Luggage Tip

I just wanted to remind everyone to add a distinguishing feature to your baggage when you travel. Don't pack irreplaceable items or items of value in your checked baggage and make sure that you make it to the baggage claim area quickly after your flight. In December, when I arrived for the Travel Expo in Las Vegas, I stopped for a much needed Starbucks latte and then made my way to baggage where I thought my suitcase didn't make it to Las Vegas with me. I found that only 1 airline scans baggage so airlines really have no idea where your baggage is when it is lost... identifiers are very important. Imagine all of the black bags they sift through daily! Airlines are allowed 24 hours to find your bag and then after that will provide $25 per day for incidentals so you will end up paying out of pocket. Remember that purchasing travel insurance through Dreams and Destinations can really offset these costs. At about 10pm the day I arrived in Las Vegas I received a call from Deb at US Airways baggage claim at LAS. It turned out that during my Starbucks stop my suitcase along with about 4 others was stolen from baggage claim and dumped near the airport. Thankfully the bags were discovered and turned in to the airline by Las Vegas police. I was really lucky...only an evening coat and some toiletries were missing since I carry on all valuables, but my suitcase that has traveled the world with me was slashed badly. US Airways provided a suitcase to load my belongings in and I was thrilled to not spend the the first day of the Expo shopping! However, I have learned a very valuable lesson, luggage before coffee no matter how bleary eyed you are because occasionally an airline will surprise you and your bags can actually be waiting on you!

Luxury Travel Expo

Hello everyone!

The Luxury Travel Expo in Las Vegas this past December was one of the best so far. I had a chance to network with suppliers and learn about new or improved products, incredible destinations, and unique acccommodations that I can, in turn, offer to you.

I stayed at Mandalay Bay this year and I'm looking forward to seeing the changes to the rooms next year. The Mandalay Bay is currently undergoing renovations one floor at a time.

While in Vegas you can't have all business and no play I took the time to enjoy the casinos at MGM, TI, Paris, Mandalay Bay, and The Venetian...if you're interested I can recommend the best nickel slots, but that is the limit to my gambling experience. I did play roulette for a friend...it has to be the fastest $20 I've ever spent! Since many of our first choice shows were dark during our time in Vegas we went to a tried and true delight...Mystere by Cirque du Soleil...as enjoyable as ever. We did take the time for a very chilly gondola ride at The Venetian...make sure you select the indoor ride along the Grand Canal...is is only $2.50 more per person and allows you to glide past cafes and shops.

For restaurants I wanted to mention a little Thai restaurant just off the strip (you'll definitely want to cab it to this location). The Lotus of Siam is located in the Commerce Center strip mall. Excellent curry and an an overwhelming menu to select from. Also good was Il Fornaio the at New York, New York with their "sidewalk" seating and enjoyable Northern Italian cuisine. Our big splurge for the week was at Mon Ami Gabi located at Harrah's Paris. Excellent food in a French bistro setting with truly impressive service.