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10. The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
Perhaps the only five-star and five-diamond hotel
in the Southwest, The Mansion on Turtle Creek
offers extremely succulent dining and reinforces it
with legendary southern service and charm. The
name alone shouts Texas.
9. The Ritz, Paris
The Ritz's most recent brush with notoriety
occurred on the night of Princess Diana's fatal car
accident. Crystal chandeliers, silk and tapestries
perfectly symbolize France in 1896. Partiers,
celebrities and royalty seem to value and cherish
the staff's discretion.
8. Crillon, Paris
One of Paris' many palatial hotels, Le Crillon
consists of two 18th-century town houses on
Place de la Concorde. What really makes the hotel
stand out is its sheer amount of marble. The
hotel's storied past is reflected by its status as a
national treasure. The rooms do reflect the
over-indulgent French cultural traits of the
18th-century, but that is to be expected wit zee
French .
7. The Oriental, Bangkok
If it's true that a hotel is as famous as the guests
that grace it, then the Oriental has a considerable
head start. The original building has been
revamped and its restaurants are renowned. If you
don't like what the restaurants have to offer, then
stroll by the nightly barbeque.
6. Dorchester, London
Few establishments manage to blend luxury with
charm. Established in the early-1930s, the
Dorchester is a throwback to the days of
England's wealth and prestige as 1,500 square
meters of gold and 1,100 of marble take guests'
breath away.
5. Regent, Hong Kong
The elegant and modern Regent provides guests
with luxurious rooms and spectacular views. The
hotel offers practically everything, of note: a lovely
Jacuzzi, spa and massage center. Its signature
restaurant is a testament to Hong Kong's storied
past as the gateway of Westerners into Eastern
culture. If you enjoy the atmosphere of Shanghai
nightclubs at the turn of the century, just stroll by
their bar.
4. The Four Seasons, Chicago
If you like to be treated like royalty, then this is the
spot for you. This Four Seasons is blessed with
Chicago's breathtaking panoramic views.
Somehow, it manages to create an ambience more
reminiscent of traditional houses than Chicago's
numerous sky rises. In all fairness to other
prestigious Four Seasons Hotels, several others
could have ended up on this list, notably the New
York City and Hong Kong ones.
3. Amstel Inter-Continental, Netherlands
If you ever visit the Netherlands for something
other than its Red Light District, you might want to
hobnob with royalty and celebrities who seem to
appreciate the hotel's emphasis on customer
service. The 125-year-old hotel offers the most
spacious rooms in the city, blending Dutch
atmosphere with European style.
2. The Peninsula, Hong Kong
The breathtaking lobby sets the stage for The
Peninsula: mixing traditional charm -- with its fleet
of Rolls Royces -- with modern amenities such as
their beautiful pool and scenic gym. Some of the
guestrooms are even furnished with telescopes to
accommodate guests with the amazing view.
1. The Hotel Bel-Air, California
Do you light your cigars with dead presidents? If
you do, then the bright, Mediterranean style
Bel-Air has your name on it. Legend has it that
many of its guests fail to leave once graced with
the hotel's nature trails and health spa.
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Travel Tips!!
Where Will your Cellphone Work?
- Most travelers want to take along a cell phone on their trip, but knowing if your
phone will work in certain countries takes research. One site has provided an
easy comparison chart that tells you exactly where your phone will work.
Are Your Immunizations Up-to-Date?
- Be sure to consult travel medicine experts before engaging in international
travel! Immunizations and prescriptions for preventative medications can help
to ensure a healthy trip.
Avoid Voice Mail Problems
- Don't assume you will be able to tap into your voice mail from foreign
pushbutton phones. Telephones have 'accents' and what works in the U.S. may
not work from England. Have a back-up plan in place or take a portable
tone-imitator.
Be Organized
- While in any country that you can't read the language ... and you are using
your charge card to get the best currency rate ... write on the charge slip right
away the amount, items, date, and place of purchase so YOU can read it when
the statement comes at the end of the month. Makes for a lot easier
bookkeeping. Many times the ink is so faint, you can't read what it says in any
language.
Be Safe - Drink Bottled Water
- Unless you are traveling to Canada from the US, it is usually not safe to drink
the water. The water is safe to the locals who are used to it. This doesn't matter
if you're a resident of Ukraine of the UK - to residents the water is safe, but not to
travelers. All water contains different sets of microbes and mineral deposits,
even in the US. If you aren't used to a country's drinking water, then you may get
sick just because it is different. Be safe, buy bottled water cheap at the
supermarket.
Cheaper Rail Passes
- When traveling in Europe, it is cheaper to buy individual rail passes if you are
only going to one or two countries, instead of buying a Eurail pass that covers
eighteen. The individual one, such as the Swiss Pass or the France Rail/Drive,
can give you much more for a better price.
Check Your Room Before You Decide to Stay
- When traveling to many third world countries, before paying for a room, make
sure to look at the room first. Along the same lines, take a quick tour of the hotel
before deciding to stay. Even though some of the hotels may be nice on the
outside, what is on the inside is not always up to your standards.
Do You Have the Insurance You Really Need?
- Travel Insurance? Do you have yours? Many people assume their travel
insurance covers them while they are outside of their home country. But they do
not realize that they need new or additional coverage to protect them against
things like medical evacuations, sudden and unexpected emergenicies,
terrorism, etc. Be proactive and research your insurance needs before you travel
outside of your home country.
Have Fun with the Locals
- My philosophy of travel includes giving something back to the places and
people I visit while traveling. Sometimes it's just a laugh (playing my jaw harp
on the roads in Bali to a growing crowd had old women holding their sides) or a
game (an outside faucet and some balloons easily translated into a heated
game of catch with local kids in the park in Batopilas at the bottom of Mexico's
Copper Canyon). Rubber animal noses helped pass many an evening in the
little guest houses in Nepal while trekking there 8 years ago. With some paper
and crayons we made masks and had our own little halloween party. It wasn't
just the kids who got involved either! I figure if I'm traveling to have fun I might
as well share some of that with locals as well!
Hire a Student
- When you're planning to visit bazaars, but you don't like to be hassled by
vendors all the time, here's a tip: pick out one of those so called students that
offers to guide you around. Make clear to him you want to walk and look around
but don't plan to buy anything. You pay him a little amount of money, he'll keep
the vendors off, and you won't get lost in these dark, narrow streets (that all look
the same)!
Is It Really Bottled Water?
- In a restaurant, ask for a bottle of water UNOPENED. Have them open it at the
table, and you can be sure you won't get local water ... bottled.
Learn the Language
- There are not many countries where the people aren't absolutely delighted for
you to try out their language. If you use just the word for 'thank you', they'll be
impressed. If you know more about their language, even if you are not fluent,
you'll find yourself learning more about the real people, not the ones shown to
us in movies. They are exactly as curious about us as we are about them.
Local Flora Can Live in the Shower
- Most people know to ask for unopened bottled water when traveling in areas
where the drinking water is not safe, but they may not realize that it's all too easy
to get sick from ingesting water while showering, even if trying to keep one's
mouth closed. The solution: Always keep mouthwash in your mouth while
showering. It will help you remember to keep your mouth closed, and the
antibacterial agent in it will help purify any water that gets in anyway (e.g.
through your nose). A friend told me this, and I've tested it on several foreign
trips, including to India - where I used to get sick at least once each trip. Since
doing this, I haven't gotten sick.
Need Directions?
- When visiting a foreign city, carry a matchbook or postcard with the name and
address of your hotel, which you can show to taxi drivers or when asking
directions. This is particularly important in countries like Greece, where the
alphabet is different.
Pack Items to Give Away
- I've been working as a guide for 18 years. When I've taken folks to developing
countries they kind heartedly wanted to give money or candy to the local
children. Over the years I've returned to places where a traveler used to be able
to wander down a street and not be swarmed by children begging for sweets or
change, whereas now that has changed.
If you're inclined to contribute to the local population, bring items to donate to
local social service organizations. I bring boxes of pencils and paper and give
them to a local school. Boxes of rubber gloves, or medical supplies can be
dropped off at a local clinic. Tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes are far better
to leave behind than decaying teeth! When children approach you on the
street, ask them why they're not in school. As long as children can support their
families by begging they will continue to do so. An education will benefit them
much more in the long run. If they can't pay for school (which is necessary in
many places) find out where they accept donations for scholarships.
How we choose to travel and the decisions we make while doing so do make a
difference! We are incredibly kind and generous people and it is not easy to see
poverty and need and not want to help. Handing out a treat or money only gives
both parties a quick fix.
Pay Phones and Credit Cards
- Don't use foreign pay phones that only take credit cards. I was charged $400
for a 40-minute call home from Italy!
Really?
- When in a foreign country and you are in doubt about the quality of water
available at your hotel; before rushing to spend your money on mineral water,
ask the waiter, bartender, or receptionist if they feel comfortable drinking the
local coffee or cola. If the answer is 'yes', have no fear drinking the same
'source'.
Rent a Car Through a European-Based Broker and Save.
- Car rental in Europe is relatively expensive. However, using a European-based
broker can save you quite a bit! US-based brokers charge more for rentals in
Europe, the way European brokers charge more for rentals in the USA. It's just a
matter of target audience. It's a weird world - but that's the way the suppliers
(e.g. Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Dollar, etc.) have set it up. Local rates differ from
international rates as well. A Frenchman will be charged more for a domestic
rental then a foreigner.
Sample Local Foods
- While traveling to foreign countries, make sure you try the local foods - and
please do not compare everything to home (prices, quality etc.) because you
are not home. While some foods and beverages may seem odd, try them and
appreciate them. Avoid McDonald`s, Burger King etc. Sample local fares at
local cafes and be friendly and courteous.
Save Money
- Hotels in many countries often assess high charges for providing access to your
long-distance provider. Save money by making shorter calls direct or using
prepaid phone cards from local providers to call from pay phones.
Stay out of Jail when You Travel!
- Laws vary greatly from country. Be aware of regulations and laws before you go
abroad. What may be a minor infraction in your own country could land you in
jail or even facing the death penalty in a foreign jurisdiction.
Take a Taxi and See the Sights
- Upon arriving at a new international destination, you might consider taking a
taxi instead of roughing it and riding by metro or train (do not spend an arm and
a leg for it) because you will more likely be able to see parts of the town. This is
a nice way to get a glimpse of your new 'home', and it also gives you a chance
to become accustomed to open spaces once again. (This is highly
recommended - especially for arrivals to London - we saw so much more on the
taxi ride back than we saw during other parts of our trip).
Use Credit Cards When Possible
- You will get the best exchange rate for foreign currency from an ATM. If you
must have local money on arrival, exchange only as much as you will need at
the airport on departure or arrival, then use ATMs while you are in the country.
(There are some exceptions - for example, it is almost impossible to obtain
Hungarian currency anywhere but in Hungary, but they will gladly take dollars).
Use credit cards as much as possible for a good exchange rate. If you are a
business traveler, you will have a much more accurate accounting of your
expenses. Learn the exchange rate as soon as possible - for example if there are
6 Francs to an American dollar, memorize the value of 20, 50, 75, 100, and
500 francs. This will help a great deal when trying to figure out how much
something really costs.
Use Local Agencies
- Use local agencies - you will avoid commission fees and will recieve
up-to-date information from insiders. Experience of local people can be much
more useful than of those reading info from brochures.
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