Thursday, January 21, 2010
President's Club Itinerary to Guatemala & Belize
Day One Saturday, February 6, 2010
Depart SLC at 1pm. Arrive to
Day Two Sunday, February 7, 2010
Meet in the lobby at 5:30am. Transfer to the airport for domestic flight to
Day Three Monday, February 8, 2010
Full American Breakfast. Meet in the lobby at 9am. Full Day tour to
Day Four Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Full American Breakfast. Meet in the lobby for check-out and departure at 9am. Transfer to Blancaneaux with tour of Xunantunich. Driving back down the mountain and through the town of
Day Five Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Full American Breakfast. Meet in the lobby at 8am for departure. Full day tour of Caracol & Caves. Situated high on the Vaca Plateau deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol is the most extensive Mayan site in
Day Six Thursday, February 11, 2010 Ambergris
Full American Breakfast. Meet in the lobby after check-out for departure at 9am. Transfer to the
Day Seven Friday, February 12, 2010 Ambergris
Full American Breakfast. Meet in the lobby at 9am for Excursion to Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley for Snorkeling. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are the most popular diving and snorkeling sites in all of
Day Eight Saturday, February 13, 2010 Ambergris
Full American Breakfast. Morning and Afternoon at leisure. After check-out, meet in the lobby at 1:30pm for transfer to
Hotel List for 2010 Presidents Club
February 6, 2010
Camino Real
Tel +502 2333-3000
Avenida reforma 0-20, Calle Camino Real Zona 10,
Category – High
Camino Real Guatemala is one of the top business hotels in Guatemala City and is located in the lively and safe Zone 10 area of Guatemala City, close to the airport. The hotel has luxurious common areas decorated in marble including a large restaurant, lounge areas and bar. The hotel also has a large outdoor pool, gym and small adjoining casino (slot machines only). This is a comfortable and spacious hotel in a good central location. Guests can easily explore the nightlife district on the doorstep for a variety of restaurants and bars.
Facilities: Restaurant, Pool, Gym, Bar, Casino, Conference & Meeting Facilities
Location: Central Location in Zone 10 a close walk to nightlife and 10mins in vehicle to the airport.
“GREEN” / SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AT CAMINO REAL (WESTIN)
Over 90% of staff are Guatemalan and 75% live within 20km of the hotel. The hotel regularly trains staff and involves them in their sustainability policies
The hotel is locally owned and over 50% of gross profits stay in the country
The hotel provides examples of local cuisine on their menu and sources produce from local producers
They monitor water / energy use and have a policy to reduce water / energy consumption including low flow toilets and towel / sheet re-use, low energy light bulbs, produce 50-75% energy through alternative / renewable means.
They are members of conservation groups and support initiatives in the local community to improve infrastructure.
February 7 & 8, 2010
La Lancha Resort
Tel +502 7928-8331
Lake Peten Itza, Nr El Remate, Peten, Guatemala
Category – High
La Lancha is the creation of Francis Ford Coppola and offers guests a luxurious stay in the Guatemalan rainforest. The lodge overlooks
Facilities: Restaurant, Bar, Small Pool.
Location: 1hr from Flores airport, 1hr from Tikal National Park, 1hr from Yaxha Site.
February 9 & 10, 2010
Blancaneaux
Tel +501 824 3878
Category - High / Deluxe
Blancaneaux is the original Francis Ford Coppola property in
Facilities: 17 1 and 2 bedroom Cabins (No AC) including 2 luxury honeymoon rooms and an Enchanted Cottage , Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Hot Tub/Pool, Spa, Tours on Site
Location: Remote location 40mins from
February 11 & 12, 2010
Victoria House
Tel +501 226-2067
Category - High / Deluxe
Victoria House is one of the best beach hotels in
Facilities: Pool, Restaurant, Bar, Spa, Tour booking service
Location: More relaxed location on the south end of the Beach. 15mins drive into town.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AT
Victoria House actively supports community efforts to maintain and improve the quality of our environment. As members of the Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce and the San Pedro Business Association, we are active in areas such as:
Rubbish drives
Reducing our impact by investment in composting for in-house wastes
Having recyclable 5 gallon bottles of purified water available for guest use in the dining room and bar, with individual bottles available on request.
Villas at Victoria House all have recyclable 5 gallon water containers in kitchens
Collection of rainwater to minimize use of locally produced row water.
Exclusive use of rain and groundwater for irrigation
Support of youth activities
International Flight Itinerary on Continental Airlines from Salt Lake City
Depart: 1:00 p.m. Sat., Feb. 6, 2010 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
Arrive: 4:57 p.m. Sat., Feb. 6, 2010 Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental)
Flight Time: 2 hr 57 mn
Flight: CO390 Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 Fare Class: Economy (N)
Meal: Snack No Special Meal Offered.
Change Planes. Connect time in Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental) is 2 hr 11 mn.
Depart: 7:08 p.m. Sat., Feb. 6, 2010 Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental)
Arrive: 9:56 p.m. Sat., Feb. 6, 2010 Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA)
Flight Time: 2 hr 48 mn
Travel Time: 7 hr 56 mn
Flight: CO453 Aircraft: Boeing 737-900 Fare Class: Economy (N)
Meal: Snack
Belize City to Salt Lake City, Saturday, February 13, 2010
Depart: 5:05 p.m. Sat., Feb. 13, 2010 Belize City, Belize (BZE)
Arrive: 7:37 p.m. Sat., Feb. 13, 2010 Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental)
Flight Time: 2 hr 32 mn
Flight: CO1652 Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 Fare Class: Economy (N)
Meal: Snack
Change Planes. Connect time in Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental) is 1 hr 38 mn.
Depart: 9:15 p.m. Sat., Feb. 13, 2010 Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental)
Arrive: 11:33 p.m. Sat., Feb. 13, 2010 Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
Flight Time: 3 hr 18 mn
Travel Time: 7 hr 28 mn
Flight: CO752 Aircraft: Boeing 737-500 Fare Class: Coach (H)
Meal: None
Travel Clothing 101
Travel clothing
The plane ticket has been purchased, the lodging has been reserved, and the itinerary has been finalized. One question remains: "What should I wear?"
Packing clothing for a big trip can be overwhelming for some, but packing smart can alleviate unnecessary stress. When traveling, especially to another country, I pack lightweight clothing that works for every kind of adventure—from city touring to wilderness exploring. Here's how to shop.
Travel Clothing 101
The secret to packing smart is to find a few key pieces you can wear virtually anywhere and during any time of day. Keep these travel clothing considerations in mind:
Performance fabrics: Fabrics that are breathable, moisture wicking and easy care make smart choices for traveling. See our detailed fabric comparison, below
Neutral colors: The clothing you pack should function well in multiple locations—from city to trails. I ditch the bright colors and pack neutral—brown, black and khaki—especially for pants, shorts and skirts. These colors coordinate well with everything, so you can pack less.
Wrinkle resistance: Many travel garments are labeled as wrinkle-resistant. Most of the time, however, this means a garment is less likely to wrinkle when compared to another. It doesn't necessarily mean it stays wrinkle-free, so take this feature with a grain of salt.
Subtle styling: Most of the time, standing out from the local culture simply can't be helped, but the clothing you wear can make you feel less conspicuous. Avoid tight clothing or very short shorts and skirts. This type of clothing might not be acceptable in some cultures. For instance, I once wasn't allowed inside a church in Florence, Italy, because I was wearing shorts that were considered a smidge too short (above the knee).
Sun protection: All fabrics block UV rays to some degree, but sun-protection clothing features an Ultraviolet Protection Factor ("UPF") rating. UPF indicates protection against both UVA and UVB rays. A garment with a UPF of 50 allows only 1/50th of the UV radiation that falls on the fabric to pass through. In other words, the fabric blocks 98% of UV rays. Sun-protection garments are rated from 15 (good) to 50+ (excellent), and this protection never washes off or sweats away. Anyone who wears UPF-rated garments enhances their overall protection against UV-related health risks. Read our Expert Advice article on sun-protection clothing.
Insect protection: Bugs can be a real nuisance. A few clothing lines, such as the ExOfficio® BUZZ OFF™ collection, are treated with permethrin, an insecticide engineered specifically for fabrics, to protect your skin from insects. Effective against ticks, mosquitoes and dozens of other insects, permethrin has been safely used for decades and its use is recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Pockets: Clothing details such as storage pockets can make a big difference, especially when you're packing just a couple of shirts and pants for a trip.
* Shirt pockets: These are ideal for tickets, sunglasses or other small items.
* Pants and skirt pockets: Some incorporate hidden passport or money pockets, which can be more comfortable than wearing a separate money belt under your clothing.
* Zippered pockets: Zip-closed pockets (rather than button-closures) are better for securing items against loss or theft.
Comparing Fabrics
Materials that breathe well, wick moisture away from your skin and dry quickly will make your outdoor activities more comfortable. REI has a wide selection of such garments. Cotton, while OK for casual wear, is generally less suited for traveling than nylon or polyester. Here's a look at your most common fabric choices.
Nylon and polyester: Most performance fabrics feature one of these synthetics. Some are name brands, such as Supplex® nylon, CoolMax® polyester or Capilene® polyester.
* PROS: Breathable, lightweight, wicks away moisture and dries quickly, resists pilling and abrasion
* CONS: Slightly less forgiving feel than cotton
Tencel® and polynosic rayons: Tencel is a brand name for lyocell, a wood-pulp-based fiber that is part of the rayon family. Tencel and polynosic rayons offer similar drape and comfort, plus both offer machine wash/dry convenience. (Note: The other common type of rayon, known as viscose rayon, is typically dry clean only, so look at the care instructions to be sure.)
* PROS: Luxuriously smooth feel, dries quickly and resists wrinkles; Tencel is made using an environmentally friendly process
* CONS: Doesn't wick away moisture as well as polyester or nylon
Silk: Luxuriously soft, it's most often used in underwear.
* PROS: Lightweight, breathable, durable—ideal for warm climates
* CONS: Less durable than other materials
Cotton: This is commonly used for casual, all-around styles.
* PROS: Soft, durable, breathable, versatile styling and easy care
* CONS: Doesn't wick away moisture or dry as fast as nylon or polyester
Cotton/polyester blend: Another common fabrication for casual wear, this blend seeks to offer both comfort and performance.
* PROS: Feels soft against skin, breathable
* CONS: Doesn't wick away moisture or dry as fast as 100% nylon or polyester
Plated fabrics: "Plated" refers to garments with one fabric (e.g., cotton) on the outside face, backed with another fabric type (e.g., polyester) against the skin. This approach is designed to offer the best attributes of both fabrics.
Travel Clothing Review
Below, I've listed clothing articles every traveler should consider packing, no matter what type of adventure is on the itinerary.
* Travel-Friendly Jackets
* Pants/Shorts/Skirts/Dresses
* Shirts
* Fleece Tops and Wool Sweaters
* Hats
* Underwear and Socks
Travel-Friendly Jackets
Travel friendly jacket
Heading to a potentially damp region? Stay dry and comfortable with waterproof/breathable (best) or water-resistant/breathable rainwear (good).
* Waterproof/breathable shells such as Gore-Tex®, eVent® and REI Elements® are the best choice for a wide range of weather conditions and activities. Their combination of breathability and rain protection means you can buy a single shell for everything from summer breezes to winter storms. However, these jackets are more expensive than other types of rainwear, and they do have their limits, performance-wise.
* Water-resistant/breathable shells repel light wind and precipitation while providing excellent breathability to keep you cool when your body heats up. They tend to be less bulky and less expensive than other shells. However, they are not waterproof enough to withstand extended periods of rain.
Pants/Shorts/Skirts/Dresses
Travel friendly shorts
Shorts, skirts and dresses are the obvious choice when traveling to a warm or tropical destination. Inclement weather could happen anywhere, so bring a pair of pants, too. Wearing pants will also protect you from the sun and insects. And, as discussed above, you might need to wear them for cultural reasons.
Convertible pants have legs that zip off to turn into shorts. These are a great space-saving option and they're versatile enough for nearly any situation or climate.
Shirts
Travel friendly shirt
Always pack along a long-sleeve shirt, even if you're headed to a warm climate. Besides keeping you warm when it's cold, a long-sleeve shirt will protect you from intense sun or biting insects in a tropical environment. Some shopping considerations:
* Knit shirts are available in crew, V-neck, polo and other styles. They are available in both cotton and high-performance fabrics. Cotton shirts are recommended only for casual activities because they lack the technical features to keep you comfortable during more vigorous pursuits.
* Woven shirts typically button up the front. They are also available in cotton and high-performance fabrics. Some long-sleeve woven shirts have features such as mesh vents and roll-up tabs for short sleeves. These shirts often lack the stretch properties found in knit fabrics.
* Fitness tops include short-sleeve shirts and tank tops in high-performance fabrics. Designed for aerobic activities, these shirts work well for travel, too, especially in warm climates because they wick moisture to keep you cool.
* Performance underwear includes long-sleeve, high-performance polyester crewneck and zip-neck shirts. They make an excellent base layer for cold climates and are good for warm climates when it cools down at night.
Hats
Travel friendly hat
Lots of choices here! Bring a hat based on your destination and the expected conditions.
* Rain hats feature a wide brim, waterproof/breathable construction and a chin strap. They also double as good sun protection.
* Sun hats are usually constructed with cotton or nylon for breathability and feature grommets or mesh for ventilation. Some styles feature a skirt or cape to keep sun off your neck, ears and temples.
* Casual hats include ball caps and trekking hats. Trekking hats have a wider brim and provide better protection from sun and rain.
Underwear and Socks
The same fabric rules apply for underwear and socks: A synthetic fabric, such as REI MTS polyester, will be easier to care for than cotton, while merino wool, such as Smartwool brand products, offers natural breathability and comfort. When choosing socks, consider that synthetics and wool can help prevent blisters by keeping feet drier than cotton socks do.
Travel friendly packing
* Get organized: Lightweight travel packing cubes are a great way to keep your clothing organized. Available in a variety of sizes, packing cubes allow you to keep socks and underwear separate from shirts and toiletries. Many are made with a water-resistant fabric for added protection.
* Be neat: Packing folders keep clothing neat and pressed while traveling. Some folders can hold up to 15 garments!
* Avoid wrinkles: Another way to avoid wrinkles in your pants and dresses is by folding them at the knees. Try this technique: Place the top half of your pants and/or dresses inside your luggage with legs and/or bottom of the dress draped outside. When all garments are stacked inside your luggage, fold the bottom of the garments at the knees back into the luggage.
* Smell fresh: Place a scented dryer sheet or incense bag in between a few layers of clothing while you're packing. Doing this will reduce "airplane smell" and will keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean during the entire trip.
Packing Smart: Tips and Checklist
Packing smart really means packing light and taking less. Below are some useful packing tips gathered from REI Adventures and other travel experts. Be sure to see the checklist that follows.
Items You Should Always Carry On
Sometimes, luggage gets delayed or even lost. So be sure to keep these essentials in your carry-on bag:
* Passport
* Money
* Eyewear
* Medications
* Change of clothing
* Hiking footwear (for adventure travel trips)
Clothing Tips
* Layering is the key to active trips. Pack only versatile layers that mix and match and provide the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.
* Test your layers before your trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over your inner layer(s) without binding or bunching up.
* Cotton can be wonderful in warm weather; but once wet, it drains your body heat. Synthetic fabrics are recommended; they wrinkle less and dry faster than cotton.
* For 1 week or longer trips, plan on doing laundry rather than packing additional clothes.
* Stick to 1 or 2 colors that mix and match well.
* Dark colors look cleaner longer than light colors.
* Men: A polo shirt is dressier than a tee and is easily layered.
Footwear Tips
* Trail-running shoes are often your most versatile option (good for hiking, walking or running).
* Stuff items inside shoes to consolidate space.
* Pack shoes together in opposite directions and secure with rubber bands, if necessary.
* Use your socks as padding for sunglasses or electronic items.
* Put shoes in a plastic bag (or cloth shoe bag) to keep dirt off of your clothes.
* Make sure your hiking boots are broken in beforehand, particularly for adventure-travel treks, to help reduce blisters.
* Other blister strategies:
o Bring moleskin or other blister treatments.
o Wear thin liner socks under your regular hiking socks (test your sock combinations prior to your trip departure to make they're comfortable).
o Liner socks should be made of synthetic fabric to help keep feet dry.
Personal Items
* Bring both prescription and over-the-counter medications as needed. These can be hard to find and expensive when traveling internationally.
* Carry-on travelers can avoid liquids and gels by taking toothpowder not toothpaste, bar soap shampoo, antiseptic towelettes, solid deodorant and solid sunscreen.
TSA recognized lock
Though the TSA electronically screens all baggage, there are still times when they need to physically examine a piece of luggage. Your best bet to avoid having your luggage lock cut is by using only locks accepted by the TSA. These locks can be opened by security officers using universal master keys or codes without damaging the lock. Look for packaging or product descriptions that indicate the lock is "TSA recognized."
Tips on Electronics
* Before leaving home, check with your cell phone provider about coverage and charges. Consider upgrading to an international plan for your trip.
* It is important is to take the right converter and adapter. A converter changes the current. An adapter lets American plugs fit foreign outlets.
* Do not put undeveloped film in checked baggage. Ask for a hand inspection to avoid damage from screening.
* Carry-on digital cameras and image storage cards, while not harmed by x-rays, should be carried on rather than checked.
* Label your electronics (e.g., computer or camera) to avoid mix-ups or if they get lost.
* Keep a list of serial numbers with you and at home for insurance purposes in case of theft.
Special Instructions for Batteries
* Batteries are NOT allowed in your checked luggage. They are a fire hazard per the TSA.
* You are allowed to carry batteries in your carry-on because fire extinguishers are onboard.
* Keep batteries in the original packaging to prevent activation or short-circuiting, or place tape over the terminals.
* Do not let a loose battery come in contact with metal objects like coins, jewelry or keys.
Tips for Adventure Travelers
* Stuff sacks are a great way to sort your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate contents.
* Weatherproof your pack by bringing a daypack rain cover or using a small, sturdy garbage bag as a pack liner.
Packing Smart Checklist
Your packing needs will vary by your trip destination, duration and personal comfort level, so vary this checklist accordingly.
Clothing/Footwear
* 2 to 5 shirts
* 1 or 2 long-sleeve shirts
* Lightweight, micro-fleece jacket
* Lightweight, water-resistant jacket with hood
* 2 pairs of lightweight, quick-drying pants
* Belt
* Swimsuit
* 3 to 5 pairs of quick-drying underwear
* 3 to 5 pairs of socks
* Shoes (see tips)
* Sandals for warm climates
* Hat (to block the sun/rain or keep you warm)
Women’s Considerations
* A long skirt (a reversible skirt adds versatility)
* Sarong or shawl (doubles as a skirt or dress)
* Black dress that can be dressed up or down
* A head covering, especially for Islamic countries
* A belt or scarf to accessorize
* Sanitary products
* Makeup
Personal Items
* Passport
* Money
* Eyewear
* Prescription and OTC medications
* Shampoo and conditioner
* Deodorant
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Dental floss
* Razor
* Comb or brush
* Soap
* Sunscreen
* Lip balm
* Sunglasses
* Small first-aid kit
Other Considerations
* High-viscose towel and washcloth
* Water bottle (collapsible is best; keep empty for airport security)
* Sleeping bag liner (required at most hostels)
* Insect repellent
* Alarm clock (or use your wristwatch or cell phone)
* Student ID for student discounts
* Earplugs
* Hair dryer (check with your hotel first)
* Nail clippers, file and tweezers
* Toilet paper or tissue
* Baby wipes (to freshen up)
* Hand sanitizer
* Flip-flops (for the shower or beach)
* Maps
* Reading materials (paperback is best)
* Rubber sink stopper (for doing laundry in sinks)
* Duct tape
* Address list (for sending postcards)
* Sewing kit
* Collapsible umbrella
* Small pack for short day trips
* Carabiner (to hang items from your pack)
* Plastic zip bags
* Compass
Electronics
* These are best placed in your carry-on or personal bag. Remember: The less you bring, the less you have to worry about losing or having stolen.
* Cell phone
* Cell phone charger
* Camera with media-storage device
* MP3 player
* Calculator (a feature of many cell phones)
* Lanyard (for your camera or cell phone)
* Adapter (lets American plugs fit international outlets)
* Converter (converts convert to electronic devices; for example, 110V on American devices to 220V common on European devices) - Guatemala is 110.
