reddevil's Blog

Theres mostly bad information for travelers intending to fly on business or on vacation this summer, according to a recent article published in U.S. News & World Report. Not only have flight delays increased, but so, too, have the number of passengers affected per plane. For some, the news was worse than for others. Evaluating the nations major airports using a combination of the percentage of flights delayed and the average load of departing airplanes, the U.S. News article branded Detroits Wayne County Airport as the nations worst.

Official Department of Transportation numbers paint a frustrating picture for Motowns frequent fliers. Thirty-nine percent of flights at Detroit are delayed. Combined with an average load factor of just under seventy-seven percent - meaning that aircraft leaving the Motor City are almost 77 percent full - Detroits airport serves up the most misery to the largest number of people when flights miss their scheduled departure times.

Given the fact that I live not far from Detroit and make the occasional business trip to nearby Chicago or Cleveland, these figures got me thinking about the advantages - if any - of driving to these destinations. With the help of some other tips in the article, it was quite easy for me to price and then compare the cost of driving and flying to each of these cities.

The first step in the process was to visit http://fuelcostcalculator.com.

Run by the American Automobile Association (AAA), this website makes it easy to enter your starting point and final destination along with the make, model and year of manufacture of your automobile. Using MPG estimates for your particular make of car and the average gas price for your part of the country, AAAs fuel cost calculator quickly computes the distance in miles, the quantity of fuel required and cost of that fuel for a typical drive from lets say - Detroit to Chicago. In my case, I learned that I could expect to use 10.58 gallons of gas for the 275-mile drive to the Windy City at an approximate fuel cost at just over 33 dollars (33.23). The calculator likewise gave me the round-trip cost of the drive, in this case, 66.46.

To find out how this would compare to flying, I next pointed my Web browser to http://sidestep.com.

Sidestep appeals to me because it scours hundreds of airline and discounted fare websites for the best deal and then lets me book my flight directly with the airline company instead of using an intermediary like Orbitz, Travelocity or Expedia. Dealing directly with the airline and not through a third-party ticket broker, makes it easier and possibly less expensive if fees are involved to change my flight if necessary.

While visiting http://sidestep.com, I located an American Airlines non-stop flight that would take me from Detroit to Chicago on a Tuesday and return me the following Thursday at a total round-trip cost of 119.00 dollars. Not a bad price by any means, but still approximately twice the cost of driving. And the price did not factor in the cost of airport parking or any extra airport charges or taxes.

Because I enjoy driving, the choice to drive to Chicago on my next business trip was an obvious one. My route takes me right by the Detroit airport anyway and Id rather spend my time driving through the scenic countryside of Western Michigan than battling long lines and possible delays at the airport. In addition, its nice to have my own car in Chicago and also gratifying to save on the cost of a rental car.

Whether a decision like this adds up for you depends for the most part on your starting point and ultimate destination. Although its still very slightly cheaper for me to drive from Detroit to Los Angeles than it is to fly, for example, Id never consider making this long drive part of a business trip.

As a rule its the shorter trips, on the order of 250 to 450 miles, where driving makes sense. See for yourself by comparing the cost of flying and the cost of driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Washington, D.C. to Boston, or Miami to Orlando using the tools available at http://fuelcostcalculator.com and http://sidestep.com.

If you are looking for fun theme family holidays this summer, you have many to choose from. When considering which holiday to take, you should find out what your family is interested in seeing. Do they want to go on an educational trip, an amusement park trip, a sightseeing trip in a scenic location, or a winter holiday? Once you discuss options with your family, you should begin planning your vacation. Most people plan family vacations a few months in advance because of hotel rooms, boat rentals, campgrounds, and other provisions may not be available when you want to go on vacation.

One of the most popular destination spots is Washington DC. This is a wonderfully historic city with many monuments, restaurants, museums, and other places for you to explore with your family. Take a tour on a bus or walk the different neighborhoods. Washington DC is a great place at any time of year. In addition to great historic buildings, there are plenty of art galleries, theaters, and coffee houses for your family to relax in. Children of all ages will enjoy seeing this city, especially at nighttime when the monuments are lit up. There are many tourists that enjoy taking pictures and buying trinkets from street vendors.

Another fun holiday you can take with your family includes a trip to Hershey Park, which is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. You can visit Hershey on your way to Washington DC because it is only an hour or so away. Enjoy some good rides, chocolate treats, and buy some fun stuff.

Disneyworld is another good destination for families. This themed family holiday includes day passes or three-day passes that can be used during your stay. If you plan on visiting Florida, you should consider buying a pass that includes time in Disneyworld, universal studios, and Epcot Center. This will save you money and it can save you time. Instead of having to stand in line, you will be able to go into these parks and have a great time.

There are many wonderful hotels and resorts to stay in when you decide to vacation in or near Disneyworld. You can rent a car from the airport, enjoy free shuttle service if traveling to and from the airport, and be able to see the sights of Florida and visit some interesting amusement parks.

If you want to travel with your family during the winter, you should choose somewhere warm. Southern California has many small and large cities for you to visit. San Diego, Los Angeles, and other areas are home to amusement parks, state parks, and the ocean. Your family will have a good time being in the warm weather while on vacation.

A themed vacation is one that your family will remember for a long time. Theme vacations are easy to research and should be arranged in advance so you will not have to worry about finding hotel rooms, rental cars, or other accommodations.

Just beneath the high mountain range of the African Atlas is the red city of Morocco known as Marrakech. With a culture that has grown to be so vibrant, free, and pure, who would have known that this imperial city only started as another pit stop for medieval caravans? However, regardless of its humble beginnings, you'll still be bound by its magic spell with the warmth of its people, inspiring history, and colorful tradition. Standing in the middle of the red city walls, you'll know for sure that you're in for a timeless escape with Marrakech travel. But to make the most out of your journey to this spellbinding exotic destination, here are the top eight things you shouldn't dare miss on your Marrakech travel:

1. Relive the memories of the old city.

The 13th century walls that surround the medina is reminiscent of ancient struggles and battles that took place in Morocco. A tour around the age-old fortresses, gates, and tanneries in your Marrakech travel is a good photo opportunity for tourists. Not only that, you'll also enjoy the inviting spirit of the modern city amidst the well-preserved relics, natural wonders, and architectural pieces of the past. With friendly people and bustling activities around the corner, you'll enjoy every minute of this experience.

2. Get lost with the crowd at Djemaa el Fna.

This large square that lies at heart of the old city is teeming with too many spectacles and surprises. From bargain shopping to snake charming, you'll never have a dull moment in your Marrakech travel. Open your eyes to a lot of things, which include juggling acts, musical performances, as well as belly dancing. You don't even have to worry about losing your way back to your hotel. As overwhelmingly large as it can be, the square offers a winding escape to interesting sites around the city.

3. Take a spiritual retreat.

They say that paying a visit to popular trails of mosques, churches, and other places of worship is a wonderful Marrakech travel experience that can be life-altering. However, for those who only wish to satisfy their curiosities, time is well-spent in admiring some of the most exquisite architectural designs in the world. You'll be stunned how Marrakech was able to preserve the intricate details and premedieval style of these structures but much more, how it preserved its solemnity. The famous pilgrimage for the "seven saints" is also found in this city, while the Saadian tombs is highly recommended by most tourist guides.

4. Shop and explore its very best.

Popular market stands also known as "souks" offer the best treat for bargain shopping. The bazaar is usually filled with exotic finds such as metal works, wood pieces, baskets, and leather sets-- some of which, you'll only find in Morocco. You'll also be advised not to end your Marrakech travel without a belt, jewelry, carpet, or any form of clothing that are found in the souk.

5. Take a journey to the past.

Marrakech is one of the best places to find age-old ceramics, paintings, mosaic, jewelries, and fabrics. Its museums house prestigious artifacts that date back to more than a thousand years. Manuscripts, contemporary arts, and traditional clothing are among the well-preserved collection. You may also take note in your Marrakech travel experience that museums here are not just brick-and-mortar structures but are also adorned with verdant gardens.

6. Stay in luxurious Riads in Marrakech.

Your Marrakech travel experience will not be complete without staying in the city's famous Riads. These are residential facilities that top any 5-star hotel in modern cities. With luxurious rooms, overlooking views of the fountain, roof top terraces, and exquisite decorations, Riads are one of the best reasons to stay in Marrakech.

7. Experience the colorful tradition of Morocco.

Embrace the Moroccan culture through entertainment activities and festivals in Marrakech. The Popular Arts Festival is a good way to add more life to your Marrakech travel adventures. Have a great time with fortune-tellers, fire swallowers, and acting troupes in the culmination of this festivity. Apart from carnival spectacles, you'll also witness the horse-riding parade known as Fantasia.

8. Treat yourself to fun-filled activities.

Popular streams of casinos, discos, and bars are found in the city. But remember, alcoholic drinks are not allowed. Chances are, you'll have to stay sober all night. Apart from enjoying Western hits and Moroccan pop music, your Marrakech travel adventure can never be complete without experiencing a taste of its gourmet paradise. Most cafes and restaurants in Marrakech offer a fusion of flavors from home grown recipes to international dishes.

The City of Brighton and Hove is a modern, vibrant, cosmopolitan “City by the Sea”, situated between the beautiful South Downs and the Sussex Coast approximately 60 miles due south of the United Kingdom capital, London.

Brighton has long been one of the UK’s biggest and most fashionable seaside towns and is a popular tourist resort with many hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities together with a considerable business conference industry.

Originally known as the modest fishing village of Brighthelmstone, this city has strong connections with the past with its regency architecture, Victorian Sea Life Centre, Brighton Pier, and of course The Royal Pavilion. By 1825 after Dr Richard Russell extolled the virtues of bathing in and drinking seawater, Brighton was born as a fashionable seaside resort.

Now it is a contemporary metropolis, with diverse shopping from Churchill Square and Western Road, to The Lanes and bohemian North Lanes, London Road and St James Street, Church Street and George Street in Hove. There is a new state of the art Library, restaurants, bars and clubs to suit every taste, theatres, cinemas, 10-pin bowling and casinos. In addition there are 2 universities, and a wide variety of sporting activities, including successful cricket, and football teams, and even a racecourse and greyhound stadium.

Another unique and historical attraction is Volks Railway, the oldest operating electric railway in the world. Created in 1883 by Magnus Volk, this 1 ¼ mile track links the Aquarium and Pier with Brighton Marina, with a half way stop near the children’s playground.

This year Brighton & Hove have been awarded its first ever Blue Flag award for its beaches at Hove Lawns and West Street. These guarantee that they are litter free and have clean swimming water. There is also a discreet naturist beach at Dukes Mound near Brighton Marina.

After a visit to Brighton Pier what better way to continue than with a stroll along the beachfront and down to the boardwalk. Here you can find the artists’ quarter and fishing museum. There is a traditional carrousel and various bars, clubs and restaurants under these historic arches. Further along the seafront you will discover a children’s playground, paddling pool and volleyball court.

From here you come face to face with the remaining wreck of the West Pier. This was originally built in 1866, has been lying derelict since 1975, and was destroyed by arson attacks in 2002. Although certain pieces from this Grade I listed building were removed and have been kept in storage.

However, the exciting news is that work is due to commence at the end of July on this site for the groundbreaking Brighton Eye. To be built at the shore end of the wrecked pier, the i360 (as it is also known) will have a 172 meter high needle tower, with an ascending and descending circular viewing platform with a capacity for 125 people. It will be Britain’s highest observation tower with breathtaking views along the coast, across the South Downs and across the Channel. Completion of this exciting and innovative construction is scheduled for 2009.