Travel plan idea blog

Mexico recovering from the hurricane

Mexico is recovering from the hurricane. Riviera Maya, which didn't get hit full-force by the hurricane, has about 97% of its hotel rooms ready for tourists. I have some tips on Riviera Maya and Play del Carmen from a few weeks ago if you're interested. There's also a little conversation about retiring in Riviera Maya (specifically in the jungle nearby).

That reminds me of an even older post about Cancun. Remember when I asked if the travel agent was to blame for sending British tourists to Cancun during hurricane season? That post received quite a few responses. According to the article I linked to above, "More than 18,000 of Cancun's 27,800 rooms are open now and another 3,450 are scheduled to come on line by the end of June." Cozumel is said to be fully recovered.

I wasn't a big fan of Cancun (and haven't been to Cozumel or Riviera Maya), but I am happy to see Mexico getting things back in order and hope that life is returning to normal for Mexicans affected by the hurricane.

Posted by James Trotta at 4:19 AM | Comments (3)

Cruise ship news

I don't know why I keep writing about Freedom of the Seas, but she's in the news again with some interesting comparisons regarding size:

Four times heavier than the Titanic and with decks big enough for 25 football pitches.

Another article I came across sheds some light on the Star Princess cruise ship fire. It mentions that the decks are vulnerable to fire and often have no sprinkler systems.

Posted by James Trotta at 1:28 AM | Comments (3)

Disney resort experiences and recommendations

I heard from my friend Frank who stayed at the Caribbean Beach resort on his last vacation to Disney. He got tired of waiting for the little buses and having to drive to another resort just to hop on the monorail. Also, the rooms didn't have refrigerators or any way to keep food cold.

If you have kids, the Polynesian (or any of the 3 "monorail" resorts) are the best option. The less time you have to get in and out of the buses with the kids the better. The monorail is extremely convenient.

I also learned that Port Orleans Riverside used to be called Dixie Landings. I'm told that Disney changed the name due to be more PC (something to do with plantation connotations).

The person who told me this has stayed there 4 times and loves the resort he still calls Dixie Landings. Port Orleans Riverside is a sprawling place with big pools. It's nice to eat in what was the Landings, the big building with a water wheel. The Landings had plenty of choices, and was fairly reasonable, especially if you bought one of their reusable cups because you could refill anytime you wanted with soft drinks, coffee, or juice.

Someone else I know stayed in Port Orleans French Quarter and loved it. This person said that both Port Orleans resorts are outstanding because they are very quiet and you can take a nice relaxing boat ride to Downtown Disney.

There's also some good information (be sure to read the comments) on my previous post Recommended Disney Hotels. It's also not too late to buy a Disney Your Way package and get the dining plan free.

Posted by James Trotta at 1:35 AM | Comments (7)

Flying to Europe

This article from the Chicago Tribune on traveling to Europe has advice (mainly for Americans) on finding hotels, currency exchange and flying. I always knew that flying in the summer is more expensive, but how much more expensive is it?

Here's an example of how fares rise and fall. If you were to fly Chicago-London round-trip on British Airways April 26-May 3, the fare, including taxes, fees and a fuel surcharges, would be $587.39. Fly the same route June 13-27 and the fare totals $978.39, a $391 difference. If you were to do the trip from Sept. 2-13, the fare would be $738.39, $240 less that the peak season summer fare.

Posted by James Trotta at 12:44 AM | Comments (6)

How to buy real estate in Italy

I've been doing some research as I plan for my retirement in Italy and I've found what I think is reliable information on buying real estate in Italy. If you don't have any interest in buying property in Italy I understand. Here's a traveler's account of his vacation in Rome with pictures and historical information thrown in. You can read that and skip my notes on buying Italian real estate. That site is on a free web page, and sometimes so many people visit the sites I link to that they shut down. If that link goes down, it's because too many people tried to visit...

Buying real estate in Italy all starts with a proposal of purchase or proposta. This is a firm offer on the property and the buyer puts 1% of the purchase price into escrow (deposito fiduciario). The estate agent is responsible for this deposit (assuming the offer is accepted).

Then comes the preliminary purchase contract or preliminare

This is the contract, a promise to buy. 10 - 20 percent of the purchase price is deposited.

Then the notary checks the paperwork and after about a month, the final contract, rogito notarile, is signed in the notary's office. The seller gets all the money and the buyer gets the deeds and keys to the property.

Finally, there are some taxes which I don't quite understand. I think they are 3 or 4 percent depending on the seller. Then there are the real estate agent's fees (3 percent + the tax) and the notary's fees.

Sorry if this one was boring for you. It means a lot to me, so I hope you don't mind too much.

Posted by James Trotta at 1:51 AM | Comments (5)

Sinai Peninsula targeted again: Dahab

Sinai's seaside city of Dahab has suffered the latest terrorist on the Sinai Peninsula. Reports on the number of dead and wounded are conflicting but there are said to be at least 23 dead and possibly 100 wounded.

Dahab used to be a destination for Western and Israeli backpackers who came for scuba diving and cheap hotels (huts on the beach). Now there is a five-star Hilton and other resorts, but one has to wonder if tourists will continue supporting resorts in Dabab and other places on Sianai.

Posted by James Trotta at 8:10 PM | Comments (0)

Retiring in Riviera Maya, Mexico

So I've blogged about Riviera Maya and Playa Carmen's Ikal Del Mar and Shangri-la Caribe. Now the same area is making the news as a retirement area for Americans who want to go somewhere warmer and cheaper.

The article does mention that foregners can easily run into difficulty buying Mexican land. You'll need certain documents, a good lawyer, and a trust or fideicomiso.

For an indication of property prices:

Austin developer Greg Schnurr recently launched Los Arboles, the first big master-planned community in Tulúm, where he's carving 250 five-acre sites out of the jungle. (Though it isn´t near the beach and lacks some permits, he has pre-sold 31 of the lots, which go for US$50,000 each, mostly to Americans and Europeans.)

Posted by James Trotta at 1:28 AM | Comments (10)

Travel Plan – Discovering Spain

Enjoy entry # 16 in the summer vacation plan travel writing contest. Entries must be received by May 17, 2006 and can be emailed to jtrotta@gmail.com.

We plan to spend a short vacation in Spain, exploring some of its wonderful history and culture while enjoying the warmth and ambiance of this fascinating country.

Day 1. Depart JFK New York, about an eight-hour flight, $1,500 U.S. round trip for two. Arrive in Madrid and take the Aerocity car, 19 euros for two, and check into the elegant Westin Palace hotel. The Westin Palace hotel is located on the Plaza de las Cortes in the heart of the city, within walking distance to the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen museums. Beyond the glass-domed lobby of this majestic hotel, the exciting sounds of flamenco can be heard coming from the Bar del Palace. Accommodations are quite luxurious, $300 U.S. for a double room, with breakfast included. Have a couple of cocktails in the Bar before dinner; enjoy the piano music and atmosphere that Hemingway spoke of. Dinner is leisurely and delightful, a marvelous shrimp paella and Cava wine, the champagne of Spain. Dining in the hotel is relatively expensive, but worth it, comparable to what you would pay at other five star hotels in New York, Paris, or London. Slightly travel worn, retire for the night, eager for the next day’s adventures.

Day 2. After a sumptuous breakfast with great Spanish coffee, take a short walk to the famous Museo del Prado, constructed during the reign of Charles III in the 1700’s. The Prado’s extensive collection of art includes masterpieces by Rubens, El Greco, Melendez, and Goya, as well as many others. Needless to say, a couple of hours is not nearly enough time to fully appreciate the museum, so much to see and contemplate. Next stop before lunch, the Thyssen museum, a marvelous collection of 13th to 20th century art, including Rodin, Pissaro, Picasso, Renoir, Monet, and Degas. Entry fees are extremely reasonable, approximately three to five euros. It’s a little early for lunch, usually around 2 in the afternoon, time for a stroll through the shady gardens of El Retiro Park, just behind the Prado. Although the park is refreshingly cool and inviting, with trees, fountains, and lush gardens, dress appropriately. Madrid can be quite warm in the summertime.

About 2:00 in the afternoon, lunch at La Costela, east of Retiro Park. Prices are reasonable, about 19 euros for a delicious order of tapas, small croquettes filled with Spain’s famous Serrano ham, cheese, and spinach. Tapas are very similar to the tacos of the Southwest. After a small pitcher of sangria, return to the hotel for a short siesta! Dinner at Botin, a popular tourist spot in Old Madrid near the Plaza Mayor, reservations advisable. Botin, considered to be the oldest restaurant in the world dating back to 1725, was frequented by Hemingway and it is said that Goya worked here before becoming an artist. Try something different at Botin, roast lamb or suckling pig, dinner in the bodega or wine cellar. Prices range from 20 to 40 euros for a great meal with wine and dessert. Botin is a must for first-time visitors, great atmosphere, and traditional music by local groups.

(Note: Public transportation is inexpensive with the Metro, numerous buses, and taxis. Bus trips cost about $1.55 U.S. to anywhere in the city and a 10-trip pass, on either the Metro or bus line, is $6.15 U.S.)

Day 3. Have an early breakfast at the hotel and go shopping! Spend the morning wandering around the streets, in and out of shops around the Puerto del Sol and Gran Via area. Visit El Arco de los Cuchilleros Artesania de Hoy in the Plaza Mayor for unique items of pottery, wood carvings, and papier-mache; Excrupulus Net for high quality leather products, and Adama in the Salamanca district for excellent, although expensive, ceramics. Antique lovers might browse the Centro de Anticuarios Lagasca arcade of shops in the Serrano or Velasquez district. Late lunch at the Posada de la Villa, historic old inn near the Plaza Mayor, good selection of grilled meats and fish for $15 to $25 U.S. Next on the agenda, a visit to the Royal Palace and the lovely Campo de Moro gardens, admission is free.

Return to the Westin to relax before having dinner at Casa Ciriaco in the Plaza Mayor, a traditional restaurant in true Spanish style and cuisine. Try one of the specialties, partridge with fava beans, a flask of Riojas wine, and dessert for 18 to 25 euros. No trip to Spain is complete without flamenco, and the Corral de la Moreria, the Moors, located in the Austrias quarter, has some of the best in Madrid. Strolling performers, dancers, and the lively music of flamenco add up to great entertainment for around $35 U.S. Late night show and return to hotel.

Day 4. Depart 11:35 a.m. from Madrid to Santiago de Campostela, the capital of Galicia, on Iberia airlines. An hour’s flight, round trip for two, 143 euros. Day and overnight trains a bit more reasonable, but longer trips. Taxi to the hotel, 15 euros. Check into the AC- Palacio del Carmen, a delightful, quiet, hotel, restored from the original architectural design of the convent. Great location within a few blocks of the Obradoiro Square and the Cathedral. Superior room rates from 108 –219 euros. Time for lunch at La Crepe in the Casa de Congo, a short walk from the hotel. Extensive menu of crepes, seafood (a specialty in Galicia), salads, and dessert. Prices: 20 to 30 euros.

On to the Cathedral, the highlight of our visit to Santiago. The Cathedral was built in 1077 as a shrine to Santiago, the Apostle St. James. People make the pilgrimage along the way of St. James, walking or cycling for miles to this historic shrine. An incense chalice hangs from the end of a 30 meter rope that is occasionally swung by eight men (a tradition seldom seen), as a tribute to the gods. The Gate of Forgiveness at the Cathedral will open again in 2010, a holy year, when July 25th falls on a Sunday. History reveals that pilgrims knock on the door three times with a silver hammer, hoping to gain entrance and forgiveness for their sins.

Spend rest of the afternoon exploring on foot the old quarter of Santiago, down granite alleyways, winding through a maze of 12th century streets past more architectural wonders and small shops along the way. Visit the University, one of the oldest in the world, and the Church of San Agustin. Stop in one of the many bars or pubs for a cold beverage before returning to the hotel. Dinner at Toni Vicente, gourmet cuisine, prices around 40 euros, loads of atmosphere.

(Note: For a remarkable rejuvenation of the mind and spirit, the small village of Santiago de Compostela is one of life’s incredible journeys.)

Day 5. After breakfast, pick up Hertz rental car at the train station, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Daily rate: 63 euros. Beautiful, scenic drive (about 60 miles) on the Atlantic Motorway to Vigo, the largest city in Galicia, and a good base for exploring the Galician coast. Vigo on the coast is a picturesque city, rich in history, overlooking the Vigo Bay. Check into the Ciudad de Vigo hotel, located downtown a few blocks from the yachting harbor. Double room – 102 euros, free parking garage, restaurant. Drive north about three miles to the Madroa viewpoint on Castro Mountain for a spectacular view of Vigo, the beaches, and the ocean. Continue along the same route about eight miles to the Mirador de Coto Rodondo. Cimb through pine and eucalyptus to the top of the hill for a view of the Vigo and Pontevedra rivers below. Total toll charges and fuel approximately 6 euros.

Return driving south across the bridge to Baiona, another picturesque fishing village, with a replica of Columbus’ Pinta in the harbor. Stroll through the old parts of town before lunch. at the Parador, a fabulous hotel, situated on 45 acres surrounded by walls and pines. enclosed with walls, pines, and gardens, on the grounds of the Castillo Monte Real. Take time to enjoy the view of Islas de Cies from the 16th century walls of the Castillo Monte Real before lunch (more like dinner) for two under 50 euros. Leave Baiona late afternoon, approximately 15-mile drive to Vigo, time to relax a while at the hotel before dinner. Dinner at El Castillo, elegant atmosphere and view, great food, moderate prices, 20 to 30 euros. Retire for the night and decide to stay another day in Vigo.

Day 6. Breakfast at hotel and a walk through the historic Berbes quarter and the Calle de Los Cesteros. Lunch at one of the outdoor restaurants $11-$20 U.S. Take the 45-minute ferry ride to Islas de Cies, natural nature reserve, explore white sand beaches, amazing flora and fauna of these islands. Tickets at the Vigo Firth Ferry Station (schedule and fares not available). Return as the sun is setting for dinner at the hotel.

Day 7. Early morning drive back to Santiago to turn in rental car and catch noonday flight back to Madrid. Check in to Westin again and off to see more of Madrid. Stop at the church of Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida to admire Goya’s frescoes. Casa Mingo, across from the church, is a friendly, inexpensive place for lunch. The International Rose Festival is held in June in the Parque del Oeste, east across the overpass. Return to hotel to enjoy cocktails and dinner. Retire early.

Day 8 Depart Madrid for JFK.

We have experienced the “amistad” (friendship) and culture of just a small part of this wonderful county. Reluctantly, we say “hasta la vista” to Spain…next time for a much longer stay.

(Note: Speaking and understanding some Spanish helps, but certainly not a requirement.)

Posted by James Trotta at 2:48 AM | Comments (2)

Vienna Jazz Festival 2006 dates

Vienna is famous for classical music but I want to talk about the Vienna Jazz Festival from June 29 - July 16 2006. It's not that I don't like classical music (I've even seen the Vienna Boys Choir) - it's just that jazz festivals are so much fun.

Some of the highlights of the 2006 Vienna Jazz Festival:

On June 29, the “Insen” project by Japan’s Ryuichi Sakamoto and the Berlin-based electronics musician Alva Noto.

On July 1, Chick Corea and his 30-member Chick Corea Chamber Orchestra participate in the “In the Spirit of Mozart” program. Chick Corea will premiere his Piano Concerto No. 2. He'll also perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24.

On July 7, the Neville Brothers perform.

The wife and I had been thinking of a little trip to Japan, and summer is an expensive time to visit Europe but we may just reconsider...

And on a totally different note, what do you think of Elmer? He has blogged about Tokyo, Japan and traveling around the world so far. If you like his voice and think it's a good addition to this blog, please let me know at jtrotta@gmail.com. Of course all feedback is welcome and you can also submit your vacation plans for the travel writing contest. If you'd like a weekly blog, we can discuss that as well. I invited Elmer to join me, because I thought this blog might be more interesting if there were a few different writers.

Posted by James Trotta at 3:31 AM | Comments (0)

Traveling To Tokyo

My travel to Tokyo was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Being in touch with a distinctive culture is an experience to remember. With a population of about 12 million, Tokyo metropolitan area is at the center of the world's most populous urban area in the world. But with an area of over 2000 square kilometers, there are a lot of places to explore. With busy cityscapes and high-rise buildings mixing with the old, traditional Japanese structures, temples and gardens Tokyo is a land of contrasts.

The best times to go to Tokyo are when cherry blossoms during springtime and during autumn when yellow-orange hues of falling leaves scatter across parks. Temperatures at these periods offer a favorable environment to outdoor adventures and visit to attractions by foot. Summer monsoon comes in June and gets extra humid in August while snow abounds during winter month of January.

Citizens of many countries can visit Japan without visas for stays up to 90 days. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides visa information to every first time traveler.

Getting In

Almost all international flights come to Narita Airport while a few others fly into Haneda Airport. From the airport terminal, Narita Express train service is available with stops at important locations such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, Yokohama and a number of other stations. Airport limousine is also available and more convenient for people who would like to make a direct stop at certain hotels around Tokyo.

Transportation in Tokyo is quite convenient but please note that the Tokyo subway is among the most extensive in the world and someone could easily get lost in its numerous interlinking subway lines. English signs are available and asking for directions from locals who are generally friendly obviously helps.

Also note that train lines are managed by different companies so one ticket may not be usable in other lines. For example the JR fare card system Suica can only be used on JR; Passnet cards, on the other hand, can be used on every subway and train line except JR.

Getting Around

For somebody who want adventure within the city, there are various places I could recommend.

1. Tsukiji Market - Tokyo's main fish market where many delectable seafood dishes at restaurants come from. A daily bidding sale (except Sundays) start early so you need to be there even before sunrise. Another good reason to visit there are the availability of nice restaurants for breakfast.

2. Edo-Tokyo Museum - Features the city's rich historical heritage that dates from the samurai ages to geishas to the modern era. Next to the museum is the Kokugikan, the sumo wrestling venue held about three times a year. If you are interested to watch the sumo events, you must arrange your visit ahead of time.

3. Akihabara - For technology and gadget geeks, this is the place for you. Latest releases of Japanese brand products often get displayed here. Software, games, comic books and related stuff are also found here. Since the main buyers are the locals themselves, please note the difference between Japanese and your local settings such as power supply requirements; Japan adopts a 100-voltage system as opposed to many 220-v AC systems.

4. Odaiba - A man-made island where the famed Rainbow Bridge gets connected to Tokyo mainland. Accessible using the Yurikamome, it features a unique view of Tokyo as well as the location of Fuji TV Building, a copy of Statue of Liberty and Toyota's showroom where you can test drive their new models.

5. Meiji Shrine - Accessible through Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort, Emperor Shoken who both died early 1900's. It consists of Naien or inner precinct cantered on shrine buildings, Gaien, or the outer precinct, which includes the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and sports facilities; and the Meiji Memorial Hall. The whole area is covered by trees of different species. There are food shops inside the shrine.

6. Asakusa Shrine - It is Tokyo's most popular shrine located adjacent to the temple Sensoji in Asakusa, Tokyo. It is open from 6:30am to 5:00pm daily. It hosts the Sanja Matsuri every third weekend of May. The Asakusa Samba Carnival is held at the last Saturday of August. There are several shops that sell Japanese sweets and souvenirs for loved ones back home.

7. Shinjuku - The location of Tokyo's Metropolitan Government Building which are 243 meter tall twin towers and surrounding buildings contain the offices and the assembly hall of the metropolitan government of Tokyo, as well as observatories on the 45th floor of each tower. The view from the southern tower is considered slightly more interesting. Several department stores are also in the area like Odakyu, Keio and Takashimaya.

There are a lot of places in Tokyo that I have never been and plenty of things that I have never done there. I hope to be back there again soon.

Posted by at 9:07 PM | Comments (0)

Pride of Hawaii: new NCL cruise ship

Freedom of the Seas isn't the only new cruise ship coming to America. Norwegian Cruise Lines' Pride of Hawaii is a new ship that will be departing from Honolulu on Mondays for seven-day, four-island cruises. You can read more about the Hawaiian destination on the NCL destinations page.

At the moment, NCL is offering Pride of Hawaii cruises from 6/5 - 12/18//06 for $799 (inside) $999 (oceanview) $1,299 (balcony) $1,599 (suite).

Posted by James Trotta at 12:57 AM | Comments (0)

Sweden summer vacation plan

Contest entry #15. Less than a month left to get your submissions to jtrotta@gmail.com!

Day 1
Fly or ferry to Sweden via Denmark during the month of June. From Stockholm, take a flight up to the northern city of Lulea, situated on the Gulf of Bothenia, near the artic circle, and a hop, skip, and a jump to Finland. Lulea, population of 72,000, is a great place for those who want to enjoy summer at its best, not too warm and not too cold! Midsummer fest occurs on June 23rd. If you are flying from North America, you will experience a bit of jet lag, so my first suggestion is to get unpacked, relax and relish the hotel room, and your check out your immediate surroundings.

Day 2/3
Taking in a nature walk or renting a bike to visit Lulea's "Storgatan" or the large road, is the best way to get around. There are many walking and biking paths all over town. Swedes keep fit by exercising. Besides, gas is very expensive, so use your body's fuel to get around! Lulea is a dynamic center. Lots of shops and cafes to discover. Lulea is a port city as well. Ships come and go on the gulf. Take a self initiated mini tour of the docks. Great for picture taking!

Day 4
A visit to Gammel Stad ...a medieval church village and an old euro-nordic city...is a must! It is about an hour outside of Lulea, therefore, one needs to either travel by bus or rent a car. Gammel Stad was center of hustle and bustle in the 1500's but due to the fact that Gammel Stad habour could not accommodate the increasing trade, the people were forced to move to Lulea. Some of her citizens refused to depart, leaving this millennium with a touch of nostalgia in the air!

Day 5
Just outside of Lulea, is a rushing river rapids turn into a beautiful waterful. If you rented a car yesterday, what a great one-day excursion you will experience today. Check out the forestry. Makes for a beautiful nature ride. Don't forget to bring rainwear!

Day 6
Teknic Husen is located at the University of Lulea is one of the city's major attractions. This high tek attraction gives you hands on experiences. Bring a lunch and sit outside!

Day 7
Heading inland to Pitea which is about a half hour from Lulea and it attracts hundreds of tourists due to its beaches. A day at the beach can't hurt if it is sunny. Cloudy weather? Visit Pitea and tour around the city.

Day 8/9
Arvidsjaur is a lapland (sami) town. There is a Lappstaden museum village, run by the Sami community, so don't forget your camera and get a picture of a real Lap in his traditional costume! How about a hike in the mountains now that you are in Lapland territory of mountains, rivers, and maybe a reindeer or two. Have you tried a reindeer open-faced sandwich yet?

Vindeln is a great place to do some river rafting and canoeing. Beautiful lakes and landscape scupture Sweden.

Day 10
Say good-bye to those red painted houses on the Artic Circle and drive south to Sundsvall, where summer festivals and outdoor concerts are held. Enjoy the traditional foods and folk music.

Day 11/12
Drive down the coast to Stockholm, the Venice of the North! Take a boat ride to Drottning's Palace and experience this beautiful location. After the mini-cruise, walk around the inner city where the cobblestones streets and modern shops meet. A Swedish beer and local conversation tops the day.

Day 13
Last day for souvenirs, postcards, and memorbilia. Off to the airport. Hejdo! That is Swedish for Bye now.

Posted by James Trotta at 2:06 AM | Comments (2)

Madrid to Malaga – Spain 2006

You've got less than a month to submit 2006 summer vacation plans for the $1,000.00 travel writing contest. Here is entry #14 by Bob Trinder.

Saturday 29th July – Day 1.

Our flight into Madrid’s Barajas airport arrives at 11.20 am, early enough to give us time to get settled and find our feet. We’re travelling light on this trip, just one suitcase each, so we’ll catch the metro into the city centre (€1.15 each).
There are hundreds of hotels to choose from; we’ve opted for a basic/good hotel – the luxury comes later in the trip.

There was nothing to choose between:Hotel VIP Preciados (€198 for 2 nights), Hotel Petit Palace Londres (€179), or the one we choose - Hotel Petit Palace Tres Cruces (€180), are all in the tourist district, and all to be found on the www.gomadrid.com website.

Our first excursion is to find our bearings and more importantly find a bar nearby for a drink and some tapas for lunch: perhaps a few olives, some calamari (squid) and a portion of tortilla (spanish omelette) - (€10-15).

Madrid is extremely well provided for in terms of museums: the Museo Del Prado www.museoprado.mcu.es (€3) being internationally famous for it’s collection of Spanish art, particularly by Velazquez, Goya and El Greco. A more comprehensive collection can be found in the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (€4.80) opposite the Prado, but we’re going to the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia www.museoreinasofia.mcu.es (€3) in order to see Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, a huge work showing the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica by the German Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War in 1937 and one of the most famous images of the 20th century.

Serious tourism earns some serious relaxation, so it’s time for that most Spanish of activities – the siesta.

The evening brings cooler temperatures and the opportunity to stroll the streets around Puerta del Sol and have a pre dinner drink or two.

The idea of the oldest restaurant in the world is irresistible, particularly as the speciality of Sobrino de Botin, Plaza de Oriente, (€25-40) is roast suckling pig – definitely not for the vegetarians!

After dinner there’s plenty of nightlife to experience, the Madrelenos won’t be going to bed for hours. Personally, after a café carajillo – espresso coffee topped up with brandy- we’ll be ready for bed.

Sunday 30th July – Day 2

Breakfast of churros (long doughnuts) dipped in delicious hot chocolate (€4-6), will set us up for a walk around El Rastro (start from La Latina Metro stop), Madrid’s most colourful Sunday market, although I’m told you have to be on the lookout for pickpockets!

After lunch at the Muse del Jamon (‘The Ham Museum’) Calle Mayor 7, (€7-15) www.museodeljamon.com and a refreshing siesta comes a tough choice. Should we take a walking tour organized by the tourist office in Plaza Mayor www.madrid.org (€3.50 to €6.10), or an even more tiring cycling tour with Madrid Bike Tours www.madridbiketours.com (€55)?

Instead we’ll catch one of Madrid Vision’s orange double-decker buses and have a ‘hop on/hop off’ tour of the city (€10.60) - this was never meant to be an energetic holiday!

We’ll put the energy we’ve saved into finding a restaurant for dinner. It may take a while as there are so many to choose from, but we really should go to El Corral de la Morería www.gomadrid.com/activity/corral-de-la-moreria.html to have dinner and see the flamenco show (€72 -129).

Monday 31st July – Day 3

Check out from the hotel and collect our hire car, a Renault Megane (Europcar www.europcar.com/home.html - €146 for 9 days hire - one of a small number of companies that do one way hire), and plunge head first into the fray that is driving in Madrid. As we are making our way out of the city the driving should soon become less nerve wracking as we hit the open countryside.

We’ve booked rooms at a series of Parador Hotels www.paradores-spain.com, over the next few days. Paradors are a chain of state run hotels, often in stunning location, and situated in a variety of converted buildings such as monasteries, palaces and castles.

Today we’re booked into the Parador Nacional Conde de Orgaz (€232 per night for two half board) in Toledo www.go-toledo.com/ which sits high above the river Tajo, giving spectacular views over the city.
We’ve decided to go for the half board option in the Paradors as one of the features is the focus on local regional food in their restaurants – I definitely like the sound of ‘Perdiz a la Toledana’, - partridge stewed in a casserole.

Tuesday 1st August – Day 4

A mixture of tourism & shopping today. The mercadillo or market is on today – perhaps the chance to buy some of the steel products that Toledo is famous for. We have to visit the cathedral, which apparently has a gold monstrance/ cup made from the first gold brought back from the Americas. We also have to see the Alcazar, originally a Muslim fortress built in the 10th century, rebuilt and added to following the Christian re-conquest.

Wednesday 2nd August – Day 5

On to our second Parador, the Ronda de San Francisco (€213 per night for two half board), a former convent not far from the centre of Almagro uk.ibercultura.com/Provinces/Ciudad_Real/Almagro/ , a smaller town 130Km/80 miles south Of Toledo. The bedrooms were previously the monastic cells and this Parador’s restaurant features traditional food from La Mancha such as Berenjenas made with aubergines.

Thursday 3rd August – Day 6

Almagro is a delightful medieval town with a great deal of 16th century architecture, particularly around the Plaza Mayor. However, it isn’t such a large town, so after exploring we’ll be doing some serious sitting outside a café or two on the Plaza Mayor, perhaps Bar les Nieves or El Corrigidor, and watching the world go by.

Friday 4th August – Day 7

South again to the Parador Nacional Arruzafa (€213 per night for two half board) just outside Cordoba www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba.htm. Once the heart of Muslim Spain, Cordoba has a wealth of Islamic sights; even the Parador is on the site of the Caliph’s summer palace, where the first palm trees in Europe were planted.

For me, the main attraction is its pool, situated amongst lush gardens. Once the midday heat has passed we will visit the nearby ruins of the Medin-Azahara, a city built in the tenth century and destroyed 100 years later by the Barbers. (I really should do some more research on the Barbers, if only to get away from the vision in my head of hordes of white smocked men brandishing combs and scissors, ransacking the city, while at the same time asking if the inhabitants if they need “anything for the weekend”).

Saturday 5th August – Day 8

A must see is the Mezquita, one of the great examples of Islamic architecture, started in the 9th century and which grew to cover six acres. Right in the middle of the site is the 16th century cathedral, which even Carlos I described as "destroying something that was unique in the world". I can’t wait to see it!

Cordoba has a reputation for being a hot city, so we’re looking forward to trying a traditional cold soup called Salmorejo Cordobes made with vegetables, garlic and olive oil, which we’ll follow with some Rabo de Toro a la Cordobesa, or oxtail stew.

Sunday 6th August – Day 9

Drive the 120km/75 miles south to the Parador de Antequra (€188 per night for two half board); this one in a modern building, but which the website describes as being ‘for those who want to experience total relaxation, this is the perfect retreat’. Now that we couldn’t resist.

One of Andalucia’s most attractive old towns, Antequera www.andalucia.com/antequera/home.htm is another place where sitting with a coffee or a cerveza, while watching the Antequranos go about their business, seems a really good idea. If we’re feeling energetic we’ll make our way to the northern edge of town, where there are some of Europe’s largest megalithic tombs. Built between 2500 & 2,000 BC, these burial mounds were constructed by the locals with huge rocks transported from the nearby hills.

Here the cold soup is Gazpacho, which comes in variety of styles and is a speciality of Andalucia, while a more local dish is Porra Antequera, made with codfish.

Monday 7th August – Day 10

As a contrast to any laziness yesterday, we’ll make a visit to El Torca www.andalucia.com/antequera/torcal/home.htm, some 16Km/10 miles from Antequera. A 12 square kilometre area of weird and wonderful rock formations, this 1336m high mountain of gnarled and fissured limestone originated as part of the sea bed about 150 million years ago. We’ll be sticking to the 1.5Km marked walking trail.

On our return to the town we’ll be sure to see the Arco de los Giganta or Arch of the giants, which sounds promising, but may prove to not be as impressive as the name implies.

Tuesday 8th August – Day 11

An afternoon flight gives us time to drive the 50km/30 miles to Malaga, where we’ll squeeze in a visit to the Casa Natal de Picasso www.fundacionpicasso.es/en/index.html, Plaza de la Merced 15, (€1 admission), where the artist’s birthplace has been converted to a museum dedicated to his work.

All before reluctantly returning the car to Europcar at Malaga airport and catching our plane home.

Costs (for two):

Madrid – Hotel Petit Palace Tres Cruces (2 nights) €180
Toledo – Parador Nacional Conde de Orgaz (2 nights) €464 (half board)
Almagro – Ronda de San Francisco (2 nights) €426 (half board)
Cordoba – Parador Nacional Arruzafa (2 nights) €426 (half board)
Antequera – Parador de Antequra (2 nights) €376 (half board)

Car Hire €146
Petrol/ Gas €100
Food and drinks €300
Entrance fees €100
Total Cost Excluding Flights: $3,110 £1,472 €2,518

Posted by James Trotta at 1:13 AM | Comments (0)

Freedom of the Seas in Hamburg

Freedom of the Seas is in Hamburg now, where a few thousand gathered to see the world's biggest cruise ship. There's not a whole lot of information in this BBC article (I actually have more information on my blog post about Freedom of the Seas ship facts), but the picture, while small, is beautiful.

Posted by James Trotta at 7:54 PM | Comments (0)

The polite way to put your seat back when flying coach

From Peter King of Sports Illustrated:

Aggravating/Enjoyable Travel Note of the Week I

Could I give every coach air traveler a piece of friendly advice? It has to do with reclining your seat. I wish no airplane seat reclined, because as comfortable as such a thing might be to the passenger reclining his or her seat, it's borderline torturous for the person behind the recliner -- particularly if the person is 6-foot-1, which I am, or taller. But if you are going to recline, please do it slowly and deliberately. Say the person behind you has a cup of coffee, or some crackers, on the tray table. What do you suppose happens when you jerk the seat back hard, without a care in the world? I'll tell you what happens. The person behind you hopes you trip on the jetway and sprain your head on the way off the plane.

Posted by James Trotta at 12:39 AM | Comments (31)

Hilton Head South Carolina: food, golf, beaches

Someone on my favorite sports message board recently asked for advice for his upcoming trip to Hilton Head South Carolina. I've never heard of it, but there were quite a few responses so i guess it's fairly well known. Anyway, here's the question:

I've never been down to Hilton Head and I'm staying at the Crown Plaza this Wednesday thru Saturday. I'm going with the wife for a mid-week vacation, golf could be on the itinerary, but I'm not a golfer and the wife is definitely not into golf. Does any one have first hand experience with Hilton Head and Crown Plaza? Is a rental car necessary? What is close by? What is there to do besides laying out on the beach, playing golf, and drinking heavily?

I've compiled the answers here (I've never been to Hilton Head so I can vouch for anything):

Nothing. The beach and golf are about all you can do at Hilton head. The golf courses are great and cost from $90 - $250 a round. The cheapest spots (off the island) that are decent are Eagle's Point and Island West - both mediocre, but passable.

There are two other things to do. The first, which kids might enjoy (I went as a college student and hated it), is SOTB (South of the Border). It is a good place for buying fire works. There's also some decent fishing

The weather down there is really nice, but you still need a car or you'll be doing a ton of walking.

Visit Wild Wing Cafe if you're into the sports bar type of place, and the Salty Dog Cafe is a really cool indoor/outdoor restaurant/bar. There's a good Mexican place called Mi Tierra. The best restaurants on the island are Michael Anthony's, Charlie's Crab, and The Old Fort Pub. All are relatively expensive. For more moderate prices with good food, try Il Carpaccio and Truffles (off the island).

Posted by James Trotta at 10:58 PM | Comments (6)

Park City, Utah & the Sundance Film Festival

So when we were talking about timeshares, people suggested finding one that you can visit every year. So I started thinking about events I’d like to visit repeatedly.

One of those (though I’ve never been there) is the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. But before looking at timeshares, how much does it cost to rent a Park City resort or in Park City condos? Actually there are some good value rentals in Park City. I saw some for as little as 180/night though it varies widely by season. Sundance seems to come in January, one of the more expensive seasons.

That same website also has Sundance Film Festival information and a map of Park City.

Posted by James Trotta at 12:49 AM | Comments (0)

Resale timeshare investigation

When I wrote about vacation timeshares a few days ago, some people warned me against buying a timeshare and more people told me it would be a great idea.

The most specific advice I received was to buy a resale timeshare that was a member of RCI. Resale timeshares are less expensive than new ones and RCI timeshares can be exchanged.

So I found some very cheap timeshares in Puerto Vallarta, from 500 (studio floating May - October) to 1,600 dollars (1 bedroom Gold - Even or Gold Odd). Annual fees range from 500 to 630 dollars.

Of course, ideally I'd like to find a cheap place somewhere I actually want to go. Puerto Vallarta is not high on my list (it's famous for shark fishing and golfing, two things I don't really want to do).

Posted by James Trotta at 12:34 AM | Comments (10)

Getting The Most Out Of Traveling Around The World

Hi everyone, I am Elmer, currently living in Hong Kong and an ocassional traveler. Having been to places like Germany, Japan and Indonesia, I will be posting some blogs on travel and tourism, hoping to share experiences and provide tips to travelers.

The first thing that comes to mind when traveling around the world much more than visa hassles or culture shock is the enormous costs it incurs. With the rising fuel prices and security taxes, flying seemed to appear more financially demanding means of transportation.

However, the emergence of low-cost airlines brought in more competition and improving world economy got prices in check. But for people who want to tour around the globe, the question remains the same: how to obtain the cheapest tickets for round the world flights?

The question that has to be answered first is "what are your preferred destinations?" One "round the world" package cost considerably cheaper than a string of individual one-way tickets, it makes it more sensible to determine your choice first. It surely depends on budget, but giving out your preferred location will give you an idea how much you need to spend, and there you can decide to take your plans further or scale it down.

Here are some tips to consider getting the chance to see the most out of the world's beautiful places at the least possible cost.

1. Start on a low season. Plan your trip to start on low seasons where airline companies want more seats be filled than earn profits so prices are relatively much lower. Thus, you have to avoid starting to travel on school vacations, Christmas or Thanksgiving.

2. Start on a low-cost city. Round the world ticket pricing scheme is based on where the trip will start so it will be good to begin the journey on a low-cost city like Bangkok, Hanoi or Jakarta.

3. Join a frequent flyer program. Round the world travels rack enormous mileage points can earn free rides on your next journey.

4. Book on the Internet. Many travel web sites offer special rates that are available only online. It saves time and answers to queries are often just a phone call away. Compare online rates with your local travel agents to validate such claim of cheaper offers.

5. Book early. The cheapest seats are offered long before the flight takes place. Ticket rates are computed based on season demand, competition, local activities and costs can be significantly higher than when they are purchased much earlier.

6. Consider local tour companies. Local tour groups designed to cater to domestic tourists offer fares that are cheaper than the ones especially packaged for international travelers.

7. Consider other costs. If a no-frills airliner lands at an airport located 30 miles from the city, ground transportation to your hotel could be expensive. Always think of costs other than plane fares when doing your travel plans.

Around the world travel is an exciting adventure as it gets you the chance to see attractions you'd otherwise see only on photographs. While it pays to see these wonderful sights, having a good research with a dose of the tips above would make the adventure more worth the money.

Posted by at 10:44 AM | Comments (1)

John Lennon memorial, Strawberry Fields in Central Park

Visiting Strawberry Fields in New York City's Central Park is probably an example of grief tourism because it's a memorial to John Lennon. When I was there, several people had left flowers on the "Imagine" mosaic. There was a guy playing his guitar and singing Beatles songs.

My friend (a New Yorker and huge Beatles fan) then took my wife and I to the Dakota Building to show us where John Lennon had been shot. Here's one story by a John Lennon fan who visisted Strawberry Fields and the Dakota Building nearby.

By the way, this has been an add-on to my one day in New York City post a couple of days ago.

Posted by James Trotta at 2:22 AM | Comments (0)

Hiking in India's Himalayas: Manali

This is not a summer vacation plan because summer is tourist season in Manali. It's better to go in April or September and October - the weather is usually nice and it's less hectic than during the summer. Most everything closes down in the winter, so if you want a true getaway, you might consider going in the winter (a few hotels stay open).

This will be a rough travel plan as I'm putting it together based on 2 stories, mostly one from Kscene magazine. It's not online yet, but when it is I'll add the link so you can read that story as well.

Fly to Delhi. You may need to spend a day or two here before you take your bus ride to Manali. This will build up your strength for the 500 rupee, 12 hour, 550 km bus ride that will take you from Delhi to Manali. If you're too cheap to go first class, 250 rupees on the mail run will take you 24 hours and you'll be amazingly uncomfartbale after the first 30 minutes. Spring for the extra 250 rupees! You can also fly to Bhunter (I have no information on the cost) and then take a 1.5 hour taxi ride for 1,000 ruees.

In Manali, you'll need a place to stay. There's no need to book ahead in the offseason but things are fairly crowded during the peak summer season. Expect to pay anywhere from 100 to 4,000 rupees/night (4,000 for the Holiday Inn). There's the main town: New Manali, and there's the Old Manali village 2-3 km away. From the spring until the summer, western tourists generally stay in the village while Indians generally stay in the town. It seems strange to westerners who have been there and they can't explain it. It's not like that in September and October.

In May, there are good opportunities for whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. The Mountaineering Institute in Manali has courses in skiing October is best, but some mountains are covered in snow even during summer), rock climbing and mountaineering.

Sadly, the wonderful nature is made somewhat less enjoyable by the drug culture. I'm told that the key is to avoid the "unsavory characters" and spend your time hiking, and playing chess with the locals in rooftop cafes. You won't be completely left alone but that's the best one can do to avoid the hassle. That's my Manali travel plan, by the way: hike, stroll around town, and drink chai in the rooftop cafes while talking to the locals.

You'll want to go to the hot sulphur springs at Vashisht, a small town 3 km away from Manali. In Vashist, check out the two stone temples with elaborate woodcarvings in the main square. My friend also recommends the Rahalla Falls, which are 16 km from Manali.

Eventually, you'll take the bus back to Delhi and fly home.

Posted by James Trotta at 10:24 PM | Comments (2)

More cruise articles than you want to read

I guess it's cruise day over at Newsday (yes, I apologize for the terrible rhyme). For native New Yorkers like myself this article on cruise ships using the Brooklyn port (instead of Manhattan) is an interesting read.

If you like the blog entry on cruising the Panama Canal a while back, then this is the Newsday article for you. It makes the mechanical processes of the canal sound pretty cool:

When you're sitting in a canal lock, marveling that your 780-foot cruise ship has just been lifted 28 feet in only 8 minutes, you get a new perspective -- and admiration.

And then there's a great article on cruise ship dining. I really like the focus on making friends at your assigned dinner table. I'm not a parent, but anyone with a 13-year-old should appreciate cruising with a teen. How to choose a cruise is another good read. I'm not sure, but maybe this one from page 2 is for me:

IF YOU: Think that "creature comforts" refers to whales, otters and seals ...
THEN CHOOSE: Lindblad Expeditions. Passengers don't just view flora and fauna, they learn about it from experts and actively protect it.
SHIPS: Endeavour, Islander, Polaris, Sea Bird, Sea Lion and Sea Voyager visit nature lovers' locales such as the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia, Alaska and Baja California.

Posted by James Trotta at 11:50 PM | Comments (5)

Airport parking super site

Here's a British travel site that I liked and wanted to bring to your attention. First, they compare airport parking. So, for example, they have reviews on Heathrow parking and on that same page there's a search engine where you type in the dates you need to park and they show you the best prices. Their Gatwick parking page is detailed enough that if I knew where Gatwick was I could probably park at the airport there. It's brilliant, so why I can't I find something like this for JFK?

Actually, I did. This same site has information on JFK parking and other US airports too. This site is going in my bookmarks so that I can check out the parking situation at whatever airport I'm going to.

There's also an airport lounge site in this family of sites. Sticking with the Heathrow theme, since that's probably the British airport I'm most likely to use, here's some information on Heathrow airport lounges. Again, why haven't I seen a similar site for JFK or Incheon or Narita (the airports I use most often). Actually, I should write a little bit on the lounges at Incheon as I have found a couple...

Posted by James Trotta at 3:44 AM | Comments (1)

Traveling to germany for the 2006 World Cup - getting tickets

As Berlin readies itself for the 2006 World Cup, I'm reading that tickets are getting harder and harder to come by.

This has had two results. First, people are having trouble getting tickets. Buying tickets is going to be expensive. I'll link to a few ticket brokers I know, but be careful: "FIFA says buyers risk being denied entry to games because tickets contain a chip with information personal to the original purchaser." Anyway, here are a couple of ticket brokers I know of: Best Show Tickets Las Vegas soccer tickets (World Cup tickets are on the right), Coast to Coast World Cup tickets, and Ticket Solutions World Cup tickets.

Also, BBC (the article I liked to above) reports that "organisers have taken the unusual step of encouraging fans without tickets to travel to Germany and watch the matches on dozens of big screens around the country, including nine screens in Berlin."

Having been to a World Cup match in 2002 (Turkey vs. Costa Rica), I can say that it is a great experience. I won't be in Germany for 2006, but hopefully in Africa for the 2010 World Cup!

Posted by James Trotta at 3:25 AM | Comments (3)

One day in New York City

A recent question on a sports message board I frequent: I'm a college kid visiting a friend at NYU, first time in the city, just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for stuff to see. Im not a real touristy guy, any suggestions sports related?

One detailed answer: Walk to Washington Square Park from NYU...then go south six blocks down West Broadway into SOHO. Take a left on Grand. Go to little Italy. Grab something at Ferrrara's. Take a cab downtown to the WTC. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. Take the Lexington line up to 53 street. Walk over to Rockefeller Center and then up Fifth Avenue to Central Park South. Grab a hot dog. Walk west and get on the D train north from Columbus Circle. Go to Yankee Stadium...the Cathedral of Sports. Get back on the train to PennStation. Head home. Rest your feet. Enjoy.

If you're with a girl take her to the top of the Empire State Building. (Three blocks east of the PennStation exit). Wins you a lot of points (like going to 10 chick flicks without complaining). Then walk over to PennStation. Get on the train home. Massage each others' feet. Have fun in the greatest city in the world. Come back when you have more than a day.

My response: Ferrarra's is great. If you sit down you pay more (kind of like Italy). I'm cheap so I get takeout and walk while I eat. The top of the Empire State Building is romantic, but you're probably in for a wait of at least an hour. We went in the late afternoon to see the day view, the sunset, and the night view. Recommended!

Posted by James Trotta at 6:55 PM | Comments (2)

Cruise lines slash prices

Added capacity (think Freedom of the Seas) and reduced demand due to bad publicity has left cruise lines with nothing to do other than slash prices.

Royal Caribbean Cruises - has a deal on Bahamas, Mexico and Caribbean cruises: the third and fourth cruisers can sail for $99.

Carnival - has a seven-night eastern Caribbean trip beginning on Aug. 26 starts at $529.

Norwegian Cruise Line - has a Western Caribbean cruise leaving Houston on Oct. 21 is $439 per person for seven nights.

If the bad news hasn't spooked you, now is the time to get a good deal on a cruise.

Posted by James Trotta at 9:53 PM | Comments (6)

Marriott Grand Chateau Las Vegas timeshare

I'm trying to learn more about timeshares and condo hotels so this article on the Marriott Grand Chateau in Las Vegas was an interesting read for me. A one-bedroom condo goes for $16,000, earning you one week/year, while $75,000 puts you in a three-bedroom for one week/year. The maintenance fee isn't given in this article, but 500-1,000/year seems typical to me.

I haven't decided what I think about timesahres yet. I'm not sure there is one place where I want to spend one week of every year vacationing unless it's Rome where I want to spend most of my life. It's true that you can use your Las vegas timeshare to go to some other resort, as in this case: "purchasers not only gain access to the entire Marriott portfolio of vacation clubs, but also all similar properties repped by Interval Travel, which handles more than 75 international markets."

I suppose if the annual upkeep fee is significantly lower than a nice room in a resort would cost you over a week, then purchasing a timesahre would be worth it.

Posted by James Trotta at 3:23 AM | Comments (17)

2006 summer vacation to Vegas, San Diego, Grand Canyon

This 7 day summer vacation plan is the 12th submission to the 1,000 dollar travel writing contest. Be sure to read all the other 2006 summer vacation plans that heve been submitted.

Day 1: Vegas, baby, Vegas! As you embark on your adventure out West, you must first visit Vegas. You'll need all the energy you're able to summon to survive this town: Games of Chance, Drinks O' Plenty and Excitement Squared. Live it up!

Day 2: Sleep/Rest/Recover until 3pm! Relax, you're in Vegas! A 3pm
start is like starting at 9am in any other city. While you're not as "rah-rah-rah"
as you were yesterday/last night, take in more of the sights. Spend time
outside of the casinos soaking up the sun and fresh/dry air.

Day 3: Adios, Vegas, it was fun while it lasted. Hello, La La land! Los Angeles: Walk of Fame, Stars, Sunset Boulevard. Don't be too envious of the rich and famous; instead, savor the city and the exhilaration of Movie Land.

Day 4: Onward to, arguably, the most eye-appealing city in the country; take
a drive along the coast to San Diego. Stop at the renowned San Diego Zoo,
Mission Beach and everywhere else. You can't go wrong in, as my friends respectfully dubbed it, "Diego."

Day 5: Enter Arizona. The state's bird, the Cactuswren, enjoy, as you
will, the dry climate. You'll admire the cacti. Yes, while you're in this state
even the cacti are picturesque. Take in the state's capital, Phoenix, as well
as Tuscon. I can't describe these cities with words; it's more of a feel as you
move about the terrain.

Day 6: Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Grand Canyon! Get there by any means
necessary! That's your day. Your entire day. Take a camera and plenty of film!
You will be awestruck by its beauty.

Day 7: Eat a hearty breakfast and head East, "soldiers!" Your group has been together for a week. You've been to three states, "oohed," and "oohed" some more. You've had quality conversation; discussions, as well as minor disagreements. Avail yourself, when you reach your humble abode, to some alone time!

Steve Doherty Jr.

Posted by James Trotta at 2:45 AM | Comments (3)

Travelocity, travel insurance, slow refund

It always amazes me how companies will rip us off. This story about Travelocity failing to issue a refund is a perfect example as one customer had to work for 6 months in order to get the refund he was owed. Even after 6 months, Travelocity only responded to the Miami travel troubleshooter.

Interestingly the troubleshooter says that a polite email would have yielded better results than 6 months of phone calls. I personally find this impossible to believe though I do accept that it's worth sending both emails and making phone calls. Even then, big corporations can be slow to do the right thing for their customers.

Add Travelocity to the list of companies I'll never use to book a vacation.

Posted by James Trotta at 4:02 AM | Comments (12)

Cruising the Panama Canal

I just read an interesting article in Newsday about cruising through the Panama Canal. The author seems fairly happy with Holland America although he does mention that he didn't enjoy life on the ship. As a result, he recommends bringing a few books since much of the cruise is spent on ship.

Although the author enjoyed his guided tours, he spends more time suggesting that the guides aren't necessary:

That said, Holland America did a terrific job of prepping us before we hit ports, with knowledgeable staff to answer questions and a printed handout on each port with information on major sights, history, food and shopping, and maps. So, with taxis available at every port, it's not a real challenge to do it yourself, in the process saving some money (cab-sharing with shipboard friends, for example) and freeing yourself from the tyranny of the group tour. I didn't find any passengers who did this who had any regrets.

Posted by James Trotta at 4:15 AM | Comments (3)

Do you want to suggest any travel magazines?

When I moved into my new office, I found an old copy of Traveler which had some interesting information on very upscale travel destinations. I don't actually subscribe to any travel magazines, but recently I've been considering it.

I found a list of travel magazine subscription discounts and looked to see if any might help me keep this blog interesting for you. I think I might get some good ideas from Beautiful Itineraries which has a focus on Italy. Regular readers may recall that I blog about Italy whenever I'm out of ideas because I want to retire there.

I don't talk much about business travel on this blog, so Business Traveler might help me get a new category of good information for you.

Just going from reputation, National Geographic Traveler and Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel should give me some good ideas for this site.

What are your favorite travel magazines?

Posted by James Trotta at 4:39 PM | Comments (9)

Recommended Disney hotels

These Disney Hotel recommendations are a follow up to yesterday's post about the Disney vacation package special.

Port Orleans French Quarter Resort: This is a New Orleans-themed Disney Resort, with cobblestone walkways and ornate iron railings, colorful characters, wonderful food, and watery fun at Doubloon Lagoon. Some criticism has been leveled at the pool (too busy) and the rooms (comfortable but not new enough).

Caribbean Beach Resort: this is Disney's "Caribbean paradise". It is said to have a great beach, island foods, and bright, inspiring colors. Visitors enjoy colonial forts and architecture, lively markets, exotic birds and relaxing strolls on the sand and the warm waters of Barefoot Bay. Criticism includes the rooms themselves (not clean enough) and the food court (too much fast food).

Disney's Polynesian Resort: The tropical grounds are lush and at night there are torches along the pathways. The pool has a great theme and there is a beautiful beach. Criticism has been leveled at the rooms (dated, but they have begun a renovation which should make the theme less of a tacky tropical one). My friend suggests staying on the ground floor since some of the rooms on the upper floors do not have balconies. If you are staying on an upper floor, be sure to request a balcony.

Coronado Springs Resort: One friend claims that they have the best food, and says, "Do not miss the all you can eat breakfast buffet, great food for dinner too but you may prefer the 'pepper market' than the regular restaurant. Both are on the dining plan." This Disney resort is supposed to combine cultural elements of colonial Spain, Mexico and New Mexico. These cultural elements include the colorful spring-fed Fountain of the Doves and the Mayan-ruin themed Dig Site pool.

Well there you have it. Those are places my friends have stayed and enjoyed.

Posted by James Trotta at 2:39 AM | Comments (12)

Buy Walt Disney World's Magic Your Way package, get dining package free

Disney is offering the dining package free for travelers booking their Magic Your Way vacation package for stays starting August 13 - September 30 (you have to book the vacation by June 4th). A family of four saves almost $100 per day!

I know one person going to Disney in September who had already booked the Magic your Way plan with dining through AAA. Yesterday the travel agent called to tell them about Disney’s promotion. My friend is now saving close to $700 by getting the meal plan free.

I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew about this, because if you are considering a Disney trip in August or September, this is the Disney vacation package for you.

Posted by James Trotta at 1:43 AM | Comments (6)

Advertising inside airplanes, around windows

I wanted to show you this interesting Fiat ad placed inside an airplane. Of course to show you anything I'll have to use a picture, something I've never done before on this blog:

Here's a more closeup view:

I could see that being entertaining for about 5 minutes, then getting annoying. Could you get used to that on a long flight?

Thanks to Creative Brain for the first picture and Adfreak blog for the second picture.

Posted by James Trotta at 11:45 PM | Comments (3)

US Airways evil contract of carriage

An airline contract of carriage is a legal agreement between you and the airline you're flying. Normally, when an airline cancels a flight, passengers have the right to phone cards, meal vouchers, and hotel rooms, not to mention the next flight to your destination (on any airline).

US Airways has changed all that so that one unlucky US Airways passenger ended up with only 200 dollars compensation after he spent hours in a plane sitting on the runway (I hate that), had his flight cancelled, waited two days for another one, and was promised 600 Euros compensation.

The travel troubleshooter can't do anything about it since US Airways has revised their contract of carriage so that it let's them get away with pretty much anything. We are issued this word of warning, however:

I'm concerned that passengers' rights are being eroded with each revision of an airline's contract of carriage. I suspect US Airways is hardly alone in rewriting its responsibilities to better suit its bottom line. And I wonder if the day will come when the contract will allow an airline to wiggle out of its obligation to fly us anywhere at all.

Posted by James Trotta at 3:20 AM | Comments (6)

Traveling with small packs

Has anyone tried packing with space bags? I haven't, but it seems like they can really save you a lot of space and I love traveling without bulky packs.

Now I'm just thinking out load here (not really - I have given it a little thought), but if I took this large space bag that holds 10-12 sweaters and shrinks storage space up to 75%, and used it on my vacation clothes wouldn't that work out well?

The only potential problem I see is packing up at the end of your vacation. You need a vacuum with hose to evacuate the air. I suppose most hotels would have something if you could track down room service.

I suppose it would make more sense to use these travel space saver bags. I guess since you roll them up you don't need a vacuum. This package says it has 2 Carry On Size (13.5 Inches x 19.5 Inches - Holds 2 Blouses, 1 Jacket, 1 Sweater) and 1 Suitcase Size (18 Inches x 22.5 Inches - Holds 2 Shirts, 2 Sweaters, 1 Jacket).

Has anyone tried these space bags before? How well do they work?

Posted by James Trotta at 6:06 PM | Comments (10)

More complaints about Carnival cruise

Remember the honeymooning couple who were disembarked from a Carnival Cruise? Naturally, they want their money back. However, it seems that everyone on that cruise deserves a refund.

Here are some more stories of sewage in the toilets, welding being done on hot tubs, and hot water that didn't always work.

I think it's time for Carnival to do something, because the bad press they're getting now has to be damaging their brand.

And then the news gets worse, as over 50 people died when a dinner cruise boat sank off the coast of Bahrain. I suppose most of us are used to tragic news, but the story I'm linking to is a real downer so you may just want to skip it.

Posted by James Trotta at 2:23 AM | Comments (34)

Don't let mosquitoes ruin your vacation

I hate mosquitoes. The only reason I haven't gone back to Algonquin Park for some wolf howls or gone on a jungle trek is because mosquitoes really take the fun out of everything for both me and my wife. So I did a little research on how to keep mosquitoes off.

I already knew about DEET, but last time I went to Algonquin the Cutter Backwoods Insect repellent (30 or 35% DEET) just wasn't enough. Not even close.

I learned that both DEET and picaridin are supposed to block a mosquito's ability to find you. DEET appears in Off!, Cutter and Repel. A picaridin-based repellent is Cutter Advanced. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a natural ingredient found in a number of products, including insect repellents marketed by Repel and Off! Botanicals.

I wonder if it would help to use both Cutter Backwoods and Cutter Advanced?

Posted by James Trotta at 3:17 PM | Comments (8)

3 books about buying real estate in Italy

On my other blog, I was blogging about an article that called buying real estate in Prague a great way to get rich. Well Prague isn't too far away from Rome, which is where I want to buy a little real estate.

Of course, I have no intention of investing. I just love Rome and want to live there. Some of you may remember this from when I wrote about Rome museums and restaurants. On that blog entry someone asked how one goes about retiring in Rome. There's something I should know!

So I tracked down a few books, which I thought I'd share here to see if you have any comments on the books or other suggestions. Buying a Property: Italy certainly has the right title, but not all reviews are positive. One speaks of misleading information. The Complete Guide To Buying Property In Italy also has a good title but no reviews. Buying a Home in Italy: A Survival Handbook is more for EU citizens than for Americans according to one review.

I suppose I'll have to read them all for myself, but if anyone has any suggestions, please share!

Posted by James Trotta at 1:47 AM | Comments (2)

April fool's idyllic holiday spot

In 1977 the British newspaper The Guardian published a special seven-page supplement in honor of the tenth anniversary of San Serriffe, a small republic located in the Indian Ocean consisting of several semi-colon-shaped islands. A series of articles affectionately described the geography and culture of this obscure nation. Its two main islands were named Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse. Its capital was Bodoni, and its leader was General Pica. The Guardian's phones rang all day as readers sought more information about the idyllic holiday spot. Few noticed that everything about the island was named after printer's terminology. The success of this hoax is widely credited with launching the enthusiasm for April Foolery that then gripped the British tabloids in the following decades.

Posted by James Trotta at 1:57 AM | Comments (0)

Travel Contest Itenerary - These Shoes Are Made for Walking...in England!

Contest entry #11 was submitted by Hannah Kemp.

While there are many islands that I would love to visit, the British Isles will always be near and dear to my heart. Although as with any country in order to truly appreciate the wonders of England you must stop and stay for a good long while, I shall attempt to whirl you through her sights and sounds in a mere 7-8 days. Before you set out, a most necessary item will be your Britrail Pass. You must purchase this while still in the US, they are not sold in the UK. A 4 day Flexi-pass 2nd Class will cost $275 for adults and $207 for youth. This trip is designed for students or young people, as it includes a lot of walking and attempts to highlight the less expensive side of things. However, it could be easily adapted for a family or older couple. I've included the prices for adults, as they are the highest, but your student ID card will prove invaluable on your journey, as almost every place offers a "concession" price for students, seniors, families & children.

Day 1: Arrive in London, at either Heathrow or Gatwick airport. Plan on arriving either late afternoon or in the evening, this helps with jet-lag. Since you're already exhausted from traveling, go ahead and slip into the train for Oxford. If you're still awake and its still light out, head to the second level and secure a front seat view as the English countryside passes you by. When you arrive at the Oxford station you'll be just outside the center of beautiful Oxford, England. Even though it may be late at night, you shouldn't have a problem getting a cab. Take one of the many black taxi-cabs waiting just outside and direct the driver to your hotel. There are many places to stay in Oxford, but I recommend the Lakeside B&B (http://www.oxfordcity.co.uk/accom/lakeside/). Rooms start at £38 for a single, £50 for a standard double, £68 double with en-suite and £84 for a family en-suite. Right next to a charming little park and a mere 15 minutes walk from the City Centre, the Lakeside is ideally situated. If it is unavailable, there are several other B&B's on Abingdon Road. Be sure to let your hosts know when your plane gets in, especially if its late, so they can be ready for your arrival.

Day 2:
Depending on your interests, you may decide to spend more or less time at any one of the places on this itinerary. Oxford is highly recommended as a 2 day treat, there's so much to see and do in this beautiful town! Plus, its nice to take things easy on your first day after a long journey.

Start out from the Lakeside B&B after enjoying a hearty breakfast. When you leave the B&B, turn left and head down the road. If you prefer, you can turn right and walk to the bus stop, where you can catch a bus to the City Centre for 90 pence. This beautiful morning is the reason to come to Oxford straight from London. You'll see London on your way home and there is nothing like an Oxford morning to refresh and invigorate the weary traveler. By the time you arrive at the City Centre, you'll be ready for a day full of adventure! Grab a map, and take a look at the city of the dreaming spires.
http://www.dailyinfo.co.uk/sheet/maps/map.htm
http://www.club.ox.ac.uk/images/large-oxford-map.gif

Among the unique gems of Oxford, the Pitt Rivers Museum is one of the most curious. Located inside the Natural History Museum, museum guides are still discovering new pieces in this collection of memorabilia from various private collections which range from carved pipes to shrunken heads to stringed instruments. Be sure to open the drawers, you never know what you'll find!

Just down the road from the Natural History Museum lies University Park. This is a terrific place to sit under a tree, relax, or even take a nap to get rid of the last remnants of jet lag.

Take lunch at the Eagle & Child, where J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and other Oxford authors met to discuss their ideas over beer and pipes in a group called "The Inklings." I highly recommend the Mushroom Pepperpot, a specialty of the pub.

On Broad Street, not too far from the Eagle & Child, lies Blackwells' Bookstore. Blackwell's is a haven for booklovers everywhere. Venture to the uppermost level and you'll find the used book department, where many interesting and unique volumes can be found for 1/2 price.

Directly across from this deceptively small appearing bookstore (the largest in Oxford) is the Museum of the History of Science. http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/ This museum often has interesting exhibits, such as Einstein's Chalkboard - preserved from when he gave a lecture on relativity at the university. The exhibits for this summer are not yet posted, but when they are, you can find them here: http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/events/

Depending on your preference, you can see the city in any number of ways. There are guided walking tours, or red bus tours if your feet are tiring. If you're interested in a walking tour - which is probably the best way to experience Oxford - many of them start at or near to Blackwell's bookstore.

The one thing you'll kick yourself the most if you miss is an Evensong at Christ Church. Whether or not you tour this beautiful church (Harry Potter fans will consider such a tour a must) take a moment at the end of your day to sit and rest and experience this beautiful and uplifting ceremony. Schedules are posted on the church door on St. Aldate's street, or can be found here: http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/modules/standard/viewpage.asp?id=235

After a long day of walking, its good to remember that buses run fairly late into the night, leaving from St. Aldate's Road, just a little bit closer to city centre from the gates of Christ Church. If, instead, you choose to walk, you can stop in for a pint at the Head of the River pub on your way back to your B&B.

Day 3: Hop aboard an early train and head for York. Ideally, you'll get there in time for the first free walking tour, which starts at 10:15am and explores the history of York, ending the beautiful York Minster. http://www.btinternet.com/%7Eyork.touristguides/ After the tour, there are lots of different options. The Jorvik Viking Centre is an especially fun place for both the young and the young at heart. http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/trialsplash2.htm The York museum offers plenty to see, and you can catch a nap in the gardens. Trains can easily become a mild passion while traveling in Britain, and you can fuel this interest at the National Rail Museum. Be sure to pick up some Yorkshire cheese from a local shop...most days there's a small local market where you never know what you'll find - anything from a paper cone of freshly picked strawberries to hand crafted jewelry.

At the end of the day, hop back on the train, this time heading further north to Edinburgh. The journey time should be about 2.5 hours. You have so many options for where to stay in Edinburgh. For the budgeted back-packer, I reccomend the High Street Hostel. The staff are friendly, and the location can't be beat! If you're looking for a little more comfort, try the Arbercorn Bed & Breakfast, its outside the city, but well worth the journey. http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/hotels/abercorn.html

Yet another option is the Globetrotter Inn. The Globetrotters in Edinburgh is decidedly off the beaten track, requiring either your own transportation or that you pay a (separate) fee to take their (admittedly frequent, but often crowded) bus to get to the hostel. Once you're there, its right by the ocean, which has distinct advantages of long, romantic windswept walks by the rocky shore. If you can stand the isolation, and don't mind the chance of having to wait for the bus a little extra, the Globetrotters in Edinburgh is an excellent place to stay - the staff is courteous and the place is clean and well thought out. I will highly recommend the sister hostel in London, and I recommend the facility in Edinburgh, however, the journey to and from makes the Globetrotters in Edinburgh a little too much of a hassle for the value. If you're going to go outside Edinburgh, go to the Arbercorn B&B, where you get a lot more privacy for about the same amount of money. The Globetrotter is, however, nice for large groups, or persons traveling together who want to have their own bed.

Day 4: This is your first day in Scotland! Get a map from your hostess as you head out the door, but don't worry too much about finding your way around town. Edinburgh is built on the "Royal Mile" and just about everything you want to see is close by. The Edinburgh Castle will take you at least 2 or 3 hours to see properly, so either visit there first, or leave plenty of time, because you'll kick yourself if you don't. Not to be missed is the exhibit for the blind just before the crown jewels of Scotland - a unique idea that allows those without sight to feel the craftsmanship of the crown, sceptre and sword.

A fun, and free, stop just before the castle, is the The Woolen Mill. Here you can take a brief tour of the history of Scottish dress, see a weaver in action and have a chance to buy a yard of your own tartan.

Turn off the Royal Mile at the Mercat Cross and walk down (literally) a little, and on your right you might very well spot a man in a Frankenstein's monster costume. He is advertising another of the more unique hidden away places in Edinburgh, Frankenstein's. This unique little restruant is located in the second story of a club/bar and has been built in what used to be a high Anglican church.

If you're brave enough, catch one of the evening Ghost Tours. Half the fun of these tours is observing the other party members as they suddenly get "cold on one side" or "feel ghostly hands." The guides with Mercat Tours are excellent storytellers. And, who knows, maybe you'll have a ghostly encounter of your own. http://www.mercattours.com/scheduled-tours.asp

Edinburgh is another place you may want to extend your stay in - there's so much to see and do! Be sure to save some time to browse in the many shops - the Scottish shopkeepers are usually quite jovial, and often wear kilts! Also, take an evening to relax in a local pub and soak up some quality atmosphere. The "story time" at the end of the Ghost Tour is a good way to start this!

Day 5:
You'll take the high road and I'll take the low road
And I'll be in Scotland afore ye
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond.

Hop aboard your favorite train and head for the tiny village of Balloch. Its literally the end of the line, so get off the train before it starts going backwards! Right next to the tracks (there's no station, just a platform) is a tiny shop with some of the best, and greasiest, fish & chips in all of Great Britain. If you choose to stay a night, there are several lovely B&B's right across the street. However, the true attraction is a short walk down to the right, where you'll find Loch Lomond National Park. Be sure to bring your camera, and stay for sunset on the Loch.
http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/

Day 6 & 7:
As you hop aboard the train and head all the way down the country, be very glad that there are many express trains direct from Edinburgh to London! Instead of stopping at every little village possible, they pause at 2, or 3 stations and book it to London in a very brief 5 hours.

Alternatively, you can try the overnight train called the Caledonian Sleeper. If you go this option, advance planning is absolutely necessary - the "Bargain Berth" prices of £19 one-way disappear quickly. If you forget to plan ahead, your BritRail pass, will give you a more comfortable option, as the difference between a supplement for a 2nd class and a 1st class berth is a mere £4. Check out this website for information on how to book a ticket.
http://www.seat61.com/CaledonianSleepers.htm

Where to stay in London really depends entirely on your taste and budget. Some people will be spending little to no time awake in their rooms, so a reputable hostel is a highly economical and practical option. Others will want a more relaxing and traditional stay, so a B&B would be better. I've only personally experienced the hostel option, but I've put my researching skills to the test, and have come up with a B&B choice that I would love to try:

The GlobeTrotter Inn is a quality hostel, with above average facilities. There are no rickety metal bunks here - no, you have your own wooden bunk with a curtain, bookshelf and reading light. A personal locker with key is included. The staff are friendly and courteous - and if they can't find something, they'll help you find someone who can.
http://www.globetrotterinns.com/

For a good B&B, I suggest the Bay Tree House. http://www.hostels.net/hosteldetails.php
With nice rates and a good location, the thing that really sells this place to me are the various reviews of the B&B on www.tripadvisor.com, a resource I use occasionally to test and see if places I've found are too good to be true.

To find your own location, I suggest combining the services of http://www.londonbb.com/
with the reviews on www.tripadvisor.com

Traveling by the London Underground, or Tube, is easy and definitely your best choice. Get an Oyster Card, put £7 on it and you'll soon be zipping about with ease. The Oyster Card is very nice, as you pay as you go - so if you only travel to Trafalgar square and back, then you'll only use £1-£3 and have the rest for your next day - but if you travel a lot, the price caps at £.50 less than a day pass. You can also use the Oyster Card for travel on the red double decker coaches - in fact, if you travel exclusively by coach, the price caps at £3. All in all, the Oyster card is very convenient, worry free and the best value for your money. A tip for the budget conscious, are you tired as can be, but don't want to sit in your hotel room when you could be out and about? Don't want to fork over bundles for the hop on, hop off tours? Just use your oyster card to get onto a red double decker bus. Secure the front seat on the top deck and just ride about London. I can tell you from personal experience, its quite nice and relaxing.

If you're arriving early in the morning via the Caledonian Sleeper, your hotel in London may not yet have your room ready. However, they should be glad to hold your bags while you go sight-seeing. There is so much to see and do in London, its a 2 day-must and you might even extend it to 3. What you attempt is really your choice - don't try too much or you'll end up with lots of photographs, but no recollection of your day! For your convenience, I've divided the sites up by location.

Leicester & Trafalgar Square

Theatre:

Hop off the tube (please mind the gap between the train and the platform) and take the escalator up to Leicester Square - admiring the various posters for musicals on your way up. Now, there are 2 ways to go about getting tickets to musicals, the sure fire way, and the interesting and less expensive way. If you desire to go to a popular favourite, i.e. Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, all you need to do is arrive at Leicester Square BEFORE 10am. The discount ticket offices open at 10am, and all the wonderfully cheap sounding offers they have are usually gone within the first 30 minutes to an hour. After that, you can still get less expensive tickets, but they're much harder to come by. If you're going to a show that is not Les Mis or Phantom, you may want to buy your tickets ahead of time. Find the website for the show and purchase them there, more expensive, but you have your tickets. You can also check and see, many shows offer "stand-by" tickets, where you show up at the theatre itself in the afternoon a few hours before the show, and have a chance to get excellent tickets at very inexpensive rates. The draw back of this plan is that you may find yourself without a show to go to. If you're a little flexible, you can plan on trying this option your first day, and going for Leicster Square tickets the second day, if you can't get a stand by ticket.

The National Gallery:

The rest of your day in London depends entirely on your tastes. From Leicester Square, you can easily walk to Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery will take up an entire day for the art enthusiast - but the less interested can probably sweep through it in an hour or so. http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/ There are quite often guided tours which explore various elements of this large and beautiful collection. Like most British museums, all except the occasional special collection is free to view, another bonus for the budget conscious. Through the 25th of June, find a special exhibit titled "Bellini and the East," admission to which is free. Expect to see masterpieces by many different artists from Monet to da Vinci to Velasquez, dating from 1250AD to 1900AD.

Lunchtime:

After viewing the many masterpieces at the National Gallery, it might very well be about lunchtime. If so, consider yourself fortunate and head to the crypt of St. Martins in the Fields, just across the road from the National Gallery. Here you'll find a delightful lunch which you can either eat in the crypt itself, or take a sandwich out to Trafalgar Square and enjoy your repast amongst the lions and pigeons by the fountain. However, you should note that the most excellent soup, which is to be had at St. Martins, is difficult take-away food. If you're there a little later, St. Martin's is an excellent place to catch a spot of afternoon tea which is served from 2-6pm.
http://www2.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/page/cafe/crypt/crypt.html

Parliament:

Nearby, you'll also find the offices of parliament. If either of your days in London happens to be a Wednesday, you might consider attempting to attend the Prime Minister's Question Time which starts at noon every Wednesday when the House of Commons is in session. Space to view the House of Commons is quite limited, so arriving early is absolutely essential. Check out http://www.parliament.uk/works/occasion.cfm and "Prime Minister's Question Time" for more information.

Westminster Abbey:

Westminster Abbey, where the queens and kings of England are christened, crowned and buried along with many other important poets, artists and historical figures. Come back in the evening to hear a gorgeous sung evensong. http://www.westminster-abbey.org/

National Portrait Gallery:

The National Portrait Gallery - sit and wonder at the stories behind the faces. http://www.npg.org.uk/live/index.asp

Along the Thames:

Tate Modern:

If modern art is more to your liking, you won't find it at the National Gallery. For that, you must go to the Tate modern. http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/ Southwark and Blackfriars are the closest tube stations both of which are about ten minutes walk from the museum. While at the Tate, another piece of modern art may catch your eye. Situated right on the Thames, the Tate is quite close to the Millenium bridge, a wonderful place to look out at the expanse of the great river of London.

Tower of London:

Also along the Thames, you'll find the Tower of London. Here you can compare the crown jewels of England with the Scottish jewels you saw in Edinburgh. You'll also encounter ravens, friendly British yeomen & a variety of interesting stories of imprisonment, torture and murder. The tube stop is, appropriately enough, Tower Hill. For more information about the Tower, I recommend this unofficial site brought to you by the yeomen themselves: http://www.camelotintl.com/tower_site/

St. Paul's:

The view is magnificent from the top of the famous dome at St. Paul's Cathedral. www.stpauls.co.uk It costs £9.00 to see the church, with an additional cost if you desire a guided tour. Pictures are prohibited, but the postcards available in the shop are not terribly expensive, and quite gorgeous.

Great Fire Monument:

Another way to catch the view is by climbing the Great Fire Monument. (See http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/greatfire.htm for a brief history of the Great Fire.) After successfully reaching the top, you can take pictures of the London skyline (Placing your camera at a good angle between the spiked bars can be tricky.) When you come back down, they'll give you a certificate saying that you have successfully climbed the monument.

Globe Theatre:

Those interested in Shakespeare will probably already know that the exhibition at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is not to be missed. http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/ Productions this summer are: Coriolanus, Titus Andronicus, Antony and Cleopatra, Under the Black Flag, The Comedy of Errors & In Extremis.

The London Eye

The London Eye is perhaps the most recognizable piece of modern British architecture. The view from the top is terrific, as long as you're not afraid of heights! For a 10% discount, reserve your "flight ticket" online at http://www.londoneye.com/ Those interested in a bit of more recent local culture might be interested to know that the London Eye has also been theorized to be an alien transmitter, see Doctor Who for more information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_(Doctor_Who)

Around London:

The British Library:

Not to be missed by the bibliophile or history buff, the British Library holds many priceless treasures. Nestled away here you'll discover the oldest copy of Beowulf, the Magna Carta, Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, and beautiful illuminated manuscripts. To arrive at the British Library, take the tube to the King's Cross station. You'll find a helpful map here: http://www.bl.uk/about/stporientation.html

The British Museum:

Not too far from the British Library, the British Museum is full of treasures from near and far. http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/world/britain/britain.html Check out the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and money from around the world. Of note are the hands on events, which allow you to experience a wide assortment of artifacts from both ancient and modern cultures.

Shopping/Markets:
Fill in the edges with whatever interests you. Shopping, perhaps. Whether it be Harrod's: famous for exquisite bathrooms and the ability to get you whatever you want, as long as price is no object, the Portabello Road markets (be sure to go in the early afternoon, many of the shops close sporadically early on different days of the week) or shopping on the famous Oxford Street, London has much to offer for the window shopper, the bargain shopper or the savvy person looking for some designer threads. For information on a variety of markets, check out the London Guide to London's Markets: http://www.londontourist.org/markets.html

Pub Crawl:

If the thought of shopping makes you want to reach for your favorite brew to numb the pain, London is most definitely the place for you. Interesting even to the teetotaler, some of the oldest buildings in London are pubs - still open for business and a great place to get a bite to eat, sit back, relax and soak in the atmosphere. If you'd like to know more about them, or would rather not have to search for these often hole-in-the-wall places on your own, you might consider a guided tour. Here are a couple options, one self-tour and one with a guide:
http://www.walks.com/Homepage/Tuesday/default.aspx#108
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/pubsandbars/articles/21805789?source=Evening%20Standard

Day 8: Head for home.

I hope this guide has proven useful to you, or at least a little entertaining. I'll close with a brief itenerary, for easy reference and sheduling.

Cheers!

Day 1: Arrive in London. Coach to Oxford.

Day 2: Oxford
The Pitt Rivers Museum - Free
The Natural History Museum - Free
University Park - Free
Eagle & Child – Lunch (£7-15)
Museum of the History of Science - Free
Evensong at Christ Church - Free

Stay at: B&B - £25 person

Day 3: York.
Walking Tour - Free
The Jorvik Viking Centre – Adult £7.45
National Rail Museum - Free
Local Market
train to Edinburgh

Stay at: B&B or Hostel £12 – 25 person

Day 4: Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Castle - Adult £10.30
The Woolen Mill. - Free
Ghost Tour - £6.00 adul
Shops

Day 5: Balloch

Loch Lomond National Park - Free

Stay at: B&B £15 – 20 per person

Days 6 & 7: London

Catch a Show – Varies £19 – 40 apx.
The National Gallery - Free
The Crypt Café at St. Martins in the Fields
Parliament - Free
Westminster Abbey - Free
National Portrait Gallery - Free
Tate Modern - Free
Tower of London - Adult £15.00
St. Paul's Cathedral – Adult £9.00
Great Fire Monument – Adult £1.00
Globe Theatre - Adult £9.00
The London Eye – Adult £13.00
The British Library - Free
The British Museum - Free
Shopping
Pub Crawl – no charge for self guided

Stay at: B&B or Hostel £13 – 20 per person

Day 8: Leave for Home.

Posted by James Trotta at 12:44 AM | Comments (5)

Plantation Bay, best resort in Cebu?

A friend of mine called Plantation Bay a Disneyland for the adults and kids alike. The rest of this article comes from them (I've never even been to Cebu).

"Plantation Bay was like a huge pool interspersed with villas, facilities and sandbars. The staff were definitely very friendly, polite and helpful. Plantation Bay has a "No Tipping" policy so it wasn't so stressful thinking all the time how much and when to tip.

"The resort is like a well-oiled machine that runs smoothly. I also noticed that there were more southeast Asians clientele than Caucasians. From a firing range where you can shoot some guns to massages, Plantation bay is definitely a real holiday. For massages, go to the resort's Mogambo Springs Spa. The ambiance was quite soothing and conducive to relaxation. The staff were professional and courteous.

"My friends said that dining at the resort can be expensive so they ended up buying groceries (they took a cab into town) so that they could prepare some meals themselves. They also went to a seafood resto a few minutes away from Plantation Bay. The food was decent but the ambiance and overall vibe wasn't. While waiting for our food, a few young men and women in Filipino attire approached our table and started selling souvenirs and pastries. I felt that it was inappropriate as we didn't come to the place to be hustled into buying things we didn't want or need. I bought a package of dried pineapple slices just to stop them from harassing us even further.

"As if that wasn't enough, we suddenly heard the thunderous volume of Filipino folk music blaring from the speakers which were positioned pretty close to our table. Apparently, the restaurant also provided entertainment (a Plantation Bay restaurant had dancing). It was distracting us from what we came to do...dining. We can't even have a decent conversation as the music was too loud and we have to stop eating occasionally to clap politely. Also, at the end of the Tinikling dance, the dancers came to our table to invite us to learn the dance steps from them on the stage."

I had fun trying to learn Malaysian dance, but I can see why you might not want your meal interrupted. Their favorite activity was a trip to Hinutungan Island. They said, "The island was a fish sanctuary and was just teeming with marine life. It's almost like being inside an aquarium, in a world unlike any other and it's so easy to forget where you are. We saw 3 scuba divers and I wished we took the time to take PADI classes before coming to Cebu."

Posted by James Trotta at 1:58 AM | Comments (1)