Traveling with the Threat of a Pandemic

This week I took my third trip since the outbreak and onslaught of news regarding Swine Flu; however, this time it was a little different as I was leaving the United States and heading to Costa Rica.

Upon entering Costa Rica not only did we have to fill out the customary forms, but also a health questionnaire regarding our current state of health.  After hearing the symptoms via the seemingly 24/7 news alerts, you can imagine the questions regarding coughing, sneezing, fever, etc. I gave myself a clean bill of health by stating the obvious; I was not with Swine Flu.

I deplaned and walked to customs.  The typical bank line of zigzagging to the customs officials was not unique; however, there was something very uneasy about the custom officials’ uniforms.  The majority whether behind glass or not were wearing surgical masks. 

Not only did this look strange, but also it certainly didn’t give me the typical warm welcome of, “Bienvenida a Costa Rica. Pura Vida!”  (Welcome to Costa Rica.  Everything is well!) In fact, I noticed through my time in the airport that many of the other employees including cleaning staff were wearing these masks.  Was I missing something?

As this third trip was one of business, I spent my time at a travel industry exposition, Expotur.travel.While there, I only saw one attendee wearing a mask.  Of course, I tried not to look strangely when I passed, but I did think she was a little silly.  Additionally, when visiting the restrooms at the expo, there were various announcements reminding all that the best way to prevent the spread of germs is to properly wash hands and sneeze/cough properly.  For some reason, I thought we had all learned this as part of our kindergarten classes??? However, it did cross my mind, "What will be next? Should we greet without the customary shake of hands or double kiss to the cheek??" Nah.

To make the trip a true 360 circle, at the San Jose airport awaiting my departure, the masked team didn't escape me.  Not only was it the customs and cleaning staff, but also today I saw a traveling couple both wearing the masks.

Am I missing something? Should I be wearing a mask? Should they be wearing masks? Let me your thoughts on these precautions whether needed or silly.

Locals ONLY

As the tourist season is coming to an end in South Florida, there is a notable difference on my drive to work as well as at the beach.  Typically known as the end of "the season" by those in "the Biz," yesterday was Mother's Day.  Now, without the "Snowbirds" or "Spring Break Vacationers," the beaches and roads have been taken back by the locals. And even better, so have the restaurants and bars.  It is back to the locals only.

I think almost every tourist destination has to find a balance between embracing tourists and then the resentment of tourists.  Some never get this equilibrium as seen on this Hudson Valley truck.

As an avid traveler, I have been witness to a large amount of tourists that want to do and eat the same as they do in their hometown without experiencing the local culture. Firsthand, I have even been a victim of being invited to eat at McDonald's in Paris. I decided to have a beer; at least that was a non-American way to enjoy McDonald's. But, travelers like those alluded to are often those that bring a bad name to tourists.

Enough said.....those of us still in South Florida, we are about to enter the time that parking at the infamous Fort Lauderdale beach is doable; there may be a table for lunch at Aruba in Lauderdale-by-the-sea, or that one can get an Intercoastal view at Le Tub in Hollywood to enjoy the big, juicy burgers without showing up a couple of minutes before noon.

Tell me about your favorite, "out of season" experience in Fort Lauderdale or your tourist Mecca.

7 Days and 11 States, My 7-11 Travels

In my usual style, an aisle seat, I have taken out my laptop to reflect on my last seven days (see picture for view from my seat).  Since boarding, it has been a rather interesting flight with various infants, one yappy little dog, and everyone afraid of sneezing with the worries of Swine Flu. It is during this said “quiet time” (with headphones on) that I reflect on where I have been over the last seven days.

I crossed the country last week.  I left the West Coast leaving from San Diego, California with a pit stop in Atlanta, Georgia with arrival in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. After empting one suitcase of dirty clothes and repacking another, I then traveled by car for a Spring Roadtrip up I-95 through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and today just a smidgen of Connecticut. Yes, that is right seven days and eleven states.  I would have to say I did a 7-11.

During this week, I rode in a double-decker bus (Yes, like in London), four taxis, various planes ran by three distinct airlines, one car for over 1,800 miles, one bike, and by foot.  However, I was grateful that none of my travels had been my motor home, semi, or horseback; all I would consider rather unpleasant ways of travel. I did see a Segway along the journey that I wanted to try, but I passed.  I will keep it on my to do list.

I have said many times, “If the government had a GPS tracking system on me, they would think that I am doing something illegal.”  It is not a secret that they most likely already know my every location and move; and, if the government doesn’t know my every move or happens to lose my location, I have helped them by tweeting my travels.  My twitter name is MsTravelingPant (The character limit of Twitter is disappointing.).

Heading back home, where I hang up my laptop bag (I rarely wear hats), I am looking forward to warmer weather as San Diego was unseasonably cool as well as the Northeast was rather cool with rain showers bidding me farewell today.

My next adventure will be my third trip to Costa Rica.  This, as my last year’s trip was, will be for business. Regardless, all travel whether for pleasure or work leads to stories, experiences, and learning.  I am hoping that my colleagues in Costa Rica make some VIP calls to make sure that the typical hot, humid weather is ready for me. Please no more unseasonable weather.  Maybe Ms. Traveling Pants can wear some shorts since it is already May.