Wedding A GO GO

Wonder if this will ever catch on in the US? Las Vegas has drive through weddings, why not offer fly through weddings...you fly to Hawaii with a stopover in the Las Vegas airport for the wedding.. then on to hula hula....

Sam


New at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: weddings to go. Whether a couple met on a flight to Bangkok or just wants to be able to go straight from ceremony to runway for their honeymoon, Schiphol offers travellers the opportunity to get married at the airport.

Brides and grooms to be can pick from several packages, from the all-out 'Ticket to Paradise': get hitched and leave for a tropical destination together with your wedding guests; to 'Say Yes & Go', the budget alternative for couples who want a quick and simple ceremony before flying off together. Schiphol Weddings works with a dedicated wedding planner, who can also help couples plan and arrange their honeymoons.

Airport Security Checkpoints

Airport security rules have changed drastically in recent years. With air travel increasing greatly around the holidays anyone considering going this route is well advised to familiarize themselves with new rules put in place where they may cause the most delays. Namely airport security checkpoints.

Most passengers may think there is only one security checkpoint, when in reality there are usually three. This may vary from airport to airport but this seems to be the rule for most.

The first checkpoint will be when you register for your seat on the plane. You will need to show at least one proper form of identification. Usually a drivers license or a government issued identification card will suffice. You will then be given your boarding pass.

This is also the time when you will need to hand over the luggage that you will be checking for storage below the plane. These are commonly referred to as checked bags or luggage. To avoid delays you should check with the airline for specific items that may be banned or prohibited. In the past, only a small number of bags were hand checked, but now almost all are.

Many of these checks are quick look-overs, but you may be subject to a random, extensive search. This search often includes the checking of all baggage compartments, as well as the wiping of a cloth, which is looking for powdery substances.

Once through this stage you will encounter the main airport security checkpoint. This is where you will be asked to have your carry on luggage x-rayed and you will have to go through a metal detector. Also currently all travelers are being asked to remove their shoes to have them xrayed too. In the past people where picked randomly for this exercise but now the only exception is of those with a disability or hindering medical condition.

Again, by familiarizing yourself with the items that are banned aboard an airplane, including items that are only prohibited from being stored in your carry on luggage, an unnecessary incident can be prevented.

In the event that you are found carrying a prohibited item, certain steps will be taken. Depending on the item in question, you may be required to return the item to you car, discard it, mail it to your home, or turn it over to airport security. Ensuring that you leave all prohibited items at home is the best way to prevent this unnecessary delay, which may cause you to miss your flight or even worse scenarios.

There is one final checkpoint to pass before boarding your flight. When entering the airport terminal, after your airline has granted permission for passengers to board, you will need to present airline officials with the appropriate boarding pass. At this time you may need to show your identification again. However, it is not always necessary.

It is best that you stay calm during all airport checkpoints, including the final boarding stage. Most travelers are easily able to board their airplane, but in the event that you are acting suspicious or drawing unwanted attention to yourself you may be pulled aside. So leave the anxieties at the door.

By being prepared and knowledgeable about what is and is not acceptable before ever entering the airport you will avoid unwanted delays and experience a much more pleasant flight.

Get travel tips and reviews of your favorite destinations at http://onlinetravelguide.blogspot.com/

Learn A Language 5 Minutes A Day

I found this really great site - why is it that the bbc is so far ahead of our tv networks? Anyway, you can learn several languages - it's great for adults and kids and even has a section for cultural boo boos...go check it out.

Sam

Kid Sells Stuff To Buy Mom Christmas Present

Hey - this doesn't really have anything to do with travel, but I found the cutest thing on ebay. It's this little kid who is selling stuff to buy his mom a Christmas present! It is really funny.

I just gave him a copy of my ebook to help get the little guy started.

He said he wanted to sell his smelly little brother, but his grandma wouldn't let him....I remember what it was like to have a smelly little brother - do you?

Sam

Scrapbooking, Art, Travel Book, Roses, 4 MacBook Pro
Selling My Stuff So I Can Buy Mom's Christmas Present! Item number: 300054335513

Enter Your Travel Video In the Challenge!

I've just added travel videos to my site. It's so helpful to actually see some of the places that people have been telling me about - plus some of them are soda out your nose funny!

You can enter the World Travel Challenge, by clicking on the "magnify" button and uploading your travel video. If it's somewhere I might want to go, I'll post it.

Have Fun and Good Luck!

Sam

PS You can check the links on the right or go to my video website HERE

South American Countries Cooperating For Travelers

In an interesting move, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay, and Venezuela have signed an agreement to allow their citizens to travel between them without passports.

The measure, designed to boost tourism and business activity, allows travellers to cross borders for up to 90 days, with only an identity card.

It was agreed at a meeting of the South American Community of Nations in the Chilean capital, Santiago.

Cooperation will also be extended on other social and political issues.

Visa-free travel "represents a step in our efforts to eliminate our traditional divisions," said Chilean Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley.

Mr Foxley said that three basic areas were important to boost regional integration - transport, energy, and the reduction of social inequalities.

Twelve countries learning how to play together....

Stuck Planning Your Group Trip? Triporama Makes It Easy!

Wow - I just found out about Triporama. What a difference if you are the one that is assigned to planning your group's annual trip.
Here is what you can do at this site:

store and share trip research
manage invites
conduct polls
post announcements
participate in discussions
coordinate on travel details

Tripso also offers a Group Travel Guide with trip ideas, hot deals listings, and a travel provider directory.
Anyway - I know that when I worked in an office I was in charge of planning our annual educational get away and it was
a nightmare...no one could agree on a time, or a place, or on transportation.. this site looks like it does it all for you.

Hat's off to Tripso - what a Great idea! I've put a link to it in the resources link box on the right..

Sam

Remember - Travel with Breasts Is Disgusting..

Did you see the news item about the woman who got kicked off the airplane because she was breastfeeding her baby?

I have to say, I'm appalled that in this day and age, we are still so puritanical in this country that we consider a woman's breast revolting. What does that say to women? Not only do you need to starve yourself into some goulish skeleten and then add fake plastic boobs to be appealing..but that we are so consumed by those breasts as objects that we can't see them in any normal way - such as their main function - feeding the young of our species - without being tempted to outrageous and uncontrollable sex acts. To the women of the world, I'm sorry. You are beautiful. Your bodies - not matter what shape and size are beautiful, and thank you for birthing and feeding us all...but keep those disgusting breasts covered!

Sam

BURLINGTON, Vt. Nov 14, 2006 (AP)— A woman who claims she waskicked off an airplane because she was breast-feeding her baby has filed a complaint against two airlines, her attorney said.

Translation of Technical Travel Terms....

I found this funny list Jack Kolb posted of definitions for tourists - thanks Jack!
............ TERM ................................. TRANSLATION

Old world charm ................................. No bath
Tropical ............................................. Rainy
Majestic setting ................................. A long way from town
Options galore .................. Nothing is included in the itinerary
Secluded hideaway ...................... Impossible to find or get to
Pre-registered rooms .......................... Already occupied
Explore on your own ........................... Pay for it yourself
Knowledgeable trip hosts ....They've flown in an airplane before
No extra fees ..................................... No extras
Nominal fee ....................................... Outrageous charge
Standard ........................................... Sub-standard
Deluxe .............................................. Standard
Superior ............................................ One free shower cap
All the amenities ................................ Two free shower caps
Plush ................................................ Top and bottom sheets
Gentle breezes ...................... Occasional Gale-force winds
Light and airy ..................................... No air conditioning
Picturesque ....................................... Theme park nearby
Open bar ........................................... Free ice cubes

Give Me a Christmas Trip Through India...on Horseback..

Horses. I bought my first horse at age 13 and from then on I have ridden, trained, curried, brushed, shoveled, bought, sold, traded, and above all loved my four footed family. But in recent years, my body has not enjoyed them as much. When I ride with a western saddle, my knees hurt, when I ride with an English saddle, my back hurts. It seems that I might be unable to continue the relationship with these amazing animals. Yet, I dream of one last ride....could this be it?

Sam

Horseback Riding in India

Few places in the world offer the exotic charm and colorful pageantry of Rajasthan. Here is a fascinating culture as ancient as Europe's with unsurpassed architectural achievements. The itineraries include justly famous tourist attractions like Delhi, Udaipur and Jaipur, but the way to visit this intriguing country is on horseback. Most of the horses are Marwaris which in former times were superb war horses, greatly prized by their owners; many of the ones we ride are now polo ponies.

The palaces or castles where we stay have been converted to hold modern comforts without losing any of their ancient charm. The service is outstanding and the food excellent. Age-old traditions still flourish, along with arts and crafts, and shopping opportunities are varied and irresistibly tempting. Read one person's view of this amazing Christmas trip...

God Drank Here....

This is a great article about Paris. I must admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for the French. It may be because Charlemagne was an ancester of mine....or maybe just because I kind of like the attitude of a small country in which all of the people think they know better than anyone else in the world....anyway...I wonder if the oldest drunk in the world is perserved at the end of this bar?

Sam

What is the Oldest Bar in Paris?

French people love drinking and eating out. Paris overflows with bars, wine bars, cafés, bistros and restaurants. Tons of fun. But which and where is the oldest one?

Let’s begin by wandering down rue Mazarine from the Odéon square. Bingo? We almost immediately come on Le Procope, where a plaque affirms it is “the oldest café in the world”.

It opened in 1686, mainly to offer coffee. This beverage’s fashion had been recently imported from Austria - the Viennese got their caffeine zonks from the Turks during a lull in the Ottoman siege of their city ca. 1623.

Voltaire and… God

The Café Procope was an early favorite rendez-vous of actors from the Comédie Française - the national theatrical company, then situated nearby- and later, during the turbulent pre-Revolutionary mid-18th century, of Encylopaedists (such as Diderot and D’Alembert) and other non-conformist thinkers, who had - this was still during the reign of Louis XV - to be careful with what they spouted in public.

Voltaire recounts that one day, he and a host of like-minded philosophers wanted to discuss a very thorny issue around a cup of coffee at Le Procope: does God exist? They coded “God” into Monsieur Néant (”Mister Nothing”) and the wrangling went on for several hours.

At a nearby table sat a gentleman who had time to read his newspaper several times over. Then, out of patience, he stood up and came over to the philosophers. “Excuse me, Messieurs, you have been discussing Monsieur Néant. Could you please relieve my curiosity and tell me who he is?”

According to Voltaire, the answer was shot back with no delay: “Yes, of course! He is a police spy - DO YOU KNOW HIM?”

There is a problem with the Le Procope’s claim, however. The owner, Mr. Procope, born in Palermo under the name Procoppio dei Cotelli, had already worked as a waiter at another Parisian café before launching his own! The “first in the world”? Sorry… Unless we’re talking about the earliest still extant.

But then there are other candidates.

Treasures of Paris islands

Another site to visit is Ile St-Louis, an island on the river Seine, which was built basically between 1613 and 1700.

Our first find is Les Anysetiers du Roy (The King’s aniseed liqueur makers), a restaurant located at No. 61 rue St-Louis-en-l’Isle. Our second find is Le Franc-Pinot, a well-known jazz club located at No. 1 Quai de Bourbon.

Both are indeed Procope contemporaries, and have been serving eats and drinks since they were founded in the 17th century.

A thought nags the tavern researcher, however: none before the 17th century??? Impossible!!

Fifteenth century poet François Villon did indeed dedicate “tout aux tavernes et aux filles” (”everything to taverns and girls.”). And a listing of taverners dating from 1457 A.D. counts some 200 full-time professionals and another hundred occasionals.

A famous tavern of the time was the Pomme de Pin (Pinecone), on Ile de la Cité (the second island in the center of Paris). It survived until the mid-1800s when Paris Prefect Haussmann razed it to make more room for the Hôtel Dieu hospital adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral.

Remnants of the 19th Century

Hmm… Ancient Ile de la Cité looks a good place for more fieldwork.

Systematic research reveals that today’s taverns around Notre Dame all date from the 19th century period of Haussmann’s urban cleanup.

Ah, but wait. Let’s take a look down an authentically quaint sidestreet on Ile de la Cité, rue de la Colombe (The Dove street).

We come at No. 4 upon the Réserve de Quasimodo, a wineshop-cum-eatery located in the old building already described in my piece titled “What And Where Is The Oldest House in Paris?”

The Réserve de Quasimodo pretty much ignores (although not scorning) the tourist hordes around nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. Noon and night it serves scrumptious and affordable traditional French fares, accompanied by vintner-supplied wines. And it offers regular evening supper shows enlivened by oral culture (”Old Paris Stories”, “Tales from Brittany”), magicians, a “pocket theater” group, etc.

Prior to that, in 1950, it was bought by Austro-American illustrator Ludwig Bemelmens, best known for his cartoons in The New Yorker and his Madeline children’s album series.

A photo from 1869 proves the place was then a wine-bar and wineshop.

A Foiled Suicide

Skipping back a century-and-a-half from then, right around 1719, we come to a legend about Cartouche, whose hangout here was the St Nicolas Tavern, a predecessor of today’s Réserve de Quasimodo. Cartouche was the ring-leader of a pickpocket gang - that’s documented, since he was executed in 1721.

The legend: Cartouche and gang were “working” the popular and crowded Pont-Neuf bridge one day in 1719, when all of a sudden a well-dressed gentleman leapt up onto the Bridge’s parapet.

Hang on, there, Sir,” Cartouche is said to have shouted, pulling the fellow back down from a clear suicide attempt. “What’s this all about?” The gentleman’s response: “I’m an honest man, indeed an honorable man, and /sniff/ I owe several people much money that I’ll never be able to reimburse…The only honorable way out is to jump into the Seine.” Cartouche: “Now, now, you just give me a list of your creditors and the sums due.”

The “gentleman bandit” invited said creditors to the St Nicholas Tavern at No. 4 rue de la Colombe, wined and dined them abundantly, paid off the suicide candidate’s debts (obtaining receipts, of course) and ordered more and more wine. Then he pulled out his pocket watch, said “Sorry, gentlemen, I’ve got an appointment”, and disappeared.

More librations ensued among the creditors, only too pleased to celebrate their unexpected windfall. When they staggered out onto rue de la Colombe, guess who was awaiting them. Yes, indeed: Cartouche’s gang, who quickly divested them of the debt reimbursements.

And The Winner Is….

The St. Nicholas Tavern itself pre-dates Le Procope by a wide margin.

The tavern got its name from the patron saint to whom local clergymen had erected a statue in replacement of an earlier pagan statue nicknamed “The Man with Doves”.

The statue of St. Nicholas was torn down in 1792 during the French revolution. It used to be affixed above the door of No. 4 rue de la Colombe.

The tavern itself is attested here in… 1240.

We got our winner.

(article written in collaboration with Arthur Gillette)

About the Author:
Phil Chavanne shares with you a 30-year knowledge of Paris, France. Paris-based Arthur delves into this sort of historical fun by guiding personalized strolls to discover Paris Through The Ages. Get scores of precious tips to ready yourself for your next trip to Paris at Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News, a free Paris guide offering great insider information.

Gift A Vacation This Holiday

For Information About Where To Get Travel Gift Certificates, See The List At The Right....

Sam

Looking for a gift that will be remembered long after the ribbon is off the package? How about a vacation?

Whatever the reason or the occasion, you can help someone you love fulfill their wildest travel fantasies.

Do you have a workaholic family member? Give him/her a well deserved relaxing vacation to a ski resort, or a island spa?

Instead of buying yet another truckload of tired toys or electronic equipment for Christmas, how about a family vacation to Disneyland or a dude ranch?

Struggling to find an appropriate wedding or anniversary gift? How about a romantic seaside get away?

Stressed out angry teen? Outward bound offers adventure vacations that will help teens get their emotions under control and develop self confidence and independence.

Your favorite student wants to study in another country? An educational tour or foreign language study could be just what they want?

New baby in the house? Mom and dad would enjoy a weekend away at a Bed and Breakfast!

Dad retiring? Get together with your siblings and surprise your parents a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world.

Whether your gift recipient is young or old, single or married, adventurous or relaxed....there is a vacation just for them.

Giving the gift of travel can be a little tricky. It is essential that you give an "all inclusive" gift. If you just give airline tickets, it may cost the recipient more for food and lodging than it cost you for the ticket - what kind of a gift is that?

If you are going to give an actual ticket to somewhere, you must know the recipients taste and time schedule.

The best way to give the gift of travel is with a travel gift certificate. You can contact a travel agent, or check out the following online sites for gift certificates.

An important part of gift giving is the package. With a gift certificate you can get really creative. You can hide the certificate in a plastic airplane or cruise ship. A romantic weekend in a box of massage oils or chocolates. You might tie a card with the certificate inside to the handle of a piece of luggage. You can gear the wrap to the destination, for example, wrap a gift certificate to a Hawaii trip around a pound of Kona Coffee, or a world trip around a globe, or a trip to New Zealand in a video of The Lord of the Rings.

Give way to your imagination and give the gift of dreams - travel vacations.

Local Secrets-Ontario Canada

I have found that where ever you travel, you can always come across local secrets. Ontario, which is where I grew up is almost twice as big as Texas. It is full of some really cool and unusual finds that will whet anyone's appetite including the following :
Sam


Henry's Fish RestaurantParry Sound
Head to Henry's Fish Restaurant on Frying Pan Island, from "Victoria Day to Labor Day," for some of the best seafood and fries. Because it is located on an island, "it is only accessible by water." Visit in the "warm summer months" when the "journey by boat is most enjoyable." Fresh fish, fries, baked beans, and hearty desserts--served family style--are the specialties. There is an outdoor patio with picnic tables set up in the outbuilding. The atmosphere is extremely friendly, and you'll often find Paul and Joanne Elliot, Henry's owners, mingling with the diners or out catching fish.

The Cat HouseOttawa
Just past the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill is the Cat House, a sanctuary for "stray cats." Up to 28 cats live in two plywood structures that resemble the nearby Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings. Rene Chartrand, the cats' caretaker since 1987, constructed this mini-housing complex. He feeds the cats daily between 4pm and 6pm, which is also the best time for a visit. Plus, "it isn't unusual to see big-name politicians giving him a helping hand."

Flying Trapeze lessons at the Toronto School of Circus ArtsToronto
Luckily the ceilings at the Toronto School of Circus Arts are 40-feet high, so you'll have plenty of space to fly. Since 1985, people from the general public have been participating in this "unique sporting adventure." Sign up for flying trapeze lessons, and you'll learn to "fly safely through the air and do acrobatic tricks."

Want A Baby? - Go Skiing

If you have come upon a time in your life when you have a nesting urge, this one fantastic way to follow that desire. Maybe you'll conceive a Bode Miller. You can also do some skiing as well
Sam


They work to warm you up before and after .....
For skiers and their companions, what happens on the slopes is only part of the story. Cheerful accommodations, fine food, and good prices can add immensely to a winter vacation. Here are some possibilities:

The Teton Mountain Lodge in Jackson Hole, Wyo., certainly wasn't striving for subtlety in naming its offering the four-night Procreation Ski Vacation. Included are a couple ' s massage treatment, an in-room candlelight dinner for two, and champagne and chocolate on arrival. Couples stay in a junior suite with a fireplace and also get two days of skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and a dogsled trip to Granite Hot Springs

Read more here.....

Let's Talk Turkey!

Someone the other day was telling me about his great vacation to Turkey, of all places. I guess I hadn't really thought about it as a real European "hotspot" , but this guy was telling me about the great beaches. Now that makes sense, Turkey is surrounded by 3 different seas, the Mediterranean Sea on the south, the Black Sea on the north and the Aegean Sea in the west, happens to be dotted with breathtakingly beautiful beaches. So I thought I'd look to see if there were singles tours to Turkey - and so this is what I found....

Sam



Why holiday in Turkey?

Singles Holidays to Turkey

The breath taking natural beauty of Turkey and particularly Olu Deniz resort has probably the most beautiful and photographed white beach, sheltered blue lagoon, turquoise water and costal mountains in the Mediterranean.

Because of its beauty, it is a protected area and you wont find stunning views marred. However there is plenty of bars and restaurants just set back from the beach and there is wide variety of watersports by day and plenty of night life those who wish to dance under the stars.

The value for money is incredible and the people are charming. Turkish food is mouth watering, delicate and beautifully presented. Local wine is a must and the Turkish Efes beer works well and is refreshing.

Check out Walking in the Turkish Countryside http://solitairhols.co.uk/turkey_walk.htm

Bargain Shopping For Travelers

Did you ever wonder where all the lost luggage went. Well now you can buy it at fantastic discounts.Always wondered where that piece luggage of mine went that included an expensive camera and most of my clothes. Needless to say I had to buy a new wardrobe before I could attend a business seminar.

Sam


Shop Till You Drop: The Unclaimed Baggage Center - Scottsboro, Alabama, USA
By: Courtney S. Ries

I'm a bargain shopper.Ask any of my friends - if there's a market, a craft center or even a sale in the oh-so-less-exotic mall, I'm there. I think the whole 'get a deal' affliction must be a thing in my genes, passed down through my mother's side. You put my mother in a store with only $500 items, and she'll find the one, amazingly cute thing that's 90% off.On the road, one of my favorite things to do is track down the best deals on the most unique gifts I can find. However, I've never gone out of my way to shop in America. All that has been changed by one trip to the bargain-hunting Mecca known as the Unclaimed Baggage Center.

Beer Shots USA - Microbrews and My Friend Ben

When I get a few too many beers in me (yes, it happens) I just LOVE everybody. No one is a stranger and I make many "friends". I think that my friend Ben, may have received the same effects from his pub time. Philadelphia - his hangout - is called the city of brotherly love...could it be the suds?

My tastes runs dark. Not necessarily the brew of choice for many Americans who tend to like the light beers. But give me a smooth dark Guiness, with a creamy foam, at the right temperature and I will be your friend forever.

Thanks to Kevin Cowherd for this article about my friend Ben...

Sam



A lot of people don't know this, but beer aficionados have always revered the great Benjamin Franklin.

"Ben Franklin?" you say. "Short guy with bifocals? Crazy long hair? Statesman, inventor, scientist, signer of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution?"

Yep, that Ben Franklin.

For it was Franklin who was credited with writing the greatest beer-marketing slogan of all time, when he wasn't busy being one of the Founding Fathers and one of the most brilliant, accomplished men of his time.

"Beer," he purportedly stated, "is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

To read more about the city of bubbly love. . . http://www.baltimoresun.com/travel/bal-tr.phillybeer29oct29,0,2796307.story?track=rss

Wine For The High Flyer

Thinking about cool things to do. How about ten places in the guiness book of records. Heres one that sounds exciting


CANOE -- CNEWS - Weird News: CN Tower has world's highest wine cellar: "
CN Tower has world's highest wine cellar




TORONTO (CP) - The world's tallest free-standing structure earned a new spot in the Guinness Book of Records on Wednesday when it was recognized as having the world's highest wine cellar."

Are You Getting Ripped Off?

Iused my credit card all the time in Europe butI just read this article on credit card fees I might be getting screwed-what about you



ABC News: The Sleaze of Credit-Card Fees: "May 15, 2006 -- Recently, travelers returning from Europe have opened their mail to discover they paid more for their trip than they thought they had. Over the last couple years, banks have dramatically increased the fees they charge for overseas transactions using credit and debit cards. While these fees are legal, they're basically a slimy way for credit card companies to wring a few more dollars out of their customers"

ABC News: Top 10 Sky High Thrills

Here's An Exciting Top 10 List...

Sam

ABC News: Top 10 Sky High Thrills: "

July 28, 2006 — The summer is a wonderful time to get away from it all.
So, how about getting above it all, too? 'Good Morning America' teamed up with National Geographic Adventure Magazine to bring you the Top 10 sky high thrills in the United States. "