You Must Be Trippin'

I went to London in Jan 2012 for a friend's wedding. I hadn't seen or really been in touch with this friend in 3 years. But when I saw her for the first time in her wedding gown, all the old memories rushed back and it was as if had been together the whole time. What a great trip!

Don't have one for 2012 but hope to change that in 2013

We were driving thru Zion National park this week and we came upon 3 majestic Desert Big Horned Sheep. The three bachelors were standing on a beautiful little sandstone hill near the road and struck many terrific posses for my eager camera. They are wild animals, to be sure, but they allow tourists to get near enough for great pictures with the right lens.

Me and my buddy had a crazy 2-day experience this summer. We drove a round trip from Oklahoma City to Kansas City, MO to St. Louis, MO and back to Oklahoma City (about 1100 miles) in about 36 hours! We left on a Friday morning and went to Kansas City where we watched the Royals play the White Sox (my first MLB game) and got hit on by a couple of guys (we're both straight married guys). The game went into 13 innings so we were up late! Then we got up and drove to Saint Louis where comedian Dan Aykroyd was doing a signing. We got to meet him and take pictures with him and he signed some stuff - it was so cool as he is a comedic hero of mine! The we drove straight back to Oklahoma City where I had to go to the birthday party of my wife's best friend. That was one CRAZY weekend and my only trip of the summer!

Best, and only, travel memory of 2012 was a four day trip to Los Angeles with my brother in May!

Travelling to Holland, England and Scotland.

My highlight was travelling to Calgary, Alberta for the 100th Calgary Stampede. It was a fabulous family experience that I highly recommend to anyone.

Move to USA two years ago and first come back to France this summer ! It was an amazing travel , such fun memories with all the family and friends :) .

Played nine holes of golf with my 6 year old son on the North Carolina coast this past summer. He drove the cart for one hole. (Almost a HUGE mistake, but very fun). Truly a great vacation moment!

I made the long trek to London in January 2012 to spend a much need two weeks with my husband, who is deployed to Afghanistan.

My travel moment of 2012 was starting the new year in Rio! This was the biggest trip I have ever taken & I did it all by myself. I have never ventured that far from home and to start the new year there by myself was an experience of a lifetime. I am looking forward to more adventures in life, maybe a few closer to home.

I had a great trip to pincher creek, accompanied by a couple days at Castle Mountain. It was a mellow trip and was just what I needed at the end of a hectic semester.

Our 2012 summer trip from Vancouver, British Columbia to Silver City, New Mexico, by car, was all about droughts and floods. We saw land that was parched and cracked that, not surprisingly, transformed into rivers of water when a huge storm hit.

This particular story occured in the city of Window Rock on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. The land was potato chip dry when an enormous black-cloud storm moved in. It started with hail that piled up on the ground, looking like snow in the middle of July. We were disoriented by this sight, to say the least. The hail then transformed into skin-drenching rain.

With the land so dry there was no chance for any of the precipitation to be absorbed into the red dirt, so the water began moving. Just as we entered Window Rock, a rushing river, considered a "wash", crashed through a low point where a mobile trailer court existed and over which a bridge extended.

There were people stranded in their homes with the water rising. The Navajo Nation administration vehicle arrived to assess the situation. Animals were caught in the swirling waters, struggling to get to dry land. Cars and oil drums were being submerged in the water, while garbage cans and landscape items were floating freely down the river.

I spoke with a local who explained that the same kind of crisis had occurred in the previous summer, just blocks away. It washed out the road. She said that it was expensive for the city to address the need for creating permanent culverts. It was expected that the people in the trailers, and even their trailers, would survive this flood, but it was unknown how much more of this would be coming their way as a result of the very visible changes to their climate.

When the firemen arrived to provide rescue services, we decided it would be best for us to get out of their way and out of potential harm's way. As fast as the storm started, it stopped.

We had never seen a flood like this, it was very, very frightening. For many years we had read about flash floods on the desert, arroyos, and washes, and had made many driving trips through the desert, hoping that rains would not start. It was not until 2012 that we saw, first hand, the destruction and fear that simple rain could create.

Now, you must remember, I am writing from Vancouver, British Columbia. It rains here, alot. Wikipedia reports from between 47 to 97 inches of rain per year in Vancouver. We only experience flooding when the rainfall melts snowpacks in our moutains. US Climate Data reports Window Rock receives 11.3 inches of rain a year. It's a big deal when they get rain.

Some Navajo artwork references celebrations associated with the rains. This rain contributes greatly to their existence in these dry desert regions. It makes farming possible in Canyon de Chelley. Another stop on our trip.

We would not have had this educational experience had we not been doing a driving trip in this part of Arizona. It took many nights of sleeping in Best Western Beds to get us all the way to Window Rock and I am certain we will do it again.

One of our favourite Best Western Hotels is in Green Valley, Arizona. Great pool and hot tub just before the electrical storms set in (and then they have to close them down, too bad).

My favorite travel highlight for 2012 was spending Labor Day weekend at the Baltimore Inner Harbor watching the Grand Prix.

Every year since I was 16 I have entered the online lottery to win tickets to Saturday Night Live. I finally won! I wasn't prepared and they only gave me 10 days notice but I had to make it happen. So, I sold a bunch of stuff on ebay to be able to fly to NYC and luckily have a friend that let me stay for free (though I would have preferred the privacy of a Best Western!). Here's where it gets crazy - there are 2 shows, the dress rehearsal and the live show. I won tickets for the live show and camped out on the sidewalk in front of NBC (first in line) to get standby tickets for the dress rehearsal. I was there until 7am but got to meet a bunch of cast members coming out like Bobbby Moynihan and Fred Armisen during the night. I went back and slept for a long time and then got up and went to see the shows! I got into the dress rehearsal (on 6 stadbys let in) and turn around and went to the live show. Afterwards I went outside where you can meet people coming out - I got to meet and pic with Bill Hader and Jason Sudeikis. Such a cool experience. Turned around and went home the next day

After a great year of seeing the Northern Illinois University Huskies Football Team accomplish so much more than anyone could have imagined at the beginning of the season, the Huskies received an Orange Bowl bid. My wife and I have been season ticket holders since 2008 when we graduated and have attended every home game dating back to when we were students. This year I was able to sit in the press box for the big season opener at Soldier Field on behalf of the MAC Conference Social Media Road Tour (@ExperienceMAC). Due to that experience, my wife and I got to sit in a private suite at Ford Field in Detroit to watch our Huskies win the MAC Conference Championship. With the Orange Bowl berth secured, my wife and I were bummed that we didn't have the money to get to Miami Gardens, Florida for the game. We received a small gift from my parents and were able to secure a bus trip to Atlanta, drive from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to see the game. A very large part of the costs of our trip was for a hotel room. Keep in mind the game was on New Years night, so we would be staying overnight New Years Eve, a big night for all hotels. Most hotels were asking for well over $200/night and that was way over what we could afford. I was able to get a room at the Best Western Plus Fort Lauderdale Airport South for $140. Although are Huskies lost, Best Western was a huge help to our very small travel budget. Without Best Western, we would not have had the once-in-a-lifetime Orange Bowl experience.

We went to the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA. My daughter LOVED it!

We took several trips in 2012 but the highlight would have to be our one night stay at the Best Western Sterling Inn and waterpark. We stayed there for my daughter's eighth birthday and it was wonderful to play at a waterpark in December.

We went to Orlando, Florida to visit Disney World with the kids and had the most amazing time ever! The kids loved meeting all their favorite Disney characters and going on all the rides. I was really worried about my special needs son that he may not wander off, but he was really great! It was a memorable trip and hopefully something we will get to do again in the near future!

My best travel experience of 2012 was taking the kids down to Calgary. The kids loved the zoo there and the amusement park. Of course we couldn't stay anywhere else but a best western!

Went to myrtle beach for 4 days stayed at the hotel for 3 nights and upon arrival
we are told the elevator is broke down so we are climbing 6 flights of stairs the
whole time we are there and the day we leave what do you know they got the elevator fixed so we did get to use it once on the way down. but we still had a wounderful time.

My family took a trip to Kansas City and we stayed at the Best Western across from Livestrong Sporting Park. It was our only trip of the year, so we made the most of it. We took the kids to Legoland and the Crayola Store, and they loved them both!
On our final night there, I took my 4 year old son to his first professional soccer game. He had such a great time and with the hotel being right across the street, we didn't have to worry about parking or sitting in the long lines of cars to exit. We simply walked across the street and he was in bed in no time at all.
It was our first family trip and we didn't have to drive too far or worry about much at all. It was definitely a success and I believe the family is ready for another this year.

When travelling near Vegas just after Christmas we were driving down the highway in a totally dry, dessert area and we passed under a highway sign that was lit up with a warning of 'winter driving conditions'. It looked pretty funny in the middle of a highway through the dessert with no snow in sight anywhere.

I visited family in Minnesota in Dec 2012. We had a get together at the Best Western in White Bear Lake, MN. We booked 2 poolside rooms and had an awesome time. Kids swam in the pool, the adults sat poolside or at the tables right outside of our room overlooking the pool area (which ended up being perfect). The staff was so accommodating to us and our guests that were stopping by to say hi. It was a wonderful time!

Shortly before Christmas, my wife and I traveled tot the Los Angeles area to visit our daughters and their families. The highlight of the trip was a visit to the "Big Chill" in San Diego. This was an amazing display of ice scultptures in an arean adjacent to the docked Queen Mary. We would not hesitate to see it again if we have the opportunity. Of course, the image of three adolescent grandsons sliding down the long ice slide will remain in our memories forever.

My wife convinced me we should go on a cruise. The trip was amazzing and not to relaxing. It was non-stop partying and the cost was more than I would pay for 4 1/2 days. The sites were amazzing and the ocean had a great view. The flying fish were a wonder. The bright blue sea is worth watching once. Now I'm ready to go back on land. Super trip.

Fall of 2012 was an inspiring vacation for my husband and I. We spent twenty-three days in Italy, and celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary. The trip was inspirational on so many levels. The country and the Italian people are wonderful. The food, and the wine were superb.

Our favorite place was a little town called Lucca. Small streets, ancient building, and it was like time stood still. If you are traveling to Italy, make this little town a must see.

We can't wait to go again, and when we do we will travel south to Sicily.

Oh please let me win so I can return to the Best Western in Reykjavik, Iceland! It's much less expensive than most hotels in the area but just a few blocks from the center of this vibrant city. It's among the most clean, pleasant, and convenient BWs I've stayed at anywhere.

Travel to San Diego and a stay at the Best Western Hacienda in Old Town .... always a great place to stay. Great staff, great facility in a top-notch location. Looking forward to my 2013 stays there.

We traveled from Wisconsin to the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. We survived and even enjoyed some very long travel days in cars, buses, planes, trains, taxis and ferries -- with a 4-year-old who is a very good sport!

Visited northwestern states of Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon. Staying at Best Western along and way. Great rooms and hospitality to supplement the great times spend in National Parks and out of the way places.

Visited San Simeon and stayed at the Best Western Cavalier, the best dog friendly property on the Central Coast.

We didn't travel far in 2012 but we had an unforgetable trip to Maine in August. For the past 4 years we travel with 10+ friends with our 5th wheel trailors to Maine for 2 back to back bluegrass festivals. Our two weeks are full of laughter, good times, food & music. It is definately a highlight of our year! Looking forward to doing it again this year!

For the first time in 2012 I went on a vacation all by myself to Ocean City, MD and stayed at the Best Western up around 50th Street. It was in the middle of April and I love to hike, in addition to loving the beach. So I spent 5 days at the Best Western and got my hiking in! I arrived Thursday night and just took it easy. Friday I drove over to Assateague and though there aren't many hiking trails there I did all of them and then toured through the campsites, walked on the beach, and grabbed dinner very close to the hotel. On Saturday I spent the day at Chincoteague and probably did 12 miles of trails. Whats so nice about being on vacation in the middle of April is there are a lot less people. Plus I'm a nature lover and enjoy taking pictures. So at that time a lot of birds, particularly the warblers, are all taking up "residence" in the area! Plus there are absolutely no mosquitos to deal with! And I had beautiful weather every day I was there. Sunday it hit 70 degrees and I spent the day sitting at the beach and reading. Plus I treated myself to a great dinner of filet mignon and shrimp and enjoyed the sunset over the bay on Monday before I headed back to Pennsylvania. Plan on doing it again this year......all by myself. The only one I have to entertain is myself! LOL

My daughter and I spent a week in London this summer, my first trip and her second. We travelled to visit "our girl", my granddaughter, her daughter, who was working in London. For me, it was magical to see all of the famous sites that I saw again on TV during the Olympics. I`m sure I just about drove my husband mad by saying things like ``I was right there!``, ``I saw that!`` and on and on! The absolute best part of all though was spending all that lovely time with my daughter and granddaughter!

My family and I climbed past the "horseshoe" to the next lookout point on Cathedral Rock in Sedona Arizona. My boys shed tears of fear, "Mom, we can't go that high" and then I shed tears of happiness once we all got to the top! What an accomplishment! Oh yah, we stayed at a Best Western and it was terrific!

I took two of my Grandchildren to Kings Dominion in Virginia this summer. We stayed at " Kings Quarters ". After a long day at the park, our room was a welcome sight. The kids liked the motel almost as much as the park. They swam, played tennis, played shuffle board (now that was funny), did mini golf, and had a blast at the arcade. That night they were making a list of what they wanted to ride, and do the next day. I was reading the list (the LONG list) and burst out laughing! The very last thing on their list was........# 25) Take Gram to the Hospital. We had a wonderful time, and I would love to take the rest of the Grandchildren in 2013.

We went this summer for vacation to the eternal city of ROme. Have been there before but was able to spend a longer period exploring the city and the outskirts. Fun! Have a great hotel and of course it was a Best Western!!!!

We cruised to Amsterdam, Norway and Copenhagen, Denmark. We spent 2 extra days at the BW in Copenhagen, and as usual, it was wonderful! Everywhere we go, we try to find a BW, and are very happy with the company.

In May, my husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with a trip to Las Vegas, to see the Cirque du Soleil. We rode our motorcycles from our home in the Sierra Nevada foothills - taking 2 days each way. Of course we stayed in Best Western hotels when possible. Our trip took us through Yosemite, which was beautiful, as usual, around Mono Lake, and also through Death Valley, which was HOT!

Our stay in Las Vegas was very fun, the show was wonderful, and we spent a couple of days enjoying the beautiful pool.

On our way home we went through Nevada, so many miles, and so little people! We got stuck in a tiny town, really a wide spot in the road, in a horrible wind storm. We ended up having to call our hotel (Best Western) in Bishop, and they very kindly cancelled our reservation without charge. Great customer service!

It was a fabulous trip, even with the unexpected detour in Nevada.

Due to funds I did not have one but hope to win this so I can one for 2013.

I went to the bullfights of San Sebastian, in the Basque country in Spain. It was a magical trip that allowed me to see the great beaches of San Sebastian. Funniest thing about the beautiful city was that most of the young people there were there to go surfing on the Atlantic port beaches. Meanwhile, the older set was heading for the bullring, to see what is considered a unique oprtunity to see the finest toreros in the world. It was truly a special place to be!!

It started out, when we were invited to Las Vegas for our cousin, Kari's 40th birthday party. Then I realized that her birthday was a day after mine and I was turning 60. Kari's mother had turned 70 that spring, so we decided to make it a big Las Vegas birthday party. We were so lucky that my children were able to come as well as all of Kari's family and many friends. We had such a great time. We all gathered for happy hour at the Mix on the top floor of the Mandalay Bay overlooking the city lights.. Our highlight had to be when we were at a lounge show at Harrah's, Kari and I got up and got to perform with "Big Elvis". It was a blast.. Also joining us up there was her sister and my son. It is a birthday that I will never forget. We are all looking forward to our next big get-together.

I have to say my best experience at a Best Western was over the New Years Holiday 2012/2013 when I got engaged. Now I am planning my wedding. The staff was very pleasent and the breakfast was good to. also while on a trip the summer of 2012 we stayed at a Best Western in Idaho Falls. I remember it well because the bed was so comfy I rolled arround in it like a kid. the most comfortable bed I have slept in. I am also planning my homeymoon and hope to stay in a Best Western at that time. We are both over 55 years old and paying for the wedding ourselves and budget is tight so I do hope I win!. My stay was excellent and I will truly remember them well. Thank you

One of my favorite travel moments of 2012 was driving the Needles Hwy in South Dakota. We were behind a motor home, and that's right, you guessed it, they motor home got stuck in one of the tunnels.

Everyone waiting while my boyfriend helped direct the guy out of the tunnel, had a great sense of humor. We all enjoyed a great laugh, except maybe his wife, who said they were going to have a long conversation when they got home.

We had our very first family reunion in Tenessee this year with over 60 family members. My grandma turned 76 years old this past December. For her birthday, she decided she was getting her family all together for our very first reunion with her at her home in TN. Her birthday wish came true and she made it all happen. Within 3 weeks, she managed to find a way to gather us all. She had us from many different parts of California, Ohio, Maryland, and Tenessee all to come together and fulfill her wish for a week full of family, fun, and a lot of crazy. What a fabulous way to celebrate her life and come together. She's been Queen for a Day back in the day, but she's a queen every day of her life. What a fabulous and special woman who deserved this vacation together.

Christmas at a cottage in Yorkshire wasn't bad. Nor was Istanbul in April.

But seeing my wife of 45 years dancing on the bar of Coyote Ugly, in Memphis, caps the lot.

I live in TX, my son and his family live in MD so it's difficult to get together. We do something together each summer so that "Grandma Bonnie" can spend some time with the grandkids.
We went to NYC together last summer. I was worried about taking kids to the "Big City" my son wasn't...and he was right! We used public transportation, went to the museumes, the tourest sites (Empire State Building, Rock Center), parks, took long walks, and in general had a great visit.
All three kids were well behaved and managed the rush hours much better than I expected! No one got lost or had any accidents. A great time was had by all and I hope we can do it again.

IN December 2012 we had a big birthday celebration in Las Vegas. Our cousin Kari celebrated her 40th birthday, I had my 60th and aunt Jan had her 70th. We had such a wonderful time as all of our families were there plus some other friends.
We all had a happy hour gathering at the Mix on top of the Mandalay Bay overlooking the city lights.
We went to the Big Elvis show at Harrah's and being it was Kari and my birthday, we got to get up and perform with him, along with her sister and my son. It was a blast.... We are all looking forward to our next big celebration, whatever that might be. We always think of something fun to do.

The trip to Gatineau December 2, 2012 was precious for us because we were the first time proud grand parent to a beautiful little girl named Elizabeth Anne.

Although I live local, the Best Western Eden Premier resort was my spring, summer, fall, and now winter destination in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The hotel has two of the best restaurants within the county, and best Sunday brunch anywhere. I joined the swim & fitness club at the hotel last year, and truly enjoy both the indoor and outdoor pools and amenities. I am anxious for another "summer" season, as the outdoor pool is a true "treasure" in Lancaster county!
If you are a tourist, or passing through Lancaster county, PA, this is one stop that cannot be passed up! You will truly love the "rain shower" head in the bathrooms, along with the immaculate rooms, modern furnishings, and every amentity to make you feel more like "home" than anywhere else!
This hotel is the true meaning of relaxation with all the amentities at your "door step"
Enjoy your stay in Lancaster county, PA!!

My favorite trip in 2012 was the one to Vancouver in Jan/12. Met up with sum family and friends I havent seen in ages. And the icing on the cake was the Chicago Blackhawks vs Vancouver Canucks game I attended. Go 'Hawks! :)

I flew to Victoria for thanksgiving weekend to go into the Victoria Marathon, only because my brother in law turned 70 on that day and that was his wish, so both my sisters who live on the Island decided to enter me into the marathon. So with very little training, mostly cutting 2 acres of grass with a push mower for a month and walking on gravel roads daily for at least an hour I felt I was as fit as can be. Well 10,000 athletes later I did go into the 8K walk and I wasn't near the top nor the bottom so was happy with my results. Upon flying into Victoria I was impressed with all the beautiful colour from the trees. Just gorgeous. The holiday monday my grandnephew is stationed with the Navy and he gave us a tour of the facilities and one of the ships, the Vancouver Ship. Just a fabulous tour, enjoyed it so much. Would highly recommend it. We then proceeded to Parksville for the remainder of the week and the weather for most part was fabulous. A great holiday and may go into another marathon down the road, but may put a little more effort into training.

Our last road trip was to Yosemite. Our first night was at the Best Western Plus, Yosemite Gateway Inn. Oakhurst is a quaint town at the base of the Hwy 49 scenic route as well as the southern entrance into Yosemite.
Exciting to be getting away after a long stressful year, the weather cold and Christmas decorations all around, a great way to start the holiday season.
The real 'we are not in San Diego anymore' moment was looking out the patio window and seeing eight or nine deer walking right behind our patio, straight up into the woods aside of the hotel. Yosemite renews us.

Baseball Spring training in the Phoenix, Arizona, area in March 2012 was a wonderful trip for my husband and I. We stayed at the Best Western near the airport, which was a perfect central location to all the ball parks. We spent one week in the area and saw several games. This was our first time ever doing anything like this and we loved it. We look forward to making the same trip next spring! If you are a baseball fan, this is something you would really enjoy!

I met my brother for the first time; a brother i didn't know i had. His girlfriend and him contacted me in 2011. After establishing a relationship via the phone and email, they came out to California and we met. It was great to connect with new family members. ( we are both in our 50's, so this was quite a meeting). it was also a chance to reconnect with what a beautiful state California is. I'd taken for granted how beautiful Lake Tahoe is as I watched them ooh and awww at the sights on the Dixie Queen. My brother called his son from the Pacific Beach as he put his feet in the water at Stinson Beach. Then we went to Hearst Castle, what a magnificent place.

This was a great vacation and I hope to do it again and visit different places with them when they come back in 2013. Thank you.

Our family took a wonderful family vacation with our teenage boys in August 2012 to LA. The last time we went to LA we stayed close to Disneyland and didn't venture very far. This trip we did everything else and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We stayed at the Best Western in Marina Del Ray and the staff were wonderful. They sent us to a fabulous restaurant near the water and we saw for the first time LA's beautiful beaches! From there we stayed in Santa Monica, rented bikes and rode the promenade, went on the rollercoster at the pier and shopped down 3rd Avenue! Our other stops in LA included Hollywood to see the stars, Universal Studios, Six Flags in Santa Clarita, and an LA Dogers Game! So as you can see we jammed alot into our week's vacation. Our rental car did alot of miles! I would definitely recommend a vacation like ours, it was perfect. Just to mention we did use our Best Western points to pay for our BW hotels! What a perk.....

A wonderful trip to Ireland where we were accidentally caught up in a funeral procession in a small village!

our trip was by motorcycle to the province of Newfoundland. We had smooth crossings both ways, gorgeous rugged landscapes, wonderful warm friendly people, great food.

Our family reunion was planned for the week of July 4, a few days after the derecho (wind hurricane) hit WV and surrounding states. With non-refundable tickets, a group of us from Arizona decided to fly into WV anyway. Such a crazy turn of events. There was no water at the event location, destruction was everywhere. Electricity was spotty. We had been unable to reach the hotel by telephone. When we finally arrived (very hungry) the hotel had electricity but no communications. A nearby restaurant was open for another half-hour and we literally ran to it and begged to be fed. Our sister's home had gotten electricity restored but another storm came through and took it out again. She met us at the hotel and had no way of knowing if her electricity was on yet so we put our collective brains together and finally called the local Post Office and discovered she had electricity again. At the restaurant and many small towns, we cheered for the in-state and many out-of-state companies that were restoring utilities. So nothing went as planned, no reunion; but it was the most memorable and at times heart-warming to see everyone coming together in such a tragic situation. Several family members had mini-reunions at their homes for us. I will never forget 2012 and the derecho experience.

My favorite travel moment in 2012 was my visit to Las Vegas. I was in town as the same time as the taping of the Soul Train Awards. I got a spot as a seat filler and was able to see the stars from Gladys Knight to Flavor Flave.

a great trip to Iceland, Norway, Venice, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece and London. Never imagined going to some of those places, but loved them all! Too many wonderful moments to pick just one!

My best travel moment was climbing the Great Wall of China with my youngest son and thinking about the fact that it is longer than the width of Canada!

Our highlights were many as we drove south from Maine in March. We stayed at several Best Westerns along the way and enjoyed a week at Edisto Island and then on to the Outer Banks.

We are on a limited budget so our travel is what it is. Our find for the year and our memory. Mid July of 2012 we met a college freind of mine who was home from India, where she works. We walked around the Stanford University campus, which is beautiful and found out has 26 fountains. Then we headed over the hill to Aptos, California where we in a chilly 58 degrees. We stayed at the Best Western Seacliff. Which was great for our family. The kids swam in a heated pool, we were able to walk to the cold beach where the kids played not being bothered be the misty cool fog. We loved it so much, we just went back there to start our 2013. A wonderful beach trip on the cool California coast.

Our favorite vacation moment happened directly because of the great staff at the Best Western in Paradise,PA. I had made reservations at a different hotel for our trip, going by the reviews and website online. When we arrived, the hotel was *nothing like advertised, with the musty smell, my allergies and the 'creepiness', we knew we couldn't stay there,we thought we were going to have to scrap all of our plans and drive all the way back home because we weren't having any luck at finding a different hotel. It was a very busy weekend, but the staff at the Best Western was able to give us a wonderful room for both nights. Not only that, they were so very friendly, sympathetic to our situation, very nice to our son, and the room was clean,bright and just fantastic, it must've been one of the best rooms there. It truly saved our trip :)

My sister, my cousin and a few friends took a trip to cuba!! Scared of flying i made it there and back lol. Cuba was beautiful amazing weather but the food ahhhh!!!! I loved my time away it was my mommy break lol and couldn't wait to get home to my family.. note to self travel with my husband and kids :D

My best trip this year was in London Ontario. The suite I stayed in was wonderfull and the pool area is extremelly pretty and fun, I will go back again this year with my familly.

Love it

It would definitely be visiting Charleston for the first time and enjoying a carriage ride around the old city before a delicious southern dinner with family and friends.

Cooks Beach on the Mendocino Coast Jan.1, 2012 70 degrees and whales spouting.

My girlfriend and her son accompanied me to Washington D.C. in June (from Sacramento, CA) for a conference; afterwards we decided to drive back instead of fly. We rented an SUV and went from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia, New York, Niagura Falls, Indiana, Chicago, Kansas, Mount Rushmore, Denver, CO, Utah, New Mexico, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and then HOME! It was the best vacation ever! We saw the entire country and had so much fun. We stayed in as many Best Westerns as we could and they were all amazing! From the staff to the sites. I recommend anyone to do this at least once in their lifetime. Next we plan on taking the Southern states by storm. By the way, I proposed to my girlfriend in Niagrua Falls and suffice to say, my fiance and I will marry in Hawaii next year.

My kids and I went up to Holland Michigan, it was wonderful, We where able to go to lake Michigan and walk the beach and swim, went to the pool at night and just enjoyed it. We had some great dinners

On a mostly sunny day, returning home to Ohio driving west through New Hampshire into Vermont when colors were at near-peak.

I took my son to Philadelphia and Hershey, Pa to meet his half siblings. He had never meet them but had only heard about them. They had a chance to spend some time together and to see the Hershey factory. I had planned in well in advance and he was very excited!

Cruise to Alaska. Especially enjoyed "cruising" through Tracy Arm Fjord. Absolutely breathtaking views!

Boston in the Fall. Beautiful! Historical!

My kids and I went up to Holland Michigan, went over to lake michigan and was able to walk the beach and swim, had great meal and the pool at night, It was a wonderful time together

Boston in the Fall. Beautiful leaves changing color surrounded by history!

The Best Western in Dunedin, Florida last year was a fantastic place to stay. Very economical during off season and right on the docks at the local Yacht club, and a short walk to downtown shops. It's a great laid back town and a great and friendly place to stay.

In 2012 i had a few highlighted experiences but the one i will remember most was travelling from Castlegar to Grande Prarie to attend my sons wedding. I was travelling with my daughter and her 2 children. My Grandson Ayden had never flown on a plane before. You should have seen how excited he was, his eyes were as big as saucers when we were taking off. He said" it was the best thing ever Grammy"! The wedding was absolutely beautiful and the hotel accommodation was fantastic!!!!
Hoping to win this so I can take my Grandsons on our next Best Western Trip where ever that may be! Happy New Year 2013

The best highlight of time away was to go to Minnesota to see my Granddaughter. She is 6 years old and lives in California. Her and her Mom planned a trip to Minnesota to see her parents and was so kind of her to call and see if we would like to make a trip there to see our Granddaughter. My Granddaughter just loved the indoor pool...I can't wait to go there again, We will most certainly stay there again. The room was wonderful and very clean..Thanks for sharing our time with our Granddaughter and G-ma Lori and Papa.....

On New Year's Eve, 2012 we stayed at a local area Best Western with our daughter who is 10. The hotel was family oriented and there were a lot of children staying that night. The hotel offered a New Year's Eve package that included party favors and hats to celebrate. After enjoying the local attractions and pool we were in our room watching the New Year's Eve celebrations on TV. When Justin Bieber came on to do his concert we hear a bunch of girls out in the hallways yelling and going gaga over him. We opened our door and 2 teenage girls were on the floor singing to us! It was so much fun!

I travelled from Winnipeg to Woodstock, NB with a co-worker to work in the area. I was really looking forward to a lobster dinner and was shocked when I couldn't find one in the interior of NB! My co-worker and I decided we weren't leaving without that lobster dinner so after browsing the internet we finally found the closest dinner...2 hours away in St, John! The dinner was worth the 4 hour return drive!!!

Checking in at the Best Western Plus is like coming home. A staff that is more than accommodating, facilities second to none; I always choose BWP over the competition for those very reasons. Be it the Best Western Plus in Kamloops BC which I cannot say enough good things about; Simply the BEST choice anyone could ever make or the BWP in Estevan Saskatchewan.....The service is superfulous.
Thankyou Best Western for your HOSPITALITY.

We went to Penticton this last summer so my husband could compete in Ironman. I've never been so proud as I was when he crossed the finish line.

My boyfriend and I didn't have a week to spend for our one year anniversary so we decided on a quick trip to San Diego old town. We stay at the Best Western Hacienda and were very impressed with our stay. The website was just as it described. A cute Hacienda! We had a nice dinner and were even lucky to have free breakfast at a local restaurant complements of Best Western. I would definitely stay again! We had a sweet one year anniversary that I will always remember. Thank you BW!

My wife and I attended the annual Oktoberfest in Cincinnati, Ohio this past Fall. The authenticity and size of this event, held along six city blocks in the city is amazing! I had no idea that the German-American culture is so well ingrained in that part of the city. ( I learned that this part of Cincinnati is referred to as "Over the Rhine.") Attendance was advertised at about 500,000 over the weekend event. Make reservations early, and bring your lederhosen, thirst and appetite. You'll have a wonderful time!!!

My favorite travel memory in 2012 was on a trip to New York City that I took with my daughter. We walked from Brooklyn to Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge.

we made couple stays in bestwesterns in vancouver last year.it was awsome.nice beds , rooms ,breakfast and free parking and not forgetting the indoor pool and free wifi which made our stay a wonderful one

November 2012, Best Western Coconut Plaza Waikiki. Husband had been working out of town a lot that year and we managed to escape without children to reconnect. Hawaii is magical, and leaving the cold, rainy weather in Vancouver behind was fantastic!

Going to the Mushroom Festival in Eugene, OR at Mount Pisgah arboretum. So much good food, great people... so much more than I expected.

My son bought a truck in Seattle and needed to drive it back to school in New York. We made an epic cross-country road trip that included watching fireworks across the big sky of Montana as we traveled on the 4th of July (while listening to the 1812 Overture -- perfect music for it), seeing Mt. Rushmore for the first time, getting caught in the most torrential downpour of rain we've ever been in (roads turn into rivers), and best of all, some great conversation for hours on end. We marveled at the diverse beauty of America. We loved the mountain forests of the Northwest, the awesomeness of rugged Montana, the unique beauty of the Black Hills and the Badlands, the verdant green of Wisconsin, and the beautiful rolling hills of hardwoods along the New York-Pennsylvania border. We live in a beautiful land!

My friend, who lives in Holland with her 4 boys, told me she was going to New York City for a long weekend at the end of November of 2012 and invited my son and I to join them for a long overdue reunion. The last time my son and I had seen her and her sons was in 2004 when we went to Holland to visit them. Well, of course, we could not pass up this opportunity. My son and I flew to New York City (where neither of us had ever been before) and were met at the airport by my friend who had flown in the day before. Talk about a tearful and joyful reunion. We then spent the day touring the 9/11 memorial, eating out, catching up, eating out and just plain old enjoying ourselves and being in NYC right before Christmas. We went to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and saw the tree and skating at Rockefeller Center. We managed to squeeze in so much in such a short period of time that I have to put this trip/reunion down as one of my most memorable and fun of all.

We had a fun family Thanksgiving at Casey Key, Florida with stone crab and shrimp instead of turkey-warm breezes instead of snow!

We love the beautiful summer days enjoying Custer, SD. This year we got to see hundreds of buffalo on the nature drive. Really an amazing sight!

In the past year, I took on the job of being a mother to a Golden Retriever.
Since then, I have not been able to travel without my dog.
Lately, we stayed at the Best Western in Niagara Falls.
It was one of the best nights that we have had.
There was a dog park close by and the hotel room was huge.
I was able to throw a ball around the room and chase him.
We all had a wonderful time.
We are definitely staying at this Best Western location in the future.
Thank you so much for offering such a room.

On a quiet October afternoon, we decided to turn down an unassuming track off the main highway towards Ettingburg Road. The road twisted up the hillside while our tires crunched through countless fallen leaves. We appeared to be the only people in the hushed park. Several kilometers later, the road came upon a parking area. Surprised about where we could be, I jumped out of the car, climbed the rock steps and looked across to the Devil's Den from the vantage point of Little Round Top on the Gettysburg Battlefield itself. Other onlookers were whispering in tones fitting a funereal monument. And that's what it was, a memorial for thousands of young men, Blue and Grey. It was a highlight of our travels in 2012.

In the past year, I took on the job of being a mother to a Golden Retriever.
Since then, I have not been able to travel without my dog.
Lately, we stayed at the Best Western in Niagara Falls.
It was one of the best nights that we have had.
There was a dog park close by and the hotel room was huge.
I was able to throw a ball around the room and chase him.
We all had a wonderful time.
We are definitely staying at this Best Western location in the future.
Thank you so much for offering such a room.

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend at Taylor University in October - parents' weekend. I even competed (and finished) by first ever 5K race that they hosted! Enlyed our stay at a nearby Best Western too.

We took a cruise to the Islands in Hawaii,May 2012. We went to Seaglass Beach,picked Seaglass,and had it taken from us by security,even though I cried!I Was sick on the cruise,and said to my husband "Never again am I going on a cruise,put this in writing!",but ........am going on another cruise this year to the Carribean !...........how one forgets.......just like chid birth!

I loved the travel with my family to Florida during Christmas. I had a amazing time there.

In October we went on a cruise through the Panama Canal, However, before we set off from Ft. Lauderdale, we prepped ourselves by staying at the Best Western Oceanside. It was a perfect, relaxing introduction to our cruise and one of the most memorable highlights was enjoying a special lunch by the lovely outdoor pool.

My highlight of the year and my 55 years was traveling to Fort Benning GA. to watch my youngest son aged 18, graduate from U.S. Army Basic Training. He also received the leadership award for his platoon (out of 220 soldiers) What a honor. I have never been more proud of my son and his 219 battle buddies. I love this country.

Spent a week at Snowshoe, WV and toured the area. Rode on 4 different
vintage trains through the gorgeous colorful mountains in the fall.
Great weather, nice people, incredible colored mountains, no crowds.

the greatest trip i took was in dec 22, 2012
it was my self my young son and a girl i take care of ..while we were there theeir was another family there they all had on red reunion shirts they had decided to spend a just before Christmas time together it was great getting to know them by the big fireplace, we also listened to some Christmas carols that a volunteer came in plaid their baby grande piano...
it was a very magical time there..
and this was my second trip to this hotel and my most favorite best western...
thanks cindy

my 2012 trip to UK for Crufts Dog Show. while there a very small dog did a very large
pee on my shoe.

My husband and I had a Best Western free night voucher to use, so we took an after Christmas trip to Quebec City. Although it was cold, we were able to partake in some wonderful outdoor activities the highlight of which was dogsledding. The Best Western City Centre Quebec is a lovely hotel and you don't have to wait for summer to visit!

Awesome road trip from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA in a convertible. Was in June and we were 2 couples. We had a great time and we will never forget this trip! We visited San Diego, LA, Santa Monica, Morro Bay, Monterey and San Francisco...We stayed at different Best Westerns, but for sure our favorite ones were the Tradewinds Best Western at Morro Bay, with our room looking at "el Morro" and the Best Western Plus Americania in San Francisco... We wanna do it again!

My favorite travel experiance of 2012 was seeing my husband's face when he saw Spaceship Earth at Disney's EPCOT for the first. He'd never been to Disney before and I wanted him go 'be a kid.'

An autumn trip to Boston to see the fall colours was a real treat. Boston is a fabulous city, so steeped in history. Great foodie place too! A pleasant surprise was touring Plymouth and Salem, which are cities just outside of Boston. I will return to Salem in October, as no one does up the Hallowe'en theme like Salem!

My 3 kids & I drove to WI to visit our former hometown. As a last minute decision, we stayed overnight @ a Best Western to break up the trip. It was so relaxing and fun to play in the pool, enjoy breakfast and then to get to our final destination with lots of daytime left to spare.

On our first trip to Providencials in the Turks and Caico,s this last march my wife and i went diving i have a lot of experience and she is a relative newcomer, i had previously discussed the fact that the diving here was very good and we should see a fair amount of larger pelagics. Our first dive was a wall dive the visibility was excellent and as we ventured over the top of the wall and started down i looked out into the blue and noticed some blacktips circling about, my wife was concentrating on the wall enjoying the various corals and fans. We had discussed the fact that some day she would see sharks up close but she was not looking forward to that day and little did she know today was that day ! the sharks were a little curious and circled in a little closer to give us a look , i positioned myself slightly behind and to the side of my wife so i could get a pic of her with the blacktips in the background, i started snapping away my wife turning to wave and smile at me as i continued shooting. I then pointed in front of her and she turned to see what i was pointing at it took her a moment os so to realize what she was seeing and she literally came to a halt like in a cartoon and swam backwords until she ran into me , i held her and continued pointing at the sharks as they lazily ignored us and swam back out into the blue. She is now very comfortable seeing anything in the ocean and is no longer nervous but we have a picture on our mantle at home that whenever anyone see,s it the animation of my wife always brings the same comment-What happened did she see a "shark" .

We planned a family reunion/camping trip in August 2012 in Yosemite. We have 3 kids,ages 6, 3 and 11months). We decided to stay in a hotel because I was a little nervous about the camping idea. Well when we got there , we realized we had no cell phone reception, and no way to email our family members who were camping. It was an hour drive up the mountain where everyone was staying, but little did we know that they had road construction that delayed everything 1 hour. So driving up , and we finally got there the first day to see everyone. BY the time we had gotten there. they had left us a note at the front office of the camp site saying they went on a hike. So we didn't know what to do because we couldnt reach them and they couldn't phone us. So we decided to hang out and wait for them. 5 hours later at 8pm they showed up. We had hung out with everyone only for a short time because we knew we had to drive all the way back to our hotel. We headed back down the mountain to find a road construction sign that says " Road closed" until 11pm. So we were stuck on the mountain alone for an hour and a half before we can get escorted down the mountain on the main highway.

BY the time we got to our hotel it was 1am. We tried to make the best of this trip but we didn't get to visit relatives as much as we wanted. it was too hard with all the kids and our baby kept getting car sick going on the twindy roads. If we ever have a family reunion again, we will have to make sure we have a better form of communication!

I spent a week at Key West and did jet skiing, a dinner cruise, watch the beautiful sunsets and got to enjoy the night life. The best part was getting to see my sister get married on the beach. I had a wonderful time!

Had a great motorcycle trip that took us to Orofino,Id. Stayed at the B.W. there...beautiful hotel with great, helpful staff! Had just the R & R we needed...our cell phone service did'nt even work so unless there was an emergency...it was just us! After a few days there we took Lolo Pass on the way home...again a beautiful ride! Great scenery, much like our Rockies in Alberta/B.C.! All in all, not a long trip but a much needed "US" trip!

My husband and I spent a month in Palm Springs last February/March and our way home to Winnipeg, decided that we had to travel the extra miles to see the GRand Canyon since we were so close. We headed to Flagstaffe and booked in for the night with plans to drive to the canyon the next morning. After we checked in we saw on the news that a storm was on its way, so we decided we had better get moving or we would never get home. We called the Best Western at the canyon to see if we could book in a night earlier and they said sure---off we drove, and just in time, I might add. We found the hotel and it was gorgeous--just what we had hoped for, an amazing dinner in the hotel restaurant and then a wonderful sleep before heading out in the morning, for the glorious drive through the canyon. We were both so glad that we made the effort----my husband would much rather have just hit the highway and headed straight home. We mostly stayed in Best Western hotels on the drive to and from Winnipeg to Palm Springs and were more than pleased with all the accomodations and the great breakfasts. We plan to book in again this winter as we head back to Palm Springs, so thanks for keeping me updated on the room rates etc. We love BW!!!

in August we decided to take a last minute trip down the oregon coast. My husband and I hadn't gone since we were kids and were looking forward to it. We only had a few days, but we made it worth it. What a beautiful trip. astoria, seaside, cannon beach and lincoln city were everything and more! We would love to go back and make it all the way to the end. Maybe this summer. ;)

We had the best time at the Best Western in Valencia, Ca. We spent the weekend there visiting old friends. The hotel manager gave us a room where there were very few other guests, so we had everyone come over one night. We went to the jacuzzi, then hung out in the lounge watching an old movie. It was great. Couldn't ask for a better time!

Scratched off another BUCKET list item: The San Diego Zoo!! I've never been to San Diego and the weather was picture perfect. I had a great time visiting friends and family!

My best experience last year was staying at the Civic Center Inn (San Francisco) for a reunion. The room was big, the pool was clean and the convenience unbeatable.
(It had been a Best Western until last year)

My Hunney and I spent several months on a committee to bring together all these very interesting and talented people who were First Wave SF underground from the late 70's-early '80s.

The motel and the venue were less than two blocks apart, which was a life-saver.

My hunney and I are getting more and more particular, and Best Western has been pretty consistent.

I traveled to Turkey in September and I loved everything about it - the food, the people -the interesting antiquities, the accommodations. But best of all was visiting the area of Cappadocia - this was a fasinating land with awsome landscapes of Fairy Chimneys and house built into solid rock.

The only state that I had not visited was Hawaii, so when my wife and I became engaged in early 2012, I suggested that we go to Hawaii for our honeymoon in July 2012. We spent our two weeks on Oahu, Maui, and the big island Hawaii. We had a fantastic time seeing everything from steaming volcanoes, lava fields, coffee plantations, botanical gardens, dinner cruises, swimming, going to a luau, Pearl Harbor, snorkeling, great food, historical sites, and of course the wonderful beaches. Our favorite moments were walking for hours on the beaches, unobstructed by ownership, watching sunsets and sunrises, looking for shells, and watching people surf and swim and hangglide.

Having 2 children 10 years apart in age is not conducive to having very many "Mommy & Daddy Only" vacations! This past October was our first opportunity to do so in 22 years. One desitination we always wanted to hit was Key West, Florida. And since we were heading to Key West, why not make it over Fantasy Fest?!?!? We chose the Best Western Hibiscus based upon previous Best Western stays on other vacations we enjoyed with the family as a whole. Again, we were not disappointed! The Hibiscus was recently renovated and was a pure delight to stay at. We enjoyed it so-much-so that we are planning a return trip this year for Fantasy Fest and will be booking the Hibiscus. Our 2012 vacation allowed my wife and I to reconnect in a way we hadn't in many years. I'm thrilled that the Best Western Hibiscus made that experience all the more meaningful for us. Good job Best Western! Keep it up!

Best Unexpected vacation was my grandaughter getting in the,Breaking Dawn fan camp for the LA red carpet premiere. I took my twi grandchildren and we camped for four,days and met the,stars. It was exciting and alot of fun ! The kids say they will never forget it .
And I got to have a base for us at my favorite Best Western in Redondo Beach .

WE had a famiyl vation at Anaheim and the BeSt Wetern Raffels inn by disneyland. I t was nice and close by and we had a blast. My family loves Best Westerns, they treat us like we are at Nana's house my sons said. Then after a few days of Disneyland we went to San Diego and Had a great time at the Best Wetern Blue Sea Lodge. It was a great hotel ruight on the beach and friendly staff. Thet staff was telling us a great place to eat was Kona's it was burrittos was a size arm my husband said. It was such a magical stay the cool air and sandy beaches. We are so thankful that there is a Best Western in a lot of cities we travel to, we stay there and no where else. Family vacations togetehr stays together. Nest we cam home to Arizona and stoped off at Prescott to get some geocaches and staty at Best WEtern Prescottonian Inn. They berakfast was to die for and food lot of choices. My sons actually got full, and that never happens. The pool was nice and cool refreshing. Thank you Best Western you made are vacation the Best.

I went to the college national championship game in sunny flordia this year and ran into my mailman. What a smallworld it is but it was sunny and bright and we all enjoyed staying at the Best western.

We went to Aristocrate Best Western in Quebec City, it was marvellous, i like it very much to go there, we will return in 2013 Summer. Danielle

Aristocrate Best Western in Quebec City, Marvellous.

Visiting Seattle for the Rock-N-Roll Marathon then afterwards a relaxing visit to the San Jaun Islands for whale watching, kayaking, hiking and peaceful quiet.

My wife,10-year-old grandson and I went to Iceland in July 2012 on a 9-day conducted bus tour.
The scenery was constantly changing from glacial valley to laver fields. There are many waterfalls and geothermal activity on the island. Our visit to Westmann Island, "Pompeii of the North" was well worth it. Volcanos and icefields were dotted all around the island. The mineral baths are very relaxing. A place not to be missed.

My hubby and I had a blast in Palm Springs, CA staying at our favourite Best Western Hotel downtown. Lovely room and lovely staff! Keep up the great work!

My family had a wonderful trip to California this past summer. We drove both ways from Vancouver, BC to Menlo Park, CA and back again, mostly staying at Best Western Hotels en route. Both the weather and the scenery were spectacular. We especially enjoyed our time in San Francisco -- riding the cable cars, eating in China Town, cruising around Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Fisherman's Wharf and attending a SF Giants game. The drive through the vineyards in the Napa Valley was extraordinary, too. It was a wonderful trip filled with memories!

finding a best western after a hard days drive

We took our two grandchildren to northern Wisconsin for a few days. Our 2 year old granddaughter saw Lake Superior for the first time and waded in the icy cold water. The look on her face was priceless!

Cappadocia Turkey Balloon Ride... words are inadequate to describe what a great experience this was...

From Montreal Quebec Canada to San Diego California by car with our 20 years old niece. A wonderful trip, a beautiful city and a lot of memories to share.

Hoping to return soon,

As Grammy and Pop to 4 energetic little boys, we enjoy staying at Best Western in Sterling, Michigan that has a huge indoor water park. It allows for the kids to play and wear themselves out and we don't have to worry about what to do and no clean up. Works for us all!

We made a really fast trip from KS to CA to visit Yosemite National Park. Driving around the bend that gave us our first view of Half Dome knocked our socks off. It only hot better.

I was in Salzburg (Austria) in September. Those four days are unforgetable.

My favorite trip in 2012 was to Arizona, Nevada and California with my sisters and their husbands who came from Colombia to see more of the USA. We stayed in a couple of best western Hotels and like the service, staff and the price of the places we stayed. Great memories with far away family..

Unfortunately, none. 2013 will be very busy year.

Wish to make 2013 a vacation to remember for my husband and I...I wish to stay at the Best Western American...Even more so now that I read the great review from Max Smoklin On 1/9/2013. Please!!

We have a small plane and were flying between our home in Idaho and our home in California. We stopped in Winnemucca, NV to spend the night before continuing on to California. Once we landed we could see that someone had come in ahead of us, so I dashed into the office to see if we could share the airport courtesy car with the other pilot for a ride into town. When I got into the office there was a guy about my age (60+) talking to the airport operator. I asked him if he had the keys to the courtesy car, and he said, yes, that we could share. He then asked me if I had any nail polish remover. I looked at him more carefully and he had a 3 day growth of beard, was wearing a miniskirt and had his toenails painted bright red! He was just leaving the Burning Man celebration and wanted to get the polish off. We rode into town and showed him where to get nail polish remover and then he rode with us to check into the Best Western. We stood in line together and I saw people looking him up and down! We agreed to meet in the morning for the ride back to the airport, he was flying to Arizona and we were headed home. In the morning he showed up clean shaven, no polish but he was still wearing that darn miniskirt! We waved goodbye and each took off toward home. Funny guy!

Unfortunately, none. 2013 will be a very busy year.

I was thrilled to see a dolphin surf a wave at the beach in Ventura, California!

My best momment was when arrive the hotel, it was my first time to visit disneyland with my kids and the personal from hotel, all of them are very services and always have a smile.

A much needed, very timely and perfect stay at the Best Western Plus in Chincoteague, VA. Staff were great. Room and service were perfect. My wife and I found the peace we much needed and want more in 2013.

Surprising my wife with a cruise as her Christmas present.

Laguna beach with my husband for our 26th Anniversary.

After try for two plus years to go to Antarctica, we had an absolutely fabulous one last February. The first attempt was halted, after we had packed and were about to leave for airport, by a call that the ship had hit a rock! We were rescheduled only to find that the ship company went bankrupt! While waiting for the travel company to reschedule, we found a better for us trip offered by the Flying Longhorns on the Le Boreal. The ship, the crew, the excursions, the accomodations, the food, the service, were all top notch. I especially loved being able to hear/see the lectures, shows on the TV in our room, altho the auditorium was great, too!
Most outstanding was the incredibly good weather we experienced. All but one day was sunny. Our thoroughly charming French captain called the return on the usually rough Drake Passage, like crossing Drake Lake because of the smooth water!
We loved seeing the adorably cute penguins, including a small one that insisted on pecking everyone's boot as we walked the path! A small but quite aggressive seal was a highlight as was the morning spent whale watching. The whales crossed back and forth under our ship with great views off our balcony.

All together an amazingly lifetime adventure!

My best travel moment in 2012 was a trip I took with my husband to California. We flew to LA to visit my nephew and his family. We stayed with them for a couple of days and then I suprised my husband for our 32nd wedding anniversary and rented a convertible camaro. We left the next day , and spent the rest of the week driving the beautiful coastal Hyw 1 to San Francisco, (stayed at a beautiful Best Western right on the ocean), Las Vegas and then back to LA. So much beautiful scenery between the ocean view and the mountains.
We are now planning a trip to London in August to see my niece get married!!

I travelled to Colorado Srings, Colorado, USA and went to the top of Pike's Peak where the thin air was actually breath taking to the extent that I was short of breath and unsteady on my feet. The view from the top was awesome as was the trip up and down Pike's Peak Highway. We stopped at a village and drank natural soda water springing from a fountain on the main street. Very memorable.

Going to the smokey mountains in the fall! The top of Clingman's dome is absolutely amazing!

We were able to travel much this year...however, we managed to getaway to Florida for one week..but our flight was very early..therefore, we stayed at the BW PLUS, Airport. and we had a romantic evening to start our vacation. As always, we enjoyed staying at the BW.

Baltimore, Maryland - I've been trying to have a baby for 3 years after being diagnosed with two chronic diseases in 2009. This trip to a specialty clinic has brought me and my husband new hope!

My wife and I had a great trip this past fall. We have always enjoyed going to Colorado. (our favorite destination). We were both teachers and have always gone during the summer. Having both recently retired from teaching, we decided to make it a fall trip. What a joy it was to go and see the fall colors. Especially the aspen!! Wildlife in the forests were also much more abundent. May seem a little odd, but one of the most memorable moments was on the return home to Texas. We stopped in Clayton New Mexico and spent the night at the Best Western Kokopelli Lodge. It is a newer motel that we had not been to. Ended up being a definate highlight of our trip. The motel and rooms were very nice. Customer service was better than any motel we have ever stayed. They also served the most incredible breakfast of any motel or chain previously experienced. Being the last night of our trip, what a pleasant surprise to end it on such a great note. Thank you Best Western, and especially Kokopelli Lodge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer of 2012 brought a trip that I'll remember forever. My dad grew up in Montreal, and I was able to take him there in July. From our Best Western "home away from home", we explored his old neighbourhood of Griffintown, my grandparents gravesite in Cote De Neige, Old Montreal, the St. Lawrence River and the harbour. Along the way he described what it was like growing up in 1950's Montreal. I knew many of the stories, but seeing it with him was amazing. I will treasure that time forever.

Christmas Road Trip!! The day after Christmas my husband, daughter and I sitting around the Christmas tree, going through all of our new presents we had opened the day before. My daughter asked, "So, what are we going to do today now that Christmas is over?" Out of nowhere, my husband said, "Let's take a roadtrip!" Since none of us had to return to work or school until after the new year, the random trip sounded like an excellent idea. We decided to head toward Yosemite Park, and figure it out from there. Unbeknownst to us, a huge storm was moving through the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe. We had made it to Verdi, and had to chain up. We had hit the worst of the snowstorm, and the short drive over to Sacramento had turned into hours, but we were in no rush or hurry. The beautiful snow fall provided us with awesome views. After Sacramento, and chain removal, we headed down south and ended up staying in El Portal, CA for the night right next to the Merced river. The next day, we drove through Yosemite National Park, where again we were forced to chain up. The surrounding mountain, valley and waterfall views were absolutely amazing. Covered by feet of snow and misty fog, we couldn't have asked for anything better. The following day, we drove to Monterey, CA, photographing the high tides, and beautiful coastlines. Then, we drove on up to Santa Cruz to visit the boardwalk, and take our daughter on the famous Merry-Go-Round. We ended our trip by stopping in the bay area, spending the remaining days with family, driving to hike around the Golden Gate Bridge, and celebrating our New Year's Eve in Oakland, CA. I must say, it was an unexpected, yet very eventful roadtrip. The quality time our family had spent through rain, sleet, snow, sunshine and beautiful blue skies will be one to beat. We are all looking forward to our next unexpected adventure and hope it will be even better!

Traveling to New Delhi, India this past July to attend a conference. Also visited the Taj Mahal while I was there. I met many interesting and wonderful people. But I was also overwhelmed by the extensive poverty that I encountered there.

The most incredible time this year was spent in Washington DC. It was just fantastic to experience the US capitol. The museums are some of the best in the world. I especially loved the grand buildings built in the classical style. The Library of Congress has got to be one of the most beautiful buildings in DC, very impressive! The memorials and monuments are extraordinary. I had a wonderful dinner in Georgetown and loved wandering through the many shops and neighborhoods there. I literally walked until my feet would not carry me any longer and loved every minute of it.

Highlight of 2012 was a trip to Disney World with two granddaughters, including a birthday celebration for one of them at the fancy restaurant in the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Went to an all-inclusive in Punta Cana (DR) for 5 days in December. It was great to escape work and the New York chill for a bit. Now: back to reality :(

On an April, 2012 river cruise through Holland and Belgium, the last excursion was a visit to Keukenhof Garden near Amsterdam. The sun was shining (finally!) on acres of tulips and other spring flowers artfully planted amidst large trees, patches of bright green grass, ponds and streams, fountains and waterfalls. Such beauty brought tears to my eyes. Among the wanderers in this paradise were elders, babies in strollers, active children and watchful parents, young adults holding hands (and not so young adults doing likewise). An unforgettable experience!

I have been traveling to Chillicothe Ohio for over a year, to visit my grandson , his mom my daughter passed away and he was made to go live with his father . I go every month to see him and I stay at the Best Western in Chillicothe, I can't say enough good things about the girls at the desk and the girls that work in the rooms, they are wonderful. Last month I had a great surprize waiting for us, I had been upgraded to a room with a hot tub and I can tell you, this was a highlight for my self to see the joy and fun my grandson had for that Christmas visit. So Thank You Very Much Best Western and your employee's, it turned into a very special week end for us.
Sincerely
Kathleen Bushman

2012 was fantastic! I went to Disneyworld with my son in April, then again in October with my hubby! It really is a magical place!

We love to stay at Best Western because they are always clean, comfortable, great staff and affordable rates. We went to Disney in Florida last summer 2012 and our daughter that lives in North Carolina met us and stayed too. We had one of the best family vacations with two of our three daughters. The only thing that would have made it better is if our oldest daughter could have been there and our son-in-law had been home from his deployment in Afghanistan. Now that he is back in the USA my daughter and son (in-law) will be going back to DIsney together and we told them stay at the Best Western it was a great location and great accomdations. This year we are traveling out west from Michigan and will be tracking Best Westerns along the way for our accomodations! Only way to travel!

Our family took a day excursion to "snuba" (a cross between scuba diving and snorkeling) while in the Caribbean. What a pleasure it was to explore the bottom of the ocean without scuba diving expertise needed. Our teenage son said it was the best experience he has ever had in his life.

I went to clearwater, florida in december 2012, Stayed at a Ramada inn, went to clearwater marine aquarium and clearwater beach. The weather was in the 80's most the time. Also, went to planet beach in st petersburg and Busch gardens in Tampa.

Best travel was taking my 2 sons and 5 grandkids to a Best Western with a pool and waterslide in the middle of winter. We all had a blast, yes even Grandma and myself. Of course we're only in our 50's

My 2012 was way too uneventful travel-wise. I guess the highlight was a weekend spent with new friends in Madison, WI, always one of my favorite places to go. Pinball, beer, and good music made it a wonderful time. 2013 should be a lot better.

This summer was my first time in California, the perfect mother-daughter vacation! I learned how to surf at Coronado, fed giraffes at the San Diego Zoo, went to Disneyland (stayed at the Best Western Plus Stovall's right across the street!), and saw a movie being filmed on the highway in LA. Looking forward to another vacation soon, hopefully!

Our vacation this year took us to Southeast Utah & Southwest Colorado in September on our Harley. This is how we celebrated our 35th anniversary. The highlight of our trip was riding the free gondola in Telluride. The aspen trees were absolutely gorgeous. It was also a highlight that my husband surprised me & took me to spend the night in Aspen, CO, since our little granddaughter's name is Aspyn.

My best ever trip and memories will always be the dream vacation I took with my sister. We spent 14 days touring the Pacific Northwest. Our favorite hotel was the Best Western in Vancouver, B.C. The beds were super comfy which is very important after a full day of hiking!

Every year my family travels to PEI for our vacation and this year we didnt know how it was going to work because we wanted to bring our two year old son and he is not the best sleeper! i contacted the hotel prior to arrival and ask if they could do anything for me.... so they said they would see what they could do.....when we arrived we went to our room and they had upgraded us to a suite. thanks to Best Western PEI we had the best vacation ever

Every year my family travels to PEI for our vacation and this year we didnt know how it was going to work because we wanted to bring our two year old son and he is not the best sleeper! i contacted the hotel prior to arrival and ask if they could do anything for me.... so they said they would see what they could do.....when we arrived we went to our room and they had upgraded us to a suite. thanks to Best Western PEI we had the best vacation ever

My favourite travel destination this year was New York City. I travelled there to visit the museums and look at art work and was thrilled to see those, as well as the night life of New York. The city was full of very friendly people and the food was delicious. You hear about New York all your life and to finally see it, hear it and experience it was a real thrill. I am an artist and I came back with lots of ideas for paintings.

We were randomly travelling through Washington State last summer and were using Best Western Hotel locations as our guide. Visited a number of smaller towns in order to avoid the larger centers. My wife is a dedicated quilter so we visited every quilt store that we could find. We found the ultimate quilt store in Ritzville, WA. It was half quilt store and half liquor store. The ultimate destination for us.

Enjoyed my first African Safari. Definitely a dream come true!

The travel highlight of 2012 for me was going to the Scottish Games in Estes Park, Colorado in September. The weather was cool and crisp, perfect for watching sheep-herding dogs and men in kilts and listening to wonderful Celtic music! Then spent the weekend at my sister's in Monument, Colorado listening to the wind in the pines!

Traveling to Scotland with a couple of cousins and meeting three more there for a combination 140th birthday bash of my father-in-law and his wife. Most memorable moment? "Stuffing" a phonebox with five of us... "Those crazy Yanks"

A dear old high school friend and I, who have lived in different states now for many years, have been dreaming of meeting each other in Paris for a long time. We talked about it from time to time. This past June we talked about it again, and lo and behold, it worked out! Her daughter had graduated from college and this was a graduation present. My husband had a fall business trip planned to Paris and I was able to join him. So, my friend Kathy, her husband and graduate daughter met up with my husband and me for a wonderful three days in Paris! We had an absolutely wonderful time and it brought us back together again in my favorite city in the world!

visiting charleston,missouri.seeing my relatives i havent seen in years.that meant so much to me.

Traveling to Scotland with a couple of cousins and meeting three more there for a combination 140th birthday bash of my father-in-law and his wife. Most memorable moment? "Stuffing" a phonebox with five of us... "Those crazy Yanks"

My best trip memory of 2012 was when I surprised my husband for his 60th birthday a trip to South Dakota. I had the whole tripped planned down to renting us a Harley Davidson to ride. We had an awesome time and being photographers we were in heaven. Of course we stayed at the Best Western Golden Spike Inn in Hill City, SD. We used this as our ground zero. We arrived at night and after eating in the delicious and very inexpensive BW restaurant we headed to Mount Rushmore at night all lit up. It was in October so it was quite chilly but no tourists around which was really nice. We went back to have a great night sleep in our comfortable bed and woke to a delicious breakfast where we started the days excursion. We went back to Mount Rushmore to see and photograph it in the day time, we then rode on Needles Highway which had the most awesome breathtaking roads and views. We also went to the Crazy Horse Monument which was really awesome and we were very impressed. We later went back at night and saw a lazer light show at the monument. The next day we went to Custer State Park where we saw lots of Bison and Antelope and yes I was singing "HOme on the Range!". We drove the Iron Mountain Road and that same day . Next day we took a ride to Devil's Tower in Wyoming. This is when we were going to be riding the bike but the snow and 21degrees was a killfactor! The thrill was gone while we were freezing. After we hiked Devils Tower we rode back to Hill City. To eat at the yummy BW Golden Spike restaurant where the people were very friendly. On our last day we drove to the BAdlands and OMG it was so beautiful and we got some awesome photos of the scenery there. So needless to say our stay at the BW Golden Spike was wonderful. It was a 5 star hotel in our book! We had such a memorable trip. The National Parks and monuments are just so awesome. We can cross another trip off our Bucket list. We are planning Bryce Canyon and Zion and are already looking at the Best Westerns there! Thank you for wonderful service.MEM and GM

My best travel memory of 2012 was a road trip I took by myself as I was delivering my wife's car from Auburn, WA to Franklin, TN. Our son, daughter-in-law, and 2 adorable grandkids needed an additional car and we were gladly giving them one of ours. I stayed in Best Westerns all the way and had a GREAT time at all locations. The best was the BW @ Jefferson City, MO. What a great place to hang for a night!! PS I did pick up one passenger on the way: my mom, who lives in SD and who had a complete blast visiting her grandson and great-grandkids.

As little as it may seem to others our most memorable getaway for 2012 was a 3 day trip from Regina SK. Canada to Billings Mt. We stayed at B.W. Plus "Kelly Inn & Suites". The room was larger then most very clean and QUIET. All the staff friendly and helpful, breakfast was more than continental and the 5pm soup delicious. This made for a memorable getaway...and we most definetly will return

Part of our family traveled from Western Oregon to Yellowstone and then up through Montana, Idaho, Washington and back to Oregon! It was alot of driving, but it was good family time and beautiful countryside. My favorite memory is that our 3 year old son could not say Yellowstone and instead said, "Wellotone". When we talk of the trip we still say Wellotone, just for fun!

Our travel highlight this past summer was staying at the Best Western Hotel right on the beach in Lincoln City, along the Oregon Coast. we literally opened up our slider and stepped onto the sand with a short walk to the surf. It was so amazing to stroll along this beautiful stretch of coastline with tidepooling nearby as well as the option to go agate hunting. Beautiful sunset, lovely heated pool, great breakfast in the morning. The staff were wonderful, supplying us with wine glasses to complement the bottle of Pinot Noir we had picked up featuring a local winery.
Thanks Best Western for great memories

Watching my brother marry my dear friend in the chapel of a gorgeous colonial-style estate outside of Medellin, Colombia!

My best trip memory of 2012 was when I surprised my husband for his 60th birthday a trip to South Dakota. I had the whole tripped planned down to renting us a Harley Davidson to ride. We had an awesome time and being photographers we were in heaven. Of course we stayed at the Best Western Golden Spike Inn in Hill City, SD. We used this as our ground zero. We arrived at night and after eating in the delicious and very inexpensive BW restaurant we headed to Mount Rushmore at night all lit up. It was in October so it was quite chilly but no tourists around which was really nice. We went back to have a great night sleep in our comfortable bed and woke to a delicious breakfast where we started the days excursion. We went back to Mount Rushmore to see and photograph it in the day time, we then rode on Needles Highway which had the most awesome breathtaking roads and views. We also went to the Crazy Horse Monument which was really awesome and we were very impressed. We later went back at night and saw a lazer light show at the monument. The next day we went to Custer State Park where we saw lots of Bison and Antelope and yes I was singing "HOme on the Range!". We drove the Iron Mountain Road and that same day . Next day we took a ride to Devil's Tower in Wyoming. This is when we were going to be riding the bike but the snow and 21degrees was a killfactor! The thrill was gone while we were freezing. After we hiked Devils Tower we rode back to Hill City. To eat at the yummy BW Golden Spike restaurant where the people were very friendly. On our last day we drove to the BAdlands and OMG it was so beautiful and we got some awesome photos of the scenery there. So needless to say our stay at the BW Golden Spike was wonderful. It was a 5 star hotel in our book! We had such a memorable trip. The National Parks and monuments are just so awesome. We can cross another trip off our Bucket list. We are planning Bryce Canyon and Zion and are already looking at the Best Westerns there! Thank you for wonderful service.MEM and GM

In the spring of 2012 my wife and I drove across country and visited our daughter in Riverside California and son in Idaho. Along the way visited 14 Natonal Parks, several National monuments and various state parks. We left Pennsylvania on April 14th, drove 9643 miles and arrived back on May 26th. What a great trip!!

My best trip memory of 2012 was when I surprised my husband for his 60th birthday a trip to South Dakota. I had the whole tripped planned down to renting us a Harley Davidson to ride. We had an awesome time and being photographers we were in heaven. Of course we stayed at the Best Western Golden Spike Inn in Hill City, SD. We used this as our ground zero. We arrived at night and after eating in the delicious and very inexpensive BW restaurant we headed to Mount Rushmore at night all lit up. It was in October so it was quite chilly but no tourists around which was really nice. We went back to have a great night sleep in our comfortable bed and woke to a delicious breakfast where we started the days excursion. We went back to Mount Rushmore to see and photograph it in the day time, we then rode on Needles Highway which had the most awesome breathtaking roads and views. We also went to the Crazy Horse Monument which was really awesome and we were very impressed. We later went back at night and saw a lazer light show at the monument. The next day we went to Custer State Park where we saw lots of Bison and Antelope and yes I was singing "HOme on the Range!". We drove the Iron Mountain Road and that same day . Next day we took a ride to Devil's Tower in Wyoming. This is when we were going to be riding the bike but the snow and 21degrees was a killfactor! The thrill was gone while we were freezing. After we hiked Devils Tower we rode back to Hill City. To eat at the yummy BW Golden Spike restaurant where the people were very friendly. On our last day we drove to the BAdlands and OMG it was so beautiful and we got some awesome photos of the scenery there. So needless to say our stay at the BW Golden Spike was wonderful. It was a 5 star hotel in our book! We had such a memorable trip. The National Parks and monuments are just so awesome. We can cross another trip off our Bucket list. We are planning Bryce Canyon and Zion and are already looking at the Best Westerns there! Thank you for wonderful service.MEM and GM

My husband and I took a trip of a lifetime -- 1 75-day Grand Asia & Australia Voyage on Holland America's MS Amsterdam. We visited Japan, China, Hong Kong, So. Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Hawaii and ended up back in San Diego. The highlight of the trip was seeing the Great Wall of China.

I was in L.A. to hear my daughter in concert. That was an experience all its own. Then, I was told that the next oil well I was to do directional work on had been delayed. So I delayed my departure for an extra five days to spend more time with her and her S.O. On Friday, I turned on my motel room TV to the Weather Channel to see video of the space shuttle Endeavor being ferried to LAX. I was only two blocks away, so I headed to the top of a parking garage overlooking the approach to the South runway (which is the longest). Watching the shuttle being landed was an experience I rank right up there with watching the attempt to fly the
Wright Brother's replica airplane at Kitty Hawk in December of 2003.

My best travel memory of 2012 was a road trip I took by myself as I was delivering my wife's car from Auburn, WA to Franklin, TN. Our son, daughter-in-law, and 2 adorable grandkids needed an additional car and we were gladly giving them one of ours. I stayed in Best Westerns all the way and had a GREAT time at all locations. The best was the BW @ Jefferson City, MO. What a great place to hang for a night!! PS I did pick up one passenger on the way: my mom, who lives in SD and who had a complete blast visiting her grandson and those 2 adorable great-grandkids.

We didn't travel much because we were looking for a house and moving but we did manage a few days in San Francisco. We visited the Walt Disney museum for the first time and were enchanted. What a genius he was! We saw Bambi and heard from an expert about all that went into making it. Did you know he wanted it to look like a water color painting? And it does. We plan to go back soon as there is so much to see.

My sister, who will turn 90 y/o this April, and I take a road trip to the Texas hill country each Spring just to drive the back roads. We have a rule that we stay on back roads as much as possible, even if they are unpaved. We see beautiful wildflowers...bluebonnets, poppies, and many others. Also, the rocks, hills, streams and wildlife add to the enchantment.
When we take this road trip, we stay one or two nights at the Best Western in Llano, TX, and maybe another night at wherever we end up after seeing the sights. we never know how far we will drive on any particular day...it is just wherever the backroads take us. We love getting lost and wondering where we will end our day. We always stay at Best Western.
We are already looking forward to our trip this year, probably in mid-April.

We took a trip to the Grand Canyon this year. It was a fabulous trip and extra memorable as we saw an eclipse that weekend as well. What a beautiful sight to see the beauty and wonder of nature on overlook the beauty and wonder of nature. Not just through my own eyes, but also through the eyes of my children. It was one of the "once in a lifetime" moments that I will always cherish.

life comes short my recent experince gave mme the courage to make my life mean something. traveling on my horse for a week and enduring the bittercold trying to in an endurance race showed me how the warmth of a bed really fely. my arabian horse majara mia became one with me as we traveled 300 miles to the finish line knowing we were facing cold wind rain,and snow. watching many riders fail and much as my life has been our victory was sweet. we did it and my adventure has more words anf feeling we endured and will never forget.

My most memorable travel experience from 2012 would've had to have been when I flew down to Las Vegas for my sister's 21st birthday.
At least this time around I remembered most of what I missed when I was down on my 21st. Lol!

My best 2012 Travel vacation was in July when my husband and myself visited London to attend a friend's 50th wedding anniversary during the Olympics and then we visited the country I always hoped to (from my childhood) and the wish to see the Pope ( Rome) and had the pleasure to also visit, Amsterdam and Brussels. Truly, my best holiday ever. I would repeat this trip in a heart-beat.

Our trip was on motorcycles through Idaho and Montana during the huge fires. We came to appreciate what those poor firefighters have to deal with daily. The smoke was so thick at times we had to cover our faces with handkerchiefs just to breathe. We woke up to ash all over the bikes. We smelled like we had been by a campfire all day. It was so nice to get into a shower at night and wash the smoke off. We will not soon forget that trip. We always have had great service at BW. Seem to be motorcycle friendly!!

life comes short my recent experince gave mme the courage to make my life mean something. traveling on my horse for a week and enduring the bittercold trying to in an endurance race showed me how the warmth of a bed really fely. my arabian horse majara mia became one with me as we traveled 300 miles to the finish line knowing we were facing cold wind rain,and snow. watching many riders fail and much as my life has been our victory was sweet. we did it and my adventure has more words anf feeling we endured and will never forget.

My favorite 2012 trip was to Olympic National Park in Washington. We backpacked the beautiful Bailey Traverse over 6 long days in early September. The views and wildlife encounters were incredible!

In June of 2012, we made our trip to New Braunfels, Texas to "tube" down the Comal River. This is an annual event with our stay at the Best Western in New Braunfels. Family is everything and all that matters.....but a nice comfortable place to stay that offers a homey feel makes it even more enjoyable! We go there every summer and would not even think of staying anywhere else. Thanks!

life comes short my recent experince gave mme the courage to make my life mean something. traveling on my horse for a week and enduring the bittercold trying to in an endurance race showed me how the warmth of a bed really fely. my arabian horse majara mia became one with me as we traveled 300 miles to the finish line knowing we were facing cold wind rain,and snow. watching many riders fail and much as my life has been our victory was sweet. we did it and my adventure has more words anf feeling we endured and will never forget.

We traveled to Louisiana over Christmas to visit family. The highlight was two days spent in New Orleans. We did a cemetary walking tour and had a knowledgable, opinionated, funny guide who gave us many insights into New Orleans history and explained the real reason that most people are buried above ground. At the end we visited a real Voodoo temple. It was fascinating.

life comes short my recent experince gave mme the courage to make my life mean something. traveling on my horse for a week and enduring the bittercold trying to in an endurance race showed me how the warmth of a bed really fely. my arabian horse majara mia became one with me as we traveled 300 miles to the finish line knowing we were facing cold wind rain,and snow. watching many riders fail and much as my life has been our victory was sweet. we did it and my adventure has more words anf feeling we endured and will never forget.

Seeing sea turtles while snorkeling in Oahu.

My best memory of 2012 was when myself my husband and our kids made a trip across Canada to visit family back in Newfoundland.It was my daughters birthday one of the days that we were on the road.We came across a fair in some little town along the way so we stopped and spent a few hours having fun and enjoying my daughters birthday

life comes short my recent experince gave mme the courage to make my life mean something. traveling on my horse for a week and enduring the bittercold trying to in an endurance race showed me how the warmth of a bed really fely. my arabian horse majara mia became one with me as we traveled 300 miles to the finish line knowing we were facing cold wind rain,and snow. watching many riders fail and much as my life has been our victory was sweet. we did it and my adventure has more words anf feeling we endured and will never forget.

life comes short my recent experince gave mme the courage to make my life mean something. traveling on my horse for a week and enduring the bittercold trying to in an endurance race showed me how the warmth of a bed really fely. my arabian horse majara mia became one with me as we traveled 300 miles to the finish line knowing we were facing cold wind rain,and snow. watching many riders fail and much as my life has been our victory was sweet. we did it and my adventure has more words anf feeling we endured and will never forget.

After another night at our favorite Best Western in Ft Lauderdale, I surprised Sharon with a birthday cruise to the Bahamas. The day we returned we took our usual vacation cruise to the Eastern Caribbean and visited our friends living on St John. We had 13 days of smooth seas, perfect weather, good food, new friends, and waiters with foreign accents singing "Happy Birthday".

Since 2012 - A frien suggested that I should check with Best Western

I tried it and I realised that I had the best 3 or 4 stars price performance solution.

After multiple visits at Best Western in Italy, France and in the United States, I decided to make it my first choice when possible.

Good breakfeast - Good customer service and very good location

My favourite moment was seeing our son and his fiancee in September in Ontario over Labour Day weekend. They hold an annual BBQ with friends and family and it was wonderful to see so many of "my kids" again. My son and his friends are in their late 30s and have known each other since elementary school. We spent a week with them and our base was the BW Otonabee Inn in Peterborough. Great place on the river, patio, pool, breakfast is awesome! We look forward to being in Ontario for their wedding in 2013 at the BW in Cobourg, Ontario!

My travels during the summer of 2012 were limited/enjoyed to the ball fields watching my one grandson (age 9) play baseball and 3 granddaughters (ages 13-14 & 16) play softball..maybe some more "distant travels" for the summer of 2013!!

One of my favorite moments form 2012 is from my trip to Europe. During the trip we decided to stop at Chamonix-Mont Blanc, a driving break between Nice and Paris. It was not planned at all and of course we were not prepared for that since it is really cold there but it was a very pleasant 2 day stay at this charming valley, we entered the cave inside the largest glacier in France (Mer de Glace), a very unique experience!

I retired this year from working at the USPO for 35 yrs. To celebrate I visited the majestic Grand Canyon. It was the best vacation vacation ever. I have a granddaughter graduating in May 2013 in Colorado. My family is planning on staying at a Best Western close to her home and would love to be entered into this $250.00 giveaway.

life comes short my recent experince gave mme the courage to make my life mean something. traveling on my horse for a week and enduring the bittercold trying to in an endurance race showed me how the warmth of a bed really fely. my arabian horse majara mia became one with me as we traveled 300 miles to the finish line knowing we were facing cold wind rain,and snow. watching many riders fail and much as my life has been our victory was sweet. we did it and my adventure has more words anf feeling we endured and will never forget.

My family tagged along on a conference trip I took to Orlando Florida. The excitement the five of us felt boarding the Disney Magical Express bus from the airport was so much fun you would have thought my daughters were little instead of teens and young adults! Best of all, because they aren't little they will remember this trip even more!!!

We traveled to Vermont in the USA this past August and stayed at Best Western Hotels all through our trip. The trip to Vermont was great, saw lots of country and visited many cousins.

We definately will be staying at Best Western Hotels when we travel again. Thank you for the experience.

My daughter and I went to Branson, Missouri in July 2012. We had a wonderful time in Branson. It was a great bonding for mother and daughter. We saw 3 shows and did many of the attractions and had some great food. We also stayed at the Best Western Music Capital hotel and it was one of our favorite hotels we have ever stayed in. Memories we will both never forget.

I went to Portland and Seattle. Portland was great for its tax free shopping and the fireworks in Seattle were awesome

My husband and I were visiting Sedona, Az for the very first time about a month ago (December 2012). Going to Sedona from Flagstaff is probably the most beautiful thing that we have ever seen in our lives; and believe me; being military, we have been to alot of beautiful places in the world. It is an amazing drive down a spiral canyon towards the town of Sedona along a beautiful creek that runs along the road. I had chills the entire trip down, and was overcome with emotion that I couldn't explain.
Upon leaving Sedona that evening, we left the opposite way going thru Cottonwood and then up a mountain to Jerome, Az. That was the second most amazing scene that we have ever seen. Northern/Central Arizona has got to be one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen in our lives.

Last June we took our 6 yr old grandson o his first trip to Disney world and we stayed inside the park for four days. We ask him what he wanted to do the rest of his vacation and he said he wanted to see the ocean. So we made reservations at the Best Western on Coa Coa Beach. We were right on the beach and I think he had more fun on the beach than in Disney World. The Hotel was great very clean and we would go back. Thank you Best Western.

In July 2012 we did an automobile tour of the north west coast of France. On our way back to Paris we overnighted at the BW in the old part of Rouen. The old city centre has very narrow streets and we encountered a problem that prevented us from driving the last 100 metres to our hotel. At the top of the street there was a 3 foot pillar in the centre of the road (something we had never encountered before). Because we didn't speak French and the hotel manager didn't speak English all his explanations and wild gesticulations with his arms (weird up and down movements) meant nothing to us. In desperation we drove down a neighbouring alley with no more than a couple of inches to spare and begged 2 groups of restaurant patrons to remove their chairs and tables from the alley. Through this 'hole in the wall' we finally made it to the hotel after an hour of painful drive- arounds.
Only the next day we learned that by using a phone at the side of the alley (next to the pillar) we could have contacted the local road supervisor who in turn would have lowered the pillar remotely to allow us to pass. Guess I'll practice my French next time!!

My husband and I drove from South Carolina to Texas to spend the Christmas holidays with our son and family. In route we stayed in New Orleans. Our Best Western Hotel was located in the French Quarters and close enough to walk to the French Market. We ate Gumbo for dinner at the Gumbo Shop and treated ourselves with coffee at the famous Cafe Du Monde. This was my most enjoyable and relaxing time of 2012.

I have not had a chance to go on many vacations but always wanted to see the Grand Canyon. So as I retired from the USPO this 2012 after 35 yrs I decided this was the time to take my vacation I always wanted. As most of you know it was majestic, beautiful. Breathtaking is another word to describe my reaction as i looked down into that wondrous creation.

In May 2013 my granddaughter is graduating from high school in Colorado and my family is planning on staying at a Best Western near her home. We thank you for the opportunity to enter the $250.00 gift card giveaway.

The year 2012 was a busy year. I had several trips to California to visit my mother and the rest of the family. On the last trip to California in September my mother was hospitalized and she passed away in October at the age of 92. Just over two months later, her brother died in New Mexico at the age of 88 years. Those two were close and my uncle was present when she died. So I had to pay my respects to my uncle's family as he respected ours. At a Best Western hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico I was checking out on Monday morning the last full week in December. I had reserved and paid for three rooms: one for myself, one for my sister and cousin, and another for my son and his companion. The funeral Mass was the next item on the agenda and I thought I had everything taken care of prior the check out. While still at the front desk making sure that everyone had gotten their belongings, the housekeeper rushed to the front desk to let the staff know that a cell phone was still charging in the guest room. She brought the telephone and charger with her and referenced Room 211. That was my room. In my clouded vision, filled with sadness and grief, I had failed to make my own sweep of the room as is my custom. The alertness and kindness of this staff person saved a lot of headaches. It was Christmas eve 2012 and my daughter was due to deliver her second child back home in the Seattle area. I do hope that the hotel owner offered an on-the-spot reward to this alert staff person. I had failed to leave a tip due, perhaps, to my own preoccupation with the events but I will forever remember this incident and always acknowledge the work that hotel housekeepers do for us that have to travel away from home. By the way, I used that same cell phone upon my return home to discover that our fourth granddaughter had been born as I was approaching the Seattle airport on Christmas Day. We said goodbye to two beautiful lives in 2012 and welcomed a new one. I went straight from the airport to the hospital.

My family wanted to do something special to celebrate my 60th birthday, Father's Day, our 29th anniversary, so we decided to stay at the B.W. Lighthouse Inn in Pacifica, CA June 14 - 17, 2012. We flew in from Texas, our daughter flew in from New Mexico, and met our son who lives in the East Bay area. We got 2 rooms overlooking Rockaway Beach and it was wonderful; the cool fresh air, the view, the water within a few feet. The restaurants at the hotel and in the surrounding area were great, and it was just a short drive up to The Olympic Club where the U.S. Open Golf Tournament was being held (oh yes, I forgot we did that too!).

This was a trip and vacation I will never forget, and we could not have enjoyed our stay without this nice hotel, it's great location, and everything it had to offer. We enjoyed it so much, I am thinking about surprising my wife with a night's stay for Valentines Day > Thanks B.W. !!!

Last year we travelled to Flrida and stayed at the Bes Western in Virginia then in Florida down and bak and enjoyed the cleanliness of the hotel. Plan to do it again in 2013.

My wife and I traveled to the agate beach BW in Newport Oregon during February and spent the weekend visiting with friends and enjoying the sightseeing and food that the area has to offer. The BW crew were very nice and helpful. It was nice to be able to purchase tickets to some of the attractions in the nick nack shop in the hotel lobby!
We are heading back there again in February this year and a 250 dollar travel card would help us out greatly!

Went to Montreal this summer for comedy festival...they are not wrong laughter is the best medicine!

We went to Vegas Nov/12 and it was great...except for getting checked into a room that was already occupied! That's right...people were in the room! After a chat with a manager however, we were upgraded to a huge suite with a view of the strip! :) Later during our stay, we were followed by a scam artist right to our room!! He was trying to get money from us for a bogus reason....very shady fellow...we set hotel security onto him, and were relieved to have a security camera right above our hotel suite! So, we had fun in Vegas..but it doesn't always "stay in Vegas" We will always remember the trip....the good, bad & ..... :)

Our favorite travel memory in September 2012 was a motorcycle trip two up (my wife and I on one motorcycle) from Portland OR to Moab UT, Bryce Canyon, Zion, North, East and South Grand Canyon, Williams AZ then to Las Vegas NV. Every moment was panned to the minute. We decided to be spontaneous from Vegas to home. That was fine until we got to Fallon NV. When we pulled into the driveway the Best Western (BW) manager met us at the front door and said I hope you have reservations and I said no we are being spontaneous. He said not here or anywhere in this town because of a big convention. I said we just rode over 400 miles in 95 degree weather and we are exhausted. The manager said no problem you can use our dressing room, pool and help your self to the snack bar while I book you a room in a nearby BW. I said are sure? He replied no problem. So after a hour and a half in the pool, we are all refreshed he handed us our confirmation papers and sent us off on our way to Carson City NV. That not only refreshed our thoughts of mankind but it was a great ending to our safe trip home.
A BIG THANK YOU to BEST WESTERN

Happy Trails
Rob and Laura

We left Los Angeles right before Thanksgiving and went to Cheshire where I made
Thanksgiving dinner for the friends we stayed with. I brought 2 cans of pumpkin with me but we could get everything else there. It was fun and gave them a new holiday. Then we went to Paris and on Friday night we happened to be on Blvd.
St. Michel near Blvd. St Germaine when the skaters all came by. The street was closed off and hundreds of skaters zoomed by. I guess they change locations weekly and this fun has been going on for a while now. they even have "Crew"
directing. Brilliant and unexpected.

In Astoria, OR, in August...Phil and I went to The Bowpicker, a fish and chips stand in an old bowpicker boat. We got in a 12-foot line and inched our way to the counterman then asked for one large order to share. The fish was albacore tuna--fresh, hot, crunchy, and absolutely delicious. By the time we finished our meal, the line was halfway down the block.

My most memorable event in 2012 was the 15 day cruise through the Panama Canal (San Diego to Fort Lauderdale with five other couples. Was able to chalk another thing off my "bucket" list. Getting ready to leave very shortly on a seven day Caribbean cruise.

We had a few special moments this last year as a family but the one that sticks out was our camping trip. It was Sooooo cold but the boys make a huge fire to keep us warm and drank warm drinks to keep up toasty. The kids hiked through the woods and discovered how much they love the country. I got to show off some campfire cooking skills and the whole family got to take a break from electronics and fast-pace living for a few days! Even the car ride was an experience as we learned new things about each other and I finished crocheting my first pair of mittens while trying to keep calm with the hubby's driving.

After our first-ever stay at BW in Edmunston NB, we took the bridge to PEI - the longest bridge in the world - some 13 km long. Great time in PEI, golf etc, but the Bridge was the highlight! Second only to your delightful "car outside the room" Inn in Edmunston.

We haven't really been able to afford a vaction in years. We did an overnight in York Beach, Maine this past summer. We enjoyed every single minute of it!

We really haven't been able to afford a vacation in a long time. We did get and overnight in York Beach, Maine this past summer. We enjoyed every single minute of it!!

Best Western Country Cupboard, Lewisburg Pa. great rates for retired military, the shopping and eating at Country Cupboard could keep you happy and content all day. Walkway to outdoor pool a real pleasure,indoor pool and hot tub fantastic. Property clean and well keep. Service A-1! Location, location, location for us it was antiquing and flea markets.

My most memorable trip this year was when our family of seven made a trip to San Diego, CA. IT tools us two full days of travel through endless dessert scape, with few stops. Any town we came upon was like a scene from the fifties. Since its expensive and time consuming to stop and eat we pack a cooler, and camp stove. The highlight moment of our trip was when we checked in to our motel ( no it wasn't a Best Western), our good deal on Priceline turned into a nightmare! The rooms they gave us smelt like mold and old cigerettes to strong it almost knocked me over when I entered the room. I had been so calm the whole trip but those rooms sent me into orbit! We could not change rooms or get a refund! My husband parked on the opposite side of the building so I went stomping over there to find him, and when I walked around the corner he was calmly sitting on the blacktop behind our van with the grill between his legs flipping burgers for everyone! How I wish I had gotten a picture!

I went to pick up my daughter in TPA and move her back home to live with the family. I was so glad to bring her home!

We moved! We packed up from Florida and moved to St Louis, MO to be closer to my parents.

2012 saw us on the road first to California in August for my in-laws 50th Wedding Anniversary. And then for the trop of the year, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Tetons National Park.

We go to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons every 2 years, and my husband wanted to see a moose very badly (he's never seen one outside of a zoo). So we decided to stay in Jackson at the Best Western Plus The Lodge at Jackson Hole.

First, I have to say that I've never stayed at such a luxurious hotel. I've stayed at all the "big name" hotels, and they can't touch The Lodge.

When we arrived we mentioned that we were hoping to see a moose before we headed to Yellowstone. The desk clerk pulled out a map of the area, marked all the spots where we might have an encounter AND listed the times of day that were the best for each spot. While moose are very large animals, they move so quietly that you don't hear or notice them unless you are very, very lucky.

Armed with the map, we went to one spot that afternoon and stayed until dark with no luck. The next morning we went to another spot and found a huge beaver dam. As I was taking pictures of the dam, I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. It wasn't just a moose, but a cow (female) and her calf. My husband was over the moon!!

This is one trip will never be forgotten, and we will return to Jackson Hole in a few years to spot more moose!

As a professional truck driver I guess I could be referred to as the travel with truckers expert, and being broke down in Virginia is no fun.
Waiting for my truck to be repaired left me stranded at the Best Western for 4 days, it could have been the worst experience of my entire traveling career because everything that could go wrong did go wrong. But these people were certainly professionals, and they take their job as serious as a work of art. I left this Best Western, not that I wanted to, feeling good about myself and good about my experience.
The room what's top notch, the staff was courteous, the price was right and the experience left me feeling like I just left home. I truly express my gratitude towards these people for going above and beyond the call of duty to make me feel welcome!
I have stayed at many hotels throughout
my truck driving career, but from now on that decision has been made clear, forget the rest and stay with the best: Best Western that is!

My most memorable trip was my girls weekend trip to Las Vegas! Awesome time, awesome food, and shopping.

My memorable trip in 2012 was Orlando Florida in August. I was with my partner and 2 daughters who are 7 years old and 1 year old. On the trip we were celebrating my birthday (August) and both my daughters (they're birthdays are both in July). We had such a great time to relax and enjoy each other's company.

We drove from Toronto to Florida for 3 days. We took our time, and along the way we stayed at The Best Western, and we all enjoyed our time at the hotel, especially the pool! My 1 year old daughter discovered that she loves water, and maybe on her past life she was a fish, as she just had a blast being in the water.

As for my 7 year old, she was very excited that she was tall enough to go on some big-girl rides and roller coasters with mommy and daddy.

Seeing and hearing both my girls laughter, scream and joy on their faces gives so much warmth, and I hope that I can do more travels and adventure with both of them.

Stayed at the Best Western Moonlight Inn in Encinitas, California, twice this year, just to get away from the mountains (where we live) to enjoy the beach and some Monday Night Football.

Two words: Machu Picchu! :D

My favorite traveling experience was spending a weekend with my friends by the Mississippi River while staying at a Best Western, of course. There was a cute little deck outside we could wind down from our day at and go over our pictures we took on the trails or our boat ride on the river.

What joy it was to pick up my new border collie puppy "Sky" in Idaho on Valentines Day and travel with my husband back home to Washington. Thanks to Best Western, we had great places to stay every night.

By far "The Best" travel highlight of 2012 was our hike into "Skoki Lodge", Lake Louise Area. The Valley takes you to a place of Wonder, and Awe. It is our Best Hike ever,and should be on everone's bucket list:)

Mine was watching the holiday fireworks from the balcony of my Best Western room at the harbor in Santa Barbara (BW Beachside). It was also a great place to watch the sunrise. This has become my home away from home one my monthly treks to SB.

My sweetie and I spent Christmas Eve in Union Square, San Francisco and then drove to Napa Valley Christmas Day. We had no real plans, just spending the holiday together. BW got us an amazing room in Calistoga with a fireplace for Christmas night - and totally last minute! You made my 2012 and my holidays incredibly memorable. Cheers to more travels in 2013!

I was given the opportunity to go to Las Angeles. I am studying Fashion and was able to go to the fabric district in LA it was so exciting seeing all the colors and textures, laces, buttons etc. I can't wait to go again. I have to thank the Best Western Abacorn Inn in Richmond BC for finding me a room at the last minute so I could catch the early flight I was booked on the next morning. Thanks to the staff for a great job done I will never forget it.

Best vacation EVER was the Mauiva Air Cruise Western Experience! We ALWAYS stay at BestWestern BWI before every trip, by the way, and we travel ALOT! Anyway, if you enjoy private air flights all over the west coast, don't miss an Air Cruise!! Starting in LA, to Monterey, Carmel, Pebble beach, San Francisco, Sonoma, Yosemite, Grand canyon, Muir woods, Sausalito.....and end up in Las Vegas before returning to LA!! An unbelievable trip that would easily take 2 weeks in a car....all in 7days!! And no, I don't work for Mauiva, but I am there biggest fan!!

This past Christmas, we went to visit family in Texas. We stayed at the Best Western in Greenville, Texas. What made our trip so special was the fact that it snowed. It was so beautiful.

My husband and I, along with two close friends, were able to secure practice round tickets to day two of the Master's Golf tournament in April. We traveled to Myrtle Beach first and stayed at the Best Western located right on the shoreline. The staff honored our requests for ocean front rooms and they were wonderful. We stayed there for two nights and then moved on to another Best Western that was closer to Augusta. The Myrtle Beach site is great and we would recommend it to everyone that is planning to visit that area! All in all, a great trip with many wonderful memories!

Went to New Orleans to watch a couple of friends get engaged during jazzfest!!!!

Visiting the national parks in the west.
Seeing the beauty that us the US.
Getting to appreciate the splendor of our beautiful country.

My most memorable trip in 2012 was to Cooperstown, NY for a wonderful performance of "Music Man" at GlimmerGlass Opera. Hope to go again in 2013.

My most memorable trip in 2012 was to Cooperstown, NY for a wonderful performance of "Music Man" at GlimmerGlass Opera. Hope to go again in 2013.

We had the best Christmas stay at a Best Western in Santee, CA - we got to spend Christmas with my daughter and her family - including a NEW BABY BOY!! It was so much fun, also, with our 2 year old grandaughter, who really loves her new baby brother! Great Christmas!!

This last spring, my 23 year old daughter and I went on a driving adventure. We named it the "Great Lakes Tour'. We left on May 25, 2012 and returned on June 8, 2012. We live in Iowa so we took off from there. Over the next 15 days we traveled through 8 states, Canada, and put our feet in each of the 5 Great Lakes! (We also did a quick flight from Buffalo to visit some sites in Boston). Almost each day we were in a different location. I think we put over 2,700 miles on our car and stayed in 8-10 different Best Westerns along the way. Each place had it's own personal flare which represented the local area where we were guests. It was always a bonus too to have the complimentary breakfast available so we could get up, eat and go on to our activity for the day. Overall our trip was unforgettable for lots of reasons but very special for one...getting to spend all that time with just my daughter and enjoying the wonderful adult she has become!

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons in the Fall of 2012 was spectacular! We saw Bald Eagles along the Snake River, Moose, Beaver and Elk along Moose-Wilson Rd. along with Pronghorn and Buffalo everywhere. Truly amazing.

Two beautiful windjammer sailing adventures!

We traveled to Canada on the motorcycle and it was awesome!!!! I was on the back and had the camera going at all times since this was our first time in Canada. I glimpsed a small black bear on the side of the road and actually convinced my husband to turn around so I could get a picture. He thought I was nuts, but I did get a pic of the bear (husband wouldn't get to close, but still got several pics) :)

Best Western Lighthouse Inn in Pacifica, CA June 14 - 17, 2012
Our family decided to make the week of June 11 - 17 very special with a visit to the San Francisco area because we had a lot to celebrate. So, my wife and I flew in from Texas, my daughter flew in from New Mexico, and my son who lives in the East Bay met us at the Best Western Lighthouse Inn in Pacifica, CA on June 14th. The U.S. Open golf tournament was taking place at the Olympic Club and it was only a short drive from the hotel (3 of us are avid golfers, my wife says she is the only sane one); I was celebrating my 60th birthday; it was Father's Day; and we were celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary. We could not have picked a better place to be that week to celebrate as a family.

The hotel was wonderful with its views of Rockaway Beach just steps from our rooms, the fresh cool air and sea breeze, and the restaurants both at the hotel and in the area were all great. This is a celebration and vacation I personally will never forget. In fact, I am thinking about going back for Valentines to surprise my wife. Thanks Best Western Lighthouse Inn!!! RF

We stayed at the Best Western in Sturgis N.D for a week last summer. Enjjoyed the Black Hills Deadwood, Mount Rushmore and all of the area around it.

Traveled to Coconut Creek, Florida and visited Butterfly World! Beautiful place and had been on my Bucket List!

I was travelling to Peterborough On wife my wife and two foster children too visit with our kids that lived there. When we arrived the hotel management had given us a huge suite at the same price as regular room. They liked having seperate room and tvas much as we loved the space and peace and quiet. made a family visit even more memorable. Thanks to the staff

Visiting Playalinda Beach in October (before Sandy) 2012 on Merritt's Island (on the Atlantic side of Florida) was magical for me. A friend and I had the beach almost all to ourselves. I hunted for shells, walked along the beach, and watched the various birds while he tried to body surf. I amusedly watched a large noisy, sassy black bird perch on his computer case do what birds do and listened while he questioned the parentage of the bird for leaving it's little "offering" as he cleaned off the case. Later on my friend dug his guitar out of the car, sat on the dune bridge and played for a while as the day was waned on.

The great moment was my stay at The Best Western Royal Phoenix in Beijing. What a great staff. I went in December 2011 , the city was cold being winter, but the staff was warm and helpful. What a room, wow, cozy and warm. I can recommend this property without hesitation. The breakfast buffet was more than I expected. Wish could go back soon. Again, thank you Best Western.

Hiking the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park, Utah with my family during a snowstorm in February and hiking the same route again in October under blue skies, sunshine , and warm temps.

We visited Hilton Head Island in March 2012. It was beautiful and crowd-free at that time of year. My children laughed and joked about the "do not feed the alligators" signs. Being from upstate New York, they thought it was a good joke. Then one morning we took off for an early morning bike ride and encountered a big mama alligator blocking the bike path. They weren't laughing after that . But, they did have a good story and some exciting photos to share with friends when we returned home.

Spent a week traveling the southern coast to explore Savannah, Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Charleston. Wonderful time and even better food!

Last December 8, 2012...Traveling to Branson, MO to see my favorite movie star, Muse Watson, perform in the live show, A Christmas Snow...then afterwards getting an entire cast photo and with the music composer - they all autographed the photo. By the way, I was also in the photo. I also got to spend some time with Muse Watson. I can't believe he hugged me. I did a montage graphic of all his movies and he uses it as his Facebook Cover Photo. That was my highlight of 2012. The Best Western in Branson was A+.

A weekend with childhood friends at the new Premier Prestige Oceanfront Resort in sooke BC Canada. The amenities were super (oh the spa!), the staff were a delight, the food was fantastic and you couldn't beat the scenery!

Summer 2012 we were on a 103 day trip around the US 13,000 miles driven and 24 states. I am trying to drive or walk into every county in the US and have completed 15 states so far. This last summer I completed 3 of the states. ID, MI & WI. The best part of the trip was sharing this experience with someone else, my wife. We started in CA visiting Yosemite NP for a few days but on my last day I tripped over a log and cut my leg quite badly, so we ended up in the medical center in Yosemite. All said a done I had 15 stitches in my lower leg. I am on blood thinners and lost about 2 pints of blood. The rest of the trip I could not be in any lakes, spa, pools or any dirty water, to say the least my vacation changed but did not end. We went to June Lake and camped under the stars for a couple days always watching out for the leg, ever sleep in a 2 person sleeping bag and not touch a wound on a leg, it was interesting. Later we visited Bodie State Park, CA if you have never been there take the time to visit real American History. Then onto Lake Tahoe to camp for 5 days, first day fine then a storm came in and snowed us out for a couple days, to say the least we were having experiences. Even removing the stitches was interesting at 2 clinics. Saw Bosie, Idaho at a Model A Ford Regional Meet, stayed at the only B&B left in the city. Later went to the Craters of the Moon NM, felt like home Arizona, later in the day stopped in Arco, ID for lunch ate at a little greasy spoon only open during the summer, the place was packed, good food is found in the darnest places. Saw waterfalls in eastern ID then onto Yellowstone NP to see Bison on the highway. Later to Livingston, MT would have stayed at the Best Western but was way too expensive for my budget got to be wise about spending money! The next day was a once in a lifetime thing. While driving on a rural Montana route I saw an eagle in a top of a tree ahead of me and just then the eagle flew towards my truck with wings flat out swooping towards the front of the truck and at the last second he went over the truck about 3 feet above the cab, his wingspan was as wide as my truck was wide and I got to see the whole bird for a split second. I asked my wife is if she say the eagle and she was dumbfounded that she missed it, I will never forget it! I could write a book on all the places we went. That is a summary of the first month. We saw the USA for months and never been happier. Bob

My family spent a weekend at Blue waters resort on Cape Cod.We were able to use the 3 beaches in front of 3 Best Western resorts along with 3 swimming pools inside and out,3 hot tubes and everything else every resort had to offer. It was a lot of fun for the entire family---love to do it again!!!

58 years old and made it to the top of Half Dome (and back) in 13 hours.

I traveled from Maine to San Diego ,we took 2 weeks,and went and stayed in and sleep in out Pogeut,see through top,and seats the made into beds,showered at the Ymca,ate anywhere,Painted Desert,Grand Canyon,Hoover dam,Vegas,desert,etc,drove along the old rte.66.Beautiful.

Retired in December 2011 - My husband I took our first cruise in Sept 2012. Best trip ever - the food was delicious - the entertainment on the ship was great - we made some wonderful lifetime cruise friends. Thinking of taking another cruise to the Carribean in 2013.

My most unforgettable travel experience was a hike at Glacier National Park with family. Close to the trail, less than 25 feet, was a Mama grizzly bear and her cub. Awesome!!

Our best vacation of the year was being able to go to our best friends wedding in The Woodlands, Texas! They are truly meant for one another and the ceremony was truly wonderful! It was an honor and privilege to be there for them! It also inspired my husband and I to renew our vows this year in a destination wedding! :) I can promise the gift card would go to great use for us! Thanks for your consideration!!! :)

Hiking the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. Gorgeous views and fresh mountain air, drinking filtered glacier water, watching the mountain goats.

Took my family on our first trip to Disney World!

Our best vacation of the year was being able to go to our best friends wedding in The Woodlands, Texas! They are truly meant for one another and the ceremony was truly wonderful! It was an honor and privilege to be there for them! It also inspired my husband and I to renew our vows this year in a destination wedding! :) I can promise the gift card would go to great use for us! Thanks for your consideration!!! :)

We went to Alaska and saw great glaciers, wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. We will be going back and taking the children to experience this wonderful state.

The highlight of my travels in 2012 was actually a stay at the Best Western Tashan Hotel, in the Bakirkoy District of Istanbul. We had a 5 a.m. Flight back to North America via Frankfurt and at 2 a.m. Received a call that our breakfast was ready in the bar. Surprised, we went down with our luggage and sure enough a feast had been set out for the two of us.. Fresh bread, cheese, olives, meats, desserts, hot delicious coffee.. None of it ordered and no payment asked for. The server stayed behind the bar the entire time in case we needed anything. we could not believe it but enjoyed the 5+++ star treatment. We had visited Istanbul 2 weeks before after cruising through the Greek Islands and went on to visit our son who works in Pakistan. we decided to break the long trip back with a stay in Istanbul but opted for a suburb, a residential area, near the Sea of Marmara, Everything about the hotel and the area was beyond our expectations but that breakfast will never be forgotten, The hotel even sent us a card on New Year's Day. they are definitely a "poster" hotel for your chain.

Taking our 9 grandchildren ages 6-18 to Disneyland for the first time. So awesome.
Best Western Raffles Inn was great. Thanks.

Went to NYC and stayed 3 days. The highlight included walking in the rain for 20 minutes to get to a dessert place after having tiny little portion of dinner and went to a swing bar in the middle of the night. I love the energy of the city. I love window shopping and people watching in NYC.

Galena, Illinois. Beatiful counyside, great town and very historical

I traveled through the midwest of America this past summer (2012). That may not be an exciting destination for most people but I loved seeing the farms and small towns. Every person I met was so friendly and warm. I truly enjoyed it.

Galena, Illinois. Beautiful scenary, great town, very historical.

I had two travel highlights but will just mention one and let my husband mention the other one! Hiking across the Grand Canyon from the South Rim to the North Rim and back again when the beautiful autumn leaves were turning gold & red was truly wonderful.

My favorite travel time in 2012 was riding the ferry to the beautiful San Juan Islands, in Washington State with my husband, our son and daughter in law. The sunsets, the outdoor concerts, the lighthouses was all picture perfect. The fun of crabbing and shrimping from the harbor dock with my son and daughter in law was cherished by me as I put it away in my memory bank...but photos help bring them back to life! Travel is about sights, sounds and memory making, and this trip to the San Juan Islands did all of that for me and my family.
In 2013 we plan to return to the islands, only this time with ALL our grown kids and their loved ones. More memories in store!!

My wife and I spent a wonderful weekend in June hiking the Big Pine Lakes by Palisade Glacier and up to the summit of Mt. Whitney the following day. We hiked 39 miles in 2 days and didn't get much sleep but the amazing scenery was well worth it. We can't wait to go back this summer!

We spent the best 2 weeks in Italy in September. Florence, Venice, Naples, Capri and Rome. They were all wonderful. Meeting friendly people and eating great food.
We will try to go again this year.

An amazing cruise to St. Petersburg made me appreciate my freedom and being an American. Customs was awful getting off the ship with all the blanket visas and now being allowed to stand next to my young daughter while she was scrutinized. Getting back to the ship was very difficult, instead of requiring just our ships cards, they required another round of scrutiny and a passport roundup.

One elderly man, about 82 years old, had accidently left his passport in his wife's purse. He opted to go back to the ship on the bus, and she opted to go to the Russian ballet on an excursion. He had to wait 4 hours on the floor (there were no chairs) for her to return to the ship so he could show his passport (he had his drivers license and ship's card, which is normally all you need.

The palaces were opulent, the harbor spectacular, the churches mosaics were absolutely breathtaking. But the people were very sad. The guide told story after story about protesters who were arrested and never heard from again, and the concept of freedom in the former Communist country. It made me appreciate everything we take for granted here in America.

It was a highlight, and an extremely important learning experience.

I took a cruise up the New England, Canada coast in October with family members. We ended up in Quebec City for two glorious days!

Our son is in the Coast Guard, stationed at Cape Hatteras, NC. We traveled from Connecticut to NC in 2 days, stopping in Salisbury, Maryland overnight both ways - at the Best Western! Very nice and comfortable. We spent a week on the Outer Banks visiting with our son and soaking up the sun! It was wonderful and a terrific place to vacation. We've been there many times, but because he's part of the community, we were able to go places and see things we might not have. A highlight was the annual "Day at the Docks" in Hatteras Village. Food, fun and lots of fishing! What a blast!

In August my daughter was heading from OR. to Washington DC for a 3 month internship and invited me to join her via a side trip to New York City. She headed to my home in Seattle and then we flew to New York, We had a fabulous time then headed to visit family in Philadelphia area prior to going to DC. After saying goodbye to my daughter as she headed in for her first day at The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts I went back to Philadelphia to spend additional time with my family. This trip was close to a month and it was absolutely fantastic!

I took a month off and travelled the Oregon coast from Washington State into Northern California - best day was spent in the redwood forest through the day, then walking the beach outside my hotel (Best Western Oceanside in Brookings/Harbour) and watching the sunset. Still brings me a sense of peace more than three months later!

We took a three week trip around California and back home via Route 66. Part of it we spent with our children in San Diego and Simi Valley. The trip home via Route 66 was wonderful. We stayed a night at in an old town at a motel that looked like the old Norman Bates motel. The new owners were in the process of renewing each room (about ten rooms) with some of authentic furnishings. The town had the "Happy Days" type restaurants and it was a wonderful trip.

My favorite trip moment from 2012 was on a trip from Washington state to California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Oregon. Driving to Flagstaff AZ and arriving in the evening was fun to see. But the next morning the Motel was covered by snow and we had to scramble around to find my new watch, purchased in Phoenix. Found it in the snow behind the car!

In 2012, starting in March thru May, I had a great road trip by car from Vancouver, B.C. to Phoenix, Arizona. I left with my dog and a good friend and stayed in several Best Western's on the way down to Az and back. My best Adventure was on the way back through the Grand Canyon and my first stop was in B. W. Bryce Canyon, UT which was absolutely spectacular, then I drove thru Utah to my next stop in Idaho, another BW. in Idaho Falls, Then on to Yakima, WA. which was also spectacular. What I loved about my trip was the use of your computers to book my next destination and being able to know how many miles to the next stop and stay in each place that I wanted, all of which were wonderful and allowed me to have my dog with me. I am planning this trip again this spring and will always stay at Best Westerns. I will be sure to stop at Bryce Canyon again this time for more than one night. Regards Hezza

We have spent our Christmas Holiday at the Best Westewrn Windjammer in So.Burlington Vt. for the last 5 years. Each year my Grandchildren ask if we will
stay there because That is where their memories are made, as Grandpareents that made us espically lucky to have grandchildren to notice this important part of life at thier young ages. The hosts at this hotel are so personable and make sure everyone has a wonderful stay, even the dog. He looks for his treat when he arrives. The pool at this location has windows on all sides and the miracle of Christmas arrives as you look outside and the most beautiful snow flakes are falling ,even our 10 yr old grandaughter expresses how beautiful it is and how lucky we are to be able to stay at such a nice place. We would like to thank the
people for 5 yrs . of wonderful memories at the Best western in So. Burlington Vt.
even after us loosing 2 members of our family this year. Hope to see you Soon

In 2012, starting in March thru May, I had a great road trip by car from Vancouver, B.C. to Phoenix, Arizona. I left with my dog and a good friend and stayed in several Best Western's on the way down to Az and back. My best Adventure was on the way back through the Grand Canyon and my first stop was in B. W. Bryce Canyon, UT which was absolutely spectacular, then I drove thru Utah to my next stop in Idaho, another BW. in Idaho Falls, Then on to Yakima, WA. which was also spectacular. What I loved about my trip was the use of your computers to book my next destination and being able to know how many miles to the next stop and stay in each place that I wanted, all of which were wonderful and allowed me to have my dog with me. I am planning this trip again this spring and will always stay at Best Westerns. I will be sure to stop at Bryce Canyon again this time for more than one night. Regards Hezza

In 2012, starting in March thru May, I had a great road trip by car from Vancouver, B.C. to Phoenix, Arizona. I left with my dog and a good friend and stayed in several Best Western's on the way down to Az and back. My best Adventure was on the way back through the Grand Canyon and my first stop was in B. W. Bryce Canyon, UT which was absolutely spectacular, then I drove thru Utah to my next stop in Idaho, another BW. in Idaho Falls, Then on to Yakima, WA. which was also spectacular. What I loved about my trip was the use of your computers to book my next destination and being able to know how many miles to the next stop and stay in each place that I wanted, all of which were wonderful and allowed me to have my dog with me. I am planning this trip again this spring and will always stay at Best Westerns. I will be sure to stop at Bryce Canyon again this time for more than one night. Regards Hezza

We went to California in April/May in 2012. The vacation started in San Francisco. I didn't expect summer weather but it was actually colder than back home at our Canadian home in Prince Edward Island. It has now become a favorite joke when it is really hot here - we'll have to go to California to get some cooler weather! I was really pleased to slip back to the Best Western Tuscan Inn and cozy up to the roaring fire in the lobby after an afternoon of "marine layer" and Fisherman's Wharf. San Francisco is such a beautiful city and the people there are so wonderful that even it the worst weather it can be the best experience. We left our hearts in San Francisco!

Took a trip to the Grand Canyon this May.....canyon is all and more I expected it to be...in addition to one event.....I arrived on the day of the solar eclipse and was at the Canyon for the event....this was not planned....what better place to view a solar eclipse than on the rim of the Grand Canyon......this is ceertainly a once in a lifetime event......

My husband and I took an Alaskan cruise and then travel around some of the ports in Alaska for a wonderful 24 day vacation.

This one is funny.I recently took a trip to Hawaii.While snorkling in Hanama Bay for some fun, it accured to me I was not alone.I took along a package of frozen peas to feed the fish and stuck them into my shorts when I got tired.These shorts were of the baggy type so they were real lose.Soon I guess the package of peas came undone and started to come out of my pants.Pretty soon the fish started for the peas unbenounced to me.Then a small fish swam up my shorts and started to eat the peas, and then another.I was in chest deep of water at the time.I quickely yanked off my shorts and without thinking threw them over my head behind me.When I had settled down I looked around for my shorts and behide me was a man and woman and the man had my shorts on his shoulder.All I could say was I am sorry and he said to me," did you loose anything".believe it or not I am still ready to go back.

Went to Mexico for the summer. My first time riding a horse there was on the beach with my boyfriend. He was so scared but he finally relaxed and started enjoying himself. Suddenly the horse took off with him. The guide rode his horse fast to catch up to him but it took about ten minutes. He screamed the whole time.

Being able to stay just a few feet away from the Hangout Fest at the Best Western.

We had a great vacation to Grand Haven, MI to see my husbands mom and his grandmother. We had a wonderful stay at the Best Western there. Thanks

The highlight of a visit to Los Angeles was visiting the Getty Museum. It was an amazing place with beautiful gardens and fantastic art.

My husband and I just recently went on a one night getaway. He has worked so hard taking care of his parents after his father's stroke. I knew he need a getaway. We arrived at the Best Western Plus , New Bern NC at about 2:00 that evening . The hotel it self was beautiful inside and out. The room was wonderful, the workers was so pleasant. My husband love the pillow top bed and the way the room was setup. Everything was so convenient. We did a little shopping at the Mall and later that evening we walked across the street to Ruby Tuesday. I always tell people Best Western is the way to go. I'm now planning another trip and we always use Best Western.

Getting to do the flea market at Canton Tx. this year!!!! have wanted to do it for years and we finally went. Stayed in a very nice Best Western in Lindale, Tx.

By Florence Flynn on March 15,2012 we checked into the Best Western Pioneer Hotel in ,Lahaina, Maui for 2 weeks. It is an old hotel right on the water front with lots of entertaining moments. Big cruize ships stopped out front and you could sit and watch them being greeted by Hawawian singers and dancers.. The hotel only had rooms on the second floor. Ours had a nice balcony overlooking the pool. Below were all kinds of shops and the hotels Restaurant where meals were at a discount if you were staying at the Hotel. Across from the Hotel was a beautiful Park and a Museum; there were many shops and Restaurants all around the hotel. In the 2 weeks we were there didn't get to all the shops. Art, jewellery, clothing and grocery stores. We went Whale watching just out side out front door and another evening we went out for a dinner cruise. Buses were handy. Only $2. a day pass would take you anywhere in Maui.
We even saw a swordfish being weighted in on the waterfront one day.
It was one of the best vacations I was ever on and I would definately go back to the same spot again.

My husband, 10-year old son, and I were on vacation in Turkey. We drove from place to place and on one of the days we were stopped at a stoplight with a large map open. The man in the car next to us asked where we were going. We told him the name of the town, which was 5 hours away from where we were currently. He happily said that that was where he was going too and he said to follow him! We followed him the whole way (even though we knew how to get there :)). At one point, we all stopped for gas at the same time and we found out he worked for Mars, the candy company, and he gave us some candy. He was such a nice guy as were all the people we met in Turkey.

My best highlight for 2012 was spending 4 days with my daughter in Niagra Falls. She travels over from England once a year so getting to go and take in the falls was an absolutely wonderful trip.

My favorite trip was my wife and I rode our harleys from Texas to Hobbs, New Mexico where we spent the night. Got up early the next morning and rode through Cloudcroft, New Mexico on our way to Ruidosa, New mexico. The views were wonderfularound this area. The next morning we left and rode to Brownsfield, Texas where we visited family and spent the night. Next morning we had to return home. We stayed at some nice Best Westerns on our trip, but the best one was in Ruidosa. It was secluded from all the noise and more of a country setting.

We didn't travel far in 2012 because we are planning a big trip in 2013 to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, but a highlight was spending some time in our sons' cabin in Colorado: no electricity and no plumbing. The scenery was beautiful, and their newly constructed privy was certainly more private than the "box" they has previously used. We loved the quietness and the chance to decompress after a busy, busy summer.

My best highlight for 2012 was spending 4 days with my daughter in Niagra Falls. She travels over from England once a year so getting to go and take in the falls was an absolutely wonderful trip.

The day is December 31, 2011. I took my Iraqi Language Assistant to Las Vegas to celebrate the beginning of 2012 with my "party Animal" kids who live in Vegas. We took him Downtown to celebrate and he saw how Americans celebrate for the first time (he is Muslim). He is single, 32 years of age and looks like Antonio Banderas. Needless to say many girls grabbed him and kissed him. His smile was that of the Cheshire Cat. He drank along with the rest of us and he had a blast. Welcome into 2013!

His only request: PLEASE do not tell my family and Iraqi friends what I did tonight! We all laughed and told him he was family now so his secret was safe.

He is going to college here in the States now and I an quite sure he will become more Americanized in the next few years.

I went to Boston for the first time in 2012. This city is a great walking city and wish I had visited sooner. I took 2 days and walked the " Freedom Trail". It was amazing to actually see all the places I remember from school. I really should have studied up on history before (it's been a long time since i was in school).
I felt proud to be born in the United States and it really brought home what rights we fought for to establish our own country. Funny some of these rights are coming into question now!
Happy traveling everyone. ;)

I loved watching the bears catch and eat the salmon in Hyder, Alaska.

The highlight of 2012 was a wonderful "Shannon" Family Reunion held at Sylvan Lake, Alberta. It was truly wonderful to have my cousins unveil their labour of love,
SHANNON VOICES, a history of our family in America and Canada. It was heartwarming to go down to breakfast and meet the grown up members of our family and so many of my cousins from far and near at our lovely Best Western Plus Hotel in Sylvan Lake. The beach area was great for gathering and for the children to play. A nearby golf course provided our meals and a special 'events' tent. It was a fantastic weekend!

We traveled to Orlanda, FL. to see our daughter and son in law who was there from Italy for a conference. It had been two years since we had seen them and that made our vacation an outstanding one. Also my first trip to Florida and loved it.

We had one of the most memorable trips ever. I never had thought about going to the state of Utah, but I found that it is on my top 10 best places I have ever visited. I would recomend it to any one. It is by far one of the most beautiful places I have seen. So many spectacular sites to see, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and the Canyonlands. We also discovered that we would one day love to possibily retire near Moab Utah. I guess we enjoyed traveling the states more than going out of our own country. I would suggest to anyone wanting to see and experience a fantastic vacation...DISCOVER THE UNITED STATES, so much to offer !

Staying st summit lake in b.c. and seeing the millions of western toad tadpoles swimming in the lake.seeing a red sided garter snake on the rail to trail. Mountain biking with my four year old on trainiing wheels in nelson, b.c.

We stayed at the BW in Orangeville, Ontario and were pampered all night and then the next morning we went to Albion Hills to race a 7K obstacle race in support of a local charity! Best weekend ever.

Summer of 2012 took a 10 day trip down the California coast, Such a beautiful drive. Saw many great sites and Stayed in many BW.

On Jan 2012,.We drove from Oregon to Mexico and in our way back we went to San Diego Zoo.
We had a great time. Also we stayed at Santa Barbara for 3 days. Spectacular place!!

Last August I drove my 1990 Lexus from Kenai, Alaska to Reno, Nevada. This trip was over 3000 miles and included driving through the Yukon and British Columbia. After a couple days in Reno, I ventured by myself to Indianapolis. This was over 2000 miles. I drove through Utah's Salt Flats and over the Rockies in Colorado peaking at 12,000 feet. I saw the Sunflower fields of Colorado and Kansas, drove through Kansas City, and explored St. Louis, and then finally settled down for a couple months in Indianapolis. I made Indy my base for travel; I visited Chicago, Louisville, Little Rock, and various little towns. I then drove back to Reno in November where I'm planning on staying for a while.

In March I stayed at a delightful Best Western in St. Augustine Florida. It's within walking distance of the old fort and and wonderful historic district.

Christmas 2011 my husband and I took. Our youngest granddaughter to Bass Pro to see Santa Claus. While waiting she went up to the window over looking lake Ray Hubbard. She said look nana the ocean. I said baby that's not the oceon she said looking at the lakeside . Nana there is the beach and there a island Rockwall TX. At that moment we decided to take our family to a beach. In july 2012 we loaded up and took the whole family including our daughter a.d son's family to Port Aransas. On the way down south we stopped and san antonio stayed a a motel on the riverwalk. Than went on down to por Aransas TX stayed in a Best Western it was just as good if not better because of the staff tbere. The grandkids have now all seen a ocean. Stayed at a place that was preer and the staff was wonderfully.......
looking forward to going back next year.

My favorite trip this past year was when we got to go to Washington DC to tour the Holocaust Museum plus got to see the Washington Monument drove by the White House with my daughter her friend and her dad. We also stayed at the Best Western in Faifax VA. My stay was two nights and was magnificient.

My favorite trip this past year was our trip to Washington DC to tour the Holocaust Museum. We aslo saw the monument the captiol and the white house. We stayed at the Best Western in Fairfax Va. The saty was for two nights and not a complaint about the hotel.

Traveling in the Western North Carolina mountains, visiting waterfalls and brewerys. Also enjoy wineries. Favorite winery is South Bend near Nebo, NC.

A memorable and fun trip was taken with my husband and 2 good friends last Sept. We began with a 12 day train tour through historic and beautiful Italy followed by a amazing 2 week Mediterranean cruise visiting 3 Greek Island, Olympia, Athens, Croatia and Turkey. All very interesing venues. We were saturated with history and culture. What was best remembered was our 5 days on the Ligurian coast of Italy hiking through the 5 villages of Cinque Terre. Since 1998 deemed a UNESCO heritage site. Each of the villages with uniquely colourful houses and beautiful churches all perched high on imposingly jagged hills. Behind the villages were centuries old terraced grape vineyards, olive and fruit trees. So beautiful each and every vista overlooking the deep aqua ocean.
I would love to spend more time exploring the rare beauty of this area.

I couldn't have been more delighted with The Pioneer Inn in Lahaina, Maui. I lived on Maui in 1977 and it was so wonderfully unchanged. Met all my expectations, cleanliness, view of the park across the street and all the action on good ol' Front Street. Even my husband liked it and is looking forward to returning. Great restaurant on ground level looking at out the harbor and all the action of ferries leaving for Lanai and Molokai as well as fishing boats and dive boats. Can't be beat for a more authentic trip than resort stays.

On a trip to Yellowstone, while driving through some ground fog, I came across 3 Grizzly bears ... a mom and 2 mostly grown cubs were right on the road. Got some great photos.

Loved our stay at the Pioneer Inn on Lahaina, Maui. I lived on Maui in 1977 and am pleased to report that much is still the same in Lahaina. Beautiful. The room was clean and had that big veranda over-looking the park and all the action on good ol' Front Street. Plus, the downstairs restaurant is still great. Bar specials, clam chowder and a view of all the action on the harbor from ferries departing for Lanai and Molokai to dive and fish boats. A piece of authentic Hawaii, not your average resort stay.

Very much enjoyed a family together while staying at the local Best Western.

We traveled to Arizona to visit friends and family. The best part was when my sweet husband parked in front of what he thought was a cafe. I asked him what we were doing at a brothel and he couldn't believe it. He thought the aging "lady" in the underwear and bra was just a badly dressed waitress.

My sister told me how she loved to stay at one of the Best Western Hotels in London Ontario where there are tempurpedic mattresses which she just loved. One weekend during 2012, I travelled with her to London & had a glorious cple of nights sleeping on the most comfortable mattress!

Our best trip for 2012 would have to be the one we took to San Antonia, TX to attend our grandson's graduation from Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base. This was in mid August, was hot, but was still very much enjoyed by us.

Made our 2nd annual visit to Glacier National Park with a plan to spend 4th of July in Hungry Horse, Montana! What an amazing experience.... a cross between something Norman Rockwell and a New Year's Eve! Absolutely love the ambiance and the community-ness of it. the trip then included rafting the Flathead River, hiking and camping on the East side of the Park at St Mary's. We did a day trip outside the park to Browning MT, the home of the Blackfeet Tribal Office and Plains Museum that daily hosts local native artisans. In chatting with them, they mentioned there would be a rodeo in town that evening and we stayed for it. The color guard was spectacular with Blackfeet members in full head dress, the opening prayer was in the native language and was the opening event was a relay of native riders who would change horses on each lap. Totally fascinating, spectacular, wonderful. The drive back to St Mary's included a breathtaking sunset behind the peaks of Glacier Park. It doesn't get any better than that.

We didn't get to travel like we enjoy in 2012, but we did get away for our anniversary to Cataloochee area of the Great Smokey Mountains in North Carolina. We really wanted to see and hear the moose in the area. On arrival, we drove back on a mostly one-lane gravel road for what seemed to be forever, only to find an extremely short road (but paved) and only saw 2 males before it started getting dark. Not knowing the area, we decided to go back the windy, gravel road before it became totally dark and come back in the morning. We found a BW hotel a little north back across the TN line, ordered a pizza and enjoyed a restful evening. The next morning we took the one-lane, windy, gravel road back in and learned we had been on the "short" side and found the several moose herds occupying the valley, heard their bellowing, and enjoyed the views and history of the Cataloochee Valley. Very enjoyable trip!

My most memorable trip in 2012 was spending a week in Georgia with our Daughter and Son-in-Law. They live in another state and we only see them 2-3 times a year. This was the first time we spent a whole week with them. The trip was wonderful .. lots of fun, laugher, bringing up memories, and just being with them. Its a trip that I will never forget.

My husband and I traveled to South Dakota to welcome our first grandbaby who was born on September 11, 2012. Our son-in-law is pastor of Grand River Lutheran Church in Buffalo, SD and daughter was due on September 2. We are thrilled to welcome granddaughter Beatrice to our family!

While there, we visited Wall, Mt. Rushmore and Deadwood. We had a wonderful September!!

We stayed at Best Western for our Family Reunion in North Carolina and it was beautiful. We were able to reunite family members that had been separated for some time and it was truly a Blessing. We were located near Leland at your new location with the Walmart so close by it was perfect.

We traveled from Florida to the Grand Canyon this summer. We had such a wonderful time.

We also took advantage ot the Best Western summer promotion. If you stayed in a Best Western 3 separate times...you received a free night voucher! This was so easy for us because Best Western is our favorite chain!

By the way...We just redemmed our free night voucher for a wonderful New Years stay at the Best Western in Dunedin, Florida! Can't wait to see what type of promotion will be offered in the summer of 2013 as we travle more and experience more Best Western hospitality!

While in Boston we "stumbled" upon a Best Western with vacancy near Cambridge on Memorial Day Weekend. It was such a beautiful hotel with great staff. We enjoyed it so much, that we planned the remainder of our vacation driving through Maine and New York, stopping to stay at the "next" selected Best Western. Staff always offered to call ahead for us.
It was such a great experience that we will plan our future driving vacations to stay at Best Westerns only - they are the best!

We have been on so many amazing trips and the most recent one was to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. We went in the month of October when the colors of the aspens trees were most vibrant. So beautiful that pictures did not do it justice. We drove along the the Rocky Mountain and travelled to the top where we felt we were on top of the world. It was spectacular. We stood on the Continental Divide! We saw Elks, Deers, and Moose. We were stunned by the scenery and tranquility of the Rockies. Definitely a trip that everyone should take at least once.

We have 2 wonderful memories, first of all our favorite Best Wester is Shelter Cove in Pismo Beach, CA. The views are beautiful, every room overlooks the Pacific Ocean and all of its beauty. The employees are wonderful and since we frequent the hotel the know us. In 2012 they became pet friendly which was a wonderul move for us, as we now have a son that we never had before and he travels with us all of the time. Our second memory is that they sponsored the Hydrocephlus walk in Fresno, CA. They were very generous in giving 1 nights stay at their hotel. Wonderful, Wonderful all the way around.

The best travel adventure this past year was going to Santee, South Carolina and staying in an incredible Best Western with adjoining rooms. The motel was so clean and the pool was wonderful even on Easter. Plus we went to visit family and had such a wonderful visit.

My best vacation moment of 2012 was when I took my 8 year old to Disney World in Sept and we rode Toy Story Mania ride (3 times ) at Hollywood Studios- Just hearing her laugh, having fun and smiling was a great moment! The whole vacation was wonderful!!

Hello, my favorite memory of 2012 Best Western trip was to Vancouver in July 2012. My son and I got a hotel at the Best Western Capilano in North Vancouver. We went swimming at the hotel, went to capilano suspension bridge and then the highlight was the next day when we went to Playland. The staff at the Capilano Best Western were very helpful and courteous. We always stay at the Best Western Hotels wherever we go. Awesome times.

Traveled to Galveston, Texas with my husband and 21 yr. old son. I recently took up kayaking at age 54. We took 2 Kayaks with us in hopes of kayak fishing in the bay. My husband bought me a new small salt water fishing pole. He changed out the fishing line to handle a 15 pound fish. Our first day out the weather was sunny, around 75 and beautiful. While the large fishing boats were coming in and out reporting no fish caught, my son and I climbed into our kayaks with the anticipation of what the day would bring We had live minnows and live shrimp for bait. We Paddled out across the bay and I put a minnow on the line., 20 min later with no luck I released the bait and we explored the marsh paddling over huge crabs and other types of shell fish we could see underneath us. I Than baited my hook with a live shrimp and quickly felt a tug on my line I handed the pole to my son in hopes that he could bring the fish in. He fought this fish for 45 minutes being pulled around the bay. Being novices we really did not know how we would get the fish in the boat. After wearing out the fish, I was able to manuever my kayak over to net the fish. wow! it was a huge 13 pound red drum aka redfish. (I didn't find that out till later) We paddled quickly to the marina as the pelicans guided us in. I was holding my fish in the net between my legs as I was not really prepared to catch anything. After getting the fish back to our hotel my husband looked at my line and saw how close I came to loosing my catch. The pressure from the fish seperated the ring holding the hook on it was bearly holding . What a day! Can't wait to go back!

My favorite trip of 2012 was a journey hiking through majestic Redwood forests and along the secluded beaches of the Lost Coast in northern California. And where else would we stay but in a Best Western? Thanks for providing such hospitality and luxury for us during our rugged adventures. What a great trip!

When we travel, and we travel often, we stay almost exclusively at Best Westerns, the exception being lack of availability in the area where we are planning on staying. Last spring we took a 2 month road trip from California to the Carolinas, south into Florida, and back up into Tennessee and westward back to California. On that trip we traveled about 9,000 miles, made enjoyable knowing we had comfortable lodging at the end of every driving day. We have had absolutely no complaints about facilities or service at any Best Western and the staff is always helpful and hospitable. I have a disability which limits the room location to first floor, or elevator access, and the staff where-ever we go is always most helpful in filling our needs. Our favorite stay on this trip was the Best Western Saddleback Inn in Oklahoma City, the facility was very nice and the breakfast buffet was beyond exceptional. We will be making another trip in a few months through that area, and I will make every effort to reserve at that particular Best Western, as well as returning to many where we've stayed previously, and probably try out some new ones along the way. My feet are already getting "itchy"!

Visited the site of one of America's most famous orations: Gettysburg. However, didn't have time to make my own Address!

A much anticipated, and joy-filled trip to North Carolina for our son's wedding was made that much more special because of the choice of hotels we made. The tiny town of Jefferson is located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, and in that town is the Eldreth Inn. The staff was so friendly - just as one would expect of Southerners! The desk clerk went out of his way to assist us with directions and recommendations, extra towels, a roll away bed, and many other questions we had. In all, we had myself and my husband, our three children, and my mother and stepfather staying in several rooms at the inn. We were all treated well, and we would stay there again if ever we were to return to that lovely town. By the way, the wedding was so beautiful - it was in a small, country church, with friends and family, laughter, a few tears, and memories for a lifetime.

Our best trip was to Saudi Arabia to visit our son and daughter in law in their home. We saw many sites and met some really great people!

I have to say that my (our) travel highlight for 2012 was being able to spend 8 days in Savannah and Tybee Island, GA.
Savannah is such a beautiful and historic city and be able to walk some of the same land that was walked by those who started this country hundreds of years ago, was simply amazing.
And Tybee Island is such a laid back community along the Atlantic Ocean where you can sit and watch the waves and the giant container ships come in, just enjoy the peace and quiet to reflect on everything.

We went top Disney World for the first time in October. I am not a fan of crowds but staying on the grounds and visiting the different parks was just like living in another world. My daughter was in awe as was her mom and dad. It is understandably expensive. Because it is another world. The key was don't plan on doing everything - just enjoy the things we do when we are there and I have to give all the credit to my wife who planned and prepared and made it a vacation to remember for all of us. Very Relaxing. I may even go back!

After driving for many, many miles from deep south Texas (Brownsville, Tx), entering a different Time Zone and a State Line... Whoa! Carlsbad Caverns in NM was the most spectacular feeling. Then we decide that after that long ride, why not drive a little longer and see the amazing Big Bend, aahhh, BREATH TAKING!!! Those are the moments everyone is eager to experience in every trip ;)

Our family trip to Niagra Falls(Canada) was great.There is a lot things to do.

In July 2012 we went on a road trip to Vermont. We decided to take some back roads and we saw some beautiful country. We saw numerous mall farms on hill sides with cows grazing. We did factory tours of Ben & Jerrys Ice cream, Shelburne Museum, and Cabot Cheese, (samples included). My children loved the entire trip. No big expensive parks, or entertainment. Great family time and a great trip to lean alot about the farming in New England.

Booked a family vacation in Niagra Falls at an indoor water park resort March 2012. We stayed in a fabulous suite with extended family over a long weekend. Stopped into a dealership on route to Niagra Falls and bought my new most favourite family vehicle which we continued in. Left the old vehicle to pick up on route back home. Had a great weekend as I brought my blender for some mixed fruity cocktails in our suite!

2012 was THE year of travel experiences for me! Prior to this year, I had never flown anywhere, but that all changed in 2012...Starting with a trip to Vegas in February with my husband and another couple - the highlight of that trip was getting to see the Grand Canyon! Next, another trip back to Vegas in July with my two daughters - HOT - HOT - HOT!! We had fun shopping and seeing the lights & attractions on the Strip. Last of all, my husband and I flew on Air Miles and used Aeroplan points to help pay for our Best Western hotel on a Thanksgiving trip to Vancouver, BC to visit our son and his girlfriend. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park was the highlight of that trip and we enjoyed all the gorgeous mountain scenery. Travellng is so much fun!

My highlight of travel in 2012 occurred at the Best Western Tashan Hotel, in a suburb of Istanbul. My husband and I had cruised the Greek Islands and visited Istanbul a couple of weeks previously before going on to visit our son in Islamabad, Pakistan, where is he is working. We decided to have a lay over in Istanbul on our way home and picked a hotel at random, outside downtown, to get a different idea of the country. The day of our flight home, we received a call at 2 a.m. that breakfast was ready. Unbeknownst to us, the hotel had planned to serve us breakfast on our last morning before our 5 a.m. flight. We came down to a fantastic feast of olives, fresh bread, cheese, meats, desserts, hot turkish coffee. We were the only ones in the restaurant and an employee stayed discreetly in the background the entire time in case we needed anything. What a send-off. Not only was it a trip highlight, it is the kind of thing we will never forget. We thoroughly enjoyed the small hotel, its amenities, its service and its great location. We even received a New Year's card from the Tashan Hotel. It really stands out as a great Best Western Hotel and does the chain proud. Definitely 5star +++

Last summer my brother and I drove from Sacramento Ca. to Fort Jackson to see my niece graduate from boot camp. It was a great trip since my brother and I haven't had many opportunities to visit very often in a long time. Along the way we stopped and visited a very close friend in Arkansas for a day. Once at Fort Jackson it was great seeing my niece and how grown up she became and how proud my brother was of his baby girl. On the drive home we visited cousins in Texas and saw the Hoover dam. We also had my brothers youngest daughter with us so we took an extra day and stayed the night in Las Vegas at Circus Circus.For the last leg home we drove through Yosemite even though it took extra time it was well worth it to see the amazing beauty there. We took in some shows and had a great time. In all it was a great trip and even better getting to hang out with my brig brother while traveling from Coast to coast and back again over ten days.

In July 2012 our 17yr. old grandson flew from S.Korea to visit his Papaw and me. He was interested in the Air Force Acad., so we took him to Colo. We stayed at the Best Western in Estes Park and took him to the Rocky Mt. Natl. Park, shopped in Estes Park,& went sightseeing. We then drove down to the Best Western in Manitou Springs and visited the Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy (which was awesome), took the cog rail train up Pikes Peak where he got to wade in some snow and throw a snowball in July. We also took him down to the Royal Gorge to the park there, riding the cable car across the canyon and also riding down into the canyon to see the river. On our trip back home, we stayed over in Dodge City, Ks. at the Best Western which was very enjoyable. We had an awesome trip with the grandson and it's something we will always treasure. My husband and I made this same trip in 2011 to celebrate our 50th anniversary, but it was even more fun for us to get to share it with Aaron this time.

In July 2012 our 17yr. old grandson flew from S.Korea to visit his Papaw and me. He was interested in the Air Force Acad., so we took him to Colo. We stayed at the Best Western in Estes Park and took him to the Rocky Mt. Natl. Park, shopped in Estes Park,& went sightseeing. We then drove down to the Best Western in Manitou Springs and visited the Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy (which was awesome), took the cog rail train up Pikes Peak where he got to wade in some snow and throw a snowball in July. We also took him down to the Royal Gorge to the park there, riding the cable car across the canyon and also riding down into the canyon to see the river. On our trip back home, we stayed over in Dodge City, Ks. at the Best Western which was very enjoyable. We had an awesome trip with the grandson and it's something we will always treasure. My husband and I made this same trip in 2011 to celebrate our 50th anniversary, but it was even more fun for us to get to share it with Aaron this time.

In July we took our growing children to Astoria, CA and on down the "Avenue of the Giants" to see the even larger giant redwoods.

We were traveling through Yellowstone National Park when we came upon the wild donkey's. They came right up to our car and stuck their head all the way in our car. We have some pictures of them doing this we were laughing so hard. We fed them some cookies and then they wouldn't leave.

Prior to Labor Day weekend, I made a trip from Honolulu, HI to Pasadena, CA., to watch my grandson play in his first collegiate football game. We were both excited as football is his passion and it was my first weekend being retired. We both waited a long time for this moment and unfortunately the team lossed the game. However, he was able to be achieve the team's leading pass receiver and that was very exciting.
Thank you Best Western for being a part of this lifetime achievement for both of us.
MAHALO & ALOHA

My favorite travel highlight for 2012 was Autumn in Japan.

Why Autumn Is My Favorite Season In Japan ?
The leaves all change colors, and you can look out in the trees and see reds, oranges and yellows among the green.

Japan is renouned for its beauty any time of year, but there are two seasons in particular that attract a lot of attention. While we were unable to time our visit with the spring cherry blossoms this time around, we were very excited at the prospect of seeing the Japanese maple in all of its autumn glory. Kawaguchiko is one of the most popular places to view Mt. Fuji due to its acessability and beautiful natural setting. As luck would have it,

My favorite travel highlight for 2012 was Autumn in Japan.

Why Autumn Is My Favorite Season In Japan ?
The leaves all change colors, and you can look out in the trees and see reds, oranges and yellows among the green.

Japan is renouned for its beauty any time of year, but there are two seasons in particular that attract a lot of attention. While we were unable to time our visit with the spring cherry blossoms this time around, we were very excited at the prospect of seeing the Japanese maple in all of its autumn glory. Kawaguchiko is one of the most popular places to view Mt. Fuji due to its acessability and beautiful natural setting. As luck would have it,

My favorite stay was at the Bestwestern in Cushing,OK. WE stayed in the King Suite with the jacuzzi and absolutely LOVED it. The guy working at the front desk at night was the nicest person I have ever met. The entire Hotel was amazingly elaborate and luxuriously decorated. I wanted to know where I could buy the chairs in the breakfast area because they were so comfortable on my bad back and sheek. There was also a three teir clear glass/crystal lamp in our room that I loved so much that I have searched the internet high and low trying to find it so that I can purchase it. The wall water fountain when you first walk in is so cool too. I was so happy while I was there that I didn't want to go home. Oh, and the breakfast was so good that I had to get seconds! I cannot wait to stay there again. Trust me...It will be soon! I reccommend this Hotel 100% for families with kids AND couples looking for a romantic get-away. We had our kids with us, but i cannot wait to stay there with just my husband because it was so romantic. I felt like a Queen for a few days. It was very nice.

A highlight of the last year was one magical summer day spent on the Queets River in Washington State with the whole family together. The temperatures were in the upper 70's and the sun sparkled on the river. Definitely God's country!

Great trip to Pacifico Lighthouse facility with the bonus of San Fransisco Giants getting into the World Series against the Tigers and was able to join the excitement at a game and in the streets when they won!

Best trip, BY FAR in 2012 was a quick getaway to Halifax Nova Scotia!!! My husband received the Queens Diamond Jubilee award and we travelled down east for the ceremony. The award ceremony was fantastic and although it was a whirlwind trip, the highlight was the Alexander Keith's Brewery tour!! the harbour, the ships, the fall leaves, everything was breathtaking (literally!) the history of this city is enchanting and there's definitely something in the air that's exhilarating. Maybe it's because your by the ocean but have never experienced that anywhere else. Oh and I have to mention the musical entertainment in every pub is awesome. Good tunes, good beer, good times! Definitely will return someday soon :)

In December I took my 2 granddaughters Nadia 5 and Sophia 4 to Disneyland to see it in its Christmas splendor!!! While there on Main St at the Coca Cola hot dog restaurant, Mad Hatter and Alice played musical chairs with Nadia/Sophia along with other children and spent about 30 minutes with them!!! After it was over Nadia told me, "Nana this is the best vacation ever!" Needless to say it brought tears to my eyes! The memories are priceless:)

My 2012 highlight was definitely travelling to western Rwanda, on the border with DRC Congo. Our 30 seater plane landed in the middle of nowhere, with a small house serving as the airstrip "terminal". Travelling on the road we passed a turnoff towards the Lake Kivu, where a small bridge formed the boundary between the two countries. Despite the driver's warning that "there are bad people on the other side of the bridge" I was certainly impressed by the villas lining the side of the lake.
A few days later, having survived basic conditions and lots of mosquitoes, it was time to head back to Kigali, back to "civilisation".

Traveling the 'Loneliest Highway in America' in the Dec. snow. Hwy 50 from Wichita, Ks to Reno Nv. I'm glad we opted to nix the interstate after seeing the amazing flocks of geese, sheep, quaint friendly little towns and of course the air force jets flying.

We took or grandson with us to the Best Western on Lakeway in Bellingham, WA and enjoyed the room, restaurant, pool, hottub, sauna, then the pool, then hottub and sauna again. These memories will be cherished. It leaves a smile :>) on my face now as I think of the fun time we all had together.

We took or grandson with us to the Best Western on Lakeway in Bellingham, WA and enjoyed the room, restaurant, pool, hottub, sauna, then the pool, then hottub and sauna again. These memories will be cherished. It leaves a smile :>) on my face now as I think of the fun time we all had together.

Traveling accross the US from Arizona to Seattle, with Mexico, Las Vegas, and Lauflin was interesting with an 18 year old and her 9 year old twin sisters. Not to mention meeting my Aunt and Uncle in Arizona and hooking up with my siter in Vegas.

Going to Cancun was interesting with snorkling in Cozumel and Mayan ruins in Tulum.

A year of family fun and travel was not bad.

Our best travel memory for last year was a whole family vacation with stays at Best Westerns in Baltimore, St. Michael's, and Salisbury, MD. It was great to be with all of our children and grandchildren visiting favorite places, exploring new places, and just relaxing.

We traveled to see my parents and my mom got to see her grandson for the first time on Mother's Day.

We went to Ohio to spend Christmas with our children and grandchildren. It was the first time since 2001 that we were all together and it was the highlight of our trip. We also got into a snowstorm the day after Christmas, 10 inches of snow. Took the grandchildren sledding,they loved it.Being from the south where it doesn't snow ,it was great seeing the snow.

I went to Seoul this Sep. and had chance to meet a new friend.
We had a great time and I went there again.
Then we went to Bangkok together during Christmas.
I am so happy to meet a best friend!

There is a beautiful hotel in Cambria that I love to stay at when I run away from home. I have a very crazy job and occasionally need to recharge. I always arrive before sunset and watch the sunset from the beach. For the next several days I will turn off the phone and walk along the beach and read and make no sounds. I'll watch the sunset every night, sit in my jacuzzi tub and enjoy a glass of wine and then fall asleep to the roaring fire. I repeat this every day until it's time to go home. It is so refreshing and Best Western and it's wonderful employees make this experience so refreshing.

My favorite trip in 2012 was a quick stay in St. Augustine to ride the Holly Jolly Trolley for Christmas. It was awesome. We saw the 2 million lights, we sang carols as we rode and wished passers by Merry Christmas. They even gave us spiffy glasses which made all the lights into twinkling stars.
Our stay was great too. The desk clerk stopped traffic so we could back out of a narrow drive and the trolley stop was just across the street. Great time.

My only travel experience in 2012 was in Aug. Flew to Vancouver, BC and stayed with an old family friend that I hadn't seen in 15 years where we caught up with life and had so many laughs my belly hurt. Then we had an adventure just travelling from Van to Victoria, where we missed all means of travelling over by either 5 min or an hr., but had so much fun doing it. Then in Victoria had an awesome time with old friends there where it felt like we hadn't been apart for 10yrs and just picked up where we left off. Then went to an amazing conference for my amazing direct sales company. Then took I took the red-eye to fly to Ottawa, where we stayed at the BEST Best Western, for my cousins wedding to his best friend (love ya both Jes and Justin!!) Then finally after all that travelling, the best part was coming home to my son and boyfriend and finding out while I was gone they reno'd my living room for me!! So I hope I win cause I'm taking my son to PEI in May and would love to use it so that I can show him even more of this awesome country while staying at a great hotel!!

My wife and I went to Crystal River Nov 2012. We took two of the grandchildren to swim with the manatees. We stayed at the Best Western there in Crystal River and it was awesome! The staff is great and there were plenty of manatees!

In 2012 our small town was hit by a F4 tornado. As horrific as our situation was my daughter who is 7 said mom can we please go to Florida. She was terrified so in the summer I told my husband that she had asked to go to Florida soon after the tornado had came through. We loaded up the end of June for vacation, I was thinking really are we going to drive 12 hours with two kids in a small car. It turned out to be one of the best vacations. We stayed in an older hotel that was away from the tourist. We spent hours just laying around enjoying each other company. The kids were great the whole week which never happens. Please let us win so we can go somewhere again!!!

In 2012 we took our annual road trip with our best friends in our Mustang convertibles travelling through Washington, DC, Kill Devil Hills, NC, (where we saw the Wild Mustangs of Corolla), Myrtle Beach, SC, Knoxville, TN, and Lexington, KY staying at Best Westerns along the way!! This year we will do it again and who knows where we will go, but we know we will be staying at Best Westerns :-)

We traveled to Philadelphia to the Franklin Institute where the Dead Sea Scrolls were being exhibited, and to see Independence Hall. We got lost in the city as we found out that our GPS does not work near tall buildings. But we managed to get where we wanted to go, and as a result got to know the city that much more!

Took a trip to Atlanta to see my son swim at the Y Nationals held at Georgia Tech. Stayed at the BW Peachtree downtown Atlanta. Great Place.

In Mid Sept 2012 we were fortunate to go from Ottawa Canada to Phoenix Arizona to attend a conference. While there we rented a car and drove 4 hoursto Flagstaffe and visited the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This fabulous experience should be on everyone's list. But don't stand too close to the rim! A number of people have fallen off. We stayed with Best Western about 5 miles north of the Phoenix airport and it was great!

I went to Mobile. AL, for the American Farriers' Convention as I serve as their Parliamentary Consultant. It was my first time in Mobile, and I enjoyed my stay.

My road trip across 4 states (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio & Indiana) from Washington DC to Chicago.

Our group of 6 people travelled from Victoria BC to Miami on a red eye flight to begin our Panama Cruise. We were exhausted when we arrived at our Best Western Hotel at 9 am. To our delight, our rooms were ready to check into AND we were offered their incredible full continental breakfast! The staff at the Lauderdale BW were awesome. This made for a wonderful start to the most amazing cruise experience. Thanks Best Western!

In January we visited Germany, China, Norway, Mexico, and Africa. Of course it was all in Disney Land and fortunately the "countries" were very close together!

WHOOF,

I am a Golden Retriever originally from Alberta and going on 11 years young in Feb.

My mom and dad took me last year on holidays to Canmore, Alberta. We stayed at the Best Western Pocaterra Inn,a doggie friendly room. And what a room it was!! I had so much fun plus the staff at the front desk were so good to me. They even had cookies in the afternoon. I behaved like a total gentleman and loved it when the girls would pet me.

I told Mom and Dad to take me again since I loved all the staff there. Guess what, they are.....Uhm I can hardly wait for those homemade cookies again.

Whoof, best wishes to all the staff
Your canine friend,

HOGAN---I was a Pet Therapy Dog and I hope to win lots of cookies!!

I now take care of my mom....she calls me NURSE HOGAN.
All the best to the rest of my Canine Buddies WHOOF

A driving holiday from Vancouver to Saskatoon (and staying in Best Westerns along the way) starting in Vernon, traveling to Jasper and the Peace River country seeing my first grizzlies in the wild, many elk, deer and a moose - a wonderful wildlife experience.

In April my family attended the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo and stayed at the Best Western near the Airport. The complimentary full breakfast in the morning easily saved me $80.00 a day on food expenses (two teenaged sons). And reading the complimentary Globe and Mail each morning has me hooked on the Globe. The Expo was amazing and our hotel was fabulous. The Trip of the Year!

We toured Europe in October 2012 for a month. Of the many cities we visited, Gant in Belgium is where we enjoyed ourselves the most. The Best Western hotel we stayed in was super well located, with the tram just in front which allowed us to go quickly in the city centre. We ate like kings and queens and luckily the weather was superb.

Hope you will visit this city in the near future.

Richard

My daughter was moving to England to attend graduate school in Liverpool. It was a stressful time for my wife and I because our daughter was going to be a long ways away, and for her because she was going to be on her own (without a meal plan at the university!) in another country for the first time in her life. She and I went over in June 2012 to scout out the university and then in September 2012 to move her into the dormitory. We had a chance to see some of Liverpool, learn about its history and to view the home of the Beatles. It made such an impression on me that my wife and I are going to make a trip in May to visit England and to see our daughter. For both trips in 2012, the Best Western Feathers hotel in Liverpool was our home base. The proximity to the university was ideal and we can't say enough about the fantastic and friendly support that we got from the hotel staff! We will use this hotel again for our trip in May and recommend it to anyone who asks us. Thanks very much!

I went zipling on Freemont Street. First trip ever to Vegas. I also went to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Paris and watched the Bellagio fountain show. Watching Marc Savard's hypnotist show was awesome. I saw the Grand Canyon.

I'm torn between so many fond memories I have of visiting the UK for a month this summer including seeing twelve events at the Summer Olympics in London and my time at a refugee camp in South Sudan in November. The South Sudan trip was extremely hard, but very rewarding. I was particularly taken with meeting and helping Michael, the Paramount Chief of the Jum Jum tribe.

I took my wife, son and daughter, their spouses and their six children ranging from 7 to 18 on a Holiday cruise from Dec 22 to 29 on the Royal Caribbean Oasis from Fort Lauderdale to the Western Caribbean. Prior to that we stayed at the Best Western Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. We had a wonderful time and all of us got along famously. We an excusion to the Tulum Mayan ruins in Mexico which was very interesting. This trip definitely was the highlight for us in 2012.

I decided to check out as many restored train depots/trains as possible. Highlights included the White Pass & Yukon Route in Skagway, Alaska and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge in Durango, Colorado. Texas and Colorado are hotbeds for train restoration!

My wife, 8 and 3 year old granddaughters, were trying to find the shortest route from Sapphire, NC (where we had vacationed with our daughters family) to Knoxville, Tn to visit my 89 year old Mother. We ended up on the Dragontail (11 miles of twisty mountain road--two lanes often ridden by motorcyclist as a challenge). My wife was nauseated and needing a rest room and the kids were queasy. I finally had to stop and let my wife go into the trees for relief....she could see the traffic coming around the curves, but hoped they couldn't see her! After this short stop, we went about a mile down the road and were at the end of the Dragontail...she could have held out for that rest stop if we had only known! I don't recommend this road unless you are on a motorcycle and sober!

Wow everyone's story's are so fantastic. Mine is not so. We booked a little getaway to Vancouver the weekend before Christmas( new business so we go no where) and while driving on the Coquihalla lost control of the truck and fish tailed more than 5 times. My husbands reflex's took over and he pulled us out of it. If you have ever been in an accident or close to one you know how it feels like you are in slow motion. I thought for sure we were going to roll, hit another vehicle or at least hit the ditch. Makes you thankful for life! I will remember that forever!

Booked BW in Reykjavik in August 2012 for week over xmas. Late Nov I was reviewing a list online of restaurant closures in Reykjavik over xmas and it happened to also list hotels that would also be closed over the holiday. Imagine my shock and horror to find the BW Reykjavik on the list. I had not had any notice from the hotel, nor the BW International Reservations Dept. and we were scheduled to depart in a few weeks. Contact with BW International confirmed they had no notice from hotel in Reykjavik. Long story short, after a week of back and forth with all parties, we were upgraded to owner's sister property (not BW) in better location and given what we would have gotten at BW: free wi-fi, free breakfast, and at same rate as had booked at BW. Turned out well, but not the sort of firedrill one wants for any trip, especially at xmas!

we went to Florida in March for a few days and stayed in Orlando and Ormond Beach. It was amazing and very beautiful!!! ..... best trip in 2012.

My wife of 50 yrs and myself traveled from our Vancouver Island home in Feb. and Mar. of 2012 to visit several of the western states. We really enjoyed northern New Mexico especially Taos and Santa Fe as there is so much history there. On the culinary side I would have to say that our visit to The Cattlemans Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch in Texas, just outside El Paso, was a highlite for sure.

Travels to Colorado: Two-day road trip in May from SoCal to Colorado to deliver my daughter's car to her at college. Beautiful drive through Utah and the Rockies. Great time in Fort Collins. Weeklong family vacation in Estes Park & Rocky Mtn National Park in August.

My best memory of 2012 was on a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. While others in our group joined a large tour that took them to an "authentic" Russian lunch - that wasn't, we took a private guide. She took us to a local pie shop where we ate the most incredible pies with the local workers. Our Russian and their English made for a fun lunch!

Hi BW, thanks for the opportunity to be entered in the draw. My 2012 travel memory was staying at the Best Western Chermainus, the pool was excellent and because you guys trucked in the mineral water .... we were all able to float and relax. A great little secret we've been sharing. The Ferry lineup as sooo long we never did get on so we were forced to stay another night on the island so we came right back to the pool ;)
Tracy

Best trip of 2012 was at the Best Western Plus (Carmel Bay View Inn). Had a week with the entire Family 7 of us 5 adults and 2 kids. Had a suite that held all of us comfortably also a nice courtyard for the kids to play in. It had been a year sense we all were able to get together.

Trip to Promote My Book

In April 2012 I published a book. In early October, I took a trip to Cowichan/Duncan/Victoria where I stayed in the Cowichan Best Western Plus Hotel. My stay was wonderful. I enjoyed the Wifi service and the delicious meals in the restaurant. The room was very comfortable and the staff were friendly and helpful. While there, I did research at the Museum archives on my late husband's activities in Duncan where he was a prominent citizen in the 1970s and 80s. I will definitely go there again.

Trip to Promote My Book

In April 2012 I published a book. In early October, I took a trip to Cowichan/Duncan/Victoria where I stayed in the Cowichan Best Western Plus Hotel. My stay was wonderful. I enjoyed the WiFi service and the delicious meals in the restaurant. The room was very comfortable and the staff were friendly and helpful. While there, I did research at the Museum archives on my late husband's activities in Duncan where he was a prominent citizen in the 1970s and 80s. I will definitely go there again.

The Only travel highlight in 2012, was our trip to NC, for our granddaughter's graduation and to visit our son and the rest of his family. We were shown true Southern hospitality while there. The rest of the year was not so good however, due to my husband being ill for most of the year. We are ready, more than ready, for a little vacation this year, so we would love a little "boost" from Best Western.

My Best trip of 2012 was going to Monterey, California. It is very beautiful along the California coast. My husband and I had driven down from San Fran. We were spending a few days in Monterey, enjoying wine, hiking, the golf courses, and of course some shopping. We had one day left in Monterey before we would continue our journey. We were watching the local news, when they reported the space shuttle Endeavour would be flying by the Monterey area. We were THRILLED! We were going to go to the Monterey Aquarium thinking that might give us a better view, but decided to stay at our hotel, The Best Western Plus Victoria Inn. So glad we did, the aircraft flew in from the ocean, right over our hotel as we stood on our balcony. What an awesome experience, to see the shuttle so close, and break the sound barrier. It is something I will never forget!

My best travel of 2012 was sailing across the Atlantic Ocean from Gibraltar to the British Virgin Islands. This was a trip aboard a 62' sailing vessel with a crew of 4.
It took 23 days to cross, which was better than Columbus. I think the big difference was we knew where we were going. It had all the times from very boring to very terrifing. Beautiful sun rises and sunsets, pods of dolphins, rainbows, gales and storms. It will be a very good memory.

This was the year of the BIG vacation I have saved for 5 years for my United Kingdom-Paris trip. I took my parents and husband on the trip we took a bus tour through Wales, Ireland, England (highly recomend a tour for first timers) it was fabulous. Ireland is wonderful the people are so welcoming and the views wow. One of the funny/strange things that happened was in a hotel (not BW) in London a big swanky place my father was using the public washroom in the lobby and while washing his hands the wall under the sinks fell on him ..scraped his shin crazy things like that happened to us all over the place. The Hotel in Paris was 200years old and a Best Western just down the road from the Arc de Truimph we had a Juliet balcony and in the mornings we would open the window and watch the city come to life. I have so many great memories now I'm saving up for my next BIG trip ...Australia

Well I certainly would not say this was the best stay ever but will be one long to remeber that's for sure.It all started when my girlfriend and I decided to celebrate new year's eve (2012) with a trip to Galena,ILL. We were excited to have the weekend with a suite and an awsome place to ring in the new year. Well the party police had something to say about that! lol.. We checked in with a wonderful expeirence and room was nice with a balcony view. We went out to tour all the wonderful sights,stores, and things to do there. Took approx. 2hrs to get there but is well worth the drive. Everything was going great ; until we went back to the hotel to relax and later get around to ring in the new year. My girlfriend noticed she was not feeling well, so she laid down and I was to wake her in a couple of hours to get around. I sat an the couch to watch tv till then. Within 1hr she became horribly ill and could not hardly get out of bed. As time passed she said she was feeling better(which I think it was the medicine I got for her talking.lol) so she wanted us to get around. I was unsure but said ok. I went to stand up from a sitting position off the couch and my back went out. I could'nt move or hardly breath and she wanted to call an ambulance.So I said no way and she helped me walk to the bathroom(in great pain ) to put me in a tube of scalding hot water to get my back to loosen up. We made it there; got me in; laid in the tub for hours; felt better; took a couple steps; went out again and back in tub for the rest of night while she progressively got sicker and sicker. When twelve o'clock hit, she was it bed sick and I was in the tub and couldnt move. Had to stay an extra day because we couldnt make the trip home. Happy New Year Huh?

My travel highlight of 2012 was a trip to Los Angeles I made with my son. We stayed very busy and had a great time!

Last year I went to Long Beach, Vancouver Island with my friend of 39 years. We walked, we talked. We got wet. We laughed we cried. We told stories of our past and we looked at tomorrow. In November I lost her. What we talked about most in the last month was were we'd been and the fun we'd had. And that's the story - spend time with your friends. Find the fun. Love every moment. See the world. Share being anywhere, together. For in the end all you have are your memories. Make them good ones.

On a trip in the fall of 2012 we went on a Gulf Tour which included an eco tour at Shelter Cove, Hilton Head, South Carolina where we got awesome dolphin pictures. The entire trip was marvelous and included a Swamp Tour out of New Orleans, visits to Chattanooga, Tennessee; St. Louis; Savannah, Georgia, as well as other stops along the way.

September 2012 - went back to Massachusetts for a family wedding. The wedding was held on Skaket Beach on Cape Cod. It was a late afternoon wedding and the sun was just beginning to set. The sunset against the bride and groom was fantastic to witness. While in Massachusetts, my hubby and I naturally took advantage of the seafood and souvenier shops, as well as visiting with my family.

My amazing holiday experience for 2012 was travelling from San Francisco to San Diego with my family and friends. We took the ocean highway101 and saw some great views and enjoyed many fun filled moments. San Francisco is always a good starting place for any adventure and motivates you to get out there and see the sights. San Simeon was a highlight and the tour guide to Hearst's Castle had us in stitches for most of the time. The blue green ocean and the seal lions bathing in the sun made for a fantastic time in that area.

Our best travel of the year was in May of 2012. My husband and I decided to take our 4 grandchildren aged 3,5,7,and 9 to the Springfield Zoo without the help of their parents. The zoo was a wonderful experience! The animals are close enough for all to see. The kids were thrilled with all the peacocks strutting around and making their loud calls. The highlight there was being able to feed the giraffes! The kids loved it!!!

After the zoo and several other fun places we headed to our motel. We stayed at the Springfield Airport Best Western. They were so great. Each child was given a bottle of water, much to their delight. We had adjoining rooms because of the fire code. Of course this was wonderful to the kids, a boys' room and a girls' room. We spent the evening in the pool. It was so fun! The next morning we had their complimentary breakfast which included lots of things all the children would eat. Our grandkids talked us into swimming again before we checked out! We made memories to last many years.

Just over Christmas we were together and the kids talked about "our vacation with grandma and grandpa, and how we had a boys room and a girls room, and we got to swim in the morning too!" It definitely was the best time ever!!!

I have had many wonderful travel experiences .I have flown to Ontario and was in Toronto and drove to Elliot lake. also drove from Calgary to Victoria BC and stayed in 2 very awesome Best Westerns and also drove down to the US and flew out to Victoria BC to visit my Girlfriend.A very busy year for travel

A wonderful trip to Vegas for 4 days

I work out of town a lot and I am away from my wife. So thanks to Best Western Summer Rewards I was able to get a free night voucher at Any Best Western. Well things have slowed down enough that my wife and I have booked our free night at one of the very well kept Best Western Plus Motels in Sylvan Lake Alberta Canada. We have not went for our free night yet but it is coming up fast. My wife and I will enjoy ourselves away from it all for a night. Thanks Best Western for making it happen. With out the rewards program we probably would not have taken the time out to enjoy a little time to ourselves.

Thanks Again To All The Best Western Staff.
J Jamieson

My sister and I took a 2 week trip to Seattle, Vancouver, BC and Portland this summer. What a great trip! We stayed at a nice Best Western in Vancouver.

Tripping Contest

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Taking a vacation in our own state.

Taking time out in our own state.

It is amazing that most of us travel several miles to see or attend some attraction. Look close to your home and we amazed at all the fine attractions available to us in a short distance away.

Recently we took one of thee short trips and like most short trips the scheduling was very open (was not sure of what we would run into.) We observed attractions that we had heard about and many that we had no clue they were there.

We saw things that we heard about but never saw.

We visited the Casa Grande Indian Ruins site. What a thrill to see homes from a few thousand years ago. Getting a tour is a wonderful way to hear the stories. We saw and toured the homes and the roads of long ago. We saw things left behind such as pottery, sandals, a rug from the medicine man who would watch and monitor the sun, stars as well as the moon.

We went on to see Sky Diving. A setup for indoor (wind tunnel) free-fall training has been built reservations required months in advance. This is the largest Skydive location in the world. This was thrilling. We saw all age groups excited about the activities. If your really daring you can jump at 13,000 feet then gently come back to earth.

We saw Earth Fissures.

We saw the WW11 Prisoner of War Camp from 1942-1946.

The Museums in the small towns offered so much History. These museums were more than just another attraction they were exciting, enticed action figures and thrilling. They were all glad to see us and glad to share the information they had.

We visited a Greek Orthodox Monastery thinking we had just spend a hour or so but ended up being so involved with the beauty here we had to see it all that we were there for over 5 hours. What a thrill.

We saw many towns that one would not so much as even drive through as the freeway is not close. Much Cowboy Landscape right in the desert. The Indian sites and remains were everywhere.

Another must to see was the wonderful hotel that housed the Boys From The Bay, The San Francisco Giants baseball team. Evidence was there out in the different fields even though this place has been long turned into a golf resort.

One never knows what he will find in your own back yard.

From R Werner

6006636009761489 BW

My favorite place 2012 was Sorrento Italy, everything about that little city was GREAT...would go back in a heart beat! This was one of our final destinations from a four month European Holiday!!!! So much fun and so many memories!!!

I got the opportunity to go on a Carribbean cruise last spring--the trip of a lifetime! We made port visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Aruba and Curacao. Beautiful scenery, beautiful people and so much fun!!

My most unforgetable trip in 2012 and so far in my life was being able to go on a spring trip as a chaperone for our son's HS Orchestra group. It was a 5 day/4 night cruise trip to the Bahamas. What made this trip very special to me and the group was that the full Orchestra group performed in center stage on the ship before dinner for all the ship passengers to see and hear. Their performance was perfect and during the whole trip we kept getting compliments of how well they performed. I was and still am a very proud parent and will keep this memory forever.

When we were driving down a road in Denali in Alaska, a lynx was walking in the middle of the road. She turned around and kind of smiled and kept on walking right in the middle of the road. We let her be the leader

Had a great trip to Palm Springs, Ca in December and stayed at the Best Western Las Brisas which was close to S. Canyon . The Village Fest on Thursday night was entertaining and nearby. Wang's on the Desert was within walking distance as well and we enjoyed fantastic Chinese food and the menu was extensive. We went up the San Jacinto mountain in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoyed the view and fresh air when we got to the top. Shopping experience was excellent at the various downtown shops and the Desert Premiere Outlet Mall and Cabazon Outlets. We also got in several rounds of golf at a couple of the many golf courses in Palm Springs. The sun shone every day and the Palm Springs airport is a nice size with rental cars easily accessible. We will definitely return to Palm Springs and stay at the Las Brisas. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas; our room was spotless; the free breakfast was great and the staff were friendly and helpful!

Had a great trip to Palm Springs, Ca in December and stayed at the Best Western Las Brisas which was close to S. Canyon . The Village Fest on Thursday night was entertaining and nearby. Wang's on the Desert was within walking distance as well and we enjoyed fantastic Chinese food and the menu was extensive. We went up the San Jacinto mountain in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoyed the view and fresh air when we got to the top. Shopping experience was excellent at the various downtown shops and the Desert Premiere Outlet Mall and Cabazon Outlets. We also got in several rounds of golf at a couple of the many golf courses in Palm Springs. The sun shone every day and the Palm Springs airport is a nice size with rental cars easily accessible. We will definitely return to Palm Springs and stay at the Las Brisas. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas; our room was spotless; the free breakfast was great and the staff were friendly and helpful!

My wife and I were able to travel to Nova Scotia (staying at Best Western Hotelsalong the way) to share a cottage with our son, daughter-in-law and their newly adopted 5 yesr old daughter. It was a great week of playing on the beach, flying our kite, sightseeing, wine tours and some golf.
Couldn't ask for a better vacation.

I had a staycation and a nice hotel in downtown, the spa was fabulous!

A family trip from Seattle to North Dakota for a big family reunuin and returning trough Yellowstone National Park with the grandkids

I hike the Grand Canyon in October and stayed in the Best Western Grand Canyone Village. It was gorgeous and the service was awesome! The front desk clerk provided lunch boxes for us when I told her that we needed to leave at 545 am and would miss the complimentary breakfast. I only wish I wrote her name down. She was great!

Our highlight of 2012 was our trip from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Las Vegas, Nevada in late March. We decided to surprise our kids (4 teenagers) and take them to see the sights between Oklahoma and Nevada. The trip across the country was beautiful and awe inspiring but the best part of the trip was outrunning a snow storm in Arizona. We are not afraid of snow by any means, however, we weren't prepared to have a snow storm stop us in our tracks and leave us stranded in Arizona and unable to complete our trip. Going through the mountains (I-40) we were seeing snow starting to accumulate. We went as far as we could safely drive and stopped for the night. We woke up the next morning to 8 inches of snow on our car and local radio stating that the interstate had been closed! We cleaned off the car, found some breakfast, and decided to fuel up. To our amazement, one of the gates to the interstate was open so we quickly hit the road. We made it safely to our destination, had a great time, and laughed at all the snow still piled on the sides of the roads 5 days later as we drove back through on our way to our little house out on the prairie.

Stayed at the Best Western Plus Resort at Monterey Bay, Calif. in 2012. Had a room overlooking the ocean with waves crashing almost up to the room during high tide with beautiful sunsets. Beautiful place and great restaurant overlooking the ocean.

My husband and I went away for our 27th anniversary. It was great for just the 2 of us to get away. We went to northern WI and stayed at 2 different Best Western hotels. It was a great experience! The staff was very friendly!

My wife and I enjoyed a month long trip to Italy. We began in Venice for 4 nights.
4 nights in Florence and a rental car were wonderful as we continued down through the Tuscan countryside stopping 1 night each in Arezzo, Asissi, and Civitavecchia before taking a ferry to the island of Sardinia for a luxurious week in a gorgeous resort. A flight to Naples to see Pompeii and enjoy pizza and spaghetti followed by a fast train to Rome for a few final days rounded out an incredible vacation. We did enjoy some unique Best Western locations .

The Love of my life Wayne was wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn't commit in 1995. The man who did do the crime confessed to our pastor that he did it and that Wayne had nothing to do with it, but he won't step up and tell the truth to the authorities because he won't be able to keep his plea bargain that he made with the States Attorney. Wayne recieved "Life" with no chance of parole! He has been in prison for 15 years and it has been the worste thing that has ever happened in our lives. For 15 years I have been going to see him as often as I could to bring him just a little hope and relief from that aweful cell he lives in. The trip is heart breaking. but there is one wonderful ray of sunshine in the midst of those hard trips, and that is the Reid's Inn Best Western in Chester Illinois a mile away from his prison run by Brad and Tia. Not only is the hotel a beautiful place surrounded by natural beauty with a swimming pool surrounded by beautiful forrest trees, but it is run by a faithful staff year after year that pride themselves at treating their guest like family. Not only do they remember my name but they greet me with the warmest hugs and greetings.Barb and Marylinm housekeepers have been like sweet Aunts to me, Sherry and Beth at the front desk are like sisters to me. And Brad and Tia the owners are the sweet gaudians that make me feel safe at night in a hotel so far away from home. Reid's Inn Best Western is my gift from God. It is the "sweet" in this bitter sweet tradgety that we suffer year after year. Wayne and I often remenis of spending time together at the Inn"together" when the good Lord miraculously makes a way to set him free.

The Love of my life Wayne was wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn't commit in 1995. The man who did do the crime confessed to our pastor that he did it and that Wayne had nothing to do with it, but he won't step up and tell the truth to the authorities because he won't be able to keep his plea bargain that he made with the States Attorney. Wayne recieved "Life" with no chance of parole! He has been in prison for 15 years and it has been the worste thing that has ever happened in our lives. For 15 years I have been going to see him as often as I could to bring him just a little hope and relief from that aweful cell he lives in. The trip is heart breaking. but there is one wonderful ray of sunshine in the midst of those hard trips, and that is the Reid's Inn Best Western in Chester Illinois a mile away from his prison run by Brad and Tia. Not only is the hotel a beautiful place surrounded by natural beauty with a swimming pool surrounded by beautiful forrest trees, but it is run by a faithful staff year after year that pride themselves at treating their guest like family. Not only do they remember my name but they greet me with the warmest hugs and greetings.Barb and Marylinm housekeepers have been like sweet Aunts to me, Sherry and Beth at the front desk are like sisters to me. And Brad and Tia the owners are the sweet gaudians that make me feel safe at night in a hotel so far away from home. Reid's Inn Best Western is my gift from God. It is the "sweet" in this bitter sweet tradgety that we suffer year after year. Wayne and I often remenis of spending time together at the Inn"together" when the good Lord miraculously makes a way to set him free.

Spent the night of Dec 28, 2012 at the Best Western Plus in Kennewick, WA which is 120 miles away from home. We were there for an important date with the dentist. We called our daughter Sara (who had not come home for Christmas) and invited her to bring granddaughter Sophie for a visit with grandma and grandpa. She did. Sophie had her first successful swim in the pool, and we had a wonderful Christmas visit with our first grandchild. The staff were able to provide a crib for Sophie (who is 11 months old) and we all greatly enjoyed the fabulous breakfast.
Thanks for a wonderful experience !

My favorite memory of 2012, was being in Philadelphia to visit my my grandchildren and their mom & dad when Hurricane Sandy hit. We were well prepared when the power went out, and were far away from the ocean. We didn't know what was happening around us, only that we were together, and having a break from all the noise that we surround ourselves with. With no phone, internet or tv,and strong winds making the trees sing, we just visited and played games by candle light, and piled on the blankets at night to stay warm. Many people suffered great tragedy that week, and we were fortunate to be spared any great hardships. We came to understand that you need to be prepared and listen to the weather news, and that family comes first. We were supposed to tend the gran-kids, while our daughter and her husband went to NYC for holiday ( they were booked at a BW hotel), but we ended up having an close family time instead.

Favorite of 2012 was visiting our Son Dale & future daughter in law Kate in Perth Australia!!! Also had great stays @ several Best Westerns in Oregon & California on Coastal M/C trip!!

We were in Kazan. Russia

Back in July, I drove from So. MD to NJ to pick up my old college room-mate for a college chum's 40th wedding anniversary party in upstate NY. We stayed over at the Best Western Convention Center in Scranton PA on the way up and were so impressed that we decided to stay there on the way back. Wow, the pool and atrium was fabulous. The room was great and I want to go back! Best hotel stay of the year and getting together with college friends after not seeing many of them for more than 30 years was a blast.

My wife and I had a great trip this past fall. We have always enjoyed going to Colorado. (our favorite destination). We were both teachers and have always gone during the summer. Having both recently retired from teaching, we decided to make it a fall trip. What a joy it was to go and see the fall colors. Especially the aspen!! Wildlife in the forests were also much more abundant. May seem a little odd, but one of the most memorable moments was on the return home to Texas. We stopped in Clayton New Mexico and spent the night at the Best Western Kokopelli Lodge. It is a newer motel that we had not been to. Ended up being a definate highlight of our trip. The motel and rooms were very nice. Customer service was better than any motel we have ever stayed. They also served the most incredible breakfast of any motel or chain previously experienced. Being the last night of our trip, what a pleasant surprise to end it on such a great note. Thank you Best Western, and especially Kokopelli Lodge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My wife and I had a great trip this past fall. We have always enjoyed going to Colorado. (our favorite destination). We were both teachers and have always gone during the summer. Having both recently retired from teaching, we decided to make it a fall trip. What a joy it was to go and see the fall colors. Especially the aspen!! Wildlife in the forests were also much more abundant. May seem a little odd, but one of the most memorable moments was on the return home to Texas. We stopped in Clayton New Mexico and spent the night at the Best Western Kokopelli Lodge. It is a newer motel that we had not been to. Ended up being a definate highlight of our trip. The motel and rooms were very nice. Customer service was better than any motel we have ever stayed. They also served the most incredible breakfast of any motel or chain previously experienced. Being the last night of our trip, what a pleasant surprise to end it on such a great note. Thank you Best Western, and especially Kokopelli Lodge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We took a year to plan for our trip last July. My wife Diana had heard years before about the annual Blob Fest in Phoenixville. Pennsylvania celebrating the making of the 1958 classic movie, "The Blob". When she was just seven, her Dad took her to see the movie. When she came home, her Mom yelled at her Dad because the movie had frightened Diana so much. That movie made an impression on her that she never forgot. She researched the Fest and found that the most popular event of the three days was the "run out" which duplicated the scene in the original movie theater where the Blob entered and threatened all the patrons who panicked in fear and ran out screaming.
My wife turned 60 that year and we thought that going to the Fest would be a great birthday present for her. All three of our grown daughters from Alaska, Washington and Minnesota flew there and were able to meet us to reenact the movie scene of the people running out of the theater. We had so much fun and we were the fans who traveled the furthest to attend. We were interviewed and filmed by the local television station which made the experience that much more special. For all five of us, it was the memorable travel highlight of 2012 .

My wife and I had a great trip this past fall. We have always enjoyed going to Colorado. (our favorite destination). We were both teachers and have always gone during the summer. Having both recently retired from teaching, we decided to make it a fall trip. What a joy it was to go and see the fall colors. Especially the aspen!! Wildlife in the forests were also much more abundant. May seem a little odd, but one of the most memorable moments was on the return home to Texas. We stopped in Clayton New Mexico and spent the night at the Best Western Kokopelli Lodge. It is a newer motel that we had not been to. Ended up being a definate highlight of our trip. The motel and rooms were very nice. Customer service was better than any motel we have ever stayed. They also served the most incredible breakfast of any motel or chain previously experienced. Being the last night of our trip, what a pleasant surprise to end it on such a great note. Thank you Best Western, and especially Kokopelli Lodge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I planned to go to Rome and Sicily and didn't want to go by myself. On a whim I invited my 17 yo niece to go with me. I had not spent much time with her because we live so far away and thought this would be a great chance to get to know her better. It was the best decision ever! We had a wonderful time and I have found a new companion who is developing my love of travel. It has also rekindled the relationship I had with my cousin when we were kids and we are making more of an effort to see each other. My niece and I are making plans for this year's trip. We will be staying stateside this year but am looking forward to creating new memories.

My favorite travel moment of 2012 was driving through Colorado and Utah with my husband on Christmas Day. It was my very first time seeing the Rockies, and it is an experience that everyone has to do once in their life, whether you are newly married or have children who are at an age that can also appreciate the Natural Wonders of the West.

My favorite travel moment of 2012 was after having saved for 7 years to take our oldest granddaughter to Disneyland for her 7th birthday...There were 7 of us that went and we had a blast!!! A birthday she will never forget she said!

Had a wonderful stay last January 28 at the Golden Sails Best Western south of Long Beach Ca.
Toured down 2nd ave , Belmont Shores and Retro Row, what a blast!
Highly recommend!!

Every year that you can take a vacation is special - we all work too hard to not have the opportunity to get away and relax.

This is no more truer than when you can spend it with a special group of friends that you've known/grown up with since high school.

Our vacation in '2012 involved just that - there were seven (7) couples from various parts of Ontario/New Brunswick who've known each other for over 40+ years. We've gone through girlfriends, wives and/or husbands, pets and children and our friendship remains stronger than ever.

In March of last year we boarded a Holland America Caribbean Cruise to celebrate 5 of 7 guys 60th birthdays. We raised a glass to the men in the blue, clear waters at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas as our last stop. It was a fabulous time that generated alot of special memories and added to the ones we'd created when we all went to Cuba to celebrate another set of milestone birthdays.

We're looking forward to doing this in April '2013 in South Carolina as several of the women turn 60.

Holidays are special, but none as special as spending them with friends that you truly enjoy and want to celebrate milestones with.

We took a road trip to Colorado in 2012. Stayed at a number of Best Western establishments. While in Montrose, Colorado we drove through Black Canyon National Park and did a little bit of fishing. While having lunch one day with a couple other fishermen, we looked down into the river and saw what we thought was a snake floating in the water. Turned out to be two big trout chasing each other's tails. Never seen anything like that!

I went on three cruises in 2012 and stayed at Best Western Hotels pre cruise for all three cruises and post-cruise for one of them. The highlight of my travels in 2012 was visiting New Orleans for the first time in my life this past November. What a great city! We arrived the afternoon before the cruise and the weather was absolutely balmy, at least compared to where I come from in Winnipeg (Canada). We were able to head over to the St. Charles St. cablecar in our shirt sleeves and went for dinner at a wonderful seafood restaurant. We enjoyed one of the best seafood pasta dishes I've ever had with just the right amount of cajun spice to it. Later, we explored the shops along Canal St. til midnight, souvenir shopping and enjoying a piece of pecan pie and cappucino at the Palace Cafe. After the cruise we took a motorcoach tour of the City, including one the many cemeteries, on our way to the airport. I've been many places in my travels and New Orleans is one place I am so glad I'm able to say I've been to and highly recommend to anyone who hasn't been to put it on their bucket list!

My Favorite and Fun 2012 Travel Moments were during my trip, with my Family, to Charlotte, NC. The city there was great. So much to see and the Drive there was so much fun too. We also enjoyed crossing the State line and going into SC to have a family fun-filled day at Carowinds Amusement Park. Great family Memories were made!

We were driving through Cades Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennesee. We got out at one point where we saw alot of cars pulled off to the side of the road. We noticed a man with a zoom lens camera taking pictures of some bears in the woods. Unfortunately, we only caught a brief glimpse of one before it was out of sight so I couldn't get a clear picture of it. We continued on the road through the park. My boyfriend was driving and he suddenly stopped the truck and as I looked straight ahead I saw some men standing near their cars on the other side of the road signaling us to stop. My boyfriend told me to look to my right and to my amazement, there was a bear about 10 feet away. It was just standing there looking at the men across the road. I had my camera so I took a picture. As I was going to take another picture, it started to rain a little and the automatic windshield wipers on the truck were activated by the rain. The noise scared the bear away. Major "oops" moment. We were so embarassed and apologized to the men standing across the road as they were still taking pictures. But what an experience being that close to a real live bear!

Our favorite vacation in 2012 was a short trip we took to Washington State USA. We went to the Best Western in Auburn WA and took advantage of their family fun package. We went to Wild Waves Water Park and had a wonderful day. We have nothing like this in out hometown on Vancouver Island and the kids loved the wooden Roller Coaster. It was actually my very first Roller Coaster ride in my 36 years and I had a blast. Once the afternoon hit and the day got hot we cooled off at the water slides until we were all exhausted.
On our way back to BC we went to the Woodlands zoo just outside of Seattle and fed giraffes and saw the brown Bears wander around like we have never seen before. I think the adult may have enjoyed that more then the kids.
And then of course we did a lot of shopping before heading back home.
It was a wonderful vacation with fun for everyone!

My ex brother in law and I decided to up and drive to Arlington, TX to catch a Cowboy's game on a wim. we left on Sunday mid afternoon from Roswell NM and made it to the stadium by 12 noon on Monday for Monday night football!! When we parked Bill Bates was there. Talk about exciting!!
signed Jerseys baby!! Happy New Year!

My most memorable trip of 2012 was taking my husband's ashes home to Alaska. He passed away from a brain tumor in August and his wish was to have his ashes spread on his favorite mountain that he telemarked each winter for years. In September my son, daughter and I flew into Anchorage and drove to Wasilla. The next day we drove to Hatcher Pass and hiked to Microdot. By the time we made it to the top it had started snowing. After spreading the ashes we headed back down. We encountered snow, rain, and a little bit of sunshine. Just so Alaska. We startled up some ptarmigans and as my husband was an avid bird hunter, it seemed so appropriate.

From the mountain, we went to the flats where my husband spent many happy hours out with the lab and the ducks. I shot a shotgun for the first time in my life. The shell contained some ashes too.

Memories of 40 years together filled my thoughts as it did for our children. It was indeed a memorable trip.

Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic Natl Park to Florence, OR.
A ranger showing grandkids they could lick certain leaves that taste like cotton candy, feeding the salmon fry in the clear water of the stream, looking at centuries old trees laden with moss & hiding in the hollow of trees.
Lewis & Clark, Fort outside Astoria, listening to an "explorer" describe the conditions at the Fort and how they live. Being amazed at the Columbia Maritime Museum at the difficult task of the Coast Guard Rescue teams.
Watching our grandkids excitedly greet the Pacific Ocean for the first time! Running, splashing with their feet, and looking and collectin evey shell.
My husband first reunion with his shipmates & Captain from Search & Rescue Ship in VietNam...faces attached to all the stories.
The memory is a part of all of us forever.

My highlighted trip was when my husband, daughter and I took my 17 year old granddaughter on her first road trip in the US. She had been to Germany, but had never been on a trip outside of the state of North Dakota. We covered South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana on our trip. The best part was going up Pike's Peak with her holding her camera out the back window of the car and taking pictures with her eyes closed. She didn't like looking out and down the side of the mountain. We stopped at the Stanley Hotel as she wanted to see where the Ghost Hunters had filmed one of their shows. In all, all of us had a great time creating a memory for her.

We drove to Georgia to watch our son graduate from SouthEastern Lineman Training school. Enjoyed several stops on the way including a drive up a mountain in Virginia to the resort "Mountain Lodge" aka "Kellermans" where they produced the movie "Dirty Dancing". Very cool :)

While driving to Minneapolis, my friend told me about a Champions golf event taking place in Blaine, MN. I couldn't resist and decided to go to Blaine to check it out. We received directions to the airport where you had to park and catch a bus to the golf course. While walking to the bus, a lady stopped in her car and gave us 2 VIP passes to the golf tournament. At the tournament, we were approaching the back of the VIP tent when I noticed Arnold Palmer coming down the stairs from the top level of the tent. I was able to meet him, shake his hand, and he autographed my VIP access lanyard. Incredibly, I was drinking an Arnold Palmer Iced Tea beverage at the time. When I informed him of this he flashed me the biggest smile! What an amazing moment! My friend and I made our way up the stairs and into the VIP tent, where we were treated to free food and beverages and stadium seating around the 18th green. It was a fantastic afternoon of golf, food, and senior PGA stars. I was in my glory. I wish that I knew who the lady was that gave us the VIP passes so that I could tell her about our wonderful experience, and to thank her again.

while i was on a trip with my husband....(.we stayed at the Best Western BTW) But on the way back from medford Oregon , we decided to stop at the Oregon Vortex House of Mystery and i shrunk 2 inches! =) it was Great TIMES in 2012!

I had an opportunity to stay at the Best Western in Sault Ste Marie, MIchigan - not once but twice in 2012 - what a wonderful place! When I explained that I would be travelling alone - I was put in a room near the front desk so I would be close to assistance if I needed it. The bed was so comfy! The bedding decadent - I had the3 best nights sleep there - that I had probably had in a all of 2012! I've been recommending this hotel like crazy! Can't wait to get back there again!

My husband and I cruised from Hawaii to Sydney, Australia. We stopped in three ports in Tahiti and one in Fiji before arriving in Sydney. We spent a week in Sydney then boarded another ship for a trip around New Zealand. It was a dream trip!!

In January I went to Chicago just in time for their first snow of the season and went snowshoesing for the first time around Lake Michigan. It was cold but awesomely beautiful.

We had a great road trip to Philadelphia to visit historic sites, museums, and second hand stores. I love a good road trip, no matter how short.

In May, my husband and traveled to Seattle for our 26th anniversary. Highlight of trip was visiting Olympic National Park. We also went to Mt Rainier and San Juan islands, along with sightseeing in Seattle.

In December of 2012 my wife and I made our first trip to Turks and Caicos. We had heard that it was an up and coming Caribbean destination. We were not disappointed! It was absolutely gorgeous and we had beautiful weather while we were there. I highly recommend Turks and Caicos for anyone looking for crystal clear water and quiet pristine beaches.

My travel related highlight for 2012 was my trip to Ireland with my son we had such a great 2 weeks but driving in Ireland was a little more difficult than I thought it would be. We rented a car and headed out from the airport to the Sheldon Park Best Western which was around 6 miles away and after many turnabouts and 3 hours later we finally pulled into the hotel. We both had a good laugh but we stayed an extra night so I could get the courage to get back into the car to drive around the countryside.

We traveled the furtherest we ever have in crossing the Pacific Ocean from Long Beach, CA to Sydney, Australia. Enjoyed the trip immensely, however, Christmas travel to see our Grandchildren only less than 200 miles from home is the Most rewarding!

My husband, 16 year old daughter and I spent our Christmas in Canmore and skiied in Banff. It was an awesome little vacation.

Imagine two not so fit seniors (one who had had a heart attack 3 wks prior) in The Smoking Mountains. The sign says , "1.5 miles to the waterfall! "Ok, not a great distance" Well, off we went like two teenagers! The sign failed to say totally uphill all the way. So we huffed and we puffed our way up asking all the downhillers how much farther! Some said not far some said a ways!! I kept asking my partner, "are u sure u don't want to go back? The answer was always, "No, I can make it" All the while, I'm thinking, "this man's gonna have a heart attack and I'm gonna b right next to him!! He never gave up! You see I had never seen the changing of the season. The waterfall was just lagniappe! The camradarie of all the hikers was amazing! The most spectacular was the kladioscope of colors of the far off mountains from this view. Listening to the waterfall and laughing at ourselves was even more grand!! And to think, he did it all for me, to make me happy!! If you are too afraid to live, then u do nothing!! What a memorable journey!!

my best holiday was spent at a best western in plattsburgh n.y. it was like we were at a resort down south. the tables with umbrellas, a very bright pool room, the lounge chairs and the pool room was very warm. we came home relaxed and refrished.

In August 2012 I traveled to Boston with my daughter & her best friend to celebrate thier college graduation. We stayed at the Best Western. All the staff were friendly & helpful. We spent the day sightseeing Boston and when we returned back to the hotel realized we hadn:t eaten dinner. Lucky for us the resturant was still open. With about 10 minutes to closing time the wait staff was very helpful and did not rush us at all.. We ordered the lobster bake and it was amazing.We sat on the back deck by the water and ate lobster, clams and everything that was in the bucket. It was a wonderful ending to our stay since we had an early flight home the next day.

My favorite travel moment was in July of 2012, when I flew to Las Vegas for 6 days. I didn't just take up the site seeing there, but mainly was there to visit my son whom I had not seen in 3 years. He is going to college near Las Vegas, so that made the trip memorable. We went to the Cheese cake Factory restaurant near Vegas, which he and his girlfriend took me to, went to downtown Vegas and walked thru and looked at the Ceasear Hotel, walked thru the inside mall, all in all we did sightseeing by foot for 2 hours. Visiting with the son I haven't seen for 3 years made the trip worth it.

In May I went to Myrtle Beach, SC alone for vacation and had a lovely time. Great food, relaxation, good fun and great hotel stay experience. This was my second time going to south beach and staying at the Best Western Grand Strand and I loved every minute of it. My plan is to go again this year I just haven't figured out when yet.

We went to Tulum, Mexico for our nephews wedding. I think we were about 32 in total and met new friends and new family! The weather was wonderful, the resort beautiful and the white sand and beaches were spectacular! We toured and played each day and came home totally refreshed!

Best vacation of 2012 was going to Chicoteague Island in Virginia to see the wild ponies and exploring the Wildlife Refuge. The Best Western there is probably the best BW hotel I've ever been to.

nice, clean & comfy beds! free breakfast tickets too- so nice!! & they even delivered it. pet friendly. would stay there again when we're up that way for sure!

Trip to Cape Coral Florida - my husband and I always drive and friends flew down to meeet us - stayed in a beautiful condo; played golf and took in sites. Drove to New Port Richey and stayed with sister & brother-in-law another week (more golf and fun). Stopped in Nashville, TN to visit with another sister (she has ALS and not doing well, but always good to see her) then onto Kentucky to visit another friend. On the way down & home we always find a Best Western to stay!! It was a great 2+ weeks.

A fabulous stay a the Best Western Glasgow City Hotel in Scotland. It was our first trip to Scotland and we were delighted with the country, loved the city and appreciated the great accommodation.

My best trip of the year was to Mt Sunapee and I think we had the entire BW to ourselves. We snowboarded all weekend, had an awesome family experience in one of the lodge suites. Seeing the smiles on my kids faces and everything just seemed perfect. What a way to spend the weekend before Christmas!

We traveled a lot in 2012 but the highlight was definitely our trip to Alaska with all the wildlife. The Best Western was being renovated but it didn't bother our trip at all. We went by plane, train and Automobile to sightsee and enjoyed every minute of our 23 hour days. It was a trip of a lifetime.

I went to Las Vegas for the first time in my life with my best friend. Had 4 days of greatness! We had a mutual friend that was down there already and had taken us to Hoover Dam. Another thing I crossed off my bucket list to see! We went to a western bar and she taught me how to dance and we had great food and great company and met so many people from all over the world! Weather was so hot and it was a trip of a lifetime .... cannot wait to go back especially with her!!!

Our best vacation this year was our stay at the Best Western Cairn Croft in Canada. We were there this November on Veterns Day which happened to be the same weekend my Daughter was married in the courtyard of the hotel 23 years earlier. We were with our Grandaughter and Great Grandaughter and Dad and step Great Grandson. It is always such and enjoyable stay which we try and do every six months. This years highlight was when Papa was walking the two little ones back to the room from the breakfast room and the little ones decided they were a a train and began going Whoooo Whooo all the way back to our courtyard room with all the staff and guests enjoying the three of them as much as Mom and I were.

Many of our dear friends and relatives traveled from the east coast and other points in the US to Aspen to share an incredible experience at our sons' and new daughter-in-laws wedding. Best description I heard was..."it was story book!".
We closed the adventure with Peter Gabriel at Red Rocks and stayed at the BW in Lakewood, where we are repeat guests, all the way from PA!

I went snorkeling in Cozumel, Mexico and saw the most amazing sea life. I really never snorkeled before, but I really enjoyed it. Snorkeling for me is calming and relaxing. This is my new found hobby.

We went on an amazing 3 week trip to celebrate my wife's retirement after 40+ years of work. We toured South Dakota and Wyoming. Went to Yellowstone where we saw our first bear--from a long distance. Also went to the Cheyenne Frontier Days. Had a great time at the rodeo, bull riding and thoroughly enjoyed the parade in Cheyenne. It was truly the highlight of our trip.

My wife and I went to visit Louisiana for our anniversary, so We stop at Shreveport to see the river area, Natchitoches for antebellum homes, Gibsland for the Bonnie and Clyde museum, Monroe for the Black Swamp tour, St. Francisville for antebellum homes, into Missisippi to Vicksburg to see the civil war battlefield, Indianola to see B.B. King museum, and back home all in a little over a week, for It was a lot to see and do, but It was all worth it. :-)

Best 2012 trip was to Franz Josef Land, north of Murmansk, Russia & 500 miles from the North Pole to see the polar bears out on the pack ice.

Here's two photos from my Flickr site:

Mother bear & 2 cubs
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jtchobanoff/7875440508/in/set-72157631277589298

Polar bear right next to the ship: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jtchobanoff/7875440296/in/set-72157631277589298

My two children and I drove from FL to Niagara Falls, NY, to pick up my Mom for a visit. We had a limited amount of time to accomplish the round-trip drive. That meant 5 days on the road with 3 generations of family members! Well, technically 4 generations -- my daughter is pregnant with her 2nd child! While little Dalton won't be born for another week (around January 26), he too was along for the ride! So there was my Mom (92 years old), myself (50 years old), my daughter (24 years old), my son (11 years old), and of course, Dalton!

With only a limited amount of time, we were on the road driving from early each morning til late each night. We only stopped for gas, meals, and to sleep each night. Bathroom breaks were mostly timed with gas or food stops!

In the course of 5 days on the road, we saw palm trees in Florida; large, sprawling plantation estates in South Carolina; lovely wooded areas in North Carolina; beautiful, picturesque mountains throughout West Virginia; rolling hills in Pennsylvania; and grape vineyards in New York. As we drove, we talked about family memories from the past and memories we'd like to create in the future.

During a conference trip to Vancouver at the Fairmont we rented bikes and rode around Stanley Park. It was a crisp sunny winter day in October and was totally awesome!

My travel highlight of 2012 was me & my fiancee taking our first international trip to Istanbul, Turkey during Christmas! OMG! I can't begin to tell you how much we love this country! The people, the history, the food...AMAZING! Also, we stayed at Best West Citadel which was definitely a treat! We got to start 2013 in Istanbul as well! The Turkish people sure knows how to party! They all greeted us like family. We will definitely make our way back there. ANd here's to more traveling in 2013!

Drove down to Monterey, CA from the Bay Area with long lost friend I had just found and was trying to get aquainted with again. Was a beautiful June day, clear and warm. I remember from my days in the military down there one hotel you could see from the freeway driving toward downtown. Sits right on the ocean - always wanted to know what it would be like to stay there, but never checked it out. Friend of mine had her wedding reception there and said it was wonderful. Anyway, we enjoyed a lovely seafood brunch on the wharf, then on to the Aquarium, only to find it was closing in minutes, when I remembered the hotel. So off we went, little hard to find, but we did. Stood in a line at the lobby (very nice - view of the Pacific to die for). And I knew I really couldn't afford to stay there and was no way any rooms would be left (jazz festival was in town). When the young man at the desk told me there was one room left, my heart lept for joy - paid for it, and will never regret spending the money.
We spent the afternoon sipping wine in the lobby watching the sun go down in that beautiful lobby, soaked in the hot tub later, then had fabulous dinner in one of the two restuarants there. Before we took off in the am for the aquarium, we had a walk on the beach - 10feet from the hotel, took pictures, and swore we would return to this place again and again. Kinda stuff that dreams are made of - impressed my girl but most all, created a wonderful memory for both of us - something I did not expect. Hope with all my heart I can scrounge up the resources to do it again with her this summer - and every summer. My hat's off to Best Western Monterey !!!

in 2012, we visited Europe- Italy, Switzerland and France(Paris)..I am just making scrapbook ...boy we had so much fun.

The trip I most enjoyed was my trip to Vegas. My friend knew my financial situation wasn't very good, so she bought me a ticket to go to Vegas. She did this to help me improve how I was feeling at one of the lowest points of my life, after finding out I had stage IV cancer, and after 2 surgeries. We flew into Texas to meet up so we could fly into Vegas at the same time. Well we got stuck in FW Texas for 2 days due to a storm, we finally were able to get out by flying into Atlanta, then to Chicago and then into Arizona, picked up another friend and then drove to Vegas for a total of four days. She put up with me going crazy with my camera and such. But it was one of the best trips I have had in my life and she is just the best of friends to enable me to experience this with my non-traveling self :)

I was attending a conference in Wisconsin Dells. I took my niece along and we enjoyed the water park together. We had a special time of fun and just enjoying each others company making wonderful memories together.

I took a long trip to Los Angeles by Amtrak for a job interview in January 2012 and stayed at the Best Western in Chinatown, which was close to the train station and reasonably priced. I also visited a friend and did a little sightseeing. I did not get an offer but had a good trip overall because I had several things to do. I encourage my friends to always plan different things for a trip, so that it can be less stressful and more enjoyable.

We visited the remote upper eastern corner of Ghana for the ordination of four men who had attended seminary in the US. The town, Bawku, experienced inter-tribal violence a couple of years ago and the guidebooks still suggest not staying overnight. The Bishop had chosen Bawku for the site of the ordination as a reconciliation gesture. The people were fantastically friendly and just imagine a huge church full of celebrating singing Ghanaians! Once in a lifetime.

My travel highlight for 2012 was visiting Legoland in California. My children have always wanted to go as they were big lego fans. Unfortunately we never got there when they were small. I was unsure if we would feel out of place visiting as adults (18. 20 and 50) but we decided we had to go and at least see the park. Legoland was the best day of our California trip - we stayed for the entire day and built lego cars and such, went on the rides and enjoyed the entertainment and shopping. It is not only for children 12 and under as the guidebooks say. If you like lego you need to go!

My husband and I took a two day trip to Arcata Ca. to help our granddaughter get set up for college at Humbolt State University. Things went great there as planned.We stayed at an older Best Western where we still received the hotel family welcome.But the glory of our trip was driving back home through the redwoods. How amazing and beautiful is our land. We cain't wait for an invitation back to see her so that we can plan an extra day or two just to visit the area and of course stay at one of the many Best Western's where we are always satisfied and get our money's worth which is so important to us. We are never disappointed.

We stayed at the Best Western in Cle' Elum WA., twice this year to visit my daughters and grandkids. The best time was at Christmas the lobby was decorated and the fireplace was going. The staff is always friendly and we love the cookies at night with the hot cider. It was the first time I ever traveled on Christmas in my lifetime and it was my husband's first White Christmas. The grandkids love when we come because we always bring them over to swim at least once and they enjoy the indoor pool as much as we do. My daughter had an emergency and was being sent to the hospital, I couldn't get to the phone fast enough so I missed the call, the girl at the front desk got a return call and came to our room and then patched the call through to us. She went out of her way to help, we needed to get over to my daughters house to take care of the kids right away so she could go to the hospital. Everything turned out alright, but it could have been a disaster if the girl at the front desk was not so quick to respond. I didn't get her name but we are very thankful to her.

My daughter and I had been at odds for many years. At Christmas our son/grandson gave us tickets for a ride and lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train.
We agreed to go together and I booked a room at my favorite Best Western Plus in Napa so we wouldn't have to drive after possibly much wine tasting. The entire trip was a pleasure and we returned home with a better understanding of each other.

My favorite travel highlight probably isn't as exciting as other people's because I technically only went about 35 minutes away to stay in a Best Western. I met a guy online in July and we finally met in person the weekend before Christmas. He drove 20 straight hours from Texas to Orlando. We met in the Best Western parking lot with a huge hug and a somewhat shy hesitant kiss, but we both couldn't stop smiling. It's kind of funny to say that I shared my first kiss with the most amazing man I've ever met in a Best Western parking lot, but it is the truth! We had a great weekend and we are both looking forward to seeing each other again soon! Thank you Best Western for being a part of my favorite Christmas time memory to date! :-)

Best vacation moment was staying at The Best Western in Hershey and visiting my kids at Milton Hershey school and all of us goin to Hershey Park. Best family moment ever.

My husband and I had the opportunity to take our 10-year-old to the Bahamas in 2012, and as a "gift" to us, my husband got tickets for our son and I to participate in a "dolphin encounter." It was by far the most unique and exciting "adventure" I've ever had....I may have been more excited about it than our son was! The surroundings were beautiful, the local food was great, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get a hug and a kiss from a dolphin!

In May my husband and I went to the High Plains Homestead near Crawford, Nebraska. It was a private and quaint old western homestead with an old jail, store, restaurant, and rooms. All of this was overlooking mountains and vast plains that made one feel like they were living in the Old West. We spent a few days there photographing animals, bird, and the surrounding area. It was so quiet and peaceful. We then drove up to Hot Springs, S.D., for a few days. While there we spent two days at the Wild Horse Sanctuary taking photographs of all the wild mustangs. It was awesome to hear the thunder of hundreds of horses that were running down the mountainside, coming close to where we were standing. You could hear the hoofbeats long before they even came into sight. They were magnificent to watch, with their manes flowing while they ran. We were allowed to get close to some of them for pictures but were told to be careful as they were wild and would bite. A beautiful mustang had approached the few people I was standing with. I had turned my back for a minute, and suddenly I was nudged in my back. I turned around wondering who nudged me, and looked into the face of this mustang...who apparently wanted to be scratched. At that point he didn't seem so wild as he let me scratch his head and take some pictures before he decided to take his leave. We later went to Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park where we had an opportunity to see diverse wildlife such as a coyote chasing a deer, a badger, a golden eagle flying off with a prairie dog in his clutches, and baby bison that had just been born within a few minutes of our seeing it. This is one trip that my husband and I would love to do again.

Monument Valley - July 2012. The Westerns we all grew up on don't prepare you for the awesomeness & grandeur of this incredible environment that spreads between Arizona & Utah on the magnificent Navajo Reservation. All I can say is thank technology for digital cameras, spare batteries & extra memory cards because all we did was ohh, ahh and take pictures. You literally could not drive 5 feet without encountering another scene that made your mouth gape. Most amazing scenery ever - a definate Bucket List item!

My husband, 6 month old baby, and I moved from New Jersey to Washington state this summer, and did it in style! We rented a uhaul, and took 2 weeks to drive from ' 'sea to shining sea' - 50 some hours across the country! We went to Mall of America, Mount Rushamore, Badlands, Yellowstone NP, rodeos, indian reservations etc and of course stayed in Best westerns the entire way across!
A trip to be remembered!!!

the travel highlight of 2012 for me is my CA/AZ Adventure 2012. I was in the audience of Dancing With the Stars Mon Apr 2. My all time favorite tv show. Submitted my tkt request online...spur of the moment...about 2 wks before returning home. Voila, an email response that tkts were available! A dream come true. And an unexpected ending to my long winter funfilled vacation in sunny warm California/AZ. Shook Derek Hough's hand before the show. Also got Mark Ballas and his celeb partner Katherine Jenkins autographs before the show. I hope to see DWTS again during my CA/AZ Adventure 2013!

Last year, I went to Washington DC for a week. Through my congressman's office in advance, I had tours set up everyday for four days - an all-day VIP tour of the monuments by private van, a tour of the Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, the White House, the Kennedy Center, and the Pentagon. All completely free of charge! It was fabulous!

My preteen daughter and I went to New Orleans right after Christmas in 2012. We enjoyed taking pictures at the shops on Canal Street, enjoyed the scenery, wrote the street car to visit the beautiful Christmas lights at City Park. The next day,we visited Audobon Zoo, the French Quarter, my favorite, and no trip to New Orleans would be complete without beignets. Our stay at the Best Western was extremely accomodating. We can't wait to visit New Orleans again. We both had a great time.

Travelling to Crystal River Florida to see the Manatees and finish my scuba certification with my daughter.

We, too, enjoy the Best Western in Crystal River. We stay there at least twice a year on our trip north and our return trip home to southwest Florida. The manatees are always popping their darling heads up at us.

I was lucky enough to travel to Florida twice in 2012. Strolling down the beach on Sanibel Island is something everyone should get a chance to do.

Went down to Florida to visit the in-laws once again in December and this time the weather was perfect. While down there in September you couldn't even go out it was so hot and humid.

In October of 2012, my husband and I made another journey from Texas to New Mexico, to stay at our favorite Best Western in Ruidoso, NM. We usually make this trip 3 times a year, so it started out pretty routine. Due to forest fires during our summer trip, our favorite hiking trails were off limits. The friendly Best Western employees were eager to share their favorite places to wander about. Thanks to their help, my husband and I explored the 3 Rivers Petroglyph site and the Valley of the Fires....GREAT TRIP!!! Best Western never fails to surprise me!!!

Our travel highlight of 2012 was our visit to Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park in Maine. What a beautiful view!!

A trip to Cincinnati to see Edward Steichen at the Taft Museum and Herb Ritts at the Cinci Museum of Art was wonderful. We stayed at the Maryimont Inn, a historic hotel from the 20,s which really added to the trip.

European Christmas markets: These are a must see. We traveled to Prague and then down the Danube River on a river boat. It was all a great experience. However the two most memorial events are the market at City Hall in Vienia at night and the "Shoe Memorial" in Budapest. The memorial and its story is the most moving memorial I have witnessed in my 72 years. I suggest all who read this check on line for pictures and the story.

Road trip from Utah to South Dakota to see Mt Rushmore and the surrounding sights. One of my best family vacations EVER!!!!

My daughter and I were driving back for her spring semester when we got delayed because of weather.....snow,snow and more snow. We called the best western in Evanston, WY to make sure our reservation was guaranteed because it was getting so late. The receptionist was funny and said that they were just waiting for our safe arrival. He Also told us the weather was getting worst so to be careful driving. When we finally arrived around two in the morning the same receptionist said with a smile I thought you would never get here. He just made our long stressful evening not so bad. He got us checked in quickly and we slept great. This young man really showed me that there are some great caring people.

My husband and I took our 3 year old son on his first family vacation. We also took my mother who had never seen the ocean and probably hadn't had a real vacation since I was a little girl. In July 2012 we traveled the PCH Hwy from Pismo Beach to Monterrey, CA. It was the most amazing trip! My son loved the beach so much that it was almost impossible to tear him away from it. The stops and sights along the way were BEAUTIFUL. We saw the elephant seals at San Simeon, the Piedras Blancas lighthouse, Sand Dollar Cove, the Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Julia Pheiffer State Park, Julia Pheiffer beach, McWay Falls, Morro Bay, Monterrey Aquarium and the Monterrey Bay Fishermans Warf. Even the drive alone up the coast on Hwy 1 had some of the most incredible views I have ever seen. If you haven't traveled the PCH Hwy I would highly recommend it even if it's just once in your lifetime. It was an unforgettable family vacation!!

My best vacation of 2012 was spent in Texas. After 31 years of marriage we were finally able to spend Christmas with my husbands family.

Our niece was married oceanfront in Hawaii June 2012 - so beautiful; we went along for the ride! A helicopter tour in Kauai, boat tour of Napali Coast, a food tour in Honolulu, & hiking part of Kalalau Trail were all part of a wonderful, memorable vacation!

In June of 2012 I visited my son, who is stationed in Europe. He brought me to Paris. We had a delightful suite at Best Western that overlooked a garden. It was compact but perfect for all of us. The two boys had.twin beds in a loft, perfect for their Parisian Adventure. My son and daughter in law had a huge bed and they allowed me to share their quarters on a very comfortable rollaway. My favorite time at the hotel was Breakfast. Every morning their was plenty of coffee; the breakfast room was cozy and filled with the scents of multiple flavors of croissants and pastries which accompanied eggs and sausages. I was especially fond of the personnel there, everyone was polite, helpful, and seemed to enjoy serving our every request. Punctuality in cab request was most impressive. I am so thankful for my vacation to Paris, and thankful that Best Western made us feel welcome and comfortable for the several days we stayed there.

My wife and I took our "honeymoon" about a year after our wedding last summer. A road trip from Indiana to Delaware to attend Firefly Music Fest (40 some bands in 3 days!!!). Once that weekend was done it was on to Baltimore to catch an Orioles vs Tampa game and dinner on the harbor. When we woke up we drove straight to Pittsburgh to catch a Pirates vs Cubs game, then spent the rest of the day with my family. When we woke up the next morning it was off to Cleveland and the Rock and Roll HOF, then back to the road. We awoke the next morning in Cincy and spent the day at Kings Island before the rain came and closed down the rides. That's when we decided to head back to the car and make the final 3 hour drive back home. It was the best trip I have ever been on!

After 50 years of never going out and celebrating New Year's Eve, I decided to be brave and join the crowds that go out and celebrate. We traveled from Northern California to Southern CA..to Anaheim and Disneyland. We joined the other 60,000 people that were crowded into Disneyland on New Year's Eve. It was fantastic and well worth staying up for. I took my daughter and grand daughter and two of her friends. As everyone was kissing and hugging, my 16 year old grand daughter saw a lonely looking boy standing near her. She asked if he had had a New Year's kiss, and he replied NO. She asked if he wanted one. He said Yes. She said it was an awesome kiss from that anonymous Alaskan young man who also was at Disneyland with his Grandmother. We stayed at our very favorite spot, The Best Western Park Place Inn. I will never forget being in such a large crowd on New Year's Eve, and Grand daughter will never forget it either and the KISS!

My sister and I took a road trip to Ft. Collins, CO to visit her daughter at school. While there, a nephew drove through on his way to a wedding in Denver. We stayed for several days and stayed at the University Inn Best Western. We were able to go to the Rocky Mountain National Park.

while traveling in Curacao, my family & I rented a car to drive around the island, and came upon a flock of flamingos. We scrambled out the car to take photos, and by the time we left, several other cars had pulled over to join in the fun.

We made a 2400 mile trip from Oregon to Tennessee, moving my youngest son & his girlfriend for college, with overnight stops at Best Western hotels almost every night! Each one was different and interesting but our favorite was the High Country Inn, Ogden, Utah. Not only was it the most beautiful with logs & gorgeous landscaping, but also our biggest adventure. We pulled in at 11pm in our UHaul with trailer towing a car, only to find out it was the beautiful side entrance with limited height. We got stuck and spent 45 painful, tense moments trying to back out onto the busy street! The afterhours front desk crew came out to help & we ended up laughing at the end. After sleeping in the next morning, we ate a wonderful meal at Jeremiah's restaurant. Best part of our adventure!

Most memorable 2012 trip was to San Francisco to drop my son off at college. It was exciting to see him embark on this new phase of his life.

1st Christmas ever away from home town. Spent the day with my husband and children. Instead of the usual hustle-bustle and harsh Canadian winter, we enjoyed floating in a serene pool surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants (still within Canada!). We now plan on making it a Christmas tradition.

1st ever Christmas away from home town. Instead of the usual hustle-bustle and cold snow outside, I spent the day with my husband and children floating in a beautiful pool surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants- all still within Canada! We now plan on making it a Christmas tradition.

I visited Puebla, Mexico last July, beautiful city and weather, nice view of volcano Popocatepetl; it has one of the biggest zoos where animal are free in a natural environment; it keeps a lot of old buildings from the Spanish conquest.

My favorite highlight for 2012 when we went camping with my daughter and all of our grandchildren, my best friend and her daughter joined as well. Me and the hubby went for a boat ride as soon as we unloaded. When we returned I fell out of the boat, got a leg cramp, panicked and screamed my head off. The whole camp site got a good laugh. Lucky for me nobodys video camera or camera was out yet. In 2013 we are heading to Disneyland next month, staying at Best Western on Park, right across from Disneyland and we are so excited. Grandchildre are coming. We look forward to a quieter vacation later in the year with no kids. So the voucher will help make that possible.

Saigon (VietNam) after 33 years changes a lot though still has a special place in our hearts. Back here with the whole gang and so much to recall and to explore within 2 weeks time. The hotels staying were such a learning experience which reminded us how priviledge we had with the BW hotel in North America.
Big trip in such a short time to enjoy.

in summer, was invited to friend,s trailer and somehow in middle of night he forgot to tell me where everything was, and i was walking or running around dobled over looking for anthing portapotie, luckily i bumped in to gentleman, just taking his dog out for last time, and i siad where,s the toilet,s i can,t see a thing, so thank you sir, you saved me, and it onlt too half an hr to get back.

Planning well in advance for a business/personal trip has always been my practice, and lucky for me I always double-check location, a few days before departure! I had to scramble two days before arrival to change hotels in Houston, when I discovered a miscommunication about proximity to where I needed to be. Not only was the Best Western Windsor Suites exactly where I wanted to be, but also provided every amenity - internet access, exercise room, etc. - that I required to declare my stay in Oct. a complete success! When I boarded the plane, I found a gold coin, with an angel on it, on my seat. So I can assume it was a good omen!

My travel highlight for 2012 was a road trip through central California, Wine Country and Yosemite with two dear friends with whom we celebrated our joint 40 year wedding anniversaries. Best Western provided us with comfortable accommodations all along the way. We stayed at the Elm House Inn in Napa, our cozy home-away-from-home for our Wine Country explorations. We headed east to South Lake Tahoe to take in the sights of that gorgeous area, including Squaw Valley and some of the most breathtaking vistas in the Sierra Nevada. Our home in Lake Tahoe was the Station House Inn, where we fell in love with the restaurant's hostess. From there, we headed south, to the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park, where we stayed at the Yosemite Gateway Hotel in Oakhurst, celebrating our anniversary with a delicious dinner at the Yosemite Gateway Restaurant. Then it was on to Gold Country, where we traveled through some of the West's most quaint little cities and towns, perfectly restored to their 1800s splendor. We chose the Cedar Inn & Suites as our home base for our travels through this magnificent area. This turned out to be the road trip of a lifetime and Best Western helped make that happen.

In 2012 me and my husband went on our honeymoon to western coast of Canada. We drove there from Alberta in mid May and the scenery that we were got to see was unbelievable. We stayed in a cottage on a island off the coast named Pender Island and had a beautiful view of the harbour. When we made the return voyage to home we got the chance to stay in a very unique hotel in Vernon BC. This hotel was the Best Western Plus and it boost a three story atrium that they have turn into a garden oasis. Also in the hotel they have a fresh water river running directly through the centre of the garden. This hotel is truely unique and is one of many great memories of the trip.

In October went to Chicago and located my bio Grandfather who was killed and buried in Chicago in 1915.My Grandmother moved to Canada in 1917 and refused to talk about Chicago. No family member had visited the grave until I was able to locate it. A DEFINITE highlight. Enjoyed our stay at the Best Western in Westmount!

Last February we went to Mexico (Puerto Viarta) and had a wonderful holiday with 3 of my brothers. We stayed at an all inclusive resort for 1 week and really enjoyed ourselves with sunbathing on the beautiful beach, great evening entertainment, scrumptious food and going on a couple of great tours. We enjoyed it so much that we are now going to Cuba (all inclusive) as well with the same group.

My travel highlight of 2012 was a month long trip to Italy in September. I rented a car at the Fuimicino airport and drove down the Mediterrean coast to Pompei, then across to Carunchio for a one week culinary vacation, up the Adriatic coast, across to Norcia and then on into more of Umbria and Tuscany and back to Rome. The pituresque hilltop towns/cities and the countryside was beautiful and the food and wine were absolutely awesome.

I went to Kamloops for my neice's wedding, it is not a long distance from Penticton, but the experience of seeing my neice get married with all of our family there was priceless. I have watched her grow up since she was born and now has a daughter of her own. An amazing time!

Travel to the MontValin with my son for is first powder experience. He is now addicted to skiing ...

Last year I flew to Manchester (England) to visit with my BEST friend ever in Warrington. My cousin from Cardiff (Wales) decided to join us for a few days. She decided to stay at the Best Western in Warrington. My cousin loves teddy bears and has a large collection she mentioned that the hotel offered a bear for sale and the money went to charity but she had yet to buy one. One evening we got together for dinner at the hotel and we each decided to purchase a bear. Now a PAWS bear has a home in England, Wales, and British Columbia (Canada). Brings back fond memories to each of us when we look at them.

Travelling to Victoria just before Christmas to spend time with my daughter and her boyfriend.Had a wonderful time!

My travel highlight of 2012 was a trip of a lifetime to Pleyben Bretagne, France where I was able to walk in he steps of my ancestors. To stand at the altar of the Gothic church where my Dad had been an altar boy almost 90 years ago literally touched my soul. Amazing as well, was to be able to see the inside of the little house where he resided until he immigrated to Canada in 1929 .

I won an amazing trip to Toronto sponsored by the Heart and Stroke Association's Red Dress campaign. It's especially poignant to me now as one of my dearest friends died of a heart attack in December at age 48.

My favorite travel experience in 2012 is meeting my friend Norm in Victoria this August as he was undergoing cancer treatment there. After his treatment, I met Norm and his wife for a bowl of soup and a meaningful conversation. I collected a hug as he dropped me off at the Best Western in Sydney. In October his wife called me to inform me that Norm passed away. I will always treasure those moments with him this summer.

In March of 2012 my husband and i traveled to Virgina and went to the Smitzonias and Arlington Cemetry. We had such a fantastic time and it was a dream trip for us. Best Western made our stay exceptional and we plan to go again this year because we did not see all we we wanted to . We will be booking our hotels soon for this upcoming trip and we are very excited about it. Sincerly Wayne and Gail Cross

My wife and I with 4 friends left Watertown, South Dakota on 5 Harleys and headed south to see the sights. We traveled through 7 different states and rode through rain, wind, cold and heat. We laughed, told stories, shared pizza, drank beer and comforted 2 of our friends when word was received about their pets passing away while we were on the road. We met many interesting people along the way, saw some wonderfully extraordinary sights and a few depressing ones that reflected the recession our country was in. We stopped along the road to take hundreds of pictures, bought souvenirs and always tried to eat in local mom & pop cafes. We had 1 instance of mechanical trouble when the battery in one of the bikes decided to quit after we'd gotten gas across the street from an auto parts store. They had one. Each night we knew where we were going to be and that we would be warm, dry and comfortable in another Best Western. Each facility was different but we were always greeted with a smile and left the next morning with a warm breakfast in us. We plan to do the same this year with different friends head out in a different direction but following the same general idea. Thanks for reading.

I didn't go on vacation in 2012. But I did go on a getaway to the St. Louis zoo. My tip is to go to the Zoo in the early morning when they feed the animals.

My husband I traveled up to Las Vegas & Area...on our way up there we stopped to look at the Craters Of The Moon in Idaho it was so cool to see but what made it so special was we saw an amazing Solar Sundog and I took the most amazing photo of it. I have never seen anything so breath taking!! This will be one thing I will always remember in Dec. 2012!

We have traveled using our time-shares weeks, Best Western or guided tours for 2012:
1 Crossville, Tennessee- 1week
2 Nashville, Tennessee - 1week 1week
3 Bridgeport, Texas 1week
4 England/Scotland/Wales 2week
5 Kauai, Hawaii- 2week
6 Branson, Missouri - 1week
7 Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas - 1week
8 Banner Elk, North Carolina - 1week
9 Cobo San Lucas, Baha, Mexico 1week
10 Steam Boat Springs, Colorado - 1week
11 Dallas/Fort Worth - 1week -Thanksgiving
12 Dallas/Fort Worth - 1week- Christmas
Planning trips for 2013 to include: Spain 2weeks, Hawaii 2weeks, Cobo San Lucas, and Costa Rico and others.

My husband and I hauled our little 16' Casita travel trailer from TX thru OK, KS, NE & on to Mt. Rushmore & Crazy Horse Memorial in SD & over to WY to Yellowstone National Park. It was wonderful to visit those beautiful US landmarks during the cool, fall season. We also splurged & stayed at Best Western 3 times during our 2 week/4500 mile vacation! I'm already planning a trip to the East this spring.

The greatest thing of 2012 was my first year married to my wonderful wife Lucia. Magical.

My wife and I have had many good highlights at the BS's we'v stayed at over the years. Our favorite annual outing in Ashland, Oregon is at the top of our list. This is our annual trip to enjoy the Sheakespeare Festival. The BW manager, Holly, alwats makes certain that our accommodations are to our liking. We're looking forward to our next stay in September of this year. We've placed a hold on any additional BW bookings until we resolve an issue with the BW Crossroads Inn in Schererville, Indian. We had a seven day stay there last August and had a pretty bad experience. A storm came through the area and part of the Inn's roof blew off the building. Unfortunately, a good part of the debris landed on our vehicle and caused $6,000 in body damage. The BW refuses to cver the insurance deductible staing that it was an Act of God and they are not libel. The Inn had a roof on top of another roof and the portion that blew off was obviosly a cosmetic addition. It not only cost us the $500 dollars but required to spend two extra night to resolve the issues with our insurance company. Needless to say, we've put a hold on future stays at BW Inns until this is resolved but we will keep the reservation open for our trip to the BW in Ashland, Oregon later this year.

bw manager, Holly, always makes certain that our accommodations are enjoyable

My wife and I have had many good highlights at the BS's we'v stayed at over the years. Our favorite annual outing in Ashland, Oregon is at the top of our list. This is our annual trip to enjoy the Sheakespeare Festival. The BW manager, Holly, alwats makes certain that our accommodations are to our liking. We're looking forward to our next stay in September of this year. We've placed a hold on any additional BW bookings until we resolve an issue with the BW Crossroads Inn in Schererville, Indian. We had a seven day stay there last August and had a pretty bad experience. A storm came through the area and part of the Inn's roof blew off the building. Unfortunately, a good part of the debris landed on our vehicle and caused $6,000 in body damage. The BW refuses to cver the insurance deductible staing that it was an Act of God and they are not libel. The Inn had a roof on top of another roof and the portion that blew off was obviosly a cosmetic addition. It not only cost us the $500 dollars but required to spend two extra night to resolve the issues with our insurance company. Needless to say, we've put a hold on future stays at BW Inns until this is resolved but we will keep the reservation open for our trip to the BW in Ashland, Oregon later this year.

I had my best night's sleep in the year when I stayed at the Houston Plaza Medical Center. Thanks, guys...

A huge memory from 2012 was zip lining in Costa Rica with my daughters. One is 14 and one is 7. What a feeling to be above a beautiful green forest! The thrill of flying through the air. My eldest daughter thought we should hang upside down to go so she did it, then I went and by the next zip line our 7 year old was upside down. It was fun to watch. Then a middle aged lady in our group got up the courage. So much fun!

My travel highlight of 2012 was going to our Nation's capital, Washington D.C. and seeing all the wonderful buildings, monuments and the White House. I enjoyed going on a bus tour and seeing many memorials. It was the highlight of my year and a trip I will always remember.

We really enjoyed the Best Western Inn and Suites in Yuma. The manager's happy hour was a nice treat.

We drove from Oregon to Yellowstone National Park and then to Mt. Rushmore. We stayed 4 nights in Best Western Hotels along the way and every one was perfect in every way. We had so much fun taking our time and enjoying the scenery. In Yellowstone the most funny moment was when the wild Donkeys came right up to our car and stuck their head all the way in the window. Hope we can go somewhere this summer..

I had three wonderful family moments. This June in San Jose CA I attended my youngest daughter's graduation recieving her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology. This September I went to London to hold my new born great grandson for two weeks. Then in December In Seattle I attended my grandaughter performance in the Nutcracker. Got to see and enjoy my three children and their families. What could be better!?

Most definitely our Christmas holiday- the first real holiday in many years! We spent a few days in Miami and then went on a 7 night western Caribbean cruise. The whole trip was amazing, and unforgettable!

In August we went to Albany for a mini vacation, and my husband hurt his back. The best western was very helpful. We had to stay longer, and they made sure to make the bed as hard as possible. Went on a family cruise in December, and had a great and relaxing time. Already planning for next Christmas.

Last summer my husband & I took our special needs ward with us to Saskatchewan to visit my mom. As we were travelling through Jasper National Park we were waiting in a very long line up. We just assumed that it was an accident but finally arriving at the schene, we discovered that a herd of Big Horn Mountain Sheep had taken up residency on the highway and only allowed single lane traffic encluding semi truck & trailer. Everyone was taking pictures and talking to the sheep. Our ward wanted to know which ones of the sheep were directing traffic while the rest were playing on the highway. He was so amazed at the closeness of the majestic animals. This was a highlight of our trip. We also stayed at a number of Best Western hotels on route.

We went to Mount Rushmore on Thanksgiving Day. We stayed in a Best Western before we made the return trip home. We saw lots of deer, Hot Springs, and Wounded Knee all in our 2-day road trip.

Last summer I took my girlfriend on a trip to Nova Scotia. First we stopped off in Truro,then on towards Cape Breton where we stayed over at the Canso Causeway at a motel up on the hill. There was a storm coming up and then the power went out with the high winds.We stayed put.In the morning we stopped at the Tim Hortons where their main sign had flipped off.There was a lot of damage around.We then went over the Cabot Trail and what a beautiful trip.Off to the Fortress of Louisburg. Dee had never been to Cape Breton and she loved every moment of it.
We then decided to head down to Halifax then down the South Shore and Back to Truro.On our way back to Woodstock N.B. we started having car trouble and had to pull over when the car died.
While we sitting there waiting for the car to cool down,out of the blue I asked Dee if she would marry me and she actually said yes. It is funny what actually comes out of certain situations,especially when you are a senior.
Thank you for listening.

Took a much anticipated tour of Ireland in September. Many highlights during the twelve days but the one thing that I think about most is navigating the roads of Ireland such as they are on a 12 foot wide tour bus--many of the roads that we used were 20 feet wide at the most--these were the better. This from an old truck driver!

My highlight of 2012 was the day we had a shore lunch on beautiful Wekusko Lake in northern Manitoba. My brother-in-law prepared beer battered, freshly caught Walleye and onion rings, on a little island in the middle of the huge lake.

At the beginning of summer I had to go to a funeral down in Los Angeles. I was feeling pretty down about losing my friend and was happy when my youngest daughter said she would accompany me there. She is 12 and didn't know hardly anyone there. The service lasted all day and was not anything a 12 year old girl would want to sit through. She was such a good friend that day. That evening we were at a the home of my friend's relative, people were drowning their sorrows and starting to get a little wild. I decided my daughter had done a great job of supporting me and we decided a hotel would be a better option. To show my appreciation to my daughter I took her to Beverly Hills and Hollywood the next day. We walked up and down the strip enjoying all the interesting people and stopping in a couple museums. At one point there was a wax figure of Jackie Chan (one of her favorite actors) and she posed for a picture. We send the picture via text message to her sister and friends. She was so tickled when everyone thought she really met Jackie Chan. It turned out to be one of those awesome days. We had a really good time together.

My brother, his son, myself, and my son flew to Dublin -- in July 2012 -- for a wonderful visit to the Emerald Isle (where our ancestors hailed from)...for seafood, green landscapes, friendly faces, and so much literary history. Well, we then went onward to the UK, via the ferry from Dublin port over to Holyhead, Wales (a marvelous connection)...which included a train segment from Holyhead to Chester, England. We had a ball on the train meeting people from all over the world and even stopped at the station for a few minutes at this Welsh city: LLANFAIRPWLLGWYNGYLLGOGERYCHWYRNDROBWLLLLANTYSILIOGOGOGOCH. And it is not the longest city name in the world! Well, my 8-year-old son had a lot of fun trying to pronounce it! Then, we soon arrived at Chester -- it was getting late -- and we walked out of the station to find (directly across the street) a Best Western called the "Queen Hotel." We highly recommend it! they have many curios throughout the lobby and grounds for picture taking and the staff there are very excellent. We recommend Dublin, Ireland, the ferry and train, and Chester, England.

My best travel highlight of 2012 was spending a week of quality mother-daughter time at Walt Disney World to celebrate my college graduation! What better way to transition into post-college life than to spend a week 3,000 miles from home hanging out with Mickey and Minnie and acting like a kid??

Well my husband has always wanted a 1933 Ford 4dr Sedan so when the opportunity arrived I bought him one for Christmas. I put him on a plane to Greenville, SC on December 21, 2012 and a friend picked us up and drove us to Bristol,VA to pick up the car. Now the story really gets good! We actually drove this car back to Houston, TX. We left on Dec. 24, 2012 and stopped in Anderson, SC at the Palmetto Moonshine Company to visit and show off our new car. (we met them at Sturgis in August on another trip) Then it was off through the Smokey Mountains to Cleveland, TN to visit more friends. We left and made it to Tuscaloosa, AL at 1:30am on Christmas Eve. We checked into the Best Western Park Plaza Motor Inn and the girl at the desk was so happy that we were there. I think we were maybe the only guests that night. She let us pick out which room we wanted to be in so we could keep an eye on our car and she could too. We have pictures of our lil Red 33 at the motel. The next morning we heard that bad thunderstorms were in our path so we left asap. We made it to Meridian, MS and stopped at the only place open on Christmas Day! You guessed it Waffle House. When we were backing into a parking spot a young lady pulled up and had to back up and wait because of us. She just smiled and waived at us. Most people would have been cussing us, but she was just so happy looking. Later inside we saw that she worked there and starting talking with her. My husband apologized for making her late for work and she just smiled and said it was ok. He asked her what Santa brought her for Christmas and she said a new smartphone, but she had dropped in while using the flashlight on it to change her oil in her car. This impressed my husband. He asked if it could be fixed and she said yes for 240.00 but she had a friend that could fix it if she bought the part online for 30,00. Later my husband asked our waiter if he believed in Santa and he said well not really. My husband told him he just might see Santa today and he just kind of snickered. We paid our bill and gave the waiter a generous tip. Then my husband handed the young lady something and told her not to open it until she saw us get into our lil red car. As we were driving out we could see everyone in that place standing up and pointing at us and smiling. I think they must have thought we really were Santa and Mrs. Clause. lol Back to our trip, we headed on over to Monroe, LA to visit more friends on our journey. This time surprising our friends Mom. She invited us to eat Christmas Dinner. It was so good. We left and made it to Bossier City, LA to stay the night and gamble a little. We pulled into the large casino/hotel and got the royal treatment in our lil red car on Christmas night. We rested and then went to the casino and won enough money to pay for our trip. Then the next morning the sun was finally shining. (It had been raining the entire trip). We headed out and stopped at my family cemetery just west of Center, TX to put flowers on my Mom's grave since it was her Birthday! We finally made it home just a little after dark. This was one of the most enjoyable trips that my husband and I have ever made in our 35 years of marriage. We do have pictures of our entire trip.

We drove up the east side of Vancouver Island upto a beautiful little seaside village called Telegraph Cove. We saw several black bears on the way a first for us on the island.
Then we went out through the mists on a whale watching trip. The coastline is stunningly beautiful with all the forests and tiny forested islands. The sea was so calm there were perfect reflections. After about 15mins on the boat the captain switched off the engines and we just floated ,while we were surrounded by several families of orcas who came right upto and beneath the boat.We listened to them calling when the captain lowered the hydrophone into the water.....amazing. We stayed there for about 40 minutes just watching them diving and playing.
We went between the islands and saw lots of stellar sealions stretched out on the rocks. The water was so crystal clear we could see the krill swimming around just below the surface.
Then finally we came across a Humpback whale mother teaching her calf how to feed. It was a once in a lifetime experience but one which we will hopefully repeat.

My wife and I took a trip to go see her family in the thumb of Michigan, we live in Kansas City MO (Not Kansas!!) lol. She was 7 1/2 mos. Prego and it had to have been the most exhausting trip of our lives!! Ive heard that the husband can experience the same body feelings as their prego spouse and it seemed like it was true for me! We were both extremely tired, this trip is something we do atleast 1 or 2 times every year so we were use to it but we couldnt drive more than 4 hours with out having to pull over and wake up. ive never had to get a hotel on our way up there before but this time we had to get one on the way up and one on the way down. its only 800 miles but it felt like we were driving from coast to coast. I have to give it to my wife she is a TROOPER, Ive had to go to Washington, Alaska, Texas, & Michigan this last year and she never complains :-). I am currently in Texas and will be here until march and then have to go to Arizona (all due to being in the Military). I have no complaints, I serve in the greatest Military force the World has ever seen!!! thank you for your time and consideration!

My best vacation in 2012 was going to San Francisco CA with my husband and whale watching. My face was wind burned from the boat when we rode out to the Farallon Islands. I had a had on but couldn't get away from the wind.

My family and I at Christmas it was the last minute we decided to go away. It had been many years that we all had been away together. I suggusted The Best Western Cocoa Beach, I booked one suite and a standard room. upon arrival we upgraded the second room to a suite, which had a wonderful view of the pool and the beach. My grandchildren had so much fun in the pool and playing in the waves, we also had a very short walk to the pier where we listen to music and had lunch, the children fished from the pier and had fun reeling in their catch. For all us adults the pleasure of having breakfast cooked was great the buffet had something for everyone to enjoy.

We spent a glorious 2 weeks on our motorcycle heading from Wisconsin to Yellowstone National Park. We made numerous stops along the way to enjoy not only the scenery but the wildlife we encountered. We got a chance to stop at the Crazy Horse carving, that is spectacular and probably won't be completed in my lifetime, but amazing how it is being carved. Mt. Rushmore as always, a great choice to see also. Went through the Badlands and enjoyed the ride and watching the animals grazing along the side of the road. Yellowstone was simply amazing. The scenery, the bison, the bear, Old Faithful, wow, an awesome place to visit. We could have touched Bison as they crossed the road in front of us and grazed along side the road, but of course we did not. This is a must see for everyone who is looking for a great trip to take. 2013 will bring us to yet another National Park visit and we cannot wait.

We spent a glorious 2 weeks on our motorcycle heading from Wisconsin to Yellowstone National Park. We made numerous stops along the way to enjoy not only the scenery but the wildlife we encountered. We got a chance to stop at the Crazy Horse carving, that is spectacular and probably won't be completed in my lifetime, but amazing how it is being carved. Mt. Rushmore as always, a great choice to see also. Went through the Badlands and enjoyed the ride and watching the animals grazing along the side of the road. Yellowstone was simply amazing. The scenery, the bison, the bear, Old Faithful, wow, an awesome place to visit. We could have touched Bison as they crossed the road in front of us and grazed along side the road, but of course we did not. This is a must see for everyone who is looking for a great trip to take. 2013 will bring us to yet another National Park visit and we cannot wait.

Travel highlight of 2012 was a road trip from Tucson AZ to Oregon Pacific Coast HWY 101. Fantastic views, scenery, people, food and places to stay. Drove to the Northern Coast then crossed over Washington, Idaho, Montana and through Yellowstone Nat Park and on into Wyoming to visit family. Great trip and I plan to do it again.

Me and my wife were supposed to go on a cruise that was leaving Miami and had plane tickets to fly to Miami. Well, it ended up being snowy and the flight was iced out that day. So, in order to make our ship we had to drive over 1200 miles in 24 hours! Seriously! We drove 24 hours straight (which I would highly recommend NOT doing) and when we got there we were bundled up becuase it was cold weather at home but 80+ degrees in Miami so everybody looked at us like we were crazy!!!

I took my daughter to Escondido CA to visit cousins and an aunt she had never met before as her graduation gift ...it was a wonderful 6 days... we had a beach day, a day at SanDiego seaport village, a casino day and day at Seaworld... we stayed at the Escondido Best Western, the accommodations were great, enjoyed time at the pool every morning. We look forward to a trip like this again someday, it was great to see the cousins together.

I treated my daughter to a trip to Escondido, CA to visit cousins and and an aunt she had never met before as her graduation gift. We had a wonderful days there, had a casino day, SanDiego seaport village day, beach day, Seaworld day. We stayed at the Escondido Best Western and enjoyed the pool every morning.
It was a memorable time and we hope to visit again someday.

My husband and I got to go on a trip of a lifetime. We were in Ecuador, the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. The Amazon was so lush and full of hidden animals. While the Galapagos were teeming with animals who approached you. The variety of the flora and fauna we saw was amazing. And sleeping in the Amazon and camping on the Galapagos was unreal. No Best Westerns in these parts, but still our amazing trip for 2012!

Drove down from Victoria to revisit the Hearst Castle at SanSimeon Ca. Toured the Boeing Factory, and Museum in Everette and Seattle, and The Spruce Goose Museum in McMinnville Oregon. Well worth the experience. Also toured some stately historiacl mansions in Portland, Salem, San Jose, Monterey, and San Francisco. Wonderful; trip

The travel highlight for me was spending a relaxing week in Carpinteria, California with my husband. We had passed through this town on a previous road trip from Los Angeles to Monterey and back, staying a night or two each way at the Best Western Carpinteria. We liked the hotel so much that we decided to skip renting a car this year and instead we took the bus from LAX right to Carpinteria and spent our whole vacation in that hotel. There was a little trolley that we would hop on and off to get to the beach and village and Santa Barbara was only a short bus ride from our hotel. We really enjoyed travelling "green" and it was fun returning to one of our favourite spots! It also makes for a nice memory in the middle of our fridgid, Montreal winter.

We are going to stay at 2 best Western, again this year. Maybe 3. They are Cross Roads in Gatlingburg,TN, for 7 Days, and in North Myrtel Beach, SC. This will be our fourth stay there. The first was 7 days, the next 2 were 14 days, as is will be this year. They are so helpful and friendley there. Very neat and clean, tip top shape. Great beds, and oh my God, the beach!! Less than 30 feet from the fence.
Excellant breakfast. Not to far to go shopping, etc.
Hope to see some of the other guest fron last year.

Our college senior son asking us to go on spring break rather than going with friends to the Dominican Republic. Wonderful time from Big Sur to Napa Valley and staying in Best Westerns all the way. Our college sophomore son asked the same, so the next week was San Antonio and staying in a Best Western there. With the free night we earned we went to Mackinaw Island and stayed in a Best Western (from the free night we earned) after the semester was over and before the graduating son moved!

10 days, First to Door County, Wisconsin, then down to Milwaukee and south to Chicago. Wonderful hotel in Lincoln Park and a great time for my husband and I. A 2nd City show, a game at Wrigley Field, Navy Pier and some other sight seeing. A trip we will remember all of our lives.

We took a family vacation down the Oregon Coast. My 2 little boys are definitely beach bums! They can play at the beach all day, jumping in the waves, building sand castles & beachcombing.

After waiting 20 years we finally made it to the Snoopy hockey tournament in Santa Rosa California. Best Western all the way! We stayed at enough BW all the way there and back to earn a free night later in the year. Bonus! ......and the guys won their division.

My Husband and I went to Seneca Lake Wine Country for our Anniversary in February 2012, we attended the Wine and Chocolate Touring Pass. We tasted some great NYS wines and chocolate combinations. I had never tasted chocolate chili it was good. It was a beautiful wintery snowy day but the wine kept us very warm. We had a tasty breakfast each morning at the Best Western. We also enjoyed fresh baked chocolate chip cookies; (And a bottle of NYS wine we purchased on the trail) It was an anniversary to remember.

One highlight of the summer of 2012 was living at Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington, Michigan. My personal bedroom in the lighthouse keeper's home overlooked Lake Michigan. My days were spent greeting visitors to the lighthouse, and evenings included free time to walk the shore of Lake Michigan. The seclusion of the lighthouse, as there is no paved road for vehicles, allowed me to step back in time and enjoy the friendship of my fellow volunteers while also perserving and sharing the historical merits of the lighthouse.

My favorite highlight of the Summer of 2012 was My trip to New York City. I enjoyed going out on the prairie boat and to climb the Empire state Building and also going down town to watch The Movie Phatom of the Opera Live. I also liked the Subway going out to the Coney Island to lay on the beach and go swimming. The most important thing about New York is it High Skyscrapers and it beautiful scenery.

Big Highlight.....buying a house in Phoenix to get away from cold winters at home in Saskatchewan, Canada! When we fly out of Great Falls or back , we always stay at what could be classified as another home away from home--The Best Western Heritage Inn located in Great Falls, Montana. This hotel is a wonderful place to stay. The rooms are great, clean and quiet, restaurant has wonderful food and the staff are the most friendliest and most accomodating ever!

The highlight of 2012 for us was meeting our grandson for the first time. Our son passed away suddenly on February 25th 2012 and had left a five year old son behind.
We got to meet our Grand son in July.
I was worried he would be shy and not know who we were but when he came running up to me and said he wanted to sit on "Grandma's knee" my heart melted and he gave me the biggest hug and looked into my eye's and said " I love you Grandma".
We visit him as much as we can now. He is the spitting image of his father!

My daughter and grandson, Luke, age 6, and I were in Yellowstone National Park in July of 2012. Driving after dark and trying to get back to our hotel in Grants Village, we were cruising along very nicely when out of the woods jumped a huge grizzly bear. Luke was asleep in the backseat and I was trying to get him to wake up and also trying not to hit the bear when the guy behind me zoomed around our car. I don't know how he missed the bear, I don't know how we missed the bear, but I know Luke missed the bear because he was so tired from a day in the park that he never stirred! He still tells the story of how we almost hit the bear, even though he was sound asleep at the time!

My husband and I had just left a restaurant which was down a narrow street in Nice, France. We rounded the corner and walked about a block when we came upon a large square. The square was crowded and there was an 80-piece string orchestra playing Mozart. It was just so unexpected on a Tuesday night to stumble upon a free concert like this.

I spent a week in Tokyo this past December & it was amazing to see a snow capped Mount Fuji in person!

My wife and I had dinner in a French home in Tournon on our recent trip to France. It was arranged through our tour group. There were just 4 of us eating with a French family, and it turned out the father was also in the shoe business like me. So we had a lot to talk about, not to mention the best dinner I ever had. I had never even heard of "Tartiflette" but I can't wait to have it again. The chocolate balls on the creme brulee were from Valrhona chocolates across the river, and the grand finale was a cheese platter the likes of which I've never seen before.

We went to Maui this year, our first trip to Hawaii. With only a week and short notice we were not able to book the Best Western but did find a local place on the water. The hotel owners have a lovely court yard with amazing plants and trees---bird of paradise grows there and a banana tree. They put our feeders and birds cluster about the trees and bushes, seeds falling to the ground. We first stayed on a second floor suite but had to move for our last day to a ground level with a lovely patio. The suites were quite small the bathroom especially well designed with shower bath combination but little floor space. It was very warm and we were steps from the ocean and the courtyard out our door, we left our patio open as I showered that last morning. Another guest had dropped by and was out with my husband on the patio as I stepped out of the shower, a felt a softness on my foot. I looked down to see a tiny mouse sitting on my little toe, it was so small it had wandered in from the courtyard under the bathroom door. Yes, I screamed, and yes, I thought about trying to go out the door without a towel even! The terrified tiny mouse, left as it had entered the room and was long gone likely out eating bird seed in the courtyard. Now that is not something I'd expect to see at a Best Western, what we term now a "Maui Mouse" ;-0)

We took the 'Norway In A Nutshell' tour across the width of Norway. The scenery was AMAZING!

I had a great road trip west in October 2012. Started in Montreal (Quebec), cross 2 provinces (Quebec and Ontario) and 13 states (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wiconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wymoming, Montana, Idaho and Oregon). I have seen beautiful scenery, visited Yellowstone Park (in Wyoming) and Mulnomah Falls (Oregon). And on my way bak, my road trip east took me across 1 state (Washington) and 6 provinces (British-Colombia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec). I have seen the beautiful Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise (Alberta). It took me 12 days and 11 000 KM (about 6 800 miles). It was worth it.

My boyfriend and I got our kicks on Route 66 in Dec. 2012. We had saved all year to take this trip and it really paid off!!! Our trip was 21 days long and we drove 7,900 miles!!! We drove the entire Route 66 end to end and then some! This was the most amazing trip I have ever taken. The weather was great our whole trip. We took some detours along the way like visiting the Grand Canyon. While visiting the Grand Canyon we stayed at the Best Western there and let me say WOW I LOVED THAT HOTEL!!! Most of our trip I tried to find Best Westerns to stay at because they are my favorite!!! The only thing we had planned during our trip was to be in California for a car show everything else we decided day by day. We met so many wonderful people along the way. If you haven't yet traveled Route 66 I highly recommend it. Friends have told us they would check our facebook everyday just to see how far we had gotten and what we seen day by day. Once we were in California we met some custom car builders like Bine Hines, Gene Windfield, George Barris, Chip Foose, and Brad Masterson most of which are Hall of Famers!!!

***** I would like to thank Best Western for having such great hotels. Best Western helped make our trip of a life time even more amazing with the value and comfort of their hotels!!!!!!!!!!!

I roadtripped with 3 parish Directors of Religious Education from SW IN to Steubenville OH for a conference. The journey was great, the conference was excellent. Franciscan U. of Steubenville is a very nice place to visit.

I got engaged when I was visiting New Zealand this past January.

My 54 year old sister and best friend died suddenly when she moved from here by me in AL to go to Vegas to be with her 32 year old son she had just met. She had given him up for adoption as an infant and he found her through me on Facebook and she was so excited. We were so happy for her that he had found her, she had just found out she had lung cancer. We were reluctant about her move but she was a grown adult that thought it would be a wonderful thing. Within 10 days of her leaving, she was dead and thrown away like a piece of trash. He now had all her belongings and couldn't have cared less about her. To make a long story short we had to fight in court to get the rights to her body that was laying in a dump of a crematorium, it was a nightmare. When the judge signed the order we had her cremated and sent back home to us in AL. We are from CA but three of us sisters were living in AL and loving being close. My 17 y/o son and I decided to take a road trip from AL to CA to meet my cousins, whom I hadn't seen in 30 yrs, in Yosemite National Park. That place is heaven on earth and is very special to our family since we lived there when we were young teens and we vacationed there through the years. My sister that passed away held her first job in Yosemite and she loved it there. My Aunt had passed away 1 year prior and I found out my cousins were going to spread her ashes around her special places in the park. I asked them if it would be ok if we met them there and of course they were elated. Us cousins were very close growing up and my sister and my aunt had a special bond so it was perfect to take my sister and spread her ashes with our aunt's. What a wonderful decision to do this, we all had a wonderful time. Through our days and nights in the park we would go out on walks and talk about the two of them and scatter their ashes together. Things could not have come together more perfectly for an unforgettable and joyful ending to my sister's life. I know my son will never forget that trip and will hold it dear to his heart as will I.