Thursday? Wanna go to Greece?

Athens by Night

For the two of us there were four beds. We thought we had struck a deal with the ticket lady in Venice.

“Sure, sure you can have a private room.”

Now we faced four beds. We were two. We had 48 hours until we landed in Piraeus, Greece and being the backpackers we were we had hit the grocery store for our food.

We spread-out. Opened our food and ate our dinner. But I was sure. I was sure any minute we were going to have another two people knock on our door and demand their trundle beds in the prison-size ship room.

We made it to Piraeus, but it wasn’t pretty. We barely got sleep with zero space. We had a shower that sprayed the entire bathroom. So why not do the trip pretty? Why not live in a luxury that supplies designer soaps, aromatherapy scents and handmade chocolate paired with a chilled bottle of French wine?

And why not make the trip with Silversea Cruises which offer just this luxury with the combination of Venice, Trieste and Rimini in Italy with Dubrovnik, Croatia, Corfu and Athens in Greece? If you book with CTravel before August 31 you will save 60% on your fare and received $500 in onboard credits!

Not fancying Venice? Want something a little less Mediterranean? Silversea Cruises also offers a trip from Bridgetown, Barbados to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on October 24 for 16 days. This cruise will hit St. Lucia, Grenada, French Guiana and multiple posts in Brazil before finishing in Rio! If you book this before August 31 the total trips will cost $5,798 before airfare from Bermuda.

River cruising more your style? Looking for a vacation for next year? I mean it is August already! Well Tauck Discovery has the gift of time for their European River Cruises in 2011. For previous Tauck clients they will receive two free nights in a hotel at the beginning or end of their trip OR one on each end. New clients will get one free night!

French River Cruising

Of course you have to book before September 30, 2010, but how can you not when the chances of resting gently down the stream through French Vineyards could be a reality? For ten days at $4,490 Tauck travelers can visit Paris, Lyon and Avignon to say the least!

So what are you waiting for?? It’s CTravel Thursdays and it’s the chance to book your next amazing trip cruising in style in the Mediterranean or Carribbean…..river boating it through France in 2011!

On top of that, if you contact CTravel for your next trip you can save!

Labouring away all summer?

Sun setting on the summer

Maybe you need a break? Maybe it’s a last hurrah before kids go back to school (and need to find backpacks)? Or maybe you’ve already planned a vaca for the first weekend in September? Whatever the case is, this is time to stop labouring (well except for you momma’s to be and there are a lot of you out there right now) and enjoy some time off. I know I am!

But the Americans know how to do it best. In fact they started the holiday dedicated to workers by not working. Somehow seems backwards but there you have it.

So where did it all begin? In New York of course. On September 5, 1884 it was celebrated as a “workingman’s holiday” when workers united in a parade 10,000 strong down Broadway, NYC proudly led by Irish-American activist Peter MacGuire. None of them got fired (or too few to matter) so they did it again the following year and now even Canada gets in on the mix.

What am I going to do to celebrate Labour Day? Well, for one, I am going to be in Bermuda so probably not much. But I hope to go to New York the weekend before and maybe catch a game of….tennis?!

While it’s Labour Day and most take the time to hang with their families, the tennis elite struggle under the last hurrah of the summer sun for the U.S. Open. From August 30 to September 12 thousands of spectators will trample through New York’s Underground for a chance to see the likes of Serena Williams and the American James Blake.

Combine major city with a major sporting event and you’ll be lucky to make it out …..happy. So before you go check out these ten tips for helping you survive this tremendous event. Check them out.

Looking for something closer to home, Bermudians? Want a way to celebrate Caribbean pride? Why no head to…..Brooklyn. Yes, I wrote Brooklyn. Why? Good question. Well on Sunday, September 6 the colours, music and people descend on the streets to celebrate the West Indian Parade.

Or perhaps you’re looking for a more subtle music experience. Well America does it right with two, yes I wrote two Jazz festivals to finish their summer.

To start you off there’s the Chicago Jazz Festival or heading further North? What about Detroit? They’re in the game too with the Detroit Jazz Festival.

Or maybe you want to find the Largest Free Concert in The United States? And you want to do it on Labour Day Weekend? Try and head for Atlanta, Georgia and their Freedom Atlanta Concert. It’s the largest, free one-day outdoor concert and takes place on Saturday during Labor Day weekend at Jim R. Miller Park (new location) from about 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. with a fireworks finale. Celebrate Freedom Atlanta Website.

Catch yourself some Catfish in Georgia over Labour Day

Atlanta may be it’s capital, but why not explore a little more of Georgia and catch yourself a catfish? Yep. This quirky state celebrates the Annual Labor Day Weekend Catfish Festival. What more can you ask for?

Are you heading to America’s Capital? Labour yourself in Washington, D.C. with another free concert courtesy of The National Symphony Orchestra. This is held on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol each year, the Sunday before Labor Day. The annual concert is led by NSO Associate Conductor Emil de Cou and the event is part of theKennedy Center’s Prelude Festival, which includes free performances to kickoff the performing arts season in Washington, DC.

Looking for a last-minute vacation for your weekend? Why not head to Maine….Sebago Maine: For $119 a night the Park Homes on a family resort and mile of beach and 18-hole golf course. Check out this deal here.

Or go to Canada – yes they celebrate Labour Day too – for your last hurrah on these deals.

Don’t travel with a bad back!

Fully equipped backpack!

Comfy backstraps and waist strap for support

I’m sorry. I’m sorry, but it’s time. It’s the worst time. It’s the end of your fleeting freedom and days without  a care. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I have to whisper those three dreaded words for you school-age kids…..Back to School. Ugh, I know.

But there is a silver lining. The best part of the season and outfits (bathing suits for uniforms) changing? Well I’m a geek and I always enjoyed this – buying the new school stuff. The new pens, pencils, notebooks and most importantly?! The bag!

So for The Harbourmaster’s Travel Tip Tuesday’s Sheilagh Robertson, store owner, suggests taking some time in her Washington Mall store (near the Washington Alley entrance, ground floor) to figure out what works best for your back!

Tuesday’s tip: “August is a busy time as children of all ages look for the perfect “book bag”. For many this means a new backpack and parents should make sure they purchase a backpack that is the appropriate size for the age of the child and not too large as carrying too much weight can cause back problems.

High Sierra Backpacks in The Harbourmaster

“For older students with laptops, big binders and heavy books look for backpacks that have padded straps, and waist straps that help support the weight.”

Like the High Sierra Backpacks above. The grey backpack is able to carry a laptop, cell phone, water bottle, MP3 player and even has a strap to help support the bag around your waste. It will run you about $110 while the pink backpack above with run you abut $36 and is a light weight alternative.

These Land Backpacks are another alternative for sizes and high-end backpacks with the leather bag offering a more compact sized bag for $60. While going for the green will be $89.

Or perhaps you’re going to college? Or maybe you have a friend/daughter/son/niece/nephew going to University? What do they need? Why not help organize them? I can personally attest to the help of one of these organizers for everything from my college years to my trip around the world. They hold everything from visas to foreign currency….everything!

Passport holder and identification organizer

Tuesday’s Tips for the College bound? Going away to college is a major expense and practical gifts such as a passport case to keep travel documents and student visas secure are most appreciated. Gift certificates that can be used to purchase luggage are also welcome.

While nothing quite helps keep their passports up-to-immigration standards like the covers and passport holders available at The Harbourmaster.

Why not help the College student who will most certainly be traveling longer and further than before? Why not help them keep their things organized and their passports clean with these handy leather covers from The Harbourmaster?

The run from $30 for the passport holder to $59 for the passport organizer. Check them out at The Harbourmaster (on the ground floor of the Washington Mall near the entrance to Washington Alley)!

Check out The Harbourmaster on the ground floor of the Washington Mall

Travel Treatments

Me and My rice guys!

“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.”- Cesare Pavese

It’s Monday. It is brutal. So what can help? How about another column from Rock Fever? This week it is all about brutality. That which comes in the form of parasites unknown to my tummy.

I sat on the bathroom floor in Cairo, Egypt debating whether I would ever be able to exit. It was that salad! I knew I shouldn’t have eaten it but I wasn’t thinking. I had been traveling on little sleep and needed something quick.

The evil green lettuce leaves, feta cheese (or something that looked like it) and tomatoes attacked my stomach. They wouldn’t leave me alone for 24 hours. When I managed to escape their tortuous particles I found my bed and sent my travel buddy to find a pharmacy and some Sprite.

I spent the next two days trying to eat white rice and bananas. It wasn’t easy and was even harder being away from home. I’m very lucky it wasn’t worse.

Travel, while an amazing adventure is just that – an adventure. Food can attack, dogs can bite and weird illnesses can strike at any moment.

What does this mean? Not travel? No! Absolutely not. What it does mean is before the next trip you need to make sure you are prepared with the inoculations that defeat any salad attacks. I will be the first to admit I am terrible at remembering to do this, but immunizations are important and even mandatory for travels to certain countries.

And it’s an easy thing to do by visiting the Travel Health Clinic at the Hamilton Health Clinic on Victoria Street on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons by appointment. This week I spoke with Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball the senior medical officer for the Department of Health about how Bermudians and residents should prepare their health for their trips.

Why would I go to the clinic rather than my doctor?

“Most doctors, I believe, do not chose to keep stock of the travel immunizations. If only one person travels and needs a yellow fever shot, then we end up wasting the other nine immunizations in the packet of ten.

“They also may choose not to focus on the practice of travel advice. Though there will be some routine adult immunizations they will do (i.e. Tetanus) which are also needed when traveling.”

How have you seen travel or visits to the health clinic change during the last few years?

“I think what has happened in the last couple of decades is that travel has accelerated and the world has become more integrated.

“I think people’s awareness for the need to prepare for travel has accelerated, especially when they visit in areas that are less developed. So the travel clinic in the last two to three years has expanded to two times a week.

“They are particularly busy in the summer months because of travelers, but added to that a lot of students are going away to university.”

Before you fly vaccinate!

An appointment can be made by simply calling the Travel clinic at 278-6460 But why do travelers need to make appointments?

“When we reach adulthood there are some vaccinations that should be updated. So it’s also a chance to make sure people are up to date with routine immunizations that people are given in child hood like the MMR. Hepatitis B should also be given to those working in an industry where they can get infections from body fluids.

“And then it’s a practical discussion about where they are going. And they need to talk about the water and food borne disease. It will be particular to the country they are going to.There can be some places where it’s not a problem. Western Europe is mostly ok, but then it can also have cluster outbreaks of measles and chicken pox. We use the CDC website and travelers should go to that website for up to date information about travel.

“The other part is making sure the risks are discussed and they have the right vaccines. We would talk to the traveler about the specific destination and what they are doing there.”

What should people remember before visiting the clinic?

1. An appointment is necessary: Simply call: 278-6460 to set-up a time during the weekly clinics on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
2. But don’t delay. Dr. Peek-Ball said: “They need to call well in advance of the travel. They need to make sure their passports are up-to-date, but we also have to encourage people to make sure they come well in advance of the travel.” Why? “We might be out of supply or they want to make an appointment and we are full. If four immunizations are needed then it’s better to come a month in advance and come in for two and then the second pair two weeks later. So the best advice would be to come two to three months before your trip.”

1. Bring a copy of your immunization records. “Some adults have their childhood records of their immunizations, but if not bring the yellow travel booklet. It is very very important to bring this to see which immunizations you already have. Because, for example, you only need Yellow Fever every ten years.”
2. Bring your itinerary and be clear on the specific itinerary. “If you are going to Indonesia every destination is not equal. There will be areas where a traveler will be more at risk for certain things than others.”
3. Know the dates of your travels: There may be specific times where the risk of certain diseases are more likely in the destination than others.

I understand it is free to visit the clinic, but the immunizations will cost money. Will I be covered by insurance if I go to the clinic?

“The Department of Health does not submit insurance claims there may be some companies who will cover these. The traveler will get a receipt for the immunizations they received and if they have that type of coverage with their insurance they would be covered.”

And of course visit www.cdc.gov/travel because Dr. Peek-Ball said: “The world is changing and places without Rubella and Measles are seeing outbreaks. It happened in South Africa and they were advising those going to the World Cup to get immunized. It’s good to be aware. It can certainly happen in various areas of the world.”

Have you got a story from your travels? Good/Bad/Medium? Did a salad manage to ruin your day? Or chicken cancel your plans? Let me know by emailing me at: skinnerrobyn@gmail.com. I’m always looking for more Bermuda Abroad stories!

Walking their way through Europe

Combloux from above

When Bermuda resident Martin Williamson retired his route was not to the couch. Oh no, his wife, Kimberly, had other plans. Plans that included walking across every country in Europe. Their first? France. Their walking expedition took them through St Gervais Combloux and Megeve where they ended up buying a house. The house turned into five apartments. Martin and Kim have one, sold the other three and have one more for sale. Check out this new page for more information on the apartment.

But where’s Combloux, you ask? What is there to do there? Let Martin tell you in Bermuda Abroad.

Our first target country was France using the famous GR5 (Grand Randonee 5) which runs from the Hook of Holland to Nice. France has a huge network of long distance paths and this one was perfectly placed almost running through our village in Belgium.

At the end of September 1998 we were crossing the Col de Brevent north of Chamonix (about 2000 meters altitude) and the snow had already arrived. We were not prepared for these conditions and we knew that the GR5 route south only got higher so when we arrived in Chamonix we planned a reroute via Albertville and Grenoble that should be snow free.

Our reroute took us through a beautiful region of Haute Savoie via St Gervais Combloux and Megeve.

I had visited Megeve many years ago but I had forgotten how unspoiled the area was.

In 2003 after moving to Bermuda we decided to go back to the area and spend some time during the ski season.

The three villages I mentioned are all linked by a ski area called ‘Evasion Mont Blanc’, so named because you have spectacular views of Europe’s highest peak from all over the ski area.

The area is relatively low compared to the major resorts with the highest point at only 2000 mts, however it benefits from a local microclimate caused by Mont Blanc which ensures good snow fall.

As a result of the altitude the villages remained relatively unspoiled when the ski boom of the 70’s and 80’s ruined some of the higher resorts. This is what gives the area it particular attraction.

Housing in Combloux

Admittedly the skiing is not too difficult with only about 5 black runs on the 450km of pistes but there is plenty of opportunity for avalanche free off piste if you are looking for adventure.

Skiing in this area is often about deciding where to go to lunch with an abundance of mountain restaurants. These converted ‘alpages’ are all family run and compete vigorously for the title of best cuisne.

Megeve is considered (by the people who live there) very chic and is sometimes described as St Tropez with snow. As a result the property prices are sky high and there is and very snooty atmosphere. Something that I doesn’t appeal to me. However the shops and restaurants are great and I occasionally succumb to the primary Megeve pastime; people watching from the coffee shop with the best chocolate in the world.

St Gervais is an attractive town which has recently undergone significant renovation of it’s old ‘Belle Epoch’ buildings. Has thermal springs and was quite a resort before skiing (for fun) was invented. However we found it a little claustrophobic nestled on the north-west side of Mont Blanc.

Combloux is a true mountain village with only about 2000 permanent residents and 4 or 5 working farms that still produce excellent cheese. The village sits on a natural plateau at 1000 mts. And has wonderful views of Mont Blanc.

We rented an apartment in Combloux for two seasons before we decided to buy there. Combloux is definitely not Megeve (but it is only 4km away) and as a result the property prices are much more reasonable. Combloux still has easy access to the pistes and if you want boutique shopping it’s only minutes away.

In addition to skiing the area offers fantastic walking and mountain biking and Chamonix, the epicenter of European mountaineering is only 30 minutes by car.

To find out more about Combloux click here and if you would be interested in buying a property in the area check out Bermuda’s Properties Page.

When was the last time…..

you saw this? Can you guess where this was taken? Why? Because it’s Friday time and it’s also time for a photo. So where was this taken? Thailand? Cambodia?

Would you guess Bermuda? Would the June bug that seems to have lost his life on the lilly pad give it away? So where in Bermuda? Is this post just going to be questions today? Maybe.

No. It was in the Palm Grove Gardens. I hadn’t been there in ages and it had been ages since I wrote about traveling through Bermuda so I though it was time. I will admit it. I will admit I have been itching to get off the island and I’m trying. There are plans in the works.

But now I have a friend down for two weeks and it’s also time to remember to enjoy this beautiful island. Especially when I sit in the Palm Grove Gardens – a private property open during the days in the week to the public – for my job. I had an interview. I got sunburnt. My life is hard.

So back to my first question. When was the last time you went to visit the map of Bermuda made in between these lilly pads? What am I talking about? Well Dubai and it’s map of the world was way behind Bermuda. We had this map of our island for years.

Palm Grove Garden is owned by Sir David Gibbons, who opens it to the public Monday through Thursday (09:00 – 17:00). Sir David is a former Premier and a member of the Gibbons family, owners of the Gibbons Company department store.

The area is even used for weddings. And one look yesterday and I remember why I love this part of the island. It was refreshing. It was the perfect place for a picnic or even….an interview.

So I will say this once, twice….for ever….Bermuda is small, but only as small as you make it. If you continue to run in circles the smaller they will get. Throw in a square or a rectangle or a map of Bermuda sometimes and you remember why you love home.

Tango Time in Buenos Aires

Taking a time-out on the streets of Buenos Aires

“Keep your eyes down or you’ll get asked to dance.”

My eyes stayed plastered to the floor and sometimes, just to mix it up, on the table. I was NOT going to Tango and no one was going to catch my eye.

That’s the danger in the local dance halls in Buenos Aires. Like the one my friends Maria and Jennie dragged me to in the capital of Argentina. A sparse dance hall, there were a multitude of tables and chairs that emptied to fill the rectangular dance floor when the band resumed.

It was a freakish and yet amazing site to see hundreds suddenly move en masse. But Tango is not the only draw to Argentina. Nor is South America the only continent you can visit from here.

Nope! What about the frozen continent? What about Antarctica? What about taking it with Tauck World Discovery and do it in luxury?

Route for Antarctica

The best part? From select American cities the airfare to Buenos Aires is only $890 per person and, AND… if you are a repeat customer you get two nights free in a hotel at the beginning or end of the trip. If you are a new customer you get one free night!

And what does the trip include? Good question. Two days in Buenos Aires before flying to the southern tip of Argentina.  A visit to the Terra del Fuego National park? Some Penguins? Some Glaciers? Sign me up.

Or perhaps you want to wander where the Incas did? Well prior to the Spanish decided to enter South America. Tauck also has a 13-day tour for you too. It’s $4,655 per person and includes Peru and Bolivia. But who can forget Machu Picchu? Well Tauck can’t and you won’t.

Peru and Bolivia

Finish you Inca trail with La Paz, which was founded in 1548 by Spaniards. The highest capital city in the world above sea level, La Paz is also home to the highest golf course on Earth; in the thin air, a good tee shot will travel an amazing distance! Venture just outside the city to explore the lunar-like badlands dubbed the Valle De La Luna (Valley of the Moon), a stone landscape of deep gullies and bizarre rock formations, before heading to La Paz’s city center to soak up some local color in the bustling Indian Market.

OR maybe you’re look for something to do with the family? Something for the kids for Christmas? What about visiting the Christmas markets in Europe?

For 8 days and $1,990 per person Tauck’s new Christmas Market river cruise along the Danube from Vienna to Nürnberg aboard ms Swiss Jewel offers a new approach to discovering the magic of the Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria… a 700-year holiday tradition!

And remember Tauck’s Tours can all be booked through CTravel and are subject to the extra night or two hotel stays for free! Contact CTravel for more details.

15 Minutes to visit the Pyramids?!

15 minutes for this?! I don't think so.

“Ok we’re here at the Giza Pyramids. You have 15 minutes and then we have to get back on the bus.”

You’ve got to be kidding me. Luckily they were. They were not kidding their tour group. The beige-clad group scattered like bugs to take as many photos as possible in 900 minutes at some of the most stunning man-made structures in the world.

I guess they can go home and admire the photos for as long as they want. But I was quite happy that was not me. I was not quite as happy that I had to struggle to find a taxi to take me back to Cairo and my hostel when I finished with these enormous sand sculptures.

That is the joy of independent travel and that is the pain – all the time you want, but you have to contend with taxi touts in Egypt.

Hmmm…what if you could have both? Not possible? Well I am told by Carl Paiva, the CEO of CTravel in this edition of their interview series, that actually it is!

How? Good question and I sat down with him this week to talk about his favourite tour agency that combines the comfort of everything done for you with the flexibility of independent travel.

Who is this agency? Tauck World Discovery. Why would anyone use Tauck, Carl?

Tauck Tours combine independence with comfort

“Tour companies (in general) are not driving people around, now, from point to point. It’s a much slower process and much more personal. You are not being herded.

“What differentiates Tauck is it’s a high-end product. It’s similar to comparing hotels such as the standard Marriott with its Ritz Carlton. Tauck is the Ritz.

“They offer incredible personal service and ala carte dining at the restaurants they choose. And they travel throughout the world. They used to be just the United States and then Europe and now they are in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America.

“It’s the number one premium tour supplier in Bermuda. Once someone takes a Tauck tour they tend to continue to take them.”

A Tauck Tour in Peru and the Galapagos Islands

What if I want to do something that is not on the itinerary? Or something that is independent?

“When I personally took a Tauck tour I had reservations. I thought it was going to be a 15 cities in 20 days kind of tour.  It wasn’t.

“It was a lot of information provided by the local guides and there were very comfortable accommodations and the buses were great. And they give enough time in each location to do what you want to do.

“And they use their own guides who are native guides. They will even sit down with you at dinner if you wish.

“They will tell you breakfast is from 7.30 a.m. until 10 a.m. and will let you know when they are going to move to the next destination. So say you’re in Prague for three nights you can do what they have planned or if you want to go on your own you can do that too. Tauck will even arrange a tour guide for you.”

And will you always be on the beaten tourist path?

“Because Tauck is so popular they have entrances to museums and Cathedrals that are private. They do not que.

“It’s a huge perk because for example at St. Marks’ Cathedral in Venice you will not wait in line. You will go in the side door with Tauck and that has to do with their relationship with the country and city.

“They will take you to the Cathedral and they will take you to little known cafes and restaurants. And depending on the venue they will take you to little known sites.

“You are treated like you are a relative.”

Ahhh…..relatives. A lot of people need or want to travel with their families. Can Tauck accommodate them?

“What I also like about Tauck is they have branched out now to include families. They have Tauck Bridges and they focus on the family and have trips to Costa Rica, the Galapagos, and Tanzania.

“It’s not just a sight-seeing tour it’s also learning. It’s a great way for families to travel together.”

What else should people know about Tauck World Discovery?

“But the important think about Tauck is to book early. We find what happens with us they come in now and request a holiday in November and it’s sold out.

“The way they greet people and make them feel like family makes all the difference. I would take them most definitely and if someone in the business tells you that then that says something.”

And finally….if you are interested and believe me they have some beautiful trips all over the world check with a CTravel agent or visit here tomorrow for CTravel Thursdays where some of the Tauck World Discovery Tours will be advertised.

Charging for Children to travel?

Clinging to mom or dad for a lift in Lopburi, Thailand

Ok maybe not directly, but airlines are charging for everything these days. You want some food? That will be $20. Oh now you want some water? Hand over your wallet.

What if you want to bring  a bag onboard? Yep some airlines are now even charging for that. Oh you’re cold? Forget about blankets. You’re tired? A pillow? Well your wallet’s gone so…..

What are you going to do if you have children? Yeah maybe I could suffer the air-conditioning and eat before I board the plane. I might not have children yet, but I know they can’t do the same. So…

What are parents to do? Well Sheilagh Robertson from The Harbourmaster store in the Washington Mall, Hamilton, Bermuda is here to help.

Bring a Zoobie which are pillows, blankets and toys all-in-one, for your kids to rest easy while away. $64 at The Harbourmaster

Mrs. Roberton’s Travel Tip of the week? Plan ahead to make travel as stress free for you and your children.

She said: “Airlines now charge for pillows and blankets so you may want to bring your own. Zoobies makes the ideal solution- a stuffed plush toy that comes with a travel blanket folded up inside. Available in a variety of animals these cuddly animals serve as toy, pillow and blanket all rolled into one.”

Because: “Traveling with children can be stressful at the best of times so it is important to try to keep young children as close as possible to their normal schedules for meals and sleep.

Helping kids sleep: Lion or Panda neck pillows $21 at The Harbourmaster

To help kids the keep on their regular meals?  Mrs. Robertson said: “Pack some healthy snacks such granola bars, raisins, or Cheerios and buy water once you get through airline security.

“Most airlines no longer serve any meals on flights under 4 hours and food for purchase on board is limited.”

Where are you going to pack these snacks mom and dad? How about a hands-free purse or a backpack?

Making mom's life easier with a hands-free purse: $139 to $145 at The Harbourmaster

Mrs. Robertson added: “Moms you may want to travel with a long shoulder bag that can be worn across your body to have your hands free to hang on to your little ones.”

Remember these child-happy travel accessories are found at The Harbourmaster on the first floor of the Washington Mall near the Washington Lane entrance! Or call them at: 295-5333

Let me show you to your hostel room

Ho Chi Minh's portrait in the Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Post Office

“This is not working. It’s still hot in here.”

“Air-conditioning in Vietnam is not like in your country. We are all cool in here, it’s you. We will fix it tomorrow.”

Ten minutes before our exchange and exasperated with me, the receptionist, her friend and a teenage-apparently fix-it-all boy, had followed me upstairs. I had just arrived in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam and was melting. Between the humidity (and yes I still call myself a Bermudian) and the pollution in Ho Chi Minh City I was melting. So I splurged on a single room with air. I hoped it would also help with the wheat-induced sickness I also seemed to be suffering from (I’m allergic).

The three hotel workers each took turns feeling the vent and stood to the side starring at me. I wasn’t going to back down. Damn it I paid $12 for this!

They were not going to listen to me. My receptionist happily explained that: “Air-conditioning in Vietnam is not like in your country. We are all cool in here, it’s you. We will fix it tomorrow.”

I surrendered. With logic like that I settled into my single hostel room complete with a fridge, Cable TV, ensuite bathroom, a fan and broken air-conditioner.

You know what? The next day and eight hours of touring the Cu Chi Tunnels (secret hide-outs of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam war) I returned to an ice-cold room.

What’s your point Robyn? My point is, for $12 that’s pretty good service. Had I been feeling better they would have moved me to another room. Had the air-conditioning worked the first night, for $12 I did pretty well by Western standards for rooms and living conditions.

At the hostel there was: a front desk where I could book my tours, breakfast was included, there was security (i.e. locked front doors after a certain hour) and internet in the lobby….for free.

Last year as I traveled around the world I was hard-pressed to find a hostel without free Wifi. Oh wait I did in Patagonia. But even then the owner had a neighbour who I could go to for free Wifi.

As I traveled the world staying in budget accommodations I found Wifi at my fingertips. Ironically when I went to New York in January and stayed in a hotel that cost me about $100 a night I did not have Wifi. I did not have a fridge. Ok the air-conditioning worked and almost made me an icicle, but I didn’t have breakfast or the lovely receptionist arguing illogical, logic with me. That’s a great perk!

Internet access in Dahab, Egypt!

Perhaps that because Wifi and free Wifi seems to have infiltrated the budget accommodations and become a standard accessory. In the high-end hotels it still struggles. According to hotelchatter.com the worst hotel chain for Wifi? The W hotels. Do you know how much it costs to stay with them? For a weekend in August the cheapest room is $250 in New York. Oh wait you want Wifi? That will be $15 more. Which may not be necessary when you’re on vacation, but it is when you need to work and need to stay connected.

The New York Loft Hostel, on the other hand, starts at $35 a night, includes breakfast and Wifi; is located ten minutes from Union Square and has single rooms. For the same weekend at the Loft Hostel it will cost $250 and not $250 a night.

But, you ask, how do I know it’s a good hostel? Good question. Yes, we have become aware over the years of sites like Trip Advisor and Expedia.com which offer reviews of hotels. Creeping-up alongside these, however have also been sites working in the same capacity for hostels. Sites such as hostelbookers.com, hostelworld.com and hostels.com offer reviews by travelers who stayed in the properties. Making these reviews carry even more weight is the fact that these hostels do not advertise or at least very little. They rely on their reviews on this site and one bad one can really affect them.

And backpackers are ruthless. The difference between a $2 room and a $12 room better be good because that $10 could have meant another week of travel if it had not been wasted. If it was wasted the site will reflect the missing $10.

Not only do these sites provide reviews, they also provide:

1. photos of the hostel,

1. descriptions of the amenities
2. listing of the type of rooms the hostels offer: singles, doubles, dorms, private rooms for four – all with or without ensuite bathroom and
3. reservation services. Yep! Hostels are online and it is possible to use your credit card to reserve a room. Why are you still going to a hotel?

But hotel’s are more comfortable and quiet, you say. I would disagree with you. Like hotels, hostels vary. There are party hostels (and you know who you are) and there are quiet ones. Sometimes it will be a hit and sometimes it will be a miss. That is why the reviews and descriptions on the websites are so important.

Santiago, Chile

And comfort? In Santiago, Chile, for example, I found the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. I wasn’t alone (well in bed I was). Others in the hostel also made the same observation.

And finally, hostels are everywhere and they cater to all ages and all sizes of the group. I have seen families with infants and I have seen retired-aged travelers all hanging in hostels. The hostels are friendly and social places where friendships are made and you can be as solo as you like or as sociable as you like.

But I would still suggest bringing flip flops if you choose the shared showers. You never do know! But should you be worried about your health? Absolutely, which is why next week’s Rock Fever column will be Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball, senior medical officer for the Department of Health talks to us about immunizations.