Hotels Archives - EbonyTravelers | Tips From The Experienced Traveler

Must have travel Apps.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Feb 20, 2022 | 2 comments

Almost every person has a smartphone and a mobile App they use every day. Many travelers use their phones no matter the destination. But now, more than ever, travelers take advantage of mobile Apps to help them through the travel process. Whether planning a trip or getting help during a trip, some Apps can help you save time and money and make the travel journey much less stressful. Here are three Apps I think every traveler should have.

Airline Apps.

Airline Apps have significantly improved over the past few years. While they are not often used to purchase tickets, they are most assuredly used to enhance the travel experience. Airline Apps allow you to see your travel itinerary and essential information such as booking codes and ticket numbers. This information is often overlooked but can be crucial when discussing your travel with ticketing agents. The airline app will also allow you to check in for your flight, change seats or select meal preferences. In addition, the App will have up-to-date travel information, sometimes even before it displays on airport information screens. Travelers can also opt-in for travel alerts to notify them of flight delays, gate changes, or flight cancellations. Some airline Apps even allow you to watch airline entertainment from your mobile device. These are just a few of the advantages of having the airline App when traveling. So, if you plan to travel, check if the airline you plan to travel on has an App and download it before you go.

Flight booking Apps.

Plenty of flight booking Apps are available that all claim to help you find the best trip at the best price. The best perk of a flight booking App is that it compares many flight options all in one place. The best flight booking App depends on the travelers’ preferences and priorities. Some Apps will help you with the best time to book and purchase a ticket. Some are better if you want a guaranteed refund in the event of delay or cancellation. Most importantly, travelers can set alerts for price drops and can take advantage of flight bargains when available. Like airline Apps, flight booking Apps also keep all your flight information in one location, even previous booking information. In addition, many flight booking Apps will also provide options for hotel or rental car information and suggest tourist trips or destination information. Whether you have precise flight booking needs or flexibility with your travel dates or destination, a flight booking App is a great place to start.

Hotel Apps.

Hotel Apps allow travelers to create a more customized experience and a convenient way to discuss their hotel needs with the hotel. Many hotel Apps now have a mobile check-in and check-out process and mobile key cards for hotel room access. With some hotel Apps, hotel guests no longer have to interact with front desk personnel or stand in line for check-in or request a room upgrade. The hotel App may also link other hotel services such as ordering room service, booking dining reservations, making spa appointments, or requesting your car from the valet. Like the airline and flight booking Apps, hotel Apps allow guests to have all their booking information in one location. If you plan a hotel stay, see if your hotel has an App, and take advantage of the many benefits it may provide.

These are just a few of the available travel Apps and I did not name any specifically because I think preference is personal. If you want a more customized travel experience, travel Apps may help you realize a better service experience. Do you use any travel apps? Comment below and let me know.

Do you really want Thailand to “out with the old, and in with the new?”

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Jan 2, 2022 | 0 comments

Walking around Thailand this year-end has left me a bit reflective. During my visit, I got to stay at two different hotels, the Conrad Bangkok, and the Anantara Siam Bangkok hotel. Each hotel is beautiful in its way, and yet I found myself awed by the old-world charm of the Anantara Siam Bangkok hotel. Here are my thoughts on the two hotels and why I prefer the old over the new.

Thailand is known for its hospitality and is one of the top destinations in Asia. It is famous for its culture and great food at very affordable prices. From the time you arrive in Bangkok, you will be immersed in Thai culture, and when it comes to a vacation destination, Thailand provides an excellent value for the money. It is not only a great place to eat, but it also has some incredible shopping. In Bangkok, there is a beautiful mix of modern and traditional buildings. You will see tall skyscrapers, malls, and restaurants along with local temples and roadside food stalls.

This dichotomy of the old and the new Thailand gives me pause when contemplating the upcoming new year and old the adage, “Out with the old and in with the new.” Although I loved the Conrad Bangkok hotel, I found that the refurbishment and modernization of the hotel have taken away some of the visual Thailand charms. The hotel offers luxury, but its elegant design has lost much of the magic of Thai culture. The furniture is modern, and things like the bathroom fittings are very contemporary in design.

In comparison, the Anantara Siam Bangkok hotel has kept much of its old-world charm.

This hotel is the former property of the Four Seasons hotel and was rebranded to Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel in early 2015. Wood trim and wood carvings can be found throughout the hotel, and furnishings, although updated, are still cohesive with Thai history and culture. Even in the elevators, you can see the presence of old-world charm in the design. The hotel tries to incorporate the history of the hotel in its offerings. From the classic hand-painted murals in the lobby and ceilings to the beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, the feel of the hotel is historic and unique.

One of the main reasons many people travel to Thailand is to experience a unique culture. I love the modern amenities, but somehow being able to experience both almost simultaneously has made me realize that not many future travelers will truly experience all the charm of Thai history, architecture, and style. What I think the modernization of Thailand does is remove some of the Buddhist art and cultural scenes present in the wall art and décor.

By no means am I saying that all the culture is leaving Thailand. I’m saying that I travel east for the culture and would like it to remain as culturally traditional as possible. What would you prefer, culture or western amenities? Comment below; I’d like to know

Being a black traveler

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Nov 17, 2021 | 6 comments

It’s 2021, and it still amazes me to see the reactions of people I assume think I don’t belong in a particular space. Stereotypes are well established, and I still get the microaggressive questions like, where are you from? What do you do? What does your husband do? Sometimes I also get blunt questions like What brings you here? I remember the famous Oprah Winfrey shopping experience quite well, and I realize that no matter the status, being a black traveler comes with some unique experiences. Here are a few recollections from my experiences.

First-class

I’m a luxury traveler, and whenever possible, I indulge myself with that experience. I can’t count the number of times I have queued for the first /business class travel lane and had fellow passengers step around me like I was invisible. I often also get the automatic direction to the right from a flight attendant when boarding a plane. It amuses me to go left, and then I get asked again for my boarding pass for a second verification as if somehow there was a mistake.

Travel lounges

Entering a travel lounge is no different. I often see people flash their boarding passes and walk into the lounge. However, I am frequently asked not only for my boarding pass but for identification. When in the lounge, I see other passengers being asked if they would like a refill or a request if service is needed. Frequently I am overlooked and must request service.

Customs and immigration

Customs and immigration are no different. I realize that some questions are valid, but I sometimes feel a sense of invasiveness when asked, what brings you here? Where are you staying? How long are you staying? Although these might be valid questions, I’ve stood in line long enough to see that not everyone is questioned in the same way. My history of microaggressive behavior makes me question the questioner.

Hotels

As a frequent traveler, I often stay at the same hotel chain for loyalty points. As a loyal customer and quite knowledgeable about hotel services, I am rarely recognized as a loyal customer. I know my wants are documented in the system, yet my room is often not as requested. Again, this may be just assuming the worst, but historical experience tells me I’m not off the mark.

This article is by no means meant to be a complaint. It is simply a sharing of my lived experiences. Have you noticed or experienced similar experiences? If you haven’t, I invite you to take notice and claim your validity of space. It’s incredible that even now, in 2021, the spaces I enter question my presence simply because of my hue.

Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Oct 10, 2021 | 0 comments

Recently a friend traveled from Washington DC to Egypt. She discussed with me the harrowing experience of trying to get a required Covid test for travel. With recent federal guidelines, the need for Covid testing has increased, and availability has decreased. As the holidays are a busy travel season, it stands to reason travelers needing testing during the holidays will also surge. Here are a few things to think about regarding Covid testing and the holidays.

A surge in Covid testing

Many of the issues involved with the current availability of Covid testing affect the recent executive order requiring Covid vaccination for federal employees. Companies with over 100 employees will be required to comply with the order or face significant fines. As expected, there are many questions regarding the order and implementation that need an answer. However, the demand for Covid testing has risen, and so travelers need to prepare.

Thanksgiving travel

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s usually one of the busiest times for people to travel. In 2020, many suggested curtailing travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, and many ignored that suggestion. In preparation for the upcoming busy Thanksgiving travel season, the U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act may require all passengers on domestic airlines to either be fully vaccinated, tested negative, or fully recovered from Covid.

Preparing for holiday travel

In essence, travelers should be aware of travel restrictions and Covid guidelines. They should know where their Covid testing sites are. Find out if they need to have Covid symptoms or can test as a precaution. Research the timing of their test before seeing friends and family as exposure varies. It’s also good to know the different Covid test options, PCR or antigen.

As with any travel experience, preparation is critical. Stay safe this holiday season and if you choose to travel, do it safely.

Are you ready for travel?

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Aug 29, 2021 | 0 comments

After being confined for more than a year due to Covid, many people are eager to travel. However, travel, as we have known it in the past, is almost nonexistent. The thread of the Covid virus is ever-present, and people are even more stressed than the everyday stresses of travel. Here are a few things I think will prepare you for this new travel normal and help you decide if you are ready for your journey.

When headed to the airport, be reminded that while realities of 9/11 made you take things off at the airport. Covid facts will make you put on masks. Remember that the airport is federal property, and masks are required. It’s also a busy and, at times, loud place. So, speaking with a cover on and hearing things clearly because the person you are interacting with also has a mask on can be complex. Prepare to repeat yourself repeatedly. Also, know that you may be asked several times to comply with the mask mandate, whether you agree with it or not.

Airlines have cut back on their offerings and services while at the same time increasing prices. Previously, you would be offered a beverage service on some longer flights, followed by a lunch or dinner service. Currently, you may be offered a plastic bag with a small bottle of water, a cookie, and a hand wipe. Others may provide a shelf-stable snack or snack box, often for purchase. As limited as these offerings are, the reality is that there is never enough variety or supply for everyone on the plane. In addition, the offerings are often way overpriced but the only thing on offer.

In addition, the airplane can now often resemble a small cafeteria. Savvy travelers know in advance of the limited supply of food onboard the aircraft, so they bring their meals and snacks. The airplane, a closed tube, is filled with the aroma of fried chicken, tuna sandwiches, cobb salads, and any other smelly food passengers bring to consume. During this food buffet, other passengers who may have had a challenging day without the opportunity or means to get an airport meal often sit by hungry and with increasing frustration.

Travelers need to be aware that their expectations will often not meet reality. Therefore, people should question if they are ready for travel, especially as it is today. The best advice is to prepare for your trip, not only for the destination but for the journey in reaching your destination. How do you, or are you prepared for travel? I’d like to know.

Women travel groups.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Jul 4, 2021 | 0 comments

Women make up a significant amount of the travel space. They are also the ones who make most of the travel decisions. In recent years, however, there seems to be a trend of women taking a break from life to travel, not with their families, but with other women. These trips are often seen as retreats and an aspect of self-care. I recently made a group trip with a group of women and felt the benefits wholeheartedly. Here are a few ideas on women’s group travel.

One of the most significant benefits of women’s group travel is that it allows women to feel safe traveling. With women group travel, there is a built-in network of women you know and trust. Traveling with other women provides a supportive space. In addition, sharing the experience with other women helps to create a bond and a feeling of less vulnerability.

You are most likely to be traveling with other like-minded women. Even though the group may have different personalities or backgrounds, the experiences gained far outweigh the possible drawbacks. Traveling in a group improves your self-awareness. With group travel, you can be motivated by other women and feel validated by the other women travelers.

For women, travel has become another form of self-care. Travel tends to lead to more open minds, and it pushes the travelers’ boundaries. Traveling with other women seeking similar experiences leads to a sense of camaraderie that positively affects the traveler. When traveling, it is often difficult for our minds to be consumed by the future as the present circumstances demand our attention. Therefore travel, like meditation, has a soothing effect on women.

Although the women group travel is often done to escape, traveling in a group can lead to a better appreciation of the things and people left back at home. Even though it takes you away from home, traveling is a way to center yourself and re-establish your base. When women choose themselves, the effect tends to have a ripple effect on their families and lives.

Traveling, in general, can be inspirational and spark creativity. Being able to interact with other women and share similar experiences can be eye-opening. Any unexpected changes and uncertainty of relationships during travel can help to improve personal relationships overall.

Have you taken or encouraged a women group travel experience? How was it? I’d like to know.