Our theme this month was Holiday Travel & Events, and we have a handful of great posts representing this theme.  From tips for holiday travel, to holiday events, to great holiday sights, these travel bloggers joined into the holiday spirit, sharing travel with you.

Enjoy!

• Byteful Travel presents The 7th Annual Holiday Extravaganza posted at Byteful Blog, saying, "I travel to Dallas Texas in the winter to witness the musical experience of a lifetime: The 7th Annual Holiday Extravaganza, the perfect balance of symphonic pop and holiday music. An album of high resolution photos is included."
• Jon Rochetti presents Christmas at Mount Vernon with Mrs. Washington posted at The DC Traveler – Washington DC travel & tourism information, saying, "Visit George Washington’s Mt Vernon estate just outside of Washington, DC and check out the live Christmas camel, just like the one George Washington had at Mt. Vernon during the Christmas season of 1787."
• Audrey Berger presents NYC Events to Think About This Holiday Season | Cracks In Sidewalks posted at Cracks In Sidewalks.
• Travel Advocate presents Family Travel Lanes Take Off In Time for Holiday Travel posted at The Travel Advocate.
• Patrick @ Cash Money Life presents How to Get the Best Holiday Travel Deals posted at Cash Money Life, saying, "How to get the best deals on holiday travel."
• My post here at Flyaway Cafe, Holiday Dinners on the Road, will give ideas for people working over the holidays as well as preferring not to cook;
• And my post at The Seattle Traveler, Parade of Christmas Ships Light up the Holidays, about a wonderful Seattle holiday tradition.

That’s it for this edition of the Carnival of Travelers.  Thanks to everyone for participating, and I hope you’ll all take the time to visit these blogs and check out the other great stuff they have to say.

The theme of the next edition of the Carnival of Travelers will be New Year’s Resolutions:  What is your new year’s travel resolution?  All posts must be related to the topic to be included. 

You can submit your blog post to the next edition of the Carnival of Travelers using the carnival submission form.  Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

My attempts to organize this month’s carnival took a beating, and rather than have posts centered around a theme, this month is sort of a free-for-all of travel information.

There’s lots of good stuff here, so pull up a chair and settle in for some good reads.

• GrrlScientist presents In One Month, I will go to HEL and Back posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "My upcoming trip to Helsinki, Finland, including some sights I am planning to see and reader suggestions for other sights to see (feel free to give me more suggestions!)"
• Marilyn Terrell presents Arkansas: Sweet Mountain Music posted at Intelligent Travel, saying, "You don’t have to go to an expensive music festival to hear great live music in Arkansas: just show up almost any night of the week on the courthouse square in Mountain View, weather permitting."
• RandomSanDiego presents Kids Free Days at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park posted at RandomSanDiego.com, saying, "Take advantage of the Kids Free Days promotion: free admission for kids to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park during the month of October."
• Matthew Paulson presents Travelers Seeking Colorful Getaways posted at The Travel Advocate.
• The Traveler presents New York Tours posted at Ellis Island – Statue of Liberty, saying, "Some tours you should see while visiting the statue of liberty"
• Scott Miscall presents My Top 10 London Restaurant Recommendations posted at londonelicious: a London restaurant blog, saying, "Well, after doing this blogging thing all over London for the last four years, I figured it was time to commit to my top 10 London restaurant recommendations. This list is subject to change as I review additional London restaurants, and you must remember that I am a "food for the people" kind of gal."
• And finally, my posts When Flying and Alcohol Don’t Mix posted here at Flyaway Cafe,
• and my post about the Washington State Convention & Trade Center posted at The Seattle Traveler.

That’s it for this edition of the Carnival of Travelers.  Thanks to everyone for participating, and I hope you’ll all take the time to visit these blogs and check out the other great stuff they have to say.

The theme of the next edition of the Carnival of Travelers will be holiday travel.  All posts must be related to the topic to be included.  You can submit your blog post to the next edition of carnival of travelers using the carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

These posts are sure to have you dusting off your passport and making vacation plans.

• EcoSalon presents The Tuscan Table and Magnificent Morocco with Peggy Markel posted at Sara Ost.
• Wendy presents Tokyo And A Tale Of Man’s Best Friend posted at Escape From New York, saying, "The Hachiko Statue represents the extreme of man’s best friend and loyalty and is Tokyo’s most famous meeting spot."
• Kilroy_60 presents Back From Vacation… posted at Fear And Loathing – The Gonzo Papers.
• blonde redhead presents Getting around Europe…the hard way posted at Cheap is the new Black.
• Janine Smith presents Africa Travel | Overland Adventure Tours | Overview posted at African Safaris & Adventure Trips.
• ElleAtDefiningSomeday presents That Great Wall Feeling | defining someday posted at Defining Someday, saying, "Related to a trip to China – specifically the Great Wall."
• Costa Rica Travel presents Typical Foods In Costa Rica posted at Costa Rica Travel Revealed.
• Ozone presents EPT Season Five Preview posted at Online Poker Strategy, saying, "The fifth season of the European Poker Tour is about to start."
• AdmirableIndia.com presents Pearl Valley or Muthyala Maduvu, Karnataka posted at AdmirableIndia.com.
• James Hills presents La Tomatina – a Tomato Party In Spain | Father and Son Mancation posted at Man Tripping – Guys Getways and Mancations, saying, "This is a story submitted by one of our readers about their father and son mancation last year to Bunol Spain for the La Tomatina Festival."
• garry presents Barbados Currency Is Dollars, Of Course It Is | The Barbados Blog posted at The Barbados Blog.
• Siam Sunshine presents Brits warned off travel to Thailand posted at Siam Sunshine, saying, "Trials and Tribulations in S.E Asia. Our Family story of relocating from the UK to Thailand."
• Audrey Berger presents Rue Mouffetard, Paris 75005 | Cracks In Sidewalks posted at Cracks In Sidewalks, saying, "I hope you enjoy my favorite little street. Best regards, Audrey Berger Cracks In Sidewalks"
• Hairy Swede presents A Swedish American in Sweden: A Swedish American in Madrid posted at A Swedish American in Sweden, saying, "The hazards of international travel."
• Candace Silvasy presents Candy?s Virtual Spa Voyage – The Ultimate ?Glamour Trip? posted at Spa Around the World in Eighty Days, saying, "Candace’s Spa Around the World in Eighty Days blog, mimicking Phineas Fogg’s journey with a glamorous twist."
• Kalyan presents Emerald Islands : Andaman & Nicobar posted at Heaven’s Garden, saying, "Andamans are Coral islands teeming with marine life, with white sand beaches and surrounded by pristine breath-taking beauty of nature. This tropical archipelago, unspoiled and untouched by the vagaries of modern life. The islands are truly the perfect tropical paradise for a grand summer vacation."
• Tim Leffel presents World traveler? You may not be wanted at the blood bank posted at tripso.com.
• The Detangler presents Finding Peace in Beijing posted at Detangle.Us – beautiful ideas, inspiration and other cool stuff from creative types all over the world, saying, "A gorgeous boutique hotel in Beijing offers a peaceful respite from busy urban streets."
• Nancy Brown presents San Sebastian; A culinary quest posted at WhatATrip, saying, "Nancy Brown’s trip to Spain was a culinary treasure. "If I close my eyes, I can still taste the Basque cheese," says Nancy."
• And finally, my post, The Historic Arc de Triomphe is a Must-See in Paris at Flyaway Cafe.

That concludes this edition.  A very big thank you to everyone who submitted posts.  I had a great time reading them!

The theme for our October carnival will be Money Saving Travel Tips.  All submissions must be on this topic, and have working links, to be included.  Deadline for submissions is October 5th, and the Carnival will be published on October 7th.

Submit your blog article to the next edition of the Carnival of Travelers using our carnival submission form.  Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Photo credit:  ©2008, Mary Jo Manzanares

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

This month’s theme was U.S. Travel, and we have a varied selection of locations and points of view on the subject.  So let’s get started!

• Trench presents Travel : The D.C. Metro Experience posted at 7milesdown.
• Ms. Smarty Pants presents Arches National Park Tips and Trails. posted at Ms. Smarty Pants Know It All, saying, "options and details for Arches National Park in Utah."
• Jack Norell presents Scrumptious breakfasts on the Las Vegas Strip posted at Eyeflare – Travel Articles and Tips, saying, "Breakfast is more an afterthought than a destination in Las Vegas. Your options used to be café, buffet or Starbucks. While that may be acceptable to most, foodies and business travelers are looking for something much tastier."
• Amanda s presents Grandview Las Vegas Resort Review, Timeshare Ownership at Grandview in Las Vegas Nevada posted at RCI member informer, saying, "Las Vegas resort review of Grandview hotel."
• Karyn presents Orlando, Florida on the Cheap posted at All About Orlando, saying, "There are lots of simple ways of visiting Orlando, Florida "on the cheap.""
• Marilyn Terrell presents Plan My Trip! Biking the Bay posted at Intelligent Travel, saying, "exploring the Bay Area by bike."
• Matthew Paulson presents The Boating Vacation Spot posted at The Travel Advocate.
• Barbara Schreiber presents Mesa Verde: A Storied Island in the Sky | Britannica Blog posted at Britannica Blog, saying, "traveling to the ancient ruins of the Ancestral Pueblo people of Mesa Verde."
• Missy presents Planning a Trip to an Amusement Park posted at Queen Planning Bee, saying, "Tips for what to bring for a day at an amusement park."
• Amy @ The Q Family presents 13 Things to Do in Chattanooga posted at The Q Family Adventure.
• Brian Jay Stanley presents The Sublime and Beautiful in Yosemite Valley posted at Aphorisms and Paradoxes.
• Stephanie Bryant presents Camping in Arizona: The Day I Learned to Like Parking Lots posted at U.S. Travel, saying, "Arizona campgrounds and how to pick the right campground for your needs, not necessarily the highest rated."
• GP presents The Innside Scoop is Out posted at Innstyle Montana- Come on Inn, saying, "The innside scoop on hosting guests."
• And finally, my contributions to the Carnival, Go Directly to Jail posted at Flyaway Cafe, and Spend a Sunny Day at Mud Mountain Dam posted at The Seattle Traveler.

That concludes this edition of the Carnival of Travelers.  You can submit your blog article to the next edition using our carnival submission form.   The theme for September will be International Travel, and all posts must be in keeping with the theme.

Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Image credit:  wikimedia

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Our theme for May was Local Events, and it was one that bloggers seemed to have a lot of trouble with.  Many submissions were off topic, and despite being well written and creative, they are not listed here.  I thank everyone for participating, along with a gentle reminder that this is a themed carnival.

I am happy to present the following travel blogs post on the theme Local Events:

• Christine presents Open Air Market in Barcelona posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France.  Markets are an event seen round the world.
• Mary Jo presents UFO Sighting & Festival in Oregon posted at Flyaway Cafe, saying “enthusiasts of extraterrestrials, UFO sightings, aliens, and all sorts of other mysteries will want to know about this festival.”
• Jack Norell presents Europride in Stockholm summer 2008 posted at Eyeflare – Travel Articles and Tips, saying, “Europride is taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, this year between 25 July and 3 August. It’ll be the biggest event on the European Gay and Lesbian calendar and great fun for everyone with an open mind.”
• Gray presents Sweet Outing posted at SoloFriendly.com. about the Maple Syrup Festival.
• Jon Rochetti presents Sail on a Colonial Tall Ship posted at The DC Traveler – Washington DC travel & tourism information, saying, “Get your sea legs ready for a cruise on the revolutionary-era British tall ship, the Sultana, and get a taste of life as a British sailor.”
• Heatheronhertravels presents The Fallas museum – in Valencia posted at Heather on her travels, saying, “Heatheronhertravels describes the Fallas festival which happens every March in the city of Valcencia when pyrotechnical mania grips the city. If you can’t visit then or prefer a more peaceful experience, you can see the sculptures at the Fallas museum which is open all year round.”
• Mary Jo presents An Angel Whispered to Me: “See Corteo” posted at The Seattle Traveler saying, “Cirque du Soleil performs in their annual Pacific Northwest event.”

That concludes this edition of the Carnival of Travelers.  Thanks to all the travel bloggers who submitted such great posts about local events.

You can submit your blog article to the next edition of the Carnival of Travelers using our carnival submission form. 

The June theme is Photos.  All submissions must be a great photo (or photos) of a travel destination, event, attractions, etc., that you have personally taken.  This is a photo submission, and text should be short and explanatory in nature only.  So dust off your camera, and take a great travel shot.  (NOTE:  Please confirm in your post, or in the submission notes, that the photo is one that you have taken.)

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

• Pat presents Where is Your Favorite Travel Spot in Costa Rica? posted at Pixelpat.com.
• ivanisko presents A Report from Prague posted at Bookstore Guide, saying, “This is a report from our recent trip to Prague, and it summarizes our search for the local interesting bookstores offering books in English. It has been originally published on our blog Bookstore Guide, which aims to map all the independent bookstores selling books in English in Europe.”
• Ishtar presents » The Baobab forest revisited Esther Garvi: aka Ishtar News posted at Esther Garvi, saying, “For anyone who comes to the Zinder region (Niger) the 1000 year old Baobab forest in Mirriah is a must!”
• Heatheronhertravels presents To Bristol Cathedral for a contemplative lunch posted at Heather on her travels, saying, “I visited Bristol cathedral this week. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to linger and photograph, and we found some beautiful carved stonework, stained glass, patterned marble floors and vaulted ceilings. You can even have a bargain lunch in the cheerful refectory or eat outside in the garden among the gravestones and flowering shrubs.”
• Steve presents Three Days in Koh Samet posted at Thailand Musings.
• Mary Jo Manzanares presents Science Vacation at Idaho’s Experimental Breeder Reactor posted at Flyaway Cafe, saying, “a little off the beaten path, and not an attraction you’d normaly think of, but visiting the reactor is educational and historical.”
• Ruth Mitchell presents Catching Up posted at Buy Outside the Box, saying, “Cruising on a sailing ship is a great way to see the real deal.”
• Christine presents The Square Around the Cathedrale Strasbourg, France posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France.
• Christopher Cook presents Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp: taking time during your vacation to remember posted at -noambit -Travel Europe- where to go, what to see, and how to get there, saying, “Just outside Berlin in the small town of Oranienburg lies a concentration camp that was built as a model for all others to follow. This article provides a brief history as well as information on how to experience this free day trip from the capital of Germany.”
• Andy Boyd presents 29 Of The Best Water Parks In The World posted at ProTraveller, saying, “A selection of the top water parks including from around the world showcasing everything from outdoor wave pools in Malaysia to terrifying kamikaze slides in Florida.”
• Sheila A. Scarborough presents Roots of Rock: Sun Studio, Memphis posted at Family Travel: See The World With Your Kids, saying, “Inside tiny Sun Studio, rockabilly and rock and roll legends were born. Visit it the next time you’re in Memphis!”
• Jon Rochetti presents The New Newseum Opens April 11th posted at The DC Traveler – Washington DC travel & tourism information, saying, “The new 250,000-square-foot, seven-level museum dedicated to news and the press, covers five centuries of news, news history and reporting with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits.”
• Mary Jo Manzanares presents And on up the River is Grand Coulee Dam posted at The Seattle Traveler, saying, “plan a summer getaway weekend and visit the dam.”
• Jack Norell presents Tate Modern, London posted at Eyeflare – Travel Articles and Tips. 

That concludes this edition of the Carnival of Travelers.  You can submit your blog article to the next edition using our carnival submission form.  The theme for May is Local Events.  All posts must meet the theme or they will not be published.

Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

This month our theme was Family Travel.  All of these contributions share tips, destination suggestions, ideas, and perspective on the issue of traveling with or as a family. 

Thanks to all of these wonderful bloggers for making the Carnival a success!  I urge you to click on over to each and every one of these blogs for some of the best travel blogging around.

• Jeet presents Lumbini Garden, Bangalore posted at bangalorebeats, saying, “Check the beautiful lake front leisure and entertainment park in Bangalore. A great kids, family and love birds destination alike.”
• Chris Christensen presents Episode 92 – Around the World, Family Style | The Amateur Traveler Podcast – travel for the love of it posted at The Amateur Traveler Podcast – travel for the love of it, saying, “The Amateur Traveler talks to the Anders Family (who were recently featured on the Oprah Winfrey show) about their trip around with world with 4 kids ages 4 to 14.”
• Mary Jo Manzanares presents Have a Ball at WhirlyBall posted at The Seattle Traveler, saying, “it’s fun for kids, adults, and families.”
• j blu presents 7 Family Activities to do in Honolulu posted at Local Kine Hawaii, saying, “Planning a family trip to Oahu, Hawaii? Here’s a few great things to do that the whole family will love.”
• Sarah presents Directory of NYC museum free/pay-what-you-wish days posted at SARAHSPY, important money saving information when you’re traveling with a family.
• poetloverrebelspy presents The Art of Being a Gracious Houseguest posted at Less Than a Shoestring, saying, “Staying with friends or family is a simple way to save money on vacation. But it’s not easy being the perfect guest! A few guidelines for behaving yourself and honoring your host, in this post.”
• Kendra presents Ship Your Baby Gear Ahead posted at AreWeThereYet?AreWeThereYet?, with helpful tips to make traveling with baby easier.
• Kara Williams presents Kids and Casinos posted at Traveling Mamas, explaining how the two really can be combined.
• James Brausch presents Costa Rican National Parks posted at Costa Rica HQ. with lots of family friendly ideas.
• The Innovative Traveler presents Terrified of Traveling with Children? posted at The Innovative Traveler, and after reading this post you won’t be.
• Mary Jo Manzanares presents Back to Basics: Checking & Claiming Strollers at the Gate posted at Flyaway Cafe, saying, “make traveling with kids and their strollers just a little bit easier.”
• Dave Burris presents The Delaware Beaches: A Family-Friendly Vacation Location posted at The online home of the Delaware Beaches | CoastalSussex.com, saying, “The Delaware Beaches are one of the most family-friendly beach destinations anywhere.”
• Jamie presents Roar and Snore Sleepovers at the Zoo posted at Go San Diego Card Blog, saying, “Can you think of a better place to have a sleep over than the San Diego Zoo? I bet you can’t!”
• karyn presents New Water Park Opening in Orlando – Aquatica posted at All About Orlando, saying, “A brand new water park is opening this March in Orlando, Florida. Aquatica will hold opening ceremonies in March, with it’s grand opening scheduled for early April.”
• Kara Williams presents Family Air Travel Stories: Even Young Kids Develop Brand Loyalty posted at Traveling Mamas,
• Christine presents Our Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) Travel Plans posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France.
• AnneGlamore presents How An Eight-Year-Old Views The World posted at My Tiny Kingdom, saying, “Unusual commentary and pictures of Lisbon, Portugal”

That’s all for this edition of the Carnival of Travelers. 

The next edition will be published on April 7th, and with a theme of Local Attractions.  All submitted posts must be on the topic of a local attraction.  No overtly commercial or off-topic posts will be published.  You can submit your blog article using the carnival submission form. Past posts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

A very big thank you to all of the wonderful bloggers who submitted posts for inclusion.  This month’s theme was “Lodging” and I think these bloggers covered nearly every angle of the theme.  Read on for the many options that you have when it’s time to lay your head down.

Hotels:

• Let’s start with a little humor from Madeleine Begun Kane, and A Traveler’s Net Woes posted at Mad Kane’s Humor Blog.  It’s a good laugh about hotel internet connections and business travel with your spouse.
• Susan presents The Innovative Traveler: Sleep with the Nuns… posted at The Innovative Traveler.  A convent in the heart of Rome, operated as a hotel, sounds like a great option.  (I know I’m going to look into it!)
• Debbie Dubrow presents DeliciousBaby Journal | Choosing A Family Friendly Hotel posted at Delicious Baby. Traveling with little ones raises a host of issues, and these tips for choosing a hotel will help you out.
• Raymond presents Join and Participate In Hotel Rewards Programs To Earn Free Hotel Stays posted at Money Blue Book, reminding us about ways to maximize our hotel stay.

Resorts:

• Jennifer Rog presents Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts posted at All Inclusive Travel Tips, with tips on tipping at your all-inclusive destination.
• Jeet presents Bheemeshwari Fishing and Nature Camp posted at bangalorebeats.  This resort in the South Indian state of Karnatak will appeal to those looking for adventure, fishing and nature. 
• Sheila Scarborough presents It’s cold, so let’s go to a water park posted at Family Travel: See The World With Your Kids.  The Great Wolf Lodge resorts combine an indoor water park with a hotel option.  Something for everyone?

Hostels:

• Christopher Cook presents Choosing A Hostel Is Like Choosing A Friend: things to think about when trying to find a place to sleep posted at -noambit -Travel Europe- where to go, what to see, and how to get there.  Hostels in Europe come in all shapes, sizes and types, and this article helps you decipher what to expect and what to look for in a European Hostel. 
• Macie presents My London Trip posted at Random Useful Information, sharing her humorous experience about a hostel stay in London.”

Homes & Apartments:

• Andrew Edgington presents Cyprus Holiday Villa Homes posted at Cyprus Informer.  Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and is becoming a popular spot for holidays and buying property.
• Mitch McDonald presents Hawaii Rentals : Finding The Perfect Vacation Home posted at FYI About.com, another article about life on an island.
• My contribution from here at Flyaway Cafe was What to do When You Can’t Find a Hotel in Paris, and how I found the perfect Paris apartment.

Miscellaneous:

• Michael@TSM presents Travel Writing Contest! Win $150 Cash Prize | Traveling Stories Magazine posted at Traveling Stories Magazine.  If you have a travel lodging story to share it could be worth a little cold, hard cash.

You are invited to submit a post to the next Carnival of Travelers on the theme “Family Travel.”  All posts must relate to the theme.  Please make sure your link work, as I had to eliminate several submission with broken links.  Submit your blog article to the next edition using the carnival submission form. You can get more information about past posts on the blog carnival index page.

Photo credit:  flickr

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe