Category Archives: Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Be in a Plane Crash and Survive

September 2, 2013Travel Tipshow to survive a plane crash, Plane Crash, survival kitStefanie

Aerophobia-also known as ‘fear of flying,’ is a phobia that affects nearly 1 in 3 adults. Luckily, statistics show that there is a 1 in 11 million chance of being involved in an airplane crash. However, there is still that freak chance that a plane crash will occur. Therefore, it is crucial that all fliers know the proper exit techniques to survive a plane crash.

* 95% of people involved in a plane crash survive.

* Experts are constantly working to make safety improvements to aircrafts so planes are actually much safer than you may think!

* Nearly 30% of airplane fatalities are related to poor evacuation- not the crash itself.

* Aircraft evacuations occur every 11-12 days.

* In a plane crash, passengers have a 90 second window to evacuate the plane.

* There is no such thing as “the safest seat” on the plane.

* Shocking Fact: the most frequent fliers know the least about aircraft evacuations.

* Tips:

Always listen to the preflight safety briefing- regardless of how early it is or loud the flight attendant is.
In the case of a cabin fire, you may not be able to locate the nearest exit due to smoke, so count the number of rows between your seat and the nearest exit.
Sit on an isle seat very close to an exit row.
When evacuating down the escape slide, jump feet first into the center of the slide with legs together and arms folded across your chest.
Do NOT attempt to gather your belongings in the case of an emergency evacuation, even if that means leaving behind your brand new Louis Vuitton ‘Keepall’ duffle.
Have your cell phone with you at all times on a waterproof bag in your pocket. You might be stranded in the ocean. The possibility of a signal is almost nil, but luck might strike.
Have a pillow or a purse with cushion on the inside, where you can stick your head inside in case of a strong impact.

* Follow this advice and you’ll be prepared for any sort of scenario that could (hopefully not) arise on your next flight!

Travel Tip: Score a Flight Upgrade

July 15, 2013Travel Tipsflight upgrade, how to score a flight upgrade, Travel tipsStefanie

Flight attendant: “Passenger Stefanie Kronemeyer, please come to the gate. Your upgrade to first class has been cleared.”

For a frequent travelers like me, being devoted to a particular airline in order to earn Executive Platinum Status (or whatever your airline calls it) is what we live for. And as embarrassing as it sounds, seeing your upgrade request clear in the gate screen is almost as exciting as getting a comp room at Hotel du Cap.

Yes, limiting your travel options to one single airline can have negative repercussion, due to the auto monopoly you create in your head; you don’t get the best fares, the best aircrafts or even the best routes. However, there are far more advantages in doing so, than drawbacks, so start looking for an airline to wed.

How to score an upgrade:

Marry an airline:

If you travel quite a lot (especially for business), you need to narrow down your airline options to one and start earning the big miles. If you find this hard, then stick to either Star Alliance, Skye Team or One World Airline alliances. Each have a collection of airlines that have a program in place to transfer the miles you flew to “Your main airline”. This way, you still get the credit although you traveled with a different airline.

Look the part:

A well dressed traveler is more likely to get bumped up according to Sky Scanner’s survey to 700 cabin crew. The flyers voted least likely to get bumped up are teenage girls wearing revealing clothing and travelling with a loud group.

Travel alone:

From my experience, agents are more inclined to offer a free upgrade to passengers flying alone.

Travel during quiet times:

Travel on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. According to FareCompare.com the slowest and cheapest day to travel is on Wednesday, followed by Tuesday and Saturday. Also, you get a better chance of upgrading to business on bank holidays and at other times of the year when business travelers are less likely to fly and the seats tend not to fill up.

Request an upgrade:

Request an upgrade when making your flight reservations. The earlier you request your upgrade, the better. Upgrade requests are prioritized based on your elite level. American Airlines notifies you up to 100 hours prior to departure if you are Executive Platinum at no cost, 72 hours to Platinum for a few 500-mile upgrades and 24 hours for travelers with no status. You can also buy an upgrade at the ticket counter at a heavily discounted price, as a result the sooner you check in, the better.

Have a good reason:

On a flight back from St Tropez to Dallas, my 6’7 ft friend sat on his coach seat for a 11 hour flight. The stewardess felt so sorry for him, that she called him to the front of the aircraft and placed him on an empty Business Class seat. So the moral of the story is to either be very tall, very large or have a broken bone to have the stewardess feel sorry for you (no joke).

If you manage to earn a descent status, the upgrade perks are worth the sweat. Upgrades in any airlines today are more appreciated by travelers than ever before due to the sudden frugal shift they all instigated after 2008 (e.g. $6 for toy-looking headphones, $5 for a scratchy blankets with other people’s hair attached to it, $10 for a glass of bad wine and $12 for a tasteless cheese plate).

I know this is a whole different subject (and maybe a for a potential next article), but what is the deal with the airline food suppliers? All of it is awful without exception. Well… I take it back, excluding the delicious warm nuts they serve on American Airlines Business Class Cabin. The recipe is not complicated; we are not flying to the moon guys!

I would not be traveling as frequent as I do, if it were not for my beloved status that helps me get my 3E domestic Business Class seat 80% of the time. There is something about starting your trip with a glass of Champagne and smiles that makes me want to travel even more. So marry an airline and start your vacation the moment you set foot in the plane.

Travel Tip: Summer Travels Must Haves

May 30, 2013Travel TipsSummer travel must havesStefanie

Due to my hectic travel schedule, my carry-on is always ready to go with the essentials, but what changes are the must-haves of each season. Thank God my favorite season is kick starting, so all I need is to go shop for the above, pack and go.

For Her:

For Him:

Travel Tip: Best Travel Flash-Sale Sites

January 15, 2013Travel Tipsbest travel flash-sale sites, jetsetter, rue la la, vacationist, voyage priveStefanie

In this day in time, it is all about finding the best possible hotel offer when traveling. Despite having a trip in mind or not, a good deal is hard to pass, however, beware since you might end up buying a hotel deal in a destination you had no intention of going in the first place. Writing from personal experiences, the enormous discounts are very addictive, so log-in with caution and bon voyage!

Here are the top 4 luxury travel flash-sale sites you should check religiously if looking for top hotels, at an extraordinary price:

Rue La La: It is the destination for the most desired hotel brands worldwide. Although they have a couple offers a week, their exclusivity allows them to get the top hotels.

Latest Sale: Canyon Ranch, Mayflower Inn and Lake Austin Spa.

Jetsetter: The most popular site ranges hotel offers from 3 – 5 star properties.

Latest Sale: Dream Hotels, Andaz Hotels and Thompson Hotels.

Vacationist: Luxury Link is partnering with Travel + Leisure to bring you Vacationist. The world’s leading luxury travel website meets the expertise and esteem of one of the world’s top travel publications. The best of two worlds!

Latest Sale: Meadowood in Napa, XV Beacon in Boston and Casa Dorada in Cabo.

Voyage Prive: This site was the pioneer in the flash-sale industry, still going strong and focusing on high-end properties.

Latest Sale: Kempinski and Le Meridien.

Tips:

* Sign up for a weekly email and unsuscribe from the dozen daily emails you immediately receive upon signing up to the site.

* Remember, many sites like Groupon discount the hotel’s so tremendously, that when you check-in, the hotel basically puts you in their worst available rooms. Several hotel managers around the world have confessed this.

Travel Tip: World’s Best Après-ski

November 15, 2012Travel TipsAmangani, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Le Melezin, Les Fermes de Marie, Sonnenalp Vail, The Little Nell Aspen, The Lodge Verbier, Viceroy Snowmass, World's best apres-skiStefanie

After months of research, we have finally created the dream list for every ski lover out there. These 7 chalets are no only located in the most desirable mountains in the world, but they also have the best après-ski you could ever wish for.

Le Melezin- Couchevel 1850, France.

Looking to ski in and ski out? Then why not just stay at the top of the mountain? Le Mélézin, owned by Aman Resorts, boasts exceptional skiing right out your hotel door. The intimate chalet hidden in the French Alps is tucked away in one of the most exclusive ski destinations in the world, Couchevel 1850.

Whether you’re looking for a trendy après-ski experience with friends or a relaxing alpine retreat with that special someone, Le Melezin is the place to be.

Ideal for: A romantic escaped. It will flaunt your skills on the slopes. Ice-skating, indoor climbing, and countless other winter are available, making it a great destination for friends to conquer this winter wonderland.

Reason To Love: It’s got just as much to do off the snow – as on the snow.

How to get there: International Airports fly into Geneva (GVA) – Hotel is approximately two and a half hours by car. Lyon Airport (LYS) – Hotel is approximately three hours by car. From Paris – A four-hour TGV train ride from Paris to Moûtiers, approximately 40 minutes to hotel by car.

Site: Mélézin

Les Fermes de Marie- Megève, France.

This castle-esque lodge oozes warmth with the infinite burning fires, tranquility and elegance. A mix of rustic old wood with glistening polish, its truly one of the most enchanting ski lodges I have ever experienced.

The attention to detail in their 71 rooms exceeds all expectations. Between the two outstanding restaurants, the children’s playroom and the library, this chalet will surely provide you with a dream-like getaway. Megève is considered the crème de la crème for skiers around the world, so pack your Moncler jacket and Moon Boots and I assure you, you will fit right in.

Ideal for: Couples, friends and families

Reason To Love: Walking distance from the three-star Michelin restaurant, Les Flocons de Sel by Chef Emmanuel Renaut.

How to get there: The closest international airport is in Geneva (GVA). The Hotel is approximately 1 hour by car. Megève is also a 40-minute drive away from Chamonix- Mont Blanc.

Site: Fermes de Marie

The Lodge- Verbier, Switzerland.

My favorite Verbier property belongs to Sir Richard Branson, The Lodge. Snuggled amidst the Swiss Alps above the picturesque town of Verbier, this rustic alpine chalet is adorned with modern amenities so you can have a first class experience without sacrificing the charm of a Swiss Chalet.

The staff provides 5 star hotel services while managing to give you just enough space to make you feel right at home. The most memorable moment at this 9 guest-room hotel was walking into the kitchen like it was my own and snacking on delicious warm cookies and hot chocolate.

Great for: Couples, friends and families.

Reason to love: The ice rink in the back of the chalet.

How to get there: Fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA). The lodge is about a 2-hour drive.

Site: The Lodge

Viceroy- Snowmass, CO.

Leave your attitude behind, bring on your game and don’t get left behind in the snow! Bringing fashion to the forefront of the slopes like no other, the Viceroy is the place to see and be seen. With indigenous textures and local Elements, it transports you to old, cowboy Colorado with a dash of modern elegance – satisfying any traveler. Known for its relaxed, laissez-faire vibe, it sits just seven miles outside Aspen where you can indulge on all things trendy.

Ideal for: Innovative dining and sophisticated lounging keeps posh pals in style. And when you need a break from staying cool – warm yourself and mate with a holistic wellness experience from Ute Indian-inspired treatments.

Reason To Love: They take sustainability very seriously – and have been awarded environmental stewardship for their efforts. Extra precautions, extra points! No wonder it’s good enough for Vogue Elites, Conde Nast rated it a top resort this year!

How to get there: International Airports fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) – Hotel is approximately four hours away by car

From Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) – Hotel is few minutes (8 miles) by car

Fairmont Chateau- Whistler, Canada.

This fantastic luxury resort is the most desired property to stay in when in Whistler. You can ski in and out of the front lobby and the best part is you don’t have to worry about carrying your boots, skis or snowboards (that’s the best part!). There is a Fairmont designated area at the base of the mountain that will take care of your ski gear and heat up your boots to make your experience perfect.

The heated terrace of Fifty Two 80 keeps the après-ski scene outdoors for the people that want to see and be seen.

Great for: Couples, friends and families.

Reason to Love: The complimentary hot chocolate as you laze in the Resort’s heated 75 ft outdoor pool.

How to get there: Fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The hotel is about a 2-hour drive away.

Site: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Sonnenalp- Vail, CO.

Vail Mountain, my favorite in the US, keeps me coming back every year. When the Faessler family built the hotel, the mix of the European Bavarian Luxury and the Western comfort made Sonnenalp the preferred hotel among luxury travelers. The all suite hotel with 112 guest-rooms has one of the most popular après ski bars, The Kings Club.

Ideal for: Couples, friends and families.

Reason to love: Serving the largest beer selection in town Pepis Bar feels more Austrian than the Lederhosen. After a few après-ski drinks head to Sweet Basil, which was rated The Most Popular Restaurant in Colorado by Zagat. The truffle and cauliflower bisque is to die for.

How to get there: Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN). The hotel is about a 2-hour drive. You can also fly into Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE). The hotel is about a 35 min drive.

Amangani- Jackson Hole, WY.

At first, I wasn’t keen on staying at a property 20 minutes away from the slopes. I’m a ski-in and ski-out kind of girl, but the Amangani changed my once jaded perspective.
Situated in the outskirts of Grand Teton National Park, the Amangani’s location is prime. The chic décor is outstanding; using clean and simple lines, spacious suites and earth tones all around the hotel. It is far away enough to give you the privacy you desire, but close enough to give you your daily dose of excitement.

Great for: Couples, friends and families.

Reason to love: Evening horse-drawn sleigh ride into the National Elk Refuge. Sleighs take guests up the ridge of the butte to reveal panoramic views of the valley. Blankets are provided and dinner follows at The Granary.

How to get there: Fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). The hotel is about a 20-minute drive.

Site: Amangani