by Editor | Oct 1, 2005 | Barcelona, Europe, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Spain
From the outside the Hotel Arts Barcelona looked like another office building with a distinctive metal sculpture in the front. It had a tall rectangular shape and external white metal structures revealed little about its contents. Inside, we rode an elevator from the ground floor to the lobby, where we began to discover the property’s upscale ambiance. Beautiful flowers, scattered in the lobby and common areas, brightened the earth tones of the hotel’s interior. As soon as we exited the elevator we found the reception desk to the left of the sunlit lobby, decorated in sober tones. Having been evicted from our comfortable yachting digs first thing that morning, we migrated wearily to the striking Hotel Arts, relying on the Ritz Carlton reputation for a warm welcome in spite of the early hour. At the reception, Diego greeted us kindly and promised to find us a room as soon as he could.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2005 | Europe, Monaco, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Arriving by sea into the new quay in Monte Carlo, Monaco was an eye opener. The view of the famed kingdom from the water was richer in some ways than the impression we had while walking or driving around. After several days enduring uncertain weather and overcast skies, we were concerned our sightseeing tour would be cancelled. Conveniently the sky cleared long enough for us to enjoy the day. At 9:30 a.m. sharp, a Heli Air Monaco van pulled up right in front of our vessel having deftly maneuvered through the port security staff. We were the only passengers and the drive took but a few minutes from the port to Monaco’s busy heliport.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2005 | Africa, Port-Elizabeth, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
What could be better than a top of the line game viewing boutique lodge filled with healthy animals in a malaria free reserve? One with a charming holistic on-site spa. The Eagles Crag Spa was just what the doctor ordered. After two days of international travel with so many connections I lost count, the thought of a spa treatment was inspirational.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2005 | Europe, Monaco, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Though we were well fed aboard our luxury yacht while cruising from Italy to Spain, we were celebrating a special occasion and longed to find a memorable setting. We sought to book something in Monaco where our ship was moored but as luck would have it the restaurant of our choice was closed that day. After consulting several sources including the yacht’s resident gourmet (and Maitre d’Hotel ) we decided on the Chateau de la Chevre d’Or (in English, the castle of the golden goat). Thanks to very able last minute maneuvering from Chritine at our ship’s concierge desk, a most accommodating French lady, we found ourselves sipping perfectly chilled champagne on the terrace of the restaurant a scant three hours after requesting the reservations.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2005 | Europe, Italy, Rome, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Established by famed hotelier Cesar Ritz at the request of the Italian president in 1894, this Roman jewel is said to have its foundation over the Baths of Diocletian. The hotel, built on land belonging to Pope Sistus V, recently underwent a $35 million renovation requiring 450 workmen, including 151 skilled craftsmen and one million man hours of work.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2005 | Europe, Italy, Rome, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Although my hotel had recommended other more trendy restaurants and nearby trattorias I hoped to find a spot in a popular restaurant I had visited years earlier. A pleasant young man, Claudio, answered the phone when I called to make last minute reservations for dinner at La Rosetta, one of Rome’s better known seafood restaurant. It was in a historic Roman neighborhood, a 20-minute cab ride from my centrally located hotel. When I arrived at the restaurant later that night, it was nearly empty. I thought Claudio had pulled my leg but as the night aged the dining room and terrace filled up to capacity.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2005 | Europe, Italy, Rome, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Arriving at the Hotel Hassler after a transatlantic flight and dizzying taxi drive from the airport, I was relieved to discover my room was ready. Inside, the charming and comfortable black and white themed room with a delightful view of the city and welcome fruit basket, helped reenergize me. In spite of the lack of sleep and jet lag, I was eager to revisit Rome after a long absence. From the small balcony I could see the Spanish steps and beyond them, in the distance, the Vatican. And what a location! The Hassler is in the heart of Rome, at the top of the famous Spanish Steps, an excellent point of departure for tourist oriented visitors. The wholly independent and small family run hotel, which has been temporary home to many celebrities over the years, had a historic character.
by Editor | Sep 1, 2005 | Books, Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Books
We found this book exceptionally informative. It was actually two guides in one. The first part was a fascinating 160-page treasure trove of information about the flora, fauna, cultures and socio-political events that shaped the Amazonian world, including a number of vignettes on history, climate and current ecological challenges. Additionally, it provided us with a wealth of realistic facts on topics ranging from health issues to what to pack for a visit to the area. We found it an invaluable resource in planning our recent visit to the Western Amazon. We subsequently had daily opportunities to be glad that we had followed the authors’ sound practical advice on clothing, footwear and personal necessities selection. This enabled us to travel more comfortably, and lighter than we ever thought possible.
by Editor | Aug 1, 2005 | Amazon, Latin America, Simon and Baker Travel Review
One of the most extraordinary things about the Tahuayo Lodge was that this welcoming enclave of comfort should exist at all in the midst of the untamed wilderness of the Western Amazon. Perched high on a bank of the Tahuayo River, the lodge was a sprawling, thatched-roofed complex of large huts linked together by covered bridge-like walkways. Entirely built on stilts, it was distinguishable only by its size and layout from the tidy indigenous villages down river.
by Editor | Aug 1, 2005 | Amazon, Latin America, Simon and Baker Travel Review
The Reserva Comual Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo is a remote eight hundred thousand acre nature preserve tucked away deep in the jungle of Loreto, Peru’s largest state. Loreto is an area the size of Montana that lies almost entirely in the Western Amazonian rain forest. The Reserve is bordered to the West by the upper Tahuayo River and its tributary the Blanco River. This is a place where seasonally flooded verzea forests and non-flooding terra firme forests meet, making it one of the most biologically diverse environments in the world. It has been the site of several decades of scientific studies that have yielded some of the Amazon’s richest varieties of plans, birds and mammals as well as amphibians and reptiles. Additionally, the villages in the permanent settlement zone adjacent to the Reserve have been at the forefront of community-based management of the natural resources of the Reserve and surrounding areas for over a quarter of a century. This commitment has enabled them to succeed in preserving their traditional way of life as well as their environment. All of these considerations made the upper Tahuayo River a compelling choice of destination for our Amazon rainforest discovery adventure.
by Editor | Jun 1, 2005 | Jamaica, Simon and Baker Travel Review
The serene, quiet and cozy ambiance of the Royal Spa was a good match for the Royal Plantation where the spa was housed. Although we noticed by the number of guests calling and having treatments that the spa was popular, once inside it was tranquil. The staff were friendly and helpful, never chatty. The treatments we tried were good, the facilities were spotless, and the ambiance was elegant and welcoming.
by Editor | Jun 1, 2005 | Jamaica, Simon and Baker Travel Review
I arrived at the Royal Plantation after a pleasant two-hour drive from the Montego Bay airport tired and hungry. A short while later I was at the hotel’s beachside restaurant a step from the sand, facing a beautiful inviting beach and munching on a burger while I waited for my room to be ready. All the morning’s frustrations including my long flight routed through Kingston, cancelled airport meeting with fellow travelers whose flights were delayed, and my “international” cell phone not working were slowly forgotten thanks to the hotel’s ambiance and the staff’s friendly can-do attitude.
by Editor | Jun 1, 2005 | Jamaica, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Our spacious villa at Round Hill, a 110-acre haven constructed for wealthy foreigners in the 1950s on the grounds of a former pineapple and allspice plantation, felt like a home away from home. Built on an encircling hill overlooking a small cove and beach, Round Hill is home to a small two-story hotel, Pineapple House Hotel, and 27 privately owned rental villas. The practical and appealing architectural design ensured maximum exposure to the view of the bay and the hill while providing privacy from passersby and neighbors.
by Editor | Jun 1, 2005 | Books, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Books
In addition to page after page of fabulous maps there are three square feet of information including 75 political and physical maps, satellite photos, and a 134-page index in the latest edition of the famous National Geographic world atlas. Last updated five years ago, the eighth edition emphasizes North American maps. It is divided geographically starting on page 25 as follows: North America (22 pages, p25-47), South America (five pages, p48-53), Europe (14 pages, p54-68), Asia (13 pages, p69-82), Africa (five pages, p83-88), and Australia and Oceania (five pages, p89-94). With as many as 8,000 labels per map plate, the Atlas is one of the most detailed in the world. National Geographic editorial staff made use of the geographic information system and data sources such as the United Nations, U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
by Editor | Jun 1, 2005 | Jamaica, Simon and Baker Travel Review
When we arrived at the Jamaica Inn by boat, the most notable feature was its bright blue color and white trim. After braving the gentle waves that lapped against the shore and climbing a few short steps toward the entrance, we were greeted by Nicole and Terri, two of the hotel staff members. Slowly, as we walked from the jetty through the dining terrace past the bar and library common room, we delighted in its understated grace and quiet. The staff exuded friendly warmth and a welcoming attitude making us feel like we had been there before and were returning after a long absence instead of visiting for the first time.
by Editor | Jun 1, 2005 | Jamaica, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Our 20-minute mid morning Jamaica Ecstasy flight over Ocho Rios was great fun. After a short drive in our hotel van, we arrived at Island Hoppers and met the captain. He shared some quick pre-flight information and offered us champagne, beer or water. When we were ready, one by one we followed a staff member to the helicopter. Another staff member made sure we were strapped safely in place; had our headset on (so we could hear our captain during the flight) and were comfortable. During the slightly bumpy flight (due to summer pockets of air, our pilot said), which went by all too quickly, we had a bird’s eye view of Ocho Rios. The only helicopter company on the island, Island Hoppers was owned and operated by our colorful and experienced New Zealand pilot and his wife.
by Editor | May 20, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review
We arrived in Cape Town rushed and tired. Our flight had arrived late. By the time we collected our rental car and found our way to our hotel, a short drive from Angsana Spa, the afternoon was nearly over. When we called the Spa to ask for a slight delay, the reception staff invited us to reschedule for the next day at our convenience. The following afternoon found us sipping honey sweetened hibiscus tea and wearing plastic slippers while we waited for our therapists to collect us from the reception area. We liked the open design of the new looking lobby. Sunshine and light slid through the glass ceiling to brighten the room which faced a small garden area with water features. By the time we left we had found our smiles and were looking forward to the next stage of our trip.
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Barts
Turning off the main road onto a non-descript private street that would have made a mountain goat feel at home, we arrived at Villa Bel’Ombre. We were pleasantly surprised to find it was more comfortable and prettier than the photos we had seen online and the postcard view was even more stunning than we could have imagined. The $3 million villa was spacious, open and full of thoughtful features we liked such as a shaded deck area facing the bay, comfortable lounge chairs in the sun and shade, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a partially open kitchen facing the bay, and a Jacuzzi by the master bedroom. Marble landscape skies with a moon, pink and purple sunrises, the sound of birdsong and the surf, the impeccable swimming pool where we could linger while enjoying the view from the infinity edge and a welcome sense of privacy were some of the extras we discovered onsite.
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Mexico, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Tulum
A secluded barefoot-casual, sun drenched enclave of small cabana hotel s nestled between tropical jungle vegetation and the gentle surf of the Caribbean Sea, Tulum was an idyllic “base camp” to explore the nearby archeological and natural wonders of Mexico ’s Yucatan peninsula. When we last visited Tulum, it was a barely visible icon on the map of the Yucatan , indicating the presence of a not yet excavated minor Maya site. Luxuriant tropical vegetation encroached in places upon the narrow, intermittently paved jungle road that took us there. Things have changed a lot in the past thirty years. Today, Tulum is definitely on the map! Easily accessible via a modern highway, as well as a stopping point for cruise ships, it has become one of the most visited Maya sites in the Yucatan . The spot, although small and structurally far less impressive than others nearby such as Chichen Itza , Uxmal and Coba , is spectacularly perched on the edge of a limestone cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean .
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Barts
Visiting this tiny (eight square miles) French Caribbean island was like a ray of sunshine during a storm. We enjoyed some of the best of island life with few of the common inconveniences. Favorite characteristics that would draw us back in a heartbeat included stunning panoramic views, a polite sophisticated attitude, English is spoken by many of the locals and Anglophones are welcome, a laid back ambiance, almost no crime, fine French and international dining (there are 70 restaurants!), an outstanding infrastructure with cell phone and high speed Internet connectivity, wonderful options for accommodations, inviting spa facilities and beautiful white sand beaches.
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Canouan, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Our latest recipe for a worry free off the beaten path luxury vacation in the sun began with a liberal amount of blue skies. These were sprinkled with pretty puffy white clouds for character and occasional shade. Mix in large quantities of calm and clear Caribbean water in many blue and turquoise hues; throw in a well built, roomy and comfort oriented 47 foot catamaran and mild winds to sail by. We made sure to add the key ingredient: a friendly and experienced crew with local knowledge that sailed, cooked, cleaned and most important took us to all the magic corners of this unspoiled area of the Windward Islands; following an itinerary developed together around our preferences, time available and local conditions.
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Barts
On the eve of our departure from St. Barth, we discovered this lovely Caribbean gem on a hill overlooking Anse Toiny. The romantic and elegant Le Gaiac was named after the guaiacum tree which has the heaviest tropical wood with many medicinal purposes and is found in the area where the restaurant is located. Part of Le Gaiac’s appeal was due to its blue and white décor and setting next to the Hotel Le Toiny’s night lit swimming pool. The open air dining room facing Toiny cove was inviting, comfortable, breezy and mosquito free. We greatly enjoyed the relaxed ambiance, live music (performed by Alan Landry) excellent service and innovative cuisine.
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Barts
It was a rainy and overcast St. Barth’s day when my husband and I drove across the island to visit the Spa at Hotel Saint Barth Isle de France. After a delightful lunch at a nearby beachside restaurant recommended by Fiona, the spa manager, it was time for a relaxing treatment. We found the busy hotel and spa tucked away in a quiet corner of Flamands Bay . Right away, I liked the look and style of the small spa which boasted of its “customer centered holistic approach.” After leaving our car in a diminutive parking lot, we walked to the spa entrance. Inside, I was greeted warmly and given a short questionnaire to complete. Soon after, a lively British therapist with a bright smile walked me over to the Garden Pavilion for the fully clothed Thai massage. I applied a liberal second dose (we had sprayed ourselves before leaving) of mosquito repellant, lay on the floor mat and she began. An hour and a half later, found me sitting in a cushy chair at the spa reception eating fruit sorbet and feeling “noodly” though awake.
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Barts
We had barely entered the arrivals area at the modern Gustave III airport, hot and tired after a long day of travel, when we encountered Xavier, the Guanahani representative who was waiting for us. He collected our luggage and walked us over to his waiting van, where he provided us Evian bottles and Hermes refresher towelletes. These small touches meant a world to us and were the promise of things to come. At the hotel , he waited while we went through a five minute check-in, and then drove us to our room.
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Barts
Dinner at Bartolomeo was good. After a day of rain, multiple failed attempts at beach lounging and room service (the other restaurant at the hotel was holding a private function) we were ready for a treat and Bartolomeo made it possible. It was convenient to walk from our room on the opposite end of the Hotel Guanahani to Bartolomeo, named after Columbus ’ brother. When we walked by earlier that day on our way to the beach, the bright orange sign with an adjacent menu and plain entrance gave no indication of the gourmet promises it held.
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Mexico, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Tulum
When, after a short walk along the palm-shaded sandy paths winding through the lush gardens of Azulik, we reached Villa #2, we instantly knew that whatever plans we may have had for the next few days had just been canceled. What could possibly be compelling enough to entice us away from this serene enclave of rustic luxury? Perched on a 20- foot high ledge over the Caribbean , for a breathtaking view of the shimmering turquoise sea below, our large thatched roofed one-room villa blended discreetly into the lush jungle surroundings. In the peaceful seclusion of Azulik , the “adults-only, clothing optional” character of this eco-resort seemed an obvious irrelevance
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
We prized Villa Montagna’s expansive views over moon valley, Sonoma, the Bay area and the nearby vineyards. We found it an ideal getaway home, especially during warm weather months, for a family. Though the guest bedrooms were modest in size, the property’s abundant and inviting social space provided plenty of areas for family members and friends to spend time together indoors and outdoors. Our cooking enthusiast appreciated the large open sunlit kitchen with professional Viking and Kitchen Aid appliances.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
: We will remember the Omni San Francisco for its many desirable qualities, especially its friendly, proactive, helpful, enthusiastic service oriented staff. Feeling welcome and knowing there is always someone available to answer questions, lend a hand with restaurant recommendations reservations, directions, and all those little things than can make the difference between an ok stay a truly enjoyable one.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
We rushed from a cross country flight that departed before sunrise to arrive in San Francisco, collect our rental car (no small feat at the San Francisco airport) and check-in just before our 12:30 p.m. San Francisco Helicopter Tours van pick up. We were a bit miffed to find all the rushing, concern about find out hotel in time, checking in and missing out on lunch to discover the driver was 20 minutes late. A final pick up in a San Francisco hotel, saw twelve of us headed across the Golden Gate bridge to ritzy Marin County in a nearly full van.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
After driving on beautiful mountain roads for several hours to Mendocino from Napa, we reached the Sea Rock Inn tired and bedraggled. Alayna at the reception desk and Susie, the owner, were so welcoming and friendly, making recommendations for local eateries and attractions, our hunger and weariness disappeared. The fog (uncharacteristic for April) we found when we arrived, cleared after a short while to reveal a marvelous white water view, more impressive than the photos we had seen before arriving, of the headlands and ocean which were across a narrow road from the Inn.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
We arrived at Navio, named for the Portuguese ships that first sailed to Half Moon Bay in the 1800s, ready for a hearty meal. After a day of traveling and nothing to eat since breakfast we sacrificed a late lunch for a 45-minute massage at the Ritz spa. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcome and anticipated a pleasant dinner. We spent a delightful evening sampling the chef’s specialties, well paired by Michael, a perceptive and patient wine steward, at this beautiful restaurant by the sea. We relaxed watching an artistic sunset from our window facing table which had a memorable view of the hotel ’s golf course and Pacific Ocean .
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
What a view! Blessed with fabulous weather, we were curious of what awaited us behind the discrete Inn façade when we arrived at the narrow Inn entrance. Once inside, we marveled upon discovering the magnificent view from our penthouse suite. The Inn’s promotional materials said, “There are hundreds of hotels around San Francisco bay, but only one on it…” It delivered on its subtle promise of a waterside location and surpassed it with attractive accommodations, capable staff and more. From our suite’s desk, living area and porch we had an unobstructed marvelous view of San Francisco and part of Sausalito. If a picture is worth a thousand words, we had many thousands of words of a picture perfect view.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
We were intrigued by the air of reverence and hushed awe the mention of The French Laundry inspired. Before dining there we heard from locals it was nearly impossible to get reservations to this California icon of gourmet food. Those who knew someone who had been there said wistfully that it had been excellent and all agreed it was by far the most notable restaurant in the area. Although our initial attempts to secure a reservation failed, eventually we secured a table thanks to a last minute cancellation. It was worth the effort and one hour drive in the dark and winding wine country roads from our rental villa. Next time we will stay nearby.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
Our favorite feature of this unassuming facility was the view of the beach we had from our large and comfortable top floor suite. The room was designed to take advantage of the view from almost every corner including the sleeping area. The living area had a working fireplace and a wet bar. We could have spent several days exploring the quiet town of Half Moon Bay or just relaxing in our room; enjoying a good book and the view.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
Billed as “the nation’s longest running musical revue,” Beach Blanket Babylon®, an irreverent musical centered on Snow White looking for her prince (around the world) spoof, was the perfect entertainment for our jetlagged souls. All day travel and a three-hour time disconnect made us tired and sluggish; the Beach Blanket Babylon performance jazzed us up. We walked out smiling and ready for the scrumptious dinner we had planned.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | Fun Gadgets, Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We wanted to be able to listen to music or audio books on our car stereo speakers when traveling with our iPod. This was possible with the Airplay, a tiny FM transmitter. It transmitted our iPod music on the FM channel of our choice allowing us to listen to music on our car FM stereo player.
We started by attaching the Airplay device to the top of our standard 20GB iPod player. No batteries are required to operate the Airplay because it uses power from the iPod. We then pressed the buttons to select a frequency, and started listening to music on our FM radio within minutes of getting the Airplay. The Airplay has its own small backlit LCD readout that allowed us to see which frequency we had selected.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
This lovely bed & breakfast in a renovated historic home near downtown Napa offered many of the advantages of a B & B home and those of a larger property with luxury amenities. We enjoyed activity filled days, gourmet bites, early morning pampering (massage and in-room breakfast), excellent recommendations and assistance with sightseeing opportunities and fine dining. We were fortunate to find marvelous sunny and cool weather during our spring stay. At that time, the temperature at 1801 was comfortable without air conditioning and required mild heat (we only turned the fire place on briefly) in the evenings.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2005 | Products, Safari Gear, Simon and Baker Travel Review
There are times in a traveler’s life when disposable underwear can be heaven sent. For many, the concept is appealing for everyday use, hospital visits, unexpected situations, gym and spa visits, camping, and medical conditions to name a few. The OneDerWear was perfect for many of our travel needs. Laundry and dry cleaning can be a challenge during a trip; even luxury hotel s encounter problems and deliver damaged, stretched, faded, torn, shrunk or otherwise unusable clothes to guests. This is especially likely traveling internationally and in remote areas where washers and dryers may not be available. We have encountered eco friendly properties in isolated places where there is no running water or electricity. We think the 100 percent cotton OneDerWear ideal for these situations.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2005 | Communications, Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review
The stylish Jawbone made by Aliph, a noise reduction headset for mobile phones, relies on the kind of technology pilots use to help them hear over plane engine noise (at much higher cost). This ergonomically designed headset with a cheek sensor employs electronics that actively listen to the background noise and reduce it by subtracting it out of the microphone signals, adjusting to ambient noise at a rate of 500 times per second. The Jawbone model we tested made it easier to hear and to be heard in noisy environments than would be possible with traditional microphones, headsets and speakers. One of the reasons this was possible is that the Jawbone we tried had two microphones (most headsets have one), including a jaw sensor for speech vibrations.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2005 | Fun Gadgets, Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We chose I/O Magic’s Digital Photo Library to backup our digital camera pictures on location while traveling. When our digital camera flash memory cards filled up, we made backups (copies) of our photos with the Digital Photo Library. When we cleared our flash memory cards (deleted all the pictures on them) we were able to take additional pictures.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2005 | Products, Safari Gear, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We have tried a number of digital cameras and none of them met our standards for use on one of our trips. Our standards have been based on using Canon 35mm SLRs . We were looking for a digital camera, which would address our complaints thus far. The Canon Digital Rebel met this bill and exceeded our expectations in several areas.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2005 | Books, Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Books
We found Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries to be a useful reference source, especially for travelers booking an organized tour. This makes sense since the author heads up Africa Adventure Company, a Florida based travel agency specializing in African safari trips. W e have referred to this book when planning an independent game viewing trip. It offers insights on weather conditions at different times of the year, a “What Wildlife is Best Seen Where” chart, destination highlights, facilities descriptions (without contact information), a glossary of safari terms, a list of shopping suggestions for various countries and plenty of useful maps. We would have especially appreciated tourism and facilities websites and email information. Perhaps there will be some of those in the next edition.
by Editor | Feb 1, 2005 | Fun Gadgets, Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We looked at a number of options before settling on the Lingo Ten Language Talking Translator. Though we could understand many words in writing and we could understand parts of a conversation when native speakers addressed us, we struggled to express ourselves properly in a foreign language.
by Editor | Feb 1, 2005 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Luggage
One of the risks we often take as travelers is dehydration. It’s subtle and slow and not always noticeable. We realize we may be dehydrated when we start feeling tired. By then, we’re probably in sore need of liquid replenishment. In these days of complicated and time consuming travel with less food and drink offered in flight, we loved the light weight and easy to carry Liquid Luggage ™ sleeve. We used the pilot designed devices successfully to carry 24 oz and one and a half liter (our favorite size) bottles of mineral water in domestic and international flights. Other than one airport security employee who wanted to make sure the bottle was unopened, it passed through security checks without a second glance.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2005 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Security
We wore our Deluxe Waist Stash while en route to and during an extended African photo safari and plan to take it with us again in the future. Thanks to the light and moisture wicking fabric it felt comfortable against our garments and skin. The plastic clasps ensured it never triggered a security alarm. The two pockets allowed us to separate the contents by category such as documents and emergency credit cards and cash. Though we fortunately never had to resort to our emergency documents or money, it was good to know they were within easy reach if we ever needed them.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2005 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Comfort
To alleviate the symptoms of fatigue due to travel, and time zone crossing Details When: Developed in 1990 Purpose: To alleviate the symptoms of fatigue due to travel, and time zone crossing Sold: International airports, online, travel stores and pharmacies....
by Editor | Jan 1, 2005 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Our meal at Michel Rostang, a family business centered on the latest chef in a line of five generations of kitchen professionals, was like having a delicious lunch at an affluent friend’s house. The food was well prepared and beautifully presented, the dining room was cozy and featured a number of noteworthy decorative touches, the wine cellar was ample and diverse, and the staff were friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and client centered.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2005 | Fun Gadgets, Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We looked high and low for an all-in-one phone, MP3 player, organizer, GPS and could not find one we liked. Instead we decided to throw caution to the wind and splurge for the new 40 GB iPod (before they marked it down) music player. Our first Apple purchase, it was heavier than it looked but oh so classy and practical. We can carry music choices for two or more travelers (up to 10,000 songs) and still have room left over to pick up additional tunes during our trips. Though we battled to figure out the exact measure of the battery charge, overall it seemed to hold its charge for a week or longer and play for hours before needing a recharge.
The iPod was heavily dependent on access to a computer with a high speed Internet connection. Without them our ability to obtain information on new music was hampered and we were unable to purchase new music at the Apple iTunes online store.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2005 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
What a marvelous way to discover San Francisco ! Our GPS (global positioning system) guided talking GoCar tour in the two passenger yellow “car,” lasted about two hours. Following its prompts we traveled through San Francisco’s greater and lesser known sites in a fun, stimulating and independent way. After a brief familiarization, explanation and experimentation phase that lasted a few minutes, we donned our helmets and were on our way. We stopped at landmarks like the famous Fisherman’s Wharf and viewing spots for picturesque sightings and memorable photo opportunities at our own pace.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2005 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
: We arrived after a plentiful lunch; rushed and tired from running errands and buying souvenirs. Inside the George V spa we entered a world of pampered luxury, escaping for a few hours from our cares. Small touches abounded to enchant the guest. The new looking facilities were immaculate. Subdued lighting, quiet ambiance, elegant and understated décor, comfortable furniture, delicious and refreshing complimentary beverages and plump and juicy dried fruit, guest centered staff, and a plethora of treatment options provided an irresistible combination.
