Archive for the ‘Travel tips’ Category

Malaria? Alberta has mosquitoes but they don’t leave parasites behind!

Saturday, May 31st, 2008

Malaria? 

It’s a word I have heard, but I never really spent much time thinking about it.  That is until I began researching Belize (I am tripping there end of August).

I thought Malaria was prevalent only in far away countries like Africa and India, not the Americas.  But I was wrong.  Malaria is also common in South and Central America.

Yikes, I thought, what do I do?  Read on . . .

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Airport Security: What is allowed and not allowed in your carry-on baggage?

Wednesday, April 30th, 2008

Photo by Sheree Zielke

Guns, knives, hand grenades, alligators, and bottles of water — these things will be confiscated if you try to take them through American airport security. But what currently is allowed in your carry-on luggage?

Since the terrorist attacks of 9-11, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has changed its mind repeatedly on what is and what is not allowed onto a plane. Nail clippers, once taboo, are now okay. But what about foods? Can you take your lunch onto the plane? What about lithium batteries? A camcorder? What about a tube of face moisturizer?

The answer is “Yes,” to some things, and “No,” to others. If you are still unsure, here’s a quick checklist of some of the most common items allowed and those disallowed in airport security.

Read on . . .

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Chicago Airport: Weird bathroom option for visually impaired!

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

Photo by Sheree Zielke

Airport layovers are seldom part of the travel experience we usually anticipate with joy.  However, if you must be stuck in an airport, then make it the Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

We recently spent several hours there while awaiting our connection to Houston.  The time flew by in this bright and cheery place.  But the designers need to give their heads a shake.  There’s a feature in the women’s washroom that gives pause for thought.  Especially if you are visually impaired.

Read on . . .

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Desperately need an escape? But can’t afford one? Try your own backyard!

Monday, April 28th, 2008

Photo by Sheree Zielke

“Why do you have to travel so much?” he asked.

“Why do you have to breathe?” I shot back.

For some, travel is an addiction to adventure; for others, travel is a way to survive, in the same way that breathing oxygen ensures our continued existence. The knowledge that an escape has been planned can make our daily routines — our weekly drudgery — that much easier to bear.

But what if you can’t afford to travel? That might be, but that shouldn’t stop you from having a rejuvenating adventure. Some of the best escapes are right in your own backyard. But like all travel, they’ll take a little planning.

Read on . . .

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Progresso, Mexico: Cheap drugs, get a tooth fixed, or chow down on great food!

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008

Photo by Sheree Zielke

Looking for drugs? Do you need a tooth fixed? Or maybe you just have a yen for a darn good taco.

A visit to Brownsville, Texas is great but you must spend at least one day in a foreign country when in the area. And that’s so easy to do, because Mexico is just a short drive, or walk, away.

You can choose from a variety of entry points (International Bridges), but double your fun with a drive up Hwy 281, the “Old Military” highway, and hang a left at Progresso.

Read on . . .

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Snakes, cemeteries, the Mexican border: Day of adventure on the Old Military Highway, Texas

Friday, April 18th, 2008

Grave Statue on Old Military Highway in Texas

“Oh, look a snake!”

The urgency in my husband’s voice was alarming.  We had just been warned by a local Texan to watch out for snakes inhabiting the bushes.  And sure enough, in one of the older, more deserted, most appealing graveyards, just outside of Brownsville, along Highway 281, a snake crossed our paths.

Read on. . .

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Booking your travel plans? This site is the way to go!

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

Plane Wing in the Clouds

I don’t usually gush about one travel booking site over another, but in this case I must make an exception.  As a travel writer, I travel frequently.  I recently discovered that an event I needed to cover back home had switched its dates, right over top of one of my flight dates.

I do all my airline bookings online, but I have never needed to make changes before.  So, I wasn’t sure what I was in for.  However, I pulled up the site’s contact number, and placed a call.

I was in for a big disappointment.

Read on. . .

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Deep Sea Fishing: Hell on the High Seas!

Tuesday, April 15th, 2008

Photo by David Thiel

There is hell on earth, and it’s called, “deep sea fishing.” What was I thinking, or rather, what was my husband thinking when he agreed to a 5-hour deep sea fishing adventure?

We took our first deep sea fishing trip just off the coast of South Padre Island in Texas. To me, it was an adventure; to my husband, it was an unending journey into the depths of hell.

Read on . . .

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Elvis Fans? Vintage Memorabilia Fans? This Museum is a MUST-see!

Friday, April 11th, 2008

Little Graceland Museum in Los Fresnos, Texas

In the army, you never know who you’ll be bunking with. Except Simon Vega had a fairly good idea that the dark-haired handsome guy from Tupelo, Mississippi, was special. Back in 1958, Vega shared army duty with none other than the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Vega remembers fondly his days with a young Elvis. But remembering his former army buddy wasn’t enough for Vega; only a museum would do. But what a place to put a museum!

Read on. . . (more…)

Most Haunted House in New Orleans is Owned by a Big Hollywood Star!

Tuesday, April 8th, 2008

Most Haunted House in New Orleans

Who owns the most haunted house in New Orleans, Louisiana?  He’s a big star, he’s done lots of movies, he’s an Oscar-winner, and he was once married to the child of a King.  Can you guess?

Okay, here’s another clue: he lives down the street from another famous star, in fact, a pair of Hollywood notables: Brad and Angelina.

Have you guessed yet?  No?

Read on. . .

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