Category: Travel

Press Play on These 4 Great Travel Podcasts

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on March 22, 2016.

The appeal of travel is that you get to, well, go somewhere. That’s why a travel podcast might sound a little counterintuitive at first. Most people would rather go to Peru (for example) than hear someone else talk about it. And if that’s not an immediate option, browsing photographs may seem superior to spoken word.

And yet podcasts have exploded in popularity precisely because the spoken word is so powerful, and because a lack of visual commitment makes them perfect for filling time stuck in traffic, walking the dog, or cleaning the kitchen. Plus, travel podcasts specifically can clue you in on new destinations, while also offering travel tips, language lessons, and much more.

If you’re in the market for some new podcasts to add to the queue, try one of these; it just might just inspire your next vacation.

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1. The Indie Travel Podcast:

For the last decade, New Zealanders Craig and Linda Martin have been “professionally homeless,” meaning they travel full-time. The couple chronicles their travels on the Indie Travel podcast. According to a recent anniversary episode, Craig and Linda describe “Indie Travel” as the desire to experience a destination as opposed to just seeing it — generally by engaging with the local environment, businesses and people.

In most episodes, the couple hones in on a specific destination and talks about their experience — whether that means navigating the United Kingdom, living in Mexico, or visiting Ukraine. The couple also sometimes shares more practical advice and interviews other travelers. With over 300 episodes already broadcast, new listeners have plenty of backlog to enjoy on top of the usual two to three new podcasts coming out each month.

2. Travel with Rick Steves:

A good number of top travel podcasts are created by a couple or group of friends who quit their full-time jobs to travel the world. They are (understandably) eager to share tips and best practices to that end — which is great! But many of us aren’t in a position to necessarily rearrange our lives around travel; we simply want to get away or spice up some standard trips. That’s why the “Travel with Rick Steves” podcast remains a staple.

Episodes don’t spend time on his life story or on motivational quotes about breaking away from your routine. Instead, the episodes showcase places and cultures, while also featuring renowned guests from activist and author Gloria Steinem to British actress Joanna Lumley. And while Steves’ voice may sound a bit monotone when you first tune in, it’s actually quite soothing as you get used to it, making for perfect background listening.

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3. Conde Naste Traveller Travelogue:

Another established, well-executed podcast that features a nice range of voices is the Conde Naste Traveller Travelogue. Conde Naste is one of the world’s leading media companies, while its Traveller Magazine boasts beautiful photography and seemingly endless travel suggestions. The podcast, as you might guess, is essentially the magazine a new form.

Launched last fall, the weekly episodes are conversational, yet keep things a bit more journalistic. So far, topics have included how to travel with kids, information on new TSA rules and how to survive holiday travel, in addition to destination-specific highlights from Australia to Miami. Oh, and each episode kicks off by sharing the “Cocktail of the Week.” Get a buzz on, then book a trip!

4. Survival Phrases:

Ever find yourself in a new country without the ability to even ask for basic directions? That’s where the “Survival Phrases” podcast comes in. It can help travelers prepare (or perhaps cram last minute) for travel to a country in which people speak a different language. There are podcasts series available for 27 total languages, from Spanish to Chinese to Dutch. In teaching important travel phrases, the podcast attempts to offer listeners “cultural insight you will not find in a textbook,” including frequently used modern phrases.

If you have travel coming up, pick a podcast, scroll through the archives and find an episodes that focuses on your destination. You’ll be sure to find some great suggestions and stories, while other episodes may also provide the perfect place to visit for vacations that follow.

Hipmunk Hotels: Themed Vacations in Reno, Phoenix, Richmond, Detroit and Louisville

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

I thought of another twist to my bucket list, themed vacations. Who doesn’t like a good theme? All of these big cities warranted a revisit and with a cool theme it will be like visiting the city for the first time, all over again, so to speak, as it where (Seinfeld reference).

Reno, Nevada

Reno, Nevada is a destination for action and adventure, but not all action takes place in the casinos. Reno is smack dab in the desert, buckaroo. To appease my inner cow girl, I think I would like to enjoy a horseback ride through the many trails. The local hotels can put you in touch with a guide or tour group.  A leisurely trot through the nearby trails or an all day excursion will have you saying y’all and embracing the cowboy way of life in no time.

Image provided by Julie Jeffery via Trover.com

Phoenix, Arizona

I lived in Phoenix, Arizona for a summer. Yeah, I know. Summer is not the best time to visit. Let me let you in on a little secret. It wasn’t as bad as you would think. Phoenix is a dry heat. I still sweated my butt off, but I discovered that the heat didn’t keep people from enjoying outdoor activities, they just did them at night. Night golf, lighted tennis courts, moonlight hikes in the nearby mountains are great ways to enjoy the city after being cooped up in the air-conditioned hotels and resorts all day.

Richmond, Virginia

My mother grew up in Virginia so I have first hand knowledge of how this city has changed over the years. It may not be on your bucket list, but if history fascinates you, Richmond and the Capital Square area continues to embrace the city’s historic significance to the birth of our nation. Walk down the cobbled stone streets, study the fully restored capital, and wander the grounds of the Executive Mansion. Built in the 1700’s, the city of Richmond, Virginia will take you back Colonial Times, the good parts of it anyway.

 

Image provided by Megan Wright via Trover.com

Detroit, Michigan

While Detroit, Michigan and the surrounding suburbs have gone through a lot lately economically, it’s still a fascinating city with many attractions. I’ll call this my Speedster themed vacation. Detroit Auto Museum traces the history of the automobile in US history. The Model T museum shows Ford’s place in the creation of our modern-day obsession with our cars. Paying tribute to these establishments and patronizing the many hotels and casino resorts in Detroit will go a long way in bringing this city back to prominence.

Louisville, Kentucky

I’m calling my trip to Louisville, Kentucky my whiskey themed vacation. Home of Kentucky Bourbon and the Jim Beam Distillery, you can’t help but partake in the local drink. Whether you are a fan of whiskey or not. Pick a hotel near the center of town. Bar hop to sample how each establishment takes the local beverage and creates their own twist.

 

Image provided by Abby Fieldhouse via Trover.com

Who wants to join me on a Wild West, Sportster, Colonial, Speedster, Drunk road trip?

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Contributing writer for hipmunk.com.

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Hipmunk Hotels: More California Adventures in Burlingame, Concord, Fresno, Roseville and Santa Ana

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

More bucket list adventures in California are on the horizon. I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of California. The earth quakes scare the ‘bejesus’ out of me. These little towns have some interesting sights I need to see before California falls into the ocean.

Burlingame, California

Known as the City of Trees, Burlingame, California has an amazing coastline and outstanding views. It’s located near San Francisco and is the largest shoreline in the San Francisco Bay. San Francisco International airport is in Burlingame, which means millions of people pass through it every day, but if they were smart like me, they would grab a room at one of the local hotels and enjoy the local sites. Burlingame is a sweet city, too, literally. See’s candy and Pez have their headquarter in Burlingame.

Images provided by William Jones via Trover.com

Concord, California

Concord, California is another city by the Bay. The city center known as the Todos Santos Plaza is a gathering place for tourist and locals. With several hotels near the area, the Plaza features restaurants and a farmers market along with free concerts in the summer. Concord’s most famous resident is Tom Hanks, so if it’s good enough for Forrest Gump, it’s good enough for me.

Image provided by la Vang via Trover.com

Fresno, California

The fifth largest city in California and in San Joaquin Valley is Fresno, California. Fresno is probably one of the safest places in the world considering it houses divisions of every unit of the military. Fresno has many great hotels, but I might push myself and partake in camping in one of the most notorious camp ground in the world.  Okay, maybe my version of camping or glamping (glamorous camping) doesn’t count. Yosemite National Park is a stones throw away from Fresno and I can’t wait to me Yogi and Bobo.

Roseville, California

I admit, it took me a minute to figure out the capital of California was Sacramento, but once I did, I couldn’t wait to explore the city and suburbs surrounding it. Roseville is one of those cities. A former railroad town, Roseville, California, formally called Roseville Junction, retains some of its history glamor. Vernon Street is a historical district with great hotels and restaurants. When you walk through The Old Downtown area it’s like stepping back in time.

Santa Ana, California

In the southern region of the great state of California, I found Santa Ana, California. I couldn’t find much about Santa Ana except for it is the birthplace of several notable athletes (Danny Espinosa and Christian Ramierez) and celebrities (Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael B. Jordan). The amazing climate and the place makes it a great destination for tourist. Beautiful hotels and resorts in and around Santa Ana serve food from all over the world. Who knew you could get Cajun food in southern California.

Image provided by Lily A. via Trover.com

What kind of California adventures have you found yourself in? 

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Contributing writer to Hipmunk.com.

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Adventures in a Re-Visit to Denmark

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

When I was in high school, I took a group trip with the Student Ambassador program to Europe. Our trip hit the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Finland and my favorite, Denmark. We stuck with the main sights of Copenhagen, but I have always wanted to go back and check out some of these attractions in and around the capital city.

Aarhus, Denmark

My favorite activity when traveling is to check out the architecture. Each city has its own unique look and tells the history of the place. Weather ancient and historic and modern, I love them all. Aarhus, Denmark has a great mix of both. In the case of Aarhus Denmark, you might say it tells more about its future. You can find all sorts of unique architectural surprises that make you wonder what was the designer thinking and how did they do that.

Imaged provided by Leif Petersson via Trover.com

Aalborg, Denmark

In Aalborg, Denmark, you more apt to find traditional architecture. As a great example of Renaissance style architecture, the Jens Bangs Stonehouse is names after the riches Dane in history. Prior to the this trip, I thought northeastern America was old and I thought if I saw one old building, I had seen them all. I quickly discovered that statement was naïvely false. It seems the older the building, the more fascinating the story that goes alone with it. The Bangs family built Stonehouse in the 1600. They have owned the building for over 300 years. It is still used as a pharmacy today. Hidden in the basement is a place enjoy a cold beer and learn more about the history of this house. The rest of the house is private and not open to the public.

Image provided by Peter Frank via Trover.com

Frederiksberg, Denmark

In Frederiksberg, Denmark, the Frederiksberg Have (Gardens) is a modern and historical marvel. The house itself reminds me of the Palace of Versailles in Paris as well as the Summer Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. I was able to visit both on this trip, but I hate I missed Frederiksberg and the gardens of this beautiful place. The green landscape with is flowers, manicured lawn, and trees, is the true gem of this historic place. I could spend days wondering the sprawling gardens. The gardens included several structures, which were influences by Swedish, Chinese and Roman cultures. On any beautiful day, you will see tons of people enjoying the growns. I could nap on the grass for hours or enjoy a book.

Image provided by Sigursteinn Halldorsson via Trover.com

Kastrup, Denmark

On my search for more modern structures, Kastrup, Denmark is a city that grew out of modern and state of the art inspiration. It houses the Orestad, which is Denmark’s international airport. The train system is one of the most modern and efficient in Europe.  You can find your introduction and farewell to this beautiful country and reveil in its modern and traditional way of life the Danish have captured unlike any other city in Europe.

Image provided by Diane Fang via Trover.com.

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Contributing writer for Hipmunk.com.

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Travel Rhythm : Santa Fe’s Top Independent Hotels

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

Unknown-260x191This post was posted on Travel Rhythm on January 20, 2016.

Santa Fe is a city filled with rich culture and plenty of activities and sightseeing for travelers. Considering the wealth of tourist hotspots, it makes sense that the city also has a wealth of hotels to choose from. If you’re looking for affordable and popular accommodations, consider staying at one of these five places during your visit to Santa Fe.

Cities of Gold Casino

Cities of Gold Casino is a fun yet relaxing hotel option for your trip to Santa Fe. Wake up to a scenic mountain view before heading downstairs for breakfast. Your room’s many amenities will keep you comfortable — each room includes cable TV, a coffee and tea maker, wireless Internet access, complimentary toiletries, and housekeeping services. With five dining options and an onsite casino, you may never want to leave the hotel premises. Other services include a business center, fitness and health club, and free guest parking.

The Lodge at Santa Fe

For a true Southwestern experience, book a room at The Lodge at Santa Fe. You won’t be disappointed, as the architecture, decor, and overall environment are inspired by the Southwest. Rooms and suites offer separate living spaces, so you’ll feel right at home. The onsite restaurant is where you can find authentic New Mexican cuisine and refreshing cocktails. If you’re looking to book an event, the lodge has you covered. This hotel accommodates events such as weddings and business conferences.

El Rey Inn

The El Rey Inn in Santa Fe will give you an authentic experience during your stay in New Mexico. The charming decor and the clean and spacious rooms make this one of the best hotel options in the area. You can stay entertained and energized at the outdoor swimming pool, hot tub cabana, sauna and whirlpool, and fitness center, and guests traveling with children will enjoy the onsite playground. Many rooms offer kitchenettes, but if you’re interested in exploring Santa Fe’s Restaurant scene, just walk outside the hotel doors.

Las Palomas

Located in the heart of Santa Fe, Las Palomas is an ideal hotel option for travelers who are in the mood to experience the city to its fullest potential. Surrounded by restaurants and bars, museums, galleries, shopping, and scenic mountain views, you can’t go wrong when you book a room at Las Palomas. Rooms here include everything you might need, so get a good night’s sleep before waking up to a complimentary breakfast. You’ll also have access to the outdoor pool, spa treatments, and a fitness facility.

Inn of the Governors

The Inn of the Governors is another wonderful yet affordable option for accommodations while visiting Santa Fe. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the lively and colorful decor will brighten you mood. Rooms include comfortable beds, refrigerators, and safes, and some even come with a fireplace and mini bar. Nearby to the hotel you’ll find plenty to do, such as Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Fe Plaza, and the Palace of the Governors. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to spend a day at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum or the Chuck Jones Gallery.