Tag: travel

Hipmunk Hotels: Adventures in Lincoln, Saint George, Salt Lake, Park City and Milwaukee

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

My America bucket list travel in the midwest continues with a jaunt through Nebraska, Utah and Wisconsin. All my trips have a list of musts; food, hotels, adventures and now architecture. This part of the country has some unique buildings. Styles you wouldn’t expect in America.

Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln, Nebraska is the state capital of Nebraska and has an interesting nickname for its capital building. How could you not want to stop and take titillating photos of what is affectionately referred to as the “Penis of the Plains”? The inside of the building is as interesting as the exterior. As someone who loves libraries, the capital houses a historical library with secret bookshelves and reading lights attached to the walls. I have to check it out.

Photo provided by Jen Barnason via Trover.com

Saint George, Utah

Named after the Church of Later Day Saints (CLDS) Apostle, Saint George, Utah sits in the Mojave Desert. The landscape with its red dirt and hilly mountains make this city an outdoor paradise. It doesn’t mean they don’t have some interesting buildings. One I have to check out is St. George’s Utah Temple. They CLDS built the Temple in 1871 and has a natural disastrous past. It’s been through unstable ground, they had to pack the swamp ground with volcanic rock for it to stand. The walls fell in 1872 after being struck by lightning in 1872 and a fire destroyed the temple in 1928.

Photo provided by C G Oakeson via Trover.com

Salt Lake City, Utah

Continuing on the CLDS tour, Salt Lake City, Utah, holy ground to the Mormons was founded by Brigham Young. While I may not agree with the religious practices of the Mormons, the Temple Square is an architectural and historical landmark built-in 1928.  The architecture reminds me of the great cathedrals in Europe. The grounds are beautiful and evoke peace and spirituality.

Photo provided by TravelTess via Trover.com

Park City, Utah

When I think of Park City, Utah, extreme winter sports come to mind. The city is known for it outdoor activities from hiking, biking and skiing in the mountains to swimming and fishing in the beautiful lake. One of the must-see stops in Park City is the High West Distillery & Saloon. In 1914, the Begg family built a home. The Carriage house came later, but it was a private home up until 1997 when the city bought it. The Saloon and Distillery is known for its classic western food and handcrafted cocktails, which have you reminiscing of the old west.

Photo provided by Jen – Nealys On Wheels via Trover.com

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Last stop on the midwest tour will be Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee exemplifies the midwest to me. So, the ultra modern and ultra sleek Milwaukee Art Museum doesn’t fit the mold of conservative Milwaukee. The museum with its three distinct buildings designed by three award-winning architects.  The War Memorial and the gardens are unique in their own right, but the Quadracci Pavillion is a post-modern that is a spectacular sight I can’t wait to see.

Photo provided by Andy Shears via Trover.com

The World’s Best Cities for Traveling Solo

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on December 15, 2015.

Screen-Shot-2015-12-15-at-9.04.40-PMThere’s nothing like deciding to explore the world, striking out on your own, and doing just exactly what you want to do. But when you start to consider the options, it can be a bit overwhelming. So, rather than start with the whole world and try narrowing it down from there (good luck), why not start with a carefully curated list of globetrotter-approved locales guaranteed to be worth the trip? In answer to that question, here’s a roundup of four adventure-packed spots to inspire your further rumination on the topic.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina

A cultural melting pot preoccupied with the finer things, Buenos Aires is paradise for the artist and the intellectual. The place is littered with literary and live music bars, and was home to influential writers like Victoria Ocampo and Jorge Luis Borges. Translation: Wandering aimlessly will inevitably end in the discovery of some hidden gem. With that in mind, make sure to pick a centrally located hotel. Nature lovers can visit the second-largest wetlands in the world at Ibera (a short flight from Buenos Aires). Anyone who considers drinking good wine a worthwhile pastime should make a stop at La Cafe Juvré or Aldo’s Vinoteca & Restorán.

Must-dos: Take in an opera at Teatro Colón, eat traditional empanadas, drink a true Argentine Malbec.

Dublin, Ireland

The sheer, lush expanse of the place makes it worth a trip. Film fans should take time to visit The Cliffs of Moher (you can get there by bus or rail from Dublin and make it back to your hotel before bedtime), a filming location for both Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride. Literature buffs could make a whole itinerary of famous authors’ birthplaces: James Joyce and Clare Boylan hail from Dublin, to name a pair. Take the two-hour drive to Belfast to see the birthplace of C.S. Lewis, Jonathan Swift, and Seamus Heaney — plus a tour of Game of Thrones filming locations. Sporty types have no shortage of options, with golf tournaments, equestrian events, and boating races occurring regularly.

Must-dos: If you can, go during one of the food festivals, like Taste of Dublin. There are many, and you’ll experience more Irish cuisine that way than any other. If you do hit up Belfast, visit the MAC: the award-winning art center houses three art galleries, two theaters, and a bar/restaurant.

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Bali, Indonesia

Not just because it’s where Elizabeth Gilbert found enlightenment — and eventually the “Love” part of Eat, Pray, Love — although maybe a little because of that, the island of Bali is an incredible destination for the unattached traveler. You can swim in the Sekumpul Waterfalls, follow bright-colored fish snorkeling on Menjangan Island, or have a zen moment in the Jatiluwih Green Land rice fields.Get the full experience by staying in a cottage. On top of the whole “exotic paradise” thing, Bali offers a surprising amount of sophisticated cultural experiences. Think traditional and modern dance, visual art, and music. The annual Indonesian International Film Festival, Balinale, takes place in Bali, too.

Must-dos: Take in a temple performance, eat nasi goreng (a tamarind + chili stir-fried rice) and spicy peanut satay with bubur sumsum (black rice pudding) for dessert.

Sydney, Australia

The first-time solo traveler will appreciate the familiar urbanity and English-speaking environment of Australia. But Sydney has seemingly endless opportunity to explore a different kind of adventure with incredible surfing at spots like Manly Beach and fitness-focused attractions like walking Sydney Harbor Bridge, or taking in all the major attractions on a bike tour.

For a taste of culture, visit The Royal Botanic Gardens or shop at the Centrepoint Mall. Regardless of the kind of trip you’re looking for, you can find it in Australia.

Must-dos: Take in a performance at the Sydney Opera House (it helps if your hotel is walking distance) and indulge in a tasting menu at Sydney-based seiōbo — momofuku’s first location outside New York City, which features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

4 Luxurious Dominican Republic Hotels

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on December 21, 2015.

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Punta Cana’s Glorious Resort Life Photo Credit Sarah_Ackerman https://www.flickr.com/photos/sackerman519/4528012957

We all long for an occasional taste of the tropical island life, especially during cold winter months. The Dominican Republic is the quintessential Caribbean experience wrapped up in a tourist-friendly package, palm trees and all. You’ve almost certainly seen some of its gorgeous white-sand beaches adorning calendars, and you may have heard excited, inspired tales about snorkeling in the calm cerulean waters lapping at its shores. But nature isn’t all you can experience here; cities are dotted with picturesque colonial buildings, and the friendly Dominicans love their lively fiestas.

If you’re thinking about heading to this Caribbean paradise, here are some places you can’t miss:

1. Punta Cana

You’ve likely heard the name Punta Cana before because it’s the most talked-about city in the country. Punta Cana boasts the island’s most luxurious resorts, which line its most prized beaches. Here, you can live a leisurely life of extravagance in one of the most pristine landscapes in the Dominican Republic. In fact, why not go all out? Book a stay at the Barcelo Punta Cana for an all-inclusive adventure. Whether you’re solo, with a partner or you have the whole family in tow, this resort has plenty to do and even features six international restaurants in its bounds

2. Santo Domingo

If you’re looking to throw a Dominican city into the mix, this should be at the top of your list. Though Santo Domingo is the country’s capital, many tourists fly in and out without spending any real time there While there’s nothing wrong with that, Santo Domingo does have a lot to offer if you dedicate some time to it. Stay at the Sheraton Santo Domingo to combine the best of coast and city. You’ll also be conveniently close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Colonial Zone. And no matter where you choose to stay, you’ll never be far from the salsa and meringue clubs that give this city its signature flair.

3. Bayahibe

Searching for a more down-to-earth town with a prominent ecological vibe? Bayahibe is just the place. Known for its nature and wildlife, Bayahibe also features the brilliant beaches that are a signature of this island country. You could call Bayahibe the flower child of the Dominican, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo luxury to enjoy all it has to offer. Search for Hipmunk deals at the Dreams La Romana Bayahibe, an all-inclusive beachfront resort near three of the country’s finest ecological treasures — Parque Nacional del Este, Saona Island and Catalinita Island.

4. Puerto Plata

One of the best places to snorkel, this can be considered one of the Dominican Republic’s adventure capitals. From horse riding on the beach to ziplining in nearby jungles, this port city offers much more than meets the eye. To escape the bustle of downtown, stay at the Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort and Spa, located right on Cofresi Beach. Puerto Plata is also one of the finest jump-off points for whale-watching excursions, so don’t miss the chance to marvel at the incredible humpbacks as they make their way through the warm waters off the Dominican coast.

While these four destinations are some of the Dominican Republic’s finest, they’re far from all that this small Caribbean nation has to offer. If you’re into water sports, visit Cabarete for the region’s best windsurfing and kitesurfing. The island has some surprisingly profound mountains — the highest in the Caribbean — and there are plenty of trails and waterfalls within them waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re keen on watching baseball, partying in accord with the carnival spirit or simply relaxing among jungle-lined beaches, the Dominican Republic is an excellent place to add to your bucket list.

Hipmunk Hotels: Washington State’s Areas to Stay and Play

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

My bucket list travels have me heading to the great Northwest to see an old friend. Although it’s in enemy NFL territory (I am not a Seahawks fan), I have always wanted to check out what Washington State has to offer. While exploring, the spectacular area, I look forward to staying at some unique hotels in the region as well.

Tacoma, Washington

While it’s cold, this time of year and I’m not in shape to take a frozen trek up Mount Rainer. Tacoma, Washington will be as adventurous as I will get. The third largest city in the area, Tacoma has a rich heritage as the nickname “City of Destiny” can attest to. It houses several hotels, boutique and AirBNB spots within walking distance to its most impressive structure, the Museum of Glass. Anything you wanted to know about the creation, history and origin of glass will be found in this uniquely designed building created by architect Arthur Erickson. The interior of the museum and it’s exhibits are just has spectacular as the outside.

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Photo provided via Trover.com by Ryan Coleman

Kent, Washington

Named by Sports Illustrated as the Sportstown of the year in 2003, Kent, Washington is the birthplace of several professional sports figures from soccer, MLB, NBA and the NFL. For a town so far north, it’s temperatures are unusually mild in the winter months. If you’re visiting Kent, Washington, you need to stay in one of the suite hotels in the center of town. Or make sure you stay within walking distance of Mug Bugs, this Tacoma attraction where you can grab a hot cup of joe and sit around with visitors and locals alike to try to figure out how that VW Bug got in there.

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Photo provided via Trover.com by Kevin Listoa

Sea-Tac, Washington

The transportation hub of the great northwest, Sea-Tac, Washington houses the Seattle – Tacoma International Airport. The airport is a city in itself, which has many hotels at different prices ranges to choose from. The airport is an attraction in of itself. It creates opportunities for artist and musicians to showcase their talents and show the visitor to the area what Seattle and Tacoma have to offer. The artwork ranges from sculptures, graffiti and paintings of local landmarks. In 2013, the airport created a program, which allows local musicians to perform in various locations throughout the airport.

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Image provided via Trover.com by Lucy

Spokane, Washington

Over 13,000 years ago, Native Americans inhabited Spokane, Washington. That’s a long time ago by America standards. One of the most visually stunning parts of the country, the city sits in the northern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Although I’m afraid of heights, I like to challenge myself. The best way to see the scenery is by taking the Spokane Falls SkyRide. The cable ride takes you on a 15-minute ride over the Spokane River and shows you the power of the dams, which generates electrical power for the hotels and residents in the entire region.

Spokane

Photo provided via Trover.com by Terry Fletcher

7 Travel Destinations Made Famous by James Bond

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on January 6, 2016

With the recent debut of the latest installment in the James Bond movie franchise, Spectre, we’ve been reminded of one of 007’s greatest qualities—namely, that he’s better traveled than most people on the planet (okay, he’s a fictional character, but the point still stands).

In fact, in his 50 years of service, Bond has visited nearly 50 countries, while most of the films feature upwards of six distinct locales. Want to globe-trot like James Bond? Simply jet-set to any of these stellar destinations.

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1. Hong Kong, China

The bustling city has been featured in several Bond films, including You Only Live Once, Die Another Day, and The Man with the Golden Gun, which includes scenes shot in the famous Peninsula Hotel. Considered one of the world’s best hotels, the Peninsula boasts a Rolls Royce fleet, a rooftop helipad, marble baths, exceptional service, and (fittingly, for Bond fans) traditional British tea.

2. Istanbul, Turkey

In the opening of Skyfall, Bond finds himself in search of a stolen hard drive in the city of Istanbul. He then chases an assailant through Eminonu Square, one of the oldest in the city (Bond also visits Istanbul in From Russia with Love and The World is Not Enough). To make your visit as luxurious as Bond’s would have been (had he not been dodging would-be assassins and chasing down bad guys), book a stay at the lavish Shangri-La Bosphorous, which promises an in-room espresso machine, 300-count linens, heated bathroom floors, a separate shower and soaking tub, and complimentary high-speed WiFi.

3. Jamaica

The whole country makes the list on account of its significance to the Bond franchise. Not only was nearly all of the original James Bond movie, Dr. No, filmed on the island, but it’s also the site of the emergence of Honey Ryder (the first Bond girl, played by Ursula Andress). The country is also heavily featured in Live and Let Die. To top it all off, Goldeneye, Jamaica is the former home of the late Ian Fleming, the creator of the James Bond franchise. His house has now been incorporated into a luxury boutique hotel, which keeps Fleming’s writing desk and typewriter on display.

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4. Khao Phing Kan, Thailand

Dubbed “James Bond Island” by 007 fans, this island in Thailand had its moment in the spotlight in The Man with the Golden Gun. Located within the Ao Phang Nga national park, it makes for a stunning destination for nature lovers and film buffs alike. Head to any of the cheap hotels in nearby Phuket after your day of adventure.

5. London, England

No list of this kind would be complete without mention of 007’s headquarters. Home to M16 and featured in nearly every film in the Bond franchise, London is hands down Bond’s most frequented destination. While M16 has moved from London office buildings to Whitehall’s Old War Office, the Barbican, and its eventual headquarters on the Thames, London will forever remain Bond’s home.

6. Mexico City, Mexico

Spectre marks the second time Bond has found himself in Mexico. The first time around, in License to Kill, Bond checked in at the Grand Hotel Ciudad de Mexico. This time, 007 is amongst the crowds during the Day of the Dead parade celebration in Mexico City’s Zocalo square. Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world, so you’ll have no shortage of sightseeing opportunities at any time of year.

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7. Venice, Italy

The canals and gondolas of Venice make for frequented terrain for the Bond franchise, with spots in From Russia with Love, Moonraker, and Casino Royale. Stroll the Piazza San Marco and ogle the Cipriani Hotel, where James Bond is seen mooring his yacht in Casino Royale (It’s also reportedly where Daniel Craig himself stayed during filming).

While you may not be landing on a helipad or saving the world from nuclear meltdown, you can still travel the world in style at any of these 007 locations.

Email hello@hipmunk.com to check hotel prices to Hong Kong, Istanbul, Mexico City, Venice, or London!

Cover Photo: Nationaal Archief, the Dutch National Archives, and Spaarnestad Photo