Traveling With The Fur Kids!

I admit, my little dogs rule our house.  With all of our kids grown and gone, we need someone to mark the cadence of our days and these little miniature dictators are more than happy to keep us in line.  I travel a good bit in my role as a travel blogger and my husband travels a good bit on weekends in his role as a tennis line judge and referee.  So we plan our comings and goings around keeping the two little princes happy with at least one of us at home at all times.  Every so often we get a chance to go and take the pups with us—believe me when I say they understand the word “vacation”.

First we have to get down their suitcase.  I could carry their items in a paper sack, but seeing their suitcase in the middle of the floor allows me to get mine down and packed without having to hide it or having them drag items out of it.  I have been on several trips only to find underwear, socks, and more that I thought I had packed not there. Later I find the contraband under the bed or couch.  I guess they reason if they steal my stuff, I won’t go.  Here’s a picture of their suitcase—it’s top of the line—whereas mine is not so nice. 

The morning of the trip and everyone is excited!  Me, because I don’t want to leave anything behind, the pups because they don’t want to get left behind.  I know from experience to go ahead and put on their traveling harnesses—Button our younger dog has taken several unplanned “side trips” slipping out of his collar and running away as a puppy.  Once he went shopping in a gorgeous mall in Hilton Head Island, SC.  He wiggled out of his collar, followed a lady in the door and I spent a fun hour chasing him around.  Well, fun for him anyway. 

With the first trip by my husband to the car to load the few things we are taking with us (just a weekend visit to the Outer Banks); my older dog Gizzie trails him out and gets in the car.  We kind of expect this as he makes this his routine.  When we are packing, he just sits in the car waiting.  No matter what, he is going!

We are on our way to one of the two properties in the Outer Banks that allow pets. I think this is a sad situation-as vast as the Outer Banks that only these two properties accept dogs.  And maybe I am prejudiced since my dogs are fur children and very small—but really—two properties?  Anywho a story for another day perhaps—we check in and the kids are quite excited!  Look mom! our own little balcony facing the pool with a gate allowing them to stand outside and join in the fun.

Saturday of our visit dawns clear (finally after four days of constant rain) and the four of us hit the beach.  Even though dogs are allowed free rein on the beaches here, I keep mine leashed because of their size.  Labs, greyhounds, and darlings of undisclosed breed are out this morning with their people saunter by to the delight of my fur kids.  Babies playing in the sand are another thrill for my Button; although it’s always wise to keep an ubervigilant pose with babies.  Even the most amiable pup like my Button may get huffy when their nose and ears are pulled!

Later back at the hotel mom (that’s me you know) decides to take a dip in the pool for some water aerobics type exercise.  I know some terriers love the water; but mine are not of that persuasion.  When the desk clerk stated the dogs were not allowed in the pool I had to laugh—you couldn’t MAKE these babies get in a pool.  What they do however is hilarious.  As I walk or swim from one side to the other they run from one side to the other.  In a bit we are all pooped and ready for a nap. 

The weekend continues nicely with the pups spending most of their time at the fence bordering our little first floor veranda yipping and yapping at the new dogs coming into the pool area.  One toddler, in the pool with his dad, jumps out comes over; gives the dogs a pet; jumps back in and repeats the process about a gazillion times.  I am reading and watching amused—little boys and dogs you can’t beat that combination!

We are home now and the boys are sound asleep on my recliner, exhausted after their big trip.  For fun I ask, “did you boys have fun on vacation?”  Two sets of ears perk up and two little tails start wagging.  I take that as a YES! 

Sandy, The Diva Cruiser: Mardi Gras My Way!

Sandy, The Diva Cruiser: Mardi Gras My Way!

Mardi Gras My Way!

I admit it, I have always wanted to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, I mean it's an awesome city anytime of the year--but Mardi Gras, the ultimate in party!  And I am a party girl!  Right?  Well, honestly, no.

To be perfectly honest, I am somewhat intimidated by the whole thing.  I would love, love, love to watch the parades, wear an outrageous costume and mask (I actually want to make my own) and see what's going on firsthand.  But to be perfectly honest, I don't want to take my top off in public, I can't stay up for two days straight, I don't want to drink until I get sick or stupid, and it just seems a bit too much for me to really enjoy.  Isn't there a way to do Mardi Gras and still maintain my comfort zone?  Sure there is.

I have to actually give the credit for the idea to my friend and business associate, Connie George, from Connie George Travel Associates.  She has been working with a great group of people who, for a variety of reasons, wanted a more "family friendly" Mardi Gras experience.  So we decided to collaborate and open up a family friendly cruise to anyone.  And, should you, your family, or your group want to, we can arrange a post cruise stay in New Orleans with information on the family friendly parades and other activities.  SHEW! I feel better already!

Our Mardi Gras cruise departs on Sunday, February 27th, 2011  and sails for 8 days and 7 nights of cruising fun on NCL's Norwegian Spirit.  We will visit Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.  It also includes two fun sea days to explore all the activities and entertainments on the ship.  One of the most fun events will be our alcohol free masked ball only for the members of our group.  Alcohol is of course available throughout the ship, but all our family friendly events will be alcohol free.  In addition, we will enjoy a group shore trip just for our group in one of our ports of call.

Now is the time to mark your calendars and make your plans.  Call me today to make your deposit and reserve your place on this special sailing!

Click here or call me at 252-339-9614 or email me for more information.

Sandy

Bliss in Five Easy Steps!

I see articles, blogs, and Facebook posts by great coaches and intellects of all sorts describing the process of relaxation and bliss.  Most of these are awesome and I encourage you to check them out.  But for your consideration let me offer MY five easy steps to bliss and you only have to do it once a month!

#1 Find a suitable pedicure person in your area.  By suitable, I mean someone who suits your personality.  Who makes you feel fun and relaxed and able to relax and enjoy.  Now schedule an appointment for yourself for sometime in August.

#2 Dig out or buy some wonderful polish that makes you happy.  Forget what's stylish--express your personality.  I wear Opi's "Pompeii Purple"  which is actually a a dark shade of rosy pink with shine and glitter.  I wear it on my toes and fingers all year long and will until they discontinue it.  I got the bottle I have now on sale at Christmas for 1/2 off, which is always a plus.

#3 Look forward to your appointment all month.  Smile when you think about it.

#4 Keep your appointment, and totally relax while there.  Cut off the cell phone.  Take your iPod if you have relaxing music.  Breathe, smell, ooze down into that chair and just go to your happy place.

#5  Tip your therapist and make your next month's appointment!

See I told you it was easy.  And I always call it inexpensive therapy.  Now go find the Yellow Pages and make an appointment!

Peace, Sandy (the princess of pedicures)

Sandy, thedivacruiser, would love to help you find a great gal's getaway.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser and on her website http://www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.  Sandy is an independent contractor for Connie George Travel Associates.

Wondering About Water

Did anyone besides me wonder about the article on water in the August 2010 Woman's Day magazine called "Drink Me"? I have always read and heard that the more water you can drink the better (well within reason of course). And that drinking coffee and soda can be dehydrating. And drinking lots of water DID help with weight loss, contributed to good skin, and was the magic elixir of life. But according to this article, all these facts and long held beliefs are not so true. So what's the deal?

I remember vividly when the hue and cry came about that drinking water from your tap was a horrible thing to do for your health--drink bottled water was the battle cry. Since I had been drinking tap and well water most of my life, I was horrified and rushed to find the bottled water that I would purchase. Dasani was my H2O of choice--it was superior in taste to me--and bottled by the coca Cola Company which also bottled my Diet Coke. Naturally I didn't talk about that too much as DC was dehydrating and not PC anymore. 

Then I found out that Dasani (and more) bottled waters were merely tap water from another municipal source with a bit of chemicals thrown for good measure. What about lugging around all those big cases of water? I was furious--my tap water was from a municipal source? Geez! 

Now it seems that bottled water is totally bad for you and that the bottles are super bad for the environment. What idiots we were! But we were operating on the best knowledge available, or were we? Now I read an article that counters everything my old copies of women's magazines had to say? I want my money back!

Worst of all, it seems fishy that popular and even dare I say medical advise is attuned so closely to dollars and cents. Almost as if "if we can't make money from water anymore, we will tell the public they don't need to drink so much". ???

And could we be being manipulated about other things? Maybe nasty tasting green tea isn't as good for you as "they" say--could it be that yummy tasting old fashioned black tea is just as healthy? Who knows the truth and what will happen down the pike. 

Maybe it's just me--tell me what you think! And go drink some water!

The Bubble Burst

Recently, I took a great familiarization trip to Chattanooga, TN.  I had seen online that a historical steam powered riverboat was docked there and was now a unique hotel experience.  Since my sister and BFF was within driving distance, I booked a room and off we went.  While on board I met two different women's groups, including a group of ever flamboyant Red Hatters!  We had a great time and I have lots of ideas for women's retreats and fun times in the area.

This blog is not about the trip itself, however, but about the flight to and from.  I have been flying for 30 years and except for a few minor snags, have never had a real problem.  Once I made a mistake that cost me time and money; but other than that--things have gone very smoothly--actually amazingly smoothly.  On this one short flight LOTS went wrong--none of it my fault--but I paid the price in stress, wear and tear and time.  Both coming and going the first leg of the flight was late causing a mad scramble for my connection.  On the return flight, I had to literally run through the airport and tripped over my carry-on bag.  I made it with seconds to spare; and found out from my seat mate that the gate had been changed four times.  One lady I met while running told me she had been trying to get home to Norfolk since the night before, having experienced two canceled flights causing her and her son to have to stay overnight in a hotel and sleep in their clothes (their bags were lost).  Speaking of lost bags, my one and only bag was lost on the trip to Chattanooga AND home.  I was horrified at the prospect of spending the four day excursion in the same outfit and shoes sans makeup, toothbrush, and pjs.  My bag didn't arrive until almost 5 pm on the day following the return flight.  Two late flights, two mad scrambles, and two lost bags--all in one flight!

Throughout the experience I was disturbed, scared, and inconvenienced, and a part of me kept thinking--what if this happened to one of my clients going on a honeymoon, resort, or cruise?  No matter how carefully you pack, if you don't have your suitcase, what would that do to your vacation?  I noticed on the airlines website, information on what to do if your bag had been missing for 10 days.  10 DAYS?  DID that happen? apparently! By the way, the line to file a claim for a lost bag took us over 30 minutes to navigate.

What about my new friend who had to stay overnight because of canceled flights?  Who paid for that?  What would have happened if she couldn't have found a room, would they sleep in the airport?

And worse of all, what would have happened had I really hurt myself when I tripped over my case?  I barely made the flight as it was--what would an injury thrown into the mix have done?  What would happen to someone older, a little slower, or worse if someone got hurt in the mad scramble of an airport?

These questions have been rummaging around in my brain the past few days. In between legs of the flight, I tweeted and posted to Facebook about what was going on.  Since then, several people have chimed in and shared horror stories about unsafe conditions, delays, waste, and problems, many of which make my story look lame.

I have come to a few conclusions.  First, I am thankful I made it as long as I did without major flight problems.  Secondly, I am more energized than ever about making sure every client has travel protection.  Thirdly, I intend to file a complaint with the powers that be about my experiences.  What will happen?  I am not really sure.  Will it make a difference?  I don't know that either.  My intent is good, but my story is not unique--it happens hundreds of times a day every day if not every hour.  And that may be the worst part of all, that we have come to accept poor service, dangerous situations, industry wide apathy as the norm.

Keep the faith and blessings as you travel,
Sandy

  

How To Save Money on Drinks On Your Cruise!

One of the fun things about the first day of a cruise is the “sail away” party on deck. Cute, smiling waiters bring you gorgeous looking “fru fru” drinks in a tall, fun glass. First I guess I need to define fru-fru. You know those slush fruity concoctions with rows of fruit on a straw, cherries on a toothpick and a little umbrella in the glass. They usually have names like “mango-tango pineapple slush” and are everywhere when you arrive at the lido, or pool deck. These drinks are available in virgin, but you will need to ask your waiter—assume the ones already made up on the trays contain alcohol.

Many first time cruisers assume these beauties are complimentary—not so dear readers! Not only that, but they are usually presented in a souvenir glass or mug, which is not free either. I have seen people walk away and leave these glasses on the table, take it with you! I generally have one, including the souvenir glass and take it back to my cabin, rinse it out and take it home. Just one for me, but this is not to say if you want several of them as a set—by all means enjoy! I don’t think people realize the difference until they see their bill at the end of the cruise. Plus I don’t think people realize the difference a bunch of these will make in the amount of luggage they have to lug home. Fortunately, there are plastic souvenir glasses available too, so have at it!

Another thing that might save you money is the “drink of the day”. It’s on sale and is usually another fru-fru concoction. These are pretty cold and refreshing at the end of a shore excursion or a dip in the pool. Personally I am more interested in the “experience” of a new exotic sounding drink than I am by a quantity of alcohol, but again, to each his own.

To recap a few points:

• Fru-fru or other drinks served on board are not complimentary even the first day
• Ask for a plain glass to save a bit
• 15% gratuity is added to drinks


See you on deck at the sail away party; I will be line-dancing!  

Sandy