January 29, 2012
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been my home-base airport for the past twenty years. But did you know that Orlando also has a second airport? Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is about 50 miles from Disney World, about double the distance from MCO. Though great for me, SFB is only 10 miles from my house, compared to 30 miles to MCO. It offers close proximity to the Lake Mary, Longwood and Altamonte Springs areas.
I flew out of SFB for the very first time last night. A business trip to Reykjavik had me searching Delta and Continental, though with 3 to 4 connections and very high fares, a direct flight to Reykjavik out of Sanford’s airport was a quarter of the price in a quarter of the hours! Granted, getting no miles towards my Diamond or 1K status may have me regretting this flight later in the year, but its practicality won me over for this trip.
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Posted by Carol Margolis under Current Affairs, Places to See; Things to Do, Random Thoughts, Travel |
December 8, 2011
You may think that with all the travel I do, which is just about every week of the year, that I am a fearless traveler who treks dauntlessly throughout the world. That’s not always the case. Not at all.
Sometimes I just want to hibernate in my hotel room because there’s discomfort on the other side of the door. I may feel perfectly safe and at home within the walls of my hotel but don’t want to venture out into the streets where the culture is different; the foods are mysterious and the words are not understood.
Yes, hard to believe that I can have these anxious feelings, but I do. Have you ever felt the same?
What I’m not going to let happen though is for this initial anxiousness to ruin a visit to somewhere that I’m sure must be wonderful, or why would I have traveled there?
My tried-and-true ways to squash the unease are these:
- Head out the hotel door and start walking (ask the hotel front desk or concierge about the safety of their hotel vicinity). Once I walk a few blocks and start to enjoy the store fronts, peak at a few restaurant menus and see friendly-looking faces, I already feel 100% better. On my first walk, I usually keep to one or two streets so that I can be confident that I can make my way back to the hotel.
- Make a pact on where I’m going to eat. I’ll say to myself “I’m going to walk two blocks and then eat at the very first restaurant I see after that point.” This has been a wonderful way to try restaurants and foods that I normally would have passed right on by without making such a definitive pact. Oh, I might have my 2nd thoughts at first, but a pact is a pact and this approach at swallowing my fear ball has never let me down – and I’ve enjoyed really wonderful foods. (A pact may need to be broken if the appointed restaurant only serves scorpions and cicadas, as my friend Pat encountered in Beijing since a fundamental rule of mine is NO BUGS!)
- Take a ride on a hop-on, hop-off bus if the city offers such a service to explore its highlights. At first I’ll plan on riding the full circuit without getting off, just to get the lay of the land. Though with 100% certainly, I always jump off at a stop that just looks too good to pass up, even knowing I could come back later. Hop-on, hop-off boats are also great! Here’s a great place to start to see if there’s such a tour where you’ll be visiting.
By now, my anxiousness has turned into excitement and I’m off and running! My pre-arranged plans, talks with the hotel concierge, chats with Twitter or Facebook friends and TripAdvisor recommendations for Things to Do (here’s my list from Singapore) and now I’ve got too much to do in too little time. Fear ball conquered!
What are your tips for moving from A to B (anxiety to bravery)?
To receive a free copy of our ebook, 70 Secrets to Safe Travel — Because Your Life Can Change in a Heartbeat, and for more travel savvy info to help you travel smarter, safer and with more enjoyment, visit SmartWomenTravelers.com and PearlsofTravelWisdom.com. Watch for my new book, Business Travel Success – How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel with Confidence, being published by Morgan James in early 2012.
Posted by Carol Margolis under Favorite Cities and Towns, New Travelers, Places to See; Things to Do |
April 25, 2011
When I have two or more hours in an airport, I want to be somewhere quiet. Airline lounges are usually my first stop, though they seem to be getting busier and noisier. Getting a seat in the corner of a restaurant is my second choice. With all the hustle and bustle in an airport, being away from the crowds helps to keep my travel stress level down.
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Posted by Carol Margolis under Places to See; Things to Do, Travel |
March 19, 2011
They’re not your typical type of ‘business travelers.’ They caravan from one city to another with trailers full of art and great hope for big sales. Many of them know each other as they go from one outdoor event to another throughout ‘the season.’
Just who are these business travelers? They are the artists and craftsmen who labor on their creations during the week, then get behind the wheel to bring their one-of-a-kind pieces to us — their buyers and art connoisseurs.
This weekend, all roads fed into the city of Winter Park, Florida for the 52nd Annual Winter Park Art Festival. They come from California, Oregon, North Caroline, Michigan, Wisconsin and numerous other states, all for the opportunity to show, and hopefully sell, their unique and beautiful art for three days.
They sleep in their campers or look for economy hotels. They’re up at Read more of this article »
Posted by Carol Margolis under Favorite Cities and Towns, Places to See; Things to Do, Travel |
February 19, 2011
I’ve been wearing a pedometer since the first of the year to measure my steps each day. A travel day, sprinting through airports, almost always gets me a few thousand steps towards my 10,000 step goal. This got me wondering about which airports are most favorable to walkers?
Minneapolis (MSP) has got to be towards the top of the list. Sometimes I feel like I’m walking between two cities in this airport. (Maybe that’s why they called it Minneapolis / St. Paul because it’s the bridge between the two cities!)
Atlanta (ATL) is surely in the running, since their lack of moving walkways keeps us putting one foot in front of the other. And when you just get to gate B32, your gate may change to A1! That walk alone could get you 10,000 steps just for one flight!
Dallas? Chicago’s United terminal (or checking in at Continental’s terminal, then having a gate at the end of Terminal C)? London Heathrow? Amsterdam?
Usually the longer the walk, the more us travelers complain. But I’m trying to look at the ‘healthy’ side of things, so the distance can actually be a good thing!
Where do you think the airport walks are the longest?
Posted by Carol Margolis under Health, Places to See; Things to Do |
October 31, 2010
One of my favorite benefits of business travel is seeing new cities, towns and countries, and experiencing different cultures.
I’m in Scotland for business and today is Halloween. When I arrived here, I wasn’t sure if Halloween is celebrated in the UK or not. Oh yes it is, and for much longer than it’s been celebrated in North America.
A bit of history:
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Posted by Carol Margolis under Favorite Cities and Towns, Pearls of Travel Fun, Places to See; Things to Do |
August 26, 2010
As I write this, I’m on my way to Sydney, Australia. I left my home in Orlando on Monday, spent four days with a client in Houston and am now in mid-air for the beginning of a 26-hour journey. Nothing crazy about that so far, is there?
What’s crazy is that I’ll be in Read more of this article »
Posted by Carol Margolis under Favorite Cities and Towns, Places to See; Things to Do, Travel |
December 2, 2009
On a quick layover in Atlanta, I had an opportunity to check out Minute Suites, a new service for travelers who want a quiet break. It was reported in USA Today here.
I’ve got to say, it’s a pretty interesting concept. For $30, travelers can have an hour of peace and quiet in a private room. And this is quite a feature-rich room.
You get a bed, desk, alarm clock, large screen monitor which can be used as a tv (satellite hookup) or a computer monitor, and an amazing eight power outlets. If you wish, the monitor can even track your flight or someone else’s flight.
Already this might be enough to make someone shun the airport lounges but Minute Suites is not done. For those who desire rest, they offer disposable pillow covers, a blanket that is nicer than what you get on an airplane (which you can keep) and an audio program they claim will give you the feeling of three hours of sleep in only 26 minutes.
If you prefer to simply get work done or just relax, these suites – Minute Suites calls them Travelers Retreats – provide most everything you need. They offer a computer with high speed internet, a desk to work from, and a wireless keyboard and mouse. Alternatively, you can relax on the provided sofa bed and operate the computer or tv right from there.
Adding another touch of luxury, Minute Suites includes a hot towel service for guests. You can also control the room temperature, and each suite has a ceiling exhaust fan as well as a sprinkler system.
If sleep is the preferred choice, you can awake to either their supplied alarm clock, a call to your cell phone, or a polite knock on the door. After all, the pleasant staff does not want you to miss your flight. I suggested they consider also offering ear plugs and sleep masks like you get on trans-con flights. We’ll see what comes of that.
They claim the rooms have a “sound masking system” but if I had to pick on a weak point, this would be it. Even with the door closed it was easy to hear some of the chatter in the terminal as well as voices in the next room.
Understandably, no food or drink is allowed in the rooms. They are just being realistic here. Really, how many people want that Burger King smell when they are trying to take a nap?
The cost is $30 for the first hour and $7.50 for each additional fifteen minutes. I wondered whether this was a lot so I compared it to the airport lounge fees.
The fees for existing lounges are typically $40-50 per day, per person. However, that price includes at least some food and drink, as well as showers and meeting rooms in some lounges.
On the other hand, the lounges are certainly much more crowded, power outlets more sparse, and there is never a place to lie down and sleep. For more about airport lounges, check out this article.
The Minute Suites rate applies regardless of how many use the room. In other words, the charge may seem pricey for only one person but for two or more, the price is more appealing. For four people, the cost is quite modest and yes, four can fit in these rooms quite easily.
Presently there is only one Minute Suites location in the U.S., and it’s in the Atlanta airport in Terminal B.
Their current hours are 7am-11pm. This is good enough to accommodate most travelers who want a nice break.
If you have sufficient time between flights while traveling through Atlanta, this may be just the thing for you.
Posted by Carol Margolis under Places to See; Things to Do, Travel |
November 29, 2009
How many of us have tourist attractions right near where we live that we almost never go to? I live in between Disney World and Daytona Beach and rarely get to either. When I lived in Chicago, I stayed in suburbia and seldom ventured down to State Street or Michigan Avenue. Granted, I am only home one to two weekends per month, so I usually do not want to venture anywhere away from my beloved home. But it is really nice to spend the day as a tourist in one's own hometown once in awhile.
St. Augustine was my touristy experience this weekend. It's about a 90-mile drive from my home, and it was a sunny, beautiful day to drive north on I-95. My daughter, Jenn, was in town from Chicago and her girlfriend Rachel joined us.
St. Augustine is the oldest U.S. city, first sighted by Spanish explorer nter Don Juan Ponce de Leon on Easter, March 27, 1513. He claimed the land for Spain and named it La Florida, meaning "Land of Flowers". The oldest wooden schoolhouse in the U.S. is here, built over 200 years ago.
The schoolhouse is on St. George Street, which is also the main shopping avenue of St. Augustine. Our goal was to get our Christmas shopping started and we found some great things in the unique shops along St. George Street and the surrounding area. Music was playing from various restaurant decks, and there was a festive feeling in the air.
Lunch was a special event at Columbia Restaurant. A pitcher of Sangria and fantastic 1905 salads were enjoyed at this Florida tradition (their restaurant in Ybor City near Tampa was founded in 1905).
All in all, it was a great day in Florida. Tourist attractions, great lunch, wonderful Sangria, shopping and time with my daughter … what more could I ask for?
Rachel, Jenn and I
Posted by Carol Margolis under Favorite Cities and Towns, Pearls of Travel Fun, Places to See; Things to Do, Shopping! |
May 4, 2009
I have always wanted to visit certain places around the U.S. and the world and thought that once I had ‘checked off the box’ with each accomplishment, I’d be happy. Instead, I find myself wanting more and more of each place. I want to visit longer, immerse myself in their culture, speak their language and know their history. For instance, visiting Spain is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. This past week this wish has come true as I was able to visit three cities in Spain as part of a Mediterranean cruise. Do I feel fulfilled now? Just the opposite! I now want to plan an extended vacation to various areas in Spain, revive my Spanish-speaking skills, learn more about their cooking, drink more of their wine, eat more of their olives and fish, and learn about the various influences over history that make up Spain today. This now gets added to my list after wanting similar things for Greece, except I have no Greek-speaking skills to revive – this would have to start from the beginning.
Yearning to know more about a city or country is great, as it is an amazing world we live in. I am so amazed that I’ve been able to see so many wonderful cities around the world and I hope to visit many, many more.
So I’ve now checked off from my list the visits to Spain, Italy, Greece and more. But I’ve added these items to the list:
• Visit Santorini, Greece for 4 to 8 weeks in 2010
• Learn Greek
• Visit the Costa del Sol area for 4 weeks
• Re-learn Spanish
• Plan for Australian / New Zealand trip
• Buy a condo aboard the ResidenSea (private cruise ship that sails the world)
• Win the lottery to pay for it all!
What’s on your travel list?
Posted by Carol Margolis under Places to See; Things to Do |
April 29, 2009
The horns are blowing. The big band is playing below and people are waving goodbye to them. There is excitement from all the balconies. The ship is pulling away from the dock. The Grand Princess has just embarked on a 14-day journey through Europe, and my husband and I am amongst the many fortunate passengers to be a part of it. I just gave my goodbye wave to the band as we depart from the Southampton, England docks.
It's eerie to think that 97 years ago, the passengers on the Titanic were doing the very same thing , all excited for their long journey which was just beginning. But I'm not worried about our cruise meeting such a demise… rather just very sad to think of their excitement which then turned to such a tragedy. For many on this ship, it is their very first cruise, and they must be over-the-top excited. For us seasoned cruisers, the fun in exploring a new ship, leaving and arriving in new ports, and meeting people from all over the world, is just as fun on our umpteenth cruise as it was in the beginning.
This trip is my biggest ever challenge in terms of packing for a 26-day trip. We'll see what type of ‘smart woman traveler' I am! I have already blown the fuse in our hotel room in Scotland after plugging in a hand blender into a US-to-UK power converter. But I have achieved the status of expert driver in the UK (ok, ok… so ‘novice' might be a better term), with renting cars in two UK cities and returning them with only scraped tires from hitting a few curbs. I have a new admiration for drivers of the double-decker busses who navigate so well amongst the narrow two-lane roads.
We're off on a journey through several European ports (Spain, France, Italy), and I'm so excited to be seeing new countries and learning about different cultures and languages. That's what is so fun about travel. I'll send updates later from my balcony on the 9th deck. I'm off now to explore the ship and say adieu to Southampton for a couple of weeks.
Posted by Carol Margolis under Pearls of Travel Fun, Places to See; Things to Do |
