Edelweiss Air Launches Non Stop Service from San Diego to Zurich Switzerland

 

If you are a frequent flyer, the news of the addition of non-stop service to international destinations departing directly from San Diego's Lindbergh Field is music to your ears.

That music might now come in the form of a yodel with the start of direct service from San Diego to Zurich on Edelweiss Air, which began early June of this year.

I had the recent opportunity to experience this flight, both in the economy and economy max class, and am happy to share my experience with readers who are contemplating a visit to the land of magnificent scenery and warm hospitality—either for business or pleasure.

Flights leave in the evening from the Terminal 2 International departure area at San Diego International Airport.   © Tony DiBona

Flights leave in the evening from the Terminal 2 International departure area at San Diego International Airport.   © Tony DiBona

First of all, shaving off hours of travel time between the two destinations is incentive enough to consider booking a flight on Edelweiss Air. Gone is the hassle of having to fly to a major hub to connect to a direct flight to Zurich, and with it the possibility of lost baggage and missed connections.

At this point in time, flights depart Friday and Monday evenings out of San Diego's quiet and comfortable international departure area in Terminal 2 and arrive in Zurich the next afternoon. With the precision anyone visiting Switzerland will learn to respect (i.e., trains arrive and depart on the second), the flights were right on time and boarding was quick and effortless.

Business class seats transform into a lie-down bed at the flick of a switch. © Joanne DiBona

Business class seats transform into a lie-down bed at the flick of a switch. © Joanne DiBona

The Airbus A-340-300 seats 314 passengers in three classes: business, economy max and economy. Business class seats convert into fully horizontal 6.5 ft. beds at the press of a button, with the capability of adjusting bed firmness and adding a massage feature.

Bright, fluffy pillows in red cases and a fresh blanket welcome passengers in all classes. State-of-the art entertainment systems, featuring a wide variety of options, are also standard and ear buds are also provided. You can also choose to connect your mobile device to the system (install the app before your flight to access even a wider variety of entertainment options). USB power ports are available at all seats in every class.

There is no lack of quality entertainment onboard, available in all flight classes  © Joanne DiBona

There is no lack of quality entertainment onboard, available in all flight classes  © Joanne DiBona

The Economy Max class offers 5” more pitch between seats and a deeper recline, in addition to free alcoholic beverages and an amenity kit. That being said, the seats in economy were quite comfortable with ample leg room to allow even a taller person to stretch one's legs during flight. Adjustable neck supports in both economy classes were also a welcome touch.

Swiss-themed meal     © Joanne DiBona

Swiss-themed meal     © Joanne DiBona

Both a main meal and smaller snack are provided (using Swiss products when available). Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in Economy at industry standard rates. Edelweiss also offers a large selection of special meals to cater to diverse culinary wishes. Note that special meal requests must be submitted at least 4 days in advance via the airline website.

Friendly and gracious flight attendants stood ready to accommodate the passengers’ every need. The plane’s interior was impeccably clean (I found the scented wipes available in the lavatories a pleasant touch) and there was definitely a calm atmosphere in the cabin that made the long journey as relaxing as possible.

Our gracious Edelweiss flight attendant     © Tony DiBona

Our gracious Edelweiss flight attendant     © Tony DiBona

Our disembarkment at the Zurich terminal was equally as speedy and effortless as in San Diego. My final destination was Lake Geneva and the picturesque cities of Montreux, Vevey and Lausanne.  Once again, thanks to the efficiency of the Swiss rail system (trains to Swiss and other European destinations depart directly from the airport) within 20 minutes I was speeding along the glorious countryside on route to my next visitor adventure.

When flying internationally, it’s not often you can say that getting there was half the fun. But in this case, Edelweiss definitely provided a perfect start to my glorious travel adventure through Switzerland.

Leaving San Diego on route to Zurich   @ Joanne DiBona

Leaving San Diego on route to Zurich   @ Joanne DiBona

IF YOU GO

Edelweiss currently offers non-stop flights to Zurich International Airport from San Diego Lindbergh Field Fridays and Mondays through September 18, 2017.

Edelweiss flights from San Diego can be booked at swiss.comlufthansa.com or through any travel agency. For more information on the Edelweiss product please visit flyedelweiss.com

Welcome to Zurich!    © Tony DiBona

Welcome to Zurich!    © Tony DiBona

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light Feels Right, Especially When you Travel. Review of BZEES Travel Shoes

If you’ve been following my blog, you know my fondest word of advice to all you travelers out there is: TRAVEL LIGHT.  This means packing all your belongings in a carry-on which is small enough to stow on the plane in the luggage rack above you, and keeping your personal items (and any expensive gadgets) in a small bag that you can place underneath your seat.

I know many of you may balk at this suggestion, but my husband and I managed to tour Europe for 25 days in all weather conditions with our small carry-ons and backpacks. And were we ever glad we did! The sense of freedom to have just a small piece of wheeled luggage to accompany you on your travels is worth its weight in gold.

If you haven’t seen it, here is the link to our blog on this subject.

This is why I am constantly in the lookout for travel items that are super light and take up nominal room in a carry-on. The most challenging item, especially for us ladies, is packing shoes (to go with every outfit and activity) in limited space.

When I stumbled upon the BZEES website while searching “travel shoes,” I was intrigued by how they were marketed as super lightweight . But could they stand up to the rigors of travel?

In my desire to answer this question, I recently put a few pairs of BZEES travel shoes to the test.  The first thing I noticed was that they were, indeed, the lightest shoes I had ever experienced. This  is important because we often travel internationally and stricter weight restrictions on carry-on bags are enforced on intra-country flights.

As if this weren’t enough, they were also super comfortable, due to their free-foam foot beds, air infused outsoles, and dynamic stretch uppers. An added bonus is that they are machine washable, so important if you are off on a month-long adventure as you can just wash them in the hotel sink or laundromat.  Just remember not to put them in a dryer, as they need a natural air-dry to maintain their shape.

I easily packed a Knockout Sandal in my carry-on for a two-week press tour through California, and wore the Slip Ons on the flight (and wore them as well on all my hiking, biking and walking adventures, too.) The sandals were elegant enough to wear for more formal occasions, as well as for pool-side receptions, and the like.

 

 

 

 

Black Slip On.jpg

You may note that both of these shoes are black, which I find easiest to coordinate with all my outfits, but they do come in many colors. The key, however, to carry-on packing is to choose a color theme and only pack items that match this theme.

 

 

I haven’t tested out the Wink water shoe as yet, but will be doing so soon on an exotic adventure that includes lots of kayaking.  A special design promises to remove excess water easily, so that you are not bothered by “wet feet” –in any capacity—during your adventure.

Check out their web site at:  www. BZEES.com

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are strictly my own. I was not compensated by the companies represented in my reviews, nor will I receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations.

My goal is to share regular, unbiased reviews with my readers for products that make travel more comfortable and efficient.

 

 

 

 

What to Wear in Paradise--Joanne's Fashion Tips for Tropical Climes

Ladies, if you are traveling to a tropical destination anytime soon, let me share my favorite wardrobe suggestions with you. These items served me well during a recent 2-week trip through the Hawaiian Islands, both in a luxury hotel and on a boutique expedition cruise ship. 

Walk All Day in Comfort

Since it’s always a good idea to put your best foot forward, I’ll start with the amazingly comfortable and chic NAOT sandals, which had me walking on air during my two week sojourn in the Hawaiian Islands.

NOAB's Sara Sandal

NOAB's Sara Sandal

While I dislike hyperbole as much as the next person, I can honestly say that these, without doubt, were the most comfortable sandals I have ever had the pleasure to wear.  The secret lies in the construction of the footbed.  NAOT engineers its insoles with a blend of natural latex and cork designed to replicate the shape of the foot. The insoles also boast excellent arch and heel support, which no doubt also contributes significantly to their amazing comfort.

Whether trekking through Hawaiian trails, strolling through picturesque towns, or lounging by the pool, these super comfy sandals will keep your feet happy throughout the day and evening. Oh, and did I mention all this comfort looks fashionable, too?

It's also interesting to note that the NAOT sandal is considered the “shoe of peace,” as each shoe is handmade in Northern Israel by the joint effort of Israelis and Palestinians—all the more reason to consider ordering your travel footwear through this company.

Making a Fashion Statement

I guarantee you’ll feel like a Hawaiian princess in any of the designer dresses and separates available in the Shahida Parides collection of resort wear.  I know I did, each time I slipped into my gorgeous poppy red lace-up kaftan. Renowned designer Shahida combines the latest fashion trends with her signature bold patterns and bright colors, and there’s no question you will make a fashion statement in any of her unique and beautifully crafted clothing items.

Making a fashion statement on board UnCruise Adventures' Safari Explorer, off the coast of Mauai

Making a fashion statement on board UnCruise Adventures' Safari Explorer, off the coast of Mauai

My dress, designed to be worn three ways (V-neck, off-the-shoulder, and strapless gown) served me beautifully for a variety of occasions--from lunch on our hotel terrace to an elegant evening reception on the beach, as well as for other casual activities in between.

Hand-made of exquisite silk crepe fabric, with sparkling beading embellishing the bodice, the kaftan was as delightful to wear as it was to care for. A hand wash and hang to dry was all it needed to regain its fluidity and good looks.

What I especially loved about this dress is that I didn’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. This is the ultimate dress solution for women of any size and age who want to be comfortable, fashionable and chic.

And I can’t count the number of compliments I enjoyed each time I stepped out in this beauty. 

 

Good Looks and Versatility

Comfort, good looks and versatility don’t often go hand in hand, which is why I can highly recommend the Blue Ginger line of clothing. The company has been selling exclusively- designed resort wear in Hawaii for over 30 years, so it’s no surprise they’ve come up with the perfect solution for the island visitor.

Two indispensable clothing items--a full-length flowing dress and a short sleeved top that reached mid-thigh--became my best fashion friends during this voyage. As an added bonus, they took up almost no room in my carry-on bag, the only piece of luggage I bring along on all my trips.

The quality of Blue Ginger's fabric is superb and feels light, smooth and silky against the skin, even under the hot tropical sun. Even after several washings, the items maintain their color (the rich blue ginger pattern is achieved through a unique Batik dying process) and need no ironing.

Talk about versatility.  It was amazing how many times I wore my short sleeve top for a variety of scenarios. It served as a swim suit cover-up, a sun protector while kayaking, a lounging jacket, and as a quick outfit over leggings for stepping out to a casual dinner.

Living the Aloha Lifestyle, Hanalei Bay, Kauai

Living the Aloha Lifestyle, Hanalei Bay, Kauai

My elegant Blue Ginger dress also served me well when the occasion was a bit more formal. It was perfect for several social engagements on land, as well as for the dinner evenings aboard our Hawaiian Island cruise.

Check out the Blue Ginger web site for resort attire and accessories for the whole family.

 

Disclaimer: Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are strictly my own. I was not compensated by the companies represented in my reviews, nor will I receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations.

My goal is to share regular, unbiased reviews with my readers for products that make travel more comfortable and efficient.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join Us On A Photo Journey of the "Cities of Light" Viking River Cruise from Paris to Prague

Ever wonder what it's like to take a river cruise through Europe's waterways? You can follow our recent journey from Paris to Prague on a magnificent Viking River Cruise that brought us to some of Europe's most stunning towns, landscapes and cities. Welcome aboard!

CLICK ON EACH DESTINATION NAME FOR A FULL PHOTO GALLERY OF IMAGES

First Stop on the "Cities of Light" Adventure:

PARIS FRANCE

DAY 1

© Joanne DiBona, All Rights Reserved

© Joanne DiBona, All Rights Reserved

© Joanne DiBona, All Rights Reserved

© Joanne DiBona, All Rights Reserved

© Tony DiBona, All Rights Reserved

© Tony DiBona, All Rights Reserved

 

 

THANKS FOR TRAVELING ALONG WITH US AND COME BACK OFTEN, AS MORE GALLERIES WILL BE ADDED REGULARLY.

Joanne's Travel Accessory Tips: How to Make Life Easier, Safer, and Healthier On the Road

The Smartest Piece of Luggage You Will Ever Know

My quest for the perfect airline carry-on bag for traveling seems to be never-ending.  Since my husband and I travel with only carry-on bags in tow, regardless of how long our trip is, finding the perfect bag can be a challenge.

When I discovered the Genius Pack 22”, I knew I had found the ultimate in carry-on spinners.

I tested it out on a recent 10-day trip, and it emphatically earned 5-Stars in my book. Made of quality materials meant to hold up well on the road, this spinner looks as good as it performs. What sets it apart from other carry-on bags is a long list of bells and whistles that can make living out of a suitcase more of a pleasure than a curse, especially on longer trips.

One of the coolest features is a removable laundry bag with a built-in compression system that neatly compacts your dirty clothes by expelling unwanted air through an integrated air valve. Your dirty laundry is stored away from your clean clothes. When your trip is done, just unzip the laundry bag and take it straight to the laundromat or cleaners. This is certainly a welcome convenience for the traveler on the go. 

Other ingenious organizing conveniences are the built-in underwear, socks and electric chargers compartments, which eliminate the need for packing cubes for these items. These are located in the top cover, leaving ample room in the body of the spinner for your bulkier clothing items.

In all, the bag comes with 17 “genius” features, which include a zippered expander that adds up to 25% more packing space; an external jacket wrap (I used it to carry my bulky raincoat as I rushed through the airport); convenient external compartments to store your water bottle, umbrella, and magazines/portfolios; and a built in add-a-bag strap, which I used to cart my camera gear.

As if the above weren’t enough, the bag also has a portable battery pack integrated in the luggage so you can recharge your device wherever your trip takes you. The ability to juice up your phone from your carry on is an amazing convenience, especially in busy airports where finding a charging station not shared by the masses is a rarity.

For those travelers who can’t live without music in their ears, another feature integrated into the luggage is a compact mini speaker so you can listen to music while you unpack, or just about anywhere your journey takes you. Both the battery pack and speaker system are sold separately.

All this smartness is contained in a bag that measures 22” x 14” x 9”, so it is compatible with current size restrictions for most airlines.

www.geniuspack.com

A UPF 50+ Protection Hat That Makes a Fashion Statement

In preparation for a recent trip to Hawaii, I knew I needed a packable hat with major UPF protection. My dilemma was to find a hat that would take me from hiking through the trails to sipping a Mai Tai on a luxury hotel veranda. I knew I had to replace my tried-and-true khaki hat which, while it did the trick to block out the rays, was hardly a fashion statement.

My online search for a stylish, packable, large-brimmed hat with maximum UPF protection led me to the Wallaroo Hat Company website, where I found my dream hat: the Savannah. I am a lover of large brimmed hats because they offer the most protection from the hot rays of the sun and, in my opinion, are also very fashionable and flattering.

This hat has lots of features I love, including the fact that it fits my larger-sized head perfectly (an internal drawstring makes it adjustable, so it is a true one size fits all). It also rolls up nicely in my carry-on and immediately pops back into shape.

It was a good feeling to know that I was receiving UPF 50+ protection, as Wallaroo hat fabrics are tested by the Australian Radiation Protection Agency and block 97.5% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

My only recommendation for improving the hat would be to add an adjustable drawstring to keep the hat from blowing away. I almost lost mine walking on the windy trails of Kauai and it was a challenge to keep it on my head. I would have been very distressed to have lost it!

www.wallaroohats.com

Wow--a Waterproof Daypack That Fits In Your Pocket

As photo journalists, my husband and I are always on the lookout for a super lightweight daypack to serve us during our travels around the world.

We were happy to discover Matador’s Freerain 24 backpack, as we realized we would need such a product on our recent 25-day, carry on only, adventure through Europe.

It was hard to believe that such a road horse packs away into a 6 X 3 inch travel bag, but it does. It actually took less room in my carry on than my travel umbrella, and weighed less, too (an unbelievable 5.5 oz).

The day bag itself is water resistant (with comfortable, breathable straps) and it protected our equipment and contents during a few light rainfalls. It has a 24-litre capacity, which means you can pack quite a bit into its folds. It is superbly constructed and its sleek grey exterior is quite classy, and serves the traveler well under any circumstance.

Together with a base layer photo protector bag, which Matador also offers, I felt confident bundling up my extra camera in the well-padded pouch on our day trips through Europe’s cities.  Filled with protective down and sturdily constructed, the camera base layer fits most DSLR cameras with common lenses. It can be used in a variety of ways to protect your equipment while on the road.

We’ll be using this bag again and again not only on our travels, but also on our local hiking excursions. You can’t beat its versatility, and it is as light as a feather and stores away in your pocket!

Check out Matador's entire line of products.

Tech Tip for the Traveler: Find Your Stuff While on the Road

Here's my tech tip for the traveler, especially if one is forgetful and misplaces everything from car keys to cell phones and even a “lost” rental car in a parking lot.

The Nonda compact triangular shaped tracker is a mere 1.5 inches per side and .25 inches thick Once you download the free app to your Android or iPhone, it performs several handy operations.

Finding your keys in a hotel room: With the device attached to your key chain a tone will emit when you are near the location.

Finding your phone: This happens to all of us, especially while traveling. It actually calls your phone. The ringtone will lead you there.

Finding your rental car: This feature is linked to Google Maps and will display a location map and arrow to direct you to your lost car.

You can also take cell phone photos with the “Camera Shutter” feature to remotely control the phone’s camera. It’s been fun running through the various features of this tiny giant. I can think of other applications (child, pet and lost luggage locator) when it would come in handy.

5 Stars to NONDA for a clever and useful travel tool. And the price is right!

Learn more about this device HERE

Protect Your Valuables While On Travel....In Your Scarf or Around Your Tummy!

Protecting your valuables, especially in big city crowds, is something you may not think about until it’s too late. During our recent trip to Europe, my husband was robbed of his wallet (carelessly placed in his zippered pant pocket) on a super crowded Parisian bus.  While he lost some cash and his credit cards, we were relieved that we did not have our passports stolen.

Why? I was carrying them (as well as my wallet, phone and Euros) in an ingenious product called Sholdit. It can be best described as a scarf that serves as a hidden purse. It has a generous zippered compartment that will keep your valuables safe, especially in heavily crowded areas, since no one (even a thief) would guess that your scarf is actually a sort of money belt.

I wore it double wrapped around my neck, so that my valuables sat in front on my chest (the safest place on your body) but were indiscernible to the casual observer. The scarf can be worn a variety of ways and can even transform into a clutch bag, if desired.

sholdit.com

Travelgenixx money belt.jpg

Alas, it was too late to retrieve our losses from the theft, but I did put quite a bit of research after our trip in finding a money belt my husband would wear on our next adventure to parts unknown. He gave a total thumbs up to the TravelGenixx money belt, available for $14.95 on Amazon.com. It is extremely well made, especially considering its reasonable price, and boasts a sturdy, and adaptable, belt system. With his valuables safely on his tummy, no thief will get the best of him again!

There's a smaller version available for ladies, too.

 

Flip Out Over the Flip Belt

Speaking of keeping your items secure, especially during a hike or run, the Flip Belt is a must-have for those of you who embrace an active lifestyle.

I chose the larger, Zipper Edition of the belt. The belt fits snugly but quite comfortably around your waist or upper hip. A front zippered pocket holds your phone or passport. There are three other access points built within the belt, one of which has an internally secured key hook.

It’s a great feeling when I am walking or hiking to know that my personal items will not inadvertently fall out of my pocket onto the trail. The belt is available in a variety of sizes, depending on how you wish to wear it. 

My only suggestion would be to make the front zipper pocket an inch or so wider to accommodate the super large cell phones that are popular today. I have a Samsung Note 5 in a protective case, and while it fits (very snugly) in the zippered pocket, it is difficult to remove to answer a call. Otherwise, this product gets my thumbs up!

 flipbelt.com

Give Your Legs A Break While Traveling: Fashionable Compression Socks

I’ve written about them before, but I also wanted to mention yet again how much I depend upon RejuvaHealth stylish line of compression socks. I wore my fashionable pair of black dot knee highs on the long flight to Europe, and again realized what a difference they made in my comfort as I sat for hours in my cramped airline seat.

I also wore them on our long city walking tours. I’m convinced they made a significant difference in that I didn’t get any soreness in my calves after trekking for miles on Europe’s cobblestone streets.

rejuvahealth.com

A Refillable Water Bottle That Fits In Your Pocket

Finding the perfect water bottle for travel is not as easy as you might think. I’ve carted all sorts of shapes, sizes and configurations on my travels but never really came up with one I thought might be a winner---until now.

The Hydaway Collapsible bottle is an ingenious device which folds down easily to fit in your bag, carry-on, or even in your pocket. It's perfect if you are traveling light. The 21 oz. bottle carries around the same amount of liquid as your standard plastic water bottle.  I’d love to see an even larger version of this versatile and convenient carrier.

hydawaybottle.com

 

Disclaimer: Please note that the opinions expressed regarding these travel products are strictly my own. I was not compensated by the companies represented in my reviews, nor will I receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations. 

My goal is to share regular, unbiased reviews with my readers for products that make travel more comfortable and efficient.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discover Alaska's Mystical Beauty from an Un-Cruise Boutique Adventure Cruise

Thinking about taking an Alaskan cruise? You might want to consider a boutique small ship expedition cruise: the perfect combination of comfort and adventure.

It's an unforgettable experience, as I hope my travel article Alaskan Mystique, featured recently in the San Diego Union Tribune Travel section, conveys.

Since a picture is known to be worth 1,000 words, please check out our JUNEAU TRAVEL GALLERY (©Joanne and Tony DiBona) as well as our UNCRUISE ADVENTURE GALLERY highlighting our sail through Alaska's Inside Passage to Glacier Bay National Park.

 

 

Juneau: Picturesque Portal to Alaska's Amazing Wonders

Please enjoy my 10BEST/USA TODAY photo essay on the beautiful city of Juneau, Alaska.

Juneau's colorful history and incredible scenery began drawing visitors back in the early 1900's. Today, the picturesque city, which is the capital of Alaska, is a popular cruise port and a favorite destination among adventure travelers.

Cruise ships of all sizes make their way down the Gastineau Channel from Juneau to explore Alaska's Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park. Juneau itself offers a wide variety of visitor activities and amenities. It is home to the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier, one of the world's few urban, "drive up" glaciers. 

View a complete PHOTO GALLERY OF JUNEAU on my photography website, www.joannedibonaphotography.com

The beautiful city of Juneau Alaska as seen from Mount Roberts Tramway © Joanne DiBona

The beautiful city of Juneau Alaska as seen from Mount Roberts Tramway

© Joanne DiBona