USA

September 22, 2018 by Jeremy

Comparing Vehicles for a Road Trip

America was made for the open road. In fact, quality interstate highways are one of the often overlooked advantages of the continental 48. These Eisenhower highways connect every corner of the continental United States with smooth, wide, well-kept pavement. The roads are suitable for just about every vehicle, so take advantage of the nice weather, jump in your favorite mode of transportation and hit the high-quality highways to see the beauty that is America.

Motorcycle Road Trip

Motorcycles allow you to see everything. You’re not unobstructed by windows, doors and other passengers. It’s just you, the fresh air and the natural beauty that surrounds you. This instantly makes riding a motorcycle one of the best ways to see the country.

The freedom of a motorcycle has its tradeoffs, mainly in the form of reduced safety. Even cheap motorcycle insurance costs more for an individual than a policy covering a sedan would, due to the increased risk of accidents occurring when riding one. There’s also the issue of reduced storage space, as well as the exposure to the elements.

Make sure to do a little homework before ripping your hog down the highway. Some states have helmet laws while others do not, so make sure to tote bring your DOT-approved helmet. You’ll also have to schedule plenty of breaks and keep a keen eye on the weather, as wet roads are especially dangerous for motorcycles.

Car Road Trip

You’ll have to decide right off the bat which is the best car for a road trip. Do you plan on going off road? You’ll need an SUV with four-wheel-drive. Are you driving clear across the country and need to save some money? An economy car will do just fine. Or are you loading up all your friends with plenty of gear? Perhaps you’ll need a station wagon? Whichever type of automobile you pick, it will likely be less thrilling than a motorcycle but also more safe and secure.

Ask around to see if your friends have the right vehicle, but you may be forced to rent a car for the trip. This will cost a bit of money, but don’t despair. You can make it a one-way road trip with a rental car. Drive the rental from one city to your destination to fly back home. Simply drop the rental car off at the airport. This allows you to see the country while saving time. You’ll be forced to make an out-and-back trip with a car you own.

Campervan or Motorhome

If used frequently, campervans and motorhomes can save you time and money in the long-run. After all, you just rock up to points of interest to sleep for the night. You don’t have to be hassled with pitching a tent or finding a hotel. While they seem intimidating at first-glance, driving a motorhome quickly becomes second-nature much like ordinary driving did when you were a teenager.

However, you should consider the cost of a motorhome. Class-A motorhome prices start at about $50,000 and go up into the millions, depending on all the bells and whistles attached. Furthermore. in order to get the most out of a motorhome or RV, regular maintenance must be undertaken.

The most beautiful parts of America are all connected by highway. Grab a friend or two, plan a route and hit the road for the trip of a lifetime. Just make sure to choose your mode of transportation wisely.

April 25, 2018 by Jeremy

The Top 12 Tourist Destinations in Beverly Hills

All of you 90’s kids out there will remember the television series, “Beverly Hills, 90210”. This television series inspired people from all corners of the globe to set off on glamorous getaways to the city in Los Angeles County, California. If you didn’t catch an episode, let us inspire you to indulge in one of LA’s most affluent spots.

Fun Facts About Beverly Hills

The city of Beverly Hills was incorporated in 1914 and the area ZIP code is the wealthiest per-capita location in the nation. Don’t expect to see any billboards plastering the buildings like you might see in other US cities. Home to famous faces like Jack Nicholson, Beverly Hills boasts a manicured police station and a police department that will respond in under a minute.

The world’s first Cheesecake Factory sits on North Beverly Drive and if you stroll around, you’re sure to find the facade of many buildings quite familiar. This is because Beverly Hills has been the setting for a colossal amount of TV shows and movies, including the 1984 hit movie “Beverly Hills Cop”.

What to Do and See in Beverly Hills

  1. Rodeo Drive – Stretching for two miles, this famous street is the destination for year-round events and seasonal shows. A star-studded street of high-end stores and boutiques, the area can be explored by foot, on a segway tour or on a celebrity-spotting bus tour!
  2. Paley Center for Media (The Museum of Television and Radio) – A memorable day out can be enjoyed at this attraction, which can be found on the corner where North Beverly Drive meets Little Santa Monica Boulevard. Founded back in 1975 by William S. Paley, this striking building houses an expanding collection of content that has been broadcast on television and radio. Contained in its archives is a rehearsal for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella that was previously never seen prior to being shown off at the museum.
  3. Trolley Tour – Hop aboard this open-air trolley and get a glimpse of Beverly Hills from all angles. The 40-minute tour will take you along Rodeo Drive, where you can window shop and search for famous faces. You will also see the city hall, library and other area attractions. Best of all, the vintage trolley is free to ride!
  4. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – This professional honorary organization that comprises over 8,000 men and women working (and succeeding) in cinema. It is known around the world for hosting the annual Academy Awards, better known as “The Oscars”.
  5. Greystone Mansion – You may have heard of this historical landmark being called the Doheny Mansion. It is perched on a beautifully manicured estate and despite its serene vibe, the setting was once chosen for a murder. Ned Doheny Jr. and Hugh Plunkett were shot dead on the grounds in 1929 and the killer was never caught.
  6. Beverly Gardens Park – Officially opened in 1911, this picturesque public park covers 1.9 miles of land from one fountain to another. It’s well worth enjoying a relaxing stroll along the paved promenade, before sitting on one of the benches to admire the surrounding art sculptures, roses and cacti. Likewise, you can work off that serious case of jetlag with a quick run.
  7. Beverly Wilshire – Known as a landmark of Beverly Hills, this plush building is a Four Seasons Hotel on Rodeo Drive. The year 1928 saw its completion and since this time, it has been chosen as the shooting location for various movies and TV series.
  8. Spadena House – A storybook house positioned on the corner of Carmelita Avenue and Walden Drive, this attraction covers 3,500 square feet. Also known as “The Witch’s House,” it was designed by Harry Oliver with a stucco design and lopsided roof. Once upon a time, an architect named Charles Willard Moore likened it to Hansel and Gretel’s house.
  9. Virginia Robinson Gardens – Frequented by the famous, these gardens are part of the Robinson mansion at Virginia Robinson Estate. The historical landmark was built back in 1911 has a period landscape and Mediterranean Classic Revival Style. Set on six acres of landscaped gardens, the ancient estate is included on the National Register of Historic Places.
  10. Sprinkles ATM – No matter what time of day or night you fancy a sweet treat, this cupcake automat will not disappoint. It is open 24 hours a day to satisfy hunger cravings with red velvet cupcakes and vegan nibbles.
  11. Saban Theatre – Previously known as Fox Wilshire Theater, this timeworn entertainment venue is considered a classic landmark of L.A. The Art Deco style building was one of the first structures to be seen in the city’s eastern segment.
  12. Celebrity Sightings – Paparazzi congregate in various parts of Beverly Hills to capture photographs of celebrities going about their daily business. Celebrity hot spots include Nate ‘n Al Delicatessen and Mastro’s. You may also choose to join a Starline Movie Star Tour to see where the stars live.

Booking a Beverly Hills Hotel

Whether it’s a glamorous and relaxing getaway you are after, or a sightseeing trip on a budget, there’s something in Beverly Hills to suit. You could spend your days sipping champagne at a 5-star luxury resort, such as one of the Beverly Hills Hotels. These iconic hotels are proudly positioned in the most exclusive parts of the city. If you want to stay within the Golden Triangle, the Montage Beverly Hills will surely satisfy.

Alternatively, you might want to book a stay at an affordable, intimate boutique hotels with all of the amenities you could wish for. Sites like Expedia are a great way to find the right Beverly Hills Hotel for your trip. Recommended options include the Hotel del Flores, and Ramada Plaza West Hollywood Hotel and Suites.

What are your favorite destinations in Beverly Hills? Leave us a comment with your best recommendations in the section below.

April 14, 2018 by Jeremy

5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Visit Kauai At Least Once

Kauai may not be the most popular island in Hawaii, but it certainly is up there in the top three. However, what makes Kauai the most appealing is the island’s abundance of natural beauty. In case you have not visited Kauai or even Hawaii yet for some reason, here are five reasons as to why you need to do so soon.

Hiker’s Paradise

If you are a trekking or hiking enthusiast, you have probably already heard about the Kalalau Trail as one of the most beautiful and challenging hiking trails in Hawaii and it does live up to those expectations. The 11-mile long hike will take you through majestic cliffs, lonely beaches and some natural views of the island at the backdrop of the cliffs and the sea, that are the stuff of dreams for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The Unique Beauty of the Hanalei Bay

More a beach for the families, what makes Hanalei Bay unique are the green cliffs that surrounds the place, giving it a sense of privacy and seclusion from the rest of the world. It’s also a popular spot for surfers, and while the sunset from the beach is nothing short of stunning, surfers claim that the view from the water is even more grand.

Historical Wonder

It is believed that none of the main islands of the Hawaiian state are older than Kauai and geologists have confirmed that to be a fact. The island is quite literally millions of years old (5 million to be exact) and instead of visiting manmade museums to experience some of the history, you will be able to enter the ancient Makauwahi Cave and see things for yourself, just as nature left it. The cave is a historical and geological wonder where scientists have found bones and remains of extinct animals and plants that died off thousands, if not millions of years ago.

The Famous Na Pali Coast

Being one of the most popular attractions, the Na Pali coastline probably needs no introduction, but for those who are not familiar with the place or what it offers, know that the coastline here is almost cinematically beautiful and the view from any of the beaches or cliffs is a stunning amalgamation of colors. Helicopter tours are available and kayaking is both allowed and recommended.

The Waterfalls of Mount Waialeale

Admittedly, waterfalls are a common site on most Hawaiian Islands, but it’s different on Mount Waialeale because of the sheer number of waterfalls that roar down from top of the cliff and go down into the Blue Hole canyon that’s hundreds of feet deep and has steep 3,000-feet tall cliffs surrounding it. You can even trek down into the Blue Hole if you want and that’s an adventure by itself.

As Kauai is a tourist hotspot, it is advisable to book your flight tickets and hotel in advance from Panda Online. It will ensure that you don’t waste any of your valuable vacation time hunting for hotels after reaching the island, as well as saving you some money on the flight tickets. After all, there’s just so much to see on Kauai and most people hardly have enough time to see things properly.

March 22, 2018 by Jeremy

Eat up the Fun at Disney World

Have you never been to Disney World or has it been a long time since your last visit? Either way, does a trip there sound like fun?

For many of those who’ve been to Disney World in Florida, they came back with memories galore.

From many rides to different shows and more, Disney can leave you smiling whether you are an adult or a child.

So, is it time to check out this theme park and start planning your visit to one of the world’s most famous attractions?

Are You Going with Children?

If you are taking children on your trip to Disney, be sure to go online and research all there is to do for kids. You also want to make sure that your child will be the appropriate age for specific rides you may want to take them on.

It is also important to get your tickets as soon as possible.

Although you can buy tickets at the gate, why not have these ahead of time? Doing the latter means one less thing you have to worry about as you head out for fun.

The time of year you go to Disney World should also factor into your plans.

Yes, central Florida can get a tad on the hot and humid side when summertime rolls around. That said don’t let the weather stop you from heading off to what can be a great vacation experience. Your best bet is to check what the yearly weather is. See if the average temps a specific time of year will be alright with you.

With the weather decision behind you, you also want to think about when the crowds might be at their peak.

Don’t Sweat Any Crowds

If you go to Disney or any theme park for that matter in the summer, the crowds can be a little larger given the time of year. Once again, that should not stop you if summer is your best time of the year to travel. When you have kids, traveling in the summertime can be a necessity due to their school schedules.

Last, is your child a bit of a picky eater? In fact, might you be too and do not want to admit it.

That said you should do some online research on Disney dining.

Doing so will help you prepare for the different foods on the respective menus. Don’t worry; you should have no trouble finding stuff that you and your children will be more than happy to eat.

Also do a little research to see if you will need reservations for any of the eateries you are thinking of dining at. The last thing you’d want is waiting in a long line after a fun day of riding the rides and checking out the shows.

Last; check to see if you can take any snacks or water into whichever theme park you go to. If you can, you could save a few dollars on concessions before your main meal.

Whether at Disney World or any other such attraction for that matter; leave with a good taste in your mouth.

March 1, 2018 by Jeremy

Three Secrets for Scoring a Great Deal on Your Next Car

Buying a new car is a major financial investment for most people. If you’re a saver, you’ve likely spent hours working, and even more hours tabulating your savings waiting for the day you’re finally ready to bite the bullet. If you’re comfortable with financing most of your purchase, the wait might not have been so long until you’re ready. But, either way, there are a few important things to remember when buying a new car that will ensure you get a great deal on your purchase.

The first big secret is to know a whole lot about the car model or models you’re interested in well before you ever head to a car lot. You can do research on almost every car currently in production on reputable websites like Cars.com. You can filter your search results but specific makes and even trim levels of vehicles. There is also a comparison tool that allows you to look at several models side by side. Knowing all the details of the car model that will ultimately land in your sights will likely include knowing its value. Knowing this key piece of information will ensure you don’t fall for an inflated ticket prices at the dealership and will put leverage in your corner when it comes time for negotiations.  

Another huge component of getting a great deal on your next car is to shop around. You might find the exact car you’re looking for at the first dealership you visit. But, there is nothing wrong with making the salesmen work for the deal. And, rest assured, any dealership that carries the kind of car you’re looking for, can get any model or special features you want. Be sure to visit a few dealerships before settling on a specific car and pick the one that is most reputable, and makes you feel most comfortable about doing business with them.

Finally, if you’re going to finance your next car purchase, make sure you know what’s lurking in your credit report well before a potential lender pulls it. If you have any less-than-stellar information in your report, it could save you thousands of dollars in interest to clean it up well before submitting your loan application.

← Older posts