SniqueAway, yes please!

I love me a great deal, don't you? Here's a *Hot* new site to check out if you're planning a spontaneous getaway.  SniqueAway :: http://www.sniqueaway.com/ 

A sister site of TripAdvisor, if you sign up for a free membership, you'll be sent updates for stunning escapes at a fraction of the price -- up to 50% off!  If you act quickly (you have to since the deals only last up to a week unless they sell out quicker!), you can find some pretty wicked deals at some pretty awesome places. 

Destinations like the British Virgin Islands, NYC, Playa Mujeres, Arizona, Chicago and England to name a few, top the list this week.

These resorts are breathtaking! 
Check it out!

While you're exploring, follow me on Twitter too!

If You Could Turn Back Time

Promoted trending Twitter topics are usually pretty lame; however, a phrase this week was #IfIHadSuperPowers  ... well, now that's interesting.  I'm sure I'd choose flight, time travel, world peace, super strength, go-go gadget arms or something just like everyone else, but in my allotted Tweet space today, I went with:

@StacieKimberly :: "I'd teleport myself all over the world, #travel through time & live lavishly like a local at every location #IfIHadSuperPowers"

The destination options are endless!  If you could turn back time, Where/When would you go?

Recent "The player who left" mumbo jumbo has triggered a multitude of letters to the editor, bloggeriffic bursts of positive & mostly negative feedback, news coverage galore and trips down memory lane -- back to times when Cleveland wasn't just a "shell of a city" outsiders see -- back to a time when our teams were winning teams and our economy was booming.

My first stop?  I'd go to there.

Let's make it a simple trip to Cleveland in the 1940s during the Big Band era, when the Browns were title-winners and before the Cuyahoga River caught on fire.  You might say this was one of the town's most intriguing periods in history ... booming arts, theater, employment, invention and nightlife.  I'd trip myself there, donning a luxurious gown, flirty curls and a curvy silhouette.  I'd roam The Flats in kitten heels, draping a faux fur shawl over my shoulders in the evening, perhaps even see a show at PlayhouseSquare.

Next would be France in the 1950s circa Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina.  An apartment overlooking a courtyard, glowing fountain and 4-piece ensemble playing La Vie en Rose would be absolute heaven.  I'd prop open the French doors to the terrace, lean way back in a wooden rocker and dream up plot lines for my novel.  I'd take an evening stroll in my skinny black pants and ballerina flats, just as the street lamps would start to flicker, take a cooking class, and maybe even chop my hair to a pixie, just cuz.  What a life ... maybe I'd never leave!

Since I'm already on the continent, I might as well trip my superself to England to hang with the Boleyn sisters and Queen Katherine's court in the 1510s.  What a sight it would be to gaze at the countryside in all its untouched glory, don the yards upon yards of luxurious fabrics and rub elbows with royalty.  I'd live through the flirting, hunting, conniving plots, scheming and corruption, then simply blink my way back home to modern conveniences.

Next, a New York City speakeasy during 1920s prohibition era in the summertime.  Why?  Because I can.  21 Club  on West 52nd Street was raided often by police, but the system levers to sweep the bottles and series of underground wine cellars, helped these bootleggers to never get caught.  The owners were legends at the time, often changing the bar name and rewarding regulars with souvenir scarves.  I'd go to there with a short bob, feather boa, embroidered dress and costume jewelry.  Why not?

After exploring opposing fashion trends, ways of life and blacks and whites, I'll need a vacation.  With my superpowers, I'd do a few super workouts until my body was in perfect beach shape. I know what resort beaches are like today, so I'd trip myself somewhere slightly different but still familiar enough to know what's what -- a California party beach circa 1988.  Sand volleyball, high-cut one-pieces, surfing and sunshine.  I'd be an extra in an episode of Baywatch, go to a Beach Boys concert and host a beach party at Malibu Sands Beach Club.  Could crazy big hair and fluorescent swimwear be so terrible? Nah.  I'd check out the sunrise, then magically appear at my next location.

The travel options are endless!  Where/When would you go?  What time period has always intrigued you?

  

Travel 2.0

Prior to my recent jet-sets from Cleveland to Hawaii (9 hours) and Beijing (13 hours) I had only travelled relatively short domestic distances by plane. For a flight lasting longer than the average person's workday, I couldn't imagine the lengths passengers would go to avoid muscle pains, trapped-in-an-aircraft-for-a-day-with-a-bunch-of-strangers-aphobia and, perhaps worst of all, boredom. 

Thanks to a new generation of journey-friendly products and services I refer to as Travel 2.0, and a few calisthenics exercises, a long flight in coach can turn out to be a surprisingly positive experience.

In-flight Entertainment

My under the seat carry-on bag contained the usual self-entertainment items -- a book, magazine, iPod, headphones, cards, snacks, etc. -- but I barely read a page.   Thanks to the mini TV screen mounted directly in front of my face, I was thoroughly entertained by movies (I Love You, Man; Marley and Me; Eclipse; Wizard of Oz; 40-Year-Old Virgin; Cars; The Proposal), TV shows (The Office; Curb Your Enthusiasm; Project Runway; History Channel selections), music (a dozen channels of different genres) and games on demand.  Time flew by (no pun intended) just as quickly as if I were sprawled on out my own comfy couch watching TV on a Sunday afternoon ... except, I was sitting upright, surrounded by 100s of strangers in a dimly lit cabin of a Boeing 747.  Just like home!

Bonus: Regular headphones with a standard connector work just fine in the arm rest plug -- no need to purchase the flight-specific set like the old days. 

If you book a flight with touch screen options, you can easily select music, videos and flight info channels; and the trivia games allow you to play against fellow travelers on board.  You're goin down, lady in 28B! 

When you're ready for a snooze, set your screen to the map of your flight route.  It was surreal to wake up and realize that we were directly over the North Pole on our way to the opposite end of the world.  High-fives to Santa and all the penguins!

iPads

I was amazed to see how many iPads were popping out of the overhead bins.  Mostly surprised by the fact they didn't belong to adults -- kids ages 4-12 were the ones with the $499 toy!  Parents smartly loaded them up with kids' games, coloring apps, videos and Dora eposides before making the trip.  I found myself wishing I had one of my own, and also relieved that the kids were being so calm and quiet while we were in the air. 

Muscle Stretches & Seating Tips
On both of my flights there were people who stood up most of the trip.  Parents walked up and down the aisles with their babies, older couples stood together and chatted in small groups and many passengers did ankle lifts and lunges to keep the blood flowing.  When I wasn't sleeping, I made it a point to get up at least once an hour (try to get an end seat if you can, for easy exiting), to stretch my neck, legs and back. 

For extra back support in your seat try using the blanket or pillow provided by the airline for a lumbar roll.  Wear comfortable, breathable shoes, and layer up for better temperature control.  The air tends to get stale, so even if you're getting chilly, you might want to switch on your air vent for some circulation.  Bring your own blanket and neck pillow if you're able, and an eye mask and ear plugs are helpful for a more comfortable sleep.

Food Service vs. No Food Service

My flight to Beijing was 4 hours longer than my flight to Hawaii, but felt much shorter.  How could that be?  Food service makes all the difference.  Try to find a flight that serves a meal and/or snack every few hours.  Eating makes the time go by much faster by breaking up the trip into smaller chunks.  If no food is provided, make sure to bring substantial snacks for yourself and eat every 3-4 hours.  Drink plenty of water and avoid concentrated sugar drinks (like cranberry and tomato juice) toward the middle and end of the flight. 

Many International flights offer complimentary beer and wine, which can help you sleep and calm your nerves. 

What are your long flight travel tips? 

Plans on the Horizon

Do you have a vacation on the horizon?  I mean, other than visiting your family and friends for the holidays ...

I've found that just by planning to plan a vacation in the next year or so, gives me a sunnier outlook on life.  By giving yourself something to look forward to, you reduce your risk of ending up in a "rutt", or bored with the status quo.  Try saving a few dollars here and there and starting a fund for your next journey.  Getting away is a great way to remind yourself what's important in life.  Recharge.  Reset.  Explore!

On your lunch break or while you're doing the dishes tonite, decide what type of vacation you need next.  It might be exotic, relaxing, touristy, adventurous, entertaining, peaceful, etc ... you decide!  Maybe you crave just hitting the road with a light bag, your GPS and some snacks for a short jaunt to a nearby state.  It's completely up to you ... it's your vacation ... that's the beauty of it. 

Once you've narrowed down your type, decide what you'd like to accomplish while you're there.  Is this a place you've been before?  If so, you might just want to take it easy and go with the flow.  Things will be familiar ... maybe plan to hit up just one new place while you're there to keep it interesting.  You never know -- you just might find a new favorite restaurant or scenic view!

Perhaps your goal is to read that great novel you haven't had time for, or even to start writing your own!  Maybe you want to indulge yourself with great food and wine, or be entertained by live music, shows or nightlife.  Or maybe your goal is to accomplish nothing. Just relax.  That's a beautiful thing too!

If you're stepping outside your comfort zone and going somewhere exotic (maybe a different country or a place with a culture or language different than you're used to), plan to leave in a few months (at least) to give yourself plenty of time to do your research.  If you're a person who likes a structured vacation, look into guided tours, local entertainment, amusement parks, museums, shows and restaurants before you jet set to a new land.  There's nothing more difficult than arriving in a foreign country with no clear plans, or at least a familiarity with the layout on a map.  If you're a member of AAA, they have great maps and knowledgable travel agents who've been to most of the common vacation spots around the world.

Need a break?  Maybe you've decided that since your last couple trips have been packed with touristy plans and busy schedules, that you're ready for an all-inclusive paradise resort vacay -- a true "I'm gonna do what I want to, when I want to" escape from reality, where you can just unwind and recharge your battery.  If you're feeling even lower-maintenance, how about just driving to a beach, renting a condo, preparing your own meals, reading books and laying on the beach with a cold drink in your hand?  Sounds lovely to me :)

After our trip to Beijing -- filled with anxiety, fear of the unknown and overstimulation -- my husband and I are in need of a little pampering and relaxation.  Next stop :: all-inclusive paradise!  Not quite sure where yet ... but the research has officially begun for our big trip of 2011! 

Happy travels!

Things I Learned in China

After an eye opening, life changing, 3-week visit to Beijing, I'm glad to say I'm officially back in America. Back in Cleveland. Back home!

There's no way I could have possibly prepared myself for everything I'd experience halfway around the world. The customs, food, culture, language and people couldn't be any more different than the U.S. They push and shove. They spit. They eat dried seaweed as a snack. They risk their lives just crossing the street. They're intelligent and kind and extremely professional, all speaking at least two languages. They drink only hot drinks in the winter, barely ever touch food with their hands and are very superstitious about life in general. A lot of the English is a choppy broken British English, making communication even in my own language difficult. I managed to live and work there for 3 weeks, but there was no lack of struggle involved. It was truly a humbling experience that I'll never forget.

About the PRN Office

The office is on the 7th floor (just like here!) of a building called Maple Tree Tower. It's located amidst the hustle of the Central Business District (the "CBD") of Chaoyang District, Beijing. Super close to major subway and bus stations, it's a great location for commuters and business people in general. Editorial is made up of 8 editors who sit in the same room with CSRs, Marketing, Tech and Media Relations. The office is new, clean, purple, and has an energetic and enthusiastic vibe -- it's a great place to work.

Some things I learned from Chinese PRNers

They are amazing. I've never been surrounded by so many wonderful people. They took me in as if I was one of their own -- across all departments -- always inviting me to lunch, dinner, out on the weekends, etc. They take pride in every job they do, never hesitating to help one another. If anyone asked for help, someone was immediately at his or her side. Their sense of urgency and customer service was unbelievable, something I've hoped to bring back home with me. Their SOPs and workflow are completely different than ours, but by working together and constantly communicating, somehow their system works, and their clients very rarely complain.

Clients pay for 100% of their charges on the day they sign their contracts, so there are no cost estimates involved with the job. Clients have a more specific standard distribution they always use, and editors are required to make a quota of "client visits" each month. They know their clients very well and strive to make their experience with PRN absolutely perfect. Editors live by their hard copy check sheets, making all of their memos on paper to hand off to the processor. (It's difficult to read ... as there are a few different languages written on the page in handwriting. And they consistently make their 9s backwards!)

Hands down, the greatest thing I observed from working in China was that no matter what job a person has -- from a top level business executive or police guard, to a waitress or street sweeper -- they seem to have enormous personal pride in their work. Never assuming that they deserve a job, they work hard to move up and to succeed in life. As an American woman working for PR Newswire, it has taken a trip to Beijing to help me realize that by re-examining my own work ethic, I could expand and virtually redefine what personal success means to me. It's a truly amazing and life-changing notion and an idea I'd love to extend to all of you!

After visiting a world that couldn't be more different than our own, I feel recharged with a new perspective as an Editor for PR Newswire.

I'd love to share stories and bounce ideas back and forth with all of you!

xie xie, It's so great to be home!

Cheers,

The Forbidden City, China

It was a smoggy 60 degree Saturday in Beijing. We woke up, ate breakfast and jotted down subway directions to world's largest surviving palace complex, The Forbidden City, in China. Ready to venture out on our own, we anxiously packed our cameras, scarves and snacks for a day trip to this ancient Chinese Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty.

Subway Line 1 seemed busy for a Saturday in the business district, but we boarded the train anyway. We'd been to both New York City and Washington D.C. in the past, but found that China's subway is by far the easiest to navigate as a foreigner. Maps are displayed everywhere inside the station, listing landmarks and the direction you're headed, and the station itself is wide open, clean and bright. Honestly, Guomao Station feels like you're travelling into the future instead of just North-South / East-West.

Advertisements are complete with moving images, pop-out 2-D displays, and colored lights lining the floors and walls. You're underground, but it feels like daytime.

We rode the subway to the Tien'anmen East exit, where we rode the escalator to the surface and into a Chinese time warp. To the left was a busy street lined with local restaurants, rickshaws and Chinese faces. And to the right was a sworm of people from all continents and cultures, all bottlenecking their way into the entrance of The Forbidden City. Prepared to pay our 60 rmb each, we held on to each other's hands and prayed that we'd make it through the crowd in one piece.

Stop. Go. Stop. Go. People don't look up or around or care where they're stepping. If they want a photo, they are stopping. No questions asked. No" excuse mes" or "I'm sorrys". They just let you run into them and continue to go about their business, talking amongst themselves in their respective tongues. "Are you sure we want to go in?" I asked one last time. "Well, we're here, so let's just keep goin'," said my husband.

Over the moat and inside the main entrance we went.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I'm sure the reality blew it out of the water. Through the tunnel, we followed the crowds, tour groups and guards to the outside where the scene opened up into an immense courtyard of sorts. We were surrounded by 980 gigantic structures all topped with Chinese roofs, carvings, gargoils and traditional palatial architecture so unique to the culture that we were instantly transported to another time completely. One can imagine great emperors roaming the grounds with their flocks of concubines following closely behind them. Relics of water urns line the walls inside, which at one time served as firefighting tools in case the ancient collection of wooden structures accidentally caught on fire. It's simply overwhelming to imagine the ceremonies, birthdays, weddings and Chinese history that took place on the very grounds on which we were walking.

The smog hung heavy over the tops of the buildings as we ventured into the inner courtyard. The trees, winding paths and charming Chinese structures were breathtaking. I couldn't stop snapping photos! Signs indicated that these inner gardens were where the Emperors and Emperesses "amused" themselves with poetry, games and laughter. A charming setting for certain.

Finally, we'd reached the throne rooms, boarded up and englassed with windows, of course. You could peer inside for a quick look if you pushed your way up to the front. As we made our way back to the front of the city (another hour long walk) we couldn't help but notice that people were outstretching their arms on their tip-toes just to touch the ancient relics throughout the city. They fought their way up to the front of lines to catch a short glimpse of the throne rooms where ancient ceremonies and history had taken place 100s of years before. We were amazed at their reverance.

Our trip home on the subway was a much different experience than our way to Tien'anmen Square. As soon as we entered the station, we were right back in present times, pushing and shoving and cramming into tiny spaces to stand on the train. After 5 stops we heard "Guomao Station" and prepped for our escape. The doors opened and we were free again; back to our bubble in the business district. We were safely back in 2010, with photos from the past to document our Chinese adventure.

My China Arrival

I've never been a minority, neither living in Cleveland nor anywhere else I've ever gone. I've always been one of many -- White, American, English-speaking and "in style" fashionwise. I've never stood out as someone who looks or speaks differently than everyone else. I've always felt that I belong.

On October 10, 2010, my world was reversed, fast-forwarded 12 hours and completely switched backwards from everything I've ever known. "Don't freak out," was all I kept telling myself as I wandered my way toward the arrivals gate at Beijing Captial International Airport. "Don't look suspicous or scared. Just try to blend in." Armed with my passport and pre-stamped China Visa, I knew I was prepared. I was prepared, right? Wait. What was I getting myself into?

Alone. Nothing familiar. Different.

As I approached the arrivals gate, I took my place behind one of dozen counters that was marked "Foreigner". My flight was the first of many arriving at the same time, so I was lucky enough to be relatively close to the front of line. More travelers were filing in behind me by the hundreds, carry-ons in hand, speaking all different languages. I heard someone speaking English off in the distance. British English. Still foreign to me. People pushed and shoved their way into lines and stood on top of each other to avoid cut-ins.

With swollen ankles from my 13-hour flight, there I was, inching my way to the front, my heart racing with anxiety and fear of the unknown. After about a half hour, finally, it was my turn at the arrivals counter. The man took my passport without a word. I smiled. There was no return smile. He made a slash across my Visa, said "OK," and pointed for me to walk on through. I breathed a quick sigh of relief ... and I was on my way to baggage claim.

Surprisingly, retrieving my two checked bags and clearing customs were the easiest parts of my arrival. Baggage carts were available by the dozen, just like grocery carts, lined up along every wall. I grabbed one and booked it toward carousel #41. My baggage was right there waiting for me, neatly stacked side-by-side, with the green ribbons I'd attached streaming happily as identification. Customs was just a walk-through gate. No one even checked anything, as long as you weren't claiming any goods out of the norm. Phew!

Now, imagine you're a movie star on the Red Carpet with paparazzi lining the walkways holding signs, wearing fan t-shirts and shooting photos. That's what the arrivals gate in Beijing is like, except it's all Chinese faces staring back, and they're all waiting to pick up someone other than you.

Pushing my cart of luggage, I looped around to the far end of the "receiving" line and I heard someone yell my name. A familiar face!  Pushing through the sworm of people, I could see my friend, Anne, there to pick me up.  If it wasn't for her, I would have been doomed to somehow take a taxi cab by myself to a place that I didn't even know how to pronounce in Chinese. Thank goodness for Anne and her Mandarin skills. She was truly a lifesaver who put me at ease in this foreign place.

As if the airport wasn't an adventure in itself, I knew from that point on would be a great struggle to do anything that involved communication. Checking in. Eating. Working. Training colleagues. Getting from place to place.

I was overwhelmed ... but mostly humbled and intrigued. Much more to come!

China Visa

My Visa application is on its way to the consulate. Flight & hotel are booked.  Now it's a waiting game.  Even though I've followed all of the Visa instructions to a tee, I'm still nervous for everything to run smoothly.  Denial and I do not get along ...

I picked up a couple guides:  Top 10 Beijing (Eyewitness Travel) and Mandarin Phrasebook (lonely planet).  Hopefully these can help me plan excursions and get around the city. 

Today is the start of China's Mid-Autumn Festival of the Harvest Moon, which really got me thinking about how excited I am to experience their culture!  There's so much color, enthusiasm and tradition that I'm just hoping I'll be able to take it all in without being too overwhelmed.

So far my Mandarin knowledge is quite slim:
Ni hao, ma? = How do you do?
Xie Xie = Thank you

Next Stop - Beijing!

Ni hao, ma?

You read it right, my wonderlust is taking me to Asia!  I always said I'd like to experience China someday, but I never actually thought it would happen.  I'll be spending 3 weeks in the ChaoYang district of PRC's capital, Beijing, this fall.  I can't wait to start researching and learning some key Mandarin phrases.  Any tips you have would be lovely, as I'm definitely venturing into foreign territory here. 

Stay tuned for more info about my travel plans, how to obtain a Visa, etc. 

Great Wall of China

Rooftop view of part of the Beijing skyline

ChaoYang District (where I'll be staying)

 

Temple of Heaven, Beijing

 

The Road to Hana - Maui, Hawaii

Where else in the world can you cliff dive into a waterfall, swim in a sacred pool, dig your toes into a black sandy beach, drive over dozens of one-lane bridges, walk through a lava tube or gaze at the natural and virtually untouched landscapes of the Pacific Ocean off the islands?

If you ever have the chance to go to Maui, one thing is certain -- you simply must drive the road to Hana.  Take the entire day to explore some of the newest beaches on Earth, created by volcanos and carved by the thrashing of waves over the course of thousands of years. 

They offer tours, but I've heard some horror stories of broken AC, bad translators and bumpy-car-sickness-buses.  You're better off renting a vehicle that you feel comfortable driving on narrow, winding roads for 6+ hours, so you can spend as much or as little time as you'd like at each stopping point.  (Note:  Make sure to add multiple drivers to your rental insurance if you plan to share the drive).  We opted for a Jeep Rubicon with the top off, and it worked out perfectly. 

Things You'll Need:

• Maui Revealed guidebook (or another book that lists each attraction by mile marker), or CD
• Packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water
• Hand sanitizer
• Old hiking shoes if you plan on walking the paths to more hidden waterfalls
• Bathing suit under your clothes
• Sunglasses/Hat
• Beach towel if you plan on swimming
• Camera

Road to Hana Tips:

• Depending on where you're driving from, make sure to leave early in the morning.  Most tours start around 8-9AM, so it's a good idea to start ahead of the pack at 6-7AM.  At any given stop, there is only enough room in the pullout for 1-2 cars to park.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.  The town of Paia is the last stop with a gas station before you get to Hana.
• If the weather calls for a chance of rain, make sure to bring waterproof clothes/bag for valuables.
• Keep the windows and top down and take in the flowery aromas and breathe in the muggy air.
• Read the legends and history in the guidebook along the way so you know what you're seeing.  Hawaii is full of stories, and reading them made the trip memorable.
• Don't rush.  Take your time on the road.  The road is the attraction.  Once you get to Hana there isn't much to see -- just a sleepy, laid back town.  It's about the trip there, and it's extraordinary for sure!
• Pull off to the side if you're being followed closely.  Locals zoom around the tight curves with ease.  Pulling over is what the locals call "driving aloha".
• Don't drink the water.  It's not safe.  Drink your bottled water.

There are dozens of waterfalls to see along the way.  The guidebook will lead you by mile marker to the easiest ones to see, but there are countless others if you're brave enough to hike for a couple hours in the jungle.  We chose to stick close to the road.  Here are some of my favorite waterfall shots!

Make sure drive with the windows open and top down.  The roads were breathtaking!

I've been to plenty of beaches in my days of travel, but truly had never seen a more vivid contrast of colors, natural beauty and inspiring views until we reached the black sand and black pebble beaches.  They're definitely worth the stop.  You've never seen anything like it!

There a lots of caves, paths and lava tubes to explore in this wonderland.  You have to crouch down low to get through some of them, but then they open up unto a world of bright blue crashing waves on a black sand beach overgrown with vivid green.  This is planet Earth at its finest. 

Toward the end of your journey, you'll come to place the guidebooks call the Seven Sacred Pools, however, after much reseach, we've discovered that there's actually nothing "sacred" about them and there are many more than seven!  The area was originally referred to as O'heo Gulch.  Since the owner of the land wished to share his beloved natural oasis with locals and travelers, he decided to change it to its current name to attract more visitors.  Whichever way you choose to refer to it, these pools are amazing. 

This gulch is where the fresh rain water from the top of the mountain drains into waterfalls, each with their own pool, until the fresh water reaches the sea at the very bottom.  Gradually, each pool gets a more salty as the water combines with the ocean.  Needless to say, this water is not drinkable and even carries bacteria, but it's the perfect place for a quick dip before continuing your journey to Hana.  Highly recommended.

The photos just simply don't do it justice.  The road to Hana is the adventure of a lifetime.  Truly.  You won't be disappointed if you take some chances, get dirty and explore the world around you! 

Coastal Ohio :: Cedar Point

Sounds exotic doesn't it?  The truth is, it's fabulous.  Plain and simple, Cedar Point is the best amusement park on the planet.  That's right, I said it. 

You pull into the parking lot, step out of the car and can already hear the screams of excitement, smell the wafting aroma of carnival foods and feel the warmth and moisture of coastal Lake Erie.  Now it officially feels like summer.

Ever since I can remember, my family and I would make the hour-long car trip to Sandusky every summer at least once.  It was a day we anxiously anticipated -- planning the perfect outfits, packing roadtrip games, stuffing our fanny-packs and breaking in our shoes in preparation of the miles we'd walk around the park.

As a kid, Cedar Point is an experience filled with "firsts" -- your first big kid ride; your first real roller coaster; your first box of authentic salt water taffy; your first live show, and the list goes on.  Before I was tall enough to ride the big rides, I distinctly remember riding the Jr. Gemini 12 times in a row -- the last time, with my hands up like a big kid.  From there, I never looked back. I'd be tall enough for the big coasters by the next summer. 

Cedar Point is a park filled with history.  I just wish I could have seen it at its earliest!

In the 1870s, you could pay local businessman, Louis Zistel, a measly 25 cents for a ride on his boat to the Sandusky peninsula, where he owned and operated a beer garden, bathhouse on the beach and dance floor.  According to old newspapers, Cedar Point "sailing and bathing parties" were all the rage back in the day.   The first coaster was built in 1892, towering at an amazing 25 feet high and reaching speeds up to 10 mph -- What a thrill!  To them, it was one of the first of its kind.  A true rarity.  From there, the park was transformed little by little into the park we know and love today.  It now boasts an incredible 17 roller coasters, and tons of other thrill rides!

We just made the trip to Cedar Point with 2 other couples and had a blast!  As adults, the park is where you'll experience a few more of life's "firsts" -- your first beer in a saloon; your first backache from a wooden coaster; your first case of whip lash -- not quite as glamourous, but still milestones nonetheless. 

You can't call yourself a thrill seeker or roller coaster lover without making the trip to Cedar Point at some time in your life.  Go now before you're too old to ride the coasters ... lest be doomed to the role of "mom or dad" who holds everyone's fanny packs, waiting for the youngsters by the ride photo stand.

If you do decide to test your thrillseeker-ness at Cedar Point, be sure that you can stay past sunset.  Some of the best views from the top of the coasters are at night.  The twinkling lights and laser show make for some awesome landscapes.  I promise you'll love it.

My personal Top 5 coasters:

1)  Millenium Force -- The line is usually long at any time of day, but I promise that the ride is worth it.  It's over 2 minutes of hills, curves, twists and speed. 

2)  Magnum -- Another steel coaster, this one is a classic.  In its day, it was the tallest/fastest coaster in the world.  Now, it's the one you can ride over and over taking silly pictures in the tunnels, since the wait is usually pretty short.

3)  Raptor -- You've gotta ride this one at night.  Your feet dangle, so take off your shoes and air out your feet!  Lots of twists, turns and upside-downs on this one.  Great!

4)  Gemini -- I'm a Gemini, so I might be biased, but this one is fun because it's differnet.  It's wooden, and runs side-by-side with another car, so you race!  The multiple quick hills will surprise you!

5)  Mean Streak -- If you asked me 5 years ago, I'd tell you I hate this ride.  It's bumpy, I'm not gonna lie, and with over 2-minutes of belly drops, it will make you wish you didn't just eat those cheese fries.  I can't stop smiling on this coaster for some reason.  Others hate it and I understand why.

There's always a new ride to try out each year, and the newest, the Maverick, does not disappoint.

Other great rides you should try:

1)  SkyHawk -- This is basically a gigantic swingset for 40 people.  It's a fan favorite, especially for kids.  Lots of belly-dropping good laughs.  Short lines. 

2)  Power Tower -- Both Up and Down are great, but Down is my personal favorite. 

Happy Coastering!

Beach Reads

At the pool last weekend my friend said something that got me thinking.  I warned her that water was creeping up on the paperback she was reading, and she said, "That's okay, I actually love when my books get wet ... seriously."  I realized right then that she was right.  There's nothing better than a good pool or beach read novel with crinkled edges and water spots.  Others love the old library book smell.  They're the signals of a good book -- people have read it.  A lot!

I have a couple of favorite vacation reads that have been through hell and back, and still manage to survive the re-reading, borrowing and torture they've been through. If you're looking for a couple of no-nonsense romantic novels that don't claim to be anything more than the read-for-fun books they are, try out these two:

The Fling by Elda Minger is my all-time favorite book of this genre.  Based in Hawaii, it's a book that will wisk you away to a tropical place filled with emotion, romance, exotic destinations and plot twists.  It keeps you on your toes, but doesn't make you think too much.  I've read this one a few times -- it's kinda like rewatching your favorite movie.  It's a fantasy that never gets old.  Buy it for a penny used on Amazon.  It's worth the $0.01 + shipping! :)

Heartbreak Hotel by Jill Marie Landis is another book to read in a bikini and flip flops on the beach.  Actually, I might prefer reading this one on a balcony under the stars with a glass of wine.  It's a romance, but not really.  There's murder, a widow's walk, mystery, strangers-turned-lovers-turned-strangers again and a character map that's just detailed enough to keep you guessing.  Get it used on Amazon for under a dollar.  Apparently it's part of a trilogy of which I was not aware.  I'll check em out!

Telling the world (or even just your friends) your favorite books is risky business.  Reading a book, especially multiple times, takes true committment.  It's like peering into one's soul!  I hope you like these if you give them a chance.  Like I said, they're nothing groundbreakingly new that we haven't seen before.  They are fun.  Let me know what you think, and do share your favorite beachworthy novels.  I love me a good pageturner!

Packing for a Roadtrip to the Beach!

Can't wait to kick back & soak up the sun!

Only a few more days until we hit the Pennsylvania Turnpike (aka my nemisis) for sunshiney East Hampton, NY.  It'll be a week of family fun on the beach!  In case you're revving up for a roadtrip yourself, here are some tips from a seasoned roadtripper:

Have Cash on Hand:

Pulling up to a tollbooth when you have no cash (or easypass card) feels like the worst thing ever.  Plan ahead to have small bills on hand.  Bring a couple 20s, a few 10s, some 5s, 1s and a roll of quarters.  Quarters may come in handy for street parking later on, depending on your destination.

Road Snacks:

You're going to the beach, so who really wants to stop for body-bloating fast food on the way?  Not me.  Instead, pack healthy, car-friendly road snacks.  Some of our favorites are granola bars (with fiber so they fill you up), string cheese, apples, bananas, lean beef jerky, combos and something sweet like mentos or starburst.  Don't forget gum, energy drinks (coffee!) and lots and lots of water.  Make sure to bring some napkins in case of spills and a bottle of travel purell (antibacterial hand liquid) to use before eating. 

We've found that bringing your own callapsible cooler on wheels is a great way to tote these snacks, and then again to use on the beach!  Bring a re-freezable ice pack to keep your drinks chilled.

Music / Books on Tape
No one likes to drive in silence for 10+ hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.  If you and your driving partner/possy like the same music, you're in good shape.  Bring your iPods with auxilary hookup and shuffle through your mixes, or grab your old CDs for some great throwback favorites.  If you have enough time, create a mix made special with this trip in mind.  Every good roadtrip deserves a themesong!  If music gets old, take a break and pop in a book on tape or comedy CD.  Be careful though, just because you're into the plotline, doesn't mean the rest of your group is anxiously awaiting the next 8 discs. 

A good comedy CD makes an hour on the road fly by, but the reverse is true for terrible comedy.  If you forget to pack any of these things, don't worry!  As long as you have a good positive attitude for the road ahead, just turn on a local radio station.  You'd be surprised at some of the gems you might find.  When was the last time you heard Lisa Loeb's "Stay"?  Yeah ... me neither, until roadtripping on Maui.  It must have come on 4 times in one day!  ... an extremely unexpected theme song of the trip. 

Beach Things

I've already mentioned the collapsible cooler, which I highly recommend double-dutying for the beach, but other than that, some other beach necessities include:  beach sheet/blanket, umbrella, sunglasses, small iPod speakers with water/sandproof casing, towels, beach chair, drink coozie, playing cards, sunscreen, snacks, cornhole boards and bags, a frizbee, a ball of some sort, and a big beach bag to bring it all in.  If you're riding a bike to the beach, remember your helmet, and be sure your beach bag is some sort of backpack. 

One of the awesome things about taking a roadtrip to the beach is the fact that you can personalize your beach fun.  If your family has a game you love to play in grass, chances are you can play it on sand too.  Our favorites are cornhole and bocci ball.  You'd be surprised how much a little bit of sand can change the game completely!  Since you don't need to worry about checking bags or packing limitations, you can bring whatever you want.  A major beachday plus!

The most important thing to remember when roadtripping is to keep an open mind and have a positive attitude.  Driving in the car for an extended period of time is not comfortable, but you can make it great with some creativity and positivity (creatisivity?!).  If you get lost, make a memory in an unexpected place, then turn around.  It's all about how you look at it.  You're not lost if you love who you're with!