February 8, 2012

No Matter Where Your Travels Take You . . . .

Posted by Christine B. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Who would have thought that February, which many do not consider the ideal month to travel in to also be one of the most popular months of the year for tourism.

Certainly you have to list the sunny shores of Florida and the Daytona 500, which happens to be February 26th this year, as one of the key reasons to travel south, especially if you live in the frigid northern climes.  Just being able to shed all those extra layers of clothing and drink in the sea air is enough reason to trek down I-75 or I-95.

If Florida is not on your mind, then head to New York?  Sure, the weather may not be ideal, but if a little romance is on your agenda, then Niagara Falls, the honeymoon capital of the world (or at least in the U.S. of A) or New York City with its bright lights, Broadway shows and mega shopping opportunities would be a perfect alternative.

Why not Pennsylvania, you ask?  Well, why not?  Even where the grass has been greener can be serene, when heading to the Amish countryside as you travel along the back roads and by-ways.  

A little further south, there is always Virginia, the state which touts “Virginia is for Lovers”  . . . where you can watch the sun rise over the ocean near the seaside and heading further east see the shadows fall over the lush (verdant green in the spring, summer and fall months) rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley as the sun goes down.  Now if that isn’t romantic, I’m just not sure what is.

Romance it seems has no season, just a reason for traveling to that special place.  And if you’re unsure where to stop for a good night’s sleep, click here for some suggestions.

By the way, we haven’t forgotten New Orleans; after all, one of the most popular tourism events of the year happens in the big easy . . . Mardi Gras will kick off before Lent, which occurs on the 22nd of February this year, so if watching colorful parades and being involved in all the gala is something you enjoy, then head to Louisiana!

 

January 12, 2012

Reflecting on January . . .

Posted by louise C. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Except for those of us who might be called snow bunnies, most folks don’t care for the month of January, which normally is a cold and dreary month.  January, however, yields many reasons for travel, and certainly reflecting on the past  . . . such as . . . .

The first presidential election was held in January 1789; subsequently four U.S. presidents were born in the month of January,  and four U.S. presidents died in the month of January; among them President Theodore Roosevelt.

January is also the month for kings: Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Baptist Minister, Martin Luther King, Jr. not only celebrated a birthday in January, but Congress set aside the third Monday in the month of January, in observance and to honor Dr. King, a prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. 

Note:  The Martin Luther King Memorial ,  located in the National Mall in Washington, D.C., was officially opened in August 2011, joining many other memorials to great leaders of our time, and as popular tourist attractions.  Because MLK Day is on a Monday and is considered a three-day holiday weekend for many, it is a perfect opportunity for many to travel to Washington, D.C.

 Henry VIII, was King of England for some 40 years before his death in January 1547, and Elvis Presley, known as the King of Rock n’ Roll, was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8th.  Note: Although thousands of fans will visit Presley’s birthplace in January, many more will visit during Annual Fan Appreciation Day, taking place in August, which is the month Presley died.  Presley is also tied to Memphis, TN.

Eight states were admitted to the Union over a number of years in the month of January, while three states seceded from the Union (in the month of January) during the Civil War.

Two wars ended: The War of 1812-1814, when General Andrew Jackson defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans, and the Vietnam peace agreement was signed, thus ending the Viet Nam war in 1973.  Note: Viet Nam has become a popular tourist destination.  The country which is one of many contrasts with its beautiful seashore and white sandy beaches, vying with the Mekong Delta and River;  Chu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of underground tunnels located near Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon);  and Sa Pa Terraces (near the border of China) and Phu Quoc, the former known for its thick bamboo woodlands and the latter for pristine tropical forests, as well as many other historic sites.  If Viet Nam is not on your  travel schedule, then you may opt for great food, lots of great music and a fun time in New Orleans.

Other significant January events include Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation; Ellis Island Immigrant Station formally opened; Gold is discovered in California; Henry Ford introduced the assembly line;  NBC’s, The Today Show premiered; First Super Bowl held in Los Angeles; Space Shuttle Challenger exploded; the great leader of India, Mohandas Gandhi is assassinated; and the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery, was submitted.

As we say hello and goodbye to the month of January, let’s think snow; after all, snow is good for tourism . . .and those snow bunny tourists!

 

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

 

September 8, 2011

Taking Time to Remember

Posted by Christine B. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: , , , , , , |
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This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the world-changing event that has become known simply as 9-11.  As our country continues the healing process, communities all across the nation will take time this September 11th, to commemorate the personal stories of tragedy, and in many instances triumph, in the face of overwhelming circumstances. We remember those who lost their lives and loved ones, as well as those who risked their lives as first responders. Check with your local officials for events in your area. These are some events taking place in the NYC area.

* Remembrance at Trinity Church

On Sunday, Sept. 11, the historic Trinity Church, at Broadway and Wall Streets near the ground zero site, will ring the Bell of Hope at 8:46 a.m. In the afternoon, at 1:30 p.m., the church will ring the tower bells for an hour of remembrance. At 2:30 p.m., a special service will be held in remembrance of the 9/11 volunteers, first responders, and recovery workers. At 7:14 p.m., an interfaith ringing of the Bell of Hope will again honor the memory of those killed. Admission is free.

* Hand in Hand Remembrance

On Saturday, Sept. 10, thousands of people will join hands to form a human chain along the waterfront in lower Manhattan. The event begins at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. Afterward, participants may post a message on the Wall of Remembrance at Battery Park. Participation in the hand-holding ceremony is free, but pre-registration is required. Sign up on the event’s website. Organizers will contact you with information on your starting location.

* Opening of the National 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial, on the ground zero site, contains two giant waterfalls and two reflecting pools in the footprints of the twin towers, surrounded by the names of the people who died inscribed in bronze panels. The Memorial will be open to the public starting on Monday, Sept. 12. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. You can reserve a pass on the 9/11 Memorial’s website. Enter at the intersection of Albany and Greenwich streets.

* World Trade Center Memorial Floating Lantern Ceremony

On the evening of Sept. 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Interfaith Center of New York will host a floating lantern ceremony on the south side of Pier 40 on the Hudson River. Participants will write loved one’s names and messages of peace on paper lanterns and release them into the river. The ceremony includes interfaith prayer, meditation, and musical performances. Admission is free.

 

July 14, 2011

Chillin’ in the Bayou City- Fun and affordable ways to beat the heat in Houston, Texas

Posted by Christine B. under Family Friendly Adventures | Tags: , , , , , , , , , |
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Folks in Houston, Texas know that summer temperatures hover in the mid 90’s and often exceed 100 degrees. However, there are scores of activities, which allow you to enjoy summer from a cool point of view!  Here a just a few suggestions:

NASA Johnson Space Center Tram Tour

  • NASA Johnson Space Center- Take a tram tour, a behind-the-scenes journey through NASA’s Johnson Space Center, you may visit the Historic Mission Control Center, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility or the current Mission Control Center. Before returning to Space Center Houston, you can visit the “all new” Saturn V Complex at Rocket Park. Occasionally, the tour may visit other facilities, such as the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. You may even get to see astronauts training for upcoming missions.

  Museum of Fine Arts Houston- MFAH features summer activities for kids and adults Every Sunday and Thursday this summer, families can enjoy an expanded line-up of activities at the MFAH including the Art Detectives program Gallery Investigations; Creation Stations; the storybook program A Book and A Look; and self-guided activities such as Family Packs.

 

 Houston Museum of Natural Science, located on the edge of Hermann Park, one of the nation’s most-heavily attended museums-is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, including the Wortham IMAX® Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Houston Museum has something to delight every age group.

 
 
 Reliant Park Complex- Check out the many events scheduled at the Reliant Park Complex. From the world’s first domed stadium to the world’s first retractable roof, air-conditioned, natural grass football stadium, Reliant Park has established itself as the premier sports, entertainment and convention complex in the country.  From NFL football to Disney on Ice, to live concerts there is something for eveyone.  Check out the calander of events.
 
Kayak Tours – For a truly unique way to see the city,  how about a Kayak Tour of the Buffalo Bayou?  Buffalo Bayou Shuttle Service  is just one of the tour operators offering guided kayak tours.   They will point out beautiful sights as well as obstacles to navigate through. They will fill you in on the History of the Bayou and how it relates to Houston. From the Civil War to Present Day, there is a lot of history on the Buffalo Bayou. 
 
 If you are looking for a good Night’s Sleep while in Houston, check  for  quality affordable acommodations in 28 locations throughout the Houston area.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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