Travel Tips - Alaska

Packing for Alaska:
From May through September, temperatures range from 40°F to 70° F during the day and drop into the 30’s and 40’s at night. The best way to prepare for this range of temperatures is to dress in layers and to be prepared for anything from bright sunshine to light rain. Here’s a list of items to include when packing for an Alaska trip.


• Waterproof jacket or Travel Unbrella
• Wool or fleece sweater or liner
• Turtleneck or a comfortable protective long sleeve shirt
• Comfortable footwear suitable for hiking and walking in wet conditions (Be sure to break in new shoes before your trip and bring good socks)
• Warm hat/rain hat or headband and gloves
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Light weight tote or backpack
• Lip Balm
• Good camera with extra batteries and variety of film speeds or extra memory card
• Travel-size binoculars

Playa del Carman

It has been 20 years since I had been to Riviera Maya in Mexico.  Wow, have things changed.  I was fortunate to visit several resorts and attractions as a travel agent guest of US Airways Vacations.  Our day in Playa del Carman began at the Playacar Palace Resort just steps from the Cozumel Ferry Pier and famous Playa del Carman 5^th Avenue full of shops, restaurants, bars, and specialty boutiques.   

As we left the resort, it was very evident we were Mexico.  Scattered in the foliage along the side walk ruins of the Mayan people enhance the landscape.   The Mayans built temples in Playa del Carman as a place to prepare and purify themselves before traveling to Cozumel and worship the Gods. 

At the beach there are two ferry companies that run ferries from Playa del Carman to Cozumel every hour starting at 4:00 AM.  The ferries usually run through midnight, but it is better to check the schedules prior to boarding.

Just up the road from the pier is the bus terminal.  This is where you can arrange transportation on your own to visit different areas of Riviera Maya.  Transfer rates are posted and are very reasonable.  Taxis are also available near the bus station.  Just like taking a taxi in any large city, make a note of the taxi number in case you accidentally leave a precious souvenir in the cab.  It is easier to ask for taxi number 867 than a yellow taxi driven by a short man with black hair. 

Diagonally across the street is a neighborhood Catholic Church.  This small pretty chapel can be used for religious wedding ceremonies.  Get married here and the locals and other tourist will clap and congratulate you as you leave the church.  Thinking of getting married in Mexico, don’t forget to check out the marriage laws. 

Fifth Avenue is lined with tourist shops, restaurants, tequila bars, jewelry stores, boutiques and pharmacies.  The bricked streets are for pedestrians only.   Shops open around 9 am and stay open well into the night.  Keep in mind this is a street with low buildings in Mexico a couple of blocks from the water.  There is little shade and very few shops have air conditioning.  It will be hot!  Shops and bars along 5^th Avenue accept pesos as well as American Currency.  American currency can be used for any purchase, however I recommend using a credit card for large purchases.  (Always call your credit card company before traveling to a foreign country so that your credit card will be accepted)  If you need cash, go to one of the local banks and use the ATM inside the bank for a better exchange rate.  There are plenty of ATMs along the street that will cost you at least double the exchange rate.   

Remember these next time you fly

I am always searching for new tips and tricks for travel. Thanks to Sarah from Licorice and Olives. a guest blogger at Ruffles and Truffles! for the following tips. The link to their blog is at the bottom of this post.

Pashmina scarves are popular right now, so take advantage of your Pashmina all year long. It is small and packs well in a carry on bag. Since planes and airports are often cool, throw it over your shoulders or legs to fight a chill. Need a pillow? I wouldn't call it a pillow but it will keep your head from bumping against the window of the plane if you are trying to sleep.

Tooth brush, tooth paste, chap stick, and moisturizer are all necessary for long or overnight flights.

Water, water, hydrate! Before you even leave home or the hotel, drink a liter or two of water. Hydrate early and you will not be playing catch up during or after your flight.

Always carry your medications on board with you. You never know when your flight could be cancelled or your luggage get lost. Better to be safe than sorry.n the Sky {Sara: Licorice and Olives}

This Vegas Story should be told!

Kudoos to the Flamingo Resort in Las Vegas.  I am here for a week of training that is taking place at Caesar’s Casino and Resort.  Being the typical travel agent (cheap) I was having a hard time justifying the price to stay at Caesar’s and decided to stay across the street at the Flamingo Resort, a member of the Caesar’s family, for about a third of the price. 

The Flamingo has been great.  I am in one of the FAB rooms that was recently renovated.  The room is large and modern with faux wood floors and has plenty of accessible outlets.  The bathroom is also large – full counter with lots of surface and a large deep tub. Best of all everything is very clean!

Now for the story, I returned to my room about 7 pm and found a letter stating power and water would be turned off from 12 midnight to approximately 10 am the next morning for maintenance.  Along with the letter they left 2 bottles of water (always appreciated) and 2 glow sticks. 

Ruth at the front desk was very helpful.  At first she offered to change my room.  Not my first choice because I had been here for two days and am settled and comfortable.  So she offered me a spa pass to shower and primp so that I could get ready for my 8 am meeting the next morning.  A little inconvenient but I can live with that.  Funny thing while standing in line I was listening to other guests complain, demand room changes, comps and etc.  I really felt sorry for the staff.  They did not decide to turn the power and water off, but they just had to listen to the complaining.  Most guests were offered a food and beverage credit.  In some cases, the value of the credit was more than they paid for the room and in my case, a visit to the spa.  This morning while visiting the spa, something I rarely get to do (perk) I got to thinking about maintenance in these large buildings and thought, ok when is a good time to shut down a tower of rooms in Vegas?  Can any resort really afford to shut down an entire tower even for one day?  Guests expect a certain stand when staying at a resort and that standard has to be maintained even if it means a little inconvenience for some guests.  Thank Flamingo Resort for handling this matter professionally!