Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 231
October 28, 2011
Travel Guest Post: Packing 101
The worst thing about going on vacation is trying to fit everything you need in a tiny suitcase. Even if you have plenty of storage space, packing for a vacation is a major hassle. If you don't know what you're doing, the whole process can take several hours.
Believe it or not, it is possible to pack everything you need for a great vacation in under an hour. In fact, with a little practice, you can get your packing time down to fifteen minutes. Here's how:
Make a List and Check it Twice
There's a reason Santa gets so much done in so little time: he's organized. If you just grab a suitcase and start stuffing it full of clothes, you'll have no idea what you already packed and what still needs to be packed. Worse, you'll continually get the feeling that you've forgotten something, leading to repeated incidences of throwing apart the luggage just to confirm that your underwear is actually there.
Get started by writing a list of everything you need for your standard week-long trip. This will take a bit of an initial time investment, but the list will only need minor tweaks for future trips. Be sure to check off items as they are packed.
Non Wrinkle Clothing
Folding clothes to prevent wrinkles is a slow process, and the clothing still manages to get wrinkled. Opt for wrinkle-free clothing instead. You can roll these up quickly, instead of going through the fussy process of folding. An extra perk is that rolled-up clothes use less space, so you can fit more into your shoe box suitcase.
Color Coordinate Your Clothes
Half the time spent in packing clothes is taken up just trying to match outfits together. You'll save a lot of time by picking three basic colors that go together. A good option is black, white and red. You can wear black and white with pretty much anything, and red adds a nice splash of color. Don't forget to add in a pair of jeans. Jeans also go with everything.
Pack Toiletries Ahead of Time
Keep a small bag of toiletries exclusively for travel. If you are planning on just taking a small carry-on bag, you'll need to make sure that the toiletries can get past airport security. Keep all containers under three ounces, and put them in a Zip-lock bag. This is a great way to get rid of all those hotel shampoos and conditioners that you've been collecting over the years.
Don't Worry
Some vacationers have an unfortunate habit of freaking out whenever they suspect they've forgotten to pack something. The whole point of going on vacation is to take a break from the stress of daily life. This is not possible if you feel the need to worry about every minute detail. It really isn't a disaster if you leave a pair of socks behind. In most cases, you can replace something you've forgotten while you're on vacation. As long as you have travel insurance, your ID, wallet and medication, you'll be good to go!
Author: Dunya Carter
Filed under: travel, travel planning, travel tips
October 27, 2011
Travel Guest Post: Nashville Shopping & Style
Nashville Shopping & Style Nashville isn't exactly a style mecca of the world like say Paris or Milan — but maybe it should be.
I went to Nashville about a year and half ago as a long-weekend trip with an ex-boyfriend. We found a great deals on a hotel since it was the "off" season for, and so, we went to Nashville. I'd never been before so I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew about the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, but I'm not into super touristy attractions. When we arrived and went out to peruse downtown I was a little thrown off by everyone's sense of style. It was chic but casual, relaxed but almost formal.
The Nashville Vibe
The vibe in Nashville wasn't nearly as "country" as I'd expected. To be honest, I'm not really sure what I was expecting, but I was super jazzed to realize the city was full of artists, musicians, boutiques, fashionistas, filmmakers, and everyone is super eclectic so it makes for an interesting blend of cultures. The overall style is influenced by the music scene. It's not uncommon to see girls in flow-y summer dresses with full-on cowboy boots. I was a bit thrown off by it at first, but soon came to love it. It was carefree but interesting at the same time. Needless to say, I was too scared to give a dress and boots a whirl. Nashville style is also influenced by independent rock and roll, punk rock and folk rock or traditional bluegrass folk. Having music influence style creates an interesting push-and-pull dynamic of cultures and also makes for a quirky, upbeat and diverse wardrobe. I also saw a lot of people mixing one-of-a-kind vintage pieces with something almost high fashion-esque to create an eclectic look. Fedoras and hats in general were everywhere, nearly as ubiquitous as cowboy boots. Where to Shop There are many consignment, vintage, and locally-owned boutiques to choose from. When in Nashville, choose these shops over your standard department stores for sure. I really loved the clothes at Goodbuy Girls and the accessories from Pangaea. You can find a lot of great deals and sales at thrift stores or just by browsing shops along the strip. Take some of Nashville's unique style back home with you!
Author:
Megan Brown is a social media networker at Slingshot SEO. When not traveling, Megan enjoys cycling, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and playing with her yorkie, Alexa. Keep up with her adventures on twitter (@thatgirlmegan) or on her personal blog.
Filed under: fashion, guest post Tagged: nashville, shopping
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October 26, 2011
Travel Guest Post: Top 10 Travel Resources
Are you planning you next vacation? Not sure where to begin or what resources are available? Fret no longer; here are the top 10 websites to help make your vacation a memorable experience without all the hassle that comes with planning.
10. Foursquare
Foursquare is mostly known for their check-in capabilities, but it can be a great resource to discover a city. If you're not sure what the best item is on a restaurant menu, Foursquare has got you covered. This mobile application allows user to easily find out what's trending in a city. From user recommendations, to pictures of various locations, Foursquare is a must have travel companion. While currently only available in North America, the team is rapidly trying to expand internationally. Link: http://foursquare.com
9. Yelp
If you haven't heard of Yelp yet, you should definitely go visit the site right this moment. It is simply the best restaurant review site available. Yelp also reviews various activities and services though it's strengths are not in those areas. Whenever I travel to a new city, the first thing I do is visit the Yelp app on my mobile phone to see what good restaurants are around my area. It is a time saver that allows you to quickly make eating decisions. Link: http://yelp.com
8. Oyster
Find the right hotel is never fun, use Oyster to save time finding the perfect place to stay. It has a huge database of hotels, complete with reviews and photos. But what differentiates Oyster from sites like Tripadvisor is their huge emphasis on quality photos. You'll get to see exactly what the hotel looks like inside and out, often without any sort of photo manipulation. Thus what you see is what you get so you know exactly what you're paying for. Link: http://www.oyster.com
7. Jetsetter
Jetsetter offers amazing vacation packages and activities at steep discounts. Yes, it is a deal site, however, the quality of their offerings is what separates it from its competitors. You won't find dubious services or low-end motels on this site, everything is very luxurious and high quality and that is exactly what makes it amazing. Go plan awesome vacations and let Jetsetter save you money. Link: http://jetsetter.com
6. SniqueAway
SniqueAway is similar to Jetsetter in that they're a deal site, however, they almost exclusively focus on high end hotels which makes the deals great if you're looking for someplace nice to stay. It is a relatively new site that's partnered with TripAdvisor to provide some awesome discounts at exclusive venues. The site is currently invite only so try to get on if you can. Link: http://sniqueaway.com
5. Ravn
Ravn is an amazing website that lets you discovery and book interesting things to do in a city. It is perfect for planning dates, finding local getaways, and discovering unique experiences. The site just launched not too long ago but it has already amassed over 10,000 different services including spas, tours, skydiving, cruises, and much more. Use Ravn to discover date ideas, plan an outing with friends, or find local escapes away from the city Link: http://ravn.com
4. Airbnb
Airbnb is the perfect place to find accommodation if you don't want to pay for a hotel. It lets you travel like a local and stay at someone's home for a fraction of the cost. Often, the person you stay with will also be the perfect guide for your city and tell you about the local attractions and what to do around town. Perfect for affordable housing and meeting new people, however, make sure you check the person's background and reviews carefully as that can make or break your stay. Link: http://airbnb.com
3. Tripit
Tripit is a great little application that plans out your entire flight itinerary. It pulls your flights directly from your email and then organizes all of that information into a nice little website so you know exactly when you're flying, and what to do about hotels, car rentals and much more when you land. It's the perfect travel companion and you don't even have to manage it. Tripit also allows you to send your itineraries to other people so they know exactly what you're up to so you can plan things together. Link: http://tripit.com
2. gogobot
Gogobot is a travel social network. It lets you organize the places you've been in a nice travel passport while letting you meet people with similar interests. Write reviews, share stories, post pictures, and let the world know what an avid traveler you are. Gogobot is the facebook of travel, go and discover new places to visit using the site and let friends help you along the way. Link: http://gogobot.com
1. Hipmunk
Hipmunk is flight search made easy. They've aggregated all the flights and times and packaged it into a nice viewable format so you can find the cheapest flights to match your schedule. You simply have to try it out for yourself to see how easy it is to use. With a few clicks of the button, you've found your perfect flight at the best price and it was stupidly simple. This is the first site I visit to buy my plane ticket and often, is the only site I use. Link: http://hipmunk.com
Author: Dennis L. is one of the founders of Ravn.com. He is an outdoor enthusiast who regularly enjoys traveling and trying new things. He is also a tech insider who likes understanding the intersection between travel and technology and how the industry is evolving. He can be reached at dennis@ravn.com.
Filed under: Uncategorized
October 25, 2011
Travel: NYC Gossip Girl Tour
Want to see all of the New York City hot spots?
On Location Tours has the perfect city tour for you.
If you love the TV show "Gossip Girl" or just want to see the best of decadent NYC up close and personal, head out on The official Gossip Girl tour. Perfect for fans, fashionistas or anyone wanting to follow in the footsteps of tv's most glamorous socialites. The scandalous teens live at some of the most exclusive Upper East Side addresses, dine at only the best restaurants and shop at upscale places like Henri Bendel and Vera Wang.
Begin the tour at the New York Palace Hotel. An icon in New York City history, it was originally constructed in 1882 by a prominent financier, and is known for the courtyard and Michelin-starred Gilt restaurant. In "Gossip Girl" The Palace is home to Check Bass and the Van der Woodson family, and for heart-to-heart conversations over drinks in the Gilt bar.
After boarding the comfortable, personalized tour bus, get cozy and watch show clips on as you venture past boutiques featured on the show (Vera Wang, Missoni) and the exteriors of some of the cast members "homes". First actual stop is The Metropolitian Museum of Art. Know to many New Yorkers as a world-renowned art museum, it is known on Gossip Girl as a popular lunchtime spot for Blaire and her friends. Sit on the stairs of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and have your picture taken in true Gossip Girl regale.
Next stop is a shopping spree at Henri Bendel. Browse for the infamous Blair Waldorf headbands and luxe accessories. Pick up a classic red band or any of the intricate designs, as well as designer accessories ranging from jewels to upscale scarves to designer sunglasses.
Afterwards, hop back on the coach and check out sweet tooth heaven: Dylan's Candy Bar. Browse through a selection of over 5,000 kinds of candy, chocolate and confections in this larger-than-life candy shop. Owned by Ralph Lauren's daughter Dylan, this Manhattan hot spot had 2 scenes on Gossip Girl.
End the tour at The Empire Hotel, which on the show, the property was purchased by Chuck Bass. The lobby bar indulges you with cocktails named after the characters, including the "S". "B" and "Lonely Boy" (Dan).
Filed under: events, fashion, luxury, new york, Uncategorized Tagged: blaire, gossip girl, new york tours, serena, the met, the new york palace hotel, upper east side [image error]
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October 24, 2011
Travel Guest Post: The Best Foods to Eat in Europe without Breaking the Bank
The best parts about traveling the world are seeing new sights, experiencing new cultures and of course, trying new foods! In the U.S. we are blessed to have a melting pot of cultures andcuisines at our finger tips, but we don't really have anything authentic, a
dish that is really ours (no, the FRENCH fry does not count). Europe on the
other hand, is known for their traditional and delicious foods, but it's a myth
that you have to pay top dollar for these delicacies. Here are a few mouth-watering
meals from across Europe that you can afford on a budget:
Smazak-
Czech Republic:
Smazak is quite possibly the best fried-cheesy goodness out
there. It is most like a mozzarella stick, but flat, and tastes one million
times better. Czechs take Edam cheese and roll it in paste of flour, egg and
scrumptious bread crumbs before frying it to the perfect golden-brown color. It
is then served with tartar sauce and a variety of sides. You can usually find
it in the vegetarian section of the menu at almost every single restaurant in
the Czech Republic. The authentic name for it is "smazeny syr" and it is a
definite must try!
Burek-
Serbia:
Burek, or Börek, is a traditional Serbian pastry made from thin flaky phyllo dough and filled with cheese, minced meats or veggies. In Serbia it is baked in a circular pan,
topped with a last layer of dough and then cut into pie-like slices to be
served. It is usually filled with toppings like feta cheese or minced meat and
onions but it also comes plain. It is viewed as a fast food to local Serbians,
but modern bakeries serve updated versions such as apple, potato, mushroom and
pizza-burek. It is eaten for any meal, is amazingly cheap and it's so delicious
you won't be able to just have one slice.
Croque Monsieur- France:
The French Croque Monsieur is essentially a ham and cheese sandwich, but with a
sophisticated, addicting twist! They take two slices of toasted bread and fill
them with ham and gruyère cheese. It is then topped with a béchamel sauce made
from butter, flour, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, more gruyère cheese and
nutmeg (insert stomach growl). The whole masterpiece is baked for a few minutes
and is served when the cheese on top is bubbling and lightly golden in color.
It may sound heart attack-inducing but hey, when in Rome! Once you eat one of
these, you will never look at ham and cheese the same.
Tomato, cheese and cucumber sandwich-
Switzerland:
This may seem plain and rather boring, but the Swiss delicacy
is anything but! Because of the abundance of clean, fresh Swiss spring water,
the Swiss have some of the freshest produce in the world. It is also a given
that they are known for their quality cheese and bread. So what do you get when
you put all of these together? The freshest, best-tasting vegetarian sandwich
in the world. Switzerland is also a very expensive country for Americans, so
all of these ingredients are especially desirable for those budget travelers.
These tomato, cheese and cucumber sandwiches are found everywhere pre-made, or
you can buy the ingredients to make your own. Plus, everything is so fresh you
won't need to add any fatty condiments for flavor. Pack a lunch, grab a RugenBrau,
and enjoy the picnic of a lifetime amongst the Swiss Alps.
Author: Cameron Smead is an expert budget traveler after backpacking across 11 European countries in five weeks. She recommends saving money on airfare with an Expedia coupon before treating your taste buds to Europe's hidden secrets.
Filed under: adventure, europe, food, france, guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: europe, food
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October 23, 2011
Travel: Best Technology for Travel
Travel in style & technology?
Check out these gadgets:
DIA PARROT BY NODESIGN
A sleek, stylish frame with a high-definition LCD screen. Can connect with WiFi, Bluetooth or cable and stream from smart phones, laptops, tablets, Flickr and Picasa. $500 Parrot.com.
JAMBOX BY JAWBONE
Streamlined, high-quality wireless speaker and speakerphone. Powered by a pair of proprietary, highly sophisticated acoustic drivers, unmatched in their ability to produce extreme high (tweeter) and low (woofer) frequencies from a single, ultra-small dome speaker. They work in concert with an innovative moving-wall passive bass radiator and airtight enclosure to deliver shimmering highs and thumping lows that you can literally feel – the richest sound all in the palm of your hand. $199. Jawbone.com
POWERTREKK
A small, pocket sized fuel cell that generates power from water. With one tablespoon, you can charge any electronic that uses a USB cable. $200 Powertrekk.com.
IPHONE 4S
With a faster processor and long awaited voice-activated SIRI, the iPhone 4S is still user friendly as ever and has over 500,000 apps to make your life easier available in the Apple store. $299. Apple.com.
Filed under: technology, travel [image error]
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October 22, 2011
Travel Guest Post: 10 Hotels Made Famous in Movies
When traveling, you look for a hotel that is economically affordable, but comfortable and decent. Of course, there are cheap hotels you definitely aren't interested in, so if you have a little extra money to splurge, you might go over the top and book reservation online at a luxury resort. Hotel booking is easy these days through the means of your computer, but deciding where to stay can be a little more difficult.
Pretty sure we've all seen movie hotels and thought: I wish I knew where they were so I could take a trip there. Well, here are ten hotels featured in movies if you're looking for paradise mixed with a little bit of cinema.
Chateau de Villette
This chateau in France was casted as a famous mansion in The Da Vinci Code, with Tom Hanks. In the film, Tom Hanks' character and his partner go searching for clues inside the "mansion" and you can see that each room is exquisite, elegantly decorated and fit for a king.
Villa Balbianello
In Star Wars: Episode II-Attack of the Clones, the beautiful senator and young Anakin were off in a corner at this villa, engaging in romance. The Villa Balbianello is located in Lake Como, Italy. You can reach it on foot if you're up for a walk or take a boat taxi for those who want to relax on the way.
The Bellagio Resort
This luxury resort lodge in Las Vegas is a popular filming spot: Knocked Up, Head of State, Oceans 11, 12 and 13 and Dodgeball are some of the films noted to have filmed here. Expect to find dancing, water fountains and an extravagant courtyard along with edible amenities that will tantalize your taste buds if you find yourself here.
Millennium Biltmore
Several movie scenes were filmed at this luxurious Los Angeles resort, such as Wedding Crashers, Pretty in Pink, Splash and Rocky III. The Millennium Biltmore is just minutes away from many of the most popular spots, such as the Staples Center, Beverly Hills, NOKIA Theater and the Museum of Contemporary Art and is a prime location to spot celebs.
The Adolphus
This Dallas, Texas resort had to contend with Borat when he graced them with his presence here. Borat was so "difficult" that he managed to get kicked out of here. This establishment is considered the "diamond" in the downtown Dallas area.
The Venetian Resort
The scene where Sandra Bullock chases down Dolly Parton in Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous took place here at this Las Vegas resort. The combination of elegant rooms, awesome amenities, amazing entertainment and a fabulous casino make this a popular luxury hotspot.
Fontainebleau Suites
This Miami Beach resort has been a scene location in such films as Scarface, Dreamgirls and Goldfinger. Relax and enjoy all that the Fontainebleau Suites have to offer, such as their pool, the beach, cabanas for your privacy, the Bleu bar, a marina, fantastic guest rooms, massages, entertainment, golf and much more.
The Ambassador
The disco scene from Forrest Gump took place at this Los Angeles resort. This movie, initially thought to not fare well at the box office, became one of the great cinema classics. Other movies with scenes filmed here include Pretty Woman, The Mask, Scream 2 and Catch Me if You Can. The hotel closed many years ago, but still stands. The Ambassador housed many U.S. Presidents and movie stars when it was in operation.
The Park Hyatt Tokyo
The Academy Award-winning film, Lost in Translation, was filmed almost exclusively in this resort. Beautifully decorated rooms and high class entertainment make this hotel a treat for anyone with the means to stay. Dine up high at the restaurants in the building; one of which is as high as the 52nd floor where you will experience a spectacular view of the area.
The Hotel Regina Paris
The Bourne Identity with Matt Damon and Kiss of the Dragon with Jet Li feature scenes filmed here. This establishment is in an excellent area, close to all of the historical landmarks, such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Place de la Concorde. Surround yourself in luxury at the Hotel Regina Paris and you can expect to live like royalty.
Author: This guest post article was written and provided by freelance writer and consultant for Expedia, Erica Gustafson. She loves to watch movies when staying in hotels on vacation which is what sparked this guest post article.
Filed under: california, las vegas, travel, travel planning, travel tips, travel writing
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October 21, 2011
Travel Guest Post: 5 Fun Things to do in Vegas
Visitors to Las Vegas, Nevada, don't have to always gamble to have fun. The city is crammed with things to see and do, many of which are free, so put your quarters away, thank you very much. Here are five fun things to do when you're not gambling:
1. Tour the Casinos.
Casinos on the famous Strip are attractions by themselves, providing hours of entertainment for visitors. Casinos are built around themes, with the operators raking fantastic steps to carry these out. If you loved the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, you'll want to visit the casino by the same name. Drop into the Luxor and you can easily imagine yourself in Egypt. If gardening is your passion, check out the Bellagio conservatory that was created by 100 horticulturists.
2. Get Your Chocolate Fix
Kids from eight to 80 can get their chocolate fix at M&M's World. M&M's World features four floors devoted to the colourful little round candy that "melts in your mouth, not in your hand." Did you know that M&Ms come in 22 colours? See them all on the second floor. The third floor concentrates on M&Ms collectibles, including a guitar made from them.
3. Night Lights
Las Vegas has them. Lots of them. Drive down the Strip at night to see millions of lights sparkling. After dark is also a good time to get your picture taken at the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign at the entrance to the Strip. The ultimate experience with lights takes place at Fremont Street, the main gambling area before the Strip took over. The Fremont Street Experience was founded to bring life back to the area. Several blocks of the street were converted to a pedestrian mall that blazes with lights and music at night. Wow!
4. Day Trips
If you want to get away from the bright lights for a while, consider a day trip to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead where the Colorado River ends. You can even drive across the dam. If you have more time, the Grand Canyon is doable on a long day's drive. You could also book a helicopter tour from Vegas.
5. Museums and Galleries
Las Vegas offers a myriad of museums and galleries that add a different dimension to your visit. Car enthusiasts can visit the Imperial Palace's auto collection which displays more than 350 vehicles, all of which are for sale. Other casinos with museums include the Bellagio, fine arts, and Tropicana, the history of the Mafia in Vegas. Kids will love the Lied Children's Museum, one of the largest in the country with its 100 hands-on exhibitions.
Gamble in Vegas? Who has time for it!
Author: Nisha Sharma represents a site called JackpotParty.com. She love to write about holidays and having fun! Feel free to visit online slots , where US players can play for fun.
Filed under: guest post, holiday, las vegas, travel, travel planning, travel tips
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October 20, 2011
Books: Wishes & Stiches
Just in time for fall, comes the cozy feel-good novel of "Wishes & Stitches" by Rachael Herron. Return to small town Cypress Hollow, California to be enchanted by romance, family and love.
Naomi Fountaine is the socially akward-yet-gorgeous small town doctor who had a one night stand out-of-town medical conference. Big surprises are on her when her new partner in her practice and free health clinic turns out to be him. As Naomi and rugged, handsome Rig Keller work together and start out as rivals, but end up perfect for each other.
Author Rachel Herron has been knitting and writing her whole life. Wishes & Stitches is her third in the Cypress Hollow Yarn series, following How to Knit a Love Song and How to Knit a Heart Back Home.
Order on Amazon.com for $13.99. (Official release date Oct. 11, 2011).
Filed under: books Tagged: book review, fall, rachael herron
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