tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11320942921942458552024-03-13T05:46:54.120-05:00Wilde Child TravelWelcome to your travel inspiration! I want to help people get over the hurdle of buying that ticket and give tips on exploring that far away destination of your dreams. This site has blog posts and Youtube videos that are tips on planning, travel, packing, safety, and everything else. Follow the blog to be a part of my adventures, hopefully I'll be able to encourage you to take your own! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-85329169198623679072018-09-11T14:12:00.000-05:002018-09-11T14:12:02.338-05:00NEW WEBSITE!I'm so excited to share the new website! I've been working on it for a few months now and I'm happy to say that from here on out, all blog posts, tips, stories, and videos will now be located on <a href="https://wildechildtravels.com/" target="_blank">Wilde Child Travels!</a><br />
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<a href="https://wildechildtravels.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" Wilde Child Travels" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0Fh3WCeB-4/W5gSJp2Lm4I/AAAAAAAAXsQ/7qw4gWIeqzwoVai6epJUx9RcVAM3K9IjgCLcBGAs/s400/20170825_115433.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to check out my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz4Gx5O_zMCr2rRPzkvRQA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Youtube Channel</a> (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz4Gx5O_zMCr2rRPzkvRQA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Wilde Child</a>) to keep up with more fun and adventures - like my recent trip to England and Italy! Thanks so much for sharing this space with me, I hope to see you on the new website 💓</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-27783968567884668232018-07-17T10:50:00.000-05:002018-07-17T10:50:46.400-05:00New Videos on Youtube!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />I haven't been writing too much, but I've still been active and sharing stories, interviews, and packing tips on my Youtube travel channel! To keep up with all of the new content I'm sharing, don't forget to subscribe to the channel, and to like, comment, and share the videos Here are the two most recent videos up!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-34483531455728249342018-04-12T11:04:00.000-05:002018-04-12T11:04:04.734-05:00Group Travel: Top 5 Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome back to the blog and the Group Travel Series! My goal is to help make your group travel planning and execution a little easier. Feel free to start from the beginning with <a href="http://wildechildyup.blogspot.com/2018/03/group-travel-how-to-start.html" target="_blank">How To Start</a>. Today, I've listed my top 5 tips to help make you and your friends enjoy your get away!<br />
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1. Don't Be Too Eager:<br />
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Itineraries for large groups always have the possibility to end up being stressful for all involved. First and foremost, the top priorities are fun and enjoyment. When you overload your plans for the day, fun and enjoyment can be lost. Think about limiting one big outing/activity per day - such as The Vatican Museum or spelunking.<br />
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2. Try the Democratic Option:<br />
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With a group of people, it's easiest to vote on what to see and do. A trip has a certain amount of days and it would be a shame to waste any of them! There's always a chance that everyone won't get to do what they want in a democratic setting. If this doesn't suit your group, and if you're all a little more adventurous than some, dividing the group is also an option. Some can go wine tasting and others can go horseback riding.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Camel Ride at Birubi Beach)</span></div>
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It's okay to do different activities. Doing different things creates new and fun stories to share when the group meets up together again. However, activities that are participated in by everyone should always be agreed up on by the whole group.<br />
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Make sure you have time to relax on your vacation. Being on the go constantly doesn't always allow time to truly appreciate your new environment. Also, downtime is important to have some time to yourself. Being in a group all day can be draining. What better way to recharge your energy than to have some quality alone time.<br />
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4. Details:<br />
A group of 6 is getting from the airport to the hotel how? Did anyone research modes of inner-city transportation? Should we Uber, use the metro, or walk?<br />
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It doesn't hurt to make sure that everyone is on the same page! Before leaving, everyone should either have a hard copy or electronic copy of a map, itinerary, and the hotel/hostel/Airbnb address. It also wouldn't hurt to sign up with a mobile money transfer app like Venmo or Zelle to settle up at taxi rides or meals at restaurants that don't separate bills.<br />
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5. Be Flexible<br />
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Incidents happen all of the time during travel. A bus strike, an emergency train stop, or even horrible weather causing your flight to be cancelled. You aren't able to control incidents like these, but what you can control is how you react to them! If city transportation is closed, try walking. If one attraction is closed, go to another. If your flight is grounded, that's more time to explore. Your frustration about set backs are completely valid, but don't allow it to ruin your whole day. Take 10 or 15 minutes to vent and then keep moving forward. This unexpected situation could turn into one of your favorite adventures, if you keep a positive mind.<br />
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If you have any of your own group travel tips, hacks, or stories, please share! I'd love to hear if you've experienced a situation in which these tips could have helped!<br />
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Connect with me on Instagram: @Wildechildyup and on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz4Gx5O_zMCr2rRPzkvRQA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Youtube</a>!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-23823369888450556472018-03-08T13:35:00.000-06:002018-03-08T15:22:27.056-06:00Group Travel: How to Start!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Traveling with friends can be a blast. Sometimes, even before you book tickets/hotels,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">it can also</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> be a pain. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">The group has to get together, decide on location, dates, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">duration of trip, where to stay,</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">and more. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I believe the more work you put into your</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">trip before travel, the more fun and relaxing the </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">trip will be! </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Don't forget to check</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">out an earlier post on<b> </b></span><a href="https://wildechildyup.blogspot.com/2015/07/wilde-child-travel-what-travel-size.html" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;" target="_blank"><b>Which Travel Size Fits You</b></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> to help determine </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">if group</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Currently I’m in the midst of planning a group trip with some friends overseas</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">- which adds a bit more </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">difficulty to this group travel planning process. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">They live in Europe and I’m in Ohio, so it's not like we </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">can all sit down </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">over coffee to hammer out the details in one go. But, thanks to modern</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">technology </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">there's group chat, video messages, and other ways to </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Now we come to figuring out how long each of us are able to travel. One person</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> may </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">suggest 10 days,</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> someone else may suggest 5. The ability to compromise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">is </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">very important in situations like these. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">The group will be able to reach an </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">agreement faster and easier when everyone is willing to be at least </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">a bit flexible. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Another important factor in group travel is honesty. Being up front and truthful </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">about </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">where you want to</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> go and what you want to see or do will make the </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">each of you, the faster </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">you and your friends can include those interests in the</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">As my friends and I move forward with our trip plans. I’ll be sure to keep updating</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">here. Be sure to </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">follow the blog for more of my group travel tips and insights. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">If you have any advice of your own, </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I would love to hear it! Please leave your </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-18707267921370498992018-01-14T16:14:00.000-06:002018-01-14T16:14:35.235-06:00New Year, New Adventures!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Happy 2018!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Japan - New Years 2017)</span></div>
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It's already half way through the first month of the year and I'm already plotting my trips for 2018! Well, actually, I decided on the locations months ago! But the planning and saving starts now! </div>
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Last year trips were so much fun, but I'm always looking forward to the next plane ride or booking the next accommodation and exploring a new environment! Travel is truly addictive :) My 2017 adventures were either solo trips or I travel with one other friend. 2018 will be very different! I have two major trips and they are both group trips! I'll be going to Europe, which will be a girls adventure, and Nicaragua, which will be AWESOME! I'm very excited about both travel opportunities and sharing it all on the blog and on the Youtube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz4Gx5O_zMCr2rRPzkvRQA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Wilde Child Travel</a>)! </div>
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Make sure you subscribe to the Youtube Channel and follow the blog to come along on the next year of adventures! You can also come along with me on Instagram (Wildechildyup) for more photos and stories! If you have big travel plans this year, I'd love to hear about them! Let me know in the comments below! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-81266451292153000332017-12-27T13:56:00.000-06:002017-12-27T13:56:37.393-06:00Sydney: Walking tour & Sweets! I still have a few more goodies to share from my trip to Australia! Today I've posted a video to my Youtube Channel (Wilde Child) about my first day in Sydney! It's at the bottom of this post, so don't forget to check it out! Amie and I traveled back to Sydney after a few days at <a href="https://wildechildyup.blogspot.com/2017/09/port-stephens-4wd-sandboarding-camel.html" target="_blank">Port Stephens,</a> which was a blast! Now it was time to explore a new city!<br />
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On my first full day in Sydney we had breakfast at <a href="http://www.petalmetsugar.com.au/" target="_blank">Petal Met Sugar</a>, which was a cafe and a florist shop. After eating we joined a free walking tour with the <a href="http://www.imfree.com.au/" target="_blank">I'm Free Walking Tours</a>! The walking tour is a tip based tour and our guide (Indigo) was a history student who really made the tour fun by mixing convict history with iconic tourist spots and the architectural history! She was really fun, energetic, and truly informative! You'd be lucky to get her on a tour!<br />
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After our tour we went to <a href="http://www.glebemarkets.com.au/" target="_blank">Glebe Market</a>. There's a jewelry line that I follow on IG called <a href="https://hausofdizzy.com/" target="_blank">Haus of Dizzy</a> and, since I was in Sydney I wanted visit the stall in person! Glebe Market has so much to offer. It's a mix of small business goods (clothes, food, jewelry, skin care) and flea market finds! It's a great way to spend a lazy afternoon. We got there late, unfortunately, but we still got to see a lot of what the market had offer in terms of the different vendors:)<br />
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After the market, Amie allowed me to drag her around Sydney for a little bit longer! There was a cafe I really wanted to check out called <a href="http://lafloraison.com.au/" target="_blank">La Floraison</a>💮<br />
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They sell these really cool looking flower jellies that I wanted to try. Let's just say that it looks better than it tasted! It was supposed to be coconut flavored, but I didn't taste any coconut flavor. It was kind of tasteless, but it was beautiful! I also got a back up treat! A mermaid cupcake and a latte with a unicorn design on top. I would suggest this cafe, I just wouldn't suggest the flower jellies.<br />
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When we were done at La Floraison it was dark and we were tired from trekking all of Sydney! We really had a full day of walking and went back to relax for a bit on Amie's roof top! The views were 360 and amazing! You could see the Harbour Bridge and the Opera house all lit up in the darkness! You can see the awesome view in the video below! Check out our day around the city and, if you've tried the Flower Jellies from La Floraison, let me know what you thought about this dessert!<br />
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I'm going to try to get the rest of my Sydney videos up before the end of January, so I can start the year off right! Follow the blog, subscribe to the YouTube Channel, and Follow me on IG (Wildechildyup) to come along on my adventures and get updates on new videos! Thanks for stopping by!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-79158864652949416842017-11-15T10:45:00.001-06:002017-11-15T10:45:16.903-06:00Port Stephens: Marine Park & Lighthouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
November and December are always the worst blog months for me because I'm usually doing NANOWRIMO and there are lots of family birthdays and holiday events. And now I've started a second job! Although I'm not writing as much as I want, I do still have a backlog of videos! Don't forget that I <i>do </i>have a Youtube Channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz4Gx5O_zMCr2rRPzkvRQA" target="_blank">(Click HERE)</a>, a home for all of my trip videos, as well as travel tips and conversations with some of my favorite travel buddies! </div>
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Here is the latest video I posted; more footage of my Australian adventure :) </div>
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We spent our last day in Port Stephens and Nelson Bay buying postcard and wandering around the Marine Park working our way to the Lighthouse. It was a on-and-off-again cloudy and rainy day, but the views were still worth standing in the chilly air and a little rain.<br />At the top of the incline, where the lighthouse and lighthouse museum is, there's also a little darling cafe! It's called the <a href="http://innerlighttearooms.com.au/" target="_blank">Inner Light Tea Rooms</a>. (I'm telling you, Australia has some of the most charming and unique cafes). You can sit, have food, and simply look out over the water and the birds are really bold, they'll get so close to you for a bit of food. </div>
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If I lived in Sydney, I would defiantly make some routine trips to Port Stephens/Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay to escape for the weekend. It's close enough to drive to, and yet far away enough that you feel as if you're truly on vacation - although you're only a few hours away. </div>
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Connect with me on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildechildyup/" target="_blank">@Wildechildyup</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-1591930623713899822017-10-24T07:16:00.000-05:002017-10-24T07:16:45.726-05:00ABQ International Balloon Fiesta 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the longest time I've been dreaming of going to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. This year I just decided to knock this item off my "Travel List" (you know, the list of places and things that inspire you to get up and go). I put the balloon fiesta on my list for a reason, so why not go? There's a point in time when you get tired of dreaming of something and want to see it in real life, up close and personal. </div>
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Don't forget to check out the video below. It brings to life all of the colorful beauty that is the fiesta!</div>
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I bought a ticket online before leaving, they were $10 each (but there are various packages and offers on the website). Honestly, it's more expensive to catch a ride the balloon park than to get tickets. </div>
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Seriously, transportation to the park was THE WORST part. If I wanted to catch a ride on the coach buses near my hotel it would have been $45 round trip...um, no thanks. The International Balloon Fiesta is a very big event in Albuquerque and luckily my hotel also offered a transportation deal. Leaving from my hotel I paid $10 each way, so the total was $20 round trip. This was such a great saving, I would always make sure you know what your hotel is offering before putting down money for a taxi, Uber, or coach bus.</div>
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I arrived at the Balloon Park around 5 am. It was still pitch dark and freezing. There were shuttles transporting people from the parking lots, camp ground, and museum to the launch field and vendor stalls. The day I went was "Canon Day", which meant that the day was sponsored mainly by Canon. In the Canon tent I got to borrow one of their many great cameras for free, and the bet part was that I got to keep the memory card! I picked an easy point and shoot HD camera, which was great for all of the pre-dawn photos and capturing the laser light show - which I my other camera couldn't pick up. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Dawn Patrol)</span></div>
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There are two sessions per day; the morning session and the night session. I went to the morning session. Around 7 am Dawn Patrol starts, which is a few balloons standing ready to take off and illuminate the dark. The sun starts to rise and other balloons start to get laid out and ready to go up in the air. Loading up on hot chocolate, I was ready for the show!</div>
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Once the sun starts rising all of the other balloons begin to take to the air. Some of them are competition balloons and some are paid rides. I didn't get in a gondola for a ride, but a couple did tell me that their ride was $400 - pretty steep for me! I was happy enough to watch them repeatedly take off and land around the launch field.</div>
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No matter where I went I was surround by these giant colorful balloons and I didn't really get an idea of exactly how many there were until I saw them all in the sky.</div>
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There wasn't any wind when I was there, so the balloons were able to just hang above us and not drift too far until the maneuvered away from the launch field. The morning session ends around 11 am and the balloons spend the morning floating all over Albuquerque, the next day I could see them all over downtown and Old Town. </div>
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Once the launch field was cleared and most of the balloon drifted away I went over to the International Balloon Museum, just up the hill from the field. The outside roof of the building was shaped to look like a balloon. </div>
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Inside is the history of weather balloons, hot air balloons, a bit of space exploration, and a gift shop. It was nice to look around, but that wasn't why I was in Albuquerque. The hot air balloons were the high point of my trip to New Mexico and, although I almost froze out there in the pre-dawn temps, I don't regret a second of this trip. I think it will always be one of my favorite solo adventures and I wouldn't hesitate to go again.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-64902808176083469862017-09-26T09:45:00.002-05:002017-09-26T09:45:45.610-05:00Port Stephens 4WD Sandboarding & Camel Ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you know, my flight to Australia was delay for a whole day, which meant I lost a whole day of fun. Once the plane touched down in Sydney Amie and I rented a car and drove to Port Stephens to catch up on the time we lost. One of the best ways to get through jet lag is to fight through it. Don't go to the hotel and sleep, get out and get moving. Do stuff. That's exactly what I did. First thing on my list: sandboarding! </div>
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Birubi Beach is a was not at all what I expected. It was a little difficult finding the designated location for the <a href="http://www.portstephens4wd.com.au/" target="_blank">Port Stephens 4WD</a> check-in. Once we found the little road leading down towards the water we found the paved parking lot, two sandboarding companies (4WD was one of them!), and a service that gives camel rides. </div>
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We jumped into the 4WD vehicle for a bumpy ride over the dunes to the designated sandboarding location a few minutes away from the parking lot. From this spot we could still see the car lot and the beach area, but if you looked with your back towards the ocean all you'll see are sand dunes as far as the eye could see. Birubi was a lot larger than I expected and I know that there is also a "Tin City" tour there (11 kilometers of beach driving to "Tin City", a small makeshift fishing village that emerges from the dunes like a mirage" - 4WD website), but we didn't take advantage of that activity. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My TOP TIPS for sandboarding: </span></b></div>
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#1 Do NOT put your phone in your pocket. You'll be finding tiny granules of sand around the case edge for the next seven days; a weird little annoying souvenir. </div>
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#2 Don't wear socks, there's no point since they strongly suggest you take your shoes off - and who wouldn't want to feel the nice warm sand between their toes? Socks would just collect sand.</div>
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#3 Leave the purse in the trunk of the car. Or if you're worried about leaving important things in the car park, bring a backpack-type bag so you can keep your things clean and with you at all times!</div>
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4WD provided water, which was great. Although we went in August (which is winter in Australia), it was still pretty warm with the sun shining bright overhead and climbing to get to the top of those dunes takes a great deal of energy. I felt like I was on a StairMaster. Between the strong winds blowing the sand around and the steep dunes, it was a total body work out just getting to the top. </div>
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If you want to see all of the action for yourself, I've inserted a video I made about the experience. <b>Take a look ⇊</b></div>
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On the way back we were going to head to the Airbnb, but Amie talked me into checking out the camel rides. <a href="http://www.oakfieldranch.com.au/camel-rides.php" target="_blank">Oakfield Ranch</a> was set up near the car park, so there's no need to search them out, they're very easy to find. We actually first saw them when we can into the parking lot. </div>
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After sandboarding the camels were resting and waiting for the next riders. Fortunately for us, we were the only people around at that time and we got all of the camels to ourselves - which meant we had the pick of the litter. I'd never ridden a camel before and I was a little nervous, but it turned out to be something I was very glad I experienced. </div>
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The ride was another great way to see the sand dunes and we veered towards the beach and got to ride among the waves coming up to the shore.</div>
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At Birubi point the ride lasted about 20 minutes. Online I saw that there are other rides you can take at other locations, like the hour long sunset ride at Anna Bay. I think 20 minutes is the perfect amount of time to spend in a camel saddle. </div>
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The camel ride was fun and not something I ever expected to do in Australia (when I think of Australia I don't typically think of camels...). Now that I've done it I don't believe I would ever do it again. It's a one and done type of activity. However, I would definitely go sandboarding again!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-85877695598152782602017-09-05T09:39:00.000-05:002017-09-05T09:39:59.219-05:00Australia Bound - Dallas Layover 😱<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was racing to make my connection from Dallas to Sydney when I got to a very empty gate. The Qantas representative at the desk smiled and handed me some papers and explained that my flight to Australia has been delayed for 24 HOURS and they were putting us all in a hotel with food vouchers. This was the last thing I wanted to hear! But there was nothing anyone could do but go to the hotel, sleep in a bed, and eat hotel food until we got more information and a departure time. </div>
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I appreciate that Qantas put us up for the time we were delayed, but what I did not appreciate was that there were no notifications or emails ahead of time to inform us that our flight was not going out on the date and time intended. Also, there was no one helping us at the hotel. They did not send representatives to inform us about updates. The only information we received was that the check-in desk would open at 6 pm. All day my fellow Australia-bound voyagers and I stood at the arrival and departure boards in our hotel lobby checking to see if there was an incoming flight and to see if our flight would mysteriously show up with a gate number. There are somethings in which Qantas excelled, however their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-8526833835489473742017-08-22T01:00:00.000-05:002017-08-22T01:00:03.588-05:00Off to Australia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It feels so good to be off on another adventure! I'm visiting my friend, Amie, in Sydney and she's going to show me the locals live in this beautiful city. I've never been to Australia and I'm very excited to make some lasting memories, write new blog posts, and film new videos! Make sure you subscribe to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz4Gx5O_zMCr2rRPzkvRQA?view_as=public" target="_blank">Youtube Channel</a>, follow the blog, or even connect with me on Instagram (<b>Wildechildyup</b>) to keep up on the updates, adventures, and fun times! </div>
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Get to know my good friend Amie in this video we did a while ago (before she even left for Australia) about our different traveling styles: </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-7057695744598351382017-08-09T06:59:00.000-05:002017-08-09T06:59:35.277-05:00Planning for Australia: Visa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite Netflix shows is Border Security; USA, Canada, and the Australian one. Among the smuggling and blatant disregard for the declaration process, other major issues that arise tend to revolve around visas. Either it's fake, or they are not a "genuine tourist/student", or the holder did not realize that their visa has expired. Really, there is no excuse to skip this VERY important step, if this is a step you need to take, when you are about to travel. As I mentioned in <a href="http://wildechildyup.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-worst-common-travel-mistakes.html" target="_blank">"The Worst Common Travel Mistakes"</a>, a visa can truly make or break a vacation.</div>
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I'm an American with a passport, so I can easily travel pass the Canadian border. Planning for Australia was my chance to determine the difficulty of the Australia Visa Application.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Which One?</span></b></div>
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The <a href="http://www.australia.gov.au/" target="_blank">Australian government website</a> has plenty of visa options available - and they know it! A first timer, like myself, can get a little overwhelmed with looking through all the types of visa, especially when some are very similar. You have to consider the requirements of each visa, as well as the short-term or long-term time spans, and prices. Which one is THE ONE?</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The Australian visa site takes the guess work out of this whole process with a few simple question determined to direct you to the one you need. </span></div>
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As a short-term American visitor, my results were:</div>
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⇨Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)</div>
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⇨Work & Holiday Visa (subclass 462)</div>
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⇨Visitor Visa (subclass 600)</div>
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I picked the electronic option since it would be a faster process than the others offered. This option was also less than $20 USD. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qimQLIaOKN0/WYngqCGgPmI/AAAAAAAAPp8/ldSFD-32IiE_egyq-BRHsu96QzNgxGIrACKgBGAs/s1600/Visa%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="1251" height="164" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qimQLIaOKN0/WYngqCGgPmI/AAAAAAAAPp8/ldSFD-32IiE_egyq-BRHsu96QzNgxGIrACKgBGAs/s320/Visa%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Filling Out The Application</span></b></div>
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The electronic visa allowed me to easily fill in my information right away. The form took about two minutes, tops. All you need is your passport.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Confirmation</span></b></div>
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The electronic application I was confirmed by email within the hour and the whole process was complete. The process will be different and take more time with other visa applications, like the one that requires you mail in documents and they have to put the visa in your passport. That was something I also wanted to avoid mainly because of the time it would take. I was very happy with the online application process. </div>
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In the end, the whole procedure was very easy. The carefully planned website was easy to navigate and utilize. The intuitive questions helped me to get the task done correctly and quickly, instead of spending the day second guessing myself and worrying if I overpaid for the wrong thing. </div>
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Be sure to do your research before you leave. There's more than visas on this government site. If Australia is your next stop, take full advantage of the abundant resources the site has to offer!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0Columbus, OH, USA39.9611755 -82.9987942000000239.571838500000005 -83.644241200000025 40.3505125 -82.353347200000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-57789708249955743742017-07-24T10:23:00.000-05:002017-07-24T10:23:40.496-05:00Fun in Kyoto!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New Video on the WCT Youtube Channel! Don't forget to comment, like, subscribe, or share! 💞💞</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CpluOISqEbs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CpluOISqEbs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-66415700477668516982017-05-18T10:34:00.001-05:002017-05-18T10:34:20.309-05:00Pittsburgh Spots to See On Your Next Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are, of course, so many things to see and very little time when all you've got is about 24 hours in one city. I did a quick day trip to Pittsburgh, PA and challenged myself to see some interesting stuff during my time there. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6FMQ0mTNyM/WR2-yYSPswI/AAAAAAAAOWY/CSKPOWopnFc8b4fg5ORxN9r1JnO1yZL8ACKgB/s1600/pitts%2Bpage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6FMQ0mTNyM/WR2-yYSPswI/AAAAAAAAOWY/CSKPOWopnFc8b4fg5ORxN9r1JnO1yZL8ACKgB/s320/pitts%2Bpage.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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I did the Duquesne Incline and saw the stadiums, bridges, and sights from afar.<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2izc7ETTSZE/WRxuVdmIJBI/AAAAAAAAOVM/4Z9378vDyZki15fHpDdy3Jj5YDNT0__9QCKgB/s1600/20170319_113018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2izc7ETTSZE/WRxuVdmIJBI/AAAAAAAAOVM/4Z9378vDyZki15fHpDdy3Jj5YDNT0__9QCKgB/s320/20170319_113018.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(View from the top of the Incline)</span></div>
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I didn't want to waste time trying to get to all of the best diners all around the city, which I am sure are great, and I didn't go to The Strip or do any tours. Instead, after the Incline, I went to the place that drew me to this city in the first place: <a href="http://randy.land/" target="_blank">RandyLand</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flTG5wgz7gA/WRxtDeeCA6I/AAAAAAAAOVA/gHAVl81r-9Aeekq4bQ840Y8Rss47k9LxQCKgB/s1600/20170319_121214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flTG5wgz7gA/WRxtDeeCA6I/AAAAAAAAOVA/gHAVl81r-9Aeekq4bQ840Y8Rss47k9LxQCKgB/s320/20170319_121214.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I saw this place on Instagram and knew I had to see it for myself. The drive wasn't long for me, coming from Columbus, OH. It opens at 10 am and Randy was there tinkering around. He welcomes everyone with a great big smile and his contagious high energy. Randyland is truly an expression of the man who made it.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRh2Gu5yP4w/WRxtDbPX3rI/AAAAAAAAOVA/UyGpmSCSL7gXiYGcPnfcH8bnd24xhLiYwCKgB/s1600/20170319_122726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRh2Gu5yP4w/WRxtDbPX3rI/AAAAAAAAOVA/UyGpmSCSL7gXiYGcPnfcH8bnd24xhLiYwCKgB/s320/20170319_122726.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Randy Gilson)</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ZAUgplOxw/WRxtDYkkO8I/AAAAAAAAOVA/0akmSZQliwYafyYiCHzTVfhNmG38vnCLgCKgB/s1600/20170319_121331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ZAUgplOxw/WRxtDYkkO8I/AAAAAAAAOVA/0akmSZQliwYafyYiCHzTVfhNmG38vnCLgCKgB/s320/20170319_121331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Randyland is free and runs on donations. Visitors are allowed to come and go as they please to see the art in and around the courtyard and buildings. I am really glad I got to see this place and it was a great way to start my day in Pittsburgh.</div>
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Not far from Randyland is the<a href="http://www.mattress.org/" target="_blank"> Mattress Factory</a>, a modern contemporary art gallery. If you want weird conceptual art, this is the place for you! I'm not going to lie, this wasn't my favorite art gallery in the world. I'm not even sure I understood half of what was displayed, but sometimes it's healthy to get outside of your comfort zone....</div>
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Although I didn't enjoy the gallery, that doesn't mean someone else won't. You should go an check it out for yourself, it may be your cup of tea. What I did thoroughly enjoy was the alley behind the Mattress Factory Randy told us about. It's called <b>Poet's Alley.</b> </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFTHaBzmLhI/WRxtDTyXNHI/AAAAAAAAOVA/hRUTMGvLuRE59DVn8FWRxmJ5phjRxFQbACKgB/s1600/20170319_162349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFTHaBzmLhI/WRxtDTyXNHI/AAAAAAAAOVA/hRUTMGvLuRE59DVn8FWRxmJ5phjRxFQbACKgB/s320/20170319_162349.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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The vibrant and intricate paintings in the alley are centered around the theme of a poem also painted on the houses, some in different languages. This unexpected stop, a suggestion from Randy, completely made up for the art gallery. This is one place everyone should explore when visiting Pittsburgh. It may not be on the various "Best things to see in Pittsburgh", but I would definitely put it on my list.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48Jk2n59aPg/WRxtDSSr8CI/AAAAAAAAOVA/c7-nBEKhKtw9NT3hUr1okE7_E4zRLPw-ACKgB/s1600/20170319_162338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48Jk2n59aPg/WRxtDSSr8CI/AAAAAAAAOVA/c7-nBEKhKtw9NT3hUr1okE7_E4zRLPw-ACKgB/s320/20170319_162338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another thing that may not be on the "Best things to see in Pittsburgh" is the PPG campus. I like to call it the Black Glass Castle. How gorgeous are these buildings? The whole campus is beautiful inside and out.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gS7nNZt3Q4/WRxtDbkmZbI/AAAAAAAAOVA/0zNanVTFQ4IEj77MaxZ_xBIn6BGJT4OmwCKgB/s1600/20170319_165805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gS7nNZt3Q4/WRxtDbkmZbI/AAAAAAAAOVA/0zNanVTFQ4IEj77MaxZ_xBIn6BGJT4OmwCKgB/s320/20170319_165805.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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I saw this place first from the Incline ride and had to go exploring to find it. I'm glad I did. I do not know if there are architecture tours in this city (if you know of one, let me know and I'll return to take that tour!) but they need one. There are many beautiful buildings in the downtown area and I wandered around looking at them. The PPG campus was still my favorite for a two simple reasons.</div>
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1. It's a glass castle</div>
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2. They had the cutest dinosaur statues! </div>
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Before I headed out, I made one more stop at the Milkshake Factory. I didn't want to stuff the day full of trying to get around to every little attraction or museum and I still had a blast roaming around a city I wasn't familiar with at all. I had a great day in Pittsburgh. </div>
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If you have any special attractions or stops you think should be on a "Must See" list, please let me know in the comments below! I'm always open to suggestions and exploring alternative attractions! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-25544577488881206062017-04-05T10:29:00.002-05:002017-04-05T12:19:13.275-05:00Kawaii Monster Cafe!During my trip to Tokyo a great deal of placed (cafes, bars, tourist sites) were closed, unfortunately. However, this was one place that was still open during the holiday season I traveled. The <a href="http://kawaiimonster.jp/pc/" target="_blank">Kawaii Monster Cafe!</a> During the day it's a cafe that gives performances and at night a colorful, crazy and unusual bar. I would suggest getting a drinks here, the food wasn't very impressive and it price was pretty high. Another piece of advice: the cafe also doesn't split checks, so download that Venmo!<br />
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Here's the latest video up on the Youtube Channel!! (Wildechild) If you haven't visited the channel or subscribed, please do so soon!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-4564378853297271952017-03-07T16:46:00.000-06:002017-03-07T16:46:19.241-06:00JAPAN: What You Need to Know!<div style="text-align: center;">
Your bags are packed and you're heading to the airport with a ticket and passport in hand. Ready to catch the flight to Japan? Not <i>quite </i>yet.</div>
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Preparing for Japan, I was truly surprised about some of the things I did not know. These weren't novelty things, these were important facts I needed to know before stepping on that plane...or even before I packed my bags!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What to know before you go:</span></div>
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<b>1. Cash is King: </b>Between Kyoto and Tokyo, it was always easier to pay in cash. My personal experience has been that splitting a bill between two or more people isn't something they do in Japan. Cash is the easiest way of paying your share of the bill.<br />
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<b>2. JR Pass:</b> You have to buy your JR pass before you get to Japan. If you don't have it before you land, you're sh*t out of luck. The JR pass isn't sold in Japan, you have to acquire it outside of the country.<br />
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<b>3. Japanese Wall Plugs:</b> North Americans may not need an adapter, but the voltage is different. You will need a voltage converter. Make sure you know the difference and get the correct item. You wouldn't want to land in Japan and find out you can't charge your phone because the frequency varies.<br />
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<b>4. Onsen and Tattoos:</b> Many Onsen businesses do not allow customers with tattoos since Japan has negative views on body art. This bit of information shocked me the most (since I have tattoos) and found out that there are few tattoo friendly Onsens. Some facilities are easing up on this "unwritten law", but it wouldn't hurt to do a little research in the area you're visiting to find out if they have tattoo friendly locations.<br />
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<b>5. Pet Cafes:</b> You want to see cats, owls, and other cute animals? You have to schedule your trip to a pet cafe to reserve your spot. Make sure you arrive on time or else risk missing out! <a href="http://wildechildyup.blogspot.com/2017/01/kyoto-japan-owl-family-cafe.html" target="_blank">(Check out my trip to an Owl Cafe!)</a><br />
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These are the things I was really glad to learn in order to prepare for my trip to Japan. I would love to hear about what any of you felt was Need-to-know about your trip of Japan, or what you found surprising while exploring!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-89912623801677073202017-01-24T12:58:00.000-06:002017-01-24T12:58:32.079-06:00Fire Ramen!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wandering around Kyoto on a cold December night <a href="http://www.fireramen.com/home/index.html" target="_blank">Menbakaichidai, A.K.A Fire Ramen,</a> was an obvious choice. It's a pretty popular restaurant to visit in the area and there was a very short wait, so we put our names on the list and waited for our turn. With a little bottle of sake and instructions in English, we were ready to experience Fire Ramen.<br />
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The servers and cook ask where you're from so they can show you information and safety instructions in your language. Customers are permitted to wear a disposable apron and lap covering to protect from any oil or spillage that may occur. </div>
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The video says it all! Experience the fire for yourself 😃🔥🔥🔥</div>
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The staff were very accommodating. If you wanted to film the experience, there were selfie sticks hanging from the ceiling for every type of smart phone. They'll set the phones to record before the fire is poured. </div>
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The price of the meal was on the lower side, the staff was great, and the food was really delicious. If you're planning on stopping in Kyoto, check out this ramen restaurant.Your stomach will be happy you did!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-29782445398755047262017-01-12T12:10:00.000-06:002017-01-12T12:10:10.162-06:00Kyoto, Japan | Owl Family Cafe<div style="text-align: center;">
Japan was one hell of a trip. There were some events that were planned ahead of time and the first event was time at the <a href="http://www.owlfamily.co.jp/smartphone/information.html" target="_blank">Owl Family Cafe</a>! I've been beyond excited about this for months now and am very glad that I was able to do this! </div>
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At first the cafe was frustrating because we arrived 15 minutes before our scheduled time, as was instructed on my reservation. We arrived at the location stated only to find out that the cafe had <b>MOVED</b>! It took 30 minutes to find the new location. I was really afraid that we would miss our reservation. Luckily the cafe understood the lateness and we got to play with owls! </div>
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The price was very inexpensive, about $15 per person, depending on how much time you purchase. I purchased 1 hour. The price included 1 hour with the owls, one hot or cold beverage, and the workers take photos of you with the owls on your behalf (using your phone or camera). </div>
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I loved the Japanese beverage shelves. The top shelf has a thick white heating plate to keep a shelf of hot cans of coffee, tea. The other shelves are cold cans of tea, coffee, and juice.</div>
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Upon arrival, you wash your hands, watch an instructional video on how/how not to handle the animals, and then you are seated to hold your first owl!</div>
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If I had a chance to do this over, I would. In a heartbeat. Even though some of the owls pooped on people...(because they're owls...) I loved handling them and allowing them to sit on my shoulder or head. This was one experience I could never regret.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-26745695653664373542016-12-05T09:05:00.000-06:002016-12-05T09:05:57.938-06:00My Favorite Travel Apps!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While planning for my next trip, between Christmas and New Years, I've been utilizing different travel applications. These apps have been extremely useful at keeping all of my information in one place. They are great resources while on the go; it's convenient to keep hotel, flight, transportation info in the palm of your hand - even if you're offline and without reception or wi-fi!</div>
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<u><b>Google Trips</b></u></div>
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This is one of the most innovative travel applications I've come across, so far. Once the app is downloaded, everything you save for your trip will accumulate one location. Book a hotel or flight with your gmail account and the reservation will appear in the app once it's synced. Search google for events, save them, and they'll be saved in the app as well. </div>
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One of the things I love best about this application is that it breaks down all of the categories of travel and makes planning extremely easy. Google Trips allows you to download your "Trip" to access the information at any time, even off line. </div>
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If you're traveling to a destination for the first time, Google Trips explains all forms of transportation. </div>
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As a Google app, Google Trips suggests things to do based on the categories in the menu. Tapping the little star allows you to save it to your trip list. </div>
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Not familiar with the local food? Google Trips lets you know what's popular and where to find it. </div>
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Information about hospitals, clinic, shopping, and currency are all in one place. This app is just like a travel book, but free and in the palm of your hand! It's everything you need. The app saves your trips, which is nice to look back on every now and then. </div>
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<b><u>Expedia App</u></b></div>
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I like the simplicity of the Expedia App. I can book flights, hotels, car rentals, and events for my trips all in one place. I like to randomly browse different locations to see what Expedia has to offer. The rates are pretty good and, if you already have an Expedia account, you can get more points on the phone app! </div>
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The app saves all of the reservations, flights, hotels bookings and everything else under the "Trip" tab. The "Account" tab keeps track of your points, pending points, offers app support, and suggests other travel application. </div>
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<b><u><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/step.html/" target="_blank">Smart Traveler App</a></u></b></div>
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I've mentioned this app before in my post about <b><i><a href="http://wildechildyup.blogspot.com/2015/12/wilde-child-travel-travel-safely.html" target="_blank">Travel Safety</a></i></b>. This app, issued by the American government, is for traveling U.S. citizens. It's full of information and sends real time alerts and warnings to your phone. I don't use this app a lot, but I like to enable it when I'm abroad because it tells me where the U.S.embassy is and, once enrolled, helps family and friends get in touch with me during an emergency. </div>
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These are my favorite travel apps. Let me know which apps you use while away from home, I would love some suggestions of new apps to try!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-15133677279904932432016-10-19T10:48:00.000-05:002016-10-19T11:23:11.408-05:00Wandering Around Time Square! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you've been following me on Instagram (Wildechildyup), then you know I've been to New York recently! I have visited the Big Apple before, but I haven't experienced any of the famous land marks on the tourist checklist. This time I made sure to see Time Square lit up in all of it's blinding glory!</div>
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From blocks away you could already see the hazy lights of one of the world's most famous tourist spots. The lights only get brighter the closer you get!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Although it was pretty cold and misty, we trekked out to the heart of the city to take in all of the bright lights. Time Square wasn't as crowded as I anticipated, perhaps it was the weather, yet it everything I had imagined and saw every year during the New Year Eve Ball Drop. There is no way I would ever want to be in Time Square for that! It would be way too intense and crowded. I'm glad there weren't mass crowds of people walking around during the night, we seemed to have picked the perfect timing!</span><br />
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To see what else I did during my weekend in NYC check out the videos below! Please follow, subscribe, and comment! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-83185501852573235472016-09-28T10:07:00.000-05:002016-09-28T10:15:05.614-05:00Four Roses Bourbon Tasting!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As part of my birthday celebration I wanted to see a part of the famous Bourbon Trail in Kentucky. There are plenty of distilleries and well-known labels participating in the Bourbon Trail, and I picked <a href="http://fourrosesbourbon.com/" target="_blank">Four Roses</a>. Doing my research, I looked at numerous websites and settled on Four Roses based on the Spanish style of the buildings. The aesthetic makes the campus really beautiful! </div>
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Four Roses offers tours and tastings from 9 am to 3 pm for $5. I arrived in time for the 2 pm tour. Unfortunately, it was already sold out. However, there was still room in the tasting. I would suggest calling ahead of time to make sure there's still room for you, if you want to take the tour. </div>
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Here is my first stamp in my Bourbon Trail Passport! When you get all of the stamps, you can send in your passport and get a t-shirt.</div>
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The tasting teaches the history of Four Roses and allows you sample the Single Barrel, the Small Batch, and the Yellow. I loved how they casually described the warm sensation bourbon gives you as a "Kentucky Hug".</div>
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You also get a complimentary tasting glass!</div>
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As well as touring and tasting at the distillery, the $5 ticket allows you to visit the Warehouse & Bottling Facility at another location. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-61856927771260049102016-07-30T13:37:00.001-05:002016-07-30T13:37:41.990-05:00Inside AmsterdamVisiting Amsterdam for the first time (Or not...)? If you're not sure on what to see or what to do, consider the following attraction/shot spots before you go!<br />
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Explore Jodenbuurt, the old Jewish quarter, where there is a daily flea market, Waterlooplein. There is much to see including Rembrandt’s House, the Portuguese-Israelite Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum. Be mindful of all forms of transportation (bikes, cars, trams)<br />
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Another market to check out is the Albert Cuyp market. It's a popular street market that has been in action since 1905 selling flowers, food, clothing and more.<br />
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9 Streets (de Negen Straatjes) is amazing for foodies and fashionista. This shopping area is located in the middle of the city and has numerous cafes, restaurants, boutiques, specialty stores, bars, and anything else you could want.<br />
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If you need wi-fi to check in or pull up maps,wi-fi is free and available at a number of cafes around the city. There are the normal locations such hotels, airport, Starbucks and McDonald's. There is also KFC and Bagels & Beans. Find free wi-fi here: www.wifi-amsterdam.nl or here: http://wifispc.com/netherlands/provincie-noord-holland/amsterdam.html<br />
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Relax and have a drink at Brouwerij t'IJ. It is a small brewery operating in the former Funen bathhouse and is also called the brewery at De Goover Windmill because it's near a windmill.<br />
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Go to the sloped-roof terrace of NEMO Science Center for a great panoramic view of Amsterdam. Take a (free) boat ride across the River IJ to North Amsterdam and enjoy your visit!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-80833301308313083422016-06-22T10:29:00.002-05:002016-06-22T10:29:59.788-05:00Backpacking TipsBackpacking can be tricky. You only have one piece of luggage, but it can be a major pain. Sometimes it's a carry-on and sometimes you'll be forced to check it as luggage. Either way, that bag will contain your important possessions along the duration of your trip and you'll want to pack and preserve all that you can.<br />
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<b>Keep Liquids in a Ziplock bag -</b> Especially if you're carrying the bag on the plane. Keeping the liquids in a seal tight bag will keep your clothes and other items safe from leaks or spills. Keeping this bag at the top of your pack will help make the move through the TSA line a little easier.<br />
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<b>Pack a Laundry Bag -</b> It's a small little bag that will hardy take up any space at all. A laundry bag is a great item to have on hand to stuff your dirty laundry in and to transport your clothes to the laundromat. It also keeps your clean clothes smelling fresh instead of mixing them with the dirty items.<br />
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<b>Locks -</b> I secure all of my backpack zippers with TSA approved locks. Little small metal locks work, but they can be picked easily. I prefer the flexible combination locks. I can use them on my bag and on lockers in hotel rooms to keep my things secure.<br />
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<b>Breakables -</b> This is an easy tip: <b>Don't Pack Anything That Breaks.</b> Try to avoid these items as much as you can. There's no point in buying a fragile souvenir only to have it fall apart in your luggage.<br />
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<b>Flashlight - </b>No matter how I pack or what form I carry my luggage (backpack, suitcase, weekend bag) I always have a flashlight. In the car, on a key ring, or double duty pen-flashlight. They're great in emergencies or if you need to dig through your luggage in the dark or if you simply want to read a book without disturbing the person next to you.<br />
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Hopefully these tips will make packing your sack a little easier. If you have any of your own tips, I'd love to hear them. Put them in the comment box below!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-52946781952685408422016-05-12T11:20:00.000-05:002016-05-16T10:36:26.642-05:00Road Trip: Toronto | OntarioI haven't been on a road trip in a while, and this was my first solo adventure. I decided to spend the weekend in Toronto, Ontario Canada. I drove up late on Friday and arrived early Saturday. I stayed in the Courtyard Marriott downtown on Yonge street, I asked for a room on a higher floor to see what kind of view I could get (to see the view from my room on the 11th floor, check out the Toronto video below!).<br />
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I went to the St. Lawrence Market after settling in at the hotel. The St. Lawrence Market is a covered market where you can find fresh produce, fish, meat, wine, and anything else your kitchen needs. I walked around for a bit and found it interesting that I was never carded. Some days I look a lot younger than I am, and other days I don't. I went to two wine stores and they offered free wine tastings and never carded anyone at all!<br />
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Later in the day I went to a restaurant called <a href="http://signsrestaurant.ca/" target="_blank">Signs</a>. It's ran by deaf staff members. When I was seated I was introduced by my hearing hostess to my hearing impaired waitress. I was taught some simple signs so I was able to communicate to the waitress myself, and there was also a cheat book I could point to if I forgot a sign. The menu showed how to order your food in sign language, but if you didn't want to try that you could just point at the item.<br />
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I walked up and down Younge street, it's so huge! The hotel was close to the entertainment area, where there was a mall, movie theater, and more. After a while I went back to the hotel and went swimming and slept.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPpJcgNg80U/VyEt-Rm98QI/AAAAAAAAJ6c/-dEufYUKcPYPmc5INvm90NeDEJicoMYIACKgB/s1600/20160410_124643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPpJcgNg80U/VyEt-Rm98QI/AAAAAAAAJ6c/-dEufYUKcPYPmc5INvm90NeDEJicoMYIACKgB/s320/20160410_124643.jpg" width="320" /></a>The next day (Sunday) I woke up early to get food at <a href="http://eggspectation.com/" target="_blank">Eggspectation</a>. I wasn't sure if there'd be a long wait or not, and I didn't want to chance it, so I checked out and went over to the restaurant. I had gotten up so early that there were only two other tables eating! That was perfectly fine with me. I sat back and relaxed with more than enough time before the Kensington Market & Chinatown walking tour. </div>
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The <a href="http://www.torontourbanadventures.com/Toronto-tours" target="_blank">Urban Adventurers</a> walking tour was so fun! It was a smaller group than usual, but that meant we got to spend more time at the places we liked the best. The tour guide Mike talked about architecture and how the buildings and city layout has changed over time. We walked around Chinatown and Mike told us how this part of the city came to be. </div>
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Next, we went to Mike's own neighborhood; Kensington Market. He showed us where he does laundry, shops for food, and the best restaurants and cafes in the area. It's one thing to take a tour from a person who has been well educated on the content of the tour, and it's a whole other thing to take a tour from someone who lives in the neighborhood. </div>
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The guide isn't reading from a fact list, they're allowing you to experience what they experience daily. Mike was a great guide and you should check out the video so you can see all of the amazing street art and graffiti we saw during the walk!<br />
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After the tour, I walked around a bit more. Toronto is big and I barely got to see most of it. I'll have to come back when I have more time. It's definitely a city I'd visit again.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1132094292194245855.post-27759564206905578202016-04-13T07:31:00.001-05:002017-08-07T11:35:25.905-05:00Why I Joined a Hotel Reward Program<br />
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I've been a member of a hotel rewards program for over an year now, but haven't been really using it until recently. I've stayed in hostels, Airbnbs, and even couchsurfed, yet I still really enjoy hotel rewards programs and all they have to offer.<br />
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Now, more than ever, it's easy to accumulate points with any brand. Shopping online and signing up friends can get you to a reward faster. More commonly, points can add up with hotel credit cards, stays with sister hotel brands, airline miles, and car rentals.<br />
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Points can be used domestically and internationally at anytime and usually there are no blackout dates. If you want to extend your stay, for example, simply trade in your points for another night! It's easy to use members' points also for spa days, airline miles, products, free nights, activities, and meals.<br />
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Brands love faithful patrons and want to treat them well when they visit, so they send special offers to reward members only. Based on the program and the accumulated amount of points, you can get 10-30% off the price of a stay. Marriott allows (Free?) upgrades upon check-in, depending on your level of membership, and use of the concierge lounge. All brands are trying to find new ways to make their loyal members feel valued.<br />
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Flights and hotels go hand-in-hand. Why not use one to get the other? Airlines allow you to convert miles into hotel points and free stays. You can turn hotel points into miles if you want, but it's easier and more beneficial to turn miles into points.<br />
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Like picking a bank or buying a car, you have to do your research. Figure out what you want from the program based on price ranges, locations, hotel quality, rewards, and sister brands. Once the criteria has been set, you'll be able to find the perfect fit for you. I would love to hear which program you prefer!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04152259126892995221noreply@blogger.com0