Imagine wandering down ancient cobblestone streets as a violin plays off in the distance, peeking in tiny lane ways and dark corners to discover Krakow’s hidden lairs. I felt a little like Alice in Wonderland falling down the Rabbit Hole as I explored the endless cellars pubs and subterranean bars in this magical city called Krakow.

Krakow comes alive at night and finding a great hangout here is as difficult as shooting fish in a barrel. This is a city that’s made for bar hopping, and to my delight I found that the kind citizens of Krakow were eager to help me dive into depths of the city’s party spots. You can stumble from pub, to café to nightclub for many nights in Old Town and there’ll still be a ton of great places waiting to be discovered, so many places and so little time.

After many hours of relentless and exhausting research, done only for the benefit of our readers, GirlsGetaway is proud to be able to advise on some of the best hangouts and nightspots in Krakow. I’m sure that there are many more that can and should be added to this list but my liver was just not up to the task! This list is not sorted in any way as I’m afraid that sometime during the testing process my ability to discern minute details was somewhat compromised, all I can tell you is that these are the spots where I had the most fun.

Budda Drink and Garden – where else can you sit in a turban and get your zen going while downing the ever popular Polish vodka?

Cynamon Café – the oh so hip cream colored sofas and cool atmosphere belies the oh so potent drinks.

Alchemia – loved the atmosphere In this place, who knew intellectual eggheads could be so much fun?

Prozak – a huge place with two underground levels, definitely the place to dance the night away in Krakow.

Cien - this is one of the top nightclubs for fashionistas in Krakow, a place to see and be seen. Not for the claustrophobic.

Singer Bar – old Singer sewing machines make a comeback in this popular bar.

Jazz Rock Club – metal on metal, or just metal on the wall? Rock on.

Propaganda Pub – When did communism become retro? A great pub that pokes a little fun at Krakow’s communist past.

Where to Stay After the Party?

I stayed at the Sheraton in Krakow, a five star hotel located right on the Vistula river with a great view of Wawel castle. The hotel’s wonderful breakfasts, in-house massages and soothing staff makes it a perfect place for relaxing after experiencing all that Krakow has to offer. Be sure to try ‘Cracow Experience’ massage, an hour of pure bliss.

If you need to just chill and relax, head to the QUBE Lounge in the Atrium, you can surf the internet with the available wifi, this is a great place to recharge your batteries for your next foray into the city.

The Vistual River is located right by the front door of the hotel and beckons guests to stroll or, if you’re feeling energetic, jog along its banks drinking in fresh air and the gorgeous views of Wawel Castle.

Snugly nestled in a coded courtyard near to rue Reamur, the O-Kari Spa is a piece of the Maghreb with a Parisian zip code. Stepping through the sliding door I was warmly greeted at reception by a display of stacked soaps- Alep soap, black soap (made from olive oil and eucalyptus), all handmade by Karima and to be used in the treatments. Where do we start?

Led into the changing room, given a gently warmed robe and little paper g-string to wear, for the hammam and treatments, I made myself comfortable on the sofa in the refreshment room. Served with a little glass of mint tea and dates, I took a little look around. Very tastefully decorated in white, with black and white portrait photos from the Maghreb (North Africa), whilst the open plan changing room was done in warm earth colours. However, there didn’t seem to be a space for the grand hammam tradition of having somewhere to lie down and take a little snooze after. I defy anyone not to need one. Its hard work getting this gorgeous, I tell you.

There’s a French/Arab mentality here when it comes to nudity- when my beautician arrived my robe was taken and I was led through the spa in the paper g-string. The treatments also take place in full view of others. For those used to western spas that tend to be a little more private, and who have not used a hammam before, just take a little mental note. Leslie talked me through how it works, and I ventured into the steam. The room was tiled with a slight vaulted effect, with a small fountain and cold water taps, along with authentic silver metal bowl, to douse yourself with water when required.

After a while I was led out in order to be covered in thick black soap-this mixture works wonderfully to deep cleanse and prepare the skin for exfoliation-and sent back into the steam. Being really relaxed by now, I can’t remember more about the steam room, other than to tell you it was at a thoughtfully pitched temperature, very misty but not too hot, and lightly scented with eucalyptus.

A little later I was led to a slightly heated slab and lay down for a very thorough and professional exfoliation from Leslie, everything down to the soles of my feet with a pumice stone and attention paid to my cuticles. After that came a lathering with Alep soap, which is wonderfully rehydrating, my hair was washed and scalp and shoulders lightly massaged. The Alep soap did a really good job of deep cleansing my skin, along with the steam.

It was a beautifully relaxing experience, and the spa does succeed in taking many of the best aspects of the hammam and fusing them with a western spa. O-kari is exactly that, it is not the traditional hammam experience, nor is it a western spa. It is a wonderful melange.

O’Kari Hammam
22, rue Dussoubs, in the 2nd Arrondissement.
01 42 36 94 66. Email: contact@o-kari.com.
All female, by appointment only.

Not that I was going to party all night long with the footballers mind you, my husband would not look too kindly on that kind of girl’s getaway. But a girl can look, can’t she? Maybe even engage in an intellectual debate on the finer points of off-side rules and regulations? Ha, what I know about football would equal the amount of times the San Marino team has won a match – a big zero.

I finally reminded myself that there’s more to do in Warsaw than just enjoying this city’s football invasion, so I tore myself away from Sheraton and headed out to explore the sights. I started off with a three hour Warsaw City Tour to get a quick rundown about the history and attractions in the capital of Poland and soon discovered that Warsaw has these aplenty. After the tour I wandered around town on my own, leisurely exploring some of the cities loveliest spots. Warsaw is compact enough for any relatively active person to be able to get around the city comfortably on foot, but they do also have an extensive tram and bus service. For those late night excursions taxis are inexpensive and plentiful. Here are some of my must-see spots for great getaway trip to this bustling, proud and cultured city. Now excuse me while I head back to Sheraton’s business centre to ‘struggle’ with the computers. Football players, I have discovered to my delight, are pretty technically adept and very willing to help little ol’ me with my computer ‘problems’!

Things to Do

Stare Miasto
The top attraction of the partially walled old town is Stare Miastro, Warsaw’s town square. This area was almost completely destroyed during the World War II, with the 90% of the buildings destroyed. The city rebuilt and today the lively square is filled with street vendors, cafes, shops, galleries and some of Warsaw’s top restaurants.

Old Warsaw Ghetto
During World War II, approximately 500 thousand Jews from Warsaw and the surrounding area were imprisoned in a Jewish Ghetto in central Warsaw. In 1943, under threat of transportation to the infamous Treblinka Concentration Camp, the Jewish population staged an uprising, which was brutally crushed by the Germans. A monument to honor the heroes of the uprising was unveiled in the ruins of the city in 1948.

Łazienki Park
Łazienki park and palace complex is known as one of the most beautifully landscaped garden parks in Europe. The park is full of lovely palaces and monuments; the most beautiful building in the park is the Palace on the Island. Another popular feature of the park is the amphitheater, where summer concerts are held. The composer Chopin was born in Warsaw and a grand monument to him can also be found in the park.

Nowy Swiat
This is the top fashion street in Warsaw with tons of exclusive shops, galleries, fashionable clubs, elegant restaurants and cafes. During the summer season, the street is closed to vehicles at weekends and becomes a pedestrian precinct.

Where to Stay

As evidenced above I stayed at the Sheraton during my visit to Warsaw. This hotel is one of the major players in this city and they have the staff to handle any kind of visit from masses of football professionals to the vice president of the United States, Joe Biden, who, I’ve been told, stayed at the hotel on a recent visit to Warsaw. The hotel is ideally situated being just minutes away from the posh stores on Nowy Swiat, the lovely Lazienki Park and a short ten minute walk to Warsaw’s old town.

The hotel offers a wonderful option to large restaurant dining, the “Chef’s Table” a unique dining experience, where you can design your own menu with Sheraton’s Chef or have the menu chosen for you, the meal is served in the kitchen of the restaurant for a maximum of six guests. A very cool experience!

Sheraton’s Fitness Center offers yoga and aerobic classes as well as its own running club, with scheduled morning and evening runs along Łazienki Park, a great option for women travelers who are uncomfortable running alone in a new city. This fitness center is modern and well-equipped, in-house massages are also available in the center, perfect after a long day of seeing the sights!

Where to Eat

E. Wedel – Chocolate heaven, be sure to try the cherry hot chocolate, the chocolate ice cream, the cheesecake!
Szpitalna 8, Warsaw

Café Blikle – This very popular café has open since 1869 and is famous for it’s traditional doughnut called paczki in Polish, they also make the best poppyseed cake in the city.
Nowy Swiat 33, Warsaw

U. Szweika – the best Zurek soup in Warsaw!

Podwale Restaurant – a restaurant offering Polish cuisine and inexpensive beer, it’s the place to be in the summer with wonderful outdoor terrace located in the old town of Warsaw. Be sure to try their mushroom soup. One note of caution – portions are huge!

Bazyliszek Restaurant – mmm, roast meat and lots of it! Check out the cool dragon motif.
Rynek Starego Miasta 3/9, Warsaw

Belvedere Restaurant – located in Łazienki Park, this restaurant delivers both stunning views and the best food in Warsaw. A must for fine dining…

Loews on South Beach is inviting ladies to get their groove on and attend the “World’s Largest Girlfriend Getaway” in April 2010. Whether it’s for a bachelorette party, bridal shower, college reunion, moms who need a break or girls who just want to have some fun; women can enjoy a special “Girls Only Getaway” package.

GirlsGetaway.com is attending this funfest and I’m hoping to meet up with you during this weekend of Girl Power on South Beach. I’m tasting the margaritas already!

Priced starting at $399 per person, based on double occupancy, the package is available April 16-18, 2010, and includes a two night stay in a deluxe room, daily breakfast for two at the hotel’s Preston’s Brasserie, nightly complimentary happy hour in its Hemisphere Lounge, a group salsa lesson, beach yoga, Elemis Spa specials, and more. Attendees will also receive “girl-friendly” goodies.

“We hope that women will grab their girlfriends and head down for the weekend and help us take over South Beach,” says Debbie Castillo, Regional Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Loews Hotels. “With the “girl-only” floors, salsa and yoga lessons, spa treatments, and our close proximity to shopping and nightlife, women will be able to kick up their heels and truly pamper themselves.”

Loews Miami Beach Hotel is located in South Beach’s shopping and entertainment district. Numerous restaurants on property and close by, along with a sizzling nightlife scene around the corner, provide the ideal spot for that perfect girls’ night out. During the day, besides lounging by the pool or heading to the beach, women can stroll through the shops of Ocean Drive, Collin Avenues and Washington Avenue for great finds.

To book this package visit:
www.loewshotels.com/sobegirlfriendsgetaway
or call 1-800-235-6397.

The company lost the bags, no big deal, it’s not nice but life isn’t perfect. What really bothered her and me was the comment from one of airline’s customer service reps. They were told that “this should ‘teach them’ not to fly the same day as cruise day”. Don’t you love that kind of service? Let’s blame the customer! In contrast, Princess has been spectacular and is making every effort to help locate the missing bags. They have also given them free laundry and liquor. As one of my tweeting buddies stated: “The free laundry isn’t much if you don’t have the clothes to wash, but if you have a few drinks then you don’t care!”

I spent a few minutes fuming about the treatment they received from the airline company, but then I started to think about some funny ways that you might make do if stuck without your stuff while on a cruise ship (tongue firmly in cheek)! Here’s my top ten list of:

FUN things to do if you are on a cruise and your luggage has been lost:

1. Have your steward design a special towel bikini for you.

2. Suggest a clothing optional day for the entire ship.

3. Do a Scarlett O’Hara and make a dress from your stateroom curtains.

4. Four Coke Cards in strategic spots would make a sexy swimsuit!

5. Take a page from the Air New Zealand commercial and have cruise members body paint a t-shirt and shorts for you – fun for everybody!

6. Make do, like the reality show Survivor, and use a hibiscus twig to brush your teeth.

7. I’m betting every ship has a few of rolls of duct tape lying around for emergency situations like sealing a hole in the ship, borrow a couple of rolls and make your own sandals.

8. Go with the nautical theme and design your very own boat hat made from paper.

9. Make full use of the buffet and fashion your own Bacon Belt or Bacini.

10. Cover yourself in gold body paint and tell everyone you’re dressing for the Oscars!

I promise to post a serious list of what to do if your bags have been lost soon, let me know in the comment section below if you have any great and slightly more logical tips!

Would you like an insider secret to make your Paris vacation unforgettable? For about $80 USD per person per night, you could stay in a tiny, drab double room in a 2 star hotel. But, for the same price, you can enjoy a luxurious, upscale, Paris apartment, in a prime location, with full kitchen and breath-taking views of the Eiffel Tower. Yes, that’s right! For the same price! The trick is to travel with a few friends or family members, and consider low season instead of high.

Apartment living in Paris makes the perfect Girl’s Getaway!

Why Choose an Apartment over a Hotel?

Space – so much more room to spread out.

Huge savings on food by preparing snacks and light meals in your own kitchen.

Some apartments provide free internet access, free local and international phone calls, and some include washer & dryer…added amenities rarely found in a hotel.

Feel like a local, not a tourist; shop daily as the Parisians do for your warm baguette, fresh produce; you’ll enjoy the vibe of your neighborhood.

Follow These Ten Tips When Selecting an Apartment:

1. Do your research – ask friends for references.

2. Search Trip Advisor or similar sites for recent reviews for that specific unit; Trip Advisor is not independently verified, so look for trends rather than relying on one specific review.

3. Consult guide books.

4. Ask if they have an onsite management company to address any concerns; are they open 7 days a week?

5. Be sure the website has photos of all the rooms in the apartment.

6. Ask owners if the furniture, drapes, linens etc. are exactly as pictured. I’ve heard horror stories of apartments staged for photographs, but the gorgeous furniture had been replaced by worn out flea market finds.

7. Most apartments require full payment in advance; ask what recourse you have if you find the apartment unacceptable. Will they move you to a different unit, or refund a portion of your stay?

8. If you’re staying in the summer months, ask if the unit is air conditioned.

9. Some buildings don’t have elevators, so ask, if this is important to you.

10. Carefully consider the location, noise level, and view. Verify the location through Google Earth. “Close” or “nearby” may actually be 2 miles away from your desired location.

Why Choose a Paris Perfect Apartment?

There are many apartment rentals in Paris, and the accommodation you choose can make or break your vacation. My personal favorite is Paris Perfect apartments, a collection of 45 luxury apartments in prime locations, all professionally managed by the same company. The company has been recommended in Rick Steves’ France guidebook and Travel & Leisure magazine.

An apartment rental makes sense for so many reasons and occasions:

Girlfriends Getaways – Ladies, choosing a luxury apartment from Paris Perfect is an unforgettable experience. Paris Perfect has a Girlfriend’s Getaway Package that includes all this at no extra charge during low season: complimentary hair style and color consultation at a famous Paris salon, welcome bottle of champagne, free Seine river cruise tickets and a free consultation with a personal concierge. Just ask for the Girl’s Getaway Package at the time of booking.

Families – perfect when traveling with your daughter, mother, sister or grannie. You’ll save hundreds of Euros by enjoying breakfast and snacks in your kitchen instead of dining out three meals a day. The money you’ll save by eating in will more than offset the accommodation price.

Celebrations – birthday, graduation, bachelorette parties.

Apartment Reviews

I have personally stayed in the gorgeous St. Julien short term Paris rental, in a prime location in the 7th arrondissement, two blocks from the Eiffel Tower. This is the Rue Cler neighborhood recommended by Rick Steves. The St. Julien is beautifully decorated, sleeps 5 comfortably ($86* per person, per night), is a little tight for 6 ($71 per person, per night), and would be very spacious for 4 ($107* per person/per night).

The St.Julien has 1 bedroom, a double living room with custom sofa bed that makes out into two separate twin beds, a fully equipped kitchen, two full bathrooms (important for your “getting ready” space), plus another half bath in the hall.

Last month, we stayed in the Clairette Paris flat, in the same building as St. Julien. Every detail was exquisite: beautiful furnishings, with decorator touches everywhere, and a heart-stopping view of the Eiffel Tower.

The Clairette has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, a double living room and the same custom sofa that converts to two separate, very comfortable twin beds. The kitchen is petite, but modern and fully stocked.
[Photos of Clairette bedroom & Clairette sofa bed]

The Clairette is very comfortable for 3 people sharing ($123* per person/per night), and adequate for 4 friendly people ($92* per person/per night).

The Bordeaux luxury apartment in Paris is in the same building as the previous two units. I’ve not stayed there yet, but knowing the neighborhood and quality of furnishings, it looks like it would be perfect for 6, with 2 bedrooms, double living room, 2 full and 2 half baths, and eye-popping views of the Eiffel Tower.

At 2065 Euro/week in off-season, that works out to $71 per person per night*. An absolute steal!!! If your budget allows, of course, consider prime season as well. Picnicking in the Champ de Mars park right next door, evening strolls along the Seine…an unforgettable experience.

All 3 apartments enjoy an ideal Left Bank location – major bus stops across the street, Metro and RER just a few blocks away.

Paris Perfect vacation rentals include a welcome basket of milk, orange juice, bottled water, wine and cookies. Modern, fully equipped kitchens are supplied with dishes, glassware, pots & pans, coffee pot, etc. I was surprised to find extras not usually offered in a self-catering arrangement, like coffee filters, paper towels, olive oil and vinegar, salt and pepper; and my favorite – a Nespresso machine with a starter supply of coffee capsules in assorted flavors – another way to easily save $4-5 for each cup of coffee you don’t have to buy at a café.

Apartments include flat screen cable TVs, DVD player, free wi-fi Internet connection, and free phone calls to Europe, Australia, U.S. & Canada. Apartments have ample storage space, and include washer & dryer.

A greeter from Paris Perfect met us at the unit and spent nearly an hour showing us all the workings of the apartment, and answered questions. There was also a great guidebook explaining every appliance, system, etc. and it has a wonderful 32 page section on Paris sightseeing, shopping and restaurant recommendations.

The boulangerie is 3 doors down – pop down in the morning for your fresh, warm baguette and flaky croissants, to enjoy with your Nespresso.

Keep in mind, self-catering means there is no daily maid service, but extra towels are provided.

Full prepayment is required in advance (before you ever see the apartment), and cancellation fees apply. This was a concern for me initially, but now having stayed there, I have no hesitation whatsoever. Travel insurance is recommended, because despite best intentions, plans could be disrupted due to illness, job loss, etc.

The Paris Perfect office is just a few blocks away, staffed 7 days a week, and they are happy to help with any questions or concerns.

All apartments are non-smoking, and no pets allowed.

Rentals are for a one week period – there is so much to see and do in Paris, plus you can take 3 wonderful day trips depending on the season (Versailles, Champagne region, and Monet’s Gardens at Giverny). If you find it impossible to stay a full week, Paris Perfect might be able to consider a 5 day stay, so call and ask.

On your morning of departure, you’ll feel like Cinderella – your royal coach about to turn back into a pumpkin, and white horses back into mice. Ahhh, but that’s what vacations are about. Fairy tales can come true. And there will be a happy ending, because you will promise yourself to return to Paris again!

* Prices quoted for low season. Special sale prices available now for a limited time for high season and shoulder season too. Check website for details. In the interest of full disclosure, as a previous customer of Paris Perfect, I received a promotional discount, but my review is honest and unbiased, and not influenced by consideration received.

Mary Ann writes about all things France at her travel blog www.enchanted-traveler.com

Accommodation
Obviously, being students, we’re travelling on a budget. We knew from the beginning that this would mean taking advantage of the many youth hostels scattered around Europe. To book our hostels, we used three different hostelling websites: hostelbookers.com, hostelworld.com, and hihostels.com. Of these three websites, I would recommend hostelbookers.com. It doesn’t charge a booking fee (as hostelworld.com does) and you don’t need to have a Hostelling International membership (which is required for hihostels.com).

The reviews of other hostel-goers are the best way to gauge whether you really are getting value for your money. We’re paying an average of about $25/night. The prices really vary though – our hostel in Venice is $40/night, and our hostel in Rome is $15/night. It depends on where you go, and how much comfort you’re willing to sacrifice. I would also recommend that you try to book your hostels as far in advance as possible. We found that prices for rooms went up significantly in price every day.

Your Backpack
First and foremost you need a good backpack! In terms of size, I wouldn’t recommend getting anything bigger than 60 Litres, and nothing smaller than 45 Litres. My pack is 55 Litres, and it fits an incredible amount of stuff.

Also, don’t be distracted by the pretty colours and fancy materials of some of the packs on offer. Not only will they be hugely expensive, they will be an irresistible temptation for thieves. A plain, ordinary looking pack is the best way to go. Be sure to buy a waterproof cover for your pack, as very, very few packs are waterproof (they’re usually just water-resistant). Also make sure that your pack has places to put locks (there are usually metal loops on the zippers specifically for this purpose).

A great kind of pack to buy is one that has a detachable daypack. Mine zips up the front, so you can leave all your clothes and stuff in the main part of the pack at the hostel, and just take the daypack with you on your day-to-day wanderings.

In terms of price, I wouldn’t pay more than $200. The prices tend to go up past $300, but you can get a perfectly good pack for about $100.

What to Bring
PACK LIGHT! JUST DO IT! I know it’s easier said than done, but you’re going to be responsible for carrying every single thing you bring, usually for a long period of time. When you really think about it, some stuff just isn’t worth it.

Here’s a list of the stuff that I brought with me:

Toiletries
• soap
• shampoo
• conditioner
• deodorant
• toothpaste
• toothbrush
• Dental floss
• Contact lenses + solution (if you need it)
• Pads/tampons
• Hairbrush
• Mirror

I brought little travel versions of everything, and managed to make it all fit into a nice small toiletries bag. DON’T BRING ridiculous things like cans of hairspray or hair dryers. I know you want to look your best for all the gorgeous European people you’re going to meet, but that’s just not going to happen. No one looks their best when they’re travelling, not even those gorgeous Europeans!

Clothes
• 2-3 comfy T-shirts for everyday wear
• A pair of long pants (like jeans)
• A pair of capris or shorts
• A nice looking skirt
• A nice shirt (for fancy restaurants, if that’s a possibility)
• A warm, light sweater or jacket
• A rain jacket
• 3-4 pairs of underwear
• at least 2 comfortable bras
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• pajamas
• a bathing suit

Don’t bring too many clothes. They’re HEAVY! It’s much smarter to just wash your clothes every couple of days instead of lugging around a different outfit for every day of the week. And really, no one is going to notice that you’re wearing the same shirt you wore two days ago.

Other Stuff
• Big padlocks (or combination locks) – for lockers and hostel room doors (which sometimes don’t lock)
• Small padlocks (or combo locks) – for your backpack
• A sleeping sac – sometimes sheets at hostels cost extra, and usually they aren’t so clean. The best kind of sleeping sac is silk – very lightweight, warm but breathable, rolls up really small.
• Travel towel – they roll up really small, but are very absorbent.
• Water bottle – will save you money on bottled water. The tap water in the vast majority of European countries is safe to drink.
• An iPod – as long as you’re really careful with it and won’t freak out if it gets stolen, iPods can be really handy. If you have an iPod touch, it can be used as an alarm clock, a currency converter, a guidebook, a translator, and a way to pass the time. All in a teensy, light little package.
• Power adapters
• Camera
• Travel speakers – so you can plug in your iPod and annoy everyone in your hostel room with your music
• A money belt – put all your important stuff (passport, plane ticket, credit cards) as well as the majority of your cash in your money belt, and then wear it under your clothes to prevent theft. Only take out the money that you need for the day, and never take out your money belt in public.
• A first aid kit – you can get cheap, prepackaged, tiny first aid kits, or you can put together your own.
• All-in-one liquid soap – I found this stuff that you can use to wash EVERYTHING. You can use it as shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, dish soap, EVERYTHING. Very handy.
• Flip-flops – for general walking around as well as for use in hostel showers. Trust me, you’ll need them. Unless you think foot fungus sounds like a good time.
• A little travel sewing kit
• Good, comfortable walking shoes – hiking boots are completely unnecessary (unless you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking.) I just brought my normal every day sneakers. But make sure that your shoes are nicely broken in before you start walking around. Also, blisters are kind of inevitable regardless of how expensive and comfortable your shoes are. Just make sure that blister-alleviation stuff is in your medical kit.
• Sunscreen + hats – sunburns are not fun
• A compass – helps with map directions etc.
• A swiss army knife – for overall handiness
• A spork or something of that nature – most of your food will probably be hunks of cheese and bread that you bought from the local market. This is one of the best ways to save money (restaurants are REALLY EXPENSIVE).
• A little flashlight
• A little travel umbrella

Here’s a couple of videos that also have lots of great packing info for us girls!

Earning Frequent Flier Miles, Even if You Don’t Fly

Paris has a reputation for being an expensive city, and rightly so. With so many treasures to explore, it’s one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. But I’m going to show you how to afford real luxury for less in Paris, for less than what you’d spend on a budget hotel at home.

Over the next series of articles, I’ll discuss how and when to travel, and I’ll cover the “big 5” categories of airfare, accommodation, shopping, sightseeing and dining, to show you how to get the absolute most for your money, and have one of the best vacations ever!

This is not an article about staying in cheap hostels or 2 star hotels. There’s nothing wrong with that, I’ve done that too. But this series will focus on higher end accommodations, and show you have to have that luxury splurge for LESS money, something actually within reach of your meager travel budget.

When to Travel

My first tip to immediately save 30-40-50%? Travel in off-season! Typically, off-season in Paris is winter time, from November through March, with the deepest discounts in Jan. & Feb. Accommodations and airfare are deeply discounted. Crowds are smaller, nerves are less frazzled, and there’s something about the crisp air that makes the aroma of roasting chestnuts and steaming crepes even more intoxicating.

Paris has such a huge array of sightseeing options, you will never be at a loss for things to do. Yes, there are a few sights that may operate reduced hours, but with careful planning, you’ll not be disappointed.

The first two weeks of December are an incredible time to visit Paris as well. Discounts may not be as steep as Jan/Feb, but the beautiful Christmas decorations, dazzling lights, department store window displays, and holiday fetes can make up for that.

Airfare

First things first. Airfare to Paris is not cheap. Airfare in off-season is lower, but still pricey. Recent searches on Fare Compare show low season fares from major US cities to be as much as 50% less in Jan/Feb versus summer.

Recent Airfare Searches to Paris

Don’t be scared by these prices. Let me show you how to fly almost free.

Frequent Flier Programs

If you a frequent traveler, you’ve already figured this out & can skip this part (but read the online shopping opportunities below). If you’re not a frequent traveler with a fat corporate expense account paying your way, you may think you’ll never rack up enough miles to cash in on free tickets. Not so! You don’t have to travel frequently to earn miles. There are many other ways to accumulate miles.

Enroll not only yourself, but your spouse, kids and grandkids in airline frequent flier programs. Idea is that nobody travels by air these days without earning miles. Most programs allow you to transfer miles between participants, sometimes even offering bonuses to do so. Best to limit yourself to one or two airlines to maximize point accumulation.

Credit Cards

There are great websites devoted to helping you maximize your “flown” miles (FlyerTalk), but only a few sites focus on earning miles outside of actually flying on a plane. Opening a credit card (for both personal and business accounts) can earn a handsome bonus of 10K-25K miles. This site, Mile Cards, has a good discussion and comparison matrix of many mileage cards available. Keep in mind, most cards have a minimum spend requirement, i.e. must spend $750 within the first 4-6 months, to earn the bonus. Fees are typically waived the first year, and they carry hefty interest rates, so be a wise consumer and don’t charge more than you can afford to pay off in full every month. Read the fine print on every offer. Also check your hometown airline’s website to learn what their mileage credit cards have to offer.

Once you’ve chosen a card that’s right for your, set up recurring monthly bills to be paid with this frequent flier credit card, bills you’re going to have to pay anyway, electricity, gas, water, telephone, cell phones, etc. Again, you must be VERY disciplined to ensure you pay off in full every month. Once you get comfortable with that, decide if you want to take the next step to purchase groceries, gasoline, entertainment etc. with your card. Many people do this successfully today, but it does require discipline.

Another site I like is Frugal Travel Guy. He’s made quite a hobby of racking up miles, so check out his tips and ideas. Keep in mind that with rewards come some risks, so do your homework.

Shopping

In addition to charging monthly necessities on your preferred card, take advantage of all the mile-earning opportunities from online shopping. Hundreds of popular retailers have partnered with airlines to award you mileage for things you’re going to buy anyway.

Let me give you some examples. For purposes of this article, I’m going to focus on shopping opportunities through American Airline’s AAdvantage program, but every major carrier has a similar program, so if AA does not have service from your area, check into other airlines’ programs.

American developed the very first frequent flier loyalty program in the industry in 1981, and I should know, because that’s when I was hired on by AA as a college student with the launch of the AAdvantage program, to handle inbound calls and enroll applicants.

American recently added some new features to their retail shopping site American eShopping Mall, with the registered card program. This lets you register one card (either credit or debit) on the shopping site, and earn miles for purchases. The twist here is you can now use a debit card, if you decide you don’t want to buy things on credit. Four ways to earn miles while shopping:

1. Brick and mortar store fronts – Walk in to buy in person, use your registered card (debit or credit), and earn AAdvantage miles. Downside – this is a new program, and only 12 retailers/restaurants participating right now.

2. Gift Certificate Program – Great program lets you buy gift certificates from 102 popular retailers, like Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, Gap, Old Navy, etc. Earn 3 miles for every dollar you spend, plus an extra mile if you charge to your AAdvantage Citi card. Buy the gift certificates to give as gifts for Christmas, birthday, teacher, anniversary, wedding, graduation, etc. Or buy them for yourself for purchases you know your going to make i.e. Back to school shopping, etc. Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Foot Locker, etc.)

3. Online Retailers – Literally hundreds of major and specialty retailers participate. You must first visit the AAdvantage eShopping site and launch into the retailers’ site from the AAdvantage page. Every big retailer is here.

4. Special partners – short list of a few select “preferred partners” with good earning potential, like Netflix, DirectTV, TomThumb grocery chain (DFW residents), regional electric companies.

Don’t even think of making a big ticket purchase without checking out the online retailers. Plus, there are frequent promotions like double or triple miles, free shipping, etc.

I particularly like Best Buy online ordering, as you can order online (remember to launch from the AAdvantage eShopping site) and then pick up your order at your local Best Buy, usually within an hour if the item is in-stock. No shipping, easy returns. In-store pickup at Sears too.

Here’s an example of purchases I made last year through the Northwest Airlines Worldperks program (sadly defunct now, with the Delta merger…DL has similar online retailer shopping program – Skymiles Shopping).

Back to School Promotion July thru Sept. – earn double miles

Apple Computers regular 2 miles per dollar, now 4 miles per dollar during the promotion, plus extra 1 mile per dollar if charged to NW Worldperks Visa. That’s 5 miles per dollar spent. It was time to buy our daughter her long awaited iMac computer, so with software included, it was $2,000 (she earned over half the money herself winning spelling bee competitions). Ordered online through Apple (but entering their site from the NWA launch page), we earned 10,000 miles for this one purchase alone. Same double miles on Old Navy, iTunes, Petsmart, Best Buy and hundreds of other retailers. We never download iTunes directly. We purchase iTunes gift cards through the airline shopping sites, then email the iTunes gift card instantly to ourselves to redeem online.

You see what I mean, it adds up faster than you think. Just think smart, plan ahead, and don’t buy anything until you check your airline’s online shopping program. Combined with the 25,000 miles you receive for opening a credit card, and you’ll be on your way to Paris by the end of the year!

AA’s current redemption level for US to Europe round trip ticket is 40,000 miles for travel in low season, and 60,000 miles for peak season. See what I mean by savings in the off-season?

All material is current at time of publication, but subject to change at any time. Please check directly with sources mentioned to obtain most current information.

Cold and tired from a long day in Berlin and a three-hour train ride to Poznan Poland, I found the suggestion of a hot bowl of soup irresistible. It arrived to my table steaming hot, choc full of smoked bacon, bits of sausage, and half a hard-boiled egg. I took a tentative sip and fell in love. My first encounter with Polish cuisine and it was good, oh so good.

Sheraton Hotel in Poznan was the source of this blanket in a bowl, since then I’ve tried Zurek Soup in other restaurants in Poland and have yet to find one as good as this Sheraton’s Olive Restaurant.

I regret to say that I only spent one day in Poznan but I did manage to do a ton of wandering around both inadvertently and deliberate. On my first venture to check out the sights of Poznan on foot, I promptly got lost. Now mind you, Poznan is not a large city, but my usually excellent sense of direction deserted me that day, and I blame the jetlag. But getting lost turned out to be a good thing, as I ended up discovering the old district of Łazarz with its bustling open-air market, Rynek Lazarski. After I finished admiring the ancient buildings and sampling some of the local foods at the market I gave up trying to find my own way around and hopped into a taxi asking to be whisked away to Rynek Stary.

Rynek Stary is Poznan’s official old market square and it is grand, being the third largest old town squares in Poland. With its soaring buildings bursting with color, the old market is alive with people, music and food. This area of the city is closed to automobile traffic and invites you to stroll, shop, eat and enjoy life even during the winter months. Be sure to wander into a few of the many pubs that reside along the square and sample the dark regional “Fortuna” beer. Another great sight is the Town Hall with its display of famous goats battling it out at midday on the clock tower. A great place for souvenir hunting is along Wozna Street, east of the town square, where you can find a decent selection of handmade crafts.

Where to Stay:

I stayed at the Sheraton located about 5 minutes from the central train station and the only five star hotel in Poznan. I was surprised to find such a modern and well-appointed hotel for my short stay in the city. The staff was excellent, well-trained and very professional, kudos to the hiring manager at this hotel. I am especially indebted to them because I had forgotten my Mac power cord in my room and didn’t realize it until I was in Warsaw. They rescued my cord and sent it to the next hotel I was staying at in Krakow, with no extra charge! It was also one of the few hotels I stayed at in Poland and Germany that provided cappuccinos and lattes that didn’t come out of an automatic machine, they were lovingly done by hand with the cutest latte art designs in the froth. This hotel boasts an indoor pool, a 24/7 fitness centre, and also my fav feature, in-house massages, perfect after a day of walking around town!

Where to Eat:

Cacao Republica – 10 varieties of hot chocolate!

Zielona Weranda – lovely café, great place for a leisurely lunch or a coffee and dessert. Be sure to try the Portuguese Salad.

Brovaria Microbrewery and Restaurant – Try the hot spiced honey beer, hot chocolate and plums wrapped in bacon, makes my mouth water just thinking about this place.

Click Here For More Details and Booking Information!

Hotel Description

495 rooms, 25 floors

The OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel sits on bustling Kalakaua Avenue, across the street from Waikiki Beach and the International Market Place, and is approximately nine miles from Honolulu International Airport. Local attractions include Diamond Head, approximately two and one-half miles away, and Pearl Harbor, located 11 miles from the property.

In addition to the surroundings, shopping enthusiasts will be pleased to know that a Macy’s department store is located on the ground floor of this hotel. Guests may also take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool. Onsite entertainment includes the Jimmy Buffet’s at the Beachcomber Restaurant and Bar, Honolulu Surfing Museum and The Magic of Polynesia show. Other amenities include an ATM, laundry facilities, free wireless Internet access in the lobby, parking (for a fee), Internet kiosk (for a fee), laundry services, sundry store, and a tour desk.

Resort was fully remodeled in 2008.

Newly remodeled guest rooms feature air-conditioning, refrigerator, safe, flat screen TV, coffeemakers, free local and long distance calls to the U.S. and Canada, Internet access, and newspapers. Complimentary rides on Waikiki Trolley’s pink line throughout Waikiki and to Ala Moana Shopping Center is also included.

Note: children ages 17 and under stay free when sharing a room with their parents and use existing bedding; otherwise, extra person charges will apply if occupancy exceeds two persons.

Hotel Amenities (Additional fees may apply to some amenities)

• Swimming Pool
• Non-Smoking
• Fitness Facility
• Business Center

Stay on Waikiki Beach at the OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel from just $125! (Valid while rooms are available).

Click Here For More Details and Booking Information!

Hotel Description

242 rooms, 29 floors

The Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village is located approximately eight miles from the airport. Rich in Hawaiian culture and local attractions, Honolulu is a world-class destination on the Island of Oahu. The hotel is conveniently located three miles from downtown, 20 minutes from Honolulu International Airport, less than a 10 minute walk from the Hawaii Convention Center, and five minutes from the heart of Waikiki. Just beyond the Village, scuba diving, snorkeling, and Atlantis Submarines offer unsurpassed views of a vibrant undersea world. Nearby the hotel, championship golf and a variety of cultural treasures await for ones discovery.

Exquisitely located on Waikiki Beach against a backdrop of breathtaking natural wonders, the resort offers a 22-acre paradise of exotic plants and flowers, shimmering swimming pools, and whispering waterfalls. Guests have access to the Villages spectacular amenities, including recreation facilities, restaurants, diverse entertainment, and first-class shopping. The hotel facilities and service include 24-hour front desk, restaurant, cafes, lounges, free parking, fitness center, laundry service, and 24-hour business center.

The hotel features 242 rooms and all are equipped with cable TV with Disney channel, ESPN, CNN, safes, microwaves, refrigerators, individually controlled air-conditioning, coffee makers, telephone lines, dataports, high-speed Internet access, and hairdryers.
Hotel Amenities (Additional fees may apply to some amenities)

• Swimming Pool
• Non-Smoking
• Beach Front Property
• Restaurant On Site
• Kitchenette
• Room Service
• Fitness Facility
• Kids Activities
• Dry Cleaning/Laundry
• Tennis Courts
• Business Center
• Interior Corridors
• Wheelchair Accessible

Click Here: Stay at 4-Star Hilton Grand Vacations Suites in Waikiki for just $132! (Valid while rooms are available).

What to Pack in Your Carry On – Notes from a Professional Traveler

One of the great truths of life is, people are different. It’s what makes life interesting. I’ll wager that everyone has a top-ten list of essentials to take on the plane with them and that there are some items common to all and some that reflect our individuality. In these days of too frequently lost luggage, there are some must-haves I always include in my carry-on. They are the things I could not live without should my checked-bag go astray. In truth, I have way more than ten- but I have cheated and created groups. And anyway, who’s counting?

1. Health items I can’t live without
   These include prescriptions and over-the-counter meds, herbal remedies, essential oils and homeopathic remedies. If these got lost, I’d be up the proverbial creek.
2. Moisturizers for the plane and beyond
   Airplane air is very drying and it is easy for the body and the skin to dehydrate. I bring as much water as I can carry for drinking (the flight attendants look askance when I request my own bottle- the little cup will only do for a trice); a small spray bottle with water and lavender essential oil to spray my face during transit and some lip balm to keep the old kisser feeling good.
3. Personal air purifier
   Speaking about the air on the plane, do you really want to breathe other people’s recycled germs? I have this neat little thing called a Fresh Air Buddy that I wear around my neck. It purifies the cabin air. It can also be used in any indoor space where you have concerns about the air.
4. Tooth care stuff: brush, floss and tooth powder
   Can’t be without these if you want your smile to be clean and fresh! I brush my teeth the old-fashioned way, powder. Mostly baking soda, with some natural additions, it’s chemical free. Check the ingredients in your toothpaste- you’d be surprised what’s in it and it goes in your mouth, so you’re ingesting it. If it has a warning on it of any kind, I don’t want it in my mouth. And since it is neither liquid nor gel, I have had no issues with airport security.
5. Deodorant
   No girl should leave home without it! I use crystal deodorant. If you have not yet discovered this natural wonder, check it out. It doesn’t contain aluminum or chemicals and it does the job (at least for me). Again, because it is not a liquid or get, it sails through airport security.
6. Body, skin and hair-care products
   Soap, skin cream, shampoo, conditioner and gel can be your body’s best friends.
   What would any of us do without the products we love? I bring my own because I have allergies and sensitive skin. Some women just don’t care, but they are not me. If you are on my end of the spectrum, bring your own, you never know what you’ll find at your destination.
7. Sunscreen
   Something no woman (man or child) should be without. I have fair skin and burn in a nanosecond. Even if you have skin that tans easily- with all we know about sun damage sunscreen is ESSENTIAL!
8. Hair and head stuff
   We don’t always have good hair days so we want our bag of tricks with us. Hair elastics, scrunchies and/or barrettes are great to have unless you have a really short do. I always have mine long enough to put in a ponytail so these are must-haves. Then there is my hairbrush so I can tame my unruly tresses. And I take a hat for bad hair days, and seasonally warmth or sun protection.
9. The electronic stuff
   If traveling abroad, a plug set and converter if necessary are really essential. Many products are now made to work on AC or DC, so check your gear to see if the converter is necessary. Also essential, my cell phone charger.
10. Books
    A good read and a crossword puzzle book are important to me. I am constitutionally unable to sleep on a plane even with a pill and I never met an in-flight movie I loved- I am not sure how they pick them. So I either read or fiddle with the New York Times Sunday Crossword puzzles. Unlike my husband, I can never fully solve them, but they keep me busy.

And don’t forget to pack a change of underwear and a clean shirt in case you and your luggage have different arrival dates. Of course, that’s always a welcome excuse to shop, but you want to look your best when you hit the shops.

In reality, there are more things that fill my Mary Poppins bag when I travel and that I couldn’t do with out, but I have to stop somewhere.

Your list will probably coincide with mine in some places, and will reflect your personality and needs in others. I would love to hear what goes in your bag of tricks.

Package Includes:

• Overnight accommodation
• 2 Spa Treatments Choice 2 of the following: 50 Minute Swedish Massage, Salt Glo, Manicure and Pedicure, and or a 50 minute European facial. Call in house reservations to make appointment.

For more information and to book your spa getaway, click here.

It looks like a castle in the suburbs that doesn’t really belong there, but once you are inside you quickly forget that you are in Chicagoland. Lynfred Winery is a perfect girls’ escape and that’s just what I did with good friend and fellow writer Liza Horan as the two of us settled into two full days of pampering.

There are some excellent wines here, but that’s just part of the experience at Lynfred. It all started with the introduction to our suites. Lynfred has four suites, each named after a wine region – American, Italian, French and German. All of the suites have Jacuzzi tubs (with neck massagers), fireplaces, wet bars and all the luxuries you could want. Liza was in the American, with its more contemporary look, and I had the Italian. Though all the suites were beautiful, I deemed mine the nicest as I had all the amenities of the others with the addition of heated floors throughout the rooms (the other suites just have it in the bathroom)!

After we settled into our rooms, we got comfy in front of the fireplace for our own private wine tasting with Events and Bed & Breakfast Director Lisa Klus. For this first tasting we got to sample quite a selection of wines – Gerwurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Oktoberfest, Rose, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Merlot and Cranberry. The Sauvignon Blanc was one of the best I had, with a mild aroma and a not too dry taste. The Oktoberfest, a mixture of 75% Riesling and 25% Pinot, was even sweeter, a plus for me, but Liza enjoyed the reds more. The Merlot was spicy with a hint of Cabernet, perfect with steak. I was pleasantly surprised by the Cranberry. Unlike most fruit wines that I’ve tasted, this one was not overpowering, with the cranberry providing a nice mix of sweet and tar. It was excellent alone and (as I later discovered) with vodka for a martini!

Accompanying our wine, was a fruit and cheese platter as well as an incredible desert tray (brownies, truffles, homemade chocolate – what more could a girl want). Liza and I also chose to order some appetizers as we planned to spend the whole evening catching up with the wine in front of the fire. The Chicken Satay was incredible and I really enjoyed the Brushetta. Lynfred has an assortment of food from chocolate covered-strawberries to a half rack of lamb that can be ordered before your stay so you can just stay put and enjoy the sweet.

The king bed had all the pillows I needed for a great night’s sleep before indulging in Lynfred’s breakfast. The chef will make you whatever you want – Crepes, Eggs Benedict, Waffles – or you can leave it to him. We chose the latter and were not disappointed as we feasted on a spread of French toast, pastries, fruit and sausage the first day, with omelettes, bacon, potatoes and breads the next. We decided to enjoy the dining room, but you may also have breakfast in your suite.

On our second day, Liza and I got to tour the winery with Marketing Director Christina Anderson-Heller and taste a few more of Lynfred’s over 50 wines. To my surprise I again gravitated toward the fruit wine, thoroughly enjoying the Pomegranate (with visions of martinis dancing in my head). We also got to meet Fred Koehler, the many who started it all with his wife Lynn (hence “Lynfred”) in 1979.

Though we had so much to do we didn’t indulge, Lynfred Winery can also arrange for spa services if you’d like to cap off your day with a massage in your suite. All stays come with a private tasting and tour of the winery, as well as breakfast. And if you don’t have a chance to stay, there are different events each month – and always opportunities for tastings.

On our last evening at Lynfred, Liza and I capped out our Girls Getaway with another great experience – Girls’ Night Out at Melting Pot. We had a wonderful experience at the Schaumberg location, but if you’re not in the Chicago area, there are other Melting Pot locations around the country participating.

Wanderlust and Lipstick
Beth Whitman

Q. Talk a bit about what inspired you to start your company.

A. I’ve always been a traveler and much of my travel has been solo. I was always aware that women, in particular, were nervous about traveling on their own and so I began teaching workshops in the Seattle-area in the mid-90’s to encourage women to take the leap and travel, with or without a partner to accompanying them.

A number of years ago I wanted to get my message out to a larger segment of would-be travelers and the natural thing to do was to write a guide book (The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo) and launch a website. The subsequent guides (For Women Traveling to India and Traveling with Kids) as well as the tours, were a natural extension from my original mission of inspiring women to travel more.

Q. Tell us a little bit about your tour company and your upcoming trips for women in 2010.

A. Initially, I led a co-ed group of people to Bhutan as a favor to a friend who has a tour company. Then my Wanderlusters – the gals who regularly read my website and newsletter – started asking what other tours I was leading because they wanted to join. I immediately scheduled another Bhutan tour, then India and now Vietnam & Cambodia. I’m looking into Papua New Guinea and a culinary tour to Greece for 2011!

The Wanderlust and Lipstick tours are created to connect the tour participants with locals. It’s our aim to get beyond the surface experience and to really understand, as much as an outsider can, the local culture. We incorporate cooking classes, lectures on Buddhism, private musical performances and the like. I also like to build in opportunities to help the locals. We’ve donated books to school children in Bhutan and have visited (and donated to) ashrams for older people in India.

Q. Do you think travel tours have changed over the years, if so how?

A. This is actually a really exciting time in the tour business. People want to fully experience a place, rather than just being bused around to take pictures from the window. They want a bit of adventure while being exposed to unique opportunities.

With technology making everything so accessible, travelers have information at their fingertips – thus they demand more and have less trepidation about their destination. An example is how a tour to the ghats of Varanasi, while super interesting, can be enhanced by a private musical performance in the home of a local musician. We’ve seen lots of photos of the Ganges River, but you can’t replicate music and dancing in photos – it’s something that must be experienced first-hand, and it’s these types of experiences that I build into the Wanderlust and Lipstick tour.

Q. What has been your most unusual ever travel experience?

A. I traveled solo from Seattle to Panama on a BMW F650 motorcycle. Everyone said I was going to die, get raped or tossed in jail on that 9-week journey. None of that happened. People were friendly and helpful all along the way.

My philosophy (in travel and life) is that people treat you the way that you treat them. I knew that if I smiled and was nice to people along the way, it would be reciprocated – and it was. It was a great lesson for me and one that I hope I convey adequately in my books and website and also on my tours.

Q. What remains to be done on your personal travel wish list?

A. Papua New Guinea and the Brazilian rainforest. I have a huge interest in and am an advocate of indigenous cultures and these two areas stand out as having some of the most unique cultures on the planet. I think I’ll make it to PNG this year on a scouting trip and then lead a tour there in 2011.

Q. As an expert traveler, share with us your top three travel tips…

1) Pack light. I can’t stress this enough. If for no other reason, this can be a matter of safety. You don’t want to have to be dragging around a bunch of luggage if you need to quickly get yourself out of a situation.

2) Don’t worry about the small stuff. All you really need is your passport and some cash (or access to cash with a credit/debit card or travelers checks). But even those can be replaced if they get stolen. Travel is all about rolling with the punches and enjoying it as much as possible.

3) Unplug. Give yourself a break from email, phones, Skype, the Internet, Facebook and Twitter – just enjoy the ride!

Q. And your top tip specifically for female travelers?

A. Again, pack light. This is even more important for women as we are targeted more often than men by would-be thieves and we’ll want to be aware and able to get out of a sticky situation without too much cumbersome luggage holding us down.

Serendipity Traveler
Peggy R. Coonley

Q. Talk a bit about what inspired you to start your company.

A. Serendipity Traveler emerged from a life full of traveling combined with my art filled entrepreneurial life which included much traveling. I created Serendipity Traveler for women like myself who want savvy travel and who don’t like packaged tours, aren’t youthful backpackers, or extreme adventurists. Women who travel with us are active, educated and love to travel. Our ages range from 40 to 70ish. My clients enjoy culture, local experiences and want all the trip details expertly woven together for them. The mission of Serendipity Traveler is to enhance the lives of active women around the world by providing thoughtful and enriching travel experiences. Traveling to places of great natural beauty and culture, Serendipity Traveler itineraries afford the luxury of a tailor made journey with particular attention to every detail while providing the essence of the local culture.

My professional days are filled with supporting women’s travel dreams and planning. I spend part of each business day on travel research, reading, talking, emailing, and checking resources. Finding just the right accommodations, driver, knowledgeable guides, interesting routes and travel gems to build a handcrafted one of a kind itinerary takes time. Often my desk is strewn with maps, notes on accommodations, train timetables, and museum listings, cultural calendars, as I create a rough draft for a trip. The rest of my work is spent traveling. After having sketched the draft, I travel to hone the routes, places and resources that will meet my goals for the trip. Women travelers want to make stellar memories, relax and have fun when they travel. Women today want authentic and culturally engaging trips. When in England, we stay in a quintessential 14th century family Manor house. On the island of Dominica, our lodge offers rustic luxury perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. When reserving a tour, my travel expertise is an important ingredient as women want to know who they are traveling with. Women get to know Serendipity Traveler through our website and by reading our monthly newsletter and blog.

Q. Tell us a little bit about your tour company and your upcoming trips for women in 2010.

A. Upcoming trips include a Yoga, Adventure & Spa trip to the pristine island of Dominica, The Historic Houses and Gardens of Charleston this spring and our signature Chelsea Flower Show English Garden trip in May. I am working on a trip to Ireland for Autumn 2010 and I may offer a European Christmas Market trip in December. The Serendipity Traveler website keeps women well posted on all our trips as they evolve.

Q. As an expert traveler, share with us your top three travel tips…

A. My top three travel tips for women are to choose your travel company carefully, to pack lighter than you plan, and to walk lots wherever you go as walking immerses you in new cultures stepping out of the familiar.

Q. What remains to be done on your personal travel wish list?

A. My personal travel dream list includes a return to New Zealand , Bali, The Cook Islands, Laos, Japan, Croatia, and parts of Europe yet to explore. I like meandering in fine gardens and always savour an escape to lesser known islands. North America has numerous places on my list too! The National Parks are gems in both Canada and America.

Q. What is a common concern of women who book tours, what are they looking for?

A. Todays women are traveling more and finding the restorative and renewing benefits that
traveling well affords; time out just for themselves, after a divorce, celebrating cancer treatments ending, when the
nest empties or adjusting when a husband dies. I see travel as a tool for transforming the landscapes of our lives. Life is Short, Travel Well.

Adventurous Wench
Deanna Keahey

Q. Talk a bit about what inspired you to start your company.

A. I’ve always loved travel, adventure, and the outdoors, though that wasn’t always my career. I spent years in the corporate world, when work was a way to pay for vacations. After years of doing that, I reached a point when I realized that climbing the company ladder held no further appeal. I could not see devoting the rest of my life to that. There had to be something more. I had to find something different.

About the same time, I also ended up single, for the first time since college. Being single brought a lot of changes, including the fact that now I had nobody to travel with! I was so used to doing everything as part of a couple, and now that wasn’t possible.

As I got into the “world of single women” and learned how different that life is, I also met many other women in similar circumstances. You want to travel, but have nobody to go with. Many tour groups are full of couples. Going alone can be uncomfortable, or just not as much fun. And a lot of us just aren’t interested in doing a singles trip.

For me, it all came together – my past history and natural inclinations, being at a turning point, discovering this need myself, and talking to lots of others too. That’s why I started Adventurous Wench.

Q. Tell us a little bit about your tour company and your upcoming trips for women in 2010.

A. Adventurous Wench specializes in high-quality active trips for women. Guests enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or sailing, along with excellent cuisine, fine accommodations, and knowledgeable guides. Our trips are ideal for single women and solo travelers — it’s easier, safer, and more fun, than going on vacation alone.

Most of our guests are single women, but we get about 30% married women, too. Perhaps their husband doesn’t like to travel, or only enjoys golf. This is a great way to take separate vacations they can both feel good about.

Our small groups create a very different feeling than large tour groups do. Guests soon come to feel like they’re out with a group of friends, rather than being herded about. Most of our guests are solo travelers, and even if you come on your own, you’ll soon feel like you’re with friends. If you’re traveling on your own, we can pair you with another solo traveler so you don’t need so pay an expensive single supplement.

Trips vary from a 3-day hiking trip to Sedona, to a 7-day sailing trip in the Virgin Islands, to an 11-day Patagonia exploration. You could be hiking through a canyon in New Mexico, or watching monkeys in Costa Rica, or exploring the remains of an abandoned monastery on top of a craggy island in Ireland. It’s up to you!

Q. Describe a day in the life of a tour company executive.

A. Well, first thing I’d say is it varies a lot, and that’s one of the things I love about it! I spend about half my time on the road, and about half at the office.

On the road, it totally depends on where I am. When I’m with a group, the day is full of whatever the activities are on that trip. When we get back to the hotel for free time, I’ll do prep work for the following day, getting groceries or gas, making phone calls, etc. When I’m on my own, I’m usually scouting things out for a future trip, trying different activities, talking to locals, looking at hotels, etc.

Even back at the office, there’s an enormous range of things to do, which is both challenging and fun. I might be doing research for new trips, or taking care of financial stuff, or discussing things with suppliers in different locations, or writing a newsletter, or doing strategic planning, or reviewing website statistics, or streamlining some of our internal systems, or preparing trip materials. It’s an almost endless list — at least it seems that way! (But I wouldn’t want it any other way.)

Q. What can’t you leave home without when you travel?

A. My laptop. It would be different if I was traveling just for fun, when it’s OK (even desirable) to be totally out of touch for awhile. But for business, it’s different. With my laptop along, I can handle e-mails with staff or suppliers, giving them any answers or decisions they need. I can research last-minute things I want to do, or look up restaurants or train schedules. I can coordinate anything I need to for upcoming trips, booking flights or hotels. I can check on finances and pay bills. I can upload and label photos while they’re fresh in my mind. I can update our website, do a blog post, or even make international phone calls via Skype. And of course I can update Facebook! With so many hotels now having wifi, it’s really changed the way I travel. Instead of getting back to the room at the end of a busy day and turning on the TV or reading a book, I turn on the computer…

What makes these items carry-along must-haves? They’re multi-faceted, ever-useful, easy to carry and not often readily available in foreign locales. These are ten items that earn their sliver of suitcase space—and that no woman should travel without.

10. Pocket lint-roller
H&M turned me on to these on-the-go lint removers. Cheap and compact, they’re an easy way to spruce up less-than-fresh-pressed travel clothes. Plus, the sticky tape can serve all sorts of adhesive purposes—for instance, leaving a note taped to the hotel room door of that hot guy you met.

9. Tide To-Go Stick
When you’re on the road, you don’t always know when you’re next opportunity to launder your clothes will be. That’s where the Tide To-Go stain remover stick comes in. A quick fix to hold you over till your next laundrymat (or hostel sink), these are a god-send for anyone living out a suitcase and wanting to look fresh. I especially like the mini-size stick.

8. Hair Ties
Every woman knows how darn useful a hair tie is. A rubber band, a sling shot, a child-proofing solution for hotel room cabinets and, oh yeah, the quickest way to pull your hair back—throw one around your wrist and watch the ways it comes in handy.

7. Lip Balm
Changes in climate—and that darn airplane cabin air—can have a serious drying-out effect. Lip balm soothes and hydrates, and gives you a little no-fuss sheen. To double the utility, get a lip balm with an SPF in it; you can dab a thin layer on your nose in the event you’re caught outside without sunscreen. In a pinch, you can also use a melty lip balm as heavy-duty hand salve.

6. Face Cleansing Wipes
If you’re going rough-and-tumble, you may not always have access to a sink—or running water. Cleansing wipes are your stand-in for face washing. They can also be used to freshen up during long hikes, or remove chlorine and sunscreen after getting out of a pool. Bonus: they can double as sanitizing hand wipes and baby wipes.

5. Hat
Unfamiliar showers, salt water, hotel sample shampoo: the chances of a bad-hair increase exponentially on the road. And sometimes there’s only one solution—a hat. I’m a fan of slouchy beanies and hip berets, but there’s also practical uses for a hat. A thick beanie will keep you warm in cold locales, while a floppy, Jackie-O sun hat will shield you from beach rays. And you’ll look so glamorous, no one will notice what you’re hiding.

4. Bobby Pins
They’re not just for pulling your bangs back! Even ladies with short dos should be sure to never leave home without a couple of these oh-so-useful pins. Alternative uses: clothespin, bookmark, lock picker. Need more? Check out 50 uses for the almighty bobby pin.

3. Scarf
Unless I was headed snow-ward, I used to never bother packing a scarf with me—until a Matador article changed my life. A towel, a sarong, an easy cover-up in Muslim countries: I used a scarf for all these things on my last trip, and I’ll never go scarf-less again.

2. Tissue
Not so much for nose-blowing, but for toilet paper. Unstocked bathrooms can make for uncomfortable situations, while restrooms in many third-world countries charge for toilet paper—and if you’re out of coins, you’re out of luck. There’s no reason to be caught unprepared. Plus, carrying tissue will remind you of your grandmother—mine kept a sheet tucked under her watchband for quick access. Now that’s quick thinking.

1. Period supplies
The most obvious must-bring is also the most important. Changes in food and sleep habits can cause fluctuations in one’s cycle—so even if you’re not due to menstruate, you should still be prepared. The availability of more Western period supplies like tampons and menstrual cups vary in availability overseas. Women who use super-plus or organic tampons can find themselves especially out-of-luck on the road. Many woman travelers laud the reusable wonders of DivaCups and washable LunaPads; I prefer to pack plenty of applicator-less tampons, as they’re easy to carry and don’t require rewashing. At the very least, a couple of individually packaged pads and panty liners are sure to come in handy.

What about you, ladies? What items can’t you leave home without?

Recently I was fortunate enough to connect with the lovely Max, one of the managers at The UrbanSuites.com, a fantastic modern hotel/apartment complex in the lovely neighbourhood of Sants in Barcelona, Spain and he very kindly sent me these insider tips on Barcelona for any of you lucky girls who are thinking of heading out that way soon for a fun girl’s getaway.

An Insider’s Tips for Visiting Barcelona

Beautiful Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain is making a name for itself as one of the liveliest city in Europe and is considered to be Spain’s new Capital of Style.

Barcelona’s Best “Barrios”

Gothic Quarter

This is the medieval part of the town and although it tends to get very crowded, it is a definite must see for any travelers visiting Barcelona. This district is on the left side of the La Rambla, Spain’s busiest street. While in the Quarter be sure to visit: The Cathedral, The City Walls, Plaza del Rei with its Museum and Plaza Sant Jaume (Town Hall).
Another great spot is the El Mercat de la Boqueria: one of the most popular markets in the city.

Restaurant:

4Gats: Carrer de Montsió 3, 08002 Barcelona
The building which houses the restaurant was originally designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and was used as a Modernist painters hangout during the early 1900’s. Picasso was one of the artists that would frequent the place and held one of his first one-man shows in this very spot.

Born

Take a stroll along the narrow streets of the Born, this district faces the sea and boasts the stunning newly rebuilit Santa Caterina Market. It’s a perfect place to hang out during the night with its many tapas bars, restaurants and loads of shops, but make sure that you also visit during the day so you can get a closer look at the architecture, some of which dates back to the XIX century. Another interesting stop in this area is the Picasso Museum.

Restaurants & Bars:

El Xampanyet. C/Montcada 22. Barcelona.
An authentic catalan tapas bar that has become popular (and expensive) among tourists.

Origen: Passeig del Born, 4. 08003 Barcelona
This place serves great traditional Catalan food at reasonable prices.

La Paradeta: Carrer Comercial 7 08003 Barcelona
If you like seafood, this is the place to be! You chose what you want fresh from the fish ‘bar’, decide how you want it cooked, then you pay, get drinks and side dishes as your fish is being prepared. During the weekends it’s packed so try to arrive before 9pm to avoid long waits for service.

The Gimlet: Santalo 46, 08021 Barcelona
Heaven for cocktail lovers!

Port Vell & Barceloneta

This area was recently renovated in the early 1990’s and is a perfect place to stroll towards and along the beach.
Close to the beach you’ll find the Catalonia History Museum: A must in order to understand the troubled (and sad) history of the Catalans, a very proud people who are passionate about their culture, roots and language.

Barceloneta – this area was originally a fisherman’s village and it has still retained its Mediterranean atmosphere after being almost completely rebuilt in recent years. This is where the old port meets the beach and it boasts the best fish restaurants in town and is also famous for its long sandy beach, which is popular all year round.

Behind Barceloneta you’ll see the Mare Nostrum Tower, a spectacular 20-storey glass tower that combines the vertical lines of a skyscraper with an imposing horizontal canopy. Its sinuous, modern architecture has made it a landmark in the Barcelona skyline.

If you make your way to Villa Olimpica (the Olympic Village) you can see Barcelona’s two tallest buildings, the Port Olimpic Towers built for 1992 Olympic Games, and at the feet of the towers you’ll find Frank Gehry’s Peix: a giant fish standing 35 meters high, made from woven strips of copper coloured steel. Nearby you can find the Barcelona Casino and loads of restaurants and bars.

Restaurants:
L’Escamarlà Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 40, Barcelona.
A wonderful restaurant located directly on the L’Peel seafront, with beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea and beachfront terrace. The menu offers simple but well prepared seafood, rice dishes and excellent fries.

Sants & Montjuic

Occupying about twenty percent of the entire town, Sants is Barcelona’s largest neighborhood. The main attraction is Montjuic, a small mountain located southeast of Barcelona’s city center. Its unique vantage point offers the most stunning views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean. The top of the hill can be reached using the Funicluar de Montjuic, a funicular railway that operates as part of the Barcelona Metro.

Here you will also find the 1992 Olympic Ring alongside the Estadi Olimpic (Olympic Stadium) and the Palau Sant Jordi a popular place for concerts and events are arranged throughout the year.

Not to be missed is the Fundacio’ Miro’ Museum, here you’ll find a large selection of Miro’ works. Joan Miro’ is one of the most important leading figures of surrealist movment together with Salvador Dali.
Montjuic hosts also another important museum: MNAC Catalan Museum of Modern Art which is housed in Palacio Nacional, a landmark that stands out against the Barcelona skyline.

At the foot of the Museum you will find the Font Magica, a beautiful fountain built for 1929 World Exposition, attracting hundreds of visitors who enjoy its spectacular display of light, water and music.

Winter opening times October – April – Friday & Saturday 7.00 pm – 9.00pm
Summer opening times May – September Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8.00pm – 12.00am

Restaurants:

Restaurante Zarautz:
C/Elisi 13, 08014 Barcelona.
A wonderful, down-to-earth restaurant with superb Basque and Catalan food and staff. One of Barcelonas’s hidden gems.

Restaurant JJ:
C/Mallorca 18-20, 08014 Barcelona
A restaurant with fresh market cuisine, its specialty is catalyn style seafood at reasonable prices.

If you are thinking of heading to Barcelona on a girl’s getaway be sure to look up The UrbanSuites.com for your accommodations. With its two bedroom suites, it would be a perfect place for any group traveling in Barcelona. Max & Isabel says to just mention that you found them on girlsgetaway.com, and nice treatment will be guaranteed!

Once we arrived, we set out in a search for ShopSCAD, the official retail store of Savannah’s College of Art and Design. We had two art students along on this girl’s getaway and they wanted to check out the competition. Along the way we popped in and out of several stores and craft shops, most of which seemed to be renovated historic Georgian homes, if not decades old department stores. Though we ended up going in circles, it was immensely worth the walk to see the majority of Savannah’s gorgeous parks and architecture. After visiting the store, we took a rest on one of the parks’ benches and were almost immediately asked to perform as extras in a student film being shot nearby. Not only were we treated to the sights and history of the second oldest city in the United States, we were also given cameos in a student film! Needless to say, we had a good time.

My recommendations for a great girl’s getaway in Savannah:

Shopping:

Paris Market – wonderfully choc full of great home accessories. Be sure to venture downstairs, here you’ll find tons of wonderfully restored antiques and interesting finds from around the globe. I stumbled across an enormous old farm table that made me immediately start calculating the costs of shipping this beast to my house.

ShopSCAD – cool store showcasing cool stuff made by students from Savannah’s College of Art and Design.

Savannah’s Candy Kitchen – candy, lots of candy. Need I say more?

Places to See:

Savannah Parks – a must, especially Forsyth Park. Go, sit, people watch, really look at the architecture that envelopes the city.

Riverboat Tour – I was channelling Gone With the Wind throughout the tour.

River Street – avoid the touristy shops that litter the area and walk along the river. One word – beautiful architecture…ok so that was two words.

City Market – full of charm and lots of other things too. Shopping, art, entertainment, cafes, restaurants choices are plentiful, you’ll find an awesome mix of old Southern charm and eccentric little stores.

Restaurants:

Mrs Wilkes Dining Room – a must for lunch. Long lines but definitely worth the wait.

Olde Pink House – it’s pink!

Huey’s – one word, beignets, beignets, beignets. Okay, this time it was one word, but repeated often to emphasize the pure delight I experienced in tasting one of these snowy pillows of fried heaven.

Places to Stay

Savannah Inns – when in Savannah you should try out one of these Bed and Breakfasts. Why? Southern style, historic and yes, architecture…my new favorite word.

1895 Inn – pampered perfection. Dudley is a doll of a dog.

Avia – new kid on the block in Savannah, if you want some serious luxury this is the place for it in Georgia. Pure Bliss.

Here’s a great video by Erica Sega, from the Travel Channel, giving us a quick overview of Savannah.

When I mention that I’m the managing editor of GirlsGetaway.com, most women tell me all about their love of getting away with women that are close and dear to them but every once in a while I get a peculiar reaction that goes something like this: “oh I don’t do girl’s getaways” or “why would I want to waste my time shopping with a bunch of catty women” I never really know how to react to the disdain voiced by these women and I end up feeling kind of sorry for them. It’s hard to explain that a getaway with girls is not just about the shopping, hanging out at the beach or going to Vegas, it’s much more than that. It is an opportunity to strengthen and renew our bonds of friendship, a time where we can share laughter, stories and uninterrupted time together, away from our everyday lives as working women, mothers, and wives. Lisa Kasanicky’s wonderful book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways, beautifully explains the why and how of a Girlfriend Getaway. This book grabbed my heart in the first chapter with a description by Lisa of her giddy happiness on the way home from a fantastic experience at a “Giddy-Up Gals Getaway” As Lisa explains, it’s about the relationships forged, our innate need for connection that makes these getaways truly special. So if you want some downtime with the girls buy this book and start reading up on your next getaway!

Lisa’s book has tons of great advice and delves into all sorts of wonderful getaway options available to women in North America. It is a great primer on how to plan the perfect getaway for you and your best buds. In this book Lisa gives us the tools to organize a girlfriend getaway and all we need to do is add the laughter, nonstop chatter, and pillow fights.

The book is organized into the following sections: Planning, Shopping, Retreats, Culture, Adventure and the Quirky, Wacky and Wild (my personal favorite). Within each section we’re given lots of information on specific destinations, tours and activities geared to girlfriend getaways. It makes for a great reference book for women who are looking for that next great getaway. One of my favorite getaways in the book is the Hanalei Colony Resort and Spa in Hawaii, their Girlfriend Package includes a day for two at the Hanalei Day Spa, a Na Pali boat or horseback ride, wine tasting dinner and all beach supplies. Sounds like pure bliss. Another thing that I really liked was that scattered throughout the book Lisa gives us some great advice and insider tips geared to the topics discussed. At the very back of the book she has compiled a wonderful list of travel resources that cater to women. I’m familiar with all of the companies listed and these women really know their stuff. Since GirlsGetaway.com hadn’t launched at the time this book was published I will forgive Lisa for not including us on this list!

If you love girlfriend getaways as much as I do, check out The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways. I’m sure you’ll find tons of great ideas for a fun-filled trip and new ways to reconnect with your friends.