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Rare European Travel Deals

With the weak state of the dollar and skyrocketing fuel prices, finding a deal to Europe is practically impossible these days. That’s why the following bargains to popular European capitals are so unbelievable. The only catch: You must travel between September and December. Take a look: IRELAND Save some green on a trip to the Emerald Isle by taking advantage of this deal from Virgin Vacations. The package includes roundtrip airfare from New York and a four-night stay at the three-star Mont Clare on Merrion Square, once frequented by James Joyce. The price for the package is $951 for travel … Continue reading →

Summer Travel Surprises in Europe

Cash strapped travelers who have been dreaming of taking a summer holiday to Europe have reason to celebrate today. Never mind that it’s not your birthday or anniversary you’re still eligible to receive the gift that Best Western is passing out to its guests. The hotel chain is commemorating its 30th year in Great Britain by offering rates of 30 pounds a room (that’s about $60 at today’s exchange rates). More than 90 Best Western locations in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands are offering the reduced rates. To be eligible for the discount you must stay for two … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: One More Faux European Hot Spot and Swinging Golf Savings

In a previous blog I provided tips on how you could save on your summer jaunt abroad (F.Y.I.–one British pound currently costs $2) by getting your Euro-fix in the States. From Wisconsin to Texas, New York to Michigan the good ol’ US of A is chock full of destinations that are overflowing with European flair. One city that I failed to mention in my previous blog is Tarpon Springs, Florida. The sunny locale is oozing with Mediterranean charm. More than a century ago Greek immigrants traveled to Tarpon Springs and turned it into one of the leading areas for sponge … Continue reading →

Travel Tips: Instead of Europe Consider… Part 2

It’s no secret that traveling to Europe right now can cause a serious dent in your family’s budget. Which is why most Americans are staying close to home instead of crossing the pond to get their Euro fix. However, as I mentioned in my previous blog vacationing in the United States doesn’t mean you are limited to a trip filled with hot dogs, apple pie and baseball stadiums. If you know where to go you can experience European luxury without having to flash your passport or go bankrupt in the process. Take a look: TEXAS Why fly to Germany when … Continue reading →

Travel Tips: Instead of Europe Consider…

With the current state of the economy weighing heavily on the minds of just about every family that operates on a budget, plans for extravagant vacations have been all but eliminated. Unless you are a lottery winner or generate an Oprah-like salary you are not likely to be taking a costly transatlantic flight to Europe anytime soon. With the dollar plunging to record lows against the euro, the British pound and other European currencies, the good ol’ US of A is looking more and more like a viable summer vacation destination. However, if you have your heart set on experiencing … Continue reading →

A New Way to Tour Berlin’s Top Tourist Attraction

The remains of the iconic landmark that split East and West Germany for nearly three decades are all but gone, but that hasn’t stopped tourists from traveling thousands of miles to Berlin to see where it once stood. If you have plans to visit the Berlin Wall in the near future you might be surprised by what is waiting for you at the site. Gone are the old tattered maps and guidebooks illustrating the wall’s memorials. They have been replaced with a new multimedia guide offering individualized walking tours connecting the key points where the 103-mile-long wall once stood. Visitors … Continue reading →

Fall Fun in San Francisco

Wrapping up my look at noteworthy events in the San Francisco area here’s a look at some regional celebrations that take place during the end of the year. Castro Street Fair This family-friendly event typically takes place during the first weekend in October. It is chock full of PG-rated fun and attracts thousands to Castro St. between Market and 19th streets. Along with the miles of craft booths there is a slew of food and clothing vendors displaying their wares. Yummy treats aside this neighborhood celebration is known for its showcase of dancers who strut their stuff at the dozens … Continue reading →

What to Know Before You Go—San Francisco Part 2

Now that you know that the home of the Golden Gate Bridge is not made of Rice-a-Roni and that you should never utter the words “Frisco” or “San Fran” in the presence of locals let’s review some other helpful tips that will ensure your next visit to San Francisco is a pleasant one. No Smoking. If haven’t kicked the bad habit before you visit the Bay area you are going to have a hard time keeping your cancer sticks lit. Finding a legal place to light up a cigarette in San Francisco is next to impossible. Smoking is banned in … Continue reading →

What to Know Before You Go—San Francisco

Now that you know where to go when you arrive in San Francisco it’s helpful to know what NOT to do while you are visiting the northern California hot spot. First and foremost never, ever (no matter how tempting it is) call the city “Frisco” or “San Fran.” This is a lesson my neighbor in Hawaii learned the hard way when she was waiting in line at the Honolulu International Airport. She referred to the city as “San Fran” and got an earful from a resident of the area telling her that the cutesy abbreviated version of San Francisco was … Continue reading →

Celebrity Owned Hotels

I write a lot about actors, actresses, and musicians in the POP CULTURE blog and one of the trends I have been recently taking note of is the huge number of celebrities who are dabbling in other ventures, including real estate. And I’m not just talking about multiple homes, but many A-list Hollywood stars are adding hotels to their real estate portfolios. For instance did you know the B-52’s Kate Pierson owns the Lazy Meadow Motel in New York’s Catskills? And Clint Eastwood is the proud owner of Mission Ranch in Carmel, California? In fact, the award-winning actor enlisted a … Continue reading →