~Weather in California~

California is full of wonderful beaches, gorgeous buildings, and stunning bridges. Most people when they think of California, they think it is always warm and sunny. The weather in California is generally mild. Temperature in California is usually consistent and the change in temperature is gradual. December through February temperatures range in the mid forties and the low thirties. March through May, with each month the temperatures warms up. March the high is 54, but by May the high is at a comfortable temperature of 74. June, July, August, and September are the warmest months, but even then the heat isn’t unbearable. July is the warmest month with a high of 85 and a low of 70. October through November the weather turns cooler again, yet the change isn’t enough to have any thoughts of frost, let alone snow. Some people when they begin packing for their vacation to California, they just pack shorts and t-shirts. Mornings and evenings in California can get really cool, even in the summer. The closer you are to the ocean, usually the cooler the nights and mornings are. No matter when you plan on visiting CA, remember to pack clothing for the weather. Even in the summer, it isn’t a bad idea to bring a few pairs of jeans and a sweatshirt or two. Taking some tennis shoes and an umbrella won’t hurt you either. Plus they won't take up much more space in your suitcase. Mornings can be extremely foggy, so don’t be surprised if you wake up and look out your hotel window and see a blanket of fog. So, taking some extra time to see what the weather has been like and planning according to the weather patterns is better than showing up and being unprepared. Planning ahead before you start packing can really make your vacation more enjoyable and less stressful. Remember, you are paying for this vacation and they don't come around as often as we wish, so you should get the most out of it.

Top 5 restaurants in Legoland!

Yes, Legoland is an awesome place to take your kids! If you have already been to Disneyland I would recommend going to Legoland. So I thought I would do the top 5 restaurants in Legoland. Now this is a kids place so keep in mind that it's not going to be anything extravagant.



Number 1-The Upper-deck Sports Cafe. This is a full service cafe designed just for kids. It allows parents to sit back and relax while the kids eat and play in a mini lego room. They serve a variety of items for all types of kids and for adults. They have amazing fish and chips, Steak Nachos, salads, grilled salmon, burgers, and more.



Number 2-Fun Town Market. This is an fun place for the kids. You get to experience a market like feel while you watch them make your food. They have an oriental chicken stir fry, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, a full salad bar, baked goods and much more.



Number 3-Garden Restaurant. This is more for the health conscious familys. The restaurant features gourmet sandwiches, and homemade soups and salads. They have a new Caprese Panini made with whole mozarella , pesto sauce, fresh basil, and tomatoe, served on a whole grain wheat berry bread.



Number 4-Ristorante Brickolini. At this restaurant you get to choose from a wide selection of gourmet wood fire pizzas, and fresh pastas with homemade sauces and salads. Then you get to finish off your meal with a sweet pizza for dessert.



Number 5-Knight's Table Barbeque. Here you get to feast like a knight. With a choice of mouthwatering spare ribs, fire roasted chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, Caesar Salad, Cobb Salad, desserts, and more.

Top 10 Places to Stay in San Diego #6-10

6. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa: The Catamaran is home to over 1,000 types of exotic birds, flowers, and plants. The beachfront cabanas are a must when staying here. The Atoll restaurant located right off the beach received the Five Diamond award. This resort is like an exotic paradise; the lobby even has a waterfall with real plants and birds surrounding it. 

7. Hyatt Regency La Jolla: As soon as you walk into the spacious lobby with marbled floor you will know you are in luxury. The thing that I like best about this resort is the specially offers. They offer romance, relaxation, and bed & breakfast packages. There is a package for everyone. 

8. Sommerset Suites Hotel: The Sommerset Suites has more of a tranquil kind of feel. It has a great location close to the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and Sea World. Each suite has a mini kitchen to cook great meals right at home. There's enough room for the whole family to relax from one another. 

9. Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa: The Hilton San Diego has that isolated feel. If staying here I recommend opting for a suite. The suites have private patios or balconies with a short walk to the beach.  It's decorated in a modern island look; I just know you will love your stay here. 

10. Rancho Bernardo Inn: Just because it's last on the list does not mean to cross it off your list. The Rancho Bernardo offers so much to do. Play a round of golf, relax at the spa, dine in, or take a quick trip to some of San Diego's top attractions. The premier relaxation spot offers anything you need to take that last edge off. 

The Top 10 Places to Stay in San Diego # 1-5

1. The Grand del Mar: It is a beautiful escape that has a Mediterranean feel. With eight villas to choose from you won't know where to stay. The relaxing pool, spa, and room service will make you not want to leave. Take a look at the video and photo tours, the hotel offers everything. 

2. Pacifica Terrace Hotel: Located right off the beach of San Diego, the Pacifica Terrace Hotel is conveniently located by some of the best beach dining. Take a swim in the outdoor heated pool or just relax off a private balcony over looking the beach. 

3. La Costa Resort and Spa: With over 400 acres the La Costa Resort and Spa has a wide variety if places to choose from to stay. Looking to stay right it the middle of all the hustle and bustle, check out the Plaza rooms. Try the Resort rooms if you want to be around the golf of tennis courts. There are so many rooms to choose from you are sure to find the right kind for you and with seven pools you won't have to walk far to relax.

4. Paradise Point Resort & Spa: It was named "One of the Best Family Resorts in the World" by Forbes magazine. Paradise Point offers single-level bungalows right off Mission Bay or beautiful gardens. There are five swimming pools to choose from. It's the type of place you can relax and not worry about your kids. 

5. W San Diego: Looking for the modern resort feel? The W San Diego is the place to stay. Pick from five different room classes that each have their own feel. The WET outdoor/indoor pool surrounded by a Veranda lounge is a great place to spend the day. The W is a truly unique place to stay.

THE Top 10 New York City Rooftop Bars

Have you ever wanted to hang out celebrity style? Well, I've found a the places to be and NYC. Dress up, call a couple of friends, grab that taxi and hit the hottest bars. Why do I say that they are the hottest bars and its the kind of nightlife the way celebrities party it up? That's because these 10 bars are ranked as the best in NYC. They are hot, located in rooftops where you get the best views of the city, and best of all not everyone knows about them. So here they are:

1. HighBar at Hilton Garden Inn Times Square- 251 West 48th St, Fl 15. If you want to party in NYC but you want a Miami style vibe then this is the place to come. The outdoors BBQ style is completed with canopy cabanas, that offer a more beach style sitting than any other ordinary chair. You get a full view of the Hudson river while socializing and sipping that drink. And for the ladies who worry about their blowers getting ruined with the heat, don't worry about it, it has outdoors AC.
   
2. Eden (Jade Terrace @ China Club)- 268 W 47th St. A full open terrace with white umbrellas, Eden offers a relaxing atmosphere after those hectic days at the office. It offers happy hours from 5-10pm. Oh, and if you have ever wanted to go to Saint Tropez, then don't worry spending on a ticket, on Thursdays, Eden offers Saint Tropez themed nights.
   
3. Sky Garden (Bed)- 530 W 27th St. Much like HighBar, the coolest thing about this one is the Miami style decor. You get to lie down on this plush beds, socializing, drinking, and gazing at the NYC stars.
4. Gramercy Hotel Rooftop- 2 Lexington Ave. If you like art appreciation while having a cup of wine with some friends, then visit Gramercy. It features an art display of artist Damien Hirst. The whole inspiration of the bar is based on a greenhouse. All you see is a vast collection of flora and fauna covered in lights. And finally, if you like seeing the stars makes a night more romantic for you, then you definitely have to come because Gramercy offers a retractable glass rooftop.
5. Roof Garden Cafe @ MET- 1000 Fifth Ave, at 82nd St. This one is the artsiest of all. It features sculpture exhibitions from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Here you mingle among both young and old, all with one interest in common: art. On Fridays and Saturdays the Roof Garden Cafe offers Martini Nights. I really liked the name of the three new specialty martinis served: Balloon Dog, Coloring Book, and the Sacred Heart.
6. Soho House Rooftop- 29-35 Ninth Ave. Soho House is the hardest to get into. They say it does not have the best view of the city, but it does have the best view of the celebs. To be able to get into this ultra-exclusive pool decked bar, you need to be a member. So become a member in order to sip a martini with your favorite runway models and Hollywood stars.
   
7. The Delancy (Lower East Side)- 168 Delancy St. This place has three floors of pure partying. The basement offers live music performances, but if you do not want to feel trapped in then don't worry, just go up to the third floor. This one offers a relaxing atmosphere filled with palm tress and fountains.
   
8. Ava Lounge- 210 W. 55th St. Just come over here if you want to overlook all of Midtown Manhattan. Here you get to enjoy the views of Times Square, Columbus Circle, and the Hudson River.
   
9. Bar 13- 35 E. 13th St. Another 3-story bar, this one draws in the young crowds of NYC. Here the college students of Union Square come to enjoy a two-for-one happy hour. Not only do they come to mingle and drink, but also to enjoy the all around music of the DJ.
   
10. The View Lounge at the New York Marriot Marquis- 1535 Broadway, 48th fl. Not only do you find pricey, but good food here, you also have a wonderful atmosphere to spend the night away. The most unique thing this bar offers is a 360 degree rotating platform, that allows you to enjoy the grandeur of NYC from all angles. How cool is that!

When I go to NYC it does not matter that I am no celebrity, partying the night away at any of these rooftop bars will certainly make anyone feel like one.

Don't forget about Broadway!

When planning a vacation to New York, try not to pass up the opportunity to see a Broadway performance! They are perfect for a family activity because they entertain children and parents. Keep in mind, a “family friendly show” recommends that the children are at least 6 years old because it is important they do not disrupt the rest of the audience. I’ve researched a few of the best family friendly shows that are recommended to see. Take into account that there are plays constantly coming and going, so remember to check out what is going on the exact dates that you will be there. The most recent popular show is Hairspray. It is a family friendly show that displays fun and bright colored sets along with catchy tunes that will capture audiences of children and adults. Wicked is another hot show right now on Broadway. It is a musical based on the movie The Wizard of Oz but from the Wicked Witch of the West’s prospective. It has a much happier and light hearted twist to it than the movie did along with great music and performances throughout it. This show would be great for the family! I can tell you from personal experience that it was an amazing performance in Chicago… the one in New York will be even better. The Blue Man Group: Tubes is another performance that is based off of three silent men that perform hilarious skits. This comical show will attract families of children, teens, and adults. The performance in Chicago was amazing... again, it is probably even better in New York!

City Passes

Here’s a great pass that I found which will save you money and give you a fun day! The City Pass is a ticket offered in which you can visit all of the main attractions in New York. This will get you right into the attraction, without waiting in long lines. You buy a ticket based on what you want to do. They offer a Brooklyn Pass, Party Pass, MealTicket Pass, Explorer Pass, and a New York Pass. The New York City Pass lets you into the Empire State Building Observatory, the Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Circle Line Harbor Cruise, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Every pass looks like it offers you endless options to do that day/ night. If you’re planning a trip to New York, check it out!!

Taxis, Subs, and A Little Bit of Air

"Taxi", that is the one word you need to yell from the moment you step off La Guardia or JFK airports to the last word you hear your bellboy say after telling you to please come and visit again. There are a total of 12,779 taxis in NYC and they are all at your service. They take you to just about anywhere from the hottest bars downtown to the Broadway Musicals. Of course everything has its pros and cons. There may be 12,779 but at the same time that number of taxis is the transport for a record breaking total of 240 million passengers per year. So don't be afraid to be a little loud and chase that taxi, because its either catch it or walk it.

Another way to go is using the subways. Sometimes you really are just not in the mood of being stuck in that Manhattan traffic so you decide to go Underground instead. Fr

om experience subways are the way to go, at least in Europe. I've never been to NYC so I really don't know how the subways work there. Let's just pretend that they are the same as in Europe. If they are, then its the easiest and cheapest way (apart from walking) to move from place to place in these big and chaotic cities. Its simple you just buy your pass, you can get them from a one way trip to a full package if you are staying say three days somewhere. You buy these packages that allow you to use all the routes for the full three days, trust me these are a real good deal to consider because in the long run its cheaper than buying a new ticket everyday. 

So there is all this ground transportation, but what about daring to go a little higher up. Well actually a lot higher, its called the helicopter. The cool part is that many people don't know that the helicopter rides are the ones that sometimes provide the coolest sightseeing in NYC. I found this site about Romantic Helicopter Getaways. The site shows a variety of routes from going all the way to the breathtaking Niagara Falls to flying over the bright lights up the Big Apple. Also it offers different packages, each with a different route and different flying times. Generally the tours last about 20 minutes. I just think that this is a really cool and different way in which to view the city. Which other way do you get to see the splendor of Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building and the Lady herself up close!

Step into the Night

The Night hotel is a great place to stay for any Batman fan. It is a European-styled hotel decorated in all black and white. It has been described as "Modern Gothic Gotham." The place seems like pretty unusual place. I don't know many places all decorated in just two colors. It reminds me of an old horror film. The web page is even all in black and white. I recommend checking it out. The pictures of the rooms are impressive. There are 72 rooms and each is a little different. The rooms have flat screen plasma TVs that offer over 200 HD channels. Another neat thing I noticed about the hotel was Nightlife. It's a little restaurant/bar located in the hotel. They have many signature drinks but also a full menu of food items to choose from. Room service is offered nightly if you choose to stay in and are feeling a little hungry. The Night hotel even has a personal shopper. They will go out and buy things that you need. It sounds pretty neat to me. Nearby is the Chopra Center and Spa. The hotel gives away complimentary passes for yoga and meditation classes. The hotel is located right by Times Square so there is always something to do and you don't have to walk far. The next time I'm in New York I would definitely check this place out. 

Allen and Delancey's in New York City

The number one restaurant on the internet seems to be Allen and Delancey. The viewers say it is a very romantic place but they recommend you make reservations. Also, they say they have always had prompt seating. They also said that the food is "creative" but there are not a lot of choices. Also, you will not find anything like it anywhere else. They serve brunch, signature lunches and dinners as well as entrees. After reading how the viewers said the menu was creative, I had to go and look because sometimes people will say creative and don't really mean it. When i glanced at this menu and looked at the names i thought to myself, this actually is creative. Like other viewers said there isn't alot of choice, and I don't think it is really a "family place" unless your children enjoy black cod, Arctic Char, Slow Roasted Pork Belly, Colorado Lamb Chop, or Vialone Nano Risotto, I don't think they will like this restaurant. I think that they have more desserts on the menu than they do entrees and signatures. Which for some people may be a good thing. I know I love dessert so that would probably be the only reason I would visit this particular restaurant on a trip to New York City.

Top Ten Attractions in New York City

Top Ten New York City Attractions

1. The Empire State Building - New York City is full of tall buildings and skyscrapers…the Empire State Building being one of them. After a day of walking around and looking up at all the buildings, wouldn’t it be nice to look down on the city? Well, you can! Go check out the Empire State Building tour. Make sure to get tickets ahead of time in order to avoid waiting in the long line. Personally, I have never been to New York but I have a feeling a look down at the city would be nothing but amazing.
2. The Statue of Liberty- You cannot possibly attend New York City without taking a glimpse of possibly the most famous statue in the United States. The Statue of Liberty has become a symbol of freedom to our country and is definitely worth taking a look at if you’re in the city! If you want to explore more than just the outskirts of it, they offer a Statue of Liberty visitor’s guide, tips, and observatory tours. Sounds like something worthwhile to me!
3. Grand Central Terminal- No, no, not just the transportation place. Grand Central Terminal offers great shops, dining, and more for any tourists. There are also guided tours around Grand Central Park offered here and beautiful scenery to walk around in. Not to mention, this is one of the most popular tourist places in the city. Just a thought!
4. Rockefeller Center- The Rockefeller Center is known for its Christmas tree, ice-skating, observation deck, and their Radio City Music Hall. A day at Rockefeller would offer not only their famous activities but also many shopping and dining choices.
5. Staten Island Ferry- Free boat ride anyone? The Staten Island Ferry offers a free tour from lower Manhattan to Staten Island. Not only does is show off the harbor, but it also gives a tour past the Statue of Liberty!
6. Central Park- Central Park has always been known for its peaceful, glorious surroundings. I guess its’ reason for popularity is one of those things that everyone has to figure out on their own. I myself have never been there, so I don’t know the secret. But what I do know is that anyone can find a relaxing day in the park, on a boat, or walking around a zoo.
7. Times Square- If you don’t mind crowds of people, then you’ll love Times Square. Here you can choose from Broadway shows, dining places, museums, and much more. Supposedly the view of the glowing lights after sunset is unbelievable. There are over 26 million people that come to visit Times Square every year…so there must be something about it!
8. American Museum of Natural History- Here’s a places even the toddlers can enjoy! Outside of all the chaos on Times Square or at the Statue of Liberty, this Museum has a quiet atmosphere that is children-friendly. The famous dinosaur and living sea exhibits are set up here with everything from fossils to gems on display. There are also activities and programs designed for families and children available here! This sounds like a great family day for those who have young children.
9. Sports Museum- Ok gentlemen, how about a day for you and the boys. Here’s a great day for you guys to go walk around in the nation’s first and only museum of sports. Go have fun without the ladies and enjoy doing your thing!
10. Shopping- Whether you go to a specific department store or down a street you will find shop after shop in New York City. Here’s a great day for the ladies while the men are doing their own thing. A few great streets to hit are 69th, 5th, 70th, and Madison Ave. A lot of the shops are high end, but to be able to walk into them and see what they offer is worth your time!

~New Yorker Style~

Bright lights, brilliant colors, and bizarre people this is what New York is all about. New York has a world of its own; people there have their own language, attitude, and style. Walking down the street you will see many different worlds colliding and yet coexisting. When I am taking a vacation anywhere and I am site seeing, I don’t just look at the statues or monuments. I look at the people as they walk by. Everyone does it, when you are at the mall and you just want to leave, but everyone else is still shopping, you end up sitting on the bench watching people go about their business. I just take a break and grab a nice bench near a semi busy area under a nice shady tree and as I enjoy the day I watch people strutting their stuff. People don’t get dressed every morning trying to just blend in, especially in New York. Most people in New York want to show off what they got. I thoroughly enjoy seeing all the different styles people have and create. Sometimes, I feel that they haven’t looked in a mirror and other times it looks like they just stepped out of a magazine. I enjoy seeing people enjoying life, not only are they living, they are making and creating something unique and personal to them. I love New York for all of its diversity and creativeness. So don’t just live, make something just for you and own it.

Am I in a Movie??

Planning a trip to New York or anywhere can be very stressful. There is so much to do and so many possible places to stay. New York has some of the most well known hotels. As I was looking around I came upon the Casablanca. The hotel has a European-style and is a family-owned boutique. It just opened in 1997 so it is fairly new. The Moroccan theme of the hotel is amazing. I urge anyone to take a virtual tour of the place or even look at the pictures. The virtual tour lets you see the lounge, a suite, bedroom, the dining area, and even a bathroom. In most hotels the rooms are the best part. The bathroom isn't that great and no one really notices them. In the Casablanca the bathroom is beautiful! Walls and floors are decorated with Mediterranean tiles. Each bathroom comes with many extras. Some things include bathrobes, special natural made amenities, and a spacious shower/tub that is scald proof! It isn't just the bathrooms that are decorated beautifully; the whole hotel is as if you are in a movie. Everywhere you look it is decorated in an authentically. Another neat feature of the hotel is Rick's Cafe. It is located on the second floor. It isn't like any other hotel cafe. Rick's offers a continental breakfast, but also throughout the day serves complimentary cookies, coffees, and teas. It seems like a great place to go and relax or just meet up with some friends. There is also a special going on right now for the election. It is for those people who are looking to get away from their hectic jobs. The hotel offers discounted rates and blocks all news channels so you can truly lay back and relax. If you are really thinking about checking out this hotel I recommend going to tripadvisor. There are 650 reviews of the hotel that can tell you anything else you might want to know.

~Quick and Easy Snack Foods~

When you find yourself hitting the open road and you know it will be a lengthy drive, don’t tell yourself that you will just pick something up along the way. Fast food is convenient and that is about it. Most fast food places don’t have food that is any kind of healthy for you. Yes, some have salads and fruits, but how long has that “freshly made salad” been sitting in the mini fridge behind the counter? Maybe it was fresh when it was shipped, but that was a good four days ago. Take a little extra time to think about what you could take on the road to prevent you from any fast food temptation. If you are worried about making a mess in your vehicle, take a snack that is easy to get out and in a wrapper or container that isn’t hard to open. Taking a Ziploc baggy filled with grapes, apple slices, or even your favorite dry cereal is a quick and easy way to have a snack on the go without much hassle or mess. If a little snack won’t be enough to tide you over, make a sandwich and a granola bar with you. These are generally things you already have stocked in your house, so you won’t have to make an extra trip to the grocery store. On top of that they are good for you and they taste good to. So next time when you feel that you should just pick a snack up on the way, take a few extra minutes to pack yourself a nutritious and delicious snack instead.

The W Experience

The W New York Hotel has style and class. I was amazed when I went to the web site. The photo page has a lot of neat pictures of the hotel. The hotel is decorated in a modern look and each room has its own twist. There are four different types of regular rooms you can choose from and also six types of suites. There are 688 rooms in total and each has something different from the rest. The best room to check out is the Extreme Wow Suite. The 750 sq. ft. penthouse room has its own jacuzzi tub, and even a bathroom television! I know not everyone is looking for such an expensive room. I would also recommend checking out the Cozy Room. It was inspired by nature so it has zebrawood, smoky amethyst walls, and a goose-down comforter. Another unique feature of the hotel is the Whatever/Whenever Service. The W Hotel wants everyone's stay as special as possible so they will do whatever it takes to make your dreams come true. Two things they have done so far were having a birthday party at 35,000 feet and a bathtub full of hot chocolate for someone. The hotel is located in the middle of Manhattan. It is within walking distance to almost anything. Most hotels have boring meeting rooms, but here they have sensory meeting rooms. There is the option of having your meeting catered, equipped with music, and your pick of aromatherapy scents. I was also checking out the restaurants there because what kind of hotel doesn't have great places to eat. There are three places to eat, the Heartbeat, Whiskey Blue, and Oasis Blue. The Heartbeat really caught my attention. It offers Latin American cuisine from formal to casual. Meals are prepared specially there. It looks like a great restaurant to try. The W Hotel is one of a kind and looks like a great retreat from the busy city. 

~Top Five Tips for Shopping in New York~

1. Take Only What You Need. If you are planning on shopping all day, then don’t take a twenty pound purse with you. Unless you plan on going all the way back to your hotel after every store, you’re going to be tired very quickly. Not only are you going to have to carry your purse with you all day, but also all of the items you buy. If you are shopping for a new wardrobe, trying to carry fifteen bags and your purse around is really going to get heavy quickly. Also, it is easier to lose track of things if you are juggling your bags. Losing that seventy dollar skirt can be a damper on your New York shopping experience.

2. Take Comfortable Shoes! Unless you can teleport yourself where ever you want instantaneously, I suggest that you take some really comfy shoes to walk around in. High heels get really uncomfortable after a few hours, so trying to get to all the sales quickly may be asking too much from your feet. They don’t have to be your old ratty shoes that you would hike in, just a semi-used pair of tennis shoes that you can walk around in for a few hours while you go shopping.

3. Get a Map! When you start planning your vacation, be sure to plan activities and know how to get there and how to get back to where ever you are staying. Being lost in any city is bad enough, but being lost in New York is a whole new kind of lost. The tall towering building and winding streets can be a bit confusing and overwhelming. Be sure to have a very good idea where you plan on going and how to get there. You don’t want to take a taxi just to go two blocks down.


4. Take your own make-up. Unless you feel the need to go to New York and buy make-up until your heart is content or your wallet is empty. Then remember to stalk up on your usual brand and take it along. Make-up is usually outrageous prices anyway, so save some money and buy your make-up needs before you leave.


5. Drink Plenty of Water. While hitting all the sales and seeing all the sites, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Try to avoid drinking a soft drink with every meal. Cut back to one per day that way you stay hydrated and can do more shopping! You should enjoy your shopping in New York, not spend it dehydrated. If you don’t like drinking water, you can buy the flavored water. Just be sure to stay hydrated.

New York Summer Restaurant Week

This week we decided to find awesome places in New York. When I was searching, the first thing that popped up I thought was very exciting. Every year they have one week during the summer called New York Summer Restaurant Week. During this week you can dine in Manhattans best restaurants for half the price. During this week, they will serve 3-course lunches for $24.07 and 3-course dinners for $35. Participating restaurants include Dos Caminos, Pastis, Nobu, Tao, One if by Land Two if By Sea, Blue Water Grill, and many others.

So I thought I would tell you a little bit more about these restaurants.
First of all, Dos Caminos is an excellent mexican restaurant. They have got some of the best margaritas, even thought they run about $12 a piece but they are excellent. The guacamole is amazing, and it is a good place for groups. They have a very festive vibe and outside seating for those of you who like the outdoors.

Nobu is excellent for japanese cuisine. It opened in 1994 in New York City. They have an excellent crab salad that is a little on the pricier side but well worth it, very generous with the crab meat.

Tao specializes in Hong Kong, Chinese, and Thai cuisines. This restaurant was oringinally a 19th century stable and then got turned into a baloconied theatre, and then into a majestic asian temple. There is a 16 foot tall buddha that "floats" above the virtual reflecting pool complete with japanese carp that can be seen from anywhere in the restaurant. This restaurant has three levels of seating so theres always room for more people. There is a sushi bar and 2 full service bars.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea is all-american cuisine. Though it is a little pricier running about $80 per person for the average check. It was voted most romantic restaurant. Their signature dishes are the american loin of lamb, quickly seared buffalo rib-eye, sauteed gulf shrimp, beef wellington, and halibut poached in coconut milk.

Blue Water Grill was voted 11th most popular restaurant in New York in 2008. It is located in the heart of union square. There is a marble and majestic urban setting with a variety of seafood entrees. From the sushi bar to the oyster bar there is every kind of seafood you would want. Blue Water Grill offers a Sunday-brunch-with-a-view overlooking union square.

Ready To Take Those Maps Out?

I was actually very excited to see that this week we were researching Arizona. I've never had the chance to go and see the Grand Canyon, but I've heard its and awesome place to visit. So now I definitely think that a trip to Arizona should be on the making because during this week of research I not only want to visit the Grand Canyon but some other places too. I found this site that was very interesting to me because it divided Arizona intro three zones: the Northern roads, the Southern roads, and the Central Roads. I decided to read on all three and found the road trip one each zone that has totally convinced me on buying my hiking shoes and going to Arizona.

• Arizona Strip East Rim- Northern Roads: We have all heard of the Grand Canyon, but did you know that its divided into several regions and some of them are not given the sufficient attention they deserve? Well, the East Rim is one of those. People pass it everyday on their way to either the North or South rim. Some have been lucky to stop by and admire its beauty, here is what they have found. If you're a fisher then be sure to stop here, fly-fishers have been known to stop at Lees Ferry, a place were rainbow trout is found swimming its way down the Colorado River. If you're a photographer then come to capture the fiery red that the sunset lights up off the Marble Canyon and at the same time capture the diverse vegetation of Kaibab National Forest. And finally for me a good tan always sounds good, so I personally would go and visit, to then find myself looking at a white sanded beach and truly find myself in paradise and Vasey's Paradise after a day of hiking 
•  Mogollon Rim- Central Roads: I loved this place when I researched it because to me this was a great example of true nature. What I mean by this is that you kind of have the best of both worlds. When you're on your way to Mogollon Rim you pass through the vast desert, you see the Canyons but at the end when your telling tales of the trip you actually have something to be excited to talk about. Not that the Grand Canyon is a story to tell on its own, but after a while rocks and sand seriously is it that interesting??!! At Mogollon Rim you see all types of greens, blues and life! The smell of the greens from high grasses to tall pine trees; the refreshing sounds of the blue currents flowing both north and south; and finally life, you see a variety of animals from bears, deer and elk. To me nothing sounds greater than camping at a place like this. Mogollon Rim is definitely the place for me to take my camera an extra gigabyte memory stick.
• Yuma- Southern Roads: This is the coolest one of the three. Never would I have imagined that going to Arizona could really mean visiting THE "Official Center of the World". You get to the place and see a series of relics from: a sculpture of Michelangelo's arm of God, to some original stairway pieces of the Eiffel Tower to a collection of walls with random texting on them, that finally lead the way to the Pyramid where the center of the world is actually located. Once you get it, you are to stand on the bronze dot which is the actual center of the world. You even get a certificate as part of the tour which has the exact time of when YOU stood at the "Official Center of the World". How cool is that!??!! 

After reading about all these random but pretty neat places, I know that some day I will make this road trip. Just remember that where ever you go PLEASE take the camera, because these are all unforgettable places.

Shopping in AZ

Well, a trip to Sedona wouldn’t be complete without one of my favorite things - shopping! This beautiful place is loaded with stores. To capture all of the shopping that Sedona offers, you would really need to spend at least 5 full days hitting all the shops!
If you only have a few hours, my favorite Sedona shopping destination happens to be the outlet mall. It has all the typical designer stores and typical outlet pricing that you find in other cities, but you still have the gorgeous red rock as a back drop outside the stores! And, just like other outlet malls, you need to watch what you are buying. Most stores have a no return or 14-day return policy.
There are a lot of Native American craft and jewelry shops in Sedona. I found these stores interesting to go into and browse; however, I wasn’t personally interested in purchasing anything. The style just doesn’t fit my Midwestern roots and décor! I did appreciate the craftsmanship and the pride that the Native Americans take in their work.
And, of course, you can wander into many stereotypical tourist shops that are full of tee shirts, hand-made crafts, and Sedona souvenirs. You will also find a lot of silver jewelry, semi-precious stones, and resort ware in the shops. What you won’t find - a bargain! Expect to pay higher prices than you would in many other places outside of Sedona.
Nonetheless, it is well worth it to just wander into the unique stores and really experience the flavor of Sedona from local vendors. Just make sure you have on your walking shoes!

A trip from above

WARNING: If you’re afraid of heights this activity is not for you! However, if they don’t bother you and you’d love to see some more of Arizona, hop on. Another great idea for an itinerary filler is a hot air balloon ride. There are several locations to take off from and many different types of scenery to glide across. The trip that I found travels above Phoenix, Arizona Sonoran Desert. It looks beautiful! The ride offers sunrise and sunset tours. The sunrise trip costs $175 per person and the sunset trip costs $185 per person here. There are other rides available from different locations that overlook mountains, golf courses, valleys, and old west and native Arizona. I have been to Phoenix several times and it has been nothing but spectacular. I could only imagine what the rocks, dessert, and wildlife would look like from up above!

Still stumped on what to do in Arizona? Here’s another idea. Sedona is one of the most beautiful places that you will find in Arizona. Driving into Sedona, and seeing the vast red rocks in the distance is worth the trip alone! The views are absolutely breathtaking.
This spot has everything from arts and culture, shopping, outdoor sports, to spiritual and metaphysical activities all within some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Anything that you choose to do in Sedona will be done with a gorgeous backdrop and peaceful surroundings.
There are several restaurants in Sedona, and they all have a quaint, friendly atmosphere. Many of them serve home-style cooking that pleases even the pickiest appetite. For dessert, the famous fudge shop on the main street downtown will cure any sweet tooth!
I went to Sedona about 2 years ago with my family and it was an unforgettable vacation! We started off our day by going on a 2-hour jeep tour through the tall red rocks…what a ride! The drivers are trained to make the experience unforgettable in every way. One minute they had us screaming because we thought we were going off the edge of a cliff, and the next minute we were wowed by the amazing views. The tour had us driving up a mountain (without a paved road or any type of man made path). Then on the way down, we literally drove down stairs carved into the natural rock. It was exhilarating! We also viewed the real “Thunder Mountain”, the very mountain that the ride “Thunder Mountain” in Disney World was modeled after.
On our way back downtown, as we ended our tour, we were shown the homes of some famous celebrities. Lucille Ball owned a home in Sedona, and it sits on the very edge of a cliff. Many of the celebrity homes, in fact, are built into the cliffs, which looks fabulous! The only thing that would have made it better is if we were able to tour the inside of some of these homes.
For those who are more interested in experiencing beautiful Sedona in a more “natural way”, you can do it by horse! We took a 2-hour horseback ride at the end of our day, and we got to take in Sedona in a whole different way. It is a very organized tour with well- trained horses. And once again, the scenery was indescribable.
Here are just a few ideas from my own experience in Sedona. Of course, you would have a wonderful time following a completely different itinerary, however the activities I mentioned are definitely worth looking into!

Can't Travel Light??

Packing is one of those things, most people have trouble with. Some people pack enough for a few days and have no problem wearing the same shirt for three days. Others feel that if we are sinning if we don’t take everything that isn’t nailed down. When it comes to packing I sometimes feel that everything I have could be used or helpful. I have the hardest time limiting myself on what is practical versus something that could possibly be useful. Most of the time I only unpack a fourth of my suitcase, the other three fourths never leaves the suitcase. Packing accordingly is very important, not only do you have to figure out how to get everything packed in your suitcase; then you have to figure out how to load the vehicle you are taking. Once you get to the airport, you have to carry your luggage to the desk and check it in. What about once you are off the plane and you have to get it all to the taxi or rental car? What are you going to do when the elevator is out of service and your room is on the third floor? These are just a few things you should ask yourself before you load up all seven of your suitcase that have a minimum weight of forty-five pounds each. Packing light just make sense. Do you really feel like paying hundreds of dollars just to take items that you more than likely won’t look at and have a better chance of losing it than using it? You will save more money just picking up those little items that you need or accidentally forget at Walgreens or Wal-Mart. Unless you are willing to pay four bellhops a generous tip to carry all that luggage, I suggest that you save your back and your wallet a few aches and just pack what you need. Packing light is easy and smart, you’ll never know until you try it.

A Trip Down the Canyon

Here we are in the beautiful Arizona! The scenery, the weather, and the range of activities couldn’t make for a better vacation spot! Here is a great days activity for you to check out.
The Grand Canyon is a fantastic spot to get the family together and have a day of canyon tours and hikes. Even if you are not into physical activity, you can still get away with the beautiful site seeing. There are train rides, bus rides, and even mule rides for those of you who are up for a wild adventure! If you do think physical activity would make the day even better, there are guided hikes through trails and river trips for you to get in on!
Make sure that when planning the days’ events that you look at the times scheduled. A lot of the times are either very early morning for sunrise tours or late evening for sunset tours. This is definitely a trip to look into! I have been to many areas of Arizona but never the Grand Canyon. However, this is going to be a trip I will make ASAP! Let me know what you think.

A Piece of History

 

I have always wanted to go to the Grand Canyon. It was one of the first National Parks in the U.S. and there is so much history behind it. It just seems like something pictures can't give justice to. As I was browsing hotels in the area I found two that seemed out of the ordinary. The first one is the El Tovar. It's located right off the canyon rim. As you walk out of your room the canyon is literally feet away. The way I see it, if you are going to plan a trip to see the canyon why not stay right there! The El Tovar has been opened for over 100 years but was recently just renovated. The rooms are nothing great but look decorated very cute and cozy. Wherever you are around the hotel you have a great view. Some rooms even have a balcony over looking the canyon. The El Tovar dining room and lobby have a rustic log cabin look. It looks like a cute, affordable place to stay. 

Another unique place I came cross was the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. It's located in Williams, Arizona on the way to the Grand Canyon. It was designed to resemble the old Santa Fe Railroad train depot. It looks like a very inviting place. The lobby is filled with old bits and pieces of the depot, seems like a place you can just sit back and relax. Whenever I go to a hotel I love to have a pool. The Grand Canyon Railway hotel offers an indoor pool and also has a jacuzzi. There are three types of rooms you can choose from and they all look very spacious. I hate having to share a small room with three or four other people so these rooms would be a great size. This is not your everyday hotel. It's out of the ordinary and looks like a good place to try.

Souviners- "What Was I Thinking!?"

How many times have you gone on vacation and told yourself that you won’t waste your money on worthless souvenirs? I know I tell myself that every time we travel, but what always happens? I come home with so much random trinkets that my three year old nephew won’t even play with. Souvenir shops are everywhere, in the hotel lobby, right outside the hotel, and you can always get something at the nearest gas station. There always seems to be a good idea to buy the random pet rock that says “We had a rockin’ time at the Grand Canyon!” Or we buy the embarrassing souvenir t-shirt that says “Look at my weiner” with a picture a weiner dog on the front for your brother-in-law that can’t take a joke. It seems at the time we are in the store shopping that we have to buy things just because we are on vacation and we are supposed to spend our hard earned money on silly souvenirs that will probably will never use or see again, except in our garage sale a few years down the road. Then when we get back to our room and discover that we don’t have any room for all the souvenirs, we are surprised. Then when we come home with more luggage than we left with, we wonder with in the world did we buy such useless things.

Some people will use those souvenirs, don’t get me wrong. Just because your brother-in-law didn’t like the t-shirt with the weiner dog, doesn’t mean your second cousin whose birthday you forgot about, won’t like it. At certain times, souvenirs come in handy, just most of the time they are discarded or forgotten. If you buy and use your souvenirs, then just start leaving some extra room in your bag, so you can go souvenirs shopping all you want. For those of us who just have a bad habit of spending just to be spending, try and find something more worthwhile to spend your money on. If you and your significant other wanted to go to a fancy dinner, but aren’t sure if you had enough money. Just do it. How often do you get to get all dressed up and have other people wait on you? Plus you will have something substantial to brag about instead of showing everyone at work your “super cool pet rock.” Don’t blow your hard earned money on souvenirs that will be smashed on the trip home or just forgotten about and put in your basement. It’s your hard earned money, spend it on something that you really want.

Arizona Restaurants

Today I was thinking about showing you the top 5 restaurants in Arizona. Then I started thinking and I realized it would be hard for me to say what the top restaurants are in Arizona, because I have never been there before. So I decided I would save the top list until we focused on somewhere that I have been before.







But, what I can do is the same thing I have been doing. So the most popular restaurant on the internet is Rosario Ristorante. This is a great place for a romantic dinner, a night out with the family, or just a great meal. Their house specialty is Stuffed Veshalica, which is pork tenderloin filled with cheese and bacon. Another specialty is Pljeskavica, which is a patty of blended ground beef and veal steak. Yet another specialty is the Kara-George Schnitzel. Which is tender pork filled with Kajmak(creamed butter), rolled in bread crumbs, deep fried and topped with a light cream sauce. They also have a selection of entrees for vegetarians. They have whole-wheat and gluten-free pastas upon request. Reservations are recommended for this restaurant. Everything on the menu is less than $25. They have an assortment of entrees ranging from pastas to seafoods to chicken. They also have European and Serbian Specialties.

Another restaurant that I found interesting is House of Tricks. This restaurant was built in 1987 in a small cottage. They later bought and renovated the little house next door to accomidate more people and bigger parties. It is located a block and a half away from downtown Tempe. They have a wide open deck, Outdoor patio bar, and a firplace built between the two houses. The menu is most commonly described as "New American" with a delicate mix of French and Southwest flavors. The lunch menu is priced around $10-$15 for entrees where the dinner menu is more around $20-$30 for entrees. There is a large menu to choose from so I think everyone would be able to find something they enjoy.

A Romantic Getaway

 

Many people love getting away with their special someone. As I was looking around I noticed a lot of cute getaway places for couples, whether it be just for the night or a honeymoon. One place that really caught my eye was The Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. It is located right in the Sonoran Mountains and has breath-taking views. Each room or suite has their own view of the mountains from their very own balcony. They also have many activities just for two. Together you can enjoy a moonlight massage, sunset dinners, or even a romantic hike. It seems the hotel does anything they can to make your stay as special as they can.

Another place I noticed was The Phoenician, located at the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale. The whole place was very elegant and romantic. It seemed like a great place to get away with your special someone. I was surprised at how many places they had to eat just within the resort. They offer eight places to grab a bite to eat that range from ice cream to a formal sit down restaurant. The Phoenician has lush gardens and poolside patios. There are nine different pools, one with a 165-foot water slide, and private cabanas you can rent. I also noticed the great romantic packages they offer. Three that really caught my eye were the Grand Romance, The Taste of Luxury, and The Gift of Luxury. The Grand offers deluxe room accommodations, champagne, flowers, and breakfast in bed. The Taste of Luxury has superior view accommodations and great food deals throughout your stay. Lastly, the Gift of Luxury has deluxe room accommodations and special resort and spa credit. All three seem to be a bargain if you are looking for a package deal. I would check out either place in Scottsdale if you are looking for a romantic getaway. 

Fun for the Whole Family

Ever been on a family trip where everyone can't seem to get along and everyone wants to do separate things? I think we all have. The Arizona Grand Resort, located in Phoenix, offers a solution to that. There is something fun to do for everyone in the family. The main attraction would have to be the Oasis Water Park, which was voted in the Top 10 by the Travel Channel. It features an eight-story high tower with three mind-blowing slides. If you are not the daring type you can head to the lazy river or take a ride in the gigantic wave pool. The Oasis Water Park even has a 25-person hot tub. If you are looking for something else, you can try the 18-hole golf course, considered one of the most challenging in the Phoenix area, or just completely relax at the Arizona Grand Spa. There is plenty to keep busy but it offers so much more. The Arizona Grand Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond all-suite hotel and is located conveniently six miles from the Sky Harbor International Airport. There's not much more you could ask for, but a hotel isn't great unless the room is great. The resort has 640 non-smoking suites. Each was designed for "natural comfort," and has soft, white bedding. Every resort suite has a queen sofa bed, separate living room, and private balcony or patio. Hungry? The resort has three restaurants to choose from, so no one will be going hungry. They offer Aunt Chilada's, Mexican food, Phantom Horse Grill, American food, and Rustler's Rooste, old-fashioned Western food. The Arizona Grand Resort has so much more to offer, I recommend it on your next family trip to Phoenix. 

Sunscreen

If you are going anywhere in Arizona, be sure to take sunscreen! If you’ve never been to Arizona I will just give you a heads up… It’s usually sunny and hot. If you are planning on going and seeing the Grand Canyon or just laying by the pool at your hotel, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen. Children are especially susceptible to sunburn, because have fair skin and love being outside. When the family is out and about hiking or swimming, be sure that everyone has sunscreen on. Most sunscreens work best when applied 15-20 minutes before going outside. Wearing a brimmed hat or loose fitted clothing help to cool you down and help block the sun’s rays. Don’t be one of those people, who goes on vacation looking like Snow White and comes back looking like Mr. Krabs from Sponge Bob Square Pants. It would really stink to go on vacation and have to spend most of your time all hot and uncomfortable just because you didn’t wear sunscreen. Not only is it uncomfortable being sun burnt, it’s also bad for your health. Having a tan may be nice for a while, but when people burn then it eventually turns into a tan they can have some serious consequences. One too many sunburns can result in wrinkles, premature aging, and possibly some type of skin cancer. Being tan now isn’t worth having a bunch of wrinkles and moles later in life. Sunscreen is like brushing your teeth, sometimes it doesn’t seem worth spending two minutes of your life doing it, but if you don’t then no one will want to kiss you. The same is with not applying sunscreen. Who really wants to kiss a face full of moles and wrinkles? That would have to be some seriously blind love right there, so just save yourself now and use sunscreen. Applying sunscreen with a spf of 15 will protect from the most of the harmful UV rays from the sun and most people still get a tan while using spf 15. So if you really want a tan, u still can get one you just have to be careful that you do it properly, otherwise there can be some serious consequences later down the road. Most importantly, you should enjoy your vacation, don’t let the sun ruin your fun.

Top Restaurants in AZ

The first restaurant that caught my eye in Pheonix is one that is a little bit pricier. The White Chocolate Grill is a contemporary American dining experience. They specialize in the best white chocolate deserts that are house-made. Everything from the leather booth seating , the soft lighting, and the excellent bar help to create the classic yet sophisticated setting. They also have restaurants located in Nevada and Illinios. This restaurant does accept reservations only until 4 pm. So if you have a bigger party or if you think you may need it, you can make the reservations. They also have call-ahead seating so if you call and they are on a wait you can put your name in. They have a good size menu and also have a childrens menu so you can bring the little ones with you if you have to. They have great food, excellent service, and an excellent atmosphere. The restaurant averages 4000 customers a week. They have a very well-rounded menu that is distinctly American but you will also find some unique dishes.

Then as I was browsing some more I came across Furio. Now this website looked very interesting to me, I think the music on the website is what made me look at it longer. This restaurant is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Another thing that made me look longer was the fact that they have all their awards posted on the left hand side of the website. They have won awards such as "Scottsdale's Hottest New Restaurant" and "Best Girls' Night Out" in 2007. Furio offers delicious Italian dishes, hand-crafted specialty drinks, and a plush lounge atmosphere. They have fresh mussels and aqua clams, home-made pastas and pizzas, shrimp, New York strip, and much much more. the dining room can provide private seating for up to 70 people. The lounge is filled with over-sized chairs that just make you want to sink into them. This warm space has enough room for 30 of you to sit for a martini with the girls or just for social dining. Then they have the bar, which is known for its smooth jazz on sunday night. It is also known for wining the "Best Happy Hour" in Scottsdale. Furios bar is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail, a signature martini, a small snack, or a late night meal. My favortie idea that this restaurant has is the Martini's and manicures on Mondays. Where you can sit back and enjoy your favorite martini and get a manicure for only $10! If you go onto the website and view the press page, you can see more about the Martinis and Manicures. Another thing that seems to make life very easy is the fact that they have online reservations. All you have to do is go on to their website and you can make a reservation right there. Just when you thought this restaurant has it all, you can also do catering with four different menu options. You can also choose appetizers and wines to be catered too. And they have hosted bar services where you can choose from three different options.

Road Trip Anyone??

I was just reading the blogs and I noticed that earlier I did not mention in detail anything about the rental cars. When vacationing once in Austria my family decided to rent a minivan and it was a lot of fun. Like Cary Packing said, it's a great way to spend time with the family and to actually have a hands on experience with your ultimate destination. When you get somewhere and just decide to pay for a tour guide, YES you do get to see many of the sites and learn about the history behind them and everything, but when you think about you can do that all on your own. I was now just browsing the web looking at the ultimate road trips to Colorado and found the following website which shows the two twenty Scenic Drives and Road Trips of Colorado: www.allgetaways.com/top_getaways.asp?areaid=100072. All of them are great, but I'm just going to talk a little bit about my favorite three:

• Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park, CO)- So imagine yourself doing a 360 degree turn and seeing both a densely covered forest and then snow covered peaks?!! Sounds great huh...Well this is exactly what you will find yourself seeing when visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park. Here you not only escape into a vast range of mountains, you are at THE park of the nation. It is the greatest collection of nature breathtaking scenery's in the United States, with a mixture of: valleys, glaciers, and alpine lakes. If you want your eyes to just dive into a scene of just pure natural beauty then be sure to visit.

• Great Sand Dunes National Monument (Mosca, CO)- When you look at the forest with all the different greens that cover it, sand doesn't really pop into your mind. Well, don't be fooled, because not very far from the forest lies a desert. It's not just any desert, in fact it is one where 700 ft. tall sand dunes block the view to the states great and vast mountain range. The sand dunes are HUGE, and huge is also the astonishment that you will feel when you actually see these in person.

• Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway: Colorado (Grand Junction, CO)- If your into science and the whole dinosaur thing then come on over to this place. By visiting this place, you will feel like your taking a trip back to the past. You see rock carvings from the Fremont Indians and you also get the chance to visit Dinosaur Hill where earlier dinosaur excavations are displayed. 

These three are great places to go and I hope that they can  help you find some other places of interest for the best road trip.

colorado activity

Believe it or not, there is more to do in Colorado then skiing and snowboarding! Colorado offers a beautiful span of scenery at the Seven Falls that any type of vacationers can fall in love with. Whether you are with your family, friend, or special someone there are many fun and relaxing activities to take part in.
A day at Seven Falls would for sure be a packed itinerary based on what you want to do. Between the wildlife canyon tours, educational exhibits, hiking trails, and shops, any vacationer should be guaranteed a day of fun! I highly suggest looking more into it if you’re planning a vacation to Colorado and would like a break away from the slopes!

The Hotel Monaco

Downtown Denver is full of unique places to stay. If you are looking to "indulge your senses," I recommend The Hotel Monaco. It's located in the heart of Denver just minutes away from the 16th Street Mall and the Colorado Convention Center. The Hotel Monaco offers so much you will never be bored. It's like stepping into a whole new world. The hotel is sophisticated, stylish, and very colorful. It was recently voted one of the "Top 500 Best Hotels in the World, and the "Best Luxury Hotel in Denver." It offers its own built in Italian restaurant, Panzano along with an Aveda Spa and Salon. The Hotel Monaco also offers personalized rooms, a 24-hour on-site fitness center, and round-the-clock room service. This is truly the place to sit back and relax. 

Diddy Blog #12 - "Gas Prices are Too High"

Sorry guys I was just trying to see if the link about Diddy was working, apparently it does not. So I'm trying to post it again a different way for you to be able to just click on the link and find it directly. Just try to click on the title it should work this time.

Gas Prices High??!! Want a Cheap Ride??!

So by now, you've read everything that has to do with entertainment, enjoying family time, and where to go in order to get your belly full. It all sounds great and your ready to gear up and head for Colorado, but you ask yourself "How on Earth I am going to get there without spending my months salary on gas??!!" Well, although you are probably thinking of just setting up some tents in the backyard and calling that your camping trip, my name is Traveling Tina and I am here to help you get the best deals for you and your family to spend a real camping trip or a hit the slopes with that fresh smell of pine tree and the scenery which is just breathtaking. 

I would like to start by telling you guys that I myself do a lot of traveling, especially in the holidays in order to go back and visit my family; so I kind of consider myself and expert when it comes to looking for airplane fares. First thing I recommend is that if your planning a trip in general, but ESPECIALLY for special times like Thanksgiving and Christmas, start looking for tickets ahead of time!! You can book a ticket as far as 6 months before your actual trip!! I do this all the time and I get into all sorts of websites, here I am going to list a few:

• www.Travelocity.com
• www.Expedia.com
• www.Orbitz.com
• www.Cheaptickets.com

For me this are great websites. They are easy to follow, in some of them you get to pick from a list of departures and arrivals the best time for you in order to make your trip as convenient for you as possible. Don't be afraid of signing up for e-mails, thinking that you will get like 100 of those annoying e-mails everyday; that when you see how many inboxes you have you get all excited they might be from a special someone or a friend from high school, and when you open them its just a bunch of useless stuff about singles wanting to meet you online or those darn coupons that take like an hour of your time filling out surveys and at the end they tell you that the coupon does not apply to your area code. Seriously, sign up for the e-mails and every one or two weeks you will be getting e-mails showing low-cost airfares to the most recent vacation spots which you had been researching about. 

On these website not only to you find the greatest and cheapest airfares, but also they have access to researching according to your criteria and budget the best fares for hotels and car rentals. Again, you get to chose the days and hours that are best for you!! So to all of you who are already planning do it AHEAD OF TIME!! You get them cheaper!! There are some people that arrive to the airports as "standbys" or book their tickets hours before the departures because the tickets ARE cheaper. In my opinion and from personal experience I would not rely on this because for me the thought of vacationing is having fun but at the same time escaping from the stress of our incredibly stressful days. For me not knowing whether I have a seat or not hours before the airplanes departure is just too stressful. Also the sooner you book them the less risk you take about having to pay more as gas prices keep on rising. Take what happened to Diddy the other day as a lesson to be taught. He was going on a trip, found out how much he would have to pay just for gas by having using his private jet, so he decided to get on a commercial airplane instead. Not only did he fly commercial but also in coach!! He actually videotaped the whole thing and posted it on youtube, here is the link for you to enjoy: http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yh1NHRP3NA&feature=related , if the link gives you problems just visited www.youtube.com , and type in Diddy Blog #12- "Gas Prices are too High". 

Travel Games

One of my favorite things about family vacations were all of the games we would play while cruising along the road. Like the Alphabet Game, using only billboards, license plates, signs for stores, etc. to go through the entire alphebet. You start at A and try and make it to Z, but depending on what state your going through, it can be hard to find, Q, X, and Z. Or what about Slug Bug? Where you get a free hit at one of your siblings if you see a Volkswagen Beetle and you yell out the color of the car then punch the person closest to you. You had to be sure to yell out, “No slug bug back!” to avoid any retaliation from the receiver of your slug bug. I loved that game, “Slug Bug Yellow, No slug bug back!” One of the greatest times was when we would go passed a Volkswagen sales lot, the yelps from the back seat of our minivan was one of the few things in life I lived for! So if you find yourself on a long road trip with any family members, try and take your head phones off and try and enjoy some time to laugh with your family and actually enjoy it!

Colorado- activities

Hi everyone! My name is Coral Reef. By looking at my blog entrees you will find great activities and fun destinations to hit while on your get away. Now, I’m sure the majority of you is in the same mindset that I am when I am planning to go on vacation. It only happens once or twice a year- so why not make it the best it could be? I am going to try to help you find great things to do to make your itinerary full of exciting activities and your vacation worthwhile!
First, we will be hitting the beautiful Colorado. For all you skiers, snowboarders, and adventure seekers, get ready to hit the slopes! I highly recommend planning one of your days at Breckenridge Ski Resort…I have no doubt that you wont regret it. Whether you plan to book your stay at this resort, or visit it for a day, you are sure to have a full load of activities to choose from.
Breckenridge has 146 trails that span through 4 connected mountains. Their trails range from intermediate to advanced and are neatly groomed with the perfect amount of snow. Off the slopes, Breckenridge offers historic tours, ice-skating, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and a theatre. Also, for all of you night owls, they have many activities ranging from fine dining and great performances to nightclubs and bars! I hope you take advantage of the great opportunities that Breckenridge has to offer!