Unfortunately, that was not the experience I faced on Monday June 1st when I was stranded in Seattle by the Fox Car Rental company near the Seattle Washington Airport.

When you face a problem, it is best to politely and calmly explain what you can and can not do, and most travel service providers will do everything that they can to find a way to accomodate the problem and get you taken care of.  So the best solution is to openly and honestly explain the situation and work with the offending travel service provider for the best solution.

I arrived at the Seattle Washington Airport after a delightful flight on Alaska Air, caught the shuttle bus to the Fox Car Rental location (aka Fox Rent A Car).  I’ve travelled here often enough that the Fox shuttle driver was sure he recognized me and even knew a little bit about my travel frequency – off to an EXCELLENT start!!  It is nice when employees remember you; but of course, I always tip very well!!!!

At the Fox Car Rental counter, the experience was quite the opposite.

Traveling on business, our travel writers travel on corporate debit cards that are prefunded with the amount of employees car rentals, hotel costs, a daily per diem, and a 20% emergency premium.  The Fox Car Rental amount was pre-reserved with a total price of approximately $97 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for a two day rental.   In my case, meals and hotel rooms were provided complimentary by local tourism and educational organizations so there were no anticipated expenses for this trip other than car rental fees and gas costs.

However, the Fox Car Rental counter wanted to tack on an additional $250 charge on top of the $97 rental for the privillege of using a “debit card”.

As a travel professional, I often encourage people to use a credit card because of the security protections that your credit card company provide.  Most credit cards provides you protection against unauthorized charges as well a variety of travel insurance protections.

I politely told the reservation service agent that this card could not handle an additional undisclosed $250 charge, and that I had never been charged a $250 premium before.  The agent looked up my reservation history and was able to tell me every city that I had reserved a car with them for the past 3+ years including the credit card type and number for each reservation.  However, his goal was not to be helpful, but rather to “prove” to me that I had never used this particular debit card.

In the absence of a customer service agent “doing the right thing” to take care of a customer with a lengthy rental history, the only solution I could offer was to offer to have the front and back of one of my credit cards faxed so that he could process my reservation with a credit card rather than a debit card which he refused to do.

Thus I was stranded in Seattle by Fox Car Rental.

Stranded by Fox Car Rental (aka Fox Rent a Car)

Now for me, it was an easy problem to solve.  When faced with a travel service provider that does not care about taking care of their long-time customers, I travel enough and simply called another car rental company which had the integrity and professionalism to provide the type of customer service and do the right thing to take care of the situation.

Dollar Car Rental to the Rescue!!!

Dollar Car Rentals rescued me from the ravages of Fox Car Rental Shame.  Dollar Car Rentals has the exact same debit card policy that Fox Car Rentals has.  However, Dollar simply looked at my car rental history and very quickly waived the $250 charge.

That is the difference between a car rental company with integrity and professionalism and a car rental company without.  One looks at the value of a long term customer relationship and quickly takes action to solve the problem, the other strands their customer by the side of the road.

Now in fairness, I contacted Fox Car Rental’s corporate office on Thursday June 4th and again on Friday June 12th and received no reply.  I also contacted Joshua the local Seattle Washington Fox Car Rental manager on Friday June 5th (after not receiving a call on Thursday which I requested when leaving my business card).  He said that he would research the issue and call me back on Friday, Monday, or Tuesday.  To date, I have not heard back from him.  If Fox Car Rental has the integrity and professionalism to follow up on my repeated efforts to contact them, I will report back here.

Dollar Car Rental’s local manager did call me after I left my business card with his team when I returned my Dollar Car Rental.

In summary,

1. Stranded in Seattle Washington by Fox Rent a Car
2. Rescued in Seattle Washington by Dollar Rent a Car
3. No Contact from Fox Car Rental
4. Timely follow up contact by Dollar Car Rental

Dollar looked up my customer rental history and used it to solve a problem and take care of a customer.  To me, ethics and integrity are everything and the Dollar team have proven by their actions and words that they are an excellent team.

For the traveller, Washington is a beautiful state with warm and friendly people.  I look forward to my next trip to Washington in August where I will be spending quite a bit of time traveling extensively to visit and write about attractions for your next family vacation.  And I am quite confident that I will not risk being stranded by Fox Car Rental while on my next trip to Washington!

Stranded by Fox Car Rental at the Seattle Washington Airport is a post from: Washington Tourism

This Museum is dedicated to providing a gathering place for youth, adults and families to honor the past and embrace the future.

At the Museum are documents and exhibits of the unique historical and cultural experiences of the African American population in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.  This is a place to go, learn and enjoy while gaining appreciation for the life and times of the African-American population of this area.
The displays of this Museum include visual arts, music, crafts, literature and history.  The displays encompass the time from the African-American slavery to the new immigrants from such places as Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia.

The displays of Jacob Lawrence and James W. Washington Jr. include paintings and sculptures of Washington showing both security and freedom.  His works show his enduring commitment to social justice, deeply spiritual nature and the belief in the universality of art and all life.
Jacob Larence’s works demonstrate his storytelling style of painting.  His works show the struggle and survival central to the African American population.
There will be displays of the East African immigrants who came to this area and shows where they have chosen to settle, the jobs they hold and the challenges they face.  It shares the stories of the differences between those that have been in the region for some time and those that have just come, the cultural differences, the emotional differences between these two groups of African Americans.  They have the opportunity, at the Museum, to learn to appreciate each others ways and to work together and communicate with each other.

In partnership with the Pacific Northwest African American Quilters, the Gallery will display quilts made by African Americans in the Pacific Northwest, telling the story of this region’s Black community through the unique lens of quilting.

The Museum’s 19,000 sq ft floor plan includes three principal galleries:
The Journey Gallery, the Northwest Gallery and the Multi-Purpose Gallery. Long-term exhibits in the Journey Gallery tell the broader story of how African Americans arrived in the Northwest to build lives and communities. Walking into this space, visitors find a flexible mix of photos, artifacts and compelling narratives that represent a sampling of the region’s ‘cultural album.’

The Northwest Gallery houses exhibits specifically geared to the rich history of African American experiences in the Northwest. Early pioneers, cultural icons, community leaders and unsung heroes will find a home, and a voice, in this gallery’s temporary exhibits.

The Legacy Gallery lives up to its title by hosting a myriad of events, exhibits, performances and lectures of importance to the Museum’s mission and its surrounding community. Exhibits in this gallery are used to support or amplify shows in the Northwest and Journey galleries.

Hours:
Wednesday
 11:00am – 4:30pm
 Thursday
 11:00am-7:00pm
 Friday
 11:00am-4:30pm
 Saturday
 11:00am-4:00pm
 Sunday
 12:00pm-4:00pm
 Monday
 Closed
 Tuesday
 Closed
The Museum will be closed for Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas holiday, New Year’s holiday.

Admission: Adults: $6; Students/Seniors: $4 and Children 5 and under are free.  There is also Free Admission the first Thursday of every Month!

Location:
2300 S. Massachusetts Street
Seattle, WA 98144

Tel: 206-518-6000
Fax: 206-518-5665

Email: info@naamnw.org

African-American Museum of Washington – Seattle, WA is a post from: Washington Tourism

The park is a perfect place to visit no matter the time of year you are in the area. Each season offers something different, a brand new aspect of the wilderness that you will want to experience. Because of the snowy wonderland in winter and the baby animals that you can see in the spring, you will probably want to come back to the park for several visits.

The Trek has two different sections: a tram section and a walking section. Each of these areas offers a variety of different animals for you to see.

The tram takes you on a leisurely tour of the park with an expert guide to tell you about all of the animals that you will see. As the tram makes its way around the park, you will be able to see bison, woodland caribou, moose, blacktail deer, and more. The tram passes by Horseshoe Lake and Porthole Lake, so you are likely to see some geese and ducks as well.

The walking portion of the trek will bring you up close to a host of other animals. You will see felines, such as cougars and bobcats and canines, such as gray wolves and coyotes. You will also come across beavers, otters and raccoons. Some of the most popular animals in this section of the park are the black bears and massive brown bears.

You can also view a variety of predatory birds, including several types of owls, golden eagles, and bald eagles.

In the Forest Theater, you can watch short videos about the founders of Trek and native wildlife in Washington. After taking a trek all around the park, chances are you will have a hearty appetite. If so, you can grab a bite to eat at the Fir Bough Café. They have great burgers, hotdogs, pizza, and salad. Of course, you can also bring a picnic lunch and have a relaxing meal outside on the park grounds.

Remember to visit the gift shop as well. It has clothing, plush animals, locally produced jams, jellies, and handmade crafts. Everyone will find something to take home as a souvenir.

11610 Trek Dr E
Eatonville, WA 98328
360-832-6117

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park – Eatonville, Washington is a post from: Washington Tourism

The village, a living history project, shows how life was during the 14th century in England. Everything, from the architecture to the people, including their speech and their manner of dress, is a perfect replica of their historic counterparts. The village serves to show the differences between history and life today.

Those who come to the village will be able to see a variety of demonstrations to show what daily life was like in the 1300s. You can see how animals were cared for, cooking techniques, blacksmithing, candle and soap making, shoemaking, weaving, bow making, and a whole lot more.

At the Bors Hede Inne, which is a replica of a typical village inn of the day, you can enjoy a meal prepared from recipes that once were used by those who cooked for the nobility. Besides the great food, you can hear stories and songs from the minstrels. The inn is a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat that you will never forget.

You will also want to check out the shops located in Camlann, as they have items that you won’t find elsewhere. They are open during the festivals and by appointment throughout the year. The Clothier Shoppe has medieval clothing for sale, as well as demonstrations on how to make it, while the Scribes Shoppe has books on medieval culture and history, as well as carvings, pottery, and more.

You can also attend a variety of special events that are held at Camlann throughout the year. The Summer Faire has combat with knights, displays of archery, and plenty more to thrill and entertain, and the Feast of St. George has a banquet that you will never forget. The All Hallows Feast offers up more great food along with some haunting stories and music. You can even celebrate Yule at Camlann.

The Camlann Village is an intriguing place, where everyone will find plenty to entertain them and plenty to learn.

10320 Kelly Road NE
Carnation, WA 98014
425-788-8624

Camlann Medieval Village – Carnation, Washington is a post from: Washington Tourism

The runoff in the spring produce high water volumes and are great for Class 3 and 4 rapids rafting.  The river then has the biggest waves and longest "wave-trains".  This condition usually is through May and June, but with Mother Nature you can never be sure when the biggest waves will be there….until you are in one!

The trip is usually sunny and occasionally you will experience some serenity, then get ready for action as you hit the next set of rapids.

Location for meeting: 10860 Highway 2 in Leavenworth, Washington 98826
Directions: On Hwy 2 just across the road from Mile Marker #102.

Phone for River Rider.com (a raft providing company) is 800-448-7238
 

Wenatchee River Rafting – Leavenworth to Cashmere/Monitor, Washington is a post from: Washington Tourism

Today, Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour takes guests on a journey through the land below Seattle, through the streets and past old storefronts, and into its intriguing and sometimes sordid past.

The tour begins in a refurbished 1890s era saloon called Doc Maynard’s Public House. From there, you embark on a journey to Pioneer Square and through several sections of the underground city. The tour guide tells tales of the underground, as well as how it came to be. The lighting is poor in some sections, which gives the whole tour a somewhat creepy aspect. In fact, there are even rumored to be ghosts haunting this old section of the city. We’ll get to that a bit later though.

Another one of the popular tours through the underground is called the Underworld Tour, and it is strictly for adults. The guide here tells the stories of the underground’s more distasteful history, which includes opium dens, prostitution, and even murder. As you can see, it is with good reason that this is an adult only tour!

Some people, including those who work on the tours and are in the underground often, claim to have seen specters, ghostly figures dressed in clothing from another era. A number of different ghosts, both men and women, have been seen and heard. While there is no guarantee that you will see a ghost or catch one on film, it could be fun to try your luck!

After the end of the tours, you end up at the Rogue’s Gallery, a museum that contains exhibits and artifacts from Seattle’s past. You can see pictures, paintings, and descriptions of some of the most interesting and infamous people to have come out of Seattle, as well as learn about the history of logging. The museum covers quite a bit of the area’s history. You will also find a gift shop here.

This one of a kind attraction is something you must check out when in the area!

608 First Ave, in Seattle’s Pioneer Square,
between Cherry Street and Yesler Way.
Take the James Street Exit from Interstate 5.

[206] 682 4646

Private Tours may be booked
with two weeks advance notice.
Call 206-682-4646, ext 202.DECEMBER – FEBRUARY
MON – FRI : 11 am, 1, 2, 3 pm
SAT – SUN : 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4 pm
MARCH 1 – 12
MON – FRI : 11 am, 1, 2, 4 pm
SAT – SUN : 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4 pm
MARCH 13-31
EVERY DAY : 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 pm
APRIL
MON – THURS : 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 4, 5 pm
FRI – SUN : 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 pm
MAY
MON – THURS : 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 4, 6 pm
FRI – SAT : 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 pm
SUN : 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 pm
JUNE – AUGUST
EVERY DAY : 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 pm
SEPTEMBER
MON – THURS : 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 4, 6 pm
FRI – SAT : 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 pm
SUN : 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 pm
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
MON – FRI : 11 am, 1, 2, 4, 5 pm
SAT – SUN : 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 pm

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day and Jan.2.
 

Seattle Underground Tour is a post from: Washington Tourism

Mammals

If you have an affinity for any particular mammal, there is a good chance that you will see it, or at least one of its close relatives, at the zoo. You can see some “classic zoo animals” such as the African elephant, African lion, brown bear, and monkey, as well as some of the more rare creatures that inhabit our planet like the endangered wolf and the vampire bat.

Birds

You are going to see more than just parakeets and canaries in the aviaries at the Woodland Park Zoo. Check out the variety of parrots and different types of owls, as well as the bald eagle, the symbol of the United States.

Reptiles

Love them or loathe them, reptiles are often one of the biggest draws at any zoo. The Woodland Park Zoo certainly doesn’t disappoint. Among the inhabitants of the zoo are the Komodo dragon, the boa constrictor, rattlesnakes, skinks, and the beautiful but deadly anaconda.

Creepy Crawlies

While creepy crawlies is not the technical term for invertebrates, it is somewhat fitting. Among these creatures that the zoo has on display are tarantulas, earwigs, cockroaches, butterflies, and an assortment of spiders. While they are interesting to see and learn about, many still find them to be both creepy and crawly!

The zoo gift shop offers great items from around the world, including handcrafted items made by people in places such as Brazil and Nepal. There are also a variety of other souvenirs available as well, such as key chains, stuffed animals, and sticker books. You are certain to find something to help commemorate your trip.

Everyone can have a good time at a zoo, and the more than one million visitors to the Woodland Park Zoo are testament to this.

A Day at the Woodland Park Zoo is a post from: Washington Tourism

 The Experience Music Project has exhibits that show the history of music (everything from jazz to country and rock to hip-hop are showcased) and the direction in which it is headed. Music lovers are sure to have a great time perusing some of the incredible exhibits here.

 The Guitar Gallery details the history of the guitar beginning in 1770, how it changed over the years, as well as how it finally became electric. Bass guitars are also featured, though not as prominently. You can see the work of some of the great guitar makers in history, including Gibson, Les Paul, and Fender.

 Another popular exhibit is Jimi Hendrix: An Evolution of Sound, which traces how this influential guitar player and songwriter helped to shape American music. You will also want to check out the Sound Lab where you can play with drums and turntables, as well as visit some of the soundproof rooms and learn some other instruments. You can even record yourself in the Jam Studio.

 The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame has just as much to offer. The Fantastic Voyages section of the museum contains eight exhibits that cover several different areas of science fiction, including Spacedock (where popular sci-fi spaceships are docked), The Armory (a collection of different weapons from sci-fi), and Science Fiction Characters (displays some of the most popular heroes and villains the universe has ever seen.

 Another area of the museum, Fantastic Worlds, examines the different types of societies that science fiction writers believe we may inhabit in the future. There are ultra modern cities, utopias, dystopias, and apocalyptic worlds to explore. Don’t forget to see the Hall of Fame as well, which pays respects to such great science fiction writers as Ray Bradbury, Rod Sterling, and Gene Roddenberry.

 There are so many things to see and do at the EMP/SFM that you will probably have to come back at least two or three times. In addition to all of the permanent exhibits, they constantly add new, fun things for their visitors to see and do.  Because this attraction is a multiple day event, you’ll want to find a nice hotel to rest at and you’ll find several options at HotelsCombined.com. 

Don’t Miss the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame is a post from: Washington Tourism