In planning a major European trip , there are so many ways to book these days. You can book direct on hotel & airline websites, and major discount travel booking sites like travelocity , expedia and priceline. There are also the comparison sites like trivago, and kayak that helps you compare every carrier, hotel prices on all sites. These are all good if you are precise on where you going and usually a single destination. How about booking a multi-destination trip to Europe without a travel agent ? There is a some great websites to book that help you plan out your trip abroad, one that I found so helpful is European Destinations . This site helps you build out your itinerary with multiple cities. You can explore your options with this website by choosing the numbers of days in each city, whether you need airfare or not. This site will show you all options with reputable accommodations and will help you customize a package .
Month: July 2016
The White House
There is less than 6 left months to Obama’s presidency, regrettably its time for one of the most historic presidents in modern history to step down . Considering visiting the White House to be a part of history that you can tell your grandchildren about ? The White House is a private residence of the president of the United States, open to the public, and is free of charge. It is still possible to register and schedule a visit 1600 Pennsylvania Ave before Barack Obama leaves office. If interested ,one just has to make a request with their local congressman of residence, most have a quick request form on their website . It takes about 3 months to get approved, and I can confirm that it is a smooth process. I submitted my request through Charlie Rangel’s (Harlem) website in April, then heard directly from the White House administration in May saying I was approved for dates I requested. At that point they asked detailed information (social security#, date of birth) of all the people in my party that will attend . I guess that is where the real background check begins. We are all set for our dates in August to be at the white house! see : the white house visit
Trunk Bay
St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas which is known as U.S. virgin islands is a great destination since they belong to the United States. You don’t have to worry about passports, and the U.S. dollar is accepted there. These are three very distinct islands, all with different history. Recently, CBS news had a story of a St johns national park and now I know why it’s so expensive to stay there. St Johns is the most expensive of the three islands since there is limited real estate because 2/3rds of it is a national park. The Rockefeller family saw the development that was happening in St.Thomas and did not want St. John’s landscape to change. Laurence Rockefeller (son of John D. Rockefeller) donated 5000 acres of land where he had a resort called Caneel Bay in 1952. Caneel Bay is still a luxurious resort but you are stilled surrounded by park land. Since I was in St.Thomas , I took the ferry to St. John’s where we went to Trunk Bay beach . I vividly remember going through a park to get one of the most gorgeous beaches . Thanks to the Rockefeller’s , St. Johns stays green.
See video: St John a National-park
Mediterranean
Thinking about European cruise? Ever think about doing Mediterranean islands by boat, but not sure you will see all ? There are so many options in going to Europe now, land& sea combinations is an efficient way to hit many countries in a week or less. Cruising in Europe is the same as cruising the Caribbean, you get off boat early in the day, and explore the destinations with excursions or own your own. Some say you don’t get enough time at each port, but that has changed now since most cruises stay until 7pm or later , better then the 4 or 5 departure time. It’s a great option since you can get 3-5 or more days to hit the Greek Islands, Italy , Spain and other spots in the Mediterranean sea.
So, I have people that just went to Paris recently,they traveled right before the Nice, France attack . I also had folks who just went to Nice , France just 2 weeks the terrorist attack happened. They where all fortunate not to be in theses popular French cities when these acts of terror occurred, I don’t think they could have planned it better. These things are so random, no one can predict such horrible acts of others. There is a lot of talk about fear about traveling to Europe but the truth is , there is a very slim chance of being a victim of a terrorist. You are several times more likely to a victim of a traffic accident , then be in a traffic accident. France remains the world’s number one tourist destination, and it remains one of the safer places in the world to visit. Check out : about France
Read more: Is it safe in France?
Arc De Triomphe
The United States is now listed as “travel” with caution since the incidents with police , black lives matter protesters and tragic killings of police and black males.
Some countries have advised their citizens to “stay on guard” or use caution when visiting U.S. cities. These countries recently advised its citizens to avoid cities with active protest or recent police . The Bahamas has issued to a travel warning because they are also of African descent and might be mistake for young black males in the United States. They are advising Bahamian citizens to be cooperative with police officers if confronted across the United States.
See: Three countries
Eagle Beach in Aruba
Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, A.K.A the ABC islands is a great destination that looks as good it sounds . The ABC islands are the three western-most islands of the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea that lies north of Venezuela. What makes these island great is that they are positioned in the Caribbean sea but outside of the hurricane belt . Being outside of the belt means that any time of the year is a great time to visit, since they are not subject to a lot hurricane weather restrictions. Aruba being a fabulous island, has THE most warmest water in the Caribbean , I think it really feels like you are taking a bath! Lined between the southern Caribbean sea and the coast of Venezuela , Aruba waters are the most calmest waters you will experience with fabulous powder sand in the background .
Curacao
There are multiple languages spoken but on all 3 islands Papiemento ( creole with Spanish,English,Portuguese roots) was recently made the official language. The food has influences from all over the world since there are roots from Africa, Latin Americas and the Netherlands. Aruba is the most popular with famous beaches which are easy to get around but on one side of island is desert like. Bonaire and Curacao are surrounded by reefs , which makes it fantastic for divers . Look at : ABC island’s
Air Force One over Cuba
Since President Obama lifted travel restrictions , you can get to Cuba where a few US carriers have been approved to go starting in August . A friend went to Cuba in recently by cruise (another way to go) but now with direct access tourism from U.S. is changed forever to this island . Tourism from other countries has been plentiful , so Cuba has still been a destination for the world . While in Cuba you will absolutely see the old cars, immaculate churches , and beautiful landscape but there are so many other images that you have never seen. The artwork is unprecedented and everywhere through out Cuba. From churches, small town galleries, even artwork being displayed on someone’s home is not unusual.
See: us flights to cuba
Philadelphia Museum Of Art 4th of July celebration
Philadelphia otherwise know as “Philly”, is always a great getaway with many options. With the Democratic National Convention happening next week, festivals and historic sites to visit, you can’t go wrong by choosing a quick trip to the birthplace of this nation. Historic sites such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, The Betsy Ross house is an incentive for going to the historic district , besides going to the famous squares in the area. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is the 3rd largest in the US and is known for its great art but also has the famous “Rocky steps” as seen in the famous movie.
cheese steak at Shanks
We all know this the town to get a good cheese steak , but you will learn its not just about “Pat and Geno’s war”, so many other steak spots in Philly! This great city is recognized for that but the Reading Terminal Market ( the oldest farmers market in the country ) does not disappoint. Love the many types of food offered here where you can get fresh meat , poultry and fish to take home. You may also like the fruit & preserves like honey or jams and fresh bread from the Amish . Yes, of course they have the best sandwiches ever at this market! Another plus,Philadelphia has a long history with breweries since the 1800’s . Most are not open now, but it’s a hot place for beer gardens! See: best beer gardens
Check out and plan your trip: visit philly
The gorgeous pink sand in Bermuda
Only 90 minutes away from New York, Bermuda is an ultimate weekend away. Whether you do extended weekend or full week cruise you can’t go wrong. Only 90 minutes by flight from New York area , with many choices in accommodation types, Bermuda is sure to please anyone.
If you cruise it will take a day but the ship is docked for 3 days in Bermuda when you take a cruise to this island .It’s great to go back and forth from excursions while docked while being docked in Bermuda. Celebrity, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean cruise lines all go there from Baltimore, Boston, New Jersey and New York . Go to these cruise lines direct websites and sign up for their email list and get promotional notifications.
Doing summer Fridays with a quick trip to Bermuda is the best 3 day weekend ! Delta, American , Jet Blue and United all have non-stops flights there. A quick land trip always make a fabulous time…….. See : Go to Bermuda!
So a friend just recently took off for Europe last week with a spanking new passport that he got on a 24 hour rush at the passport office. We all know somebody that has been there, they knew where the passport was when making travel plans but didn’t open (until the day they where packing ) to see it expired months ago or a over year ago! Oops! Normally you would have to start all over with citizenship verification(more than a year)and pay extra fees but that has now changed . Now, renew an expired U.S. passport up to 5 years after the 10 year expiration, if you have enough time. I have a friend in the visa/passport business who says latent traveler’s are never thinking about their passport, especially if they mostly do domestic travel. passport renewal
Hilton Hotel, North Myrtle Beach
My cousins are in Myrtle Beach on this holiday weekend. I was fortunate to be there last year for a family reunion, and the image posted above is only one attraction. Yes you will find palm trees and the warmest waters in Myrtle Beach, it really feels like you are in the Caribbean. Myrtle Beach is not just a strip, its actually is a strand of beaches (The Grand Strand) that is 60 miles long. The Grand Strand includes many types of accommodations from small reputable motels, to the largest hotel chains. Staying in Myrtle Beach also means beach homes on small inlets off Myrtle Beach such as Pawleys Island , or condos on any part of the grand strand.
There is also much to do here outdoors such as water sports, fishing and some of the best golf courses in the United States. You can also see some great entertainment with theater, music, dance and comedy shows that compliments your vacation. The food is always fabulous whether you hit the many seafood buffets , fabulous breakfast places or upscale restaurants. I recommend a good 4-5 day trip, but you can do well with a 3 days weekend .
Check it out : visit myrtle beach
Yes, its possible to book at the last hour , even on a holiday weekend. Some travel booking sites such as Expedia or Kayak, have last minute categories that help you book anything: Kayak last minute .You can even call hotels on the same day and ask for what is available , and you can get last minute “rack rates”. By calling the hotel directly , the manager will always accommodate rather then have empty rooms. There are some websites that specifically book for last minute ,usually only within a 2 week window. I have used this site (that was under a former name), it gave us a great deal:last minute travel