Merry Christmas

Today I'm thankful...- that i can dream - that i have hope - that i can let my mind go wild thinking about travel - that i can write about what I love

As I reflect on how lucky we are to even dream of visiting other lands, let us not lose sight of the many blessings we each have. And not just 'remember' those without hope, but take action--whether doing something grass-roots locally, nationally or internationally.

Having had the opportunity of doing development work opened my eyes to the world's need---beyond what we see and don't see in the news. Poverty became more than just a word and a problem; it became a name, a person, a life.

See for yourself.  This next year, why not consider using some vacation towards a cross-cultural humanitarian adventure building houses with Habitat or doing relief work with Red Cross. I plan on it too, and look forward to adopting a village through FH Canada.

Stuck in the Airport? Good iPod Game

With all the delayed flights in Europe, I suspect more than the usual amount of people will be stranded or delayed this holiday season.  It's a thought that makes me sick --especially after having it experienced it myself.

Other than reading books and magazines, listening to music/podcasts, eating and cat-napping,  I enjoy passing travel time & delays with my fave games for my ipod touch.  Yes, I have a touch because I am currently a blackberry user.

Although playing flight control while you travel may seem a little ironic or ominous, it is one of very few games that can hold my attention.  The objective is to land planes and helicopters--travelling at different speeds and coming from every direction--on a series of different runways.

Happy Landings.

4 Best Urban Winter Getaways

So often we focus our trips on far-off lands filled with sun, sand or snow, but there is still a mystique that surrounds the urban getaway --especially during winter when decorated buildings are a twinklin', snow is a fallin' and hot cocoa is a steamin'. So whether you decide to take a quick getaway during the holidays or in the early days of winter, these urban hot-spots will offer an experience sure to stimulate all 5 senses! New York, NY Let's face it, New York is great any time of year (except during heat waves), but there is something magical that happens in Winter.  The Big Apple transforms into a cozy urban backdrop offering endless hours of city and park walking, amazing shopping, people watching and SKATING to only name a few activities. Experience New York's vibrancy and nostalgia as you watch the Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall [dec 14 - jan 3], skate at Rockefeller, meander in Central Park, warm up in the MET and cap it all off with dinner and a show!

San Francisco, CA Last year, I stood on the 6th floor of Macy's and watched as the Union Square Christmas Tree was illuminated.  Everyone simultaneously cheered as the Christmas season was officially welcomed...and then they went back to their shopping.  Adjacent to the tree is the union square skating rink --a prefect activity for a winter urban getaway.  Open until Jan 18th, the rink is an excellent stop-over during your San Francisco sight-seeing adventure. Don't miss the 1930's-style Tonga Room Lounge at the Fairmont, the city views from Coit Tower, riding the cable car, watching cars twist and turn on Lombard street, the multiple museums and dining atop Macy's.

Vancouver, Canada Scared to visit Vancouver because it is the home of the 2010 Olympics.  Don't let this hold you back.  The Olympics take place Feb 12 - 28; before and after this time, hotels are reasonable.  If you are going to see Vancouver during Winter, this is the year to do it!  The city is "dressed to the nines" as it prepares to host the world and shine in the international spotlight.  Vancouver's walkability also makes it an ideal place to use your downtown hotel as a base camp and explore the unique neighborhoods, poke into local shops, skate at robson square, take a sleigh ride at grouse mountain and even ride the famous Christmas train in Stanley Park [until jan 2].

Quebec City, Quebec If you are going to visit Quebec in the Winter, do so during Carnaval [jan 29 - feb 14].  This winter celebration is similar to Mardi Gras except done in much cooler temperatures.  After a long day parading through the street blowing on your red trumpet, dancing with Bonhomme, marveling at the ice palace and gawking at the outdoor museum's ice sculptures, stay at the Ice Hotel (Hotel de Glas).  Oh, and make sure to wear something red!

Gifts for Travelers 2009

Christmas is right around the corner and if you're like me, you still have a few gifts to get!  Last-minute shoppers, never fear, a gift-giving list for globetrotters is here!

Gifts for World Travelers

• Netbook :: Smaller than a regular laptop and slightly bigger than a smartphone, these mini computers can easily fit in your purse or carry-on without taking up much space or adding weight. If you're planning on doing more typing or web searching than your fingers can handle on a smartphone, this is an excellent alternative.  Battery life has also improved since their debut 2 years ago. Approx Cost: $300 & up
• World Travel Adapter with USB Charger :: Oh, can this ever come in handy. If you are going to buy just one item, this is it. The World Travel Adapter allows you to plug in electrical items in over 150 different countries and even has a USB charger for iPods, mobile phones and travel speakers. Approx Cost: $15 & up
• Luggage Scale :: To avoid the embarrassment of having to open your suitcase and rearrange your undergarments in front of the entire line-up of others checking into your flight, consider a mini luggage scale.  It beats having to lift your bag on a weight scale. With so many airlines placing more and more weight (and otherwise) restrictions on travelers' luggage, this little travel gadget is one that will be useful for years to come. Approx Cost: $17 & up
• DYI: Health Pack :: Traveling on planes, through time zones and to foreign countries can take a major toll on your body. That is why it's always good to keep a package of health-related items on-hand to prevent and treat any hint of sickness:
  • Vitamin C tablets (or Emergen-c); gum, mints or mini mouth wash to freshen breath; salt to gargle pre and post flight; cold and flu medication...just in case; Tylenol for any unexpected aches and pains; mini Evian spray to re-hydrate your skin; mini deodorant for obvious reasons; wipes or hand sanitizer.
• Sound-Reducing Earphones :: Even if you are lucky enough to get ear buds in-flight, don't bother. These uncomfortable, cheap and made-to-be-thrown-out-after-one-use ear phones are better off left in the flight attendant carts. Noise-reducing earphones are where it's at. Approx Cost: $300 & up
• Kindle :: Since space is a hot commodity whilst jetsetting, having 4 books and 3 magazines in your carry-on just doesn't work. Download your fave books and magazines at home or on-the-go to ONE device with 3G capabilities. Approx Cost: $300 & up
• Flashlight :: Avoid stubbing your toe or bashing your head when you stumble to the bathroom at 4am in an unfamiliar hotel room. Whether you download the flashlight app to your iPhone, use your mobile's screen or carry a mini flashlight, having access to some form of light can help your shins from getting bruised. Approx Cost: $3 & up
• Door Stop Alarm :: There is something to be said for being a cautious while traveling. The door stop alarm is placed under the front door, and if someone tries to enter unannounced, the alarm will go off. Approx Cost: $8 & up
• Trackable Luggage Tag :: I've had my bags lost multiple times and have been lucky enough to get them back, but many people's bags get lost for good. One way to combat this is to get a trackable luggage tag, which features a lifetime lost bag retrieval service to help reunite you with your bag if it's found by a third party. Approx Cost: $12 & up
• Cashmere Travel Throw :: Men and women can benefit from the fashionable and functional uses of a cashmere scarf while traveling. Use as a scarf or make-shift blanket. Approx Cost: $50 & up
• Nail Polish Remover Pads - Rather than 'risking it' with a nail polish remover bottle in your luggage, consider pre-soaked nail polish remover pads. Don't take chances, place the pads in a zip lock. Approx Cost: $3 & up
• Travel Gift Cards :: See more info in this post.

An In-Your-City Christmas Vaca

[trip style = urban + staycation]

Even though this is a travel blog, I don't want to discount the activities one can do in their city over the Christmas Break or in the Winter. Rather than dreaming of the Turks and Caicos, a mini Vacation can be created in your own city. Often when we clear our schedule and  focus on the good times to be had locally, a travel-like escape can be just what the Doctor ordered!

Ideas: [each item below sounds much better if you add "& hot chocolate"]

• ice skating/hockey outdoors - on a lake, river or an open-air rink in the city
• tobogganing
• snowshoeing
• christmas bake-a-thon
• shopping and eating out
• play tourist for a day, visit sites and take pics as if you were visiting
• spa day
• movie and popcorn day/night
• theater night -- seeing what's playing on the local stage
• making a gourmet meal at home and invite friends to share it
• throw a theme party
• games night
• cozy-up on the couch, drink your favourite tea or coffee and read in front of the fire
• find a spot to have an outdoor fire and do a winter wiener and marshmallow roast
• go on a day trip to a local town or fun spot
• last but definitely not least: helping the homeless through a local organization or by getting some friends and family together to make sandwiches and hand them out