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Passion on the Vine

The Internet, blogs and video have made arm-chair travelers the world over very happy people indeed. It is easier than ever to make virtual visits all over the globe.  But nothing beats good old-fashioned book readin’.

Descriptions in many books allow you to form pictures and impressions through your very own imagination.  Books can often make a place jump right off the page and come alive in your mind and heart.

Passion on the Vine, is one of those books.

If you like Italy, wine and Italian culture.  This is one for your bookshelf.

Sergio Esposito, a succesful entrepreneur, passionate Italian wine drinker and Italian expat is the owner and creator of Italian Wine Merchants in New York City.  His goal, which was successfully reached, was to introduce and make accessable, a variety of good quality Italian wines to New York and America, in a time where Italian wine consisted of Chianti in a plump, straw-covered bottles.

Esposito tells of his childhood in Naples and how his family’s hard-times caused them to move to the US to live with a relative in Albany, New York. Forced to eat bland dinners consisting of sub-par ingredients with relatives, he discovers a love and passion for wine at a very young age.  It becomes his special gift.  Later he moves to NYC, works in the famed San Domenico restaurant before becoming a wine consultant, eventually meets Batali and Bastianich. Soon after, Italian Wine Merchants was born.  And the rest, as they say, is history.

A good part of the book describes his frequent wine-buying trips to his beloved Italy.  His first experience with good Italian wine comes after his father gave him the freedom as a young teenager to explore Pisa and surrounding Tuscany for a few days on his own, while the rest of the family travelled to Naples.  Much later in life he took his reluctant parents, along with his wife and two small children, on a countrywide wine-buying and tasting trip extravaganza.

The book showcases vineyards and producers both large and small, in different regions of Italy.   It provides an insightful look into both modern and traditional wine styles.  The conversations, vineyard tours and detailed descriptions of his three-hour-dinners with friends will both entertain you and leave you wanting more.

I enjoyed this memoir, especially the humorous parts.  Esposito’s passion for Italian food and wine, as well as his love of his homeland, shine though.

Hopefully Passion on the Vinewill inspire you to travel to Italy.  Or at the very least, tempt you to experiment with Italian wines not named Chianti.

Travel Tip Tuesday : A Money Saving Travel Round-Up

By now you should know that I am a budget traveler at heart.  And I love helping others save money on travel as well.

And while I think I have my fair share of good ideas, tips and suggestions in this department – I certainly don’t have all the answers.  This Travel Tip Tuesday, I would like to point you to some other helpful information that others have written.  I have rounded up info on everything from making the most of airline frequent flyer programs to suggestions for budget eats in the UK.

Enjoy!

The New York Times has a nice piece entitled 10 Ways to Cut Your Travel Costs This Year. Certainly you’ll find something you can do!

Wanna know how to get the most outta those Frequent Flyer programs?  Find out how to get Luxury for Less!

Christine shares her opinion of an e-book that she found to have valuable info about garnering more Frequent Flyer Miles as well.

Andy of Sharing Travel Experiences has a fabulous interview with Brian Peters of No Debt World Travel.  Learn more about the book, but also some free tips that Brian offers in the interview as well.

Travel & Leisure brings us 9 Money-Saving Travel Tips.  And there is a slide show. Bonus!

Who better than Nomadic Matt to give us tips on How to Find a Cheap Flight?

And I know that it’s destination specific, but if  your headed to the UK, Indie Travel Podcast offers up some ways NOT to starve there.

Tim Leffel wrote about 6 Money-Saving Travel Resolutions on his Cheapest Destinations blog.

Crazy about travel?  BootsnAll reminds us to think outside the box with Crazy (and Cheap!) Ways to Take a Trip.

I’m interested in growing the collection.  If you know of a link to some money-saving travel tips that could benefit readers, please include it in the comments.  I look forward to learning from you.

You know who else likes to save money on travel? Cherrye.  Hop over to see her Travel Tips today.  She is also co-hosting Blogging from the Boot the Best of 2009 for expat in Italy bloggers.

Photo Credit : Flickr

5 Reasons to Visit Provence

When I think back on my most memorable travel experiences they were ones that seemed to affect each and every part of me.  These were places where beauty could be seen, touched, smelled and even tasted.  In that spirit I cannot think of a better place to visit then a region like Provence. Legendary landscapes captured by Cezanne, outdoor markets, antiquing and well, I could go on and on – are just a few of the reasons that make this certainly a place worth visiting.

Here I have managed to sum up what I believe to be the top five.

1. To experience art come alive.  Provence itself is a work of art and has been featured in paintings by artists such as Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso.  You can walk the well forged paths of these artists across beautiful countryside.  Cezanne, a native of Provence,   captured both beauty and love for his homeland in paintings such as Montagne Sainte-Victoire.  While visiting St-Remy-de-Provence you can pick out pieces from Van Gogh paintings in an almost impressionist Where’s Waldo.

2. The color purple.  While traveling the countryside it is hard to ignore the deep shades of purple that cover the hills of Northern Provence.  The fields of lavender sway in the wind which carries with it the aroma of countless perfumes and creams.  To experience the lavender in full bloom it is best to travel during June and July, but its beauty can be seen until mid-October.

3. Outdoor markets.  The scent of lavender along with honey, ripe fresh produce (whatever’s in season), and fresh baguette swirls together in the air of Markets in Provence.  Each day brings with it an outdoor market in a different region.  Vendors typically open around eight and end their day at one.  This not only provides you with delicious food, but a perfect setting for people watching and truly immersing yourself in a culture.

4. Hidden treasures. Any trip would not be complete, in my opinion, without a memento representing my time there or just something that captures the character and culture of a place.  Provence provides ample opportunity for finding just such a treasure with its many antique shops and flea markets.  Some particularly well-known are the Marché à la Brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and L’ Isle-sur-la-Sorge in Vaucluse.  Whether your treasure be an 18th century armoire or for those more budget conscious a vintage straw hat, you can find it here along with an authentic piece of provincial pottery.

5. Something original. And finally for those of you who like authenticity, there is the original Arc de Triomphe which was built in AD 26. It certainly does not get much more authentic than that.  This along with a statue of Emperor Augustus and an ancient Roman amphitheater, can be found in Orange at the northern tip of Provence.

This would truly be a trip to awaken the senses!!

Your turn to share.  Why would you want to visit Provence?

Words by Molly Costello – Photo Credits : Forever Wiser / Roblisameehan / Travel Eden / Jean-Louis Zimmermann / Allie Caulfield

Adding to the family!

This morning I have some exciting news to announce here at My Mélange.  You may remember a while back I talked about some new facets of my business.  The Travel Itineraries, Consultations, Photography and of course the Freelance Writing.  Well, these facets are keeping me very busy of late (which of course is a good thing!), but my heart and mind are never far from this blog.  The blog I have worked so very hard on for the past 3 years. My labor of love. Poured my blood, sweat and travel tears into.

Well, maybe not tears.  That might be a tad overdramatic.

But the thing is, I have so many ideas, so many travel tips, so much helpful advice…and so little time.

I know some writers or bloggers can experience problems with writer’s block. Nothing to write about.  The well dries up.  But for me, it’s quite the opposite.

So I felt it was time that I enlisted some help.  I have decided to add two contributors to the My Melange family.

So, I am writing today to introduce Molly and Stephanie, who will be contributing articles on Travel, France and Italy to the site.  And maybe a little somethin’ extra thrown in for good measure every once in a while.

I hope you’ll welcome them with the same friendly spirit and open-arms that you embrace me with every day.  And if I know my readers…I know that you will.

And no worries.  I am not going anywhere.  Promise.  I’ll still be writing, both here and elsewhere.  I’ll still be talking travel tips every Tuesday and posting your photos for Travel Photo Fridays as well as waxing poetic about my beloved Italy and France.  I’ll just be doing it with a little help.

Tune in,  in just a few hours…Molly’s first post will be debuting.

Photo Essay : Stunning Seaside Towns on Italy’s Mediterranean

When I think of the tiny towns nestled along Italy’s Western coast, I think of the multi-hued sherbet cubes tucked into cliffsides, varying shades of aquamarine water with colorful boats bobbing up and down, gray pebbly beaches with lounge chairs and colorful umbrellas, steep craggy coastlines that abruptly drop into the forcefully churning surf and ports where fishmongers row in their catch of the day.

And though many of them possess these same characteristics, each one has its own history, charm, vibe and reasons to visit.  Enjoy this photo essay of some of the best seaside towns in Italy.

Sanremo

Sanremo is one of the westernmost town, so very close to the French border.  It’s home to a casino, palm trees and a luxurious looking Marina!

Genoa

Genoa is one of the largest cities on the Northern Italy Coast.  It’s a large industrial port city and actually was Italy’s first.

Lerici

Lerici is in the province of Liguria.  It’s considered part of the Italian Riviera. And in case you can’t tell from the photo…it’s a port town.

Manarola

Cinque Terre means five towns. It is literally made up of five tiny villages, all connected by ancient paths.  This photo is of Manarola, one of the most recognizable in the Cinque Terre.

Portofino

Another hugely popular town on the Italian Riviera is Portofino.  The small fishing village was supposedly discovered by Romans and named for dolphins.  The stunning half-moon shape of the harbor is best viewed from above, as in this photo.

Livorno

Livorno is an ancient tangle of canals and walls.  It’s also known as Leghorn, and there is a breed of chicken named after the city.  Rumor has it that it’s how Foghorn Leghorn got his name.

Monterosso al Mare

Another tiny town included in the Cinque Terre.  I love how the little beach is anchored on either side by the huge rocks.  And check out the walkway just clinging to that cliff face on the right.

Vernazza

This unique town of the Cinque Terre wraps completely around the coast, offering spectacular views. The Doria Castle, which was erected to protect against pirates and the church’s octagonal bell tower are two notable sights.

Camogli

Camogli, which means houses close together in Italian, is a tiny fishing village on the coast.  If this picture is any indication, it looks adorable.

Riomaggiore

The southernmost town in the Cinque Terre group.  It sits on the Gulf of Genoa and is known for its wine and aquariums.

Portovenere

This tiny fishing village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Its name is said to come from a temple to the goddess Venus. I know I’d feel like a goddess if I spent any time there.

Piombino

Piombino is an ancient Etruscan port.  The area attracts snorkelers and divers from all over the world.  There is also a Marine Biology Center and aquarium.

Nettuno

Nettuno, named for the Roman god Neptune, is located in the Lazio region.  It’s a popular spot for sunbathers since it’s a stop on the local train out of Rome.

Gaeta

Gaeta has had a turbulent history, but is currently an important seaport for both fishing and oil.  You can also get tiella here, which is a unique combination of a pizza and calzone. I can imagine eating one on that stretch of golden sand.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a tourist destination in the Campania region, which overlooks the beautiful Bay of Naples.  Other than delicious views and luxury resorts, Sorrento is known for its Limoncello.  How ’bout a chilled sip while drooling over this view?

Positano

Made famous by the scenes shot here in Under the Tuscan Sun, this gem had been frequented by celebs long before that. Located on the Amalfi coast,  Positano was a medieval port and boasts two separate beaches- both equally beautiful.

Atrani

Atrani, located a few minutes drive from Amalfi, is one of the most romantic towns of them all.  The location is stunning,even dramatic, and looking at this photo it’s clear why.   Their abundance of fish is evident in the Sagre del Pesce Azzurro, the celebratory fish festival.

Praiano

Praiano, located between Positano and Amalfi, is home to the famed Grotto Esmerela, or Green Grotto.  Not quite as talked about as the famous Blue Grotto on Capri, but with views like this, how could it not be beautiful?

Cetara

Once used by pirates as a naval base and later destroyed by Turkish pirates in the 16th century, this tiny gem is known for its anchovy and tuna production.  Oh, and it looks dreamy at dusk, wouldn’t you agree?

Tropea

Tropea is situated on a reef in the toe of the boot, the Calabria region.  From the photo, we can tell it’s a favorite spot of beach-goers.  The people seem ant-like in relation to the giant sandstone cliffs.

Amalfi

Located at the mouth of a ravine called Monte Cerrato, Amalfi is certainly one of the most well-known towns.  An entire section of Italy’s southern coast is named after it.  Amalfi is home to a Duomo, campanile (bell tower) and hosts an ancient regatta once every four years.

Which stunning locale are you heading to first?  Include any favorites that I missed in the comments.

Note : Though many of these little villages are set in more specific areas of Italy’s coastline, such as the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas, I have grouped these bodies of water all together as part of the larger Mediterranean Sea for the pupose of this piece.

Photo Credits : Mike Flemming / Perrimoon / Alex Scarcella / Rob Inh00d / Extravigator / Conormac / LeeMcarthur / Tylerc083 / RoSSella Rebonato / [MP] / Nick’s Pics /  Raffaelesergi1977 / Sunshinecity / Michaelwm25 / S J Pickney / Robin Locker / Allerina & Glen MacLarty / MHJohnston / Ale Bovini / Simo0082 / Paul and Jill

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Traveling to Italy?  Click here to find out how I can help plan your trip!

Travel Tip Tuesday : 7 Ways to Prevent Lost, Stolen or Damaged Luggage

I have been reminded recently with the new TSA rules and people commenting on my 7 Reasons to Go Carry-On, that not everyone can travel with only a carry-on bag.  It’s true that in some circumstances, you’ll need to check a bag.

There are many things to consider if you will be checking your luggage.  Last week we went over what NOT to pack in your checked-bag. Here are a few things that you can do to prevent lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

1. Start out by buying a quality piece of luggage. First, it can make traveling a bit more pleasurable, and second it can mean the difference from seeing your bag come down the carousel in one piece…or several pieces. Whether you are in the hard-case-camp or the durable-denier-fabric-camp it’s important to do some reasearch, read some reviews and remember that cheap doesn’t always mean better. Treat it like your baby, a good bag can last you many years as well as stand up to the harsh beating airline employees and luggage conveyors will give it.

2. And speaking of buying that bag, don’t by black if you can help it. Sure, it hides dirt and scuffs, but I bet you’d rather search through a pile of misplaced bags at the airport if you owned hot pink luggage. It would stand out like a sore thumb against a sea of black bags. If you must buy black, mark it with something unique to set it apart and spot it ease – a colorful tag or ribbon tied around the handle.

3. Always clearly mark your luggage inside and outside with your full name and address, phone number and email.  Use a large luggage tag and print legibly with permanent marker.  Make it easy for someone to contact you, in the event you’re separated from your bag.  Perhaps even include the name of the first hotel you’ll be staying,  so the airlines can deliver it, if they misplace it.

4. Though many people like to keep stickers from previous trips on their luggage as a cool travel badge of courage, it is sure to be a recipe for disaster. Always remove stickers and labels from previous trips – it can confuse baggage handlers.

5. Arrive early enough to the airport to ensure enough time for your luggage to make it on the plane.  Running up to the gate to check luggage five minutes before boarding ends is a sure-fire way to assure bags won’t make it on your flight.

6. Try to avoid connecting flights by flying direct. Connections just increase the likelihood that your bag will be lost. If it can’t be helped, make sure you factor in at least one hour between connecting flights.

7. Head right to the baggage claim when you deboard the plane. Don’t dilly-dally. The sooner you get there, the sooner you watch the bags come in. The longer you let your luggage rotate on the carousel, the better chance that someone picks yours up accidentally or just decides to just walk off with it.

Stay tuned!  Next week we will discuss what to do in the event that your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged.

Ready to make the switch to carry-on only travel? Click here to see how I can help you convert!

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Head over to My Bella Vita to see what travel tips Cherrye is servin’ up today!

Photo Credit : Flickr

Marriott Grand Cayman : Paradise Found

As you know last month I was invited on my first ever press trip by Marriott. I visited their Paradise by Marriott resort in the Grand Cayman.  I tend to be a budget traveler that generally likes to find small affordable quirky hotels or B&B’s to stay during my travels.  But that doesn’t mean I don’t like the idea of staying in an upscale place, being pampered by super soft, comfy bed linens and treated like a queen.  Who wouldn’t enjoy that?  I’d be crazy not to.

But, I am also someone who has worked very hard to gain my readers’ respect. I hope readers have come to trust and believe in me for my fair and honest opinions and reviews about all things that relate to travel.  I feel like I owe those loyal readers some facts and opinions about the resort that was gracious enough to host me.

I had never stayed on a Marriott resort property, so the experience was a brand new one.  It was, by all accounts, a very pleasant first (and hopefully not last) for me and I did enjoy my time at the resort. I tried to view my experience through my audience’s lens, even though I was being hosted.  I wanted to be impartial while still enjoying the extra special touches I was afforded, like the lovely wine and cheese plate in my room which I made short work of on arrival and the spacious, picture perfect ocean view room that I called home for five days.  There is no doubt that the resort itself is beautiful and the word paradise would indeed be an adjective I’d use to describe it.

While there, I chatted up both staff and guests, asked to see an assortment of different level rooms, tried some room service and had a spa massage just so I could get a good feel for what was on offer.  Yeah, I know.  Really tough work, but someone had to do.

Based on my experiences, I wanted to share a few of the things I feel Marriott Grand Cayman has going for it.

1.  Location.  The resort is only about a 10 minute drive from the airport.  It’s centrally located within walking distance of some great restaurants, shopping and nightlife.  The port of George Town is also an easy few minutes away by car or local taxi.  And the resort itself is on the smaller side, with about 300 rooms.

2.  Seven Mile Beach.  The resort is centrally located on the most beautiful stretch of sandy white beach.  And it’s literally seven miles long.  They have plenty of lounge chairs, beach towels, lounge chair covers and cabana boys that will drill a hole in the sand and put your own personal umbrella in the sand for you.  And since the beach is located on the west side of the island, you’ll enjoy the best sunsets money can buy.

3.  The Man-Made Reef. Marriott was nice (read smart) enough to create a wonderful man-made reef in its section of ocean.  You don’t even have to leave the resort to snorkel and see beautifully colored fish.  A nice touch.

4.  Hospitality.  Really, this should be reason number one.  Every staff member from the front desk, to the servers, to housekeeping was gracious and helpful.  Many went out of their way to make my stay better.  I really had fun chatting with them all.  And I witnessed the same positive vibe while staff interacted with other guests.  The warm, happy, friendly, smiling faces definitely set the right tone at the resort.

5.  Services. There are no lack of services here.  There is a spa, a gift shop, a concierge, a small gym and a different theme every night at the Solana restaurant.  A few noteworthy things you may not find in the brochure- you can order lunch or drinks on the beach and eat without leaving your lounge chair. They keep both lemon and lime infused water in the lobby which you can help yourself to all day.  And they supply cozy white waffle-weave robes in every room.

6.  Every room has a private balcony.  Well, patio on ground floors and balcony on all other floors .  Yes, every room.  Some rooms are ocean view. Some overlook the lovely and serene courtyard. Others overlook a nearby hotel. The patios on the ground floor have a less private spot than those with balconies, simply because you could walk right into your neighbor’s patio space.  If that bothers you, spring for a room on any of the higher floors.

7.  Eco-friendly-ish.  I was happy to see signs prominently displayed in all of the rooms, giving those who are interested in helping the environment the option to forgo new towels everyday.  Housekeeping also asked about changing my sheets, which they generally do every three days (better than daily), but I insisted that my sheets be left untouched, seeing as I was only there for five.  Spirit to Preserve donation boxes were located in the resort lobby as well.  Talks at dinner with the VP of Marketing and Sales Coordinator revealed Marriott’s committment to volunteering in the local community. But for the life of me I can’t understand how printing and distributing 300, three-page documents, containing news clips and restaurant theme announcements, to every guest on a nightly basis, would support their message of conservation.  Wouldn’t one general announcement board in the lobby with the ability to make a photocopy for anyone who requested it be a far smarter and less wasteful option? Just a suggestion.

And speaking of suggestions, I was encouraged that the few I made to the team during dinner seemed to be received positively and taken seriously. I genuinely felt that they wanted to hear my opinions.

My biggest beef has nothing to do with the resort itself, which is fabulous, but with the high-speed Internet service for which Marriott charges $12 per day to use, though you would be hard pressed to find that detail anywhere on the website. I equate these charges with the airline’s checked-bag fees, which by now you should know I abhor. My personal opinion is that anyone paying serious money to stay at a Marriott Resort shouldn’t be nickle-and-dimed for Internet service. Free wi-fi should be included in the room price.  I can find a cheap hostel in Europe that includes this feature.  I seriously wish Marriott would reconsider their policy on this.

I realize that some hotel chains do this simply because they can. Business travelers and their companies will pay this fee, but that doesn’t make it right. Honestly, being the travel writer that I am, I need Internet service when I travel. I would never be able to pay this fee (and didn’t on this visit, as I was hosted). My options would be to look elsewhere for a resort that included free wi-fi or seek out a local Internet cafe. That being said, there are computers and printers available for use in the lobby for a few bucks if you only need to connect for something quick.

One other important thing I wanted to mention involves the blizzard which impeded my departure from the island. Because of Marriott’s generosity, I ended up being hosted in paradise for an extra day.  My contacts at the resort and Diamond PR, were quick to offer a solution when they heard about the impending storm and my predicament. They insisted that I stay there, safe and sound, and depart a day later.  For that I am eternally grateful and will only assume that they would have made that same accommodation for anyone faced with a similar situation, albeit at the traveler’s expense.

Now, I am certainly not saying that the resort is perfect or inexpensive by any means.  Luxury comes at a price and perfection is overrated. In fact, one must consider before visiting that as of this writing, $1 Grand Cayman dollar is equal to $1.21 US dollar. To put it in perspective, that means that a $50 dinner in the Grand Cayman will cost you $61 USD.  Also keep in mind that every service, meal, beverage and room charge at the resort will have an extra 15% gratuity added onto it.

And though the Marriott resort brand is aimed at the luxury travel market, those traveling on a budget shouldn’t rule out a stay immediately. There are always specials to be had if you do some homework.  At the time I traveled, they were offering a fourth-night-free deal that might just put the room rate within your reach.  Traveling in low-season, June through November, is another option to consider.  But as with any deal, make sure you read the fine print and factor in the conversion rates, taxes, resort fees and tips.

*My stay at the Marriott Grand Cayman was part of a press trip hosted by Marriott Resorts and Diamond PR.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

You can view more photos of my Grand Cayman trip and the Marriott Property on Flickr.

My Melange Turns Three

Three years of helping folks travel smarter, lighter and cheaper.

Three years of creative writing.

Three years of sharing my passion for France and Italy.

Three years of restaurant reviews.

Three years of experimenting with French and Italian recipes.

Three years of interviews and contests.

Three years of snapping travel photos.

Three years of having conversations.

Three years of travel stories.

Three years of making great friends.

Three years of travel tips.

Three years of life changes, from blog to business.

Three years of connecting with readers.

Thanks to each and every one of you for reading, for sharing, for commenting, for following and for contributing.

I feel like I have accomplished so much these past three years….and I hope you’ll stick with me for another three.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Why not take this opportunity to tell me what you’d like to see more of.  What will keep  you coming back for another three years?

Photo Credit : Flickr

Travel Tip Tuesday : 7 Things Not to Pack in Checked Luggage

Even the Carry-on Queen can admit that it’s not always possible to travel without checking a bag.  Circumstances will arise, TSA rules will change and at some point you are bound to want to bring home that one-of-a-kind souvenir that just won’t make it into the tiny luggage you came with.

For the next few weeks, we will talk about some things that affect travelers who can’t take advantage of carry-on only and therefore must check their luggage.  We’ll be covering lost, stolen or damaged luggage and/or belongings and even how to prevent some of these things from happening.

It is no secret that airlines often lose or misplace luggage.  It has been happening more frequently, especially with delays, which shorten connection time.

Today I would like to talk about some things not to pack in your checked luggage, in the event that you can’t possibly fit everything in a carry-on. Some of these may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised what I read, see and hear.  And sometimes we can all use a little refresher, right?

1.  Fragile items. Have you seen secret video of how airport baggage handlers treat your bags? Well, it ain’t pretty. Or dainty. Trust me, if you spend good money on an Italian Ceramic Biscotti Jar and expect to enjoy looking at it for years to come on the top of your fridge, do yourself a favor and ship that baby home. And something else fragile…eyeglasses. If you can’t wear them, but need to bring them along, slip them in your purse or personal item.

2.  Prescription medications. You should always carry your medicine with you. Especially if you have high blood pressure. The way the airline industry is these days, you’re surely going to need it! I’d say pack a few Advil on your person too, just in case you have a screaming child and develop a headache, mid-flight. It’s also a good idea to travel with your written perscriptions…just in case.

3.  Your itinerary and documents. Passports, other ID, hotel and car rental confirmations, e-tickets, your written itinerary- it all belongs on your person. Do you really want to be standing in the middle of the airport with no bag, no passport and no idea at all where you should go or what to do next?

4.  Cash. C’mon. This seems like a given, yet some people in their infinite wisdom decide that they don’t want to be mugged with large sums of money on their person, so they feel it might be better to stuff it in their luggage instead? Seriously? These are the same people who don’t sign the back of their credit cards, leaving it blank so when they lose it a crook can pick it up, sign the back and charge away, no questions asked. If you are worried – don’t carry that much cash at all! That is what ATM’s are for.

5.  Jewelry. Aunt Sally’s expensive heirloom diamond ring or emerald necklace have no business being in your checked bag where any thief could see the bling and help themselves. If you absolutely have to have it, wear it. Or, if it’s that important to you, it’s best left behind, tucked safely away in its cushy velveteen box.

6.  Electronics. Laptops, cell-phones, expensive camera and video equipment don’t belong in checked bags.  I’d much rather these items be in my line of sight when security personnel decide to perform random checks on them. If left to be screened behind the scenes, chances are greater that you’ll never see the items again or they’ll be returned in several pieces.

7.  All of your undies. Save at least one pair and tuck them in your carry-on or personal item. If you are stranded with lost  luggage, at least you can rotate the two pair you have, assuming you wore a pair on the plane, until your bag arrives.

Don’t want to worry about checking luggage? Click here to see how I can help you convert to carry-on travel.

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Check out My Bella Vita for more travel tips!

Photo Credit : Flickr

The Turtle Farm at Boatswain’s Beach

Did you know that Turtle Stew is the National dish of Grand Cayman?  Well, I knew this tidbit before I visited.  And though I would classify myself as a foodie, I decided to pass on sampling this local delicacy.

It may just be delicious, but I perfer to have an up-close-and-personal encounter with a live turtle swimming ’round a touch pool as opposed to in my soup bowl.

So, I of course jumped at the chance to visit the Turtle Farm on Boatswain’s Beach on Grand Cayman.

Unfortunately, the day I visited was cloudy and nasty and by afternoon, most of the tour guides had gone home for the day.  But there was one guide, who is also in charge of feeding the turtles, that was nice enough to show me around.  And we practically had the place to ourselves.

The Turtle Farm began in 1968 as a way to domesticate Green Sea Turtles. Currently there are 4 species of Sea Turtle on the farm; Green, Kemp’s Ridley, Loggerheads and Hawksbills, totaling over 7,000.

The Kemp’s Ridley species is actually the rarest, most endangered turtle.  They are known only to breed in the Gulf of Mexico, but a few were found and brought to the farm.  Through breeding, those few have now grown to 40.

All of the turtles are held in separate touch tanks, grouped together by age and species.  I got to hold a Green Turtle in the youngest group they had on hand, which were yearlings.  To pick one up, hold it by grasping firmly under the flippers, shell facing in, toward your body.  He may start flappin’ his flippers, but a few gentle strokes under his chin will quickly soothe him.

The farm helps to conserve the Green Turtle by releasing yearlings into the wild annually, about 20 of them each year.  The last turtle release happened this past November.  About 31,000 turtles have been released to date.

They also supply turtle meat to meet local demand. My guide told me that currently it’s about 10% of the population. This reduces hunting the turtles found in the wild.

Here are some other random things I learned about turtles:

*  You can tell the gender of a turtle – the males have much longer tails than the females.

*  The visible white marks on the back of a turtle’s neck are scars, scrapes and bites that are caused by normal turtle behavior, especially during breeding.

*  Mature breeding turtles can weigh between 350 – 500 pounds. The biggest turtle on the farm is a female named “Sparky” , and she weighs in at a whopping 575 pounds!

*  Female turtles can lay between 50 and 100 eggs at a time, up to 10 times in a season.

*  A turtle can hold its breath for 20 minutes while swimming and up to 12 hours while sleeping.

* The geometric-shaped plates on the back of a turtle’s shell are called scutes.

Boatswain’s Beach isn’t just a Turtle Farm.  There is something for everyone.  There is a colorful bird aviary, a predator reef tank with sharks, eels and barracuda, Cayman Street, two lagoons, a restaurant, a gift shop, a nature trail and an education center.  And there are scheduled feedings in both the touch and predator tanks.

And speaking of feedings.  The turtle feeding was a downright riot.  Scoops of special turtle kibble, that resemble dog food, are tossed into the touch tanks. Tons of turtles swim like lightning (well, for a turtle!) and start gulping it up.

In the larger tank, one particular turtle, affectionately called Arnold Schwarzenegger, pushed himself up and out of the water with his flippers to eat right out of the scoop!

And turtle kibble is apparently a sandpiper’s delicacy also.  The birds hover around during feeding time, and ride atop the back of a turtle, like a surfer rides a board, and if the turtle happens to resurface with a piece of kibble on its back…it’s the sandpiper’s lucky day!

A trip to Boatswain’s Beach and all it has to offer costs $45 or you can just visit the Turtle Farm for $30.  If you book online you can save 20%.

And though I had a fabulous time and learned so much about turtles, there was one thing missing from my visit.  The hatchlings.  It just wasn’t the right time of year to see the babies.  Bummer.

For that you need to visit between May and October.

Even if you can’t visit,  you can still personally sponsor a Turtle Release.  Send an email to info@boatswainsbeach.ky for information.

*I visited the Turtle Farm as part of the Blog Paradise trip that was sponsored by Marriott Resorts, which means my admission to the Turtle Farm was covered.