News for the travel industry

Burgenstock Resort in Winter

Burgenstock Resort November 2021

The Burgenstock Resort above Lake Lucerne, Switzerland remains my favorite desination in the world. This near holiday visit brought out the snowy outdoors and the wintry beauty in the region.

While the Felsenweg hiking trail was closed due to ice and snow (it is closed in the winter), other trails were open displaying the incredible winter wonderland.

Keep Reading…

Burgenstock Resort Website

My Experience With Covid

I got it. Not traveling, but by staying at home.

Hard to believe, but true when you live in a high-rise condo building.

Read more about my experience below.

For More Info…

Breaking News CDC Drops all Cruise Ship Protocols

As of July 18, 2022, CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect and this page will no longer be updated. New guidance for cruise ships to mitigate and manage COVID-19 transmission will be available in the coming days. For more information, please see the cruise travel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

From Cruising Review: This now drops all regulations as far as CDC is concerned, meaning cruise ships can set their own standards and protocols for vaccinations, masks, and more.

CDC Press Release

CDC FAQ: Covid Protocol Dropped

The Chedi Andermatt

The Chedi Andermatt

The Chedi in Andermatt, Switzerland is one of the newest and hottest sensations in the Swiss alps.

The food is the best in Europe. I would say that it ties or a very close second to the Burgenstock.

The rooms are the best I've ever had, for a European hotel in this class. Even better than my loved Burgenstock. Price point is similar.

The Andermatt is easily accessible from the Swiss rail system (SBB), car, and even helicopter (albeit you have to land outside the village down the valley). I chose to arrive by Air Zermatt Helicopter (about 3500 Euro) from Zermatt, which the most incredible flight I've had so far (at least 10 in the past few years). Please see photos of the helicopter flight towards the end of the page.

This amazing hotel offers the best in dining and is the destination in Andermatt. If you want better visuals, then I suggest the Burgenstock, which overlooks Lake Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, incredible sunsets, and Lucerne.

Keep Reading…

The Chedi Andermatt Website

Andermatt Weather

Cruise News

This section will be for current travels, upcoming flights and cruises.

The big news of the day is moving the website from WordPress to our own proprietary web site generation program we developed using FileMaker database, which allows us to use all of our past cruise ship reviews from 2001 onwards.

For More Info…

Instagram Link for Pepe.G6

YouTube Cruising Review Channel

The Fondue Boat at the Vitznauerhof Hotel on Lake Lucerne

Fondue Boat

The Fondue Boat concept is wonderful. And how appropriate that it was docked at the amazing Vitznauerhof Hotel in Vitznau, Switzerland.

Vitznau is near Weggis, and at the base of the queen of mountains, Mount Rigi. Vitznau is where you can take a train up to the mounting, but also on lovely Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstrattersee). It is also the gateway to what I term the enchanted valley part of the Canton of Lucerne and on the edge of Schwyz and Nidwalden. The lake winds around the beautiful terrain with many instagram villages like Sisikon and Fluelen. Off of this is nestled around Stoos, Rigi, and Fulen. Some of the prettiest mountains in Switzerland.

Hotel Vitznauerhof contracted the Fondue Boat to dock at their resort for the month prior to the Christmas holiday.

I was fortunate enough to dine there not once, but twice, and each time was amazing. You see, I love boats. Combine that with a fondue dinner, friends, and even a crackling wood fire on shore, and you have the setting for a unforgettable evening.

Keep Reading…

Fondue Boat Hotel Vitznauerhof

United Airlines is now demonetizing your flight credit to half value by doubling the fare when you try to use that unused ticket.

What Happened United Airlines ? Demonetizing flight credits and impossible to get refunds.

I recently booked a trip to Paris in July 2021 with unused flight credits from last year during the pandemic. Remember when United canceled their change fees ? Well they have something better up their sleeve.

If I did a search for a standard economy fare (basic or standard) my fare was $1,300. But when I tried to use my $2,800 (Business Class fare) unused ticket to Europe from last year when the flight was canceled, the fare that pops up is $2,600. So basically United has decided to use a pricing model that demonetizes your paid fare by half. That's 100 percent profit.

Even worse, last year the original fare was for Business Class. Now I can barely get Economy. So they did not honor the class booked. Now Business Class is $5,000-$10,000.

Clever.

To make matters worse, United offers a cabin upgrade offer, for 20,000 miles and $421 from Chicago to Paris. When I took the offer, United deducted 40,000 miles and $421, and did not even declare the miles deduced on the receipt. Go to the website (after waiting 1.5 hours on hold with United customer service) and the agent suggested to go to United/Refunds on the website. Unfortunately, you can't even file a complaint or refund request until the flight has already passed. I tried calling again today and after another hour on hold, I gave up.

Feeling screwed yet ? Yup.

I love United (pre-pandemic). The new United puts profits ahead of customer experience and has now gone down the rabbit hole of deceit.

The pandemic has spawned a littany of trumped up fees, and other expenses which they pass on to the customer, but which is pure profit to the company.

Remember that fuel surcharge ? How about employee wellness programs ? How about add on fees after you have shipped something ? Or better yet, how about that nice tip you charged on your bill for the fantastic spa massage or other experience (like drink tips). Yep, you guessed it, it goes directly to the owner or company. It's all profit mongering and greed. Next time ask where the tip goes, and you'll be surprised.

United, time to step up to the plate and treat your customers better. We love travel, let us spend money and travel, without the hassle of trying to figure out how you're demonetizing our hard earned money. We want you to thrive, but now at the expense of greed and deceit.

@unitedairlines For More Info…

United Airlines Website

Email Scott Kirby CEO - Chief Executive Officer

United Airlines Demonetizes Tickets and Makes Refunds Extremely Difficult

I recently booked a trip to Paris in July 2021 with unused flight credits from last year during the pandemic. Remember when United canceled their change fees ? Well they have something better up their sleeve. When I tried to use my $2,800 (Business Class fare) unused ticket to Europe from last year when the flight was canceled, the fare that pops up is $2,600. So basically United has decided to use a pricing model that demonetizes your paid fare by half. That's 100 percent profit. Even worse, last year the original fare was for Business Class. Now I can barely get Economy. So they did not honor the class booked. To make matters worse, United offers a cabin upgrade offer, for 20,000 miles and $421 from Chicago to Paris. When I took the offer, United deducted 40,000 miles and $421, and did not even declare the miles deduced on the receipt. Go to the website (after waiting 1.5 hours on hold with United customer service) and the agent suggested to go to United/Refunds on the website. Unfortunately, you can't even file a complaint or refund request until the flight has already passed. I tried calling again today and after another hour on hold, I gave up. We love travel, let us spend money and travel, without the hassle of trying to figure out how you're demonetizing our hard earned money. We want you to thrive, but now at the expense of greed and deceit. @unitedairlines For More Info…

Riffelalp Resort Junior Suite

High above Zermatt, Switzerland, the Riffelalp is located at 2222 on the Gornergrat with an amazing view of the Matterhorn. For More Info…

Bora Bora late January and early February 2021

Just returned from a wonderful trip to French Polynesia and the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. As of February 2nd, French Polynesia is closed (at least from what I understand).

The Conrad has closed until 1 April 2021. It was surreal to be at a resort with only 30 guests. On the flight back I had to do a negative Covid test (Antigen or PCR is approved according to the CDC) before boarding one of the last United flights back to SFO from PPT. Luckily, there is a rapid test center at the PPT airport in Tahiti (for about $45 you can get Antigen test results in about 30 minutes). I got a day room at the Intercontinental (ask about day room rates which are about $240 and includes a tax ride back to the airport) which was perfect instead of waiting at the airport.

I booked Economy on United for about $940 RT from Madison (MSN-ORD-SFO-PPT and back), and upgraded for $1,299 from SFO to PPT to Business Class on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. On the way back, they were offering upgrades for $1,299 cash, or $600 plus 60,000 miles (for some reason they were not offering just miles upgrades). So I canceled my ticked United fare, then looked for a miles fare one way. To my surprise, they had a one way far for 70,000 miles plus $6 from PPT-SFO-ORD-MSN all on Business Class. So, for a little bit of work, I was able to score a nice upgrade using points. It was a good work around, and a much better value than the $1,299 upgrade. For More Info…

AirBNB Yacht:

Over the past year I’ve been developing a AirBNB renewable powered (solar PV) multihull. The 60 ft. yacht will be a unique trimaran, with three carbon fiber hulls and all-systems and living quarters above the waterline. There will be no bildge (an odd revolutionary concept).

The hulls will be a unique woven air-pocket system which will be extremely durable and solid (but light). The bridgedeck will start at 4 ft (3.1 meter) above the water to prevent any slamming, with a two-deck system. The craft will first be designed for Swiss and Italian river and lake usage, and then adapted for ocean-going service.

The unique design will be a paddle-wheeler, to reflect traditional European lake and river cruisers. More important, the paddle-wheel was chosen over all other designs for ease of build, cost, durable, and dependable service. Built in modules, the vessel will be shippable via ocean freight container.

More information can be found at our dedicated E Ship site

For More Info…

Why I left Wordpress and developed my own Web Page Generator

For the past 6 years I've been using WordPress. Initially, I thought it was super easy to build and maintain websites (I had over six), but then quickly realized it was the big Trojan Horse in the room. Basically, they lure you in with flashy sites, then bog you down with Microsoft-like annoyances (uploading plug-ins to fix basic site user experience problems) and other inherencies. One feature I loved was a mobile upload using a smartphone app. It was great until I found out that images were not rotated properly, and yes, you guessed it, there's a plug-in to fix that. So annoying. It got so bad I found myself spending more time trying to fix the base operability than actually building content.

So I decided to rely on what I know best. And that was FileMaker Database. The essence of FileMaker is to storage and manage data, and replicate success, while eliminating having to do things over and over. I used this basic foundation to write a database which stored all my content (text), links, images, and pdfs and then present them in a logical format based on functionality and good content creation tags presented by the search engine Google (most searches are done from their base). This includes tags they consider important, and leaving out the gobbledygook that is not necessary.

Time savings from not dealing with WordPress issues, image management, and basic user experience were quickly realized. While more time is spent on developing a strategy, the huge time savings by eliminating duplication and confusion quickly bubbled to the top.

Now I can build, modify, and create content quickly and easily. The images and pdfs are contained within the app, so I don't have to worry about managing separate folders of each. Keep your images web friendly at around 300kb and pdf documents the same. If you need huge files, then store them remotely (separately) and link to them for speed. For movies, use Vimeo and YouTube as your storage medium and link or embed them. This not only broadens your exposure to the web for visibility, but allows you to build additional SEO and page ranking. This happens intrinsically when you link back.

The basic premise of the Web Engine strategy is to have a web page, which is comprised of blocks of information (similar in nature to WordPress, but delivered much better). Gone or endless options on text type and size and confusion in WordPress. Each page is part of a group of pages for your website. Blocks comprise the content of that page, also part of a database. Each block has options for text only, image only, text and image, or raw data (in case you want to utilize code which already exists in HTML format). Using any of those options gives you complete control of appearance and delivery.

Gone is the contact page. Instead, why not give interested viewers the ability to contact you from the top and bottom

of the page. I've never understood why it has to be an Easter Egg hunt just to send and email or make a call.

First Principles is the living methodology of Nikola Tesla and Elon Musk. Make it yours. That is, functionality over form (purpose vs. flash).

Who is this type of web strategy good for ? Those who want to delivery a message quickly, efficiently, and those who want to deploy information.

We base the business functionality of this strategy incorporating the QR code. The QR code gives quick link access to information. We recommend you put one on each page, which when printed out (each webpage generated can be printed out on standard format paper), gives the reader the ability to point their smartphone at the code and immediately link up to the page, or to order a part, or to reference a fix, or to buy a product. Instantly. Quickly.

Eliminate manual duplication. With WordPress, there was a time when you could duplicate information. For some reason, that was eliminated (of course, unless you search, find, and activate a plug-in). This means that had to manually work around the issue and take time to duplicate a page, a block, or other information. With Web Engine, duplicating pages or blocks is as simple as clicking a button. Because this is a database, you can export lots of pages, blocks, or other information, and then import them back in as new. Simple. Fast.

Make information handling simple. Any website is basically a information management system. The better you can strategize and have that information automatically organized, gives you the leading edge over your competition. Some of my background is developing equipment and systems, which involve lots of parts. My biggest pet peeve was not being able to just click, buy, and ship. The antiquated dealer network, dealer relationship, quotes, and purchase orders were just a waste of time. Give me information to buy, and let me buy. Save my time so I can go have fun or focus on what I actually enjoy doing. No, I don't need to have lunch with my supplier rep, and develop a relationship with a person just to buy a part. What I want is information quickly, accurately, and the ability to act on it. Streamlined. Efficient.

If you want to empower yourself, your ideas, and your content, consider Web Engine. It's a choice that gives you the freedom to develop, build, maintain, and deliver. For More Info…

Zermama

Zermama is a charming modern boutique hotel in charming Swiss village of Zermatt, Switzerland.

Centrally located just steps away from the SBB main rail station and Gornergrat rail station, it is the perfect location for all your mountain fun.

The staff is amazing.

Keep Reading…

Zermama Hotel Website

Inventing and Development Projects:

For 2021, I will circle back to focus on inventing and researching healthy living, and building a cosmetics company for DIY home skin care solutions ( SwissMixIt ). While traveling, I hope to seek out local medicinal plants and anti-aging solutions. Probably the best example is Tamanu oil from French Polynesia. I’ve been using it since 2004, and love how my skin feels rejuvinated. I’ve been experimenting with skin creams since March 2020 with the SwissMixIt induction touch-free magnetic mixer with fantastic results. This one product will turn the cosmetics industry on end, by allowing DIY at-home formulations (saves money and provides a better quality product by using organic ingredients and less processing and less chemicals used in many commercial formulations). I have also been experimenting with anti-aging formulations with Astragalus, Black Seed, Hesperidin, Vitamin E Skin Creams, and Carnosine. These botanicals are great antioxidants, help maintain telomeres, and help with gene expression. Best of all, you can make these skin cream formulations at home.

SwissMixIt (link to website)

For More Info…

Riffelalp Resort Suite 2222

High above Zermatt, Switzerland, the Riffelalp is located at 2222 on the Gornergrat with an amazing view of the Matterhorn. For More Info…

Lufthansa First Class Chicago to Frankfurt

Full price paid for first class on a Boeing 747 with the Lufthansa experience. Just amazing. For More Info…

Lufthansa First Class

From Frankfurt to Chicago aboard one of the last B747 in passenger service. This is the very front of the nose of the 747, even ahead of the pilots and the front landing gear. For More Info…

BORA BORA SUNSET: At the Conrad Bora Bora Nui (#shorts)

August 2020 visit to Conrad Bora Bora Nui in French Polynesia, South Pacific. Dualing time lapse sunsets.

For More Info…

CruisingReview YouTube Channel

Zeppelin Ride over Lake Constance

Friedrichshafen Germany tour over Lake Constance.

Zeppelin Ride over Lake Constance (YouTube video)

For More Info…

Pandemic Status:

The most important thing you can do is self-quarantine, take vitamin D3, physical distance from others, and ventilate any indoor room when with others. That strategy will help get you through the pandemic. Vaccines should be available mid 2021. There is increasing science that indicates that hesperidin found in Citrus extracts and Black Seed may be a good prevention and mitigation strategy for Covid. On a personal level, I take a teaspoon of ground Black Seed with honey every day. I predict the huge wave for the USA will peak in January or February, then things will start returning to normal by mid to end of the year. The CDC has given enough regulation to basically prevent the cruise lines from operating in US waters until or after March 2021 (that was the original goal with the CDC no-sail orders, but political pressures forced the CDC to open cruising earlier, which was met with huge regulation hurdles which effectively prevented any cruise line from operating prior March 2021). For More Info…

Zermatt Switzerland and Helicopter Tour of the Matterhorn

Epic aerial footage of the top of the Matterhorn by helicopter. See the stunning views you can only get from Air Zermatt. If you ever visit the charming Swiss village of Zermatt, we recommend staying at the Riffelalp Resort (high above the village mid way up the Gornergrat) and taking a helicopter tour of the Swiss alps. I have even chartered Air Zermatt to fly me directly to the Burgenstock Resort in Lucerne, Switzerland.

#swiss #matterhorn #helicopter #alps #airzermatt

Growing Up Without Borders Zermatt Switzerland (YouTube video)

For More Info…

QR Code Generator

Use this handy QR Code generator based in FileMaker for desktop.

The file is unlocked, so you are free to use the layout, code, etc.

A javascript is in the WebViewer which runs the JS to run the generator. Super simple and fast. It does not work with FileMaker GO (iPhone (IOS), until they provide that functionality in future versions (as of April 2021).

QR Code Generator (Filemaker App download)

For More Info…

Work at Home Hydroponic Garden

Pandemic hydroponic garden update… started in October 2020 from seeds. The plants are now flowering and in the fruit stage of the garden, which was started in Mason jars.

The Roma tomatoes took around 5 months to produce fruit, and not good for window growing. I would grow Cherry tomatoes instead (plus the smaller fruit is more nutritious).

The peppers are also doing well, and have already started harvesting them.

This is all done with a south facing window for sunlight, and simple LED grow lights from Amazon.

All plants were started from seed in Mason jars, then moved to 1 or 5 gallon black colored buckets (any light that gets to water will produce algae).

The buckets are filled with filtered water, and have aquarium aerators in them for circulation and plant root health. The buckets sit on inexpensive Amazon heating mats. Plant roots should be around 67-75 F temperature for optimum growth.

When plants get near flowering stage, I put in liquid fertilizer once a week (carefully measured).

For More Info…

Red Light Improves Eyesight

Recent studies (June 2020) confirm that for adults over 40, a red spectrum (LLLT or Low level light therapy) light can help the functioning of mitochondria.

There was a 14 percent improvement in the ability to see colors, or cone color contrast sensitivity, for the entire two dozen participants.

The spectrum for this therapeutic red light is around 660 nm. I have been using the Amzcool device (shown to the left and link below) for almost a year now, and love it. I use it for both my eyes, and for knee pain. It works for both eyes and skin healing (verfied by NASA).

For more details, please follow the link for our detailed review.

For More Info…

Buy Now: Amzcool Red Light Therapy Disc on Amazon (3.4 inch disc)

Email: Red Light Therapy Questions

Red Light Therapy Science Links

Airports are a mess as travel increases to and from Europe

Poor airport planning and huge travel demand results in long lines, lots of waits, and inefficiency by overworked staff. This was my first trip back to Europe since 2019, and overall was fantastic. I am vaccinated and had no problem entering France (Paris) showing my passport and Covid vaccination card (no Covid test required). I was able to travel freely in France and to Switzerland. Masks were required on all public transportation, inside restaurants, museums, etc. Now many museums and other venues require some type of QR code covid passport which authenticates your current status (i.e. vaccinated). The exit from Europe however, was an experience. On a Swiss flight (booked through United and also code-shared with United) departing from Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland, I experienced first-hand the frustrations of duplicate document checks, two agents working security for two full flights exiting the country, and flawed computer systems. On arrival to ORD, the 2 hour lines were exasperated by staff shortages. This is where Global Entry really shined. I was able to transit customs and immigration in about three minutes. Travel is back, so prepare for long lines, full aircraft, and lots of waiting.

For More Info…

Example of a QR Code for Swiss Covid Certificate (Switzerland September 2021)

Our Experience with the Swiss Covid Certificate and How to Apply for the Swiss Covid Cert QR Code as of 18 October 2021

It was with great anxiety that we started our vacation in Switzerland arriving on Monday 13 September 2021, which is when the Swiss Covid Certificate was required in resorts, restaurants, and other venues.

While I emailed in advance the resorts for advice, replies were slow to come back, so we got a free rapid Covid test when we landed in Geneva at Terminal 2 (free).

Much to my dismay, since the USA does not have a QR code for our vaccines, our manually, paper authenticated vaccine cards were not accepted in Switzerland. Only QR code vaccine documentation was allowed.

To get into restaurants (and other indoor venues such as museums), your Swiss Covid Certificate QR code is scanned and authenticated (verified valid). In Zermatt, we were not allowed to sit inside on multiple occasions.

Before we departed Zermatt, we visited the local doctors office to pay 80 CHF each, to get a rapid test, which is valid for two days. A PCR test (around 140 CHF each and results not available for a day) was good for 3 days.

When at the Burgenstock, we got tested at the on-site WaldHotel for 100 CHF each (rapid test), which was also good for our travel (flight) home on Swiss. We had to show the email pdf document (they would not scan the QR code at the airport).

This information is valid for September 2021. Of course it may change.

Example of a QR Code for Swiss Covid Certificate

For More Info…

All you need to know about the Swiss Covid Certificate

Coronavirus: COVID certificate

Swiss Covid Certificate - API documentation

Web Engine

Working on a Web Engine which is based on FileMaker database to build comprehensive websites which include QR codes for integration on business interaction (using a scan code for a fix solution, reordering, buying, referring to menus, etc.).

Millenium Web Engine, which is based on using a Filemaker (Claris) database backbone. The primary goal is to build a website using semantics specifically referenced by Google (metatags and proper page building), so that their search spiders and page ranking derive better results.

Part of this initiative is building a business around .pdf documents and QR codes, so that customers can easily reference website pages for additional information, including order products and services.

The strategy is function over form. Using First Principles, we are building a Web Engine that provides useful information quickly, and without a lot of clutter which is found in most pretty websites (i.e. WordPress). Building a website rich in

pdf and QR codes provides the view with a better and faster experience. Making the entire process into a database and AI, makes it even better. For More Info…

Learn How to Become a Digital Nomad

Long wait times were experienced by many on Monday July 26 at Chicago Ohare airport

Airports are a mess as summer travel increases to and from Europe in July 2021

Poor airport planning and huge travel demand results in long lines, lots of waits, and inefficiency by overworked staff. This was my first trip back to Europe since 2019, and overall was fantastic. I am vaccinated and had no problem entering France (Paris) showing my passport and Covid vaccination card (no Covid test required).

The exit from Europe however, was an experience. On a Swiss flight (booked through United and also code-shared with United) departing from Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland, I experienced first-hand the frustrations of duplicate document checks, two agents working security for two full flights exiting the country, and flawed computer systems. On arrival to ORD, the 2 hour lines were exasperated by staff shortages. This is where Global Entry really shined. I was able to transit customs and immigration in about three minutes. Travel is back, so prepare for long lines, full aircraft, and lots of waiting.

Keep Reading…

Sky Princess Cruise from Rome to Barcelona at Toulon

Sky Princess Cruise with Growing Up Without Borders November 2019

Series of videos of our cruise with the YouTuber family Growing Up Without Borders crew.

For More Info…

Growing Up Without Borders YouTube Channel

Growing Up Without Borders Website

Email: chantal@growingupwithoutborders.com

AirBNB Villaneuve Switzerland

Swiss Riviera Luxury Condo AirBNB

Looking for a wonderful AirBNB to stay while in Switzerland ?

Try this beautiful Villeneuve (Switzerland) luxury apartment, close to Montreux and on the sunny side of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman).

Only one block away from the lake, and a few blocks from the train, which connects east/southeast to Gstaad, Verbier, Zermatt, and southeast to Montreux, Lausanne, Vivey, and Geneva. Take the train northeast to Bern and from there to Lucerne and Zurich.

Read the Review

Book Now Through AirBNB

Red Light Therapy at 660nm Improves Eyesight

Red Light Improves Eyesight

Recent studies (June 2020) confirm that for adults over 40, a red spectrum (LLLT or Low level light therapy) light can help the functioning of mitochondria.

There was a 14 percent improvement in the ability to see colors, or cone color contrast sensitivity, for the entire two dozen participants.

The spectrum for this therapeutic red light is around 660 nm. I have been using the Amzcool device (shown to the left and link below) for almost a year now, and love it. I use it for both my eyes, and for knee pain. It works for both eyes and skin healing (verfied by NASA).

For more details, please follow the link for our detailed review.

Science and Literature for Red Light Therapy

For More Info…

Buy Now: Amzcool Red Light Therapy Disc on Amazon (3.4 inch disc)

Email: Red Light Therapy Questions

Red Light Therapy Research Links from NASA, NIH, and more...

September 2021 International Return to USA Covid Return Form

This is pretty standard across most exit airports for entry to the USA. Just carry around a signed copy for the final document check at the airport.

USA Form:

OMB Control No.: 0920-1318

Expiration Date: 07/31/2023

USA Covid Return Form prior boarding flight (pdf)

PASSENGER DISCLOSURE AND ATTESTATION TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

PDF Disclosure Form To Return to USA

1922 jungfrau switzerland

Postcards from the Past 1922 Interlocken in June

The Lauterbrunnen valley is the door into the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. This is when Will was visiting the high alpine region around Interlocken, and visited the glaciers in the alps.

This is just one of many postcards from the wonderful travels of Will McCracken (from Waterloo, Wisconsin) in his epic European tour in 1922.

Postcards from the past

Sky Princess Cruise with Growing Up Without Borders

Series of videos of our cruise with the YouTuber family Growing Up Without Borders crew. For More Info…

Growing Up Without Borders YouTube Channel

Growing Up Without Borders Website

Email: chantal@growingupwithoutborders.com

Barcelona to Zurich Switzerland on a Private Jet

Barcelona to Zurich on a Private Jet - Then on to the Burgenstock Resort high above Lucerne Switzerland

What do you do when your fantastic cruise is over ? Well charter a jet in Barcelona, and travel to Switzerland of course !

Follow us on our journey from warm and tropical Barcelona to snowy Switzerald for a wonderful post-cruise stay at the Burgenstock Resort in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Click here for the video on YouTube

For More Info…

Email Pepe: About the private jet experience

Website: Burgenstock Resort

Charter Jets Website

The Chedi Andermatt

The Chedi Andermatt

The Chedi in Andermatt, Switzerland is one of the newest and hottest sensations in the Swiss alps.

The food is the best in Europe. I would say that it ties or a very close second to the Burgenstock.

The rooms are the best I've ever had, for a European hotel in this class. Even better than my loved Burgenstock. Price point is similar.

The Andermatt is easily accessible from the Swiss rail system (SBB), car, and even helicopter (albeit you have to land outside the village down the valley). I chose to arrive by Air Zermatt Helicopter (about 3500 Euro) from Zermatt, which the most incredible flight I've had so far (at least 10 in the past few years). Please see photos of the helicopter flight towards the end of the page.

This amazing hotel offers the best in dining and is the destination in Andermatt. If you want better visuals, then I suggest the Burgenstock, which overlooks Lake Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, incredible sunsets, and Lucerne.

The Chedi Andermatt Website

Andermatt Weather

Beau Rivage in Weggis Switzerland at the base of Mount Rigi

Beau Rivage in Weggis Switzerland

The Beau Rivage is a wonderful and affordable hotel at the beginning of what I call the magical valley part of Lake Lucerne. This hotel is a perfect place to base your tour operations and is located at the base of Mount Rigi and next to the lake boat transportation terminal with direct access to Lucerne train station via boat, and beautiful sunsets. The Beau Rivage is one of my favorite picks for the area with clean and recently updated suites and bathrooms. It has the best water pressure and showers that I have found in Europe so far.

Vitznau is near Weggis, and at the base of the queen of mountains, Mount Rigi. Vitznau is where you can take a train up to the mounting, but also on lovely Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstrattersee). It is also the gateway to what I term the enchanted valley part of the Canton of Lucerne and on the edge of Schwyz and Nidwalden. The lake winds around the beautiful terrain with many instagram villages like Sisikon and Fluelen. This is nestled around Stoos, Rigi, and Fulen. Some of the prettiest mountains in Switzerland.

For More Info…

The Burgenstock is the perfect area to see fall colors in Switzerland

Burgenstock Fall Colors Palace Hotel Suite 2202

The Burgenstock and Lucerne, Switzerland area is a fantastic fall colors destination for October.

For More Info…

Vitznauerhof in Vitznau Switzerland

Vitznauerhof in Vitznau Switzerland

Vitznauerhof in Vitznau, Switzerland.

Vitznau is near Weggis, and at the base of the queen of mountains, Mount Rigi. Vitznau is where you can take a train up to the mounting, but also on lovely Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstrattersee). It is also the gateway to what I term the enchanted valley part of the Canton of Lucerne and on the edge of Schwyz and Nidwalden. The lake winds around the beautiful terrain with many instagram villages like Sisikon and Fluelen. This is nestled around Stoos, Rigi, and Fulen. Some of the prettiest mountains in Switzerland. Keep Reading…

BORA BORA SUNSET

YouTube Videos

Watch the CruisingReview videos from YouTube all on one page.

For More Info…

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Social Media Algorithm Publications

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Radisson Blu in Andermatt Switzerland

Radisson Blu in Andermatt Switzerland

Radisson Blu in Andermatt Switzerland Suite 3361.

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Zermama

Zermama is a charming modern boutique hotel in charming Swiss village of Zermatt, Switzerland.

Centrally located just steps away from the SBB main rail station and Gornergrat rail station, it is the perfect location for all your mountain fun.

The staff is amazing.

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Zermama Hotel Website

Hilton Lake Como Italy

Hilton Lake Como Italy

Suite 514 at the Hilton in Como, Italy.

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AirBNB Yacht:

Over the past year I’ve been developing a AirBNB renewable powered (solar PV) multihull. The basic concept is to provide a lake (or river) based yacht which has income potential from AirBNB, or similar business model.

In Europe, real estate is so expensive, you could literally build a yacht for much less money, and cruise the many large waterways. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) in Switzerland is one example.

The 60 ft. yacht will be a unique trimaran, with three carbon fiber hulls and all-systems and living quarters above the waterline.

The unique design will be a paddle-wheeler, to reflect traditional European lake and river cruisers. More important, the paddle-wheel was chosen over all other designs for ease of build, cost, durable, and dependable service. Built in modules, the vessel will be shippable via ocean freight container.

Lac Léman is a crescent-shaped lake shared with France and Switzerland, with views of the alps. The swiss city of Geneva, is on the southern tip. Évian-les-Bains is on the southern side. On the northern side is the Swiss Riviera which stretches from Lausanne to Montreux. Much of the northern side is covered with wine vineyards.

Currently we're looking for investors in this project.

More information can be found at our dedicated E Ship site

Email: Contact for ElectricShip AirBNB Lake Yacht Project

Imanta: Paradise Lost. The Good. The Bad. And the Ugly

Imanta Resort is the most architecturally stunning and wondrous natural setting in Mexico. It’s like a Mayan temple has risen from the forest to meet the ocean. The rolling pipeline surf provides a relaxing white noise as the sea comes ashore. I've been there three times, and the third will be my last. Follow the link below to find out why.

Imanta Resort Review

MSC Bellissima: Beautiful ship but a cruise to avoid

MSC Bellissima: Beautiful ship but a cruise to avoid (December 2019)

Ever wonder what is too big for a cruise ship ? Look no further, it’s the MSC Bellissima. While a beautiful new ship, it’s overcrowded without the staff to support the 4,500 passenger load.

Antiquated card based POS systems only make things worse, especially when trying to incorporate the medallion RFID system.

Unsure if it’s the Italian way of doing business, or the staff is overwhelmed, but the organization is fraught with problems, inefficiencies, and has the potential for very unsanitary operating conditions, especially in the buffet area (no soap or sanitary lotion many times).

MSC Bellissima: Cruise to avoid (pdf)

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Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the best resort in the Western Hemisphere (and Pacific) and tied for second best resort in the world.

French Polynesia Covid Entry Updates as of 2022

All resident and non-resident travel eligibility to French Polynesia, including French Polynesian citizens, is now dependent on your vaccination status and your country of departure. In addition, a health surveillance fee must be paid by all travellers aged 6 years and over.

New pre-flight testing requirements are now in place. See below for details.

Fully Vaccinated Travellers

Fully vaccinated resident and non-resident travellers aged 12 years and over, as well as minors who accompany these vaccinated adults, can travel to French Polynesia without needing to justify the reason for travel or complete mandatory quarantine provided they have stayed continuously at least 15-days on the French Territory, United Kingdom, USA or a designated Green Zone country before their departure to French Polynesia.

If you are not vaccinated, you need a Boarding Authorization Certificate issued by the High Commissioner in French Polynesia, and do a 10 day mandatory quarantine upon arrival.

All travellers must register and submit documentation on a web-based Electronic Travel Information System (ETIS).

French Polynesia ETIS

COVID-19 Travel Policy for French Polynesia as of 10FEB2022

Entry and Stay Conditions for French Polynesia 10FEB2022

Entry and Stay Conditions for French Polynesia with Stopover in USA or Transit 10FEB2022

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