Superferry to Kaua'i Suspended

I recently posted an enthusiastic entry on this blog about the then-impending fast catamaran service between O'ahu and both Maui and Kaua'i. Today came the following press release:

HONOLULU – At a press conference held at its offices today, Hawaii Superferry management announced the company is suspending its Kauai service indefinitely after being informed by the U.S. Coast Guard that it would not be able to assure safe passage for the vessel into Nawiliwili Harbor.

“Our top priority is to operate a safe and reliable ferry system for Hawaii’s residents. When that can be accomplished, we will resume service,” said Hawaii Superferry president and CEO John Garibaldi.

For passengers who have traveled on our Oahu/Kauai service that are impacted by this suspension of service, Hawaii Superferry will pay for their return air fare, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, car shipment and other related expenses.

Customers who have already booked passage will be issued refunds upon request to the company’s website of reservations center. The Hawaii Superferry website can be found at www.hawaiisuperferry.com and the reservation line is (808) 853-4175. Customers can also contact Hawaii Superferry by email at CustomerCare@HawaiiSuperferry.com

Windjammers Sail in Troubled Waters

A lifetime ago, I took a Windjammer sailing trip operated by Captain Mike Burke's Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. I flew to Martinique and spent a few nights in a funky hotel in Fort-de-France, the island's capital that at the time had no cruise-ship pier. Only one (for the time) big ship could anchor and tender its passengers in for a flurry of local activity. When the passengers, laden with shopping bags from small branches of prestigious French department stores, reboarded their ship, the town immediately settled down and had a quiet colonial ambiance. I was living in New York at the time, and Fort-de-France was a fine place to decompress before boarding a vintage sailing ship for trip through the Grenadine Islands. The ship on which we traveled called on such then-quiet islands as St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Petit St. Vincent, Grenada, Bequia and Carriacou. We sailed and sunbathed and beachcombed and snorkeled and drank rum punches and rented Mini-Mokes here and there to sightsee. Very low-key, and quite idyllic, at least as I remember the trip.

Now. it seems that Windjammer Barefoot Cruises and its ships are in trouble -- with the beautiful Mandalay, a 1923 tall ship (shown in happier times, above left) in especially rocky condition. According to a Wall Street Journal report titled "A Rough Tide on Windjammer Cruises," reads in part:

"Labor disputes with crew members docked two ships owned by the company
over the past couple of weeks, stranding some passengers...Windjammer has had
labor dispute issues on all four of its ships over the past two weeks. The
common complaint: Crew hadn't been paid in weeks. Jerry Ceder, who on Monday
identified himself as a spokesman for TAG Virgin Islands Corp., the investment
company that is in the process of purchasing Windjammer from a family trust,
told reporters Monday that TAG Virgin Islands had paid the crews...But according
to a person familiar with the matter, the crew of the Mandalay still
hadn't been fully paid as of yesterday morning and it was unclear if the ship
will be able to sail for its scheduled cruise this coming Sunday. Emails
obtained by The Wall Street Journal that were written by the captain of
the Mandalay to Windjammer officials and the ship's agent confirm that the
company has been experiencing financial difficulties for some time....The other
issue is one of safety and the inability to get necessary repairs on the
Mandalay because of inadequate funds, the captain said in the email....AIG
Travel Guard, which issues travel insurance, says its claims department was
looking into whether the company should be put on its financial default list
after it received word from a travel agent about the situation."

A recent post on cruisecritic.com warned: "Windjammer is a failing company. Ships have been seized and remain in port for non-payment of port fees, crew wages, and fees to suppliers of other necessities. The crews have initiated a strike on several of the ships for non-payment of wages and tips. The ships are in poor repair. The Mandalay recently broke a bowsprit that was apparently rusted through. I wonder how thin and rusty the hulls on the ships of this company are. I have heard that some passengers were stranded and not allowed to board. Good luck if you're scheduled for a cruise with this company. I would certainly have a plan "B" in place."

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises' website gives is no indication of trouble. When I clicked on the "Press" section, the page reported that there are no press releases for August 2007. Wall Street Journal reporter Nancy Keates might have successfully reached a company spokesman, but they certainly are not pro-actively enlightening the press or their prospective passengers on their current troubles.

Ski Like a Lord of the Manor -- in the Rockies

It might be high summer, but for selected ski-country properties, you'd better book now. One such is Moving Mountains, which combines the British ski custom of renting a chalet with personalized and luxury service rather than a hotel room or apartment. Moving Mountains, started with one couple, one dog and one chalet. Now, there is one couple, one dog, two children and nine chalets. The couple is Robin (he's English) and Heather (she's American) Craigen.

Before beaching themselves in the Rockies, they operated a sailboat charter out of the British Virgin Islands, sailing around with groups of clients, accommodating their sports, shopping and sightseeing wants, and fueling them with cooked-aboard meals. When they dropped anchor at Steamboat and launched Moving Mountains, they sought to combine the personalization of sailing charters with luxurious private accommodations, with or without a private chef for some of all meals. They now manage luxurious chalets on the mountain at Steamboat. (The map, above right, shows the location of the chalets but does not reflect the replacement of the old Christie chairlifts with a new high-speed version and other base area changes.)

These beautifully furnished chalets range from three bedrooms and a loft to 12 bedrooms -- perfect for a family, group of friends or even executive ski retreat for a nightly (or usually longer) getaway, with a variety of meal plans and with lots of elbow room for all.

In addition to real spaciousness and true privacy (including a private hot tub), guests have the option of preparing their own meals in a gourmet kitchen, fry high-speed Internet, concierge service for dining or spa reservations, complimentary shuttle service Moving Mountains' Suburbans to and from the airport, any Steamboat lift base or downtown. The price might seem high, but when you divide the rate by the number of people, factor in that you won't need a rental car and that MM has access to discounted air fares and lift tickets, the per-person rate should not be all that scary. I'm not including rates here, because the structure is complicated and depends on the specific chalet, how many people are using it, specific week and so on.

An Irreverent Look at a Reverent Airline

The president of the United States has Air Force One and Marine One at his disposal. Actually, any plane or helicopter carrying the president is so designated for the duration of the flight. When I read the headline, "The Pope Launches His Own Airline," I thought that perhaps the Vatican was planning to trump the White House and provide His Holiness with his own personal fleet. But that's not what this Travel Wire News headline was all about

According to a Reuters report, "Mistral Air plans to shuttle Catholic pilgrims around the globe to holy sites, including the shrine of Fatima in Portugal and the shrine of the Madonna of Guadalupe in Mexico. 'The spirit of this new initiative is to meet the growing demand by pilgrims to visit the most important sites for the faith,' Father Cesare Atuire at the Vatican pilgrimage office, the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, told La Repubblica daily.

"Repubblica said Mistral Air's slogan ["I'm Searching for Your Face, Lord"] will be emblazoned on material throughout the aircraft, which will be operated by Italy's postal service. The debut charter flight late this month will be to the shrine of Lourdes in France, and will lure pilgrims with one added bonus -- the guide will be Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the former head of the Italian Bishops Conference, Repubblica said."

Actually, Mistral Air has been around for some time, flying mail for the Italian post office and cargo. The Vatican-sanctioned pilgrimage flights are the new part. Three thoughts popped into my head. First, Middle Eastern and Asian airlines have been flying pilgrimage flights to Mecca for decades; it's only the Roman Catholic spin that's new. This, in turn, made me think of of CNN's current series by Christiane Amanpour called "God's Warriors," comparing ultra-faithful Christians, Moslems and Jews and the extreme lengths they go to for their beliefs.

Second, I thought that President George W. Bush, with his in-your-face Born Again Christianity would love to have a pilgrimage airline, if only evangelical Christians had pilgrimage places (Jerry Falwell's grave perhaps?). Finally, it occurred to me that while these Vatican charters will be bringing Catholic pilgrims to places where the Blessed Virgin miraculously appeared, tycoon Richard Branson launched Virgin Airlines years ago. I briefly wondered whether the Vatican considered chartering aircraft from Branson, but quickly concluded, probably not.

Free Electronics Charging Stations at LAX

Here's something to celebrate at the world's fifth-busiest airport: Samsung Mobile has installed charging stations for electronic devices in all terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), allowing travelers to recharge mobile phones, laptops and other personal electronics -- free. Fifty-one pole-like stations have been installed at boarding areas in Terminals 1 through 8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Each station has four outlets, designed to recharge personal electronics designed for U.S. voltage (i.e., 120 volts). A small shelf holds this electronic equipment.

Pete Skarzynski, Samsung Mobile's senior vice president, said “To celebrate Samsung’s 10th anniversary, we are sponsoring the Samsung Mobile Charging Stations for travelers’ use at LAX free of charge.” He did not indicate whether facility is free only for the anniversary period or will continue to be free.

These kiosks, identifiable by their 8 1/2-foot height and white lettering on a blue background, should be a great improvement over the need to wander around, looking for an outlet somewhere near the floor while waiting to board a flight.

Hawaii Superferry Debuts on August 28

When I first heard about a new fast ferry as an inter-island option, I was pretty excited, and when we were Hawaii in June (see June 15 to July 2 posts on this blog), I wished that the ferry was already in service. I would love to have traveled from O'ahu to Kaua'i and back by sea. However, while we were there, the Alakai was making her way through the Panama Canal (right) in a dramatic night-time passage. This poweful catamaran-style ferry will make her maiden voyage on August 28, offering one daily trip in each direction between O'ahu and Maui and one a day (except Saturday) between O'ahu and Kaua'i six days a week.

Each trip will take three hours and cost $44 Tuesday through Thursday and $54 Friday through Monday with a 14-day advance purchase. Without an advance purchase, fares are $52 and $62 respectively. There are discounts for ages 62 and over, youngsters 12 and under and retired military. An upgrade to lounge seating is $20, and at the moment, there is a fuel surcharge, which is recalculated each month and currently adds a whopping 30.8 percent to each ticket.

Even though travel is by sea rather than by air, airline-style procedures are in effect. Print your your own boarding pass if you wish. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Carry a government-issued ID (ages 18 and older). Put an identification tag on each piece of checked baggage. Beward if the per-passenger allowance two checked bags weighing no more than 50 pounds each, plus only two personal carry-on bags or packs. Oversized or excess luggage will be subject to additional fees. Just like the airlines, as I said.

What is unlike the airlines is that the Alakai can carry vehicles, which makes it a wonderful option for island-hopping visitors who prefer to rent one car and only one car. The Superferry is also welcomes passengers with disabilities and is wheelchair-accessible throughout, with ramps that make ferry entrance, exit and movement on board easy; a lift for passengers with limited mobility and wheelchairs to get from deck to deck; and outlets for those who need a power supply for their medical equipment. Even passenger representatives on board and on land are trained to assist passengers.

A second Superferry is expected in 2009, when service to the Big Island of Hawai'i will begin.

A Cartoonist's View of Air Travel

The "Loose Parts" cartoon in today's paper shows the top of man's head popping out of a "PheddExx" shipping box with air holes in the lid, telling the clerk, "They don't feed you. You can't carry anything on. The seats are uncomfortable....What's the difference?" To see the drawing, go to the website, click on "Archives" and then click on 8-17-2007.

Peru Quake and Machu Picchu

A superstition in sports circles holds that a Sports Illustrated cover means that a favored team or athlete won't prevail in the next championship or big game. The most recent New York Times travel pages, published just four days ago, featured a piece called "Machu Picchu Without Roughing It." The report was of lodge-to-lodge trekking to this fabled Inca citadel (right) as an alternative to camping for those who wish to spend several days approaching on foot. Mountain Lodges of Peru now has four comfortable lodges en route that take the rough edge out of roughing it as travelers approach this fabled site.

Yesterday, Peru appeared on front pages and broadcast news all over the world following a major earthquake, measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale and four lesser aftershocks. Casualty figures are revised as rescue efforts proceed and now, the death toll, tragically, stands at well over 300. But Machu Picchu appears in no major media reports thus far. ETN Travel News did report, "'The tourist and local people continue living his live,'" said an eTN reader from Cusco. 'Our monuments in the city and Machu Picchu are very well and we hope that the airport normally works tomorrow.'" I am presuming, or at least hoping, that this report is correct and that Machu Picchu remains intact. The quake's epicenter was off the coast, while Machu Picchu is far inland. It is some 725 miles from Lima to Cusco and another 70 miles farther to Machu Picchu.

Volunteers Sought for Upcoming National Public Lands Day

September 29 has been designated as the 14th annual National Public Lands Day, when more than 100,000 volunteers are sought to help organize cleanups, fix-ups and recreational events in country's parks, forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, cultural and historic sites and neighborhood areas.

This year's theme is removing invasive species. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the U.S. spends $120 billion annually on the control and impact of more than 800 out-of-control invaders that pose a threat to the environment, human health, and/or the economy. Invasive species also crowd out native species, sometimes to the point of extinction, impacting precious biodiversity and aesthetics. Volunteer assistance can make a significant impact.

The goal is to increase from last year’s 100,000 volunteers by at least an additional 10,000 participants this year. Every 100,000 volunteers represent an additional $1.8 million worth of labor for American lands, if the value of volunteer time is calculated at $18.77 per hour.

Organizers remind us that one-third of America's land belongs to the public, and may be used for everything from recreation and to logging and mining for natural resources. The organizers note that "National Public Lands Day is a yearly chance for Americans to take ownership of these lands, which are constantly threatened by human causes such as deforestation and pollutants and natural causes like disasters and erosion." Those "human causes" include extractive uses that take their toll on public lands, especially in the West. It's not just the wide open spaces that can benefit from the work of National Public Lands Day volunteers, but also urban and suburban clean-up efforts make communities healthier, safer and more attractive.

The website includes a pull-down list of states and projects in each, as well as contacts for each and other resources.

Bargain Fares: Knowing Seat Availability

How many times have you trolled around the Internet seeking the best air fare, only to find that when you return to what turns out to be the most favorable combination of price and routing, what you would have wanted is gone? I know I've done it, comparing airlines' own web fares with those of discounters of various sorts.

Travelocity has a new feature which displays how many seats are left at a given price when that availability at that fare is running low. This feature is the subject of Travelocity's "Roamin' Gnome" TV ad campaign. I entered a Denver-Boston roundtrip starting a week from today and returning nine days from now. Sure enough, two of the flights showed as "Only 2 seats left at that price," so if I were really booking and not just looking, I'd have been able to jump on them.

Air Travel: Oh, Dear, What Can the "Manner" Be?

Yesterday's Daily Camera "Balance" section contained two articles on air travel -- and the deterioration of manners and just plain (just plane?) good sense. One called "Mind Your Manners--Especially at 35,000 Feet" was reprinted from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Reporter Marylynne Pitz wrote of two unpleasant incidents: one in which a Continental Express captain turned the plane around and taxied back to the gate when a mother couldn't quiet her one-year-old, and another in which "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken fell asleep on a Continental flight with his foot on the armrest of the passenger in front of him. What is it with Continental? When Denver was one its major hubs, I flew so much that I was a Silver Elite member of its OnePass program. My delight at being upgraded to first class turned to dismay when the male half of a couple in the bulkhead seat across the aisle from me took of his shoes and socks and flew for hundreds of miles with his bare feet against the wall. Neither his lady friend nor the flight attendant said anything to him. I was tempted -- and in hindsight, perhaps I should have.

To remind us all to be better inflight neighbors, the reporter included a sidebar called "Tips for Being a Polite Seatmate":

Introduce yourself to your seatmate and excuse yourself politely if you need to get up and use the restroom.

If you wish to put your seat back, turn around and give the person behind you a polite warning so that you do not crunch his or her laptop.

If you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow (the best spot) or your hand to cut down on the spread of germs.

If you're bothered by babies crying, come prepared with iPods or DVDs and headphones to drown out the noise.

If you're wearing open-toed shoes, try to keep your feet -- no matter how clean -- out of the breathing space of the passenger next to you or in front of you.

Try to keep your seat area clean -- throw out the cups and napkins when the attendant collects them -- as a courtesy not only to your seat mates but also to the passengers sitting there on later flights.

If you're trying to fit your carry-on in the upper bin and it doesn't fit, don't try to jam it in by crushing someone else's bag.

If you need to stretch your legs, walk back and forth but do not stand and hover over other passengers because you are invading their personal space.

To reduce potential crankiness, prepare for delays. Pack an inflatable pillow, granola bar, almonds, banana and a good book.

While talking on the plane, speak softly so as not to disturb fellow passengers who may be sleeping. Avoid asking personal questions.

Pay attention to body language. If your seat mate pulls out a book while you continue to chat, pay attention to that cue and end the conversation.

A companion piece by the Associated Press's Elizabeth White called "Time to Change Family Boarding?" It questioned the practice of permitting families with young children to preboard, "along with other special needs passengers." The article used Southwest as an example -- but I thought it was a rather poor one, since that economy carrier does not assign seats but rather assigns boarding groups according to the order in which passengers obtain their boarding passes.

I took my now-grown son on his first plane ride at age four-and-a-half months, and by the time he was five, he was already a veteran of several dozen flights, including two transatlantic roundtrips. Frankly, while pre-boarding with an infant makes sense, because parents have so much to juggle, I always thought that doing so with a toddler or energetic pre-schooler was just plain silly. I believed then, and still do, that permitting children to run around the airport and let of steam is better than loading them onto the plane first, strapping them in and making them sit down until everyone else is settled and hoping for no delayed take-off. IMHO, parents and small children with assigned seats should board at the very last minute.

Food & Wine Events in Colorado

If you're a foodie and/or wine lover in Colorado or will be traveling here, I posted an extensive roundup of food and wine events coming up in the next few weeks on my food/culinary blog.

Bed and Board, Here and Abroad

Two packages including accommodations and a fine meal at properties other than hotels offering half-board (breakfast and dinner) or full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) just came to my attention. The hotels have the commonality of luxury, and the packages have the commonality of food orientation. Otherwise, they are very different.

The Denver Magnolia Hotel is offering a night's lodging for two in a king guest room (right) or suite and steak-and-seafood dinner at Morton’s The Steakhouse. Morton’s dinner includes two single-cut filets; a choice two from Colossal Shrimp Alexander, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake or Broiled Sea Scallops; choice of two from Caesar Salad or Morton’s Salad; choice of one Potato and one fresh vegetable to share; choice of two from Hot Chocolate Cake or Key Lime Pie. The package also includes transportation between the hotel and the restaurant, two cocktails at Harry’s bar in the hotel and the Magnolia’s trademark late-night cookies and milk.

Morton's normally charges roughly $11-$12 for these appetizers, $7 for a salad, $19-$24 per entrée, $5 to $7.50 for each vegetable or potato and $7-$9 for dessert. The package begins at $219 per couple, per night, and includes tax. Gratuity and additional menu items, such as beverages, are extra. If a steakhouse isn't your thing, the Magnolia also offers packages with Palomino, Maggiano’s Little Italy and The Keg. The Magnolia Hotel Denver is downtown at 818 17th Street; 303-607-9000 and 888-915-1110 (reservations).

Meanwhile, across the ocean, Starwood Hotels & Resorts of Italy, Malta and Croatia has launched interactive web campaign, “Taste the Mediterranean,” including accommodations, a three-course lunch or dinner for two in one of Starwood’s restaurants, "regional gastronomic delights" (whatever they may be) in the hotel room and daily buffet breakfast for two. Participating hotels, not all of which are in household-name locations to North Americans, are the Westin Excelsior & Grand Hotel in Florence; Le Méridien Gallia, the Westin Palace and Sheraton Diana Majestic in Milan; Le Méridien Rimini; St. Regis Grand Hotel, the Westin Excelsior Rome, Sheraton Roma Hotel & Conference Center in Rome; Le Méridien Lingotto in Turin; Hotel Danieli, the Westin Europa, Regina and Hotel Gritti Palace in Venice; Hotel Villa Cipriani in Asolo; the Westin Dragonara Resort, Le Méridien St. Julians and Le Méridien Phoenicia on Malta and Le Méridien Lav in Split.

The package must be booked by August 31 and is available through December 31. The “Taste the Mediterranean” package requires a minimum two-night stay and priced from 126 euros per room, per night. Double Starpoints will be awarded for this package. For reservations, go to the Starwood website and click the “Book Now” button beside the hotel of your choice.

Off-Season Steal of a Deal in Vail

Downside: This offer follows foliage season and precedes the heart of the ski season. Weather might be crisp and sunny, cold and rainy or some combination even on the same day. Early ski season conditions might be marginal or wonderful -- or both during any three-day period but probably not on the same day.

Upside: Lodging at fabulous resort hotel at three-for-almost-two room rates. Adjacent spa and fitness center, so you can create your own spa getaway, regardless of the weather. Vail plans to start running its lifts on November 16, so much of this promotion overlaps into the beginning of ski season, meaning that you can make some early turns when the mountain is uncrowded. Many local shops have great off-season clearance sales, and many restaurants offer bargain "locals' specials" during this time of year.

Details: The Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is offering a 25th Anniversary package with a third night's stay for $25 with two nights of lodging starting at $129 per night with no restrictions and for all room and suite categories. The offer is valid from October 25 through December 25, 2007. If you book between now and December 25, you are eligible to win one of 25 weekend getaways to the Vail Cascade. The 25 getaways will be awarded after December 25, 2007.
To reserve, visit the website and click on the “Special Packages” page (promo code “Anniversary”), or call 800-420-2424 and ask for the “Anniversary Package.”

Budget Package to the Azores

I've never been to the Azores, but with the soaring Euro and the declining dollar, a headline promising one autumn week on these Atlantic islands starting at $699 sounds like a good deal. Here's what I know: Azores Express, which seems to be an airline linked with a Boston-based tour operator, offers air/land packages featuring roundtrip air from Boston and hotels on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Faial -- three of the group's nine islands.

In the early days of trans-Atlantic passenger flights, Portugal's Azores Islands, Europe's closest point to the United States and just a four-hour flight from Boston, were a regular refueling stop. Flights from Boston depart Tuesdays and Fridays from September 2007 through October 2008, combined with a six-night stay at a choice of 12 hotels, including daily breakfast. For Tuesday departures, packages range from $669 to $1,079, per person, double occupancy (plus taxes and fees). Friday departures are $80 more, which is actually a decrease from last year's prices. I don't know why anyone would need business class for such a short flight, but it is available "for just a few hundred dollars each way," according to the tour operator.

The Azores are said to enjoy the warm breezes and spring-like temperatures year-round, with summer weather often lasting into late December. I read about "quaint seaside villages, bustling harbors and unique cities overflowing with architectural treasures. The islands offer churches, palaces, and museums framed by the sea and mountainous landscape. Travelers interested in taking the unbeaten path can walk around volcanic mountainsides, cool off in a natural swimming pool formed when volcanic lava met the cold sea or they can view a lush garden at the bottom of a volcanic crater." And it all sounds good.

Azores Express operates its flights with Airbus A310 aircraft. I could drop the names of hotels, but the only one familiar to most Americans is the Holiday Inn Azores. For more information, call 800-762-9995 or go to Azores Express' website.

To put this into perspective, a website called Perfect Escapes is offering a $699 package too: for one night in a rooftop terrace suite with private outdoor Jacuzzi at Miami's luxurious Regent South Beach, including champagne on arrival and breakfast for two. That "bargain" price is valid through September 30, the height of hurricane season. After that it rises to $799 a night for a couple of months and then, after December 1, to $900 nightly. Let me think: one night in Miami Beach or a week in the Azores? I know which I'd select for my money. What about you?

WILDCHILD is a Good Kid

In our culture, describing a youngster as a "wild child" has some negative connotations, but in Africa, every WILDCHILD is better positioned to contribute to the salvation of that troubled continent. Conservation Corporation Africa (aka CCAfrica), a safari company that operates 40 lodges in six countries, spearheads and participates in numerous conservation initiatives. One that really intrigues me is WILDCHILD, which has thus far provided conservation lessons to more than 11,000 youngsters from communities near parks, wildlife reserves and other lands where CCAfrica has lodges. I'm not clear on whether each child gets one lesson or whether a series of lessons is involved.

The program is funded by the sale of wristbands to lodge guests. The wristbands cost about $10, which is small change in the context of a safari, that run to thousands of dollars. Instilling the value of preserving the land and animals that surround these children will help sustain their culture and the natural environment at their doorsteps, perhaps keeping them in their communities rather than succumbing to the temptation of Africa's troubled cities. In addition to being available at CC Africa Safari Lodges, wristbands can be purchased by writing to guestshopping@ccafrica.com.

A safari in Tanzania exactly 11 years ago remains one of the most memorable trips, and I long to return. A link from the main CCAfrica site to the SafariASAP site might provide an affordable way to do so. It features special offers ed Hot Packaged Deals, Safari Auctions, Safaris To Go, the ASAP Hot List and exclusive Offers of the Month. One of the parks we visited was Serengenti National Park, which -- coupled with Kenya's Masai Mara -- is one of the world's great wildlife preserves. A six-night itinerary (three nights each in two luxury tent camps - Klein Under Canvas, right) includes transfers to and from Arusha International Airport, to and from the park, accommodations, three meals a day, and game drives and bush walks in the park for $2,173 -- according to the website, $3,618 off the regular price. The tricky part is the August 16 start of the trip, which doesn't allow much time for advance planning, but for anyone who is flexible and can get a good last-minute air fare, that's a terrific value.

Another link from CCAfrica's site took me to WILDWATCH, great for vicarious travel to Africa. It includes postings by the firm's guides describing wildlife sightings, updates on the great migration and more. A definite plus for anyone passionate about Africa and travel to Africa.

Travel Records on a "Stick"

One of the things I always intend to do before a trip is to note all of my vital information: passport number, airline, rental car and hotel reservation confirmation numbers, medical and dental insurance numbers, and so forth. I intend to keep them somewhere safe in case my wallet or purse goes missing. And I intend to keep it up to date when something changes. I'm usually in such a hurry that I never get around to it. So much for intentions.

Although it's been around for a couple of years, I just learned about the Portable Travel Profile, that might shake me out of this particularly procrastinating lethargy. PTP is a small digital storage device loaded with the software to record and store important travel information. I think I've heard these gadgets called "sticks." Just an inch long and less than half an inch wide, the PTP is a waterproof, stainless steel-encased mini-device that can be plugged into any desktop or laptop USB port to input additional data or retrieve information. How convenient is it to have passport, driver's license, insurance cards, fingerprints, emergency contacts, reservations information, phone numbers, legal documents, medical info and more on a keychain (really cool), on a chain around the neck (a tad dorky) or placed in a wallet or purse (neutral in the cool to dorky continuum) but most convenient for some travelers.

The company says that no technical or computer knowledge is required, because the included software guides you through filling out all the info on the computer and storing on the Portable Travel Profile device, which is password protected for added security.

The Portable Travel Profile can be purchased online (http://www.portabletravelprofile.com/), by phone phone (877-977-0389) or at retail stores for $49.95 ($54.95 CAD).