Keep the following items in your car’s trunk. And read on how to prepare for winter driving.
Source: theoldfarmersalmanac©
Winter Car Emergency Kit List
Tag: Travel
A View of some Lake Geneva, WI Mansions
Wouldn’t today be great day to visit?
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is home to some of the most expensive homes in the Midwest. Some date as far back as the Great Chicago fire, when business tycoons like P.K. Wrigley (of the chewing gum Wrigley’s) built mansions on the lake while reconstruction of their Chicago homes destroyed by the Chicago Fire, were completed. After completion, the Lake Geneva homes were used as summer homes, some which are still in the Wrigley family possession today.
On a recent boat tour, I snapped photos of many of these homes, most which would cost between $5-20 million dollars each. Not bad for a summer residence. Here are a few of these beauties:
Wrigley Estates
Stone Manor
Driehaus Estates
Sold for $36 Million, the most in Wisconsin.
Alta Vista
And various other summer homes whose names escape me:
Would you like a million-dollar steamboat at your pier?
If you are ever in the Chicago area, you might enjoy a boat cruise around Lake Geneva, less than 90 miles from downtown Chicago. There are 1 hour, 2-hour, lunch, dinner, sunset cruises and a special mail cruise in the morning featuring actual mail delivery by a very agile young delivery person.
The best part, I think, is all 22 miles around the lake is available to walk on paths provided by the mansion owners, some reluctantly. That’s right, you can walk in back of all of these homes as long as you stay on the path next to the lake.
I don’t imagine P.K. Wrigley would ever have thought it possible, but thanks to the city of Lake Geneva and Walworth County, path walking happens every day.
Classic California Road Trips
California is, hands down, one of the best places in the world for a road trip. It’s the third largest state in the nation, and its 164,000 square miles are absolutely packed with glorious, varied terrain highlighted by some 66 scenic byways. The 865 miles of coast are strewn with pockets of beach and stretches of sheer cliff. Rocky desert landscapes give way to rolling farmlands, and two-lane highways carve through quiet groves of towering sequoias before climbing into the high, rugged peaks of the 352 mountain ranges. With all that, it’s no wonder you simply cannot get to know the Golden State unless you hit the road. We’ve gathered together seven essential California road trips to get you started.
1. California’s Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Distance: 656 miles
Start: Dana Point (Orange County)
End: Leggett (Mendocino County)
Following the California coastline, iconic State Route 1—or Highway 1—is one of the best road trips in the world. It is sometimes referred to as the Pacific Coast Highway (or “PCH”), though technically, the PCH is only a southern part of the route; other sections of Highway 1 are known as Cabrillo Highway, Coast Highway, or Shoreline Highway. Think of Highway 1 as a collection of the state’s greatest hits. You could drive the route in about five days, but there’s so much to do and see, we’d recommend getting out of the fast lane and giving yourself a week and a half or two weeks to really enjoy it all.
Start off with your toes in the Pacific at Huntington Beach, or Laguna Beach, or any one of the other scenic beaches of sunny southern California, then head north. Catch Spanish colonial architecture and sip local Santa Ynez valley wines in Santa Barbara; as you pass San Simeon, keep an ear out for elephant seals and an eye out for zebras and Hearst Castle. Then follow the forested road through Big Sur, stopping often to marvel at mountains that end abruptly in sea cliffs.
Be sure to pay homage to John Steinbeck at Cannery Row in Monterey, then bundle up to cut through the fog in San Francisco. Don’t worry, it tends to clear just after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge. From there, the road gets narrower and feels more remote as it winds through the hills of Marin County. Grab some oysters in Tomales Bay and picnic along the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Finish up your trip walking driftwood beaches and tree-lined trails in the sleepy coastal town of Mendocino, or if you’re feeling really intrepid, keep following the coast north. Highway 1 officially ends in Leggett, where it turns to Highway 101, but that route continues more or less along the Pacific all the way into Oregon.
Read more California Road trips, including Northern California, by copying and pasting the link below.
10 Classic California Road Trips to Take
Article by Maggie Fuller for Afar©
Photo by Chris LaBasco/Shutterstock
New York City Vacation Planner
Best Time to Visit NYC
The best time to visit NYC all depends on why you’re planning on visiting the Big Apple. Whether visiting in the summer, winter, spring or autumn, there is always something to do. From its history and its architectural and technological innovation to its world-renowned arts and culture, New York City is a city most people have marked on their bucket list as a place to visit at least once during their lifetime.
Below you will find an attraction guide to Manhattan. The source listed has a free insider guide to send for. It’s a huge city with much to see and do. You might want to check out this resource and have a fun-filled trip.
Source: (nycinsiderguide.com)
The Las Vegas Sphere
Las Vegas’ Bellagio fountains have company. There’s a new public spectacular near the Strip: The Sphere.
The Sphere, a giant illuminated dome that was recently built next to The Venetian Resort, is the new shining star of Las Vegas, adding a brilliant orb of flashing lights to the colorful skyline of The Strip.
The Sphere (255 Sands Ave.), sometimes simply called Sphere, opened in the summer of 2023 at a reported cost of $2.3 billion and became an instant landmark. Its exterior is covered with 1.2 million multi-color LED lights that are programmed to create ever-changing, awe-inspiring displays. Abstract art, trompe l’oeil, and occasional advertising campaigns swirl across the surface, with the brightest images lighting up around sunset and usually culminating in a recreation of the moon by late night. The effect is both exhilarating and hypnotic, like the world’s most intense screen saver, but one with a sense of humor.
But the interior of the Sphere is a tourist draw of its own: a massive event venue of up to 17,000 seats across nine levels for concerts and movies. It’s being promoted as “the most technologically advanced performance space in the city” based on features including a wraparound LED screen at 16K, the highest resolution in the world at a scale like this, and mechanisms to create “4-D” immersive shows using enhanced sound, wind, and aromas.
It certainly is an enormous space. At 366 feet (111 m) tall, the exterior shell of the Sphere is now the largest dome structure in the world, big enough to fit London’s Big Ben, New York’s Statue of Liberty, and the U.S. Capitol dome inside with room to spare.
Entering the Sphere for an event costs money, but it’s easy to indulge in its outdoor lighting displays in other ways. Some resorts are better situated for views than others, and several spots around town have become famous, or perhaps infamous, among locals for attracting Sphere-gazing crowds.
The McDonald’s on Paradise & Twain east of The Strip serves great views of the Sphere.
Photo by Blake Schuster Article by Dan Renzi for frommers.com©
One more display from The Sphere:
(Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)
Don’t Buy Airline Tickets Too Soon: When Should You Book?
As many longtime travelers know, it’s generally a good idea to start planning your trips ahead of time. But there is such a thing as planning too far in advance, particularly when it comes to getting airline tickets. Some people buy their tickets early in hopes of saving money and, while this is often what happens, it’s also possible to purchase your tickets too early.
If you buy your tickets in advance, you can get really good deals on flights, but if you’re not sure what’s going on with your travel plans, then buying in advance can be a waste of money. It’s also possible to spend more money on airline tickets if you buy them too early.
Ways To Save Money on Airline Tickets
Knowing the right time to purchase airline tickets is a big part of saving money on your trip, but there are several other methods to cut costs the next time you travel. Here are just a few:
- Set up travel alerts. “I buy [airline tickets] and then set a Google alert for that same flight,” said Colleen Kelly, host at PBS Family Travel with Colleen Kelly. “If the price goes down, I can call the airline and they will refund the difference. I’ve done this numerous times. I also use the Hopper app and enter my details of when I would like to fly. This is helpful, especially if you have flexibility, to find the best deals on all different airlines.”
- Stay flexible. “Some of the best ways to save money on booking airline tickets are to be flexible with your travel dates and buy during flight sales,” Middlestadt said. Sometimes, all you need to do is change your departure date by a day or two or switch to a nearby airport to save some money.
- Check out several airlines. A lot of airlines compete with each other on pricing, but that doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best deal. Shop around among different airlines to see whether you can find a better deal.
- Consider alternative transportation. Flying might be your only option for an international trip or if you’re going from one side of the country to the other. But if you’re staying closer to home, or if you’re visiting an area with excellent rail or metro transportation, consider these potentially cheaper options instead.
Best Time To Book Domestic Flights
Good news procrastinators: Studies show that you don’t need to book flights that far out to get a good deal. The Expedia study found that the sweet spot is 28 to 35 days before departure while the Google study found prices bottomed out 44 days before departure. However, both studies agree that you don’t want to wait until the last minute. Book at least 21 days before departure.
What Is The Best Day To Buy Airline Tickets?
Historically, travelers have been advised to book flights on Tuesdays to get the best flight deal. And there was a time when this was true. A decade ago, airlines generally launched new sales on Tuesdays, and airlines were generally quick to match each other’s prices. This could lead to cheap flight deals on Tuesdays. That is if an airline launched a new sale. However, this advice no longer holds true. Airlines don’t just release sales on Tuesdays, and airlines don’t always match their competitors’ sales. Now, the advice on what is the best day of the week to buy airline tickets depends on which study you read. According to a recent study by Expedia, the cheapest day to book flights is Sunday. When comparing Sunday flight prices to Friday, Expedia found that travelers save 5% on domestic flights and 15% on international flights. For the past four years, Sunday has been the best day of the week to book flights.
Sources: ©Forbes Advisor
Photo credit: refinery29.com©
Miami to Key West Road Trip: 22 Awesome Activities You Need to Do
Stop #1: Miami Beach
Because Miami Beach is such an iconic beach in Florida – and the USA – we’re going to start this road trip there! Now you could probably spend an entire week just exploring the Miami Beach area, because there’s so much to do. Hang out at South Beach, the Art Deco Historic District or the popular Ocean Drive.
Must-see during every Florida road trip: Everglades National Park
On your way from Miami to Key West, you will pass little Florida City – this town is a starting point to the south/main entrance of Everglades National Park. If you can book 2 hours of your travel time, it’s an excellent idea to visit at least Anhinga Trail and observe some fantastic birds and alligators.
Actually, it’s the easiest way and the best place to see Everglades wildlife in their natural habitat on your Miami to Key West Road trip, so don’t waste this opportunity.
Stop for water activities at Key Largo
Key Largo is the first town on the Florida Keys you reach while driving to Key West. Highway 1 enters halfway down this 33-mile long island after it leaves the mainland of Florida.
Money conscious tourists can find great values in Key Largo. Everything from gas to groceries to overnight accommodations costs less there than they do in Key West.
Key Largo is where the Highway 1 drive starts to become truly beautiful.
This island is more than a pit stop to gas and go. There are sights you’ll only see in Key Largo. Scuba divers flock to the Keys, and they’ll certainly want to stop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to see the underwater sculpture Christ of The Abyss. Even non-divers will enjoy this History of Diving Museum!
OK, that’s 3. 19 more things to do await you by visiting the website below.
shesavesshetravels
You Can Get TSA Pre-Check at Staples—Here’s How
With the holidays rapidly approaching—along with long airport security lines—enrolling in TSA Pre-Check can save travelers time and headaches this holiday season. Staples TSA Pre-Check enrollment process offers an easy “lifehack” for travelers.
OLENA YAKOBCHUK/SHUTTERSTOCK
Here’s how Staples made your next trip through airport security a breeze.
What is TSA Pre-Check?
No one likes waiting in long security lines at the airport. It can be a hassle to take off shoes and layers and rummage through bags. That’s where TSA Pre-Check comes in.
TSA Pre-Check offers an accelerated security process for travelers. The option allows travelers to keep their “shoes, jacket and belt on… laptop in its case; 3-1-1 compliant liquids in your bag; and enjoy a better overall travel experience,” according to the Staples website.
For frequent travelers, those flying with kids or anyone who simply wants a stress-free travel experience, TSA Pre-Check can be a lifesaver for both domestic and international travel.
How can I enroll in TSA Pre-Check at Staples?
Typically, enrolling in TSA Pre-Check requires travelers to go to designated locations like the airport. But as Mackenzie says, “If you’re looking to get TSA and you’re like ‘I don’t want to go to the airport,’ all you have to do is sign up on Staples the night before and go to your local Staples.”
On the TSA Pre-Check enrollment process, Mackenzie says “they took our fingerprints, took a mug shot, we confirmed our address, typed in our social security number, and we were out of there” with the entire process taking around “three minutes.”
According to Staples website, it really is that simple. All travelers need is to follow these easy steps:
- Search for the closest participating Staples to your location by typing in your zip code on the Staples TSA services website
- Head to the government website to begin the enrollment process
- Once on the government website, look for a “located inside Staples” option to confirm you are enrolling at the store that is closest and works best for you
With those three easy steps, you’re ready to head to Staples for a process that takes less than five minutes. Talk about our new favorite travel hack.
What are the benefits of TSA Pre-Check?
TSA Pre-Check costs $78 dollars to enroll in. However, the upgraded security screening lasts five years! Bonus: according to the TSA website, in October 2022, 91% of TSA Pre-Check travelers waited less than five minutes in line going through security. With lines like that, we’re planning our next trip already.
Article by Jessica Kaplan, the Assistant Editor of Trends, writing for Readers Digest©
Source: rd.com/article/tsa-pre-check-staples/
Our Trip Thru the Rockies Pt. 3
We finish our trip with a 2-day visit to Salt Lake City before heading home to Chicago. SLC is a beautiful, clean city with an abundance of things to do, with one caveat. Seeing the sites on Sunday, as we did, might disappoint some of you. SLC, being a Mormon dominated city, is virtually closed at least in the downtown area. Even Macy’s was shuttered for the day. Finding an open restaurant, impossible.
Monday, however, the city comes to life, and we arrange a 2 1/2-hour shuttle tour of the area. Photos are of the 2 days we enjoyed on our extended weekend trip in SLC.
One venue always open on Sunday, is the Morman Tabernacle and its’ famous pipe organ.
It is open to the public on Sundays.
And this is the world-famous organ with a short recital (maybe tuning the pipes). Awesome!
At 11:00, it’s time for Sunday mass down the street at the Cathedral of the Madeleine with its magnificent altar, stained glass windows and its own pipe organ.
We happened to attend a mass that featured a 20-voice choir accompanied by the Cathedrals organ.
This smaller organ rivaled the sound of the Mormon Tabernacle organ.
Stained Glass Window
Awesome!
More sightseeing. We visit “The Place” or “This is the Place” Heritage Park. It is named in honor of Brigham Young’s famous statement in 1847 that the Latter-day Saint pioneers should settle in the Salt Lake Valley, “At this Place.”
The monument that celebrates Brigham Young and the pioneers who crossed the Rockies in a 4-month ordeal.
A typical wagon used by the pioneers on their journey.
Lastly, a tribute to the Pony Express riders (Sorry about the raindrops).
Thoroughly exhausted (who knew sitting for 4 days could be so tiring), we board our flight back to Chicago, just missing a violent thunderstorm that occurred just after our departure.
Not our plane!
It’s good to be finally home, but we are both ready for more adventures. Any suggestions?
Our Trip Thru the Rockies Pt. 2
Flying over the Rockies is an awesome, bumpy ride. My wife and I decided to take Amtrak thru the Rockies to get a close-up view of what we had been seeing from 30,000 feet. Here are some of the highlights.
Yes, our train: The California Zephyr rounding one of many bends through the Rockies.
And yes, that is snow on top of the Rocky Mountains in June.
The Zephyr stops to let passengers on/off and for a short stop for picture taking.
I’m fascinated with the mountains. In Chicago, the only tall things are skyscrapers.
Rapids anyone? That’s a long way down!
Bucket List!
These pictures don’t capture the majesty of the Rockies. Many, many times the train slows to a crawl because we are so close to the mountainside. There is a 3-wire barrier next to the track that protects the Zephyr from the mountain boulders that could come crashing down at any time because of the train’s movement.
Leaving the spectacular Rockies behind, we ride into Utah and the Wasatch Mountain range as the sun sets.
We are scheduled for a 11:05 p.m. arrival time in Salt Lake City, however, freight still rules the rails, so we wait outside of SLC as the freight trains clear out. So, at 11:45, we detrain and head for our hotel, the itch having been scratched for now. I’m wondering how the Rockies would look under a pure white blanket of snow in winter.
Our adventure continues the next day, as we explore downtown Salt Lake City.
Check out next: Our Trip Thru the Rockies Pt. 3