posted by Charles H. Russo on Jun 17
I have been waiting for the day when one of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration employees goes postal. How the deal with so many idiotic travelers is beyond me. Granted some of them have transformed there minuscule amount of power into some God like reign, but still, how can one handle the mess of holiday travel?
Until recently my thoughts of disgruntle TSA staff were nothing more than a Nostradamus like prediction, but upon reading the Vagabondish Blog I became a little concerned. Am I the only one that thinks this much contraband around TSA staff is scary?
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posted by Charles H. Russo on May 18
Rooftop at the soon-to-open Gansevoort South.
Happy Halloween…lets talk hotels…WHICH exclusive New England resort that recently sold out for big money is gearing up for an oh-so-polite power struggle? Media darling and always booked, it doesn’t turn a profit, and the new owners aren’t ‘avin it, ‘enry — not at least long term they’re not…
…WHICH big, expensively PR’d rebranding effort isn’t bearing fruit? Everyone’s talking about the fact that nobody’s talking about the host of faded hotel and resort properties snatched up, revamped and relaunched by a deep-pocketed investment firm as part of a new high-end collection. Joke’s on them, media doesn’t care; may have something to do with the fact that nothing they’ve done seems in the slightest bit innovative…
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Feb 21
The Wentworth Hotel Mid Week Ski Packages:
Our midweek package includes accommodations for two guests, a full country breakfast for two guests and two lift passes for one of the following mountains, Attitash, Wildcat, Bretton Woods, Cranmore, King Pine, Black and Shawnee Peak. Nordic skiing includes a trail pass at Bretton Woods, Great Glen, Jackson Ski Touring, MWV Skiing and King Pine and includes rentals and a group lesson. Rates from $97.50 per person per night double occupancy. Not available holiday weeks.
posted by Charles H. Russo on Feb 20
Family energy at home
While many might find it difficult to maintain a career and responsibilities at home, Ifrika manages her time as artiste and a mother easily. According to Queen Ifrica who is the mother of two, a 14-year-old son, Imeru, and a six-year-old daughter, Amakai, “it’s easy to balance both, because on holidays I get to keep them. It’s always a family energy, aside from the music, we have a lot of activities.
posted by Charles H. Russo on Feb 6
I think one of the best holiday combinations is a safari plus some beach time.KenyaandZanzibaris a classic combo (plus its just fun to sayZanzibar) but one of the hottest Indian Ocean destinations isMozambiqueand specificallyBenguerraIsland. Largely unspoiled and untouched, the island is home to a few swanky eco hotels and a large population of endangered sea cows. The newest place to stay there is Azura, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The resort has a grand total of 15 beachfront villas and each one comes with a private butler, infinity pools and separate shower areas (heavenly). The cuisine is all fresh and local, and guests can choose to eat anywhere they want around the resort. Apart from being gloriously lazy and relaxed, guests can sign up for excursions to watch sea cows or spend their days sailing to deserted beaches.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Jan 5
I recently mentioned that the Times have published the Holiday Handbook, which I started to read last week, well Frommer
posted by Charles H. Russo on Jan 5
Phew at last wonderful weather! The lack of a blog post yesterday was because I spent all day outside walking in Grassington, which is just an amazing place for walking and has some great scenery.
If you
posted by Charles H. Russo on Jan 3
I know I can do more to help the environment and offset carbon emissions from my flights, in fact we can all help by contributing to offsetting companies, who use this money for projects to reduce carbon emissions, but how do we know that this money is being spent properly?
The other day I read a really good article on CNN Travel which highlights four questions that you should ask Carbon offsetting companies before contributing your hard earnt cash. We
posted by Charles H. Russo on Dec 19
I have been quiet for the last couple of weeks. The plan was to have a couple of weekends away, get out of London and relax. After spending so much time away last year shooting Unforgettable Islands to Escape to Before You Die (where I flew the equivalent of 7.5 times around the world) I have been taking things a lot easier this year. I guess I had forgotten just how stressful leaving home can be.
First weekend away, driving down to Bristol to see my parents. Less than 150 miles, motorways most of the way. We left on a quiet day, sailed out of London without seeing a traffic jam or a red traffic light. Things seemed to be going well until with just twenty miles to go the engine blew up. Ever seen a Formula 1 race when an engine blows? That was what it looked like. Clouds of smoke, no gear box, cruising in to the hard shoulder. Waiting with a baby at the side of the motorway for a tow truck!
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Dec 18
Philly may be more fun when you sleep over, but at these prices?/R. Kennedy-GPTMC
Tomorrow’s cover story is all about doing your holiday shopping in Philadelphia. I’m totally on board. Great idea. Philly=good stuff.
Still. Who knows why — probably all the spendy Brits who couldn’t get hotel rooms in New York for their shopping sprees — but for some reason, a cold and wet Philadelphia costs more per night this week than a lot of other places where it would be nice to be next week - say, Las Vegas, for instance.
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