Uptown Saturday Night

Within the next few months people will take a get away trip to Florida to escape cold weather, visit relatives during the holidays or just take a quick break from the hustle bustle of their busy lives.

If you are planning such a trip, make sure you include a stop at St. Augustine. St. Augustine is the Nation's oldest city and you can expect to feel the charm and romance of St George Street.

A poplar event happens at the end of each month: Uptown Saturday Night. The festivities begin on the last Saturday of each month, October 27, November 24, December 29th and so on.

From 5pm to 9pm, you can expect a party like atmosphere and can take advantage of the incredible St. Augustine shopping. The antique district comes alive and offers many opportunities to find that rare treasure. Participating shops will welcome you by offering wine and other refreshments as you listen to live music playing in the streets. You may even want to attend an antique workshop offered by some antique dealers.

Other features of Uptown Saturday night are the exhibits of some of the finest Florida artists, book signings and The Mission of Nombre de Dios, which will provide you a feeling of peace and tranquillity. The Mission of Nombre de Dios will also provide free parking during this end of the month event. From there you can walk the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine and explore the galleries, Ripley's Musem, sign up for a ghost tour, take in all the shops or even take a carriage ride to observe the sights.

The whole atmosphere of St. Augustine surrounds you with pleasure and a sense of belonging. I can't pin point what I like the most. Maybe it's the antiques and the delight in finding a special piece. All I know is that the the whole experience is one that makes you not want to leave.

A must see town, especially on the last Saturday of each month...

On My Travel Wish List

My recent visit with a known celebrity is always a pleasure. Such a warm and giving soul with great stories to share.

He has three homes: One in London, Beverly Hills and Hawaii. I have never visited these places, but I am able to visualize each as he describes them.

We have talked about when I would visit London and I have no answer for him yet, but I did look into resources for the most competitive rates for London accomadations. The offer to stay with his family is there, but I would be more comfortable staying in my own hotel.

I found one site at Cheaper than hotels, which guarantees the lowest rates on the Internet. They offer these outrageous last minute deals, which includes free extras and these rates apply to 5 star hotels. You also have the option of paying a deposit, but paying the balance owed on arrival. That's the first time I saw this option and I liked it.

If the day does come when I can visit London,I will be looking forward to seeing The Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and the many other major attractions he has mentioned.

Vacation Homes in Orlando

My friend was in Orlando, Florida last week for the World's Softball Tournament. A group of his friends went also. Instead of choosing to stay in multiple hotel rooms, they had looked into Orlando rental homes as an alternative. Some of his friends brought their children because they had off from school, so renting a home was not only more comfortable for all of them, but more affordable.

They booked their trip online after seeing photos of the available homes and split the cost. They had a choice between 2 bedroom condos and up to a 7 bedroom home. If they had each booked hotel rooms, they would have paid much more.

What a great idea this was. The comforts of home, their own private swimming pool, they didn't have to worry about bumping into other guests and the kids had a game room to play in.

I think next year I am going too!

A Great Find: Hotel Reservations.com

I was invited to attend a seminar in Vegas. I don't have much experience booking travel arrangements over the 'net, so I searched for the most trustworthy site.

I came across Hotel Reservations.com and was completely surprised on how much they had to offer...Hotel Discounts,Gas rebates, savings up to 70%, translation of not only different languages, but currency as well (this might be needed for my next trip...) There was also a rebate of up to $100...depending on my booking. International specials, cruises, even bed & breakfasts.

You can Research and Plan Your Trip, Get Special Group rates and once you are member, you will receive monthly e-mail with their Best deals and savings for Hotel Reservations up to 70% off, for many cities worldwide including your favorite destinations.

This all peaked my interest, so I continued with a search for my designation. Upon looking further, I found I was easily able to navigate my way through in finding great prices for air fares, hotels, car rentals. The booking tools were great for someone with no experience, so that was comforting.

I did have one question regarding a hotel and found that when I called the toll free number, I was connected to someone very pleasant who helped me. It was wonderful to actually speak to someone rather than having to get those automated answering devices that take you 'round and 'round...that can be so aggravating.

I also learned there are no change or cancellation fees. That was a surprise because I didn't find that with some other sites I visited.

Maybe you'll want to visit Hotel Reservations and get Cheap Hotels for your next trip. Save time, save money...isn't that something we all look for? If you can not find the City Or Discount Hotel you are looking for you can call 1-800-447-4136 ( US & Canada ) and Worldwide at (1) 817-333-5105