Posts Tagged ‘Travel’

Where to Find Fine Wine

August 5, 2008 - 1:48 am No Comments

Good wine only comes from good grapes, and good grapes can only be grown in certain parts of the world. This is why few countries have made names for themselves by producing good wine. Champagne is actually a region in France where sparkling white wine was concocted. The French, alongside many other Europeans make good wine. America and Australia also have great wineries that turn grapes into the best drink you can have with your meal.

California. If you’re visiting San Francisco, you cannot miss crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and have a wine tour in Napa Valley. The climate and geography in Napa County are perfect for growing grapes. Near Napa is another county that is recognized for great wine. Sonoma County has similar environment as Napa which also makes it a great place to grow grapes. California produces both red and white wine. They are particularly famous for their Cabernet and Chardonnay. Click here to fly to San Francisco for free and start your wine tasting now!

France. Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne are the top regions to get your wine. Bordeaux is more famous for their red wine, which they produce in wide varieties. You can get the strong and full taste of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes which is great with your meaty dinner. Burgundy grows Pinot Noir grapes which is softer than Cabernet. Chardonnay is also widely grown for fine white wine. Champagne, of course, is where you can get the top-of-the-line sparkling white wine.

Italy. A town in Italy is also internationally recognized for its production of sparkling white wine. Asti Spumante comes from Moscato Bianco grapes which are widely grown in Asti. In contrast with your red wine which is a perfect match to your steak, Asti Spumante is sweet and does not have high alcohol content, making it a great drink with dessert. Chianti in Tuscany, on the other hand, is keener in making red wine.

Spain. Red wine is more widely produced in Spain, but they have more white grape vineyards! This is because aside from fine red wine, Spain produces the best brandy. Simply click here to fly free to Spain! Taste not only great red wine but their prided brandy.

Choosing your wine is a lot like choosing an outfit. There are so many choices and mixing and matching is important. To totally satisfy your palate, think of which grapes you want. Will the sweet Asti Spumante suit you or are you in the mood for some strong Cabernet Sauvignon? Also, consider the meal you are having. Beef will have you craving for Cabernet, and poultry will surely match your Chardonnay. Lastly, bear in mind the place where it is produced! Click here and you can get 6 bottles of wine for free!

Extreme Traveling: Be an Expat!

July 31, 2008 - 3:59 am No Comments

Have you ever visited a place that is so great you literally never wanted to leave? Well, there are people who actually do these. These are expats or expatriates.

Most people become expats not really for the sake of traveling and delving into foreign culture, but for economic reasons. America for example receives plenty of expats because it is easy to get a decent job that can easily cover the living expenses. So for people living in countries where the minimum wage can barely reach the cost of living, being an expat is always an option. Singapore, U.A.E. and the U.S. top the list of the best places to be expats. People who do not really earn big in underdeveloped countries can live luxuriously as expats in countries that pay huge sums of money.

If you decide on being an expat, it is important that you choose the country carefully. There are plenty of countries that pay you big bucks, but to hit two birds with one stone, why not choose a country that is not only financially rich, but also rich in culture and natural beauty? Here are a few great places to be an expat in.

1.    Mexico. Ok, Mexico is not your ideal expatriate destination if you want to earn big bucks. But the cost of living, particularly real estates, is much cheaper. Money matters aside, Mexico is a great expat destination because it is paradise. The great beaches, vibrant culture, welcoming locals and interesting history make this a great place for foreigners to live in. Just imagine yourself waking up in paradise everyday! Simply click here and you can fly to Mexico for free!

2.    San Francisco. The cost of living in San Francisco is high, but that’s ok because the salaries are high as well. More importantly, art is alive in this city. San Francisco is a great place for artists to be expats in. Graffiti is supported by the government and is highly encouraged. Just look around and you’ll see that this city has walls for canvases. I would definitely want to live there.

3.    Tokyo. Japan ranks the 2nd most expensive city in the world making it a great place to get high salaries. But more than the possibilities for luxurious living, Tokyo is great because it has an interesting culture and unique customs.

4.    Hong Kong. For someone who loves to shop, Hong Kong is your expat destination. Aside from giving out big salaries, Hong Kong has an interesting and colorful pop culture that you will surely enjoy living in. The entire place is like a huge shopping mall with a wide and complete variety of commodities. And the best thing is cheap stuff is not hard to come by.

5.    India. Aside from getting big salaries, India is a great place to live in because of the culture. It’s difficult to be bored in this place with its many attractions. But this place is not for everyone. You have to deal with traffic and some densely populated streets. India is not really for those who want to live like Dons. This interesting country is more for culture and history buffs and for travelers who are ready for any kind of adventure.

You’ll never really know a place unless you’ve lived there long enough. So choose a city that you think suits your interests. Don’t just go there for the big bucks, or you might end up being bored in a desk job in the end. Consider the city’s culture. It is important that you get not only financial wealth but also cultural and personal growth as an expat.

How to Travel Cheap: Disneyland Resort, Anaheim

July 28, 2008 - 12:32 am No Comments

Originally in 1955, there was only one theme park and one hotel built Disneyland Anaheim. But the ever growing success of Disney entailed the expansion of the theme park in the 90’s. Hence today, Disneyland in Anaheim is not only a park, but a resort complex with two theme parks, three hotels and a walk-in district that is sure to give anyone a delightful flight to a world of magic.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? But I will not lie, that fun fantasy-filled trip will cost you. But just because we don’t have a bed of cash does not mean we cannot have fun in Disneyland Resort, Anaheim! Here are a few tips to make your trip cheaper, but just as fun.

1. Fly for free to Anaheim
I kid you not, this is possible! If you’re not from California and you want to visit Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, you can make your trip cheaper by flying in for free! Simply click here for more information, and start your cheap but fun adventure to Anaheim!

2.   Choose your theme park
As mentioned, there are two theme parks in Disneyland Resort Anaheim. The original park has the typical Disneyland layout – Main Street USA, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland etc. It is the larger of the two and naturally has more attractions. This park is more suited for the younger bunch who wants to immerse in fantasy and magic. If you have not been to any Disneyland Park anywhere in the world, I advise you choose this. This will give you an authentic Disney experience. But if you’ve already been to other Disneyland Parks like in Paris or in Japan, choose the other one, Disney’s California Adventure (DCA). All Disneyland Parks in the world look almost the same so you’ll probably get the same experience, but DCA is unique in Anaheim.

DCA is also more suited for thrill-seeking teenagers who want to be blasted up in roller coasters and thrown around in wild loops. This park is also uniquely Californian. The entire park is a tribute to California; hence sub-lands such as Pacific Wharf, the Golden Vine Winery, the Hollywood Pictures Backlot and many more.

You don’t have to visit both parks. You won’t be missing out if you don’t visit both. Just consider the ages of the people you’re traveling with and if there’s another Disneyland Park nearer your home.

3.    Don’t stay in the Resort’s hotels

It’s really tempting to sleep in Disney hotels, but the thing is, you will spend most of the time outside. You’ll only be needing your hotel room for the bed and the bathroom. There are plenty of inns near Disneyland Resort! You just have to choose one that has a good lock, neat bathroom and soft bed. Believe me, it’s not hard to find around Anaheim.

4.    Unwind in Downtown Disney
There is no entrance fee in this part of the resort. You can simply walk-in, enjoy the view, shop, dine, or see a movie! Downtown Disney is a perfect place to unwind after a long thrilling walk around either one of the parks.

Alaska: The Coolest Place This Summer

July 25, 2008 - 12:47 am 1 Comment

It’s summer.  As we all know it’s also the season for heat strokes, lawn fires, droughts, and high electricity bills.  For those of you who are running out of places to take the kids other than Disneyland, a much quieter, cooler place may very well sooth your vacationing itch.  Alaska isn’t all about the wilderness and sub-zero temperatures.  What most people don’t realize is that “The Last Frontier” state is definitely perfect for quick summer getaways.

Getting to Alaska is easy, seeing that state has its own airline, and if for those on a tight budget travel opportunities are a dime-a-dozen throughout the net.
You might ask, “But what is there to do there that’s safe, manageable, and fun for the whole family?”  Well, as our Inuit brethren would say, “There’s plenty to do here, so come on over!”  With the cool and more forgiving weather during the summer months, Alaska will certainly make you realize that it is truly the coolest place to be.

Though before you start packing your bags, here are a few things worth jotting down:

Outdoor Activities:
It isn’t called The Last Frontier for nothing.  You and your family can enjoy numerous activities while at the Alaskan outdoors.  There’s kayaking, four wheeling (ATV’s), and hiking.  Of course, there are safe routes for beginners as much as there are more perilous ones for those seeking adventure.  You and your family could also fish for huge King Salmons, which are very tasty.  And if you’re lucky and happen to find yourself in front of the ocean then you might very well see a blue whale or an orca splashing about.  Now that’s a hundred times more fascinating than SeaWorld!  But if whales and marine life aren’t up your alley, there are also eagles and moose and other interesting wildlife—some of which often walk right up the streets of Anchorage.

Historical Sites:
If you happen to be staying at Anchorage, take a trip to the Native Heritage Center.  While there the kids can finally learn firsthand about the 11 distinct cultures found in Alaska—that’s even more than most cities.  In addition, there is also the Ulu Knife Factory which showcases unique sets of blades which are exact replicas of what the early settlers used for hunting, gathering, and fishing.  Lastly, there’s the Anchorage Museum where you can learn about the Alaskan Pipeline–which is responsible for carrying much needed oil to the mainland–, and take a trip back into history to bear witness to the devastation of the great Alaskan earthquake of 1964 which measured 9.2 on the Richter scale.  It is also important to mention that all these notable places are just either a stroll or bus ride away from the nicest hotels.

Dining:
Don’t limit yourself to fast food, and all that unhealthy junk food.  While in Alaska, you can delight in delicacies not found anywhere else, and definitely not as fresh.  Among the favorites are reindeer sausages, caribou steaks.  For dad, there’s the exquisitely brewed microbeer—sorry kiddies maybe after a few years.  And of course, don’t forget that tasty Salmon you just caught!

Night Life:
When finally, the kids are tucked safely in bed, there is the Alaskan night life awaiting those old romantics seeking a little time away from domestic life.  There are plenty of bars open to those looking for a good time, most notably the B & B Bar which is the oldest bar in the state, complete with nondescript architecture and friendly people.  Couples could also avail of certain stimulants which are deemed illegal in most states.  So go back for a brief moment to the time when everything else was easier and responsibility was merely a suggestion rather than a mandate.  Don’t forget to look up at that colorful sky, illuminated by the Aurora Borealis.

Crazy Scary: The World’s Wildest Roller Coasters!

July 24, 2008 - 10:59 pm 1 Comment

Nothing can give you the most thrilling minute of your life than a crazy roller coaster ride. Some people think it’s ridiculous to fall in line for hours for a ride that will only last two minutes maximum. But when you get off that roller coaster, I’m sure you’ll be falling in line again. Good thing geniuses keep on coming up with new and unique ideas for roller coasters. Engineers just keep on aiming for taller drops and more twisted loops. Here are a few of the world’s craziest roller coasters that are bound to make you feel fear and fun both at the same time.

Top Thrill Dragster, Cedar Point Ohio. This one has no crazy loops. It’s actually a plain go up then down ride. But don’t get me wrong. This may be a short ride but it will surely give you a scare. The train runs in a dashing 120 mph on steel rails that stand 420 feet tall, with a drop that twists down at a 90-degree angle of descent! It was the steepest, tallest and fastest roller coaster at the time it opened. Fly to Ohio to get the thrill of this Dragster! Simply click here and you can get a $500 Airline gift card!

Kingda ka, Six Flags Great Adventure New Jersey. This ride has a very similar design to the Top Thrill Dragster, only it is today’s fastest and tallest roller coaster! It is 456 feet tall and the trains run at 128 mph! You will be thrown 45 stories high up and then back down in less than a minute. Feel your insides scramble in this daring ride! Get a $500 Airline Gift Card to make your trip to New Jersey cheaper!

Momonga Standing & Loop Coaster, Yomiuriland, Tokyo. Yes, we pay homage to the ingenious creativity of the Japanese! This ride may be old, but it is the first to innovate the seating of roller coasters. In 1982, Yomiuriland opened the world to the first stand-up coaster. As the name implies, the people stand up on the trains throughout the ride! Today, there are many operating stand-up rides around the world.

Tatsu, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles. Steepness of the rails and speed of the trains are not enough to scare riders. The way you are seated also adds to the thrill, thus, people innovated roller coaster seats. Tatsu is a flying roller coaster. This means that the back of their seats lay flat on the rails overhead. The riders face down assuming a flying position. Because this is not a usual sitting coaster, you’ll get a totally different view. See yourself hanging hundreds of feet above the ground! Fly free to Los Angeles and ride this crazy train yourself!

The Skycycle, Washuzan Highland Park, Okayama. Ok, now the Japanese had their imagination going once again. It is not the fastest, it is not the steepest. But I assure you that this is the scariest and wildest ride you will be on! This is because there are no trains. You will be pedaling your way through the rails on a bicycle! Crazy scary!