Page 57 – A Brit and A Southerner

DoubleTree Chicago Elk Grove – Hotel Review

Illinois

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May 21, 2014

DoubleTree Chicago Elk Grove – Hotel Review

Anyone for free cookies? Well if you have ever stayed at a DoubleTree location, you will know that this hotel chain is famous for offering their free cookies upon checking in. Of course this is just an added gimmick that most folks will likely not care about but in my opinion it is these minor touches and incentives that really set these types of hotels apart from their competitors. Is it a competitive advantage for DoubleTree? By itself, probably not but when you combine this with a great rate, beautiful rooms and other amenities you are likely on to a winner!

We have just recently decided to start focusing our stays on the Hilton Honors chain which encompasses Embassy Suites (if you read our recent review on our stay in Cincinnati you will know we are a big fan of this chain!), Hilton, DoubleTree among others.

Location

Heading to Chicago for the weekend, we didn’t want to stay downtown so we opted for the Elk Grove neighborhood located about 20 miles north of downtown Chicago. The DoubleTree Chicago Wood Dale – Elk Grove hotel was a perfect spot for us and the first thing worth noting is that arriving at this hotel we were impressed by the overall setting and surroundings of the hotel.

Located directly behind a beautiful lake and a wooded setting, this hotel is a perfect ‘weekend getaway’ spot whilst at the same time offering a good location to connect with nearby attractions. This hotel is also located in close proximity to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport so would also prove to be a perfect choice if you have an early morning flight.

The Hotel

The design of the DoubleTree Chicago Wood Dale – Elk Grove hotel is aesthetically appealing both on the exterior and interior. Check-in was smooth and painless and of course we were offered the famous DoubleTree cookies which are always a delight to sample.

The hotel offers the usual amenities such as a modern looking business center, gift shop and a Garden Cafe that has a full service restaurant offering options for all daily meals.

The Room

One thing worth noting if you are given a room at the other end of the hotel, be prepared for a pretty lengthy walk after reaching the second or third floor because those hallways seemed to be never ending. Our room was located on the second floor adjacent to a window overlooking the swimming pool. Entering our room we were immediately pleasantly surprised by the spacious layout and the modern decor used to furnish this space. Everything was in order and the room really had a welcoming feel to it.

Our main negative with the room was the cleanliness of the bathroom. The bath tub didn’t appear to have been cleaned very well but aside from that, the bathroom was maintained at an adequate standard.

The free wi-fi connection was of course another benefit and will always get full credit from us as we always appreciate when we can connect our devices for free. We had no issues with the speed of internet and no problem with being kicked off the network as you frequently find on hotel networks, especially if you are using for a sustained period of time.

Summary and Details

For just over $90, the DoubleTree Chicago Wood Dale – Elk Grove hotel is a real bargain! It has everything you could want in a hotel and it is situated in a great location. I would definitely stay here again and would highly encourage anyone needing a spot north of the downtown area to consider this option.

Dates: Saturday, May 10, 2014 – Sunday, May 11, 2014 (1 Night)

Price: $94 per night (HHonors Double Points Rate)

A Forgettable Trip to Benton Harbor, Michigan

Chris Boothman

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May 19, 2014

48

A Forgettable Trip to Benton Harbor, Michigan

Have you ever taken a road trip somewhere and then realized that the whole trip was a complete letdown? Well, I have to say that we experienced this feeling to an extent during our recent trip to Chicago!

Flying out early Saturday morning at 6AM meant it was an early start for us as we had to drive to Memphis Airport around 4AM. We landed at Chicago’s Midway International Airport around 7:35AM and immediately headed over to the rental car center. A short wait for the shuttle bus lead to us taking a 5 minute ride to the Alamo rental car area. Our ride for the weekend – a Kia Soul!

The decision was made to take a road trip early Saturday morning from Chicago to Michigan. Our final destination – Benton Harbor, Michigan!

You may be asking why did we pick Benton Harbor as our Michigan location? Well, if you take a look at the map there are not many locations within relative short driving distance from Chicago unless you are willing to drive further to the likes of Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids. Plus our research on Benton Harbor led us to believe it would at least prove to be a spot on the Lake that would offer some beautiful scenery and a few things worth exploring.

Heading out of the Chicago metropolis through several tolls (I would highly recommend taking advantage of the rental car companies offer for the I-Pass which is a pre-paid tag that allows you entry through all Chicago and surroundings state tolls!) which are certainly plentiful in this part of USA.

Crossing the Michigan State Line

The drive to Benton Harbor took around 90 minutes, the highlight along the way being a quick stop at the Michigan Welcome Center. One thing we were unaware of was that driving to Michigan saw us cross into Eastern Time Zone (if you ever drive to Benton Harbor, be aware of this time zone change because there are not too many notices letting you know!) but given that we drove back that same morning it didn’t make much of a difference.

Benton Harbor, Michigan

Benton Harbor was in all honesty a major disappointment! The downtown area was small with very little to see and explore. A few bookstores, coffee shops and a run-down look was all this town on the side of Lake Michigan to show. Maybe we didn’t explore enough but we didn’t even get to see Lake Michigan.

We did come across the Harbor Links Golf Course which is hosting the US Senior PGA Championship in a couple of weeks but apart from that we were really struggling to find anything worthwhile.

We also stopped for breakfast at McDonald’s (yes, there wasn’t much in terms of options!) before we headed back on the drive to Illinois as we attempted to justify going 1 1/2 hours out of our way. Did we succeed? Probably not but that’s random road trips for you and they don’t always work out the way you plan them.

I don’t want to judge the state of Michigan purely from this short road trip because the reality is that there are likely many beautiful spots throughout this state that are more appealing than Benton Harbour. But I have to admit that we were both slightly disappointed by our experience simply because our expectations were much higher of this location on the Eastern coast of Lake Michigan.

Summary

Had we visited here during the US Senior PGA Championship, I am sure I would probably be writing a more positive review but if you have any desire to visit Michigan I would highly recommend visiting somewhere other than Benton Harbor.

Trips to upstate Michigan are by all accounts much more interesting and aesthetically appealing with beautiful scenery, but unfortunately our initial experience in this state leaves a lot to be desired.

I have to admit that the highlight of this trip was heading back into Chicago, especially with the gorgeous skylines we were treated to on a beautiful Spring day!

A Walking Tour of Downtown Chicago

Chris Boothman

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May 16, 2014

41

After visiting Chicago in 2012 for the Ryder Cup and only have a little time to explore downtown, we decided that a great way to spend a weekend getaway was to revisit the Windy City. Despite wanting to explore Chicago, we also wanted to take a trip around Lake Michigan, through Indiana and into the state of Michigan as this was another of our states that we had yet to visit.

However, the highlight of this trip had to be our walking tour of downtown Chicago which allowed us to really experience true Chicago and see some of the key landmarks and highlights of this city.

Navy Pier

Driving back from Michigan, we arrived in downtown Chicago around 1:30PM. On a gorgeous Saturday afternoon this is always going to be one of the negative aspects of driving a rental car because parking is either expensive or difficult to find.

We decided to park in the Navy Pier Parking Garage which for $25 was expensive but at least it gives you the freedom of leaving your vehicle there all day. Chicago’s Navy Pier is similar to Pier 39 in San Francisco and is a real hub for entertainment and dining options. Unfortunately, the Pier is currently undergoing renovations although you are still able to explore the Pier.

The Navy Pier is a great place to look back on the impressive Chicago skyline and take some memorable pictures. You can also take various cruises that go out around Lake Michigan from this location and the River Architecture tour is highly recommended by many though we opted to walk around instead.

There are numerous restaurants and a great food court to choose from at the Navy Pier and we opted for Carnelli’s Deli for lunch. We would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a lighter option but still has a Chicago style feel to it.

Walking Tour – Downtown Chicago

One of the great aspects of Chicago’s downtown area is that you can wander around for hours seeing a variety of different landmarks and genius architectural designs. The image below shows a snapshot of the route we took from Navy Pier as we decided to create our very own ‘Chicago Walking Tour‘.

I have highlighted a few of the key spots along the way but this route was a little over 3 miles and well worth taking the time to do. Along this route you will see Chicago’s skyline up close with a variety of beautifully designed skyscrapers but there is so much more to Chicago’s downtown area that just high-rise buildings.

Walking Tour Key

A – NAVY PIER

As I have already mentioned the Navy Pier is home to various restaurants including Bubba Gump’s, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville among others.

B – CENTENNIAL FOUNTAIN AND RIVERFRONT

The Centennial Fountain is a great spot to just go and relax along the river. Throughout the day, the fountain shoots into the river providing a spectacular display for onlookers.

You can sit and take in the beautiful architecture with some of Chicago’s high-class hotels located on this part of the Riverfront. We spent quite a bit of time here, buying an ice cream from a van parked on the side of the street and just relaxing in the late afternoon Chicago sun!

C – MILLENNIUM PARK

Millenium Park is a real hub for tourists and locals alike who want to just relax, work out or check out some of the key landmarks within this park. Home to the Cloud Gate Sculpture and Pritzker Pavilion, this is a really great part of the city worth exploring.

D – LAKE SHORE PARK

As we headed back to the Navy Pier, we came across another gorgeous little park in the heart of Chicago – the Lake Shore Park. This is a great spot for people to walk their dogs or take their children on the play area.

Full credit must be given for the upkeep of this park as tulips and other floral arrangements were neatly maintained in this park.

Summary

Of course we didn’t see everything there is to explore in downtown Chicago but this is a really good walking tour if you are interested in seeing all of the key landmarks on foot.

Aside from the fact taking a personal walking tour is free, unlike the architectural river cruise or lake cruise, you will certainly burn some calories which won’t hurt you after sampling some of Chicago’s finest cuisine.

Interview – Paul Johnson (A Luxury Travel Blog)

Interviews

Chris Boothman

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May 14, 2014

20

Interview – Paul Johnson (A Luxury Travel Blog)

Today we are truly honored to interview a true legend in the travel blogging world, Paul Johnson from the globally acclaimed luxury travel website – A Luxury Travel Blog. I have been fortunate to get to know Paul over the last few months and certainly have the highest respect for him and his website. I would highly recommend taking time to check out his site and also read on to find out more about Paul.

Please feel free to comment, ask questions and connect with Paul using his various social media fronts listed below.

We would like to give a special THANK YOU to Paul for taking time to interview with us!

Name: Paul Johnson

Hometown: Kendal, United Kingdom

Website: A Luxury Travel Blog

Social Media:

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/luxurytravel
Twitter – https://twitter.com/luxury__travel
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/106483048508230954628
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/paulhjohnson/luxury-travel/

What is your favorite aspect of traveling and if you are a travel blogger, why did you decide to create your website?

I love enjoying new experiences in my travels. In the last few months I’ve been on a helicopter trip in Eastern Europe, enjoyed an Everest flight from Kathmandu, watched ice hockey in Finland, driven right across Nepal and into India, done clay pigeon shooting in Ireland, eaten bear (not a whole one), been on a wine tasting tour – by bike – in South Africa and had a Russian banyan (like a sauna) – naked – in Lithuania, and visited an improvised comedy show in Greece.

Lots of variety and fun!

How many continents have you visited?

Four

How many countries have you visited?

30+

What is your favorite destination in the world and why?

Home. I know it might sound a bit strange for someone who loves to travel, but there’s something wonderful about returning home, too, particularly when you live somewhere as beautiful as we do.

We are sandwiched between two of England’s most beautiful national parks – the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

If money/time was no object and you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you travel to and why?

There are many places I’d like to go but if money and time were an issue (time is a major limiting factor for me at the moment), then I guess I’d choose somewhere distant such as New Zealand. That’s somewhere I’ve yet to visit and I think I would love for the scenery if nothing else.

Which of the following gadgets do you take on your travels?

Laptop, Phone and Camera.

What is your preferred method of transport?

Running!

I guess it depends what I’m doing but distance running is a bit of a hobby of mine. I’ve done 6 different marathons to date (3 in England, 2 in the US and 1 in Scotland) and am deciding on which to attempt next.

Complete the following, “Everywhere I go, I visit….”

…with my camera. I do love my photography but wish I had more time for it to hone my rather limited skills further. I would love to go on a trip one day that combines my love of travel with a photography course.

Here is your chance to sell yourself and your website! Tell us some more information about yourself, what your travel philosophies & future plans are and anything else that people may find interesting to read about…

I have worked in tourism for over 25 years, and specifically in online tourism marketing since the Web first came along. I am a Director at The Dedicated Partnership Ltd. which specialises in this area, as well as Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog.

I am also a Director of Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. so am spinning several plates at once!

Dream Destinations – Collaboration Part 2

Dream Destinations

Chris Boothman

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May 12, 2014

56

Dream Destinations – Collaboration Part 2

If you were able to read Part 1 of our Dream Destinations – Collaboration series, you will have seen a variety of bloggers highlighing some of their favorite locations around the world that they aspire to visit.

We are continuing this featured series with another collection of great destinations that I am sure many of you will also dream of visiting one day!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the travelers that have shared their dreams with us and we hope that you all get to fulfil these some day soon!

Afghanistan – The Crowded Planet

People always think I’m weird when I tell them my dream destination is Afghanistan. When I was a child, I used to own a book of flags that listed all the countries in alphabetical order, and Afghanistan was always at the top of the list.

On top of that, one of my favourite books is Rudyard Kipling’s Kim, and I love the passage about the Khyber Pass. As a child, I was convinced I would stand on it one day, and it still is one of my ultimate travel ambitions.

I would love to visit Afghanistan for two reasons; to explore the mountains and learn about the country’s culture. The first time I saw a picture of the Hindu Kush mountain range I couldn’t believe my eyes; I thought it was the most beautiful landscape I had ever seen.

I wanted to go to Afghanistan so much that I very nearly accepted a job there, backing out only when I was told that for security reasons it would have been impossible for me to walk around without military escort. For the time being, visiting Afghanistan will continue to be my dream.

Follow Margherita on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

Bora Bora – Carmen’s Travel Tips

Since I live in South Florida with a tropical climate, many people would be surprised to hear that my dream destination is Bora Bora. There is something really appealing to me about being able to jump right off the deck of my bungalow and plunge into totally still turquoise waters.

The island’s isolation in the South Pacific makes for both a serene and stunning vacation. It’s one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. Bora Bora has an even tropical climate and ridiculously crystal clear waters. They have lush mountain peaks with views that go on forever. There are unbelievable sunsets that people say have to be seen to be believed.

Finally, there’s that dreamy name: Bora Bora. It just sounds so relaxed and exotic. This is why Bora Bora sits at the top of my list of dream destinations.

I’m looking forward to the day I can go. I’m hopeful that my husband will surprise me for my 50th (hint, hint).

Follow Carmen on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

Iceland – The Trusted Traveller

I don’t even need to think about my number one dream destination. It’s without a doubt Iceland. I’ve been pining over Iceland for years now and even had myself booked to go there two years ago but it fell through due to personal reasons.

From the pictures I have seen and what I have read about it, it’s landscapes and attractions are out of this world and unlike anything I have ever seen before. I’d love to do a road trip around the ring road that circles the island, stopping whenever I see something amazing which I imagine that will be a lot!

Visiting during the colder months is a must for me. It’s always been a dream of mine to see the Northern Lights and Iceland is one of the best places to see them. Plus coming from Sydney where it never gets even close to being cold enough for snow, it’s a novelty I love to indulged in whenever I get the chance.

Follow Jen on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

Maldives – Green With Renvy

A dream destination means something different to everyone. For me, it conjures up the notion of a place I’ve always wanted to visit but perhaps will never get the chance. Something I can experience only in a dream.

Located in the Indian Ocean, you can choose an island from the more than 1200 square miles that make up this location. Many of the resorts are eco-friendly and sustainable. Soothing spa treatments, overwater bungalows and dining on ocean to table seafood make for a serene dreamy journey’s end. I can almost taste the lime, coconut and fresh tuna served with a thin Nan like bread-oh my!

Nighttime brings a beat on the body beri drums creating rhythms from the Dhivehi culture. And then gentle lapping waves are the only sounds you hear as you drift off to sleep. White, coral sand beaches and glorious underwater reefs, yes, this is the Maldives, my dream destination.

Follow Alison on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

Orient Express – Adventures of a Carry On

I’ve always loved train travel; the convenience and the possibility of booking a ticket at the last minute, or changing your mind and staying an extra day or two with no penalties. Therefore, my dream destination is not so much about a place as an experience. I want to travel in the lap of luxury on the famous Orient Express.

I’d start in Paris and travel to Istanbul via Budapest and Bucharest. I’ve never been to any of the cities on this route and they are all on my bucket list. With beautiful art deco details throughout the train and five star dining, the Orient Express is, to me, the epitome of romance and adventure. And that’s what travel is all about.

Follow Penny on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

We have yet again been privileged to feature a number of awesome Dream Destinations.

Do you want to feature? If so, send us an e-mail to admin@abritandasoutherner and we would be delighted to feature you among a variety of other great travelers!

Interview – Raphael Zoren (A Journey of Wonders)

Interviews

Chris Boothman

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May 7, 2014

14

Interview – Raphael Zoren (A Journey of Wonders)

Throughout the last few months we have been fortunate to get to know many new friends in the travel world. Today is no different as we are delighted to speak with Raphael Zoren from A Journey of Wonders.

Please feel free to comment, ask questions and connect with Raphael using his various social media fronts listed below.

We would like to give a special THANK YOU to Raphael for taking time to interview with us!

Intro: My name is Raphael Alexander Zoren, writer/photographer of A Journey of Wonders, the best travel guide to Mexico and the World. I’m a Mexican born and raised in Acapulco. My life was pretty much normal until I took my first trip overseas to Canada in 2010 to study for one semester, once I came back, I knew that I had to explore every corner of the world. Now, a few years later, I’ve managed to travel to 35 countries across 5 continents, something not that common from people of my country.

Am I wealthy? Not at all! Part of the reason why I started A Journey of Wonders is to dispel the myth that exists within developing countries about the costs of traveling abroad. Trust me, not only wealthy people can afford to travel. In fact, I believe that with the right motivation (and some sacrifices), anyone can travel abroad!

Website: A Journey of Wonders

Social Media:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JourneyWonders
Twitter – https://twitter.com/journeywonders
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/+RaphaelZoren

What is your favorite aspect of traveling and if you are a travel blogger, why did you decide to create your website?

In hindsight, my life as a travel blogger started when I was looking for things to do for my trip to Asia in 2013. I came across a travel blog and out of curiosity, I clicked the about section of the blogger, leading me to find out about this unique lifestyle.

I’ve traveled extensively ever since 2012 and it was until recently (October 2013) that I started to chronicle my travels, in hopes that they might be used by people who want to get inspired and find ways to travel more for less.

I wasn’t really expecting thousands of readers to visit and comment on my posts so the sudden success of A Journey of Wonders really took by surprise, to be honest! Every day, I get encouraged by all the positive feedback that I get from my amazing readers that I’m planning on hosting a big give-away next month so stay tuned for more 😉

How many continents have you visited?

Five

How many countries have you visited?

30+

What is your favorite destination in the world and why?

I know this will sound cliched but Mexico is, in my opinion, the most diverse country in terms of natural landscapes, wildlife and cultural diversity (seriously, there’s no such thing as one stereotypical Mexican since there’s actually many of them depending on the city/region). It’s big enough to keep you entertained for months and yes, the food is amazing!!!

The best part? You can easily live with less than 20 USD a day!

If money/time was no object and you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you travel to and why?

If money, time and visa issues were not important, I would like to explore all of Sub-Saharan Africa at a very slow pace. Ever since I saw the Lion King, I knew I had to visit the Pride Lands! Plus, it’s been a dream of mine to see the two biggest migrations on the planet: The mammals migration at the Serengeti and the sardine run in South Africa (seriously, Google it and you’ll be amazed seeing a whale eating an entire bank of sardines!).

Which of the following gadgets do you take on your travels?

Camera, Phone, Laptop and a Tripod so I can take artistic selfies of myself!

What is your preferred method of transport?

Walk

Complete the following, “Everywhere I go, I visit….”

A museum. Haha, I’m a big fan of culture and I believe that a museum is the best way to get educated in the ancient (and sometime modern) customs of the individuals that now inhabit said country/region/city.

Also, I try to visit each and every archeological site that I can find, specially temples and pyramids. I’m lucky that here in Mexico we have a lot of them!

Here is your chance to sell yourself and your website! Tell us some more information about yourself, what your travel philosophies & future plans are and anything else that people may find interesting to read about…

In the end, I would like to encourage people to take a good look at their material possessions and the bills they pay each month for their services. As I said before, you don’t need to be rich to travel abroad, you just need to make some sacrifices. If I can do it, you can do it!

Remember to visit A Journey of Wonders to find your daily dose of inspiration and wanderlust, as well as to learn more about the many wonders that Mexico has to offer! Safe travels and keep on following your dream!

Dream Destinations – Collaboration Part 1

Dream Destinations

Chris Boothman

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May 5, 2014

43

Dream Destinations – Collaboration Part 1

After sharing a series of our very own Dream Destinations from around the world, we decided to open this up to many of our travel blogging friends to share their opinions on the ultimate dream location. Even though we are all unique and have very different opinions on what we truly classify as a ‘Dream Destination’, its interesting to see such a widespread variety of locations.

We would like to thank each and every traveler for sharing their thoughts with us.

Antarctica – Anna Everywhere

If someones asks me about my dream destination I don’t need to hesitate for a second to answer: it’s Antarctica! A lot of people wouldn’t understand why I want to go there. Some would say that it’s just a pile of ice with no attractions at all, others would claim I want to tick Antarctica on my travel list just to say that I’ve have been to all 7 continents.

Why do I want to go there then? My honest answer is because I’m in love with penguins. Ever since I saw those awesome creatures for the first time I knew I wanted to visit their natural environment and observe the behavior of all 17 types of penguins out there. Moreover, while researching Antarctica I came across plenty of gorgeous photos of different ice formations, such as frozen tsunami and ice ‘bridge’.

I know I need to wait for at least few more years to finally get to see Antarctica, because the cruise costs are high, but I’m confident that one day my dream will come true.

Follow Anna on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

Canadian Rockies & Barbados – Family Travel Times

As we write our family blog together and are mother and daughter, we have more than one dream destination!

Mine (Sarah’s) is the Canadian Rockies, which I have always wanted to travel to, particularly on a train through the mountains. I love mountains and spectacular views and don’t think I would be disappointed. I am holding onto this as something to be done when the children leave home, which probably means another decade before we actually get to do it. However, I am sure it will still be absolutely beautiful.

Jessica’s dream destination is to travel to Barbados, because the weather would be hot and, in her words (remember she’s 12!) it would be “cool and exotic.” Of course a nearly teenager needs to relax, and as she points out, as a family we never go to places like this….

Follow Sarah and Jess on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

Finland – Latitude 34

Scandinavia had always been a black hole for us on the map, an entire region we had yet to discover, but our luck changed when we planned the trip of a lifetime to Finland this last March. While most tourists head straight for Helsinki, we made our first stop the far northern Lapland region, above the Arctic Circle, to a small town called Salla. We have never been somewhere as magical as Finland in the winter months, it was truly stunning.

Of course seeing pictures of a dream destination is nothing compared to actually being there and we were constantly faced with more and more beautiful landscapes and terrains. We rode reindeer, hiked with snowshoes, camped in the deep, dark woods and even tried our hand at ice swimming.

We then took the overnight train almost 1,000km south to Helsinki and spent an amazing few days exploring one of the cleanest, unique and special cities in all of Europe.

Being able to see the world is gift enough, but being able to explore a country or region that has been a complete mystery to us for years is absolutely incredible. Finland was a true dream destination for us and will be for years to come. The cities, food, scenery and lifestyle were all amazing and not to mention the amazingly warm and kind Finnish people, among the most welcoming we have ever met. While we only left Finland a few weeks ago we are already eager to plan our next trip back.

Follow Jeff and Marina on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

France – MyTanFeet

My dream destination is France. I’d love to visit as many places as possible in France like Paris and the Eiffel Tower but one city I definitely don’t want to miss is Marseille. I’ve always been in love with the French language which I studied for four years and France was the country I had planned on going to when I studied abroad in college which unfortunately didn’t happen. I’ve always been fascinated by their culture and history and it looks like such an amazing place to visit with something for everyone.

I want to go to Marseille especially because it is port so it’s on the water which I love and they have the Opera of Marseille, an opera house that I’d love to visit and watch an opera there one day. They also have a huge music festival, the Fête de la Musique which I want to attend, it’s also free! Another reason is I want to try the famous bouillabaisse (fish stew) being a huge seafood fan. France just seems like it has this magical aura about it and I can’t wait to visit one day.

Follow Samantha on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

Greenland – Have Blog Will Travel

Most people’s ideal travel destinations include white sand beaches and drinks with little paper umbrellas. However for us the term “dream destination” immediately conjures thoughts of dramatic landscapes, jagged terrain, and haunting bodies of waters – specifically those found in Greenland.

Kayaking among monstrous icebergs, Polar Bear watching, and snuggling under a blanket to take in the Northern Lights sound like the perfect travel experience, and a quick image search online has us ready to book a flight and charge the camera battery. Greenland’s landscape looks stunning and we would love to explore the island, photographing as much of its natural beauty as our camera’s memory card will allow. Even the sections of Greenland touched by man are beautiful – a colourful array of wooden buildings painted in bright primary hues.

This is our perfect dream destination.

Follow Calli on Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest

Machu Picchu, Peru – eTramping

I have been travelling full-time for more than 3 years now, discovering places I have always wanted to explore and doing things I’ve always dreamed about. My travel bucket list is way too long already, but it does not stop me from adding new stuff to it.

What’s my next bigger travel dream? Since I was a little girl, I have been dreaming of visiting Machu Picchu – the mysterious ruins in Peru. I was blown away to read that they are located 7,000 feet above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop which makes the panorama from above so breath-taking. I would love to hike the mountains with my best friends and take some snapshots of the stunning scenery. I’ve heard that being on top is a magical experience.

Let’s hope I can make it to this seamless and elegant green paradise soon!

Follow Agness on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

Republic of the Philippines – Chasing the Donkey

I am dreaming about Southeast Asia, and not one of the usual places that is typically at the top of peoples lists. I have the Republic of the Philippines in my sights.

Having friends who are from the Philippines, and with a husband who has been there many times for work, I need to see it for myself. Taste the food and experience the craziness of the streets of Manilla, which I am told is complete and utter chaos.

More than anything I want to see our friends fish farms, which are set in a crater lake, and see how they make their livelihoods.

Follow Sarah Jane on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

What an amazing collection of Dream Destinations from our travel blogging friends. And the fun doesn’t stop here, as we have several more to bring you very soon!

Would you like to feature in a Dream Destinations post? If so, send us an e-mail to admin@abritandasoutherner and we would be delighted to feature you among a variety of other great travelers!

Acure Facial Mask – Product Review

Product Reviews

Heather Boothman

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May 2, 2014

6

Have you ever been on your travels and wished you could have a face mask that was easy to transport and actually worked? Well, look no further because I have found a product that works great!

I have looked around for a trial size face mask to take with me on trips that are not time consuming nor would it involve a lot of mess. The Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask is a 1.75oz tube of magic that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to keep their face feeling fresh throughout their travels around the world! This is particularly useful when you go somewhere that cosmetics and other beauty products are difficult to find.

I have used several face masks that I would consider to have worked but either they leave you with seaweed falling all over the place or you have difficulty maneuvering your face after using the mask. With this Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask you immediately feel it working and despite having a slight tingle factor, it is well worth the $16.00 price tag that may initially seem a little pricey for this product size!

Even the directions on the back of the tube read “Apply evenly over the face until you look like a green sea-monster!” I am evidently a sucker for good humor! When you read something like this, you know you are in for a real treat.

Another positive aspect of the Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask is that it is eco-friendly as it is made from all organic ingredients which are great for all skin types to draw out impurities leaving your skin feeling fresh and smooth.

The Pros

USA made Product
Green Monster look (only last for 5 Minutes)
Easy on, Easy off
Travel size that makes this easy to take with you anywhere in the world

The Cons

The scent is Argan Stem Cell + Chlorella which probably means nothing to many of you but let me tell you the initial stench is a little rough (it quickly passes but the initial smell can make your nose turn up)

Conclusion

Realistically this product is expensive for the size but not for the results that you get out of it (small things pack a big punch). We all know that most face masks require you to use at least once a week and of course leads to you using a lot of the product. However, with the Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask I have used this only once and have no need to use again anytime soon due to the durability and quality of this product.

This is a great product that has a big pay off if you are willing to pay the extra cost up front! For more information on this face mask and other available options, visit http://www.rodales.com

*Disclosure of Material Connection: A Brit & A Southerner was not financially compensated for this post. We received free samples from Rodales for consideration of review purposes only. This is solely our personal opinion/experience*

Road Trip Around The Ohio Valley

Chris Boothman

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Apr 30, 2014

18

Having previously visited 24 US states, I looked at the map of USA and noticed that there were several states in relative close proximity to Arkansas that we had yet to explore.

Planning a road trip around the Ohio Valley including the states of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky was challenging but certainly achievable over the span of a weekend.

Day 1 – Jonesboro, AR to Indianapolis, IN

Total Distance: 443 miles (6 1/2 hour drive)

When we decide to take a weekend road trip, we first have to establish when we want to leave – Friday evening or Saturday morning! Usually this is based on the distance we are traveling. Anything over 4 or 5 hours we will generally leave on Friday after work to at least get the majority of the distance covered so that we are not spending the whole weekend driving, not giving us any time to explore a destination.

Although we sometimes try to leave work a couple of hours early, this road trip didn’t allow this so it was 5:00PM before we were on the road. One other word of note here was that the direction we were heading saw us move from Central Time Zone to Eastern Time Zone.

Departing Jonesboro, our estimated time of arrival in Indianapolis was 12:30AM (1:30AM Eastern Time).

We don’t usually frequent McDonalds but during a road trip when you haven’t eaten anything all day and you are trying to get to a location as quickly as possible, the term ‘fast-food’ really does help! A quick pitstop in Mount Vernon, Illinois for dinner here saw us back on the road within 15 minutes which is a pretty good turnaround.

We arrived in Indianapolis at 12:35AM (Eastern Time) at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Airport hotel, which saw us make up almost a hour on the expected time of arrival.

Day 2 – Indianapolis, IN to Cincinnati, OH

Total Distance: 108 miles (1 1/2 hour drive)

During most of our weekend getaways, Saturday is always the ‘busy’ and ‘hectic’ day as we are trying to cram as many attractions and landmarks as possible, with the knowledge that we will be heading home at some point the following day. Our plan was to spend the morning and early afternoon in Indianapolis and then drive on to Cincinnati where we already booked a hotel to stay Saturday night.

Downtown Indianapolis

Without getting into too much detail on our experiences at specific attractions, our morning comprised of having breakfast at Chick Fil A, followed by heading to Downtown Indianapolis where we parked directly in front of the Indiana War Museum. This area was metered parking but at $1 per hour, we felt this was a really good rate for a downtown location. We paid for a couple of hours and started walking around before returning to explore the Indiana War Memorial Plaza prior to heading over the Canal District.

The second half of our time in Indianapolis was spent exploring the NCAA Hall of Fame museum and wandering around the beautiful Canal District and Riverfront park which was gorgeous on a perfect Spring day.

Driving to Cincinnati

We left the downtown area of Indianapolis around 1:45PM and headed East towards Cincinnati where we stopped along the route for lunch before arriving in the ‘Cincy’ area around 3:30PM. The rest of Saturday comprised of shopping, visiting IKEA and having dinner at The Cheesecake Factory which admittedly was one of our worst experiences there!

The evening culminated in heading over to Graeter’s which is the “Home of Irresistible Ice Cream and Handmade Candy”.

Day 3 – Cincinnati, OH to Jonesboro, AR

Total Distance: 555 miles (8 hour drive)

By the time Sunday arrives, its usually time to start winding down and preparing to drive home but that wasn’t on our radar for this weekend getaway. Our initial plan was to drive from Cincinnati to Louisville and then home, but we made a few slight adjustments along the way.

Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio

After enjoying breakfast at the Embassy Suites Cincinnati Northeast location, we ventured downtown to see the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal which was a really impressive landmark despite being closed early on Easter Sunday.

Louisville, Kentucky

The drive from Cincinnati to Louisville, KY was similar in time and distance to the previous days route from Indianapolis to Cincinnati. We arrived in Louisville just before Noon and headed to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.

You can read all about our experiences there but we made the decision to just visit this museum rather than also experience the Louisville Slugger Museum which was our initial plan.

Nashville, Tennessee

Our detour from Louisville took us through Nashville, TN which takes around 2 1/2 hours. We crossed back into Central Time Zone on this drive but I have to say that this is one of the more attractive, scenic routes as we drove through the foothills of the mountains.

We didn’t stop anywhere along the way though signs for the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY (infamous for the recent sinkhole catastrophe) and various caves which are likely cool to explore.

A quick stop in Nashville to visit the Opry Mills Mall and then possibly our favorite store in Nashville, McKay’s Used Books was all we had time for before we headed back home along I-40.

Summary

This was probably one of our more extreme road trips given the distance we covered and the number of attractions that we saw but I am delighted that we did this because it proves to us, and hopefully you that you can achieve an awful lot in just a weekend.

I have covered three days here but the reality is that we did everything inside 48 hours and even after we returned home on Sunday evening we were not completely exhausted.

Method of Transportation: Car

Length of Getaway: 3 Days

Dream Destinations – Zurich

Chris Boothman

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Apr 30, 2014

17

One of the most beautiful countries throughout the world has to be Switzerland with a perfect blend of rural beauty and cities that are full of history and cultural identity. Our latest Dream Destination is the gorgeous city of Zurich which in many ways is an iconic city for the Swiss stereotype. As it is the largest city in Switzerland, it is unsurprising that there are a plethora of attractions worth experiencing and must-see landmarks.

Here are some of the top reasons why you should take the time to visit Zurich, Switzerland.

Lake Zurich

When you think about exploring a city like Zurich, you have to realize that even though it is like many other global cities, you are right on the edge of natural beauty as the city lies directly on the shores of Lake Zurich. If you are looking for a picture perfect opportunity, then visiting Lake Zurich will likely provide you with this chance because many of the postcards that you see associated with the city in general have the lake either in the foreground or background.

Lake Zurich also provides a perfect divide between the old town and new, modernized city of Zurich. It is a beautiful place to just sit and watch time pass by as you can see gorgeous scenery all around the lake.

Altstadt

Altstadt, or old town, is the historical and medieval part of Zurich. This region is full of winding cobblestoned streets, sat around the focal point that is Lindenhoff Square. Many of Zurich’s most acclaimed museums are located in this part of the city and it is a perfect place to just wander and take in some local cuisine or sample a late evening beverage.

Uetliberg

If you dream of visiting the Swiss Alps whenever you visit Zurich, why not take a quick 20 minute trip outside of the city center to explore the Uetliberg which is part of the Albis chain but is a beautiful plateau overlooking the city of Zurich. After climbing to the summit of this plateau, you will be left with stunning views of both city and the Swiss Alps so even if you are not fortunate enough to get into the Alps themselves, you can still see their beauty from a distance.

This location just outside of Zurich is also famous for having gorgeous hiking trails which are another great reason to get out of the city lifestyle for a while.

Bahnhofstrasse

One of Zurich’s essential locations is the Bahnhofstrasse which is home to many of Switzerland’s leading fashion and other retail stores. Strolling along this street, whether you have any intentions of splurging on Swiss products, will give you the opportunity to both window shop and people watch in an extremely upper class market.

Please note that for many the Bahnhofstrasse may not be for purchasing souvenirs or mementos, as you would be better suited heading to the Neiderdorf or Langstrasse areas of Zurich.

Rhine Falls

You may have noticed a slight trend in many of our Dream Destinations that whenever a location is within close proximity to a waterfall, I am all for recommending folks to visit here. Zurich is no different as it plays host to Rhine Falls which is a short distance outside of the city limits. The beautiful falls are worth a trip to the Shaffhausen area of Switzerland as it is a perfect day trip to go hiking and exploring this part of Switzerland’s outdoors.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

Location

The Hotel

The Room

Summary and Details

Crossing the Michigan State Line

Benton Harbor, Michigan

Summary

Navy Pier

Walking Tour – Downtown Chicago

Walking Tour Key

A – NAVY PIER

B – CENTENNIAL FOUNTAIN AND RIVERFRONT

C – MILLENNIUM PARK

D – LAKE SHORE PARK

Summary

Afghanistan – The Crowded Planet

Bora Bora – Carmen’s Travel Tips

Iceland – The Trusted Traveller

Maldives – Green With Renvy

Orient Express – Adventures of a Carry On

Antarctica – Anna Everywhere

Canadian Rockies & Barbados – Family Travel Times

Finland – Latitude 34

France – MyTanFeet

Greenland – Have Blog Will Travel

Machu Picchu, Peru – eTramping

Republic of the Philippines – Chasing the Donkey

The Pros

The Cons

Conclusion

Day 1 – Jonesboro, AR to Indianapolis, IN

Day 2 – Indianapolis, IN to Cincinnati, OH

Downtown Indianapolis

Driving to Cincinnati

Day 3 – Cincinnati, OH to Jonesboro, AR

Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio

Louisville, Kentucky

Nashville, Tennessee

Summary

Lake Zurich

Altstadt

Uetliberg

Bahnhofstrasse

Rhine Falls

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