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July 27, 2004
Travel idea - Washington D.C. & Baltimore
I don't know much about Baltimore, but I did just go to the National Aquarium in Baltimore and it was on par with the other really expensive aquarium I've been to (in Osaka Japan). Admission was 17.50 and an extra 1.50 to reserve tickets online (which we had to do because summer weekends are so busy). Despite hordes of noisy kids, the aquarium was very cool and big. While the sea creatures didn't seem as exotic as the ones in Osaka, the aquarium was bigger.
Then we went to Washington DC, where I thoroughly recommend the National Gallery. It's free and has a huge collection of art. There were only a few by my favorite, Van Gogh, but I can't complain because there was so much interesting stuff (and it was free).
Anyway, Baltimore and Washington DC aren't far from each other so it should be possible to visit each city on the same vacation.
Sponsored by Family Travel Articles at the Casual Traveler
July 21, 2004
Penang Malaysia
My wife wants to go to Penang for our honeymoon (partailly because we loved our trip to Kuala Lumpur). I've found some general information on history and things to do. This site claims that Penang has excellent beaches, interesting historical sites, and possibly the best food in Malaysia. Sounds good so far...
The official government Penang tourism page does even more to make me want to go to Penang. I mean look at this awesome beach. And shopping in Georgetown seems cool too.
Perhaps the best part is that Korean Air just started flying to Penang and have some special airtel packages where we can stay in the 5 star Sheraton for under 30 dollars a night (breakfast included). Now I know I paid more than that for a four star hotel in Kuala Lumpur...
July 16, 2004
Air travel security in America
CAPPS II has been delayed because of privacy concerns:
The Computer-Assisted Passenger Prescreening System, or CAPPS II, would check personal information against commercial and government databases. Passengers would be given one of three color-coded ratings based on the likelihood of them being terrorists.The program has been delayed because some U.S. airlines refused to turn over passenger data for testing, fearing that doing so could violate privacy laws. Critics also are concerned the government could mistakenly identify someone as a terrorist; they have also questioned the need to delve into the personal backgrounds of millions of law-abiding citizens.
July 15, 2004
Cheap airfare in America this fall
Jetblue is announcing cheap fares for Fall travel in America. This is killing bigger airlines:
Pricing power in the industry has permanently shifted from the big airlines, which used to be able to drive out upstarts, to the low-cost carriers that can thrive at lower prices, he said."David knows how to make money," Parsons said, "and Goliath doesn't."
The older airlines, such as United, American and Delta, are saddled with higher costs for labor and planes and have suffered huge losses since 2001.
Fare cuts are "a continuing problem for the legacy carriers," said Ray Neidl, an analyst with Blaylock and Partners. "They are going to have to cut their costs to compete with the low-cost carriers."
Sydney and Bali
Sydney has been voted the #1 tourist destination in the world again, while Bali was voted the best island. Rome was the #2 destination. A similar story adds a bit of inofrmation on the best hotels in the world, which are in Africa.
July 6, 2004
Grand Canyon
Here's a Newsday travel article about the Grand Canyon. It involves riding a mule down there and some white water rafting. I bet the mule ride was more dangerous! I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon...
July 5, 2004
Anniversary in Malaysia?
My wife and I liked Kuala Lumpur so much that we want to return to Malaysia, possibly for our anniversary this August.
A cool calendar of events from the Malaysia tourism page shows lots of things to do in August. I don't know why they bother listing all the "mega sales" and the International Dirt Bike championship isn't for me, but the traditional food and drink sounds exciting (we had trouble finding Malaysian food in Kuala Lumpur - Chinese and Indian seemed more popular), as does the poetry and dance festivals.
Find clean beaches
This is a travel idea you've probably thought of before: go to the beach. Why not visit Clean Beaches before you go to a beach in America?
The Clean Beaches Council released its annual clean beaches list -- beaches all over the country that have been officially certified as clean and healthy -- today in preparation for the busiest beach day of the year -- July 4th. The Clean Beaches Council, a national non-profit organization, runs the most comprehensive, national, environmental health, and public safety beach certification program in the country. Called the Blue Wave Campaign, the program helps the beach-going public identify the nation's clean and healthy beaches when planning vacations and also protects beach environments.
Dumb passengers?
Avocado's guide to air travel is a mildly amusing report of the author's experiences at Miami Airport. Their are a few "tips" for people who have never flown before.
July 4, 2004
Florida Travel Information
Of all the travel destinations in Florida, I've only really been to Orlando. Of the remaining ones, the Everglades and Miami are tops on my list. Make that Miami since I'm afraid the Evergaldes will be full of mosquitoes... The list of destinations in Florida:
Apalachicola/Port St. Joe Area
Cedar Key/Steinhatchee Area
Charlotte Harbor Area
Cocoa Beach Area
Crystal River Area
Daytona Beach/New Smyrna Beach Area
Destin/Fort Walton Beach Area
Flagler Beach/Palm Coast Area
Florida Keys & Key West Area
Fort Lauderdale Area
Fort Myers/Sanibel Area
Fort Pierce/Vero Beach Area
Gainesville Area
Jacksonville/Amelia Island Area
Lake Okeechobee Area
Lakeland Area
Live Oak/Lake City Area
Marianna Area
Miami Area
Naples/Marco Island Area
Ocala Area
Orlando/Kissimmee Area
Palm Beach Area
Panama City Beach Area
Pensacola Area
Sarasota/Bradenton Area
Seaside/Beaches of S. Walton Area
Sebring/Arcadia Area
St. Augustine Area
St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area
Tallahassee Area
Tampa Area
July 2, 2004
Drive safely July 4
For my American readers celebrating July 4th by driving to a barbecue or something. Predictions are that 300 people will die in driving accidents this weekend. Some safety tips (nothing new but forgetting the little things can be a big deal) include seat belts, watching out for other drivers, no distractions (cell phones, CD players, etc.), follow the speed limit, and of course no drinking and driving.
Also, despite high gas prices, be prepared for heavy traffic. July 4th travelers are expected to reach record numbers this weekend. Travel safe!