Monthly Archives: June 2016

Hey Boomers! How many of you remember tanning in your backyard and slathering yourself with Crisco so you can achieve that golden glow for the summer? How bad was that? Yikes! Thank goodness we now know better, but we still look for ways to achieve that bronze glow. There are tanning beds (not so great), spray tans and store bought self tanners. I still enjoy getting outside for some of that vitamin D, but enhance it with a good self tanner. They have gotten better, but there is still that issue of the smell and a bit of orange color.

The fabulous Starwood Hotel on the grounds of the Gila River Indian Community incorporates the complete Arizona recreational, educational and inspirational experience. Located in Chandler, the resort combines luxury guest rooms, fine dining, the award-winning Aji Spa, four pools, tennis courts and the Whirlwind Golf Club with two 18-hole Troon-managed golf courses. The influence of the Pima and Maricopa tribes is evident in this “living museum” with beautiful architecture, music and art throughout the resort.

On my way home from the Chiropractor, two towns away in in Clifton, NJ, I made a detour to visit Allwood Bakery for some treats for my family. Allwood has been a fixture in Clifton for over forty years. Unfortunately, it was just after 6 pm, and they were already closed.  At the same time, however, I noticed that literally next door was a new bakery-café that I had never seen before.  It was still opened and quite busy (even though they too were supposed to close at 6 pm).  I stopped in and discovered they had authentic baba-rums, cannolis, Napolians, Pignoli tarts, Cassatine Siciliane, mini and full-size cheese cakes, and other Italian classic pastries that were not among the more “contemporary” and “American” baked goods that are Allwood’s specialties.

Valencia is a must visit city for those of you who love warm sunny days, beautiful beaches as well gardens full of magnificent flowers -  few cities in the world have all three features that are as beautiful as Valencia!

What is your worst nightmare for travel?  One of mine is being caught in deepest Africa in a coup……and that is what happened on my expedition to the Central African Republic (CAR).  It is time to tell this tale again with the recent unrest in CAR eerily reminiscent of my experiences several years ago.

Are you tired of wrinkles? No, not on your face, but on your clothes! I am someone who doesn't enjoy ironing at home, let alone while on vacation, so when I was asked to try a new product from Downy, I accepted. I have to admit, I was skeptical because it sounded too easy and too good to be true, but definitely worth finding out more.

Mandatory retirement does not accord with every person’s soul. It did not with Dr. Amporn Wathanavong’s. He was not accustomed to stillness. His life had been full of errant breezes. Like bamboo, he had become used to the wind’s force. He had learned that at times he had to bend all the way down to avoid snapping. Still, he had always found his way back to the center.

Now for a limited time and for readers and followers of Boomer Travel Patrol, receive 30% off on our 4 day ride (August 17^th) or our 6 day ride (August 15^th)

Iconic sights are almost always jammed, but there ways to break free of the crowds and stay cool, from a guided tour with skip-the-line access, spots to cool off or secret side entrances with no waits. Below are some unique ways that travelers can avoid the high-season lines, making the most out of their summer vacation.

Journeys begin long before we arrive at our destination. From dreaming about your ideal vacation to choosing the company to take you there, you’ll have to make dozens of decisions based on accurate and helpful information. How can you make that process easier?