Travel Facts

A bit of food for thought this evening:
http://www.bromygod.com/2013/06/07/20-random-and-interesting-travel-facts/

And I'm back!!!

Touched down a couple hours ago from a week in Belize and Guatemala.  I have some phenomenal pictures and recommendations for travel and flights which I'll post over the coming week.

Stay tuned!

The United Club (IAH) & Jules Verne

I was on my way to Belize this week and had a layover in IAH.  It was a couple hours and I decided to hit up the United Club for some snacks and some quality time in a leather chair near a sunny window.  These lounges aren't nearly impressive as others globally, but they definitely have more comfortable chairs than those at the gates.

Business offerings:

• Printing: Not available in this lounge
• Copying: Available
• Faxing: Available - oddly, they suggested this as an option to print my document.  I declined.
• Meeting rooms: there were 3.  They were locked so I couldn't glance in, but only 1 was noted "In use".
• Family room: Had a nice glass door and looked sound proof.
• TV room: With several layers of chairs
• Cubicles: Filled with businessmen that were chatting rather than working

Available snacks:

• Packages of carrot sticks & ranch dressing
• Fruit: Green apples, red apples, bananas - oddly, the apples are each wrapped in saran-wrap
• Cookies: Scottish shortbread, Pepperage Farm dark chocolate milanos
• Chocolate covered peanuts
• Mixed salty-bits
• Tillamuk cheese and Pepperage Farm crackers

There was also coffee, tea, Ghirardelli hot chocolate, and a bar where you could order pop, sparkling water, juice, and an assortment of booze.  United offers a couple house wines free of charge, and has a wide selection of other alcohols and wines they do charge for.  There are price lists widely available near the bar, with a number of wines costing $3 per glass, prosecco for $12USD and a cliquot champange for $14 (odd inconsistency in pricing on the bubbles - I will also note that the duty free had a bottle of Laurent-Perrier available for $40USD).

I grabbed a diet coke and sat down in a set of four broad, squarish leather chairs.  Beside me a man yammered in Korean to either a close business associate or his wife.  Either way, it was an argument.

In the chair across from me a man sat working on his laptop.  He was a business-type that was on vacation, complete with the collared polo shirt and fancy watch.  His hair was trimmed around his ears and sparse on top of his head, but he was smiling and didn't seem so frayed around the edges.

I would be fraying.  On the phone he commented to his wife that the airline was rerouting him and even though it was only ten in the morning it was unlikely he would be home that day.

His son was sitting next to him, his short legs tagged with Nike runners sticking straight out from the top of the chair.

"I have 278 pages to go," the little boy announced.  He hadn't started reading the book yet, he was just looking at the number on the last page.

"Oh my gosh, that's a lot," his father responded jovially, looking up from his laptop.  "I think you're going to like it."

I couldn't help but think of all the books I enjoyed reading in my childhood.  In many ways they helped form the person I am today.

The boy promptly put down the book and started playing with a plastic cup full of beer nuts.  That entertainment lasted for thirty seconds.

"I'm going to start reading," the boy announced.  Standing, he grabbed his book and marched off.

"Where are you going?" his father called after him, half standing then sitting down again.  He didn't get a response.  His son was on a mission, and how much trouble could an eight year old really get into in the little United Lounge filled with serious looking adults and their flashy laptops and iPhones?

He was back moments later, book in hand, being tossed in fact from one hand to the other but certainly not opened.  Dramatically he reaseated himself on the broad leather chair.  He sipped his apple juice, the sunlight playing off the golden sides of the glass.  It was fundamentally more interesting than the book.

I spotted the name on the blue-green cover of the book.  It was "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" by Jules Verne.  If he read it, this eight year old would have one up on me.  I had never managed to open that cover either.

Immediately I started building complexes about this fact.  True, books had helped shape my philosophical outlook on life, but what opportunities had I missed by not reading this one?  Obviously the boy's father thought this was an important component of his education.

I seriously consider downloading a copy.  Ebooks are great for exactly this sort of instant gratification.  At the same time I tried to convince myself that I really should not be listening in on the conversations of people next to me, and I definitely shouldn't be making choices based on half-heard discussions.  I'm sure I'm a better person for not having read a few things, aren't I?

I suppose that last question is open to debate.  Perhaps I should have asked the eight year old.

The boy started blowing bubbles in his apple juice.

I glanced at the clock on my cell.  Time to head for the gate.  Cue exit, stage left.

For more information on the United Club, you can check out their website.

Where am I?

Update: this is a manor house located in Sinaia, Transylvania, Romania.  It's located next door to Peles Castle, the interior of which is absolutely spectacular.  Just watch out for vampires hiding in dark corners!

***

It was October and some friends and I were craving Europe.  On a few weeks notice we booked flights, a rental car, a few nights in various hotels, and we were off!  It was ironically a good place to visit in October of all months.

The roads wound through green fields filled with long grasses and stands of trees in the distance.  We sped through hills and valleys, the car fast against the smooth, unruffled concrete.  Signs were posted stating the speed limit, but no one followed them.  It was a pleasure driving there, where everything seemed to flow at its own pace.

Mid-morning we stopped for some sightseeing.  We were craving coffee and castles, and as we strolled the grounds we thought we had found our destination.  It wasn't until we were inside reading the signs that we realized we should have walked about five minutes farther.  The building was still a stunning example of a manor house, right next to what was a truly spectacular castle.

And this is in a land where you'll want to see at least one of the castles!

So where am I?  Any guesses?

The Joys of Budgeting

On Friday I'm flying south for a week in Belize and Guatemala.  It was a last minute decision and because I still have other plans on the books for 2013, it's important that I stick to a reasonable budget for the trip.

Trip Highlights:

• Trip length: 10 days
• Flights: UA J Class return flights YYZ-IAH-BZE
• Tour: 8-day Land of Belize with Intrepid Travel

I'm usually all for taking the independent path, but life kept me busy through September and left little planning time.  Hence the tour, which conveniently left on exactly the day I needed to it.

The budget I set for the trip was $2,000 CAD.  I set this budget before I began serious planning, however I often adjust if I find a valid reason to do so.  I also allowed a 25% overflow before I was going to get anxious.  Thus my upper limited was $2,500 CAD all-in.

When I first started travelling I was a student in university.  I remember an early trip to Europe for six weeks where I tried hard to stick to that $100 per day maximum.  It was tough at times but do-able.  Today I would say I'm lazier and while I can travel on that amount I don't usually choose to.  This is an important point I want to make:

Know your travel style.

Regardless of the trip, the amount you'll spend isn't inconsequential.  Don't spend those important days worrying about your choices monetarily.  Spend them living your dreams!

Three Suggestions:

• Book your transportation and accommodations in advance, in possible.  This allows you control over how much you spend in these areas, and usually the best deals are found in advance rather than onsite.
• Identify in advance the key sites you absolutely need to see.  Confirm the costs of entry for these sites in advance (most major sites have websites, otherwise search forums such as Lonely Planet's ThornTree).  Balance the costs of these with other sites that are less expensive.  
• Know what makes you happy and even if it costs a bit more, don't cut it out entirely.  For example, a major cost associated with most trips is accommodation.  You may not have the funds to stay in all five star hotels, but selecting a good one in the middle or end of your trip leaves something desirable to look forward to.

Following my own advice, I identified the key sites I wanted to see (snorkeling off the coast and visiting the ruins near Tikal in Guatemala).  I then found a tour that covered these, booked extra nights hotel and found a flight I could live with.  The resulting costs amounted to:

• Flights: $868 CAD - not bad for J class, eh?!
• Tour: $963 CAD - last minute rate with Intrepid
• 1 night extra hotel in Belize City - $80 USD
• 1 night layover hotel in Houston - $110 USD

The total currently sits in a good range for my budget, with incidentals pushing it towards my cap.  I'm happy with this.

At the end of the day the trip is what you make of it, so do what it takes for you to enjoy yourself.  Don't spend your entire trip looking at your budget, have back-up funds prepared in case plans go awry, and when that fails, call and beg your parents for a loan.  It's not always possible to stick to your budget, but it is always important to try.

Good luck, and for more suggestions check out a recent post by Frugal Travel Guy.

Where am I?

Update:  Apparently this was a tough one!  The city you're looking at is Valetta in Malta.  Look for a post on Malta to come!

***

Fresh back from Banff and I'm already pining for my next big trip!  Flipping through some old pictures, I came across this shot and had to smile.  What a wonderful place it was to visit.  Truly stunning scenery, amazing seafood, and some of the friendliest people I've met in Europe.

Any ideas where it is?

Craving Views? Try Banff!

Some of us crave champagne truffles or rocky road ice cream (yes, I'm guilty!), others crave salt & vinegar potato chips or fresh tomatoes with salt and pepper.  The good things in life, the things that get us through the hard days.

I had a hard day today.  It made me wish for solitude, for a world with no people and infinite peace.  It made me dream of endless skies, of evergreen trees and snow capped mountains.  A place without people and without obligations.

Luckily Canada has an excellent selection of empty corners I can fly away to.

Banff is a small town located a couple hours outside of Calgary, Alberta in the Rocky Mountains.  It's a town built for skiers, filled with quaint shops and tasty restaurants.  You can use it as a gateway to visit Lake Louise and Jasper, or just go for a weekend and relax in the hot springs.

Plus, if you want to get away from your friends, coworkers or other tourists, the gondola awaits to sweep you up the mountain to a place where the silence is pregnant with speechless awe.

Details:

Transport: A taxi costs ~$8CAD from town and it's a short drive but a bit far for walking.  There is a large parking lot if you have a rental car, and public transit is also available.

Cost: $35+tax per adult

Length of gondola ride: I wasn't timing, but about 5-10 minutes each way.

Total time: Give yourself a couple hours total to wander around at the top, take 1,000 pictures, pause for a hot chocolate, and then take 1,000 more pictures.

Website: http://www.explorerockies.com/banff-gondola/hours-rates.aspx

Best for: All ages.  It's a nice walk, or you can just sit with a cup of tea in the main lodge.  You are at altitude, though not to a degree where it would be troublesome.  Just noticable.

Added benefit: This is located right next door to the Banff Hot Springs.  The parking lots literally back onto each other.  So pack your bathing suit, go for a hike, and when you're either frozen or energized, go relax for a bit in the pools.

Pictures: Just a few to give you a taste of why you should book your flight right now and get away from those evil coworkers who seem to think they know everything but in fact help with nothing.

Gondola up the mountain.

View from the gondola.

The valley and Banff lie far below.  If you look closely, the Fairmont Hotel is the taller building.

The area at the top of the mountain offers a pleasant hike over wooden pathways.

Each turn promises white capped mountains, even in the summer.

And even in the height of summer, if the wind doesn't take your breath away the views will (but still, pack your mittens!).

Trip Report: AC J YYZ-YYC

Date: 09-2013
Route: YYZ-YYC
Airline: Air Canada
Class of service: J (purchased in Y, then upgraded)
Aircraft: Boeing 763
Mile-High Potential in J: 0% - besides being a day flight, the cabin was only half full.  25% of passengers were women, and of the men, most had white hair.  This is unfortunately typical for AC flights.

The plane took off sideways, or so it seemed.

I was on my way from Toronto to Calgary and had used e-upgrade credits to upgrade from economy to business class.  I had chosen my flight with the intention of doing this, and knew that unlike the rest of the day, the 10am flight was on AC's 763 and had pod seating up front.

J Cabin - nice and bright, only half full on my flight.

You can see from this perspective the 3 rows of seats.  Also note the luggage bins above, which I found were tight to fit an international-sized carry on.

AC's pod seating

AC's pods are actually quite comfortable.  They lay flat and horizontal (180 degrees), allowing for either a nap or a solid sleep on a longer flight.  The controls are intuitive, and while the movies are a bit spotty, they've certainly gotten better over the last year.

The odd sensation at take-off is associated with the direction of the pods.  You aren't facing straight ahead as you would on other planes, so it can be a bit disconcerting.

Seat & TV control - note that the TVs are also touch-screen.

The TV, which pops out of the side consul.  Of note, the TVs must be stored on take-off and landing.  This can be a bit irritating if you don't realize it and are trying to finish a movie, so something to keep in mind.

Power outlet

The windows are a bit behind the seat and difficult to look out.  Definitely not the best seat for views, though I would sacrifice the views on some flights for not having to climb over my neighbor to get into the aisle.  Next to the window is a reading light, and there are also lights that you can activate from overhead.

Shortly after sitting down, the flight attendant came to take my jacket and offer orange juice or water.  This was a morning flight.  Normally in the afternoon and evening flights they offer champagne as an option, though my experience is more on the international routes and the champagne may be limited to international flights.

At this point they also distributed menus.  In my case the options were (i) an omelet with chicken sausage, (ii) pancakes, or (iii) a healthy option with yogurt and grains.  If you want more current menu options, a good place to check is here.

Along with your main course, a fruit plate, yogurt, and your choice of white or cinnamon-raisin bread was available.  This was served shortly after take-off, but slowly as we had a 4 hour flight.

First course - fruit plate with cinnamon-raisin bread

Second course - omelet with chicken sausage

The food wasn't bad, though I find it hard to either ruin a breakfast or make it spectacular at 40,000 feet.  As recommended in an earlier post, I did make use of those salt and pepper packages and found the taste much improved, but also found that I needed to drink quite a bit more to quench my thirst.

So I ordered coffee and baileys.

Twice.

No complaints.

In terms of other offerings in business class:

• Amenity kits: None.  Those are given out on trans-Pacific/Atlantic flights only.
• Bathrooms: Not noticeably better than economy.  No special amenities, extra space or windows.
• Service: Very good.  The flight attendants circulated regularly, were amiable and made the flight a pleasure.  I'm a big advocate for quality service in business class.  It's part of the package, and when it doesn't happen I'm challenged to differentiate between classes in terms of appeal.
• Snacks: Lindt chocolate, nuts and potato chips were offered twice during the flight.  They were also available upon request.

Overall, a good, quick flight.  We took off on time, landed on time, and I didn't feel stressed or irritated in between.  Based on this, I would say the YYZ-YYC AC J flight on the 763 is a solid domestic option.

If you have any specific questions about the flight, let me know!

Where am I?

Update: This shot was taken in Guilin, China.

Going off the main tourist track in China is highly recommended.  Get out of the big cities and head to more rural areas for a more authentic experience (not that big cities aren't authentic!).  I thought that Guilin and Yangshou were stunning examples of why we travel, not just the building below but the scenery in the area was spectacular.

***

This shot was taken with a tripod on a Canon 30D.  For photography geeks:

F-stop: f/25
ISO speed: 800
Exposure bias: -1 step
Focal length: 28mm
Flash: none

For all the little details, I find it amazing that I brought my tripod with me all the way there.  This is not an insignifcant distance from Toronto!  I am pleased about the picture though, which came out beautifully.  This is in a country where structures and gardens are often built to emphasize reflections.  I would encourage travelers everywhere to look in water and glass for shots that are a bit more unusual but give an interesting perspective.

I digress though.  Where am I?

Pulling the trigger

Sometimes the hardest thing about traveling is making the choice to go.

In university I had a friend I use to go to coffee with.  We would grab our tall, nonfat, extra hot, half sweet caramel macchiatos and sit at one of those wooden tables that seem to be standard on most campuses.  We'd drag our books out like we planned to study, then chat for the next hour about our aspirations, philosophical inclinations, and romantic leanings.  Occassionally we would also stray onto the topic of travel.  As it turned out, I was just planning my first trips to Europe and so was she.

My friend's dream was a trip to Scotland.  Her family had immigrated to Canada from there generations back and she wanted to see where it had all began.  She spoke of driving across the highlands, of visiting churches and graveyards, of stopping for a pint at a local pub, and really coming to terms with who she was.  Her plan was to save the money through university, then travel when she graduated.

She never went.

I think of her story as a tragedy, and it's one that is surprisingly common.  In many ways we look at travel as an investment, something that is hugely expensive and needs careful planning.  There are bookings to be made, routes to be planned, sites to visit (or not!), foods to try, and a million other choices.  Do you take a taxi to the airport or park in a lot?  If you park, which lot do you chose?  Does the country your visiting need a visa to enter?  Can you get it on arrival?  Do you need a letter of invitation?  Are there any medications you need to consider before flying?

The list goes on and on.

Perhaps it's because the list is so long or the investment so large, but we humans often have trouble pulling the trigger.

So for those of you out there who are challenged, let me tell you a secret: I can't count the number of times I've sat at my computer late at night with a ticket in front of me.  The lamps are on but my eyes are tired.  I've been looking at options for too long and I can feel the burden of my choice heavy on my shoulders.  The price tag is painful, but I can't stop.  With a deep breath, I close my eyes and click "Confirm".

That's right.  Even after booking countless flights, I still close my eyes and look away when I pull the trigger.  I still have the anxiety associated with the purchase, the doubts that what I'm doing is right, the uncertainty.  But the difference between my long ago friend and I is that final step, the commitment.

I think one day I'll look back on my life and consider my regrets.  When I do that, I'm sure that what I will regret most are the things I didn't do, not the things I did.  It doesn't make the choice any easier.  I'm still scared I'm making a mistake, but that's alright.

Travel is like that.  It's a commitment, it's a bit scary, it asks a lot of you, and it's entirely worthwhile.

So the next time you'resitting looking at a flight and you see a way to get halfway around the world for less than $1,000 CAD, don't think about it too much.  Instead, pull the trigger and see what happens.  I doubt you'll regret it.

Tough Travel Decisions: South Pacific Islands

So many pretty, pretty islands, so little time!

The South Pacific is littered with bits of paradise separated by vast spans of water.  The sand is white as snow, the waters crystal clear, and fish swarm the docks so thickly it seems impossible that they all fit.  On some of the islands you can spend the day walking the perimeter, barely running into another person.  The populations are small, the tourists few, and the opportunity to be lost in a dream is almost guaranteed.

But how to choose?

I can't say I'm an expert.  I've chosen my islands based on circumstance, convenience, and momentary desires.  I'm whimsical and frivolous, and most of the time there's only the bare minimum logic behind my choices.  I understand not everyone is that way though, so I was pleased when an analytical sort took a crack at outlining a methodology for choosing that perfect Pacific paradise.

Apparently Lonely Planet agreed, as you can find it on their website.

Enjoy the article, and best of luck choosing your paradise.  Even with a methodological approach, you'll still be spoiled for options.

Where am I?

Update: The picture below was taken in Carrick-a-Rede in Northern Ireland.  You might stop here along a path that visits Giant's Causeway and Bushmills for some whiskey sampling.

***

We parked the car in a small gravel lot.  Without the GPS it would have been difficult to know we had arrived.  A small sign posted next to two wooden fences welcomed us onto a beautiful country path.

On one side of the path were green pastures covered in grass so long it had tipped over to one side.  On the other, the cliffs dropped into sapphire blue waters that roiled with white-capped waves.  A soft breeze swept off the water, brushing against my cheek like a pleasant welcome from a long-lost friend.

After only a few minutes, the path curved up and around a rock face, then down towards a wooden suspension bridge that set my heart immediately racing.  How easy it seemed to be swept away.  How devious that once-friendly breeze now seemed.

So here's the question for those wild dreamers out there: where am I?

Airline Food = Yummy?

Have you ever looked forward to a meal on a plane?

Okay, okay.  Let's exclude Singapore Airline's first class "book the cook", Thai's similarly impressive inflight cuisine, and the like.  First class is special.  First class has Dom Perignon and caviar on request, some seats have doors, and several offer a Mercedes or BMW upon arrival to whisk you to the lounge.  If you aren't looking forward to that, there's something wrong with you.

Even in business class you can at least drown your taste buds with French champagne and freshly baked bread and butter.  There are cheese plates and fruit plates, pastries for desert and a detailed list of options for your main course.  Plus your seat usually turns into a bed.  So let's be honest, while you can complain about business class, it's likely you won't get many sympathetic nods.

Economy.  Now economy is where the sympathy lies.  Narrow seats built for midgets with a recline that is questionable at best, tray tables that leave you with room to think about moving but not actually accomplish much, and food that is highly questionable.  I mean, which of us has ever gotten on a flight and said to themselves: I'm really looking forward to that chicken or pasta!

Perhaps that's the problem.  That first question:  "Chicken or pasta?"

It's usually said nicely enough, but I can't say I've ever gone to a restaurant and ordered based on the main ingredient.  I want to know:

• What kind of sauce is the chicken served in?
• What vegetables come on the side?
• Is there meat in the pasta?
• Are we talking manicotti or linguine?

And those questions don't even address the starter and desert, though on a plane you usually don't have a choice anyways.

So, step 1 in my mind would be for airlines to give a brief introduction to the meal they are serving.  Do it over the loudspeaker, and sound enthusiastic.  It's amazing how perception can be shaped by tone.

Obviously there are more challenges to an airline meal though.  The food is cooked hours before, packaged, loaded on the plane and reheated at 30,000 feet.  The air at that height is pressurized and dry, dulling the taste buds so that besides limp and pasty noodles you don't actually taste the subtleties of the food as well as you would at sea level.  Layer on the cramped conditions and you have an environment that is not conducive for a good meal.

It's not all bedbugs and bleak horizons though.  Airlines are aware of these challenges and have worked over the years to address them.  An article this month on Roads & Kingdoms talks about the intricacies of airline meals, including advice like "make immediate use of those salt and pepper packages" and "if you drink wine, make sure it's the most powerful grape on hand"(if! ha!).  So there is hope, even if it does sound a bit like an infomercial at 3a.m. (i.e. follow these 3 easy steps, and you can change your life!)

Take it as you will.  For me, the highlight of a flight will never be the food.  It's all about the French champagne.  Bring on the bubbles and leave the bottle.  I have a ten hour flight and I'm not planning to land sober!

Where have you been?

Where have you been?

When chatting about travel, that's one of the most common questions asked.  It's an easy way to judge the interests of the person you're travelling with.  At the same time, you can establish common interests and areas to continue the conversation (or not!).  It's a great question in the beginning, but as you travel more you sometimes want the question to become "where haven't you been?"

No one ever asks that one.

A map can serve as a bit of a solution.  Save the picture on your phone, and you can flash it up on request.  The conversation flows from there, starting first and foremost with "cool map!"

Here is a website that specializes in helping you create your own map, free of charge of course:

Check it out!

I've added mine below.  Proof that I really do need to see more of Africa!

Where am I?

Update:  Claire from Zig Zag on Earth guessed right!  This is a shot I took during the Mass Games in North Korea (DPRK for those in the know).

The Mass Games are North Korea's answer to the Olympics, though as far as I could tell they had very little in common.  The sheer scale of the performance is impressive though.  At one point, up to 100,000 performers were coordinating their movements in a stadium-like setting!

For those of you interested in a truly unique experience, Koryo Tours specializes in bringing people into North Korea.  They have tours for Americans and for everyone else, with different lengths and locations based on interest.  I traveled with them in 2009 and was impressed with the tour, the guides, and the location itself.  Definitely one of the more unique places you'll see, and it's very likely you'll end up with one of the most seasoned tour groups you could come across.

***

For your challenge this week, a scene from a show, but can you tell where?  Good luck!

Coming Soon: A Cure for Jet Lag?!

"How do you possibly do Europe in a weekend?  The jet lag would kill me."

I was chatting with a coworker.  Actually, I was trying to end a conversation with a coworker, but that wasn't going well.

The discussion:  The value of a weekend away.
The challenge: Jet lag.

Apparently even a two hour change in time zone is difficult.  Beyond that, a one hour flight is tiring.

"It's not just about the flight time, it's getting to the airport, going through security and customs, then being trapped in a plane for hours on end."

"One hour," I corrected.

"The time doesn't matter.  It's tiring jumping through all the hoops it takes to travel.  Add jet lag to that, and I can't understand why you would bother for just a weekend."

I considered.  I had dozens of answers, but I didn't really think they cared what my opinion was.  Some people just like to hear themselves talk.

I considered a bit longer.

"Jet lag, eh?" I finally said.

"It's the straw that breaks the camel's back.  You dream about going somewhere for years, finally get there, and are laid out for two days by the time difference.  What can you do when you're up at 2a.m. in a foreign city?"

"Party?" I suggested.  I got a blank look.  "I understand where you're coming from," I continued, nodding sagely.  "Jet lag can be a real challenge."

"You have no idea.  This one time when I flew to..."

I cued out at that point.  I'd heard the same story from the same person a few weeks earlier.  It always amazed me that people didn't realize how repetitive they were.  I beg of you, my readers, travel more, see the world, bring back stories, and avoid repetition!  Originality is a blessing to your listeners!

I thought about trying not to yawn, hid my boredom by taking a sip of my lukewarm coffee, thought about the new eye shadow I bought over the weekend, then reoriented on the discussions.

A suitable amount of time had passed and the repetitive bit had passed.  Now they were just whining about jet lag.  Again I looked for an exit that wasn't socially awkward.

Then I wished I didn't care about social graces.

Then I wished there was a drug that counteracted jet lag.  There was a drug for everything these days.  Lots of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, and surely someone was looking out for the travel-worn road warrior.  Really, all those brains had to see the opportunity for a significant ROI with bringing an end to jet lag (and this discussion!).

As it turns out, I'm not the only one wishing on a star here.  Scientists at Oxford's Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences are also looking for a solution.  The testing is in mice right now, but there is hope that eventually we will be able to pop a pill that allows our body to reset much more easily to changes in time zones.

"Wouldn't it be great if there was a drug for jet lag?" I interjected into the conversation.

"It's been promised before," my coworker replied.  "They don't work.  Pipe dreams."

"Yeah, well I guess time will tell,"  I replied.  In fact, I think it will but I had no intention of getting into that discussion.  Cue exit.  "Speaking of time, I have to dash to a meeting..."

I dumped my half finished coffee in the garbage as I exited stage left, thinking it would be nice if the pharmaceutical industry also came up with a drug that treated the side effects of boring conversations.  That I would pay big bucks for!

Video: Facts that will make you want to travel

I'm suppose to be reading a very serious document.  Instead, I'm surfing the internet.  Sound familiar?

I thought I would share what was distracting me.  This is great for those of you out there that need another reason to travel (as if there aren't enough already!).

Check it out!

Extra! Extra! I'm a guest poster on Spa Travel Gal!!!

Exciting news!

As most of you are aware, I'm fairly new to blogging.  So I was super excited to be asked to guest post on a fellow travel writer's site.

I met Ava, the mastermind behind "Spa Travel Gal", at an lounge in EWR last April.  My one hour flight was delayed four hours and I was considered what exactly you do in a domestic United lounge for that length of time.

She was in the same boat.

We started chatting and traded stories.  Turns out I had met a kindred spirit!

I started writing this blog a couple months after that and it's been a wonderful journey thus far.  So here's one more adventure to report, this one about a spa I visited in Bali.  Hope you like it!

Check it out! 

Where am I?

Update: Zoe got it right!  The Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, China.  An absolutely gorgeous stop, especially for photographers obsessed with light.  They illuminate the rock formations with different colors, some of the ceilings soaring far overhead while others you could reach out and brush with your fingertips.  The part of the cave below is an ending point, but a spectacular one.

Bring your camera and have some fun, then head down the river to Yangshou for an adorably rural town that gives you a true sense of the charms of China.

***

This week we're trying an indoor scene.  Just a very famous cave... but do you know where it is?

Booking flights: A bit of a treasure hunt

Last night I was laying on my sofa.  The TV was on mute, images flashing by in quasi-meaningful ways, my laptop perched on my knees while I investigated what wonders the internet had on offer.  In the process, I reran an old search on kayak that I had been eyeing about a week ago.

Sometimes I like to check flight prices or routings; see where I can go and how much it's going to set me back.  Sometimes I'm lucky and a truly ridiculous route pops up, one of the ones you just have to shake your head at because no one in their right mind would ever book it.

For example, did you know you can go from Toronto to Belize via London, U.K.?

Really!  Thank you British Airways!

Of course these crazy options come with equally crazy price tags, but they're useful to know about when it comes to booking an award flight where cost is less an issue and crazy routings make for cool layovers.

When I reran my search, I took a quick glance at the cities and dates but didn't look at much else.

The flights came up.  The lowest cost was $868 CAD from YYZ to BZE with one connection in IAH.

I was a bit disappointed.  You see, two weeks ago I could have gotten that flight for just shy of $600 CAD.  The Avianca option via SAL had been $622 CAD just the other day.  Now I was looking at over $200 CAD more.  I could argue that the flight with Avianca wasn't really an option for me, that I was looking at the United flight which had jumped to $741 CAD earlier in the week, but a 50% increase in price over a  two week interval was pretty stunning.

Then I noticed the booking class.

$868 CAD was the price for business class.

Well!

Well, well, well!  Not bad!  My $741 CAD United flight wasn't gone, but for $127 CAD more I could take that same flight in business class.  Of course it's only North American business class so it's nothing spectacular, but there is food involved, larger seats, and 50% more qualifying miles which will push me into their next tier.  Definitely worth it for me!

As it turned out, the friend joining me from the west coast was able to book the sale prices and we are set to meet in IAH.  A beautiful solution to a girl's getaway!

So my advice is this: play with your flight options before you make your choice.  You would expect that the results will be consistent, but sometimes you'll be surprised.  It's a bit of a treasure hunt, but if you strike gold you won't regret the time spent.

Where am I?

Update: Here I thought this was a hard one!  Good guess!

Poas Volcano is a gorgeous site a short drive outside of San Jose.  A private driver can be arranged for a nominal price, and it can be done in a half day.

A caveat to note is that seeing the volcano is weather and patience dependent.  Mist will cover the face for most of the time, but if you wait it might clear and you'll see the crater.  When it isn't clear, you'll see about five feet out before hitting a wall of white (think "The Nothing" from the Neverending Story).

***

Try this one out for size!  Not the country, the place!

Hint: It's in a  country famous for jungle excursions.

What is the most devalued airline frequent flyer program in north america?

Travel enough and you're bound to sign up for a loyalty program or two.  It might be for an airline or a hotel chain, something that offers free upgrades or even free travel if you visit often enough.

Over the last several years quite a few airlines have been hit hard by the global recession.  This has especially been the case in North America, where competition has become tougher than ever with the introduction of low-cost carriers like Spirit Airways.  This has resulted in scaling back on the offerings of many frequent flyer programs, and begs the question: what is the most devalued program out there?

I can't say that I know the answer, but an article recently went up on boardingarea.com that does.  The lucky winner?

Air Canada!

So perhaps all those flyers out there still clinging to their program might look elsewhere soon, because this program is starting to smell pretty bad.

Check it out!

Where am I?

Update: Seems this was a difficult one given no one got it!  Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Good luck next time :)

***

Because last week's was a bit easy for some, here's one that's a bit tougher.  Go for it!

Hint: This is a well-known area of a major city.

A guidebook that's just for fun

Sometimes choosing a guidebook is a difficult balance of pretty pictures and useful content.  There seem to be dozens of options, all jammed with information.

• Lonely Plant
• Frommers
• Rough Guide
• Let's Go
• Footprint
• DK
• Timeout
• Bradt

The list goes on.

Most of these I'm sure you're well able to track down, but for a bit of fun have a look at Jetlag Travel Guides.  Not useful for travel, but endlessly useful for entertainment.  Why?  Because they are guides to places that don't exist, and even if they did you can be certain you wouldn't want to visit them.
Leave one on your coffee table the next time you have guests over.  If someone asks, tell them you're considering it for your next vacation.  See what happens next.

Don't judge a book by it's cover

Ever hear the advice "don't judge a book by it's cover"?

Ever ignore that advice entirely?  No?  Really?

I was wandering in YEG the other weekend waiting for a flight back to YYZ.  Time on my hands and a very nondescript airport in which to spend it.  As much as I love the lounges, I wasn't in the mood.  That's how I found myself in the little book store across from the arcade and next to one of those anything/everything stores where you can buy overpriced cough drops because you forgot to bring any along (I wouldn't do this, of course).

I was flipping through the fiction aisle, not really intending to buy anything but always on the lookout for something interesting.

When I say I'm looking for something interesting, I mean more glancing and my focus is on the covers.

The fact is, while we can rely on the classics to have crap covers and still contain good writing, I have a hard time buying a more recently written book with an ugly cover.  My little pea brain doesn't translate low-budget printing into a quality adventure.  If a publisher wasn't willing to commit, why should I?

When I was in high school I bought a book by Steph Swainston called The Year of Our War.  It was a phenomenal book that I would highly recommend to fantasy lovers out there, however I didn't know that when I bought it.  My purchase was based entirely on the cover, which I fell in love with at first glance.

The cover was white as snow with the title and author's name scrawled across it in silver.  Simple, sleek, clean lines and no clutter.  I thought it was the most pretentious cover I had ever seen.  Consider this: in years past, classics were published with just the title of the book on the spine and the author's name scrawled across the front.  Picking them up, you knew you had something good waiting for you.  That signature was a promise.  Any author who is brazen enough to parallel the greats of literature is worth my judgement, for better or worse.

I still think that cover is pretentious, but I don't regret buying the book.

Back in YEG, I was looking for another The Year of Our War.  A cover that tempted, intrigued and drew my attention to the point where I couldn't walk away without it.  I was looking for a cover that promised to trade my life and my problems for someone else's, and perhaps a guarantee that it would all turn out well in the end.

All things considered, that's probably what I look for in a vacation destination as well.

Think about it.  How often have you decided you want to go somewhere because you saw some pretty pictures?

Yeah, I saw that guilty look.

Perhaps you ordered a brochure, looked up some sights on Lonely Planet, eyed a few hotels or pondered a tour.  You might be on a quest for relaxation or for a solid adventure that sets your heart racing.  Regardless of what it is, the fact is that likely you'll go in with expectations set.  You'll judge by the cover, so to speak.

It's not surprising that we do this.  After all, we've spent a lifetime building those expectations.

• Paris:  A concoction of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.  Flavoured with butter and crusty bread, and seasoned with the romance of lover kissing under bridges.

• Tokyo:  Filled to the brim with people, traffic flying by, lights and action and shinjuku girls with too much make-up.  Everyone eats raw fish with chopsticks and watches anime over dinner.

• Rome:  A city of ruins.  Italians out in the street shouting their conversations while wives hang sheets from the windows or berate their no-good husbands from kitchens suffused with mouthwatering smells.

These are cliches, obviously. Yet we cherish them as our book covers to the world.

In the end, I hope you'll think about this when their next opportunity to travel arises.  If you're booking because of the pretty pictures, be aware of that fact.  If you're after the culture, recognize that Hollywood has formed many of our preconceived notions.

I'm hoping to book a trip to Africa soon.  I've already been a number of times, but I'm not picky about where I go next.  I want to see more of the continent, but in myself I recognize that I'm not immune to judging without seeing.  For me, Ethiopia is a land blanketed in the dust of the past, in West Africa await the origins of voodoo and their curious practitioners, in Rwanda there will be hardship, and in Morocco the snake charmers sit in alleys playing music that permeates the city streets.

I know there's so much more than that.  This is why we travel.  The cover, it might be good and you might be tempted to fall in love, but there's so much more to be had.

So my challenge to you is this:  Don't be satisfied by the pretty pictures and inconsequential words.  Go out into the world, do things you never dared when the opportunities arise, roar at lions, walk in the Amazon at midnight, watch the sunrise from a mountaintop, drink French champagne on new years before kissing a stranger, and laugh because you're having the time of your life.

It's simple really:  Savor the book, not just the cover.

Gorgeous Beachs You Won't Find on a Top 10 List

I'm going to be honest with you.  Really.  In kindergarden when all the other kids were learning to share, I'm pretty sure I was distracted by a butterfly.

Fact is, I'm not good at sharing.  I like things to be mine.  This especially holds true for beaches.  I don't like to share my sand.  As a result, most beach resorts aren't all that appealing.  I have tested this several times in the Caribbean and while the beaches were nice, they didn't make me want to shove my flag in the sand and claim it for Canada.

The biggest issue?  Too many people.

My favorite beaches don't include company.

So for all those beach-lovers out there, let's talk about the more remote, jaw-droppingly beautiful bits of sand out there that you aren't going to see on a Top 10 list.

1. Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island: better recognized as that island with all the statues of the giant heads.

Fly to Santiago, Chile.  Board a LAN jet and head straight into the Pacific for 5.5 hours.  If the captain is worth their title, they'll find the most remote inhabited place on the planet, Easter Island.  The next closest populated place is Tahiti, but that's almost 6 hours away.

Easter Island marks the southernmost tip of Polynesia and boasts a population just shy of 6,000.   Surrounded by an azure-blue sky that stretches to the horizon, the water here is as clear as Bombay Blue gin and as refreshing as cool breeze of a hot day.

There are multiple beaches on the island worth visiting, some framed with the island's famed moai (giant statues) and others utterly deserted.  The island also has an issue with wild horses, so if you're sunbathing and think you hear thunder, check behind you as a herd may be galloping past (note for parents: this fact should be shared with caution to your 10 year old daughter.  Side effects can include endless pestering to visit.).

Easter Island

2. Fiji

This south Pacific gem is more modernized and easier to access than the other islands on this list.  That said, it's still a trek to get there.  For North Americans, the easiest option is a direct flight on Fiji Airways (formerly Air Pacific) from LAX to NAN.  This flight runs on a regular basis and prices tend to be lower than other options.  In addition, Fiji Airways has flights continuing on to Australia which allow free layovers, an excellent break on the front or back end of a trip (or both!).

Fiji

3. Giza, Solomon Islands

The Soloman Islands make up a small nation in the south Pacific.  It is difficult to get to, which translates into a very low rate of tourism.  Giza is one of the 922 islands that make up this nation, some hardly big enough to land a plane on, or so you'll think as your captain heads downwards.

The waters are crystal clear and chalked full of tropical fish.  Many hotels simply dip a line off their pier to bring up a dinner of some of the most succulent fish you'll ever taste (note: if you don't like fish, you'll be challenged for options).  Biking, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and kicking back in a hammock are the most popular activities on this island paradise.

Imagine for a moment being stranded here, no internet or cellphone coverage, just peace and quiet.  Not so bad, right?

Giza, Soloman Islands

4. Champagne Beach, Espirito Santo, Vanuatu

Vanuatu is another fun one to find on a map.  Like Soloman, it's made up of a series of 82 islands, not all of which are inhabited.  Espiritu Santo is the largest of these islands (though oddly not where the capital is located or the main airport), and also one that lays claim to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Champagne Beach.

You can find this beach by driving down a long dirt road off the main highway (this highway is paved, luckily, and allows for two cars passing at most points).  You might run into a couple other people there, but in general you'll have it to yourself.  Bring a towel, some food and water, and a bottle of champagne to toast not just the beauty of the place but that you managed to make it all the way there! 

Champagne Beach, Espiritu Santo

5. Eritrea

My final choice on this list is also my favorite.  Like the others, it's difficult to reach by entirely worth it.

Let's start with a geography lesson.  Eritrea: located on the horn of Africa.  It's surrounded by Ethiopia, Djibouti and Sudan, and sits across the Red Sea from Saudi Arabia and Yemen.  It's at war with the majority of its neighbours, and has strict requirements for tourists wanting to travel there.  That said, it's 100% worth the effort.

Below are examples of two islands located off the coast of Eritrea in the Red Sea.  Both were reached by power boat, both were entirely uninhabited, and on both we were left entirely to ourselves.  The water was warm and filled with fish, the boats having to edge around the reefs to make their landings.  Truly, I haven't seen anything to match the stunning beauty of these bits of sand.  For the brave, this is an experience not to be missed.

Desert Island, Eritrea

Sand spit, Eritrea

Note: These are just beaches I've come across in my journeys.  The fact is, the more remote you go the more spectacular they get.  There are tons more out there, just waiting to be discovered!

Where am I?

Update: Apparently this one was too easy!  Guesses are bang on.  NYC, and one of the most beautiful murals I've come across.  Wouldn't it be nice if Toronto hired this Kobba for a bit of work!

I promise to make the next one more of a challenge.  Prepare yourself.

***

Any guesses?
Hint: A phenomenal city offering just about anything you could ask for... at a price.

The Friendliest and Unfriendliest Cities in the World

"Excuse me," I said politely in my English-accented French.  "Do you speak English?"

I had just walked into a travel agent's office in Libreville, Gabon.  Large posters of airplanes and exotic islands peppered the yellow walls, many with Africans posing happily in the foreground.  Wooden desks that looked unmovable purely based on how chunky and old they were stretched across the front of the shop.  Behind two of these desks, a pair of women sat chatting.  They hadn't looked up as I walked in.

"No," one of the women said, answering my question while seeming completely disinterested in my presence.

I shifted my feet.  I may be Canadian, but my French was similar to my Mandarin; I could wish you happy new year, but that seemed to only go over well one day of the year.  The rest of the time I got odd looks.

Regardless, I tried.

"Le passport picture?"  I held up my passport and camera, looking hopeful.

The woman frowned.  "I don't understand."

Personally, I though it took a special sort of intelligence to misinterpret my gesture.  Her expression clearly showed that she understood perfectly and was disinclined to help regardless of my request.

"We don't speak English here," she continue in English.  "We cannot help you."

She turned back to her friend and they continued their conversation.

I turned and walked out.  They obviously weren't going to help me, likely didn't even want me there.  Ironically, I didn't want to be there either.  I was hunting for a shop that did passport pictures so I could tag one on a visa application to Congo and get the hell out of Gabon.

For me at least, Libreville was the most unfriendly, pretentious, unenchanting city I had ever visited.  Sadly, my experience in the travel agents shop was what I had come to expect from the city.

Conde Nast Traveler recently posted their list of the friendliest and unfriendliest cities in the world.  It's an interesting collection, definitely offering some food for thought.  Can a whole city really be considered friendly or unfriendly?  Should we base our decisions where to travel on personal judgements that would ultimately be heavily biased?

I don't know.  I did notice that Libreville wasn't on their list, but just as the ladies in the store ignored me, I would prefer to ignore their glorious capital city as well.

Have a look at the full list here!

A Highlight of Portugal: Monseratte Palace

Sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words.  I'll keep the commentary brief and let them speak for themselves.

Location: Monseratte Palace, Sintra, Portugal

Getting there: 

Half hour outside of Lisbon by train.  Trains run multiple times per day.  The train station in Sintra is a brief, easy and beautiful walk away from the town center.  Follow the other tourists down, or catch one of multiple taxis waiting.

The visitor center has maps and information on the area, including which buses go to which castles.  Stop by to get the most recent information before proceeding.

Getting around:

Taxis are available but expensive.  Instead consider the buses.  These are geared towards tourists, run in loops and have fantastically easy-to-understand signage.  The drivers are trained to address touristy issues, and locations are announced when they arrive at them.  This is one of the easiest bus routes I've come across, and shouldn't be a concern for anyone.

Sights:

Most cities in Europe have a proportionate number of castles to their population and general importance.  Sintra missed this memo.  As a result, they have a plethora of very different and absolutely stunning castles.  There is a Moorish castle which mostly lies in ruins across the mountaintop, a castle designed by a Hollywood set designer in the early 1900s, a fairy-tale palace resting on the top of a hill (with a fantastic restaurant!), and the stunning Monseratte Palace.  The sights can be sizable, and the savvy tourist would choose several to visit rather than trying to cover them all.

For my vote, Monseratte was a favorite.  The interplay of light and shadow in the building is enough to drive photography geeks nuts, and the detailing in the building is sumptuous.  Not to sway  your trip, but below are pictures of this beautiful palace, highlighting why a trip to Sintra is well worth the effort.

Monseratte Palace exterior

I

Many of the ceilings were stunningly ornate.

Another ceiling.

It's possible I'm obsessed with ceilings...

There was some construction onsite, however they didn't cordon off the areas and it was fascinating to see the work in progress.  Most of the building was complete however, so this wasn't burdensome.

This gives an idea of the state the original was in before the renovation began.

The library: empty of books, but with another phenomenal ceiling!

The carved wooden door to the library.  Very difficult to get a shot that included the entire door, which was substantial and absolutely stunning.

Besides the ceilings, the walls and windows had ornate detailing.

The main entryway from above.

A statue in a still fountain.

For photographers, the cast of light and shadow in this building was like a toy to play with.

One of the main hallways.  You can see how ornate the latticework was over the arches.

A lone fountain at the end of one of the hallways.  It wasn't running but did have water.

The exterior of the building was in many ways as ornate as the interior, and just as fun to shoot.

Looking back, besides ceilings I might also have an obsession with windows.

Monseratte Palace is not a busy tourist destination.  It was easy to wander alone through the garden paths, though a bit of patience was required for some of the longer hallway shots above.  Completely worth the effort in my mind.

Many castles in Europe are essentially large buildings with drywall or stone interiors.  Some or complete, others are not.  Here is a smaller palace that has been completed with stunning flare.  Next time you're in Lisbon, I would suggest taking a day and heading to Sintra to check it out!

If $$$ were no object, where would you go?

Too often I find myself mildly inebriated when someone asks that dreaded “what if?” question.

• What if you only had a year to life?
• What if you could travel anywhere for the first time?
• What if you won the lottery tomorrow?

Bored yet?

No one is going to walk up to you one day and tell you when you’re going to die.  There are no opportunities for “do-overs”, and winning the lottery is not something I would bet on.

All the same, it is nice to dream…

So what should die-hard travelers dream about?  I have a few suggestions. 

Beware: These trips are moderately to obscenely expensive.  Drool if you like, but don’t fall in love. 

1. The Ultimate African Safari:

 

Imagine a jeep to yourself in the wilds of Ngorogoro Crater, camera ready as a leopard leaps up onto a strategically placed log in the distance.  Not ten minutes previous you were surrounded by lions sunning themselves in the grass, a pair of cubs playing while their mother studiously ignored them.  The sun will set soon, at which point tables will be laid out with chairs and drinks will be poured.  You’ll toast to a day well spent before returning to your luxurious hotel for a sumptuous meal, a nightcap, and a restful sleep.  Repeat as necessary in the days to follow.

Micato is a safari company that can offer this and more.  This family-run company is based out of Africa and doesn't pull any punches when it comes to the perfect safari experience.  They have won awards from "Travel & Leisure" year after year, are featured as the best safari operator in east Africa in "1,000 Places to See Before You Die",  and reviewers can’t speak highly enough of them.

In terms of safari experiences, you can expect a personalized trip regardless of whether you choose to travel in a group or solo, overland or by private plane.  Just book, then charge your camera batteries because there's nowhere quite like Africa for obsessive photographers and their favorite toys!

The website: http://www.micato.com
The catch: Starting at ~$8,000USD per person, double occupancy

2. Round-the-world on a private jet

Why settle for just Africa though?  Aren’t we intrepid souls out to see the world?  So why not do it in class, in style, and in luxury on your own private jet.  

You like?

Just think, numerous flights that won't leave until you arrive.  You are simply driven onto the tarmac, flash a bit of ID, and while your baggage is whisked away you stroll leisurely towards the bar where your champagne or Johnny Walker Blue are waiting.  Does it really matter where you go?  For once we can all agree, half the joy of the trip is the flying!

Several companies offer luxury round-the-world vacations.  These include flights, hotels, meals and tours.  Basically everything, including guides with impressive credentials.  The one challenge consistent with the itineraries is the locations, which tend to be less adventuresome that I would like.

National Geographic Expeditions: http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/expeditions/around-the-world-jet-tour/detail
The catch: ~$70,000 per person for 24 days

Smithsonian Journeys: http://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/around-the-world-private-jet?display=itinerary
The catch: ~$70,000 per person for 23 days

Abercrombie & Kent: http://www.abercrombiekent.com/discover/private-jet/
The catch: ~$105,000 per person for 25 days

3. Visit Every UNESCO World Heritage Site

So if my complaint is that most round-the-world trips aren't adventuresome enough, this trip is the solution.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site List includes 981 locations of cultural or historical significance (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list).  Most travelers will visit at least one of these on a given cultural/historical trip.  Common examples include:

• The Great Wall, China
• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Stonehenge, UK
• The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
• Yellowstone National Park, USA
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Some travelers count not just the countries and continents they've visited, but also the world heritage sites.  With so many, it’s hard to think that someone might be able to visit them all.

Until now.

This two year trip sells itself as an opportunity to visit every UNESCO World Heritgage Site on the list (excluding those in war zones where safety issues may arise).  The company will help travelers arrange a schedule that meets their travel objectives, offering both luxury and flexibility.

The catch: To date, only one of these trips has been sold for a reported £990,000 per couple (£1,370 per couple per day).  Based on this cost, the trip is touted as the most expensive overall vacation currently available.

Offered by Very First To (note this site requires a login): http://veryfirstto.com/experiences/view/every-world-heritage-site-in-1-holiday/

Write-up by the UK's Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2295636/Around-world--962-Unesco-sites-Luxury-experience-company-offers-ultimate-trip-long-TWO-YEARS-990-000-spare.html

4. Space

Perhaps Earth has gotten a bit blase?  Virgin Galactic is your solution.  Details are still somewhat sketchy, but the itinerary appears to include several days of pre-launch training, followed by a single flight that has a brief period spent in zero gravity conditions.  Tickets have already been sold to several hundred passengers globally, and passengers are welcomed to attend special events Virgin Galactic hosts in advance of the project launch.

If you're someone who wants to stop looking at the stars and start experiencing them, this trip is one to watch.

The website: http://www.virgingalactic.com/
The catch: $250,000 per person

5. Antarctica

Space may be considered tempting for the elite traveler, but not to be missed back on Earth is the stunning scenery of the seventh continent. 

Recently the international community decided to disallow large cruise ships from sailing through antarctic waters.  This means the only options remaining are the smaller and considerably more costly expedition ships.  These set sail only a few months of the year, but are better equipped to provide experiences that not only include viewing the scenery, but shore landings, kayaking, camping, and authentic Antarctic snowball fights.

National Geographic has partnered with Lindblad to offer several fantastic itineraries to the frozen continent.  These are guided by renowned scientists and photographers, have chefs aboard prepared to cook extraordinary feasts, and a variety of luxurious bedrooms that make it hard to believe you're on an expedition ship and not a private yacht.

The website: http://www.expeditions.com
The catch: Starting at ~$12,000 per person

As with many trips, it's not just the locations themselves but the company you keep while seeing them.  These trips almost guarentee fascinating joiners, and if you get tired of those you can always entertain yourself asking dozens of uninformed questions to the expert guides or convincing the professional photographers to teach you a few tricks.

So next time you're drunk as a skunk and someone asks that dreaded "what if..." question, don't roll your eyes.  Instead, tell them you have a list of choice travel options, but you'd prefer to start with a new drinking game called "Name that UNESCO World Heritage Site!".