Wicked Good Travel Tips

Your Trusted Voice For Great Travel Tips and Unique Vacation Ideas

Wicked Good Travel Tips MagazineVolume 1, June, 2013

Read Inside Kids Go Free

Vacations

BnB Inns with GloriousGardens in Bloom

Charleston Ghost Tours ForA Chill and A Thill

Discover The Heart of OldJapan in Takayama

Exclusive: New Cruise Ship Passenger's Bill of Rights

Contents

Feature Articles 4....Passenger Cruise Ship Bill of Rights 6....Bed and Breakfast Spring Getaways 12....Latest Travel Buzzwords 14....Where Kids Vacation Free This Summer 20....Spooky Charleston Ghost Tours 21....A Glimpse Into The Heart of Old Japan 22....Most Popular Sites For Red Sea Holidays 29....Tips from WickedGoodTravelTips.com

Taste of Our Travels 30....King & Prince Shrimp And Grits

Contest 34....Tru Bloom Chicago Perfume Giveaway

Travel Trends 35....One-Way Cruising

In The Know Tips 36....Latest Travel News

What We're Reading 37....Without A Spare, by Bonnie Kassel

Drum Roll Please....We are SO excited to introduceyou to our new

Wicked GoodTravel Tips Magazine

We've come a long way sincelaunching our travel tips siteWickedGoodTravelTips.com in2007, and we've just passed the1,000 travel tips mark, phew...that's a lot of great travel advice!This year we're proud to bring youour new flip-style magazine.

From The Editors

Our new magazine will highlight unique travel experiences and bringyou trending travel news, while looking great on your smart devices. Be sure to click on the "Subscribe" tab at the very left of the page toensure that you'll receive every issue of the magazine - which is freeto our "Wicked Good" community of dedicated followers. And we're not stopping there! WickedGoodTravelTips.com willremain active and vital, bringing you essential travel tips fordestinations around the globe. We've just given the site a facelift sobe sure to take a look.

One feature we are especially excited about isour "Archive By Category" tab. This tab will make it easy to access allour articles by destination. Just select "London", for instance, and uppops all our great tips on visiting London. Give it a try, we think you'lllove it. And we can't forget Facebook - we have a whole new page -be sure to Friend Us. Don't miss our contest - details on pg 34.

Contents

Feature Articles 4....Passenger Cruise Ship Bill of Rights 6....Bed and Breakfast Spring Getaways 12....Latest Travel Buzzwords 14....Where Kids Vacation Free This Summer 20....Spooky Charleston Ghost Tours 21....A Glimpse Into The Heart of Old Japan 22....Most Popular Sites For Red Sea Holidays 29....Tips from WickedGoodTravelTips.com

Taste of Our Travels 30....King & Prince Shrimp And Grits

Contest 34....Tru Bloom Chicago Perfume Giveaway

Travel Trends 35....One-Way Cruising

In The Know Tips 36....Latest Travel News

What We're Reading 37....Without A Spare, by Bonnie Kassel

Drum Roll Please....We are SO excited to introduceyou to our new

Wicked GoodTravel Tips Magazine

We've come a long way sincelaunching our travel tips siteWickedGoodTravelTips.com in2007, and we've just passed the1,000 travel tips mark, phew...that's a lot of great travel advice!This year we're proud to bring youour new flip-style magazine.

From The Editors

Our new magazine will highlight unique travel experiences and bringyou trending travel news, while looking great on your smart devices. Be sure to click on the "Subscribe" tab at the very left of the page toensure that you'll receive every issue of the magazine - which is freeto our "Wicked Good" community of dedicated followers. And we're not stopping there! WickedGoodTravelTips.com willremain active and vital, bringing you essential travel tips fordestinations around the globe. We've just given the site a facelift sobe sure to take a look.

One feature we are especially excited about isour "Archive By Category" tab. This tab will make it easy to access allour articles by destination. Just select "London", for instance, and uppops all our great tips on visiting London. Give it a try, we think you'lllove it. And we can't forget Facebook - we have a whole new page -be sure to Friend Us. Don't miss our contest - details on pg 34.

For much of the pastyear news headlinesabout cruising havebeen aboutequipmentbreakdowns,norovirus outbreaksand disasters, insteadof the pleasures ofcruising. As aging fleets arerenovated, and cruiselines roll out mega-ships the size of floating cities, thechance of unpleasantincidents aboard ships

has increased.In response to asignificant dip incruise bookingsfollowing the wellpublicized strandingof passengers onboard Carnival’sTriumph, The CruiseLines InternationalAssociation (CLIA) andall of their memberCruise Lines haveadopted a PassengerBill of Right. Passengers booking acruise in North

America on any of the 26 CLIA membercruise lines,

are nowprotected by anadopted PassengerBill of Rights, whichholds the conduct ofcruise lines to auniform standard ofservice.

CLIA membercruise lineshave agreedthat passengershave these

Cruise Gone Wrong?

Passengers Finally Have A CruiseShip Bill of Rights

#1 The right to disembark a docked ship if essential provisions such asfood, water, restroom facilities and access to medical care cannotadequately be provided onboard, subject only to the Master’s concern forpassenger safety and security and customs and immigration requirementsof the port. #2 The right to a full refund for a trip that is canceled due to mechanicalfailures, or a partial refund for voyages that are terminated early due tothose failures. #3 The right to have available on board ships operating beyond rivers orcoastal waters full-time, professional emergency medical attention, asneeded until shore side medical care becomes available. #4 The right to timely information updates as to any adjustments in theitinerary of the ship in the event of a mechanical failure or emergency, aswell as timely updates of the status of efforts to address mechanicalfailures. #5 The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency andevacuation procedures. #6 The right to an emergency power source in the case of a maingenerator failure. #7 The right to transportation to the ship’s scheduled port ofdisembarkation or the passenger’s home city in the event a cruise isterminated early due to mechanical failures. #8 The right to lodging if disembarkation and an overnight stay in anunscheduled port are required when a cruise is terminated early due tomechanical failures. #9 The right to have included on each cruise line’s website a toll-freephone line that can be used for questions or information concerning anyaspect of shipboard operations #10 The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rightspublished on each line’s website.

Flickr cc-Lynn Dombrowski

For much of the pastyear news headlinesabout cruising havebeen aboutequipmentbreakdowns,norovirus outbreaksand disasters, insteadof the pleasures ofcruising. As aging fleets arerenovated, and cruiselines roll out mega-ships the size of floating cities, thechance of unpleasantincidents aboard ships

has increased.In response to asignificant dip incruise bookingsfollowing the wellpublicized strandingof passengers onboard Carnival’sTriumph, The CruiseLines InternationalAssociation (CLIA) andall of their memberCruise Lines haveadopted a PassengerBill of Right. Passengers booking acruise in North

America on any of the 26 CLIA membercruise lines,

are nowprotected by anadopted PassengerBill of Rights, whichholds the conduct ofcruise lines to auniform standard ofservice.

CLIA membercruise lineshave agreedthat passengershave these

Cruise Gone Wrong?

Passengers Finally Have A CruiseShip Bill of Rights

#1 The right to disembark a docked ship if essential provisions such asfood, water, restroom facilities and access to medical care cannotadequately be provided onboard, subject only to the Master’s concern forpassenger safety and security and customs and immigration requirementsof the port. #2 The right to a full refund for a trip that is canceled due to mechanicalfailures, or a partial refund for voyages that are terminated early due tothose failures. #3 The right to have available on board ships operating beyond rivers orcoastal waters full-time, professional emergency medical attention, asneeded until shore side medical care becomes available. #4 The right to timely information updates as to any adjustments in theitinerary of the ship in the event of a mechanical failure or emergency, aswell as timely updates of the status of efforts to address mechanicalfailures. #5 The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency andevacuation procedures. #6 The right to an emergency power source in the case of a maingenerator failure. #7 The right to transportation to the ship’s scheduled port ofdisembarkation or the passenger’s home city in the event a cruise isterminated early due to mechanical failures. #8 The right to lodging if disembarkation and an overnight stay in anunscheduled port are required when a cruise is terminated early due tomechanical failures. #9 The right to have included on each cruise line’s website a toll-freephone line that can be used for questions or information concerning anyaspect of shipboard operations #10 The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rightspublished on each line’s website.

Flickr cc-Lynn Dombrowski

Have you taken a peak outside from underthe warm covers yet? The days are getting longerand warmer and the birds have begun their early morningserenade. After a winter that seemed like it would never end(and still hasn’t for some), spring finally is upon us. Needanother sign? If you’ve been waiting until the spring to pack your bags andhead out of town, you will be glad you did. For manydestinations, it’s shoulder season—the time between theirlow and high seasons—which means friendlier fares andrates to attract travelers. So, take advantage of this lead uptime to the busy summer travel season by walking alongfragrant paths or sitting in a gazebo and admiring theglorious displays on a garden getaway.

Because this inn is located on 75 acres and surrounded onthree sides by Hocking Hills State Park, its gardens,landscaped by Kellie Hutchison, are an extension of thenatural wonders blanketing the area. A rooftop garden sits ontop of the renovated 1800’s log cabin housing greenconference space, while fragrant flower and herb gardens linethe outside dining patio. Spend a relaxing afternoontraversing the hillside before enjoying a respite in one of theirhammocks or some soothing bodywork at the spa.

The Inn and Spa At Cedar Falls,Logan Ohio

Bed and Breakfast Getaways,Inns With Glorious Gardensin Full Bloom

Have you taken a peak outside from underthe warm covers yet? The days are getting longerand warmer and the birds have begun their early morningserenade. After a winter that seemed like it would never end(and still hasn’t for some), spring finally is upon us. Needanother sign? If you’ve been waiting until the spring to pack your bags andhead out of town, you will be glad you did. For manydestinations, it’s shoulder season—the time between theirlow and high seasons—which means friendlier fares andrates to attract travelers. So, take advantage of this lead uptime to the busy summer travel season by walking alongfragrant paths or sitting in a gazebo and admiring theglorious displays on a garden getaway.

Because this inn is located on 75 acres and surrounded onthree sides by Hocking Hills State Park, its gardens,landscaped by Kellie Hutchison, are an extension of thenatural wonders blanketing the area. A rooftop garden sits ontop of the renovated 1800’s log cabin housing greenconference space, while fragrant flower and herb gardens linethe outside dining patio. Spend a relaxing afternoontraversing the hillside before enjoying a respite in one of theirhammocks or some soothing bodywork at the spa.

The Inn and Spa At Cedar Falls,Logan Ohio

Bed and Breakfast Getaways,Inns With Glorious Gardensin Full Bloom

Vintage Towers Bed & Breakfast,

Designed with Northern California’s temperate climate in mind,the inn has created outdoor environments for viewing includinga Mediterranean Courtyard and demonstration vineyard in thefront of the inn, a 40-foot veranda wrapped in wisteria, a rose-covered wrought iron pavilion with a fire pit and a vintagegazebo were you can observe the Koi ponds. Daily breakfasts aremade using fruits and vegetables from the inn’s gardens.

Vintage Towers Bed & Breakfast,

Designed with Northern California’s temperate climate in mind,the inn has created outdoor environments for viewing includinga Mediterranean Courtyard and demonstration vineyard in thefront of the inn, a 40-foot veranda wrapped in wisteria, a rose-covered wrought iron pavilion with a fire pit and a vintagegazebo were you can observe the Koi ponds. Daily breakfasts aremade using fruits and vegetables from the inn’s gardens.

1851 Historic Maple Hill Manor,

Springfield, KYLocated in the heart ofKentucky’s Bourbon region,this preserved Antebellum-style home has lovelygardens throughout itscountry estate setting.

Get lost in a classicnovel while relaxingin the weddinggazebo gardenbefore admiring theraspberry and blackberry patch.

Fruit orchards and a small grape vineyard make up part ofthe inn’s farm. While you are there, say hello to the residentanimals including alpacas, llamas, barn cats and two GoldenRetrievers.

Elevated 6200 feet in the high desert is the B Street House Bed and Breakfast

,Virginia City, NV Talk about extreme gardening. B Street Housebrings together a range of Nevada’s native plants withvarious imported species into a ravishing garden display.Highlights include historic and heirloom varieties of fruitssuch as Red and Golden Delicious, 1870 yellowTransparent, and Fireside, and flowers including bulb andheritage dahlias, antique daylilies and hollyhocks. Relax onone of the benches and observe the large assortment ofbutterfly species or enjoy a bit of bird watching.

Photto Credits: BnBFinder.com

Click ToRead FullArticle

1851 Historic Maple Hill Manor,

Springfield, KYLocated in the heart ofKentucky’s Bourbon region,this preserved Antebellum-style home has lovelygardens throughout itscountry estate setting.

Get lost in a classicnovel while relaxingin the weddinggazebo gardenbefore admiring theraspberry and blackberry patch.

Fruit orchards and a small grape vineyard make up part ofthe inn’s farm. While you are there, say hello to the residentanimals including alpacas, llamas, barn cats and two GoldenRetrievers.

Elevated 6200 feet in the high desert is the B Street House Bed and Breakfast

,Virginia City, NV Talk about extreme gardening. B Street Housebrings together a range of Nevada’s native plants withvarious imported species into a ravishing garden display.Highlights include historic and heirloom varieties of fruitssuch as Red and Golden Delicious, 1870 yellowTransparent, and Fireside, and flowers including bulb andheritage dahlias, antique daylilies and hollyhocks. Relax onone of the benches and observe the large assortment ofbutterfly species or enjoy a bit of bird watching.

Photto Credits: BnBFinder.com

Click ToRead FullArticle

Staycations.. Neighcations..

Do You Know The Latest Travel Buzzwords?

In May 2013, one of the latestadditions to the colourfuldictionary of modern travel wasadded: a ‘flocation’. Hit or Miss,it's too soon to tell.

Here Are Our Favorite TravelBuzzword Hits

‘Glamping’ - A blend of‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’ hasgained probably the most groundin the last few years, ‘Daycation’ isn’t that bad a phraseeither. While it’s true to say thatyou might as well just call this ‘aone-day holiday’. ‘Cinetourism’, denoting tripswhere travel destinations areinfluenced by cinema.

"Voluntourism" The idea ofcombining volunteering andtourism These Are Buzzword Misses ‘Neighcation’ is a holidayorientated around horse-riding. ‘Weightcation’ – any travelprovider bold enough to use thisphrase must have a decent refundpolicy. These are holidays in whichholidaymakers attempt to loseweight. What do you get when you’repregnant and about to travel? A‘Babymoon’. ‘Brokepacking’ Surely when you’rebackpacking, you've alreadyrealised that your budget is tight.

What are your best and worsttravel buzz words? Shared By Guest Author: Chris TaylorPhoto Credit: Wikimedia cc

Staycations.. Neighcations..

Do You Know The Latest Travel Buzzwords?

In May 2013, one of the latestadditions to the colourfuldictionary of modern travel wasadded: a ‘flocation’. Hit or Miss,it's too soon to tell.

Here Are Our Favorite TravelBuzzword Hits

‘Glamping’ - A blend of‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’ hasgained probably the most groundin the last few years, ‘Daycation’ isn’t that bad a phraseeither. While it’s true to say thatyou might as well just call this ‘aone-day holiday’. ‘Cinetourism’, denoting tripswhere travel destinations areinfluenced by cinema.

"Voluntourism" The idea ofcombining volunteering andtourism These Are Buzzword Misses ‘Neighcation’ is a holidayorientated around horse-riding. ‘Weightcation’ – any travelprovider bold enough to use thisphrase must have a decent refundpolicy. These are holidays in whichholidaymakers attempt to loseweight. What do you get when you’repregnant and about to travel? A‘Babymoon’. ‘Brokepacking’ Surely when you’rebackpacking, you've alreadyrealised that your budget is tight.

What are your best and worsttravel buzz words? Shared By Guest Author: Chris TaylorPhoto Credit: Wikimedia cc

Kids Vacation For Free This Summer! We've found Family FriendlyLuxury All-Inclusive Resorts,Cruise Ships and Eco Lodges offering Kids-Go-Free promotions for travel thissummer. Time to start packingthe suitecases and takethe family on a summer vacation they'll alwaysremember. Photo Credits: Flickr CC – #1 dkaz, #2 swimphoto, #3 Adalberto H Vega, #4 CountryInns

Budgets seem particularly tight this year just as prices are onthe rise, so to make sure you can have a great summervacation, we’ve gathered together an impressive list offamily vacation offers where the kids go free! You’ll have toget the kids there, but once you all arrive, your children canstay, play and eat free. These offers are for two children (andsometimes more) staying in the same room/cabin with twoadults, black-out dates may and age restrictions may apply.

Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts wherekids Stay, Play and Eat FREE thissummer:

Kids Vacation For Free This Summer! We've found Family FriendlyLuxury All-Inclusive Resorts,Cruise Ships and Eco Lodges offering Kids-Go-Free promotions for travel thissummer. Time to start packingthe suitecases and takethe family on a summer vacation they'll alwaysremember. Photo Credits: Flickr CC – #1 dkaz, #2 swimphoto, #3 Adalberto H Vega, #4 CountryInns

Budgets seem particularly tight this year just as prices are onthe rise, so to make sure you can have a great summervacation, we’ve gathered together an impressive list offamily vacation offers where the kids go free! You’ll have toget the kids there, but once you all arrive, your children canstay, play and eat free. These offers are for two children (andsometimes more) staying in the same room/cabin with twoadults, black-out dates may and age restrictions may apply.

Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts wherekids Stay, Play and Eat FREE thissummer:

You’ll have to get the kidsthere, but once you all arrive,your children can stay, play andeat completely free of charge. These offers are for twochildren (and sometimes more)staying in the same room/cabinwith two paying adults, black-out dates may and agerestrictions may apply. These deluxe all-inclusivebeach resorts offer maximumvalue for families. Typicallysummer travel is considered off-season with resorts offeringdeep discounts on vacationpackages. These mega resortsoffer beachfront settings,elaborate pool complexes,dozens of restaurants and a fullslate of activities to entertainyour whole family. Iberostar Resorts – Mexico,Dominican Republic andJamaicaIberostar has built a reputationfor having some of the mostluxurious and fun resorts on theplanet. From now untilDecember 31, 2013, kids stayfree at selected propertieswhile staying in the same roomas two paying adults.

Visit Iberostar.com/en/kids-stay-for-free

for list of participatingresorts. Dreams Resorts - Mexico andDominican RepublicMake everyone’s dreams cometrue by booking a familyvacation in a luxury DreamsResort between August 24, andDecember 22, 2013. Choosebetween resorts with spas, golf,elaborate pools and beautifulbeaches. Find all the details at DreamResorts.com. Divi ArubaThe Divi Resort in Aruba hasbeen serving up the fun inAruba for many years. Nowthrough December 20, 2013,kids 12 and under stay free andcan take advantage of the kidscamp that operates Mondaythrough Friday. Find all thedetails at DiviAruba.com http://www.diviaruba.com/packages/family/

KidsLove

ToCruise!

Norwegian Cruise LineThe folks at GriswoldFamilyVacations.com tuned us in to a greatpromotion by Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL is offering a promotionwhere kids 17 and under sail as a third or fourth guest in astateroom free of charge. Cruise examples include the NorwegianSky sailing a 4 day itinerary to the Bahamas from Miami. With thelaunching of their new ships, this a fabulous opportunity to cruisewith the whole family. Find full information at NCL.com Costa Cruise LineA European vacation for the whole family may not be out of reachthanks to Costa Cruises. For spring and summer Mediterranean andnorthern Europe itineraries kids cruise free. Junior cruises age 17and under pay only government taxes and fees through July, 2013. Rates start at $399 per person for 7 night western Med cruises (attime of publication). For young cruisers aged 3 to 17, Costa offers afull range of complimentary youth programs. Get all the details at CostaCruises.com

Summer Cruises Where Kids Go Free

You’ll have to get the kidsthere, but once you all arrive,your children can stay, play andeat completely free of charge. These offers are for twochildren (and sometimes more)staying in the same room/cabinwith two paying adults, black-out dates may and agerestrictions may apply. These deluxe all-inclusivebeach resorts offer maximumvalue for families. Typicallysummer travel is considered off-season with resorts offeringdeep discounts on vacationpackages. These mega resortsoffer beachfront settings,elaborate pool complexes,dozens of restaurants and a fullslate of activities to entertainyour whole family. Iberostar Resorts – Mexico,Dominican Republic andJamaicaIberostar has built a reputationfor having some of the mostluxurious and fun resorts on theplanet. From now untilDecember 31, 2013, kids stayfree at selected propertieswhile staying in the same roomas two paying adults.

Visit Iberostar.com/en/kids-stay-for-free

for list of participatingresorts. Dreams Resorts - Mexico andDominican RepublicMake everyone’s dreams cometrue by booking a familyvacation in a luxury DreamsResort between August 24, andDecember 22, 2013. Choosebetween resorts with spas, golf,elaborate pools and beautifulbeaches. Find all the details at DreamResorts.com. Divi ArubaThe Divi Resort in Aruba hasbeen serving up the fun inAruba for many years. Nowthrough December 20, 2013,kids 12 and under stay free andcan take advantage of the kidscamp that operates Mondaythrough Friday. Find all thedetails at DiviAruba.com http://www.diviaruba.com/packages/family/

KidsLove

ToCruise!

Norwegian Cruise LineThe folks at GriswoldFamilyVacations.com tuned us in to a greatpromotion by Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL is offering a promotionwhere kids 17 and under sail as a third or fourth guest in astateroom free of charge. Cruise examples include the NorwegianSky sailing a 4 day itinerary to the Bahamas from Miami. With thelaunching of their new ships, this a fabulous opportunity to cruisewith the whole family. Find full information at NCL.com Costa Cruise LineA European vacation for the whole family may not be out of reachthanks to Costa Cruises. For spring and summer Mediterranean andnorthern Europe itineraries kids cruise free. Junior cruises age 17and under pay only government taxes and fees through July, 2013. Rates start at $399 per person for 7 night western Med cruises (attime of publication). For young cruisers aged 3 to 17, Costa offers afull range of complimentary youth programs. Get all the details at CostaCruises.com

Summer Cruises Where Kids Go Free

Some of your most wonderfulfamily memories may justhappen when you turn off all theelectronics and razzmatazz andgo adventuring together into anatural setting. There issomething about walking alonga trail together that inspiresconversations and appreciationof our planet.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, BelizeAn award winning Eco-lodgesituated in a 365-acre RainforestReserve is an ideal choice for

Kids + Nature, An Unforgetable Combo!

Everything Goes Better With Chocolate!

Located just three hours from NYC is one of the happiest places onthe planet, Hershey Pennsylvania where life is surely like a box ofchocolates. This summer The Hotel Hershey

and Hershey Lodgehave introduced a promotion where Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free. Kids sharing a room with their parents receive a complimentarybreakfast and Hersheypark tickets for a day. Hersheypark is a110-acre amusement park featuring 11 roller coasters, a water parkand zoo. Guests also receive complimentary admission to HersheyGardens and to the Museum Experience at The Hershey Story. Thispromotion is available May 2 through July 2, 2013. Details areavailable at HersheyPA.com.

Some of your most wonderfulfamily memories may justhappen when you turn off all theelectronics and razzmatazz andgo adventuring together into anatural setting. There issomething about walking alonga trail together that inspiresconversations and appreciationof our planet.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, BelizeAn award winning Eco-lodgesituated in a 365-acre RainforestReserve is an ideal choice for

Kids + Nature, An Unforgetable Combo!

Everything Goes Better With Chocolate!

Located just three hours from NYC is one of the happiest places onthe planet, Hershey Pennsylvania where life is surely like a box ofchocolates. This summer The Hotel Hershey

and Hershey Lodgehave introduced a promotion where Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free. Kids sharing a room with their parents receive a complimentarybreakfast and Hersheypark tickets for a day. Hersheypark is a110-acre amusement park featuring 11 roller coasters, a water parkand zoo. Guests also receive complimentary admission to HersheyGardens and to the Museum Experience at The Hershey Story. Thispromotion is available May 2 through July 2, 2013. Details areavailable at HersheyPA.com.

Spooky Charleston GhostTours

.....Get a Thrill and a Chill

Why do we love to go on ghost tours? Believe it or not,people like to be scared. That’s why we read (and like tolisten to) ghost stories and scary books, watch scarymovies, and seek out experiences that we hope willmake the little hairs on the backs of our necks stand up.

Read The Article

Charleston

Ghost ToursTake A Glimpse Into The Heart

Of Old Japan in TakayamaTakayama offers a more quiet and serene experience compared tothe hustle and bustle of Kyoto or Tokyo and because it hasmanaged to preserve the traditional spirit of Old Japan, especiallyin its old town. One can easily reach this city by either train or bus,though if you are willing to get there fast, you can enjoy theamazing Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagoya, thenboarding the so-called Wide-View Hida, an express train running toTakayama

Read Article 20 21

Spooky Charleston GhostTours

.....Get a Thrill and a Chill

Why do we love to go on ghost tours? Believe it or not,people like to be scared. That’s why we read (and like tolisten to) ghost stories and scary books, watch scarymovies, and seek out experiences that we hope willmake the little hairs on the backs of our necks stand up.

Read The Article

Charleston

Ghost ToursTake A Glimpse Into The Heart

Of Old Japan in TakayamaTakayama offers a more quiet and serene experience compared tothe hustle and bustle of Kyoto or Tokyo and because it hasmanaged to preserve the traditional spirit of Old Japan, especiallyin its old town. One can easily reach this city by either train or bus,though if you are willing to get there fast, you can enjoy theamazing Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagoya, thenboarding the so-called Wide-View Hida, an express train running toTakayama

Read Article 20 21

Most Popular Sites For Red SeaHolidays I first took a Red Sea holiday in the late 1990s, having studiedArabian history and culture, and spent the six weeks followingmy graduation travelling around the region with three friends. Much has changed in the 15 years since we took our tour, andsome of the countries that we visited, such as Sudan andYemen, are no longer safe for tourists, thanks to on-goingconflicts and the threat of terrorism and kidnap.

Fortunately, many of the countries around the northern Red Seaare still very welcoming, and very much worth visiting. I’vechosen five destinations, two in Jordan, two in Egypt and one inSaudi Arabia, that are worth adding to any itinerary.

AQUABA (JORDAN)

Most Popular Sites For Red SeaHolidays I first took a Red Sea holiday in the late 1990s, having studiedArabian history and culture, and spent the six weeks followingmy graduation travelling around the region with three friends. Much has changed in the 15 years since we took our tour, andsome of the countries that we visited, such as Sudan andYemen, are no longer safe for tourists, thanks to on-goingconflicts and the threat of terrorism and kidnap.

Fortunately, many of the countries around the northern Red Seaare still very welcoming, and very much worth visiting. I’vechosen five destinations, two in Jordan, two in Egypt and one inSaudi Arabia, that are worth adding to any itinerary.

AQUABA (JORDAN)

Aqaba’s history stretches back topre-Biblical times and thathistory is very much on show. Unlike many cities in this part ofthe world (Cairo springs to mind,but more on that later!), Aqaba isstill relatively small, with apopulation of around 100,000. That said, since I was last therethe Jordanian government andprivate developers have invested$20 billion into transforming

Aqabafromwhatwasanovergrown but still sleepy fishingvillage into a top class coastalresort. It’s possible this will work,but it’s still a little sad to think ofAqaba, which has so muchcharacter, being turned intoanother Sharm El Sheikh.

As with any popular destinations,Aqaba has its tourist traps, but youcan still find more authentic (andless pricey) shops and restaurantsin the Old Town and alongRaghadan Street.

From Aqaba it’s just a two hour drive to Petra. The drive is well worth taking, but if you’rehiring a car, as we did, you may want to makesure you get one with working air-conditioning,as Temperatures in Jordan can exceed90°F/30°C as late as October!

Once in Petra, however, you’ll be blown away.Its name means ‘Stone’, and many of thebuildings in this ancient city (which dates backto around the 3rd Century BC) are literallycarved out of the rock. The famous Al Khazneh(Treasury) has been used in countless films,perhaps most famously in Indiana Jones andthe Last Crusade. A truly spectacular andenchanting place.

If Jordan’s Aqaba is a big butsleeping fishing village, Cairo isits antithesis. Its history needslittle introduction, but thoughCairo itself was established onlyas “recently” as the 10th CenturyCE, the nearby presence of thePyramids at Giza is a testament tohow far back civilisation stretchesin this neck of the woods. Modern Cairo is, however, a verydifferent place to the deltacommunities that were home toCleopatra. These days the city is

Aqaba’s history stretches back topre-Biblical times and thathistory is very much on show. Unlike many cities in this part ofthe world (Cairo springs to mind,but more on that later!), Aqaba isstill relatively small, with apopulation of around 100,000. That said, since I was last therethe Jordanian government andprivate developers have invested$20 billion into transforming

Aqabafromwhatwasanovergrown but still sleepy fishingvillage into a top class coastalresort. It’s possible this will work,but it’s still a little sad to think ofAqaba, which has so muchcharacter, being turned intoanother Sharm El Sheikh.

As with any popular destinations,Aqaba has its tourist traps, but youcan still find more authentic (andless pricey) shops and restaurantsin the Old Town and alongRaghadan Street.

From Aqaba it’s just a two hour drive to Petra. The drive is well worth taking, but if you’rehiring a car, as we did, you may want to makesure you get one with working air-conditioning,as Temperatures in Jordan can exceed90°F/30°C as late as October!

Once in Petra, however, you’ll be blown away.Its name means ‘Stone’, and many of thebuildings in this ancient city (which dates backto around the 3rd Century BC) are literallycarved out of the rock. The famous Al Khazneh(Treasury) has been used in countless films,perhaps most famously in Indiana Jones andthe Last Crusade. A truly spectacular andenchanting place.

If Jordan’s Aqaba is a big butsleeping fishing village, Cairo isits antithesis. Its history needslittle introduction, but thoughCairo itself was established onlyas “recently” as the 10th CenturyCE, the nearby presence of thePyramids at Giza is a testament tohow far back civilisation stretchesin this neck of the woods. Modern Cairo is, however, a verydifferent place to the deltacommunities that were home toCleopatra. These days the city is

home to almost 10 million people.The recent so-called Arab Spring,in which long-serving PresidentHosni Mubarak was deposed,created a period of instabilitywhich, thankfully, seems to havesettled. Obviously, when it comes to Cairothe main draw are the pyramids,but many visitors – myselfincluded – are disappointed byhow caught up in the urban sprawlthis ancient archaeological sitenow is. Whenever you see photosof the pyramids, they look as ifthey’re in the middle of the

desert. In reality, you only have toturn a couple of degrees left orright to see tower blocks andpylons, which is a real shame.

The highlight of my stay in Cairowas the Cairo Citadel, a medievalfortification built by the famousSalah al-Din (aka Saladin) in the12th Century. While not exactlydeserted it certainly feels a lotless “touristy” than the Pyramids,and the Mohamed Ali Mosque(named after the Ottomancommander, not the boxer!) lookslike something from the ‘ArabianNights’!

Of course, if visiting Egyptyou’ll still want to see thesights of ancient Egypt, andfew places offer them moretheatrically than Luxor. Thiswas originally the site of thecity of Thebes, and nowencompasses the Valley of theKings and the Valley of theQueens.

The main draw here is probablythe Temple of Karnak, which –rather than being one building– is in fact a vast complex oftemples. If you had visitedLuxor just five or six years ago,you could have expected tofind yourself elbow to elbowwith tourists from around the

world, but the recent politicalupheavals mean that – at thetime of writing, at least –places like Karnak aresurprisingly quiet throughoutthe year. I was last there in May2012, and though we visitedKarnak quite late in themorning we felt like we hadthe place to ourselves!

JEDDAHThe coastal town of Jeddah isessentially Saudi Arabia in amicrocosm. For many, especiallyMuslim pilgrims who flock hereduring the Hajj, it is the gatewayto Mecca, but there has been asettlement here since pre-Islamic times, going back at leastas far as the 5th Century BC,when it was a small fishingvillage!

home to almost 10 million people.The recent so-called Arab Spring,in which long-serving PresidentHosni Mubarak was deposed,created a period of instabilitywhich, thankfully, seems to havesettled. Obviously, when it comes to Cairothe main draw are the pyramids,but many visitors – myselfincluded – are disappointed byhow caught up in the urban sprawlthis ancient archaeological sitenow is. Whenever you see photosof the pyramids, they look as ifthey’re in the middle of the

desert. In reality, you only have toturn a couple of degrees left orright to see tower blocks andpylons, which is a real shame.

The highlight of my stay in Cairowas the Cairo Citadel, a medievalfortification built by the famousSalah al-Din (aka Saladin) in the12th Century. While not exactlydeserted it certainly feels a lotless “touristy” than the Pyramids,and the Mohamed Ali Mosque(named after the Ottomancommander, not the boxer!) lookslike something from the ‘ArabianNights’!

Of course, if visiting Egyptyou’ll still want to see thesights of ancient Egypt, andfew places offer them moretheatrically than Luxor. Thiswas originally the site of thecity of Thebes, and nowencompasses the Valley of theKings and the Valley of theQueens.

The main draw here is probablythe Temple of Karnak, which –rather than being one building– is in fact a vast complex oftemples. If you had visitedLuxor just five or six years ago,you could have expected tofind yourself elbow to elbowwith tourists from around the

world, but the recent politicalupheavals mean that – at thetime of writing, at least –places like Karnak aresurprisingly quiet throughoutthe year. I was last there in May2012, and though we visitedKarnak quite late in themorning we felt like we hadthe place to ourselves!

JEDDAHThe coastal town of Jeddah isessentially Saudi Arabia in amicrocosm. For many, especiallyMuslim pilgrims who flock hereduring the Hajj, it is the gatewayto Mecca, but there has been asettlement here since pre-Islamic times, going back at leastas far as the 5th Century BC,when it was a small fishingvillage!

It’s very hard to believe that now! 21st Century Jeddah is one of themany futuristic – and often outlandish – cities that have appearedthroughout the Arabian peninsula in the last 20 years. In Jeddahyou’ll find pretty much anything you’d find in the west (McDonalds,shopping malls etc.), but with a Saudi twist. So, for example, menand women are often segregated even in fast food restaurants,owing to the country’s strict, religious laws.

That said, as flashy and impressive as much of modern Jeddah is, formy money the place most worth visiting is Al-Balad, the old town.The Saudi authorities haven’t always paid the greatest deference tohistoric sites (in Mecca they bulldozed an Ottoman castle to makeway for a skyscraper!), but there’s been a concerted effort in Jeddahto preserve Al-Balad, and the traditional, Arabian buildings here area feast for sore eyes after all that concrete and glass in the moderncity centre!

Guest Author: David Llewellyn, Owner, PrivateJetCharterPrices.comPhoto Credits: Wikimedia Commons

More... Wicked Good Travel Tips

5 MUST SEE SEATTLE SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCESDRAMATIC ROMANCE IN ALICANTE SPAINDISCOVERING THE MAGIC OF CAPE TOWN 5 THRILLING ADVENTURES IN SINGAPORETOP ACTIVITIES IN BRIDGETOWN BARBADOSCOOL SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN HOT DUBAI BANGKOK’S WEIRD AND WONDERFULRESTAURANTS

It’s very hard to believe that now! 21st Century Jeddah is one of themany futuristic – and often outlandish – cities that have appearedthroughout the Arabian peninsula in the last 20 years. In Jeddahyou’ll find pretty much anything you’d find in the west (McDonalds,shopping malls etc.), but with a Saudi twist. So, for example, menand women are often segregated even in fast food restaurants,owing to the country’s strict, religious laws.

That said, as flashy and impressive as much of modern Jeddah is, formy money the place most worth visiting is Al-Balad, the old town.The Saudi authorities haven’t always paid the greatest deference tohistoric sites (in Mecca they bulldozed an Ottoman castle to makeway for a skyscraper!), but there’s been a concerted effort in Jeddahto preserve Al-Balad, and the traditional, Arabian buildings here area feast for sore eyes after all that concrete and glass in the moderncity centre!

Guest Author: David Llewellyn, Owner, PrivateJetCharterPrices.comPhoto Credits: Wikimedia Commons

More... Wicked Good Travel Tips

5 MUST SEE SEATTLE SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCESDRAMATIC ROMANCE IN ALICANTE SPAINDISCOVERING THE MAGIC OF CAPE TOWN 5 THRILLING ADVENTURES IN SINGAPORETOP ACTIVITIES IN BRIDGETOWN BARBADOSCOOL SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN HOT DUBAI BANGKOK’S WEIRD AND WONDERFULRESTAURANTS

A Taste of Our Travels

King And Prince Beach and Golf Resort St. Simons Island, Georgia Easy Georgia Low Country Shrimp & Grits

1 Pint Quaker Instant Grits1 Pint Heavy Cream1 Quart Water1/2 lbs Unsalted ButterSalt to taste2 lbs Chorizo or Andouille or smoked sausage1 lb White Corn (roasted)1 Vidalia Onion (chopped)1 Green Pepper (diced)1 Red Pepper (diced)1 Pint Smoked Cheddar Cheese (shredded)1 Cup Fresh Cilantro, Flat Leaf Parsley, Chives (mixed and chopped)5-6 lbs Wild Shrimp (peeled and deveined) 16-20/lb if possible1 Pint Creme Fraiche2 Bundles Green Onion (chopped)

A Taste of Our Travels

King And Prince Beach and Golf Resort St. Simons Island, Georgia Easy Georgia Low Country Shrimp & Grits

1 Pint Quaker Instant Grits1 Pint Heavy Cream1 Quart Water1/2 lbs Unsalted ButterSalt to taste2 lbs Chorizo or Andouille or smoked sausage1 lb White Corn (roasted)1 Vidalia Onion (chopped)1 Green Pepper (diced)1 Red Pepper (diced)1 Pint Smoked Cheddar Cheese (shredded)1 Cup Fresh Cilantro, Flat Leaf Parsley, Chives (mixed and chopped)5-6 lbs Wild Shrimp (peeled and deveined) 16-20/lb if possible1 Pint Creme Fraiche2 Bundles Green Onion (chopped)

Directions1. In a 4-quart sauce pot, place the Cream, Water, Butter and Salt (keepin mind cheese and sauce added later will make dish saltier) and bringto boil. 2. When liquid comes to boil, stir in Grits and whisk until starting tothicken. Turn off heat, cover with lid and let set about 20 minutes. 3. While the Grits are blooming, saute the Chorizo, Onions, Peppers &Roasted Corn until nice and colored. Then, fold that mixture along withthe Chopped Herb Mix and Smoked Cheddar, then put in a warm areabefore serving. If grits have become a little stiff, just add a little morecream, gently heat over the stove top and whisk. 4. In a saute pan, heat a little oil to smoking hot. Season shrimp andsaute on high for about 1 minute on each side, then add just a littlewhite wine or shrimp stock or even just a little more butter to the panand let rest in pan while plating grits. Top grits with shrimp, add adollop of creme fraiche and garnish with green onions.

Serves a crowd

Y’all Enjoy! And be sure to read our review:

Charms of St. Simons IslandKing and Prince BeachResort

Directions1. In a 4-quart sauce pot, place the Cream, Water, Butter and Salt (keepin mind cheese and sauce added later will make dish saltier) and bringto boil. 2. When liquid comes to boil, stir in Grits and whisk until starting tothicken. Turn off heat, cover with lid and let set about 20 minutes. 3. While the Grits are blooming, saute the Chorizo, Onions, Peppers &Roasted Corn until nice and colored. Then, fold that mixture along withthe Chopped Herb Mix and Smoked Cheddar, then put in a warm areabefore serving. If grits have become a little stiff, just add a little morecream, gently heat over the stove top and whisk. 4. In a saute pan, heat a little oil to smoking hot. Season shrimp andsaute on high for about 1 minute on each side, then add just a littlewhite wine or shrimp stock or even just a little more butter to the panand let rest in pan while plating grits. Top grits with shrimp, add adollop of creme fraiche and garnish with green onions.

Serves a crowd

Y’all Enjoy! And be sure to read our review:

Charms of St. Simons IslandKing and Prince BeachResort

Chicago Blossoms BecomeSignature City Fragrance

Chicago is alive with spring blossoms dancing in the breeze thatare custom crafted into Tru Blooms Chicago Eau de Parfum, asignature city fragrance. Tru Fragrance, a custom fragrancedevelopment company has joined forces with the City of Chicagoin a groundbreaking community initiative to beautify the city’spublic green spaces, generate funds to support local nonprofits,

With careful nurturingfrom planting to bloomto bottle, neighborhoodgreen spaces like GrantPark, Chicago BotanicGarden and Water TowerPlace have beenfestooned with fragrantroses, soothing lavenderand sensuous violets togive Chicago’s signaturefragrance a bright floralscent of a spring day inthe city.

PerfumeGiveaway

Enter Now!

How many times have youreturned from a busy touringvacation and thought, "Ohman, I need a vacation frommy vacation"? Taking aluxury one-way cruise to orfrom your vacationdestination may be theperfect solution. A growing number of cruiselines are expanding their one-way itineraries. Once calledrepositioning cruises, that isnot their sole purpose anylonger. Cruise lines haverecognized that travelersenjoy transiting from to theirhome port to a far awayvacation destination.

Carnival Cruise Line recentlyannounced the addition ofone-way cruises from NewYork to the Caribbean.

Take a Luxury One-Way Cruise

To Your Next Vacation Destination

If Europe is your destination of choice,you might want to consider hopping onone of these one-way itinerares – allprices are quotes available onRepositioningCruise.com at time ofarticle publication:

Boston to Amsterdam, departing July13, 2013. Holland America Veerdamwill be sailing out of Boston toAmsterdam right in the middle of peaktravel season in Europe. The 17 nightcruise visits Newfoundland , Greenland,Iceland, Denmark and Norway on it’sAtlantic ocean transit. Berlin to New York, departingSeptember 2, 2013, the EmeraldPrincess will begin an amazing 24 day,10 country journey visiting Sweden, Finland, Russia, Denmark, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland& Canada on its way to New York.

ReadOne-WayOffers

Chicago Blossoms BecomeSignature City Fragrance

Chicago is alive with spring blossoms dancing in the breeze thatare custom crafted into Tru Blooms Chicago Eau de Parfum, asignature city fragrance. Tru Fragrance, a custom fragrancedevelopment company has joined forces with the City of Chicagoin a groundbreaking community initiative to beautify the city’spublic green spaces, generate funds to support local nonprofits,

With careful nurturingfrom planting to bloomto bottle, neighborhoodgreen spaces like GrantPark, Chicago BotanicGarden and Water TowerPlace have beenfestooned with fragrantroses, soothing lavenderand sensuous violets togive Chicago’s signaturefragrance a bright floralscent of a spring day inthe city.

PerfumeGiveaway

Enter Now!

How many times have youreturned from a busy touringvacation and thought, "Ohman, I need a vacation frommy vacation"? Taking aluxury one-way cruise to orfrom your vacationdestination may be theperfect solution. A growing number of cruiselines are expanding their one-way itineraries. Once calledrepositioning cruises, that isnot their sole purpose anylonger. Cruise lines haverecognized that travelersenjoy transiting from to theirhome port to a far awayvacation destination.

Carnival Cruise Line recentlyannounced the addition ofone-way cruises from NewYork to the Caribbean.

Take a Luxury One-Way Cruise

To Your Next Vacation Destination

If Europe is your destination of choice,you might want to consider hopping onone of these one-way itinerares – allprices are quotes available onRepositioningCruise.com at time ofarticle publication:

Boston to Amsterdam, departing July13, 2013. Holland America Veerdamwill be sailing out of Boston toAmsterdam right in the middle of peaktravel season in Europe. The 17 nightcruise visits Newfoundland , Greenland,Iceland, Denmark and Norway on it’sAtlantic ocean transit. Berlin to New York, departingSeptember 2, 2013, the EmeraldPrincess will begin an amazing 24 day,10 country journey visiting Sweden, Finland, Russia, Denmark, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland& Canada on its way to New York.

ReadOne-WayOffers

In-The-Know

Select Registry Inns aregiving away 1,000 freenight stays in 2013. Travelers who register with theSelect Registry Rewards Program(free) receive an entry to win oneof the three grand prizes in SelectRegistry's Vacation of A Lifetimecontest.

Three Grand PrizeWinners will receive a full year offree nights at every inn and B&B init's destinctive portfolio.

Turning the big 50 in2013? Celebrate with TheAmerican River TouringAssociation who is also celebratingtheir 50th b-day this year. ARTA istreating anyone turning 50 in2013 to 50% off any rafting trip in2013. What better way to feelyoung and vibrant than to get outand commune with nature! Read all the details at ARTA.ORG

No More Long Wait LinesTo Clear Passport Controlat Chicago's O'Hare Int'lAirport. An experimental program has begun at ChcagoO'Hare Airport this spring. Newself-service kiosks are in place tohelp speed US Citizens throughPassport Control.

Whole Foods wants to show you "how travel should taste" withtheir newly introduced tour program. Visit WholeJourneys.comto discover how traveland good food naturally go together to make a great vacation experience.

Virgin America is grantingelite status to premier flyers onother airlines. If you hold elitestatus on American, United, orSouthwest Airlines, VirginAtlantic wants to woo you overwith elite status with Virgin. Thematching program has beenextended through June 30, 2013, so act quickly to get yourpreferred status on VirginAmerica Airlines

A great reason to buy that gorgeous designer purseyou've been lusting after! Famous design houses in Italy havepledged millions of Euros to restore iconic monumnets in Rome

. Generous design houses include Fendi (restoring Trevi Fountain),Diego Della Valle - Tod's (restoring Colosseum) and Max Mara (restoring

Marriott Golf celebrates it's

6th Annual Int'l FamilyGolf Festival with FreeGolf Activities andInstruction at 32locations.

Marriot's year-longprogram welcomes families toMarriott Golf Properties for Freegolf instruction and fun-filled

StarwoodHotels Issue aStormGuarantee For Propertiesin the Caribbean andSouthern Florida.

StarwoodHotel Group is giving guests anassurance of no penalty for earlydeparture, full refunds and nopenalty cancellation when