August 30, 2024 • 53 mins
The Wishing Well's Terrie Dean discusses this week's travel news and hot deals!
Plus, join us as we explore the ultimate in luxury travel destinations! From the serene shores of Lake Tahoe’s Edgewood Resort to the all-inclusive splendor of Brush Creek Ranch, and the vibrant cityscape of Chicago. Plus, don’t miss our insider tips on the best fall travel deals!
Plus, join us as we explore the ultimate in luxury travel destinations! From the serene shores of Lake Tahoe’s Edgewood Resort to the all-inclusive splendor of Brush Creek Ranch, and the vibrant cityscape of Chicago. Plus, don’t miss our insider tips on the best fall travel deals!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is a Lifeless Ordinary.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
It's a travel show and podcasts from your friends at
the wishing Well two forty three f Avenue and Harsemerg
and online at the wishing Well dot This. The wishing
Well is your ultimate luxury concierge, travel agency and A
Lifeless Ordinary is a travel show and podcast hosted by
Terry Dean, bringing her over forty years of experience in
the travel industry to help guide you to great experiences
(00:22):
in your travel, whether it be around the block, around
the country, or around the world. Let's bring in Terry Dean.
Say hello, Chris, how long has it been.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
It's a few weeks. It's been a few weeks. It
is summer gets away from us.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
Wow. Well, you know, August was extremely busy, and I
mean we're not done yet, you know, in the in
the grand scheme of what's left with the summer. But
August was extremely busy for everybody and especially for us
at the wishing Well.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
All busy is good, it is, I mean, busy's great.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
I always count every day special when I'm learning something.
Hairing us the week of Virtuoso week out in Las Vegas.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
How was that?
Speaker 3 (01:05):
So?
Speaker 1 (01:06):
It was nice?
Speaker 3 (01:07):
I've got a couple of things to talk to you
and share about from that trip. But it was really good, Chris.
I always look forward to that. It is a grueling,
very body wearying trip, if you will. I was very,
very tired when we got back, but it was really
lots of fun.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
I will let you know that I'm already in on
a little bit of what you did. Ran into Harry
at the fair and he had dinner with my wife
and my steps of how fun he and his brother
in law. I think we're there, and so he shared
a little bit about your Vegas adventure, and I'm excited
to hear your side of the.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Fabulous Yeah, absolutely fabulous. But we do have some news today,
and we're going to point this news story actually toward
Grand Canyon. In case you haven't heard, there is a
water shortage that's causing facilities to close in the Grand
Canyon just as we come in to Labor Day. A
water shortage has driven the National Park Service to temporarily
(02:06):
close hotel accommodations on the south rim of Grand Canyon
National Parks starting Thursday afternoon, at the beginning of the
Labor Day holiday weekend. So the shortage was caused actually
crisp by breaks in the waterline that supply fresh water
from the Colorado River at the base of the canyon
for use in the park's visitor facilities. Now, the National
(02:29):
Park Service noted that no water is currently being pumped
to either rim of the canyon. They're unable to accommodate
overnight guests and have been since August twenty ninth, and
will be unable to do that until September fourth, while
emergency repairs are made to these water pipes. While overnight
(02:50):
accommodations are closed to guests, however, the park does remain
open for day use, and the visitor center, clinic, post office,
and dining facilities do remain open. If you are a
guest and you are traveling to or through the Grand
Canyon on packages that include overnight accommodations in the South Rim,
(03:11):
you might want to look into that immediately and rebook
or amend your package to move your lodging to the
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. It's about as close
as you're going to get.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
How far are you from the canyon if you're in Williams, Yeah,
so that's going to be probably about an hour away.
Oh WOWK.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Yeah, So but in any event, I mean, we all
know right now, drought has really been something we've all
dealt with. Usually this time of year we have more
hurricanes and the fallout from hurricanes and tropical disturbances that
we see happening in the Atlantic than we have had.
This year, We've only had two and not both of
(03:50):
those made it anywhere close to Virginia. So, you know,
we've really suffered with some drought this year. Has California.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
I thought they said this was going to be one
of those hurricane active seasons.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
You know that. It's really kind of a crapshoot.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
You really just never know when it comes to summertime
what exactly is going to occur. And you know, let's
face it, the summer is far from over. The brunt
of most hurricanes we see in the month of October
that has historically been when a lot of the major
hurricanes come through. So who's to know, you know, we
(04:27):
don't know yet. In other news, United flight attendants have
voted to strike, though the news is saying it's still
pretty unlikely. They voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike,
though the likelihood of an airline worker strike is kind
of slim represented by the Association of Flight Attendants. Flight
(04:51):
attendants voted yes to authorize that strike, and United flight
Attendants are asking for a double digit base pay increase,
pay for time at work on the ground, retroactive pay schedule,
flexibility and work rule improvements, job security, retirement plan improvements,
and the list goes on and on. But the AFA
(05:13):
coined and trademark the term chaos, which actually stands for
create havoc around our system, which is exactly what the
United Workers are hoping they're going to do. But still,
an active strike for airline workers is historically kind of
difficult to pull off. The union would need a request
(05:34):
of a release from the National Mediation Board, followed by
that thirty day cooling off period and strike deadline. So
off duty flight attendants are exercising their right right now
to conduct an informational picket line. Federal law bars a
strike technically until after this lengthy process that includes a
(05:58):
release from mediation which can only be granted by the
National Mediation Board, So right now, I think suffice to say,
the crux of the issue of this story is there's
unsettling among the flight attendants with United, there are hoops
they have to jump through if they really want to
effectively create a real strike, And you know right now
(06:24):
they have some big hoops to jump through. They have
to go through mediation, they have to have that thirty
day cooling off period, and that's really unlikely for us
to see any effect of that, at least through the
Labor Day holiday, perhaps even through the Christmas and Festive
holidays this year.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
I would think, with the way passengers have been behaving
poorly since the pandemic, if I were a flight attendant,
I'd be asking for more than a double digit increase
in my salary.
Speaker 3 (06:54):
Yeah, and you know, I know we've talked about this
here before about you know, just about how much flight
attendants do make. They're they're compensated well, as far as
whether they think they're compensated well enough. I wouldn't be
the one to venture out on that limb and say
(07:14):
I do or don't know about that, But you know,
I know there's a lot that's asked of them in
the friendly skies. So hopefully, you know, this will reach
a positive conclusion for everybody, I mean, for them, for
the flying public. I mean, the last thing we need
is more chaos.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
You know.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Well, if anything, they got their their employer's attention.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
I guess I would say that's probably accurate. Yeah, they
sure did.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
You know.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
The next thing I wanted to talk to you, Chris,
if it's okay, I wanted to share a little bit
with you about the trip that Harry and I took
to Las Vegas. As I told you before, it was
really a learning process. You know, I'm no young chicken anymore,
but really do count myself fortunate anytime I'm able to
learn anything in this industry these days. And I got
(08:07):
to tell you one of the main things that we
focused on is technology. I mean, technology is really starting
to I would say, bust right into the travel industry
in a big, big way. But before I do that,
I want to I want to let everybody know that
there's still plenty money in Vegas. Okay, we didn't take
(08:29):
it all, so that's that's a good thing. But casinos
are only a facet of the Las Vegas scene these days,
and we learned that firsthand. Growth is everywhere, and it's
an expectation really of even the people who call it home,
who call Las Vegas home. As a matter of fact,
we learned that the UNLV Research Foundation has approved chris
(08:54):
An agreement to oversee development of the Nevada Studios Campus
and that's going to be a thirty four acre media
production and multi use facility complex at the university's Herry
Reid Research and Technological Park. And this new complex is
going to feature a media lab and motion picture studio
(09:15):
building for film and television. It's going to support vocational training.
They're going to have internships there, research and workforce development
opportunities for both get this K through twelve and higher
education partners throughout Nevada. That was staggering to me. In
Las Vegas, what do we know Las Vegas for gambly? Yeah,
(09:36):
I mean, and now turn it into an educational really
kind of blew my mind.
Speaker 4 (09:41):
Now.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
I don't know about you, but that looks like a
big step away from the usual happenings on the strip.
Hollywood is coming to Las Vegas really and education now.
In addition to that, we also learned that Moon World Resorts,
which is a Canadian company, they've proposed a five billion
(10:03):
dollar Moon themed resort and casino complex on the Las
Vegas Strip. And this resort called Moon is scheduled to
open in twenty twenty seven, and it's going to feature
a seven hundred and thirty five foot tall replica of
the Moon, the actual Moon, and the sphere is going
(10:24):
to be the second tallest structure in Las Vegas, second
only to the Stratosphere right now, this new build is
actually going to dwarf MGM's current first place position in
Las Vegas. And if you know anything about Las Vegas,
you know that MGM. Really they are the granddaddy of
(10:46):
ownership of all of the resorts. We're talking Blagio, aria Vedara,
the Cosmopolitan, the MGM Grand of course, and many of
the other large conglomerate hotels in Las Vegas, well, MGM
owns them. This one complex, this one Canadian company, is
(11:06):
going to come in and literally dwarf the ownership of MGM.
This is going to be staggering. This is going to
be something to see. But let me tell you why
this is so important. It's going to offer mass space
tourism for only about five hundred dollars. It's designed for
everything from luxury vacations and wellness breaks to events and
(11:29):
convention but there's one main attraction. It's going to be
a lunar surface to explore, and it's aimed at those
people who really want to participate in authentic space tourism
at an affordable price point. It also includes a ride
in a shuttle, which is crazy. To get to the
(11:50):
lunar surface, guests are going to have to take a
ride in a shuttle which is going to move within
the void area of the inner sphere of this building.
And once guests actually enter the shuttle facility, they're going
to have a quick medical check, security screening, they're gonna
suit up, going to be a safety briefing, they're gonna
(12:12):
have exploration briefings, and then they bored this unique shuttle system,
and guests are going to actually experience the lift off
and entire journey to what they call the Moon. We're
talking a real out of this world audio visual experience.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
I'm ready.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
I know it's crazy, and I saw some of the.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
Mockups of this area. You will not believe. You know,
the sphere.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
We've talked about that with you here before and on
the show when that first was built in Las Vegas.
It really is kind of a spectacle there just outside
of the windows of the bellagio of my hotel room.
I could see the sphere and I could see the
films that they were running on it, and everything that's
going to be like a golf boss size structure compared
(13:02):
to this. This is going to be massive. Wow, I
mean absolutely massive. So when I begin by telling you
the future of travel is moving faster than Space Shuttle,
I really mean it. And I witnessed the warp speed
pace Chris, that travel is actually currently evolving into. And
(13:23):
I want to give you just a few examples. I
talked about AI. It is taking the travel industry and
really almost every other industry right now by storm. We
can see that if you haven't used it or planned
to use AI at sometime in the immediate future, you're
going to be really far behind the progressive technology that
this is making headways. The main ways that we were
(13:46):
introduced and exposed to the next generation of AI in
what is already a fast moving industry, I'm talking the
travel industry right now is nothing short of electrifying. I've
never seen anything quite like this before in my career.
I mean where in minutes I can speak what I
want or type what I want into AI, and in
(14:09):
minutes have a completely generated itinerary prepared for my client,
which would have ordinarily before taken two to three hours
to prepare. I mean, this is lightning speed, and it's
it for the most part, is accurate. Now it's not
one hundred percent there yet, but that's what we're talking about.
(14:30):
We're talking about this type of technology right now being
introduced into the travel industry. And really even just since
we were in Vegas, I'm sure leaps and bounds of
progress has been made. It's really staggering and it's mind
blowing what is actually occurring culinary travel talk about a
(14:51):
whole another chapter in travel. No better place on the planet.
I don't think to experience that in Las Vegas, and
was introduced to two brand news.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Oh it's not the only ones.
Speaker 3 (15:05):
Very private, bespoke kind of speak easy lounges. You have
to know about them to gain entrance into them. Anybody
can go, but you have to know somebody who can
find and help you find your way in. One is
owned by Bruno Mars. It's called the Pinky Ring, and
the other one is called the Vault. Both of these
(15:27):
exists at the Bellagio. You would never know they're there.
The doors are completely hidden unless you know who to
talk to to get you in.
Speaker 1 (15:35):
Do you know who to talk to to get us in?
I can get you in. Yes, you're the person to
talk to. I'm the one to talk to. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
Now, another evolution occurring in the travel industry is the
way in which travel to off the beaten path destinations
is growing at breakneck speed. You know, We've talked about
that many times here on this show, about the off
the beaten path type places. I've got a couple of
those up my sleeve today when talk about travel for
(16:02):
you know, Labor day or future beyond labor day. But
you know, those are the things that people are really wanting,
and Virtuoso was so intent on knowing and letting us
know and wanting us to get it. You know, they
wanted us to really get what it means to offer
people some type of wow experience that Chris. They rented
(16:27):
out the entire Allegiant Stadium for all five thousand Virtuoso
Travel agents, turned it into a glamping campground, had it
catered by some of Las Vegas's best chefs, pitched up
glamping tents, and hired us a live band, just so
we wouldn't get bored you know, but they wanted us
(16:49):
to see what it means to introduce people, and especially
at our level, it takes a lot to impress a
travel agent. That that impressed me. I a lot that
impressed me. And you can find a lot of great
pictures about that of that night and our trip to
Las Vegas and the virtuos a week that we had
on our wishing Wells fake Facebook page, and I really
(17:12):
do encourage you to visit that we were. We just
had an incredible, incredible time. So you know a couple
of things about our trip, uh, and what what it
means to actually work and have a trip planned for
you by someone who gets it, you know, who gets
(17:32):
and knows what you want is something unique and something
that expresses your personality and reflects the life that you
want to live. I mean, there's a reason why we
call this show a Life Less Ordinary is because I
wouldn't say that if I couldn't deliver it. So it's fun,
you know, and I love my job, you know I do.
(17:54):
But we've got a lot of things to share. When
you come in as a client, we can share are
those experiences with you and let them be added to
your experience. I love that, and you know, it was
really more than just what we experienced and the fun
we had. It was kind of a humbling experience too.
You might think, I mean, what in the world could
(18:15):
I possibly have to talk about the owner of the
Ritz Carlton of Paris about. But Harry and I met
with well over one hundred and ten general managers and
owners of these property. But what I found out is
when you talk about travel, and I've learned this over
forty years, it's a universal language between all of us
who are in this industry. So what did I have
(18:37):
to talk to the general manager and owner of the
Ritz Carlton in Paris about. We talked about travel, we
talked about the same customer that he had that I have,
and we found ways that we can work together to
bring about a more inclusive experience for them when they go.
So what a great week, great learning experience once again,
(18:58):
and as I said, will be bringing all of that
back into the wishing well for your benefit.
Speaker 1 (19:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
I love that you have that personal you know, relationship
or you know the experience of getting to talk to
the you said one hundred and ten gms.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
And what was really cool, Chris, is that these are
people that I've met before at Virtuoso Week, and I mean,
let's be honest, there's five thousand agents there, but there
were several of these owner managers of various very affluent
properties throughout the world that remembered me, that remembered Harry,
(19:37):
that remembered some of the other agents that they sat
down with and talked with. And that's because what we
share is not just insignificant information. We share each other's
clients and we talk about them and then we work
with them when we get back, so it's it's really
kind of a collaborative type of meeting.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
So when we come in and we talked to you,
we tell you about what our dream journey is and
you're like, you need to go to the Ritz in Paris.
I was just talking to the GM and this is
what they're going to offer exactly. You can believe what
Terry has to say.
Speaker 3 (20:11):
Yes, absolutely, Yeah, I've been there. I've talked to them
and in many cases I've been to their properties and
that means a lot. When I'm actually putting my clients
in trusted to them, I put people where I feel
safe putting them.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Yeah, So you mentioned in passing a little earlier that
our show today had something to do with travel between
Labor Day and beyond.
Speaker 1 (20:39):
Is that what you say?
Speaker 3 (20:40):
And you know, Labor Day's always been kind of known,
Chris as the unofficial end of summer. I'm kind of
entitling this one today from labor to luxury, because I know,
just the other day I heard on the evening news
there are going to be a lot of people traveling.
TSA is expected to check roughly about seventeen million travelers
at US airports this weekends, I know, and that's from
(21:05):
this past Thursday to this coming Wednesday. That's the area
of time that they actually are servying. But still, what
we all know is that with summer jobs winding down,
new semesters beginning, daylight dwindling, the long weekends, really they're
the kind of the perfect way that we've got left
to soak up the end of the summer season. And
(21:26):
at least seventeen million or more people want to get
out there and get in on that action. And I
can tell you that the wishing Well has been very,
very busy lately doing that.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
For folks.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
It's like that panic is setting in and there's individuals
and families that are seeing Labor Day as the signal
to quick, hurry up and book something anything, just don't
let the entire summer get away. And so today I
want you to get out your crayons and paper, because
I'm going to take you on a little journey of
travel ideas and even some ways to possible. Please save
(22:00):
some money if you're one of the remaining few who
just might still be looking for some last minute summer
travel options, or even if you're looking ahead to fall,
because some of these deals are going to translate very
well to that.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
I can't wait to talk more about this, and we'll
do that next here on a lifeless ordinary.
Speaker 4 (22:17):
Protect your vacation investment with guidance from a travel professional.
The wishing Well knows travel and help you avoid pitfalls
they can spoil your hard earned vacation. We'll plan your
trip and have your back as your travel all of
this without support or so called convenience fees. We're on
the web at tho Wishingwell dot biz or call us
at five four zero nine zero eight two three three three.
(22:39):
That's five four zero nine zero eight two three three three.
The washing Well really does make dreams come true.
Speaker 2 (22:45):
And Welcome back to a Lifeless Ordinary. This is the
travel show and podcast from your friends at the Wishing Well.
You can find them on f Avenue in Harrisonburg. If
you don't live in Harrisonburg, find them online at the
Wishingwell dot biz, or give them a call at five
four zo nine eight twenty three, eight thirty three and
ask for Terry.
Speaker 1 (23:04):
You know, I'd love that. I'd love that.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
Actually, I'll tell you before we continue with our segment. Chris,
I do want to just thank everybody. I mean, this
is it's always so much fun for me to sit
down in the studio here with you, Chris and talk
to people who are out there. But now sometimes you
tell me when you come into the office, Hey, I
listen to this every Saturday morning, and I enjoy it
(23:29):
so much. And I have your faces in front of
me because you've told me that as I'm here on
the radio with you, and I really do enjoy the
fact that I know who I'm talking to out there,
and it just sort of feels like I'm there with
you in your living room or your kitchen or wherever
it is you decide to listen to us. So thanks,
thanks for listening to a lifeless ordinary, and I hope
(23:52):
actually we make it so for you that we make
it feel like you can you two can have a
lifeless ordinate.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
I actually last week was explaining to someone why we
call the show a lifeless Ordinary, and the person I
was talking to got emotional about it. Oh my, they
were like, I never thought about travel that way.
Speaker 3 (24:13):
Yeah it is. It's actually travel can change your life.
It can change your life, It can change your mood,
it can change the balance in your life, and especially
if you use it for your good health. And everybody
needs a travel vaca or at least a vacation every
now and again, and Lord knows, with all of us
(24:34):
who labor and are in the labor force, with Labor
Day coming up, we need a vacation. So that's exactly
what the point of today's show is. We're entitling this
show today from labor to luxury, and hopefully you'll know
exactly where and why we're taking it in that direction
as we talk about some of these destinations. And the
first one I want to share with you today is
(24:56):
one of my personal favorites, Lake Tahoe.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
Cool.
Speaker 3 (25:00):
Let me tell you, Lake Tahoe is considered Chris one
of the most beautiful places in the world for a
lot of reasons, but it includes, of course the water there.
The lake water is just beautiful and you might not
believe it, but the water there is actually turquoise in color,
(25:22):
and it's extremely clear. It allows you to see objects
at depths of over seventy feet deep. It's so clear,
and the water's depth and variations in those blue hues
are actually a lot of people have said reminiscent of
what you'd see in the tropics, and I believe that
(25:43):
the surroundings there another reason why people love it. Have
you ever seen pictures of Lake Tahoe.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
I'm going to do this while you're talking.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
Lake Tahoe is surrounded by these stunning mountains, which include
of course the Sierra Nevada, which provide year round adventures
everything from hiking in the summer to what we know
of is amazing skiing in the wintertime. And then, believe
it or not, as you've got that, you've also got
(26:12):
great beaches there. The whole east shoreline of Lake Tahoe
has a lot of beaches and coves. Again with that beautiful,
beautiful turquoise water and pine trees, not palm trees, but
pine trees, and then you've got these snow capped mountains
in the background. Some beaches have soft white sand, but
(26:33):
there's also others that are still just a bit rocky
and require water shoes if you're on those. But it
really is just a gorgeous place. And another thing about
the water here. Lake Tahoe is said to have one
of the purest bodies of water in the world, with
ninety nine point nine percent of purity in their water.
Speaker 1 (26:57):
Wow. Is that because it's like run off from the mountains? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (27:02):
Absolutely, and one of the few places on our planet
where that is a reality. There's few places where you
can say you can still get in nature ninety nine
point nine percent pure water, but you can in Lake Tahoe.
Isn't that wonderful. I'm just say that's exciting, isn't it.
I'm look at these pictures, really real, It's unbelievable. Now.
(27:25):
One of the magical properties that I want to focus
on today. Really, whether you're going at the end of
summer or fall, really doesn't matter. But the Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Nevada,
O MG stunning property. This is really a property where
you can take your vacation sky High. They've got great
(27:45):
on site experience opportunities, so you can go hiking there
or horseback riding just about anywhere on their two hundred
and thirty five unspoiled acres in the high Sierras. You
can also play Championship Gulf there the shores of the
Alpine Lake. And then there's winter months they bring snowmobiling
tours and sleigh rides and honestly, Chris, nothing is prettier
(28:10):
than the snow capped Sierra Mountains. They've got a wonderful
spa at this resort as well, with some great treatments
offered with a lot of the products at their spa
that are actually created locally and on site. And after that,
you can enjoy a fabulous dinner prepared by one of
their on site chefs at one of their award winning restaurants,
(28:32):
and then just cozy up in your in room fireplace
while admiring nature from your private balcony. Lord Colgon, take
me away. I mean, does that not sound like a
dream now? I also love that at this place they
have they have these jelly belly jelly.
Speaker 1 (28:51):
Beans on the night stands.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
They give you those and the fact that the beds,
even in the entry level rooms face the lake, So
Jellybilly's by your bed and your bed faces the lake.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
I mean, hello, what else do you need?
Speaker 3 (29:09):
And they even have complimentary s'mores and outdoor movies just
when the sun is starting to go down.
Speaker 2 (29:15):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (29:16):
So this is called the edge Wood Resort and it's
in Lake Tahoe. Fabulous, just a fabulous property. Just happens
to be one of our Virtuoso properties as well. So
when you book through the wishing Well, you're going to
receive at this property complimentary breakfast for two one hundred
(29:36):
dollars resort credit to use. However you like an upgraded
room upon check in and early check in and late checkout. Now,
the thing I want to be sure to point out
to you as you consider any of these properties that
I'm going to talk to you about today, is this,
I share them with you and the destinations because I
(29:56):
truly believe they possess all of the features that are
necessary to create just an amazing travel experience. Sure, I
could tell you about just hotels in Lake Tahoe, but
that's just a place to sleep and shower. I am
very careful on this show to choose only the properties
that I think have rightly earned a specific place on
(30:21):
a life less ordinary, Because, after all, Chris, who wants
to travel ordinary especial? Especially anymore? You know, we've got
all these great options, so why not experience them, you know,
and call that part of the part and parcel of
what you've paid for for the vacation is the where
you stay and the experience that it affords you. I
(30:44):
personally love to pick nice places when I travel. I'm
a bit spoiled that way, you know. Being in the
travel industry, you do see everything from you know, the
holiday inns all the way up to the Edgewoods, you
know in the Ritz Carltons in the four Seasons. And
I got to tell you, I've stayed in the holiday inns,
(31:05):
and I've stayed in the four seasons.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
I like the forces a little bit more so.
Speaker 3 (31:14):
Again, if you've got that extra time, or if you
have yet to take your first vacation this year, don't
count out this beautiful experience in Lake Tahoe. I promise
you won't regret a visit to Lake Tahoe.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
I was just looking at more pictures and pictures of
the room at the Edgewood Resort are gorgeous.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Aren't they.
Speaker 3 (31:32):
I mean, it's just so tranquil, and it really is
something very soothing, and I think healing about being able
to stay in some place like that that takes your
great comfort at the heart of their priorities.
Speaker 2 (31:47):
Some of the photos in the winter time look like
a Hallmark movie. They do I want to go? Yeah,
they absolutely do. Well, I can hook you up, Chris,
I want to get snowed in at the Edgewood. I
think that's a great goal in life. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (32:02):
Now we're going to spend the next little bit of
our time in Wyoming for my next travel suggestion. Now
rarely talk about ranch style vacation options, but this one
is worth a visit. The property I want to share
with you today is called the Lodge and Spa at
Brush Creek Ranch, and its actual location is in Saratoga, Wyoming,
(32:26):
which is just about a four hour drive from Denver.
But you wouldn't have guessed that I like this option
and this destination because it comes with something that is
very very rare for properties, especially in the United States.
This luxury ranch provides an all inclusive experience from your
(32:48):
outings to your meals, so you don't need to worry
about a thing if you stay at the Brush Creek
Ranch and the surroundings, Oh good lord, they are so cool.
It's like staying in a ritz luxury log cabin, rustic
but luxurious.
Speaker 1 (33:05):
You gotta love that.
Speaker 3 (33:07):
The history of this property goes all the way back
to eighteen eighty four and it's still a working ranch today.
But it's also a very family friendly, luxury, all inclusive
vacation ranch to boot. Now, picture this, Chris. This is
a thirty eight thousand square foot lodge, a luxury spa,
(33:30):
and a collection of very well kept and appointed cabins.
Dining experiences on this property range from casual to elegant,
and then include in the per night rates are several
premium liquor and wines as well. The owners and the
(33:51):
hands at Brush Creek Ranch specialize in customized adventures and
they offer you a wide range of sporting activity that
include everything from rock climbing to ATV adventures, hiking, archery,
and even fly fishing. And the ranch offers access to
about ten miles of rivers for anglers to enjoy. Now,
(34:15):
I confess I am not a fisherman, not in any
stretch of the imagination. I have had family members who
would gladly spend an entire day out on the boat
and catch a fish and call it successful. And I
don't think it's about the fish. I don't think it's
even about catching the fish. I think it's about the
(34:37):
experience out on the boat, out on the lake. Perhaps
whatever it is, I don't know, but I do know
that fishermen, if they're avid fishermen, they love it. They
love it like golfers love the golf range. So no
matter what your sports interests might be, the Brush Creek
Ranch and lodge and spa have all of that under
(35:02):
one roof. They've also got a twenty eight thousand square
foot indoor paddock arena and equestrian center, and then they
also have a full service spa and fitness center on site.
Now rates are uniformly, as I said, all inclusive. That
means all of your meals, your premium beverages, and most
(35:22):
of your outdoor ranch activities and staffers there. They're really
keen on making guests feel completely comfortable in the outdoors,
and they can tailor your experience to whatever comfort level
you have. So if you're not avid at anything. If
you're just a novice just coming in, they're happy to
show you the ropes, so to speak. And no pun intended.
(35:46):
But I mean, if you're a horseback rider, you're not
a good horseback rider. They've got people there who are
trained who can show you how to do that and
how to do it well. If you don't want to
do any of that stuff that junk outside that make
other people have that are outdoorsmen, Let's just say, you know,
we got some real ranch cowboy and he's going to
take his wife and kids along, and they go, okay,
(36:08):
you go, do you and we're going to stay back
here at the ranch.
Speaker 1 (36:12):
But you don't want them to be bored.
Speaker 3 (36:13):
They've got all kinds of activities that they can avail
your family to. There's the spa for your wife, there's
some kids activities, all kinds of things that go on there.
The bar stays open till about midnight, so late owls
have that to rely on as the after delivery service.
And at times quality here runs right up of alongside
(36:36):
of a four seasons, which comes to mind. If you're
thinking about what service is this like, what is it
compared to I can tell you this this property doesn't
have anything that compares to it. There's nothing out there
like it, and it's a member of the Preferred Hotel
property so that kind of gives you an idea of
where they're categorized. But as I looked at this property,
(36:59):
it has won awards for many many years in a row.
Since two thousand and seven when the newest owners took
ownership of this property, it really has been polished and
is a force in the all inclusive ranch style accommodations
and properties that are out there, and they really set
(37:22):
alone on a category of their area. They set high
on their pedestal in Wyoming because as I said, nothing
else compares. It's just a great property to run to
if you need a break from hectic work scheduling, need
something so very different to wrap your head around, have
a family vacation, maybe a multi generational members and you
(37:44):
if you need to please everybody, this is really just
the place.
Speaker 1 (37:49):
It's not inexpensive.
Speaker 3 (37:51):
I won't tell you that it is, but we are
talking about labor to luxury. So if you're looking for
a great family vacation and as I said, said multi generational,
someplace where you can know that everybody's wishes and desires
are going to be attended to. This would be the
perfect retreat for that kind of vacation, and it would
(38:15):
be great for a Labor Day weekend or even I
would say you could push this one out to the fall,
have a great time there. Now we're going to take
a huge leap from the Western Ranch and we're going
to go all the way Chris to a metropolitan city.
We're going to go to Chicago, America, and American travelers
(38:36):
in particular seem to have a love hate relationship with Chicago.
Some love it for the sports, some hate it for
the same reason, some love it for the food scene
in Chicago, and others say it'll never top New York City.
The other things that are just cool and draw travelers
to Chicago is the River Walk, the Navy Pier, the
(39:00):
Art Institute of Chicago, the Millennium Park, which is just
one of about five hundred and sixty public parks that
astounded me when I was researching for today's show. I
was like, you know, what makes Chicago so great? Why
do people love it so much or conversely hate it
so much? But people love the parks that are there.
Millennium Park in particular, and there are five hundred and
(39:23):
sixty other small, maybe micro parks, but five hundred and
sixty parks throughout a that's a lot. That's a lot
of green space, you know, for a city. And I
won't lie. I also included Chicago because it is known
to be a fabulous foody destination as well.
Speaker 1 (39:41):
Chicago.
Speaker 3 (39:42):
I know you've got some stories I want you to
share about your You did a trip to Chicago, did
you not?
Speaker 1 (39:48):
It was part of my baseball trip. Okay.
Speaker 2 (39:52):
I rolled into town Sunday night and spent Monday. I
went to the original Unos and it is amazing. The
line is all the way around the block. You have
to order an hour before you want to eat because
it takes so long for to cook.
Speaker 3 (40:07):
So tell people what we're talking about when we talk
about what do you go to UNO's to buy?
Speaker 2 (40:12):
It's a Chicago deep dish. There you get and they
and they put the tomato sauce, I think on top
of it. It's not on the crust. They put all
the toppings, then the tomato sauce. It's amazing. Oh see, I.
Speaker 3 (40:25):
Love tomato sauce and a good deep dish pizza is
where I live. It's my happy place, I really do.
I can't eat a lot of it. You know, it's
a lot of carbs there.
Speaker 2 (40:36):
Well, let me tell you, you would not eat a lot
of this because they only bring you half of your
order because it's so heavy, wow that they're like, you
can't eat it all. You'll take the other half home.
So they only bring you half and they keep the
other half back in a warmer for you so it
doesn't get cold.
Speaker 3 (40:50):
So talk us through the rest of this Chicago trip
that you did, because when you first told me about this,
I was so intrigued.
Speaker 1 (40:58):
Honestly, with so many years ago, I don't well.
Speaker 2 (41:03):
I was looking for those iconic places to see, like
the fountain at the beginning of Married with Children. I
was like, oh, there, it is the bean sculpture that
everyone has to, you know, have their picture taken in
front of. I was looking for NBC Chicago. I found
where they where NBC's headquarters are in Chicago. But then
(41:28):
just finding local food. I was all about, you know,
just I didn't want to eat anywhere that I could
eat here, yea, So I picked things that were just
specific to Chicago. I don't remember the other places I
eat quite quite honestly. But they were all delicious.
Speaker 4 (41:44):
Ye.
Speaker 3 (41:45):
And so what I've read is that you know, of
course Deep Dish pizza is the Chicago mainstay.
Speaker 1 (41:52):
Oh, in a Chicago dog. I got a Chicago Chicago dog.
Speaker 2 (41:54):
Because I went to see the Cubs play and while
I was at Wrigley, I got a Chicago dog.
Speaker 3 (42:00):
Yes, yes, And if you go, you just have to
know in advance what to eat and how to paste yourself.
Speaker 1 (42:07):
Am I right?
Speaker 3 (42:08):
No?
Speaker 1 (42:08):
You just eat? You just eat, don't yourself.
Speaker 2 (42:11):
You'll miss out on something.
Speaker 3 (42:14):
Chicago is known for its food, and I'd say a
few things in particular. Chris mentioned the Deep Dish pizza,
also hot dogs, Chicago mixed popcorn. That's another one that
showed up on my radar. One that I didn't know
about an Italian sandwiches. And you should at least try
(42:36):
all of these dishes at least once, I think, while
you're there.
Speaker 1 (42:39):
If you've never had a Chicago dog, that's an experience.
Speaker 3 (42:42):
So tell me about a Chicago dog. What exactly makes
them unique?
Speaker 2 (42:46):
Well, there's poppy seeds on it, and I'm gonna have
to look up what's actually in a Chicago dog?
Speaker 1 (42:53):
Do you remember the one you had? What it had
on it?
Speaker 3 (42:55):
I know, I mean I've heard they just pile everything
on it. I mean it's like sour kraut and relish
and cheese and even I've heard some people say mayonnaise.
Speaker 1 (43:08):
Is that correct?
Speaker 2 (43:09):
Yes, yeah, mustard, relish, onion, tomatoes, the tomatoes and tomatoes, pickles, peppers,
and then celery salt this sprinkled on top. Yeah, they're amazing. Yeah,
don't ever, don't ever think, oh that doesn't go on
a hot dog or a sausage.
Speaker 1 (43:30):
You can put anything in your refrigerator. It on there.
It's delicious.
Speaker 2 (43:36):
The tricase you got to grill the bun like you're
making a grilled cheese.
Speaker 3 (43:39):
Oh there you go. Yeah, that sounds particularly good to you,
like grilled grill.
Speaker 1 (43:44):
But I'm excited about a hot dog.
Speaker 3 (43:46):
I know. But we're excited about Chicago and there was
really I mean, this is really why I picked this
is because what do we do on Labor Day?
Speaker 1 (43:56):
We eat?
Speaker 3 (43:57):
You know, people eat, we have cookouts, we eat. And
how could I do a show on places to go
for Labor Day or even after Labor Day if we
didn't include this iconic city. And also one great thing
about Chicago, Chris. If you're looking for great music and entertainment,
Chicago is also known for some great jazz and blues
(44:19):
venues as well, everything from Kingston Minds in Lincoln Park
to Buddy Guy's Legends that Buddy Guy himself opened in
the nineteen eighties and it's still going today and sometimes
you know, he even still makes an appearance, I'm told.
But we still have to have a place to lay
our heads, don't we. So for that, I actually chose
(44:44):
to talk about the Viceroy in Chicago today. The hotel
was the winner of Travel and Leisure's World's Best Hotel
for twenty twenty four, and they don't bestow that award lightly.
The Viceroy really earned it. First of all, it's in
the heart of the historic Gold Coast, on the cusp
(45:04):
of the city's best luxury shopping and dining. They've made
a lot of stylish updates to this beautiful hotel. They've
added a very lively social scene that really sets the
tone here. Think larger than life art installations all over,
the priceless pieces of art.
Speaker 1 (45:22):
In this hotel, welcoming you to the lobby.
Speaker 3 (45:25):
There's a seasonal rooftop pool that has beautiful skyline views
up there of Chicago guest rooms that look out onto
Lake Michigan. I mean, this is really something very special.
It's not just a hotel. It's a destination itself. And
if you combine all of that other fun stuff to
do the cultural things in Chicago. You know a lot
(45:48):
of people don't know this, or maybe they do, but
you know, you can also go to some outstanding plays
in Chicago, just like you can in New York. You've
got this great food scene, you've got the cultural scene,
you've got the entertainment scene. What's not the love about Chicago.
Speaker 1 (46:05):
And the Saint Patrick's Day celebration. Oh no, kidden.
Speaker 3 (46:08):
I mean you can save this and keep all of
this information that I'm giving you today and use it
for March when it when they're going to turn the
river green in Chicago. So, no matter what draws you
to Chicago, whether it's business or pleasure, I think it's
safe to say, really, in Chicago, the pleasure is all theirs.
(46:29):
You know, those are the luxury destinations that I wanted
to point us toward as we move into the Labor
Day holiday week end. But I also had some Labor
Day specials that I wanted to run down through really quick.
Speaker 1 (46:49):
If we've got time.
Speaker 2 (46:50):
Let's take a quick break and we come back. We'll
get all the specials here on a lifeless ordinary.
Speaker 4 (46:55):
Protect your vacation investment with guidance from a travel professional.
The wishing Well knows travel and help you avoid pitfalls
they can spoil your hard earned vacation. We'll plan your
trip and have your back as you travel. All of
this without support or so called convenience fees. We're on
the web at tho Wishingwell dot biz or call us
at five four zero nine zero eight two three three three.
(47:17):
That's five four zero nine zero eight two three three three.
The wishing Well really does make dreams come true.
Speaker 2 (47:23):
And welcome back to a life less ordinary. The Travel
Showing Podcast from your friends at the wishing Well. I
love every Saturday morning Terry spending an hour just chatting
about beautiful destinations, luxury getaways, and I love deals. Right
before the break, you mentioned we've got some gut.
Speaker 3 (47:43):
To travel away to some pretty luxurious places. A while ago,
didn't we Yeah, yeah, But now I actually came across
some Labor Day specials. Now, these do have some expirations
on them, so you're going to want to listen up
very carefully if any of these happened to be some
that you might be interested in. The first one comes
(48:04):
from our faithful friends and partners at Regent Cruise Lines.
You might remember Chris. This is the cruise line that
Harry and I took groups onto Alaska and most recently
on the Tassi Pippert hosted cruise from Rome to Athens.
This is the number one luxury cruise line they are
currently offering through October the thirty first absolutely free first
(48:30):
class airfare on sailings in to twenty twenty five. Now
this is particularly important if you're looking to sail to Alaska,
where you can usually only get economy class free airfare
on Regent Cruise Line. This is offering free first class
airfare to Alaska, to many of their Caribbean destinations and
(48:54):
so on, and this offer upgrades your air service to
first class. Remember this is really just for a limited time,
so that's our first Labor Day special. The next one
comes to us from our friends from Windstar Cruise Lines.
They are also announcing some pretty sweet offers if you
(49:15):
book your next wind Star cruise through the Wishing Well
before September the thirtieth, you're going to automatically receive a
complimentary upgrade to their all inclusive fare, which is going
to include free Wi Fi, all of your adult free
beverage packages, and all prepaid gratuities. Who doesn't enjoy drinks
(49:37):
on somebody else's gom right. Next one is coming to
us from Holland America, one of my favorites. It's also
offering a very very limited time offer. A twenty five
dollars deposit is going to hold your cruise with forty
percent off of the normal fayres. You get free prepaid
gratuities with this, and free third and fourth guests in
(50:01):
your stateroom, so grandma and Granddaddy's if you're looking to
take your grandkids to Alaska, perhaps maybe even for twenty
twenty five. This offer bleeds over into our next calendar year,
so it's a great time to take a look at
Alaska vacations if you have kiddo's or if you're a
grandparent and want to take them. Next one comes to
(50:23):
us from one of my tour operator buddies, and this
is US and Canada guided escorted tours. They're giving twenty
percent off of all US and Canada tours to take
place like the National Parks, Grand Canyon, Tetan National Parks, Montreal, Quebec,
and lots more. This offer is good only if you
(50:45):
secure your reservations by September fourth, so that one's scooting
up real quick.
Speaker 1 (50:52):
Now.
Speaker 3 (50:52):
One other great deal which is an escorted guided tour
to Montreal and Quebec Chris, a place that I've talked
to you about and tell you how much I love,
love love that destination. Three nights in Montreal, two nights
in Quebec, leaving just in time for the fall leaf
peeping season. This one is going to debart specifically on
October the twentieth, and the cost of this tour fully escorted,
(51:16):
most all of your meals and drinks, which by the
way includes your round trip airfare only twelve twenty four
per person, a guide throughout your tour, and again most meals.
That's a Labor Day steal, I'd call it. So a
lot of good places to go, a lot of things
to look forward to.
Speaker 1 (51:36):
What are your plans for Labor Day?
Speaker 2 (51:39):
Well, the plan was to go see Mama Carmichael for
the weekend. Got a sick puppy at home, so I'm
not really sure what we're going to do. It might
just be sitting on the couch and watching movies and
maybe having a couple of stakes on the grow.
Speaker 1 (51:54):
On Monday.
Speaker 3 (51:54):
Yeah, well, ordinarily I would be jetting off to some
fabulous location, but traveled a lot this year and a
little road weary. I won't want to, so you know,
to me, sometimes a vacation is a great staycation. So
for this Labor Day weekend, I will probably be enjoying
a couple of stakes on the grill as well with
(52:15):
my family and really enjoying the not laboring day because
it's been a pretty busy time at the Wishing Well
and I'm hoping to see a lot of our friends
and guests and clients back for another great season in
twenty twenty five, going to all the places you love
and listening to us constantly here on a lifeless ordinate
(52:38):
while we tell you some of the greatest places to
go on the.
Speaker 1 (52:42):
Globe and football season is here. It is at Dukes
Go Dukes.
Speaker 2 (52:47):
Think they're in Charlotte tonight. Yes, Yeah, it's always fun
talk and travel with you, Terry.
Speaker 1 (52:52):
It is. It's great fun. Seeing you too, Chris. It's
been sho this more than once a month. I know
it really should kind of get back to our regular
all right, Terry.
Speaker 2 (53:01):
If we want more information about how we can enjoy
some of these luxury getaways, how do we reach out
to the wishing Well.
Speaker 3 (53:06):
They can find me at the wishing Well. We're located
easily to find at two forty three NEF Avenue. We're
in the Valley Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. You can call
us we are at five four o nine zero eight
two three three three, or look us up on the web.
We're at the Wishingwell dot this.
Speaker 2 (53:25):
This has been a life Less Ordinary the travel show
from your friends at the wishing Well at two forty
three NEP Avenue in Harrisonburg. If you have any questions
on topics discussed today, please reach out to the wishing
Well online at the Wishingwell dot biz or five four
oh nine oh eight twenty three thirty three. Past episodes
are available on the iHeartRadio app. And we'll see again
next Saturday morning at ten for a Life Less Ordinary
(53:47):
from the wishing Well
This is a Lifeless Ordinary.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
It's a travel show and podcasts from your friends at
the wishing Well two forty three f Avenue and Harsemerg
and online at the wishing Well dot This. The wishing
Well is your ultimate luxury concierge, travel agency and A
Lifeless Ordinary is a travel show and podcast hosted by
Terry Dean, bringing her over forty years of experience in
the travel industry to help guide you to great experiences
(00:22):
in your travel, whether it be around the block, around
the country, or around the world. Let's bring in Terry Dean.
Say hello, Chris, how long has it been.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
It's a few weeks. It's been a few weeks. It
is summer gets away from us.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
Wow. Well, you know, August was extremely busy, and I
mean we're not done yet, you know, in the in
the grand scheme of what's left with the summer. But
August was extremely busy for everybody and especially for us
at the wishing Well.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
All busy is good, it is, I mean, busy's great.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
I always count every day special when I'm learning something.
Hairing us the week of Virtuoso week out in Las Vegas.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
How was that?
Speaker 3 (01:05):
So?
Speaker 1 (01:06):
It was nice?
Speaker 3 (01:07):
I've got a couple of things to talk to you
and share about from that trip. But it was really good, Chris.
I always look forward to that. It is a grueling,
very body wearying trip, if you will. I was very,
very tired when we got back, but it was really
lots of fun.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
I will let you know that I'm already in on
a little bit of what you did. Ran into Harry
at the fair and he had dinner with my wife
and my steps of how fun he and his brother
in law. I think we're there, and so he shared
a little bit about your Vegas adventure, and I'm excited
to hear your side of the.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Fabulous Yeah, absolutely fabulous. But we do have some news today,
and we're going to point this news story actually toward
Grand Canyon. In case you haven't heard, there is a
water shortage that's causing facilities to close in the Grand
Canyon just as we come in to Labor Day. A
water shortage has driven the National Park Service to temporarily
(02:06):
close hotel accommodations on the south rim of Grand Canyon
National Parks starting Thursday afternoon, at the beginning of the
Labor Day holiday weekend. So the shortage was caused actually
crisp by breaks in the waterline that supply fresh water
from the Colorado River at the base of the canyon
for use in the park's visitor facilities. Now, the National
(02:29):
Park Service noted that no water is currently being pumped
to either rim of the canyon. They're unable to accommodate
overnight guests and have been since August twenty ninth, and
will be unable to do that until September fourth, while
emergency repairs are made to these water pipes. While overnight
(02:50):
accommodations are closed to guests, however, the park does remain
open for day use, and the visitor center, clinic, post office,
and dining facilities do remain open. If you are a
guest and you are traveling to or through the Grand
Canyon on packages that include overnight accommodations in the South Rim,
(03:11):
you might want to look into that immediately and rebook
or amend your package to move your lodging to the
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. It's about as close
as you're going to get.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
How far are you from the canyon if you're in Williams, Yeah,
so that's going to be probably about an hour away.
Oh WOWK.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Yeah, So but in any event, I mean, we all
know right now, drought has really been something we've all
dealt with. Usually this time of year we have more
hurricanes and the fallout from hurricanes and tropical disturbances that
we see happening in the Atlantic than we have had.
This year, We've only had two and not both of
(03:50):
those made it anywhere close to Virginia. So, you know,
we've really suffered with some drought this year. Has California.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
I thought they said this was going to be one
of those hurricane active seasons.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
You know that. It's really kind of a crapshoot.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
You really just never know when it comes to summertime
what exactly is going to occur. And you know, let's
face it, the summer is far from over. The brunt
of most hurricanes we see in the month of October
that has historically been when a lot of the major
hurricanes come through. So who's to know, you know, we
(04:27):
don't know yet. In other news, United flight attendants have
voted to strike, though the news is saying it's still
pretty unlikely. They voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike,
though the likelihood of an airline worker strike is kind
of slim represented by the Association of Flight Attendants. Flight
(04:51):
attendants voted yes to authorize that strike, and United flight
Attendants are asking for a double digit base pay increase,
pay for time at work on the ground, retroactive pay schedule,
flexibility and work rule improvements, job security, retirement plan improvements,
and the list goes on and on. But the AFA
(05:13):
coined and trademark the term chaos, which actually stands for
create havoc around our system, which is exactly what the
United Workers are hoping they're going to do. But still,
an active strike for airline workers is historically kind of
difficult to pull off. The union would need a request
(05:34):
of a release from the National Mediation Board, followed by
that thirty day cooling off period and strike deadline. So
off duty flight attendants are exercising their right right now
to conduct an informational picket line. Federal law bars a
strike technically until after this lengthy process that includes a
(05:58):
release from mediation which can only be granted by the
National Mediation Board, So right now, I think suffice to say,
the crux of the issue of this story is there's
unsettling among the flight attendants with United, there are hoops
they have to jump through if they really want to
effectively create a real strike, And you know right now
(06:24):
they have some big hoops to jump through. They have
to go through mediation, they have to have that thirty
day cooling off period, and that's really unlikely for us
to see any effect of that, at least through the
Labor Day holiday, perhaps even through the Christmas and Festive
holidays this year.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
I would think, with the way passengers have been behaving
poorly since the pandemic, if I were a flight attendant,
I'd be asking for more than a double digit increase
in my salary.
Speaker 3 (06:54):
Yeah, and you know, I know we've talked about this
here before about you know, just about how much flight
attendants do make. They're they're compensated well, as far as
whether they think they're compensated well enough. I wouldn't be
the one to venture out on that limb and say
(07:14):
I do or don't know about that, But you know,
I know there's a lot that's asked of them in
the friendly skies. So hopefully, you know, this will reach
a positive conclusion for everybody, I mean, for them, for
the flying public. I mean, the last thing we need
is more chaos.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
You know.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Well, if anything, they got their their employer's attention.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
I guess I would say that's probably accurate. Yeah, they
sure did.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
You know.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
The next thing I wanted to talk to you, Chris,
if it's okay, I wanted to share a little bit
with you about the trip that Harry and I took
to Las Vegas. As I told you before, it was
really a learning process. You know, I'm no young chicken anymore,
but really do count myself fortunate anytime I'm able to
learn anything in this industry these days. And I got
(08:07):
to tell you one of the main things that we
focused on is technology. I mean, technology is really starting
to I would say, bust right into the travel industry
in a big, big way. But before I do that,
I want to I want to let everybody know that
there's still plenty money in Vegas. Okay, we didn't take
(08:29):
it all, so that's that's a good thing. But casinos
are only a facet of the Las Vegas scene these days,
and we learned that firsthand. Growth is everywhere, and it's
an expectation really of even the people who call it home,
who call Las Vegas home. As a matter of fact,
we learned that the UNLV Research Foundation has approved chris
(08:54):
An agreement to oversee development of the Nevada Studios Campus
and that's going to be a thirty four acre media
production and multi use facility complex at the university's Herry
Reid Research and Technological Park. And this new complex is
going to feature a media lab and motion picture studio
(09:15):
building for film and television. It's going to support vocational training.
They're going to have internships there, research and workforce development
opportunities for both get this K through twelve and higher
education partners throughout Nevada. That was staggering to me. In
Las Vegas, what do we know Las Vegas for gambly? Yeah,
(09:36):
I mean, and now turn it into an educational really
kind of blew my mind.
Speaker 4 (09:41):
Now.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
I don't know about you, but that looks like a
big step away from the usual happenings on the strip.
Hollywood is coming to Las Vegas really and education now.
In addition to that, we also learned that Moon World Resorts,
which is a Canadian company, they've proposed a five billion
(10:03):
dollar Moon themed resort and casino complex on the Las
Vegas Strip. And this resort called Moon is scheduled to
open in twenty twenty seven, and it's going to feature
a seven hundred and thirty five foot tall replica of
the Moon, the actual Moon, and the sphere is going
(10:24):
to be the second tallest structure in Las Vegas, second
only to the Stratosphere right now, this new build is
actually going to dwarf MGM's current first place position in
Las Vegas. And if you know anything about Las Vegas,
you know that MGM. Really they are the granddaddy of
(10:46):
ownership of all of the resorts. We're talking Blagio, aria Vedara,
the Cosmopolitan, the MGM Grand of course, and many of
the other large conglomerate hotels in Las Vegas, well, MGM
owns them. This one complex, this one Canadian company, is
(11:06):
going to come in and literally dwarf the ownership of MGM.
This is going to be staggering. This is going to
be something to see. But let me tell you why
this is so important. It's going to offer mass space
tourism for only about five hundred dollars. It's designed for
everything from luxury vacations and wellness breaks to events and
(11:29):
convention but there's one main attraction. It's going to be
a lunar surface to explore, and it's aimed at those
people who really want to participate in authentic space tourism
at an affordable price point. It also includes a ride
in a shuttle, which is crazy. To get to the
(11:50):
lunar surface, guests are going to have to take a
ride in a shuttle which is going to move within
the void area of the inner sphere of this building.
And once guests actually enter the shuttle facility, they're going
to have a quick medical check, security screening, they're gonna
suit up, going to be a safety briefing, they're gonna
(12:12):
have exploration briefings, and then they bored this unique shuttle system,
and guests are going to actually experience the lift off
and entire journey to what they call the Moon. We're
talking a real out of this world audio visual experience.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
I'm ready.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
I know it's crazy, and I saw some of the.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
Mockups of this area. You will not believe. You know,
the sphere.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
We've talked about that with you here before and on
the show when that first was built in Las Vegas.
It really is kind of a spectacle there just outside
of the windows of the bellagio of my hotel room.
I could see the sphere and I could see the
films that they were running on it, and everything that's
going to be like a golf boss size structure compared
(13:02):
to this. This is going to be massive. Wow, I
mean absolutely massive. So when I begin by telling you
the future of travel is moving faster than Space Shuttle,
I really mean it. And I witnessed the warp speed
pace Chris, that travel is actually currently evolving into. And
(13:23):
I want to give you just a few examples. I
talked about AI. It is taking the travel industry and
really almost every other industry right now by storm. We
can see that if you haven't used it or planned
to use AI at sometime in the immediate future, you're
going to be really far behind the progressive technology that
this is making headways. The main ways that we were
(13:46):
introduced and exposed to the next generation of AI in
what is already a fast moving industry, I'm talking the
travel industry right now is nothing short of electrifying. I've
never seen anything quite like this before in my career.
I mean where in minutes I can speak what I
want or type what I want into AI, and in
(14:09):
minutes have a completely generated itinerary prepared for my client,
which would have ordinarily before taken two to three hours
to prepare. I mean, this is lightning speed, and it's
it for the most part, is accurate. Now it's not
one hundred percent there yet, but that's what we're talking about.
(14:30):
We're talking about this type of technology right now being
introduced into the travel industry. And really even just since
we were in Vegas, I'm sure leaps and bounds of
progress has been made. It's really staggering and it's mind
blowing what is actually occurring culinary travel talk about a
(14:51):
whole another chapter in travel. No better place on the planet.
I don't think to experience that in Las Vegas, and
was introduced to two brand news.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Oh it's not the only ones.
Speaker 3 (15:05):
Very private, bespoke kind of speak easy lounges. You have
to know about them to gain entrance into them. Anybody
can go, but you have to know somebody who can
find and help you find your way in. One is
owned by Bruno Mars. It's called the Pinky Ring, and
the other one is called the Vault. Both of these
(15:27):
exists at the Bellagio. You would never know they're there.
The doors are completely hidden unless you know who to
talk to to get you in.
Speaker 1 (15:35):
Do you know who to talk to to get us in?
I can get you in. Yes, you're the person to
talk to. I'm the one to talk to. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
Now, another evolution occurring in the travel industry is the
way in which travel to off the beaten path destinations
is growing at breakneck speed. You know, We've talked about
that many times here on this show, about the off
the beaten path type places. I've got a couple of
those up my sleeve today when talk about travel for
(16:02):
you know, Labor day or future beyond labor day. But
you know, those are the things that people are really wanting,
and Virtuoso was so intent on knowing and letting us
know and wanting us to get it. You know, they
wanted us to really get what it means to offer
people some type of wow experience that Chris. They rented
(16:27):
out the entire Allegiant Stadium for all five thousand Virtuoso
Travel agents, turned it into a glamping campground, had it
catered by some of Las Vegas's best chefs, pitched up
glamping tents, and hired us a live band, just so
we wouldn't get bored you know, but they wanted us
(16:49):
to see what it means to introduce people, and especially
at our level, it takes a lot to impress a
travel agent. That that impressed me. I a lot that
impressed me. And you can find a lot of great
pictures about that of that night and our trip to
Las Vegas and the virtuos a week that we had
on our wishing Wells fake Facebook page, and I really
(17:12):
do encourage you to visit that we were. We just
had an incredible, incredible time. So you know a couple
of things about our trip, uh, and what what it
means to actually work and have a trip planned for
you by someone who gets it, you know, who gets
(17:32):
and knows what you want is something unique and something
that expresses your personality and reflects the life that you
want to live. I mean, there's a reason why we
call this show a Life Less Ordinary is because I
wouldn't say that if I couldn't deliver it. So it's fun,
you know, and I love my job, you know I do.
(17:54):
But we've got a lot of things to share. When
you come in as a client, we can share are
those experiences with you and let them be added to
your experience. I love that, and you know, it was
really more than just what we experienced and the fun
we had. It was kind of a humbling experience too.
You might think, I mean, what in the world could
(18:15):
I possibly have to talk about the owner of the
Ritz Carlton of Paris about. But Harry and I met
with well over one hundred and ten general managers and
owners of these property. But what I found out is
when you talk about travel, and I've learned this over
forty years, it's a universal language between all of us
who are in this industry. So what did I have
(18:37):
to talk to the general manager and owner of the
Ritz Carlton in Paris about. We talked about travel, we
talked about the same customer that he had that I have,
and we found ways that we can work together to
bring about a more inclusive experience for them when they go.
So what a great week, great learning experience once again,
(18:58):
and as I said, will be bringing all of that
back into the wishing well for your benefit.
Speaker 1 (19:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
I love that you have that personal you know, relationship
or you know the experience of getting to talk to
the you said one hundred and ten gms.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
And what was really cool, Chris, is that these are
people that I've met before at Virtuoso Week, and I mean,
let's be honest, there's five thousand agents there, but there
were several of these owner managers of various very affluent
properties throughout the world that remembered me, that remembered Harry,
(19:37):
that remembered some of the other agents that they sat
down with and talked with. And that's because what we
share is not just insignificant information. We share each other's
clients and we talk about them and then we work
with them when we get back, so it's it's really
kind of a collaborative type of meeting.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
So when we come in and we talked to you,
we tell you about what our dream journey is and
you're like, you need to go to the Ritz in Paris.
I was just talking to the GM and this is
what they're going to offer exactly. You can believe what
Terry has to say.
Speaker 3 (20:11):
Yes, absolutely, Yeah, I've been there. I've talked to them
and in many cases I've been to their properties and
that means a lot. When I'm actually putting my clients
in trusted to them, I put people where I feel
safe putting them.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Yeah, So you mentioned in passing a little earlier that
our show today had something to do with travel between
Labor Day and beyond.
Speaker 1 (20:39):
Is that what you say?
Speaker 3 (20:40):
And you know, Labor Day's always been kind of known,
Chris as the unofficial end of summer. I'm kind of
entitling this one today from labor to luxury, because I know,
just the other day I heard on the evening news
there are going to be a lot of people traveling.
TSA is expected to check roughly about seventeen million travelers
at US airports this weekends, I know, and that's from
(21:05):
this past Thursday to this coming Wednesday. That's the area
of time that they actually are servying. But still, what
we all know is that with summer jobs winding down,
new semesters beginning, daylight dwindling, the long weekends, really they're
the kind of the perfect way that we've got left
to soak up the end of the summer season. And
(21:26):
at least seventeen million or more people want to get
out there and get in on that action. And I
can tell you that the wishing Well has been very,
very busy lately doing that.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
For folks.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
It's like that panic is setting in and there's individuals
and families that are seeing Labor Day as the signal
to quick, hurry up and book something anything, just don't
let the entire summer get away. And so today I
want you to get out your crayons and paper, because
I'm going to take you on a little journey of
travel ideas and even some ways to possible. Please save
(22:00):
some money if you're one of the remaining few who
just might still be looking for some last minute summer
travel options, or even if you're looking ahead to fall,
because some of these deals are going to translate very
well to that.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
I can't wait to talk more about this, and we'll
do that next here on a lifeless ordinary.
Speaker 4 (22:17):
Protect your vacation investment with guidance from a travel professional.
The wishing Well knows travel and help you avoid pitfalls
they can spoil your hard earned vacation. We'll plan your
trip and have your back as your travel all of
this without support or so called convenience fees. We're on
the web at tho Wishingwell dot biz or call us
at five four zero nine zero eight two three three three.
(22:39):
That's five four zero nine zero eight two three three three.
The washing Well really does make dreams come true.
Speaker 2 (22:45):
And Welcome back to a Lifeless Ordinary. This is the
travel show and podcast from your friends at the Wishing Well.
You can find them on f Avenue in Harrisonburg. If
you don't live in Harrisonburg, find them online at the
Wishingwell dot biz, or give them a call at five
four zo nine eight twenty three, eight thirty three and
ask for Terry.
Speaker 1 (23:04):
You know, I'd love that. I'd love that.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
Actually, I'll tell you before we continue with our segment. Chris,
I do want to just thank everybody. I mean, this
is it's always so much fun for me to sit
down in the studio here with you, Chris and talk
to people who are out there. But now sometimes you
tell me when you come into the office, Hey, I
listen to this every Saturday morning, and I enjoy it
(23:29):
so much. And I have your faces in front of
me because you've told me that as I'm here on
the radio with you, and I really do enjoy the
fact that I know who I'm talking to out there,
and it just sort of feels like I'm there with
you in your living room or your kitchen or wherever
it is you decide to listen to us. So thanks,
thanks for listening to a lifeless ordinary, and I hope
(23:52):
actually we make it so for you that we make
it feel like you can you two can have a
lifeless ordinate.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
I actually last week was explaining to someone why we
call the show a lifeless Ordinary, and the person I
was talking to got emotional about it. Oh my, they
were like, I never thought about travel that way.
Speaker 3 (24:13):
Yeah it is. It's actually travel can change your life.
It can change your life, It can change your mood,
it can change the balance in your life, and especially
if you use it for your good health. And everybody
needs a travel vaca or at least a vacation every
now and again, and Lord knows, with all of us
(24:34):
who labor and are in the labor force, with Labor
Day coming up, we need a vacation. So that's exactly
what the point of today's show is. We're entitling this
show today from labor to luxury, and hopefully you'll know
exactly where and why we're taking it in that direction
as we talk about some of these destinations. And the
first one I want to share with you today is
(24:56):
one of my personal favorites, Lake Tahoe.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
Cool.
Speaker 3 (25:00):
Let me tell you, Lake Tahoe is considered Chris one
of the most beautiful places in the world for a
lot of reasons, but it includes, of course the water there.
The lake water is just beautiful and you might not
believe it, but the water there is actually turquoise in color,
(25:22):
and it's extremely clear. It allows you to see objects
at depths of over seventy feet deep. It's so clear,
and the water's depth and variations in those blue hues
are actually a lot of people have said reminiscent of
what you'd see in the tropics, and I believe that
(25:43):
the surroundings there another reason why people love it. Have
you ever seen pictures of Lake Tahoe.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
I'm going to do this while you're talking.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
Lake Tahoe is surrounded by these stunning mountains, which include
of course the Sierra Nevada, which provide year round adventures
everything from hiking in the summer to what we know
of is amazing skiing in the wintertime. And then, believe
it or not, as you've got that, you've also got
(26:12):
great beaches there. The whole east shoreline of Lake Tahoe
has a lot of beaches and coves. Again with that beautiful,
beautiful turquoise water and pine trees, not palm trees, but
pine trees, and then you've got these snow capped mountains
in the background. Some beaches have soft white sand, but
(26:33):
there's also others that are still just a bit rocky
and require water shoes if you're on those. But it
really is just a gorgeous place. And another thing about
the water here. Lake Tahoe is said to have one
of the purest bodies of water in the world, with
ninety nine point nine percent of purity in their water.
Speaker 1 (26:57):
Wow. Is that because it's like run off from the mountains? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (27:02):
Absolutely, and one of the few places on our planet
where that is a reality. There's few places where you
can say you can still get in nature ninety nine
point nine percent pure water, but you can in Lake Tahoe.
Isn't that wonderful. I'm just say that's exciting, isn't it.
I'm look at these pictures, really real, It's unbelievable. Now.
(27:25):
One of the magical properties that I want to focus
on today. Really, whether you're going at the end of
summer or fall, really doesn't matter. But the Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Nevada,
O MG stunning property. This is really a property where
you can take your vacation sky High. They've got great
(27:45):
on site experience opportunities, so you can go hiking there
or horseback riding just about anywhere on their two hundred
and thirty five unspoiled acres in the high Sierras. You
can also play Championship Gulf there the shores of the
Alpine Lake. And then there's winter months they bring snowmobiling
tours and sleigh rides and honestly, Chris, nothing is prettier
(28:10):
than the snow capped Sierra Mountains. They've got a wonderful
spa at this resort as well, with some great treatments
offered with a lot of the products at their spa
that are actually created locally and on site. And after that,
you can enjoy a fabulous dinner prepared by one of
their on site chefs at one of their award winning restaurants,
(28:32):
and then just cozy up in your in room fireplace
while admiring nature from your private balcony. Lord Colgon, take
me away. I mean, does that not sound like a
dream now? I also love that at this place they
have they have these jelly belly jelly.
Speaker 1 (28:51):
Beans on the night stands.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
They give you those and the fact that the beds,
even in the entry level rooms face the lake, So
Jellybilly's by your bed and your bed faces the lake.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
I mean, hello, what else do you need?
Speaker 3 (29:09):
And they even have complimentary s'mores and outdoor movies just
when the sun is starting to go down.
Speaker 2 (29:15):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (29:16):
So this is called the edge Wood Resort and it's
in Lake Tahoe. Fabulous, just a fabulous property. Just happens
to be one of our Virtuoso properties as well. So
when you book through the wishing Well, you're going to
receive at this property complimentary breakfast for two one hundred
(29:36):
dollars resort credit to use. However you like an upgraded
room upon check in and early check in and late checkout. Now,
the thing I want to be sure to point out
to you as you consider any of these properties that
I'm going to talk to you about today, is this,
I share them with you and the destinations because I
(29:56):
truly believe they possess all of the features that are
necessary to create just an amazing travel experience. Sure, I
could tell you about just hotels in Lake Tahoe, but
that's just a place to sleep and shower. I am
very careful on this show to choose only the properties
that I think have rightly earned a specific place on
(30:21):
a life less ordinary, Because, after all, Chris, who wants
to travel ordinary especial? Especially anymore? You know, we've got
all these great options, so why not experience them, you know,
and call that part of the part and parcel of
what you've paid for for the vacation is the where
you stay and the experience that it affords you. I
(30:44):
personally love to pick nice places when I travel. I'm
a bit spoiled that way, you know. Being in the
travel industry, you do see everything from you know, the
holiday inns all the way up to the Edgewoods, you
know in the Ritz Carltons in the four Seasons. And
I got to tell you, I've stayed in the holiday inns,
(31:05):
and I've stayed in the four seasons.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
I like the forces a little bit more so.
Speaker 3 (31:14):
Again, if you've got that extra time, or if you
have yet to take your first vacation this year, don't
count out this beautiful experience in Lake Tahoe. I promise
you won't regret a visit to Lake Tahoe.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
I was just looking at more pictures and pictures of
the room at the Edgewood Resort are gorgeous.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Aren't they.
Speaker 3 (31:32):
I mean, it's just so tranquil, and it really is
something very soothing, and I think healing about being able
to stay in some place like that that takes your
great comfort at the heart of their priorities.
Speaker 2 (31:47):
Some of the photos in the winter time look like
a Hallmark movie. They do I want to go? Yeah,
they absolutely do. Well, I can hook you up, Chris,
I want to get snowed in at the Edgewood. I
think that's a great goal in life. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (32:02):
Now we're going to spend the next little bit of
our time in Wyoming for my next travel suggestion. Now
rarely talk about ranch style vacation options, but this one
is worth a visit. The property I want to share
with you today is called the Lodge and Spa at
Brush Creek Ranch, and its actual location is in Saratoga, Wyoming,
(32:26):
which is just about a four hour drive from Denver.
But you wouldn't have guessed that I like this option
and this destination because it comes with something that is
very very rare for properties, especially in the United States.
This luxury ranch provides an all inclusive experience from your
(32:48):
outings to your meals, so you don't need to worry
about a thing if you stay at the Brush Creek
Ranch and the surroundings, Oh good lord, they are so cool.
It's like staying in a ritz luxury log cabin, rustic
but luxurious.
Speaker 1 (33:05):
You gotta love that.
Speaker 3 (33:07):
The history of this property goes all the way back
to eighteen eighty four and it's still a working ranch today.
But it's also a very family friendly, luxury, all inclusive
vacation ranch to boot. Now, picture this, Chris. This is
a thirty eight thousand square foot lodge, a luxury spa,
(33:30):
and a collection of very well kept and appointed cabins.
Dining experiences on this property range from casual to elegant,
and then include in the per night rates are several
premium liquor and wines as well. The owners and the
(33:51):
hands at Brush Creek Ranch specialize in customized adventures and
they offer you a wide range of sporting activity that
include everything from rock climbing to ATV adventures, hiking, archery,
and even fly fishing. And the ranch offers access to
about ten miles of rivers for anglers to enjoy. Now,
(34:15):
I confess I am not a fisherman, not in any
stretch of the imagination. I have had family members who
would gladly spend an entire day out on the boat
and catch a fish and call it successful. And I
don't think it's about the fish. I don't think it's
even about catching the fish. I think it's about the
(34:37):
experience out on the boat, out on the lake. Perhaps
whatever it is, I don't know, but I do know
that fishermen, if they're avid fishermen, they love it. They
love it like golfers love the golf range. So no
matter what your sports interests might be, the Brush Creek
Ranch and lodge and spa have all of that under
(35:02):
one roof. They've also got a twenty eight thousand square
foot indoor paddock arena and equestrian center, and then they
also have a full service spa and fitness center on site.
Now rates are uniformly, as I said, all inclusive. That
means all of your meals, your premium beverages, and most
(35:22):
of your outdoor ranch activities and staffers there. They're really
keen on making guests feel completely comfortable in the outdoors,
and they can tailor your experience to whatever comfort level
you have. So if you're not avid at anything. If
you're just a novice just coming in, they're happy to
show you the ropes, so to speak. And no pun intended.
(35:46):
But I mean, if you're a horseback rider, you're not
a good horseback rider. They've got people there who are
trained who can show you how to do that and
how to do it well. If you don't want to
do any of that stuff that junk outside that make
other people have that are outdoorsmen, Let's just say, you know,
we got some real ranch cowboy and he's going to
take his wife and kids along, and they go, okay,
(36:08):
you go, do you and we're going to stay back
here at the ranch.
Speaker 1 (36:12):
But you don't want them to be bored.
Speaker 3 (36:13):
They've got all kinds of activities that they can avail
your family to. There's the spa for your wife, there's
some kids activities, all kinds of things that go on there.
The bar stays open till about midnight, so late owls
have that to rely on as the after delivery service.
And at times quality here runs right up of alongside
(36:36):
of a four seasons, which comes to mind. If you're
thinking about what service is this like, what is it
compared to I can tell you this this property doesn't
have anything that compares to it. There's nothing out there
like it, and it's a member of the Preferred Hotel
property so that kind of gives you an idea of
where they're categorized. But as I looked at this property,
(36:59):
it has won awards for many many years in a row.
Since two thousand and seven when the newest owners took
ownership of this property, it really has been polished and
is a force in the all inclusive ranch style accommodations
and properties that are out there, and they really set
(37:22):
alone on a category of their area. They set high
on their pedestal in Wyoming because as I said, nothing
else compares. It's just a great property to run to
if you need a break from hectic work scheduling, need
something so very different to wrap your head around, have
a family vacation, maybe a multi generational members and you
(37:44):
if you need to please everybody, this is really just
the place.
Speaker 1 (37:49):
It's not inexpensive.
Speaker 3 (37:51):
I won't tell you that it is, but we are
talking about labor to luxury. So if you're looking for
a great family vacation and as I said, said multi generational,
someplace where you can know that everybody's wishes and desires
are going to be attended to. This would be the
perfect retreat for that kind of vacation, and it would
(38:15):
be great for a Labor Day weekend or even I
would say you could push this one out to the fall,
have a great time there. Now we're going to take
a huge leap from the Western Ranch and we're going
to go all the way Chris to a metropolitan city.
We're going to go to Chicago, America, and American travelers
(38:36):
in particular seem to have a love hate relationship with Chicago.
Some love it for the sports, some hate it for
the same reason, some love it for the food scene
in Chicago, and others say it'll never top New York City.
The other things that are just cool and draw travelers
to Chicago is the River Walk, the Navy Pier, the
(39:00):
Art Institute of Chicago, the Millennium Park, which is just
one of about five hundred and sixty public parks that
astounded me when I was researching for today's show. I
was like, you know, what makes Chicago so great? Why
do people love it so much or conversely hate it
so much? But people love the parks that are there.
Millennium Park in particular, and there are five hundred and
(39:23):
sixty other small, maybe micro parks, but five hundred and
sixty parks throughout a that's a lot. That's a lot
of green space, you know, for a city. And I
won't lie. I also included Chicago because it is known
to be a fabulous foody destination as well.
Speaker 1 (39:41):
Chicago.
Speaker 3 (39:42):
I know you've got some stories I want you to
share about your You did a trip to Chicago, did
you not?
Speaker 1 (39:48):
It was part of my baseball trip. Okay.
Speaker 2 (39:52):
I rolled into town Sunday night and spent Monday. I
went to the original Unos and it is amazing. The
line is all the way around the block. You have
to order an hour before you want to eat because
it takes so long for to cook.
Speaker 3 (40:07):
So tell people what we're talking about when we talk
about what do you go to UNO's to buy?
Speaker 2 (40:12):
It's a Chicago deep dish. There you get and they
and they put the tomato sauce, I think on top
of it. It's not on the crust. They put all
the toppings, then the tomato sauce. It's amazing. Oh see, I.
Speaker 3 (40:25):
Love tomato sauce and a good deep dish pizza is
where I live. It's my happy place, I really do.
I can't eat a lot of it. You know, it's
a lot of carbs there.
Speaker 2 (40:36):
Well, let me tell you, you would not eat a lot
of this because they only bring you half of your
order because it's so heavy, wow that they're like, you
can't eat it all. You'll take the other half home.
So they only bring you half and they keep the
other half back in a warmer for you so it
doesn't get cold.
Speaker 3 (40:50):
So talk us through the rest of this Chicago trip
that you did, because when you first told me about this,
I was so intrigued.
Speaker 1 (40:58):
Honestly, with so many years ago, I don't well.
Speaker 2 (41:03):
I was looking for those iconic places to see, like
the fountain at the beginning of Married with Children. I
was like, oh, there, it is the bean sculpture that
everyone has to, you know, have their picture taken in
front of. I was looking for NBC Chicago. I found
where they where NBC's headquarters are in Chicago. But then
(41:28):
just finding local food. I was all about, you know,
just I didn't want to eat anywhere that I could
eat here, yea, So I picked things that were just
specific to Chicago. I don't remember the other places I
eat quite quite honestly. But they were all delicious.
Speaker 4 (41:44):
Ye.
Speaker 3 (41:45):
And so what I've read is that you know, of
course Deep Dish pizza is the Chicago mainstay.
Speaker 1 (41:52):
Oh, in a Chicago dog. I got a Chicago Chicago dog.
Speaker 2 (41:54):
Because I went to see the Cubs play and while
I was at Wrigley, I got a Chicago dog.
Speaker 3 (42:00):
Yes, yes, And if you go, you just have to
know in advance what to eat and how to paste yourself.
Speaker 1 (42:07):
Am I right?
Speaker 3 (42:08):
No?
Speaker 1 (42:08):
You just eat? You just eat, don't yourself.
Speaker 2 (42:11):
You'll miss out on something.
Speaker 3 (42:14):
Chicago is known for its food, and I'd say a
few things in particular. Chris mentioned the Deep Dish pizza,
also hot dogs, Chicago mixed popcorn. That's another one that
showed up on my radar. One that I didn't know
about an Italian sandwiches. And you should at least try
(42:36):
all of these dishes at least once, I think, while
you're there.
Speaker 1 (42:39):
If you've never had a Chicago dog, that's an experience.
Speaker 3 (42:42):
So tell me about a Chicago dog. What exactly makes
them unique?
Speaker 2 (42:46):
Well, there's poppy seeds on it, and I'm gonna have
to look up what's actually in a Chicago dog?
Speaker 1 (42:53):
Do you remember the one you had? What it had
on it?
Speaker 3 (42:55):
I know, I mean I've heard they just pile everything
on it. I mean it's like sour kraut and relish
and cheese and even I've heard some people say mayonnaise.
Speaker 1 (43:08):
Is that correct?
Speaker 2 (43:09):
Yes, yeah, mustard, relish, onion, tomatoes, the tomatoes and tomatoes, pickles, peppers,
and then celery salt this sprinkled on top. Yeah, they're amazing. Yeah,
don't ever, don't ever think, oh that doesn't go on
a hot dog or a sausage.
Speaker 1 (43:30):
You can put anything in your refrigerator. It on there.
It's delicious.
Speaker 2 (43:36):
The tricase you got to grill the bun like you're
making a grilled cheese.
Speaker 3 (43:39):
Oh there you go. Yeah, that sounds particularly good to you,
like grilled grill.
Speaker 1 (43:44):
But I'm excited about a hot dog.
Speaker 3 (43:46):
I know. But we're excited about Chicago and there was
really I mean, this is really why I picked this
is because what do we do on Labor Day?
Speaker 1 (43:56):
We eat?
Speaker 3 (43:57):
You know, people eat, we have cookouts, we eat. And
how could I do a show on places to go
for Labor Day or even after Labor Day if we
didn't include this iconic city. And also one great thing
about Chicago, Chris. If you're looking for great music and entertainment,
Chicago is also known for some great jazz and blues
(44:19):
venues as well, everything from Kingston Minds in Lincoln Park
to Buddy Guy's Legends that Buddy Guy himself opened in
the nineteen eighties and it's still going today and sometimes
you know, he even still makes an appearance, I'm told.
But we still have to have a place to lay
our heads, don't we. So for that, I actually chose
(44:44):
to talk about the Viceroy in Chicago today. The hotel
was the winner of Travel and Leisure's World's Best Hotel
for twenty twenty four, and they don't bestow that award lightly.
The Viceroy really earned it. First of all, it's in
the heart of the historic Gold Coast, on the cusp
(45:04):
of the city's best luxury shopping and dining. They've made
a lot of stylish updates to this beautiful hotel. They've
added a very lively social scene that really sets the
tone here. Think larger than life art installations all over,
the priceless pieces of art.
Speaker 1 (45:22):
In this hotel, welcoming you to the lobby.
Speaker 3 (45:25):
There's a seasonal rooftop pool that has beautiful skyline views
up there of Chicago guest rooms that look out onto
Lake Michigan. I mean, this is really something very special.
It's not just a hotel. It's a destination itself. And
if you combine all of that other fun stuff to
do the cultural things in Chicago. You know a lot
(45:48):
of people don't know this, or maybe they do, but
you know, you can also go to some outstanding plays
in Chicago, just like you can in New York. You've
got this great food scene, you've got the cultural scene,
you've got the entertainment scene. What's not the love about Chicago.
Speaker 1 (46:05):
And the Saint Patrick's Day celebration. Oh no, kidden.
Speaker 3 (46:08):
I mean you can save this and keep all of
this information that I'm giving you today and use it
for March when it when they're going to turn the
river green in Chicago. So, no matter what draws you
to Chicago, whether it's business or pleasure, I think it's
safe to say, really, in Chicago, the pleasure is all theirs.
(46:29):
You know, those are the luxury destinations that I wanted
to point us toward as we move into the Labor
Day holiday week end. But I also had some Labor
Day specials that I wanted to run down through really quick.
Speaker 1 (46:49):
If we've got time.
Speaker 2 (46:50):
Let's take a quick break and we come back. We'll
get all the specials here on a lifeless ordinary.
Speaker 4 (46:55):
Protect your vacation investment with guidance from a travel professional.
The wishing Well knows travel and help you avoid pitfalls
they can spoil your hard earned vacation. We'll plan your
trip and have your back as you travel. All of
this without support or so called convenience fees. We're on
the web at tho Wishingwell dot biz or call us
at five four zero nine zero eight two three three three.
(47:17):
That's five four zero nine zero eight two three three three.
The wishing Well really does make dreams come true.
Speaker 2 (47:23):
And welcome back to a life less ordinary. The Travel
Showing Podcast from your friends at the wishing Well. I
love every Saturday morning Terry spending an hour just chatting
about beautiful destinations, luxury getaways, and I love deals. Right
before the break, you mentioned we've got some gut.
Speaker 3 (47:43):
To travel away to some pretty luxurious places. A while ago,
didn't we Yeah, yeah, But now I actually came across
some Labor Day specials. Now, these do have some expirations
on them, so you're going to want to listen up
very carefully if any of these happened to be some
that you might be interested in. The first one comes
(48:04):
from our faithful friends and partners at Regent Cruise Lines.
You might remember Chris. This is the cruise line that
Harry and I took groups onto Alaska and most recently
on the Tassi Pippert hosted cruise from Rome to Athens.
This is the number one luxury cruise line they are
currently offering through October the thirty first absolutely free first
(48:30):
class airfare on sailings in to twenty twenty five. Now
this is particularly important if you're looking to sail to Alaska,
where you can usually only get economy class free airfare
on Regent Cruise Line. This is offering free first class
airfare to Alaska, to many of their Caribbean destinations and
(48:54):
so on, and this offer upgrades your air service to
first class. Remember this is really just for a limited time,
so that's our first Labor Day special. The next one
comes to us from our friends from Windstar Cruise Lines.
They are also announcing some pretty sweet offers if you
(49:15):
book your next wind Star cruise through the Wishing Well
before September the thirtieth, you're going to automatically receive a
complimentary upgrade to their all inclusive fare, which is going
to include free Wi Fi, all of your adult free
beverage packages, and all prepaid gratuities. Who doesn't enjoy drinks
(49:37):
on somebody else's gom right. Next one is coming to
us from Holland America, one of my favorites. It's also
offering a very very limited time offer. A twenty five
dollars deposit is going to hold your cruise with forty
percent off of the normal fayres. You get free prepaid
gratuities with this, and free third and fourth guests in
(50:01):
your stateroom, so grandma and Granddaddy's if you're looking to
take your grandkids to Alaska, perhaps maybe even for twenty
twenty five. This offer bleeds over into our next calendar year,
so it's a great time to take a look at
Alaska vacations if you have kiddo's or if you're a
grandparent and want to take them. Next one comes to
(50:23):
us from one of my tour operator buddies, and this
is US and Canada guided escorted tours. They're giving twenty
percent off of all US and Canada tours to take
place like the National Parks, Grand Canyon, Tetan National Parks, Montreal, Quebec,
and lots more. This offer is good only if you
(50:45):
secure your reservations by September fourth, so that one's scooting
up real quick.
Speaker 1 (50:52):
Now.
Speaker 3 (50:52):
One other great deal which is an escorted guided tour
to Montreal and Quebec Chris, a place that I've talked
to you about and tell you how much I love,
love love that destination. Three nights in Montreal, two nights
in Quebec, leaving just in time for the fall leaf
peeping season. This one is going to debart specifically on
October the twentieth, and the cost of this tour fully escorted,
(51:16):
most all of your meals and drinks, which by the
way includes your round trip airfare only twelve twenty four
per person, a guide throughout your tour, and again most meals.
That's a Labor Day steal, I'd call it. So a
lot of good places to go, a lot of things
to look forward to.
Speaker 1 (51:36):
What are your plans for Labor Day?
Speaker 2 (51:39):
Well, the plan was to go see Mama Carmichael for
the weekend. Got a sick puppy at home, so I'm
not really sure what we're going to do. It might
just be sitting on the couch and watching movies and
maybe having a couple of stakes on the grow.
Speaker 1 (51:54):
On Monday.
Speaker 3 (51:54):
Yeah, well, ordinarily I would be jetting off to some
fabulous location, but traveled a lot this year and a
little road weary. I won't want to, so you know,
to me, sometimes a vacation is a great staycation. So
for this Labor Day weekend, I will probably be enjoying
a couple of stakes on the grill as well with
(52:15):
my family and really enjoying the not laboring day because
it's been a pretty busy time at the Wishing Well
and I'm hoping to see a lot of our friends
and guests and clients back for another great season in
twenty twenty five, going to all the places you love
and listening to us constantly here on a lifeless ordinate
(52:38):
while we tell you some of the greatest places to
go on the.
Speaker 1 (52:42):
Globe and football season is here. It is at Dukes
Go Dukes.
Speaker 2 (52:47):
Think they're in Charlotte tonight. Yes, Yeah, it's always fun
talk and travel with you, Terry.
Speaker 1 (52:52):
It is. It's great fun. Seeing you too, Chris. It's
been sho this more than once a month. I know
it really should kind of get back to our regular
all right, Terry.
Speaker 2 (53:01):
If we want more information about how we can enjoy
some of these luxury getaways, how do we reach out
to the wishing Well.
Speaker 3 (53:06):
They can find me at the wishing Well. We're located
easily to find at two forty three NEF Avenue. We're
in the Valley Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. You can call
us we are at five four o nine zero eight
two three three three, or look us up on the web.
We're at the Wishingwell dot this.
Speaker 2 (53:25):
This has been a life Less Ordinary the travel show
from your friends at the wishing Well at two forty
three NEP Avenue in Harrisonburg. If you have any questions
on topics discussed today, please reach out to the wishing
Well online at the Wishingwell dot biz or five four
oh nine oh eight twenty three thirty three. Past episodes
are available on the iHeartRadio app. And we'll see again
next Saturday morning at ten for a Life Less Ordinary
(53:47):
from the wishing Well
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