Extravigator - Random

South East Asia

Nanoose — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:31:57 -0400

BKK
Drinks: Patio at the Oriental

Chiang Mai
Experience: Elephant Artists--the elephants take paintbrushes with their trunks and paint lovely pictures. It's just rather amazing that these elephants can paint better then I can, but of course, I haven't gone through the obvious training they did. :)

South East Asia

J.L. — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:51:18 -0400

Our picks for Thailand:

BKK
Stay: The Peninsula
Visit: The Floating Market (a photographer's dream)
Experience: A real Muay Thai boxing match

Chiang Mai
Stay: Four Seasons - just beautiful, incredible food & spa
Visit: Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Experience: Riding elephants and seeing their training

South East Asia

DonPablo — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:57:49 -0400

I haven't been there myself but, according to my wife and daughter, the Dusit Thani is a wonderful hotel to stay in while you're in Bangkok. They've also raved about dining in the Dusit Thani's Mayflower restaurant and they consider it to be one of the finest Chinese restaurants they've ever experienced, in the entire world. In fact, our daughter once remarked that she would jump on a plane and travel from New York to Bangkok just to eat in the Mayflower again. (That may be a bit unrealistic, and I'm sure she wouldn't actually do it, but it will probably give you an idea of how good the food is.) So, when you're in Bangkok, you might want to give it a try.

Laos - Gibbon Experience

RonGibson — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:39:22 -0400

Has anyone been to the "Gibbon Experience" in Northern Laos with the Zip lines and tree top platform overnight stays? I am considering it and would like to know if its worth the trip. Comments please.

South East Asia

RonGibson — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:28:30 -0400

I am planning a trip to Northern Thailand & Laos. I know that most of this area is quite under-developed to my standards but have heard that it is an excellent trip from a photography standpoint. Has anyone toured through these areas and found boutique hotel gems worth staying at, or restaurants worth dining at that I may not read in a '20 something' guidebook? Any tips and destinations are gladly welcomed. Also, any must see destinations that are not your standard tourist trap.
I am planning: Bangkok- Chaing Mai- Chaing Rai- Luang Prabang- Pakse- Bolaven Plateau - possibly about a 4-6 week trip.

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

jewel fiend — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:03:35 -0400

I'm locally famous for my extensive wardrobe. How'd I get it? By schlepping luggage only one way. Leave with a credit card and little else, return home with a suitcase or two of new clothes that will become memories. (I got this in Bermuda, the dres came from Hong Kong, we wre shopping in th souk and I had to have it!) Hey, it's not like you aren't going to shop, anyway, right?

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

Dex — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:43:15 -0400

Delta's fees just went up. Now it's a $50 charge for a second suitcase each way (up from $25). And if either your first or second suitcase is over 50 lbs, you'll now be charged $90 in each direction for domestic flights and $150 each way on international flights!!

I can see it now. It won't be long before they start asking you how much you weigh before you buy your tickets and charging you accordingly!

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

laradunston — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 09:50:18 -0400

Like loml95, I've researched this extensively and over the past few months sought around a dozen quotes from unaccompanied luggage shippers and major global couriers. I'm not from the US, nor am I going there (not this year anyway), and I was seeking quotes from Turkey to Milan, then Venice to Dubai, then Dubai to Melbourne, for various times.

The cheapest quote I could get for 2 carry-on sized bags at 27 kilos each (and, no, I don't have packing issues, I'm a travel writer, so I simply wind up with a lot of paper (press kits, brochures, books, etc) after each research trip) started at US$1200, with DHL (UPS quoted a higher rate for the same amount, incidentally).

However, what I found really interesting was that so many of the companies that claim to ship "anything, anywhere, anytime", don't in fact. Most only shipped with the US, UK or Australia as their start/end points for example, so it was virtually impossible to find anyone other than a Turkish company to ship from Turkey. And as we'd already used a couple of Turkish couriers who lost packages on both occasions, I thought I'd give that a miss.

The problem with companies shipping to Australia was the extraordinary amount of complex paperwork required by Australian authorities, firstly, and then the amount of time the luggage would spend in customs, a major problem for me, as I was heading down under to write up a book while I spent time with family and so needed the materials immediately.

After all my enquiries I couldn't find a single company who could do the job fast and for a reasonable price. In the end, I sought an excess luggage waiver from the airline I was flying and got it - they gave us 50 kilos extra each! - that waiver is for journalists only and I was asked not to brag about it, as they're not sure this is something they can continue to offer in the future, with the new luggage restrictions most airlines are starting to adopt.

And if you thought $80 for more than 50 lbs was shocking, Etihad Airlines charges UK£ 37 per kilo!!! Do the math!

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

jeannesilbert — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:46:54 -0400

Who do I contact about shipping luggage to Italy and does anyone have an idea how long it takes to get there?

French Wine Country

maxf — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:20:52 -0400

Without a doubt, head to Burgundy. Beaune is the wine capital of the region but try to make it out to some of the villages like Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet etc.
The area south of Beaune is called the Cote de Beaune which has some of the finest white wines in the world. The area to the north of Beaune is the Cote de Nuits which is famous for red wines but seems to be a lot more uptight and pricey.
I like parts of the Cote Chalonnaise which is just south of the Cote de Beaune. Rully makes some exceptional wines at better prices than some of the better known villages.
One thing is for sure, Burgundy is an extremely complex region to learn but produces some of the finest wines in the world.

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

Dex — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:26:53 -0400

I just discovered that Delta now charges $80 for each piece of luggage over 50 lbs. It's as if they'd rather you ship it than check it with them. $80 is quite a penalty, especially if they get you going both ways!

Platinum Amex - Worth it?

telsa — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:02:26 -0400

Well, I'll be honest. I don't use most of the perks of the Platinum Amex card. Although I do like having their 24/7 Global Assist Hotline in my cell phone wherever I go. The benefit kicks in whenever you are more than 100 miles from home. They help you with things like replacing lost prescriptions, lost luggage, emergency cash, getting a hotel room if a major problem arises. Thankfully I've never had to use the service, which I suppose that means that I can't say if it's any good or not. I just feel a little more secure knowing that there's someone I can call to help solve a problem when I'm away from home.

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

forager — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:37:14 -0400

No problem.

Don't get me wrong... If given the choice, I'd also rather spend that money on a nice meal at Alain Ducasse or Per Se. It's just a shame that the airlines have to charge for checked luggage these days — with gas prices being so high and all.

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

loml95 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:00:13 -0400

wow, forager, thanks for all your hard work. it certainly makes a compelling argument for shipping luggage via ups....

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

forager — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:52:51 -0400

— loml95so i just did a quick quote, one way la to ny with 3 day delivery (next is the cheapest option, which is ground) for 4 bags (2 travelers) and it was almost $700

So what shipping weights and options are you using for your luggage to get that quote?? It seems awfully high. If packages cost that much to ship, I think the UPS wouldn't have nearly as many customers. You've got to be doing something wrong in your calculations.

I also did a quote on UPS, using a pre-paid method and residential pickup options on four individual 40 Lb packaged bags (which should be far more than adequate for a vacation to New York), with a declared replacement value of $500 for each bag and here's what I came up with:

Ship To:                NEW YORK, NY, 10001, UNITED STATES
Ship From:              LOS ANGELES, CA, 90001, UNITED STATES
Shipment Date:          Monday, July 21, 2008
Total Shipment Weight:  160 lbs.
Drop-off / Pickup?      I will schedule a pickup via: UPS.com
Destination Type:       Residential
Number of Packages:     4

Package   Weight    Dimensions         Declared Value
1         40 lbs.   20 x 16 x 9 in.    500 USD
2         40 lbs.   20 x 16 x 9 in.    500 USD
3         40 lbs.   20 x 16 x 9 in.    500 USD
4         40 lbs.   20 x 16 x 9 in.    500 USD

Time and Cost Summary

Rates By Service

Service                  Guaranteed By              Total
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Next Day Air         Tuesday, July 22, 2008     1,124.12 USD*
Early A.M.  8:00 A.M.,   By 8:00 A.M.

 Days In Transit: 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Next Day Air         Tuesday, July 22, 2008     973.08 USD*
                         By 10:30 A.M
 Days In Transit: 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Next Day Air Saver   Tuesday, July 22, 2008     930.68 USD*
                         By End of Day

 Days In Transit: 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS 2nd Day Air          Wednesday, July 23, 2008   786.52 USD*
                         By End of Day

 Days In Transit: 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS 3 Day Select         Thursday, July 24, 2008    544.56 USD*
Same Day Pickup          By End of Day

 Days In Transit: 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS 3 Day Select         Thursday, July 24, 2008    539.24 USD*
Future Day Pickup        By End of Day

 Days In Transit: 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Ground               Friday, July 25, 2008      241.52 USD*
Same Day Pickup          By End of Day

 Days In Transit: 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Ground               Friday July 25, 2008       237.12 USD*
Future Day Pickup        By End of Day

Days In Transit: 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Express Critical
Our same-day service provides U.S. customers with reliable
delivery of urgent shipments to every U.S. address and more
than 180 countries worldwide.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Result estimates calculated by UPS:
Saturday, July 19, 2008 11:18 A.M. Eastern Time (USA)

* Rate includes a fuel surcharge.

* Based on Flight Availability.
  Not available at UPS Retail Locations.
  Please visit or call 1-800-714-8779 for rates
  and additional details.

* Rates are estimates only based on Prepaid service.

By the way, if you have to ship more than 160 lbs of luggage between two people for a weeklong trip to New York, you've got major packing issues!

If you plan a few days in advance, you can get the cost down to $240 to ship all that heavy luggage. In my opinion, a $240 delivery is worth the convenience of not having to carry 160 lbs of luggage between two people.

Luckily for me, I don't need to pack that heavy, so I can easily get by with a single 40 Lb bag on a one-week trip. And it only costs $60 to ship one bag four days in advance with UPS. That's a bargain when you consider that airlines are charging you all of those extra fees to check your bags these days.

By the way, United.com is currently showing the following domestic fees:

UNITED.COM - Cost to Check Two bags:

   $15 (for first bag)
 + $25 (for second bag)
 ------------------------------
 = $40 each way or $80 total

And don't forget about the "overweight bag" fees. Each overweight bag (those over 50 lbs.) would incur a $125 fee in addition to the standard fees!

In other words, if you were to check two overweight bags, it would come to:

UNITED.COM - Cost to Check Two "Overweight" bags (50+ lbs. each):

   $15 (for first bag)
   $125 (overweight fee for first bag)
   $25 (for second bag)
 + $125 (overweight fee for second bag)
 ------------------------------
 = $290 each way or $580 total

When you break the math out like I've done above, the cost of shipping two overweight bags in advance is actually cheaper than checking them on United.

For example, the cost to send two 60 Lb bags with UPS (keeping the rest of the shipment information the same as the UPS quote above):

Service                  Guaranteed By              Total
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Next Day Air         Tuesday, July 22, 2008     757.50 USD*
Early A.M.  8:00 A.M.,   By 8:00 A.M.

 Days In Transit: 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Next Day Air         Tuesday, July 22, 2008     681.96 USD*
                         By 10:30 A.M
 Days In Transit: 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Next Day Air Saver   Tuesday, July 22, 2008     653.22 USD*
                         By End of Day

 Days In Transit: 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS 2nd Day Air          Wednesday, July 23, 2008   550.26 USD*
                         By End of Day

 Days In Transit: 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS 3 Day Select         Thursday, July 24, 2008    386.50 USD*
Same Day Pickup          By End of Day

 Days In Transit: 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS 3 Day Select         Thursday, July 24, 2008    383.84 USD*
Future Day Pickup        By End of Day

 Days In Transit: 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Ground               Friday, July 25, 2008      153.50 USD*
Same Day Pickup          By End of Day

 Days In Transit: 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UPS Ground               Friday July 25, 2008       151.30 USD*
Future Day Pickup        By End of Day

Days In Transit: 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------

So, when traveling domestically with two overweight bags, it's clearly cheaper to ship your luggage in advance:

(Cost via UPS) = $151.30 < $290 = (Cost via United)

In essence, the luggage companies like LuggageForward and LuggageConcierge are really just shipping companies that use white gloves. Mainstream shipping companies like UPS will obviously get the job done for a better price than those "white glove" shipping companies.

So, not only has the cost of shipping luggage become more attractive with these new airline fees, but by shipping your luggage you also don't have to put up with things like: possibly losing your luggage, having TSA search through your undergarments, or a back ache from carrying 40-80 lbs of luggage!

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

loml95 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:42:48 -0400

so i just did a quick quote, one way la to ny with 3 day delivery (next is the cheapest option, which is ground) for 4 bags (2 travelers) and it was almost $700. i would rather spend that at alain ducasse or per se...

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

jen — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:12:36 -0400

Exactly how heavy is your luggage?? How heavy do your bags need to be for it to cost $1,000 with UPS?

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

loml95 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:49:37 -0400

ummm, it is more than just a little extra, if you tend to overpack. i have researched extensively and since i take everything i own everywhere i go, it is prohibitive....fyi

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

jen — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:18:53 -0400

For the record, there's Luggage Concierge, Luggage Free, Luggage Forward, Luggage Club, Sports Express, and a few others. But, I'm sure that Sports Express has no idea what they are doing since you obviously need the word "Luggage" in your brand's name to be in this business. Just kidding... :)

Let's see. If you check your bags on the plane, you'll likely be subject to a $25 checked luggage fee. If your bag is overweight or oversized you'll usually get charged an extra $50 or more. But, on the plus side, having some random TSA employee who rummages through your undergarments is entirely complimentary from what I understand. Oh, and there's a very good chance that they'll lose your luggage along the way!

Or, you can pay a little extra for a door-to-door shipment to your destination.

Hmm... I just can't decide.

French Wine Country

gilvalz — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:51:49 -0400

I would like to plan a trip to Europe that involves some "degustations" in French wine country. However, I'm not sure which region is the best to visit.

I've spent a lot of time in Provence, so probably want to head in another direction. Any recommendations?

Glamping- Glamorous Camping

lymbuj — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:48:45 -0400

four seasons tented camp in northern thailand is an amazing destination. great meals, lots of time with the elephants, and still very much a four seasons experience. The "tent" was bigger than my first apartment in NY, with climate control (which we turned off). No TV or radio though.

Do You Repeat Your Vacations?

frankidurbin — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:55:21 -0400

We try to take one trip that spans a few locations (Rome, the Amalfi Coast, the Cote d'Azur) and then another trip later that year (or early the next) where we can linger for a long time in one of those locations (such as Rome or Sorrento). I agree with an earlier commenter, that the world is too large to repeat locations. But destinations such as Rome are begging for 10-day stays rather than short expeditions (as we'd be restricted to with out initial agenda).

The temptation is great to return, but we'll explore other continents next.

Platinum Amex - Worth it?

marcie — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:42:41 -0400

It's not so much that the concierges are doing something that only they can do. Of course you can make reservations on your own. And they can't just muscle you in somewhere. But, if you're extremely busy, or at the office and don't want to make a bunch of international phone calls, you can rattle off a list of places you'd like to go to, or even get recommendations from them, and they'll just take care of it. Then they send you a little itinerary with everything you need to know. It's nice to feel like someone is watching out for you.

Also, they don't just do reservations. If you want flowers sent to someone, anywhere in the world, they know who to call to make it happen. I wouldn't have time to research that kind of thing on my own.

Glamping- Glamorous Camping

marcie — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:31:33 -0400

Personally, I think the word "glamping" is kind of a mistake. Some people absolutely hate the idea of camping on a luxury holiday, and that name evokes the idea of roughing it.

And I think based on frankidurbin's comments, the name actually gives false impressions. Some of these glamping tents actually have climate control in them. And I've seen these properties have pools as well. It's the idea of camping in a glamorous manner that turns some people off. You still think that because there's no latch on the door, the bugs are going to come in. But as we all know, the bugs come in even when there is a latch on the door!

Do You Repeat Your Vacations?

loml95 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:33:20 -0400

we do repeat often, but try to get someplace new at least every other trip. we really only take one big trip a year, but we try to make it fabulous! hence, we always have such a great time, that we want to return. but sometimes we just enjoy the comfort of knowing what to expect, rather than the great adventure. that is when we forgo europe and return to the four seasons hualalai.pure tropical luxury....

Do You Repeat Your Vacations?

J.L. — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:30:35 -0400

No. We try not to repeat sites, despite serious temptation in the past.

The world is just too big! There are too many cool new places and hidden jewels, just waiting to be discovered!

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

loml95 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:14:13 -0400

you know i have researched this rather extensively, pricing out alot of the companies that offer this service. i LOVE the idea of having my luggage, not just waiting for me on my arrival, but actually unpacked and hung up and my toileteries(sp.?)all arranged as well. however, it is fairly expensive to ship luggage using these service companies and/or UPS etc. i would rather save the $1000, or so, and dine extravagantly at alain ducasse or something like that.....

Shipping Your Luggage Ahead to Your Destination

batesbarley — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:17:56 -0400

I haven't used Luggage Forward, but I've heard from friends that it makes shopping things like golf clubs or other large pieces a lot easier. Always nice not to have to wait at that baggage carousel for an hour!

Do You Repeat Your Vacations?

The Rover — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:10:55 -0400

We try to take two long international vacations a year - one to one of our "favorite places" that we've been to many times before, and one to a new destination. (However, since we have acquired so many "favorites" over the years, lately, we've been doing more of the former and less of the latter.)

Do You Repeat Your Vacations?

dbw — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:03:34 -0400

My wife and I are usually not the type of people who like to travel back to a place we've been before. After years of always traveling to new destinations and almost never repeating a trip, we've been thinking of returning to some of the places where we've had fond memories. I'm curious if anyone else has found themselves in a similar situation or regularly returns to the places they love most.

Do you prefer to repeat your vacations? Or always travel somewhere new?