Top 3 Father’s Day Beach Hotel Deals

Give dad the gift of relaxation this Father’s Day weekend at one of these stunning yet affordable beach resorts.

1. Kids Stay Free at All Occidental Hotels & Resorts this Father’s Day Weekend

Single dads or dads who want to travel solo to spend some quality time with their kids won’t want to miss this deal, wherein two children age 12 and under can stay free when traveling with one paying adult. This translates to a savings of $60 per child, per night. This offer is valid through December 17th at all Occidental Grand and Allegro properties.

And through August, the nightly rates at these all-inclusive resorts start from $53 per person in Aruba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, saving you up to 53%. The nightly rates include unlimited meals, snacks, and free-flowing drinks as well as activities like scuba classes, snorkeling, windsurfing, and more. For more information on this unbeatable beach vacation deal, visit http://www.occidentalhotels.com/occidental/Specials_kidsfree.asp

2. Get a $50 Daily Resort Credit, a 25% Discount on Golf, and a Free Father’s Day Brunch at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

Bookable through July 30th for travel through August 19th, the Love Your Parents Package includes complimentary admission for dads to the Father’s Day buffet brunch at Bimini Market and a $50 daily resort credit to be used towards dining and in-room amenities. Complimentary family-friendly activities that are offered at the resort including snorkeling, kayaking, storytelling, dive-in movies, and cultural performances.

Package prices start at $198 per room, per night, and guests who book a minimum of four nights by June 4th are also eligible for free companion airfare with the Companion Flies Free offer. Flights must be purchased at the time of booking through domestic tour operators or online travel agencies to qualify. Dads who are golf enthusiasts can golf for $75 per round (a 25% discount) at the neighboring Cable Beach Golf Club. The Sheraton Nassau also boasts an Adventure Club, which organizes counselor-led activities in the daytime and evening for the little ones while parents spend kids-free time together. For more information about the Love Your Parents Package or to place a reservation, call (877) 782-0149 or visit http://www.sheratonnassau.com.

3. Save 40% on a Father’s Day Golf Package at Las Brisas Hotels & Resorts in Mexico

Why not celebrate Father’s Day with a golf vacation in paradise? From now until July 16th, a two night/three day golf package at Las Brisas Hotels & Resorts starts at only $500 (40% off of its original cost). The golf package includes a welcome cocktail, accommodations in a deluxe room, breakfast for two, a bottle of wine anytime you dine at one of the resort’s restaurants, a complimentary green and a 50% discount for a second golfer, and a 50% discount on a second room if you decide to travel with friends or family.

Up to two children can stay free when sharing a room with their parents. This offer is valid for travel between June 1st and July 16th. To book this Father’s Day package, visit www.brisas.com.mx and use the promo code FATHER.

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7 Terrific Travel Deals for Father’s Day

Whether you want to kick back and admire the beauty of the great outdoors, window shop on 5th Avenue, or perfect your swing at a scenic golf course this Father’s Day weekend, check out these 7 terrific travel deals based in the US.

1. Get a $25 Active Duty Military Discount on Any Room at Our Hearts Inn B&B, Colorado Springs

Fathers who are active duty military members will receive a $25 discount on any room at Our Hearts Inn B&B in Colorado Springs this Father’s Day weekend. Fathers who are retired military will receive a $20 discount on any room at the B&B. Regular nightly rates at Our Hearts Inn range from $95 to $140. Visit www.inn-colorado-springs.com and mention the discount while making your reservation to take advantage of this offer.

2. Dads Ride Free on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

When accompanied by a family member, dads ride free on the Cumbres & Toltec scenic railroad on the Colorado-New Mexico border this Father’s Day weekend (June 18-20). This offer includes the train ride and lunch. The railroad has terminals in Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. Call 1-888-CUMBRES or click here for more details.

3. Free Admission on June 20th, 2010 to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City, Colorado

Dads get free admission to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City, Colorado on June 20th, 2010. Walking or driving across the Royal Gorge Bridge, America’s highest suspension bridge, is nothing short of an awe-inspiring experience.

4. Enjoy a Father and Son Campout at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs on June 19th

Want to enjoy some father and son bonding time? On June 19th, the Cheyenne Zoo in Colorado Springs is organizing a father and son “campout” from 6pm to 8am, which includes a hearty dinner and tour of the zoo . The campout costs $60.50 per pair and $25.25 per additional child. Click here or call (719) 633-9125 for more information.

5. Play Golf and Stay in Lakeview Accommodations at the Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho on Father’s Day weekend for $399

If dad enjoys golf and the outdoors, why not treat him to an unforgettable weekend getaway at the historic Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho? The “It’s All about Dad” Father’s Day package at the Shore Lodge is available from June 18-20 and includes lake view accommodations for two nights, a round of golf at the Whitetail Club, and complimentary brunch for dad on Father’s Day. The package costs $399 and does not include taxes or resort fees. One dad per package is allowed. For more information about this package, click here.

6. Spend a Luxurious Father’s Day Weekend at the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City for $499

This Father’s Day weekend, you can enjoy a relaxing getaway at the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City for only $499. This offer is valid through December 30, 2010. The package includes one night’s accommodation for two in one of the hotel’s luxurious guest rooms, a bottle of champagne, dinner at the fyve Restaurant Lounge, a keepsake, and complimentary parking. Tax and gratuities are included in the package, but alcoholic drinks are not.

Each couple that books this weekend package will automatically be entered into a drawing which will take place on December 31, 2010 for a vacation at the Ritz-Carlton in Sanya, China. For more information about this Ritz-Carlton Father’s Day vacation special, click here.

7. Save 20% at the Andaz Wall Street Hotel in the Heart of New York City

For stays of three nights or longer at the Andaz Wall Street hotel over Father’s Day weekend, you’ll receive a 20% discount off of room rates, two signature cocktails at Bar Seven Five, two 15-minute spa treatments at the SPA, and an exclusive tour of the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, June 18. This offer is valid from June 17-21, and rates begin at $200 per night.

The Andaz Wall Street hotel, which opened in January 2010, is located in the Financial District and serves as the ideal jumping off point for visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. For more information about this Father’s Day weekend deal, click here.

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Top 5 Adventure Travel Deals for Father’s Day

Does your dad have a taste for adventure? Book one of these vacation packages if you’d like to enjoy the beauty and exhilaration of the great outdoors this Father’s Day weekend.

1. Save up to $330 on Costa Rica vacation packages at Los Sueños Resort

Stayincostarica.com is offering two great travel deals this Father’s Day for luxury condominiums on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The Fishing and Golf Package costs $650 per person (a savings of $330 per person) and includes a 3 night stay at a luxury 2 bedroom 2 bath condo at Los Sueños Resort, a full day of offshore fishing in a 32’ Maverick that includes lunch, drinks, and beers for 4 people, a round of golf for 4 people at the La Iguana golf course, and transportation to and from the airport. The Fishing and Jungle Adventure Package costs $575 per person (a savings of $310) and includes a 3 night stay at a luxury 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo, a full day of offshore fishing in a 32’ Maverick that includes lunch, drinks and beers for 4 people, a zipline tour through the rainforest for 4 people, and transportation to and from the airport. Click here for more information about these vacation packages.

2. An 8 Day, Kids-Stay-Free Safari in Kenya Starting at $5,999 for a Family of 4

Taking a safari to Kenya has never been this easy on the pocketbook. Through July 31, 2010, Kensington Tours is offering a Kids Stay Free promotion at all 3 of its safari parks. Up to 2 children, 17 years old or younger, stay free when sharing accommodations with 2 adults. Prices start at $5,999 and include a private guide and vehicle. Click here for more information about this family-friendly vacation deal.

3. Complimentary Third Night with Every 2 Paid Nights at Four Seasons Resort, Jackson Hole

Get a complimentary third night with every 2 paid nights at one of the luxury private residences at the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole. The Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole is only minutes away from Teton National Park and a scenic, one hour drive away from Yellowstone National Park. And Father’s Day Weekend is an excellent time to visit Jackson Hole because the weather is pleasant and there are no thick crowds as in the summer. The Base Camp concierge at the resort arranges custom, guided national park tours for guests that include activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Click here to learn more about the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole.

4. Fathers Stay Free at the 1785 Inn & Restaurant in North Conway, New Hampshire

Fathers accompanied by at least one other person can stay free at the 1785 Inn & Restaurant in the White Mountains of New Hampshire this Father’s Day weekend. The 1785 Inn & Restaurant is a colonial-style B&B that boasts a scenic vista of the surrounding mountains and world-class dining. The inn’s restaurant is renowned for its quality and service, and its wine list has been called “one of the finest in the world” by Wine Spectator magazine. Outdoor activities you can enjoy in the North Conway area include hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and spelunking. Click here or call 603-356-9025 for more information about this Father’s Day special.

5. Get an Air and Land Inclusive Package to Sydney and Cairns for $1299

Through June 30th, get an air and land inclusive package to Sydney and Cairns, Australia from $1299 per person. The package includes round-trip airfare on Qantas from Los Angeles to Sydney and Cairns, 3 nights’ accommodation in Sydney, 3 nights’ accommodation in Cairns, and applicable fuel surcharges. During the trip, you’ll visit the Three Sisters rock formation in the Blue Mountains, observe kangaroos in the wild, taste delicious wines in Hunter Valley, explore Daintree Rainforest, and snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef. For more information about this and other vacation packages to Australia and New Zealand, visit the Down Under Answers specials page.

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World Cup Count Down Sale Today

From 10am today, there will be a Countdown Sale at Lastminute.com that will last for 24 hours. This sale will take place every Thursday at 10am and will mostly consist of Europe travel deals.

Discounts on a superb selection of 3*, 4*, and 5* hotels, vacation packages, spa treatments, and day tours will be available. You must book within the 24 hour window in order to qualify for these limited time-only discounts.

Although this sale will last for a complete 24 hours, many of the deals are considerably good, so they’re likely to sell out fast. Don’t hesitate to book immediately if you see an offer that interests you!

Click here to see the Countdown Sale in action.

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10 Tips for Traveling to Salta, Argentina

Submitted 8.06.10 in General, Travel, Travel On The Cheap | 1 Comment | Add Comment
By Kathleen


Buenos Aires is on any savvy traveler’s radar, but Salta is a hidden in gem in northwestern Argentina that you may or may not have heard of already. An up-and-coming travel destination and one of Argentina’s largest provinces, Salta boasts diverse terrain and a thriving wine country. Salta City, the capital of Salta province, is a charming, sophisticated city that boasts colonial architecture, outstanding museums, myriad parks, and European-style street side cafés.

Salta’s very safe in comparison to other South American cities and it is affordable to boot. You can eat a giant, juicy steak for well under $10, and there are accommodations available to suit just practically any budget. After exploring the cobbled streets of Salta la Linda (Salta the Beautiful), you’ll quickly recognize why the city has earned such a flattering nickname.

When to Go

The city of Salta is situated in a warm valley. Salta’s weather is temperate throughout the year because of its altitude (1200m). Try to avoid visiting Salta during July and August, however, because it gets very crowded with international tourists as well as Argentinians on winter vacation.

Other times of the year that you should avoid visiting Salta include January and February (summer vacation), Semanta Santa (Holy Week), and Christmas. The shoulder seasons of October to November and April to May are the best times to visit Salta because the weather is pleasant and there are virtually no crowds.

Here are 10 more tips for traveling to Salta, Argentina that will help you maximize your enjoyment of this enchanting city.

1. Taste the traditional foods of northwest Argentina

Much of northwestern Argentina’s traditional fare reflects its indigenous roots. Regional culinary specialties you can’t miss include locro, a hearty stew made with lentils, lamb meat, and spices, humitas, steamed corn cakes with cheese in a corn leaf wrapping, and empandas salteñas, small, baked turnovers containing meat or cheese.

2. Take the cable car to the top of Cerro San Bernardo

To enjoy panoramic views of Salta and the lush, green mountains that surround the city, take the teleferico, or cable car, to the top of Cerro San Bernardo. Once you reach the top, you can sip on coffee or tea at the café while enjoying the stunning views.

3. Watch a folkloric performance in Balcarce

Balcarce is Salta’s nightlife district, where you can watch the traditional folkloric performances that make Salta famous. La Vieja Estación is one of the top folkloric performance venues in the Balcarce district. Another famous and authentic folkloric performance venue in Salta is La Casona del Molino, where the performers go from table to table rather than perform on stage.

4. Ride the Tren a las Nubes, the third highest railway in the world

The Tren a las Nubes, or Train to the Clouds, is a train service that runs from April to November. The train travels from Salta to La Polvorilla, which is located 13,845 feet above sea level. The round trip journey takes 15 hours and allows visitors to admire the region’s stunning mountain landscapes and occasionally stop to explore quaint Andean villages.

5. See Inca mummies at the High Mountain Archaeological Museum (MAAM)

This controversial museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Salta. It displays the mummy of an Incan child from a sacred burial site that a National Geographic team excavated in 1999. Child sacrifice was a common practice in pre-Columbian cultures. Although three bodies were found at the site, only one mummy is displayed at a time at the museum. Several indigenous groups tried to prevent the children’s remains from going on display, but failed in their attempts.

6. Buy souvenirs at the Mercado Artesanal (Artisan Market)

Housed in a beautiful colonial building, the Artisan Market of Salta sells some of the best local arts, crafts, and traditional sweets at low prices. Artisan goods you can find at the market include alfajores (sweet cookie sandwich with a caramel filling), ponchos, blankets, purses, jewelry, and gourds for drinking yerba mate tea.

7. Sink your teeth into a tender, juicy steak for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere

Beef is a staple in the Argentine diet and no omnivore’s trip to Salta is complete without savoring a large, tender steak. Anywhere else in the world, the kind of steak you can get in Salta would easily cost you up to 10 times more. Restaurants in Salta where you can count on getting a high quality steak include El Solar del Convento, Viejo Jack, and La Monumental.

8. Spend a Sunday afternoon in the 9 de Julio Square

The 9 de Julio Square is Salta’s main square where many a resident spends his Sunday afternoon. Enjoy sipping an espresso on one of the street side cafes, take a stroll in the park, relax on a bench and people watch, or buy a bag of dry corn from one of the park’s vendors to feed the pigeons. The 9 de Julio Square is an ideal spot for relishing the leisurely pace of life in Salta.

9. View holy relics at the ornate Salta Cathedral in the 9 de Julio Square

Salta attracts many religious tourists because of the abundance of Catholic churches and festivals there. Home to Salta’s most important holy relics, the pink Salta Cathedral was constructed in 1858, after the first cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake. Two of the statues used in Salta’s annual procession (Cristo del Milagro), which is held to protect the city from earthquakes, are housed in this church.

10. Hike, bike, and admire the flora and fauna of the cloud forest in neighboring San Lorenzo

In Salta, the wild is only a 10 minute taxi ride away in San Lorenzo, a charming village nestled in the cloud forest that is ideal for hiking and biking. There are several affordable lodges and cabins for rent in the area, where you can go to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Camping for Beginners – Tips and Tactics

Submitted 1.06.10 in General, Travel, Travel On The Cheap | 2 Comments | Add Comment
By Kathleen

Are you curious about going camping but don’t want to invest a whole lot of time, resources, and money planning a camping excursion?

Even as a first-time camper, you can enjoy a smooth-running camping trip with minimal planning and preparation. Keep these tips and tactics in mind if you’d like to load your family in the car, drive to a campsite within a two-hour radius of home, and pitch a tent for the weekend.

Get Your Gear Together

The first thing you have to do is determine what gear you’ll need for your trip. If you don’t want to buy your own camping gear, rent gear from a local outdoor gear store or borrow gear from a friend who’s a seasoned camper.

Before your trip, try setting up all of your camping gear in your backyard first to ensure that you know how everything works. Setting up a tent can be especially challenging for first-time campers.

Some basic camping gear that you’ll need includes:

• Shelter (a tent, RV, or cabin)
• Sleeping bags and pads
• Cooking supplies
• First-aid kit
• Toiletries
• Rain ponchos

It’s a good idea to create a checklist of all the gear and food you’ll need for your trip so you don’t forget anything.

Research Campgrounds in Your Area

You can choose between public and private campgrounds. Public campgrounds are typically located in scenic, protected areas, such as parks, forests, landmarks, and wilderness areas. Private campgrounds are usually privately-owned RV parks or campground resorts, such as the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone campground.

To find a campground in your area, ask friends and family for recommendations and do some online research. Because it will be your first time camping, stay in a campground that’s not too far from town. Most first-time campers start out as car campers, or campers who camp alongside a vehicle containing all of their camping supplies.

Be sure to reserve a campsite at your preferred campground by telephone or on the internet to secure a spot. The last thing you want is to show up at the campground, only to find out that all of the campsites are occupied. Making reservations is particularly important before busy holidays like the 4th of July and Memorial Day.

Set up Camp

The first thing you have to do when you reach the campground is register at the campground’s office. Information that you typically have to provide at registration includes the number of campers, your license plate number, and the length of your intended stay.

Before setting up your tent, make sure to find a piece of flat, elevated ground, so if it rains, rainwater flows away from your tent rather than into it. Avoid setting up your tent on a slope to prevent yourself from having an uncomfortable night’s sleep.

In addition, make sure that your tent is far enough away from the fire pit so sparks from the campfire can’t reach it. You may also want to bring a tough sheet of plastic with you so you can protect your tent’s sewn in groundsheet in case you have to camp on rough ground.

Things to Do on Your Camping Trip

You’ve pitched your tent and everything’s good to go… so, what comes next? Camping might seem boring if you’ve never done it before, but see it as an opportunity to get off the couch, away from the TV, and away from your smart phone to enjoy a truly relaxing getaway removed from the stresses and complications of daily life.

Camping lets you enjoy life’s simpler pleasures. Private campground resorts typically feature amenities like a pool, recreation center, and sporting equipment, so you can find plenty of ways to stay busy. But if you decide to camp out at a state or national park, you might find that there is little more than nature to enjoy.

At more rustic campgrounds, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. But if you just want to kick back and relax on your camping trip, you surely won’t regret it if you spend your days and nights admiring the picturesque surroundings, taking deep breaths of fresh air, sitting by the warm, crackling campfire, looking up at the stars, or listening to the sounds of birds chirping. Ah, the delights of camping.

Have you ever been camping before? What do you think people should know before embarking on their very first camping trip? Please share your suggestions in the comments!

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Top 5 Things to Do in San Francisco this Memorial Day Weekend


San Francisco, is a diverse, sophisticated city, so it’s no surprise that there are events of many flavors taking place this Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.

Whether you want to honor our nation’s deceased veterans at a historical ceremony or you want to dance the weekend away, make sure to check out this list of top 10 things to do in San Francisco this Memorial Day weekend.

1. Presidio Ceremony

The Presidio Ceremony is a Memorial Day tradition in San Francisco. The ceremony kicks off on Monday, May 31st at 10:30am with a parade at Montgomery and Sheridan streets. The event draws more than 2000 people, making it one of the largest Memorial Day events in the country.

The ceremony officially begins at 11am at Presidio’s National Cemetery. After the ceremony is completed, park rangers and volunteers take people on free tours of the cemetery. More than 35,000 veterans and their dependents are buried at this cemetery.

2. San Francisco Carnaval

The largest multi-cultural celebration in California, the San Francisco Carnaval boasts live music, artistry, food, and dance from cultures around Latin America and the Caribbean. If you want to party in style this Memorial Day weekend while learning more about the colorful heritage and cultural traditions from this region of the world, don’t miss the San Francisco Carnaval. It’s free of charge and will take place on Saturday, May 29, from 10am to 6pm on Harrison Street.

3. Lost Boat Memorial at the USS Pampanito

The USS Pampanito is a WWII submarine located in Fisherman’s Wharf. The Lost Boat Memorial takes place at the USS Pampanito at 5pm on Monday, May 31st. This famed ceremony honors the lost sailors of the United States Navy Submarine Service. It is free of charge and is followed with an echo taps performance.

4. Free Opera at Dolores Park

At Dolores Park, which is located on 18th and Dolores Streets in San Francisco, you can enjoy a free, live opera performance on Sunday, May 30 at 2pm. So, gather your friends and family together, grab a bottle of wine, and pack some cheese, crackers, and olives to enjoy a relaxing picnic while listening to great music in a beautiful setting.

5. Civil War Battles and Encampment

If you’re willing to take a road trip on Memorial Day weekend, visit the Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton to witness the reenactments of Civil War battles and view replicas of encampments belonging to Union and Confederate soldiers. The event only costs $5 a person and it’s a fun, educational way to commemorate the history of our nation.

For a cheap place to stay while you’re enjoying Memorial Day weekend, find a San Francisco Hotel Deal.

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5 Biggest Memorial Day Events Around the Country


Rather than grilling hot dogs with your buddies in the backyard this year, why not honor our nation’s troops and heritage by attending a Memorial Day parade or festival? The following are some of the biggest events taking place around the country this Memorial Day weekend.

1.Downtown Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade

Chicago’s parade honors veterans and active duty personnel who serve in the US military. Attracting approximately 10,000 spectators each year, this huge parade takes place at noon on May 29. The parade begins at State St. and Lake St. to Van Buren and is preceded by a wreath laying ceremony, which begins at 11am at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza (Dearborn and Washington Streets).

2. Los Angeles Weekend Street Fair

This annual street fair, which takes place 3 miles west of downtown L.A., attracts a largely Latino crowd and features live music, food, carnival rides, and more. Wilshire and Alvarado streets will be closed off to accommodate this weekend street fair, which annually attracts a crowd of around 30,000 people.

3. Fleet Week, New York

New York City’s Fleet Week honors the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. There is tons of stuff to do during this major event, from observing a parade of ships in the harbor and viewing musical performances by marines and sailors to playing in tug of war and watching eating contests. All of Fleet Week’s events take place in Manhattan from May 26 to June 1 and are free of charge.

4. The National Memorial Day Parade, Washington D.C.

This iconic parade, which is presented by the American Veterans Center, honors all of the men and women who have served our country. Since Washington DC is the headquarters of the US military, this parade is steeped in tradition and serves to educate the public about the true and oft-forgotten meaning of Memorial Day.

During the parade, which takes place on May 31 at 2pm, you’ll see floats, youth groups, military units, and marching bands. The parade will kick off on Constitution Avenue and 7th Street and travel along Constitution Avenue until reaching 17th Street.

5. Memorial Day Weekend Salute to the Troops, Atlanta

The Memorial Day Weekend Salute to the Troops takes place from May 29 to 31 and is Atlanta’s largest Memorial Day event. The patriotic celebration takes place at Stone Mountain Park and honors American troops and their families. If you are an active duty member of the military, you can enter the event free of charge. Stone Mountain Park offers tons of fun for the little ones. The park features a myriad of attractions, including the Summit Skyride, which offers stunning views of the Atlanta skyline, as well as adventure courses, a mini-golf course, a scenic railroad, and a fireworks display. For a great list of places to stay, check out some excellent Atlanta hotel deals.

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5 Hip Food Trucks That Are Taking the Country by Storm

Submitted 17.05.10 in General, Travel, Travel On The Cheap | 1 Comment | Add Comment
By Kathleen


Street food, once a run-of-the-mill cuisine reserved for tourists and hungry passerby looking for a snack to hold them over till mealtime, has come a long way since its inception. No longer is street food limited to pizza slices, pretzels, and hot dogs. You can now get a full-fledged, gourmet meal on wheels in cities throughout the US, thanks to the rising popularity of food trucks.

The food truck trend started to get national attention after Kogi BBQ, an L.A. food truck, started using Twitter to attract a large following. Kogi BBQ serves up Mexican/Korean fusion fare, like kimchi quesadillas and Korean BBQ-filled tacos. The food truck trend doesn’t stop at Kogi BBQ, however. Here are 5 lesser-known food trucks that are taking the country by storm with their affordable, unique offerings.

1. Big Gay Ice Cream Truck – New York, New York

On a hot day in New York City, nothing is more refreshing than ice cream served by a friendly gay guy. The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck serves up your usual soft serve, but complete with unusual toppings like Trix cereal, caramelized bacon, olive oil and sea salt, and wasabi peas. Find out where the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck is parked on your next outing in New York City by visiting their website or following them on Twitter.

2. Lomo Arigato – Los Angeles, California

Lomo Arigato is another food truck pioneer in the Asian/Latin fusion genre. Owned and operated by a second generation Japanese-American, the Lomo Arigato food truck is a converted FedEx truck that serves up Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Their most popular dish is saltado, which consists of beef, chicken, or tofu stir-fried with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Sides include French fries with a soy and red wine sauce, fried noodles, and fried rice.

To find out where the Lomo Arigato food truck is located the next time you’re craving a hot lunch in L.A., check out the Lomo Arigato website or keep tabs on the truck on Twitter.

3. The Crème Brûlée Cart – San Francisco, California

If you happen to be in San Francisco and want to satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t miss a visit to The Crème Brûlée Cart. No longer is it necessary to dine in an upscale, sit-down restaurant to enjoy the fine French dessert of Crème Brûlée. The Crème Brûlée Cart is a one-man shop that serves Créme Brûlée in unique flavors like frosted flakes, lavender, coffee, and s’mores. The Crème Brûlée Cart doesn’t have a website, so the only way you can find out where it’s hanging out is by following it on Twitter.

4. Latin Burger and Taco – Miami, Florida

Latin Burger and Taco is a black and pink truck that doesn’t quite have the “rags to riches” aura that other food trucks do. This hip food truck reached celebrity status because it was created by celebrities, namely the Food Network and cooking show Simply Delicioso’s host, Ingrid Hoffman. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even see Ingrid in person when you pick up a burger, as she makes occasional appearances at the truck.

The menu is an Ingrid Hoffman creation that consists of gourmet burgers and tacos made with fresh ingredients. According to Yelp reviews, the tacos aren’t worth even an honorable mention, but the burgers are out of this world. One of the Latin Burger and Taco’s most popular burgers it the Latin Macho, a hearty burger made with chorizo, chuck, and sirloin and topped with jalapeños, Oaxaca cheese, caramelized onion, and red pepper or avocado sauce. Find out where the truck is stopped by following it on Twitter or checking out its website.

5. Fojol Bros. of Merlindia – Washington D.C.

The Fojol Brothers of Merlindia… you’ll either love them or hate them. Their colorful truck blasts music loudly and serves up spicy, Indian-style food from a fictional land called Merlindia. The Fojol Brothers call their truck a culinary carnival and they live up to their word, donned in elaborate costumes and fake mustaches.

These wild twenty-somethings serve fresh vegetarian and meat-based dishes like spinach and cheese, buttered chicken, lentils, and garlic ribbons. They also sell lassipops, which are ice pops made of different flavors of lassi. Learn more about the “Fojol Folosophy” at their website or watch the culinary carnival in action the next time you’re in DC by keeping up with the Fojols on Twitter.

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Last Minute Vacation Rental Deal – Save 25% in Destin FL

Submitted 13.05.10 in Saving Money, Travel On The Cheap | 1 Comment | Add Comment
By Kathleen

Dreaming of relaxing on a sugary white sand beach along the emerald green waters of Destin, Florida? If so, you’re in luck.

Book any one of Holiday Isle Properties’ vacation rentals in Destin arriving between now and May 28th and receive a 25% discount off the base rate. Certain restrictions may apply, so be sure to ask the reservation agent for further details.

Call toll-free number 800-837-5102 to book your rental and claim your 25% discount. Keep in mind that the discount only applies to new reservations arriving between now and May 28th.

You can also read more about Holiday Isle Properties and this limited time-only deal by visiting their website.

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