new passport regulations

Photo by Sue Frause


It seems that every other week we hear about new US Passport regulations.

Here's the latest update from an article in the Nov. 22, 2006 Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

vote for the new seven wonders of the world

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of 21 finalists. Photo by Sue Frause.

A multimedia campaign to select the New 7 Wonders of the World is in its final stages.

Millions of peole have already voted for their favorite wonder in one of the largest global voting campaigns ever conducted. The results will be revealed on July 7, 2007 (07.07.07) when the top seven monuments are named.

On Jan. 1, 2006, the New7Wonders Panel of Experts short-listed the nominations from 77 to 21. These are the focus of the final year of voting.

To vote, simply go to the 7 Wonders website and be a part of history.

Half of all net revenues raised by the New7Wonders campaign will to toward worldwide restoration efforts.

travel trends include spa vacations

The village of Maienfeld is just minutes away from Bad Ragaz, Switzerland's oldest spa. Photo by Sue Frause.

The Travel Industry Association (TIA) and Synovate recently released a survey conducted in May 2006 that is a representative sample of 1,500 adults. Here is a brief snapshot of the results.

SPA VACATIONS: More than half (54%) of travelers said they were currently interested in going to a spa or a place where they can relax and rejuvenate themselves. The majority (40%) are 35-54 years old; however, interest is strong among 18-34 year-olds (37%).

VOLUNTEER VACATIONS: One-quarter (24%) of travelers said they were currently interested in taking a volunteer or service-based vacation. Interest was strongest among boomers, with the largest share (47%) falling into the 35-54 year old age range.

CHILDREN -FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS: More than 35% of travelers said they were currently interested in traveling to places that cater to children.

SPIRITUAL VACATIONS: One-quarter (25%) of travelers said they were currently interested in taking a spiritual vacation such as a religious retreat or pilgrimage. The appeal spans the ages, with one-third of each age group (18-34, 35-54 and 55+) expressing interest in such a vacation.

ENRICHMENT TRAVEL: More than half (56%) of travelers said they were currently interested in taking an educational trip where they and/or their family can learn something.

holiday travel rules (think 3-1-1)

Somewhere high above the Atlantic. Photo by Sue Frause.

'Tis the season for holiday travel.

And even though it's now OK to carry on liquids, gels and aerosols, there are some very specific packing requirements put forth by the Transportation Security Administration.

The 3-1-1 Rule simply means 3 ounces, 1 quart and 1 bag for carry-on liquids. In other words:

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are partially full or even rolled-up toothpaste tubes are not allowed.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be packed in a single, one-quart, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

Larger bags or those that are not zip-top aren't allowed. Travelers may carry on only one plastic bag of liquids and/or gels and it must be inspected separately. Travelers should remove their quart-sized plastic bag from their carry-on luggage and place it on the conveyer belt for screening.

There are exceptions for such essentials as baby formula and prescriptions. Larger amounts of liquids may be carried in your checked luggage.

More details may be found at the Port Of Seattle's web site, which also has other travel tips for the upcoming holidays.

vancouver's big park (it's not stanley)

Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC has long been touted as the city's finest.

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also created New York's Central Park and Seattle's Volunteer Park, it attracts more than 8 million visitors a year.

But coming in a close second is Pacific Spirit Regional Park in the West Point Grey area west of downtown Vancouver ...



To read the rest of my story in The (Everett) Herald, click HERE.

vancouver sparkles during the holidays

Vancouver lights up for the holidays. Tourism Vancouver photo.



Vancouver, BC -- As much as I would love to go to New York City for Christmas again this year, it ain't gonna happen. Even though my son lives there, traditionally we spend the holidays at home on Whidbey Island.

Not a bad place to hang out, either.

In mid-December I'll be heading back up to Vancouver, BC via Amtrak and taking in the sights, sounds and scents of the holidays. Here are some ideas for your next visit.

HOTEL HOLIDAY PACKAGES

The Wedgewood Hotel has completed its room renovations and are offering a Shopping Rate Package that includes accommodation and complimentary valet parking from $168 CAN (approximately $147 USD). Their newest package is the Girls Getaway Package that includes two nights accommodation, welcome gifts, continental buffet breakfast, luxurious spa treatments in the hotel's spa, and either lunch or Royal Afternoon Tea in Bacchus Restaurant.From $439 CAN ($418 US) per person. The hotel is just around the corner from Robson and across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery. It's also just a block away from the perfect single-tall-skinny latte in Vancouver (they have five locations): Caffe Artigiano. Nearby on Burrard Street is the Famous Players Paramount Vancouver showing first-run films on eight screens.

The Listel Hotel on Robson is offering the Roots of Robson shoppping package. The package includes overnight in a Gallery or Museum Floor room featuring international and First Nations art; a $100 CAD gift certificate at ROOTS (the official outfitter of the US Olympic Team); and valet parking in their gated parkade. Rates begin at $219 CAN (approximately $191 US). Mellow out in the evening at O'Douls, which serves up jazz seven nights a week along with fine food and an extensive wine list.

The hip and happenin' Opus Hotel in Yaletown is offering a stay between now and Dec. 28 for $189 CAD per night (approximately $165 US). The rate includes a guestroom upgrade and complimentary valet parking. Have breaky at the hotel's Elixir, lunch at nearby Thai Urban Bistro, dinner at Blue Water Cafe or Glowbal and jazz at Capones. After a morning of shopping, go to Spruce Body Lab and indulge in one of its packages like the rock et science (Spruce Express Facial and a 60-minute Integrative Swedish Massage LaStone therapy treatment).

The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver is focusing on family fun and shopping. The Family Getaway package starts at $285 CDN (approximately $248 US) for two rooms, and includes kids' tee-shirts to take home, child-sized bathrobes to use at the hotel (great for after spending time in the hotel's indoor/outdoor pool) and enjoying the nearby "fun stuff" for kids of all ages (see holiday activities below).

The hotel's new Shopping for All Seasons package includes accommodation plus a $100 Holt Renfrew gift card. The upscale Canadian department store is known for its quality fashions, accessories and cosmetics. And there's even a private entrance to the store from the hotel lobby so you can shop like a celebrity (the last time I stayed there I spotted actor Tom Sizemore in the hotel's sleek off-lobby Terrace Bar -- he was sporting a strange Elvis 'do). Rates begin at $205 CDN (approximately $179 US).

NEW YEAR'S EVE PACKAGES

The Pacific Palisades Hotel on Robson is offering a Total Indulgence package including one night's stay, two tickets for the Total Indulgence dinner and party in Zin Restaurant, two chocolate whipped cream body massages (!) and a late check-out (giving you time to get all that whipped cream off...). Packages start at $670 CAD (approximately $590 US).

The Metropolitan Hotel has an Ultimate New Year's Eve package that includes one night's stay plus a Culinary Countdown dinner for two in Diva at the Met. Packages start at $399 CAD (approximately $352 USD).

The Wedgewood Hotel kicks off the New Year with an elegant guestroom or suite, Moet Champagne upon arrival and a four-course New Year's Eve dinner for two in Bacchus Restaurant with live entertainment. Packages start at $635 CAD (approximately $559 USD).

KID FRIENDLY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Dec. 1 - 24
Yuletide Traditions at Granville Island

Dec. 1-Jan. 2
Bright Nights in Stanley Park

Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24
Here Comes Scuba Claus - Vancouver Aquarium

Dec. 8-10, 15-24
Karaoke Christmas Lights Trolley Tour

Dec. 14 - 23
Christmas at Canada Place

Dec. 22
Winter Solstice Lantern Procession


Copyright 2006 Sue Frause. All Rights Reserved.

nine travel ideas for fall & winter

1. Argentina sizzles

The Hilton Buenos Aires is offering a Totally Tango experience in Argentina. The package starts at $245/night and includes deluxe accommodations; daily breakfast for two; one tango lesson for two at the International Academy of Dance & Arts; two tickets to a dinner-show at Esquina Carlos Gardel, including transportation; two tickets to the World Tango Museum; access to the hotel's gym, sauna and pool.

For an additional $600 a night, or $845, guests can enjoy the newly-renovated corner suites that include two rooms, two plasma TVs, home theater, DVD player, large dressing area, separate work area and panoramic views of the city.

If you're more comfortable hanging out with canines, the Hilton Sao Paulo Morumbi is catering to canine-conflicted couples with the No More Doggy Drama getaway package.

According to a recent Life/AOL poll, at least 30% of pet owners spend more time with their pet than with their spouse/partner!

The pooch package starts at $575 per night and includes deluxe accommodations; daily breakfast for two; daily doggy day care from 8 AM to 7 PM; three dog walks per day; and two spa treatments per person per day, including a 30-minute facial and a one-hour massage.

Note: Dogs don't have to be quarantined before arriving in Brazil, as long as the country's documentation requirements are met. Dog can weigh no more than 22 pounds.


2. Good shopping in B.C.

Accent Inns' Shopaholics Package in Burnaby, British Columbia is a bargain hunters deal: a room rate of $89 CDN (about $80 US) per night; free parking; complimentary newspaper and local calls; a fitness center and hot tub; and shopping discount cards.

Walk to such factory outlets as Roots, Stormtech/Champion, Winners and HomeSense. Costco and Ikea are less than 15 minutes away by car. Or take the new Skytrain from Gilmore Station, just steps from the hotel, for a quick trip to downtown Vancouver.

For reservations, call 800.663.0298 or visit www.accentinns.com.


3. Carlton Hotel reopens



Following a multi-million dollar renovation and refurbishment, the 316-room Carlton Hotel on Madison Avenue reopened its doors in October with a swank new look that marries Old World elegance with modern New York.

Mahogany furnishings, earth tone fabrics and wall treatments and plush new bedding with duvets and soft pillows are featured. Spacious and elegant bathrooms offering Penhaligon's bath products round out the luxury. Apple iHome alarm clocks allow guests to dock their personal iPod's and listen to their own music.

The Beaux Arts structure is located in Midtown South Manhattan between Gramercy Park and Murray Hill neighborhoods. Recently it was included as only one of 50 hotels in the Michelin Red Guide 2007 New York City: Restaurants & Hotels. Country Restaurant, owned and operated by Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, was awarded one star in the guide.


4. Hotel deLuxe welcomes shoppers

Here's another Shop-o-holics package! This one is offered by the "new" Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon (it's the former Mallory Hotel).

The shopping package includes overnight accommodations; two bottles of water and two $5 Starbucks gift cards; two Sobe No Fear Energy Drinks; a $50 Pioneer Place Mall gift card; and a bottle of white wine and peppermint foot lotion when you're finished shopping! Rates begin at $215 a night.

For a listing of events in Portland this fall and winter and information about the Portland Big Deal, click here.

5. Camping in the off-season



Just because the warm, sunny days are over doesn't mean you can't go camping. Or modified camping. This is the quiet time of the year in the Washington State Parks and rates are as low as $40 per night (sleeping 6) in heated yurts, cabins and other rustic shelters. Or stay in an all-comfort vacation home, starting at $65 per night.

For RV users, there are as many as 6,500 RV sites in 75 parks throughout Washington, and most of them are open year-round. New facilities include cabins at Camano Island and Kitsap Memorial state parks, a fire lookout at Mount Spokane State Park and yurts at Seaquest State Park. Make your reservations by clicking here.


6. Ski free in New Hampshire

The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire is offering a Ski Free Package for only $79 per night from Sundays to Thursdays in January.

The package includes lodging, breakfast, lift tickets for downhill skiing and trail passes for cross-country skiing. The hotel is located on 15,000 private acres in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire's majestic White Mountains. The package rate is per person per night based on double occupancy. Promo code for this package is SKIFREE.

7. No elevator, Otis?



If you're looking for some exercise and also saving a few dollars on a hotel room in San Francisco, head for The Mosser Hotel. The downtown hotel is installing a really FAST elevator, but that means there will be no elevator from Nov. 15, 2006 to Jan. 10, 2007.

No problem! Room rates will plummet at that time from $35 for a single with shared bath to $75 for a single or double with a private bath. Also, they promise to hire extra bellmen to carry everybody's bags (and they'll fill up the lowest floors first).

The Mosser Hotel is a member of Kerry Hotels, with properties in California, Dallas, London, New Orleans, Portland, Seattle, Florida, New York and London.


8. Germany's "Magic Cities"



On the runway in Germany's Magic Cities this fall are unusual shopping environments. Think promenades, passageways, historic buildings and futuristic, glass arcades.

The cities of Germany's nine-member city alliance (Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannnover, Munich and Stuttgart) are brimming with luxurious shopping and trendy fashions in unusual venues.

In 2007 Berlin's luxury department store, KaDeWe, celebrates its 100th anniversary. Renzo Piano's new Peek & Cloppenburg department store or Weststadthaus in Cologne is a civic monument to shopping.

I was in Duesseldorf in May and the shopping is big and bold. Stroll along the Konigsallee or "Koe" as the locals call it --- here are the big names in the fashion world. Along the east side of the street (separated by a canal, pictured above) you'll find elegant stores, galleries and cafes; on the west side of the boulevard are most of the country's big banks.

Hamburg is another German city I visited, and its glass covered shopping arcades and promenades give the feeling that you're outdoors, even though you're inside. The Levantehaus, with its Steiff Teddy Bear Gallery, is a fun place to shop.

9. Fall fling for chicks in Victoria

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, a Euro-style boutique hotel in Victoria on Vancouver Island, has a fall package to pamper stressed out women. It's perfect for sharing with your mom, sister or maybe a gaggle of girlfriends.

The Women of Accomplishment package rates begin at $193 CAD (about $172 US) per person for one night and include a You Deserve It facial at Spa Magnolia; a book of your choice from the independently owned Munro's Books; Victoria's Rogers' Chocolates and wine.

Note: The former Hugo's Grill at The Magnolia has dramatically changed its look and menu with a new pan Asian restaurant called Sanuk, a Thai word that roughly translates to "joy of life."