* Beijing
* Great Wall
* Forbidden City
* Xian
* Terracotta Warriors
* Shanghai

I haven’t been out of the country in over a year (gasp!) so I’m incredibly excited. This is also the first time I’ve ever planned a trip more than a month away. Spontaneous? Just a little bit. Other planned trips include:

LA for the weekend this fall to visit an old friend and hopefully San Jose/San Fran and Boston. My favorite cities! Not including NYC of course. I’m afraid the days of never being in the same place for more than a month have almost come to an end. Maybe that’s a good thing. I haven’t decided yet or given up hope to live in all place at all times. Still waiting on some physicists to work that one out for me. Maybe 2008?

Some ole, same ole.

Well, suppose you are in Antigua and a little bored with it all and looking to get out of your boring vacation routine. If this sounds like you, maybe you should check out Shirley Heights.

Shirley Heights on Sunday nights is the place to be in Antigua. People from all around the world gather at the peak of this lookout located in a National Park to experience magical sunsets, Antiguan food and drinks (Beware the punch! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!) and excellent steel bands and reggae music!

There is an $8 entrance fee, but they give you a ticket for your first drink free. In addition, the food there is excellent, so come with an empty stomach! It’s usually a little slow around 5 pm but it’s perfect light to see the beautiful island and yachts down below in English Harbour. As the sun sets, the crowds pick up and things get exciting! Ask your hotel or tour guide about Shirley Heights while you are in Antigua. You will have an amazing time!

I’m trying to figure out how to have a sustainable blog. I travel pretty frequently, but I am afraid my blog is getting stale. I have not even been out of the country in about a year. How sad is that?

What makes a travel blog interesting? I know I like to read about personal stories from travel blogs. Tell me what type of blog you all are reading out there and why? For travel tips? To learn about new adventures and places? What is the point?

I just read a New York Times article that easyCruise now has a cruising itinerary for those looking for an affordable way to travel the Caribbean islands! I thought this was new, but I just called my friend Kristina to tell her about it and she already knew from reading it in Budget Travel. How did I miss this?

Here’s what the website has to say

easyCruise returns to the Caribbean with a new itinerary taking in the island paradises of St Maarten, St Barts, Anguilla, St Kitts, Nevis and Antigua. From 8th December, complete with a stylish new look, easyCruiseOne will take to the seas from as little as £98 per person per week.

Arriving at some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive islands, our new itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in a diverse mixture of cultures, stroll along numerous white sandy beaches, dive in and explore the depths of the clear blue coastal waters or simply visit the islands chic boutiques or enjoy an espresso in one of the continental-style cafés.

Unlike any other cruise, on easyCruise you have freedom to explore each destination at your leisure. Sailing early each morning, easyCruise arrives in a new port by late morning so you can enjoy the day and nightlife in some of the Caribbean’s best destinations.
easyCruiseOne has a stylish new look!

To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of traveling as a tourist. You know, where people jump off at port, buy overpriced yet worthless souvenirs, see a “local” on the street and think they’re experiencing the culture, eat hamburgers at a restaurant that was designed just for tourists, take a few pictures and then leave again. But, from what I have heard and read, at least easyCruise passengers do seem to have a little bit more freedom and independence to experience the islands. And the best part about it is that it’s cheap. I would do it. I am seriously considering it! I think that would be an awesome Spring Break! I’m sure that the cruises are mostly full, but they do have some last cruises in April, I guess before they head to the Med.

I’m sure the people in St. Barts with with their million dollar homes overlooking million dollar views of the ocean love looking down at the easyCruise ships! I wonder what kind of impact this will have on the islands-especially the exclusive ones like St. Barts.

· Layer your clothes longways instead of folding. Your clothes are less likely to wrinkle and you have more space.

· Place a piece of tissue paper between each layer of clothing will help prevent wrinkling.

· Always carry your travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler’s checks, keys and other valuables in your carryon. These items should NEVER be packed in luggage you plan to check.

· Buy small containers to put your shampoo, conditioner and lotion in. You won’t need your entire bottle of Pantene for your one week vacation. And, if you run out, odds are there are stores in the country you are in that sell shampoo. Then put them in a plastic or zip lock bag.

· Layer your “breakables” hairdryer, flatiron in between soft items like clothes so they won’t get damged during transport.

· Always carry your travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler’s checks, keys and other valuables in your carry on. These items should NEVER be packed in luggage you plan to check.

-Ear Plugs: Even if you do not normally use them, a seat near the engine or a crying baby will make you glad you had them.

-Eye Mask: This can block out a bright movie screen and let you have a good night’s rest. Also can come in handy in your hotel.

-Flannel Pillow Case: Makes that airline pillow a little more like home. Also can be used at your hotel in lieu of that starchy white pillowcase.

-Toothbrush/Toothpaste: If you have a flight with meal service or when you will be going to sleep, this can instantly give you a wave of freshness, especially if there is a cute boy sitting next to you.

-Slippers/Socks: Depending on what type of shoes you wore on the plane, bring slippers and/or socks to keep your feet warm. Slippers will also make that walk to the bathroom that much more sanitary.

-Entertainment: Be sure to bring magazines, books, music players (CD or MP3 players), paper and a pen, and other items to entertain yourself. Never rely on the in-flight movie!

-If you wear contacts, bring your glasses, contact solution, and your contact case with you on the plane. As unglamorous as it might seem, your eye will thank you for sparing them of the dryness and pressure.

-Zippered Carry On Bag: Nothing is worse than when you are flying and your carry on spills under your seat or in the overhead compartment with all your belongings inside.

-Water! Especially when flying, anything else you drink will either dehydrate you or make you sick.

-Layer your clothes. If you are wearing a tank top, t-shirt and have a sweatshirt you add/subtract as needed. Sweatshirts are sometimes even better than pillows!

-Lotion: Traveling dehydrates your skin and you’ll smell better after that 14 hour flight!

This podcast I’m discussing my last few months in Boston, my future trip to Antarctica, and my friends tour company in Argentina.

Also, look for my friend Kristina and my travel e-book coming out in late November. The book will be available on Via Via travel as well as Kristina’s site, Frugal And Fabulous.

I’d love to hear from my readers on what you think about my new website as well as any other questions, comments and concerns.