The Savvy Tourist

Learn the Lingo, Beware of Dingos

If you’re heading to Australia for the first time, you’ll be delighted and surprised at some of the turns of phrase and slang terms used. Although essentially the same language as the Old World, Australian English has evolved its very own slang vocabulary, recognized across the world as something distinctly Australian. Many of the words and phrases were brought into the global lexicon via the golden era of Australian soap operas in the 80s and 90s. And they all tell us something about the history of this special country. 

Claimed for the British crown in the 18^th Century, eastern Australia was used by the empire primarily as a penal colony for Irish and British convicts, a practice that went on for 80 years, between 1788-1868. Quite a few Aussie slang words hail from this period, and betray their British origins. ‘Creek’, for example, is on old English word meaning a stream or small river. It has fallen out of use in the UK, and now seems a particularly Australian term. Similarly, ‘paddock’ – still used in England to denote a livestock enclosure – simply means any field in Australia. ‘Bush’ and ‘scrub’ refer to what Brits would call the countryside. And of course ‘mate’ is widely used by Antipodeans, passed down and still used by their English cousins, but never in other English-speaking countries like the US or Scotland. 

The origins of some Aussie phrases are a lot less obvious. ‘Fair dinkum’ is used to mean ‘authentic’ or ‘fair enough’, but its history is disputed. Some people believe that ‘dinkum’ originated during the Australian goldrush of the 1850s, and is derived from ‘ding kam’, a Cantonese expression meaning ‘top gold’. Others cite a redundant English dialect from the East Midlands, where the word meant simply ‘hard work’. Interestingly, since the phrase gained notoriety by being used in Neighbours, its usage is now more a self-parody than an authentic way of speaking – so be sure to say it with a smirk! 

Another well-worn Aussie word is ‘sheila’, the somewhat patronizing word for ‘woman’. It evolved in this very macho culture, probably from the Irish name ‘Sile’. ‘Bludger’, a great word to trip off the tongue, denotes a lazy person, and comes from the now-defunct British slang-term for ‘pimp’.

There y’go mate. Just a few Aussie words to help you blend in. To get yourself down under for a real taste of the Oz language, visit DialAFlight and fly to Australia for less than you might expect.

 

 

Huntington, West Virgina

Huntington is a city in Cabell and Wayne counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia, along the Ohio River. Most of the city is in Cabell County, for which it is the county seat.^[3] A small portion of the city, mainly the neighborhood of Westmoreland, is in Wayne County. Its population was estimated at 49,129 in 2009.^[4] Huntington is a part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As of 2009, the MSA's population was 285,624. Huntington is the largest city within the MSA and the second largest city in West Virginia, behind Charleston. The city is also the home of Marshall University.

The city was named for Collis P. Huntington, who founded Huntington in 1870 as the western terminus for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) on the land west of the mouth of the Guyandotte River at the Ohio River. It was created as a railroad town for the C&O, when it initially stretched from Richmond, Virginia to the Ohio River. The city houses numerous railroad shops which expanded east to Newport News (and coal piers) and west to eventually reach Cincinnati and Chicago in the years after its founding.

Well folks, those are the facts, straight from Wikipedia. Now let me tell you a little about Huntington from my point of view.

You see, I recently had to travel to Huntington for a family funeral. Not exactly a vacation hotspot, but you can't exactly pick where your relatives choose to live and die. I had a picture in my head of what I thought Huntington was from when I was a little girl and visited my grandparents on occasion.

Downtown Huntington was made up of old brick buildings with architectual character that took you back to another era. There was much hustle and bustle from the many shoppers and all the people that worked in the area. There were small diners and small boutique shops and also fancy restaurants and huge department stores. When my grandmother took me shopping at Stone & Thomas, I was enchanted with the fact that every department practically had it's own floor.

Huntington was home to the coal and chemical industries as well as glassworks and steel. Huntington Alloys Corp., known more recently as Special Metals Corp. was begun in 1922 as a processing mill for nickel alloys melted at the Orford Works of the International Nickel Company in Constable Hook (near Bayonne), New Jersey. This company is still today one of Huntington's greatest life supports. The coal industry has lost a lot of it's appeal and many other companies and factories have shut down.

The current economy has taken it's toll on Huntington. The five-story Stone & Thomas building has been vacant for years (since the company went defunct in 1998) as well as many other surrounding buildings. Broken glass and emptiness is what you see downtown as several small specialty shops and a few restaurants struggle to survive.

Huntington is still home to Marshall University, which for some people was unknown until made famous by the movie "We Are Marshall" depicting the town's struggle after the horrible crash on November 14, 1970, of a chartered Southern Airways McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 jet transporting 75 Marshall University football players, coaches, staff, and supporters. Everyone on board was killed.

The Delta Queen Steamboat used to serve the city's downtown port and brought much tourism and gaety to the area with it's music and enthusiasm for the good life. Now, it has sadly become a floating hotel docked in Chattanooga, TN. Huntington has had many things going against it over the years, but it has the potential to thrive again with the help of a new generation. This small West Virgina town affords a comfortable lifestyle, a low cost of living, state-of-the-art health care, modern educational facilities and unrivaled natural beauty.

 

 

Delta Queen Photo Credit: Jon Tschiggfrie

Turn your move into a vacation

When we take on the daunting task of moving, whether it be just a few hundred miles away or possibly across country, we never think about how relaxing or enjoyable it might be. At least I know I don't and I have done it. The problem with the move I made is that I did it with just the help of my own family. I tried to save money by not hiring a mover. I packed up the house after living in it for over 13 years, so you can imagine the accumulation of "stuff" I had to deal with. Then I rented a truck, hoping it would be big enough. Then I loaded the truck...twice. The first time it wasn't loaded properly and some "stuff" wasn't going to fit. Since I was going across country, I also had to rent a car dolly to pull my car behind the truck.  I don't know about your driving skills, but try backing up a 27 foot moving truck with a car on a pivotal dolly system. Everywhere we went we had to make sure we could pull in, and pull out. No reverse required.

Then, as if that was not enough, since I am a plant hoarder, I loaded my car with all of my house plants so they would be in plain site for the Dept. of Agriculture going across certain state borders. Had I not checked into the agriculture rules for every state ahead of time, my plants would have been confiscated at the border and I would have been heartbroken.

None of this included the fact that I had 1 kid, 1 dog, and 3 cats that also had to move across country. After I got me, the truck, my car, and all my "stuff" where it needed to be, I flew back and packed up the remaining kid, dog and cats! Then we all flew together back to our new home...far, far away. Now, doesn't that sound like fun? I didn't think so.

The point I am getting to is that hiring a mover will save you money, time, aggravation, and possibly your sanity in the long run. Let's say you are planning a move to Arizona from many states away. Who knows more about moving to and living in Arizona than movers in Arizona? They will have all the information you will need to participate in a smooth move, and can also hook you up with realtors, insurance agents, and other local establishments that you will need to start new services with like gas, water, electric, trash removal, etc. I tried doing all this myself too, only to find out that I didn't know there were 2 gas companies, 2 trash companies and other assorted services that I didn't even know I needed. I was coming from rural farm country and moving to suburbia. I had no idea you actually had to pay for water.

Let's say you were moving to Tucson, Tucson moving companies would be able to provide you with local information about your new city like things to do when you get there such as movies, restaurants, museums and local events. Normally this would all be stuff you figure out after you get settled in, if you ever do.

The best part though is that they do all the work!! Let them pack, load, drive, gas up, unload and deal with all the aggravation of moving (and backing up at the gas station). They are paid to take the stress out of moving, therefore leaving you and your family the ability to turn your move into a mini vacation. Load up the family car with kids and dogs and take your time driving. You can stop off and see the World's Largest Ball of String or maybe something better like Mt. Rushmore or The Grand Canyon.

Even if you absolutely have to do this move yourself, there is a great place to visit online for assistance. If you are possibly moving to the Phoenix area, go to Billy.com Phoenix movers and you will be able to access tools to make your move easier such as a moving checklist, moving tips, and useful information on traveling with pets and children. Believe me when I say you do not want to do it the way I did it.

Whatever city is destined to become your next home, check out Billy.com before making the big move.

Orbitz Weekly Specials!

Just a quick reminder to check out the Orbitz weekly specials that are posted in the left sidebar. These are some incredible deals and you won't want to miss them. They change all the time and some will be expiring very soon so don't delay.

 

Win a trip to West Sweden

I came across a really cool opportunity that I thought my savvy readers might be interested in... a chance to win a road trip across West Sweden.  Volvo and West Sweden are having a contest where anyone can create their dream road trip around West Sweden and submit their itinerary for a chance to win a trip for two.  Entrants can choose from a variety of different cultural destinations, outdoor adventures, golf courses, and amazing restaurants and hotels in West Sweden and Volvo will provide the car to get you where you want to go.  

Also, you may be interested in Volvo’s Overseas Delivery Program because what could be better than being able to explore the country that your brand new car comes from, for free?  If a savvy Volvo customer buys their new Volvo through the Overseas Delivery Program they get two complimentary round-trip tickets to Gothenburg, Sweden, one free night at a first class hotel in Gothenburg, fifteen days of European Car Insurance coverage and generous savings on the U.S. MSRP.  They fly over, pick up their car at the Volvo factory and get a chance to explore West Sweden off the beaten path.  When they’re done they drop off the car and have it shipped back home for free.

So, if anyone would like the opportunity to be a savvy tourist in Sweden, click here!

Best of luck to anyone who enters and I will be expecting a guest post about your travels if you win. Or you can opt to take me with you...just sayin'!

Day Trippin' to Oak Glen

Tucked away in the mountains between Beaumont, CA. and Redlands, CA is a little tiny burb called Oak Glen. I think it is officially located in Yucaipa, CA., but it is not exactly on the beaten path. Years ago, while wining about missing the East Coast and my annual apple pickin' escapades, a friend mentioned to me that I could find some great apple orchards up in Oak Glen. So, while savvy auntie was still visiting we made this one of our day adventures.

It really is like a different world when you get to a mile high in the mountains. The rolling hills and clear blue sky that we discovered up in Oak Glen, along with the apple orchards and working cider mills were enough to take me back in time. There is a scenic route through town that leads you to each and every orchard, farm, market, restaurant and even petting zoo.

Beginning our self-tour was a stop at Riley's Farm where they feature "u-pick" apple orchards, hoedowns, tours and hayrides. They also do a schedule of civil war reenactments. If you are really adventurous they have Primitive Historical Farm Stays by reservation only.

We did not have time to stop at every single establishment, which I am sure offers some sort of unique addition to the area. (I hear the spicy peanut butter is to die for!!) There is enough to keep you busy all day, especially if you are looking for something to do with your kids. Right in the middle of the scenic route sits Oak Glen Village where there is a Curio Shop, Art Gallery, Candy Kitchen, Bakery, Leather Shop, Country Store, and Animal Park.

 

If you want to make a weekend of it, try The Sage Herb Farm where they offer Garden Getaway Weekends, along with herb classes and garden tours. There is also camping and RV accommodations in the area for you savvier tourists.

So, young or old, there is something for everyone. Experience a heart-warming meal and a slice of apple pie, then stop by one of the shops so you can take home fresh apple butter, jams, jellies and candied apples.

Don't forget to check back in the summer months when you can pick fresh raspberries!

It all started...

About 20 some years ago I did one of those impromptu trips that began by blindly opening up an atlas and pointing to a random spot on the not-so-smartly chosen page. This trip, now that I think of it, was the beginning of many adventures to come...and boy was it an adventure.

Let's just say I was very young and dumb naive at the time. We ( I was traveling with a new friend who quickly became one of those friends that will be there for life because she knows all my secrets and weaknesses) no sooner left the Denver airport after securing a rental car when we heard on the radio that a major airliner had crashed in Denver. How did we miss that? It made us a little nervous knowing how close we were to such a disaster and not being caught up in it. We were leaving the airport while everyone else was arriving for the crash and it's aftermath. It kind of made me feel like I had started my own little chain of unfortunate events. I was leaving a trail of death and destruction behind me. Okay, too dramatic?

Anyway, we continued on our journey to our destination of random choosing, Manitou Springs, CO. It is a small, quaint town about an hour south of Denver and just west of Colorado Springs. One of those places that seems quite removed from the rest of the world. The town is located right at the base of Pike's Peak. It is as though it is being protected on all sides by the strong arms of the mountain.

This was my kind of town. One of those "everyone knows your name" kind of places. The locals had been there their whole life. They thrived on the tourists that came to visit and shop in their unique stores and eat in their homestyle restaurants, and then leave. What they liked best about tourists,is that they are temporary. Even though the natives were friendly, it was their world, not ours. Many people had come to Manitou Springs over the years and decided to make it their home. Mostly because it is known as the healthiest place on earth. The combination of fresh mountain air and mineral spring waters were known to have a special healing power for the sick. Lucky for the folks in Manitou Springs, we were only here for a short time.

 It was a very cold and damp November and I very much enjoyed the crisp air while ducking in and out of the little shops that held the wares of the local artisans. There were so many wonderful things to see, most of which is from the Native American heritage that still holds it's roots in this tiny town. One of my most memorable moments was spent sitting in a little cafe by a window sipping hot apple cider while the snow lightly dusted the sidewalk. Of course, sitting on a bar stool sipping some Irish Cream in the evenings became a fast favorite too!

One thing I did learn about this part of the country is that people are much more prepared and confident in inclement weather conditions. One day we started up Pike's Peak (in our rental car) for a day of Christmas Shopping at The North Pole. I love collecting ornaments for my Christmas tree from different places so that was all I could think about that day...until we realized the roads were a sheet of ice and our little rental car was in no way prepared for this trip.(Did I mention we were young and stupid?) Not only did we stop making any progress up the mountain, we began sliding backwards down the mountain. At this point I was wishing I had purchased the extra insurance, among other things. The car did eventually stop sliding, but that didn't really improve our situation. We were stuck there to die in our rental car on a small mountain road in Colorado where no one would know to look for us. Too dramatic again?  Just as the panic was beginning to set in and we were trying to decide how to bail out of the car and let it slide down the mountain without us, a few strong young guys showed up with chains and rope and brains and walked our car back down the mountain safely. (And to think my therapist doesn't understand my fear of heights.)

I made my way back to the safe comfortable bar stool and stayed there until I thought it was safe again. Well, it turns out that was just the beginning of my harrowing driving experience in the Colorado snow. The very next day, the weather man was talking about a full on blizzard headed our way. Being as we had jobs to get back to, we thought that maybe we should cut our little adventure short and head back to the Denver airport before we couldn't get there at all.

Too late! Did I mention that this quaint little town was surrounded and protected by this nice big mountain? Well, we no sooner got out of town (just a few miles down the road) then the blizzard was already rearing it's ugly head. I started our snowy trek out on the freeway only to realize that there really weren't very many cars on the road. The ones that were out there appeared to be more prepared than I was, again! After what felt like hours of driving at 20 mph, I decided I couldn't trudge through 6 feet of snow with a rental car any longer. I pulled off at the next exit, only to find out I had arrived uninvited at the United States Air Force Academy. Believe me when I say "there are no rooms at the Inn". The guard at the gate was less than delighted with my presence and informed me that I would have to continue back from whence I came and find a hotel. Two hours and two exits later, we came upon a Sheraton and found shelter for the night. The attendant at the reservation desk was very surprised to see us as he informed us they had closed the freeway hours ago. They must have done that while I was making my way somewhere between civilization and the USAFA.

The next day, the freeway was open and the sky was clear so we headed up to Denver, once again. This time, it was so much easier driving in 6 feet of snow, behind 18-wheelers, with the sun shining on the snow and reflecting in my eyes. NOT!!!!

Upon arriving at the Denver Airport, we remembered the tragedy that we had left behind us only days before. The passing blizzard had only made matters worse at the airport and there were people camped out all over the place. Even with all those people spread out everywhere, there was a horrible somber silence due to the crash, and I wasn't sure I was ever getting on an airplane again. Of course my boss, awaiting my arrival on the East Coast had other plans! It is a wonder I ever traveled again.

Not only did I travel again, I find myself going back to Manitou Springs quite frequently these days and sharing it with my family, while one of the kids is actually attending the USAFA nearby. Little did I know back then...

This one is for you Cleo...although still my dear friend, never have I traveled with since.

A savvy vacation choice

With the price of gas (and everything else) everyone is looking for new and improved ways to budget. Having been a travel agent, I can tell you that vacations are the first thing to either get thrown out of the budget completely or else purchased as cheaply as possible. Unfortunately, when you skimp on your vacation, you are essentially cheating yourself out of the best time you have with your family and friends. Personally, I would rather clip coupons and carpool than skimp on my vacation. I was always sorry when I booked a "budget" vacation.
There are ways to have a great vacation without skimping and one of them is by renting a house, possibly with friends and family, instead of paying resort prices. Sharing the cost of a house or condo is always more cost effective. You have facilities to cook some meals instead of eating out 3 times a day. You don't have to pay for parking your car, you don't have to walk through the lobby in your swimsuit, you don't have to tip anyone or cram 4 people (or more) into 1 hotel room. Everyone has a little more space to call their own and in some cases, you can take the family dog. One of the online booking agencies that I recommend is HomeAway. There are more destinations to choose from than you can imagine. Whether you prefer Italy or Martha's Vineyard, North Carolina or Africa, there is a home to suit your vacation needs. There are even homes for rent for RV travelers to "take a break" and spread out for a little while. I consider this a much more savvy way to travel, and I will always recommend it over timeshares any day.

Find the best cruise for you...

As a travel agent, I took pride in the personalized customer service that I tried to provide my clients. If you are a regular reader of The Savvy Tourist you will know that is one of my pet peaves...customer service, or the lack thereof these days. If my clients are going to spend their hard earned money on a vacation then I believed that it should be custom tailored to their family's dreams. I have noticed in the business that when people book cruises they do not realize that every cruise line out there offers something different. Price is not the only factor to be considered. That is why you need to use a travel agency that specializes in cruises. It would be almost impossible for you alone to compare all the cruise lines and what they have to offer. For example, Royal Caribbean has always provided my clients with exceptional service and fantastic excursions for a reasonable price. Princess Cruises is a little "higher end", but delivers beyond your expectations. They are well known for their exceptional Alaska Cruise Tours that offer you the vacation of a lifetime. I had the privilege of attending a cruise seminar sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Lines once and I left there with my mouth watering from all the delightful meals they offer from their renowned chefs. So you see, even though all cruise lines can provide you with a cruise vacation, you need to understand that not all cruise lines are the same. If you are from the retired crowd and you want a quiet two week cruise as opposed to a fun filled week of partying and gambling, then you need the expertise of a travel agency that can provide the level of customer service required to find the right cruise line for you.

Adventures by Disney

I know I promised to keep my Disney addiction on my other blog, Mickey and Me , but I just can't help myself sometimes. Disney just keeps doing wonderful things that I feel you need to know about and this time it is totally travel related. Adventures By Disney is my topic of discussion today. It is a whole new way to travel and experience the magic that vacation is really supposed to be. I would like to be able to tell you that Mickey and his many friends will be there with you, but they must stay behind at the parks for all the "PR" that is required there. Instead, you will be accompanied by well trained and knowledgeable Disney guides. Adventures By Disney  offers a worldwide collection of incredible itineraries, featuring all the ingredients that make up some of the greatest magical adventures ever known. Imagine visiting authentic castles that are centuries old. Experience history like it was meant to be in some of the world's most amazing places. You will feel as if you are traveling alongside some of your favorite princes and princesses or maybe pirates and explorers. Discover new worlds (or old worlds all over again) like only Disney knows how. Some of the many places of adventure include Germany, France, Spain, England, Ireland, Austria, Italy, Australia, Peru, Costa Rica and several amazing destinations in the United States. I am not an expert on this subject yet, but as I learn more about Adventures By Disney I will be sure to share. In the meantime, if any of my readers have actually experienced this new opportunity, please write in and tell us about it.

Valentine's Packages to 4 Cities

Just for couples: Air France Holidays is offering specially priced Valentine's Day packages to Paris, Nice, Rome and Barcelona.

The Paris package includes roundtrip airfare on Air France, 3 nights' hotel accommodations, the Paris Panorama Tour, daily continental breakfast and a Paris city map.

The Barcelona package includes roundtrip airfare on Air France, 3 nights' hotel accommodations, a Gaudi and Picasso tour and daily continental breakfast.

The Rome package includes roundtrip airfare on Air France, 3 nights' hotel accommodations, and a tour of Rome's ancient sites and daily continental breakfast.

The Nice package also includes roundtrip airfare on Air France (in case you hadn't already figured it out), 3 nights' accommodations in Nice, Villa-Beaulieu/St. Jean Cap Ferrat and daily continental breakfast.

All packages are priced from $799, except the Barcelona tour, which starts at $859. All packages also include hotel taxes and service charges and airline fuel surcharges but do not include airport taxes and fees. For more info go to Air France Holidays.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

(This is not a paid post, just a good idea I wanted to share)

Working behind the scenes.......

When you don't see your favorite blog putting out a new post every day does that mean that your favorite blogger is just lazy? No indeed!! It means we are working hard behind the scenes to bring you a more enjoyable experience. First of all, let me remind you all that I am working diligently on my Disney blog that I hope to unveil in a few short weeks (or sooner).
I have also updated the way I offer you links to book online travel. There are now separate pages for each category such as Airfare, Hotels, or Car Rentals. This should make things simpler since I will be adding new affiliate links every day and this will eliminate the clutter.
For anyone looking to get away from the winter blahs.....Pleasant Holidays is offering some pretty good deals to Hawaii, so check out my Travel Specials page.
There is more to come for the new year so keep checking back and oh....don't forget to send me those postcards .

River Cruising sounds just up my alley.....

From a travel agent's perspective, I can honestly tell you that cruises are one of the most popular ways to vacation these days. Groups, singles, families, friends and probably pets (although that is a story for another day)all take cruises thinking they will have a relaxing vacation. I am sure that a lot of people that cruise on a regular basis have found a way to relax and enjoy the cruise, but most first timers wear themselves out trying to experience everything. Well, I for one do not have great sea legs and do not appreciate losing sight of land while on a boat, therefore I usually stick with vacation destinations for the landlubber. However, while researching for something cool to blog about, I happened on "River Cruising". I read about 2 prominent River Cruising companies that I would like to share with you. The first one is Amadeus Waterways. This line's vessels in Europe feature hotel-like amenities such as terry-cloth robes, down bedding, Internet access and French balconies. They also provide onboard bicycles that guests may use to explore towns and villages along the way. Their sailings include wine, beer, soda and bottled water with every meal onboard ship. Amadeus Waterways has introduced four new itineraries for 2008. An Amsterdam to Paris itinerary in the Spring offers a 7 night cruise from Amsterdam to Trier and three nights in Paris. The Christmas Wonderland cruise from Paris to Amsterdam features the chance to explore Europe's delightful markets for Christmas shopping. The Provence and Spain itinerary includes three nights in Paris, travel by high speed TGV train to Lyon, then a seven night cruise through Provence, ending with a three night stay in Barcelona. Finally, an itinerary called Cruising Portugal and Spain includes three nights in Lisbon, followed by a seven night cruise through the Douro River Valley. How to choose?????
Well, to make your decision even tougher, Uniworld Grand River Cruises is keeping up with the times by refurbishing their ships to offer stylish lounges, cozy libraries and restaurants with panoramic views. Staterooms offer river views and hotel-style beds draped in cashmere and wool blankets, plus fine Egyptian cotton linens. Uniworld  has also improved it's amenities list for 2008 by offering complimentary fine wine with dinner, bottled water in your stateroom, 24-hour specialty coffees and a state of the art audio headset system to enhance the shore excursions experience. New itineraries being offered by Uniworld for 2008 include a nine day Danube Discovery Grand River Cruise from Vienna to Nuremberg; a nine day Rhine Discovery Grand River Cruise from Nuremberg to Basel; and a seventeen day Ukraine, the Black Sea, and Istanbul Grand River Cruise and Tour (wow, that's a mouthful) including Kiev and Istanbul.Uniworld also offers two new adventures in China for the new year. A seventeen day Majestic China Grand River Cruise and Tour from Beijing to Hong Kong, and an eighteen day Wonders of China and Grand Yangtze Grand River Cruise and Tour from Shanghai to Beijing.

In short, this sounds like a 5 star luxury floating hotel with room service included! How could you go wrong? I must find out if there are spa services on board!!! Like I said...right up my alley!!!!!

Now this may sound like a paid post, but it isn't. However, either company willing to send me on one of these little river cruises for a review will certainly be getting my support in the future!!

Send in your postcards!

Hey everyone!! Check out my new POSTCARDS page! I have added a slide show using postcards from my very own collection. (Friends, family and travel clients have all supported my postcard collecting habit for many years now). Send me some of your favorite postcards and I will add them to the show. Wouldn't it be fun to see your postcards in my slideshow? I will be adding many more every day so keep checking back!

Where's Waldo?

At least I think that was the name of the game or the book or whatever it was. It wasn't a big craze to me, kind of like YouTube is not a big craze to me, but I am beginning to see the fascination. Santa left an Ipod Touch under the tree this year, and my husband was intent on getting me to like it. He showed me how cool it was to get on the Internet with this little hand-held device and to watch videos from the palm of your hand. (Why is it that the screen has to be extra BIG or extra small these days to be interesting?) Well, that is a rant for another day, let me get back to the post at hand.................I was watching YouTube videos on my hubby's new IPod, reluctantly, and came across a travel video that I have to share. This guy travels a lot and made a video of himself dancing from different locations around the world. It is really entertaining to watch. I have posted the video below, but you can also see more of his discoveries at his website Where The H@*! Is Matt?  Enjoy!

Does Global Warming affect your travel plans?

Where is your destination of choice for your next vacation? Are you worried that if you don't go there now, it might not be there later? I read an interesting article in the New York Times that talks about how people are actually making travel plans based on the disappearing planet. People want to see the rain forest before it becomes a cattle ranch and the Arctic before it melts. What they do not realize is that by traveling to these places they are actually contributing to their doom. The travel industry is booming with people wanting to take these "eco-friendly" trips, although it takes modern conveniences like hot water and warm beds to satisfy them once they arrive. To read more in depth on this subject I have posted a link to the article. Write in with your thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

New York Times Article

The Islands of The World

One of my readers wrote in to update me on what's going on in "The World." She wasn't talking about the world as we know it, but rather the islands of Dubai that are shaping up to resemble the world.
The World is a man-made archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of a world map currently being built 4 km (2.5 miles) off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  The World is one of a series of artificial island projects in Dubai, along with the Palm Islands, and like the other islands The World is being built primarily using sand dredged from the sea. The only access to the islands is by boat, helicopter, or seaplane.  There are many speculations as to the exact plans for each island. Resorts and private hideaways for the rich and famous are among some of the rumors afloat, including islands purchased by Tommy Lee, Rod Stewart and David Beckham. Let's hope they will have some public access to some of these "posh" resorts (Oh, I kill me!) for us savvy tourists!! I'll keep you informed. Thanks to Cleo for the info!!

What is your travel personality?

I read in our local paper about a web site launched by two travel industry veterans, Dr. Stanley C. Plog and Bahir Browsh. Their site helps travelers select destinations based on their own distinct personality. I visited this site to see just how this works. Well, you take a very short quiz, and from that they determine if you are a Venturer, Mid-Venturer, Centric-Venturer, Centric-Authentic , Mid-Authentic , or an Authentic. It is really quite interesting, although I do not know how accurate it is. Of course, accuracy is based highly on how honest we are with ourselves on the quiz. I came up as a Centric Venturer, and as skeptical as I was, I think they get me!!!!! I wonder how much Dr. Plog charges by the hour?

Anyway, once you have determined (or they have determined) your destination needs, they provide a lot of detailed information to assist you in your vacation planning. So, check them out at Best Trip Choices.