5 Hot Spots that Won't Break the Bank As temperatures continue to drop in the Northern Hemisphere, more and more people can't wait to escape to some winter sun. Exclusive resorts in the Caribbean and year-round warm climates have often been viewed as the priority of the rich but there are plenty of fantastic destinations which offer sun, sea, sand (and more) to travelers on a budget. Dominican Republic, Caribbean The ultimate by-word … [Read more...]
Day 1 – New Orleans
Any trip to this part of Louisiana should start with a stay in New Orleans, specifically in the French Quarter. What better a place to call home for a few days than the Hotel Monteleone . This hotel dates from 1886, is still family owned and is located in the heart of New Orleans's French Quarter. It is definitely "the" hotel to stay at in this part of the city. In the mood for decadence and elegance - Hotel Monteleone serves this up by the … [Read more...]
Love in Venice for Less
Enjoying a Romantic Break on a Budget Venice is, without a doubt, one of the world's legendary romantic destinations. But the hordes of lovers traveling to the city each year have also transformed it into a hotspot for over-priced restaurants and hotels. However, beneath the veneer of tourist traps and expensive rates, Venice retains its unique charm and, with a few money-savvy decisions, can be a city of romantic possibility even for a … [Read more...]
Setubal, Portugal
The Paris Motor Show last September bought a moment of joy to VW owners around the globe, the return of the beloved people's sport car, the Volkswagen Scirocco, which hoped on sale by late 2007. But, for many north American VW enthusiasts, the origin came as a surprise, the VW AutoEuropa outside Setubal, Portugal. AutoEuropa currently builds the European market only the Sharan and Eos models. Beyond the new Scirocco, Setubal has a lot to be … [Read more...]
Lapland Polar Dreams -January Site Inspection
My love affair with Finland began the moment I stepped off the Finnair plane. My ancestry is Norwegian and I guess something primal in my Viking genes bonds me in kindred spirit with this unique Nordic land. Having toured over a hundred countries, this is virgin territory for me and what an utterly cool place to visit in January. I've packed enough thermal gear to survive the most brutal blizzards but on arrival in Helsinki today, there is no … [Read more...]
The G.A.P Top 5: Travel Memories
This was enormously difficult for me. First of all, choosing a top five is never easy. Ranking was totally out of the question! And then condensing days and days of vivid and rich experiences into a little summarized blurb was near impossible. I could go on and on but here are 5 of my fondest travel experiences. Montezuma, Costa Rica Body-surfed for breakfast after having watched the spectacular sunrise through my tattered tent door then … [Read more...]
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
"So what do you make of this?" said Xavier. I watched, from behind a cordon of yellow police tape, Antonio Banderas in a mariachi outfit, and Salma Hayek in far less, dangling from cables affixed to the rooftop of the Hotel San Francisco in San Miguel de Allende's central plaza, el jardin. Walkie-talkies crackled in Spanish and English. A utility van edged slowly past with a card taped to its windshield reading Once Upon A Time In … [Read more...]
Sydney Beaches, Fun in the Sun
Whether you're up for a Crocodile Dundee adventure or you'd just like a taste of the Australian sun, the beaches in and around Sydney can offer you all that and more. Being in the southern hemisphere, Australia's seasons are reversed from those in Europe, North American, and much of Asia, so if you're looking for good beach weather, make sure to travel some time from September to May - that is, spring to autumn. The Sydney shoreline encompasses … [Read more...]
Cannon Beach
Oregon's coastline is full of secrets: veiled pleasures and surprises, clandestine, deserted beaches and hidden gems peppering the towns in the form of lodgings or eateries. But perhaps the most stunning secret on all of Oregon's coast lies just outside of the art and culture mecca of Cannon Beach, on the north coast. There's a castle a bit south of town, hidden behind the walls of trees just north of the Arch Cape Tunnel. You can become king … [Read more...]
Business Travelers turn to B&B’s for their Internet Savy & Extra Value
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) are Plugged In People expect a B&B to radiate charm and coziness. Travelers seek them out for their distinctive character, along with the personalized attention thrown in. But high-tech savvy? You bet! Despite their down-home demeanor, the typical B&B is exceptionally attuned to the benefits of the Internet. The B&B industry is closely linked up via the World Wide Web. Searchable B&B directories make it convenient … [Read more...]