The Errant Traveler

Top Spooky Halloween Destinations

2011-10-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Want to know where to go for a truly SPOOKY Halloween? Check out these top destinations around the world for a scary good time.

Salem, MA

There is nowhere in the U.S. like Salem on Halloween! The Salem witch trials in 1692 in which twenty innocent people were executed, put it on the map. And each year, the spirits of the doomed innocent permeate the atmosphere. The combination of the New England fall foliage and the many historic sites detailing the trials, makes for a unique Halloween. In October, Salem goes all out – there are haunted houses, special events at the Witch Museum, the House of Seven Gables, and the Witch House, street performers, parades, and costume balls.

Check out Salem's Haunted Happenings

Prague

Prague is considered the most haunted city in Europe. Its history of mass executions, murderous thieves, and gothic creatures combined with Prague’s ancient buildings and narrow streets create an ambiance of evil and mystery. The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague dates back to the 15th century and is one of the largest in Europe – despite its size, the graves had to be put one on another, somewhere even in twelve layers! A lot of zombies could get loose in this place!

Edinburgh

A forgotten city lies beneath Edinburgh's South Bridge – an underground maze of chambers, vaulted rooms, tunnels, and passageways shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The bricked-in city opened in 1788 but was virtually unknown before being rediscovered in 1985. It’s thought that thousands of people lived and died in these vaults, many of whom never glimpsed the light of day. Nowadays, 20 or so rooms and merchant quarters have been excavated, and tours through the cavernous hollows pass by oil lamps, leather shoes, animal bones, wine bottles, and other haunting remnants of the people who lived here. Not surprisingly, the vaults are famous for their strong paranormal presence, as well; many visitors swear they’ve seen wraithlike ghost shadows down below – some have even captured the haunting images in photographs.

Read more here

Transylvania, Romania

You can’t mention Halloween without thinking about the Count. Transylvania, the alleged birthplace of these dark and fearsome creatures, is located in the western province of Romania. You can even tour Dracula’s alleged home, the daunting Bran Castle (www.brancastlemuseum.ro) – a spooky 14th-century bastion about 20 miles from Brasov, in the shadows of Mount Bucegi. It's said to have briefly housed the Romanian prince on whom the great fictional vampire is based. In the hills above the town of Miklósvár you can explore bat-filled caves, or tour medieval villages in a horse-drawn sleigh.

See the Romania Travel Guide for more trip-planning information.

Paris

The city’s most famous tour, The Paris Ghost Tour, combines a walk and pub crawl perfect if you need a shot of courage to get through it. The city’s catacombs, the satanic conspiracies of the 17th-19th centuries, the true Sweeney Todd of Paris and, last but by no means least, the Vampire of Paris - a real life cannibal and suspected serial killer are covered in the tour.

2011 Business Traveler Innovation Award

2011-10-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

And the winner is...

Hipmunk.com

Himpmunk, an idea from MIT graduate Adam Goldstein is a new travel search site. What makes Hipmunk different from Travelocity or Orbitz is the way the results are shown. Instead of having to scroll down through pages of results, the flights are laid out in an easy to read grid that allows you to see the price, departure (and arrival) time and layover information. So all relevant flights appears on one screen. You can filter the results by non-stops, departure time, and price.

There is also a hotel search function that presents the results in an easy to read map instead of a list. You also get TripAdvisor reviews of each one.

Montreal's Magic of the Lanterns

2011-10-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

Photo © Wagner2005

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Chinese Garden at the Montréal Botanical Garden is featuring The Magic of Lanterns, a showcase of 200 thematic lanterns paying tribute to China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, and his impressive cavalry. The show runs from September 9 to October 31, 2011.

The use of decorative lanterns to brighten and illuminate Chinese festivities is said to date back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). The tradition of stringing up lanterns on the 15th day of the first lunar month probably originated during the Sui Dynasty (581-618). The lanterns at the Botanical Garden are handcrafted by artists in Canada and in China.

photo: Alain Guimont

Montréal Botanical Garden4101, rue Sherbrooke Est
Montréal (Québec)
Canada, H1X 2B2

Dreaming of Cuba

2011-09-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from Cuba and I have to give the two thumbs up. Despite the fact a visit there is like stepping into a time machine to a faded past, it has some redeeming qualities. In a nutshell, here are my pros and cons...

Cons (just to get them out of the way)
1. There is a national crisis in Cuba and that is the lack of toilet paper or paper of any kind. If you are not carrying a roll of toilet paper with you at all times you are in deep...trouble. I also recommend having napkins and paper towels on hand for use in restaurants as well.

2. In certain places like Trinidad, the bugs will eat you alive with a side of fava beans and a nice Chianti. My friend was covered in bites over her entire face! Thankfully I was spared but had them all over my back (not a great place when they start itching!)

3. The food is forgettable. They import most of their fruits and vegetables and for some reason seem not to have many spices available so the food is bland and the fruit is under ripe. The exception is the Red Snapper which was always good whenever it was available.

OK...on to the highlights

1. The city is safe and relatively clean. Havana is a typical urban city, crowded and full of traffic. But we found it to be safe to walk around (the crime rate is low) and pretty clean for an urban city.

2. The people are warm and friendly. Everyone wanted to chat. Nearly everyone had some level of English comprehension but we spoke mostly Spanglish there. It's easy to find a happy middle ground if you go knowing at least some basic Spanish. The literacy rate in Cuba is high so peopple are funny and articulate.

3. The food is cheap. We got a mojito, lobster dinner and dessert for $10. The lobster wasn't bad, perhaps a bit overdone but you can't complain at those prices. We also had a medium sized shrimp pizza for $5. Although I have to say their version of the pizza is a bit different as they don't use Italian cheeses.

4. The Caribbean beaches are beautiful. We stayed one night at the Melia in Varaderos and it was wonderful! It's an all inclusive resort for adults only and if I had been there solely as a tourist I may have spent the entire time there.

5. There is music everywhere! In the streets, the restaurants, and the nightclubs. It's like being in a music video all day long. Practice your salsa moves before you go.

Things to know...

1. They only accepted currency is the CUC which is a tourist currency. You can exchange at hotels and official change locations which all give the same exchange rate. There is an additional penalty imposed on exchanging American dollars.

2. The electrical current is 220v. Although the outlets will take both the round and the flat prong. So, if you have a camera charger that is dual voltage (most are) then you can use it without an adapter, except in the newer hotels (like the Parque Central where we stayed) which only use the round. They do have adapters to loan.

3. In Havana there was a scam going on where locals would ask you to buy diapers or laundry soap for them. The cost of the diapers was sometimes $50! Avoid these people. If you want to bring soap or other items to hand out it's fine but don't get conned.

4. Beware of buying cigars off the street. This hustle was specifically targeted to men. Buy cigars in the hotels or quality restaurants or at the cigar factory store.

5. US residents cannot bring back rum, cigars or coffee. Actually, you are not allowed to bring back anything made in Cuba, but the above three are key. There were dogs sniffing our bags in the Miami airport when we returned!

I hope that Cuba will soon be open for leisure travel as it is a great place to spend a week especially if you're traveling from the East Coast. Let's all pray for peace so that everyone can enjoy our beautiful world!

Peace and Love in the Wild

2011-09-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

If North America is your destination of choice, there are lots of unique little spots both weird and wonderful to visit. And if you're the off the beaten track type, you'll want to check out these unusual places designed for love and relaxation.

Photo: Unusual Hotels of the World

Xinalani Retreat

Xinalani is an eco-friendly destination for yoga. meditation and self reflection. Although the villas appear rustic on the outside, the interiors are modern (it opened in 2010) and offer spectacular mountain and sea views. There is a state-of-the-art yoga and meditation studio. Xinalani is an all-inclusive facility located near Puerto Vallarta. Mexico. It's not cheap but if you need to get away, this is a great option.

Photo: Unusual Hotels of the World

Post Ranch Inn

Located in the cliffs of Big Sur, California, the Post Ranch Inn provides the perfect getaway or honeymoon retreat. The Inn offers yoga, guided hikes, star gazing and cooking classes. Many of the rooms are actual treehouses built on stilts nine feet above ground. The Inns "Elopement Package" includes a ceremony with officiant, flowers, bottle of champagne and photographer.

King Pacific Lodge, British Columbia, Canada

If you're in the mood for an eco adventure that doesn't involve roughing it, then the King Pacific Lodge offers luxury and the natural beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest in a unique, floating setting. Activities include fly-fishing, hiking, kayaking and whale watching. The lodge is only accessible by float plane from Vancouver via Bella Bella. The lodge is all inclusive including meals, drinks and daily guided tours.

2011-09-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

The hot summer has gotten me thinking a lot about water. Not just to drink, but the vision of relaxing by a cool, serene lake or rocking in a hammock overlooking the ocean. So, when my cousin texted me with the question "Are there any islands with low humidity and no mosquitios?" I thought I'd do a little research on cool spots that are perfect end of the summer retreats.

Photo: Kim

Blue Caves - Zakynthos, Greece

On the eastern side of Zakynthos Island are a series of geological formations that form natural arches and rise over striking azure blue water. The reflection of light at sunrise and sunset turn the area into an almost magical locale. The best time to visit is May through mid-June before the tourism season when the temperature is moderate.

Photo: Elaine Wood

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest in Croatia. There are 16 lakes connected by a series of waterfalls. There are several walking paths as well as a boat that will take you across the largest lake and a panoramic shuttle bus tour. Unfortunately there is no swimming or water sports allowed. The lakes are open year round.

Photo: vendettachrncls2

Jiuzhaigou National Park, China

Green valleys and cascading waterfalls make up the beauty of Jiuzhaigou, located in South Western China. Nine Tibetan villages make their home in the park. Although this is a top tourist spot for Chinese visitors, very few foreigners are aware of this scenic spot.

Photo: Good-Wallpapers

Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake, Alberta, Canada

A trek to the Canadian Rockies will reward you with a view of the crystal blue lakes and amazing mountain views of Moraine which lies one hour west of Banff. You can rent a canoe or take a leisurely stroll either way you will expeience spectacular views of Canada's third highest mountain.

Ah, I feel cooler already thinking about these beautiful places to explore!

Hola Cuba!

2011-08-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

In January I wrote about Cuba and all the wondrous places and experiences that awaited those who could make their way there. Not so easy for Americans. I knew that the Obama administration was relaxing its restrictions on travel to Cuba, but I didn't know it would affect me.

And then, to my surprise, the opportunity to travel to Cuba presented itself and I jumped at the chance to spend a few days getting to know our old friend. So off I'll go and I'll be sure to update you on what's going on with our Caribbean neighbor.

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay

2011-05-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Peter de Savary, the hospitality genius behind Scotland’s Skibo Castle (where Madonna had her wedding), developed The Abaco Club on Winding Bay as a fully amenitized sporting resort and golf club for a global audience. Today it is managed by the venerable Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, which gives its members the amenities of the vaulted brand in the environment of private Club Residences. The result has the feel of a secluded island, where a small number of occupants enjoy two miles of white sand beach, a golf course, tennis courts and two restaurants.

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Managed by the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, The Abaco Club on Winding Bay has a much more laid-back, residential feel than most beach properties. Though most guests are more likely to do their own thing at their private Club Residences than hit a beach bar, the resort does offer a wide array of amenities that a traditional second home would lack, including restaurants, a spa, golf and a large staff.

The concept here is peace, quiet and relaxation in a private setting rather than action sports or excursions, so The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is best suited to families, beachgoers and romantics seeking a quiet escape. Unlike most hotel rooms in the Bahamas, the Club Residences are designed for spending time and actually living in. Large and comfortable, with bamboo flooring, vaulted ceilings and spa-like bathrooms, they're a welcome relief from the Bahamian heat.

The beach area has plenty of non-motorized watersports for guests (and lazy hammocks too).As with any warm-weather resort, the pool and beach are the main attractions, with two miles of private sand, a full complement of non-motorized watersports gear for guest use and deep-sea fishing and sailing excursions for additional fees. There's also a lavish spa and an 18-hole golf course by acclaimed Scottish designers Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie that's very well maintained and managed.

The two restaurants on site (one Bahamian and one American) are both casual and popular, though most guests will probably want to make at least one trip into nearby Marsh Harbour. The largest town in Abaco, it has a fair share of shops and restaurants, and also serves as a good jumping-off point for exploring offshore cays.

The Ritz-Carlton management operates an excellent children’s club on site, and between that and the beach, this destination is most popular with families looking to disconnect from the outside world and spend quality time together — with far more space than usual.

The Club owns its own 36-foot catamaran, Abaco One, and regularly schedules sunset cruises throughout the week. The Bahamas are famed for sport-fishing, and day charters are readily available out of nearby Marsh Harbour.

The elaborate full-service spa is one of the Club’s main attractions, but the best-kept secret is the optional beach massages, under a thatched roof in the open air, starting at just 15 minutes.

Tee It Up. The Abaco Club’s private course is one of the top layouts in the Bahamas, typically un-crowded and surprisingly reasonable for a destination like this.

Flights are available to Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH) and Nassau International Airport (NAS) from major U.S. cities on a variety of carriers.

Maximum Occupancy: 4 (including children)

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is a members-only luxury vacation club that's opening its doors exclusively to Jetsetter members. Jetsetter and Gilt give members and opportunity to enjoy luxury vacations and clothing at discounted prices. There is no fee to join. Click here for more details.

Hangar Hotel San Antonio

2011-03-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

A friend recently told me of this great place he'd stayed in an airport hangar. Normally, I wouldn't put the terms "great" and "airport hangar" in the same sentence but I'm not a pilot. For those who do fly small planes, I think this quaint hotel with an homage to the past is a great place to stay the night.

The Hangar Hotel, just outside San Antonio, Texas, is not designed for the business traveler. It's a place to stop and have a drink on the deck overlooking the runway and watch small craft take off and land. It's 1940s South Pacific World War II aviation theme features bomber jacket leather covered furniture and New York Library brass lamps. The officer's club features a full martini bar featuring 100 martinis.

The Airport Diner, located next door to the Hangar Hotel, is a replica of a classic 1940's diner. The diner offers a daily blue plate special and all the favorites you'd expect from a diner including homemade biscuits, sausage gravy, eggs, pancakes, Belgium waffles, home fried potatoes, sausage, bacon and ham.

This hotel is a town in itself. There is an 8,000 square foot conference center that can host groups up to 500. The Pacific Showroom has ten thousand feet of air conditioned dance floor and cocktail seating at the Tiki Bar in a tropical setting.

Rates range from $119/night on weekdays to $169/ night on weekends with special rates for seniors and military personnel. Be aware that the diner is not open on Monday and Tuesday and the officers club is only open Thursday- Saturday.

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hotel, unique hotels, small airports, San Antonio,

CAPSULE HOTEL: NETHERLANDS

2011-02-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands. Unlike Amsterdam which is known for its liberalism and nightlife, The Hague is known as wealthy, conservative and somewhat sedate city. It is home to more than 150 international organizations, multinational companies and embassies. Because of this, the city has more ex-patriots than tourists but still has a distinct international character.

So, it may seem odd to find an orange survival pod masquerading as a hotel. Originally built in 1972 for service on an oil rig platform they were retrofitted for accommodation as an art project in 2004. They are 14 feet in diameter and unaltered from their original state apart from the addition of a lock on the outside and a chemical toilet inside. Owner Denis Oudendijk has 8 different models in service and is currently working on additional locations in central Amsterdam and Nantes, France.

A number of overnight packages are available from a basic survival package with a sleeping bag and emergency rations, to a James Bond themed luxury offering. The “luxury” package includes a DVD player with all the Bond movies on disc and a survival box of goodies including sparkling wine and a collection of vodka bar miniatures to create your own Martini’s shaken or stirred! The hotel runs about $100-250/night and sleeps up to three people. The pods are moored in a quiet area of the water, but guests should take caution when returning from the area bars to hold on tight or they may end up in the water!

Bikes with locks are provided for the Luxury and Survival+ packages, which are useful to tour the network of canals and city parks of this coastal town, considered as one of the most elegant in Holland. The Hague is home of the Dutch parliament and there are a number of official buildings, art galleries and museums to visit. The city also offers a few attractions especially appealing to children, such as the miniature city of Madurodam and the 360 degree Omniversum cinema.

So, if the Amsterdam is not your scene but you’re not quite ready for a conservative vacation, consider spending a couple of nights in the pod!

WATERWORLD HOTEL: CHINA

2011-02-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

I love hotels. There's something about the excitement of a new place and the great discoveries that await. I also love slipping in between those crisp white sheets and laying my head on pillows that never go flat. So, I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't include some great and interesting hotel stays in my blog.

I'm a big fan of luxury but there's something to be said for uniqueness. When the hotel itself becomes part of the adventure. So, I wanted to add some hotels for the adventurous to consider. I won't guarantee that it will be the best place you've ever stayed, but it may be the most interesting.

In honor of Chinese New Year, my first unique hotel is Waterworld. The name alone is enough to peak my interest. I envision a bamboo boat with Kevin Costner at the helm and a dozen producers tearing their hair out. But this hotel is nothing like the movie. This is luxury and uniqueness like only China can provide.

The hotel is located just outside of Shanghai in the Songjiang district. It is a place of natural beauty and an increasingly popular weekend and holiday destination for Shanghai residents and other visitors. I predict the area will quickly become an popular international tourism spot as well.

It makes sense that the area would need a 5 star hotel to solidify its status as a tourism hot spot. Enter… Waterworld. A concept designed by award winning architectural firm Atkin's Architecture Group, this stunning 400 bed resort hotel is set in a spectacular water filled quarry in Songjiang. Sustainability is integral to the design ranging from using green roofing for the structures above the ground level to geothermal energy extraction. Bristol-based Martin Jochman, who led the design team, says, “We drew our inspiration from the quarry setting itself, adopting the image of a green hill cascading down the natural rock face as a series of terraced landscaped hanging gardens. In the centre, we have created a transparent glass ‘waterfall’ from a central vertical circulation atrium connecting the quarry base with the ground level. This replicates the natural waterfalls on the existing quarry face.”

The unique design includes underwater guest rooms and public areas in addition to the cafes, restaurants and sporting facilities you’d expect from a 5 star resort. There is an extreme sports center for activities such as rock climbing and bungee jumping. The hotel will have its own theme park with more than 20 amusements, including a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, magic shows and other attractions and the Guangfulin Cultural Park, which will house artifacts from a village dating back 4,000 years.

If you can manage to tear yourself away from that the resort has to offer, the city itself is keeping pace. In January 2011, CHENSHAN Botanical Garden, which features Asia's biggest greenhouse, officially opened. The greenhouse houses more than 3,000 breeds of plants from all over the world, some of which are extremely rare. The Shanghai government invested more than 2.1 billion yuan (US$319 million) in the project. In addition, Shanghai is to build the world's largest exhibition complex and a Disneyland is set to open in 2012 or 2013.

Cuba

2011-01-23T20:53:00.000-08:00

Interest in Cuba has increased since President Obama announced this month that he will ease restrictions on US citizens traveling to Cuba. The new rules will allow religious organizations to sponsor religious travel to Cuba and allow accredited institutions of higher education to sponsor travel to Cuba. In a statement, President Obama said the changes were aimed at developing "people-to-people" contacts through more academic, cultural and religious exchanges.

The United States does not have full diplomatic relations with Cuba, but Cuba welcomes American travelers and Americans are generally well received. The United States Government provides consular and other services through the U.S. Interests Section in Havana. U.S. citizens who travel to Cuba are encouraged to contact and register with USINT's American Citizen Services section. You must have a license to travel to Cuba. Tourist travel is not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada. Travelers who fail to comply with Department of the Treasury regulations could face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States.

Those who are able to obtain a license for religious or academic travel or who live outside the U.S., will be treated to a rich and diverse cultural experience. As soon as you arrive at Havana's airport, everywhere you look you'll see old Cadillacs, yellow buses from the Netherlands and quirky yellow taxis. You can stroll by the immense colonial buildings with flaking paint and listen to the sounds of salsa flowing from cozy rum cafés and colorful plazas where elderly men enjoy their cigars in the comfort of the shade. Havana, Cuba's capital city, is probably the most exciting city in Latin America managing to be both seedy and stylish. As Cuba's political and economic center, you can connect with Cubans from every walk of life. It is also the place where you'll find the most magnificent hotels and the liveliest discotheques.

Tour city of Havana

Havana today still has a remarkable amount of the old Spanish colonial charm from centuries past and has plenty of educational and historic attractions.

Captain General’s Palace in Havana Cuba - This regal building was originally built as the official residence of the Captain General of the Spanish navy and is a must on any tour of Havana. At one time the Spanish navy was a dominant maritime force in the Caribbean and all along the coast of South America, and Havana was a regional headquarters for Spanish naval operations. This magnificent building located in the heart of Havana later became the palace of the President of Cuba in the 20th Century.

San Cristobal Cathedral, Photo: Tonka_eng

San Cristobal Cathedral in Havana Cuba - This is the main cathedral in the centre of Havana. This cathedral was originally built in the mid 18th century by Jesuit missionaries in Cuba. The architecture of this cathedral in Havana is quite unorthodox and is often noted for its unequal towers and lavish marble alters inside. Visitors to this cathedral in Havana will find some of the finest religious works of art in Cuba displayed inside. The best time to see the inside of this cathedral in Havana is on Sunday morning just before mass when the doors are opened.

Plaza de Armas in Havana Cuba -The Plaza de Armas is located in the centre of Havana, and a good starting point for a tour of old Havana. The Plaza dates back four hundred years. The highlight of this square in Havana is a monument to Carlos Manuel de Cespedes who led Cuba to independence in the 19th century.


Cuevo del Indio, Photo: Absolut Cuba

Outside the city of Havana, Cuba offers gentle green valleys and peaceful colonial towns. In Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey has a rich collection of little museums and galleries. The Pinar del Rio region’s most famous attractions are the Cuevo del Indio caves, complete with stalactite formations and underwater river systems. For a look at Cuban cigar making schedule a visit to one of the many cigar factories that are located in the town of Pinar del Rio. If the beach is where you're headed, Varadero is undoubtedly Cuba's most renowned beach resort town, and it ranks high among the best resort destinations in all the Caribbean. Varadero Beach is 90 miles southeast of Havana and has some of the top Cuban resorts found along its peninsula.

No conversation about Cuba would be complete without talking about the food! Both Spanish and African cultures form the foundation of Cuban cuisine. The main ingredients in the Cuban cuisine are rice (arroz) beans (frijoles), chicken (pollo) and pork (cerdo, lechon). Most of the food items use generous amounts of olive oil and spices like garlic marinades, cumin, cayenne and coriander. Also a wide variety of fruits, such as, mango, papaya, coconut, and most definitely avocados are consumed especially at breakfast. Unfortunately, finding good food, service, and value is a challenge in Cuba. About 98% of restaurants that cater to tourists are run by large state-owned corporations. Outside of this, the principal dining option in Cuba is the paladar. These are private homes that have been granted permission to serve foreign tourists. Paladares are small, with a seating limit of just 12, and subject to various limitations. Check out Cocina de Lilliam. This small family-owned restaurant in the neighborhood of Playa in Havana features outdoor seating in a beautiful garden setting.

Casa 1932

Staying in Cuba requires being prepared to live simply. When the U.S. and allies placed travel and investment sanctions on Cuba, it's vibrant cities began to decline significantly. Most hotels are old and modest. This does not mean that you can't have a great experience.

In Havana, check out Casa 1932, a B&B run by brother Luis & Javier. It is conveniently located to Havana sites. You won't regret eating there rather than risking the street fare or overpriced state-owned restaurants. The casa is centrally located in Centro Habana amongst the locals, so you'll feel you're getting an authentic Cuban experience. It is a short walk to the Malecon, the beautiful Havana waterfront, and about ten minutes walk to Old Havana for sightseeing.

Hostal Buen Viaje

The Hostal Buen Viaje, a 19th Century house located in Remedios (about a 4 hour drive from Havana), offers warmth and hospitality and a location convenient to area sites. Also the food is some of the best you'll find. Remedios is is known for its Christmas festival, "Las Parrandas de Remedios", one of the most popular events of the region that takes place between the 16th to the 26th of December every year.

Paradisus Varadero Resort

The Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa is a 5 star resort that boasts its own massive beach and plenty of activities such as kayaking, water-skiing and windsurfing. There are rotating musicians who play Cuban jazz in the open air lobby. The buffet offers a wide variety of selections (although don't expect to be wowed due to above mentioned dining limitations). The hotel is known for great service and friendly staff. It's also a great choice for families.

So, as you prepare for the lifting of the travel restrictions for Cuba, try creating your own paladar at home and serve a Cuban menu. Then dream of the beautiful beaches, and historic sites you'll see in this gem of the Caribbean.

Welcome to Planet Earth!

2011-01-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

As a person with a passion for travel, I'm inspired by the differences I see from place to place. There's something about traveling that makes you appreciate who you are. It's a big world out there and we're all different. Each of us contributes something wonderful to the fabric of humanity and that's what I celebrate with this blog.

Join me, if you will, on a journey of celebration. Don't be afraid to look beyond your door, your city, your state, your country... It's here for you to explore!

I am by no means an expert on travel which means we'll discover things together... new places, new cuisines, and new friends along the way.

Feel free to comment, suggest and dream about the places we will go!