Springfield, Mo - While time is running out on planning a winter vacation, it is not too late to put together a last-minute itinerary that is sure to bring cheer to your family this winter. From faith-based productions in Lancaster, PA to the charm of the Ozarks and Smoky Mountains regions, we've highlighted a variety of areas that offer wholesome, f […]
SpaFinder, Inc. and Leading Spas today announced that the companies will partner to present Leading Spa's collection of the most exquisite spas in the world to millions of consumers in 27 countries who select and book spa vacations at SpaFinder.com and its websites in Europe and Japan.
Amadeus has identified the Amateur-Expert Traveller - who is more knowledgeable, more adventurous and more likely to live in an emerging economy than ever before - and whose rise coincides with innovations in the trip experience and the growth of niche travel in the post-recessionary environment.
The most recent Thanksgiving data report from Travelocity(R) shows that while airfare is on the rise for the Thanksgiving holiday, hotel rates are falling fast. When compared to five weeks ago, average domestic airfare rose $10 while domestic hotel rates dropped $16 per night on average.
Out of all of fantastic destinations in the United States for winter holiday fun, Lancaster, Pennsylvania should be near the top of anyone's list. Lancaster and the Amish Country offer activities that appeal to visitors of all ages. From spirited productions at the Sight and Sound Theatres to the unique exhibits at the National Christmas Center, a tr […]
This historic neighborhood in downtown Washington D.C. survived race riots, inner-city turmoil and recession; after an epic renovation it’s now one of the most culturally significant neighborhoods in the nation’s capital. Museums, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, shops, salons and a seasonal farmer’s market dot the streets, while parks and plazas create inviting public spaces. Several apartment buildings and condos keep the vibe decidedly local, as residents mix with shoppers and tourists to create a thriving 24-hour community. Even the subway stop that serves Penn Quarter — the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station — carries out the area’s aesthetic with a big, bold Chinese fan spreading over one entrance.
Penn Quarter is a great jumping-off point for those who want to see the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall. Park there, grab a bite, tour the museums and mall, and come back to Penn Quarter for dinner, drinks, theater or a night on the town. Here are some don’t-miss destinations in this cool neighborhood. — Eileen Loh is a free lance writer and world traveller. You can read more of her work here
GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
8th and F Streets NW
Washington DC
(202) 633-8300
Free Admission
www.npg.si.edu
This branch of the Smithsonian Institute portrays significant figures in U.S. history through visual arts, performing arts and new media.
INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM
800 F Street NW
202-EYESPYU (393-7798)
www.spymuseum.org
Admission $14 and up.
With more than 600 items related to the field of international espionage, this is one of the more interesting interactive museums around — guests are given five minutes to memorize a “spy profile” that they’re supposed to use as their cover throughout their visit. Visitors can participate in more elaborate spy games too.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
401 Constitution Avenue, NW (4th and Constitution)
Some of the world-renowned works of art here include pieces by Rodin, Degas, Titian, Rembrandt, Goya and Rafael. It’s best known for its spectacular Italian Renaissance art collection.
This is the definitive museum for all regions and movements of American art. Its Lunder Conservation Center is one of the few places in the world where one can see behind-the-scenes preservation work on valuable pieces of art.
HARMAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS/ SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY
Lansburgh Theatre: 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC
Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC
Called “the nation’s foremost Shakespeare company,” this regional troupe often features notable guest actors. It focuses mainly on works by The Bard and occasionally presents productions by other classic playwrights as well; its summer Free For All productions attract theatregoers by the thousands.
RESTAURANTS, BARS & CAFES
COWGIRL CREAMERY
919 F St. NW
Washington, DC
(202) 393-6880
www.cowgirlcreamery.com
California’s beloved crafters of organic, artisan American cheese have brought their internationally acclaimed cheeses here, to their only East Coast shop. One of the Cowgirls (co-owner Sue Conley) hails from D.C., so the store’s down-home feel is no accident. Sample and choose hand-crafted cheeses from around the world, select a bottle or two of great wine, and maybe grab a gourmet sandwich or salad to go.
D’ACQUA
801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC
(202) 783-7717
www.dacquadc.com
Cesco Ricchi and Chef Enzo Febbraro bring the tastes of their native Italy to the Penn Quarter, to high acclaim. On sunny days, sit outside and listen to the bubbling of the Navy Memorial fountains next door as you enjoy the Tuscan flavors that made Ricchi one of the most successful restaurateurs in Washington.
FADÓ IRISH PUB
808 7th St. NW
Washington, DC
(202) 789-0066
www.fadoirishpub.com
Come here for the rugby and footy games shown live by satellite; stay for the inspired bar food including Smithwick’s mini-burgers, Fadó’s signature potato bread and Guinness BBQ wings.
FOGO DE CHAO
1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC
(202) 347-4668
www.fogodechao.com
Nobody does meat quite like South Americans, as this Brazilian steakhouse so deliciously reminds its aficionados. Authentic Gaucho chefs from southern Brazil will slow-roast more than a dozen types of meat and carve it right in front of you. Pair it with such accompaniments as garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh selection from the huge, bountiful salad bar.
This smart Spanish tapas restaurant, founded by celebrity chef and neighborhood anchor José Andrés, features exquisite small-plate offerings. The dishes are an homage to classic Spanish flavor profiles, with some experimentation thrown in. Fantastic ingredients, such as Ibérico ham or housemade chorizo, provide the foundation for the excellent tapas.
POSTE MODERNE BRASSERIE
555 8th St. NW
Washington DC 20004
(202) 783-6060
www.postebrasserie.com
Old meets new meets delicious at this classic American restaurant. Set in the original 1841 General Post Office, Poste Moderne is home to the most modern sustainable and eco-friendly standards applied in U.S. eateries. Chef Rob Weland uses the freshest organic ingredients from regional farms, dairies, ranches, and the Penn Quarter farmer’s market.
The gourmet teas and herbal blends are the main draw here: blacks, greens, whites, Chais, oolongs and tisanes to your heart’s content. Its simple, classic, Asian-inspired farecovers everything from kebabs to bento boxes and includes tasty choices for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
Influences from all over Asia converge at TenPenh: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Vietnam are all represented here. Asian-Pacific-inspired contemporary cuisine rules the menu, highlighted by exciting sauces and decadent desserts.
ZAYTINYA
701 9th St. NW
Washington, DC
(202) 638-0800
www.zaytinya.com
All the best flavors of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean can be found in Zaytinya’s mezze, or small plates. James Beard-winning chef and neighborhood champion José Andrés, renowned for tapas-style dining, directed the inspired menu here. Contemporary meets classical Greek, Turkish and Lebanese cuisine, and its extensive wine list showcases the little-known Eastern Mediterranean wine region.
TAMALES CHIAPANECO
549 25th St. (25th St. at Market St)
San Diego, CA
(619) 235-4556
As soon as you step to the counter of Tamales Chiapaneco and spy mama in back squeezing masa dough by hand, you know you’re not leaving here unfed. Chiapaneco’s signature tamales are heavy, saucy, meat-laden affairs headlined by the pollo con mole tamale. Its reputation rests on the earthy, slightly grainy corn masa which plays well with a tangy red mole sauce - which for all its lightness, has a pleasing depth of flavor. Shell out the extra half buck to have it cooked in a banana leaf, and you’ve got a meal at $2. Also worth ordering here: the chile rilleno. Floppy, dark-green poblanos oozing with quesillo cheese, the chiles rilleno are pan-browned and served in a puddle of bright garlicky tomato broth. They come with steaming homemade tortillas and generous sides of rice and beans for rolling into wraps.
DOS BRASAS
1890 San Diego Ave.
San Diego, CA
619-291-6116
It’s easy to fly right past this cheery, lopsided little building just off I-5, but if you’re traveling the San Diego Freeway in search of excellent guacamole, pull off between Old Town and Midtown and find Dos Brasas. Here the guacamole is bright spring green and satiny, save for flecks of garlic - tasty enough to appease even die-hard lumpy guac lovers. Fresh, light and deceptively savory, it makes warm baskets of salty homemade tortilla chips simply a vehicle for the guacamole. Also recommended: the piquant carne asada, whether in tacos, tostadas, chimichangas, tortas or burrito form.
LEONARDO’S MEXICAN FOOD
3852 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA
858-539-2280
San Diego surfers and beach bums knew about fish tacos before anyone else in the culinary world, and so any fish taco joint just steps off Mission Beach had better get it right. Leonardo’s doesn’t disappoint, with hunks of whitefish fried in a thin, crispy beer batter that holds the juices at bay until your first bite. Here they wisely keep it simple with diced tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, generous sprinkles of cilantro and green onions, and garlic mayo. One of these will answer even the fiercest post-surfing hunger; two of them, and you’d better stay out of the water for a while to digest.
Eileen Loh is a free lance writer and world traveller. You can read more of her work here
These tips are not fool proof, but they do work form time to time.
As most of us aren’t celebrities or mega rich pop stars, the idea of paying thousands of dollars for a first class or business class plane ticket is simply a not an option.
But what many people don’t know is the fact that many airlines will actually upgrade economy ticket passengers to business or even first class absolutely free. You just need to meet the airlines policy guide as to who gets what. Pretty much all airlines have guidelines for this, and if you know what you are doing you can take advantage and get free upgrades worth big bucks.
Here are a few tips for you to try for yourself. This is inside knowledge from staff of the most popular airlines, used by the select few in the know. Now you can be one of them!
1: Appearances count. It stands to reason that you are very unlikely to be upgraded if you turn up at check-in wearing flip-flops, an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt. You need to look the part. Smart casual is fine, business suit and tie is not essential. Decent footwear, smart trousers and shirt, jacket optional (depending on the weather maybe).
I’m not being sexist here by not describing what ladies should wear. I’ll credit readers with enough intelligence to work it out. OK then, smart shoes, trousers or skirt, nice top, jacket optional again. I reckon you’ve got the idea by now.
2: Make sure you arrive at the check-in with plenty of time to spare. Get there nice and early. The personnel will usually know exactly how many travelers are on the flight, and where they are sitting. They will know if there are any seats not being used in business and first class. First come, first served.
3: Be nice, polite, and friendly. Don’t go in shouting the odds about how you know there are seats to spare in business and you want one. Check-in staff see hundreds of people, if not thousands, a day. They work long, hard hours and are not paid a fortune. It’s a pleasant surprise for many of them if they are greeted pleasantly and treated like human beings.
Read their name tag and use their name, smile, perhaps a little joke. Trust me, this will pay dividends more often than not.
4: It really does help if you are a frequent flyer. Most airlines now have frequent flyer programs, air-miles etc. Join as many of these programs as you can. These days it’s really easy to do online. You don’t actually have to fly that much, just join the programs. Then you are on the airline’s register of frequent flyers, and this will come up on the screen at the check-in. Obviously the more you fly a particular airlione over another, the more value your frequent flyer membership will hold and the more value you have with the airline.
This doesn’t automatically guarantee you an upgrade. However, if there are seats available when you check in you are much more likely to be offered one. The airline business is becoming increasingly competitive, and they like to reward their frequent flyers, and they like to be seen doing it.
5: Finally, remember the old saying “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” using the tips above, just ask politely at the desk if there are any seats available in business or first. Also if the staff are very busy, and hassled, with little time for niceties then don’t ask just then, wait till you get to the boarding gate and try there. You might get a pleasant surprise.
Business and first class is a great way to travel. Enjoy your flight!
—————————————————-
If you want to find out more hints and tips on all aspects of travel, all over the world (and at home) just go to http://www.loads-of-stuff.com
Laguna Beach Drum Circle
Looking for an Orange County drumming event? You can find
one once a month in Laguna Beach. For those musically
inclined Southern Californians, LaVida Laguna hosts a
monthly Laguna Beach Full Moon Drum Circle. The Laguna
Beach Full Moon Drum Circle has been held monthly since
2003.
Anywhere from 500 to 200 people come to these get togethers
at the Aliso Creek Beach to drum down the moon. Created by
Billy Fried, the founder of LaVida Laguna and the CEO of
CalActive, the full moon drum circle is only one of their
many events offered free to anyone interested.
Though you should check the website to find the exact date,
the drum circle corresponds with each month’s full moon,
taking place only a few miles away from the premiere Orange
County beach resort, the Montage and the Aliso Creek Golf
Course, as well as many other hotels and inns, making this
drum circle a great choice for travelers as well as local
residents.
A pot luck precedes the main event, so be prepared to bring
food to share. The pot luck begins at sundown and continues
for hours, lasting until ten at night. The drummers crowd
around a huge bonfire, keeping you nice and warm while you
play or listen to some talented musicians.
You may want to show up early to have some fun in the sun
beforehand, or stay late to enjoy bar-hopping in Laguna
with some of the drummers you meet. Also, the location
makes for an absolutely beautiful occasion, so remember to
bring your camera. Every month, Fried reserves a fire ring
and brings some chairs around for guests. If you’re new to
the event, add yourself on to the LaVida Laguna email list
in order to find out information about upcoming events in
the community hosted by the group.
Instruments of all kinds come through the Laguna Beach Full
Moon Drum Circle; from bongos to djembes, cajons to
triangles, cow bells and tambourines. Though you may attend
the drum circle hoping to bang on your bongos, many dancers
attend the full moon drum circle as well. Don’t be
surprised if you’re drawn up to dance around the bonfire.
Although you don’t have to bring your own drum, as many of
the participants will bring extras that they’re happy to
share, its best to bring some extra firewood to help out
with the bonfire. Less people show up during the winter, so
be sure to bring the extra wood to stay warm.
Participants who have enjoyed the Laguna Beach Full Moon
Drum Circle love the feeling of togetherness gained from
the drum circle. Though you may be comfortable sitting on
the sand, participants suggest bringing a chair to help
keep you at ease during the long hours of playing.
The Full Moon Drum Circle is held at one of the most
beautiful locations in the world? Who would want to miss
it? But just be warned - this drum circle is prepared to
get loud.
—————————————————- http://www.X8Drums.com is the destination for percussion
enthusiasts from around the world who seek personal expert
advice and exceptional selection when purchasing a djembe,
didgeridoo, cajon and bongo drums.
Traveling In A Recessionary Economy: Low Fares And Discounted Rates Because of the recessionary economy, many people have put their travel plans on hold. Some have given up on the idea of a vacation altogether and others have been re-evaluating their plans to fit a much smaller budget. If you have been looking forward to some traveling but have given [...]
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Continental is the first U.S. commercial carrier to test flying on an alternative fuel mixture. The Houston based airline, with a large hub at Newark’s Liberty International Airport, made the flight with a Boeing 737-800. The 1 hour 45 minute flight had no passengers and large scale use of alternative fuels is still several years [...]
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It’s true that many people look forward to a weekend exodus out of the Big City, but there are others who are looking for an extra dose of energy and excitement and find a place like Los Angeles offers a menu of attractions that makes each visit just a little bit different. Our recent weekend in L.A. reminded us of [...]
Given the fact that Seattle may be lucky to get a week of snow each year, this Northwest city might not be an obvious choice for a Winter Wonderland to experience the joys of Christmas. But what it lacks in snow, it makes up for in festive spirit and Northwest residents discovered long ago that a trip to the city [...]
An unbelievable offer from Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Now is the time to go skiing folks. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is offering a Stay and Ski for Free package from November 26 through December 17, 2008 area lodging properties in Gunnison, Almont, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested are working together to bring you a great deal! [...]
Texas is an outdoor adventurers’ dream. You can spend a whole vacation just figuring out what to do, but instead why not try it all? The diverse landscape of the Lone Star State lends itself to all kind of activities. In fact, just about the only thing we don’t have is nothing to do. When it comes [...]
A Great Activity In The English Lake District - Scrambling Many see scrambling as a mountain adventure like rock climbing - and, yes, it is exciting, but if done properly it provides loads of excitement with none of the risk. The Lake District offers many fine scrambles, including the most famous of all - Jack’s Rake. If you’re of average fitness […]
