Posted by: gardner310 | October 9, 2009

Golf and Wine Tours with Ernie Els

The King at Rest

The King at Rest

Many of you know I was in South Africa in April.  What a wonderful country with something for everyone.  The beauty of the tours below is that they combine food and wine with a sport.  Is that not a great excuse to indulge your passion for the finer things in life?  Food, wine, golf and lions!

These unique Ernie Els Signature Tours, with never more than eight people in the group, are made possible through the special relationship that top golfer Ernie Els and visionary wine-maker Jean Engelbrecht have developed over the years.

As a result, guests will experience private wine tastings and dinners with winemakers and proprietors that are otherwise not available through any other tours. The combination of some of the best five star resorts, intimate service and attention to detail at every stage of this golf and wine itinerary will ensure that each trip is the trip of a lifetime.

A Signature Tour highlight is to visit selected wine estates that showcase beautiful wines and great food in spectacular natural surroundings. As one of South Africa‘s leading ambassadors and most recognised faces in the world of sport, it is only fitting that Ernie chose South Africa and Stellenbosch in particular to produce his wines.

The idea for the wine was born from the long-standing friendship between Ernie and Jean. When the expertise of their respective professions converged, Jean and Ernie set out to create extraordinary wines.

The aim of the wine is to capture everythingthat Ernie stands for : Big in stature and gentle in character.

In addition to showcasing excellent wines, the Ernie Els Signature Wine & Golf Safari Tour also highlights :

  • Golf at Gardener Ross, the first Ernie Els signature golf course in Gauteng, South Africa
  • a safari stay at the luxurious Tswalu in the Kalahari Desert – take in endless vistas, desert storms, breath-taking sunsets and huge starry night skies
  • a sojourn in the cosmopolitan metropolis of Cape Town – breath-taking scenery, brilliant wining and dining, excellent shopping

For the even more discerning traveller, tailor-made itineraries can be created for your specific needs should you want to travel independently.
Each itinerary will still incorporate a touch of Ernie’s favourite golf courses, private game reserves and wine estates.

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Posted by: gardner310 | October 8, 2009

It’s Not What You Drive, But How You Drive

Think green when you are driving your own car or a rental!

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates tailpipe emissions from vehicles produce almost a third of the air pollution in the United States. Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle is way to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, but how you drive is just as important. These simple tips below will help you save money on fuel, and reduce your environmental impact.

– Avoid quick starts and aggressive driving
– Stick to the speed limit
– Avoid hard braking
– Always use a Global Positioning System (GPS)
– Avoid rush hour driving when possible
– Use electronic toll collection
– Open your windows before turning on the air conditioner
– Do not warm up your car during the winter months
– Use cruise control
– Avoid idling for more than one minute

Avis Budget Group, sponsor of ASTA’s Green Member Program, provides these tips to help travel professionals, travel companies and customers make environmentally sound travel choices.

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Posted by: gardner310 | October 7, 2009

United Airlines Promotes Annual Baggage Fee Plan

United Airlines has put a new twist on baggage fees with Premier Baggage, charging customers a flat price that allows them to check two standard bags at no additional cost every time they fly on a United or United Express operated flight in a year. Customers can purchase a subscription for an introductory price of $249, entitling them to check two standard bags on United and United Express operated flights domestically and internationally, where applicable, rather than paying to check bags each trip. The annual subscription also covers the standard checked baggage charge for up to eight companions traveling under the same confirmation number as the subscriber. Mileage Plus Premier members are exempt from first and second bag fees on standard bags. The purchase of a Premier Baggage subscription does not waive fees that would ordinarily be assessed for oversized and overweight bags, and does not cover the cost of checking bags beyond two standard bags. For more information, visit http://www.united.com/premierbaggage.

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Posted by: gardner310 | October 6, 2009

Travel Tip: Hudson Valley Food and Lodging | Travel Tips | News & Features | Wine Spectator

Three top choices in New York State, reviewed by the editors of Wine Spectator

Jennifer Fiedler, Bruce Sanderson, Owen Dugan
Posted: October 5, 2009

There are a lot of good places to admire the turning of autumn leaves. A short trip north by northeast from New York City will supply majestic mountains, a beautiful river edged with historic towns, great old hotels with all the modern conveniences, and a lively dining and wine scene. Here are just a few of the best new places to use as bases for further exploration. Note: the following information is excerpted from the October 31, 2009 issue of Wine Spectator, on newsstands now.

Bedford House

Bedford Post Inn

BEDFORD POST INN
954 Old Post Road, Bedford, N.Y.
Telephone (914) 234-7800
Web site www.bedfordpostinn.com
Cost $395-$550
Rooms: 8

Off a woodsy country highway just an hour from New York City, Bedford Post Inn lies hidden behind horse farms and golf courses. You’ll find a mix of inn guests and locals at the Farmhouse, the more formal of the two restaurants (the other is the Barn). The restaurant has a fashionable (and pricey) wine list, built to emphasize white wines and small producers. While it contains some familiar names, there is also an of-the-moment “native varietals” section with the likes of Sagrantino and Grüner Veltliner. The property recently completed a showpiece wine cellar and a private room intended for formal tastings. Bedford Post Inn is owned by actor Richard Gere.

TARRY LODGE
18 Mill St., Port Chester, N.Y.
Telephone (914) 939-3111
Web site www.tarrylodge.com
Open Lunch and dinner, daily

Tarry Lodge in Port Chester, N.Y., is the latest outpost of partners Joe Bastianich and Mario Batali of Babbo, Del Posto and other restaurants. Andy Nusser, most recently founding chef of Casa Mono, is the executive chef. The modern Italian menu offers formal three-course selections and many options for grazing, along with an all-Italian wine list of about 275 selections.

THE RHINECLIFF
4 Grinnell St., Rhinecliff, N.Y.
Telephone (845) 876-0590
Web site www.therhinecliff.com
Cost $160-$380
Rooms: 9
Suites 1

Just steps from the Amtrak station in quiet Rhinecliff, N.Y., is a 19th-century hotel that has been restored to its former glory. The bar at the reborn Rhinecliff is casual but certainly no dive. The restaurant serves a smart brasserie menu in a room that preserves the Victorian bones of the building without the stuffiness. And the rooms are clean and spare, with luxurious touches such as enormous duvets and double sinks.

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Posted by: gardner310 | October 6, 2009

TIPS for Women Traveling Alone

ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) supplied this valuable information.

Alexandria, Va., Oct. 5, 2009 – Now more than ever, women are traveling by themselves for business or pleasure. And although their reasons for traveling are similar to their male counterparts, women traveling alone have very different concerns. From safety issues to cultural variations, women travelers encounter a variety of difficulties that can be avoided if the necessary precautions are taken.

“ASTA travel agents understand that both men and women need to be educated travelers, but women, especially, need to plan every step of their trip – from packing a suitcase to choosing a hotel room – to ensure a safe return,” said ASTA President and Chair Chris Russo.

To learn how you can travel safer, ASTA has provided the following tips:

Know Before You Go.

  • Learn as much about the destination as possible, especially when traveling to a foreign country. An area’s religious or cultural beliefs can directly impact you, compelling you to adapt your dress and demeanor to comply with local customs.

Welcome to Hotel Safety

  • Get to know the staff, who will be familiar with guests and are able to more effectively monitor who enters and exits the building.
  • Ask for a room on a higher floor near the elevator but away from emergency exits, stairwells, and any renovation work.
  • Never accept a room if the clerk loudly calls out your name and room number.

Getting Around

  • While at the front desk, grab a card or matchbook from the front desk with the hotel’s name, address and phone number on it, and keep this card on you at all times. This is especially helpful in foreign countries where you taxi driver might not speak English or in case there are several hotels with similar names in the area.
  • Explore transportation options available at your destination ahead of time, especially if you will be arriving late in the evening. Travel agents can help determine the safest choice and make the necessary arrangements.
  • If renting a car, carefully examine maps, or rent a GPS to help you navigate unfamiliar roads.

Packing Smart

  • Pack light so you won’t be weighed down and look weighed down, both of which could make you an ideal target for pickpockets.
  • Avoid expensive looking baggage and clothing, lock all suitcases and only use covered luggage tags with your office address written on it rather than your home.
  • Carry only one credit card, and don’t keep all your money in one place.

Know Your Surroundings

  • Study a map of the area you will be visiting. If available, consider downloading area maps to your phone.
  • Learn as much as possible about getting around the streets to avoid looking like a lost tourist.
  • Ask the concierge about where – and, more importantly, where not – to go.

There may be safety in numbers, but there is also safety in knowledge. With some advance planning and the advice of a professional travel agent, your vacation or business trip can be safe, hassle-free and memorable.

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Posted by: gardner310 | October 5, 2009

Customer Contact is Key to Success

This is not my usual type of travel post. But I found this article online and thought it might be of interest to anyone in any business. With all of the social networking we do these days, we need to remember we still need to TALK to the customer.
From: smallbiztrends.com

Social Media. Word of Mouth Marketing. Online Reputation Management. Engagement. Listening. We’ve given it a lot of fancy names over the past year, but all we’re really talking about is customer service. It’s about treating customers better than they expect to be treated and surpassing their expectations. And if you’re a small business, customer service is what most separates you from the big corporations. Customer service is your point of difference.

A year ago I bought a fairly pricey pendant. I saw it while on the road at a conference and immediately loved it. I loved not only the pendent itself but the story behind the company, the one the woman who sold it to me spent at least 15 minutes reciting. And I purchased them both — the necklace and the tale of the company. I felt connected to the brand.

A few weekends ago, the chain for the pendant broke and I needed to contact the company to have it replaced.

The company has a Web site. They have a blog. They have a Twitter account. They’re on Facebook. Heck, they even have a YouTube channel. They’ve obviously invested time and money into social media. They “get it”. However, when I emailed about having the chain replaced, it was ignored. So was my tweet. No response.

Yes, it’s important to use Twitter and the various social networking sites to get word out about your company and attract new customers. But what does it matter if you fail to serve your existing customers? For me, the experience was a good lesson in that it doesn’t matter how “visible” you are online or how savvy. If you’re not investing in real customer service, you’re doing yourself a disservice. You’re wasting money building a brand that people won’t want to do business with.

Part of the allure of my pendant was the story the woman told along with it. How the business was started out of love, how she was traveling to get the word out, how much the people she sold these necklaces to meant to her. A quick email telling me how I could have easily replaced my chain would have reaffirmed that. It would have reaffirmed that this was a company that cared about their customers. But I was ignored.

If you’re a small business, you can’t afford to ignore your customers. Each point of contact is a chance for you to win them over again and get them talking about your company. We’ve made up a lot of words for customer service because that’s how important it is. When you’re out there being social and trying to bring in new customers and attract new eyeballs – don’t forget the people who have already made the decision to trust you. The ones who actually walked into your store. Customer service and personal touches are what separate small businesses from the big conglomerates.

You can reach out. You can be accessible, more personable. Because that’s how you better your brand and build positive buzz. That’s how you create trust and authority. By doing all the little things that make people feel good and want to tell their friends about you.

You build positive word of mouth when you do things like:

Answer emails.
Call people back.
Be present.
Empathize with their complaints.
Go out of your way for them.
Make it your mission to make their lives easier.
Don’t hassle them. Don’t tell them “it’s not possible” when it is. Don’t blame them for the error. And definitely do not ignore them.

Old marketing was based on customer service and it’s even more important than ever. Social media has given us a great way to reach new people, but once you have them – take care of them. Value them. That’s how you grow your business and spread positive word of mouth. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your money attracting customers you’re going to turn away a month from now. Don’t forget about real life customer service. There is no substitute.

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Posted by: gardner310 | October 4, 2009

Upgraded Mariner Program from Holland America

Seattle, WA, September 14, 2009 — For those who have sailed even just once with Holland America Line, there’s now more to enjoy on future cruises. The new Mariner Society Rewards Program provides past guests with exciting new benefits from generous onboard discounts while sailing and special rates on select cruises to reduced or free third and fourth rates when booking future cruises. Benefits are tiered and vary based on a guest’s cruise history. 

“We wanted to create a program that gives our loyal Mariner members fantastic perks, cruise values and enhances that sense of pride they feel after having sailed on several cruises with Holland America Line,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We have one of the highest repeat guest ratios in the cruise industry and our loyal guests deserve the valuable benefits in our new Mariner Society Rewards Program.”

The Mariner Society

Rewards Program offers a four-level progressive membership with a wide range of cruise and on-board savings and extra values. All guests who sail with Holland America Line are automatically welcomed into the Mariner Society where they receive special offers on upcoming cruises as well as advance information about new ships and the latest product enhancements. Based on past cruises recorded as cruise days, members now enjoy Star memberships with four different levels offering an ever-widening range of cruise options and enhancements. Guests automatically collect additional “cruise days” or cruise day credits based on their onboard spending or through the purchase of one of the premium line’s suite options.

Star Mariner
Guests who complete their initial cruise with Holland America Line are automatically enrolled in the Mariner Society’s first level, earning cruise days towards future cruises and an exclusive collectable gift. Among the features of Star Mariner status: special offers on select sailings, 50 percent discount for third and fourth guests on select sailings, hosted sailings with Holland America Line Ambassadors, a relaxing Welcome Back Embarkation Brunch on future cruises, a subscription to the Mariner Magazine and a Mariner Champagne Brunch on future cruises.

Two-Star Mariner
After 30 cruise day credits earned, Two-Star guests receive all the amenities of a Star Mariner plus shopping discounts, featuring 15 percent off merchandise purchased from ShopHollandAmerica.com and 10 percent off logo apparel items onboard in the gift shops. Two-Star Mariners also will receive a complimentary ship photo and be sent an exclusive annual cruise planner and special recognition pin.

Three–Star Mariner
With 75 cruise days earned, Three-Star guests automatically are given all Two-Star amenities plus generous new discounts including 10 percent off on select spa treatments; a 25 percent discount on all wine packages, mini-bar purchases, Explorations Café drinks and alternative restaurant surcharges; special advanced notice of new itineraries; and a waiver of air deviation fees.

Four-Star Mariner
At the top of the tiers, with 200 cruise days earned, Four-Star guests enjoy the benefits of all Star levels below and the bonus of free fare for third and fourth guests on select sailings; complimentary wine tasting and laundry/pressing; a 50 percent discount on all wine packages, mini-bar purchases, Explorations Café drinks and alternative restaurant surcharges; a 15 percent discount on logo apparel items onboard in the gift shops; priority tender service and check-in; priority shore excursion pre-booking; and a free subscription to Food & Wine magazine or Travel + Leisure magazine.

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Posted by: gardner310 | October 2, 2009

Virtual Shopping for Fish??

Another contribution from ICTA (International Culinary Tourism Association).

“A MESSAGE FROM SENIOR DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIST, GARRY TAYLOR 
Currently I am in Whitianga on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula which is about a 3 hour drive from Auckland. The Coromandel is known for its coast, and of course with coast comes seafood. Whitianga itself has just held its annual scallop festival where people came from far and near to sample these delectable shellfish. I have been here myself for a few weeks now and after sampling the local catches in the local restaurants I felt the need to buy some and cook myself. 

So I asked the question, where can I buy the fresh fish I’ve eaten here? The response was not really what I expected, “do you have a mobile?” came the reply which confused me for a moment. Upon seeing my perplexed reaction, the woman continued, “There is no fishmonger here in Whitianga but if you want really fresh fish you send a text to a boat owner and ask to be placed on “the list”. When the trawler comes into the harbour the owner will send out a text explain the type of fish they have caught along with the price. You simply text back with your order which is confirmed by yet another text which also provides you with a time to collect your order and a reminder to “bring your own bag”. I was used to shopping online or in a store. This virtual shopping was new and I could not wait to try it out! I ordered my fish and went expectantly at the designated time to the harbor, with bag in hand. I was not disappointed and the fish was amazing, yet another first place award for the local, unique and memorable.”

This is how we can elevate ourselves form a tourist to a traveler.  Food is a fabulous way to get involved in local culture.  Try it!

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Posted by: gardner310 | October 2, 2009

My Pleasure

I love this story from Eric Wolf of the International Culinary Tourism Association. It is so true that we must present the positive side of everything in all facets of life.

“Last month I talked about how I like the way New Zealanders say “are you happy to…?” It’s such a gracious way to ask for something. This month, I’d like to share with you another thing I love. It’s the way South Africans say “you’re welcome”. South African professionals are some of the most hospitable people on Earth. They are so gracious. When you thank them for something, they say “My pleasure”. This is a far cry from, and much more soothing to the ears than, the American “No Problem” which is regrettably finding its way to all English speaking countries. “No problem” grates on my nerves and implies that asking the server to do their job is, in fact, somewhat of a problem.” Call me persnickety, but these are subtle yet profound innuendoes that can help color a culinary service experience – either positively or negatively. It’s “my pleasure” to share these examples with you so you can start using them in your business.”

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Posted by: gardner310 | September 30, 2009

African Relish-Gourmet South Africa

Ker & Downey, a luxury African tour operator, is offering a gourmet tour in South Africa centered around African Relish.  It is a fabulous opportunity to stay in unique properties and learn the fun of South African cuisine.  Contact me for any further information.

Activities and Adventures Included in Culinary South Africa

  • Private Bedouin dinner at Royal Malewane prepared by John Jackson
  • Game drives and safari activities at Royal Malewane
  • Hands on culinary experience and instruction at African Relish
  • 8 Course Gourmand at Le Quartier Francais prepared by Margot Janse
  • Full day winelands tour which includes stops at the Glen Wood and Moreson Wineries and Huguenot Chocolates
  • Full day Cape Peninsula tour
  • Cape Malay Cooking Safari and lunch
  • One dinner included at either the Nobu or Maze Restaurant at the One&Only
  • Private dinner & wine party at a South African home

Set in the quiet Karoo, the charming accomodations of African Relish are a combination of well-appointed and luxurious living space.  With the sound of trickling water nearby in this beautiful land of olives, figs, stone fruit, and vines, the African Relish is a haven in which to unwind.

Property Details

To accompany the feeling of simple living in the Karoo, African Relish features a comfortable selection of beautiful cottages for guest accommodations.

African Relish kitchen

African Relish kitchen

Upon first glance, the homely charm is obvious.  An unobtrusive white structure, the typical guest cottage is reminiscent of the historic homes of this region, with deep verandahs, shuttered windows and bougainvillea that welcomes you.  As you step inside, you will find even more of the Karoo romance in its beautifully appointed interior.  In keeping with the style of the architecture, each of the cottages feature subtle decor.  The finishes are designed for comfort and have a homely feel.  Vintage wooden furniture and side tables have been selected with care, adding to the home-grown aura.  A soft mattress and plump bedding will comfort you as you sleep while the rustic lamps bedside provide a source of warm and cozy lighting.  While the cottages are meant to tell the old stories of the Karoo, each also has its luxurious touches. Each suite has a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, large bedrooms with similarly large en suite bathrooms living areas and private gardens.

African Relish Chef

African Relish Chef

The cottages are in different locations in the village within walking distance of all amenities. The cottages date back to the late 18th century and have been carefully restored to retain their unique character and historic appeal. Each one has its own unique atmosphere and experience.

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