July 2016 – Footloose Forever

Hipmunk Hotels: Affordable Options in The Less-Traveled South (Myrtle Beach, Richmond, and More)

July 25, 2016July 23, 2016Posted in USA Hotels and DestinationsTagged boutique hotels in Tennessee, Boutique hotels in the US, hipmunk hotels, Midland, Myrtle Beach, Richmond, USA boutique hotelsLeave a comment

The post below was originally published on This Life in Trips by Shaun Robertson.

When thinking of cities in the Southern states, New Orleans, Charleston, and Savannah come to mind — and with good reason. These cities offer some of the best culture, cuisine, music, and laid-back living that famously comes with this region. Of course, because of this, these popular tourist locations can be expensive to visit and crowded in the peak seasons. With that in mind, check out these great Southern city alternatives and the hotels to stay in for those looking for an affordable and less crowded stay.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is a unique tourist destination, to say the least. Located on the doorstep of the Smokey Mountains, this eastern Tennessee town is a great jumping off point for exploring the great outdoors. That said, it’s also a great spot for family fun. With amusement rides, the Space Needle, and great restaurant choices, Gatlinburg has plenty to see and do within its city limits. Although not as popular as Nashville or Memphis, Gatlinburg receives its share of visitors. For thinner crowds, visit in the winter season or during the week in the summer. Either way, for a great mix of the outdoors and city fun, book your hotel in Gatlinburg in advance for the best savings. Furthermore, Reagan Resorts Inn is a nice option for budget travelers.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach may seem out of place on this list, but it can be enjoyed on the cheap year-round. Due to its famous beaches, great seafood, and spectacular golf courses, Myrtle Beach draws in over 14 million visitors per year — the majority of which are guests from the North seeking refuge during the cold winter months. Still, with popularity comes plenty of affordable hotels in Myrtle Beach no matter the season, like the Plantation Resort. With festivals year-round and plenty of free activities, Myrtle Beach truly is a budget-friendly destination in the South with much to see and do.

Midland, Texas

Due to its size, Texas is less crowded than other states in the South. Still, Midland, Texas, can provide an authentic Texas experience without the crowds of Dallas, San Antonio, or Houston at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy horseback riding in the sun or stay cool inside one of the city’s great museums. Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the American Airpower Heritage Museum, and those interested in how the area came to be will enjoy the Museum of the Southwest. Hotels in Midland range from high-end chains such as the Hilton Garden Inn and Four Points by Sheraton, to budget brands like the Comfort Inn and Super 8. Regardless of the star rating, hotels in the city, like TownePlace Suites Midland, can be found at a lower rate than those in Texas’s major hubs.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia, offers similar history, character, and charm that’s found in Charleston and Savannah but with the added bonus of a lively downtown core and nearby outdoor activities without the crowds. Civil War history can be found throughout the area, and there are plenty of great restaurants, shops, and bars in town to keep you busy. The nearby James River offers guests the chance for some whitewater rafting, and there are plenty of parks in the area — perfect for hiking and leisurely strolls. Hotels in Richmond are affordable and range from modest to luxury, giving the option to enjoy the outdoors or relax in the city. One such budget-friendly hotel is Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Airport.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Last on this list is the charming town of Fredericksburg, Texas. Located an hour’s drive away from San Antonio and an hour and a half away from Austin, Fredericksburg is a great spot to explore Texas from. In town, you will find an interesting mix of Texan and German traditions. With its German roots, Fredericksburg has many great events and festivals such as Oktoberfest and Schuetzenfests (marksmanship tournaments), with a Texas-sized twist. Due to its obscure path location, hotels in Fredericksburg, like the Econo Lodge Fredericksburg, can be found at a great value compared to those in bigger cities. So break out your cowhide chaps and lederhosen and visit this interesting Texas town.

Top Pet-Friendly Luxury Getaways in Portland for Unforgettable Family Vacations

July 23, 2016July 22, 2016Posted in USA Hotels and DestinationsTagged Boutique hotels in the US, Brasada Ranch, hipmunk hotels, Luxury hotels Portland, oregon, portland, portland hotels, Powell Butte5 Comments

Mount Hood, Trillium lake, Portland, oregon

Portland, the City of Roses, welcomes you with its beautiful rose gardens, myriad food courts, picturesque neighborhoods, and the meandering river, Willamette, that flows through the heart of this eco-conscious city. The best way to discover Portland’s charm is by walking or biking. Therefore, choose wisely from an array of luxury boutique hotels in Portland for a comfortable, relaxing stay and get out to explore the city and beyond when you can.

Image via Wikipedia

Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte

Immerse yourself in luxury in a rural setting at Brasada Ranch, a nature retreat in central Oregon. Only 20 minutes from Bend-Redmond Airport and a little more than a 3-hour drive from Portland, Brasada Ranch spreads over acres of lush green landscape. You can choose from an array of luxurious suites, cabins, and guest rooms at this award-winning resort nestled in the peaceful community of Powell Butte. A championship golf course, an on-site spa, plush outdoor pools with lazy river, and sprawling equestrian trails are reasons enough to choose this resort as your next vacation getaway in Oregon. From tennis and basketball to white water rafting, fishing, rock climbing, and helicopter tours, Brasada Ranch will keep you busy with outdoor sports and adventures all day long.

Image via Flickr by @jpcody

Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station

Only a few minutes’ drive from Portland International Airport, Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station is a swanky hotel with stylishly appointed rooms featuring plush furnishings, spa amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, LCD TVs with plug-and-play games, mini refrigerators, and free mineral water, tea, and coffee. With various activity programs for kids and pets, a bar, an indoor pool, and a lounge to unwind, there is something for every member of your family at the hotel. Portland Saturday Market and attractions like Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Zoo, and International Rose Test Garden are about 20 minutes from the hotel.

The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland

Located close to Pioneer Square and Portland Art Museum, The Nines Hotel offers trendy, luxurious accommodations along with a range of upscale amenities including pillow-top beds with down pillows, 42-inch televisions with movie channels, dual-line telephone, Wi-Fi, work desks, and room service. Luxurious en suite bathrooms come with bathrobe and premium bath amenities. The hotel’s central location allows you to quickly access Portland’s business district, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and MAX Light Rail transit. Shopping and dining options are aplenty around the hotel. You can also join day trips to the mountains or wine countries arranged by The Nines Hotel.

Image via Wikipedia

Hotel Modera in the Heart of Downtown Portland

Hotel Modera is another centrally located luxury boutique hotel that offers quick access to Portland Art Museum, Portland State University, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Choose from a range of elegantly decorated non-smoking rooms that come with high-definition LCD TVs, complimentary W-Fi, technologically advanced heating and air-conditioning, work desks, safes, coffee makers, refrigerators, and premium Italian bath products. A beautifully decked courtyard garden and lounge is the hallmark of Hotel Modera. Relax and satiate your taste buds with authentic Italian and French delicacies in the romantic setting of Nel Centro, the on-site restaurant.

Rivertide Suites Hotel on the Shores of Necanicum River

Rivertide Suites Hotel, a relaxing riverfront hotel, is just three blocks from the ocean and a few minutes’ walk from the Seaside Aquarium in Portland, Oregon. Live in a spacious, luxuriously furnished suite and enjoy amenities such as complimentary breakfast, a cable TV with premium entertainment channels, telephone with free local calls, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with jetted tub. The private balconies offer river or mountain views. A 24-hour business center, a heated indoor pool, hot tubs, and a rooftop terrace garden are there for your work and relaxation.

Prayer Stones: The Cherry on Top

July 22, 2016Posted in Photo challengeTagged cherry on top, gurudongmar, Himalayas, lake, landscape, nature photography, Photo challenge, prayer stones, reflection, Sikkim36 Comments

This is a snap from my Sikkim Tour photo-story series. The clear reflections of the snow-covered peaks in the still waters of the sacred lake, Gurudongmar could make a decent picture. I think, the heap of prayers stones in the foreground works like the cherry on top to make this frame look more interesting and meaningful. What do you say? 🙂

Published in response to The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Cherry on Top.

The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Details in Colors

July 17, 2016July 17, 2016Posted in TravelTagged Bhutan, colors, Kichu Monastery, Paro, prayer wheels, window18 Comments

prayer wheels, kichu lhakhang, paro, bhutan

The colorful decorations in the monasteries in Bhutan make great subjects for photography. Here are some colorful detailing from Kichu Monastery in Paro.

Published in response to The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Details.

P.S: This is my second entry for this week’s challenge. Here is the first post on Details.

The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Details in Stone

July 17, 2016Posted in Photo challengeTagged haveli, jaisalmer, palace, sandstone, stone carving, stone details13 Comments

stone details, haveli, jaisalmer, rajasthan

This week’s photo challenge topic ‘details’ instantly reminded me of the delicate stone detailing in the palaces in Rajasthan. This one is from a palace in Jaisalmer Fort.

Now, take a closer look.

Published in response to The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Details.

P.S: This is my first entry for this week’s challenge. Here is the second post on Details.

Boston Holidays: Five of the Top Hotels for Best Luxury Breaks

July 12, 2016July 14, 2016Posted in USA Hotels and DestinationsTagged Boston Harbor, Boston Hotels, Charles River, hotels in Boston, Hotels in Cambridge, Hotels in Greater Boston, Massachusetts, South End Boston6 Comments

Boston, Cambridge, Charles River, Massachusetts

Boston is known for its diverse tourist attractions. Excellent connectivity with its neighboring cities, Cambridge and Brookline, via mass transit and road networks and a plethora of upscale hotels in Boston make it a popular tourist hub in New England. With an array of museums, art galleries, historical sites, nature parks, and waterfront recreational opportunities, Boston easily makes it to the list of top ten tourist destinations in the USA.

Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Crosstown Center, South End

Located at South End, Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Crosstown Center is only a few minutes from the downtown and Back Bay. The hotel runs complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, downtown and other main business and entertainment districts of the city. Non-smoking guest rooms are furnished with luxurious beds, high-definition TVs, high-speed internet, and work desks. Staying at this South End hotel lets you explore this historic district’s Victorian brownstone neighborhoods at your own pace for an offbeat travel experience.

Image via Wikipedia by Thomas Julin

Hotel Commonwealth, Kenmore Square

Located in Boston’s entertainment district, Kenmore Square, Hotel Commonwealth allows quick access to Boston’s nightlife and Fenway Park. The hotel’s chic, contemporary interior is designed to match the standard of upscale urban lifestyle in Boston. The hotel’s on-site restaurants are famous for their flavorful culinary delights. An array of room amenities includes a tab with the hotel’s apps installed in it. King-size beds, writing desks, comfortable sitting areas, smart TVs, refrigerators, and spacious bathroom with bathrobe and premium toiletries are there to ensure your comfort and convenience.

Image via Flickr by patrickfranzis

The Bostonian Boston, Downtown Boston

A few minutes’ walk from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, The Bostonian Boston is located in the bustling financial district of Boston. Many of the downtown Boston attractions, including New England Aquarium and Boston Harbor, are within walking distance from this hotel. With luxurious queen beds, cushioned chairs, sofas, safes, marbled bathrooms, and private balconies, the hotel’s AAA Diamond rated rooms offer luxurious resort for tired travelers. Room service, babysitting, and dry cleaning services are available for added comfort and convenience.

Image via Flickr by TechnicolorPaul

Boston Marriott Cambridge, Kendall Square

A short drive from downtown Boston across the Charles River, Boston Marriott Cambridge awaits you at Kendall Square, Cambridge with luxurious rooms and a range of amenities tailored for leisure and business travelers. Air-conditioned, non-smoking rooms feature designer bedding sets, telephone, Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs, work desks with ergonomic chairs, coffee makers, and room service. The hotel’s fitness center is open all day. Other amenities include an indoor pool and sauna. Boston Marriott Cambridge’s strategic location allows easy access to outdoor recreational activities along the river.

Image via Flickr by resveratrol

Courtyard Boston Cambridge near MIT

Courtyard Boston Cambridge is one of the few hotels that allow quick access to downtown Boston yet keeps out the commotion of the big cities. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations on the bank of Charles River. Only 7.3 miles from Boston Logan International Airport, Courtyard Boston Cambridge is located in the academic district of Cambridge with MIT and Harvard Business School within walking distance. The guest rooms come with luxurious bedding, 40-inch HDTV, Wi-Fi, writing desks with ergonomic chairs, small refrigerators, and coffee makers. Other amenities include on-site dining, heated indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and a rooftop garden for relaxation.

The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Look Up – 2

July 9, 2016July 9, 2016Posted in Photo challengeTagged canopy, Nainital, nature photography, Photo challenge, pine, sattal, trees18 Comments

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

~ Wayne Dyer

Sattal, one of the several beautiful lakes in Kumaon, was a part of our sightseeing tour in Nainital. Sattal is a combination of three lakes connected together naturally. Apart from boating facility there is one more attraction. It offers a small trek to a church on top of the hill on the other side of the lake.

While trekking along the steep, shadowy walking trail I looked upwards to see the towering pines and other coniferous trees creating a nice canopy over my head.