Travel plan idea blog

1,000 places to see before you die book review

Here's a good review of the best selling, 1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz. Interesting idea which I agree with theoretically:

"I think you need to go with a real sense of curiosity and with certain expectations, or you wouldn't be making the trip happen in the first place, but leaving your mind open to serendipity, because it's the best tour guide in the end of it all." Schultz says. "You don't want to be too rigid and restricted in these packaged tours where every moment is accounted for. You want to get out there and wander and not just physically, but to leave yourself open to different experiences, which often times are the ones that stay with you for life."

Of course as you may be able to tell from my travel plan blog that I do like to have a plan when I travel. I am sometimes willing to stray from the plan...

If you don't have it yet, here's a link to buy 1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz.

The 5 prizewinning entries for the 2006 summer vacation writing contest

Here are the winners! I’ve only commented out loud on the first place winner. All prizewinners should contact me with payment instructions (check or PayPal). There were some awesome travel plans that didn’t win money this time. That’s just the way it has to be in a contest like this. Please don’t email me to complain about how unfair I am. I get enough of that from my students! I don't expect everyone to agree with so feel free to post your comments below. All I know is that I did my best to be fair because I truly do want my money going to the best travel plans.

Honorable mention ($50.00): Taste of Jamaica

Honorable Mention ($50.00): Madrid to Malaga

Third prize ($150.00): Discovering Spain

Second prize ($250.00): These shoes were made for walking… in England

First prize ($500.00): London & Amsterdam Summer Vacation

1. The vacation plan includes a daily itinerary: 10 points. I didn’t give out many perfect grades here, but I liked how this one did a lot and not too much. Plus getting that Thursday night to see the church, Nieuwe Kerk is very efficient since normally we run out of touristy things to do at night. I also like the variety: different museums, some music, different places, different kinds of food, etc.

2. The vacation plan discusses possible accommodations: 9 points. Good information on the two hotels with details like location, breakfast, and service mentioned.

3. The vacation itinerary includes detailed information on activities (e.g. the attractions of a museum, the best hiking trail, the best restaurants, must see architecture, etc.): 18 points. Excellent work here with attractions in the British Museum, meal recommendations in restaurants, Evensong in Westminster Abbey, etc.

4. The vacation itinerary estimates the cost of activities (e.g. museum admission price, cost for dinner in a recommended restaurant, etc.): 5 points. From transportation to meals to attractions, good work in this area.

5. The vacation itinerary generated discussion on www.travel-plan-idea.com (readers left comments regarding the vacation plan): 3 points. I don’t know who Brook and her sister are, but they sort of saved this travel plan from getting shutout on the comments.

Total: 45 points. Since this is the highest grade I awarded, this is the winning entry in the travel writing contest for a 2006 summer vacation plan travel writing contest.

Summarizing the last few summer vacations

#21 was a vacation in San Diego. Good detail here with restaurant recommendations. I love the itinerary full of museums but would personally prefer a little less shopping. Of course my wife would probably prefer more so maybe this travel plan strikes a good balance... The comments were positive, but not useful so not many points to be had there.

#22 was a good one. I love seeing off the beaten path vacations in places like Vietnam. I like the line about the heat and humidity hitting you like a bellyflop. Having been in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore I know that it does get hot down there. Another one with good restaurant detail (though not on every day of the trip), including a noodle place where President Clinton once ate. I thought that the directions for Day 3 (basically get directions from the front desk) sounded a little unhelpful, but I ahven't been asking for directions, and they would make travel plans quite long...

#23: Somehow I never knew that Seattle is the Emerald City, but I've always wanted to go. Here we find lots of restaurant, coffee shop, and even bakery recommendations. Price info would be helpful. I like the focus on museums and music.

#24, the final contest entry. Not the first travel plan we've seen for Washington D.C. - a very popular place (though I prefer going in the winter to beat the crowds). Anyway, another great vacation itinerary. We have some restaurant recommendations (but not for day 1). I'm not so sure about day 3, which starts with the Spy museum, then has a late lunch, then has an (optional) afternoon matinee. I guess if you get off to a llate start, but there's no need to make lunch too late since they spy museum is not exactly the National Gallery. You don't have to spend all day in there. I've never been to the zoo (day 6) but would like to see the pandas.

Well that's that. I'm going to go do the grades and make my final decisions. They'll be posted here in a couple of hours.

Summer vacations 16-20

Still doing general reviews before I do the real grading and select the winners. Here are the next 5:

We start with Spain: history & culture, the 16th submission. I've always wanted to go to Madrid, and while I've never heard of Santiago de Campostela but "granite alleyways, winding through a maze of 12th century streets" just sounds awesome. Good detail with hotels and places to eat recommended.

#17 was a vacation featuring Brazilian nature and culture. I love nature. Going from Salvador to a deserted beach and a small town on day 2, to Morro de Sao Paulo ond ay 3. Some great ideas here.

#18, the vacation to Jamaica, had lots of good insider tips. It sounds like you can eat the way locals eat (when they eat out) and the comments were helpful too. I really like this one and its authentic experiences.

#19 was another good one. This London & Amsterdam vacation was one of the shorter plans, but that seemed to work out well as the author provided great detail without turning it into a novel. Details on restaurants were nice since the places were close to the attractions, meal experiences were shared, and price information was given. I'm noticing a theme with European vacations tending to be fairly expensive. another one that'll be in the running for some prize money.

#20 was another vacation in Jamaica, a Jamaican road trip. I love road trips! This one has a heavy food focus; I think this great vacation would be terrible for anyone on a diet. Meals on the beach and waterfalls make this one another I'd like to go on.

Again, just great entries everywhere.

Refreshing my memory on travel plans 11-15

Happy Memorial Day (yes my blog's date is wrong but I'm on Korean time so it's Memorial Day for you even though mine technically ended an hour ago) to all American readers. I hope you don't see too much traffic or spend to much on gas!

Contest entry #11 was a long travel plan for England. I like getting information about what you need to do before leaving, like getting a Britrail Pass since they are not sold in England. From the airport, you get on a train and go directly to Oxford where it all starts (the Oxford morning is supposed to help you overcome jet lag). Then around England a bit staying in Bed & Breakfasts and saving London for the end. Sounds like a a great time.

Contest entry #12 brings us back to the US - Vegas, Diego, and the Grand Canyon. The idea here was great, but I think a few missing details will hurt the final grade (accommodation info, prices, meals transportation between destinations). Also, I'm not sure that doing Phoenix and Tuscon in one day will allow much time to enjoy either city.

Here I got a bit confused with my numbers and called this great vacation plan from Madrid to Malaga #14. From great museum recommendations in Madrid to specific dishes suggested throughout the trip (not in specific retaurants but based on the locale) this is another great vacation plan.

#15 was a vacation plan for Sweden. Gammel Stad, a medieval church village and an old euro-nordic city, just sounds perfect for me. On day 10 there's something about "summer festivals and outdoor concerts" and I'd really like to know what's on offer this summer! Hotel recommendations and information on eating would make great additions to this one.

Well I've got a tough choice to make in a couple of days. 5 prize winners will be getting 500, 250, 150, 50, and 50 US dollars. Getting the top 5 in order is going to be a difficult task!

Fête de la Musique - June 21

The Fête de la Musique, or World Music Day takes place on June 21, summer solstice. It originated in France, and is now prominent in other countries like Switzerland, Belgium Britain, China and Morocco.

In Paris, amateur musicians are encouraged to perform in the streets. Paris takes on a carnival atmosphere with musicians lining the streets and lots of free music. The music lasts all night.

I like the idea of planning vacations around music festivals, but I don't think I'll be in Paris. My vacation begins June 20th so I should be able to get to China in time to enjoy some music! The only thing is that I can't find any current information on the 2006 World Music Day celebrations in China. The closest thing I found while searching online was the 2005 festival in Hong Kong. Any World Music Day or China experts out there?

Reviewing travel writing contest entries 6-10

This will be a refresher on summer vacation plan entries 6-10

Number 6 was a summer vacation in Grenada. This one starts off well with two possible hotels mentioned. The authors also do an excellent job listing expenses and providing options throughout the travel plan.

Number 7 brought back some childhood memories since I used to vacation in Hershey Park and go to Strasburg Railroad with my parents when I was younger. I also appreciate the concise writing style used here, more of an outline than an article. This one received a number of compliments, but not much meaty discussion.

Number 8 made me think of the future because I really want to go on an Alaskan cruise to see the glaciers. Hearing someone who has had the experience talk about the cruise experiences sure made me more confident about taking that Alaskan Cruise.

The 9th contest entry was a great trip to Europe with useful pointers like reserving tickets to Big Ben online 3 months in advance. All in all, 22 days in London, Paris, and Italy sounds pretty good to me! With a focus on art and food, you won't lack for cultural experiences. Since the Italy tour is an optional addition, this vacation was not too long to qualify for the contest.

The last one I'll look back at now is number 10, a Colorado vacation plan. This one received a lot of praise in the comments, but only a few comments provided genuine insight and generated real discussion. This one was designed for parents and teenagers traveling together and includes good family activities like the aerial tram on Day 1. The restaurant recommendations give this plan some good detail.

Again, I'm amazed at just how good the contest entrants are at writing vacation plans. Choosing only 5 winners and ranking them is going to be real difficult. Plus I have to do it soon!

Hotwire.com reliability, customer service, prices

Hotwire.com promises to help travelers "Find deals you won't see anywhere else" and claims to have "Bargains you can believe in." The traveler is supposed to trust hotwire, and book a nonrefundable hotel without knowing the hotel's name.

One traveler found a better price on expedia (owned by the same company as hotwire), called hotwire complaining about the broken promise to find the best deal. Hotwire wouldn't issue a refund (at least until the travel troubleshooter got involved).

I did a little research. One person who uses foul language complains that hotwire stuck with an early bird flight despite hotwire claiming that 80% of their tickets are between 9am and 7pm.

Another hotwire customer had some technical issues (hotwire had problems with their server) so his transaction didn't go through. After calling, he was told that the deal would be processed normally so he stopped shopping. Two days later he was told that there would be no deal. Flights were now much more expensive.

Another reviewer (this review was posted on a website with many positive reviews) complains that he paid 69.00/night plus taxes on 69.00/night plus hotwire's 6.95 fee only to learn that the hotel was only being paid 54.00/night. The reviewer calls this price gouging. To me the real issue would be if he could have gotten a better price somewhere else.

It's pretty clear that hotwire has made many customers happy, but like any huge company when they do mess up, there's not much the customer can do (other than rant online).

One thing I found was that if you plan to bid on priceline you should check hotwire first to make sure you don't overbid.

I'd welcome any positive or negative reviews or hotwire here in the comments section.

5 summer vacation travel plans

I just wanted to think out loud about the first 5 entries to the writing contest. In a few days I'll be writing checks and making PayPal payments totaling 1,000 US dollars so I'm going to give this some serious thought. Here are my preliminary thoughts on the early entries.

The summer vacation writing contest got off to a good start with the Morocco vacation itinerary. The author, Robert Ward, took this trip and offers the kind of advice that can really help newbies in Morocco. For example, "From the Pension Dalila, you can arrange a $200, 4-day tour of the Moroccan interior, with everything but food included in the price. The first day, you’ll depart from Fés in a chartered taxi..." All in all, a very solid entry, and a few comments show some signs of discussion/experience sharing which helps.

The second vacation plan was a Western US baseball vacation itinerary starting on July 15th. I thought it was an excellent itinerary and I'm surprised there weren't more comments on this unique idea. Specific hotel recommendations would be helpful, but the author does advise to find roadside motels to save money and this is a viable option for people who don't need to plan every little detail. I emailed this one to my friends who like sports. Another very solid entry.

The third contest entry was kind of a his & her vacation plan for Mount Kilimanjaro and an African Safari. Like the second entry, this unique travel plan really caught my interest. The first few days there are two different vacations and then they meet up later. Why didn't my wife and I ever think of that?

The fourth contest entry was the first to Washington D.C. and the second US travel plan. This 5 day Washington D.C. itinerary was possibly the only one to include a pre-trip section. I thought this was a very nice addition and I'm sure that getting the tickets the author recommended in advance is a smart move. Personally I prefer Washington DC in the winter because the city seems so empty and there are no lines if you go when congress isn't in session. But I'm sure there's something to be said for going in summer when it's not too cold. What can I say, another great vacation. I see that determining the winners will be tough.

The fifth vacation itinerary was for 10 days in the Tampa Bay area. The vacationers were going May 20, 2006 - May 30, 2006 so they should be in Tampa now, Have fun and thanks for the great entry! One of my favorite things about this vacation is that there was some very meaningful discussion generated with many useful tips. Of all the contest entries, I think that so far this one has generated the highest quality discussion/comments.

Well that's only the first 5, but you can already see that determining winners is going to be very difficult. As a professor I can be a fairly ruthless grader, so I'll manage. Still you always hate to see some excellent efforts go unrewarded and some must in this contest.

It's not too late to leave your comments on any of these 5 travel itineraries.

Should I be Concerned if my Airline has Declared Bankruptcy?

With virtually all the major airlines having declared themselves bankrupt, it is a question that you, your company or someone you know may have asked yourself recently. Most passengers are blissfully unaware that their airline is strapped for cash or simply don’t care – they are more concerned about the things that we all consider important – an on-time departure, a comfortable seat, a tolerable meal, affordable tickets and those all-important frequent flyer miles. And indeed, if you are flying on a bankrupt airline in the near future, you probably won’t notice anything different.

Bankruptcy – which is also known as ‘Chapter 11’ or ‘reorganization’ doesn’t necessarily mean the end of business for an airline. However, there are many famous names in aviation that have gone bankrupt and are with us no more – notably Pan-Am, Eastern and Midway. And statistically, most airlines that declare bankruptcy sooner or later do go out of business, although this whole process may take several years. Bankruptcy for an airline generally means a restructuring of its debts and a loss of control over the daily running of the business.

In many cases the airline does not need to pay back all its debts, meaning ironically that even though bankrupt, the airline can offer lower fares than its competitors. This in turn, means that the other competing airlines – which may not be in bankruptcy – generally have to offer those same low fares, often losing money in the process. A bankrupt airline may cut back on non-essential services and extras such as meal choices and other on-board amenities. If you own shares in an airline that declares bankruptcy, those shares may become worthless.

So even though bankruptcy should not be a huge concern, there are some things you can do to protect yourself. Firstly and most obviously, avoid booking tickets on bankrupt airlines, although admittedly that is difficult these days. If you do book on a bankrupt – or struggling – airline, always pay for your plane tickets with a credit card as under the Fair Credit Billing Act, credit card customers have the right to refuse paying for charges for services which were not provided. Consider taking out additional travel insurance, but be sure to check with your travel agent or airline that this would be applicable in the case of your airline going under and ceasing service. Unless it’s a particularly important trip, it probably doesn’t justify doing this.

If you have purchased a ticket on an airline that has ceased operations, you are generally entitled to protection on another airline, under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, although there is no guarantee that the schedule will be the same, or as convenient as the one you had. Most larger US airlines have ticketing agreements with other airlines, meaning the airlines will accept their tickets in the event of bankruptcy or ceasing operations. Smaller airlines may not have a ticketing agreement with other airlines – passengers holding Independence Air tickets, a small airline which ceased operations at the beginning of 2006, found it difficult to use their tickets on another airline. And of course, you have the option of getting a full refund on your ticket, although this may be a lengthy process,

And what happens to all those frequent flyer miles you have? You know, those miles you get every time you fly, rent a car, stay in a hotel room, and buy flowers. Even though you can never seem to use your miles when you want to, you still don’t want them to be taken away from you because your airline is in the b-word. Airlines assure you that your miles will still be honored and can still be used, and most miles are valid for several years from the date they were earned.

If you are concerned, ask your airline about redeeming your miles on one of their partner airlines, thus giving you added flexibility and insurance. Most airlines have several mileage partners, offering flights to the same destinations as themselves, as well as to places they don’t fly. Airlines also allow you to cash in your miles for anybody you like – it doesn’t necessarily need to be for yourself or even for a family member.

Many frequent flyer miles can also be transferred between different airline accounts, or traded in for hotels and car rentals as well, in order to ‘protect’ them. There are also various companies that offer to ‘insure’ your miles - for a charge, of course. And a final word of advice – just go ahead and use your hard-earned miles for that vacation you have promised yourself – most airlines can book seats up to 11 months ahead of time, so you have no excuse.

Environmental concerns, arrested captains, and more cruise news

A cruise ship ballot initiative in Alaska seeks to implement a 50.00/person tax in order to monitor waste produced on cruises. The bad environmental news hasn't persuaded me never to take a cruise, but has made me think about cruising responsibly. I'll have to look into that.

Speaking of cruising and not harming the environment, I did meet someone, a 19-year-old computer whiz who recently joined Greenpeace and has done some sailing with them. What a way to travel! Stupidly, I didn't ask for an interview but I'll try to find out more about traveling with Greenpeace.

More cruise news: the story of Daniel DiPiero reminds us not to get too drunk while on a cruise. The poor guy falls overboard and everyone else continues on their way to the Bahamas.

NCL America's new Pride of Hawaii, which can take about 2400 people on a cruise, is the largest and most luxurious U.S.-flagged cruise ship. She was formally dedicated on May 20th in Los Angeles.

An article on Freedom of the Seas has some interesting information on cost:

Prices for seven-day voyages range from $1,900 per couple for an interior room during the low season to nearly $2,500 for the same-size cabin with a balcony during high season, said Cindy Dangel, an on-board sales manager.

A deluxe room that sleeps 14 and costs $22,000 during peak season is booked until 2008, she said.

The captain of Celebrity Cruises Mercury was arrested and stripped of his command for suspicion of drunkenness before the ship sailed from Seattle. Coast Guard officials said his blood-alcohol level was more than twice the federal maritime limit of .04 percent.

"The captain's actions are totally unacceptable. He was been stripped of his command and ordered off the ship," said Celebrity Cruises President Dan Hanrahan.

Niche markets help travel agents stay in business

Over the past five years, the number of travel agents has gone from 142,000 to 91,000 thanks to the ease with which people can book online. The survivors are finding niches like adventure travel, eco-tourism, and ethnic travel (I don't exactly know what ethnic travel is so maybe there will be a future article on it once I've done some reading). They are also marketing their expertise:

"If you're spending $20,000 or $30,000 for a trip, why wouldn't you spend the extra few hundred dollars to get the expert advice of someone who's been there?" adds Nigosian (a travel agency owner), who has visited 100 countries.

Washington D.C. Vacation Itinerary

By Evin Bail & William Bail

Day 1 - Northern Virginia

Enjoy a pleasant drive down the George Washington Parkway. Start out in Old Town Alexandria with lunch at a pleasant restaurant in this colonial town with narrow streets. Walk along the shops and browse for non-touristy souvenirs. One of Crate & Barrel’s outlet stores is located at 1700 Prince Street in Alexandria, so perhaps a side trip for some domestic accessories is in order. Drive down to Mount Vernon after lunch for a tour of George Washington's home. Tour the home, walk down to the historic Potomac River from his house. For dinner, return to Old Town Alexandria.

Day 2 - Art Museums & Capitol Hill

Visit the Smithsonian art museums. Smithsonian Institution museums are free in Washington, D.C. so you’ll get your money’s worth and then some. First, explore the National Gallery of Art. Break for lunch on Capitol Hill at the Hawk ‘n’ Dove, a watering hole for many Senators and Representatives. To read more about the restaurant or preview its menu, visit: http://www.hawkanddoveonline.com. After lunch, walk over to the Freer Gallery of Art to see Whistler's Peacock Room and its neighbor the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. If you have the chance, also visit the National Portrait Gallery (reopening in July 2006 after extensive renovations).

For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at Occidental Grill in the Willard Intercontinental Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just west of the White House. Main courses range from $25 to $40. Their lobster bisque is truly memorable. If the weather isn’t too humid, opt for patio dining, but be aware that the inside and patio menus differ. To see both dinner menus and Occidental’s lunch menus, visit: http://www.occidentaldc.com. This is the hotel where the term “lobbyist” was coined and the place where Martin Luther King, Jr., stayed while in town to give one of his most memorable speeches ever. For an authentic mint julep made according to Henry Clay’s own recipe, visit the hotel’s Round Robin Bar.

Day 3 - Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Start your day with a visit to the International Spy Museum in Penn Quarter. Admission is $15 per adult and time specific so advance purchase may be preferred so you can plan your day. To order advance tickets or to learn more about the museum’s exhibits, visit: http://www.spymuseum.org/index.asp. Have a late lunch at Potbelly Sandwich Works (726 7th Street NW). You will leave satisfied and having spent less than $10 on your entire meal. To read their history and menu, visit: http://www.potbelly.com. Wander around Penn Quarter and neighboring Chinatown or catch an afternoon matinee at the movie theatre around the corner. For dinner, eat at Zola’s, which is located beside the Spy Museum. To check out their menu, visit: http://www.zoladc.com/

Day 4 - History Museums & The National Mall

Continue your exploration of the Smithsonian museums with visits to the Museum of American History. The gift shop has unique gifts and there is a separate music shop with American folks, roots, blues, and rare recordings that have been collected and restored by the Smithsonian. This museum also houses Dorothy’s ruby slippers and Indiana Jones’s hat. Next, visit the Museum of Natural History and explore its treasures, including the Hope Diamond. If it’s hot outside, stay a while and enjoy an IMAX movie or proceed to the Air & Space Museum to see a showing at their IMAX. Air & Space is one of the most popular museums on the National Mall for good reason. You can see the Spirit of St. Louis and other planes actually used in the early exploration of air travel. Have lunch in one of the museum cafeterias, but realize that they are geared toward school groups and family visitors so the menu selection is limited. The newest museum on the Mall is the Museum of the American Indian and their cafeteria is an improvement. Enjoy touring the museum during the afternoon. Consider walking up to the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial (west of the museums).

For an early dinner, return to Penn Quarter to get Potbelly sandwiches ordered to go. You’ve just made yourself a picnic. Walk down to the National Mall and settle in for dinner. If you are dining on a Monday night, you may be able to enjoy Screen on the Green. Every Monday night between July 17 and August 14, a film is shown on the National Mall between 4th and 7th Streets. Admission is free and seating is first-come on blankets on the grass. No alcohol is permitted since it is National Park Service property, but picnics are encouraged. To learn more about the event, visit: http://cityguide.aol.com/washington/screenonthegreen/main.adp

Day 5 - Georgetown

Spend the morning strolling around historic Georgetown. This neighborhood in DC has a rich history and is now a thriving area for businesses and restaurants. For the funky shopper, check out Commander Salamander (1420 Wisconsin Ave, NW). Traditional chain stores, such as Banana Republic and Benetton, are also present. Have lunch at Rocklands (2418 Wisconsin Ave NW). Known for its barbecue. For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at Bistro Francais (3128 M Street, NW). Early dinner specials are available for $20 per person. To learn more, visit: http://www.bistrofrancaisdc.com. After your Friday or Saturday early bird dinner, go to see a performance of The Capitol Steps at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Tickets are just under $40 per person and more information is available at: http://www.capsteps.com/live/reagan04.html

Day 6 - Northwest D.C.

Start with a breakfast bite at Cosi by Dupont Circle then go to the National Zoo. It is free to everyone. Pandas reside there and are themselves worth the trip. Spend the morning there, then head to Georgia Brown’s (950 15th Street, NW) for your last lunch before leaving town. Main courses range from $17 to $26 and are worth every penny. They specialize in Low Country cuisine so you can have fried green tomatoes, catfish fingers, she crab soup, lump crabcake, southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or any of a number of mouth-watering treats to show your taste buds what it means to extend southern hospitality. Reservations are wise since it is popular, 202-393-4499. To read the menu, visit: http://www.gbrowns.com/

I'll have to check my email once more to make sure i didn't miss any, but I believe this was the final entry submitted in time to be considered for the 1,000 dollar travel writing contest. Thank you to all who participated! Winners will be announced on the 31st of May, but I'll probably blog a bit about my evaluation process between now and then.

Emerald City Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome!

You have arrived in Seattle and are ready to start your vacation. Perhaps you arrived through the nearest airport, SeaTac, which is located closer to Tacoma than Seattle. You may have even driven yourself as part of a Pacific Northwest road trip vacation or arrived by train after a bit of railroad exploration. No matter your mode of transportation or budget level, Seattle has something for everyone.

If you want to stay in a social and budget-minded hostel, Seattle’s Green Tortoise Hostel (1525 2nd Avenue) is the place to be. It is located one block from Pike Place Market and close to most downtown attractions. Dormitory-style accommodations cost $23 to $25 per person per night. Private rooms are available for a single or couple for $48 and rooms accommodating three people cost $65 per night. Special offers for discounts are posted on their website, if interested visit: http://www.greentortoise.net. If you prefer to stay in an inn or B & B, focus your search on Capitol Hill or Madison Park. These neighborhoods have a more residential feel and historic architecture. For a standard hotel experience or a boutique hotel stay, there are scores of places within walking distance of Pike Place Market.

One thing to keep in mind while in Seattle is that summer is its time to shine. The slight, but nearly constant rainfall the rest of the year nourishes the city’s lush landscape to be emerald green. To get a feel for local music and the city’s passion for it, tune your radio to 90.3 FM, KEXP. It’s a listener-supported station that is known for its independent thinking and appreciation for up-and-coming and legendarily talented folk, blues, and alternative musicians.

Day 2 - Pike Place Market

Start your day at The Pike Place Market, a nine-acre gem and home of the first Starbucks. To get an overview of Pike Place Market’s history and what it has to offer, visit: www.pikeplacemarket.org. With so many options, you will undoubtedly find a breakfast you’ll enjoy. Three Girls Bakery has wonderful baked goods or grab a Russian pastry from Piroshky Piroshky. They have delicious a smoked salmon piroshky that costs about $5 that has its pastry shell shaped like a fish. Both places cater to on-the-go eating with limited in-shop seating. Both bakeries are a good value and are located on Pike Place directly across from Pike Place Market.

Roam the shops of Pike Place Market. This is a historic and expansive market that embodies the spirit of Seattle ? fresh, local, and friendly. There is something for everyone and many hidden hallways with curious and amazing items. Don’t forget to stop and admire the World-Famous Pike Place Fishmongers as the fish fly. The fresh seafood can be ice-packed and mailed or packed for your return travel so you can bring some real Pacific Northwest Salmon home with you. For a less perishable souvenir, buy some smoked salmon or a coffee mug. If you love fresh sausage, look for Uli’s Famous. His non-pork spicy sausage raises the standard for sausage. To check out his work, visit: www.ulisfamoussausage.com. Don’t forget to say hello to Rachel, the life-size piggy bank who stands guard near the World-Famous Pike Place Fish Market.

For a quick and casual lunch costing less than $10 per person, order up a sandwich and soda at Sound View Cafe in Pike Place Market. There is an amazing view of Seattle’s Elliot Bay. If you don’t mind taking a little time to stop and smell the fresh air, dine at The Pink Door (1919 Post Alley, behind Piroshky Piroshky). It is not well-marked so just look for a peachy-pink door in the alley. It is closed on Mondays. Lunch ranges from $8 to $15. To view their menu, visit: http://www.thepinkdoor.net/

Sit down for a casual, but elegant dinner at Alibi Room in Post Alley (85 Pike Street, 206-623-3180). The entrance is in an alcove of the brick alley somewhat beneath the World-Famous Pike Place Fish Market, so it’s not obvious to passerby, but worth seeking out. The portions always seem smaller on the plate than in your stomach. For something you will remember for years to come, try their Caesar salad to start and their “New Mac” as your main course. A full bar is available. Meals at Alibi Room cost less than $25 per person.

To enjoy a late-night pint, visit Owl ‘n Thistle in Post Alley. They have large screen TVs for big game nights, but also host live local music.

Day 3 - U District & Fremont

Go to the U. District and have your morning coffee and a bite at one of the eclectic bakeries then check out the Burke Museum. Admission to this museum on the University of Washington’s campus costs $8. Once inside, you will enjoy a feast of Pacific Northwest art and artifacts. For information on the museum’s current exhibits, visit: http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum.

Enjoy some shopping while in the U District. Be sure to check out Buffalo Exchange (4530 University Way NE), Newberry Books (4760 University Way NE), and Earth River Records Blue (4744 University Way). Earth River Records Blue has a huge upfront shelf selection and also an extensive stockroom so don’t be afraid to ask for something obscure since the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. If it reminds you a little bit of the record shop in High Fidelity, you’re not alone. If you prefer more commercial shops, such as those you’d find in your local mall, visit University Village. There you will find the Rosanna store. This shop carries the designs of Rosanna Bowles who specializes in household items, such as china. To learn more about her creations, visit: http://www.rosannainc.com/ret_directions.asp. While at University Village, enjoy a cup of coffee at Zoka, a two cafe company that sticks close to its mission to make good coffee. Zoka’s menu and location information can be found at: http://www.zokacoffee.com.

Head over to Fremont to enjoy lunch with a Caribbean flair at Paseo (4225 Fremont Ave N). Some say they have the best sandwiches on the planet, but you will have to decide that for yourself after dining at the HoneyHole on Day 3. Paseo is cash only and averages $25 or less per person for a full meal.

Drive to see the Fremont Troll and the statue of Lenin.

Then go to the neighborhood of Ballard to take visit the Hiram M. Chittenden Government Locks (3015 NW 54th St.). While in Ballard, visit the zany, retro, and eclectic Archie McPhee store (2428 NW Market Street). If you can’t get enough of the store while you’re there, you can shop online at: http://www.mcphee.com.
Make your way back to Fremont for dinner at Bizarro (1307 N. 46th St.). An amazing Italian place with a quirky decor. If you are a group of six or more, it is a good idea to call ahead and get reservations. After dinner, have an imported beer at Brouwers Cafe (400 N. 35th St. at Phinney). With a wide selection of brews, this Flemish grand cafe has a beer to suit your taste. To check out their selection, visit: http://www.brouwerscafe.com.

Day 4 - Capitol Hill

Go to Fuel (610 19th Ave E) on Capitol Hill for a cup of authentic Seattle coffee and a freshly baked something for breakfast. This place is one of a kind so you will be enjoying a genuine Seattle morning, but rest assured they also serve tea and a variety of other beverages. To learn more about Fuel, visit: http://www.fuelcoffeeseattle.com. Pick up a copy of The Stranger or Seattle Weekly to peruse special events and activities taking place while you’re there. Both are free publications and readily available throughout Seattle.

Browse the unique shops on 15th Avenue East and on Broadway then visit the Washington Park Arboretum located between the bottom east side of Capitol Hill and Madison Park. If you’re there on the third Saturday of the month, enjoy the Ceremony in the Japanese Tea Garden at 1:30pm. To learn more about the Arboretum, visit: http://depts.washington.edu/wpa.

Have lunch at HoneyHole Sandwiches (703 East Pike Street). This little find is only for locals so appreciate the reasonable prices and funky decor. Every sandwich is a delicious experience. HoneyHole is open late and table service is available after 5pm when it takes on a nightlife vibe.

As the day winds down, have drinks at Linda’s Tavern (707 E. Pine St.)or the Tiki-style Cha Cha Lounge (506 East Pine St). Both have beer specials and get crowded after 9pm so if you want a table, arrive early.

Day 5 - Music

Grab a booth at Hurricane Cafe (2230 Seventh Avenue near Denny) and order up a late breakfast. Arriving after the breakfast crowd and before the lunch-goers still leaves you with a potentially distracted server, but not having to wait for a table. Their coffee is not characteristic of Seattle’s reputation since it is not made to order, but otherwise their menu selection is fairly good. It’s main attraction is that it is open 24/7 and it isn’t overpriced. Breakfast there is under $10 per person. To check out the menu for yourself, visit: http://www.hurricanecafe.com.

Check out the Space Needle on the grounds of the Seattle Center, which was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. At 605 feet tall, it is a great navigation tool and a fun part of Seattle’s skyline. A ride to the top to enjoy the view from the observation deck costs $14 per adult. For ticket information, visit: http://www.spaceneedle.com.

Have a late lunch around 1pm at one of the restaurants in nearby Belltown. If you like Japanese cuisine (not necessarily raw fish sushi), try Wasabi Bistro (2311 2nd Avenue). Menu items range from $2 to $12. To read the lunch menu, visit: http://www.wasabibistro.biz/menuLunch.asp.

After lunch, your adventures in Seattle music begin. Take a tour of the Experience Music Project at Seattle Center. Admission is just under $20 per person with special events and shows as a separate admission fee. For ticket information, visit: http://www.emplive.org/visit/visitor_info/admission.asp.

That night, attend a musical performance. To Seattle residents, music is like water or air or organic food. Check out a venue’s calendar and if you see something you like, you have a plan for the evening. Showbox (1st & Pike by Pike Place Market) is a great venue that tends to host established musicians who still prefer the small club vibe. Their calendar of events is available online at: http://www.showboxonline.com. Chop Suey (1325 E. Madison) has shows nightly. To view their current calendar of performances, visit: http://www.chopsuey.com/calendar.html.

Day 6 - Alki

Sleep late recover from your night out on the town. After a cup of the nearest coffee, drive to Alki Point, which is southwest of downtown Seattle. Stroll along the promenade and enjoy a different view of the Seattle skyline. Explore the shore-front shops and bask in Seattle’s amazing summer weather. Have lunch at Bamboo Bar & Grill (2806 Alki Avenue Southwest). Bamboo has a delicious salmon and avocado sandwich. To check out their menu and drink specials, visit: http://www.bamboobarandgrill.com.

Depart the Emerald City having had a glimpse into what it is like as a resident, not as a tourist.

Evin Bail

One of the Best Addresses in Paris

It’s long been one of the most desirable and sought after addresses in Paris. Nothing particularly surprising in that – except that its residents are all very much dead. Pere Lachaise cemetery has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the City of Light, attracting as many visitors annually as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.

Pere Lachaise opened its doors, so to speak, in 1804 at the request of Napoleon. At that time, Paris was growing rapidly in population and was desperately short of burial space. Skeletons protruding from burial grounds could actually be seen by people passing by in the street and there were also problems with the stench of corpses.

Nicholas Frochot, an urban planner, purchased an area of land that originally belonged to Louis XIVs confessor, a man called Lachaise. Frochot arranged to have the body of the celebrated French playwright, Moliere, moved to the cemetery. Thus, Pere Lachaise became the resting place of choice - for those who could afford to prepay.

Today, some of the cemetery’s many famous residents include the artist Pissaro, the composer Chopin, the singer Edith Piaf and the writer Oscar Wilde. One notable tombstone has the name of Alice B. Toklas on one side, and that of Gertrude Stein on the other.

Perhaps the most famous grave is that of the rock star Jim Morrison, who died in mysterious circumstances in Paris in 1971. His most famous lyric ‘no one here gets out alive’ seems particularly apt. To find Jim’s final resting place, simply follow the graffiti and the arrows that can be found in the vicinity of his grave. One of the most visited graves is that of the French journalist, Victor Noir. Legend has it that rubbing a certain part of the statue on top of his grave will help to increase fertility.

Many famous and influential figures from French life can also be found here, such as Baron Haussmann who was almost single-handedly responsible for changing the face of Paris, with his grand boulevards and avenues. And fittingly, Frochot, the man who was largely responsible for the success of Pere Lachaise is also buried here.

Pere Lachaise sometimes feels more like a park than a cemetery. Its more than 109 acres are beautifully laid out on sloping ground, with wide avenues dividing up the different sections. Many graves are elaborate and spectacular monuments, with tall columns, stone chapels and fanciful carvings. Many nearby office workers take their picnic lunch in the cemetery and it makes a great place to escape from the noise of the city for a short while.

Despite its famous residents, Pere Lachaise cemetery is situated in the rather unfashionable 20th arrondisement – a melting pot for Paris’s new immigrants. The closest metro stops to the cemetery are Gambretta, Menilmontant or Pere Lachaise. The cemetery is open daily from around 8am to 6pm and admission is free. You can buy a basic map either in the cemetery itself, or purchase a better one at one of the nearby newsstands just outside.

Exotic, Otherworldly Vietnam vacation itinerary

Day 0: Odds are, you are in San Francisco, waiting to board a 747 bound for either Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, or Bangkok. From there you will connect to Saigon's Tan Son Nhut airport. Take this opportunity to intake some choice American food and possibly a strong beer or two; it'll be the last chance to have a taste of home for a while. I recommend pizza.

Day 1 -airport: After an average of about 20 hours spent in the air plus waiting for connections, you will finally be in Saigon. Traverse the immigration stations with their grim faced guards scrutinizing your passport with quiet calm, there should be no trouble as long as your visa is in order. No bribes needed for these guys nor for customs anymore.

The airport will be curiously devoid of people save for recently arrived passengers and employees. Be prepared for chaos at baggage claim, where the Vietnamese crowd around, push and shove, and try to lift in vain overly-large suitcases meant for a forklift. Be patient, grab your bags, then head for customs. Baggage carts are free, make use of one. Declare nothing, and zip through the x-ray machine.

Upon your exit from the airport, you'll discover 2 things: heat & humidity. It will hit you like a belly flop. Oh, and also you'll find out where all the people are. A sea of humanity stretches out before you -friends and family of arriving travelers are not allowed in the airport, and so they crowd around the door. You may be struck with a pretty major impression that you aren't in Kansas anymore; you are in a different land, another world, an alternate dimension. But, this is the reason why you are here, it is so exotic a place that all the senses are aroused.

Day 1 -Saigon: dive into that sea of humanity and feel like Moses as you part the crowds with your luggage cart. Like fish swimming up from the depths, hawkers will immediately set upon you offering cigarettes, water, taxis. Take a taxi guy up on his offer and ask to be taken to the Rex Hotel, where you have reservations. It's your first day, let's ease into the place. The Rex Hotel is located in District 1, 7 km from the airport. It is the heart of downtown Saigon, close to shopping and historical landmarks. Expect clean, modern rooms, hot water, air conditioning, and an assortment of hotel restaurants offering Vietnamese and Western cuisine, even sushi. Not a bad place to sleep off the jet lag.

Day 2 -Saigon: after breakfast in the hotel, you're off to the Ben Thanh Market (say "ben tawn," rhymes with "lawn"). Down the street on Le Loi Blvd, it is within walking distance of the hotel. An enormous, hangar-like building built by the French in colonial days, Ben Thanh is put to use today as a giant, enclosed swap meet. Sellers of souvenirs, watches, clothes, bags, jewelry, shoes, and collectibles have partitioned the floor into tiny stalls, each one more aggressive than the next. Many speak very passable English. Bargaining is a must. It is a national custom in Vietnam to automatically double their prices for a foreigner, and triple them for Americans. Also, most items are probably fakes; Vietnam operates outside of the WTO. Stone carved statues, wood carved figurines, paintings, and other hand made items are worth it after you've talked 'em down in price.

For lunch, head across the street to Pho 2000 and get a bowl of pho, the traditional noodle soup dish unique to Vietnam. President Clinton ate pho at this very place in 2000; there are pictures of him all over. Ask to see the table he sat at upstairs. Snap a pic, then back to shopping.

For dinner, a series of outdoor seafood "restaurants" appears at dusk as if from nowhere in one of the streets next to Ben Thanh. Choose one for a steamy meal out at night, and feel the hum of the city actually increase when the sun goes down. Grab a ride from a cyclo driver (a 3-wheeled half bike, half chair) back to the hotel to complete your intro to the city

Day 3 -Saigon: Time for sight-seeing. Have the front desk point you towards the historical sites:
-Reunification Hall (Dinh Th?ng Nh?t) where the communists stormed during the fall of Saigon
-City Hall (Uy ban Nhan dan) snap a photo of the statue of Ho Chi Minh out front
-Municipal Theatre (Nha hat Thanh pho) you see this building in movies a lot
-Post Office (Buu dien Thanh Pho) built by the French, a good example of colonial architecture
-Notre Dame Cathedral (Nha th? đ?c Ba) also built by the French
-U.S. Consulate (on Le Duan Blvd) the site of the U.S.'s exodus from Vietnam during the war

75% of all traffic in Vietnam seems to be motorbike. At times, it seems as if you've stumbled into a parallel universe where the invention of the automobile never occurred.

Day 4 -transit to Hue: 3 choices here: bus, train, plane
-plane: a short 90 minute flight
-train: a long 20 hour overnight ordeal
-bus: another long, overnight ordeal

The train offers views of the jungle, the highlands, the rugged coastline and a bed if you've purchased a sleeper compartment. It's OK to do once, but beware the bathrooms... which become literal horror shows of sloshing liquid on the floors. But then, you can brag that you experienced a toilet that empties out right onto the tracks below. The long bus ride is not recommended.

Day 5 -Hue: after arriving, it's time to find accommodations. To make your budget stretch, check in to a "guest house," the Hung Thinh house is nice, on Phan Chu Trinh road. Check-in, then grab a taxi to the Sinh Cafe office, at 07 Nguyen Tri Phuong street. This place is a tourism and travel service, offering bus travel, tours, maps, hotel packages, and motorbike rental. Arrange a hotel & bus trip to Hoi An [set to leave 3 days from today] and also arrange a hotel & bus trip from Hoi An to Nha Trang [a night bus set to leave 2 days after your arrival there]. Pick your choice of tours of Hue, or go it alone by renting a motorbike if you're up for piloting that beast in that chaotic traffic.

First stop, the Citadel (Dai Noi) in central Hue, a World Heritage site. It's hard to miss, there's usually a giant red flag of Vietnam out front. You'll have to cross the river to get there; admire the Truong Tien bridge as you cross it, then make a left. The Citadel is several square miles of centuries-old palace architecture complete with some museum-grade displays of imperial age clothing, art, altars, and statuary. You could spend several hours wandering around here; take lots of pictures.

After the Citadel, head to the Dong Ba Market for some lunch and more souvenir shopping. Across the street from Dong Ba, along the row of shops there, near the far right hand end you'll find a small shop selling western-brand foods. Buy some Kellogg's Corn Flakes (made in Thailand) and some packets of Vina-milk (doesn't require refrigeration). This will keep your sanity in check in the morning while the Vietnamese all around you eat boiling hot noodles for breakfast in the 90 degree heat. For dinner, partake of those boiling hot noodles and go for the Hue specialty Bun Bo Hue, a spicy noodle soup dish, available at numerous vendors throughout the city.

Day 6 -Hue: The tombs await. After those godsend cornflakes, get the tour bus or your rented motorbike to these 3 tombs: Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc. These are really extraordinary and beautiful collections of unique dragon-encrusted Asian-style architectural buildings and grounds devoted to 3 of Vietnam's past kings.

Spend half a day with the tombs then make your way to the Thien Mu Pagoda, on the Perfume River. Either take the road next to the river to get there, or rent a dragon boat for the 30 minute trip up the river. The Thien Mu Pagoda is a functioning Buddhist monastery with a unique tiered tower featured in many pieces of art you see around. Beautiful landscaping, gardens and bonsai trees await your camera.

For dinner, try to find some Banh Loc, or Banh Nam, or Banh Khoai, all specialties of Hue, and have a weak Huda beer.

Day 7 -Lang Co Beach: Take a bus from Hue to Lang Co beach, about an hour away. Spend the day, the beach has food, bathrooms, lounge chair rental, palm trees and crashing surf. Rest easy.

Day 8 -transit to Hoi An, stop at Marble Mountain: take that tour bus you arranged 3 days earlier to Hoi An, an ancient trading port city of the 16th and 17th centuries. Frequented by the Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Dutch, and Spanish traders of the day, the sailors left their indelible mark upon the architecture of the city. Travel the narrow alleyways and imagine that you are back in time in the 1600s and admire the varied styles of buildings around you. Explore the many temples available here.

Along the way, you'll stop for an hour at Marble Mountain. Lots of ornate stone carved boxes, figurines, statues, and statuettes await your bargaining pleasure.

When the bus arrives, hopefully you've chosen the Thanh Binh #3 hotel, fabulous wood carvings throughout the hotel. The bus will probably drop you off right in front. Have grilled pork + vermicelli noodles for dinner: Bun Thit Nuong, available a short walk down the street from the hotel (ask the desk to point you the way).

At night, stroll down the streets of "Old Towne," a World Heritage site. Admire the colored lanterns that are lit up at night in the lantern shops (a Hoi An specialty). Also, be sure to check out the silk embroidery shop called "Diem Tham Quan - XQ Hoi An" for magnificent pieces of framed art 'paintings' that are 100% hand stitched silk thread.

Day 9 -Cua Dai beach: only 7 km away from Hoi An. Rent a motorbike and spend the day at the beach. Return at dusk, stroll down again to Old Towne, admire the Japanese covered bridge, the lanterns, and catch some dinner at one of the many restaurants along the main street. Try out "banh bao banh vac" (white rose) dumplings.

Day 10 -transit to Nha Trang. The bus leaves at 7pm, you have one more day to explore Hoi An and taste the living history. The night bus will arrive in Nha Trang, a beach city, around 6am. Good luck sleeping. Wake to find the Vietnamese here all walking the streets and doing Tai Chi in masses at 6am.

Day 11 -Nha Trang: Check in to your hotel: 52 Tran Phu Hotel -it has Discovery Channel in English and rooms that face the ocean. Relish it. Walk the beach. Find the Sinh Cafe office here and arrange a boat tour of the islands for tomorrow, and a bus ride to Da Lat plus hotel, leaving 2 days from today. Rent a motorbike, search out the Long Son Pagoda at one end of the city and the Bao Dai summer retreat at the other end. The Pagoda has a big seated Buddha statue on the hilltop, great photo op. The Bao Dai place itself sucks, but the hill it occupies affords some of the best views of the city and the bay. For dinner, eat cheap lobster down the street from the hotel at the corner restaurant where you can pick your seafood out and watch them grill it. Drink Tiger beer and a coconut or two.

Day 12 -Nha Trang islands: you've arranged a boat tour for the day, or perhaps you've arranged for diving or snorkeling (both plentiful here). Breakfast is horded corn flakes, or a complimentary bowl of steaming hot noodles at the hotel. The boat leaves early in the morning, floats around, stops off at an island where they let you snorkel. Lunch is provided (Vietnamese food + fruit), and entertainment is via the crew singing to you. Another island where they jump into the water and offer you a floating bar and another where they let you off to lay around on the beach for a while. Before heading in, they stop at a fishing village, where one can rent a ride in a floating bamboo basket, rowed by the women of the village. They row you over to the floating platforms that serve as their homes and holds their nets filled with squid, lobster, and fish. Dinner tonight is more fresh seafood at another restaurant within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 13 -transit to Da Lat: bus leaves early in the morning, but arrives in Da Lat around 2-3pm. The hotel is the Sinh Cafe operated one, or maybe you've chosen one of the many family-run "mini-hotels" here: Viet Thanh Mini-hotel is nice. You have enough time to eat dinner at the central marketplace, within walking distance. The Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork + noodles) is made differently here, try it out. Peruse the many varieties of fruits & vegetables and flowers here at this market, a Da Lat specialty. Da Lat is known as the agricultural heart of Vietnam and is a nice vacation spot due to its high elevation and cooler temperatures.

Day 14 -Da Lat: hire a car + driver (through Sinh Cafe) to see the sites:
-Chicken Village, an ethnic minority village that does weaving by hand
-Pongour waterfall
-Prenn waterfall
-Datanlat waterfall
-Bao Dai Palace, a last glimpse of the imperial remnants of Vietnam. You can dress up like Bao Dai and get your picture taken for a buck!
-Truc Lam Zen monastery and Tuyen Lam lake
-aerial cable car ride, next door to the monastery

Day 15 -return to Saigon: take the bus back to Saigon (~10 hour ride). Spend another day here perhaps, or go straight to the airport and hop a 747 back to the West.

exchange rate: $1 US =~ 15,000 dong
best place to exchange money: jewelry shops in Saigon near Ben Thanh

Prices (these are rough estimates, prices fluctuate over there):
motorbike rental: $3-5 / day
gasoline: $0.50 per liter (you only need 1-2 liters per day)
Rex Hotel (Saigon): $80-100 / day
guest house room (Hue): $10 / day
hotel (Hoi An): $25 / day
hotel (Nha Trang): $35 / day
hotel (Da Lat): $15 / day

train from Saigon to Hue: $30 per person
plane from Saigon to Hue: ~$75 per person
bus from Hue to Hoi An to Nha Trang: $30 per person
bus from Nha Trang to Da Lat to Saigon: $25 per person
dragon boat (Hue): $10 per ride round trip to pagoda
boat trip (in Nha Trang): ~$10 per person
car & driver for hire (Da Lat): $35 for the day

food: anywhere from $2 to $20 per person per meal
seafood: $15 per person per meal
beer: $1 each
bottled water: $0.30 / liter
coconut: $0.30 each

entrance fees to tombs, Citadel (Hue): $1-4 per person per site
dress up like emperor Bao Dai (Da Lat): $1
internet cafe (Saigon): $0.20 per hour
post card stamp to U.S.: $0.60
taxi: $0.50 per km, $0.80 per km if a long trip

Some pointers:
-bird flu is not too prevalent recently, still, avoid chicken & eggs
-get your shots updated before you go
-take along anti-diarrhea pills in case you are hit with the runs
-bring 100% deet mosquito spray, the mosquitoes there are stealthy, silent and deadly
-do NOT eat anything uncooked or pickled, no raw vegetables. Fruits are OK.
-do NOT drink the tap water in Vietnam, avoid ice made of non-boiled water
-beer is your friend, it helps settle your stomach, fresh coconut juice, too
-don't bring jeans, you'll melt in the heat. There's a reason why you see Vietnamese wear pajamas in movies a lot, because it's freakin' hot in Saigon!
-tips are not expected anywhere, except for big restaurants in Saigon

PS- I have original pictures if needed and more details about street addresses, etc for the hotels, etc

-mike (entry 22 in the 2006 summer vacation plan writing contest. No new entries are being considered but stay tuned for the Witer vacation writing contest coming up).

San Diego Getaway: Balboa Park & Coronado

DAY 1 - Welcome

Welcome to San Diego! If you have a camera, some sunscreen, and an appetite for activity, you’re ready for your vacation.

Arrive via Amtrak or one of the many commercial airlines servicing San Diego’s Lindbergh Field Airport (SAN) and hail a cab. Go to your Victorian Bed & Breakfast, Keating House at 2331 2nd Avenue on Banker’s Hill in downtown San Diego. Arrive at Keating House at your previously arranged time. There is no set check-in time, instead you make a check-in appointment and one of the innkeepers greets you and handles your check in. Check-out time is noon. Keating House is an authentic Victorian manor so each guest room is uniquely decorated. Each room is painted as it was in 1888, so you can enjoy rich Victorian colors. Eight rooms and one suite are available. Currently, room rates start at $115 (before tax) and include breakfast. To read about and view photos of each room, visit: http://www.keatinghouse.com/

For your first evening in San Diego, walk or taxi to the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner. Restaurants are plentiful, (I lost count at 75), and range from informal to gourmet fine dining. Whether you want pizza by the slice or a prime Porterhouse steak, the Gaslamp Quarter will send you home well-fed and happy. If given the option, try to get a table by the window or in an outdoor cafe so you can people watch.

DAY 2 - Art Museums

Start your morning with homemade breakfast at your B & B then set out to explore nearby Balboa Park, America’s largest urban cultural park. This classic park was created as part of the California Pacific International Exposition of 1935-36. The Park boasts museums, restaurants, trails, gardens, the San Diego Zoo, and a wealth of cultural attractions. To read a list of special events taking place at Balboa Park, visit: http://www.balboapark.org/aboutschedule.html.

Keating House is about four blocks from Balboa Park so no driving is necessary. If you are traveling with someone whose mobility is impaired, Keating House has guest rooms on the first floor and a free tram drives within Balboa Park so you can save your energy for walking in the museums. To view a route map for the tram, visit: http://www.balboapark.org/trammap1a.pdf

Consider buying a Passport to Balboa Park ($30) or a Best of Balboa Park Passport ($55). The standard Passport covers one adult admission to 13 of the Park’s attractions and is valid for up to seven days. The “Best of” Passport offers that too, plus admission to the San Diego Zoo for one day. Passports can be purchased at one of the participating Balboa Park museums or online at: http://www.balboapark.org/bestofpark.htm

For your first day there, start with the San Diego Museum of Art. Admission is included as part of the Passport, otherwise it is $10 per adult. The museum’s fine art collection has been growing steadily since the 1920s and it is all yours to appreciate. Having spent your morning appreciating fine art, take a break to enjoy lunch at Water’s Cafe. The Cafe is located in the outdoor Sculpture Court and Garden. The menu offers a wide selection and they boast that no menu item is priced higher than $10. To view their menu, visit: http://www.sdmart.org/info-waterscafe.html. After lunch, stroll next-door to the Timken Museum of Art. Admission is free to enjoy the amazing works of classic European painters.

Enjoy dinner at Prado within the Park, by the hospitality building. Their menu is carefully considered and offered at city prices, main courses range from $15 to $22. When making reservations, ask for an outdoor table. The weather is almost always perfect in San Diego, so why not enjoy it. Also, if you want to beat the rush and catch your evening film, reserve your table for 5-5:30pm. For more information on Prado and to view its menu, visit: http://cohnrestaurants.com/cohn/pradobalboa/

Wind down your day by enjoying a film at the Museum of Photographic Arts. Documentary and classic films are shown and admission is $10. Though this museum is included on the Passport, a film showing is considered a special event and, therefore, an additional entrance fee. It is worth the money if there is a 7pm double-feature of two films you’d never find at the local video rental store. To read MoPA’s current films, visit: http://www.mopa.org/pages/filmpages/nowshow.asp

DAY 3 - San Diego Zoo

Get a good start with breakfast at your B & B, then walk to Balboa Park for your day at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. With so much wildlife to observe, you will not be short of things to see at the Zoo. To view upcoming events and seasonal hours, visit: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/calendar_highlights.html.

After all that walking, you’ll be ready to eat like a bear so Lunch at Albert’s or one of the other restaurants or cafes within the Zoo. Albert’s is named for the Zoo’s Silverback Gorilla and is the only Zoo restaurant to serve beer and wine. For a complete list of dining options, visit: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/dining.html

To cap off an active day at the Zoo, have a casual dinner at Hob Nob Hill. The restaurant is located at 2271 1st Avenue, about two blocks from Keating House. Hob Nob Hill has been in its present location under the same management since 1946. They are all about quality without leaving your wallet too empty. Some might say it is a place where you can count on getting the most bang for your buck. The restaurant is open from 7am to 9pm every day of the week. Daily specials are available for lunch and for dinner, but standard menu items, like their tuna melt, are available for either meal. Dinners include soup or salad and your choice of potato, vegetable, or bread. For the perfect start to a refreshing summer meal, start your feast with their Gazpacho soup and finish with a delicious slice of pie. To see the menu and specials (and download a coupon), visit: http://www.hobnobhill.com/

DAY 4 - Old Town & Local History

After breakfast at your B & B, walk to Balboa Park. By now, it is becoming familiar and it’s the perfect time for you to learn about San Diego’s history and rich culture. Your first stop is the Museum of San Diego History. Admission is included in your Passport. This museum houses a vast collection of historical documentation, photographs, and cultural artifacts. You will leave having connected with San Diego’s past. Exhibits bring perspective into how it has grown to become one of the largest cities in the United States. To view the current exhibits at this museum, visit: http://www.sandiegohistory.org/mainpages/exhibits.htm
Before, leaving the Park, stop in to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. If you are a railroad admirer, you will love this place. If you have not interest in trains, you can breeze through, getting the gist of its importance to western expansion.

Depart Balboa Park around 1pm and taxi or drive five miles north to the Old Town neighborhood. Mexican cafes and cantinas are plentiful in this section of San Diego. If the timing is right, you will have missed the lunch rush. You can select one at random and know that if it has managed to stay in business with such healthy competition, it must be worth trying. The price seems to be right too! Food Network has mentioned one restaurant in particular as being a good value. Old Town Mexican Cafe hosts a fiesta every single Friday, but evidently good times and good food are there every night of the week. To learn more about the Cafe, visit: http://www.oldtownmexcafe.com/

Spend your afternoon browsing the shops of Old Town. This may be a nice place to look for a souvenir or two. Next to gifts from a museum gift shop, non-touristy goodies overshadow more generic purchases.

Taxi back to Keating House for a quick nap or to write some postcards, then walk to Hob Nob Hill for dinner. Two nights in a row makes you a regular customer. Since specials are changed daily, you can try something completely different or stick with a favorite.

DAY 5 - Space, Sports & Science

Sleep a little later today, you deserve it. Once you’ve refueled with breakfast at your B & B, walk over to Balboa Park. This morning, explore a different section of the Park. Begin your tour at the San Diego Aerospace Museum. Admission is included with a Passport, otherwise it is $9 per adult. It has a mind-boggling number of retired aircrafts and uniquely insightful exhibits on air exploration. Spend the rest of your morning roaming the San Diego Automotive Museum and San Diego Hall of Champions, just steps from each other and in the same cul-de-sac as the Aerospace Museum.
When you are ready for lunch, consider Time Out Cafe in the Hall of Champions. As a deli, prices are reasonable and outdoor benches are available. You can even get beer and wine there. Another suggestion is to proceed to your afternoon destination, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, and eat lunch at Galileo Cafe. Sandwiches, salads, and pizza dominate the family-friendly menu.

Spend your afternoon in the cool IMAX theatre enjoying a show. It is a good plan to purchase your tickets earlier in the day or before you eat lunch to make sure you have a seat for the show. Matinees are usually shown around 1pm, but schedules may change, so check online at: http://www.rhfleet.org/imax.html. After your IMAX film, explore the Science Center all afternoon.

Wander to the Gaslamp District again and have dinner in one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants. Then taxi back to your B & B for a good night’s rest.

DAY 6 - Coronado

Sleep in on your last full day in San Diego. After a delicious breakfast, take a taxi to Broadway Pier to take the Regular All Day Ferry to the Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace. For schedule information, visit: http://www.coronado.ca.us/sd_ferry.asp. Take the shuttle from there to downtown Coronado. One-way fare is $1 per person. For route and schedule information, visit: http://www.sdcommute.com/Rider_Information/routes/904.asp

Arrive in downtown Coronado and wander the quaint streets. This is a perfect time to pick up any last-minute non-touristy souvenirs or to treat yourself to a new hat. For lunch, there are numerous options in the downtown area of Coronado, but today you will be dining at the famous Hotel Del Coronado’s Sheerwater Restaurant. Main courses range from $15 to $28. You can find a burger or fresh fish, it all depends what you like. An ocean view is the perfect accompaniment for your lunch, so soak up the Pacific from this historic landmark. To view Sheerwater’s menu, visit: http://www.hoteldel.com/uploads/sheerwater_lunch_menu_1005_869.pdf
After lunch, wander the beach and shop in the resort’s stores. Take your time enjoying Coronado before returning to the Ferry Landing to float back across to Broadway Pier. After you have returned from your day’s adventure on Coronado, taxi back to your B & B to pack for your departure the following day. For dinner, pamper yourself with fine Mediterranean cuisine at Laurel. They offer a special early three-course dinner menu for $35 per person between 5:00 and 6:00pm daily. Otherwise, main courses range from $22 to $34.

DAY 7 - Bon Voyage

On your last morning in San Diego, make sure you have a good breakfast at your B & B and finish packing. If there is one more museum you want to see at Balboa Park or a souvenir you wish you’d bought, you still have time to get that taken care of.

Check out of Keating House a little before noon and taxi to the airport or train station to return home.

Submitted by Evin Bail - this was entry #21. No new entries are being accepted (though a new contest will begin soon). Keep coming back for the last few entries.

Road Trip in Jamaica Travel Plan

I think this is #20. No more entries are being accepted, but a flurry of last-minute entries means you'll see 5 or 6 over the next week.

Here is another trip to a different part of Jamaica. I hope everyone enjoys this one too! Thanks, Rosanne

Road Trip in Jamaica

Day 1
Fly to Kingston ($300 and up) and rent a car ($600 and up for the 10 day trip). Remember to pack a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 30-50), insect repellant may be helpful some nights, and of course swimwear and camera. Drive to Morgan’s Harbour Hotel where you will stay for 2 nights. ($155 per night for a double room which includes authentic Jamaican breakfast) (10 minutes drive) Enjoy a lovely dinner by the water among the boats. ($25). Be sure to try freshly blended fruit punch.($5)

Some authentic Jamaican foods which you can try on your trip are: ackee and saltfish, callaloo, banana and dumpling with run down, fried plantains, fricassee chicken with rice and peas, stew peas, oxtail, curried goat, jerked pork, pumpkin soup, peas soup. Try Jamaican desserts found at local bakeries: gizzada, plantain tart, grater cake, fruitcake, sweet potato pudding. Two popular local chain restaurants found in most towns here that serve great Jamaican food are Juici Patties and Island Grill. Natural fruit and vegetable juices are also a great choice: otaheite apple (my favorite), beetroot, carrot, coconut water, cucumber, melon. Stop at any supermarket and you can find local handmade sweets such as tamarind balls and peanut brittle. Catherine's Peak Spring Water is a great choice to keep you hydrated.

Day 2
After breakfast, take a boat ride to Lime Cay from the hotel. (15 minutes boat ride) ($8 for boat ride) Enjoy the day on this tiny island off the coast of Kingston. During the week, be sure to pack a picnic. You can pack sandwiches from the hotel’s restaurant. ($10) On weekends there is a restaurant and bar open on Lime Cay. Take a walk to Port Royal in the afternoon. This historic town has canons and ruins. ($5 for tour) Have dinner on the sidewalk at Gloria’s Rendezvous. ($15) I like the steamed fish and fish soup. Port Royal is a fishing village, so the seafood is freshly caught daily and very delicious.

Day3
After breakfast, drive to Port Antonio (2 ½ hours). It is a very scenic drive although the road is windy. Most of the drive is along the Wagwater river and then the sea coast. Along the corners are many fruit vendors. Try our exotic fruits grown by our local farmers: starapple, otaheite apple, jackfruit, mango, naseberry, sweetsop, sugar cane to name a few. Stop at Juici Patties in Port Antonio to buy a patty or meatloaf for lunch ($1 each) or chicken lunch.($6) Spend the evening in town taking photos. The market is a great place for photos. Market days are Friday and Saturday. Get to know people, ask about our culture Have gourmet dinner at Trident Hotel nearby ($30). The peacocks on the lawn are very friendly. Stay at Frenchman’s Cove for 2 nights. ($90-$130 per night per room/suite/1 bedroom villa, continental breakfast included).

Day 4
Frenchman’s Cove is a beautiful place where the river meets the sea. The lunch here is excellent and it is served on the beach. Try the escoveitch fish, which is fried fish with a pickle pepper sauce. ($10) Drive to the marina in the afternoon. (10 minutes) Have dinner at Norma’s on the Grill for gourmet Jamaican Food. ($25) After, take a stroll along the boardwalk to the Devon House Ice Cream Shop. This is our local chain with the best coconut ice-cream in the world. Coffee is my second favorite flavor. ($2)

Day 5
After breakfast, enjoy the beach until late morning. Before lunch, drive to Ocho Rios with a short stop in Port Maria (2 hours to Port Maria). Along the way, stop at Blueberry Hill for jerked pork, chicken, and homemade sausage. ($10) Eat at this roadside hut and enjoy the view of the sea from the cliffs. Along this drive, the lush vegetation includes banana and coconut trees. When you get to Port Maria, take a break and stop at Firefly. ($10 entry) (10 minutes drive from the main road). Firefly is the former home of British Playwright Noel Coward. Take a tour of the house and see where England's Queen Mother once dined, enjoy the beautiful view of Cabarita Island surrounding the ocean and mountains. Have tea and biscuits ($2). Continue to Ocho Rios (1/2 hour). Check in at Sandcastles for 4 nights. ($85 per night per double room, breakfast included). Have dinner there ($20).

Day 6
Definitely climb Dunn’s River Falls. ($10 entry fee) (5 minute drive) The best day to go is when the cruise ships are not in, so you can enjoy and see the nature and beauty of these waterfalls. Take a walk from your hotel to have lunch at the coffee shop in Island Village Shopping Centre. ($15). The coffee is good too! Spend the afternoon shopping for nice souvenirs here. The stores are nice and it is hassle free. You can also get great Jamaican books at the bookstore. Here’s a second chance to have Devon House icecream if you were too full before.
Have candlelight dinner at The Ruins. ($30) The ambiance is lovely as you dine by waterfalls.

Day 7
Drive to Reggae Beach and spend the morning there. ($5 entry fee) (10 minute drive) This beach is my favorite. It is a white sand beach, clear blue sea, and there are plenty shady trees if the sun is too hot. A stone’s throw away is Harmony Hall. Have lunch here at Toscanini, authentic Italian food. ($15) Take a tour of the art gallery upstairs (free) and buy local artwork. The paintings are vibrant and lively reflecting Jamaican culture. The architecture of Harmony Hall is true to Jamaica. In the afternoon, head to Wassi Art Factory and see local artists making and painting pottery. (15 minutes) There are many nice pieces for your home. Have dinner at Bibibip’s Bar and Grill for great Jamaican food. ($15) Try the curried goat.

Day 8
Today, go tubing down the White River with Chukka Cove. ($51) It is a very scenic tour downstream, so make sure to bring a waterproof disposable camera for great photos. You are enveloped into nature among the trees and you see many birds along the way. In the afternoon, go on Chukka Cove’s canopy tour ($67) or horseback riding ($67 for 3 hours). If you prefer to relax, go to Cranbrook Flower Forest ($10). It is a beautiful park where you can swim in the river among tropical flowers and trees. Have a picnic. The store outside your hotel has crackers and corned beef. ($2) Eat like a true Jamaican. Have dinner at Café Aubergine, recently voted Jamaica’s most romantic restaurant. ($25) It is a half an hour’s drive but well worth it as the food is great and atmosphere cozy. I enjoy the lamb here.

Day 9
Return to Kingston (2 hours drive) and stay at The Courtleigh Hotel ($172 per night night per double room, continental breakfast included). I enjoy eating on the patio. Drive to Strawberry Hill before lunch (½ hour drive). Have gourmet lunch overlooking the city and the Blue Mountains. ($20) Across the road, tour Craighton Coffee Estate. ($30) It is a 1-hour tour showing how coffee is grown and produced. In the evening, get a massage at Strawberry Hill's Aveda Spa for the best way to end your vacation. ($115) For dinner stop at Starapples. ($15) (10 minutes from hotel). The oxtail is excellent.

Day 10
Depart Kingston (½ hour drive to airport) At the airport, be sure to buy duty-free items such as Appleton V/X rum, and Blue Mountain Coffee, the best coffee in the world.

Freedom of the Seas Christened

Anita Dunham-Potter has a good review for Freedom of the Seas:

A couple of firsts are a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor and an old-fashioned barbershop, where gents can indulge in a traditional shave, scalp and shoulder massage, haircut or shoeshine.

I do like Ben & Jerry's! Plus I've never had a traditional shave. I was also surprised to read that the onboard boxing ring is for cruisers - I figured it would just be there for a few semi-professional fights to entertain passengers. I don't think I'll strapping on the boxing gloves for my relaxing vacation...

If you want to know a little bit more about Freedom of the Seas' schedule, this is the article for you. I think the only useful information in that article is that Freedom of the Seas starts normal cruises on June 4th.

London & Amsterdam European summer vacation

This was the 19th entry I received for my summer vacation plan travel writing contest. Winners will be announced May 31.

This London & Amsterdam vacation itinerary works best when day 5 falls on a Thursday.

Day 1: Go to Buckingham Palace as early as possible to beat the crowds. The tour is worth the 15 British Pounds and after that, you can have a picnic in St. James Park right in front of Buckingham Palace.

After lunch, go to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Spend a few minutes walking around and taking it all in. Right across from Big Ben is Westminster Abbey.

At 6 British Pounds for adults, it is the second biggest bargain in London (the biggest bargain is saved for Day 2). Westminster Abbey is beautiful inside and out. See the tombs of many of the kings and queens, famous poets, composers, and nobility. The ancient coronation chair is on display there, in use for all the coronations since the 11th century (full of woodworm, covered in scratches and graffiti). Walk up the aisles, and marvel that you’re standing in such a magnificent place, a place where Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson married, and where Princess Diana’s funeral was held. The self-directed day tour is great and Evensong is wonderful. Don’t miss Evensong.

A good place to eat Indian food near Westminster Abbey is Cinnamon Club. Dinner will set you back about 30 British Pounds, but don’t get cheap and skip the excellent appetizers. I liked the scallops personally. The service was only OK, but the food and the bar made up for it. The bar had good cocktails and was playing Bollywood movies. It was an interesting atmosphere. Reservations would be smart – 0845 166 4253. Go to the Old Westminster Library, Great Smith Street.

Day 2: The biggest bargain in London is the free British Museum, which opens at 10:00. If free just doesn't seem right, you can always go for the highlight tour for 8 British Pounds. You'll be forced to think about the controversy regarding who should own works like The Pantheon Marbles (or Elgin Marbles) and the Rosetta Stone. You'll never see everything here, so choose a few things that you have to see and do those first.

After that, go to Leicester Square and Piccadilly in the West End. You could just do some shopping but ideally, you’d like to go to the theater or theatre. We saw the Lion King at the Lyceum on Wellington Street. Of course, there are shows to suit just about anyone who likes musical theater. While in the area, check out Piccadilly Circus, which is cooler than Times Square.

For dinner in the West End, we liked Chinese Experience, one of the few restaurants in London’s Chinatown that has good service. It will cost you about 25 British Pounds. I liked the strawberry spare ribs. It’s not a large meal by American standards but save room for dessert, especially the mango pancakes. Go to 118 Shaftesbury Ave. Reservations didn’t seem necessary and there are plenty of other places nearby, but if you want to play it safe call 0871 0752 840.

If you’re looking for a good bar after dinner, The Intrepid Fox at 97-99 Wardour Street is just awesome. Very hip atmosphere and the drinks are not overpriced.

Day 3: For a nice day trip, go to King Cross Station and platform 9 and 3/4. Take the Hogwart’s Express to Goathland Station (Hogsmeade Station) in the Yorkshire Moors. The landscapes are dramatic and don’t miss Mallyan Spout, a 70 foot high waterfall.

Hotel in London: Crowne Plaza London St James, 45 Buckingham Gate, Westminster. You can walk to Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, and St. James subway (tube) station. The service was as good as the location, but it was a little expensive. If you’re looking to travel cheap though, London probably isn’t the best choice. It’s a good place to go when you want to splurge. Staying here will save you a little time and money in the morning because the breakfast buffet was really excellent.

Day 4: There’s much more to see and do in London, but to really experience London would take at least 10 years. To get from London to Amstrerdam, you can take an inexpensive train and a ferry. At 25 British Pounds one-way, this is the cheapest way to go. It’s not as fast as a Eurostar, but it’s a nice trip.

You can also take a Eurostar high-speed train from London to Brussels via the Channel Tunnel, then either an InterCity train or a Thalys train train from Brussels to Amsterdam. This is costs from 69 - 149 British Pounds round trip, but it's faster, avoids a sea crossing, and has a more departure times.

After checking into your hotel in Amsterdam, it’ll probably be time for dinner. Since you had Chinese and Indian food in London, let’s go with French/ Mediterranean food at Restaurant November (Spuistraat 266). Dinner starts at 5:00 and you can eat outside on the terrace. The set menu has an appetizer, main dish, and dessert for 24 Euro. I had a great meal of grilled vegetables, Dutch beefsteak fried in butter (not sure how healthy it was), and tiramisu. A lot of choices for fish lovers as well.

End day 4 on a romantic note, with a canal ride. Avoid the larger, covered boats. Instead try to find a small, open boat because you’ll see much better if you sit in the open. You could also rent a small boat for yourself and cruise anywhere. If you need some herbal help relaxing before bedtime, there are plenty of coffee shops within easy walking distance of the hotel. Remember that Day 5 requires an early start!

Day 5: There are two must-see museums in Amsterdam and we’ll do both of them today so you need to get an early start. The Anne Frank Museum comes first because it gets crowded fast. If you’re not a history buff, you won’t have to stay long and you can still feel some powerful emotions. Expect to see a few people crying, maybe even you.

The Van Gogh Museum has some incredible works, including lots of sunflower paintings. This museum also gets crowded but gets better later in the day (the museum is open until 6:00).

If you’re worried that two museums in one day is too much culture for you, perhaps the Heineken Experience is more your style. This lager theme park is located at Stadhouderskade 78, and opens 10am-6pm daily except Mondays (last entrance 5pm). Admission is 7.50 Euro and includes three glasses of beer.

After a day in the museums, you should be ready to sit down. I suggest Zabar's at Van Baerlestraat 49 (00 31 20 679 8888), close to the main museums. The menu is mostly Mediterranean seafood and vegetarian dishes. It gets pretty crowded, so reservations are a good idea.

If you managed to get Day 5 to fall on a Thursday, you’re not done sightseeing yet. On Thursdays, Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square is open until 10:00 at night (6:00 on other nights). This is the church where Dutch monarchs are invested and it is very impressive inside. Admission is 10 Euros.

Day 6: Start with The Begijnhof, which opens at 9:00. This courtyard features gabled homes from the 16th-18th centuries. After that, why not get an overview of the city you’ve been enjoying? From the tower of the old stock exchange, the Beurs van Berlage at Beursplein 4, you can see much of Amsterdam. It opens 11am-5pm daily except Monday, admission €5 (£3.50).

Then it’s off to the airport. Just like you did in London, you’re leaving plenty to do on your next visit.

Amsterdam Hotel: We stayed in and recommend the NH Barbizon Palace Hotel. It was almost as expensive as the Crowne Plaza London St James, but the service was even better. The location was good, very close to Central Station and the building itself is a tourist attraction. The breakfast is rather expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Combining travel and genealogy

The Wichita Eagle goes over several must-see vacation destinations including the Pyramids, paragliding over the Alps, 1st class on an Air France flight, and also talks about genealogy travel:

Tom, a public relations expert from Connecticut, says that his favorite travel moments come from combining travel and genealogy. "It's impossible to put into words what these experiences are like, but there's an exhilaration that you'll never experience from simply reading about your family history. It brings travel to a uniquely personal level, and it helps forge a real sense of connection with your past."

Tom's best memories are of exploring the English-Scottish borderlands where his clan originated more than seven hundred years ago, and standing in Carlisle Cathedral in England where his great-great-great-great grandparents eloped in the early 1800s. He then located their graves in an abandoned churchyard on the coast of Maine where they survived a shipwreck upon their arrival in the U.S. in 1819.

That is a unique, meaningful travel experience. For me, genealogy travel could include Ireland, Italy, and Germany. I guess I'm worried about arriving somewhere with no real research plan, not knowing genealogical sources for Americans. I suppose the way to go would be to have a genealogist complete the research for you before you ever leave for America and then create a travel plan based on that research.

I found that www.Ancestry.co.uk has a free trial, but I haven't tried it yet. They do Ireland (plus England and Scotland). OneGreatFamily also has a free trial and their website looks very professional.

Travel deals in the news

This CBS TV4 article on summer travel deals says that flying to Europe will be expensive this summer thanks to greater demand fueled by The Da Vinci Code. They say that cruises are still reasonable, especially if you book now.

The International Herald Tribue has some very reasonable airfares and some deals on fancy hotels:

LANGHAM HOTEL, Melbourne "Memorable Melbourne" package for 16,300 Australian dollars for two includes two nights in Presidential Suite; three-hour spa treatment; workout in the Chuan health club or run on the Tan Track with an Australian Football League star; half day of hands-on cooking with the chef Michael Lambie, with working lunch and refreshments, followed by dinner; half day shopping with the style guru Cindy Sargon; a BMW limo with chauffeur for the duration of your stay, including airport transfers.

Sounds good, maybe I'll do that after my round the world cruise in 5 years...

My new Las Vegas vacation & hotel review site.

I've written about Las Vegas a few times before, but a friend of mine recently wanted to get rid of his Las Vegas vacation site. To make a long story short, it's no my Las Vegas vacation site so I'm fixing it up.

I turned it into a blog so that people can leave comments and so far the comments have been pretty interesting. I had been kind of fascinated by the free Circus Circus performance and thought about staying in the hotel. Then readers left some negative reviews of the Circu Circus hotel so I probably won't be staying there. The Riviera Hotel also got a nasty comment.

I think it's funny how New Yorkers pride themselves on having the best pizza in America and one commenter said that New York New York has the best pizza in Vegas. I guess it's no surprise that the Hard Rock is where to party.

Anyway, if you've ever been to Vegas please leave a review of the hotel you stayed in on my new Las Vegas vacation site. I also need more articles on Vegas vacations for the site. If you like writing, contact me at jtrotta@gmail.com.

New Zealand's West Coast vacation plan

This vacation plan from Frommer's starts off in Haast, a town on the Haast river, and a jet boat ride to where the San Andreas Fault line meets the Alpine Fault line.

Then off to Franz Josef time to do some hiking on warm glaciers where tourists can walk around in T-shirt and jeans. Then comes the drive from Franz Josef to Hokitika, voted one of the worlds top ten best drives by Lonely Planet thanks to the ocean views.

That drive takes you to Lake Brunner Lodge after traveling 22 kilometers on a dirt road, where you get gourmet meals and nature walks for 180.00/night (and up).

Taste of Jamaica

Travel writing contest entry #18 was submitted by Rosanne. Only a few days left to submit your travel plans to jtrotta@gmail.com!

Day 1: Fly roudtrip to Montego Bay ($300 and up). Stay at Doctor’s Cave Beach Hotel for 3 nights ($102 per night for one room). Taxi fare from airport to hotel $20. Have dinner at Groovy Grouper across the road ($20) - Try the steamed fish.

Day 2: Have Jamaican breakfast at The Native which is in walking distance ($10). Spend the day at Doctor’s Cave Beach across the road from the hotel. ($3 per person beach entry) It is nice to see the airplanes landing in the distance. Have a Jamaican patty for lunch.($1 each) You can get beef, chicken or vegetable. Try our local Red Stripe Beer. ($2 each) Walk along the Hip Strip and buy souvenirs. Have dinner at Coral Cliff also walking distance ($25 per person) and enjoy live music by the casino.

Day 3: Have breakfast at The Pelican which is also in walking distance ($10). Go rafting down the river with Chukka Adventures ($40). Have lunch at Jerky’s, authentic Jamaican Jerked Chicken or Pork or Fish with a variety of side dishes:
Roast Breadfruit, Roast Yam, Red Peas Soup ($10).

In the afternoon, go horseback riding with Chukka Adventures ($50). Rent a car for 4 days ($200 for 4 day rental). Have dinner at Houseboat for gourmet Jamaican food ($25). It is a lovely view and atmosphere and only 10 minutes drive. Feed the fish that swim up to your table.

Day 4: Drive to Negril in the morning and stay on the beach at White Sands Hotel for 3 nights ($50 per night for one room). Enjoy breakfast($5) and lunch($10) at the hotel's beach bar. Relax on the seven mile white sand beach. Use SPF 30-50. Swim, take a long walk, and play beach volleyball. Find exotic seashells. Drive to the cliffs (10 minutes) and enjoy the sunset at Rick’s café. If you are brave, jump off the cliffs into the deep blue sea. Stay for dinner ($25
per person).

Day 5: Have breakfast at the hotel's beach bar ($5). Enjoy the beach in your backyard again. Have authentic Jamaican lunch at Sweet Spice ($10 - only 5 minutes drive). Try various water sports – parasailing, glass bottom boat ride, snorkeling, jetskiing ($10 - $100). Have dinner on the beach nearby at Margaritaville ($25).

Day 6: Drive to Montego Bay (45 minutes) and head to the airport. Buy rum and spices at the airport duty free. Also try a meal at our local franchise Island Grill.

Ben Roethlisberger traveling to Switzerland to learn about his family

Ben Roethlisberger (Big Ben among football fans) is traveling to Switzerland to uncover his family's ancestry in the Bernese Emmental region (the Bernese Emmental region is Switzerland's cheese capital).

I'm not sure how I ended up on the Switzerland tourism mailing list, but they sent me an email on this story with a link to the Big Ben interview with SwissRoots.com. They ask him a few questions and he says he wants to know more about his ancestors. Here's an interesting excerpt:

Swiss Roots: We're trying to arrange a trip for you to go to Switzerland and show you the sights, including a visit to your great-grandfather's town in the Bernese Emmental.

Ben Roethlisberger: That'd be awesome! If that town is known for their cheese, then I should take my dad: he loves cheeses, and he actually used to work in a cheese factory, so I know he'd love that.

Swiss Roots: What do you think about maybe meeting Miss Switzerland or playing tennis with Roger Federer?

Ben Roethlisberger: I'm sure the people of Switzerland would love it if I eventually married Miss Switzerland! It'd be awesome to meet those people, though I'd have to brush up on my tennis skills if I'm going to play Roger. I'd like to try and just see one of his serves!

By the way, for you travelers who don't follow American football, Big Ben is the Steelers quarterback. The Steelers recently won the Super Bowl and Big Ben is the youngest quarterback to do so. He's also the first quarterback of Swiss descent to win the Super Bowl.

Searching online sites for cheap fares from New York to Seoul

A friend of mine living in New York City wants to visit Korea this summer and couldn't find any airfares under $1350.00 from JFK to ICN (ICN is Incheon Airport, which serves Seoul). He asked me t