10 New York Fashion Favorites

Budget Travel Editors: Welcome to this week's Trip Coach. Let's get to your questions! _______________________ Las Vegas, NV: We would like to visit Turkey. We are wondering if we would be better off (financially) to tour on our own, or take one of the many tours available. We can't afford a high end tour. We would like to stay in quaint places, and see the major highlights as well as funky fun places. (The problem with tours is being stuck with slow people and having to eat meals you don't want, go places you don't necessarily care about). Looking at going next Spring-- what is your take on how safe it is for Americans? Budget Travel Editors: Turkey is truly a fascinating destination--a real crossroads, and it can be very affordable. And while we can't make any guarantees, it's generally considered safe for westerners. In fact, Istanbul is a very western/international/cosmopolitan city. Turkey's also been working hard to make itself attractive to the European Union in hopes of becoming a member, so visitors get to reap many positive benefits of those efforts--better infrastructure, international signage, etc. Regarding whether to tour on your own or with a company, it's really up to you. I might suggest if it's your first time to Turkey to do both--a short escorted tour (with highlights that interest you), followed by independent time on your own with extra nights at a place of your choosing. You might consider getting off the beaten path to say, Cappadoccia, with an escorted tour, and then creating your own itinerary for Istanbul. There are parts of the country where it'll be more advantageous to travel with a guide who knows his/her way around. That said, I suggest you look into what Foreign Independent Tours has to offer. The company specializes in that part of the world and has an excellent reputation with vetted ground operators. And keep in mind, if you're not in the mood for sightseeing or a group dinner, you can always bow out. For more information on Turkey, I also suggest perusing the highly informative TurkeyTravelPlanner.com. _______________________ Chicago, IL: My friends and I will be taking a 7 day Greek Island cruise in two weeks. We plan on staying two extra days and would like to go to Florence for a day. What is the best route to Florence from Venice? What sights can we see in one day as we must return to Venice for the return flight home. Thanks Budget Travel Editors: The best/easiest route/way between Venice and Florence is by train. The trip takes about 4 hours, and is quite scenic in parts. When in Florence, I suggest seeing the Duomo (main cathedral); the Ufizzi Galleries and the great works of Botticelli and other masters; the Ponte Vecchio bridge; and the Boboli Gardens. The Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace are both fascinating in that you get a glimpse of how the Medicis lived, and then there are smaller points of interest, like Brunelleschi's beautiful "minimalist" church in the Altrarno, Santo Spirito, the bronze wild boar at the Porcellino market (whose nose you rub for good luck), and the ancient, narrow Estruscan street of Borgo Pinti. I also happen to be a fan of the gorgeous, colorful (and recently restored) frescos by Beato Angelico in San Marco church. Of course, you can't miss the David and other works by Michelangelo at the Academmia, either. As you might have noticed, it's hard to prioritize! I might start with the Duomo, a walk down shop-lined Via Cazaiuoli to Piazza Signoria, go to the Uffizi Galleries, then head to the market, and then over the Ponte Vecchio bridge and have lunch on the much quieter (and more charming) other side of the Arno River, followed by a stop at Piazza Santo Spirito, and then a walk in the Boboli Gardens. If you have time, then poke your nose in the Pitti Palace, and then hit the Academmia and San Marco on the other side. Piazza Santa Maria Novella, adjacent to the train station, also has a very important fresco by Masaccio--The Trinity--the first painting to ever show perspective. _______________________ Chula Vista, CA: I've been to Europe once and I did the Eurail-backpacking combination with 8 others. However, this time around, I'd like to rent a home or condo on the Italian coastline. In a previous issue, you had mentioned 5 towns within walking distance of each other that had villas for rent, but I don't recall the names of those towns! We plan on going next August...please help! Jennifer Budget Travel Editors: Here's a link to our article called "Villa Rentals Around the World" -- it lists a great number of agencies that rent homes, condos, villas, etc. in Italy, and beyond. Perhaps you were thinking of another story, but there's no mention of the 5 towns you can walk to....However, I suspect you're thinking of Cinque Terre (literally, "five lands") five small villages on Ligurian coast that are connected by goat paths (and accessible by train). _______________________ Avondale, AZ: I am planning a trip to southern Spain this November and would like to take the ferry to Morocco for a few days of sightseeing. Are the ferries safe/reliable, and is it safe for a single woman to travel alone in Morroco? Budget Travel Editors: Morocco is definitely a growing must-see destination--particulary thanks to its convenient proximity to Spain's southern tip and the easy ferry access. The U.S. government does recommend caution in traveling there ever since a series of terrorist bombings in 2003, but Americans weren't the specific target. The country also has its standard amount of petty crime like pickpocketing, etc. If you're sticking to the main cities of Casablanca, Marrakech, or Tangier, you should be fine as American and European visitors are more and more a commonplace. Just be sure to follow obvious safety precautions (don't carry lots of money, stay in well-lit and populated areas, etc.) and blend in, which means dressing conservatively and keeping covered up. There's no need for a headscarf, however. Moroccan men have been known to catcall, but the best response is no response. Also, don't expect to get access to any mosques as they're generally limited only to Muslims, unlike in other countries where tourists are sometimes welcome. As for the ferries, they run regularly from Algeciras, Spain, to Tangier or Ceuta in Morocco; Tangier provides better access to other public transportation around the country. _______________________ Lima, OH: We are going to Nashville in August and would like a list of things to see. We have tickets to Opry and will be staying at the Gaylord. Anything else of interest? Thanks, Karen Budget Travel Editors: If you're going to the Grand Ole Opry (or Nashville in general), then we assume you're into country music. One quirky option for getting to know the city's musical roots is the NashTrash tour (800/342-2132, nashtrash.com, $30). Led by the frizzy-haired Jugg sisters, the 90-minute tour--aboard a bright pink bus--passes by all the quintessential country music landmarks (Wildhorse Saloon, Printers Alley, the Country Music Hall of Fame, etc.). In the evening, head back downtown to check out live music at classic honky tonks like Tootsies Orchid Lounge (422 Broadway, 615/726-0463, tootsies.net), The Stage (412 Broadway, 615/726-0504), and Wildhorse Saloon, which offers popular country line dancing lessons (120 Second Ave., 615/902-8200, wildhorsesaloon.com). For shopping, most folks head to the Hillsboro Village area, but fuel up before you go at Pancake Pantry (1796 21st Ave. South, 615/383-9333). And if you're there the last weekend of the month, don't miss scouring for finds at the massive flea market located at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds (tennesseestatefair.org). _______________________ Wheaton, IL: We're looking for a budget trip to see fall color out east. Any suggestions? Budget Travel Editors: One of Vermont's most idyllic corners is the "Northeast Kingdom," the counties of Orleans, Essex and Caledonia, distinguished by sleepy towns, dense forests, and placid lakes. The Federal-style, family-run Inn on the Common in historic Craftsbury (75 miles east of Burlington), will place you in the heart of the kingdom. Rooms are on the pricier side, starting at $185, but are well worth it if you're up for a splurge. Cheaper rates (doubles from $95) can be found at the four-room Riverbend B&B in the tiny town of Troy, where there are trails for horseback riding and hiking and the nearby Missisquoi River for canoeing. For more suggestions, read our fall foliage guides for Vermont, Maine and Connecticut. We also recently ran a Real Deal on a five-night foliage cruise in New England and Canada from $599. _______________________ New York City, NY: I would like to enjoy a language (Spanish) immersion program in Costa Rica. I would want to stay 3-4 weeks and see as much of the country as well. Any ideas? Howard Budget Travel Editors: One of the more reputable Spanish-language schools in Costa Rica is Forester, which can arrange for homestays in addition to classes, and also organizes excursions. The school is located just outside of downtown San José, the capital of Costa Rica. A week of classes, as well as a homestay with a local family, including two meals daily and laundry service, costs from $450, and weekly prices go down the longer you stay (up to four weeks). For courses that also feature excursions, weekly rates start at $525. Both types of study leave your weekends free to explore. Forester Instituto Internacional, fores.com _______________________ Columbia, MO: I am trying to plan a destination wedding on a budget. I would really like to go somewhere tropical-- do you have any suggestions of places to go that are easy and affordable? I would be leaving from either St Louis, MO or Kansas City,MO in March or April. Thanks for your help! Budget Travel Editors: Congratulations on your engagement! Now, the work begins...Many of Mexico and the Caribbean's biggest resort groups--Breezes, Couples, Superclubs, Sandals --offer "free" weddings. In exchange for paying for room and board (and often a minimum-stay requirement), resorts will often throw in a wedding, which can be a huge money-saver.If large resorts are not your style, then you'll want to look into individual properties that cater to destination weddings. For ideas on where to plan your destination wedding, check out The Most Romantic Resorts for Destination Weddings, Marriage Renewals & Honeymoons by Paulette Cooper and Paul Noble or The Destination Wedding Workbook by Paris Permenter & John Bigley.We've written quite a bit about this topic: check out our article on destination weddings.Also, on August 22, Paris Permenter and John Bigley, who wrote "The Destination Wedding Workbook" will be our Trip Coach guests. They'll answer destination wedding questions from noon to 1pm ET. So check back then! _______________________ Sheboygan, WI: We would like to take a road trip through Nova Scotia. Can you give us some guidelines as to a good time of year to travel there and greatest things to see? Budget Travel Editors: Nova Scotia's summer--and main tourist season--is from early July to early September, when the daytime temperatures are often in the upper 70s. Since the province is surrounded by water, expect showers no matter what time of year you're there. Nova Scotia has at least 10 scenic drives that are ideally suited for road trips; one of the most acclaimed routes is the 175-mile Cabot Trail loop within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The province's official tourism company (800/565-0000, novascotia.com) lists these scenic route, with maps and descriptions of the attractions and regions passed along the way. The same information is also available in booklet form that can be downloaded or mailed to you. _______________________ Abington, PA: My wife and I are taking a cruise to Alaska from Vancouver and will disembark in L.A. The cruise company informed us that they charge $25 per person each was for the airport terminal transfers. Is this a good deal? It is my understanding that Canadian Customs can be bypassed if one is going to the cruise terminal. Does that apply to those who use local transportation? Or do you have to be picked up by the cruise company bus? Budget Travel Editors: You can take a taxi from the Vancouver International Airport to the Canada Place cruise ship terminal for about $18-$22, which is significantly cheaper than the $50 per couple your cruise company charges. Taking a cab, however, means that you can't bypass Canadian customs--passengers who skip customs have to be transported directly to the terminal on a special "sealed" bus managed by the cruise line. Vancouver airport's expedited service only works with specific airlines and cruise companies; if you want to use the service, be sure check with your reservation agent to make sure you are eligible. When you dock at L.A.'s San Pedro pier, a taxi to the airport should put you back about $50-$54. _______________________ Budget Travel Editors: Thanks for all your great questions. See you next week! _______________________

BT: How did you get your awesome job? Josh: I started my company, Level 1, out of my dormroom at Dartmouth College back in 2000, to put together ski videos for fun while I was recovering from a knee injury that kept me sidelined from competition. I certainly never planned on making a career out of it, but that first project received good feedback and interest from both the ski industry and distributors who would encourage me to make another video in what was my last year in school. Even when I graduated I didn't think it was going anywhere, but felt obligated to give it another year or two to see how things played out. Five years later we're certainly not some large operation with an office staff and interns running around making coffee (we do have one!), but with the help of a few others, Level 1 churns out some of the most progressive, well respected, and best selling ski films in the world. BT: What do you love most about your job? Josh: What I love most is that my job is ultimately a creative outlet. It certainly forces me to be assertive and log considerable time on the business and logistical side of things, but ultimately I'm producing a film that is my creative vision, a story representing the past winter's biggest and best skiing exploits, as I see it. In addition to that, it's truly amazing to see the affect that my films have on people. To know that what I'm doing is directly affecting and inspiring a new generation of skiers all over the globe blows my mind, and really makes me strive to push the limits of what's going on in ski film production. BT: What advice do you have for someone who wants to do what you do? Josh: First and foremost, make sure you're passionate about it, because it's honestly not half as glamorous and exciting as it would appear, and most people that get their feet wet in ski filmmaking don't last because they're not willing, able, or prepared to put up with all the trials and tribulations that come with the territory. Beyond that, study and practice photography before you try to get too heavily involved with filmmaking. Cinematography is ultimately taking 24 still images per second (or 30 with video), so if you don't have the basics of good shot composition, framing, and lighting down for the purpose of taking one still image, you can't likely expect to get great images out of a 16mm film or video. Lastly, nothing is ultimately more valuable than experience, so spend as much time as possible immersing yourself in whatever it is that you want to do. BT: What the worst job-related travel experience you've ever had? Josh: Traveling in Europe for five weeks with 200+ pounds worth of equipment during the winter of 2005 comes to mind. For one, European society is just not designed for excess in any capacity, whether it's small hotel rooms, cars that won't fit large gear bags, or airlines that levy insane fines for overweight baggage. I spent a few weeks shooting in Switzerland, and had booked a separate flight on KLM through Northwest Airlines for a side trip up to Norway. I went over everything in great detail with the agent I spoke to, who assured me that there would be no problem assuming my two checked pieces weighed in at under 70 pounds. Upon showing up at the Geneva airport, the folks at KLM laughed as they insisted that I was limited to a total baggage weight of 20kg, and promptly tallied up charges for over $1,500 for my bags, one way, on what was originally a $300 ticket. Another $1,200 tab on the return flight ensured that I'll never fly Northwest or KLM ever again! BT: How has your job changed the way you travel? Josh: The amount of traveling I've done over the past few years has certainly made me more savvy on how to find deals, how to stretch a dollar, and how to get the most out of everything a particular place has to offer. Moreover, it has also made me realize that having a connection to someone indigenous to the region you're visiting adds so much to the experience. It's nice to be a tourist in the traditional sense, but knowing someone that can really show you around will often expose you to the local culture, people, and places in a way that's infinitely more valuable and enriching.

BT: How did you get your awesome job? Jacob: Like Robert Johnson, I sold my soul to the Devil...Actually, I have long been an aficionado of the intersection between music and culture. As a fan of music and travel, it made sense to combine my two passions. I received my Masters Degree in Ethnomusicology from UCLA and after finishing school I started working for a small start-up--a world music distributor and record label. We weren't very big, but the work we did got a lot of attention within the world music community, and Dan Storper, the CEO and founder of Putumayo, liked the work we were doing. I met Dan at a music industry conference in New Orleans in 1997, and we immediately hit it off. Up until he hired me, Dan had done most of the music research himself, but he realized that he didn't have the time to do justice to the job, so he hired me to take over the responsibility of listening to the hundreds of demos and traveling the world to discover new music and artists. It's not always an easy job, though. I have to suffer through a lot of pretty bad music in search of those hidden musical gems that end up on Putumayo compilations. Also, we have a limited number of slots each year for new artists and music, so there are many more great artists that haven't yet been on a Putumayo compilation. BT: What do you love most about your job? Jacob: I love the fact that I learn something new every day. Really, the work I do at Putumayo is like school, except I get paid for it. There's always something new to discover--new areas of the world with music that I've never heard before. I also get to read up on a lot of other non-musical things, such as the history of wine, coffee, and tea for our food-themed collections. I also feel really happy with the fact that hundreds of thousands of people around the world have discovered new music and been introduced to other cultures through Putumayo. I know from personal experience what an impact discovering new music can have on people, and I have received many letters from Putumayo's fans over the years commenting on how the collections have opened up new worlds for them and helped set them on a totally different life path. The ultimate goal of the compilations is to foster awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity, and I feel that they've helped a lot of people learn new things about the world around them that they might not have otherwise been exposed to. BT: What advice do you have for someone who wants to do what you do? Jacob: I have a unique job, so I can't really say that it's a likely career path for many people. Most ethnomusicologists pursue careers in academia or the public sector, and not many have made a career in the commercial music business. My best advice is to follow your passion, learn as much as you can, and always try to excel...good things will come to you. BT: What the worst job-related travel experience you've ever had? Jacob: Funny, I can't think of one. My trips are usually over too soon, but otherwise I've never had any dramatically bad experiences on any of my journeys. BT: How has your job changed the way you travel? Jacob: I rarely have time to see the sights, museums, or usual tourist attractions. I've been to Paris dozens of times over the past 10 years, but it wasn't until I went with my family last year that I actually visited the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame. I usually spend most of my time at record stores, recording studios, music production offices, festival sites, and concert venues. Usually, I have a local person who's an expert on the local music scene who takes me around and gets me into places most people wouldn't have access to. I often find myself hanging out backstage or in recording studios with artists who are considered superstars in their local countries and who most people there would never be able to hang with. It's kind of like if someone from some far-off land went to England to do music research and spent his time driving around with Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney. My job has taught me that it's really important to try to establish a local connection before you go to a country, because that person can help you get behind closed doors and show you things that reflect how people in that country actually live, not just how they are experienced by outsiders.

BT: How did you get your awesome job? Kevin: I was working as a mountain guide in my hometown of Whistler, British Columbia. In 1996, the Eco-Challenge Expedition Race came to Whistler. (The Eco-Challenge was a multi-sport endurance race that was held in a different international location each year. It was filmed for television) The Race Technical Director, Scott Flavelle, gave me a job working as a guide for a camera crew on the mountain section of the race course. From this initial opportunity, I was offered a position as the Race Coordinator for the 1997 race in Australia. I eventually became the Race Manager for Eco-Challenge , a position which took me to Morocco, Argentina, Chile, Malaysian Borneo, New Zealand, and Fiji. The work with Eco-Challenge led to other opportunities such as producing challenges for Survivor and Treasure Hunters. BT: What do you love most about your job? Kevin: I find that working in other countries, as opposed to just traveling through them, really exposes you to different elements of the location, culture, and people. I suppose what I love the most about the job is seeing such an authentic side of so many foreign countries. I have met countless life-long friends this way. BT: What advice do you have for someone who wants to do what you do? Kevin: Currently, I spilt my time guiding in the mountains and working as a television producer. For anyone that wants to become a professional mountain guide, my first piece of advice would be become certified by either the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides or the American Mountain Guides Association. Being a certified guide should present you with many exciting opportunities. For work in television production, here is the bad news; you usually have to start at the bottom. The good news is that there are a lot of opportunities to move up quickly. Go out, get your feet wet, work hard and keep your eyes out for opportunities that will allow you to advance. Don't stagnate in a dead end position. You're better than that! BT: What the worst job-related travel experience you've ever had? Kevin: It has to do with being in a taxi cab late at night in Nairobi, Kenya. The cab driver was lost in a dodgy part of town and keep pulling over to ask directions from very suspect individuals. Why was this so bad? Let's just say they don't call it Nai-robbery for nothing. BT: How has your job changed the way you travel? Kevin: It has certainly made me a more efficient traveler. I know a lot of little tricks that make travel more streamlined and less of a hassle, like get a window seat so you can lean against it and sleep, or bring your own snacks and water and don't count on the airline to do anything but get you there. A lot of times, if you can get off the plane and out of the airport smoothly then the hardest part of the journey is over!