by Ron Largent | Aug 29, 2018 | Cuba, Tampa Bay, Travel
As some of the folks that I know have told me in the past, they enjoy hearing about my days as I travel…so for the next week I will be writing about this trip…a Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Ship Cruise to Cuba and Cozumel…where I will be a Cruise Ship Lecturer speaking on Cuba. It has been fun to prepare, and I have learned a lot about Cuba and its history.
But, this trip started with my being in Tampa a day early…and after a visit downtown to see the City and the Bay area, I went over to Ybor City…a small community of Tampa that was founded by the Spanish and Cubans around the 1900 time period.Ybor City is advertised as a “little Cuba”…..and it does have many shops that, no doubt, will look like stores and shops in Havana…and we will see. In any case, it is a place of neat shops and restaurants and some Cuban History, including a couple of cigar making stores that you can go in and watch the process.
I got back to the hotel, after riding the public bus, HART, in and out of town….and this is the best way to get around….all day pass for $4….and very clean and fast. The bus takes you downtown past the old mansions and the new buildings….and beautiful areas with lots of trees and parks. Very pretty. Tampa itself is part of the larger Bay Area of about 3 million people, so this is a major area, and the Bay area waterways are very evident. Development has been well controlled around the Bay, and has capitalized on the River that flows into the bay…very impressive.
Returning about 3 PM….started to notice the build up of clouds, and within an hour started hearing the thunder….and the rain started. I had heard earlier that Tampa was the “Lightning Capital of the US”…..and for the next hour….I saw and heard all from my room, as this was not a rain that you wanted to be out in. I hear this morning that we got 3 inches of rain for the day…so, my welcome to Tampa was complete.
Today I take the Shuttle from the hotel to the Cruise Port, which is in the downtown area….so will get to experience the check in procedure for Royal Caribbean….our previous cruise ship experiences have been very good…so hope this continues. The Ship starts check in about noon…and then departs at 4 PM…or at least this is the plan..sailing overnight to Key West…where we will have our first day…and this will be a first for me to visit Key West, and am looking forward to this unique city, and area.
More to come, and enjoy the “new look” blog page.
“You will want to know all about this place“
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by Ron Largent | Aug 28, 2018 | Travel the World
Ron Largent Travel provides complete individual, family or group sports travel experiences to the most exciting major Golf events worldwide.
Flexible Operations: We specialize in flexible golf tour packages including optional air; choice of three- four- or five-star hotels; transfers; add-on tours and destinations, choice of ticket seat location and insider tips to each event and city.
Long-term Relationships: By virtue of our long experience in the sports travel industry, Ron Largent Travel, and our partner agencies, enjoys a vast number of first-name relationships with travel and venue professionals, relationships which enable us to secure the optimum arrangements for our clients.
Quick and Positive Response: During your travel, we also pride ourselves in responding to your every need, with a friendly “can-do” attitude.
Service and Value: You tell us that we are – quite simply – “the best financial and service value in the sports travel industry.”
Become a Member of the “Largent Club”: Whether you are tennis, golf or other sport enthusiast — traveling alone or with small or large group, Ron Largent Travel looks forward to planning and making your sports travel experience enjoyable — far beyond your expectations.
by Ron Largent | May 24, 2018 | Travel
Delight in the joys of a mid-sized ship with Holland America Cruises
Alaska Explorer starting $799.
Canada/New England starts $399.
Jewels of the Baltic begins $999.
per person/double occupancy
Every port brings another adventure on Royal Caribbean .
Cuba fare starting at $329.
Caribbean begins $349.
Week End Getaway $249.
per person/double occupancy
Delight in the joys of a mid-sized ship with Holland America Cruises
Alaska Explorer starting $799.
Canada/New England starts $399.
Jewels of the Baltic begins $999.
per person/double occupancy
Princess Fall 2018 – Winter 2019 Destinations on Sale
There is no better “time away”
than with select cruises to
Mexico starting at $579.
Hawaii from $1399.
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e-mail me for details,,,,ron@ronlargenttravel.com |
by Ron Largent | May 21, 2018 | Australia, Australia and the Rain, Cruise Line Deals, European Travel, International Travel, Princess Cruises, Special Events Travel Deals, Special travel deals, Travel, Travel the World, Uncategorized
Look at these specials just announced today….by Princess Cruises
1. 13 Day New Zealand at $1199……….2. 16 Day Andes and South America at $1699……..3. 10 Day SE Asia at $949
4. 10 Day Eastern Caribbean at $849………5. 10 Day Southern Caribbean at $899.…….6. 15 Day Panama Canal at $1399.
These are excellent prices….and Princess is one of the Best…so e-mail me for details, options, etc ron@ronlargenttravel.com
by Ron Largent | May 7, 2018 | Amsterdam, Asian Travel, Australia, Australia and the Rain, Austria, Bavaria, Bella Russe, Bergen, Berlin, Bern, Britain, Budapest. Hungary, Bullet Train, Burnie, Cairns, Caribbean, Christchurch, Copenhagen, Cruise Line Deals, Cruise Ship Travel, Danube Canal at Nuremberg, Danube River, Danube River and Viking River, Denmark, Dunedin, Eastern Europe, Eastern Germany, Eidfjord, England, Europe, European Travel, Finland, Fjords, Gdansk, Geneva, Germany, Glacier Bay, Glaciers, Great Britain, Gstaad, Helsinki, Hobart, Holland America Cruise, Holland America Cruise Lines, Hungary, Hungary food, Iceland, Iceland Hiking, Iceland Tours, Icelandair, Inter City Express (ICE), International Travel, IR Train, Italy, Juneau, Kentucky Derby, Kuranda Classic Train in Cairns Australia, Latvia, Lausanne, Leipzig, Lenin Square, London, London Concerts, London Marble Arch, London Marriott Hotel, lucerne, Manley Island in Australia, Maria Theresa, Matthias Church, Melbourne, Mercedes, Milford Sound, Monaco Grand Prix, Montreaux, Munich, Music in London, Napier, New Zealand, Northern Europe, Norway, Nuremberg, Piccadilly Circus London, Poland, Port Arthur, Royal Albert Hall, Royal Albert Hall London, Russia, Russian Market, Ryder Cup, Salzburg, Sawyer, Secrets for Senior Travelers, Senior Travel Secrets, Sitka, Ski The Alps, South Sawyer Glacier, Special Events Travel Deals, Special travel deals, St Martins in the Field Church London, St Stephens Basilica, St. Martin, St. Petersburg, St. Thomas, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Sweden, Switzerland, Sydney Australia, Sydney Opera House, Tallin, Tasmania, The Alps, The Caribbean, The Fjords, The Masters, The Mediterranean, The Rocks in Sydney, Tracy Arn Fjord, Trafalgar Square in London, Travel, Travel the World, Travel Tips for Seniors, Ultimate Sports Events., Uncategorized, Venice, Vienna, Viking ATLA River Cruise Ship., Viking River, Viking River Cruises, Volcano Island, Warnemunde, Warsaw, Wellington, Western Europe, What To Know Before You Go, Wimbledon, Zurich
Chapter 4 What’s On Your List
In Chapter 3 we talked about Making a List, or Lists…and this chapter will cover what you may want to include on that “list”….for the items on this list can “make or break” your travels. In addition to the “list”….there are some basics to include in your carry on, and I got the following from a travel blogger, Jamie.
When you think of the best parts travel, immersing yourself in new cultures and eating authentic food probably sound more appealing than flying to your destination. But, when you have the right things with you, your flight can be the ideal time to relax and dream of all the discovery to come! To make your time in the sky even more enjoyable, we reached out to Go Ahead staff to hear which products they always pack in their carry-on bags. Here are ten of their favorites to have with you the next time you take to the skies.
One thing is for sure: Digging for your passport and other travel documents isn’t nearly as fun as digging into culture. That’s why having a functional travel wallet on hand is a must—and why we love the colorful selection made by Zoppen. With well-organized pockets for your boarding pass, money, cell phone, and more, you’re guaranteed to have everything you need at the ready. Plus, the wallet’s RFID-blocking material prevents anyone from electronically nabbing ID info and credit card numbers, so you can stroll through busy terminals at ease (and in style!).
2
Water bottle
If you’ve ever arrived at an airport’s security line just in time to remember you’ll need to toss the full water bottle in your bag, this tip’s for you. Next time you pack up your carry-on essentials, bring along an empty water bottle. You can fill it once you’re through security instead of paying high airport prices for a bottle while waiting to board your flight. Then, you’ll be able to refill it during your adventure (as long as it’s safe to drink tap water at your destination). We love the Hydro Flask bottles, which are insulated to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, making it easier to stay hydrated while quenching your thirst for adventure.
3
A good read
Far-off places spring to life from the pages of a good book, and bringing a travel-centric tale along during your flight is sure to get you dreaming of all the adventure to come. The Go Ahead team is full of top travel book recommendations, but one of our staff favorites is The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. In it, Weiner says there’s a link between inspiring destinations and overall happiness… and we can’t argue with that!
4
Noise-canceling headphones
If you’d rather catch up on a good flick while coasting through the sky, noise-canceling headphones are the way to go. While quite reprieves may be hard to come by on busy flights, these headphones help keep any outside noise (think: crying babies) at bay while you tune into your movie or music. Want an option that won’t break the bank? Check out Sony’s over-the-ear headphones, which are comfortable enough for long trips and fold up when you’re ready to pack them away.
Portable charger
Enjoy passing the time on flights by watching movies on your tablet? A portable charger is the thing to bring. One of our top picks is the Jackery Bolt, a small-but-reliable external battery charger with built-in cords. It can provide a medium-sized smartphone with up to two full charges and give tablets and other electronics with USB ports more life. Simply plug the charger in overnight to give it some juice before you take off, and all you’ll need to think about is filling up your wine glass on tour instead of running out of battery in the air.
6
Toiletry bag
Like a good travel wallet, a roomy toiletry bag is a must for wrangling all of your in-flight essentials, and one of our favorites is the Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Travel Kit. The good-looking material is sturdy, the interior is roomy, and you can simply pop your plastic gallon baggie full of 3-oz liquids inside. That way, you won’t need to go rooting around in the bottom of your tote for lotion when your parched hands need some love mid-flight.
7
Antibacterial wipes
While meeting new people is one of the best parts of travel, picking up any germs (or sharing your own) undoubtedly dampen the adventure. That’s why using antibacterial wipes is always a good idea, and Purell’s travel packs are a good go-to. You can clean your hands, tray tables, and armrests in flight for a germ-free journey, and then tuck the package in a convenient place—the wipes aren’t considered a liquid so you don’t need to worry about keeping them in your gallon baggie.
8
Hand cream
An airplane cabin’s dry, recycled air can do a number to your skin, so it’s key to have a good moisturizing cream on hand (get it?). We love L’Occitane en Provence’s creams, which hydrate without feeling greasy—and call to mind bright fragrances in the South of France. If you’re hoping to sleep as you coast through the sky, opt for the lavender scent for an extra splash of relaxation.
9
Lip balm
A refreshing wake-up may be just what you need after snoozing mid-flight, and a minty lip balm should do the trick. One of our favorites is Smith’s Rosebud Perfume Co. Minted Rose Lip Balm. It hydrates while providing an invigorating kick and a light tint, all in a compact, pretty tin.
For the trip itself, let’s start with the obvious…your camera or camera phone, and the charger. Your IPad, if you use it for photos, and its charger. If you use your IPad for Kindle, then be sure you have the books you want to read downloaded while you have an internet service available. Sun glasses are always needed, and you might think about a case to keep them from breaking. If you like to take notes of things you see, or memorable things that happen on the trip, take along a writing tablet or note pad, and a couple of pens that work. Maybe for you it is your daily Diary. Binoculars always come in handy, but get a good one. REI is where I got mine…very pleased and only $100. A small umbrella is always good to take, for even though you may be in an area where it is not suppose to rain, be prepared in case weather turns bad. Just keep it small. Sunscreen may be needed, so stick in a tube, but it has to be the right size. For the flight, air sickness or Jet Lag pills may work, and the same for sea sickness. Slippers for the long flights are often well used, as well as a neck brace and eye covers and ear plugs. Always good if you plan on sleeping on the flight. And, if you take medications, be sure you have them with you on the flight, not in your checked luggage.
We covered the correct clothes, coats, and hats previously….but also think about personal security. If you have a fanny pack or a pouch, be sure it is RFID, which protects valuables for potential theft of private information. If you carry a purse, be sure it is RFID and has a way to strap it to your body. Men’s wallets should be kept in the front pocket of pants, not in the back pocket. If you use a back pack, they are great but can be accessed from the back, and you might want to look at one that you can carry in front of you, as well as on your back. If you are in a big crowded area, keep the pack in front of you with your arms around it. Speaking of personal security.…let’s think about the credit card and cash that you carry. First, be sure and notify your credit card company that you will be traveling outside the US, and they will probably ask what countries, and the dates, so have this handy. And, be sure and mention that you may be using both a credit and debit card. Regarding US dollars, in cash, for the most part will not be accepted in stores. Use a credit or debit card. However, dollars can be used for hotel tips, etc. but again, not widely accepted. Local cash, which you can get at ATM’s, which are very accessible, is the way to go. I do not recommend keeping much cash on you (maybe $100 converted to local currency) as you can use your debit card for almost all purchases. This process is much more common outside the US than in the US. We will talk more about getting local currency once you arrive at the in-country airport.
Now that you have done your pre trip planning, your pre-trip packing, and have your list of items to take, you are ready to depart and head to the airport. Chapter 5 will deal with “The Airport”….from getting there to taking off….stay tuned.
by Ron Largent | May 6, 2018 | Amsterdam, Australia, Australia and the Rain, Berlin, Cruise Line Deals, European Travel, International Travel, Italy, Secrets for Senior Travelers, Senior Travel Secrets, Sitka, Ski The Alps, Special Events Travel Deals, Special travel deals, St Martins in the Field Church London, St Stephens Basilica, St. Martin, St. Petersburg, St. Thomas, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Sweden, Switzerland, Sydney Australia, Sydney Opera House, Tallin, Tasmania, The Caribbean, The Mediterranean, Travel, Travel the World, Travel Tips for Seniors, Ultimate Sports Events., Uncategorized, Venice, Vienna, Viking River, Viking River Cruises, Warsaw, Wellington, Western Europe, What To Know Before You Go, Wimbledon, Zurich
Chapter 3 Make A List
Make a List. I started making a list when I started traveling in 1960, while on a UCLA project to India. We did not have a lot of choice, as our Faculty Leader said, ” you can take 1 suitcase, and it has to be small”. Well, for a 20 year old college student that grew up with a Mom that said “wear clean clothes every day”, this was not going to be an easy task. But, I made it…and I made it because of My List.
Then for 10 years, while I was with World Vision and traveled someplace every week, the list was critical, and to this day, I make a list for every trip. In fact, now I make a couple of lists. One is for the trip, and one is to prepare for the trip, and let’s start with this one. From stopping the paper, (and yes, some people still get a newspaper), to stopping the mail, to planning out how the dogs and cats will be cared for, make that list for your departure. I even put on there adjust the heating and cooling system, depending on the time of year, and I list turn off the water if it is winter and may freeze. And so it goes. One word of caution though, that just came to me by a reader on Active Rain, only tell people that you know that you are leaving…don’t put it out there for the world to see on Facebook, etc….we are in a different world these days, and it is best that not everyone know that you are going to be traveling for 3 weeks, or whatever. But, do tell the neighbors that you know that you are leaving…could they keep an eye on the house, etc. They are always willing and you may want to return the favor…part of being a good neighbor. Put “check with the neighbors” on your list.
Plan for the trip. I like to think through the days, and what will I be doing each day. If you are walking a lot, will 1 pair of shoes work, or will you need two. What about the weather? Will you need a coat or jacket, and what attire do you want if you go to a concert, or to a fancy restaurant in Rome? Then, I will actually make a list of day to day clothes. This may sound ridiculous, but this way I can determine how many shirts, pants, etc I will need before I will have to do the laundry. This also helps to point out that you really will not need 8 changes for an 8 day trip…or that you may need that many changes. Then my list will start to list the activities that I am anticipating, such as climbing up a mountain, swimming in the hotel pool, or going on a photo safari. Do I have the batteries needed, as well as the tripod if I am using one, etc. Will I need my binoculars if i am looking at birds, or at a sporting event. Am I going to keep a diary, or will I use my IPad, and if so, do I have the charger(s). If I want to do some serious reading, do I have a book or is it on Kindle, and if so, have I downloaded the books I want to read. If you want to go to the hotel gym, what do I wear? What about a hair dryer, or clippers if you have a trimmed beard or need an haircut? Well, this is the process, and smart travelers go through this at least a week in advance of departure, which gives you time to pick something up at Walmart or the local drug store.
In the next section, I am going to list some items to put on your List, in preparation for the flight, and then arrival at the airport or port….so stay tuned…Chapter 4 What’s On Your List?
We found all of this on the internet….then went to our agent!
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by Ron Largent | May 4, 2018 | Australia, Australia and the Rain, Cruise Line Deals, Cruise Ship Travel, Eastern Europe, European Travel, International Travel, Northern Europe, Secrets for Senior Travelers, Senior Travel Secrets, Special Events Travel Deals, Special travel deals, Travel, Travel the World, Uncategorized, Western Europe, What To Know Before You Go, Zurich
Chapter 1. Passport and Plan in Advance
First, think Passport. If you do not have a valid and current passport, this is a first step as soon as you decide you are going to travel overseas, internationally, or whatever you want to call traveling outside the United States. You can get a passport application at the US Postal Service near you, and in many counties, there is a passport office as part of the County Clerk,or equivalent. And, there must be at least 6 months remaining on an existing passport, or you may be stopped at customs, both in the US and upon arrival in another country. This is a black and white issue…no 6 months, no travel outside the US. As part of the application, you must get passport photos, and these are available at various drug stores in your community, and at some of the US Postal Offices. The cost will be in the $125 range….and their is the passport book and the passport card…get the standard passport. Renewal will be about $100. And, at the Passport planning time, also think about vaccinations. Depending on the country, vaccinations may be required. Your local county health department will usually have these guidelines, and they can assist here, and in some counties, will actually administer the vaccination. Do this as you start your Passport planning, as shots may have to be given over a period of time, such as 4 weeks. Don’t wait until you are ready to go.
Second, think Plan in Advance. Time flies and I am recommending plan a year in advance of when you would like to travel. In this planning process, think through Where Do You Want To Go?, When Do You Want To Go?, Why Do You Want To Go to This Place?, and How Do You Want To Get There? The When is really important, and this may take some research on your destination. Everything from a National Holiday to a Special Event in that location can complicate your travel plans. Easter Week at the Vatican in Rome can be a nightmare if you do not like big crowds, for example. Boxing Day is the Day After Christmas in England, and many stores and attractions are CLOSED, including public transport. Local celebration days can bring extra crowds to attractions, and lines to get into museums can be long and slow. All of these kinds of events and happenings can now be found on the internet, and Google will become your “good friend”. The final past of this Plan in Advance section is to think about how long do you want to be in a place, city, or country? Some years ago one might think 2 days in Paris is plenty….not so now. Reasons are simple and revolve around (1) more people are traveling now than any time in history. And, (2) more travelers are coming from Asia To Europe….and many that were traveling to the Middle East are (3) now going to Europe and Asia…all complicating the crowd factor. So, think in terms of a day with crowds and lines and delays, and maybe another day or two in that special place will be in order.
In order to Plan in Advance, you have to have a good idea of where you want to go. Enter the Internet, and Chapter 1 will continue with using the Internet to get the information that you need to make some good plans and decisions. All for now.
by Ron Largent | May 3, 2018 | Travel
Effective May 1, I am starting a series of blogs that will lead to my book….Senior Travel Secrets….with a sub title of “What to Know Before You Go”. As a result of my having either lived, worked, traveled to over 70 countries since it all started for me in 1960 on a UCLA Student Extension program to India. The theme of the blogs will be to help people that are new to international travel….by addressing the common concerns, fears, unknowns, and basic questions of traveling in a “foreign” country.
I will start with Chapter 1..which will cover Passports, Language, and Money…so stay tuned. It should be interesting, and if any readers have suggestions, e-mail to me and I will give you credit for the idea…the more the better for the traveler.