With all of the recent talk on immigration issues, mainly involving Mexico and the US, I decided to indulge in something I consider to be a real benefit of the two countries being so close to each other – a quick getaway vacation to one of the most beautiful places on Earth. My husband and…
With the rising awareness of global warming, greenhouse gases, hybrid cars and gas prices going through the stratosphere, green is definitely in and the greener the better. So California’s first hotel built to U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) standards is worth noting. The premier boutique Orchard Garden Hotel will open on July 12. This newly…
This just in… As the price of gasoline at the pumps rises for our cars, it costs more for jet fuel, too. So it’s no surprise that business travelers who book late and some first-class fliers will pay more this Summer for domestic tickets on most major airlines. Delta Air Lines has just increased one-way…
When I have enough miles to cash in or can afford to upgrade, I like to fly Business Class. It’s way better than Economy or Coach, especially for cross-country and cross-ocean flights. That extra legroom, gourmet cuisine, Mimosas, champagne, enhanced private entertainment system and the other amenities really make a difference when you’re flying for…
For years, I’ve visited one of the first themed room hotels: The Madonna Inn in Pismo Beach, CA. Now, of course, there are a plethora of art themed hotels throughout the world. Disney World in Florida has a resort to fit any budget and taste. But none of these is as extravagant, innovative or interesting…
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) predicts a “very active” 2006 hurricane season. And, if you’re traveling to Florida, the Gulf Coast, or the Caribbean, you need to take precautions before and during your vacation. Here are a few tips (courtesy of USA Today) to consider if you’re traveling during hurricane season. 1. Check in…
A 4,000 seat Greek-style theatre. A seven-mile ride up the steep slopes of Mt. Tamalpais, one of the highest points in Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the town of Mill Valley. A view of San Francisco Bay — when it’s not enshrouded by the dense, foggy marine layer. A proud…
Here at Vagablond, we’re extremely excited to welcome three well-known travel and food bloggers: 1) Terah Shelton –– After stints in 10 cities, Terah is now based in Atlanta; although she finds “home” on the road, anywhere the New York Yankees are, and outside the borders and boundaries of familiarity. Her first article for Vagablond…
Latitudes is National Geographic 2.0 — a gorgeous online travel photo magazine with Italian flare and built for online viewing. A broadband connection is necessary and the latest issue (#14) is 181 pages of sharp full color photos and animations. Issue #14 covers Columbia, Myanmar, The Berkshire Hills (Massachusetts), Mt. Etna, Berlin, Croatia, Tuscany and…
In my bucolic town of 50,000 people, we ain’t country hicks. We got culture… and it raises its artistic head each year in the Italian Street Painting Festival –– a two-day community celebration of art, music and cuisine featuring the 16th-century Italian performance art of street painting. The Festival benefits San Rafael-based Youth in Arts,…
If you’re lucky enough to have scored a ticket to the World Cup in Germany, you may need a place to unwind and relieve the stress of rooting for your favorite team. One of the world’s most exclusive spas resides as the uber posh Brenner’s Park-Hotel. In fact, it’s often called the “Spa of Spas”….
Whenever I travel, I bring along a good book. Here’s one we recommend that can help you save money even before you pack you bags and find out how to cope with false advertising claims of so-called beachfront hotels that are really blocks from the water. How to Travel Practically Anywhere, by Susan Stellin, is…