Travel Smart Magazine - Premier Spokane Edition - April 2015

SPOKANE EDITION

T R AV E L S M A R T. . . T R AV E L W E L L

2015

Travel SMART

Choosing the Right Cruise Line Italy – Great Food, Great Wine and Wonderful People Southern California...

Sun and Fun

Why Use a Travel Agent?

Isle of Capri...

A Magical Place River Cruising: Have It Your Way Local Flavor: Laguna Cafe Travel Smart Magazine 2015

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INTRO |

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| INTRO

Published by: Travel 4 All Seasons 12128 N. Division St. #189 Spokane, WA 99218 (509) 927-7888 Publishers: Al Hague / Diane Hague al@travelsmartmagazine.net Cover photo: Sorrento, Italy photo by Al Hague

Advertisers: For advertising sales please call (509) 927-7888 and visit our website at www.travelsmartmagazine.net Editor/Photographer: Al Hague

Travel SMART Dear Readers, Welcome to Travel Smart Magazine. It is our hope you will find interesting and informative articles in each issue that may encourage you to explore the wonderful world of travel. Our passion for travel and learning is the driving force behind this publication.

Our slogan Travel Smart…Travel Well is more than a catch phrase. For some travel is only a dream because it is perceived to be more complicated than it is.

Knowledge is the key to be able to travel smart and travel well. In this issue and future issues we will look at the secrets to traveling smart. We will bring you interesting destinations and information about them as well as insights to make your vacation more enjoyable and less complicated.

We are interested in hearing from readers about their experiences and tips they may have learned and would like to share. We will accept submissions for interesting and informative pieces with the caveat that we may be required to do some editing. We hope to have a following by neighbors and clients who share a love of travel either well experienced or new. In future issues we will discuss many facets of travel from cruises to tours, from group travel to independent and specialized trips. We want to help you realize your dreams of travel and exploration.

Travel Smart…Travel Well, Al Hague, Publisher Travel Smart Magazine is published quarterly and distributed by The Spokesman-Review.

contributing Editors: Food – Cara Strickland Advertising department: Renee Richard production & design: Doug Conboy Raised Brow Productions ©Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the publishers.

The opinions expressed by correspondents are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Travel Smart Magazine recommends that readers satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of advertiser claims before any purchase is made, and accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from any purchase.

Travel Smart Magazine 2015

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FEATURE |

Italy...

Great Food, Great Wine and Wonderful People

Story and Photos by Al Hague Where do you want to go? e suggest you try to decide what region you would most like to visit and we will suggest accommodations that will allow you to see the main interests in day trips from a central location such as a village or agritourismo that are much less costly than three and four star hotels. Day tripping is so easy in Italy and it is nice not to pack your belongings every couple of days. However, if you have the energy for moving around it is also easy to see more than one region in a trip of eight days or more.

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Visit the regions: Italy is divided into regions and each region has its unique culture. Many of the regions derive their culture from the food that is native to the region. In Italy food is selected and prepared fresh each day, therefore it is common to make all meals from those foods that are readily available in season. For example, the Veneto region is heavily influenced by the sea where 4

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the Tuscany region is more influenced by agriculture.

The most popular region of Tuscany has different fare than southern Italy. The sauces and the make up of the dishes are very different. However, they are all delicious. Tuscany is very popular as a grape growing region although every region in Italy has fine wines with characteristics unique to that growing region. All disciplines of art are found in every city, village, church and building in Italy.

Statues, frescos, fountains and buildings will keep you in a constant state of awe.

Florence in itself is at a minimum two days of visiting the famous places such as the Duomo and the Uffizzi. It is wise to spend some time researching the different cities and regions to be able to have a good idea of whats most important to see in the time you have allotted to spend in Italy. We can help you with your research or if you are too busy just follow our lead.

Live the culture‌ Traveling and staying in hotels

regardless of level can often help you miss an important part of the experience. To enjoy the culture ask your travel agent to find you an apartment or home to stay in. It is often much more affordable, the accommodations are very comfortable, safe and clean and you can even prepare some of your own meals. Visiting the local markets is a great way to eat fresh and what is in season just like the locals.

The shopping experience itself is fun and interesting. Download a translator program to your smartphone and the language barrier disappears. Plus you will eat amazing food. However, if hotels are your preference, focus on the location to make it easy to get around and if in the summer be sure to ask about air conditioning. Not all hotels have it. To be sure the higher level hotels can be quite pricy.

We can help with recommendations on what kind of schedule is comfortable and will not require you to have a vacation after your vacation. TS

| FOOD

Limoncello – Italian Elixir and a True Taste of Italy

Break Bread with

T

Cara

ravel anywhere in Southern Italy and it’s only a matter of time before you’re offered a chilled glass of Limoncello as an after dinner digestif. Go ahead, try it. If you’re along the Amalfi Coast, they might bring it to you in ceramic glasses, holding just enough of the bright yellow liquid, straight from the freezer.

I first heard about Limoncello, Italy’s second most popular libation, Campari being the first, from a college friend in Midwestern America. He couldn’t stop thinking about the routine the drink had created on a recent trip to Italy. It was there in the evenings, like clockwork, whether out at a restaurant or visiting friends.

They would drink it as the sun went down, and the color of the liquid was so vivid that it was almost like drinking down the last of the sun. I was intrigued. I couldn’t wait to try this elixir.

Although it’s made in other places, arguably the best Limoncello comes from the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Coast of Amalfi, and the islands of Procida, Ischia, and Capri. Here, you’ll find the famous Femminello St. Teresa lemons (also known as Sorrento lemons). These are no ordinary orbs of citrus. The variety is so sweet that locals often eat them sliced, like a grapefruit, perhaps with a fine dust of sugar.

It is from these legendary lemons that Limoncello is made, starting with thin curls of the vibrantly yellow zest (and leaving every last molecule of pith).

The zest is combined with pure grain alcohol, water, and sugar. Although the ingredients are simple enough, each Limoncello maker creates a slightly different concoction, using recipes passed down through families for decades.

As if this deliciously sweet digestif wasn’t enough, lately bartenders have been finding new ways to mix Limoncello into their cocktail creations. From a simple lemony Martini, to a more exotic Bacio del Limone, which includes sparkling wine, Limoncello, and freshly crushed berries, there are interesting combinations cropping up on cocktail menus regularly.

Although Limoncello has been around for a long while, it has only begun to be made commercially in the last century. Lucky for you, a local liquor or specialty store might be able to give you a taste of Italy to tide you over until you’re sipping the elixir of the sun in it’s natural habitat. TS Travel Smart Magazine 2015

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FEATURE |

Isle of

Capri...

A

Magical Place

Story by Al Hague

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| FEATURE

C

apri is located about a forty minute boat ride from Sorrento and other cities along the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Romance films are in the Islands long history and songs have been written about this Island of coral and famous for its weather, and ocean views. Believe it or not once upon a time the island was underwater. Today Capri is also home to fashionable but expensive shopping.

Much of the charm is without a doubt the history, much like the rest of Italy, but the romance and the beauty is the draw.

On the opposite side of the main harbor is Ana Capri, a more quiet and secluded area and also home to wonderful shops,

restaurants and sea beaches with beach clubs. Getting there is half the fun.

Shopping and Dining on Capri is not for those on a budget but it does not mean you can’t look around and choose wisely.

No doubt that Capri is a major tourist area and like the rest of the big tourist areas choosing the time to visit is very important.

Exploring the Amalfi Coast and Capri is best done either in the spring (May) or fall (September) to miss the tourist crush and still enjoy great weather and fresh crop foods and menu selections. Capri itself has many hidden jewels of restaurants Continued on Page 8

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FEATURE |

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all serving fresh in season selection and you would probably assume seafood on the coast is really special. Plenty of pasta dishes as well by the focus in this part of the country is fish and most likely it was caught in the wee hours hours of the morning and served to you.

The servers are fun, accommodating and energetic. They are really glad to have you and it shows. On an Italian menu it is easy to order way too much food as you are offered many levels and its ok to forgo one of two and just have a main dish and a salad and even sharing is encouraged but as tradition dictates do not expect any doggie bags for food you have not eaten..it just isn’t done anywhere in Italy.

Taxis are the easiest and best and the drivers range from quiet and gruff to wild, fun and even a bit crazy.

The taxis themselves are unique to this Island with open air passenger 8

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compartments which makes for a very scenic ride.

However, the roads are very narrow as one might expect but the conditions do not seem to slow down the drivers whatsoever. Historically Capri was also the summer home of Emperors and the rich.

One of the most interesting attractions is the Villa San Michele which today is a museum. It was originally the home of a famous Dr. Axel Munthe and much has been restored and is open to the public. It is very beautiful and scenic and worth the effort to visit.The good Dr. was the personal physician to kings and the rich including Tsar Nicholas and in later years moved to Southern Italy to begin work on his San Michele project and to care for the poor.

Dr. Munthe was born in Sweden and had quickly gained an international reputation.

If you have the opportunity to travel to this special place be sure to take the time to visit the Villa San Michele. TS

Photos

by Al Hague

Photos Pages 6-7: (Clockwise from left): Main Harbor of the Island of Capri.

A cliff house overlooking the harbor of Amalfi.

Ceramics with famous lemon designs.

The unique open air taxis of Capri.

Photo This Page: The Garden Walk at the Villa San Michele Island of Capri.

| CRUISE SHIPS

Choosing the Right Cruise Ship for You

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ounds like a no brainer until you really understand the choices of activities, ship style and amenities available.

Each cruise line caters to a specific lifestyle of guest. The size of the ship also can determine your level of comfort not just with your cabin but the sheer magnitude of fellow passengers and the activities going on. No doubt age is an important factor relative to the choices and atmosphere you encounter for your voyage.

The ports that you visit are certainly interesting for the most part to everyone and therefore you will enjoy those days but again depending on the size of the ship you may not particularly enjoy the long lines going to and from the ship. What this all means is, it is as important to select the right ship as well as the right port of calls for your particular taste and knowing how to do that is the challenge Reading up on the various cruise lines is a great start but having help from someone who knows them intimately and can also provide the materials to help you decide will go a long way to making your cruise a memorable time instead of a nightmare that will sour you about cruising forever.

Travel agents like ourselves study many hours to be able to recommend to our clients what cruise is right for them. We do that by discussing what you enjoy and whats important to you for the level of service, the surroundings and the activities you will have available onboard.You also have many choices on cost as well, from the more economical through to luxury beyond imagination. Cruise ships at the top of the scale really know how to pamper and spoil the guest.

Our only suggestion is to do what you can afford, so that you will not be

Restaurant on Holland America’s cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam.

thinking about the money and you can completely enjoy yourself and immerse yourself in the experience. That is

what it is all about...having a good time and relaxing. For more informa­tion, visit www.travel4allseasons.com. TS

www.oldtahoedistillery.com Travel Smart Magazine 2015

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TRAVEL AGENT |

Why You Should Use A Travel Agent

By Mark Murphy FOX news.com 1) They Are Educated and Have Personal Experience Simply put, they know more than you. They can give you insider tips and advice, using their education and personal experience to guide your vacation decisions in a way that provides you with the best vacation possible for you and your hardearned investment. They have access to the personal feedback from hundreds of clients, and their own personal travel agent network, to provide insights you can’t get on TripAdvisor or other social media sites.

2) They Have Clout Many travel agents develop personal relationships with individuals at the companies they sell. They leverage these relationships to get you things you can’t get on your own. That “sold out” room or the connecting rooms you want for your extended family trip when the online sites say they aren’t available. They also have

the supplier isn’t directly at fault. Travel suppliers value the travel agent’s business much more than any individual traveler.

They will step up to make things right or simply to make sure that traveler, and their travel agent, are happy.

exclusive entrée to experiences you might not know are available to you.

3) The Fixer In addition to getting you more on any particular trip, they can step in and fix things when your trip goes awry. The average consumer books one or two trips per year, typically with different travel suppliers, so they have little or no leverage when things go wrong. The travel agent is constantly selling a particular supplier and has the leverage to fix things, even when

4) Cost-Savings The best travel agents have unique access to benefits that can save you a lot of money and provide you with a better experience: free room upgrades, spa credits, food and beverage credits are just a few of the things that agents can get, that you can’t. Add in hard-toget restaurant reservations, exclusive or priority access to attractions, added amenities, and you will have a lot more value for your travel dollar. (Ever wonder why the couple in the cabin next to yours got champagne and you didn’t? They probably used a travel agent.

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VIKING RIVER CRUISES, a Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler award winner, offers the best itineraries on the rivers of Europe, Russia and China.

Enjoy exciting cities, rich cultural experiences, fine dining and deluxe accommodations onboard the most modern ships —with everything from meals to shore excursions included in your fare. And our award-winning Viking Longships® have raised the bar yet again with full-size veranda staterooms, the largest suites in Europe, al fresco dining and more.

Come discover for yourself why Viking truly is the world’s leading river cruise line.

2016 Early Booking Discounts: Up to 2-FOR-1 cruise plus air discounts.

Embark

on a

journey

of

discovery THE WORLD’S LEADING RIVER CRUISE LINE...BY FAR®

*Note: Up to 2-for-1 cruise and international air discounts are considered a single offer. International air does not have to be purchased to get cruise offer. Must request offer EBD at time of booking and pay in full by current expiration date; call for details. Valid on new bookings only as of 1/1/15, subject to availability and may not be combinable with any other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Referral Rewards. Viking reserves the right to correct errors and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. Additional terms and conditions apply; see Passenger Ticket Contract at vikingrivercruises.com. CST#2052644-40

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| CORPORATE FLIGHT

It’s the way to

fly!

CO N TAC T U S

Corporate Flight International was created by Ira Eichenfield in 1984. After flying with several jet charter companies in the Las Vegas area, Ira realized the need for a higher standard of customer service and professionalism in the jet charter industry. Mr. Eichenfield has maintained his commitment to provide personal individualized service to each and every jet charter client creating a company that exceeds the expectations of the elite consumers utilizing private jet air travel!

Corporate Flight International is a premiere private aircraft charter and personal aircraft management company.

Located in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, CFI is here to help you with all your air travel needs, making it smarter, easier, and more enjoyable than ever before! Our commitment to excellence is a pledge to your satisfaction! No other jet charter company exceeds our professionalism and efficiency, from the smallest service detail to the unmatched comfort and safety of our fleet of private jets.

With access to over five-thousand private jet airports you no longer have to wait in line for your commercial flight

and depend on the commercial airlines schedule to get you where you need to be. Whether for business or personal private jet travel, you can be rest assured you will receive unprecedented levels of professionalism and courtesy from our extensively trained private jet charter staff.

Each CFI client receives quintessential service including full concierge services, exquisite gourmet catering, arrangement of ground transportation and hotel accommodations and much more available at your request!

Our fleet of aircraft include a Gulfstream III accommodates up to 18 passengers, while our Hawker 800 is great for smaller groups and can accommodate up to 8 passengers.

Corporate Flight International is constantly exceeding the expectations of our elite consumers utilizing private jet air travel! We guarantee you the highest level of safety, privacy and flexibility you can expect from private air charter! Simply tell us where you would like to go, and we’ll take care of the rest. The destination is your business, the journey is ours! TS

A B O U T CO R P O R AT E F L I G H T

THE EXPERIENCE

Corporate Flight International is a premiere boutique private aircraf t char ter and personal aircraf t management ser vice. CFI is changing the way private char ter companies approach consumer interaction by elevating client

Each CFI client receives quintessential ser vice including full concierge ser vices, four-star gourmet catering, arrangement of ground ser vices, and full shipping ser vices. Flying with CFI means discretion and confidentiality are paramount. One-on-one interaction with a flight concierge ensures a superior experience.

A I RC R A F T M A N AG E M E N T • C H A RT E R S

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expectation in a way that makes private travel smar ter, easier, and more enjoyable.

CFI realizes that no two clients’ needs are the

w w w.c f i - i n c .c o m CFI also of fers personalized flying insurance, and is a leader in industr y safety. same, and each flight experience is customized to meet clients’ needs and expectations.

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Corporate Flight International delivers unparalleled ser vice and a unique and lavish user experience that provides clients with freedom and flexibility.

Our private char ter facility of fers passengers a fully stocked kitchen, conference room equipped with high speed Internet and flat screen HDTV.

The destination is your business.

The journey is ours.

Sit back and relax. Your destination is your business – the journey is ours!

Travel Smart Magazine 2015

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LOCAL FLAVOR |

Laguna Cafe

A Special Place For Those In The Know!

Story by Al Hague

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| LOCAL FLAVOR

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o begin with it is important to tell you that I am in no way a food critic nor am I a restaurant expert.

In fact the only experience that qualifies me to tell this tale is that I have dined in restaurants at one time or another in every state in the USA and many countries around the world. I have enjoyed all sorts of fare from the basic midwest and east coast meat and potatoes to the elegant but simple pasta dishes of Tuscany. I have dined on Oxtail in Rome, Venison in France and fresh fish caught in Lake Garda in northern Italy. All of these experiences were unique in their own way, not only for the food but the service, the atmosphere and the overall dining experience.

Depending on where you and I travel we have certain expectations and they are either met or not and if we are lucky they are exceeded. This is a story about such an experience in such a place that exceeded all expectations on many levels.

When you first enter the Laguna Cafe you can’t help but notice an eclectic collection of decorations and adornments that bring a smile to your face. While it is certainly quirky it is also immediately very comfortable and friendly. You are quickly greeted by either the boss himself or one of the very well trained and sincere staff.

You quickly also know that the Laguna

Cafe is not a stuffy nor pretentious restaurant and you get the feeling you might be about to discover a secret of sorts all though you have no idea what that could be.

Proprietors Dan and Debbie Barranti opened the Laguna Cafe on October 1, 2007, and since then have become a favorite for a very loyal list of regulars and they continue to be discovered by new customers weekly. Of course for me the measuring stick for any restaurant is the food quality but as I have discovered most restaurants that have been in business for a time have good food so then the dining experience comes to the forefront. There is no doubt the food here is amazing. Recipes have been carried on

by Dan and Debbie from their Italian family heritage but also from their living experiences in New Orleans and other wonderful places. The recipes are simple using fresh ingredients and presented in a very upscale way but not at an upscale price. The wine list which is almost as important as the food choices is very different and wonderful as Dan is certainly knowledgeable and works diligently to bring some unique wines in for his guests. I use the word guests intentionally as when you dine with the Barrantis they make you feel like family and you

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LOCAL FLAVOR |

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are really a guest in their home. Now, I could easily go into detail about the menu but that is something a food critic would do and as I said early on I am not one. However, what I am an expert in is comfort and good experiences and this is without a doubt one of the best available.

Each weekend Laguna Cafe offers live music just as eclectic as the furnishings. You can enjoy the vocals and keyboard of the amazing Diane Copeland, who I happen to know once played for Frank Sinatra’s 60th birthday or the acoustic guitar of Just Plain Darin. Nick Schauer, Danny McCollum and Pamela Benton are also regular performers on any given weekend but for the dining experience its important to recognize here that the music is all played at a level that allows conversation while dining and for me that is ideal.

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Dan and Debbie like to say you bring the conversation and we will provide everything else. When asked how to describe their menu Dan responded, “We call it American traditional with Italian overtones.” I call it just right for so many reasons.

This gem of a restaurant is on Regal on the South Hill here in Spokane and reservations are certainly recommended even for the patio dining.

You won’t have any problem finding Dan. He will most likely greet you or he will find you sometime for sure during your evening. Debbie is the Chef and she is amazing as well. Bon Appétite. TS

| THIS HAPPENED TO ME

This Happened to Me…

A

regular issue page dedicated to sharing the stories of readers who would like to share their experiences both the good and the not so good. Tell us the where, when and how of

your travel saga and lessons learned if any or the overall feeling of your trip. Let us know how you got to your destination and what you did and what you experienced.

If it was a nightmare tell us how fellow

travelers could avoid the same mistakes or disasters.

If you had a great time would you recommend the trip to others.

We will print as many stories as we have space for and if you don’t make it into the next issue you could in a later issue. Do not worry about being a professional writer, as we will gladly take the time to edit.

Your story can be anonymous or not, your choice. We will only print your name if you want us too however, we do need your contact information in case we need to clarify any details.

Let us hear from you about your travels. Deadline for submissions for the June Issue is May 1, 2015 and for the September issue August 1, 2015.

Please send all submissions to www. travelsmartmagazine.net in a Microsoft Word file and photographs should only be high resolution for printing. Your submission may also be put up on the website in the “This Happened to Me” section. TS

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RIVER CRUISING |

River Cruising Have It Your Way Story by Diane Hague

River cruising is today one of the hottest travel products available, but like anything else not all river cruises are created equal.

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f you are a younger, active person you may have looked at those river cruise ads and thought to yourself, what a snore.

To correct that mis-information let’s take a look at some exciting options available today in the river cruise travel category.

The most popular river cruising takes place on the long and beautiful rivers of Europe with the segment growing rapidly on many waterways in Asia, Africa, South America and even the United States. In Europe, you can choose to cruise rivers in France (the Rhone, Seine, Saone), in Germany (the Rhine, Danube, Moselle), in Spain and Portugal the Duoro. There are many scenic river

cruises in Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Croatia as well as Russia. In Asia, you may choose to cruise the Mekong River as well as the Yangtze which is a real adventure. So river cruising is not just all chateaus and wine. Adventures of all types can be enjoyed on the wide range of unique rivers of the world.

While the eating and drinking and napping is amazing, several river cruise lines have pools and fitness centers on board and others even have bicycles to borrow for exploring the ports you visit. Many of the cruise ships are sleek and modern and many others are Old World European in style. Some offer

| RIVER CRUISING Italy – the only one in Italy we believe), Russia, China, Cambodia and Vietnam. They provide bicycles, fitness centers and multiple dining venues on board in elegant Old World European style, and they’ve been doing it longer than almost any other cruise line.

an all-inclusive price and others are a la carte. Of course most of the river cruise lines offer shore excursions, so if you are looking for a particular experience or a more active experience, a good travel agent can help you design the perfect river cruise.

Here are a few of the most popular river cruise companies and their offerings.

A-ROSA – This European based river cruise company has only been marketing to North America since 2013 but they are quickly catching on with the cruisers who want a more active experience.

A-ROSA is all inclusive and offers large fitness centers, on-deck pools and complimentary bicycles with a decided focus on wellness and fitness. They also provide exclusively European cruises featuring local wines and dining experiences in multiple dining venues on board ship.

AMA Waterways – The fleet of 14 ships have a contemporary flair but offer impeccable service. AMA has extensive offerings around the world, Europe, Asia, South Africa, Russia and more. Although not an all-inclusive line, they do offer complimentary soft drinks, beer and wine with lunch and dinner in multiple dining venues. AMA is also a good choice for the more active cruiser as they offer bicycles, fitness centers, pool and spa on board.

Tauck – If you are a seasoned traveler you may recognize the name as a premier tour operator. In recent years, Tauck has ventured into the river cruise category combining river cruising with outstanding shore excursion offerings multiple dining venues, fitness centers and pools on board. Tauck is an all-inclusive line that offers exclusive events like private lunches and dinners and concerts as well as private after-hours tours of museums. They operate exclusively in Europe and continue to innovate with loft

style cabins on their two newest ships as well as fewer passengers (130 as compared to 190) providing a more intimate travel experience.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection – A long name to be sure, but Uniworld is an all-inclusive line with extensive offerings in Europe (including

Viking River Cruises – Certainly the most well-known of all the river cruise lines due largely in part to those dreamy television commercials. Viking offers very traditional river cruising experiences in Europe, Russia, Egypt, Cambodia & Vietnam as well as China. Viking provides the classic experience, with the focus on local culture, food and wine, to its passengers. They offer large staterooms in bright, contemporary ships designed with typical Scandinavian restraint. No

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RIVER CRUISING | Continued from Page 17

gyms or pools on board, none necessary according to Viking, since their ports of call offer extensive walking tours providing all the exercise a traveler requires. There are multiple dining venues on board and while not all-inclusive, complimentary soft drinks, beer and wine are provided.

This article by no means covers every available river cruise offering on the market, but attempts to tempt you with a little more information about what some of the most popular lines have to offer. River cruising is a truly unique travel experience because it focuses on the journey not just the destination as your floating hotel quietly cruises by some of the most historic, beautiful, exciting scenery in the world. River cruising – go to travel4allseasons.com. TS

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| SAVING & PLANNING

SAVING &

PLANNING

O

nce the decision has been made to go, all you have to do is pay for it. If you can pay in full, particularly if you are going to a country with a different currency, then do so as more than likely the conversion rate will not get much better and could get more unfavorable. Usually prices are quoted in dollars but the dollar amount is affected by, for example, the Euro if you are staying in Europe and traveling in Europe.

However, if like most people you are on a budget most of the time and always for cruises all you need is a deposit and then you can make payments at will until it needs to be paid in full usually a couple of weeks in advance of your departure date. The important issue when planning a vacation is to get your price locked in and your chosen accommodations secured. This eliminates the worry and makes the rest of the planning much more pleasant.

There is no doubt a vacation is a large investment and you should try to get the best value for your money. Try not to fall into the old “paralysis by analysis” state of mind by going over so many different ways to go. Establish a budget, trust your travel agent and have a great time.

Remember good travel agents rely on repeat clients and it is in their best interest to make sure you have an amazing experience so that you will come back to them and equally important recommend them to your friends. They will also want to help you through the financial process and find ways to make it easier on you and they can. TS

If you have any travel questions on any travel subject please submit to info@ travelsmartmagazine.net. In future issues we will dedicate space to answering questions submitted, for the benefit of all readers. If we don’t have the answer we know where to get it. As a member of multiple travel organizations we have the resources to help you. Ask Away!!!

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FEATURE |

Southern California...

and

Sun Fun

S

outhern California or as it is commonly referred to, SOCAL, is for some a slice of heaven and for others it is a constant struggle keeping up with the lifestyle. Regardless of your circumstances once you have lived there it never really leaves you. It has been said that if Southern California were a country unto itself, it would be the seventh largest economy in the world, which is one way of saying there is a lot of money there. Equally important is the fact that it takes a lot of money to live there at least in a lifestyle that puts you into the scene. It can seem the local sport is keeping up with the neighbor.

Southern California, as it is referred to, stretches from roughly Santa Barbara to San Diego. It is the home of a wide variety of things to do and places to see. The SOCAL is loaded with great restaurants, beaches, golf courses, shopping beyond

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belief and art and culture to rival anyplace in the country. Fancy automobiles, boats, aircraft and all sorts of toys are everywhere. The weather is about as good as it gets when it is good which is most of the time. However, like most places, when it is bad they have to contend with fire, mudslides and and other natural disasters.

Perhaps the most famous landmark in

Southern California is the complex highway system. Rush hour traffic in Southern California is like no other place that this writer has experienced almost 24 hrs a day.

For people wishing to visit southern California, the choices are plentiful and most of the top choices are on the coast such as Huntington Beach, famous as a surfing mecca. Down the coast highway is Laguna Beach, still a major art town with many galleries, artists in residence and a magical beach. Each year in the summer Laguna Beach holds the Pageant of the Masters. This is a must be seen to believe event where actors portray characters from famous paintings in an outdoor amphitheater with clever lighting, costumes and makeup that convinces the audience they are really looking at a giant painting. Across the street daily is Sawdust, an outdoor flea market of

| FEATURE sorts featuring all types of artists and craftspeople selling their creations.

Perhaps the richest few miles of land anywhere can be found at Newport Coast just south of Newport Beach. Miles of very high end homes, resorts and beach fronts fill the hilly landscape and all offer ocean views and breezes. Multi-million dollar homes are average here and most have been built in the last 15 years and are still being built. With California beginning to find its way back to fiscal health, much is happening again although visiting there it was never easy to see any problems existed.

If you decide to grab a flight to SOCAL you have some choices and each has its advantages and drawbacks.

First is LAX, just a short drive from LA depending on the time of day. It is huge, crowded and frankly not located in the best area. Rental cars are expensive everywhere but really high most times at LAX. It can often be a difficult airport dealing with the security and it’s size.

However, it does have the most flights and keep in mind you are at least an hour on a good day from Orange County.

Orange county has its own airport named after John Wayne. It has a great location, easy access and is small enough to be able to get in and out with ease. It is a bit more expensive to fly into because of its popularity and has a 10pm curfew, so if your flight is late arriving you might be diverted to LAX. A third option is out east in the inland empire in Ontario.

Again a great airport and if you want to go to the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs and other desert communities) then this is the best choice. Flights typically are less to Ontario and rentals cars more reasonable.

The best kept secret for Southern California airports has to be Burbank or as it is also affectionally known Bob Hope.

This is small airport but is really easy in and out, has rental cars and offers a fun ambience reminding all who land of the glory days of Hollywood.

Visiting California is really easy to do, what is hard, is leaving assuming you enjoy the good life and great weather. For sure once you have been there you will want to return often at least for visits. TS

Photos Facing Page: Laguna Beach Coastline.

Bird of Paradise.

Photos This Page: DanaPoint Yacht Club.

Art Deco bar on the Queen Mary, Long Beach, California.

Photos by Al Hague Travel Smart Magazine 2015

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VACATION PHOTOS |

The Elusive and Perplexing Vacation Photos!

Story by Al Hague I have often been asked “what am I doing wrong?” when friends and family show their vacation photos. Granted this goes back more years when it was not possible to see the results instantly. It was often a major issue when you would go to the photo store and pick up the developed photographs and discover you had chopped of your family heads or feet or you were facing the wrong direction and all you could see in the finished photo was the glaring sun or lights in the background and the subjects faces were too dark and were difficult to identify. Now for those of us who started taking photos back then, this certainly evokes bad memories and disappointment.

Fast forward to 2015 and the photography landscape has changed so dramatically that anyone can take good photos on vacation and sometimes even with your phone.

Al Hague P h o t o g r a p h y

Weddings Events Commercial Architecture headshots artwork home & office www.alhaguephotography.com 22

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The digital age has been both amazing and frustrating for the photographers of the past in that the equipment is far superior but then the knowledge required has changed as well. Now we talk about pixels and processors instead of lenses and chemicals. Perhaps the most daunting challenge to the vacationer is choosing the right camera for the use intended.

The choices are vast as we all know and the choice is certainly a personal one. You can today have very small camera that will do a great job or you can get a professional model that will also do even more and for the most part the occasional photographer will not be able to tell the difference or be inclined to learn the capabilities. In most cases the necessity of enlarging is the difference. For the purpose of enlargements resolution is the measuring stick. So if your plan is to enlarge landscapes to 24x36 then you will need larger files and stronger capabilities. Talk to your favorite camera store professional or do the research necessary is many photography publications.

For the vacationer I recommend you choose a camera that is easy to use, easy to carry and doesn’t require a lot of accessories like a pro model. For example when I travel I have a separate bag for camera body, lenses, batteries, disks, SD cards, cords, tripod, flash attachments not to mention a laptop for editing and downloading. I certainly would not recommend all of that to anyone going on vacation. Then the job of keeping track and the worry about losing any of the equipment is in itself added pressure on the trip.

You can take perfectly acceptable photographs with a point and shoot model that is fully automatic and easily packed, carried and looked after. All you have to do is follow a few basic prin-cipals.

Pay attention to the frame of the photos. The frame is what you see in the viewfinder and it should be at a distance so as to have scene well around the subject

matter so at a later time you can crop the photos correctly and be sure to have everything of importance in the photo.

Cropping will in most cases create a close up.

Being able to stand very still to avoid shaking the camera especially in darker situations will avoid the blurry photos we have all taken at one time or another.

When concerned, try leaning against a solid object like a light pole or building corner to steady the camera.

When possible always have the sun at your back and also shooting from the shade into the sunlit area is a great way to get sharp photos.

Pay attention to your backgrounds and foregrounds. Avoid shooting directly at brightly lit objects such as white walls or water with blazing sun reflecting.

If you are shooting something that is moving use the setting for sports or action.

Understand the focus settings and the shutter speed settings as well as when flash is a good idea and when it is not.

Lastly read the owners manual on your camera and practice with it before your vacation begins. You will be very glad you did and you will capture memories that will last for years.

| TRAVEL AGENT Travel Agent Continued from Page 10

5) Time-Savings Instead of searching blindly on the Internet for hours, days, or even weeks – depending on the complexity of the travel plans – you can have an expert do the research for you, with your personal needs in mind. They do it for every component of the trip and very often do it at no cost to you.

6) Safety Net If anything should go wrong during your trip, you can rely on them to assist you. A travel agent will suggest and arrange alternate travel arrangements, help you to deal with any travel emergency you may have, and put you in touch with the right local people to answer your needs.

7) On the Cutting Edge They are on the cutting edge of what’s new: Travel agents are the first to know about a new resort, cruise ship or tour.

They have relationships with their best travel partners who keep them informed as to the latest and greatest offerings they have. So if you want to travel on the latest and greatest, agents are the way to go!

8) You Pay the Same Anyway!

More than 98 percent of hotels are parity priced. That means the cost is the same whether you book it yourself or have the travel agent do the work. Some travel agents even have websites that feature the same inventory, bookable in real time, as Expedia and Orbitz. The customer gets the best of the high tech

world, in a high touch, environment. This parity pricing applies to virtually every travel product.

9) You Get Matched Right If you call a cruise line directly, they won’t tell you that their competitor is a better fit for you and your travel needs.

Since travel agents sell everything, they focus on you’re your particular needs, making sure you are matched up with the right style of cruise experience.

10) An Ongoing Mutually Beneficial Relationship A good agent is like a good mechanic.

Once you find them, you’ll never want to give them up. TS

Travel Smart Magazine 2015

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