My Favorite Travel Books

Since the TV show Top Chef came to a close this week, I’ve found with myself with some extra time to read. In between my globe-hopping adventures, I’m something of a bookworm, and it’s probably no surprise that many of the books I like to read are travel-related. Here are some of my favorites:

1. A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson
Bryson tackles the Appalachian Trail with humor and gusto, if not grace.

2. The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiessen
An Everest adventure in search of a mysterious and elusive species.

3. Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
One woman’s journey of discovery in Italy, India, and Indonesia.

4. Road Fever, by Tim Cahill
A wild ride from the tip of South America to the upper reaches of Canada.

5. Confederacy of Dunces, by John Kennedy Toole
This hilarious novel gives a thorough introduction to the city of New Orleans.

What are yours? I’m always looking for a good book to read, so if you’ve got any recommendations, let me know!

Five Great Websites to Use When You Travel

Alright, alright, I know Travel Blurbs is probably your favorite travel website (right?), but there are a ton of great ones out there, from those that'll help you score great travel deals to those that figure out that pesky exchange rate for you. Here are a few sites I use frequently when I'm traveling.

1. MenuPages.com: If I'm in a strange city and looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat, this handy compilation of local menus helps me decide what I'm in the mood for. And if I want to order pizza to my hotel room but can't find the pizza joint's menu on its website? MenuPages steps in again!
2. Hopstop.com: With subway or bus directions in nine cities (from San Francisco to London!), this is one site I fire up time and time again before I leave the airport or my hotel. I'm always getting on the wrong train in unfamiliar cities, so this is huge.
3. Xe.com: Want to figure out how many Vietnamese dong are in a dollar? Grappling with whether that diving tour listed in pesos is really cheaper than it would be at home? Enter Xe.com, a fantastic currency exchange site that sorts it out for you once and for all.
   
4. IgoUgo.com: Excellent reviews on hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and activities have me coming back to this one time and time again. Wondering if that museum's worth it? There's only one way to find out--well, one way apart from going there, of course. IgoUgo also lets you compare rates on great travel deals too.
   
5. Seatguru.com: Think you've scored when you choose seat 12A? Think again---it might not recline or (worse!) be near the toilets. This site shows you layouts of hundreds of planes, leaving you to decide if a seat's as good as you think it is.
   

Best Travel Apps for the iPhone

It's not very Southern of me to love newfangled gadgets and gizmos, but when I moved to San Francisco, I was bitten by the tech bug. First I fell in love with researching travel deals on the Internet. Then, my passion turned to high-tech phone fun.

My iPhone has completely revolutionized how I travel. I'm never far from my email inbox, the Internet, or Google maps. But aside from these standard programs, there are new travel applications--or "apps" in iPhone-speak--popping up every day that make traveling so much easier. Here are my top five travel apps for the iPhone.

#1 Taxi Magic
Imagine never having to lift a finger, or rather, arm again. Taxi Magic takes the guesswork and arm flailing out of hailing a cab. This app uses your iPhone GPS locator to find you, searches for the nearest cab from of a wide variety of private cab companies, contacts the closest cab, and sends it to your doorstep. The entire process is lightning fast and has changed my life forever. Taxi Magic offers its "Magic Booking" technology in 25 major U.S. cities. Did I mention that it's free?

#2 aSleep
When the guy in 45B snores so loudly it rattles your nerves, you have a solution: aSleep. This app offers hundreds of soothing sounds from "Beach with Seagulls" to "Airplane Cabin" to more bizarre options such as "Tennis" and "Scuba breathing." It has saved my sanity more times than I care to admit and has even become a part of my daily life in the office, especially when coworkers are recapping "CSI: Miami Special Crime-Fighting Dolphins Unit" for fifteen minutes straight. This app set me back a few bucks and has proved to be one of my wisest purchases ever.

#3 Currency
When I was in Thailand, I experienced constant shopping befuddlement because the exchange rate was 33 Thai baht to every U.S. dollar. Don't even get me started on trying to convert our Hong Kong dollars into Thai baht. That just made my head hurt. Well, no more, thanks to this nifty free app that converts over 50 currencies with the latest exchange rates.

#4 Multi Dictionary
Fumbling for the right word at a Parisian farmer's market? Keep answering everybody, everywhere in the world with, "Si"? Don't be an ugly American! Be a techno-savvy traveler and download the Multi dictionary app. Though it'll set you back eight bucks, it offers 30,000 translation pairs for English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian. Bellissimo!

#5 Maps and More
My final recommendation is more of a category than a particular app. If you are planning a visit to any kind of national park or manmade attraction, stop by the App Store and search for a map or guide. There are now up-to-date maps for all of the Walt Disney Theme Parks, almost all major ski resorts, and subway systems around the world. Never again will have you to unfold and refold one of those little paper diagrams!

This Week’s Top 10 Intriguing Travel Headlines

With everything from chimp attacks to Michael Phelps’ bong photo, there have been some bizarre tales in the news as of late. But what of travel tales beyond the usual headlines about cruise deals and discount vacation packages? Here are 10 headlines that ticked my funny bone this week, all pulled from recent news stories:

1. The Little Mermaid Skipping Town, Going to China (travelpost.com)

2. You Find Yourself in the Wrong Country: Whose Fault is It? (www.windowseatblog.com)

3. Jackson Family Tastelessness Heads to Nigeria (latimes.com)

4. Ross Mirkarimi Says Yes to Nudity, Floats in Bay to Breakers (sfist.com)

5. River Rats in Accident: On Travel and Sports (timesunion.com)

6. The Doughnut Curse (worldhum.com)

7. Maine Museum Brims With Classic Power Sleds (msnbc.com)

8. No One Will Ever Find Me In This Camouflaged Treehouse Hotel (worldhum.com)

9. Why Drive When You Can Tölt? (nationalgeographic.com)

10. Chris Guillebeau Launches: “How to Become a Travel Ninja” (vagablogging.net)

Best Makeup For Travel

Ever wondered how I always look so beautiful and put together? No? Well, thanks a lot!

Seriously, though, a gal's gotta have a makeup kit for the road, and when I've score a good travel deal, the first thing I do before printing my e-ticket is double-check that I've still got all my favorite products on hand.

1. Chapstick. Sure, it's basic, but it does the trick. Your skin gets dry on the plane, and so do your lips. Don't leave home without it!

2. Blush in a pot. It doesn't matter what brand, but the "pot" part is key. You don't want a powder compact spilling all over your makeup bag.

3. Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas. You'll look refreshed and perfect, even after that four-hour layover and six-hour redeye.

4. Benefit Cosmetics Big Beautiful Eyes Palette. It's everything you need, all in one place!

5. Stila Powder Foundation with SPF. If you're somewhere sunny, like Hawaii, your skin always needs to be protected when you're outside--even just waiting for the cab at the airport!

Top Five Travel Videos of All Time

Since I’m at work on Presidents’ Day I could use a laugh. The streets of San Francisco are so deserted it looks like the world ended and everyone forget to tell me AND it's raining cats and dogs. But let’s just say my day is not going as badly as this woman’s. This YouTube video of a customer losing it in the Hong Kong airport after missing her flight to San Francisco has become an overnight hit.



I mean, we’ve all felt that way, but never have I indulged my inner five-year-old and actually rolled on the floor. Sweetheart, it’s very easy to rebook your Golden State getaway. There are hundreds of California vacation deals out there just waiting to be picked.

But this naughty passenger has done more than make me laugh. She's also inspired me to nominate my top five travel videos of all time. We’ll automatically give her the #5 slot, but read below for the other four.


#4 The Great Dust Up

Ever driven straight into a dust storm? Um, me either and now we don’t have to thanks to these brave blokes in Australia.

#3 Obama-liers in Venice

Still feeling patriotic after the election? Check out this incredible video of two Venice gondoliers re-imagining the Italian classic “Volare” with new Obama-themed lyrics.

#2 Anything With Judy Grimes

(Look! I say it counts as a travel video and we’re playing by my rules). This travel reporter for Weekend Update on "Saturday Night Live" totally knows her stuff. Just kidding. No, I'm not. Yes I am...


#1 Bad Day for Baby Buffalo

The reigning champ of the best travel videos of all time is still this National Geographic-esque amateur footage of a baby Cape buffalo’s struggle to survive in South Africa's Kruger National Park. (Don’t worry. It has a happy ending!)

A Checklist for Traveling With Pets

So your little fur-ball may not have just won Westminster, but that doesn’t mean that your pet doesn’t deserve to be treated like best in show when he or she takes to the road.

But do you know what you need to bring with you next time you go traveling with pets? Well, don’t just sit there like Joaquin Phoenix on Letterman’s couch! Be proactive about bringing anything your pet could possibly need, and you’ll be prepared for any scenario.

Here’s a handy travel checklist of what to bring along the next time you take Fluffy or Fido on a trip:

• A regulation-size carrier for the plane or car
• Vaccination records, medications, and vet’s phone number
• Portable water and food dishes
• Food and a can opener if needed
• Leash and collar with ID tag
• Bedding, whether it’s blankets, towels, or a portable pet bed
• Cleaning supplies (should an accident occur)
• Grooming brushes and/or clippers
• Toys and treats
• Flashlight for night walks

And be sure to check beforehand and make sure that the hotel you’ll be staying at is pet-friendly!

How to Travel With Kids: A Few Ideas

So while I may not be a mother to 14 kids like the Octuplet Lady in California, I have done my fair share of traveling with wee ones. What can I say? I've got lots of brothers and sisters (not eight, though, thank goodness) and I'm everyone's favorite Auntie Carmen, especially when I'm going somewhere cool. Over the years, I've figured out a few good tips and tricks for traveling with the babes. Here's some advice:

1. Do your homework. Scout out some good travel deals first and when you've done that, then start figuring out how the kids will fit into it (can Junior stand a four-hour flight? Does the hotel offer a babysitting service?) My poor brother and sister-in-law once got so excited by the thought of a cheap Mexico vacation that they totally forgot to check if kids were allowed. Guess what? They showed up with their little one in tow....and were shown the door.

2. Don't get on the plane first. Alright, you know how airlines always let parents with young kids board first? Don't do it. Seriously, just don't. Do you really want your child on the plane longer than he has to be? Yep, didn't think so.

3. Have your kids pack their own bags (but check them first!) My nieces and nephews get super excited about traveling (guess they're chips off the old block!) My sister ramps up this excitement by letting them pack their own carry-on bags for the plane. Bonus: no-one forgets that all-important blanky and a boring trip to Des Moines to see great aunt Martha suddenly takes on a whole new glow.

4. Never underestimate the power of games. Sure, a suitcase full of new and exciting toys might work wonders to keep your kids occupied during take-off, but don't forget how fun a good old-fashioned game of I Spy can be too. I recently passed a three-hour flight with three seven-year-olds this way, and not once did any of them say they'd rather be playing Tetris instead.

Cupid, Meet My Piggy Bank: Money-Saving Valentine’s Day Tips

Poor Mr. Brown. I am the worst at planning special events, thanks to a laundry list of personal hang-ups and flaws. First of all, I’m rotten at remembering the dates of birthdays, national holidays, anniversaries, or even which nights my favorite TV shows are on. Second, I’m cheap. Oh, and did I mention the picky thing? Well…I can be a little picky too. That's why planning Valentine’s Day is like running the gauntlet for me, and every year I end up throwing loads of money at the problem and hoping for the best.

Add in the self-destructing economy and it’s enough to make a girl want don protective armor to shield herself from Cupid’s slings. But I’ve been doing a little research and I’ve found a few ways to keep costs down for a change. And with so much romantic discord in the air, now seems like a better time than ever to remind Mr. Brown why I said yes.

Don’t Get Price Fixed: I’ll never forget the year I scored reservations at one of the hottest restaurants in San Francisco, only to realize that we were paying roughly double what the meal was worth, thanks to the special prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu. This year we're going to avoid those high fees with a little help from Open Table. They’ve rounded up the most romantic eateries in major cities--and even listed whether or not a special menu will be offered and how much it will set you back. Have your hearts set on a place that does have a budget-busting menu? Dine on Friday night instead. You’ll avoid the rush and pay the normal price.

Love Your Valentine, Adore Your Stay: Whether you’re stealing away on a romantic escape or just driving into the city for a big night on the town, your hotel should be a part of the glamour--and not a downer. True, the best places book up quickly and can cost an arm and a leg, but thanks to the economic crisis, this year there are still deals to be had. In fact, Travelocity is offering up to 25% off hotels in romantic destinations. You're probably thinking that these hotels are the last kids picked at gym class--but you're wrong. They all have earned awesome reviews from fellow travelers.

A Rose by Any Other Name: Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, which is great for those of us looking to stretch a buck. Florists often charge extra to have bouquets delivered on Saturday or special holidays, so send your sweetie a bouquet on Friday instead. Not only will her coworkers have time to admire it--you’ll save too. Another great options is to think outside of the rose. The standard symbol of amour will cost you extra so why not go with a more original bloom and save a little cash too? Read more tips on how to save on your flowers.

Watching Whales in Hawaii

I’ve just returned from Hawaii, where whale season is in full effect (it lasts from December to April). As it is right now, the whales spend half the year feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska, and then migrate down to Hawaii in the winter months to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves.

This trip, I participated in an island-wide whale census which was sponsored by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). On the morning of January 31, on the island of Oahu, several volunteers took to dozens of look-out posts to count the big critters from 8am until noon. I joined the volunteers atop Diamond Head, near Waikiki, and it wasn’t long before I heard one of the other volunteers yell “blow, three o’clock,” and sure enough, when I looked to the right, there was the telltale sign of a whale blowing out from the top of the water.

The blows look like little plumes, almost like mini-waterfalls, which distinguishes them from the white caps around them. If you spot one of these blows, then it means you’re looking in the right spot to see more exciting actions like tail flops, breaches, and even occasionally whales that jump out of the water. We spotted a mama whale and her calf, for example, who were clearly playing in the waves. Calves are good for whale watchers because they come up for air more often than the adults; usually once every three to five minutes. Adults, on the other hand, can stay submerged for more than 40 minutes at a time!

If you want to go to Hawaii right now, airfares are low and many of the hotels are offering Hawaii vacation deals like free nights, free breakfast, and much more. If you act fast, you could even get there right in time for the Pro Bowl--it's the last year it will be held in Hawaii before it moves on to Florida. Aloha!

How To Pay Less For Your Vacation

Alright, we all know about the state of the economy at the moment, so there's no need for me to go on about that. But here's something you might not know: it's actually getting a little easier to find great travel deals, especially if you're willing to put a little work into it. I know you don't want to give up your vacation this year, but nor do you want to subsist on Ramen noodles in order to afford it. So here are a few tips from yours truly:

1.) Instead of booking your flight and hotel separately, booking a vacation package can mean substantial savings. You've got to want to stay in the same city you fly into, of course---and in the same hotel for the whole time---but you can definitely save some big bucks. Try pricing them separately and you'll see!

2) Keep your eye on the prize---or on the price, in this case. Sites like Farecast predict when flight and hotel prices will go up and down. Get while the getting's good!

3) Consider off-the-beaten track locations: alright, Detroit might not sound like your perfect spring break locale, but you can often get great deals on not-so-popular cities. And besides, Detroit is actually pretty awesome, if you ask me! I'm a big fan of the Wolfgang Puck Grille at the MGM Grand Hotel.

4) Book yourself on a cruise or an all-inclusive: this way, you don't have to think about extras like food and drink: in most cases, what you pay is what you pay!

5) Get a little spontaneous and go for a last minute trip instead: you can often find substantial savings if you wait until the eleventh hour, because airlines and hotels want to fill the empty seats and rooms they haven't been able to sell until now.

Good luck! And if you have any great money-saving tips for me, do let me know!

Is Travel Going to the (Ground) Hogs?

If you're a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, there was just one way to keep the excitement going after last night's big win in the Super Bowl : drive 65 miles northeast of The Steel City to see a guy named Phil. Well, more like a rodent named Phil. Today is Groundhog Day in the U.S. and that means people from all over the world traveled to a tiny town in Pennsylvania called Punxsutawney (population 6,100) and gathered on Gobbler's Knob to see if Punxsutawney Phil, the official Groundhog Day groundhog, would see his shadow.

Sadly, the little lowdown no-good hog saw his shadow, thus predicting we're all in for another six weeks of winter. I know the poor citizens of Kentucky are probably about to put a hit out on ole Phil as we speak.

But little did I know that someone is giving the old hog a run for the money. Meet General Beauregard Lee of Lilburn, Georgia. Affectionately referred to as a varmint in that neck of the woods, "Beau" had a bone to pick with his northern associate. He emerged from a faux antebellum mansion to make his prediction of an early spring, after not seeing his shadow. Need to get a load of this? This Southern gal tracked down some pictures of it.

But this isn't the only way travel is going to the hogs lately. One of the most buzzed about travel articles of last week was not from Conde Nast Traveler or the New York Times or any other of the venerable stalwarts of travel writing...but from a passenger on Virgin airlines. Sure, sure, we've all had a terrible flight with complaints ranging from exorbitant baggage fees to rude airline employees, but this particular passenger was most miffed about the food. In fact, he took pictures of all the dishes served to him from Mumbai to London's Heathrow and picked them apart in his letter one by one, and the results are by turns horrifying and hilarious. In fact, his letter is now gaining traction on the Internet as the world's funniest passenger complaint letter. The Telegraph does confirm that Sir Richard Branson himself called the passenger to apologize.

Here's an old favorite to help you celebrate Groundhog Day.