Archive for March, 2010

Tips for Surviving Atlanta’s (and the World’s) Busiest Airport

March 30th
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
U.S. Southeast destinations tips

Flying somewhere for spring break? Chances are that if you booked any number of cheap flights for anywhere in the vicinity of the Southeast, or even the east coast in general, you’ll find yourself in one of the terminals of the world’s busiest airport. That would be Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. According to a recent study just released by the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Hartsfield-Jackson resumed its top spot of handling the most passengers: 42+ million (Chicago’s O’Hare was second, but wasn’t even close with 31 million).

Serving as a primary hub for two top airlines, and with service to each continent (minus Antartica), there’s little surprise that it’s so frequented. But it can also be a little intimidating for those unfamiliar with it, seeing that it has more than a million employees, five different runways, two separate terminals leading to six concourses of 151 domestic and 28 international gates that total nearly six million square feet of space, and more than 50 Atlanta hotels surrounding the property. It’s big. Really big. And busy (which is very appropriate given it’s in The City Too Busy to Hate). Which can be a little intimidating. So how do you survive Hartsfield-Jackson while on your way to vacation? It’s not all that difficult—here are a few tips on navigating the world’s busiest airport.
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Up-Scale Vacation Trends

March 30th
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
Mexico South America destinations news

Where are up-scale travelers headed in 2010? According to a new report published earlier this month, the most popular international vacation destinations for high-end travelers in 2010 will be Italy and Mexico.  Both Cabo San Lucas hotels and Italian villas will be in high demand according to the 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report.  The next most popular country to visit will be South Africa. While some Americans might be curious about South Africa as such a hot destination this year, the rest of the world is obsessed with a little soccer event called World Cup that will be taking place there in 72 days.

As far as trips within the United States go, the report lists Maui as the top spot for high-end American travel. Hawaii is followed in the report by the other non-contiguous state – Alaska. The three most popular mainland destinations are cataloged as New York City, Napa, and Las Vegas.

India and Vietnam were named as the top two emerging destinations, meaning those on the cusp of becoming popular. The Galapagos Islands and Chile, two South American favorites, also received emerging destination nods. Interesting, so did Cuba, which is still a difficult place for Americans to visit.
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Cancun’s Underwater Sculpture Garden

March 29th
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
Mexico destinations

Anybody who has enjoyed the pleasure of wandering through works of art in a sculpture garden knows that it is a different experience to encounter art in nature as opposed to the sterile confines of an indoor museum. Now travelers on Cancun vacations can take the outdoor art experience one step further by visiting what will soon be the world’s largest underwater sculpture garden. The Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun, Punta Nizuc National Marine Park Sculpture Garden will eventually be home to 400 underwater concrete sculptures. These sculptures, in addition to providing an interesting setting for underwater exploration, are planned to form a monumental artificial coral reef.

The Marine Park, located off the west coast of Isla Mujeres, covers 21,000 acres of coral reef that is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. The base coral is estimated to be around 125,000 years old, with many layers of reef upon that. The sculpture garden, placed in an uninhabited area of pristine clear waters near the reef, will create additional growing, living coral. Most Cancun hotels can arrange visits to the garden, which can be enjoyed by diving, snorkeling, or glass-bottomed boat.
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Books to Pack for your Beach Vacation

March 29th
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
beaches tips

Packing for a week-long beach vacation cannot be taken too lightly. Well, for some people. For me, it’s just throwing in a couple of t-shirts, flip flops, baseball cap, and my bathing suit and I’m set. That’s why I sometimes get sunburned. Or wind up spending too much money at the local beach boutique or the gift shop of that Tampa hotel because I’ve forgotten all those little things: suntan lotion, beach towels, chairs, drinks, snacks for the kids, etc. Fortunately, my wife is a much better planner when it comes to that stuff.

We recently talked about the right types of shoes to take with you based on the kind of vacation on which you’re going, but there’s something else that should be given careful consideration when packing your bags: what books to bring. Speaking of my wife, she’s a voracious reader, often absorbing two to three novels a week. And when we’re lounging at the beach for a week, that number can easily double or even triple (especially if getting there involved any layovers for connecting flights). Reading on a vacation is great because 1) It’s something I rarely have time to do when I’m traveling at light-speed in the real world and 2) It allows you to escape even further from reality while you’re getting away from it all.

So to help you pack for the sand, sun, and sea, here are five classics to toss in the beach bag:
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Cruising to Stiltsville in Miami

March 27th
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
U.S. Southeast destinations

Everyone wants to be right on the water when on vacation. But what about literally? If that’s the case, then welcome to Stiltsville. This group of seven houses, perched above the serene blue waters of Biscayne Bay, are easily visible from the beach and a few Miami hotels, located just south of Bill Baggs State Florida and the Cape Florida Light. And while they are technically considered as abandoned places, the structures are maintained by the National Park Service.

Standing on wood and reinforced concrete pilings in the shallow Atlantic waters that vary in depth based on the tides, the homes themselves are all built from wood, and are iconic structures with a colorful, if not shady past. The first was built in the early 1930s, and a vibrant community sprung up around it until a couple of hurricanes named Betsy and Andrew, as well as local politics, beat Stiltsville into the only “floating” ghost town around. While visiting Key Biscayne as part of your Miami vacation, make getting a glimpse of Stiltsville part of your itinerary.
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Find the Right Fit for Your Vacation Plans

March 26th
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
tips

This time of year, packing can be problematic. Especially when it comes to what goes on your feet. There are so many different great vacation packages out there right now during this spring break season offering a plethora of climate options. It could be snow skiing down the slopes of the Rockies or somewhere on the east coast, lounging around the pool of some Las Vegas resort, hiking down the Appalachian Trail, or chilling on South Beach. Regardless of what it is, you need to dress appropriately for the occasion.

That’s not implying there’s a dress code for vacation, but rather getting the most out of it by making sure your feet are happy (comfortable and protected) by wearing the right footwear. They say if the shoe fits, wear it—just make sure it matches your vacation. Here are five different kinds of shoes to pack for the specific kind of vacation on which you’re going (in addition to the easy slide on and off pair you wear to make those security searches before boarding your flights go easier):
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Tempe, AZ Festival of the Arts

March 26th
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
U.S. West destinations events and festivals

There’s a reason that Major League Baseball holds its spring training Cactus League games in Greater Phoenix – March is the perfect month for sunny, yet not too hot days and cool, clear nights. That also makes it the ideal month for festivals. This weekend alone, visitors on Arizona vacations can choose from the Phoenix Sister Cities World of Beer Festival, the Chandler Jazz Festival, the Arizona Dragon Boat Festival, and the biggest draw of them all, the Tempe Festival of the Arts.

Travelers to the Valley may find it hard to venture away from the pools of their Phoenix hotels, but a trip to the 33rd annual Tempe Festival of the Arts is worth the effort. Besides, you can soak up plenty of sun while admiring the works of artists from 30 states. Consistently rated among the top 20 art festivals in the nation, the Tempe festival, with free admission, draws about 250,000 visitors each spring and fall.
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Go to Gulf Shores, Ala.

March 25th
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
U.S. Southeast destinations

When you think spring break, the beach is what first comes to mind. And when you think beach, it’s usually some type of Florida vacation that starts percolating in your brain, sunny sandy visions of  luxury Miami hotels, the strip on Fort Lauderdale, or the silky shores of Destin. Or maybe, since it’s spring break and beaches we’re talking about here, you might think of South Padre Island. Or even some incredible Cabo resort. But chances are, Alabama did not come to mind. And that’s too bad, because you’re missing out on one of the most beautiful beaches around.

That beach town would be one that sits on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, hence the name Gulf Shores. Its sugar-white sand and emerald green waters, accented by whispy sea oats and the slow currents of peaceful estuaries, paint quite the scenic picture. And with numerous beachfront Gulf Shores hotels, you never have to be far from this sweet home of Alabama paradise.  
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Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: Two-for-One Fun

March 25th
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
Mexico beaches destinations

In these days of belt tightening and conspicuous non-consumption, people are looking for ways to stretch their vacations dollars. What better way to feel like you’ve gotten a travel deal than to visit two distinct destinations in one trip? The twin cities of Ixtapa – Zihuatanejo, offering modern resort facilities and fishing-village charm, are the perfect spot for a “twofer” Mexico vacation.

This tropical destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast combines a village that has been around since before Columbus set off on his famous sail (Zihuatanejo) with a resort created by the Mexican government in the 1970s (Ixtapa). Between the two destinations you’ve got five-star resorts, handy shopping, and lively dance clubs as well as simple inns and unspoiled beaches. Whether you prefer pampering spas or palm-shaded hammocks, you will certainly find Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa hotels to fit the bill.

Ixtapa

Created by the Mexican government out of what were literally coconut groves, Ixtapa runs the length of the wide stretch of sand known as Playa Palmar, Palm Beach. Luxury high-rise hotels now dwarf the coconut palms while offering every amenity under the sun. The ocean in front of Playa Palmar is a teeming bed of activity during the day, with jet skiers, boaters, para-sailers, and swimmers enjoying the waters. On the beach people stroll, jog, build sand castles, and just soak up the tropical rays. Across the main avenue from the hotel zone are numerous shopping centers, bars, and discos.
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Antigua: Guatemala’s Colonial Jewel

March 23rd
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
Central America destinations

Travelers seeking out locales that combine Spanish-colonial architectural treasures with strong indigenous cultures may think they have to travel to South America to get a taste of this appealing combination. Many vacationers are not aware that one of the gems of the Spanish colonial period can be found relatively nearby in Antigua, Guatemala.  A cheap flight from Dallas or Houston will have you in Guatemala in a couple of hours, but you will feel like you are a world away.

Located just 25 miles from Guatemala City, visitors to Antigua can bypass Guatemala City hotels and head straight to this colonial jewel. Founded by the Spanish in 1543, Antigua was the country’s capital for roughly 230 years. During that time the riches that flowed from the Spanish conquest financed the construction of numerous churches, convents, and public buildings. A series of earthquakes in the late 1700s left many of these buildings in ruin and prompted the government to move the capital to Guatemala City. Antigua was left mainly untouched for over a century and hasn’t been altered too much since then. With cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture, and partially restored ruins, Antigua feels like a town from another place in time.

Here’s a short run-down of what you can do in Antigua:

Explore the Colonial Sites
One of the best ways to get a feel for Antigua is to simply stroll the streets of the city’s compact downtown. Starting at the leafy and central Plaza Mayor, you can find interesting building and ruins in every direction. On our trip there last week my daughter especially enjoyed the Capuchin Convent. With beautiful grounds and courtyards, the partially intact and partially in ruins convent offers a glimpse into life as a nun. While most of the novices’ cells are in various states of decay, a few have been fixed up to include creepy mannequins outfitted in wimples and habits. There are also fantastic city and volcano views from its roof.
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