find the same with hotels. You may not be upgraded from the standard room you normally receive with a “Name your own price” or Hotwire reservation, but you are unlikely to receive an inferior room last on the list to be renovated.
In addition, the guest clerk will probably try to do more to fulfill any special requests you may have. (See “Hints to help your hotel stay go smoothly” below.)
Dressing for success
I also believe that you should dress appropriately for these interactions. Like it or not, the people who monitor the gateways to the best establishments judge us by our appearance.
That does not mean that you need to dress in a business suit to check into the New York Hilton, but you shouldn’t arrive looking as if you just hiked the Appalachian Trail—for 10 days.
Even Ewan McGregor, the actor who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in three Star Wars films, insists he was turned away from a Holiday Inn Express in Oklahoma because it didn’t recognize him in dirty motorcycle garb. If he can be treated like that, what about the rest of us hoping for a little more comfort as we travel?
Presenting a “power” credit card
The credit card you present represents you. An American Express card, the Citibank AAdvantage® MasterCard, or similar card indicates, rightly or wrongly, that you are a frequent traveler who will likely return if satisfied.
See additional tips, such as how to get a free upgrade, at “Hints to help your hotel stay go smoothly.”
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By Don Nadeau, on August 4, 2009, in Travel
That you need to have a car to experience the scenic wonders of Canada and the U.S. is a given in many people’s minds, but it’s simply not true. Although you won’t be able to access some places, you certainly won’t miss enjoying many of the most famous national parks and other beautiful sights if you don’t wish to use a car.
This tells how it’s done using Amtrak, Greyhound, and other public transportation.
Some parks accessible for overnight stays without a car
Grand Canyon National Park
You can easily reach the Grand Canyon via public transportation. On Amtrak, you can even often include Grand Canyon National Park in your itinerary at no extra cost.
Amtrak connects to Grand Canyon Railway trains at Williams, AZ (Williams Junction) and to Open Road shuttles at Flagstaff. You may have to stay overnight in Flagstaff.
Greyhound also connects to Open Road at Flagstaff. In addition, Open Road can transfer you to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix airport.
Both the Grand Canyon Railway and Open Road Tours arrive at the South Rim within easy walking distance of the lodges and Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village. It’s essential to book accommodation ahead.
On the other hand, you may wish to base at least part of your stay in Flagstaff, which has many motels and hostels near the stations.
From Flagstaff, Open Road offers day tours to the canyon stopping at various viewing points along the South Rim, to Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon, to Monument Valley and the Navajo reservation, as well as others.
Yosemite National Park
Both Amtrak and Greyhound make it very easy to reach Yosemite National Park, with connections to YARTS buses at Merced, CA. YARTS connections are shown on Amtrak.com.
YARTS stops at or very near all your accommodation choices in Yosemite Valley. Once there, trams, day tours, and short walks take you to all the major sights, including Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove not in the valley.
You can take a day tour to Yosemite via Amtrak from San Francisco, but it’s a shame to spend so little time in the park. That gives you the highlights, however.
Banff National Park
It’s simple to access incredibly scenic Banff National Park via Greyhound Canada and Rocky Mountaineer trains, which are considerably more expensive than Greyhound, from both Calgary and Vancouver.
Once in the park, you’ll find a nice selection of Brewster Canada day tours of Banff park sights such as Lake Louise and nearby national parks.
Jasper National Park
It’s also very easy to reach Jasper National Park via Greyhound Canada and by Via Rail, Canada’s national rail network.
Greyhound operates daily and Via Rail three times per week through the park from Edmonton and Vancouver. Via Rail also serves the park from Prince Rupert on the coast, where you connect from BC Ferries or Alaska Marine Highway, the state ferry service.
Brewster offers day tours of Jasper and bus service to Banff.
Redwood national and state parks
These are more difficult to visit, as your accommodation choices are limited in this isolated area of California without a car, but possible.
Both Amtrak (via buses) and Greyhound serve Arcata, CA, from San Francisco. From their shared terminal, Del Norte County Public Transit route 20 serves Redwood Hostel just off Highway 101 (not shown in timetable). Book the hostel, which has a simply stunning view of the redwood coast, in advance. Also, call Del Norte Transit prior to your return trip, because the hostel is not an automatic stop.
Bicyclists may wish to look into using Del Monte Transit to Crescent City and then renting bikes there for close by Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, which offers camping. In my opinion, this is as beautiful as any state park in California. You’ll also be in easy range of the northern section of Redwood National Park.
Bikes may also be available in Arcata to access the southern redwood parks, including the southern portion of Redwood National Park or all the parks in the area if you’re a Ragbrai-type power rider.
Unfortunately, the only way to exit this area by public transport is to return toward San Francisco. Through service up the Oregon coast has been discontinued.
Accessible by day tours in season
Mount Rainier National Park
Gray Line of Seattle offers a 10-hour tour to scenic Mount Rainier National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park and Pikes Peak
Gray Line of Denver has a fine 10-hour tour to Rocky Mountain National Park. This takes you along the awesomely scenic Trail Ridge Road, which gives views of many Rocky Mountain peaks—from above!
You’ll also visit Grand Lake, Winter Park, and other sights before returning to Denver via a different route.
Because it takes so long to remove the heavy snows that close it during the winter season, Trail Ridge Road may not open until sometime in June. Note too that travelers with heart conditions may wish to consult their doctors before booking this tour, as it travels to over 12,000 feet.
Another worthwhile Gray Line of Denver tour takes you from Denver to Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods (a park with beautiful rock formations in the foothills of the Rockies), and the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs. In this case, you’ll climb to over 14,000 feet at the top of Pikes Peak. Very highly recommended.
These are just some examples. Enjoy!
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By Don Nadeau, on July 30, 2009, in Travel
As of today, July 30th, the California State Parks Foundation stated,
“This week the Governor signed the state budget. It contained an additional $6M cut to state parks, bringing the total General Fund cut for this budget year to $14.2M.
“It is expected that this will result in the closure of perhaps more than 100 state parks. There is still no closure list at this time.”
You may follow the California State Parks Foundation on Twitter.
Also see my earlier post “Say Goodbye: California State Parks,” which links to what parks were on the original closure list.
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By Don Nadeau, on July 28, 2009, in Hotel Tips, Travel
Recently received a question on Twitter whose answer veteran Las Vegas travelers already know: Where’s the best area to stay in Las Vegas, near the airport or downtown?
The person was really asking what’s best, the Fremont Street area or the central and especially southern Las Vegas Strip? The airport sits just off the Strip near the Luxor and Mandalay Bay hotels, which are not in its flight path.
The answer has to vary with each person, because the demographics and environments of these areas differ so much.
The Strip
Everyone knows about the Strip, but may not know how affordable it has become.
Typically, Strip hotels appeal more to those who want a total casino resort experience, with nice pools, upscale restaurants, top entertainment, etc.
This is especially true of the central and northern Strip, where until recently you didn’t find truly budget prices. More on how prices have changed below.
Fremont Street – Downtown
Traditionally, Fremont Street has appealed to slot and poker players who don’t want to shell out a lot for rooms and food. This area near the Greyhound Station has always been known for incredibly inexpensive hotels.
Now, you’ll find downtown rooms cheaper than they’ve been in decades.
On Hotels.com, you can actually find Fremont Street-area hotels going for under $10 with an even larger selection for under $20. These prices do go up on weekends.
Of course, I’m generalizing. You can also find a few more expensive hotels like the Golden Nugget downtown & a few cheaper ones on or near the Vegas Strip.
Budget lines becoming blurred
Although you won’t find any $10 hotels on the Strip, prices keep plummeting to levels not seen in years.
The current economy, which has hit Las Vegas hotels very hard (not in terms of the number of visitors but instead in the prices they pay), has made most 3- and 4-star Strip or near Strip hotels very affordable for budget travelers. Some of these better hotels are cheaper than a nearby Motel 6 on weekdays!
For example, a quick search of Hotels.com for 3- and 4-star hotels for several dates in August 2009 found
- Luxor $50
- Harrah’s $45
- Las Vegas Hilton $39.95
- Excalibur $33
- Bally’s $44
- Palms $49.50 (one of my favorites near Strip)
- New York New York $62.49
- Monte Carlo $49.95
And, if you book with Hotwire or Priceline, 3- or 4-star Strip or near Strip hotels like these become even cheaper on weekdays.
Fremont Street history and its exciting vibe
Younger travelers especially love the excitement of downtown’s Fremont Street light show (opens with music used with permission) and Times Square vibe.
The downtown area also appeals to those who want to feel the history of Las Vegas. You can still glimpse history on the Strip, such as the Rat Pack favorite Sahara Hotel & Casino, whose 1950’s and 60’s flavor remains, but while downtown you’re surrounded by it. This is the Las Vegas that built up to serve workers on the nearby massive Hoover Dam construction project during the 1930’s.
(How that dam first became called Hoover Dam, then Boulder Dam, and then again Hoover Dam has a fascinating history. Let’s just say President Hoover, who initiated the project while Secretary of Commerce during the early 1920’s, wasn’t very popular during the Great Depression to put it mildly.)
If you do book downtown, know that you may not feel comfortable on streets away from Fremont after dark. And, if you want to book the Strip, know that the northern Strip (the portion north of the Encore Hotel) lacks the upscale vibe of its central and southern portions. Except for the Sahara Hotel & Casino, none of the hotels mentioned here are located on the northern Strip.
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By Don Nadeau, on July 22, 2009, in Travel
In my opinion, California has long had a state park system as good or better than any.
Not only have extensive areas been preserved (though not nearly enough for the ever growing population), California state park management has emphasized keeping its parks as natural as possible.
That means that the so-called enhancements you’ll find in state parks such as in Kentucky are missing. You don’t come to California parks to golf, to place your tent on a lawn similar to home, to gaze at landscaped gardens, or to relax in deluxe lodges with flat screen televisions.
You come to California state parks to enjoy nature at its most natural and in some cases to appreciate and better understand history.
Major closures eminent
Now, this may end. With the state budget crisis, up to 80% of the parks may close. A lower estimate this week still shows that some 30 parks may close.
If so, you and I will be denied legal access, and park employees will not be on hand to monitor illegal camping fires and trash, marijuana grows, off-road vehicle usage, and other activities that may severely and perhaps irretrievably damage these precious environments.
National parks in the state such as Yosemite and Sequoia are already overwhelmed with visitors.
What a shame.
More than ever, this is the time to visit these threatened state parks and to support them if you can.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
As an example, every park in Humboldt County, in the heart of the redwood area, has faced closure during the budget negotiations. This includes Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which contains some 10% of the remaining coastal redwoods.
Humboldt Redwoods, which hosts the famous “Avenue of the Giants,” is stunningly beautiful. With little or no rain, it remains perfect for camping and hiking until possibly November (or at least October). Don’t miss the easy Drury-Chaney Trail in the north section of park, most of which is wheelchair accessible.
If Humboldt Redwoods State Park campsites are full, try nearby Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, also scenic. Motels closest to these parks fill up fast, but you’ll likely find something in Eureka readily accessible by freeway.
Although its redwoods are less impressive, if you can’t get up to Humboldt, try Big Basin Redwoods State Park, close to Santa Cruz and around 90 minutes from San Francisco. Unlike Muir Woods National Monument nearer to San Francisco, you won’t feel pressed in by crowds.
More of my favorite parks
Other parks on the closure list worth noting:
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is equal to Humboldt in beauty. Its Stout Grove Trail is one of my favorite short hikes.
- Nearby Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has the sublime Newton Drury Scenic Drive, one of most beautiful in the U.S.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park preserves a wonderful portion of Big Sur coastline. Its beachside waterfall remains accessible in spite of some trail closures. You can appreciate the highlights of this park in less than an hour
- Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County offers wonderful views of the Bay Area. On clear days, you can see as far as the Sierras.
- Calaveras Big Trees State Park sits in the Sierras above Gold Rush-era Columbia State Historic Park, also set to close.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a very special environment near Indio, works best in late fall, winter, and spring due to extreme summer heat. Sad that access might not last that long, however.
- Awesome state beaches that may close include Malibu Lagoon State Beach, more commonly known as Surfrider Beach, one of the most famous surfing spots in the world, nearby Leo Carrillo State Park, Carmel River State Beach, a little gem, and Carpinteria State Beach perfect for small children.
- Although Hearst Castle will probably remain open, special places like Will Rogers State Historical Park are set to close.
By the early 1930s, Will Rogers was the highest paid and most popular actor in America. This historic park, very close to Santa Monica, captures the flavor of the lifestyle of this unpretenous celebrity and of Southern California during his time. Be sure to take the easy trail to Inspiration Point. On clear days, you’ll see Catalina Island. Stay on the path to avoid rattlesnakes.
As yet, a final list and dates of closure are not known.
Visit as many of the places on the possible closure list as you can. You won’t be sorry. And, if they stay open, all the better!
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By Don Nadeau, on July 16, 2009, in Airfares, Travel
In an earlier post “How to Pass through Airport Security without Hassles,” I urged travelers to put their laptops on TSR security x-ray belts last, in order to better keep an eye on them, in case thieves are working the area.
Frequent traveler Joel Chusid, who travels more extensively than I do, disagrees.
Putting your laptop on the x-ray belt first, Joel believes, makes it less likely you’ll walk away from security without it, especially if it’s still making its way through the x-ray process.
This is his rather harrowing experience. I thank him very much for his input. You can decide what style works best for you, first or last.
Joel’s experience
“I used to put my laptop in last so I could keep an eye on it.
“On this Sunday evening, I went through security at DFW, removed the laptop and went through my usual routine. Went to the gate, which was nearby, and got immersed into something, newspaper or phone call, and then boarded the plane.
“I remember my backpack went under the seat in front of me rather easily, but didn’t think anything of it. After takeoff, I reached down, and my laptop was gone. I immediately realized I had to have left it at security.
My heart sank since I did not use a password to “lock” the laptop (I do now!), but I also remembered I had my name and phone number(s) on the bottom.
“The next 4 hours turned into the longest flight I had ever taken. When I arrived in Seattle, I checked my voicemail and lo and behold, I had a message on my cell phone and also my home phone from a TSA officer.
“I immediately called him back, and he acknowledged he had my laptop. I thanked him, and he said he would give it to lost and found and to call them the next day. I had a time getting through to them, but a friend who is a flight attendant happened to be at the airport and I called her and she went there.
“She confirmed the phones ring off the hook and to keep trying. I finally got through, and they went through some things to confirm the computer was mine (I had to give her specific things on there to look for since there was no password), and then she asked how fast I wanted it back. I said overnight. I had to give her my credit card info and I got it back the next day.
“Cost me $80 and a hard lesson learned. I put the laptop in first now, and keep an eye on it. I also use a password. I suppose if the checkpoint was really crowded, I would REALLY keep an eye on it, and might put it through last.”
You have to wonder how many people place no identification on their laptops.
Joel Chusid
Joel Chusid serves as General Manager, North America, for Hainan Airlines. Hainan operates an extensive network within China and from other countries to China, including nonstop service to Beijing from Seattle. Joel also chairs The Association of Travel Marketing Executives.
You may follow Joel on Twitter at @joelChusid and @HainanAirlines. You may follow me at @donnadeau.
Again, I thank Joel very much for his valuable input.
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By Don Nadeau, on July 13, 2009, in Airfares, Travel
If you’ve gone through TSA security at a large airport, you know that you may be in for a mess.
- People delayed by being pulled aside due to items left on them,
- Delays due to hand inspections and additional x-rays of bags,
- Piles of confiscated items that weren’t allowed through,
- Loudspeaker announcements asking people to come back for missing laptops, cell phones, or even in one case I heard shoes!
This doesn’t have to be. You can protect yourself by following several simple procedures.
Routine, routine, routine
Always follow exactly the same routine. That means if your mind is on missing your flight, on an upcoming meeting or whatever, you do not have to think very much about security.
First, prepare for security. Do as much as you can before reaching the crowded security area.
If you have these, take off your watch and take out your cell phone, coins, and wallet. Remove any necklaces. Take off your belt. Put these in your laptop case if you have one, as this will be the second to last item you put on the x-ray belt. Try to put valuables in your case while others are not watching you.
Make sure that you have your boarding pass and personal identification readily available before reaching security. Don’t fumble for these there, where you might more easily drop something without noticing.
I use my passport for all flights these days, as this helps security more easily verify who I am.
Follow same order at x-ray every time
Second, always place items on the x-ray belt in the same order.
My small carry on bag goes through first. I keep nothing very valuable in it.
Next comes a TSA tray with shoes, hat (if any), sealed quart plastic bag of toothpaste and other 3.4 oz or less items. (Note: a 5 oz bottle with “just 2 oz left in it” does not count as a 3.4 oz item in the eyes of TSA security.)
In this tray, if I have any, also goes a sealed quart plastic bag of prescription medicines with saved copies of prescription information on the boxes they came in (if bottles have been removed). I place this information face up.
If you’re not sure exactly what TSA allows for carry on or how to pack it–these rules change frequently in this security environment–check the easy to understand and extensive information on TSA’s website.
Some TSA teams do not require shoes off, but others do. I automatically take them off. Remember this is a routine. You may wish to wear slip on shoes for ease of removal at security, although I stick with my most comfortable shoes with laces and others prefer to wear their heaviest shoes.
Then comes my laptop backpack with laptop removed. (I like my padded laptop backpack because it leaves my hands free and doesn’t tell the world that I am carrying a laptop.)
Finally, the laptop goes in a TSA tray.
Protect your valuables
I wait until person ahead of me has successfully stepped through x-ray before pushing the laptop case and then laptop tray through. That way, I can more easily keep an eye on these.
At security, beware of a team set on stealing. A person in front of you stages a delay at x-ray by deliberately leaving some coins or whatever in her pocket while her partner grabs a laptop or two or other valuables owned by people delayed by the person with the coins.
Our routine works to prevent one of these victims being you.
Have you any suggestions to improve this process? Please comment!
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By Don Nadeau, on July 9, 2009, in Hotel Tips, Travel
In this economy, travelers are definitely changing their hotel spending habits. Some seek bargains on better hotels at Hotwire and Priceline. Others look for less expensive motels and hotels like Motel 6.
I’ve written an article about the advantages and disadvantages of Motel 6.
This should help you decide if the least expensive national chain is for you. Please click on the link to access.
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By Don Nadeau, on July 6, 2009, in Travel
Finding the meals locals love has become more and more difficult as you drive across the U.S. Standardized chain food has seemingly replaced all those wonderful mom and pop places that used to line our highways and town squares and serve up regional favorites.
Nevertheless, you can still find amazing places to eat out there–the independent “diners, drive ins, and dives” beloved by locals–using Roadfood.com.
Roadfood.com, founded by Michael and Jane Stern of Gourmet Magazine, includes three valuable resources in its free membership.
First, use the restaurant tab to access reviews.
These cover the U.S., plus a few in Canada.
I trust Michael Stern’s reviews. His are not dated, but are removed if readers report negative changes. Several of the other reviewers I love are Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle (a couple), ayersian, and billyboy. You’ll form your favorites.
Second, check the trip reports with photos in the forum.
When you’re on the road through the eyes of people like ellen4641, MiamiDon, buffetbuster (a name to put fear into any all you care to eat restaurant), EliseT, and wanderingjew, you are, to quote the cliché, in for a ride. Great help in planning pit stops.
Finally, you’ll find a “Where should I eat?” forum. Your question may bring many replies depending on the destination.
Do a search of the forum before asking anything, and be sure to give periodic feedback to show appreciation and that you are still interested. A very specific subject title helps bring in more relevant answers, e.g., “Denver to San Diego via I-70/15” instead of “Denver to San Diego.”
As you no doubt already realize, Roadfood is not an appropriate resource for someone on a diet. Sorry!
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By Don Nadeau, on July 5, 2009, in Travel
Wikipedia defines Ugly American as “an epithet used to refer to perceptions of loud, arrogant, demeaning, thoughtless and ethnocentric behavior of American citizens mainly abroad . . ..”
Happily, you won’t witness this extreme behavior nearly as much as in the past. Perhaps not at all. If anything, some Americans now tend to go overboard in the other direction, for example, apologizing right and left, as if foreigners blamed them personally for every action of the U.S. government. Overall, Americans appreciate other cultures and ways of doing things now more than ever.
A more innocent strain . . .
However, a more innocent strain of Ugly Americanism remains and surprisingly may pop up more among younger travelers. That’s when travelers don’t take the time to learn what aspects of their normal behavior might offend other cultures.
South Africa as an example
Because I’ve talked a lot lately about South Africa, let’s use that as an example, but this information applies at least in part to most countries.
Two things.
People before business
First, in all population groups, South Africans place personal relationships before business. The person at check out is not a machine. The transaction is not judged on its time efficiency.
Instead, take the time to say hello. Unless the person seems pressured, make some small talk about the weather or whatever. Talk to the person in the same friendly manner as you would a friend. This is a human relationship we are talking about here.
And, as you are not talking to a machine, imply that the person has a choice. Instead of saying “Give me another coffee,” say “May I have another cup of coffee, please?” When it comes, say thank you.
Restrained behavior
Second, know that South Africa like many countries is socially conservative. I am not talking about attitudes about abortion or gay marriage. It’s just that accepted behavior in public is significantly more restrained than in much of the U.S.
Get rid of the f—- in public among strangers. In my opinion, it’s somewhat racist to think that just because you’ve arrived in a predominately black country that that is acceptable.
Restraint applies to everyday habits such as dining, which is not a “do your own thing” in many countries.
If lacking, learn some rudimentary table manners. South Africans use them. At least do not talk with your month full and do not shovel food into your month while someone is speaking directly to you. Don’t gobble down your food so that you finish light years ahead of your companions.
As one more example, even though it may be 100F in the shade with a humidity to match and you’re in the middle of nowhere, wear a shirt in a restaurant. South African restaurants haven’t felt the need to post “No shoes, no shirt, no service.” Please don’t make them.
I discuss traveling to South Africa in a Facebook photo album titled “South Africa 2009.” Click on the first photo to enlarge and then use the “next” function to go through the series. You are most welcome to become a “fan” of this new page.
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