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Belize, or Know Your Backup Travel Plan

Going to Belize turned out to be an adventure almost as great as the country itself. Being a popular and small region, having several options to get there and back is a must.

After we decided where to go, we worked on getting there. We checked out airlines to see our options. Our airline has a code share agreement with a major airline that goes to Belize. The code share airline didn't allow us to use our free passes, but did have an ID 95 agreement. We then checked out the travel guides. We narrowed it down to two books, Fodor’s and Moon Handbook’s Belize. We chose Moon Handbook’s Belize.

We constantly checked the loads which were slightly oversold, but according to ticket agents not bad. This gave us a false sense of security. Instead of just relying on travel guides to see which airlines go to Belize, we should have looked at the electronic timetable to see there were several other options available, some at the same airport.

We went on earlier flights to guarantee we wouldn't miss our connection. Our first leg was flawless. The second leg to Belize was extremely oversold due to spring break. My wife made the flight but l did not. This is where good guides and ticket agents come in.

The people at the gate did all they could to get me on the next flight, but they just couldn’t. They sent me to the Information Center. Remember, if you can't get the help you need from the person who is helping, find someone else.

I finally found a person helped me get a Telex to my wife, a discounted ticket with positive space, and phone contact with my wife in the Belize airport.

Next I contacted Pine Ridge Lodge, the first stop on the trip. Gary Seewald, the owner, bent over backward to get me back on track to salvage my vacation. He gave me options I would have never thought of.

His first suggestion was to take Maya Island Air for $90 US and a Cab for $45 US for one person , instead of by car for $150 US. The flight was in a Cessna 182 and only took 25 minutes. The view was spectacular and well worth the money.

After a 45 minute cab ride, I was at Pine Ridge Lodge. There I found a homemade meal waiting for me. Vicki Seewald and the other owner Richard, took very good care of us. This is not the type of place for those looking for accommodation like the Ritz, in Vicki's words, ' we're the Budget Inn of the area'.

Caracol Archeological Ruins were our first stop. This is an ancient city as large as San Francisco, with the tallest structure in Belize. Although a small fraction is uncovered, it still takes 3 hours to go through with a good guide. Next we went to Rio Frio Cave, a huge cavern with impressive natural formations. Finally we went to Rio on Pools, a group of beautiful water falls.

At the end of the day, we went to San Ignacio and walked around town. We ended up at Eva's Restaurant & Cyber Cafe. Our guide, Everald, took good care of us and his knowledge of the area is incredible.

On our last day on the mainland, we went to the ruins of Xunantunich. This is another great site, although not as large as Caracol. Still, at least one hour on a self directed tour is needed to see the whole ruin. The Belize Zoo was our next stop. The zoo was very good; expect to spend 2 hours there. Finally it was time to go to Belize City and go out into the Caribbean Sea.

Water Taxis were available at 9, 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, & 3:00 for travel to Ambergris Caye. The price is 28.00 Belize dollars one way or 50.00 round trip. Once on Ambergris Caye, we checked into Steve & Becky's which is part of Ramon's which is on the water. Ramon's is one of the best hotels we have ever been to and staying at Steve & Becky's allows you all of Ramon's privileges. Ramon personally talked to us and charmed us with his warm personality. In my opinion, THIS IS THE PLACE TO STAY. After we checked in, we stopped at  Mango's  on the shore for one of their great drinks.

Next day at Ambergris Caye, we went out on Hustler's Tours. The crew of El Gato did an excellent job of showing us to Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, with a stop at Caulker Caye. On Caulker, we had lunch at Rasta Pasta. As a side note, one of our airline family has a bed & breakfast on Caulker called the Lazy Iguana. If you want to stay on a very quiet island, you might want to check it out.

At the end of the day, we went to Caramba for dinner. Their service was very efficient, not laid back like you get at most small Caribbean towns. The Tour Guide Fish was excellent.

The next day, we went to Lily's Restaurant on the beach for breakfast. The food was good, the price was right, and the view is excellent. That evening, we went to Capricorn's which is praised as the best dining experience on the island. Its only drawback, as with all the spots north of the town, is the unreliable water taxi which is an open boat. If you don’t mind a very windy and noisy ride in an small boat which fills up quickly leaving you stranded until the next one comes, you will really enjoy, and I do mean enjoy, Capricorn.

On our last day, learning from the night before, we showed up for the water taxi an hour early reserving our spot back to Belize City. While we waited, we had one last drink at Cannibal’s, a great little bar with a great central location.

For those of you who like an adventurous vacation in the jungle with some of the best ruins you will ever discover, or a relaxing vacation with some of the best snorkeling and diving you could explore, go to Belize. One more thing, check out www.belizediscounts.com or www.ambergriscayediscounts.com for more discounts.

Indiana Jones in Peru

• My wife and I recently went to Machu Pichu Peru in October 2003. It was at the beginning of the rainy season which goes through February, Because of the time, it was not as crowded although it was still busy. Machu Pichu is in the mountains at an altitude of 9000 feet. This meant that we had to get acclimated to avoid altitude sickness. For all the traveling I have done, this trip required the most planning of any of my adventures.

• The first step, getting to Peru, was accomplished by using the Electronic Timetable. We found Lima was the city to enter the country. Tuesday is the best time to leave because the loads are so low. Flights leave in the afternoon and arrive late in the evening. Our first day was spent taking a short rest at the Holiday Inn for our next leg. The selection and purchase of the hotel room was carried out at the Non-Rev Website.

• Machu Pichu is part of an area of Peru  called the Sacred Valley which includes several cities and ruins. One of the cities, Cusco, has the only airport in the area and the best place to get acclimated to the altitude. Flights leave early in the morning and end around noon due to the high temperature, altitude, and winds. These factors sometimes create the possibility that the later flights may be cancelled. Therefore, getting the earliest flight guarantees arrival in Cusco, but it makes for a short night in Lima.

• The flight we took was on Lan Peru, which is a branch of Lan Chile. It has the newest aircraft, brand new Airbus 320’s, and offers ID 90’s for airline employees for about $35 round trip. Just go up to your airline’s ticket counter and ask for it.

• The first day there we arrived in Cusco, we were tired and having problems with the altitude since the city is at an altitude on 10,000 feet. We went to our hotel the Hotel Libertador, which we purchased on the web, in a car they supplied. We took an hours rest and then went to visit the city of Cusco with help from our Travel Books , our favorite was Frommers . The Plaza De Armas was near by and had many sites, like cathedrals and stores, as well as many good restaurants. Throughout our stay in Cusco, we eat at the Inka Grill, Baghdad Café, and  other great spots. The only nuisance you encounter are the child hawkers selling postcards and bringing you to the restaurants they are promoting. One other thing about the Sacred Valley, the local people dress up in their native dress. They allow you to take pictures with them and their Lamas for a small fee, under a dollar, but you can also give the children small toys, pens, and candy. They are considered models, which justifies this practice.

• The next day, still feeling tired, we decided to take a bus tour of the Sacred Valley. This allowed us to use our time efficiently by resting and touring at the same time. The all day tour cost us $35 a piece and included a tour guide, lunch at a great restaurant, and a museum pass. The lunch was worth at least $25. The Museum pass was used on this tour in only one site, but there are 9 other places around Cusco this pass is good for that is what we used the next two days. We visited Pisac, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo.  The tour is through a group called Dasataria,

• The next day, feeling much better, we walked up to the ruins of  Sacsayhuaman, or as the locals say to the tourist say ‘sexy woman,’ which we got into on the Museum pass from the last day’s tour. We also walk around the city, enjoying stone architecture  like the 12 angled stone and the Puma in the stone wall. The last day in Cusco, fully adapted to the altitude, we toured the Templo Del Sol, which is another museum, and shopped for great deals. On the way to the market along Avenue El Sol, we also went to the train station to get our train tickets to Machu Pichu. It was much more cheaper getting the train tickets than going through travel agents. The only suggestion I would make is go for the tickets the first day you are there to guarantee you can get on the train.

• The next day we took a car to the train station and were off on our 4 hour journey to Machu Pichu. Some take 4 days to hike the trail, other spend over $600 to travel on a fancy train car. We took the train for $100 round trip which was like an airline seat complete with a meal and a show and duty free. When we got to the end of the tracks, we went right to our Hotel, The Machu Pichu Pueblo. It is a eco-friendly hotel with the nicest rooms and grounds in the city.

• After we dropped off our bags, we got our tickets for the bus up to Machu Pichu. We spent rest of the day around the main ruins. That night we went to Toto’s House to have the local food, wood oven cooked Pizza. The meal comes with entertainment, local music and dance, which is normal in any restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Even though they play for free, they do come around to sell their CD’s or ask for a tip.

• The next day we had breakfast at our hotel and went back to the Machu Pichu ruins at 9:00 AM. We timed our arrival to get there between the people who get there to see the sunrise, who leave around 9:00AM, and those who come in by train, who get there by 11:00 AM. The Ruins where dead and it made a great opportunity to take pictures of the normally crowded site. We also walked up to the Sun Temple which is not for the faint of heart but give some of the best views. That night we ate at the hotel which was a great end to a wonderful trip.

• The next day we headed back to Cusco before we caught our flight back to Lima the day after. We arrived in Lima in the morning, toured Lima, and caught the Midnight Flight back to the States. This was one of our most exotic vacations we have been on. To anyone who likes “Indiana Jones” movies, this trip is for you!

ID 90s and the Caribbean

• On this trip I tried to use an ID 90 and it almost ruined my entire trip when... going to Trinidad. The lack of knowledge in the airline industry of ID 90s and code shares rivals that of airport security, but how the government is allowing High School drop outs to be Federal Airport Security Guards is another story.

• This trip really started 2 Months prior when I started looking for Books on travel options. I started looking for flights on the Web Timetable. Since our trip was to Trinidad and my airline doesn't go there, I knew I would have to use an ID 90. The only airline timetable that brought up any flights was American's Saber. There were several three leg choices, but only one out of my city that had two legs, British West Indies Airways (BWIA). Unknown to me it was a code share flight on United. Since it is difficult to tell on American Airlines website if it is a code share, check all the timetables on the web to be sure. It was also the first strike.

• With an idea of how to get to Trinidad, it was then time to see where to stay and what to do. All the printed books that could be found were reviewed and The Rough Guide on Trinidad was selected. It encompassed all the unique characteristics of the Islands which were almost non-existent( Check it out on our web page.) On Trinidad we selected the North Shore due to the fact it had some of the best beeches. On Tobago, we selected Mt. Irvine due to its close proximity to the best the island had to offer.

• Armed with this information, I then went to my base's office to check policy. The secretaries in the office informed me of my benefits without looking at the policy manual. My second strike.

• At the ticket counter, I started to put my travel plan together. I timed my work for my tickets to coincide with their low time. They were very personable, but were quite new and not as save on how to book ID 90s. I literally had to bring up my web site timetable to show them the flights . It showed that BWIA WOULD GO to Mia to Port of Spain (POS) . The return trip would go Tobago (TAB) to POS to MIA then home on BWIA and American. That was strike three. I was out of going on my trip a month before I showed up at the airport and didn't even know it.

• Two weeks prior I called BWIA to check loads It turned out to be a code share with United. (safety) They assured me there was 2 seats in first class and 10 in coach. 1day prior I checked loads, still wide open 2 and 10 with no standbys. They didn't tell the whole truth.

• I showed up at 6:45AM for an 8:30 flight. The United ticket counter was taken aback by our tickets . I explained it was a code share flight but they needed a United ticket for there record. Back to my airline's ticket counter to reissue our tickets with plenty time to spare. Even if we missed this flight, I had backup on American. Back to United only to find the Aircraft is oversold. When asked about BWIA code share, they had no idea what I was talking about. Back to my airline's ticket counter to exchange my United ID90 for an American ID 90 when problems really started to happen. The ticket person informed me that I couldn't use the tickets I was given because I was not eligible. I quickly called the secretary who said I was eligible who insisted that I was. I then got out of line to call the personnel office and get the final word. It turned out that I wasn't eligible and had to go into damage control mode.

• Rule number one, the 10% rule. 90% of the people want to help you. If you find the 10% who don't help you, walk away like I did. I found an agent who was an expert with the reservation system and pass privileges. He actually saved me money.

• Rule number two. Travel as long as you can on your own airline, no mater how many legs it takes. I thought that using an ID90 would reduce the amount of legs and make it easier to get to my destination. At least I thought that by having an ID 90, my seniority would have some weight, but it didn't. Try to fly on your own airline for as far as you can and use the ID 90 on the last portion. Then only use the ID 90 as a backup if you cannot jumpseat.

• If you must use an ID 90 make sure it is not a code share. Make sure you are on the airline who is actually flying the leg on you ticket. When you get your tickets, put them together in separate bunches for each airline. This keeps the ticket agent from getting confused on what your flight itinerary is.

• Finally, don't rely on someone else's interpretation of company policy for travel. Get a copy of the rules to show the 10 % of the agents who don't want to help what your benefits are.

• We picked up are ID 90, American Eagle, in San Juan. We could in 4 hours before the flight which is the earliest time I could. It was also the earliest time we could get the jumpseat. Had enough time to get the Cornish Hen Cuban style near the airport called the Metropal, great recommendation by the gate agents at American Eagle. After a 2.5 hour hop on an ATR42, we were in t e new Port of Spain airport which is very modern and efficient.

• Our stay was on the north side of the island which is known for it's picturesque secluded beaches. The area did not disappoint. Along the winding road, the first quaint village worth taking advantage of is Maracas. Not only does it encompass great ocean views framed by high cliffs, but many stands are available to sell souvenirs as well as the local delicacy, shark and bake. Even though souvenirs can be obtained here, this location is for those who want to get away from the tourist traps.

• We traveled past Maracas deeper into the lush vegetation to a remote fishing village named Blanchisseuse. This place is only for those who want to get away from it all.

• Coco's Hut and Laguna Mar Beach resort owned by Fred is probably the most luxurious inn at the end of the more improved road . Fred, a Marine who was with VMCJ-3 stationed in 1958 in Japan, is very personable and will take good care of you.

• We also took a walking tour to Paria. This is were you get to see mot of the flora and fauna of Trinidad. Get a guide to walk the 7 mile trek but it is for the very experienced even with a guide.

• Better to walk toward Paria until the rode is impassable by car. These are the best coastal views.

• Take the boat to get to see the waterfall and great beach views.

• We then took the ferry from Port of Spain Trinidad to Scarborough Tobago. Another adventure which was to last 5 to 6 hours. in reality it was 6.5 there ( leaves at 2:00pm) and 6 hours back (leaves at 11:00PM). The cost for this return trip was 60tt coach, 80tt first, and 160tt for a cabin which can sleep 4. We took the cabin and used it as a hotel on the way back to Port of Spain Trinidad to catch the early morning flight home. Be sure to get there at least 2 hours early, which is the soonest to board, and remember this is roughing it. For those how don't mind turbo props, for 300tt return you can take a 1/2 hour flight .

• Once on Tobago, there are many beautiful beaches to visit. This island is defiantly more for the tourist, but is by no means a tourist trap. People here are friendly and helpful. Crown Point has most of the action and entertainment like the great steel band, Our Boys, Golden Star. It also good locations to see sunsets like the bar at the Crown Point Hotel, which also has great rooms.

• Other great beaches to watch sunsets and lounge around on are Mt. Irvine beach and Grafton beach. Grafton Hotel is great and has a great location with many things to do. Although the best rum punch is at  Mt Irvine Beach Bar just down the road.

• Now is the time to go to Trinidad and Tobago. It is Carnival time so the party is finally warming up. Hurry up and enjoy!

Get To Europe and Back on Code Shares

Being Considerate Could Get You The Upgrade

• I was trying to get to Paris on a flight this summer that was overbooked. I went to the Ticket Counter as soon as it opened at the international terminal.

• My airline's seats on that aircraft were taken, but the codeshare partner looked to see if they had seats.

• When I checked in, they told me there was a chance I could get on but they were not sure at that time. They processed may paper ticket, ( ALWAYS CARRY EXTRA TICKET STOCK ) and told me to come back one hour before departure.

• I had time to get onto the internet and check code share flights on the electronic Timetable that is on the sidebar or at www.safepic.com/Nonrev/timetable.htm . Here I could also look up ID 90s in case I got stuck.

• When I went back to the Ticket counter, they did have a coach seat for me. I asked for the upgrade but they told me it was not possible. Since I was told the flight was full, I politely went to my seat, making sure I was courteous to the crew. But I did get to ride first class. Here is how I did it.

• After we were airborne, the Head Flight Attendant called me up to the First Class Galley. He told me they received a telex that had been very considerate when asking for an Upgrade and they did not have time to move me up on the ground.

• After taking my First Class seat, I went up to the Captain to thank him for giving the telex to the cabin members. He asked why I did not tell the crew who I was. If they knew, they could have done it sooner.

• Once in Paris, I turned to my travel guide, Eyewitness Paris. You can find it at on the side bar.

• Their maps they have actually have all the streets and subways. This is rare on Paris maps.

• They show the best way to get to were you want to go. They give actual tours.

• THEY SHOW YOU HOW TO DO WHAT YOU WANT Travel Guides

• Finally, go to the gate and check in, then sit back and RELAX, you have done all the work, and now it will pay off!

• Always dress business professional and you should get just about anywhere you want to fly.

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