Wednesday, March 10, 2010

I won a contest!

I entered a blog contest and won! Am pretty excited, cause I never win anything. So, I wanted to share my excitement with you, and tell you all to travel over to Clara's blog and check it out.

My winning gift is red, has wheels and is something I'll be able to use traveling. When it arrives, I'll photograph it; but for now....drum roll

Anyone care to quess?

AND speaking about contest, don't forget to get yourself entered in mine. If you don't enter, you can't win. And everyone loves to win. And let's face it, everyone loves a winner. Picture yourself with a big bright W for winner on your forehead instead of big fat L for Looser. I know you know what I'm talking about.

Click on my Traveling Suitcase badge in the sidebar to find out everything you need to do to enter. Tick Tock, the clock's ticking so don't delay; enter today.

And if you're here from EC, click on my badges (again in the sidebar); so you drop twice more on my other blogs. Just got them registered today.
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Monday, March 8, 2010

Souvenir's when Traveling

pink fleeceVera Bradley Purse

A souvenir (from French, for memory), memento or keepsake is an object a traveler brings home for the memories associated with it. Souvenirs include clothing such as T-shirts or hats, postcards, refrigerator magnets, miniature figures, household items such as mugs and bowls, plates, ashtrays, egg timers, spoons, notepads, and paintings plus many others.

The above is the Wikipedia definition for Souvenir. We all buy things when we travel, things to help us remember the vacation and the fun associated with it. I tend not to buy nick nacks or trinkets; but items I need or items that I will use repeatably. The pink fleece purchased in Savannah because the weather was colder than expected and I needed another layer. So, it's useful...serves a purpose. I had been looking for a fleece, have plenty of sweatshirts but no fleece so; this is an item I was going to purchase anyway and didn't therefore spend extra money.

The Vera Bradley purse is also an item I had been wanting, needed a new purse and would have purchased anyway. But, I think the prices are crazy and so hadn't purchased one. While vacationing in Hilton Head, hubby saw a sale sign and so.........got this baby at 50% off which makes it reasonable to me.

So, I've purchased items I needed, items I wanted, items I'm using and will continue to use and have meaningful souvenirs; but nothing to dust or get broken when knocked off the table or counter. This handy tip will save you money, but still give you the opportunity to purchase a special something in your travels. Stir clear of the tacky little knick knack souvenir shops, you'll be glad you did.

DON'T FORGET TO GET IN ON MY CONTEST, YOU CAN ENTER THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF MARCH, CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE CONTEST

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Friday, March 5, 2010

Getting the most of your Traveling Dollars

CourtyardThe above picture is from a Courtyard recently taken in St. Louis. Courtyards have a small living room space so you have a sofa to sit on and don't always have to sit on the bed. Makes things much more comfortable. Courtyards have a desk area (see chair on left) with free internet service. Courtyards also have a free breakfast buffet. The beds in the Courtyards we've stayed in tend to be Kings which is also a nice traveling feature. Courtyards are part of the Marriott System. All the rooms we've stayed in at Courtyards have a sleeper sofa.

living room at Springhill SuitesThis is a view from one of the Springhill Suites we've stayed in during our travels. Springhills Suites also are a part of The Marriott System. The tend to be less numerous than the above Courtyards, generally newer as they are the newest line in The Marriott Chain. Springhills seem to be a little larger than most Courtyards we've stayed in, though that may vary by location. Many of the Springhills we've stayed in tend to be in the downtown areas and are either a new rehab or a brand new facility. This assures nice accommodations.

Desk area at SpringhillPlenty of desk area with free internet service, both wired and wifi at Springhill Suites by Marriott. All Springhill's have King size beds with a pull out sofa which works well for us if our daughter is joining us. They have a small microwave, dorm sized fridge and extra sink area.

Suite at SpringhillThe layout's vary a bit in Springhill's but usually they have a partial wall like this photo separating the living room/desk area from the bedroom. A free breakfast buffet is also included at Springhill Suites.

Kitchen in Residence InnThis is a kitchen area at a Residence Inn, also a part of The Marriott System. Residence also have free internet service and a free breakfast buffet. They tend to be a little larger than the Springhill Suites, a little older as they've been in the system longer. Beds are queen at Residence Inn, as is the pull out sofa.

The prices for Courtyard, Springhill Suites, and Residence Inn varies from location to location; but you can see with each you get a free breakfast buffet something that can save you both time and money in your travels. Additionally with a full kitchen at The Residence you could prepare a meal. This is a good option if your trying to save money, spending more than 1 night; and are to tired to go out. The Springhill Suites give you an option to save money on meals also with their microwave. All three of these chains have a small market place in the lobby were you can purchase frozen meals, something quick and easy after your travels.

There are several benefits of sticking with one system as you travel. You become acquainted and comfortable with what to expect, you obtain frequent user's discounts, you can sign up for email alerts of specials, AND in the case of Marriott you obtain points which give you discounts elsewhere or with future travels. We've also found the service you get as a frequent user of one system tends to be better. When we've needed help re-scheduling, or upgrading a room, we've found lots of cooperation. Marriott is not the only system, believe Hyatt and other well known chains have similar benefits. Start with one and carry through with it, is my recommendation. Additionally, we've earned a free night here and there by staying with one system....you sure can't beat that for stretching your travel dollars. Marriott on the service might seem more expensive than a regular room else where; but with free breakfast, free internet (both items often extra elsewhere), and frequent discounts and points; we've found it to be a real cost saver.

**parking is free unless you're in a downtown area, then it seems regardless of where you stay you pay to park. Space is a premium.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Travel Tips to Eat Well and Save Money

dinner couponCoupons! Seriously, who looks for coupons when they're traveling? I do and look what I found. Lo Russo's a favorite Italian Restaurant in St. Louis. We're traveling out to St. Louis this weekend to see a play our daughter's directing. Doing a search for the restaurant in order to get the address to plug in my GPS and found this very pleasant surprise of a dinner coupon. It's been several years since we've eaten there and are really looking forward to it. Our daughter spent the last 2 years in Baltimore and so we hadn't been back to St. Louis.

So here's my travel tip for you, check your computer before you go and see what's available by way of specials and discounts. Always click on deals for this hotel to see about a cheaper room rate. Always ask the front desk for dinner coupons (we've had some luck with this too), and plug the restaurant's name in your computer before you dine to see what specials are available.

Click on my Traveling Suitcase Badge in the sidebar for details about The Contest. You still have plenty of time to get your name entered.
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Saturday, February 27, 2010

One Hundred Happy Traveling Suitcase Posts and Contest

Traveling Suitcase BadgeDrum roll please! I just hit a milestone-- One hundred happy traveling suitcase blog posts. I'm really excited by that. I started this blog just over a year ago, on February 5, 2009; and so have just gone past that blog anniversary. In one year and 100 posts I'm pleased to say my Google Page Rank is 4, my Alexa rank continues to improve and is now at 71,814, my blog grade is 99, I have 169 followers, have had 45,720 site visitors. I've been given several blog awards from you my faithful readers. THANK YOU!!

I appreciate each and everyone of you who follow me, who subscribe, who visit, and comment. For those on Entrecard who drop, again Thank you!

I couldn't have the enjoyment of blogging without all of you who travel with me. The Suitcase is busy and always out and about. I look forward to another full year of traveling with you all.

Help me celebrate this milestone by joining in on the fun with an opportunity to win the contest. My first contest.

Rules for the contest:

  1. Leave a comment on this blog post indicating you want to enter the contest
  2. Grab and post my badge to your blog with a link back to this post about the contest (sidebar), letting others know about the contest.
  3. Come back and leave a 2nd comment on any of my 15 most recent posts indicating you've posted my badge (15 most recent posts are listed in my side bar), when you do this I should be notified via email from blogger notification.
The contest will run for month of March with the winner's name being drawn on Wednesday March 31st.

Improve your chances to win by making extra comments. Example. The above gets your name in the hat; but each additional comment....real comment, not spam will get you an additional name in the hat. BONUS of 2 chances if you blog about the contest with a link to my blog. If you do this, don't forget to let me know in one of your comments.

**What do you win? A surprise item to help you pack for all your future travels, be they a quick over night for business or a fun family vacation. Don't miss out. The clocks ticking.



Sunday, February 21, 2010

Harbour Town Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Harbour Town LighthouseA common site when one thinks about Hilton Head. This is the little lighthouse in Harbour Town, a symbol of the Island. Seen often when watching golf from the area. The lighthouse is 90 foot tall, is open as a museum to the public for $5.00. A small gift shop at the base and on top provide shopping opportunities. As you climb the stairs you're viewing the museum items. I'm told this is a good place to watch the sunset. It was about to close the first day we were here, and the 2nd day I tried to tour it; it was closed for maintenance and painting.
Harbour Town Golf LinksHarbour Town Golf Links right on the water's edge is a view you might be familiar with, as it's often shown during competitions on TV. Harbour Town is the toe area of the Island.
shopping in Harbour TownAs you walk the boardwalk you can view the gorgeous ships, soak in the sun (this was one such day), shop in the quaint little village area; or eat at any of the many restaurants. Though we found many restaurants closed during our stay; as it wasn't "in season".
StatueThis, I'm sure is a favorite past-time during the season. The folks you see behind the red rockers are lining up for ice cream. Further down we saw some folks rocking taking in the sun, and a few looked to be taking a nap, while others...like the statue reading a book enjoying the view.
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Friday, February 12, 2010

Zion Chapel of East, St. Lukes Parish, Hilton Head, South Carolina

This historic plaque, a bit hard to read indicates this is the site where the historic Zion Chapel of Ease, St. Lukes Parish stood. All that remains is the historic cemetery. Founded in 1767, consecrated in 1833, and destroyed in 1868. Many of the names appearing on these stones tell many stories of Hilton Head Island. In the Pre-Revolutionary War period, the Island was divided into Parishes. This historic cemetery is located on Mathews Drive, named for Phillip Mathews, the first Rector of the Chapel. Specifically it is located on Mathews near Folly Field Road, and William Hilton Parkway--Route 278. I spoke about one of these familes, The Baynard's with regard to The Baynard Ruins.
I have visited and documented many cemeteries, so my reaction to this cemetery came as a surprise. It was dark, damp, and frankly spooky. I've never felt that before when I visited cemeteries. The thick canopy of the tree's keep out the light of day, and the moss hangs low from the trees, somewhat too close to my face for comfort. Grass doesn't seem to grow in this dank atomosphere. Many Revolutionary War Hero's are buried here; and while some of the stones have been replaced and a flag or two were visible; it seemed that many years had passed with little care, and perhaps vandalism. I felt a bit uneasy here, hubby was waiting in the car; so I wasn't alone--but. I didn't know until I returned home and did some research why I had such a uncomfortable feeling.
Mr. Baynard lost his wife from yellow fever, on their wedding day. He was very distraught. His wife died in 1830, his home raided during The Civil War, used as a headquarters for The Union Army and then left in ruins. The Chapel, his chapel abandoned when the plantation owners fled the Union forces to the mainland, destroyed in 1868 by those remaining on the Island in need of the wood--he haunts this land. Yes, this is reported as a haunted location.
moss covered grave stoneMany of the stones are totally covered with moss and lichen and hard to read. Some didn't appear to be readable at all. However, sometimes different light can make a difference in ones' ability to read the stones.

General viewYou can see how the tree's canopy adds to the spooky feeling of this little cemetery. It appeared it had been forgotten for quite some time, and then some caring person or group has brought it back.
tree gravestone engulfed by treeThis crooked stone is half eaten by the tree, a site I've seen far too often. It saddens me. Sometimes nothing of the stone can be read when this happens. And sometimes it's a graveyard so forgotten, no one has records to know whom the person or the family that the marker represents was.

Overview of the Island Here
Beach post of the Island here