Ashleigh's Travel Blog

Most Romantic Locals: Antigua

2012-02-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, any island in the Caribbean is going to have a bit of romance but combine Sandals' four poster king size beds, butler service, and unlimited luxury with Antigua's crystal blue water, pink sand, and natural wonders and you've got the perfect getaway with your loved one.

Want more on Sandals? See my blog: Bahamas and Turks & Caicos

Most Romantic Locals: Anywhere but Paris

2012-02-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Imagine a villa all your own in the French countryside...

These photos are a mixture of some of my favorite villas in the French Riviera and Provence. Did you know AAA can book villas in Europe, Hawaii, Central America, and the Caribbean? You'd be surprised how reasonable the rates are.. especially when you can split the cost when you travel with a group, some of these villas have 10 rooms!

Most Romantic Locals: Santorini

2012-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone will argue over which Greek Island is their favorite, Mykonos or Crete? Or..? My favorite is Santorini. This is where the famous lost city, Atlantis is legend to be.

Many of these photos are provided by Astra Suites, a gorgeous 5 star hotel in the area of Imerovigli. I found the photo below on a website called, Freaking News that had a photo shop contest and thought that it was just fantastic in portraying "The Lost City."

Most Romantic Locals: Costa Rica

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you are celebrating with a loved one.. and if you're not, celebrate with friends and how great is being single!

Aww.. Costa Rica. It's hard to pick just one area! Arenal.. Jaco.. Monte Verde.. You have beaches, adventure, animals, city, history, and so much more.

My favorite place is Rio Celeste, there is a gorgeous water fall and a crystal blue pool. The closest hotel near the fall? Rio Celeste Hideaway.

After some time in the rain forest you can head over to the Arenal area to see the volcano and take a dip in the hot springs.

Most Romantic Locals: Zihua

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, I will be posting a photo gallery of the most romantic locations, a new destination everyday of the week. Let's start off with one my favorite places, Zihuatanejo, Mexico. "Zihua" as I like to call it, is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the other popular tourist towns, between a mountain range and the bay. If you are planning to go here, there is no other place to stay than The Tides, a five star property.

A fun fact: Zihuatanejo means "the place of women." "A Tarascan leader named Caltzontzin built a safe harbor here to protect his people's women so they could swim safely in the sea." Many believe the legend of the Amazon women came from here.

There are ten different beach breaks, or surf locations, within 30 miles of the resort.

The Tides offers wedding packages and a honeymoon registry. AAA offers wedding packages in most destinations and in some cases, the bride and groom can fly free!

The Tides also offers an all inclusive option, this means all of your meals and drinks (including cocktails!) are already included! No need to pull out your wallet!

Although in most tourist destinations, travel is safe, there is still a government advisory for Americans traveling to Mexico.

AAA Sojourns

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sojourns is AAA's own tour company with more than 60 years of experience.

"Unique travel experiences to the best destinations."

"AAA Travel knows how to plan engaging escapes you won't find anywhere else."

Vacations to Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, the South Pacific, and Antarctica.

Plus Sojourns offers Grand World Voyages, imagine waking up every morning in a new port, a new country, or a new continent!

February is AAA Sojourns month, email me to request a brochure and more information.

Happy Friday!

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my! It's the last weekend in January? I'm still not over Christmas! Have a great weekend!

Top Places to Visit in 2012

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

The New York Times did an article on the 45 Top Places to Visit in 2012 and it's definitely a good article, so if you missed it, here is a glance at the top 5.

1. Panama: There is more than just the canal.

2. Helsinki, Finland: Design District.

3. Myanmar: Find genuine hospitality in a place not effected by tourism.

4. London: The Olympics are coming! The Olympics are coming!

5. Oakland, California: If you are from the bay area, you are probably just as shocked as I am! Since Oakland is just in my backyard, I'm planning to spend a whole day there to see what all the fuss is about and I'll share my photos, dining experiences, etc. So check back soon!

The World's Roller Coasters

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

If you haven't figured out yet from my Bucket List, I am some what of a thrill seeker. So I thought it would be fun to show you some of the top roller coaster in the world. The USA has the most in the top categories but Japan is not too far behind either. Here's my top ten (in no particular order):

Surf Coaster, Sea Paradise in Yokohama, Japan

This isn't in the top ten fastest or longest but the engineering is amazing! 279 feet of the coaster is under the Pacific!

Kingda Ka, Six Flags in Jackson, New Jersey

"The fierce Kingda Ka is the tallest coaster in the World, fastest in North America. The remarkable thrill ride breaks all world records for coaster speed and height, zooming from 0 to 128mph in 3.5 seconds and catapulting you 45 stories in the sky."

Formula Rossa, Ferrari World in Abu Dubai, United Arab Emirates

"Formula Rossa: Strap yourself into the F1 cockpit and hold onto your soul as you blast away on the fastest roller coaster on the planet. You'll accelerate up to 240km/h and see what 4.8 Gs really feels like."

Superman: Krypton, Six Flags in San Antonio Texas

"Flying 16 stories high at 70mph - with nothing between you and Texas. Welcome to Superman: Krypton Coaster, the largest steel roller coaster in the region - and the only one with no floor. Let it all hang out as you jet along with the pavement far below your dangling feet. Nothing feels more like true flight."

The Beast, King's Island in Mason, Ohio

"The Beast is the longest wooden roller coaster in the world at 7,400 feet (1-3/4 miles); travels at speeds up to 65 miles per hour and has a ride length of more than four minutes."

Takabisha, Fuji-Q Highland in Yamanashi, Japan

Takabisha received world recognition when it opened in July 2011, it was the steepest roller coaster in the world at the time.

Steel Dragon 2000, Nagashima Spa Land in Mie, Japan

Steel Dragon 2000 is the longest steel roller coaster in the world. It was built in the year 2000, the "Year of the Dragon," hence the name.

California Screamin, Disneyland in Anaheim, California

Although California Screamin doesn't seem to be the most thrilling coaster in the world, I am a Disney fanatic and it is one of my favorites. It is the 6th longest coaster in the world and accelerates guests from 0 to 55 mph in 4 seconds.

Skycycle in Japan's Washuzan Highland Park

Forget the loops and the speed, this coaster in Japan is peddle-powered and the heights alone will give you a fright! But check out the views...

Top Thrill Dragster, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio

Very similar and second to Kingda Ka this coaster this is one of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world.

Do you have the urge to go to Japan or Dubai or Texas now? Contact me here.

Happy Friday!

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Travel Agencies Flying High

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Disney Fantasy

2012-01-17T06:00:00.001-08:00

Take a sneak peak at the new Disney Fantasy. The Fantasy will be alternating seven-night sailings between the western and eastern Caribbean. It's maiden voyage is March 31st, 2012.

I can help you get a cabin on board this gorgeous ship if you contact me through my profile. Just leave me your name, email or phone number, and I'll contact you for the remaining details.

Happy Friday!

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Is anyone traveling over the holiday weekend? Anyone superstitious!? It's Friday the 13th!

Seattle Part 2

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Planning my trips is always one of my favorite parts about traveling, of course besides being there! However, with Seattle it is quite easy for me to do since I lived there for about five years and again, the city is my favorite in the States.

Day three in Seattle I plan on grabbing some picnic food from Pike's Place, renting bikes, and hoping on the ferry to Bainbridge Island where we'll ride around, do some hiking, and picnic on the beach. Then hit Doc's Marina Grill for drinks before we get back on the ferry to Seattle.

Tonight we'll visit Pioneer Square for dinner and to explore the many art galleries. But before dinner, we'll stop into Bill Speidel's Underground Tour. In this tour you walk beneath the sidewalks of downtown Seattle, "roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of downtown." Find out more about this famous tour here.

Our final day in Seattle will be spent walking around the city picking up last minute souvenirs, taking in the gorgeous waterfront, and maybe a massage at the relaxing Elaia Spa at the Hyatt :)

Seattle Part 1

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Seattle is my favorite city in the US, that I've been to so far at least, but the competition is tough! I'll be taking my boyfriend up to Seattle this coming April (it will be his first time!). We're staying at the new Hyatt Olive at 8, a AAA four diamond property, right in downtown.

Hyatt Olive at 8th

Our first day in Seattle we are going to the Music Experience Project at the Seattle Center. The EMP has "the world's most extensive exhibition of memorabilia celebrating the music and history of Seattle grunge luminaries, Nirvana." The exhibit is only up until April 22nd, 2012. EMP also has an exhibit

celebrating the life and music of Jimi Hendrix, with a guitar wall that is not to be missed! You can get more details on the Experience Music Project here.

After a day exploring the museum we'll head over to the Space Needle (right next door). Dinner in the 360 degree revolving restaurant, Sky City includes the normal fee of $18 per person for the observation deck, making the $50 plates more worth it.

The Space Needle was originally built for the World's Fair in 1962,
at the time it was the tallest building.

After dinner we'll head across the street to The Funhouse, a "dive" for lack of a better term but great for cheap drinks and local music.

Our second day in Seattle I hope to head over to Pike's Place Market before today's "main event." Pike's Place has the first Starbucks, the Flying Fish Market, fresh produce, cute shops and sidewalk vendors for souvenirs, and my favorite place for seafood, Jack's Fish Spot. It is a very small, partially outdoor restaurant where you can get fresh fish to go or stay and eat on their metal bar.

The main event today will be a visit to SafeCo field to see the Athletics play the Mariners! We are huge baseball fans, plus our team is the Athletics. We actually planned this trip around when the A's were going to be there.

Find out about my last two days in Seattle in tomorrow's post :)

Happy Friday!

2012-01-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone! I hope everyone has a great weekened!

2012 Leap Year & Disney

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Disney just announced, for the first time ever Disneyland and Walt Disney World will be open for 24 hours on February 29, 2012, leap year! From 6AM on the 29th to the following morning. Special attractions and rides will be open.

Disney is offering clients who book a 3night/ 3 day stay before January 31st a free hotel night and a free day when they stay at select hotels through February 26th - March 10th.

January is Disney Month!!

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's Disney Month at AAA! This means there is a GIGANTIC (literally, larger than human) Mickey in my office. Come by and take pictures with your kids :) But even better... Disney is offering deals all month on Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney.

Walt Disney World, Florida - Get 30% off packages when you stay at Disney's Old Key West or Saratoga Springs Resorts. Plus get a limited edition FilmCell from The Lion King.

Disneyland, California - Save up to $500 on 4 day/ 4 night packages at the Disneyland Resort Hotels. Plus get a limited edition FilmCell from The Lion King.

Disney Cruise Line - Receive a $100 on-board credit when you sail on the Disney Fantasy 7 night cruises in a verandah cabin. Receive a photo package on-board when you stay in a inside or ocean view cabin.

Adventures by Disney - Save $100 per person on select tours and dates.

To get help with any of these package you can contact me directly at AshleighJAlcock@yahoo.com

Here's a look at The Lion King FilmCell...

Top Ten Travel Destinations on My Bucket List

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Do you have a New Year's Resolution? Mine is to take more pictures (with my new camera :)) and of course travel more! My bucket list is filled with nothing but destinations around the world and of course one activity that has to be done while I'm there! Here is my top ten:

10. Zorbing in New Zealand

Yes... Get in a bubble and roll yourself down a hill.

9. Bungee jump in Ticino, Switzerland off the Verzasca Dam

James Bond took the plunge in the Golden Eye

8. Take a ride on a camel to the Egyptian Pyramids

7. Surf in Victoria Bay, South Africa

After my safari of course...

6. Go shopping in Tokyo, Japan

AND in Dubai

5. Play with the animals of the Galapagos Islands

Tortoises, Iguanas, Penguins... Oh my!

3. See Flogging Molly at The O2 in Dublin, Ireland

Flogging Molly is an Irish rock band. It's music you can really stomp your feet to!

2. Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef

1. Watch the sunset in Santorini, Greece

Ride a donkey up the hill and of course, find the Lost City of Atlantis!

What destinations are on your bucket list?

Season's Greetings...

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

8 Last Minute Gifts

2011-12-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

Replogle Globe

Scratch Off Map

Travel Journals

Fun iPad Sleeve

Vintage Luggage

Polaroid Camera

Headphones

Fancy Luggage Tags

New York, New York

2011-12-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

So far I haven't traveled much this season, I recently stayed a couple nights at the gorgeous Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village for a few nights (a post will be up soon) but other than that I have mostly been planning trips for next year. Disneyland in February, Seattle in May, and New York for Christmas 2012! I couldn't be more excited for New York. I've already started looking for fun "local" hang outs and of course making a list of all the necessary attractions. I thought I'd fill you in on some of my research...

Here is a quick glance list of my top to do attractions in midtown Manhattan:

Empire state building : open 8AM - 2AM, $22 per person
Rockefeller Center for shopping and dining plus the Top of the Rock Observation, $25 per person
Central Park, there are so many things to do here! I'm most looking forward to a horse & buggy ride and a ride on the Carosuel
Rockettes @ Radio City Music Hall
St Patrick’s Cathedral (donations only)
Times Square
Museum of Modern Art (FREE on Friday's between 4PM and 8PM)
American Museum of Natural History
The Met (Metropaliton Museum of Art) plus a visit to their rooftop cafe

And some of my top attractions in downtown...

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty (approximately $20 per person for ferry and admission)
9/11 Memorial (must make a reservation online, donations only)

Little Italy and Chinatown

Greenwich Village self guided walking tour

Other than the above top tourist destinations here are a few others on my list...

Bryant Park - Right by the New York Public Library (another must see) you can ice skate for FREE in Bryant Park and avoid the high cost and crowds of a skating rink at Rockefeller

Grand Central Terminal, often referred to as Grand Central Station (which is incorrect), is a popular attraction, it has an abundance of shopping and dining... but one place inside I will definitely visit is The Campbell Apartment, the original location of John W. Campbell's office in the 1920s, their motto is "Cocktail's from another era."

Another great stop inside Grand Central is the Biltmore Room, also known as the Kissing Room, this "was where the famous 20th Century Limited train arrived. Celebrities, politicians, and soldiers would get off the trains to meet their loved ones and hug and kiss in the middle of the room before going up stairs into the Biltmore Hotel." Click here for Grand Central's walking tour

While in New York another must see is the Brooklyn Bridge. If it was going to be warm enough when I'm visiting I would take a water taxi over to the River Cafe (this would give you some of the best views). Then have a delectable meal at the River Cafe ($$$$) which also has amazing views of the bridge.

I have a love for music (popular or not) of really any kind, so I had to scope out some places to visit where I might be able to see a Jazz band or local rock band. One place I stumbled upon was Cake Shop, a place in downtown on Ludlow Street (popular for nightlife) that has three floors: one has vinyl records for sale, another has a bakery with cupcakes and snacks, and the bottom basement level floor has a full bar and stage for bands in the evening.

Another good spot for dining I've found, that is famous with the locale's is Halal Chicken and Gyro food cart. Don't let the "food cart" scare you, some of the carts have the most delicious food! And the most economical. Halal is on the corner of 6th and 53rd.

Lastly, I'll leave you with a picture of the 9/11 memorial. There is still construction going on but they are letting visitors see the memorial with a reservation. Visit their website here for information.

I hope you'll get a chance to visit New York City soon, if you haven't already! I'm already counting the days... 365 :)

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2011-11-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

I am a HUGE fan of Mexico! I've now been to almost every major resort area in the country and I have to say out of all the cities I got a very different (and GOOD) vibe from Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta sits on the Banderas Bay on the Pacific side of the country. Puerto Vallarta has quite a love story actually... It became a known tourist area with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's affair. The couple lived in Casa Kimberly (which is open for tours) for many years after the filming of Burton's "Night of the Iguana." Another great pop culture fact, the famous television series The Love Boat was centered around the Pacific Princess, a cruise ship that sailed between Los Angeles and Puerto Vallarta.

My last trip to Puerto Vallarta was in October of 2009. I stayed at the All Inclusive Golden Crowne Paradise. The hotel was clean, friendly staff, had some good dining options, and ultimately was very cost effective, however, I would not stay here again. There are other properties available that are much nicer for only a little bit more $$.

Golden Crowne Paradise Pool

Sheraton Pool

Westin Lobby Entrance

Velas Vallarta Art

Hotel Cooking Experience

While I was in Puerto Vallarta, I took an excursion to San Sebastian a very, VERY small town up in the hills of the Pacific coast. San Sebastian was a prosperous mining town in the 1700s and little has changed. Although it is no longer a thriving city, their church, cobblestone streets, coffee plantations, and 18th century haciendas remain untouched by time.

Hacienda artifacts

Hacienda Jalisco

Coffee Plantation

San Sebastian Church

Lastly, I'll leave you with some city views...

The Gathering Place

2011-08-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Oahu is the most visited island in Hawaii and home to the famous Waikiki beach. Most tourists tend to visit this island before the other islands of Hawaii, however every island has its own "personality" and I wouldn't count the others out! If you are looking for a fun filled and busy vacation of shopping, dining, site seeing, etc. this is the island to hit. Of course there are also gorgeous beaches and resort pools for lounging but if you want to avoid the crowds, sip Mai Tai's all day, or do something a little more adventurous take a look at the Big Island, Maui, or Kauai.

My last visit to Oahu was in the first week of May. It had to have been the best month to visit, kids are still in school, no holidays near.. it definitely wasn't as crowded as it could have been. I laid out on the beach, visited Hanauma Bay to snorkel, hiked Diamond Head, saw a luau, and roamed the shops.

What is great about staying in Waikiki is that there is no need to rent a car. You can take a shuttle from and to the airport and your hotel (which is very reasonable) and walk to almost everything else! I stayed at the 3 star Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, located right in the center of everything and across the street from the beach (and still one of the most cost effective, value properties on the island). I visited the International Market Place on my first day there, where they sell jewelery, leis, shot glasses, magnets.. anything that a tourist might collect. Hint: once you've visited one booth or shop in this market place, you've seen them all. Another great note: the people that run the booths will negotiate with you on pricing.

One must see is the common snorkeling tour of Hanauma Bay. Your hotel can arrange pick up and the drive is maybe twenty minutes. Once you arrive you'll watch a short video on snorkeling safety and environment protection (don't step on the coral!). Then take a short walk down to the water and hop in! There are different zones for level of difficulty which are easy to navigate and plenty of life guards on site. You can also bring your own snacks or purchase food there. There is really no limit to how long you can hang out, your shuttle driver will give you a couple of options when they will be back for pick up.

Diamond Head is the dormant volcano on Oahu. There is a man made trail to hike up where you'll twist, turn, climb, and crawl (although it's not as hard as it sounds, you should still be in pretty good shape). The average hiker can probably make it up and down in about an hour and a half.

While your in Hawaii you must see a luau! A traditional Hawaiian meal and show, dancing, Mai Tai's, fire throwers, pork, rice, coconut and plenty of other tourists to mingle with from around the world. I recommend Jermaine's Luau. You'll be picked up by a large shuttle bus near your hotel, you'll have a "tour guide" along the bus ride telling jokes, singing songs, and giving you history of their luau. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by a shell lei and they take your picture. Then see two men take a pig out of the underground oven, grab a cocktail with your drink coupons, chow down on the all-you-can-eat buffet, and watch the performers. It is a truly memberable night.

Other great dining options: Duke's - one of the most famous Waikiki restaurants and right on the sand at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Hotel. LuLu's - overlooking the ocean and the strip, they have the best spam and eggs and macadamia nut pancakes! Live music too on most evenings.

Quick Getaway - Santa Barbara

2011-08-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

I visited Santa Barbara for the first time this April with my sister and friends. And although it's only 4 hour hours away from my home in the Bay Area, it definitely felt like we were in another world... Known as the Mediterranean of the Pacific, Santa Barbara has gorgeous beaches, wineries, shopping, hiking trails, history, and night life. It is truly a place where anyone could find something they enjoy!

Our first day in Santa Barbara we checked into the Fess Parker's Doubletree Hotel. The hotel itself was gorgeous, very large and right across the street from the beach. They had bike rentals (which my sister and I took advantage of) along with other activities and rentals available on site. They had a nice pool and pool grill, although the bar and grill were closed due to lack of heat which we weren't too happy about, although it wasn't very warm, the sun was shining and a drink out by the pool would have been nice. Back to checking in... the man at the front desk was a little snotty instead of helpful and got us two rooms close together, in the very back of the hotel, facing the parking lot, and the construction. I tend to be a very easy going traveler but I was not happy. I had to call back to the front desk to be moved to a better location, my thinking is, why weren't we put in these rooms in the first place? Now with all of that said, I would go back to the Doubletree in Santa Barbara. A few loops are always bound to happen when you travel and for the most part we did have a good experience here. The rooms were large, suite style, clean and it was in walking distance to everything!

One promising thing about this hotel, the photos on the hotel website are really what you are going to arrive to!

Okay, now on to the many activities... One of the first things we did was hit the "Urban Wine Trail." What's great about this wine trail is, it is right in downtown and you can walk the whole thing! Although I always enjoy the scenery of the grape vines and large tasting rooms, this was still an amazing tasting experience and a way to get to know the locals. Two particular wineries that I remember are Kalyra and Municipal Winemakers. Kalyra's tasting room is a blend of an islander feel and the Australian Outback, definitely a unique experience! And Municipal Winemakers had an open beam ceiling, Christmas lights hanging throughout, and pourers in their causal tee shirts. We definitely felt like locals there.

Santa Barbara also boasts one of the most famous California Missions, the Old Mission Santa Barbara. You can visit this Mission and many other historic spots in Santa Barbara by following their Red Tile Walking Tour. You'll visit the Spanish style Public Library, the Museum of Art, the Plaza De la Guerra where first city council met in 1850 and many more sites. You can easily find a map of the wine or walking tour just by "googling" it.

One of our last trips in Santa Barbara was to the Cold Springs Trail. After a beautiful drive through the hills and mansions of Santa Barbara, you will have to hunt down this spot. There is really no obvious sign. Once you are on the trail, you'll also need a map to make sure your turning on the right forks. It is all worth it though, the trail winds up and down through trees, creeks, rivers, waterfalls, and other scenery. You can find more information and trails at http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/.

Just a few more shots for you...

In downtown...

Restaurant on the pier "Longboard's Grill"...delicious food, good drinks, and gorgeous views!