I’ve got another Travel Trivia Thursday photo for everyone. Nice job last week on identifying the Basilique de Sacre-Coeur in Paris, France. The winner of the contest was Nick, who got his answer in a couple hours before everyone else, but kudos to Dave, C. Norris and Nick Gusev who also had correct answers later on in the day.

The picture this week is a little more obscure, so hopefully it will present a fun challenge:

Hint: This bridge was a main “character” in a celebrated novel by a Nobel Prize winning author.

See if you can identify the Bridge, and also name the author of the book.

Good Luck and Safe Travels,

Ted Phelps

Customer Travel Consultant

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A question that I keep hearing from our customers concerns their frequent flyer miles, and the changing rules regarding how to redeem them, or if they even can. People want to know what the best approach is: Should they hold on to their miles and hope for the best? Or, should they use them now and make sure they are able to get something out of them?

There are a myriad of answers to these questions, and I am hoping that I will be able to shed some light on the subject for those of you wondering what to do. I think that perhaps the outlook on this situation has a tendency to be overly bleak in the eyes of the travelers.

Frontier, in the face of bankruptcy, has declared that it will be raising the amount of miles necessary in order to claim your rewards tickets (from 15,000 to 20,000), but this is still below the industry standard. US Airways and Delta have also announced that they will be instituting fees to claim reward miles. However, if you think about it, it’s still a plane ticket that costs considerably less than if you had paid full price for it. Granted, it’s not as good of a deal as it was before, but it’s still a discount.

If you are really worried about your miles, you can always cash them in and take that trip that you’ve been meaning to. This could be the perfect excuse to get away for a great vacation.

Those who travel often for business can shop themselves out to other airlines if they are worried. If you can prove that you are a frequent and loyal flyer, many airlines will immediately give you the same status that you had with your previous airline.

However, the fact of the matter is, the chances that one of the major 6 airlines will go out of business is highly unlikely. The big companies will either ride out this cost crisis by changing their fare and route structure, or they will merge, as Delta and Northwest did recently. In fact, a merger could actually prove beneficial to mile holders if either airline will accept each other’s miles.

I hope this answers some of your questions, and alleviates some of your concerns,

Safe Travels,

Ted Phelps

Customer Travel Consultant

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Traveling is almost always a hectic experience: making sure that you have everything you need in your suitcase, driving to the airport through traffic, standing in line at the security checkpoint; these tasks always seem to take longer than you had planned. You throw all of your stuff on the x-ray conveyor belt, and step hastily through the metal detectors. Something somewhere beeps, and you are pulled aside for the full search, pat down and all. By now you are starting to run late for your flight, and things are getting a bit tense. You hurriedly put on your shoes and belt, grab your bag, and run off down to the gate. Fortunately, you make your flight by the skin of your teeth, and settle down into your seat with a sigh of relief.

Ten hours later you are in London unpacking everything, trying to relax before your big meeting the next day. Then you get that weird sinking feeling, like when you forgot your homework in the third grade. Something is missing. It’s your laptop. And it had your presentation on it…

Every week over 12,000 people share the same or similar fate. The worst part is, only about 35% of the laptops that are lost in airports are ever recovered. Part of the problem is that by the time you actually figure out that it’s gone, you’ve been in the foreign airport, on a bus or subway, in a taxi and who knows where else. Pinning down the location where you lost it can be almost impossible, let alone actually tracking it down.

Another issue is that even if you don’t lose the computer yourself, there are plenty of people out there who are willing to steal it from you. The most common scam is switching bags at the x-ray machine. Often working in pairs, thieves purposefully bring a bag that looks similar to many other popular types of laptop bags. One of the crooks creates a diversion at the machine that allows the other participant to switch their bag with yours. Next thing you know, you’re in your hotel room opening up your bag to find a phone book in it instead of a computer.

There are a myriad of things you can do to prevent both laptop loss and theft. Experts suggest placing an obvious label on the computer with your contact information. Websites like www.stuffbak.com sell custom labels with a phone number to call, at which point their service will contact you (which prevents you from having to put your own personal information on the label). In terms of preventing theft, just be sure to keep an eye on your personal effects at all times. If you are continuously watching it, no one can try and switch it out or take it.

Bringing our computers has become increasingly popular (if not necessary) for both business and personal travel. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of opportunities to lose these valuable pieces of technology. Be attentive and make sure someone can contact you if you lose your computer.

Safe Travels,

Ted Phelps

Customer Travel Consultant

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Hi Everyone! It’s time for Travel Trivia Thursday. Nice try Lorri, your guess of Saint Hubert Royal Galleries in Brussels was incorrect. The picture was actually of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade in Milan, Italy. The covered structure connects The Duomo and the Teatra Alla Scala. But thanks for your guess!

This week we have an interesting piece of architecture for you to identify:

Hint: This building was constructed from travertine stone, which naturally exudes calcite, a compound that keeps it white despite the elements and weather.

Comment in with your guesses as to which building this is and where it is located.

Good Luck!

Ted Phelps

Customer Travel Consultant

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Imagine you’re on your way to the Caribbean for a wonderful, much needed vacation. You stow your carry-on baggage and take your seat next to the window. You get out the book that you’ve been waiting to read for the past two weeks, and flip to the first page. Things couldn’t be going better, right?

Next thing you know, an hour into a 6 hour flight, the guy next to you gets on his cell phone and proceeds to have a 45 minute argument with his wife, then call his best friend to tell him all about it. You try to read over the slightly hushed, angry tones of the conversation, but are unable to concentrate, and eventually just give up to stare out the window while the chatter continues.

This is what I envisioned when I heard that the Bureau of Transportation was considering lifting the ban on cell phone use on planes. As if being forced to listen to other people’s cell phone conversations everywhere else weren’t enough, they’re now thinking about allowing it on flights as well! What’s worse is some lawmakers think that airlines are pushing for this so that they can charge extra to sit in a section where there aren’t cell phones. Airline travel has become expensive enough as it is with paying to check bags, or even to reserve a specific seat, let alone paying to not be annoyed the entire flight. If anything, one would think that they would charge people who feel that they need to use their phones mid-flight, not the other way around.

An interesting survey was conducted to see what people think about this idea. There is a definite gap between age groups in terms of how this plan is viewed. Of people 65 or older, 60% oppose it, while less than a third support it. For the 18-34 age bracket, half support it, while a little over a third oppose it. Yours truly falls into the latter group, and is most assuredly opposed to it. A person having a loud, overly personal conversation in public has always been a pet peeve of mine, but at least in most cases I can walk away. I can’t even imagine how terrible it would be to be trapped next to someone talking on a cell phone for an entire flight.

Let’s all cross our fingers and hope that the ban on cell phone use stays permanent. So, until the day that it changes, enjoy the relative quiet on your flights.

Safe Travels,

Ted Phelps

Customer Travel Consultant

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The art of bullfighting, known as corrida del toro (running of the bulls) or fiesta brava (the ferocious festival), dates back as far as Roman times. The bullfight as it exists today was first conducted in 1726 by Fransisco Romero from Ronda, Spain. It is a subject that has spawned much controversy over its almost 300 year history and one that continues to do so to this day. There are those who would argue that it is a time honored tradition, and a cornerstone of Spanish culture. Others would say that it is a cruel and callous sport to be despised despite its cultural heritage. It has been banned by Popes, and praised by Kings, and still there is no clear answer as to how we should view this poetic, yet always brutal sport. I thought I would offer a few quotes that I think capture the sentiments of both sides:

“Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter’s honour.”

-Ernest Hemingway

Death in the Afternoon

“While I normally don’t take pleasure in other people’s misfortune, I have to admit that injury to people in the act of tormenting an animal gives me great joy.”

-Animal Rights Activist

Both effectively make their point, and I think that both sides certainly have good arguments on the matter. Over the years, the population of Spain has increasingly turned away from the bullfight, but it still persists as much as ever. 30% of Spaniards say that they are “somewhat” or “very interested” in bullfighting, while the other 70% show little to no interest.

In Barcelona, a symbolic vote was cast against bullfighting, and yet it still continues. A huge part of this results from 71% of tickets being purchased by tourists. What then does this say to the contention that bullfighting is an elemental Spanish tradition?

The fact that the matadors do put themselves in very real danger compels me in some senses. The renowned and celebrated matador Manolete was killed by the bull Islero in 1947, ending his illustrious career. And goring, although relatively infrequent, does happen. That being said, 30 matadors have died in the last 200 years of bullfighting, a miniscule number in comparison to the number of bulls that have perished in the ring.

At base value, I have a lot of respect for the skill and daring that it takes to be a successful and popular matador. I think that I can speak for most when I say that the prospect of having to kill a 1000 pound angry bull with nothing but a sword and a cape is fairly terrifying. Not to mention that the sport has undeniably been a part of Spanish culture for centuries. However, does that make it right? I couldn’t presume to say. I think perhaps bullfighting is one of those things that you actually need to see before you can truly pass judgment. For those of you planning to go to Spain, think about going to the fiesta brava, you might be surprised how you feel, one way or the other.

I’m sure plenty of you have opinions on this matter. It’s one of those subjects that tend to produce adamant, and often opposite reactions. I would like to hear some debate on the subject if people want to weigh in.

Safe Travels,

Ted Phelps

Customer Travel Consultant

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Hi everyone. It’s time for our weekly Travel Trivia Thursday contest. Last week’s winner was “Lucifer” with a correct guess of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin. And yes, it was the Royal Air Force that did the damage in 1943.

This week’s photo is fairly difficult, since there is no physical geography in the background. However, this place is famous enough that someone out there should know it.

Hint: Construction on this building began in 1865, and it was the first building of its kind to incorporate iron and glass in such a fashion.

Give us the name of the building, and also, name the other two popular attractions that it connects.

Good luck everyone!

Safe Travels,

Ted Phelps

Customer Travel Consultant

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As my tours begin, I consistently hear the same questions from nervous travelers;  “how do you say ‘please?’” or “how do you say ‘thank you?’” or “how do you say ’sorry?’” No matter which country we are in, I answer these questions the same way, every time. I say, “please, thank you and sorry!” It’s really that easy, because just about everyone in Europe knows at least those English words, if not many more.

That being said, I understand the desire to speak a few polite words in the local language, and it’s really rewarding to see how much even the smallest amount of effort is appreciated, but if worst comes to worst, you can always resort to the comfort of your English words to communicate a simple gesture or need. Of course, it’s great to know basic phrases, but if you are truly nervous, using English and some telling hand gestures can usually get your message across. Human emotion and basic needs are without language, so if you are in a tight situation, chances are a kind local will understand the problem and come to your aid.

Often, though, you won’t need to communicate in distress. This is a vacation, after all! So, when you feel like ordering a croissant from a neighborhood café, a verre de vin from a romantic restaurant, or a kebab from a roadside vendor, do throw in the few polite phrases you have learned in that country’s tongue.

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A woman I was showing around Paris once told me, “The food in Paris is so terrible… it’s a good thing that they have American fast food here.” Cringe! Eating fast food while in Europe is one of the biggest mistakes a traveler could possibly make. Why pile on McEmpty calories when you can load up on the richest cheeses, meats, breads and of course pastries, each unlike anything you’d find anywhere else in the world? Eating pain au chocolat for breakfast in Paris is one of the most luscious experiences one could ever hope for. Taking a baguette, some assorted cheeses (Auvergne, Camembert, and Muenster) and a bottle of Bordeaux down to the Siene for a picnic lunch is not only nourishing for the body, it nourishes the mind and soul as well! So the question is, why would this woman believe that the food in Paris sucks?

After promising her that if she sticks with me, she’s sure to learn otherwise, I asked what gave her this preposterous idea in the first place? To this she responded by telling me about a big sandwich she picked up at the cafe near the Pompedeu, which was almost completely made of bread, and the greasy crepe from the stand on the corner by Notre Dame, and then her eyes lit up when she told me about the gelato she had for a snack after her day at the Louvre. I laughed. It didn’t sound like she thought that the food was terrible at all, only perhaps terrible FOR her.

It’s true, the French tend to believe that bread can be the main course for any meal, they use a lot of butter and cheese and really don’t skimp when it comes to dessert. But look at them, they are thin! This is because… well, there are a few reasons. First, you’ll find most Parisians walking and biking everywhere they go. Secondly, the portions of food they eat are about half the size of an American meal. Third, cheese, butter and pastries are not the ONLY foods they eat.

Take a moment to wander off the beaten path and venture more deeply into the neighborhoods where the people of Paris actually live. There, you’ll find many markets filled with fresh vegetables and fruit. You don’t need a fast food joint or your own kitchen to put together a salad. Combine romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and green beans, then sprinkle them with fleur de sel, olive oil and a squirt of lemon juice, and voila, you’ll think that you died and went to heaven. It’s part of the Parisian experience. Plus, eating a meal or two like this each day could be easier on your middle and on your pocketbook. But don’t forget, you’re on vacation! It would be an absolute pity to waste the rare opportunity to savor the flavor of everything this magical city has to offer.

“Indulge!” I tell her as we stop into the best gelato shop in the Sixth. We finish every last bite and then we commence to, once again, walk our butts off.

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It’s time for another round of Travel Trivia Thursday. Last week’s winner was Emilie for the second week in a row, which I guess makes her our reigning champion. Congrats Emilie, you know your world destinations! The correct answer was the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia.

This week I’ve got sort of a tricky one for you.

Hint: The damage on this famous church comes from a bombing raid in 1943.

In addition to telling us the name and location of the church, let’s see if you know what country led the bombing attack.

Good luck everyone!

Safe Travels,

Ted Phelps

Customer Travel Consultant

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