Lady Is A Traveler

Travel Style: Keep Calm And Carry On

2011-03-10T14:46:00.001-05:00

Who knew that an unused British propaganda poster design would resurface about 50 years later to become an interior design staple to be reckoned with?

This resilient message, when strategically placed in the home, reminds us that things may happen that are out of our control, but life always goes on. Call it cliche if you will, but I love the simplicity and understated British nature of the saying. You have to hand it to the U.K! After all, there is a reason they have been a powerhouse for so long. Keep Calm And Carry On!!

* Tea towel from Lark Handmade
* Decorative pillow from Heliotrope
* Vintage Union Jack print from Keep Calm And Carry On
* Wall decal from Dali Decals on Etsy
* Rug from CB2

2010 Gift Guide For Travelers: Part II

2010-12-09T09:12:00.006-05:00

photo by Pantea

Have you started your shopping yet? Were you inspired by any of my previous suggestions for that fab traveler in your life? BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

We can't forget those savvy traveler families out there!

* Here it is, all of Waldo's adventures in one handy collection! Track him down wherever he goes in Where's Waldo? The Complete Collection.

* What Happened Here? Slip in some extra education on those family roadtrips by challenging each other to fun and witty U.S. moments in time.

* Planes, trains, automobiles, and a whole lot more! Let your little ones put their hands to good use and dream away with Papercat Folding Figures.

* City Walks with Kids let the whole family feel involved when it comes to trip planning and sightseeing. That's more enthusiasm for everyone!

* Those long flights can take a toll on the kiddos. Give them a new take on fun from the comfort of their seat with Airplane Bingo.

* This is New York gives your child a beautiful and whimsical look at the city no matter where they may roam...or from the comfort of home!

2010 Gift Guide For Travelers: Part I

2010-12-07T09:45:00.000-05:00

photo by Jessica

Thanks to all of you out there for the fab gift suggestions! I bet there are going to be some very happy travelers come the holidays, unless you are Jewish, and in that case you are probably already carrying away some amazing goodies of your own (sorry that I didn't get this guide out a little sooner!!).

* I absolutely love transit scroll artwork and am saving up for one of my own as we speak. Pick from a ready made design or custom make your own at Transit Design's Etsy shop.

* See the world from the comfort of your own home or office with the vintage illustrations of the Around the World Desk Calendar.

* Make use of those spare Euros while showing off the countries you have conquered with My Scratch Map.

* Travel Table Topics To Go allow you to better know your fellow companions while on the road, out at sea, or in the air.

* There are souvenir maps and then there are the beautiful hand cut city maps of the world by Karen M. O'Leary at her StudioKMO Etsy shop. Her items range greatly in price, but any would make an impressive addition to one's wall.

*Drive away the cloudy gloom with this fun printed, easy to pack, travel umbrella by Rebecca Moses for Macy's.

* The Encase Interoffice Laptop Case provides a work savvy solution to your tech protection.

* HELLO multi-functional wardrobe solution for lady travelers the world over!! Tieks ballet flats are made with buttery soft Italian leather, tuck into the tiniest corners of your purse or suitcase, and are a perfect night-and-day shoe solution no matter what situation you are dressing for!

* Found the perfect bottle of Argentinian wine IN Argentina? Before cursing the TSA for their liquid restrictions, check your adult-friendly fluids without fear while wrapped in Bottle Armor.

* The Lights Out Sleep Mask allows some much appreciated wiggle room for your eyes while blocking out any pesky light that might keep you awake.

* Leave that bulky yoga mat at home and perfect your poses on the go with Yoga/Pilates ToeSox and Gaiam Super Grippy Yoga Gloves.

* Whether you are a picky eater on the camp grounds or you want to doctor up a sub-par meal while out and about, carry along the Mobile Foodie Survival Kit (ketchup not included).

Come On, Get Happy!: Ways To Beat The Winter Blues

2010-12-03T12:50:00.001-05:00

photo by Okinawa Soba

The Winter Blues - I haz it!

I began to notice it a couple of days ago when I began to feel lethargic, less social than normal, and, dare I say it, a bit pessimistic??? I knew right then and there that something needed to change.

I realize that I am one of the fortunate ones living in the Southern U.S. where our winters are far milder and shorter than others who have to endure 4-5 months buried beneath snow and ice. But hey, I also lived in the North for several years. It's safe to say that I've paid my dues! Still we can all endure only so much before we start looking on with jealousy towards the Southern Hemisphere dwellers.

It's totally normal for the shorter days, colder temperatures, and dreary weather to leave us tired, unmotivated, secluded and gloomy, but there are ways to fight those winter blues and find yourself revived and joyfully restored. I have come up with a few ideas and sought the opinion of readers via Facebook and Twitter on how to restore your happy during those long winter months.

* Wear and surround yourself with vibrant colours - Adding some bright hues in your life will make all the difference

* Let the sunshine in - We all know the benefits of Vitamin D, but this time of year we tend to spend far more time inside. Open those curtains and bundle up to soak up some rays!

* Buy yourself flowers

* Get out among the people - It's easy to give into the temptation of staying in, but personal interaction can improve the mood. Unplug from the emails and social networking and go to where the people are. Anywhere will do!

* Spontaneous dance parties - Music is soothing for the soul. Put on something catchy, and get that body moving, even if it's by yourself!

* Treat yourself - Our mood always improves when we have something to look forward to. It could be anything from planning a trip to going out for a glass of wine.

* Take some time for yourself - It's so easy to get overwhelmed this time of year between work, gift shopping, parties, volunteering, and other obligations. You won't do yourself any favours by running yourself down.

* Get lost in a good book

* Get your 8+ hours of sleep

* Make somebody's day - Buy coffee for the person behind you in line. Bake a batch of cookies. Buy Christmas toys for children in need. It's even better if you can do it anonymously.

* Daydream

* Volunteer - It takes a lot of energy to be negative. Use that energy for good instead.

* Make a "Bliss List" - Even on our worst days, there are ALWAYS things to be faithful for. Do it monthly, weekly, or daily. Just remember and be thankful.

* Reminisce with friends over good times and hilarious stories

* Laugh until you can't breathe

* Act like a tourist locally - Get out and about with some friends, check out the local attractions, take a ton of "vacation" photos. Save the ticket stubs and other free souvenirs and make a scrapbook.

* Invite friends over for a Cupcake Swap - have each person make a different flavour and everyone gets to go home with one of each!

* Surround yourself with brilliant scents - smells can trigger some amazing emotions and memories. Find scents that bring you happy thoughts.

* Make a goody box and mail to a friend

* Write a letter

* Dress up and go somewhere fabulous - Or somewhere not so fabulous. Either way, YOU will look and feel fabulous.

* Dye your hair a new colour - Or get a haircut. It's amazing how great it will make you feel.

* Compliment someone

* Create a tiny box of treasures - One man's trash is one man's treasure. What little things will make you smile? Ticket stubs from the best concert of the year? A key chain that you picked up in Dublin? Place them in a little box and decorate to your tastes. Visit whenever you're feeling down.

* Start a tradition or ritual - Get your friends involved and start an event like a rotating potluck, dollar store gift swap, weekend getaway, or cookie decorating party.

* Visit a sauna

* Yoga - Nothing eases my tension and stress more than focused breathing, clearing the mind, and loosening up through the poses. Everything else just seems to melt away.

* Go out with your camera, make up a photo "theme" and shoot away

* Go to a dog park - Some four legged cuteness always makes my day!

* Write a letter to your future self - share goals, fears, and what you've got going for you. Don't open it for a year or more.

* Plan your escape - make plans to get away, even if it's somewhere local. Just spending a weekend in a hotel is a change of scenery.

* Sip hot chocolate and watch the sunset

* Peruse a bookstore

* Host a small dinner party - No fanciness is required. Just a pot of soup or chili with company can be a great time.

* Start a crafty project

* Do a portrait series with your friends - Or even better, throw up a sheet, pull together some crazy props, and make your own photo booth.

* Smile - Even if you have to fake it at first.

* Write down all of your secrets and/or dreams, throw the list into the fire and make a wish

* Send feel-good cards or messages to people anonymously

* Rent or stream cartoons from your childhood - See how they have held up over the years and enjoy the nostalgia ride.

* Become an expert at something - Master public transit anywhere you go, create and perfect a "namesake" cocktail, become a local brunch connoisseur, or refine a recipe. Just do it!

* Buy a fresh, new notebook or journal - Make lists, doodle, vent, and dream. Don't worry about staying in the lines or how sloppy it might get. It's just for you.

* Spend more time with people who motivate, encourage, and inspire you - Ditch the toxic relationships and start the new year off fresh with the sort of people that you want in your life.

Call For Travel Gift Ideas

2010-11-29T16:11:00.011-05:00

photo by Khantipol

It's that time again! Okay, perhaps it should have been that time a tad earlier than now, but the holidays seems to get busier and busier every year!!

I'm working on 2010 gift guides as we speak, but I want to hear suggestions from you as well? What is the latest, greatest, most functional, and/or "can't live without" item or gadget you would like to receive yourself, or are plan to give the fabulous traveler in your life?

Send your suggestions to ladyisatraveler@gmail.com. I'd love to hear about them!

The Great October Adventure-thon: Part II

2010-10-12T16:35:00.012-04:00

So I was a little under the weather this past weekend, so no adventures worth talking about on here, unless you count soup scouting at the grocery store. Chicken noodle or chicken with rice...?

So instead, let's talk about my far more fun adventure that occurred the weekend prior? A couple of friends and I decided to hit up the Ellijay Apple Festival. I like apples, I like fairs, and I like the outdoors. What's not to like? Possibly the warmer than normal weather, but there could be far worse things to contend with.

We sampled the local edibles, with do, in fact, extend beyond all apple variations. Local honey is awesome, by the way. Might I recommend Sourwood honey (not pictured here)?

We embraced our inner child and explored the hand-made toys and goods - all HANDS ON! I was never allowed to touch anything when I was little, so sometimes I think I'm making up for all of it now ;).

....And just when you think you've reached the point in which you are all funned out, there is always the mechanical bull to provide a minimum of 8 seconds worth of amusement - though I still argue that it's a bit more amusing for your friends! But hey -- LIFE LIST check in the box!

Travel Style - Recycled Maps

2010-10-12T11:39:00.005-04:00

photo by bookity

It's hard to believe that there was a time before Google Maps and GPS!

This recycled map garland from the Bookity Etsy shop acts as an eye-catching and colourful party decoration or a unique home accessory that will leave you dreaming of you next travel destination.

The Great October Adventure-thon: Part I

2010-10-05T08:17:00.008-04:00

October may very well be one of my favourite months. Fall is firmly underway, leaving me with an insatiable desire to be outdoors as much as possible instead of the summer, the complete opposite of this brutal summer where the very thought of stepping outside was just short of torture. Why bother easing into fall when you can jump in with both feet, using the approach of a child confronting a large puddle with a pair of Wellies??

I broke in my October with a visit to Providence Canyon in Lumpkin, Georgia - just under 3 hrs outside of Atlanta. The site is relatively new, mostly having been carved out by erosion as a result of poor farming practices in the 1800s (although I'd prefer to think that those farmers just knew that they were lacking a good tourist site and took charge!).

I brought along my travel "partner-in-crime", among others, for the ride and to get a start on tackling the listed hikes required for the Canyon Climbers Club.

The hike was great, but not without its challenges and oddities, like the wet and muddy scene at the Canyon bottom, which was so weird when all we have been hearing about lately is the drought that Georgia is having. I'm down one pair of sneakers, but it was still worth it! We also encountered a number of rusting vintage cars out on the hiking trail, which now serve as wildlife habitats...and an interesting photo op.

Great view, great trail (the short one is only 3 miles), great company, and great time! That drive home was a tad brutal though. One weekend down, several more to go!!

Travel Style - Postcard Plates

2010-09-25T19:41:00.006-04:00

photo by Justnoey

I have been toying with the idea of writing some regular posts on travel-related style for some time now, especially once I discovered that my "Plane" Casual article has been one of my most frequently read ones so far.

Now I'm ready to take it even further. So, travel accessories and interior decorations, here we come!!

I absolutely love the idea of postcard plates, like the one above that is for sale on the JustNoey Etsy page. The uses are nearly endless, whether it serves as a mail holder, a great place to store your jewelry in plain site, or serve your hors d'oeuvres on a conversation starter (just make sure that the one you choose is safe to eat off of - this one is!).

30 Great Things About Atlanta

2010-09-07T21:18:00.023-04:00

Photo by Joe Cattoni

I recently came across this article listing "30 Things We Love About Atlanta" from local radio DJ Bert Weiss. I'm not even entirely sure what magazine this article was published in, but I loved the idea itself.

Firstly, I have been a bit neglectful of Atlanta in my past entries. As much as I encourage embracing your home, no matter where it may be, and finding the exciting nooks and crannies that make it unique, I haven't placed the focus on my own as I should. Secondly, I love the idea that each person can see their city or town with a completely different set of eyes from anyone else. We each can think of 30 things we love, but, while there might be some similarities on one another's lists, rarely will you find two full lists that are identical. Embrace it, and share the wealth! You might just open someone's eyes to goodness that they never even knew was right around the corner from them.

So, without further to do, here are my 30 Great Things About Atlanta:

1. Kingsized/Tongo Hiti

I know that there are plenty of great local bands to catch around town, but I can't help but have a soft spot for the musical creations of Big Mike Geier. Catch a Kingsized Elvis/holiday show, or sip on a Mai Tai while taking in a Thursday night Tongo Hiti show at Trader Vic's.

2. Decatur

It's vibrant, family-friendly, supportive of independent businesses, and one of my favourite intown neighborhoods. Say hi to Diane and browse the reads at Little Shop of Stories, check out the eye catching home goods and accessories at Heliotrop e, and grab some tasty goodness at Leon's, among the multiple other options that the city has to offer.

3. Starlight Drive-in

The drive-in movie theatre is a dying breed, and nearly impossible to find in most places, but the owners of Starlight keep the locals coming back for more with their super affordable double features, along with their weekend flea market and special events like Drive Invasion!

4. Tasty and unique frozen treats

Have you ever had a popsicle that you have ever gotten really excited about? Track down the King of Pops, and you'll never look at those frozen bars of goodness the same way ever again. Now that I have your sweet tooth's attention, get your hands on some of the best gelato outside of Italy at Paolo's in the Virginia Highlands. If it's ice cream you seek, go for the classic flavours at Morelli's near Ormewood Park, or get adventurous and try their specialty flavours, such as sweet corn or coconut jalapeno.

5. Local Festivals

With many to choose from, they run throughout the year and around all the different intown neighborhoods. Two favourites of mine are the Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park, The Decatur Book Festival.

6. Sweetwater Brewing Company

The only thing better than finding Sweetwater at most establishments around Atlanta is to go directly to the source. Take advantage of their tasting room Wednesday - Saturday to sample a variety of their offerings on tap.

7. Dragon*Con

Comic Con in San Diego might be bigger, but Atlanta's annual Dragon*Con, taking place over Labor Day weekend, can boast of being the largest fan run fantasy/sci-fi convention in the nation. Buy a badge for the entire weekend, for a single day, or just take advantage of the free costume watching around the city and take in the Saturday morning parade.

8. Castleberry Hill Art Stroll

The Castleberry Hill neighborhood is quickly becoming known as the great art district of Atlanta. Come take in some visual stimulation during their monthly art stroll during the second Friday of every month. It's free to look and most galleries are stocked with complimentary wine.

9. Buford Highway

Where some major U.S. cities have distinct neighborhoods where different ethnicities reside, Atlanta showcases them all on a single major road. Restaurants, food courts, authentic karaoke, bakeries, taquerias, and a seriously diverse farmer's market all await the adventurous.

10. Fox Theater

Originally built as a headquarters for Shriners in the 1920s, The "Fabulous" Fox has been operating as a theater since the onset of the Great Depression. Today, it's the place to catch some of the latest and greatest live shows and events in a beautiful, "Arabian Nights"-style atmosphere.

11. The rooftop of Six Feet Under

Sure, you can fab patio settings all around Atlanta, but there's just something about the rooftop deck and bar at Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House, particularly Grant Park's location...probably due to its overlooking the historic Oakland Cemetery.

photo by Brian Whelchel

12. Oakland Cemetery

Speaking of Oakland Cemetery... there is no better way to absorb some of the most important people and milestones of Atlanta than a trip to the historic burial ground. People come to picnic and take photos in addition to taking in the beautiful architecture and visiting the likes of Bobby Jones and Margaret Mitchell. Check out their walking tours, twilight tours, and special Halloween after dark tours.

14. The PATH Foundation

Building off-road trails around Atlanta for cyclists, walkers, runners, and skaters to enjoy, the PATH Foundation continues to grow to this day with great success. They provide great opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors and engage in physical activity without the danger of cars, while preserving some of the forested areas around town.

15. Small Music Venues

There is no shortage of music around Atlanta, and some of the greatest venues are ones of a smaller size. Be sure to check out the likes of Eddie's Attic, Smith's Olde Bar, The Loft, and Variety Playhouse, among others.

16. Your DeKalb Farmer's Market/Buford Highway Farmer's Market

I love any farmer's markets, but these bad boys are in business 7 days a week and offer phenomenal goods that you can't find anywhere else. Be sure to take advantage of Your DeKalb Farmer's Market's cafeteria for a really tasty meal that's easy on the wallet. For a real grocery adventure, wander through the different international aisles at the Buford Highway Farmer's Market. You might not always be able to read the labels, but you're nearly guaranteed to carry home some new and exciting goods to try out.

17. Notable Chefs

Take in the culinary creations of executive chef and Top Chef finalist Kevin Gillespie at Woodfire Grill, or fellow finalist Richard Blais at Flip Burger Boutique. There's also the great restaurant trio from Iron Chef: America winner Kevin Rathbun.

18. Creative Loafing

This free publication is my frequent go-to in order to get the low down on all of the great concerts, shows, restaurants, organizations, and events around Atlanta. . Pick them up in print all over the Atlanta area or check them out online.

19. Plenty of kid-friendly options

Isn't it a great relief to know that you can take your kids along for the ride without having to dig up a baby-sitter at the last minute (well, I can't relate to this, but I know that some of you out there can!). Let your little ones' imaginations run wild at great places such as Piedmont Park, the Georgia Aquarium, Fernbank Museum, World of Coke, Imagine It!, and Zoo Atlanta, among many MANY others. I plan to tackle this one further in the future to make a more comprehensive list.

20. The Belgian Bar at The Brick Store

Decatur has it going on in so many ways, as mentioned before! Among those I have already listed, I just can't get enough of the upstairs Belgian Bar (a.k.a. - "high gravity") at The Brick Store Pub. Their variety is huge, with many names that you have probably never heard of, and their prices are rediculously great. Add in a great vibe in general, and you might just have found your new Friday night spot.

photo by RussellReno

21. Atlanta Rollergirls

If you have yet to view some roller derby action, it is highly recommended. These games sell out fast, and for good reason! The lovely ladies that make up the Atlanta Rollergirls are guarenteed to show you some fast-paced, feisty competition.

22. Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade

You won't see a better public Halloween celebration than in Little 5 Points! The celebration runs Friday evening until Saturday night with tons of live entertainment, incredible costumes, no shortage of food and drink, and an impressive parade float competition.

23. Cocktails and Culture

It's nice to know that we live in a city that has no shortage of adult beverages mixed in with some unique settings and activities. Check out Friday Jazz Night at the High Museum, Atlanta Botanical's Cocktails in the Garden, and Fernbank's Martinis & IMAX.

24. Killer Brunch Spots

Ah, brunch! Atlanta has some of the best spots, no doubt!! Be sure to visit Flying Biscuit, Gato Bizco, Sun in my Belly (the bacon, oh the bacon!!), Sweet Melissa's, Thumbs Up, Stone Soup, Radial, and Pastries A-Go-Go for some of the best brunchy goods that this city has to offer.

25. Art Cinemas

Sometimes you just want to catch a flick on the big screen that most cinemas won't show. Lucky for us, independent and foreign films are not a foreign concept around here. Get out to United Tara Cinema and Midtown Art Cinema.

26. Clark Howard

Mon - Fri, 1-4pm, check into the Clark Howard Show as the Atlanta local tells you how to "save more, spend less, and not get ripped off".

27. Indie Craft Experience

As a huge fan of Etsy, there is nothing that I love more than to pick up beautiful and unique goods while supporting independent artists and crafters. Get your hands on your some, crafted by local vendors, on November 20 & 21 at the Indie Craft Experience at Ambient Plus Studios.

28. AJC Peachtree Road Race

It's a 10K city wide tradition that takes place annually, kicking off the July 4 holiday. The race numbers are highly coveted, so think fast!

29. Atlanta Celebrates Photography
As a fellow photographer, how could I miss out on promoting an organization that spends an entire month promoting the photographic arts in Atlanta?? Check out the citywide events throughout the month of October

30. Taste Of....

There is no better way to sample an incredible varieties of local restaurant fare than attending the Taste Of.... events that take place in Atlanta and surrounding neighborhoods. Visit Taste of Atlanta, Taste and Tour of Cheshire Bridge, Taste of East Atlanta, Taste of the Highlands, and Inman Park Restaurant Week.

10 Great Destination Reads

2010-08-09T13:55:00.010-04:00

photo by Mookio Chen

Summer is quickly coming to a close, and just because our physical presence returns to work, school, and everyday obligations doesn't mean that our minds have checked back in just yet. Don't let yourself suffer too greatly with the tormenting thoughts of just how away our next great adventures are. Instead, allow yourself a great mental vacation and let the faraway places (and sometimes days gone by) come to you with some of these great destination books.

1. Worldwalker by Steven Newman
Chronicles of one man's 4-year journey across the world on foot

2. My Travels With Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck
Steinbeck documents his road trip across the U.S. , with poodle companion in tow. He seeks the identity of the "American" and desires to learn of his country on the most personal level.

3. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
Memoirs of Hemingway's personal accounts as a writer in Paris in the 1920s

4. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
Perhaps Thompson's most famous work, this psychedelic novel narrates the story of a magazine writer and his lawyers traveling to Vegas in a 1970s drug-induced haze.

5. Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
Fall in love with Tuscany, either for your first time or all over again, with Mayes' account of purchasing and restoring an abandoned villa in the countryside.

6. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
The train has sadly ceased its operation, but will forever live on in the pages of Christie's famous mystery novel. Conjure up images of luxery and intrigue as detective Hercule Poirot investigates the death of an American tycoon.

7. Pole to Pole by Michael Palin
My love for Michael Palin (of Monty Python fame) runs deep, and even more so due to his passion for travel. In his 1992 adventure, Palin travels from the North Pole down the 30 degree east line of longitude in a mission to reach the South Pole.

8. Nothing to Declare: Memoirs of a Woman Traveling Alone by Mary Morris
Morris' memoirs of her solitary travels through Latin America over a period of 18 months. Her experience is that of participation, rather than spectating, as she interacts with locals and finds herself in some hairy situations.

9. The Old Patagonia Express: By Train Through The Americas by Paul Theroux
Beginning in Boston, and making his way through Latin America, Theroux tastes the flavours of each country he enters, genuinely seeking understanding of the culture and people he encounters.

10. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
The fictional flashback of a retired geisha of her poverty-stricken childhood, being sold to a geisha house, and education in the arts both before and after World War II.

Egypt Uncovered - Part II

2010-07-02T12:29:00.004-04:00

Photo by Luis

Shopping

Never have I visiting a place where nearly EVERYTHING had a negotiable price. Even the mini marts would haggle with you if you seemed uninterested in the price, and I found this to be fascinating. In short, even if you are buying a soda or bottle of water, you might be able to score a better deal than what you are originally offered. However, this is just scratching the surface regarding the amazing world of shopping in Egypt. It can be tricky, and even a little sketchy, but show up with some of these jems of knowledge tucked under your arm and you will walk away with top-notch goods and extra money in your wallet:

* Know upfront that pretty much everything in bazaars are faux and/or made in China. Keep this in mind while bargaining. Definitely avoid buying any "gold" and "silver" jewelry as they have either no or very little precious metal content.

* When in doubt, never pay more than 50% of the original asking price in the bazaars. Most of the items are grossly overpriced. A simple buying guide to follow is:

soda = 3-5 Egyptian pounds
water = 2 for 5 pounds on small bottles (can be cheaper than this) and 5, but no more than 7 pounds, for large bottles
statues = 5-10 pounds
Nubian masks = 25 pounds for small masks, 150 for large masks that are made from thinner wood
shirts = 35-40 pounds for adult sizes, 15-20 for children
scarf = 10-20 pounds, depending on quality
cheap jewelry = 10 pounds for bracelets, 15-25 for necklaces
shishas = 55 pound

* As a side note, many of the statues that you see in bazaars are made with pressed pebbles and are coloured with chemicals that may agitate the skin. Particularly in Luxor, you will see vendors holding these in newspaper or plastic bags.

* You will sometimes receive "guilt trips" during or after a haggling session for bargaining so low, but stick to your guns. For every great deal you score, there were at least 20 tourists before you who didn't try as hard or didn't bargain at all.

* While bazaars are fun to walk around, the best goods come from fair trade shops. They are great quality products made by locals. This means you are paying for REAL Egyptian goods rather than Chinese imports. They have some great selection and unique items that you won't find in any of the bazaars.

* For Egypt's famous items, such as alabaster, papyrus, perfume essence, precious metals/stones, and Egyptian cotton, quality, genuine articles, and good prices are guaranteed by visiting government-run shops. Not all have negotiable prices, but it never hurts to try. I found that essence is best found in Aswan, alabaster and jewelry in Luxor, and cotton and papyrus in Cairo.

* Vendors get progressively more aggressive around tourist sites from Aswan up to Luxor - especially when the locals thin out and tourists are the only ones around. The key is to not speak with any of the vendors unless you intend to buy. Even a polite "no thank you" to them means that you are open for haggling while silence isn't considered rude at all, but a clear message that you aren't interested. Also avoid making any eye contact and walk quickly out of the shopping areas. Don't hold or let anything be draped on you or you will be actively participating in a sale, and you will find it very hard to get out of.

* Beware in Luxor if you are quoted a price in "Nubian pounds". There is no such things. The entire nation uses Egyptian pounds. Per this faux quoted price, 1 Nubian pound = 100 Egyptian pound! Make sure to specify before agreeing to buy.

Sites and Transportation

* Some taxis are metered, but most are flat rate transports. Negotiate based on distance and the number of passengers before getting in the car, and be careful not to get ripped off.

* While visiting Kom Ombo, you will find horse carriages very popular, but avoid riding in these. They are not very well maintained and have a history of injuring passengers. Hold out for Aswan or Luxor instead.

* When visiting sites, earlier really is better, especially for Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings, and the Cairo Museum. You not only beat the crowds, but also beat the heat!

* You can travel to Abu Simbel by either bus or plane. The plane is obviously more expensive, but the much preferred way to travel. Aswan also provides very early flights there.

Egypt Uncovered - Part I

2010-06-29T12:02:00.009-04:00

photo by the New York Public Library

Have you ever been to Egypt? More importantly, have you ever tried to research for a trip to Egypt? I cannot even begin to tell you how confusing it is from the very start. Look up any website, message board, or book for information and you will quickly find yourself at the center of a wide spectrum of advice that spans from "cover from head to toe and never go outside" to "just do whatever you want - it doesn't matter!". Needless to say, at times it is difficult to figure out which way to turn.

I will tell you up front, there are some things that DO matter. While finding myself outdoors in Luxor on a 112 degree day, it occurred to me that there was a reason that the Crusades failed so miserably (and I do realize that they didn't take place in Egypt, but bear with me here...). When people are not used to or prepared for the culture and conditions that they are about to place themselves in, failure is not so much an option but a near guarantee. Go to Egypt unprepared and you will likely find yourself sick, ripped off, dehydrated, and possibly with sun stroke.

Other things are far less serious, but I certainly wish I had known about up front. I was very fortunate to have a local as my guide. He provided us with, not only an understanding of and an appreciation for the history and current culture of the country, but also very important basic information to protect our person, our wallets, and our health. I want to share what I have learned with you because I haven't been able to easily find this information anywhere else out there and I think it is good to know, particularly if you have Egypt on the brain. So let's get started!

Clothing/General Outdoor Needs:

Without proper protection, particularly in the summer-ish months, issues like sunburn, sun stroke, and dehydration are much more of a promise than a possibility. Trust me, I saw it firsthand and it is not pretty. The dry heat is also deceiving as it is often much hotter outside than it feels.

* Always carry water with you and drink it throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty

* Sunscreen, sunscreen, SUNSCREEN! Wear it all the time every time. The sun, in late spring through early fall, is brutal and unforgiving and shade is rarely available.

Our first instinct, when the temperature begins to rise, is to start cutting back on clothing. In reality, more coverage is better when in Egypt - both for cultural and sun protection reasons. The key is to go with breathable materials to protect your skin from the elements. Cotton is perfect (avoid synthetic fabrics that don't breathe), and lightweight colours will keep you cooler in the warmer months. Here are a few packing suggestions:

* sturdy sandals and some well-ventilated closed toe shoes (you might find yourself climbing around a bit, particularly around the historical sights)
* sun hat
* sunglasses
* t-shirts with at least short sleeves in white or light colours
* lightweight scarf (can protect your neck and head during midday)
* capris or lightweight pants
* linen or cotton skirts that are knee length or longer
* gauzy cotton shirts with longer sleeves that you can slip on, if needed, to protect your skin from the sun

Food and Drink

* You have heard the term, "don't drink the water"? This definitely applies in Egypt. Our body isn't used to the bacteria, so the outcome of consuming tap water isn't exactly pretty and will put a quick damper on your tour.

* In addition, you are going to want to avoid raw fruits and veggies with edible skin for the same reason (this is typically the downfall for most tourists)

* If you do find yourself ill on your journey, do NOT take Immodium. It actually will prevent you from getting the bacteria out of your system and will instead allow it to settle in your stomach, resulting in vomiting - even worse that what you originally started with! Instead, buy Atinal at any local pharmacy. It costs about 5 Egyptian pounds and should cure you within about 24 hours. Unlike Immodium, this will kill the bad bacteria in your system. Many a tourist will tell you that it is a miracle drug!

* Street food is cheap, mostly safe, and delicious! Don't fret if you don't see an English menu when you first arrive. Someone will usually come up to you right away to help you out and sometimes lets you sample the food before buying. Try the shawarma - Egypt's version of the gyro. It is muy tasty!!

* Egypt is about 80% Muslim and the religion doesn't allow the consumption of alcohol, so you won't find many bars or restaurants that serve alcohol - unless they are very catered to tourists. Hotel restaurants and cruise ships are always your best bet if you are craving a cocktail.

* Wine is not exactly one of Egypt's famous products and most places who do sell wine offer imports over of the locally made stuff. However, the tradition of beer brewing continues to this day. There are some pretty decent local beers, including Luxor, Sakkara, and Stella.

I've Been Everywhere, Man!

2010-06-22T10:01:00.002-04:00

I'm back! FINALLY!!

The last month has consisted of everything from quickie weekend roadtrips, birthday milestone surprise celebration trips, and hauling it to the Middle East and running around in the desert. Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it, but the memories still put a huge smile on my face.

I have learning some pretty remarkable things in my recent journeys, and I am eager to share them all with you, especially those concerning Egypt. I don't know how many of you plan to make that journey in the near future, but I highly encourage it! Sadly, information is not as readily available for that location as I would like for it to be. Fear not though.....I've been taking notes. LOTS of notes!

But first, a nap!!

Life Lists - Inspiration The "Mighty" Way

2010-04-18T21:07:00.014-04:00

Photo by *polet*

I have been a fan of Maggie Mason and her Mighty Girl blog for some time now. Her vivacious personality, dazzling wit, and upbeat writing, making the everyday so enticing, not only brightens my days, but keeps me coming back for more. I've never met the woman before in my life, and already and want to meet her out for a margarita. Is that strange? Photo by MaggieMason

Just when I thought that Mighty Girl couldn't get any better, Maggie raised the bar with the introduction to her Mighty Life List. Basically the same as a "Bucket List", Maggie made out a list of 100 things she wanted to do by the end of her life, grabbed the attention of some amazing corporate sponsors and hasn't looked back. Even more important, she has inspired many people, including myself, in the process. How many times have we listed out our dreams and then tucked them away into the back of a drawer somewhere? Not so with Maggie. Her list was made for doing, and she is encouraging others to follow suit.

Inspired by the idea of making a my own list of my lifelong dreams, I haven't come up with 100 just yet, but here is my starter list:

* Go hang gliding
*Try parasailing
* Get SCUBA certified and go scuba diving
* Climb Mt. Fuji
* Visit the Harajuku district of Tokyo and people watch
* Attend a Holi festival
* Have a guest spot on a travel show
* Try my hand as a magician's assistant
* Visit Egypt (soon!)
* Tour Egyptian ruins with Dr. Zahi Hawass
* Make it to all 50 states
* Step foot on all 7 continents
* Walk in the footsteps of the Bible in Jerusalem
* Ride in a biplane
* Live (at least a short time) in another country
* Try acupuncture
* Stay in a tree house hotel
* Attend the Kentucky Derby - bit hat, mint julep, and all
* Ride on a dog sled
* Meet Michael Palin and discuss his travel journeys over lunch and a pint
* Learn to play guitar
* Take Flamenco and Irish dancing lessons
* Start and finish a themed photography project - display results in an art gallery
* Have one of my photographs displayed in a museum
* Do a zip line tour
* Complete my 100 new foods project
* Meet the Pope

Have you ever made a life list of your own? What is/would be on yours? What would you do? Where would you go?

Go make a list if you haven't already. Dream away, document your goals, and take supreme pleasure in crossing them out as you live out those dreams one by one!

Some Sore And A Tilt

2010-04-05T18:36:00.003-04:00

photo by alvi2047

I got the last in my series of travel recommended vaccinations today. Now the fun times can really begin!

I will admit that I'm not a huge fan of needles. It's not that I can't handle them. I'm just not much of a pain pleasure-seeker. So waking up earlier than normal to go get a shot in each arm wasn't exactly an exciting sort of incentive, to say the least.

Waking up with a neck that has decided to achingy revolt when turning right and looking up occurs was even less so. Even more interesting was the fact that I couldn't quite hold my head up correctly without a sharp reprimand from the muscles involved. Trust me when I say that life becomes a little more interesting when viewed from a slight tilt. I'm sure it's more interesting for the people who see me walk by. Something feels.....strange. Am I crooked or is she? I like to think that I provided amusement for the masses today. It's what I do.

So my sore neck and all made it successfully to the doctor's office. Let me say that it wasn't even the needle pricks that hurt. Those were maybe an afterthought. I don't even remember the stick. All I can recall is the smarting couple of seconds and the vaccination was pumped into my arm. I like to play my "mature" part in the process. Goodness knows that these nurses will probably have to wrestle down a thrashing child at some point in the day, so let's start off on a good note! I will, begrudgingly, admit that I couldn't quite hold in those grunts as the plunger was pushed --but it was still better than the incredibly grown up "owwwwwwwwww" that I wanted to release.

So the deed is done, I'm not causing people to tilt their heads in public anymore and all is right-ish with the world.

ATX And The SXSW

2010-03-29T22:20:00.004-04:00

SXSW is one of those magical-sounding events that I have yet to go to, but can't imagine a better music/technology/film/etc. wonderland that could possibly exist. And really, who could ask for a better state to hold it in ;) ? One of my photog acquaintances, Lee Starnes, made the journey this year and brought back some pretty amazing shots. I hope that the 6+ minutes rock your world like they did mine! Viva la SXSW!!

SXSW 2010 from lee starnes on Vimeo.

Romance Abroad: The Tried And True Guide To Couples Traveling

2010-03-09T10:35:00.000-05:00

photo by Periklis Ripis

You have been together for some time now and may even still be basking in the "honeymoon" relationship phase when the subject of going away together takes place. Ah, holiday! Visions of sunsets on Santorini, lunches in Parisian cafes, viewing the world from the top of the Empire State Building, and candlelight pasta suppers in Venice (a la "Lady and the Tramp") play one by one through your head in a sort of fairy tale travel slideshow of what could be. Reality, however, is far more than just accordions and meatballs. A trip, a real trip away for several days and hundreds, even thousands, of miles away from home with your partner can be a true make-or-break couples experience. Travel with one you hold dear, even more so than with friends, can quickly become one intense moment after another, full of strong and varied emotions, along with enough amped up quirks and pet peeves to regularly justify a good old fashioned neck ringing (only in your mind, of course!).

Fear not! You can still get away from it all with your love without calling it quits at the baggage claim, but it is best to undertake a little mental planning and open up those lines of communication before jumping the next plane to Budapest. Here are a few tips to keep the love alive and the feelings of vengeance securely under wraps.

* Start Out Small
Before heading out of an international excursion, test the travel compatibility waters with a more local getaway. Make a long weekend of it, taking in a big nearby city, hanging loose at the beach, or soaking in the great outdoors. Also, keep in mind the amount of time you and your partner have been together. If you have only been dating for a couple of months, chances are you still on "shaky" ground, and buying tickets for a 2 week jaunt over 5 months away is a risk that is probably not worth taking. Keep the memories of your travel positive by playing it safe.

* Seek Common Ground
Communication, both before and during, your trip is absolutely essential. Both parties need to be open about their travel intentions and interests. Is he more into sight seeing while you are more keen on absorbing the local culture? Do you prefer checking out the best museums in town while he would rather be taking in sporting events? The key here is compromise. Both of you should return home without feeling cheated, and that often involves making some small sacrifices on both sides in order for that to happen.

* Agree on a Budget and Accommodations
Have you ever heard that money is a leading cause of divorce? Imagine what it will do to your relationship if you aren't on the same page with it when traveling. If the two of you are taking turns paying for meals, but he keeps driving the totals up by 5 or 10 Euro each time, it's going to leave a mark on your wallet. It's fine if money is no object, but if it is an additional expense that you had not anticipated or prepared for, it could very well wreak havoc on the tail end of your trip. This is where communication and compromise come into play again. Accommodations fall into the same category. If you're not a hostel sort of girl, let your partner know up front, but also be aware that he might not want to throw down big bucks on a luxurious hotel if you only plan on using it for sleeping and luggage storage. Keep the lines open and honest, be willing to make little sacrifices, and all will fall into place.

* Address Issues Instead of Holding Them In
Remember that whole "communication" thing I have been pushing so far? Yup, it is still important when grievances arise. Those little habits that were once so endearing may now have become something out of your own personal hell. Let's be realistic. Long trips can leave you and your partner sleep deprived and hungry, and that is never a good combination. Add in stress and language/cultural barriers (depending on where you travel to) and all bets are off. Before even leaving for the airport, be sure to talk about these realities. Be mentally prepared to not hold a grudge and know that both of you are going to have some unpleasant moments. Traveling is one of the best bets at seeing your love at his or her worst. When these unpleasant moments do arrive, take a breather. It's not wrong to stop talking to each other for an hour or so in order to cool down and collect oneself. Once you have returned to your cooler, calmer self, talk to your partner. Do it lovingly and honestly, and be ready to apologize on both ends. Most times it has nothing to do with who is right and wrong, but being humble and aware that these things just happen. Be patient and have a sense of humour. It is a vacation, after all!

* Focus Less On Romance And More On Having Fun
It is difficult to try to plan romance ahead of time when traveling. You never know what obstacles may lie ahead, for starters. The truth is that when you are traveling with your partner, romance will come. It's really best when it is unplanned. A spontaneous gift of a flower from a little open air market, an evening stroll, a sudden decision to pop into a candle lit cafe for an espresso or glass of wine, etc. It really makes the moment more memorable. The key is to focus more on having a really good time, and the romance will come.

Walk Like An Egyptian

2010-02-12T14:22:00.000-05:00

photo by khalid almasoud

I have officially purchased my airline tickets for my trip to Egypt!

*EEEEEEEEEP!*

All smiles. That is all.

Web Link Wednesday - 3 February 2010

2010-02-03T18:20:00.004-05:00

Photo by .elsie*cake.

* Simple Travel Photography - It doesn't take an expert to take memorable photos on your trips. Find out how!

* Travel photography as easy as A-B-C-D-E....

* How To Ask, 'May I Take Your Photograph' In A Different Language - Sometimes photo ops of others are even greater (and with a far more positive response) when

* Check out these National Geographic travel photos. AAAAAAAMAZING!!!

* ...and when you're done with those, check out the 2009 Photo Contest Winners. Some of these shots were taken my amateur photogs. Hello inspiration central!

International Lady of Travel

2010-02-01T11:30:00.001-05:00

Photo by simple tess

Despite her loving and complacent demeanor, she is one who cannot fully be tamed, as her mind always wanders towards her next adventure down the street or an ocean away. She walks the world wide-eyed, like a sponge, wishing to absorb sights, sounds, smells, and experiences in order to deposit them into an irreplaceable bank of mental memories. Her insatiable hunger to learn more about the people, places, and things that surround her remain a constant and pleasant pang within. Her passion for topics such as history and culture unlock only more doors to be opened on an endless life-long journey of discovery. She knows that a brilliant odyssey need not be thousands of miles away, but even as close as around the block. She grows in independence, strength, and resilience with each step that she takes. She ventures forth with each expedition fully knowing that things will not always go according to plan, but simply learns, and begins to enjoy, being carried with the stream. She knows that all work and no play makes for an exhausting, and not nearly as exciting, journey. She likes to talk to others, learn of their past, their goings on, their destinations, and their dreams. Her thoughts and words to her sisters in travel are never those of jealousy, but rather inspiration, mutual excitement, and continual encouragement to sojourn. She unearths hidden treasure one tiny chest at a time, and wishes to share the wealth with others rather than hoarding the goods for herself. She is magical. She is marvelous. She is a traveler.

'Tis A Smalish Sort Of World

2010-01-14T12:34:00.009-05:00

Photo by drei.dimensional

Here's a great big welcome to my readers from 17 different countries! Let's see if I can get this right...

Irashaimase いらしゃいます

Teretulemast
Ahlan wa sahlan
Serdecznie witamy!
Soyez la bienvenue
Bienvenida
Herzlich Willkommen

Selamat datang

Welkom

Mabuhay

Swaagatam

Apologies in advance for any language butchery.  I am already about
something like 7 languages behind the pope!

Celebrate Good Times, Common!

2010-01-04T17:22:00.004-05:00

photo by nikilynn

It's my birthday!

I'm going to have a piece of cake. You should have one too!!

Flying High In 2010

2009-12-28T13:19:00.005-05:00

photo by Petr Kurfurst

Hello all you lovely travelers, staycationers, dreamers, and lovers of life! I hope that you all enjoyed a lovely bunch of holidays - whether St. Nick rewarded you for being good this year, brightened the world through your menorah or kinara, celebrated a very special birth, or got excited about the idea of a gradual increase of daylight.

We all know that 2010 is just around the corner, and I'm excited about the limitless potention for Lady Is A Traveler in the coming year. I have numerous inspirations just waiting to burst forth into writing and images! But I also want to hear from you, you awesome readers you! Be sure to email me or leave comments to let me know what you would like to see in the coming year.

Are you interested in international travel but afraid that you can't afford it? Engrossed in turning your city inside out with some super sleuth exploration? Passionate about incorporating some destination-themed pieces into your home? Amused by a regional easy-to-make recipe, exciting and humourous travel story, or some amazing travel tips that you desire to share with others? Tell me about it!

In the meantime, enjoy the last few days of 2009. Oh, and eat another cookie or two while the are still around. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate :).

A Little Gift Of Thanks

2009-12-23T18:01:00.004-05:00

photo by Art Flow

Greetings once again from Amarillo! The sun and unseasonably warm weather here has given way to...are you ready for this....SNOW!! Snow that actually accumulated. Well, only a little bit, but still...SNOW!!

However, snow wasn't really what I had in mind to write about. I wanted to talk about YOU!

I'm going to put myself out there, dear Readers. I'm going to be completely open and honest. Writing a blog isn't always the easiest job. Despite my passion for travel, life, photography, and the like, I don't always have a clear direction as to where I am going from entry to entry. I am still formulating the path that I want Lady Is A Traveler to take. Sometimes it is not always easy for me to write. I concern myself with quality, even more so that quantity. I want to make each little visit worth your while. In all honesty, for a long time I had no idea if anyone out there was even reading any of this. Is anyone out there?? Am I wasting people's time? Is this blog worth reading? Why is it called No Reservations when Anthony Bourdain's staff is clearly booking his trip ahead of time? If I did more muscle building, could I achieve Samantha Brown's amazingly toned arms? Okay, maybe I got a little side-tracked on my questions...

In truth, I have come to a realization that you are out there after all! I have had friends come up to me recently, telling me how they really enjoy reading Lady Traveler - people that I had no idea even knew that the blog existed in the first place. I have received inspiring comments and retweets from complete and total strangers who believe in what I am doing. Now that I have begun to receive readership information in the last two weeks, I continue to be even more amazed and humbled with the response. I have had visitors from nine different countries that span all across the globe. NINE COUNTRIES!! And that's just in the two weeks that I have started to keep up with you fabulous readers. Wow! You are all so fabulous!!

In this enchanting holiday season, I just want to let each and every one of you know that in the course of writing this blog, in an attempt to motivate, excite, and inspire, it has really been YOU who have motivated, excited, and inspired ME! Thank you all so much for your time, love, and support. You make me so proud of this blog, and I will do what I can to keep you coming back for more.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you!

Where Is My Holiday Taking Me??

2009-12-17T19:36:00.005-05:00

photo by Samer Farha

Hello everyone! I made it through the airline travel relatively stress-free! Granted, we're still in the week before we will see peak numbers at the airport, but who knew that trying to unpack TWO laptops to go through security, while removing liquids, shoes, a coat, and - evidently - my sweater (???) could be so taxing? Fortune was on my side, however. The line wasn't too long, and I made good with the people behind me by letting them move in front. This act alone keeps aggression among the masses at a very low level. Hooray! Other travel highlights from yesterday include:

*On time flights
* The woman in front of me ordering a margarita on the plane....at 7:30 in the morning!
* A Blue Bell ice cream shop in the Houston airport
* The ability to have BBQ sandwiches for breakfast -- also at the Houston airport (God Bless Texas!!)
* Fantastic people watching during the layover
* Only a half-full plane from Houston to Amarillo
* A very friendly and talkative flight attendant
* Not getting plane sick as a result of some pretty severe turbulence
* SUNSHINE!!!! I have only seen the sun in Atlanta for two days in the last 15 days. Amarillo is warmish and is saturated with sun. It has greatly done my body and spirit good.

I would sum up all of these factors to consider it a successful trip. So here I am in Amarillo and adventure is right around the corner, I tell you! I fully intend to look into the nooks and crannies of this city, although progress might be a tad slower as a result of not having a car. I will prevail though!

What are your plans for the holidays?

A Very Merry GuideTo Stress-Free Holiday Travel

2009-12-15T14:02:00.000-05:00

photo by Dyrk. Wyst

'Tis the season to hit the highways and airports with packed bags, gifts in tow, and visions of friends and family, or even destinations of escape, dancing in our heads. However, the act of travel is never quite as dreamy as the destinations ahead of us when combined with ticket price increases, long lines, crowds, traffic, and weather-related delays and cancellations. Add in this year's flight cutbacks and the unpleasant addition of bag check fees, and it's enough to turn just about any jolly soul into a Scrooge!

I will be right there in the thick of it all myself, and it would be silly if I didn't admit that, despite my love of travel, sometime these setbacks during this time of year are enough to make my own hair stand on end. So let's fight back! Let's rise above these seasonal stresses together and achieve our own personal travel zen. Serenity now!!

First thing's first. Let's start by start by prepping before we even start. Avoid the last minute scrambles on everything from booking your ticket, to packing, to heading out on time. If you plan to fly, book your tickets early in order to avoid price boosts and sell outs (especially common this year as hundreds of planes have been pulled due to lack of business). Most major airlines are charging for any checked bags this year, so decide if you are willing to pay or not, and then pack accordingly. Sadly, not all bags will be guaranteed for carry-on with fellow passengers competing for luggage space on the plane. Make sure that all delicate and valuable items remain with you in a bag that will fit under your seat. Before the big day of travel arrives, get lots of sleep and hydrate up - we lose a lot of liquid while flying. Have your things ready in advance for the day of your departure and be sure to leave early to give yourself plenty of time, especially this time of the year. Check out traffic reports to prevent any unnecessary surprises.

With the wintry, unpredictable weather this time of year, delays are highly possible, so be prepared to spend lots of quality time becoming familiar with your airports. Make sure to charge your gear ahead of time and tuck in plenty of reading material. Don't get discouraged if you are kept grounded for a couple of extra hours. It's a great chance to stretch your legs before however many hours of sitting that you have in front of you. I have found some great little coffee shops and wine bars in my airport explorations. If anything, mellow out with a cup of tea or a glass of wine, pop open a book or magazine, and enjoy the short break from the holiday craziness. Patience and acceptance go a long way - and even better when the joy remains intact.

2009 Gift Guide For Travelers - Part II

2009-12-09T13:37:00.002-05:00

photo by jonmatthew photography

Hello again! It has been a year of gift ideas so plentiful that I just couldn't condense it all into one post.

For the Family:

* Personalize your vacation memories with the sketch pad surrounding Doodle Frame.

* The Family Road Trip Box of Questions is a great alternative to vehicular boredom and is engaging for all ages.

* Pack your travel snacks in the Kawaii Cuisine Bento Box - almost as fun to look at as it is to eat what's inside!

* Assemble your own camera?? Yes you can!! Take on the challenge with Ridley's D.I.Y. Pinhole Camera.

* Magnetic Figures keep all pieces in place while on the go.

Misc. Goodies:

* Bring the outdoors inside the comfort of your home for those who are chimney-challenged with the Cute Kindling Tea Light Holder

* The Bottle Cap Tripod is a non-bulky option for that straight on, non-shaky shot.

* Keep the memories as they come with help from Globejotting: How to Write Extraordinary Travel Journals.

* The Agile Rabbit Book of Historical and Curious Maps is a source of creativity and inspiration for your own personal odyssey.

* Get off the couch and on the road with Let's Go's Roadtripping USA.

* The silk screened Thomas Paul Ludite MP3 Case is a classy way to keep your tunes protected.

* Decorate your walls with loyalty towards your favourite city neighborhood with Ork Posters.

* These luggage tags bring personality to your everyday luggage and provides a fab alternative to the "red yarn" identifiers.

2009 Gift Guide For Travelers - Part I

2009-12-07T14:37:00.002-05:00

photo by bpitzer20

Thanks to all of you who sent in your gift suggestions. The ideas were so plentiful that I had to break up the list into two guides!

I have really enjoyed putting these lists together, with your help, and even discovered one or two more items for my Christmas wish list in the process. Treat your family, treat your friends, or even treat yourself! You shan't be disappointed with so many brilliant goodies to choose from.

Technology:

* Achieve the "vintage photograph" look with the Holga 120N Camera.

* Never get lost in the lower 48 again with the Garmin Nuvi 1200 GPS Navigator.

* The Lenmar Retractable Earbud Headphones saves you from a tangled mess.

* Carry a small library on the go with the Sony Reader. Sony wins out among competition due to the device not restricting you to one place to purchase digital books. Even better, it allows you to buy directly from independent booksellers.

* The SteriPEN purifies water in no time without the aid of chemicals.

* Reduce outside noise and enjoy music and movies with the purest sound around with the Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphones.

* Make the most of limited outlets, especially in places like airports, with the Belkin Mini Surge Protector/Dual USB Charger.

For Wear:

* The Base Camp Tech Touch Gloves allow for MP3 player and cell phone operation without removing that added warmth when the weather is frightful.

* Whether you're flying the friendly skies or just out for the day, don't leave home without this insanely spacious, retro-style Pan Am Cabin Bag.

* The Bula Supersonic Earphone Peruvian Winter Hat keeps you warm without skipping a beat with great tunes.

* Charms are a fairly inexpensive souvenir to pick up among your travels. Be sure to keep them out of the jewelry drawer and, instead, jingling on your wrist with a Charm Bracelet.

* Get a grip on things with Merona Thinsulate Gripper Microfleece Gloves.

Back, But Chilly

2009-12-01T17:25:00.005-05:00

Hello lovely people! I hope that you all had fab Thanksgiving for those of you in the States. For those of you who aren't, then I hope that you had a splendid weekend!

I have returned from the amazing city that is Prague. I highly recommend it. It is this magical mixture of Medieval-ish Gothic and Parisian-like architecture style. It really depends on what side of the river you are on, but it is all pleasing to the eyes. The beer was fantastic and comes very cheap, partly due to the fact that the Czech Republic has not yet switched to the Euro (less that $2 per .5L at most places!!).

The history of this location is long and often discouraging, but the people never gave up and have prevailed and the Czech spirit and nationalism is strong and very much alive here.

Go. See. Eat. Drink. Do.

More about the trip later. Now I'm off to recover from jetlag!

Worldwide Festival Highlights For Winter

2009-11-24T20:36:00.000-05:00

photo by Ben

We are quickly approaching the onset of winter - a season with very little excuse needed to throw down and celebrate. If the holidays just aren't enough to get excited about, check out some of these worldwide festivals to get you into that party mood.

Desert Celebrations

photo by BenTaher

It's just something about this time of year that lures people out into the desert - probably something that has to do with the reduced risk of heat stroke. All kidding aside, these festivals allow for a fantastic change of scenery, along with a colourful assortment of events, music, and dancing. Travelers beware: it gets COLD at night.

International Sahara Festival - Tunisia

Taking place in the oasis of Douz (where palm trees outnumber the people 25 to 1), locals and tourists alike arrive on December 27 for four days of Arab horse riding, traditional dancing, camel racing, and open air markets.

Bikaner Camel Festival - India

True to the name, Bikaner, Rajasthan's annual festival focuses heavily on the animal of the hour. Activities include processions, races, dance performances, and even a beauty pageant for the best decorated camel. If the visual appeal just isn't enough, sweets and tea are available made from camel milk.

Mali Festival Au Desert

Originating back in 2001, this festival makes up for its short history with three days of concerts and desert night dancing. Beginning on January 28, activities also include camel shows, traditional games, and conferences.

Ice/Snow Festivals

photo by rldock

With an abundance of snow and ice that accompanies the winter months, one can either curse its existance or celebrate its arrival. These locations are just some of the few who choose to do the latter.

Harbin Ice Festival - China

China sure knows how to throw a good party, so much so that this particular celebration lasts from January 5 and runs all the way through mid-February. Located in the capital city of the of Heilongjiang Province, this location is no stranger to the abundance of natural ice and snow. Ice lanterns are the main draw here, although they have expanded to very large, brightly lit ice sculptures, inspired by famous landmarks and Chinese fairytales.

Kiruna Snow Festival - Sweden

Sweden holds its own during the cold months while holding the largest snow festival in Europe. Taking place and the end of January and 140km above the Arctic Circle, highlights include reindeer racing, dog sledding, and a snow sculpture competition that draws some greatly impressive artists, and resulting in pieces that are often very unique.

Carnaval de Quebec - Canada

Leave it to Canada to take the winter festival up a notch. Running from January 30 - February 15, Quebec provides festival-goers with the expected snow sculptures, dog-sled racing, and skiing, but how about the legendary canoe race on the St. Lawrence River....in the middle of winter....yeah. After a day full of ice castles, sleigh rides, ziplines, and snow rafting, among numerous other activities, the Arctic Spa Villages offer hot tubs and saunas to warm up visitors after those cold days and even colder nights.

Sapporo Snow Festival - Japan

Home to some of the most impressive snow sculptures, 12 teams from around the world come together to compete in Japan's 7 day festival. Taking place in Odori Park, and running from February 5 - 11, visitors can take the edge off of the cold with the help of warm sake and the nearby hot springs.

New Year Celebrations

photo by Souvik Prometure

You can find celebrations to ring in the New Year just about anywhere and everywhere you look, but they often cannot compare with some of these:

Edinburgh's Hogmanay - Scotland

Running from December 29 - January 2, Scotland carries a reputation for a New Year's party that cannot be duplicated. Dance performances, live music, avant garde art exhibits, film showings, street parties, the Loony Dook, and a carnival all come together to build one seriously competitive celebration.

Véspera de Ano Novo - Brazil

If ever there was a New Year's celebration that could effectively compete with Scotland, it would be the one located on the sandy beaches of Brazil. Standing only in the shadow of Carnival (and very similar in some ways), revellers adorn themselves in white clothing, singing and dancing, practicing good luck traditions, and finishing the evening with a flurry of fireworks.

Chinese New Year

Keeping with the traditional Chinese calendar, the Chinese New Year falls at a later time than most of the world (February 14 in 2010). Celebrated all across the country, the holiday is celebrated for 15 days both in crowds, with the family, and individually. Homes are cleaned as a symbolic act of sweeping out old business and making room for what the new year has to bring. Acrobats, lion dances, firecrackers, and other performances fill the streets.

Gift Ideas Wanted

2009-11-23T16:00:00.003-05:00

photo by Kisforcalligraphy

Hello all!

I am in the process of piecing together a holiday gift list for the favourite traveler in your life, maybe even for yourself, but I need your help.

Please send me your unique suggestions, "can't leave home without" items, and links to independent sellers, so that we can amass a gift guide that is both memorable and terribly useful.

Please email your ideas to ladyisatraveler@gmail.com and thanks in advance for your help! Check back soon to find goodies that are worth writing home about!

Airport Liquid Restrictions: Beating The System

2009-11-16T10:50:00.005-05:00

photo by 4PIZON

"3.4 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring." - Transportation Security Administration

We all know the drill here. If you have carried on any liquids in the last 3 years or so, you have crammed shampoos, perfumes, and other lotions and potions into those tiny little travel bottles and then into that unaccommodating quart-sized zip lock bag. The longer the trip, the more difficult these are to pack and fit your needs. Sure, you could check your bags, and avoid this little security waltz, but when handing over bag check fees anywhere from $25-$35 per flight, is it really worth it??

The good news is that an end to this fluid-focused misery may be on the horizon, but don't expect it in the immediate future. European transport ministers originally hoped to end the ban this year, but have since extended the rule into 2012 as they work to perfect new scanning devices. The U.S., too, have wavered on an end date, so plan on being stuck in the same old grind for a while longer.

In the meantime, there are a few ways to "beat the system", so to speak. Liquid rules are still liquid rules...but that is only when dealing with liquids.

* Switch to a solid perfume - We all want to smell nice, but perfumes and other fragrances are more difficult to travel with as they are typically in breakable bottles and are not often easy to transfer into a smaller, travel-friendly container. Solid perfumes are truly a girl's best friend. They only take up a fraction of the space of a normal bottle and no longer fall into the liquid category. Tuck it into your purse and never leave home without your favourite scent!

* Leave face cleanser at home - Pre-moistened face cleansing cloths also avoid falling into the liquid category. The little envelopes can be tucked into your bag, taking up very little space, without burdening your precious liquid carry-on space. There are also dry cloths available with the cleanser saturated in. Just add water upon reaching your destination.

* Try dry shampoo - Recommended more for shorter trips, dry shampoo acts much like baby powder, absorbing excess oil on your head and leaving a subtle pleasant fragrance.

* Hoard sample sizes - Get your mitts on those sample-sized mascara, perfume, and other cosmetics. They are the ideal mini-me's of your liquid faves that are often difficult to downsize. Saves these specifically for travel and you will be flying high.

* Buy toiletries upon arrival - I don't really recommend this for overseas excursions, but when traveling domestically, sometimes it is worth popping into your nearby drug store and grabbing your needed items instead of burdening yourself with the added bulk and inconvenience of liquid luggage.

Little Bit Sickly

2009-11-09T10:54:00.004-05:00

photo by Kristina Yamamoto

Good morning all! I am coming to you from "Couch Island" as I pop ibuprofen and down Sprite in an attempt to rid myself of the sickness junk that has plagued me since yesterday. Also, I'm trying not to act like I'm five. "Uggggghhhhhh........I feel awwwwwwful! MOMMY!!"

But it's not all bad. I'm insanely grateful that this didn't hit me about two weeks from now, or as I'm sitting on a plane somewhere over the Atlantic. There is something to be said about good timing!

Since we're on the topic of illness and travel, have you ever gotten sick on a trip? What is your worse travel sickness experience?

Fun-Loving Friday - 6 November 2009

2009-11-06T15:09:00.004-05:00

Hey there everyone! How are things? Exciting weekend plans? I'm working my way up north to finally take in some of this phenomenal fall foliage.

It's been a pretty intense week in the news, so I feel it best to end this week with a laugh. I've recently developed a wee bit of a fascination with Britcoms. They are big fans of catchphrases, but the characters are amazingly outrageous and it is just so funny - often in the most ridiculous ways possible. Here are a few of my favourites, containing a bit of travel flair to them.

Are You Being Served

Monty Python

Absolutely Fabulous

Keeping Up Appearances

Packing For Paris - Questioning The Norm

2009-11-04T08:21:00.011-05:00

Photo by gillian villa

I don't understand the obsession that is "dressing up" for Paris. Is it the notion of the city's romantic reputation that drives people to it, the idea that the French are the most fashionable of people, or the fact that it is considered to be a major fashion capital of the world? I don't hear of this travel style fixation nearly as often when it comes to women traveling to other fashion-forward cities like Milan or New York. Correction: I only briefly saw the New York fashion fanaticism back when Sex and the City hit its peak on television. Women were dropping crazy-large wads of cash on even crazier high heel shoes, walking about 10 blocks, and then hailing a taxi....back to the hotel to grab their reserve sneakers, having quickly realized the painful error of their ways.

I understand the desire to not stand out like a sore thumb when visiting somewhere, a very visible scream of "I AM A TOURIST!! Notice my outstandingly white sneakers! Oh, and I need a t-shirt bearing your city's name to wear -- RIGHT NOW!!!"

There are plenty of reasons to not visually stand out as a tourist, safety being one of them. However, there is also a difference between not standing out from the crowd and trying to look like you have spent the last 10 years in a Parisian flat. Let us be realistic about the fact that most tourists, no matter the nationality, will, to some extent, look like they are not a local. Blond hair and/or blue eyes? Well, that's not really very common in France. Carrying a camera? Not a bad thing at all, but it's a dead giveaway. Backpack with sleeping bag attached? Yup, you are not from around here.

Here is the key: stop worrying about what the Parisians are going to think. I guarantee that they have seen more than enough tourists in their day and they don't care about what you are wearing. Chances are they have seen worse. MUCH worse.

Another important thing is to be comfortable. It is not recommended to wear heels in Paris while sightseeing, unless you have traveled in them before and can testify to the shoes' superior comfort. Yes, most Parisians wear heels far more often than, say, me! And while they do tend to walk more than your average American, they still aren't covering the ground that a tourist does in an average day. Let's face it, would you rather cut down on walking by riding the subway everywhere in a pair of cute heels and miss out on the incredible sites along the Champs? Comfortable shoes are absolutely essential here. Padded ballet flats, shoes designed for lots of walking, or even sneakers if you feel so inclined (and I often do!). I tend to find a sleeker, more discreet-looking version with darker colours like grey, brown, or black. It's like comfy camo for your feet! The best part is that they can be equally used upon your return home, making them less of an investment piece.

Have you heard the rumour that denim is taboo in Paris? I have too, but guess what? LIES, ALL LIES! Want proof?

Oh, and this:
Both photos were taken in Paris of the everyday French on StyleandtheCity.com, and there are plenty other photos on there to support the case. Dark jeans can always take you a long way. They can be dressed up and dressed down in one simple-packing piece. However, once again, wear what you will be comfortable in.

Scarves are cute, but not necessary to bring, and I'm still unsure why people are so insistent that one has to be packed.

When in doubt, work with what you already having in your closet, invest in one or two new pieces ONLY if you need them, and don't waste your time buying a whole new wardrobe. Not only will it be far less stress for you, but you know what your favorite personal items are and how they flatter you. Case in point - Alice of finslippy.com at the Louvre.

photo by finslippy

Doesn't she look lovely? Comfortable and casually put-together in the best kind of way! Her hubby looks great too.

photo by finslippy

Have I covered everything? Have I ticked off everyone?? Hopefully not because it is not my intent to be overly critical. I really just want you to feel good about going to Paris and not panicking about what is going in your suitcase. It is about the site and experience, afterall! 'Tis better to be seen in photographs without donning the most fashionable Parisian wear than to miss the opportunity for photos at all because you are too uncomfortable to enjoy yourself.

I recently found this comment online in response to an article on how to dress more like the French. I'd love to give her credit, but I don't have her real name:

"I'm laughing so hard! I'm French (writer living in the U.S. for a few years, going back & forth) and I have to say: American women have to stop looking up to France so much. You guys have some GREAT ideas for fashion and a lot of very creative stuff has come from the U.S. the past few years (Rodarte, anyone?). Don't look at a few women walking the streets of Paris - especially - and think they have it all figured out: taste and class were not bestowed upon 100% of the French population!"

Read this, remember this, and embrace who you are and where you are going! Eat crepes, climb the Eiffle Tower, and enjoy the ride without worrying about what you are wearing along the way.

Not only am I making a recommendation, but I have also followed my own advice :)

Sudden Realization

2009-11-02T14:52:00.003-05:00

I am just over 3 weeks away from my trip to Prague and reached the sudden realization that I still don't speak a single work of Czech.

Hmm....add that to the to-do list!

100 New Foods Project: A Quick Update

2009-10-29T10:15:00.002-04:00

Photo by Gare and Kitty

I bet you thought I had forgotten about this little side project. Ho ho, you thought wrongly my friends! To be fair, I have certainly decelerated to a pace that would make a tortoise throw me a dirty look, screaming, "Pick up the pace, buddy!"

Safe to say, unless I engage in some serious reckless eating, I will not be hitting 100 new foods by the end of this year. Still, it's okay. I have devoted myself to this new food cause and I am not intending to give up, no matter how long it takes! Death before dishonour!.....and all that jazz.

As life has picked up a little chaos along the way, as it always does for me from the months of October through the end of the year, I have made a little headway -- so let's review:

6. Chayote - I found this squash at my favourite farmer's market, and would have easily mistaken it for an extra wrinkly pear if there had not been a sign indicating what lay in my hands. I chopped it up and sauteed it, finding the taste to strongly resemble that of a summer squash.

7. Jambon Iberico - Here is where the eating gets more interesting. I recently visited Iberian Pig, a newly opened restaurant in Decatur, with some friends. A haven for meat lovers, vegetarians probably will not share the same passion for this place. Among the delicious and unique menu items is the Jambon Iberico. This isn't your regular cured piggy product. Imported from Spain, the pigs are regularly fed acorns, somehow attributing to a marbled fat throughout the meat. It's like the Kobe beef of pork, as it was explained to me, and your wallet will agree. Thankfully we were able to split the cost and the small amount of prosciutto-esque meat. It was sweater and pretty darn flavourful with all that marbling. Highly recommended -- just know that it doesn't come cheap!

8. Boar - I don't THINK I have ever had boar before, but wasn't too scared to conquer it as it's all in the same family really. That night Iberian Pig served us some complimentary boar meatballs. It was tasty, 'nuff said.

9. Goat - Among the boatloads of pork available for ingestion, Iberian Pig also a roasted goat worth writing home about, per local food critics. Since I had never had goat and it came highly recommending, I figured I might as well take the plunge. I was on a roll that night, after all! It was actually pretty tasty. It looked a lot like beef in a pot roast, on my plate, was very moist, and not gamy at all, as I have often heard goat described.

10. Heart of Palms - No real story behind this. I grabbed a jar of sliced hearts of palm at the grocery store. They taste similar to artichokes.

Page Flipping and Old World Dreaming

2009-10-26T19:50:00.005-04:00

Photo by panta rhei.

Yet another happy fabulous fall day to all of you! It has been a day of little ups and downs for me, but despite my coffee maker dropping dead on me today and a failed batch of homemade bread due to dead yeast (I'm noticing a pattern here), I managed to score a killer deal on a used copy of Let's Go: Amsterdam.

How long will I be in Amsterdam? Honestly....hours during a layover or two. However, with such limited time, it's good to know how to get around and a couple of places worth going to instead of wasting valuable time getting acclimated.

So in a matter of words, yes, my "travel partner in crime" and I AM planning another trip this year. Just a short one, but my real destination is going to be Prague! It's going to be cold. It might very well be rainy. But it's going to be beautiful, a magical old world for my eyes and camera to feast on. Oh new destinations.....I can never get enough!

Seasonal Cravings

2009-10-22T10:22:00.006-04:00

Photo by Bright_Like_Neon

As the temperature starts to drops and I begin to float amidst a colourful sea of flannel, comforters, sweaters, and scarfs, visions of of warm and tasty things dancing around in my head. Rich, flavourful morsels, originating from both close and faraway lands, being slurped, crunched, chewed, savoured, and swallowed......eat them up, yum!

Does this happen to anyone else?

This morning I was contemplating current cravings, mixed with some of my favourite food items encountered in my journeys. What I desire and what I desire to eat again sometime, in its purest and most genuine form.

* Pho - How can you look at that photo above and not begin to salvate? Generous portions of beef or chicken and noodles submersed in a steamy broth with garnishes of chilis, bean sprouts, basil, onions, limes, and the like. Combined with spoons, chop sticks, the combining, stiring, scooping, chewing, and slurping creatings a beautiful symphony from bowl to mouth. I have yet to try it in Vietnam, but I'm also smitten with my local secret Pho stop. Be sure to find one of your own and slurp on!

* Italian - To be fair, I'm thinking more along the lines of the New York-ish/Americanized version. Don't get me wrong, I adore real Italian food, but sometimes a big hunk of lasagna or bowl of pasta laden with lots of cheese and sauce just makes my heart swell. Add in some garlic rolls, a glass or two of red wine, and roll me out the door with love.

* Ham and Cheese Crepe - Before the foodies of the world try to lynch me, please let me first explain. I am mad for French food - how can anything with that much butter and cream be bad?? However, I was still suffering from the aftermath of a sort of "death virus" upon my arrival to Paris. It pains me to say that I never really got to experience French food there to its full enjoyment. It finally took me turning the corner on my illness and a full day of no food and a late night to find myself on the Champs-Élysées, ready to eat just about anything. My friend and I found ourselves at an outdoor crepe stand in the holiday market area and, there in my hand, was placed the freshest, made right there from beginning to end, pipping hot, ham and cheese crepe. And I could TASTE it. So simple, yet so epic, it was one of the greatest gastronomic moments for me. God bless street food!!

* Beef and Guinness Stew - I still haven't found anything to compare with the version that I had in Dublin. Large chunks of beef and mushrooms, thick malty sauce with hints of onion and garlic. Yes, my friends, on a rainy day it is truly some good eating.

* Curry - Yes please! And for something even more exotic, try to the South African version with fruit chutney and sliced banana on top. It sounds crazy, but it is amazingly delicious!!

How about you? What sort of tasty things do you begin to desire this time of year? I want to know, if only to make my mouth water!

Have Meds, Will Travel

2009-10-19T15:38:00.005-04:00

Photo by evantravers

We have heard it time and again, a motto that is no longer exclusively reserved for scouts -- "Always be prepared".

When it comes to traveling with medicine, my "travel partner in crime" and I take no chances. Predictably, we show up at the airport, she way more than even I (though to be fair, I bum off of her like crazy), loaded down with veritable mass of pills, elixirs, and remedies that would rival any apothecary on the block. Got a headache? We have you covered. Nausea? Got your back. Intestinal trouble? Thank goodness you found us!

While we are possibly, I must reluctantly admit, a bit excessive, there are great advantages of bringing your own meds. You can absolutely find similar types in most cities, but it can sometimes be difficult finding exactly what you are looking for, taking valuable time away from far more enjoyable activities that you could be engaging in. Add in potentially higher prices and those emergency situations when you need something and need it NOW, packing your own kit can pay off.

Here is an idea of some of the medicines we tend to bring along on our trips:

* Prescription meds - sadly, I really shouldn't leave home without them
* Tylenol PM - helps for sleeping on the plane (I'm considering switching to NyQuil)
* Aspirin - thins out your blood, which is valuable for helping to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis on long flights
* Ibuprofen - sure, I could rely on the Tylenol or aspirin for this, but I have always had better luck with ibuprofen working faster and more efficiently
* Dramamine less drowsy formula - battles motion sickness
* Pepto-Bismol - nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach.....you get the idea
* Decongestant on a seasonal basis, particularly in the fall and winter or when my allergies really hit

My gosh, I hope I'm not forgetting anything else.

I CERTAINLY do not recommend that you carry everything that we do. However, I would suggest that you consider the following particular symptoms and bring something appropriate to cover them:

* Headache/sore muscles/general pain
* Nausea/intestinal discomfort
* Motion sickness if you are prone to it on the road or on the water, depending on what sort of activities you will be partaking on your trip

Small containers or one-dose travel packs are ideal to look for and will take up much less space in your luggage. Prescription medicine should remain in their original containers, as you run some minor risk of being hassled in customs should you travel internationally. You can probably fit most of what you need into a used mint tin, along with a cough drop or two (if it's that time of the year) and maybe a few band aids for the ill-timed blister, like so:

Photo by Alligee

Web Link Wednesday - 14 October 2009

2009-10-14T16:20:00.005-04:00

Photos by 1. Alex Martinez Photography, 2. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations,
3. lonechildreporter, 4. Gala Darling, 5. str8films, 6. Corey Fishes **

This Web Link Wednesday is an ode to some of my favourite leaders in travel out there! Please be sure to check them out if you are not familiar with them.

* Anthony Bourdain Blog - For those who do not tire easily of Tony's sharp wit, quick mouth, and enduring disdain for Rachael Ray (what gives with these two??), the former chef and travel/food show host manages to additionally keep us entertained with the offbeat goings on behind the scenes of No Reservations and his life outside the series.

* What's Sam Wearing - Oh, if only we could all travel with a personal stylist!! Until we all come into big money or score travel shows of our own, seek some packing inspiration from Samantha Brown.

* Clark Howard Travel Deals - Always on top of the budget travel game, Clark is your go-to for amazing flight, cruise, and hotel prices, along with other money-saving travel deals. Specializing in travel out of Atlanta, his site is worth checking out for regular updates, or even better, subscribing to his travel newsletter that is distributed every Tuesday and Thursday.

* Art Wolfe Photography - all I can really say is "WOW!" The man's travel photography is breath-taking and allows you to feel close enough that you could reach out and touch another land. He provides incredible inspiration when it comes to travelling with camera, and his television show, Art Wolfe's Travels to the Edge, carries some wonderful tips while fueling your desire to hop the next jet to ANYWHERE!!

* Road Warrior: Josh Bernstein - Written for Fortune Magazine, Josh discusses his favourite locations, the gadget he doesn't leave home without, and his need for two passports.

* Gala Darling - This bubbly and inspirational "International Playgirl" who lives a life that resembles a candy coloured, high heeled, magical, jet-setting pageant. While focusing primarily of fashion and style, Gala graces us with some very helpful tips on being a house guest, pursuing one's travel dreams, and her International Playgirl credo. Visit her site and fill your mind with fanciful dreams and aspirations to make a reality in your life!

**Disclaimer - With exception to one of these people, I am only hoping that the people above do, in fact, have the right to distribute these photos for blogging purposes. If, however, this is not the case, please advise me and I will immediately remove the photo(s).

Web Link Wednesday - 7 October 2009

2009-10-07T19:33:00.005-04:00

Photos by 1. chadh-flickr, 2. stickincustoms, 3. photodocgvsu, 4. surfwax,
5. fortphoto, 6. nicoatridge, 7. Leviathor, 8. James Watkins

* Budget Travel magazine stirs up some controversy with their take on 8 places every American should see.

* 10 ways to avoid vacation stress - it happens to the best of us from time to time!

* Get behind the wheel and discover National Geographic Traveler's drives of a lifetime.

* Fees fatten airline revenue by $3.8 billion - perhaps the industry so badly after all.

* It is the never-ending challenge for travelers -- Rachael Ray magazine tackles how to pack light.

* Free language guides from Intrepid travel! It's a quick way to pick up the basics and know how to pronounce correctly.

Alternative Accommodations

2009-10-05T09:55:00.007-04:00

photo by AlicePalice

We are a diverse people made up of many different needs, desires, expectations, and budgets. As a result, there is really no "one fit all" model when it comes to travel accommodations. If all hotels are not made equal, or the same for that matter, then why even limit oneself to a hotel at all when there are so many alternative options available for laying down one's head?

I have stayed in many a wonderful "budget" hotel in my time. However, I have also been granted the pleasure of staying in some of these wonderful types of alternative accommodations, which have allowed me to enjoy my surroundings in new and exciting ways that I never could have imagined. Take a look and open your mind!

Bed & Breakfast: How do you picture a bed and breakfast? My mind often immediately goes straight to a refurbished older home with lace doilies and big Southern-style breakfasts. You will, of course, find this sort from time to time, but bed & breakfasts are far more diverse than you might have imagined. Some of my favourite versions were located in apartment buildings among city locals, leaving us with more of an authentic feeling rather than the touristy experience. These locations are far smaller and more intimate than its hotel brethren, and the local owners are warm, welcoming, usually far more attentive than you would get from a hotel, and eager to let you in on their favourite secret city attractions and restaurants. Breakfasts vary, or may only exist in the form of meal tickets that you take to a cafe that the location has partnered with. With great deals to be found, excellent personal attention, and a meal included in the cost, the bed & breakfast is often my favourite way to go.

Airbed & Breakfast: For those seeking an even more authentically homey-feeling experience, and connecting with your fellow travel-hungry peers, can seek lodging through the web-based Airbed & Breakfast. With home bases in 1381 cities, covering 87 countries around the world, vacation rentals, apartments, spare bedrooms, and other unique accommodations are up for grabs are affordable to insanely low prices (sometimes as cheap as $35/night!!).

Rentals: For larger groups of travelers or longer visits, renting can save you big bucks over hotel stays. In addition, you will find additional ammenities, such as full kitchens, a far more homey feel than you would receive in a hotel, and a chance to better experience life from a local's point of view. Websites like Homeaway.com have thousands of apartments, houses, villas, etc. available around the world.

Subleasing: Similar to renting, subleasing is just another way to experience travel from outside of a hotel room. Many places are available on websites like Sublet.com for a per night or per week rate.

Home Exchange: It's just like the movie Holiday where Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet's characters swap houses. The good news is that not all things that you see in the movies are fictional! For an annual fee of around $100, you can list your home on websites like HomeExchange.com or Homelink.com and find other eligible homes around the world for swapping. This option does require that some caution be taken. Network with website veterans and be sure that you become very familiar with your swapper beforehand. Also tuck away your valuable goods and documents before leaving home, and check with your insurance company to see how your coverage extents to guests.

Web Link Wednesday - 30 September 2009

2009-09-30T20:20:00.004-04:00

photo by sylvanwye

Although only recently acquainted with the art of Frank Chimero, I have quickly come to fancy his work, particularly his States Series. Each print is a clever and subtle depiction of each state, adorable for hanging in a child's room, but diverse enough to adorn your art wall with your own personal location loyalty. Only 17 states are available at this time, but stay tuned as your other favourites hopefully arrive soon to the shop.

Travel Tips - 29 September 2009

2009-09-29T13:29:00.003-04:00

photo by Lin Pernille Photography

* Be good to yourself while traveling. Stay motivated to see what you can, but also take time out to enjoy everything that you encounter.

* Claim a trademark travel item for yourself, whether it is a scarf, travel bag, stuffed animal, etc. Don't leave home without it.

* Don't fear botching up foreign languages! Learn the basics (hello, goodbye, please, thank-you) and speak it fearlessly with a smile on your face.

* Get up early to watch the sun rise.

* Round-trip flight costs look too high? Conduct a search for one-way fares. Surprisingly, there has been increasing success in bagging a better deal this way (thanks to Wanderlust and Lipstick for this tip!!).

* Whether it is breakfast, dinner, a glass of wine, etc.... enjoy something on a city rooftop while taking in an amazing view from above.

I Feel a Fun-Loving Friday Coming On!

2009-09-25T11:32:00.003-04:00

Another set of storms are gearing up to hit Atlanta again this weekend, but it is all sunshine today! Nice weather, exciting upcoming events, and another trip in the works is making for a great welcome wagon to the weekend.

I dream of visiting this place one day

There is nothing better than the enthusiasm that comes with traveling to a particular location.

Oh My, What Day Is It???

2009-09-23T09:55:00.002-04:00

photo by Eulinx

Hello?? Where am I? What day is it? How long have I been out of it? From the looks of it, nearly two weeks! Oy, what two weeks those have been!!

Please forgive me for my absence! Rest assure I have been anything BUT lazy during this time. There has been much extra work involved at the "other job that I do because they pay me money so that I can afford to travel". Preparing to exhibit in a photography gallery show has also been underway-- what can I say? I'm a multi-tasker! There was also all of that crazy flooding in Atlanta and I believe that most of us, from downtown to the outreaches of the metro area, are half crazy having been couped up for days - nay, weeks! Needless to say, excuses aside, I have been unfortunately neglectful of my little blog nook.

I have a few more days of work mania and then things should go back to more controlable way that they were. I will try to post here a couple of times and hope to be back to normal next week. So sorry for keeping you waiting!

In the meantime, I'd love to hear about what you have been up to! Any trips on the horizon? Any valuable travel tips or news that you have picked up? Tell me.

Web Link Wednesday - The Airline Edition: 9 September 2009

2009-09-09T14:31:00.006-04:00

Photos by 1. jschellenberg, 2. birdlike, 3. *honest*, 4. Jim Skea

* Airlines aren't playing around with the H1N1 virus this fall and winter. Read up on the precautions they are taking to protect fliers.

* Flight Booking Engines - What Works? Beth Whitman of Wanderlust and Lipstick weighs in.

* Do you dread passing through airport security? TSA gives advice on how to get through the line faster.

* Deep Vein Thrombosis is a very real and serious risk when it comes to long flights and drives. NPR discusses the risks and ways to prevent blood clots.

* Seat Guru provides airline maps, listing the best seating options and power port locations.

* The L.A. Times share some stress-saving tips for airline travelers.

Spotlight: Santa Fe, NM

2009-09-08T18:38:00.020-04:00

Photos by 1. Moi!, 2. ~.LiberianGirl.~, 3. i-foton, 4. rsusanto,
5. jwoodphoto, 6. i-foton, 7. DayTripper, 8. zadro, 9. Moi!

While I have not spent nearly enough time in this city to be fully satisfied, I LOVE Santa Fe! The adobe-style structures, warm tones and bright colours, breathtaking nature, and blending together of cultures to create something really unique. Throw in the friendly locals, the amazing variety of artwork, and the photography gold at the end of the rainbow and you have one ideal place to be. In honor of Sante Fe's 400th anniversary, here are some great city highlights worth making the trip for.

Art Galleries - The reality is that there are so many art galleries in this city, each one boasting a different medium, style, and focus. Due to the vast diversity and artistic preference being such a personal thing, I cannot possibly recommend just one or two. I can almost guarantee that you will find something that will brighten your smile and liven up a space in your home. If you need a little initial direction, free magazines and brochures with gallery advertisements are available around town to get your feet walking in the right direction. However, your greatest find might be hidden in a corner somewhere that you might otherwise have overlooked, so keep your eyes peeled.

Palace of the Governors - This oldest continuously used public building in the U.S. also houses a museum that depicts the history of New Mexico inside. It is both interesting and educational, but be sure to check out the Native American Vendors Program before taking off. Positioned on the side facing the plaza square, you are sure to find hand-made goods from anywhere ranging from fair to blow-you-away bargain prices. The silver and turquoise jewelry is all authentic and especially amazing, providing an ideal souvenir that can be enjoyed everyday. Goods can be bargained for, and while credit cards are often accepted, you can typically get a better deal by paying with cash.

San Miguel Mission - In addition to the oldest continuously used public building, Santa Fe can also boast of the oldest church in the U.S. Built in 1610, this tiny church still carries the essence of colonial Catholicism, down the painted deer and buffalo skins from 1630 and an impressive altar screen from 1798. Admission only costs $1 and is completely worth it, or catch a Mass.

Santa Fe Photographic Workshops - It is not your cheapest activity on the list, but perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy the incredible nature that surrounds the area, along with bringing home a one-of-a-kind picture captured by none other than yourself! All photography instructors have impressive resumes and years of experience, and you are sure to find a class that matches your experience level.

The Santa Fe Southern Railway -Enjoy the high desert scenery from vintage rail coaches along the Santa Fe Southern Railway. You won't cover lots of ground, but you will move slowly enough to enjoy what you see. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board, and special tickets for barbeque dinners and cocktail excursions and also available for purchase.

The most important tip for Santa Fe is to make your trip your own. Find those little niches of the city, tuck in, and uncover the secrets that it has to offer. Find that great little tucked away restaurant, the gallery just off the main strip, the "hole in the wall" spot that makes the most amazing Mexican hot chocolate. That, my friends, is what makes city exploring really special, and Santa Fe is the perfect spot to make it happen.

100 New Foods Project: #5 - Korean Melon

2009-09-04T17:00:00.005-04:00

photo by QuintanaRoo

I was a fan of the Korean melon before even taking a bite of it. Its conveniently small size allows for an ideal single-serve portion, unlike its cantaloupe or honeydew counterparts, and there is minimal preparation needed in order to eat it. The seeds tend to be few and easy to scoop out, and the flesh inside is tender and sweet. I personally find taste to be very similar to a cantaloupe, so it is a nice alternative to having to peel and chop up a much bigger melon.

Find it. Try it. Love it!

Experiencing The Daily Exotic

2009-09-03T16:19:00.002-04:00

photo by GluehweinEffects

Summer has come to an end and we have all started working ourselves back into our normal life routines. It can be a comforting thing, but also sometimes leads to the longing and dreaming of traipsing around some location far more exotic than your local hot spots. The truth is that we may not always have the time and/or money to hop the next flight out of town, but here are a few ideas to liven up the everyday.

* Bring rich colours into the home. Saris make a brilliant resource for pillow covers and curtains.

* Invest in an espresso maker - even if it is an inexpensive stove top version.

* Frame pictures of destinations, people, and objects that you dream about. Take a visual vacation each time you look at them.

* Going out to eat? Try a new ethnic cuisine or find a place where the tastes allow you to relive your special vacation memories.

* Eating in? Throw a low-key dinner party with a location theme or draw everyone in with an international potluck.

* Spend some quality time in your local ethnic grocery store. Little adventure are waiting for you in each aisle.

* Instead of the mouth, let your feet, your hands, and your body do the talking. Salsa, flamenco, tango, belly dancing, swing...take lessons!

100 New Foods Project: #4 - Dragon Fruit

2009-09-01T15:37:00.007-04:00

photo by dolcevitalux

This project was certainly not forgotten, but only set aside temporarily while I battled some allergy ick. Get ready, for now I am back on track!

It had been a while since my last new food, so needing some new inspiration, I headed out to the Buford Highway Farmers Market. Let me tell you, if you live anywhere in proximity to this Doraville, GA gem, you need to check to make the drive. It is a plethora of local and ethnic goodness, with aisles upon aisles marked by national concentration. The variety here alone will leave you in awe. Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Eastern European, Jamaican, African, Latin American... This, my friends, may be the ultimate grocery store, and will keep me consuming new and tasty things for a long time to come, but I digress...

Having only just arrived, I barely made it out of the produce section without completely filling my basket with new fruits and veggies to test. There is something to be said about pacing myself, but I will be back for more -- oh yes, I will be back! (Ack! Digressing again!!)

Among one of the first items that caught my eye upon walking through the doors was a vividly hued pinkish-red skinned fruit with lovely light green leafy accents. The dragon fruit, also known as a pitaya) is a whimsical-looking food to behold. A part of the cactus family, the fruits are often grown in Central and South America, Mexico, Southeastern Asia, and Israel.

There are three varieties available, and the one that I chose had a white internal flesh with tiny black edible seeds, like the picture above. The texture is a combination of that of a pear and a kiwi fruit. The taste was better than bland, but far less sweet than other fruits that I have had in the past (I have read that those with red flesh are a sweeter variety). Once cut in half, it was easy to scoop out and eat with a spoon. The coolness from being in the refrigerator made it even more refreshing.

It is aesthetically pleasing, tasty, and refreshing - I think we have a winner here!

Worldwide Festival Highlights for Fall: Part II

2009-08-27T09:22:00.014-04:00

Let's carry on where we left off, shall we?

photo by peppergrasss

Dias de los Muertos - Mexico

Taking place from October 31 - November 2, and connecting with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, Dias de los Muertos is a beautiful celebration remembering in remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. Origins of this practice are believed to have taken place thousands of years ago to a festival dedicated to the Aztec goddess, Mictecacihuatl. Highlights of the festival include decorated graves, sugar skulls, dancing, candles, marigold flowers, and food and drink preperation that were favourites of the deceased. Death is not mourned during this time. Instead, the lives of the deceased are commemorated and bright colours saturate the cemetaries and surrounding towns.

This festival can certainly be found in the United States, particularly in the Southwest, although you may want to consider a more private celebration in honor of your loved ones. Some tips regarding sugar skull preparation and altar decorating can be found at Diadelosmuertos.us.

photo by Chuck Cutler

Banquet for Monkeys - Lopburi, Thailand

This is probably one is the most unusual feasts you will ever witness, as you won't be able to participate if you aren't sporting a tail. Originating in 1988, the annual banquet was started by a local hotel owner who, like the rest of the town, was benefitting from the primates' large tourist draw. Since then, the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple hosts this strictly vegetarian event for some 3,000 long-tail macaque monkeys, and is witnessed by nearly 10,000 spectators, on the last Sunday in November. While perhaps more indulgent for the monkeys than for the humans, this banquet is certainly a sight to see.

I have yet to find a substitute in the U.S. that is anything like this banquet, so you'll need to make the trip to see this for yourself. Just think of it as another one of Thailand's many draws.

And since it was recently brought to my attention...

photo by LollyKnit

The Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival - Nova Scotia, Canada

Many thanks to Authentic Seacoast Resorts for bringing the mention! While I have to admit I have never tried Nova Scotian wines before, this certainly has grabbed my attention. Held from early September through the end of October, the Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival sounds like the perfect blend of top notch food and wine. There are over 40 events to choose from, including wine stomps, educational classes, dinners, and vineyard tours.

......................

Am I missing any other big fall festivals? Please be sure to share them with me! I would love to hear about anything else out there.

Web Link Wednesday - 26 August 2009

2009-08-26T10:56:00.007-04:00

photos by 1. TPorter2006, 2. hongdae hongdae, 3. Jan Kritzinger,
4. Altus, 5. dlemieux, 6. Paul Linton

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful week so far! I know that I am....I am starting research for my next big trip!!

* So you don't want to stick around the house for what's left of the summer, but you can't afford a cross-country jaunt? Check out these One-Take Escapes for Seven Cities.

* How to Say "Cheers" in 50 Languages: One of the fastest ways to make friends is to drink with them!

* When/how much to tip, expediting passports, interpreting hotel descriptions, and how to enlist help with your plans. It's all here in the Guide to Savvy Traveling.

* National Geographic examines the New 7 Wonders vs. Ancient 7 Wonders. Do the new picks hold up to the originals?

Have you found anything interesting this week? Tell me about it!

Worldwide Festival Highlights for Fall

2009-08-25T10:36:00.028-04:00

Traveling is already a fun and memorable experience, but being present for a big celebration or festival can really take your trip up a notch. It can help us to even better understand and appreciate particular locations, cultures, religious beliefs, etc. that we would not have the chance to otherwise. Besides that, everybody likes a good party! Some celebrations have even managed to migrate their way into the United States, allowing for easier access for those of us who can't just pack up and circle the globe whenever we wish.

Fall is just around the corner, and so are these worldwide events. Pencil these in during your upcoming travel plans or find a suitable substitute nearby.

photo by David May

The Braemar Highland Games - Braemar, Scotland

While Highland games can be found throughout the year in Scotland, the Braemar Games, held on the first Saturday of September, draw considerable attention due to the attendance of the British Royals. Events like this one predate recorded history and celebrate Scottish history, culture, and heritage through the use of kilts, bagpipes, and participation in track and "heavy" events.

If unable to hop across the pond, you will find a large amount of Highland games year round across the United States. The two largest, even larger than the games held in the home land, are The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina during July, and the Scottish Highland Games in Caledonian, California on Labor Day weekend. Check out other Highland games near you at the Association of Scottish Games and Festivals.

photo by losgor

Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany

For the love of beer and brats.....it's Oktoberfest! Beginning in late September, and running 16-18 days into early October, the festival originated as a celebration commemorating the marriage of King Ludwig in 1810, and has continued to grow in popularity since then. The modern festival now begins with a twelve gun salute and the ceremonial tapping of the first beer keg, and now includes carnival rides, souvenir booths, and beer tents alongside the drinking and celebratory food consumption.

Oktoberfest has grown into a world-wide phenomenon, and you need not fly all the way to Munich to participate in the revelry. Americans love it so much, in fact, that it has become the second largest German imported customer after the Christmas tree. It is difficult to come about a comprehensive list due to the mass number of celebrations across the country, but Allaboutbeer.com lists ten worth noting. For more information, do a search for festivals near you.

photo by Nav A.

Dussehra - Multiple Locations

Also known as Vijayadashami, Dasara, Dashain, this important religious festival is celebrated by Hindus and Jains and takes place in early October, centered in locations such as India, Nepal, Bengal, etc. Based on the region celebrated, the event commemorates Rama's overpowering of the Ravana or the demon Mahishasura's defeat at the hands of the Goddess Durga. While the history and means of celebrating vary based on location, the theme remains the same: the celebration of good over evil.

These festivals are a little harder to come by in the U.S., but the best recommendation would be to find your local Jain or Hindu temple near you and contact them directly. Chances are they will be welcoming and excited about your enthusiasm for the celebration.

photo by Graham Gordon

Procession of the Lord of Miracles - Lima, Peru

The largest of all processions in South America, this celebration dates back to the Spanish occupation when an Angola slave drew a "miraculous" image of a black Christ on the wall of a plantation hut. Despite all attempts to erase it and a devastating earthquake in 1655, the image stayed intact, leading to a massive devotion to the city's patron - the Lord of Miracles. The main attraction occurs on October 18 when a sea of purple tunic-wearing devotees pray and sing while carrying the sacred image, on a one ton platform of gold and silver, on a 24 hour pilgrimage from the church of Las Nazarenas, through downtown Lima, until arriving at the church of La Merced in Barrios Altos.

Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be much of a substitute for this celebration in the United States.

photo by cathou cathare

Salon du Chocolat - Paris, France

Bonjour!! Marie Antionette might have made the legendary (and false) statement, "Let them eat cake", but this Porte de Versailles celebration is even sweeter. Industry vendors, exhibitors, fashion designers, recipe demonstrators, seminar leaders, and visitors combine at the Salon du Chocolat to collaborate in creamy new trends and creative uses...not to mention partaking in samples!

Similar conferences occur in the world's major cities through the fall and winter, including our very own New York Chocolate Show!

More fall festivals to be continued...

Web Link Wednesday: 19 August 2009

2009-08-19T20:46:00.006-04:00

Photos by hanoi boy, Zeb Andrews, and Zeb Andrews

Sorry for the pictures being so small this week. I have a few things on the fritz today.

* Are travel books becoming obsolete? Many are starting to put their books aside and Travel With Twitter

* Absence of Water: an interesting series of photos by Gigi Cifali depicting abandoned swimming pools throughout England

* Anthony Bourdain and five other top celebrity chefs serve up their picks for the World's Top Late-Night Restaurants

* These days we all love cheap, and we also love Portland. So what could be better than Frugal Portland?

Staying Fresh at 30,000 Feet

2009-08-18T10:52:00.010-04:00

Long flights and drives are hard on a body. While you may be seated for hours at a time, that shower you took in the morning will gradually fade away, leaving you feeling tired and far less than fabulous. When preparing for these particular journeys, I like to throw together a little something that I refer to as my "freshen up kit". The nearest bathing source might be hundreds of miles down the road or 30,000 feet below you, but you'll be able to rest easy without feeling the funk.

The ideal kit tends to be small and easy to carry (you don't want to haul around loads more than you need to), consisting of the following items:

* Mini Toothbrush - mints and gum will keep your breath fresh, but it won't prevent that gross fuzzy feeling on your teeth. I'm a fan of the new Colgate Wisp as it doesn't require water to use, comes with a breath freshener in the center of the tooth brush, and is convenient to stash on the go. Sometimes I also carry a compact breath freshener for a quick fix in between brushes.

* Face Wipes - Cleaning the face and removing excess oil really makes a world of difference in regards to how you feel. There are so many brands of pre-moistened cleansing cloths out there, and the many that I have tried have all worked great. I tend to be drawn to tea tree cleansing wipes as they tone the skin while they detoxify, leaving your face feeling fresh and renewed.

* Moisturizer - Your body tends to lose a lot of water during flights. After cleaning, throw on a little moisturizer to re-hydrate.

* Lip Balm - Don't forget that your lips need lovin' too! Throw on a touch of lip balm to seal in moisture. I have a minor lip balm addiction, and carry Burt's Bees beeswax lip balm everywhere I go. It has a subtle peppermint scent that is nice and soothing.

* Hair Brush - The more compact, the better! There is just something about freshly brushed hair that makes you feel better.

* Deodorant - Some people feel self-conscious about carrying around deodorant bars on the plane, as if it is one big "Hello world, I stink!" to your fellow plane or car mates. Deodorant wipes, in comparison, are individually packaged and far more discreet as to their true nature. Whatever your preferance, toss in a little anti-perspirant.

As helpful as it is to keep you feeling refreshed during those long hours traveling, this kit is only one suggestion. It helps to keep your hair up and away from your face and to avoid wearing lots of makeup on long trips in order to prevent oily build-up. Also be sure to drink lots of water. It is easy to become dehydrated due to the dry air in the cabins and the salty snacks that the airlines love to give you.

Also check out Wikihow's How to feel fresh after or during a long plane or road trip for other helpful suggestions.

100 New Foods Project: #3 - Indian Bitter Melon

2009-08-13T10:21:00.009-04:00

photo by nooschi

That's right, I am taking a break from the noble mollusk family (actually, I believe that is a phylum) and trying something new. That is what this project is all about, right?

Off to the local farmer's market I went, and headed straight to the product section. I will admit that I had decided to wing it when I got there, grab a couple of new items that looks interesting, and figure out how to prepare/eat them when I got home. That's pretty much how I ended up coming home with this beauty. It was about the size of a zucchini and looked like it had just had a pretty nasty run-in with a toad. Not the most attractive of foods, but fairly manageable looking. Okaaaaaay, I will work with it!

I brought home my green, bumpy prize and started researching how to prepare it. Several recipes called for stir fry cooking, something that I am fairly familiar with. No problem here. Per the directions, I sliced it open lengthwise, removed the orange bean-sized seeds and white interior, leaving only the green fleshy portion left. Some recipes called for a little sugar added during the cooking process to help alleviate the bitterness. Let's call this foreshadowing for what was to come - as if the very name of the melon itself wasn't enough for me...yeah.

It smelled really nice when finished. Even preparing it left a scent similar to shelling peas, which was both nostalgic and comforting. I wish I could say something similarly kind about the taste. It was (surprise!) bitter. Very bitter. As in, I could only eat a small slice and then I had to give up. I blame myself for the most part, really. I don't fully trust that I properly gave the Indian bitter melon a fair chance as I have no prior preparation experience with it. While I will not be purchasing another one anytime soon, I would still be open to trying it again from someone who has a far longer history with it than myself.

Spotlight: Asheville, NC

2009-08-10T17:57:00.018-04:00

photos by 1. Ron Gunzburger, 2. Library Fashionista, 3. MyEyeSees,
4. clarkmackey, 5. timothycutter, 6. alacrity danger, 7. DCMatt, 8. mapgoblin, 9. Moi!

What comes to mind when you think of Asheville? I must admit that I knew very little about it outside of the Appalachian Mountains and the Biltmore Mansion. Still, there is much more to this city then it's beautiful natural surroundings and $50 estate admission tickets. In fact, you know what? It is okay to skip the Biltmore. Or if you do go, be sure to take time out and check out the other goodness that this city has to offer.

Yes, most definitely check out the mountains. In fact, stay either on the outskirts of the city or in a nearby town if you can. Let your eyes feast upon the scenic flowing streams, saturated natural colours, and take theraputic break from city life. After you are rested, relaxed, and have spent enough of a retreat from busy surroundings, definitely delve into the center of this city.

Downtown Asheville is like no city I have ever encountered before. First off, you won't find a name-brand company anywhere. Nothing. Not one. Seriously. So what could possibly be there? The answer is plenty, my friends, and the plenty is amazing.

The stores are all independently owned and every single food, drink, service, or product that you find here is of the best quality. You will see a great support of organic, local food production, and going green. Like any city, you will see all kinds, but you will see one thing there that you don't see in many places. They don't just co-exist, but they interact and get along. The result is an incredibly warm, welcoming environment where you will feel like less of a stranger and more like you are returning after having been gone for some time.

If you do find yourself in Asheville, then be sure to patronize some or all of these incredible establishments.

Early Girl Eatery -Brunch is one of my favourite meals, and Early Girl is a great way to get a taste (literally) for some breakfasty goodness with Southern influence. Not only is their food fresh and muy tasty, but they also support local growers throught use of their produce, meats, and cheeses. Give it a shot. You won't be disappointed.

Asheville has a great artist community with a variety of fabulous forms that you might find yourself having a penchant for. Kress Emporium and Woolworth Walk are two great downtown stops, providing a number of individual artist booths containing handmade jewelry, photography, paintings, pottery, lawn ornaments.....oh my! If looking trumphs buying, take a short drive just outside of downtown to the Flood Gallery for rotating exhibitions and some serious conversation pieces. No matter what your poison is, be sure to stop in and soak up some visual saturation.

I am a sucker for bookstores, but I often find independently-owned bookstores to be....anticlimatic. I know they are small and can't carry the selection of their big chain competitors, but they also often don't come with a shtick to draw the consumers in. Not so with Malaprop's Bookstore! Within mere steps inside the store's entrance I found myself consumed with a number of eye-catching books, cards, and journals that I had not seen elsewhere. Stay for the reads, but before you grab that cup of coffee, check out....

Double Decker Coffee Company is a cute little fair-trade coffee shop tucked inside of a vintage Bristol Lodekka bus. Tasty caffeinated goods in a fun, funky sort of setting. Love it!

100 New Foods Project: #2 - Conch

2009-08-06T20:28:00.003-04:00

photo by Noel Back in Zurich

Really, who knew that it would be the week of the mollusks?

I had ventured over to Ru San's for a birthday party with a friend whom I had shared my food project idea with, and he was not letting me out of trying something new and exotic. It was a sushi bar, after all. Somehow conch seemed like a good bet. I have no mental image as to what a conch looks like, but can only visualize the shell....often accompanied with a beach, on a sunny day, maybe with a margarita. But I digress...

So there it was in all of it's glory - a slice of this cream-coloured conch over rice. No garlic butter was going to get me out of this one. It actually was not bad at all. It was much firmer than escargot, but moist and held a subtle natural sweetness. No biggie and I would definitely eat it again...PROVIDED that I never see a picture of a conch in all of its natural glory. DO NOT RUIN THIS FOR ME, PEOPLE!!

My apologies for lack of photographic evidence. If it helps, I have had witnesses for the first two foods. I will try to have picture next time around.

So what about you guys? Have you tried anything new and exciting in the past week? Tell me about it!

Web Link Wednesday Deluxe!: 5 August 2009

2009-08-05T13:41:00.007-04:00

photos by 1. courtneyplatt, 2. Linda's Many Muses, 3. Eulinx, 4. philipmak,
5. Geomangio, 6. Paola Ki, 7. mister wombat, 8. Svjetlost, 9. canonsnapper

* No matter where your destination lies, Pico Iyer suggests 10 Things Every Traveler Should Do at Real Simple.com.

* Summer is coming to an end, but it's not over yet! Gala Darling inspires with her 50 Things To Do Before Summer Ends.

* Is This Your Lugguage? This website photographs lost suitcases and its content in hopes of reunification with its missing owner.

* Brave New Traveler brings us a light of hope with its article on Healing a Broken Heart Through Travel.

* Take a neon light nostalgia trip with Thomas Hawk's Motel America photography collection.

Have you come across anything share-worthy this week? Be sure to pass it along!

100 New Foods Project: #1 - Escargot

2009-08-03T16:21:00.006-04:00

photo by Ramon2002

If you're going to start a project, why not start it with a bang? To be fair, I had not originally planned to begin with something so adventurous, but I had been mulling over this idea for a week or so when I found myself out at a French restaurant with friends. Someone at the table decided to order an appetizer of escargot to share, and....well.....it seemed as good a time to start as any.

The snails at Cafe Alsace are not served inside the shells, but in a white porcelain serving dish with individual compartments, saturated with garlic butter and parsley. This certainly helped to "forget" what I was about to put in my mouth, along with the fact that this dish was served with a side of sliced baguette to eat it with.

Texture wise, it was not bad at all. Escargot, at least this version, was on par with a sauteed mushroom - slightly rubbery, but not really chewy. There was no unusual taste due to all of the butter. So not bad at all....provided that I did not allow my mind to wander into the visual realm of the animal that rest in my mouth. I would say that my brain was far more of a nemesis than the snail itself.

In short, not a horrible experience. I would probably try it again sometime, but I doubt that I will be making a meal of it anytime soon.

The 100 New Foods Project

2009-08-01T21:30:00.007-04:00

photo by Totallyme (catching up)

I have been tossing this idea for a while now, and had originally planned to execute it as part of my 2010 New Year's resolutions. But then I realized, August has only just arrived. Why wait?

I consider myself to be a fairly agreeable eater, although I would not place myself quite on the same level as, say, Andrew Zimmern. But really, why stop there? I decided that before the year ends, I will expand my consumption horizons and try 100 new foods - whether it be fruits, veggies, meats, main courses, etc.

But Laura, you may ask, what for? What is the point in this? Moreover, how does this even relate to a travel blog? And I would not blame you for asking, because I'm proud to say that you are a smart bunch of cookies, so I will tell you why.

Food, even in its purest form, is a journey itself. It provides a direct window to historical and cultural identity that brings people together when shared. Where did people come from? How did they make the best of things during hard times? How did these foods or dishes distinctively become their own? How did the immigration combine culturally individual foods and create something new, something so beautiful and unique? There is a whole lot of talking from that food on your plate, I'll tell 'ya! You might not get invited into a private residence on your journey, but you can still learn about the people by eating as they do. Each bite allows you to experience it all, without barriers.

So wish me luck! There will be good times, and there will be bad. There might even be some ugly. Some items will be more adventurous than others, but I look forward to every bite along the way.

Feel free to take this challenge and make it your own. Be sure to share your munchies along the way as well. I would love to hear about them!!

Web Link Wednesday - 29 July 2009

2009-07-29T16:18:00.005-04:00

photo by Mark Tisdale

For me, travel and photography positively go hand in hand. Not only are photographs (as I have mentioned many times here) the ultimate free/cheap souvenir to bring back, but I love the artistic expression that it allows me. You could have seen pictures of Big Ben from a hundred different angles, but you will capture it in your own beautiful and unique way. Print it, frame it, hang it, and relieve the sight, smells, tastes, and emotions each time you walk by.

I have met many amazing photogs from a local phtography community that I am a part of, but Mark Tisdale is someone really special. Not only is he a great guy, and one that I can participate in mutual travel jealously with, but he captures the everyday is a breathtaking way that I hope to be able to some day.

Go check out his work, get inspired, pull out your own camera and start capturing art in your own neighborhood or on your upcoming trip.

Oh....and don't be shy about purchasing a print or two from him :).

Web Link Wednesday - 22 July 2009

2009-07-22T14:54:00.011-04:00

photo by Weerf - Paolo D'Amelio

For some people, the hotel is part of the amazing travel stories to follow your trip. Have you ever desired to bunk up in a tree house, tipee, underwater aquarium, ice hotel, or an eccentrically decorated country manor? Unusual Hotels Of The World is your guide to the nearest accommodation oddity near you or your upcoming destination!

Even if you don't plan to stay in one, the photos alone are a blast to look at. Some of my favourites:

Huvafen Fushi - North Male' Atoll, Maldives

photo by amdcreation

Luxery cabins on a sand bar, surrounded by clear turquoise water. Yes please!!

Hotel de Glace - Canada (photo at top)

Imagine a new hotel carved out every year when the temperature drops. Rooms are available from January through mid-March. With luxery-style carved rooms, an attached chapel, and bar, it might be a bit chilly, but you know that your drink will never water down.

Out'n'About Treesort and Treehouse Institute - Oregon, USA

photo by danf

Channel your inner Swiss Family Robinson by sleeping and dining among quiet surroundings, beautiful views from above, rope ladders, and the like. Your childhood tree fort never had it so good!

Travel on!

You Can Take It With You

2009-07-17T16:20:00.005-04:00

Whether your destination is across town, across the country, or across the pond, don't forget those easy-to-forget little items amongst your packing frenzy!

* Sunglasses - So easy to forget, and such an amount of time to kill to find another fab pair for your travels. Bring a pair that look good on you, but that you can also afford to beat up a little during your travels

* Plug converter and adaptor kit - This is so important if you are leaving the country. Any and all electrical devices will depend on these!

* Travel Book - You've probably jotted plenty of notes in the corners, circled points of interest, and might be relying on some of those maps. Don't leave the fruits of your labor at home.

* Snacks - Sometimes you won't be able to grab a timely meal, but fatigue can start to wear you down pretty quickly. Small bags of nuts or granola bars take up next to no room in your day bag and are quick to send a burst of energy your way.

* Camera/iFlip and Accessories - Some of your best souvenirs come from photos or video that you take yourself. Nostalgia trip indeed!

* Passport - Don't leave for your international trip without it. Period. Exclamation Point!!

* Alarm Clock - My cell phone typically suffices, but I don't take my phone with me when I am overseas. I forgot my alarm clock one time, and one time only, and the consequences were tragic...ish. Unlike the U.S., you often won't find one in your hotel room, so come prepared.

* Water Bottle - This isn't a major necessity, but it can save you money that you would normally spend on bottled water. I'm a big fan of the Sigg water bottles and the Platypus.

* Journal/notebook and pen - I will discuss this further in the future, but travel journals are so great to take along. Make notes of your first impressions of your new environment. Write down your adventures, your fears, funny stories, your favourite restaurants and paste in ticket stubs, pieces of city maps, photos, etc.

* Money belt - Always good to have when you are in high-risk pit pockets, and theft in general. Keep your passport, credit card, debit/ATM card, and important documents on you at all times.

* Collapsible bag - Love these! Perfect for sudden stops at flea markets, farmers markets, bakeries, clothing stores, souvenir stands, and the like. It's like a full-sized bag springs out of nowhere for you unexpected carrying needs.

Back In The Saddle

2009-07-09T10:06:00.006-04:00

photo by Virginia Zuluaga

Buon giorno bellas! Did you miss me? I sure did miss you.

I have returned for my Italian journey, and what a journey it was!! I feel like I have touched every part of the country, but in reality, I barely made my imagined headway. It was an experience and a half though. I plan on posting some photos and sharing some wonderful tips that I picked up in the following days. In the meantime, jet lag, jet lag, go away....

Gone For A Few

2009-06-21T20:41:00.005-04:00

photo by Mark Tisdale

Alas, dear readers, I must disappear for a bit, but I promise that it is for very good reason! I will be off on an adventure of my own. Give me a couple of weeks, and I promise not to abandon you! To be completely honest, while I will think fondly of you all in my absence, it would be oh so difficult to type out my ongoings with gelato in one hand and a glass of wine in the other! And you know that I would never blame of you if you're lack of presence was due to the same. That's the kind of relationship we that you and I have, readers. Let's never have it any other way!

Ciao!

Just A Fun-Loving Friday

2009-06-19T16:09:00.005-04:00

Video love!

Web Link Wednesday - 17 June 2009

2009-06-17T16:01:00.003-04:00

photo by Love Texture Quilts

T-shirts, in theory, always seem like a good souvenir idea. They are typically inexpensive, easy to stuff in your suitcase, and tend to last a while. Still, you get them home, you stick them in a drawer, and they rarely see the light of day outside of trips to the gym, or chores around the house, and something cozy to lounge around in.

CampusQuilt.com has found an even better use for those easily forgotten memories. By mailing in your collection of tees, the company turns you cushy jersey gems into something you will geniunely and very openly cherish.

Music: The Travel Mix

2009-06-15T15:29:00.003-04:00

photo by The Bottomless Paddling Pool

Hello to all you fab adventurers out there!

I was thinking about music the other day - how it evokes feelings, awaken long-forgotten memories, and can literally be orchestrated into a soundtrack for different times in our lives.

Gone may be the days for most mixed tapes, but technology provides us with the ability to quickly throw together some very cool portable MP3 playlists or even an occasional mixed CD. We put together our own personal mixes for work-outs, daily work commutes, parties, bubble baths, and the like.

So tell me, Jelly Bean, what would be in your travel mix? Give me five songs and the artists and tell me where you would be going when you played it. Will you be a Road Warrior, cutting a trail through the West, or will you be people watching at Venice Beach? Walking the beach in the Hamptons or whirling in tea cups at Disney World? Slowly hiking your way along the Appalachian Trail or wine tasting in Tuscany? Attending Fashion Week in Paris or climbing the Statue of Liberty in New York? Enjoying sushi in Tokyo or learning how to Bollywood dance in India?

Give me yours and I will give you mine in the comments section!

Travel on!

Traveling For One

2009-06-12T08:01:00.007-04:00

photo by Merixon

Traveling is so much fun! It is an experience that is wonderful to be shared with others if only to laugh about the crazy trip stories later over photographs with a glass of wine or a coffee. So what a downer it can be when you can't find a single soul to dive into the great unknown with you.

Several years ago I finally found myself ready to travel overseas. I had graduated from college, had money in the bank, available vacation time, and was ready to make my destination dreams a reality. Unfortunately... no one else in my life found themselves in the same position. Some of my friends lacked the financial backing while others could not drum up the vacation time, and I had no significant other at the time to persuade into joining me on my adventure. What's a girl to do? I'm sorry to say that I put off my foreign travels for two years. When year three rolled around and there were still no takers, I had a revelation. What was I waiting for? If we spend our lives waiting for perfect conditions to engage in life, when will we ever really live?

Just because you are travelling without friends or family certainly does not mean that you have to roam alone. The travel industry has become a very sassy resource for single travelers in recent years. Do not fret if you have fears about footing it on your own in a place you are unfamiliar with. There are several options out there that will allow for safety in numbers and allows for the possibility of making new friends along the way.

A great place to start would be to look into a tour company. Sadly, these often have a bad rep due to the preconceived notion that they are often associated with senior citizens. Rejoice, because this is not always the case! There are plenty of companies out there that allow for an amazing range of diversity. Whether you have an interest in a specific age range, college alumni, religion, homebase region, etc. you WILL find a group for you with a little bit of research. This is the route that I took on my maiden journey over the pond and it was a wonderful experience! Make sure that your company runs smal travel groups of around 10-12 people (most do) as this will allow you a better opportunity to get to know your travel companions, make new friends, and really form a bond with them during your journey.

If land travel isn't really your thing, might I suggest looking into a cruise? You are guarenteed a private room, which you might not always be promised with a tour group. Cruises also tend to be less strenuous as far as itineraries go, not to mention that you only have to unpack once on your floating hotel. Finding the right cruise for you might take a little more research than a tour group, but once again there are all sorts of fantastic options out there.

Recommendations:

Intrepid Travel
The Catholic Traveler
Cruise Critic
Hints about finding the right cruise line for you

Shame on Me

2009-06-08T10:29:00.002-04:00

image by Michelle Gibson

I know, I know, I have fallen behind on this blog. You have my sincerest apologies. I have been visiting the fantastic Houston, TX, so I have been missing for a week. And how does the quote go? "And then life got in the way."

Fear not, for I am back on the wagon! New content coming very soon!!

Travel on!

Travel Tips - 28 May 2009

2009-05-28T12:16:00.003-04:00

* Make 2 copies of your passport, credit/debit cards, etc. that you will be taking with you on your journey. Leave one copy at home and take one with you, separated from the actual cards/documents. If you lose them for any reason, you'll have the needed info at your fingertips.

* Get YOUR kicks on Route 66!

* Find a park. Read a book, people watch, and embrace the local vibe.

* Make a list of what makes your town or city stand out from the rest. Create fun itineraries for visiting friends or family and master the role of tour guide.

* Find great day trips local to you. Start with a one-hour radius from your house, and work outwards from there.

Travel on!

Web Link Wednesday - 20 May 2009

2009-05-20T22:04:00.005-04:00

photo by Miss Maryam

For some of us, travel and fashion go and in hand, while for others, comfort may take priority over style. Regardless of what you normally choose to wear, there is something to be said about dressing in a culturally conscious manner. This doesn't mean going out to buy an entirely new wardrobe for each journey, but awareness of acceptable dress at one's travel location helps to better fit in with surrounding culture, allowing for more positive social interaction. More importantly, it provides a better chance of safety.

Journeywoman.com carries a great collection of "culturally correct" clothing tips for each country, provided by fellow female travelers. Remember that the farther away your destination is, the less likely it will be like home, but isn't that the brilliant part of the adventure?

Travel on!

Accommodation Preparation

2009-05-19T11:28:00.000-04:00

photo by Steve Sturm

I recently, along with my travel "partner in crime", completed booking places to stay for our next puddle-jumping jaunt -- 11 days, 6 cities, and all in high season -- Whew!

Whether you are a hostel dweller, have a 4-star hotel mentality, or, like me, you are more of an "economic" balance between the two, you can always find a place to suit you and your needs. However, it's typically going to take a little advanced planning or you just might find yourself in a fluster of last-minute mess. Here are a few booking tips that I have picked up over the years.

Know what you want and what you can live without
When it comes to accommodations, it is a big world out there, and in nearly locale you will find a place that will gratify your every desire. If you want to stay at a 4-star hotel in Paris over a summer weekend in a large room for three with a window facing the Eiffel Tower that provides yoga classes and breakfasts made up of pancakes with whipped cream smiley faces....you might just be able to find such a place, but it will very likely leave your pocketbook significantly lighter then before. If you plan on spending significant time in your temporary digs, then it might be totally worth it, but you might want to save your pennies if you won't be using the room for more than sleeping, showering, and luggage storage. Any of the following factors can increase the price of lodging. What you are willing to pay for is up to you:

* High travel season as opposed to low season
* Location in relation to local "hot spots"
* The number of people in the room (some places charge per person instead of per room)
* Room size
* Other Perks (Internet, private bath, air conditioning, provided breakfast, etc.)

Research to uncover important info and amazing deals
I cannot say enough about Trip Advisor. This site has given me insanely valuable information about accommodations in terms of maps of their location, photos, price averages, and very true to life reviews from other travelers. The reviews, in particular, have lead me to book hotels that I would not have given a second look at (and have been so happy with) or walk away from hotels that I had originally been considering. Also be sure to go directly to the accommodation's website that you are considering booking with. You will sometimes discover great sales that are not available on third party sites. Finally, keep in mind that hotels are not the only reasonably priced lodging available, so be willing to search off the beaten path. You will be pleasantly surprised with the hidden beauties that you will come across (I will go into this in more detail at a later time).

Travel on!

Web Link Wednesday - 13 May 2009

2009-05-13T08:15:00.001-04:00

photo by Gala Darling

Gala Darling - THE International Playgirl!

She's a girl who took a great idea for a blog and ran with it, reaching amazing heights, and proving that dreams really do come true, no matter what you may hear these days! Now this amazing advice-friendly, bliss living, fashionista chica jetsets like crazy with the best of them and is currently shacking up all intimate-like with the "Big Apple". What can we learn from her? A great deal!!

Check out her International Playgirl Credo. Read it, love it, take it to heart.

Viva Italia!

2009-05-11T16:13:00.005-04:00

*Squeal* I got my plane tickets to Italy! I'm so excited!!

This brings up some great subjects to address that I will be participating in personally, such as accommodations, transportation, tourism, etc.

In the meantime, please contact me with any specific travel questions that you would like me to address here. If I don't have the answer, I promise to work with someone who does in order to get the answer for you!

Travel on!

Go Like Nothing's Stopping You

2009-05-09T15:55:00.003-04:00

Airtran Sale!!

Domestic flights starting at $39 one way. Book now through May 12. From Akron to Wichita, and many many cities in between.

Travel on!

"Plane" Casual: Air Travel Fashion At A Glance

2009-05-05T21:50:00.007-04:00

It's the age old question that plagues us all: "What to wear?"

Change that question to, "What to wear en route?" and the factors to consider become even greater. You may want to appear stylish, but you also have to work your way through airline security, down to your gate, and onto a flight that could last anywhere from 2 to 12 hours...or longer! Despite your best efforts, those flights can leave you feeling pretty haggard and not very fabulous. Actually looking fresh despite hours of sitting, however, is another story...I tell you it can be done! Whether you are an occasional traveler or your frequent flyer miles are bursting as the seams, you can look your best while land hopping with surprising simplicity.

The key to the "put together" appearance is to keep the outfit uncomplicated. Casual is typically the best form for this.

Instead of going baggy for comfort, pick clothing items that have stretch to them. Jeans with added stretch and knits (think tees and maxi dresses) are always a great option. Clothes that fit your body are always more stylish, no matter what clothes they are. Keep in mind the burdens of airport security. Choose shoes that are easy to slip off and on and keep jewelry and other accessories to a minimum in case of sensitive metal detectors.

Layers are always a girl's best friend on planes. I always bring a cardigan or wrap that can be thrown into the top of your carry on bag - light on weight but big on warmth! It gets hot, it gets cold, but you will always be able to deal with the in-flight elements that lay out of your control.

Check out this In Style article on celebrity travel styles for more inspiration.

What about you, jelly bean? What clothing items are the keys to your air travel success?

Travel on!

Web Link Wednesday - 29 April 2009

2009-04-29T20:29:00.005-04:00

photo by Pretty Shabby

Suffering from mid-weekitis? Can't get away? How about a visual romp through an English cottage for a breezy mental break? Ahhhhhh......

Allow me to introduce you to Pretty Shabby! Her British bungalow is a shabby-chic lover's dream, full of fabulously imaginative decor (I love her hand-made pillows!), and home to a menagerie that includes ten hens. Don't you just want to ring her bell for a cup of sugar? Too cute!!

If you like her photos, also check her blog.

The Beginner's Guide To Urban Exploration

2009-04-27T21:31:00.009-04:00

'Tis the middle of spring, the time for warmer weather, brighter colours, longer amounts of daylight, and the symptomatic beginnings of the summertime blues. Vacation is right around the corner...or is it?

A drooping economy could be leading you by the hand into financial conservation this year. There may be no planes, trains, rental cars, or hotels in your immediate future, but fear not. With the right amount of motivation and inspiration, you will find yourself immersed into a summer that is anything but dull.

The "Staycation" (or Urban Exploration, as I like to call it) has been increasing in popularity not only because it can be a big money saver, but it allows us to look at our immediate and nearby surroundings with a new set of eyes. It is about your own personal journey in to the unknown among your usually familiar settings. It's about discovering the little secrets that hide just beneath the surface of your everyday, and to rediscover the everyday with the joy of a first-timer. Ready to start? The first steps are not as tricky as you might think

* Be That Tourist
Grab a few friends and go out on the town like it is your first time. Pick up some brochures and maps, circle your destinations, and ask cute guys/girls on the street for directions -- whether you need them or not! Have strangers take your picture in front of landmarks, pick up some cheap souvenirs along the way, and make a collage or scrapbook to remember the awesome vacation just around the corner.

* Play Favourites
Think about your interests and hobbies and let them run wild in your community. What makes you smile? Cupcakes, dancing, sports, gardening, shoes, movies, crafts, cooking...? Take that idea and bring it into the city. If you like photography, consider doing your own personal photo stroll and capture your town through your eyes. If art is your thing, skip the museums and explore local artist galleries in your area. Check out local breweries and wineries, patronize independently-owned restaurants, and discover amazing musicians in small venues. Local theatre, hiking trails, small boutiques, finding the best cup of coffee in town -- the sky is the limit!

* Check Your Local Resources
Ask other locals for suggestions of places to go, eat, drink, gather, see, do, etc., especially if you want to see home from another perspective. Many cities publish free local magazines that advertise upcoming festivals and events, book signings, concerts, restaurant reviews, and the like. Can't go to Greece this year? Maybe there is a local Greek Festival in the area. When in doubt, let Yelp be your guide. I have mentioned the site before, but it truly is an insanely valuable resource.

Now it's your turn. You will be amazed by the hidden gems that lie just below your line of sight. Dip your feet in at first or take the plunge straight away. Either way, the water is fine!

Web Link Wednesday -- 22 April 2009

2009-04-22T09:25:00.005-04:00

What sort of travel bug do you have? Find out here:

Travel Channel's: I Have The Travel Bug

Friday Travel Quote - 17 April 2009

2009-04-17T17:25:00.001-04:00

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” - Saint Augustine of Hippo

You Can't Take It With You....Or Maybe You Can

2009-04-16T09:57:00.005-04:00

Fox News posted an interesting story today about souvenir shopping. I cannot agree more. If you are going to bring something home, make sure it is something unique and fabulous! Sometimes your own travel photos can be the best souvenir of all when matted and framed on your wall.

Cheers!

Friday Travel Quote - 10 April 2009

2009-04-10T15:10:00.001-04:00

“I always love to begin a journey on Sundays, because I shall have the prayers of the church, to preserve all that travel by land, or by water.” - Jonathan Swift

In The Beginning

2009-04-07T20:07:00.001-04:00

Bienvenido, bonjour, ya sas, tere, namaste, benvenuto! - Welcome to Lady Is A Traveler!!

If you are visiting this site, I'm sure that you, like me, fancy traveling, whether it be 5 or 5,000 miles from your home. I have started this blog to share my journeys through the local, domestic, and international world outside of my front door. I also want to pass along tips, tricks, contacts, and websites that I have found most valuable along the way, and I hope that you will be willing to share your discoveries as well.

Bon Voyage!