Traveling with the Jones — Sharing Travel Discoveries

6 Fun Finds at the New York Times Travel Show

by Janis on March 6, 2014

We spent last weekend at the New York Times Travel Show at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.

The show’s exhibit hall offers a terrific way to meet with travel companies from allover the world, and is especially useful if you are planning a trip to a new destination, or if you want to get ideas for your next vacation.

It’s easy to quickly overload your bag with destination brochures.

We have two trips planned this year that involve visiting new parts of the world, so we focused on visiting booths related to those destinations at the show.

Our 6 Fun Finds at the New York Times Travel Show:

1. Air China’s ‘Hidden Pavilion’ First Class Servie

In less than a month we will be traveling to Singapore via Air China’s first class service known as the “Hidden Pavilion.” with a flatbed seat that extends to 82 inches and is 26.5 inches wide. The “Hidden Pavilion” also features a self-serve central bar area for easy access to food and drinks throughout the entire flight in addition to regular meal service. Luckily, we will be experiencing this service from Houston to Singapore (via United frequent flier miles) in the next few weeks.

While visiting with the airlines representatives, we learned that Air China is growing its U.S. non-stop to Beijing with two daily flights from JFK beginning on March 30th, 2014. Starting June 10th, 2014 this carrier will add four weekly non-stops each week between Washington-Dulles and Beijing.

We also picked up information about Beijing’s 72-hour visa-free stay policy that allows many to visit Beijing while on a long layover in the airport.

2. Myanmar Luxury Vacations

In December, 2014 we plan to spend two days in Myanmar (often still called Burma) during a Holland America cruise. Even though we won’t be able to use their services on this trip, the folks at Myanmar Luxury Vacations in Mineola, New York were incredibly gracious and informative about our upcoming visit to Myanmar.

We are looking forward to visiting the local people in this land of beauty, mystery, history and culture.

3. EVA Air’s Hello Kitty Plane from Los Angeles to Taipei

When we travel to Asia for our December cruise, we will be traveling part of the way of EVA Air (thanks again to United Frequent Flier miles.) The Hello Kitty plane flies on this route, which looks fun, if a bit over the top with “Hello Kitty” everywhere throughout the plane from the pillow covers to the vegetables. We are also excited about the choices of adult beverages in business class. Definitely something that will make the flight interesting.

4. Malaysia Tourism

On this same December Asia cruise, we will visit four different ports in Malaysia. The folks at the Malaysia Tourism booth at the New York Times Travel Show were terrific. They were charming, informative and ever-so-helpful – we are truly looking forward to exploring the port cities of this country.

5. G Adventures to Machu Picchu, Peru

A trip to Machu Picchu is high on our bucket list. A small group trip there with G Adventures just might be the ticket. We were delighted to learn more about the various types of trips offered through G Adventures.

6. Visit Anchorage and the Alaska Tourism Industry Association

It’s always fun to catch up with the always-fun folks that work the Visit Anchorage and Alaska Tourism booths at the New York Times Travel Show. They are a long way from home but full on energy to promote the great state of Alaska, and Mr. Jones’ hometown of Anchorage.

Did you attend the New York Times Travel Show this year? If so, what were some of your favorite travel finds? Please share in comments below.

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A Delightful Wine Bar in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen

by Janis on March 4, 2014

While in New York City last weekend for the New York Times Travel Show, we were looking for a quiet place to have a glass of wine and a bit of food.

Wine Escape, Hell's Kitchen, New York City

Thanks to Yelp, we found Wine Escape in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.

With it’s brick walls, low lighting and flickering candles, the Wine Escape is a tiny, intimate place with a warm, welcoming vibe and an interesting list of wines by the glass.

There is seating around a long bar, or at small tables in the back.

This was the perfect spot to warm up from the cold night in New York City.

Our bartender, Mike, made us feel right at home.

We tried red, wine and sparkling wines from South Africa, France, South America and California.

Along with our diverse choice of wines, we shared a cheese plate (where you get to pick five cheeses from a list of ten or more options.)

Later, we shared one of the daily specials, the meatballs with fresh tomato sauce, basil and Asiago cheese.

During the our visit, we met some of the regular customers, who were both interesting and friendly.

If we lived in New York City, we’d be regulars at the Wine Escape.

Do you have a favorite wine bar in New York City? Please share in comments below.

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The #1 Action U.S. Travelers Can Take For a Better Flight Experience

by Janis on February 28, 2014

“I just won’t fly anymore. The security makes flying too much of a hassle. I’ll either drive or stay home.”

We frequently hear comments like this from people who like to travel but don’t want to fly.

While we understand the dislike of air travel hassles — from security lines to crowded planes to canceled flights — there is an action that most U.S. travelers can take to make their flight experiences less stressful.

Apply For TSA Pre-Check for a Smoother Pre-flight Experience at Many U.S. Airports

The words “TSA PRE” on your boarding pass (as highlighted in yellow in the photo above) means a much quicker transit through airport security checkpoints without having to remove your belt, shoes or lightweight jacket. Plus, you can leave your “liquids” quart-size bag and your laptop computer inside your carry on.

In our experience, TSA Pre-Check means a 3 – 10 minute trip through security rather than an hour or more at the busiest airports. Of course, you are still subject to full screening upon random selection or other issue, but we’ve found that a rare occurrence since we have been using Pre-Check.

Pre-Check is available at at more than 115 airports nationwide for eligible passengers traveling on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America. This link contains a list of participating airports where where TSA Preâœ“ lanes are available. A caution: not all security gates at participating airports have Pre-Check.

How to Qualify for TSA Pre-Check

TSA Preâœ“ allows low-risk travelers who apply and are approved for the Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler program to experience faster, more efficient screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints for domestic and international travel.

To qualify, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) and cannot have been convicted of certain crimes.
Interested applicants pre-enroll online to provide biographic information that includes name, date of birth and address before visiting an enrollment center to be fingerprinted and show valid required identity and citizenship/immigration documentation. There is a nonrefundable application processing fee of $85.00, but the once complete the Pre-Check is good for five years.
After completing enrollment, successful applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via U.S. mail approximately 2-3 weeks following their visit to the enrollment center.
Once approved for TSA Preâœ“, you must enter the provided KTN in the “˜Known Traveler Number’ field when booking airfare on any of the nine participating airlines. You can also enter your KTN in your frequent flyer profiles with participating airlines for future reservations.
We’ve found it’s always a good idea to check that the number is in each booking at least several days before you fly. It’s also essential to make you reservations with the same name you used when applying for the TSA Pre-Check. If you are Jeffrey Allen Smith, don’t book your ticket as Jeff A. Smith, or you won’t qualify for expedited security.
When you check-in online and print your boarding pass, you will see a TSA Preâœ“ indicator on the boarding pass if you are approved for Pre-Check for that flight.

Apply for Global Entry and Get TSA Pre-check as a Side Benefit

U.S. citizens who are currently enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS, as well as other individuals who already have a Known Traveler Number (KTN), are eligible to participate in TSA Preâœ“.

If you plan to travel internationally, you should apply for Global Entry which expedites clearance through Customs when you enter the United States. A side benefit of this program, which costs $100 for 5 years, is that you also receive a Known Traveler Number, which means that you can participate in TSA Pre-Check without a separate approval.

What’s Global Entry?
“Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program.”

What this means is that if you apply for and are approved for Global Entry, you skip the regular Customs line when you enter the US and go to a special automated kiosks at select airports. You scan your passport in the machine, put your fingers on the pad for fingerprint matching, smile for the camera, answer four questions, and then the machine spits out your clearance. After collecting your bags, you go through another special line (past all those angry glares of those waiting in the long lines) and out you go, on your way. There is always the possibility that you get an X on your form, which requires further screening, but it is still expedited.

Learn more about Global Entry and the application process here.

We applied applied for Global Entry in 2012, and have benefited ever since. This little card (pictured above) is also recognized by Australia customs, allowing a quick entry when you visit that country.

Plus, you get TSA Pre-Check at the same time.

If you dislike long security and immigration lines at airports, check out Global Entry and/or TSA Pre-Check.

It will make flying less stressful and more fun, so you can enjoy seeing more of the world.

Do you have TSA Pre-Check and/or Global Entry? If so, which airport do you most appreciate the expedited screening?

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18 Fun Facts About Phuket, Thailand

by Janis on February 25, 2014

Since we will visit Phuket, Thailand for the first time next month via a cruise ship, we’ve been doing a little pre-trip research.

Here are 18 Fun Facts we found about Phuket, Thailand

1. Phuket (pronounced Poo-get) is Thailand’s largest island situated off the west coast in the Andaman Sea. Two bridges connect the island of Phuket to mainland Thailand.

2. Phuket is one of the 76 provinces that make up the country of Thailand. With 69.5 million people, Thailand is the world’s 20th most populous country. Tourism has helped convert Phuket island into Thailand’s wealthiest province.

3. More than 600,000 people live on the island of Phuket but the official registered Thai population was 360,905 people at the end of 2012. A combination of migrant workers, international expats, long-term tourists and Thais registered in other provinces who live in Phuket at least part of the year swell the population.

4. Phuket Town — the largest town in Phuket Province — is the economic hub of the island.

Cruise ships at anchor tendering into Putong Bay, Phuket, Thailand — To call on Phuket, Thailand, cruise ships at anchor tendering into Putong Bay, in Phuket, Thailand

5. Cruise ships calling on Phuket can dock at Ao Makham Deep Sea Port approximately five miles south of Phuket Town, but during the favorable weather of November to April they often in anchor on the west side of the island and tender to a temporary pier at the south end of Patong Beach. Kalim Beach on the north end of Patong has also been used as a tender pier for cruise guests.

6. Phuket is hot and humid throughout the year with the highest temperatures between March and early May. During the summer monsoon season of May to October, mornings are often sunny and clear with afternoon and evening rain. November to February is the “cool” season and the most popular time for tourist visits.

7. Phuket suffered extensive damage from the December 26, 2004 tsunami resulting from an Indian Ocean earthquake. Many of the damaged resorts were back in business by February, 2005 and little tsunami damage can be seen on the island today.

8. Thailand launched the first of the 22 U.S.-made tsunami-detection buoys positioned around the Indian Ocean as part of a regional warning system in December, 2006. The satellite-linked deep-sea buoy floats 620 miles offshore near the midway point between Thailand and Sri Lanka.

9. Mountains that stretch from north to south cover 70 percent of Phuket.

10. Phuket has nine brooks and creeks but no major rivers.

Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon monument. Photo by Sry85.

11. Thepkassatri Road, one of Phuket’s main roads leads past the “˜Heroine’s Monument’ paying tribute to Thao Thep Kasatri and Thao Sri Suntorn. When the Burmese tried to invade in 1785, the widow of the deceased governor and her sister ordered the women to dress as men and take positions on the Thalang city walls. Tricked into thinking Phuket had many troops, the Burmese were afraid to attack Phuket and retreated due to starvation. The two women became local heroines. They received the honorary titles from King Rama I.

12. Throughout history, Phuket was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in ship logs of Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traders. Tin mining has been a major source of income for the island since the 16th century. Tin and rubber contributed to Phuket’s rich and colorful history.

13. Today 60 percent of Phuket is covered with forest, rubber and palm oil plantations. Phuket’s rubber output helps make Thailand the world’s largest producer of rubber.

14. While Buddhism is practiced by 95 percent of Thailand’s population, Phuket is a melting pot of indigenous Thais, Thai-Chinese, ethnic Malays and sea gypsies. The majority of the Phuket’s rural population is Muslim.

15. Patong Beach on the central west coast is Phuket’s most popular tourist area with inexpensive shopping and an intense nightlife scene. In Thai, Patong means “the forest filled with banana leaves.”

16. Karon Beach, Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach are popular beaches south of Patong. North of Patong are the more relaxed and less-crowded Kamala, Surin and Bang Tao Beaches.

17. Snorkelers and scuba divers flock to the coral of Similan and Phi Phi Islands south of Phuket.

Ko Tapu known as James Bond Island, is part of the Khao Phing Kan islands, in Thailand's Phang Nga Bay. Photo by Diego Delso — Ko Tapu known as James Bond Island, is part of the Khao Phing Kan islands, in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay. Photo by Diego Delso

18. After its starring role in the James Bond movie The Man With the Golden Gun, the bizarre, why-doesn’t-it-fall-over island of Koh Tapu in Phang Nga Bay was renamed James Bond Island. This famous bay is known for a number of limestone cliffs that jut out of the emerald-green water like skyscrapers. During high season, the entire area is often crowded with tour boats.

Learn more about Phuket and traveling in Thailand with these resources:
Lonely Planet Pocket Phuket

Thailand’s Best Street Food: The Complete Guide to Streetside Dining in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Other Areas