Destinations Posts

Cinco De Mayo! The U.S. Holiday that isn’t.

April 30, 2012 No Comments

Cinco de Mayo – a day here in the United States that we tip the margarita glass to our south of the border neighbor, Mexico.  However, did you know that this holiday isn’t universally celebrated in Mexico?  It is regionally celebrated in the state of Puebla, as El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla (The day of the Battle of Puebla).  It commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces on May 5, 1862.  It’s NOT (as some Americans believe) the celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day.  That day is actually September 16.

However, Cinco de Mayo in the United States has evolved into a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture with many parades, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and delicious food.  The observations in the United States began primarily by the Mexicans and Latinos living in California during the Civil War.  Upon hearing of the victory in Puebla, the Mexican miners in the gold country of California were so happy that they fired off rifle shots, fireworks, sang patriotic songs, etc.  Since then, Cinco de Mayo was celebrated continually in the United States, specifically California, and not as much in Mexico.

The holiday didn’t gain much popularity outside of California until the 1940s when the Chicano movement started to rise.  It continued to gain popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, but really gained acceptance in the 1980s when beer marketers began to promote Cinco de Mayo as a holiday.

Now, there are hundreds of celebrations ranging from huge music festivals to smaller observations.  Some of the best, and most authentic Cinco de Mayo celebrations are where the highest concentration of Mexican people live.  One of the very best is located in Denver, Colorado.  The festival, which lasts for two days attracts over 400,000 people and is full of Mexican music with regional, salsa, Christian, Tex-Mex, and ranchero.

Chicago, Illinois puts on a great celebration.  The festival includes a 5 mile race, the Cinco de Miler, music, food booths, cultural information, and a recently added “Cinco de Snoots” where pets and their owners can both partake the festivities.  There’s a huge listing for all the events for Chicago’s celebration here.

In San Francisco, CA, the Mission district goes all in for its celebration.  Cultural activities, Lucha Libre wrestlers, and a Mission Dolores tour top the list of things to do.

But, where better to celebrate Cinco de Mayo but in  Texas? Along the infamous San Antonio Riverwalk, Luminaria 2012 has been added which honors San Antonio’s artist communities. Be prepared for Mariachis, Tejano and Conjunto music plus cultural dances and food at the historic Market Square.  In San Marcos, TX, located in the Hill Country,  hosts the 38th annual festival known for its parade, Little Miss and Miss Cinco de Mayo pageants, music, and Folklorico dancers. There is also the state-wide Menudo Cook-Off which features a soup of tripe, hominy and chili which is cooked for hours and thought by many to be the elusive hangover cure!

Whether you are traveling to Cinco De Mayo festivities, or celebrating closer to home, choose ParkSleepFly.com for the start of your next adventure.  You can opt to stay the night before (or after) your flight.  You’ll receive airport parking for the duration of your trip, transportation to and from the airport terminal, as well as a night’s stay at an airport hotel.  You’ll arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready for the fiesta. After all, haven’t you always wanted to play the castanets in a Mariachi band?

Valentine’s Day Gift Idea? How about a Get-A-Way?

February 10, 2012 No Comments

How many of us  remember making our “Valentine’s Day mailboxes” that were pressed to our school desk and filling out all our little Valentines to our classmates.  Maybe you had a special one for that one person you ignored during recess because you have a crush?  Art class was filled with red, pink and white papers, paste, glitter and those rounded tipped scissors.  Somehow, out of that glittered mess came a special Valentine’s Day card for your mom, grandma, and your dog.    The room mothers and/or teacher had cookies or the ultimate Valentine’s Day cupcakes, along with red heart-shaped suckers and candy hearts that say “I love you,” “XOXO” and “Be Mine.”  Ahh, the memories when everything was innocent and sweet and simple.

Fast forward two, three, four, or more decades and you would love to get that innocent feel back for Valentine’s Day. No more of those old Valentine’s Day gifts of cardboard candies and wilted flowers.  You want to make some nice, Valentine’s Day memories.  How about a long romantic weekend.  Hop on a plane and you’re off on a mid-winter adventure.

If you want to take a long weekend, what would be better that to take a quick jaunt to a place where neither of you have been?  I did a little research on the Most Romantic Cities in the United States.  There are several on this list I would love to go to for a nice, romantic get-a-way with my sweetie.

Honolulu tops the list as the most romantic city.  Who wouldn’t love to go to Hawaii for a few days; however, I prefer the entire island of Maui over Honolulu.  It’s great to go to a beach in the middle of the winter.  Hawaii certainly has many beaches, and this time of year whale watching is a great activity.

San Antonio is a great city to do a weekend.  Strolling along the River Walk  in the middle of the city is very romantic. With shops, restaurants, and a quiet boat ride along the river will kindle or re-kindle that spark into a nice flame.

If you are more of a “beautiful people” couple going to hot Miami could be the perfect place to get your passion boiling.  Those hot, humid Miami nights are just what the love doctor ordered.
For those more adventurous Frommer’s lists world’s most romantic cities to fall in love.

Paris, France, is number one on the list, of course.  Need I say more?  The subject of all those great movies of the couples falling in love under the Eiffel Tower.  Even in the movie, Casablanca, Rick says to Ilsa “We’ll always have Paris.”  C’mon, even guys know that movie.

Florence, Italy.  Take your love along the cobblestone streets.  Whisper in her ear, “Ti penso sempre.” I guarantee she’ll be your Valentine, then.

Let’s go to where the dance of love, the Tango, originated. Go learn the Tango where it originated in Buenos Aires.   Some Tango lessons may be a good Valentine’s Day gift idea, as well!

What are your plans for a romantic get-a-way?  Wherever you decide to travel either for a long or short trip, start your vacation off by staying overnight at a ParkSleepFly.com hotel.  The package includes a night’s stay, parking, shuttle service to and from the hotel – all for one low price. Go through the security line actually speaking to your Valentine instead of snipping at each other due to the lack of sleep or stress from almost missing your flight.  Everyone loves a lover, they say.  Even if you are single this year, no need to hum “Love Stinks.”  Be your own Valentine and take yourself on a trip.  You never know, you may meet your Valentine!

What’s On Your Top Travel Destination Bucket List?

January 5, 2012 No Comments

I don’t know about you, but a brand spankin’ new year always finds me refreshed and ready for new adventures.  With that, my thoughts do go toward where I might wish to travel.  I have a few places on my “bucket list.”

About three years ago, I went on a business trip to India.  I must admit, it was not MY idea to go.  However, to be picked up and completely dropped off in a new country, culture, and with only one other person with you there’s not much you can do but hang on for dear life.

Our hosts were quite gracious.  They took us to places that normal American tourists would not have access to.  We went to a Hindi engagement, which would rival most weddings I have been to in the past.  Several monuments around the city, idols, and to Karla Caves, which alone was almost worth the trip to India.  I had only experienced places like Karla Caves through history books, but to actually see, touch and experience something that took hundreds of years to complete was truly humbling.  Along with the Indian way of life, the experience certainly was once of a life time.

This experience also made me realize that I wanted to travel more and have other world-traveler experiences.  I’ve started a “bucket list” and currently am researching new adventures.  I did a search on 2012 top travel destinations to see what to put on my bucket list.  I received quite a few ideas from Frommer’s.   (Click for slideshow).

With destinations from Japan, to China, and Spain, to England to the United States, there’s is a destination for everyone.  I was excited to see that Moab, Utah was among the top destinations.  The Delicate Arch near Moab can make you feel both empowered and humbled in the same moment.  This location alone is worth a second or third bucket list trip.  Along with Monument Valley and other natural formations, including the Grand Canyon, the Southwest is a “must see” for anyone living in the United States.  Do yourself a favor and get a local guide to take you through the formations for an extra special visit that you won’t forget.

I’ve taken several trips to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, and there’s always a new adventure awaiting no matter how many times you may travel there.  There’s a relaxed feel of the residents, great food, great music and wonderful scenery.  Okay, I have been to all the locations listed in the United States, and would definitely keep them on the bucket list again for various reasons.

I would love to go spend time in Nova Scotia and visit the Bay of Fundy.  Who doesn’t love a picturesque lighthouse? However, I believe I will start putting my extra change in my piggy bank for a trip to Istabul, Turkey or even Tromso, Norway.  But, Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia looks quite inviting as I sit in the middle of a cold snap of winter.

It’s hard for me to pick one of these top destinations to go to this year.  I need to win the lottery so I can go to all the locations!  One thing for certain, I’ll start my trip off with a ParkSleepFly.com hotel parking package.  I can stay the night before and after my trip in a nice hotel and leave my car for the duration.  All with one low price.

What travel destinations are on your bucket list?

Orlando in October

September 24, 2008 No Comments

Unfortunately for Orlando, Florida, there has been a decrease in travel. However, for the traveler who has always wanted to visit Orlando, or for the traveler flying out of Orlando, now is a good time to book airport hotels. Perhaps you have family or friends who live in or near Orlando, Florida. Even if your flight arrives late at night, you can have a place to sleep without asking your friend or family member to drive to the airport at that late hour when you book a room at one of the many Orlando airport hotels on ParkSleepFly. Your friend or family member can pick you up the next morning, and they can pick you up from the hotel instead of the airport, saving the need to pass through parking security and potential morning traffic near the terminals.

If you’re flying out of Orlando, now is the time to book your trip. Rates are projected to remain low until the elections, meaning that the month of October is a good month for travel. For less than $130, you can get a room for two people and up to fourteen days of parking. If you need to park longer than fourteen days, each additional day is as low as five dollars. You won’t find a lower airport parking rate than five dollars a day after two weeks of free parking with one night at a hotel. This rate was quoted for a trip beginning October 1, at the AmeriSuites Orlando Airport Northwest hotel, which carries a three star industry rating and a four star customer rating, based on over ninety surveys completed by customers of ParkSleepFly after their trip.

What can you expect to pay if you book elsewhere? Your rate for one night at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Orlando would be almost $180.The Courtyard Marriott carries an industry rating of three stars, just like the AmeriSuites Orlando Airport Northwest hotel, but you can expect to pay an extra $50, and it doesn’t come with parking. The least expensive parking rates if you park in one of the airport lots is $10 per day, or $140 for the two weeks. Add that onto the $180 and you can expect to pay $320 for a one night stay in a three star hotel and two weeks of airport parking. Remember that parking at the airport will cost at least twice as much per extra day as parking at the hotel you can reserve with ParkSleepFly.

Furthermore, you can’t reserve your airport parking with Orlando Airport; airport parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, which means you might not even find a parking space in the $10 a day lot, in which case you could expect your airport parking to cost $17 dollars per day, or over $230 for two weeks, just to park.