My Melange

Travel Tip Tuesday - Destination Newport

What better what way to kick off my series on Newport, Rhode Island than to feature it as a destination for this weeks Travel Tip Tuesday!?

Newport is a port city, surrounded on three sides by water.  Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean to be specific.  It is full of craggy coastlines, mansions, history, hauntings, shopping, galleries, restaurants, fishing and maritime fun.

   

There is so much to do there, one can certainly get overwhelmed.  I spent four days, but one could easily fill up a week with all the wonderful activities available.

Here is an overview of the Best of Newport.

Cliff Walk. A stunning 3 1/2 mile walk along the eastern coastline, where you can enjoy wildflowers, birds, ocean views and a look at some of the famous mansions on the water.  Most of the trail is a pleasant walk, but at some point it becomes more of a rock-climbing adventure.

Ten Mile Drive.  A breathtaking drive around the entire Newport coastline.  Enjoy passing ocean views, Fort Adams State Park, resorts, country clubs, golf courses, fisherme

n and huge summer homes overlooking the ocean.  There are even a few up for auction, so you may be able to acquire some oceanfront property.

Mansions.  Drive along Bellevue Avenue and drool at the site of the gilded gold wrought iron gates and ornate finials the size of your car.  It you want a closer look, drive in the gates and wander around the grounds.  You can have tours of the inside, but you'll pay admission.  A few of the best include The Elms, Marblehouse and The Breakers (Vanderbilt summer home).  Visit the Newport Mansions website for more info. 

Bed & Breakfasts.  There are over 300 B&B's located in Newport. With that many to choose from, there is certainly one that will fit your needs.  The downtown area as well as the historic architecture lend itself well to Bed and Breakfast accommodations.  Tons of historic old houses.  Our Inn was built in 1857 and had huge rooms with fireplaces and a large wrap-around porch.  There is no other way to stay, in my opinion.

Fresh Seafood.  Head downtown to the wharf area and see lobster-men hauling in their fresh catch of  the day.  Many will let you buy lobster right from the boat. The Aquidnick Lobster Company on Bowen's Wharf is another great option for lobster, crab, mussels and oysters.  The area is also know for Quahog's, the largest in the clam family. Don't want the hassle of cooking on vacation?  The Wharf area is loaded with seafood restaurants. The Landing and The Mooring are two great options, both with excellent harbor views.

Ghost Tours.  Take a 90 minute lantern-led stroll through historic Newport in the evening and hear tales of the haunted city by the sea.  Or why not check out the haunted chairs during a ghost tour of the beautiful Belcourt Castle. Bwahahahahaaa.

Local Events.  Golf and Tennis tournaments, Polo matches, regattas, jazz festivals,   Newport has it all.  And it is not just a summer destination.  There are tons of things to do all year long.  Check here, here and here for more information on upcoming events.

Boating.  Newport has every kind of boat tour imaginable.  Try the Adirondack II Schooner for a sailboat ride in the harbor.  Gansett Cruises offers a more relaxing experience.  Try a sunset cruise or my favorite- a sunrise breakfast cruise. Or just head down to Bowen's Wharf for more cruising options. 

The Beaches.  Easton's Beach, also known as First Beach is the only beach with a concession area, carousel and aquarium, making it the best for families.  The Atlantic Beach Club on First Beach has live music on the weekend. Baily's Beach and Gooseberry Beach are located on Ocean Drive.   Second and Third Beach are both located further out in Middletown.  Surfers can be found at Second Beach. Parking rates are astronomical though, ranging from $10-$25. 

Vineyards.  The Newport area boasts two wineries, both give tours and tastings. Newport Vineyards is the closest to downtown and has a very large selection of wines.  All grapes are grown locally.  Greenvale Vineyards is 5 miles from Newport in nearby Portsmouth. Tour the beautiful vineyard and views of the Sakkonet River.  Visit on a Saturday in the Summer to hear jazz.

Stay tuned for more in depth posts and pictures about Newport.

And don't forget to head over to My Bella Vita.  Geggie is minding the store while Cherrye is away and she is reviewing 7 US hotels.

Till next time....Happy Travels!

Travel Tip Tuesday - Top 5 Traveler Review Sites

Most travelers practice due diligence when planning a vacation.  They knuckle down, hit the guide books and the Internet to plan all the details of their trip. 

Fodors, Frommers, Lonely Planet, Rick Steves and Zagat are just a few of the big go-to names for travelers to research their intended destinations.  These are great places to start- to get info on attractions, hotels and restaurants, but I don't totally rely on these.

Think about it. If you are a paid reviewer that works for one of these publications and arrive to announce yourself as such, you are probably going to get the royal treatment.  Staff and owners will pull out all the stops and roll out the red carpet to ensure that reviewer has a very positive experience.

But what about the little guy?  The average Joe, like you and me?  How will we know what our experience will be?

I recommend that you check out sites with reviews from real travelers.  Here are my Top 5.

5.  I Go You Go.  They have been around since 2000.  Over 350,000 travelers contribute here on over 5,500 destinations.  That's alot of possibilities!! The site has won several travel awards and as a bonus, travelers are encouraged to give reviews in return for GO points, which can be redeemed for gift certificates.

4.  Real Travel.  This site claims to help more than half a million travelers plan their trips every month.  It has more of a community feel to it, as travelers share stories about their experiences.  Frommer's guide adds to the content for the 3,500 destinations worldwide on the site.  You can also create your own free travel blog.

3.  Yelp.  I have to be honest, my sister turned me onto this one, and I love it!  This one just covers the US.  Here you can find locals reviews on everything from restaurants to nightlife to shopping.  Since July of 2004 it has been real people, writing real reviews.  It is a fun site!

2.  Virtual Tourist.  Boasting 1 million registered members from more than 220 countries, this site has been around since 1998.  The over 1.5 million travel tips in 58,000 destinations are organized by category- there is even a Tourist Trap category (I love that). You can use the forum or click on a review to find out more about a member; even email them if you need to. I've done that and gotten some great help here! 

1.  Trip Advisor.  Real advice from real travelers is the motto. The most well known of all the sites, the ticker on it's main page announces over 23,000,000 travelers planned trips this week alone.  With over 7 million registered members and 15 million reviews, it's popular and chock full of information!  Worldwide traveler reviews, a forum, free newsletter and traveler photos abound.  I never book a hotel or B&B without consulting the reviews here.  And I have met some very nice folks through the forums, many of whom are still my friends.

So tell me readers, what are your favorite real traveler review sites?  I love finding new ones that I don't know about.  Please share!

Now, head over to Cherrye's to find out what 5 things not to wear on the plane! 

Happy Travels!

Travel Tip Tuesday - Avoiding Digital Disasters

I am certainly not a photographer.  I have more than enough pictures to prove that.  But the invention of digital cameras has certainly made it easier for the photographically challanged. 

Present company included! 

But, like anything, there are pitfalls, if you're not careful.

I have comprised a list of a six ways you can avoid a digital disaster by making sure your equipment is ready to capture those once in a lifetime vacation pictures, like a pro. 

As far as chopping off heads, not centering your target or always getting your finger in the shot...well, those little faux-pas, I can't help you with my friends.  For that, you'll have to consult a professional.

1.  Familiarize yourself with your camera.  Many people buy a new digital camera for an upcoming trip, and it doesn't see the light of day until they are packing it in their luggage.  As a result they become frustrated and disappointed when their pictures come back, looking dark and out of focus, simply because they didn't know how to use the correct settings.  If you do buy a new camera- open it, read the manual and experiment with the camera, take different shots in varied situations until you become comfortable with what settings take the best shots. Be an expert in your camera- you'll be much happier with the outcome!

2.  Give new memory cards a trial run.  Same concept as the new camera.  Open any new memory cards that you plan to bring along.  Pop them in your camera,take a few shots and have them developed, just to make sure the card is working properly.  I would hate to get to my destination and take hundreds of shots, just to realize that they were not being stored properly, or not printing up at all.

3.  Don't forget the tripod.  Tripods are a must, especially for those night shots and low-light close ups.  You don't want photos of the Eiffel Tower or Trevi Fountain in all their evening splendor to look more like a bad fireworks display do you?  Of course not.  So you will need a tripod to avoid those blurry shots.   My favorite is the tiny and flexible Gorillapod.  It folds up neatly to pack and can adapt to any situation.  It stands tall or because of its bendable legs it can twist around a railing or a tree branch!

4. Always have charged batteries.   Some cameras like Canon, generally use regular alkaline batteries, which comes in handy.  If your batteries die, you can simply run to the nearest store and buy an emergency set. Problem solved.  However, if your camera is like mine, it has a lithium-ion battery, specifically designed to fit my camera, which makes it tricky when your battery dies.  My solution is to cough up the extra dough to buy a second battery and bring both batteries and the charger (with correct voltage converter, if needed) on your trip.  Rotate the batteries when they are low. Always have one battery charging at all times and a fully charged battery in the camera. This way you never miss a shot and never run out of juice.

5.  Bring several memory cards.  Don't just rely on one huge capacity gigabyte card- if you lose that, you lose all your photos.  Bring several smaller 256^_mb or 128^_mb capacity cards.  This way if you lose a card or one malfunctions - all your pictures are not lost.  The other bonus with bringing many cards is that you won't waste time or money uploading or printing the pictures because the card is full and you still have 3 days left on your vacation!

6.  Click and delete....later.  The beauty of digital is that you can't waste film.  Take loads of pictures, even of the same thing with different settings, different angles- then go back to your room and at night, go through the days shots and delete the ones you don't want.  Only keep the best ones. This helps you save card space, battery life and time, by not flipping back and forth, looking at each shot after you take it to decide if you want it. 

And what will you do with all of those wonderful vacation photos when you get them home? 

Why, you will submitt your favorite to me for Travel Photo Fridays...that's what you should do!!

Just email them to me, with your description.

I know, I know, shameless plug, but hey, it's for the greater good, right?

Cherrye is travelling, so guest blogger Andrea is filling in, talking about things to do in her hometown of Beaumont, Texas. 

Y'all head on over there, ya hear!!   

Travel Tip Tuesday- Top 20 Reasons to visit the Hudson Valley

Budget Travel ran an article listing the Top 50 reasons to visit NYC.  That gave Cherrye and I an idea for this TTT installment, listing the reasons to visit where we live.

So, without further ado, here is my Top 20 List for the Hudson Valley.

1.  The CIA.  No, not that one.  The Culinary Institute of America is about a 6 minute drive for me.  The grounds are amazing, the restaurants-to die for.

2.  Restaurants.  Many of those CIA grad's stick around to open their own restaurants and we have some of the best in the area.  We can find everything from cafes, French, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Steakhouses and Indian.  We have it all!

3.  The Hudson River.  It's beautiful, photogenic and well-traveled.  Especially in the summer.  You can go boating, fishing, water-skiing or take a tour-boat and do some sightseeing.  And my local crossing, called the Mid-Hudson Bridge is a small suspension bridge that provides a stunning scene day or night.

4.  Drive In Theaters.  Yep, they are still around here.  In fact, we have two! 

5.  Big old houses. The city of Poughkeepsie, as well as other cities in my area, are home to some grand historic houses, many of which have been restored.   I love to drive by and look at the wrap around porches, stained glass windows and original woodworking on some of the best on Garfield Place, Franklin and Academy Street.

6.  Farmers Markets. There are about fourteen markets in our area.  Three are close enough to frequent often and support our local farmers.  I love that it's so easy to get everything from local honey to flowers to wine.

7.  Organic and Slow Food Movement. There is a big focus on this in our Hudson Valley Region.  Places like Sprout Creek Farm make local cheese, Fleisher's specializes in grass fed meats, Hudson Valley Fresh distributes organic milk and Mother Earthhas always carried organic foods.  Many local restaurants have adopted this philosophy as well, which makes it so easy to eat healthy!

8.  Wildlife.  Bunnies, deer, groundhogs, squirrels, wild turkey, pheasants, black bear, foxes, chipmunks, bald eagles, owls and great blue herons...not to mention thousands of birds.  We are a veritable Noah's Ark here in the HV.  And I love that!

9.  Spring and Fall.  Winter is cold and Summer, hot and humid.  But the Spring brings bright blue skies, lush greenery, tons of blooming trees and flowers galore.  We get the most beautiful colored foliage in the fall, as well as pumpkins, apples, cider, hayrides, Halloween and cool, crisp temperatures. 

10. Antiques and Flea Markets.  Our area is old.  It is loaded with antique shops, barns, junk gems, salvage yards auction houses and flea markets. It is a flea market girls paradise!

11.  Diners.  A thing of the past, many have disappeared.  We have about 8 in our area.  Many are open 24 hours a day, a perfect stop after you go out partying!

12.  Historic Sites.  The Vanderbilt Mansion, Mills Mansion, Montgomery Place, FDR Home and Valkill are just a few of the great places to tour historic mansions, walk the beautifully manicured grounds and learn about the rich and interesting history of New York State.   They make great spots for picnics too.

13.  Proximity to NYC.  Just one hour and 40 minutes by train makes New York City a quick and easy trip for me.  For about $25 round trip, I can have a day in the Big Apple...anytime I want! 

14.  The Art Scene. With museums like DIA, community theaters like the County Players and the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center, Upstate Theater for cultural, foreign and indie films that don't hit the big cinemas and tons of art galleries, you never have to go far to appreciate art in the Hudson Valley.

15.  Wineries.  My favorites in the area are Benmarl and Clinton Vineyards.  But there are about a dozen others worth a visit in my general area. 

16.  Stewart Airport.  The Port Authority is spending beaucoup bucks to upgrade and expand the local airport.  It recently became an international airport, which is great.  However, I am still waiting for affordable flights to Europe, so I can leave from my back-door!

17. Rhinebeck.  A perfect mix of everything I have listed here.  It's a mini-SOHO, with a small town feel.  Boutiques, galleries, B&B's (including the oldest Inn in America, where George Washington slept) and 27 different restaurants make this my favorite little town in the area.

18.  The Bardavon.  Another historic wonder, restored.  The inside is magical, romantic and charming.  It is home to the Hudson Valley Philharmonic.  Great classical concerts as well as Opera, classical movies on the big screen and big name shows like Chris Botti, Madeline Peyroux and Blondie.

19.  The Mountains.  Bear Mountain to the South, the Catskills to the North-west and the Berkshires to the North-East.  Great for hiking, skiing, exploring or just looking at the scenery.

20.  Italian Influence.  Other than the numerous Italian restaurants in our area, we have a local Italian Center, several different Italian festivals in the Summer and many gourmet Italian food stores like Rossi's Deli, Roma Deli, Leonardo's and Joe's Italian Marketplace. 

So, that's my Top 20. What do ya think?  Wanna come for a visit?

If so, feel free to contact me, as I would be glad to make recommendations or to help plan your HV itinerary.

Now, run right over to Cherrye's for her Top 15 List for Catanzaro.

Travel Tip Tuesday- Rising Airline Fees

This Travel Tip Tuesday, we are talking about US airline fees.  Lots and lots of fees.  And they are rising before our very eyes.

Do you remember when you would stand on line at airport check-in behind a family of four going to visit their family for Christmas?  Dad was pushing a rolling cart jam packed with 8 suitcases and 15 gift wrapped boxes teetering on top. He paid zippo, zilch, nada in additional charges for that baggage.

Do you remember when customer service was of utmost importance and you could speak to a reservation agent at the airline, anytime, who would gladly book your ticket, just because you were a paying customer?

Why, just last year on my flight to Paris and back, I received complimentary wine with my dinner at no extra charge!

Well folks, I hate to break it to ya, but those days are over.

Now, please, don't get me wrong.  I understand that there are certain things that we all should be charged extra for. 

No one person should be allowed Carte Blanche on the number of suitcases they carry.  And it should cost a little something to take a pet on board, don't you agree?

But some of the fees being leveled and the outlandish things they are charging for is gettin' downright ridiculous!

The fact that oil is trading at nearly $140 a barrel is killing the airline industry.  So, they are trying to make up the difference, somehow.

I get it. Really.  I do.  

Airlines have to make more money.  It would be easier in my opinion, to just raise the ticket prices.  But instead they get sneaky and tricky by nickel-and-diming you on little hidden fees. 

Except of course for Southwest Airlines, who boldly advertises  'No Surprise Fees' on their website home page.

Sign of the times, I guess.

I have compiled a small list of some of the recent fees I was able to find.  This is not an all-encompassing list, as that would have taken painstaking hours of research, which I don't have.

>>  Jet Blue has raised their fee to change a ticket to $100.  United's fee is $150.

>>  Booking a ticket by phone can cost $15 through American and $25 through Delta and United.

>> Airlines that offer curb side check-in are charging between $3 and $5 a bag.

>>  E-tickets are all the rage.  Some airlines are charging you for old style paper tickets.  Be prepared to pay $25 at Delta and Northwest or $35 on Frontier.

  >>  Worked long and hard to earn that free ticket with Frequent Flier miles?  Well, on US Airways it'll cost you $25-$50, just to redeem them through a ticket agent now.

>>  Pets taken on board the cabin can be $50 one-way, but Fido will have to get a part-time job to afford his $200 pet ticket fee on Frontier. 

>> Premium seats are gonna cost you.  Virgin America charges from $15-$50 for bulkhead and exit row.  Northwest aisle and window seats can cost $50 on international flights.

>>  Soda, juice, coffee and water, yes, water will cost $2.  Alcohol will be $7.

>>  American, United and US Airways are all charging $25 for a second checked bag.

>>  And speaking of checked bags.  American was the leader in rolling out a $15 charge for your first checked bag.  Each way.  That's $30 round-trip.  Now, US Airways has jumped on the bandwagon.

So, what are you to do?

Some solutions are obvious.  Use your e-tickets, solidify your plans so that you don't have to change your tickets, don't check a bag-just carry-on your bag and don't use the curb side check-in.

The next step is to be smart and informed. 

Consult the airlines website to see what their fees are. Each airline is required by the Department of Transportation to disclose their fees.

If you are having a hard time finding the information on the company website, make a toll-free call to the airline and ask to speak to someone about their fees.  Again, you are entitled to know.

If you find yourself saddled with a charge that you really knew nothing about, or that you felt the airline failed to disclose, try fighting it!  Always ask to speak to a supervisor when you plead your case.

And finally, I have seen a new and very controversial idea on the pricing of airline tickets being kicked around in the news and in the blogosphere.  I thought I would share it with you and see what your thoughts are.

Many are proposing that individuals should be charged for their airline ticket according to how much they weigh!!  This would mean that Calista Flockhart would pay about $5 to say uh, Dom DeLuise's $600.

And let it be known that I am no Skinny-Minnie, so I would not be on the $5 end of the spectrum. 

I see this as unfair, as well as a violation of privacy.  I could see the Supreme Court all over it as a violation of civil rights.  But hey, that's just me.

I want to know what you think!  Are you ready to be weighed like a Samsonite in front of your fellow passengers in order to regulate airline ticket prices?

Now it's your turn to weigh in!  Pun intended.

And then head over to Cherrye's blog for 12 ways to save money in Europe.

Happy Travels!

Travel Tip Tuesday- In Flight Comfort

In-Flight Comfort!?  Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? 

Is there really such a thing as being comfortable on an airplane anymore?

Well, short of pumping myself full of enough alcohol, Ambien and Valium, so that I arrive foggy brained at my destination in a drooling, drunken, drugged stupor...Uhh, where was I going with this?

Oh, yeah, right.... I'll never be comfortable on a plane!

But I have a few helpful hints that can at least make it tolerable.

>> Wear a pashmina.  It multi-tasks as a scarf, a blanket or a lumbar support.  It's clean and it's free!

>> Support your curves.  Lord knows airplane seats were not desgined by a chiropractor!  Bring an inflatable neck collar, a lumbar pillow and an inflatable seat cushion on board and turn your seat into a treat for your spine.  Or go for the deluxe pillow designed by a pilot, that takes you from coach to 1st class.

>> Exercise.  Get up, walk around.  If you can't, do some exercise in your seat, roll your ankles and your shoulders, run in place, raise and lower your heels on your tip-toes.  Get that blood pumping!

>> Speaking of blood-flow.  It's important.  You don't want a blood clot at 15,000 feet!  Put your compression socks on.  Yeah, they're ugly. I know.  Get over it!  Your legs will feel energized!

>> Airplane air is recycled and dries you out.  Hydrate.  Drink plenty of water on board.  Lay off the coffee and the alcohol.

>> Your skin dries out too.  Take lip balm, hand cream and mineral water spray on board with you and use them continuously throughout your flight.  Your skin will thank you!

>> I am most comfortable on overnight flights.  But whenever you are flying and it's time to get some shut eye, don't forget to don your eye mask.  Make sure you get one that is lightweight, comfy and molded to your face so it doesn't let any light creep in.

>> Don't forget your I-Pod.  Load it up with all your favorites before you leave.  Music, language lessons, maybe even a book on tape.  Anything that relaxes you.

>> Keep your mind occupied.  Bring some crosswords, Sudoku, a magazine, a book, magnetic scrabble or watch the in-flight movie.  Just do something.  Chances are if you keep busy, you won't think about how you can't feel your ass or that your knees are jammed into your seat tray.

>> Drowning out the engine noise, or the toddler wailing two aisles behind you is a must for sanity on a long flight!  Invest in a pair of noise cancelling headphones.  Yeah, Bose are great, but try Sennheiser's.  They work just as well and fold for easy storage, but at less than half the price!  They work great with your I-Pod too!

>> Pressure and pain in your ears making you feel like your head's gonna explode?  No worries.  Stick a set of Earplanes in your ears and you'll relieve the pressure and leave your chewing gum home!  Add your noise cancelling headphones on top of these...and you won't feel or hear a thing!

>> Pick the aisle seat.  I used to think the most comfy seat in the house was the window seat. You can look out and rest your head against the plane.  That was until I was forced into a aisle seat..and by golly it was the best-thing-ever!!  Now,  I stick my whole arm and leg in the aisle and relax like nobody's business.

Well, hopefully you can use some of the tips and products I have mentioned here to help make your flight as comfortable as possible. 

Now, if I could only devise a sinister plan to take-out one of the First Class passengers and assume their identity on my next flight, than these tips would be a mute point. 

Ahh, wishful thinking.  Guess I've watched too many in-flight Bond movies. 

Not 007. I'll be agent 747.  Anyone, anyone?  *eye roll*

Make sure you head on over to Cherrye's blog for tips on how to score the best seats on a flight? 

I wonder if she prefers an aisle seat?

Travel Tip Tuesday - Packing Tips

Cherrye and I are tackling packing for this weeks Travel Tip Tuesday.  Whew, say that 5 times fast!

You all know by now that I am a big fan of packing light.  Only one bag to be precise.  And it's a wheeled carry-on, I don't check bags!  I know, I can see most of you cringing now.

You only have to heave several heavy bags up and down footbridges in Venice once to realize there is an easier way! 

And with some airlines starting to charge for checked bags, packing light could not only save you a bad back, but now money as well!  Hopefully these tips will be as helpful to you as they have been for me.

* Make a list.  This will help you to pack only things you need and nothing you don't!

* Plan your outfits.  Pack solid colors that go well together.  Black, navy, gray, white, pink.  And limited prints.  Make sure you can get several different outfits out of what you are packing.  If you can only wear it once and it doesn't go with anything else...leave it behind!

* Pack at least 2 pairs of comfortable shoes.  Keep switching on and off.  It is good for your feet. 

* Wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothes and shoes on the plane, this way there is more room and less weight in your luggage.  This includes a jacket or raincoat, unless you are traveling in August!

* If your worried about being bored with your outfits, bring jewelry and scarfs to change it up a bit.  They don't take up as much room as a few more outfits.

* Always take a roomy tote bag that folds flat and put it in your luggage.  This way you have an extra bag for souvenirs, or in an emergency if your rolling wheelie carry-on is over the weight limit, you can take some weight out and put it in your tote.

* Weigh and measure your luggage before you leave the house for the airport! Check with your airline to see what the weight and size restrictions are for your luggage.  You don't want to incur extra fees for overweight or oversized luggage, if you don't have to.

* Buy double duty pieces.  I have a great black and white reversible print skirt.  It's two looks for the price and space of one!

* Don't pack your guidebooks!  These weigh a ton.  Instead, organize all your info in one handwritten notebook, or in an excel spreadsheet and just print out of all your necessary info.  If you must have a page or two because of maps, than just Xerox what you need and leave the heavy books home!

* When packing, I use the rolling method, rather than folding.  I feel that I can maximize more space that way.  Fill up all the nooks and crannies in your bag.  I stuff single pairs of undies in the corners of my case or put socks, hosiery and jewelry inside my shoes.  Try to fill up every available empty space. 

*  Try to find fabrics that won't wrinkle as much.  Linen and cotton are not so good, but polyester, chiffon,nylon and items blended with Lycra do really well.  And they tend to be lighter-weight fabrics as well.  Look for wrinkle resistant as well.

* Plan on doing laundry.  If I am going on a 2 week trip, there is no way I pack a different pair of socks, undies, shirt and pants for every day!  That is insanity!  So, make sure you have a system.  Either half way through your trip, make time to go to a laundromat or bring some Woolite, a sink stopper and a surgical tube clotheslineand do some hand-washing every night.  They make kits that include all three.  And don't forget your Tide To Go pen for spot removal!

* Since I am a carry-on queen, I know the TSA restrictions and guidelines for bringing liquids on board.  I am able to fit all my toiletries in the required 1 quart zip-lock bag.  It helps that I use Bare Minerals makeup (yes ladies,mascara and lip-gloss are both liquids), so I really only save myself the liquid foundation.  You can do it too!  I could go on and on here, so I think What's the 3-1-1? How to pack your liquids in your carry-on will become it's own topic for another installment.  Check the TSA website for more information.

* I always save my travel size and promotional freebies I get in the mail, at Sephora or when I order from somewhere and they send me a bonus.  These are the perfect size for travel.  I even get perfume samples or tiny roll-on fragrances to pack. It beats taking a heavy glass perfume bottle that could easily break!

* Pack a mini compact travel umbrella with a removable LED light.  The light is perfect for getting your room key into the lock in the dark when you come back to your hotel late at night..or for finding the key in the bottom of your purse for that matter!

* I keep a separate set of basics like comb, brush, toothbrush, shampoo, razors etc. in my Tumi wheelie, so that I don't have to worry about packing them every time.   The first thing I do when  come home from a trip is refill and replace any toiletries I used from the last trip, so that I am ready to leave again at a moments notice and I know that part of my packing is already done!

These are just some idea's, but I know you have many more packing tips, or other travel tips to share.  Please email them to me at mymelange (at) yahoo (dot) com.  We would love to hear from you!  There is another Readers Report in the near future and we need tips from you to be successful! 

And don't forget to head on over to Cherrye's to see what she's packing today? 

Travel Tip Tuesday-Destinations

This week, for Travel Tip Tuesday, Cherrye and I are focusing on destinations.  As you might have figured out by now, my two favorite destinations are France and Italy.  But, believe or not, I know there are other great places on this planet of ours and I would love to visit them all!!

It is hard to pick just one, but this week I am going to focus on my top pick. 

 
© Pontus Edenberg| Dreamstime.com

Morocco.  Stunning Morocco.  Why Morocco, you ask?

Well, first of all, it does have a French influence.  Maybe that has something to do with it, non?   

Secondly, I think it has a bit of a mysterious feel to it.  It's a bit different.  It is not at the top of everyone's must-see list.  In fact, I bet most would not think to go there and many will never make it there in their lifetime.  Morocco seems to fly under the radar, virtually unnoticed. 

You know the movie Casablanca?  Well, Casablanca is in Morocco.  And for most, that is all they know about Morocco.  Well, you may have also Rocked the Casbah, to the Clash, back in the day.  But seriously, that's it!

But there is so much more, let me show you...

Morocco has beautiful deserts.  Deep terracotta colored sand dunes, like this one.  So beautiful.

 
© Galyna Andrushko | Dreamstime.com

And since it is on the coast of Africa, it has beautifully clear aquamarine water and red jagged cliffs.  Breathtaking.

 
© Anatolij Kivrins | Dreamstime.com

And then there is the eye-popping architecture.  Bright bold colors like azure blue, burnt orange and mint greens set against pure white and clay colored structures.

 
© Scubabartek| Dreamstime.com

The arches that I love so much in France and Italy, are similar, yet distinctively different here.  They have a round shape, but come to more of a point at the tip.  It is very unique.  And the mosaic tile-work is just exquisite. 

 
© Peter Cullen| Dreamstime.com

Though in the desert, it is also home to tropical foliage and lush gardens, like the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakesh.

 
© Andrea Poole| Dreamstime.com

Souk's are a dream come true for a flea market queen like me.  These markets are filled with everything from handmade Moroccan wooden carved furniture, lanterns, slippers, rugs, pottery, food and spices. A trip to a souk would be a must for me! 

 
© Mypix| Dreamstime.com

And speaking of food, the cuisine is also intriguing and sounds deliciously different.  Of course, I am familiar with couscous, which is a Moroccan dish, but I would love to sample a Tagine.  This is a traditional North African dish named after the pot used to cook it.  It is like a slow cooked stew, containing a meat, vegetables and many different spices native to the area.   I'd also sample some Harira, a traditional Moroccan soup, as well as the ubiquitous mint tea.

 
© Jana Bacikova| Dreamstime.com

I have never been on vacation to an area where camels roam or better yet, are used as transportation.  And that also intrigues me.  Now, I have seen camels up close and personal at petting zoo's, but that's the extent of my contact.  They aren't necessarily pretty creatures, but I think it might be fun to go for a camel ride, don't you?

 
© Oleg Seleznev| Dreamstime.com

And after said camel ride would be the perfect time to partake in a spa-like experience...local style!  How about a visit to a hammam?  These are tiled bathhouses with steam rooms, baths, scrubs and some even have massages. I'd love to experience this.  The goal is to wash yourself off, open your pores with hot steam, scrub yourself down 'till you're baby smooth and then rub in some aromatic oil.  

 Ohhh yes...pleeease!

And now for some practical info:

The most well-known area's in Morocco are Casablanca, Marrakesh, Tangier and Fès.

The currency is called the Dirham.  Currently one Dirham is equal to approx .14 USD, which makes it an excellent spot to visit in the current economy!

Morocco is very close to Europe, so ferries are available from Spain, France and Italy.  Check here for schedules and rates. It is also very easy to fly from Europe to Morocco.  Flights are available from the US as well.  Royal Air Maroc is Morocco's airline.

Once in Morocco, trains seem to be the best way to get around. 

To read more about Morocco, check the following links to these articles or blogs that offer a wealth of information.

http://www.morocco.com/
http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/misc/0804_MoroccoDecoder/index.html
http://budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2008/02/25/AR2008022502908.html
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/moroccos-secret-sands
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/10339
http://www.cntraveller.co.uk/Guides/Morocco/Marrakech/
http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_morocco.html
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/morocco/
http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/morocco/fez-and-meknes/

Blogs

The View from Morocco
Real Travel
My Marrakesh

So, I hope you have enjoyed this armchair tour of Morocco.  After writing this and posting these fabulous photos of the area, it makes me even more determined to get there...someday.  But, once I get the bug...it's hard to think of anything else until I can make it happen! 

Morocco waits for you....will you go?  If you have been, what was your impression?  What is one of your dream destinations?

And, don't forget to pop on over to Cherrye's blog to see which destination she is highlighting today!!

Happy Travels!

Travel Tip Tuesday:Cheap Eats

Welcome to this edition of Travel Tip Tuesday!  Today we are talking about Cheap Eats. 

We all know that it now costs a small fortune to travel these days, especially to Europe.  The gas prices are up, the dollar is down, you need to take a second mortgage on your house, just to get to your intended destination.  And that doesn't even count for the fun once you get there.

The two biggest expenses after the travel, will be food and lodging. 

Today, I will be sharing ways to save on your food and Cherrye will be tackling the lodging.  As always, my focus will be on Europe, but I am sure that most of these tips are universal.

• Picnic, picnic, picnic.  I do it all the time.  Visit a farmers market or a local food market and grab some of the best produce you can find.  Grab some cold salads, some bread, fresh fruit and pick a glorious spot, sit down and relax and enjoy your meal at a fraction of what a meal out would cost.  Don't just think of picnics for lunch, consider one for dinner as well. I am not talking about eating in your car or anything boring like that.  Instead, join the locals on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower, and watch the lights twinkle. It will be a romantic dinner picnic you'll not soon forget. Or dangle your feet off a footbridge less traveled in Venice and watch the gondolas float by.  Now that's what I mean by a picnic!
• Consider renting an apartment for your stay.  This way you can shop for fresh food and make most of your meals at your apartment, rather than eating out every night.
• When you do eat out, try to make lunch your biggest meal of the day.  We all know that when eating out, lunch prices are usually less than dinner prices.  You may be so full from lunch, that you just need a light snack for dinner.
• Order from the prix-fixe menu.  When traveling to Europe, always take advantage of the prix-fixe menus.  Some places will have a choice of a 2 course prix-fixe or 3 course prix-fix.  Try skipping the dessert and go for the 2 course.  Treat yourself, just once, to the dessert, your wallet and waist line will thank you.
• Check out the daily special.  Often chefs will have one special plate on the menu that changes daily.  It should be enough to satisfy you for lunch and you'll only pay about 10-12 €.
• If you do eat out, stay clear of the touristy areas.  The prices will be 2 to 3 times as high and the crowds will be inevitable.  Wander off the beaten path, away from the city center to find better prices.
• Always ask the locals where they eat.  Notice, I did not say to ask them where to go for a special evening, or a one of a kind experience.  That is not what you want when you are on a budget.  You want good fresh food at the best prices.  Places you won't find in any guidebook.  Locals don't go out for expensive dinners all the time.  So don't ask your concierge.  Try asking your taxi driver, housekeeper, the guy at the post office or the girl at the supermarket.  Regular folks. I haven't been steered wrong yet!
• Always order the house wine and tap water when you eat out.  These options are much cheaper than soda. All house wine's I have had in France and Italy have been better than many expensive bottled wines than I have had in the states.  And since tap water is free and very drinkable in Europe, not ordering that bottled water will save you at least 5€ on your bill.
• Reuse your water bottle and keep refilling it all day. Parts of France and Italy have fountains that flow with delicious spring water.  If you are like me, I drink water constantly. You have to stay hydrated. And if each bottle costs you 2€, you could spend upward of 10€ a day, just on water.  Plus, it's good for the environment to reuse. Go green and save the green!
• Sometimes, you just have to eat at that place.  Your know that 5 star, Michelin or Zagat rated, people-can't-stop-talking-about-it..place.   Trust me, I get that.  Really, I do.  But, think about this.  My guess is, many times, you are going for the experience, as much as the meal.  What if, just getting all gussied up and sauntering up to the bar having a drink and an appetizer would satisfy this need.  It just might and you will be able to save a boatload, without sacrificing most of the experience.
• Share.  Does your whole party need to have their own gelato every night?  Do you each need an 8€ dessert at that restaurant?  Think of the money you will save if you share these things. It may not seem like much, but if your on vacation for 10-14 days...it really does add up!
• And last, but not least.  If renting an apartment is not an option for you, at least try to stay somewhere that includes breakfast everyday.  I found a hotel in Paris that included a wonderful, albiet basic, fresh baguette with butter and jam, fresh OJ and a choice of cafe au lait, tea or hot chocolate.  It certainly held me over until I had an early lunch.  It saved me about 50€ over the course of 10 days.  Bed&Breakfasts are a much cozier and friendlier option and the breakfasts tend to be larger, homemade and vary from morning to morning. And who knows, you may add a new recipe to your collection, if the hosts feel like sharing!   

These things may not seem like rocket science.  Most are common sense.  But I find that you have to be conscious of your decisions with money.  You have to actively put these things into play in order for you to reap the rewards.  It just doesn't happen!  Each tip on there own may not seem like a huge money saver, but if you put them all to use, you can really save yourself some coin!

It may mean the difference between affording to go or sitting in your recliner watching the Travel Channel!

Don't forget to go to Cherrye's blog to check out her money saving tips on Cheap Sleeps.

So, what are some of your favorite ways to save money on vacation? 

Readers Report : Tips from Real Travelers

This week Cherrye and I decided to focus our attention on tips from our readers! 

After last weeks tips on airfare, I got some great feedback from my readers on some other great sites to consult when purchasing airfare.

Terry reminded me of seatguru.com.  An excellent resource for trying to get the *best* seat on your flight.

Kathy suggests using transavia.com and flybmi.com to search for great airfare deals.

Vicki used edreams.com.  She found the best price through them for her recent ticket purchase.

Which brings me to the readers tips for this Travel Tip Tuesday. 

This weeks tips were submitted by Vicki of Jacksonville, Florida. She suggested a few things to do before leaving on your trip out of the country.

Vicki said:

• Call your credit card companies and let them know you will be traveling out of the country.  That way, when they see international charges come up, they won't freeze your account.
• Make copies of your passport and write your itinerary (hotels, etc) on the bottom of the copy.  Put one in each bag.  If your bag is lost, the finder, should they be so inclined, will know where to find you to return your bag.

Great idea's Vicki!  Thanks so much for your tips!

And though it is not necessarily a tip, Susan from Israel sent me a delicious slide-show of Carnivale in Venice that I just had to share with you.  I guess the tip here would be visit Venice during Carnivale.  I can't imagine a better advertisement.   

You can watch it here:  Download venice_carnival_3.pps

Don't forget to head on over to My Bella Vita to see Cherrye's readers travel tips today!!

Now readers, I ask you...what are your travel tips? 

C'mon.  You know you all have them.  And I want 'em.  No, I need  'em!! 

Here is your chance to help your fellow travelers save time, money, space or headaches from the overwhelming hassle of travel.

Email your travel tips over to me at mymelange (at) yahoo (dot) net. 

Until next Tuesday.....Happy Travels!

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