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!