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Savannah Fashion Week with Mandy Starling

 

Love Telluride: Try Ouray, Colorado

Many travelers are already familiar with the popular town of Telluride in Colorado, sometimes affectionately (or perhaps sarcastically, I can never tell which) as South Aspen.  A popular destination for skiers and celebrities alike too, but you may not know about the other site of Telluride that's just as worthy of a visit:  Ouray.

Ouray is literally only 10 miles in distance from Telluride, but because of the jagged nature of the San Juan mountains separating the two towns, the actual driving distance is about 50 miles.  Ouray also sits in a box canyon, though in such a unique manner that the city is sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of America.  While not renowned for skiing the way Telluride is, Ouray is however famous for being the ice climbing and jeep touring capital of the world.  Its proximity to many of the ancient ghost towns in the area have made it ideal for jeep trekking and exploration.  Hiking trails also meander through and around the town, while well maintained campgrounds offer an excellent respite for RVers and campers alike.



Ouray is also known for its hot springs as well, mineral rich waters that also help feed Ouray's hot springs park, a modern facility that harnesses the springs into a public pool that can be enjoyed by all.  Ouray's hot springs are also sulfur-less, emanating fresh, pleasant aromas in stark contrast to the springs of say, Yellowstone.  The springs are so popular in fact that several establishments (such as Box Canyon Lodge) are licensed to use them to fuel their hot tubs, offering a unique amenity for tired guests just coming back from a day of skiing at nearby Telluride.

It's not uncommon then to find Telluride skiers lodging at Ouray rather than Telluride itself, partly as a cost-saving method, and partly because they feel Ouray is able to offer a quiet respite that Telluride simply cannot match.  Unlike the busyness of Telluride, Ouray may be the destination where you come not to do it all, but to get away from it all.

<em>Lincoln is a single, thirtysomething travel blogger from New York. When he's not busy obsessing over his precious iPhone or trying to find that elusive geocache, he spends his days researching the latest in mobile technology and journeying the world in an epic search for truth, justice... and great pizza.

Read his blog, the Habitation of Justice to learn more about his personal adventures on the road.

Columbus Day Parades

How and where are you going to be celebrating Columbus Day? In many places around the United States there are parades held to celebrate Columbus Day. Parades are the traditional way of celebrating many different holidays, one example would be the Thanksgiving Day parades. Parades provide fun times and experiences for people of all ages, but they are especially fun for younger children who love to see the floats, and big balloons. You may feel like you need a visitor’s guide when it comes to figuring out where you are going and what you are going to do for each holiday but for Columbus Day, all you have to do is pick a parade. You can go and have fun with the whole family. But where are these parades? There are many different Columbus Day parades to choose from; here is a list of some parades to give you a taste of where you can find them and what they are like:

• New York, NY. The Columbus Day parade has been organizing in New York since 1929 and more than 35,000 people participate in the parade each year. The second Monday in October is when the parade is held. During the New York Columbus Day parade hundreds of marching bands perform and compete. The bands include high school bands as well.

• San Francisco, CA. The parade that is held in San Francisco is normally referred to as the Italian Heritage parade and is free admission. This parade does not only celebrate Columbus, but the Italian history and culture as well. During the Italian Heritage parade there are handmade floats, free activities for children, and performing artists.

• Denver Co. The Denver Colorado Columbus Day parade has a lot of significance in history. Colorado was the first state to observe Columbus Day and in 1909 it held its first Columbus Day parade. It wasn’t until 1971 that Columbus Day was declared a national holiday that was to be observed by all 50 states

• Chicago IL. The Chicago Columbus Day parade has the crowning of a Columbus Day queen. There are many activities available for children at this parade because the Chicago public schools are let out on Columbus Day and many parents like to bring their children. There is also a special Mass for Catholics that is held right before the parade. The Mass is part of the Italian heritage and culture that the parade includes in the celebration.

 

Madison Hewerdine is an author who likes to write visitors guides and has a passion for singing.

Traveling to Savannah, GA- Check Out Mandy Starling on The CW

 

Mandy Starling is the host of See Savannah on the CW in the Southeast.  Mandy will also be starring in the movie Untouched.

CheapOair Featuring Flying High

 

Sri Lanka as a Tourist (Monkeys, Monkeys, Monkeys)

Sri Lanka has been through a lot in the last decade.  A brutal civil war lasting for over 25 years came to its end in 2009, but not before killing over 80,000 people.  The 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami killed an estimated 35,000, wiped out 80% of Sri Lanka’s fishing boats, and destroyed 10 of 12 national harbors.  All this devastation in their very recent history, but today as the pieces are still being put back together, Sri Lanka is a haven for adventurous tourists.  The tourist infrastructure is not entirely there yet (the roads can be frightening), but the people are friendly as ever, and greet you with smiles and open arms.

I recently spent 10 days in Sri Lanka with my own car, so I could move at my own pace around the island.  I’m the type of traveller who likes to see as much as possible, so only having 10 day meant I was to be a very busy man.  Waking up early and coming home late daily, I still failed to see half of what the island has to offer.  Lush tropical rain forests, national parks and safaris with animals to make you think you’re in Africa, beautiful white sand beaches, history and ruins to rival that of any nation, Sri Lanka has it all.  It’s easy to see how it got the name “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”

The island is also just big enough to have 2 peak seasons, one for the north east side, and one for the south west.  This means there’s always a beach in season; my visit in early September led me to the north east beach town of Trincomalee where if anything, it was too hot and sunny.  On your way to “Trinco” (as the locals call it) from Colombo (where the countries only international airport is, but not for long), there are many mandatory stops.  You’ll pass through a region known as the cultural triangle which plays hosts to many of the nation’s premier historical points of interest, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites. The climate in the middle region is also much milder than the coastal areas which can get quite hot.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, there are a few things you should know beforehand.  Do not expect it to be cheap, hotels are expensive, budget options are hard to come by, and everything is often spread out requiring a car or other mode of transportation.  Park entrance fees are as high or higher than anywhere else in the world, and guides have fees to match.  The inflation in Sri Lanka has driven prices to Western standards (or sometimes higher).  Travel in Sri Lanka tends to be slow, with roads frequently being unmaintained and congested.  A 40km drive may take an hour or more.  However, the government does seem to be making headway on this, and parts of the country have very nice roads, although still bad traffic and not much in the line of traffic control.  Oh, and Monkeys!  I saw more monkeys in Sri Lanka than perhaps anywhere else I’ve ever been.  Monkeys darting across the road in front of you, jumping 3 meters between trees above you, drinking from fountains at the hotel, banging on hotel room window shutters, they’re everywhere, and you’ll see several different kinds too.

Bottom line, Sri Lanka is an amazing visit.  Good food, friendly people, world class beaches, and one of the longest documented histories on record leaving behind many fascinating and breathtaking relics and ruins.  If you’re the type of traveler who likes to get down and dirty with the locals, test your luck in Sri Lanka as soon as possible. If not, keep Sri Lanka on your list, as the tourism industry as well as their economy are growing rapidly, and in a few years it’s going to be one of the premier South East Asia destinations.

This guest post was written by Mike of The Cheap Route Travel.  In his travels Mike recently visited Sri Lanka and has authored several other read worthy posts about this awe inspiring country.

Body Cakes and Hobo in Karlskrona Sweden

Now I have lived in Karlskrona in Sweden for about 26 years, I am currently 28. So this lovely little city definitely has a very special place in my heart. Which is why I want to share my favorite historic tidbit, some facts and a local dish from my hometown Karlskrona in this post?

 

First some facts about the Naval City of Karlskrona;

• Karlskrona was founded by King Charles XI in 1680.
• The city is made out of many small islands where the city centre is located on the main island Trossö.
• Karlskrona has about 60 000 inhabitants today.
• And Karlskrona is actually one of the 14 locations in Sweden which are included on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Moving on to my favorite historic tidbit about Karlskrona which involves our oldest hobo Rosenbom. Who in the 1700s lost his job and started begging for money in the streets. Unfortunately one cold night he froze to death next to the church wall of Sweden's largest wooden church, the Admiralty Church (also known as Ulrica Pia) here in Karlskrona.

Which is why a statue of Rosenbom (in the photo) has been standing in front of the church ever since. Actually Rosenbom was portrayed in the book "Nils Holgersson's wonderful journey through Sweden" by Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf.

And finally a short introduction of a popular local dish called Kroppkakor (in the photo). Which literally translates to Body Cakes in English. The dish is easiest described as potato dumplings with pork. Its main ingredients are pressed boiled potatoes mixed with flour and egg then formed into a ball. And it is mainly served fried or boiled with melted butter and lingonberry jam.

To find out more about Karlskrona, Swedish food, traditions, history or simply how it is to live in Sweden today. I welcome you to visit my personal blog My Life in Sweden. 

Tack Så Mycket – Thank You.

Alexandra Lindberg

Carmel-By-The Sea Offers Shopping, Restaurants, and Stunning Views

Nestled between the urban landscape of San Francisco and one of the most scenic highways in America, is the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, or Carmel. Only a two-hour drive from San Francisco, this quaint town, which was once run by Clint Eastwood, has a charm that attracts visitors from all corners of the world

Walking down the tree-lined streets, you feel as if you have stepped into another time and place.  Instead of modern architecture, you will find cottages and chalets resembling old-world Europe. Even the buildings have cute names instead of numbered addresses.

The one square mile village is completely accessible by foot. Since parking is a challenge, I wouldn’t recommend driving. There are no streetlights or parking meters.

Just a few blocks away from Carmel are the steep, sandy beaches that capture views of the Pacific Ocean and her waves’ crashing down below.

The main attractions to Carmel, besides the stunning coastal views, are the food and shopping. Cafes, restaurants, bistros, galleries and shops line the streets. For a town with a population of around 4,000, it sure caters to those who like to shop and eat.

Whether looking for jewelry, T-shirts, art, or postcards, there is a shop for everyone.  Piccolo has products from glassware and ceramics to perfume and stationary.  Carmel Plaza provides more upscale shopping including places like Tiffany and Company and Louis Vuitton.

It’s difficult to eat on the cheap here.  Some of the best places to dine include Cypress Inn, La Bicyclette, Casanova, Anton and Michael, Flying Fish Grill, or for a splurge, Aubergin

Due to the coastal climate and soil perfect for growing grapes, Carmel is no exception as one the region’s many wine producers. Self-guided wine tours and samples are a must for the oenophiles.  Nielsen Brother Market is one of my favorite places for rare wines, fresh produce, and various meats and cheeses. 

When you are not eating, shopping, or drinking, Pebble Beach’s 17-mile drive provides a few hours of ocean views that will inspire you to have your camera readily available.  The golf courses, rocky cliffs, endless ocean, and the 250-year old Cyprus tree are all included in the drive.  Instead of driving, consider renting a bicycle to avoid the traffic crowds and to take your time taking in the view.

Other things to Do In Carmel 

• Carmel Mission
• Point Lobos State Reserve
• Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch for food or drinks
• Devendorf Park for a relaxing picnic
• Scuba, snorkel, or kayak (it will be uncomfortably cold without a wetsuit)

The best option for lodging is one of the many bed and breakfasts. If that is not your style, look into Carmel Valley Ranch or the Cyprus Inn.

Carmel is accessible by air through San Francisco, or a short commuter flight into the Monterey Peninsula Airport.

Julie is a freelance writer who blogs about here writing experiences at Inspired to Write.  While she writes on a variety of topics, her main love is travel writing. You can read more about her travel writing and journeys on The Travel Beat.

Day Trip to Tiran Island in Sharm El Sheikh

 

This video was taken by Egyptolution crew going to one outstanding day trip to Tiran Island in Sharm El Sheikh, where spending the whole day on a yacht in the middle of the Red Sea, diving and snorkeling was incredible!

Tiran Island is found on the Red Sea, and is considered as a coral reef island which is a part of the National Park of Ras Muhammed, one of the best diving site in Sharm El Sheikh.

Getting picked up by a speed boat right from our Hotel's beach was very exciting, especially being dropped on a yacht that has been waiting for us in the middle of the deep blue sea above the sparkling waters. There is an underworld to be discovered over there!

 

Alexandria, the Pearl of the Mediterranean Sea

So as it seems that every time I collect my travel around Egypt, my resting place still takes me up North for the ancient city of Alexander the Great on the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria is just the perfect element for my strength to be renewed. Something is different about it, could it be the weather? big part of it could! It also could be the city’s roman architecture feel about it, but for sure it is how beautiful the city is as a whole.


Famous Tourists Attractions in Alexandria

If you want a piece of history in Alexandria you should go to the Citadel of Alexandria, Qaitbay Fort as it is one of the top historical military forts that was built during the rule of MamlukSultan El-Ashraf Sayf El-Din Qaitbay in which was founded in the 15th century upon the ruins of the old Light House of Alexandria that was destroyed in a 14th century earthquake. The Citadel is recognized by its huge form of architecture, three major walls construction and divisions that included several defensive techniques against the Turks at the time; in addition to its great location above the Mediterranean Sea view that you literally could see horizons of the blue waters and splash of air in your face.

 

If you want the modern piece of Alexandria you should not miss out on the Great Library of Alexandria, Bibliotheca Alexandrina that has been inaugurated in 2004 near the original one which has been destroyed purposefully or accidentally during several conquests earlier. Architecture wise its mind blowing, and the inside tour is worth every minute if you are in love with culture, history and art.

Best Timing to Visit

Weather in Alexandria becomes irresistible around the autumn season where it reaches the peak of its best starting mid-September to mid-November, where humidity is usually less and the air is wonderfully refreshing.

Travel from Cairo to Alexandria

The safest and most direct way to get to Alexandria from Cairo is by train, most recommended is the Spanish train, first class type of ticket reservation, which will cost about EGP 50. Get a nice and smooth trip of two and half hours you can spend on reading or working.