Speed Through the Airport

One of the worst travel snags ever created involves the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) in the United States.  Long lines, shoe removal, 3-1-1 rule, unpack your laptop, etc.  The good news is that there is an alternative, well sort of.  The TSA has a program called TSA Pre Check.


Pre Check allows passengers to basically go through the lines that pilots and plane crews go through without the hassle.  By completing the Pre Check process you can skip the long lines and inconveniences.  TSA says the cost to enroll is $85, but at the current configuration, add on a trip to Indianapolis.

Part one is the application and money, part two is the face to face interview and fingerprinting.  Seems a bit cumbersome so far, but the TSA, with an unlimited budget expects to open as many as 300 sites for travelers to enroll at.  Hmm  I see another problem brewing here.  30 Divided by 50 states is six locations in every state (average).  If a simple majority of travelers sign up for Pre Check, the long line moves to the current fast lane, and the short line for on-Pre Check fliers becomes the quick way through.

Currently you do have other options for speeding through the TSA checkpoint.  You can qualify by going through a similar process with U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s Global Entry program.  Then you can,easily application, be a Pre Check traveler.


Evidently you can qualify for Pre Check through many airline frequent flier programs.  I have grilled my airline and frequent flier program to no avail.  Now I don't travel weekly, but we do put quite a few miles on in the air.  You would think I would at least get a reasonable answer of either how to qualify or why I do not.  

My editorial on the whole process is as follows:  First, the last Caucasian to hijack a plane was D. B. Cooper.  Those of you who remember the story are probably too old and disinterested to want to disrupt your own flight.  Secondly, even though the FBI has my fingerprints, I am not sure giving Big Brother EXTRA information about myself is prudent.  Heaven forbid if I were a Tea Party Member trying to start a conservative political group.  Lastly, As most US Government programs are not self sustaining monetarily.  I would be willing to venture a guess that for every $85 collected the Government will spend $500 to process the application and produce an ID card.  All  this to protect us against people who can probably outsmart TSA when they want to.  We have had the shoe bomber, the underwear bomber, what's next, the armpit bomber?


For years my travel mantra was "If you can't carry it on (for a week vacation) you can't take it."  The ever changing rules are such that now I travel heavier, check aerosols, liquids, electronics (to some extent), and hope my luggage takes the same route I do.  I am sorry to make this posting into a travel gripe list, but it doesn't have to be this hard.

Travel Safe, Travel Often. 

Hot Stuff in El Salvador

A volcano in eastern El Salvador belched more ash and gases on Monday after a big eruption on Sunday that drove more than 1,600 people into emergency shelters. No major injuries or damage were reported.

The Chaparrastique volcano, which is about 140 km (87 miles) east of San Salvador, the capital, spewed ash over a wide area known for its coffee plantations on Sunday.

 The most active volcano in El Salvador

Rescue workers monitor the activity of the Chaparrastique volcano

El Salvador is home to 22 volcanoes. El Salvador volcanoes include San Diego, Guazapa, Singuil, Apaneca Range, Taburete, Usulutan, Santa Ana (Ilamatepec), Conchaguita, Izalco, San Salvador, Cinotepeque, Ilopango, San Vicente, Cerro Singüil, Apastepeque, Coatepeque, Tecapa, Chinameca, San Miguel, Laguna Aramuaca, Conchagua, and Chingo.

El Salvador's Active Volcanoes:

Six of El Salvador's 22 volcanoes are considered active. They include San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Miguel, Izalco, Ilopango and Conchaguita.

The Chaparrastique volcano spews ash in the municipality of San Miguel December 29, 2013

Volcanic activity is no reason to avoid El Salvador. Volcanic activity is not all that uncommon to El Salvadorians, and the government is reasonably prepared with plans for shelter and emergency evacuation.  I would not like to be in the immediate vicinity of ash contamination, however. We will be in El Salvador soon, this is not a deterrent.

Travel Safe, Travel Often

Christmas in Panama

Panama Christmas traditions contain a curious mixture of Spanish and American traditions due to the Americans building the Panama canal. Panama is a very small country; just smaller than the state of Indiana and they have a population of about 3 million people. About one fourth of the county's populations lives in Panama City, because of this, Panama city is the center of the country's Christmas celebration.

On the second weekend in December the festivities begin. The Panama City Christmas parade is one of the most exciting Panama Christmas traditions. The poor children from around the city are gathered together and brought to the center of the festivities, so they, too, can enjoy them. The floats are decorated in the national styles and the women dress in their country's party dresses, polleras. The men's costumes are calledmonunos. Here are some beautiful pictures from one of their parades.

Smaller neighborhoods love to hold the Spanish Las Posada on the nine days before Christmas. They dress as Mary and Joseph. To mimic the search for a place in the inn, they parade from house to house. At the final house where they are received, they sing, hit piñatas and enjoy food.

Nacimientos, Nativities are set up in many homes. the Christmas tree may or may not be present.In the Panama Canal zone, which is Americanized, there are extravagant outdoor displays with Christmas lights and nativity scenes.

On Christmas Eve at midnight, the Panamanians don't ring the Christmas bells to announce the coming of the Lord Jesus, but instead shoot off fabulous fireworks. No one misses the beginning of Christmas in Panama.

For more information visit http://www.family-christmas-traditions.com/Panama-Christmas-traditions.html

Travel Safe and Often.

Costa Rica Medical Tourism

There are several reasons to consider medical tourism in Costa Rica.

Medical treatments are usually about 50-70% cheaper than in the US and no one has to wait their turn for surgery. Easily accessible from US and Canada. There are frequent flights from important cities in both these countries. Also Americans, Canadians and most Europeans staying in Costa Rica for less than 90 days do not require a visa. 

Presence of top private accredited hospitals and clinics in Costa Rica. It is very common for leading doctors and surgeons in Costa Rica Hospitals to have gained experience, certifications or trainings from the USA.

Traditionally, the procedures that have been popular with medical tourists in Costa Rica have been cosmetic and dental treatments. But with growing standards of medical care, there is rapid medical tourism demand for various other surgeries and medical procedures.

Costa Rica is a foreigner-friendly country; it attracts over 2 million tourists every year. The phrase Pura Vida differently means "Full of Life", "Purified life", "This is living!" or "Going great!"  and reflects the easy-going, relaxed lifestyle of Costa Ricans. Costa Rica has a special police force called 'Tourist Police' that is just to assist the tourists with directions and answering questions.

A politically stable country, Costa Rica does not have an army. It has a high standard of living when compared to that of other Latin American countries and also a stable economy. It has a literacy rate of 96% and the lowest crime rates in the region. Many US and Canadian citizens and Europeans choose Costa Rica to lead their retired life because of the low cost of living, comfortable climate and its unspoiled natural habitats. 

More information is available for medical, cosmetic, and dental procedures in Costa Rica:

http://www.medicaltourismco.com/costa-rica-hospitals/medical-tourism-costa-rica.php

Travel Safe, Travel Often

Sightseeing in Nicaragua

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No matter what your interests are, you will find a multitude of interesting destinations within Nicaragua.  These tours vary from low impact to high energy, and none of them will disappoint.

Only 45 minutes from Managua, you will visit Granada, an original settlement known as the oldest city on the North American continent because it still remains in the same place it was founded in the year of 1524, then on to Lake Nicaragua.

 The tour heads northwest to get to Malpaisillo's town from where you will access and have the opportunity to climb the active volcano, Cerro Negro. Climbing it is an unequalled experience, but is reserved for those in good physical condition.

We will begin our visit to Acahualinca Footprints Museum, showing us foot springs from humans and animals escaping from a volcano eruption between 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. Then we will visit historical sites like; The Old Cathedral destroyed by the earthquake of 1972, the Presidential House, the waterfront, the Central Market where you can observe or buy the finest Nicaraguan Handcrafts.

For more tours and information, Please click on:

http://www.nicaraguatours.org/?event=offer.list&p=9

Travel Safe and Often

International Living Magazine

International Living Magazine caters to the average middle class person who might be thinking about or in the final stages of retirement planning.  Options abound for those with an adventurous personality and the desire to retire and live a very comfortable lifestyle.

IL Magazine gives readers insight into retirement and investment destinations worldwide.  Whether it be Europe, Central America, or South America, there is something for everyone.  If you are considering buying a retirement property or renting a flat in a modern city, the magazine has the experience and information to guide you to a mistake-free decision.

Subject matter typically includes information on: Real Estate, Travel, Taxes, Currencies, Investments, Retirement, Why Retire Overseas, Best Climate and Health Care Overseas.

For information on International Living Magazine and a discount subscription click the banner at the top of the page.

Travel Safe and Often.

Must Have Travel Links.

The following links are necessary travel links in general.  Most are absolute necessities for travel in Central America.

I always shop multiple sites for my airfare.  The following are good starting points, but remember to visit Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines as well as specific airline web sites as they fit into your potential itinerary.

http://www.bookingbuddy.com/

http://www.kayak.com/

Also remember those frequent flier miles, and the opportunity to get more by applying for airline specific credit cards.  You can also buy extra miles from your airline if you happen to be short to get that free flight.  Beware, and be cautious about buying or getting gifted miles from even a close friend.  There is a lot of fine print and generally a big chance you are taking trying to use privately purchased miles.  It can usually be done, however.

For information on hotels, restaurants, rentals and attractions, the go to place is TripAdvisor.com .  I have in mind doing an entire posting about the pluses and minuses of this site.

      http://www.tripadvisor.com/

To find specific information about your potential destination, the following About.com web site offers a plethora of general information
http://gocentralamerica.about.com/

Rental Homes are one of my favorite ways to travel.  It is not always perfect, but you will not be at the mercy of an expensive hotel's inflated breakfast menu, there is no particular time that the lunch counter is open, and the feeling of freedom to do what you want when you want in a rental house is wonderful.

Vacation Rentals by Owner | VRBO.com

http://www.vrbo.com/

FlipKey Vacation Rentals

http://www.flipkey.com

HomeAway Vacation Rentals

http://www.homeaway.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentals

For car rental services I have often relied on a ;local reference to make my decision.  There are reputable "local" companies to choose from, but once again be cautious.  I do typically shop the recognized name brand rental companies, and often rent from them.  I use my AmericanExpress card to rent the vehicle, subscribe to a pay per use service from AmEx that is $24 per rental (I believe for up to 30 days) which covers collision insurance in case it is needed.  You will have to typically buy liability when you rent the vehicle, and it is not necessarily inexpensive.  I am aware that some other credit cards offer similar services, talk with them before you pay for your vehicle to be sure you are covered.

INSURANCE  Your health insurance is usually worthless in a foreign country.  For a relatively small fee you can be well insured for the duration of your travel.  There are many web sites that offer this type of product, as well as travel agencies, airlines and credit cards.  Shop and read the fine print.

Good People to Know

Aad and Marian are very good people to know if you are thinking of traveling to the Central Valley in Costa Rica.  They happened to manage a property we rented there last year, but they were more than property managers.  They provided us with restaurant and shopping information, directions to sightseeing attractions, and gave us other important information about the area to make our stay absolutely delightful

To learn more about Aad and Marian follow the link below to brief biographies, property listings and contact information.

http://american-european.net/index.php?action=view_user&user=1523

Travel Safe, Travel Often.

Fact or Fiction about Central America

Most everyone you talk to who has not been to Central America will readily express an opinion.  Opinions typically range from bad to very bad.  Now let me assure you that it is not all peaches and cream in Central America, but there are numerous old wives tales that need to be put to rest.

Crime seems to be the initial negative comment about the general area.  Crime in MOST areas of these countries is crime of opportunity.  If you leave your smartphone on the seat of your car while you go inside a restaurant, the opportunity presents itself.  Wearing flashy gold jewelry in an area where the majority of people are poor is also not a good way to start.  Those who give crime a chance to happen will find it.

Exceptions abound.  Not having been there, I will go out on a limb and comment that Guatemala has more than their share of ongoing crime.  The government has made efforts to curtail criminal activities here, but it has been an uphill battle.  The ratio of poor to "rich" people here after the long civil war that ended just prior to the beginning of the current millennium has begotten a societal group that will do almost anything to raise their life status.  This is not necessarily true everywhere in the country, but if you consider visiting, use caution.  If you happened to read the Internet article today ( http://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-antigua-irresistible-retirement-spot-191814352.html )  Also read this (http://wikitravel.org/en/Antigua_Guatemala#Stay_safe and make your own decision.

Other countries in the geographic area, like most areas in the USA, have their share of crime.  There are drugs, and drug related violence in not only Central America, but throughout the world.  If this is your thing, you may very well find out that violence is, in fact, prevalent.  I cannot emphasize enough that being street smart and cautious is key to safety wherever you are.  I remember my son being in Paris quite some time ago, and telling me a story about how a small group of students he was traveling with narrowly evaded an evening mugging.  It's everywhere, use your head.

Poverty is also a common complaint/comment about Central America.  Yes, there is poverty, yes there are needy people, and yes many people live in what we might consider terrible conditions.  Some of these folks choose to live in the manner of their forefathers, some are eking out an existence and trying to move up the social-economic ladder, and others are lazy or uneducated or challenged.  Isn't this just like the USA in many ways?  You may not like to see the poverty, or the associated people, but it is a good reminder of the fact that these people do exist, and that there is an opportunity for others to help them.

I have watched women sweeping their houses out, and wondered why they would sweep a dirt floor.  I have seen people with two large electrical cables in hand climbing a pole to reattach disconnected lines.  I have seen the blind propped up in a doorway with a tin cup, hoping for a few coins.  Yes, it bothered me, but I am a better man for remembering that not everyone lives in a cookie cutter neighborhood with a white picket fence, and I might be able to make a small difference somehow.

Another waning concern about this part of the world is health care.  Many people are concerned that, if stricken with an illness while in Central America, they will surely either perish or find it necessary to immediately return to the States for treatment.  In general health care, especially around urban areas in Central America, is closely comparable to that you would receive "back home".  The doctors are usually educated and trained in the United States, and  have quite modern equipment.  The biggest difference, as a visitor, is the cost is typically 1/2 of the retail "from home".  When traveling cheap insurance is available which will cover not only your care in these countries for the length of your stay, but usually also include air ambulance should you require return to the USA for treatment.  This is well worth the investment and peace of mind.

Drinking water can be an issue no matter where you travel.  Not all drinking water is filtered, treated, or safe in C.A.  I find it necessary to outfit myself with bottled water whenever I leave home.  Best case scenario, if you jump right in and drink unfiltered water you will meet the revenge of Montezuma fairly quickly.  Speaking of such, vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, and others should be eaten either cooked or very sparingly.  They are not necessarily contaminated except by bacteria that your system is not used to.  Raw anything is always a concern anywhere, especially in a third world country.

A good general rule when traveling to a warm country, or anywhere for that matter, is not to overly indulge in anything at first.  Whether it be the sun, adult beverages, local food, or late night hours, transition into any of these with care and caution.

Travel Safe, Travel Often.

Choices: Hotel or Vacation Rental

Having tried a multitude of lodging options in many parts of the Caribbean and United States, I have formed an opinion that agrees with what most people will glean out of the following.  I have gone to check out of a hotel in Mexico, only to find a multitude of excessive charges I was unaware of.  Vacation rental homes I have taken advantage of have never had surprise charges, noisy neighbors, or lack of privacy.
Compare below:

Vacation Rental

Big savings on nightly rates
Average nightly rate**:
$219.28 for NYC
$150.45 for Miami Beach
$202.76 for Whistler, BC
$180.51 for Rome 
Average vacation rental is 1,850 square feet.
Since you've talked with the owner in advance, you know exactly what you're paying for before check-in.  Dine on your own time Most vacation rentals come with a fully equipped kitchen and private dining space which means you can save money dining in and plan meals around your family's schedule.  Who wants to eat breakfast according to the strict buffet dining hours? Why resort to eating out of vending machines or overpriced mini-bars when you're hungry for a midnight snack?
Privacy: Whether you're seeking rest and relaxation or a little romance, stay in a space of your very own with no interruptions.
Travel lighter knowing you don't have to haul along everything from home.

Hotel Room

Average nightly rate*:
$350.00 for NYC
$179.92 for Miami Beach
$293.70 for Whistler, BC
$222.64 for Rome
Average hotel room is 325 square feet.

• Maid walking in at the wrong moment.
• Thin walls mean hearing voices in the hall and from the room next door.
• Overcrowded public pool and hot tub.
• Amenities vary per hotel and some are associated with extra charges.

 Baggage holding fee
 Internet access fee
 Parking fee
 Using the room towel for the pool fee
  Bottled water fee
 Energy surcharge fee

Travel Safe, Travel Often.

Planning your trip to Central America

As with any travel plans, the basic plan itself is the most important part of an enjoyable trip.  Whether it is a family trip, a romantic get away, or an adventurous quest, primary planning is key to an enjoyable vacation.

I like to work backwards.  For those who know me well, that certainly isn't a surprise.  First I look at properties, availability, location and price, all based on the type of trip I am planning.  For travel to Central America, I might initially, in my mind, pick a couple countries, and either beach or mountain locations.  After exhaustive research (see early blog submission) I can usually narrow things down to two or three properties in each of two countries.

Now that I know I can stay comfortably in two countries at a price I am comfortable with, I need to get there.  I next search to find out what airlines fly into each international airport in my destination country.  It seems simple, but not all airlines fly into every Central American airport.  I also set mental priorities for my travel to and from my potential destination.  I want to land before two in the afternoon, and be able to leave on an afternoon flight back to the USA (for instance).  Now I do like a bargain, but reliability and schedule also enter into my choice of airlines.

Let me give you an example:  On our last trip to Costa Rica we booked reasonably priced round trip tickets.  We left STL at 6 A.M>, and were in a rental car headed for our final destination by early afternoon.  Beautiful... Strange roads which were not well marked, heading for a city I have never laid eyes on before.  It all worked.  the roads didn't get any clearer after a week than did my Spanish.  Our return flight was an early morning departure.  Deduct two hours "early at the airport" time and an hour drive (IF you don't make a wrong turn) and we would have had to leave in the wee hours of the morning, drive in the dark, and worry all the way.  Bad choice of return flight on my part.  We returned the rental car a day early and stayed in a hotel near the airport the night before our flight.  It didn't ruin our vacation, it was just a hiccup that we had not thought out completely ahead of time.

Now that you have found out all you need to know about flight schedules and airlines, you should probably have a more definitive handle on your destination.  This is the time to go back to your favorite hotels or rental homes to read every word about them, every review (which you will need to sort out why some might have been very good or very bad), every booking option for best price for the room, suite or home of interest.  When all is said and done your choice is a personal one, but you will be a long way from home and a lot of $$ invested if you make a poor choice.

Given time, I try to directly contact the home owner or hotel chain with a list of questions just to see the kind of replies I get.  I also usually am able to question several reviewers directly by email and see what extra feedback I can get.  Some people are freaked out if they find that they cannot put tissue down the toilet.  Others may have never seen a gecko, and go crazy when they are seen in the house or room.  Those who have done a bit of reading will realize, for instance, that these and other subtle nuances in a foreign country are nothing to be concerned about.  Those who become concerned might very well give a negative review of a beautiful accommodation.

Now you are ready to pull the trigger.  You know what it will cost you to stay in the country of your choice, and the availability of commercial flights to get there.  Remember;  He who hesitates is lost.  Bookings on aircraft as well as bookings for accommodations (especially the better ones and those that might cater to a specific clientele) can fill up fast.  Decide, and most of all, don't look back.  Other properties might look better later, but it is usually best to go with a well researched first choice.

Now that you have secured a room and a flight you can take your time reading about extras.  Read a lot.  You may not need a rental car, you might want to go zip lining and take a tour of a national reserve.  Generally there are more opportunities than you can take advantage of in the course of the normal vacation.  read, confer with fellow travelers, and be flexible when you get to your destination.

Good planning usually results in the best vacation experience possible.  Always remember, you are at the mercy of weather conditions and the wants or needs of those traveling with you.  Leave your Type-A personality at the office and enjoy being in Central America.

Travel Research.

A few basic tips.

For the novice international traveler, I will outline some basic do's and don'ts in your decision making to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

1) Research.. Research your destination, and then do it again.  The more information you have in hand before deciding on your destination is paramount on your enjoyment level.  For instance, if you are a surfer, you wouldn't want to be too far from the best breaks.  If you not the party scene you would naturally want to find accommodations away from that scene.  When a listing for a house, motel or hostel indicates "close to or nearby", map it.  If you are mile or two from your perfect spot and you don't have a rental car, your holiday could be a disaster.

For those with a nose for a historic travel, more research.  Roads in Central America range from 4 lanes to washed out dirt.  Depending where your desires are taking you, you may need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to navigate some roads.  Four wheel drive vehicles can be quite costly compared to a compact sedan.  Generally paved roads in central america are good.  They are often a bit narrow, crooked and steeply inclined as well as very sparsely marked.  If you are driving yourself, get a good map prior to your trip and talk to as many people as possible at your lodging spot.  Always drive carefully and be well insured(a whole separate subject matter).

2) Housing.. We all like to travel differently.  Basically in central america you have options of small hotels/motels (in non urban areas), B&Bs, and rental homes.  All have their pluses and minuses.  After..exhaustive Research only, make your decision.  Convenience, price and location, location, location are the usual deciding factors.  

We have had good luck renting houses on many of our trips.  Rental housing can be very advantageous in many ways.  Usually there is an owner or caretaker locally that knows the area, and will be able to direct you to the best, easiest and least "chancy" features you might be looking for.  Yes, there are "chancy" places not to go not only in central america, but in a city near you.  Heed advice, and always be careful.

B&Bs also usually have an on site person who can help direct you to your interests in your foreign country.  Usually you get an included breakfast with local flare.  You may never have thought of black beans and rice being included in the morning meal, but there is a cultural reason this could be the norm.  If you are expecting an at home breakfast, yup, Research.  Expect to do and taste new things, and you will not be disappointed.

3) Communication.. You may have a want or need to communicate with friends, family, or co-workers back home while you are away.  IF WiFi is available where you stay (a must for me), email and social media messaging works quite well.  If verbal communication is important to you or those left behind there are a few options.

You will find that many ex-pats in central america are hooked up to Skype.  If you are on a week or two respite, you may want to sign up for Skype on a pay per minute basis.  You will need to set it up for the country you will be visiting.  Some people by an international sim card for their cell phone before leaving the USA.  This works well, but research what you are getting.  For calls within the country you are visiting you might want to buy a country specific sim card either before traveling or they are usually available at your destination airport.  

I have also, for an extended visit, purchased a toll free number that can be linked to a hotel switchboard (so the hotel can call your room and connect you), or to a local cell phone number that is purchased either before leaving or at the airport.  These are not free, but a lot less expensive than some other plans and your business connections can get in touch with you for a few cents per minute your cost.  

Some cellular providers in the USA offer an International Calling feature that you can opt into before you leave and cancel when you get home. For many this is a wonderful option to take advantage of if it is available for the country you are traveling to.  Research, and read the fine print before you activate this feature.

Cell phone service is actually pretty good in many parts of central america.  Remember that there are often miles of wilderness with no service, just like extreme rural areas of your home country.