Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
7:58 AM

10 Best Hostels for Women Travelers

Best Hostels for Women Travelers

The Miami Hostel, Miami, Florida:

Located on South Beach, The Miami Hostel has 8, 10 and 12-bed female dorms available. The hostel supplies guests with free beach towels and you can enjoy cocktails in the hostel bar before heading down to the beach.
St Christopher’s Orient Espresso, London, UK
Girls can take their pick of private, 4-bed or 8-bed dorms. Other hostel facilities include a free travel library, complimentary chess in the coffee shop and internet access in the internet cafe.
Papaya Female Youth Hostel, Rome, Italy
All the rooms and facilities are clean, and the hostel provides free internet kiosks and Wi-Fi that are useful for planning a day out in Rome. It’s centrally located so just grab a map and explore.
Cairns Girls Hostel, Cairns, Australia
With car rental facilities nearby, this is a great choice for those hoping to explore the coastline and the Great Barrier Reef. The hostel is located in the central business district close to the main shopping and tourist outlets. It boasts easy access to cinemas, nightclubs, the waterfront and the lagoon.
Caulaincourt Square Hostel, Paris, France
Located close to Montmartre and Le Sacre Coeur in Paris’s pretty bohemian quarter, the hostel offers free Wi-Fi and free bike rental which is a great way to explore the city.

2:05 PM

10 Things to Do in Miami for $10

10 Things to Do in Miami for $10

Few cities in the USA are as welcoming to backpackers as Miami. From touring the Ancient Spanish Monastery to visiting South Beach, there are many fun things to do in Miami for $10 or less!
Our first top tip to save money… drum roll please… consider staying in a hostel in Miami. Staying at a hostel is a great way to meet new friends and save a lot of money. Many offer free tours, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parties, bbq’s, film nights, you name it they are doing it!

1. Visit the Miami Art Museum. If you enjoy art, a visit to the Miami Art Museum is a must! Located in Miami’s Cultural Center Plaza, this hot attraction boasts many stunning art exhibits. Be sure to check out the Wilderness exhibit, as it’s one of the most popular! Admission into the Miami Art Museum is $8.
2. Tour the Ancient Spanish Monastery. Few sites in Miami are as out of place as the Ancient Spanish Monastery. Originally built in Spain, the Ancient Spanish Monastery was dismantled and shipped to the US and then rebuilt in North Miami Beach. Admission costs $8. Tours of the Monastery and gardens are self-guided and can only be taken after regular business hours. The Monastery closes to tourists during business hours to host special events.
3. Dine at the Original Daily Bread Marketplace. If you’re looking for an exotic fine dining experience in Miami at an inexpensive price, look no further than the Original Daily Bread Marketplace. The Original Daily Bread Marketplace is a Middle Eastern grocery store and restaurant located in Coconut Grove. Salads start at $5.25, pita sandwiches start at $4.95, platters start at $6.95, plates start at $5.50, side orders start at $0.50, sweets start at $0.75 and beverages start at $1.50.
4. Visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Sitting on 4 and 1/2 acres, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden boasts an elaborate Japanese garden, walking tours, a conservatory and a vast array of plants including orchids, subtropical palms and bromeliads. Admission is free.
5. Explore the Everglades National Park. Whether you’re interested in bird watching or hiking, a trip to the Everglades National Park is essential if you want to enjoy the natural beauty of Miami up close and personal. Entrance into the Everglades National Park is $5.

6. Tour the Cape Florida Lighthouse. Few attractions in Miami boast as much historical importance as the Cape Florida Lighthouse. Besides being the oldest structure in south Florida, the Cape Florida Lighthouse is also the only lighthouse in Florida that was attacked by Indians. While touring the Cape Florida Lighthouse doesn’t cost a dime, entrance into the park, where the lighthouse is located, costs $2. Guided tours of the lighthouse are given from Thursday to Monday, twice a day.
7. Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum. If you’re a history buff, a visit to the Bay of Pigs Museum should be right up your alley! The museum boasts artefact collections and educational programs about the Cold War and the missile crisis. Admission into the Bay of Pigs Museum is free.
8. Explore Little Havana. If you want to experience Miami at its cultural best, head out on-foot to Little Havana. Besides boasting a memorial park, Little Havana also features delicious and inexpensive Cuban street food and unique Cuban memorabilia, proudly displayed in diverse places throughout its neighbourhood. Exploring Little Havana, on your own two feet, is free of charge.
9. Sunbathe, swim or simply relax at one of Miami’s many natural beaches. From Crandon Park Beach to Lummus Park Beach, there are many natural beaches in Miami to enjoy. Visiting a beach in Miami is free of charge, unless the beach is located inside a park. Some parks require visitors pay a small admission fee.
10. Explore South Beach. If you do nothing else in Miami, make sure you take the time to explore South Beach. Besides boasting an art deco landscape, South Beach also features a booming nightlife, unique people and scenic views. Exploring South Beach doesn’t cost a thing, except your valuable time!

8:05 AM

6/10/2011 - 6/12/2011 Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament

More than $40,000 in cash and prizes await anglers in different divisions: an open division with guaranteed $10,000 cash to the angler who catches the heaviest dolphin, top female angler and a youth division, for anglers age 15 and under to win rods, reels and trophies. Prizes are presented for the heaviest wahoo and tuna caught as well.
Events

Contact: Carole Stevens 305-872-2411
Email: executivedirector@lowerkeyschamber.com

8:43 AM

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12:20 PM

Key West Fishing Tournament

The Key West Fishing Tournament (KWFT) is a seven-month-long competition that runs from March through November and is open to the general public. Visiting and resident anglers are encouraged to enter their catches, at no charge, at a tournament weigh station during the seven-month event. All entries receive a certificate noting their catch, and qualify for prizes.

Each year the tournament is opened by a special mini Kickoff Tournament. The Kickoff is scheduled for March 11 and 13, 2011. The KWFT will conclude on November 30, 2011.

Visit: http://www.keywestfishingtournament.com/

8:11 AM

America’s Top 10 Dirtiest Hotels


1. Grand Resort and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. received thumbs-down ratings from 87% of the patrons weighing in at Trip Advisor. Out of 225 reviews, 162 rated the hotel “terrible.”
Among their comments: “Just filth. The health department needs to close this place.
If you’re looking for a place with…chewing tobacco spit oozing down the halls; spiders actively making webs in every corner of your room; carpeting so greasy and dirty you wouldn’t want to set your luggage down….”
On the bright side: It’s affordable, with rooms going for a mere $50 per night.

2. Jack London Inn, Oakland, CA.
“This inn is nothing but a dirty, noisy, scary, disgusting place…I’d rather stay in my car…”
“This place appeared to house a bunch of folks who just got out of prison…”
Room rates? $41 a night.

3. Desert Inn Resort, Daytona Beach, FL. Out of 260 reviews, 185 rated the hotel “terrible.”
“Roaches scurried everywhere…”
“It was a dump and the staff didn’t seem to care.

4. Hotel Carter, New York, NY
“I’m not that picky and neither is my fiance, so we compromised comfort for location. We were totally wrong…The rooms at this hotel are gross…dirty, unkempt, they reek of who knows what….”
“If you would like to pretend you went to Honduras, you can get great pictures here….black mold in the showers”  “Mice!”

5. Polynesian Beach & Golf Resort, Myrtle Beach. Out of 228 reviews, 172 rated this hotel “poor” (33) or “terrible” (139).
“Nearly ruined our vacation.”
“The pool was so nasty, I would not let the kids go in.”

6. Atlantic Beach Hotel, Miami, FL

7. Rodeway Inn, Williamsville, NY

8. Super 8 Estes Park, Estes Park, CO 

9. Palm Grove Hotel & Suites, Virginia Beach, VA

10. Econo Lodge Newark Int’l Airport, Elizabeth, NJ


Original Article

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12:14 PM

Rent or Buy? 10 Cities Where It's Better to Rent

There are so many great cities in which to rent rather than buy a home right now, and for not all that much money. The latest Trulia Rent vs. Buy Index shows that even though it’s a better deal to buy than rent in 72 percent of the U.S. at the moment, rental rates are pretty low in most places.

Still, the study behind the index found that a “nation of renters has emerged as more Americans rent by choice or due to unforeseen financial difficulties.” And yet, renting is only less expensive than buying in four of the cities covered in the study, including New York City and San Francisco.

But even though buying is a great deal, no one at Trulia is surprised that U.S. consumers are renting.
“Since the start of the ‘Great Recession,’ many former homeowners have flooded the rental market. Following the principles of supply and demand, renting has become relatively more expensive than buying in most markets,” said Pete Flint, CEO and co-founder of Trulia, in a press release announcing the study.

“Though necessary for achieving true economic recovery, stricter bank lending practices have also further aggravated the struggling housing market in the short term. Even highly-qualified home buyers face intense scrutiny on their income, savings, existing debt and credit history before they can get a mortgage loan.”

The 10 best cities to rent rather than buy include:

  1. New York
  2. Seattle
  3. Kansas City
  4. San Francisco
  5. Memphis
  6. Los Angeles
  7. Fort Worth
  8. Oakland
  9. Portland
  10. Albuquerque
Real Original Article

8:00 AM

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7:41 AM

Places to Get Married in South Florida

South Florida, which stretches from Palm Beach to the Florida Keys, has some of the best beaches on the east coast for a beach wedding. From the trendy beach areas of Miami Beach and "South Beach" to the palm tree-lined beaches of Ft. Lauderdale, the natural settings of Key Biscayne to the laid back atmosphere of the keys, south Florida has something for everyone. Crandon Park in Key Biscayne has been named one of the top 10 beaches in the country. The very scenic Bill Baggs State Park with its natural beauty and historic lighthouse, also in Key Biscayne, has also been named one of America's best swimming beaches.

Miami is a large multi-cultural urban area with strong ties to South America, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. It is a major cruise ship port, making it popular for Wedding and Honeymoon cruises, and the city can be a ton of fun if that's what you're looking for. Miami's beaches and night life are focused on one area in particular - the world famous South Beach.

Contact A Sense Concierge for more Information

1:59 PM

Key West Food and Wine Festival

12:47 PM

Travel to the World’s Cleanest Country

Travel in the world’s cleanest country

The country that is cleanest in the world is Switzerland. It tops the list with an overall EPI score of 95.5 out of 100, while European countries account for 14 of the top 20 environmental performers. Europe has the infrastructure to provide clean drinking water and treat waste water, lowering the likelihood that Europeans will suffer from waterborne disease. Europe scores consistently well in EPI’s environmental health ranking, which measures the effects of pollution on human health.
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9:41 AM

Miami City Guide - The Art Deco South Beach

Miami City Guide - The Art Deco South Beach

Art Deco came about in the 1920’s almost as a reaction to the First World War and the austerity people had lived with for so long. It took a while, but in the 1930’s this movement reached Miami’s south beach and influenced the buildings that were being built here at the time. What was produced was a neighbourhood that stands today as a proud memory to the architectural revolution of the art deco movement.


Art Deco Post Office South Beach

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11:16 AM

Art Deco Weekend Festival in South Beach, Miami

Art Deco Neon in South Beach, MiamiImage by Sam Antonio Photography via Flickr

Art Deco Weekend Festival in South Beach, Miami

Art Deco Weekend 2011 begins today in South Beach, Miami, and runs until Sunday, January 16, 2011.  Over 300,000 people are expected on Ocean Drive this weekend for what has become one of South Florida's hottest events.
With over 800 registered Art Deco buildings crammed into the square mile bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, 23rd Street, Lenox Court and 6th Street, Miami's South Beach neighborhood offers an almost perfectly preserved environment for Deco-era enthusiasts to immerse themselves in.
With its pastel tints and streamlined modern shapes, Art Deco architecture reflected the future-embracing optimism of the era between world wars.
The theme of Art Deco Weekend 2011 is Selling Glamour and Style.
A street fair with art and jewellery vendors, antique and collectible dealers as well as a variety of food and beverage outlets will line Ocean Drive between 5th and 15th Streets.


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6:45 AM

Irish-American ghost haunts Downtown Fort Lauderdale

A ghost is haunting downtown Fort Lauderdale. Located on the north bank of the New River, next to the US Route 1 highway tunnel, the historic Stranahan House is haunted by the ghost of its builder, Frank Stranahan.
In 1893, Frank Stranahan, a 28-year-old Irish-American steel-worker from Youngstown, Ohio, moved to the frontier of South Florida’s New River to manage the overland mail route from Lantana to Coconut Grove. He established a trading post and ran the ferry service crossing the New River. By 1895, Stranahan’s Trading Post was a South Florida landmark.
In 1899, 18-year-old Ivy Cromartie moved from Lemon City to the New River settlement to become its first school teacher. Frank Stranahan and Ivy Cromartie married in 1900, and went on to become the pioneer business and social leaders of the fledgling town of Fort Lauderdale. Due to their extraordinary efforts and generosity, the Stranahan's are considered the founders of Fort Lauderdale.

7:08 PM

Food and Wine Festivals in Florida

Food and Wine Festivals in Florida

In Florida it’s the best time of the year for fabulous food festivals. Here are 4 from Sarasota to Miami you won’t want to miss.
Gasparilla Inn & Club’s Annual Food and Wine Weekend
Jan 14th - 16th
Key West Food & Wine Festival
Jan. 27-30

Forks and Corks Festival

South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Feb 24th - 27th
   
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11:34 AM

FREE 2010-2011 Calendar From Sunny.org

FREE RAINBOW CALENDAR 2010-2011

All my GLBT people and supporters - I would like to be the first to let you know Sunny.org is giving away free calendars for 2011. All you have to do is visit the website http://www.sunny.org/rainbow/planner/ and fill out the form for a 18-month calendar with vibrant photos, GLBT events leading up to the 2011 IGLTA Convention in Fort Lauderdale.

Don't forget to take advantage of the many other offers Sunny.org (the official website for Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction has to offer)

2:37 PM

First Day of Fall

September brings fall in the Northern Hemisphere - Magstefan, Stock Xchng
The astronomical start of the fall season is marked by the positions of Earth and the sun.
September brings the last day of summer and the first day of fall. Here is a list of the precise moments and dates when fall arrives for the northern hemisphere:
  • September 23, 2007 at 5:51 am EDT
  • September 22, 2008 at 11:44 am EDT
  • September 22, 2009 at 5:18 pm EDT
  • September 22, 2010 at 11:09 pm EDT
  • September 23, 2011 at 5:04 am EDT
  • September 22, 2012 at 10:49 am EDT

The September Equinox

On the equinox, the sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west. This is true for both the fall and spring equinoxes. So on two days of the year you can find the exact cardinal directions of East and West by using the sun. The ancients did this when they set up their calendars at Stonehenge and the Mayan pyramid, among others.
 
 

6:30 PM

Sunday Brunch Restaurants in South Florida

Nikki Beach

One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
305-538-1111
Kick back with a cocktail in this Ibiza beach-party-inspired outdoor lounge and bar.

Oceans 234

234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL
954-426-8261
An upscale restaurant and bar just steps away from the sandy shoreline with live music and a    DJ every weekend.

Timo

17624 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL
305-936-1008
This hip South Beach trattoria uses wood-burning fires to create the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Jade Garden Restaurant

244 South University Drive, Plantation, FL
954-475-2788
The food is definitely charming for the price.

Blue Moon Fish Co.

10317 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs, FL
954-755-0002
Stylish seafood in Coral Springs.
4405 W. Tradewinds Ave., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL
954-267-9888
Fine dining and fresh seafood on the Intracoastal Waterway

These are only a few of the restaurants in South Florida for Sunday Brunch. See additional by clicking on the source link
Source: Sun Sentinel

2:06 PM

Fort Lauderdale,FL From $75 a night - Deals

Fort Lauderdale, from $75 a night - Deals- msnbc.com
The Real Deal: The 84-room Ocean Point Beach Resort in Pompano Beach is offering a fourth-night-free special for Learn to Dive month, being celebrated in June by Greater Fort Lauderale.


Guests pay for three nights at the $75 per room per night rate and stay the fourth night free of charge. Plus, many of the area's dive outfits are offering discounts for dive certifications and packages throughout the month.

For a complete list of diving specials, check the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site.

Read Article: Fort lauderdale,FL From $75 a Night

8:44 AM

Been There, Haven't Done That - in Florida!

Been There, Haven't Done That!

You've seen the theme parks, the big cities and the major attractions in Florida. Here are 124 of your new favorite offbeat roadside attractions.


NORTHWEST Apalachicola
1) Apalachicola Maritime Museum and Boss Oyster103 Water St. and 123 Water St., (850) 653-2500 and (850) 653-9364, http://www.ammfl.org/ and www.apalachicolariverinn.com/boss.html

Recently reopened, the Apalachicola Maritime Museum encompasses the heritage of the Apalachicola waterfront and the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint river system. Historic sailboat trips daily. Nearby, ranked one of the top 10 oyster bars in the United States by "Coastal Living" Magazine in 2004, Boss Oyster serves up freshly caught seafood including the blue crabs and bay scallops the area is famous for.

2) The Gibson Inn and Avenue Sea
51 Ave. C
(850) 653-2191,
http://www.gibsoninn.com/
A beautiful, fully restored Victorian inn with all the charm of its era. Built in 1907, this historic inn features the award- winning Avenue Sea restaurant. Learn more about the inn and restaurant, as well as the surrounding areas, in VISIT FLORIDA's Authentic Florida Expert video about the Forgotten Coast of Florida.

Carrabelle
3) World’s Smallest Police StationUS Highway 98
www.carrabelle.org/worldssmallestpolicestation.asp
Plagued by decades of prank phone calls—the dial was finally removed from the phone—the World’s Smallest Police Station in Carrabelle has been housed in a phone booth since the 1960s. This off-beat landmark has been featured on “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” and “The Today Show,” but is no longer in use today.

4) Dwarf cypress forest at Tate’s Hell State ForestOff coastal Hwy 98 about 5 miles west of Carrabelle (5.5 miles into Tate’s Hell State Forest on forest roads)
(850) 697-3734, http://www.fl-%20dof.com/state_forests/tates_hell.html

A 19th century legend has it that local farmer Cebe Tate went in search of a panther that was killing his livestock. After wandering the forest for seven days and nights, Tate stumbled into a clearing near Carrabelle and proclaimed, “My name is Cebe Tate, and I just came from Hell!” Today, the cypress trees at Tate’s Hell may be under 18 feet tall, but they are fully grown—and over 150 years old—at their diminutive stature.Fort Walton Beach

5) Indian Temple Mound Museum at The Heritage Park & Cultural Center139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE(850) 833-9595, http://www.destin-%20fwb.com/
The Indian Temple Mound Museum in Fort Walton Beach reflects 12,000 years of spiritual, technological and artistic achievements of Florida's native peoples. The Indian mound itself measures 17 feet tall and 223 feet across its base. Excavations have unearthed artifacts about the area's native inhabitants.
Marianna

Read More :Been There, Haven't Done That!
By VISIT FLORIDA staff July 2008