Premium Baggage Protection

Fortunately the Hopeful Traveler purchased Premium Baggage Protection from American Express. For $9.95 per covered person per covered trip, the insurance offers $500 coverage for replacement items if bags are delayed three hours or longer and $2,000 for lost, stolen or damaged baggage.

With the coverage, I immediately headed to Boots, a health/beauty/drugstore, for some basic toiletries (razor, toothpaste) and to Marks & Spencer department store for a dress shirt for the evening. I tried not spend the total $500 limit in case the bag is delayed more than one day. My total is US$186.

Good News, when I returned to the hotel that evening after the theatre, the concierge had left a message on my TV screen (yeah, you read right) that they had a bag delivered and waiting for me at the bell desk. Needless to say I ran down six flights of stairs to the lobby. My bag was intact and nothing was missing. A happy ending to the beginning of this trip.

Upon returning home, I called to file the baggage delay claim and American Express offered me the choice of a check or a credit to my account. They will cover the total expense with submission of copies of the baggage delay report, receipts and airline issued itinerary or ticket.

For more information, click on Premium Baggage Protection in the Quick Links column. American Express also offers Travel Delay Protection and Trip Cancellation Insurance.

Bags Are Never Lost, They’re Just Delayed

Well it had to happen one day and it did. At the American Airlines baggage reclaim at Heathrow, the one bag checked by the Hopeful Traveler never appeared on the baggage carousel. As much I could have felt stressed out by the event, I felt less so because one other chap waiting at the carousel did not find his bags either.

What to do? I headed straight to the American baggage service counter. You must always immediately report the missing bag to the airline. An American associate quickly took down my details and completed a ‘Property Irregularity Receipt’ which includes a file locator number that is necessary when contacting the airline about the status of a delayed bag. She confidently said the checked items are likely on the next flight into Heathrow arriving three hours later. She further assured me that if the bag is on the next flight, it will be delivered to my hotel and that I should inform the hotel staff that a bag of mine is expected. But because of multiple deliveries the soonest anyone could receive their bag is six hours after that second flight's arrival.

I placed my confidence in the airline’s so-called sophisticated baggage tracking system and headed into London to my hotel. But what about a change of clothes, toothbrush/toothpaste? What if the bag is not found that day? The saga continues in the next post.

Forgot Photos of the Lobby

Since T.H.T forgot to take pictures of the hotel common areas, here are a couple of pics from the hotel website of the Kenilworth's lobby. Sorry no pic of the teeny weeny elevator. They give a look at the modern and cozy feeling the hotel offers when you walk in the door. However most of the time the lobby is busy with people waiting in the comfy chairs or heading in and out of the hotel restaurant/bar called Creation.

The Radisson Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel - That's a Mouthful

The Hopeful Traveler has never stayed at the same London hotel twice in a row until now. I enjoyed my stay at the Kenilworth in November 2004 and it is conveniently located in Bloomsbury just a few steps away from the British Museum and within walking distance of the West End, Soho and Covent Garden. The hotel is not in the cookie cutter mode of hotels found on Park Lane near Hyde Park. Each room is distinctive from very tiny to spacious mainly depending on the size of bed chosen. It’s an older structure with a hotel shoehorned into its architectural limitations. This means a room may be of unusual dimensions. But all rooms have modern furnishings, amenities and security (floors are accessed by key card).

A Boots (drugstore), Sainsbury (grocery store), Wagamama (noodle restaurant), Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road underground station and even a Subway sandwich shop is within a short one or two block walk.
One unusual thing about this seven-story hotel (the hotel entrance pictured above) is the elevator: There is only one guest elevator to all 186 rooms. Probably less than one square yard, at most the elevator can carry four passengers with very little elbowroom. If someone has luggage, the space is even tighter. Thank goodness for mirrors on three sides for the claustrophobic. Also it has to be one of the quietest elevators in the world. You don't feel or hear it moving. One thing I like about this hotel unlike it’s sister hotel (Marlborough) across the street is it has air conditioning; an important convenience when visiting London in the warmer months. I stayed at the Marlborough in 2003 and one warm day a bag of Malteasers (similar to Whoppers) I left in my room had melted into one big lump by the time I returned later in the day.

Unlike American floor numbers, in England and most other European countries the first floor is called the ‘Ground Floor’ and the second floor is called the ‘First Floor”. So if your room number is 514, you need to head for the sixth floor.

For those that need to be wired, this hotel offers free use of computers in the Business Center with free internet service (take a big hint U.S. Hotels) 24 hours a day with no time limit. Saves time from having to travel with a laptop. So I’d check my message before I head out for the day and right before turning in for the night.

The Kenilworth is part of the Radisson Edwardian chain of hotels with twelve hotels located in London. More info at www.radissonedwardian.com. In the pic below, the set of bay windows in the center on the top floor is my room. There is actually one more floor above it.

Sorry Joni Mitchell, it's a Big Black Taxi

One of the simple pleasures about visiting London is riding in one of the city's big black taxis. The passenger seating area is spacious. It can seat two or three persons facing forward and luggage or in place of luggage, two people facing backwards on seats that fold open.

As much as the journey is pleasant while glimpsing the bustling city life, the taxi is another pretty penny. Total cost from Paddington to my hotel is GBP13 (US$26) including tip for a 15-minute ride with decent traffic. Still with luggage in tow, it is more pratical than hauling your bags onto the London subway.

Taxi driving is a respected profession in London. All drivers must pass a rigorous examination. If you see anyone on a bike with a map in tow, it is probably a taxi driver learning all the best routes in London. All drivers must find the shortest convenient route to your destination. If the driver feels a diversion from the normal route is necessary, the driver must inform you before proceeding. Always round to the nearest whole British Pound so that your driver can make easy change for you.

Only authorized taxis are allowed to pick-up passengers at Paddington. Beware of taxis around the city that will charge you an unmetered fare. These taxis differ from the government authorized Carbodies model you see all over London.

After a 5:30am check-in back in Honolulu, over 16 hours of flying on two flight segments and a two-hour layover at LAX; not to mention the delay of a bag (that story still to come), the thought of a cozy quiet moment to stretch my feet and relax is all I can think about.

Below is the taxi queue at Paddington and waiting while other hopeful travelers board one of the taxis. Breaking with tradition, taxis can carry colorful advertising in lieu of the basic black exterior.

Paddington Station – A Bear of a Name

Before you know it, the Heathrow Express has brought you to your desitnation: Paddington Station. The Heathrow Express train I caught arrived at about 1:30pm in London proper. During such peak times you’ll immediately notice the crowds of people standing and watching the boards for train times. This causes for a maze-like journey while searching for the taxi queue.

At the station is a bronze of Paddington Bear sitting on a suitcase. In the children story books, the bear is found just so at the station by the Brown family. The train station serves as a terminus for some long-distance trains in addition to serving as a station for stops along two routes of London's Underground (subway) system. Largely modernized today, the train station opened in 1854.

The Heathrow Express Zips 15 miles in 15 minutes

The most convenient way to London from Heathrow airport is via the Heathrow Express. I purchased my ticket online at www.heathrowexpress.com and retrieved my ticket from one of the automated ticket machines at the airport (pictured below). These train tickets are not cheap. A round-trip ‘express’ fare is GBP28 (about US$56). For those wishing for added amenities, a ‘first class’ round-trip fare is GBP46 (about US $90). All cars offer Wi-Fi access. First Class cars (at both ends of the train) include complimentary newspapers and magazines, larger seats and tables. The First Class Cars are at both ends for quicker access to and from the terminals at Heathrow.
On all my previous trips to London I have arrived at Gatwick Airport and taken the Gatwick Express to London. The Gatwick journey is 30 minutes long but it does take you through some pretty towns and countryside. The 15-mile journey on the Heathrow Express is very quick at 15 minutes and passes more industrial views between Heathrow and Paddington Station. Pictured below is the station where you board the train underground of the Heathrow terminals. Construction on the Heathrow Express train system began in 1993 and the full route completed in 1998. Here comes the train.
If arriving or departing at peak times, these trains can be crowded. But I enjoy them as the first chance to relax after flying, standing in line at immigration and waiting at baggage reclaim (what Americans call baggage claim). Did I mention that one of my bags did not arrive with me. Stay tuned. The Hopeful Traveler on the train in the pic below.

Have Pen, Will Travel

There has to be something to be said about traveling with at least one ball-point pen. If traveling abroad and back to the U.S.A. especially to Hawaii, always carry a pen with you. In all these instances there is a document that needs to be completed upon arrival. American Airlines flight attendants now distribute the forms during flight. These include Landing Cards, which the Hopeful Traveler completed prior to landing in London; customs declarations for all those entering the U.S.; and agriculture declaration forms for all entering the state of Hawaii. It always happens as several passengers scramble for a pen from flight attendants or other passengers. By the way, never fly with Sanford Uni-Ball Rollerball Pens. After a couple of flight segments at high altitudes, these pens start to leak their ink. It's happen more than once to the T.H.T. A regular stick pen, such as those manufactured by Bic, will do. As a matter a practice, I keep the pen easily accessible in a carry-on bag pocket.

If you make an error on your Landing Card, additional forms are available at Passport Control after landing. The form is completed in capital letters. As much as you may be proud of your ethnic heritage, remember that if you are a citizen of the U.S. you're nationality is 'American'. If you do not have the address of your hotel, just print the exact name of the hotel.

London Calling

After a break of 2 1/2 years, the Hopeful Traveler finally returned to where it all began: London, England. It was that first trip to London in 1993 that sparked my interest in traveling. This latest trip is as sponataneous as I'll ever get planning all details within two weeks of departure.
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In 1993 there was no such thing as the internet so many a weary traveler depended on the expertise of a travel agent. I was no different. Nicholas, wherever you are, helped me plan every single day of my first visit back then and where I learned the basics of planning a trip to London. Who knew one had to catch a train from the airport into the city? I flew on Air New Zealand to London via Los Angeles. I promised myself that I'll never take that flight again. Stuck on a plane for over 10 hours from LA to London seemed almost unbearable. But things happen to come full circle as the best that American Airlines could offer were the same flight segments.
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The following series of posts highlight a return to London.
The American Airlines 777 service from LAX to London Heathrow allows every passenger their own video screen to watch TV/films in addition to tracking the flight's progress over North America and eventually over the Atlantic. Since I really can't sleep on a flight, I brought a week's worth of USA Today newspapers, several magazines and my iPod to help pass the time. Unlike domestic flights on American, the international flights still have meal service. Sorry, alcohol will cost you. According to the flight attendants each drink is five dollars, three pounds or three euros. Credit cards accepted. I stuck with my standby of club soda or apple juice.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Get ready Harry Potter fans to immerse yourself in the world you've seen in movies or imagined from the books. The novels by author J.K. Rowling about the young wizard is about to take a realistic form at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort. Scheduled to open in late 2009 or early 2010, the new addition to the park will occupy a portion of the Lost Continent area and an undeveloped area of the park and be comparable in size to the other Islands of Adventure (approximately 30 acres). Such favorite locations from the books and movies as Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts Castle, which will be the anchor of the park, will be included. The whole experience will include new attractions, shops and restaurants, all yet to be announced. Below are artist renderings of the new park experience. Click on any photo for a close-up view. Click back on your browser to return to this blog.

Now this park has the Hopeful Traveler thinking, could a park for "The Lord of the Rings" be next. My hope: the wonderful world of "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" come to life.

Dual or Not Dual Voltage? What is Needed?

This is the continuation of posts concerning using appliances abroad. This post addresses what is needed if you have determined if your appliance is dual voltage or not dual voltage. See the previous post called "Dual Voltage Swings to Two Countries" to determine which type of appliance you have.

DUAL VOLTAGE APPLIANCE:
All you need is a plug adapter to fit the plug into the wall outlet abroad. If your US plug has two pins, you can use the ungrounded (or sometimes called non-grounding) adapter plug (UG). If your plus has three pins, it is grounded and you will need the grounded adapter plug (G). Here are some common destinations and the needed ungrounded (2 pin) and grounded (3 pins) plug adapter, .

- Continental Europe (UG-A or G-A)
- Australia/New Zealand plug adapter (UG-C or G-C)
- Great Britian and Ireland (UG-D or G-D)
These adapters can be purchased individually or as sets. Sets are best for multi-city tours such as to various countries in Europe.

NOT DUAL VOLTAGE:
Here is where it gets a bit complicated traveling with an appliance abroad. You'll need two things, a voltage converter and a plug adapter.

To determine exactly which voltage converter is appropriate for your appliance, you need to know the wattage. Look at the indications panel (see "Dual Voltage Swings to Two Countries" post for locating the panel). The wattage number is the number followed by a "W", (for example, 12W, 50W or 1600W).

- For appliances under 50W, use a 0-50 Watt Transformer, and the proper adapter plug.
- For appliances over 50W, use a 26-1875 Watt Converter, and the proper adapter plug.
- If you're using several appliances with varying wattages, use a Dual Wattage Converter, which switches between low and high wattage, or an Auto Dual Wattage Converter, which switches automatically.

Converters can usually be found in a set that includes several plug adapters covering most of the world.

A Summer's Fortnight Holiday

Return in a fortnight's time to enjoy more postings by the Hopeful Traveler. T.H.T. is taking some time to find more inspiration and considering more articles of interests that should be up for everyone's viewing very soon. Feel free to post your comments about any postings or email the Hopeful Traveler at thehopefultraveler@gmail.com. Thank you.

Dual Voltage Swings to Two Countries

Dual voltage appliances accept both 110v and 220v power. All you need is a plug adapter to make the plug fit into the wall; a voltage converter is not required at all. Some applances like travel hair dryers and travel irons are dual voltage. They usually have a switch to one setting for 110 volts and another for 220 volts.

The following appliaces are normally dual voltage and should automatically adjust to 110v or 220v power:
- Laptop Computer Battery Chargers
- Camera Batter Chargers
- iPod Chargers

How can you tell if an appliance is dual voltage? Be sure to check the indications panel on any appliance you would like to use overseas. This panel shows information like the model number, wattage and where the appliance was made. It will also tell you the voltage of the appliance.
- Dual Voltage appliances will say 110/220vac, or 120-240vac, or something similar. This means both 110 and 220vac (volts alternating current) are accepted.
- Single voltage appliances will just say 110vac or 120vac.

Please note that for laptops, cameras and other types of battery chargers, the indications panel is found on the charger itselt. It took a magnifying glass to see the panel on the Hopeful Traveler's charger.

Foreign Electricty Sometimes Too Hot To Handle

The next few posts will deal with the confusing subject of using electrical appliances overseas. The Hopeful Traveler feels unless you're gonna die without the appliance, leave it at home.

First thing is electricity and plugs are not all alike. In the U.S., electric power comes out of the wall in a 110 to 120 volt range and most appliances have a flat bladed plug. These countries uses the same: Japan, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and many places in the Carribeean, Central America and the islands in the Pacific.

In most other countries, electricity comes out between 220 and 240 volts. So you will either need a voltage converter or an appliance that accepts both 110 volt and 220 volt power. Appliances that accept both are called "dual voltage". But this doesn't mean you can use your appliance in a foreign country. Why? The plug. Plug endings are different so you may need a plug adapter to fit your plug into the foreign outlets. Pictured above is a continental Europe outlet which has two round pins for plug endings and electricity coming at you at twice that of U.S. voltage.

Free Your Mind - Quick Tips for Relaxing in Flight

One of the most difficult challenges of flying is getting that elusive amount of needed rest. Not everybody can get any real good sleep on a plane especially on a crowded cramped aircraft but hopefully these suggestions will help.

Before Your Flight -
Shake those feelings of anxiety. Honestly, if the prospect of flying is a stressful event, then get a doctor's advice. On the other hand it's a matter of letting your mind be free. Take care of any work issues well in advance of your last day of work. Don't be scrambling at the last minute. Like packing at the last moment, you'll feel that time is short and something forgotten or incomplete.

Also constantly review your travel plans and packing. Cluttered minds leave things behind and undone. It's amazing what you think about one day that you didn't the day before. The Hopeful Traveler finds himself writing in a pocket notepad and sending himself emails to home from work just to remind himself of something he may have forgotten.

Most travelers believe the vacation begins once you reach your destination. But the Hopeful Traveler believes it begins from the moment you leave home. Those moments at the airport checking-in, going through security and waiting for your flight can affect how you enjoy the next leg of your journey. So plan on being at the airport ontime to avoid rushing or the prospect of long lines.

On Board -
The clothing you wear should be comfortable but appropriate for the duration of the flight and arrival at your destination. Dress in layers to keep warm considering airlines have cut back on blankets for passengers. Use slip-on shoes that you can remove inflight and clean socks to keep your feet warm.

Many already do this but being ready at the call of your group number or row will help you secure the overhead bin to get the most leg room possible.

Some passengers bring their own sleeping mask, pillow or blanket and that's fine. Whatever you need to make you feel more comfortable provided the items are easily accessible and stowed. Many of these items and more can be found at magellans.com (see Quick Links). The Hopeful Traveler cannot fly without an iPod. A battery pack and portable charger/dock helps viewing videos for long-haul flights. If you can afford it, noise-cancelling headphones can help you enjoy your media device or in-inflight movie/music. Bring a book or several magazines. If you can't sleep don't just sit there doing nothing. You'll feel a sense of restlessness as you constantly check your watch.

Set your watch to destination time as soon as you board the plane. Always think of the time of where you are going and not of the time at home. To avoid that rush for restrooms before landing, plan on preparing for landing ahead of the in-flight announcement by setting a watch alarm. This will offer you the opportunity to stretch your legs and get yourself fully awake.

If you can sleep on the plane through the entire flight, fasten you seat belt so the flight attendants can see it is secured so you are not awaken if the pilot turns on the seatbelt sign.

Always drink plenty of water because the humidity in the cabin is extememly low. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate you and interfere with sleep.

If you're traveling first class, then you got it made. But remember the alcohol flows often and free so just say 'no'.