Travel - On the Move

By Chantal Owens

There is something great about A-list living and Travel, the twentieth book of a twenty-one book series (The Insiders' Lifestyle Guides), is the jet setting step to achieving such an extraordinary life. Between promotional junkets, film festivals and red-carpet appearances, celebrities can rack up as many frequent-flyer miles as they do trips to rehab. They also agree that there are ways to make it easier, more comfortable, and yes, more fun.

Look Inside: Local Travel; Domestic Travel; International Travel; Popular Destinations; Country Clubs and Vineyards; Cruises and Yachts; Packing and Luggage; Travel Etiquette; Upgrades - Airline and Hotels; and Travel Agents and Car Services.

Travel - On the Move by Chantal Owens is a fun and entertaining short read. Since jet setting is part of such a grand lifestyle, the Insiders' Lifestyle Guide series theme includes a cultural or travel experience with every book.

Information is Timeless: Everyone holds a secret desire to be part of the A-list seeking a confident, fashionable, and extraordinary life. These series guides make transformation routine to which all men and women will relate - The Complete Makeover Series.

Actionable Strategies: The Insiders' Lifestyle Guide series contains specific strategies in each book and edition that can transform lives. It details social skills of boosting confidence, replacing bad habits, and reinventing one's self. This book will appeal to professionals, parents, and generations of young adults.

Appeal of the Authors: The Insiders' Lifestyle Guides are written by a team of contributing authors, all with a witty, quirky, slapstick appeal.

Series Overview: The Insiders' Lifestyle Guides is a first, of a twenty-one book series, that will be revised and re-launched periodically with all new material. Each book features famous themed cities represented of the book covers and includes an introduction comprising a short story about its featured city.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aauvi House Publishing Group
• Release date: May 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301106707

Chantal Owens

Chantal Owens is one of the contributing writers for the several Insiders' Lifestyle Guides book series (A Complete Makeover Series). See the several press releases below to learn more about each book. Author Backstory: Chantal's business is to help you clarify, simplify and achieve your vision. She knows from her deep and broad experiences that great lives are inspired by ideas and a compelling vision that move people to action. She is recognized for creating successful, lasting relationships, delivering value that exceeds expectations and leveraging the power of play for sustainable results. Smashwords Titles by Chantal Owens: Friends and Family - An Affluent Lifestyle Portfolio Travel - On the Move Press Releases at AauviHouse.com Press & Media: San Jose, CA (August 16, 2012) - Aauvi House Publishing Group, Rags to Riches Entertainment Division, Announces New Book Release - Travel - On the Move by Chantal Owens San Jose, CA (July 5, 2012) - Aauvi House Publishing Group, Rags to Riches Entertainment Division, Announces New Book Release - Friends and Family - An Affluent Lifestyle Portfolio by Chantal Owens

Book preview

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Travel

On the Move

CHANTAL OWENS

Rags to Riches Entertainment Group

An imprint of Aauvi House Publishing Group

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Published by Aauvi House Publishing Group at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Chantal Owens

All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

E-ISBN: Smashwords Edition

Aauvi House Publishing Group, the portrayal of double-A’s formed in a broken circle, and the Aauvi name are registered trademarks of Aauvi Group, Inc.

Aauvi House books may be purchased for educational, business, or sales promotional use. Online editions are also available. For more information, contact us at [e-mail].

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

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Titles by Chantal Owens

Friends and Family – An Affluent Lifestyle Portfolio

Travel – On the Move

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Contents

Book Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

1 – Local Travel

2 – Domestic Travel

3 – International Travel

4 – Popular Destinations

5 – Country Clubs and Vineyards

6 – Cruises and Yachts

7 – Packing and Luggage

8 – Travel Etiquette

9 – Upgrades – Airlines and Hotels

10 – Travel Agents and Car Services

Closing Remarks

End of Book

About the Author

About the Publisher

Books by Aauvi House

Excerpts by Aauvi House

Credits

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Introduction

In its brief history, Aauvi House Publishing Group has become the new it marketers of information-based lifestyle solutions in the self-help and how-to markets for all age groups. Reinforcing a belief that living a planned extraordinarily fulfilled lifestyle is of paramount importance to its readers.

The Insiders’ Lifestyle Guides series is a first, of a twenty-one book series, that will be revised and re-launched periodically with all new material. These books feature famous themed cities represented by the book covers and include an introduction comprising a short story about its featured city. Annually, the series guides will be rolled up as chapter inserts into a single book and sold during the holiday season.

Anyone who desires the secrets to A-list living, values their appearance, is concerned about lifestyle or just needs more information can benefit from reading and continually referring back to the Insiders’ Lifestyle Guides series. Each book – practical in its approach – is full of facts that teach you how to make the most of your life, how to achieve peak performance, and how to maintain general health. In short, the Aauvi House Publishing Group, Rags to Riches Entertainment imprint’s ability to offer its readers a more complete and concise migration path to an extraordinary red carpet lifestyle, just got better.

Information Is Timeless

Everyone holds a secret desire to be part of the A-list seeking a confident, fashionable, and extraordinary life. These series guides make transformation routine to which all men and women will relate.

Actionable Strategies

The Insiders’ Lifestyle Guides series contains specific strategies in each book and edition that can transform lives. It details social skills of boosting confidence, replacing bad habits, and re-inventing one’s self. These books will appeal to professionals, parents, and generations of young adults.

About the Authors

The Insiders’ Lifestyle Guides series are written by a team of contributing authors, all of whom have a witty, quirky, slapstick appeal.

About Our Cover Story – Venice Italy

Since jet setting is part of such a grand lifestyle, the Insiders’ Lifestyle Guides series theme includes a cultural or travel experience with every book. That is, between promotional junkets, film festivals and red carpet appearances, celebrities can rack up as many frequent-flyer miles as they do trips to rehab. And so can you, once you have an insider bird’s eye view of the possibilities.

Whether traveling by plane or virtually by way of these pages, our cover story is Venice Italy. Venice is world-famous for its canals. It is built on an archipelago of 118 islands formed by about 150 canals in a shallow lagoon. About 400 bridges connect the islands on which the city is built. In the old center, the canals serve the function of roads, and every form of transport is on water or on foot, which remains much, the same today.

Venice is a city in northeast Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. It is located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon, which stretches along the shoreline between the mouths of the Po and the Piave Rivers. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. The city in its entirety is listed as World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon.

Venice has been known as the La Dominante, Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, City of Water, City of Masks, City of Bridges, The Floating City, and City of Canals.

The Republic of Venice was a major maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and a staging area for the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto, as well as a very important center of commerce (especially silk, grain, and spice) and art in the 13th century up to the end of the 17th century. This made Venice a wealthy city throughout most of its history. It is also known for its several important artistic movements, especially the Renaissance period. Venice has played an important role in the history of symphonic and operatic music, and it is the birthplace of Antonio Vivaldi.

About Travel

There is something great about A-list living and Travel, the twentieth book of a twenty-one book series, is the jet setting step to achieving such an extraordinary life. Between promotional junkets, film festivals and red-carpet appearances, celebrities can rack up as many frequent-flier miles as they do trips to rehab. They also agree that there are ways to make it easier, more comfortable, and yes, more fun.

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Local Travel

Why book a flight to a touristy beach resort when you can try one of these off-the-beaten-path weekend escapes?

Rent a House

It has all the comforts of home but provides the excitement of something new. Renting a house for the weekend gives you plenty of freedom – cook, watch movies, take naps on the couch, play board games – the possibilities are endless.

Most rentals are available on a nightly basis and come fully stocked with kitchen equipment, bedding, towels, and more – it’s all up to the individual owners, so make sure you check what’s included before booking. House rentals are also a great option if you’re planning getting away with a group; you’ll have plenty of time and space to bond, and many larger rentals are cheaper than booking several individual hotel rooms.

Search homeaway.com for available properties and refine by date, size, and amenities. That three-bedroom lake house with a Jacuzzi and an outdoor deck you’ve been dreaming of? It can be yours – at least for a weekend.

Cruise to Nowhere

A cruise is always a great vacation option, but a weeklong affair is a big commitment. Try a cruise to nowhere – a quick one or two night getaway on a cruise ship that goes, literally, nowhere. There are no ports of call, so you can focus strictly on relaxation and enjoy the ship’s amenities, including restaurants, spas, entertainment, shopping, swimming pools, and more. Sign up for a yoga class, watch a movie, hit the midnight buffet, and take in a comedy show – it’s all right there under one roof. If you decide you love the cruise line, you can always book a longer vacation to the Bahamas or Alaska.

Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and many other major cruise lines all offer cruises to nowhere from various cities.

Camp Out

A weekend in the woods communing with nature is the perfect antidote for your hectic daily life. First, decide how much you want to rough it: You can stay in a rustic cabin, book a site with room for your car or RV (which means you get the perks of outdoor camping without lugging all your equipment on your back), or just sling on a backpack, go for a hike, and pitch a tent.

Some campgrounds offer bathrooms with running water and hot showers, while a more bare-bones option, such as a boat access-only island, may only have pit toilets and lack drinking water (bring your own). Whatever your style, once you’re ensconced in nature, there’s usually plenty to do – hiking, swimming, fishing, and the all-important s’more making around the campfire. Check out reserveamerica.com to find campsites and make reservations.

Casino Night

Feeling lucky? Make like a high roller and head to a casino resort near you – they’re located in most states in the country (find one at americancasinoguide.com).

While amenities and types of games vary widely, you’ll hit the jackpot if you seek out one that tries to replicate the Vegas experience – fancy restaurants, an all-you-can-eat buffet, upscale shops, and live entertainment. For example, The Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey, boasts restaurants by Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck, marbled bathrooms, and a high-end spa offering a range of beauty and body treatments. The Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, has nine restaurants, a 42-inch plasma TV in every room, and a movie theater, and has hosted live performances by Melissa Etheridge, LL Cool J, and more.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Want an easy escape without going too far? Check into that quaint bed-and-breakfast or fancy hotel that you’ve always been curious about in your very own (or a neighboring) town. Let someone else cook breakfast, then explore the quirky sights and stores that you’ve passed by millions of times without stopping for a second look. Feed the ducks at the pond, drive around unfamiliar neighborhoods to admire the architecture, or poke into dusty antique stores that have been around for as long as you can remember.

Ignore your usual haunts and reminders of the daily grind – no stopping into the grocery store or picking up a coffee at your neighborhood Starbucks. Instead, linger over a cappuccino at the brand-new café, read the paper in the local park, and check out that little Thai place down the street – and fall in love with your hometown all over again.

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Domestic Travel

Between promotional junkets, film festivals and red-carpet appearances, celebrities can rack up as many frequent-flyer miles as they do trips to rehab.

Exaggeration aside, just because they have access to the best seats on the plane, or are apt to FedEx their belongings rather than risk lost luggage, delays and decreasing in-flight perks have even the world’s most seasoned jet-setters agreeing that air travel is worse than ever.

Air Travel

Celebrities, of course, have it a bit better than your average flier. For one, they usually travel first class (if not on their own private jet or that of a friend). And only a luxury hotel will do. Not only that, a celebrity can afford all the products that make a trip more comfortable – cashmere blankets, eye covers, special pillows – as well as the latest gadgets, such as laptops, Slingboxes and iPods. But there are ways even the average person can make his or her journey more agreeable.

Planning

Know the difference between direct and nonstop flights, and always opt for the latter. Unlike nonstop, direct flights can touch down at other airports on the way to their ultimate destinations. And while stops are built in to the total travel time, the potential delays they can cause aren’t. Whenever possible, fly nonstop.

Make sure you purchase your ticket under the exact name that appears on your ID. It might seem obvious to you that Betsy is a nickname for Elizabeth, but it may not to a sky cap, a desk agent, or a security officer – any one of whom could ask you to show identification with that name before boarding.

Select your seat as soon as possible. If you have a disability and need a premium seat in the bulkhead, tell the agent when you make your reservation rather than at the airport. Other passengers might be able to nab those seats 24 hours before the flight, when they’re made available to everyone through the airline’s website.

Get to your gateway city as early as you can. Since delays stack up as the day progresses, it’s smart to book the first flight you can into a hub (if you have a connecting flight). Spending a few extra hours at the airport is better than missing your connection because your first flight was late.

Double-check foreign document requirements. Some countries – like Chile, Kenya, and India – require a visa for entry; others, like South Africa, won’t allow entrance unless a traveler’s passport contains at least two blank, unstamped pages. You need to be aware of those requirements before you make your flight reservations or you could get stuck Stateside. For a complete list of entrance regulations, visit www.travel.state.gov/travel.

Packing

Set your luggage apart from the pack. Tying a red ribbon to your black bag is not the most effective way to distinguish it. When passengers use ribbons and bows, they can be torn off in the transporting process. Not to mention the fact that you’ll probably see dozens of other red ribbons circling on the baggage carousel. Your best move is to purchase a suitcase in an unusual color, such as bright blue.

To save precious quart-bag space on overnight trips, carry samples of cosmetics, moisturizers, and prescription creams, which you can request from your doctor. Or take advantage of Sephora’s and Kiehls’s policies of giving three free samples with any online order at sephora.com and kiehls.com.

Bring your own blanket (and disinfecting wipes, too). Tray tables are rarely cleaned, so wipe them off before you use them. And steer clear of the blankets and pillows. They’re only washed when they look dirty.

Pack your electronics in a single layer. You will increase your chances of speeding through security if you take the time to lay your electronics flat. When things are tossed in haphazardly or jumbled together, they are harder to determine what they are subjecting the bag to be manually checked.

Do your own bag check before you leave. To keep from getting stalled in security and losing innocent (but sharp) items you forgot were in your bag, carefully check each piece of luggage at home first. If you think through the screening process as you’re packing, you’ll be fine.

At the Airport

Know your airport’s code. It’s easy for luggage-destination tags to get mixed up at a curbside check-in. Learn the three-letter airport code for your destination and make sure your skycap labels the bag properly. The codes aren’t always intuitive, so check the list at airport-technology.com, especially if the city you’re going to has more than one airport. Cities with multiple airports can cause problems if passengers don’t know which they’re flying into.

Many airport waits can be made more enjoyable by asking insiders for advice. For example, if you are stuck with children at Boston’s Logan Airport, an airport employee can direct you to terminal C, where a baggage carousel style slide anchors a play area for children. Tired of the same old food-court choices? In the Austin, Texas, airport, make a beeline for Salt Lick – it serves up some of the state’s best barbecue. You can even get through security faster by seeking out additional lines: Airports will often open another line during peak times, so it pays to ask.

Exercise caution in duty-free shops. Not everything in duty-free is a bargain. If you really want that bottle of Opium perfume, find out what it costs in your local department store first. And consider the three-ounce rule when stocking up on things like alcohol and olive oil. If you are transferring to another domestic flight after clearing customs in the United States, you’ll have to put your liquid duty-free purchases in a checked bag. And if you don’t have room in your suitcase, you’ll have to leave the big bottle of olive oil behind.

Spring for an afternoon in the lounge. For a fee – usually about $50 a day, which you can pay on the spot – you can take advantage of the drinks, snacks, uncrowded bathrooms, and comfy chairs at most airline club lounges, plus you can get help from the club’s dedicated ticket agents.

Arrival Gate

Call for help. If you’ve missed a connection, don’t stand in line to rebook with a gate agent. Instead, use your cell phone to call the airline’s customer service number (tuck it in your wallet before leaving). You may speak to someone faster, giving you a better shot at a seat on the next flight. Also, the people on the phone are slightly less frazzled, because they don’t have 10 angry customers in their faces.

Utilize cell-phone lots. These free-parking areas, where drivers can wait for the I’m here call for 30 minutes or longer, have sprung up at more than 50 airports in the last few years. The lots cut down on congestion at the arrival areas. For a complete list of these lots, visit the Airports Council International website at acina.org.

Get fed fast. You’ve just landed, and you’re starving. To have dinner waiting in your hotel room when you arrive, call and order room service from the road. It can save a hungry half hour.

Boarding Plane

Bring a car set for your child. Car seats aren’t just safer for children, they also help kids stay calmer, since