USEFUL TRAVEL SITES

Planning and researching trips is an exhilarating, yet time-consuming process, but so worth it in the end. I organize every last detail in advance to make the journey more enjoyable once I arrive. Here are my preferred travel-related sites:

AIRLINE SEARCH ENGINES
CheapOair
Matrix
Hipmunk
Rome2rio (not for the best deals, but for route info including plane, ferry, bus, train and car)

ACCOMMODATIONS
Airbnb
Hostelworld

AIR TRAVEL WITHIN THE U.S. 
Southwest Airlines

BUS TRAVEL WITHIN THE U.S.
Megabus (plan ahead to score those $1 seats)

AIR TRAVEL WITHIN EUROPE
Ryanair
Easyjet

BUS TRAVEL WITHIN EUROPE
Student Agency Bus
Eurolines
Eurobus
Berlin Linien Bus

TRAIN TRAVEL WITHIN EUROPE
Rail Europe
EuroRail
Bahn

FOOD
HappyCow (vegetarian eateries)
Foodspotting
LocalEats

TRAVEL APPS
XE Currency
WorldMate
HopStop
Wi-Fi Finder
TripIt 

So, where is your next adventure going to be? For me, it's our nation's capital for the 4th of July holiday. Happy trails!
 

MY TOP 5 ITALY PICKS

Italy is a magnificent country that should be on everyone's bucket list. The Amalfi Coast is pure magic, and you will feel like you stepped into a postcard upon arriving. Rome and the Ruins of Pompeii gave me goosebumps. The history and architecture were astounding, and I felt like I had time traveled to a different century.

1) The Colosseum - This photo depicts my initial reaction when I laid eyes on this notable amphitheater (I couldn't move).

 

2) Ristorante O'Parrucchiano in Sorrento - An eatery so perfect I dined there twice in two days because of the mouthwatering food, impeccable service, and captivating outdoor garden seating area. http://bit.ly/1G9P3h5

 

 

3) Positano - Words cannot begin to describe the breathtaking allure this pastel colored village offers, so I will let the photos do the talking.

4) Trevi Fountain - You will be mesmerized as soon as you lay eyes on this treasure.

5) Ruins of Pompeii - Spend an entire day trying to imagine what once was.

I wouldn't recommend the city bus (SITA) ride along the Amalfi Coast for the faint-hearted like myself; however, it was an experience that I don't regret.
 

Exceptional Hostels Around the World

I am an Airbnb kind of girl when I travel; however, I recently stayed in a hostel and enjoyed the camaraderie.  I decided to research distinctive hostels around the globe and here is what I came up with.  Methinks I might turn into a hostel kind of girl! 

Geodesic dome at Forest Hostel in Georgia

This hostel, located in Brunswick, is known for their geodesic domes and tree houses.  Staying here sounds like a completely zen experience, as the Forest Hostel promotes sustainability and serves as a spiritual retreat.  http://www.foresthostel.com/

Beautiful lobby at HI-Santa Monica in California

Stay at the modern HI-Santa Monica for its prime location (near the beach and Getty Center).  I could live at the spectacular Getty Center, so be sure to check it out if you stay here.  http://www.hiusa.org/california/los-angeles/santa-monica

Old world charm at NotSo Hostel in So. Carolina

Stay at NotSo Hostel in Charleston for charming southern hospitality.  There is a main house and an annex one block away in historic downtown, offering many private rooms.   http://www.notsohostel.com/

Cool private pods at Sweet Peas Hostel in No. Carolina

Stay at Sweet Peas Hostel in Asheville for the unique sleeping concept and beautiful common areas with exposed brick and hardwood floors.  These cozy little pods with acoustic curtains offer privacy when you need it.  http://www.sweetpeashostel.com/

Beauty at HI-Point Montara in California

Stay at HI-Point Montara near San Francisco for breathtaking views of the ocean including a secluded beach cove with tide pools.  See the photo?  Enough said!

Guests are accommodated in both shared and private rooms in former Coast Guard quarters and the historic fog signal building. Enjoy cozy lounges, a secluded beach cove with tide pools, and landscaped native plan - See more at: http://www.norcalhostels.org/montara#sthash.pBBXUiGD.dpuf

Guests are accommodated in both shared and private rooms in former Coast Guard quarters and the historic fog signal building. Enjoy cozy lounges, a secluded beach cove with tide pools, and landscaped native plan - See more at: http://www.norcalhostels.org/montara#sthash.pBBXUiGD.dpuf

Guests are accommodated in both shared and private rooms in former Coast Guard quarters and the historic fog signal building. Enjoy cozy lounges, a secluded beach cove with tide pools, and landscaped native plan - See more at: http://www.norcalhostels.org/montara#sthash.pBBXUiGD.dpuf

http://www.norcalhostels.org//montara/

Clashbar at Clink 78 in England

Stay at Clink 78 in London for the eclectic decor and in-house bar with live music and DJs.  Sounds dangerously fun! http://www.clinkhostels.com/

Funky "prison cells" at Hostel Celica in Slovenia

Stay at the Hostel Celica in Ljubljana, because they converted the former prison cells into artsy rooms. They even turned one of them into a place for prayer, meditation, and contemplation.  http://www.hostelcelica.com/

A colorful dorm room at The Overstay in Thailand

Wear out your welcome at The Overstay in Bangkok, where vegetarian feasts from around the world are prepared.  You can also enjoy graffiti, an art space, and live music.  http://www.theoverstay.com/

Stunning art at MadHouse Prague in the Czech Republic

Stay at the MadHouse Prague for the spectacular graffiti-lined walls and family style dinners.  http://www.themadhouseprague.com/
 

One of the "fairytale" rooms at the Lavender Circus in Hungary

Stay at the Lavender Circus in Budapest solely for the astonishing decor!  While perusing through the photos, I have never seen anything like it.  http://www.lavendercircus.com/index.htm

Now this is my kind of cave at Caveland in Greece

Stay at Caveland Hostel in Santorini for the cave dwellings, as well as the yoga classes, tennis courts, and swimming pool.  http://cave-land.com/


I am ready to book one of these places, but it's hard to decide which one.  How about you?

House Concert in Barcelona

My best-loved memory of spending time in Barcelona is attending a rooftop concert hosted by local couchsurfers.  I joined the local group before arriving, and totally lucked out seeing a post about this gathering.  

The host's band was set to perform, along with a musician from Brooklyn, Robin Aigner, who was on a European tour to promote her album.  They could only allow a certain number of couchsurfers to invade the rooftop, as their own personal friends wanted to attend.

My fingers and toes were crossed that I would make the "cut."  When I found out that I did, I couldn't contain my excitement.  Show time wouldn't come quickly enough.

Upon arriving, I made my way to the top and immediately felt comfortable.  The host was friendly and wasted no time introducing my companion and I to fellow guests.  There were people from all over the world to meet, and I quickly befriended two lovely females from Brazil and Australia.

Electrococo Romera took the stage and played several songs, getting the crowd revved up with their fantastic tunes.  Then it was time for the lovely and talented Robin Aigner to come out and woo us with her brilliant voice and storytelling songs.  

The aura, food, cocktails, music and amazing people made this an evening I will never forget. 

Pinch me! I'm getting paid to talk about travel!

There is always an image to be found

I can't believe that I'm going to be teaching three mini-courses at the University of Wisconsin next month to talk about my favorite subject.  You must all know what that would be, right?   

Let's get something straight - I definitely don't need to get paid to talk about my greatest passion in life, but it sure doesn't hurt.  It will help me discover another piece of this amazing planet we are so privileged to live on.

I have never "professionally" taught, which thankfully isn't a requirement in this case, because they are non-credit courses.  I am, however, committed to sharing my insights about traveling around the globe.  I will keep on wandering as long as I'm alive and kicking.

 

My addiction is permanently inked

My first two classes will be about traveling in the U.S. and Europe, and my final class will entail travel blogging.  I was so fortunate to get my start in this field with the Chicago Tribune.  I blogged for two of their social media sites for three years.  I enjoyed it so much, that I decided to pursue writing this blog and a travel/leisure page on Facebook (Global Hidden Gems).

Breathtaking Positano, Italy

If you are in the Madison area, please consider signing up for my classes.  I would love to connect and share with you.  I am over the moon for this amazing opportunity!

Here are the descriptions as noted on the website:

February 5th from 7-9pm:  America's Hidden Gems
Sometimes the greatest travel destinations are much closer than you think - explore the tourism gems of America, right in your own big backyard!  Learn about inexpensive, unique housing and transportation options to maximize your funds and how budget-friendly traveling in the U.S. can be!  We will also discuss searching for "off-the-beaten-path" fun and inexpensive outings and activities.  INSTRUCTOR:  Sherry BonDurant, travel blogger and frugal traveling extraordinaire. She has traveled all over the U.S. and to multiple countries in Europe.  Her favorite aspects of traveling include experiencing new cultures, foods, and meeting locals. 

A hidden gem in America - Osaka Garden in Chicago

February 12th from 7-9pm:  Europe's Hidden Gems

Dream of traveling to Europe, but worried about the sticker price? We will discuss traveling Europe in style, on a budget!  Learn about inexpensive, unique housing and transportation options to maximize your funds. We will also discuss searching for "off-the-beaten-path" fun and inexpensive outings and activities.  INSTRUCTOR:  Sherry BonDurant, travel blogger and frugal traveling extraordinaire.  She has traveled all over the U.S. and to multiple countries in Europe.  Her favorite aspects of traveling include experiencing new cultures, foods, and meeting locals. 

A European hidden gem - Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels

February 19th from 7-9pm:  Become a Travel Blogger

What better way to document your travel adventures than by writing a travel blog? In this class, we will discuss how to get started as a blogger, how to choose a topic you love, and how to gain followers!  Discover the opportunities available for travel writers and bloggers, the world is at your fingertips!   INSTRUCTOR:  Sherry BonDurant, travel blogger and frugal traveling extraordinaire. She began writing a travel blog for the Chicago Tribune, and continues writing a personal blog today. She has traveled all over the U.S. and to multiple countries in Europe.  Her favorite aspects of traveling include experiencing new cultures, foods, and meeting locals. 

My new laptop

Here is the link with all the details if you would like to learn more or sign up for a class -
http://www.union.wisc.edu/minicourses.htm

Hope to see you there!

A taste of Paris, Rotterdam and Amsterdam

A few years ago I had this brilliant idea to visit three countries in about a two week time span.  I learned a valuable lesson - never do that again!  It was stressful and I got sick from trying to do and see too much.

Nevertheless, I stayed with some wonderful couchsurfers and observed many impressive sites.  This tour included France, Belgium and The Netherlands.  I already wrote a post about Belgium, so this one includes Paris, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

My companion and I spent a gloomy weekend in Paris.  The weather didn't cooperate nor did our attempts at speaking French.  Since vegetarian restaurants aren't terribly popular here, my diet mainly consisted of baguettes and cheese:)  I did, however, have decent Indian food at Neelkanth near the Gambetta metro station.

My best-loved activity was the Pere Lachaise Cemetery.  It's a curious place to wander with beautiful grounds and unique graves.   I simply adored Oscar Wilde's; however, I didn't partake in the kissing ritual.  The burial place that everyone was trying to find was Jim Morrison's, which was quite plain in appearance.  There's a lot of interesting material to read on their website, so check it out.  http://www.pariscemeteries.com/index.html

If you like to indulge in high-end shopping, check out Champs-Elysees Avenue.  It puts Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills to shame!   There are even glam car showrooms that will make your jaw drop.  With luck, you will discover very talented street performers to entertain you.

I highly recommend paying a visit to the spectacular Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as Musée d'Orsay.

The worst thing about Paris?  I didn't get one single decent photo of the Eiffel Tower.  A damn shame....In fact, many of these photos aren't the best quality, as you will see.

Don't I do a great likeness?

Would you give this a smooch?

Where the iconic Jim is laid to rest

Chopin's grave

Immense talent

The Basilica

Notre Dame

Gorgeous fountain

 

 Palais de Justice

I was ill-prepared for transportation from Paris to Rotterdam, and ended up paying an atrocious amount of money for the Thalys train.  Key words - purchase in advance.

I got over it quickly though, because I was so excited to be staying with couchsurfers that I had hosted in Chicago.  My first impression of Rotterdam was bikes - and lots of them!  I completely love that concept.  While I didn't make use of one, I found a great video that will give you an idea of what it would be like.

Rotterdam is a trendy city with notable shops, cafes, bars and architecture.  My favorite place to eat was De Oude Plek.  This was the first time I have encountered a 100% vegetarian Chinese restaurant and the food was spot on!

Exclusive cube houses

Unique architecture in the city centre

A surprise parade of horsemen

Canals aren't only in Amsterdam

Cool building - Het Witte Huis

My hosts took my companion and I to Amsterdam for the day, which ended up being sheer disappointment.  I was pretty sick at that point and the weather turned on us.  We only wandered about half a day, because the rain wouldn't leave us alone.

Despite my lack of enthusiasm, I was able to experience several intriguing moments.  Condom shops, cannabis cafes and blue lights, oh my!  Upon entering a public restroom, I struggled to find my way to a stall due to the darkness.  My host told me many restrooms are like that so heroin users can't find their veins to shoot up.  Wowza!

I got a lovely hot chocolate at a cool cafe called Greendayz.  How could one not want to explore a venue whose motto is "eat with your head?" 

Nothing but condoms here

Pretty area to stroll

That's all she wrote; therefore, the desire to explore all these cities again still burns.