World’s First Zero-Star Hotel Opens Outside Zurich

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

What exactly is a zero-star hotel like? Well, the Null Stern Hotel (literally: no stars) is housed underground in a nuclear bunker near Sevelen, Switzerland (an hour from Zurich). Two brothers and fellow artists Frank and Patrik Rikin are responsible for this $10 per night lodging, which they claim is a great option during tough economic times. Open for nearly three months now, guests experience little more than a clean, army-style bed and communal shower. Private rooms go for $30, which appeals to couples or those seeking a space of their own.

Heating is not the strength of this noisy bunker, and guests receive a hot water bottle when they arrive. Amenities are few and far between, but pairs of slippers and earplugs are part of the deal.

Switzerland has a nuclear bunker in most towns designed as a precaution during the Cold War. One caveat though: the government is allowing the brothers to use the bunker as long as they wish, but if it is needed for the city’s security purposes, local residents get to use it free of charge.

Icy Hotel Adventures Up North

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

ProfessionalTravelGuide.com has thousands of hotels bearing expert coverage on the ins and outs of their offerings, but some draw attention more than others for their unique lodging style.

Take, for example, the Hotel des Glaces on the outskirts of Quebec City, the only ice hotel in North and South America. During my recent visit there, I was warmly surprised by the lengths the property goes to create a memorable experience for its igloo-bound guests.

Each room or suite (yes, there are suites) is decorated in Arctic style with artwork carved out of the ice walls and varying degrees of illumination providing thematic interest.

Guests hunker down on the slabs of ice (topped with a mattress) and ensconced in a sleeping bag for the evening. Instructions are given in advance to avoid drinking liquids 4-5 hours before bedtime as the bathrooms are outside (although heated, a plus for the most frozen of visitors). Management encourages guests to sleep in as little clothing as possible since the hearty sleeping bags will make clothed guests sweat leading them to unzip only to freeze again. And lest one think the novelty behind this property stops at the exterior walls, there are hot tubs, sauna, ice bar (complete with vodka-laden drinks in ice cube glasses), and an ice slide to entertain arrivals.

Groups can congregate in the grand lounge for drinks or a night of dancing too! Even the furniture (sofas, chairs, and tables) are made of ice.

The hotel takes 500 tons of ice and more than a month of labor to build and only has a high season as it is completely melted during the spring, summer, and fall months. For a truly cool experience you’ll never forget, book a night at the Hotel des Glaces. And if spending the night doesn’t exactly light your fire, day passes are available to take a peak. Just remember to pack warmly!

Travel Gear: The Best Luggage Your Money Can Buy

Everyone always asks me how I pack for such long trips; a conversation that usually ends with shock when I say my travel companion is one standard roll-aboard. With airlines charging to check a bag, I have seen more people carrying on their luggage. My favorite roll-aboard is my Swissgear by Wenger, Lugano Collection 21” Expandable Pilot Case.

These days, I find myself traveling on more regional jets with smaller overhead bins resulting in carry-on bags being gate-checked. Luckily, my bag has held up every single time to the jostling, throwing, and stacking that carry-on bags endure in transit from the jetway to the cargo hold. It has a sturdy handle, two thick wheels, and plenty of pockets. My favorite feature is that it has an expandable zipper (perfect for when I pick up one too many souvenirs)!

The worst part is that I am not a good friend to my luggage. I drag them along cobblestone streets in Portugal, through the sandy shores of Honduras, and even on splash-prone boats across the bays of the Seychelles while reviewing hotels for ProfessionalTravelGuide.com. My bag has held up with hardly a problem.

I like to stuff my dress shirts in a jumbo Ziploc bag before sealing it tightly to keep them from wrinkling. All of my smaller items from socks to camera charger go in another Ziploc bag so that when I open my bag for airport security or on the train, the contents don’t go pouring out. Not terribly glamorous, but it’s a fail-safe tip to arriving organized and presentable.

Once while traveling on an unnamed airline, the baggage handlers managed to lodge a piece of metal into the wheel rendering it unusable. I dug up the 10-year warranty that came with the bag, contacted Swissgear, and voila, a new bag was on my doorstep.

I recommend this bag (which by the way, only cost me $69 at Target) to everyone who asks me. Not because I feel the need to become a traveling salesman, but because I believe that traveling should be more about taking in the sights and sounds of our exciting world rather than picking up undergarments from a rolling baggage claim!

Breaking: U.S. Airways Announces Return to Free Drinks for All Flights

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

US Airways management is reversing its decision to sell drinks in the Economy cabin bringing free soda, coffee, tea, and, yes, even water back to the traveling public. Since the idea was announced in 2008, passengers and flight attendants have dealt with grumblings that the charges were a step too far on the "fee front".

Management claims that Coach passengers were not booking away from the carrier due to the charge and that there was no significant dip in passenger satisfaction (their justification for keeping the charge, one they had hoped other airlines would match).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that customers were indeed booking away and dissatisfied with the nickel-and-diming approach. Thankfully, the Tempe, Ariz.-based airline will adjust the program to free non-alcoholic drinks in the main cabin. Alcoholic drinks and certain specialty items will remain for sale as on other airlines.

The sale of drinks produced cleaner cabins as there was less trash from drink cans on board and subsequently less use of the restrooms. But, as the only airline in the United States to charge for a cup of water, this change is a step back in the right direction for US Airways passengers. Now, if only the ridiculous $50 surcharge to book so-called "free" award travel would be erased!

Tricks of the Trade: The Last Minute Seat Change Request

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

Hardly one of my signature moves, but one of my smartest decisions when I travel is to never give up on perfecting my seat assignment. Yes, I said it, "perfecting" my seat assignment.

Okay, so I snagged an excellent window seat near the front or a popular aisle exit row in advance. But, these days with new fees in place for premium seats and tools like seatguru.com giving travelers more informative choices on where to sit, you can hardly risk it.

Say for example, you're on a long-haul Tokyo-New York flight like I was recently. You scour the seat map for days and weeks ahead of time plotting your move like a football coach before the big game. As the players move around on the map and the seat choices fill up, a disheartening feeling can quickly settle in that you will be squeezed between Big Bertha and Pa Kettle for a 13-hour flight.

Or, you can pull this trick of the trade move. As they call for boarding (and with your most polite and gentle demeanor), ask if there is anyone sitting next to you or if there are any seats with open seats next to them. By this time, most people have received their assigned seats. You stand a really good chance of scoring some of the best seats in the house. The agent will remember your friendly smile and do their best not to assign those seats at the last minute to anyone else.

Sure, this doesn't work on a full flight or a busy gate with lots of agents. But, it worked on my Tokyo-New York flight where I scored three seats by a window on which I proceeded to create my own First Class bed for the 13-hour flight.

You would be surprised at how often blocked seats go unassigned or entire rows remain empty until right before the door closes and then only those passengers seating nearby notice them or have a chance to make a run for them. Do your homework in advance and with the agent at the gate to benefit without paying a fortune.

Consumer Upgrade News: Continental Trades a Star for its ‘Team

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

When Continental Airlines announced months ago that it was planning on a major switch from the SkyTeam alliance to Star Alliance, a breakup date remained unannounced. Well, the light is at the end of the tunnel. Continental will exit the Delta/Northwest-led alliance on October 24 with plans to join the much larger United-led Star Alliance shortly thereafter.

The importance of this announcement to travelers is larger than it seems. Delta and Northwest frequent fliers looking to redeem miles on Continental’s large international network (and its elite set of partners, which includes Emirates and Virgin Atlantic) should make award reservations before the Oct. 24 deadline. And Continental fliers should redeem their miles on Delta/Northwest’s combined international network (including flights on the legendary Singapore Airlines and newer Kingfisher Airlines) should also arrange their reservations soon.

Domestic fliers should know that reciprocal upgrades between Continental and Northwest will cease at that time as well. However, now that Delta and Northwest elite members can receive complimentary upgrades on each airline’s aircraft, upgrades for Continental fliers are farther and fewer between.

Awards will be honored for travel past the exit date, but new reservations will no longer be allowed. If you’re saving up for the trip of a lifetime, Oct. 24, 2009 should be marked in red on the calendar!

World's Longest Airport Bar

As if producing the world’s best chocolate and watches were not enough, Switzerland is home to the world’s longest airport bar. Passengers traveling on Swiss International Airlines’ new First or Business Class products gain access to this 80-foot legend of airport domains. As many as 91 travelers can saddle up comfortably to order the drink of their choice (complimentary, of course), and a cigar menu is also available.

During my many visits to this swanky lounge, I always wonder if people intentionally book longer connections so they can enjoy this unique space.

And to add to its list of superlatives, Swiss International Airlines is unveiling new fully flat beds in its First and Business Class cabins. In First Class, side walls will cocoon duvet-draped passengers on the longest beds of any European airline in the air. And how does Swiss know exactly what its best customers want? Well, the airline consults with them on an individual basis!

Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis star who has taken home 13 Grand Slam titles, provided input on the design. While these seats are reserved for the likes of corporate big wigs and superstar celebrities, the world’s longest airport bar is open to a larger base of travelers including those who hold Star Alliance Gold status.

The next time you find yourself squeezed in between two loud and obnoxious travelers, just close your eyes and pretend you’re here.

Tricks of the Trade: Max Out Your Int'l Seat

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

Overseas travelers can maximize their Economy class values by always requesting seats as far forward in the cabin as possible. Some airlines permit seat reservations at the time of booking, but others charge for the service or assign seats at check-in. It pays to arrive at the airport early to reserve seats as far forward as possible (remember to mention those exact words). Some airline companies assign seats from the back of the plane forward while others randomly assign seats.

Alitalia has aircraft (namely their MD-80 series) with larger Business Class seats installed, but on most flights these premium seats are not completely sold leaving them to Economy passengers in the first few rows. Travelers may not even realize they’ve been given these more spacious seats until boarding! Other airlines including Air France and Lufthansa provide Economy-style seats in Business Class and block off the middle seat for passengers paying the premium. This provides the flexibility to expand the Business Class cabin as needed, but this still proves beneficial to passengers booking window and aisle seats in the first few rows of these planes as the armrest is positioned differently offering a couple of extra inches.

This advice is strictly for narrowbody flights within Europe as many airlines operate larger equipment with a different inflight product on transcontinental or transoceanic services. Still, this signature trick of the trade is worth noting as the benefits of extra leg or arm room can always come in handy!

Hands-on Education for the 21st Century Student

Forget reading boring textbook drawl to learn a subject. Anthony’s Key Resort in Roatan, Honduras is taking ecotourism to a new level through its cooperation with various American universities including the University of Minnesota, Birmingham Southern, and Drury University. These academic institutions send professors and students to the resort for weeks at a time to study at the property’s own Marine Science Institute while getting hands-on experience through daily dives and snorkel adventures. How’s that for hands-on learning?

Private laboratories onsite help students to study specimen from the water while classrooms provide a location for daily instruction. A museum boasts exhibits with contributions from the national ministry of tourism. Who would have thought studying for an exam involved swinging in a hammock by the crashing waves on a sandy beach? But, at Anthony’s Key, cramming has never been more relaxing.

The evenings see a variety of live entertainment that bring the cultural roots of Honduras to the eyes and ears of students while the culinary offering takes Central American cuisine to their taste buds from experienced chefs.

Students clamor for the opportunity to partake in these courses. The business of ecotourism is booming in Latin America, and Anthony’s Key Resort is a great example of the next generation of responsible tourism.

Tricks of the Trade: How to Upgrade Your Airline Seat

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

Scoring an award seat with frequent flyer miles can seem like a crap shoot, but it is more like a scientific experiment. Most airlines prefer that you visit their web sites to make your award reservations, but the secret to bagging an award is calling the airline directly. But, calling the airline without a plan is useless. Passengers are still charged with finding the seat online and then coaxing the agent into finding and reserving the seat on their behalf as most partner carriers cannot be booked online.

Numerous tools are available to the savvy traveler depending on the airline alliance with which one is traveling. For travelers on SkyTeam, visit www.nwa.com/jp to search for expanded award availability and then for Star Alliance, one can visit ANA (All Nippon Airways) www.ana.com and sign up for their frequent flyer program. Once a member, the airline offers award availability for most Star Alliance carriers with the notable exception of Swiss International Airlines and United Airlines.

By doing a bit of homework before calling the airline, award seats are easy to snag if one is flexible with dates and routings. Plus when airlines launch a new route, it is more likely that they will offer increased award availability on it as it catches hold with the traveling public. So don’t fret, your award miles are not useless. They offer incredible potential if one is willing to do some advance preparation and pay the small fee incurred to book over the phone.

Tips for traveling in a bad economy

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

If your travels follow the direction of your bank statement, then read quickly and look South. The economic instability of the United States is not isolated to this great land. Over the past few weeks, the long-inflated Euro (to the dollar) has softened providing an ease on the pocketbook for American travelers while the Southern Hemisphere has become an amazing bargain seemingly overnight.

But, there are other destinations that provide more bang for the buck. While they require a bit more effort to reach, they can prove to be big money savers once one arrives. South African Airways and Delta Air Lines both fly nonstop to the African continent and frequently offer discounts (especially from Washington DC and New York where the competition is intense). South America often sees deals emerging from New York and Miami among other cities.

South Africa is the perfect example. As I write this post, the rand is 10 to the dollar, providing an incredible value. We’re talking an entire steak dinner (including an obligatory South African Meritage) for under $10!!! Add up local transportation costs, local hotel rates, and souvenirs and you arrive at a reasonable figure that competes with a European vacation while offering the cache and distinction of a more exotic locale. Imagine perusing the safari lands outside Johannesburg or strolling the V&A Waterfront of Cape Town for only a fraction of the cost. Now is the time to go.

Try a side trip to Namibia for the day or even for a few nights. The local currency is equally priced, and the locals are amazingly welcoming.

Another locale is the incredibly romantic confines of Buenos Aires where the economic instability has yet to catch up leaving prices severely undercut for the American traveler. The Australian Dollar is similar with record lows to the dollar equaling huge savings for Americans.

Even sunny Aruba has gotten in on the action with discounted fares and creative packages to lure Americans closer. They count on almost 70% of their inbound tourism as Americans meaning that when the USA has a cold, Aruba can quickly develop pneumonia so look south for vacation plans this year!

A First Hand Account of Typhoon Jang Mi in Taiwan

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent; he also experience the terrors of Jang Mi first hand. Here's his account.

You’ve never really experienced a destination (I mean, truly experience the culture) until you’ve undergone a national crisis with the people. During my recent explorations of Taiwan for Northstar Travel Media as a hotel correspondent for StarServiceOnline.com, I became trapped in Taipei during Typhoon Jangmi. For North American readers, the rest of the world calls a hurricane a typhoon, and Jangmi was a big mama.

It became clear a few days into my trip that the storm would be barreling down on the city, but I never expected it would reach such an intense magnitude. Initially, I had thought I would escape it altogether so I never even thought of canceling my trip, but as the storm changed speed, I soon realized I was in for another fate.

Hatchened up in my plush quarters at the Shangri-La Taipei, I naively asked (as they were boarding up the windows) why were they not evacuating people as they would have in the United States. The cordial reply from the perfected staff came in a distinct and overly simple way. “We have nowhere to go; we’re an island,” she said.

Well, why didn’t I think of that! What is the government going to do; evacuate the whole country? So I hunkered down with the best of them. As the windows bellowed back and forth (yes, the glass was literally bending), and the building swayed (yes, we could feel it moving to the point of nausea), I sat in anticipation of what was to happen. But, the feeling was misplaced.

The Taiwanese gathered in the lobby for drinks; others laughed merrily in the cigar lounge. Tourists hobknobbed with employees in the concierge lounge amid the window and ceiling leaks and the constant gusts that could move a cow. I soon felt a feeling of calm; almost a serene camaraderie with the locals as we endured this natural disaster together. And while the building in Taipei was safe, thousands farther south in the shantytowns lost their homes and belongings.

A friend of mine was actually in Mumbai on the day of the recent terrorist attacks that took place in November 2008. He said that the media did a good job of keeping people informed, but it was his cell phone that allowed him to connect with facebook and email where he shared his whereabouts with concerned family and friends. His impression of the event was shaped by the reaction and genuine concern of locals.

The way our world communicates is evolving so quickly. Experiencing a mass event like a hurricane or even a terrorist bombing like the Mumbai attacks can be some of the finest opportunities to truly understand a culture and how they react to adverse circumstances.

All of a sudden, the art of travel is no longer about visiting tourist sites from a check list, but more about connecting on a personal level with a culture’s human emotions. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if all travelers could seek this same type of experience? I just wish it wouldn’t take a national news headline to make that happen.

Christmas in Zurich

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

Christmas in Zurich is in full swing. And it’s not just the abundant snowfall and ever-present chocolate displays in nearly every window that indicate Kris Kringle’s impending arrival. The infamous Christmas markets have set up shop to encourage everyone to embrace the holiday spirit.

The Swarovski-decked Christmas tree plucked from the surrounding forests is a sight to behold in the main train station (the site of the largest market). Although it lacks the charm of Nuremberg’s outdoor festivities and Strasbourg’s winding streets, there is shelter from the cold and ample diversion to keep guests happy. The Old Town provides al fresco entertainment in a secondary market that offers the same cinnamon-spiced cookies, gingerbread cakes, rosti platters, oozing Raclette, and steaming gluhwein to appease eager shoppers.

Homemade arts and crafts are the main showpiece, but the people watching and stall decorations are equally enticing. And the proximity to the Bahnhofstrasse’s fusion of high-end and bargain-priced shopping is in stark contrast to the markets of smaller cities. Be sure to stop by Sprungli’s flagship store for beautifully packaged macaroons or handmade pralines. And round out the day with an Alpenzeller fondue at Alden restaurant in the Old Town to make the experience perfect. Zurich is a Christmas-time treasure meant to savor in the mind and devour in the palate making the perfect complement to the bevy of Old World European Christmas markets.

Get Paid for Not Making the Bed?

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

Slobs everywhere rejoice! Or at least book a room at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Towers. The Starwood-affiliated property has recently rolled out a program entitled “Help the Earth—You Tidy, We Treat,” providing $5 gift card in the hotel’s restaurants or 500 Starwood Preferred Guest Points for guests who are willing to turndown housekeeping services. And this reward is offered each day the Do Not Disturb sign graces the doorknob. Yes, it finally pays to not make your bed. Who would have thought this day would have come to pass?

Certainly not the housekeeping staff! This new program is in its infancy stages so it is unclear if this measure will save money from staff reductions or simply from less water and detergent usage. The big question comes from potential wear and tear in rooms that may repeatedly go days without being cleaned.

“We want to increase our environmental conservation efforts by providing an optional incentive program for our guests,” says General Manager Matthieu Van Der Peet. “The beauty of this program is that the decision to participate can be made on a daily basis and doesn’t require you to contact anyone in the hotel.”

The Sheraton in Kauai was the first hotel to begin a similar program, and the Seattle Sheraton and Towers agreed to be the second pilot test. Management will surely be keeping a watchful eye on the development of this program and how effective it is at controlling costs. And, guests are thrilled at the chance to earn big points and food discounts. Talk about a win-win that has led to a successful rollout at other Starwood properties in 2009.

Many hotels make it clear that linens will not be changed each day until a guest checks out anyway. And getting your towels changed? Well, with enough points for a free hotel stay after just a few days without housekeeping, the choice becomes quite clear.

Musings on the Hotel Experience

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

How often have you stayed in a hotel when the big things were impeccable, but it was the little things that caused irritation. In my role as a correspondent for Northstar Travel Media, I am privileged with the opportunity to experience and inspect a variety of international properties for our readers. But, it amazes me to find the exact same annoyances at properties across the globe. Too small to cause concern, but in summation enough to produce anger, these are undoubtedly widespread situations that all travelers endure.

How many times have you…

…been interrupted or awakened by the minibar inspector who wanted to check the status of your fridge? (You know... the one that you never even opened!)

…been charged for high speed Internet access at a so-called full-service property after having experienced free Internet at a budget-minded hotel days earlier?

…been awakened by overpowering noise in the hallways as housekeepers bang and scream their way from room to room? (Don’t get me wrong, I find housekeeping to often be the most friendly members of staff, but they can often be as loud as all get out!).

…been charged a token dollar or two to the room to go towards charity (from which the hotel will receive the praise)? Management knows most guests will be too embarrassed to remove the charge, and they can get away from saving what they would have contributed on their own.

…been saddened to find that the expensive room you paid for has hair in the sink or on the towel?

…been guilted into reusing your towel for environmental purposes?(A cause I support wholeheartedly, but always have an inkling the savings go into the hotel’s coffers rather than towards worldly good - Ed. Note: You and me both, brother. -).

…been submerged by water around your feet in the shower only minutes after starting the water since the so-called rainfall shower head was never matched to the drain’s capabilities.

I am by no means a perfectionist, but I do believe that the hotel industry has become complacent at a variety of key “touch points” that are important to the guest. My personal “touch points” are: the arrival moment, the ease of “living” in the room (Internet, phone, TV), the bathroom, the bed, and the unscripted interaction with employees (a smile from a housekeeper or greeting from a bellman). These are important “moments” where a guest’s opinion of a property can change in an instant.

Sure, it’s nice to have a signature scent in the lobby, turndown service, or a half-dozen restaurants. But, if I cannot relate on these primary touch points, I leave with more hesitation than praise.