Travel Tip Tuesday : American Airlines Announces $8 Blankets

If you are a friend of this blog, you know that Travel Tip Tuesday isn’t always a list of travel tips. Occasionally it is a platform for me to bitch about ridiculous travel rules, decisions and fees.

Stupid airline fees, like the ones for checked-bags, often make an appearance as well.

I also like to give others a forum to weigh in on some of these ridiculous decisions made by the airline industry.

Well, according to the NYTimes Intransit Blog, American Airlines plans to charge $8 for a blanket and pillow on the plane, beginning May 1st on domestic flights and some international flights over two hours.

I am not one that likes to be nickle-and-dimed when I travel. And I could really care less about having a blanket for keeping warm on a plane, as I generally pack or wear a pashmina that doubles as a shawl or blanket if I get chilly.

Honestly though, I do like the idea of having that blanket to roll up or extra pillow to use as a lumbar support for my lower back- because the airline seats are so dang comfortable!

But these fees – the airlines just keep adding them. And raising them. When will it end?

First airlines roll out checked-bag fees for a second bag, then for the first, then they raise the fees, then they charge for pretzels, then soda and now blankets. Some are even charging for specific premium seats! Soon you’ll pay for water and to use the bathroom.

As I sit here, the ladies of The View are dishing about this- they are angry too. They agree- something has to be done. But what?

And why only coach passengers? Don’t the airlines realize that travelers in coach are there because they can’t afford to spend any more money?

Seriously. I don’t get it.

So here are my questions to you….

How much does this anger you? What is your breaking point? Will this impact your decision to fly with American Airlines? Will you pay $8 for a blanket in coach? And what are your suggestions or solutions to deal with this growing problem?

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Don’t forget to head to My Bella Vita for more tips today!

Photo Credit: Roger Bits

Culinary Institute’s Apple Pie Bakery

Perhaps the best bet in the Hudson Valley for a gourmet breakfast or lunch at rock bottom prices is just a seven minute drive from my house. It’s the Apple Pie Bakery and Café, at the famed Culinary Institute of America.

The bakery, located in Roth Hall on the CIA campus, is run by students in the pastry and bread-making program. Items on offer are available both for take-out and sit-down service. Freshly baked artisan breads (focaccia is my fav!), decadent gourmet desserts that resemble artwork, flaky pastries, savory scones, croissants that melt in your mouth, coffees,teas and spices are just a few of the options in cases at the front of the café.

My advice is to plan to enjoy a sit down meal. Order both your meal and to-go goodies at the outset. This way, you won’t need to wait on the very long line again, after your meal. Your to-go goodies are packed and delivered to your table as you’re finishing your meal.

Opt for a table overlooking the picturesque courtyard.

Breakfast selections include a raclette, oatmeal, breakfast burrito, yogurt parfait and french toast – all of which are under $5.00. A side of bacon is a steal at $1.00. Coffee is dark and delicious. It’s delivered to your table in a French press along with an egg-timer, ensuring a perfect cup every time.

Lunch is a mix of soups, salads and sandwiches – typical café fare. One of my favorites on the menu is a goat cheese tart or quiche served over a bed of arugula.

The menu changes seasonally. And menus are available on-line.

Walk off your meal by strolling the beautiful grounds, which offer stunning views of the Hudson River. I’m always amused by the roads and buildings on campus named after herbs and spices – like Chive Place and Nutmeg Lodge. During our holiday visit, we saw clever signs like Seasoned Greetings and Happy Hollandaise.

It’s nice to know they have a sense of humor. Though I am sure the yearly price of student tuition is hardly anything to joke about.

The Apple Pie Bakery is open Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 6:30pm. Breakfast is served until 10:oo am. Lunch begins at 11:00am. Reservations are not accepted. Check the website for other closing dates/times due to student holidays.

*Sadly, the Apple Pie Bakery is no longer serving a full breakfast, however pastries and lunch are still available.

Apple Pie Bakery
1946 Campus Drive (Route 9)
Hyde Park, NY 12538
845.905.4500

World Nutella Day 2010

We interrupt our normal Travel Photo Friday schedule to bring you something a bit more sinful and delicious today.

Yep, that’s right. It’s World Nutella Day!

I have always been a fan of Nutella, but it wasn’t until a few years back that a few bloggers got together and decided to dedicate a whole day to the chocolate-hazelnut spread. Sara and Michelle are hosting this event.

I am a big fan of celebratory days like Valentine’s Day, but I also think one should explore and celebrate their love and in this case, love for Nutella- any chance they get.

This is my third year participating and since I, like many others, are short on time, I wanted to showcase something so incredibly easy to make that even time-challanged-baking-haters could enjoy Nutella as well.

In years past, I have made Grilled Nutella Sandwiches and Nutella Stuffed French Toast. And while I couldn’t imagine it getting any simpler than that- I think I have managed to up the easiness factor yet again!

This year I bring you:

Bite-sized Amaretti Cookie and Nutella Sandwiches.

You can find mini Italian amaretti cookies at your local Italian deli or perhaps your local market.

Just flip them flat side up, shmere a nice glob of Nutella on one half, top it with the other half and smoosh together until the hazlenut spread starts to ooze out of the side. Pop ‘em whole – right into your mouth.

The crunchy, almondy sweetness of the cookie marries perfectly with the creamy Nutella. They are extra enjoyable alongside a cup of steaming hot espresso. Or perhaps with a glass of ice-cold milk – an afternoon snack for the child in you.

But the best part – for today only – eat as many as you like. There are no calories on World Nutella Day

And if you have the time and are feeling adventurous- try Nutella filled doughnuts from bell’alimento, who is a good friend to this site.

Well, have fun celebrating Nutella!

Happy World Nutella Day 2010!

5 Picnic Spots in Paris

Very few people seem able to escape the effects of our recession. I propose that perhaps the only solution is to pack up and head off to France, realizing that while the amount of dollars and cents in our pockets might vary from year to year, the memories that we create will be something we carry with us always. A picnic lunch seems to me the ultimate delight, combining our fiscally responsible adult with our whimsical inner child. Paris, without a doubt, offers the beauty of location.

Champ du Mars

The Eiffel Tower has for so many become a symbol synonymous with Paris. It only seems fitting on a search for the perfect picnic spot to begin here. At 60 acres it is one of the largest parks. Named after the Roman God of war Mars, it was once used as a military training field. These days it has become a spot frequented by people partaking in somewhat less hostile activities. Personally, I would rather lie about lazily enjoying the view from my picnic blanket then engage in a military drill. Of course if this view of the Eiffel Tower is not to your liking there is always a view from the opposite side.

Jardins de Trocadero

This location offers an alternative view of the Eiffel Tower. It also plays host to English-styled gardens, impressive sculptures, bronze gilded statues, and the Fountains of Varsovie. This would be enough to persuade even the most finicky to spread their picnic blanket here and yet there is one final draw. Within the grounds there is a carousel where children can ride atop horses decorated in the color of their choice while trying to catch golden rings with each passing turn. This is an activity that is certain to bring a smile to both the participant and any onlookers enjoying a picnic lunch.

Buttes Chaumont

For those who want a more encompassing view of the city there is Buttes Chaumont. It’s adorned with manmade grottos, beautiful stonework, and the sounds of water created by a 32 ft waterfall that cascades into the lake below. From here you can overlook the city while taking in the best of what nature has to offer. This is truly a picnic spot fit for the Gods – placed atop a hill is the Sybille Temple modeled after one found in Tivoli, Italy.

Parc Monceau

While Buttes Chaumont might worship the Gods, Parc Monceau was once frequented by the likes of Marcel Proust. Its picturesque setting was even the subject of a Monet painting. Within the grounds you can find an Egyptian pyramid, a Dutch windmill and statues dedicated to Maupassant, Amboise Thomas – even Chopin. It is open until 8:00pm in the winter and 10:00pm in the summer, creating the perfect atmosphere for a truly picturesque picnic under the stars.

Banks of the Seine

This final picnic spot has been the subject of paintings by Manet, Monet, and Van Gogh just to name a few. There are over thirty-seven bridges to choose from crossing over the Seine like the Pont des Arts, just to name one. Grab your slice of the quay with a view of your favorite. If a view of a bridge is not to your liking you can sit on the banks near the Notre Dame cathedral. The Cathedral serves as a backdrop to the perfect evening all aglow. Here you can spread your blanket, uncork your bottle of wine, and look out upon the river as a passing boat takes with it the last of a day’s waning rays from a sun setting in Parisian skies.

Written by Molly Photo Credits : Ryanfb / Os Ruplas / Pichenettes / TracyElaine / Bryce Edwards

Travel Tip Tuesday : How to Deal with Lost, Stolen or Damaged Luggage

A few weeks ago we talked about how to avoid luggage problems and also how to prevent it. But what do you do when you find yourself with the lost, stolen or damaged luggage? Travelers of yesteryear, before the age of nickle-and-diming every passenger for checking bags, were more likely to forgive the occasional broken strap or zipper. But in modern-day airline hell, travelers are less much forgiving. Many even feel paying to check a bag should mean better service. Crazy, I know. Perhaps in a perfect world- but better treatment of bags is hardly a result. Don’t think damaged bags are a problem? Read through the comments on this recent New York Times article. It’s shocking.

If you happen to be one of the growing population left with lost or damaged luggage or items stolen out of your luggage, I really feel for you. The odds of recouping are certainly not in your favor. Though I can’t guarantee a peaceful resolution, I can offer you a few pieces of advice.

1. First, before you leave the house – make sure you lay everything out on your bed that you will pack and take dated photos. Snap a few pics of your bag from different angles too. These may come in handy later if you need to make an itemized list of a bags contents.

2. Inspect your bags the minute you collect them from the luggage carousel. Don’t wait until you get home- loss or damage will be much harder to prove. Open your bag and check the inside as well. Most airlines have a limit on the amount of time you have to file a claim. The urge might be to run like hell out of the airport rather than wait in another blessed line-especially if you’ve been delayed for 99 hours, but resist the temptation to run and instead, report it.

3. Have all your documentation handy. Be ready to give your passport, boarding pass, luggage claim checks and flight number(s) to the claim reps if asked. And have your bag with you as well.

4. Before you get your boxing gloves laced up and go all rabid-dog on the airline staff, I want you to remember the old saying ’You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” It certainly applies here. In most cases, you’ll already be heated. Take a few deep breaths before speaking. Keep in mind that the agent you’re speaking with didn’t physically do anything to you or your bag. Treat them with respect and you’ll (hopefully) get the same in return.

5. Don’t take NO for an answer. Be firm and polite-but persistent. If the claims representative is unhelpful, ask to speak with the manager. If he/she doesn’t resolve the problem to your liking, write a letter to the airline. Be sure tell everyone at each level , how unhappy you are with their policies of forcing people to pay for checked bags and then not offering something in return when there is a problem. Remind them that you are a good customer. Explain that they will lose your business.

6. When all else fails – take to the Internet. You may remember that last year, a guy whose guitar turned up broken after his United flight, sought his revenge by writing and video taping a song blasting United Airlines. It was cleverly titled ‘United Breaks Guitars‘. It has over 7 1/2 million hits (and counting) on YouTube. After a year of fighting to get resolution, his video shamed the airline into offering him money (which he requested be donated to charity), but not before the damage was done. One has to wonder what the bad press really cost United in the end. Personally, I love this idea. Can’t hold a note to save your life? Look for other outlets. Many major news networks air programs that help consumers – perhaps they’d be interested in your story. And believe it or not, there are still good people out there who help advocate for travelers. As luck would have it, I know a few. Chris Elliott or Travel Rants may have advice for you as well.

7. Though it may not replace the cost of a $300 piece of luggage, if you paid your checked bag fee on-line with your credit card when booking your tickets, perhaps you could dispute those charges with your credit card company.

8. And though it should only be considered in extreme cases or cases where you don’t agree with the resolution, you may decide to take the airline to Small Claims Court. The DOT sets the maximum per-traveler reimbursement on domestic flights, which is currently $3300, so don’t expect a settlement to exceed it. Your claim should be fair and well-documented, which I why I recommend taking pictures earlier. Save everything. Make notes of along the way. List dates and times, whom you spoke with and when. Correspond by email and letters instead of phone if possible, because it creates a paper trail.

Tired of dealing with lost or stolen luggage? Click here to see how I can help you convert to carry-on travel.

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Cherrye’s sharing more travel tips over at My Bella Vita.

Photo Credit : Flickr

Sleeping in Tuscan Vineyards

Rustically beautiful, the Etruscan wine country is an appealing destination for travelers. Fortunately, Tuscany boasts quite a few accommodations that can bring guests a natural, organic experience. Located on working vineyards, these places allow you to sample their own olive oil, wine and other foods made on the property while experiencing life in the Italian countryside at affordable prices. Here are six wonderful places you should know about (my favorites are Antico Borgo di Sugame and Agriturismo Le Caggiole).

Agriturismo Le Caggiole

Le Caggiole’s estate produces wine, olive oil, honey, and fruit jam, all of which guests can sample during their stay. The fruits they grow include plums, cherries, and peaches. As for other produce, Le Caggiole grows walnuts, saffron, and vegetables.

The property is located near Montepulciano, a historical Tuscan town, and is only 7 km from Chianciano Terme Spa Wellness Center. At this spa, there is a recent project called Terme Sensoriali, a unique Naturopathy program, the only one in Italy. So anyone interested in natural healing and relaxation should certainly take advantage of Le Caggiole’s close proximity to such a distinct attraction.

Le Caggiole is a bed and breakfast, with four rooms, each with private bathrooms, that range in price from €70 to €100 per night. It also offers an apartment that can sleep two people priced from €90 to €130 a night. The guests are served home cooked Tuscan breakfasts and dinners made by Mamma Ornella – the owner Giacomo Martinelli’s mother. The continental breakfast offers fresh cakes and sweet coffee. For dinner guests can eat handmade pasta, organic meat, game, and lots of fresh cooked vegetables. Dinner prices range from €25 to €35 and include drinks and wine. Mamma Ornella also teaches cooking classes, where guests learn her special Tuscan cooking methods for a separate price. By leading tours of the farm, Giacomo not only gets to know his guests through his mother, but by spending time with them himself.

Le Caggiole is situated about one hour from Florence, 40 minutes from Siena, and 20 minutes from the Medieval village of Cetona. With these exciting destinations nearby and fun things to do on site, Le Caggiole’s guests may never want to leave.

Il Santo

Il Santo, located in the Chianti Classico hills, is only 1 km from Greve in Chianti, 25 km from Florence and 30 km from Siena. Guests can choose among four restored farmhouses, said to have been built around 1100 A.D. The prices range by number of guests, starting at €65 for two and ending at €100 for four. Each has a private entrance, bathroom, and garden/terrace, satellite television and wireless internet access. Among the vineyard and olive grove is a large swimming pool (swimming pools are pretty popular in the Tuscan countryside).

Of course, guests also get a tasting of the estate’s produce. Il Santo’s working winery makes Chianti Classico. Guests can buy it on site or have larger packages shipped home. They also produce cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil.

If they feel like getting some exercise in the Tuscan air, guests can stroll less than one mile out to Greve, where they can find restaurants, a tourist office, a market, bus stop and a laundromat. Bicycles, scooters, and cars are also available to rent in town. Those staying can have the privacy of renting their own farmhouse on Il Santo, and its location is perfect for exploring both Northern and Southern Tuscany.

Agriturismo Savernano

Agriturismo Savernano is a Bed & Breakfast in the hills of Tuscany, at the center of the triangle between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. The Panoni family, who purchased the farmhouse and property in 1994 say it is a ‘witness of the wedding between nature and comfort.’ For two people in a double room per night, the prices range from €75 to €120. Children under the age of 3 stay free. There are 8 rooms to choose from in the old renovated farmhouse, each with air conditioning, satellite television, refrigerator, telephone, and safe. Guests also receive covered parking for their cars. Guest can opt for the homemade meal for €17 which includes a first course, main course, salad, fruit, or dessert. Wine straight from the property’s vineyards is offered as the house wine.

Savernano also produces organic extra-virgin olive oil from its olive groves. Among the olive trees in the garden is a large swimming pool. Beyond the vineyards are oak, pine, and cypress trees. On warm nights, guests often see wild animals like foxes, boars, and deer. On the land is also a small, picturesque lake to view, helping guests get in touch with the nature.

Poggio all’Olmo Agriturismo

Poggio all’Olmo is the name of this small cluster of farmhouses that date back to around the end of the Renaissance, 1600 A.D. The houses are surrounded by beautiful vineyards and olive trees which offer treats for the eyes as well for the taste buds. Distant from the main roads, the property provides a purely relaxing atmosphere.

There are rooms in the main house and apartments available in the reconstructed hay shed. Depending on the number of people in the party, prices range from €75 to €130. Gas for heating and changes of sheets and towels are not included in the price. Guests are offered the vineyard’s beautiful views and the opportunity to buy the vineyard’s wine and olive oil. There is also a swimming pool for guests to cool off in during the hot summer months.

Located among the hills, this vacation spot encourages walking and other excursions. With historical places like Greve, Florence, Siena and San Gimignano just short drives away from Poggio all’Olmo, guests can become fully immersed in Tuscany’s unique culture.

Antico Borgo di Sugame

Borgo di Sugame is a vineyard and winery, its land dating back to 1200 B.C.E., where some of Robin’s friends have stayed when venturing to Tuscany. There is a separate cottage and nine fully furnished apartments built into two Tuscan farmhouses to choose from. The prices, depending on the apartment, range from €390 to €1105 weekly. Each holds its own bathroom(s) and even a kitchen, most of which have been newly renovated. Every dwelling has its individual outside space, either a terrace, garden, or patio, and of course stunning views of the beautiful Tuscan property. There is also a community pool to lounge around, and even that has a view. It overlooks distant mountain peaks and the vineyards.

Produced by Lorenzo Miceli and his wife Catrina, as well as only 15 friends and relatives, Borgo di Sugame’s four types of organic wines must be tasted. The farm also produces both chestnut flower and wildflower honey. Their organic olive oil is made from Frantoi, Leccino and Moraiolo olives. As if this wasn’t enough, there are fresh fruit trees from which you can help yourself to figs, peaches, and other seasonal fruits. But beware, you may have to compete with the wild boars who roam the property.

Podere Val delle Corti

Val delle Corti is a quaint vineyard in Radda in Chianti. It is the perfect place for travelers who want to get to know their vineyard hosts. Val delle Corti only has one separate apartment on the estate for guests, a stone house called il Fienele or hay barn. Because there is only one place to stay Eli Bianchi and her son Roberto make sure the place is just perfect. They furnished il Fienele with a mix of old family antiques and new pieces. There is a kitchen (with a full pantry), living room, two bedrooms and one bathroom. Prices per night range from €90 to €110 or €690 for the entire week. A three night minimum is required.

On the property, the Bianchi’s produce a Chianti wine that is only available in Europe. Among the personable hospitality provided at Val delle Corti are the family pets; Hugo, a lab mix and Pepe the cat. The animals are trained not to beg for food or enter the apartment, but become friends with the guests regardless.

Val delle Corti is equidistant from Florence and Siena for guests who want to explore other places while traveling in Italy. However, guests can also visit nearby Radda, where they can have dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in town. The Bianchis also know much about the area and are active in their community, which makes it easy for guests to get suggestions on local must-see activities by asking their hosts.

Written by Stephanie Grossman

Traveling to Tuscany? Click here to see how I can help you find the perfect accommodation.

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