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Guests at many luxury Ritz-Carlton Hotels can now volunteer their time and energy to improve and assist the local community where they are vacationing.

The program, called “Give Back Getaways” offers guests a variety of opportunities from helping to protect endangered sea turtles to helping autistic children.

My readers have heard of volunteer vacations before, but they usually are the main focus of your trip. This program requires is a smaller commitment and are not the primary reason for your visit.

This weekend, August 3rd, for example, if your staying at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes you may want to help rehabbing the headwaters to the everglades .  These efforts range from artificial freshwater reef construction, shoreline structure and aquatic plant enhancement, to building wood duck nesting boxes.   You can also take a nature walk to the fish feeding stations, butterfly garden, organic garden,  and the bird and nature watching stations.

Or if you happen to be staying in Beiging this weekend you would be partnered with a multi-lingual hotel employee and join a student of the Dongba Village Migrant Community Learning Center for the day.  You will help to complete a mural in their library.

Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer of Ritz-Carlton states “We have come to recognize the interest many of our guests have in becoming more involved in the region where they are spending their vacation. Many of them are active volunteers in worthwhile activities at home, and want to continue this spirit of giving when they visit other parts of the world,” “We believe Give Back Getaways is a unique way for our hotels to partner with guests to provide an experience both memorable and personally enriching.”

The programs have participation fees.  Transportation costs are deducted from the fee with the balance going to the charity involved with the program. The Ritz-Carlton absorbs all internal costs associated with the program, including the payroll costs of their employees who also participate..

Ritz-Carlton has created a website dedicated to describing the programs: www.GiveBackGetaways.com .

Delta Raises Fees on 2nd Bag – Delta has doubled it’s second suitcase fee from $25 to $50. They have also increased fees on items that require special handling such as surfboards, skis, bikes, and heavy items. This applies to tickets purchased after July 31.  The third bag fee goes from $80 to $125. First bag is still free. First and Business Class ticket holders can still check three bags at no charge. The free baggage perk also applies to upper level Delta frequent flier members.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield Intl is the World’s Busiest- ATL is now the worlds busiest airport terminals serving 89.4 billion passengers in 2007. This is an increase of 6.8% over 2006. So far during 2008 the growth has slowed to a 3% growth rate. Second place went to O’Hare and third place was Heathrow.

I’m not much of a drinker, maybe once a month if at all. During my last Napa visit I did’t have a pleasant experience with a group of friends. I found my self wandering in the wineries gift shop, perusing cookbooks and exploring vineyard vinegars and grape juice to pass the time. I’ve often considered visiting Napa Valley again, but should I even bother if I’m not interested in the wine?

First, I love good food. I’ve found that there are many amazing restaurants in the Napa Valley; some that take months to get it. That would be Thomas Keller’s French Laundry and Bouchon. You must make reservations well in advance. Another high end choice is Bistro Jeanty. But if you’re me and plan short notice driving trips, try Keller’s newest restaurant, the family style Ad Hoc.

Other restaurants and food attractions worth exploring are Ubuntu, situated in a sleek yoga studio or snacking at the Oxbow Public Market and check out the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts. The center, also known as Copia offers cooking classes, garden tours, films and concerts. The last entrée on my trip may be the Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone Campus in St. Helena because they offer cooking demonstrations for $15 during week.

Second, I enjoy a good spa. Napa Valley is loaded with spa opportunities nestled in small towns and boutique hotels. I have to check out the Indian Springs Resort and Spa because their claim to fame is that there are “the oldest continually operating spa in California”, serving up ancient mud baths. I’d also check out the Spa at The Carneros Inn. This luxurious resorts spa offers unique treatments such as a Warm Goat Butter Massage or a Grape Seed Guava Body Scrub.

Third, I wanted to check out the shopping. So while all the wine enthusiasts are swirling, sipping and spitting; I’ll be shopping and spending! The town of St. Helena, eight miles southeast of Calistoga, catches my eye. I’ll check out some high end shoes stores, boutiques and art galleries. A local interior designer has a shop, Martin Showroom, with sculptures, lamps and house wares. If the Napa Valley Wineries can ship heavy cases of expensive wine, I’m sure this store owner can ship a heavy mirror for my dining room!

Lastly, you must decide where to stay during my non-winery tour. Since I’m not spending money on wine, maybe I’ll select the Auberge du Soleil in Rutherfod. I’ve been warned that is a bit expensive; however the views from the hill top location and hotel amenities must be amazing. For something a bit less pricey, I’ll look into the Indian Springs Resort and Spa in Calistoga. Its rooms and cottages starting at $255 offer retro styling and the property is a short walk restaurants. Finally, to be in heart of Napa and save some money, I may try the 106 room River Terrace Inn. Well appointed rooms start at $179 per night.

Update 8/28/2008 – I’ve received a suggestion that non-drinkers might also enjoy the Silverado Trail. The trail runs along the east side of the valley and bypasses most of the towns and large wineries. This “road less traveled” runs between Calistoga and Napa and is home a few smaller boutique wineries and much less traffic. It is a great road for running, biking, or hiking. This site / video will give you an idea of what the road is like: Silverado Trail Wineries Assoc.

It appears that the years of violence against tourists has finally gotten the attention of US tourist and as a result the Mexican Authorities.

This year it appears that Police and drug traffickers have been going at it in towns near the US border crossings. Travel industry trade papers have reported that this years spring-break college travelers decided to skip the possible problems and have found other destinations, avoiding Mexico.

Crime against tourist has always been a problem in Mexico and maybe it’s the ability of the Internet to spread the word that has made it more visible to travelers. Risks include theft, sexual assault, and something new to me called Express Kidnapping. Never heard of express kidnapping? It is when you are kidnapped and taken to an ATM and forced to remove as much cash as possible.

Here is what the State Dept. website currently says about Mexico. “Crime in Mexico continues at high levels, and it is often violent, especially in Mexico City, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey, Acapulco, and the state of Sinaloa. Other metropolitan areas have lower, but still serious, levels of crime. Low apprehension and conviction rates of criminals contribute to the high crime rate. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are encouraged to report the incident to the nearest police headquarters and to the nearest U.S. consular office.”

Here is some additional info from the US State Department. Often-violent Crime: Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey, Sinaloa State, Mexico City, Acapulco. Politically Motivated Violence: Guerrero State, Oaxaca State, Chiapas State. Dangerous Bar Scene: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Cancun.

Now that business investment is endanger, read this article, the Police have begun to crack down in border towns like Tijuana. But I still recommend extreme caution when visiting Mexico.

Sanibel Island is a name commonly used by even an amateur shell collector.  This 15 mile long island located on the southwest coast of Florida is well-known for its world-class shelling.  However, many don’t know about the other things this small, romantic, nature-filled island has to offer for families, the outdoor enthusiast, and working adults just looking to unwind.

Over one-half of the island is considered protected nature preserve which offers world famous birding opportunities.  Over 240 species can be viewed by the avid bird-watcher either from the comfort of their car, from one of many hike-bike trails, or lying on 15 miles of white sand beaches.

A must see when visiting Sanibel Island is the J.N. ‛Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge.  This beautiful preserve contains some of the most beautiful sights you will see on this island. Visit their Education Center to learn about the local ecosystem and scope out the different species that you might see.  Take a spin through their Wildlife Drive and look out for one of their 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, even the endangered American Alligator.

Remember to schedule a kayaking or canoeing tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers, and watch for otters, dolphins, and manatees throughout the mangrove swamps.  No previous experience is necessary for this adventure that you will remember for the rest of your life. Just remember to bring extra water and your cameras.

The average temperature of Sanibel Island is 75º and the weather year-round is generally beautiful.  If you want to travel the island like a local, rent a bike or moped at one of the many rental agencies that dot the island.  Over 26 miles of trail cover the island, which allow you to bike through lazy neighborhoods, along the coastline, or through shady groves of trees in the preserve after reading a book in a hammock on the beach.

Also readily available are opportunities for SCUBA or snorkeling, swimming, and other water sports.  The fishing scene in Sanibel is thriving and there are many charters to take any level of fishermen out to sea.  Snook, redfish, snappers, sea trout, grouper, and Spanish mackerel are plentiful all year.  In the spring and summer, tarpon, pompano, cobia, and permit are available, while in the fall black drum, tripletail, king mackerel are fresh. Finally, in the winter sheepshead are bountiful.

If you are not the outdoors man type and shopping is more your cup of tea, explore the shopping scene, being sure to visit shops such as Pandora’s Box.  If history is your thing, be sure to visit Sanibel Historic Village and go see the Sanibel Lighthouse in Old Town Sanibel.  Also, shell collector or not, the Bailey-Matthew’s Shell Museum is well-worth your time. If you are in town during March, check out the Sanibel Music Festival.

When the time comes to eat, no visit to Sanibel is ever complete without a visit to Schnapper’s Hots for the best pizza and hot dogs in the world hands down.  For a great breakfast, take a trip to Captiva Island and visit R.C. Otter’s Island Eats.  Or eat brunch at the delightful Blue Giraffe Restaurant which may become a daily watering hole with its colorful tables painted by local artists.

In regards to local accommodations, you can rent condos and beach homes, stay in a resort, or a local inn.  The Holiday Inn Sanibel Island Resort comes very highly recommended and offers a wonderful view for the Forth of July fireworks.  If you are seeking a higher end experience look into the Casa Ybel Resort.

To many, Sanibel Island is the closest one can come to “Old Florida.”  A pay toll bridge and the zoning laws put into affect by the local residents have saved Sanibel from the over-commercialization that we see common to South Florida.

The beaches at Sanibel are always clean, un-crowded, and welcoming and sunset walks and picnics on the beach are a regular experience for both locals and tourists.  A phrase that rings true is, “Once you get Sanibel sand in your shoes you’ll always come back.”  It is not uncommon for a visitor to extend their vacations at Sanibel Island two or three extra days when they first arrive.  Here the unique beauty of the island will provide you with one of the most relaxing and rewarding vacations you will ever take.

Official Sanibel and Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce: www.sanibel-captiva.org

Ghosts Of Alcatraz – By Kathryn Vercullo

From the Publisher – Alcatraz Island has a chilling history. Surrounded by icy waters, enshrouded by thick fog, and wrapped in whistling wind, it is no surprise to find that it is haunted. In fact, there is so much sadness, desperation, torture, and death in its past, it’s almost impossible to believe that there aren’t spirits there. Learn about famous prisoners who haunt the island and of those unnamed folks who continue to linger there. Hear Al Capone’s mournful banjo and Robert “Birdman” Stroud’s shriek in the wind. Find Smitty, the amazing escape artist, and Rufe McCain, who was murdered by a monster. Visit with unsettled spirits on Alcatraz, but make sure you catch the last boat home…

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“Your travel life has the essence of a dream. It is something outside the normal, yet you are in it. It is peopled with characters you have never seen before and in all probability will never see again. It brings occasional homesickness, and loneliness, and pangs of longing. . . . But you are like the Vikings or the master mariners of the Elizabethan age, who have gone into a world of adventure, and home is not home until you return.”

-Agatha Christie / English Writer

In travel agent lingo, are you an “Independent” or “group” traveler? Would you rather travel on our own, and as an independent traveler, or with a tour as a group? If you have only picked one and never tried the other you maybe missing some very important vacation experiences.

Tour Buses On Queensland Australia Beach

Travelers I meet will often say I’ll never take a tour, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a bus full of tourists. Well it’s time to get over it. Group tours run the range from massive buses to small vans with a handful of passengers. But the common, and valuable, asset a tour can offer is a knowledgeable guide who knows the lay of the land. They can explain the local, take you into places and show you things you may never be able to experience if you were on your own.

But independent travelers can also discover a destinations true character. Moving at your own pace can have it’s advantages, especially if you have a passion for a specific item like birding or history. You can seek out and linger over your area of interest for hours and not be required to respond to the needs of others. And, often when times get tough, you will discover the kindness common to all populations around the globe.

We live in a world that has grown over the years. Yes the globe now has more destinations available to us than ever before. But at the same time some of these new, and old, locals can be less stable than we would prefer. This is a great time to consider a tour rather than going it alone.

Independents May Discover Local Events - Photo By Bruce Murray

Travelers should consider breaking away from the group especially if the area is known as a tourist region. Take the time and prepare your own path through a location that is new to you. The Internet has become a great resource for those going it alone. And don’t just visit the big commercial travel sites, search out specific sites which have discussion groups related to your area of interest.

First steps? For those who only take tours, try planning a trip in an area you already are familiar with, and for you independent thinkers maybe a cruise would be a nice way to slide into a more structured travel experience. Try it. And always remember to talk to a professional travel agent for any advice they may have.

After over 100 years of being one of the cheapest souvenir, postcards are slowly disappearing from tourist-traps.  You may think that at the root of this vanishing act would be the proliferation of cellphone cameras and email, along with online distribution services like Flickr.com.   But it isn’t.

Industry statistics show that the decrease in use of postcards is due to a move over to other souvenirs such as refrigerator magnets, key chains and spoons.  Many travelers now keep extensive collections of such items and look forward to enlarging their prized displays.

An industry postcard expert says another reason for the decrease in postcard usage is the loss of independent bookstores, and loss of small Mom & Pop stores in general.  Stocking the low profit margin post card is less appealing for large chain stores.

But it’s interesting to learn that a statistics from the Greeting Card Association show that 90 percent of americans like to receive greeting cards and letters in the mail.  And 64 percent say they would rather get a handwritten letter than an email.

I think part of it is due to the convenience and ease of use of digital cameras which has cut into the postcards territory.  In the past postcards were often purchased for individual scrapbooks and never mailed.  Just check out eBay, you will find thousands of postcards that have never been postmarked. 

Maybe it’s because in a world flooded with scenic images supplied by cable networks like the Travel Channel and the internet’s World Wide Web, the excitement of seeing an image from a distant destination may seem to the sender as less impactfull. 

Also SMS cellphone text messages along with email are a much easier way of communicating than taking the time to write a postcard, stamp it, and find a mailbox.

While the internet may have had something to do with the disappearing postcard, it has become part of it’s future. Check out these websites: Quantity Postcards, Tacky Postcard Archive, Post Cards From America.

But in some cases the postcard still beats you digital camera.  Just try and get a sunny day photo of Seattle Washington with your personal camera, but you can always find a great postcard.

Welcome to the new space race! The race for overhead bin space on your next flight. And the eyes of airline employees with be focused on you.

Since luggage has become a new profit center, an estimated $350 million for American, many airlines, passengers need to pay much more attention to their carry-on luggage. Airlines are starting to enforce limits on carry-on baggage and many fliers are being caught up in the mess.

In order to not delay the passenger boarding processes be ready to have your carry-on bags size closely monitored. American and United airlines have announced they will be adding workers at entrances to security lanes to stop passengers who are carrying more than one small bag that can fit in an overhead bin and one “personal item”. Plans are also underway to install templates or slots in front of TSA x-ray machines that will not allow you luggage to pass if it is over sized.

Also be ready to have your carry-on taken from you at the planes loading door. As more and more passengers try to take on bags, your flights overhead bins may fill-up before you entry the aircraft. When this happens you will be forced to give up one of your two items for storage below. If this happens to you ask your bag be returned to you at your destinations gate not at the luggage carousel, known as “gate-to-gate” handling.

I suspect the new luggage fees will first result in a torrent of voice announcements as we move through airports reminding us of the new enforcement. I also think that if most people are like me they will be highly motivated to arrive at the airport early to get a early boarding pass. 

I also am starting to think this is about reducing the amount of luggage on each plane.  Airlines may be thinking that adding these hassles to the already existing hoops we have to jump through when flying may reduce the weight of the luggage they are transporting.  Maybe over-weight people will soon be hit with an additional fee.

Check your airlines website for their current luggage restrictions.

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