Archive for July, 2006
Thursday, July 27th, 2006
Need a break? When is the last time you went for a vacation? Well, if you’re a hard-working adult like most of us are, it’s probably been a while since your last break from the stresses of reality. It seems rather difficult these days to just get away from it all. Have our lives become more chaotic and busy in modern times, or have we all simple forgotten about good old-fashioned fun? Regardless of the reason, it’s time for a much-deserved vacation. There are a plethora of family travel deals going all the time. The only trick is finding them. Where do you want to venture off to on your next big vacation? Well, it’s time to huddle up for a family meeting and find out. That much anticipated break from the mundane is just around the corner. Pop open your laptops, folks.
Have you been to cyberspace lately? Now look close, because I didn’t say outer space. As much as you may have wanted to be an astronaut, you might have to settle for virtual reality like the rest of us. However, cyberspace is always within your reach. You have a PC or Mac, right? Then get online and check out the vast array of family travel deals. That trip to Hawaii or the Bahamas can be a reality.
One of the great aspects of the contemporary vacation is the price. No more paying for everything separate and getting shafted. No more settling for the only guy out there’s offer. These days we are flooded with options in our very own living rooms. Pop open your favorite search engine and you’ll see what I mean. Family travel deals are all inclusive now days. Get your airfare, lodging and even meals taken care of ahead of time. For one low price you can deal with the bill before you even get on that plane. This will allow you to have a much more relaxing and enjoyable stay.
When was the last time you browsed through the infinite family travel deals online? It’s as easy as knowing where you want to go. What is your preferred destination? Punch it in and view a variety of hotels, restaurants, and amenities in that area. This makes it easy to decide where exactly you want to stay. Then sift through family travel deals regarding that location. With the numerous websites competing for your cash, you will easily pinpoint the best deal out there. It’s time to begin your next vacation. Get online today and locate the best family travel deals. You won’t regret it! Check out the resource section for the best family travel deals.
Posted in Advice, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 26th, 2006
For people living in Brit, Spain is a nearby playground that beckons us with its promise of sunlit beaches. Since the early 1960′s, thousands of us Brits and Germans too, have taken a Spain vacation on cheap package deals. Cheap beer and sun were always a winning combination.
More recently, Spain has been trying to attract a different sort of clientele to the usual gangs of young guys and gals hunting for sex, sun, and surf. Accommodation complexes are being built with families in mind, and more luxury apartments for older, middle class people who want to play tennis and golf on their Spain vacation.
On a recent Spain vacation, my husband and I were shocked to see the amount of construction going on. If they develop much further, there won’t be any mountain left in some areas. It’s almost impossible to take a photograph without a crane somewhere on the horizon.
For me, there are two types of Spain vacation, and they might as well be on different planets. In the popular coastal resorts, everything is geared up for the British visitor. The Brits can drink British beer in British theme pubs, follow their favorite soap operas, watch soccer matches from the English League on the pub TV, and eat traditional British food in the cafes. The only attempt to engage with Spanish culture is to eat a giant plateful of paella.
The other type of Spain vacation is the one that I can enthusiastically recommend. I call this the real Spain, the Spain that isn’t ashamed to be Spanish and where each region proudly shows off its own particular cultural heritage.
The capital city Madrid is a good place to start for a Spain vacation. It’s a modern city with a fascinating past and some of the best museums in the world. The region of Catalonia in the Northeast has its own distinct identity and language. Its jewel is Barcelona, where the feted architect Antoni Gaudi designed his wonderfully, eccentric buildings. If you are a fan of artist Salvador Dali, there is a superb museum dedicated to him in his hometown of Figueres.
Andalucia is another fascinating regional destination for a Spain vacation. In the Southwest of the country, the legacy of the Arabs who conquered the area is everywhere, leaving behind beautiful Islamic castles and palaces. The towns of Granada, Cordoba and Seville are enchanting.
Spain is an amazing country, especially when you go inland and start to explore. A Spain vacation has its modern attractions too, with excellent shopping, bars, and restaurants. Soccer is a passion, and fans of the sport will enjoy a tour of the Nou Stadium, where the Barcelona team play. There is a museum there that charts the history of the club. For me, it is the culture of the country that draws me back. In addition to Dali, Spain also produced Goya, Picasso and Miro. A Spain vacation will leave many memories of beautiful churches and cathedrals.
The Spanish food is pretty good too. I don’t want to eat British food when I go there. I don’t want them to make me feel at home. I want to feel that I am in Spain! Otherwise, why did I go on a Spain vacation! Enjoy Spain as it is, rare, fun and different!
Posted in Advice, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spain, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Sunday, July 23rd, 2006
One of the ways I get to see the world–as one who doesn’t travel all that much or doesn’t have the money to do so–is to watch really well-done films, check out TV shows, or even listen to superbly depicting songs. When I was younger and sequestered in a solemn community in Puritan New England, I used songs and old Elvis movies to do the same thing. For example, I discovered the Hawaii shores and the Huntington Beach, California, and other, neighboring beaches by way of Blue Hawaii. I. Blues, the Beach Boys, and better, Patti Smith and other rockers.
Do you ever see a potential vacation spot, a viable plot of real estate, or a school or hotel or home by way of movies or TV shows? Hey, in effect, they are 3-D, 2-hour brochures. Check out Huntington Beach, California, this way, for example. First, you likely know that like most of the popular and/or secluded beaches, Huntington Beach, California offers premier surfing off eight miles of accessible beach/shore. This means, of course, numerous world-renowned competitions and events are hosted in Huntington Beach in California including the AVP for Pro Beach Volleyball and the U. S. Surfing Opens, as well as Van’s World Championship of Skateboarding. So you can watch the sports events, and catch sight of the oceans, the sands, the weather or you can watch the psychological thriller, Dementia: An Experiment in Terror, an independent film shot totally in Huntington Beach, California, so you can get the dimensions and dynamics, as well as a general idea of some of the people (though be sure not to confuse characters with residents’ ahem).
Or, you might intentionally look for Huntington Beach, California landscape, politics, and society in focused films such as The Ten Best Beaches in California or the KQED special, Coastal Clash, wherein the coverage includes discussion of who owns what part of which beach, but also features images that are alluring and enlightening. Or, you can watch HBTV3 or catch clips of the sights and sites on the official Huntington Beach, California web pages.
I haven’t had the chance to visit Huntington Beach, California, yet, though I did years after listening to Patti Smith Redondo Beach hitchhike down the coast to see what all the lyrics portrayals were about. You may want to try the movies, the shows, and the clips whether they are fictional and set in Hunting Beach or factual and about such areas that are sunny, surfable, and most welcoming and visit-worthy.
Posted in Advice, Beach, Budget Travel, California, Cheap Travel, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental | No Comments »
Friday, July 21st, 2006
My Iceland vacation last summer was one of the high points of my life. You may not believe it but I can honestly say that I have never had a more fun-filled trip than my Iceland vacation. This might sound strange to you, as I’ve gone all over the world, and been doing it for twenty years now, but really there is no more picturesque place on earth than Iceland in the Summer. It is always light, and the hills surrounding the deep fjords are covered with delicate, beautiful wildflowers. Although trips to Iceland can be kind of pricey (think about it – taking a cruise ship to one of the more remote destinations in the world) the cost of it is completely worth it. I would recommend an Iceland vacation to anyone who appreciates the ocean, the mountains, or the delicate grassy shores of this varied and fascinating land.
Typically, an Iceland vacation will start with a cruise from one of the many ports of Europe. Of course, you can fly directly into Reykjavik, but you don’t know what you are missing by doing that. You will not have the opportunity to sail through the beautiful deep natural harbors, and look at all of the quaint farming villages perched delicately on the rocky shores. You won’t be able to smell the ocean air on your Iceland vacation, or see the beautiful island rising in the distance.
Of course, the high point of Iceland vacations is neither the boat trip there, nor the picturesque scenery once you arrive. It is the natural hot springs, which are known all over the world. During your Iceland vacation, be sure to enjoy this native national pastime. It is true, people all over Iceland spend most of the winter, and much of the summer months as well, blissfully soaking in these springs to pass the long months of night away in relative comfort. They are scattered all over the island, and during your Iceland vacation, you should be able to visit one that is relatively private to enjoy this native treasure.
Make sure to go around the rim road during your Iceland vacation. Much of the interior of the country is barren and icy – virtually impassible. Although a good bit of the south of Iceland is inhabited, the only way to get up north is via a single road that traverses the whole rim of the island.
I will definitely visit iceland again. Actually, I hope to be able to schedule another iceland vacation in the next few years. It’s impossible not to miss the beautiful scenery and the hot springs. No where else can you find similar experience.
Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Cruise, Family Vacation, Holiday, Iceland, Information, Island, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Thursday, July 20th, 2006
If you are looking to spending time under the sun, doing nothing, Florida beach resorts can be a perfect location for a fun and surprisingly affordable vacation. Every year I go to Florida beach resorts, I am surprised at the quality of the experience I have there. I’ve never been much of a fan of Florida until recently. It is hot and muggy, inescapably so, with sudden downpours in the afternoon which leave you feeling drenched and feverish. Nevertheless, staying in a Florida beach resort, I quickly changed my tune. It was so pleasant to have a nice cool air conditioned room, only minutes from the sultry heat of the beach that I just couldn’t help enjoying the whole experience. And on top of it all, there was a jacuzzi downstairs where I could stay until late, just soaking my troubles away. Now that is luxury.
Of course, every one of the Florida beach resorts is different, and your experience won’t necessarily be just like mine. It is important to know what you are looking for in your vacation before you just run out and rent beach front property. Some people prefer a smaller beach resort, or one more isolated, because they find the crowds and the imposing buildings to be somewhat alienating, and really crave solitude.
I, however, much prefer to go to the biggest Florida beach resorts possible. I love the glamor of it, and I’ve always felt that the bigger the business, the higher the quality of service they can provide for me. This is certainly true in my beach resort as every morning a delicious breakfast, either eggs and bacon and pancakes or continental as you prefer. Every evening, the most lavishly stuffed buffet table which you’ve ever seen. Why, it could bring you back from the edge of starvation to a healthy round physiognomy inside of a week, easy.
And not only that, but the Florida beach resorts I stay at have, well, some of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Something about sunshine and water, just makes them look a little better, and it’s so easy to approach people on the beach I mean the beaches are so completely crowded, you’ve practically no choice but to approach them. And the beach resort, of course, has its own night club in addition, where you can dance, dance, dance the night away. There is no better spot in the world for fun, sun, and romance than the Florida coast, and that’s a fact.
Posted in Advice, Beach, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Family Vacation, Florida, Holiday, Information, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 19th, 2006
It’s been a long time since my Disney vacation. I was about six, so I only really remember bits and pieces of the trip. It was at Disney World and I remember the huge spiky ball which housed Space Mountain. I remember the submarines of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (which, to the best of my knowledge, have now been dismantled), the teacups, getting dizzy enough on Space Mountain to fall over when I was walking out, and the tortuously long lines. We saw the Indiana Jones show and waited in line for hours for various other rides that have since slipped my mind. I remember being happy to see Goofy and getting scared out of my mind when I saw Mickey. I think I still have a Goofy hat around somewhere.
If I had a chance to do it all over again, I don’t think I’d ever go on another Disney vacation. Ever. Though I wanted to go to Disney World when I was a kid, it was never the most important thing in the entire world like it was to some kids. Even so, I have quite a few good, even great, childhood memories. Our Disney vacation doesn’t really make it into any of them. I used to think that it was because I was too young; maybe I really had an amazing time at Disney World and I just don’t remember much of it. This isn’t true though.
I have good memories from before our Disney vacation as well as after; age didn’t make much difference. I suppose there was one really good memory. A woman who was selling balloons at Disney World had a huge mass of balloons in one bunch, there must have been a hundred of them. She let me hold all of them for a minute, and I almost thought I was going to float away. That was probably the best thing that happened to me at Disney World.
The average family going to a Disney resort will spend about $1,000 per day. And for what? That $1,000 will get eaten up in admission costs, parking costs, and, more than anything, eaten in the form of food, drinks, and souvenirs purchased in the park. That’s because just about everything within the walls of Disney is extravagantly expensive unless you’re used to $4 bottles of water. The idea of a Disney vacation is to suck as much money as possible out of a family, preying on the wants of the family’s children. Do your kids a favor and go somewhere else, even if it’s Cooney Island. Even better, see the ocean or the Grand Canyon. Your kids will have more fun, you’ll have more fun, and you won’t be stuck in a magical world where everything is a fantasy created by a huge corporate entity. I won’t use this opportunity to deny your kids a visit to their Disney Land but personally, I think it is overrated.
Posted in Advice, Children, Disney World, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 18th, 2006
Are you working 5 days a week? Does that mundane routine start to wear on you? Well, this could be because you’re slaving away at a job you despise, or it might simply be due to the monotony of your robotic lifestyle. When I say this, I’m not insulting your day to day regime, but merely pointing out its lack of flavor. How often do you get away from the cubicle and take a much deserved vacation? Well, if you’re like many of us, you can’t afford to fly down to the Bahamas six times a year for some careless frolicking in the sun and sand. No worries; it’s time to sift through the other options at hand. It may be time to venture off on some cheap weekend breaks.
Cheap weekend breaks are really attainable if you do some research. It’s time to discover the Internet. Believe it or not, but this is the way so many people are a step ahead of you. Many of us know the power of cyberspace can make things happen. If you jump online you will soon see what I mean. There are specials and deals galore on the World-Wide-Web. You can sort through a number of cheap weekend breaks that may suit you and your loved ones. Why wait around every year for that single vacation that only comes when the sun shines bright? When you discover cheap weekend breaks that tickle your fancy, it’s time to get some R and R.
My wife and I love to sight see. We in fact make it a habit to venture out to different areas each weekend. We simply want to know what’s beyond the borders of our one-horse town. This is especially exciting if you’re new to a location. You need to explore and get a taste of life. It’s easy with the Internet on your side. I mean, come on; who doesn’t have a PC or Mac in their home and some sort of Internet connection. This is all you need. You can jump online and check out your surrounding areas. It’s not difficult to find cheap weekend breaks nearby.
You can take a two hour drive after work on Friday, get your hotel room, and have the rest of the weekend to check out the new area. Believe me, this is a blast, and it won’t break your bank account. Online you can locate the best hotel deals, and even map out your cheap weekend breaks in just minutes. You may also be interested in a more far off trip. So head off to the Florida Keys for the weekend. Check out the package deals you can find online. You’ll be amazed at the plethora of cheap weekend breaks found in cyberspace. Get some excitement in your life! Cheap weekend breaks are possible if you do your research and planning well.
Posted in Advice, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Monday, July 17th, 2006
If you are wondering where to go for spring break, check out florida. Florida is the spring break capital of the United States and has something for everyone, families and party-crazy college students alike. There are many types of vacations to choose from, depending on your personal tastes, with many locations to visit, both coastal and inland. You can even combine excursions, depending on how much time and money you have to spend. From the northern to the southern part of the state, popular attractions, national forests, and state nature conservancies abound. The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean are both only a short drive away if you want to be near the water and you can visit more than one of those great Florida beaches for fun, sun, and surf!
If you’re planning on taking the kids on your Florida spring break, Disney World in Orlando would be an excellent choice, with its outstanding theme parks and attractions, including the popular Epcot Center and Magic Kingdom. For the space enthusiast, there is Cape Canaveral, NASA, and the Kennedy Space Center close by, with many onsite tours, museums, and gift shops that offer a great selection of must have souvenirs. If a family vacation is not what you had in mind, you might want to brave the hoards of crazy partying college students at some of the most popular Florida spring break destinations, Daytona Beach, Panama City, St. Petersburg, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, or Miami Beach. The Florida Keys and Key West may offer a quiet stretch of beach, but rest assured, that this will be a rarity during this time of the year.
There are many websites you can check out to find a Florida spring break vacation that is right for you. Also, you can request information ahead of time from the State of Florida regarding tourism information, weather, events, and activities. Most resorts and hotels cater to travelers at this time of year as well, and it is possible to find some great discounts with many freebies included. Since many students are traveling on a budget, these offers are very attractive and hotels book up quickly. So if you find something that looks attractive at the right price, you better grab it. Online travel tips are also available for students regarding some of the darker aspects of spring break, such as date, rape, drugs, a sure way to spoil spring break. Whatever you decide to do, stay on the right side of law and ou’ll have a great time in Florida, the sun capital of the country!
Posted in Advice, Beach, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Florida, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Saturday, July 15th, 2006
No matter when, it’s often hard to find time to relax and have fun. It is especially so when you have a family and career. We all need and crave those peaceful getaways where work is left behind and lounging becomes priority. There are a spectrum of family vacation spots at our fingertips. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a Disney World cruise or a week in mountains, family vacation spots are not only simple to locate, but affordable as well.
Remember way back when your parents took you on the family vacation. It was probably a lot more fun than you lead on. Even though it was with your parents, and most likely involved a station wagon, and hours with your caring siblings, you loved it. How did our parents ever find those cool family vacation spots? There was no Internet! I know that the web certainly helps me plan a vacation for my family. If you jump online and type in “vacations,” you will be flooded with an abundance of options and deals. Everyone is trying to pitch the best deal. There is definitely no shortage of ideas when it comes to vacations.
Some of the more popular family vacation spots include Disney World and Disney Land. We just can’t seem to stay away from that darn mouse. The package deals offer all kinds of trips to choose from. When in search of a family vacation package, it is a great idea to plan ahead. This way you can beat the seasonal rushes. When summer hits, everyone is going on some kind of vacation. Plan in advance and you will not only get what you want, but get it at a cheaper price. This especially applies to air fair. If you fly often, you certainly know the deals that come with getting tickets in advance. You can save some major bucks.
No matter where your family vacation spots lies, it is beneficial to check into the area before making that trip. If you’re not familiar with the place, you want to make sure you don’t get suck in a bad area. Family vacations are meant to be relaxing, not dangerous. One of the greatest family vacation spots I visited with my wife and daughter is Charleston, South Carolina. We had a blast moseying around this relaxing tourist attraction. The cobblestone streets were amazing. I have to admit that it was hard to leave it behind. Whether you’re headed to the coast or a theme park, be sure to check out all the specials available on the web. You will be glad you did. Check out the following resource on family vacation deals enjoy a good time with your loved ones.
Posted in Advice, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Friday, July 14th, 2006
Finding good rates on plane tickets is certainly an art form. Cheap air travel should be made a degree at some universities. I’m not sure that I’ve mastered this art form, but I have certainly developed my cheap air travel skills over the years. Getting a good deal on a flight can make it that much easier to relax on your vacation, and if you didn’t really want to make the trip it makes it that less painful.
There is one cheap air travel technique that no one seems to know about, or furthermore want to even discuss with me at any length. Hop inside a large cardboard box with a few well-placed air holes and have a buddy send you directly anywhere you want by UPS. This is the cheapest air travel tip I’ve come up with, and it has saved me loads of cash. It maybe a little uncomfortable, but your odds are at least pretty good that you’ll survive.
Okay, now I feel like I should probably say that the above suggestion is a joke. While that is likely obvious to most people, I’m worried that some especially frugal individuals may be taking notes. Cheap air travel is always in high demand, and you never know what people will do to get it. I’ve heard of people doing even crazier things!
All jesting aside, the best cheap air travel technique I’ve learned is to book in advance, and never on impulse if I can avoid it. Give yourself plenty of time and check prices often. For whatever reason, ticket prices are prone to severe fluctuation, and a patient and observant consumer can catch some great deals just by keeping an eye on them.
Another thing that will of course help with cheap air travel is if you are traveling in the off season. Depending on where you are going, the off season changes considerably, but it is invariably the time that people are less likely to be traveling in that direction. Maybe that’s the regions rainy season, or maybe its too hot there during that time. You can often book cheap flights on the fringes of these off seasons, taking full advantage of the cheap air travel and possibly catching some decent weather.
I recently landed some great deals on tickets to Madrid this way, and I’m feeling like I’m on my way to earning at least an Associates in cheap air travel. It is a very great feeling knowing that you are saving big buck off your air tickets.
Posted in Advice, Air Travel, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Transportation, Travel, Vacation | No Comments »