http://tripplanningguide.com Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:25:42 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en http://tripplanningguide.com/cinque-terre-hotels-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-and-what-not-to-expect/ http://tripplanningguide.com/greek-island-hopping/ http://tripplanningguide.com/trains-in-italy-and-how-to-use-them/ We’ve just returned from two-and-a-half weeks in Italy, and traveling in Tuscany was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip. The art and architecture are amazing, the rolling hills covered with vineyards and olive groves are lovely, and the food and wine are spectacular. You can’t buy a bad meal. We used both Lucca and Siena as bases so that we’d have the opportunity to explore towns in the northern and southern parts of Tuscany. Although they’re not far apart, each is unique with an appeal all it’s own. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/traveling-in-tuscany/ We love to vacation in Italy and we’ve been lucky enough to return there many times. There are so many places to see in Italy, that deciding where to go is always a challenge. We always want to explore destinations that we haven’t seen. But at the same time, we long to return to our old favorites. The truth is that there’s never enough time. So if you’re planning a trip to Italy, you should make up your mind that you won’t be able to see everything you want to see in one trip. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/traveling-to-italy/ A gorgeous, 23-mile stretch of beach north of Los Angeles and Santa Monica Beach, Malibu has been an exclusive enclave since the 1920s, when Hollywood celebrities first built homes here to escape the heat in the valley. In 1957, Frederick Kohner wrote a novel about his teenage daughter, Gidget, and by the time the movie came out in 1959, very kid in the country wanted to go surfing in Malibu. Recognizing the allure, Chevrolet named its new model the Malibu in 1964. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/malibu-california-things-to-do/ Few places in the world offer hiking as spectacular as you’ll find in the Cinque Terre. The Five Towns on the Ligurian coast of Italy are linked by rail and a trail that rewards walkers with one breathtaking view after another. The best way to get to the Cinque Terre is by train, and you can catch it from La Spezia in the south or Levanto in the north. Trains here run very frequently and the distance between villages is short. If you buy the Cinque Terre card -- and you should -- get one that includes rail fare in the price. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/cinque-terre-hiking/ Mexico getaways are an easy, inexpensive way for Americans to take an international vacation. They’re especially popular for west coast residents who can hop on a short flight or take a cruise from San Pedro or San Diego. But passport requirements for Mexico have changed so many times in the past several years that many travelers are confused about whether they need a valid passport or not. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/mexico-passport-requirements-for-us-citizens/ The Uffizi Gallery has the finest collection of Italian Renaissance art in the world. And it’s one of the top attractions in Florence. For years, seeing the dazzling collection of Botticellis, Michelangelos, Titians, and da Vincis meant standing in line – some times for hours. But now, there are several options for visiting the Uffizi that eliminate the wait. If you’re in Florence during the off season (October through April), you can probably buy tickets for the following day at the “New Uffizi” office in the Pitti Palace. You can select a time for your visit, and then show up at the designated hour. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/uffizi-tickets-versus-the-new-firenze-card-which-is-a-better-deal/ Even though it only takes an hour and a half to fly from Boston to New York, when you factor in the time it takes to get to the airport, go through security, and wait to board, taking the train from Boston to New York can actually be faster. Especially if you take the Acela Express train which makes the journey in 3 hours and 25 minutes. But the amount of hassle you’ll save is even more compelling. When you travel by train, there’s no taking off your shoes and taking out your laptop for security, no seatback crammed against your knees, and no scrambling to find overhead space for your carry-on. Read more... ]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/acela-train-boston-to-new-york-why-it-beats-flying/ Built on a huge promontory of volcanic tufa stone, Orvieto’s history goes all the way back to the Bronze Age. Romans destroyed the Etruscan city here in the 3rd century BC, and five Popes maintained residences in Orvieto during the 13th century. Orvieto’s greatest export is its wine. Orvieto Classico is a crisp, white wine that’s appreciated the world over. You can take a tour and taste the wine at Tenuta Le Velette if you make reservations in advance. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/orvieto-restaurants/ San Francisco has some of America’s top Italian restaurants. Acquarello, Quince, and Incanto have been wowing Bay Area diners with authentic Italian cooking, great wine, and attractive ambience for some time now. But the competition didn’t keep several new Italian restaurants in San Francisco from opening. Although not exactly filling a void, the newcomers are a welcome addition to the dining scene, and they’ve been warmly received. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/new-italian-restaurants-in-san-francisco-california/ Chances are, your first introduction to Tasmania was courtesy of the Tasmanian Devil, an actual critter and Warner Brothers Looney Tunes Cartoon character. It turns out that the Devil and his home – a rugged island off the southern coast our Australia – are pretty special, and well worth getting to know. The island is named for Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, who anchored off the island in 1642. Isolated from the Australian mainland, Tasmania has unique flora and fauna, lots of untouched wilderness, great food, and some beautiful ocean views. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/what-to-see-in-tasmania/ With stunning scenery, incredible art and architecture, and some of Italy’s best wine, Tuscany draws travelers back year after year. The rolling hillsides, ancient vineyards, and olive groves create a beautiful backdrop for the well-preserved medieval cities where you can truly enjoy the good life, Italian style. The two largest cities in Tuscany, Florence and Pisa, attract tourists by the score. But it’s Tuscany’s smaller villages and towns that most captivate visitors. If you have the time, plan to visit several. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/map-of-tuscany-region-of-italy-and-tuscany-travel-tips/ If you take a Caribbean cruise, chances are that you’ll spend at least a day in St. Thomas. It’s the busiest cruise ship port in the region. And no wonder. With convenient air service, great shopping, beautiful views, and good beaches, what’s not to like? But there are lots more things to do in St. Thomas than just shopping and dining. The island has an interesting history, and there are places where you can relive the days when pirates sailed here or when the Danish ruled the islands in the 17th century. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/things-to-do-in-st-thomas-virgin-islands/ London has some of the greatest museums in the world, and there are literally hundreds to choose from. In fact, a London Museums list would be about thirty pages long. Most of the best museums in London have brilliant permanent collections. But they also have temporary exhibitions done in cooperation with other collections from around the world. In 2011, London Museum exhibitions offer something for everyone – from children to history buffs, Victorian art lovers to dinosaur fans. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/london-museum-exhibitions-in-2011/ Rome attractions are clustered into a few areas. Piazza Navona provides easy access to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. If you’re on the other side of the Tiber River, St. Peters, the Vatican Museums, and Castel Sant’Angleo are near each other. And the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, and the Capitoline Museum are close enough to make a manageable day. Use our map of Rome to plan your time wisely. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/map-of-rome-italy-attractions/ Ever since John Ringling made it his home in the 1920s, Sarasota Florida has had more than its share of culture. Few towns its size can boast an opera house, a symphony orchestra, and a well-respected theater festival. There’s something going on almost every night during the winter season. But Sarasota nightlife isn’t all highbrow. There are plenty of other things to do in Sarasota at night, like listen to music, dance, or enjoy a well-made cocktail or a pint of beer in the revitalized downtown area. Main Street especially is packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs – many with entertainment. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/sarasota-nightlife/ Known as the “garden of England,” Kent is a lovely side trip from London. Some of the country’s most impressive estates, castles, and gardens are here. And Canterbury and its Cathedral are well worth visiting. The home of Winston Churchill’s family, Chartwell was the Prime Minister’s residence from 1922 until his death, and it‘s one of the top Kent attractions. Many of the rooms are just as he left them. Others contain exhibits showcasing his uniforms, personal items, and paintings. The gardens here are lovely and there’s a restaurant where you can have lunch. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/things-to-do-in-kent/ Just three hours from Dallas, the Broken Bow Oklahoma offers Southerners a complete change of scenery. The crystal-clear lake is managed by the Corps of Engineers and it’s backed by cool forests and the Ouachita and Kiamichi Mountain Wilderness. With 180 miles of shoreline and a surface area of 14,220 acres, lots of people can get away from it all without running into each other. There’s a lot to do in the area, including horseback riding, kayaking and canoeing on the lake, hiking and mountain biking on the trails, and fly fishing on the lake and the Mountain Fork River. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/broken-bow-cabins/ England’s Lake District has lots of charming pubs that serve real, traditional ales and hearty food – just the thing after a long day of hiking. Several of the area’s pubs also offer rooms, which range from basic to down-right luxurious. If you’re interested in historic Lake District accommodation that’s inexpensive and atmospheric, pub lodging is a good choice. And in many cases, you’ll get to know some of the local gentry. Two miles east of Windermere in Ings, the Watermill Inn is one of the best-known and most appealing lake district inns. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/pub-accommodation-in-the-lake-district/ With beautiful gardens, Regency-style mansions, and a charming main street, Cheltenham is one of the most attractive towns in the Cotswolds. It’s been a destination since 1788 when George III came to enjoy the benefits of the natural mineral springs here. Today, it’s a nice spot for a getaway, with several attractions worth visiting. Henry VIII’s sixth wife, Catherine Parr, is buried at Royal Sudeley Castle and Gardens. Dating from the 15th century, the castle has a fine art collection. The Cheltenham Racecourse hosts one of Britain’s most prestigious horse races each spring. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/hotels-in-cheltenham-town-centre/ Oscar Wilde once said “Niagara Falls is the American bride’s second great disappointment.” We beg to disagree. We went to Niagara Falls a few years ago, almost on a whim, and were amazed by the sheer magnificence of the falls. It’s well worth a trip. There’s plenty to do here in addition to the falls, but a cruise on the Maid of the Mist is a must-do. Bundle up in a slicker and head out on deck as the boat sails to the base of Horseshoe Falls. It’s a thrilling experience you’ll never forget. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/new-niagara-falls-hotels/ Compared to other Caribbean islands, St. John has very few hotels and resorts -- which is a big part of the appeal. Since almost two-thirds of the island in National Park, development is limited, which is precisely why most travelers return here again and again. Most of the St. John Virgin Island Resorts are expensive, and exclusive. You’ll never have trouble finding a lounge by the pool or getting service at the bar. The oldest and best-known Virgin Island resorts is Caneel Bay. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/st-john-virgin-islands-resorts/ To us, no trip to Rome is complete without having dinner in Trastevere. The name – which means across the Tevere, as the Tiber river is known in Italian – refers to the location. But it’s more a state of mind. Not that long ago, few tourists ventured here. But today, Trastevere is a popular destination for many visitors to Rome. If you’re looking for unpretentious Roman food, Trastevere restaurants are a great choice. The neighborhood is charming, and prices in most restaurants are reasonable. Don’t come looking for haute cuisine. But you can expect a fun night out with good food, good wine, and typically Roman surroundings. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/trastevere-restaurants/ Since they’re located within or adjacent to the park, Eurodisney hotels are really convenient. But they can also be expensive. If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland Paris Resort, you can save some money by staying at one of the hotels near Eurodisney. In most cases, they offer free shuttle service not only to the park, but also to the local shopping centers and other nearby attractions. And many have kitchens, which can help you save money on meals out too. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/hotels-near-eurodisney/ No trip to Hawaii is complete without spending some time in Honolulu. Its museums and palaces are the best place to learn about the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Its nightclubs and restaurants are the most sophisticated in the state. And you can spend the day at the beach and then see a show in the evening. If you’re wondering what to do in Honolulu, there are plenty of options. You should start your visit at Waikiki, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Lined with luxury hotels and resorts, it’s always packed. For the best views of Diamond Head and the city skyline, take a surfing lesson. Or go for a catamaran cruise at sunset. Whatever you do, make sure you get out on or in the water at least once during your visit. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/what-to-do-in-honolulu-hawaii/ Rome is one of the most popular ports in the Mediterranean. And why not? With ancient sights, vibrant culture, and incredible food, the Eternal City is always magical. If you’re planning a European cruise, it makes sense to leave from Rome. Because then, you’ll be able to spend a few nights in the city before or after your cruise. Cruises from Rome actually leave from the port of Civitavecchia, which is about 30 minutes from the city. If you arrange your air through your cruise line, your transfers will be provided. If not, it’s easy to arrange independent transfers to Civitavecchia. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/cruises-from-rome/ If the Algarve is Portugal’s Riviera, then Albufeira is the Algarve’s St. Tropez. Its beautiful beaches, rocky grotto, and water park attract sun-seeking travelers in droves. And Albufeira nightlife is the hottest in the region with dozens of clubs welcoming partiers who dance the night away. The Strip – which is now three or four blocks deep – is where most of the action is. Most clubs there stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/albufeira-nightlife/ Twenty tears ago, the Cinque Terre was a largely undiscovered region known to only a few savvy travelers. But today, hundreds of thousands come each year to hike the trails, drink the wine, and enjoy the spectacular scenery. So much so that there’s a considerable amount of wear on the trails. Cinque Terre National Park, which was created in 1999, is responsible for maintaining the trails. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/the-cinque-terre-card-where-you-can-buy-it-and-what-it-covers/ England’s lovely Lake District is a great place to come and commune with nature. You’ll follow in the footsteps of Keats, Shelley, Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Tennyson who appreciated – and in many case celebrated – the beauty of the area. Today, most of the 35-square-mile area is Lake District National Park, so development is kept to a minimum. And there are countless opportunities for hiking, sailing, and just enjoying the views. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/lake-district-attractions/ Over the years, we’ve owned a lot of luggage. Some we’ve loved. Some we’ve loathed. And there wasn’t always a correlation between how much we spent and how well we liked it. For years, we admired Tumi bags, but resisted because of the price. Travel is so hard on luggage, that we couldn’t justify spending so much on something that would never look as good as it did in the showroom. Read more... ]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/tumi-bags-buying-guide/ Located south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast of Queensland is one of the most popular destinations in Australia. With terrific weather, high-rise luxury apartments, and more than three dozen golf courses, it’s a vacationer’s dream. But the big attraction here is the beach – a broad swath of golden sand that stretches more than 40 miles. During the day, most visitors spend their time in the water or on the beach. But if you crave a little more excitement, the three major amusement parks – Sea World, Warner Brothers Movie World, and Dreamworld – have plenty of thrill rides. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/gold-coast-resorts/ Most visitors to Tuscany don’t think of it as a beach destination. But many Italians head to Viareggio for sun, sand, and surf. South of the Cinque Terre, it’s an easy day trip from Lucca, Pisa, and even Florence. And there’s plenty of wine tasting nearby. A fired destroyed much of Viareggio in 1917, and the hotels, villas, and cafes were rebuilt in the Liberty Style, as Art Nouveau is known in Italy. Most of the Viareggio hotels date from this period, although there are a couple of new, purpose-build bed and breakfasts. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/the-best-bb-in-viareggio/ Paris has Eurodisney, but London has Thorpe Park. Located just twenty miles from Central London, it has more than 30 roller coasters and extreme rides. When Colossus opened in 2002, it held the world-record for most coaster loops. Since then, Thorpe Park has added dozens of adrenalin attractions for thrill seekers. The park is easily reached by rail, and there are plenty of good hotels nearby. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/hotels-near-thorpe-park/ Almost a million acres in size, Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Lower 48. Located along the Canadian border in northern Montana, the park has glacier-capped peaks, gorgeous valleys, clear lakes, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Waterton Lakes National Park is on the Canadian side. It’s a spectacular place for hiking, but you can also enjoy incredible scenery by driving the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road. The road goes up to Logan Pass – the crest of the Continental Divide – and is only open from the middle of June until the middle of September. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/glacier-national-park-lodging/ With crystal-clear, turquoise water, colorful coral reefs, and broad stretches of white-sand beach, the Florida Keys are the closest thing to the Caribbean. Literally, and figuratively. Nearly 400 islands stretch 150 miles south of Miami on the Overseas Highway. It’s a one-of-a-kind drive everyone should do at least once. The scenery isn’t all the Keys share with their neighbors to the south. The attitude here is definitely laid-back, and everything gets done on “island time.” Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/florida-keys-resorts-for-unwinding-in/ We travel a lot, so we’re firm believers in packing light. But that’s really hard when you’re going on a cruise. You practically need a separate travel bag just for your shoes. When you try to select your cruise clothing, everything in your closet is a contender – from flip flops to formal wear. Read more... ]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/cruise-clothing/ Golf vacations are becoming more popular every year. And for world-class courses like Pebble Beach or St. Andrews, golf packages can run as much as $1,000 per person, per night. While these trips will undoubtedly provide memories that will last a lifetime, they’re also a big investment. Since everything doesn’t always go according to plan – either before or during your vacation – it’s a good idea to be prepared for whatever comes up. Read more... ]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/is-golf-travel-insurance-worth-the-price/ During the 1970s, many Italian farmers couldn’t make ends meet and left their farms to earn a living in the city. The Italian government was concerned about the loss of small farms and the impact on traditional life. So to encourage farmers to hang in there, they created Italy Agriturismo in 1985. The program provided incentives to restore abandoned rural buildings and make them suitable for overnight guests. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/agriturismo-piemonte-farmhouse-accommodations-in-piedmont-italy/ During the 1880s, Melbourne’s Victoria Docks on the Yarra River was the principal port for the region. But by the 1970s, changes in the shipping industry had left the docks largely abandoned and run down. The river-front location near the Central Business District (CBD) had a lot going for it, and in the early 1990s, the Victorian Parliament came up with a redevelopment plan. Opened in stages between 1997 and 2007, Melbourne Docklands has shopping, dining, entertainment, condominiums, offices, and a world-class stadium that hosts sporting events. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/docklands-accommodation-in-melbourne%e2%80%99s-lively-waterfront-district/ In many ways, Adriatic cruises are the most enjoyable European cruises. First of all, the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and Montenegro offers spectacular scenery. The ports are some of the most interesting in Europe. And because some of them have limited docking facilities, you’ll likely arrive on a smaller ship and with fewer other cruises – and cruisers – in port. In places like Kotor, you’ll be able to dock close to town, so you’ll enjoy more time ashore. And many of these ancient cities are a walker’s dream. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/adriatic-cruises-along-the-spectacular-dalamatian-coast/ Which European destinations you’ll find most enjoyable depends on your interests and likes, but there are some places that are just so special that virtually no one is immune to their charms. London has some of the most impressive museums and historic sights in the world, but given the choice between London and Paris, we’d choose Paris every time. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/places-to-visit-in-europe-everyone%e2%80%99s-favorites-plus-a-few-surprises/ There are two dishes we always order when we’re in Rome. The first is bucatini al’amatriciana, a robust combination of tomatoes, onions, and bacon. The second is tagliatelle carbonara or tagliatelle alla carbonara – a dish so delicious that to us, it’s perfection on a plate. The dish is utter simplicity – butter, cheese, eggs, black pepper, and bacon. But almost everything about carbonara is disputed, including the name, its origins, the correct ingredients, and its preparation. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/tagliatelle-carbonara-where-to-eat-it-and-how-to-make-it/ On April 6, 2011, Disneyland Paris Resort is introducing a new Disney Magical Moments Festival. The festival provides a dozen new ways for kids and their parents to interact with their favorite Disney characters – in parades, stage shows, and more intimate settings. You can join a Lion King drum circle, follow Peter Pan to Neverland, meet your favorite Disney princess, scream at the top of your lungs, or participate in a new, 20-minute show with Mickey Mouse performing feats of magic. Of course, photographers are on hand to capture your magical moments for you. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/eurodisney-short-breaks-and-new-attractions-for-2011/ Who hasn’t dreamed of vacationing in Tahiti, surrounded by turquoise lagoons, sugar sand beaches, and swaying palms. French Polynesia has beckoned travelers since Captain Cook and his crew first returned with tales of an indescribably beautiful place with wonderful people. Paul Gauguin added to the appeal with his brilliantly colored depictions of island life, and today, Tahiti is more popular ever. Nonstop service from Los Angeles makes Tahiti accessible – the flight takes just 8 hours and 20 minutes. And Tahiti vacation packages made it affordable too. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/tahiti-resorts-offer-a-little-slice-of-paradise/ Perhaps no other state offers travelers as many diverse regions and experiences as California. There truly is something for everyone – whether you’re into exploring the great outdoors, tasting world-class wines, or hanging on for dear life on a Universal Studios thrill ride. From Lake Tahoe to Death Valley, there are so many things to do in California that you’ll never see it all in one trip. Guess you’ll just have to plan several California vacations. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/the-top-places-to-visit-in-california/ There are nine major London train stations and your destination will determine which one you use. Be sure to confirm which station your train leaves from -- you’re sure to miss it if you go to the wrong one. London Transport has a Stationlink bus that connects the stations and you can often take the Underground from one to another. Most of the stations were build around the middle of the 19th century, and they’re beautiful architectural marvels of glass and steal. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/london-train-station-map-and-information/ The Lake District of England is a great spot for a relaxing week or weekend communing with nature. The scenery is smashing, the food is first-rate, and the Lake District luxury hotels specialize in truly pampering their guests. Located on 20 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds three miles east of Windermere, Gilpin Lodge has 14 rooms and 6 suites in two modern annexes to a 1901 country house. The most inviting are the Garden Suites, which have outdoor hot tubs. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/lake-district-luxury-hotels/ With towering red-rock buttes, cool pine forests, and brilliant blue skies, Sedona Arizona is gorgeous. If it looks familiar perhaps it’s because the stark landscape formed the backdrop for dozens of Hollywood westerns. There’s no more beautiful place to watch the setting sun than here. Sedona is noted for its mystical vortexes, which New Agers believe enhances creativity and well being. And there’s an active artists’ colony here, drawn by the dramatic scenery and lovely light. Read more...]]> http://tripplanningguide.com/sedona-resorts/