Fox News Channel 2

Sue was the "Travel Expert" again today on Fox News Channel 2 Morning Show. The topic was "Exploring ala carte Airline Fees" and this was Sue's 8th appearance.   www.fox2newsnow.com/news/morningshow

TRAVEL NEWS

CURRENT TRAVEL NEWS   Southwest Airlines begins service to LaGuardia Airport in New York City.   Delta Airlines installs in-flight Wi-Fi on its first wide-body 767-300 transcontinental routes July 13.   Ryan Air announced early next year no more check-in luggage, there will be unlimited for FREE carry-on luggage that you will check yourself at the cargo hold.

WTMY Interview

WTMY RADIO INTERVIEW   Tune in Sunday, July 5 to WTMY 1280am at 5pm Eastern to hear host Roy Lowey interview us on our recent trip to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. The show will also be archived on his site at www.ttrn.com   Be sure to check out www.realresorts.com to see the Royal Resorts.

CLEAR GONE

CLEAR FAST LANE GONE   June 22, 2009 Clear Fast Lane at the participating airports ceased operations. Gone is the express line at airports. Gone is shortening your security line wait in half. Gone is the chance to move to the front of the line. Verified Identity Pass Inc., the parent company of Clear has been unable to continue operations.  It is currently unclear what will happen to the membership fees paid into the program.

JUNE 27 SHOW GUESTS

TRAVEL PLANNERS JUNE 27 SHOW GUESTS   Vandalia, Il First Annual Bluegrass Festival guests pre-recorded on location the previous week.   Mayor, Ricky Gottman Historian, Lincoln Waysides, Dale Timmerman Old State Capitol, Mary Cole, Superintendent Economic Development & Tourism, JoAn Givens Bluegrass Festival Committeeman, Walt Barenfanger (Fire breathing Dragon owner) City Council Committee Member, Dean Black Abe Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln Impersonators Soroptomist International - Vandalia In Bloom, Joy Clymer National Road, Mary Truitt

VANDALIA BLUE GRASS FESTIVAL

FIRST ANNUAL VANDALIA, IL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL   Kevin and Sue were invited to broadcast from this small town (7,000 pop.) in central Illinois for the first bluegrass festival and Kevin was one of 5 judges (including the Sheriff and a Council Member) for the BarBQ Cookoff.  Kevin really enjoyed sampling the ribs, steak and chicken.  The sampling ended in a tie.  Homemade Ice Cream served by the Senior Citizen Group and Corn Dogs served by the Boy Scouts showed us it doesn't have to be a gourmet meal to be good.  Of course, there were 4 bluegrass groups playing on Saturday too.  We will have some of the broadcasts on soon on our different stations.  We even got an interview with Abraham Lincoln and his "wife" Mary Todd Lincoln!!!  Vandalia was the first state capitol of Illinois and is a place to go for Lincoln history.

Playa Del Carmen and Cancun

PLAYA DEL CARMEN AND CANCUN Kevin and Sue just recently returned from the ROYAL RESORTS in Playa Del Carmen and Cancun.  www.realresorts.com   With the fear of the H1N1 flu scaring off tourists to Mexico we were invited to visit and see how safe from the flu it is.  Most of the cases centered around Mexico City and inland Mexico...no cases were ever reported in Cancun or Playa Del Carmen.  The resort owner feels secure in offering free accommodations for three years if someone comes down with the flu while at their resort.  Airfare and hotel/resort prices are down considerably and it is a great time to check out their website for outstanding bargains.  Real Resorts has two of their properties for families.  Our flight down and back on NW Airlines/Delta Airlines was packed full and a lot of honeymooners were heading for the area.  We watched one beautiful beach-side wedding from our balcony that was performed in a gazebo with the ocean breezes and sounds of lapping waves.  How romantic is that?

THE ROYAL SPA TREATMENTS

Make sure you sign up at Spazul THE ROYAL'S spa for a spa treatment.  Kevin tried out the Relaxation Massage with therapist Marisol, followed by a dip in the Hydrotherapy Jacuzzi, Sue tried out the FOUR HANDS massage and a dip in the Hydrotherapy Jacuzzi.  I had always wanted to try the FOUR HANDS and would highly recommend it.  While Adrianna  did reflexology on my toes and feet Elvira was massaging my head and neck...talk about Heaven.  This was a very relaxing massage as each lady gently and sometimes not so gently massaged, kneaded and stroked by whole body head to toe with soothing lotions.  A soothing scent of Eucal

PLAYA DEL CARMEN AND CANCUN

Our NW Airlines flight from STL to Memphis and on to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen was comfortable, snacks of nuts and cookies were served along with the usual coffee, water and cold Pepsi.  The plane was full and we noticed a lot of honeymooners on board.   We had a short layover in Memphis so we had a delicious BBQ pork sandwich at Jim Neeley's Interstate Bar-B-Q in a Memphis food court.  We would highly recommend this sandwich $7.95 which came with a layer of cold slaw on the bun and it was stacked high and a container of additional sauce for dipping.   We were picked up by a shuttle that had been sent for us by Best Day Tours for a 45 min. drive to our resort THE ROYAL RESORT in Playa Del Carmen.  The resort looks like a palace and ooohs and aaahs were emitted as we pulled up to the portico.  More to come on check in to our resort where we will be staying for two nights before moving to THE ROYAL RESORT in Cancun for one night.  We will also be visiting sister properties of the REAL RESORT properties. Sue and Kevin McCarthy

JUNE RADIO SHOWS

JUNE RADIO SHOWS NEW TO OUR BLOG - We will be letting you know each week who our guests will be on our TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW.  Depending on what part of the country or world you are from you can listen to our show on different media outlets.  The shows will broadcast first on GAB - Global American Broadcasting and then over the next week or two will be broadcast on the other stations.   www.globalamericanbroadcasting.com  NEW TIME SAT., JUNE 13.  8- 10am CDT   Angela Jackson, San Francisco CVB Tom Parsons, BestFares.com Henri Wolfe, Chief of Security Radisson Resort, Aruba DePalm Tours, Aruba THE ROYAL RESORT, Playa Del Carmen Kevin - Travel News/Sue - Travel Tips New Passport Info as of June 1     LOCAL ST LOUIS AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS Sundays 6 - 8am KZQZ 1430AM and 3 - 5 pm WBGZ 1570AM Listen to us on the Internet www.kmox.com Thursdays 11am - 1pm

Fox News Channel 2

Lucky #7 Sue's 7th appearance on Fox News Channel 2 with Randi Naughton and John Pertzborn Friday, June 5 around 8:10am   Be sure to watch Fox News Channel 2 for these tips:   "Tips For Ladies Traveling Alone" Don't stay home from traveling if you don't have anyone to go with you. Travel, but be smart.   When you make your hotel reservation, ask what kind of neighborhood the hotel is in and if it is in an area safe for a woman traveling alone.   Leave a complete trip itinerary with a friend or family member.  If your flight is delayed going or coming home, call or email that friend or family member so they know where you are.  If you have plans for visiting attractions, botanical gardens, museums, theater or amusements, etc.  be sure to put this on your itinerary.   When checking in observe who is around you at check in desk.  If the reception says your room number out loud, ask for another room and explain why.  Ask for two keys in case someone is "lurking" nearby it will look like you are not alone. Be aware of who is around at the check in desk, the elevator and hallway to your room, if you feel you are being followed walk past your room and return to the lobby.  If there is a knock on the door, ask first who is there before you open the door.  If they say security, maintenance or the maid and you don't feel comfortable then call the front desk and ask if someone has been sent to your room.  Call or email your friend or family member saying you have checked in.   Carry a hotel business card with the phone number and address so you can show it to the taxi driver on your return trip, no lost hotels this way.  When you do venture out be aware of your surroundings.   Keep your money in two separate places on you so it doesn't look like you are carrying a lot of cash.  Better yet, keep some of it in the hotel safe.   Make an extra copy of your passport or driver's license (leave a copy with the friend or family member at home) and keep it in the hotel safe.   Don't wear a lot of flashy jewelry.   When eating alone at a restaurant don't make it obvious that you are alone.  Ask to be seated at a booth or a table towards the back of the restaurant.  If you spot another solo woman traveler ask if you could join her.   Don't drink too much and don't leave the bar or restaurant with anyone you don't know or trust.  If a man offers to buy you a drink trust your instincts and never walk away from your seat leaving your drink where someone could put something in it.   We just returned from Aruba where a young woman disappeared a couple years ago after leaving alone from a bar and her friends with three young men.  Aruba is a very safe island, but unfortunately something did happen to Natalie Holloway.   There isn't any reason a woman shouldn't travel the world alone, just be smart about your travels, be safe and ENJOY!

THANK YOU American Arilines

We made it back to St. Louis last night about 10pm after a fantastic trip to, and broadcast from Aruba. After picking up our checked bag we headed for the parking lot. I reached into my pocket for the car keys and my wallet. It was then that I had that sinking feeling of realizing my wallet was not where it should be. In fact, it was nowhere to be found!   I knew that I had my wallet at the airport cafeteria in Miami and I thought that I had probably left it there. They were closed by the time we got home so I spent the next three hours canceling my credit cards and not looking forward to having to get a new drivers license etc.   I call the La Caretta restaurant in the Miami Airport early this morning and They were very willing to assist me, but the night manager would not be in untill late thisafternoon. At this point I figured it was a lost cause.   At 10am we received a call from Dottie at the American Airlines baggage claim office at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. She had my wallet!   I sincerely want to thank the employees and staff of American Airlines. The cleaning staff on the airplane, the ground staff at the airport, the baggage clain staff and everyone else who may have been involved, did their job the way it should be done. Their attention to their job, their honesty and willingness to do what is right should not go without recognition.   I got my wallet back, intact, and I now have a sincere respect for American Airlines.   "Thank You" is not enough to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who made this story have a happy ending. You are the best.   Kevin McCarthy

ARUBA, One Happy Island!

As we left the Queen Beatrice Airport Sue noticed that phrase on the local license plates, and Aruba is indeed One Happy Island! It is very friendly, very safe, and a lot of fun.   We took a half day coach tour of the Island to learn a bit about this Caribbean paradise. The De Palm Tours driver was very informative and friendly as well. That afternoon we availed ourselves of a couples massage at the Larimar Spa on the Radisson property. VERY nice! It was Kevin's first hot rocks experience and he loved it.   Dinner that night was at the Sunset Grill, a Mobil 4 Star award winner for a number of years. The menu is based on a Steak House theme but also includes a number of great seafood items as well. Kevin will have more on this later.   A self-drive Jeep tour gave us a chance to see the old gold mine facility from the 1800's a beautiful coastline, light house, and more.   A lazy afternoon on the beach/pool was followed by an evening BBQ with the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders who were here shooting this years calendar photos.   Tomorrow we head back to Missouri to prepare for a trip to the Mexican Riviera.   We would like to give a special thank you to the staff of the Aruba Radisson, Casino, Resort and Spa. The service was genuine, friendly and over the top from start to finish. We would also like to say that we saw this same service for all the guests in the facility. It was not just because we did our Travel Planners Radio Show here.   We would also like to thank Aruba Tourism Association for helping arrange the guests for our show. Again, a job well done.   We may have found our second home in Aruba. real estate prices are very affordable. Unlike other Caribbean destinations, where you feel safe as long as you are locked in your resort compound, but wouldn't think about "going downtown", this entire island nation is yours to see and enjoy. Everyone speaks English. The Dollar is accepted everywhere (and they do not double the price when you pay in Dollars)  You will feel right at home, except everyone here seems to be more friendly. Aruba is One Happy Island and this is about as close to Paradise as you can get on this planet!

We are in Aruba

Sue and I just arrived in Aruba to do our Travel Planners Radio Show. We were on the same plane as Peter Greenberg. We sat in on his show tonite and we will do our show live Saturday afternoon from the Radisson Hotel Resort Casino  and Spa. We have already met with the Aruba Tourism Department, who helped arrange our guest interviews, and this will be a very good show.   The tropical breeze is perfect, the Radisson is fantastic, the food is great and the beach is beckoning. More later, Thanks for checking in.   Kevin and Sue McCarthy

PowWow

Who put the WOW in PowWow!  This years annual U.S. Travel Association's PowWow is being held in Miami.  I'm staying at The Palms Resort and Spa in South Beach (Kevin couldn't attend this year due to commitments at home).  Press Brunch started the event and followed with a tour at the Miami Seaquarium where I played with and swam with a Dolphin, holding onto the Dorsal fin and gliding across the pool.FUN FUN!  Another thing to check off my "bucket list of things to do".   The first night's activities included a kick-off party on the beach. Lots of food, drinks, music and animals from Jungle Island. I had my photo taken holding a yellow python, a skunk, a baby kangaroo, a black and white big lizard from Argentina, parrots and a monkey on my head....not all at once.   More to come. By Sue McCarthy

PRSA

Busy month of conferences and travel.    PRSA/SATW (Public Relations Society of America and Society of American Travel Writers) held in Kansas City.  Kevin was a guest panelist on Syndicated Radio.  Great 4 day event and a chance to catch up with old friends and meet new friends and contacts. Sue McCarthy

I love NorthWest Airlines!!!

I''m a bit late posting this, but here goes. On our triip to Norway I had to do some charity work in St. Louis, so Sue went ahead of me. I was to go from St. Louis to Detroit to Amsterdam, to Copenhagen to Oslo to Tromso. The longest layover was less two hours! It sounded like a tough schedule to keep.   I left St. Louis on a Sundaqy morning and as I headed to the airport we had two tornadoes in the area and severe thunderstorms. We were 40 minutes late leaving St. Louis. I had a 55 minute connection to my international flight and I figured I was in trouble already. Northwest did make up some time on the flight, but there were storm in Detriot as well. We touched down with 15 minutes till take off of my overseas flight. The international flight was in the same terminal and I had 5 minutes to get to it when I finally got off the plane.   Luckily , I made it and they were already pushing back from the gate as I got seated. At this point I knew I would never see my checked bag untill I got home. After arriving in Oslo I went to the baggage area to find out where to make a claim for my bag and to see if there was some way they could get it to me on the cruise ship, As I was looking for the baggage office I turned around and my bag magically appeared on the carousel!   I have no idea how Northwesr Airlines made that happen but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! for your dedication to customer service. I am truely impressed.   After almost 20 hours, 5 flights, and 4 countries, I, and my bag, were standing on the dock at Tromso with 30 minutes to spare!!  Kudos to NorthWest Airlines!!

Hunting The Light - Alesund

Hunting The Light - Alesund, Norway March 6 By Sue McCarthy   I had not reached the Arctic Circle yet, but have passed by bucolic islands with sheep, colorful houses, sea birds and passing boats on our way to our next stop at Alesund. We arrived in port at noon and would return to the MS Trollfjord at 3:00pm  A guide took us to one of the town's museums at the Art Nouveau Center, the "Swan Pharmacy."  This was a beautiful old pharmacy depicting how it looked in the early 1900's.  We entered a "Time Machine" and went back in history through a multi-media show "Ashes to Art Nouveau."  The whole town had caught fire, leaving thousands homeless and had to be rebuilt.  Neighboring towns and countries helped in the rebuilding and the wooden houses in town center no longer would exist, instead the new buildings were made of stone. The upper level of the pharmacy museum was the home of the owner and he was a man of wealth.  The furniture was carved with owl designs and stained glass.    We boarded a bus to the top of Aksla Mountain and had lunch and a magnificent view of the harbor at Fjellstua Restaurant.  Fish was the menu choice since Alesund is known as Norway's fishery capital and is also known for dried cod.  Some of our group walked back down to the park in town and joined the rest of us for a guided-walk through the shopping district.  The stone buildings were adorned with carved flowers and figurines, designs in Art Nouveau, German, French and Italian style.   Since this was a winter trip the ship didn't go into the famous UNESCO World Heritage site - the "Geirangerfjord", but this is one site I would have liked to have seen.   Back on the ship and heading north...hunting the light.

Will Swine Flu Affect Travel

Sue was invited on Fox News Channel 2 in St. Louis, MO 7:15 a.m., Tuesday, April 29th, as the "travel expert."  She was interviewed by anchors John Pertzborn and Randi Naughton on "Will Swine Flu Affect Travel to Mexico and Will There Be Any Airline Discounts?"  The interview with Dr. James Hinrichs was also mentioned on-air.

Dr. James Hinrichs Interview

H1N1 - Swine Flu Interview  Monday, April 27th Kevin and Sue interviewed and videotaped Dr. James Hinrichs, Medical Director of Infection Control at St. Joseph Health Center, St Joseph's Hospital West and Associate Adjunct Professor At St. Louis University School of Public Health and the Sub-committee of Bio-Terrorism.  The interview can be seen in Two Parts on www.youtube.com/kevinandsuetravel

March of Dimes

Saturday, April 25th, Kevin videotaped the annual March of Dimes Walk/Run in Forest Park in St. Louis, MO. Sue and her sister Barb walked the 3.1 miles course for a good cause.

FOX NEWS CHANNEL 2

FOX NEWS CHANNEL 2   Sue was asked to be on Channel 2's "Travel Expert" at 8:45 a.m. today (Monday, April 20th) to talk about Top Dollar Stretching Destinations.  Check out www.bestfares.com , www.explorestlouis.com and www.citypass.com

Hunting The Light

MS Trollfjord, Hurtigruten Hunting The Light By Sue McCarthy   March 5 We checked out of the First Hotel in Bergen and boarded the Hurtigruten's MS Trollfjord for our journey north to the northernmost point in Norway.  A little about the ship we'll be traveling on for the next 7 days.    Our cabin had a bathroom with a nice large shower, sink, toilet and a heated floor. The room had a lower and upper berth, a couch that could be a bed and a desk.  Our porthole was really a round window, except it looked out on a lifeboat. Once Kevin arrived, there was plenty of room in the cabin for the two of us to move around.  I slept on the top berth and we kept the couch for our coats and equipment.  TIP:  Take suitcases that can fit under your berth to allow more room for walking around in your cabin.  There are 23 suites, 5 with a balcony,  and 674 berths.   There is a self-laundry facility, an Internet Cafe, three meals daily (bkfst and lunch are open seating with two seatings for dinner), a gift shop, a ,concierge tour office; hairdryers are furnished in each cabin (220 voltage).  My favorite spot to sit and read a book, visit with friends and observe the fantastic scenery passing by was the 8th or 9th deck in the bow or front of the ship looking out the panoramic windows.      At 10pm we stood on the aft (back) deck and watched as the lights of Bergen reflected in the dark waters, observed the clear night with a thousand stars as the ship slipped smoothly under the Askoy Bridge (at 1057 meters it is the longest suspension bridge) as we headed out to "Hunting The Light", the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights.  The Hurtigruten line recommends this time of the year as a good time to observe the lights, but makes no guarantees.  The lights are elusive and the conditions must be right.  If a passenger or crew spots the lights while on ship (no matter what time of the night it is) a call is sounded and passengers scurry out of their cabins, leaves their plates on the dinner table and climbs the stairs to the top deck in hopes of capturing a photo of the elusive lights.    Dress is casual, no fancy dress parties or tiaras.  Dress warm with layers for offshore excursions and sitting on the top deck.  Bring a swimsuit and take a dip in the outdoor hot tubs.   The Hurtigruten is like a cruise ship only smaller in size and is a working ship.  While passengers are sleeping the ship docks in many of the small towns along the way delivering passengers, postal mail and cargo.  www.hurtigruten.us   We'd have time to explore the ship the next day before arriving in our first port of Alesund at noon.  I am traveling with a group of American and Canadian journalists, Harald Hansen of INNOVATION NORWAY - Tourism www.VisitNorway.com/us and Jennifer Rosen PR for Hurtigruten U.S.

Fish Fire and Fjords

Fire, Fish and Fjords By Sue McCarthy As my journey began in Bergen, the "Gateway to the Fjords", I would hear many times about how fire, the commerce of the fish markets and the beautiful fjords played a part in the history of Norway.  Modern day Bergen has a population of 250,000 and is both a cosmopolitan and historic city.  Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage City, was founded in 1070 by King Olave Kyrre and is now the second largest city in Norway.  Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, has the most picturesque Hanseatic wharf Bryggen with colorful red, gold, blue and white wooden shops and houses, a Fish Market and cobblestone streets. The Great Fire of 1702 destroyed most of the wharf area and it was rebuilt along the harbor.    I spent one day and night in Bergen and did a bus sightseeing trip throughout the area, shopped in the quaint shops to buy postcards, a doll, hats and slippers for the grandkids.  When purchasing items be sure to asked about the tax-free VAT. In Norway is included in your retail price and as a visitor you are entitled to a 12-19% cash refund.  www.globalrefund.no   Bergen is also known for its university, museums and culture.  I toured the home of famous composer Edvard Grieg at Troldhaugen.  Other notables from Bergen are the artist Edvard Munch (the Scream), Henrik Ibsen and Johan Christian Dahl.   The perfect place for dinner was at the top of Mount Floyen with a funicular ride 320 meters  above the harbor watching the sunset and the lights coming on in the town below.  The Bellevue Restaurant means "beautiful view" and sitting on the outdoor terrace is breathtaking and romantic.  The Floein Folkerestaurant has been family run for four generations and was established in 1899.  The  "continental cuisine is based on Norwegian traditions" and will definitely include baked bread, fish and boiled potatoes.  www.bellevue.no

March 3-13 2009

March 3-13, 2009 Hurtigruten Cruise Norway Fjords   By Sue McCarthy My 11-day journey on Hurtigruten's MS Trollfjord started in St. Louis, MO with my flight on United Airlines and connected in Chicago with SAS Scandinavian Airlines.  My SAS overnight flight took me to Copenhagen, Denmark where I claimed my luggage, got my passport stamped (you have to ask now) and boarded my next flight to Bergen, Norway where I would stay one night in Bergen before boarding the ship for my fjord cruise.  I had a carry-on, a large purse, my winter coat and one checked bag.  Since my husband, Kevin, would join me 5 days later at Tromso (north of the Arctic Circle) and he had several more connecting flights than I did, I decided to pack an extra set of clothes in my checked bag for him.  Read Kevin's blog...did his suitcase make it?   Packing Tips:  Winter clothing is more bulky, so wear your heavy coat and put your gloves, hat and scarf in the pockets.  For sightseeing in the towns I took long silk underwear (washes and dries quickly) and layered my clothing.  www.weather.com provided me with the temperatures in Norway and I packed accordingly.  Cross pack your luggage with your husband's or traveling companion in case one suitcase gets lost you will both have something to wear.

Travel Tip of the Week

A fellow passenger on our Hurtigruten Norwegian fjord cruise suggested using a sock as a washcloth when there wasn't a washcloth furnished onboard. Sue McCarthy   Send us your favorite travel tips and you might see them on our blog.  kevinandsuetravel@yahoo.com

Yucatan Treasures

Treasures come in all forms and we found a treasure we had not expected on our January trip to the city of Merida, Izamal and UNESCO's new "Seventh Wonder of the World" - Chichen Itza.   Our first treasure was the Presidential Suite at the Presidente InterContinental Villa Mercedes in Merida.  Our second treasure was the fullfillment of a dream of visiting the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.  The third treasure was an afternoon in the "Magic City" of Izamal.  The fourth treasure was a wonderful day enjoying the city of Merida, the smiling and friendly people of Merida and the customs and daily life of Merida.   Merida (Presidente InterContinental Villa Mercedes) In 2001, Merida was appointed as the American Capital of Culture due to its development in the arts.  It is the capital city of Yucatan, known as the "White City" because of the sparkling white limestone buildings gleaming in the sun.  The city has also been called "The Paris of the West."  The Spanish Conquistadors renamed the city Merida after Merida, Spain.    Kevin and I had a free weekend and decided to leave the 0 degree weather in St. Louis and head south where we were welcomed with friendly smiles and 80 degree warmth.  All those trips we've been taking added up and we used our Continental Airlines Frequent Flyer miles, added a little extra and had a wonderful relaxing weekend. Our stay at the Presidente InterContinental Villa Mercedes was too short.  We were picked up at the airport by a driver from the local tourism bureau and arrived at our hotel 15 minutes later. We were met in the lobby of the luxurious pastel peach-colored hotel with a refreshing drink and taken to our suite.  The Presidential Suite was large enough for a small family to live in. Two balconies overlooked the central courtyard, cascading waterfall and pool.  The marble floors were not only beautiful, but cool to our feet.  The bath amenities included a jacuzzi tub and a very large shower and towels that were 7 feet long.   Breakfast, lunch and dinner were at the hotel's restaurant, Frutas y Flores.  Yucatan cuisine is different than Mexican cuisine and we thoroughly enjoyed tasting the difference. www.intercontinental.com or www.grupopresidente.com   Chichen Itza Arrangements were made for a driver and a guide, Mr. Umberto, to take us to Chichen Itza.  We drove past the sisal fields and Mr. Umberto told us of the riches in the past with the fiber.  Chichen Itza is located 120km or about 75 miles from Merida.  One of UNESCO's newest named "Seven Wonders of the World", we were advised to go early before the tour busses arrived and before the noon day sun.  The Main Esplanade has the Great Pyramid of Kukulkan (or El Castilo "Castle of the Plumed Serpent"), the Ball Court, Observatory, Sacred Cenote (underground water hole), Temple of the Thousand Columns, Temple of the Bearded Man, Platform of Skulls, Platform of Venus, Temple of Warriors and the Platform of the Eagles and Jaguars.   There is a 980 foot raised and paved roadway leading to the Sacred Cenote, also called "Sacred Well" or "Well of Sacrifice."  Vendors lined both sided of the roadway selling hammocks, quartz replicas of the Great Pyramid, hand-embroidered clothing, musical instruements and carved wooden skeletons.    Two other interesting ruins were the 90 meter long (about the size of a football field) Ball Court (Juego de Pelota), which was used for sacred games and rituals where the winning captain was beheaded since he was considered worthy of being offered to the gods.  The Observatory "El Caracol" (means snail in Spanish) was constructed (900-11 A.D.) in a circular design and illustrates the Mayan interests in both archeology and architecture. We were very impressed with the exquisite detail of the carvings and the rich Mayan history.  You should plan on spending a whole day if you want to take it all in leisurely.   Izamal After leaving Chichen Itza we headed back to Merida and stopped for lunch at restaurant Keniche. We went on a horse and carriage ride on cobblestone streets and saw more Mayan ruins in the small town.  Izamal is known as "the yellow city" and "the magic city."  All the buildings in the town center are painted yellow and white.  The central plaza was bordered by shops and the magnificent golden yellow and white Franciscan Monastery.   The inner courtyard is second in size only to the Vatican.  In fact, there is a statue of Pope John Paul, who visited the monastery in 1993.  Izamal is only 44 miles from Merida and worth the drive.    Merida (the people, customs and daily life) Merida is a very safe and family-friendly city.  On Sunday morning we went to the local markets and saw the families shopping and having lunch.  The parks are all open with puppet shows, riding toys and bikes to rent.  The streets are closed down to encourage a day for families to ride bikes together in the streets.  Restaurants bring their tables outside on the sidewalks.  Music was in the air as people danced on the sidewalks.  Handicraft and food booths are set up in the parks.  It was a beautiful sunny day to walk around and see the happy smiling people of Merida enjoying their weekend.  www.yucatan.travel  Yucatan Tourism Board

Norwegian Fjord Cruise March 3 - 13th

Day 1 Arrived in Bergen Norway via Scandanavian Airlines (St Louis to Chicago to Copenhagen, Denmark and then to Bergen) Bergen is a beautiful historic port town and we board the Hurtigruten Trollfjord tonight at 6pm after a day of sightseeing.  Last night we stayed at the First Hotel and my room overlooked the water.....great sunset.  We dined at the Bellevue Restaurant last night and took the funicular to the top...the highest point in Bergen.   More to follow as I journey north of the Arctic Circle and Kevin joins up with me in Tromso.

Sue's Travel Tip of The Week

When packing for a trip I do the following: Start packing a week in advance.  Compare your travel itinerary to your clothes you plan to take.  Coordinate your colors so that you can mix and match and add accessories for a different look.  Remove any unnecessary clothing that you can't wear more than once.  Roll your clothing for less wrinkles and to save space.  Happy Traveling!

MEXICO BORDER TRAVEL ALERT

This is the alert Sue discussed on Fox News 2.  Issued 02/20/09 expires 08/20/09. For in-depth information go to www.travel.state.gov   The Mexican drug cartels have been engaging in violent and often deadly conflicts in some of the border towns.  They are trying to gain control of the narcotics trafficking routes along the border towns of Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Ciudad Juarez, Nogales, Neuvo Laredo and the northern Baja areas.    Most crime victims are Mexican citizens, but there are still security risks for U.S. citizens traveling in the area.   Be alert and aware of your surroundings, use common sense and caution when traveling to these regions.  Stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities and avoid traveling at night.  Stay on the main roads, leave a travel itinerary with friends or family back home and do not wear flashy or expensive jewelry.  Ask your cellular provider if your cell phone is set for roam on international networks.    For an emergency contact the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

FOX 2 NEWS - Mexico Travel Alert

Sue has been asked to be a guest again as a Travel Expert, on FOX NEWS Channel 2 (St. Louis) to talk about the newly issued Mexico Travel Alert. She will be on with John Pertzborn and Randy Naughton at 7:10 a.m., Tuesday, March 3rd.