Travel

The Keys to Successful Omicron Vacation Planning

For many Minnesotans, the first snow fall of December cause an instinctual, almost automatic response. We grab the nearest smartphone or tablet and open Kayak or Google Flights to plan a trip — and get the heck out of here. And just when we thought COVID-19 concerns were behind us, we are broadsided by the worries of the Omicron variant! Is it really going to be another horrible winter of boring walks around the neighborhood? I have two domestic trips and one international trip planned and I am damn sure not staying home. Here are some of the ways I am going to maneuver through the upcoming...

Your Essential Minnesota Guide to Secure, Low Airfares and Flights

Not since 9/11 have the nation’s airlines faced the watershed moment occurring at the end of the month. Their $50 billion CARE subsidy commitments barring layoffs expire, Congress has not signed on for new aid and Forbes estimates that more than 76,000 employees might be axed.  

On the other side of the coin, consumers are being enticed by historically low fares with few restrictions. From MSP, a quick glance at September airfare levels is stunning. Low Cost Carriers such as Frontier, Spirit and Sun Country are offering Las Vegas, San...

Cuba Gets Stiffed By Trump Administration

We hiked in the shadow of Morro Castle, standing silent guard over Havana -- to Plaza Viejo in old town.  And then commuted back and forth in vintage Forties and Fifties Chevys, Dodges and Fords between the Capitol and the iconic Hotel Nacional (see photo).
When stormy weather struck, we dodged towering breakers along the romantic Malecon seawall in Vedado (see photo). And along the way we talked to taxi drivers, waitresses, concierges and of course bar tenders and they whispered the bleak secret of the Cuban New Year. There are considerably less Americans in Cuba this year.
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Highlights of Southern Ireland

the blarney house

I used to think the idea of Ireland being completely and richly green was probably a stereotype, but that didn’t last for long. That idea was dashed before my plane even landed. As I gazed out the window, as soon as the clouds dispersed the first thing I saw was emerald as far as the eye can see. It took my breath away from that very moment and I didn’t get it back until I left the country.

During my week spent in Ireland, I devoted most of my time to exploring the city of Cork where I was staying. In the Cork city centre, there are numerous...

Germany: The Midwest of Europe

me in marbugr Close your eyes and picture everything that makes Minnesota home: the rolling green hills of the south, the tree-covered bluffs of the north, the many colors of the changing seasons. Now add over a thousand years of complex history, remains of ruins dating back all the way to the Roman empire, medieval cathedrals, and a distinct affection for beer. Now you’ve got a startlingly accurate image of Western Germany in your mind. When I arrived in Germany late last year, I was startled by how similar it was to home. I felt at home as the landscape was nearly identical to Minnesota. Even the weather and temperature were the same! If it hadn’t been for the...

European Traveler's Guide - Trains in Different Countries

Windsor Trainstation

Getting from place to place can always prove to be tough, especially when in a foreign country. It is always best to be prepared to face whatever logistic woes might come up when touring, so that's why I'm going to offer my stories and advice for using the various rail systems that Europe has to offer. The United Kingdom has one of the best rail set-ups in Europe, especially its underground system. The tube is a fast and easy way to get all across the ever-sprawling city of London. All you need to navigate the underground is a basic understanding of how trains work: where to get on, where to get off,...

European Traveler's Guide: Dover Castle -- Tunneling Through History

Dover_Keep Europe is so rich with must see historical places, it's almost impossible to find one place that encases the many notable periods of European history. You can go to Canterbury and learn about the Medieval period. Anywhere in Italy will be brimming with Renaissance history, and Northern France is full of history from the two World Wars. But I want to purpose an idea to the history loving prospective traveler: go to Dover Castle. Looming high above the port city is this great historical experience. The town of Dover is most famous for its white chalk cliffs, but the castle is equally as spectacular of a destination. What makes this stronghold so unique of...

Traveling: A How-To for the Indigent, the Inhibited, and the Intimidated

Rome - Coliseum - Travel - Minnesota Connected First off, let me say that when it comes to travel, I am all three of those adjectives listed above. The idea of exploring the country, let alone the world, often both enthralls and scares the hell out of me. There is more out there to be seen and experienced than one can possibly hope to accomplish in his or her lifetime, so how do you decide on the best way to tackle this endeavor? For me, the answer was Contiki. Contiki is a company that is dedicated to helping young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 go on great vacations with like-minded individuals from many diverse backgrounds....

A Vacation For All Seasons -- The North Shore

Fitger's Brewhouse - Minnesota Connected It is known that Minnesotans get the best and the worst of each season. Whether it’s the scalding heat in August or the unbearable cold in January, we sure know how to make the best of it. When anyone thinks of a vacation, they probably don’t even consider of visiting Minnesota. But what people may not know is how beautiful “The North Star State” and all that it possesses can be. A couple weeks ago I was reminded of just that. My boyfriend and I wanted to jump in the car and drive a good distance away from the Twin Cities. We didn’t want to break the bank or take extra vacation time off from...

Minnesota’s Northern Neighbor -- A Tourist’s Guide to Winnipeg

Esplanade Riel walking bridge

Just eight short hours northwest of the Twin Cities sits the city of Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba and home to an astonishing 60% of the province's population. While this may not seem the obvious place for a summer vacation destination, I wouldn’t be so quick to rule it out. Upon visiting this summer, a good friend and I concluded that Canada gives the impression of a hybrid child between America and Europe. While on the surface it seemed like home, it did take a little while to get used to seeing French on every sign and British flags everywhere. The money also took some...