The WWII Victory Garden is making a comeback! Everywhere, in big cities and small towns, people are talking about planting their own gardens. The reason, of course, is natural: escalating food prices, produce recalls, and the primeval need to dig in the dirt when faced with overwhelming threats all around.  So, where does this subject fit into travel?

This summer and fall, as you travel about the US, include a visit to a city market, community garden, greenmarket, farmers’ markets, tailgate market, and seek out restaurants whose menus feature fresh, regionally grown vegetables and sustainable cuisine.  You’ll love this new tourism twist! Continue Reading »

Many of us are looking for ways to stretch our travel budgets this year. This doesn’t mean staying at home and never taking a trip. Here are 5 ways to save serious money when you travel on your next vacation.

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 When I travel to a new city or place I haven’t been in awhile, I prefer to take a City Tour for an overview of the sites, layout and flavor of the area. It’s a great way to get your bearings, do some sightseeing and see what’s what. Here are 18 City Tours, including our own Old Town Trolley Tours, guaranteed to help you navigate better.

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Earth Day reminds us to be better Citizens of the Planet. After all, it’s the only one we’ve got! Here are some easy vacation ideas from Trusted Tours and Attractions to travel greener this year.

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Intelligent Travel reminds us that the deadline for submitting sites to the National Geographic sponsored GeoTourism Challenge is April 16th.

They have quite a list so far and the goal is to identify sites that “sustain, enhance, and preserve a sense of culture and place.”

If you are interested in Green Travel this is a great place to start.

Seth Godin has another great post about customer service.

I visit many tourist sites and it’s not uncommon for the front line staff, the people closest to the guests, having the least ability to please them. Too often we hear a scripted response to an important question. I cringe when I hear someone say,”I’m just doing my job.”

Seth’s point is clear. Your ambassadors, the folks talking and interacting the most with the customer, must have the power to delight.

It’s simple, but it’s not easy.

Punxsutawney Phil is a legend. They claim he is over 120 years old and predicts the weather with 100% accuracy. According to legend, if Groundhog Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. The first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob was made on February 2, 1887 although the celebration itself is much older. Since then, the official spectacle of all spectacles takes place each February 2^nd in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Here are 5 reasons I love Groundhog Day.

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The excitement and anxiety wash over you. Finally! That long overdue trip. It’s a place you have always wanted to go but have never been. Adventure awaits, but what next? Here are a dozen tips to make your trip more memorable.

Pack light then cut it by a third

“I have to pack this pair of shoes. I can’t live without four hats. How will I manage with one coat?” Stop! Whenever traveling to a new place the temptation is to over pack. Unless you are going to a remote area- don’t do it! You can always add to your suitcase, if needed, and a way to clean your clothes is usually available. Toting heavy luggage to the train station is awful as I found out in Paris recently. Pack the bare minimum and learn to work with it. Your back will thank you. Continue Reading »

Another great post by Seth Godin here.

He talks about being very good at what you do. The problem with being perfect though, he says, is how easy it is for most of us to overlook the excellence and find only the faults. We grow used to certain standards, become desensitized to great experiences and really do take the good stuff for granted all too often.

I can’t tell you how many times I hear folks complain about minor service issues while ignoring the wonderful experience they got. When was the last time you really immersed yourself in a good meal? When was the last time you really spoke with the checkout clerk at the store or the mail carrier? Do you take your time to notice the efforts of those around you?

Appreciating what we get is as much an art as finding the fault in it. Try it today by leaving yourself open to the good stuff without looking so hard for the bad. You might be surprised.

The Conch Tour Train in Key West, Florida rolled out in 1958. Today, it’s still going strong and for many is an icon of the Key West vibe. What started out 50 years ago with one train and two people has grown to 14 trains and over 33 cast members now. People from all over the world enjoy and remember a ride on this great tour. So, raise a toast today to 50 years of fun, education and entertainment Key West , Florida style.

Happy Birthday, Conch Tour Train!