Planning A Perfect Romantic Getaway

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. It marks the perfect occasion for planning a romantic getaway with your significant other. Whether you’re trying to spark a new flame or celebrating a well-established love, we’ve delivered the five steps necessary for a superlative weekend escape.

1. Know Your Lover
“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” ~Robert Heinlein

The best way to provide a memorable getaway for your lover is to plan according to their interests. This weekend is the time to reserve seats at her favorite restaurant, buy airline tickets to the city he’s always hinting about visiting, arrange for that perfect picnic, or finally get that babysitter for the kids. Don’t wait until next year. Your moment is now.
Heart of Candles © OrHiltch

2. Gifts
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” ~Pierre Corneille

Gifts are an expression of our feelings. Be sure to enhance the experience with attention to detail. We are often very generous with the present itself, but fall short on the delivery. Try to spend a significant amount of time, before the getaway weekend, on presentation. Does she love roses? Consider spreading rose petals across the bed sheets or running a warm bath with petals and candles. Does he love chocolate? Skip the yearly heart-shaped box of chocolates for a basket of hand-selected pieces from a local or online specialty shop. Jacque Torres, Godiva, and B.T. McElrath are a few of the top chocolatiers. Even better, sign yourselves up for chocolate-making classes.

3. Location
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” ~Milton Berle


If the means are available, leave town for the weekend. There are countless romantic places to venture off to either locally or globally. Venice Carnival will be in full swing, the evening lights of Paris will be shining bright, the charming locals of Hawaii will be waiting to greet you with a Lei, and New York City will be working to keep you partying all night.

If not, pick your partner’s favorite place, near home, for a day trip or weekend. Be sure to pre-arrange for any romantic details for your trip. On arrival, leave your daily life behind. This is an occasion for laughter and relaxation.
Gazebo Setting © Krikit

4. Conversation
“We do not remember days we remember moments.” ~Cesare Pavese

This getaway is a chance to indulge in reminiscence. We rarely return to the stories of our first days together. Take this point in time to talk about your awkward meeting, funniest moments, or the instants that defined your relationship. It’s also important to accentuate the experience with photographs. Bring your favorite images on an electronic-storage device or in a nicely decorated box. Be sure to flirt and hold hands.
Romance © Idea Listic

5. Compliments
“I can live for two months on a good compliment.” ~Mark Twain

Compliment your significant other. Our lives are often busy and we forget to express gratitude for their love. Don’t assume that planning the weekend or buying presents is enough of an indication. It surely meets the requirements, but saying it aloud has a magical effect.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

 

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A Travel Picnic To Die For

Picnics are a great way to have an authentic travel experience. It has the added benefit of saving the traveler valuable cash resources. In order to maximize the benefits of your travel picnic, we’ve created four steps to the perfect outing.

1. Location
“To leave a place is to die a little.” ~French Proverb

Select a comfortable spot that reflects the interests of the participants. It’s often best to select a place that communes with nature. Areas within reach of rivers, lakes, or parks are ideal. This approach is feasible in the urban jungle too. For instance, the banks of the Seine River (below) in Paris have popular walkways to spend an afternoon. The Great Lawn (map) of Central Park in New York City represents another great spot. The latter has Belvedere Castle within its vicinity.
Picnic, Seine, Paris © Malias

2. Food Selection
“Tell me what you eat, I’ll tell you who you are” ~Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Picnicking is an opening to have an authentic meal. It’s easy to collect a variety of foodstuffs, from local markets, that residents eat in their daily lives. A sojourn to an Italian city or village, for example, would allow for a picnic menu that consists of fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, mortadella with breadsticks, chunks of Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto on wedges of honeydew, and a basket filled with figs and grapes. Add a glass of local wine or fresh tomato juice with lemon and black pepper.

Having trouble with coming up with ideas? A great resource for selecting new picnic foods is The Minimalist: 101 20-Minute Dishes for Inspired Picnics.
Picnic Meal © Nanda

3. Guests
“Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.” ~Rod McKuen

Consider inviting a couple of locals or fellow travelers to your gathering. There is no better way to understand a location that to spend time with those who know it best. It will also provide an opportunity to learn several new phrases in their native language. If you haven’t met any residents, contemplate arranging your get-together near a smiling group of locals. Don’t be surprised if an invitation to join them is in the offing. This is especially helpful for solo travelers.

4. Conversation Topics
“Friends are those rare people who ask how you are then wait for an answer” ~Unknown

During the meal, it’s best to keep to light topics. Allow each guest to select a topic for discussion over the course of the afternoon. This makes sure that everyone has a chance to participate in the conversation. It’s equally helpful to listen to your fellow picnickers and provide feedback to their musings.

Stomach churning? Read about the best pizza in New York City.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

 

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6 Steps To A Lucky Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year brings in the Year of the Ox (4707) on January 26, 2009. The day will be the beginning of celebrations, around the world, in honor of the holiday. Chinatowns from London to New York to Singapore will be filled with parade attendees enjoying dancing dragons, flexible acrobats, and dynamic fireworks displays.

Chinese New Year also brings about a fresh start for those wishing for a better upcoming twelve months. There are lots of traditions that help to bring about a fortunate year. Here are six of the most popular steps to a lucky Chinese New Year:

1. Using Citrus Fruit
Eating or displaying citrus fruits represents good health and a long life. It’s common to see Chinese families with oranges and tangerines throughout their residence. They are also given as gifts. Pomelo, produced mostly in the United States and China, is said to bring luck and status. Pomelo is the biggest of the citrus fruits and has a sweeter taste than its ancestor the grapefruit. Try pomelo in a fruit salad or a variety of Asian dishes.
Pomelo Salad © SheriW

2. Cleaning and Decorating Your Home
Cleaning your dwelling before the New Year is a must for any Chinese family. It’s believed that this ritual sweeps away the bad luck of the past year. All cleaning items are to be put away after the cleaning, as it’s bad luck to use them on New Year’s Day.

It’s also important to decorate your residence to welcome in the New Year. It’s especially lucky to use red décor. Placing flowers throughout the home is customary. Peach blossoms represent good luck and narcissus help to bring prosperity. The decorating isn’t limited to the interior of the residence. It’s equally important to place banners around the doorway. The most common symbols on the banners are a “door god” or the Chinese character fu for blessing.

3. Eating For Luck
There are plenty of options for dining on Chinese New Year. Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings) are eaten right after midnight to give family members good luck for the upcoming year. The dumplings are filled with ground meat and vegetables.

Jai or “Buddhist delight” is a vegetarian dish. Many Buddhists use it for purification during the first few days of the New Year. The ingredients range from lotus seeds and bamboo shoots to cabbage and fried tofu.

Common on every plate will be long noodles (uncut), which are said to bring a long life to the person who consumes it.
Red Lanterns, Singapore © Hern42

4. Red Money Envelopes
Red is the color of luck for the Chinese New Year. It is also the color of money or treat envelopes that are given to children. It’s also common for red envelopes to be given to the unmarried by the married. The amount given has an important significance too. For luck, an even number is most common.

5. Fireworks Celebrations
Wearing Chinese traditional clothing, often newly purchased, is customary with lots of red and tints of gold for luck and prosperity for the New Year. Parades in Chinatowns, across the globe, will be filled with a sea of red clothing from attendees. It’s believed that costumed dragons, dancing lions, and exploding fireworks scare off evil spirits. While fireworks have been banned for personal use by many governments, there continue to be professional displays in cities with significant Chinese populations.
New Year’s Martial Arts Demo © Julialat34

6. Greeting With “Gung Hey Fat Choy”
Be sure to wish everyone a “gung hey fat choy,” which wishes others prosperity and wealth.

Want to learn more about Chinese New Year? Setting goals for the New Year? Feeling spiritual?

Read about the three perfect places to befriend a Buddhist monk, lifestyle design for the New Year, the world’s most colorful Chinatowns, celebrating Chinese New Year in Shanghai, and finding inspiration when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

 

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Olympians Name Top Snowboarding Locations

Gold-medal winners, Hannah Teter and Kelly Clark, recently revealed their favorite snowboarding locations. Teter won the gold in the women’s halfpipe competition two years ago. Kelly Clark was among the top snowboarders Teter defeated. Clark, on the other hand, won her gold medal four years earlier in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Snow Park, New Zealand was the only place included on both lists. Snow Park, the country’s largest terrain park, caters to both snowboard freestylers and skiers. Snow Park has terrain for the novice, intermediate, or advanced snowboarder. It also provides for a variety of accommodations ranging from inexpensive bunkrooms to luxury apartments. Teter also named her top local hang out called Kai Whakapai Cafe.
Snowboarding © PincusVT

California (Sierra at Tahoe, Mammoth) and Vermont (Okemo, Mount Snow) were also represented by each of the gold medalists, but at separate sites. Check out the rest of their favorites on CNN Travel.

Read about rock climbing in Southeast Asia or scuba diving in an affordable paradise.

 

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Washington D.C. Events Set For Obama Inauguration

A schedule of events (from Saturday, January 17 until Wednesday, January 21) has been released in connection with the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. The happenings start with the Obama family boarding a train from Philadelphia to Wilmington to pick up Vice President-elect Joe Biden en route to Washington D.C. and conclude with a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. There are also a series of inaugural balls throughout the week (see full schedule on Yahoo!).

Read about the 8 presidential inauguration locations to visit.
Barack Obama © Rusty Darbonne

Washington D.C. (Free PDF Map) has a multitude of activities for visitors who are attending the inauguration. Among the best attractions are the monuments and memorials, Capitol, White House, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Smithsonian Museums. There are also plenty of free things to do in the District of Columbia. To find some of the most popular and tasty restaurants try Where The Locals Eat.

Read about six historic estates of U.S. presidents or about the new rules for citizens who qualify for the visa waiver program.

 

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Groundhog Day In Punxsutawney: A Travel Guide

Punxsutawney Phil
On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil will come out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania (Map) to predict the weather for the coming weeks. According to legend, if the local groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. The predictions over the past decade do not bode well for those hoping for warmer weather. Phil has forecasted six more weeks of winter in nine (2000-2006, 2008-2009) of the last eleven (1999, 2007) years. Be sure to watch the philosophical comedy, Groundhog Day, about the event.
Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania © Eddie~S

Legend
A variety of legends exist in connection with the 120+ year tradition. Centuries ago, Europeans watched for the habits of hibernating animals including badgers, bears, and hedgehogs, as signs of winter’s end. Those who immigrated to Pennsylvania continued the folklore with a special focus on the groundhog. Others claim that the groundhog’s importance stems from the Seneca and Iroquois Indians who had campsites, between the Allegheny and Susquehanna rivers, near Punxsutawney.
Groundhog © Sleeping Bear

Event Schedule
Regardless of its origin, Groundhog Day has become a fun tradition for Punxsutawney and the rest of the country. It’s a worthwhile trip for anyone interested in getting together with thousands of revellers who start the festivities with a 3:00am bonfire. The happenings include free entry into Gobbler’s Knob, refreshments and food, R.V. parking in the Wal-Mart Plaza, and the official prediction at daybreak (approximately 7:25am). For the rest of the schedule, check out the official website.

Accommodations
Punxsutawney is a small town. It’s best to stay at one of the local bed and breakfast accomodations for a feel of the community. The best of the bunch is Plantation Getaway Bed & Breakfast ($75 or $95 with breakfast). The Plantation was established in 1837. Its hostess is Julie, who was born in Zambia. She has lots of international experience. She was raised in South Africa along with long stays in Australia, England, and the United States. No doubt she’ll have plenty of stories for travelers. Rooms are decorated based on a variety of themes ranging from The English Room and The African Room to The Australian Coastal Room.

Another option is the Bed & Breakfast of Jackson Run ($85 for a single or double; $95 for a triple). Take $10 off without breakfast. They have a long list of testimonials on their website.
Groundhog Decor © _G2

Restaurants
Mary’s Place Restaurant is a great spot with a local crowd. Mary’s is a family restaurant with Italian dishes, house specialties, and more. Entrees include Raspberry Chicken Salad, Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo, The Tuscan Trio, Veal Marsala, and a variety of steaks. It’s vegetarian friendly.

Another option with an assorted menu is Country Villa Restaurant.

Distance By Car
From Pittsburgh 1 hour 45 minutes
From Cleveland 3 hours 20 minutes
From Washington DC 4 hours 20 minutes
From Philadelphia 5 hours
From New York City 5 hours 10 minutes

Weather
Be sure to check the weather. It will be especially cold during the overnight bonfire festivities.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Weather: High: 33°F Low °F (Snow Showers, Cloudy)

Happy Groundhog Day!
Let’s hope for an early end to winter.

By the way, according to a Canadian researcher, the groundhog only gets the prediction correct 37% of the time. The Groundhog Club of Punxsutawney reports that it’s actually closer to 100% of the time! Everybody is ready to ask: did the groundhog see his shadow this year?

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

 

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8 Presidential Inauguration Locations To Visit

The inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at the U.S. Capitol. This has been the location for the majority of American presidential inaugurations. There are, however, several other historic settings for these ceremonies that are worth visiting for travelers.

1. Federal Hall National Memorial, New York City (Map)
George Washington

Federal Hall National Memorial was the location for the first presidential inauguration. It was also the residence of the first federal government instituted under the United States Constitution. The memorial is conveniently situated for travelers looking to explore the Financial District of New York City along with paying respect at Ground Zero.

Federal Hall is open Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. The memorial is closed on Federal holidays.
Federal Hall, NYC © rdesai

2. Congress Hall, Philadelphia (Map)
George Washington and John Adams

Congress Hall was the location of the presidential inaugurations of George Washington (his second) and John Adams. It was also the quarters for the United States Congress from 1790-1800. Located in the Historic District of Philadelphia, this is a must see neighborhood for travelers. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the National Constitution Center are all within a few steps.

The area is open, in general, from Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Most of the buildings are closed on Federal holidays.
Historic Philadelphia © Gennaro Salamone

3. U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C. (Map)
Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Q. Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William H. Harrison, James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

The U.S. Capitol was the setting for the greatest number of presidential inaugurations including the last seven. Barack Obama was the eighth consecutive president to be sworn in here on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 (read more about the Obama Inauguration).

The U.S. Capitol is also the current residence of the United States Congress. The Congress is the legislative body of the United States. It consists of the U.S. Senate (100 members) and the House of Representative (435 members).

Tour hours for the U.S. Capitol run from Monday-Saturday, 8:45pm to 3:30pm. It’s recommended that visitors obtain tour tickets from their local representatives before arriving to Washington D.C. for their visit. E-mail is the easiest way to request tickets. Do note that security measure apply to touring the buildings. Check their website for updates.

U.S. Capitol © Gennaro Salamone

4. The White House, Washington D. C. (Map)
Rutherford Hayes, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, and
Ronald Reagan

The White House was the location for six presidential inaugurations. It is the official residence of the President of the United States. Every president since John Adams has called the dwelling on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue his home.

Visiting The White House is a memorable experience. There are, however, strict guidelines for larger groups. Public tours for groups of 10 or more require passes from a member of Congress up to six months in advance. Self-guided tours, for individuals, are available from Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30am to 12:30pm. The passes are first come, first served. Apply for passes up to a month in advance.

The White House and U.S. Capitol have similar restrictions for security. Visit their website for updates.

The White House © NCinDC

5. Ansley Wilcox Residence, 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY (Map)
Theodore Roosevelt

The Ansley Wilcox Mansion was the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s first inauguration. It is one of the oldest homes in Buffalo, NY. It has a rich history including its connection to the Patriots’ War of 1837.

The location is currently closed for renovation. The grand re-opening of the National Historic Site is scheduled for Spring 2009. Check their website for details. Their hours, during operation, are from Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday-Sunday, 12:00pm to 5:00pm

6. His Father’s Residence, Plymouth, Vermont (Map)
Calvin Coolidge

His father, a notary public, swore in Calvin Coolidge at John Coolidge’s house in Plymouth, Vermont. This remains one of the most unique locations for a presidential inauguration. It was the birthplace and childhood residence of Calvin Coolidge. It is a rural setting with a community church, cheese factory, and a one-room schoolhouse, which have all been preserved.

Visiting hours, for the historic site, are daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm. The site was open from May 24 until October 19, 2008. Check their website for this year’s schedule.

7. His Private Residence, 123 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY (Map)
Chester A. Arthur

Chester A. Arthur was one of two presidents who were sworn in at a private residence. The residence is privately owned. Visitors are only permitted to visit the commercial space located on the first floor. The building was designated a National Landmark on January 12, 1965.

8. Three Locations For History Lovers
John Tyler, Andrew Johnson, and Lyndon Johnson

John Tyler, Andrew Johnson, Lyndon Johnson (first inauguration) were sworn in at locations that are no longer preserved or convenient to visit. Johnson was sworn in aboard Air Force One, Love Field, Dallas, Texas (Map).
Air Force One © http2007

John Tyler’s inauguration was held at the Brown’s Hotel. It was formerly located at 6th St. & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. (Map) and Andrew Johnson’s inauguration was held at the Kirkwood Hotel. It was formerly located at 12th St. & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. (Map)

For additional inauguration history read the U.S. Senate website and about six historic estates of U.S. presidents.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

 

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Passport Cards Speed Border Crossings

Over 700,000 Americans have ordered passport cards. The wallet-size cards were created by the Bureau of Consular Services in order to provide quicker border crossings for Americans entering or exiting Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean. Cards are not valid for international air travel.

Border Crossing ® blmurch

Passport cards are less expensive than passport books, costing $45 (valid for 10 years) for first-time adult passport applicants and $35 (valid for 5 years) for minors under 16 years old. The card is ideal for those who regularly travel across the land or sea borders of Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean. This is also the best option for Americans who were previously using their driver’s licenses to enter the previously mentioned destinations (read more on Yahoo!).

Read about the Québec Winter Carnival or new rules for visa-waiver travelers entering the U.S.

 

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Wilderness, Where Art Thou?

Thomas Friedman called the world–flat. A new map released by the European Commission and the World Bank shows that the world is, indeed, shrinking. Modern technology has made it affordable for the masses to partake in global travel, business, and networking. The World Bank’s World Development Report 2009 confirms the impact of this globalization revealing that “only 10% of land area is remote – more than 48 hours from a large city.”

This leaves one to wonder the long-term impact of globalization and extensive travel. With more and more individuals competing for resources and space, wilderness will continue to feel the effects. Read about measures taken to protect U.S. National Parks.

Rear-View Mirror ® Alaskan Dude

 

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Japanese Man No Longer Living In Airport

Sleeping in an airport, for a night, before a flight is common among travelers who are attempting to save a few dollars on hotel costs. Websites like The Guide to Sleeping in Airports have been developed around the concept.
Mexico City Airport ® Cesar Rincon

Over the past few months, a Japanese man has taken it to a new level by moving into Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport. As of the new year, Mr. Nohara has finally found a new residence–in an apartment.

 

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