Travel Tips Blog

Buon giorno!? I went to Rome last year – yes, I was lucky enough to visit this city and let me tell you, it was amazing! I’ve been talking about it to anybody who will listen, so I finally thought it was time for me to shut up and write down my top five reasons to make a trip to Rome!

1. Art – Simply put, Italy has an amazing amount of art, paintings, sculptures, monuments, masterpieces etc.? Rome itself houses many of these and any art lover could spend every moment discovering art covering nearly 2,800 years at the various galleries and museums.
2. The Vatican – Even if you don’t belong to the Catholic Church, a visit to the Vatican is a necessity.? Did you know that Vatican City is the world’s richest country in the world per square foot?? I digress; at the Vatican you can see priceless treasures, climb the top of the dome and visit St. Peters Basilica (don’t forget to take in the view).
3. Food – O.k. food is very important to me when I travel and Rome certainly didn’t disappoint.? I enjoyed a huge range of restaurants suiting a variety of budgets!? Of course, you’ll want to indulge in pizza and fresh pasta until you are blue in the face!? Don’t forget to enjoy a nice glass of Italian wine too!
4. Weather – You can basically visit Rome at any time of the year.? The weather it typically sunny and pleasant!
5. Heritage – There is a great history and heritage in Rome that is unlike any other place I’ve visited.? From the amazing architecture, the melodious language and wonderful people, this place oozes Italian heritage and is definitely worth a visit.

I hope you plan a trip to Rome sometime soon.? Oh yeah, I just so happened to book a package with Virgin Vacations and it was awesome.? All the details were taken care of!?

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I got the idea for writing this blog after I saw a listing of some museums in Europe thought a lot of them sounded really strange.? So – I figured some of you blog readers might actually like hearing about some of the weird museums of Europe just waiting for you to visit!

1. Gletschergarten Luzern – A truly bizarre museum located in Switzerland, the main feature of the museum is a glacial pothole and the fossils extracted from it.? Discovered in 1872, Joseph Wilhelm Amrein-Troller stumbled upon it when he was installing a wine cellar in the garden.? Inspired, he started up a museum to share his discovery and it still stands today.? So, you can view the pothole and also tour his Swiss mansion.? Another strange feature of the museum is the mirror maze added in 1899!
2. Musee des Egouts de Paris – Ever thought you’d visit a Paris sewer museum?? Well you can!? This museum is actually located in unused parts of Paris’ sewage system.? Be prepared for a strong odor and enjoy maps, photographs and you can even walk a few meters above waste being flushed away!? Yuck!
3. Deutches Tapeten Museum – This museum, located in Kassel, Germany actually celebrates wallpaper!? If you have an interest in wallpaper, then this is the place for you.? With over 18,000 pieces of wallpaper, you can discover every type of wallpaper imaginable along with display on the first machines used for printing wallpaper.
4. South Tirol Museum of Archaeology – If you are in northern Italy be sure to get a close up at a 5,000-year-old iceman at this museum in the town of Bolzano.? Unbelievably, this museum houses the iceman found frozen with his gear in a glacier.? It actually is a very informative museum where you can learn about ancient life and of course, you get to witness the iceman inside the specially built freezer.
5. The Bunker Furigen Museum of War History – The neutral nation has over 20,000 shelters dug into the sides of the Alps.? If you want to learn more about the history of this country, visit this museum, the only shelter open to the public.? You’ll have an opportunity to tour the dorms, hospital, kitchen and machine gun nests.

The list of strange museums in Europe is long and intriguing!? With so many fabulous museums to choose from, I just might need to do another post with five more!

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We are heading on our first vacation to Chile and are really excited.? I’ve started to research things for us to do while we’re there and thought I’d share my list – just in case there are others planning their own Chilean vacation!

Chile looks like an amazing place to visit given the gorgeous nature and beautiful countryside.? Amazingly, the country features vast lakes, pristine forests along with snowcapped volcanoes.

From my research, it appears that we won’t have a moment of boredom as I already have a list that will take us more days to complete than we are spending there!? Here are my top things (beyond enjoying Chilean wine) that I hope we get to do…

• Trekking – Trekking is incredibly popular due to the striking contrast of the country.? I read that with a length exceeding 4,300kms from north to south, we can expect to see mountains, deserts, Mediterranean landscapes, glaciers and vast open plains.? Trekking is an ideal way to take in this land and will give us a terrific picture of the untamed beauty of the country.
• Glacier Cruise – I’ve never been on a glacier cruise, and with global warming, this may be the only opportunity we get.? We plan to visit the wild west fjord coast to experience the ice fields extending as long as the eye can see.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries – My husband and I are nature lovers and cannot wait to witness what has been called some of the most beautiful fauna and flora worldwide.? There are many wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas, so I think we’ll make our final choice once we arrive in the country and can get some advice from the locals.
• Visit Monuments – Chile has many monuments – and since we love learning about local history, we’ll do a bit of monument hunting amongst our other tourist activities.? There is a huge list of popular monuments such as Salar de Surire, Isla Cachagua, El Morado, Cueva del Milodin and Laguna Los Cisnes.

We’re counting the days till our Chilean adventure and I’ll be sure to share some of our experiences on this blog!

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In the interest of getting organized for 2008, I started purging my closets and the rest of my house to try to get some order.? Nothing is worse than a house full of clutter and disarray!? I noticed as I was going through my things that I’ve picked up some really bad travel souvenirs over the years.? So, I thought I’d share my ideas for the best travel souvenirs for any future trips.? Here goes!

1. Postcards – I know it sounds old fashioned, but why not send some postcards to family and friends while you are away.? If you have kids, write a postcard to their class so the other children can see images from the place their friend visited along with the interesting stamps you selected.? It takes no time at all and people sure appreciate receiving them!
2. CDs of Local Music – Some of my favorite CDs are ones I’ve picked up during my travels.? One is a holiday music CD recorded at the famed Westminster Abbey – it brings back memories of that trip every holiday season that I get it out.? No matter where you go, there are bound to be good local musicians who would be thrilled to have you purchase a copy to take home.
3. Posters – I have many of posters from my travels up around various parts of my house.? The important thing is to find a sturdy cardboard or plastic tube so that you can transport them home in one piece.? A friend of mine collects movie posters in the local language – those are always fun too!
4. Key Chains – Yeah – I know everyone has a keychain…but why not have key chains from your cool travels!? There are so easy to find and are super inexpensive.? They’ll be great daily reminders of some of your favorite trips!
5. Kitchen Wares – I love picking up dishtowels, beer can coolers, funky can openers and other kitchen stuff when I travel.? I’ve gotten some really cool items from a trip to Sweden – people always ask about them when I use them.? They are great reminders of our trips and always bring a smile to my face!

Next time you travel, think about some unique souvenirs you can bring back for yourself or someone you love!

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I have traveled extensively over the last twenty years and have compiled a list of unique travel tips that can help the newest traveler or even the most experienced traveler.? I find these tips make my trips more enjoyable – why not give them a try!

1. Bottled water can be expensive and a pain to purchase during trips.? I’ve started carrying a water purifier that I can attach to almost any sink faucet.? It is pretty small (I carry it in a small Ziploc bag) and you can even bring the adapter to fit it to non-standard faucets.? Simply attach the purifier to a faucet – fill up your water bottles and voila – you have fresh, pure water at your disposal.? When you are finished, remove the purifier, shake the water out and wrap in paper towel before placing back in your Ziploc bag.? So easy and so convenient (not to mention – environmentally friendly!).
2. My husband and I have switched to eating our larger meal at lunch – instead of dinner.? Lunch menus are much less expensive and we find it’s much easier on our waistline than eating a heavy meal and then heading to bed!? In the evening, we’ll often share a salad and appetizers – it saves money too!
3. Don’t succumb to room service – it’s overpriced and you have to pay hefty delivery fees to the staff.? Instead, ask the hotel front desk for a list of local restaurants that deliver.? You’ll get to taste some great local food and save a few bucks too!
4. Always carry small amounts of local currency in small bills that you can use for tipping.? It also works great for taxicabs so that you have exactly the amount for your fare and your tip.
5. Never use the hotel phone for long distance calls.? Hotels charge exorbitant long distance rates.? Instead, find a pay phone in the hotel and use your calling card.? Alternatively, purchase a calling card in the country you are visiting – you will save tons over the hotels rates.
6. Purchase snacks at a local grocery store or bring some with you.? Let’s face it – vending machines are a rip off and often the food is stale.? Instead, pack a few packages of your favorite chips or other snacks so that when the urge to snack hits – you are prepared.? If you don’t want to bring food with you, visit a local grocery store where you can pick up treats for a fraction of the cost of vending machines.
7. When you arrive at your destination, head over to the information desk at the airport (often located near the baggage claim area).? You’ll find tons of brochures on activities, restaurants and hotels.? Oftentimes, they will have coupons and discounts to help save you money on activities and food.? The personnel working the counter can also provide a plethora of information to help you plan your trip.
8. Bring a small blank notebook with you in your purse or carryon.? Use it to record information about your activities, list important phone numbers, write about your trip etc.? When you come home, the notes in it will be a great reference source when are planning your second trip back!

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As I reflect on 2007, I can’t help but note that my trip to Vietnam was definitely a highlight.? While this locale is one of the most interesting places I have visited, there were things that I loved, and things that I disliked.? So – for your reading pleasure, I’ve created this list of things I like best and not so much during my extended trip to this lush and beautiful place.

Best

• Vietnam has some of the most gorgeous beaches.? I found places where I got to enjoy paradise with only a handful of other people.
• The food is so delicious and healthy.? The flavors and incredible and the food is very cheap!
• The countryside is very green and lush – with a real tropical feel.
• During my stay, I didn’t witness any crime and I felt very safe.
• It is easy to get around on motorbike.? It was my mode of transportation and I found it to be inexpensive (fuel-efficient), versatile, reliable and fast.
• I was surprised by how inexpensive it was to travel around the country.

Not So Much

• Language barrier was an issue as the language is difficult to learn and the English spoken by natives is tough to understand.
• The hot humid weather was tiring and we did experience many rainstorms in the afternoon.
• As an obvious foreigner, I sometimes felt I was targeted by people trying to sell merchandise.? While I understand they need to make a living – this did get tiresome.
• Air pollution is rampant and on bad air days, it can be difficult to breathe in the big cities.
• The cities are also noisy as honking horns seems to be something everyone does!
• Courtesy is different in Vietnam, you won’t find orderly line ups and people pushing and shoving in line is common.

Despite these few things that I didn’t love about the country, it is definitely somewhere I cannot wait to visit again.? It was a wonderful cultural experience filled with gorgeous landscapes, exciting adventures and interesting history.? Why not plan your own Vietnam vacation!

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A few years ago, my husband and I traveled to Costa Rica and spent time in a charming and fun town – Montezuma.? While the name leaves something to be desired (no – we did not get Montezuma’s Revenge) it is a lovely piece of paradise that we can’t wait to get back to.? If you are visiting Costa Rica, I highly recommend a trip to this area – you’ll love it!

Here’s a bit of information to get you enticed!

Montezuma is a really unique spot located on the Pacific shore of Costa Rica.? You are surrounded by tropical nature, beautiful sandy beaches, gorgeous islands, pristine rivers, amazing waterfalls and friendly people.?

Originally a remote fishing village, this little piece of paradise has become increasingly popular with budget travelers.? We found it to be incredibly inexpensive with some lovely budget accommodations and cheap eats!? Located near the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, it is a favorite of backpackers and those interested in eco tourism.? It is easy to get around as the center of town has all the accommodations, restaurants and shops.

Montezuma has a laid back atmosphere where everyone is just interested in enjoying the gorgeous surroundings and fun atmosphere.? One of the best things to do was to hike to the waterfalls that surround the town.? Our favorite is about a 10 minute walk on the road to Cabo Blanco (more about that later).? This breathtaking waterfall is a must see and you’ll be in awe that it is only a few minutes from town!

Cabo Blanco is another must visit during your trip to Montezuma.? This nature reserve is located at the extreme southern trip of the Nicoya Peninsula.? This unique geographical location and climate makes it one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Costa Rica.? It covers 1,172 Ha of mixed forest – mostly tropical.? The forest houses a large variety of animals ranging from white tailed deer to anteaters, howler monkeys and even porcupines.? Of course, there are many gorgeous birds as well, such as the magpie jay, long tailed manikin, and ringed kingfisher.

If you plan to stay a few days, be sure to visit the organic vegetable market held each Saturday morning.? It has a hippie vibe with food, flowers and handicrafts readily available and you might even get the pleasure of listening to an impromptu jam session.

Of course, if you are visiting Montezuma, you will want to spend time at the beaches.? At the northern end of the town is Playa Grande with 3kms of gorgeous white sand.? You can actually walk along the beach for about 4kms to reach the Cocalitos waterfall.? We did the walk on horseback along the beach – that was memorable experience.? Another great beach is located down the coast to the south (walk at low tide only) about 2kms down is Playa Las Manchas – another gorgeous beach with white sand and turquoise clear water.

Montezuma was our favorite stop in Costa Rica.? We fell in love with the picturesque little town with a bohemian flair and amazing natural beauty!

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A popular trend the last couple of years is culinary travel.? That’s where you travel to different locales with the express purpose of enjoying culinary treats.? Some tour companies specialize in this type of travel, but with a little research, you can easily prepare your own culinary travel itinerary.

Here are a few ideas to get you started!

1. Tuscany, Italy – Renowned for its restaurants and wineries, Tuscany is an ideal destination for a culinary vacation.? There are many top rated cooking schools, such as the Coselli School of Tuscan Cuisine where you can learn to prepare local Tuscan dishes.? Other ideas are to visit Chocolate Valley (between Pisa and Montecatini) or enjoy olive oil tastings in Badia di Passignano.
2. Fez, Morocco – While you might not think of Morocco for your culinary trip, you definitely should.? There are many opportunities to stay at guesthouses with wonderful chefs who will show you how to prepare regional specialties like couscous, tagines and chicken pie (b’stila).? You’ll also learn about regional spices like turmeric, cardamom and cubeb pepper.
3. Kirkland, Washington – Closer to home, you have a wonderful opportunity to visit the Heathman Hotel for an amazing farm to table experience.? Chef Scheesher is also a farmer who gets the food for his menus from the three-acre garden.? Wines are also featured from wineries in California, Washington and Oregon.
4. Catalonia Spain – Spain is really getting into culinary tourism.? There are many interesting locales such as the elegant bed and breakfast, Catacurian located in the Priorat wine area.? Here, Chef Alicia will dazzle you with her wonderful cooking demonstrations where you can learn everything you wanted to about Catalan cuisine.? Also included in her packages is a chance to visit local wineries for private tastings and to learn about the area’s superior olive oils.
5. Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico – If you’ve always wanted to learn more about Mexican cooking, consider Chef Ana Garcia’s program.? This talented chef has learned the art of Mexican cuisine from traditional family methods passed down through the generations.? This package is bound to become very popular as Chef Ana is starring in a national television series starting in 2008.

Culinary travel is a tasty and fun way to learn more about the culture and traditions of the area you are visiting.? Consider booking you own culinary experience in 2008!

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Hope you enjoyed my first five picks.? Here – again in no particular order are the next five!

1. Laos – If you’ve been to Laos, then you know it has some of the best sightseeing around.? You can visit Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall and spend your time meandering around some the best preserved temples and monuments – anywhere.? If you can, try to visit La Residence Phou Vao (an Orient Express resort) where you can enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding rivers and mountains as well as take pleasure in the lush gardens and infinity pool right on the resort site.
2. Antigua, Guatemala – This former capital had been the economical and political center of Guatemala for over 200 years before an earthquake decimated it in 1773.? Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring quaint cobblestone streets and active volcanoes.? Put it on your must see vacation destination list!
3. Cairo, Egypt – Everyone needs to behold the legacy of the Ancient Egyptians at least once in their lifetime.? If you visit, be sure to see Great Pyramids as well as shop the Khan El-Khalili bazaar.? Cairo is a rich and interesting city offering attractions that explore Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
4. Serengeti Plain, Tanzania – Viewing the Serengeti plains is like nothing else on earth.? Enjoy spectacular views of lions, elephants and giraffes.? You know you’ve always wanted to go on Safari, so dig out those binoculars and plan a trip to Tanzania!
5. Fiji’s Yasawa Islands – If you’ve seen the movie Castaway, then you already have a good idea of how the Yasawa Islands look.? Expect to see rugged peaks, emerald lagoons and lush vegetation – a true island paradise.? Since 2000, dozens of village owned resorts have sprung up on some of the islands.? These islands are the perfect place to experience amazing beaches, superb diving and snorkeling and the fabulous culture of the locals.

I hope that you can make it to at least one of these destinations during 2008.? Life is all about new experiences and travel is one of the best ways to do just that!? Bon Voyage!

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