Get your Rv'ing on

School is almost out, the warmer weather is here and thoughts of camping as well as taking that recreational vehicle of yours "on the road again" -- Hopefully you've done some preventative maintenance before you parked your RV, but even if you did? They are a vehicle and will need repairs from time to time. That's when searching for the right place to have rv repairs done is important. Especially if you have a breakdown away from home.

Mahoning Valley Downs coming

The Mahoning Valley Development Group (www.MahoningValleyDowns.com) is proud to announce the plans to build Ohio's Eighth Horse Racetrack, Mahoning Valley Downs and Resort which will be a $300 million dollar world class resort constructed on over 100 acres, Mahoning Valley Downs and Resort will undertake a massive construction to create a world class facility that will seek visitors nationwide. It will be a thoroughbred racetrack along with a casino with an eye towards the expansion of VLT's (slots) to racetracks.

The full plans will be announced at a news conference on Tuesday, January 18 at 11 AM at Mr. Anthony's Banquet Center, 7440 South Ave. Boardman (Youngstown), Ohio 44512. Dr. Bradford Pressman and Rick Lertzman who represent Mahoning Valley Development Group will be present to unveil the rendering of the project, discuss the area where the project will be located and answer any questions.

Social media and travel

Bigmouthmedia's 2011 Travel Report has revealed that the sector's enthusiasm for digital marketing is set to continue in the face of extremely challenging trading conditions.

While the travel sector has continued to be amongst the worst affected by events in 2010, the standout statistics from the bigmouthmedia Travel Report 2011 indicate that enthusiasm for the nascent social media and mobile channels is set to continue unabated, with social strategies taking a larger share of budgets than direct email marketing for the first time. Meanwhile smart phone enabled enthusiasm for mobile grows, with 28% planning invest in apps development and 22% looking to build mobile sites over the course of the next year.

Travel Trends Survey released

Today, Travel Leaders unveiled the 2011 results of their authoritative annual Travel Trends Survey . After a one-year hiatus – the adult "playland" of Las Vegashas regained the top spot over the family playground of Orlando by the slimmest of margins. In addition, this year's findings show that 50.1% of Travel Leaders clients will spend more on travel this year while 38.2% will spend the same amount. Conducted November 3 – 30, 2010, and based on actual booking data, the 2011 Travel Trends Survey includes responses from 547 Travel Leaders owners, managers and frontline travel experts throughout the United States.

"The trends revealed in this year's survey lead us to be quite bullish on travel in 2011. Bookings are on the rise as people either feel more stable in their situations or decide they can't wait any longer to take a needed vacation," stated Roger E. Block, CTC, president of Travel Leaders Franchise Group, which includes locations from coast to coast. "Spending signs are encouraging as 50.1% indicate that their clients will be spending more per trip, while 38.2% responded that clients will at the very least spend the same as they did last year. Plus, what our Travel Leaders experts are seeing and booking for 2011 translates into the overwhelming majority feeling more optimistic in their outlook for 2011 than we've seen since late 2006/early 2007."

British Airways reveals the top 10 destinations for 2011

British Airways has announced that the US, Caribbean and Indian Ocean all feature heavily in its top ten destinations for 2011, but the pride of place goes to North African destination, Marrakech.

Willie Walsh, British Airways' CEO, said: "The response we've had to the launch of routes like the Maldives, Las Vegas and Marrakech has been incredible. We've seen destinations in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean becoming even more popular with leisure travellers looking for sun and relaxation. Those after 24-hour cities are heading towards New York, Las Vegas and Japan."

He added: "Tourism and leisure travel is a crucial focus for us, so growing our holidays business is a major part of our business plan. We've already made great progress thanks to the launch of our Dynamic Packaging capability on ba.com, which enables customers to book flights and hotels together and realise substantial savings. Revenue this year is up 55 per cent and there remains a huge opportunity for future growth."

BA's top ten destinations for 2011 also includes the airline's new routes, with services to Haneda (Tokyo) starting on February 19, Marrakech beginning on March 27, Puerto Rico on March 28, and flights to San Diego on June 1, 2011.

British Airways top ten destinations include Marrakech at the number one spot, followed by San Diego, New York, St Kitts & Nevis, Puerto Rico, Maldives, Japan, Las Vegas, Mauritius and St Lucia.

British Airways joint business with American Airlines and Iberia also gives customers a choice of 17 flights a day between London and New York.

Saving while traveling

I love to travel, though most of my recent trips have involved visiting my oldest daughter who is now living in Arizona. However, whenever I fly I look for discount airfare. There are typically some really good deals out there, even on non-stop flights which is always my preference.

The standard industry tip of not purchasing tickets on a Monday or close to the weekend is not always true, but if you have a bit of time before your scheduled trip, the odds increase that you'll find airline tickets at a price you want to pay.

I also recommend planning some aspects of your trip in advance, make a list of the places that you *must* see in order of preference. That will make it much easier if seeing one attraction takes longer or less time than what you planned for. Take advantage of the internet, websites like Fodors not only have suggested itineraries, but also have travel trips that might just make your next vacation even more enjoyable.

Cruising mental meanderings

Two days ago it was over 94 degrees here, humid and miserable. Today it's 62 degrees and I broke out my sweater. While it's not been cold long enough that I'm missing the heat and I definitely will not miss the 94 plus temperatures, it's cold enough that thinking about the Royal Caribbean cruise line and a few beach type encounters is a thought in the back of my mind. Last week all I had to do was walk outside and pretend I was in an almost tropical environment...

:-)

Beach breezes...

When the heat index is close to or over 100 degrees and your house has no air conditioning, you can hope for a thunderstorm to move through the area. You can also spend time dreaming about heading to the beach, where the ocean breezes will make you feel cooler than the sweltering urban heat. http://avistaresort.com is a great place to start dreaming.

If you are ready to move beyond dreaming and want to actually start planning? Finding the right Myrtle Beach hotel is only a mouse click away.

There are so many different resorts in Myrtle Beach to choose from, whether your dream is closer to mine of just sitting on the beach or playing golf or being pampered at a spa -- you'll find what you are looking for.

48 hours to tee time...

Looking to make a last minute reservation for a tee time at a number of golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area? Then you might want to check out and bookmark, www.48hourteetimes.com.

It's a great place not just because you can get 48 hour tee times but because they offer some great discounts so last minute doesn't have to equal paying top dollar to play golf at a huge list of golf courses. They offer their online system seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

If you are looking for a reservation for tee times scheduled more in advance, they have a companion system linked on their website where you can do that and also capitalize on the savings...

Brief history of Myrtle Beach...

After the Civil War, most of the abandoned land along the ocean was purchased by the Conway Lumber Company, employees would head to the beach on their weekends off since the area was so beautiful. This was of course before any of the http://www.myrtlebeachseasideresorts.com websites became popular.

Then a man named Franklin Burroughs felt that this part of South Carolina, known as "New Town" could rival Coney Island. He didn't live to see it happen, but his sons continued on and as more and more people began to head to the shores to the earlier versions of hotels, cottages, then resorts started to be build resulting in places like www.myrtlebeachseasideresorts.com; a destination for beaches, water fun and golf, in 1957 Burrough's wife suggested naming the town after a popular flower, the wax myrtle.

As the location became more popular, golfers discovered the climate was a great place for them to play year round, which makes sense considering some of the golf packages that are being offered. So what started out as a place for lumber workers to spend their free time has now become a part of our country where golfers and their family flock year round.

It's impossible to not want to go here...

In doing some image searching, I came across this picture and it's so amazing that it would be impossible to not think about Myrtle Beach Accommodations after viewing it since the picture is a sunset outside of a Myrtle Beach Accommodation. Even if you decided to stay at one of the hotels that is not exactly on the beach, but opted for one of the ones that had a golf course (since golf is the "thing" to do there), the beaches are within a close distance.

Though for me? I'd opt for one of the Myrtle Beach Hotel locations on the beach, preferably with a room that had an oceanside view...There is nothing more appealing to me than being able to open a patio door enough to feel a nice breeze and to hear the sounds of the ocean, especially late at night when the rest of the world is sleeping. I've had the opportunity to do this in other places, but I've not yet traveled to this part of South Carolina. It's even harder to not want to plan something now when looking at this picture.

Myrtle Beach Days

While the topic of Golf Myrtle Beach Days didn't make it into the song "Myrtle Beach Days" by the Fantastic Shakers (shared below) many of those who head to that part of South Carolina are looking for Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations or maybe the golfers are, with any family members they bring that are not golfers taking advantage of the rest of what the area offers...It also gives you an idea of the many things to do before tee time.

Some of the Myrtle Beach Golf Packages are pretty affordable, according to some of my friends who play more than miniature golf with tee times and prices related to Myrtle Beach Golf being shared online. When my father was alive, one of his favorite places to play golf was at Myrtle Beach. Though after watching the below video, I'm sorry I didn't make a bigger fuss to go too.

Livestyles of the rich and bankers...

Reading this is only recommended if you want to take a look at a lifestyle most of us can only imagine, unfortunately paid for in part by our tax dollars that went to help fund bank bonuses...

Vacation: $40,000+

On top of essentials such as education, many bankers will use the fresh cash to get away. One banker, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he'll be escaping his crushing work schedule as an associate by spending three weeks in Argentina.

He's not at the level of the uber bonus - yet - but he may someday join the ranks of those jetting off to the newest hot spots. African safaris are becoming de rigueur, and Ashley Isaacs Ganz, founder of Artisans of Leisure Travel, said the Middle East, Spain and Morocco are very popular.

"Our luxury travelers are fascinated by the history in Israel and nearby Turkey and really want to have in-depth cultural experiences," Ganz explained.

A trip like that can cost $40,000 for the whole family -- on a budget. Plus, these travelers have to consider whether to bring the nanny. That costs an extra plane ticket, sure - but you just lodge them in the kids' room. So the overall expense -- considering a half-million-dollar bonus -- isn't exactly crippling.

For something more intimate, Ganz said, people are asking her to arrange on-site babysitters or be booked in hotels that offer kids clubs.

"With more money, they can bring more of the family along and go to more exclusive and smaller, boutique resorts," said Pedraza.

The real high-rollers, however, can't just go to Aspen for a much-needed vacation. They look for the unexploited experience -- like renting a rehabbed ghost town in the Colorado wilderness. And for that they'll pay $17,500 a night for the Dunton Hot Springs.

Or maybe they could charter Richard Branson's yacht for a week.

How to counter the cold? Think beach...

The below post and winter have you shivering? Then it is not to late to plan an escape to a Myrtle Beach Hotel. Yesterday one of my daughter's was planning her spring break vacation that also coincides with her 21st birthday. Her main requirement was she wanted to be able to go to the beach...

While she first talked about going out of the country, after I reminded her that she doesn't have a passport, I suggested considering something a bit closer to home. I pointed out that a Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotel could end up being less expensive than a stay somewhere else, and have a better view than a discount cruise room.

Then there is the travel aspect, there are some really good flight deals right now to parts of the States, that would include the area where Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotels are located. That way not only could she walk on the beach but it might also be possible to open the window, or a patio door and actually be able to hear and smell the ocean...

Yells of FORE could be heard for miles...

It's that time of year when many Ohioans leave the wintry climes of our area with Golf Myrtle Beach style on their minds. Some drive, others face the airline requirements for getting their beloved golf clubs there. Still others take advantage of Myrtle Beach Golf Packages that include golf club rentals.

My father was one of those Myrtle Beach Golf aficionados. The idea of playing golf here in the winter was something he mocked, you'd never catch him out trying to play golf in the snow. For him it was a summer sport or one that created Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations where he would test out the new balls and clothing that he'd receive each Christmas as well as any new clubs he received. Though he would practice and yell "FORE" making my mother cringe each year as she feared he'd one day take out a household item or another light fixture...

As the snow flakes loom people think of Orlando

Here up north when the weather starts to get cold, that's when many decide it's time to start thinking about orlando vacations not just for Disney World, but there are a huge number of golfers in this area that head to the warmer climates to stay on top of their game.

Not all of them are the hardy sort that play golf here even in the winter...I know of at least a half a dozen people that have already been to Orlando or are planning a trip in the recent past or recent future...

Speciality vacations...

Still in vacation travel mode, there are a variety of different types of travel agencies out there that specialize on all types of travel. From senior citizen travel agencies to ones that specialize in gay vacations they are out there. I can actually see the reasoning behind it, and when I visited the Spirit Journeys website, they do more than just simple vacation booking. They offer retreats and workshops in addition to "journeys" to some pretty amazing places. You don't have to be gay, but a good number of the people who take advantage of their services are. The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca journey that's planned in November looks like it is going to be an amazing one...

After thinking sandals, you have to think beach...

While I did get a recent beach fix when I was visiting my daughter in California and we went to Santa Cruz, a place that I've always wanted to visit that is within driving or flying distance is Myrtle Beach. I've spent many an hour looking at Myrtle Beach Resorts pouring over each individual plus and minus of the huge number to decide from to pick which Myrtle Beach Resort would be the first one I'd like to stay at.

Then for something a bit different, I can do the same thing while picking between the huge variety of Myrtle Beach Hotels . Do I want one near the Strand? One with a pool? One with a complimentary breakfast? Do I want a room with a view? All of those options are available and even better yet? You can book online...

California was bustling...

While I was visiting my oldest daughter in California last week, it was impossible to not notice how bustling a good many of the places we went were. The plane to San Francisco was fully booked, the airport busy, the shopping malls, eateries, movie theaters and stores in San Francisco, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz were all being visited by a good number of people.

The boardwalk in Santa Cruz was full of people, parking lots packed, the same can be said for the visit to Fisherman's Wharf and China Town. Considering it was not the prime tourist season, people were still traveling there as well as those living there were out and spending money.

A mental escape to Alaska...

Sometimes at night when I can't sleep, I imagine what I would do if money were no object. One of the things on my dream list or as some prefer my "bucket list" is to Travel Alaska more than the few hours I once spent there as a teenager. While I'd love to be able to enjoy Alaska Travel by taking one of the Alaskan Cruises, leaving from the West Coast, avoiding a Titanic experience of course, there are also quite a few places within Alaska itself that I'd love to explore.



Whether you believe global warming is caused by man or nature, our glaciers are disappearing, I'd love to be able to go to Denali Park where some of the glaciers can be seen, including Muldrow which is pictured above. Though of course right now with winter still upon us, thinking about the cold is not is exactly the same type of draw that imagining traveling in Alaska when things here are over 90 degrees...