Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado – Team USA

Olympic Training Center - USA SignIn August of 2008, we took a three-day weekend trip down to Colorado Springs and spent some time at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. It was eye-opening to see their phenomenal center and all they do to train for their specific Olympic event. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when we first decided to visit, but I have to say I was quite impressed. Continue reading “Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado – Team USA”

The Prater in Vienna: Austria’s Playground for Everyone

Prater - SignIn May of 2018, we were extremely lucky to spend two weeks exploring a few cities in Europe. One of the cities we visited was Vienna in Austria.  We really enjoyed checking out the Wien Rathaus and the Danube. While there were made a point of checking out Prater Amusement Park. It is an incredible park and home of the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel. It is almost 65 meters tall and offers a breathtaking view of the city on the Danube. Sadly, we didn’t get to take the ride, more on that later, but it was fun watching it in motion and imagining the wonderful views. Continue reading “The Prater in Vienna: Austria’s Playground for Everyone”

American Airlines – Our Horrible Experience “First Class” Passengers

American Airlines-SignThis post is a little different (and way longer than usual – sorry) as I want to share our recent horrible experience as “First Class” passengers on American Airlines. We had 100,000 miles left with American  Airlines because it is so hard to try to make reservations using an award ticket. Plus we have been screwed by American Airlines in the past and started earning miles through other carriers. The straw that broke the camel’s back sp to speak was when we had issues with a non-stop flight from LA to DeGaulle in Paris. About a month before our flight they discontinued that route and we had to go from LA to San Jose, then to Dallas (fun), and then on to Paris. Added about 4 hours to our flight out and then on our return, we had to stop and change planes in Chicago with a 7-hour delay there. The huge delay was real fun, NOT. I have actually tracked the top 4 U.S. carriers and found that American Airlines is the worst in flight cancellations. Please check out the link to that post if you are interested. I for one was shocked, not. Needless to say, we were tired of American Airlines and decided to use all of our 100,000 miles on a domestic flight and go first class just to use them up so we didn’t have to deal with booking 9-10 months in advance. So on Jan 28th of this year 2015, we booked flights from Denver to Newark and then return via JFK.

Continue reading “American Airlines – Our Horrible Experience “First Class” Passengers”

Centennial Olympic Park in Georgia – Atlanta’s Crown Jewel

Centennial Olympic Park - RingsIn June of 2012 we spent a few days with my best friend’s brother and family near Atlanta and wanted to do some sightseeing. One afternoon we ended up at Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta. It is so amazing and I was delighted to see that it is still being utilized today. Continue reading “Centennial Olympic Park in Georgia – Atlanta’s Crown Jewel”

Tourist vs Traveler – Don’t Be a Tourist, Be a Traveler

travel-pic-4I love the quote, be a traveler, not a tourist. Many people may not get this, or like me, have a hard time letting go of wanting to see everything. I have gotten much better at this, but, it’s still hard for me. However, as we travel more, and it becomes more of a focus for us, I find it easier. I know I want to see more, but I also know, I plan to go back one day. I can give up a few things and look forward to going back to see them on another trip. With this in mind, I decided to break down the difference between a tourist vs traveler. Continue reading “Tourist vs Traveler – Don’t Be a Tourist, Be a Traveler”

Lookout Tower Harbour Centre and Restaurant – Vancouver, BC

Lookout Tower 1On our anniversary in May of 2016, we spent a few days in lovely Vancouver, Canada.  We didn’t have a lot of plans, but knew while we were there we wanted to make sure to visit The Vancouver Lookout Tower at Harbour Centre. It was absolutely amazing. I know I say that a lot, but it really was.  It is the only place in Vancouver where you can enjoy a 360º aerial view of Vancouver. The best part was that it was an all-day ticket and we were able to go back later that evening after dinner. Continue reading “Lookout Tower Harbour Centre and Restaurant – Vancouver, BC”

Phoenix, Arizona – Free Things to do in the Valley of the Sun

Phoenix 1In February 2019 I spent a few days in Phoenix Arizona to attend a few spring training games. While preparing for my trip, I did some research and shared some of the best attractions in Phoenix. While I was thrilled to be able to see several museums such as the Arizona Science Center, Heard Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum, I was also trying to stay on a budget. With that in mind, I was also looking for some free things to do. Luckily I have found quite a few free things to do in Phoenix. Some of the activities or attractions are inside and some are outside. Obviously, the group you are with, and the time of year will play a factor in what you can see and do. Continue reading “Phoenix, Arizona – Free Things to do in the Valley of the Sun”

Devils Tower National Monument – Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devils TowerIn June of 2015 we took a road trip to visit the North Dakota and South Dakota State Capitols. While on the way, we took a side trip to see Devils Tower in Wyoming. It was quite fascinating to see. It is located above the Belle Fourche River and is actually part of the Black Hills. The tower is igneous and rises dramatically 1,267 feet above the surrounding terrain and the summit is 5,114 feet above sea level.
The monument’s boundary encloses an area of 1,347 acres, and interestingly enough, was the first declared United States National Monument, established on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt.

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Don’t Panic at the Airport. Here are Ways to Save Time.

Panic - AirportWe travel a lot and I enjoy it mostly, however flying has become less enjoyable every year. There are a few reasons for this, but the main one of course is TSA. I will not go into what a pathetic use of taxpayers’ money this organization is (what’s the point) or how I don’t feel much safer flying.  However, this is not what this post is about. It’s about saving time so you don’t have to panic while trying to get through the annoying process.

Continue reading “Don’t Panic at the Airport. Here are Ways to Save Time.”

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