Summer is the time of year for the classic road trip. Whether you pack up the family car, RV, or score a discount car rental, a road trip screams out to get away from the crowds and try something new. For me, a road trip would be to places that I haven’t been before, so let’s spin the map of the U.S. and see what we can come up with. How about North Dakota? It’s a state that I haven’t been to, somewhat obscure in the travel promotion department, and it just seems like the kind of place that would make for a good road trip or family vacation. Now, what’s there to do or see? According to North Dakota Tourism, I’ve been missing out on a lot, as the state is Legendary (their tourism slogan). Here are 10 reasons […]
Read MoreMy World Map Has Been Updated
After my most recent travels to Portugal, I figured it was time to update my “map of the world”. I love taking a look at how much (or how how little) of the world I’ve seen. It’s clear that I’ve got a long ways to go! How much of the world have you seen? Create your own travel mapMary Jo’s travel map has traveled to: Aruba, Bahamas, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, France, Haiti, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, United States, United States Virgin Islands, Vatican City, USA States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
Read MoreEurope 2011: Exploring Italy & Portugal
I’m back home from my shortened travels to Europe, with a few shopping souvenirs, lots of photos, fun experiences to talk about and write about for the coming year, and enthusiasm to get started planning next year’s trip. It might seem like visiting the same place every year could get boring, but in Italy that’s never the case. Our base of operations at La Montalla in Contignano (Tuscany) is a perfect spot to combine days of relaxation and days of exploration, both of which I need during extended travel. Here’s what was new this year: Portugal – Although original plans called for us to be here a week prior to heading to Italy, our rescheduled plans cut that way back. We stayed at a lovely flat in Estoril, just a few minute walk from the beach, and enjoyed time walking […]
Read MoreCelebrating Holidays Internationally
July 4th, 2011. In the United States it was a holiday celebrating the 235th anniversary of the country’s independence. Back home friends had get-togethers with family and friends. There were steaks, chicken, and burgers on the grill. There was time for a game of baseball, badminton, or maybe a little time to be out on the water. There was probably ice cream, watermelon, beer, and plenty of good natured fun. When it was finally dark, the fireworks came out – whether they were the safe and sane sparklers, the bigger fire power purchased on the reservation, or the even bigger powered community displays. The weather looked like it was fairly nice (and that’s a real blessing in Seattle right now) and I’m guessing it was a pretty good day all around. But here in Italy, July 4th, 2011 was simply […]
Read MorePamplona’s Running of the Bulls
Each year, on July 6th, the San Fermin Festival kicks off in Pamplona, Spain. It’s a festival filled with tradition, one of them a crazy, adventurous, daring, and downright dangerous tradition. It’s the annual running of the bulls through the streets of the town. The running of the bulls originally started as a practical means to move the bulls from one part of the town to the other. Since those original days, it’s been romanticized in books and film – Ernest Hemingway said running with the bulls fueled his creativity – and now it’s become a tradition attracting visitors from around the world. The bulls run the half mile course every day of the fiesta at around 8 am, with six bulls and a hundred or so people, many of whom are alcohol-fueled. Runners wear white shirts with a traditional […]
Read MoreEnjoy a Long Weekend Getaway in the Algarve
My time in Portugal was abbreviated, but I managed to get a lot done in two days. However, one of the spots I was unable to get to (and it will have to stay on my to-see list along with the other sights I had to skip) is a visit to the Algarve, an area along Portugal’s southern coast. It’s about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Lisbon, or catch a quick flight, and is a popular choice for a long beach weekend (which is exactly how I planned to do it). The Algarve can also be reached by bus and train, and requires a bit of planning and good timing, but these options weren’t in my consideration. The three spots on my Algarve visit were to be Salema, Cape Sagres, and Lagos. Salema At the end of a small […]
Read MoreNamibia: Home to Wildlife & Extreme Sports
When you’re thinking about places for an African safari, Namibia might not spring to the top of your mind, but after a little research you’ll realize that this coastal country offers a near perfect blend of wildlife eco-tourism and adventure. Namibia is a major destination for visitors looking for a wildlife and eco-tourism experience, and with 26 parks and reserves you can choose from a structured guided safari or a self-drive adventure. Here are three of the top spots for wildlife in Namibia Etosha National Park The most famous of the wildlife parks is Etosha National Park (in photo top), which translates to “great white place of dry water.” It is located in the northern region of Namibia, and is a savannah with large herds of game including various types of gazelle, antelope, zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo. And where you’ll […]
Read MoreTravel Problems: Changes and Cancellations
Sometimes what challenges you is not what happens on the road, but actually leaving home to get on that road. With the fates seemingly conspiring against you, it may seem like you have to clear roadblock after roadblock to leave home. From getting vacation time from your work to deciding where to go, from managing your travel budget to making the reservations, from arranging coverage for details at home to packing, it takes a lot of effort to actual get out on that road to enjoy your travels. But what about when something happens that messes up that departure? This can often be the most difficult decision to make. Abandoning plans and staying at home is often the easy choice to make. And sometimes it’s the right choice to make. Often, however, there are ways to modify your travel plans […]
Read MoreTravel Interruptions: Illness and Injuries on the Road
When travel plans don’t happen exactly like you’d like them to, you’re going to need to call on some patience and creativity to still enjoy your vacation. Don’t throw up your hands and give up! Dig into those reserves that you have and find a way to put the joy back into your travel. Yesterday we talked about problems at the airport: cancelled flights, delays, missed connections, and problems with the TSA. Today we tackle those pesky problems that can happen when we’re out on the road. If there is anything that the last couple of years have taught me, it’s that stuff happens. And stuff usually happens at the most inconvenient time. Like when you’re getting ready to go on a trip. Or, perhaps when you’re on your trip. After many decades of blissful health, the last several have […]
Read MoreCancelled Flights, Delays, Missed Connections, and the TSA
It’s easy to be happy and enthusiastic about traveling when things are going well — flights leaving on time, connections made, nice weather, making wonderful new friends, and seeing the world. It’s easy to think the world is full of sunny skies and unicorns when things are just about perfect. But what about when things go wrong? Not the big kind of wrong that will completely ruin a vacation, but the kind of wrong that is going to knock you off your game, make you think about what you’re going to do, and challenge you to find ways to be happy with your travels. Since I’ve had to face this issue several times in the last year or two, I want to share with you some things I’ve learned about how to handle the stress of traveling in a way […]
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