10 extraordinary islands

in my 27 years on this planet (the 28th starts on march 21st), i have been blessed to live in some pretty amazing places. Grand Cayman Island, Karnataka, India, sunny Southern California...i've definitely been able to enjoy living in the best spots that the world has to offer. coupling in my travels to Costa Rica, Clearwater, Florida, Miami beach and more, and i have quite a bit to be thankful for.

today's post is on 10 islands that i have not yet had the pleasure of visiting, but that are definitely on the list.

10 Extraordinary Islands

please let me know your thoughts on the islands and on tropical travel in the comments below

- TM

the Hajj: a journey to Mecca

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that all followers of Islam must complete once in their life. Every year Hajj takes place in the last month of the Muslim calendar, and lasts several days. Muslims from all over the world descend on Mecca, to the Ka'ba, to worship Allah. The Hajj is an amazing journey, transcending nationality, age and much more, and today's blog post is on the pilgrimage.


Below is a photographic essay from Time Magazine, as well as a letter from Hajj. Pretty amazing stuff.

http://www.time.com/time/asia/photoessays/mecca_hajj/1.html

http://www.time.com/time/asia/photoessays/mecca_hajj/letter_hajj.html

travel picture mondays #3

this week's travel picture is two shots done at one place, but it's a good one. Tampa, Florida, is one of America's best cities. Amazing weather coupled with no state income tax along with some of the best beaches in the world has the city firmly entrenched as one of my favorite places in the world. With world class museums (Salvador Dali has his own in the area), white sand beaches, raucous festivals (gasparilla is mardi gras in ybor city) and more, Tampa is Florida's hidden gem.

The photos below were taken at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This little nondescript building is home to dolphins, sea turtles and more, and allows patrons to visit with animals that are friendly and majestic. It is, in my opinion, a must visit destination for anyone heading to Tampa.

travel picture mondays #2

the last few mondays have been crazy, but i'm gonna make sure that from now on i don't miss another. below are two photos taken in my travels. the first is from a recent trip to Kansas City, Missouri. the second was actually taken while on vacation in beautiful Guanacaste, Costa Rica at the Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort. Pura Vida!

secret places #2

One of the best secret places in the country lies in northern Los Angeles County, in the Antelope Valley. This sleepy little area of California is my hometown, and boasts an area that even many of the locals have never set foot in: the California Poppy Reserve.



From spring to late summer, the reserve explodes in the vibrant colors of the state flower of California, the Golden Poppy. The rolling fields provide both an incredible backdrop for photos as well as some of the best views for hiking that the United States has to offer.




Though picking the flowers is against the law, passing the time in this visual oasis in the desert is not, and as the temperatures warm a visit to the Poppy Reserve is a must do trip for anyone living in, or traveling to, beautiful Southern California.

- TM

vancity

tonight marks the start of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. with the games in town, Vancouver (aka vancity) is looking for an economic boom with the tourists, athletes and media that will be attending.

i have long been told that vancity is one of the most amazing cities in the world. though i have not had a chance to head up to check it out, i am planning to in the next 12 months.

while reading up on the city, i found this great website on ideas for a 48 hour getaway. check it out and let me know your thoughts!


Vancouver Weekend Guide

traveling cheaper in 2010

today's post is just a quick one. Senior Travel Editor for Travelocity Genevieve Brown gives us all tips today on how to save money in our travels in 2010. It's a great video, very informative. I couldn't believe how in just the 3rd quarter airlines made $700 million on baggage fees alone! Also the tips on flying Tues/Wed to get cheaper flights was excellent.


http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/saving-money-on-travel-in-2010-17803167

10 best budget resorts

It's tough economic times these days. From unemployment numbers that are floating above 10% to rising taxes, many people here in the United States are seeing a dip in their income levels and take home pay. Family vacations and time shares, once a summer ritual, are slowly becoming more an afterthought. It doesn't have to be this way though. With some smart planning amazing getaways to places such as Hilton Head, SC, Key West, FL, and even Maui can be had at a fraction of the estimated price.

Today's posting is geared towards helping you find that special getaway place for cheap, so that you can save your hard earned cash. Check out the link below for some of the best resorts in the US that can be stayed at for cheap. Don't waste your hard earned vacation time on the couch, get out there and enjoy life!


Best U.S. Budget Resorts

Here are just a few photos from the resorts found above:

world's most beautiful bridges

I love photography, especially landscape photography. When I am on vacation, I always have a camera (or two) on me at all times and if I see something unique or beautiful I can't help but to snap away. One of my favorite types of landscapes to shoot is definitely bridges. Whether full of traffic or empty, these engineering marvels are each amazing in their own unique way. Here is one of my favorite shots that I have taken, from a cruise around Manhattan:



Below is a fantastic photo gallery of various bridges throughout the world. Some seem to be things pulled out of a science fiction novel, but all are beautiful. Enjoy, and post your thoughts in the comments section below!

World's Bridges: A Picture Gallery

World's Most Outrageous Guest Requests

To a traveler there is no greater friend that the hotel concierge. Whether you need tickets to a special event, want to know the best restaurant in the area, or just want directions to the local pub, a good concierge will bend over backwards to take care of all the guests of their hotel.



Today's posting shows the dark side of being a concierge. Below is a link for the most outrageous requests that concierges all over the world have had to put up with for their guests. After reading these, I will never feel bad again for asking the hotel's concierge to arrange a walking tour or make some reservations for a dinner. Enjoy, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Outrageous Concierge Requests!

Kansas City, Missouri

Last night I booked my next trip. Where am I heading? Kansas City, Missouri!

Located in the middle of America's heartland, this city that lies on the border of Kansas and Missouri (and is partially located in each state) is home to many attractions, including the American Jazz Museum, Arrowhead Stadium (home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs), the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and a lot more.

Thanks to an EXCELLENT city travel guide located at www.visitkc.com I was able to plot out my complete itinerary for 4 day/3 night stay.

Monday night arrival
- dinner at hotel/relaxing/time in the pool

Tuesday
- off to Lawrence, Kansas, to visit one of the meccas of college basketball, the home of the Kansas Jayhawks. Brunch in Lawrence at Wheatfield's Bakery (should i feel like being healthy) or First Watch Cafe (should i feel like being not so healthy). After exploring campus and trying to get a photo w/ a Jayhawk mascot or statue, perhaps a movie at Liberty Hall, one of the oldest theaters in the country (nearly 150 years old!).
- back to Kansas City to check out Arrowhead Stadium, and to go to the College Basketball Experience/College Basketball Hall of Fame (http://www.visitkc.com/things-to-do/member-details/index.aspx?id=37781). Dinner at the Legendary Arthur Bryant's Barbeque, considered to be the best restaurant in the world by New Yorker columnist Calvin Trillin. http://www.arthurbryants.com/

Wednesday
- Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in the early afternoon, followed by a few meetings and a tour of the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Dinner at Genghis Kahn (www.gkbbq.com) and some much needed rest/relaxation.

Thursday
- fly back out to LA!

Should be a great trip, and as soon as I return I will be sure to post photos. If you can think of anything that you would recommend that I see, please let me know!

interactive italy

A certain special someone in my life recently told me how much she loves Italy. Having had the chance to visit in years passed, she explained in detail the peninsula's charm, from the famous gondoliers of Venice to the architecture of Vatican City.

I have had the opportunity over the years to visit many countries throughout Europe, but Italy has not been one of them. Looking into what the country has to offer, I stumbled upon this gem of a site:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/04/20/travel/20080420_ROME_GRAPHIC.html

Over the next few months I will look into the country in detail, so that when the time comes, I'm ready for all that it has to offer. I'll be sure to share the information, and I hope that you enjoy all that I find.

- TM

travel picture mondays #1

at the beginning of every work week from now on, I will be posting 2 photos from my travels around the world to help all my readers (as well as myself) get through the most dreaded of days, Monday.
Here in installment #1, you will see two great American cities, and two great photos. enjoy, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Charleston, West Virginia
State Capitol Building

Times Square - New York City!

THE road trip

From Roadtrip to Animal House to National Lampoon's Vacation, the road trip is a uniquely American ritual that is so ingrained in our culture that even it's satire has the potential to generate large amounts of income.

In the next few months I am planning a road trip. THE road trip, as it will be known from now on. I have always wanted to see everything that our beautiful country has to offer, and though I have traveled all over the world, there are several places that I have been dying to explore that I have not been able to yet. Today I took the first step to planning it out by jumping on google maps to see how many miles it would cover and to finalize the cities that I want to see.

Total Mileage = 9,999 miles (no kidding!)
Cities (in order)
- Los Angeles, CA
- Las Vegas, NV (for both a wedding AND a bachelor party - two different groups)
- San Fransisco, CA
- Portland, OR
- Seattle, Washington
- Billings, MT
- Denver, CO
- Lincoln, NE
- Minneapolis, MN
- Green Bay, WI
- Milwaukee, WI
- Chicago, IL
- Flint, MI
- Cleveland, OH
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Point Pleasant, WV
- Charlottesville, VA
- Washington, DC
- Charlotte, NC
- Charleston, SC
- Savannah, GA
- Atlanta, GA
- Tampa, FL
- Orlando, FL
- Cocoa Beach, FL (to see a space shuttle launch!)
- Jacksonville, FL
- New Orleans, LA
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Austin, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Las Cruces, NM
- Tuscon, AZ
- Phoenix, AZ
and back home to good old Los Angeles.

The tentative dates for this monster trip at 4/15-5/27! Can't wait to see what our country has out there!

Who's riding shotgun???

the best travel show on TV?

From MTV to The Travel Channel to The Food Network and more, it seems like every network is catering to the jet setters (or those of us who like to pretend we are). With the plethora of shows available, it's hard to pick the best show out there for all of us with limited schedules.

Is it the sexy Samantha Brown's Great Weekends? The delicious Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins? Anthony Bourdain's wordy No Reservations? The sleeper, Adam Richman's Man v Food?

The answer? Well...I don't have one. From Rachel Ray to Andrew Zimmern to the incredibly beautiful Kristen Aldridge, I can't help but to love all the travel hosts and their shows (though if I did have to rate them, Bourdain's would be at the bottom of my list for just a bit too much rambling, and anything with a young Rachel Ray or Samantha Brown would be on top...gigiddy). They allow us to escape and travel with them to their destinations, be they as exotic as Brunei or as exotic as...Minneapolis.

In fact without Man v Food I wouldn't have been able to stumble upon one of the greatest finds in America. Behold...THE Donut (that's right it gets it's own capitalization):


So what's your favorite travel show? Let's hear it in the comments section!

secret places - #2

In my second secret places post, I am going to introduce you all to one of the best kept secrets in the greater Los Angeles area - the restaurant called Casablanca (Though I know I am 2/2, I promise not EVERY secret place will be a restaurant).




Hidden away off of a busy street in the Venice Beach region, Casablanca was first introduced to me by my-then girlfriend back in 2002. She had raved about it repeatedly, as her mother (an executive with Robinsons-May), had taken her throughout the fall. At first glance from the outside, there really isn't much to look at. A simple restaurant on the corner of a busy intersection, Casablanca could be the local mexican eatery in any suburb in America. However, once you step inside you can begin to see what makes it special: the food. From seafood to tacos and everything in between, Casablanca has the best of Spanish food coupled with a full bar to celebrate the good times.

My recommendation for lunch or dinner is simple: carne asada with beans and rice, along with as many fresh tortillas as you can eat. These tortillas are THE reason to go to Casablanca. Hand made right in the middle of the restaurant by a delightful older woman, they are hands down the most amazing tortillas in the world. No hyperbole here, they are just unreal. Couple them with the great food and perhaps a margarita or an ice cold Dos Equis for one of the best meals in Southern California.

From the nods to the movie that is it's namesake, to the plethora of seating, to the delicious (and moderately priced) food and friendly staff, Casablanca is just one great restaurant, and one more secret place for all. Enjoy it and let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Casablanca Restaurant

220 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

Phone: (310) 392-5751 (Reservations accepted for groups of 5 or more)

the world's most amazing views

quick post today, but a good one. yahoo!travel has put out the 8 best views in the world.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-31237028

some of these views are absolutely breathtaking, and I thought that I would share the link with all of you. please let me know some of your favorites in the comment section!

here's one view that is very special to me (and is one of my secret places)



- TM

this month's travel channel travel bug trip? PRAGUE!

The Travel Channel, of which I am secretly (well not so secretly now) addicted to, is offering one lucky winner and a guest a very special getaway in their monthly Travel Bug Sweepstakes with an all expenses paid trip to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic.

This month's prize is pretty darn amazing. Just look at all that they are including!

Prize package includes:
-round trip coach airfare for two (2) from major airport closest to winner's home to Prague (determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion)
- Private roundtrip airport transfers via private limo
- Five (5) nights' accommodations at Aria Hotel, Junior Suite, double occupancy, including taxes and service fees
- Full à la carte breakfast for entire stay
- Souvenir showplate from original collection of Josef Blecha's caricatures
- Private three (3) hour walking tour of Prague with English speaking guide for two (2) adults includes the renowned Wenceslas Square, Municipal House, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Lesser Town highlights
- two (2) Hour Afternoon Prague River Cruise; 1/2 day excursion to the Bohemian Glass Factory
- Prague Pub Tour with Dinner
- Evening classical concert (approx. 1 1/2 hr performance) in a concert hall or church (location and musical selection contingent upon travel dates) such as St. Martin in the Wall Church, Municipal House or Spanish Synagogue
- Four (4) course tasting menu at Restaurant Bellevue for two (2) including tax and gratuities

i'm actually stunned at all they have to offer. it's like you're taking over the life of Anthony Bourdain or Samantha Brown for 5 solid nights!

Official rules in their entirety can be found here:
http://win.travelchannel.com/index.tbapp?page=rules

So enter now (you are allowed to enter the drawing once per day until the end of Jan!), and don't forget that PO Box addresses are not allowed, and neither are duplicate entries from the same name/address/email address!
http://win.travelchannel.com/index.tbapp?refcd=win_tc_com
if you get the question right, you are automatically entered twice!

oh and should any of my readers win, I have never actually been to Prague, and I'm a great travel companion ;)

- TM

travel tip #3 too busy to get away? think again!

As we get older and responsibilities seem to stack up (kids/job/pets/bills/etc.), traveling and seeing what's out there in the world seems to be dropped to the bottom of our priority list.How many times have you looked at your loved ones and said to yourself that you wish you had more time to explore? Or how many times have you said, I wish I just had more money set aside to take a vacation? Too many times!

Well, this brings me to travel tip #3, take a local vacation (aka staycation).

When you factor in plane tickets, a hotel room, rental car and so on, a vacation can cost a pretty penny. Even with utilizing an all inclusive resort (see travel tip #2), for a family - or even a couple - it may take quite a bit of cash to get away.

Using your vacation time, or even just your weekends, to take small trips to local points of interest can be a rewarding, affordable way to get out there and see the world. You can stay at home at night, use your car and see places that you didn't even know existed, all while saving a pretty penny. In every city there are places to see, and things to do that you would never stumble upon unless you give yourself the chance to. Even venturing an hour or two away from home can bring you to a whole different environment, with incredibly different people.

Because I grew up in greater Los Angeles, the idea that you could jump in a car and drive from state to state in less than 90 minutes really blew my mind. I decided that during my last year living in Atlanta, I would make the most of it. Every weekend I planned mini-trips, going to places like Auburn, Alabama and Clemson, South Carolina (each under a three hour round trip from my condo), along with little exploratory excursions to the mini-cities that make up the greater Atlanta region. From Buckhead to Little Five Points to Lake Oconee, I was able to see and experiences things that I didn't even know existed all without breaking the bank.

To make the most of your staycation, utilize the best of what the web has to offer. Frommers, Lonely Planet, GoogleMaps and the recommendations of friends and family will get you going to enjoy all that your region has to offer.

If you have any staycations that you want to share, please do so below in the comments!

a major inspiration for me

Awhile back (I can't really remember when), someone sent me the following video. It was made by a guy named Matt, who traveled all over the world and took little clips of himself dancing in different visually stunning places, from the villages of Rwanda to that one cave like area in Jordan that is in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Thanks to a sponsorship with Stride, Matt is able to go on his travels and share his adventures with us, one clip at a time. Check both out below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P281Uu4&feature=channel
- this is the original, and i love the music. from the opening clip i knew it was gonna be something great. and it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY&feature=player_embedded
- this is the 2008 video, which is excellent as well

These videos are a big influence on my travel dreams. Many of these spots have made it onto my travel "to do" list. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

- TM

travel tip #2 - the all inclusive resort

When you hear about an all inclusive resort, most people think of places like Sandals, which are geared towards honeymooners or couples looking to get away, if they think of anything at all. One of the best tips that I can offer anyone who is looking for a great vacation is to look at the all inclusive resorts that are located throughout Mexico and the Caribbean.

All inclusive resorts are large hotel properties that include food, beverages and activities with the price of each night's stay. Examples of great properties that offer these deals can be found with the companies RIU, Sandals and, my personal favorite, Paradisus, which has one of the best resorts that I have ever been to, the Paradisus Playa Conchal (http://www.paradisus-playa-conchal.com/) found in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

When you add up the costs of food and beverages at a nice hotel, and the added costs of activities such as guided hikes, small sunset cruises and more, a vacation budget can easily balloon out of control. At most all inclusive resorts, not only are you not charged for any of food and drinks but at many alcohol is included, as well as your minibar and more. Most also discourage tipping, requesting that should you desire to tip for exceptional service to simply write down the persons name and leave a small envelope with the tip as you are leaving from your stay.

With the current economic climate, rates for all inclusive resorts have plummeted. Whether you are trying to sneak away for a romantic weekend on the beach, or finally want to dive that beach you have been thinking of, an all inclusive resort is the smart, affordable and fun way to go.

secret places - #1

Many times when traveling, we find ourselves off the beaten path and stumbling onto our own little pockets of paradise. Whether its a hidden cove, a refreshing spring, a fantastic hidden restaurant or even just a bench with a killer view, it is these small surprises that make a getaway go from good to amazing.

In Atlanta, I have discovered several of these little places, and I will share one with you today.

Atlanta is a a microcosm of our United States. From hustling and bustling downtown Atlanta to the tranquil expanses of Suwanee, the region offers the best of a fast paced city life with an available option of country living. One of the best kept secrets of the Peachtree city is a Japanese steak and sushi restaurant nestled in Dunwoody, just north of downtown (there is also a branch in Norcross). The Happy Sumo is found in a small shopping complex, surrounded by the likes of an LA Fitness gym, a multi-screen movie theater and the hallmark of the south: Chick-Fil-A.

The first time I checked out The Happy Sumo I was exploring the area, waiting for the start of a movie (though I don't remember what it was, I do remember it was quite bad). I was on a bit of a health kick, so I decided I would try the funky little sushi place that stuck out like a sore thumb.

From the friendly, ethnic waitstaff to the eclectic decorum (including a japanese drum that all patrons are encouraged to strike as they leave after completing their meal), walking into The Happy Sumo is a a feast for your senses; with a well placed trip to the sushi bar, a feast for your pallet is soon to follow. I highly recommend the spider roll, as well as an order of the volcano roll, coupled with a nice big bottle of Kirin Light. The sushi chefs are authentic, quick and hard working. Don't forget to save a few dollars to tip them directly at the bar!

After stumbling onto The Happy Sumo in Dunwoody, I couldn't help but to make it one of my regular places to eat while in Atlanta. The sushi is incredible, the staff is extremely friendly, and the beer is ice cold, perfect to offset the city of "Hotlanta."

http://www.happysumorest.com/

my first (and best) tip for traveling...

WELCOME TO MY TRAVEL BLOG!
so within this blog i will post many tips that i have learned over the years which will make traveling fun, safe and affordable. please make sure to comment and let me know how they work out for you, as well as any thoughts that you may have on things.
-
TIP #1
an organized adventure allows for maximizing the good times!

ALWAYS DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Find out what are the highlights of the city, and choose exactly what it is that you want to do. With Frommer's, Lonely Planet and more, you can easily make the most out of any vacation, from a weekend getaway up the coast to a two week honeymoon excursion in the Maldives.

On a recent trip to New York City, I utilized the internet, friends recommendations and the Travel Channel to make an itinerary for a 3 day getaway. I made sure to allow myself plenty of time for the notorious New York traffic, and plenty of time to just explore. With careful planning I was able to do everything that I wanted to do: I hit Times Square, did a play on Broadway (Phantom), enjoyed a pretty good bagel, had a slice of the famous Ray's pizza (pretty good but not close to Chicago deep dish), attended the NBA draft, went to the top of the Empire State Building, took a cruise around Manhattan, saw the Statue of Liberty, and attended a Mets game. I have no doubt in my mind that there simply would have been no way to do all of these things in a calm, and fun, manner without careful strategic planning. Though it may not seem fun to map out each vacation day hour by hour, it's even less fun to miss out on great places and adventures due to poor planning.