Welcome to Florida's Winter Wonderland

It's not news that people love to visit Florida. They come here for the warm weather, the beaches and the theme parks, but did you know that winter is the perfect time to visit Florida's natural areas? Besides getting a break form the heat, it's a reprieve from the bloodsuckers. No, not your boss, the IRS or your lender, although you may consider that to be true as well, I'm talking about mosquitos and no-see-ums. Every Floridian can relate to this metaphor, "If you don't think a small thing can make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." The good news is at 50 degrees, the tiny evil creatures shut down for the winter.

Fireside chats can go on to nearly dawn

Given the absence of the usual discomforts, suddenly hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing and camping are a lot more enticing. Gathering around a campfire and counting stars, once again, become romantic notions, rather than insane ones. It is absolutely the best time for visiting Florida's wonderful natural areas. Although, you will want to bring a long sleeve shirt and a hat, because the sun burns as bright as ever. Ask yourself, When was the last time you made S'mores, went hiking, sat around a bonfire, or gazed at a million stars in a clear night sky?
Here are some great places for getting back out. The Florida Everglades and the Florida Keys parks, such as, John Pennekamp State Park, are obvious choices, but there are plenty of wonderful, less than obvious places for your consideration. Here are a few of my recommendations. Cayo Costa State Park, just north of Sanibel and Captiva islands, is accessible by boat or small plane. It is a beautiful, serene island park with camping, cabins and plenty of water activities. Alafia River State Park, near Tampa, is known for mountain biking trails. Sebastian Inlet State Park, south of Melbourne, although a little chilly in winter, is popular for surfing, beach cast fishing and treasure hunting (a 1715 Spanish fleet wrecked just offshore). Myakka River State Park, near Sarasota has 12 miles of river flowing through it and 15 miles of horse trails. Dry Tortugas camping is a bit more challenging due to its location, but more than worth the trip. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West, it is accessible via Key West Ferry or your own boat. A 10-site, primitive campground is located on Garden Key, the same island as Fort Jefferson, and is a short walk from the public dock. Nothing beats the view from here and you can explore the 19th Century Fort and snorkel crystal clear waters. An unforgettable experience. All of these parks have camping areas. My last recommendation is not a park but a journey; a Peace River canoe camping trip. It's an experience your family will always remember. There are exceptional guides and group outings available, so all you need worry about is having fun.

January - North Captiva Island / Cayo Costa State Park

The Right Track - Rovos Rail

ALL ABOARD!

√  Brochure read (several times)
√  Scanned the website (every page)
√  Google searched (every relatable image)
√  Travel Blogs read (several)
√  Files created (virtual and actual)
√  Clothes packed (resisted the urge to buy khakis & pith helmet)

This trip clears a half dozen items from anyone's bucket list: scenery and wildlife, thrilling and exotic, decadent and luxurious. The mere thought of this adventure will leave you giddy as a school girl with anticipation.



If you could choose only one train journey in your lifetime, it should be a Rovos Rail journey. It's the winning lottery ticket of train trips - beyond spectacular! And, it's not just the view from the train that's impressive, the accommodations are nearly as incredible.

The London Daily says,

"Discover Africa in the wood paneled, gleaming five-star luxury of a bygone era."

Far Far Away

Photograph by Ande Truman

Everything is possible, but where do possibilities begin...with a slumbering white lion and a train, of course. After all, the journey of a lifetime has to start with a BIG dream ~ Dream of Africa.

While you're at it, why not start with its furthest edge. On the southernmost end of the African continent. Here mountain ranges mark the last stronghold, before this rugged land gives way to the sea. Cliffs rise like fortress walls, while enormous boulders stand sentry guarding the shoreline, unwavering against the thieving sea. Not one, but two oceans battle for more ground here. This vibrant land, South Africa,  rises spectacularly, as if it were the last vestige of land at the edge of the world.

South Africa: a land far, far away...

It should be said, while a visit to South Africa will be incredibly memorable for its beauty, this is a land deeply scarred. It is a country still trying to resolve its rocky past; a country riddled with controversy and upheaval, but through it all settlers and travelers continue to come for its spectacular beauty. The wounds of the past are glaringly evident in Cape Town, where we begin this journey. Here a huge percentage of South Africans still live in poverty. The road is long both behind, and ahead of this country, but the possibilities are great. I keep a favorite quote by Maya Angelou on the home page of this blog. It is perhaps no more suitable than here. It reads, "Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."* South Africa will hopefully become a place where all its citizens are treated and cared for equally well. Awareness is key.

Arriving in Cape Town ~

Groot Constantia Estate

As you can imagine, at this point, after the long flight, anticipation for the spectacular train trip ahead will be almost unbearable. You'll eagerly await the call, "All aboard," like mice waiting for the Pavlov's bell to ring. However, before you hop the train, give yourself a day or two to rest and explore this bustling, colorful city; a day or two to get acquainted with this country and its people. After all, this is your once-in-a-lifetime journey, so, arrive early. Why not? It is your big dream.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

There are vineyards here and beautiful botanical gardens…museums, mountain ranges and oceans…penguins and, yes, even white lions. Bordered to the North by Table Bay, to the West by Signal Hill and the Atlantic, and to the South by Table Mountain National Park, it's not a place that is, "just as good as any," to start the trip of a lifetime, it is an extraordinary place to start.

The Old Biscuit Mill Market

Cape Heritage Hotel built in 1771 or the Vineyard Hotel, are both lovely places to choose as a base. South Africa's unique flavors can be found at any number of restaurants, but to truly experience an abundance of South African flavors and goods visit the markets: Greenmarket Square for traditional African arts and crafts, V&A Market on the Wharf known for fresh, organic or homemade, or at Saturday's ritual the Old Biscuit Mill. If flora is your thing don't miss Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden which boasts over 22,000 indigenous plant species, and was the first botanical garden to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's a one of a kind "steampunk" coffee shop called Truth and more than one world class winery.
Cape Town is said to be one of the most photogenic cities in the world, so of course exploring it should be included in a trip of a lifetime to Africa.

Truth Coffee Shop

Cape Heritage Hotel

*Tourism does help support South Africans, but it's not enough. While visiting this amazing part of the world consider finding other ways to help South African's in need.

Cool and Unusual Journey's Along the Rails

Rovos Rail - South Africa

Anyone who's ever seen, "Murder on the Orient Express", can't help but want to take a journey by rail. Even without the obvious movie theatrics, there's undeniable romance linked with train travel. Probably not since Agatha Christie's novel, turned movie, has there been a more alluring train, until the Hogwart's Express. Now adults and children alike want to pass through the barrier at platform 9 3/4's. Yet, despite the lack of 1934 adornments of white gloved waiters, mahogany panels, and lamp lit windows, or the possibility of magical mischief and candy carts, trains are a very enchanting way to travel. It's hard to explain, but even the constant motion is a part of it. Believe me when I say, even though the romance of either "Hollywood" story takes a lot of movie magic, it isn't necessary in the real world. Train trips are wonderful!

Once I hopped onboard for the first leg of my Eurail journey abroad, I was hooked. Compared to now, most of the trains I traveled on had an old world feel (with compartments very much like the HP train's). There were a few, however, where the chickens rode with the people, and seating was impossible to find. In some countries, train rides were more like an Indiana Jones adventure than one on the Orient Express, but even they had something of a romantic appeal. Suffice it to say, not all Eurail trains are  pretty and comfortable. Although I wasn't on a "train trip" per se, Eurail was a very exciting way to get around Europe. My point is, once you've ridden the rails you're hooked. I can't wait to do it again, in Europe and elsewhere. Of course, as depicted in these few shots, the scenery speaks volumes!

Rocky Mountaineer train - Mount Robson, British Columbia

From "20 Unforgettable Images of Trains" Swiss Alps

Let's Explore Train Travel
I'm not starting with the obvious, Eurail, simply because a small train station in England caught my eye and inspired these next few posts. Now I dream of going there, to Dent Station by train. So don't look for, or expect a pattern of logical sequence. There isn't one. We're about to look at train journeys and stops around the globe. It isn't the kind of ride that sees you squished between stranger side to side, and front to back, as you trudge home from the office, or the birds-eye view from the tiny window miles above. This is the kind of ride where you relax as you gaze out the window at the sweeping vista. As the train's rhythm warms you, stress falls away and you begin to relax as the journey unfolds.

Amtrack - Adirondack Trip - New York to Montreal

My Kind of Town - Part 4 Getting Around

With so much to see and so much to do in Chicago, how do you get around?
One of my favorite discoveries was DIVVY - Divvy gets you around Chicago in a jiffy. I wish every major city had Divvy and I wished it hadn't been winter and snowing in Chicago so this Floridian could have enjoyed using it.
Divvy is a bike sharing system featuring thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations, available 24/7, 365 days a year. Perfect for both locals and visitors alike. Each station has a touchscreen kiosk, station map, and a docking system that releases bikes using a member key or ride code. Rent a bike and ride along the lake shore via 20 miles of bicycle paths that run north-south along the city's edge or tool through the city. The rental kiosks are everywhere and you can purchase an annual membership online or get a 24-hour pass.
Brilliant!

My Kind of Town

Chagall’s America Windows at the Art Institute of Chicago

I want to visit practically everywhere, including Chicago, but it's never been at the top of my list, particularly not in February. However, when the opportunity presented itself, I naturally jumped at the chance. Although this quick trip provided a mere snap shot of Chicago, its quickly moved up to the status of cities I must revisit. It's filled with culture - music, art, architecture, and well, great hot dogs and pizza.

From Cloud Gate in Millennium Park to American Gothic at the Art Institute, Chicagoans have much to boast about in the world of art. Cloud Gate, aka 'the bean', is undoubtedly one of the most photographed sculptures on the planet. It looks other worldly, as if at any moment it could morph into something new or simply slink off. Not far from 'the bean' is Crown Fountain, also in Millennium Park, a giant pair of towers which squirt water on warm days from an ever-changing series of local Chicagoans faces. It is a rather odd, but strangely captivating installation. Art abounds throughout the city. Even in the small spaces of earth between the sidewalk and the road, sculptures have found a home. If you're an art lover, Chicago won't disappoint, and there's no disputing the art housed at the Art Institute of Chicago is extraordinary.

Deep Dish Pizza

The art of food in Chicago won't disappoint you either. Just as Philly has its cheese steaks, New York its cheesecakes and Baltimore its crabcakes, Chicago has food fame of its own - Chicago dogs and Chicago deep-dish pizza. Food here, like art and architecture, is steeped in a rich history influenced by a large cultural melting pot. On your first trip, you absolutely must indulge in at least one of these Chicago treats. However, don't make the mistake of ordering your usual large pizza here - this is no ordinary pizza. You won't be able to finish one, unless you're a total glutton. One or possibly two slices are a delicious meal!
A couple highly recommended traditional deep dish pizzerias are Lou Malnati’s and Pequod's. We ate at Giordano’s, also recommended, on downtown's central loop for convenience. It was very good. No time for Chicago dogs on this quick weekend trip (what a bummer), but I'd gladly go back to Chicago just for that (any excuse), which would undoubtedly prove to be the most expensive hot dog in history. Fortunately for me, there are great Chicago style dogs in Fort Lauderdale at Hot Dog Heaven, and in Tampa at Mel's, which I visit whenever I get the chance. Still…it wouldn't take much more to convince me to head back to Chicago. It really is my kind of town! I do think I'll wait however, for it to get a little a lot warmer!

More on the sights and sounds of Chicago next post.

Unabashed Self Promotion

Worth lingering - Spencer's, Palm Springs, California

Size doesn't matter. 
Surrounded by lush, tropical plants the Raleigh, Miami is an intimate, art deco stunner!

Promote yourself! 
If you've got it flaunt it! 
In this industry there's no shame in being a braggart. If you've got something that travelers want you should show it off - loudly and often - through every means possible. I'm always amazed at how few images there are online of the great features restaurants, hotels and attractions have to offer. These great images say far more to travelers than the your absolute best line.

There's just one rule - be able to back it up.

Up close and personal
at The Giraffe Manor,
Nairobi, Kenya

 

Vineyard view -
Allison Inn and Spa, Newberg, Oregon

Mirrored orbs in a shallow pond
surrounded by private dining gazebos -
Bartolotta at the Wynn, Las Vegas

 

360 degree views on a private oasis
Little Palm Island Resort,
Little Torch Key, FL

Travel Reviews – Fake or Real?

The legitimacy of reviews on travel websites, like TripAdvisor, have come under scrutiny once again. I think its fair to say, we all acknowledge fake reviews exist - probably on every website. But the issues is to what extent are purportedly credible websites successfully preventing rampant abuse? Unscrupulous proprietors misrepresenting their facility with false reviews are bound to get caught, but not soon enough for duped travelers. Fortunately, it's likely the greater percentage of reviews are legitimate, particularly on websites with high numbers of reviews. And honestly, I'm not sure we care if a facility writes their own review if it's true and accurate. But, rather than debating whether travel websites have legit reviews, shouldn't we be asking, How much importance should you place on reviews when planning your next trip or outing?

Let me first state, I believe reviews have a purpose, particularly if you know the reviewer and trust their opinion or reputation. Their opinion can be invaluable. However, in the case of online reviews or comments, it is highly unlikely you have reason to trust the reviewer's opinions. So why would you? Their review may have some merit, but how would you know? Still, if you absolutely need more input during the decision process, here's a little guidance: If a facility has a high number of reviews or comments online, chances are by averaging them you'll get decent guest representation. Conversely, it's very difficult to gauge accuracy or legitimacy when there are only a few reviews, so beware. And, even if there are a high number of reviews make sure you're giving the most value to the most recent. Applying this guidance should help some, but it's still a gamble.

All this conversation about whether travel site reviews are fake or real, reliable or not just leaves the traveler feeling extremely vulnerable. Travelers simply looking for good, solid information on the places they're considering are still relying too heavily on reviews? Shouldn't someone be asking whether reviews are very useful? Again, while it's likely the greater percentage of reviews are legitimate, you don't know these people and even legitimate reviews may not match your own criteria. Taking reviews into consideration can help you tip the scales in favor of one place over another, but shouldn't be the basis for your plans. Relying too heavily on reviews is the equivalent of letting a stranger make your plans.

Now I know what you're thinking, you need something to go on, but making a decision based on the likes and dislikes of others is a big gamble. Would you really hand your trip planning over to complete strangers? So, what choice do you have when planning a trip other than reviews? You could visit the facility before you book it. I can hear you laughter! But seriously, there is a way - at TravelVision we're working hard to make that happen. We're building a website that allows you to preview destinations and form your own opinion all from the comfort of your laptop. TravelVision will change the way you plan. Through authentic video tours of the places you want to go you'll be able to see what it's really like to stay there. Instead of rolling the dice you'll be able to make a more informed decision – Know Before You Go!

We're hard at work developing travelvision.com and will be happy to keep you informed of our progress. Simply add your email address to our interim home page and we'll keep you up to date as we add more features and destinations.

Lastly, when it comes to reviews trust your instincts and do your homework. Find a website where the pro reviewers opinions and ratings match your own and take user reviews for what there worth. Don't forget, as a guest make sure you add reviews so you become part of the filter that prevents false reviews from having too much influence.

Overhauling Travel Marketing: To Tweet or Not to Tweet

So, you're tweeting. Dropping comments of up to 140 characters into the Twittesphere at warp speed (or so it seems) wondering, What the heck am I doing? Besides promoting your business with numbers (followers & following), what are the benefits? Well, the experts in social marketing told me tweeting was important, so I did it - like a sheep. On good days, especially early on, I was able to read about 1/2 of 1% of the tweets from those I followed if I stuck to my self allotted time frame of 15 to 30 minutes a day. And, like every good Twitter addict, I was watching my numbers. It seemed to be the point. Then I thought, OMG! Am I now participating in some sort of flash mob mentality; caught up in the fever pitch? Had I joined the Twitter cult? WOW! Am I that mindless? Where was the value in that! So, I asked myself is this good marketing or is it just a numbers craze? The answer is, yes.

In many aspects Internet marketing is a numbers game, that is to say, there are benefits to numbers both in ranking and number of followers, and Twitter can get you numbers in a hurry. But it has to go beyond the numbers game to be really beneficial. Often we use social media without first understanding it. Frankly, it's all just happening too fast. Who has time for it all? But, that's precisely why the simplicity of Twitter caught on.* 140 characters done reasonably well, for no more than 15 - 30 minutes a day is doable and can get you some decent recognition. However, it is NOT mindlessly following or tweeting that will get valuable results. Obviously what I did at first was wrong, so I had to rethink the possibilities and the purpose. I did my Twitter homework. It revealed that simple, concise, worthwhile information has marketing value on Twitter. Then, and only then, the good numbers will follow; tweet relevant, good information and consciously follow, respond to and retweet relevant, good information.

So what do YOU tweet? At first tweeting is a very foreign activity. Very much like trying to communicate in a foreign country with text book knowledge of the language; it takes practice to be fluent. I like the simple way Tech N' Marketing explained tweeting:
What to write—
“What are you thinking?”
Are you reading an interesting article? Share it!
Cool video? Link to it!
A funny picture? Tweet it!
Share share share!
Cause there to be dialog.
That is what it is all about.

If I could add just a couple additional things to their simple "how to" explanation (considering we're talking about social media marketing) they would be:
Tweet daily
ONLY tweet and retweet about things relevant to your business. 
Create a separate account for your personal interests. There you can talk politics, sports, fashion, religion or whatever, but not on your business Twitter page unless it's the business you are in.
 Proudly brag about your business or profession 
your facility, goals, accomplishments, products, offers, etc.

One last thought: you will inevitably miss a huge percentage of tweets and the opposite is true. Not to worry. No one is saying, good information can't be shared more than once and good tweets get retweeted. Within a short time you'll develop habits, then relevant patterns will emerge and it will begin to actually make some sense. Twitter is simply a networking tool. It is like dropping a rock in a pond - it will have a ripple effect. How far the ripple carries you is dependent on you. Tweet well and they will listen, follow and retweet.



*In all honesty it has gotten more complicated, but the simple premise is still there.

Overhauling Travel Marketing - Introduction

Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. Carol M. Highsmith, 2007

My daughter Googled herself the other day and, shockingly, there she was in a photo taken by a reporter in front of The Library of Congress. That day welcoming visitors to “the world’s greatest storehouse of knowledge,” the Librarian of Congress said, “This is all here for you.” On the historic occasion of its grand re-openning and launch of the Library of Congress Experience he explained that the Library, the largest in the world, and its collections are now available “to everyone in the world,” who from their computers are able to “turn pages” of the Gutenberg Bible or examine Ben Franklin’s edits of the Declaration of Independence by way of a new Web presentation portal.

As amazing as the portal launch was nothing is quite like walking through doors of this historic treasure - seeing Thomas Jefferson's handwritten draft of the Declaration of Independence with notations by Ben Franklin and having the rare privilege of walking around the Main Reading Room (seldom open to the public). This place is not just a building housing accounts of history in books, its architecture envelops you and its artifacts speak to you. It was the best part of our trip but it was not at all planned. Lucky us!
We stayed at a great boutique hotel, the Palomar, got a private tour of the US Capitol Building, toured the Smithsonian Museums, found a tavern with the largest selection of beer in the world, Bier Baron Tavern - fka Brickskeller, and discovered a terrific Mexican cocina called Oyamel. There they serve the freshest homemade guacamole and an amazing margarita topped with a salt froth. All told it was a fantastic Washington D.C. experience and easily fell into the perfect trip category.
Reminiscing prompted me to now say what I've long thought, Why is it necessary to have such a category? Why shouldn't every trip be this rewarding? Why is it so hard for people to travel like this all the time? After all this is the age of information. Why is it that with all our technology we're still not getting the right information in front of the right people? We can find just about anything on the internet, can't we?
The problem is we're on information overload and the speed and ease of the internet comes with a price. Even with specificity most of our searches yield way more information than we could possibly sort through. Mountains of it! And these places - hotels, restaurants and attractions, are lost in the mountainous pile like a needle in a haystack; an internet size haystack. These places, destinations, want us to know, "This is all here for you," if you can find them. Unfortunately, it is most often left to us, travelers, to do just that. Lucky us?

It's time for a change. Instead of information overload we need information overhaul so that everyone gets to go on the perfect trip nearly every time. TravelVision is doing just that. We're building a website that makes it easier, way easier, to discover and explore the places of interest to you. We're starting a revolution in travel marketing!
Travelvision.com launched in BETA December 2011. Take the Tour and whether you're a user or a destination we'd love for you to join us now. For users it will be a tremendous search, explore and plan tool and for destinations we promise it will be the best marketing experience you will ever have - a destination showcase. Join us over the coming weeks as we evolve and grow adding more and more exciting destinations and features.
Travelvision.com - Know Before You Go

Decking the Halls for 75 Years!

Wonderful party, wonderful historic hotel! Last night the halls were decked with ribbons and bows as Fort Lauderdale's historic Riverside Hotel celebrated it's 75th year. The Riverside, the oldest hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, has done a wonderful job of preserving it's historic charm while balancing it with modern luxury and amenities. It belongs to the Wells brother's family who in the 1930's envisioned this area as a destination and launched their dream. Originally a thoroughfare to the beach Las Olas Boulevard soon became known for its upscale shopping. The hotel sits proudly on this iconic American street and is the only hotel directly on it. Just step out the front doors and your on the boulevard alongside upscale boutiques, art galleries and restaurants or step in and you'll likely meet the neighbors of Las Olas at Prestin's Lounge.
A favorite hang of both locals and tourists today this trendy area is the perfect blend of old and new with places like The Floridian diner, Flora Ottimer's children's boutique and trendy hotspots like Rocco's Tacos. But wait there's more! Just minutes away from the Riverside Hotel by foot is Riverwalk where you can stroll along the water, eat more, explore more of Fort Laudedale's history or catch a Water Taxi. The Riverside Hotel is the perfect location!

Happy Anniversary!

View of The Riverside Hotel from the New River

Las Olas Boulevard