Review of Charlotte Douglas International Airport Minute Suites

Recently before boarding an International flight, LTD decided to check out the recently-opened Minute Suites in Charlotte Douglas International Airport located in the main Atrium and food court. One hour is free if you have the American Express Platinum Card and have subscribed to the free Priority Pass Lounge Membership.

The bottom line is that this is a great option for either a short visit before a flight if you need to put your feet up, watch tv, take a nap or get some work done. It is a quiet alternative to the airport lounges at CLT which can be rather noisy and crowded at times.  Alternatively it would serve as an option for a “hotel” on the dreaded occasion that your late night flight is cancelled. If you can phone ahead for a reservation, you will be more likely to get a room when needed.  The phone number is at the end of this post!

Check in was quick and a suite was available immediately.  A credit card must be given in case you incur any charges - just like at a hotel. At the entrance are decent products for sale including Jack Black and Burt’s Bees skin care products, and an entire mini pharmacy for stocking up on forgotten items or treating aches and pains.

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LuxuryTravelDocs' Five-Part Series about the Benefits of Traveling with your Children! Part V: Time

Last time we saw how your children's health is one of the most important gifts you can give them.

LTD presented 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 and this is our final part: time.  Here are the five things that your child may gain from family travel that we have highlighted for you by the end of this article:

1. happiness
2. brain development
3. education
4. health
5. time

According to experts, family vacations are the gift that keeps on giving and what better gift is there than time?

Part V: Time

Give the gift of time to your children.  What do we always wish we had more of?  TIME!
There is not a closer bond than the child parent relationship and you may realize this is a difficult section to write... For adults who were children when their parents died, the question is hypothetical but heartbreaking: “Would you give up a year of your life to have one more day with your late mother or father?”  Think about that as a parent with at least one lesson to be learned from this:  Don't miss quality time with your own children.

Would you give up a year of your life to have one more day with your late mother or father? Credit Pexels

At the most basic level, autobiographical memories refer to personally experienced past events.  According to Dr. Krystine I. Batcho, author of Longing for Nostalgia, "In a study of autobiographical memories, one young woman fondly recalled going to baseball games with her father—memories so lasting that the smell of popcorn and grass still revive them."  Of course the big-ticket items are often remembered fondly, but smaller events of special times, can be equally or more meaningful to us as adults.

Studies show that mothers' time in particular activities with children is positively associated with child well‐being, but results are mixed regarding associations between child outcomes and the sheer amount of time that mothers spend with children. 

That’s not to say that parent time isn’t important. It is just that the quantity of time is not as important a factor as the quality of time.  Probably this is because our individual stress and moods are projected onto our children frequenlty.  Plenty of studies have shown links between quality parent time, such as a vacation, and positive outcomes for kids.

A 2013 survey administered by the U.S. Travel Association geared toward family members’ views and feelings about vacation and family travel has produced findings, which, while perhaps not revealing anything all that novel or surprising, do offer some important reminders.

On the younger end of things, just about every child surveyed (more than 9 in 10) agreed that on vacations “I get to spend quality time with my parents,” and most strongly agree that “vacations bring my family closer together.” Youth participants between the ages of 8-18 also strongly agreed that on family vacations they “see and do new things that I’ll remember for a long time,” and that “some of their best memories are of things that I did during a family vacation.” (TravelEffect, March 13, 2013, http://traveleffect.com/news/20130313/us-travel-spring-survey-finds-family-vacations-create-lasting-memories)

At the other end of the spectrum, 75% of vacationers older than 55 agreed that they “still have ‘vivid’ memories of childhood vacations” and 84% reported that “some of their favorite family stories are from family vacations.”

Of travelers over 55, over 84% reported that some of their favorite family stories are from family vacations. Credit Pexels

What  these survey findings seem to remind us, is that when we travel or vacation, we are taking a journey, setting out on an adventure. When we do this with our loved ones, we are giving them the gift of adventure and experience and memory. And these are the greatest gifts we can give.

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. 

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LuxuryTravelDocs' Five-Part Series about the Benefits of Traveling with your Children! Part IV: Health

Last time we saw how planning makes opportunities for a family vacation to be educational and beneficial for your children!

Combat inactivity when planning vacation and your children will benefit!

Part IV: Health

LTD has reminded our readers on countless occasions that physical activity is important for all of us, but it is especially important for our growing children!  In children physical activity is necessary for a strong body, including muscles and bones. Getting the blood pumping throughout the body can also help with mood and emotional health. Use the opportunities that nature provides, get outside and get moving with your children. Physical activity will not only benefit your body, but also your child’s growing body.

Physical activity will not only benefit your body, but also your child’s growing body. Credit Pexels

It is recommended by the American Heart Association that:

All children age 2 and older participate in at least 60 minutes of enjoyable, moderate-intensity physical activities every day that are developmentally appropriate and varied.

If your child or children do not have a full 60 minute activity break each day, try to provide at least two 30 minute periods or four 15 minute periods in which they can engage in vigorous activities appropriate to their age, gender and stage of physical and emotional development.

According to a 2016 study, only 21.6% of 6 to 19-year-old children and adolescents in the United States attained 60 or more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on at least 5 days per week.

Of course this activity does not only improve their physical health, but stimulates the PLAY and SEEKING systems crucial for brain development as discussed in our first entry of this series.  This is supported by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance (e.g., memory), and classroom behaviors (e.g., on-task behavior).
• Higher physical activity and physical fitness levels are associated with improved cognitive performance (e.g., concentration, memory) among students.

The benefit to your child's physical well being is well known.  Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence is important for promoting lifelong health and well-being and preventing various health conditions. Here are some examples:

• Children’s muscles need to be used to grow and become stronger 
• Aerobic exercise helps the heart muscle to become and stay strong. 
• A child's bones are not fully developed until the late teen years. Bone strength is built when bones are forced to bear weight and work against gravity and bone strength established at a young age is beneficial to you throughout your entire life.

Your children's health one of the most important gifts you can give them!  Family vacations offer many opportunities to make physical activity fun for them!  After the adults decide on the vacation budget and a couple of trip ideas, it's a good time to get the kids involved. Older kids might want to vote on the list of possible trips, while younger kids will appreciate seeing photos of where you've decided to go and all the fun stuff to do there.

Next time:  Our most emotional and final entry of this five-part series.  What do we always wish we had more of?  TIME!

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. 

If you like our content and to be the first to see our upcoming content, please click here to find us and follow us on Facebook!  

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LuxuryTravelDocs' Five-Part Series about the Benefits of Traveling with your Children! Part III: Education

Last time we saw how family vacations can lead to better brain development by stimulating key systems crucial to thinking, social intelligence and goal-directed behavior. 

According to experts, family vacations are the gift that keeps on giving and with the right planning a family vacation can be educational too!

Part III: Education

A family vacation can provide education in a number of ways.  Think of the characteristics of your travel destination and you may find educational opportunities in a number of ways:  history, nature, art, culture, and community just to name a few.

Always remember what we find interesting may not be interesting to others.  This concept applies to any vacation but is particularly important for children, since they may not be involved in the planning.  Ask what they want to do and balance what your wishes may be with theirs.  According to British Psychologist Oliver James,  “The first and simplest mistake that an awful lot of parents make is confusing what they find exciting about a holiday with what their children will. So many of the ‘interesting’ things about a new place are deathly boring to the vast majority of children — high culture, for example, in almost all forms. So your child, if at all typical, will grumble at the ghastly business of being dragged round.”

Consider nature as a way to stimulate visual development. Credit Pexels

If your child is very young consider art, architecture or nature as a way to stimulate visual and even language development.  Take time to describe the colors and shapes of what you see.  You are really a child's first teacher and take advantage of the opportunity.

If your child is very young consider art, as a way to stimulate visual and even language development. Credit Pexels

Do your homework before you go to a museum or tourist site.  For example, while we all think of a museums like the American Museum of Natural History, seen in Night at the Museum as best for children, some museums that we wouldn't consider have many things that appeal to children. Take advantage of children's programs! Maybe you roll your eyes when you even think of bringing your child to an art museum, but large museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art have audio children's programs.  Take them to see and Egyptian temple or mummies!  Or just download their children's map.  Make sure you make it interesting for them and give them options to choose what they would like to do.  Play to your child's personality.

Take advantage of children's museum programs! Credit Pexels

And after the visit, remember what interested your child and bring it home.  There may so much more  found on the internet about what they enjoyed and you may inspire even more meaningful time with your child.

Wherever you go, most children will find wonder in something!  That is the beauty of exploring. “Give a two-year-old a present and she’ll get absorbed in the box instead,” says James. “It’s similar with children and travel. We should let them explore their own ways of finding wonder in their surroundings.”  With planning there are many opportunities to make a family vacation educational and beneficial for your children!

Next time: Combat inactivity when planning vacation and your child's health will benefit!

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. 

If you like our content and to be the first to see our upcoming content, please click here to find us and follow us on Facebook!  

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LuxuryTravelDocs' Five-Part Series about the Benefits of Traveling with your Children! Part II: Brain Development

Last time we highlighted why you should spend your money on experiences rather than material things and how taking a family vacation with your young ones can make them happier, and help them form lifetime memories.  

According to experts, family vacations are the gift that keeps on giving and maybe you didn't realize they can advance brain development too!

Brain Development

Dr. Jaak Panksepp, a neuroscientist, psychologist, and psychobiologist, coined the term “affective neuroscience” to refer to the study of the neural mechanisms of emotion.

Key brain systems were discovered by Professor Jaak Panksepp, a world-leading neuroscientist at Washington State University. According to the Panksepp’s research, the PLAY system and the SEEKING system are areas of the brain that are exercised best when kids are exposed to new surroundings. These systems rarely get triggered when kids are at home or left alone with their toys.

Dr. Margot Sunderland  who is  Director of Education and Training at The Centre for Child Mental Health London concludes that vacations can advance brain development by exercising the PLAY and SEEKING systems.

Key brains systems rarely get triggered when kids are at home or left alone with their toys. Credit Pexels.

She explains that “the brain’s PLAY system is exercised every time you bury your child’s feet in the sand, tickle them on the pool lounger, or take them for a ride on your back. The brain’s SEEKING system is exercised each time you go exploring together: the forest, the beach, a hidden gem of a village.”

When are these brain systems activated at the same time? Usually on family vacations.
How does it work? Once your family vacations adventures and experiences activate these two systems in your own brain, and in your kids’ brains, and trigger happiness brain chemicals. Panksepp calls them “nature’s gift to us” and goes on to describe how these chemicals reduce stress and activate warm, generous feelings towards each other and a lovely sense that all is well in the world.

Dr Sunderland adds that “really using the brain’s PLAY and SEEKING systems well, as often happens on family [vacations], brings about brain growth and maturation in the frontal lobes, the very part of the brain involved in cognitive functioning, social intelligence and well-focused, goal-directed behaviours that may last a lifetime.”

A key brain system is exercised every time you stick your children's toes in the sand! Credit Pexels

Galey Gravenstein of Gainesville, Florida realized this when raising her four children.  She believed that "it would make them more open and flexible when in new situations. I know "routines" are important but I wanted them to not be afraid of new situations and things they encounter."

As a matter of fact, in most regions of the brain, no new neurons are formed after birth. Instead, brain development consists of an ongoing process of wiring and re-wiring the connections among neurons. New synapses between cells are constantly being formed, broken or pruned away. In early childhood the brain is genetically programmed to produce more synapses. For instance, a child’s brain (from 0 to 3 years of age)—produces 700 new neural connections every second.  "I think young children rarely get as much play as their brains need", according to Dr. Panksepp.

Family vacations can lead to better brain development by stimulating key systems crucial to thinking, social intelligence and goal-directed behavior.  You may think that your child would never engage in obvious educational opportunities, but it may surprise you what is available at institutions to exercise your children's minds.

Next time: LTD looks at finding educational opportunities for you child when you travel.

If you like our content and to be the first to see our upcoming content, please click here to find us and follow us on Facebook!  

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. 

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Healthy and Meaningful Travel is Special!

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

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LuxuryTravelDocs' Five-Part Series about the Benefits of Traveling with your Children! Part I: Happiness

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:

1. happiness
2. brain development
3. education
4. health
5. time

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.

Credit Pexels

Play a game indoor or outdoor while you are away!

Psychology Professor Thomas Gilovich from Cornell University has made four studies on the subject  of happiness over decades and came to the conclusion that happiness is derived from experiences, not things.

“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.”

A 2012 study by Gilovich described how people tend to have more regrets over inaction for experiences than for possessions.  He says, "Our memories are what make us who we are. If we make purchases that contribute to our sense of self—that is, if we pursue experiences over material goods—there are likely to be more memories, more of us, to cherish and embrace."


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.

Next time:  Family vacations can make our children smarter too!  Not just because of the education that can be provided on an adventure, but because vacations can enhance brain development!

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. 

If you like our content and to be the first to see our upcoming content, please click here to find us and follow us on Facebook!  

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Review of Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan Italy. Let Your Accommodations Be Part of the Travel Experience!

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.  

RX Tip:

LTD uses American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program frequently.  This is a great way to get a luxury hotel at a great price with extra amenities.  The best prices on FHR are found with early booking.  The reservations can be canceled if you find a better option.  In this case LTD booked the reservation for the principe 6 months before.  The rate was excellent and breakfast daily, room upgrade and $100 food credit were included.

Check reviews of the Hotel Principe di Savoia, rates and book at TripAdvisor by clicking here! 

1. Service Service Service

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

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Review of Penz Hotel Innsbruck Austria and Restaurant Recommendations Nearby

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.  

To check other reviews of the Penz Hotel, rates and book at TripAdvisor click here!

2.  Breakfast Buffet is Excellent

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Milan Has MUCH More to Offer than Just Fashion and Business

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.

1.  Milan Art Masterpieces

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