In a perfect world, service industry employees would be paid what they’re worth, rather than having being relegated to a minimum wage (if that) and set to grovel for tips. Until that day arrives, the reality is that hotel service employees rely on travelers to supplement their income into becoming a living wage. This guide will help you decide who should get a tip at hotel, how much it should be, and how you can recognize and reward hotel employees who go above and beyond. Here are some hotel tipping situations you are likely to encounter when you’re traveling: Restaurants – 15% of bill before tax for good service, 20% for fabulous service or for accommodating special requests. If you are using a discount coupon, remember to tip on the amount of the bill pre-discount. With large groups, and in […]
Read MoreKing Cake: Louisiana Mardi Gras Tradition
One of the rich traditions of the Mardi Gras season is the King Cake, and with only a couple day left until Fat Tuesday, bakeries are madly trying to fill the last orders before the Lenten season begins. The history of the King Cake dates back to the celebrations of Epiphany, the 12 days after Christmas. Epiphany is more widely celebrated in Europe than in the United States, but Louisiana adopted the King Cake and made it a part of its Mardi Gras traditions. The King Cake is served throughout the Carnival season – Epiphany, or 12th night, until Fat Tuesday, this year February 21st, 2011 – and is a part of this time of celebration, feasting and partying. During the Mardi Gras season, king cake parties are popular, and date back to the 18th century, but increasingly King Cakes […]
Read MoreBalmoral: The Queen’s Scottish Residence
Located in the highlands of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Balmoral Castle is a large estate house best known as one of the residences of the Royal Family. It was originally purchased by Queen Victoria, who razed the home and rebuilt it from the ground up, and has been owned by successive monarchs since that time. The working estate covers about 49,000 acres, and has managed herds of deer, cattle, and ponies. With a mix of rugged topography and manicured gardens, it’s easy to understand why the Queen loves her highland holidays at Balmoral. Also on the estate: Birkhall, where Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall spend their summers, and Craigowan Lodge, where other royal friends and family stay. There are also six smaller cottages on the property that are available for rent. While your stay in your Scottish cottages […]
Read MoreKew Bridge Steam Museum: London’s Industrial History on Display
Fans of the offbeat, quirky museums and industrial history may enjoy London’s Kew Bridge Steam Museum, home to a collection of water pumping steam engines. While it may sound a bit dull at first thought, Victorian-era London produced some of the finest waterworks around, and it’s on display here. Located on the River Thames in west London, this quirky steam museum is easily accessible from most hotels and apartments in London. The steam museum is on the site of the original Kew Bridge Pumping Station which originally opened in 1838. Although the pump station expanded over the following few years, eventually the steam engines were retired from service. The final use of steam engines at the site was in 1958 – it was a demonstration only. The pumps weren’t eliminated completely, however, they were merely stored in the hopes that […]
Read MoreFamily Vacation in Wales
In springtime the Welsh countryside is surely one of the most beautiful in the world. There is a lush greenness unmatched anywhere in Europe and it’s very easy to see why the daffodil is the region’s official flower. They are everywhere, from the planted beds in suburban public parks to wild outcrops by the roadsides. Take a short hike through the hills and you’ll also see wild foxgloves, primroses, and dozens of other flowers in full bloom. There are crocuses in the open spaces and bluebells in the woods. Hiking is just one of the activities that bring visitors to Wales, and there are thousands of marked routes to choose from, ranging from gentle countryside meanders to full mountaineering experiences. The relatively gentle Brecon Beacons are perfect mountains for kids – a family with kids aged six or seven can […]
Read MoreKendal Museum in Cumbria
Kendal is a small town located in the Lakes District of Cumbria with a rich history that attracts tourists. Located on the River Kent, it was once known as Kirkby in Kendal, but now is referred to as simply Kendal. It’s historically been a popular spot for visitors in the Lakes District, both because of its setting and its history. If you’re planning a visit you can book Cumbrian cottages and settle in just like you were a local, then spend your days setting out exploring the area. One popular spot to visit in Kendal is the Kendal Museum. Founded in 1796, the Kendal Museum features collections covering a variety of topics with a focus on history, archaeology, geology, and nature. The museum is divided into galleries, each featuring impressive exhibitions. The Wainwright Gallery – Named after a former honorary […]
Read MoreOn Safari with a Toddler
Taking a two year old on holiday is always a little daunting, even for the experienced traveler. No matter whether you are staying close to home or going long haul, successful holidays with pre-schoolers take precision planning. For our first holiday as a family, we decided to push the limits and go long haul, opting for South Africa for a family safari, more specifically, Cape Town, the Garden Route, followed by a few days at a family safari lodge. During the build-up to our safari holiday, we primed our son with the Lion King, Madagascar and all Disney characters that pertained to an African safari, making sure he knew the names of the different animals he might be fortunate enough to see. We bought all our travel essentials, including perhaps the most useful (in hindsight) a pair of toddler […]
Read MoreHistory & a View From the Top of the St. Louis Arch
Presiding proudly over the city of St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is the most recognizable building in the city’s skyline. It’s that iconic symbol, often photographed, that helps identify the city to millions of people who have never, and perhaps will never, visit. The Gateway Arch is located in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, near the location where the Lewis & Clark expedition started, giving rise to its moniker Gateway to the West. It was designed by Eero Saarinen, the renowned Finnish architect, and completed in 1965. It wasn’t opened to the public, however, until June 1967. At its tallest point, the arch stands 630 feet tall, the same dimension as its base from leg-to-leg. That’s the equivalent of 63 stories. At the bottom of the arch is a visitor center and a Museum of Westward Expansion. Visitors are required […]
Read More8 Tips for Traveling with Newborns
It may have been a long time since you’ve traveled with a newborn, or perhaps you never have at all. I hope these tips from today’s guest blogger will give you the tools to need to take on this travel opportunity. 1. Bring your own formula and diapers. You shouldn’t rely on being able to buy what you need when you get there, particularly if traveling outside of the U.S. By now you probably have your own preferred diaper, and your baby has become accustomed to the formula you have at home. Traveling is stressful enough without a hungry baby and blowout diapers. Also, do the math to calculate how much you’ll need (formula and diapers) and add 20% to it. Strangers and unfamiliar places make babies uncomfortable, and when they’re uncomfortable, the metabolism can speed up. 2. Pack […]
Read MoreWeekend Getaway: Spokane, Washington
Spokane, the second largest city in Washington, is about 275 miles east of Seattle. But to many of us, it might as well be a million miles away, another country even. Those of us on the west side of the Cascades tend to forget that Spokane is coming into its own, creating a vibrant food, theater and arts scene, promoting area wineries, and taking advantage of the four distinct seasons its location offers to visitors. I’ve visited Spokane several times over the past couple of years, and each visit I’ve discovered something new, interesting, and often tasty. Here’s a look at some things that I think make Spokane a great location for a Pacific Northwest getaway weekend. Where to Stay Offering accommodations at all points in the value luxury spectrum, Spokane has plenty of options – whether you’re looking for […]
Read More