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Gap Year Experience

Posted on: May 20th, 2013 at 9:32 am by Travel Smart Blogstars

Graduating can be both exhilarating and terrifying. For many, the path ahead is still yet to be laid and in today’s day in age, more and more young adults are choosing to take some extra time to consider all of the options abound before forging ahead into a new career.

The number of newly graduated students opting to participate in a “gap year” is continuing to rise year after year. This travel trend has spurred an increase in organizations and specialty companies whose expertise is in helping these young adults choose just the right experience for them to help them discover their passion, inspiration, life’s goal, etc…

The Travel Smart Blog team has compiled the below list of Gap Year connoisseurs to help the class of 2013 get a head start on their gap year travels. Don’t forget to check out our post on the “Top Travel Gifts for Grads” before heading out! Safe Travels!
Big Ben

Gapyear.com
A must-visit site for gap year travelers. Here you can meet people, find information, and obtain gap year travel tips. We strongly recommend you check the site before making the decision, because they have all you need to build a perfect gap year trip. It is also the biggest social networking platform for gap year students to connect with each other and share their experiences.

Real Gap Experience
As a leading gap year and student adventure specialist, Real Gap Experience has sent more than 50,000 travelers around the world. It provides a wide range of trips for people seeking different experiences. See their top 10 trips for adventure, volunteer and work broad, or become fully immersed in local culture via their “Experience Trips” offerings. Don’t forget to check the latest special offers if you are on a budget.

Adventures Cross Country
ARCC is a 30 years-old pioneer in guiding young adults through the year of transition. The specialized gap year programs send students to fascinating destinations across the globe and teach them the skills they need to achieve their future goals. Not to mention, a meaningful trip with responsible trip leaders can inspire lifelong friendships, leadership skills and self confidence in a safe and fun environment. Visit the site and find your ideal trip.

Gap 360
If you want to have a short break, or “gap week,” consider Gap 360. It offers both full year program and weeks break travel options. Its travel advisor can help you figure out what is the best for you and help you well-prepared whether you are going on adventure or working abroad. Its website also includes basic advice so be sure to read it before you take off.

TrekAmerica
Do not want to go too far away from home? TrekAmerica can help you to find short adventure tours within the U.S, Canada and Mexico. You can be guaranteed to travel with people around your same age and have fun while fully exploring America. Adventure options include Hiking in the National Parks, Exploring Monument Valley with Navajo Indians, Horseback riding on an authentic western ranch and Mountain biking on the “slickrock” train in Utah.

 

 

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Top Travel Gifts For Grads

Posted on: May 15th, 2013 at 10:40 am by Nicole

gradAnother crop of bright-eyed, big dreamed high school and college graduates are ready to take on the world. But before they do, perhaps they should see it first! I was so eager to get out and start working right after college, (which wasn’t a bad thing) but I do wish that I had taken some time, even if only the summer after graduation, to travel before I officially took on all of life’s responsibilities. So, if you are looking for that perfect graduation gift, consider the gift of travel or some encouragement to help facilitate a big graduation adventure!

Give the gift of travel!
A number of the airlines, cruise lines, hotels and other tour operators have gift certificates and gift cards available for purchase online through their websites. I’ve even seen Southwest Airlines gift cards in the grocery store. You can even gift your airline miles to someone. There’s still an associated cost, typically $15 per 1000 miles, but it could make a big difference for someone’s travel budget.

Oh The Places You’ll Go
Personalized Luggage Tags tucked in as bookmarks in the quintessential graduation book, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss

Where I’ve Been Travel Scratch Map
Who doesn’t love a scratch and win lottery ticket. Well, this travel scratch map makes the trip “the prize”. The traveler simply commemorates his trip by scratching off for each country that he visited.

When the Grad’s iPhone Camera is Not Quite Enough…
Thanks to photojojo.com, cell phone users can convert their phones into super impressive cameras with fish eye, wide angle, and telephoto lenses. There’s even an attachable extension that has all three.

For the Traveling Professional
My husband recently gave me this exact business backpack to use on my work trips. Not only does it have lots of room, protects my laptop and is super great on my back, but it is super cute too. I get compliments on it all the time. Check out Mobile Edge for other business bags.

Don’t Forget to Call Mom!
Before you send your graduate out to conquer the world, make sure they have a good international cell phone plan. You may want to hear every detail, but not at $5-a-minute.

Know any traveling grads out there? We’d like to hear from them at TravelSmartBlog.com!

 

 

 

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Birchbox: How to Pack Your Carry-On

Posted on: May 13th, 2013 at 11:40 am by Travel Smart Blogstars

Birchbox is the leading discovery commerce platform for beauty and lifestyle products, so they know a thing or two about doling out expert advice that makes your life easier. One of the brains behind it all, Meredith Stebbins, editor and content strategy manager for Birchbox, caught up with another industry guru, Melanie Charlton, the CEO of Clos-ette Luxury Closets to gather her insights on packing best practices.

Melanie has been living a life of travel and fashion since her childhood. Commuting back and forth between multiple homes across the country, topped with an extensive career in the fashion industry have helped her develop keen packing skills, especially when it comes to beauty supplies and accessories. Check out the below video for her tips to help you get ready for your Spring/Summer travels.

 

 

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All Aboard For National Train Day!

Posted on: May 10th, 2013 at 1:07 pm by Nicole

Kids on the Train

My son, Travis, and his buddies were super excited for their ride on the Historic Georgetown Loop Railway in Georgetown, CO.

Trains. Some say the invention of the railway was the single most important invention in our history.  It catapulted the industrial revolution and brought worlds together.  And even today with all of our modern ways to get places faster and even virtually, trains are still inspired, offering travelers convenience and an opportunity to experience the passing landscapes en route to their ultimate destination.

Whether simply for entertainment or for actual transportation, add a train-ride into your summer plans, such as a historic ride along a Narrow Gauge Rail such as the historic Georgetown Loop Mining Train to the modern cars and amenities of Amtrak.

Trains are often overlooked in favor of planes, but are in fact a great way of traveling. Europe, for example, has the InterRail service – a network of trains that enables people to travel from one country to another.  And even here in the US, it’s so easy and comes without the hassle of security lines; you can get to the train station 30 minutes before your train, and you even have nice options to dine and sleep comfortably.

National Train Day – May 11, 2013
Train stations and museums around the US are all celebrating National Train Day this weekend.

Los Angeles
The National Train Day event at Los Angeles Union Station (on May 11 from 11 A.M – 4 P.M) will feature free kids’ activities sponsored by Chuggington, interactive and educational exhibits, model train displays and giveaways.  Visitors will have the chance to tour private luxury railcars, freight and commuter trains, as well as current Amtrak equipment.

Grand Canyon, AZ
Take a ride at the Grand Canyon Railway on the Cataract Creek Rambler: a 45 minute train ride in either First Class streamliner cars or vintage Pullman coaches. This year, the Rambler will be pulled by Diesel Locomotive 6793, built by the American Locomotive Company in the 1950’s. Trains depart every hour on the hour from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

San Antonio, TX
The San Antonio Amtrak Station is playing host to a special one-day, large scale, and family-friendly event that is free and open to the public.  Visitors will climb aboard vintage Southern Pacific engine No. 794 for a rare chance to the see the inside of the locomotive cab and have a feel for what it was like to engineer a puffing steam engine a century ago.

Sacramento, CA
At the California State Railroad Museum, visitors will have the opportunity to tour modern-day Amtrak/Amtrak California passenger cars and learn more about train travel options in California by watching short films, browsing timetables and travel literature, and talking with rail transportation providers. Rides aboard the Museum’s Interpretive Handcar and a children’s “Chuggington Station” activity area will all be part of the fun. Admission to all activities – including the Museum – is FREE!

Kansas City, MO
The Kansas City Northern Miniature Railroad (16 inch gauge parktrain) will be celebrating its 20th year of operation by running trains on our half-mile oval of track in Line Creek Park. The Brush Creek & Western HO model railroad will be open to the public. Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department will provide entertainment, facepainting for children, and the zoomobile animal exhibit. Wooden toy trains will be on hand for the little folks to engineer around a tabletop layout.

Boston, MA
At the Boston North Station, Boston Cyclists Union Presents: 5th Annual National Train Day Bike Tour We will bike along the routes of parts of the old Eastern, Boston & Lowell, and Boston & Maine Railroads north of Boston. Along the way, they will stop to look at a number of historic railroad stations and talk about the competition between these railroads in the years surrounding the Civil War.

Share your Train Day photos with us here at Travel Smart Blog or to my Facebook!

 

 

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Safety Tips for Social Sharing

Posted on: May 9th, 2013 at 2:30 pm by Nicole

FB-f-Logo__blue_512  official_twitter  Instagram_Icon_Medium  official_youtube

After the Travel Smart Blog post on how to document your travels online, I think its important to share a few safety tips for social sharing while you are on vacation or any trip for any reason.  The excitement of sharing your experiences with the world can also be fraught with some very real dangers.

There are a few reasons why you should hold off from posting the latest and greatest details from your vacation until you get back. For one, when you Tout, Facebook or tweet about your trip, you are advertising to everyone that you are not home. That means your unoccupied residence is that much more vulnerable to people who are trolling the web for personal information.

When you return from your trips, you can upload your videos to YouTube and post the link on Twitter or embed it on Facebook so friends and family can watch. Use a (#) hashtag of the city or the geotag function on photo sharing sites like Flickr or Instagram to show the world where you’ve been.

If you simply can’t wait to share about your travels before you return, be sure that you remember:

1. Keep personal information to yourself.

2. If you are traveling alone, be very cautious about using geo-location services, apps, Foursquare, or any app that shares where you are in that moment.

3. Avoid in-person meetings with someone you’ve met online. If you must, don’t go alone. Have the meeting in a public place, tell someone you trust about the meeting and coordinate a time to check in; and if possible, take some friends along.

4. Keep communications with family through private messaging, telephone or email — not posting on social media. Often, relatives who are new to social media don’t understand the difference between public and private conversations and how they take place online.

5. As reliant as we all have become on our smart devices, you will feel not so smart if something happens to it while you are traveling.  Keep a list of ICE (in case of emergency) numbers such as important phone numbers and travel contacts, and carry them on you…consider it like keeping an umbrella. If you have it, you probably won’t need it.

Find More Travel Safety Tips Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How to Document Your Own Travel

Posted on: May 8th, 2013 at 11:46 pm by Nicole

Nicole and kids

My favorite travel tales to share are the ones that include my family!

When you explore a new destination, city, hotel or discover a new super restaurant, it’s always nice that you share it with others; if not to prove that you’ve actually been there then to give great advice to those that may want to follow in your traveling footsteps.

Gone are the days of the private travel diary! In its simplest form, you can detail you trip highs and lows on many an Internet site. From reviews, to videos and even your own blog, digitally document your next sojourn. Here are few tips to get started!

Take lots of pictures and videos. This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people take a road trip and forget to take any pictures, because they are too busy driving. Or, how many people are so in awe of the scenery that they don’t take out the camera to pose for a photo until the end of a tour; or never take a photo inside their unique hotel room and only grab a drab snapshot outside of the building.

Use Tout & Vine. It sounds like a hip new restaurant but Tout and Vine are both social video sharing apps designed to work with your smart phones. Tout can be used in combination with Facebook and Twitter to create short video Status Updates. Vine is a new free Twitter-backed iPhone app, letting you seamlessly post six-second video clips on-the-go.

If you review it, they will go. After a hotel stay, after dining at a fabulous restaurant, or experiencing a fun attraction or service: Immortalize your experience when you visit someplace new with a review on sites such as Tripadvisor, Hotels.com, and Yelp. And don’t just give advice, tell others all about your trip. Why you went and who you were with are important pieces of information to share with others who may be in the trip planning mode.

Become a travel blogger. In today’s world pretty much everyone has a blog. To make yours shine a little brighter, keep adding those photos and videos. And don’t forget to connect with other travel bloggers to join in the blogging community. At the very least, create this online diary for your family and friends to keep track of all your adventures! Blogger and WordPress are both solid options for templates and tutorials. Also, post links to your blog on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites.

Don’t forget your map. Maybe you want to include a travel map of all the places you visit. Check out TravBuddy!

 

There you have it: a few tips to get you going on your quest to travel documentation. Now, get traveling and share with us here at Travel Smart Blog where we can read about your experiences!

 

 

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Hotels.com #GuestCensus

Posted on: May 6th, 2013 at 2:47 pm by Nicole

guest-census-smart (1)With National Travel & Tourism Week in full swing (May 4-12, 2013), Hotels.com is taking steps to empower travelers everywhere by hosting a Guest Census.

What are your preferences as a traveler in a hotel room? What services or amenities do you look for when planning your stay? Hotels.com wants to hear your thoughts and will be hosting a Twitter Chat on Tuesday May 7, at 3 p.m. EST.

Join in and engage with Hotels.com (@Hotelsdotcom), Taylor Cole (@TravelwithTLC), and several of their hotel partners by tweeting what’s most important to you as a traveler, using the hashtag #GuestCensus. Not only will you have the opportunity to discuss the wants and needs you have during your hotel experience, but participants will have a chance to win free hotel stays, earbuds & Hotels.com Welcome Rewards credits.

Follow @Hotelsdotcom on Twitter and join in on the discussion tomorrow by tracking and tweeting at #GuestCensus. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

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Cinco de Mayo with Tequila Sommelier, Courtenay Greenleaf

Posted on: May 3rd, 2013 at 12:59 pm by Travel Smart Blogstars

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner! The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Although it’s a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. Tequila is one of the many items associated with Mexico and Cinco de Mayo. To get our readers in the mood to celebrate, I spoke with Richard Sandoval’s Tequila Sommelier, Courtenay Greenleaf about her job, her recent trip to Dubai and what she likes about traveling.

 1. What is a Tequila Sommelier and what does your job entail?

The job is very similar to a wine sommelier. I’m a tequila expert. Knowing the production of tequila, the states as to where it can be harvested and cultivated (all from Mexico and from one of the following states Tamaulipas, Nayarit, Michoacan and Guanajuato.) It also must come from the Agave plant, which is not a cactus; it is in fact from the lily family. Tequila MUST come from the Blue Weber Agave only. It is much like champagne. There is a Denomination of Origin. Then, learning how the different regions have different soil and learning how that can impart flavor to the agave. After you know the steps of the production you can start to understand how production makes a difference in the flavor. Factors that need to be taken into consideration are:

  • How long do they let the agave grow? 
    Trumpet player in Mariachi band
  • How do they cook the pinas (stone hornos or stainless steel autoclave?)
  • What is the juice extraction method (a stone tahona or a mechanical shredder?)
  • What’s the fermentation process?
  • Is it open vat fermentation or do they apply proprietary yeast?
  • Do they use copper still or stainless steel during the distillation process? I
  • t MUST be distilled twice by law, but is distilled three or four times?
  • Do they do an additional filtration process?
  • Next, while aging the tequila – what type of barrels do they use? A new oak (American, Canadian, French, etc.?)
  • Or is it in a used spirit barrel? Bourbon, wine or cognac? Do they toast of char the barrel?

These are questions I ask when I am learning about a tequila. They are all determining factors of how the tequila will differ and I expect to retain all of this knowledge when I taste something new.

2. How did you become trained to be a tequila sommelier?

Well, I was self-taught, but my introduction came while working as a bartender/mixologist. I would ask the reps and owners questions and would of course taste it along the way. There are also several certifications you can obtain; one is through the CRT (Tequila Regulatory Council).

3. You were recently in Dubai where tequila is a novelty; please tell us about that experience.

Yes, I was. It was very interesting. Dubai is a very lavish place. Everything in Dubai has a flare or exciting ‘wow’ factor. We built a tequila tasting room. Dubai had at most five brands or labels of tequila but now we are working on importing other labels and we have about 16 different labels. The guests were astounded by the different nuances that can exist in this spirit. People are realizing that it can be sipped just like a fine scotch or cognac, not just as a shot. And when you are drinking 100% Blue Agave it makes a world of difference in the taste of the refined spirit!

4. Dubai sounds awesome! Where else do you travel with your job and how often?

Dubai Mall next to Burj Khalifa , biggest shopping mall in the world with more than 1200 shops, Dubai, UAE. Image shot 2012. Exact date unknown.I travel to San Diego for the Spirits of Mexico festival and also Washington D.C. and Denver. I travel several times a year.

5. What’s your favorite part about visiting a new country?

I love learning about the culture and their cuisine and spirits. I love feeling how the air is different and smells different… how towns and cities are built and have their own heart beat. I also love traveling by myself as it is an entirely different experience.

6. What’s your most memorable travel experience?

Travel India. I spent 3 months in India. I spend some time in Tamel Nadu working at a school house and orphanage and then backpacked around southern India. It was amazing to literally live out of my backpack. Your world becomes so simple and rich!

Thanks so much to Courtenay Greenleaf for taking time to talk with us about her experience with travel, Cinco de Mayo and tequila!

 

 

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Hotels.com Helps Travelers Live Like Gatsby

Posted on: May 2nd, 2013 at 10:33 am by Nicole

Langham, BostonLast night, the rich and the famous walked the red carpet at New York City’s Lincoln Center for the premier of the highly-anticipated film adaptation of The Great Gatsby.

With much excitement in the air around one of America’s most famous literary jetsetters, it seems as though the Roaring Twenties is experiencing a comeback for a new generation.

To help Gatsby and Daisy wannabes find their perfect place, Hotels.com has cultivated a lavish listing of top-rated hotels that exemplify the magnificence of the 1920’s. From properties offering exclusive flapper era specials to those with iconic art deco décor, there is something for everyone looking to upgrade their next trip, Gatsby-style:

The Inn at Great Neck – Great Neck, N.Y.

  • Located in the popular Long Island town that actually inspired the setting for the iconic novel. The hotel itself features art deco period murals depicting scenes from the book in the lobby and has a highly acclaimed restaurant on-site.

The Willcox – Aiken, S.C.

  • Hosting Gatsby-inspired celebrations throughout May, including soirées with live jazz music and themed cocktails, along with a special Gatsby Package, which includes a copy of the novel, poker chips and a deck of cards, a three-course tasting menu for two, and a special Gatsby cocktail at turndown.

Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh – Dallas, Texas

  • Recently underwent a $36 million renovation which included marble pillars, hand-blown glass chandeliers, and an original ironwork Art Deco-designed staircase.

Vanderbilt Grace – Newport, R.I.Langham Lounge

  • Offing a “Grace Gatsby Package” which includes a two-night stay complete with a five-course meal, sunset sailing cruise, daily champagne breakfast, the guest’s choice of five historic tours, and more.

Ambassador Hotel – Kansas City, Mo.

  • Offing a “Gatsby Package” (through May 15), through which guests can garner extra perks such as champagne and strawberries in-room, late check-out, and luxury transportation around town – perhaps to visit the many jazz clubs the city is famous for?

If staying at a Hotel like one of these sounds like a dream come true to you – you’re in luck! In celebration of the lavishness of the 1920s, Hotels.com is launching a modern era contest to help one lucky winner live like Gatsby via a two-night stay at the sumptuous Langham, Boston, along with a copy of the book that made Mr. Gatsby a household name.

For a chance to win the Gatsby-esque getaway for two, tweet @Hotelsdotcom about the little luxuries you enjoy while traveling with hashtag #GreatGiveaway between May 6 and May 9.

The winner, who will be notified on May 10, will feel like they’re rolling in dough when they claim their prize at The Langham. Originally built in 1922 as the Federal Reserve Bank, the hotel now exudes affluence in other ways, from its marble lobby with ornate gold-leaf ceilings to its six-story glass atrium where live jazz ensembles play on Sundays.

See Rules, Terms & Conditions here: United States | Canada

Good Luck!

 

 

 

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Itinerary of the Month: Portland, ME

Posted on: April 29th, 2013 at 2:00 pm by Nicole

If I had 36 hours in Portland, I would…

Portland really is one of those cities that feels much smaller than it actually is. It seems to have found a balance in that which is quaint and historic, and all things current and modern. Time seems to slow down a bit in Portland, which is good news if you only have 36 hours to spend there.

Portland Head Lighthouse Cape Elizabeth MaineDay 1:

You’ll be out and about in Portland! There’s much to see and do. Start your visit with a cruise on the Bay or in the Harbor. Several cruise lines start their seasons in late May into June and Casco Bay Lines adds fun cruises to its normal inter-island schedule.

Then you can walk the Old Port area of downtown Portland for lunch and peruse the shops and galleries located in this revitalized commercial district.

In the fall, visit an apple orchard during September and October, and pick your own apples, collect pumpkins, and enjoy a hayride. Continue to celebrate Maine apples on the Great Maine Apple Day at the Union Fairgrounds.

If you’re looking for a spot that sizzles for dinner, then look no further than

Grace on Chestnut Street, a New American restaurant housed in an 1850s Gothic Revival-style church. You may just have a spiritual moment when you taste the inventive cuisine.

Day Two:

I can’t think of a better way to start the day than with a walk down the beach. Within minutes of Portland, you can find Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough Beach State Park, Higgins Beach, and Pine Point Beach in Scarborough, and Old Orchard Beach. Spend a few hours at the beach and the head off to explore area lighthouses.

Portland Head Light, one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses on the Atlantic Coast, is located in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. Pack a picnic lunch or pick up a deli sandwich and enjoy the view and the park. Continue to the outer ledges of Casco Bay with a stop at Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth to see Cape Elizabeth.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the 19th Century Willowbrook Village, a living history museum of what life was like in 1800’s Maine.

Many of Maine’s restaurateurs are proud to be part of the burgeoning farm-to-table movement and are doing their best to use all produce, meats and seafood from local farmers, fishermen and suppliers. Royalty Free stock

And much like Grace, a few other Portland restaurants are turning old Portland spots into happening dinner destinations. El Rayo Taqueria turned a lonely gas station into a festive Mexican café. And the old Portland Savings Bank became Sonny’s, featuring New World cuisine and excellent bartenders!

If you can fit it in – try not to forget that Maine is home to one of the most respected outdoor outfitters in the world - L.L. Bean. L.L. Bean is located in Freeport, not too far a drive, and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Travel Tip: Be sure to sign up for Groupon deals to Portland, Maine to take advantage of any saving you can find on food and food while visiting. I noticed many deals on restaurants and activities that would save you big on your Portland adventure!

 

 

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