Vacation Blog

June 28, 2009, 6:29 PM CT

Rent a Car to Explore Maui

Are you planning a family vacation or an urgent business trip to Maui? Other than tour buses, this tourist destination has limited transportation options and taxis are expensive. Consider renting a car so that you can explore Maui to the fullest. There are two types of car rental agencies in Maui. The major, international car rental agencies are available at airports. These mainly concentrate on corporate deals. The other option is less expensive particularly for long-term rentals but do not provide pick-ups at airports.

Maui has a number of car rental facilities that ensure safe travel solutions for the regular as well as occasional visitor. The beautiful Islands of Maui have car rental companies, ready to offer cars with or without a driver for any occasion, on any day and for any duration in varied budget categories. Most of the companies provide advance car reservation without pre-payment and cancellation charges.

While accepting a car from Maui car rentals, you must check the overall condition of the car and associated documents giving special emphasis to the personalized car services, air conditioning system, headlight and brake light conditions and availability of a music system. Jeeps, minivans, SUV's, trucks, convertibles, luxury minivans, sedans, and 4/door compact models are the most commonly rented cars. Some rental agencies specialize in luxury and exotic cars like Mercedes, Lamborghini and Rolls Royce while others offer Volkswagen Campers and RVs. Driving some of these cars can be great fun but they may not offer security for your personal items and can severely limit the kind of roads you can drive on. ........ Posted by: Betsy      Read more         Source

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:51:19 GMT

Sips & Apps by Kathy Casey

Sips & Apps by Kathy Casey is an inspiring Cocktails and Nibbles book. Kathy is a "bar chef." Like any chef, she creates new recipes; in her case, drinks recipes, and she explores and tweaks the old favorites. She has her signature cocktails, she knows her craft and she shares the results with us in this fantastic book.

I am curious about new tastes, but when it comes to cocktails, I am not very adventurous. I know a few recipes and I"ll stick to them. No more! Kathy is taking me by the hand and after my first trial a "Montreal" I am ready to follow her wherever she will take me Posted by: Editor      Read more     Source

May 21, 2009, 8:37 PM CT

Oregon Vacation Rentals

Staying at Oregon vacation rentals will help double the fun of exploring this beautiful state. Lush green forests, transparent streams and beautiful beaches make up much of Oregon. Although the place is blessed with marvelous natural beauty, the nightlife of Eugene and Portland is equally popular.

The region's rich history and culture is yet another popular tourist attraction. The place is known to be inhabited by various indigenous tribes, even before traders and explorers arrived here.

Oregon Vacation Rentals Available at Popular Tourist Destinations

Different types of Oregon vacation rentals available at the region's hotspots are:

• Cannon Beach: The nine mile long picturesque beach is lined with restaurants and shops and is great for walks. The 235 feet high Haystack Rock is the third biggest coastal monolith on the globe and is a great tourist attraction. The vacation rentals here have a scenic ocean view. Most Oregon vacation rentals have large, well lighted bedrooms and cozy living rooms. Similarly, these have well-equipped play area and media rooms with TV/DVD/VCR and stereo. Certain rentals also provide the fun of barbequing, with the majestic Haystack Rock in sight.
• Crater Lake: Oregon vacation rentals located in the vicinity of the beautiful Crater Lake, formed of a crater, are a great vacation option. The place offers opportunities for boating and hiking. Other facilities such as fully furnished lake cabins, cottage accommodations and waterfront tents in the vicinity of lake are available on rental basis. Vacation houses with two or more bedrooms and attached kitchen and bathroom are available for family reunion vacations or other gatherings. Most Oregon vacation rentals are equipped with modern facilities, with a blend of the past, arousing nostalgia.
........


Posted by: Betsy      Read more         Source

May 19, 2009, 8:30 PM CT

Kauai Car Rentals

auai is a wonderful Hawaiian island, famous for its lush greenery. It attracts thousands of travelers every year because of its natural beauty as well as its affordable traveling. In fact, the average daily price of Kauai car rentals is much lower than car renting anywhere else in the US.

Kauai Car Rentals: Vacationing

The island of Kauai, popularly known as the Garden Island, is home to several pristine sandy beaches and cliffs. This rural, sparsely populated place is quite small, when compared to the Big Island or Maui. Lihue Airport is the main airport of Kauai.

Travelers have a variety of entertainment options here, which include snorkeling, surfing, hiking, sunning, and exploring the ocean wildlife. Kauai is also famous for its Lydgate State Park, Old Koloa town, Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, Opaekaa Falls, Hanalei Valley and Bay, and Kilauea Point Lighthouse. In fact, the region's beautiful vacation rentals are also in great demand today.

Interestingly, the award-winning film 'Jurassic Park' features Kauai's Na Pali coast and its wonderful cliffs, with its breathtaking view.

Why Kauai Car Rentals?

If you love driving, Kauai is the place for you. Book Kauai Car Rentals and enjoy a memorable drive on Highway 560. Also, get some interesting views of the picturesque beaches, waterfalls, caves, quaint churches and beautiful towns while driving. The enchanting north shore of Kauai can be enjoyed on a Sunday afternoon drive.

Kauai car rentals also offer a great variety of car models and makes. Whether you are planning a Hawaiian wedding in Kauai or a honeymoon, enjoy an experience of a lifetime with our chauffeured Kauai limousine.

While driving, it is important to be mindful of the specified safe and unsafe zones. This is because adhering to rules helps avoid problems such as an unexpected car breakdown.

Hawaii Car Rentals has partnered with industry leaders, such as Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Budget and Enterprise, to offer you the choicest vehicles in the Hawaiian Islands. So, plan your multi-island trip today and book the best Kauai car rentals through the website hawaiicarrentals.net.

Posted by: Betsy      Read more         Source

Fri, 01 May 2009 02:28:53 GMT

Clothing Optional in Bavaria

TravelPost had an interesting spot earlier this month on the 32-room Hotel Rosengarten in the Black Forest region. It will soon become Germany's first nude hotel, "catering solely to those willing to shed clothing for the duration of their stay...."The project from entrepreneur Frider Haferkorn is designed to attract the growing European population of naturists, those who believe mingling in the buff is, well, just plain better. Going farther than merely clothing-optional, the hotel plans to require guests to remain naked while they are in the hotel and on the grounds.You will evidently also have to promise not to take anyone's picture without their permission (though cameras aren't completely banned) and to "assert allegiance to the nudist movement."

The leading activity for nudists in the area? Hiking (I kid you not) in Germany's Black Forest....


© ohschroeg Posted by: Greg Cruey      Read more     Source

April 23, 2009, 5:29 AM CT

"Congestion pricing" could solve the problem of airport delays

In London, motorists pay a fee to drive into certain parts of the city during peak traffic hours, and the idea has been considered for implementation in New York as well. Now Dr. Itai Ater, an economist from Tel Aviv University's Faculty of Management, is suggesting that introducing "congestion pricing" at airports could save travellers time and airlines money.

"What I propose is a policy to reduce the amount of delays in the airline industry," says Dr. Ater. Airlines that want to use an airport's runways during the busiest times of the day, he says, should pay an additional fee. This price for premium access to the runway could reduce airport congestion - and the inevitable delays, as well as the risks, associated with crowded skies.

Dr. Ater will present his advice at the National Bureau of Economic Research conference in Boston this May. His aim is to spare airlines from future catastrophes as airports, and skies, get busier.

How the Pennies (and Minutes) Add Up

"Airport congestion is a big problem in the U.S. and around the world," says Dr. Ater, who evaluated flight records from America's busiest airports for his doctoral thesis at Stanford University. "The estimated annual costs of delays are $10 billion. When there are delays on take off or landing, a cascading effect is created, with lots of associated problems, risks and financial costs," he says......... Posted by: Betsy      Read more         Source

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:54:49 GMT

Things to Do in Pattaya, Thailand

Thailand is one of Asia's most popular vacation destinations, and the beach resort town of Pattaya offers a lot to do.

AquaTerraSky recently published a list of ten things to do in Pattaya. The city has a crocodile farm, a zoo, a tropical garden, some historical replicas of ancient Thai village life, an amusement park, a couple of temples and a very active night life. There's even a Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Of course, there's also a beach. Pattaya is on the South China Sea. Enjoy the sun. Ride a jet ski.


© zhaffsky Posted by: Greg Cruey      Read more     Source

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:49:32 GMT

New Blog Deals With Crisis

It is truly a sign of the times; I recently received a comment from Malcolm Milburn on my post titled The Screws Tighten.

Malcolm writes that he has become so concerned over the financial crisis - which I call a depression - and its impact on the game of golf that he has created a blog dealing specifically with that subject.

I applaud him. If you read his bio, you will note that Malcolm is earning a double major in Business Administration and Accounting. He says he's hoping to land a job with an investment bank on graduation "if any remain of course".

He is apparently also a realist, something that is still sorely lacking in the investment community despite what is happening daily; if I read of one more portfolio manager recommending that now is the time to put money in equities, I will puke.

Malcolm's blog is extremely well written and insightful.

And I'm sure he hopes it will be a short-lived venture. Posted by: Chris Henry      Read more     Source

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:49:26 GMT

Will Work For Travel: A Sosauce Internship

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 4916707 Sosauce is offering a unique internship that will sponsor young people to travel abroad & participate in cause-oriented work.

It is an eight-week summer marketing internship that upon its completion will also make you eligible for a two-week travel experience. During this travel period you will volunteer with and document a social or environmental issue.

Application deadline is on April 17, 2009.

Find out more at Sosauce. Posted by: Gloria Gamat      Read more     Source

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:37:37 GMT

New Zealand's Wine Country

It's been a few years since I've been to New Zealand. I spent a few days in Auckland once and was blessed to be allowed to spend Christmas with a Maori family near Napier. Some of the family's men swam out into the bay to get fresh abalone for Christmas dinner....

Chang-rae Lee has a good article online at the moment about New Zealand's vineyards. The article describes New Zealand as having "the most lush, grape-heavy vineyards this side of Bordeaux." It's a long article (six very full pages) but well worth the read. I enjoyed it.

You can read it here.


Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 4991363 Posted by: Greg Cruey      Read more     Source

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:25:08 GMT

Airline Meals

Airline Meals has over 7000 pictures, showing meals and full meal details from up to 350 different airlines, sent in by travellers from every corner of the world.

First class meals, business class meals, economy class meals, but also crew meals, vegetarian meals, gluten free meals, children"s meals, or just a bag of peanuts. Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:01:19 GMT

Toronto Diary

Toronto event listings for the weekend of January 10 + 11, 2009:

SATURDAY
1. No Pants 2K9
Toronto joins 24 international cities and drops its drawers on the subway. If you don"t mind showin" a lil" skin, then join the crowd. But before you do, please read the instructions, and leave your cameras, laughter, and news reporter friends at home.
TTC.
OTHER / 3pm / free / website Posted by: Connie      Read more     Source

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:20:57 GMT

Jackson Wyoming - in February

Concierge.com has an interesting tip on finding luxury on a budget. Consider Jackson, Wyoming in February.

You'd think it would cost money. But according to Concierge.com, the ski resorts in the nearby mountain may be full, but the in-town hotels that cater to summer tourists are running specials in the dead of winter.

There's lots to see. Grand Teton National Park is just to the north and Yellowstone is north of that. The wildlife is easier to see when the ground is snow covered.


Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, chip phillips Posted by: Greg Cruey      Read more     Source

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:52:22 GMT

Airlines offer free seats

Are there lessons for other industries? Like, for example, the automakers?

Airlines are doing it tough in this environment so it was interesting to read last week of Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia scrapping fuel charges and giving away 500,000 free seats.

Now Singapore's Tiger Airways is doing the same thing.The reason for all this is pretty simple: airlines are trying to bring back customers who have stopped travelling because of the meltdown. But it does make you wonder whether other industries go the way of the mobile phone companies and roll out similar models. Desperate times call for innovative solutions. This might be just the beginning. Posted by: leon      Read more     Source

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:14:01 GMT

Jacquinia pungens

I''m on vacation, so please accept my apologies for the brief entries. -- Daniel.

Thank you to Charlie Willis of Harvard University for submitting today''s photograph taken in summer of 2007 at the Centro de Investigacion Científica de Yucatán (CICY) Jardines Botánico in Merida, Mexico. Much appreciated!

As Charlie noted in his correspondence with me, the common name of this tropical shrub is cudjoewood. Jacquinia pungens was Cal''s Plant of the Week in mid-May of 2004, so head on there for a brief description as well as cultural requirements in greenhouse conditions. A comprehensive ecological description of the plant is more-or-less available (depending on whether you have institutional access or not) through Janzen, D. 1970. ">Jacquinia pungens, a Heliophile from the Understorey of Tropical Deciduous Forest. Biotropica. 2(2):112-119. Janzen notes that Jacquinia pungens has the uncommon behaviour of bearing leaves during the dry season and losing its leaves for the rainy season (a contrary behaviour to most tropical deciduous plants). He also makes mention of how plants protect themselves from herbivory: toxic compounds in the foliage and needle-tipped leaves. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:23:49 GMT

Religulous

"There is no arguing with faith," writes Stephen Holden in the New York Times. "As the comedian and outspoken nonbeliever Bill Maher travels the world, interviewing Christians, Jews and Muslims in the facetiously funny documentary Religulous, you begin to wonder if there might be two subspecies of humans."

"Bill Maher''s one-man stand-up attack on religious fundamentalism is a dog that has more bark than bite - a skeptical, secular-humanist hounding of the hypocrites, amusingly annotated with sarcastic subtitles and clips from cheesy biblical spectacles." The Voice''s J Hoberman reviews this one alongside Allah Made Me Funny.

Updated through 10/3. Posted by: dwhudson      Read more     Source

August 27, 2008, 6:48 PM CT

Ancient Supervolcano at Yellowstone

The geysers of Yellowstone National Park owe their eistence to the "Yellowstone hotspot"--a region of molten rock buried deep beneath Yellowstone, geologists have found.

But how hot is this "hotspot," and what's causing it?

In an effort to find out, Derek Schutt of Colorado State University and Ken Dueker of the University of Wyoming took the hotspot's temperature.

The scientists published results of their research, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s division of earth sciences, in the August, 2008, issue of the journal Geology.

"Yellowstone is located atop of one of the few large volcanic hotspots on Earth," said Schutt. "But though the hot material is a volcanic plume, it's cooler than others of its kind, such as one in Hawaii".

When a supervolcano last erupted at this spot more than 600,000 years ago, its plume covered half of today's United States with volcanic ash. Details of the cause of the Yellowstone supervolcano's periodic eruptions through history are still unknown.

Thanks to new seismometers in the Yellowstone area, however, scientists are obtaining new data on the hotspot.

Past research found that in rocks far beneath southern Idaho and northwestern Wyoming, seismic energy from distant earthquakes slows down considerably......... Posted by: Betsy      Read more         Source

Sat, 24 May 2008 23:38:48 GMT

Cruising for Discounts?

The words "cruise" and "budget travel" are rarely used in the same sentence. However, according to the folks at Vacations to Go :

To protect the full-fare business they receive from traditional travel agents, cruise lines will not allow many of the deals you are about to see to be advertised in newspapers or magazines, or on television.

Are you a spontaneous type who is not adverse to planning a last-minute cruise vacation? Register at their site and receive emails about last-minute cruise deals. Registration is free! The site is also highly informative. Check it out! Posted by: Lisa Marie Mercer      Read more     Source

Sat, 24 May 2008 23:32:40 GMT

The allure of the London Eye

The London Eye has established itself as one of the must visit attractions of London alongside such favourites was the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. In fact it's the most popular pay for entry visitor attraction in the UK. It's rather pricey at £15.50 per adult and £7.75 for kids under 16 years of age but you save 10% if you book online.


by europealacarte

The London Eye, at 135 metres, is the tallest observation wheel in the world. I think that the London Eye is most spectacular to non-riders when it's illuminated in the evening.

I took a "flight" on the London Eye in 2000 during its first year of operation when I visited the Millennium Dome with our sons. I was rather wary as I generally feel sick during any sort of fairground rides. However the London Eye's motion is smooth and slow and I was able to enjoy the views without feeling queasy. Posted by: Karen Bryan      Read more     Source

Sat, 24 May 2008 22:29:39 GMT

Rising Gas Prices and Memorial Day Travel

Who hasn't heard of rising gas prices? It is a "burden" the world over. However, in the U.S., the rising gas prices has certainly affected travel this Memorial Day weekend.


© Wolfgang Staudt


In Southern California alone, as reported by the L.A.Times:

Fewer southern Californians are expected to travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend this year, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

About 2.9 million people are projected to take weekend trips starting today. About 73% of Southland travelers - 2.12 million people - were expected to drive, a decline from last year of 0.1%. More than 440,000 people will travel by airplane, a decline from last year of 0.2%.

But then, you guys are already enjoying your weekends! Enjoy. Posted by: Gloria Gamat      Read more     Source

Fri, 09 May 2008 01:33:11 GMT

Iceland's supersize National Park

The Vatnajokull National Park in Iceland will be the largest National Park in Europe. It will encompass the entire Vatajokull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe and the Dettifoss Waterfall, the most powerful falls in Europe. The Park, due to officially open on 7 June 2008 will cover 13% of Iceland's landmass.


© r h

There's plenty to do in addition to enjoying the spectacular countryside and scenery in Iceland. The capital city Reykjavik has some great nightlife. There are many events such as the Festival of the Sea the first weekend in June, The Jazz Festival at the end of August and The Film Festival at the end of September. Posted by: Karen Bryan      Read more     Source

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:33:16 GMT

A probiotic solution to travellers tummy

The makers of Travala Probiotic claim that by taking their product you can reduce the likelihood of contracting the dreaded "travellers tummy" from 20 - 50% to only 5%. The products maintains digestive health and immunity while travelling by increasing the incidence of so called friendly bacteria. It costs £7.49 of a pack of 30 capsules and the makers recommend that you take 2 capsules a day for a week before departure and continue with 2 a day during your trip, upping this to 4 a day if you are one of the unlucky 5% who are afflicted.
© ninahale

I think there is probably a large potential market for this product as an increasing number of travellers are heading for locations such as Egypt and India where there is more chance of a bout of "travellers tummy". I know that my sightseeing trips in Morocco were curtailed by an upset stomach.

There are three basic preventative steps you should take:
1 Frequent hand washing
2 Avoid raw foods
3 Avoid tap water

I'd be interested to hear if you have tried Travala Probiotic and if it lived up to its claims. Posted by: Karen Bryan      Read more     Source

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:12:50 GMT

Bangkok Attractions

The Bangkok temples are without a doubt, the most intriguing attractions of the city. While they all charge a nominal admission fee, the experience is well worth the price. However, as mentioned in my earlier post, the heat of the city can be oppressive, so try not to be overly ambitious about how many temples you visit in a day.

That said, here are some of the highlights:

Wat Pho: Wat Pho is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is the largest temple in the city of Bangkok. It's claim to fame is the 46 meter long reclining Buddha, that is covered in gold leaf. Wat Pho is also one of the best places in Thailand to experience a traditional Thai massage. At 200 baht an hour, which is less than 10 dollars, it is also inexpensive.

Wat Arun: Wat Arun, otherwise known as the Temple of Dawn is perhaps the most beautiful sight in the city of Bangkok. The temple is decorated by bits of porcelain that were once used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China. Photos do not do it justice. You need to see it up close and personal. The most dramatic way to visit Wat Arun is to take one of the water taxis. If you can wake up early enough, try to see it at dawn.

The Grand Palace: The Grand Palace Complex was once the official home of the Kings of Siam. The current king still uses this palace for ceremonial events.

Posted by: Lisa Marie Mercer      Read more     Source

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:42:44 GMT

Airlines Woo Frequent Fliers

The troubled airline industry is looking to business travelers for a boost. While competing in the economy class price wars has put more than one major carrier in jeopardy, business and first class prices have remained steady. Airlines are now focusing on how to win these high paying customers. This means it's a great time to be a business traveler. Domestic carriers are well behind international airlines in terms of business class service. Seats that lie flat or at least 160 degrees and personal video screens are the norm. The in-flight service seems more like first-class.

Matthew Daimler, founder of SeatGuru.com, thinks the war for customers is making business class better: "What first class was five or 10 years ago, that's what business class is now becoming."

With seats getting wider and wider and service getting better and better, we have to start wondering where it is going to end. There is talk of converting planes to all business class seats on busy routes. Eos Airlines has 757s that contain 48 personal "suites." Fliers have 20 square feet of their own personal space. So the day may be coming soon when economy and business classes are not in separate sections, but on separate planes.

Source Posted by: Josh Lew      Read more     Source

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:31:48 GMT

Campaign Hate Speech.

Apparently we should be more careful what we say at election time. I agree. We shouldn''t be condemning people for their name, race, or gender.

.... but should warmongers also be protected as a minority?

John McCain seems to think so.

Why am I NOT surprised this was reported on Fox News? Posted by: Dori      Read more     Source

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 12:19:00 GMT

Biloxi's Unpretentious Comeback

After hurricane Katrina hit, the media's attention was firmly concentrated on the drama in New Orleans. Few people realize that the damage in other Gulf Coast towns was also significant. Biloxi, Mississippi was one of these "mostly forgotten."

Biloxi hasn't rested since Katrina made landfall. Seeing the devastation as a opportunity, Biloxi focused on rebuilding and, three years after the storm, its tourism industry is thriving. In fact, the city's airport is more busy than it was in the years before the storm hit.

Biloxi's white-sand beaches and maritime culture, which is marked by sites like the Biloxi Lighthouse, have long been regional tourist draws.

Biloxi's shrimp industry is also back on its feet. Seafood is always the center of attention on the area's menus. Celeb' chef Emeril Lagasse, a Gulf Coast native, has a restaurant in town. There are plenty of less commercialized creole joints in town as well.

Biloxi's first attraction to reopen was the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. A new venue, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, whose opening was delayed by Katrina, joined the party and Biloxi was reborn.

Photo

Source Posted by: Josh Lew      Read more     Source

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:25:44 GMT

Macau - Asia's most exciting destination

© Balaji Dutt

Macau is being billed as "Asia's most exciting destination". Macua lies in the Pearl River estuary between the South China Sea and mainland China.. Macua is run along similar lines to Hong Kong as a special administrative area within China. Macau was formally handed over to China by the Portuguese in 1999.

The city is a fascinating fusion of Chinese and Portuguese, old and new, culture and architecture. One of the best known landmarks is the Macau Tower with fantastic views across the Delta. There are several Chinese temples, the oldest, Kun Iam dating from the 15th century. There are the bridges linking the islands of Taipa and Coloane to Macua. Plans have just been approved for the construction of a mega 36 kilometre sea bridge to link Hong Kong-Zhuha-Macau.

The Macau Government Tourist Office has lots of useful information such as tours including the Historic Centre and Macau highlights. You can read local residents recommendations for their favourite off the beaten track restaurants.

Have you visited Macau, what would you recommend doing there? Posted by: Karen Bryan      Read more     Source