The week before Memorial Day weekend marks the time that summer travel plans are being made and "what I did this summer" reports are being outlined.
Four things to keep in mind when planning your summer travel include:
Courtesy Cesar Millan.
Summer is the perfect time of year to focus on the "Exercise" part of the fulfillment formula! Try new activities, visit a new location, and enjoy the sunshine and your dog's companionship.
No matter what physical activity you engage in, it is important to watch for signs of dehydration: lethargy, sunken or bloodshot eyes, dry gums, increased heart rate, paleness, and loss of skin elasticity. Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times!
Here are just a few activities to try with your dog:
I am not much of a history buff, but after catching HBO's Band of Brothers a few years back, I gained a greater appreciation for the history of the battlefield. And I also realized I didn't know too much about some of those terrible and incredible places that helped shape how I live now.
One of those rich places to visit is the historic site of Gettysburg. Here took place an epic battle which helped define the outcome of the Civil War. The field at Gettysburg conjures up vivid imagery of the legendary men who gave their lives for a greater cause. If you're looking for awe-inspiring views and sites, this is the place.
Tell us what your most fun summer destination of all time is and enter for a chance to win a $250 travel card just for sharing!
Out of all the vacations you've taken, what trip left you eager to come back? What spot had family members begging you to let them stay one more day? Where did you have the time of your life? Summer travel is all about escaping to a care-free place to just have fun. Tell us where that is and you could win a $250 travel card to help you get back there!
Post a comment to nominate your locale and at the same time enter for a chance to win a FREE $250 travel card! Contest ends June 30, 2010.
What better time to visit Chicago than during the sun-soaked days of summer? From the bustling beaches and citywide festivals to the cultural institutions and downtown Chicago real estate architecture, Chicago is a world-class destination that offers any newcomer or longtime frequenter a memorable vacation.
Harley-Davidson is the iconic American motorcycle brand. But it is also an international icon, with dealerships around the world. In my fantasy of world travel by motorcycle, I'm always on a Harley, and I drop in at the Harley-Davidson dealership for some maintenance, along with some friendly conversation about a shared interest -- motorcycles, of course.
Maybe I'll stop in at the fabulous facility at Casablanca Harley-Davidson in Morocco. After all, I've always wanted to hear my exhaust note echoing off of the Moorish architecture, and I'm eager to park outside of Rick's Café American. I think I'll stay at the Best Western Hotel Toubkal while I'm in Casablanca. Good thing Best Western is a global company as well.
After last weekend's intense All-Star Race, NASCAR gets back into the Sprint Cup Series while still in Charlotte. Correctly predict who will win this weekend's race and you could win a $25 travel card just for guessing right! Enter your guess today!
Correctly guess which all-star will come out on top and become eligible to win a Michael Waltrip signed hat AND clear tote bag! Write your guess in the comments below for your chance to win!
*Entries must be in before the start of the race and winner will be announced on 05/31.
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Limit only one entry per person. Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the US or Canada to be eligible to win. Winner will be randomly selected from all correct answers posted in the comments below.
A lot of people in and around Toronto will tell you that we have two seasons here: winter and construction! This is essentially the punch line anytime we complain about traffic getting in and out and especially moving within the city.
If you are someone who can't stand delays and congestion than you need to start planning your escape from the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) now for the week of June 21-28, 2010.
There has never been a better time to see America with your dog. More and more hotels have a dog-friendly policy, and in cities across the country there are restaurants that welcome not just you but your four-legged companion. There are plenty of destinations that offer attractions that both you and your dog can enjoy--as well as offering leash-free parks where he or she can make new friends. But before you head off by car or plane, here are 10 tips to make sure your trip is happy and safe.
One day, while sitting in a natural spring in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, I had a true spiritual awakening. It was January of 2000, the beginning of the new millennium, and the snow was falling as I sat in a 100 degree natural sulfur spring with the steam lifting off the water in a surreal swirling motion. Snow covered mountains, that I had just snowboarded on earlier that day, surrounded me. And every little snowflake that hit my head created a cold sensation in contrast to the hot water beneath me. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. It was then that I decided to take a different path in my life and that path eventually resulted in the decision to have my first child. I attribute that meditation-like experience with helping me to make important decisions in my life that created the wonderful life I have now. So as you can expect, I take trips to natural hot springs whenever possible.
Despite having been to London several times and making sure to cover all of the 'must see' landmarks, museums, theater...the list goes on. I have never had the time or opportunity to explore the English countryside beyond that. A recent business trip to Swindon, England changed all of that.
Last summer: My family drove to Venice, La. This is one of the first places to be affected by the oil spill and so I thought I'd re-share this post. At the time, the area was recovering from Katrina and now they're being hit with this spill.
If you look at a satellite map and zone in on southern Louisiana, you'll see that the Mississippi River branches out into several water channels. Before dumping into the Gulf of Mexico, the channels run through skinny fingers of land, and on the last day of our road trip we take Highway 23 down one of these peninsulas to Venice. A two-hour drive from New Orleans, the town is the most southern community on the Mississippi accessible by automobile and many refer to it as the end of the world.
"Who's Gonna Win" the NASCAR All-Star Race this weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway? It's guaranteed to be one of the best races of the year with the best of the best coming out in full force to win the $1 million prize, along with all the bragging rights.
Correctly guess which all-star will come out on top and become eligible to win a Michael Waltrip signed hat AND clear tote bag! Write your guess in the comments below for your chance to win!
*Entries must be in before the start of the race and winner will be announced on 05/24.
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Limit only one entry per person. Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the US or Canada to be eligible to win. Winner will be randomly selected from all correct answers posted in the comments below.
It's getting better. A little better all the time.
I caught myself humming that old Beatles song as I drove down Divisadero Street here in San Francisco last week.
As a Mom, I can attest that although getting flowers on Mother's Day is delightful, I'd much rather spend quality time with my family on a vacation. So even though Mother's Day has come and gone, surprise her again with appreciation and take her to a beautiful garden!
Claude Monet's garden at Giverny in France seems to be the top pick for avid travelers. The inspiration and product of one of the most famous impressionist artists ever to have lived, this garden looks more like a piece of art than real life. Monet was meticulous in creating the perfect space for the gardens including ensuring symmetry with precise designs and layouts. As you can imagine, this landscape was the backdrop for inspiration for his breathtaking work.
I like long motorcycle rides. Really long motorcycle rides, measured in days, not in miles. The limiting factor on my rides is not fuel. It's not distance. It's not money.
The limiting factor on my rides is comfort.
If I'm comfortable, I can ride forever. If I'm uncomfortable, I'm ready to quit before my garage disappears from my mirrors.
The single most important feature that controls comfort on a motorcycle is the seat.
It has been several years since my visit to Himeji Castle, but my memories are vivid because it is such an architectural wonder. It was built in the middle of the 14th Century, gradually enlarged over the years, and was registered as the first Japanese world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in December 1993. Among the reasons for the selection were the multiple towers and its magnificent shape.
The castle, frequently dubbed the White Heron, also served as a fortress and houses an astounding number of smaller buildings within its walls. Since it has stood there for more than 400 years, it is no wonder that time and the elements have taken their toll. Some repair work has been done over the centuries, but now the time has come for a major restoration. Under the auspices of Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, a three-year refurbishing project will get underway next October.
As Alice Cooper sings it "School's out for summer, School's out forever". Literally music to the ears for thousands of young adults graduating from college this May. However, the most enthusiastic people singing this song may be the parents of those graduates. However, my lines to the song might be more of "School's out for summer, School's out forever, no more tuition payments"!
Time for another round of "Who's Gonna Win..."
Leave a comment below with your prediction of "Who's Gonna Win" the race in Dover this weekend. If you guess the winner correctly, you will be entered for a chance to win an autographed hat by Mike Waltrip!
*Entries must be in before the start of the race on 05/16, and winner will be announced on 05/17.
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Limit only one entry per person. Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the US or Canada to be eligible to win. Winner will be randomly selected from all correct answers posted in the comments below.
It's certainly been yet another interesting period for the travel industry with the disruptions caused by Iceland's Eyjafjallajoumlkull volcano. (I can't pronounce it either.) Just when you think you've dealt with every type of scenario, a new issue seems always to be just around the corner. This isn't the first time, however, that volcanoes have wreaked havoc: in 1902, a much worse volcanic cloud hit Martinique, killing 29,000 people. Two more recent examples occurred in 1982 over Indonesia and in Alaska just seven years later, and both of these resulted in airline engine seizure.. Fortunately, the two jumbo jets affected by these volcanoes were able to restart their engines, but not before losing 25,000 feet of altitude at a frightening rate.
Harley-Davidson owners are divided into two camps: Those who love and respect the Sportster, and those who deride and dismiss the Sportster. I own a 1993 Sportster Deluxe, and I am definitely a Sportster lover. If you're a hater, I hope that you'll read on so that I convert you.
The Sportster, or XL in Harley alpha-parlance, traces its roots back to the 1950s. Harley introduced the Model K in 1952, and it was the most technologically sophisticated bike the company had built to date. Capable of 16-second quarter miles and with a top speed over 100 miles per hour, the Model K was the best-performing Harley of its day, and quickly became the bike of choice for adventurous young riders. The bike evolved over the next few years, and in 1957, the Sportster name and XL designation was attached to the line.
I like going to new places. Exploring an unfamiliar city gives me a rush.
But I'm learning that my kids are quite happy going to the same places again and again. They'd be happy going to Tahoe every summer, and my son would be quite content returning to Philadelphia again and again.
My son and I visited Philadelphia over a year ago. We spent a long weekend seeing all the sights, from the Liberty Bell to Betsy Ross's house. We had a fun time, but I never expected the excitement he expressed for the city when we revisited over spring break.
"When are we going to Philadelphia?" he asked repeatedly during our time in New York and Boston.
In what appears to be the waning days of the current recession, the travel industry is finally moving toward consolidation, something that travel experts have been forecasting for years.
Recently, frequent travelers have seen Delta Air Lines merge with Northwest, Frontier merge with Midwest and the beginning of what looks like a United /Continental merger.
On the car rental front, we've recently watched Avis combine with Budget, Enterprise snap up National and Alamo, and most recently, Hertz announced its intention to buy Dollar-Thrifty for $1.2 billion. Last year, Hertz bought Advantage.
It's time to break out the sunscreen, do a few crunches and get ready for a summer vacation, but where will you go? Do you have a summer travel plan yet? I do.
This summer, Sara and I are going to hit the road for a "one way" road trip. This is a cool idea that I have been hearing about lately, and I am excited to give it a try! Here's how it works, you rent a car, drive as far as you want, drop the car off at the airport, and fly home. This way, you get to enjoy the benefits of sightseeing, exploring many destinations, and hitting the open road but don't have to sacrifice added time on the road or extra driving for the return trip!
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