We are pleased to introduce our 7th guest blogger of the Lady Travel Talk, a mini-series tailor made for female travelers. This series covers a host of topics related to the travel experiences of each of the ladies contributing to the series.
Today's guest blogger is Wendy Edsall-Kerwin is a jewelry artist and metalsmith living and working out of her home in Elizabethtown, PA. She received a BFA from Tyler School of Art in 1998.Currently her work can be found at Radius Gallery in Harrisburg, PA; Veleska Jewelers in Lancaster, PA; and at Luke & Eloy Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA. She attends several craft shows a year, as well as participating in local, regional, and national exhibitions. When she isn't in the studio pounding away at metal, you can usually find her online at her blog or her website.
Today Wendy recommends how to best travel based upon your personality and preferences.
While I haven’t traveled much in the few years since my husband and I bought our first house, I have been a traveler my whole life. I was two years old the first time I flew on a plane and I’ve loved to travel ever since. I’ve even worked as a travel reservationist for three different companies. I’ve stayed at luxury hotels, b & bs, hostels, camped, and even had to stay at places with moldy showers, dirty sheets, and roaches. And you know what? Regardless of the experience at the time, the memories are all good ones.
How do you make sure you’ll have a good experience while traveling? You need to travel on your terms. Are you someone who wants to make friends while traveling and hate the hassle of worrying about where to go, how to get there, and booking hotels? Think about group travel. A lot of companies (including one of my former employers) offer a variety of tours all over the world. Keep in mind that many of these trips are filled with older travelers, but there are group tours through universities and other special interest groups that have a more diverse age group.
Want a longer, more immersed experience? Travel as a student. I did two summers abroad during college, four weeks in Ireland and six weeks in Japan, and this is by far my favorite way to travel. You get more of a feel for a place, the locals get to know you, and you have plenty of time to get out and explore. But I graduated years ago, you might be thinking. Take a workshop or learn a language overseas. I also spent a month in Berlin in a German immersion course at the Goethe Institut. I met other students, participated in all the cultural programs the school offered, and my German improved noticeably.
What if you hate rigidly planned itineraries and want some adventure? Get a guide listing hostels or b & bs, buy a plane ticket, and just go! Make sure that you’re aware in advance if you’re going during high season or not. It’s easier to find spur of the moment accommodations in low or shoulder seasons. Try taking the bus and train instead of renting a car. It’s safer to travel this way with someone else, but as long as you are careful, do some research on the area, and stay aware of your surroundings, you can do this alone also. Some of my best travel experiences stemmed from spur of the moment decisions.
So don’t choose a group tour if you like to explore on your own and make sure to plan your trip in advance if you don’t like to make decisions on the fly. Knowing your personality and traveling accordingly will make your trip more enjoyable and full of pleasant memories.
Have you tried traveling the way Wendy's recommended to us? What have you found to be the best means of travel for your personality type?
23.4.10
Lady Travel Talk: Travel Niceties & Niceness
We are pleased to introduce our 6th guest blogger of the Lady Travel Talk, a mini-series tailor made for female travelers. This series covers a host of topics related to the travel experiences of each of the ladies contributing to the series. Today's guest blogger is Maggie Lang, she is a Marketing Manager for a major airline, a former Marketing Manager for Walgreens, and a worldwide traveler. Maggie self identifies as a "international citizen," having grown up and lived in 10 different countries.
Today Maggie encourages to understand travel niceties and practicing the art of niceness.
I’m an airline employee. I’m married to an airline pilot. The first words out of my kids mouths (no joke) was airplane. I started flying internationally by myself at the tender age 5 and never stopped. Yes, one can say that travel by air is more than just a job; it’s a way of life.
As a woman in business, I travel a great deal for work. New cities and strange places are common place and I find myself energized and fascinated by new experiences. Does that sound like I jump on a plane and embrace the “adventure”? No. Not so much. In addition to being a world traveler I’m also a complete control freak. While some of my colleagues throw themselves into the experience without as much as a hotel reservation prior to arrival, the thought alone makes my planner self break into cold sweat.
Over the years I have compiled a top ten list that has helped make my life as a female solo traveler a breeze and as with most things, it starts with Google:
For even the shortest of business trips, I look up the airport map, ground transportation and the neighborhood of my hotel. Having a sense of where I’m going once I arrive (yes, that even means taking a right or left out of the airport gate) makes me feel more confident, and thus, I don’t have that concerned “where am I going” look as I exit the airplane.
I have finally gotten the science (forget art) of ‘packing light’ down. Wear one black or neutral color pant suit on the plane that you can mix and match different knit tops with; knits take less space, don’t wrinkle easily and are much more versatile than woven tops. My zip lock bag with travel size toiletries is always stocked, and I have an extra set of makeup standing by for any trip.
Heavy books were replaced with the Kindle; my new best friend. Enough said. If you don’t have one yet, go buy one. You will never look back.
There are three things that always go in my purse; my concealer, mascara and cell phone charger. Everything else you can get in any given drugstore in any given country, should the airline (gasp!) happen to lose your luggage or some other luggage mishap happen. Why concealer and mascara? Anyone in need of either on a regular basis know that there are a million bad ones that make you look like a scared raccoon but that ONE good one can only be found in that one certain counter in that rarely found department store. You would have no luck in your everyday Walgreens. As for the cell phone charger; have you ever tried to find a charger for your specific (either archaic or so new nobody carries it) Blackberry model when you really need one?
Check in online. I don’t like lines and get anxiety if I have to stand in a two mile long line to check in. While we’re on the airport topic, it is a little known fact that there is always a less busy TSA security checkpoint in large airports. Find them. They’re usually located on the fringes of the terminals. However, most people go with the flow and thus, all file into the same TSA checkpoint in the middle of the terminal. Counteract this by following tip # 1; do your airport research. It can save you hours.
I realize that a two hour delay might make you miss your meeting with the most important SVP ever. However, yelling at gate agents accomplishes nothing. Absolutely nothing. Except for the possibility that your seat assignment got “lost” and you may now be stuck in the middle seat in the last row.
Be extra nice to flight attendants. No matter how rude they may be (which as we all know, never happens but just in case). There may not be an immediate reward, but take my word for it, this group deserves kindness. And just once in a while, your kindness will pay off with a complimentary glass of wine or an extra snack box.
Unless you have a bulky and large roll-on-board (see tip # 2; avoid the roll on board at all cost and opt for a nice duffel bag which is much more pliable), there is no reason for you to waste your precious 15-20 minutes standing in a line to board. You already have your seat assignment, you have your flexible bag that can go under a seat or in the last ten inches remaining in the overheard compartment. You’re good. Sit back, finish your coffee and enjoy boarding without the line.
Walk into hotels with a confident swagger that smacks of your importance in the world, followed by a mega watt smile as you approach the check in agent. Never ever forget to ASK about an upgrade, even if you are a general peon member. My husband is always mortified when I ask, yet he’s the first to squeal of delight at the palatial bathroom in the suites we usually get upgraded to. Hotels, restaurants, and yes, sometimes even airlines … have excess premium inventory that the agents have at their discretion. You may not always get it, but if you smile, appear deeply grateful for whatever you get and just ask – it’s amazing how something as simple as a smile, a question and appreciation can translate into a luxe experience.
Sorry, I don’t do the adventurous solo dining. When I travel solo I am anti-social. Just like I don’t like chatty seat mates, I don’t see the “adventure” in solo dining. There must be some travel tips for that somewhere else but I wouldn’t know. I’m a busy mom and manager; the whole concept of ROOM SERVICE is heaven!
As a female traveler and airline employee, I have learned good air travel through trial and error. I now know everything from which tiny airports I can connect through in the case of bad weather to which terminal in any of the thousands of airports around the world you can get really good fish tacos (SEA is one!). I have beautiful children, a loving family and a solid career – a rich rewarding life that keeps me very busy. That said, when my travel begins, from my first visit to Google to delighting in the room service menu, none of those roles matter. For a few days, I become the female version of George Clooney in “Up in the Air” (not the girlfriend mind you!) and I feel completely free as I soar 37,000 feet above life as usual.
That is what solo travel is to me; freedom.
Have you made a habit of practicing niceness as Maggie recommends? What trials and errors have you experienced in perfecting good air travel habits?
Today Maggie encourages to understand travel niceties and practicing the art of niceness.
I’m an airline employee. I’m married to an airline pilot. The first words out of my kids mouths (no joke) was airplane. I started flying internationally by myself at the tender age 5 and never stopped. Yes, one can say that travel by air is more than just a job; it’s a way of life.
As a woman in business, I travel a great deal for work. New cities and strange places are common place and I find myself energized and fascinated by new experiences. Does that sound like I jump on a plane and embrace the “adventure”? No. Not so much. In addition to being a world traveler I’m also a complete control freak. While some of my colleagues throw themselves into the experience without as much as a hotel reservation prior to arrival, the thought alone makes my planner self break into cold sweat.
Over the years I have compiled a top ten list that has helped make my life as a female solo traveler a breeze and as with most things, it starts with Google:
For even the shortest of business trips, I look up the airport map, ground transportation and the neighborhood of my hotel. Having a sense of where I’m going once I arrive (yes, that even means taking a right or left out of the airport gate) makes me feel more confident, and thus, I don’t have that concerned “where am I going” look as I exit the airplane.
I have finally gotten the science (forget art) of ‘packing light’ down. Wear one black or neutral color pant suit on the plane that you can mix and match different knit tops with; knits take less space, don’t wrinkle easily and are much more versatile than woven tops. My zip lock bag with travel size toiletries is always stocked, and I have an extra set of makeup standing by for any trip.
Heavy books were replaced with the Kindle; my new best friend. Enough said. If you don’t have one yet, go buy one. You will never look back.
There are three things that always go in my purse; my concealer, mascara and cell phone charger. Everything else you can get in any given drugstore in any given country, should the airline (gasp!) happen to lose your luggage or some other luggage mishap happen. Why concealer and mascara? Anyone in need of either on a regular basis know that there are a million bad ones that make you look like a scared raccoon but that ONE good one can only be found in that one certain counter in that rarely found department store. You would have no luck in your everyday Walgreens. As for the cell phone charger; have you ever tried to find a charger for your specific (either archaic or so new nobody carries it) Blackberry model when you really need one?
Check in online. I don’t like lines and get anxiety if I have to stand in a two mile long line to check in. While we’re on the airport topic, it is a little known fact that there is always a less busy TSA security checkpoint in large airports. Find them. They’re usually located on the fringes of the terminals. However, most people go with the flow and thus, all file into the same TSA checkpoint in the middle of the terminal. Counteract this by following tip # 1; do your airport research. It can save you hours.
I realize that a two hour delay might make you miss your meeting with the most important SVP ever. However, yelling at gate agents accomplishes nothing. Absolutely nothing. Except for the possibility that your seat assignment got “lost” and you may now be stuck in the middle seat in the last row.
Be extra nice to flight attendants. No matter how rude they may be (which as we all know, never happens but just in case). There may not be an immediate reward, but take my word for it, this group deserves kindness. And just once in a while, your kindness will pay off with a complimentary glass of wine or an extra snack box.
Unless you have a bulky and large roll-on-board (see tip # 2; avoid the roll on board at all cost and opt for a nice duffel bag which is much more pliable), there is no reason for you to waste your precious 15-20 minutes standing in a line to board. You already have your seat assignment, you have your flexible bag that can go under a seat or in the last ten inches remaining in the overheard compartment. You’re good. Sit back, finish your coffee and enjoy boarding without the line.
Walk into hotels with a confident swagger that smacks of your importance in the world, followed by a mega watt smile as you approach the check in agent. Never ever forget to ASK about an upgrade, even if you are a general peon member. My husband is always mortified when I ask, yet he’s the first to squeal of delight at the palatial bathroom in the suites we usually get upgraded to. Hotels, restaurants, and yes, sometimes even airlines … have excess premium inventory that the agents have at their discretion. You may not always get it, but if you smile, appear deeply grateful for whatever you get and just ask – it’s amazing how something as simple as a smile, a question and appreciation can translate into a luxe experience.
Sorry, I don’t do the adventurous solo dining. When I travel solo I am anti-social. Just like I don’t like chatty seat mates, I don’t see the “adventure” in solo dining. There must be some travel tips for that somewhere else but I wouldn’t know. I’m a busy mom and manager; the whole concept of ROOM SERVICE is heaven!
As a female traveler and airline employee, I have learned good air travel through trial and error. I now know everything from which tiny airports I can connect through in the case of bad weather to which terminal in any of the thousands of airports around the world you can get really good fish tacos (SEA is one!). I have beautiful children, a loving family and a solid career – a rich rewarding life that keeps me very busy. That said, when my travel begins, from my first visit to Google to delighting in the room service menu, none of those roles matter. For a few days, I become the female version of George Clooney in “Up in the Air” (not the girlfriend mind you!) and I feel completely free as I soar 37,000 feet above life as usual.
That is what solo travel is to me; freedom.
Have you made a habit of practicing niceness as Maggie recommends? What trials and errors have you experienced in perfecting good air travel habits?
15.4.10
Lady Travel Talk: Independent Travels
We are pleased to introduce our 5th guest blogger of the Lady Travel Talk, a mini-series tailor made for female travelers. This series covers a host of topics related to the travel experiences of each of the ladies contributing to the series. Today's guest blogger is Michele Loeper, co-founder of CMYK Growth a local marketing consultancy.
Michele is a seasoned marketer with more than 15 years experience in the areas of branding and advertising. She has worked on both the agency and the client sides of the business, having worked for such brands as Pfizer, Armstrong Flooring, Capital Blue Cross, HERSHEYPARK, Turkey Hill Dairy, and Hershey's Chocolate USA. She loves to write when she can, and lives for those light-bulb moments.
Today Michele shares and reminisces about her flying experiences and falling in love with independent travel.
Traveling alone has always been invigorating to me. I feel fiercely independent when I hop on a plane alone. I embrace the freedom (from the day-to-day responsibilities at home), and face the adventure head on. And let’s face it, traveling these days is often an adventure, if nothing else.
I travel for business quite often, and while I don’t always love leaving my family behind, I choose to look at travel as a sign of how far I’ve come…and how blessed I am as a woman to be able to have such a rewarding and independent career.
I will admit, It’s difficult to see flying as anything but burdensome these days, what with all the heightened security, new airline fees, restrictions on carry-on items….there’s a lot to feel “bothered” by. But I’d like to challenge you to see it differently.
My love for travel began in my early 20s when my first employer sent me to a training workshop in Chicago. Not only did I fall in love with that wonderful city, I LOVED the feeling of flying -- the feeling that I was going…somewhere. I remember sitting on that plane thinking of my beloved grandmother, and how she never even had a driver’s license. But there I was, at 24 years old, boarding a plane with a ticket purchased by my employer, off to a big city, all by myself. I guess I felt like I arrived.
I traveled a few more times in my 20s, mostly on business. I’ve been to LA twice, San Francisco twice, San Diego, Florida, New York City, and other less exciting locals. But it wasn’t until I turned 30 that I had my first real “adventure” that pushed my boundaries and took me outside of my comfort zone.
My best friend and I took ourselves to Paris for our 30th birthdays. We booked the tickets after a late night phone call. She lived in Boston, I lived in Harrisburg. We decided to fly out of Dulles International Airport. I could drive there easily, and she could fly there from Boston. It was a perfect plan. We would meet in Dulles and board our flight to Paris!
The day of our trip, I arrived at the airport gate only to find that my dear friend was nowhere in sight. This was before the days of Blackberrys and iPhones. I could not get in touch with her. After hearing the final boarding call, standing there at the gate I decided that I had no choice…it was time to board the plane and I was NOT going home. So, I boarded the plane alone to Paris. Not knowing where my friend was, or if I’d see her across the “big pond.” Oh, I should also mention that SHE was the one versed in French. I knew how to say “Hello” and ask for red wine. Beyond that, I was a little helpless.
So, while on the plane, a stranger among strangers…no friend in sight, I did what any sensible young woman would do, I enjoyed the complimentary wine…lots of it, and then fell asleep. I’m not sure I can articulate the vulnerability I felt as I walked off that plane at Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris. I had never been out of the country before. I didn’t speak the language. I had no clue how to get to the hotel…or even how to pronounce the hotel. All I had was a copy of Foder’s Paris, 1999 to guide me. Oh, and I was hung-over!
So, I approached a woman at what I assumed was their customer service desk and inquired about my friend. I, of course, began with the obligatory “Bon Jour!” (which in retrospect must have sounded obnoxious, at best). I then attempted to give her my friend’s name and inquired as to whether or not she had been looking for me. In my tired state this seemed like the perfect thing to do.
The woman stared at me…blankly. Then muttered something, in what I can only describe as an angry, condescending, dismissive tone…and shooed me away. I felt defeated.
I am still amazed at how calm I was at that time. Perhaps it had something to do with the jet leg…or the complimentary wine, or the simple fact that I really truly was elated to be in Paris – even if that meant spending the week alone. I was determined to tackle this city and to make the best of my indulgent birthday present.
But Just as I was on my way to the currency exchange counter, I heard this beautiful and very loud voice yell my name. I turn around and there was my friend. Smiling, looking just as tired as I was, waving uncontrollably. It turned out that Logan Airport in Boston rerouted her flight to London. How nice of them. Her flight from London landed in Paris just moments after mine did. We stood there laughing and hugging for a few minutes…just letting it all sink in. I think I knew, even at that moment, that I would never forget that trip…and that I would always strive to feel that independent.
I allowed myself to think about what I was going to do that week, if I couldn’t find Steph. Of course I would have called her friends in Boston, her employer, her family…just to make sure she was OK. But if she was unable to come for whatever reason, I was still determined to persevere. To embrace the freedom of being independent, and to simply allow myself to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Turns out I did just that, but with my dear friend by my side. It was truly the girls’ vacation of a lifetime.
I have traveled a lot since that trip to Paris more than 10 years ago. And now, as a mother, I have to say that traveling does become a bit more stressful. It’s hard leaving my loved ones, and as a Mommy, I do sometimes feel guilty when I can’t be home with her.
But regardless of that, I still enjoy the simple fact that we live in a world where I can board a plane and travel anywhere...escaping from the day-to-day, even if just for a while. I like to think about the generations of women who have come before us, who could only have dreamed of such independence.
So, the next time you’re sitting on the tarmac, put down the Blackberry and look out the window. Stare out into the sky and embrace your independence. Because regardless of how annoying security was, or how expensive your check-in bag was, or how bad the airport food was…the simple truth is that you are going somewhere. And that is a beautiful thing.
"Every flyer who ventures across oceans to distant lands is a potential explorer; in his or her breast burns the same fire that urged adventurers of old to set forth in their sailing-ships for foreign lands." -- Jean Batten, 'Alone in the Sky' 1979.
Have you had an experiences similar to what Michele shared? Do you have on pivotal trip that resulted in you falling in love with flying or traveling?
Michele is a seasoned marketer with more than 15 years experience in the areas of branding and advertising. She has worked on both the agency and the client sides of the business, having worked for such brands as Pfizer, Armstrong Flooring, Capital Blue Cross, HERSHEYPARK, Turkey Hill Dairy, and Hershey's Chocolate USA. She loves to write when she can, and lives for those light-bulb moments.
Today Michele shares and reminisces about her flying experiences and falling in love with independent travel.
Traveling alone has always been invigorating to me. I feel fiercely independent when I hop on a plane alone. I embrace the freedom (from the day-to-day responsibilities at home), and face the adventure head on. And let’s face it, traveling these days is often an adventure, if nothing else.
I travel for business quite often, and while I don’t always love leaving my family behind, I choose to look at travel as a sign of how far I’ve come…and how blessed I am as a woman to be able to have such a rewarding and independent career.
I will admit, It’s difficult to see flying as anything but burdensome these days, what with all the heightened security, new airline fees, restrictions on carry-on items….there’s a lot to feel “bothered” by. But I’d like to challenge you to see it differently.
My love for travel began in my early 20s when my first employer sent me to a training workshop in Chicago. Not only did I fall in love with that wonderful city, I LOVED the feeling of flying -- the feeling that I was going…somewhere. I remember sitting on that plane thinking of my beloved grandmother, and how she never even had a driver’s license. But there I was, at 24 years old, boarding a plane with a ticket purchased by my employer, off to a big city, all by myself. I guess I felt like I arrived.
I traveled a few more times in my 20s, mostly on business. I’ve been to LA twice, San Francisco twice, San Diego, Florida, New York City, and other less exciting locals. But it wasn’t until I turned 30 that I had my first real “adventure” that pushed my boundaries and took me outside of my comfort zone.
My best friend and I took ourselves to Paris for our 30th birthdays. We booked the tickets after a late night phone call. She lived in Boston, I lived in Harrisburg. We decided to fly out of Dulles International Airport. I could drive there easily, and she could fly there from Boston. It was a perfect plan. We would meet in Dulles and board our flight to Paris!
The day of our trip, I arrived at the airport gate only to find that my dear friend was nowhere in sight. This was before the days of Blackberrys and iPhones. I could not get in touch with her. After hearing the final boarding call, standing there at the gate I decided that I had no choice…it was time to board the plane and I was NOT going home. So, I boarded the plane alone to Paris. Not knowing where my friend was, or if I’d see her across the “big pond.” Oh, I should also mention that SHE was the one versed in French. I knew how to say “Hello” and ask for red wine. Beyond that, I was a little helpless.
So, while on the plane, a stranger among strangers…no friend in sight, I did what any sensible young woman would do, I enjoyed the complimentary wine…lots of it, and then fell asleep. I’m not sure I can articulate the vulnerability I felt as I walked off that plane at Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris. I had never been out of the country before. I didn’t speak the language. I had no clue how to get to the hotel…or even how to pronounce the hotel. All I had was a copy of Foder’s Paris, 1999 to guide me. Oh, and I was hung-over!
So, I approached a woman at what I assumed was their customer service desk and inquired about my friend. I, of course, began with the obligatory “Bon Jour!” (which in retrospect must have sounded obnoxious, at best). I then attempted to give her my friend’s name and inquired as to whether or not she had been looking for me. In my tired state this seemed like the perfect thing to do.
The woman stared at me…blankly. Then muttered something, in what I can only describe as an angry, condescending, dismissive tone…and shooed me away. I felt defeated.
I am still amazed at how calm I was at that time. Perhaps it had something to do with the jet leg…or the complimentary wine, or the simple fact that I really truly was elated to be in Paris – even if that meant spending the week alone. I was determined to tackle this city and to make the best of my indulgent birthday present.
But Just as I was on my way to the currency exchange counter, I heard this beautiful and very loud voice yell my name. I turn around and there was my friend. Smiling, looking just as tired as I was, waving uncontrollably. It turned out that Logan Airport in Boston rerouted her flight to London. How nice of them. Her flight from London landed in Paris just moments after mine did. We stood there laughing and hugging for a few minutes…just letting it all sink in. I think I knew, even at that moment, that I would never forget that trip…and that I would always strive to feel that independent.
I allowed myself to think about what I was going to do that week, if I couldn’t find Steph. Of course I would have called her friends in Boston, her employer, her family…just to make sure she was OK. But if she was unable to come for whatever reason, I was still determined to persevere. To embrace the freedom of being independent, and to simply allow myself to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Turns out I did just that, but with my dear friend by my side. It was truly the girls’ vacation of a lifetime.
I have traveled a lot since that trip to Paris more than 10 years ago. And now, as a mother, I have to say that traveling does become a bit more stressful. It’s hard leaving my loved ones, and as a Mommy, I do sometimes feel guilty when I can’t be home with her.
But regardless of that, I still enjoy the simple fact that we live in a world where I can board a plane and travel anywhere...escaping from the day-to-day, even if just for a while. I like to think about the generations of women who have come before us, who could only have dreamed of such independence.
So, the next time you’re sitting on the tarmac, put down the Blackberry and look out the window. Stare out into the sky and embrace your independence. Because regardless of how annoying security was, or how expensive your check-in bag was, or how bad the airport food was…the simple truth is that you are going somewhere. And that is a beautiful thing.
"Every flyer who ventures across oceans to distant lands is a potential explorer; in his or her breast burns the same fire that urged adventurers of old to set forth in their sailing-ships for foreign lands." -- Jean Batten, 'Alone in the Sky' 1979.
Have you had an experiences similar to what Michele shared? Do you have on pivotal trip that resulted in you falling in love with flying or traveling?
9.4.10
Lady Travel Talk: Great Finds and Foods
We are pleased to introduce our 4th guest blogger of the Lady Travel Talk, a mini-series tailor made for female travelers. This series covers a host of topics related to the travel experiences of each of the ladies contributing to the series. Today's guest blogger is Mandy Arnold, director of marketing for LightStyles, a regional high-end window and door distributor, and a strategic branding and public relations consultant.
Mandy has clients up and down the East Coast and travels regularly for both business and pleasure.
Today Mandy shares insights on living local while traveling, tips for discovering great regional flavor and shopping.
I really enjoy traveling, but as a business traveler I often don’t have much time to peruse city streets to discover great hidden gems. So, I rely on a few tricks (eNewsletters and apps) that allow me to spend less time researching and more time experiencing.
A couple of things you should know about me… I’m married to a chef and consider myself to be somewhat of an unofficial food critic (see my reviews on Yelp.com) and I love to shop at local boutiques.
There are a few daily eNewlsetters I would recommend for women (and men) who share in my enthusiasm for food and finds. First, I subscribe to DailyCandy for the best insider boutique sales in the cities I frequent. They cover everything from one-day pop-up sales (where boutiques have season close outs and rent a vacant building for a day to sell inventory) to travel tips and best places to eat. Second, I’m a “member” of the Guilt Group (it doesn’t cost anything and email me if you need an invite to join). Gilt Group has a section called JetSetter that offers exclusive travel deals on boutique and high-end luxury hotels, inns and international vacations. While I can’t afford these vacations all the time, I read the blog posts and editor picks for tips on the area. And every now and again, I book a domestic stay for a special weekend.
Beyond these daily reads, when I’m planning a trip I start with visiting the local bureau of tourism for the region. You can easily find the local office or other visitor’s bureau websites using the Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory. These sites will usually have the most up-to-date list of annual events and information on historic or downtown districts. If these are not easily located, my default is Frommers. Frommers offers insights that most other sites won’t offer, like what areas of the city are safe places to walk, what to avoid and who to ask for at local venues for exceptional service. During my travels, historic and downtown districts have proven to be gathering places for great food finds. Once I pinpoint an area that meets two criteria – walking distance to entertainment and easy airport access – I search for what others have discovered.
If I’ve never been to a town or city before, Wikitravel is a fast and easy tool for identifying some unique history or local foods worth exploring in the region.
Ahhh, now on to finding my favorite part of the trip: FOOD! I usually start with Yelp.com (website or the smartphone app) to search for a great place to eat that’s centrally located so I can walk around before or after dinner. Walking also helps to justify over indulgence in the local cuisine. However, when I don’t have time to preplan a trip, I have become a big fan of Aloqa, a mobile service that pushes out notifications on local events, music, shopping, interesting places and more, all based on GPS location. Aloqa also syncs with MeetUp, so you can get a list of small and large events in the area to attend. Some of the best trips I have had included some sort of impromptu TweetUp or MeetUp.
So, with all these tools, I bet you’re wondering what I’ve actually found. Well, since this is just one blog post, I’ll touch on just a handful of my favorite finds.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has the best walking tours I have ever been on. The historic district, which is most of the downtown city, is a visual experience like no other. If you’re a lover of vibrant architecture and beautiful landscaping, then this region of Low Country is for you. There is a great little MoonPie store downtown where you can pick up plenty of graham cracker and marshmallow inspired paraphernalia (MoonPies originated not far from here). Don’t be mistaken, this is by no means the impetus of your culinary experience in Charleston!
Have lunch at Magnolia’s, and if it’s cool enough, enjoy a cup of Blue Crab Bisque. For lovers of seafood, hit Hank’s Seafood Restaurant for dinner and be sure to order the Oyster Sampler and the Tuna Tartar.
If you visit the area for a few days, try to plan a day to visit Pawley’s Island or Kiawah Island.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ever discover a place that you felt you shouldn’t share for the sake of it becoming too popular? Well, The Franklin Mortgage and Insurance Company is one of mine. Yes, that is the name, but it’s not what it seems. Located on 18th Street in Philly, this bar sits behind a nondescript black door with no signage. With very limited seating, this place is where the real bartenders work. If you find extreme pleasure in the fine art of libations, this place will be well worth the wait. I personally recommend the Lucy Leave (raspberry infused brandy, Lillet, demerara, orange and cucumber).
Recently during a stay in Philly, I just happened to get a DailyCandy newsletter about a pop-up sale going on that same day right around the corner from where I was having breakfast and I scored a pair of boutique shoes for 85% off (Translation: I paid $37.50 for a $250 pair of shoes!).
If you’re spending the weekend in town and arrive with an empty stomach that will require massive amounts of food, stop by Cuba Libre to enjoy a rich Cuban atmosphere. If you’re not too hungry and just want to relax with a glass of wine while nibbling on an assortment of charcuterie complemented with the perfect selection of breads and apricot, honey and mustard spreads, visit Amada. For bunch in Philly, I like The Plough & Stars. The Plough has an outdoor seating area where you can watch the city awake slowly as everyone emerges from a Sunday slumber.
I hope my tips help you discover some great finds and food on your next trip.
Where are some of your favorite places to dine while traveling? Do you have a place that you've made a tradition of going?
Mandy has clients up and down the East Coast and travels regularly for both business and pleasure.
Today Mandy shares insights on living local while traveling, tips for discovering great regional flavor and shopping.
I really enjoy traveling, but as a business traveler I often don’t have much time to peruse city streets to discover great hidden gems. So, I rely on a few tricks (eNewsletters and apps) that allow me to spend less time researching and more time experiencing.
A couple of things you should know about me… I’m married to a chef and consider myself to be somewhat of an unofficial food critic (see my reviews on Yelp.com) and I love to shop at local boutiques.
There are a few daily eNewlsetters I would recommend for women (and men) who share in my enthusiasm for food and finds. First, I subscribe to DailyCandy for the best insider boutique sales in the cities I frequent. They cover everything from one-day pop-up sales (where boutiques have season close outs and rent a vacant building for a day to sell inventory) to travel tips and best places to eat. Second, I’m a “member” of the Guilt Group (it doesn’t cost anything and email me if you need an invite to join). Gilt Group has a section called JetSetter that offers exclusive travel deals on boutique and high-end luxury hotels, inns and international vacations. While I can’t afford these vacations all the time, I read the blog posts and editor picks for tips on the area. And every now and again, I book a domestic stay for a special weekend.
Beyond these daily reads, when I’m planning a trip I start with visiting the local bureau of tourism for the region. You can easily find the local office or other visitor’s bureau websites using the Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory. These sites will usually have the most up-to-date list of annual events and information on historic or downtown districts. If these are not easily located, my default is Frommers. Frommers offers insights that most other sites won’t offer, like what areas of the city are safe places to walk, what to avoid and who to ask for at local venues for exceptional service. During my travels, historic and downtown districts have proven to be gathering places for great food finds. Once I pinpoint an area that meets two criteria – walking distance to entertainment and easy airport access – I search for what others have discovered.
If I’ve never been to a town or city before, Wikitravel is a fast and easy tool for identifying some unique history or local foods worth exploring in the region.
Ahhh, now on to finding my favorite part of the trip: FOOD! I usually start with Yelp.com (website or the smartphone app) to search for a great place to eat that’s centrally located so I can walk around before or after dinner. Walking also helps to justify over indulgence in the local cuisine. However, when I don’t have time to preplan a trip, I have become a big fan of Aloqa, a mobile service that pushes out notifications on local events, music, shopping, interesting places and more, all based on GPS location. Aloqa also syncs with MeetUp, so you can get a list of small and large events in the area to attend. Some of the best trips I have had included some sort of impromptu TweetUp or MeetUp.
So, with all these tools, I bet you’re wondering what I’ve actually found. Well, since this is just one blog post, I’ll touch on just a handful of my favorite finds.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has the best walking tours I have ever been on. The historic district, which is most of the downtown city, is a visual experience like no other. If you’re a lover of vibrant architecture and beautiful landscaping, then this region of Low Country is for you. There is a great little MoonPie store downtown where you can pick up plenty of graham cracker and marshmallow inspired paraphernalia (MoonPies originated not far from here). Don’t be mistaken, this is by no means the impetus of your culinary experience in Charleston!
Have lunch at Magnolia’s, and if it’s cool enough, enjoy a cup of Blue Crab Bisque. For lovers of seafood, hit Hank’s Seafood Restaurant for dinner and be sure to order the Oyster Sampler and the Tuna Tartar.
If you visit the area for a few days, try to plan a day to visit Pawley’s Island or Kiawah Island.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ever discover a place that you felt you shouldn’t share for the sake of it becoming too popular? Well, The Franklin Mortgage and Insurance Company is one of mine. Yes, that is the name, but it’s not what it seems. Located on 18th Street in Philly, this bar sits behind a nondescript black door with no signage. With very limited seating, this place is where the real bartenders work. If you find extreme pleasure in the fine art of libations, this place will be well worth the wait. I personally recommend the Lucy Leave (raspberry infused brandy, Lillet, demerara, orange and cucumber).
Recently during a stay in Philly, I just happened to get a DailyCandy newsletter about a pop-up sale going on that same day right around the corner from where I was having breakfast and I scored a pair of boutique shoes for 85% off (Translation: I paid $37.50 for a $250 pair of shoes!).
If you’re spending the weekend in town and arrive with an empty stomach that will require massive amounts of food, stop by Cuba Libre to enjoy a rich Cuban atmosphere. If you’re not too hungry and just want to relax with a glass of wine while nibbling on an assortment of charcuterie complemented with the perfect selection of breads and apricot, honey and mustard spreads, visit Amada. For bunch in Philly, I like The Plough & Stars. The Plough has an outdoor seating area where you can watch the city awake slowly as everyone emerges from a Sunday slumber.
I hope my tips help you discover some great finds and food on your next trip.
Where are some of your favorite places to dine while traveling? Do you have a place that you've made a tradition of going?
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