Ask The Grannies

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Ask The Grannies

Question

Please consider a group trip to Australia and Antarctica.

V. Miller



Answer

Hello Ms. Miller.

We would love to go to Antarctica and of course Australia.  It is our dream to do a top and bottom of the world show and have looked into doing so.  It's all about the timing!  But when we do  we will post all the details on our site - so check back with us around the end of May.

Take care,

The Grannies

Question

Hi Grannies,
I am in Massachusetts and cannot find a listing for your program on Ct or Spfld stations.  I am very interested in seeing your program and would like to know where and when your show airs.  I am able to get access to other networks outside my area. 
As a well traveled grannie myself, I am intrigued by what you have undertaken. 
                          Thank you. 
                              Jo Leslie



Answer

Leslie,

We know for a fact that the stations in Connecticut and Massachusetts are going to air the series. However, we do not have the air date for the debut or the time as of yet.  The show is being shown at different times and on different stations.  Beginning May 14th, the new series will be sent to PBS stations and then they will decide when to air our program. 

Thank you for your interest in our show!  We will try to keep you posted the best we can!

The Grannies

Question

Is there an itinerary for 2012?



Answer

There is not an itinerary for 2012 yet.  Visit the Grannies on Safari website and become a Travel Club member.  By doing so you will receive emails of our future plans and trips.

Thanks!

Question

How can I travel with your group to different locals?



Answer


Visit the Grannies website and you should be asked to become a Travel Club Member. By registering you will be notified of future tour dates and our plans.

Thanks!

Question

Did all the folks traveling with The Grannies get evacuated from Egypt?  Are they all home now or are any stranded in another country, unable to get home possibly because of the costs?



Answer

No one was left stranded, we were all evacuated from Luxor to Athens, Greece.  Our 11 group members got back to theirs homes safely by February 6, 2011 thanks to the concern of the U.S. Department of State.

Thanks for asking! We are happy to be back!

Question

I would like to celebrate my 70th birthday in Africa the Spring of 2012. Do you plan trips this far in advance?  Are there any plans to visit Africa.  If not, are there any plans for 2012?



Answer

Unfortunately, we have no plans that far in advance.  We actually just left for South Africa early March and have already come back.  Join the Grannies Travel Club and you will receive more information about our upcoming trips!  We'd love to have you accompany us, especially for your birthday!

Question

Hello Grannies,
I travel for a lving but not as fun but for work.. I am headed to India... have you been there too? What would you reccommend I see or eat or experience when I get days off and have a chance to look around?

Charlotte Q.
Kenosha Wisconsin



Answer

Hello Charlotte. 
We were in India last January and love the country. The ads for the country say it is "Incredible" and they are so right.  If you are visiting New Delhi and have little time we suggest a visit to the Red Fort and go shopping at Dilli Haat - lots of history at the fort and lots of bautiful things from all areas of India in the shopping center to buy.  If you have more time it is well worth the journey to travel to Agra and see the Taj Mahal- another favorite city of ours in the north is the city of Jaipur.  For a truly spiritual experience fly to Varanasi and ride in a bicycle drive rickshaw to the Ganges. The Ganges at night with its rituals is  spectacular.

If you are goint to southern India - well there is a lot to do in almost any one of the cites.  We loved Bangalore the most but look forward to exploring Cochin and the entire south in more depth.

The food is outstanding - we loved everything and we felt safe in each area we visited.  Just remember the country has lots of highs and lots of lows (ancient and stunnin gpalaces along with poverty and extraordinary traffic to name a few), but it is one of the most intriging countries to visit.

Charlotte, we hope you do travel to India and when you do let us know about your experience!

Question

Finally, I am now at a stage in my life when I can do some traveling however, I have no one that is able to share adventures with. I live in Ontario Canada and would very much like to find others in the area to travel with. Do you have any members in Canada, specifically Ontario.
Lou in Ontario, Canada



Answer

Hi Lou.
First of all we love Canada and did film a show about Toronto and Ottawa that aired 2008 and continues to air in the US and on the UK Travel Channel all over the world.  We have fans all over the world but do not as of yet have fan clubs in specific regions.  You can always travel with us as we are leading trips to many parts of the world.  Check out our Events and News section where we post information about our trips.  You are welcome to join us anytime!

Question

I am looking forward to going to Peru and Manchu Picchu in early March and I was wondering if you had any issues with the altitude and/or altitude sickness. Thank you for your expertise.
Rosemary



Answer

Hello Rosemary. We too investigated before we left for Peru on how to handle the altitude to ensure we did not get altitude sickness.  The best advice - when you arrive in Cusco rest and drink the coca tea and lots of water!!!!  Do a little walking before you go to bed and eat light. The next morning you will feel a lot better and drinking water is a good idea the entire time you are there.  I would stay away from any alcohol - it's really just not worth it.  By the second day we had pretty much acclimated and had no real problems.  Remember, Cusco is higher than Machu Picchu so to climb it you won't have much problems.  Have fun in Peru as it was one of our favorite places - the food, the people and the history - outstanding!

Question

Do you have any trips scheduled in the near future? I would love to join you on a traveling adventure! -Thx, KJ



Answer

We have organized a trip to South Africa March 4 - 13, 2011.  The trip includes visits to Robbin Island, the wine country, the city of Cape Town, Johannesberg and a private game reserve.  We also are visiting an Ndeble cultural village!  A great trip to Soutern Africa.  Contact us - contact@granniesonsafari.com if you need more information.  The group will be pretty small and seats are limited so if you are interested contact us right away.

Question

You guys go to a lot of exotic places in the world, can you name any such places in the US?  Scott S., Valparaiso, IN



Answer

A good question because there are a lot of exotic places in the US that one can visit. How about the Florida Everglades? Climb aboard an airboat and take a trip into a land filled with all types of wildlife and adventure. The Ivey House (http://www.iveyhouse.com/) and Butcher Swamp Cottage (http://clydebutcher.com) have comfortable accommodations. In fact, at the Butcher swamp Cottage don’t be surprised to see alligators in the front yard – be careful!

Question

I just got a new E-reader for Christmas as I love reading while traveling. Are there any restrictions on carrying it on board my airplane or getting it charged in other countries? Pat W., Madison, WI



Answer

Congratulations! Both of the Grannies have a Sony Pocket E-Reader and love them. The readers cannot be used during take-off and landing – it has the same restriction as other electronic devices but is fine during regular flight. Good news! 

Question

My family is visiting friends in India and I was told that I should not wear shorts and tank tops. Is there a dress code for this country? Rachel M. Portland, Oregon

Answer

Our advice is to take time to learn about the country you are visiting to ensure you are aware of the cultural differences—you can find lots on the web about this topic and by country! In some countries it is not appropriate for women to wear revealing clothes, and in other countries you might be uncomfortable or unsafe wearing what might be appropriate in our country. Our advice is to err on the conservative side, be comfortable—good shoes, and practical clothes.

Question

The world has changed a lot since 9/11 and I am a little skeptical about traveling in the Middle East, parts of Asia and Africa. Should I consider going to places that have had major incidents? Cindy D., Rocheseter, NY



Answer

Dear Cindy: Yes, we live in difficult times and there are many parts of the world that have suffered from major trauma. However, most people in these countries are peaceful citizens who enjoy having tourists and travelers visit their country. Our advice would be to carry a smile on your face, be respectful of cultural differences that you may encounter and be open to different and new experiences. If you are going to a country that is on government alert lists, by all means register with the US Embassy or Consulate in the city you are staying.

Question

I would like to take my nine year old grandson with me on a trip to Europe, but his parents are concerned that he might be bored with the activities that are normally included on travel packages to Europe. How can I convince them that I can prepare an interesting trip for him?  Raymond C., Chicago, IL

 



Answer

I am sure you will find interesting as well as educational activities for your grandson in Europe. After all, Europe is full of children and their parents aren’t taking them to museums and churches all the time. First of all, check out city websites for your destinations and look up programs for kids during the time of your trip. Check out restaurants that cater to children, and I don’t necessarily mean McDonalds. If you are going during the summer, see if there are amusements parks near where you are staying. A visit to one of them will usually please any child. If your grandchild has a particularly hobby or interest, see if there is an outlet for this interest on your itinerary. And lastly, ask your grandson to do some research on his own before the trip so that he can have some familiarity with the location. Also engage him in the trip by providing him with a camera and maybe a video cam to document his experience.

Question

I am planning a trip to West Africa summer 2010, which will be my first trip to this continent. I am aware that malaria is a problem in most countries in the region, but I am a little skeptical about taking medication that I understand has some pretty harsh side affects. Is it absolutely necessary for me to take such medication? Marie B., Orlando, Florida

Answer

Dear Marie: Make no mistake about it, malaria is a serious disease and you definitely don’t want to contract a case of it while on vacation. There are presently several drugs on the market that you can take as a prophylactic for malaria. Please check with your primary care doctor or a local immunization/travel clinic for latest updates on prescriptions. Also there are over the counter mosquito sprays you can with you but be sure they contain “Deet” as an additional precautionary measure.

Question

During a resent visit to Mexico City I had been warned about taking certain cabs but had not been informed that taxi drivers sometimes take you way out of the way to your destination. Well, it happened to me and my fare was twice what I thought it would be. Bob B., Memphis

Answer

Sorry about that. You should be prepared (before you get into a taxi almost anywhere) to know the approximate mileage to your destination. You can ask your hotel concierge, a friend or call the place you are traveling to get directions. This could save you "mucho dineros".

Question

My camera was stolen while I was traveling in Spain and I lost the wonderful pictures I had taken during my trip. Is there any way I can avoid losing my precious memories on future trips? Cathy M., Miami

Answer

Our simple advice is to keep you memory card away from your camera. It’s a way to protect your photos if your camera is lost or stolen.

Question

I have a voucher from an airline that I received when I volunteered to take a later flight and am confused about how to redeem it. Randy B., Boston

Answer

Make sure you read the copy on the voucher carefully for instructions on redemption. For one airline, we know you have to go to the airport to redeem the voucher. The good thing is that these vouchers are usually transferable, but check on the advance purchase requirements; it can be as much as 14 days in advance of your desired departure.

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