Tagged With "Vaughan Creek Covered Bridge"
Reply
Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Wow, this is turning into a real education!! I checked with my uncle and yes, I can fly Chicago to Manchester and return from either London or Paris to Chicago. The ticket is free to him and he said he would cover any fees as a "graduation gift to me" (he's a pretty cool dude!), but I don't want to burden him with a heavy departure fee, so maybe Paris would be the way to go. I'd like to leave about Friday, May 9th and return 4 weeks later, June 6th. A few days later and returning a few days...
Reply
Re: Minneapolis in the winter
Hi Theodore! I am a Mall of America fan. You can easily spend an entire weekend (or many evenings) at the Mall of America. First of all, the mall is very easy to get to by train from downtown (CICAK did a wonderful job explaining that), and fares are quite cheap (fares go for about $1.75 to $2.25 one way depending on what time of day you ride). As CICAK also mentioned, there is something for everybody at the mall. If you just want to find a warm dry place to walk and people watch, I believe...
Reply
Re: Doctor List for Traveling
SueZee, wherever you travel in the world your hotel will find you a suitable doctor who will speak enough English for your needs - just like Dr.F says - and Italy will have plenty. Don't bother with lists as they will always be out of date by the time you might want to use them, plus it will no doubt not list a great doc that the hotel knows is just around the corner! At the worst the hotel will have an English speaking staff member sit with you to help translate. Conversely, I do think that...
Reply
Re: Is trip cancellation insurance really worth it?
My elderly mother bought it when she went on a cruise. For her, it made sense because her health is not so good. She might have had to cancel and did not want to lose her deposit. The policy that she bought was specifically for trip cancellation but did not cover health issues or other unexpected issues during the trip. That policy would have covered a deposit refund but not all of them do. There are lots of different types of trip insurance so one has to ask lots of questions. As it turns...
Reply
Re: Bye Bye Sky-High Rental Car Fees
Thanks, that was a good article. I got some ideas from it! I always get confused about whether I need to take insurance from the rental and it's always sky-high. I have some credit cards that say they cover it, but I hadn't realized that a lot of time my own car insurance would cover me with the rental. Boy, have we wasted a bunch! The other idea I liked there was taking pictures of the car before you leave their office so you can show them if they try to say you scratched up the car. Feels...
Comment
Re: Fabulous fountain show at the Bellagio, Las Vegas
There's a few families of Ducks live in that water. They take cover before the light and fountains start the show. But how do they know ?
Reply
Re: Air Miles vs Low Fare Airline
We flew Norwegian in May, Orlando-Oslo and were really impressed. The 787 made such a difference and we arrived feeling fresh. The moister air, bigger windows and lighting made a world of difference in how we felt post trip. We brought a decent sized carry-on and personal bag each for free too. As far other extra fees, we didn't pay any. They charge for food or drinks, but we just bought those at the airport. And I think they also charge for blankets, but we brought jackets to cover with and...
Comment
Re: Passau: Small City, Big Past
We first heard the Three Rivers bit from our cruise director, who pointed out that we would be able, as we sailed downstream, to see different colors in the water as they merged. So, when I spotted the manhole cover, I was already alert to the idea... And yes, Marilyn: I've never been a cruise fan, but this was different, and we'll do another eventually.
Comment
Re: Bumped up to Business on Turkish Airlines
On my last London - San Francisco flight I was in my Sunday best clothes and managed to score 2 First Class seats. I asked the Flight Attendant why are we having smoked salmon sandwiches with afternoon tea. We've already had salmon for lunch. He replied : "Someone has made an awful mistake putting salmon on the Menu twice on one flight. Ask for a complaints form - then ask for half your money back" " On what I paid " - I told him - " half my money back wouldn't cover the cost of the sandwiches"
Comment
Re: Marriott to offer free wi-fi to all its Rewards member
And let us not forget the dreaded "resort fees". Defined as meaning anything the hotel wants it to mean. And charged whether we use the facilities it's said to cover, or not. Look in the dictionary for the definition of "chicken shit" and you'll find "resort fees". If everyone must pay it, it should rightly be included in the room rate. Even my favorite, AirBnB, makes options available for hosts - cleaning fee, security deposit, a charge for more than 1 person and even possibilities for...
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 3, 2014: Metropole Hotel, Hanoi
That's an interesting link, GarryRF, because Sri Lankans tend to be pretty mellow about most things. Still, being disrespectful (or perceived as disrespectful) to Buddha is frowned on and not tolerated by the Sinhalese majority. As many know, it is considered very disrespectful to show too much skin in a Buddhist temple or shrine (no bare shoulders or legs). You won't be allowed admittance to the shrine unless you cover yourself. I believe this woman offended these customs. But this POD is...
Comment
Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#85)
Let's get some more guesses - Here is a hint and another view: While this canopy does cover a place where many people are sitting, waiting and enjoying an afternoon, it has nothing to do with travel.
Comment
Re: Florida warned: take action against future flooding
50 years ago this area of Liverpool UK was underwater twice a day. Every tide. And storms would cause the land to flood half a mile inland. So this area is now a man made construction. Sand hills cover the solid foundation. Marrem grass has roots that bind the sand together. And it works. Copied off the Netherlands where much of the land is below sea level all year.
Comment
Re: Do Airlines offer the Best Loyalty Rewards Programs?
A very interesting interview...and one of the points that comes clear from it is the one I've always made: What are you looking for? He gives examples, for instance, of how younger people may want low-cost rewards (dinner, say) that they can get immediately. Others may be mainly interested in the free wifi, lounges and upgrades some hotels offer. And others, like I, who seldom stay in hotels (Airbnb, thank you!) are interested mainly in convertibility to air travel. For those in my...
Comment
Re: A Complete Guide to Buy Travel Insurance for your upcoming vacations
Just to add a personal note to these recommendations. I traveled for years without travel insurance, thinking that I could cover or recover lost reservations, luggage, etc. but friends' experiences made me realize that the medical and evacuation coverage is the real key. And then, a few years later we had an unexpected three-week hospitalization in Europe that ended with a medevac flight back to the U.S. The hospital bill was over $30,000 (much less than it would have been at home), and half...
Comment
Re: The Lure of the Abandoned
Looks very interesting. The cover photo, in particular, caught my attention. I have since discovered that it is the Castello di Sammezzano near Florence. It is now firmly on my list. I have also ordered a copy of the book - ask for your commission. :-)
Reply
Re: Has anyone used their Enhanced Drivers License to travel to Canada or Mexico?
Most of the people I know who have this license are those who don't want to travel internationally and who live near the Canada-US border. There are a number of town literally split by the border and people migrate across daily to visit friends or work. I think these licenses are intended for them. Same for the Mexico USA border. If you travel internationally and have a passport, no point paying extra for the license for most folks. Passports have become more sophisticated and if you read...
Comment
Re: Luggage to withstand airline handling
I have two favorite suitcases I use when needing checked luggage. Both have similar construction, having a hard base and sides, but a soft expandable top. Hence, they combine the protection of a hard suitcase for the most part, but offer the advantage of being somewhat expandable. I wrap delicate purchases in laundry or a jacket, place near the hard base of the bag and without exception nothing has broken in transit (so far). One bag is also an Eagle Creek bag and the other is made by...
Comment
Re: Luggage to withstand airline handling
We alternate, depending on trip configuration, on two "soft" but not very 21" Delseys and a single 25" Swissgear of similar construction. They're all from a lower-price territory than Eagle Creek, but have worked well for us. But my experience with the Swissgear has taught me to watch one thing I didn't think so important before: the wheels. The Delseys are a 'trolley' style with two wheels; they're easy to move over almost any terrain, even cobblestones. But the Swissgear is a 'spinner,'...
Comment
Re: Luggage to withstand airline handling
Good point about the wheels. It was while pulling a suitcase across cobblestones that I became devote to the trolley-style wheels. Even Eagle Creek and Pacsafe bags can be purchased on sale or at discounted travel supply vendors. Whatever you buy, be sure it is a well constructed bag with heavy duty zippers and latches that won't fall apart on you when you travel (which has happened to me with a cheaper duffel-style roller made by Sierra Design).
Comment
Re: New Orleans Winter Walking
It's a beautiful hike, Whitney! I dislike the heat and humidity of New Orleans' summer, but this time of year sounds inviting and it's obviously charming! And while it's cold, winter is also beautiful. Here's a photo from my favorite place to hike, a 1 minute walk from my home, Fish Creek Provincial Park. We hike here along the Bow River in all four seasons, including winter. Snow slows you a little but it's not that deep as a rule. If it gets icy, you use microspikes.
Reply
Re: Road Trip: The Movies and the Cars
Originally Posted by Dan Carter: So: I'm down to a bunch of questions. How real are the movie cars (obviously not talking about Batmobiles)? What's with the T-Bird? There is a lot of variation in how "real" cars are in movies. it depends on what the car must survive during filming and, sometimes, who is driving. In the James Bond flick "You Only Live Twice" Sean Connery drives a Toyota 2000 GT convertible. there were only 2 2000GT convertibles built, both for the movie. the primary reason...
Comment
Re: Name Your Favorite Restaurants for Atmosphere, Past or Present
One of the most memorable places I ever ate at was a small taco joint in La Paz, Mexico. Sorry, but I don't remember its name. I was on a guided whale watching/kayaking trip and would NEVER have gone in except for our guide saying it was safe to do so. The outside was dingy, dirty, poorly kept -- signals for dysentery if I'd ever seen them (but apparently expected -- make it nice and the vandals will deface it). The inside was clean and simple, but the food was absolutely outstanding!
Comment
Re: A visit to Saudi Arabia: Part I
Wow! Thanks for this fascinating contribution, Lestertheinvestor. I was exhausted just from reading the directions for applying for the visa. It is quite obvious that Saudi Arabia doesn't want infidels visiting them. A few questions you might know the answer to: 1) Is the process stream-lined for a Muslim wanting to go to Mecca, and what kind of proof do they need to have that they're a Muslim? 2) Do you have any rough idea how many hours you spent on this process? Ball-park guess would do.
Comment
Re: A visit to Saudi Arabia: Part I
1) The process is easier for a Muslim who is going on a hajj. However, unless you are native born, you must present a document from the Imam of your mosque documenting your status as a Muslim in good standing. For a Caucasian woman who is a converted Muslim, you must still get permission from your husband or a male relative, along with the letter from the mosque to allow you to make the hajj. 2) Between my wife and I (she actually presented our documents each time to the consulate in Los...
Comment
Re: Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, December 26, 2014: Postcards from Morocco - the camel rider
I agree with Dr F, Mac, this should be on the cover of National Geographic!
Comment
Re: Vineyards, Burgundy, France
Thanks for that extra info, PM. But 10 pounds would just cover the water, bottle of wine and wheel of cheese I'd be carrying to sustain me on the journey. But Lite is definitely the way to go if at all possible. I look forward to reading the next piece! I may yet pick your brains again about these journeys....which genuinely appeal to me.
Comment
Re: Wallace, Idaho: From mining town to "Center of the Universe"
Wish I'd had THAT manhole cover for the blog we had here on Gumbo! And you got my heart with the bus...same model was my school bus at Fort Leavenworth in the 50s...
Comment
Re: Charlottesville, Virginia: Land of Presidents
I've spent many days exploring the early times of the Du Pont family around Delaware and Pennsylvania. Explore the old homes and gardens of the American chemical giants. Really fascinating. Chateau Country Route 52 passes thru Delaware’s Chateau Country. Many DuPont homes and estates are tucked away in the areas surrounding Greenville, Delaware and Centerville Delaware. Local residents have managed to preserve the rural character of Route 52 by controlling development. Twin Lakes Brewing...
Comment
Re: The Day Japan Shook
I've noticed a lot more info out now in Japan on what to do if there's an Earthquake. From the Official Tokyo Handy Guide to schools promoting duck and cover.
Blog Post
Charleston's Grand Mansions: Drayton Hall
On a recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina, I bought a 2-day pass, called the Charleston Heritage Passport , at the North Charleston Visitor Center near the airport, and planned to include as many of the sites it offered of...
Blog Post
Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 9, 2015: "Teddy Bear" Cholla
When you see a group of them at a distance in the "Cholla Cactus Garden" (Joshua Tree National Park), they're a memorable site. With their arms outstretched, these cacti seem rather fuzzy, almost soft, and hence the name "teddy...
Blog Post
Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec 18th, 2014: Longwood Gardens, Penn.
Longwood Gardens created by Pierre S. du Pont,(1870-1954) is one of the premier arboretums in the USA, if not in the world. It consists of over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania , in the...
Blog Post
The Bear Blog
I had a hunch when Shelly and I were planning our 59 National Park in 59 weeks tour that wildlife would be center stage. I knew that the buffalo would roam in Yellowstone, that the tropical fish would dance...
Blog Post
Arctic Birds on Migration: Saskatchewan
Many of the Arctic birds are large white birds such as geese and swans but also include smaller and different coloured sandpipers and other birds. Where is the best place to see these magnificent Arctic birds? The most...
Blog Post
Gallery: Longwood Gardens, PA
Longwood Gardens created by Pierre S. du Pont,(1870-1954) is one of the premier arboretums in the USA, if not in the world. It consists of over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows in Kennett Square,...
Blog Post
The Valley Island of Maui: 3) Central, Upcountry and South Maui
The largest stretch of (relatively) flat land on Maui is the valley between the two volcanoes, Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. This area is commonly called “Central Maui” and it’s here most locals live....
Blog Post
Walla, Walla: “So nice they named it twice!”
What’s a Walla Walla? It’s a Indian name meaning “many waters”. It’s also the name of a charming city in southeastern Washington; nestled close to the Columbia and Snake River valleys, and with a river of its...
Topic
Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Just found this website and I hope you guys can help me out. I'm finishing my Masters (Architecture) this spring and have a job lined up starting July 1. The job has little holiday time (2 weeks first 2 years), so I want to make a trip to...
Blog Post
Visiting Western Greenland. Part II – Western Greenland on Foot!
Part I covered three Greenlandic towns I have visited but my real passion is being out in West Greenland’s wilderness. So this part is about what it has to offer those willing to get out there on foot and under canvas! I...
Blog Post
The Minturn Summer Market
One of the pleasures of summer across the northern hemisphere is that farmers markets spring to life for a few months, serving a bounty of fresh produce along with other items people buy at a market, like handicrafts, baked goods,...
Blog Post
Silver Plume, Colorado
I love going on leisurely road trips -- the kind where you've several spare hours to pull over somewhere and explore. If a place seems interesting, I like to check it out. So it was this past summer while we were visiting...
Blog Post
Road Trip, Day 1: City of Ten Thousand Buddhas and The Skunk
Gateway to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas March 9, 2015 In the late ‘80s, I lived in L.A. for a couple of years. My S.O. knew lots of cool L.A. stuff. One of those was something he’d read that...
Blog Post
Viewing the Northern Lights: Tips and Techniques
When you see the Northern Lights for the first time, they seem unreal. Almost magical, maybe even scary to some. The Aurora Borealis is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena you can observe and well worth a journey to the northern parts of the...
Blog Post
Marriott enters the Travel Magazine business
In a change to its usual consumer outreach, Marriott corp, one of the world's largest hoteliers, will begin publishing an online travel magazine. Marriott sees it as a way to expand it's brand and, hopefully, attract new guests to...
Blog Post
Solo Travel: Four unexpected essentials
I like to think of myself as an international badass seasoned solo traveller. It is my preferred way to see the world. For me, there is nothing more cathartic than knowing I can survive without anyone — knowing that my own company is enough....
Blog Post
Canada creating its first Urban National Park
While Canada has many beautiful and large national parks, almost all in pristine wilderness settings, there are no urban park units within the nation. Urban historic sites and the like -- yes, many, but no parks. In a change to the...
Blog Post
Road Trip, Day 3: A Sunny Day in Sonoma
March 11, 2015 The drive down California Highway 1, along the Mendocino and Sonoma County coast, was a bit of a bust. It started to rain as I arrived at Point Arena and Fort Ross was closed, it turned out, on weekdays, so I...