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Did You Know? World's Most Expensive Hotel

The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, opened in November 2005 with 302 rooms and 92 suites. It is located on 1.3 km of private white sandy beach and is surrounded by 85 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens. The 8 story, kilometer-long mansion has a total of 850,000 square meters in floor space (in comparison Buckingham Palace in London has a mere 77,000 square meters).It's set in 1,000 hectares of landscaped parkland where 8,000 palms and other trees have been planted, 100 water fountains play, a 6.4km jogging track, two swimming pools and underground parking for 2,500 cars. Decor of the suites and rooms "blends Arabian regal splendor with the latest technology," the Palace says - it's heavy on marble (from 13 countries) covering a total of 93,000 square meters, with more than 6,000 square meters of 22-carat gold leaf and 1002 Swarovski chandeliers, the largest weighing 2.5 tonnes. Room costs, of course, are appropriate to the luxury of the hotel.
Visitors considering a stay here may want to know Emirates Palace offers the world’s most expensive one million dollar tailor made suite holiday. Special packages for Easter begin at $1,019 (USD) a night.
For those who do not have $1,000,000 to spend on their next vacation getaway, there are much more affordable options at CheapOstay.com and flights to Dubai on CheapOair.com beginning at $404.

Maldives

Ever since Tom Cruise and Kate Holmes took their honeymoon in the Maldives, people have been wondering where this exotic dreamland is and what there is to do there. This video, produced by the Maldives Tourism Board, answers all your questions about paradise!

Adventure Friday- Adirondacks, NY

One of the greatest things in life is getting the chance to break out of the normal routine of life, and experience something out your comfort zone. My typical comfort zone involves books, my laptop, a couch, and my car. There are many things that I love to try, love to do, but they are slightly out of my comfort zone, and I just don't get to do them that often. Camping and hiking are some of those things. I also tend to hide behind the same friends and not break out and meet new people very often. So every once in a while when the opportunity arises to break out of all comfort zones at once, I take it. My own personal moments of attempted bravery.

All of which brings me to how I ended up in the Adirondacks staring up at the Milky Way, having one of the best weekends ever. There were 8 of us there, most of us new friends, and we spent the first night getting to know each other, and laughing at a particular snoring companion. (There's something about a bad snorer that always brings humor to a situation. No matter how bad the camping, you can always look back and laugh at snoring.) In typical fashion, all 4 girls shared my tent. We used to think it was a 4 man tent, but we have now decided its more like a 3 man. But that never stops girls. We just got in their sardine style and went to sleep. Each of the guys however brought their own tent and went solo. So 8 people go hiking, and we used 5 tents. Go figure.

I had heard it was pretty up in the Adirondacks, but truly was not prepared for such a beautiful sight. The mountains are beautiful and green, and the ample glacier lakes are crystal clear. Crane Mountain is absolutely beautiful. The trail is not very well kept, and is very, very rocky, but it is beautiful. We took some amazing shots of the Adirondacks scenery while hiking. The trail wasn't too challenging, but I still enjoyed the frequent breaks to stop and take pictures (and pretend it wasn't because I needed a break).

(evidence I made it to the top!)

Our camping arrangements were unique at best. Saturday night we went to a completely unmarked campground off the side of the road pretty late at night. We asked a waitress for a campsite recommendation, since we never did find the place where we had made a reservation. (Always ask a local for advice!) We quickly discovered that all of the regular campsites were occupied by some locals were were, um, well, stoned. There is no other way to put it. We parked our car at the lot by the road and followed the pitch black trail several minutes back into the woods. We found what we thought was a large meadow and put up our tents there. In the morning we would discover we were a few yards from Schroon Lake, a few trees, and had several acres all to ourselves.

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved to watch the stars. I never grow tired of just staring into the heavens. One of the most memorable experiences for me from this trip will be getting to see the Milky Way. I had never seen it before, and always wondered what it would look like. There were more stars than I had ever even imagined before. I was in awe. I couldn't stop looking. So I pulled out my pad and stayed out under the stars for as long as possible to watch. I just looked and looked for hours at the sky. It was amazing to me. It was so beautiful and dark and rich with so many bright stars (I could see all of the planets for the first time as well), that I just wanted to reach out and touch them. Us city girls just don't see things like that often enough. Seeing the sheer majesty of the stars was by far my most favorite experience this weekend. I'm already making plans in my head to go back and see them again.

One last thought about camping, but this time from the book, "About a Boy" by Nick Hornby (my reading material for the weekend). Marcus, the boy in the book, is lamenting the break up of his mother and her boyfriend, that he's become friends with. The book's narrator says, "He'd once shared a toilet with Roger, when they were both busting for a pee after a car journey. You'd think that if you'd peed with someone you ought to keep in touch with them somehow." I suppose that isn't unlike my thoughts on camping and hiking. After you have shared so much together- the car rides, the meals, the camping, swimming, hiking, and mutual solo time, you have a friendship and bond. After you have "watered" the same trees, you keep in touch somehow.

There are not many places I choose to visit twice. Why repeat yourself when there is a whole world out there waiting to be discovered? But the Adirondacks are calling my name. I will go back again someday!

Did You Know? How High Can an Airplane Fly?

Can an airliner fly higher than 41000 feet?

Yes, but in most cases, not above 43000 feet. The Boeing 747-SP (Special Performance) was designed to be able to fly as high as 43000ft. The Concorde, however, was able to fly up to 60000ft and often did!

Guest Blogger- San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma

Please welcome guest blogger "C'est Beth." Beth is a professor with a passion for travel. You can learn more about her travel and experience at her blog, C'est Beth.

San Francisco, Napa, and Sonoma: A First Visit

As a language professor, I have traveled internationally for the past 25 years to experience the languages, countries, and cultures of the languages that I teach. However, I quickly learned on my first visit to San Francisco, Napa, and Sonoma that some of the best-kept travel secrets can be found on the “left coast” of the United States. 

Flying into San Francisco is actually a treat in itself, especially for those who are aviation buffs. The airport is very well-designed so that you can move from terminal to terminal with ease using the AirTrain. Along the way, from the terminals to the rental car stop, one can enjoy seeing a variety of aircraft liveries and models. My fiancé and I especially enjoyed seeing the numerous Boeing 747 planes parked at the gates. There is also an Aviation Library and Museum for those with more time to spend at the airport. The city of San Francisco is also one of the most beautiful cities we have ever visited. From our room on the 26th floor of the Hilton Financial District, we had an unbelievable view of the city and the bay. During our two days in San Francisco, we took in as many of the top 10 must-dos as possible, including a cable car ride, crooked Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown. 

While in the Napa/Sonoma area, we stayed at the Embassy Suites in Napa. For those who may be traveling on a budget but enjoy inclusive accommodations, this is an ideal property, as each guest receives a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and Manager’s Reception daily as part of the reasonable room rate. The property also has an indoor pool/Jacuzzi, a cozy lobby with a fireplace, a beautiful center courtyard that four swans and a few ducks call home, a full-service restaurant, and a bar. Downtown Napa is also within walking distance.

We were fortunate enough to enjoy wine tastings at three incredible, but perhaps not as well-known, family wineries in Napa and Sonoma. The first tasting was at Bell’s Wine Cellars in Yountville, a 15-minute drive from Napa. The owner, Anthony Bell, a native South African, produces a nice selection of California wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as our favorite, a delightful 2006 South African Sauvignon Blanc. Tastings range from $15-$250 per person.

Our second tasting was an hour’s drive away in Geyserville (Sonoma County) at Trentadue Winery. While there, we sampled a variety of red, white, and port wines while speaking with the winemaker, Miro Tcholakov, who stepped away from his busy bottling to welcome us. My favorite Trentadue wine was the 2004 La Storia Zinfandel Alexander Valley Estate, while my fiancé enjoyed the 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley. The winery also makes its own olive oil. Tastings at Trentadue range from $5 to $20 per person. The highlight of our trip was our tasting and tour at Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards and Ghost Horse Vineyards, located about 30 minutes north of Napa near the beautiful town of St. Helena. If traveling by car, I suggest using a GPS device as finding this hidden jewel can be tricky. We were greeted warmly by founder and owner Todd Anderson and his Director of Hospitality and Direct Sales, Dave Bryant, and graciously welcomed into the very home-like tasting area. Tastings of Anderson’s Conn Valley wines are $25, while Ghost Horse tastings are $250. All are well worth the price and the fees can be applied towards a wine purchase. The red, white, and Late Harvest wines we tasted each possessed a unique depth of character and complexity that we had never experienced before. Our favorites were the 2005 and 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2004 Ghost Horse Cabernet Sauvignon. We also enjoyed listening to Todd speak to us passionately about how to make and taste good wines, as well as our personalized tour of the caves, where we were able to see and learn about wines in various stages of oak barrel fermentation. After our visit, we had a wonderful lunch in St. Helena at Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, also a St. Helena must-do.

It was with a hint of sadness that we departed Northern California for our respective homes on the “right coast.” We did indeed leave our hearts in San Francisco, Napa, and Sonoma, but we plan to return as soon as possible to experience, learn, and taste again.

Find cheap flights to San Francisco on CheapOair!

Adventure Friday- Cola de Caballo, Mexico

My first real trip out of the USA that I can remember (because I don't count 5 hours in Niagara Falls, Canada or living as a toddler in the South Pacific) was to Monterrey, Mexico. My friends and I drove to Laredo, Texas (where I discovered that I never want to go through that kind of customs check point again) to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and on down a few hours into real Mexico. It was shortly after 2 am that the air conditioning in the Buick we were driving in gave up the ghost. Being hot and sweaty would be a major memory of this trip for me.
I didn't know what to expect from Monterrey. I had been told it was a large city and would not be primitive. However, I would want to avoid drinking the water and should wear slippers in the shower. I didn't know what to think of those commandments, but followed them anyway.
When we arrived at our motel all I wanted was to jump in the pool and cool off for a few hours. That would have been nice except our pool, though the middle of summer, had no water in it. A shower would have to suffice. We had four girls staying in one room with no air conditioning. But we had a fan and a theory that we could take a shower and get out with the fan blowing on us and it would cool us down. I still think that theory would have worked out nicely for us, if our water had been running. We ended up having to share the shower in the room of the boys we were traveling with down the corridor. With 9 people sharing one small shower there would be no lingering in front of fans, but there would be plenty of cold water to go around!

We shopped. We hiked. We watched drunk men sing in the square.

And then we left Monterrey for a little town in the heart of Mexico called Cola de Caballo. The name of the town translates to "horse tail." It was aptly named for a waterfall that resembled a horse's tail. We drove to a small resort in this small town. From there we took a horseback ride up to the falls.

It was there that I saw my life flash before my eyes.

Our horses were quite familiar with the trail. They clearly knew the way and couldn't be bothered to listen to the commands of their riders. More than a few of these poor little animals looked starved and tired. But for $10 we hadn't expected much more. The ride up to the falls was picturesque and enjoyable. My horse trod obediently up the path. This freed me up (an experienced rider myself) to take pictures leisurely without having to hold the reins. The falls were worth the journey. My friends and I were glad to have made the trip.

And then we came back down the mountain. What had seemed like a narrow path up a hill before was suddenly a treacherous and terrifyingly steep trail down a mountain. But again our horses knew the way. I should have known better than to have trusted this "resort" when they tried to convince me the donkey they had offered me was a horse. I should have known better than to ride a horse who's ribs I could count. I should have known better than to think there wouldn't be snakes in the woods in Mexico. I just should have known better.

We came around a particularly scary bend in the trail, my friends all ahead of me, with me and my forlorn horse bringing up the rear. There were branches hanging low above our heads, and many times we had to duck to avoid hitting our heads (attempting to steer our horses away from the branches was a futile activity). The rider and horse in front of me ducked to avoid yet another low branch. And that was when I saw it. The biggest, longest, greenest, and flat out scariest snake I had ever seen was dangling off the branch. My friend was oblivious to the snake. I was not. And unfortunately for me, neither was my horse.

My horse and I saw the snake at about the same time. I was paralyzed with fear. My horse, unfortunately, was not. And there on that steep and terrifying hill my horse bucked and reared and started stamping around wildly. 

The snake fell from the tree and on to the trail. I am not exaggerating when I say that snake was bigger than me and looked like it wanted me for lunch.

My horse bolted and ran up the hill. I have never gripped to anything so tightly before in my life. And I hope life never requires that I hold on so tightly to anything ever again. The horse ran wildly up the trail and then off the trail. I was knew I was going to die. I saw a quick chance to jump off the horse, and for a brief moment almost did it. But then I remembered there were snakes as big as a horse in those woods. I stayed on the horse. It is nothing short of a miracle, or possibly a testament to just how terrified of snakes I am, that in spite of the horse's bucking, I managed to stay on that horse.

After what felt like an eternity and a lot of screaming, a guide on a horse appeared to calm and settle the horse. He pulled us out of the woods and back on to the trail. We slowly began the descent back down the mountain. As we rounded the same terrifying bend, I could see the snake in a different tree down below the cliff. Unfortunately, I could also see the snake had friends back in the tree above the trail. I was petrified. I couldn't breathe. The last thing on earth I was going to be capable of doing was ride beneath that tree. For better or worse, my horse was not given that information.

He plodded right below the low hanging branch. My friends had all ducked to go below it. I practically hung my entire body off the side of the horse to avoid the branch. I also held my breath and cried the entire 10 feet.

We made it to the bottom of the mountain, most of my friends none the wiser to my near death escapade. I was still trembling and barely able to dismount my horse. Only the guide that had witnessed my terrifying ride through the woods was sympathetic or helpful. He didn't speak a word of English, and I didn't understand a word of his Spanish. But it didn't matter at that moment. As far as I was considered, he had saved my life.

So Juan, wherever you are, thank you. I'll never forget you.

Did You Know- Munich Airport?

The world’s top airports are taking their facilities to a higher plane.The Kempinski Hotel at Munich Airport, that was recently named the best venue of its kind in Europe (for the fourth consecutive year) by air services evaluator Skytrax, spacious and highly efficient, speeding passengers between terminals while delivering everything from massage and spa treatments to fine dining and adding spaces for passengers to dine, shop, shower, entertain their children, drink in civilized surroundings and relax before flights.

A Walk Through Florence

Please welcome guest blogger, Katerina, from the website Florence by Katerina.

Starting in Piazza del Duomo, I catch myself staring at the huge masterpiece set in the historic center. It sticks out like a beautiful jewel. I lose my ability to speak while my guide explains to us how Filippo Brunelleschi constructed it. I wonder how someone could have had this vision so unfathomable, beautiful and actually create it. Made the wheels in my head start to turn and shift to thinking that Florence is where all dreams come true.

My Disney World.

Let's stroll down Via dei Calzaioli to Piazza della Signoria, shall we? Taking one step slower than the next, zig-zagging through tourists, window-shopping to our desires(shoes, jewelry, shoes), stopping for some Gelato if we so choose to. What a way to start our first day in remarkable Florence!

During the Summer months the main streets of the historic center can be jam-packed with tour groups. As we all know, the economy isn't allowing many Americans to take their Florence vacation like they were planning but a few will still be traveling, over 4 million of us this year, says Rick Steves. The economy will not stop the travel junkies from giving up visiting where the Renaissance still thrives.

Returning to Florence... Piazza della Signoria explodes with people and culture as we reach the end of Via dei Calzaioli. Our eyes walk up the long tower that is the Palazzo Vecchio, where the Medici family created their empire. The matching blue sky brings heaven to us right down on earth. Soaking in culture, language and the busy atmosphere of the piazza around us. The Neptune fountain sits in the piazza, a popular meeting spot and backdrop for a photo.

A plaque with an inscription of what took place on May 23, 1498 on these cobblestones lays in the exact center. A memorial which a lot of people disregard. Girolamo Savonarola was burned at the stake, in true Salem witch style, for going against the Church of Rome. Savonarola was a preacher who was known for burning books and preaching about the practice of virtues. He was not trying to fight the Church of Rome rather he wanted to correct what was wrong with the Church. The Pope won and had him executed in Piazza della Signoria in front of his patrons and followers. Though sad and horrible, Savonarola's story is yet another reason I find this city enchanting. He never gave up on what he believed was right. He pursued his dreams, yet in those days people couldn't let him be even if they believed in something the norm did not.

The entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio has a very famous man standing guard, the David. Obviously, it is a fake one, the original is polished and gawked at in the Accademia near Piazza San Marco. This replica David was placed here in 1910 to replace the real David that was removed from Piazza della Signoria in 1873. Focusing our attention towards the river, the crossroads beckons us, in the Uffizi Gallery or a slight left heading towards Via dei Neri.

Which way feels right? I feel the momentum building. Onwards down the corridor of the Uffizi. Where statues of famous Florentines were placed like an army, standing at attention. Exuding the traditions and culture of Florence from each gaze. The Arno river approaches us on the other side. Crossing the street very cautiously as motorinos like to buzz up fast behind us. We find the popular spot of looking to the right at the Ponte Vecchio. Then turning left we can gaze up at Piazzale Michelangelo. So much to see. So much to absorb.

As the crowds start to gather around us, I feel it is time to find the most secluded piazza of Florence. Which gives me the gift of concentrating on my own thoughts without the distraction of daily life. Uprooting us from the hustle of the city, I want to bring you to my most favorite place in Florence. Located off Borgo Santi Apostoli, you will know when you have arrived. It opens into a small, quiet, deserted piazza with a touch of the modern world across from it. Piazza del Limbo is so incredibly special to me. My art and architecture teacher brought my fellow classmates and I to this very spot in 2002. Coming at a time when the church was unfortunately and typically closed, Vera said this church 'is one of the oldest in all of Florence', lived through the flood of 1966, and if ever I had a chance to visit it, I should. I followed her advice the next time I arrived in Florence in 2005, I made my way to the heart of the church that seemed to be a treasure I had finally uncovered.

How right she was! 

It is a magical church that speaks to my soul each time I set foot inside. I have never had such a transformation and immediate feeling of contentment in any place until Santi Apostoli Church. I made it a ritual to visit the church as often as I could whenever I was in Florence. I lit candles, revisited some frescoes that have been restored, said prayers for loved ones, and felt rejuvenated each time I walked outside onto the cobblestones. I always had a new-found hope in myself and where my life was headed. Sant' Ambrogio is another area that carries my heart. I have met new friends in Piazza Sant' Ambrogio before. There is the Sant' Ambrogio market that is bustling always during the early mornings and weekends. Not as large as the San Lorenzo market but has just as big of a heart.

One gorgeous August day, Manon and I took a nice needed walk around Sant' Ambrogio. Manon became a fast friend while I was her roommate for only 3 weeks this past summer. Manon is from Montpellier and there was something about her that I was drawn to instantly. It could have been her same knowledge of Italian that assisted us both to improve our language skills, or the fact that she let me live in her room for one week more without hesitation. That day in the market we strolled through the fresh produce, smelling the flowers that were basking in the sun was incredibly special. Conversing about life and love, shopping and shoes.

We found ourselves hungry so we went to the first little lunch table we saw. Right inside the market, to escape the humid sun we sat and enjoyed an authentic, delicious lunch. San Niccolò is a quiet area on the Oltrarno that comes to life at night. With chic and trendy aperitifs at Zoe and Negroni to secluded little restaurants like BevoVino and Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò. The selections are endless. If you happen to make your way to the Oltrarno, BevoVino is one place that cannot be missed. Their simple, freshly made dishes are one of a kind, authentic Tuscan. The friendly staff makes the experience and an added bonus catch a glimpse of the jazz trio that plays every night as an ending to your romantic meal.

All these piazza's, streets in Florence really bring your back to what is truly Florentine culture. All the big landmarks, museums are well and good, but what about the little streets like Borgo Santi Apostoli, Via San Niccolò. Don't forget the blood of Florence runs through all the streets, alleys, and deadends. See if you can feel the heart beat of this magnificent city like I can. Step out of your comfort zone and get lost. Explore. Live. And talk to the locals. If I had a choice I would settle in an apartment on Borgo Santi Apostoli. The street, although connected to the very busy Via Por Santa Maria, it is surprisely quiet. Perhaps drawing from the solitude of Piazza del Limbo, softly honoring the sleeping babies put to rest below the church's stones.

See NYC on a Budget!

Adventure Friday- London

My first real trip out of the USA was to London. I had never been on an international flight before and was really worried about the time change and the long flight time. Not knowing any better I loaded up on sleeping pills. As a result, I remember almost nothing of my first two days in London.

But just for fun, here's what I do, sort of, remember. And a few tips on what not to do.

I was traveling with two friends. They were, thankfully, coherent when we arrived at Heathrow. I have no idea how we got our luggage or even where we secured it. I don't even remember how we got into London. I do remember that it was about 6 a.m. when we landed at Heathrow though, which was roughly 2 a.m. in my head. I hadn't slept more than five minutes on the flight (but I did play several video games on the flight). So naturally it was time for my sleeping pills to finally be kicking in.

The first stop we made was at a cafe so we could get breakfast and some caffeine. I do recall my friends trying to convince me to buy a second coke to try and wake me up. I vaguely recall arguing back that the currency exchange at the time made that tiny little drink in my hand nearly $4. I was sure that some cold fresh air and walking about town would wake me up. Ha. I was wrong.

Things get hazy from there. We walked places. I don't know what they were. What places could have possibly been open at 7 a.m? I have no idea. I remember we found ourselves standing in front of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. I think I was in such awe that I yawned.

There was a small museum or castle like place nearby. I have no idea what it was called. What I do remember is that it was free and it was cold. We walked up into some tower room where there was a video playing. More importantly there was a space heater and a bench. We sat down to watch the video, and before long I fell asleep.

I have no idea how long I slept. My friends got tired of waiting for me and trying to wake me up and decided to finish the tour of the museum. When they came back for me I was still dead asleep. So they left and went to tour Westminster Abbey without me.

And that is how and why I went to London and never saw Westminster Abbey.

Eventually they came back for me and we went to go get more food. I think this was another desperate attempt to wake me up. It failed.

I believe our next stop was St Paul's Cathedral. I have wanted to see St Paul's ever since I saw Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding. Sadly not even that could wake me up. All I can really recall is that it was, again, cold. (This will be the only real memory I have of London. It was cold.) I was also amazed at how many folding chairs were in there. Someone will read this that has actually been to St Paul's Cathedral and will think I am slightly crazy for saying, "I think there were some stairs." Again, my friends were not going to be held back by my zombie-like state. They parked me in some chairs (I remember I spread out over 4 chairs), and climbed the stairs. I have no idea where those stairs went. But when they came back they were giddy with excitement about it. Someone will have to tell me what is at the top of those stairs someday. What matters to me is that they were gone long enough for me to get in a decent nap and finally wake up.

From there we visited Buckingham Palace, another museum, and the Tower of London. I LOVED the Tower of London. I was wide awake by then, (sadly it was after dark and my friends were dragging) and couldn't get enough of the Tower. It was worth every penny it cost to get in there. (The currency exchange rate put a damper on some of our activities. It cost almost $50 USD to get into the Tower.)

So I would like to now offer you a few tips.
#1- if when flying internationally your sleeping pills have not kicked in by half way to your destination, do not take another pill.
#2- Always know the exchange rate before you travel, and budget wisely.
#3- Travel with friends you trust and are concerned about your safety.
#4- Make sure you visit London sometime in your life. Even in a zombie-like state it's worth it.