Bags, Second Bags and Now---Sporting Equipment

This little blurb comes under "changes" - and travel awareness. British Airways has announced new implementation of baggage fees. This new "Sports Allowance" will affect golfers, tennis players, and all other athletes in days to come.

Everyone who travels knows they sometimes (??) pack too much. I know I do at times. At the time I think that I have to have this or that, when I come home I think, how dumb, didn't use them at all and could have used the room on the way back for things that I got on that trip.

If you find you are going to need more...take a moment, think, then if you really really need it and can't live without it during your trip - call good ol' UPS or Fed Ex and ship a box or whatever to your destination. No more lost luggage (for that extra money we paid to make sure it flies with us).

Destination Wedding people are always smart to think ahead and ship their wedding dresses ahead of time, doesn't matter where they are getting married...the dress will be there before you.

Check us out as we try to let you know about new Rules and Regulations when we get the news.

Trip to Poland

Off season is coming! Just in from the Poland Front - a land of rolling hills with mountain views in the distance, green and friendly. Weather in July was slightly rainy-misty, rained a little but was gone within minutes. Kind of like washing the air, then leaving to go elsewhere. Fred said: Wonderful castles and markets, traveling through the "old town sections" was the best (and he's not a shopper). Visited towns of Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Auschwitz (they have tried to make it "look better" but is "heavy", I can imagine with all those lost spirits floating around...you "feel" that) but a place that should be visited and not forgotten. Plus Warsaw ahs great sights, food and nice people. The roads are terrible...major highways are in good shape. There are tourists in Poland, more Europeans but there are still Americans traveling here and there.

Tokyo Travels, Coffee speaks

When traveling, are you a coffee drinker? I was reading an article about coffee this morning. I am not a coffee drinker, rather a tea drinker with sugar and cream (must be my English/Irish side). However, I know tons of coffee enthusiasts and this article brought something to mind. I remember when living in Japan, years ago as part of the military "family" you could buy lots of beer, Sake, and tea, fabulous rice (I love fried rice, a place outside of maingate Iwakuni had some of the best!)...just about anywhere.

Coffee was found mostly on base. Now, it seems, that has changed dramatically. Japan has "coffee houses" and kiosks more than likely. Starbucks is there! But this new round of coffee is spendy! Be prepared to spend approximately up to $10 for a cup of specialty coffee in Tokyo.

Specialty shops, one even owned by a Japanese Seattleite architect named Macchinesti, a one-minute walk from the Hiroo subway station, and others....one in the Roppongi district is a three-minute walk from the Hibiya Line subway stop and has tables in front that create a cozy cafe for people watching, named Bar Del Sole (an Italian place); then find the office workers' dream Zoka, which has three locations, including one 100 yards from the Akasaka-Mitsuke subway stop, an airy cafe filled with office workers who seem drawn to the hum of La Marzocco, the espresso maker.

The Ginza, always popular with locals and tourists, has "atmosphere" named Café de l’Ambre, which opened in 1948, owned and operated by a 95-year-old owner who got his start by using Indonesian beans destined for Germany that were waylaid during World War II. He is an advocate of aged coffee with that made with Cuban beans harvested in 1974, Colombian beans from 1989, etc. However, similar to a fine wine list, prices are not cheap. A cup can cost up to 1,360 yen.

Tokyo, for those who know, can be chaotic, this place, although NOT smoke-free, can be a coffee haven for those seeking a refuge, with low conversations intermingled with the sounds of soft jazz...Tajimaya Kohiten, which opened in 1964 and refurbished in 1987, is equally evocative and marginally cheaper. It is south of the west exit of the Shinjuku Station with 13 types of straight coffee, including Cuban Mountain (750 yen) that was mild and smooth and Grade 1 Sumatra (650 yen).

So, these are only some of the "coffee hangouts" you can find in Tokyo alone. Take a coffee break with some of the world's finest in a place you might not think to look!

A New MAUI Look at the Whaler!!

How long has it been since you visited Maui? Well, take a deep breath and think about going back - The Whaler on Kaanapali beach has been redone!! Summer Preview Rates from only $239 per night for travel Now – August 23, 2009. (Two night minimum stay required)
The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach has elevated its guest experience by creating a warm and relaxing, yet decidedly upscale, ambiance throughout the exterior of the property. (This has always been one of my favorite spots in the area, not only for lodging but also for meals and/or drinks overlooking the magnificant ocean views)The Whaler overlooks a garden courtyard which underwent a dramatic makeover. Lush, new landscaping includes a soothing new waterfall and koi pond, an array of tropical flora such as taro, red and pink ginger, fragrant plumeria trees and wider pathways that transform the courtyard into an ideal destination for reflection or a romantic stroll.
The oceanfront pool deck was refreshed and the jet spa was enlarged. New lounge furniture and poolside cabanas were added for guests to comfortably lounge by the pool while gazing out over the ocean.
Highlights:Prime beachfront location
Fresh pineapple in every room
FREE In-room high speed Internet access available (via Cable Modem)
Children receive a FREE beach bucket & shovel at Check-in!
Year-round children's program, Camp Kaanapali (available to all Maui Aston properties)
Next door to 36-hole Kaanapali Golf Courses (You can rent clubs or take your own--if you do, check with your airlines for extra fees for taking them as well as baggage charges since they have all pretty much gone up!)
This is an ASTON property and we also have specials for Fall bookings as well and gifts for all that book with us. Don't wait...go to www.eaglepointtravel.com and email or book your trip today (you can use OnLine Booking tools).

An airline fee note for all travelers

US Airways Baggage Fee Reminder - Effective July 9, 2009, US Airways will charge travelers an extra $5 “service fee” to pay for checked bags at the airport – making it $20 for the first bag and $30 for the second bag. Travelers that pay for checked bags online will pay the current rate of $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second bag.

Remember to check in ONLINE and save money and airport aggravation!