Random Order Weblog - Nothing’s too random!

Later this year I will be taking a couple weeks off for a vacation somewhere outside of the United States.   I spent a year living in Denmark and traveled all over Europe, and while that was absolutely incredible, it has also made me want to travel in a “new,” less heavily traveled area.  I’m thinking that a trip to India could be just what I need.  Perhaps it is because I work with so many Indians on the internet and they have piqued my curiosity, or maybe it is just because India is a little bit more unique than the typical vacation destination; either way, I’m feeling pretty sure about it.

The question, then, is where in India is the best place for a tourist with absolutely no familiarity of the area to go?  I have had a couple recommendations from Indian friends online, including Tamil Nadu, Orissa, and Bihar.  Tamil Nadu is a state on the southern tip of India, while Orissa is an eastern Indian state about “mid-way” up.  Finally, Bihar is close to Orissa but a little further north.

While this is a good starting point, it is also obvious that I am going to have to narrow my selection as I am the kind of person that likes to relax in one place when I’m on vacation.  I don’t like to feel like I have more work to do when I’m away than when I’m home.  So with that in mind, I will be doing some reading on Orissa travel options as well as on Bihar travel and Tamil Nadu travel.  I think a good starting point is the forums, so that is where I’ll begin, and just sort of ask around and see what others have to say about these regions.  There is certainly no shortage of help to be found on the internet.

The summer is coming to end. Most people are sad, but for me, this means it’s cheap travel season. I’ve been thinking of taking a trip to London. I visited London several times when I lived in Europe, but it was limited to the airport to transfer. I would love to take the time out to spend a week or two seeing the historic sites and enjoying the scenic beauty of London.

I’ve been looking into my options, and it seems that SAS is offering some really good prices at the moment (something to do with their company’s birthday). As my friends constantly remind me when I talk about this, London is an expensive city. I’ve been thinking about that as well, and it looks like the London Pass is a great way to save some money when you visit London.

I’ve also spent some time planning what I’d like to see. There’s a really cool website (actually The Official Website for London) that helps in this area. They let you enter in your location of origin and then have a site that is custom / tailored to meet your needs. The site has hotel bookings, tourist passes, exhibition information, and tons of other ideas for tourists.

With the London Pass and the SAS combination, I think the trip can be done fairly inexpensively. Browsing the official London site I can also see that there are other savings available for the cost conscious tourist. I’m guessing it’s like it was when I lived in Copenhagen—a place that can be expensive if you aren’t careful. Just like Copenhagen, it seems that if you know where to go, and if you plan ahead, there are deals to be found and the trip can be done without entirely emptying my savings account…

If you’re looking for a new and exciting spot to spend your family vacation, why not consider heading to Texas? If you’ve ever been to Dallas or Houston, you’re more than likely going to be surprised to learn that there’s an area on the southern most tip of the state that’s home to an almost tropical paradise.

South Padre Island Texas is one of the hot spots for college kids who are looking for a cheap spring break getaway. It’s got the same ambiance that you’ll find in Florida or South America. Sandy beaches, warm water to swim in and affordable hotels are a big part of the draw.

It’s also a perfect getaway destination for families. Parents can relax and enjoy a bit of quiet time while kids participate in a horseback riding lesson. Many families who have a taste of South Padre Island return year after year.

As with any vacation destination there are times of the year when you are going to end up paying more for airfare and hotel reservations. The best advice from travel experts is book early. You’re often going to find a great rate on a hotel if you book several months in advance. The summer months of July and August tend to be more expensive and that’s true if you are traveling to South Padre Island as well. Instead consider going in October or November when everyone else is settling back into their fall routine and the beach isn’t as crowded.

The hotels in South Padre Island include many of the chain hotels we’ve all come to love. If you hold a membership in a particular hotel chain’s reward program, try and secure a reservation with them. If not, shop around online to find the best deal on a hotel that has all the amenities you need.

Santa Cruz, California is a beautiful city that offers visitors and residents beautiful beaches, lots of outdoor fun, great weather, amazing museums, and fantastic dining, shopping and nightlife. If you’re heading to Santa Cruz on business or pleasure, you’ll definitely need a place to stay. Luckily, Santa Cruz boasts world class accommodations from which you can choose. Here are some of the best Santa Cruz hotels for tourists and visitors to enjoy:

Hilton Santa Cruz — The Hilton Santa Cruz is a top pick for travelers. You’ll get clean, beautiful rooms, great service and fantastic food at this amazing hotel. This nonsmoking hotel offers amenities like a high-tech fitness room and great swimming pool.

Santa Cruz Beach Inn — The Santa Cruz Beach Inn is another great option for anyone needing accommodations in the beautiful city of Santa Cruz. There’s great room service, comfortable rooms and even a pool for guests to enjoy.

Sea and Sand Inn — Above the majestic cliffs of the Monterey Bay is the Sea and Sand Inn. Every room features an amazing ocean view and complimentary Internet service. There are suites that feature luxuries like whirlpool tubs. And, you’ll get complimentary refreshments and continental breakfast.

Ramada Santa Cruz — Ramada is a well-known hotel chain that offers visitors to Santa Cruz top quality services and accommodations. There’s fine dining, a fantastic pool and a friendly, helpful staff ready to meet your every need.

These are just a few of the hotels and inns in Santa Cruz. This city features deluxe accommodations as well as affordable choices for travelers on a budget. Check with your travel agent or do some online searching to find many more great places to stay.

Erie is a city in Pennsylvania that has a lot to offer tourists and residents. Here are some of the best things to do and see when you’re in Erie:

The Lake Erie Ballet — If you’re a lover of classic dance, then you’ll definitely want to check out a performance by the Lake Erie Ballet company.

The Erie Philharmonic — Maybe great live music is what you’re seeking. The Erie Philharmonic features the best in classical music and much more, especially during Pops season. Broadway show tunes, Celtic revivals and holiday concerts are some of the highlights.

The Erie Art Museum — Tour a beautiful collection of fine art at the Erie Art Museum. Entry to the museum is quite affordable, making this a frugal and fun activity.

Splash Lagoon — This indoor water park resort offers great fun and adventure for the entire family. Slides and pools of all sizes are just a few features of this great destination.

Waldameer Park — Another fun amusement in Erie PA is Waldameer Park. Here you’ll find a variety of thrilling rides and other attractions suitable for the whole family.

Erie PA also offers plenty for the outdoor enthusiast. Because Erie PA is home to a large body of water, boating and fishing are some of the most commonly enjoyed outdoor activities. You’ll find chartered boat tours and rentals for boaters and fishermen alike.

There are lots of great hotels in Erie, and a wide range of fine restaurants, shopping malls, antique shops, nightclubs, and lounges to enjoy as well. If you’re looking for a retreat from the ordinary, you can find it in Erie PA. Speak to your travel agent today if you’re interested in visiting or relocating to this amazing city.