Nicaragua part 2 - Little Corn Island

We arrived at the La Costena Airlines check in area (a small, smelly, and very crowded room in a building separate from the main part of the airport) and spent the next 45 minutes hoping the long line was not going to make us miss our flight. This fear was unfounded, though, as the flight did not actually take off until 7:30 (in talking to a pilot, this "delay" seems to be pretty typical for this airline/route, as he laughed when we told him the original departure time we'd been given). Note: you do need to pay a small fee (I believe it was $2-$3USD/$40-$60 Nicaraguan Cordobas per person) before going through security, so it's good to have some small bills on hand. Once you get through security, there's a small waiting area with 2 stands selling drinks and food (prepackaged snacks and some "fresh"--I use this word loosely--pastries/rolls).

We finally boarded the plane for the hour or so flight (including a short stop in Bluefields on the Caribbean coast) to Big Corn Island.

Return to Paradise Part 1: Moorea

Since it had been several years since our last visit to the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora my colleague Janelle and I decided to take a trip to the islands to visit some of the resorts which we'd not yet seen/stayed at or which had undergone renovations since our last visit to these islands.

Thanksgiving in Paradise Part 1: Getting there/Royal Davui Island Resort

As my husband Bob and I did not take our traditional Labor Day trip this year, we decided that Thanksgiving would be the perfect time to take a vacation away from the cold Atlanta weather. After looking at quite a few options, we settled on Fiji, an area we'd been wanting to visit for years! We love the South Pacific, and I was eager to see how Fiji compared and contrasted with other countries in that region.

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, Riviera Maya, Mexico

To celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary, my husband and I spent 4 nights in April at the new Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita resort near Puerto Morelos (Riviera Maya), Mexico. http://www.zoetry-la-bonita.com








The property itself has been open for several years, but was taken over and rebranded as Zoetry last fall. Though we are generally not big all-inclusive resort fans, we had a wonderful time here. As most of our trips seem to involve long and/or multiple flights and a lot of moving around/activity, it was a new and fabulous experience to get on a plane in Atlanta, fly for under 3 hours, take a 20 minute car ride, and then spend 4 days doing absolutely nothing but relaxing! We were even upgraded (thank you, hard-earned Delta medallion status!) on both flights, which is very rare coming from Atlanta and really started the trip off right.

Back from Tahiti Tiare Agent Conference in French Polynesia!

I recently returned from the 2009 Tahiti Tiare Agent Conference, presented by Tahiti Tourisme North America for travel agents and tour operators who specialize in travel to the islands of French Polynesia. What a fantastic experience--I feel very lucky to have been able to go on such an amazing business trip! While I would have loved to have been able to spend a longer period of time on each island, I do feel like I really got to experience a lot of what each destination had to offer, even in just a couple of days. And there's always next year...

What to pack in your carry-on

Note: I would like to qualify this list with the disclaimer that I don't take all of these items on every flight. However, that would be mostly untrue. Any flight over about 4 hours, and my bag is stuffed like Santa's--I joke that one reason I got married is so that I wouldn't have to carry my own luggage anymore. If you are ever in an airport and see a man loaded down like a pack mule, it's quite likely my gallant husband.

*Cashmere travel blanket: Really, any travel blanket will work, though I love the way cashmere is soft and warm, but still lightweight and easy to pack. I got my travel blanket (really an oversize shawl/wrap years ago at Banana Republic, but am planning to "trade up" to one of these at some point: http://www.thepashminastore.com/Cashmere-Blankets-and-Throws-s/22.htm

This is a good lower-priced alternative (not cashmere, but supposed to be very soft and warm!): http://tinyurl.com/32eex3

*Neck pillow: There are multiple options for these in terms of fill and shape, and everyone has a different opinion on which work best. I've tried several kinds, and like this one best so far: http://tinyurl.com/297cqj
It's soft, smushy without ever getting too flat, and the drawstring pouch it comes with can be attached to the handles of your carryon, thus negating the need to make room for it in your bag.

*Ipod: great for enjoying music or just blocking out a talkative seatmate

*Socks: I like kneelength pairs that are a bit snug--keep your feet warm and also keep swelling down by applying pressure. They can also help prevent clots that lead to DVT, which can be deadly (for more info, go to http://www.dvt.net/) And of course, remember to get up and walk around and do some leg excercises every few hours as well.

*Slippers: Great for walking to the bathroom so you're not in there in your socks, or just for walking up and down the aisle to stretch your legs. I find that the free pairs offered in nicer hotels are perfect for this. Besides being comfortable and easy to pack since they're so thin, the rubber soles prevent icky seep through from wet airplane bathroom floors or that Mile High Mojito the guy in the seat next to you just knocked off his tray table.

*Armrest compatible headphones for the movie: Ssome airlines charge for these usually $2-$5 on domestic flights, though they tend to be free on international flights. Either way, hang onto your pairs to use on future flights.

*Books, magazines, crossword or Sudoku puzzle books: To keep your mind occupied! I also carry on my travel journal--great for writing down thoughts, impressions, expectations, etc. of the flight itself and the trip ahead of (or behind) me. My journal has a pocket where I stick our passports, boarding passes, etc., which makes it much easier to grab them when it's time to fill out customs declaration forms and entry documents (which require flight and passport # info).

*Portable DVD player and DVDs (CDs if you don't have an Ipod): Let's be honest here--9 times out of 10 you are not going to want to watch the movie they're showing on the plane. And if you have to go to the bathroom during the movie, you might miss the one good part. Take your own favorite DVDs and solve both problems. Not worth taking this on short flights but great for the longer journeys. These can also come in handy while on your trip. While I am an opponent of TV on vacation in general (though I do adore European commercials for their humor and frequent gratuitous nudity), when the power goes out right after dark (7:30 pm, in one case) during a tropical storm, it's nice to be able to finally catch up on the past season of Entourage.

*Eyemask: Mine is pink and black silk and has the words "Sleeping Beauty" embroidered on it (a gift from my mother-I'm not narcissitic enough to buy that for myself! Though apparently am narcissistic enough to wear it. haha). It always gets chuckles (ok, maybe those are snickers) from other passengers and FAs, but I love the softness of the silk against my face, and the black lining blocks out most light. There are of course thousands of other options, for those who lean towards the more minimalistic or are male. Be sure to buy a mask that fits snugly enough to stay in place without being too tight (must avoid airplane-seat-head!)

*Foam earplugs: nice to have when the guy next to your is snoring or that old lady across the aisle is howling with delight at the in-flight premiere of Cocoon.

*Moisturizer: The cabin air is very dry, so your skin will get quite dehydrated on longer flights. Smooth a bit of moisturizer on your face and hands every few hours, and you'll feel much more comfortable. Also very soothing to put a bit on your feet and ankles--but please perform this task in the restroom, so as not to gross out other passengers.

*Eyedrops/contact solution and case + extra contacts: Again, dry air = dry eyes. And I personally find it's easier to sleep (and gentler on my eyes in general) if I take out my contacts on a longer flight. I also pack an extra pair in my purse/carryon, since I've had a contact or 2 rip from the dry air.

*Purell Hand Sanitizer: because airports and planes are full of germs. Plus, it's a lot easier than trying to get into the bathroom to wash your hands at busy pre-meal times. And once you arrive at your destination, this stuff is great to use to wipe down the remote control, phone earpiece etc.

*Pen for crosswords, Sudoku, journal writing, and/or filling out customs declaration forms: The flight attendants may have one, but they will likely tell you they don't. If they do admit to there being a writing implement somewhere on the plane, you can bet that someone else is already using it...for the duration of the flight.

*Camera: You don't want to check cameras, as they can easily be broken or destroyed. Always carry these on with you. It's also nice to have it handy to take photos as you come in for a landing when traveling someplace scenic.

*Ziploc baggie: For cosmetics, toiletries, and any other gels or liquids. The bag can be up to quart size, and each container inside must be no more than 3 ounces. Here are the official guideline: http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/9-25_updated_passenger_guidance.shtm

*Jewelry: don't pack any valuables in checked baggage--they should all go in your carry on.

*Warm sweater/cardigan:just another layer to keep you warm, as it tends to get pretty cold on flights, especially near the exit rows.

*Change of clothing: Especially a bathing suit/cover-up if going to the beach! You'll be glad you packed this when your luggage is lost or delayed. Also good to pack a regular outfit if you are planning to or think you might get bumped from the flight. Most likely you won't be able to get your baggage back off the plane, and it's nice to be able to change clothes if you end up not getting on another flight til the next day!

*A few snacks:peanuts, granola bars, whatever. In case you get hungry between meals or don't want the plane food (assuming there is any, which there's generally not on domestic flights). We also buy a bottle or 2 of water right before we get on the plane. That way, we don't have to track down the FA everytime we want some water (plus I've noticed that many airlines no longer give out bottles of water--only cups).



***A useful website for all kinds of travel products: http://www.travelproducts.com

FlightMemory.com

I recently came across this site, which allows you to keep track of every flight you've taken since the beginning of time (literally--I was amused to note that the date option box scrolled back to at least the 30th century B.C.!). If you want to keep it simple, you can just put in the airport codes for each flight. For more detail, it also offers options to input your travel dates, flight times, flight number, airline, seat number and type (aisle, middle, window), class of service, and reason for the flight (personal, business, or virtual/simulator). If you are really ambitious, there are even sections to fill in for type of airplane, airplane name and registration number, and comments. Registration and basic use (includes all the features I mention here plus a few more) is free, and all it takes to get started is a user name and password. My only real complaint is that there's no way to put in round trip flights together--instead you have to go through the process for each leg.

Once you have filled in your flight data, clicking on the "statistics" tab will give you tons of info about your flights, organized into various sections such as flight distances, amount of time spent flying, number of flights (broken down into domestic, transcontinental, etc.), longest and shortest flights, top ten airports and routes, and so forth. You can view this data all together, or break it down by year. My favorite feature is the map that shows each route you've taken.

I just stuck with the airport codes and dates, but must admit, I still spent way more time than I probably should have filling in data for all my flights since February 2004. What can I say, I'm a total nerd when it comes to statistics, especially those that in any way relate to my travels!

A few of my stats (Feb. 04-Feb '08)
Flights taken: 84
Miles flown: 115, 417 (equivalent to circumnavigating the globe 4.63 times!)
Longest flight: Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Athens, Greece (ATH) 5,694 miles / 10hr 41min
Shortest flight: Tahiti, FP (PPT) to Moorea, FP (MOZ) 15 miles / 32 min
Total airports: 31
Total routes: 62
Total countries: 11

Ok, so I know these are not the most impressive numbers in the world, but I'm working hard on getting them up as quickly as possible!

My full FM profile: http://my.flightmemory.com/travelprincessatl

http://www.flightmemory.com

My favorites list...

People always ask what our favorite place has been...and it's a difficult question to answer! We have been lucky enough to have visited many wonderful places, each with unique benefits. But here are a few places that have really stood out...

*Favorite destination for gorgeous scenery: Tikehau, French Polynesia

*Favorite resort: Los Altos de Eros - Tamarindo, Costa Rica

*Favorite hotel room: Frangipani villa at Stonefield Estate - Soufriere, St. Lucia

*Favorite trip overall: Brazil

*Favorite for snorkeling: Tikehau, French Polynesia

*Favorite for a long weekend: Ambergris Caye, Belize

*Favorite domestic destinations/hotels:
Lanai, HI--Four Seasons Manele Bay
Scottsdale, AZ--The Phoenician
Captiva Island, FL--South Seas
San Francisco, CA--Westin St. Francis
Charleston, SC--Francis Marion, Charleston Place

*Favorite airlines:
Domestic--Continental
International: Air Tahiti Nui

*Favorite non-beach destination: Tuscany

Want to join the Mile High Club?

There's a new name in airborne love in Atlanta...

http://milehighatlanta.com/

Wow. Good idea in theory, bad idea in actuality. I am especially both entertained and repulsed by the photo of the bed entitled "View from the cockpit with the curtains open". Personally, I prefer not to have a random stranger 3 inches from me when being intimate with my husband. But that's just me. On the plus side, it looks as though you could easily join not only the mile-high club, but also the much more exclusive "Midair Menage a Trois Club".

Mile High Atlanta...because nothing says romance like sex on Wal-Mart sheets 3 inches from a stranger's head while circling over downtown Snellville.

How to get free plane tickets...

For many travelers (us included, usually!) getting bumped off a flight is an inconvenient and even upsetting prospect. But if you have the flexibility and desire to volunteer to get bumped, the benefits may be worth it.

We were in Phoenix recently, and were scheduled to fly out on a Friday afternoon Delta flight. By the time it was time to leave, though, we were wishing we had another day or two in the sun! Sadly, when we called to change our flights, the change fee we were quoted was way to high to justify to ourselves. Looked like we'd be heading home as planned. Or not...

When we got to the airport, it was packed--spring breakers leaving after a sunny vacation + with business travelers heading home for the week = overbooked flights. Since Bob and I were in no hurry to get home, decided we'd see if we could get bumped. Not only would that give us more time in the sun, but also vouchers to use for free (or at least reduced price) tickets in the future.

After checking in and getting through security we headed for our gate with just over an hour to spare before our flight. (yay for Delta Medallion status--the Medallion security line was < 5 minutes, as opposed to 45+ for the regular security line! A related tip--often in situations like this, no one will check to see if you are actually eligible for the Elite line. Just walk up like you are supposed to be there, and 9 times out of 10 you can breeze on through with no problem. And on the 1 time out of 10 they do find out you are not holding elite status? Play dumb. They are not likely to send you all the way back to the end of the normal line. Or so I've heard... One notable exception is at Atlanta Hartsfield airport, where not only will they generally check your Medallion card as soon as you join the line, but will also only let Gold and Platinum members--no Silver--through.)

At the gate, we asked the gate agent if the flight was overbooked. When she told us it was, we asked what the compensation was were we to volunteer to be bumped. She told us she was not sure if they would need volunteers or not, but if they did, they were offering $400 pp in Delta vouchers. We put our names on the list and waited. Sure enough, a few minutes after the flight started boarding, she called us up to the desk and told us they would need our seats. Worked for us!

The catch? The 2 flights later that day were also overbooked, so she couldn't get us on a flight until the next morning. Not a huge deal, though--it was 85 and sunny in Arizona, so we were happy to spend another night there (even in the decidedly sub-par hotel in which they put us up.) The only real issue was that our bags would be heading to Atlanta on our original flight without us. Luckily, I had packed new clothes I'd bought that week in my carry-on, so I knew I wouldn't have to wear the same clothes home the next day. Bob was not as lucky, but at least he did have an extra shirt he could put on the following morning. We were each given a toiletry kit with essentials (toothpaste and toothbrush, shaving cream and razor, deodorant, and a t-shirt--that was nice, as I didn't relish sleeping naked on 2* hotel sheets!).

Our compensation totaled $800 plus about $50 worth of vouchers for food (unfortunately, these are only valid in the airport) and about $30 worth of in-flight drink coupons (these will definitely come in handy on a future flight!).

The next day, we repeated the process. We were hoping we'd be able to get bumped off flights all day, and really rack up the vouchers! The airport was once again packed, and people were harassing the kind but harried gate agent to put them on the flight. Sadly, we ended up getting on our flight. But the agent did come by with an additional handful of drink coupons to thank us for volunteering, so our effort was not a total waste :)

Overall, we are glad we volunteered. It gave us an extra afternoon in the sun, a chance to shop in one of my favorite places, which just happened to be fairly close to our hotel, and a reasonable amount of money to throw towards future flights. Yes, not having our suitcases was an inconvenience, but not the end of the world. And from now on, we will likely volunteer on any flight on which our schedule allows. Worst case, we end up with some free drinks :)

At the end of the day, it totally depends on you and your situation and time constraints as far as whether getting bumped voluntarily from a flight is worth both the hassles and the compensation. If you are interested in doing so, though, here are a few tips:

*Go up to the desk at your gate as soon as possible--you may not be the only one interested in volunteering, so you want to try to be first on the list.

*Ask what the compensation is before you agree to get bumped. Often it's only $200 per ticket, which may not be worth the hassle, especially if you have to spend the night. Also ask when the next flight that they can get you on leaves. Make sure that flight fits within your time frame. Note: If the next flight to your destination gets you there less than an hour after your original flight would have, they do not owe you anything.

*It can't hurt to try and bargain a bit, on both the compensation and (if applicable) the hotel they will put you up in. The compensation may be non-negotiable, but if they are desperate for your seats, you are in a good position to try and raise the stakes. As far as hotels, the ones airlines put bumped fliers in are usually all pretty crappy, but if there is a choice--try and ascertain which may suit your needs best. One may be a slightly better choice than the other(s) due to factors like location, free shuttle service to nearby restaurants, shopping, and attractions, etc.

*If you are given tickets/vouchers (as opposed to cash), make sure they can be used anytime. Sometimes the vouchers given will have blackout dates and restrictions akin to those on frequent flier tickets.

Web resources:
http://www.bumptracker.com/