Have an Unforgettable Summer By Planning Ahead

Have an Unforgettable Summer By Planning Ahead

Can you remember what you did last summer? Maybe you went on the trip of a lifetime or had a summer romance. I recall purchasing my favorite summer dress from charlotte russe More »

Best Wine Regions in France

Best Wine Regions in France

I have always felt that the best way to travel is to combine the vacation with something that you love. I did this for the first time last year when I took More »

Groupon is number one for savings on wellness

Groupon is number one for savings on wellness

The cost of wellness, healthy, beauty and spa treatments is pretty steep in the US. The problem is that these services are considered to be luxuries, and the staff at such places More »

Groupon is dead. Long live Groupon!

Groupon is dead. Long live Groupon!

Groupon’s deal-of-the-day business model was once so successful that it raked in $950 million in a series D funding round, but in recent years its vouchers and coupons have lost their lure, More »

Your Road Trip Guide To 2014: Five Destinations Worth The Mileage in the US

Your Road Trip Guide To 2014: Five Destinations Worth The Mileage in the US

A road trip can be a way to refresh your spirit after a hectic year of work and family activities. Cruising down an open road, with new sights, sounds and personalities along More »

 

Why You Must Stop What You Are Doing And Visit Bogor

visit bogor
Located in the shadow of the beautiful Mount Salak, Bogor is one Java’s must see cities. Located just 90 kilometers south of Jakarta, Bogor’s relaxed vibe couldn’t be more different than the capitol city, Jakarta. This beautiful city is one of the jewels of Indonesia and should be on everybody’s travel plan. Indonesia is among the most exciting locations in Southeast Asia. Here is why you must stop what you are doing and visit Bogor Indonesia.

Botanical Gardens
Bogor is home to some of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Formed 200 years ago for scientific experiments in botany, the Bogor Botanical Gardens are now one of the regions primary tourist draws. Botanical research is still on going at the gardens but today you will see many more tourists than scientists. The botanical gardens are massive and can take all day to explore. Many visitors will choose to enjoy lunch in the garden’s lovely cafe. The gardens are also home of the prime minister’s summer estate so you can imagine what it would like to wake up to views of this garden every morning. A whiff of the flowers and fresh air and you would never believe you are so close to Jakarta.

visit bogor
Gunung Salak
Gazing up at the massive peak of Gunung Salak is a once in a lifetime experience. This volcano erupted approximately 80 years ago but given that it has only erupted a few times ever (as far as scientists can tell) this makes it one of the safest (allegedly) on Java. If you want to get up close and personal with the volcano, it is also home to a lovely national park. You can arrange several guided hikes of varying difficult to view some of the wonders of this natural wonder.

Puppet Workshop
Bogor houses an incredible puppet museum that features traditional hand made Indonesian puppets known as Wayang golek.  This is not your average museum as it also doubles as a workshop for the puppet maker, which triples as his home! The gentlemen who runs the museum will gladly show you how the puppets are made, give you a history of them, and sell you one as well. These puppets are an important part of Indonesian and Javanese culture and are unique to this region of the world. Talk about a one of a kind souvenir! So if you are interested in arts and crafts and one of a kind experiences, the Wayang Golek puppet museum is a one of the best reasons to visit Bogor. The hospitality doesn’t stop at the museum, if you are looking for a great place to stay with incredible customer service, try the R Hotel Rancamaya.

So whether you are doing a tour of Java, Indonesia as whole, or just looking for a weekend getaway from Jakarta; Bogor is a one of a kind city with a relaxed and fun atmosphere. If the thought of being so close to a volcano doesn’t make you queasy, we recommend you visit Bogor soon and prepare for a truly once in a lifetime experience.

Venice Travel Guide

Widely considered as the most romantic city in the World, Venice sits in northern Italy on the banks of the Adriatic sea. The city is comprised of over one hundred tiny islands and has water flowing through almost every main street and alleyway. It is the presence of these canals and streams coupled with the mazy streets that give Venice it’s unique appearance and its quintessential Italian charm. If you plan to visit this beautiful city then here are some great tips for what to see and do in the ‘Floating City’.

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Who doesn’t like  to save some money when buying virtually anything? Many people try and stretch their dinero to the max when it comes to booking their next trip, so here’s a good tip to give you a little more wiggle room. Whether you’re looking for a fantastic hotel in Mexico or that dream trip to Niagara Falls, saving money is important.

We’ve got a great tip today on Hometown Travel Gides today for you which will save you big time cash on your next travel bookings. Groupon Coupons has more than 70,000+  active online coupons available, and a large percentage of them deal with travel providers like Travelocity or travel related essentials from companies like Bose. Check them out and start saving more money today!

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Best Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale is a popular vacation destination for its miles of beaches and colorful reefs. While there are several restaurants that are well-known for their ability to draw in tourists, the real gems are those that garner loyal attention from the locals. Dine like a Floridian at the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.

Calypso in Pompano

Though it’s a bit outside Fort Lauderdale, locals are happy to make the drive a few minutes north to Pompano for Calypso. This seafood restaurant infuses its dishes with Caribbean flavor. The fish is prepared fresh and cut just before cooking, giving everything an authentic just-out-of-the-sea flavor. Though the menu includes burgers and chicken, seafood lovers should try at least one conch dish and pick their favorite sauce for one of the fresh catches on the menu.

Southport Raw Bar

Southport Raw Bar is a small local pub that touts itself as the oldest raw bar in Fort Lauderdale. With free dockage and patio seating, this is a popular spot for a fresh oyster lunch after a day on the water. Though the oysters take center stage, the entire menu gets rave reviews from loyal visitors with everything from crispy fish and chips to Old Bay shrimp. Located near several hotels in Ft. Lauderdale, this is an easy pick for visitors.

Tarks of Dania Beach

With views like this, it's no wonder that Tark's is among the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

Photo by Pixie Dust via Trover.com

A bit south of Fort Lauderdale, locals flock to Tarks of Dania Beach for the shrimp, conchs, and chicken wings. This hole in the wall is the perfect destination for laid back travelers who want to experience local flavor on a budget. You don’t go to Tarks for fine dining or an elegant atmosphere, but you can certainly belly up to the closely packed counter to quite literally rub elbows with local Floridians that love good food amidst views of some of the best beaches in the state.

Greek Islands Taverna

As the name suggests, the Greek Islands Taverna is a popular South Florida destination for Greek fare. The menu features many authentic Greek dishes and wines. The restaurant has local regulars who taste their way through the large menu, sampling all the delights over several visits. Some favorites include the dolmathakia, lamb chops, and octopus. This popular spot often has a long line, so show up early. This restaurant is easy to add to your agenda, located near the beach and several hotels like the Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal.

Blue Moon Fish Company

The Blue Moon Fish Company in Lauderdale by the Sea is known for its fresh seafood. You can sit outside and watch the water, belly up to the bar and people-watch in the restaurant, or enjoy a cozy table inside. The fresh fish always gets high points, as does the calamari and shrimp. The restaurant also serves a Sunday brunch that’s a local favorite for special events. This is a pricier option, but worth the splurge for fine dining.

If you want to add some delectable meals to your Ft. Lauderdale visit, these popular picks offer stellar food and service that’s consistently good, allowing them to keep local customers coming back for years. Ditch the tourist kitsch and try on the real Florida life for size at these establishments.