World Perks Not Perking Right Now

I just got back from a trip to Costa Rica but before I left I checked my Wold Perks account with Northwest Airlines to see if I had enough miles to pay for hotel rooms for an upcoming trip later this month. I had enough but in my greed I decided to wait until I got back from Costa Rica because I would have more points.

I went online today to make all the arrangements and discovered that today was the day that Northwest merged all of their online vacation reservations with Delta. When I called Delta to find out how to make the arrangements they told me to call Northwest and when I called Northwest they told me to call Delta. Doesn’t seem to me like they are off to a great start.

Blog Review: Solo Road Trip

Who doesn’t like a road trip? Solo Road Trip takes you on the road across the states and across the world. Go backpacking in China or take a trip from Theodore Roosevelt National Park to Mt. Rushmore. It’s all here!

Read great writings on tracking animals to taking a solo road trip and cozy motels or checkout the breathtaking photography from trips taken. With the Trip Journal you are on the road almost down to the last detail. Stop by and enjoy the journey!

I’m Baaaaaack!

Jacksonville, Florida

Holy Cow! I can’t believe it’s been since October that I last posted here. You know they say that time flies when you’re having fun and the truth is that I’ve been so busy that I really hadn’t given this site much thought. Like most people who publish blogs, I have a regular full-time job. My job allows me the opportunity to travel which is the reason I started this blog.

I love traveling and helping make it possible for others to do so as well. I received a commission check in the mail this week which just reassures me how easy it is to make money off the billions of dollars spent every year in the travel industry. We all know people who travel, and by helping them make hotel, rental car and airline reservations you can easily get your slice of the pie. Here’s a bit more information if your interested in more information then let me know. My email address is in my profile.

Another great thing about this site is a feature that was new when I took my hiatus. The Been There, Done That Forum is you place to tell us where you’ve been and where you’re going. Tell us where you plan to go and perhaps someone has been there and can pass on some tips. Tell us where you’ve been and what you liked or disliked about it. Do you know of a special travel discount or package deals? Let us know about it!

Martinsburg, West Virginia

Martinsburg Courthouse

After two nights in Tennessee (Memphis, Bristol) we arrived in Martinsburg, West Virginia for our third night of vacation. We’d stay here for a week and drive to various locations in the area for sight seeing and entertainment. However, there was plenty in Martinsburg area to get us started.

As one of the oldest settlements in the United States there were plenty of historical markers and antique shopping to keep us busy for a full day. One of the favorites was the Farmer’s Market. I enjoy farmer’s markets because I’m a huge fan of vegetables or anything like that. Farmer’s markets are where you learn about the community that you are in, find great food and good souvenirs.

If you enjoy history, old buildings and small town atmospheres then a day in Martinsburg will be good for you.

Bristol, Tennessee

Bristol Farmer's Market

Known as the birthplace of country music Bristol, Tennessee is a quiet place for a one night stop. Bordering both Tennessee and Virginia and in the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains Bristol is a small community with an amazing atmosphere.

Made popular by sports’ fan because of the Bristol Motor Speedway this community has a lot to more to offer than just a NASCAR race. The State Street Farmer’s Market is open from May to October. Find recipes, buy fresh locally grown produce or just experience the atmosphere of this unique stop.

The Bristol Caverns gives you a one hour tour beneath the earth’s surface. This is one of the oldest attractions in the northeast and definitely worth the admission. The highlight of the tour is walking along an underground river that is 180 feet below the earth’s surface.

There’s more to Bristol than what I’ve mentioned, the Appalachian Caverns and the Rocky Mount Museum got my attention, but like I said it was a one night stop and we were on the road again. Our next stop, Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Memphis, Tennessee

Let me just start by saying that one night in Memphis isn’t enough! There is so much to see and do there that a traveler could easily become over stimulated trying to pack everything into a short visit. So here is a quick guide to a quick stop in Tennessee’s largest city.

Graceland – Every first timer to the city of Memphis must stop here regardless of if you love, hate or don’t even know who Elvis is. Graceland is the second most visited house in the United States and if you missed the era of shag carpet you’ll enjoy this blast from the past as the home is preserved exactly as it was when Elvis Presley lived there.

The Bar-B-Q Shop Restaurant – You can’t go to Memphis and not have Bar-B-Q. With sauces made from scratch and meat cooked in a real Bar-B-Q pit it doesn’t get any better than the Bar-B-Q Shop.

Embassy Suites Hotel – Conveniently located off of I-240 and directly across from the Regalia Shopping Center. The Embassy Suites gives you a luxury room and a great breakfast at a modest price.

National Civil Rights Museum – Relive the Civil Rights movement through several multimedia and visual aid displays as well as see the room that Dr. Martin Luther King was staying in and the balcony where he was shot. This museum takes you into some of America’s darkest hours but also our countries greatest triumphs.

Believe me, there is plenty more to do in this great city but if time doesn’t allow you’ll be very pleased with these selections.

Panama City – Panama

I believe that Panama City is one of the most amazing places to visit in the Americas. Located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal the city is one of the oldest settlements on the Western Hemisphere and offers plenty of entertainment and sights for vacationers.

After being established in 1519 Panama City was sacked and burned in 1671 by the pirate Henry Morgan. The ruins are still available today as a tourist attraction and are well worth the $4.00 admission charge to tour. Known as Panamá la Vieja (Old Panama) the ruins stretch for acres and feature a centuries old cathedral tower that you can go to the top of.

View from the top of the Cathedral Tower in Panama Vieja

View from the base of the Cathedral Tower

There are several places to dine in Panama City ranging from fast food to high end fine dining and everything in between. The MultiCintro Mall is located near the Old City ruins and offers air-conditioned shopping a food court and Panama’s Hard Rock Café. The Albrook Mall offers a better shopping atmosphere (In my opinion) and an incredible food court that even has a carousel ride. However, the best dining experience in Panama City is found on the Amador Causeway. There you can find several quality restaurants that overlook the Panama Canal, Bridge of Americas, the Bay of Panama and the Yacht Club.

Hard Rock Café, Panama

In addition to the aforementioned malls there are many other shopping opportunities at the markets, where hand crafted souvenirs can be purchased, located at Panama la Vieja and in Balboa.

Driving in Panama City can be tricky to say the least and taxis are very reasonable and abundant making it best mode of transportation.

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