The Little Black Book

Posted on September 7, 2010
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black bookSmartphones are great and travel apps certainly make life on the road much easier but for me there is nothing like a journal. That is why before I head out on a trip I check to make sure I have packed my favorite carry-on: my little black book. No, I am not talking about what you think I am. I mean my Moleskine City Notebook.

You see, the good people at Moleskine, the legendary notebook used by artists and thinkers from Picasso to Hemingway, have created a series of city themed notebooks. These guides called “City Notebooks” carry the same beautiful tooling and paperwork that made the original Moleskin notebook a chic must-have years ago. The notebooks are as functional as they are elegant, complete with an elastic closure, fold out maps, ribbon place markers, blank note pages and tabbed dividers for creating your own sections. Best of all, they come at a decent price too, (around $16.95 USD).

I own several of these and I adore the concept. I have found that if you are going on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation they are great to have as a structured journal of your adventure. But best of all is having one for each of your favorite return-to-cities. My New York, Amsterdam and D.C. notebooks are my most treasured travel items. Each book fits nicely into my back pocket. I make sure I have all of my directions and phone numbers inside. The sleek, embossed black leather notebook doesn’t look touristy at all so I can feel local even when I am looking for directions.

Hope You Don’t Mind. – Letter from the President

Posted on September 7, 2010
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By: Roy Berger, MedjetAssist President/CEO

Historically every two years or so we take a look at pricing on all our membership plans and adjust them to market conditions. In other words, every couple of years, we inch our rates up a small percentage.

Obviously for Medjet to remain competitive we need to respond to pricing of market conditions of not only the air ambulance industry, but rising overhead in general, as well as keeping a close eye on commercial air rates for the commercial repatriations we do. As affiliated costs rise we have to keep pace and as they are passed along to us, frankly we need to defray some of it along to the program.

We are presently in that two year review cycle right now and traditionally this is the time we roll out new pricing for 2011 and 2012.

After much thought and consideration we’ve decided that 2011 pricing will be 2010 price levels and we’ll freeze prices for the coming year. Hope you think that’s okay!

We see the travel marketplace improving month by month, using as indicators a combination of our enrollments and distress calls from members on the road. Both are up in 2010 compared to a year ago.

While we fully understand a $20-$35 annual price increase won’t lead most of our members to a lifestyle change, nevertheless we wanted to do our little piece to support the travel economy. By holding our prices it’s a goodwill gesture to not only thank you for your support of MedjetAssist but to hope the few extra dollars can perhaps be used for a meal or trinket while on a journey.~

An economy in recovery has many indicators. One of these is travel and folks not afraid to dedicate both dollars and psyche to getting back on airplanes, cruise ships, tours and excursions. The marketplace boomed as recently as three years ago and after a hiatus we see signs of a recovery.

We wanted to do our little share. Safe travels and thanks for your belief in MedjetAssist.~

RB

Roy Berger
President/CEO

Advancing Technology – Pat Downs at Checkpoints?

Posted on August 22, 2010
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TSABy John Gobbels – VP/COO, MedjetAssist

You may have read about the TSA implementing enhanced pat downs as part of their layered approach to security.

Using the latest intelligence, TSA constantly updates their screening procedures to stay ahead of those looking to do us harm when we fly. When developing their security procedures, they use input from across the agency, including Offices of Intelligence, Privacy and Civil Rights and Liberties.

To add some perspective, the TSA has used pat downs since the agency started federalizing checkpoints in 2002. This type of search is an effective way of helping keep dangerous items such as weapons or improvised explosive devices off of planes.

So, what might cause you to receive a pat-down? Passengers may receive a pat-down in a number of circumstances:

Passengers who opt out of enhanced screening such as advanced imaging technology will receive an equivalent level of screening to include a thorough pat-down. Remember, you can always request to be screened in a private area.

You shouldn’t expect to see the same security procedures at every airport. The TSA’s security measures are designed to be unpredictable and are constantly assessed and updated to address evolving threats.

For more information on the TSA’s practices and procedures please visit TSA.gov

Reference: http://blog.tsa.gov/

Montreal – An Epicurean City

Posted on July 19, 2010
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4675958202_0fd371ab48_bI love food and I love experiencing new things. I love Montreal…

Besides the fact that the city is delightful from top to bottom, has an easily navigational and accessible metro system and lets not forget the phenomenal shopping, Montreal also has a wealth of epicurean delights. So whether you are in the mood for street food or a tower of fresh seafood I have a great list of my foodie favorites for you.

The Trinity of Fine Dining: In my research for dinner spots in Montreal I kept coming across three restaurants: Restaurant Garde-Manger, Joe Beef and Au Pied De Cochon. Unable to select just one I splurged and hit all three. They were each as fantastic as my research had indicated and had very distinct personalities. Here is my take:

Restaurant Garde-Manger: A classic young, hip downtown experience. The atmosphere was big and the space was small. The people were as beautiful as the food and the service was impeccable. My favorite bite was the towering seafood sampler that overflowed with sweet raw oysters and giant clawing crab legs. By far my favorite food as a whole. Make reservations in advance as there are only two seatings each night and limited tables. You are going to want to dress up for this one.

Joe Beef: A destination in itself and full of personality and fine food. The atmosphere here was best described by a New York Times article, “It is like going to a friends house for dinner.” What more can I say? It was one of my favorite moments in Montreal and the food was out of this world. Favorite bite is again the raw oysters. Shucked out in the middle of the restaurant these sweet and petite oysters are some of the best that I have ever eaten. Reservations are necessary. Dress comfortably but make sure you look dapper.

Au Pied De Cochon: A classic French cafe setting with giant windows that open out onto the sidewalk. The atmosphere was the most European and one would swear they were in Paris. The food was wonderful but be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone. My favorite bite was the foie gras poutine. It was like your favorite cashmere sweater, luxuriously decadent but simple enough to feel casual. This dish was my favorite of the entire trip. Make reservations. Press your khakis and pull out your favorite polo shirt – think dressy casual.

Street Food: If you want the best wrap in your life then head to Boustan. This Lebanese ‘hole in the wall’ serves up the best shawarma I have ever eaten. Dressed with the most garlicky hummus I have ever eaten then placed on a hot grill until  it is warm and crunchy  this sandwich is a must. I went for lunch there three times…

Deli: Schwartz’s is a narrow, no-frill quintessential Hebrew deli and is a Montreal icon. They serve up a smoked meat sandwich that is as delicious as the half sour pickle it comes with. Bring cash and don’t wait until you are starving because there will be a line.

First Stop For a Newcomer: The first place you are going to want to eat is La Banquise. This landmark serves up a classic poutine, Montreal’s signature comfort food. Besides serving the original version which consist of a mound of french fries sprinkled with cheese curds and drowned in gravy, La Banquise also has a two page menu packed with every possible variation you can imagine. Pull up a chair and order the classic poutine and a good Canadian beer. Once you are done you will feel right at home in Montreal for the rest of your stay.

Breakfast: Hands down, the dim sum breakfast at Maison Kam Fung in Chinatown is the way to go. Okay, maybe not for everyone but personally, I am not a big breakfast food person and when I heard that I could get Dim Sum at 9:00 in the morning I was sold. The food was great and the atmosphere was genuinely just what one would expect. Try it at least once if for nothing more than the experience.

Member Comment – Alaska to Montana

Posted on July 19, 2010
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Card and Tag for print.inddThank you for the remarkable service that I recently received during medical evacuation involving MedjetAssist. I was in-between Petersburg and Juneau, Alaska on a trip when I became very ill on board a live aboard yacht. I was able to make it to a regional hospital in Juneau. MedjetAssist was contacted to arrange my medivac back to Billings, Montana to my hospital of record so I could be treated by my personal physician and surgeon.

As a surgeon myself, I am particularly keen to how important it is for somebody to be able to receive care where they are known and by providers from whom they have received previous care. I was very important to me to return t to Billings due to my illness and my MedjetAssist membership made that possible. The care that I received in coordination from your main office was extraordinary. The life-flight picked me up on Saturday and had me home in Billings in the morning hours. I was immediately transported to my local Emergency Room. I am happy to say that I have made a full recovery since my illness.

Thanks does not seem enough to give to the incredible flight nurse who accompanied me on my trip home. During the severe pain that I was experiencing she held my hand throughout the flight and constantly reassured me and provided all the necessary pain medications and supportive therapy to make my flight comfortable and successful. My heartfelt thanks to you and your incredible staff for making this medical evacuation possible and safe for me and my family back home. I will be a MedjetAssist member for many years to come. – Jerry

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