Hotel safety & savings tips

Many corporate clients are operating on a tight budget for business expenses, and part of my job is finding the best rates for flights and hotels for travelers. The flight part is easy--it is the hotels where there is a gray area.  Anyone can search online for a cheap rate, but many do not take into account location and safety issues that should be a part of the decision for choosing where to book.  I stand firmly that I will not book any hotel that I feel is unsafe; be it due to location, or type of hotel/motel.  Sure the "X" hotel is cheaper and in the area they want to stay, but not only is the area unsafe, but the property has doors that open to the outside like a motel.  Why even risk it?  And lets not even have the conversation of bedbug possibilities…

Safety is important, and below I've outlined some guidelines to consider for when you travel and stay in a hotel:

• If possible, choose national hotel chains with indoor room entrances
• Use your business card for your luggage tag inserts, never your home address
• Ask for 2 keys when checking in so the perception is you will not be alone
• Avoid staying on the ground floor and when possible, choose a room close to the elevator
• Use your deadbolt when in the room
• NEVER use the "clean my room"  or "pre-order breakfast" door hangers
• Always put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door when you leave the room

For the best rates on hotels, at FROSCH we have various vendors we use for below market rate at many hotels including the major chains.  This is another perk of using a travel agent, as you will receive preferential rates for not only hotels, but car rentals, vacation packages, and various other travel expenses as well.  Often, even if the nightly rate you receive is the normal published rate to a hotel, FROSCH has relationships with many hotels whereby we can provide you with special amenities including early check in and late check out, complimentary breakfasts, and room credits.

By Debra Burman-Gisby.

Travel tip: safeguard your luggage!

What an easy and simple travel tip to protect all your stuff if you're checking a bag for your flight. Note: those zip ties can be purchased at Target and grocery stores, too.

Hotel Pets

Last week we gave you some tips on how to capture memories of the exotic wildlife you might see on your next African safari.  But perhaps you're in the mood for something a little tamer, a cuddle from a friendly cat or dog when you've left your own best friend at home.  Here are some of our favorite hotel pets...

Mavis and Beau at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

A knowledgeable source says that these two "Canine Ambassadors" are either the laziest dogs ever or the ones who get the most exercise.  We suspect it's the latter-- guests can reserve times to take them out for a walk, and in beautiful Vancouver, that's the best way to get around.  Mavis and Beau are great with other dogs, and the hotel is pet-friendly with a gourmet pet menu, in case you plan on bringing along your own best friend.

Fa-raon at Hotel le Bristol in Paris
There are lots of hotel and shop cats in Paris, but we think that Fa-Raon is the fanciest, and, with a bright green Hermes collar, the best-dressed.  Who better to represent one of the poshest hotels in Paris? 

Monty at Montage Deer Valley

A new resort, a new puppy!  Monty, the Bernese Mountain dog, is now 6 months old and fits right in at the luxurious new mountainside resort in Utah.  He's growing before our eyes (and getting BIG!) and he loves to romp in the snow and welcome guests to the hotel. 

Goldfish at Hotel Monaco

Maybe you get a little lonely when you travel, but don't want the responsibilities of caring for a pet on the road.  At Hotel Monaco (in various cities around the US) they give you your own goldfish to keep you company in your room.  You don't even have to feed it-- the staff will take care of everything!

Do you have a favorite hotel animal ambassador?  Tell us all about it!  Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page!

6 Steps to Amazing Wildlife Photography

So you've booked your dream vacation-- an African safari, Australian walkabout, or Antarctic expedition-- or maybe you're touring our national parks or even just heading to the beach with the kids. You'll want to savor the experience and preserve the memories by taking the best possible wildlife photos. Here's how. 

Get close.

Obviously, there may be obstacles to getting up close and personal with your subject, especially if your subject is a protected species and/or has sharp teeth! But if you minimize your distance and invest in a decent zoom lens, you’ll be able to fill your frame with beautiful wildlife closeups. 

Creative Commons photo by fwooper

Aim high and get low.

The best way to get a unique, provocative shot is to change your perspective. Kneel or lay on the ground & consider using whatever grass or foliage is nearby to frame your shot. If you get the opportunity to take a hot-air balloon, bush plane, or helicopter ride, bring your camera—just don’t drop it!

Be late to bed and early to rise.

There is something special about photography that’s done at dawn or dusk. Not only is this the time of day that most wildlife is active, the quality of light often imparts a sense of mystery and ephemeral beauty that you just can’t get with the harsher shadows of full daylight.

Hold still.

For blur-free photos and the sharpest focus, use this technique: stabilize your arms on a stationary object, like a wall, the ground, or a car, or tuck them in close to your body to minimize movement. A tripod is superior, of course, but with prohibitive baggage allowances this isn’t always practical. 

Creative Commons photo by szeke

Don't be afraid to edit.

There’s no shame in editing your photos a bit when you get back. Using a free photo editing software, such as Picasa, you can easily crop, sharpen, or adjust the exposure of your pictures, bringing them to the next level of awesomeness.

Exhibit only the best.

Resist the urge to develop every last one of your memory card’s 2,048 photos and foist the stack on every acquaintance you encounter post-vacation. Select the best 10% and upload them to your Facebook account or a photo website such as Flickr. Consider publishing the very best in your own professionally-printed coffee table book.

What are your wildlife photography tips and secrets? Share them by posting a comment below or on our Facebook page!

Top 10: Packing to survive an airport delay

Photo by Joi

Between volcanic ash clouds, transport strikes, and nasty winter weather, 2010 has been the year of airport delays.  Here at FROSCH we've been working around the clock to assist our travelers whose flights were delayed or cancelled this past weekend.

It might be too late for them, but here's packing list of essential items for surviving an unexpected delay in an airport... make sure it's all in your carry-on!

1. Pashmina scarf or lightweight blanket. 
   Use it to stay warm, roll it up and use it as a pillow,  fold it across your lap for an impromptu table cloth.
   
2. A well-stocked toiletry bag.
   We like these handy travel toothbrush kits from Sephora.  A washcloth and a ziplock baggie will refresh.  Don't forget contact solution in a TSA-approved container.  And travel packs of Kleenex and antibacterial wipes will bring you peace of mind. 
   
3. Phone charger. 
   And a good eye for available electrical outlets.
   
4. Useful apps for your smart phone. 
   Here's one that will help you find your gate, a place to eat, or an airport lounge.  Here's one to obsessively track what may or may not be your future plane. 
   
5. Deck of cards. 
   Fast-paced and competitive, Egyptian Ratscrew is THE airport card game.  Not for the weak of heart.  A contact sport.  Hours of entertainment.  Gets out all your pent-up aggression. 
   
6. Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones. 
   For when you're trying to sleep while your fellow airport refugees are playing Egyptian Ratscrew nearby. 
   
7. A hard copy of important numbers. 
   Your travel agent,  the dogsitter, family members.  If your phone dies, you'll need to make contact with the outside world via a pay phone (see above re: antibacterial wipes!) and who has phone numbers memorized anymore?  FROSCH has a dedicated team of after-hours agents whom you can call collect in case of emergency.  If you're using your phone to store your boarding pass and itinerary, make sure you have a printed copy as well, just in case.
   
8. Food and a bottle for water. 
   We like the Water Bobble, which includes a filter to get rid of the mineraly water fountain taste.  Pack some food that won't make you feel gross-- less candy; more fruit, granola bars, or sandwiches.
   
9. Cash
   
10. Change of clothes. 
    At the very least, fresh socks and undergarments.  Pack it in a large ziplock bag that you can later use to collect dirty clothes or trash. 
    
11. Travel Insurance.
    Plan for it ahead of time-- our FROSCH travel insurance will save you from ruin in the form of lost luggage, trip delay or interruption, or weather-related disaster.

What have you found invaluable during long layovers or extended airport stays?  Share your travel tips by posting a comment below or on our Facebook page!