Packed Suitcase

Snapshot of the Week: Graffiti in London

2012-02-10T05:00:00.006-05:00

London is one of my all time favorite cities. Whenever I have a chance to visit, I go through the same ritual when I first arrive. Fly in early on a Saturday morning, drop off my bags at my hotel, hop on the tube and head to Borough Market to nosh on Kappacasein's famous Grilled Cheese sandwich and fresh produce.

Then, full, I meander along the Thames Path on the South Bank, past the historic Globe Theater and the Tate Modern, towards Gabriel's Wharf and the London Eye, until I'm directly facing Big Ben and the buildings of Parliament across the river.

On one such walk, I stumbled across this skateboarder's hideaway somewhere along the way. The colors were striking on the grey London morning, but it is so quintessentially London.

***To contribute to the "Snapshot of the Week" feature, please review the submission details and email chris@packedsuitcase.com with a description of what you'd like to submit.***

Latest Travel Obsession: Instagram

2012-02-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

Recently, I’ve been on a bit of an Instagram bender. I can’t go anywhere nowadays without looking at my surroundings (or my food…) trying to find a perfect shot that would be a good candidate to be “Instagram’d.” I've become a bit of a mobile adventurer.

For those of you not familiar with this seriously addictive photography app, Instagram lets you alter your boring camera phone photos to create short, snappy moments in time captured in an incredibly stylized format.

Specifically, you use the app to select (or take) a photo and apply a variety of different filters to adjust the colors and textures of your photo, while cropping it down to a square-sized piece of art. It also has a super-cool tilt shift feature to add depth and artistry, especially dramatic on those sweeping landscape vistas.

While Instagram makes it super-easy to share your creations to other platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare (just to name a few…) I really like that it is also its own social network. In the app you can add friends or just strangers with photos you admire, and follow along with their adventures in your feed.

If you’re a traveler with a constant grip on your iPhone (like me) the Instagram app is the perfect way to share your photos as you’re on the go. The only downside is that it is currently available only on the i-products. You know, the iPhone, iPad, etc… how hipster of them.

Here are some of my before and after shots from my travels to show the magic that Instagram can do (and follow my mobile adventures in the app @packDsuitcase):

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Top Reasons To Visit Shenandoah National Park in Winter

2012-02-08T08:27:00.003-05:00

Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is a top destination on the US’s east coast for 3 seasons out of the year. From early spring to late fall, the park is filled to the brim with eager wilderness seekers looking to get close to nature, take some pretty photographs and maybe even see a bear or two!

Shenandoah also happens to be of the absolute best places in the country to see the fall foliage. People come from all over to make the pilgrimage down the park’s popular 105 mile-long Skyline Drive to see the dramatically changing leaves amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains. This year, I got to experience it for the first time during a late season camping trip. It was cold, but it definitely lived up to all of the hype.

Ah, the cold. While even the coldest fall draws a crowd, winter in Shenandoah is not so popular. Which (as I found out on one unseasonably warm January day) makes it the perfect season to visit and see this park in a new light. Here’s why…

1.) Less people means you will essentially have the park to yourself. Whether you choose to drive the length of Skyline Drive or prefer to hike in solitude, you should plan to spend most of your time in perfect isolation. Added bonus: You won’t have to jockey for prime photo taking spots.

2.) Colder weather = better visibility. There is essentially no haze to jeopardize your views of the valley, which provides the ideal setting for all of you photography lovers out there.

3.) No bears! They’re too busy sleeping so you can hike without fear that you’ll run across one of the furry critters.

4.) Sure, the leaves are beautiful, but less leaves = amazing views into the valley. You’ll be better able to see the definition of the mountains, which will provide a new perspective on the region.

5.) The freezing temperatures will result in lots of unique ice formations. From the permafrost on the ground to the dripping icicles you’ll drive by along Skyline Drive, you’ll be rewarded with lots of pretty ice activity.

So, go ahead and beat the winter doldrums! Get outside and have a fantastic winter adventure in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.

Guest Post: Top 6 Travel Organization Apps

2012-02-07T08:10:00.000-05:00

This guest post is by Laura Murphy.

Photo via traveltrademagazine.com

Vacations are one of the best ways to kick back, relax, and spend time exploring a new city. But, plans for a fun, relaxing vacation can quickly turn into a big headache if you're not properly prepared.

Maybe you've found yourself at a hotel front desk, digging through your purse or wallet to find your reservation. Or, perhaps you have a cheap car hire reserved but just can't remember where you wrote the confirmation number. With our list of travel apps, you can say goodbye to stacks of printed off confirmation emails and say hello to a relaxing vacation. Here are a few of the apps on our “must have” list:

Kayak

Free

If you need a last-minute flight or car rental, look no further than the free Kayak app. It's available for nearly all smart phones and tablets, and can help you search for cheap flights, hotels, and car rentals. It also includes a currency converter and a list of attractions nearby so you'll be prepared wherever you travel.

TripIt

Free

One of the best tools for organization when traveling is TripIt. Simply send your email confirmations to your TripIt account and it will organize it by trip with everything you need including flight times and confirmation numbers, car rental reservations, hotel reservations, and more. It's available for the iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Phone 7.

TripAdvisor

Free

Created by the popular travel site, TripAdvisor, you can now read reviews on the go. This free app lets you search for top hotels, restaurants, and things to do, then read what other travelers have to say about it. The app is available for nearly all brands of smart phones and contains more than 50 million reviews and endless travel photos.

HotelPal

Free

This app will make sure you're not left without a place to stay. Whether a reservation fell through or you're looking for last-minute accommodations, HotelPal for the iPhone, iPad, and Android can help you find a room. The app lets you browse through more than 100,000 hotels throughout the world and look at their availability, photos, and rates. And best of all, you can book directly from the app. Easy!

Yelp

Free

One of the world's top review sites has created an app that lets you find restaurants and bars, things to do, shopping, and more – all based on where you're located in the world. The app tracks your location and recommends venues nearby. Clicking on each will reveal reviews, quick tips, directions to the business, and contact information.

FlightTrack Pro

$9.99

If you're a frequent flier and have a little extra money to splurge, this app is a must-have. Available for the iPhone, iPad, and Android, you can track your flights in real time. Flight delayed? The app will let you know – usually before the airport updates their screens. The app also includes terminal maps, weather delay information, and contact information for your airline in case you need to reschedule a flight.

Before embarking on your next trip, consider downloading one or more of these apps. Having your information organized and at your fingertips just might make your trip one of the best yet!

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Laura Murphy could never be considered a homebody – in fact, she is quite the opposite. She has traveled all over the world, never staying in one place too long and always anxious to explore new territory. A gig like hers –writing for the cheap car hire site NovaCarHire.com – is a dream come true! She hopes you'll continue to follow her as she explores the globe...and who knows? Maybe you'll even learn a thing or two about budget traveling!

Snapshot of the Week: Sunrise in the Florida Keys

2012-01-12T20:36:00.000-05:00

As the winter doldrums set in, with this photo we're reminded of breezier days soon to come. This photo was taken on the Marathon Island in the Florida Keys by my sunrise-loving mother, who is off jetsetting with my equally cool dad while I'm holding down the fort back home.

2012: A Look Ahead

2011-12-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

A new year = a fresh start. At least, that’s my mantra du jour as we say farewell to 2011 and ring in 2012.

Last week, I posted a look back at my travel adventures and achievements of 2011. Now’s the exciting part… looking ahead to the future!

With some reflection, I’ve noticed that my years of travel tend to have “themes.” In 2010, my travel theme was Adventure Travel, complete with skydiving and white water rafting in New Zealand, hiking both the Tongariro Crossing and the Milford Trek within the same week (nearly 50 miles!) and hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon for a stay at Phantom Ranch.

For 2011, my travel theme was Domestic Travel (as can be read about in my 2011 post.)

I’m excited to officially unveil to you, my dear Packed Suitcase readers, that my travel theme for 2012 is…

FRENCH TRAVEL!

I’m starting the year off with my very first French language class at the local community college. I plan to use my newfound merci’s and oh-la-la’s as I travel to French-speaking destinations such as Montréal, France, Belgium and even New Orleans.

I’ll have some non-French inspired destinations sprinkled in throughout the year as well, including Orlando, Los Angeles, New York, Cancun and hopefully Chicago as well.

Along the way, I’ll try to complete a few items from my 55 Places Travel Bucket List. Particularly:

#9. Try to paint a water lily like Monet at Giverney, France

#18. Walk across the sand to Mont St Michel

#22. Eat chocolate in Brugge

#24. Have a cappuccino at a café in Vieux-Montréal

#42. Try the guacamole at Chicago’s Frontera Grill

Now, I understand that this is an ambitious list of places I have planned. With the same 10 vacation days, it might be tough for me to actually make it to all of these destinations. But, you'd be amazed what I can do with a little bit of planning and you gotta think big, right?!

Merry Christmas from Packed Suitcase!

2011-12-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

Wherever in the world you may be, we hope that your holidays are merry and bright!

Baltimore's famous 34th Street Miracle of Lights in Hamden

2011: A Look Back

2011-12-22T01:00:00.002-05:00

At first glance, 2011 was a bit of a tough travel year for me. Coming off of the epic-ness that was 2010 (A month backpacking around Australia and New Zealand?! Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?!) it’s been difficult to have to grapple with a consistent lack of excess cash and time off in 2011. This has led to a year where I traveled the least since I’ve been out of college.

However, this post (initially planned to be titled “2011: A Year of Relative Non-Travel”) has transformed into a celebration of domestic travel and personal growth. You see, it’s taken me until now to stop, reflect and really relish in all of the travel experiences and professional achievements that I’ve been able to procure this year.

First, and foremost… 2011’s the year where I became a freelance travel writer! I started out the year as a finalist in Gadling’s search for their next travel blogger, then was published on the Huffington Post before becoming a regular contributor to Go! Girl Guides. Most recently, I’ve started to write posts for Travel Channel’s blog. This is all in addition to purchasing the domain “PackedSuitcase.com” and keeping my site stocked with fresh original and contributing content.

To say I’ve been busy writing is an understatement.

Then, I became a part of the amazing travel social media community. I’ve made friends from around the globe through the force that is Twitter and went from 0 to over 1,600 followers in under 10 months. I met New York bloggers at a Restless Legs event after attending the New York Times Travel Show in March, and I have become a regular fixture at our own local DC Travel Tweet-Up events.

When it comes to actual travel, as I mentioned earlier I’ve been pretty hard on myself. It's hard to feel authentic when you're part of a community of people who really value travel, when you're not actually traveling. But, in truth, I made my 10 vacation days really count.

In 2011, I was fortunate to get to travel to the following amazing destinations:

Santa Barbara
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater (one of my 55 Places Bucket List destinations!)
Los Angeles
Las Vegas for a glam Gaga-filled girlfriend getaway
New York City
West Palm Beach (three times!)
Cancun, Mexico
Dewey Beach (twice!)
Shenandoah Valley during the peak fall foliage season
Philadelphia
Richmond

So, all in all, it’s been a pretty amazing year. And you know that I’m just getting started!

Stay tuned for my upcoming “2012: A Look Ahead” post to hear about all of the adventures I’ve got in store for next year.

Get ready… it’s going to be great.

Guest Post: Island Hopping the Yasawa Chain, Fiji

2011-12-19T09:00:00.002-05:00

This guest post is by Matthew Nunn.

Getting a taste of paradise is often the highlight of many people’s lives, and Fiji with its many islands, including the Yasawa chain, is an excellent place to achieve this. Unlike other tropical island locations, it is a brilliant and viable option for the budget traveler. When incorporated into a RTW trip, as I did, the low cost resorts and authentic culture are ideal, especially as it is only a 4 hour flight from Australia. Being so far flung from Europe, (up to 40 hours+ from London) and to an extent the US (nearly 20 hours from the East Coast) can make it an expensive trip as a standalone holiday, but sticking it in as a stop off on RTW trips brings you to an isolated and idyllic location in the world for a relatively low price.

Fiji and the Yasawa Islands

Fiji is an archipelago in the South Pacific consisting of two main islands and a vast collection of surrounding islands that rise dramatically out of the sea. The Yasawa islands curl up and away from the West Coast of Fiji, near Nadi and the international airport, and have many resorts whilst still offering isolation for you to choose from.

The itinerary for my trip was a 7 day ‘Bula’ pass that gave me access to the entire Yasawa chain. This pass allowed me to ‘hop-on / hop-off’ the boat on a daily basis, therefore offering a maximum 6 resorts and 7 days in tropical island paradise. I booked my pass months in advance through an agency in London, and numerous agencies in the entire Australia / New Zealand region offer this tour, particularly as package deals combined with other popular trips such as Fraser Island and the Whitsundays. This can tie you down date wise though, and creates too much structure for some travellers. However you don’t need to book until you reach Fiji (the city of Nadi has agencies that can sort you out) and this is likely going to give you a better deal.

The Trip Out There:

The most popular way of accessing the island chain is via the Yasawa Flyer, however being one the prime examples of tropical island paradise you will see sea planes soaring around and the odd private yacht. Surprisingly I did not feel that this detracts from the experience, as the island chain is long and scattered so that there is never the feeling of a cluttered Mediterranean marina. Instead, the beauty of sailing yachts and seaplanes dipping into coves acted as an additional viewing pleasure throughout the day and there is still plenty of isolation to be found on these islands.

Fleets of private yachts can sometimes be found hidden in the many coves along the island chain

The Yasawa Flyer, aside from being your transport, actually deserves to be seen as a tourist attraction in its own right. The journey from the mainland to the very top of the island chain takes over 4 hours, with a constant stream of breath taking views and plenty of outer deck space my camera finger was trigger happy. As the week progressed the boat also served as an impromptu meeting point as we bumped into travellers we had met at various points along the chain.

Boat transfers between resorts allow you to take in some great views of the islands

The Islands:

Whether booking abroad or in Fiji, booking in advance does give you a higher likelihood of getting your specific resorts. Alternatively, many people like to pick as they go relying on advice from fellow ‘hoppers,’ just be prepared you may not be able to get every resort if it’s the peak season.

With numerous islands which all offer different scenery, atmosphere and activities you should do your research when you get there and grab the leaflet available at hotels and the marina to clue up on where you want to go. Like every great cocktail, I went for a mix, selecting two of the liveliest resorts – Beachcomber and Mantaray, as well as some of the most beautiful and relaxed available – Nabua Lodge, Long Beach, Coral View and Kuata.

Accommodation at all resorts is a mix of dorms (mixed and single sex) and bures which are traditional Fijian huts for 2 people. Being on a budget, I went for the dorms, finding them comfortable and fully equipped with showers and mosquito nets. Fortunately, at our first stop at Nabua Lodge we got a free bump-up to a bure, and with a spot right on the beach it was a definite bonus!

The view from our Bure at Nabua Lodge at high tide

The smaller quieter resorts are owned and run by the Fijian villagers from the respective islands. Although I’m not accusing the larger resorts (owned by foreigners) as being a menacing commercial blight, the Fijian owned and run resorts were more authentic and the staff were more engaging.

Regardless of where you stay, every island boasts stunning beaches, rainforest scenery and many hilltop walks and views. Taking a stroll through the jungle paths can feel like being in an episode of Lost, and walking far enough will always enable you to find a completely deserted beach for that marooned shipwrecked feeling.

When it came to dinnertime, it would range from traditional Fijian food to more standard Western food. Generally speaking, the smaller resorts offered Fijian food and were less likely to offer a choice aside from vegetarian and non-veggie. Unfortunately I found the Fijian food quite bland, the fish was fresh and we did occasionally see the days live catch being carted in, but there was an over reliance on vegetables for my liking. If you’re a fussy eater, then the bigger resorts such as Beachcomber and Mantaray have menus and are more Western focused.

Getting through the day without a single ‘Bula’ (hello) is impossible and I found it very charming how friendly the Fijian villagers were. If you like impromptu volley ball games, on pitches bordered by sea and palm trees, then this is the place for you.

Activities

Activities range between the resorts, but village trips, snorkel hire, volley ball and sunset summit walks are pretty much standard across the board. Sea fishing using a hand line was brilliant, perhaps because I managed to catch a fish just as darkness fell, and if you catch anything edible it can end up in that night’s dinner! This is only available in some resorts, as is the trip to the blue lagoon, the Sawailau caves and reef diving with shark feeding.

I would probably chalk up the reef diving as my favourite activity of all; as the 40 minute bumpy and wet ride out to the reef, the Nemo-esque fish on offer and the ability to feed and stroke the Reef sharks in their own habitat is a once in a lifetime experience!

Regular Sunset walks at most resorts offer some breath taking views

Recommendations

With the diversity available I really would recommend flicking through the brochure and having a think before you leave as to which resorts you want to stop off at. Every place has a seasoned pro (the hard core traveller who has been on the island chain for at least 2 weeks) so perhaps grabbing them can help during your trip if you’ve left your options open. My approach to cram in as much as possible and change island daily was great, but the boat journey will take up some of your time and you may miss out on getting to grips with each island.

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Matthew Nunn is a lifelong keen traveller and has added some awesome locations to his portfolio this year, with Fiji amongst them. As well as travel blogging, he also works for Citalia, specialists in Italian holidays and Rome Hotels.

Hotel Review: The Royal Resorts in Cancun, Mexico

2011-12-08T09:48:00.006-05:00

Imagine waking up in paradise. You start with breakfast on your balcony, enjoying the warm breeze and the views of the turquoise Caribbean ocean before venturing down to spend the day under a palapa on the beach or lounging by the pool. Happy hour starts at 3, and the only decision you really need to make all day is what you’d like to have to drink.

This, my friends, is an average day when vacationing in Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun is considered a top tourist destination for many reasons…. its rich Mayan culture and historic ruins, exciting nightlife, stunning blue sea and pearly white sand. Driving along the Zona Hotelera’s main strip, you’ll find one luxury resort after another. With so many choices, it’s easy for the first time visitor to get a bit overwhelmed when trying to figure out where to stay.

Lucky for you, my Packed Suitcase readers, I have been vacationing in Cancun annually since I was 14 years old. (Let’s not do the math…) Over the years I’ve stayed at a number of different Cancun hotels, but if you want the best of the best, look no further than the Royal Resorts.

The Royal Caribbean

Overview
The Royal Resorts are comprised of 5 hotels in Cancun (The Royal Islander, The Royal Caribbean, The Royal Mayan, The Royal Cancun, and The Royal Sands- the newest property) and one in the popular Riviera Maya (The Royal Haciendas.)

Each resort features stunning views of the Caribbean, pools (and swim-up pool bars!) and plenty of beach-y lounge chairs. On-site daily activities and dining options abound, making this a convenient and exciting vacation that lets you move at your own pace and get as active as you want to be. (Or, if you’d rather be a beach bum, that’s easily accomplished as well!)

These aren’t your ordinary hotel rooms. These are all-villa properties, which make them ideal for families and groups. Each unit is comprised of a main villa (master bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room with 2 pull-out beds, large balcony) and a “lock-off” (bedroom, bathroom, small balcony) which, when combined, can comfortably house around 6 people. However, you also have the flexibility to reserve the units separately if you don’t need as much square footage.

The Royal Mayan's living room - provided by RoyalResorts.com

TIP: While all of the Royal Resorts are part of the Interval International timeshare program, you don’t need to be a member to reserve your stay… you can even book through Expedia.com!

The Royal Sands

Service
One of the things that the Royal Resorts does best is provide top-notch service for its guests. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with prompt and courteous attention. From helping you with your groceries to recommending a place for dinner (and then making the reservation) the staff simply wants to do everything they can to ensure you have a happy and effortless stay.

Dining
Cancun has some amazing dining. However, each resort has a number of dining options for those days where you’re worn out from the sun and would rather stay in. Each resort has a small grocery store, fast casual, carryout and fine dining options, sure to suit any need or budget.

My FAVORITE Royal Resorts meal... the Shrimp Tacos! (Official recipe: here)

TIP: When I travel to the Royal Resorts with my family, we always plan one night in where we cook a home-style Italian dinner and enjoy it in our villa together. “Spaghetti night” has become a tradition that we look forward to year after year.

Activities
Some of my favorite travel memories have occurred on the Yucatan with Cancun as my home base; climbing up the steep steps of Chichen Itza (and being more than a little afraid to climb back down), zip-lining down into a centuries old cenote and snorkeling off the shores of Cozumel.

If you’re a first-time visitor to Cancun, you should really try to get out and experience some of the amazing day trips offered. (And the staff will be more than happy to help you reserve your activities.)

But you don’t need to venture far from the resorts to have a fantastic vacation. There is a full roster of activities on site each day, from Zumba to water aerobics, to scuba lessons and volleyball tournaments to tennis match-ups. Or, head over to the Spa at the Royal Sands for a massage and to relax in their luxurious hydrotherapy rooms.

The Royal Resorts put a strong emphasis on the family experience, which means lots of activities for the kids as well. A few favorites are the ceramic painting and the weekly piñata party. (DUCK!)

TIP: Don’t miss the popular Welcome Party, held each Sunday. You’ll meet new friends, do the conga line and there’s free Rum and Cokes!

The Bottom Line
As a travel-lover with limited time off, I think it’s incredibly telling that I choose to dedicate my precious vacation days to this resort chain on the Yucatan. In a way, it’s become my home away from home.

The Royal Resorts are much more than just a luxury hotel chain. It’s the kind of place where bartenders learn your name (and your favorite drink!), where families come together in a safe and fun environment, where everywhere you look is a magnificent view, where you easily make friends for the duration of your stay and longer.

It’s for all of these reasons and more that make the Royal Resorts the kind of place where you will want to vacation to year after year.

2011 Packed Suitcase Traveler Gift Guide

2011-12-07T00:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first annual Packed Suitcase Traveler Gift Guide!

I set out to bring you the coolest travel gift ideas from all over the web, and believe me, with so many fun products on the market it was really hard to choose.

But I made my list, and checked it... twice(!) and whether you've been naughty or nice, here are the top 7 travel gifts that I'm coveting this year, which are sure to impress any traveler in your life.

1.) Moleskin Passions Travel Journal
$19.95, Moleskinus.com
Form and function meet to create a fun and inspirating journal for dreaming, planning and documenting your journeys.

2.) Wilderness Survival Kit
$44, uncommongoods.com
Don't get lost in the woods on your next adventure. Pack along this survival kit, that has everything you need to survive and find your way home-- from fishing hooks to fire starting tinder, to a compass and a rescue signal mirror.

3.) Hand Stamped Custom Aluminum Cuff (Latitude and Longitude)
$15.75, etsy.com
This stylish cuff bracelet is hand-stamped with the latitude and longitude of your choosing. Whether you choose your hometown, your favorite dive bar or your home away from home, this cuff is sure to be a conversation starter!

4.) Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2012
$14.99, lonelyplanet.com
Help your jetsetter stay on top of the latest trends and up-and-coming destinations for 2012 with this topical tome by the expert team at Lonely Planet.

5.) Scratch Off Map

$20, Flight 001

Keep track of your travels with this fun and whimsical scratch off map... keep those pennies handy!

6.) Travel Spice Kit

$14.99, World Market

Don't settle for bland food while you're on the road. With this handy kit, you'll have everything you need to embrace your inner foodie, whether you're in the hostel kitchen or cooking over a campfire.

7.) Coach Poppy Liquid Gloss Pushlock Satchel

$379, Coach.com

Make a statement with this bold and oh-so-stylish shoulder bag that's the perfect accessory for any of your travels.

Snapshot of the Week: The Royal Resorts in Cancun, Mexico

2011-12-01T12:11:00.001-05:00

Ah, Cancun. My tropical home away from home!

I'm freshly back from a 9 day vacation at the Royal Resorts in sunny Cancun, Mexico, where I spent my days lounging by the pool, heading to the spa and relaxing by the ocean with a Banana Monkey in hand. To say it was glorious is an understatement!

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures from this week and look out for a brand new blog post with more pictures and my review of the Royal Resorts next week on PackedSuitcase.com.

The infinity pool at the Royal Sands

Oceanside view from the Royal Caribbean

Stunning sunrise over the Caribbean

***To contribute to the "Snapshot of the Week" feature, please review the submission details and email chris@packedsuitcase.com with a description of what you'd like to submit.***

Cold Weather Camping: Survival Tips

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

I was recently invited for a weekend of camping and outdoorsy fun in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah National Park. I was excited for the trip but terrified of one small detail… the trip was in late October.

Sure, late October is the perfect time of year to visit Shenandoah. It's literally one of the best places in the country to see the autumn leaves. The problem is that I am distinctly a warm weather person. I’m the type of girl that gets cold in August. (Seriously.)

In the Mid-Atlantic region, October is a month that can often be either really warm or really cold. Of course, our weekend was cold. Like lower 30s cold.

Here are my newly tried and tested tips for surviving a camping trip in brrr-licious cold weather.

Wear Layers. Unabashedly.
Who cares if you waddle like a penguin because you have on 4 pairs of pants and can’t bend your knees! At least you’ll be warm (or warm-er) and when you run into unprepared campers who didn't bring enough layers, you’ll get a jolt of confidence and feel like you are a camping expert.

Side Note: For some good layers info, check out my Packing for Patagonia post... I used many of the same layers for this trip as well!

Build a fire with maximum heat projection
We tried several different methods over the course of the weekend (drawn from various girl scout memories) but by far the fire with the most effective warming was the TeePee style fire.

To build a TeePee fire of your own, start by creating a mound of leaves and smaller kindling materials into the fire pit. Light the base layer and once you've got a steady (yet small) fire going add your larger logs vertically over the kindling to form the shape of a TeePee.

Voila! Hello, warmth!

Plan activities from dusk til dawn
When it's cold, the worst thing to do would be to just sit and think about how cold/ miserable you are. The solution is to keep yourself busy! Make an involved dinner, tend the fire, organize your tent, go on a hike.

The busier you keep yourself, the warmer you'll be...AND the more tired you'll be when it's time to go to sleep!

View from my hike... so pretty!

Bring an extra comforter to pile on top of your sleeping bag.
I happened to bring an extra down comforter and I don't think I would have made it if I didn't have my very own warmth cocoon. If you have it, bring it because the extra comforter can make a world of difference.

Bring the essential warming beverages.
You know... Hot Chocolate, Cider... Bourbon. These will help warm you up in no time!

And remember, if all else fails you can always sleep in your car! But hopefully with these tips, you won't have to!

How have YOU survived a cold-weather camping adventure? Do you have any tips to add?

Guest Post: Queenstown, A Place for All Seasons

2011-09-21T08:27:00.000-04:00

This guest post is by Craig Patterson.

With the 2011 Rugby World Cup now in full flight I thought it might be an opportune moment to cast the spotlight on the host nation, New Zealand and more specifically one of its smaller but no less vibrant communities, Queenstown. Although the closest a rugby match will come to being played in the peaceful resort town is in nearby Invercargill, Queenstown still has plenty to offer at any time of the year.

There is a charismatic and intimate sense to Queenstown that lends it a small-town feel but with many of the benefits of a more sizeable municipality. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations in the area from boutique guesthouses, to remote lodges and grand hotels such as the exclusive Eichardt's Private Hotel which looks out over the waters of Lake Wakatipu and backs on the fashionable Beach Street.

Looking out over Lake Wakatipu

What you get up to in Queenstown can largely depend upon the season; this is a town that metamorphoses from a charming slow paced community into a bustling snow sports Mecca during the winter months when New Zealanders from miles around as well as hordes of international enthusiasts descend upon the region to enjoy its renowned ski and snow boarding facilities. Of course being in the Southern Hemisphere this winter period stretches from June to the end of August; although the skiing season does continue into October.

For anyone lucky enough to visit Queenstown towards the end of June, the annual Winter Festival is a spectacular 10 day event featuring a host of winter-related activities including street parades, exhibitions, workshops, invitationals, fireworks displays, markets, street stalls and much, much more. If you’re not hitting the slopes on one of the 6 international standard pistes then you can take time to explore the beautiful National Parks of Mount Aspiring, the Fiordland or Glenorchy.

During the long, pleasant days of the summer months a steam boat tour of the winding Lake Wakatipu is a must. Whether you choose a historic steamer or a regal sailing ship, the views out across the bay and Otago’s highlands beyond that are breathtaking. The adventure doesn’t stop when the snow melts, and one of the most memorable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts is a helicopter flight and cross country bike ride down from Ben Crauchan, one of the tallest peaks in the Remarkables (yes that’s what it is really called) mountain range. Promising incredible panoramas of the undulating landscape and an adrenaline fuelled race down the mountain this is the ideal way to get the heart racing and enjoy a unique perspective of Queenstown.

If you really have a stomach of steel you could dare yourself to take the ultimate plunge; the Nevis Bungee jump- a member of the famous AJ Hackett group of bungee sites- stands at over 134m and is New Zealand’s highest commercial bungee. With over 8 seconds of free fall, the Otago countryside will never look as spectacular nor as intimidating when you are stood at the edge of the bungee pod that hovers high above the Nevis River.

Despite its diminutive size Queenstown still boasts a rather impressive catalog of shops, bars, restaurants, museums and galleries to entertain any taste or persuasion from the iconic Fergburger burger bar (a must try) to fine dining experiences such as the skyline restaurant- perched above the city on Bob’s Peak with fantastic views across the lake and beyond. The skyline restaurant actually forms part of the wider skyline complex which features a cable car ride up to the summit and also a down hill luge course promising fun for all of the family. The Skyline Kiwi Haka is a cultural exhibition that allows guests to appreciate up close traditional Maori practices including, dance dress and ceremony.

The view from Bob's Peak

Shopaholics are sure to find a bargain or two as well as "splash the cash" around the centrally located shopping district which boasts a number of renowned outlets and famous labels as well as couture items. Local sheep skin clothing, artworks and crafts such as Pounamu (Jade) jewelery make great souvenirs and mementos of your trip. The shopping area generally encompasses Shotover Street, Beach Street, Ballarat Street and Camp Street.

Milford Sound

If you have time to (or even if you don’t), a tour to Milford Sound- one of the world’s most recognizable and celebrated natural sites- is highly recommended. Judged by Trip Advisor users as one of the world’s top travel destinations, numerous tour operators and services are available from Queenstown to Milford Sound in the Fiordlands of the west coast. Driving times can vary according to weather conditions but are generally between 4-5 hours with a choice of stop offs; usually at Te Anau, a small but quaint town on the banks of the Te Anau Lake. A boat trip around the simply breathtaking scenery is just reward for the long journey time. One of the more expensive but most spectacular ways to encounter the Sound is to combine your trip with a light aircraft flight back to Queenstown; a chance to take in all of the drama and grandeur of the South Land region.

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Craig Patterson is an avid traveller and professional travel writer and has been lucky enough to visit Queenstown on a number of occasions. He is also an associate of The Turquoise Holiday Company, one of the world’s leading tour operators specialising in luxury holidays and honeymoons.

Best of Florence, Italy: Where to Go, Stay and Eat

2011-09-15T08:41:00.000-04:00

In college, I studied abroad in the city that started the Renaissance: the magnificent Florence, Italy. I spent my time there living the good life: wandering the cobblestone streets, visiting markets and museums, sampling gelato from every notable place in town and eating enough pizza and pasta to feed a small village… balanced amongst my intensely dedicated studying, of course.

Recently, several friends and colleagues have visited Florence, and I, the ever-helpful travel guru that I am, would find myself putting together a “here’s where to go/stay/eat” type email with my top tips to experiencing the very best of this amazing city in a short amount of time.

Well, my Packed Suitcase friends, today I’m pulling back the veil and sharing my tips to insider’s Florence with you, too. Enjoy!

WHERE TO STAY:

It’s a given that Florence’s historical city center is the place to stay. This is one town that’s perfect for the weekend or extended trip, because it's actually fairly small. Save the money and skip the car rental, because you should be able to walk everywhere worth going during your visit.

Try to stay within these two prime locations

My absolute favorite area to stay is the Oltrarno, which means "the other side of the Arno." (*It's down at the bottom of the map across the river). Not only is it known for being a little quieter and more intimate, but it’s where all of the unique artisan workshops and storefronts are located. (Plus, it’s got some of the best restaurants in town!)

Staying on the Oltrarno side is just a mere 5-10 minute walk to the Duomo and – just think! – every time you cross the river you’ll walk across the Ponte Vecchio or another gorgeous bridge. (Can you say “photo op”?)

View from the Ponte Vecchio at Sunset

If you crave a little more action, try staying in the true heart of the historical center - the area surrounding the Duomo. You’ll be closer to Michelangelo’s David, but you’ll also have more noise, more crowds and more touristy shops/ restaurants.

I would be remiss if I didn’t warn you of the one area I wouldn't recommend staying: directly around the train station (Santa Maria Novella, to the left of the top circle). While convenient if you have jaunts planned to Venice or Rome, train stations always tend to be a little shadier, and our beautiful Florence is no exception.

Also, if you go too far past Santa Croce, you're getting a bit far from where the action is. Part of the fun is getting to walk everywhere comfortably.

*Note: For actual hotel reviews, feel free to look at VRBO.com, Lonely Planet or Expedia, etc.

WHAT TO DO:

Whether your interest lies in art, history or shopping for Ferragamo’s, Florence has something to satisfy every interest.

Must-see art spots:
• The Accademia, to see Michaelanglo’s “David” in the flesh. (*Be sure to reserve your spot before you get there to avoid waiting in long lines.)

• The Uffizi Gallery, to view works from Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Giotto, Raphael, Cimabue, and, the Florentine Golden Child himself, Michelangelo. My favorite is Botticelli’s “Primavera.” (*Try to book tickets in advance for this museum, too.)

Botticelli's "Primavera"

• Right outside the Uffizi Gallery is the Piazza della Signoria’s Loggia dei Lanzi, a free open air sculpture gallery chock full of Renaissance art, like Cellini’s “Perseus with the Head of Medusa” (1554) and Giambologna’s “The Rape of the Sabine Women” (1583). The piazza’s square is also home to the striking “Fountain of Neptune.” (1565)

Giambologna’s “The Rape of the Sabine Women” in the Loggia dei Lanzi

• Fun Florence Art Fact: Would you believe me if I told you that Florence has not one, not two but THREE David statues scattered around Florence? (They really do love their Michelangelo, don’t they?)

1. The Real Deal: Accademia

2. Imitation, but in good company: Piazza della Signoria

3. Imitation, but with a great view: Piazzale Michelangelo

If history's what you crave:

• Be sure to include the Basilica of Santa Croce in your itinerary. This church is the final resting spot of Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Rossini and other Italian greats. And if that’s not enough, there’s also art from Donatello and Giotto… the entire place just makes me awestruck.

Santa Croce, and an artist's market

• For fans of Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, visit the Casa di Dante. It’s the house (now a museum) that the notable poet is said to have lived… well, at least before he was banished due to political discord with the Black Guelphs in 1302.

• A “Thank Goodness” Florence History Fact: The Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in Florence that was preserved (and not destroyed) by Germans during World War II.

For great views of the city:

• Climb to the top of the Duomo, or its neighboring bell tower, Giotto's Campanile.

• Or, why not grab a bottle of vino and bring it along for a nice uphill stroll to the Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy the views of the city at sunset. (Here’s my video of my journey:)

If shopping’s more your bag:
• For inexpensive souvenirs, one of the many outdoor markets is the way to go. You’re likely to stumble across them as you walk throughout the city, but my top pick is the San Lorenzo Market. There’s where I buy my weight in pashmina scarfs or ties to bring home as gifts.

• For high class fashion, look no further than the Via de’ Tornabuoni. With storefronts like Versace, Gucci and Ferragamo, think of it as Florence’s Rodeo Drive. (The nearby Via della Vigna Nuova, with Valentino, Armani and Pucci, ain’t too shabby either!)

• Not-so-fun Florence Shopping Fact: While it might be appealing to have your very own Prada purse knock off (at least you can tell your friends it’s from Italy?) stay far, far away from the peddlers selling fake designer goods. In an effort to protect the Italian designers and fashion economy, the police won’t hesitate to fine you upwards of €10,000 Euros if you’re caught buying fake Fendi’s on the street.

FOOD:

If you do nothing else, be sure to come to Florence with a hearty appetite, because the food truly is amazing! While you really can't go wrong with wherever you choose to nosh on, here are some of my faves:

• Trattoria 4 Leoni, on the Oltrarno side by the river... you might need reservations for this one, but it's worth it. (I dream about the pear-filled pasta. Amazing!)

Pasta bows stuffed with pear, in an asparagus and cheese sauce (Fiocchetti di pera in salsa di taleggio e asparagi)

• Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco is another hidden gem, also on the Oltrarno. You'll find it full of locals, and this "white boar" spot won't disappoint.

Pasta with a hearty ragu of long stewed boar and olives

• For great ambiance, grab a table at one of Piazza della Signoria’s many cafes. While you'll pay more to eat in the popular piazza, it’s worth the price to get a prime people-watching spot.

• Vivoli has long been considered to be the "best gelato in Florence" but Gelateria de’ Neri and Perche No! are also solid choices. (Why not taste test them all? You're on vacation, after all!)

Try flavors like Stracciatella (cream with crunchy chocolate bits), Gianduia (chocolate hazelnut), Frutti di Bosco (fruits of the forest) and Amarena (cream with cherry pieces).

• Fun Florence Foodie Fact: Did you know that the traditional bread made in Florence isn’t made with salt? It’s a tradition dating back since the 1100’s and is said to be because back then there was a pricey tax on salt. So pricey, in fact, that the bakers of Florence rebelled and decided that their bread would henceforth be sans salt.

Of course, the end result is a dense, bland, generally unappealing bread barely fit to soak up your delicious sauce, but you have to respect the Florentines for sticking to their convictions, right?

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME ABOUT FLORENCE, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT OR SHOOT ME AN EMAIL (chris [at] packedsuitcase [dot] com).

Where in the World Wednesday: 9.14.11

2011-09-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome back to Where in the World Wednesday!

The concept is simple:
     We: Provide a riddle in the form of a haiku.
     You: Try to guess the city described. Post your guess in the comments section.

Easy, right?

Later this week, the answer will be posted. Whoever guesses first gets a special shout out.

And, here we go!

Bright lights, big city
     Visit the world on one street
          Try: Win, Lose or Draw.

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE WE?

This week we're in Las Vegas, Nevada!

Looking for an explanation?

Bright lights, big city: Refers to Elvis' legendary "Viva Las Vegas."

Also refers to the brightly lit Las Vegas Strip.

Visit the world on one street: Refers to the infamous Las Vegas strip.

There you can travel around the world (Egypt- Luxor, Italy- Bellagio and Venetian, France- Paris, New York- New York, New York), through time (Caesar's Palace) and through literary lands (Excalibur, Treasure Island).

Try: Win, Lose or Draw: Refers to Vegas' reputation as a gambler's paradise. (Try not to spend it all in one place!)

Congrats to this week's winners: @The Happy Hiker, @Kristin, @RoniWeiss, @xcomglobal and @BBFoodBlog. Thanks for playing!

Guest Post: Avignon, France: Off the Beaten Path at The Popes’ Palace

2011-09-13T08:00:00.005-04:00

This guest post is by Mandy Kilinskis.

Every year, over 4.2 million people flock to Vatican City. Some go for the religious devotion, some go for the unique and stunning architecture, and some go for the deeply historical value.

If I asked you what other places in the world have the same criteria, you’d probably tell me Jerusalem, Mecca, or even the Taj Mahal. And I’ll counter with this: Nestled in the Provence region of France, in the town of Avignon, there is a monument that meets all of those criteria and stands a true testament to French history.

This place is the Popes’ Palace.

Photo via Flickr

Known as Le Palais des Papes to the French, many people don’t even know of its existence. However, for the same reasons as the Vatican, it’s more than worth your time.

Fun fact: The popes have lived outside of Rome! In the early years of the 14th century, there was a whole lot of violence in Rome. When the next pope was elected (Clement V, a Frenchman), he basically said, “You know, I’m cool with staying in France.” Nobody really blamed him.

But a pope (and the six French popes that followed) can’t just live in a tiny castle somewhere. He needs a palace. So the papacy decided to build themselves one in Avignon, France. Over the next twenty years, they constructed a huge palace. The palace itself consists of two smaller palaces smashed together.

So for travelers seeking religious connections to their destinations, this is a must-see. While 4.2 million annually can brag that they have been to the Vatican, less than a million people worldwide can brag that they visited the other home of the popes.

Avignon hosted the papacy for almost seventy years, and not surprisingly, the city grew up around the palace. Most of the papal treasury went directly to the build.

Settled snugly just after the main Rue de la République, the Popes’ Palace suddenly emerges into the Avignon skyline: a jarring but immediately pleasing addition to the calm downtown feel.

Fun fact for architecture nerds: While the façade (shown above) does look more Romanesque and less Gothic, the Popes’ Palace is still considered the largest Gothic palace in all of Europe. Inside, the handful of chapels and dozens of doorways are adorned with statues and bent arches.

The popes’ life in Avignon didn’t last forever. When 1376 hit, Rome was stable and they thought that the French monarchy influenced the papacy too much. After a schism and a few scuffles, the papacy moved back to the Vatican. The Popes’ Palace, still owned by the Vatican but completely uncared for, started to fall into disarray.

I’m happy to report that the Popes’ Palace is back to good health these days. And actually, a lot of that has to do with the French Revolution. After revolutionaries sacked the place and executed a lot of their enemies, they reclaimed the land for France.

In true Revolution fashion, the revolutionaries tore through the sacred palace and either smashed or lopped off the heads of all the religious statues.

Even though it would be nice to see the Popes’ Palace at the height of its finery, it’s hard to find a monument in France that better represents the change of the country. The French are known for recycling buildings for new uses: The Louvre used to be a palace and The Musée d’Orsay was once a train station. The Popes’ Palace is no different.

While it was once the command center of Catholicism, it morphed into an outlet for revolutionaries to express their discontent. Once they executed their fair share of enemies, Napoleon came through and seized the building. He turned it into a military barracks and prison.

Finally back in the hands of the government, the site is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site and in a steady state of repair. Catching the palace during its transition period is actually a treat. While murals in the Chapelle St-Jean and the Pope’s personal chambers have been restored, many still wait dormant. The broken arches over the doors to the Great Chapel sport headless statues. Just down the hall in the Parement Chamber, you can see two distinct rows of arches that mark where Napoleon efficiently split the room into three floors of barracks. These features create a unique juxtaposition of how the palace was, to how time and man have left their mark on it.

Both times that I visited the Popes’ Palace, my groups practically had the place to ourselves. Yes, this had a lot to do with the fact that we went in December, but with the exception of Avignon’s summer theater festival, it’s a low-traffic historical site. You can feel free to take your time winding through the 20+ rooms open to the public without feeling rushed to read a sign and run to the next plaque.

So ask yourself: Do you want to head to Vatican City* and fight through thousands of people to get a glance at a fresco? Or do you want to visit an equally historic and religious monument that actually lets you breathe, too?

*For the record, I don’t have anything against Vatican City. I’ve been there and it’s lovely. I just think that Avignon deserves some love, too.

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Mandy Kilinskis works as a content developer for Quality Logo Products, Inc. and regularly contributes to their promo blog. Traveling is one of her biggest loves and she diligently saves her pennies to do as much of it as she possibly can. One of her lifelong goals is to see a Wonder of the World.

Snapshot of the Week: DC's National Archives

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Consitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights... Many people come to visit DC's National Archives to see some of the United States' most valuable documents. But outside the massive building (on the less-traversed back side) are two gigantic statues that yield a surprisingly profound message for passerbys and researchers en route to study the documents of our ancestors.

Guest Post: Snapshot of the Week: Cade's Cove, Tennessee

2011-09-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

Coming to the end of a spectacular ride through Cade's Cove, a wide and striking valley with wistful pastures nestled into the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, I pulled over next to a small wooded lot just at twilight and got out to stretch my legs. I could see an opening in the woods ahead marked by a fence and, camera-in-hand, I approached it. Standing out against a blue and lavender sky, this proud little tree captured my heart as I tried to capture it on film.

This Guest Photo is submitted by Liana Vitali, founder of Blackberry Food Blog, who eats too much. She also has too much fun using her handy Blackberry smart phone to capture her gastro-travels and share them with the whole wide web. Keep track of her on twitter @BBFoodBlog.

***To contribute to the "Snapshot of the Week" feature, please review the submission details and email chris@packedsuitcase.com with a description/ brief of what you'd like to contribute.***

Guest Post: Why Austin Really Is Weird

2011-08-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Guest post by Liana Vitali, founder of Blackberry Food Blog.

If I told you there was a place you could swim in one of the nation’s largest spring-fed pools, experience the sight (and smell) of 1.5 million bats flying five feet from your face and eat life-changing Indian food that will make you question the laws of the universe, would you believe me?

What if I threw in there that it was also the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World”?

Wall art on 6th Street in downtown Austin, TX

Well, this can be none other than Austin, that progressive, reformed city in the heart of Texas known for embracing the unconventional and it’s second but almost equally famous motto, “Keep Austin Weird.”

Yup, that is one of their mottos, their goals and aspirations, if you will, and I was catapulted into the weird world of Austin when the following conversation took place behind me in the shuttle from the airport.

"Did you hear they found diatoms in lichen in South America?!"
"Wow, really? I wonder where they get their silica … just astounding!"
“Hey, do you want to see my phytoplankton tattoo?”

Come again?

Well, my friends, the weirdness didn’t end there so I decided to highlight the top experiences of my trip that confirms Austin really, truly, is weird. Like, out there. Far out there.

Oh, hello there! You might see a bovine here or there in this post as well. The city was overrun by these giant porcelain pieces of art and I feel compelled to share them. OK, back to the weirdness.

Weird water
In Austin, I discovered the best and only way I ever want to swim from now until forever.

Barton Springs Pool in Austin, TX

Enter Barton Springs, a 3 acre spring fed natural pool hovering at a near-constant and revitalizing 68°F year-round. Why does swimming in a cool spring trump dunking in oceans, lakes and pools? Well, because you don’t end up with sand in the crotch of your bathing suit, duck poo clinging to your arms or red chlorinated eyes. The water is so clean you can go ahead and take a sip while you swim. Weird, yes. Refreshing, double yes.

Weird creatures
Who knew that one of the nation’s top urban wildlife watching experiences was in Austin, TX. And by urban wildlife watching, I mean you can observe 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge like locust from their roost beneath a city bridge about 5 blocks from the state’s capital building.

Mexican free-tailed bats leave their roost under Congress Bridge to gorge on bugs each night.

Yes, very urban.

Austinites love their Congress Bridge bats if not for their nightly awe-inspiring display of nature, then for the 20 thousand pounds of insects these critters consume each evening. True story, I wasn’t bit by a single bug the entire week I was in Austin. In fact, I don’t remember even seeing a bug … anywhere.

Bats as far as the eye can see!

But if this occurrence isn’t weird enough for you, this bat-fact will surely do you in. When mama bats are ready to give birth, their babies weigh as much as one-third of their mothers. Not impressed? Well, that would be equivalent to a human giving birth to a 40 pound baby.

Ouch.

Oh, another one of you cows popping up again. And with a top hat and spectacle, no less. Well, it is certainly a pleasure to meet you, you weird gold-plated heifer!

Weird food
Well, it’s not the food that was weird so much as the fact that to me, BBQ was not the best food to be had in Austin.

Blasphemous, I know.

The best meal I had in all of Austin was at a hipster Indian joint called G’raj Mahal which consisted of a handful of mismatched tables and chairs outside under large canopies with a pile of incredibly skilled chefs shoved into a 10’x4’ trailer pumping out naan and lassi’s at breakneck speeds.

Al fresco eating at G’raj Mahal

G’raj Mahal is very unassuming when you walk up to it, but the warm-spirited staff swiftly seat you and that’s when the scent of curry and cardamom come charging through your nasal passages like a stampede of odiferous stallions.

No, you can’t have any. Besides, cows, Indian food … I know you’re sacred and all but it’s really just weird that you even showed up.

What’s even weirder is that while you’re enjoying some of the tastiest Indian food you may ever try in the States, you can gaze upon the wondrously recycled contraptions created by the Austin Bike Zoo. These folks work to inspire public creativity and happiness by parading stunning bicycle works-of-art around Austin and in other cities across the country. Check out this snake they made out of recycled siding and soda bottles.

So weird and so very, very cool.

Weird stores
Bacon lip balm? Roast beef bubble gum? Ranch-flavored dental floss? I’m struggling internally whether these items are weird or just plain nauseating but at Big Top Candy Shop you can have your fill of these and other beyond weird items along with throw-back treats like Valomilk and decadent in-house chocolate goodies.

Foie gras bubble gum at Big Top Candy Store. Who’s feeling adventurous?

Yes, you saw right. Foie gras bubble gum. Will the weirdness ever end!?

So, have I convinced you that Austin is indeed one of the weirdest cities you can ever visit? Before I left Austin, I heard about deep-fried avocado and thong-donning cowboys so sounds like there is still a lot of weird to experience. I guess it’s true that “the stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the (weird) heart of Texas!”

If you’ve been to Austin before and had a close encounter of the weird kind, why don’t you share it with us?
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Liana Vitali, founder of Blackberry Food Blog, eats too much. She also has too much fun using her handy Blackberry smart phone to capture her gastro-travels and share them with the whole wide web. Keep track of her on twitter @BBFoodBlog.

Best Backpacker Games

2011-08-24T08:06:00.021-04:00

This post was originally published on GoGirlGuides.com on 8/8/11.

When you’re on the road, it can be hard to find the space to bring much entertainment along for the ride. Luckily, a great night can be had with little more than a deck of cards or a pad of paper and a great group of friends.

Here are a few of our favorite backpacker games with a little international flair, sure to make you the life of the party!

1. STADT, LAND, FLUSS (or City, Country, River)

This German geography game is perfect for the international traveler and is reminiscent of the board game “Scattergories.”

The goal:
To outwit your competitors with your superior knowledge of obscure geography and travel themes.

How many people:
At least 2

What you’ll need:

A piece of paper for each player

A pen

Is there drinking involved?
Drinking’s not integral to gameplay… although you’re welcome to imbibe if you feel so inclined!

How to play:

Begin by choosing 3 categories, such as country, city, landmark, etc.

Beginning with the letter “A”, everyone writes down their selection for the category. (You may set a time limit if you’d like to keep the game moving quickly.) Example: If the categories are City, Ethnic Food, Landmark and the letter is “C”, then the answers could be “Copenhagen, Crepe, Coliseum.”

At the end of each round, everyone shares their answers.

Scoring:
Each person is scored per category. If you are the only person to come up with what you have written, you will receive 10 points. If others came up with the same selection, then you get 5 points. If you blank and don’t write anything, you don’t get any points. (So, clearly out of the box selections are the way to go!)
The game ends when you get tired of playing! You can set a winning score if you want to have a definitive end point.

2. MUSHROOM

Mushroom is a really fun card game that I learned while backpacking throughout New Zealand. It’s a lot like Jenga… only instead of a tower of blocks, cards are funneled out while balancing on a small surface (bottle top or cup) until it resembles, well, a mushroom.

The goal:
Keep the mushroom from toppling over… or else, you lose.

How many people:
2+ players (more is definitely better!)

What you’ll need:

A deck of cards

A sturdy table (and a lack of wind!)

An empty bottle or cup (with a smaller opening than the width of a card.)

Drinks

Is there drinking involved?
Yes (although what you drink is completely up to you.)

Card values:
2-10               2-10, respectively
Face cards     10
Aces              11

How to play:

Place the empty bottle or cup in the center of the table. (Note: bottles are more challenging.)

Make a ring of cards (face down) around the glass.

The first player takes a card from the circle. Before they look at the card they guess whether they think the card is Red or Black.

If they guess the correct color, the value of the card is the number of “sips” the player can distribute… either all to one person or split amongst the other players, however he or she decides. They also choose someone to put the card on the bottle or glass using only 2 fingers.

If they do not guess the correct color, then they drink the value of the card themselves and place the card on top of the glass using only 2 fingers.

The game continues around the table clockwise. IMPORTANT NOTE: Each new card placed must have 2 corners hanging off from the rest of the cards. This will ensure that the cards expand and the game continues to be challenging.

The mushroom will continue to grow outwards until cards start to fall.

If only a few cards fall, the person responsible must put the cards back on the mushroom and drink the value of the fallen cards.

If all of the cards fall, the person responsible loses the game and must drink the rest of their drink.

3. 41 (or Empat Satu)

41 is a simple (I swear!) draw and discard card game from Indonesia. This game has the name “41” because it is the highest score you can hope to obtain.

The goal:
To collect four cards of the same suit with as high a point value as possible.

How many people:
2 – 13 players (note: 5-9 players are ideal)

What you need:

1 deck of cards

Card values:
2-10                2-10, respectively
Face cards       10
Aces                11

How to play:

The first dealer is chosen at random and deals four cards to each player, clockwise, one card at a time. Any remaining cards are placed face down in a stack in the center of the table.

The dealer plays first, and must draw from the stack. Again, the goal is to get as high of a score as possible with 4 cards of the same suit. So decisions what to draw and discard are made based on that goal.

The following players (moving clockwise) may draw from either the top card of the stack or the card that has just been discarded by the previous player. (It is illegal to draw a card from the discard pile then immediately discard it in the same turn. However, if you pick a card from the stack and don’t want it, you are free to immediately discard it.)

Play ends when someone has 4 cards of one suit at the start of their turn. (If after drawing and discarding during your turn you find that you have 4 cards of the same suit you must wait until the start of your next turn.) This can occur at the very start of the game, or may not happen at all during the course of the game… it’s different each time.

If there are no cards left in the stack, and the player whose turn it is does not want the card at the top of the discard pile, the game ends and the hands are scored as follows below.

Scoring:

When the game ends (either because a player has 4 cards of the same suit, or because the stack has run out), all players show their cards and count their scores.

In each hand, the player must select one suit (hopefully there is a dominant suit) as positive points, while all other suits will be considered negative points.

For example, if you have the following cards, your total score would be 7:
- 7 of hearts (worth +7)
- Jack of hearts (worth +10)
- 8 of spades (worth -8)
- 2 of diamonds (worth -2)

If you are unlucky and have no cards of the same suit, then… well, just do your best and pick the highest card as your dominant suit.

In case you were wondering… as mentioned, the perfect score is 41. To get this score, you’d have to have an Ace, King, Queen and Jack all of one suit. Think of this as a royal flush for the game of 41.
If there is a tie, the tied player’s negative cards are used to decide who wins. (The higher the value of the negative cards determine the loser.)

The player with the highest score is the winner, and the one with the lowest score is, obviously, the loser. Normally, no running score tally is kept. Instead, the loser deals and the winner begins the next hand.

Do you have any other great backpacker games to add to our list? If so, let us know, because it may be featured on a follow up post!

Snapshot of the Week: California's Point Dune State Preserve

2011-08-22T10:00:00.003-04:00

California's Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the United States for a reason... with views of jagged cliffs, pristine beaches and the Pacific Ocean for as far as the eye can see, it's easy to feel awed by the rugged beauty of the Golden State.

Yesterday as I left Santa Barbara and drove back towards Los Angeles, my traveling companions and I were taken with this vast and stunning sand dune that's situated near Malibu's Point Dune State Preserve. Of course, we had to pull over and attempt to climb this unique landmark. The perfect place to stop and await one final California sunset before heading back home on our red-eye flight to Washington, DC.

Here are a few more angles of this incredible dune...

Looking up the dune

Looking down... (It's steeper than it looks!)

Proof.

Next Up: Santa Barbara, California!

2011-08-17T00:09:00.001-04:00

Well, friends, the suitcase is packed and the time for adventuring is upon us once again. This time, I'm setting off to explore the picturesque seaside retreat known as Santa Barbara, California!

For this trip, I'll be meeting up with some of my favorite girlfriends from my semester abroad in Florence, Italy. 2011 marks our 10 year reunion, and while we won't be reminiscing in Tuscany, I'm expecting that Santa Barbara will thoroughly satisfy our need for wineries, relaxation and some seriously photo-worthy scenery.

We'll be staying at a quaint inn with our own little cottage... Perfect for catching up and planning the day's activities.

Expect a full report with winery visits, hiking and lots of pretty photos when I return, and if you have any tips or must-dos, please add them to the comments below. Thanks!

Photo from Tango Diva

Guest Post: Two Days in Kyoto, Japan

2011-08-16T00:05:00.000-04:00

It’s a dream come true for many travelers—a vacation to Japan’s former capital, the beautiful city of Kyoto. The catch is that you have only 2 days to enjoy as many cultural delights as you can! Our suggestions for your two day trip to Kyoto, Japan should help you decide on a game plan.

Photo of Kinkaku-ji’s Golden Pavilion courtesy of http://www.japish.com/kyoto.html

DAY 1

Morning

Rise and shine, put comfortable shoes on, and get ready to spend the day exploring! Today, you’ll start by visiting the Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji Temples. Kinkaku-ji’s Golden Pavilion was first built as a retirement community. Ryoan-ji, the Zen temple, is home to a famous rock garden. Both are popular tourist spots.

Afternoon

Travel to the Arashiyama district to check out more beautiful ancient temples and shrines. The temple of Tenryuji, a world heritage site and the head temple of its own school of Zen Buddhism, is a marvel to explore. You can even order shojin-ryori, the vegetarian food of the monks. Leave through the north gate to tour the lovely, green bamboo forest.

Evening

Take the train 2.5 kilometers south of Kyoto to visit the Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha. This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, sake, and business. Over 10,000 red gates will take you through a magical hillside tunnel into Inari’s world. Explore the winding footpaths and admire the statues of kitsune—mystical foxes.

Photo of the red gates provided by http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/kyoto_fushimi_inari_taisha.htm

Night

If you get back to Kyoto by 8:30 p.m. and have 770 yen to spare, end your night by visiting the Kyoto Tower observatory. You can enter as late as 8:40; the tower closes at 9 p.m. This building stands above a 9-story hotel, offering free binoculars for a beautiful nighttime view of the city. There are many restaurants nearby to finish the night off right.

Now, head back to your hotel for a good night of sleep, because you’ll be waking up early again tomorrow!

DAY 2

Morning

Wake up early, put those comfortable shoes back on, and get ready for more walking! Yesterday, you saw the Golden Pavilion, so today you’ll be seeing the Silver Pavilion. Your feet will take you through Higashiyama, the Eastern Mountains of Kyoto.

You’ll find many of Kyoto’s famous temples, alleyways, and gardens along Higashiyama’s tourist path. Begin by heading for the Buddhist temple known as Kyomizu-dera. Approach from the tiny road south of the main tourist road for a stroll through the scenic, ancient cemetery.

Photo of Kyomizu-dera provided by Wikipedia

Afternoon

Keep walking north through Higashiyama. You can stop by the historically restored neighborhood Sannen-Zaka for tea. Back on the road, take your time and explore the small shrines—Kyoto has about 2,000 of these temples!

Next, you’ll find yourself in Gion, the geisha district. If you’re hungry, stop by Issen Yoshoku for a beer and your fill of okonomiyaki. Open up the giant menu and you’ll find the only dish is named after the restaurant! It’s tacky, cheap, and delicious.

Evening

Travel to Higashiyama’s northern section starting from the Keage Station on the Tozai subway line. Hit Nanzen-ji and be sure to check out all the sub-temples. You may have to pay a small fee to enter one of these mini-temples, but this should be the equivalent of a few dollars.

Next, walk through the Philosopher’s Path, Tetsugaku-no-michi, and enjoy the peaceful cherry blossoms overhead. The Philosopher’s Path is lined with small cafes, so feel free to drop by for tea and cake if you are feeling peckish.

Photo of the Philosopher's Path provided by http://www.taleofgenji.org/

Finish your stroll at Ginkaku-ji, known as the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, but don’t waste your time looking for a silver pavilion—it was never built! Instead, you’ll find a pretty tea garden to admire.

Night

Return to Gion for some geisha spotting. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a geisha or apprentice geisha, known as a maiko, walking past the dark wood buildings under the glow of the red lanterns.

Now that you’ve seen some of the best sights of Kyoto, return to your hotel room for a good night’s sleep!

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ASHYIA HILL from CreditDonkey recommends travelers compare exchange rates and consider no foreign transaction fee credit cards before their next trip. By using a card instead of cash, you'll get protection in case your wallet is stolen or fraudulent charges appear. And remember, you may have only spent two days in the city, but your memories of the beauty, simplicity, and grace of Kyoto will last a lifetime.

Travel Recipe: Pesto Lasagna

2011-08-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

When I was in college, I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. There I lived with an Italian woman named Carla and her son Massimo. As part of the room and board agreement, Carla would cook amazing Italian fare each night for dinner. Fresh tomato sauce atop perfectly al dente pasta, ultra thin chicken Milanese with a perfectly crispy battered coating, and espresso... lots and lots of espresso.

Today's recipe is my favorite of all of Carla's dishes: Pesto Lasagna. Vegetarian and fresh, it's the quintessential summer dish, best made with basil at the peak of summer.

And the best part is that the pesto recipe below can be tossed with pasta, if assembling a whole lasagna is too daunting!

Buon appetito!

PESTO LASAGNA

PESTO (made in the traditional Italian style with no official measurements):
2 large handfuls fresh basil... or, 1 cup packed
1 large handful grated Parmesan cheese... or, 1/2 cup
1 small handful pine nuts... or, 1/4 cup
Approximately 1 espresso cup of extra virgin olive oil... or, 4 tbsp
Salt, to taste... 1/4-1/2 tsp works well

Take all ingredients and pulse in a small food processor or blender until finely chopped.

BECHEMEL SAUCE (makes 2 cups):
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 1/2 cups milk, heated
A dash ground Nutmeg
Salt
Freshly ground pepper

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium high heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste cooks and bubbles a bit, but don't let it brown — about 2 minutes.

Add the hot milk, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens. Bring it to a boil. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste, lower the heat, and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from the heat.

PASTA:
1 lb. lasagna noodles, cooked until al dente and trimmed to fit an 8x8 casserole dish.

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesean cheese

ASSEMBLY:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a greased 8x8 casserole dish, begin to layer the lasagna. First, lay out a layer of noodles, cut to the size of your dish. Then, spread a few spoonfuls of pesto on top of the pasta. Remember: a little pesto goes a long way. It's naturally very flavorful!

Then, add enough bechemel sauce to lightly cover the noodles and pesto. The pesto and bechemel sauce will mix together a bit. Toss a little handful of grated parmesean over the layer.

Continue this pattern of noodles, pesto, bechemel and parmesean (alternating the direction of the noodles to help bind the lasagna) until the last layer of noodles. On the top layer, after laying out pesto and bechemel sauce, coat everything with the grated mozzarella cheese.

Wrap the dish tightly with foil. and bake for one hour. Remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes more at 450 degrees, until top is golden. Remove from oven and allow to sit for 15 minutes before slicing.

Serve and enjoy!