Local Travel Tip

Thanksgiving offers a nice break in the middle of the year to students, parents, and many others. As one of the least advertised holidays (Christmas totally dominates the stores right now, right after Halloween. Thanksgiving was completely skipped) many families find it an opportune time to travel, but if not to see family, where else can you go? Here are a few ideas:

1. New York City: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is one of the largest events in the nation on Thanksgiving day. It features fantastic floats, marching bands, politicians, and celebrities. The Rockefeller Center is also an ideal place to go shopping on Black Friday, if you’re up to the holiday rush!
2. Plymouth, Massachusetts: The original port of the Mayflower there are many historical museums and opportunities to learn about the pilgrims. At Plimoth Plantation, you can even pretend to be one! No better place for Thanksgiving than where the original Thanksgiving was held.
3. Phoenix, Arizona: This area hosts many Indian reservations. Thanksgiving would not be a holiday without the Indians. There are also many opportunities to go to museums and even walk down the Apache trail!
4. Disney World, Orlando: As always, Disney hosts a variety of family activities for Thanksgiving, including: turkey-themed meals with Cinderella and other lovable Disney characters and Christmas gift hunting in Downtown Disney.
5. Chicago, Illinois: Another Thanksgiving attraction is the parade held in Chicago. This parade has been going on for 74 years with almost 500,000 spectators.

Staying in hostels can be the perfect option for those wanting to save money or just have a more interesting adventure in another country.  After backpacking through Europe and Australia I have come to love this simplistic way of travel, but there are definitely some things you should know before heading off on your adventure.

1.  Book ahead.  If you want to save precious time in a foreign country, book your lodging ahead of time.  There are dozens of hostel booking websites available.  They usually ask for a 10% deposit, but it is worth the extra time to sight see.  Try http://www.hostels.com/.

2.  Stick close to public transportation.  Make sure your lodging is close to a train or bus station, otherwise your “cheap” trip could quickly become very expensive with cab fees.

3.  Pack light.  You will be moving from one place to another very often and may spend some days carrying your things around the city.

4.  Bring clothes that dry quickly.  Save money by machine washing your clothes and then hang drying them.  If you are really daring, wash your clothes in the sink or shower.

5.  Rooms.  Private means there are only a few beds in the room, usually 2-4, but if you don’t fill up the room you could still be put with other backpackers.  Dorms are usually anywhere from 8 to 20 beds, it should establish exactly how many there are when you book.  If you are looking to be well rested, dorms are not your best bet.

6.  Bathrooms.  Ensuite means there is a full bathroom in your room.  If it doesn’t specify, then assume that there are community bathrooms outside of your room.

7.  Amenities.  Does your hostel have a washer/dryer, internet, a kitchen, television, etc.?  Usually the more amenities offered, the better.

8.  Linens.  Make sure your hostel has bed linens and towels included.

9.  Lockers.  I have always felt safe enough to leave my things in my room, but if you are not as trusting as me, make sure your hostel offers lockers for your bags.

10.  Cheaper is not always better.  Look for the least expensive, but keep in mind the rest of this list.  Saving a couple of dollars may result in paying for extra transportation or eating expenses.

Enjoy your backpacking adventure!

A few years ago I was in D.C. for the fourth of July. Being in D.C. for the Fourth of July is like being in China for the Chinese New Year- there is simply nothing like it.

While there you can feel the American pride soaring in the air. With bands playing the National Anthem, little kids running around everywhere with American flags painted on their cheeks, and then with the added pleasure of a spectacular firework show- you won’t walk away without falling more in love with our country.

One of my favorite memorials in D.C. is the Jefferson memorial. Go there at night when the building and trees are reflected in the Potomac river. Better yet, go at night when the cherry blossoms are blooming on the trees that surround the Jefferson memorial. It is simply stunning.