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Wisteria buds

At The Terraces Winery

View from Paraduxx

Looking for cheaper stays when you travel? Sign up for hotel rewards or loyalty programs. They all have them. And it doesn’t cost a thing to sign up. If you don’t mind more emails and you travel frequently, sign up for their email promotions also. Some give amazing deals only through emails.

If your travels take you overnight, try to stay in the same “chain” for as many nights as you can. Keep in mind that chains like Hilton and Marriott have many different hotels and different branches of hotels attached to them. Remember to use your membership number when making your reservation.

As your points add up, these can equate to free stays in that hotel chain. It used to be harder to redeem points at some hotels but with the economy, those hotels are wanting their beds filled. That’s good news for you.

Some hotels have options that let travelers use money to make up the difference if they don’t have quite enough points for the free stay.

Check out www.insideflyer.com, a website that tracks loyalty clubs.

These cork trees are from the Napa Valley area of California.

Cork trees are a renewable resource in that they live anywhere from 150 to 250 years. Their bark or cork can be harvested every 10 to 12 years. Over 50% of the world’s cork for the wine industry comes from Portugal, with the rest from Spain, Italy, France and some from Africa.

From a distance the bark looks like bark, but up close it looks almost spongy. Interesting tree.

Ever wonder how balsamic vinegar gets made? The “good stuff” is from Modena, Italy, and is aged in barrels 25 years.
These barrels are graduated from a larger one at the top of the photo to smaller ones. As the vinegar ages and gets “thicker” it goes into the smaller barrels. Each barrel is a different type of wood. And the vinegar in each barrel tastes entirely different.

If you thought barrel tasting was only for wine…think again. This stuff is heavenly…right from the barrel.

No travel tips today. Just beautiful flowers popping out as a result of our winter rains.

When traveling, where do you put your jewelry at night in a hotel? You could put it in your suitcase if you intend to store it there or in the in-room safe. But if you want it handy for wearing the next day, where can you put it? It might roll off the night stand or into the sink. Pieces may get separated and take precious time to locate.

Use one of the glasses in the room. It keeps all pieces together and is easy to see. If you use the in-room safe, set the glass in the safe. If not, place it on the dresser or night stand.

What to these two lazy cats have to do with the travel tip for today? Absolutely nothing. They are just hanging around under some blankets watching me work.

We all know to buy bottled water when traveling, especially if you’re concerned about drinking the local water. Save a few sips to use when brushing your teeth. That way you won’t need to be concerned about the water coming from the tap in the bathroom.

If you’ve been on a long flight and want to brush your teeth before you land…use some of the bottled water you’ve been served. You won’t need to use the water in the plane’s lavatory.

The lazy cats approved this message.

Driving through the vineyards in Napa Valley one would think Spring has arrived.

Check out the blossoms.

Speaking of Spring…if you are getting ready to go on a Spring cruise, pack your swimsuit in your carry-on. This works for any warm weather destination. Why? Because as others are waiting for their checked luggage to be delivered to their rooms, you have your swimsuit handy. You can hit the pool before others even get their luggage.
Start working on that tan…or that margarita.

Sometimes the best restaurants are not the most popular. Bottega in Yountville is an exception. This popular place has it all. Food, wine and service were excellent during lunch on Saturday. Reservations are a must as this new spot will soon be the place to be.

Ask for a table outdoors amid the fireplaces, awnings, and comfy sofas.

Even the tops of their awnings are decorated with the Bottega symbols.
Try it next time you are in the area. I don’t think you will be disappointed. If you’re not in a hurry, I’d suggest you tell your waiter. Otherwise, your food will arrive quickly.

www.botteganapavalley.com

Do you really know what you can take in and out of Algeria, or Spain, or Argentina? Visit the all nations guide at http://www.excess-baggage.com.

Want to make or receive calls while traveling internationally? Check out http://www.howtocallinternational.com. This works for mobile phones, landlines, and Skype.

Need to know how to get a passport or visa in a hurry? These people have been in the business for over 20 years. http://www.traveldocs.com

Looking for information about world airports and terminals? Check out www.worldairportguide.com.

These bottles are ready for tasting at a winery in Napa. Just below the large bottles are small plates of food, really delicious food, ready for pairing with excellent wines.

Wine humor.

Now back to the question…Why do YOU travel? I am writing an ebook on different reasons people travel, what their mindset is concerning travel, what expectations they have or don’t have about a trip or about travel, how much planning they do, different psychologies of travel (I’m not asking you to lie down on the couch and then charge you by the session)…

You get the picture. If you have any insights, email me at wvanhatten@travelsandescapes.com with your ideas, reasons, or ramblings about why YOU travel. You will get credit in the ebook and a free copy. Ya can’t beat that…