JetSet Travel

The West Coast Beautiful Spot

2011-10-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite spots in the entire U.S. is Portland, Oregon. The streets are super-friendly to visitors, there are over 300 parks within it's boundaries and what other city can boast over 300 miles of bike routes, soon to double in size by 2030?

Portland's population has grown to almost 600 thousand, which makes it kind of a mid-size city and it features a light rail system, biodiesel buses, streetcars and an aerial tram.

One of great tourist attractions in Portland is the forestry museum, where you can buy almost any useful souvenir made from wood.

But, what makes Portland terrific is the people. They have to be the friendliest bunch on the west coast. And that's a nice asset to have, along with the incredible surrounding scenery.

Iceland isn't Ice-Cold!

2011-10-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

When you think of a vacation spot next year, you probably won't think long and hard about a place called, Iceland. But think abut it. If you don't like stifling hot temperatures, you'll love this country. In August, fir example, the average temperature is 54 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest is in the 45 degrees range. It can be cool, but not cold at night. the average rainfall in August is 2.4 inches. Just right to help things cool off.

If you travel to Iceland, you'll want to experience two very important phenomenon; The return of the Northern Lights or aurora borealis, with it's greenish lights in the northern sky, is an experience you won't soon forget. September is a great time to see it. And, don't miss the Blue Lagoon, 40 miles south of Rejkjavik. The water in the lagoon is heated by underground lava, to a temperature of 98 degrees, Fahrenheit. How's that for hot?

Besides that, Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on earth, when it comes to lush greenery.

Enjoy!

Banff The Beautiful!

2011-10-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

This legendary village in the heart of the Canadian Rockies has played host to thousands of celebrities and even royalty for almost a century. And they keep coming back.

Winter or Summer or in between, the majesty of the Rockies forms the perfect canvas for the magic of this Bavarian-style village. In fact, some European visitors will tell you that Banff, located just about an hour and a half west of Calgary in Alberta, is more Bavarian than Bavaria!

From the picturesque hot pools to the incredibly diverse downtown, this Canadian gem offers just about something for everybody. If you like the comfort and luxury of a medieval castle, check out the Banff Springs Hotel. To say that the sandstone structure is magnificent, would be to downgrade the

outstanding old CPR hotel.

If you like something a bit more simple, many less stunning hotels are scattered throughout the area, or choose a bed and breakfast experience.

It's easy to become a cheerleader for this 8th wonder of the world. Check it out online and get set to book the flight to Calgary and the short drive to the experience of a lifetime.

MAUI !

2011-10-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Bring Your Parka To Maui!

Sounds a bit far out there, until you realize that you're heading for the top of a mountain, known as Haleakala. It's a friendly, dormant volcano that offers the most spectacular sunrise many of us have ever seen.

You leave your hotel room at about 2:30 in the morning, and drive to Haleakala National Park, about a 35 minute drive in the country. Along the way, you'll see bus tours and a steady string of vehicles making the long trek up the side of the mountain. When you get to the top railing, you'll be almost 10,000 feet above sea level. And you'll need a warm jacket or parka, because it's deathly cold. In fact, your fingers and toes will become numb after a short time.

But, once the sunrise begins to waken your senses, you'll forget all about the cold. You'll marvel in the majesty of the sunrise and the freshness of the mist that drifts upward from the volcano cavern.

On the way down, once the sun is fully awake, you'll intermingle with dozens of bicycles heading down the mountain, all part of the tour up and down the mountain.

If you travel to Maui, make Haleakala one of your most important side visits.

Enjoy.

2011-10-02T08:23:00.001-07:00

HANDY HELPER

2011-10-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

TRAVEL NEW YORK !!

2011-10-01T11:49:00.001-07:00

LEWISBURG !

2011-10-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

There's Something About Lewisburg!

You'll usually recognize someone from West Virginia right away. That welcoming, friendly spirit that follows the folks from that region of the country is a dead give-away. They grow on you and you want to stay around them.

And,so it is with the Davenport B&B in Lewisburg. It's a location you probably won't find on a travel brochure, but it's just one of the many places in the world you won't want to miss. And, it's one of those experiences you'll never forget.

The Davenport will run you $120 a night for a one-bedroom cottage. And, if you like, you can bottle feed one of the baby lambs, after your morning breakfast and coffee.

As for Lewisburg, be sure to stop in at the Stardust Cafe and sample some sticky toffee cake, or look up the Crazy Baker cafe and grab a piece of their world-famous granola, which I'm told is sold everywhere from Puerto Rico to Arkansas.

But Lewisburg is also known for it's arts scene, as for it's downhome way of life. It boasts an honest-to-goodness Carnegie Hall in town.

Lewisburg is one of those places you have to place on your bucket list. It's on mine. Right up there with Beeville, Texas. Which is another story for another day. Maybe next time.

MEXICO !!!

2011-09-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Truth About Mexico!

Right off the hop, I've never felt unsafe in my visits to Mexico. Then I get home and I hear about the murders that have taken place right afterwards.

Let's get the real skinny on where the violence is, and where it's not.

You have to know that most areas of Mexico are safer than most American and Canadian cities. It all depends on where you go. And let's face it, although I love Hawaii, the cost of those islands is becoming almost prohibitive. Mexico, on the other hand, is a bargain.

For example, in Merida, you can get a room for two, for $60 per night, and that includes breakfast!

In Hawaii, the same accommodation would be at least double.

For starters, Mazatlan, in the state of Sinaloa, is home to one of the most powerful drug cartels in the country and I'd avoid it, like the plague. Acapulco is suspect, as well, as evidenced by a recent killing in the area, and confirmed as being drug-related. Border towns like Ciudad Juarez and Nuevo Laredo are to be given a wide berth.

On the other hand, you can feel reasonably safe along the Mayan Riviera and especially Playa Del Carmen, as well as most areas of Mexico City, Merida, San Miguel de Allnde and Puebla. Puerto Nuevo is beatuful and is, so far, perfectly safe. Puerto Vallarta is a good choice, but don`t wander into the small town that shares it`s name. On our one and only visit, we felt that we could be carried off by a giant rat hidden under one of the hundreds of piles of rotting garbage in the streets.

To end on a happier note, Mexicans are terrific hosts. Most of them want to sell you a time-share, but if you can get past that, you can enjoy a peaceful, beautiful and economical holiday.

AWESOME DEALS !

2011-09-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Now, For Somewhere Completely Different!

Remember, back in January and February, when the people of Egypt were desperate to rid themselves of Hosni Mubarak, and they fought, tooth and nail and whatever else was at hand, to gain their freedom?

Today, the people of Egypt have a new battle going on.

It's the battle to gain back their tourist industry. And it's resulting in some incredible deals for travellers.

The thing is, now that things have settled down, the area is completely safe and in a few of the regions, the hotels and resorts have some incredible discounts.

The beach resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh features some deeply discounted rooms, and if you're looking for quiet, that's one of the best places to go. In the Sinai Peninsula, there's a hotel known as the Coralia Club Hotel. It's one of the premier hotels in the entire region, and the tab is only $95 per night. Compare that with some five-star resorts that go for up to $300 a night!

The amazing thing is, North Americans are still holding back on visiting Egypt, so you won't find any annoying crowds. Just relax, enjoy a cruise on the Nile or a visit to the pyramids at Giza. Or visit any of the many great museums and eateries they Egyptians are famous for.

And, don't forget to visit Tahir Square, the focal point of the revolution. Take along a camera.

And, be sure to visit Tahir Square, the focal point of the revolution.