Archive for October, 2009
Spooky Travel: Czech Republic Church Houses Creepy Collection
Posted by: | CommentsHappy Halloween to all the travel ghosts and goblins across the blogosphere.
It’s in this spooky spirit (no pun intended), I’m writing this morning about the eerie art at the Church of All Saints in the Czech Republic town of Sedlec. Just outside of Prague, Czech Republic, near the town of Kutna Hora, this little church has turned the skeletal remains of 40,000 of its dead ancestors into one of the greatest Halloween costumes of all time.
coat of arms
For more, Czech out (sorry) this story I wrote for The Journal Record.
chandelier
Kutna Hora is easy to travel to from Prague and makes a fun day trip if you are traveling in the area.
Boo!
Best of Budget Travel: October 2009
Posted by: | CommentsI always enjoy reading my Budget Travel magazine and perusing the travel deals and travel tips the writers and editors put together each month. I finally sat down with the October 2009 issue of Budget Travel at lunch today and two items caught my eye.
First was a tiny article about a menu decoder that the magazine has posted on its website. I usually don’t have any trouble finding something to eat when I’m traveling but I have on several occasions resorted to pointing at dishes on other tables or simply guessing at what’s on the menu. This decoder should come in handy on my next travel trip.
The second article “Trips Gone Bad” was a helpful tutorial about dealing with damaged or lost luggage, health insurance concerns, canceled flight strategies and the pros and cons of travel insurance.
Recommending Ronda: Send a Friend to Spain
Posted by: | CommentsA friend and fellow traveler today asked me if I had ever been to Ronda, Spain.
“Yes,” I replied, “about a month ago. It’s a great place and I know the perfect hotel.”
I get a kick from helping others plan their journeys and today’s conversation was the highlight of my day. I told my friend about Ronda and how the white hill town’s ambiance and atmosphere are the best reasons to visit.
Oh, yeah, and that amazing bridge. 
Straddling a draw-dropping gorge called El Tajo, the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) was built in the 1700s and is still in use today. For great but sweat-inducing views, hike down to the bottom of the gorge. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
The sturdy bridge and deep ravine take on a different personality after dark, so plan to spend at least one night. A great place to bed down in Ronda, the Hotel San Gabriel is cozy and convenient. The hotel’s dark wood, winding stairs and eclectic nooks and crannies reminded my wife of the mansion from the board game Clue. But don’t worry, there’s no Professor Plum or Colonel Mustard here.
Ronda is made for aimless wandering and photo-worthy vistas are around every corner. When my friend returns from her Ronda romp, I’ll pass along her impressions.
Prague: Easy to Fall For, No Matter the Season
Posted by: | CommentsMany of my European trips have been during the fall, and as the leaves begin to change I find myself a bit nostalgic about past journeys. When there’s a chill in the air, like today, I always think about a few cold and blustery days spent in Prague, Czech Republic. One of my favorite travel trips, Prague is a traveler’s dream.
For me, Prague’s top tourist sites are the Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge.
Old Town Square
Dramatic architecture highlights Old Town Square, especially the twin towers of the Tyn Church. The astronomical clock is worth a look and I thought the House at the Stone Bell was fascinating. All tourists eventually end up on the Charles Bridge and it seems like everyone arrives at the same time. Packed with photo-happy travelers, the best description is enjoyable chaos. Karlova Street connects the square and bridge and is nothing more than a retail gauntlet lined with typical junk souvenir stores which I happen to love.
House at the Stone Bell
As for Prague’s other touted tourist sites, I enjoyed touring the Jewish Quarter’s synagogues and cemetery, thought Wenceslas Square was okay and wasn’t that impressed with the castle.
Although it’s touristy, Prague is a mainstay on my top 10 list.
Lisbon Hotel Close to Travel Central
Posted by: | CommentsI have no issues with bedding down in cheap digs when I’m on the go. I just don’t like spending a huge chunk of my limited travel funds on a room I’m rarely in. The wife, on the other hand, has a bit higher standards when it comes to selecting our lodgings.
In Lisbon, Portugal, we found a trendy boutique hotel that satisfies us both.
Located right on Rossio Square in the heart of the tourist’s Lisbon, the Internacional Design Hotel is exceptionally located and loads of hip, happening fun. The love of my life and I spent two nights at the IDH just last month and can’t wait to return. Our room was nicely apportioned with a comfortable bed, flat screen TV and large bathroom. The staff we encountered were friendly and helpful.
The hotel is situated in the middle of Lisbon’s best tourist offerings and handy for public transportation too - the airport bus stop is just a few steps from the front door and the train station is a very short walk across the square. Restaurants, shopping and ATM machines are plentiful just outside the hotel entrance.
We booked our stay on hotels.com and saved a bundle off the rack rate. Breakfast is available for an additional cost, but I recommend passing on the over-priced hotel fare and grabbing a delicious, cheap breakfast at one of the many bakeries nearby.
