Grand Canyon National Park, Las Vegas Strip, and Universal Studios Hollywood

Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona, is a site to see! The stunning coloring of various sized rocks carved by the Colorado River is breathtaking. The Grand Canyon National Park offers a variety of tours including walking, driving, and even helicopter! After spending some time in the great outdoors, test your luck at Blackjack, Roulette and Craps or catch a comedy or magic show on the Las Vegas Strip. The nighttime activities are endless! Before you lose too much money gambling, head to California and visit Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the oldest movies studios still used. Universal Studios Hollywood is also a theme park, so be sure to jump on some of the popular rides!

National Mall and Memorial Parks, Atlantic City Boardwalk, and Times Square

There is so much to see in Washington, D.C. such as Ford’s Theater, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, all of which are part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Once you’ve explored the nation’s capital, take a trip to Atlantic City and see the first Boardwalk in the United States. An assortment of casinos, restaurants, hotels and retail stores can be found along the Atlantic City Boardwalk which was opened in 1870. Lastly, head to Times Square with your walking shoes! You’ll want to take in the array of advertisements as well as popular fixtures such as the “Naked Cowboy!”

Planning vacations that include multiple stops, such as the ones above, can be time consuming though. The planning process requires a lot of attention to detail, which isn’t easy for everyone. Alternatively, there are companies such as America by Rail that offer a variety of luxury train vacations, which commonly visit multiple popular United States attractions. For more information on the train tours they offer, visit their website: http://www.americabyrail.com/.

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I’ve noticed in my travels that oftentimes, tourist destinations (particularly the very, very touristy ones) work far too hard to create an attraction at the expense of the local culture and environment. Sometimes, rather than embracing the unique features that would attract visitors, the local people and wildlife are exploited or suppressed in favor of making money. The best destinations, in my opinion, are the ones which integrate local culture and history with the natural environment to showcase what makes that place special. It is tough to do this, but some places manage to do it with relative ease. One such place is Alert Bay, BC.

Alert Bay is a town on Cormorant Island and is home to the Namgis First Nation. The rich cultural history of this indigenous population is woven into this town, dripping with authenticity. Visitors can enjoy performances of ancient rituals during the summer months and look at centuries of cultural artifacts in the two museums located in the town.

Along with this, Alert Bay features beautiful scenery and wildlife. Gazing from a window at a resort such as Alert Bay Lodge, guests can see a beautiful ocean view set against the imposing Vancouver Island mountain range. Orca and whale sightings are common, and birds and grizzly bears can also be found for wildlife enthusiasts.

Alert Bay is a pristine example of the beauty and tranquility of integrating nature, culture, and tourism. I can only hope that more destinations take note, and follow its example.

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So, take a second and think. If you were at home, where would you be able to bargain with sellers for a lower price on everyday items? If you’re thinking flea markets, you’re correct. If you’re looking for souvenirs but really want your money to go far, find a market.

And, maybe you’ve sold at a market yourself – or, at the very least, had a yard sale. Typically people are selling things they don’t want in order to make money. While they won’t let themselves be ripped off, they also want the items gone, so the key is finding that lower price they’re willing to let the item go for. Even if you’re a bit of an introvert, practice makes perfect – the biggest step is asking, the next biggest is not giving in right away.

Here are some suggestions for how to bargain at markets:

Preparation

• Research prices (this is especially easy if you have a smartphone and cell service). If a lot of vendors are selling similar items, see what they’re charging before you head back to the booth you liked. This helps you know if you’re getting a good deal or not.
• Following that, set a maximum for how much you are willing to pay for an item, and be adamant about it (but don’t be too unrealistic).
• This may seem like a given and common courtesy, but if you don’t want the item, don’t haggle for it.
• It can help to build rapport with the vendor beforehand. Say hello and be friendly – the more they like you, the more likely they are to agree to a better price.

Haggle Away

• Put on your poker face – if a vendor knows you really, really want an item, they can use that to their advantage.
• If there’s a golden rule for any kind of bargaining, especially when it comes to buying cars and accepting a job salary, never make the first offer. Let the vendor throw out a number and go from there.
• Most bargainers take the “meet in the middle approach,” so it can be advantageous to make a lot offer – so, if a vendor says $20 for an item you want to pay $15 for, say $10.
• Having a calculator handy is useful – and if you have a phone, there probably is one on there. Numbers are universal.
• Have fun instead of getting angry and being too assertive – this could cause a vendor to refuse to bargain with you.
• Don’t try and take advantage of the vendors by ripping them off – they have to make money, too.

One of the most important things to remember is to have fun – after all, you are on vacation (or maybe you’re at a market in your hometown, but still). Loosen up and don’t take it too seriously. Hopefully at the end you’ll have some great treasures, they’ll have money in their pocket, and everyone will be happy.

This post provided by a contributor to The Presidents’ Quarters Inn, a Savannah, Georgia bed and breakfast.

Yes, lots of sushi is made with raw fish, but plenty of sushi is not. Veggie rolls are quite good (and less expensive), and some rolls even contain grilled seafood. Regardless, it’s typically just veggies and seafood wrapped in rice and seaweed. A lot of people eat these items, but perhaps not all rolled up together. I also like sushi rice a lot because it’s got a sweet flavor to it. If you’re health conscious, some sushi places offer brown or black rice instead of traditional white sushi rice. Lastly, if you don’t like spicy food, stay away from the Wasabi (a little green ball that is served with the sushi). I learned that the hard way.

Anyway, if you’re visiting a foreign country or even a new area and are looking for some sushi, it is important to try and find a quality place. Even if you like all kinda of sushi, you probably don’t want to eat raw fish served in a place that seems a little sketchy. Although some places offer sushi specials every so often, the cheapest sushi isn’t always the best sushi.

My recommendations? They might seem like no-brainers, but if you’re considering a new sushi place, check their Google or Yelp reviews. Do they have a website? If so, look at that, too. I’ve been to some pretty nice Japanese restaurants and the ones that served the best sushi always were the ones that looked quite exquisite on the inside. The best places also tend to be the most busy.

In addition, some sushi restaurants I’ve been to have traditional Japanese tatami rooms, which offers testament to their legitimacy. Finally, where are the cooks from? The finer sushi places typically have cooks specifically trained in sushi-making, some even from overseas. There should be a sushi bar where the ingredients are on display. Some other recommendations can be found in this article. A lot of the article talks about respect, which is important, but that’s up to you. Personally, I always end up taking some sushi home because I over-order. Here’s another article on sushi etiquette and first time tips.

If worse comes to worse, get the veggie rolls or rolls containing cooked seafood. if you’re traveling, the last thing you want is to become sick.

You’ll find that you enjoy your holiday cruise much more if you take advantage of the on-board gym facilities. Work off a few calories before dinner, and you’ll have more room to accommodate a few more! Even if you just hop on a treadmill or stationary bike, some exercise is better than none. In addition, some people find exercise helps if they’re feeling a bit seasick.

Just be careful if you strike rough seas however. I recall one particular cruise when a gaping hole suddenly appeared in the gym ceiling, right above where the step-up machine was located. It seemed that an over-enthusiastic passenger had been working out in the stormy conditions. The up and down motion of the ship propelled him right to the ceiling when he was working out.

I assume he had a king-size headache for a few days, and the step-up machine was off bounds until we reached smoother seas, and also until the ceiling hole could be repaired! I know that sounds graphic, but you don’t want that happening to you.

One word of advice is to get information about your trip before you leave. It sounds obvious, but for those who don’t necessarily have the best organizational skills or think too far ahead, it’s a good reminder. This is where finding experts and groups come in. You can also use hashtags followed by your destination. So, for example, you can type in #chicago and instantly find official tourism bureaus and local experts.

You can also use Twitter to find the best deals on flights. More and more travel companies today run contests, which they broadcast on Twitter. If you know how to search and you find the travel company that works best for you, could you find some extremely helpful discounts and deals.

And if you’re traveling internationally, that doesn’t mean that your Twitter usage has to stop. You can set your phone up to receive updates from Twitter to you via text message. Or you can download free applications for web-enabled phones, which help you to cut some of the costs of receiving text messages of Twitter updates.

Anyhow, since there hasn’t been a first day of school in my life in quite some time there are rarely those sort of events where you can go out and pick out a week’s worth of ensembles (at least in my life). So the little voice in my head said, “Brittany, here’s your chance girl!” And a bit of an online shopping extravaganza ensued. I’m making a two day road trip and I intend to wear my alma mater (and my pride) literally on my sleeves!

So in my effort to look and feel good, here’s what I’ve thus far purchased for myself (Merry Christmas me!).

Day 1:

I’m making an as of yet undetermined stop but I know it won’t be too balmy at night so I wanted something with long sleeves.

Day 2:

I’ll be stopping in Northern Florida to do a bit of shopping, but I figured I’d buy some bling and a fun top to rock around in while I felt like one of the rich folks. I found this lovely womens watch and I can’t wait for it to get here!

I’m staying in a sort of posh hotel that night, but I do love a nice pair of pajamas, so I couldn’t resist getting some Alabama sweats as well.

Day 3:

Game time! Gotta look football-y but still cute for game day, so this is the big one. What exactly do you wear while preparing for yet another Alabama National Championship? That’s always a tough question. That, and there are a million good places to buy Alabama gear it seems like…

But I eventually settled on a pretty nice outfit.

I’d love to tell you that’s a picture of me…but I’ll just burst your bubble and tell you right now that it isn’t. It’s a hot little strapless number and it’s simple yet sassy and I think it’ll look great. I just needed a pair of shoes to go with and I figured I’d be golden!

Enter these sporty open toes -

I’d love to go with a taller heel, but I’m going to be on my feet for hours and the prospect of that and all the walking didn’t go well together at all!

I’m really looking forward to these ensembles on my upcoming trip, and I’d like to thank the two stores that I did all my shopping from as I just loved finding them amid a million other tougher to use stores. Here’s to Crimson Tide Planet and Shoebuy.com! If you’d like to find any of these items yourself, here’s direct links to them:

• http://www.crimsontideplanet.com/ala-university-of-alabama-crimson-tide-Ladies-Sycamore-Raglan-Long-Sleeve-Tee
• http://www.shoebuy.com/trotters-charlie/500540/1054214
• http://www.crimsontideplanet.com/ala-university-of-alabama-crimson-tide-Ladies-Competitor-AnoChrome-Two-Tone-Steel-Watch
• http://www.crimsontideplanet.com/ala-university-of-alabama-crimson-tide-Ladies-Super-Soft-Knit-Pant
• http://www.crimsontideplanet.com/ala-university-of-alabama-crimson-tide-Ladies-Strapless-Dress-with-Ruffle

9 Tips for Safer Travels

1. Research the area ahead of time. Especially if you are traveling to another country that you have never been to before, you’ll want to research what the culture is like before you get there. For instance, the way that you dress might be different than what people in another country customarily wear. Mannerisms that you think are polite may be perceived as rude, etc. Therefore, brush up on the etiquette by asking others who have been to a particular area or by reading up on it yourself.
2. Update your passport and photo ID. When traveling, always make sure that you have a passport and valid, updated photo identification. Aside from a driver’s license, try to make sure that the photo ID you have is an updated picture of yourself so that there is no room for doubt.
3. Tell someone about your trip. If you are planning on going to a foreign country, or even for a long car ride across the country, let someone else know what your plans are. In the event of an emergency it is always a good idea for someone to know your whereabouts just in case the authorities need to be notified.
4. Familiarize yourself with the local laws. For instance, in Canada and most parts of Europe, the posted speed limit is measured out in Kilometers- not miles. If you are renting a car, know what the rules are ahead of time for obtaining a permit and/or whether or not your driver’s license is valid in place of a foreign driver’s permit. Other things such as knowing when stores open and close as well as between what hours/days liquor is sold may also be of importance.
5. Don’t be a victim of crime! Avoid wearing conspicuous items such as gaudy jewelry, bright clothing or carrying a ton of cash. Never leave bags or children unattended, and try to dress as the locals do in order to blend in.
6. Don’t forget your medication(s). Take any and all medications that you need while traveling. It also helps to write down the names of your medications as well as their generic equivalents in the unlikely event that your medications become lost and/or stolen. If you have a debilitating disease  or life threatening allergies, wear a medical bracelet as an extra precaution. You may want to go so far as to contact your health insurance company to find out where the nearest hospitals are and/or what other steps you may need to take to access medical care in a foreign country.
7. Use covered luggage tags with an alternate address, not your home address. Too often, luggage is misplaced, stolen or separated from travelers during flight changes or in confusion of crowded baggage areas. To protect your identity, list a neutral address, such as your workplace address or the address of a friend in lieu of your own.
8. Know the address and location of the local government office for the country you plan to visit. These offices may assist you in the event of an emergency. You can also find out whether or not there are travel advisories for your vacation destination.
9. Limit the credit cards and take advantage of ATMs. If you know that you’re traveling to a foreign country, it is often better (and recommended) that you use a credit card instead of cash. Of course, there are situations where using cash is more than appropriate, but often times, using a credit card company can help safeguard you against scams as most companies offer some sort of fraud protection against unjustified charges. Aim to use only one credit card while traveling, and try to use a credit card that earns you points for charges made. Additionally, using one credit card makes it easier to track what you spent on your trip for budgeting purposes later on. You’ll also want to check out the foreign exchange rate for the particular country that you are traveling to. If you have a debit/check card, look at the symbols on the back and match them up to the ATMs in that particular country. Often times, it is significantly less expensive to use your debit card to receive foreign tender at an ATM versus getting the money exchanged by any other means. Know, however, that with ATMs, it is better to take out larger bills as the machine and the bank will charge you a fee for each transaction. The same holds true for most credit cards. Call up the credit card company before you embark on your trip to let them know that you’ll be traveling. This will help to avoid any problems while you are vacationing in terms of having your accounts frozen because of suspected fraudulent activity.

It may be that you are planning a great vacation on another continent. In that case, the issue of accommodation should be a top priority for you. Deciding where to stay, especially in another country, can be difficult and stressful, especially if you’re not sure how many people there speak your native language.

Let us have a brief talk over the issue of accommodation in various great cities of Europe. Is Spain on your list? If so, check out for the Eurostars Cristal Palace, one of the most luxurious places among the Barcelona hotels. You will get a great restaurant, bar, non-smoking rooms, safety deposit box, heating facilities, etc. There is also a business center,  laundry service, car rentals, and ticket services. Internet services are available. This hotel, as well as most others in Barcelona, accepts a variety of cards.

If you decide to visit the Czech Republic and go to Prague, in that case I recommend Hotel Brixen. It is in the center of Prague and provides clean rooms. You will get both single and double bed rooms with all possible modern facilities. Although it sounds basic, this is a new addition to Prague hotels.

In case you are interested in London hotels, check out the Danubius Regents Park Hotel. This modern 4-star hotel is just 10 minute walk from Baker Street tube station and close to several favorite attractions. It offers the requirements of both business and leisure travelers. It provides 11 conference rooms and banquets for up to 140 delegates. You can enjoy a 24 hour Internet Lounge. They provide a restaurant, bar, front desk, newspapers, rooms/facilities for disabled guests, elevators, safety deposit box, heating, luggage storage, and fitness center. Public parking is also available on site.

So, once you’re done making your accommodation reservations… pack and prepare for a great trip.

1. Wreaths are always a great way to dress up a doorway in almost any season. For the autumn season, you could construct it out of any of the following: berry clusters, leaves, grasses, shortened corn stalks or any other naturally occurring fall item you can find in your backyard.
2. Turn mini pumpkins into more than just small decorative pumpkins with funky fall faces drawn on- make them into candleholders! Simply carve a hole wide enough for a candle in the top of the pumpkin. Arrange them along your front porch or mantle.
3. Here’s a real autumn attention-grabber: an autumn version of a snowman. Pick out pumpkins proportioned just as a snowman’s three balls of snow would be. Drill holes through the pumpkins and secure them with a stick pushed through all three. Then, get creative and draw on a face with a black marker, add twigs for arms and any other accents you see fit!
4. Create some autumn-themed garland using dried corn. Make sure the corn is completely dry. Peel back the dead husk and tie string around each piece of corn at the base of the husk. String them together and hang them around a doorway or any other appropriate place on your front porch.
5. Another type of garland can be made with small gourds. Find or buy a few inexpensive gourds and poke holes through them. Thread twine between them, tying knots on either side of each gourd. These can be hung from outdoor fences or even your mantel place.

So, there you have it! Five ideas to get that creative side of your brain up and motivated! As you construct these five unique decorations for this year’s display, you’re bound to come across materials that are well suited for other ideas and techniques that you can dream up all on your own! Good luck and Happy Halloween!

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