Carefreetrip.com Travel Blog

The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains on the shores of beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho. Opening in 1991 to unprecedented reviews and awards, The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course established itself as a premier destination golf course debuting as the #11 resort golf course in the nation, while unveiling an extraordinary #1 ranking in the category of “Beauty and Esthetics” by Golf Digest.

“Coeur d’Alene is what every resort should be. It’s not just upscale, it’s posh. You aren’t just pampered here, you’re spoiled. It’s not just an escape, it’s an experience…” writes Golf Digest.The Coeur d’Alene Resort has been christened “America’s Greatest Golf Experience” based on amenities both seen and unseen, that golfers enjoy at this Northwest Gem.

Designer Scott Miller’s vision was to create a golf course that offered a stimulating round of golf, surrounded by a park-like environment. The result is fairways that play from tee to green on lush carpets of Bent Grass, accented with beds of brilliant red Geraniums, acres of fragrant Junipers and the mountain water challenges of Lake Coeur d’Alene and Fernan Creek. The 6,803 yard, par 71 course is designed around four distinct geographic features: an expansive lakeshore, a forested ridge, gently rolling woodlands and Fernan Creek, a revitalized trout stream. Chip Beck, PGA Tour Player and winner of the 1992 Merrill Lynch Shootout at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, called the Idaho course one of the finest he has ever seen, lauding it as a course playable for families, yet challenging enough to test the pros.

Each hole offers five tees providing each player ability level with a challenging, yet playable golf course. You are transported from The Resort to the golf course via handcrafted mahogany lake shuttles, dubbed The Eagle & The Double Eagle. Once at the golf course, you are greeted at the dock by your group’s personal forecaddie for the day. Each group of players is then accompanied to the pro Shop where you will find your clubs cleaned and preloaded on state-of-the-art custom golf carts, complete with all the amenities. Then it’s off to the scenic over-water practice facility to warm-up the golf game and your body with a complimentary sports massage. As you play the golf course, you will soon be enveloped in finely manicured green grass, vibrant red geraniums, and the fresh aroma of North Idaho Pine Trees. The font nine takes you through scenic elevated par 3’s set on a woodland hillside with panoramic vista views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and finishes with a long, yet open 601 yard par 5.

Play continues through the 9-hole turn where your lunch order is taken by your caddy and faxed in to the Floating Green Restaurant. Lunch is delivered in a hand-woven picnic basket as play continues. The next four holes are some of the most breathtaking you will ever play, as the anticipation builds towards the world renowned 14th hole, the worlds only par 3 floating movable island green. Don’t be intimidated by the 15,000 sq. ft. putting surface as it beckons your challenge, quietly floating 150 yards off the lakeshore. Confidence is your key to success. Board the Putter Boat shuttle, and enjoy the short ride over to finish the most unforgettable island golf green in the world. Don’t misread your putt (hint: everything breaks towards the water). Return to the Putter Boat and receive your Certificate of Achievement, complete with your name, date and score to commemorate this historic feat.

Upon completion of your round of golf, you are treated with a custom bag tag engraved with your name as a gift to remind you of one of the best golf experiences you will ever have. Their motto is “at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course every Guest is a Member.”

Carefreetrip.com gives the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course out of five suitcases. Put this course on your “courses I have to play” list today!

This Travel Warning is being issued to advise American citizens to defer non-essential travel to Haiti until further notice. The civil unrest of early April has subsided, but the political and economic conditions that precipitated these events have not been entirely resolved. Conditions may occasionally limit Embassy operations to emergency services. Americans are also reminded of ongoing security concerns in Haiti, including frequent kidnappings of Americans for ransom. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Haiti issued on April 11, 2008.

In early April 2008, there were violent demonstrations, looting, transportation disruptions, and up to seven reported deaths in Les Cayes and Port-au-Prince. Some American citizens were temporarily stranded in isolated locations and could not safely travel until calm was restored. Because political and economic conditions precipitating the civil unrest have not been resolved, American citizens should defer non-essential travel to Haiti.

The absence of an effective police force in many areas of Haiti means that, should protests reignite, there is potential for looting, the erection of intermittent roadblocks set by armed protestors or by the police, and an increased possibility of random crime, including kidnapping, carjacking, home invasion, armed robbery and assault. Americans in Haiti should practice good personal security, take commonsense precautions, and avoid any event where crowds may congregate. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Americans should closely monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy’s website at: http://haiti.usembassy.gov/warden_information .html.

U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Haiti despite this warning are reminded that there is also a chronic danger of violent crime, especially kidnappings. Most kidnappings are criminal in nature, and the kidnappers make no distinctions of nationality, race, gender or age; all are vulnerable. There were 29 reported kidnappings of Americans in 2007. As of the date of this Travel Warning, fourteen Americans were reported kidnapped in 2008. Most of the Americans were abducted in Port-au-Prince. These kidnappings have been marked by deaths, brutal physical and sexual assault, and shooting of Americans. The lack of civil protections in Haiti, as well as the limited capability of local law enforcement to resolve kidnapping cases, further compounds the element of danger surrounding this trend.

Travel is always hazardous within Port-au-Prince. U.S. Embassy personnel are under an embassy-imposed curfew and must remain in their homes or in U.S. government facilities during the curfew. Some areas are off-limits to embassy staff after dark, including downtown Port-au-Prince. The embassy limits (restricts) travel by its staff to some areas outside of Port-au-Prince due to prevailing road and security conditions. This may constrain our ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port-au-Prince. Demonstrations and violence occasionally limit Embassy operations to emergency services, even within Port-au-Prince. The UN stabilization force (MINUSTAH) remains fully deployed and is assisting the government of Haiti in providing security.

The Department of State strongly advises U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Haiti to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov or with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. The Consular Section can be reached at (509) (2)229-8000 or e-mail address acspap@state.gov. Travelers should also consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for Haiti and the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from overseas. In Haiti, citizens can call 509/222-0200, ext. 2000.

Take metal items such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) out of your pockets. Put these in your carry-on, or in a plastic bag. This keeps lines moving and your experience more pleasant. Try to avoid wearing anything with metal, clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal such as, heavy jewelry, clothing with metal buttons or snaps, belt buckles or under-wire bras.

Pack your coats and jackets in your baggage when possible. All coats and jackets that you are carrying must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. If you choose to wear an outer coat or jacket to the checkpoint, you will need to either pack it in your carry-on baggage or put it in one of the bins we provide.

You may be additionally screened because of hidden items such as body piercings, which alarmed the metal detector. If you are selected for additional screening, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to a pat-down search.

There must be a typo on my flight itinerary - $60.50 for a flight from Las Vegas to San Francisco. There was no way and the flight was booked on Virgin America. If you ‘re like me, you know little about the airline let alone have never thought about taken a flight with them them. For a $60.50 fare, I was willing to give them a try - best travel decision I have made in a long time!

The first thing you notice is the quality of service. From the ticket agent to the pre-boarding staff to the crew, everyone is friendly and, stay with me, helpful. My check-in was smooth, my questions answered, and they even gave me a free gift on Green Day. Once on the plane, you are introduced to a new look and mood lighting - yes mood lighting. 9 specific settings of light pink and purple lights give the plane a ‘club’ feel. After you sit down you will notice several other features like the leather seats, in coach, the adjustable headrest, which for all of us over six feet tall really appreciate, a 110V power outlet for my electronics, a USB plug, Ethernet plug (for broadband Internet), and Red.

What is Red? Red is the 9-inch touch screen in-flight entertainment system that is available on every seat, on every Virgin America flight. You can watch, listen or talk. Watch satellite television, from Dish Network, music videos, or over 25 pay-per-view movies. Listen to over 3,000 MP3s, you can even create your own play lists, or 20 streaming radio channels. Talk to other travelers by using their in-seat keyboard that allows you to chat with other flyers. You can also use Red to play games, read the latest news, order food (using a cashless ordering system), or Shop. By the way, I can’t believe I am going to recommend this, make sure you watch the safety video on Red. It is an animated instructional video that is very clever and this is the first time I actually saw a majority of people paying attention.

This flight was very impressive and very refreshing. Low prices, excellent service, and tons of amenities. The only concern I had was a loud noise during take-off and during our final approach that sounded like a hand-saw cutting wood. I tend to become concerned with odd sounding noises, especially when flying.

Carefreetrip.com gives Virgin America out of 5 suitcases. Thanks for a refreshing change of pace and a great ride!

Remember that bumper sticker “Mean People Suck!”? Well this is even more true for travelers - Mean Travelers Suck! I am sick and tired of sitting next to, standing in line behind, or waiting for travelers who are mean and think they are entitled to something the rest of us aren’t. So listen up! We travelers need an attitude change!

Here is my list of the top offensive travelers and travel situations.

Airport delays. Stop acting like the entire mission of the airlines is to make you late for your business appointment or for the Broadway show you paid $600 a seat for. The airlines want you out of their hair as much as you want to be gone. Stop yelling at someone who usually is trying to do everything they can to help you. Its amazing how much someone is willing to help you if you use kind words like “Hello”, “Please” and even “Thank you”. Irritating the airline workers isn’t going to help you or the rest of us stuck in the same predicament you are. Take a breath, as my wife would say, and get over yourself!

Bluetooth headsets. If you need to use a bluetooth headset, then try to find a quiet place to talk. I don’t want to hear your conversation about how you are the greatest salesperson in the history of mankind, or that your oldest child just got arrested (true story) or that you need to change your travel reservations. For some reason bluetooth headset users like to talk overly loud leaving the rest of us wondering if they are talking to me or if they are just loud and obnoxious. Get away from the rest of us when using these things.

MP3 Players set at 30 dBs. Recently I was on a flight to San Francisco and an older female passenger was assigned the seat next to me. After the captain cleared the passengers to use their electronic devices, my passenger buddy pulled out her iPod and began listening to rap music at 30 dBs. Holy crap lady! Can’t you hear? By the way I have had a long day and rap music is not helping me relax in anyway. People! Control your music. I love loud music as much as the next person, but have a little respect for your fellow travelers.

Airline passengers who do not turn off their electronic devices, put up their tray tables, and/or put your seat back to the upright position. Okay Lenny, this isn’t rocket science. You agreed when you purchased your airline ticket to abide by federal law AND to adhere to the policies of the airlines. I don’t care if your cousins, brothers, friend told you that the plane will not crash if you keep your phone or iPod on. IT’S AIRLINE POLICY! Don’t question it, just do it so we can land without you demonstrating your idiotic behavior. You don’t have to agree with the policy - just DO IT!

Full Gear Backpacks. This one chaps me more than most. Have you ever just got situated with your bags in the overhead bin, already for push back when at the last minute a gent comes on board with a full gear backpack. First, how did the airlines even allow this to pass their “on-board” baggage policy? Second, if you have an extra large baggage be on time! For some reason the back pack owner thinks its okay to shove their “luggage” into an already full overhead bin and then complain that someone else’s bag is to big and bulky. I love the outdoors as much as the next person, but you have to leave your “outside” equipment outside. Try using normal luggage like the rest of us. And a note to airlines, enforce all of your policies not just the one’s you have time or have to.

Bottom line - we can all use my wife’s advice to “take a breath”. Be courteous to others who are in the same, or even worse, situation than you are. Also try to talk like you would to your grandmother not to your ship mate. Much of the current commotion for travelers could be avoided if we all get it through our thick heads that KINDNESS BEGINS WITH ME!

Passport Requirements & How to Apply for a Passport

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. Only the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassies and Consulates have the authority to grant, issue or verify U.S. passports. For travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S., a valid U.S. passport is the best documentation available.

A valid passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Some countries may allow you to enter with only a birth certificate, or with a birth certificate and a driver’s license. Note, however, that rules established under the U.S. Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, require that all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air, must present a valid passport to reenter the United States. (Until September 30, 2007, U.S. citizens who have applied for but not yet received passports can enter and depart the United States by air to Western Hemisphere countries with a government-issued photo identification and official proof of application for a passport. The proof may be obtained at http://travel.state.gov. This accommodation does not affect entry requirements of other countries, and U.S. citizens who are traveling to a country that requires a visitor to have a passport must still obtain one.)

If you are traveling by land or sea, make certain that you can return to the United States with the proof of citizenship that you take with you. U.S. regulations require that you document both your U.S. citizenship and your identity when you reenter the United States. For more information about U.S. passport requirements, see http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

Some countries require that a traveler’s U.S. passport be valid at least six months or longer beyond the dates of the trip. In addition, with the number of international child custody cases on the rise, several countries have instituted passport requirements to help prevent child abductions. (Mexican law, for example, requires a child traveling alone, or with only one parent, or in someone else’s custody, to carry written, notarized consent from the absent parent or parents if the child is not in possession of a U.S. passport.) Contact the embassy of the foreign destination for more information. A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on the Department of State’s website at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.

How to Apply for a U.S. Passport

Apply for your passport several months before your planned trip, and, if you will need visas from foreign embassies, allow even more time. Even if you don’t have specific travel plans, but have family living abroad or are waiting to find a bargain trip, it is a good idea to apply as early as possible. Information about applying for a U.S. passport may be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

If You Need to Obtain a New Passport While Abroad

For information on obtaining a new passport if yours is lost or stolen abroad, see “How to Get Your Passport Replaced” below, under “Emergencies: Consular Assistance and Crises Abroad.” Also visit the Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/lost/us/us_848.html. Additional information is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1197.html.

Visiting San Francisco, I was looking for a great place to enjoy dinner. I was referred to the Palomino Restaurant by my hotel - I also appreciated that it was withing walking distance. The Palomino is the upbeat city restaurant and bar famous for its rich and stylish ambiance. I very much enjoyed the Palomino’s European-inspired regional American Cuisine. What I also appreciated was that the Palomino offers such a versatile menu in extraordinary surroundings at reasonable prices. I had the New York Steak - it was excellent.

With all this said, what made my dinner so great was Shannon, my server. Shannon was kind and complimentary from the time I sat down until I left. She did the small things that make any dining experience great - Shannon smiled, was appreciative and best of all she was NICE! These few things are a lost art in customer service these days. It was nice to see that the City by the Bay has a shining example of what customer service SHOULD be.

Shannon is our Nice MATTERS inaugural example of great customer service. We at Carefreetrip.com have contacted the Palomino’s corporate office to let them know they have a star employee who understands that Nice Matters! Shannon, thank you for providing me with excellent service and a wonderful dining experience.

This Travel Warning updates American citizens on security conditions in Burundi. American citizens should exercise caution while traveling in the country. The U.S. Embassy restricts the travel of its personnel in Burundi, and certain areas of the capital, Bujumbura, are off-limits. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Burundi dated December 10, 2007.

The Department of State continues to caution U.S. citizens traveling to Burundi. Burundi was plagued by a civil war from 1993 to 2006 that often involved non-government, non-combatant targets. In September 2006, the government and the last remaining hold-out rebel group from the peace process, the PALIPEHUTU–FNL, signed a cease-fire agreement. Many of the cease-fire provisions have not been implemented and the rebels still retain the capability to conduct indirect fire attacks on the capital. In April 2008 rebel forces engaged Burundian military units just outside of Bujumbura city limits. Rebels are still present throughout Bujumbura Rural, which surrounds the capital city.

Crime, often committed by groups of armed bandits or street children, poses the highest risk for foreign visitors to Bujumbura and Burundi in general. Common crimes include muggings, burglaries, robberies, and carjackings. Visitors should be careful when stopped in heavy traffic due to the threat of robbery by roving bands of criminals. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of armed criminals ambushing vehicles, particularly on the roads leading out of Bujumbura. U.S. Government personnel are restricted from walking on the streets during hours of darkness, and prohibited from using local public transportation. Due to insufficient resources, local authorities in any part of Burundi are often unable to provide timely assistance in case of need.

The U.S. Embassy restricts the travel of Embassy personnel and certain areas of the capital, Bujumbura, are off-limits to Embassy personnel. In addition, the Embassy’s Regional Security Officer must pre-approve all travel outside the capital by U.S. Embassy personnel, and employees must travel in two-vehicle convoys. The Embassy recommends that Americans not travel on national highways from dusk to dawn.

Americans who travel to, or remain in, Burundi despite this Travel Warning are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura for information on the latest Embassy security guidelines, and to register at the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura at Avenue des Etats-Unis, telephone (257) 22-22-34-54, fax (257) 22-22-29-26. Security information for American citizens in Burundi is posted at http://burundi.usembassy.gov/warden_information.html.

For further information, consult the Country Specific Information for Burundi and the current Worldwide Caution, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Updated information on travel and security in Burundi is available at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, and for callers in other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Luxor Hotel and Casino is an amazing modern pyramid that reaches 350 feet into the Las Vegas sky crowned with world’s brightest beam of light. The hotel embodies an ancient Egyptian theme, which includes an entrance guarded by the Great Sphinx of Giza.

The rooms are built on the outer walls of the pyramid that are accessible using their “inclinators” that travel along the inner surface of the pyramid walls. When you first step on to the inclinator, you feel like you are in a normal elevator - until it starts to move. It took me a little time to get use to the side motion, but it provided a comfortable ride to my room. My room was good sized, clean and boasted a large over-sized shower (no bathtub) two queen-sized beds (one king-sized bed rooms are available) and even high speed Internet access. The only complaint I had was the mattresses seemed like 10,000 Egyptians used it before I got there - a little warn and uncomfortable for me.

The Luxor boasts the normal Las Vegas casino, but also has a wonderful variety of other entertainment options. The “Curls Gone Wild” show by Carrot Top is a must see show of wacky prop and original twisted humor. “Fantasy” is a seductive topless adult dance review that features the best showgirls, according to a Las Vegas Review Journal poll, live singers, and comedy. You can even enjoy the “3 Redneck Tenors” as they mix Beethoven, Nascar and lite beer. The Luxor is also home of an amazing IMAX theater that offers amazing picture and sound.

The nightlife at the Luxor is hip, happenin’ and always hoppin’. The LAX Nightclub offers club goers a state of the art VIP experience. Visit the Noir bar while in the LAX to enjoy the latest cocktails and bold concoctions. The Cathouse combines a world-class dining experience with intimate lingerie performers enticing participation from the crowd. Liquidity is at the center of the Luxor and features interactive project screens of water, while you enjoy the energized music mix.

Overall, the Luxor is a great Vegas experience. Nice beds, great atmosphere, and world-class entertainment. The hotel seems to favor the “younger” energy-driven crowd and leaves the “dead-beats” for the others.

Carefreetrip.com gives the Luxor Hotel and Casino out of 5 suitcases.

Ko Olina Golf Course is located on the sunny western side of Oahu in the ocean front Ko Olina Resort, which is a short drive from Honolulu and Waikiki beach. The 18-Hole championship golf course was design by Ted Robinson and provides amazing water features, multi-tiered greens greens, elevated tees and no (I will repeat that), NO parallel fairways. The par-72 course measures a long 6,867 yards from the back tees.

The signature hole is the par-3, 12th hole that has an elevated tee box that sits on a rock garden with a cascading waterfall. If that isn’t enough, the 18th has seven pools that begin on the right side of the fairway and slope down towards the lake. There is a beautiful waterfall on the left side of the elevated green.

Ko Olina has been listed in Golf Digest’s “Top 75 Resort Courses in the U.S.” and was the former host of the Senior PGA and LPGA (Hawaiian Ladies Open, Fields Open in Hawaii). This is a must play course when you visit Oahu that boasts an excellent pro Shop. The GPS system with the course map, yardage and pro tips help a lot - especially if you have never played the course before.

Carefreetrip.com gives the Ko Olina Golf Course out of 5 suitcases.