Free GSP Rentals In Europe

Reserve a 7 day rental car (or more)  in Europe by March 31, 2010 and recieve a free GPS rental from the good folks at Auto Europe. This will surely ease your jangled driving nerves as you navigate unfamiliar roads and attempt to read confusing road signs.  The offer is good for qualifying car rentals in major European capitals for travel through May 31, 2010.  For those traveling in the summer high season, rates for a GSP rentals are standardly $70 per week.  We’ve always opted for their cellphone rentals as well for $42 per week (as of today’s posting).  Auto Europe is well known for terrific specials, so I’d watch for the GPS offer to be extended beyond it’s current offering – but in either case, the availability of a GSP unit and cellphone are key to a stress free drive vacation in Europe.  One note of caution…. Due to the challenging enconomic times in Europe, rental car companies have been decreasing the number of vehicles in their fleets. It will be more important than ever to reserve early this year for high season travel.  The procrastinator may find rental car availability totally sold out this summer.  So… you’ll appreciate Auto Europe’s no cancellation fee policy – reserve sooner than later!!

Interesting New Travel Magazine

You have to appreciate the youthful exuberance of Greg Sullivan and Joe Diaz, founders of AFAR Magazine.  They have introduced a new travel magazine in a time when well established trade publications are ceasing operation.  AFAR is dedicated to uncommon, surprising and inspiring journeys.

I just picked up their 3rd edition, the March/April issue available on newstands now, and was really impressed.  While I flipped through the first two issues, I devoured this one – I think they’ve found thier voice.  An article on supurb Swiss wines explains why we don’t know about them…. the Swiss love them so much they drink it all and leave none for export!  Features like “Residents” (a local’s  introduction to their hometown), “Feast” (focus on global tables), “Good Trips (travel with a purpose), and “Nomad” (learn travel tips from global road warriors), make for a publication full of interesting insider information.

Visit AFAR.com to sign up for your own free introductory issue.

Alert – Strikes And Breakdowns Cause Transportation Havoc in Europe

Heads-up travelers! -  French air controllers go on strike (Wed), Lufthansa pilots begin 4 day walkout (Mon), British Airways union votes to strike – no date set for walkout (Mon), Eurostar breaks down (again) stranding hundreds of travelers in the dark – major technical problems are sited for continued breakdowns (Mon), Air Traffic Controllers strike in Greece and a general workers strike brings all transportation to a halt (Wed).  Yikes!

The transportation news is not promising for those heading to Europe anytime soon.  Will this be the season of the ‘perfect travel storm’ for vacationers?  Will the crumbling economies in Europe bring a spring and summer  full of protests and general strikes?   Only time will tell -  but if you are planning to travel to Europe in the coming weeks and months,  you should be following the above volatile situations.  It’s a good idea to watch the online newspapers in the area that you will be traveling to (find them at OnlineNewspapers.com) or another good resources is TimesOnline.com.

Wishing you speedy travels!

Machu Picchu Closed To Tourists

In recent weeks there are been major damage to the roads, railbeds and trails leading to Machu Picchu in Peru.  Heavy rains have caused mudslides and erosion to roads betweeen Cusco and Agus Calientes.  You may remember recent stories of 2,000 tourists being stranded at Machu Picchu after mudslides closed access roads.  After days of being stranded, tourists from around the world were airlifted out by helicopter.  Luckily the archeological site itself has not suffered damage.  For those who are hoping to visit this fascinating site this year, it will be wise to put your trip off until May and follow news of reopening closely.

Newport RI – Come Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day & Irish Heritage Month

Now that Valentine”s Day and the spangled dancing of Carnival are behind us, all eyes (and store shelves) turn to St. Patrick’s Day.   Party plans for green beer and Hibernian parades shift into high gear as winter weary populations yearn for a fine spring day.

While New York and Boston take top honors, Newport Rhode Island (sitting between the two) will be celebrating its own 54 year history of St. Patrick Day Parades with legions of Piping Bands, Fife & Drum Corps, Reenactment companies, and surely a politician or two!  Robust populations of Irish immigrants settled in Newport in the early 1800′s, coming to work in the busy shipping harbor, at Fort Adams and as domestic help in the grand ‘summer cottages’, a.k.a mansions of the gilded age.  Today, Newport designates March as Irish Heritage Month and celebrates all month long.  March 4-7 brings the Kinsale Festival of Fine Food, March 13th sees the St. Patrick’s Day Parade,  and March 19-28 ushers in Restaurant Week.  If this dreary winter weather has you down and you’re looking for an entertaining destination for a few days away – Newport Rhode Island is an exceptionally great choice.

Why Go: Newport in winter and early spring takes on the feel of a congenial seaside village.  Gone are the high-season crowds of tourist chocking roads, sidewalks and restaurants.  Instead you’ll find streets sparkling with twinkle lights, an easy smile on the faces of shopkeepers, innkeepers and restaurateurs, and all the time you like to creep along Ocean Drive gawking at the magnificent homes old and new.  And a visit to the famed mansions is like receiving a private invitation – they’ll be no one nudging you to move along, you can envision yourself living like a Gatsby for as long as you like (or as long as your husband’s attention span will tolerate!).

Where To Stay: My choice is the Admiral Fitzroy Inn for its great locaiton at the center of Newport’s waterfront activity and abundant charm.  Bounce out the front door onto Thames Street, to find blocks and blocks of  trendy shops, inviting pubs and harbor side restaurants.  All the attractions of Newport’s famed harbor, the information center and the historic district are all within walking distance.  And the St. Patrick’s Day Parade passes right by their front door!  The Inn (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), actually began it’s life as the Nunnery for St. Mary’s church on Spring Street.  St. Mary’s is the oldest Catholic parish in Rhode Island and is where JFK and Jacqueline Bouvier were married in 1953.  We were fascinated by the picture album of the building being moved from Spring Street to it’s current location on Thames Street – quite a project!  Angela and Dale were wonderful, helpful hosts during our visit in December.

Where To Chow Down and Find A Brew: There are so many great choices the only thing to do is stop every few blocks for a refresher!  For St. Paddy’s Day, you’ll definitely want to find a seat early at Busker’s Irish Pub on Thames Street.  Then wander your way down to Bannister’s Wharf for a bowl of heavenly chowdah at The Black Pearl.  If all the seats are taken, the Clarke Cook House on the same wharf never disappoints.  Share an Irish Whiskey upstairs on the couches by the fire in winter for a quiet interlude.  Two restaurants really surprised us – in a good way.  We ducked into The Barking Crab for a quick lunch and had THE BEST FRIED CLAMS we’ve had in years! (And that’s saying a lot given our roamings in Maine).  The clams were incredibly fresh and sweet with a light brown batter and a perfect crunch – I could go for a few right now!  The atmosphere was lively and fun – we’d go back again.  And we had an excellent meal at Fathoms Restaurant in the Marriott hotel.  I don’t usually expect big taste from a hotel restaurant, but this one has an excellent chef and menu. Our table looked out on the harbor and the seafood was prepared with imagination and skill.  The picture above is a snapshot of their interpretation of Seafood Newburg – delicious!  Let me emphasize…. there are dozens of exceptional restaurants in Newport.  You’ll find establishments to satisfy your every whim whether it be exotic delicacies served on fine china, ulta-fresh sushi, down home BBQ , or an overflowing seafood basket – you’re most difficult task will be deciding which to visit.

If you’re like us, you’ll be planning your next visit to Newport in no time!

10 Great Deals We Found At The Boston Globe Travel Show

We previewed the Boston Globe Travel show last night and came away with bags of glossy brochures and a rainbow of promotional pens!  Every year we start off down the first aisle vowing we won’t end up with 20 pounds of pamphlets in tow, but alas our resolve was weak and we toted home arm fulls of catalogs and brochures.  But what can be more entertaining than sitting on the couch with a steaming cup of coffee, leafing through a world of travel possibilities!

If you weren’t able to attend the show yourself, here’s a recap of some of the promotional offers being handed out on the floor:

1. St. Martin Radisson Resort, Marina  Spa Get 3rd night free for stays through December 17, 2010.  For suite accommodations – book one, get one free (have another couple you like to travel with – this could save you a fortune!)  You may remember this property as the former Le Meridien – Radisson has done a spectacular  multi-million dollar rebuild! Read more

Free Companion Airfare To The Bahamas

The Bahamas Tourism Bureau has announced the extension of their winter promotion – free companion airfare for travel to the Bahamas through December 22, 2010 (two for the price of one!!) Travelers who book a 4 night stay by March 3rd at participating hotels in Nassau, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and The Out Islands qualify for the free airfare.

If you haven’t considered The Bahamas before, I encourage you to take a fresh look.  Gone are the days of emphasis on gambling and glitz.  Today you’ll find The Bahamas sensitive to protecting their 700 pristine islands, and proud to offer friendly, attentive service.  In recent years air service to the Out Islands has increased making them easy to reach.  The Out Islands are simply spectacular with long ribbons of gorgeous beaches and quaint intimate resorts.  If you ever had a Robinson Crusoe daydream, this is the destination to fulfill your fantasy!  And for all of you who lament the overbuilding of Turks and Caicos…. the Bahamas will return you to the days of beach side bars, local resorts and friendly residents.

To take advantage of the two for one airfare promotion, get all the finer details by visiting Bahamas.com or calling 1-800-Bahamas.  Vacations must be booked by March 3, 2010, with travel completed by December 22, 2010 and some blackout dates apply.

Handicapped Accessible Hotels Now Searchable On Hotels.com

Thumbs up for Hotels.com that has added a search criteria box for finding accessibility features offered at hotels.  The search block which appears after you have entered your destination and dates of travel, enables you to search for features such as accessibility bathroom, braille signage, roll-in showers etc.  This is good news for anyone who requires easily accessible facilities.

Cat Island Bahamas – The Pristine Paradise You’ve Been Dreaming Of!

Don’t wait another minute to discover Cat Island in the Out Islands of the Bahamas – you’ll find miles and miles of gorgeous (undeveloped) beachfront and delightful laid back intimate resorts.  I’m just back from a fabulous 4 night vacation at the Fernandez Bay Village on Cat Island and can’t wait to go back again. If you’re looking for a beautiful, secluded resort to reconnect, rekindle, and recharge – this resort delivers with outstanding beauty and charming accommodations.  As I sit in cold, rainy Florida, with temps in the 50′s, I yearn to be back at FBV where the temps are in the mid 80′s!  I should have stayed longer!!!!  Getting there is easy enough – fly nonstop from east coast airports to Nassau, then connect with Cat Island Air or Sky Bahamas.  Or take a direct flight on Continental Airlines from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami.  (PS – there are no cats on Cat Island – it was named for a privateer by the name of Arthur Catt).

Fernandez Bay Village is the premier resort on Cat Island, and a wonderful choice for anyone seeking a peaceful, friendly, romantic beachfront retreat.   Arriving at FBV is like being welcomed by long lost cousins who own a fabulous beach side estate.  Read more

Meet The Real Van Gogh In London This Spring

The Royal Academy of Arts in London is presenting meet “The Real Van Gogh“ from now until April 18, 2010.  The exhibition features 35 original letters by Van Gogh displayed along with almost 100 paintings and drawings.  This unique collection provides an intimate view into the complex mind of this talented but troubled artist.

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