Ready to Travel!

Summer doesn't officially begin until June 21, but the real kick off is Memorial Day Weekend. This is the first long weekend of the year when the weather is actually nice, and the last one for three months. And after the winter we've had, people are itching to travel, embrace the summer and enjoy some warmer temperatures.

I am among those eager travelers. I am currently sitting in the O'Hare airport, waiting to board a plane to Austin for my good friend Laura's bachelorette party. Of course, I had to pick the busiest travel day of the weekend, and I'm flying from one of the destinations that is expected to get the most visitors this Memorial Day.

According to travel website, Orbitz, Chicago is one of the top five most popular destinations people will travel to this weekend, along with Las Vegas, New York, Punta Cana and Cancun. Priceline places Orlando and San Diego in its top five list, so clearly there is no guaranteed algorithm for figuring out where people are going. The bottom line is...they're going.

Nationally, about 36.1 million people will hit the road during the holiday weekend, according to AAA auto club, up 1.5% from 2013. The national travel estimate is 2.6% higher than its 10-year historical average and the second highest since 2000. The numbers indicate a new high as the economy continues to recover from the recession, the unemployment rate has dropped and overall consumer confidence is on the rise.

With all this activity, I was sure the airport would be a zoo, with long lines to check bags and get through security. So I took the cautious route and hopped on the Blue Line at 5:30am to get to O'Hare by 6am for my 8:30am flight – considerably earlier than I usually arrive for a domestic flight. To my chagrin, there were plenty of open kiosks, and I checked my bag in less than five minutes. And the security line? Non existent! I was through the line and sitting in the airline lounge by 6:15am...seriously. Are they sure about this travel rush?

I'm not saying I don't believe the predictions, I anticipate that it will get worse later in the day, since many people still work on the Friday before Memorial Day and then leave early or right when the clock hits 5pm. But maybe it won't be as crazy as we all think. Then again, I could be sorely mistaken. I return from my Austin adventure on Monday, probably the second-busiest travel day of the weekend. And I don't have the good fortune of an early flight. So we'll see what happens then.

Good luck to everyone traveling this weekend. I wish you all the best kick off to summer and a great Memorial Day.

And please, feel free to share your weekend destinations. I'd like to create my own list of top destinations based off responses I get from people. Maybe I'll ask a few folks here in the lounge...let the polling begin.

Great Road Reads

Saint Augustine once said:

The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page.

While I am determined to read the whole book--cover to cover--that might take more time than I actually have. I know there are destinations on my list that I will make it to, such as India, Japan, China, Peru, and Morocco, but for those other locations around the world that may be too exotic, small or remote, I'll have to rely on other means in order to discover them. Obviously, I could just pick up a guide book from Lonely Planet or Frommer's or Let's Go, but all that would give me are the facts about restaurants, hotels, attractions and transportation. I want something with a little more substance, a more in depth investigation of a place, it's culture, history, people. It's these kinds of characteristics that a traveler learns when actually visiting a location, and if I can't experience it myself, I'd like to read something that can paint a pretty accurate picture.

I have scoured the internet, searching for some of the best travel books around, and I believe I've found a pretty good selection. However, these books will not suite everyone's literary palate, but hopefully they will provide a good foundation when looking for your next great road read.

For the History Buffs

Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe is an accurate recount of the famous Portuguese explorer who voyaged to find a route to the Spice Islands of Indonesia. Author Laurence Bergreen does an exceptional job at describing the landscapes and characters, as well as the lifestyle and customs of the ancient tribes Magellan encounters on his three-year journey. The book even includes maps that show the route taken by Magellan's fleet. This story is great for anyone who appreciates both maritime history and epic adventures of travelers past.


The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon is another book that ventures back in time to uncover the mysteries of British explorer, Percy Fawcett, and his journey deep into the Amazon to find the Lost City of Z. Writer David Grann attempts to find out what happened to Fawcett and his companions. This brilliant non-fiction book takes us back to the lost days of exploration, and reveals more about the unknown reaches of the Amazon than ever before. It has been named to numerous must-read and notable book lists, and Barnes and Noble even named it the "single best nonfiction book of 2009."

For the Unenlightened

When I say unenlightened, I mean it in the best sense. These books are for those like me, travelers who are curious about places they've never been but hope to one day explore. Travels in Siberia is a wonderful travelogue about post-Soviet Russia, and the author's personal beliefs on the wonders of this country. Ian Frazier becomes fascinated with the sprawling stretch of Siberia, which spans eight time zones from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Through his many trips to the area, Frazier is able to peel away Russia's stoney exterior and reveal something humorous and touching. Perhaps after reading this book, we'll all want to travel to Siberia.


The Places in Between tells the story of Rory Stewart's trek across Afghanistan. The book is full of anecdotes about the cities he visited, the people he encountered, the food he consumed and the stories he heard. Through Stewart's surprising and, at many times, funny encounters, he shows how tradition, beliefs and loyalty shine even in troubled times.

For The Bilingual Traveler

La Bella Lingua: My Love Affair with Italian, The World's Most Enchanting Language follows the long journey of Diane Hales as she attempts to immerse herself completely in Italian culture by learning to speak the language fluently. This story not only takes readers through Hales's personal voyage, but also through the history, art, music, food and lifestyle of the Italians. (Even though I've been to Italy, I would still read this book just because I love the country so much.)

Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language is another enlightening story about a woman, Deborah Fallows, and her quest to learn Mandarin. Living in Shanghai and Beijing was more of a struggle than she imagined, but as she slowly picked up the language, she discovered more about the heritage, culture and habits of the people. Picking up certain phrases and words created a window into relationships, humor and love. This book certainly opens up the world of China and its people.


For those in Transition

I realize that amidst the endless places to see in the world, an airport doesn't exactly qualify as a travel destination. But you just might reconsider that idea after reading A Week at the Airport, by Alain de Botton. This funny and insightful writer accurately captures the essence of a place that many of us are too busy to actually see. He is the author of The Art of Travel--a truly wonderful book that you should certainly read if you haven't already.

If You Just Don't Know

If you have a passion for a number of different destinations or book genres, then check out Book Lust to Go: Recommended Reading for Travelers, Vagabonds, and Dreamers by Nancy Pearl. She recommends books for over 120 destinations around the world, with each place corresponding to a particular book, whether it be fiction or nonfiction. So whether you're planning to physically jetset somewhere, or mentally travel there from your couch, this book provides numerous different options to get you moving.

So the next time you venture out on a trip somewhere, or decide to curl up under a blanket, check out one of these amazing travel books, and get lost in the pages.

Travel Trends and Top Destinations in 2011

2010 is officially over, and the new year holds pros and cons for the travel industry, as well as some exciting destinations for all of us.

Last year was turbulent in travel, to say the least. According to statistics, more people flew in 2010, but less flights were available to accommodate this 3% increase from the year before. This meant packed flights and barely any overhead baggage space. This trend will most likely continue into 2011 as airlines are still minimizing their flights to cut costs. Plus, airlines are benefiting from baggage and flight change fees, and they need to make a profit wherever they can. On top of that, travelers can expect to pay higher prices for tickets since oil prices have increased.

When it comes to purchasing tickets, it may be even more difficult to reserve through online travel agencies with all the disputes with the airlines that want to cut out the middle man. Southwest only posts their ticket prices on their website, forcing fliers to go there in order to buy seats. American Airlines just pulled its flight listings from Orbitz and Expedia due to the high fees to have them on the sites.

As many of you may have noticed, more flights were canceled in 2010 than in previous years, due mostly to airlines attempting to avoid fees for long tarmac waits, but also because of severe weather conditions and unforeseen natural disasters--a certain volcano comes to mind. It's safe to assume that there will be just as many, if not more, canceled flights in 2011, unless the weather chooses to cooperate--which it never does. The good news is that the same amount of flights arrived on time in 2010 as in 2009, so hopefully this consistency will hold strong. Also, there were far less delays reported last year, a good sign for future travel convenience.

Social Media will continue to play a large part in travel and tourism. For my loyal readers, you may recall a post I did last year talking about travel apps for smart phones, as well as growing websites designed to aid travelers with a number of different needs. Well, more of those will be popping up all over the place. This year, more people will be using Facebook and Twitter to find information on destination, travel deals, cheap airfare and hotel reviews. As far as airlines, hotels and travel companies go, social media outlets will be used to promote exclusive deals and incentives that can only be accessed through networking sites. 

Now for the really fun stuff...the hot spots to visit in 2011!

2011 marks the anniversary of...well...a lot. And industry experts say that's a draw for many travelers. Peru, while always a popular tourist location, will draw even more crowds this year as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the rediscovery of Machu  Picchu, an Inca landmark dating back to the 15th century. The organization managing the upkeep of this historic site will be holding events and celebrations all year long to commemorate the gorgeous mountain-top ruins.

China is also celebrating a milestone this year with the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Republican Revolution, also called the Xinhai Revolution. This moment was a significant event for the Chinese culture in the 20th century, and numerous events are planned in its honor. It's unknown what kind of celebrations will be held, but expect there to be many parades and impressive firework displays.

Fifty years ago, the Berlin Wall fell, and travelers are heading to Germany to celebrate this historic event. The city is expected to finish a long-term project this year that marks the wall's old path through Berlin.

2011 is also a sad reminder of the horrible attacks that occurred ten years ago on September 11. Millions of Americans and foreign travelers will gather around ground zero to view the impressive National September 11 Memorial, consisting of two pools appropriately named "Reflecting Absence." These are a representation of the footprints left by the towers, as well as those who perished. An underground museum will also be featured as part of the memorial. The collection includes artifacts, photographs, memorabilia and recorded testimonies of the event. The main exhibitions are located at bedrock, the heart of the World Trade Center. Visitors will be able to view the Vesey Street Stair remains, also known as the "Survivor's Stairs," as they were used by hundreds to escape the destruction. Guests can see the foundations of the towers and the "Last Column." In the Memorial Plaza, visitors can gaze at the 3,000+ names engraved around the pools honoring all those who died.

There are many popular locations that are not celebrating an anniversary but are just as noteworthy. After hosting the World Cup last year, South Africa has exploded as a top vacation spot. The great thing about this year is there will not be as many people, so tourists can take full advantage of the renovated facilities left over from the tournament. A number of travel packages are being offered that tour the countries beautiful landscapes and diverse cities, particularly Cape Town and Johannesburg--the two largest cities in South Africa. If you decide to go, look into booking a safari in Kruger National Park, which features 145 different mammals.

Another country with strong ties to soccer is Brazil. With the World Cup coming in 2014, and the Olympics in 2016, Brazil is using their newly found publicity to promote it's beautiful beach resorts and exotic culture. It still has a few years to boost its infrastructure, but all the sporting attention is sure to draw a crowd.

With the royal wedding months away, London is certainly getting a lot of attention. The Prince's marriage to long-time sweetheart, Kate Middleton, is causing not only locals to get excited, but tourists as well. Everyone wants to get in on the action. While London may be incredibly busy come April, the wedding is boosting tourism interest for the summer months, too, as more and more people sign-up for tours of the royal buildings and historic sites--not to mention a tour of all the notable locations around the city that are significant to William and Kate's long courtship.

Other locations of note to visit this year are Stockholm, Sweden--thanks to the overwhelming popularity of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" book series--and Greece--which is celebrating the 2,500th anniversary of the original marathon. For even more exciting places to visit in 2011, check out Bing's Top Destinations Slide Show.

So here's to a new year of exciting travel adventures! Happy trails everyone!