A Tour of Camiguin, Phillippines

September 22, 2012 No Comments

This post is written by our Research Analyst, Francis.

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Camiguin is a pearl-shaped island situated 6.2 miles off the northern coast of the main island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. The island measures about 14 miles by 9 miles at its longest and widest. Historical documents indicate that renowned explorer Ferdinand Magellan visited the island in the year 1521, and that it was a major settlement of Spanish colonists.

It has seven volcanoes,  and one – Mt. Hibok-Hibok – is still considered active, having had its last eruption in 1951. These volcanoes are responsible for the island’s climate and most of its tourist attractions.

Camiguin boasts miles of untouched coastlines with coconut trees and is dotted with hot and cold springs. Its beaches provide sun-filled days, and the clear blue water, marine life and coral reefs beckon visitors from all over the world.

Here’s a sample of the island’s natural and man-made attractions:

Lanzones Festival

Held every year in October, celebrating Lansones, a small grape-sized fruit grown all over the island.

Guiob Church Ruins

In 1871, a volcanic eruption devastated and buried the Spanish settlement of Catarman which was established in 1697. What remains are the mostly-buried ruins of an old Spanish-era church. A huge cross marks community cemetery that sunk during eruption – Gravestones are visible during low tide.

White Island

The island attracts thousands of tourists every year. It’s a white sandbar with Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Old Volcano as its backdrop. The island is good for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and viewing the sunrise and sunset.

Ardent Hot Spring

This mineral pool bubbles water. Mist rises from the heated waters that run down the vents of Mt. Hibok-Hibok volcano. The spring is nice to bathe in at night surrounded by cool mountain air. Picnic huts and tables are available, along with a restaurant.

Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool

This is the only one in the Philippines where you can swim to a pool of soda water. It’s a great scenery as its cold water providing a refreshing splash to bathers and picnickers. Picnic huts and tables are available poolside.

It’s easy to get to Camiguin… From the Philippines’ capital Manila or the southern central city of Cebu, you can take direct flights to Cagayan de Oro City (CDO). Flight time takes one hour and 20 minutes from Manila or a mere 30 minutes from Cebu to CDO. One can also take the longer but more exciting ferry voyages to CDO from the mentioned cities.

From the CDO airport, you can take a taxi cab to the eastbound bus terminal and take a bus ride for Balingoan, a town 55 miles outside CDO. At Balingoan seaport, take a ferry bound for Camiguin Island. The ferry trip usually takes an hour. You can also take a direct three-hour ferry ride from the CDO’s Ferry Terminal.

There are many more hot and water springs, beaches, islands and other tourist attractions on and around this island which would surprise and awe travelers. I hope you’ll be able to come and explore beautiful Camiguin soon!

Feast of San Gennaro

September 8, 2012 No Comments

Here’s another post from Customer Service Agent Michele on one of her favorite travel memories!

A can’t miss event in the Little Italy section of New York City is the 86th annual Feast of San Gennaro, which will take place from September 13th through 23rd. This festival celebrates the spirit and faith of the Italian immigrants who began settling in this area in the 1920’s, honoring the patron saint of Naples.

There are parades, religious processions, games, musical entertainment including Italian folk music and opera, as well as more than 300 street vendors and 35 Italian restaurants that participate.   Opening day begins with the cannoli eating competition, with pizza and pasta eating competitions the following week. The performance stage on Grand and Mott Streets features concerts and radio broadcasts in the evenings and cooking demonstrations, food and wine tastings daily from 2 to 4 PM. (Read more about schedule and activities here!)

Growing up in the northeast, my family made their annual pilgrimage for an eat fest that rivaled my Nonna’s at Christmas. We began with sausage and pepper subs, worked our way through the pizza and pasta while still managing to leave enough room for the zeppoles (fried dough dusted with powdered sugar) and making a stop at Ferrara’s Bakery on Grand Street for cannolis (flaky fried pastry filled with sweet ricotta cream filling)to go. If we were lucky enough to go back for a second day, we couldn’t leave without going to Umberto’s Clam House on Mulberry Street for baked clams and linguine with clam sauce. What can I say – Italians dream about food! Although I no longer live in the northeast, every time I cook sausage and peppers for my family it brings me back to my childhood and fond memories of the Feast of San Gennaro.

The festival takes place on Mulberry, Hester and Grand Streets, from 11:30 am to 11:30 pm and stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Great July 4th Holiday Travel Destinations – Happy Birthday U.S.A!

June 19, 2012 No Comments

July 4th holiday travel plans?  Historically, the July 4th holiday is the start date of the summer vacation rush.  Time to visit National Parks, go see the biggest ball of twine, and dream of long, lazy summer days and cool summer nights.

I’m taking some inspiration directly from the history books. Since the United States will celebrate its 236th birthday, what better way to party but in some of the most historic places in the United States?

Boston, Massachusetts, where the American Revolution embers were lit was the site of the Boston Tea Party, the midnight ride of Paul Revere, and Bunker Hill.  There are a ton of things to do in Boston from museums, to monuments, to the Freedom Trail – a 2.5 mile brick lined route through 16 significant historical Boston sites.  After a day of site-seeing, head on over to the 30th annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.  There’s no better way to celebrate the nation’s birthday than where it all began, viewing fireworks and listening to the 1812 Overture as played by the Boston Pops.

Washington D.C.  This would be a spectacular place to go and celebrate the United State’s birthday.  Tour all the landmarks, visit the White House, and feel the energy that emits from the excitement of Washington alone.  While there, attend the ultimate July 4th parade, the National Independence Day Parade.  There really is no better place to celebrate our nation’s independence than our capital.

If traveling to to the east coast isn’t in your plans, how about a trip to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. With four of the country’s most revered presidents as a backdrop to a spectacular fireworks display, you can bet a sense of pride will fill your chest.

In the mood for a foot-stomping, dancing, roaring good time for the 4th?  Look no further than New Orleans, LA. They know how to throw a party here, and and the July 4th celebration is just as elaborate as Mardi Gras.  The main event during  July 4th is the Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza.  Tugboats and barges battle it out for the best fireworks show in the Delta.

Miami, Florida kicks off its July 4th celebrating with a swearing in ceremony for the country’s newest naturalized citizens.  Music, great food, and fun fill the streets of Miami and the surrounding area until dark when the fireworks begin.

Las Vegas, Nevada was recently poled as one of the cheapest vacation destinations.  With a ton of July 4th parties, and shows, you won’t miss the fireworks.  However, if you really want to catch some amazing pyrotechnics The Five Station Casinos’ properties will host the July 4th fireworks show.

Once you have decided where you might want to travel for July 4th, then comes the planning.  ParkSleepFly.com can assist you with planning your accommodations on both ends of your trip.  If you have an early morning flight, stay the night before at an airport hotel.  You will get a great night’s sleep, parking for your vehicle and a shuttle ride to your departure terminal.  All for one low price.  In fact, the cost of the park sleep and fly package alone may be less than parking at the airport!

We also have airport hotels at your destination, as well.  you get a great room at  a great price.  You even get shuttle service from the airport.  If you are meeting family, what a better way NOT to sleep on that lumpy couch in the den.  Book your hotel room and just smile and politely decline the offer of sleeping in the tent out in the backyard.

 

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Top 5 Destinations for Summer Travel

May 15, 2012 No Comments

Where to go?  Where to go?  Where to go?  Sure, you have been socking away that extra hard-earned money all year.  Now, it’s time to figure out where to take the family for the summer vacation destination.   But, sometimes you just need a little inspiration.  I’ve been planning our family vacation and here are my top 5 destinations suggestions – Boston, San Francisco, New York City, Yellow Stone National Park and Monument Valley – Four Corners.

Boston, MA  I’m not sure you can get more American than Boston, Massachusetts.  Home of the Boston Tea Party, the midnight ride of Paul Revere, and the shot heard around the world when the rifle fired to start the American Revolution, Boston is the perfect destination to take the kids for a little bit of American history.  A hike along the Freedom Trail takes you along 16 historical sites in a 3 hour walk.  It covers 2 and a half centuries of Boston history and is a must see for any visitor to Boston.

Not much into history? Boston has several museums which includes the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.  Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art that includes works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe and others just to name a few.  There’s also the Paul Revere House, Old State Museum, the U.S.S. Constitution, and the Boston Children’s Museum.

Maybe you are more into sports what a better sports destination than Boston.  Check out Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox.  It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012.  The New England Patriots stake their home in Boston, as well.  For those connoisseurs, check out the oldest restaurant in America, the Union Oyster House (est 1714), the  oldest bar in the United States the Bell in Hand Tavern (est 1784), and there’s also the infamous Cheers from television fame. Boston has so many activities that they are just too numerous to list. I’ve only touched on a brief amount of things to do if Boston is your destination for your summer plans.

Yellowstone National Park When you think of the phrase “family vacation,” I’m sure the word “Yellowstone” immediately came to your mind.  Established in 1872 as the United States’ first national park by Teddy Roosevelt, there’s no better way to spend quality time with your kids and family than exploring Yellowstone National Park.  The park boasts the world’s largest collection of geysers, and haven’t we all stood in wonder watching Old Faithful erupt every 90 minutes or so. The beauty of the park alone is breathtaking and will create a lifetime of memories.  Take plenty of cards for the digital cameras so you don’t miss the elk in the background of Old Faithful.

From bears to bison, mountain meadows to cold, rushing streams, biking to hanging out camping Yellowstone National Park is a must see for everyone.  The park’s website has a park trip planner to help you make the most of your visit.  Younger children can become a Junior Ranger and the family can take guided tours with Park Rangers and outside vendors.  Remember to pack a variety of clothes, since weather at the park changes quickly.  Plenty of rechargeable batteries for your camera is also a requirement because you will want to take photos of everything!

Four Corners Region – Monument Valley  Aside from Yellowstone National Park, there is nothing more breathtaking than Monument Valley.  I believe that most of us who watched the old west movies of John Wayne can immediately recognize the land formations that are now icons of the old west.

I visited this spot recently on a “great American tour” that I took and it was very surreal to see these sandstone land formations rising from the horizon.  I did opt to take a guided tour through the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, and it was money well spent.  I strongly suggest this option, as to drive through the park requires a 4 wheel drive.  Led by a Native American Navajo guide, we went to the various formations and he pointed out both popular movie locations from John Ford movies, as well as different locations that John Wayne shot scenes.

However, the most interesting part of the tour was when our guide explained how the land is infused with Navajo culture and tradition.  The park is located on Navajo Nation.  The Navajo raise sheep, and in turn, the wool is woven into beautiful rugs sold throughout.  The methods are passed down from generation to generation and are still made the same way today.

Also in the area is Four Corners. This is the only place in the United States where four states, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and  Arizona, come together in one location. Kids get a great kick out placing their hands and feet in four separate states.  This monument is also on the Navajo Nation and  there is a small admission fee.  There’s also a small visitors center and a Four Corners gift shop.  Another stop that is well worth the time getting there and making more family summer vacation memories. Four Corners is located right next to Monument Valley, so these two destinations are not to be missed!

San Francisco Street cars, hills, Rice-a-roni, the Golden Gate Bridge.  What a beautiful city, and like other destinations on my list, San Francisco has a ton of things to do.  Early in the morning (dawn), you can go check out Fisherman’s Wharf and all the sea lions that hang around Pier 39 before heading back out to sea later in the day.  If you can’t get your family up that early, you can still check out all that Pier 39 has to offer for dining, spectacular views of the bay, shopping,  the aquarium and other attractions in this area.  You can also take a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz.

Take a tour on one of the world renown San Francisco Cable cars.  You can hop on and off at will, and what a better way to tour the city.  Be sure to make it over to the Golden Gate Park.  Be sure to visit the Conservatory of Flowers and for the kids, there is a huge playground with a circa 1912 carousel.

To round out the highlights, do NOT forget to go see the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory.  And, if it isn’t too foggy or windy, makes for a beautiful walk across the engineering marvel.  No matter what your tastes, budgets, or time frame, there is a ton of things to do in San Francisco and can make for a great family vacation!

New York City What can I say about New York City.  It is one of the most exciting places that I have ever been.  From Central Park, to the Bronx Zoo, to Ellis Island your family could spend a month here and still not see all this city has to offer.  Going into Manhattan to Times Square, Wall Street, Broadway, MoMA, and  all the iconic New York City destinations are always worth your trip.   However, if you can only do one thing in Manhattan do take in the Empire State Building, The view from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building  is breathtaking. To avoid the lines, go early or during lunch or dinner hours.  There is a charge, but it is well worth the money to view New York City at your feet.

No visit to New York City would be complete without a trip to Ellis Island.  Since many of us have ancestors who first came to the United States through Ellis Island, it is a good way to feel your roots.  What a better way to show your kids how their great-great-grandparents immigrated into the country.  A perfect family history destination.

Just walking around New York City itself is an experience.  During our last visit to Manhattan, we did just walk around and absorbed the energy the city have to offer.  We had no specific destination in mind, but happened along many spots we recognized from movies and television.   The city certainly has a life of its own.  Whether you choose to visit just Manhattan or the other boroughs, be sure you plan what you want to do well in advance.  Planning ahead will be worth the time and energy to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Planning for your trip is something that you must do, including arriving refreshed and with a clear mind at the airport. If you book at any of the ParkSleepFly.com airport hotels listed, you can get a great park sleep and fly package.  Think of this – Getting up  at 3 AM, pile cranky kids in the car and drive the hour and a half to the airport to make that 7AM flight.  After a couple of road construction delays, you race to the airport only to spend 30 minutes trying to find a space in the airport parking lot.  Scramble to the shuttle, throwing your bags in the door with your crying kids and barely make  your flight.

By booking a park and stay hotel, you can stay the night before your flight.  Get a decent night’s sleep, transportation to the terminal, and parking for the duration of your trip.  You may even have enough time to grab something from the breakfast bar at the hotel!

If you are thinking of going to any of the destinations I listed above, did you know that ParkSleepFly.com also has airport hotel packages too?  You get the same great rate at an airport hotel, but with no parking.  So, if you are going to Boston, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or New York City check out our rates for airport hotel rooms, as well.  Just select “airport hotel” when submitting your itinerary on the ParkSleepFly.com page. You may be pleasantly surprised at the prices.

If you have other great destinations you are considering for your Summer Vacation plans, let me know.  I’d love to hear your suggestions.  There’s so much traveling, and so little time!

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Great Theme Park Ideas for Summer Vacation Memories

May 3, 2012 No Comments

Wow, it’s May already.  I don’t know about you, but May was always my favorite month when I was still in school.  May meant the grinding down of the school year and the long awaited SUMMER VACATION.  Don’t get me wrong, I liked school.  But, the thought of having 3 months off…..  Summer Vacation also meant the old family trip.  My parents piled us all in the Ford and off we went to strange and exotic places (at least to me).

Some of my favorite memories of the family trips were when we ended up at least one day at an amusement or theme park.  I remember the first time we traveled to Florida and went to Disney World.  C’mon, we all remember the first time we visited Disney World or Disneyland, right?  Who still doesn’t get a little charge when they see Mickey?

I can still remember how my heart skipped a few beats when we were actually inside the park at Disney World, it was all a strange and magical place.  Everything that lived on celluloid was suddenly 3-D, walking and breathing.  Combine this excitement with the thrill of the rides, I was in kid heaven.  It certainly was a magical place for me and the memories live on even until today.

The thrill of amusement parks didn’t die after I became an adult.  Taking the kids to Disney World and watching them experience the thrill for the first time was like living it all over again.  For me, it was just as magical.  Though there are more characters now than when I was a kid, we tried to see all of them as we wandered around Disney World, taking in shows and just enjoying all the park had to offer.  Throw in time at Epcot and your wallet maybe thinner, but you have made some memories that will last a  lifetime.

If you have already done the “Disney thing,” perhaps Busch Gardens is more to your family’s liking.    Touted as the “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park,” its hard not to give the thumbs up for that brag.  With locations in Williamsburg, VA and Tampa, there’s a ton of things to do around either area so make a week of it, if you can.  Both locations have beautiful gardens, thrilling rides and many animals and animal shows to view.  In other words, even if you took Grandma with you there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There are plenty of shows to attend while the kids are off riding the roller coasters.  Busch Gardens states that you won’t be able to find more exotic and endangered animals this side of Africa.  The location in Tampa is one of the largest zoos in the country, so be prepared to see over 2,000 animals during your visit!

One of my personal favorites has always been Sea World.  With three locations in the United States, it’s worth the time to travel and include this theme park in your vacation plans.  From killer whales to parrots, the shows are great!  If you have a budding marine biologist, or a daughter that is just in love with dolphins, you will score big points for the visit to Sea World.  At the Orlando location, it has the one of the largest interactive dolphin pools where you can watch the dolphins both from above and below the water. But, the park isn’t just about aquatic animals, you can get thrilled with some of the rides, too.

Sometimes, it’s just better for everyone’s sanity to go to a full out theme park like Six Flags or Six Flags Great America!  Let your kids go from ride to ride to ride. Six Flags as some of the tallest, wildest, and what I call “screamiest” rides.  Who doesn’t love to ride on a wooden roller coaster?  I love to ride any type of roller coaster, but wooden ones are my favorite.  So if you need a partner just let me know.  Even in the heat of Summer, there’s nothing better than hitting some rides then heading toward the water park.  From jaw dropping slides to a simulated ocean watch the kids get wet while you get some rays or rest under your personal cabana.

No matter where you are planning to travel to Florida, California, or somewhere in the middle, start your trip off right.  You are going to be one on one with the kids for a week.  When was the last time that happened?  Oh yea, last summer when you submitted your family photo to the show “When Vacations Attack.”  You want to start your tip off right. Load the kids up in the car the night before your flight and get a great night’s sleep at a ParkSleepFly.com airport hotel.  With the airport parking package, you get a night’s stay at a hotel near the airport, parking for your trip, and transportation to and from the terminal.  Some hotels even offer continental breakfasts or free WiFi.

With a good night’s sleep before your flight, you may just enjoy the trip to your destination instead of yelling at your kids or threatening to leave them home next time.  And, although it’s hard to do sometimes, these are the memories that will last a lifetime and you want both you and your kids to remember your trip fondly.  So, relax, have fun, and feel the magic again through your kids’ eyes. What a better memory that to relive it 20 years later when your kid says “Remember when you took us to (Fill in the blank)?  That was a great time!”

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