Vacation Planning

I’ve been struggling with the state topics each week, and the response hasn’t been overwhelming, so I’m changing up the format again for this blog and I’ll go back to providing vacation tips, hints, and more - randomly, so that I’ll provide more information for more people.

Hope that works for you.

Here’s a money-saving tip I learned last month, and it’s good again this month, so you may want to check it out to save $75!

Travelocity is having a “Holiday Bonus” sale. If you book three nights with a hotel listed on their site, and pay with a MasterCard, you can save $75 off your total stay. You must enter the code BONUS75 when you check out. They seem to have taken the “Holiday Bonus” logo off the site this week (it was there last week) but enter the code anyway - it’s good through December 31st. (Since the logo is gone, just make sure you check your total before you confirm - you don’t want to be surprised if they don’t honor the code.)

If you don’t have a MasterCard, you can still get the savings, by using PayPal. PayPal has a new plug-in (Look for PayPal Plug-in in the left column to access) that allows you to generate a single-use credit card - and it’s a Mastercard.

We did this last month, and plan to do it again for Christmas!

I am going to confess something right here for all the world to see -we travel CHEAP. We scrape every penny and look for the best bargains possible. With that confession, I’ll share the details of our last savings:

We stayed in a nice, pet-friendly, Red Roof Inn (with elevators). Rooms normally are over $40 a night, but with our savings, we paid about $28 a night! We were within one mile of about 50 restaurants and a major mall - it was a perfect location for our purpose. The staff was friendly, the room was clean and odor-free.

You’ll also note on the Travelocity site that MANY of the hotels (from budget motels to luxury hotels) are literally cutting prices - some at unbelievable prices. It sure makes travel much easier in this economy.

And don’t you love the falling gas prices?

I discovered a really great resource in my Alaskan research, and before you make one plan for a visit, you should explore the Alaska Toursaver. This travel coupon book offers hundreds of “2-for1″ savings on everything: tours, accomodations, dining, attractions, shopping, and more! It seems a bit pricey at $99.95, BUT, even if you use only one or two coupons, you’ll get your money’s worth.

Some examples:

Purchase at least a 6-day RV rental from ABC Motorhomes, and get three of those days free! There aren’t even any blackout periods. RVs are great ways to explore the country.

Purchase a 1/2-day Salmon Fishing trip from Alaska Trophy Fishing, get the 2nd person’s trip free. You’ll save over $200 on this coupon!

Purchase a 3 day/2 night Fishing Adventure from Alaska Big Five Fishing Lodges, and receive an accompanying trip for free. That alone saves $2475!!

The list goes on, so be sure to check it out if you’re planning a visit to our 49th state. The coupons include boat tours, museum fees, lodge stays, dining, helicoptor tours, and much more.

Anchorage offers a list of special travel deals, so you’ll want to check out their Web site if you’ll be traveling in that area. 

Most of the major cities offer visitors guides and some even offer coupon books, so check the local chamber where you plan to visit for other money-saving deals.

Dining options in Montgomery vary greatly - as does the quality and the price. I’ll list a few of our favorites here, and if anyone else has favorites, please share them in the comments.

As mentioned in Monday’s post - Chris’s Hot Dogs. This diner on Dexter Avenue downtown is a landmark, and has been in operation for over 90 years. It’s a MUST on a Montgomery visit.

Another long-standing restaurant is Peking Palace on 2380 E. South Boulevard (that’s the loop that runs around the town, and at various places has different names, but is just referred to locally as “the Boulevard.”) The staff has been around almost as long as the business and they treat regulars like family. The food is fresh, flavors perfection. Prices are very reasonable too, with many lunches under $5, and dinners under $10.

The favorite seafood place in town is Jubilee Seafood on Woodley Road. A must on the menu - sauteed crab claws. Their regular menu varies to provide the freshest selections possible, so inquire about the specials on your visit.

Three locations for BBQ - all are franchises, but have good food. Country’s, Jim & Nick’s, and Dreamland (of the famous Tuscaloosa franchise.)

The east side of town has flourished in the last couple of years, and restaurants are popping up all over. From fine dining to comfy and casual, you’ll find almost any kind of food you crave. The Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau provides a lengthy list of options, and as mentioned in Monday’s post, you can pick up a map that highlights numerous restaurants at the Visitor’s Center at Union Station.

We’ve only touched on Montgomery this week - I’ll share more about Alabama in later posts.

I’m interrupting our weekly focus on Alabama because I just got this press release and thought some of you might be interested. It looks like so much fun!

Around-the-World Travel Adventure Competition Looking To Crown The World’s Greatest Travelers

SANTA MONICA, CA - 19 November 2008 - Ever sit on the couch watching The Amazing Race, and say: “I could do that!” Well, now you can participate in what Outside magazine calls, “… one of the most amazing trips in the world!” But could you win the real life around the world travel adventure competition?

The buzz in London last week at the annual World Travel Market’s get together among global travel professionals was: Who are The World’s Greatest Travelers? Travel writers, tour guides, travel agents, former reality TV contestants? None of the above–at least not yet!

Many of those travel pros and regular Indiana Jones-types have participated in the international challenge known as The Global Scavenger Hunt, but so far, the winners of the annual around the world travel adventure competition have just been wonderfully resourceful and instinctive travelers, not travel professionals.

The 5th annual three-week international travel adventure competition that will visit at least 10 nations on 4 continents begins again next April 19th, 2009, and the field of 25 two-person teams is filling up fast.

“We had some good chuckles in London,” says Event Director William D. Chalmers, “The challenge has been made that’s for sure. Travel agents always claim they are the best travelers, but someone in London said many were more a kin to high school guidance counsellors–they tell you where to go but have never personally been there themselves. We’ve had travel writers compete previously thinking they were the greatest travelers–but this is no fam trip, no press junket–it is a serious competition and they seem to wilt under the marathon-like pressure of actually having to do scavenges themselves. And then there are the professional tour operators who think they are the best travelers because of their ‘niche experience’. Well, their narrow experience doesn’t seem to prepare them for this worldwide event,” laughs, Chalmers a previous winner of an around the world race and travel book author.

And so, The Global Scavenger Hunt is now looking to fill the final few open slots with highly-motivated globetrotting adventurers who think they have what it takes to go on A Blind Date With The WorldT, compete against other travel savvy competitors trying to overcome the event’s numerous challenges and win the title of The World’s Greatest TravelersT. Travelers will race from Los Angeles to New York-the really long way!

One former participant said the travel competition was, “…like Survivor, The Amazing Race and the Eco-Challenge all rolled into one except with MUCH more cultural interaction!”

“The Global Scavenger Hunt is all about allowing real travelers to compete in a real travel adventure competition, for all the right reasons–the love of travel, trusting strangers in strange lands and giving something back to the planet,” continues the Event’s Director, “Some have called our annual event the ‘Olympics of Travel’, some refer to it as A Blind Date with the World because our travelers won’t have any foreknowledge as to what countries they’re going to until they’re onboard a 747 bound for parts unknown, and some have even called it a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’. I like that one!”

A cultural immersion at its best, the travel competition event is designed to be a rally rather than a flat out race. The object is to test each Team’s ability to combat not only the inevitable jetlag, but language difficulties, cultural differences, their appetite for strange foods, logistical snafus, and Team dynamics in the atmosphere of a well organized competition. Truly the ‘Olympics of Travel,’ couch potatoes and armchair travelers need not apply. This real world travel adventure competition is only for the hardiest and most curious travel savvy Type-A globetrotters. GreatEscape2009 is for those who crave authentic adventure, genuine exotic travel, real competition and world-class fun while being a roaming travel ambassador.

But there is much more to this event than riding elephants, swimming with sharks, visiting the great ancient bazaars of the world and witnessing Sahara sunrises and Himalayan sunsets–there are lives to change! The event is a global travel-a-thon that has participants traveling a million kilometers for the $1 million goal to raise money for life-changing organizations. Last year’s event helped scores of families with micro-loans and helped construct and fund three elementary schools in Niger, Sri Lanka and Sierra Leone in conjunction with organizations like Kiva, The Nomad Foundation and Free the Children. Funds raised also support Doctors without Borders, Partners in Health and CARE, among others.

The Global Scavenger HuntT is limited to 25 two-person Teams (singles may apply). The entry fee of $9,900 per person covers all international airfare, 23-nights in First Class hotels and about 40% of meals. Teams are interviewed for suitability. Visit and apply online or call 310.281.7809.

The city of Arrowrock, Missouri makes a great destination for history buffs and theater-goers alike. Check their calendar of events for the latest production. During the month of December, spend Saturdays at the “Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Village.”

Lincoln, Missouri is a great escape, but be warned of their slogan - “Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime.” Situated between two lakes - Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake - if you like water activities, this is the place to be. Boating, fishing, sailing, skiing, swimming, and camping - endless list of activities to keep you busy. Hunting is also popular because of the wooded area.

 The entire Lake of the Ozarks area is a popular destination. My family even had a reunion there one year - sad to say I wasn’t able to make it that year - but they all had a great time. As I was exploring for this article, I found a really cool list of “10 Free Things to Do at the Lake” so be sure to check that out. Who doesn’t love FREE nowadays? During the holidays, be sure to check out their monthly calendar too - Cookie Swaps, Breakfast or Supper with Santa, Christmas dances and parades, Pajamas and Pancakes, Light shows, Christmas villages, and New Year’s Eve celebrations galore!

Don’t forget Foodie Friday!

I’ve been fly fishing since I could walk. My dad would take me out on the lake, and other boaters would pull up beside us, wanting to know if my fly rod was specially made and ask how old I was. At only 5, I guess I drew more attention than the fish!

Montana is a fisherman’s paradise. Just be sure to pick up a fishing license before you cast the first line. The state has a great Web site to find the nearest fishing hole, so check out this site, and choose the options to find the perfect spot for your next trip.

If you don’t want to tackle the waters on your own, Montana has an abundance of expert fishing guides to make your trip memorable. Just be sure to hire a licensed guide - it is illegal to hire one who is not licensed. You’ll find a list of outfitters on these Web sites: Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (FOAM) and Montana Outfitters and Guides Association (MOGA).

Always wanted to fish, but don’t know how? Montana has a bevy of schools and makes for a beautiful place to learn, so check out this list of schools and training centers.

Many of the outfitters have their own accommodations, so as you plan your fishing trip, check with the outfitters about lodging. If they don’t provide any, they’ll have a list of nearby options - some may even list them on their Web sites.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a fishing trip.

What is it they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? They oft go astray? Yep, that’s me this week. I had hoped to have numerous destinations for New Year’s festivities, and it didn’t happen. I’ll approach that again at another time.

Tomorrow, I’ll announce the winner of the $25 gift card, and then on Monday, I’m going to start something new.

One of our readers suggested some sites in Montana, and I commented that we might do a 50 states in 50 days kind of tour. That was MUCH to ambitious, so instead, we’ll do 50 states in 50 weeks. For the next 50 weeks, we’ll tackle one state a week, 3 days a week. I’ll share with you destinations of special interest in each state, some of the history, some of the sites and must-sees or must-dos, and of course, we’ll have our foodie Fridays. too.

The states will be presented in random order, and because of the request I’ll start with Montana. If you have a request for a particular state, just leave it in the comments, and I’ll try to accomodate.

I’m enjoying sharing travel with you - and I’m enjoying the community we’re building. Hope  you’ll keep coming back and keep leaving comments.

For years, I’ve explored the idea of all-inclusive vacations - and eventually I’ll take one. The two biggest draws for me are the ease of planning an all-inclusive, and the final budget of knowing exactly how much we’ll spend. I was trying to think of the two biggest reasons NOT to take one of these vacations - and I haven’t come up with any! Have you experienced an all-inclusive before? Share with us some of your own thoughts below.

As you research, keep a few things in mind. First, you’ll need to decide what kind of vacation you want. Resorts offer a variety of options, and some of the things you’ll need to decide upon are:

Who are you traveling with? Family-friendly resorts are available if you’re taking the kiddos. But if you’re traveling as a couple, check into the Couples Only resorts. Be sure to check the ages allowed - there may be minimum age requirement at a few of the locations.

What activities do you enjoy? Golf may be included at some resorts, while skiing or scuba diving is offered at another. Some offer a little of it all. Some have spas, sports, casinos, numerous dining options, special activities for children. Explore all the options offered to make sure what’s included best fits your idea of vacation.

Where do you want to go? Is there a particular location you’re wanting to discover? Search for all-inclusives in the area you’d like to go.

Depending on the time of your travel, it’s a good idea to invest in travel insurance. Some of the resorts offer it themselves, but I’d check with a travel agent or do a search online and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Check your chosen resort for their Hurricane Policy, too, if applicable.

Some companies have “add-on” fees for some activities, or events, or meals, or drinks, while others do not. Be sure to check the fine print, and ask any questions you may have before you make the reservation.

Look for the specials offered by each company. Some have seasonal specials, single-parent specials, or discounts for special events. If your schedule is flexible, plan your vacation to fit the deals.

Planning a wedding? Check into all-inclusives for special options. Some include a free wedding when you book the honeymoon!

Here are a few Web sites to help you get started:

Beaches - these all-inclusive resorts cater to families, with special activities planned for different age groups.

Sandals - Same company as beaches, but these resorts cater to couples only. Locations include Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, and the Bahamas.

All-Inclusive Vacations - a “mega-store” for all sorts of all-inclusive vacations - an “online travel agency” for discounted vacations. This is a great site to do research on MANY types of vacations. I’ve never used this service, so I can’t offer a recommendation one way or the other, but their Web site is loaded with information to help you make wise choices for your vacation.

Club Med - You’ll find a variety of options here, including short stays, last-minute deals, and even a “7-Day Weekend.” One interesting note I discovered on their Web site - they work with Carbonfund.org to help reduce their carbon footprint. ClubMed resorts are located worldwide, and they even offer a Club Med cruise line.

SuperClub Resorts - These resorts include Breezes, Grand Lido, Hedonism, and Starfish.

Palace Resorts - Locations throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

This is more than enough to whet your appetite for now. I’d love to hear a trip report if you’ve been to an all-inclusive, so share it with us!

Several destinations were mentioned this week, so I’ll give you just a few ideas for dining in some of the locations. If you know of others - or discover others as you travel - keep us posted!

Plimouth Plantation, Plymouth Massachussetts:

This outdoor museum offers four dining options for Thanksgiving dinner. At Thanksgiving in the Courtyard, you’ll enjoy a full, traditional Thanksgiving dinner from turkey to cranberry sauce, desserts a la carte. Dinners are $16.99 for 2008, and no reservations are taken. Museum admission is required.  

For a less traditional meal, you can stroll the museum, and just pick up individual items that suit your fancy. Items such as clam chowder, deli sandwiches, hot cider or cocoa, and a full cocktail bar, are available a la carte throughout the day.

Reservations for the Thanksgiving Day buffet can be made as early as June each year, so two of the seatings are already sold out. You can still make reservations for the 11:00 a.m and the 6:00 p.m. seatings. The $64.95 price includes admission to the museum. Museum members will only pay $45.95.

A true Victorian dining experience is sold out for Thanksgiving Day, but if you don’t mind celebrating on Friday, reservations are still available. The $85.95 includes museum admission, and promises to be an experience you’re not soon to forget.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

Talk of food in Philly isn’t complete without talk of the cheesesteak. I love the city of Philadelphia - I could actually imagine myself living there, as long as I lived right in the middle of the historic district. I’ve sampled all of the “major” players in Philly, so I’ll share my own assessment - realizing that all of this is subjective to each individual:

People-watchers or celebrity-spotters will enjoy Jim’s Steaks, 400 South Street. Expect to stand in line on the sidewalk, but it moves quickly, and it’s part of the experience. Celebrity photos cover every inch of wall space. Head to the back and take the stairs up for more seating options.

Geno’s Steaks, 1219 S. 9th Street, has a great reputation, and the ordering process is incredibly fast. Know what you want to order - exactly - before getting in line. No indoor dining, but plenty of picnic tables under awnings. They’re open 24/7 so if you get a craving, you’re in luck.

Pat’s King of Steaks, ”where 9th Street crosses Wharton and Passyunk Avenue,” is my favorite, with onions and Cheese Whiz. Truly a gourmet meal! They’re opened 24/7, closing only on Thanskgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. There’s usually a crowd gathered around the order window, but don’t let it scare you away. The wait is short, and well worth every second.

Chattanooga, Tennessee:

I’ve explored Chattanooga several times, and it remains one of my favorite places, too. Here are some of my faves:

Aretha Frankenstein’s - funky, fun place with a unique menu.

Chattanooga Southern Belle River Boat - festive, romantic, fun adventure, especially during the holiday season.  They offer several different options from November to January: Thanksgiving Cruise, Christmas Carol Dinner Cruises, Tis the Season Luncheon Cruises, and two special cruises for New Year’s Eve - an early bird dinner cruise, and the Gala cruise with light hors d’oeuvres.

The Station House Restaurant at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo: Steaks are delicious, and the servers are fun and talented - they entertain diners with a lively show, between service to your table. Talent and food are top quality.

Today, I’m going to provide a roundup of cruise lines who offer special deals or events during the holidays, and share a little about each one. Feel free to leave comments about your experiences with any I list, or any I leave off. The topic of cruising could take all week - and I’m already planning a full week of cruising info - but for now, here’s just a tiny taste to get your started planning your next vacation.

Cruises make a fun and romantic gift for couples to give each other, and they make a great family tradition for a yearly getaway. For some cruise lines, the holidays are considered their “Value” or “Economy” season, for others, it’s considered “Peak” so be sure to shop around for the best prices.

Another fun part of cruising is choosing the type of ship you want to sail. Here, I’m providing you with a variety from the luxurious cruise liners, to the stately 5-mast sailing ships, to the good old-fashioned paddlewheel boat, and more.

Here’s a sampling of what’s available:

Star Clippers: Cruises on these ships are sure to be memorable.  Passenger limit on these boats is less that 250, so the trip will be intimate and simple. But the amenities aboard are luxurious, and include an elegant dining room, spa and fitness center, piano lounge, library, and a tropical bar, so you’ll probably not want to go home. Destinations vary, too, so you’ll have your choice of itineraries in the Caribbean, Far East, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, and Ocean Crossings.

photo courtesy of Star Clippers

American Cruise Lines:  This small cruise line offers a number of unique voyages along the East Coast. Cruises are offered in Florida, New England Islands, and at several points in between. Their 14-day East Coast Inland package includes stops in Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.  

Majestic America Line: A paddlewheel trip up the Mississippi - about as Americana as you can get. When I was a girl, the Delta Queen docked in my hometown, and it was an amazing sight that I will never forget. As I grew up, and read about Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, and then eventually studied Mark Twain, the Mississippi River grabbed hold of my heart, and continues to hold a special place there. This year, they are retiring the Delta Queen - and I never got a chance to sail on her. A holiday vacation on one of these magnificent boats will be a memory your family will cherish a lifetime.

 photo courtesy of Majestic America

Royal Caribbean: From November to January, several cruise ships in their fleet pull out all the stops, with special activities, decorations, religious services, events, and menus to commemorate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Disney Cruise Lines: Disney creates a memorable experience both on land, and at sea, and this cruise is sure to be a pleasure boat for your entire family. With age-specific programming geared for children of all ages, families will find something for everyone. But it’s not cheap. One of the sites I gave you earlier this week will come in handy on the Cruise Line, too: MouseSavers.

And just for a fun night of festivity: The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival, in the Pacific Northwest, has been in existence for 59 years. Their fleet of 45 ships sail within Puget Sound during the holidays, stopping at various communities for bonfires, caroling, and other special events. If you’re in the area, this is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Other Cruise Lines to Explore:

Celebrity Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Other Resources:

Cruises Only

Cruise Deals

Vacations to Go

We’ll talk more about cruises in the coming weeks. Be sure to let us know if you book a holiday cruise! We want to travel with you!