When You Have No Time and Need to Fly One Way

It happens, and a couple of weeks ago was my time.  My parents live way across the country from me, and there was an emergency.  So, I had to go.  There was no time, and there was no alternative.  I needed a one way ticket, and I needed it right away.  What do you do?  I called Southwest.  Let me explain why.



I would be fabulous if we could just take a leap and fly wherever we needed to go, but that's not how it works.  We have to get with an airline and figure out how we can fly where we need to go.  Business travelers do it all the time, but the rest of us are only used to booking round trip travel to our vacation destination.  The truth of the matter is that sooner or later we will all have to travel suddenly for some reason or another.  We all know it costs more.  We all know that one way isn't cheap and sometimes with no notice, it's not easy.  Then what do you do?



I looked around.  I checked the vacation sites like Expedia.  I didn't like what I saw.  I didn't see any good reason why I should book with them.  I didn't see anything but a bunch of combination flights, which tend to run you all over any airport that you have a layover in.  Who needs that when time is of the essence, and you're already stressed?  So, I went away from the regular travel sites.  They're nice for vacation, but not for an emergency.



There are options such as Cheap O Air.  They aren't bad in an emergency, but they weren't what I was looking for.  One Travel is also good and fairly reasonable.  Fare Buzz is okay.  But, most sites will get you there for a fairly reasonable price, because they are flying you on more then one airline.  I don't want to run all over an airport on a layover when I'm already stressed.  That just doesn't work for me.


This was when I turned to airline sites.  One airline, one way.  After looking at all the outrageous things that most airlines offer for this situation, I looked to Southwest.  When you book round trip with no notice, you pay.  When you book one way with most airlines with no notice you pay a lot.  When you book with Southwest, you pay one way about half of what you would pay round trip with the others on no notice.  That's hard to beat in times of trouble.  So, I booked it.  I did have to go out of my way a little, but I got there for a reasonable price.



Here's the other great thing about Southwest.  Or, should I say, here's a list.  For starters, no baggage fees.  Who doesn't love that?  Onward--no hassles at the check in counter.  Moving along--no assigned seating.  I love that.  They still give you free drinks and some snacks, and they have wi-fi.  You don't have to change airlines on a layover.  If you have to switch your flight, as I did going home because of a blizzard, it's free.  They're plenty of leg room.  The staff is nice and even entertaining.  I could go on and on.  There just are no hassles when flying with these people, and isn't that what you need when you are traveling in an emergency?




This was the first time that I had to make an emergency flight.  I don't know what I would have done without Southwest.  They just make it easier.  Will this make me fly them exclusively from now on?  No.  I'm a bargain hunter, and for most of my flying needs, they are expensive.  That's a fact.  Are they worth it for comfort and reliability?  Absolutely.  I don't normally require that though.  I'm a tough traveler.  But, when stress is already at it's maximum, and you have no time, they are the only way to go.

Enjoy!

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http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/air-travel/how-to-save-on-one-way-flights
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http://www.cheapoair.com/flights/booknow/cheap-one-way-flights?fpaffiliate=Google&fpsub=Generic-Theme-EM-OneWay-Flight-140910&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Generic-Theme-EM&utm_term=one%20way%20flights&utm_content=v3&device=c&gclid=CPDL6_Ptr8MCFRFafgodNyoAoA
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http://www.farebuzz.com/book/ec/generic/oneway-flights?FpAffiliate=Google70517&gclid=CJmCq8btr8MCFYlefgodcg4A1A
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http://www.zazzle.com/imagings
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone

Desert Festival in Rajasthan

It's long since been called the land of kings.  This is that part of India where you will find stone temples, turbans, and men with amazing mustaches.  This is the part of India that holds adventure and romance; the place that reminds you of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.  Rajasthan is an amazing place to be, and Jaisalmer is one of it's amazing cities.  The architecture in Jaisalmer is ancient, worked primarily from yellow sandstone and glows gold which gives the city a reputation of being a city of gold.



The architecture in this city is truly amazing.  It was once a stop on the trade routes, it was also once the capital of the region.  The fort that overlooks the city is one of the largest existing forts in the world.  Not just in India, but in the world.   The city is home to temples turned hotel, palaces that still house royalty.  If you've ever wanted to soak up some culture, this is your spot.  Jaisalmer is located in the far west part of India, with it's connector being Jodhpur.  This is out of the way.



Jaisalmer has a man made lake surrounded by fascinating temples, and the old town has several Havelis.  Most of the Havelis are at least partially open to the public, and most of the temples are as well.  There are areas in the oldest parts of town that are full of tiny boutiques crammed in narrow alleyways, just like we've all seen in the movies.  You will not run out of things to look at.  You will not run out of buildings to wander through or shops to peruse.  This is a lively city that still thrives and a lot of that thriving is on tourism.  It is said that the lake is kind of dirty, but being a man made lake in the desert in India, that shouldn't shock you too much.

 

If, by some chance, you don't see enough amazing architecture in Jaisalmer, Lodurva, the ancient abandoned capital is not far away.  In Lodurva you will see  amazing Jain Temples all over and you can wander to your heart's delight.  They are full of ancient carvings, massive cavernous rooms, towers and all kinds of notable features.  The area around Lodurva is also crawling with peacocks which is a theme in most of the temples.  Rajasthan is home to one of the world's largest populations of Peacocks.







I'm an architecture buff, and I could spend all week looking at temples, palaces, forts, and havelis.  But there's more than that.  The reason that I've chosen this spot at this time is because this is peak season for travel to this region of India, and it's that time of year that they have the Desert Festival.

 





Jaisalmer sits on the edge of a desert.  Desert National Park and Sam Sand Dunes Park are close by, and are the most amazing part of the area.  It's just like the Sahara in places, and the folks in this area are actually desert people by nature.  Every year in January, they have a festival celebrating the desert.  The Desert Festival is that time of year when the sands of the desert explode in the colors of the native costumes that the locals wear for the festival.  Camels come to town, puppet shows abound, along with dancing, mustache contests, turban tying contests and so much more.  It's a great time to visit the area. It's something that you won't soon forget.  There are all kinds of events and contests to follow, and some really great food.  The festival or festivals go on into the month of February and are a great source of entertainment and cultural education.







And what would be the creme de la creme of the Adventure for Anyone on this trip?  You can take an overnight camel safari into the desert.  There is a guided tour that takes you out to a luxury camp where you eat like a local, participate in song and dance and other entertainment, sleep in your own luxury tent or under the stars, and see some of the most amazing sunrises and sunsets you've ever seen.  It's the experience of a lifetime, and it's all part of the experience of visiting Jaisalmer.





So, it's January, and you have no reason to go out, because you live where it's cold.  Pack your bags and go to where it's peak season for tourists, just like you who want to get away.  Come and boat on the lake, visit temples, palaces, and forts, go to a festival, see the desert up close and personal, or stop and take a look at the peacocks.  It's all waiting in the corner of Rajasthan in India in a city called Jaisalmer.
Enjoy!

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http://trotterscamelsafarijaisalmer.com/
http://www.mirvananatureresort.com/acitivites/jeep-and-camel-safaris-through-the-dunes.html
http://www.jaisalmer-camelsafari.com/
http://www.jaisalmer.org.uk/desert-festival.html
http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/desert-festival-jaisalmer.aspx
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Magic...The Ball Season is Here!

Ah, 2015 has arrived along with new movies about magical forests and yes, Cinderella.  What does this make most of us think of?  Well, of course it brings about dreams of Prince Charming and bad shoes, but it makes us all think of the wonderful night we could have at a formal ball.  What is a girl to do?  For my thoughts and dreams, I say go to Vienna, Austria.



That's right, it's ball season in Vienna.  The Viennese love their classical music and their traditions and history.  Vienna has been home to some true greats like Mozart, and it's the home of the Vienna Waltz.  There's nothing like the romance of a formal ball.  There's nothing like the magic of waltzing the night away.  Here in Vienna you can go to classes to prepare for both the dancing and the etiquette of the event.  There are many schools that will help you with just that.  There are many great places to buy or rent a gown for the event.  There are great places to rent a tuxedo too.  If you want, you can hire a horse and carriage to take you to your event, and have that Cinderella experience you've always fantasized about.

 

There are several balls during the winter ball season in Vienna, but one of the most prestigious is the Vienna Opera Ball held at the amazing State Opera House in mid February.  Attire is strictly formal with tails only and black tuxedos only for the men.  The women dress in floor length white only gowns.  The tradition of this ball is that it is a coming out for debutantes and they take the floor first.  At the proper time, the rest join in.  Everything about this event is meticulous and steeped in tradition.  If you've ever wondered what it was like to go to a true formal ball, this is your spot.  The venue is one of the most beautiful and revered buildings in all of Austria and dates back to the days of royalty.  It's a once in a lifetime event and a great place to live out a dream that would do any bucket list proud.



Don't know how to waltz?  There are several schools for that.  Don't own a gown?  Particularly a white one?  There are many stores for that.  There are also some rental places for that.  This is not some kind of rock concert though.  This is not some disco that you drop in on.  This is one of those events that takes planning.  It requires tickets in advance.  It requires gloves, ladies.  It requires poise, grace, dress, etiquette, and social behaviors.  This is something that you will have to study for.  This is something that you will have to go to class and learn for.  Is it worth it?  Of course it is.  For that one night, you will feel like Cinderella.  You'll feel like a prince or a princess.

 

Vienna is one of the most romantic cities in the world.  It's full of grandeur and palaces.  It's the former home of kings and queens.  It's classy and romantic.  The ball season just exemplifies what's already in front of us with Lipizzaners, art museums, homes of famous composers and some of the most beautiful architecture anywhere.  The Danube just makes the city more amazing, and the cathedrals even more so.  You could spend a lifetime discovering the city.

 

If you want a truly one of a kind experience, then go to a ball while in Vienna.  Take a class, buy a gown, get a ticket and go to the Opera Ball.  Have that one magical night that you will remember for a lifetime.  Make it magic and enjoy!


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https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone

Happy New Year!

New Year's is fast approaching, and there's no time for much.  Therefore my blog will be short and sweet this week.  One of the few things that almost everyone on Earth has in common, is that we mostly celebrate New Year's at midnight on December 31st.  It's just the way it is.  It is the one holiday that we most have in common around this globe.  There are a couple of other New Year's, but the standard has been shifting over the years for everyone to have some kind of celebration on this night.



There are many customs around the world for celebrating this occasion.  When I was in Russia, the locals where we were made a bonfire.  It was on the night of January 6th.  They took paper and pencil, and wrote down all of the things that the previous year had tested them with.  I thought it was a really polite way of saying all the bad stuff.  They wadded up the paper after making their list and threw it in the fire to say good bye to it.  Then they made a wish for the new year and jumped over the fire to go into the new year.  It was interesting.

 

Likewise, the Icelanders also tend to celebrate with bonfires and family gathered around.  The town does not have a celebratory fire works display like many other cities.  The locals all have their own and it makes an amazing spectacle.  It's the community in Iceland that really counts and they all come together on New Year's.



In the same tradition as New York City, the streets of Paris are full of people celebrating the New Year.  The busiest street in town is shut down for pedestrians and the fireworks are everywhere.

One of my favorite New Year's I spent was in Budapest.  This town is great.  At noon on New Year's Eve, they shut down.  I mean there's no store open, and not a lot of restaurants.  Most people have a party to go to.  We had ours at our hotel that night.  There was music, food, and some wonderful company.  At midnight, they came around with a pig.  That's right, a live pig.  It was a small pig and the purpose was to pull the pig's tail and make a wish for the coming year.  Not a lot of fun for the pig, but it was a very interesting tradition.



One of the most amazing celebrations that I've ever watched, even though it was on Youtube, was the fireworks in London.  They do it along the river in the center of town.  The fireworks are unmatched in their grandeur.  They also shoot off the fireworks to music which you can hear all over the area.  It's truly amazing.

 






 



Fireworks are a great way to celebrate the New Year, no matter where you are.  If you're like me, and have to work way too much during the holidays, you may end up at home.  I spend New Year's Eve at home with my family.  We watch all the celebrations around the world on the computer and we love every minute of it.  I've spent a lot of time traveling the world on that magical night, and now I spend it with my son.  It's the greatest way I've found to spend New Year's Eve.  We do our toasts at midnight and then we have a silly string fight.  That's our tradition.  We love it.  Remember to drive safe, have fun, and look forward to all the great things in the upcoming year. I hope that you all have wonderful traditions of your own, and I hope that you all have a very Happy New Year!

Enjoy!

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Just Once...Christmas In Vatican City

I love Christmas, and I love to look at lights, have a good time, get and give presents, watch old specials on TV, and eat all kinds of food I shouldn't eat.  But, there's more to Christmas, and I'm sure that some of my readers would agree, so I decided to talk about one of the ultimate Christmas trips to take.  For Christians all over the world, Christmas is a wonderful time to make a pilgrimage to that fabulous place the we call Vatican City.



Vatican City is the smallest independent city state in the world.  It's only 110 acres of land.  It has a population of less than 1,000 people.  It's only been a city state since 1929.  It's been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984.  It's been the Pope's residence since 1337.  It's considered one of the holiest places on Earth.  In addition to the religious side of life, Vatican City is home to several museums and holds some of the most important and famous artworks in the world.  It doesn't have it's own military, so it's guarded by the Swiss.  If you don't know where Vatican City is, it's right in the center of Rome.  Fascinating?  It is.

 

Millions of Catholics go to midnight and morning mass at Christmas.  Thousands attend it at St. Peter's Basilica.  The largest Catholic Cathedral in the world holds a whole lot of worshipers, and the ones that can't get in for the service can watch it on a jumbotron in St. Peter's Square.  It's amazing how easy it is to feel like you're part of something truly special on Christmas Eve night when you're at ground zero for Catholicism.



In St. Peter's Square you will find a beautiful Christmas tree and a life size Nativity along with the televisions to view the services.  Just standing in the square gives you the feeling that you've come to someplace Holy and special.  This is the spot that most Christians would like to be in at some point during their lives for Christmas.  Remember, this isn't just about Santa, folks.  This is the night that Christ was born.  This was when it all began for Catholics.  This is where it all started--on this night in Bethlem.  Sometimes we forget that this holiday has deep meaning.  It's become so commercialized  that the message sometimes gets a little lost.  If you've ever felt this way, and want to get away at Christmas, then this is the best spot to do it.  You'll feel reborn.



I've been at a service with the Pope presiding.  It's a feeling that you can't get from anything else.  You feel like you've been touched by God.  Nothing is quite like it.



But, why else would you visit Vatican City?  Well, you'll obviously be visiting Rome.  There's about a thousand reasons to visit Rome from the Spanish Steps to the Colosseum to--oh, that's right--The Vatican.  In addition to Christmas services at Vatican City, you could take a tour of the Sistine Chapel and see great works of art covering every single part of the walls and the paintings of Michelangelo on the ceiling.  You might want to take a tour of one of the other museums and soak up some culture.  You may want to take a tour of the catacombs and see where the popes are laid to rest along with St. Peter, the first of the Popes.  You can watch the changing of the Swiss Guards and if you're lucky, get to go to a mass conducted by Pope Francis.  You'll always remember that.

 

You can run all over Rome while visiting the area.  At Christmas the whole city is lit up and there are Christmas Trees everywhere.  You'll love the lights, the festivities, the shopping, the food, the hot chocolate.  You will.  But, you can see and do all of that in any city.  You can go to Rockefeller Center and see a famous tree.  This time take a little time to better your inner self.  Quit thinking about getting the new Iphone for Christmas and take care of you soul.  Feel good this Christmas and celebrate the things that Christmas was meant to celebrate.  Remember where the gift giving began.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Remember how important the lights are.  Remember Christ and everything that his life stood for and still stands for.  Come to the center of it all.  Come to Vatican City.

Enjoy!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! AND GOD BLESS!!!!!

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https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone

Christmas Lights and Lots of Fun at Theme Parks

This picture looks like an average shot of bumper cars at your local amusement park, but look closer and you will see that everyone is bundled up for winter.  Europe has long mastered the idea of just sucking it up and going out to ride the rides at the local amusement park, but Americans have just recently really warmed up to it.  Maybe it has to do with climate change, or maybe we're just bored with sitting inside waiting for spring.  Whatever the reasons, many amusement parks around the country that normally are closed up tight this time of year, are beginning new traditions with Christmas light festivals.  Only some of the rides are open, but the entire park is aglow with amazing light displays.  There are all kinds of thing to do, and most importantly, it gets the kids off the XBox for a while.

  

Now, there are several parks going this way like Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, some of the Six Flags, Busch Gardens, and many more.  So, you can't do it all.  Well, me and my son decided to go to our local amusement park for Holiday Lights.  It just so happens that our local amusement park is the oldest continually operating theme park in the country--Lake Compounce in Connecticut.  The park already opens pretty early in the spring and runs through Halloween with the haunted graveyard, so it didn't surprise me a whole lot that they were ready to take on Santa Clause and Christmas.

It was 30 degrees the night that we went to Holiday Lights, but the sky was clear.  The whole park was aglow with beautiful Christmas lights.  Kiddieland was open and certain other select rides.  These included; Zoomer's Gas N Go, the Airplanes, the bumper cars, the carousel, and the train ride around the lake.  The train ride is a must do.  Almost all the games were open.  Several of the restaurants were open and a couple of stores that had been converted to Christmas shops.  The pavilion where the shows are in the summertime had been converted into a Santa's workshop where the kids could visit Santa, have some hot chocolate, eat, or spend some time decorating cookies.  It's a lot of fun for the kiddies.

Now, most of us are worried that we might be too old for something like this.  Well, my son is 14 and I'm old, and we had the best time.  We didn't worry about the cold--we just dressed for it.  We didn't need a thrill a minute--we just had fun spending some rare time together.  This is family fun, and we don't have enough of it these days.

Sometimes you just want to get out and have some fun.  Sometimes when you work in a Christmas frenzied business like I do, you just want to take a minute and enjoy the season for once.  This is a great way to do just that.  You have to pay to get in, so no one is protesting the fact that you're celebrating Christmas.  It's nice.  You get to do something, eat a lot of Christmas junk food, like roasted chestnuts.  It's calming and beautiful in a way.  You can ride the carousel instead of the roller coasters, and it makes sense.  That doesn't happen often after your kids start school.

The park is only open on the weekends from 5 to 9 on Fridays and 4 to 9 on Saturdays and Sundays, so you don't really have time to get bored or tired.  The train trip around the lake is lined with light displays and there's the tale of Rudolph on the speaker for all to enjoy.  You can even get 3D glasses at the gate that make all the lights look like candy canes or elves or whatever.  It's cute, and we could all use a little of that in a world gone wild.  If you're frugal about things like that, you can put the entrance fee towards a season pass in most parks.  That makes it a bargain.

So, give it a try.  Bundle up and head out into the cold to enjoy a theme park at Christmas.  You'll be glad you did.
Merry Christmas and Enjoy!

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An Absolutely Beautiful Christmas in Halstatt

When it comes to Christmas, I just want to have fun.  I love the lights, the food, the festivities, the snow, the wonder that is Christmas.  This year, I'm showcasing some spots that I haven't talked about before, and the first one is an area of the Alps that runs along a beautiful lake in the Halstatt/Salzburg region of Austria.  This one is dubbed the most beautiful town in Austria.  Halstatt, Austria is one of the villages that sits on the shores of the lake known as the Halstattsee.  The town is ancient and has the old buildings and cobblestone streets to prove it.  At Christmas and all winter long, this place becomes an amazing wonderland.



Halstatt is just one of the villages along the lake, and it is a beautiful little town.  During the Christmas season, the local band plays in the afternoons for the people.  There's a winter market in the beginning of December where you can pick up all kinds of local delicacies and handicrafts.  The village is full of stands and everyone comes out to shop.  There's also a great spa in town with natural hot springs.  It's a great relaxing and gorgeous spot in the world.



Halstatt and area are not only beautiful but interesting.  The funicular will take you up to get an amazing look at the area.  Driving into Halstatt you go through some fantastic tunnels.  There are boats for hire that will take you to the other villages along the lake as well.  In the winter time you can catch a sleigh pulled by horses.  It's all like spending time in a fairytale.



The town is so picturesque that it almost seems fictional.  It sits in amongst the Alps and hangs right over the edge of the lake.  It's been there for hundreds and hundreds of years.  But, there's more to this area than just it's good looks.  There are some great things to see and do here.

 

The folks in the Alps are hearty souls, and the folks that visit them in winter are as well. We all know you can ski in the alps and hike and ice climb.  But January brings balloon week to Halstatt.  The area has great wind currents and is a premiere location for hot air ballooning.  If you come for the holiday, stay another week and get a great ride and a great view of the entire area.

  Sitting on an outcropping of an Alp at the edge of a mountain lake doesn't leave a whole lot of room to maneuver, so the local cemetery is quite small.  Years of having to deal with this problem has brought about some seriously creative solutions.  The dead do not stay buried in this place.  The painted skulls are in the Beinhaus Ossuary and, you guessed it; these folks are from the local cemetery.  They are now painted so that loved ones know who's who and they are resting comfortably in the local ossuary.

 

Also in the area you will find the remnants of glaciers.  There are glaciers all over the Alps, and they have some interesting ways of seeing them.  The Dachstein Ice Caves are just outside of town, and they are a great place to see the effects of glaciers in the region.



Not far away is  the Salzwelten salt mines.  This salt mine is one of the oldest in the world.  The miners went down into the mine by sliding down huge slides, and that is exactly the way that the tourist get down there today.  There are a lot of exhibits that help to teach the history of mining in the area, and some great sights to see including a lake at the bottom.  It's a beautiful place to see, and the train ride back to the top is pretty cool too.



 Krampus originates from the Old High German word for claw (Krampen).  In Bad Goisern  during the first two weeks of December, Krampus is running around frightening the children.  It's all part of tradition here in the area and it's the festival that comes just before Advent.  It seems more like Halloween, but it has been a tradition in the small town of Bad Goisern just across the lake from Halstatt for generations.  All of the Krampen meet with good Saint Nicholas and and good angels at the end of the festival, and then Christmas as most of us know it commences.



Have you ever tried a polar bear plunge?  Well this little area of the world goes one better.  They have dive trips under the ice during the dead of winter in the lake.  The ice is so clear that the divers will tell you that it's an amazing experience.  I don't know if I personally would want to dive in water so cold that it was iced over, but I'm assured that it's a once in a lifetime experience and that under the ice is incredibly beautiful.

 

But, no matter how you slice it, Santa coming across the lake to Obertraun, just up the lake from Halstatt, is a unique way to get in the Christmas spirit.  This whole area is interesting, unique, and one of the most gorgeous places on Earth.  Getting there is easy and scenic.  It's a tourist area, so a lot of folks will speak a little English.  In reality, it's not far from Salzburg.  If you've ever wanted to get away from your old and moldy traditions, come and try some of these out.  They are centuries old traditions, but it will be new to you.  Come, enjoy the view, enjoy the food, enjoy the shopping, enjoy the sights, and enjoy the people.  Relax for this holiday.  Come to Halstatt. Enjoy!

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