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)

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!

3 Great Cities for Music

With American Idol in the early stages of a brand-new season, I thought it would be appropriate to blog today about some of America’s great music cities. I love hearing music when I’m traveling, and some of my favorite memories involve dark holes in the walls filled with that musical spirit, as some undiscovered local talent bewitches their captive audience into staying out until all hours of the night.

While I love hearing blues in Chicago, rocking at clubs in Los Angeles with eyes peeled for celebrities, and counting the Deadhead posters at San Francisco’s famous Fillmore, here are my top three go-to cities when I want a music-filled vacation:

1. New Orleans: From dark nightclubs to brass bands that parade through day-lit streets, the city of New Orleans is filled with music around the clock, and festivals like Jazz Fest are just the beginning. Gospel choirs emanate good feelings from the doors of churches, jazz legends like Carl Densen wait to start their shows at 4am when they know the true fans will be on-hand, and groups like the Rebirth Brass Band symbolize what the city spirit is all about.

2. Nashville: In the home of country music and rock and roll, it can sometimes seem like there’s a cowboy-boot-wearing guitar player on every street corner and that every time happy hour rolls around it’s time for the honky tonk. Just head to the Ryman Auditorium or the Country Music Hall of Fame, and you’ll be able to appreciate a rich legacy of stars famous for creating that one and only Nashville sound.

3. Washington, D.C: Most people don’t know that Go-Go music was invented in the nation’s capital by Chuck Brown, but you can still hear it played today in venues like Alexandria’s Birchmere and at the 9:30 Club. Sure Fugazi once reigned supreme on the D.C. music scene—and still does in some circles—but the city is also famous for its more classical venues, like the Kennedy Center, where the National Symphony Orchestra often plays.

Why Blagojevich Should Take a Cruise

Recently, with all his strange press conferences and poor political behavior, doesn’t it seem like Rod Blagojevich could use some chilling out to get his head back on straight (the guy can’t even get his fingerprints right)? I’ve decided a cruise would be perfect for him--and I know cruising. I’ve sang karaoke, played miniature golf, had a martini in a revolving restaurant, and even attended an indoor parade—all in the middle of the sea on cruise ships.

Now I never pegged myself as a cruiser. I like adventure, and places unknown, and solitary paths that lead to hidden discoveries. But every now and again, I like to just relax, kick up my heels with the rest of the human race, and have a lotta fun. A cruise ship is a great way to go.

When you factor in that once you’re onboard, your meals, lodging, and entertainment are included, it’s hard to find a better value—and judging by his debt, Blago could sure use a good value (and a good haircut!). Plus, heavily discounted rates available right now means that you could theoretically go cruising for well under $99 a day.

And the ships themselves are getting more and more fun, and catering to a younger audience, too. Forget shuffleboard (unless that’s your favorite)--now you can rock-climb and ice-skate, play pool on self-leveling tables, get fantastic aromatherapy massage treatments, and even whiten your teeth (surely Blago would like that last one). You could be on a live game-show that gets broadcast to every stateroom on the ship and become an instant onboard celebrity, or you could dance all night long in a nightclub.

In short, it’s been over a year since my last cruise, and right now’s the right time to take my next vacation afloat. But, Blago, please, if you’re gonna set sail, here’s to hoping we’re not on the same ship.

Hungry and Wonky: Where to Eat in Washington, D.C. During the Inauguration

To my mind, D.C. is bar none the prettiest major city in America and one of my absolute favorite places to visit. But the dining scene is so bad, Obama should consider appointing a Gourmet Czar to investigate the problem.

Cough, sputter, fists shaking…

Look, don’t blame me. You know I’d never besmirch the sterling reputation of a Southern city without just cause. The crumminess of the D.C. food scene is a matter of well-documented fact and certainly something I have experienced first hand. I’d elaborate on some of my more hair-raising dining adventures in D.C., which include my waiter throwing things at another waiter, but I don’t want to be sued. (Businesses are now suing people who write negative reviews on the popular website Yelp.com. So much for freedom of speech?)

BUT that doesn't mean you're going to starve. There are some awesome places in the District to tuck into a little chow. Here are my top five recommendations, suitable for stacked Republican wallets and shoestring Democrat budgets.

Best place to commemorate M.L.K. Day: Ben’s Chili Bowl
Dine where African American luminaries like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and even Martin Luther King Jr., hung out and get misty-eyed at this favorite lunch counter that survived against all odds. Order Bill Cosby’s Original Chili Half-Smoke for less than five bucks and taste history.

Best break-the-bank indulgence: Michel Richard’s Citronelle
Arguably the crown jewel of Washington’s fine-dining scene, Citronelle dishes up trompe l'oeil French morsels. Don’t miss Richard's signature dish, "the virtual egg.” This starter looks like a hard-boiled egg but is actually comprised of mozzarella and yellow tomato.

Best burger on a budget: Ray’s Hell Burger
This newcomer is making waves in the official stomping grounds of the over-hyped Five Guys Burgers with its purist approach to an all-American classic. The mantra is: no fries, no ambiance, just great burgers made of steak-quality beef. Carnivores can adorn their selections with inventive toppings like epoisse, foie gras, and cognac-sauteed mushrooms, in addition to the old standbys.

Best Southern/Belgian food: Marvin
The Washington Post has reviewed a whopping 44 restaurants that serve Southern/Soul food but this upstart, named after D.C. native Marvin Gaye, is quickly rising to the top of the heap. Though Marvin also offers Belgian food and brews, the Southern fare is mighty satisfying. Get the chicken and waffles, take in the view from the rooftop deck, and remember there ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby.

Best bar food: Dr. Granville Moore’s
This relatively new gastropub is located in the up-and-coming H Street Corridor and has the feel of a Manhattan speakeasy. Don’t miss the Moules Mariniere, voted the best mussels in the District by CityPaper, and be sure to dive headfirst into their exhaustive Belgian beer selection.


Want more advice?
Download a foodie Washington, D.C. iPhone App
Find out which restaurants are serving the candidates' hometown fare
Plan your own Obama Boozerama with the best of the Baracktails

Wish you were heading to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration? Well, technically it’s not too late, thanks to the modern miracle of last-minute packages. In fact if you’re willing to leave in just a few hours, a Flight + Hotel package from Dallas will only set you back approximately $450. I guess procrastination actually does pay--sorry, Mom!

You Can Climb Every Mountain, But You Gotta Get Down Somehow

Greetings and salutations. My name’s Rosie the Traveler, and I’m the third to make up our blog’s trio of travel-loving friends. Since I was a little tyke, I’ve been infected by the travel bug---and bad. I’ve always wanted to cross every bridge, leave no stone unturned, and climb every mountaintop.

So this weekend, I headed out of the unseasonably warm city (I live in San Francisco) to ski by Lake Tahoe, and even though the entire adventure was sunshine-filled and conditions just about as perfect as can be, my tough-gal image took a bit of a dent---but we’ll get to that part in a few.

When I arrived, the mountain, for the most part, was just sitting there all by its lonely. Sure, there were people schussing around here and there, but there were no crowds at the equipment rental counter, no lines at the lifts, and plenty of room at the top of the peak for me to stumble and fall and go all topsy turvy. Why, why, why, I wondered, would the mountain be this lonesome, when some of the greatest ski deals are available (and you can bet I took advantage of them)!

Here’s the thing: I’ve never skied before. Not a lick! So maybe it was the thin air, or the fact that Squaw’s beginner slopes are located at the very top of the mountain, but I got to the summit and thought: You gotta be kidding me! I’m not skiing down that thing!

Yep, it was a case of biting off a little more than I can chew, something I’ve been known to do before. (Go ahead and laugh---I can now.) It took a lot of hemming and hawing, but with prodding by my very patient instructor, I did actually make it down, although I pretty much went about as slow as a gal can go the entire way.

What’s funny, though, is that now that I’m back in the city---well, I keep picturing myself on that mountaintop, and, once more, that travel itch starts wanting to be scratched...

Finding a Travel Deal? It's All in a Day's Work For Me!

Well hello there, travel fans! Let me introduce myself: I'm Carmen Sanfrancisco.

What's that, you say? My name sounds a little familiar? Not to worry, I get that all the time---but you're actually thinking of my long-lost step cousin, Carmen Sandiego. She's way more famous than me. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Yep, you know the one.

(Incidentally, I have no idea where she is right now, come to think of it. She hasn't emailed me in years! Last I heard she was in Hawaii.)

Just like my world-famous cuz, though, I went into the family business; that's right, I'm a detective. Well, alright, that's not entirely true, but I do pride myself on my superb spying skills and my ability to seek out something at the top of every traveler's wish list: a steal. You might notice that my coat and hat in my picture are green, for instance. Know why that is? Because of all the green I like to save!

I just hate paying full-price for something, you see. I'm the gal who stalks an airfare for three weeks before clicking "purchase" because I can't stand the thought that I could have got it for cheaper. I join every hotel rewards program and car rental club I can. I travel a lot, you see, and those benjamins add up: if I can save money on every trip, I'm a very happy camper indeed. (Sometimes quite literally in fact---I've never met a tent I didn't like.)

Join me, won't you, as I post about my best ways to travel on a budget. My crowning glory? A hotel for three bucks a night in Laos. If you can beat that bargain, I'll consider taking you on as my apprentice.

Welcome to Travel Blurbs

Oh…well hello there. Welcome to Travel Blurbs. I’m Sweet Georgia Brown and when I’m not swooning on settees or sipping mint juleps, I’m having grand adventures around the world.

I grew up in the Deep South, where "vacation" meant piling into the station wagon and driving up to Memphis to stay at the highfalutin Peabody Hotel. But when I was grown, I moved to San Francisco, Cali-forn-i-a and began to explore more exotic destinations. Now, the first moment I have two pennies to rub together, I start plotting my next trip. (Why, thank you for asking! The goals for 2009 are Greece, Puerto Vallarta, and New Orleans.)

I write this blog with two like-minded travelers and friends, Rosie the Traveler and Carmen Sanfrancisco, and together we’re going to share that great big world out there with you. So come on in, shug. Make yourself right at home, put your feet up, and let’s get to swappin’ stories.

Since we just met and I don’t want to come across as too fresh, I’ll leave you with my New Year’s Travel Resolution.

Thou shalt invest in one piece of quality luggage.

I’ve never owned a self-respecting piece of luggage in my life and my current bag is an off-brand, heavy-as-an-anvil monstrosity. It falls over when stood up, it tips when you drag it behind you, and it is UGLY.

I just got back from a two-week jaunt in Asia that involved a total of nine flights, two ferries, and five hotels. And this trip was the straw that broke the camel’s back. There are two things a properly bred Southern lady never does: curse or sweat. I can only say it was a blessing Grandmother Mary Lou (rest her soul) could neither see nor hear me because I was cursin’ a blue streak and sweatin’ like a pig in the mud hauling that dreadful, war-torn piece-of-crap bag around.

When I came home my first order of business was to purchase the Samsonite Eurolite 21” Spinner bag. My sister bought a spinner bag a few years ago, and she swears there's no going back to two wheels after you have experienced the bliss of four. And would you note the price? $109 measly bucks. How have I let $109 stand between me and travel sanity for so long?! I predict I will be $1,000 happier on my next trip.

Plus, I got it in red, so that the next time I fly over the holidays and the airline misplaces my bag, I will not, for a change, see their baggage representative wilt as I utter, “It’s a black, rolling, carry-on.”

Now, the only question that remains is…where does this cute red bag want to go? More to come…

--SGB