Travelrific® Travel Journal

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Archive for U.S. travel

Trump Luxury Expands

By Linda Tancs

Never one to rest on his laurels, Trump has now launched the Trump Hotel Collection, a luxe brand including the New York Trump International Hotel and Tower and the yet-to-be completed Chicago and Las Vegas properties.  In Chicago, the new Spa at Trump line will be unveiled, sporting dedicated spa guestrooms and a full-service health club.  Lest you feel overwhelmed by all the extravagances available to you, a personal butler is on hand to see you through it.  That alone should let you rest well on your 500 thread-count Bellino Italian bed sheets.

CSI: Boston?

By Linda Tancs

Everyone loves a good whodunit.  So indulge your inner Stella, Horatio or Gil at Boston’s Museum of Science at their CSI exhibit, modelled after the TV franchise.  Now you too can analyze bullet casings and other forensic wonders to establish your own theory of the case.  But hurry–the exhibit closes on January 1.

Cranberries Provide Autumn Color

By Linda Tancs

This time of year, it’s more than just the crimson treetops glowing against the cool blue sky.  Look under your feet–in the marshy bogs, that is.  ‘Tis the season for harvesting the cranberry, along with a few festivals to mark the occasion.  So where to go?  That part’s easy because cranberries only grow in a few regions, like the Cranberry Coast of Washington State, Wisconsin’s Cranberry Highway, Cape Cod, or South Jersey.  Might get a little cool.  Bring your Wanderful Places(r) sweatshirt along for the ride.

 www.wanderfulplacesonline.com

 

New Regional Hub in Florida

By Linda Tancs

Business travelers in Florida have yet another option for point-to-point travel.  DayJet has begun operations in Boca Raton, offering per-seat, on-demand business jet service among five initial locations:  Boca, Gainesville, Lakeland, Tallahassee and Pensacola.  Visit their Web site at www.dayjet.com for more details.

*Now there’s five great locations for your Florida shirt. Check out http://www.cafepress.com/wanderfulplaces/2320918

Autumn in San Diego

By Linda Tancs

Although it may be difficult to think of fall harvests and foliage tours in sun-drenched San Diego, there are events in that area to celebrate the rise of the harvest moon.  Consider, for instance, the apple harvest in the town of Julian, just one hour east of the city.  Until the apples run out (and you better hurry, some picking sites are already closed for the season), you can enjoy the fall foliage mountain views of Cuyamaca from the orchards.  Any particular shade of crimson you’re looking for?  Check out the fall foliage maps and hotline provided by the US Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us. 

Want a California shirt?  Buy one here:  http://www.cafepress.com/wanderfulplaces/2320877

Hit the Ground Running in Omaha

By Linda Tancs

Attention all marathoners:  time to test your mettle on the rugged terrain of Omaha, Nebraska on Sunday, September 23rd.  But your sneakers are worn down, you say?  No need to worry.  Run without them in this year’s first barefoot runners category.  But don’t forget your t-shirt.  http://www.cafepress.com/wanderfulplaces/2321174

Negative Air Fare is the Latest Gimmick in Fare Wars

By Linda Tancs

You may recall the words of the late Nobel economics laureate Milton Friedman, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”  Well, sort of.  In a bid to distinguish itself from the competition, Spirit Airlines is offering “negative” fares on limited routes on limited dates for a limited time.  So for those with limited funds, act today or be forced to pay. 

Biloxi is Back

By Linda Tancs

Biloxi, Mississippi is home to nine casinos.  “Is” is the key word.  Following the ravages of Katrina, Biloxi has replaced its floating casinos with on-shore, Vegas-worthy digs at Bayview and Beach.  Why not head over for the Seafood Festival at the Town Green on September 15th and 16th and give a few slot machines a spin while you’re there.  Just don’t lose your shirt.  http://www.cafepress.com/wanderfulplaces/2321150

New York State Fair to Open in Syracuse

By Linda Tancs

Beginning on August 23 and continuing until September 3, Syracuse will once again host the New York State Fair at its Expo Center.   The fair’s theme this year is “Gotta Be There,” the urgency of which belies 161 years of standard fare in the way of exhibits, amusements and livestock demonstrations.  Nonetheless, these sorts of things are usually well endorsed by the kids, who can travel free on Amtrak under certain conditions.  Visit www.amtrak.com for details.

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Comparison Sites for Budget Conscious Travelers

By Linda Tancs

At some point in a traveler’s life it’s inevitable that someone–maybe in the seat right next to you–will disclose that great fare find that differs dramatically from one’s own.  In the past, you might just chalk it up to experience, or luck, or a better travel agent.  Now there are two Web sites to help the inexperienced, or unlucky, or agentless traveler get the best deal.  One of those sites is www.farecompare.com, which offers trend analysis on various city pairings to help you “time the market.”  Another site is www.farecast.com, which offers its own market analysis and a recommendation whether to buy or hold.  Just one more way to level the field for all travelers, so take advantage of it.