Every now and then a story hits the news about a toddler and mom getting kicked of a plane for being rambunctious.  I must admit that whenever I see kids at the gate it's a sure bet that one will be  kicking my seat from behind or crying constantly nearby.  Kids will be kids and they have to get where they're going just like me.  Sometimes I wonder, though, whether flight personnel aren't being a little bit too touchy.

This is a brief tale of the time I nearly got ejected from an American Airlines flight.

A group of us were flying from San Francisco to New York for a business retreat.  The flight was full and unfortunately I was in the middle seat in the middle row of a jumbo jet.  Not my first choice.

An hour into the flight I had to go to the ladies room.  I held it as long as I could because I didn't want to climb over two people to get to the aisle.  By the time I waited in the restroom line and had done my thing dinner carts were blocking both aisles.  I was pretty much stuck.  The simple solution would have been for the flight attendant to move up a few rows so I could get back to my seat.  But NO, he wasn't budging.

I muttered something under my breath about him "needing to get laid" and everyone within earshot laughed.  Well, the poor flight attendant took it way too seriously and ran off to get the captain.  The captain actually came back to give me a good talking to.  He threatened to land the plane and fine me for creating a nuisance.  I think he was serious too. 

All this from one offhanded comment.  And I never got my meal, either.

So next time you fly remember that the cabin crew has full discretion as to what constitutes a nuisance or a "threat to other passengers".

I think some of them are just overworked and underpaid folks with attitude.

Airline travel used to be fun, exciting and glamorous.  Not these days.  In fact, it can be downright stressful, even for road warriors.

On a recent visit to Los Angeles my patience was put to the test at every turn.  Here are some tips to make your next trip go more smoothly.

1. Secure your seat assignment when you book.  If you get to the airport later than you should they can and will bump you.
2. Pack wisely.  Pack what you can roll or carry yourself.  Curbside check-in can now cost up to $20, and airlines are beginning to charge for ALL checked baggage.  Don't waste your luggage space.  If you are traveling with other people, share toiletries and other essentials.  Better yet, on longer trips just shop for what you need when you arrive at your destination.
3. Have a change of clothes, or at least underwear, in your carry on.  If you have a long delay at least you can freshen up.  Ditto if your bags do not arrive when you do.
4. Put your address on the inside of each piece of luggage.  If your needs to be checked at the gate because of overcrowding this may help you get it back if it gets misrouted. 
   
5. If you must use a Sky Cap, tip him appropriately.  I had a Seinfeld experience when I apparently tipped less than I should.  He deliberately put the wrong tag on my bag and I didn't see it for almost 3 days.
6. Send your luggage in advance.  For a fee you can send excess luggage and sports equipment ahead of you.  It will be waiting at your destination and that's one less thing for you schlep through the airport.
7. Program the airline's 800 number into your cell phone.  If your flight is delayed you won't be part of the herd at the ticket counter.  Deal directly with customer service.
8. I your flight is REALLY delayed due to airline issues invoke Rule 240.  They must put you on the next plane, even if it is on another airline, if the delay is non-weather related.
9. Call your credit card company and tell them where you are traveling.  Creditors have a habit of putting a hold on out of town charges if they think there might be fraud involved.  Great idea but it can be both frightening and embarrassing if you are trying to rent a car or check into a hotel.
10. Keep an extra set of keys with you at all times.  The last thing you need is to be locked out of your car or home when you return.  I'm usually tired and running on fumes by the time I get home and locksmiths know they have a captive audience.
    

The Philippines isn't an obvious vacation choice for most Americans.  At least, not where I come from.  But fate had me heading to that country to rendezvous with my soon-to-be-ex husband.  His agenda was to pick a location that I would never agree to.  My agenda was to call his bluff.  Oh, the drama.  No wonder my sweetie compares me to Lucille Ball.

At any rate, I arrived in Manila for 18 day visit,  beating the ex there by two days,  and checked into the fabulous Mandarin Hotel.  I've enjoyed the Mandarin chain of hotels in Hong Kong and Seoul and this one lived up to my expectations.  The Manila Mandarin is located in the Makati business district. 

The hotel staff took very good care of me from day one, although it was a bit much to be called "Mrs. Richard" (referring to the ex's name).  A tropical fruit basket was sent up to the room and the waiter offered to send me a masseuse to help me relax.  I got Rolfed (a deep tissue massage) for 90 minutes for only about $30.

Manila is fairly interesting although I wouldn't go out of my way to visit again.  The Filipinos are extremely accommodating and everyone speaks English.  A good thing because the chance of my learning Tagalog is a slim one.  The best way to get around the city is by jeepney.  Jeepneys are highly painted and decorated old Army jeeps (I think), each one being more outrageous than the next.  Traffic is congested with people on bicycles, scooters, cars, buses, you name it, all vying for road space.

Unfortunately there is a lot of poverty in and around the city.  The shanty towns along the river were heartbreaking and there were large cockroaches living among the rocks at the beach.

The best part of the trip (which turned about to be 10 days instead of 18) was our trip to Pangsanhan Falls.  It is about a two hour drive from the city past sugar cane fields, small farms and a Coca Cola factory.  You finally arrive at the Pangsanhan River where there is an open restaurant serving fresh seafood. 

Pangsanhan is where a pivotal scene from Apocalypse Now was filmed.  You get to the falls by canoe.  There is a guy in the front and one in the back walking on the river bottom guiding the canoe.  Since you're not moving very fast you can observe the beautiful scenery.  That is, until you get to the rapids.  One moment you'll drift by a water buffalo standing near the shore.  Another moment there will be an old lady cleaning a chicken or doing laundry.

Finally you get to the rapids, and that's where the choreography takes place.  The canoe guides swing into action, jumping in and out of the water to steer the boats around the rocks.  It's pretty cool and probably dangerous since we weren't wearing life jackets.

Now you're at the Falls, a deep bowl of churning water with an awe inspiring waterfall on the other side.  That's where the scene with Marlon Brando was filmed.  You can then take a raft around under the falls but I wasn't feeling lucky that day.  Apparently Richard had a death wish because he went in.

The trip back up river is a real labor of love for the guides.  After all, they are literally pushing the canoe upstream.  Do tip them well.

In case you were wondering, I spent the last 8 days of my trip on my own in Seoul, Korea.

I've lived here in West Tennessee for 18 months and haven't spent any real time in Memphis.  So when I picked up a new Memphis-based corporate travel client it was a great opportunity for me to spend a few days at the vintage Peabody Hotel.  I'm helping them plan their annual golf outing to be held somewhere in Arizona this spring.  It was great to tell the sales manager to "meet me at the Peabody" to discuss event options.

The Peabody was build in 1925 and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.  You may know it as the place where, twice a day, a flock of ducks is ushered through the lobby by a "Duck Master" dressed in formal attire.  It's quite a big deal for some reason to watch the ducks splash around in the ornate fountain.  The duck parade happens at ll:00 and 5:00.

The Peabody is large, elegant, and comfortable with a European feel.  The front desk staff oozes Southern charm.  They went overboard on my behalf when I showed my travel agent credentials.  (It probably helped that I told them I would be doing an online review of their services.)  The regular rooms are comfortable and light, but I was upgraded to a suite with a parlor big enough to have a party in.

I got a lot of mileage out of my mini-vacation.  Everything you need is right there.  You have a choice of two main bars:  The Grand Lobby Bar, great for people-watching, and the Corner Bar that showcases live Blues on Friday and Saturday.  I love that they have bleu cheese olives in their martinis.  Capriccio Grill is an Italian steakhouse that's open and noisy.  Chez Philippe is elegant, pricey, and also hosts a traditional English Tea service.  I treated myself to everything, everywhere and got a tour of the kitchens and spent time with Konrad, the Executive Pastry Chef.

In between schmoozing at the bar and copping free food I took full advantage of my suite, and even managed to get some actual work done.  I've been working on a complicated group trip from Costa Rica to Amsterdam to Tel Aviv to Cairo.  Even though Israel and Egypt are neighbors, it's a logistical nightmare to get from one place to the other without paying an arm and a leg.

Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to recharge your batteries.  Even if it's only 90 minutes from home.

Available April 6 - April 13

Treat yourself to a week at one of the most luxurious resorts in Scottsdale.  20 minutes from Sky Harbor airport and nestled at the foot of Camelback Mountain.  Full spa services, golf, etc.  Take a virtual tour of the resort at http://www.scottsdalecamelback.com.  Click on Monterey Model.

The Monterey Model is a 731 sf studio loft with balacony that sleeps 4.  Normal high season rate is $259/night.  A true bargain at $150/night or $800/week. 

This is my annual spa week and now I have to be in Los Angeles part of that time.  Interested parties should email me at admin@brendaknowstravel.info.

Cheers,

Brenda

Thinking of Visiting Beautiful Costa Rica?

My good friend, musician Mark Linford, has a luxurious beach home in beautiful Costa Rica available for rent.  Casa de Linford, a phenomenal single family home is located within the Sanctuary Resort and Spa, about 100 yards from the Pacific Ocean.  The Sanctuary has every possible amenity available onsite, makeing this the perfect getaway for families or couples. With 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, this 22oo square foot private residence easily sleeps six. 

For complete details, and to get 5% OFF your rental, follow this link:  www.linfordvacationrentals.com.


CaribbeanTravel:   http://brendaknowstravel.vacationmedia.net/presentation.php?media=CV

Cruises:   http://brendaknowstravel.vacationmedia.net/presentation.php?media=CC

Isn't It Time You Enjoyed Life?   http://brendaknowstravel.vacationmedia.net/presentation.php?media=enjoy

Who am I?

I'm a businesswoman, Chef, writer and traveler.  I've done entertainment marketing for a couple of major companies.  I had a successful consulting business in high tech for many years.  I auditioned for a cooking show but lost out to a woman who knew more ways to prepare blue potatoes than I did.  I started a little dessert business in 2000 called Svoboda Confections, and opened Brenda Knows Travel in 2007. 

But what I really enjoy is bringing my adventures to life.  I only write about the places I personally know, hoping to give enough detail to encourage others to visit those places too.  My preference is to travel in style.  Who wouldn't?  Hostels are fine for some, but not for me.  Being "in the business" saves me money on the travel I already do and reminds me that there is life outside of the tiny little town I now live in. 

It's fascinating to visit a place for the first time, like Cairo, and feel as if I've been there before.  Or hike up the hill of the Acropolis, made slippery by millions of footsteps, to the Parthenon.  It makes me wonder what the US might look like in a thousand years.  I've mostly traveled solo, though it's much more fun with a companion.  If I waited for someone else to have the time or money to go along for the ride I'd spend a lot more time at home.

Travel runs in the family.  One sister lives in Costa Rica, one niece lived in Vienna, I've lived in Saudi Arabia and Mom's passport is always current.

If you like what I'm doing here (or if you don't) please let me know by leaving a comment or bookmarking this blog.

This is my second winter in Tennessee.  The weather has been miserable--cold, windy, rainy and a recent tornado that just missed me.  As I look out on a yard full of brown, wet leaves my thoughts are of traveling to someplace warm and humid, preferably the Caribbean.   I've visited the Virgin Islands many times and occasionally treated myself to some luxury accommodations.

Little Dix Bay Resort - Virgin Gorda (BVI)
My first visit to the British Virgin Islands was via a day of island-hopping on a chartered boat.  The captain told us that the Little Dix Bay Resort was the ultimate island stay, so I made plans to return asap.  He was right.  Little Dix Bay Resort is a 5 star resort consisting of 97 bungalow-style rooms situated on 500 acres.  It's the ultimate in privacy and luxury that should be shared with someone special.  The staff will do anything for you.  There's a resident tennis pro and 7 tennis courts.  You can take a water taxi to nearby private beaches, go sailing, diving or hiking (there are 3 or so hiking trails on site).  But mostly my friend and I did a whole lot of nothing.  One night at dinner (excellent chef) a guy got down on knee and proposed to his lady.  The restaurant went quiet and then everyone applauded when she said yes.  Way to go.  Get there by boat from St. Thomas or San Juan.

Ritz-Carlton - St. Thomas
St. Thomas can be quite touristy and commercial.  If you want to separate yourself from the tee-shirt crowd treat yourself to a stay at the Ritz.  Rooms range from about $300-$2500/night.  It's the ideal location for weddings, with 180 rooms and suites on about 30 acres.  They have beautiful views in every direction and world class chefs (the dinner menu changes nightly).  The indoor patio restaurant is as romantic as can be.  I like the afternoon tea service.  The resort fee is $55/day and includes local telephone calls, most water equipment and tennis.  The infinity pool faces the beautiful island of St. John.  The Ritz has its own private catamaran that you can reserve for day sails, sunset cruises, etc.  Other amenities include 32" high def tv's in all rooms, and a luxurious spa. 

Caneel Bay - St. John
Another popular wedding destination.  Celebrities seem to like it for its privacy and 5 star rating.  Because of its exclusivity it took me several attempts to get a reservation.  This is the Rockefeller's old stomping ground, situated on 170 acres.  It has over 150 very elegant rooms, 3 restaurants and a 20,000 square foot spa with every amenity you can think of.  This is a place that makes you want to dress up a little for dinner.  The water is super clear and most days you can see 40' deep.  If you're into water sports, this is the place for you.  Nearby is a world class 18 hole golf course.  Or rent a jeep and drive over to other side of the island to some of the most pristine beaches you'll ever see.  Most of St. John is a forest preserve, which make it an ideal spot to rejuvenate.  By the way, if you're a television junkie you're out of luck because there are no tv's or phones in the rooms.  Fly into St. Thomas and take the ferry to St. Joh.

I've had some pretty amazing Valentine's Day experiences.  A surprise limo ride to San Francisco where we dined on venison medallions at the fabulous Carnelian Room, for instance.  The year I received a matching ruby and diamond earring and pendant set.  One year I was fortunate enough to stay at the Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas and a candlelit dinner was served poolside.  The Vermont Teddy Bears one boyfriend used to send me still put a smile on my face.  But you know what?  Sometimes the most meaningful gift for any occasion is the simplest, like one perfect rose and a card.

One year Mom gave me red satin sheets.  (Red is my signature color.)  Her note, which I still have, reads:  "To my daughter Brenda, the woman who has everything -- well, almost."   What made that gift so special is that Mom is usually about the most unsentimental woman I have ever known.

To me it's almost better to give than receive and I try to give from the heart.  The men in my life can usually count on something I've created myself.  After all, the Christmas bills are wanting attention and property taxes are now due.  Since I have my own confectionery business I like to send an assortment of chocolate goodies to my sweetie.  This year I'm thinking heart shaped truffles and the most decadent dark chocolate brownie cakes you'll ever eat.  And of course my Black and White Cookies, dubbed "The best cookie I ever put in my mouth." 

If we're at home I can impress him with a romantic dinner for two.  Veal Oscar is a personal favorite.  My version consists of:  sautéed veal medallions layered with crab, asparagus tips and hollandaise sauce, with rice pilaf.  I serve it with a gamay Beaujolais.  Afterwords, if we can handle it, an ultra decadent chocolate dessert (soufflé?) or key lime tart with white chocolate shavings.  A little Sinatra in the background...you get the idea.

Here's wishing you all a happy and romantic Valentine's Day!

This week a woman was arrested for having coffee in a Riyadh, Saudi Arabia coffee shop with a man who was not her husband. 

I was going to try and put a positive spin on my time living in Saudi Arabia.  Now, all I feel is outrage that nothing seems to have changed in the  last 20 years.
 
The reality is women living in Saudi Arabia have no rights.  We were not allowed to drive, we must enter and sit at the back of the bus, if you are in a car with a man who is not your husband you must be in the back seat or possibly be arrested.  Alcohol is prohibited.  You’re supposed to wear the abaya, the traditional black robe, when out in public.  If you are in a hotel or restaurant by yourself you sit in the women’s section, which is separated by a screen.  The bachelors and families sit separately.

After living there a few months I started to rebel, and was always on the verge of getting deported--or worse.  For example, I started bootlegging wine and Jeddah Gin and selling it to the neighbors, to my then husband's dismay.  You could smell it fermenting a block away. 

We lived in an American compound on the outskirts of Riyadh, the capital city.  The main diversions for ex-patriot women were:  gossiping, shopping, attending women’s luncheons and traveling.   The luncheons were hilarious.  Our drivers would drop us off (women had to sit in the back seat) at some luxurious hotel looking like Stepford Wives, all trying to out-dress and out-jewel one another.   We could not be served by male waiters, so the hotel would recruit female waitresses just for those occasions.

My new female friends seemed to enjoy the environment, and had been there many years.  They were either younger than I with children in common, or retirement age and glad to just be housewives.  I was at the beginning of my career, restless, and very independent.  Until I found a job (working under the table since I had no work visa) I was as miserable as could be.
  
Every American holiday was an excuse to host a desert picnic.  Being so far away from home made us extra patriotic.  We'd caravan out into the desert,  kill a goat, build a fire and cook all sorts of interesting food.  I tried finding ways to make camel meat taste good but was never successful. 

It was fun to go shopping at the souqs (flea markets).  You could buy anything there; gold, clothing, food, department store type stuff, spices, etc.   22k gold would pretty much be out in the open.  No one would dare risk stealing it.  My favorite souq was adjacent to Chop Chop Square, where they conducted public beheadings and less severe punishments every Friday.  On one outing during the holy holidays, I was improperly dressed and chastised by the Muttawa (religious police).  They escorted me to Chop Chop Square to witness a guy getting his hand chopped off for stealing.  That was an experience no one needs to see. 

If a Western woman misbehaved they’d call her husband so he could discipline her.  If that didn’t work they’d call the husband’s HR department (a man) so she could be counseled.  I had to have my passport and my husband's contact information with me at all times so it would be easy to contact him, and got a good "talking to" after my Chop Chop Square incident.

When flying into and out of Saudi Arabia the sexes are still segregated on the plane.  Single women, single men, and families all sat apart.  Once I was the only single female in coach so they moved me to first class by myself to keep me away from the men.  That’s what happens when you are in such a restrictive society.  They expect the men to be out of control if given the chance, and they were.

Another interesting in-flight phenomenon: Saudi women would get on the plane in full Muslim garb (robes, veils, etc.)  As soon as they were out of Saudi airspace there would be a mass exodus to the ladies room.  One by one the women come out in tight jeans, full makeup, tight tops, ready for their Western vacations.   I'm sure they were as relieved as I to get out from under the veil for awhile.