Local Travel Tip

When it comes to wining and dining, the Colombians know where it’s at!  This week’s international travel HOT SPOT is: Bogota, Colombia.  OK, now I know most of you are thinking of the travel warning issued by the United States Department of State which says, “The Department of State warns American citizens of the dangers of travel to Colombia.”  Although it is a country that has been affected by narco-terrorist groups for several decades (sad, but true), the beauty and richness of the culture is unmatched by any other country in the world. Therefore, in order to enjoy your trip to Colombia, I invite you to take into consideration all of the International Travel Safety Tips mentioned in this blog.

Now, lets talk about INCREDIBLE restaurants.  In my book, an amazing trip consists of great food and an awesome environment (people, location, ambiance, etc).  Let me reiterate: great food + awesome environment = amazing trip.  If you feel the same way I do, then the Colombian restaurant for you is Andres Carne de Res.

With only two locations in the entire country (one in Bogota and one in Chia), ACR has won the hearts and appetites of millions of locals and tourists over the years.  Nicknamed by some as the Basilica of Beef, ACR offers a dining experience unlike any other.  It has been described best as, “one part traditional Colombian fare, 3 parts art gallery, and a pinch of nightclub all finished with a garnish of theatrical whimsy. The decor alone is worth the trip.”  The walls, beams, bathrooms, chairs, and lamps of this open-air barn have been decorated from top to bottom with everything from brightly painted bottle caps to mannequin limbs (yes, kind of weird…but awesome decoration!).  It is most definitely a sight to see!

Their menu includes traditional plates such as Sancocho (homemade stew with yucca), Ajiaco con Pollo, Arepa con Huevo, Lomo de Cerdo, and much more.  However, the food alone isn’t what makes ACR what it is today.  Amidst the comfort of the  hanging art and the eccentric decor, you’ll find that in the evenings ACR becomes one of the most popular “nightclubs” in town.  Salsa, merengue, and vallenato are played from dusk until dawn.

Whether you go just for the food or to spend a fun evening with your friends/family, your experience at ACR is sure to be a memorable one.

Traveling in a foreign country can be a scary. We have all heard horror stories of a friend that was pick-pocketed in France or lost their passport in Moscow. Traveling should be an enjoyable experience, not a battle with a foreign police department to find your stolen wallet.

Here are a few tips on how to make your international vacation safe and stress-free: Read more…

Now is the ideal time to catch a vacation to Great Britain on low prices, relatively speaking at least. A trip to Great Britain is still more expensive than many other locations, but it is much less expensive than it has been in the past right now. Visiting this location is well worth the money.

Great Britain holds a lot of world history.  Be sure to tour Buckingham Palace, see the Piccadilly Circus and Big Ben, and ride in the traditional double-decker bus. Stop at Marleybone park for a stroll through the elegant landscaping and Victorian type town houses and gazeboes. The pond adds a special touch to the surrounding scenery and is a perfect place for a picnic.

Of course, make sure you take a ride on the grand London Eye. The London Eye is a gigantic Ferris wheel that allows you to see much of the city. Each capsule holds 25 people and offers a unique perspective of the city. At night enjoy hours of talented acting in the Royal Court Theatre where every playwright dreams of presenting their work. 

Another great opportunity for a vacation right now is Canada. Their currency value has also dropped greatly over the past year, about 21%. This has made a very luxurious vacation affordable for many more people, even during the recession.

Canada offers great locations for the winter sports: skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding.  Of course, right now the Winter Olympics have brought thousands of tourists to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Canada. Join in on the celebration, excitement, and unity of the games, or wait a month or two to take enjoy the beauties of Canada without fighting a crowd.

The Hotel de Glace is a fantastic hotel made completely of ice. Take advantage of the opportunity to stay in this beautiful ice castle. The special lighting and the design of the ice make every wall of the Ice palace picturesque.

Another fun attraction is Canada’s costume museum. They host over 35,000 costumes spanning over 400 years. See how the fashions have evolved over the years. Pick out the most outrageous and the most stylish time periods while gaining new insight into your own wardrobe.