As a recreational moment over coffee this morning, we perused a recent brochure from a favorite cruise line. We like cruising, but often feel it is not the only option to consider for travel.

However, lately a lot has been going on in our lives and we are left feeling a bit tired. At such times, the prospect of a cruise is irresistible. And our hidden agenda is to get away from the house while some renovation takes place. What a lovely experience — as well as metaphor — to sail into the sunset leaving lifeʼs messy complications behind.
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The Gulf of Mexico is a beautiful place to vacation, and some if its stellar settlements — particularly New Orleans — are part of what makes America special.

Of course, as a veteran travelers, you already know this. What you may not know is how you can personally help to protect, preserve and heal the Gulf Coast — both the physical natural environment and also the welfare of those who live and work in Gulf states — following the mind-boggling blow it has been dealt by the failure of BP’s deepwater oil well.

Here’s our primer of some very easy ways you can make an immediate difference in Gulf states destinations:
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City fathers have determined it’s time to repair Rome’s 2,000-year-old Colisseum. To fund the expense in the still-recessed economy, its tourism ministry is striking out for new sources of revenue — including corporate sponsorships.

It’s a good trade for a company that might be in a position to help. Sponsorship of repairs is rewarded with advertising to be placed right at the Colisseum. So, if your firm has ever fantasized about sponsoring a stadium but not really had the will to engage, for instance, the NFL, then this is your ticket to international brand image heaven.
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Sometimes it’s just so easy to do the right thing.

In this tough job market, with so many people looking for work, imagine how difficult it would be to compete if you didn’t even have proper clothes for the job interview?

It’s an obstacle that keeps thousands of women impoverished. But you can change that, simply by eating ice cream in July — something you’re likely to do anyway — at a participating restaurant.

The idea is the brainchild of Kimpton Hotels and Resorts, who have long put a premium on giving back. They’ve paired up with the non-profit Dress for Success organization, who provide interview suits and training to help low-income women raise themselves up a notch. It’s good for them, and good for the economy, too.

Want to do a little good? Just eat some ice cream. (How easy can it get?)

For a list of participating restaurants, just go to the Kimpton page that describes it all. Thanks!

Hasn’t everybody seen one of those movies in which a small-plane pilot terrifies his passengers by spinning into a few barrel rolls? Luxury hotel operators feel as if they’ve been strapped into that seat for the last year and a half, and they’ve learned a few things:

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