We've Only Got 4 Minutes to Save the World...

Summer is 10 days away, HOWEVER the front runner in the most bad ass summer song is 4 Minutes with Madonna and JT. Says who? Roomie Alison and I says so, that's who! :-)
You know you love it...

I Heart the Beach

What is it about the beach that instantly drops your blood pressure the second your toes sink into the sand? Although I live in Boston, which is by no means known as a tropical destination, I am a 15 minute drive from the ocean and several sandy beaches. Sure there are no (real) palm trees, old wooden roller coasters, cotton candy, nor any quarter arcades (skee ball, anyone?), but there are cool breezes, squawking seagulls, crashing waves, two subway stations, and the occasional jumbo jet overhead. One of my favorite things to do is watch the transatlantic flights fly low over the beach on their way to landing a few miles away at Logan Airport. Ha! I'm easily entertained, but ya'll already knew that.
So today I salute beaches. All beaches, not just mine. The sandy ones, especially. What better way to beat the heat?
I took this photo while laying in the sand on Hampton Beach, NH, but MY go-to beach is Revere Beach, in Revere, MA.

American Airlines Charges on 1st Checked Bag!

I guess it had to happen. All the more reason to become a carry-on only traveler. While researching travel tips solo travelers, I learned how to pack for long stays with one carry-on sized bag. It's the best way to avoid lost luggage, the burden of a single person dealing with multiple bags, and NOW luggage fees!
The secret is two fold:

1. PACK LIGHT. Yeah, it's a no brainer, but what you need to do is THINK about what you'll be doing on your trip. Bring outfits that can be easily washed and hung in your room's bathroom, so you can get double duty out of each item. Dark items hide stains best. Also, bring things that can be rolled up tightly in your luggage. Forget bulky items or things that need to be ironed. If you plan on dressing up at night, plan outfits that easily make the transition from day to night, like a cute camisole top that goes well with shorts AND a skirt.
   
2. PACK COMPACTLY. Buy the 2 gallon freezer bags from Walmart, or wherever you can find them. Fold your clothes to fit the bag, then push all the air out before closing the bag. Sitting on the bag helps get the most air out and flattens the bag. Then, toss immediately into your bag. You'll be amazed how much room is occupied by air!!! You can't wear that! It's like Space Bags but much cheaper. You should have plenty of room to get twice as much stuff in your bag as usual. Added bonus, everything is contained, making it easier to repack your bag if the TSA decides to take a peak inside.

Will these fees lead to less lost luggage, or better service? Hmmm, I'm thinking no. So do what you can to avoid those nasty fees! Chances are, you won't miss the crowds at the check in desk (that's right, you can use the kiosks now!) or at the baggage carousel.
Read more about American's new fees here.

It's been SOOOOOOO long!!!!

Ugh! It's been too long since my last trip! I'm jonesing hardcore for the feel of warm sand between my toes...or the magic of Sheraton's Heavenly Bed (I'd like one for Xmas...hint hint)! The joy of guiltless cheesesteaks in Philly, salty BBQ in Kansas City, and crispy fish tacos in San Diego, (everyone knows there are no calories on vacation!.
Winter has been long. Winter has been harsh. Winter has kept me grounded. But now the sun is out again! No snow on the horizon. And the Camaro has a full tank of gas!!! Oooooh it's almost TOO tempting!!! Within 6 hours I could be walking on the Atlantic City boardwalk. 8 hours could have me in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial.
Where could you go?

Spring is OHHHHHHHHH so close!

*Giggle* Ok, those aren't the springs I'm talking about! After three long months of early sunsets, icy sidewalks, and two blankets on the bed, there are finally signs of relief!

First Sign: Easter is early this year! Obviously, the Easter bunny isn't going to be hiding those eggs while Frosty the Snow Man is still tromping around the neighborhood...so that means Winter is through!

Second Sign: Daylight Savings time is here! This Sunday, we "Spring Ahead" into later sunsets! Sure, a few of you will now be trudging to work before sunrise, but that won't last long! It'll be light when you leave work, and isn't that more important???

Third Sign: The ice in the kiddy pool has melted! Woo hoo! Ok, that may be inconclusive, but we've had 3 days straight where the temperature stayed above freezing! No small feat in New England, baby! So Spring MUST be right around the corner. You know I'm right!

Anyhoo...along with Spring comes the urge to Road Trip! Ya know with Gas costing an arm and a leg, you'd think that a good old fashioned road trip would be much less appealing these days! But you can't beat the freedom of the open road; being able to pick your route, stopping whenever the urge hits you, diner food! 'Nuff said! And now that I've discovered the GPS functionality on my cell phone, I can not wait to hop off the freeway to discover what's hiding beyond the interstate! On a recent bus trip to NYC I realized that I didn't now bubkus about Connecticut! What a shame! It's right next door! Can't miss it, and yet, I had always just passed through. Hmmm...maybe that'll be my first road trip for 2008? Jeesh, I wish the Camaro was a hybrid! :-)

Winter Travels

Hey Kids! Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Sometimes life intervenes, and keeps you away from the blogosphere, but it never keeps me from traveling! Thought you'd giggle at the image of my mom and I at the World of Coca Cola in Atlanta.

I had flown through Atlanta many times, but had never spent any time in the city itself, so I decided to tack on a trip to this hotbed of the New South, while delivering my Mom to visit my Uncle in Chattanooga, Tennessee for New Year's celebrations. It seemed a great idea, since I was hoping to escape the New England winter, however, who knew that "Hot"lanta would have some of the coldest temps ever that week? Yikes!!! The good news? Folks stayed home, and there were no lines at the tourist sites. Yay!

If you hate crowds, and have an urban destination in mind, post-holiday Winter is a great time to travel! You'll find shorter lines and lower prices. Here are a few reasons to add a midwinter getaway to your travel plan:

• Cheap Cheap Cheap!!! Schedule a trip right after the New Year, and you'll find airfare, hotel rates, AND car rental rates at greatly reduced fares!
  
• Where is everyone??? Popular sites and museums can be a madhouse during the high tourist season. Go during the winter, and you'll have much more elbow room. Plus, I'd much better be in the museum during a cool winter day than a beautiful summer day!
  
• Enough with Xmas, Already!!! After 2 full months of holiday joy (why do they turn on the holiday music right after Halloween???), you'll be primed and ready for a little mental health break trip! Just get away... I will make the next few months until springs bearable!
  

It's not too late!!! Get online, and book a cheap flight before the spring travel rates come online. A change of scenery will do you good, mentally and financially!

Great Money Savings Tips from Rick Steves

Any serious traveler knows about Rick Steves' great PBS series, and unparalleled travel guides. Read this article from CNN.COM about stretching your weak US dollar in Europe. Don't let the weakness keep you home! http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/traveltips/01/25/dollar.europe/index.html