We are the Ultimate Guide to Meaningful and Healthy Travel with Hands-On Travel Advice!
Affiliate Disclosure: This is a professional review blog which gets compensated for the products recommended and reviewed by the companies who produce them and our affiliates. All of the products are tested thoroughly and high grades are received only by the best ones. We are independent bloggers and the recommendations and reviews are based on our own opinions. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.
LTD reminds you that healthy and meaningful travel is rewarding to you and others!
LTD is at the Golden Gate Frogman Swim 2018 and our TEAM GRATITUDE is swimming in honor of Matt Axelson who was immortalized in the movie Lone Survivor.
The Navy SEAL Foundation provides immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and its families. It is recognized by Charity Navigator as a 4-star charity since 2011 and is in the top 0.7% of all charities in the U.S. Find out more at: https://www.navysealfoundation.org
Sometimes the prospect of traveling with our children can be worrisome.
All of us have heard the phrase, "You don't take vacations with kids, you take trips." When traveling with children, rest and relaxation may be in short supply during your travels and even before you leave, an immense amount of time may be devoted to packing and planning. All of your family's routines will change including your children's and yours. These concerns are valid, but maybe traveling with our children can be more important for you children than you realize. LTD presents a 5-part series on the benefits of traveling with our children and some of the science behind why you should make traveling with your children a priority. Here are the five things that your child may gain from family travel that we will highlight for you:
First, LTD wants to address something that we have asked you many times in this blog: "Would you rather have stuff or experiences?" Some may answer, material goods because those last long after the experience. But is that really true? In fact, the excitement over material goods fades over time and become part of our new normal. However, experiences become part of our identity and that is the case for children as well. Taking a vacation or simply having an meaningful experience with our children can lead to life shaping happiness and improve our social interactions.
Part I: Happiness
According to experts, family vacations are the gift that keeps on giving.
Thinking about buying your child a new toy for his/her birthday? You have saved your money to buy this, but then you think twice...suddenly you realize we are inundated with advertising about what we need. Maybe you should change your thinking! There is science to show that your children will likely realize increased happiness from experiences.
“Our experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than our material goods,” says Gilovich. “You can really like your material stuff. You can even think that part of your identity is connected to those things, but nonetheless they remain separate from you. In contrast, your experiences really are part of you. We are the sum total of our experiences.”
One study conducted by Gilovich even showed that if people have an experience they say negatively impacted their happiness, once they have the chance to talk about it, their assessment of that experience goes up. Gilovich attributes this to the fact that something that might have been stressful or scary in the past can become a funny story to tell at a party or be looked back on as an invaluable character-building experience.
Vacations with your children are a good choice when you think of the benefits, however, frequent vacations may not be possible with every family because of work, finances, etc. But “On the other hand, family holidays are definitely valued by children, both in the moment and for long afterwards in their memory. So if you’re going to spend money on something, it’s pretty clear which option makes more sense,” says British Psychologist Oliver James. He believes that children remember and value much of what occurs in their first 5 years of life, and unfortunately many parents do not wish to travel with children this young because quite honestly, it is hard!
Next time you contemplate buying your child a new toy rather than taking them on a travel or staycation adventure, or decide that taking a family vacation with your young ones will be too much work, think of the science behind brain development and how a vacation can make them happier, form lifetime memories and smarter.
Remember, if you have questions related to your health, always consult your doctor or medical professional. The information presented here is informative only and is not medical advice.
LTD's Review of Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan Italy.
When you think of a five star property, what comes to mind? Comfort? Pampering? Food? Luxurious rooms? Fine dining? Spa? Views? The Hotel Principe di Savoia has all of this and more.
Hotel Principe di Savoia, or simply referred to as "The Principe", is a five-star hotel in Milan. The hotel has long become one of Milan's Landmarks. Founded by the name of "Principe e Savoia" in 1927, a time when Milan had already established its position as financial center of the country, it soon became a home for businessmen. Over time, celebrities and royalty chose The Principe for their Italian stays: Edward VIII, Aristotle Onassis, Evita Peron, Maria Callas; and more recently, Madonna, David Beckham and George Clooney, just to name a few.
The Principe is a quiet oasis in the second largest city in Italy. LTD always recommends a luxury hotel in a large city. After a long day of touring a relaxing comfortable environment is the best way to recharge.
One aspect of this hotel that sets it apart from many five star locations where LTD has stayed is service that anticipates your needs. While at most locations, service may be provided, isn’t it nice when an employee has things ready without you having to ask? That is really something special when you experience it. Examples: When shown to our room, the clerk asked if he could send a housekeeper to make the bed into a king when he saw we were a couple. Of course! A doorman is handing you water on a hot day before you make it to the door. Thank you! A doorman is handing you an umbrella as you exit on a cloudy day. Thank you! A sunny day on the roof and an attendant asks if you need an awning lowered. Certainly! Even checking out was a pleasure with car service ready to take us to the airport. LTD prearranged car service via email before arrival. Our bags were in the car before we completed checking out. A nice touch is the gift of a tin of mints from the desk attendant. Perfect for the long international flight
2. Ask for the Mosaic Suite and you will immediately be drawn into looking at the bathroom
Review of Penz Hotel Innsbruck Austria and Restaurant Recommendations Nearby
The main reasons LTD chose the Hotel Penz in Innsbruck, Austria was the centralized location near the Old Town, but also because it had Air Conditioning! It is rare to find a hotel in Europe with air conditioning, but beware of European regulation on power allotments for a/c. Whereas many Americans would probably never consider living or working in buildings without air conditioning, many Europeans think that life without climate control is far superior. In general, European air conditioning just doesn't chill to the deep-freeze level of most US air conditioners. This may be due to the functioning of the air conditioner, local or country regulations on electricity usage, seasonal operation of a/c (some hotels don't even have the a/c unit activated until July 1 for example!), just to name a few. There is no real solution to this problem. LTD has stayed a many 5-star hotels in Europe and if there is a heat wave, be prepared to have the temperature in the room 75-80 degrees no matter where you set the room temperature.
RxTip:
If you prefer a cold room to sleep, which LTD highly recommends for jet lag, ask for a fan immediately upon arrival to your hotel.
Needless to say, we arrived in Innsbruck during an early June heat wave, and the a/c did not work to our standards, despite many requests at the front desk.
However, the Hotel Penz has many other features that make it an excellent option for you trip to Innsbruck.
1. Excellent location which is central in Innsbruck and near everything
This hotel is located near the Old Town of Innsbruck which is a must-see vibrant area of town including many locals and tourists alike. Most sites in Innsbruck are in walking distance. Innsbruck is an easy city to navigate walking and for avid walkers, it will not disappoint. For example you can walk or hike up to beautiful vistas of this city in the valley, or walk to the Olympic ski jump for great exercise.
What is the first thing YOU think of when someone says Milan, Italy?
You probably answered FASHION. That is no surprise because Milan Fashion week is one of the most prestigious, highly attended and influential weeks of the year for the fashion industry to show off its collections in a city that has become the fashion capital of the world.
Maybe you answered BUSINESS. Milan is also Italy’s main industrial and financial center, where Italy’s Stock Exchange is located.
But Milan is a city with a rich history of art, architecture and culture. Did you know that Leonardo Da Vinci spent more years of his life in Milan than any other city? LTD bets you didn't. During his time in Milan, he produced many masterpieces, including the Vitruvian Man, Last Supper, and Lady with an Ermine just to name a few. His patron was Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan.
LTD loves this perfect introduction to Alice from MilanPrivateTours.com:
"ABOUT ALICE SALVAGNIN, THE FOUNDER
Who better to open your eyes to the charms of a fascinating city than someone who is deeply in love with it?
As a high school student, Alice Salvagnin would tote her schoolbooks and a sandwich up the 250 steps to the roof of the Duomo, Milan’s renowned cathedral. There, she would spend hours doing her homework, the sun above and her city’s great sights all around her. What always struck her about the view was how many different periods the city had lived through and how distinct were the styles to which they had given birth. Her curiosity about these sights led her to study them; her affection for them inspired her to devote herself to making them known to others.
Alice holds degrees in Tourism and in the Management of Cultural Heritage, both at Milan universities, which allowed her to continue learning about her home town, to continue diving into the intricacies of its famous landmarks and exploring its forgotten corners. In many years as a licensed tour guide, she has deepened her knowledge while also making something of a name for herself: She has consistently received top Internet reviews, first as a representative of others’ tourist agencies, now as the principal of her own.
Milan, Alice believes, deserves a far better reputation among sightseers than it has. So many who come from abroad think of it as a place strictly for business, perhaps as no more than a transfer point. In part she blames the city for failing to highlight – or just plain hiding – its attractions. Even her fellow residents have asked her: “You’re a tour guide – in Milan? What do you show them?” Alice’s love of Milan has led her to seek out the wonders of a city that she now knows from top to bottom, that she knows inside-out. A good deal of what she shows her clients would likely come as a surprise to these incredulous locals.
And the enthusiasm with which she imparts her knowledge is certain to be a delight to all."
After our full day with Alice, here is our review:
Alice is authentic and demonstrates an unparalleled enthusiasm to share her home, Milan, with you. She speaks English very well, and LTD understands how this is very important -- Let's face it, you can have the most knowledgeable and best-intentioned tour guide, but if you cannot understand them, the day is frustrating and useless. At every location Alice is known by staff and other tour guides. It is obvious that she is liked by all. Her depth of knowledge is clear, and she presents in an unscripted manner that she tailors to your questions and needs. Early in the day she orients you with a map, which is important to understand not only your location, but also the history of the city.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with Alice Salvagnin provides you more information than you would obtain elsewhere.
Peppered throughout the day are little pearls of the city, to make your visit to Milan authentic, including lunch, snacks, coffee and other suggestions for your free time.
Introduced from Genoa, enjoy a cannoncini. The best in town are known to be from Panarello.
LTD requested the "Hidden Gems" tour, which we loved! Alice presented these to us well, and even more than once demonstrated how easily these gems are overlooked by citizens and visitors alike.
Prior to our arrival, scheduling a tour with Alice was easy over the email. Her communication was timely and excellent. Alice takes payment with bank transfer, cash or PayPal, so if you are someone who does not like to carry cash on vacation, PayPal is an excellent option because you can use a credit card. Her cancellation policy is very reasonable and clear. Alice was flexible with us regarding the time, but since we wanted to see The Last Supper, she was able to find us tickets (that were not available ANYWHERE). This made our meeting time at 8 AM. LTD likes to start tours early, but you quickly learn in Milan, that 8 AM is very early! Alice was there ready to go, in the pouring rain before our schedule meeting time!
Suggestions for Alice that would make an excellent tour even MORE excellent is only one:
Use an iPad with a glare screen for visual aid. Alice uses her cell phone, but for those of us who are visually challenged, seeing this can be difficult. Fortunately, iPhones can zoom!
A review of the Grand Hyatt at Dallas-Fort Worth International airport (DFW). This is an excellent option for any flights with an overnight in the Dallas Area and feels like a peaceful oasis at a busy airport.
There are two Hyatt’s at DFW including the Grand Hyatt and the Hyatt Regency. They are on different concourses. The Grand Hyatt is much nicer than the Hyatt Regency for very similar price. The Hyatt Regency is located on C concourse and the grand Hyatt is located on D concourse. Both are accessible via the Skylink.
When departing from Dallas it is important to realize that if the TSA security screening at the base of the escalator going to the Grand Hyatt does not have TSA pre-check.
When you are walking through the D terminal at DFW look for signs for the Grand Hyatt and it should be easy to find. The hotel entrance is located outside of security and there is an escalator that leads up to the lobby. Hotel elevators are available on the departure and parking levels.
Check in is not difficult and lobby level has a restaurant and bar. complementary coffee is in the lobby from 4 AM. There is also an Illy barista bar available from 5 AM to 11 AM. You can request a coffee pot in your room if you prefer in-room complimentary coffee.
The rooms are remarkably quiet for being located on airport property but the decor is starting to appear a little dated. Maintenance has been good but style could be refreshed. Every room has mechanized blinds with controls from wall switches or bedside switches.
Every room has mechanized blinds with controls available at bedside.
When you’re traveling, it’s easy to fall into bad habits that can lead to digestive system problems such as constipation or diarrhea.
Constipation is a temporary condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements, passing hard stools or straining when you do have a bowel movement
There are a lot of habits related to comfortable bowel movements. Simple things like a change in your eating habits or what you drink can affect your digestive system. Even a change in the bathroom that you use that is not your own or is public can cause anxiety for some people because it takes them out of their regular routine.
If you’re concerned about using public bathrooms, try to give yourself time to relax and make yourself as comfortable as possible.
Maintaining your regular eating and drinking habits as much as possible while traveling or staying in a new place is the best way to maintain regularity and avoid or treat constipation and diarrhea.
Speaking with LTD friend Scott Rigsby reminds us that traveling with medical conditions is not only possible, but safe and worry-free when you plan ahead!
Scott Rigsby became the first double amputee in the world to finish the Hawaiian Ironman triathlon with prosthetics at the 140.6-mile World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Rigsby used “swim legs” to navigate the difficult 2.4 mile ocean swim, “bike legs” to cycle 112 miles through the heat and gusting winds of the Big Island lava fields on a standard road bike and “run legs” to complete the marathon segment in darkness and intense pain. To expand his mission worldwide, Rigsby founded the Scott Rigsby Foundation and is an experienced and frequent traveler.
LTD as guide to Double-Amputee Scott Rigsby at the Boston Marathon 2016.
More individuals than ever are traveling with disabilities and medical conditions, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is helping them get through security screening at airports during the busy summer travel season.
Individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, who use medical devices should not think of a TSA checkpoint as a barrier to travel. It’s okay to bring along a CPAP machine or a breast pump. Yes, passengers can travel with an insulin pump or an ostomy pouch. If an individual has a temporary medical condition, perhaps a broken leg, it does not prevent him from getting through a checkpoint.
The number of passengers expected to fly this summer season is expected to be the highest in years with more than 2.2 million passengers per day expected to pass through TSA checkpoints between Memorial Day and Labor Day with almost a quarter million of those passengers going through security screening in the New York metropolitan region alone.
TSA is prepared for the start of the summer travel season, with peak travel period kicking off with the upcoming Memorial Day holiday and extending through August. During the busiest days of the summer, which are expected to be the days leading up to and immediately after Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day, TSA will screen more than 2.5 million passengers per day nationwide.
TSA officers at Newark Liberty International Airport will screen more than 70,000 passengers; JFK International Airport more than 100,000 passengers; and at LaGuardia Airport more than 50,000 passengers on a busy summer day.
All travelers are required to undergo screening at the checkpoint. Passengers with a disability or medical condition or their traveling companion may consult a TSA officer about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. Individuals may provide an officer with a TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe the condition in a discrete manner. Travelers may also request an accommodation for the security screening process.
If a passenger with a medical device, medical condition or a disability is approved to use TSA Pre✓®, he or she does not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets during the screening process. However, everyone is required to undergo screening at the checkpoint by technology or a pat-down. Also, TSA officers may swab an individual’s hands, mobility aids, equipment and other external medical devices to test for explosives using explosives trace detection technology.
Persons with disabilities and medical conditions are not required to remove their shoes if they have a disability or medical condition. However, shoes must undergo additional screening, including visual/physical inspection as well as explosives trace detection testing of the footwear. Travelers may request to be seated during this portion of the screening.
One of the most common complaints of travelers with pain is sitting at the airport and on a plane. A useful assistive device can be a comfort seat cushion. Click the photo below for more information about one of our favorites!
TSA’s Five Top Resources for Travelers with Disabilities
"Conspicuous consumption of valuable goods is a means of reputability to the gentleman of leisure."
-Thorstein Veblen
Recently LTD stayed at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. While there we noticed other Americans staying at our hotel wearing purple lanyards and the following day, the same individuals were walking along the boardwalk in Tel Aviv. Eager to speak to other Americans, we struck up a conversation. Notably some of the individuals in this travel group were from our neck of the woods: Charlotte, North Carolina. We were traveling with Abercrombie & Kent which LTD previously reviewed. Upon asking these Americans what company they were traveling with, they responded they were on an around-the-world expedition with National Geographic and the Wall Street Journal. Intrigued, we began asking them more questions. They described to us that their journey consisted of a meeting point of San Francisco. From there, they took off in a "private" jet that was for their group and guides only. In total the private jet had 150 occupants including guests, guides and staff. Asking if they had lie flat seats, the responded no.
Here is what we learned from them about their journey:
–The Wall Street Journal offered a specialized itinerary with a focus on business, innovation and new technologies in partnership with National Geographic called Celebrating Human Ingenuity: An Exploration of Technology and Creativity. It was a 19-day trip (October 22-November 9, 2017) for 75 passengers across six continents with editors from the newspaper (including Editor-in-chief Gerard Baker) and experts from Nat Geo. The itinerary took travelers from Silicon Valley to Kyoto; Singapore; Jaipur; Seychelles; Kigali; Rwanda; Jerusalem and Barcelona. Travelers stayed in each location for 2-3 days including travel time. Hotels included Ritz Carlton, and Taj properties and King David in Jerusalem for example.
Investigating the National Geographic website showed us more information. The private modified 757 jet offers:
