Category — Accomodation
Autumn in Wine Country
While there is never an unpleasant season for weather in Napa Valley, fall is a particularly lovely time to visit. It is only this time of year in which those prized plants that are worshiped for their grapes also draw attention for their vibrant gold, red, and orange leaves. In addition to vineyard tours, another great way to witness the splendor of the season is on a bicycle. Smooth, winding roads roll over hills, forests, vineyards and meadows all sporting their flashiest colors right now. As an autumn cyclist you will not fall prey to the masses of tourists that are a serious summer hazard in the most popular areas of the valley. Still, if you are seeking seclusion on a bike regions such as the Pope Valley offer a wide range of leisurely to strenuous trails, all featuring privacy and peace. If you prefer your own two feet, Howell Mountain is a beautiful and challenging hike, eased by spectacular lookouts and opportunities for vineyard visits along the way.
In addition to a rich array of fall foliage hues, the bounteous farmer’s markets carry their own spread of autumnal tastes. The multitude of organic restaurants in the area also dress for the season, flavoring their sophisticated cuisine with freshness, health, and a culinary festiveness from ingredients that most certainly taste best in the season and scene of their origin. Terra, of nearby St. Helena, serves the local cuisine with a Tuscan aesthetic. Dessert and a nightcap are inevitable with the elegant Bounty Hunter wine bar just down the street. Further, a community of sophisticated lodging and spa options assures the thoroughness of your pampering.
If it is your intention to be eased into winter with gourmet meals, luxurious spas, scenic bike rides, and world class wine, there is no better destination than Napa Valley, California.
November 29, 2007 No Comments
Full Body Relaxation
As winter draws near our minds drift toward warmer, sunnier places. Lounging on beaches, swimming in the ocean, and slowly sipping cocktails all likely come to mind. While these are all activities it would be difficult to not enjoy, it could pay to consider alternative forms of relaxation as well. Why not try the ultimate exercise in seeking bodily and spiritual peace while in a naturally peaceful setting? This is the logic behind the private island resort of Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. A wide range of yogic breathing therapy sessions will either introduce beginners or immerse those well acquainted with pranayama, a form of yoga which focuses on controlled breathing techniques as a way of fully releasing tension. Located on its own secluded island, Parrot Cay resort offers a way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos far from the rowdy vacationers that flood its beaches during the peak season. In addition to offering privacy and serenity, this resort is extremely chic, creating an environment of simplicity yet indulgence. Comfortable yet minimalist beachside villas offer verandas and pools for luxurious relaxation and the ability to keep a clear mind. The resort’s top quality restaurant maintains the presence of nature on a wide wooden deck overlooking an infinity pool, and the airy bar allows the simultaneous enjoyment of drinks and the soft ocean breezes. The most enticing feature, however, may be the Shambala Spa. In addition to yoga and pilates retreats, this facility offers a wide range of decadent Asian-inspired treatments that are sure to chip away at your layers of accumulated stress. This award-winning resort provides an experience that is both of the highest quality and sophistication as well as a unique approach to relaxation in nature, which is sure to stand out against all those typical beach vacations.
November 15, 2007 No Comments
Before it’s too windy…
Now is a great time to visit all those colder locales before they become unbearably bitter. If you’ve been thinking about visiting Chicago, taking advantage of this mild autumn before it swiftly develops into a beast of a winter (as it always seems to do too quickly) might make an experience of this great city much more pleasant. There are deals at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile for several days in late November and early December. At $109 per night, this is a difficult-to-turn-down 45% discount from the usual rates for this time of year. The hotel itself has an excellent location in the heart of Chicago’s “Mag Mile,” known for its chic nightlife, shopping, and dining, as well as several impressive architectural landmarks. Additionally, the hotel is also close to Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium, offering an educational break from the indulgence of shopping and nights out. At a 46-story height, the hotel has many beautiful views of the city to the outside and modern, luxurious accommodations on the inside. This is just one option of many for exploring the Windy City, but visiting while the current crisp fall weather is an attraction and not a force to be reckoned with something to keep in mind.
November 1, 2007 No Comments
Wild Adventure Made Doable
For many the idea of traveling around Africa seeing multiple cultural centers, wildlife and natural attractions, and partaking in spontaneous adventures has never passed the imagination phase. For such a distant, inaccessible destination the idea of coordinating multiple excursions in one trip is daunting and may even seem utterly impossible. If only all of these things could be coordinated for us! Well they have been, and affordably so. The Shongololo Good Hope Express, snaking through South Africa, provides a luxurious and exciting way to hit all the desired destinations without renegotiating lodging after each one. In addition to convenience, this setup makes the trip much more affordable as well. Seventeen days of life on the train with more than six exciting destinations, meals twice a day, and a fleet of mini-vans available daily for sightseeing excursions comes to just $2,670 per person (including tax). Among the highlights of the trip are a panoramic route through the province of Mpumalanga (also known as “Land of the Rising Sun”), views of wildlife and natural landscapes in Kruger National Park, a Kingdom of Swaziland tour, a tour of the Cango Caves, Cape Town, and a tour of the Winelands, among others. This trip is available in all parts of the year (although cheapest in March, August, and November) so your call to the wild can be returned whenever it comes. For those of us who enjoy following our spirit of adventure, as chosen from a set of safe and numerous options, this private train trip is an answer that fits within your schedule and your budget.
October 25, 2007 No Comments
Great Travel Deals: $78/night in a trendy Osaka Hotel
Are you considering visiting Osaka, Japan any time soon? Don’t miss this wonderful deal announced by a brand new, recently opened Osaka Arietta Boutique Hotel, which is offering a $78/night special! Osaka Arietta is located in downtown Osaka just 3-5 minutes away from the subway station. The luxurious design of the hotel fuses simplistic Italian elegance with Asian elements and each of the guest rooms features a refrigerator, pay satellite TV and high-speed internet connection. Three PCs with high-speed internet connection are also available in the lobby and their use is free of charge. The Osaka Arietta hotel daily offers free bread, coffee and juice between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM in the lobby on the second floor. When booking a room, look for the ¥9,600 price that corresponds with the special. This price comes up more regularly for dates before September 30. The offer is valid through December 31 and is a subject to availability.
Follow this link for more information about the hotel: http://www.thehotel.co.jp/en/arietta_osaka/map.html
To book, go to:
https://asp.hotel-story.ne.jp/ver3d/di/?hcod1=30411&hcod2=001&seek=on&def=seek
July 27, 2007 No Comments
Hey there, Booboo!
Camping is the ultimate summer activity. I know I have always enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature with my friends and family. And one of the great camping locations in the United States is the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York. It is a great place whether you want to relax or have an outdoor adventure. The mountains are a haven for outdoor recreation of all kinds, and no matter how old you are, you are guaranteed to have a good time camping at the Adirondack Mountains.
The region can boast of over 3,000 ponds and lakes perfect for canoeing, swimming and fishing. For more adventurous people, there are 1,500 miles of rivers allowing for whitewater rafting of many different levels. If you prefer to stay dry, you can take advantage of the nation’s largest hiking trail system, consisting of 2,000 miles of hiking trails. I am a history buff, and the Adirondacks region even allowed me to satisfy that fix with museums and French and Indian War-era forts.
One other advantage of the Adirondacks Mountains as a summer recreational area is the incredible variety of places to stay. There are more 4-star resorts in the area than any other destination in the state. For those that would rather “rough” it, there are nearly 100 different campgrounds available. My favorite of the many camping destinations is called Yogi Bear’s Jelllystone National Park at Paradise Pines (800-232-5349).
Jellystone National Park is the perfect jumping-off point for family campers. If you are not traveling with kids, this is probably not the place for you. But if you are, the campground is clean, friendly and family-oriented. There are new cabins (designed for two adults and two children) with new bathrooms and new kitchens stating at $65 per day. But for a better value try the new large campsites that are compatible with any kind of camping equipment that you decide to bring. They start at $41 per day.
The camping area is safe and secure, and its setting along the Schroon River yields the most gorgeous views between the high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Jellystone National park is in a perfect area too, allowing you the serenity of a relaxing resort but also easy access to all the attractions in the Adirondacks region. If that isn’t enough, the staff at the campground also offers food delivered right to your campsite. Jellystone even allows you to bring your pets camping with you (although this is only available for those staying in cabins). Open from May 1 to October 20, is the perfect summer camping site for you and your family.
July 19, 2007 No Comments
Hawaii’s Haleakala Park: Heaven on Earth
Seeking a destination to celebrate an anniversary, a honeymoon or even just a relaxing vacation? Finding an inexpensive destination without making any sacrifices can be difficult. Hawaii is among the more popular choices because of its beautiful beaches, tropical jungles and luxuries hotels. However there is another side of Hawaii that is not as popular but worth seeing. The Haleakala Trail on the island of Maui runs through a large crater with active volcanoes, although the last was in 1790. This majestic trail is a must-see because of its stunning panoramic views that can only be enjoyed first hand.
Waking up early in the morning is difficult for me most days, but the first time I hiked this trail waking up could not have been any easier. As we made our ascent towards the summit in the wee ours of the morning, the view was limited because of the dense fog. After some time we reached the summit and realized that we were surrounded in a sea of clouds. Other than the plateau we were standing on, no land was visible because of the density of the clouds. Slowly the sun began to rise as we were able to see a hint of light below the surface of the clouds. The sun slowly inched its way above the surface while we savored the moment. Shortly after half the sun had risen above the clouds I then realized we were actually witnessing a sunrise above the clouds. That moment was heaven on Earth and best to share with a loved one.
Along this trail there are over 30 miles of well-marked paths to explore in and around the crater. Park Rangers consider the level of this hike as moderate; it provides a bit of a challenge to novices while not exactly a stroll for the more advanced. The great expanse of this National Park also provides spacious grounds for picnics. There are also several waterfalls and natural pools for swimming, and beautiful jungles to explore. The expense for this dramatic excursion is a $10 entrance fee to enter the park. There are also various low-cost hotels within 15 miles of the park that go for as low as $111 a night, with all the usual amenities.
June 28, 2007 No Comments
Transportation: Top Cruise Lines and Car Rental Agencies
Continuing our list of popular transporation methods, we’re diving into less conventional ways of international travel.
Starting with cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas edged out nine-time winner Crystal Cruises and takes the top seat for the first time. With a fleet of several luxury ships, passengers can choose to travel anywhere from the Carribean to Antarctica or even set sail on a voyage around the world. Among smaller ships, five year old SeaDream Yacht Club also ranks at number one for the first time.
Large Ships*
- Regent Seven Seas 92.4
- Crystal Cruises 92.3
- Disney 85.5
- Oceania Cruises 85.4
- Celebrity 84.2
- Holland America 79.1
- Princess 77.7
- Cunard 77.1
- Royal Caribbean 71.9
- Costa Cruises 64.3
*At least 500 passengers
Small Ships
- SeaDream Yacht Club 92.6
- Grand Circle Cruise Line 91.9
- Regent Seven Seas 91.7
- Seabourn 90.3
- Silversea 89.8
- Windstar 83.2
- Peter Deilmann 82.5
- Lindblad Expeditions 82.0
- Celebrity 81.3
- Viking River Cruises 80.8
If you decide on driving to or renting a car once you arrive at your destination, consider one of the following rental agencies:
- Hertz 70.4
- Renault Eurodrive 69.6
- Avis 66.3
- Enterprise 63.7
- National 62.7
- Sixt 62.5
- Alamo 59.0
- Budget 58.3
- Europcar 56.2
- Thrifty 55.3
Cruise Lines are rated based on :
- Activities/Facilities
- Cabins
- Crew/Service
- Design/Layout
- Food/Dining
- Itineraries/Schedule
- Shore Excursions
Car Rental Agencies are rated based on:
- Locations
- Rates
- Reliability of Fleet
- Staff Efficiency
- Vehicle Selection/Options
December 5, 2006 1 Comment
Top 15 Australia/Pacific Hotels for 2006
The Rialto Hotel takes the crown for top hotel in the Australia/Pacific region. This 5-star, 244 European style bedroom hotel is situated in the center of Melbourne and only a short stroll from the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, Telstra Dome, theatres and well-known shopping areas. 
- Rialto Hotel on Collins, Melbourne 94.2
- Park Hyatt, Sydney 92.5
- Lilianfels Blue Mountains, Katoomba, Australia 91.1
- The George, Christchurch, New Zealand 90.9
- Langham Hotel, Melbourne 89.7
- Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand 89.3
- The Westin, Sydney 88.9
- The InterContinental, Sydney 87.4
- The Millennium Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand 86.7
- Four Seasons, Sydney 86.6
- The Observatory, Sydney 86.1
- Grand Hyatt, Melbourne 85.9
- Sheraton on the Park, Sydney 85.1
- The Westin, Melbourne 84.7
- Kilauea Lodge, Big Island 82.4
November 30, 2006 No Comments
Now That I’m in Buenos Aires, Where Do I Stay?
Once you arrive in Buenos Aires airport, you’re going to want to know where to stay and how to
get there. (Hopefully you have this planned out before departing.) If you aren’t fluent in Spanish, getting around may be a little difficult, although most of the airport employees speak decent english. The first step will be to exchange your money into Pesos. Don’t be fooled and exchange your money at the first currency exchange booth you see in the baggage claim area, as just beyond those doors will be a bank that will give you much more competitive rates. The bank’s rates can be more than 25% in your favor as opposed to the tourist trap that many travelers fall into. (To get up to date exchange rates prior to travelling, visit our homepage) These currency exchange booths are located everywhere throughout the city and can be tracked down by the large signs that read “Cambio”. Once you exchange your money, you’re ready to catch a cab to your hotel. The airport will offer several different transportation companies that will take tourists to their final destination. Make sure you use one of these airport services if this is your first time visiting as they are generally safer than trying to catch your own cab.
October 30, 2006 2 Comments
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