March 31, 2017: Trump International Hotels and Resorts continues to grow — with recent openings in Dubai and Vancouver. Vancouver city officials refused to participate in official hotel grand opening festivities, noting that the new luxury property “brings bad karma” to the city. Trump properties in the U.S. and worldwide report sharp declines in interest and bookings.
March 29, 2017: Hong Kong, long known as a culinary paradise, is finally embracing food truck popularity — well, in a very small way. The city of 7.2 million (not counting tourists) now has 8 food trucks operating, but the government says its only a “pilot program.” The big challenge is finding space to operate food trucks in Hong Kong’s bustling overcrowded streets and small alleys — already jammed with restaurants and thousands of family run food stalls, as well as neighborhood outdoor markets. Food trucks are not allowed to park on the street. Most popular mobile items are dim sum and pork sandwiches to go.
March 27, 2017: Travel industry economic “watchers” say, since our new President was elected, international travel interest in visiting the USA is down — as are bookings. So far, compared to previous years, interest is down nearly 20% — around $185 million in bookings. No one is bold enough to project when or if the decline will continue or turn around!
March 24, 2017: Disney Theme Park Group leads the way for guests to stay and play. In Florida, The Mouse offers 23,000 on-site guest rooms and another 3,000+ vacation units; Disneyland Resort California has nearly 2,500 rooms and vacation units — as well as the largest parking garage in the country — nearly 10,000 spaces plus 6,800 more to open next year. (hopefully all to be equipped with individual floor level fire suppression systems?) And you can add in another 7,000+ rooms at Disney’s over seas parks, cruise ships and vacation club resorts. The Mouse just wants to keep you and your $$$’s close when you visit!!!
March 22, 2017: Hard-sided luggage seems to be catching on for travelers that want better protection for their checked bags. Watch the lower priced “rip offs” and stick with a quality brand like Briggs & Riley — if you want luggage that will last. Briggs is getting positive reviews for their new 21, 27 and 30 inch Sympatico CX expandable luggage — and comes with a good warranty. Prices start around $500 — but better deals are to be found if you shop around — both online and in a store (best deals are usually found in a large department store). Don’t rely on a sales person — do your own research. Buy cheap = buy often!
March 20, 2017: If that self-proclaimed Aloha shirt is an old one, check around before tossing or giving away to a thrift store. These shirts are back in style and once again a symbol of “cool confidence” as well as an “endless summer.” Once thought to be somewhat garish or tacky, the shirts (especially the older models) are now considered “hip” and not a signifier of the style challenged tourist. Older Aloha shirts, in good condition, can now bring 10x to 20x’s their original purchase price. Mahalo!
March 17, 2017: Here’s the top 5 US cities that require “extra patience” when driving:
March 15, 2017: Voluntourism is worth looking into — if you want to travel and use your time to do some good. Opportunities include wildlife conservation, education, health, nutrition, environmental conservation and much more. You need to know whats included and expected before you sign up — especially where you might be based — most likely not with easy access to a Four Seasons. Best plan is to pick a respected charity that offers worldwide volunteering opportunities — Giving Way, International Volunteer HG and Volunteers for Peace are a good starting point. Give a Day Global offers day long programs — others might be a week or more — check out your organization of choice carefully, as well has contact with travelers who have experienced a program. Leave any idea of rest and relaxation back home!
March 13, 2017: Yup — an Oregon company wants to build the country’s first “legal” pot RV park. The RV park, planned with a lakeside setting, will be called, “Smoke on the Water,” and include a pot dispensary and campgrounds. Could this be start of a legal pot travel trend?
March 10, 2017: Airlines have a long tradition of serving nut snacks on planes — travelers with nut allergies seem to be growing and becoming more obnoxious about not only having nuts served but passengers who bring on their own nut snacks. In some recent “nutty experiences,” inflight crews have removed passengers who complain and demand that nuts not be served or eaten by fellow travelers — maybe these “nuts” should just give us all a break and drive?
