August 4, 2017: Parking space is extremely tight in Hong Kong — but if you’re thinking long term, than you should think about buying your own space. Be prepared to pay more than $650,000 for a single space — you might get a deal buying two spaces at $995,000! And, if you require a special license plate — like with a lucky number — expect to pay out more than $2,000,000 at an auction. Maybe Uber and Lift are better deals?
August 2, 2017: Outdoor trekkers seeking new places to explore are headed now to Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand for their adventures. Myanmar and Malaysia are also hosting more outdoor adventure travelers than ever before — some even selecting to overnight in a monastery. Don’t leave home without a tetanus shot and your malaria pills!
July 31, 2017: In 2016, travelers passing through TSA check points in the USA left behind nearly $1 Million in lose coins and currency — a record collection. Most generous — or forgetful — US airport is New York’s JFK. The TC suggests you put coins, money clip, etc. in a shoe or bag pocket. Not sure what TSA does with this new found wealth?
July 28, 2017: Some hotels and resorts are now offering guests a new way to relax and “improve ones mental health” with day use of a pet mascot – that might include dogs, birds, cats, tortoises and even a donkey. A few pet mascot friendly hotels/resorts even place colorful talking macaws poolside where they can learn a guests name – in Spanish or English – as well as greet staff members by name. The Playa del Carmen Mexico offers guests pet interactions with endangered and rescued animals as well feeding and bathing donkeys and white-tailed deer. Not sure how one interacts with a tortoise or bee?
July 26, 2017: Looking for a new day trip option — how about fine tuning your immune system in the forest? A fitness outing — some refer to this as, “forest bathing” or “forest immersion” — offers an opportunity to absorb nature and revitalize key senses. Guides join you in a trek through a redwood forest and help participants touch, feel, sense, listen and relax anxiety — all directed at improving individual well being. Some nature immersion programs even encourage guests to “hug a redwood tree.” No running or cell phones please!
July 24, 2017: With Virgin America now part of the Alaska Air Group, Richard Branson is moving on to a new “floating” travel venture with the introduction of Virgin Voyages. Set to sail in 2020, Virgin Voyages has placed an order for 3 new 2,700 passenger cruise ships. No ship names or sailing destinations announced yet — with Branson’s track record for travel industry innovation and vision, look for something unique and special.
July 21, 2017: Italy is always a grand vacation destination but can be expensive. Here’s a few ideas for wallet watchers: skip the peak season — keep away from travel to Italy in May-September and look to November-early March for best off-season times and values — up to 30% less!
Look for lesser known regions like Puglia (has an Amalfi-like coast), or Bergamo, north of Milan (culture and great food). Hire a guide who is also a driver (they might refer to themselves as a “tour manager”). Travel in a group of six or more and rent a villa for half the price of rooms in a hotel Hire a cook for at least one night and include a cooking lesson. Eat and drink with locals — drink local wine. And look for inexpensive osterias and trattorias with cab drivers and hotel staff as location information resources.
July 19, 2017: Americans, looking to get away to a new home when they retire, are looking at moving out of the country. Topping the list is Mexico with ease of integrating into a foreign culture and US dollar value the top factors. Other countries on the list include: Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Columbia, Thailand and of course Canada. This move away to a new country is termed “successful aging.”
July 17, 2017: Only in Los Angeles would one find a new “paparazzi proof” vip private air terminal. The recently opened LAX “backdoor” remote terminal includes private suites and dozens of amenities and services VIPs, celebs and anyone else paying $1500-$4000 would require. AND, this new luxury service comes with a $7500 annual membership fee — it’s all very exclusive and pricey!
Transporting races horses to their next venue or back to the farm is big business. A one way trip could cost as much as $30,000 (That’s if you don’t have your own plane like some owners). These are not cargo planes without air conditioning — and many times only a single horse is onboard and can include humans like vets, trainers and various attendants. Trainers say, “a lot goes into understanding the temperament of the horse,” when race horses travel. Hmmm, guess that doesn’t apply to passenger air travel these days?
