NEW ZEALAND

The 10th Annual WHUR World Tour 2014 has arrived in New Zealand! Yeah. After 20 hours of flying and two days later, we finally arrived in Queenstown, NZ.

Yes, we are tired. too tired to think straight but too excited to know we're too tired to think straight.

I had a little surprise for the group when they arrived.  You see, our hotel is located on Lake Wakatipu.  You can get there by road or by the lake. I arranged for the lake arrival but not just by any regular boat, but by jet speed boats.  It was a bit chilly and everyone had to leave their bags on the bus (I think they were more concerned about leaving their bags than getting onto speed boats), put on slickers and life vests and board these speed boats.  The excitement and confusion on their faces was priceless.

Our driver and guide tells us about the lake, that we will get a bit wet and he will do ten 360 degree spin outs.  Some were thrilled, some (women) asked about their hair and others just said well OK.  One thing was for sure, the wind, high speed, the spin outs that sprayed us with water and the chilly air woke us all up and gave us that much needed energy. HELLO NEW ZEALAND!

Then to our hotel, the Hilton Wakatipu on Lake Wakatipu.

In keeping with my style of traveling, especially after a long flight we had just enough time for a shower (much needed by this point), a change of clothes and off we we went to our dinner high above the city to Skyline Tower.  We ascended by gondola's, took in the fabulous views, had a Maori cultural show and a bit of dinner.

Now we're finished with the day and can lay our weary heads on our fluffy pillows, extra comfortable mattresses and under warm comforters.  What a day!

Next stop Milford Sound for a full day of adventure.

Ja'Vonne

JA'VONNE'S TRAVEL MINUTE

Why are you over packing?

Every time I have a group orientation the group members are usually aghast at the requirement of one checked bag and one carry-on bag. It's actually very easy to travel with these requirements and I find the reasons people over pack are all correctable.

1. Stop thinking you need more than you do and preparing for every "what if" there is, pack with your basic needs in mind.
2. If you're not packing with a color palette you're not getting the most out of your wardrobe and you're packing too many individual items and shoes. Remember every item should go with or match 2-3 other items.
3. Your bag is just to big.  Start with a smaller bag, I recommend the 24 inch for a checked bag but if you must, no larger than the 27 inch.  A bigger bag just means you're compelled to fill it up.  Also get one that expands so you can accommodate your souvenirs.  Just don't start with the expansion.
4. Buy travel size items and look for things that have multiple functions.

Happy and light travels!

Ja'Vonne

TRAVELING WITH A LAP CHILD

A Lap Child is a child under two years of age at the time of departure traveling with an adult and sitting on the lap of that adult.

A "lap child" travels free on domestic flights and usually 10% of the adult fare on international flights. But, Just because you CAN fly with your infant for free on your lap, it doesn't mean that you should.  It's interesting that the rules on traveling with a child in a car are so strict but not for flying even though the safest way to fly with an infant is in a child safety seat. The irony is that if you choose to purchase a seat for your infant and travel with a child safety seat, the FAA has a requirement for that. That's right, no, requirement to use a child safety seat but if you do it has to be FAA approved. The question here is why wouldn't you want to to spend the extra money for the safety of such precious cargo?

Ja'Vonne Harley

What Impression Will You Leave!

"What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

When you travel you have the opportunity to make a great first and lasting impression.  Just remember that sometimes it means you are an ambassador for your country as well.  Too often we use this lack of history to bring out the worst in us, or to let our inhibitions go, saying “nobody here knows me and probably wont see me again so I don’t care."  Think about it ….. do you really want a bad or careless attitude to be how someone remembers you. This is your opportunity to cement your true self or tell a new story.  Make it a great one.

 

Ja'Vonne's Travel Minute

STOCKING STUFFERS FOR THE TRAVELER

It's the most wonderful time of the year.  And it's our favorite time of the year.  We recently did our annual Travelers Gift Show on The Traveling Eye. This year we featured stocking stuffers for the traveler.  Travelers want something that is functional and that will aid them in their travels.  None of that cute stuff that is only cute and you will never use.

We immediately went to our friends at Magellans, your trusted source for travel solutions and gear.  Magellan's was started by two Pan Am employees so they know what a traveler needs.

Here's our top picks for this year.

Electronic Accessory Case: On sale now for $21.60
This is perfect for organizing small electronics and the Velcro tabs inside are adjustable.

THE DUAL VOLTAGE POWER STRIP:
Hotels never have enough outlets and the airport power stations are always full.  This power strip has three plugs and  USB.  You're sure to make friends at the airport.

THE DAY TRIPPER BACK PACK:
We love this for numerous reasons.  It's light, it's compact and it gives you an extra bag, weather your on the plane or for just traveling about.  It folds into itself and weighs only 9oz.

THE MINI EMERGENCY KIT:
This is the size of a mini cupcake and holds everything.  Excellent stocking stuffer and item to have in your purse or carry-on.  Nail polish remover, clear nail polish, pain reliever, tampon, emery board, breath freshener, band aids, dental floss, hairspray, sewing kit, safety pin, deodorant towelettes, lip balm and stain remover.  whew.

WATERPROOF PONCHO:
Better than an umbrella.  Folds into itself so it's easy to pack.  It's polyester but it's breathable!  Here's a tip.  You can use it as a blanket or underneath your blanket if the ground is wet.!

DOOR STOP ALARM:
Not just for the ladies but a great idea for the ladies.  Not only is it a door stop that you can wedge under any door to stop unwanted entry, it will also sound an alarm.  What a great gift!

THE GOTOOB:
These silicon tubes are great for flying because they are less than 3oz. They're great for the purse or the car and Magellan's tell us you can put a snack in there.  Like peanut butter or honey so that makes them great for picnics too.

EMERGENCY PHONE CHARGER:
Who doesn't need one of these?  The reasons are endless.  Battery operated, 90 minutes of talk time, six connector tips and a retractable usb cord.

RIDGED ALUMINUM WALLET:
Has RFID blocking protections which makes it great for protecting your information while you travel.  It's sleek, looks good and is durable.

You can all of these items at www.magellans.com.

SURVIVING HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Sources like AAA & Airlines for America are reporting that holiday travel this year will surpass previous years with more 39 million hitting the road and more than 25 million flying.  Those numbers alone prove to be stressful.

Planning and Preparing for travel is how you reduce stress.

If you're hitting the road

• AAA is a good thing to have, they also have an app
• Do pre-trip maintenance on your car
• Have an emergency kit for the car and you
• Spare tire
• Jack
• Manual
• Flashlight
• Flare
• Tool kit
• First Air Kit
• Cell phone, charger and hands free earpiece
• GPS
• Water
• Blanket
• Snacks
• gasbuddy.com is another app for the best prices in gas, however gas is at a low right now and should stay that if not get better for the holidays.

If you're flying

• By now you probably have your tickets for Thanksgiving and maybe Christmas
• Know that it's going to be busy with just about everybody, grandparents, children, entire families, etc.
• If you can, spend the extra money to get advance seat assignments
• 24 hours prior to departure check in online for your flight (recheck for seat assignments) and if necessary pay for checked bags (try not to check bags)
• If you carry on make sure you bring a smaller collapsible bag in case you are forced to check your carry on bag (expect the overhead bins to be full)
• If you have a connecting flight "DON'T CHECK A BAG" and give yourself plenty of time to connect.  A tight connection could be a major problem if your first flight is delayed.
• Give yourself enough time and arrive at the airport 2 hour prior to your departure time to account for long check in lines and security lines.
• Dress light for the plane and TSA
• Remember the 311 rule for TSA you can go to TSA.gov

Check the weather ahead of time for all travel and start planning if there is inclement weather.  If your driving leave earlier, if you're flying check with the airlines for delays.

Traveling with Children

I don't have children, but it's always the ones, like me, without children who notice them the most.  I have asked my siblings who have younger children how they handle travel.

• Involve them (prepare them for TSA)
• Go over how to behave in the airport and on the flight
• Bring entertainment

I have a nephew who has autism and ADD.  He has changed me when it comes to encountering children in public.  I used to judge and now I don't make snap judgements on what may be perceived as bad behavior.  Some children have ADD or autism and there's a wide spectrum of the condition and behavior. Some are hyper, some of distant, some get agitated easily or are sensitive to noise or outside stimulations.  As a parent my brother-in-law tells me that he keeps him engaged, knows his triggers and tries to avoid them. When necessary he is medicated.  I have a friend who has an older child with autism and he described it to him like having 100 cable channels that are constantly changing so you can imagine how a busy airport can affect them.  The advice I give is less for the parent and more for others to be patient and don't rush to judgement. If it bothers you, remove yourself from the situation.

Being a good guest

• It starts with when you arrive.  Ask in advance which airport is closer or more convenient
• Don't arrive/depart during rush hour or at crazy hours, especially after a long night
• Travel light, don't dome with everything from your closet
• Help out, but ask first because sometimes you can just be in the way
• Clean up after yourself
• Take them out for a meal or surprise them one morning by getting up early and getting some fruits and pastries
• And yes, Miss Manners says you should bring a gift.

Being a good host

• Make them feel welcomed by preparing for them in advance
• Have the room or area already designated and prepared, otherwise it may feel like they're putting you out.
• Fix what I call a convenience basket filled with towels, bath products, toiletries, magazines and bottled water.  They won't have to ask if they leave something or stumble around in the middle of the night for water
• I travel a lot and take the slippers from the hotel.  I save them for out of town guests
• I have a couple of robes that I keep for my guests
• I normally don't use the first/business class toiletry bag from the airlines but I take them and keep them for out of town guests.
• Find out what they drink and have it for them.

When traveling recite Serenity Prayer: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the I can and the wisdom to know the difference."

And when you need to complain remember the idiom: "You can catch more bees or flies with honey than with vinegar"

Ja'Vonne Harley

Unexpected Wine Destinations

This week on The Traveling Eye was all about Unexpected Wine Destinations.

Of course the wine destinations we think of first are fantastic (California, Italy, France, etc.) and I love them but there are times when we are surprised by a destination and what it produces. Wine is sometimes that surprise.

We too were surprised by some of them.  Some we've been to and others we went to trusted sources like Travel & Leisure.  Here is a piece they did on Unexpected US wine Trails.  Texas, New Mexico and North Carolina are on the list.  Go figure.

More than 20 years ago I went to Hawaii.  Maui, my favorite island in Hawaii to be exact. I think it's time for me to go back and rediscover as I am sure quiet a bit has changed since then.  I won't digress.  On the road to Hana, we visited a little wine shop from Maui Wines.  I don't know if they still produce it but, they used to have a Maui Blush that was on the sweet side, my taste buds were different then. The Maui Blush was similar to a white zinfandel. The one thing that was definitely an acquired taste for me was the pineapple wine.  It was too acidic for me but others that were there were fond of it.  But the biggest surprise here was that Hawaii produced wine.  There are others like Volcano Winery too on the Big Island.

On a group trip I organized to India a few years ago we stayed at the Rambagh Palace Jaipur.  Built it 1865 as the queens handmaiden guesthouse, this resort is now a Palace Hotel.  It was here that I discovered that India produced some fantastic wines.  At the bar I ordered a glass of wine and was offered one of India's own. While I don't remember the name of it, I remember that it was a Cab/Shiraz blend and one of India's award winning wines.  You'll have to trust me on this. It had a bottle sent to my client's room and he too loved it.

Another surprise to me was Turkey.  On a familiarization trip a couple of years ago we were hosted by Marmara Hotels, a Turkish owned hotel chain.  At the Marmara Taksim in the center of Istanbul, we had dinner at their fine dining restaurant and our meal was accompanied by their own wines. AND...When retired for the evening we were presented with their own chocolates.  some of the best chocolate I've ever had.  Their chocolate and wine shop is in the hotel.

Below is a repost from our trip to Shawnee in southern Illinois.

Happy Trails.....
Ja'Vonne

Hi Everyone!

Howard of Video Twist Productions, Ja'Vonne and I recently spent two nights and three days in Southernmost Illinois touring the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.  On day one we visited Blue Sky, Orlandini, Owl Creek and Rustle Hills Wineries and Vineyards.  With the help of tasting staff at the vineyards and our own wine expert Ja'Vonne, Howard and I were educated on the different types of wine, food that should pair with each wine, and the correct way to taste a wine. You swirl the wine in the glass, sniff the bouquet of the wine, sip and slurp, hold and swallow so the wine hits the back of the tongue and you can taste the full flavor.  There is something about tandons (not sure if it is spelled right) but I don't understand that part yet.

It's day two and we head over to Scandinavian Gift shop and tasting room at the Hedman Vineyards (www.peachbarn.com) Gerd and Anders Hedman opened Hedman Vineyards in 2005.

Hedman Vineyards

  They produce European-styled wines and offer Swedish cuisine in their Peach Barn Cafe. The gift shop has some great Swedish cookies and preserves. When we visit again we must try their Swedish Meatballs with a glass of wine.

Bonnie, Paul, Ja'Vonne

Next stop Alto Vineyards! In 1984 Guy Renzaglia, Ted Wichmann and others established the Alto Vineyards (www.altovineyards.com).  It is the first commercial winery in Southern Illinois. Now the Alto is run by Paul Renzaglia. Paul has been our show via phone so Ja'Vonne and I were excited to visit Alto Vineyards and meet Paul in person.  He took us out into the vineyards and explained the grapes to us.  It was HOT that day and we were past the perspiring stage and into a full sweat so we decided to head in, cool off and taste the finished products of the grapes. I tasted my first Port wine and found that I enjoyed it.  I left with a bottle of Porto Di Guido and another chapter written in my "understanding wine" handbook.

In 1997, Dr. Paul and Rhoda Jacobs opened the first Von Jakob Vineyard (www.vonjakobvineyard.com) in Pomona, Illinois.  The second location is located in Alto Pass which is where we were having lunch. Von Jakob has recently added brewery to its name as they now produce fine tasting beer. We decided to forgo the wine tasting to sample a little of their new product. When you visit, I suggest you order the cheese bread and the meatball sandwich. Real good stuff!

Ja'Vonne, George, Bonnie

Our last winery for the day was to the Pomona Winery (www.pomonawinery.com). This winery is different because it does not use any grapes to make their wine. George Majka and Jane Payne broke ground in 1989 to build Pomona Winery. They are both carpenters so they actual built the winery. Instead of dealing with planting and harvesting grapes, they decided to make their wine using fresh fruits. We spent an hour with George as we tasted wines with names like Once in a Blue Moon Blueberry Wine, Sweet Apple, Kir, and Jonathon Oak Aged Reserve.  With each wine, George would give us a recipe of how to infuse the wine in the preparation of a dish as well as drinking a glass to compliment the meal. You know I had to take the Once in a Blue Moon Blueberry Dessert Wine home with me.We waved goodbye to George and Jane and headed home to relax and prepare for out last day in Shawnee.
   

Day Three!

It was our last day in the Shawnee area and we had to pack the car and head over to the Star View Vineyard (www.starviewvineyard), where   we were doing our live broadcast, having lunch and of course, tasting wine before heading back home to Chicago.  Scott and Kate Sensmeire opened Star View Vineyards in 2005. Their first harvest yielded six award winning wines. They offered their vineyard to us to do our live broadcast back to Chicago and we  found the perfect place to set up, out on the patio overlooking the vineyards. It was one of the hottest days in creation but Kate told us the best way to handle the heat is by having a cool glass of wine. It was still hot but the wine was delicious. Scott brought in some grapes he had picked and kept cool.  One bunch would be red wine and the other white.  Don't tell him, but they both looked the same to me.

It was time for us to pack up, collect all the wine we bought and head back to Chicago.  I learned so much on this trip to Southernmost Illinois. Illinois has mountains, beautiful forests, and wonderful people. All wines do not taste like Morgan David and dry red wines actually taste good. You shouldn't leave good wine, like the award winning wines made along the Shawnee Wine Trail, in your car when it is warm, and good friendships and conversations are made over a nice glass of wine.

Thanks to Carol Hoffman and everyone at the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau (www.southernmostillinois.com) for helping us plan this great road trip. I raise my glass to all the award winning wineries and vineyards along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Thank you for your hospitality, lessons in wine enjoyment, and making my initiation into tasting and drinking wine fun.

Bonnie, Howard, Ja'Vonne - The Traveling Eye

I recommend you plan a trip down to Southernmost Illinois and introduce yourself to all the great things this area has to offer.  Illinois is an awesome state, mile after magnificent mile.

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!


Bonnie