Jetiquette | The Sky Steward

On today’s show, we’ll be talking about social media while traveling, a pet travel update with a little bit about Fergie’s latest travel adventures, and we’ll chat a moment about going through security at the TSA. What have your experiences been like lately?  Plus what are the most annoying corporate-speak phrases you’ve heard lately?

Letter from a Reader….TSA pat-downs and what now to wear

Let’s start with this. I received a letter from a reader regarding how Jetiquette and [...]

By Margery Wilson

If you are an art lover you can save money if you decide to visit  The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.  Book the “A Celebration of Art and History” package and enjoy a self-guided 30-minute podcast tour of the hotel’s 4,200-piece art collection, a three-day/two-night stay in a Deluxe Kallang Bay View room and daily breakfast.  Included in the pachage is admission fee, one-hour guided tour and return same-day transfers to the National Museum of Singapore.  You’ll also come home [...]

The latest from Skysteward’s European Correspondent

THIS IS a very fishy time here in the Netherlands, for now is the time of year for “Hollandse Nieuwe” – “New Catch Holland Herring.” The skinny silver herrings fatten up until they are more than 16% fat (the required minimum), sometimes 25% from eating the plankton, which is like Nutella and stroopwafels to those fishes. The fish is filleted but the tail is left on to provide a handle when you eat them. [...]

by Margery Wilson

Savonlinna is set on islands amid the largest lake district in Europe, and is one of the most popular holiday regions in Finland.  The scenic lake district of Saimaa offers visitors an idyllic setting for a cultural, spa, beach, sport or city holiday – or for a combination of these.

The region offers a wealth of cultural attractions. The jewel in the crown is the Savonlinna Opera Festival held every July which attracts over 60,000 visitors from all over the world. [...]

by Margery Wilson

When you think of a casino resort what comes to mind: show stopping entertainment, fine dining, the luxury spa, pool paradise, golf, table games and slots?

What about cooking school?

Renown for their restaurant quality ranges and kitchen appliances for the home, Viking has cooking schools all over the USA, and the newest one has just opened at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Located inside the casino, the school has been situated in a premier location near an [...]

by Elizabeth Smith

If you’re a foodie and wine geek like me, you’re always looking for a new destination at which you can enjoy both. Recently TripAdvisor announced the results of their Traveler’s Choice Top 10 Food & Wine Destinations in the world, the United States, Europe, Asia, South Pacific, and Central and South America.

The top 10 U.S. food and wine destinations are as follows: Napa, CA; Charleston, SC, New Orleans, LA; Chicago, IL; San [...]

Insanity

by Margery Wilson

Here at Skysteward we are used to seeing the world from 40,000 feet, but thrills can be found at lesser altitude.  There is one thrill in Las Vegas that gives new meaning to the word thrill : Insanity.

That is the name of the ride, or maybe the sobriquet given to those seek it out.  Located on top of the 90-story Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel tower this is a one of a kind experience (see photo at left). [...]

By Margery Wilson

Bowling was popular in the 50′s and made a resurgence in the 80′s and today has been rediscovered yet again.   Once the province of teens and blue collar, bowling today is retro chic.   Looking to recreate the nostalgic glory days of bowling alleys,  Foxwoods is adding to its first class resort by adding luxury lanes.

In 1986 Foxwoods Casino, now the largest resort casino in North America, had its beginning when the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation opened a [...]

By John Campbell

Viking River Cruises has announced its intention to devote $250 million to fleet development over the next three years.  The plan includes 8 new vessels and the complete refurbishment of two vessels already in service.  The addition of 8 new vessels will bring the total number of ships in the fleet to 26, representing a 40% increase in capacity.  With twice the market share of its nearest competitor already, the new ships will further solidify Viking’s dominance in [...]

Disney Imagineer Joni Van Buren sculpts a model of King Triton, who, in his final form will be 35 feet tall and tower over guests at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts newest Resort. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be one-of-a-kind, with themed building exteriors and room interiors that bring to life The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is expected to open by the end of 2012.

by Margery Wilson

Disney has [...]

by Margery Wilson

Atlantic City has been a resort town from the beginning. Train service began bringing beach goers from Philadelphia in 1854.  Atlantic City’s Boardwalk is legendary. The first one was built in 1870.  Today the Boardwalk is only about half the size it was before a hurricane in 1944, but 4 miles remains and attracts millions of visitors every year.

Once “the place” to take in big name entertainment while on holiday, in recent years Atlantic [...]

by Margery Wilson

Fancy a Lobstah dinnah?  From May 15 to June 30, guests who stay one night at The Samoset Resort, The Sagamore, The Harborside Hotel, or the Wentworth Resort Hotel and Spa will enjoy a Yankee lobster feast, complete with clam chowder, corn on the cob and blueberry pie.

The Samoset Resort has been considered the premier coastal resort location in Maine for over one hundred years. Renowned for spectacular and expansive views of Penobscot Bay and distant islands, with [...]

MT FUJI photo by Soichi Noguchi

by Margery Wilson

I tend to think everyone uses Twitter.  When I joined up I thought I was probably one of the last people on the planet to be Twitterless.  However, every day I meet people who are not Twits.  (“Notwits”?)  If they are college students or young adults I deliver my “at your age you need to be networking on the social media” speech.  It is an impromptu affair, actually, not a script. For [...]

Fry’s is a virtual bar on Twitter.

The people who frequent the virtual pub had the idea for an actual, real world gig to benefit charity and the Frysgig #1 was born. Held in London it featured our European Correspondent, Raymond, as host.

(Watch the video to see highlights from the first show, and to enjoy our Raymond in action. Click HERE )

Raymond, Our European Correspondent, lighting up Frysgig #1 in London

Unsigned Mind at Fry’s #1 was the first in a [...]

by Margery Wilson

CINCO DE MAYO  is seen by many as a day to celebrate the culture, achievements and experiences of people with a Mexican background who live in the United States. To others it is considered another name for “killer hangover.”  There is a large commercial element to the day, and, as a result, some Mexicans, both in Mexico and in the United States, reject all celebration of Cinco de Mayo, regarding it as a U.S. commercial event rather than [...]

by Margery Wilson

Because of the decades of US restrictions on travel to Cuba most Americans are likely unaware that Cuba is a popular tourist destination. A record 2.4 million foreigners visited Cuba last year, including some 100,000 Americans.  As of May 1, 2010, the Cuban government is requiring all tourists to show proof of comprehensive travel insurance including medical insurance.

Insurance kiosks have appeared at some Cuban airports, although reports indicate this service is not available at all international entry points.  [...]

By John Campbell

In honor of Memorial Day and to honor those who have served, Carnival Cruise Lines today announced a new promotion for military personnel.  Throughout the month of May, members of the armed services, both past and present, may book up to 3 cabins at discounted rates for themselves, their families and their friends.

Discounts are available on a wide variety of sailings to many destinations, including the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and Canada/New England.  Reservations must be made [...]

by Margery Wilson

May 1 was  the official opening day for Expo 2010, officially Expo 2010 Shanghai China. The Expo is scheduled to run through October 31, 2010. The theme of the exposition will be “Better City – Better Life.”  It is the most expensive Expo in the history of the world’s fairs. The expo Logo features the Chinese character ? (‘world’, Chinese “shì”) modified to represent three people together with the 2010 date. It is also [...]

by Margery Wilson

Just in time for the opening of Expo 2010 in Shanghai on May 1, China has lifted a 20-year-old regulation that prohibited the entry of anyone with HIV or Aids, saying it was based on outdated information.

The change to the Border Quarantine Law was put into effect  just days before the opening of the Shanghai World Expo, which China is hoping will attract 70 million visitors over six months, including four million from overseas.

“After gaining more knowledge about [...]

Food, wine, tea and travel – sound delicious? On our March 25th show we talk with people who specialize in tours that cater to your palate.

Visit Provence and the French Riviera while enjoying visits to the area’s crème de la crème wineries — including winemaker dinners.  Take excursions to a leading chocolate maker and an award-winning olive oil producer. Visit Provence’s most famous outdoor markets showcasing a cornucopia of farm-fresh produce and a dazzling array of Provençal crafts and a cooking class [...]

by Margery Wilson

In the Netherlands June is the month of “Hollandse Nieuwe” or New Catch Holland Herring, at a time of year when the silver fish gain up to 25% fat from feasting on plankton in the waters of the North Sea.

In the US you can celebrate Hollandse Nieuwe in New York City at the famous Russ & Daughters restaurant.  Perveyors of the highest quality smoked fish, caviar, and specialty foods, Russ & Daughters is New York’s premier appetizing shop. [...]

View of Alcatraz

My layover in  San Francisco was just what I needed. One afternoon really can “reset” your spirit. Although I was there on a Sunday which is very crowded and touristy (I guess I was one of them), it was a delight. I went for a walk with a friend from our hotel on Union Square to the Embarcadero and then left to Fisherman’s Wharf.

This walk will take you directly past Pier 39 and a [...]

The next time you fly Finnair, you’ll be enjoying the convenience of the brand new terminal extensions at their Helsinki hub. And coming in December 2009, when making connections at Helsinki you’ll have the opporunity to relax and recharge in a fabulous new 250 seat via.lounge and a restful spa area, via.spa.

The spa offers four separate saunas, treatment rooms for express treatments as well as those of a more leisurely nature, various foot treatments and a mineral water pool for health baths. What a [...]

Not since the days of Eastern’s 727-100′s and Piedmont’s (eventually USAir) F-28′s have we seen full sized commercial airliners landing on the short runway of Key West International Airport. Although larger regional jets have been landing at EYW for some time, it is really quite a site to see a relatively large airliner touching down and then reversing thrust like nobody’s business creating landings similar to those on aircraft carriers (only there is no line or hook)

Back in the late 1980′s [...]