Driving, texting, cell phones.  They are gadgets and tools that just don’t mix.  It seems like a basic concept, one that didn’t really need a statue, but starting with my own state of Washington, other states have followed suit, enacting legislation that regulates cell phone use, text messaging, and driving.
While I’ve been known to put on lipstick or glance at an email while my car IS AT A COMPLETE STOP at a STOP SIGN, I’ve never believed that I was capable of texting and driving at the same time.  At least not do them WELL at the same time.
Whether …read more

The Enchanted April DVD will be winging its way out to Karen (who blogs at Thrifty Mommy) with her comment:
 
I have never been out of the US, so I’m sure any place in Italy would be great!

 
After watching this movie, you’ll be dying to go to Italy, I’m sure.  And yes, Italy is GREAT 
There are all sorts of thrifty ways to save up for travel, as well as ways to manage expenses while on the road.  So maybe we’ll be seeing some of those kinds of tips from Karen. 
I hope you enjoy the movie, Karen.  I know …read more

Regular readers already know that I’ll be leaving for a trip to Italy next month.  For the last several weeks, you’ve probably noticed a little more Italian-themed posts creeping into the blog.
When I was asked if I’d like to review the movie Enchanted April, being released on DVD today, you know that I jumped at the opportunity.
Enchanted April is the story of two English women who decide to liven up their dreary lives by doing the unthinkable – renting a castle on the Italian Riviera, complete with staff. 
In 1920’s London, this degree of independence by women, to say …read more

Fancy yourself a citizen of the world?  Or maybe a world geography buff?  Trying to decide where you want to go on your next vacation?  Have a little fun (avoid doing any work?) on this Saturday afternoon with a world geography quiz.

The quiz gives you a map of the world, and 20 countries which you need to place on the map with a click.  You only have a few seconds, so you have to act quickly.  A blinking red circle means you’ve placed it correctly.  If you’re wrong, and quick, you may be able to make a second stab at …read more

Like most travel lovers, I like keeping track of where in the world that I’ve been.
And, of course, like yesterday, thinking about where I might want to go next.
TravBuddy has created some easy tools for you to check off the states, provinces, and countries that you’ve been to, and then share it with your friends on your blog, Facebook page, or by other means.
Here’s my map showing that I’ve been to only 8% of the countries of the world.  You can click on the plus and minus sign icons in the upper left corner of the map to zoom in …read more

If you’re still trying to figure out how you’re going to add a little travel into your life – and budget – this year, here’s a low budget way to get you travel fix at home.
Buy a wall calendar of the destination you want to visit this year.
You can use the beautiful photos as a daily reminder to cut back on your lattes, and save up for an espresso in Tuscany.  Or to ditch the muffin from the cart to save up for a croissant in Paris.  Take the bus so you can finance a gondola ride in Venice, or …read more

Oh to be a Mummer, now that New Year’s is almost here!
This is the 103rd year for Philadelphia’s New Year’s Day Mummers Parade, and this is one of those festivities that sound like so much fun.  I’m hoping that a few of my Philly readers chime in here and let me know if it’s as much fun as it sounds.  (Kelly?  Caroline?  Anyone?)
The history of the Mummers goes back to the Roman Festival of Saturnalia.  Latin laborers wore masks and marched around giving gifts.  There was also a Celtic version that was a little bit more like trick-or-treat, featuring costumes …read more

Time to poke a little fun at travel.
Here’s a clip from the movie, Meet the Parents:
 

 
Do you sometimes feel like what happens in  this episode is your travel status quo?
 
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Nobody throws a party like New York City, so if you are anywhere in the area you’ll want to catch the 35th annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.
The Parade emphasizes diversity and family as it brings together the myriad economic, ethnic, social, sexual, and racial components of New York City.  Even the NYC Police Department has recognized the Parade for its contribution in making Halloween a safe event, bringing together the community in a creative and playful way.
The parade queues up at 6th Avenue, south of Spring and North of Canal, between 6:30-8 pm. The parade begins 7 pm and …read more

When it comes to shows and attractions, Las Vegas is known for its over-the-top productions, and Halloween is no exception. 
Circus Circus presents Fright Dome, ranked as one of the top five scariest haunted attractions for two years running.
Full of haunted houses (five), live freak shows, rides, scare zones and a few more surprises, Fright Dome runs October 3rd through 31st, 7pm – midnight.  Tickets are $33.95/person, and you can purchase Fright Dome tickets online or by calling the box office at (702) 794-3939.  An extra $15 for a VIP Fast Pass gives you express entry (no waiting on line!) …read more