March Madness is in full swing and the lucky teams that are still left in the hunt have all eyes toward Atlanta, Georgia. Yes, the Georgia Dome in Atlanta will host the NCAA Final Four tourney and fans of college basketball far and wide will be flocking to the "Peach State".
Of course, there's plenty to do and see if you happen to visit Atlanta, Georgia during the tournament or even after the final whistle blows. Take a look at what Atlanta has to offer!
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I'm now a mini-van driving dad. Not by choice. I was forced into this decision by the other powers in the household - my wife and her cohorts, my 2 daughters and son. They are in heaven in our fully-loaded, state of the art family mobile for the new millennium. And if our kids had their way they would permanently move into the van.
Despite my hesitations, secretly I have enjoyed the new supped up transportation. Recently we took a drive through Northern Arizona and Southern Utah - which holds some of the most spectacular scenery and landscapes in the nation. A key benefit to the new mini-van set up is the second the kids inquire "Are we there yet?" we can easily flip a switch and they can be entertained with a DVD or game and my wife and I can enjoy the scenery on the road ahead.
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Summer's here (for now), school's out and kids are home. But the kids will be back to school before you know it. Looking for a last minute vacation? Never fear, BEST WESTERN has put together a few of our favorite kid-friendly destinations along with several ideas on things to do once you get there. For those who love Pinterest, this will make your summer planning a little easier.
Here is a list of our top 5 favorites:
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With business travel back in full swing and with countless travelers traversing the airports and highways soon for holiday travel, the spread of germs and sickness become almost inevitable. Many people will become exhausted from travel, thereby weakening their immune system and increasing the risk of travel induced illness. Some travelers will tend to not eat as well as they might at home and may also get off track with exercise goals and sleep habits, which can also increase the risk of getting sick. So what can you do to combat illness and make sure you stay healthy during your travels?
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This old western, mining town that almost was placed under martial law until military troops were able to restore order and once had a larger population than San Francisco is now a hidden gem of a tourist spot about an hour drive from Tucson, Arizona. If you need a destination to release your inner cowboy, there is no better spot than Tombstone - the town too tough to die.
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It has an average annual temperature of negative 57 degrees Celsius.
90% of the world's ice exists there.
It holds the world's record in strongest wind, highest altitude and coldest temperature.
There are no permanent residents or vegetation.
Sound like the perfect vacation spot?
Well, don't rule out Antarctica just yet! Approximately 30,000 people visit Antarctica every year and while there has never been a native population, 4,000 scientists live and work there during summer months.
For years, luxury cruise lines have offered travel to the earth's coldest continent surrounded by ocean. In fact, with just a few Google searches you'll find travel information about lavish ships with ice-strengthened hulls offering an Antarctic experience with 5-star accommodations. So, what is there to do, see and experience in Antarctica? Why on earth would anyone brave this desolate area?
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From the classic stainless steel car to the bright neon lights to the smell of apple pie and malts - the diner has officially made a comeback. Made trendy again by the popular show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and new generations seeking a retro flashback, diners have been an essential part of urban culture for over 50 years. Defined as quintessentially "American", they've been illustrated by pop culture artists and featured as a staple hang-out in numerous movies and television shows. Most diners are small businesses and family owned, which always adds to the character of the atmosphere, food and service. So, the next time you're traveling, be sure to stop by these unique, fun and delicious American classics.
Blue Benn Diner (Bennington, Vermont)
Many popular diners today offer a true culinary experience by providing non-traditional diner food in the same retro atmosphere. One of the country's most well-known diners is Blue Benn Diner in Bennington, Vermont which offers the traditional fare, but also unexpected dishes such as Syrian roll-ups and vegetarian enchiladas. If you take a look at the Diner Section of any restaurant review, you'll most likely find people raving about this little gem with fabulous food.
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This may seem like a strange post for a travel blog, but with Halloween season upon us I thought it would make for an interesting travel idea.
I spent some time visiting a friend in Pittsburgh this year. During my stay, she mentioned that she had the perfect not-so-popular tourist destination that she knew I'd love. Intrigued and happy to have my own personal tour guide around a new city, I asked where we were going. She said, "A cemetery." My reaction was to ask if she knew someone buried there. "No," she replied. I asked if someone famous was buried there. Perhaps Pittsburgh's own, Andy Warhol or Perry Como? "No, it's just a cool cemetery." A cool cemetery? Now, my friend is a bit eccentric, so this didn't surprise me. What did surprise me is Allegheny Cemetery. I had never seen anything quite like it.
I didn't want to leave. I spent hours walking around, taking pictures, reading epitaphs and peeking inside the stained glass windows of mausoleums. Creepy, you say? Understandably, many people are not interested in visiting "cities of the dead." However, the intricate tombstone carvings, elaborate mausoleums, perfectly hand-crafted sculptures and stunning landscape gave me the experience similar to that of visiting a museum. In fact, I found it relaxing, peaceful and fascinating. Maybe it's a little morbid, but there's something calming about being in these artistic sanctuaries surrounded by centuries-old walls, gates and headstones.
Since my trip to Allegheny, I've decided to visit the most unique, beautiful and interesting cemeteries in the US. Here are a few you should plan to check out on your next vacation:
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I'm now a mini-van driving dad. Not by choice. I was forced into this decision by the other powers in the household - an expecting wife and her cohorts, including our 6-year old and 3-year old. They are in heaven in our fully-loaded, state of the art family mobile for the new millennium. And if our kids had their way they would permanently move into the van. Despite my hesitations, secretly I have enjoyed the new supped up transportation. Recently we took a drive through Northern Arizona and Southern Utah - which holds some of the most spectacular scenery and landscapes in the nation. No wonder President Obama took his family on vacation to the Grand Canyon. A key benefit to the new mini-van set up is the second the kids inquire "Are we there yet?" we can easily flip a switch and they can be entertained with a DVD or game and my wife and I can enjoy the scenery on the road ahead. As I took this drive I felt fortunate to live close to so many great, scenic drives. So as the final moments of summer fade and the seasons change, there isn't a greater time than now to plan a simple road trip on an amazing scenic drive--a road trip that is more about the journey along the way than the destination. As the line from the movie Cars eloquently reminds us, "The road didn't cut through the land like that interstate. It moved with the land, it rose, it fell, it curved. Cars didn't drive on it to make great time. They drove on it to have a great time." So find a great scenic route, pack a picnic, keep the camera handy and enjoy the ride. Here are a few of my favorites and a few I am hoping to try.
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Puerto Rico has been a favorite island escape for travelers across many generations. The "Island of Enchantment" will feel both exotic and familiar to visitors from the continental U.S. Culturally, the island offers a rich blend of Spanish, Anglo, African, and native flavors that provide for a fun and diverse vacation.
Part of the tourist draw is that Puerto Rico enjoys year round summer temperatures, with an average annual temperature of 80°F. The peak tourist season is between December and April, so now is the perfect time to plan your next island getaway. Of course, if you like to travel in off-peak right now is the time to go, but keep in mind off-peak coincides with hurricane season in the Caribbean. My recent visit was in March, based on strong recommendations from my local contacts as the ideal time to visit - not too hot, not too crowded, not too much rain. Whenever you may plan to take your island hop, here are a few highlights you don't want to miss.
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By the end of this post, you will know a valuable secret to planning great vacations for less. Not only will you know, but you will be an instant expert. It's simple, there are only two steps, don't follow the masses and find great off season activities.
A trip to the beach in the summer, Aspen in the winter, or to see the leaves change in the fall is great, but these will cost you. Every location has its reasons for visiting during "peak season" but there are also great activities to be discovered during off-seasons.
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Everybody's got one. A quirky friend I mean. But nobody has one with as many strange habits and behaviors as my friend. Let's just call him Mr. X. This guy has more quirks than the whole cast of Seinfeld put together and recently we took a trip together. I have been on many trips in the past with him, but this time we shared a hotel room.
I like to relax as soon as I enter a hotel room. I put my bags down, test each of the beds to see if one is more comfy, then I grab the remote and surf the TV for a bit. I don't really plan on watching anything, it's more about taking a second to unwind from traveling and also to make sure that the hotel has all the great channels that I don't get at home.
This is not the way that Mr. X entered our hotel room. He walked in, placed each of his bags neatly in a line on the bed closest to the bathroom and begun unpacking. I mean methodic, rehearsed unpacking. First Mr. X produced 8-10 (no joke) different bottles of vitamins and placed them in a specific order, labels faced out, on the bathroom sink counter. Next, he produced a set of his very own neatly folded sheets and replaced the hotel sheets with his. After this, Mr. X produced a pair of slippers arranged them at the foot of his bed. Last he produced a pair of earplugs and a bottle of water from his bag and placed them on the side table.
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Ready for takeoff? Not quite...usually there is a layover, delay or extra security line to make some airport visits longer than your time spent on the actual plane. Recently I spent a distressed 3 hours in the Fort Lauderdale airport with a dead laptop battery and zero luck finding an available or functioning power outlet. It made me start to log in my head my favorite and most dreaded airports to travel through while on business. Here is what I jotted down on paper during my three hour wait. I'm sure there are lots of airport tips and recommendations to share...so let us know what your favorite airport for business travel is and why. Note I left off most of the mother-ship airports like JFK and LAX because they often frustrate me more than they provide ease of travel. Here are the airports that were on my list:
TAMPA INTERNATIONAL (TPA)
Access to Gates/Planes - Tampa's airport has a clever system of unmanned trains that take you to a pod with a cluster of departing gates, so you never really have to walk that much. But beware if you are in a mad dash to catch a flight, waiting for the next train may end up with you seeing the plane door close without you on the inside.
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Taking your pets on vacation is becoming more common with more pet friendly hotels and travel policies. Here are some tips and ideas to consider for pet travel.
On the Road - Pet Travel Tips
- Carefully plan your route. Schedule regular stops to give your pet water, food, a bathroom break and general exercise.
- Keep your pet secure in a safety harness or carrier while driving. Don't allow your pet in the front due to the risk of front passenger air-bags.
- Travel on the road with your pet's bed so they will feel more comfortable and at home.
- Don't leave your pet alone in the car especially during summer months. Any extreme weather, hot or cold can be dangerous to their health.
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For those who embrace the "life's too short, eat dessert first" mantra, traveling just provides another reason to please the pallet. I scoured the 50 states for the best pastry shops and came up with a handful that you won't want to miss. Who knows, you may even need to plan a vacation around them.
Chocolate Pink Pastry Cafe on 905 Juniper Street NE in Atlanta, Georgia
http://www.chocolatepinkcafe.com/
While brides may flock here for architectural wedding cakes, the rest of us come to savor Pastry Chef Christian Balbierer's signature chocolate mousse. Seconds? I do!
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"Ladies and gentleman, today's flight, flight 29 with service to Los Angeles International Airport will be departing on time."
What? How can this possibly be? Why on earth would a flight take off on-time. I almost broke into a cold sweat when I heard the announcement come across the P.A. I pinched myself when they came on again as we began our descent and announced that we would be landing 15 minutes early.
I had decided earlier in the week that my most recent business trip to Los Angeles would be the perfect opportunity to break out the stopwatch and track the most important and potentially time consuming parts of the trip. I mean we all know travel is a hassle, time-consuming endeavor. But what would the numbers say? Admittedly, all week I had been preparing a scathing manifesto in my mind to the airlines, airport security, the airport shuttles, and the hotel front desk about delays and poor customer service. Years of business travel have left me numb to 45 minute delays, cancelled flights, and hotel rooms that "weren't quite ready". Much to my astonishment, in my much anticipated quest to document the pains and hassles of travel, I was proven wrong in all facets.
Travel by the numbers...
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With all the news of stumbling stock markets and extreme weather warnings, the ticket to finding some solace might be just a short drive away. Turn off the TV, power down the PC and head outdoors for some foliage therapy this fall. Take a hike, ride your bike or drive through back country roads to get the best sightings. This is the perfect time of the year to head out. Aside from the stunning show of color to witness, you will find that with the first frosts the bugs are gone, the trails are less crowded and the sounds of nature will speak to your soul--that is, if you leave the iPod at home.
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You just finished watching the Olympics on television, now is the time for you to experience firsthand the imperial city of one of the world's oldest civilizations. Beijing is a city that mixes in the rich, historic sites of a 5,000 year old civilization with the very futuristic and unique architectural structures of a quickly progressing city. Just before the Summer Olympics, I took a trip to Beijing to soak in the culture, history and complexity the city brings. Now with the Olympic flame distinguished and Beijing basking in its post-Olympic glow, this is a perfect destination to explore.
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Time for some summer refection. Memories of barbeques and kicking back with some good friends. Remembering late nights and early mornings because no one is watching the clock. But there is one key to making any summer memorable... road trips. This summer no road trip was complete without a playlist full of great music. What you will discover is with the right playlist of tunes, you will always have a trigger to remember your getaway. I still play Milan 2006 with longing and relive the thrills of Grand Canyon Adventures 2004 thanks to my travel tunes.
Keep your destination in mind when creating your hodgepodge of melodies. Pick music that will get you pumped up for the vacation ahead and keep the memories flooding back when it is over. Here are a few sample playlists for creating your own vacation soundtrack:
San Diego, California
If the beach is what you are looking for then put on some laid back tunes and get ready for some relaxation while soaking in the rays.
1. Amazing - Josh Kelley
2. Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson
4. Yellow - Coldplay
5. Love Soon - John Mayer
6. New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
7. Fun, Fun, Fun - Beach Boys
8. Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley
9. Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
10. Everything - Michael Buble
11. Steal My Kisses - Ben Harper
12. Where are you Going - Dave Matthews Band
13. Upside Down - Jack Johnson
14. Californiacation - Red Hot Chili Peppers
15. Island in the Sun - Weezer
Nashville, Tennessee
If you are a country music fan then this is the destination for you! Nashville is the "home of country music" and you can bet that is what I centered my playlist around.
1. Never Wanted Nothing More - Kenney Chesney
2. Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts
3. That Song In My Head - Julianne Hough
4. Wherever You Are - Jack Ingram
5. A Feelin' Like That - Gary Allen
6. Summertime - Kenney Chesney
7. So So Long - Dierks Bentley
8. Wide Open Space - Dixie Chicks
9. Chicks Dig It - Chris Cagle
10. Last Name - Carrie Underwood
11. You Can't Take the Honkeytonk Out of the Girl - Brooks & Dunn
12. It's Good To Be Us - Bucky Covington
13. Playboys of the Southwestern World - Blake Shelton
14. Mud on the Tires - Brad Paisley
15. Walking In Memphis - Lonestar
16. Fast Cars and Freedom - Rascal Flatts
17. Something Like That - Tim McGraw
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Still searching for an exciting destination this summer? Is Quebec on your short list? If not, move it to the top. This year marks Quebec's 400th anniversary and to celebrate the entire city will be hosting special events and exhibits year round with the main event taking place on July 3rd to mark the arrival of Samuel de Champlain in 1608. So if you haven't experienced this historic destination, this is the year to go! A great way to save on some of Quebec's best attractions is through the city's museum card. For only $50(CAD), the card offers admission to 18 museums for 3 consecutive days, two days of public transportation, and coupons for discounts at various Quebec City attractions. The Best Western City Centre/Centre-Ville and the Best Western Hotel L'Aristocrate offer great accommodations and special packages for your Quebec adventure. To get full details of all the celebration activities and events visit www.monquebec2008.com.
What are other destinations in Quebec that are must sees or even hidden gems? Let us know.
Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies or entities before planning your trip.
Yes, we've long heard about the shrinking American vacation. News reports remind us of this tragedy every holiday weekend and throughout the summer season. Despite the statistics, we believe there are endless options for quick getaways. Each week we will highlight an easy escape destination that won't break the bank and doesn't require an entire week off to enjoy. Obviously the quick escape may not work for every geographic location. Some may require a flight versus a drive, but we hope to highlight enough destinations that there will sure to be several options that will fit your budget, geo-location and style. We kick off on the California Coast in a sun kissed and dreamy beach town called Laguna.
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Chris McGinnis
Cesar Millan
Sam Lowe
Jason Fogelson
Bryson Forbes
Amy Graff
March Madness is in full swing and the lucky teams that are still left in the hunt have all eyes toward Atlanta, Georgia. Yes, the Georgia Dome in Atlanta will host the NCAA Final Four tourney and fans of college basketball far and wide will be flocking to the "Peach State". 
We know it is a big world out there with lots of places to see and experience.
Best Western's You Must Be Trippin' travel blog offers travel tips, ideas and
feature destinations to make your next trip a success. We are also interested
in where you've been tirppin' and invite you to share your travel ideas, tips
and destinations with us. For your next trip, stay at Best Western, Stay with
people who care.SM
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