Take Me Out To The Ball Game.

So, who's ready for baseball to start?  Football is over and many of us are waiting for those famous words, "Play ball!"  The season will be starting before we know it.  Who is your favorite team?  Has anyone been to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York?

 Cincinnati Reds fans have a unique opportunity to  see one of their own inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.  Barry Larkin was born in Cincinnati, attended Moeller High School and was the Reds 1st round pick in 1985.  He debuted with the Reds August 13, 1986. He spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds.  His final game was played October 3, 2004.

Mr. Larkin will be inducted into the Hall of Fame July 22, 2012.  Have you ever dreamed about attending the induction ceremony?  Well, here's your chance.  GeoTrav (an affiliate) has a special motorcoach trip planned to see Barry inducted.  This will be July 21-23.  The cost is only $479.00 per person based on double/twin room occupancy.  Some of the things included in the package are:

• 2 nights accommodation in Syracuse, NY
• Breakfast Sunday and Monday
• Admission to the Syracuse Chiefs/Norfolk Tides AAA baseball game Saturday
• Admission and a one-year membership in the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum
• Admission to the induction ceremonies of Cincinnati Reds player Barry Larkin
• and more.

So, come on baseball fans let's support one of our own.  Call John Vanderplough for more information and to make your reservation 513-939-0599.  Seats are limited, so don't delay.  Tell him you hear it from Memory Vacations.

Until next week.....

Let's Talk Canceled Flights

Hello,
I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Mine, very uplifting and spiritual.
So, who has ever had a flight canceled?  I have had a flight delayed, but I don't recall one being canceled.  My husband, on the other hand, has.  Last year when he was trying to get to Jacksonville, Florida for a conference, his flight was not only canceled once, but TWICE!
I thought I'd share some tips about what to do when bad weather strikes.  I found these in an article on Smarter Travel by Anne Banas.

Bad weather is considered an "act of God" and therefor one basic thing you are entitled to is a refund--no free hotel stays, no transportation, and no food vouchers (thought some airlines might offer these other options at its discretion).
Weather can wreck havoc on travel, but there are some essential tips that will help minimize stress and allow you to take matters into your own hands when your flight is canceled.

Before you go:
1.Reconfirm your flight.  It may be clear where you are, but not necessarily where you are headed.
2. Sign up for alerts.  Most airlines and online travel agencies offer cancellations alerts via email or text.  However, if a big storm is in the forecast, take action and call the airline direct.
3.  Pack smartly.  Keep essential items, including medications, cell phones and chargers, a change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on.  It is also a good idea to pack some food, since the options might be limited.

Rebooking
1.  Try all booking avenues. Wait in the customer service line (if at the airport), stay on the phone until you get through to an airline representative, get online, or use social media (some airlines will respond to direct messages on Twitter).  Always program  the phone numbers of all your travel providers into your phone before you leave for the airport.
2. Contact other travel sites.  Try contacting third-party providers, such as the online travel agency you used to book your reservation.
3. Contact all other travel providers. Remember that your hotel, car rental and other reservations will also be affected by a canceled flight.  Don't forget to contact them as soon as possible.
4.  Get a cash refund.  Try to get a cash refund if you decide not to re book within the waiver time frame.  Credits and vouchers for a later date might be hard to use due to hefty restrictions.  If you purchased a trip cancellation insurance policy, see what you can get reimbursed for.

Stuck at the airport
1.  Look for a hotel.  Get online and look for hotels with last-minute availability, or download a last-minute hotel booking app such as HotelTonight or Priceline's Tonight-Only to you phone.  Remember others who are stranded might also be looking for a hotel room.
2. Be polite and ask for help.  While you are not entitled to receive things like food vouchers and other perks, it doesn't hurt to ask.  Just remember to be polite and don't make any demands.  Airline agents will likely be stressed as well, and they will be more likely to help you if you treat them with respect.

I hope these tips are helpful.  Let me know what you think and if you have any other ideas that have worked for you when you've experienced a canceled flight.

Happy travels.

What Did You Do This Weekend?

Boy do weekends sure pass by quickly.  I took a photography class this weekend.  We learned about composition.  All I can say is I have a lot of respect for those who take nature/wildlife pictures.  The photographer kept telling us it takes patience to photograph animals.  Lots of waiting.  With it being so cold, waiting wasn't actually on the top of my list of things to do outside!  My camera didn't want to cooperate, as it kept turning off, but I did manage to get a couple of okay shots.  Once you crop them, they weren't too bad.  I really like to one with the two birds.
I think I'd like to make a visit down to the Smoky Mountains in the fall and photograph the leaves and such.  Anyone else up for a weekend in a cabin in the mountains?  Let  me know if you are.

So, what did you do this weekend?

Until next time.....

Hello 2012!

Wow did 2011 go by quickly.  I ended the year by taking a weekend trip to Chicago, IL.  What a beautiful city. My husband and I took the Mega Bus from Cincinnati to Chicago, and I have to say it was great!  You couldn't drive up for $50, which is what it cost for both of us, round trip.  It was wonderful not to  have to do the driving, and once we got to Chicago we took a taxi to our hotel.
We went up with a couple of friends and had a wonderful time.  We took the Hop on/Hop Off trolley and got to see and learned about the city.  I would definitely recommend it so you can get a feel for the city and what you want to see.  We chose to get off at the Willis (Sears) Tower, and then go up to the 103 floor!  Since I am afraid of heights, I can be kind of limited as to what I do, but I have to say the view of beautiful.  We even took a step out on the "ledge".  AWESOME! (see the pictures below).
We had Chicago pizza, which was yummy!  I couldn't believe how deep dish it is.  I have made it at home, and it turned out pretty good.  I still have to perfect it though.
One of the highlights of the trip was seeing Donny and Marie Osmond in their Christmas show.  As always, they put on a wonderful show.
So, if you are looking for a quick weekend getaway, I would recommend Chicago as an option.  I would like to go back and spend a little more time there.

                                          Now that's some kind of pizza!

                                           High in the sky.

                                           The city skyline

                                           Chicago below

What is calving?

So, do you know what calving is when it is in reference to Alaska?  Well, I do, and boy is it awesome!  Go check out this video and see if you agree.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddymllsBuDg
Wouldn't that be something to see?  Alaska is an amazing place of beauty and wonder.  I haven't been there, yet, but will be going next June 2012, and I have to say, I Can't Wait!!  I will be taking a 7 night cruise up and back.  I am looking forward to seeing the beauty of what the Lord has created for us to enjoy.  There is so much to see and do I don't know where to begin.
You can bet that when I return I will write a full report.
If you've been to Alaska share your experience with me and others.

What America Really is.

On July 4th I left Cincinnati to be a support driver for a group of 5 young men (14-18 years), their youth leader and three of the boy's fathers, as they rode their bicycles to Nauvoo, Illinois.  This was a five day trek, covering just over 500 miles.  What a feat it was.
As we journeyed along, on the back roads of America, we saw lots of corn and soybean fields, but most important we met some very nice people.  Since we were off the main roads, there weren't a lot of places to stop.  We would look for trees whenever we could, as we stopped for water/food breaks.  We found that people were willing to allow us to fill up our 5 gallon water jugs, use the restroom in a church, which was left unlocked and fix and eat lunch on their property.
As I have reflected on that journey I have come to the conclusion that there are still people out there who are good and willing to help.  As we would drive down the roads, and happen to pass another car, without exception, they would always give us a wave.
Nothing better than driving down the back roads of America, going 15 miles an hour, windows open and CD's turned up!
Thanks to those who know how to slow down and are willing to lend their help however needed.

What Does America Mean To You?

As the 4th of July approaches and we get ready to celebrate the birth of your nation, I thought I'd take the time and tell you what it means to me.
America is (as the song goes), the home of the brave.  It is where we enjoy the freedom to pursue our dreams and live your lives as we strive for happiness.  What a blessing it is to be living in America!  This is truly a blessed nation.  Let us not forget we are one nation under God.  America is the fulfillment of prophecies from the scriptures.
I am grateful for the men and women who have given their lives so that I can enjoy the blessings of living in a free country.  America isn't perfect, but we are free.
I'm thankful for those men and women who are currently serving to protect and keep us free, so that we can enjoy the things we do.
The founding fathers of this great land were inspired by the Almighty as they wrote the Constitution.
Let us not forget those who have gone before to make this a great country!
Have a great 4th of July and stay safe!