Bridge photo –
“Our mother/daughter trip to Italy was everything we hope for and more… an unforgettable memory my daughter and I will always treasure.”
wine kegs –
“Jan listened with care and understood our needs, desires and passions to plan a trip of our lifetime, creating experiences and memories that have changed our lives.”
Family photo
“Our family trip to Europe was phenomenal. Gateway Destinations not only listened to our desires, but made sure the numerous details were anticipated along the way to make our trip go smoothly.”
United Airline’s Airport Club
I can’t resist sharing a humorous true story a friend told me this week about her experience at Houston’s United Club, formerly known as the Red Carpet Club…
After arriving bedraggled from a long international flight, she decided to shower and wash her hair to freshen up before catching her connection to fly home. While undressing for her shower, she noticed their garment valet and thought it would be even nicer to have her clothes freshened as well. The instructions said the light would turn green when her clothes were ready. After showering, she noticed that the light was still red. Meanwhile, her husband is frantically texting and calling her inquiring where she is as they need to change terminals and catch their next flight! While wrapped in a towel drying her hair with one hand and hurriedly applying makeup with the other, she began to panic wondering whether her clothes would ever surface; no one was in sight to ask. Luckily, they finally did so she dressed and dashed out to meet her husband and run to the next terminal.
Travel Tip: Make sure you have enough time between flights before getting distracted and lured into trying something new at the airport!
Small Women’s Tour Group Means Flexibility in Travel
Have you ever had a fantastic vacation planned but once you got there weather wasn’t cooperating and you felt your only option was to stay inside and sulk? Well, that almost happened last week on my women’s travel tour in Provence, France. Autumn is a wonderful time to be in Provence as you can admire the vibrant colors of leaves as they turn to wonderful golds, oranges and reds. Days are often sunny with temperatures usually in the 60’s, and there are fewer tourists.
The first day started out just that – mid-60’s and sunny. However, a strong wind known locally as the “mistral” started to blow through the Rhone Valley the next day. What’s a tour leader to do with weather like that? Our expert local guide, Eric, had the perfect solution! We boarded a beautiful boat in Avignon and cruised the Rhone River for three relaxing hours to Arles to enjoy the scenery, live music and deliciou
s 4-course lunch while protected from the elements. Our guide met us in Arles where we did a guided walking tour of this intriguing city with its ancient Roman influence still visible today. Our afternoon was rounded out by a countryside visit where essential oils are extracted (such as lavender) and sold worldwide. All in all, it was a perfect day in Provence in spite of the uncharacteristic weather.
Being a small group allowed our women’s tour to be flexible and adjust our itinerary when needed – a great way to travel!
Custom Tours
Experience unforgettable travels through one of Gateway Destinations’ specially-designed women only tours. Traveling with friends for girlfriend getaways allows you to deepen your friendship as you relax and explore new destinations together in a memorable and fun way. Unmarried or perhaps your spouse doesn’t enjoy the same type of travel as you? Single woman travel is an enriching experience – not only for the areas you visit and learn about, but the other women you meet on your journey. Women only travel is for women of all ages and is an ideal way for mothers and daughters or sisters to share quality time with each other without the distraction of everyday life.
Air New Zealand’s New Premium Economy Seating
Finally – an airline that has been listening to compaints by international travelers flying Economy Class! Air New Zealand has just introduced their new Premium Economy “spaceseat” available on their 777-300ER aircraft on flights from Los Angeles to London and Auckland. Undoubtedly, not everyone travels to these destinations, but maybe ait NZ’s bold step will motivate other air carriers to follow suit.
On this aircraft with 2/2/2 seating across in this class, passengers have more privacy, avoid the passenger in front of them reclining into their space, and have personal electrical power, USB port, iPod connection and over 500 hours of entertainment via touch screen. This new seating category is in addition to their Business Premier and two other Economy Classes on this aircraft.
Feel more rested when arriving at your destination by considering this option where available!
International Airport Security
Even though there is a worldwide agreement for providing security for public airline travel at all international airports, how security is enforced varies from airport to airport. I have found that some airports may choose to impose even stricter policies which may required additional time. And some airports are understaffed or still have an inefficient system for passengers to go through security screening.
Get your vacation off to a good start and allow ample time for check in and to go through security. Three hours is realistic, especially if you are in an unfamiliar airport.
AMAZING SMARTPHONE PHOTO APPS
If you are like me, you love to take lots of photos while traveling but don’t like the hassle of carrying a lot of photographic equipment. Smartphones and iPads have developed their camera capabilities immensely and there are now a number of applications available that can be downloaded to enhance your photographs even more. Best yet, some applications are free or are available for a small fee.
This recent article in USA Today is a great recap, http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2013/04/04/variety-of-apps-let-you-take-vacation-shots-like-a-pro/2050087/.
Beautifully Restored B & B in Southwestern France
The Villa Rose is a lovely bed and breakfast in the spa
town of Bagneres-de-Bigorre situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern France. This professionally decorated home (by its owner, Madame Mecoin) is located in the heart of this charming city, yet boasts a quiet private garden filled with the scent of roses and the sound of a soothing fountain. Each of its four rooms is generous in size and beautifully furnished, that also has modern touches including a flat-screen television and en-suite bathroom with spacious shower. One of these rooms can accommodate three persons. There is also a spacious dormitory on the top floor that can be shared by a large group of children.
The lovely and inviting public areas include a library, tea room and chocolate salon. Although the Villa Rose can accommodate travelers briefly passing through this area, it is very suitable for an extended stay. Breakfast is generous and delicious and can be enjoyed in the garden if guests prefer. More information and photos can be found on their website.
The owner of this 
unique B & B is eager to share her knowledge of the surrounding area to help guests fully enjoy their visit to this diverse area. Guests can easily walk to the natural hot springs spa to enjoy the invigorating thermal waters or enjoy the public pools of the aqua center nearby. Restaurants are abundant and convenient, and there are ample shopping opportunities including the owner’s popular home accessory store located adjacent to this beautifully restored home.
I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Villa Rose in March 2012 and having a personal tour by the owner’s daughter and business partner, Caroline. This is a “must-visit” accommodation for your itinerary in this area of France. Please contact me for more information or reservations at 888-429-1242, or info@gateway-destinations.com.
