Texas RV Travel blog

I remember when flying was considered a luxury and airlines catered to their passengers with all types of services. Full meals, with a choice of entree, free coffee, juice and soft drinks, snacks, magazines, newspapers, blankets and pillows. In first class, you sat in wide leather seats, were served your food on china, plied with free alcoholic beverages and given hot towels to clean your hands.

Most of these services were free, but they have been phased out, one at a time. Recently, I have heard that airlines have stopped providing blankets and pillows, snacks and free soft drinks. In fact, there is a TV commercial that shows a flight attendant reciting the costs of services while onboard. Even ringing your call button had a minimum charge!  While, I do not think things are this bad (yet), airline travel is becoming very utilitarian as airlines struggle to find solvency and profitability.

Well, now you may carry your own blanket, pillow and foot warmer, no matter what your mode of travel. Choose between black and cranberry cuddlers. When ready to use, just unwrap your Cabin Cuddler, place your feet in the blanket pocket, wrap the cuddler around your body like a coat and you will be warm and cozy. The reversible tote bag turns into a hygienic pillowcase for the inflatable pillow. Blow up the pillow and use it to support your neck, the small of your back or your head.

Carry your comfort with you for only $29.95. Take advantage of the free shipping offer, too.

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Did you know that the United Kingdom is the largest overseas market for travel to Texas and the US? Even with restrictions on and the expense of air travel, people from the UK are still jumping on Flights to USA.

The main purpose for visits from the United Kingdom to Texas are categorized as leisure & visiting friends and relatives, with popular destinations being (1) Houston, (2) Dallas/Fort Worth, (3) San Antonio and (4) Austin. Visitors from UK love shopping, dining, visiting historical sites and small towns, touring the countryside and sightseeing in cities. (Texas Travel Research 2006).

What is the one thing I would do if I flew in from the UK to Texas? I would visit the musical capital of the world, Austin, Texas. While Houston, San Antonio and the D/FW metroplex offer many worthy attractions, there is no place like Austin.

During the day, there is the natural beauty of the Wildflower Center, the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail and the spring-fed waters of Barton Springs to enjoy.

For shoppers, the West End offers an eclectic collection of art, antiques, and collectible shops in cottages and storefronts built in the 1930s and 1940s. There are restaurants, bakeries and coffee houses in the area.

Sixth Street, a seven-block stretch of Victorian-era buildings once known as Pecan Street is lined with cafes, nightclubs, pubs, dance clubs, live music venues, restaurants, galleries and shops. On the weekend, the street is closed as the district explodes with music.

Welcome to Texas!

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I once read an article of how the farmers in New Zealand put their fruits, vegetables, eggs and other items for sale at the ends of their driveway with an honor bucket for payment. Born and raised in Houston, I could not imagine the level of trust it would take to put your livelihood out with an honor bucket. This fascination with New Zealand has persisted my entire life.

New Zealand, land of contrasts, is comprised of the North Island and the South Island. These islands sit over two tectonic plates on the Pacific ring of fire. Both islands have high mountain backbones running their length. To the north is the volcanic plateau, site of geothermal activities like hot springs; buried mountains, called fiords; subtropical forests and rolling farmland. To the south, you will find active glaciers, alpine forests and vast alluvial plains.

While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island are freezing in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall and abundant sunshine. Being located in the Southern hemisphere, January and February are the warmest months of the year, and July is the coldest.

My dream is to book flights to New Zealand and rent an RV to see both islands or to meet the honor bucket folks by staying with farm families on both islands.

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. . . it is sunny, but there is a gentle breeze blowing off the water. You are lying in a hammock under a palm shade shelter sipping an ice cold drink. The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea gently break on a white sand beach, just footsteps away. . . Where in the world are you? You are in Cancun, a great vacation spot on the tip of the Yucatan Pennisula in Mexico.

Beginning May 1, you may fly directly from Austin, Texas to Cancun, Mexico for as little as $9.99 on vivaAerobus. Now, I must tell you that after they add departure and airport fees to your fare, you are looking at over $140 one way, which is still a good fare.

The Cancun that you will visit has two zones. There is the city where the natives live and then there is the hotel zone, a 14-mile long island where some world-class hotels stand over the most pristine beaches in the world, overlooking the Caribbean. The lagoon, between mainland and the island is perfect setting for jet skiing or other water sports. Spend your days on the beach or take a ferry to Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) to spend the day looking at ruins.

If you are thinking of sun and fun this winter, visit HotelsByCity.net, where you may find cheap hotels and guides to each destination. For instance, I found hotels for $54 USD per night, all-inclusive hotels for just over $300 per night, with $100 resort credits per day. There are adult-only and family-oriented hotels, so you will be sure to find exactly what you need.

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Despite the name, Hotel Reservations is a website from which you may book all types of travel services, such as discount airfare and reduced automobile rentals; hotel, condo and bed and breakfast stays, vacation rentals and vacation packages worldwide.

I found a vacation package, including airfare, automobile rental and hotel accommodations for the week before Christmas from Texas to Kauai, Hawaii, staying at the 4-1/2 star Grand Hyatt Kauai for less than $2000 per person. If I am willing to stay at a 2-1/2 star hotel, you may get the price down to under $1000 per person.

I can dream . . . Mahalo, Y’all.

Tags: kauai, hawaii, hotel reservations

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