Travel plan idea blog

Article on lesser known European vacation destinations

Planning a trip to Europe? Apparently it's common to skip some of Europe's best attractions according to this article. A few examples include the Amiens Cathedral 2 hours from Paris, Stari Grad gets skipped in favor of Hvar Town in Croatia, and most people don't make it 5 hours north of Athens for the ancient monasteries of Metéora in Greece.

They all sound pretty good to me...

Fast Food as a Tourist Attraction?

If I'm traveling, I go out of my way to avoid fast food, as I don't particularly like it and I would rather eat somewhere more representative of the place I'm visiting. However, the town of Corbin in Kentucky is hoping to cash in on its claim to fame as being the location of the world's first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. The town's tourism board wants to erect a statue of Colonel Sanders, in addition to the existing restaurant and museum. The small museum there features the original kitchen and a recreated lodging room. Kentucky is also opening another unusual attraction, which we mentioned on here recently - a coal mine tour. How about an underground KFC? That may really prove to be popular.

Of course, as everybody knows, fast food is everywhere - especially McDonald's which has restaurants in approximately 120 countries. However, they recently had to close their 3 restaurants in Iceland due to the poor economy in that country. Apparently, a Big Mac did cost around $5.29 in Reykjavik, making it the third most expensive place in the world to buy one (after Norway and Switzerland).

The Travel Channel actually runs an hour long show occasionally, featuring the 10 most unique McDonalds restaurants in the world. I have to admit I have not watched this program, although some of the more unusual restaurants are: In Dallas, TX in which the building is designed to look like a giant Happy Meal; at the Arctic Circle, which is the world's most northerly McDonalds and in Asheville, NC, located opposite the Biltmore Estate. This McDonald's restaurant features elaborately designed ceilings and even a grand piano!

And in case you are wondering where the world's biggest McDonald's restaurant is (I know you are!) it is apparently in Vinita, Oklahoma, although there are also large ones in other cities including Orlando and Moscow, which dispute this claim.

If you don't want fast food next time you are traveling, there are various sites that list diners, family owned restaurants, etc. This one lists old-fashioned diners in each state - something that is as rare to find these days in the United States as a drive-in movie theater!

Guest entry by Mancunian

Crazy massage ideas at different spas

Funny article here on weird spa treatments. I see a link for a slideshow but there are only 2 pages as far as I can tell, and you have to click "next" to see the second one.

I suppose I could go for either a snake massage or a diamond / precious gem massage. I doubt either is really great but I'd like to say I've done it. Interesting these are big name spas like the gem one I'm interested in is at the Ritz:

Goldiggers and others with flair for the bizarre will find unabashed bliss in gemstone skincare treatments on the menu at the Ritz Carlton in Palm Beach, Fla. The decadent and delightful Body Ritual treatment uses a cache of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and pearls to rebalance troubled chakras.

Free flight to New Zealand anyone?

Air New Zealand has an interesting promotion going on. You have to follow them on twitter, get a trivia question correct, and then win a random drawing. Do all that and you get a free flight to New Zealand.

I don't have a twitter account and this isn't enough to make me start one but I wish you all good luck should you choose to play!

And it's not that I'm scared the questions will be too hard:

Q#7 - Which kangaroo crazy country is situated a cozy 1,250 miles across the Tasman Sea from New Zealand's shores? Tweet answer back to @KiWeets

Travel planning technique: spiderwebbing

According to the person who seems to have come up with the term:

Think of spiderwebbing as controlled adventure where your travel itinerary is determined by like-minded individuals that you mainly don't know.

The article goes on to talk about how the author talked to a friend (who happens to be a hotel expert), talked to her daughter, and got some advice from magazines (but not travel ones).

I'm not sure this spiderwebbing travel planning can work for me. I don't read magazines (unless academic journals count but they never mention hotels). I do get some advice from people but not the main trip planning advice. For example I'm planning a trip to Lisbon but I don't really know anyone who has stayed in a Lisbon hotel. I did have a colleague recommend something (would be nice if I could remember) about a place to stay for a month that's good and cheap. I guess I'll have to talk to him again...

Anyone hear plan a vacation through spiderwebbing?

Promotional Code for Bello Is Back! in the Big Apple Circus

I've never been a huge clown fan, but I do have to admit I'm curious about "America's best clown" (Time Magazine). If I happen to be traveling to a city where Bello is playing I do think I'd like to check out a show and readers of this blog can get a discount (see below).

Performances of Bello is Back! begin on October 22nd and run through January 18th under the Big Top at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center, before making stops in Atlanta, Boston, and other East Coast cities.

As far as I know, the promo code is only good for Lincoln Center in NYC.

To purchase your discounted tickets to the Big Apple Circus (a not for profit organization):

Online: http://bigapplecircus.org/pop.aspx and submit the code POP10 in the Promotional Codes box

By Phone: CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP10

In Person: Big Top Box Office 10AM-6PM daily. No service fee. Bring a copy of this blog post

*Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Must present this blog post to receive discount at the box office. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.

Tickets for performances at upcoming venues are currently on sale to Big Apple Circus members only. In addition to knowing your membership helps kids in need, benefits include discounted tickets, VIP seats, invitations to exclusive member-only events, and more! For full details, check out: http://bigapplecircus.org/support/membership.aspx

KAL Flight 007 mentioned by Chomsky as evidence the American press has been indoctrinated

So the dean of my department founded the ISCS, the International Society of Chomskyan Studies. I try to help out by contributing articles to the journal, speaking at conferences, and serving on the editorial board. I didn't really have any ideas for this latest issue of our journal but I did have Radical Priorities, a collection of works by Chomsky from the late 1960s to the early 21st century.

I actually bought this book while traveling. I was in Seattle before my cruise to Alaska. We were walking around the university area not far from our hotel (which is not real close to downtown) and this book was in the window. I was sort of looking at the book cover but I was more interested in the conversation police were having with a homeless guy not far away. He was a murder suspect and it was scary how this real life experience reminded me of TV. I still remember this one cop saying, "If there's something you have to get off your chest, tell me now. Is there anything you wanna get off your chest? You can tell me now or we can go downtown and we can talk about it there."

Anyway, I ended up buying the book and at the last board meeting for the ISCS I offered to write a book review of it. You're probably wondering where I'm going with all this (unless you remember the title of this blog entry in which case you're just wondering how much longer I can drag this out before getting to some sort of point).

As part of my review I'm reading an article from 1984 titled, "1984: Orwell's and Ours." Chomsky is arguing that American media is so indoctrinated that they never really strays far from the party line (more indoctrinated than Orwell imagined). He cites as evidence that none of the mainstream media called the Vietnam War an invasion. Even critics of the war in the media said that the US had good intentions.

In the next example he mentions KAL 007 which Sharon Slayton wrote about on this blog a while back. Chomsky considers coverage of this incident in the press compared to other disasters more evidence that the American media has been brainwashed. Here's what he says and my question for you is other than KAL 007 which of these disasters have you heard of and from what source?

I doubt that any story has ever received the coverage of the downing of KAL Flight 007 last fall, sure proof that the Russians are the most barbaric devils since Attila the Hun so that we must place Pershing missiles in Germany and step up the war against Nicuragua. The densely printed NY Times index devotes seven full pages to the atrocity in September 1982 alone. In the midst of the furor, UNITA, the "freedom fighters" supported by the U.S. and South Africa, took credit for downing an Angolan jet with 126 killed. There was no ambiguity, the plane was not off course flying over sensitive installations, there was no RC 135 U.S. reconnaissance jet nearby confusing the issue (possibly jamming radar). It was simple premeditated murder. The incident received 100 words in the NY Times and no comment anywhere in the media.

This is not the only such case. In Oct. 1976, a Cuban airliner was bombed by CIA-backed terrorists, killing 75 civilians. In 1973 Israel downed a civilian plane lost in a sandstorm over the Suez canal with 110 killed. There was no protest, only editorial comments about how "No useful purpose is served by an acrimonious debate over the assignment of blame" (NY Times).

Personally I had never heard of the other 3 flight disasters Chomsky mentions.

Baby born on plane over Malaysia, an old story, and the Northwest plane that wouldn't stop

This is kind of an amusing story. A mother gave birth on an AirAsia (a budget carrier I had never heard of before) flight and everyone's doing fine (lucky they had a doctor on board). And now mom and baby get free flights for life.

Somehow the story of giving birth on a flight reminded me of the breast feeding story. A couple of years ago I took a healthy does of criticism for saying that I had no sympathy for the people who got kicked off a plane when a mother was breastfeeding her child and the husband wouldn't hold up a blanket to keep things private.

While we're on the topic of controversial airline things, what do you guys think about that Northwest flight that flew right past the airport they were supposed to land at (and then about another 150 miles be4fore turning around)?

I'm pretty amazed actually - this seems like a real dangerous situation. What if they had overflown an airport near a big city and then not responded on the radio? They could have been shot down as everyone would have suspected a terrorist takeover.

Maybe they overflew the airport cause they were busy talking. It's bad but kind of understandable. But no radio contact?

Lonely Planet's The USA Book: review

The photos in Lonely Planet's The USA Book are stunning. Some are what you might expect to find, like the one of Niagara Falls, New York. Others offer a twist on expectations, as in the shot of Kentucky Derby horses - from the rear.

This pictorial gives brief general information about the USA as a whole, including music, sports, and government among other topics. There's a short list of Lonely Planet 'bests' which is interesting even if some, like the 'most spiritual place', are arguable. There's a synopsis by region and mention of half a dozen 'best road trips'. The US Territories are listed as well.

The USA Book looks at every state. The states are treated pretty equally, so while you can't easily prioritize the states by their wealth of attractions, you can get the flavor of each state. This is not for planning your vacation - it's a coffee table book with pictures and basic information such as state population, recommended 'essential experiences' and the best time of year to visit.

Some Underground Attractions: mines, sewers, catacombs

If you are claustrophobic, you may want to skip the following entry! Have you ever been in a coal mine, or had the desire to go in one? An old and disused coal mine is just about to open as a major tourist attraction in Lynch, Kentucky. This blog wrote about this way back in 2005 when it was still in the planning stages. The project cost an estimated $2.5 million and locals hope it will bring much needed income to one of the poorer parts of the state. The exhibit features animatronics miners, as well as a ride through narrow tunnels that run for miles beneath the ground. I have been on a slate mine tour in Wales many years ago and found it quite fascinating; this site has a video which gives a good idea of what to expect if you take a tour (this is a slate mine in North Wales).

This story got me thinking about various other underground attractions around the world. Two of the most famous are in Paris - the catacombs (apparently visited by 50,000 people every year) and the sewers.. I have not visited either of these attractions; the catacombs were closed when I went there and I just cannot see the appeal of wading through the Paris sewers!

Another underground attraction that has authentic smells is the Yorvik Center in York, UK. I was in York this summer and I took my son to the Jorvik Center, in which you ride in little cars 'back in time' and through a reconstructed Viking village, complete with the sounds and smells that you would have experienced 1,000 years ago.

London has an interesting underground tourist attraction, Winston Churchill's wartime bunker, which was used as a secure base during WWII and is set up exactly as it was during that time. There are various special exhibits and events happening this year and next, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of its opening, in 1939.

Caves are big attractions. I visited Luray Caverns in Virginia last year, which are absolutely spectacular and well worth the trip (and the admission fee) On my list of places to go is Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, which contain some of the largest and deepest caves anywhere.

This blog also mentioned the excavations under St. Peter's Basilica a while back.

You may also feel claustrophobic if you have traveled in coach recently. Smaller planes and various fees for checked bags means more cramped conditions and less overhead bin space. Apparently, one of the biggest problems at the moment is passengers fighting (sometimes literally) to put their bags in the overhead bin. The problem is so bad that Congress is thinking of stepping in and having a standard size limit and making sure it is actually enforced. The proposed size would be 22 x 18 x 10 inches. I always manage to get a space for my carry on bag, even if it is nowhere near the seat I am actually sitting in. What do other people think; has anyone had a bad experience with this?

Guest entry by Mancunian

Johnny Mercer themed Savannah hotel special package

The other day I was on a football message board and I forget why but someone linked to this Youtube video, photos and a song: Margaret Whiting & Johnny Mercer singing "Baby It's Cold Outside."

A great song. So then I get this press release for a Bobby Mercer themed special package in Savannah, Georgia (where Mercer is from I just learned). Interesting timing - that's one way to get me to publish your press release! Add to that all the Savannah lovers who read my blog and I figured someone might just find this interesting.

Exclusive Hotel Package "Too Marvelous For Words" Now Available for Booking

SAVANNAH (October 13, 2009) --- AVIA Savannah, one of the Top New Hotels on Condé Nast Traveler's 2009 Hot List, pays centenary tribute to Savannah's own Johnny Mercer with the offering of an exclusive "Too Marvelous For Words" package. Throughout the month of November, guests can discover and celebrate the life of the legendary lyricist and vocalist whose credits include over 1,700 songs, including such Academy Award-winning hits as "Moon River" (1961) and "Days of Wine and Roses" (1962).

Starting at $199, the "Too Marvelous for Words" Johnny Mercer package includes:

a specially-discounted guestroom or suite
two Johnny Mercer cocktails at the AVIA Wine Bar
a full European breakfast buffet for two each morning at the AVIA Kitchen; and
a complimentary special-edition Johnny Mercer CD "Moon River, Johnny Mercer Sings the Johnny Mercer Songbook" Centennial Album. The last album recorded by Johnny Mercer in London in 1974 just remastered to be released November 2, 2009 .
The monthly celebration continues with special Johnny Mercer sets performed by local pianist and vocalist Gail Thurmond on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at the AVIA Kitchen + Wine Bar, where guests can enjoy three signature "Mercertini" cocktails, created by AVIA's very own mixology team. A gallery of Johnny Mercer's original watercolor paintings, which showcase the songwriter's incredible artistic range, will also be on display at AVIA Savannah along with a mock-up of the life-size bronze statue of Johnny Mercer that will be dedicated in Ellis Square on the musician's actual centennial birthday, November 18th.

Package prices vary based on room selection and are valid November 1 - November 30, 2009. Package is subject to availability and not valid with any other promotion or discount. Tax and gratuity not included.

Through the influence of Savannah's historic, cultural and culinary traditions, AVIA welcomes guests with its understated elegance and local charm. With just over 150 rooms, a truly innovative kitchen and wine bar, an appealing outdoor terrace and pool and relaxed but elegant meeting facilities, the hotel was inspired by Savannah itself and many of the city's most prominent local tastemakers. Supremely comfortable and built on a scale that is welcoming, relaxed and immensely appealing, AVIA Savannah's goal is to serve as a gracious host to local residents and world travelers alike, providing all the amenities of a world-class hotel along with some unexpected surprises.

AVIA Savannah is located in the lively, historic district of Savannah, across the street from Ellis Square and a short stroll away from the popular City Market. For more information, guests can call (866) 644-2842 or (912) 233-2116, or visit www.aviahotels.com to make reservations.

My student's Nepal meaningful travel experience: 3 days of volunteer work

So one of my students recently went to Nepal to do some volunteer work. I think this experience and what she got out of it is a perfect example of what meaningful travel should be. I don't know that I could have gotten as much from the experience as my student did - maybe it will come across in her story but just in case it does not, I will tell you that she is a remarkable young woman. For example, I know that she volunteered a couple of years ago to visit a rural town in Korea and help out the old farmers. This involved working on the farm, giving the old people back rubs, outhouses for bathrooms, 5 minutes shower time per day, etc. I respect people who do that kind of volunteer work because I never have.

Here's her meaningful travel in Nepal experience (first a summary from me and then her own words):

She was looking for something out of the ordinary and to learn something outside of school. She went to some website where Korean college students go to learn about activities for university students and saw an opportunity to go to Nepal doing volunteer work. All expenses would be paid by a corporate sponsor.

Seeing this as her only opportunity to go abroad (she's a poor college student after all) she applied. I understand that they took 20 people, 1 out of every 80 who applied. She got in and after some hesitation decided to go even though she'd be missing the first 2 weeks of the semester.

The trip to Nepal was 3 days - I believe the rest of the time was training for the mission. They stayed in Kathmandu and worked at a school for the deaf named Bahira Barak. In Korean culture it's not uncommon to play with, touch, hug other people's children in public and my student played with the younger kids at the school (ages ranged from 8-20). She was warned no to touch their heads with her left hand.

Her team's job was to clean and paint four classrooms and paint a corridor. I'll have to ask her if she knows why they needed Korean volunteers for that. Surely they have untrained painters in Nepal...

Anyway, the condition of the classrooms was heartbreaking: spider webs, broken chairs, dust, etc. After 10 of them spent 5 hours cleaning the painting started. The smell made them nauseous so they started working in shifts.

During one of her breaks my student met a girl named Sushma. She spoke Nepali sign language while my student speaks English and Korean. They communicated through drawing and isolated English words. My student learned how to sign "Sushma," her new friend's name.

Three days later they showed the results of their work and everyone loved it. They performed a flag dance, a traditional Korean dance, and some tae kwon do. And then they left. Now my summary ends and I leave you with my student's own words:

We promised not to cry in front of our Nepali friends. I avoided eye contact with my Nepali friends so that I could control my feelings. But when I saw my friend Sushma I could not stop crying. We hugged each other. I got in the bus and saw Sushma standing outside. She had tears in her eyes but she tried to smile at me.

We only had three days to get to know our Nepali friends. These three days gave me so many things that I might not have known if I had stayed in Korea. How could our Nepali friends be so open to us and give us unconditional love without getting anything in return? After I visited Bahira Barak School, I learned that sign language is the most powerful and beautiful language; it can move people's hearts. My friend changed her facial expression with every sign. You could see what she was saying by looking in her eyes. The love I learned from my friends will become a seed that will help me grow and mature. The smiles my Nepali friends gave me will be treasures that will cheer me up when I am having a hard time.

An article on some expensive silk road tours

This article was written by a travel agent (or travel consultant as she uses both terms) about a tour her agency sells.

Nowadays, only travelers with an itch for the unusual choose to take a Silk Road tour along this route of strange countries whose names all end with "stan." Yet, for those of you who can see the possibilities and happen to be thirsting for a real escorted adventure, may I tell you about a 17-day tour to the legendary city-states of the Silk Roads departing on June 5-21, 2010?

I like that they decided not to include Afghanistan in the tour (which is a slightly confusing part of the article because the author says her clients wouldn't mind a 7 hour dirt road trek from Kabul to Bamiyan). I don't like the $7,000 price tag based on double occupancy.

There is a China silk road tour that's 'only' $5,000 but I've been to China (surely you remember my special massage). First I don't know about supporting their government ($70 for an American to get a visa when I went) and I know it's cheap to travel in China. Sure it would be difficult travel but there must be a less expensive guide somewhere.

Travel deals: Cheap cruises, 25 cent hotel rooms, and free nights at Disney

October is National Cruise Vacation month, and obvious gimmick the cruise industry uses to get attention but it does come with some nice sales. For example, Norwegian (see Bermuda and Alaska reviews on this blog if you haven't already) is offering half off cruise deposits and up to $250 on-board credit on more than 300 cruises.

In what's probably a better deal, how about staying in a Virgin Islands hotel for 25 cents a night. Sounds impossible but it's a new sale celebrating a new quarter. You have to book your package with airfare on bookit.com.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism's "Cent-sational" Promotion is available for travel through December 15, 2009. Not sure when you need to book but probably soon.

The hotels now participating: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Carambola Beach Resort & Spa, Club St. Croix, Hibiscus Beach Resort, Hotel Caravelle, Marriott Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort, Point Pleasant Resort, Secret Harbour Beach Resort, Sapphire Beach Resort, Sapphire Village, The Palms at Pelican Cove, Windward Passage, and Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa.

Also have a Disney special I saw advertised to Canadians but I assume Americans can get the same:

Guests who purchase a four night/ four day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. Magic Your Way hotel and ticket package at a select Disney moderate or deluxe villa resort for stays most nights from Nov. 1 to Nov. 24, Nov. 29 to Dec. 24 and Jan. 3 to March 27, will receive for free three extra nights of hotel accommodations and three more days added to their theme park tickets.

Guests who purchase a five night/ five day non-discounted hotel and ticket package during the same dates will receive two extra nights of hotel accommodation and two more days added to their theme park tickets for free.

I still like the idea of 25 cent hotel rooms better!

Travel insurance for trips to America!

I've written about travel insurance before but mostly from the American perspective. This article, though, made me realize that health insurance would be even more critical if you were traveling to the US.

In America, we know healthcare is expensive and we pray we have insurance. My students are always shocked when I tell them my aunt's heart attack story. She spent several hours in the ER and had some stuff done. I don't even know what exactly but she went home the same day. When the bill came she almost had another heart attack - it was for $120,000.00. She has insurance.

My students in Korea are always shocked. I end up writing the number on the board because they have trouble believing it. Anyhow, this story makes it seem like Canadians would be similarly shocked:

According to the study, a four-day stay in a U.S. hospital for an appendectomy could cost $39,400 US, with only $1,600 Cdn covered by a government health insurance plan (GHIP). A one-day stay in a U.S. hospital for a broken arm and wrist could cost $32,600, with only $400 covered by a GHIP.

So they talk about Canadians getting health insurance for visits to the US. Certainly Koreans would also want to think about insurance (where a stay in the hospital ranges from $20-$200 a night) as I guess most people coming to the US should.

Dog Cafe in Seoul named Bau Haus

Had an interesting experience today in Hongdae which is known as a party area in Seoul. We ate at a place called "On the Grill" and on our way out I noticed a sign for a dog cafe.

We went up to the third floor and walked in. We were greeted by about 25 dogs (We didn't try to count), most of them barking at us. It was a very interesting experience. You can order drinks (beer, coffee, milkshakes, etc.) and buy dog treats if you want to be extra popular.

Apparently the owner has about 15 large dogs including a huge, beautiful Siberian Husky. The place also serves as a dog hotel and that's where the little dogs come from: Yorkshire Terriers, Schnauzers, and so on.

As you eat, you have dogs by your feet, dogs on the couch with you, sometimes dogs on the table sniffing your drink. Or if you just came from a restaurant like we had, dogs licking your hands and trying to lick your lips. I had even washed my hands but apprently not well enough.

You can bring your own dog and we may bring one of our own next time but we do have reservations. The dog that's sociable enough to come, the one we found on the street in June 2007, would want to run around with the other dogs. She'd be miserable at our table (unless we had dog treats I guess) and we'd have a hard time keeping her with us.

The problem with that is that when people start handing out dog treats all the dogs rush over there. Libby certainly would. I'm just a bit worried that our 5 pound Maltese would end up getting hurt hanging out with the big dogs as she scrambled for food.

Anyhow, if you're looking for a different experience in Seoul, and you like dogs, Bau Haus gets a strong recommendation. It's not the kind of place I'd stay long - we were there maybe half an hour - but it is fun and different.

Encyclopedia of Haunted Places: Book Review

Ghost enthusiasts may find this an interesting guide. The Encyclopedia of Haunted Places is a compilation of paranormal investigators' experiences and research giving an overview of well-known and not so well-known haunted places around the world.

There are hundreds of locations listed, but it's hard to know how comprehensive the Encyclopedia of Haunted Places might be. For example, the Tower of London is included as expected, but surprisingly there was nothing about the ghosts in the English city of York that Mancunian blogged about.

The haunted places are organized within geographic region. Each entry briefly tells the often sad and/or violent story behind the haunting and describes the investigator's experience. It gives the name and organization of the investigator as well as the haunted locale's address, phone number and website if applicable. There are photographs for some of the places as well.

Scary News for Halloween

A new guest entry from Mancunian:

Well, it's almost Halloween again and of course, there are plenty of scary festivals and events taking place. The Voodoo Experience alternative music festival takes place in New Orleans from October 30th to November 1st and among the 150 or so music acts scheduled to take place are Widespread Panic, Jane's Addiction and Jello Biafra (I can only assume these people are well known and popular).

There are plenty of Halloween parties and events all over the place, but apparently one of the best is at the Louisville, KY zoo, which describes itself as the world's largest Halloween party. It takes place throughout the month of October.

Talking of scary things, I was in York, UK with my family a few weeks ago and we all plucked up the courage to go on the Original Ghost Walk. I have been on ghost walks in various other places, such as Charleston, SC and New Orleans, but this one was the best. It also claims to be the oldest ghost walk in the world. The walk leaves from a pub, so you can always have a couple of drinks to relax you before you leave. (Although there is a shortage of toilets along the route!)

York is supposedly the most haunted place in the world, with over 500 reported ghost sightings. Unfortunately, I didn't see any of them, but the guide managed to entertain and even make us jump a couple of times.

Here's a scary thought: being stuck in a middle seat on the plane, surrounded by a crying baby, a fellow passenger who won't stop talking and somebody with poor hygiene. Around 44% of airline passengers polled by Travelocity stated that poor hygiene among fellow passengers was their biggest complaint, followed by passengers with a cold. Kicking the back of airplane seats was also pretty high up on the list of annoying things that passengers did.

I think my biggest complaint is passengers who try to carry on bags that are clearly too big, although with all these checked bag fees, you can hardly blame them. United Airlines, by the way, has introduced a scheme where you can pay a flat rate of $249 a year, which covers all your checked bag fees during that time. If you fly a lot, it's a good deal - I'm sure all the other airlines will follow suit.

Attractions in Devon and myths in Cornwall

Interesting article here on Devon in the UK. This is where Dame Agatha Christie is from and there's a festival each year. There the "Agatha Christie Mile" where you see places that meant something to the great author personally and where scenes from her stories take place. There are 10 stops in all and this BBC article seems to have them covered.

Across from Devon is Cornwall where there's a castle and some Arthurian legends:

This was the spot where Queen Igraine of Cornwall, in the absence of her husband, was seduced by King Uther Pendragon, thus conceiving Arthur. Or it was where the infant Arthur was tossed by the waves onto the beach near the cave -- accessible at low tide -- where Merlin the Magician lived.

Seems like a couple of pretty cool places to visit. Maybe next time I visit the UK I'll see if I can work them in. Thinking out loud, I'd fly into London and probably stay a few days. We's at least like to visit our favorite Costa Coffee again. The English Riviera is southwest of London and I don't see any other places I've heard of in between. Nottingham for example is way north of London. I like my vacations to make sense logisitcally so I don't really want to go both north and south of London...

Starwood Preferred Guest AmEx card: Anyone know how good it is?

So I'm ready to move on from my NCL Mastercard. I misused my points on my Alaskan Cruise so instead of saving $500 I got a 3 category upgrade for my wife and I. Of course I later learned that 3 categories means 3 floors up so we saved about $30 each. Pretty messed up when I think about it because I searched NCL's website for categories and it went inside, window, balcony suite. I never knew that there 4-5 "categories" of inside cabin until I had already redeemed my points. That's when they told me that the points couldn't be used to get from inside to window. In other words the 3 category upgrade couldn't actually get you into a new category...

But the Alaska cruise was good and I had learned my lesson. So then I took an NCL cruise to Bermuda and this time I did get $500 off (after some confusion). Paying $1300 for my wife and I instead of $1800 was pretty nice but while on the cruise we decided that next time we'd try another cruise line.

So I'm looking for a new card to become my main one. 2 freinds said they have had good experiences with Starwood Preferred Guest American Express. One guy saved up 2 years worth of points and is staying at Disney World (Swan hotel) for free for a week in March. Another guy says he gets about a week's worth of free nights at Sheraton's every year. He stayed free in Toronto, Cape Cod, and New York City (now that's saving money considering NYC hotel prices).

It would be my first credit card with an annual fee (free the first year, $45/year after that) so I wonder if it's worth getting away from my Worldpoints Visa. Supposedly I can use those points for airplane travel but I've only used them for gift cards to Home Depot. But I like that there's no annual fee and no international transaction charge.

Anyway, does anyone know if the Starwood AmEx is worth getting or of another card worth getting? No one mentioned it back in 2007 when I asked about travel rewards credit cards. Perhaps it's relatively new?

Win three nights in the Turks & Caicos: Ocean Club Resorts

Here's an interesting giveaway for you. The idea is to submit a picture of a lazy day at the beach. Since most lazy days involve the same lack of action, I wonder how these photos get judged or if the winner is selected at random...

Post a photo of your ideal lazy beach day on Ocean Club Resorts' Facebook page and you could win a 3-night stay for two. Entries must be posted on the wall by 10 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. One of the most popular things to do at Ocean Club is to do nothing at all, so show us your best.

How to win:

1. Become a fan of Ocean Club Resorts' Facebook page. You must be a fan so we can contact you if you are the winner.

2. Post a photo of yourself enjoying your laziest dream beach day by 10 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

3. Spread the word to your friends - they may even bring you along.

The resort:

Contest Details:

Valid for two people sharing a one-bedroom garden/pool view suite for three nights (additional nights available at regular rates.) Stay includes in-suite washer/dryer, full kitchen, use of three pools, 3 tennis courts and complimentary tennis equipment and bicycles. Valid from May 1 - December 15, 2010.

For more information, or to enter, visit www.facebook.com/oceanclubresorts.com.

Chako Paul City (the northern Swedish town full of sex-crazed lesbians)

This story is pretty funny. It seems Chinese media ran a story on Chako Paul City in northern Sweden:

Many of the town's female residents became lesbians "because they could not suppress their sexual needs", Chinese news service Harbin News reports.

The myth has been embraced by the Chinese media, with millions of men crippling the country's internet providers trying to find out how to get to the town.

Of course visiting Chako Paul City also has a cultural element (a medieval castle) and an element of risk (Swedish police are very protective of their beautiful blonde lesbians).

Anyone know where this story might have come from? I think this is the first mention of it outside of China, so far as I know anyway. Maybe someone working for Harbin news in China felt like playing a little joke on every man in the country?

What are some good "second cities" for vacationing / honeymooning?

I was trying to think of a theme for this blog entry and I happened to find a few articles that I thought I could squeeze into the "honeymoon" theme.

This one is pretty obvious, saying that the honeymoon is important (no kidding!) and that you should plan it carefully. Luckily the article includes some advice including an example that makes it worthwhile. The author's friend went to Paris for a week on her honeymoon but was too tired from planning her big wedding to do the usual touristy stuff like museums. So she and her new husband spent the week in cafe's in Paris and now apparently the regret it.

The author (and I agree) says that a week of cafes in Paris sounds pretty great but people are different and this couple feels like they didn't take advantage of their opportunity to see the cultural treasures of Paris. The author concludes that Budapest would have been better because they wouldn't feel as guilt since the museums are not as world-famous.

I can see that. Although I can't help but wonder why they didn't make time for at least one museum in Paris. I mean it doesn't take that much energy to visit a museum for an hour or two and how much coffee can you drink anyway? You have to do something besides sit in cafes...

But anyway, I think the point is an important one. When you're planning a honeymoon you have to pick the right city and mode of travel and the two have to match your personality / expectations.

That brings me to this article on the World's "second cities." Now I had no idea the Florence and Barcelona are considered "second cities" - they seem pretty major to me. And the author writes that Florence is walkable (implying that Rome is not) yet my wife and I never got tired of walking around Rome on our honeymoon and you can always stop for a cappuccino or gelato or a meal when your feet do get tired. Sometimes we had to take the subway or bus but that didn't ruin the honeymoon!

Now Lyon as an alternative to Paris makes sense to me and may have been a good option for the honeymooning couple discussed above. They feel bad for not taking advantage of Parisian museums? Maybe Lyon would have been better because they could have felt that they had seen a good chunk of it after a week, even without expending a ton of energy.

But then the next paragraph makes me think the article really is crazy:

For example, travelers to China may bypass Beijing for cities like Xian or Shanghai: "We're seeing some real interest in the deeper, more unexplored parts of China."

Since when is Shanghai "unexplored"?

The idea of visiting second cities makes sense, but this article fails miserably at naming them (with the exception of Lyon - that's a nice suggestion).

So I ask you ti make up for that poor article. What are some second cities that are good vacation / honeymoon spots?

I would say Assisi in Italy where my wife and I sent a month on our honeymoon could be a good one. I still can't believe that article called Florence and barcelona second cities. What are some real second cities?

Blank pages in your passport and social networking for airlines

I don't know if it's big news, but a former US congresswoman was not allowed to board a South African Airways plan recently because she didn't have enough blank pages in her passport.

There are plenty of comments, including a bunch who say that Cynthia McKinney should have checked South Africa's immigration rules and that the airline did everything right. I'm in that crowd.

Searching for online opinions about airlines led me to this interesting article on the social networking battle between Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. Virgin Atlantic seems to be winning:

"With BA's more expensive seating, passengers now have the option to choose a better value-for-money airline like Virgin Atlantic. We do not charge for pre-assigned seats and have no plans to do so."

This statement has attracted 115 "likes" and 70 comments, many of which praise Virgin and/or criticize BA. The statement appeared on Virgin America's official Facebook fan page, which currently has 19,847 fans. The airline has also built up an impressive 34,123 Twitter followers. This compares with BA's 4,352 Facebook fans and 6,969 Twitter followers.

Australia travel plan: explore Oz in a campervan!

Many backpackers suggest that campervaning your way around Australia works out a lot cheaper than doing something like a bus tour, and you've got the freedom to stop where you want. This suggested itinerary is great for exploring the east coast region of Queensland. The 'sunshine state' has a warm climate all year round. So with the sandy beaches, isolated outback and lush rainforests, there is something for everyone in Queensland.

Day 1: Brisbane to Bundaberg (distance 362 km, travel time 5hrs 30 mins)
Just north of Brisbane is a spectacular region stretching from the seaside town of Caloundra to Noosa's famous Hasting Street. So take your time lunching with the locals in trendy cafes on the beach strip before taking a dip in the sea at Noosa's famous Main Beach. On the way to Noosa, try to visit Landsborough's most famous attraction Australia Zoo.

A 40 minute detour from the Bruce Highway at Maryborough will take you to Hervey Bay, where you can catch a ferry to Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island and listed as a World Heritage National Park. You could take an optional 1 or 2 days extra to explore Fraser Island's lush rainforests and clear blue-water lakes if you can find the time.

An hour along the coastal road is Bundaberg. From here you can access the Southern Great Barrier Reef's Lady Elliot Island by flight. Do some wildlife spotting at Mon Repos Beach which is the largest mainland turtle rookery in Australia and every year humpback whales pass close to the unspoiled beaches, which stretch from Woodgate to Bargara.

Day 2: Bundaberg to Rockhampton (distance 318 km, travel time 3hrs 45 mins)
Whilst in Rockhampton, stop for a photo opportunity at the 'Spire' to record your crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. Rockhampton is also known as the 'Beef Capital of Australia', housing over 2 million cattle within a 50km radius of town!

Day 3: Rockhampton to Whitsundays (distance 483 km, travel time 6hrs)
It's a long drive to the Whitsundays but well worth it! Try to break your journey with regular rest stops along the way. The coastal town of Sarina is a good place to stop for lunch and a refreshing swim.

Day 4: The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are a collective of continental islands of various sizes off the coast of Queensland and one of Australia's premier holiday destinations. The main town is Airlie Beach, which is a major departure point for Great Barrier Reef excursions and home to many of the sailing and diving operators. Travel in a south-west direction from Airlie Beach to Eungella National Park. Queensland's largest rainforest park, where visitors can observe platypus in the wild. The drive through the Pioneer Valley to the park offers spectacular views.

Day 5: Whitsundays to Townsville (distance 285 km, travel time 3hrs 45mins)
Townsville is considered to be the leading centre for research into The Great Barrier Reef. A visit to the award winning Great Barrier Reef Aquarium will give you a taste of the reef without setting foot offshore. Townsville also provides easy access to Magnetic Island, only a 20 minute ride across Cleveland Bay by speed boat.

Magnetic Island is predominantly a National Park covered in pine, eucalypt and rainforest trees but it does have several shops, cafes, restaurants and offers a wide range of activities including relaxing on some wonderful beaches, 4WD tours, scuba diving in coral reefs, sailing and kayak tours. So well worth a visit!

Day 6: Townsville to Cairns (distance 348 km, travel time 4hrs 45mins)
The route from Townsville to Cairns is known as the Great Green Way with sandy beaches, world heritage rainforests and plunging waterfalls. Be sure to pay a visit to Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest waterfall. The site oozes natural beauty and captivates visitors from all over the world - definitely worth the 50km detour from the highway. Stop for a picnic on the way at picturesque Josephine Falls Wooroonooran National Park, 75km south of Cairns.

Day 7: Cairns
Cairns is known for its connection to the Great Barrier Reef (see Hamilton Island and tourism of doom) and the rainforests of the national parks but few people realise that Cairns is an excellent gateway to the Australian Outback as well. Just an hour's drive to the west of Cairns on the Atherton Tablelands is Mareeba, offering backpackers a way into the Australian outback. The Atherton Tables was traditionally an agricultural area. The rich red soil was popular for tobacco and corn growing but is now home to a number of excellent coffee plantations that are open to visitors. Numerous mango and macadamia nut farms are also plentiful with their produce available all over the region.

From Mareeba, travellers have the option to travel north to Cooktown, Weipa and the tip of Cape York or south to Malanda and Millaa Millaa.

Remember your backpacker travel insurance!

So that you can really relax and enjoy your time down under, don't forget to take out your travel insurance for backpackers as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you remember to check that your backpacker travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.

This travel plan brought to you by 247travelinsurance.co.uk. When buying your backpacker travel insurance, don't assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure your travel insurance for backpackers provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your backpacker travel insurance documentation and the 24-hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number so you're prepared for every eventuality!

Megu Midtown: review

When I wrote about a one day itinerary for New York City that included lunch at Megu, the UN, some shopping, and dinner at Michael Jordan's steakhouse, Rhonda commented that $60 was a lot for lunch.

That's certainly true, but lunch at Megu is a pretty neat experience. There are 2 in New York City and I've only been to the one on 47th street by the UN. My wife had a Megu sampler (sushi, sashimi, and a few other things like fried asparagus) and I had a Kobe beef burger. Both meals were on the $24 lunch menu so they came with salad and desert. The salads were interesting, the meals were excellent, and desert was pretty creative: 24 layers of thin cake and green tea filling.

We liked it so much that we decided to get my parents a gift certificate. They just went and although they didn't see Kobe beef burgers on the lunch menu, they did see Kobe steaks on the $35 lunch menu. These were small (2-3 ounces) but unlike on the cruise, my father wasn't complaining about these portions because the food was so good and the experience was so good.

Since I can't remember everything I wanted to say in my review (except that I was amazed by how good the french fries were - my wife was talking about them for days and this is a sushi place...), let me share my parent's thoughts.

Impeccable service, uniquely elegant décor, and artistic presentation of food, especially the kobe steak served flambé on a bed of hot rocks

Appetizers, main courses, and deserts were all outstanding. Each dish had something out of the ordinary, like yuzu dressing on the caesar salad.

Green tea was poured for us right away. Three of us ordered from the fixed price menu. There were a number of choices for $24, but we picked a $35 option. We had the ceasar salad, the small (2-3 oz) kobe steak which came with rice and miso soup, and for dessert we got to try several things since ladies got 2 desserts! What a great idea. So we had tiramisu, creme brulee, chocolate cake and homemade ice cream. The fourth person in our group ordered from the House Special Rolls section of the menu.

It was a little pricy but what do you expect across from the UN? The 2-3 oz kobe steak (sampler), salad, soup, desert that we had for $35.00 on fixed price lunch menu was much higher on the dinner menu. Regular Coffee was $5.00.

So Megu is expensive, but it's a great experience and everyone in my family thinks it's well worth the money.

Speaking of hotel deals...

A few hours ago I posted the hotels.com press release. Now I find this article on hotels fighting for guests and surprising customers to gain loyalty. Very cool story:

And 50 years after their honeymoon stay in room 870 at the Peabody Memphis Hotel, Mr. and Mrs. Royer tried to book a stay in the same romantic room. The hotel has been reconfigured and that room number no longer exists, but the hotel surprised the couple by presenting them with flowers and rolling back their room rate from $179 to just $8, the amount they paid back in 1959.

And what comes next is interesting too. Apparently Ritz Carlton Hotel employees have a $2,000/guest budget for keeping customers happy. I can't help but wonder if there's an unspoken policy not to spend that money at the Seoul Ritz Carlton. As a tour guide, my wife has talked to a number of people who have stayed there and many have said it's not as good as other Ritzes.

Hotels.com Christmas and Holiday season sale

Got a press release here from hotels.com for the December holiday season. The discounts aren't huge but I don't know if people traveling around Christmas time ever expect big discounts.

Press release:

In anticipation of the holiday season, hotels.com is bringing back the popular Book Early for Holiday Sale. It's never too early to plan and simplify the season by taking advantage of savings up to 30 percent. Travelers may book now through Oct. 19 for travel between Nov. 1 - Dec. 28, 2009 on more than 600 properties.

Whether you plan to hit the slopes in Vail, set off on a family road trip or shop 'til you drop in cities such as Dallas, Minneapolis (recommended for architecture), Chicago (where we just visited the competition) or New York this holiday season, you can save big by booking early. Below I've listed a few deals but for a full list of holiday lodging options, please visit www.hotels.com/bookearly.

Anaheim, CA
Hotel Menage Anaheim Boutique Hotel
3.5 star, 4.0 hotels.com guest rating, 80% recommended
Save 30%

Chicago, IL
Avenue Hotel Chicago
4 star, 4.5 hotels.com guest rating, 93% recommended
Save 25%

Denver, CO
Hotel Monaco Denver - a Kimpton Hotel
4 star, 4.5 hotels.com guest rating, 94% recommended
Stay 3 nights, save 33%

New York, NY
Millennium Broadway Hotel - Times Square
3.5 star, 4.3 hotels.com guest rating, 91% recommended
Stay 4 or more nights, save 25%

San Diego, CA
The Dana on Mission Bay - Sea World
3 star, 4.3 hotels.com guest rating, 88% recommended
Save 30%

Orbitz in Chicago

Not long ago Orbitz offered to fly me to Chicago and put me up in a hotel for a night so I could attend a seminar for travel writers.

I was flattered, of course, but unable to go since I am teaching in Seoul. Instead, I sent a friend of mine and I'm reading his notes now. There's quite a bit that doesn't make sense (though hopefully it will once we've talked in person). I do however have a few notes that I do understand and think are worth sharing.

First, regarding the travel industry. Business travel is down far more than leisure travel and September saw at least some increases:

Europe up 80%
Mexico up 35%
Hawaii up 30%
New Orleans up too
Cruises up 20%

I'll try to get more details like if we're comparing Sept, 2009 with a year ago or what.

I also found it interesting that Orbitz is getting a bit political - they want us to go to Cuba, currently the only country to which Americans are forbidden to travel. If you agree with Orbitz, you can sign their petition. I haven't signed, but I might - I have written about Cuba before and I do support travel freedom.

I just find it interesting that Orbitz is so outspoken about the travel to Cuba issue.

I'll also try to get more info like what hotel they put my friend at and stuff like that.

Art tour in Spain travel plan: Madrid, Granada & Seville

Here's another travel plan from Kiwi Collection that features a few of their fancy hotels. They did one on California not that long ago.

One of my all time favorite things to do, regardless of where I am in the world, is to spend long afternoons in art galleries and museums. Exploring the art scene in a new city gives a tourist a good feel for the local culture and also helps you get a new perspective on the world around you.

I always feel inspired after a day well spent soaking up the local culture. This short trip is going to take you through Central and Southern Spain, tasting the local flavor and culture though art.

Day 1 & 2:

Land in Madrid. Anytime of the year is a good time to be here Jim went to Madrid in winter) and after visiting you soon may adopt this city as your new favorite place on earth! Characterized by intense cultural and artistic activity (and a very lively night life), Madrid is the kind of city where you look up, not down, to make sure you're not missing any of the details on all of the beautiful buildings.

Even though this is the first stop on your trip, I'd recommend giving yourself some leeway so if you choose to stay longer than just a day or two, you can. The Westin Palace, Madrid is probably the best spot to drop off your luggage and get your art tour going. Beautifully designed and not too pricey, this centrally located hotel is the perfect starting point for your adventures.

There are three must see galleries in the city all located close to each other and first on the list is El Museo del Prado. Only five minutes away from the hotel on foot, this galley is on the top of every art lovers' list when visiting Madrid. The Prado's list of treasures is so huge that it can only display about a tenth of its collection at one time.

The next gallery to visit should be The Renia Sofia, better known as the home of Picasso's 'Guernica'. This gallery gives you a great taste of almost all of the best Spanish artists of the 21st century.

And finally, head over to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This fun museum has works from almost every major European artist installed in chronological order. You can go on a walking tour taking you though European paintings from the 13th century to the present.

Just a few tips - don't plan your tour on a Monday or you will be out of luck as all of the galleries are closed. A good way to save some money is to purchase the "Paseo del Art Ticket", which will grant you access to all three galleries.

Day 3 & 4:

Head South to the breathtakingly beautiful city of Granada. This trip is about a 4 hour drive, if you have a rental car, or you can take a bus which is usually about a 5 hour trip and shouldn't cost you more than about 30 Euros.

Granada is rich in history and is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. The Albaicin is an old Arabic quarter of the city full of cobble stone streets and white washed houses. This area often described as an oil painter's paradise as there is a wonderful view at almost every turn here....make sure to bring your art supplies!

You will also want to spend one of your days here exploring the famous Alhambra (a Moorish palace which sits on top of a big hill in the southeastern part of the city). The Islamic architecture is mixed with Christian 16th century buildings and gardens, making for a fascinating day of wandering and enjoying the best of both cultures. This is not only Granada's biggest attraction, but is one of the biggest attractions in the country - so don't miss it.

A great place to stay during your travels here is the Hospes Palacio de los Patos, which is located right in the heart of the city's commercial district and is perfect for this trip as it fosters the cultural and artistic scene for its guests and residents in Granada.

The city offers a fair selection of art galleries and museums but if you have to visit one, the Museo de Bellas Artes is the one you should see. It's only about a one minute drive from the hotel and showcases a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures and plasters, with many that date back to the 1500s.

At night, you'll really want to take advantage of the flamenco shows, and the lively tapas scene here, so make sure you save some energy.

Day 5 & 6:

Seville is the next and final stop on the list, and is only about a three hour drive away from Granada. If you brought your camera along with you get ready to use it. This laid back, friendly city has some of the most stunning architecture and is home to the famous Alcazar, the 10th century Moorish fortress which was converted into an intricately designed sprawling palace.

Food is also a treat here, and any Sevillano will tell you that the art of tapas had its beginnings in Seville. There are over 1,000 tapas bars in the city, all serving a variety of dishes making sure that it's pretty much impossible to not be satisfied.

In terms of museums, the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla is the place you are going to have to definitely go. This is Spain's second most important art gallery after the Prado in Madrid. The museum's collection of amazing works comes from a wide range of famous artists and is housed in a 13th century former convent which is quite a work of art in and of itself.

And after the this long inspirational tour you should defiantly rest up at the EME Fusion Hotel. Located right in the heart of the city and less than a 10 minute drive to the museum, this chic and urban hotel is a perfect contrast to its easy going surroundings. Like the city itself, your experience here will truly be one of a kind.