Travel Blog-Travel,Hotels,Vacations,Cruises

The Freedom Trail: A Walking Tour of American History

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:56:19 +0000

No visit to Boston is complete without touring the historic Freedom Trail, Boston’s signature attraction. The 2 1/2 mile red brick (sometimes red-painted) path wends its way throughout downtown and links 16 sites, covering three-plus centuries of American history. To see all the sights without rushing, you really need a full day. But you can

Read the rest here:
The Freedom Trail: A Walking Tour of American History

Tags: paris, england, new york city, surfing, europe, travel safety, mountains, , las vegas, travel, hawaii, attractions, hilton, camping, cruises, disney, florida, travel insurance, beaches, guides, miami, hotel, ocean, spain, air, hotels, cheap, greece, vacations, skiing, boating, motels, travel rates, flights, California, flights, tickets, italy

Amsterdam Photo: Mint Tower

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:22:22 +0000

Amsterdammers and tourists zigzag across tiny Muntplein dodging cars and bicycles. The square’s landmark is elegant Munttoren, Mint Tower. This imposing 15th century tower with its flashy spire was originally part of the city wall and for a brief period it was used as the municipal mint. Listen to the carillon that often plays at

More:
Amsterdam Photo: Mint Tower

Tags: camping, flights, hotel, travel safety, spain, air, flights, england, new york city, skiing, guides, travel insurance, miami, attractions, motels, hilton, , disney, florida, boating, greece, surfing, vacations, travel rates, California, ocean, europe, tickets, hawaii, paris, hotels, beaches, cheap, travel, cruises, las vegas, italy, mountains

Auckland New Zealand

TideTraveler — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:08:00 +0000

When we were in New Zealand a few years ago we rode the Shotover Jet. It was exciting to say the least! the boat drivers are maniacs. Anyway, we survived and thoroughly enjoyed our week in this beautiful country. Auckland is one of the largest cities in New Zealand and a very prominent tourist hub, thanks to the number of things to see and do in and around the city. Whether you want an activity that will pump your adrenalin such as sky jumping, you can get yourself strapped up and jump off from the tallest building in Auckland, the Sky Tower. If that sounds a bit more daring for you, why not go bungee jumping and wean yourself into sky jumping for your next holiday in Auckland? Away from adrenalin intriguing activities, you can also enjoy less intriguing activities such as taking excursions at the charming botanical gardens, taking safaris and even visiting the aquariums where you get to see the dolphin and whales among other aquamarines. Lovers of history will not be disappointed in Auckland thanks to the numerous museums. Alternatively, you can visit the Howick Historical Village and get to experience rich architecture at its finest from the Maori buildings which are home to numerous historical artifacts from within and without the region. If you like, you can hire a Maori Guided tour who will guide you in the area and tell to you the ancient stories about the historical tribes that reside in the Howick Historical Village. The region has so much to do and see that you will need a lot of time, a month to be precise, to be able to explore all there is to. Do you love nature and wouldn’t mind to take a 90km flight or cruise outside the Great Barrier Island? Then you might want to explore the pristine paradise that has amazing bird and marine life and very charming native forests. Auckland has endless spots for exploration and an overabundance of sporting activities to engage in. Auckland Beaches The east coast and west coast beaches are the closest of beaches around Auckland, offering charming clean sand beaches and ideal waters for swimming and engaging in water sporting activities. If you wish to engage in surfing, head on to the west coast beaches. The best thing about Auckland Beaches is that they are within an hour’s drive from the heart of the city. Nightlife Auckland boasts the most vivacious, engaging, and entertaining nightlife. Elegant bars and venues are located at the waterfront, offering a picturesque panoramic view of the beaches. Being a cosmopolitan city, you will be lost for options when it comes to entertainment from comedy shows, to theater performances, trendy bars, and flashy casinos, and clubs that will ensure you shake you leg till morning. Shopping The best way to remember a destination is to take something with you, whether it is a gift souvenir for you or for a loved one. Luckily, Auckland has numerous up market elegant designer shops and department stores selling home wares, fashion clothing, jewelry and a lot more. There are flea open markets that stock tourist souvenirs such as arts and crafts and locally handmade carvings. Such a wide variety only means that there is something for everyone no matter the budget. Eating Auckland boasts of the best restaurants and cafés within and without the city, selling mouthwatering international and local delicacies to satisfy every taste bud. The most popular type of food in Auckland is sea food thus be prepared to sample it prepared in different recipes.

Original post:
Auckland New Zealand

Tags: attractions, travel safety, hotels, paris, camping, flights, spain, miami, cruises, air, hotel, england, disney, hilton, flights, California, new york city, , boating, hawaii, vacations, florida, las vegas, greece, tickets, guides, mountains, skiing, surfing, travel, motels, italy, europe, beaches, travel rates, travel insurance, ocean, cheap

Travellers: Sir Edmund Hillary

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:45:35 +0000

“My God! We’ve climbed the thing! We’ve done it!” ~ Edmund Hillary Between 1920 and 1952, seven major expeditions had failed to reach the summit of Mount Everest . In 1924, the famous mountaineer George Leigh-Mallory had perished in the attempt. In 1952, a team of Swiss climbers had been forced to turn back after reaching the south peak, only 1000 feet from the summit. Edmund Hillary joined in Everest reconnaissance expeditions in 1951 and again in 1952. These exploits brought Hillary to the attention of Sir John Hunt, leader of an expedition sponsored by the Joint Himalayan Committee of the Alpine Club of Great Britain and the Royal Geographic Society to make the assault on Everest in 1953. The expedition reached the South Peak on May, but all but two of the climbers who had come this far were forced to turn back by exhaustion at the high altitude. At last, Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, a native Nepalese climber who had participated in five previous Everest trips, were the only members of the party able to make the final assault on the summit. At 11:30 on the morning of May 29, 1953 , Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit, 29,028 feet above sea level, the highest spot on earth. Edmund Hillary returned to Britain with the other climbers and was knighted by the Queen. Now world famous, Sir Edmund Hillary turned to Antarctic exploration and led the New Zealand section of the Trans-Antarctic expedition from 1955 to 1958. In 1958 he participated in the first mechanized expedition to the South Pole . Hillary went on to organize further mountain-climbing expeditions but, as the years passed, he became more and more concerned with the welfare of the Nepalese people. In the 1960s, he returned to Nepal, to aid in the development of the society, building clinics, hospitals and 17 schools. Hillary was born in 1919 and grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. It was in New Zealand that he became interested in mountain climbing. Although he made his living as a beekeeper , he climbed mountains in New Zealand, then in the Alps, and finally in the Himalayas, where he made his mark in history.

Read more from the original source:
Travellers: Sir Edmund Hillary

Tags: greece, travel, hotel, , vacations, travel safety, travel insurance, skiing, guides, hilton, england, flights, tickets, paris, europe, florida, surfing, hotels, las vegas, new york city, attractions, boating, flights, hawaii, air, California, mountains, cruises, miami, spain, beaches, cheap, ocean, motels, italy, camping, travel rates, disney

In Bruges

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:46:53 +0000

Markt – The Market Square – in the centre of medieval Bruges. London’s a great city, but there are lots of other great cities it’s easy to get to from London. Last week I hopped on my bicycle and spent three days riding to Paris . And Maureen and I have also hopped on Eurostar and zipped across to Bruges, Belgium’s perfectly preserved medieval city. ▲ The weather wasn’t always perfect during our three days in Bruges, but that certainly didn’t stop us (or anybody else) from exploring the city. Like this boatload of umbrella-toting tourists out for their €6.70 (US$8.50) canal cruise, it’s one of the city’s ‘must dos’. ▲ The canals are even more beautiful at night. Markt is dominated by the towering Belfort and clambering up the 366 steps to the top is another Bruges essential. The view is superb in all directions and this was one of the key locations in the 2008 movie In Bruges . You find yourself wandering around the town quoting memorable lines (of which there were many) from the film. ▲ Or reading them. There was some repair work underway at the top of the Belfort and visitors had used the plywood partitioning as a handy place to graffiti their favourite In Bruges quotes. Another Bruges ‘must see’ is the beautiful Madonna & Child statue by Michelangelo in the Onze-Lievevrouwekerk church. It dates from 1504 and is the only such work to have left Italy during the artist’s lifetime. ◄ The riverside used to be lined by windmills, a handful of them still remain. ▼

View original post here:
In Bruges

Tags: attractions, hilton, travel insurance, travel rates, air, tickets, las vegas, paris, england, , cruises, hawaii, camping, spain, greece, travel safety, cheap, miami, California, florida, beaches, guides, travel, disney, italy, flights, surfing, boating, hotel, motels, skiing, vacations, new york city, mountains, flights, ocean, hotels, europe

World Wednesdays at Ryles Jazz Club

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:57:54 +0000

Every Wednesday at Ryles Jazz Club (map), the jazz bar features international musicians from around the world in the unique two-floor setting. Tonight, Ryles Jazz Club is featuring a prominent jazz trio from the Latin American jazz scene; the Juancho Herrera Trio. Juancho Herrera has recorded several CDs and has played in several famous venues

The rest is here:
World Wednesdays at Ryles Jazz Club

Tags: mountains, hilton, england, cheap, cruises, miami, beaches, travel insurance, surfing, skiing, italy, europe, hotels, motels, spain, vacations, ocean, flights, air, flights, tickets, florida, guides, , paris, disney, greece, travel rates, attractions, boating, las vegas, California, camping, travel safety, hawaii, travel, new york city, hotel

Traveling Tips on Thursday

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:30:56 +0000

There are many traveling tips, this however is the first in what will be a series for you. I’ve very cleverly titled these tips…”Traveling Tips on Thursday”. Now let me explain. It’s not just on Thursday you want to practice these traveling tips; but it is Thursday you want to be sure and swing by to learn what they are. That’s me behind those cool shades leaning against the street sign. Why you might wonder am I leaning again the sign post? It says “Mader” Dr. You see that’s my maiden name. This sign post was spotted in Bucyrus, Ohio as I traveled with my sisters to Port Clinton for a girls weekend . So, what’s my first tip for you all when traveling? KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, and PAY ATTENTION. And once you do see something, take the time and stop. It’s often the journey and not just the destination that makes for lasting memories. I’ve done some family genealogy and knew there were Mader’s living in this town; though I didn’t know we had a street named for us. Note to self, do more research and find out the who, what, when, where, and why of this sign. Grab this hand badge for your blog to remind you to swing by on Thursday for your Traveling Tips. Please use Traveling Tips all 7 days of the week, they do not expire, they roll over AND over again. Clicking on the badge here will take you to it’s dedicated page.

More here:
Traveling Tips on Thursday

Tags: italy, england, travel rates, vacations, travel, beaches, hawaii, travel insurance, disney, travel safety, attractions, flights, greece, air, cheap, hotel, guides, surfing, , hotels, tickets, spain, flights, California, ocean, cruises, las vegas, skiing, new york city, hilton, europe, mountains, boating, paris, camping, motels, miami, florida

Traveling on Southwest Airlines, Flying with Pets

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:55:50 +0000

Continuation of Award, click here Southwest Airlines is always my first choice for flying, and luckily it goes to most of the locations I’ve traveled. There are many pluses to choose Southwest over other airlines, in my opinion. Southwest has good rates, excellent customer service, is the only airlines not charging for luggage, you can earn free tickets, you can if necessary change your plans and not be penalized for changing your ticket, your flight if not used is good for one full year, they donate to Ronald McDonald Charities, they have an earlybird check in program for only $10.00 on line, AND they have the P.A.W.S. program where you can bring your pet with you. Things you need to know about flying with your pets: You do need to reserve a spot for your pet, by calling 1-800-1-FLY-SWA. You can NOT make your pet reservation on line. The cost is $75.00, and once made needs to be picked up in person at the ticket counter. Your pets does not earn reward points You do not get a refund if you decide not to travel with your pet There’s generally a limit of 5 pets per flight (there are sometimes alterations to this) Only 1 pet may travel with you Your pet must be a small (cat or dog) that fits into a small carrier. The pet must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier. The carrier must fit under the seat Pets can not travel in the cargo area, they can only travel with you in the carrier under the seat No minors may travel with a pet solo Pet carriers do count as a carry on bag Carriers can be hard or soft sided, must be well ventilated, and leak proof At no time during the flight may the pet be removed from the carrier, not before, or during. Not while in line at the gate. The ONLY brief time the pet may be held is when you go through the security ASSISTANCE DOGS do not count as a carry on bag Airports do one at least 1 area where your pet can go potty; but no flight or seat will be held while this takes place. The program P.A.W.S. stands for Pets Are Welcome on Southwest . I’ve earned a free ticket, though I’ve not used it; so has hubby. Our daughter’s earned several. I’d also like to add the only airlines where the staff seems to enjoy their jobs is Southwest. They always dress for the holidays, decorate the gate area and or counter. So, whenever possible I fly Southwest. (Above dogs are Maddie and Annabelle, they belong to my SIL. I think they would be too large to fly from the carriers I’ve seen). I checked with Jan and they each weight 17 pounds. She and I discussed whether they would fit in a carrier be able to stand up and turn around etc. It would be iffy, we think. Jan update as of 8:30 ish Tues 24th, she tried to go a day without pain med; except for taking it before bed. She was in pain and wonders if that wasn’t such a good idea after all. She had trouble trying to get comfortable last night and didn’t sleep well. Sounds like she might have done too much yesterday; so hopefully will take it a bit easier today. Her follow up with the Doctor is Sept 1. Her computer is fixed; though she may not still be using it. Sitting is painful, so she moves around a bit and lays back down/or sorta in a recliner. She appreciates the good wishes, and the prayers.

See the original post:
Traveling on Southwest Airlines, Flying with Pets

Tags: greece, surfing, disney, skiing, boating, vacations, paris, tickets, travel rates, mountains, travel insurance, italy, hotel, cheap, hawaii, florida, beaches, air, england, travel, camping, California, las vegas, new york city, hotels, motels, flights, cruises, miami, guides, attractions, europe, , travel safety, flights, ocean, spain, hilton

Traveling is always an Adventure

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:51:55 +0000

Continuation of Award, click here This house is old. Really old, look how narrow the door on the right is. Look at the window, the little pointed one on the very top. See the coal shoot to the left of the steps by the door? These things are give you a feel for how old the building is. I believe it predates 1900. This is located on Gwynne Street in Urbana Ohio . Gwynne is a name that comes up multiple times when one looks at older historical data regarding Urbana Ohio . On a recent trip to check on my 90 year old, my Dad I decided to go by 2 addresses where he and Mom lived long ago. When they were first married. We didn’t stop here, I took this photo out the car window. I’d like to find out more about the house, it’s structure. I can share it’s on the corner of Russell and Gwynne. To the left facing it used to be a grocery store and above it a couple my folks had dinner with once. Dad re-canted a story about being served squirrel. We both got a good laugh out of that. This excursion was brief and we combined it with the business at hand; but this certainly proves my point that ALL Travel is an or can be an adventure if you make it so. This little house in the process of being painted is across the street from a Dairy Queen on North Main Street and is the 2nd location where my parents lived. This was their 1st house. The other locations were either rooms, apartments or duplex’s like in the above picture. I found a note in the old family album that had this actual address and so we scouted it out. The lot next door (to the left as you face the house) is empty; though Daddy remembers there being a house there when they lived there. You can still see where the drive was; so apparently the house was torn down. This little house looks like it’s getting a face lift. It’s a small 2 bedroom 996 square foot house with an attic. See the 2 small attic windows? In my growing up years Mom and Dad used to tell a story about bats being in the house. This was in fact the house. The story went on, they opened the windows in hopes the bats would leave. When they didn’t Daddy attempted to chase them out with a broom, when he did he followed them outside running with the broom and fell. Apparently, everyone got a good laugh out of that at the time. The little house hasn’t changed much, except maybe a large tree is gone. My research tells me this little house was built in 1900, and has changed hands many times. It was fun to see where they began their married life together all those years ago. The Dairy Queen they ate at, is still across the street. How cool is that! Make your travels adventuresome, stop and see and enjoy the sites; no matter how small they seem. I was born in this little town so learning more about it has been a plus. *** 8-18-10 afternoon and pm— Jan from Animal Talk is on countdown now with surgery scheduled bright an early tomorrow am. She’s running last minute errands today to be as ready as possible. I’ll post update tomorrow after surgery, and do my best from there forward, until such time she has a live computer again….and or when she’s able to sit up and communicate with you all herself. Send good vibs and prayers her way, please. *** *UPDATE AS OF 1:00 PM same day as surgery 8-19th Surgery went well, she has metal plates, and 2 metal rods. Based on the testing done during surgery, there didn’t appear to be any permanent nerve damage which is great news. Due to being nauseated, she was in recovery a bit longer then expected. When I left the hospital, she was sleeping and obviously in pain. Her husband, my brother and a good friend who’s a nurse were with her. We’ll go back later when’s she’s more rested and presumably awake. Do check back, I will update again later. —— as of 4:30 when I was started to head back to hospital. My brother suggested not going as she was completely out and would not be able to visit, and certainly we didn’t want to wake her when she needs her rest. Will be going tomorrow am. 8-20 1 pm, Jan had a clear liquid diet and managed a pop sickle or two. Physical Therapy has been in the room hoping to get her up in a chair and do a bit of walking. She was up in chair briefly; but was too groggy to attempt walking and so went back to bed. The combination of pain meds and meds for continued nausea have snowed her. They plan to alter her meds to see if they can reach a level where she’s comfortable enough to get up, and hopefully also contain the nausea. Please check back. I passed along the good wishes you’ve left for her and she was pleased to hear them. 8-21-10 9AM , the change in pain meds seem to be helping. She was able to get up and walk down the hall last night. Few more tests planned for a little later today, and pending how she does on those; could be released today. I’m floored she’s improved that much, such exciting news. My brother is picking up a special lift chair (sorta like a recliner) to aid her at home. She’s home! jan went home mid to late afternoon on Sat Aug 21, yesterday. She’s happy to be home, is to limit her movement, the nausea is gone. I checked with my brother twice and things seem to be going well. Check back! Last update, I spoke with my brother once yesterday and also later with her. She’s doing much better. She’s allowed to go up and down the steps just once a day so is camped out in the family/room right by the kitchen with a nice big window to see outdoors. The 3 dogs are thrilled to have her home. She sat outside for a few minutes later in the day which made her happy. She’s requiring less pain meds which is a good. Spoke with her again this am and she slept better last night.

Here is the original:
Traveling is always an Adventure

Tags: spain, hawaii, hilton, guides, surfing, travel insurance, europe, new york city, air, California, cheap, vacations, italy, camping, england, boating, greece, cruises, attractions, travel rates, tickets, florida, travel safety, beaches, paris, mountains, hotels, skiing, travel, , miami, ocean, flights, flights, las vegas, motels, disney, hotel

Old Timey Award on Tuesday

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:54:19 +0000

A big thank you goes out to, Leigh who has graciously given me and my blog this award! The rules for this award are as follows: 1. thank and link back to the person that gave you the award. (check) 2. share 7 things about yourself. (need more coffee to wake up first) AND check 3. pass the award to 7 fellow bloggers that inspire you. (giving this thought as I begin my blog walk)…stay tuned. (working on it, got interrupted…more later 4. let them know about the award. I wish there were a few dozen less barking, howling, yipping dogs in my neighborhood and or that their owners muzzled them. Sooooooo tired of them waking me up I wish I could figure out how to multi-task so I could knit/crochet while doing other things. I do currently knit/crochet while I read blogs; put it down to type when I’ve got something small enough to keep on my lap without getting tangled in the keyboard etc. I’m all jazzed about making plarn, after reading about it yesterday on line. (for my non yarny type blog buddies, plarn is making yarn or a substance to knit or crochet with using plastic bags). I’ve recently joined The Hive (button and link in side bar) to find more helpers for the homeless for Bridge and Beyond, which is a facebook type forum for creative crafters. Crafters of all types, not just those related to yarn/fiber. I’m nervous about my next trip, which will be to Mexico. My first trip out of the country (excluding Canada). Seeing things on the news has me on edge. I wish people with means would help those without. I wish I were more techy, love to learn how to do new things here on the computer. Numbering is all screwy, some see numbers as they’re suppose to using the number thing in tool bar, some don’t, tried to delete them and do manual, it won’t let me do that. So, because I thought it hard to read, added space between. This edit added day later, as I attempt to correct and finish this post. Sorry for the weirdness here folks. Typing in red done today 8-11 ***coffee in hand, here we go**Can someone tell me whether or not you’re seeing the numbers 1-7 with my list of 7 things about me? I see them here in edit mode while typing; but not when I look at the blog. Likewise I don’t see numbers on the linky thing in my previous post. Do you, please take a look and let me know. If you’re not seeing them, any ideas why? And, if you are, why don’t I? I use Moz FF, but have also check using a 2nd browser Internet Explorer. Doesn’t seem to matter. I do see number 1-4 in the directions/rules portion of this post which was a cut and paste from Leigh’s blog. ****Flat Stanley wonders why people didn’t visit his friend Captain Pinney . clicking on the numbers and or bullets doesn’t seem to work, so numbering by hand, let me know if these are showing up. 1. Marg ’s Pets 2. Modern Historian 3. Chicago History Journal 4. JuneZach on Fledgling Blogger 5. Brenda, lots of giveaways to get in on 6. Virtual Dime Museum

Read the original post:
Old Timey Award on Tuesday

Tags: boating, tickets, camping, attractions, flights, new york city, guides, travel rates, greece, motels, surfing, europe, travel safety, paris, miami, skiing, england, cheap, mountains, hawaii, las vegas, vacations, hotel, travel, travel insurance, flights, italy, air, , florida, hilton, spain, cruises, hotels, beaches, ocean, disney, California