Bucket List – Page 9 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

X’pat Matt’s : Budget-Friendly Adventures in the American West

Published on May 5, 2016May 23, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was originally published on XPatMatt on April 14, 2016.

Image via Trover by Micah Weber

Not every trip “out west” needs to empty your wallet and your savings account. In fact, there are plenty of adventurous destinations in the west that are affordable, uncrowded, and full of awesome outdoor activities for you and your traveling family. These five budget-friendly destinations offer everything you need to make the most of your adventure-based getaway.

Discover the Wild West in Missoula

Missoula is one of Montana’s most underrated cities. This hip town and its active residents are fueled by its surrounding scenery, littered with mountain peaks, rivers, and forests. Visitors can stay in the heart of downtown — minutes from some of the world’s best mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, hiking, horseback riding and more — for an affordable price any time of year. Opt for the budget-friendly Holiday Inn Downtown for gorgeous river views and a location that’s within walking distance of some of the city’s favorite sights.

Make Memories in Rapid City

Rapid City, S.D., is known as the home of Mt. Rushmore, but adventures extend far beyond the historic monument. Adventurers will find endless fun mountain biking, fishing, hiking, geocaching, horseback riding, and kayaking among the gorgeous scenery of the Great Plains and the Black Hills. Even better, you can stay in the center of town or inside the famed Black Hills National Forest on any budget.

Explore the Red Rock Landscapes of Moab

Moab is a place that adventure lovers dream about. Staying seconds from what are known as the greatest mountain biking trails in the world doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg despite Moab’s standing as an outdoorsy “resort town.” Stay close to the downtown museums, restaurants, and outdoors stores or walking distance to the area’s best parks and trails; you can always find an affordable place to rest your head at the end of a day filled with adventure.

Venture Into the Mountains in Vail

Escape the hustle and bustle of Denver to discover the White River National Forest and all of the adventures available at the Vail Ski Resort. You don’t have to pay outrageous resort prices to enjoy all of the mountain biking, hiking, golfing, and whitewater rafting adventures Vail offers in spring and summer. Instead, opt for one of many more affordable options, like the Evergreen Lodge, to stay minutes from the mountain town’s best features for an unbelievably affordable price.

Adventure Inland in Roseville

Roseville is just 30 minutes from Sacramento, but it’s one of the best places to escape the stresses of city life in California. The area is known for its pristine golf courses, artsy downtown area, abundance of museums, and parks and trails that make for pleasant bike rides, runs, and hikes. Your budget-friendly hotel in the heart of Roseville will also place you minutes from the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, where you can boat, swim, kayak, and fish on hot, dry summer days in California. Opt for a stay at the Extended Stay America or Residence Inn by Marriott Roseville for easy access to downtown and the outdoors.

Every Steph : Brooklyn’s Most Glamorous Hotels

Published on April 27, 2016May 1, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

This post was posted by Steph on Every Step-h on February 27, 2016.

Are you dying to visit the Big Apple, but you are scared it might be too expensive? Think again! New York doesn’t have to be crazy expensive if you don’t mind a short subway ride to Brooklyn.
Stay in one of these glamorous hotels in Brooklyn, the glitz of New York awaits you!

Image by Jim Nix via Trover.com

Lxure Brooklyn Suites

Just a 15-minutes drive from Brooklyn, Lxure Brooklyn Suites offers top-notch guest service and fancy rooms. Everything in the stylish suites screams luxury, from the heated marble floors to the crystal chandeliers and leather sofas in the living-room area.
The hotel offers plenty of amenities: guests only need to decide whether to hit the indoor pool, the spa tub, or the business center first. Rates include a lovely continental breakfast delivered each morning to your room.

The Box House Hotel

Located in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood, The Box House Hotel is a contemporary and designer hotel.

The modern lofts and suites feature works by local artists, 42-inch LCD TVs, and iPod docking stations. If you need more space, some of the suites are split-level and have modern kitchenettes and a living-room area with pullout beds that can sleep a few extra people.

Guests enjoy a state of the art fitness center which also includes steam showers and a sauna, a 24-hour business center and free shuttle rides to the city center in classic 1970s Checker cabs. Room rates average $160 a night.

Lefferts Manor Bed & Breakfast

Lefferts Manor Bed & Breakfast is a small hotel that combines tradition with modern comforts. The ten vintage-themed rooms are exquisitely decorated with wooden furniture, are air-conditioned and provide complimentary Wi-Fi.

Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby all day long or relax in the hotel library. Lefferts Manor is located in the historic district of Brooklyn, and it’s just a short walk from Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, and Prospect Park Zoo.

Brooklyn Motor Inn

Located in Red Hook neighborhood, the Brooklyn Motor Inn is a comfortable hotel which comes with an affordable price tag.
Rooms are basic but include everything you need, including climate control with air conditioning, cable TV, a refrigerator and a microwave. The strongest selling point for this hotel is its location: Brooklyn Motor Inn is very close to Brooklyn Bridge, which means that with a short drive, guests can relax in Battery Park, visit the 9-11 Tribute Center, or take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty.

Condor Hotel

Very well linked by public transportation, Condor Hotel is a luxury hotel featuring designer rooms with an urban vibe.

Rooms offer plush bedding, a deep soaking bathtub, rainfall showers, and a kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator.

Mornings start with a kick thanks to the complimentary continental breakfast which includes muffins, bagels, fresh fruit, and made to order Belgian waffles. Guests can take advantage of the business center and meet fellow guests in the living room. Condor Hotel is one of the most competitively priced hotels on the luxury side in Brooklyn; rates start at $160 a night and can go up to $380 for luxury suites with two sleeping areas.

Weird And Amazing Travel’s : 4 Things You Won’t Believe You Can Do in Sydney

Published on April 25, 2016April 26, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

This post was posted by Robert Schrader on Weird And Amazing Travel on February 24, 2016.

Perched atop hills and surrounded by water, Sydney is an extraordinarily beautiful city—there’s no doubt about that. What many travelers don’t realize about Australia’s largest metropolis, however, is how many off-the-beaten-path activities exist along Sydney’s well-trodden paths. Whether you’re looking for a rush of adrenaline, an urban retreat into nature, a terrifying game, or the freshest seafood meal you’ve ever had outside Japan, you’ll probably be caught off guard by these surprising Sydney activities.

Sydney BridgeClimb - Flickr user ImagineCup — How can you be afraid of heights with views like this? Flickr user ImagineCup

1. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Along with the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge is by far Australia’s most iconic symbol. Chances are you’ve already scheduled some time in your Sydney trip to marvel at the bridge (likely from the grounds of the Opera House), but did you know you can actually climb the bridge as well, for a Sydney panorama like no other?

BridgeClimb is 100% safe, so abandon your fear of heights, strap in, and enjoy the view! Plus, if you happen to stay in The Rocks, BridgeClimb’s main office is easy to reach by foot, which will give you some time to release anxiety and calm your nerves in advance of your climb.

What to Pack for a trip to Costa Rica?

Published on April 16, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

I am super excited. A new addition to the bucket list. I had no idea about Costa Rica. I mean, yeah, it’s a country in the tiny narrow section of Central America. It has great beaches. It’s like any other Central America country. Right? Nope. I was so wrong and am moving Costa Rica up to the top of the list. I am just a plane ticket and one perfectly packed suitcase away from this “Rich Coast” vacation.

El Ocotal, Costa Rica

Located on the north-east coast, El Ocotal, Costa Rica is small beach town with a large beach resort on Ocotal Bay. To enjoy the beauty of this country, I will definitely pack my bathing suit. Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches and none are more beautiful than the ones on the Pacific Ocean side of the Spanish-influenced country.

Fortuna, Costa Rica

The interior of Costa Rica is just as fascinating. It’s full of rich tropical rain forest, mountains, and waterfalls. I packed my hiking shoes to traverse the forest and find one of these pockets of tranquility in Fortuna, Costa Rica. Fortuna borders the Volcan Arenal National Park. The 29,000-acre park is two volcanos side by side, both dormant for several thousand years. The park offers several hiking trails carved in the lava fields and forest of the park.

Volcan Arenal – Image courtesy of Cindy Baker via Trover.com

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Further down the west coast is another beautiful beach town called Tamarindo, Costa. The city is a popular tourist destination for Costa Ricans on holiday. I need to pack my surfboard for my visit to Tamarindo. It has some of the best waves on the West coast. Waves reach up to 12 feet in November and December. Once I wear myself out from a day of surfing, I can’t wait to sit back on my surfboard, relax, and watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Tamarindo Beach – Image courtesy of Garrett Britton via Trover.com

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is a national park near the urban area of Quepos. The scenery is some of the most breath-taking in the world. The 682 hectares is home to several birds, wildlife, and plants, but its most interesting residences are the three different species of monkeys. The beach is considered one of the top 25 beaches in the world, so I will make sure and pack my sunscreen. I’ll be spending a lot of time hanging out on the white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio Park.

Image provided by Erika Calvert via Trover.com.

Papagayo, Costa Rica

Located on a peninsula that jets out into the Gulf of Papagayo is Papagayo, Costa Rico. This area of Costa Rica has some of the most amazing resorts. The rich and romantic seek out Papagoya Peninsula for their getaways. I packed my riding boots because I want to see this part of Costa Rica on horseback. Guided tours wind through the hills and valleys and if I’m lucky, I find one of those beautiful waterfalls the country is known for.

Have you been to Costa Rica?

Hipmunk Hotels: Movie and Television Sets in Bar Harbor, Atlantic City, Albany, Ithaca and Stamford

Published on April 12, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

I love it when I find items I want to scratch off my bucket list. Even better when they are located in amazing places I’ve never been. Going to the settings of some of my favorite movies and television shows is a bonus when they’re located in great cities, like these.

Bar Harbor, Maine

I had to watch the psychological thriller “Shutter Island” three times to understand all the nuances of this story set in Bar Harbor, Maine. Once I figured out what was real and what was in Leonardo DiCaprio’s character’s imagination, this movie scared me even more. I look forward to staying in the small seaside port and exploring where Leo lost his mind. The city and its weather are prevalent in the plot; in fact, I might consider visiting in the winter. The city offers several great hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, and none, as far as I can see, are like the place they stayed at in the movie, thank goodness.

Image provided by Gizmo Goes West via Trover.com

Atlantic City, New Jersey

I’ve been to Atlantic City, and I liked it. The boardwalk, casinos, and hotels on the Atlantic Ocean were great. I enjoyed it mostly because it was closer than Las Vegas and gave you a hint of the Vegas vibe. After watching it come to life during the Prohibition era in the HBO show “Boardwalk Empire,” I see Atlantic City in a whole new light. The show made the boardwalk, hotels, and nightclubs seem like an adult version of Disney Land. They had so much fun, in between the killing, illegal activity, and other bad stuff.

Image provided by Jackie Grenier via Trover.com

Ithaca, New York

Ithaca, New York, is a great college town. It has beautiful scenery and what you think of when you picture upstate New York. Besides Cornell University, Ithaca was the setting for the 1986 movie “The Manhattan Project.” The movie was about a kid who built an atomic bomb in his garage for a science fair to expose a plutonium plant in the city. I’m sure it is safe to stay in the many hotels and explore the countryside, free from plutonium, now. The unassuming city was the perfect backdrop to this thriller.

Albany, New York

Albany, the capital of New York, is a beautiful place to visit if you have a thing for state capitals, which I do. I plan to visit when the weather is nice. Find a great hotel, get some hiking in to check out the scenery, and then drive up and down Interstate 787 and relive the car chase made famous by Angelina Jolie in the movie “Salt.”

Image provided by Linda via Trover.com

Stamford, New York

I admit, before my research, I thought Stamford was located in Connecticut. It turns out there are two Stamfords. Stamford, New York, is a little village three hours north of New York City that sits between Cooperstown and Albany. It’s part of the Catskills area where movies like “Dirty Dancing,” “War of the Worlds,” “The Bourne Legacy” were shot. Several quaint hotels and B&Bs occupy the area. It’s known for having great hiking, jogging, and scenic walking trails.

Is there a movie set you would love to visit?