Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Air Fares are More than 60% Lower than Last Summer

According to USA Today, Airfares on most routes are lower this summer.

Trying to attract passengers in a recession, airlines are selling tickets much cheaper than a year ago.

Fares for travel next month are as much as 63% lower than last summer, according to an analysis by FareCompare.com.

At USA TODAY's request, FareCompare analyzed all domestic fares for flights between the hub cities of legacy airlines United, (UAUA) American, (AMR) Continental, (CAL) Delta (DAL)and US Airways. (LCC) The fares were valid Friday for travel in mid-July with a 14-day advance purchase.

The analysis found that the cheapest round-trip coach fares were less expensive this summer for 115 of 136 pairs of cities. In 54 city pairs, the cheapest tickets were at least 25% lower than a year ago.

Read the complete article http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-06-29-cheaper-summer-airfares_N.htm

Spend July 4th in our nation's oldest city St. Augustine

Monday, June 29, 2009

European Travel Deals

Is now the time to travel to Europe? Yes!

According to the European Travel Commission travel to Europe is up due to all the discount deals being offered.

If you ever wanted to go to Europe, go online or contact your travel agent because the deals are out there now.

For one of the best vacations in the United States, go to our nation's oldest city St. Augustine, FL.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Unusual Vacations

Did you know you can Train and Travel into space with the Russian Cosmonauts for the paltry fee of just $40,000,000, yes that's forty million dollars.

If you don't have the $40 mil, a US company called Space Adventure will put you into the cosmonaut training program for a measly $3,000,000 so you can train but not actually travel into space.

Talk about an unusual vacation! For something much more affordable, visit our nations oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida

Saturday, June 27, 2009

511 is American's Traveler Information Number

511 is America's Traveler Information Telephone Number for the latest in road conditions across america. Check 511 before you start on that road trip this summer.

For a great place to stay in St. Augustine

Friday, June 26, 2009

International Travel Information

If you are looking to travel abroad this summer you may find the State Departments information very useful. This information comes from their website with links for more information.

What Are Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information & Travel Alerts?

Travel Warnings

Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries where avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Country Specific Information. You may also want to review specific country Background Notes.

Travel Alerts

Travel Alerts are a means to disseminate information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. The TAs are made when there is a specific threat that cannot be countered. In the past, Travel Alerts have been issued to deal with short-term coups, violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.

Country Specific Information

Country Specific Information are available for every country of the world. They include such information as location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties.

If an unstable condition exists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a Travel Warning, a description of the condition(s) may be included under an optional section entitled "Safety/Security."On limited occasions, we also restate in this section any U.S. embassy advice given to official employees. Country Specific Information generally do not include advice, but present information in a factual manner so the traveler can make his or her own decisions concerning travel to a particular country.

Country Background Notes

If you are looking for information on any of the U.S. territories and possessions, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam or American Samoa, you can go to the CIA Factbook.

In addition, please see the section “Tips for Traveling Abroad" for other important health and safety information. Also, stay current with current information by visiting their “News "section.

Get Information for a terrific place to stay in St. Augustine

Thursday, June 25, 2009

A Great Place to Go on the Cheap

Imagine miles of uncrowded beach, lots of historic sites, fantastic restaurants and interesting museums and art galleries. That's just some of what you will find in St. Augustine, FL.

St. Augustine is Americas oldest continuous settlement and a hidden gem for vacationers. The City has done a remarkable job preserving its history while remaining a great Florida vacation spot.

Stroll down cobblestone streets and browse the quaint shops. Take a trolley tour or horse drawn buggy ride through the historic district where you will see exquisite Spanish architecture and beautifully preserved buildings from days gone by.

Chain restaurants are not allowed in the Historic district so the restaurants are all unique and top quality as they compete with each other to our benefit.

St. Augustine has been named one of the most walkable cities in America. If you want to have that home-town feel again, just come to the Plaza on Thursday nights with your lounge chair for free music and fun.

Don't miss spending time in St. Augustine this summer. It is a gem vacation spot you can enjoy on the Cheap.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Camping Has Become Cool!

I read a CNN article today about camping with lots of info and resources.

Pitch a Tent, it's cheap!

"Camping has become cool," says Christine Fanning, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, a not-for-profit organization charged with encouraging young people to get outdoors. She notes that reservations for campsites and sales for camping gear are up.

And many appear to be first-time campers. "We've had the highest growth of first-time campers in 18 years," reports Jim Rogers, CEO of the 450-plus KOA Campgrounds, the world's largest system of family campgrounds.

If sleeping on the ground isn't your thing, try a pop-up camper. According to Kevin Broom of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, rentals start at just $35 a day. Visit Go RVing to find a dealer near you.

The National Park Service, offers plenty of campground activities, has announced three free-entrance weekends (June 20 to 21, July 16 to 19 and August 15 to 16).

Another plus: It's easy to bring along your dog or cat. At some places, including Yosemite and private campgrounds, you can rent a platform tent or rustic cabin so that you don't have to pitch your own.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

People Love to Travel

Travel is something people love that has nothing to do with nationality, race or creed. We as humans love to experience new things. We need it. New experiences renew our spirits and give us a whole new perspective on life.

Even when recession hits, we look for ways to travel cheaper, but still want the opportunity to embrace those new experiences. Who are we going to meet, what are we going to see and how much are we going to relax and simply enjoy the experience. All these things feed our souls. For us, there is nothing better than taking the time to laugh and play with those you love. Some of us even travel alone, others with friends, most with family.

We don't really care too much what we do as long as it is different from what we do every day. One reason why "Staycations" have caught on. It is better to do things in our own community that we either put off or just didn't get around to than have no vacation at all.

by Dee Vanover

Monday, June 22, 2009

Low rates for US hotel rooms may outlast the recession



As U.S. hotels try to lure a shrinking number of business and leisure travelers, the industry appears to have adopted a new motto -- "Better cheap than empty."

But as hotels slash rates and offer sweet deals to fill empty rooms during the recession, they may regret their decision if customers get permanently spoiled by cheap lodging. There will be a resetting of rates and an expectation of low rates going into the future, recession or not.

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What's Better, Reviews by Guests or Travel Writers?
There are two different types of hotel reviews: user reviews and professional reviews from travel journalists. When choosing a place to stay look at both. Sometimes hotels will cater to journalists and their opinion may be skewed, unless they stay anonymously.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

How to Take Great Travel Pictures

Photo by Mark Filmore
Article from StarePhotography.com

Travel Photography If you’re a traveler and a photographer you’re blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime to capture moments in time from throughout the world and allow others to experience the world through your photography. Your adventures will become others dreams and inspiration. Often a particular photograph could make someone want to follow in your footsteps. Just one photograph could trigger the travel bug in someone and the next thing you know, you, the photographer, are enhancing people’s lives through the use of your camera.

Besides the impact travel photography has on others, it’s also very rewarding to the travel photographer. Chances are you would have had a camera on you anyways, so why not apply the creative principles of art photography to help enhance the pictures you take.

How to take the best travel photographs

There are two types of travel photography.

1) The “stand in front of that sweetie” brand and the “spontaneous and interesting” brand. Unfortunately most travel photography falls into the former category. We’ve all seen this type of photographer before, and regrettably most of us are guilty of it as well. We will try and capture the shot of something for no other purpose than to just prove we were there. The result is an often scripted, uncomfortable, predictable and visually boring picture. These types of pictures clog photo albums.

Page 1; the family in front of a water fountain.
Page 2; the family in front of a monument.
Page 3; the family in front of a sign that says something only funny to tourist.

Congratulations, you’ve taken the same shots, in the same position as thousands and sometimes millions of other people. Let’s now turn our attention to the other brand of travel photography, the spontaneous and interesting brand.

2) With this type of photography you are still free to capture the tourist site and you are still allowed to include yourself in the picture. However, there will be a stark difference in both composition and character engagement.

Let’s say for example that you and your family have gone on kayaking for the day. Some people may line the kayaks up, gear up and stand in front of the kayaks, throw their thumbs in the air and “click”. The picture is taken. When you get home to look at your shot you realize that the picture didn’t capture the peacefulness of kayaking, the calming backdrop of mountains or the scared look on sisters face when she had to duck under a log. You’ve simply captured proof that you’ve been there and done that.

A better idea would be to have someone on shore (because you probably don’t want a camera in a kayak unless you’re very skilled), and have them take pictures of the action while its happening. Even if you have to recreate events, it is still better than the scripted and visually boring alternative. Obviously capturing the moment spontaneously is best, but recreation finds itself in second place if that’s the only other option.

Likewise if you’re in Rome and you’d like to get a picture of your friend and the Coliseum all in one, try quickly pulling out your camera while they are looking at the size of the structure and snap a shot of the wonder and curiosity in their eyes.

Often this takes some preplanning with however you’re with. You will need to tell them; “Look, when I take out the camera I don’t want you to stop what you’re doing and “say cheese”. Just keep doing what you’re doing because I’m trying to capture our unpredictable and beautiful life as it unfolds”. It may take a couple of times before they stop turning and looking your way, but once you get this down pat as a team, your pictures will turn out much better.

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Friday, June 19, 2009

Hostels, The Best Places to Stay When Traveling on a Budget

Europeans have known for years the joys of staying at Hostels for a fun and inexpensive way to stretch their travel dollars. After decades of popularity in Europe, hostelling has become the newest travel craze in America.

For those who do not know what a hostel is; by definition, a Hostel is a supervised, inexpensive lodging place for travelers. You can buy a private room or a bed in a dormitory. Living areas are shared. There is usually a live-in owner or house manager to help when you need it. It is a wonderful alternative to more expensive hotels and motels.

Hostelling started in Germany to give city kids a chance to see the countryside. Soon hostels spread across Europe gaining in popularity with young people as a safe way to have a bed, shower plus security as they backpacked through Europe. Staying at a hostel was a great way to meet other young people from around the world. Making new friends was easy, since travelers stayed in dormitory rooms in bunk beds, sharing the kitchen, living areas and bathrooms.

Hostels began to spring up in the United States as Americans who enjoyed their European hostel experience brought the idea home.

Today's hostels are no longer just for the young. Most hostels give travelers a choice of private rooms with or without a private bath, or a bunk bed in a dormitory sharing a bath. Dormitory rooms can be female only, male only or mixed. As a result, families with children, singles, couples and retirees have all discovered hostels as a great way to stretch their travel budget. Some hostels specialize in providing travel services just for seniors. "Elder Hostels" have become very popular with seniors on a fixed income who want to travel, learn and socialize.

In today's tough economy, our travel budgets have decreased along with our bank accounts and retirement accounts. Hostels give travelers a chance to get away for a few days or take that family vacation without 'breaking the bank". While prices vary from place to place and season to season, dormitory beds typically cost from $15 to $22.00 per night, and private rooms range from $30.00 to $60.00 and up per night, depending on the room and number of people in the group. Reservations are recommended, but most hostels welcome walk-in traffic.

When you think about what you do on vacation, are you normally looking for an interesting city, attraction or beach to enjoy? Do you plan to fill your days exploring, shopping, eating and having fun? At night are you tired and just need a safe, clean, quiet and comfortable place to sleep? Then hostelling is for you.

American hostels must be licensed in their state and provide security locks in all the rooms. Hostels are usually located in residential areas within walking distance to the area attractions. When you stay at a hostel, other guests, neighbors and employees are happy to fill you in on the best places to see and great places to eat. Best of all, local businesses will typically supply the hostel with plenty of discount coupons for restaurants, bike rentals, museums and local attractions.

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travel Movie Endings, Good and Bad - travel Blog - World Hum
Two travel classics make a list of the best and worst endings on film.

Blog Content Wizard

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Thursday, June 18, 2009

National Magazine Recognizes A Great Quality of Life

According to writer Luke Mullins of the U. S. News and World Report St. Augustine is one of the top 10 best places to live in the United States. St. Augustine made the top ten list for 2009, and on the same list is other cities such as Albuquerque, New Mexico; Boise, Idaho and Austin, Texas.

"With a highly educated workforce, world-class golfing nearby, and that refreshing Atlantic breeze, St. Augustine, Fla., offers enough activities to satisfy even the most fanatical outdoor sports enthusiast," Mullins states in the article.

The article includes Web sites on how the magazine determines what cities are on the list, comments from readers and photo slide show of sites of the top 10 cities.

Click here to see the entire article in the weekly magazine, U. S. News and World Report.

Visit St. Augustine for less - stay at the Casa Yallaha Hostel

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Fireworks Over The Matanzas

(Photo by Mike Cubbedge)



St. Augustine’s Great July 4th Tradition Continues

6:00pm - Concert by The All Star Orchestra
8:30pm - Traffic detours begin
9:30pm - Fireworks!

Holidays are built around traditions and few holidays have more great family traditions than the Fourth of July: great food, outdoor band concerts, a day with friends and family, and of course, fireworks! They all come together in a grand celebration and there’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the Nation’s Oldest City.

First, there’s music

Starting at 6:00pm one of the region’s most popular big bands, The All Star Orchestra, returns to the Plaza de la Constitución for a two-hour show filled with Big Band and Swing music along with all the traditional patriotic favorites. The All Star Orchestra’s performance from the Plaza’s Gazebo runs from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The concert is free and those attending should bring lounge chairs for seating.

And for real music lovers, remember Thursday's Plaza Concerts throughout the summer. To view the 2009 schedule, click here.

Then there’s fireworks!

Fireworks over the Matanzas, the highlight of St. Augustine’s traditional July 4th activities has become synonymous with celebrating Independence Day in the Nation’s Oldest City. The spectacular aerial display of pyrotechnics high over Matanzas Bay begins at 9:30pm.

The 20-minute display is tightly choreographed to a stirring soundtrack of great popular music delivered over an extensive sound system transforming the entire Bayfront between the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Temporary Bridge of Lions into a theatre of sight and sound.

Local radio station WFOY/1240-AM will provide a simulcast of the soundtrack so those viewing the display from any location will be able to fully experience Fireworks Over The Matanzas as long as they have a radio. Enjoy downtown after the show

Since July 4th falls on a Saturday this year, it is expected that many people will remain downtown at the conclusion of the show for a late dinner or to visit the shops that have learned the value of extended hours after the fireworks. Given the choice between spending time strolling downtown with friends and family or sitting in traffic wasting gas, more and more people are taking their time.

Have a great time with friends and family, but keep it safe and legal!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Great Entertainment in a Great Place




THE 19th SEASON OF ST. AUGUSTINE’S FREE CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA


Reminiscent of days gone by when friends and families would gather in the early evening to listen to music in the town square, Concerts in the Plaza brings a wide variety of musical entertainment to St. Augustine’s historic downtown all summer long. Bluegrass and blues, jazz and country, swing and folk, old time and popular rock: Concerts in the Plaza has something for everyone.

Now in its 19th year, Concerts in the Plaza has become known as The best way to spend a Thursday night in St. Augustine, and it’s easy to understand why when you’re sitting under the majestic oaks of the oldest town square in the nation while enjoying quality musical entertainment against a backdrop of the rich historic ambiance of The Nation’s Oldest City.

The concert season started with an afternoon performance on Memorial Day and continues all summer long on Thursdays at 7:00pm and then concludes, as does summer, on Labor Day with another afternoon performance.

All the concerts are free and attendees should bring lounge chairs for seating. Picnic dinners are popular, but alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Plaza.

Concerts in the Plaza prides itself on providing a wide variety of entertainment by showcasing the best in regional musical talent. For many of the series’ most faithful followers, a highlight of the weekly concerts is the chance to becomes reacquainted with some of favorite performers. Some bands have been playing the series season after season while others have joined the roster in more recent years guaranteeing a wide variety of entertainment all summer long.


Location and Parking
A gathering place for the people of St. Augustine for well over four centuries, the Plaza de la Constitución is located in the heart of St. Augustine between Cathedral Place and King Street, just to the west of the Bridge of Lions. The band performs from The Gazebo, a fixture in the center of the Plaza since early in the 20th Century. There is no permanent seating in the Plaza so attendees should bring lounge chairs. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the plaza de la Constitución.

On street is available near the Plaza de la Constitución and is free after 5:00pm. Parking is also available in the Historic Downtown Parking Facility (HDPF) located at the St. Augustine & St. Johns County Visitors Information Center, a 10-minute walk along St. George St. to the Plaza. The cost for parking in the HDPF is $1.25 per hour with a $7.50 per day maximum.


Rain? What rain? Because Florida’s summer rain showers are usually brief, even when heavy, it is rare for a performance to be cancelled in advance. As is often said: The only way you’ll know if a concert is cancelled is to be there. Performances may be postponed if the rain seems brief, but cancelled only if the weather prohibits the performance from continuing. If a concert is cancelled in advance, every effort will be made to notify the public through the local media.
Need to know more? Concerts in the Plaza is produced by the City of St. Augustine’s Public Affairs Department with funding support from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.


For more information, call 904.825.1004 during weekday office hours, email cosa@aug.com, or write Department of Public Affairs, P. O. Box 210, St. Augustine, FL 32085-0210.
For information about visiting St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches, call 800.653.2489 or visit http://www.getaway4florida.com/.

Monday, June 15, 2009

99 of the Best Travel Blogs

Travel blogs are a dime a dozen these days. But finding the good ones, that’s the challenge. You know, the ones that inspire you with a burning desire to dust off your old suitcase, stuff it with some clothes and gadgets, and buy an open-ended ticket to somewhere far far away.

Those are the kinds of blogs we feature on TravelBlogs. And we’ve uncovered plenty of gems over the past few years. As TravelBlogs is about to feature its 100th blog, I thought it would be an appropriate time to stop and heap praise upon the 99 excellent travel blogs already featured.