Travel Tip #4: Don't Drink the Water

When traveling to Mexico it's often difficult to say no to ice cubes and tap water. It's even more difficult not to worry about a bad case of Montezuma's Revenge. Thankfully, a company named Hydro-Photon has come up with a solution. The SteriPEN Traveler Water Purifier is a pocket device that uses ultraviolet light to purify up to 16 ounces of water in less than 60 seconds. The process eradicates parasites that might have you spending most of your vacation in the bathroom instead of the beach.

More info and where to purchase can be found at http://www.steripen.com/.

Transportation Security Administration

TSA (tsa.gov) officials may be the most hated people on your list when flying in America. Nothing is more frustrating than going through security lines at your airport of choice. Although I know why the procedures must be followed I absolutely hate the fact that I have to remove my shoes while going through security.

The TSA website (tsa.gov) always has updated info regarding new/current luggage and carry-on rules. It might be a good idea to visit the site for a few minutes before your next flight to make sure your expert packing at home the night before won't be in vain the following day at the airport.

The site also has other related travel/flight articles that I found interesting. I also liked their "brag" section that gave a brief description of some of the terrorist plots that the tsa helped thwart. The hi-jacking of plans was very prevalent in the Middle east in the 70's and 80's. I hope America's TSA will prevent that from happening in the United States.

Their procedures may be a hassle, but they are batting .1000 since September 11, 2001.

Top 10 Spa Hotels in the World

TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel community, recently announced the top 10 spa hotels in the world based on their popularity index and traveler ratings. All properties are 4-5 star rated. If visiting, be prepared to be pampered and bring a credit card with a high limit. I included the average daily rate with each ranking.

1. Ogai Valley Inn and Spa - Ojai, California $323 (pictured above)

2. Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel - Interlaken, Switzerland $476

3. The Lodge At Woodloch - Hawley, Pennsylvania $1076

4. Les Sources de Caudalie - Aquitaine, France $1036

5. Como Shambhala - Bali, Indonesia $275

6. Canyon Ranch Lenox - Lenox, Massachusetts $1664

7. Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach - Pebble Beach, California $843

8. Lausanne Palace & Spa - Vaud, Switzerland $445

9. Hotel Le Mirador Kempinski Genfer See - Vaud, Switzerland $320

10. Schlosshotel Buehlerhoehe - Buhl, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany $396

Survey Results: #2

In 2007, including business and leisure, how many nights did you spend at a hotel/resort?
65 people participated in this survey.

0-10 nights 30 people
11-20 nights 24 people
21-30 nights 6 people
31-40 nights 1 people
41-50 nights 0 people
51 or more 4 people