In-Flight WiFi now available!

Personally, I am extremely excited about in-flight WiFi capabilites. I'm surprised it took this long to catch on! Especially for those fellow jetsetters out there, a 6 or 8+ hr flight can feel like a complete waste of time. I don't know about you, but not only would surfing the net or getting some work done keep my mind off of the stomach churning turbulence, but it would make the flight go by so much faster! Later this month Brian and I are vacationing in Hawaii (I know, I feel like we're cheating on Europe) and I'm really not looking forward to the 12 hr trip, not including a layover. Even though we will be on vacation, I can't help but think that is extremely valuable work time! We live in a world where time is money, and I'd much rather be making money than reading gossip magazines. That's what the beach is for :).

The service providing the in-flight Wifi is called Gogo. Gogo is available on select AirTran, American Airlines, Delta and Virgin America flights - with more added almost daily. Click here for participating airlines and routes. But don't just expect to walk onto the flight and automatically have access to the web. There is a list of pre-flight to-do's including setting up an account with Gogo. Click here for the pre-flight checklist

Also, one thing to be aware of, while aircrafts are becoming equipped with Gogo WiFi, they are lacking in power outlets. So even if you charge up your battery, if you’re like me, my battery only lasts an hour or so on a good day. It may be worth the investment to purchase a new or backup battery considering you aren’t guaranteed a power outlet.

Something else to keep in mind, pornography and other inappropriate sites as well as Skype and other internet phone based sites will be not be accessible in flight. Virgin says they do not endorce Skype in order to maintain a peaceful quiet cabin. You are able to instant message via Skype and of course you can Twitter Facebook and MySpace all flight long!

The downside…as in-flight WiFi becomes more and more popular, those who travel for business often and enjoy their flights as a relaxing time off, sorry! You can bet your butt your companies will be signing you up for an all inclusive Gogo pass and you’ll be expected to deliver that contract or presentation ASAP!


Gogo pricing is as follows:
$12.95 for daytime flights of over three hours
$9.95 for daytime flights of less than three hours
$5.95 on red-eye flights
$7.95 for handheld devices
$12.95 for a 24 hr pass
$49.95 for a 30-day pass

See gogoinflight.com com for details

How should you pay for things on your trip?

It's very important to think about how you are going to pay for day to day expenses when you are traveling, especially overseas. There are many different options from travelers checks to credit cards or cash. Below are some helpful tips you should keep in mind when planning your trip.

1. Call your bank (for both debit and credit cards) to let them know you are traveling abroad- this is important for 2 reasons. One, your bank will ask the exact cities and times of your trip so if they see any activity outside of those specifications they can put a hold on your account immediately. And two, not only will they keep a closer eye on your account, but if you don't make your bank aware of your travels and they do see suspicious activity, they may put a hold on your account that you don't want!

2. My preferred method of payment overseas is credit card for anything over $50, and always keeping a good amount of small bills or coins for cab rides, quick snacks and souvenirs.

3. As for travelers checks, I don't see any reason to use them. Enough said.

4. I've gone back and forth when deciding if I should exchange cash for the local currency before my trip or when I arrive, and I've found there's no problem using the airport ATM as soon as I arrive. And it just means one less item on my "to do" list before I leave!

5. Very important!! When taking over $100 out of a debit machine, make sure to ask for an odd denomination like 105 or 115. If you specify an even 100, you will literally get a 100 bill and it will be hard to find someone to break it. I learned this the first trip I ever took to Europe, but seemed to forget the simple rule when arriving in Vienna. When we arrived I went straight to the ATM machine and took out £200, and literally received 2 £100 bills. One of our first stops in Vienna was to see the Schloss Schonbrunn. At the top of the hill sits a fantastic monument with the best views of the city. We climbed to the top of the hill only to be turned down from climbing to the top of the monument because they wouldn't break my £100. (I think the fee was £2 per person). All that work...just to see the second best view in Vienna.

For exchange rates check out this user friendly site: http://www.xe.com/

La Tomatina!

Does everyone remember when we spoke about La Tomatina in an earlier post? Well it happened today! Wow, did it happen today. Check out this link: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/08/26/tomatina.festival/index.html

I personally like the makeout session that CNN was nice enough to put on their website!

Luggage, Carry-Ons, Purses, Oh My!

There is a lot to think about when planning a trip to Europe, especially when it comes to packing and toting around your personal items. What kind of luggage should I bring? How much can I fit in my carry-on? What should I use to carry my camera and money once I arrive?

I'm here to help! Below I've highlighted some of the basics to get you started.


Luggage

• My favorite brand is Samonite, but depending on your style there are many many great values out there to be found. A set of 5 pieces for $120 may sound too good to be true, but for the casual traveler this quality of luggage is just fine. As for size and number of bags...



• Remember, you may find yourself roaming the streets of a city with your luggage, and no airport trolley to be in sight. Even if you plan to take a taxi to or from your hotel, you may find yourself without. A quick story from when Brian and I traveled to Vienna…we road the rail to Vienna from Prague and tired from the trip we decided to take a taxi, as we wanted the fastest way to get to our hotel (although the subway system in Vienna is excellent!!). We informed the driver of the name our hotel and away he went. 15-20 minutes later we arrive at a beautiful hotel, exit the taxi and make our way to check-in, only to find we do not have a reservation. Turns out, there are several hotels in the city with the same name and our driver took us to the wrong one!! Our hotel was about 10 blocks away. The very friendly concierge gave us a map and pointed us to the closest subway. Too tired to be mad, we laughed and walked out of the 4 star hotel. Turns out the subway system is fantastic and we only ended up walking about 3 blocks in total. BUT it would have been horrendously difficult if we hadn't recently purchased two great rolling suitcases. Both of us only had one suitcase and a small tote to carry. Moral of my long-winded story? My recommendation is to go as big as you can with your main piece of luggage and only travel with one bag. You can always pack a duffel if you plan on buying a lot on your travels for use on the trip home. Make sure your luggage is relatively light to start, because with the 50lb weight limit on most airlines you're much more likely to go over with one huge heavy bag.

Backpacks

• I've personally never used one, and don't think I could ever fit all of my belongings in one. And if I did fit everything, it would be so heavy there's no way I could carry it on my back! But if you are a light packer and/or backing around Europe, this is your best option.
  
• Checkout REI.com for a great selection of backpacks, and some great customer reviews to help you decide on the right backpack for you. http://www.rei.com/category/4500001_Backpacks?cm_mmc=ps_google_CH-_-Category%20-%20Camp%2fHike-_-Camping%2fHiking_BackPacks_General-_-backpackbackpack&mr:adGroup=343975865&mr:ad=3255043685&mr:keyword=backpack&mr:referralID=NA&gclid=COn3v7-SwJwCFQJD5godHFBVnQ

Carry-On

• Most airlines allow 1 carry-on bag and a personal item including briefcase, computer bag, purse or small tote.
  
• Size regulations - each airline specifies a size limit, but I've never seen anyone turned away unless the bag is really above and beyond the norm. If you're really worried about it and want to measure, the standard sizes are around 22" x 14" x 9" (British Airways, Air France, United, Virgin Atlantic)
  
• Prohibited items - To name a few, box cutters, knives, scissors are allowed in checked bags only, not carry on. For a full list see the TSA's website : http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
  
• Liquid Carry-On - 3:1:1 rule - 3 ounces or smaller containers of liquids or gels; 1 quart size plastic, zip top bag holding 3 oz or smaller containers; 1 bag per traveler placed in the security bin. For a full details on liquid carry-on rules please see the TSA website here: http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
  
• More and more people are using larger carry-ons, which is forcing those boarding later in line to check their larger bags due to overhead compartments being full. The last 2 or 3 flights I've flown have been this way, both domestic and overseas. - Just something to be aware of.


• Carry-on luggage doesn't need to be as sturdy and durable since it won't be thrown around as much, so I recommend investing in your checkedluggage opposed to the carry-on. You can find great deals at your local Target or Walmart, which are probably better than any online store so you can avoid shipping charges. Of course a lot of retailers are offering Free Shipping so if you can find a great deal, go for it!

Purse / After arriving in Europe

• Anything with a zipper opening and not too large for someone to easily grab and keep running. At least one inner pocket with a zipper is ideal as well, to keep money and a copy of your passport out of reach from potential pickpockets.

Money Belt

• This is something every traveler can't live without! A money belt! And better yet, a Rick Steves' money belt! (for those of your unfamiliar with Rick Steves look our for future posts, I'm sure we'll get to him eventually). This handy belt is similar to fanny pack but goes under your clothes and is literally undetectable and also comfortable. One problem is when you do need to pay for something, you need to reach under your shirt for your money and it basically blows your cover.




• http://www.luggagepros.com/mpb/IID15232.shtml?zmam=6548955&zmas=1&zmac=22&zmap=IID15232

There you have it! I hope this guide is helpful, and let me know if you've come across anything that you can't live without when packing or traveling.

Latvia! We're.. Going .....to........Latvia?

5th European country you haven't heard of.

Yes, exotic Latvia with its...... ummmm ...... its ...... fertile soil and good ports? After extensive research, I must admit Latvia doesn't seem to have too much going for it. I don't want to offend any natives or people who enjoy visiting (for some reason), but I just can't find too much going on in this country. Let's at least start with a history lesson and some fun facts and see where that takes us!


Latvia lies on the Baltic Sea and is bordered by Estonia, Lithuania and Russia to name a few countries. Its people are most similar to the Estonians and Lithuanians as the share a common Baltic heritage. Also, Lithuania and Latvia are the only two places in the world where the people practice Baltic langauges. After WW2, Latvia became a part of the USSR until its collapse in 90's when the Soviets left Latvia. YAY! This country of 2.3 million people seems to have its location as its only resource, though. As a great land and sea connection between east and west Europe, Latvia has built up some large ports.

Culturally speaking, Latvia had an culture of the arts including folklore music from over a thousand years ago. There has been some resurgence of the arts since the Soviets left town but outside of some cheese, log cabins and some museums I could not find anything else! So, my recommendation is to skip Latvia unless you are a sea captain of some sort carrying goods to Russia.

Maybe you know more about Latvia. Maybe you live there and want to tell me why I am ass for speaking about your country this way! Well tell me, please! We look forward to hearing from you.

Going back to Cyprus...

So, we were watching TV last night when we saw House Hunters International featuring Cyprus. Being that we just highlighted Cyprus last week, I thought we'd share some of the show with you. First of all, there was an English couple with a $1 million dollar budget. It seems like a lot until you realize each British Pound is worth 2 of our dollars. The couple was looking at three houses situated close to town, close to the ocean and with nice views of pretty much everything! The houses the looked at ranged from 2000-2500 square feet and were all relatively new and were all furnished.

Ultimately, they chose the 2500 sq foot home for over $1 million and came with a big yard, pool and incredible views of the ocean and mountains. What was very interesting was that there were many English speaking natives as well as transplants that live in Cyprus. Even the couple mentioned they did not need to learn to speak Greek once they got there and realized this fact. Anyways, we will add House Hunters International to our guide from now on. As of right now, we know it's on Sunday at 9:30.

Liechtenstein. Yes, That's a Country, not a Curse Word

European Countries you've never heard of #4 -

Did you ever watch that movie, A Knight's Tale, where Heath Ledger plays a normal guy pretending to be a knight from Leichtenstein? Well that is actually a real place. It is a land-locked country in between Switzerland and Austria that has the Alps running through it. Leichtenstein is pronounced "licked-en-stine" and no one has to say "gesundheit" after you say the country's name.

The country is just over 60 square miles (fourth smallest country in Europe) and only has a population of 35,000 but it continues to prosper due to its winter sports destinations and tax-haven status for businesses. This is one of the few countries in the world with more registered companies than citizens. It is not part of the European Union but its people are German-speaking.

So why and how would anyone get to this country? Well, first, the closest airport is in Zurich Switzerland so you would mosr likely go through there. But once you're there, enjoy a host of activites in this small country! Like its neighbors, Leichtenstein is steeped in the arts, holding all sorts of fairs and concerts devoted to classical and contemporary music. Also, enjoy the historical buildings of the Leichtenstein monarchy that continues to rule in some respect to this day as well as your beautiful churches like many of Europe's hot-spots. Finally, don't forget you're in the Alps. Skiing and other winter sports are a must in this country!

Don't worry folks, there's no need to be scared of war in Leichtenstein. It has no army! It follows a strict nuetrality on every front. Tell us about your stories of Liechtenstein, we would love to hear from you!

This week's Recommended Travel Shows:

Monday (8/24) -

Confessions of a Travel Writer on Travel Channel @ 9 PM: If you watched and enjoyed this show last week, we're sorry to inform you it has been taken off the air. I'm a little disappointed, as it was a nice appetizer to Zane at 10.

Three Sheets on Fine Living Network (FLN) @ 10 PM (Our Favorite): Zane Lamprey tours the globe and learns about cultures, drinking rituals and native drinks.

No Reservations on Travel Channel @ 10 PM: Culinary show that focuses on culture as well, very well done.


Tuesday (8/25) -

Bizarre Foods w/ Andrew Zimmern on Travel Channel @ 10 PM: Decent show that features the most "bizarre" foods in the world.


Saturday (8/29) -

Weekends w/ Smantha Brown on Travel Channel @ 10 PM: She was an incredible host who got a little cocky. Still a great show to learn about new places!


Rick Steves' shows are on regularly on your local public channel. Times vary depending on your location, but don't miss Rick and his wonderful show!

Cyprus, Our Next Stop in Unknown Europe

Cyprus, an island nation south of Turkey was once considered the home of Aphrodite (that's right the Goddess of LOVE) and is now a tourist destination for over 2 million people a year. Consider Cyprus a unique, if not distant, Greek Isle.
Don't tell the some of the inhabitants that, though, as Cyprus has strong political viewpoints concerning the sovereignity of other countries. The island was controlled by the English and has subsequently become an independent country (or two). You see, Cyprus is is basically cut in half, with the northern part controlled by the Turkish-controlled government and the south controlled by The Republic of Cyprus government that makes up more than half the island. Both parts are worth seeing for adventurous travellers.

The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia and, just as Berlin was once cut in half, so too is Nicosia. Neither government, though at odds with each other, are tyrannical like you might think when picturing Berlin before the collapse of the wall.

There are many sights to see including museums and churches, but a lot of the fun resides outside the city, where you can get a Greek Isle feel with the countryside and sea-side caves to explore. The rest of the island can be explored out of such cities as Limassol (industrial center of Cyprus) and Pafos (resort area). Inside and outside of these cities, you can find incredible archeological sites from Greek temples to Venician ruins.

So for those of you who appreciate a good political fight, history, culture, beaches and mountains, visit Cyprus! This can be an ideal location for any type of vacation including those of you with children. If you've already been, share your stories with us. We look forward to hearing from you!

And for those Real Housewives of NJ fans, Cyprus is where Dina's daughter vacationed for a couple weeks!

When in Rome...

Rome was my first European city experience, and to date it remains my favorite. I could blog about Rome everyday for the next year and not run out of things to say. Just thought I'd share with you some of my favorite pictures and favorite memories....enjoy.

First stop in Rome...Colosseum!! Such a great experience and amazing to be there in person. This picture is framed and hanging in my dining room.

It took about 2 hrs and a scary walk through the wrong neighborhood to get to see this view of Rome. Totally worth it!

So we're walking through a narrow street, turn a corner and see the Pantheon!! Only my favorite architectural structure in Rome!

Don't you wish your city streets looked like this?

This is what St. Peter's Basilica looks like at 7am. No lines was worth waking up that early. Not to mention being one of a handful of people in the entire square.

I think I'll make it a point to return at least once every 5 years. Who's with me? Next trip in 2011!!

Malta, a Nation of Islands in Europe

In the second installment of the "Europe's Least Known Countries", we head south of Sicily in the middle of the Mediterranean to a cluster of islands that have been of extreme historical significance, Malta. This country of 400,000 inhabitants resembles Hawaii in the US. There are three main inhabited islands and numerous others. Malta is generally warm, attributing its relatively stable climate to the Mediterranean that surrounds it.

Being in the middle of this sea has been Malta's blessing and it's curse in that, throughout history, the islands have benfited from being a trading post for Europe yet also a strategic base for many different armies and navies: Phoenicians, Romans, Sicilians, The Knight's of St. John, French and English to name a few. In fact, it wasn't until the early 20th century that the English granted autonomy to Malta. Currently, the official languages are English and Maltes.

So why would any traveller want to go to Malta? Well, like any predominantly Roman Catholic country, Malta provides many beautiful churches for you to see. Also, its cuisine is superb, being your traditional Mediterranean fare (lots of seafood, yummy, yummy seafood) with an Italian approach. Sicily is on a few hundred miles away. Also, Malta boasts the oldest freestanding structures in Europe, the Megalithic Temples. This UNESCO site was made in approximately 3600 BC! Stonehenge, eat your heart out. For all you history buffs. Malta is an offical member of EU, allowing you free access to visit from any other EU country once you've entered.

I have always heard of Malta as an important part of history, but I certainly did not know it was an actual country! If you've been to Malta, share your experiences with us and let us all know how the trip went. We look forward to hearing from you!

10 European countries you've never heard of....#1-Andorra

Starting with today's blog, we will be focusing on the LEAST known countries in Europe. Our focus today, Andorra!

Andorra is a land-locked country sandwiched in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. One reason Europeans love to visit the sixth smallest country in Europe is the fact that it is a tax-haven. With hardly any arable land, the people of this country (83,000 pop.) are dependent on trade with other countries for food. That seems to be alright with the Andorrans, as they live relatively lavish lifestyles being that 80% of the country's GDP comes from tourism. Speaking of tourism, it happens to be the one reason for the country's recent population boom and their success. Many foreigners (particularly from France and Spain) spend time in Andorra skiing, hiking, and checking out the beautiful scenery in other ways.

If you know Spanish, you'll understand some Catalan which is the primary language of the country. This is the last remaining bastion of Catalan in the world (though the Barcelonans would disagree). But don't worry, many of the populous are foreigners from France and Spain and know those languages and more. In fact, the native Catalans are the minority in this country!

The capital of the Andorra is Andorra La Vella and is accessible directly by road and within miles of the train station. Unfortunately, there are no major airports in the country, but there are heliports that can fly you in from Barcelona and other close cities!

If you have ever been to Andorra, please tell us about it! This country is amazingly beautiful and unique, but we want to hear why from you! We look forward to hearing from you!

Venice is Sinking, visit it while you can!

We've all heard about Venice sinking into the depths of the sea. But Why? How has a city that has stayed afloat for millenia become threatened? Well the answer lies in the city's wells.

Venice's foundations lie on wood imported from the mainland of Italy hundreds of years ago. Yes, that's right, wood! The wood actually has petrified over the years and isn't the cause of the sinking islands. It actually has become petrified and stone-like in its attributes. It wasn't until the 20th century when artisian wells were dug that the buildings started to sink. The wells caused the underground aquafer to drop quickly followed by all the clay, sand and buildings built on top of it. This is why the water levels have risen remarkably compared to the buildings. Let's not be so quick to blame global warming, though it doesn't help the situation.

After banning the wells in the 1960's the sinking has slowed considerably but has not stopped. Some believe that the projects headed-up by Italy's government may be the answer to Venice's problems. The answers may lie in the projects' floating water gates that will stop the high tides from overtaking the city in the Spring and other periods of flooding. Others believe that pumping water back underground will stop the sinking as well.


Either way, I believe we all shouldn't take the chance. Let's all go visit Venice before the horrific floods take over and the beautiful city is lost. Flooding shouldn't be a reason to go to Venice, it should just prod everyone into going sooner! Thank you, Wikipedia, for the insight on this amazing wonder of the world. Please tell us about your experiences in Venice, flooding or not as we all would like to hear from you.

The World Championship in Berlin

Yesterday, Usain Bolt once again set a world record in 100m sprint, making him the greatest sprinter of all time. This was amazing race that only one other person had a chance at, the US' own Tyson Gay. This was supposed to be a heated race where Gay was to give Bolt a run for his money. This was not the case, however. Bolt destroyed the field, running a 9.58 world record time. What's even more interesting was the fact that Bolt seemed to pull up slightly at the end, leaving us all wondering if there are many more records for Bolt to surpass. Check out this amazing race!



There were many more great races this year, including many intriguing swimming races with Michael Phelps. He also set world records in the World Championships with what many believe to be inferior swimming suits made by Nike. Apparently, the Arena X-glide suits are far more bouyant than the suits Phelps has been wearing. This is what many believe to be the reason Phelps lost to Paul Biedermann of Germany in the 200m freestyle event. These suits are reported to be going to the wayside, though, as they will be outlawed by the international commission overseeing swimming (FINA), leaving Phelps to possibly retake his title in the race in coming years. Phelps later won a race and showed the world that even at a disadvantage, he is still the world's best wimmer. Take a look.



Whatever the competition, the World Championships allow us to peer at the future of all sports and hint at the next Olympic games. It makes us excited for what might be in store for the world in London, 2012. Don't forget the winter Olympics in 2010. They will be hosted by our neighbor to the north in Vancouver, Canada. We can only hope the Jamaican bobsled team will be there! Here's the great moment in sports history as the Jamaicans inspire us all!



Please share with us your memories of the Olympics and how they inspire you. We look forward to hearing from you!

Great Travel TV Programs (8/16-8/22)

Hello everyone, we've decided to start posting many of the good travel shows airing throughout the week every Saturday! We are only recommending shows we always watch and enjoy, let mus know if and when we're missing any great shows!


Monday (8/17) -

Confessions of a Travel Writer on Travel Channel @ 9 PM: A new show that follows around a rather pompous travel writer (interesting so far).

Three Sheets on Fine Living Network (FLN) @ 10 PM (Our Favorite): Zane Lamprey tours the globe and learns about cultures, drinking rituals and native drinks.

No Reservations on Travel Channel @ 10 PM: Culinary show that focuses on culture as well, very well done.


Tuesday (8/18) -

Bizarre Foods w/ Andrew Zimmern on Travel Channel @ 10 PM: Decent show that features the most "bizarre" foods in the world.


Saturday (8/22) -

Weekends w/ Smantha Brown on Travel Channel @ 10 PM: She was an incredible host who got a little cocky. Still a great show to learn about new places!


Rick Steves' shows are on regularly on your local public channel. Times vary depending on your location, but don't miss Rick and his wonderful show!

Which Greek Isle is MY Greek Isle?

That is a great question. The answer is, ALL OF THEM, in some way, shape or form. We are currently planning a trip to Greece in June of 2010 and this is as good a blog for me as for all of you. Here's why all of them might be right for you: they all offer an array of variation. Depending on the time of year, you can expect a great variation of weather from hot and dry to windy and cool. Also, once you get to these islands, there's a lot for travelers to do. You can sunbathe on Greece's infinite beaches, visit other-worldy villages remiscent of another time, find acheological treasures from ancient Greece and Rome, go on swimming, diving or scuba jaunts, or find yourself all alone on a relatively deserted island. There's a wide range of activities to choose from. Which ones are yours?

Leaving from Athens, you can reach an island that has what you are looking for pretty easily. How? Well, plane for the major islands like Crete, Santorini and Mykonos or boat for hundreds more. Greece has a relatively antiquated ferry system that can be daunting for some or be and great adventure for others. Depending on the island or islands you decide on, there are ferries that leave on a definitive schedule or could leave you stranded another 24 hours. That's part of the fun, though!

Let's go back to activities and focus on the three main islands, though. Crete is the largest island (as big as our large states in the U.S.) in Greece and has all the activies I mentioned before. The nightlife is decent and could leave you yearning from Mykonos if you are a partier. Otherwise, it's a great one-stop shop for everything you could dream of in a Greek Island. Speaking of Mykonos, this is a amazingly fun hotspot for Greeks and international travelers alike. While you won't get as much of the old-time feel of the other islands, rest assured, there's no lacking for something to do. Be ready to stay up all night, dancing at the discos. Santorini is similar, though isn't AS aggressive as Mykonos. If you're looking for a good mix of all of the above, this may be island for you.

Please share with us your experiences on the islands and let us know what you thought of these majestic places are. We would love to hear more, even on a personal level for our own trip. We'd love to hear from you!

Now you can enjoy Oktoberfest all year round!

We celebrated Oktoberfest early this year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania last weekend at a German Hofbrauhaus Restaurant. Hofbrahaus Restaurants are popping up all over the US: in Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas to name a couple. The significance of the Hofbrauhaus is that this is one of the original beer tents at the real Oktoberfest held every mid-September through mid-October in Munich, Germany.

The Pittsburgh venue is located on the south side with a great view of the river. You have the option to sit in one of three sections of the Hofbrauhaus, outside in the gardens or one of two indoor locations. We recommend the main dining hall where all the singing, dancing and “shot skis” are enjoyed (I’ll get into more of this later).

If you’ve never drank your beer from a liter stein, let me tell you about it. At the Hofbrauhaus specifically, it contains a total of three to four 12oz beers, is filled with 5.2% (on average) genuine German Hofbra beer brewed right on the premises, and may need to be held with both hands. It’s incredibly impressive and amazing to see the waiters and bartenders delivering 5+ liter steins at a time.

The main dining hall contains long tables and benches where you will be sat with other beer-goers, unless you arrive with a large enough group to occupy the entire table which seats about 8. At the front of a hall you’ll find a stage where entertainment and the MC reside, and on the opposite wall a large rectangular bar rounds out the room.

Upon arriving at our table, Brian and I and our two friends quickly ordered a round of 1 liter steins and we begin our drinking festival. Surprisingly, we saw a pretty large number families and children in attendance for dinner, but soon after 9pm the clientele shifts to almost all 21+.

About an hr into our Friday night Oktoberfest a waiter runs up to the stage holding what appears to be a ski (yes, as in skiing down a mountain) high in the air with 4 evenly spaced shot glasses attached. Soon everyone starts chanting “Shot Skis!!”. Two more waiters appear up front with the same contraption and the crowd chants “Triple Shot Skis!!”. Three groups of 4 are now lined up in front of the skis and in unison they down the shots. What the contents of the shots are, I’m not sure. If anyone is familiar with this drinking event, feel free to provide your input. Is there a standard “Shot Ski” shot? Or is it whatever liquor strikes your fancy?

If you plan on visiting the Hofbrauhaus on Friday or Saturday nights, I suggest arriving early (7pm or earlier) if you expect to find a table without a long wait. And do NOT come on a full stomach. You need to save room for the beer!!

Oh, and most importantly…1 liter of beer will run you about $7. The same or less than 1 12oz beer you’ll buy at your local major league baseball game. And for an additional $8, you get to keep your liter stein! Half steins are available as well, but why would you want one of those?

So, have I sufficiently excited you about Oktoberfest??

Vienna, a treasure trove of palaces, arts and other culture

Ah, Vienna, the City's' name even evokes a Victorian feel of decadence. It's true, Vienna was and is a true paradise for luxury. Home of Wiener Schnitzel and Mozart, the city possesses many colossal palaces, extensive museums, opera houses and concert halls. If you are a classical arts lover, this may be your one-stop shop in Europe. If you enjoy touring homes and gardens bigger than most towns, this might also be your one-stop shop in Europe. Let's take a tour of what you could see in this wonderfully clean capital of Austria.

First, we visit the Schonbrunn Palace, home of the Hapsburg Dynasty and a home that could take you all day to walk through if you let it. This palace's gardens could take you another full day to walk through, including the world's oldest zoo. You can still stay for concerts featuring Mozart's music in the grand halls of this majestic building.

Next, we move towards the city center and find the even larger Hofburg, another Hapsburg palace that now also acts as home to governmental offices, the Sisi Museum and the Vienna Boys' Choir just to name a few. This gargantuan building was made piece by piece until it took up a large part of the inner city. You can still attend exciting beer and wine festivals in the gardens of this jewel (free of charge to enter, a cheap lunch as well).


The Belvedere is a less famous (Hapsburg) palace that is still about twice the size of the White House and has its own wonderful gardens and pools that are very well maintained (don't miss this, even if you become numb to incredible domiciles).


The Museum Quarter is most spectacular array of museums ranging from historical art, modern art and history of all kinds. This section of the city is over 60,000 square meters and holds numerous buildings. Make sure to go to the ones of your liking.

There are innumerable concert halls and opera houses including the Burg Theatre. Please treat yourself to at least one show depending on your appetite for the arts. If you are an art-lover, make sure you see a show every night!

There are many more contemporary masterpieces as far as architecture goes, but too many to name here. Just know that when you go Vienna, you will be very busy seeing all the sites but also remember to slow down and take in all the open spaces! There's a lot to see, but you would need years to see it all.

Please make sure to fill us in on your memorable experiences to Vienna and let us know what we left out (I know there's a lot!). We appreciate your comments and look forward to hearing from you!

Last night's plethora of good travel TV.....

Did anyone else catch all the excellent travel shows last night? I was pretty shocked about how much even I watched, it was was that good. A quick rundown of the shows:

1. No Reservations w/ Anthony Bourdain was on all night starting in the afternoon. I watched at least parts of 5 of those. (good foodie show with non-"cookie cutter" approach) It's on Travel Channel all the time. http://www.travelchannel.com/

2. Confessions of a Travel Writer w/ Charles Runnette was an decent show (worth watching again) about a travel writer trotting the globe on the Travel Channel. He's pretty stuck up, but it's actually entertaining how much of an ass he is. http://www.travelchannel.com/

3. Three Sheets was on FLN like almost every weekday night anymore. The new shows are on Mondays at 10 and have been great in the new season. This show is a must see! http://www.fineliving.com/

We will probably write more about the shows at a later date. Let us know what your favortie travel shows are, we'd love to hear from you!

Why are the northern cities of Europe not as popular?

We all tend to speak about the Mediterranean cities when discussing Europe. It seems that the only country we know about north of Paris is the UK. Now I understand why we are enamoured of beautiful, sun baked towns such as Rome and Madrid, Athens and Barcelona. What I don't understand is, why is there not MORE hype about Amsterdam, Copenhagagen, and Stockholm?

Courtesy of airpportdirecttravel.co.uk

My first guess is that, by no fault of their own, these cities are colder for a longer period in time. Sure, there's a little less time as far as pretty spring, summer and fall visits. I get it. But what about winter? These cisites in the winter may be as beautiful as those "nice" times of the year. My second guess is that no one in the U.S. seems to be of Northern European decent (outside of Germany). This may mean that there are less Americans going to these places to revisit their homeland. But let's face it, the reason there were less immigrants to the U.S. from Nordic countries is that they were stable and beautiful and no one wanted to leave in the first place except for adventure, maybe.

These cities are PRESTINE, everyone. I am talking about barely more than 0 crime, neighborhoods that refelect a picturesque European lifestyle, beautiful fjords and other natural landscapes within a day's excursion. Don't forget the unique foods and beverages the cities have to offer. Some cities like Amsterdam are known to the world as drug havens, but these places are about as dangerous as the original Woodstock. Not to mention, Amsterdam is considered the "Venice of the North" due to its extensive canal system.

Back to beverages: don't forget that Belgium is one of the beer capitals of the world! If you're going to Germany or France, think of making a day or two for gorgeous cities such as Bruges and Brussels. So next time you're thinking about going to Europe, give these destinations their due and research them. You might just find it's the part of Europe you've always heard about and have yet to see.

Tell us what you think of Northern Europe. Maybe you think it's the best part, maybe you "know" that the Mediterranean still rules the continent. Send us your feedback and get a conversation going. We love hearing from you!

Courtesy of Science Blogs

Portugal, the forgotten country

The first question I'd like to pose to you today is: have you ever met anyone who has ever visited Portugal. Most likely not. You might have seen a travel show highlight it and thought, "Wow, what a nice, beautiful country," but never thought of it again. Here are the top 10 reason you should visit Spain's next-door neighbor:

1. Most cities outside of Lisbon have no tourists (Lisbon doesn't have that much either) so the country is seriously authentic.
2. Architecture: like many parts of Spain, this country boasts several styles of architecture that co-mingle including Gothic and Moorish.
3. Fado; I can't explain it other than to say it's a unique Portuguese music that might make your heart melt.
4. Water; whether its a beautiful beach looking to the Atlantic or a picturesque River town like Porto.
5. Speaking of Porto, yes Port (the beverage) was originated and has been mastered here.
6. Climate: the weather in Portugal doesn't sway much, allowing for visits all year-round.
7. Value and Time: It's the cheapest and closest Western European country!
8. It's an up-and-coming country and you might just get to see it before it becomes as popular as Spain.
9. It's unique, referring to above, who have you ever known that has been to Portugal?
10. If you learn some Portuguese, you will be able to get by in Brazil, too (Rio, here I come!)

My only tip, if you go and you speak Spanish, ASK them if they speak Spanish first and do not assume. Some Portuguese do not like to speak the language even though they are similar due to socio-political reasons.

What is your favorite country most people don't know about? Share we us so we can all learn, we'd love to hear from you!

Tapas, meal of choice for more Americans!

Tapas have become a huge hit within the U.S., but why? It's not like everyone has been to Spain. There are many reasons this food sensation has become so popular. First, what are Tapas, anyway?


Tapas may be the best "appetizers" you'll ever taste. They really are small dishes of food that the Spanish people eat in between lunch and dinner, many times during a happy hour type atmosphere. The Spanish eat small portions of food in between these meals because lunch is around when the U.S. eats lunch and their dinners start much later, many times later than 10 PM.

Tapas can be anything, really. In fact, they can vary greatly from one part of the country to another. Let's run the gaunlet of Tapas: Potatas Bravas (or very good cubed french fries), many types of fish, other seas creatures such as octopus, calamari and shellfish, salads of sorts, cheeses of all kinds, and let's not forget the incredible meats like jamon (spanish ham - usually cured) and chorizo (spicy spanish sausage - my favorite!). Anything that can fit on a smaller plate and that can be shared by everyone or horded by one person like I do when there's chorizo around.

So back to my original question: why have many Americans flocked to this style of food? Well, for one thing, most of those who try Tapas, come back for more. They are so irresistable. Tapas are dishes for the masses! Some good news for those of you who have not tried this type of cuisine: most every city in the U.S. has restaurants specializing in these amazing foods. Guess what? These dinners don't have to be overly expensive. Most great Tapas dishes only cost $5-10. A good meal for two only needs about 5-6 of these dishes so do the math! I have had entire dinners at what SEEM to be expensive, upscale restaurants for $50 including tip (that's for 2). So go on the internet and find a local establishment catering these tasty morsels. This can be as easily as Googling "tapas in (your city name here)" or check out this link recommending tapas restaurants across the country: http://www.nextstop.com/keyword/tapas/places/?loc2=Py8ajiX86hI

My belief is that Tapas may be the best food in Europe. Tell us your thoughts on some of your favorite foods, whether it be French, Italian or English (little joke). We'd love to hear from you!

Festivals and Fun in Europe: August

Though Europe is mostly on vacation this month, they still need a good reason to party and celebrate. Today’s blog features some of Europe’s best festivals in the Month of August.

The Salzburg Festival is an arts festival in Salzburg, Austria that lasts all month and features some of the world’s best music and theatre. http://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/

The Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland is similar, starting on August 14th and lasting through September 6th. This is a must see for culture and arts lovers. http://www.eif.co.uk/faqs

Maybe the most unique festival in Europe, La Tomatina is a world famous food fight featuring tomatoes. The city of Bunol in Valencia, Spain erupts in what is every elementary students’ dream lunch the last Wednesday of every August! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdgVULWrPfE

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Midnattsloppet is Sweden’s answer to the Boston Marathon. This six mile run in Stockholm starts at midnight and has more of a party feel. 20,000 racers quickly breeze through the run while thousands more have a huge celebration along the course. http://www.midnattsloppet.com/start/index.cfm

We will highlight festivals every month on this blog. What are your favorite festivals of the world? Discuss anything and everything by commenting below and don’t forget to visit http://www.jetsetpilot.com/ when we officially launch the website in September. We enjoy hearing from you!

European Cities with Beaches: A two-for-one deal!

Many vacationers believe there are two types of trips. On one hand, you have your run-of-the-mill beach trip where you mostly lie on the beach, sip a cool drink and relax (fun). On the other, you have your City/Historical/Cultural trip where you have a lot to do and see before your time runs out (also fun). Well, today, we're here to tell you that there are cities in this world that can let you have your cake and eat it, too!

Take, for example, Barcelona, Spain which offers you such incredible sites as La Sagrada Familia which is the Gaudi inspired cathedral soaring hundreds of feet in the air. Less known, however, are the beaches of Barcelona which lie on the Mediterranean and offer just as delicious cocktails at their ocean-side bars. This city offers a wide variety of activities that might just make for a perfect, all-around, trip (not to mention the food is about as good as you can find anywhere in the world).

Nice, France, is a Riviera destination where many Europeans and other visitors also come to bask in the sun on the beach after spending their morning combing through historical churches and squares. The food here is equally as good and the water just as blue (if not clearer). And just a stone's throw away lies Manaco, where you can do much of the same while mixing it up with billionaires for the day.

Don't forget, many European cities are relatively close to one ocean or another and takes but short excursion to instantly be transported to a beach getaway. Don't let a lack of sand and water be a reason not to visit that destination you always dreamed of.

A reason to look forward to Mondays: Three Sheets

The best travel drinking show on TV (and maybe the only travel drinking show on TV?) "Three Sheets" has a new episode airing tonight at 10pm on the Fine Living Network. Tonight Zane Lamprey hits up the northern European Country Lithuania. If you've never seen a Three Sheets show, I highly recommend.

Cast of Characters include:

Zane Lamprey- the show's host, traverses the globe getting to know the local people and their drinking customs.

Pleepleus the Monkey - Zane's travel companion, a Ty Beanie Baby, given to Zane by his wife so he would never have to drink alone.

Steve McKenna - Zane's friend from college who is often referenced throughout the episodes. Zane coined the term Steve McKenna'd which he defines as: "To be inebriated to the point where one loses control of their actions. Examples may include drunk dialing, no restraint over bodily functions, streaking, etc." Example "Sorry I hit on your mom last night, I was Steve Mckenna'd."

T-shirts are available at: http://shop.mojohd.com/collections/three-sheets

The show also doubles as a drinking game, introduced in the Costa Rica episode. The rules are as follows:

Rule 1: When Zane drinks, you drink.
Rule 2: The first person to spot Pleepleus the monkey, makes someone else drink.
Rule 3: When Zane mentions his friend Steve McKenna, everyone drinks.
Rule 4: When anyone burps, the last person to give the "Good Burp" sign (thumb on your forehead, pinky in the air) must drink.
New Rule from Season 4: Whenever you see a puppy, you drink.

Traveling to Europe in August: best or worst idea?

While some travel experts advise not to travel to Europe in August, Brian and I want to share with you the benefits of traveling at this time. We've experienced Rome in August, first hand, in 2006. Large cities like Rome have dozens of attractions for visitors that remain open during the summer months. Be aware that the hours of operation may shrink some, but overall, major sites will remain open despite the August Holiday month. We found the pros of traveling during the high holiday season out weigh the cons.

Cons -

• Weather tends to be extremely hot and humid
• You may miss out on city culture with most natives leaving the big cities and flocking to the closest beaches.
• Many small businesses, open air markets and street vendors close for the entire month.

Pros -

• Lines at tourist attractions can be shorter.
  

Visiting a city like Rome, with tons of tourist attractions in August may be an ingenious idea! Lines can be shorter and city streets may not be as crowded. We were extremely lucky with temperature highs hitting only upper 80's and only one short rainstorm to mention. Understandably, most August jetsetters probably aren't as lucky. And true, we did miss out on some of the open air markets and street vendors that closed up shop, but it was okay with us because we made this trip to Rome to see the history and art. Not waiting in lines to see the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, which have been known to run 3+ hrs, was well worth it. While most visitors leave Vatican City with a picture full of strangers they've never met...I was able to leave with this:
To be the only 2 people standing in St. Peter's Square was an amazing experience and something we'll never forget.