Top 5 Pieces of British Slang

With the Obamas in London this week---come on, who hasn't heard about Michelle Obama touching the Queen?---I thought it appropriate to present a little lesson in British slang. England is one of my very favorite travel destinations: I love the surf culture of Cornwall, the bars in Manchester, and the seaside charm of Brighton. Here are my top five favorite pieces of slang to take with you on your next trip across the pond.

All right? - Fairly interchangeable with "how's it going?" The correct response is just to say "all right?" back again to the person who asked you in the first place. Seems a little self-defeating, sure, but go with it.

Bird/Bloke - A "bird" is a woman and a "bloke" is a man. For maximum authenticity, use these with "fit," which means attractive. ("Wow, did you see that fit bloke over there?")

Mate - Your mate is either your friend ("I'm going to the pub with my mate") or else a catch-all for anyone you're addressing somewhat affectionately. ("All right, mate?")

Chuffed - Pleased or proud. ("I was really chuffed when that fit bird talked to me.")

Gobsmacked -- Absolutely amazed. ("Yep, I was gobsmacked that fit bird talked to you too.")

Top Restaurants and Gourmet Spots in Chicago

It's high time the Windy City got a little respect from foodies for its gourmet offerings beyond deep-dish pizza. Easily on par with New York City, New Orleans, and San Fracisco, Chicago offers epicurean adventures for every palate. Book a Chicago hotel deal today and sample a few of these delicious sights.

Green City Market - The Green City Market is a delightful place to while away a morning. Open every Saturday from 7am, the open-air market features the bounty of the Midwest, plus cooking demonstrations, prepared food stands, and more.

Frontera Grill - Rick Bayless was one of the most important forces in bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to America. His Frontera Grill is a pilgrimage for all gourmets and a must-taste stop.

Avec - Koren Grieveson's enoteca Avec is making waves in the Windy City with its sleek space and fresh, pared down Mediterranean fare. Plus, Food & Wine named her one of the Best New Chefs in 2008.

Tru - Gale Gand, the pastry chef from Chicago's Tru, is often mentioned as one of the best pastry chefs in America and no trip to Chicago would be complete without trying her sinful creations.

3 Great Restaurants in Charleston

So you're heading to Charleston, South Carolina, are you? I'm jealous. The streets of Charleston are paved not with gold but with tons of rave-worthy restaurants that any fierce foodie would be proud to say they'd dined at.

Here are my top three:

* Slightly North of Broad: Affectionately called "SNOB" by the locals---south of Broad Street is the fancy-schmancy part of the city---this grande dame of dining is perfect for ladies who lunch and romantic date nights alike. Chef Frank Lee is a local hero.

* FIG: It stands for "Food is Good"---and the food really is good at this Meeting Street spot where the bold and the beautiful gather all nights of the week. Cozy up to the bar for a specialty cocktail before settling down in the dining room for the best locally-grown meal of your life.

* Hominy Grill: If you're jonesing for a good cup of joe and a brunch that'll stick to your bones, Hominy Grill is your spot. Housed in an old barbershop, it still boasts the original red-and-white barber pole, along with a gorgeous tin ceiling. Don't miss the housemade pumpkin ginger bread.

Top 5 Coffee Shops in San Francisco

With a cool foggy climate year round and a passion for foodie thrills--San Francisco takes its coffee more seriously than any other U.S. city.

Now, now. I know what you're going to say. You want to talk about that other West Coast city that begins with an S. It's true Seattle kicked off the coffee craze and gave the world its first Starbucks, but I would argue San Francisco has elevated the brewing arts to the level of masterpiece, with gourmets gallivanting all over the city, tracking down haute beans and hand-crafted lattes.

But not all cafes were created equal. Here are my top five picks for best cafes in San Francisco, ranked in order.

Bluebottle Coffee Company: Like all of the most epicurean of delicacies, a cup of Bluebottle coffee is not easy to come by. The company only has a tiny kiosk in the chic Hayes Valley neighborhood, a Saturday-only kiosk at the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market, and a pocket-size cafe in the SoMa neighborhood. If you have time, go to the SoMa cafe, where you'll find the most expensive piece of coffee-making equipment in the U.S. Wait in the long line (it's rain or shine, just resign yourself to it) and splurge on a cup of coffee from the Japanese siphon bar. Many say this is the finest cup of coffee you can have in the nation.

Ritual Coffee Roasters: Enjoy your sip with a side of hip. This cafe is situated in the heart of the gritty-and-glamorous Mission neighborhood. Like Bluebottle, they roast their own beans and the emphasis here is on the origin of the beans--which means no blends. Order an expertly made latte, grab a table, and camp out for an hour to observe the local hipsters.

Four Barrel Coffee: This brand-new up-and-comer is giving the competition a run for the money. Four Barrel is also located in the Mission and was founded by one of the original owners of Ritual, just down the street. The draw here is expert brews paired with artisan sweets from Dynamo Donuts. They say you haven't lived until you enjoy a cup of Four Barrel coffee with a spiced-chocolate donut.

Peet's Coffee and Tea: Founded in "the People's Republic of Berkeley" by Alfred Peet, Peet's is a hometown favorite and keeps this tech city buzzing late into the night. Though the coffee is not as refined as any of the offerings above, this mini-chain has a loyal following of "Peetniks" and is the perfect alternative to Starbucks. In fact, the founders of Starbucks were great admirers of Peet's and sought to replicate it. You'll find locations throughout the city, so pop in on a whim and try the dark-roasted, potent brew.

Caffe Trieste: Any list of San Francisco cafes would be remiss if it didn't mention this fixture of the North Beach neighborhood. Once a popular Beat hangout, this Old World-style cafe served Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and other famous thinkers, writers, and artists. Later, another local celebrity, Francis Ford Coppola, would write much of The Godfather in this same spot. Stop in, order up an Italian classic like a cappuccino, and watch the world go by. Remember, it's not about the coffee--it's about tasting history.

Shop now for a San Francisco vacation package and take a buzzed tour of Fog City.

2 Mai Tai Sipping Spots

While Hawaii doesn’t actually lay claim to the invention of the mai tai, the drink has become synonymous with the vacation experience of Diamond Head sunsets and cowabunga surfers. And anyone who’s ever had a mai tai in Hawaii can tell you, there’s something about consuming fresh, local Hawaiian ingredients in Hawaii that makes for perfect mai tai memories. A mai tai in Montana, for example, just isn’t quite as good.

While purists can argue back and forth about the precise mai tai recipe (quibbles usually come over the amount and type of rum), there are, in my opinion, two locales in Hawaii that are quintessential for sipping one of these fruity cocktails. One, in Waikiki, is the famous House Without a Key, where each evening’s sunset is ushered in by hip-shimmying hula dancers and the slack-key guitar. Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but the mai tai moments you’ll have here make for magnificent photographs and a most mellow mood of contentment that’s sure to set your vacation off on the right track.

Another of my favorite places for a mai tai is Mama’s Fish House on Maui. Located in a coconut grove right by a small but breathtaking beach, the restaurant is pure Hawaii, with menu items like sweet Maui onion soup and Big Island hearts of palm salad, plus a variety of very fresh local fish. A mai tai here puts the final—and perfect—Polynesian touch on your meal experience. Plus, it’ll make your head spin pleasantly when you go out onto the beach after your meal to watch the waves.

Cheers, and aloha!

10 Easy Things to Learn in Rastafarian

Tell anyone you’re off to Jamaica and they’re likely to exclaim one of two things: “you lucky duck!” tops the list, followed quickly by “hey, mon! Every ting irie!”

Blame TV, blame the movies, blame any number of stereotypes, but one of the most recognizable things about Jamaica is what comes out of the mouths of its residents. The Rastafarian dialect--called Iyaric--is credited to the followers of Rastafari teachings, who created their own (modified) vocabulary in response to their belief that their original African languages were stolen from them in the slave trade.

While you’ll obviously be able to get around Jamaica just fine with plain old English, here are ten phrases you might want to learn to help you fit in.

1. “All fruits ripe”: “everything is just great, all is good”

2. Bash, bashy: cool, awesome, nice

3. "Everyting cook and curry”: “everything is just fine”

4. Gates: home (Since many houses in Jamaica have a gate, your “gates” is your home.)

5. Irie: an expression meaning everything is alright, everything is just cool

6. Salt: bad luck, to be unlucky. (“Mi get salt” means “I was unlucky”)

7. "Ten toe turbo”: A funny expression meaning to walk or to use your feet

8. Upful: to have positive feelings or be extremely cheerful

9. “Wa’ppun?”: “What’s happening? What’s up?” (a very popular greeting)

10. Pickney: child, children, kids

Top 4 Hawaiian Islands You Haven't Heard Of

Quick quiz: how many islands make up the state of Hawaii? Four? 10, even? Try 132. And if you're anything like me, you've only heard of four: the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. But the smaller islands are often your best shot at seeing the Hawaii of yesteryear and getting away from the loud-shirted crowds.

When in Maui, Try Lanai and Molokai
Often called the "Pineapple Island" thanks to its huge pineapple plantation, Lanai was home to only 3,193 people during the last census. Book a stay at one of the isle's four hotels and discover adventurous fun, including mountain biking, horseback riding, and rocky off-road driving at Keahiakawelo, the "Garden of the Gods."

Though slightly bigger than its neighbor, Molokai has fewer than 10,000 residents and less than 20 hotels. Attractions include the world's tallest sea cliffs and a 3,000-acre natural preserve, boasting 200 kinds of flora that can only be found on Molokai. The island even has its own bread called Molokai Bread, which is baked in a cast-iron, kiawe-fired oven.

When in Oahu, Try the Mokulua Islands:
Locals call them "the Moks" or the "Twin Islands," but the Mokulua Islands are actually tiny islets off the coast of tourist-thronged Oahu. Though they are bird sanctuaries and have restricted access, Oahu tour operators do offer kayaking and snorkeling adventures to the islands. Once there, visitors can frolic on a rare black-sand beach and explore a gorgeous canyon.

When in Kauai, Try Niihua:
With only 160 residents, Niihua is often called the "Forbidden Island." Purchased by the Robinson family in 1864, the island has been closed to most visitors since 1915 and is still privately owned today. But in 1997 the Robinsons began operating tours to their exclusive island paradise and today's visitors can helicopter over to snorkel and swim or hunt wild boar and sheep.

Ready to take off for the Aloha State? Book a Hawaii vacation package and save $315 per person on average.

5 U.S. Alternatives to Spring Break in Mexico

Tequila shots. Wet t-shirt contests. Parties that last all night long. Normally, at this time of year, Mexico’s beach resorts are gearing up to welcome young crowds on that annual rite of drunken passage: spring break. But this year, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert warning travelers away from Mexico due to an escalation in drug violence and kidnappings. Uh-oh! Where’s a party-hearty spring breaker to go instead? No worries. The U.S. has got you covered. When that spring break fever strikes, here are five closer-to-home alternatives:

1. South Padre Island, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and on South Padre Island wide stretches of sand host the spring break crowds. From party yachts to live concerts and from game zones to pub crawls, there’s plenty to keep the Lone Star State action going way into the wee hours. Here, you never know who you might run into--even reps from MTV might show up next to you at the pool.

2. Dewey Beach, Delaware
The Mid-Atlantic crowds flock here to rent cottages by the ocean, dig into all-you-can-eat crabs, and drink Dogfish Head ales at the Bottle and Cork and the Starboard. Live bands, house parties, and beach volleyball round out this region’s offerings, plus the Rehoboth boardwalk, with its salt water taffy and amusement park rides is within easy reach.

3. Panama City Beach, Florida
Calling itself the “spring break capital of the world,” Panama City Beach, or PBC, brings in national bands and celebrities--even former American Idol stars--to kick the party up a notch. When the sun goes down, the curtain goes up on multiple parties at area clubs and restaurants. During the day, pirate cruises, volleyball tournaments, and dolphin-watching reign supreme.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada
In Vegas, the party never stops, no matter how old you are. You don’t have to be a 21-year-old rat packer to enjoy this desert city’s spoils. Spring breakers are greeted with all sorts of neon-lighted entertainment, from bungee jumping off the Stratosphere to riding the rollercoaster at New York-New York, from all-you-can-eat buffets to sparkling swimming pools.

5. Palm Springs, California
Further west, the California desert crawls with partiers in Palm Springs, an oasis of spring-break fun along Palm Canyon Drive. Shopping, bar hopping, and just lazing around by the pool are some of the most popular activities, plus the casinos aren’t too far a drive away. Plus, nearby state and national parks call to the nature-lover within.

Best Markets in Cancun: Spend Pesos, Save Dollars

I'm a dyed-in-the-wool shopaholic, but I haven't hit the boutiques in months because I'm trying to save money. But there is a place that can bring back the shopping magic: Mexico. In fact, one of the best shopping paradises is Cancun and here are the best spots to save a buck south of the border.

Mercado 23
Mercados 23 and 28 are within walking distance of each other in the downtown area. Mercado 23 primarily serves the residents of Cancun and is the most local experience you can find. This market offers fresh wares from local farms and is a great place to stock up on gorgeous flowers and tropical fruit for your room.

Mercado 28
Hope you packed light! Mercado 28 is a bargain-hunter's paradise. The vendors here love to haggle so roll up your sleeves and check your shy American ways at the entrance. The stalls sell inexpensive jewelry, souvenirs, traditional pottery, faux-Mayan artifacts, and much, much more.

Coral Negro Market
This is the only traditional open-air market in the Hotel Zone. With more than 50 stalls, Coral Negro has an impressive selection of goods--but be warned. This market is for tourists, so make sure you're getting a good deal. Vendors sell charro suits and hats, embroidered garments, toys, handicrafts, and of course lots and lots of T-shirts, mugs, and other souvenirs.

Plaza La Isla
Tired of flea markets? Stop by Plaza La Isla, the most impressive "American-style" mall. This outdoor shopping center straddles a lagoon and offers high-end boutiques, like Bulgari, alongside cheap memento stores, a theater, and even an aquarium. Though prices are just as high as they would be stateside, the window shopping and other activities can keep you busy all day.

Want to save cash before you head south of the border? Bundle your flight and hotel together and save up to $315 on a Mexico vacation package.

Top 5 Places to Escape the Cold

Brrrr, is it getting chilly in here or is it just me? Summer's still a ways off, so if you're looking for a vacation spot that'll help you escape the cold, I've got some great travel ideas right here:

1. The Caribbean. Sure, it's a no-brainer, but is there any better place to warm up? Picture white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of rum!

2. Want to say aloha to some sun while still staying within the states? I've found some great Hawaii deals recently.

3. Go now and you'll avoid the spring break crowd: yup, I'm talking about Cancun.

4. Alright, it's not exactly tropical, but with temperatures this week in the high 60s, it might be warmer in New Zealand than it is where you are right now. And since it hit the small screen as the locale for Bachelor Jason Mesnick to woo bachelorettes Melissa and Molly, New Zealand is suddenly on everyone's must-see list.

5. Last but not least, why not take a cruise? With the sea outside your window 24-7, it'll be hard not to get into that vacation mood!

Best New York Pizza Restaurants

Visitors to the Big Apple often struggle to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to the city's wealth of pizza parlors. Next time you take a Gotham getaway, avoid sub-par pie with this list of the best places to get an authentic piece of piping-hot thin-crust.

Best Old-Fashioned Pie - Di Fara
If you're the type who will do anything for a foodie thrill, make the pilgrimage to Di Fara in Midwood, Brooklyn. Di Fara has routinely been nominated the best pizza joint in America and most native New Yorkers swear by it. What's the secret? His name is Domenico DeMarco, a stooped grandfatherly figure who makes each pizza by hand at his leisure.

Best Authentic Pie for Tourists - Lombardi's
There is authentic thin-crust to be had on the beaten path at Lombardi's in NoLIta. Lombardi's was America's first real pizzeria and has been making their incredible pies since 1905. The atmosphere is lively, they handle groups well, and it's easy to find.

Best New Pie Joint - Lucali's
There are plenty of great pizzerias from the early 20th century, but the art of pizza-making continues to evolve. Behold, the recent opening of up-and-comer Lucali's in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. This BYOB neighborhood charmer housed in an old candy store is already inviting comparisons to Di Fara--and the wait can be long as a result.

Best Street for a Slice - Bleecker Street
Stroll down to Bleecker Streer in the West Village for an "only in New York" experience, where you'll find more pizza parlors per square mile than probably anywhere else in the world. Though not top-shelf pizza, these restaurants offer a decent slice to go. The selection includes: John's of Bleecker Street, Joe's Pizza, and Bleecker Street Pizza.

Ready to dig in? Here's a list of piping-hot New York travel deals for every budget.

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.

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.

Celeb-Spotting While Traveling: Have You Seen Any?

I'm curious: has anyone ever seen a famous person while traveling? Because I seem to see them all the time!

Take last month, for example. I was just wandering around LAX, minding my own business while I waited for my luggage, when bam! Who should I run into? (And I do mean RUN into, since I had something of a headlong collision with her bouncer.) Why, only Jessica Simpson! She was super nice and friendly, and I even managed to sputter that I liked her boots.

And then on the way to my hotel, the fantastic Sofitel Los Angeles, I could have sworn I spied Paris Hilton in the car next to me. She even lowered her sunglasses and peered through the tinted window at me, I swear.

Sure, California may be a breeding ground for celebs, but there was nowhere more VIP-heavy than Washington, D.C. last week, when anyone who was anyone came out for President Obama's Inauguration. A friend of mine bumped into both Tom Hanks and Tyra Banks while she was traveling there.

What about you? Have you ever seen anyone famous while traveling? And if the person you saw happens to be Leonardo DiCaprio, could you at least pretend you gave him my number?

How to Save Money With a Complex Vacation Package

The Offer: Mr. Brown is attending a conference for work in Seattle this May.

The Opportunity: I have never seen the Pacific Northwest and a dear friend lives in Portland.

The Complication: Vacation days and money are tight.

The Solution: A customized vacation package.

When I left the South, I forgot to take my laid-back attitude with me. Instead I have morphed into a bona fide city slicker, rushing from one appointment to the next, always scared I’m going to miss out on the fun. And when I vacation, this little habit kicks into overdrive. So what if I can only take two days off work for this little adventure? Surely a long weekend in Seattle and Portland is better than never having seen either city?

And so I set to work researching my travel options. In general I like to book Flight + Hotel vacation packages. Not only do they save you oodles of cash (some websites say as much as $315 per person per trip), they’re also easy to book. But would they work for a complex travel situation like this? My husband’s airfare to and from Seattle is free--as is his hotel. I’d like to fly to Seattle to meet him, then take a hop over to Portland together, and book a hotel in the City of Roses. Basically, I need a flight with three legs and a hotel stay at the end of it. Would booking a vacation package even be possible?!

The answer? Yes and no. Sadly, you can’t yet book a multi-leg flight and add a hotel to one of your stops. Travelocity does allow you to book a Flight + Hotel package where you fly into one city and stay in another, but the stay spans the entire length of your trip, which is not what I need.

BUT I still have two options. I can book a multi-leg flight and book a hotel stay in Portland separately. OR I can book a Flight + Hotel package from Seattle to Portland and add in a round-trip flight from San Francisco to Seattle separately. Are you still with me? Ready to crunch some numbers? Do you have a guess on which is the cheaper option?

Well, the answer is a little anti-climatic, I’m afraid. I used the same travel dates, times, and hotel and the two totals ended up being within THREE MEASLY BUCKS of one another. I know! Who figures this stuff out? Only crazy people like me, apparently. But then I got to wondering if this was because my trip was so short and nearby. What if I tried this same experiment on a far-flung location?

I tried this entire scenario again (do you see what I go through for you guys?!) using a San Francisco/Hong Kong/Bangkok combination, and this time the results seemed to favor the Flight + Hotel package + Flight option. So if you’re planning a complex trip for a longer period of time to a distant location, be sure to price the Flight + Hotel option and then add the rest of your trip to it. But if it’s a short trip, it probably doesn’t matter how you book it.

Man, I’m exhausted now. (Swoons on settee) It's a good thing Blagojevich passed me (and Oprah) over as a candidate for Obama's senate seat.

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.

Golden Rules For Packing

If they gave out medals for excellent travel behavior, I'd surely get the one inscribed "Best Packer." It's a skill I've learned over the years and one I manage to put to good use rather frequently, particularly with most airlines now charging fees for checked baggage. If you've got a vacation coming up, here's something you might be interested in: Carmen Sanfrancisco's golden rules for packing!

Rule Number One: Organization is key! Everyone says that you should lay everything you want to take out on your bed and then put half of it away. Well, I've tried it, but I somehow seem to keep sneaking stuff in afterwards. What good is that? So my tip is to write down everything I think I'll need and then decide how it'll work together on my trip. Trust me, once you've figured out that your hot pink leopard print ballet flats don't go with any of your pants, you'll skip 'em.

Rule Number Two: Have a dress rehearsal! Once you know what you're definitely packing, try it all on. That green skirt doesn't really work after all, does it? Well, good thing you figured that out before you brought it all the way to Hawaii!

Rule Number Three: Don't bring things you know you won't use: Just between you and me, how often will you use the hotel treadmill? Yep, that's what I thought. (I'm not a spy for nothing, you know!) If those sneakers are taking up valuable suitcase space, don't bring them.

Rule Number Four: Wear your heavy things on the plane. My cowboy boots, my coat, and (of course) my favorite fedora: what do they all have in common? Well, they're all big pieces of clothing which are hard to pack. Ergo, I wear them on the plane--and take them off as soon as I get on!

Rule Number Five: When in doubt, just say no. This is a toughie but I've gradually gotten better at making myself follow it; after all, it's often just that last pair of jeans that you miiiiiight need that ends up being the straw that breaks the camel's back. If you're not sure if you'll need something, chances are you probably won't.

So there you have it, a few good rules on how to pack for your vacation. Now if you could just squeeze Michelle Obama's Inauguration gown in there as well---wasn't it gorgeous?---you'll be all set.