Long Term Airport Parking

While reviewing my budget for my up coming Caribbean cruise, I was figuring the cost for long term parking at the airport. Our plan is to drive to the airport the morning of our flight and leave our car in the long term parking at the airport. It was going to cost us between $150 and $200. Which seemed like so much money.

So I decided to do a little research and found a hotel near the airport that has a stay & fly program in which we would get one night hotel stay and up to 14 nights parking for $130. So we can go to the hotel the night before our flight, spend the night, leave our car in a secured on site parking structure and catch the hotel shuttle to the airport. It's cheaper and easier. This way we won't have to get up as early to drive from our house to the airport and save money.

This just goes to show you, it always pays to do a little research.

Cruise Sales

CruCon is holding a clearance sale. You can get some really good deals. Check them out at www.crucon.com/specials_main.htm#hollandamerica.

Caribbean Cruise

Normally I start getting ready for my trips weeks in advance. I go through all my plans and paperwork, reservations, documents, etc.. well in advance but this trip has been a little different. Due to a death in the family I have been busy taking care of family matters. I will be leaving in two weeks and I haven't packed a thing or gone through any of my paperwork. SO now its time to get serious and get out the suit cases, printout my packing list and start thinking about what I will take. Fortunately, with a tropical destination its easy to pack, a few shorts, tops, bathing suit, dinner cloths and your good to go.

We will be making stops in Cozumel, Grand Caymans and Ocho Rios. We will be swimming with sharks, sting rays and seeing the Mayan Ruins. It should be very exciting.

I look forward to sharing my photo's and experiences with you.

Tahiti Contest

Win a trip to Tahiti

http://www.airtahitinui-usa.com/

The only thing better then taking a trip is taking a free trip.

Are you Scottish?

The Gathering of the Clans 2009

http://www.clangathering.org/

On the 25th and 26th July 2009 Edinburgh will witness one of the largest clan gatherings in history.Holyrood Park will host a magnificent Highland Games over the two days, then on the Saturday evening Clan members will parade up the historic Royal Mile and take their seats on the castle esplanade for a spectacular Clan Pageant .

If you have been thinking about going to Scotland and truly want to experience old Scottish traditions this gathering is for you. Several tours are being offered to go along with the gathering.

This gathering will be extra special if you are of Scottish ancestry. This gathering will be filled with great old world Scottish culture.

Super Deal to Africa

Destination: South Africa
Provider: South African Airways Vacations and Lion World Tours (tel. 800/722-9675; www.flysaavacations.com)
Base Price: $1,999
Duration: Nine days/six nights
Additional Fees: $185
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, in-country transportation, some meals, some sightseeing, safari tours, and fuel surcharges.
When: December 1 to 15.
What's Not Included: Security fees, departure tax, and guide and driver gratuities.
Deadline: Book as soon as possible to ensure availability
Why this is a Deal: Save from $600 to $1,000 based on similar itineraries.
Complete Details: Departing out of New York or Washington, D.C. on South African Airways, this package includes accommodation at deluxe hotels for affordable prices. Accommodations are at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town and either the Jackalberry Lodge in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve or Royal Legend Lodge in The Timbavati Reserve for the three-day two-night safari portion of the trip. Transportation from Cape Town to Johannesburg is included in the price of the trip, as are all meals while on safari.

Free Things to do in Europe

If you are planning a trip to Europe and are on a tight budget, you can save money but looking for free things to do. There are many muesums and attractions that's are free. For example:

London
The National Gallery - Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of Western European painting in the world. These pictures belong to the public and entrance to see them is free.

St. Martin-in-the Fields - A 1726 church that hosts a series of free lunchtime concerts at 1pm everyday except Wednesdays and Sundays. The London Brass Rubbing Centre is also based in the cript adjacent to the cafe where you can discover the simple craft of brass rubbing. Make a rubbing of a crowned king, a knight in armour or a costumed lady. No experience is necessary, materials are provided and a free exhibition is on display.

The British Museum - This is my al time favorite museum. Among its huge collections, my favorites included the Egyptian room with all of the mummies, and artifacts and all the Biblical artifacts. This museum is a must when going to London. Its also great for the kids, my son loves it. The museum also has a nice book shop and eating area and best of all its free.

Markets:
Camden Market - One of London's more popular markets especially for those looking for something a little different. It comprises several different markets, Camden Lock being the most popular. Open every day from 10am and very busy on Sundays.

Portobello Road Market - Also comprising several different markets, Portobello Road is probably one of London's biggest. It sells everything from antiques to silverware, fruit and vegetables and second-hand clothes.Open: Monday to Wednesday 8am to 6pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Friday - Sat 8am to 7pm

Covent Garden Market - There are two markets here in addition to a range of shops and cafes: Apple market and Jubilee Market. Both sell antiques, clothing, gifts and jewelry. Open: Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm

There are several other markets as well.


Rome
The Pantheon - This Roman temple survived the millennia intact and is one of the most amazing architectural spaces in Rome.

Imperial Fori / Trajan’s Market - the Imperial Forums were built by a succession of emperors (starting with Julius Caesar. Just beyond the small park across Via Cavour are the remains of the Forum of Nerva, built by the emperor whose 2-year reign (A.D. 96-98) followed that of the paranoid Domitian.

Trevi Fountain - You will not find any other place in the world that celebrates the ever-mutating and incredible power of water like Rome. The Trevi Fountain is a fantastic work of art that is much more than a mere sculpture. This unique statue has an ancient history. Its origins go back to Roman times and it was the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct commissioned by Augustus, which was used to provide water for the thermal baths.

The Spanish Steps - With its characteristic butterfly plan, the Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous images in the world, as well as being one of the most majestic urban monuments of Roman Baroque style. In the Renaissance period, the square was the most popular tourist attraction in the city: it attracted artists and writers alike and was full of elegant hotels, inns and residences.

Paris
The Eiffel Tower - Is does cost to go up inside the tower, but you can enjoy it for free from the bottom. Its is a must see in Paris.

The Seine River - The Seine is a symbol of love in Paris. Lovers have been known to stand on top of its bridges and kiss. You can enjoy the views for free.

Notre Dame Cathedral - One of the world’s most beautiful pieces of architecture that was the inspiration for a classic novel.

Lafayette Fashion Shows - Paris is at the heart of the fashion world. Attend one of the free weekly fashion shows at the Paris Galleries Lafayette department store every Friday at 3pm.