Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

How Much Would you Pay for a Turkey? Photo by Edsel L

It’s Thanksgiving time again, and while family gatherings, turkey, pumpkin pie, parades, and American football are the staples for most, the holiday takes different forms for everyone. Sometimes it can even take the form of watching cricket and eating pumpkin curry if you’re not in the United States.

Some celebrate Thanksgiving by flocking home, mashing potatoes and putting on the T.V., while others flee family obligations for the islands and pretend that it’s just any fourth Thursday. However, there is also a group in between–the people that are away from home for the holidays, but really wish they weren’t. They will spend November 22nd seeking out an American sports bar and roasting a “turkey” (or any bird-shaped meat for that matter) to be shared with anyone who’s interested.

Last year, I fell into the latter category during a teaching contract in Thailand, so this Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful to be home and with my family for the celebration. It did make me wonder, though… how do people who live abroad permanently celebrate at this time of year? Is Thanksgiving abroad depressing? …unimportant? …better than at home?

NPR had the same question last year and surveyed travelers, expats, and service members about how they plan celebrate Thanksgiving from abroad. One contributor writes that roast ostrich might be on his dinner table in South Africa while others vow to recreate the full experience with expensive imported goods. While most have the food down, it seems as though the hardest part for many is figuring out how to catch the game… Check out NPR’s Interactive Map of How Travelers, Expatriates And Service Members Spend Thanksgiving.

How do you plan to spend your Thanksgiving this year? And, how much would you pay for a turkey to make your Thanksgiving abroad authentic? Tell us about it on Facebook or in the comments section below. (Click here for a link to the full story if you can’t see the comments below: Cricket Games and Pumpkin Curry: Celebrating Thanksgiving Abroad)

Honoring our Veterans. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade.

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” -Cynthia Ozick

While Veterans Day is an especially good time to honor the men and women that have served the United States, their honorable sacrifice is one that should be revered year round. There are hundreds of benefits and discounts for veterans as a small form of thanks for your service, but with so much information, perhaps you don’t know exactly what’s available. If you are a veteran or have a family member who is, here are some veteran travel resources to help you benefit from your veteran status on your next vacation.

• Get your Veterans Advantage Card: Veterans Advantage is a benefits program designed to offer veterans and their families discounts on everything from electronics to travel. Veterans holding a Veterans Advantage membership card are eligible for major discounts on all things travel. With airline, train, bus, cruise, hotel and rental car partners, Veterans Advantage can save money for a veteran with a love of travel.
• Discover Exclusive Military Discounts before You Travel: Check out exclusive veteran travel discounts at Military.com before planning your trip to find out where you can stay, what you can do, and how you can travel at a discounted rate.
• Travel Space-A: If your itinerary is flexible, travel “Space-A” rather than on commercial airlines. Space Available travel is an way for veterans to travel by flying from one base to another on an open seat basis. Sign up on the Air Mobility Command website. While openings can be unpredictable, it’s easy to register your spot and save money on vacation.
• Use Military Lodging as a Hotel Alternative:  Find an Army, Navy or Air Force base near your vacation spot through the Department of Defense list dodlodging.net or call the centralized reservation systems for the U.S. Army (866-363-5771), the U.S. Navy (800-628-9466) or the U.S. Air Force (888-235-6343) to book. (Source: USAToday)

Find out more about veteran benefits on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website. Travel safe and Happy Veterans Day to the men and women who have served in the United States military!

Say your thanks to the veterans in the comments section below or on Facebook. (Can’t see comments? Click here for a link: Happy Veterans Day! Veteran Travel Discounts)

Are you Ready for Halloween? Photo by Author.

Halloween is creeping up again, and I have to say… it might just be my favorite holiday. Every year, I construct a ridiculous, elaborate, and random costume, then wait for the response. Sometimes, I win prizes, while other times I just end up squeezing myself through crowds restricted by a large trash can lid and overexplaining my costume for the few people that might ACTUALLY get it.

If you too love travel and Halloween, I’ve thought of a few clever and funny travel-related Halloween costume ideas for 2012. Sure, you could be a scantily-dressed cat or lazily constructed ghost again, but wouldn’t you rather choose something different this year? Read on for a few funny unique travel-themed Halloween Costume ideas!

1. The Rude Flight Attendant: The angry flight attendant is a great reference, because just about anyone who’s ever taken a flight anywhere can relate. Find a well tailored polyester dress or suit, over-coif your hair, and accessorize with a silk scarf, a pair of wings, and a little hat. The angry part can involve a beverage cart which you wield around recklessly, some miniature wine bottles, and snarky comments about seat belts and luggage. Don’t forget your fake smile for this one!

2. The Backpacker: The backpacker look is one that can be appreciated with anyone who’s traveled in the hostel scene before. Wear wildly patterned genie pants, a tank top advertising Southeast Asian lager, and a pair of obnoxiously colored Ray Bans. Mess up your hair a bit, and equip yourself with a smartphone, a lonely planet, and an REI daypack. Complete the look with a tribal tattoo, bare feet and a 40oz beer.

3. The Tourist: The stereotypical tourist is a travel reference that anyone will identify. Throw on your most obnoxious floral printed or “I ♥ …” shirt with a pair of khakis, high socks, and walking shoes. Sling a fake jumbo camera around your neck, fill your pockets with boarding passes and a crinkled map, and throw on a huge straw hat.

4. The Travelocity Gnome, Priceline Negotiator, etc.: Pick the travel commercial spokesman of your choice and build your own Halloween costume. Throw on a suit and your best William Shatner impression, or deck yourself out in a gnome hat and white beard to be the Travelocity gnome. Get creative, and rest assured that even your non-traveler friends can get this joke.

If you’re not up for the sarcasm, you could always be a pilot, tour guide, or even the hotel maid. For other ideas, think of all the people you meet on vacation and get creative!

Have you ever worn a travel-themed Halloween costume? Was it a success or a flop? Tell us about it in the comments below or on Facebook! (Click here if you can’t see the comments below: Funny Travel-Themed Halloween Costume Ideas for 2012)

Photo of La Tomatina Festival courtesy of www.arteyfotografia.com

It’s the last Wednesday in August. You know what that means!

What… you don’t?

Today is the day for La Tomatina festival! What is La Tomatina? Well, more specifically than “the most epic food fight EVER”, it is a festival in Buñol, Spain where people gather to throw over 50 metric tons of past-ripe tomatoes in the streets. It’s messy, its crazy, and most of all, its just really tomato-ey.

Originating in 1944 or 1945, this messy brawl has mysterious origins but a strong modern presence. La Tomatina is held annually and attracts anywhere between 20,000-40,000 tourists there to participate in a week of fun leading up to the tomato fight.

On the final Wednesday in August, the Palo Jabón event, in which people try to climb to the top of a greased pole to collect a ham–yes, a ham—prefaces the tomato fight. Around 11am after the ham is dropped, water cannons signal the start, trucks dump the load of tomatoes into Plaza del Pueblo, and the chaos begins.

But it’s not all unbridled fun. Of course, there are a few rules, like the banning other projectiles and a mandate that tomatoes are squashed prior to throwing… and other than that, its pretty much a free for all for one hour where alliances mean nothing, acquaintance is unimportant, and the only thing of significance is to hit as many people with tomatoes as possible.

If you are lucky enough to be near Buñol, or even Valencia, for the final week of August, make your way to Buñol for one of the strangest festivals you may ever attend.

Ever been to La Tomatina? How about another super messy festival? Let us know about it in the comments below! (Click here if you have trouble loading the comments: Gettin’ [Tomato] Saucy at La Tomatina)

Image provided by Rick Romancito

Summertime always makes me nostalgic for my hometown of Taos, NM.  Taos is one of those places that lingers, sticks to you, gets under your skin. They don’t call New Mexico “The Land of Enchantment” for nothing. There’s something about the never ending blue skies, the smell of chamisos (sagebrush) and the protective gaze of Taos Mountain that seduces the senses. There really isn’t a bad time to visit Taos, but if you’re looking for a cultural experience like none other, time your visit during the Taos Pueblo Powwow.

Taos Pueblo is the oldest still inhabited Native American community and is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a National Historic Landmark. The Red Willow people of Taos Pueblo have been living there for over 1,000 years. To say this site is historically rich is an understatement.

This weekend from July 13^th – 15^th you can experience the culture of Taos Pueblo while being introduced to the music and dance of different Native people from all over the nation.  There will also be booths from which you can purchase jewelry, pottery and many other mediums of arts and crafts. While there, be sure to eat some fry bread and red chile for me – seriously, you will never find red chile like this anywhere else. It is the best! Yes I said it, the best!

While you may not want to leave the Pueblo grounds, take some time to walk around Taos. You may just happen across the many murals that were done by the father of yours truly . . . here is a hint.

Have you seen this mural? Where is it located?

For more details on the Taos Pueblo Powwow, click here.

Image provided by Flickr Rob Sinclair

What do you think of when you hear the words Rocky Mountains? Jagged mountain ranges? Big open skies? Breathtaking views?

What if I told you that not only could you get all of the above, but you could also throw world-class entertainment into the mix? Pack your bags, you now have another reason to visit Colorado, aka the Rocky Mountain State. What is it? Well, Red Rocks Amphitheater of course!

What is Red Rocks Amphitheater? It is a geologically formed amphitheater that provides acoustic perfection! It is the only one of its kind in the world! Based on that alone, it’s not hard to understand why we Coloradans are obsessed with Red Rocks. You can literally fulfill all of your summer needs here.

• Exercise: This is one of the best places to get your fitness on. Once the weather starts to warm up there are so many Boot Camps that you can partake in. Join a group or go alone–running the stairs at Red Rocks is no joke. Best part is as long as there isn’t a show or festival going on the park is free!
• Hike: Walking around the Amphitheater can be a trek in itself, but the area surrounding contains some great hiking trails.
• Film on the Rocks: Wait, what?! Yes, during the summer Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Denver Film Society, and the Arts & Venues Denver collaborate to bring iconic movies to the masses at an affordable rate.  You can find me this year at the showings for Spirited Away and (ahem) the Notebook – Ryan Gosling – I’m just sayin’.
• Concerts: I mean hello! Red Rocks is a favorite place to play for so many artists. And I am going to say it; there is no such thing as a bad show at Red Rocks. Seriously, Yanni, would be amazing here – no offense to the Yanni fans out there. You have: your favorite bands, the massive, awe-inspiring sandstones that give the venue its name, panoramic views of Denver and guaranteed amazing sunsets!

I can go on and on but it won’t do you any good. This is something you need to experience for yourself.  Trust me, one show here and I am certain you too will prefer to spend your summers on the rocks.

Check out their website for more information about the history, geology, and events at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Who would you love to see at Red Rocks? Better yet, what was your favorite show at Red Rocks?

Enjoying The Denver Chalk Art Festival

I love festivals. My kids love festivals. I admit it – we are the festival kind of people. We love themes and all that people do to embrace and celebrate them.  I’m also not embarrassed to say that kitschy equals better in the rating of festivals. The joke in our family is if there is a crowd, my husband deliberately goes the opposite way. I, on the other hand, run towards it to see what all the excitement is about. That many people can’t be wrong!

Our community seems to have an abundance of festivals. I’m positive yours does too – you just need to uncover them.  A quick Google search for our state + festivals led me to multiple sites with calendars full of festive celebrations.  We have paid tribute to dragon boats, peaches, chalk art, apples, summer, fall and multiple nationalities and cultures just to name a few.

If you are new to the festival scene, this summer is the perfect time to get acquainted. The lazy days of summer combined with long daylight filled hours make them super easy to enjoy.

When I travel, I like to see if the trip coincides with any celebrations big (or small) in our destination.  If you are like me and love a crowd celebrating, then a festival might be just what the doctor ordered to enhance your connection with the community you are visiting.

I’ve rarely met a festival that I didn’t love. There’s a certain sense of camaraderie that develops when strangers get together to celebrate a common (or random) interest.  But then again, that sums up travel and why many of us love to explore our world.  Common experiences and settings often breed alliances and friendships that make this a small world after all.

Do you love festivals? What unusual festivals have you experienced? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

4th of July in the Grand Tetons - Photo by Author

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday America,

Happy Birthday to you.

 The Fourth of July is just a few short weeks away and if your holiday plans are as uninspiring as the lyrics to the Happy Birthday song, you might be in trouble. However, there is good news, you still have plenty of time to make arrangements for a patriotic pilgrimage to somewhere fun this July.

Check for last minute deals on travel sites like www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.hotwire.com or www.priceline.com, which will help you keep a close eye on prices and notify you when a deal comes around to any of your desired destinations. HINT: Some of the best airfare deals can be found at the two week mark prior to travel! I’d recommend putting San Diego on your radar with its unparalleled perfect weather and one of the best fireworks displays in the country (over 500,000 people attend). For a sandy destination on the opposite coast, consider making your way to the historical Southern city, full of charm, Charleston, South Carolina.

Lighting up the Sky - Photo Credit Flickr bayasaa

If you still can’t decide where to sport your red, white, and blue this year, check out this list of ABC News’ Top 10 Places to See July 4th Fireworks and prepare to get patriotic!

What’s your favorite way to celebrate the fourth? (Click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments below: Fourth of July: Red, White and Fun!)

Image provded by Flickr user Sean Buchan - MacKinnon Photography

Friend: “Did you know Denver brews more beer per capita than any other city in the US?!”

Sonja: “Awesome! That would come in handy, if I liked beer.”

Friend: “Wait, what? That’s like saying you don’t like to snowboard”

Sonja: “I don’t like to snowboard”

Friend: “You, Sonja, are in the wrong state ”

This is a conversation I often have. Yes, I am very much a fish out of water living in the Rocky Mountain State. I am not a fan of winter sports. Why? Well, I am a huge klutz, my legs are constantly covered in bruises and the idea of strapping myself onto a board/skis and gliding down a mountain sounds like an accident waiting to happen. Now don’t worry, I won’t knock something til I’ve tried it… I’ve tried it and it’s not for me.

The same goes for beer. If I am handed a beer, I will take a few sips put it down, only to return to it 1 hour later when it is warm and flat… and who wants a warm, flat beer? Every time I inform someone that I don’t like beer they seem to take it as a challenge. As if no one has ever tried to convert me. It’s all well intentioned and who would I be to turn down a free drink? Crazy, that’s who.

Why is this so strange? So I don’t like beer, so what? Well I live in Denver, Colorado and went to college in Boulder. To say these two cities love their beer is an understatement. There are so many local breweries and microbreweries in the state that it really is odd that I have not found ONE beer that makes me crave it on a hot summer day.

I’ve decided that in 2012 I will expand my horizons, make a conscious effort to try new things, so I’ve decided that I will do my best to develop at least an appreciation for beer. You may never catch me purchasing a Growler but who knows I may surprise you and invite you out for a “cold one”.

So where to start?

1)   Check out this list of Top 10 Denver Area Breweries and Brew Pubs. Favorites include: Wynkoop Brewing Company – the oldest brew-pub in Denver, Great Divide Brewing, Del Norte Brewing, and of course Coors with their famous brewery tours.

2)   Boulder Beer Company: Colorado’s first microbrewery. Stop in to grab some grub and sample a few beers direct from the source.

3)   Avery Brewing Co: I actually used to attend deaf events here when I was an undergrad; it was a great way to practice my ASL.  American Sign Language Night is on the 1^st Tuesday of every month and is open to everyone. Don’t know ASL? That is ok; this is a great way to learn! ASL Night is on hold till August so you have time to at least get the alphabet down!

4)   Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery: There are 3 locations and they all offer great food, great brews, which equals a great time.

Even better, plan your visit around one of Denver’s famous festivals!

1)   Summer Brew Fest - July 27, 2012 – Held at Denver’s Mile High Station, this festival features 125+ brews from 45+ craft breweries as well as live music, food and more. If that doesn’t win you over, this is a great way to give back while getting your “swerve on”. Summer Brew Fest benefits the Swallow Hill Music Association which promotes the art of music in our community. Check them out!

2)   Oktoberfest - September 21-23 & 28-30, 2012 – Held in Denver’s Ballpark Neighborhood, come celebrate German heritage through music, dance and of course beer! If you have kids, don’t worry, Denver’s Oktoberfest is an event with fun activities for the whole family!

3)   Denver Beer Fest – October 5-13, 2012 – Held at various locations throughout Denver, this is a great way to experience the “Suds City”. Get a taste of what each eclectic Denver neighborhood has to offer.

4)   The Great American Beer Festival - October 11-13, 2012 – Held at the Denver Convention Center, this isn’t a mere tasting, this is the mother of all beer festivals! Last year 466 breweries were in attendance. They poured over 2,000 types of beer to a crowd of 50,000 “tasters” packed into the Denver Convention Center, a space roughly the size of 5 football fields! If you don’t like beer after this event, well, there really is no hope!

Don’t live in Denver? Now you have a reason to visit! Come during any of the times listed above to attend a festival or come out and make your own! Just remember to be safe, be courteous and have fun! While you’re at it, why not take a break from drinking to get to know our city by taking a quick tour. Whether to get the lay of the land or to head up into the beautiful Rocky Mountains, you can find tours in and out of the city at grayline.com/denver.

What are your favorite breweries in the Denver/Boulder area? (Click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments field below: “Of all my favorite things to do, the utmost is to have a brew”)

Image Provided by Flickr User Mark Sebastian

Raise your hand if you’re a procrastinator! If you’ve read any of my other postings, you know that my hand is definitely in the air. This horrible habit can make it rather difficult to plan a vacation. Surprise, surprise, this Memorial Day weekend is no exception. Why didn’t anyone tell me that the end of May was already here?! Wasn’t it just Easter? That being said, I refuse to allow a three-day weekend to slip through my fingers, and neither should you! I have spent the majority of my morning, when I should have been working, piecing together my last minute vacation. To my delight, all is not lost! Thanks to the magic of the World Wide Web (does anyone still say that?) I never have to learn my lesson and neither do you. Check it…

To celebrate the true spirit of the holiday, here’s a list of Memorial Day events including parades, fireworks, musical performances, wreath-laying ceremonies, picnics and more.

Of course the 3 day weekend is also a great opportunity for some R&R so here’s a great article with 5 last minute vacations to do on a budget; yes I said the B word. They have some really great tips to save you money. You can go to Chicago, NYC, Las Vegas, Orlando, or Miami! I don’t know about you, but since I live in a land locked state, the beach sounds like the perfect way to spend this long weekend.

If flying is not an option this year and you’re driving to your destination, I found the best article on foxnews.com. It gives you a list of all the rest stops you should avoid around the country, mostly on the east coast. Yes, rest stops can be creepy, but the main reason you would want to avoid these are because of the crowds. Who knew?

So now that you know where you’re going and how you’re getting there, where are you going to stay? If crashing on someone’s couch, floor, or lawn is not an option, don’t worry I’ve got you covered. Besides the usual last minute websites like Priceline.com and Hotwire.com, here’s a list of hotels around the country that are offering deals for this holiday weekend! Here’s a little secret about using this Frommer’s award winning website – you get better deals if you call them. I know how archaic that sounds, who calls anyone anymore? Just ask yourself if talking to someone for a few minutes is worth saving some money. Your answer may be yes, it may be no, either way it’s a win-win.

Regardless of your political stance, please take some time to remember why we have this holiday. Thank you to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives.

Did I miss anything? What are you doing this Memorial Day weekend? Let me know in the comments below! (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Tips for a Fun Last Minute Memorial Day Weekend)