Curacao - Surprisingly Happy

As you must know by now, I am a lover of all things beach.  I’m talking powdery sand, waters various shades of blue, the sound of the waves….ahhhhh.  And like most beach lovers, I have my favorites:  Orient Beach, Shoal Bay East, Trunk Bay, Tulum – and if I can’t get out of the country and need a quick dose of sand under my feet – South Beach.  So, when one of my travel buddies emailed with “Curaçao” as the subject, I didn’t even have to open the message to know that I would soon be laying in crystal clear water.

I began my research:  Curaçao, pronounced (pronounced kyur uh sow) is a Dutch Caribbean island located out of the hurricane belt with year round temperatures  hovering right around 80°.  This island is the largest of the three islands in the Lesser Antilles, better known as the ABC’s (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) and is one of the few places in the Caribbean to be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

The heritage of the island is both European and African, representing more than 50 nationalities and while the official language is Dutch, most residents also speak Spanish, and English – as well as a local language, Papiamentu, which is a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French with some Arawak Indian and African influences.

There are over 35 named beaches and over 60 diving and snorkeling locations, a sea aquarium, various restaurants and world class shops to explore.  Just reading about these 171 square miles of pure happy was making me, well, happy.  We set the date, booked the flight/hotel and off we went for 5 days of doing what we enjoy most:  NOTHING. 

But wait a minute.  What is this?  Culture?  Architecture?  History?  Hmmmmm, very unexpected and certainly not your normal cruise port.  This island piqued my interest and I could not get enough.  I began to read more about the history of the island and  quickly realized that the people of Curaçao are proud of their history and their heritage; and it shows.

All around the island I found remnants of a time long gone, but certainly not forgotten.  Beginning in Willemstad where there are approximately 700 buildings that are considered protected monuments to Den Dunki National Park, a former slave holding camp where many original structures still stand.  There were Landhuizen (Country Houses) where I could learn the history of the original occupants or I could check out one of the 6 remaining forts on the island and learn how the island protected itself against attacks.   Or walk the halls of the Kura Hulanda Museum, set on the site of a former slave trading yard, where you can almost hear the cries of former slaves.  Or visit the United Congregation Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, which has been functioning for over 350 years making it the oldest active Jewish Congregation in the Americas.  Or view the limestone formations and the Madonna statue at Hato Caves.

Of course I had to spend some time on the secluded beaches (I mean, that's what I was there for) and the Bocas were a do not miss attraction.  There was so much to see and do, yet so little time.  Before I left the island, I was already plotting my return.  Maybe for the upcoming North Sea Jazz Festival or for next year's Carnival, not sure yet.

I was surprisinly happy to find that that there is more to Curaçao than meets the eye.  I guess that’s why it’s called “the Caribbean’s best-kept secret”.

For more pictures of my visit to Curacao, please visit my Facebook page.

What About Your Friends?

Last weekend I traveled to Atlanta to support two friends who have started their own Event Management and Entertainment Company. Another friend picked me up from the airport and we proceeded to pick up another friend who was flying in for the night on her way to Haiti. The five of us hung out in the lobby of the hotel drinking, chatting and laughing. We shared our dreams, discussed our successes and laughed at our failures. We cheered each other on and encouraged each other to go for it, regardless of what "it" was. 

On Saturday evening, we all attended a concert where we were joined by 4 other friends. More drinking, chatting, laughing, sharing and encouraging took place. We danced until after midnight and as quickly as the group came together, we separated; vowing to see each other again soon - maybe in LA, Vegas, Montego Bay, Paris, Thailand or Dubai. 

Sunday morning I headed to the airport, mentally recapping the weekend. I smiled as I thought about my friends, and suddenly I realized that I have known 6 of these individuals for less than 48 hours and the other two for less than 6 months, yet I felt as if I have known all of them a lifetime!  I laughed.  This is the madness that is Nomad·ness!

Ahhhh yes, the Nomad·ness Travel Tribe, AKA The Tribe, was created by Evita Robinson and stemmed from her travel series Nomad·ness TV.  This is a place where likeminded individuals can gather to show why they are nomads. Where you can post your own stories, photos, videos, and travel plans. Where friends are made and support of a nomad lifestyle is given. Where there is no judgment, no "but why" - only answers and recommendations.  Where you can travel across the world with one post and hundreds of comments. Where there is always someone to talk to. Someone who understands your unquenchable need to go, to see, to do.

This group of almost 2,000 members have become my lifeline. We talk on a daily basis. We keep up with each others comings and goings. We kick each other in the butt when needed. We jump on an internet connection and find flights for stranded members.  We open our cities and our homes for visiting members.  We hop on flights to attend events, or to simply meet each other.   We text, Skype, and Face Time day and night because we can't sleep. And neither can the person on the other end because he or she is up looking for the next destination - just like you. 

I am constantly in awe at the wonderfulness that is The Tribe.  Jumping on flights, exploring the world, making a difference and changing the face of travel.  My life has been greatly impacted by these new friendships.  Friendships that inspire, encourage and motivate.  I am no longer intimidated by my desire to see the world and get lost in it all because I know that no matter where I land, there will be a Tribe member close.  I know that no matter what, success or failure, I have a friend (or 2,000). 

This is Nomad·ness!!!



Wanna see more pictures?  Click here!

I've Got Spirit...How 'Bout You?

If you know me, you know that I am a huge fan of Spirit Airlines.  I mean, there is no other airline that can get me from Chicago to Ft. Lauderdale or New York for under $100.  Or to Los Angeles, direct, for under $200.  And YES, before you ask, that includes baggage fees!

I have been flying Spirit for a couple of years now, and I swear I have heard every objection.  So here are my responses to the most common complaints.

They have “hidden fees”:  None of the fees are hidden. Just take the time to read the words on the screen instead of simply hitting next to breeze through to checkout.  But, now that Spirit is required to include taxes and fees in the cost of the fare upfront, that should make some of ya’ll happy.  Personally, I preferred viewing the fares without all the taxes/fees included and then viewing the total after all costs.  But hey, that’s just me. 

They charge for bags, even carry-on:  Yes, they do.  But in most cases, even after the cost of my bag, Spirit still comes in as the least expensive option.  For instance, a recent ticket to NY cost me $96.11 total ($50.11 for the ticket and $46 baggage fee).  And that was for a checked bag.  The next lowest fare for that same weekend on a different carrier was close to $200. So technically, the other carrier’s “baggage fee” was even more.

It’s not comfortable:  Neither is my trip to the dentist, but that doesn’t stop me from going.  And when was the last time you were comfortable on a domestic flight in coach?!  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you will be comfortable (unless you are less than 5’ tall).  But I am saying that for a 2 to 3 hour flight, it’s tolerable.  And I’m usually on the first or last flight of the day.  In other words, I’m sleep.

They charge for beverages:  This one usually gets the blank stare.  Seriously?  Buy a can of Coke before you board the plane.  On my flight home a few nights ago, I stopped by the restaurant near my gate and paid $.71 for a large cup of ice.  I then filled said cup with water from the fountain.  Problem solved.

I’m sure there are other complaints, or what I like to call “justifiable excuses to spend more money”, but if you are ready to give it a try, here are some additional tips and tricks:

Become a $9 Fare Club member:  You will have access to even lower fares and you save on baggage fees.

Pay baggage fees at time of booking:  The fees are cheaper if you pay the fee when you book your flight.  For instance, the $46 I paid for my checked bag above would have been $36 if I had paid the baggage fee when I booked my airfare.  Also, if you are traveling with someone, consider packing ONE large bag and split the checked baggage fee rather than both of you paying for carry-on bags.

Sign-up for email notices:  You will receive notices of travel deals via email.  Here is the trick – DO NOT HESITATE.  If you can, check out the travel deal immediately.  The lowest fares will go quickly. 

Use Spirit Airlines as a Regional Carrier:  Spirit may not fly everywhere you want to go, so use Spirit to get as close to your destination as possible.  For instance, to get to Hawaii, I will book an inexpensive Spirit Airlines ticket to Los Angeles and then fly to Hawaii from there.  Also, whenever I see a deal to Ft. Lauderdale, I jump on it since flying to the Caribbean is much cheaper when leaving from the Ft. Lauderdale/Miami area.

Be Flexible:  Spirit Airlines flies to destinations that may not be on your “to do” list, but if a great deal to a place you have never been shows up, consider making it a long weekend trip.  Or, a great deal to a place you have been but would like to visit again.  Why Not? 

The choice is yours.  I will say that Spirit Airlines may not be for everyone.  But for me, they are always my first choice when looking for ways to save money while getting to my desired destination.

The "B" Plan

It has been brought to my attention that airfare prices are at their highest levels since 2009 - SIGH.  And while this information is disappointing, it doesn't completely knock me out of the traveling arena for the year.  I just have to implement (insert dramatic music here) "The B Plan".  

Here are some of the ways I will adjust my travel plans:

·      MORE DOMESTIC TRIPS:  Domestic flights are less expensive than international flights simply because they carry fewer taxes.  Yes, I was hoping to make it to Europe this year, or maybe even Asia.  But until airfare prices begin to come down, I will concentrate on checking a few domestic locations off my list such as Key West, San Francisco, Washington, DC and Atlanta.  New to the list - Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, CA.

  

·      ROAD TRIPS:  Even though gas prices are still elevated, hitting the road is a less expensive option than flying, especially when traveling with kids.  Living in Chicago makes weekend trips to St. Louis, Milwaukee, or the beach and wine counties of Michigan an easy drive.  You might even find me and my convertible in Canada for a long weekend.  And let's not forget that Chicago itself is loaded with things to do and neighborhoods to explore. An entire weekend could be devoted to visiting the many architecture landmarks in the area including quite a few Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and homes.  

• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LAST MINUTE PACKAGES:  I am a planner who prefers to have my trips planned out well in advance.  This builds excitement and helps me get through rough days.  However, in these tough travel times, I will have to be flexible with my travel dates and stay on the lookout for last minute package deals.  Signing up for email alerts from sites such as Airfare Watch Dog and TravelZoo will help me track down the best deals out there.
• VOLUME DISCOUNTS:  I am constantly receiving emails from sites such as LivingSocial, Groupon, Tablet, Bungolow, and Jetsetter offering deals on hotel accommodations.  The catch?  The total amount of the stay must be paid in advance and dates are limited.  Another option is Vacationist (the eBay of travel), where you bid on hotels and vacation packages.  Again, these options will force me to remain flexible.  If a great hotel deal comes across the radar - and I can find reasonable airfare - I'm off. 
• COMBINE TRIPS:  I have two family trips on the docket this summer:  Atlanta and Cancun.  After giving it some thought, I realized that flying to Atlanta, back to Chicago, and then 3 weeks later, flying from Chicago to Cancun makes no sense.  Instead I have combined the 2 trips.  I will fly to Atlanta and from there fly straight to Cancun.  I checked the price difference and combining the trips saves me $134 per ticket.  That’s over $400 savings for the 3 tickets I must purchase! 

There are so many other ways I have, or will, adjust for the rising cost of travel.  But my biggest adjustment will be remaining flexible.  Yes, I wanted to attend the North Sea Jazz Festival taking place in Curacao, but I’m sure Curacao is just as beautiful during a time when prices are a little lower.  I just won’t get to sing along with Santana.  Maybe next time……

How are you combating the rising costs of travel?  Have your plans changed?

What Are You Collecting?

When traveling, I always like to bring back a little something from the place that I am visiting.  Not anything like a magnet or shot glass, but something a little more personal – like a handful of sand, a piece of art by a local artist, or even some cool pictures of the local people.  Lately, I have been collecting shells.  Yes, you heard it – shells.  I know, sounds very ordinary, but hear me out.

My love for travel was sparked by my Mother.  Once she retired, she couldn’t seem to sit still.  She wanted to see and do it all.  While surfing the internet, she would say “Angela, we should go here.  It looks pretty.”  I would respond back (with a laugh), “Sure Mom.  Where ever you take me, I’m going.”  Unfortunately, my Mom passed away before realizing all of her travel dreams. 

Dealing with her death was difficult for me.  The hardest part was saying goodbye to the home that held so many memories, but we had to inventory everything, lock the house, and hand over all keys to the estate custodian.  On the day of key hand over, I walked through the house grabbing random items:  the toaster, a cookie sheet, a jewelry box filled with junk jewelry and a crystal bowl filled with, you guessed it, shells.

That was 9 years ago.  I have since moved my Mom’s shell collection to a vase which I add to every chance I get.  My shells, coral and rocks aren’t secluded to the vase.  A large shell I found in Tulum sits on a shelf, rocks and coral collected in Puerto Vallarta are in the second sink of my bathroom, and a large rock that my daughter picked up at Magens Bay  in St. Thomas serves as a door stop.  Each one is a daily reminder of where I’ve been, and why I can never stop exploring.  

What are you collecting?  Is there a story behind it?

Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite....

An article on Huffington Post today has me thinking of something I use to say to my kids when they were younger:  “Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite”, which for most of us, is just a cute little night time ritual.  But recent outbreaks in hotels across major US cities have made headlines, causing concerns and prompting Bedbug Summits around the country to sell out.

Cimex lectularius, or bedbug, gets its nickname from its preferred hiding place of beds or other furniture where humans sleep.  These blood sucking parasites are not completely nocturnal, but they are most active at night; going un-noticed by its host until red, itchy bite marks appear in either a rough line or a cluster on exposed areas of the victim.  Some victims of bedbug bites experience welts and allergic reactions.

So now that we are all scratching (and a bit paranoid), let’s talk about the best way to avoid bringing these little critters home as a souvenir.

First things first.  Remember that no amount of stars can make a hotel or resort immune from a begbug infestation (see Huffington Post article).  Be sure and check websites such as The Bedbug Registry prior to making reservations.  Also be sure and read reviews from other travelers on websites such as TripAdvisor to get unbiased reviews and opinions of hotels/resorts you are considering.  

Once you get to your room, leave your luggage with the bellhop, outside, or place it in the bathroom since bedbugs are not likely to hang out there.  Do not place your luggage on the bed.  Proceed to check the room for bedbugs using the guidelines outlined here.  If bedbugs are found, request a new room immediately and start the process over.

Once you are settled into your room, be sure and keep your luggage elevated since there are other bugs that can crawl in and make a home.  When leaving, be sure to shake out all articles of clothing and your suitcase before repacking.

Also remember that bedbugs do not only hide in beds.  You can pick up one of these hitchhikers in a cab, on a bus or train, other furniture you may come in contact with during your travels such as seats in the airport or even on the plane.  If you check your bag, a bedbug can wonder into your luggage from another traveler's luggage, which has prompted some airports to offer machines that will wrap your suitcase in plastic.  Once you return home from your vacation, quickly wash ALL articles of clothing (even clothing you did not wear) in warm, soapy water and dry them on the highest temperature setting possible. 

Taking precautions will not guarantee that you do not come home with unwanted guests, but it will reduce your chances.  If you find, or suspect, that you have brought home bedbugs, a quick response is necessary since bedbugs reproduce quickly.  There are various treatments for bedbugs ranging from do-it-yourself remedies to having a professional exterminator come in.  Your treatment may depend on the severity of your infestation.

So, next time someone says to you “Good Night, Sleep Tight" will you run and pull back the sheets to make sure the bedbugs truly won’t bite?!  I know I will.....

For more information on the prevention and treatment of bedbugs, click here.

Just the Two of Us....

A few weeks ago, my daughter and I took our first Mother/Daughter trip.  Now, we have traveled together before, but never just the two of us and I will admit, I was very nervous about spending 5 full days alone with a teenager.  But we were both looking forward to our time together, but more than that - I was looking forward to some much needed beach time.

We arrived in St. Thomas, USVI on a Wednesday afternoon and the locals gave us a friendly welcome.  From the airport, we were whisked away in a cab to where we would spend the first half of our trip, the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef.  We arrived with a group of other travelers to learn that our room was not quite ready.  This was fine with me, but I could tell that my daughter was a little irritated as she was ready to get out of her “traveling clothes” and into something more comfortable, maybe a pair of shorts and tank top.  I invited her to come and tour the pool area with me so that when our room was ready, we could jump right into our suits and into the water.  That seemed to distract her – but for just a moment.  Within 15 minutes, the first of many questions came:  "do you think our room is ready yet?  and if not, how soon do you think it will be ready?"  Ahhhhhhh – that is when I realized that this child was going to ruin every bit of quite time I was planning to have.

Eventually we made it to our room and the child was pleased.  The room received a thumbs-up from her, we both jumped in the shower, threw on some island appropriate clothes and we were off to schedule our snorkeling tour, grab some dinner and plan our stay.  Wait?!  Plan our stay?  I already had our stay planned – beach, read, sleep, listen to music, repeat.  She can’t be serious:  99 Steps, Bluebeard's Castle, Paradise Point, Mountain Top, Shopping?!  Who gave this child access to the internet?!  I had to come up with an alternate plan.  I was deep in thought at dinner (best burgers EVER - Duffy's Love Shack) while she chatted and chatted away.  I thought I had a plan:  I would distract her with shopping first thing in the morning.  I figured the walking around town would wear her out and by noon she should be ready for a nap and some relaxing in Magens Bay would be all mine!  But who was I kidding?  She was 16, not 6.  There would be no napping.  I had to give in to the fact that this was her vacation, her time….I snapped out of my thoughts just in time to hear her say: “can we get some ice cream?” 

The next day, I gave up on my plan to nap and let her lead me around the island.  From downtown shopping in Charlotte Amalie to 99 steps to Bluebeard’s Castle to luxury shopping at Yacht Haven Grande to Mountain Top to Magens Bay.  YES!  Magens Bay where I was allowed an opportunity to lay in the sun (which was already starting to disappear) and enjoy the crystal blue water; but only for a moment before the next question was asked: “what are we doing next?”  And we were off…..

The following day was pretty much the same.  Snorkeling tour and more questions…..what’s this, where’s that, and her all-time favorite – what are we doing next?  Sigh...does this child turn off?  I was exhausted, and still had no tan lines.  When will vacation begin I wondered?

We left St. Thomas after two nights and headed over to St. John for the last leg of our trip.  Here, it was more of the same.  Shopping and eating.  Walking and talking.  Laughing and learning.  I was beginning to enjoy her (and her questions) as we jumped the waves at Trunk Bay and wondered the beach looking for sea shells.  I was enjoying getting to know who she is now, as a young adult, exploring the world and Tweeting as she went.  I suddenly realized that this is how she vacations, and her version was different from my version.  I accepted that.

There were moments that showed me how much she has grown, and no longer needs me; but there were also moments that showed me in a lot of ways, she is still my child and will always need me.  I watched as she played in the sand and explored the water with her new goggles.  I laughed when a huge wave came and, in her words, tried to take her out.  By the end of the trip there was something different about our relationship.  Our bond had become stronger.   There was a better understanding and appreciation for each other and our differences.  No longer were we just Mother/Daughter, we were also friends.

As we walked hand-in-hand onto the plane headed home she asked one last question: “where are we going next?”  Any where you want child, any where you want.

See more pictures at www.facebook.com/2girlsbikini