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Wanderlust Blog

Here at Amazing Journeys, we’re lucky to have the best jobs in the world—and we think our good fortune is worth sharing. So, when your next journey seems like a distant dream, take a few minutes to explore our WANDERLUST blog—it’s chock-full of engaging tales and helpful tips from our travels around the world.

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WHY DO WE LOVE OUR HOTEL’S SOAP SO MUCH? Three letters:T, S, A

Monday, October 5th, 2009

 When will we be able to board planes again with jugs of our favorite lotions, shampoos and conditioners? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but not any time soon. Due to technology glitches, the Transportation Security Administration does not expect to scrap the three-year-old ban on carry-on liquids and gels this fall, as previously anticipated. For those of us who like to toss our belongings in a carry-on bag to avoid the tedious task of checking in luggage, that means we’ll have to rely a little longer on hotel toiletries.

After all, they’re the most convenient – even if it means we might smell like a floral arrangement.

A recent online survey asked the question – How big a deal is your hotel’s shampoo and soap line? While one respondant said, “given the carry on restrictions, it’s nice to have decent toiletries and mouthwash”, another thought “most of the junk they put in hotels is terrible. Who wants to smell like a bouquet of flowers at a business meeting?”

Some folks liked the hotel toiletries so much that they admitted going out and purchasing them at a store. Others called out the brands like the person who wrote that “Hampton Inns have cheap soap that seems glued to the paper.”

One reader wrote that she loves Marriott’s line of Bath & Body Works orange ginger soaps and shampoos, but also gave a shout out to a Hyatt Regency for providing toothpaste. “I do really appreciate when hotels have nice toiletries. Given the travel restrictions on liquids, I’d much prefer to use the hotels products than bring my own because of the hassle.

Restrictions on the 3oz bottle of liquids aside, will someone please tell me why airports in the US are the only security checkpoints that STILL make us take our shoes off? I know, I know…”The Shoe Bomber” from 5 years ago. I’m just curious, though; if The Shoe Bomber had instead been The Underwear Bomber ………………………..

The joys of flying just got more joyous

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Special Surprise Announcement: All U.S. carriers now charge for a second bag to Europe!

Let’s have a party.
United Airlines announced recently that it will begin charging customers for a second checked bag on routes to Europe. With that, the lone U.S. carrier to buck the trend of charging international passengers to check luggage is joining the “feee-for-all”.
 
Every other major U.S. carrier has unveiled luggage fees on trans-Atlantic flights this year, seeking to raise revenue, recover money lost through discounting and to offset a falloff in business-class travel. As for United’s new charge, passengers flying trans-Atlantic routes will pay $50 for a second bag at the airport or $45 if purchased on the carrier’s website. This applies on routes going from the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean to Europe and back.
 
As is typically the case, some customers will be exempt from the fee. Elite-level frequent-fliers, customers on premium-fare tickets and active U.S. military (but only those traveling on orders) will not be subject to the charge. US Airways, Continental, American and Delta already have announced similar fees, and US Airways also just raised it rates on domestic checked bag fees to $25/first bag and $35/second bag (save a whopping $5 if you pay in advance with your online booking) for tickets purchased on/after August 26, 2009.
 
You’ve laughed about the rumor, but it really is just a matter of time before the who-needs-your-business-anyway common traveler will have to pay onboard for using the restroom or reclining our seats. And just wait until we have to pay for our carry-on!

During a time of reflection: Some Of Life’s Lessons

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Written By 90 year old Regina Brett of The Cleveland Plain Dealer:

 
-Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
-When in doubt, just take the next small step.
-Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
-Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
-Pay off your credit cards every month.
-You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
-Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
-It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
-Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
-When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
-Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
-Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
-If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
-Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
-Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
-Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
-Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
-Over prepare, then go with the flow.
-Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
-The most important sex organ is the brain.
-No one is in charge of your happines s but you.
-Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’
-What other people think of you is none of your business.
-Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
-However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
-Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
-Believe in miracles.
-God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
-Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
-Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
-All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
-Get out every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
-If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
-The best is yet to come.
-No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
-Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

Amazing Journeys wishes you…

Thursday, September 17th, 2009
Shana Tova to all our readers and travelers of the world.
May you and your friends & family have a sweet new year filled with health, happiness, peace, and maybe even something…..amazing!

Bill, Malori, Barry, Stacey and Michele

Inspiration

Friday, September 11th, 2009

Amazing Journeys advertises “vacations that can change your life” and on every trip we live up that standard in one way or another. Thousands of individuals have had “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences, met a new friend (or 4!) for life….and some have even met the love of their life.

As a true testament to changing lives, Amazing Journeys has partnered with Make-A-Wish for six years helping–along with the generosity of our passengers–to provide a wish to a sick child. Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation traces its beginning to one boy’s wish. In 1980, 7-year-old Chris Greicius was being treated for leukemia. Every day, he dreamed of becoming a police officer. U.S. Customs Officer Tommy Austin had befriended Chris and his mother and promised Chris a ride in a police helicopter. When Chris’ health worsened, Austin contacted an Arizona Public Safety officer, and planned a day that would lift Chris’ spirits. The day included a tour of the city in a department helicopter, a swearing in as the first honorary DPS patrolman in state history, a presentation of the official uniform, and a motorcycle proficiency test so he could earn wings to pin on his uniform. On May 3, 1980 Chris passed away, but not before seeing his dream come true and experiencing the hope, strength and joy that came from receiving his wish.

Last week, my friend Lisa shared with me a truly amazing, yet tear jerking experience. Lisa is a nurse in Boston who works in a ward with terminal children. She is a hero in so many ways by virtue of the work she does on a daily basis, but what she did for a very special 17 year old patient who was dying with Cystic Fibrosis took heroism to a new level. With time running out, Lisa poked and prodded her way through a very difficult maze of heirarchy to reach the heart of Ellen Degeneres; this young girl’s idol. Too sick to get on a plane and visit The Ellen Show as Make-A-Wish would have sponsored, Ellen herself called the hospital directly and spoke with this young patient lifting her spirits and fulfilling a lifelong dream. Ellen even gave the young girl her personal cell phone number if she ever wanted to call and say hello..and followed it all up with a care-package full of t-shirts, CDs, books and a personally written note . Ellen finished the note by saying “…you’re my hero. Love, Ellen”.

Lisa’s efforts to help this girl’s dream come true was such an amazing feat and I feel honored to know such a wonderful person. Sadly, the young girl lost her battle a few days later but not after touching the hearts of so many people..and having her own heart touched by a very special celebrity.

Whether you support the Make-A-Wish Foundation, volunteer your services to help a sick child, hold the door open for man in a wheelchair or just smile at a senior citizen, the ability to touch the lives of another human being is within all of our reaches. Don’t underestimate your ability to be an inspiration.