November 2, 2011

Holiday Madness Is Here!

Posted by Christine B. under Family Friendly Adventures | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Diyas (oil lamp) during Diwali-wikipedia

This is just a crazy time of year. According to Hallmark, there are 8 major holidays crammed into the short time span from October 31- December 31. That averages out a holiday every 11.5 Days!  Some of these holidays have been celebrated since the pilgrims first set foot on these shores, while others are recently recognized in the United States. For instance, although Diwali has been celebrated in India for centuries, it has only recently gained popularity as major holiday in this country. 8 Major Holidays in 92 Days- 2011:

October 31- Halloween

November 11- Veterans Day

November 13- Diwali

November 24- Thanksgiving

December 21- Hanukkah

December 25- Christmas

December 26- Kwanzaa

December 31/January –1  New Year’s Eve/Day

Many people plan to visit friends and family or take a much needed vacation for at least one of these holidays, making this one of the busiest travel times of the year. Families are able to take advantage of school breaks and take the kids to visit Grandma, go to Disney World, enjoy a cruise or hit the slopes. Hotels, cruise lines and tour companies all offer holiday specials this time of year. With a little advance planning, the savvy traveler is able to take advantage of some great deals.

What are your plans this holiday season?

For affordable lodging and a good Night’s Sleep on your holiday vacation

 

January 21, 2011

Snowbirds . . .

Posted by louise C. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Canadian Snowbirds - Canada's 9-plane military aerobatics and airshow flight demonstration team - Flickr photo by Armchair Aviator

. . . “Spread your tiny wings and fly away

And take the snow back with you

Where it came from that day  . . .”

. . . “So, little snowbird, take me when you go

To that land of gentle breezes where the peaceful water flows . . .”

The term snowbird might have already been in use prior to Anne Murray’s popular song “Snowbird” but, its use in the song by this Canadian singer would serve to explain the term further as people from the northern climes travelled southward during the cold winter months.  This seasonal migration dates back as far as the Colonial times “when Bostonians would often go (by sea) to Charleston or Savannah for winter.”  

A popular snowbird destination is near Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi - Flickr photo by NatalieMaynor

So, where do the snowbirds come from, and where do they go?  They come from the  Northeast, the Midwest and Canada, for the most part.   They go to Florida, California, Texas, the Carolinas, and anywhere along the sun belt regions of the southern and southwest areas of the U.S. as well as Mexico, plus the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand are all popular  destinations.   

Snowbirds are typically retirees and people whose income allows them to maintain two homes, with one being located in warmer climates during the winter time.  Many of these migratory people are also RVers, and travel in their recreational vehicle, which also serves as their home-away-from-home, but many more rely on hotels and motels along the way.  The migration of snowbirds is also considered a tourism boost for many cities that provide that mid-way point, and final destination. 

Snowbirds flock to Daytona Beach, where one can drive on the beach - Flickr photo by chenines

Majestic mountains are seen in the background of Palm Desert - Flickr photo by Accretion Disc

Affordability, convenience, multiple attractions and accessibility to shopping and medical facilities are key factors when snowbirds settle upon their final destinations.  Cities like Daytona Beach and Lake City, Florida, Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi; Palm Desert and San Diego, California, and Yuma, Arizona are but a few popular areas that snowbirds flock to.

Although the economy over the past few years has been a factor with fewer snowbirds heading southward, predications for 2011 are optimistic for a rebound, with Pensacola, Florida being named as a primary destination.

 

January 10, 2011

I Resolve To . . .

Posted by Misty M. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
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We can thank Janus, a mythical king of early Rome (153 B.C.) for what some consider the beginning of the tradition of new year’s resolutions.  Fact is, the Romans named the first calendar month after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances.  Thus, Janus was always depicted with two faces, where the one on the front of the head was always looking forward, and the one on the back of the head was looking backward at the same time.

New Year’s resolutions can be traced back 4,000 years to ancient Babylonians, when they might have resolved to return borrowed farm equipment.

 Along with resolutions there are other traditions associated with the new year, such as food.  Greens, like cabbage or collards depict money where black eyed peas are said to bring good luck, and hog jowls or ham signify luck or prosperity.  Italians might eat lasagna, while Austrians may serve green peppermint ice cream in the shape of a cloverleaf.  Almost every culture has some type of food they traditionally serve on New Year’s day.

Non edible traditions vary as well.  For instance, in Wales, at the first toll of midnight the back door is opened and closed to release the old year and lock out bad luck; whereas at the twelfth stroke of the clock, the front door is opened to welcome in the new year and shepherd in good luck.  In Japan, homes are decorated in tribute to lucky gods.

Toasting in the new year in Paris - Flickr photo by viZZZual

There is also the new-year toast, which can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans who shared wine from a common pitcher where the host drank first to ensure the wine was not poisoned.  Champagne has since become the toast of choice in the modern world.

Music has played its part in new year celebrations as well, and the song Auld Lang Syne became the song of the day after it was published in 1796, although there were several variations of Auld Lang Syne all the way back to the early 1700’s.

Perhaps the most famous New Year's Eve celebration is in Times Square in New York - Flickr photo by Paul Mannix

New Years is also the oldest holiday celebration and the only holiday celebrating the passage of time, as well as associated with making new year resolutions. 

I resolve to go white water rafting in West Virginia with my teen-aged son, as well as go horseback riding in the Virginia mountains and catch some major site-seeing in new York City.   One of my colleagues has stated she resolves to take a cruise to the Caribbean, Cayman Islands and Cozumel, while another wants to visit at least one small seemingly unknown tourist venue and one major tourist attraction in 2011.  

Flckr photo by katerha

Resolutions are not necessarily all about diets, or losing weight, quit smoking, etc, but can include fun things like seeing the beauty of nature, travelling throughout America and experiencing what the World has to offer in a variety of ways.  

What do you resolve to do in 2011?

 

December 21, 2010

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree . . . .

Posted by louise C. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Whie House Christmas tree by Jay Tamboli

So when did the origin of the Christmas tree begin?  It is said that back in the 7th Century, a Devonshire monk named St. Boniface was sent to Germany to teach the word of God.  St. Boniface used the triangular shape of a Fir tree as a representation of the Holy Trinity of God, thus the Fir tree became God’s tree and eventually was hung upside down from the ceiling.  This gesture and the Fir tree thereby represented Christianity. 

Cowboy Christmas tree by elvissa

It wasn’t until the 16th century though that the decorated Christmas tree surfaced, when Martin Luther placed candles upon the tips of a tree and lit them to demonstrate to his children how the stars might twinkle on a darkened night.  Candles however were a fire hazard and were often placed in wooden hoops for safety, especially in the 1840’s in Germany where “fine beaded decorations and tinsel angels” found their way onto Christmas trees.  By the 1870’s glass ornaments from Britain became popular, and then the electric light bulb was invented.

New York City Bloomberg Tower Christmas tree by Rob Boudon

 In 1882, when the custom of using electric lights began, an associate of Thomas Edison, hand wired red, white and blue bulbs, winding them around an Evergreen tree located in the parlor of his home in New York City, but the popularity of lit Christmas trees didn’t happen until President Grover Cleveland, in 1895, commissioned for more than 100 multi-colored light bulbs to be placed on an enormous Evergreen tree for the White House. 

 “Soon members of high society were hosting Christmas tree lighting parties.”

Decorating for Christmas brings to mind the many wonderful Christmas displays in small and big town America.  To find out the Top Ten “Christmas towns in America” you might want to visit http://www.americasbestonline.net/index.php/pages/bestchristmastowns.html, although, here’s a brief summary of America’s best . . .

Christmas store front - Old Towne Alexandria - by cliff1066

Crowned the ultimate holiday town USA, by the A&E Network and coming in at #1 is Leavenworth, Washington, which ‘transforms itself into a virtual snow globe,” but #2, Durango, Colorado, might just be the favorite of big and little kids everywhere with their real live Polar Express where everyone climbs aboard in PJ’s to visit the North Pole some 30 miles away in the snowy Rocky Mountains.

“Romantic, Magical and Historic” is how #3 is described.  The quaint village of Woodstock, Vermont, comes to life during December with its 19th Century Christmas celebration, medieval banquet, and Christmas festivities of all types.  Not far from Woodstock is #4, Kennebunkport, Maine, where the annual Christmas tree lighting kicks off a host of holiday activities including the arrival of Santa Claus in a Lobster Boat.

Perhaps one of the most unusual heralding in of Christmas events takes place in #5, Mountain View, Arkansas, with caroling in the caves.  Located in Blanchard Spring Caverns is a huge amphitheatre, where the “sound is incredible!”  You can also enjoy home-made corn shuck angels and ornaments made from spools, both popular Christmas decorations in small town Mountain View.

Aurora Borialis seen in North Pole - Flickr photo by beverlypack

There really is a North Pole Virginia!  It’s located in Alaska, and that is where #6 displays Christmas year-round.  If Alaska’s too far and too cold, then you might want to visit #7, Alexandria, Virginia, where you can participate in the Scottish Walk Weekend, now in its 38th year.

 Just a short freezing 20 minute ride aboard a ferry will get you to Mackinac Island, Michigan, where BRRRR, you can only get around by horse and buggy, the same as they did 100 years ago, and even today, Santa will visit each and every child (part of the 500 population on Mackinac Island) to hear their Christmas wish.

Anyone for Christmas, New Orleans style?  Voted #9, New Orleans boasts of their twinkling lights, streetcars decorated with Christmas garlands, wrought iron balconies dressed in holly, meandering historical characters and all the great music and food New Orleans is known for.  But, not to be outdone, a little southwest of the border is #10, San Antonio, Texas, wrapping up the Top Ten . . . where River Walk sparkles that much more.  Imagine 40 decorated Christmas trees, eating tamales instead of turkey and participating in “La Gran Posada” a moving reenactment of the first Christmas Eve.

Flickr photo by guy schmidt

Whatever you do this Christmas, take time to visit your decorated town hall, city square, downtown area, and any place meant to bring a little holiday cheer.  In ending, may we wish you happy holidays!

 

December 9, 2010

Only 15 More Shopping Days Til’ Christmas . . . .

Posted by Christine B. under Family Friendly Adventures | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Heralding in a new Holiday Shopping Season - Christmas Tree in front of Macy's - Flickr photo by Pravin-kumar

What a familiar statement that is.  Not to worry as there are numerous shopping opportunities; what with mega malls, discount outlet shopping centers, strip malls with large department stores and discount stores galore in most every city around.  If you are like many folks and simply don’t want to fight the crowds or just get out, you can turn on the tube and seek out gifts for everyone on Home Shopping Network and QVC or other similar TV shopping networks.  Plus, technology has pushed the envelope when it comes to shopping on the Internet.  New or used, you name it and you can find it on a variety of websites.

Some of our readers will remember planned shopping excursions, where for weeks you mapped out your trip to the big city to buy Christmas gifts.  It normally required an overnight stay in a hotel or nearby inn and often included a special meal at your favorite out-of-town restaurant.  Up early in the morning to beat the crowds with a shop until you drop attitude . . . then laden with gifts galore you return to your home-away-from -home; tired, but pleased that you found that special gift for Aunt Mary, Cousin Jane and Grandpa.

Going to the big city for shopping was a treat - Flickr photo of Washington, DC at Christmastime by ktlerconk

Part of the phenomenon of Christmas shopping from afar was the gaiety of sparkling tinsel and twinkling lights, seeing a larger than life Christmas tree and simply being part of the bustling Christmas shopping crowd.

Today, there are more reasons to leave the sofa or laptop to shop – mega malls are not just filled with retail establishments but many house amusement parks, hotels, and are considered tourist destinations.  Here are some stats when it comes to these mega shopping opportunities.  Eight of the 10 largest malls in the world are located in Asia, so if you really want a shopping experience of a life time you might want to travel to Dongguan, China, where the South China Mall is said to be the largest mall in the world.  This mall has it all; a replica of France’s Arc de Triomphe, working wind mills, a theme park, and has a whopping 7.1 million square feet of space to its name. 

If you want to ride the waves or experience the thrill of a towering roller coaster, then Cevahir Istanbul in Turkey is the place to go.  Considered the largest mall in Europe, Cevahir features a wave pool, roller coaster and several IMAX theatres plus a bevy of shops to meet the needs of even the most persnickety shopper.

Rollercoaster shown is in the West Edmonton Mall, Alberta, Canada - Wikimedia photo

Mall of America, Flickr photo by cliff1066

For those U.S. shoppers who want to be a little closer to home, then the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada might just be the ticket for the whole family.  With 3.8 million square feet of shopping and entertainment space, including a casino, skating rink, water park, a petting zoo and other attractions, this mega mall rivals some of the best and largest.  Let’s not forget the Mall of America, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where forty million visitors a year visit to shop at more than 500+ stores, visit the Underwater Aquarium Adventure, Lego Imagination Center and Dinosaur Walk Museum or party hardy in one of their seven nightclubs.

The town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Flickr photo by Alaskan Dude

Lifesize nutcracker in Rothenburg Christmas Store - Flickr photo by Alaskan Dude

Not into mega malls, and simply want to get caught up in the spirit of Christmas?  Dating all the way back to the 14th century is Germany’s Christkindlmarkt experience; a must do and see in towns like Dresden and Nuremberg.   Also, the Medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous for its Weihnachtsmarkt.  Even if you don’t buy a thing, just touring this romantic town, whose history goes back as far as 970 AD, with its uneven cobblestone streets, aged half-timbered houses and an imposingly thick wall of stone that surrounds the city, will leave you with a feeling of good will and cheer.

Last but not least are those home-spun Christmas -bazaars, put on by churches and non-profit organizations galore, where crafters and artisans of all kinds put out their one-of-a-kind treasures or cloned home-made articles of all types.  You won’t want to miss these delightful, in-your-backyard shopping opportunities, where often times this is where you find that special gift found no where else. 

Happy holidays everyone – and happy shopping to you!

 

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