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    Lots of bloggers want to make money online but few really know how to do it. This ebook by fellow professional wanderer, Nomadic Matt, is filled with tips, tricks and advice on how to build a successful travel blog, gain lots of traffic, and rank high in Google search results, as well as how to make money through advertising for travel blog owners.

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    Picture%204.png Check out these free travel tips and advice culled from my media contacts and travel to 60 countries. It is my hope that they assist you in your plans for new destinations but, more importantly, for new experiences. Bon Voyage!

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    Travel Tips + Trips Archive

    Have a trip or tip to share? I’d love to hear it. Email me*.

    *Please type TRAVEL TIP/TRIP in the subject line of your message.

    Monday
    08Feb2010

    Last-Minute Valentine’s Getaway Gifts From Triple Creek Ranch & Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort

    AuthorEllen Barone

    TWO COLORFUL ESCAPES FOR A VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT:  BIG SKY MONTANA AND THE COSTA RICA RAINFOREST

    Book A Blue or Green Holiday Now and Celebrate throughout the Year

    Enjoy the gift of a travel escape to either Montana or Costa Rica for a truly romantic experience full of elegance, relaxation, and adventure. Triple Creek Ranch (Darby, Montana) and Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort (Arenal, Costa Rica) are both offering packages that will let couples indulge to the fullest.

    Triple Creek Ranch, Montana – Mountain Romance Package

    The Relais & Chateaux adults-only hideaway in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains becomes even more romantic as a Valentine’s Day present. After a wonderful day of outdoor activities under the beautiful “blue” sky including horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hiking (or snowshoeing), indulge in Executive Pastry Chef Christopher Whitten’s chocolate selections or wine expert Jeremy White’s pairing suggestions with dinner.  

     

    The four-night “Mountain Romance” package includes:

    Click to read more ...

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    | tagged | in , , , Posted on DateMonday, February 8, 2010 at 12:00PM
    Friday
    05Feb2010

    Confessions of a Round-the-World-aholic

    AuthorGuest Blogger

    words + photos by Jenny McIver

    Five years ago I had a dream – to take the trip of a lifetime “Round the World.”  Visit the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall – there was so much of the world I longed to see.  So I did it.   I cashed in all the airline miles and hotel points that a decade of business travel had afforded me and after a solid year of planning, I made it happen.  It was the most amazing experience of my life and forever changed me as a person and as a traveler.  I confess…I am hooked.

    More Photos

    What I thought would be a once in a lifetime trip quickly turned into an annual adventure to ring in the New Year.  And as I embark upon my 5th circumnavigation of the globe this month, I am happy to say there’s no turning back now.

    Why RTW?  Well, any old vacation can take you to Rome or Thailand or Australia, but only an around the world trip can take you to all of them on one plane ticket.  That’s the draw.  More bang for the buck, so to speak. 

    There is quite simply no better way to see as much of the world in as little time.    Though my own journeys have taken about a month each, if you have as little as two weeks or as much as a year – a RTW trip could make an addict out of you, too.  

    Click to read more ...

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    | tagged | in , Posted on DateFriday, February 5, 2010 at 03:25PM
    Thursday
    04Feb2010

    Discover France to Include Garmin GPS Units On All France Self Guided Tours for 2010

    AuthorEllen Barone

    Discover France, a leading specialist in cycling and hiking vacations throughout France, offers self-guided trips to France that feature unique itineraries and NEW Garmin GPS personal navigation systems for all tours in 2010.

    The cycling and hiking routes chosen by Discover France Adventures offer the opportunity to explore the culture, architecture, and gastronomy in the region of your choice while the new GPS units will provide additional support throughout the tour so that getting off the route is virtually impossible. 
     
    Self-guided travel is a growing trend due to the flexibility it presents and the extraordinary price that accompanies it. With extras like the Garmin Dakota GPS, self-guided cyclists and hikers visiting France get the perfect combination of support and independence. The Garmin Dakota GPS are small and easy to carry, feature an easy to read screen (even in the sun), background maps, and more.

    Click to read more ...

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    | tagged , | in , Posted on DateThursday, February 4, 2010 at 07:41PM
    Thursday
    04Feb2010

    Laid back charm: Copamarina Resort in Guanica, Puerto Rico.

    AuthorEllen Barone

    This travel tip just in from my sister, Kathleen Clute …

    “Hi Ellen,

    © Kathleen Clute.Great tip for your readers. The Copamarina Resort in Guanica, Puerto Rico! It’s on the south side of the island on the Caribbean Sea.

    We are having the most blissful, peaceful week here. It’s quiet, in a very non-touristy part of the island — 80 degrees, not humid, pleasant breeze, and nothing to buy, sign up for, or do! Lovely beach. Delicious food at Las Palmas café, which is open air. The staff is helpful and friendly. About 2.5 hour drive from San Juan airport.”

     

    Sounds fabulous! I’m ready to go. Who’s game?

     

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    | tagged , | in , Posted on DateThursday, February 4, 2010 at 06:22PM
    Wednesday
    27Jan2010

    Top 10 Romantic Getaways for Valentine's Day 2010

    AuthorEllen Barone

    Away.com Launches Romance Guides, Names Top 10 Romantic Destinations for 2010

    Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the travel-planning site Away.com launched “Away.com Romance Travel Guides,” giving amorous travelers the inside scoop on the 45 most romantic destinations worldwide.

    From the hottest spots to catch a beautiful sunset to the most romantic hotels and restaurants, Away.com’s experts uncover new ideas for getaways that set the mood for romance. Plus, an interactive map lets travelers quickly browse for trip suggestions, and more than 20 photo galleries provide ample inspiration.


    If you’re planning a getaway for Valentine’s Day or another special occasion but are not quite sure where to go, Away.com has selected the top 10 romantic getaways for 2010.


    Away.com’s Top 10 Romantic Destinations(1)


      1     Bermuda
      —-
      2     Paris, France
      —-
      3     Kauai, Hawaii
      —-
      4     New Orleans, Louisiana
      —-
      5     Riviera Maya, Mexico
      —-
      6     Bali, Indonesia
      —-
      7     Venice, Italy
      —-
      8     Vancouver, Canada
      —-
      9     Fiji, Australia-Pacific
      —-
      10    Miami, Florida


    View the complete Romance Guide, full destination descriptions, photos and more at http://away.com/romance.

    Click to read more ...

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    | tagged , , | in , Posted on DateWednesday, January 27, 2010 at 10:41AM
    Thursday
    21Jan2010

    Send Cupid Packing: 5 Fabulous Getaways for Singles on Valentine’s Day

    AuthorEllen Barone

    INNKEEPERS KISS CUPID GOODBYE AND OFFER SPECIAL PACKAGES FOR THE 89 MILLION SINGLES ON VALENTINE’S DAY

    BedandBreakfast.com members have romance covered. Stay at a B&B or inn for Valentine’s Day and immediately the beautiful beds, romantic breakfasts, and plenty of pampering amenities makes the heart grow fonder.  Fortunately, singles need no longer fear this dreaded “couples” holiday. With 89 million singles in America, it’s no wonder that inns and B&Bs are kissing cupid goodbye and welcoming singles for Valentine’s Day adventures.

    BedandBreakfast.com, the largest online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide is the best resource for Valentine’s Day getaways for both singles and couples.  Visit www.BedandBreakfast.com and click on the roses and champagne photo on the home page for an extensive list of romantic Valentine’s Day packages.  Read on for five fabulous packages that come to the rescue of singles on Valentine’s Day. Listed alphabetically in order by state, all rates are per room, including breakfast, and do not include tax or gratuities (unless otherwise specified.

    1. Celebrate “Me-dom” at Montgomery Inn, Versailles, KY: Singles, celebrate freedom and  “me-dom” by pampering yourself with movies, wine, chocolates and dinner. Select a  DVD, magazines, music or books from the inn’s extensive library,  then go soak in an oversized whirlpool tub. Enjoy dinner for one and complimentary snacks and beverages too. Offered February 11-17, this package includes a complimentary glass of wine or sparkling cider, a red rose, the inn’s signature chocolate bourbon truffles, and dinner for one for $139 in the Colonial or Maple Suites; add a second night for just $75 (no dinner).
    2. Find the ski bum of your dreams at Chairlift Speed Dating and Whitney’s Inn, Jackson, NH: They say Valentines Day is just for lovers… but that doesn’t mean they’ve met yet! Those looking for the skier of their dreams may just find him or her on a five-minute chairlift ride at Black Mountain during the third annual Chairlift Speed Dating Event, and then at Whitney’s Inn afterward.  Singles, enjoy three-nights lodging, a singles welcome reception on Friday night, entry into the speed dating event on Saturday, a bottle of wine and goodies upon your return (to enjoy with new friends), and dinner for two in the Shovel Handle Pub for Saturday night and breakfast each morning.  If you introduce the innkeepers to your new mate, you’ll be treated to a free sleigh ride for two on Sunday. The three-night package, offered February 12-15, including all extras, starts at $459 per person in a queen-bedded room.
    3. Get over him with help from voodoo dolls, ice cream, and a Southern Comfort tour at the Avenue Inn, New Orleans: Looking for a cure to get “over” him or her? Broken heart recovery takes about one long weekend at the Avenue Inn! Grab a friend and enjoy three nights in a room with two double beds and a private bath.

    Click to read more ...

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    | tagged | in , , , , , Posted on DateThursday, January 21, 2010 at 11:11AM
    Thursday
    14Jan2010

    Haiti Earthquake: How to Help

    AuthorEllen Barone

    A massive earthquake hit Haiti late Tuesday January 12, 2010, killing hundreds of people and wounding many more. The quake, measuring 7 on the Richter scale, has caused widespread damage in and around the capital Port-au-Prince, leaving a large number of people homeless and hungry.

    The people of Haiti need food assistance as quickly as possible to prevent hunger worsening the misery already caused by the disaster.

    This is said to be Haiti’s worst quake in two centuries. Every hour we wait means more lives are at risk. Learn how you can help

     

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    | tagged , | in Posted on DateThursday, January 14, 2010 at 09:27PM
    Monday
    11Jan2010

    Sail Away with Star Clippers: Your next big adventure

    AuthorEllen Barone

    This Spring discover the thrill of one of my favorite travel experiences, sailing on board one of Star Clippers’ three tall ships: the four masted Star Clipper, its twin ship Star Flyer or Royal Clipper, the tallest full sail ship in the world. Beginning in April, Star Clippers’ full fleet will sail the hidden harbors, secluded beaches and secret hideaways of the Mediterranean.

    © Ellen Barone. Royal Clipper in the Atlantic
    Spring sailings range from four-night escapes to 12-night Grand Mediterranean voyages, providing an in-depth exploration of the easter and western Mediterranean - without the crowds and the summer heat.

    Seven departures are scheduled between April and May and cover the very best ports across the French and Italian rivieras and into the Greek Isles.

    Each new season cruise offerings are enhanced by changing itineraries and adding new ports of call. This year, two new calls include: Sansury-sur Mer, France and Lerici, Italy - both picturesque seaside villages with specitacular views.

    Click to read more ...

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    | tagged , | in , , Posted on DateMonday, January 11, 2010 at 08:56PM
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