traveltops

Useful Travel SUGGESTIONS

When making a hotel reservation or especially when checking in
we suggest you use an American Express card. Hotels often block
out expected charges on MC or Visa card and the blocking might
use up all of your open credit line. Therefore, your card may be
"blocked out". Amex doesn't limit the "blocked" amount. If you
really ant to charge it to another card then present it at checkout
time.

Make a copy of your passport and keep copy it with you at all times.

Zip lock bags and Saran wrap are perfect for storing food in the
hotel room-bar refrigerator.

Ask the hotel to supply a circulating fan - it will help drown out
annoying sounds and cool any exposed feet.

Bring suction cup hooks - there are never have enough hooks in
the bathroom.

Duct tape is often the answer to many travel problems. Smaller
sizes are often available or create your own roll.

If outside light bothers you - take along those black and chrome
large size paper clips - they are very helpful in clipping together
window curtains.

Have the desk at your hotel write down the address of your
destination - taxi drivers understand the local writing better.

In a zip lock bag bring your own soap - there is nothing more
aggravating than chasing a thin wafer of hotel soap around the
bottom of the shower.

Always request a "nice" table when you arrive - the Maitre d'Hotel
will often give you an upgrade.

While abroad, always double check your restaurant bill - most
services are included. If the bill is confusing ask the waiter "Are
services included?". We generally leave something extra if service
is especially good.

Never accept the word "impossible".

While abroad use your debit card at ATM machines. We have
found that ATM's get the best exchange rate and bank charges are
only about a dollar per transaction.

Keep a stack of fresh one dollar bills with you - they are often the
perfect tip.

Checkout the Bose noise cancelling head phones - they fit
comfortably and they really work. This is the type offered by
airlines in first-class.

TRAINS, PLANES, BOATS, ETC.

We recently completed a BALTIC cruise on the Radisson
DIAMOND - Amsterdam, Berlin, Visby, Tallinin, St. Petersburg,
Helsinki and Stockholm. The DIAMOND is a "small" cruise ship -
holds about 350 guests (we were about 200) and has a twin hull
configuration. Radisson prides itself with its excellent staff, very
good food, and comfortable cabins. Our cabin had its own terrace
and believe me, it is the only way to go. Sitting on your terrace
having breakfast or an early evening cocktail brings to mind "the
ultimate room with a view". The shore excursions are interesting
and well worth it. The Diamond's open seating plan, superb
service, and its extensive menu all confirm that cruise travelling
can be a very seductive way of life.

A lovely way to travel between Rome and Venice is by train. We
departed Rome loaded down with Diane's food hamper - she had
assembled a movable feast to be enjoyed on our five hour train
journey. The passing views of the mountains and the rolling plains
were complimented by several glasses of a lovely chilled Proseco.
Our arrival in Venice reminded us of the movie "Summertime" -
where Katherine Hepburn hangs out the train window with excited
expectation of her first sight of Venice.

While staying in Paris we took the train to London via the
Chunnel. From the Gare du Nord station one glides serenely
through the northern farm fields of France and then twenty
minutes of darkness to emerge for just one more hour to London.
The train offers comfortable seats and sufficient food
opportunities to hold your hunger until one of those fabulous taxis
whisks to Clarke's for lunch. Shop the Harrod food halls, do the
Kensington High antique shops, chase the cheeses at Neal's Yard,
or stock up on shirts at Pink. Stay the night or rush for the return
train - it is always a fun filled spree.

When you arrive in Venice for the first time - ask for a boat that will
parade you down the Grand Canal. It is an unbelievable passage
that takes you by some of the most beautiful architectural sites.
Each building, with its own unique style, stand like ancient sailors
protecting the glorious past of this remarkable city.