One day last fall I arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport early. As I was approaching TSA pre-check, I saw a new lane marked “CLEAR.” Since I had time and was curious, I approached the gentlemen standing at the entrance to the lane. I asked him what CLEAR was all about.

It was amazing to learn that by becoming a member, I would be able to use my fingerprints or iris scan to verify my identity. With this identification I would bypass the security checkpoint lines. And, they would sign me up on the spot. The fee is $179 annually, but as a Delta Skymiles member, I received a substantial discount.

CLEAR is a private company, certified by the Department of Homeland Security to verify traveler identity. They match your iris scan and finger prints to your US government-issued ID, bringing the use of biometrics to everyday travelers. You can use your passport or state-issued identification to join.

How It Works

The gentleman escorted me to a CLEAR pod, located across from the security check point. (CLEAR employees at the airports are called Ambassadors.) They scanned my ID and entered my personal information into their system. After scanning my eyes and fingerprints, their system verified my identity, and I was ready to go.

The Ambassador then escorted me through the CLEAR security lane to the pod for my iris scan. Afterwards we continued past the TSA agent checking IDs, right to the metal detectors. As I have TSA Precheck, I was taken to the appropriate detector.

When Traveling

Now when I travel, I go directly to the CLEAR Lane at the TSA Checkpoint. The Ambassador escorts me to the pods to scan my iris or take my fingerprints, then directly to the metal detectors. I’ve never had to wait more than a minute or two. There have always been several Ambassadors available. The entire security process now takes me about 5 minutes!

Where CLEAR Is Available

CLEAR is already available at 40+ airports, stadiums, and other venues around the country, with new locations added all the time. You can check to see which locations are available on their website: www.clearme.com.

The Future of Biometrics in Travel

I am excited about the prospect of increased use of Biometrics to improve my travel experience. Delta Airlines recently partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Atlanta Airport and the TSA. In December 2018 they opened the first Biometric terminal at Atlanta Airport’s Terminal F. Here biometric touch points use facial recognition at check-in, bag drop, the TSA checkpoint and the boarding gate. And for Customs and Border Patrol processing when you arrive back into the United States.

Following beta testing of biometric boarding passes at Regan Washington National Airport and the success of Terminal F in Atlanta, you can expect to see many new biometric applications this coming year.

If you travel by air domestically more than a couple of times a year, or just want the convenience, look into signing up for CLEAR. For more information about CLEAR and other travel-related questions, email info@hagersjourneys.com.

“This place is gorgeous!!! Photos don’t do it justice,” said Andrea when she arrived in Arnarstapi, a small fishing village located on Iceland’s Snæfellsáss Peninsula.

Arnarstapi is in West Iceland, about a 2-1/2 hour drive from Reykjavik. Basalt columns, cliffs, caves and ravines surround the pier. From there you can see two incredible volcanoes, Snæfellsáss glacier and Mt. Stapafell. It is said that these two volcanoes produce incredible energy – somewhat other worldly. You may recognize Arnarstapi if you saw Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. The last stop on the route the protagonists take before they climb the mountain and enter the interior of the earth through a tunnel in the crater was filmed here.

Andrea when she first arrived in Arnarstapi, Iceland.

As you have seen by now, Icelandic names are difficult for those of us who are unfamiliar with the language. The words look strange, and therefore are difficult to remember, so don’t be put off. You’ll begin to recognize them as you read more about the country. Besides, if a trip to Iceland is in your future, reading about it gives you a chance to become more familiar with the names and develop a frame of reference.

About Iceland

Iceland is a volcanic island about the size of Virginia. It has over one hundred volcanoes, 30 to 40 of which are active. It reached national prominence when, in 2010, Eyjafyallajökull volcano erupted. That’s when the huge ash clouds interrupted air traffic to Europe. Since then, Iceland’s popularity has been increasing. As a result more cruise itineraries now start or end in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and largest city. Tour companies offer Northern Lights tours during winter months. And, if you are flying across the Atlantic on Icelandair, you can take advantage of their free “Stopover Pass.” This pass encourages folks to spend a day or more to discover the beauty of Iceland. With a population of only 332,000, Iceland has been hosting one million tourists annually. This number is sure to increase with the growing popularity of the island.

Arnarstapi -houses with volcanoes in the background.

Andrea suited up to go snowmobiling on the glacier.

A Year-Round Destination

Iceland isn’t as cold as you might think. The Gulf Stream swirls along the western and southern coasts and works to moderate Iceland’s climate. Although it is a year-round destination, it is far more popular in summer. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coldest, with an average of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

This isn’t Andrea’s first foray into Iceland. In February, she experienced winter during a self-guided road trip around the island. She went snowmobiling on a glacier, and visited historical, quaint villages off the beaten path. It was authentic and very affordable.

Summer and Early Fall Experience

It is now September, and in contrast with winter, a completely different experience for Andrea. “We went on a Superjeep tour through the lava fields, highlands and Hekla Volcano. It was so interesting driving through these diverse landscapes and four seasons in less than one hour!”

Andrea explored the lava caves outside Reykjavik, Iceland.

Andrea and her group experienced Iceland’s majestic beauty everywhere they traveled. Just a 40 minute drive from Reykjavik, they found lava tubes and caves.  Volcanic eruptions formed these caves and tunnels about 5200 years ago and they are a big tourist attraction.

As they explored the lava cave with a guide, they learned how the mineral content of the molten lava determines its color. The guide explained the inner workings of a volcano so vividly that they could sense the forces of nature at work.

Even if you are in Iceland for only a short stopover in Reykjavik, you can enjoy the city and its wonderful restaurants. You’ll find the locally sourced organic ingredients delightful, and you can try Iceland’s traditional seafood at Messinn. Fresh fish is the menu of the day, pan fried in Icelandic butter. Your fish, along with potatoes and salad, comes in a copper pan direct from the kitchen.

Andrea’s Tips

1. Traveling in Iceland is easy. English is widely spoken. People are extremely friendly and warm with a great sense of humor.
2. No need to exchange money. Most merchants accept credit cards and debit cards with no minimum transaction amount.
3. Visit Bryggjan Brugghus in the old harbor of Reykjavik. They offer Icelandic beers and tours of the facility. The history of beer in Iceland is very interesting; it was banned until 1989.
4. For a once in a lifetime experience, descend into a volcano and walk on the floor of the interior. This is the only place in the world one can experience this!

For more information about traveling in Iceland, email George at Hager’s Journeys.

]]> https://hagersjourneys.com/river-cruising-is-it-for-you/ Wed, 01 Nov 2017 23:20:23 +0000 https://hagersjourneys.com/?p=3502 A river cruise offers a unique way to travel, especially in Europe. The river boat is your hotel as it meanders through several countries. This enables you to tour Europe without having to pack and unpack every day or two.

Cruise through the heartland of Europe.

Ocean cruises take you around the periphery of various countries where you visit the large crowded cities. With river cruises you sail through the heartland of each country. You see how people live. You visit villages and walled cities and go to outdoor markets. It is a wonderful way to experience travel that is authentic and different.

Types of river cruises

A river cruise is great. There is no such thing as a bad river cruise. The premium river cruises like Viking River Cruises, AMA Waterways, and Avalon Cruises include all your accommodations, your meals, a sightseeing tour at each stop. They include beer or wine with lunch and dinner. They also have additional tours that you pay extra for. You also are expected to tip the staff – and you will want to as they are friendly and attentive.

Several lines are now operating all-inclusive river cruises. These include Tauck, Scenic Cruises, Uniworld Boutique Cruises, and Crystal, River Cruises. The inclusions vary a bit by line, but generally give you a greater choice of sightseeing tours, all included with no extras. They include the gratuities to the staff and tour directors, and all beverages, not just wine and beer. Some include butler service in all categories, and have multiple dining venues. Most all-inclusive river boats carry fewer people and have larger cabins and offer more onboard amenities.

River boats

Let’s talk about river boats. They transit locks on the rivers and cruise under bridges, and these locks and bridges establish the size limits for the river boats. All river cruise lines are constrained by

these two limitations. They can carry as many as 190 or as few as 130 people. Of course, the fewer the passengers, the more space you have on the ship, and the

Boats dock next to each other.

better the experience.

As the popularity of river cruises has grown, the number of boats cruising on the rivers has increased. So, don’t be surprised if your boat ties up right next one that’s already docked. Sometimes they are three or four deep. This can be an inconvenience, as you walk through the other boats in order to get to the land. However – it is also a plus, as you get to see what the others look like inside. But keep in mind that because of the size of the boats, you won’t find many thousands of people disembarking like you could on an ocean cruise.

River cruise experience

Let’s talk about the different experiences you can have while you are on a river cruise. There is a cruise for everyone. In the past they have been geared to adults and seniors. Today there are ships

Visit food markets

that not only accommodate families, but have special programs for them during the typical school vacation periods. Uniworld recently launched their “U by Uniworld” river cruises for millennials. In fact, on these there is a maximum age limit.

There are cruises for people who like to cook – foodies. In many cases you can get out and go shopping in the local market with the chef. Then he will work with you so you can learn to prepare a meal. Because many of the itineraries are through the great wine regions of the world, there are many special wine oriented sailings.

There are cruises for people who love music. There are cruises for people who love museums. And there are cruises for those who want to live like a local. You can walk, hike, bike, shop, and totally get into the experience of living like a local.

Watch for more on river cruises

We’ve touched on some of the aspects of river cruising and there are many, many more. Watch for future videos from us that will explain and expound on all these things in greater detail.

If you would like to discuss the various river cruises, please contact me: george@hagers-journeys.com.

Rose Fiel

I believe everyone needs travel insurance – everyone. Just ask anyone who has had to use their travel insurance! Or ask anyone who refused the insurance and lost all their money because they had to cancel their trip.

You can purchase travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption and medical. Or a policy that covers everything but cancellation. The largest percentage of the policy cost is for the cancellation, as that loss is the greatest risk.

You get the most benefit when you purchase travel insurance during the period in which the company waives their pre-existing condition clause. The cost will be the same whether you buy it when you reserve your trip or if you wait until the supplier cancellation penalties begin.

Why do people decline travel insurance

Examples of having coverage and declining coverage

This year I had a family cancel two trips. Both were without insurance and in full penalty, so both were a total financial loss. The first cancellation was due to the illness of a close family member and they didn’t want to travel “just in case”. The second was because of a fall. It happened a few days before the trip, at home in her kitchen, and broken a hip was the result. Both of these would have been covered by the travel insurance. Travel insurance not just cover you, the traveler; they cover family members as well.

Think about why you would cancel a trip

I ask clients to think of everyone in their family. If one of those family members were to get sick or be injured in an accident, would you still go on the trip? If the answer is no, you need insurance. This is especially true for young families. Young kids have accidents. Parents don’t want to leave when their children when they not well or have been injured.

I buy travel insurance with every trip I take. On a recent trip to Paris I used my insurance twice in 12 hours. First my bag made it to London but not Paris. I purchased some clothing and cosmetics – I was reimbursed by the insurance. I was not thrilled to start my trip with gathering items I needed but nice to know they were a covered expense.

Next, I needed a doctor. As the night wore on I became ill. The doctor came to the hotel room, did a quick assessment and gave me some medication on the spot at 3am. The 130 Euros he charged as well as the medication I got the next morning at the pharmacy was covered by the insurance as well.

Medical coverage outside the US

Most of the insurance we have in the United States does not cover us in other countries. It is best to double check your policy. If you think your credit card offers travel insurance you should double check that as well.

Medical insurance while traveling is quite inexpensive. Coverage begins the day you start your trip. This will not cover you if you cannot go on the trip, but once you are on the plane, it begins. This insurance can be purchased up to 24 hours prior to your departure.

Include the cost of insurance when planning your trip

Today, travel costs are high, especially for multi-generational trips, once in a life time trips, or an around the world trip! When you are planning for the trip, just as if you would include air, and hotels, add the cost of insurance to the list.

Talk to your travel advisor, and they will present the various options to you. They will connect you directly to the insurance company if you have any questions about coverage and benefits. Most travel suppliers offer insurance, as well as third party insurance companies that offer travel insurance. I would be happy to provide you with different options, as it is not only the cost that varies. It is also the coverage. So contact me and I can provide information about your options so you select the travel insurance best for you: rose@hagers-journeys.com.

I wrote this article, based on how our family travel experts work with their clients, to help you find your way through the multi-generational vacation planning process. It is based on a question/answer format with suggestions and things to consider.

Why are you taking this vacation?

Today, many families are spread out around the United States, and even the world. Others are close knit and spend lots of time together. So, before you decide on which trip to take, you should consider your reason for doing so. Is this to be a bonding experience between family members who rarely see each other? Do you want to enable grandparents to spend more time with their grandkids? Maybe you want to get away from all the electronics we have learned to spend our lives with? Or perhaps you just want to get away and have fun together. So before you decide on the type of multi-generational vacation to take, you should consider the purpose.

Things to consider:

For example, if you are leaning toward a cruise, will it be on a large ship or a small ship? While cruising on a large ship has something for everyone, your family may not spend a lot of time together.

Mariner is an excellent larger ship choice for multi-generational families

Everyone is off doing their own thing, and may only be together for dinner. Once you are sure a large ship is right for your family, if you want more quality time, consider hiring private guides in one or two ports so your family can explore together.

If you want unforgettable memories in a more intimate setting, consider a soft adventure cruise. Sizes of these ships can range between 22 and a few hundred passengers. They have lots of active experiences you can enjoy together. You’ll get up close to wildlife in destinations like Alaska and the Galapagos. You’ll explore in small groups by zodiac. You can go kayaking, snorkeling, hiking,and many other activities. Keep in mind that while some of your family members go kayaking, the others can enjoy the activity by watching from the ship and cheering them on.

Kayaking from a small ship in Alaska

As you have probably surmised by now – this is an extremely important factor to take into consideration before you even begin planning your multi-generational vacation.

When can you go?

Scheduling a vacation is another challenge. You not only have to coordinate and arrange adult vacation time from work, but school vacations. Keep in mind that the older the children, the more difficult the scheduling; there are often extra-curricular activities to take into consideration. Use a calendar to note everyone’s commitments around the proposed vacation period. Then you can determine when the entire family is available and for how long.

To avoid disappointment and change fees, we suggest you do this before you even decide on the type of trip. There is nothing worse than getting everything all set and then finding out that one of the older kids must report in for football practice the day before the trip is due to end.

A Soft Adventure Vacation?

A soft adventure vacation is great for a multi-generational vacation.  You must, however, take into consideration the ages and activity levels of the participants. Also, know the age restrictions, if any, imposed by the travel providers.

If the grandparents are elderly, it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t consider soft adventure. Many folks in their seventies and eighties enjoy active vacations. You just need to know their physical limitations versus the activities that will be available.

What are the individual Ages and Interests?

If you are traveling with young children, it is important to consider their attention span. You may wonder about taking a young child on a long flight to Europe. Think about how they manage a long car drive. If they are contented and can amuse themselves, they should be fine on a long flight. If not, perhaps you should focus on something closer to home.

Everyone who travels with teenagers knows they can make or break a vacation. They are too old for the kids’ programs, and many aren’t interested in spending a lot of time with adults or visiting museums. Teens are usually enthusiastic about traveling, so be sure to include them in the planning process. If the ground rules are that activities should be something everyone will enjoy, let them know. Remember – if the teens are happy, everyone is happy!

There are diverse interests in any group, and especially in a multi-generational family. Our family travel experts have developed a form they ask all family members to complete so we can determine their interests. Once we receive the completed forms, we analyze the results and recommend a vacation based on the interests of the majority. However – we don’t forget about those individuals with special interests.

For example, say you are on a cruise that stops in Rome and one of the family members is interested in high performance cars. You can arrange for them to drive a Ferrari for a few hours, while the rest of the group engages in another activity. You want everyone to love the trip! If you’d like a copy of our form, please send an email to info@hagersjourneys.com and put Request Interest Form in the subject line.

What activities are best for kids?

When we poll the families’ interests, we include the kids – and sometimes their interests surprise us. Kids might like a short visit to a museum or two – in fact, some cities have special children’s museums that everyone would enjoy. If you would like quality time in the museums for the adults, we recommend hiring a guide for the children. These special guides teach the kids about visiting museums, have scavenger hunts for the young ones, and contests for the teens.

Be sure to arrange special activities for the kids. For example, when in Rome, schedule the Gladiator School, a pizza making experience or gelato making class. It will give everyone something exciting to look forward to. As a bonus, activities like the Gladiator School will inspire the kids to want to know more about early Roman civilization.

Do you want everyone to “unplug” or not?

Often families want to have an “electronics free” vacation. This is not an easy thing to accomplish! It isn’t only the kids that would have to unplug, but the parents and grandparents too!

How attached is your family to their gadgets? Can everyone unplug for an extended period? Wireless internet is available almost everywhere, and you can even bring your own personal hotspot with you for a nominal daily fee. So, if you want to unplug, it will need to be a conscious effort and included in your planning.

If you do want unplugged time, but are getting resistance, we recommend you set aside a designated time each day when everyone can check their social media accounts and email, upload their photos then unplug for the rest of the day.

Do you plan to include your family pets?

Our pets are an integral part of our families, so whenever possible, we bring them with us. Unfortunately cruise lines prohibit bringing pets on board. However, if you have a large family and can charter a small

Royal Palms in Paradise Valley Arizona is a very pet friendly resort!

22 passenger ship, you may be able to bring Fido.

If you do want to include your pet on vacation, many hotels and resorts are pet friendly and more are
becoming so. I was recently at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston where they have a “house dog” that spends the day greeting guests as they arrive.

If you are planning on taking your dog on your vacation, check the rules of the various hotels and resorts at which you would like to stay. Most hotels charge for the pet, and provide pet beds, special meals, and even dog walking services. However, this can come with a hefty fee. Find out if the hotel has a patio restaurant that is pet friendly so you don’t have to leave Fido in the room all day!

What type of trip is best for your family?

There are so many travel opportunities available. Cruises, tours, safaris, vacation home rentals, theme parks – the list goes on and on. Look at the input from all the questionnaires you’ve had your family members complete to determine interests, activity levels, and length of trip to help you decide.
Sometimes that information alone can result in a quick decision. For example, if everyone is interested in visiting an exotic destination and seeing wildlife, but are only available for 9 days (5-day week + 2 weekends), it would not be possible to go on safari in Africa – but it would be possible to explore the Galapagos on a 7-night cruise. However, if the input from the questionnaires is very diverse – we recommend leaving the decision up to the person analyzing the forms and taking responsibility for putting the trip together.

A Word About Passports

These days, we recommend that everyone have a passport because travel outside the United States  requires one. Adult passports are valid for 10 years, and children’s passports are valid for 5 years. To be on the safe side, double check your passports to be sure they are valid for 6 months following your return date. Don’t get caught at the last-minute realizing that one of the family members has a passport that is about to expire – or isn’t valid for the additional 6 months! When you get a new passport, or renew your old one, considering adding a “Passport Card” to your order. This is very useful in the event you lose your passport and as a photo ID for kids. It is also valid for land travel between the US and Canada and the US and Mexico.

How much do you want to spend?

It is best to have an idea of the total amount you want to spend, including incidentals. Many people select a cruise because they see a low price that includes accommodations, meals and entertainment. However, be sure to investigate all the extras you will spend while onboard.

Cruise lines operating large ships will sell the cabin at a low rate, but once you add everything else you will purchase like gratuities, alternate dining, beverages (from bottled water to cocktails), onboard activities, and excursions you will come home to a hefty credit card bill.

So, investigate other options. Sometimes the cost of a small ship, soft adventure cruise that includes all the activities and excursions costs more upfront, but in the end, won’t be much more than the large ship with the less expensive cabin – and you may have a more memorable family experience!

The next step

Now that you’ve collected all this information, what do you do with it? One of two things: finalize your planning and make your reservations OR contact us for assistance. We can review the information you’ve collected and collaboratively help plan your trip. So contact us at info@hagersjourneys.com.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there is no better way to experience the wine country than on a bike.  Whether you have been riding for years or you are planning your first cycling adventure, Backroads can accommodate you.  You set your own pace, covering as many or few miles as you wish.  When you’re ready to call it a day, Backroads is there to pick you up and take you to the hotel to relax.

From the amazing trip leaders, setting up the delicious lunches at the perfect wineries to capture the essence of the region, cheering us during our rides, superb accommodations to the gourmet dinners, Backroads leaves no detail overlooked.

Our Itinerary:

We started biking along the beautiful Russian River en route to Healdsburg. Stopping along the way at a couple wineries, we savored the flavor of every sip while soaking in the views.  That evening in Healdsburg we dined at a favorite restaurant that practices farm to table cuisine with paired wine tastings. It was amazing.

The next day we biked from Healdsburg to Geyserville, with a relaxing gourmet lunch at Foley Sonoma Winery, ending up in Yountville.

Our last day of riding we rode the famous Silverado Trail. We made our way through the heart of Napa and the Carneros region then back into Sonoma.  We stopped for a wine tasting at Artesa winery with its amazing panoramic views of Napa.

I spent the days admiring the spectacular scenery through beautiful California. I enjoyed delicious meals, sampled some of the best wines, made new friends and to top it off I rode almost 60 miles through rows and rows of grape vines.  This was an incredible and memorable biking adventure.

I highly recommend you swirl, sip and cycle your way through wine country with Backroads, or any adventure trip with Backroads for that matter.

Contact me if you would like to know more about Backroads. Hope to hear from you soon.

Keep on pedaling!

The Resort

The Sanctuary is a 53-acre boutique resort offering commanding views of Paradise Valley. It is close to hiking and other great Phoenix activities.  I live less than 20 miles from the resort but I quickly became immersed in the natural beauty, the luxury and the hospitality. I felt like home was 2000 miles away! This was a true staycation!

Our Accommodations

Sunset at the Sanctuary Lodge

We loved our spacious mountain-vista suite with its panoramic view of Paradise Valley.  The suite was modern and comfortable. It had a balcony, fireplace in the living room and an enormous bathroom with a free-standing bathtub.  Local artists provided the southwestern-contemporary artwork. One of our favorite moments was sipping wine on the balcony at sunset. We watched the shadows grow across the mountain’s red rocks and the vibrant blues, oranges and reds of the approaching twilight.

Dinner at Elements

Fabulous desert at Elements

We walked down the hill to the resort’s Elements Restaurant for dinner; it was delicious.   The dining room is high above the valley floor with floor to ceiling windows providing a relaxing and romantic view.  The cuisine has an Asian twist and is overseen by renowned Food Network celebrity Chef Beau MacMillan.  We stopped in at the Jade Bar after dinner to listen to live music.

Great Weather

Each winter, we are reminded why we live in Arizona.  Yes, we have high temps in the summer, but the rest of the year is beautiful. While others are stuck inside or

View of Camelback Mountain from our balcony

shovelling snow and freezing, we are able to enjoy amazing sunsets and lots of sunshine!  This is the time to get outside for some fresh air and get active…and the Sanctuary is a great place to do so with tennis courts, swimming, biking, hiking or simply walking the grounds of the resort enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings. I don’t know why we haven’t done a staycation before!

Why a Staycation?

It doesn’t need to be a staycation, or a special occasion, to stay at the Sanctuary.  Treat yourself to a relaxing and peaceful retreat. Escape to

Respite from the real world

the Asian-inspired spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and indulge in Zen shiatsu or reiki.  I had a facial…it was heavenly.  The resort is pet-friendly so you can bring your loved ones with you.  Although for only a weekend, our stay allowed us a much-needed respite from the real world and a chance to unwind.  The Sanctuary lived up to it’s name and we left feeling relaxed and refreshed, and reminded how lucky we are to live in Arizona.

Cynthia Heath is a Travel Advisor at Hager’s Journeys in Scottsdale, Arizona. We have special added amenities for clients who book their stay with us. cynthia@hagers-journeys.com

Mom at Plaza Mayor in the heart of Madrid

When my elderly mom (97-years-old) told my sister Kathy and me that she wanted to take a trip to Spain, we weren’t sure we were hearing right! Although reasonably healthy considering her age, our elderly mom can only walk short distances with her walker, uses a wheelchair and lives in her own home with a 24/7 care giver.

It didn’t seem fair to tell her she couldn’t go because she was too old and fragile! So we began detailed and extensive  planning for our journey to Spain. But first, we needed to obtain a commitment from Claudette, mom’s primary caregiver, that she would accompany us – and she gladly agreed.

Destination

We decided that Madrid would be the ideal destination, as Delta had an evening non-stop flight from New York JFK Airport, a short car ride from mom’s home in northern New Jersey. With a nine-month lead time, we were able to get business class tickets at a reasonable price. Kathy, mom and Claudette flew from New York, and I flew from Phoenix.

Where to Stay

Next, we needed a suitable wheelchair accessible and “elderly friendly” place to stay.  Several years ago mom rented a house in Provence for a family vacation. We had a comfortable place to be together when we weren’t out touring. So we decided to look for an apartment centrally located in a safe neighborhood. A place from which we could walk to many of the sights, and had access to public transportation nearby (the city buses in Madrid accommodate wheel chairs.)

After a long search, we found a four bedroom, two bath apartment near Plaza Mayor (the main square). It had an elevator and accommodated a wheelchair. Fortunately, my sister is fluent in Spanish, so after speaking with the apartment manager about the location, apartment layout and suitability for mom, she booked the apartment. We purchased travel insurance with a pre-existing condition waiver.

Mom’s Special Needs

Now we were ready for the real work – the planning. Mom would take her walker and wheelchair on the flight. Kathy purchased a shower chair and toilet bars online for delivery to the Madrid apartment. The apartment manager agreed to accept delivery and have the items in the apartment when we arrived. Kathy ordered enough medication for the trip, along with back-up prescriptions. Mom drinks a juice-based Ensure that Kathy couldn’t have shipped, so she purchased it and packed it in the checked luggage.

Packing to Travel with an Elderly Parent

Next came the packing. With equipment to bring, along with clothing, medicines, Ensure, etc., this required careful planning. Fortunately, the apartment had a washing machine, so we could limit the amount of clothing we took. We had to bring the minimum number of suitcases possible, considering the logistics of handling the suitcases, carry-on luggage, walker and pushing the wheelchair.
Departure day arrived. Kathy, Mom and Claudette set off for JFK Airport. The driver picked them up and they arrived in plenty of time to check-in and relax in the business class lounge before departure. They checked the luggage and headed for the security line.

Security Nightmare

Mom rode in her wheelchair and carried her walker and hand luggage. When they arrived at the security checkpoint, the TSA singled mom out for a random inspection. As the TSA agent started to do a pat-down, she inadvertently knocked a pile of trays right onto mom’s head. Although not hurt, the resulting confusion upset Mom. My sister asked for an incident report in the event that mom developed any problems. Even after all of this – TSA completed mom’s random security inspection, so it took almost an hour to get through the security check point. Not a great way for anyone to begin a vacation. It is hard to believe that elderly people are treated this way.

The Flight

The flight went smoothly. Everyone enjoyed Delta’s business class lay-flat seats, after they finally figured out how to operate them, and found the food to be exceptionally good. When they arrived in Madrid, our Virtuoso on-site, “Made for Spain,” had a car and driver waiting to take them to the apartment and assist with their luggage.

Great Rental Apartment

The apartment was wonderful, and perfect for our elderly mom. The modern apartment in an old city building had been complete renovated. Four good size bedrooms with comfortable beds, two modern bathrooms with walk-in showers, and a fully equipped kitchen with the promised washing machine. It had a dining room/living room combination with beautiful big windows with little balconies overlooking the street. We even had a flat screen TV and wireless internet. The grocery store was just a half block away.

Jet Lag Challenge

The biggest challenge came the next day – jet lag. It was difficult for everyone, however, at mom’s age, it was extremely so. It took several days for us to adjust, but Mom never really made the transition. She was disoriented at times, and didn’t understand the time change. She slept late, ate breakfast, then napped. So we worked around her and kept to a schedule that worked for her.

Claudette cooked our afternoon meal and we ate around 3:30 or 4, after which we went sightseeing. Then we had dinner at the “Spanish dinner time” – 8 or 9 pm (restaurants opened for dinner at 8pm).
Kathy and I got up early – headed to a wonderful pastry shop a few doors down for coffee and croissants – then went sightseeing. We visited a few sights that Mom would have been unable to go to due to her mobility issues. We scouted out restaurants for the evening meal to be sure there was something mom would eat, vegetarian food for Claudette, and either a patio or a wheelchair friendly entrance.

Great Location

From our location near Plaza Mayor we were able to walk to many places – and although there were some hills, much of the area was flat. Taxi drivers were willing to help store the wheelchair in the trunk and give us time to help mom in and out of the vehicle. Kathy and Claudette even took mom on the hop-on, hop-off bus to see the sights. Buses lowered to the curb so the chair could wheel right on.

Wonderful Experiences

Great restaurant near our apartment.

We found a great restaurant halfway up the hill to Plaza Mayor. One day Claudette was pushing the chair up the hill and the waiter we had the night before at the restaurant came running over, took the wheelchair from Claudette, and pushed it the rest of the way up the hill!

We had chocolate and churros at Chocolatería San Gines, Madrid’s most renowned chocolate café.  San Gines dates back to 1894 and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Mom loved the freshly made churros and dipping them in the cup of hot chocolate. We did lots of shopping, and at a flamenco show, the dancers delighted mom. All in all – we picked a great place to visit and a wonderful area in which to stay.

Mom and me at the Flamenco show.

Health Scare

I left to fly back to Phoenix, and Kathy, mom and Claudette were to fly back to New York the next the day. When mom got up that morning, she said she had chest pains. Kathy called the apartment manager who arranged for a local doctor to come to the apartment to see her. The doctor sent her to the emergency room for tests.

After an examination, an EKG and medication to regulate her heartbeat, the doctors stabilized her. They discharged her several hours later, tired and upset.  Made for Spain, our favorite tour operator in Spain, saved the day. They arranged hotel rooms until they could get a flight back, sent a car and driver to pick them up at the hospital, stopped and got their luggage from the apartment manager and took them to the hotel. Delta was great and changed their tickets to business class seats the next day.

Mom’s Last Trip

We are so glad we made this trip. Even with all the difficulties we encountered, Mom loved it – and now has the best bragging rights ever. Sure she was uncomfortable at times – but she is uncomfortable every day at home. It comes with the territory. And we got to spend a great family vacation in Spain!

This great family vacation was in May, 2016. Mom passed away in September. The memories will last a lifetime for my sister and me.

Barney and I just returned from a relaxing Mediterranean cruise aboard the Silver Wind, a small luxury vessel owned by Silversea Cruises. Our cruise

originated in the tiny principality of Monaco and leisurely traveled “counterclockwise” along the French Riviera and down the eastern coast of Spain. The weather in September was perfect and the seas were calm.

We boarded the ship in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Aside from being famous for its Casino and the Grand Prix, Monaco is the world hub of the super yacht industry. They were preparing for the famous Monaco Yacht Show and the harbor was literally stuffed like sardines with huge yachts, some over 200 feet long. The people were friendly and a party atmosphere surrounded the dock area.

Aboard the ship, our room was comfortable and spacious with a balcony where we would sit and watch the Mediterranean Sea gently pass by. Our personal butler, Nixon went out of his way to make sure we were pampered around the clock. We noticed almost immediately there were never huge crowds of people anywhere on the ship. We were very surprised to later learn that the ship was fully occupied. Not feeling crowded was a huge plus for us.

We made 3 port calls in France, spending a day each in the towns of St. Tropez, Marseille and Sete. In St. Tropez we strolled around the port and down the narrow medieval streets. We went to Place des Lices, the social center of the Old Town that is surrounded by a forest of 60-foot high plane trees (sycamore family) providing shade to rows of cafes, and restaurants. The day we visited the Place was overflowing with vendors selling everything and anything you can think of. By far this was the biggest open air market I have ever seen. The overlapping canopy of shade provided by all these old trees was simply beautiful and had an old-world feel. We were told the area dates back to the 9th or 10th century when it was used as a jousting ground (“Lices” means jousting ground).

Our favorite find of the day was the La Tarte Tropezienne, the town’s most famous pastry. A fluffy light buttery brioche, with a hint of orange-flower water, filled in the middle with a mix of two creams and sprinkled on top with crunchy sugar. According to legend, Brigitte Bardot was in St Tropez for a movie shoot and fell in love with the cake and suggested the name. The success of that film, “ And God Created Woman”, launched her career and established St Tropez as the place to be for the rich and famous.

After a day in the sun it felt good to come back to ship and relax on our balcony with a glass of champagne before dinner. While we rested that night the ship took a short sail down the coast to Marseille. Established by the Romans over 2600 years ago, Marseille remains an international shipping port. The city is spread along the rocky coast and shows off its rich mix of history and modern culture. We took a 14 mile bike tour through the city with a local guide visiting the city center, the entrance to the original harbor still “guarded” by ancient fortifications, the MuCem area with modern museums, and a picturesque ride along the sea coast. The Notre Dame de la Garde (the basilica) that sits on the highest hill in Marseille provides a great view of the city, our e-bikes made it easier to get there. The church, built in 1864 was occupied by the Nazi’s in World War II and still shows the marks of bullet impacts.

In the evenings we ate outside on the rear deck of the ship watching the sunset.

Sete, a unique French town located on the Mediterranean Sea is known as the “Venice of Languedoc” due to the many canals crisscrossing the center of the city. We drove to the lookout at Pierres Blanches for splendid views of the unspoiled coastline. Then to the panoramic views at Mount Saint Clair, where we visited the small chapel of Our Lady of La Salette. From there you can see the Mediterranean and, separated by only a thin strip of land the Etang de Thau, the largest saltwater lake in southern France, famous for its oysters and fresh seafood.

Next, we toured Chateau de l’Engarran, a prestigious wine estate just outside Montpellier and enjoyed a wine tasting. This Languedoc winery traces its heritage back to the early 1600s. The grounds were beautiful and the wines delicious. Back in Sete we picked up a baguette, some wine and pastries and headed back to the ship. With the help of Nixon, who provided some cheese and fruit, we had a tremendous meal.

In Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain we were welcomed by the locals with a sample of the traditional sweet bread, ensaimadas. Next we went to Palma de Mallorca. We drove along the seafront and passed the famous Bellver Castle, the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and Almudaina Palace. We explored the Old Town and browsed through the shops in Palma and had lunch in an old wine Cellar. Before our ship departed, we sat on our balcony and watched a dance troupe in their Mallorcan costumes perform traditional folk dances on the pier.

We visited Valencia which is the 3^rd largest city in Spain. This lively city is located smack in the middle of Spain’s eastern coastline. Our walking tour began at La Lonja, or The Silk Exchange, considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful examples of Gothic civil architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built between 1482 and 1533, during Valencia’s golden age; the building illustrates the power and wealth of one of the great mercantile cities. We were thrilled to discover a little shop where an artist was hand painting fans. It was amazing to watch him create these gorgeous pieces.

In addition to its ample cultural history, Valencia has much to offer. This spectacular City of Arts and Sciences boasts extravagant architecture, newly built over the past few years with a wealth of museums, galleries and concert halls. The highlights are the Palace of Arts (Opera), Prince Felipe Science Museum, the Hemisféric (IMAX), a shaded terraced garden (Umbracle), the famous aquarium of Valencia (Oceanographic) and the Ágora.

The gastronomy in Valencia is beyond great. This is where paella was invented and they do it well. Valencia is also known for the drink, horchata de chufa, a sweet and silky nut milk made from small, wrinkled tiger nuts. After touring Valencia it was time for a lunch of tapas, sangria and cava. Afterwards, a stop for some local gelato, that was as delicious as it was beautiful.

Our last stop was Barcelona, one of Europe’s most visually stunning cities. We explored the city with a walking tour and visited famed architect Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Masterpiece. This was one of our favorite discoveries, truly amazing. This avant garde design is stunning with all the colorful stained-glass windows and radical architecture.   Construction of this church began over 130 years ago and is still a work in progress.   It is estimated another 30 years will be needed to complete it. It was a delight to walk through the beautiful and vibrant Barcelona streets enjoying the friendly atmosphere and excellent Mediterranean weather.

These are just a few of the highlights of another unforgettable journey. If you are planning to visit this part of the world, give me a call and I’ll be happy to share my experiences with you. (cynthia@hagers-journeys.com)

Cynthia

I had an opportunity to cruise in the Mediterranean, however, it conflicted with my daughter Tayler’s college graduation ceremony. To my delight, Tayler decided to go on the cruise in lieu of attending her graduation ceremony. Our mother daughter celebration was in Athens where I photographed her at the Acropolis wearing her graduation gown! We met wonderful people, had a lot of fun, laughs and learned about the local history of the Balkan Peninsula.

Our Journey Began in Athens

Our journey began in Athens at the elegant Grande Bretagne Hotel It is centrally located with awesome rooftop garden views of the Acropolis. We wandered through the streets of the Plaka. This is the historical neighborhood, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. The Greek food we sampled at one of the many sidewalk restaurants was wonderful.

We toured Athens on our first organized tour of the journey (part of our cruise itinerary). It was amazing to see the ancient sites with our guide, Maria. She helped us learn and appreciate the history and the people. The architecture and artistry achieved by these ancient people all those years ago was humbling. It was amazing to see and touch the Parthenon – knowing that it is over 2400 years old!

Our Cruise Begins

We feasted on fresh seafood and wine at a local Greek restaurant before boarding our ship, the Aegean Odyssey, operated by Voyages to Antiquity. This ship is small and intimate  in size. We enjoyed the  educational excursions with expert guides that are included in all the ports. With an average of 350 passengers, we never felt crowded or overwhelmed. It was exactly what we were looking for.

From Athens we headed west towards the Adriatic. Our cabin was small but comfortable. We had plenty of room for the two of us and a great balcony where we relaxed with a glass of champagne as we watched the shoreline pass by.

Ports of Call and Excursions

The shore excursions included on our cruise were fun and informative. We made three port calls in Greece, spending a day each in the towns of Gythion, Arta and Corfu. Each town had its own distinct feel and culture. In Gythion we boarded a small boat where our guide paddled us through the Diros Cave, ducking our heads to avoid the stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Arta’s beautiful Church of Parigoritissa had outstanding frescos and mosaics. However our favorite find was a small local bakery…yummy. At Corfu, we hiked to the top of their ancient fortress for spectacular views of the cliffs and surrounding area.

In Dubrovnik, Croatia we took a walking tour of the old town area where we climbed the stairs to walk along the 10^th century medieval wall surrounding the city…another very real reminder of the rich history of this region. We also indulged in a refreshing gelato.

We visited the town of Ravenna, Italy, home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites and is simply beyond words to describe. The mosaics are some of the most beautiful and well preserved of any I’ve ever seen. Our cruise ended in Venice, one of my favorite places. We visited many of the famous sights, ate way too much but had a thoroughly great time.

Then on to Switzerland!

When the cruise ended we flew to Switzerland where we met Barney and Spencer. We toured in Lucerne and took the train to Bern. Then we flew to Rome where we continued on this fabulous vacation in Italy. This was indeed a unique family vacation, as I got to spend a week on a “mother-daughter” trip with Tayler, followed by travels with the whole family . . . wonderful memories to last a lifetime!

These are just a few of the highlights of this unforgettable journey. If you are planning to visit this part of the world, give me a call and I’ll be happy to share my experiences with you.

Cynthia@hagers-journeys.com