Hatts

Guest post written by my buddy Aldo Mays

Living in New York is great…we’ve got amazing public transportation, http://newyorkenergyrates.com where we can get good prices on energy like you can’t in other parts of the country and restaurants, galore. Here are a few of my picks for the best spots in NYC to get the best eats in town: Chinatown – everyone knows you can get some authentic Chinese food here but did you know there’s also a lot of great ice cream? Union Square – From trendy to inexpensive, there are tons of options right in the heart of the city. Try Coffee Shop or several nearby institutions that serve up everything from sandwiches to salads to drinks. South Street Seaport – If you want seafood, this is a great place to go. There’s a lot of people watching going on and you can even spot the boats coming in and out of the harbor, not to mention one of the best views of Lady Liberty in the whole city! Get out there and eat your way through the culinary capital of America!

When visiting London, travelers with time on their hands consider many London excursions that take them away from the UK’s largest city. But while traveling to the English countryside is popular, many people don’t consider an amazing experience that is just a few hours away: Paris.

What better way to break the monotony of travel with a day trip to see a famous Paris museum or eat some world-class pastries? Or grab a Paris metro pass and head to the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking view before returning back to London?

The good news is that with the Eurostar high-speed Chunnel train, getting from London to Paris is fast, cheap and comfortable. For as little as 59 Euros each way, you can travel in a sleek and stylish train to and from Paris in less than two and a half hours. And visiting scenic Brussels, Belgium is even faster.

Economy put a crimp on your Rome vacation? The good news is that the euro is off of its highs last summer, so your dollar will take you further into the capital city. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Rome. Much of the city can be enjoyed for free. From masterpieces by Renaissance painters to bone-chilling crypts to some of the city’s most important sites such as the Roman Forum, you won’t have to pay a dime to discover the best of this enchanting metropolis. The good folks over at EnjoyRome.com have compiled an impressive list of free activities/destinations. View the list (for free) here.

The charming San Juan Island is one of three major San Juan Islands located in northwestern Washington State. Tourists can travel by air or ferry to explore the island’s diverse geography, wildlife, and culture—a combination that has made its quaint seaport, Friday Harbor, one of the 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Whether you would like to visit for a single day or stay for ten, the San Juan Island lodging options are as diverse as all of the other attractions on the island, so you are sure to find accommodations that suit your needs and your budget.

Depending on your preferences, you will find a wide variety of accommodations in San Juan Island. If you are the bed and breakfast type, there are many waterfront options that overlook pristine coves and beaches. A handful of historic homes can also be found in the historic Friday Harbor, minutes away from the ferry landing. For groups and travelers who desire the convenient amenities of home, the island offers an array of cabins and cottages, including many cabins tucked away in secluded and natural settings. Additional Sand Juan Island accommodations include hotels, resorts, and inns ranging in luxurious to affordable price points. Companies such as San Juan Property Management can help visitors locate some of the best properties on the island, including numerous vacation homes. Indeed, San Juan Island, Washington State, offers something for every kind traveler.

Have you always dreamed of visiting Mexico but aren’t exactly sure what time of year would be right for you and your family to take such a trip? Whether you’re interested in a cruise or all inclusive resorts in Mexico, there are several factors to keep in mind: namely, how much you want to pay, what type of weather you will be dealing with, and what activities or festivals you’re interested in.

If you’re looking for a bargain vacation in Mexico, the summer months might be a good choice for you. Many Cancun all inclusive vacations are somewhat less expensive during this period because of the high temperatures and humidity — both a deal-breaker for many vacationers. The same deals can often be found during the rainy season (August and September).

There are a number of popular festivals for tourists to Mexico to enjoy throughout the year. Some of these include Carnival (usually celebrated in early February, five days before Ash Wednesday), Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May), and a wide variety of celebrations for Christmas (mid-December through the end of the month).

During the warmer months, when colorado ski resorts are taking long summer naps, the mood around Telluride shifts toward off-slope fun. Much of the activity during the summer revolves around the many festivals held in and around Telluride. After the Festival of the Arts wrapped up, next up was the 28 th Telluride Mushroom Festival, sponsored by the Telluride Institute, a non-profit organization that focuses on sustainability.

This four-day gathering of fungi lovers, fungophiles (call them what you will; just don’t tell them they can’t pick any mushrooms) was held August 21-24. Mushroom lovers rallied to pick, discuss, eat, learn, and explore mushrooms in all of their splendor.