Are you tired of doing the same thing day in, day out? Do your travel plans seem a bit routine? Have you gotten stuck in a rut? Today we have a guest post from travel writer Andrea Kirkby who is trying to convince us of ways to look at things differently while in London. —- I recently met up with a friend who has been living in West London for a while. After being there a month or so, he found that he was sticking to a rather regular pattern of commuting, rarely going out of his particular area and not seeing much of the city. Most of us get like that after a while, but he decided to do something about it. Every time he went to a meeting or to visit a friend, he decided to get off […]
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North Dakota Road Trip
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 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 MoreAdventurous Attractions in Malta
Travelers with an interest in history will have their hands full exploring the cities of Malta. This small Mediterranean island has an incredible number of cathedrals, palaces, and museums that are all worth your time. Yet off the beaten path, there are several other attractions that will reveal a different side of Malta’s history. The island also offers fascinating prehistoric sites. If you can tear yourself away from the golden beaches and oceanfront cafes, there are ancient caves and temples to explore too. Here are three unusual historic attractions in Malta, perfect to work into a 3 days in Malta itinerary. Ghar Dalam Caves Translated from Maltese as “cave of darkness” this site is where several discoveries were made about the island of Malta dating back to the ice age. In these caves, the remains of dwarf elephant and hippopotamus […]
Read MoreAlcatraz: The Rock in the San Francisco Bay
Channel your inner Al Capone or “Machine Gun” Kelly with a visit to Alcatraz Island on your next stay in San Francisco. Located in the San Francisco Bay, about a mile offshore, the island served as a lighthouse and military site before becoming a Federal prison in 1963. Alcatraz operated as a federal penitentiary for 29 years, and during that time housed prisoners who had been problems at other locations. Some of the most infamous criminals in history were housed there, and it is claimed that no prisoner ever successfully escaped. Both Capone and Kelly were imprisoned on The Rock, which today is a historic site under the auspices of the National Park Service, and just like then, there is only one way on and off the island. Alcatraz Cruises is the only company authorized by the National Parks Service […]
Read MoreThe Powerscourt Estate: A Daytrip from Dublin
Many first time visitors to Dublin don’t know that the ‘Garden of Ireland’ – County Wicklow – is only 30 minutes south of the city center. No trip to Ireland would be complete without leaving the capital city to see the countryside that the Emerald Isle is so famous for. While there are many destinations worthy of a Dublin daytrip, one of my favorites is the Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow. Unlike other destinations outside of Dublin that are on the train line, you will need to rent a car or join a tour to visit Powerscourt. Reaching the estate in a rental car is half the fun – passing through quaint villages and following rickety old signs will give the daytrip an adventurous quality. The estate is famous for being home to the five-star Ritz Carlton Powerscourt and […]
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