Leisure Newsletter

No Backlash From Irwin Tragedy
In Stingray City

Dive and water sports operators in Grand Cayman reported no negative feedback or tour cancellations to Stingray City as a result of a freak accident in Australia in which Steve Irwin, the country's khaki-clad wildlife star and spokesman, died as the result of a stingray wound. 

Stingray City in Grand Cayman's North Sound is one of the destination's most popular attractions for cruise and land-based visitors.  Stingrays gathered in the area for years to feed on the guts of fish cleaned by fishermen, and in the late 1980s divers started feeding squid to the rays.  Now, dozens of stingrays congregate each day looking for handouts from the hundreds of visitors who snorkel, dive or tour the area in glass-bottom boats.

Steve Broadbelt, chairman of the Watersports Committee of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, pointed out that "not all stingrays are the same, and there are about 200 species of stingrays.  Australia has some of the deadliest, but many of their less-harmful cousins live in the Caribbean and other parts of the world."

Although Broadbelt also noted Stingray City's stingrays "have been handfed for years and are used to being around people," he cited the need to regulate the procedures used at Stingray City, saying that the "manhandling of stingrays and lifting them from the water is both cruel and dangerous."  Tim Austin, assistant director with the Dept. of Environment in the Cayman Islands, confirmed that legislation to protect Stingray City should be finalized within months.  The new regulations will restrict the number of visitors and regulate the feeding and handling of stingrays.  
 

Tips for Smart Eating Abroad

Always drink bottled water, never use ice cubes, stay away from the salad.  Those are some of Joan Peterson's tips for smart eating abroad.  Peterson has written eight Eat Smart guides, with books on Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Morocco, India and Peru published by Ginkgo Press.  The books are designed to help travelers decipher menus, navigate food markets and enjoy international culinary adventures without getting sick.

Peterson stresses that avoiding tap water is key to staying healthy when traveling in developing countries.  "That's the surest way not to get into trouble," she said in an interview.  "It's the bacteria and other ills in the water that cause most problems."  In addition to drinking only bottled water and keeping ice cubes out of your drinks, you should brush your teeth with bottled water and avoid salad or any other food in which raw fruits or vegetables might have been rinsed, even if you're dining in a well appointed place, she said.

As for street food, "I tell my readers they should avoid it unless they have some knowledge of a particular vendor," she said.  For example, if you notice a food stand with a line of customers, "you can make the assumption that the food is good because people are eating there in droves."   On the other hand, just because the locals can tolerate something, it doesn't necessarily mean you can.  "Your intestinal microbes are different from someone who's grown up there, who might be immune to certain things," she added. 

If you're game to try the local cuisine, Peterson advises doing a little research beforehand about the region's specialties so that you know what to order and what things are called, especially if you're ordering off menus with no English translations.  If there are items you're squeamish about, like animal organs, you might want to look up the words for heart, kidney and the like before you leave home. 

Other ideas from Peterson for getting a good local meal include looking around the dining room to see what others are eating; asking the waiter for a recommendation; or asking the staff at your hotel for recommendations.  Some restaurants in Asia even have plastic models of menu items.    

Survey Reveals Women View
Vacations as Priority

A new survey finds that when it comes to women, the emotional rewards of a vacation are often key drivers in where they choose to spend their holiday getaways.  The survey, conducted by Roper Public Affairs for Meredith Corporation, finds that women respondents value vacations that include: emotional rewards of relaxation from the daily routine; re-connection with family and friends; opportunity to re-invent and re-ignite their personal passions via adventure, freedom and escapism.

For example, among women with families, 96 percent of respondents stated that vacations that "create memories" are a key component in where they choose to spend their leisure time.  According to the survey, one in three female travelers, or 32 percent, have taken a multi-generational trip; one in six, or 16 percent, have taken a wedding vow renewal or anniversary trip; and, one in eight, or 12 percent, have attended an offsite family reunion.  Almost half of women surveyed, or 49 percent stated that they booked their most recent vacation "by myself" with another 18 percent saying they shared the responsibility with their spouse or partner. 

Four out of five women respondents say that vacations are a "must have."  Nine out of 10 families with teens agreed with this statement as well.  Nine out of 10 women say they want vacations that create lasting memories.  One in three women say they are likely to take a cruise within the next 12 months.  The top reasons for taking a cruise include a fun atmosphere (48 percent); good value for the price (45 percent); sightseeing (42 percent): and excursions/activities off the ship (41 percent).  Nearly one in five women took a "girls only" vacation in the past three years.  The top reason for taking such a trip was "the break from the daily routine."   

 Single Parent Vacations

Single parents face several challenges when it comes to vacationing with their kids, not least of which is keeping costs under control.  And while the main goal of your trip is likely to spend quality time together as a family, you should be able to have some adult fun in the process.  The travel industry has recognized this growing segment of the population and as a result, there are more vacation options for single parents now than ever before. 

Of course, the majority of the families you'll meet on your next vacation will likely be two-parent families.  Some solo parents worry they and their children will feel out of place on their next cruise or at the all-inclusive resort.  There are three things you can do; stop worrying and be proud of your kids and what you have accomplished on your own.  The second is travel with a group that caters to single-parent families or take advantage of travel deals for single parents, where the majority of other travelers are likely to be in your same boat.  The third is to pair up with another single-parent family - maybe you have a sibling or a close friend who is also a single parent.  That way you'll have adult companionship and the kids will have automatic friends. 

Keeping costs down - Here's the problem many single parents face when they try to book a vacation with their kids; Most prices are based on two adults and double occupancy.  Obviously you don't want to pay an adult price for your eight-year old who eats nothing but chicken fingers and won't be enjoying a poolside pina colada.  So what's the alternative?  You could pay the single supplement for yourself and then pay a kids fare.  There are no clear-cut answers for saving money here - you just have to do the math and see what works for you.  Single parents might also want to consider the possibility that booking an individual itinerary, rather than a package deal, might be the more economical route.  Just don't forget to factor in the costs of food and entertainment. 

Booking a vacation rental is an excellent way to save money.  There are no single supplements and you'll likely have more room than in a resort or on a cruise ship.  You'll also have a kitchen so you can keep the dining out to a minimum.  And vacation rentals aren't just for weeklong stays at the beach anymore, you can rent homes and villas all over the world, a great way to spend a week with the kids in Europe, immerse them in the culture and have a home base all at the same time.  Also be on the lookout for single-parent specials offered by some of the all-inclusive resorts. 

Tips for taking the kids -

• If you plan on leaving the country, make sure you and your child's passport are up to date.

• If you are not the child's sole legal guardian, have the other parent sign a notarized letter of consent if you plan on taking a minor child out of the country.

• Carry a recent photo of your child with you on the trip.  Each day, make a mental note of what your child is wearing.  This will be important and useful information if your child gets lost.

• Take all essential items for the children, like medication, in carry on luggage.

• If you'll be renting a car, consider bringing your own car seat, chances are it is a better quality and more comfortable than the ones available from the rental car companies. 

For additional information and to book a Charleston, South Carolina vacation contact our vacation office today at 800-451-5449 or vacations@worldtravelinc.com