http://www.viewpoints.com/Misc-Travel--3308 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:52:55 GMT Reviews about Misc. Travel http://www.viewpoints.com/Westport-Beach-RV-and-Camping-Westport-CA-review-2c0e4 I am sickened by how I now feel about a campground that I had always loved coming to. — We were planning a great vacation with family and friends in a group campsite. We had paid for the campsite in full and were awaiting the arrival of the rest of our clan. The last of the bunch arrived at 9:15pm. They approached the gate and was told that the gate closed at 9pm and they would have to find another campground or hotel. Our friends explained that they had just driven 4 hours with 2 young children (4 & 2 years of age), that the campsite had already been paid for in full and that we were waiting for their arrival at the campsite. The manager refused the family admittance. They asked the manager if they could alert us that they had arrived safely because they didn't have cell service...he again refused. So as we sat around the campfire waiting for them, we were unaware that they had been turned around to find a hotel another 30 minutes away. The next morning... Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:52:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Westport-Beach-RV-and-Camping-Westport-CA-review-2c0e4 ngarofalo 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Vacationrentals-com-review-965c Vacationrentals.com is a web site consisting of privately owned homes, villas and condos all over the world.  What I find outstanding about this site is the cost of the rental is much less than what is listed on other similar sites ie: VRBO.  However, the quality of the listings are very much 4-5 star properties. — When you visit the site you click to select your destination. From the next page you can check off the exact amenities you would like your property to have; price range, sleeping capacity, ocean front, allow pets, no smoking, etc.  At that point the available properties with your specific selections will come up.  When you click on a property you are interested in, all the details come up.  It may also give you an availability calendar, which is a great feature.  You will know immediately if the property is available for your selected dates.  — If you require more information on the property there is a link to contact the... Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:37:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Vacationrentals-com-review-965c mysticstarfish 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Titanic-review-3be62 Last weekend my husband and I took a mini-vacation down to Branson. We decided to visit the Titanic while we were there. That was the neatest attraction that I have seen in a long time. It was reasonably priced ($20 per person) and you got to move at your own pace. However, there was a lot of reading but also a lot of hands on stuff. Well worth the... Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:17:53 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Titanic-review-3be62 Calidi 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Daufuskie-Island-review-814c3 Daufuskie Island is located off the most southern point of Hilton Head, SC.  The only way to get to the island is to park your car and take a ferry ride over.  You need to be prepared...take all of your food, toys and bikes with you.  There are a couple of resorts with restaurants and a general store but you really need to take most of your supplies with you.  — The island is beautiful with a lot of wildlife to see.  Horseback riding from the resort is great but riding around on the golf carts is the best way to explore the island.  Our family has visited twice, both times staying on the more private side of the island called "Bloody Point".  It is a golf lovers dream vacation - the courses are beautiful.  They even have a private golf school for teenagers with kids from all over the world. — The beaches are quiet and my kids loved exploring every morning.  We would find dozens of sand dollars washed up on shore.  —... Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:36:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Daufuskie-Island-review-814c3 walk4acure 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Elite-Travel-Group-Clearwater-FL-review-9d5d4 I had a very large group use Elite Travel for my destination wedding in June 2008. When making travel arrangements phone calls and emails were not returned. I asked for confirmations and seat assignments on several occasions but never received them until 2 weeks prior to departure when I called and got them over the phone. When i checked our seat assignments NONE of my party, including the couples that booked together, were seated together and my minor son's flight had been cancelled. They do say that the seat assignments were due to AA changing the flight time, but my issue is that it took ME figuring it out and calling AA to fix it. Had I not called AA my minor son would not have made the trip formy wedding day in which he was a part of the bridal party. Imagine THAT disappointment on your wedding day. Anyway, enough about me...fact is I would assume that being in the business, if this is so common, you should be aware of the situation and the procedure to resolve it. Members... Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:04:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Elite-Travel-Group-Clearwater-FL-review-9d5d4 sunflowervw2 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/www-hotelsallowingpets-com-review-d9b01 HotelsAllowingPets.com is a directory of places to stay while traveling with your pet.  It is a great place to locate hotels, categorized by state that are known to be pet-friendly.  A variety of locations including extended stay facilities are available in one central... Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:32:47 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/www-hotelsallowingpets-com-review-d9b01 rentmydn 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Ten-Trips-to-make-Air-Travel-more-pleasant-review-f9967 I love to travel. — However, as a frequent air traveler there are some things that if more people did these things travel would be so much better for all. — Here is my list: — 1. You are not the only person traveling. — This tip is seemingly obvious, but when you are in front of someone who is clearly impatient with the time you are taking to do what ever it is you are doing (re-ticketing, undressing for security, walking...) it is a real pain, not to mention rude to have to deal with this impatient travelers temper tantrum. If you are the impatient traveler, realize that everyone is going somewhere that is important to them, and cool your jets. — 2. When faced with a delay that is not due to human error (or even if it is) remember your manners. — Other than the travel perks that come with working for an airline, it does not appear to be a fun job, having to deal on the people end of the traveling public, so if you plane is delayed due... Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:29:39 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Ten-Trips-to-make-Air-Travel-more-pleasant-review-f9967 TaraLee 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Casa-de-las-Chimeneas-Bed-Breakfast-Taos-NM-review-7b974 It is possible that Taos, New Mexico, has more bed & breakfast inns per capita than anywhere else in the country. During regular journeys to this enchanting town, we have stayed at many of them, and never been disappointed. — — At the top of our chart is Casa de las Chimeas at 405 Cordobas Road. As you approach the walled gardens under massive trees, it is a little hard to make out what awaits you. Once you turn onto the grounds, you see the main house with its welcoming double doors and the individual casitas that make up the inn. — — Casa, which translates to "house" is a bit of a misnomer. There actuall are several "casas" on the grounds, each room with its own kiva fireplace, giving rise to the name "the house of chimneys". Eight different rooms include cable TV, telephone service, mini-fridges with sodas and juices, beamed ceilings and private bathrooms. Each has its own private entrance off the grounds. — — This is an inn that makes you... Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:36:47 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Casa-de-las-Chimeneas-Bed-Breakfast-Taos-NM-review-7b974 Eyerater 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Hard-Rock-Theme-Park-review-197f1 Hard Rock Theme Park, sounds great doesn't it? We thought so to and bought season passes for its initial year. The park is beautifull to look at that, and disapointing once you bet beyond the looks. There are exceptionaly few rides the small kids can go onb, and nowhere as much as you would expect for the older kids and even the adults. As far as pricing inside the park $3.00 for a a 20oz bottle of either coke or pepsi is a bit much. One concession even had 1/4 hotdogs for for either 7 or 8 dollars . We all expect to pay more in a major attraction but that much?!! — — My friends an i live local to it and to be honest we will not be buying season passes again we are so dissapointed with that park. On the pro side it is unique the have a few rides such as the Led Zepplin, Life in the Fast Lane rroller coasters that are quiet good but beyond that and the scenery I personaly do not see many pro's to this place. Ok one realy nice thing is the Laser light/fireowrks... Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:41:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Hard-Rock-Theme-Park-review-197f1 hotchy 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Parking-Spot-Century-review-aaba2 i fly in to and out from lax often.  the parking spot's yellow shuttles with black spots are the shuttles i notice that make stops at the red pick-up zones frequently.  both parking sturctures (century and sepulveda) fill up quickly...especially during a holiday.  the lots and the shuttles are clean.  the parking spaces are a good enough size to not have to squeeze between the cars when walking by or to worry about dents/dings/scratches, unless the person parked next to you is just careless and swings her/his door wide open.  the drivers are courteous.  one time i was on a shuttle along with one other lady.  she had gotten on the wrong parking spot shuttle (she got on the century bus but parked at the sepulveda structure).  the driver was kind enough to drive her to the correct parking lot. — — how often do i park here?  i keep a few of the coupons i receive in the mail and the ones i print up from their website in my car.... Sat, 07 Jun 2008 04:42:35 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Parking-Spot-Century-review-aaba2 AlmondJoy2475 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/John-Wesley-Powell-Museum-review-12d82 If you love adventure, history or the West..... — you'll love the John Wesley Powell museum in Page, Arizona.   Any visit to the Grand Canyon or Lake Powell area leaves a person dumb-founded that anyone ever had the nerve to explore the Colorado River and survive to talk about it.   Powell, a one-armed Civil War Hero did just that, inspiring countless others to follow in his footsteps.   This great little museum, in the town just outside Lake Powell's Arizona entrance, really gives an exciting overview of Powell and his fellow adventurers, including a few modern-day couples.  The ladies of the Colorado are particularly fascinating. — A Must-Stop for Grand Canyon fans — If you've been to the Grand Canyon you'll appreciate this museum even more.  It's got detailed histories, photos and maps of Powell and his entourage, as well as all those brave explorers who took his lead and set out on their own adventures. ... Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:08:45 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/John-Wesley-Powell-Museum-review-12d82 LibbyMcMillan 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Lake-Powell-Boat-Rentals--153343-review-291d1 Lake Powell leaves you Speechless! — I wish I had a dollar for every time one of six people on our boat said "Look at that!" while boating Lake Powell!   One of America's most stunning destinations, Lake Powell is really only appreciated by being on it.   Yes, you can get a "feel" for it by gazing down at her rocky shores from a vantage point on land, but until you're boating next to 150' high sandstone cliffs, you don't really understand her majesty.  — — Lake Powell Boat Rentals — Family vacations can be tricky when it comes to deciding what to do at a destination.  Not this time.  Rent a power boat for the day ($440-$610, plus gas); they hold "up to 8 passengers,"....but be advised, our 20' power boat would have felt crowded with more than the six people and one cooler we had on board.   What a fantastic way to see the lake!   Once you're on the water and can get near the magnificent... Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:52:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Lake-Powell-Boat-Rentals--153343-review-291d1 LibbyMcMillan 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/MCO-Orlando-Intl-Airport-review-328a4 Orlando for Lay-overs? — The only reason NOT to layover in Orlando is the flight getting there - I can guarantee you that your plane will be full of pie-eyed, highly excited little tykes on their way to see Mickey.  It will be a loud flight, but mostly with happy sounds.   That said, if you actually have a choice where to lay over, Orlando is a good choice. — Road Warriors will probably agree that the terminals are spacious, and present lots of optoins for eating, going online, having a cocktail, and checking out goods and services. — In addition to coffee, pizza, bulk candy and the usual suspects, you'll also have access to good electronic accessories, bling-y ladies' accessories and a gigantic central waiting area beyond the gates, which affords plenty of privacy.  — — Libby's Hot Tip:   The hamburger chain Johnny Rocket's includes a bar, and you can get a call highball + a huge chef... Sun, 01 Jun 2008 02:54:22 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/MCO-Orlando-Intl-Airport-review-328a4 LibbyMcMillan 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Amsafe-Inc-Airplane-Seat-Belt-Extenders-review-262c4 When I wrote a previous review about a 2007 "Spring Break" trip on United Airlines, I gave them a lot of richly deserved credit but also took issue with the length of their seat belts.  I mentioned that I could not get mine closed at all and that the relatively slender young man who had been traveling next to me had not even bothered to try to buckle his for the take-off.  I must admit that it was very humiliating to have to call this problem to the attention of the flight attendants so that they could resolve the problem for me with an extender and so for my "Spring Break" flight this year, I was determined to be ready and packing my very own Amsafe Airplane Seat Belt Extender.  This gadget is available from LivingXL.com (1-800-535-7639).  It has worked out beautifully and starting at $59.95 was worth the money.  By buckling this into the installed seat belts on each side, suddenly I had enough seat belt to strap another person in with me... Thu, 29 May 2008 04:47:31 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Amsafe-Inc-Airplane-Seat-Belt-Extenders-review-262c4 AnnaBanana 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Apache-Oceanfront-Pier-Family-Campground-Myrtle-Beach-S-C-review-e5cc4 My husband and I stay here alot with our 30' Puma travel trailer. This is the second year that we have stay with them. The mangement and staff at the campground and pier are the greatest. Very friendly and helpful as can be. We love staying with them. We stay with them about every 3 weeks from May untill after Thanksgiving. We stay for about a week at at time during the fall months up to two weeks. We can take our 3 pets with me. I have a Black Lab and 2 cats are our little beach Bums too. — They do restrict the breeds of Dogs they allow to come to the campground — ... Thu, 29 May 2008 02:25:02 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Apache-Oceanfront-Pier-Family-Campground-Myrtle-Beach-S-C-review-e5cc4 whitestar 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Serra-Verde-Express-review-3a582 Everybody loves a great train trip! If you find yourself in southeastern Brazil, one of the most fun train day excursions you can do is to book a trip on the Serra Verde Express and head to the Atlantic coast. Along the way, you pass through narrow mountain passes, hug the cliffside above dramatic sheer drops to a canyon floor hundreds of meters below, and get the chance to see some of Brazil's spectacular rain forest back country. — — The train runs through the heart of the mountains. There's dozens of tunnels along the way, narrow bridges over rushing gorges, and spectacular greenery. The first hour of the trip is a bit dull because it's urban cityscape, suburbs, and then gentle rolling farmland...but then as the train starts climbing into the mountains, the photogenic fireworks begin... — — I love that most of the cars have windows that open wide and that you can hang out in the vestibule and lean your head out the window like a hound in the front seat of... Fri, 23 May 2008 16:44:10 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Serra-Verde-Express-review-3a582 mrkstvns 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Westport-Beach-RV-and-Camping-Westport-CA-review-4e564 My wife and I were staying in Mendocino for our 22nd wedding anniversary,and decided to checkout some of the local campgrounds for the future.We pulled in and missed the check in office, and was stopped very quickly by a very rude older man.He asked why we didn't check in.I told him I was sorry and turned around.The ladies were just as rude as they gave me a visitors pass.They then told me I had only 10 minutes and not to step foot out of the vehicle.We thought it looked nice in some of the areas and were writing down some of our favorite site #s.On our way out and back up the hill, we were greeted by the grumpy old man again.He was driving down the middle of the road on his riding lawn mower waving his hands at us.He then proceeded to tell us we were driving to fast and making too much dust,and was very rude about the way he spoke to us.We never went faster then 5 miles an hour.I was so angry with the way they were treating us that I stopped by and told the 2 ladies that as long... Tue, 20 May 2008 22:27:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Westport-Beach-RV-and-Camping-Westport-CA-review-4e564 Marblemike 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Dallas-Fort-Worth-International-Airport-DFW-review-18c27 If there's a single reason why I dread having to fly American Airlines, it's got to be their insistence on forcing me to connect through DFW airport. DFW is, quite simply, one of the WORST airports in America. It's badly designed, passenger hostile, inconveniently located, ugly, and its expensive. — — — Bad by Design.... — One of the worst designs for airports is the loose collection of disconnected terminal buildings. The only way to make that fundamentally inconvenient and unusable design worse is to not provide walkways between the terminals, but instead to force passengers onto some conveyance, like buses, shuttles, or mini trains. — — DFW has 5 terminal buildings, and they exhibit many of the user-hostile problems inherent in such schemes. Dropping off passengers at DFW is a pain because the access roads have loops and underpasses and a plethora of drop-off, pickup points: it's the most confusing scheme of any airport I've ever seen.... Mon, 19 May 2008 16:32:26 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dallas-Fort-Worth-International-Airport-DFW-review-18c27 mrkstvns 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Dallas-Love-Field-DAL-review-129d1 If you live in Texas or neighboring states, you don't have to use big, ugly, expensive, inconvenient DFW airport. You can use the smaller, more friendly, more convenient Dallas Love Field (DAL). It's an easy way to make your trip easier and cheaper. — — Great Location... — I love that Dallas Love Field is actually in Dallas....close to downtown, close to the Market Center area, close to everywhere I want to be. Take a taxi from the West End entertainment district, and you're at Love Field within 10 minutes. By Yahoo Maps, it's 3.7 miles from my Market Center hotel to the airport. How's that grab ya for EASY ACCESS? It's awesome. 5-10 minutes from downtown is all it takes for an airport run when you fly LOVE FIELD. Compare that to the 30-40 trek out to the wilds of Grapevine, where DFW is located. It doesn't take a PhD to see that the convenient location of Love Field ROCKS. — — Parking... — Parking is a LOT better and easier at Love Field than at... Mon, 19 May 2008 15:55:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dallas-Love-Field-DAL-review-129d1 mrkstvns 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Albatros-Charters-Fishing-Cozumel-Mexico-review-81232 My family is full of fishermen so those of us who weren't off scuba diving booked a fishing excursion with Cozumel's Albatros Charters.  We didn't know if we would catch anything but all agreed that a bad day on the water was pretty much better than a good day on land.  — The Albatros picked us up at the dock at our condo complex.  They had music playing, coconut cake sliced for our breakfast, and a cooler stocked full of water, soda, a case of beer.  It took us about an hour to get out far enough to fish but it didn't feel that long because we were so busy talking, laughing, and just enjoying the beautiful view.  The mate spent the trip out putting bait on the trolling lines and dropping them into the water as they were ready.  — We trolled around in the same several dozen square miles for 6 hours.  We caught 4 barracuda, 1 very large dorado/mahi mahi (see picture below), a mutton snapper, and a wahoo.  The captain... Mon, 12 May 2008 23:39:34 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Albatros-Charters-Fishing-Cozumel-Mexico-review-81232 njchicaa 5