Is it possible to vacation with only a 16x14x12-inch bag? The answer from the experts at SmarterLiving.com 
answer: Yes! And in this era when even carry-on bags can incur a hefty fee, packing right can be a big money-saver. So get your ruler out, and prepare to dodge baggage fees. They’ll show you how to do it.
Find out how to fit it all in. Read more…
Or, for my own tips on traveling light, read What Not to Pack
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Anchoring San Francisco’s #1 destination, the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is located across the street from the Mason/Powell Cable Car line with nearby attractions that include Alcatraz, Pier 39, The Cannery, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Cruises, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square and Aquarium of the Bay.
But, those are just the “typical” highlights. Here’s the hotel’s list of top ten great things to see and do in and around the hotel:
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Check out the (relatively) new San Francisco Railway Museum, which features a permanent display of artifacts depicting the City’s myriad of historic transportation.
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Climb the notorious Filbert Steps. This unique “stairway to Heaven” leads up to Coit Tower, with gardens and sculptures guiding the way up to a phenomenal, panoramic view of the bay at the top.
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Take ‘em out to the ballgame at San Francisco Giant’s AT&T Ballpark. From the hotel, the entire family can board the historic F Line street cars to get to the park.
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Wend your way through Pier 39’s new mirror maze.
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Tour through the Boudin Bakery historic museum before buying a loaf of San Franciscans’ favorite sourdough bread.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Doctor, Doctor! The Travel Experts at SmarterTravel.com Put Reader Remedies Put to the Test
Ingesting Chinese herbs, eating candied ginger, and even swallowing Listerine were just some of the remedies that the readers of SmarterTravel.com suggested for avoiding illness while traveling. When it comes to getting (or staying) healthy on the road, travelers offered solutions that were at times traditional, creative, and somewhat unorthodox. The consumer travel site compiled the best advice, then asked a medical professional for feedback.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE
Source: SmarterTravel.com
Photo: © Edward Westmacott | Dreamstime.com
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
From Huffington Post Impact:
An 8.8 earthquake hit just off the coast of Chile late Friday night, killing at least 122 people and creating tsunami warnings in more than 50 countries across the Pacific ocean. Thousands are believed to have been left homeless due to the widespread destruction of buildings.
As they did with Haiti, HuffPost Impact will be continually updating a list of ways you can help with reconstruction and aid efforts. While this will not be a humanitarian crisis the likes that we’ve seen in Haiti, great amounts of money will still be needed to rebuild damaged builds, roads, and return Chile back to normalcy.
For more information on how you can help relief efforts in Chile, read more on Huffington Post Impact.
Source: CauseCast.org
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
With 2009 fading fast in our rearview mirrors, it’s a good opportunity to reflect upon the big trends and behaviors likely to shape the year ahead. Will good deals be plentiful? Which destinations will offer the best value for your vacation dollars?
Wonder no more. Read on for a look at the most significant trends likely to affect your travels in 2010 from the travel gurus at SmarterTravel.com.
Click here to read the full report
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".