I just returned to my office from a Home-Based Travel Agency trade show in Atlantic City. It was great to meet reps from the cruise lines, resorts and convention and visitor bureaus of various countries. I reconnected with some colleagues and spent some time chatting with the CruiseOne team, including our CEO Vivian Ewart who is so genuine and easy to talk to. She was there to market the company to potential franchisees--not that I need any more competion in my backyard!
I know setting up and working trade shows are hard work--I used to run the Chamber's Annual Business Expo and I've had display tables at many, many trade shows.
But what about the attendees??? After walking row by row and stopping at each table, I was loaded down with 4 bags of brochures and information. As the show was coming to a close,the vendors were happily handing out as much as could, the idea being they more they give away, they less thay have to pack and slep back to the office. Good stuff, absolutely. Heavy as heck---you better believe it.
You'd think my shoulders would be used to the extra weight from carrying my tote bag around, but I'm telling you--I could have used these bags for weights in my exercise routine!
Next time I'll bring a suitcase on wheels--I may look funny, but when I'm still standing up straight at the end of the day and everyone else is hunched over...guess who will have the last laugh then!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Dressing for Success
Every Wednesday morning at 7:15 I head out the door to meet with the South Jersey Women's Network, an informal group of professional women from the Atlantic County area. Each of us represents a different industry and each is there to learn about and support the other members by word of mouth marketing.
Being in the travel business and working from home I find myself at a quandry as to what to wear each week. One of our members makes no apologies for her attire, and to be honest, I applaud her---she works out every morning at 6:00 a.m., so she comes straight from the gym.
Another member is in the financial business and she is always dressed impeccibly in her business suit.
Others, like myself, dress according to what the rest of the day holds. If I have other appoinments I'll dress in business attire. If I'm coming right home to work in the home office then I'll wear jeans, a tank and a decent jacket and good shoes (today I wore my pink Cozumel tank and pink cowboy hat...souvenirs from my recent cruise!)
And that's really who I am, a low maintenance, dress down, casual person. Does that mean I can't be professional when dressed this way?
Its all about image perception. The question I have to ask is whether I perceive myself as less professional. If the answer is yes, then I'm doomed because my confidence is tied to my self perception.
Turns out that I am a victim of comformity, because in many situations I do need to put that suit on to feel the power of confidence.
Now if only I could button that suit jacket..ah but that's fodder for a future blog!
Being in the travel business and working from home I find myself at a quandry as to what to wear each week. One of our members makes no apologies for her attire, and to be honest, I applaud her---she works out every morning at 6:00 a.m., so she comes straight from the gym.
Another member is in the financial business and she is always dressed impeccibly in her business suit.
Others, like myself, dress according to what the rest of the day holds. If I have other appoinments I'll dress in business attire. If I'm coming right home to work in the home office then I'll wear jeans, a tank and a decent jacket and good shoes (today I wore my pink Cozumel tank and pink cowboy hat...souvenirs from my recent cruise!)
And that's really who I am, a low maintenance, dress down, casual person. Does that mean I can't be professional when dressed this way?
Its all about image perception. The question I have to ask is whether I perceive myself as less professional. If the answer is yes, then I'm doomed because my confidence is tied to my self perception.
Turns out that I am a victim of comformity, because in many situations I do need to put that suit on to feel the power of confidence.
Now if only I could button that suit jacket..ah but that's fodder for a future blog!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
California Wildfires
A good friend of mine lives in San Diego. I visited her several years ago and fell in love with the area. So much so, that I brought the real estate section home with me to read and dream on the plane back to Philly.
My friend Karen has built a business working with local and county governments across the country helping them devise state of emergency plans to work with the healthcare organizations in their areas. And yes, she did work with the several of the counties now ravaged by fire.
In an e-mail to me this morning, she wrote:
It is really really bad. My emergency response training is no longer fiction in SD - the worst possible thing that we trained for is actually happening.
A quarter of a million people have been evacuated from their homes so far. From the dessert to the sea some 40 miles of million dollar homes. But, the worst is that no one can breath the air with all the ash and smoke, so the hospitals are packed with wheezing and shortness of breath patients including my parents which I have advised to move up to San Clemente (fires from Fallbrook are now in Camp Pendleton).
AND, I am in Minnesota running a curriculum retreat for the School of Medicine and have been on the phone and internet for the last 24 hours with family, friends and the 19 year old UCSD student that is house sitting with Torrey. I just called her and told her to go up to Pasadena (she has an aunt there), but the traffic won't allow it. The temperature inside my house is 85 degrees since it is all closed up (outside it is 90, even though the fires are 10 miles away). Don't have air conditioning, cause I "live on the coast" ! Never saw anything like it.
I am tired, very sad and really want to be home.... I will be back on Wednesday night.
I am sharing this with you because of the reuccuring truth that plagues all of us. We cannot control or escape nature. But it is also nature that, over billions of years has evolved to provide a planet onwhich human nature has prevailed.
I recently completed two of James Michener's epic novels, Alaska and the Caribbean and am just in the opening chapters of Hawaii.
Two truths have emerged from my readngs:
My friend Karen has built a business working with local and county governments across the country helping them devise state of emergency plans to work with the healthcare organizations in their areas. And yes, she did work with the several of the counties now ravaged by fire.
In an e-mail to me this morning, she wrote:
It is really really bad. My emergency response training is no longer fiction in SD - the worst possible thing that we trained for is actually happening.
A quarter of a million people have been evacuated from their homes so far. From the dessert to the sea some 40 miles of million dollar homes. But, the worst is that no one can breath the air with all the ash and smoke, so the hospitals are packed with wheezing and shortness of breath patients including my parents which I have advised to move up to San Clemente (fires from Fallbrook are now in Camp Pendleton).
AND, I am in Minnesota running a curriculum retreat for the School of Medicine and have been on the phone and internet for the last 24 hours with family, friends and the 19 year old UCSD student that is house sitting with Torrey. I just called her and told her to go up to Pasadena (she has an aunt there), but the traffic won't allow it. The temperature inside my house is 85 degrees since it is all closed up (outside it is 90, even though the fires are 10 miles away). Don't have air conditioning, cause I "live on the coast" ! Never saw anything like it.
I am tired, very sad and really want to be home.... I will be back on Wednesday night.
I am sharing this with you because of the reuccuring truth that plagues all of us. We cannot control or escape nature. But it is also nature that, over billions of years has evolved to provide a planet onwhich human nature has prevailed.
I recently completed two of James Michener's epic novels, Alaska and the Caribbean and am just in the opening chapters of Hawaii.
Two truths have emerged from my readngs:
- It is, sadly, human nature to seek, destroy, overcome and rule others that are not like them.
- The earth is constantly reinventing itself and although it can/may/will take tens of thousands of years for a cataclysmic occurance, every volcanic eruption, every storm that destroys, and every fire that devours what we have built, is one tiny step towards the next big life altering event.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Coulda, shoulda, but didn't
For Eagles fans, the saying "coulda, shoulda, but didn't" is the mantra for today. The Eagles could've won, should've won, but ended up losing in the final seconds of the game.
That got me thinking...How many things in our lives do we miss out on because we "coulda, shoulda, but didn't"?
People that suffer life threatening illnesses upon recovering will often say "I'm going to live everyday as if the next could be my last." And ya know what one of the first things that they do? They take that vacation they've always wanted.
So I ask you, do you really want to wait and find yourself saying, "coulda, shoulda, but didn't"?
I know it sounds impractical, especially when you've just paid your bills and are wondering how you'll make the next payments, but with enough planning, minimum deposits and good budgeting, you can take that family vacation while the family is all together.
Multi generational family reunions on a cruise are wildly popular now. Where else can you find something for the youngsters, teens, parents and grandparents plus activities that everyone can participate? What a great way to create that family bond.
I bet you have relatives you never see except at weddings and funerals. I know I do. And I know we always say, "let's plan to get together soon." For me this is another "coulda, shoulda, but didn't".
Or how about that dream vacation to Alaska or maybe the Greek Isles, or perhaps South America? With so many cruise lines and so many options, you are bound to find something that will fit your personality and your pocketbook.
Milt and I are headed to New Orleans in January for a 2 night stay in the French Quarter followed by a 5 night Western Caribbean cruise. It's a pre-Mardi Gras cruise and I can't wait to get back to New Orleans.
Next September we're taking an 8 night Alaskan cruise--along with 800+ other members of the CruiseOne family. Its our 2008 conference. Which is pretty funny...the morning before they announced the 2008 location, I said to Milt, lets take and Alaskan cruise this summer.
But my dream vacation is to sail the Eastern Mediterranean on a Windstar cruise (a five mast, engine powered sailing ship). I keep telling Milt that will be our honeymoon cruise---even if we never get married!
I'd love to hear from you--what is your "coulda, shoulda, but didn't" that you still have time to do?
That got me thinking...How many things in our lives do we miss out on because we "coulda, shoulda, but didn't"?
People that suffer life threatening illnesses upon recovering will often say "I'm going to live everyday as if the next could be my last." And ya know what one of the first things that they do? They take that vacation they've always wanted.
So I ask you, do you really want to wait and find yourself saying, "coulda, shoulda, but didn't"?
I know it sounds impractical, especially when you've just paid your bills and are wondering how you'll make the next payments, but with enough planning, minimum deposits and good budgeting, you can take that family vacation while the family is all together.
Multi generational family reunions on a cruise are wildly popular now. Where else can you find something for the youngsters, teens, parents and grandparents plus activities that everyone can participate? What a great way to create that family bond.
I bet you have relatives you never see except at weddings and funerals. I know I do. And I know we always say, "let's plan to get together soon." For me this is another "coulda, shoulda, but didn't".
Or how about that dream vacation to Alaska or maybe the Greek Isles, or perhaps South America? With so many cruise lines and so many options, you are bound to find something that will fit your personality and your pocketbook.
Milt and I are headed to New Orleans in January for a 2 night stay in the French Quarter followed by a 5 night Western Caribbean cruise. It's a pre-Mardi Gras cruise and I can't wait to get back to New Orleans.
Next September we're taking an 8 night Alaskan cruise--along with 800+ other members of the CruiseOne family. Its our 2008 conference. Which is pretty funny...the morning before they announced the 2008 location, I said to Milt, lets take and Alaskan cruise this summer.
But my dream vacation is to sail the Eastern Mediterranean on a Windstar cruise (a five mast, engine powered sailing ship). I keep telling Milt that will be our honeymoon cruise---even if we never get married!
I'd love to hear from you--what is your "coulda, shoulda, but didn't" that you still have time to do?
Saturday, October 20, 2007
New passport rules...again
Well folks, they've extended the passport requirement for cruise travel...again. However, I strongly suggest that you just go out and get your passport; it is the most recognized form of identification and most readily accepted.
U.S. Citizen Passport Requirements--
Air Travel: ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport to enter (or re-enter) the United States.U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their Alien Registration Card (Form I-551) issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other valid evidence of permanent residence status to apply for entry to the United States.
Cruise Travel--As early as Summer 2008, subject to U.S. Government amendment, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
Subject to U.S. Government amendment U.S. and Canadian citizens 15 or younger with their parents consent may cross the U.S. / Canadian border by land or sea with a certified copy of their birth certificate.Until that time, the following travel document requirements apply:International Travel• A valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America.
Domestic Travel--For domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, a passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended.• In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required. • A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship.• Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.
U.S. Citizen Passport Requirements--
Air Travel: ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport to enter (or re-enter) the United States.U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their Alien Registration Card (Form I-551) issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other valid evidence of permanent residence status to apply for entry to the United States.
Cruise Travel--As early as Summer 2008, subject to U.S. Government amendment, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
Subject to U.S. Government amendment U.S. and Canadian citizens 15 or younger with their parents consent may cross the U.S. / Canadian border by land or sea with a certified copy of their birth certificate.Until that time, the following travel document requirements apply:International Travel• A valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America.
Domestic Travel--For domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, a passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended.• In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required. • A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship.• Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.
The luggage has arrived
Good news, we received our missing luggage today! Better news, Milt's credit card and cash were still in his pants pocket (did I mention he packed his dress pants at the last minute and forgot to check his pockets?)
I have to say I'm pretty surprised at the expediency of the process...not to mention relieved. When the the airline rep said we'd get a call today I was skeptical. When the delivery service called to say they had our bag and would drop it off at our house within 2 hours I was impressed.
Not that I like the fact that they lost it in the first place (and ripped my other bag which I've chalked up to a total loss), but it is a good feeling to know that the processes the airlines have in place actually work. Of course if it happened on the way to the the cruise and not in reverse I might not be so agreeable--lost luggage can't catch up with the ship until it reaches a port of call.
So alls well that ends well. The kids have their gifts from the trip, we have our souvenirs (including three new stuffed animals) and the dirty clothes are in the wash.
I have to say I'm pretty surprised at the expediency of the process...not to mention relieved. When the the airline rep said we'd get a call today I was skeptical. When the delivery service called to say they had our bag and would drop it off at our house within 2 hours I was impressed.
Not that I like the fact that they lost it in the first place (and ripped my other bag which I've chalked up to a total loss), but it is a good feeling to know that the processes the airlines have in place actually work. Of course if it happened on the way to the the cruise and not in reverse I might not be so agreeable--lost luggage can't catch up with the ship until it reaches a port of call.
So alls well that ends well. The kids have their gifts from the trip, we have our souvenirs (including three new stuffed animals) and the dirty clothes are in the wash.
Blues Cruise from Philly?
Hey folks, one of my goals in the next year or so is to put together a Blues Cruise out of Philly or Cape Liberty, NJ featuring some of my favorite local bands from the Phila/NJ area.
Check out the Dukes of Destiny, The Randy Lippincott Band, Zydeco-a-go-go and Rollin' and Tumblin' on my music website http://www.marilynsmusicscene.com/
I'm looking at maybe a 5 day Bermuda cruise with one or 2 bands on board--depending on the cost.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on this...
Check out the Dukes of Destiny, The Randy Lippincott Band, Zydeco-a-go-go and Rollin' and Tumblin' on my music website http://www.marilynsmusicscene.com/
I'm looking at maybe a 5 day Bermuda cruise with one or 2 bands on board--depending on the cost.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on this...
Oh where or where is our luggage?
Or subtitled, "The day our luggage went through the war"
Okay, I have to admit, the first part of this story is my fault. Sort of.
NCL has a program called "BAGS" which is described in the flier this way, "leave your luggage outside your door and the next time you'll see them is at your destination airport." Sounded good to me, so for an additional $15.00pp I signed us up.
What I didn't know (and this is where I have to say mea culpa) is that we DID need to see our luggage one more time and that was to identify them at the cruise terminal and take them to be loaded on the baggage truck. Yes, this was wrtten on the notice I received in the room. No I didn't read that far down (next to the last paragraph) in the letter. I took the flier at face value and so Milt and I breezed right past our luggage and onto the waiting transfer bus to the Miami airport.
Thankfully I had a moment of doubt and pulled out the form and read the entire document, otherwise all our luggage would still be in Miami.
I jumped off the bus and flagged down an NCL agent..really an angel (Warren Eisenberg wherever you are...Milt and I love ya, man!) Warren must have heard it all before because he pulled us aside and gently explained the bad news...it is illegal to leave luggage in the terminal and it is illegal to go back and retieve it. YIKES!!!
This is were the "angel" part kicks in. He found a custom agent who took our passports and then he went and found our luggage for the customs agent to inspect. I was told customs had to take everything out of all 4 bags before they would release the bags to Warren (yuck--one bag was full of dirty clothes..I apologized profusely to Agent Wexler). Warren then arranged for a porter to bring out luggage to the loading truck.
So an hour later our bags were on the truck and Milt and I were on our way to the airport. We arrive about 12:30 for our 3:35 flight. If you read my previous blog you already know my gripe with AA terminal.
Our 3:35 flight finally took off at 5:20 p.m.
We finally touch down, head to baggage claim only to find that one bag was destroyed (ripped across the top and taped together) and another bag was missing. We know they went on the truck in perfect condition, but what happened in between, not even the "Shadow knows" (okay, I'm showing my age, I know).
So here I sit at my computer hopeful that tomorrow will bring the suitcase with all the kids gifts, Milt's suit, and the purchases we made for ourselves.
Stay tuned!
Okay, I have to admit, the first part of this story is my fault. Sort of.
NCL has a program called "BAGS" which is described in the flier this way, "leave your luggage outside your door and the next time you'll see them is at your destination airport." Sounded good to me, so for an additional $15.00pp I signed us up.
What I didn't know (and this is where I have to say mea culpa) is that we DID need to see our luggage one more time and that was to identify them at the cruise terminal and take them to be loaded on the baggage truck. Yes, this was wrtten on the notice I received in the room. No I didn't read that far down (next to the last paragraph) in the letter. I took the flier at face value and so Milt and I breezed right past our luggage and onto the waiting transfer bus to the Miami airport.
Thankfully I had a moment of doubt and pulled out the form and read the entire document, otherwise all our luggage would still be in Miami.
I jumped off the bus and flagged down an NCL agent..really an angel (Warren Eisenberg wherever you are...Milt and I love ya, man!) Warren must have heard it all before because he pulled us aside and gently explained the bad news...it is illegal to leave luggage in the terminal and it is illegal to go back and retieve it. YIKES!!!
This is were the "angel" part kicks in. He found a custom agent who took our passports and then he went and found our luggage for the customs agent to inspect. I was told customs had to take everything out of all 4 bags before they would release the bags to Warren (yuck--one bag was full of dirty clothes..I apologized profusely to Agent Wexler). Warren then arranged for a porter to bring out luggage to the loading truck.
So an hour later our bags were on the truck and Milt and I were on our way to the airport. We arrive about 12:30 for our 3:35 flight. If you read my previous blog you already know my gripe with AA terminal.
Our 3:35 flight finally took off at 5:20 p.m.
We finally touch down, head to baggage claim only to find that one bag was destroyed (ripped across the top and taped together) and another bag was missing. We know they went on the truck in perfect condition, but what happened in between, not even the "Shadow knows" (okay, I'm showing my age, I know).
So here I sit at my computer hopeful that tomorrow will bring the suitcase with all the kids gifts, Milt's suit, and the purchases we made for ourselves.
Stay tuned!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Returning home from a 5 night Western Caribbean cruise
As I sit here on the floor in the American Airlines terminal at the Miami airport I have to wonder.. why don't they have more outlets for computer plug-ins? Actually it took three or four tries before my boyfriend and I found a live working plug. A tad frustrating since each time we had to unplug, pack up and move on. I'm actually plugged into the panel of the service desk. I figure I only have a few more minutes before they chase me away, so here goes...no wait...looks like I'll have to vacate now...
When you think of NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) you think of the ads they have touting Freestyle Cruising and I have to say, for us it was perfect. We got to eat when we wanted, where we wanted and with whom we wanted. We'd made some great friends along the way and enjoyed being able to sit with them at dinner.
Eventhough we really didn't see many children on the cruise, knowing we would be headed back home to three teenage boys made the Adult only Biss Lounge, well blissfull! It was romantic, bohemian and just a bit naughty...they had luxuourisly decorated sofas that encouraged cuddling and even elegant appointed double beds for relaxation pleasure. When we were there one early evening for drinks, the video screen played 80's classics (has Mick jagger aged at all?)
The only thing that was a bit surprising was the room size. We had a Balcony cabin category BA and we were in pretty tight corners. But by the second day we had adjusted just fine-- the sofa bed made for a great suitcase valet for Milt and a good place to drop our dirty clothes at the end of the day.
Did you know that when you book a group, each cabin may be offered a free cocktail party, or complimentary champagne, or even shipboard credits? Group cruises are a great way to bring the family together, raise funds for your favorite charity organization, party with your favorite local bands and on NCL even your local bowling league...yes, they have 2 bowling alleys on board!
Okay...now the rest of the report is from the comfort of my home office in Egg Harbor Township (near Atlantic City).
Milt and I just returned from a fabulous 5 night cruise on the Norwegian Pearl out of Miami. Our ports of call were Cozumel and Georgetown, Grand Cayman.
When you think of NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) you think of the ads they have touting Freestyle Cruising and I have to say, for us it was perfect. We got to eat when we wanted, where we wanted and with whom we wanted. We'd made some great friends along the way and enjoyed being able to sit with them at dinner.The Norwegain Pearl is one of NCL's new ships. Her sister ship, Gem is just getting ready to launch and their sister, Pride of Hawaii will be renamed the Jade which be sailing the Caribbean waters in the near future. She is a beauty. Every lounge, every dining venue is decorated in clean, crisp and vibrant colors befitting the cuisine or theme of the venue.
Entertainment galore from Wii games on the 70ft screen (approx) in the Grand Atrium, to side splitting comedy routines performed by Second City members, to afternoon pool deck Caribbean bands, it was all there for us to enjoy. The ony disappointment was the smoking in the casino, which really wasn't a bad thing...we only stayed long enough to lose $40.00!
Eventhough we really didn't see many children on the cruise, knowing we would be headed back home to three teenage boys made the Adult only Biss Lounge, well blissfull! It was romantic, bohemian and just a bit naughty...they had luxuourisly decorated sofas that encouraged cuddling and even elegant appointed double beds for relaxation pleasure. When we were there one early evening for drinks, the video screen played 80's classics (has Mick jagger aged at all?) We were very impressed with their precautionary health measures...making sure we all sanitized our hands before entering any restuarant and when returning from shore excursions.
The only thing that was a bit surprising was the room size. We had a Balcony cabin category BA and we were in pretty tight corners. But by the second day we had adjusted just fine-- the sofa bed made for a great suitcase valet for Milt and a good place to drop our dirty clothes at the end of the day.I must confess though, that we were part of a large group of cruise travel professionals from CruiseOne (http://www.cruisesbymarilyn.com/) and Cruises, Inc. and we were priviledged to have many of the NCL reps as well as other cruise line reps on board for daily seminars and programs. While I don't believe we received any special cabin treatments, we did get nightly cocktail parties.
Did you know that when you book a group, each cabin may be offered a free cocktail party, or complimentary champagne, or even shipboard credits? Group cruises are a great way to bring the family together, raise funds for your favorite charity organization, party with your favorite local bands and on NCL even your local bowling league...yes, they have 2 bowling alleys on board!Our 5 day cruise visited 2 ports of call, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. In Cozumel, the group did a deluxe beach party at Playa Mia. Lordy did we have fun! Open bar, free food and lots and lots of sunshine and blue waters. Did I mention I forgot to back my sunsceen? Ouch :-( I'm headed back there in January as a Pre-Mardi cruise out of New Orleans ( some inside cabins still available!) and I look forward to exploring other parts of the isalnd.
In Grand Cayman we partied at the Hard Rock Cafe, but didn't get to the Seven Mile Beach. Next time!
Check out my next blog..."oh where, oh where has my suitcase gone???"
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