Free Travel!
Posted by travelanswerman | February 7, 2010
Do you own a computer? Do you know that’s all you require to see the world? Is your bank account empty these days and maybe even lost your job? Nevertheless, you still want to travel and experience the world around you now. No worries for the Internet becomes your transport, your gateway to the far corners of the earth…and you don’t even require a valid passport or visa for entry into the destination you desire.
It is likely every average size city and larger along with every country in the world is currently listed on the Internet. Each day the amount of information on all of these places grows and grows, seemingly with no end in sight. You can read about anything you want and see just about anything via video twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty five days a year. You determine the time and place.
So, the next time you want to take off and see another part of the world…don’t wait because of some poor financial excuse…go to your personal home computer or the local library and travel to your heart’s content. I promise you won’t even get jetlag or worry about your luggage getting lost…flight delayed or missed connection! Enjoy the friendly, hassle-free world of travel through your PC. You really don’t need money to travel do you. It’s free!
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United Kingdom, United States, Wine Vacations, college students, wine | Add Comment »
Best Travel Tip to Meet Locals
Posted by travelanswerman | February 6, 2010
Bringing your own music in an MP3 player or portable CD player is a great way to block out the noise of typical major cities, smooth the ride on trying bus journeys, or pass the time during long transit periods. On the other hand, there is nothing more isolating than a pair of headphones. Who would want to communicate with you when it is obvious your desire is to block out the rest of the planet.
Instead, on your next vacation or holiday, try bringing along some current CDs or cassette tapes. When you tire of the cab’s selection of the greatest American music, offer the driver one of your own. In some parts of the world, you could give your new potential friend a colorful tee-shirt from home and they would be “happy as a clam.” Of course, what action you take depends significantly on where in the world you are located. Take a moment, evaluate your surroundings, and use your best judgement.
Giving simple, inexpensive gifts is an excellent way to reach out and touch people. Consider the many other things that would be acceptable and appreciated. Isn’t supposed to be better to give than receive? Go ahead and give it a try. You’ll likely be surprised at the outcome!
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United Kingdom, United States, Wine Vacations, college students, wine | Add Comment »
12 Unusual Travel Blogs and Sites
Posted by travelanswerman | February 3, 2010
Hear about all kinds of stories from travelers who have explored the far reaches of the planet and recorded on their blogs these helpful and entertaining online travel journals. Most of the photography is outstanding and allows the viewer to be transported to exotic lands instantly.
Pret a Voyager: The name of this blog translates to Ready to Travel, and that’s just what this roaming graphic designer does. The blog focuses on stories of her travels as well as on fashion, design and photography.
Escape from New York: Wendy, writer of this blog, is a photographer and journalist who travels the world taking photos and learning about what makes cultures unique. Her blog contains stories and, of course, photographs of her travels.
Nomad4Ever: Here you’ll find articles and advice from a self-professed nomad who’s spending his time traveling and living in Southeast Asia. The blog shares his experiences while also giving inspiration and motivation to those scared to fulfill their travel dreams.
Nerd’s Eye View: This self-professed nerd works as a technical writer but also enjoys writing about travel and culture whenever she can. This blog is an extension of that and is full of her travels both local and abroad.
Sand Dollar Adventures: This humorous blog shares the adventures and misadventures of the blogger. It also shares ideas and deals on travel for those who like a little adrenaline on their vacations.
Budget Trouble: Here, self professed travel addict Anna shares her experiences traveling and living in places all over the world.
Greg Wesson’s Esoteric Globe: Follow the travels of Greg, a frequent road warrior and world traveler whose blog covers countries near and far.
Notes from the Road: This blog provides beautiful photos and writings on travel all over the United States.
Randall Wood: Randall Wood is a travel writer, among many other things, and this blog showcases his writings on the places he’s been.
Clearly Enlight’s Travel Blog: Get inspired by the photos and posts from this blogger who plans to travel the world for the next five years, and who is sharing his experiences on his blog.
Not Another Tourist: This blogger has been living and working all over the world. She’s chosen to share her experiences with friends, family and the rest of the Internet through this blog.
www.walkinganddrinkingbeer.blogspot.com This travel blogger takes you around the world using various forms of transportation and stopping frequently at some of the finest pubs for a tall glass of refreshing beer. I’ll toast to that idea!
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Ecotourism, Europe, Families, France, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Luxury, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United Kingdom, United States, Wine Vacations, college students, wine | Add Comment »
Best Diners Drive-Ins & Cheap Food
Posted by travelanswerman | January 29, 2010
Food and Drink: Part of the joy of traveling the world is exposing yourself (and your palate) to new flavors and traditions in the local cuisine. It’s also a great way to meet and touch the local people and discover something about the culture. Use this list to find the cheapest ways to keep your tummy full, your tastebuds happy, and your wallet and stomach full. And while you’re getting pleasantly plump, you might just learn something new.
We always look forward to your favorite suggestions! People want quality grub with a cheap price! Tell us where they are and let us know why they are special to you!
The Trailside Cookbook: This site has tons of tasty recipes for backpackers on a budget. Cooking for yourself will barely tap into that $35, but your tastebuds will hardly notice.
The Entertainment Book: If you’re traveling around the United States, you have to purchase The Entertainment Book, which is full of coupons for great restaurants, as well as museums and sporting events.
DestinationCoupons.com: Find great restaurant and meal coupons for the top location destinations, including London, Paris, New York City, Tahiti, and the Caribbean.
Restaurant.com: With a slogan like “Eat. Drink. Save Money,” this online database of U.S. restaurants and coupons is perfect for any traveler on a budget.
Cheap Eats on EuropeString.com: This Web site gives tips on finding the cheapest places to eat and drink in Europe. Browse topics like “Ways to Get Free Drinks in Bars” and “Where to Eat in Barcelona.”
“12 Frugal Vacation Tips:” This article on about.com has clever tricks for finding cheap restaurants wherever you go. Take advantages of afternoon specials or follow the local workers who “know where to get a bargain.”
“Backpacker’s Guide to Cheap Eats:” Read this article to find more ideas for enjoying the local flavor, like buy a bottle of wine ahead of time and enjoy drinking it “in the park.” Drinking rules are usually more lax abroad, anyway!
Cheap Eats in Tokyo: Check out this list of the best places to eat cheaply in Tokyo.
Chowhound.com: The Chowhound blog posts articles about great finds all over the world. Follow the suggestions, and you’ll be eating good, authentic food without paying too much.
Sydney Eats: Peruse through the list of Sydney’s restaurants. You’ll find out how much you can expect to pay even before you go.
Hot Doug’s: www.hotdougs.com The deal here is encased meats, as in hot dogs and more hot dogs, bratwurst and more sausages. You’ll find everything from Polish to Italian sausage. Weekly specials are really where it’s at, though. It is located in Chicago.
Billy Goat Tavern & Grill: www.billygoattavern.com This is one of Chicago’s most famous and colorful (burger) bars. It’s a funky, no-frills kind of place and a living museum of Chicago journalism. Blowups of columns and bylines of famous writers from days past fill the place. The food is quick, cheap and burger centered (they make a good one, and it’s topped with tasty pickles you’ll want to pile on high). But don’t expect a lot in the way of service.
Shake Shack: Arguably the best burgers in New York City along with juicy hot dogs. Concretes, dense frozen custard blended at high speed with various mix-ins, make for a memorable sweet treat (a favorite is the Concrete Jungle—peanut butter, banana and hot fudge). Beer and wine is also available for quaffing at the tables surrounding the kiosk.
American City Diner of Washington: www.americancitydiner.com Want a soda? Need a hot dog? Crave liver and onions with mashed potatoes? Then this homey, folksy eatery will fill the bill, especially as it’s open 24 hours a day on Friday and Saturday. It is located in Washington, D.C.
Bread Line: www.breadlinecafe.com Don’t come expecting to have a relaxing lunch, though, for this bare-bones shop near the White House is usually crowded and a bit chaotic, even after the main lunch hour. You’ll find scones and muffins for breakfast; soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. It is located in Washington, D.C.
Mike’s City Diner: www.mikescitydiner.com Mike’s is the sort of nostalgic American diner politicians choose for photo ops: Indeed, President Clinton once ate ham and eggs with grits at one of its classic checker-clothed tables, among neighborhood folks, cabbies, cops and workers from the nearby hospitals. Mike himself is no longer here, but his practice of roasting turkeys, slicing fresh-cooked ham off the bone, and never skimping on the mashed potatoes—or the coffee—continues. Bring your cash (credit cards aren’t accepted), your appetite (the huge breakfasts are served all day) or your fiercest hangover. It’s centrally located in Boston.
Pink’s Famous Chili Dog: www.pinkshollywood.com Pink’s has been slinging ripe, bursting-with-flavor beef hot dogs into fresh buns for the hundreds of hungry folks who stroll up to its takeout windows longer than almost anyone can remember (about 60 years). It is located in Los Angeles.
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Que: www.foxbrosbbq.com Innovative nibbles include fried squares of mac ‘n’ cheese rolled in crumbs and deep-fried, so the cheese is creamy and the outside is crunchy. Baby-back ribs have the proper slightly pink color at the bone—the so-called “smoke ring”—that proves they were cooked over wood. The meat is tender but just slightly resistant to the bite, as it should be. Smoked chicken comes with rarely seen white barbecue sauce. Ask for some to go with the smoked beef brisket, best enjoyed sliced, not chopped. The Fox standard ‘cue sauce is medium-bodied and just slightly tangy. Pulled pork is spot-on, too. Brunswick stew and all sides are made with fresh ingredients and it shows, and don’t pass up the green bean casserole when it’s offered. Finish with banana puddin’ or chocolate pecan pie. It is located in Atlanta.
Jamaican Jerk Hut: www.jamaicanjerkhutinc.com Nicola Shirley, high priestess of island food, presides, ladling out her famed goat curry and spicy jerk chicken. From English rule there’s oxtail stew with roti (a chickpea pancake used to wrap varied fillings—another Indian influence), and, of course, jerk chicken that’s the island’s own. Start the meal with conch salad or mango salsa, heated by Scotch bonnet peppers and cooled by cilantro. Try crisp conch fritters or calaloo (a spinach-like vegetable) tarts that are one of many vegetarian offerings, such as sides of spinach with groundnuts (true African) or okra. Make yourself some rum punch, enjoy reggae tunes and chow down, but don’t forget to include a slice of Shirley’s carrot or coconut pound cake for dessert. It is located in Philadelphia.
Lankford Grocery & Market: Located in Houston. Part of the delight of the exquisite cooking you’ll find here is the unabashed modesty of the retro surroundings, from old vinyl booths to beer signs. Everything about Lankford’s famous burger makes it justly revered: the thickness of the homemade patties, the perfect grill char, the amount of lettuce and other fixings they support, even the sprinkling of black pepper that flavors each bite. With cheese melted into the bun, this two-handed burger may well be the best in town—or on the planet, some devotees would argue. Daily specials include enchiladas—these Tex-Mex marvels rival any in town, packed with chicken and swimming in soulful chile gravy.
This Is It Soul Food: www.thisisithouston.com This latest incarnation of one of Houston’s favorite diners has the charm of a school cafeteria with freshly painted walls, faux greenery and black-and-white checked linoleum floors. But what makes this place the heart and soul of home cooking is its combination of friendly servers along the walk-through buffet line and daily specials of authentic soul food—we’re talking ham hocks, oxtails and chitterlings. Less adventurous country-cooking devotees may opt for the basics of meatloaf, barbecue rib ends, baked chicken and smothered pork chops. Soulful sides include mustard greens, black-eyed peas and candied yams. You can top off your meal with a heaping helping of peach cobbler or an assortment of homemade cakes. It is located in Houston.
The Pit: www.thepitbarbq.com On the edge of the Everglades, The Pit is an easily accessible southern respite from the din of the city as well as a must-stop after or before a day in the Glades. The verge-of-collapse shack and barbecue sauce-smothered goodies make for slightly dangerous eatin’ that evokes old Miami. The service and atmosphere may be bare bones but the idea is that that’s all you’ll leave of your ribs, too. Try the fresh-from-the-swamp frogs legs and extra greasy (extra good!) biscuits. It is located in Miami.
Topics: Adventure, Blogs, Cuisine, Families, General, Green Travel, Restaurants, Singles, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United States, college students | Add Comment »
Antarctica
Posted by travelanswerman | January 29, 2010
Topics: Adventure, Blogs, Ecotourism, General, Green Travel, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips | Add Comment »
Where the Hell is Matt?
Posted by travelanswerman | January 29, 2010
Topics: Adventure, Africa, Airlines, Asia, Australia, Blogs, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, China, Cuisine, Ecotourism, Europe, France, General, Green Travel, Hiking, Hotels, India, Italy, Mexico, Middle East, Restaurants, Singles, South America, South Pacific, Spain, Thailand, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United Kingdom, United States, college students | Add Comment »
Surfing Huge Waves in Maui
Posted by travelanswerman | January 29, 2010
Topics: Adventure, Airlines, Blogs, Cuisine, Ecotourism, General, Green Travel, Hawaii, Hotels, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, South Pacific, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United States, college students | Add Comment »
India
Posted by travelanswerman | January 29, 2010
Topics: Adventure, Airlines, Asia, Blogs, Cuisine, Ecotourism, Families, General, Green Travel, Hiking, Hotels, India, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, college students | Add Comment »
Italy Much More
Posted by travelanswerman | January 29, 2010
Topics: Adventure, Airlines, Blogs, Cruising, Cuisine, Cycling, Europe, Families, General, Green Travel, Hiking, Hotels, Italy, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, Trains, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, Wine Vacations, college students, wine | Add Comment »
Running a Bed & Breakfast for Dummies Review
Posted by travelanswerman | January 29, 2010
Each year, I visit numerous Bed & Breakfast properties. I only wished this book was available to read many years ago, because it would have provided me with some excellent insight that I have been lacking.
It is an outstanding resource for future innkeepers! If the suggestions are followed, clients will not only be pleased with the quality but also with the value of their investment. The book leaves no details out and covers everything from A – Z to ensure long-term success for the owner and the guests! Additionally, her easy to read style allows a quick assimilation of the material.
Some of the main topics covered are:
Understanding B & B basics
Being able to choose the location, style, and size of the ideal B & B
Helping you create your own business plan
Setting room rates and policies and organizing your recordkeeping
Marketing your services
Creating signiture dishes for the property
Increasing your profit and assess your success
The author is Mary White who is the go-to source in the Bed & Breakfast industry for opinions and advice. Her site www.bnbfinder.com is hailed by professionals and consumers alike as the most informative B & B site on the Web.
Topics: Bed & Breakfasts, Blogs, Cuisine, Families, General, Green Travel, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping, Singles, Travel, Travel Guide Books & Maps, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trips, United States | Add Comment »
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