Bike Parking at Your Event (Santa Cruz, CA)

Bike Valet

Are these only in California at outdoor events?  It is typical to find around here and environment friendly.  This bike valet was spotted at an event in Santa Cruz.  A nice, organized set up to help out visitors, just sayin.... get some exercise, ride up to the event entrance, and park your bikes with a trusted source.

Have bike, will travel!  ~ The Fun Tour Guru 

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Welcome Weekend - Santa Clara University

I strayed away from my normal activities yesterday, even skipping our Art & Wine Festival in Santa Clara (I know I can go today (Sunday) to watch my favorite band, Joe Sharino).  By doing this I stumbled upon the back-to-college weekend at Santa Clara University. I listened to the new Student Body President for 2011 and to President Michael Engh, President of Santa Clara University.

Santa Clara University President Welcomes Students

I was really taken in to watch over the heads of these 3,000 students with their families preparing to go through their world journey.  I know that graduation is a big deal and an accomplishment, I am glad I was able to see the fresh start, beginning journey of these students' yesterday.What lies ahead each of them?

Traveling?  Yes, people are now traveling to get situated in Universities across USA for the 8-9 months.  Congratulations to these students with their choices! And, good luck and enjoy your college years!

Bringing you news as we see it each day! ~ The Fun Tour Guru

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Silence. Remembers September 11 in Silence.

Silence. September 11

Silence. 

A day to remember in silence. I will never have the memories and feelings of the people who were in the places of turmoil on this day. My heart connects to them in silence.

I remember the days of silence that followed without any activity - our skies were empty because air traffic was closed.  After I called my brother (and pilot) I went to sit in one of our local parks where I would watch planes take off and land from SJC (Mineta San Jose International Airport).  On 9/11/2001 and for several days after, no activity. Silence. 

I was at home that morning working on my computer when I saw news updates. I was in disbelief like everyone. 

I was in the midst of finalizing my plans for a trip to the Greek Islands departing on 9/14/2001. I had exchanged my currency, scheduled my airport shuttle, and started packing. The trip was canceled (because no planes flying) without refund. I still have not taken this one trip.

I have a New York City skyline postcard with the Twin Towers in the middle that was sent to me from my friend visiting New York City - a postmark of 8/22/2001 – it is framed, on my wall.

This is what I remember as I wake up today and listen to planes flying overhead and low today. A magnificent noise we sometimes take for granted.

A couple of years ago when I was showing our fabulous San Francisco to this friend (who sent the postcard), we found ourselves (without planning) in the middle of the Presidio cemetery overlooking the San Francisco bay. The day: September 11.  It is fascinating how we were automatically guided to this place to remember in silence. 

Presidio San Francisco September 11, 2009

I am grateful for the noise today.   

Remembers this day and the silence, always ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Sleeping Tips in Hotels

I enjoy your questions and conversations, please continue to comment either here, on my Facebook page, or by email.  I will share tips to help. 

Do You Sleep Well in Hotels?

My answer follows to one of the travel concerns people mention about how they are not able to sleep because of the external noise in hotels.  Now this may be from various reasons beyond a traveler’s control.  You are in an unfamiliar environment. There are several ways to overcome noise or sleepless nights as seen in the USA Travel Today video by Rolf Potts in 2010.

The one thing that I do is to turn on my external radio, located next to the bed. I like listening to jazz or instrumental stations. You may like other types of music.  I find this will rise above any other external noise.  Yet, I am able to wake up in case of emergencies that may happen and for my early morning wake up call when working on-site meetings. If I wear my iPod, there is always the possibility of over sleeping. 

Preparing the Bed for Travelers The Scott Resort & Spa 2009

 
Insider Tip: I also enjoy roasting marshmellows and eating s'mores along side fireplaces at the The Scott Resort.

My Favorite Resort Hotel

This brings memories to me of one of my favorite hotels that I stayed with a couple of years ago, the Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.  I discovered little thoughtful things I needed were already provided, like extra power outlets for my electronic toys located in the base of lamps. The flowing waterfalls were relaxing, and they happen to offset any conflicting noise throughout the resort (like lively group gatherings). And, it reminded me of my favorite by-the-water properties.  When my bed covers were turned down at night, my guest room attendant also turned on soft jazz music.  Of course the friendly and engaging staff of the resort was a bonus.  Simple tricks to enjoy your stay. 

View the USA Travel Today video by Rolf Potts and find more information.

What is your favorite tip for sleeping in hotels? 

Have a fantastic night's sleep!  ~ Exploring with the Fun Tour Guru 

Did you know you may reserve hotel rooms at our new website now, Lighthouse Travel and Tours?  Try it!  Every room you reserve we will donate partial proceeds to your favorite charity! We even found some favorite European Hostels to stay in!

*Image credit by Fun Tour Guru

Not Going on Vacation this Year? Plan and Research Now

Is it cool to darn socks?

Holes in Your Socks?

How many people really know how to darn socks?  Do you take the time to mend them,  simply throw them out, or do you give them to good will?  Why not learn how to darn?

In the business world and news, trending topics are still about recession aftermath - economy and jobs.  What does this mean to you?  Will you be affected with this?  Will you go on a personal vacation?

Think of traveling like darning your socks this year.  Find a way to stretch your dollars to do what you want to do.

If you are searching for work, I do understand the challenging times you may face.  Many times other people don't think about how this affects their friends.  

They don't know what your actual situation may entail - and it is unfortunate that they include you in things to do without thinking about your personal struggles, expecting you to keep up with them.  Even though you have an abundance of time, are you really even thinking about a vacation for yourself right now?

You should. Even if you may not be able to afford the trip right now, why not escape from the work search and go to the library to do research on where you really want to go once you get the job?  Many libraries even have tapes and videos of international languages and customs that you may practice for free or at a low cost.

Personal vacations are time to get away, clear your mind, relax, and have some fun.  Research attractions close to home - places you never seem to have the time to explore while working.  These are less crowded during the week and it is a chance to get away from your busy thoughts.

Two things to remember are to be 'alert and plan carefully'.   Some things you may do now:

1.  Start to plan your future vacations in advance rotating periodically every six months – example is to plan a long vacation, and take a short getaway.  When you are working or after you find work, set aside a $30 (or an amount correct for you) weekly for your adventure.

2.  Travel to a local region or within USA.  Don't forget places like Glacier National Park and Alaska have changing environments - take the time to see now.  These places may not be as expensive as going to international regions.  Canada is an affordable and easy international getaway to research. 

3.  Solo travel is fun, yet not for everyone.  What group do you hang out with?  Fuel surcharges and hotel rooms may be expensive. Traveling with a group helps by splitting expenses between your friends.  You might find people in your book groups, knitting groups, lawn bowling group, Facebook group, family group – what groups are you active with?  Find out who might go with you and set aside dates now. First ask them to go for a coffee or ice cream with you.  Get acquainted before your trip.

 4.  Make a list of places in your favorite region like deli’s and restaurants for meals, grocery stores, events. Find picnic friendly places to go with your friends on weekends.  This is fun and not to expensive. 

5.  Use your souvenirs for gifts.  Organize your digital images.  Create your own earrings, bracelets, and key chains.  Send these collections to your family and friends.


6.  If you want to travel internationally, remember to save now and pay cash as much as you can. Create a budget. Don't over charge your credit cards.

These new vacation goals are important reasons to accelerate your job search (or to keep that job you have now).

Research your ideas now.  And remember to stretch those dollars you do have.   

Darning socks can be cool! Don't let one hole in your sock get you down right now.  

What are you doing to create your next trip goal?

Make a Goal like:  Shopping in Switzerland 

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 Include your vacation trip in your life plans ~ The Fun Tour Guru

(By the way, the above story comes from listening to many of the unemployed and underemployed stories still active around us. I hope to give them tips to help out.)
Sock image - courtesy of Microsoft Clipart