Sade

Ok, ok, Sade really has NOTHING to do with travel but she's my #1 artist so I figured, I'll blog about her anyway.  :-D

Her highly anticipated album, Solider of Love, is out!

Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield really said it best, "Beloved by all, yet known to nobody, Sade just lets her mystique grow. Now that’s a smooth operator."

Snoozing at 20,000 feet is now gonna cost you...

Come sleep the friendly skies!

Comparing costs among a few airlines

American Airlines:  The airline will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class for domestic trips and some international flights longer than two hours, beginning May 1.  The airline will sell a blue fleece blanket with an inflatable neck pillow in a clear zippered pouch, and will throw in coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase at Bed, Bath and Beyond

US Airways:  US Airways says it will start charging passengers $7 for a pillow and blanket on Feb 16.  US Airways' Power-Nap Sack (don't you just love the name?) includes a fleece blanket, inflatable neck pillow, eye shades, and foam ear plugs. It all comes in a bag embroidered with the US Airways logo.  The sack also includes a coupon for $10 off any SkyMall item.

Jetblue:  This airline has been charging for pillow and blanket sets on flights of two hours or longer. The $7 sets, which passengers can keep and reuse, include a 10-by-12 inch pillow, a fleece blanket and a $5 coupon for Bed Bath & Beyond.

Southwest Airlines:  FREE pillows!   Once again, Southwest ROCKS.

Readers, what do you think about this? Is it a ripoff, or is it better to spend $7-8 and avoid those dodgy reused pillows and blankets?   Personally, I don't mind so much...

Skinny dipping in SoCal - Black's Beach review...

In Southern California?   Feeling brave?   Then visit legendary Black's Beach in the La Jolla area of San Diego.  The price is right - free.  Speaking of free, be free of your textiles too. 

This beach lies 300 feet below Torrey Pines bluffs that you will need to wander down to enjoy this sweet little spot.  Nudity is "tolerated" in the State owned section of Black's Beach which is the Northern section.   So you'll see the "au natural" crowd in this 1.1 mile long section of the beach.

(despite what the sign says)  :-D

 

What type of people are you going to find?  All types.  Men, women, couples, younger, older and all sorts of ethnicity.  One common bond?  Sun on your buns.  This is not a commercial beach, pack everything you'll need (leave that camera behind) and plan to take away your garbage.  

The southern portion of Black's Beach is known to surfers as one of the most powerful surf breaks in Southern California.  So do as this guy did and take on nature in your birthday suit.  It's an interesting mix, surfers and nudist but they coexist in harmony on this sunny stretch of beach.

 

Parking for Blacks Beach is dependent on which method you take to the beach. If you drive using these directions Blacks's you will arrive at a dirt parking lot which offers free parking near the entrance to the dirt walking trail, which will take you down to the break at Blacks Beach.

 

So despite the unusual aspects of Black's Beach it's a beautiful beach irregardless.   When the ocean and land connect people have always seemed to flock to the shore.  Ever notice how most of the US's big cities are along water?   Part of that was for transportation purposes the other for the pure joy of a beach.

Is it hard to get naked on a beach?  Maybe for some.  Guys always seem to have less qualms about it, but a lot of people get over it once they strip down.  Peeling away those layers of clothing seems to take everyone to a neutral place where we're all equal.

So if you're ever in SoCal, check out Black's Beach for an adventure I'm sure you'll never forget!

1980 "Negril Beach Village" brochure!

This is where it all began folks...(click any photo to make it larger)

 

 

And...

 

 

Review of the X170 Action Camera

Here's a camera that's true intention is for X-Game wanna be's and backyard daredevils.  Can it be used for vacation purposes?   You bet.  It's quite an amazing little device.  It's a DVD quality digital camcorder that runs on two standard AA batteries.

Vacation uses?  Record your para-sailing adventure, jet skiing, pool parties, strap it on your cap during that bus tour of the Honduras countryside, hiking in the backwoods, white water rafting and more.   OR just use it to record any event, ballgames, family events, entertainment shows or that trip in a limo on the Vegas strip.

The X170 is WATERPROOF

 

 *  The X170 delivers DVD quality video and 5meg photographs 

*  These functions can be controlled by a wireless RF remote control 

*  A 1.5″ screen lets you line up the perfect shot & view your video 

*  Memory expansion up to 8Gb on SD card 

*  With a 170 degrees lens you get all the action in your shot 

This camera may seem a bit backwards as it runs on the older style AA batteries, rather than the rechargeable lith-ion batteries that most cameras use these days. But considering all extreme sports are outdoors would you like batteries that can be quickly replaced or to have to find a wall socket to recharge your battery? We prefer to simply carry a spare set of batteries if we are heading out for a long time.

The rear of the camera houses the back hatch which, when opened exposes the USB slot for downloading videos to your computer. The AV output allows you to play your videos straight onto your TV. The SD card slot accepts SD and HCSD cards up to a maximum of 8Gb.

*Example X170 Footage*

So I say buy one of these and use it while ON vacation and at home, priced around $210 it's a fantastic camera that won't break the bank.  And if enough of you buy form the link below, I'll buy one too!  :-D

Romantic Travel help for the fellows...

Guys, guys, guys...sometimes we just need a little insight into the world of romance.  (And I'm NO exception)   With 2.14.10 looming on the horizon I thought I'd do my part and try to come up with a few places that you could surprise the love-of-your life with should you be so lucky to be able to do it.

1.  For my East coast brothers:   Naples, Florida

With secluded beaches, exclusive hotels and gourmet restaurants, the Paradise Coast is a natural choice for a couples retreat.  The beaches along the Paradise Coast unfurl like white ribbons against water that's often a deep shade of turquoise.  There's always space to spread out and feel secluded – just you, your sweetheart, the Gulf of Mexico and the horizon.

Where to stay: www.naplesgranderesort.com
Naples Grande Beach Resort

2.  For my West coast brothers:   La Jolla, California

Romantic La Jolla has the charm of a quiet Mediterranean isle, and everyone falls in love with it at first sight. There are breathtaking ocean views, great restaurants and magnificent homes overlooking the ocean. It's a perfect place for sunbathing, surfing, tennis, golf, snorkeling and loafing at its best. Ideal for talking a walk through the Village of La Jolla, flourishing with boutique shops, great restaurant selections which are complimented by an ocean view and breeze.
Where to stay:   www.paradisepoint.com
Paradise Point Hotel

3.  For my brothers in between:  Pagosa Springs, CO

Pagosa Springs is in Southern Colorado and I'm pretty sure most of you haven't heard of it.  But if you want romance non-beach style you must check out the Pagosa Hot Springs.  This spa has 18 soaking pools of "Naturally Hot Therapeutic Mineral Water".  This place looks straight out of a movie and will surely be a memorial holiday with your love.  Bring your mittens!

Where to stay:  www.pagosahotsprings.com
Pagosa Hot Springs Resort

For all brothers!

Interview with a fellow Blogger on Travel...

Once in awhile in life you get the pleasure of getting to know people who are both intelligent and equally cool.  Enter Yvette.  Her and her husband have been friends of mine since 2001 when we meet them on a travel adventure into the tropics. I wanted to interview Yvette on her current thoughts of travel.  Feel free to visit her on her blog at: http://yvette-unedited.blogspot.com

1. Tell me, what are some of the places you've been so far?
As you know, my husband and I are big on traveling, so this list might be long,
Antigua
San Juan, PR
Los Angeles, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Key West, FL
Bahamas
Grand Cayman
Cancun, MX
Cozumel, MX
Jamaica
Havana, Cuba
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, DR
Charlottesville, VA
Richmond, VA
NYC
Savannah, GA
Charleston, SC
St. Augustine, FL
Temecula, CA
Solvang, CA
New Orleans, LA
Miami, FL
Boone, NC
Big Bear, CA

2. Of the places you've been, what places would you most likely return to?
We return to Charleston and Savannah every year, but I hope to return to each of the places I've visited again, as well as adding new locations into the mix.


3. What new places do you plan on going next?
Chicago, IL is our next planned trip. Were are seeing our cousin David Lago play the roll of Elvis in The Million Dollar Quartet http://www.milliondollarquartetlive.com/chicago-cast.html

4. Mountains or beach?
Beach...I'm a FL girl at heart, and although mountains are breath-taking, the ocean holds my heart.


5. If you could break away for a 4 day romantic childless weekend, where might you go?
Most likely, Charlottesville, VA. We are total winos and we love visiting all of the wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail.


6. What places would be the most fun for you to travel to as a family?
Disney is always a safe bet, especially if you live in FL. Disney World has so many resorts with pools and water slides. Some of the higher end resorts have monorails and boats that take you right into the The Magic Kingdom. Besides being winos, we're also foodies, and Disney has some of the best restaurants in FL. Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge has an AMAZING buffalo filet! We've been known to book a long weekend at Disney and not even visit any of the parks!


7. Any products/gadgets you can't live without as you travel?
I have to admit that I've never really researched any cool travel gadgets. We're pretty old-school. Our suitcases, a travel bag with toiletry essentials and a laundry bag for the dirty clothes and we're good to go.

8. As a Cuban-American, any particular thoughts on traveling to Cuba?
I visited Cuba in 1998 to visit my family. Shortly after, they changed the rules for Americans traveling to Cuba. Just recently some of the travel restrictions were lifted and it is again possible for me to visit my family, I just don't feel comfortable traveling there with my kids at this time. I don't have anything particularly against it, however I do know Cuban-Americans who fly to Cuba, pump the gov't with money by enjoying "tourist-only" activities. I'm not crazy about that. If I go it is to be with my family, not The Copa Cabana.

9. Trip insurance: Have you ever bought it? If so, were you glad you did?
I have, occasionally, but thankfully I've never had to use it. I guess it depends on where I was going and how much I've spent on the trip.


10. Alaskan cruise or a Mayan vacation tour?
That's a tough one. Probably a Mayan vacation tour because Mexico and Latin American studies played a big theme in my college career. I'd still love to go on an Alaskan Cruise, though.


11. Lastly, are there any vacation souvenirs that you treasure today?
I'm not so much of a knick-knacky person, so the items I buy have to represent the place I am visiting, but also go well with my decor. I have a small statue of a faceless woman that I got in the DR that I like a lot. Most of my souvenirs pretty much consist of refrigerator magnets!

Thanks Yvette for your time and I loved your answers!