Thursday, October 29, 2009

Nor a Haunted Hill to Eerie

There's not a cliff to awesome
nor a stream too swift or deep

Nor a haunted hill too eerie,
not a mountain trail too steep

For the questing heart to venture
or the eager breath to dare.

- Lorraine Usher Babbitt

Dare and venture in your travels.

Happy Halloween!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Santa Monica Pier

Looking for a wonderful and historic place to travel?

Try out Santa Monica Pier. This timeless pier is one of the last originals to survive the changes of a growing and diversifying California. The pier in 100 years old but living more the life of a youngster than a creature nearing retirement. The famous carousel, from 1922, is still a huge tourist draw, and the solar-powered Ferris wheel is a family favorite.

For those looking for even more adventure you can learn the trapeze or rent a a bicycle (or bring your roller skates or roller blades and hit Venice Beach).

Through December 20, the Cirque du Soleil is performing the Kooza under a big top. The Santa Monica area Hotels are fabulous - Check out the Ritz Carlton, the Shutters on the Beach or the Loews.

For more on the pier go to Santamonicapier.org

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Las Vegas. Gamble on a good time in Nevada

If you went to Las Vegas a few years ago and were shocked by the prices of the hotels - its time to go back. This year, due to the world-wide economic meltdown, Vegas is offering great deals at an even better price.

Plane tickets are reasonable, too. Try Allegiant airlines for prices as low as $59 - however, you will be restricted by the days and times you fly. www.allegiantair.com

Even the big hotels are dropping their prices - from the Bellagio to the Luxor you can pick up terrific rooms for a fraction of a cost. And no, the amenities and great service is still the same.

Vegas is an American landmark. Built at the beginning of the 1900s this has been a place where Lady Luck can change your life in a throw of the dice or a spin of a wheel.

The shows are still spectacular and the strip sings with excitement all night (and all day). Food, drinks, fun and wild rides await for those looking for adventure and a bonanza of good fortune.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Safari on a budget

For those of you wanting to travel on a safari but are more concerned about the expense than potentially lethal wild animals need to read a new travel book on the market titled, "The Ultimate Safari Handbook."

With the global economic meltdown there are plenty of available spaces, but the costs are still high. However, this book will give you some valuable inside tips that maybe helpful in getting exactly what you want at the best possible cost. Ted Botha offers you everything you'll want to know, and need to know, if your travel plans take you on that one word that conjures up both romance and adventure: safari.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Want to RUN - away?

October is a great month to run - jog or walk. If you're looking for a wonderful place to visit (as well as run) check out the four fabulous cities recommended by Women's Running Magazine.

Boston, Massachusetts - Run the famous Freedom Trail and get in touch with your American history. Of course, this is the home of the famous and elite Boston Marathon, but it is also the home of the Boston Half Marathon - which takes place, you guessed it. In cool and breezy October.

San Francisco, California - If you love running hills you've come to a terrific town for an intense workout. The Bay to Breakers 12K in May is one of biggest runs (or you could say party) in the old USA. Of course, San Fran is loaded with museums, culture and take a trip to Alcatraz.

New York, New York - A fabulous city with delicious restaurants and a vibrant culture. The New York City Marathon puts this city on the serious runners calendar, but for sheer fun try the 4 mile Emerald Nuts Midnight Run on New Years Eve - which ends in fun, food and fireworks.

Austin ,Texas -This city has been hailed for it's art and music scene - and of course, every thing's bigger (and arguably better) in Texas. February's Austin Marathon or Half Marathon is worth training for and the trip to Texas is it's own reward.

Gotta great running city?

Tell us about it.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Nova Scotia Pumpkin Festival

It's October 1st! Now is the time to get the sweaters out and and turn the heat on. October is the traditional month of the harvest. Probably, there is no greater symbol of the fall harvest than the bright voluptuous pumpkin. But you typically think that if you've seen one pumpkin you've seen them all. Right? Wrong!

You need to go to Canada to see the whoopers of pumpkins, namely, Dill's Pumpkin Farm that grows the biggest, award-winning pumpkins in the world. These are monster pumpkins!

How big you ask? So big that a human can get inside and row it like a boat. "What?" you exclaim? "Yes."

The Pumpkin Regatta is alive and well in Nova Scotia. Pumpkins are cut in half and then rowed with paddles in a competitive race. It is one of those once-in-a-lifetime sights that have to be witnessed in person.

Looking for something fun to do in October? Or an interesting place to travel? The sights, sounds and insanity of the Pumpkin Regatta is sure to deliver! Travel to Nova Scotia!