Chris Elliott wrote a post mentioning The Clear Airfares Act. He defines it as, “A Senate bill that would require airlines and online travel agencies to disclose any additional fees before you buy a ticket. Passing that law would ensure that every agency and airline would quote an all-inclusive, no-surprise price, right upfront.” I think it’s an idea that long, long overdue. How many times have you tried to book a fare (particularly to Europe), and found that the price doubled as you ended your online reservation because of taxes, surcharges, etc. I think the fare should be the entire fare, not a base fare with hidden costs. It may not be popular with airlines and agents, but it’s what’s fair to consumers. What do you think? Time to pass a bill to make this happen?
Take a trip back into a simpler time at the Hotel El Capitan in Van Horn, Texas. My husband and I read about this 1930 era Henry Trost designed hotel and knew we had to put it on our itinerary. It’s a classic old motor hotel that’s been lovingly restored to it’s former grandeur. The beds are comfortable, rooms are cozy and the baths feature rain can shower heads and soft, fluffy towels. A restaurant is in the future and once it’s open I hope the hotel will thrive. We sat out on our balcony watching the sun set over the mountains and the trains passing through town. The hotel is just off Interstate 10. It’s within driving distance of Marfa, Carlsbad Cavern and overlooking the Guadalupe Mountains. For a bit more than $100 a night it’s a bargain and I’d surely go back.
Welcome to flying in 2010. Other than the basic seat, the only thing you can count on to come with your fare is an oxygen mask and a seat belt.
~ Henry Harteveldt, Forrester Reseach
This weekend one of my favorite events of the year occurs, the Oscars. Didn’t get a chance to check out the nominees for best director and best picture? Well it’s not too late. Cinemark theaters nationwide are running the top 5 nominees back to back tomorrow for just $25.00.
There are few restaurants in this world good enough that I would go back twice, but Michael’s Restaurant and Ancho Chile Bar in Fort Worth is definitely one not to miss. I had dinner there many years ago with my favorite Ft. Worth insider and I’ve always longed to go back. It’s strategically located behind the Fort Worth museums (near the Modern and the Kimball), in a small, blink and you’ll miss it strip mall. The restaurant is cozy and casual with a charming fireplace and a large seating area. We stopped in for lunch today and had the best Mexican style mixteco casserole. Corn tortillas, ancho chicken and roasted poblano peppers are all layered on top of each other and then topped with ranchero sauce, cheese and Mexican cream creating a savory treat. Dessert, which you must have, was Belgian chocolate mousse so fluffy I could have used it as a pillow. I was glad I was sharing because it is so rich it will send you into a coma if you eat it by yourself. The sauce if a blend of kahlua, ancho chiles and raspberry, and trust me you will not leave a drop behind. The chocolate/chile combination is one of my favorites and I had it here first. Michael’s has been open since 1990 and I consider it a classic of the Fort Worth food scene.
Making a 600 mile drive. Yes, the Saab is very happy to be roadtripping again. No post today, but look for 2 posts tomorrow. I promise a hidden gem and a travel tip for you then.
I know most of you out there are tired, stressed and not getting enough vacation time. I’m not an advocate of the “staycation”, but if you don’t have the time or money to travel you can now live like a hotel guest at home. Westin has just launched their own store on Amazon.com, Westin at Home. Need a pair of comfy slippers? A waffle spa robe? A white tea candle? We’ll it’s all in the same place and now you can add any or all of these things to your public wish list. Me I still dream of buying the Westin Heavenly Bed. It’s 1o years old and it’s still the gold standard for hotel beds in my opinion.
I wrote about Pack for a Purpose when I was in South America. As part of my research I got in touch with one of it’s founders Rebecca Rothney. She and her husband Scott established the organization after recognizing community needs in their African travels. I was really impressed by their idea and curious to hear more about the organization, so I asked her for an interview. Here’s what she had to say:
You and your husband Scott conceived the idea for Pack for a Purpose on safari. How did you manage to take it from the light bulb stage to reality? The idea is deceptively simple, but as you say has a big impact. I’m curious how you made it happen.
First I discussed the idea with as many friends and acquaintances as possible so I could assess the idea. I received 100% support for the idea. Since my tag line reads “Only spreads sheets on beds, thinks blackberries are for cobblers and believes text is found in a book”, I knew I would need help to make my idea into a website! I contacted generous and highly skilled friends who were willing to donate their time to make Pack for a Purpose a reality. I cannot express enough how important a community of caring friends was to make this happen.
What is the most rewarding thing you’ve donated to date?
While it is always extremely rewarding to see children’s faces light up when they are playing soccer with an actual ball instead of a pile of rags, or using a ruler in a class where there had been none previously, we would have to say that being able to provide a clinic with its first stethoscope gave us a special sense of accomplishment.
How do the kids react to your donations? When you delivered those first soccer balls were they wary? Surprised? Delighted?
Within five minutes of receiving the soccer balls, with their teacher’s permission, they were playing a game on a dirt field with unbridled joy.
You include a card with all donations saying, “This package from _______ was made possible by finding your needs list on the Pack for a Purpose website. It is our pleasure to be of help.” This is brilliant because it let’s the people know your donation is designed to fit a specific need. Whose idea was this?
Once again, it was another fantastic friend, Eric Goldberg, who came up with the idea. We ran into each other while walking the mall on a rainy day. We started discussing the website and Eric asked “How will people know where the supplies are coming from?” “I haven’t thought about that,” was my reply. Eric immediately suggested a printable card and our amazing web designer, Erik Macenas, had it up on the website that evening. My greatest good fortune is having terrific friends.
You publish “success stories” on the website. Have you found that word of mouth is helping to create a buzz around your efforts?
Word of mouth is certainly helpful as well as articles in blogs like yours. Having people become a fan on Face book, which they can do on our home page, is a great way of assisting with the buzz.
Were you surprised when ABCNews.com contacted you about Pack for a Purpose? What is your dream interview?
Not really Anne. A dear friend of mine who lives in Italy is actually married to the reporter who wrote the article. I sent her information about the website in progress in September because she had friends in Kenya who run a Camp. I wanted her to let them know about our idea to see if they wanted to have their Camp and Project on our site. I got an immediate email back from her husband Clark who thought it was a wonderful concept and said he would like to do a small story on it. I asked him to wait until the website was actually up which he agreed to do. Having a good idea and connected friends who believe in it is a wonderful combination. My dream interview is a toss up between Dianne Sawyer and Oprah, but really every interview that helps get the word out is a gift.
Want to know more about Rebecca or Pack for a Purpose? Visit their website and check out their new brochure. You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Me, I’ve got my fingers crossed that Oprah’s staff picks this up and invites them on to tell their exceptional story.
Dallas. It’s big, glitzy and home to some of the best shopping, art and boutique hotels I’ve ever seen. I’m heading to the Big D myself this weekend. The Joule (above) is just one of many uber chic hotels in Dallas I plan to check out. This Starwood gem has been on my “to do” list for a couple of years now. The pool actually hangs out over the front of the building allowing you to float suspended in space…if you dare. It’s one of the coolest pools I’ve seen here in the U.S. While it’s probably still a bit too cold for a swim, you’d better believe I’ll be up there trying to order a cocktail and checking out the nightlife on their deck this weekend.
Respect and knowledge of other cultures is a good tact when traveling abroad.
~ Gabriella Turi-Milic
