Favorite Vacation Spots

You can fall in love at first sight with a place as well as a person.
-- Alec Waugh

Hello, dear reader, and welcome.

Someone asked recently where our 'favorite' place is. That's a hard question to answer.

Home comes first, filled with memories and favorite things. It's the refuge we come back to after we've been away.

Our favorite seashore is Virginia Beach for sentimental reasons. We started going there when our daughter was small. We've been dozens of times, and keep going back. Another favorite is Ft. Meyers in Florida, again for sentimental reasons. It was my dad's favorite – the place he took us for Christmases long ago. After that, it's anywhere with sun and sand …

For mountains, Aspen CO tops the list. It's not at chic as some other resorts in the Rockies, but it's filled with historic flavor in a beautiful setting. Of course, the Great Smokies are also magnificent. We see them more often since we live east of the great Mississippi.

For fun, it's Oatman AZ, a real 'ghost' town, turned tourist mecca and artist colony on old Route 66. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned there. We also enjoyed Williams AZ, a former pony express stop and rail depot, also on Route 66. It's now home to the Grand Canyon Railway – an experience in itself, and a great way to see the Grand Canyon.

We'll tell you more about each of them in future posts. You can also join our mailing list at www.touringwithus.com to get our monthly travelzine. It's loaded with travel trivia, vacation ideas, tour and cruise information, and some fun. We hope you'll join our TWU family – whether you're an armchair traveller or a vagabond. Happy travels!

Mini-vacations … Exploring local history

Experience...travel –
these are an education
in themselves.
~ Euripides

We had an assignment to write an article
about local bed & breakfasts.
It sounded kind of fun since
most B&B's have historic roots.
Another mini vacation for us!

We live near Chautauqua NY, world famous
as a destination for learning and outdoor enjoyment.
This part of New York was settled in the early 1800's.

The oldest building in the county, Landmark Acres,
dates from 1802, and is now an upscale antiques mart.

The William Seward Inn was once the home
of the former governor and Secretary of State
who pursued the purchase of Alaska -
Seward's Folly.

There are Victorian mansions, historic hotels
and a B&B that stables guests' horses.
Trailer in and ride the local trails.

Walk the grounds of Chautauqua Institute,
the beginning of adult public education in the US.
The Institute started as an adult church camp in 1871.
It's the original … and one of only three
permanent chautauqua's in the country.

If you'd like to read the whole story,
visit the 'Articles' section of our website.
And don't forget to come touring with us next time!

Mini-vacations in top US cities: New York, Las Vegas or San Francisco

I travel a lot;
I hate having my life
disrupted by routine.
~Caskie Stinnett

I saw a list the other day
of the ten most popular
tourist destinations in the world.
Interestingly, three are right here in the US:
New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

Now, we don't gamble much,
but we do like the shows (and the weather!)
in Las Vegas.
Even the 'cheap' ones are pretty good!
When we go, we try to do one or two
'big ticket' events, like Cirque Du Soleil,
then we stretch our travel budget farther
by hitting the smaller productions.

San Francisco is exciting for its history
and for its reputation as an
avant guarde culture and art center.
It's also close to Muir Woods and the giant redwoods.
From Alcatraz to the famed streetcars
(the only moving National Historic Monument!)
'Frisco has something for everyone.
Tour the USS Pampanito, a WWII sub,
anchored on Fisherman's Wharf.

New York City is another 'has-it-all' mecca.
Broadway shows.
Historic neighborhoods.
Shopping!
I've always been fascinated with
Grand Central Station.
And Ellis Island requires a day to soak up the history.
Ed's grandparents came through
that famous immigration center
from Sweden and Denmark.

Any of these exciting cities
would make a great mini-vacation!
So, which would you most like to see?
Or what one do you visit most often?
We'd love to hear your comments …

Wishful Thinking - Beaches in my Mind

Today's our 32nd anniversary.
And it snowed!
Someone asked me last week
what two things I could do without.
My answer – winter and cold weather!

Winter in northwestern Pennsylvania
almost requires a get-away
for sun and relaxation.

One favorite spot – Virginia Beach.
It's a one-day drive,
it's a LOT warmer than home,
and we've gone so many times
that we know just where to shop and eat.

If you'd like to tag along, check out
Virginia Beach - An Off-Season Love Affair

If you're at the beach right now … enjoy.
If you're not, start planning
for some R&R in the sun!
… Or a mini-vacation to anywhere.

Watch for our new ebook on mini-vacations.
It'll be out soon and
it's loaded with ideas and information for
you to use in planning your next weekend away.

Remember,
Life is a journey … travel first class.

Identity Theft: Staying Safe While You Travel

Imagine the anticipation of
heading out on an adventure!
You've made your plans;
your bags are packed.
What else should you think about?

What's in Your Wallet?

Take only the credit card you'll need
and leave the rest safely at home.
If you're taking two cards
(one for back-up),
don't keep them in the same place.

Make a copy – front and back –
of any identification you're taking,
including your passport,
and leave it with someone back home.

Remove your 'extra' credit cards
and all unnecessary identification.
Do NOT take your social security card!

If you need a 'store' card for a special sale,
they can look up your account at the store.

Leave extra cash in the hotel safe.
I lost my wallet in Las Vegas.
It cost me about $100 in cash,
but it didn't ruin the trip because
I had more locked in my room.

For more information on identity theft,
sign up for our newsletter.
You'll receive a series of travel trips,
including more ideas on travel safety.

Remember, life is a journey …
Travel first class!
(and stay safe!)