Spirited Woman Blogger Team

A Few Travel Tools I Just Love

Hello everyone! As we shift into summer and we  plan our various vacations and getaways, I am reminded of some of my favorite tools that help make travel planning much easier. Whatever the purpose of our travel – taking the kids on a much needed getaway, business travel, a girls spa weekend – planning a trip can be quite a project especially when you are planning travel for more than one person. So, as I continue to try and plan a variety of travel I am engaging in this summer, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite websites and resources that are here to help your planning go easier, help you find the best deals, the best places and the best seats for your travels! 

Smarter Traveler: I was recently turned on to this site when I read two different articles in USA Today about the best bargains for summer travel. Smarter Travel is this great website that really helps you plan your travels smarter…their mission is to fine the best possible deals available for travelers and make sure you know about them. This is not a travel search engine like Orbitz or Expedia, but rather a travel webzine that tells you where to go to fine the best travel deals of the day or week. If you are focused on finding the best deals, make sure to bookmark this site and check back often.

Expert Flyer: You know what they say about a name tells a lot about you. Well the name of this site – Expert Flyer – really tells a lot about what this site is all about. If you are a seasoned traveler (even if you are not) and you want to find the best seats on your flights, even find the places where you can get upgraded, this site is your best resource for locating those seats. Find your comfort zone while traveling by accessing Expert Flyer.

Open Table: If you love to eat and your mission while traveling is to fine amazing restaurants throughout your trip, check out Open Table for easy access to availability at the best restaurants in top locations. My fiancé and I use Open Table to make reservations in any city we head to – whether it is NYC, LA,  Chicago, Miami and more – we access this site from our computer or cellphone to see what hot new restaurants are available for reservations on any given night. And we immediately set-up the reservation at no charge to us! It is the best “virtual concierge” we have ever used.

Zagat: Speaking of great restaurants, there is no better review guide for restaurants in any given city then the Zagat Guide. Go to their website or buy their guide in most bookstores or airports, and find the top rated restaurants in the city of your choice. While Zagat does not make reservations like Open Table, it is probably the most reputable guide for restaurants in major metropolitan areas. Another one to bookmark and visit often.

Traveling While Pregnant

I got some news this past February that changed my life! I found out I was pregnant! Life took on a whole new perspective for me, in more ways than one.

Not only was I experiencing changes physically and emotionally, my schedule of events for the next nine months were up in the air. I had lots of travel plans for the spring and summer and even though I was pregnant, I did not want to stop my life and stay at home.

That would just drive me crazy not to mention make me sad for missing out on all of the trips I was looking forward to. I was bound and determined to make these trips happen, but I had to figure out how to do this while being pregnant. After much research and a few trips already, here are my flight tips for traveling while pregnant.

1. Get the best seat possible on the plane. This is super important. You will need lots of leg room, preferably an aisle seat for easy access to the bathroom and for long trips, ideally a seat that reclines and has a foot rest. From what my doctor has told me (and many other women), it is very important while traveling to keep your legs moving to keep the blood going. So, getting up and moving around and doing some leg exercises while seated are important to ensure you keep the blood moving in your legs.
2. Stay hydrated - while this is something you should try to do anyway, it is especially important while pregnant. Make sure to grab a big bottle of water before getting on the plane and keep it coming while flying. Even if you have to go the bathroom often, you need to do it. 
3. Pack snacks - if you are like me and you are getting nausea often, you need to keep food in your stomach. Given that most flights don't have food and/or food can be not so great, pack as many snacks as you can - granola bars, nuts and dried fruits are all good and easy to access. 

Volunteer Travel - Life-Changing Trips

When life has got you stuck in a place where you are not inspired, motivated or excited, life changing volunteer travel could be the answer to the question of “What to do next?” I am the type of person who needs to feel excited about what I am doing every day and right now nothing has really got my blood pumping. But, I just came across these amazing volunteer travel trips, and I think I might have found an answer to my lackluster feelings - by helping others along the way. Read on to see if any of these trips give you fresh ideas for that spring in your step you're looking for!

Giddy up Ranch Hand – What a rush it must be to work and live on a ranch. Here is a great trip that gives you the opportunity to don your favorite cowboy hat and get your hands dirty working on a beautiful cattle ranch in Canada. The minimum 4-week trip will have you staying with a family on their ranch where you will spend the weeks working with horses and cattle in the fresh air and the weekends at local events. Prices start at $1795.

Caring for Cubs – South Africa is a place I have yet to visit and one that I would love to see some time in my life. With this trip, you can spend time on a wildlife reserve near Johannesburg, caring for lion cubs and working on other projects on the reserve. In addition to working with the animal wildlife, you will experience activities throughout the reserve like game drives and rock climbing. Prices start at $2205 for two weeks.

Giving back in Tanzania – This trip sounds like a must-do for woman adventurers who want to experience a place so special nothing else compares. This tour to Tanzania is 6 weeks of amazing experiences, including working with children in Moshi, immersing yourself in the culture of the country, a 6-day climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro and visits to Lake Manyara National Park and N’Gorongoro Crater to see a variety of wildlife. The trip ends with a visit to Zanzibar – a beautiful island that brings you the sun and sand you will need to cap off this once in a lifetime trip. Prices start at $4480 for six weeks. 

Dream Airports

If you are a frequent traveler, you know that all airports are not the same! Some airports you dread going through - La Guardia, Miami, Las Vegas and Heathrow - to name a few. Some airports are like little drops of heaven that have come down and formed an oasis for weary travelers.

What are my criteria for an airport to be fit that category? My list is long but succinct - cleanliness, sleek and comforting decor, ease of traffic (for people and planes), modern amenities like mani/pedi service stations, name brand stores, healthy eating establishments, gymns and high-tech modern lounges. I also like airports that offer lots of flight options so I have my choice of legs and destinations. Basically, I like airports that make me feel like I am at home - all comfy and cozy - when I am on the road. Here is my list of top 5 favorite airports around:

1. Denver (DIA) -  - I love flying in to DIA, and I love spending time here.  From the minute I walk off the plane, I can smell that lovely mountain air smell with burning logs in the fireplace, it makes me want to curl up with a hottie tottie! DIA is a modern marvel for an airport, wide open spaces, cool architectural design, fun, local-inspired lounges, great shopping and clean spaces.
2. Los Angeles (LAX) - Even when I did not live in LA, I loved flying in to LAX. It was the gateway to warmth, palm trees and the Pacific. I loved the cool restaurant that was in a spaceship looking structure in the middle of the terminals. I love that every airline heading to Australia, the Orient and Hawaii are all here. The Admirals Club is big, expansive and filled with lots of light and if you are there at the right time you can see the sunset. While I would love to see a mani/pedi station here, the shops are pretty good. 

Spring Break - So Where You Going?

It is that time of year again - when kids, adults, moms, dads, teenagers, couples, basically everyone - is looking to get out of town. While traditionally, spring break has been an indicator of schools getting out for a week so kids can give their brains a rest , this time also means break time for those of us who work hard, have children, careers and responsibilities.

I have fond memories of my spring breaks in high school and college. Trips to Florida, Texas and Mexico meant warm relief from those long, cold Chicago winters. It meant getting away with my sorority sisters, taking long roadtrips across the country to spend time with hordes of other college students in Panama Beach and South Padre Island. Spring break then meant long days at the beach and even longer nights dancing and having fun. Those were crazy times, I am honestly not sure how I survived.

Today, I prefer quiet and relaxing spring breaks - trips where I can relax on the beach, eat healthy, fresh foods and get lots of sleep. I want to get a little tan and spend time catching up with books, friends and family. I already have a few trips planned in April so that I can skip the craziness of student travel in March. I am going to Hawaii for a long weekend with a few friends. My husband and I are taking a day trip to Santa Barbara, CA to celebrate a friend's birthday shopping and visiting local wineries. We may even be going to Paris for a long weekend to celebrate another friend's birthday.

If you are looking for some great deals during spring break check out Sherman's Travel, All Inclusive Resorts, Go Planit and Vacation Express.

What are you doing for spring break? Are you going for a girls trip somewhere? Are you getting away with the family? What is on your agenda? We would love to know!

Monica Rohleder
Click here for more of Monica's posts.

Travel Safety Reminders

Natural disasters like the earthquake in Chile and the resulting tsunami warnings that hit Hawaii and several other Pacific Islands have reminded me that anything can happen when traveling around this great globe of ours and we need to better prepare ourselves for the unknown. In the spirit of safety, here are some of the most important tips I found on the web that we should all take into account when hitting the road. Print this out and keep it with you!

Know your destination: This probably seems pretty obvious, but some of us don't really research our destinations properly. For example, when going to a new destination, do you need to be vaccinated? Are there food and water concerns? Has there been violence breakouts during past hurricane seasons? Being informed means you are prepared for whatever you may be walking into which will make things go much more smoothly.

Be aware of dangerous activities: If you are an adventurous type and you cannot wait to get out and skydive/scuba dive/hike/bungie jump whatever it may be, make sure you are knowledgeable about your activity; you wear protective gear; and you have researched the company you are working with. Obviously you want to work with a respectable guide and you want to protect yourself in every way possible. The more you know, before you go, the better you will be.

Practice the buddy system:  Whether you are traveling with a friend, family or group, it is best when out and about, especially at night, to have a buddy that will always know where you are. There have been too many incidents where individuals have been left to make their own way back to hotels and their safety was in jeopardy. The buddy system ensures you have a partner to watch out for you and makes sure you do get home safely and vice versa.

Travel Deals for the The Week

As we head into March, I am sure many of you are ready to throw in the towel on winter. The weather this year has especially been brutal for those of you living on the East Coast. I was reminded by someone yesterday that we are in an El Nino year which is creating so much rain and snow (even here on the West Coast). Well, to help you get out of the winter blues, here are some of the best travel deals I have found on the web that will give you just the escape you need! Bon Voyage!

Greek Island Hop - Well, I think I have found my getaway. Check out this great deal on an eight-day Greek Island hop which will take you to Athens, Santorini and Mykonos for $1199.00 per person. Includes hotel and airfare from NYC including ferry service between locations and a few other entities. Seems pretty amazing and I have always wanted to do Greece.

Relaxing in Riviera Maya - Wow, a new all-inclusive hotel is opening in Riviera Maya, Mexico and they are offering an amazing deal for new guests. Get a five night stay with airfare and everything included for only $599 per person at the new Ocean Breeze Golf Hotel. The property opens in March! Sounds like a fantastic getaway. But here is the kicker, you have to book today (February 26th)

Kauai Hotel Deals - Ah Kauai, I have only been there once in my life and it is still one of my favorite places on this earth. Called the Garden Isle because of its lush beauty, Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian chain which makes it the most green and beautiful. Right now, several hotels in Hawaii are boasting prices of 30% off their regular rates if you book by February 28th and head there before March 31st. The perfect incentive to get out of town.

Traveling While Sick

Traveling in general can be frustrating and exhausting in itself - flight delays, long lines at the airport, bad food and uncomfortable seats. But what happens when you throw in being sick, it can make flying just a miserable experience. I was sick last week during a multi-leg trip and it was honestly brutal. My body was aching, I was stuffed in and just in general tired. I could not wait to get to my destination, but I had to find ways to make the travel portion of my trip go as smooth as I possibly could! Here are a few pointers I try to follow when I am sick and getting on a plane!

1. Bring Hand Sanitizer - Ok, this is pretty basic, but it is a must for yourself and others around you. I always have a small bottle of hand sanitizer in my carry-on bag so that I can keep myself away from germs and try to keep my germs off of other people.
2. Dress Warmly - Instead of one wrap packed in your carry-on, bring two. One to keep you warm and the other to use as a pillow so that you can rest. You do not want to be using the pillows on airplanes (if they even give them to you), so make your own pillow as you will need to get your rest while flying. And make sure you keep your feet warm with socks or shoes. 
3. Medicate - Take Airborne or EmergenC, whatever you need to do to keep your energy up and your immune system working. Flying brings in lots of germs anyway, if you are already sick, you will want to keep your body as protected as possible. And if it is a long flight, try to sleep to rest your body.
4. Drink - Get some hot tea or orange juice once you get on the plane. While this seems relatively simple, it will help you feel better.
5. Hydrate - Drink lots of water. In addition to the tea and orange juice, drink as much water as possible to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the flight. 

These are some very simple things to do while traveling when sick, but they are things that help me feel better and stay a bit cozier when I already feel bad!

Monica Rohleder
Click here for more of Monica's posts.

A California Girl Heads to New Orleans for Mardi Gras

I had the honor of visiting New Orleans' Mardi Gras this year, and while I was skeptical of the craziness common for Bourbon Street, I am so glad I came to experience a city that truly knows how to celebrate life. My wonderful friend Rayne lives here and she is passionate about her city. She took us to her local favorites and places off-the-beaten path so we were not doing the traditional touristy things!

What this weekend became for me was a chance to catch-up on some quality time with amazing girl friends and see a city that has risen above the catastrophe that was Katrina and is a city bursting with pride over their roots, culture and newly minted Super Bowl champs The Saints.

When I first landed in New Orleans, I was immediately reminded of the physical beauty of the landscape. As we drove into the city, I could just feel the excitement and energy bubbling up and I started seeing the Mardi Gras colors - purple, gold and green - displayed throughout many parts of the city, and of course,  The French Quarter  where it is primarily held. I was so touched and happy to be in this truly spirited city that had been through so much over the past 41/2 years - and I was ready to experience the parades, to dance in the streets, and feel the magic.

In addition to parades, we ate traditional King Cakes for breakfast, had a wonderful late afternoon lunch at the Bourbon House where we enjoyed traditional local fares; we threw beads to party goers from a balcony on Bourbon; we danced at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar and we shopped at some great boutiques in the French Quarter. We made the trip an opportunity to experience the heart and soul of New Orleans not just the late night party.

Romantic Getaways

With Valentine's Day around the corner  there are some great last-minute deals for couples, singles and just about anyone who wants to get away. Here are a few sites to wet your appetite.

Expedia.com is offering some really cool deals on places around the US and overseas. For Valentine's Day weekend, you can get to Banff, Paris, Rome or Montreal for some amazing prices.

Starwood Specials - If you are a Starwood member or if you just love their properties, they are currently offering two different types of Valentine's Day Packages in destinations such as Florida and the Caribbean.

Taj Boston Hotel - For those on the East Coast for this coming holiday, there are some great deals in Boston hotels. I particularly like the Taj Boston special.

Cheapoair.com - And of course my new favorite travel resource is offering a variety of romantic destinations direct from certain cities. If you really want to get away, here are some of the deals - Seattle to Hong Kong for $698, New York to Buenos Aires for $747 and Washington to London for $419.

Whatever you do this coming Valentine's Day, I hope you enjoy it and remember how lucky we all are to be loved and to love!

Monica Rohleder
Click here for more of Monica's posts.