AngelsTravels

How Italy Makes Me Feel

Italy makes me feel spiritually connected.  As a tribute to my father, a Navy veteran, who passed away in September 2010, I decided to go on a cruise from Europe.  He spent a large portion of his adult life on a ship and spoke fondly of visiting Europe and the Meditteranean.  He said I would love it so in March of 2011 I started researching and making plans.  The best itinerary for the right price during the right time just happened to leave from Italy on September 11th 2011, 1 year to date of my father's passing.  I booked it.

Italy makes me feel adventerous. We took the train to Rome!  TrenItalia offered tickets on the Leonardo Express right into Rome City Center's Termini Station.  Upon arriving at Fiumicino Airport we strapped on our backpacks and we grabbed our roller bags and headed toward the trainstation which is inside the airport.  Okay now I'm getting excited.  Some things are in English but the more Italian I saw the better I felt.  Tickets purchased and train boarded I'm feeling like we are really finally here!  We pull into Termini Station.  We get out of the station and have no clue where the hotel is from there so we pick a direction and hope for the best.  We are now backpacking in Europe people!  A full 1.5 miles of backpacking in Italy! Turns out we are right on target.  We walk up to the address to our hotel, a multifamily dwelling.  The elevator is barely wide enough to accomodate us and our luggage.  We arrive at Hotel Gloria. The man who's home it is speaks absolutely no English but takes our passports and gives us a key, not a keycard-a key, and directs us to room 7. I say "Grazie" He says "Prego."  It's quaint with sheer white curtains tapered to an open window revealing the hustle and bustle of Italian life just 2 stories down.  I'm really loving this.  There is 1 shared bath, get this, with a bidet!

 Italy makes me feel romantic. Rome put the "rom" in romantic. I just made that up.  Pretty clever huh?  Whats better than being awakened by a mystical sunlight through an agape window, a gentle breeze swaying sheer curtains to and fro', the flutter of bird's wings flying by and the clinking and clanking of cups and silverware at a Roman cafe just two floors below? Or, skipping the next few stops on your tour bus so that you can escape to an authentic Italian lunch in a little street cafe on an somewhat secluded alley behind the Trevi Fountain.  

Or deciding you can't sleep and taking a long midnight walk around the city to find illuminated basillicas, open cafes with locals and their dogs, street vendors that sell wine and beer, and landmarks that the tour guides don't talk about. 

Italy makes me feel less the novice:  This was our first time to Europe.  With a little research online we were able to navigate with through Rome with ease.  From taking the train to locating a hotel and restaurants, hopping on (and off) a tour bus and taking midnight strolls, there wasn't a time we felt confused, unsafe, or lost.  I sometimes expect to greet the unknown when I'm out of town but Rome was everything we expected. 

 Italy makes me feel like I must return: We were only in Rome, Italy for 2 days and 1 night since we were taking a cruise.  That is not enough time to get a feel for real Italian life.  That two days sparked a fire in me and now I have to book a tour of the most notable cities in the country; Venice, Milan, Tuscany, Naples, Palermo.  Once you hit the airport you miss this country already.  It beckons you to skip the flight. It calls your name in a sense.  "Angel..." (it wispers) "Come back...There's so much more to see."

Stay tuned for more of AngelsTravels

How to Do Rome in 2 Days!

2011 was my first time to Europe.  I did tons of research before leaving so that I would know exactly how to get around and experience things on a budget.  Yes you can be frugle in Europe even though the Euro is stronger than the Dollar at the moment.

Here are just a few tips before I begin talking about Rome.

• Book your flight on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the best prices
• Leave on a Friday or Saturday for the best flight prices
• I suggest an overnight flight to Europe because of the time difference
• Convert your money to Euros at a bank or at the ATM in order to avoid exchange fees/commissions

There are two airports into Italy.  We flew into Rome Fiumicino at the instruction of Royal Caribbean as we were headed on a cruise from Italy.  The airport code is FCO.  We took an overnight flight and arrived at the airport around 9:30 am.

I suggest you take the Trenitalia from FCO to Termini Station (Rome City Center).  Its very inexpensive and is quick and relaxing.  Once you get your bags (one free checked bag on Europe flights) follow the signs to the train area.  You can get your tickets fromt the counter or the kiosk.  Make sure you catch the Leonard Express.  Ask which one it is.  Tickets must be validated if you buy from the ticket counter.  Just watch what the locals do and you'll catch on.

Once you get to Termini Station, which is several city blocks long, you can either take a cab or walk to your hotel check in and drop your bags.  The cheapest hotels are generally rooms in someone's home with shared baths.  They typically will not have air conditioners.  You will shell out $150 Euros for a regular hotel.  Stay somewhere close to Termini Station.  The tours leave from across the street.

So 1st thing is 1st.  Eat something in Rome.  The food is incredible and fresh.  You can find a cafe that will serve a typical American breakfast but Italians eat lightly for breakfast and then snack and graze throughout the day.  Any restaurant or cafe that you stumble upon will probably be great.  Most of the places serve the same things so just confirm you can afford the menu prices and then order.

If you are a planner like me and want to secure some things to do go to Viator.com.  We got tickets to Rome Open Tour Hop-on-Hop-off bus at the suggestion of my friend who lives in Italy.  It was an awesome suggestion!  It goes to all of the hot spots in Rome and you can get a 24 hour or a 48 hour ticket and add other options.  This is how you will do Rome in 2 days.  It's the best bang for your buck.

This was an awesome trip.  I got to see Trevi Fountain, The Coliseum and tons more.  The nightly strolls were magical and the temperature in September was perfect.  Amo Roma!

Puerto Vallarta in May

Puerto Vallarta in May

Puerto Vallarta in May is gorgeous.  Here is how I got there.

Back in November 2009 I bought a vacation package for $199 that requires you to do a time share presentation at www.buganviliasclub.com.  The package was good for a year but they are very generous if you need to extend it beyond that 1 year time frame, which I did.  

I chose to go in May for my birthday.  The representative that I had was very attentive and communicative when I had questions on what do to once I arrived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  I checked the Department of State website for many months before my trip.  Everything there was fine even with the termoil in other parts of the country.  

I bought my plane tickets throughPriceline.com's name your own price feature.  That saved me about $100 on two tickets.  Once we got to the airport we were bombarded with people trying to get us to sign up for their time share presentations.  Some were so desparate that they lied and told us they were from the resort we were already booked with.  Luckily our representative had warned us about this in the beginning.  We politely declined everyone until we finally reached a real rep from the booking company that had a sign with our name on it.  They provided a free shuttle to the resort. 

We got comfortable and took this shot from our balcony.  This place looks just like the website.  It's absolutely beautiful.  Also, they keep the entire resort very clean.  They scrub down the pool deck, vaccum the pool, scrub the pool side chairs, and hose everything down every night!

The resort has several restaurants that are all delicious and the champaigne buffet on Sunday is wonderful.  We loved every minute of this vacation.  Even though the resort has great food we had to venture out so we asked for suggestions and everyone said Pipi's.  TOTALLY WORTH IT!

The resort can arrange excursions for you.  I strongly encourage you to do Ritmos De La Noche.  It's the best thing we did the whole time we were there.  There are also jungle tours and ziplining plus good shopping.  We walked to the vendors and bought souvenirs (they all will haggle with you) and ate breakfast in the downtown area.  It's a pretty good walk so we took a cab back. 

All in all this was one of the best trips we took.  The airport was the only unpleasant part.

I Heart Puerto Vallarta.  I've got pictures on facebook.

 

Private car service from LAX

MyLAXLimo 310-642-6600.

 
I am the type of person that plans ahead. Without much effort you can effectively plan each part of your trip through the google machine. So when I learned that I'd have to arrange my own transportation from LAX to Pasadena I started considering my options and researching them on google.

 A cab I was told would run me about $85.00 one way.  There is a shuttle that runs about $30 or $40 dollars but it isn't direct meaning several people may be dropped off before you. So I started looking up limo services.

I found a few that seemed reputable and requested quotes. The company that responded the fastest was MyLAXLimo.com.  Their quote also ended up being either the least expensive or equal to the others.  The quote was surprisingly affordable and the suggested tip was 14% of the quote.

I was emailed my confirmation immediately with instructions to pay the driver and to call once I landed.

I ended up calling once I got to baggage claim and the driver asked what I was wearing so that he could identify me.  In a hot pink velour sweatsuit it wasn't hard.  He instructed me to come outside at which point he pulled up to the curb in about 3 seconds.  The car was a gorgeous, black Mercedes Benz with tinted windows. I must admit I loved the stares I got like "who is she that she gets a private car". The driver opened my door and took my bag. 

He asked about the temperature. It was fine. He asked about the music, classical. It was soothing. The backseat was wonderfully comfortable and even had leather pillows for extra back support. American Airlines has great prices and terrible seats so the pillow was a good bonus.
The best thing was...I felt no pressure whatsoever to talk. We just rode all the way to Pasadena in comfort, soothing music, and that's it. No talking. Ahhh. That hit the spot. 

We pulled up to my destination he opened my door, grabbed my bag, I payed the man and he asked if I needed anything else. "nope, thank you" and he was off.That's what I call service...I guess I'm easy to please.  So try MyLAXLimo.com.

 

Great Places to Eat - Belize City, Belize

Wetliz

Belikin Beer anyone? Belikin Beer is a beer made in Belize and by Belizians.  And it's yummy!  This tasty beverage can be downed at the Wet Lizard a fun and lively restaurant right off the port where the cruise ships come in.  Would you prefer a virgin beverage?  Try the Coke and make sure you ask for the kind made right there in Belize.  It's not made with any artificial sweeteners! 

Located in a hustling bustling tourist area, the Wet Lizard is a great place to enjoy some of Central America's/the Caribbean's best eats.  Just take the stairs up to this covered outdoor patio and be engulfed in colorful decor, colorful personalities, and delightful food.  Write your name on the wall why don't you? Or the table, chair, arm rest...Anywhere!  Markers are provided.

I can tell you right off the bat that the Conch Fritters are delicious and the Killa Shrip will murder your taste buds.  Try everything.  You can't go wrong.

Once you've finished with those delectable morsals take a stroll around the port area where you'll find great deals on hand crafted linens, jewlery, bags, and more.  English is the primary language in Belize so don't worry about haggling in another language. 

Belize is definitely one of my favorite places to visit.  Go see for yourself!

Bievenido a Puerto Vallarta!!!

Mexico

When you go to Puerto Vallarta where are you going to stay?

Would it by chance be the Sheraton Buganvillas Resort?  If so, how much are you going to pay in order to stay there?  $300 per night? $200 per night?

Wouldn't you like for me to tell you how you can get 6 days and 5 nights at this fabulous resort for...drum roll please...$300?!!!  Just read this description of the suites at this resort:

"Modern and Comfortable rooms integrate magnificent ocean views with bright and spacious living areas. Slide the windowpanes. Enjoy fresh ocean breezes and the sight of sparkling pools and blossoming tropical landscaping in your luxurious accommodations. Detach from daily routines - Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center welcomes you to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico."

Right now there is a promotion going where you can buy a vacation certificate for $300 and you can reserve it for 6 days and 5 nights at the resort.  That even includes airport transport!  They also have specials on adventure trips:

"One of the best features of Puerto Vallarta is the vast jungle that surrounds it.  Exploring the jungles of the Sierra Madre is one of the top activities you'll find here. 
Come and visit the location where Arnold Schwarzenegger fight against alien invaders in the movie thriller Predator. The trails and waterfalls of theMismaloya  River. A great family outdoor experience!"
"Over 350 species of birds call the jungle home, as well as countless other species of animals including iguanas, monkeys, jaguar, armadillos, ocelots and more. Our Jungle Tours will help you explore this vast wilderness. 
Go deep in the jungle to see the famous Chico´s Paradise where we'll have time to relax and swim."

They also have zipline excursions.

Post a comment if you want the secret on how to get this deal. 

 

Great Places to Eat - San Diego

Just across the Coronado Bridge is a wonderful water front town called Coronado Beach.  This not so quaint beach town encompasses ice cream shops, souveneir shops, and great food.  There's a small sandy beach where geese and ducks come to sun bathe, a ferry to take you across to down town San Diego, and then there's Peohe's.

Peophe's is very easily one of the best places I have ever eaten.  The decor is modern with warm beiges and cool blues.  There is a magnificent fish tank reminding you to request bay view seating.  It's a wonderful place to watch the water as the sun goes down. 

The service is impeccable at Peophe's.  We were seated quickly and served immediately.  From the water, bread, and butter to the main course you will want for nothing.

My meal consisted of a scrumpteous lobster ravioli is a butter wine sauce but the menu selection is excellent.  The waiter will not hesistate to suggest a meal that is sure to please.

Peohe's at Cornado Beach- Enjoy!

Great Places to Eat - Las Vegas

Mahi

So you get off the plane check into your hotel an hit the strip in search of something to quench the intense hunger that has held your belly captive for the 5 hour flight. 

Where will you have the most options of something quick but delightful?  My suggestion is Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile Shops.  Inside the mall there are a few junk food places but you want something that is going to set the entire trip off on the right foot.

Go to Ocean One Bar & Grille.  You will not be disappointed.  Ocean One Bar & Grille has a delectable lunch menu and fabulous prices.  I had a grilled mahi sandwich with a dollop of mild quac, lettuce, tomato, and some sort of secret sauce.  It was divine.  The perfect meal to start my budgeted splurge in Vegas.  I also split the artichoke dip with my friends who were equally as pleased with their meals.

They have salads, pastas, sandwhiches, dips, soups, and more at great prices. 

Sit Eat and Be Happy.

Destination Vegas!

So I am going to Vegas this weekend and I've been 3 times before.  It never get's old.  This year I'll be able to see all the new casinos, hotels, condos, trains, etc. that were all under construction when I was there last in 2007.

Here are my tidbits.

If you have a time share use it.  It's at no additional cost beyond your monthly payment.  It's more quite than the hotels with casinos.  It's private so no drunkards banging on your door or playing in the hallways and elevators at 4am.

If you do have to choose a hotel  there are obviously plenty.  I got the best value for my money at the Alladin in 2005.  It is now a Planet Hollywood Resort.  My room was similar to my resort room just without a kitchen.  I had a beautiful view of the strip, a huge jacuzzi tub, an updated decor, and impeccable customer service.  Also, the casino in the Alladin is away from the rooms.  You wouldn't know there was a casino there if you never went downstairs.  There are some great restaurants in Alladin too. 

If you have an ich to party stay at the Palms.  The Palms houses the hottest clubs in Vegas. 

(I am using a service this year to get me into the clubs I picked.  Its www.FreeVegasClubPasses.com.  I will let you know how that turns out upon my return.)

Have some extra money to spend lavishly?  Stay at TheHotel at Mandalay Bay.  It speaks for itself.

Flights can vary going to Vegas.  See my blog "Finding Frugal Flights" to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

Go to Vegas in February.  There is always something going on during the 3rd week of the month.  The first time I went in '05 there was a Fashion event going on.  In '06 there was a boxing match and in '07 it was All-Star Week.  Celebrities were all over the place each time I've been during that 3rd week in February.

If you will be in Vegas for more than 4 days you need to rent a car.  Cabs can start to get expensive.  They charge for the ride and per person.  Anything over 4 days and you're spending as much as if you rented a car.  However, beware of the taxes on Vegas car rentals.  When you book make sure to call and ask for the true price after taxes and pay for gas on your own.  Parking in hotels is free.

I will blog about my trip to the new Vegas once I return but you can follow my updates on twitter.

Until next time remember:

What happens in Vegas...gets twittered and facebooked and blogged about!

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