Sites for Flights: Best Bets on the Web

Kayak
Kayak scours the internet to find the best deals being offered for your selected destinations. It spans its search from the other travel discount sites to airlines themselves.
Drawback: No Southwest flights are included in the fares.

Site59
Need to jet to New York or hit the California coast this weekend? Check out site59. It gets you a flight/hotel combination for the upcoming weekend at the lowest price they can find. Car rentals are also included if you so choose. But be quick, deals on site59 are snatched up by the second.
Drawback: Now you see a cheap flight, now you don’t.

FareCast
Buy now or buy later? Booking flights online is like buying a new electronic device you’ve been researching for months--the minute you buy it, the next minute it’s cheaper or a better version comes out. But have no fear, farecast.com is here. You can find price predictions for 75 US cities and see when the best time to book will be. They calculate this based on the history of flight prices and other mathy techniques I don’t know about.
Drawback: Only domestic flights are included at farecast.

Best Fares
This site claims to save you up to 70 percent on flights. I don’t know about that, but Best Fares definitely gives you an idea of the absolute cheapest flights around the world. There’s no need to subscribe, unless you are a really frequent flier. When you search for a trip, the site will first show member-only prices, but look below that to see what the everyday-traveler can get. Snooze You Lose and Last-Minute Deals are fantastic.
Drawback: The Quickfare Finder does not include European destinations and the number you have to call to book will put you on hold for… a while. But, it isn’t a scam. I booked through Best Fares for a trip from Tucson to Albuquerque last year and it worked (really).

Hostel World
Reviews, pictures, prices, directions, and the ability to book online….Hostelworld rocks my world. Pick a country, any country, and you’ll be able to find a hostel through this site. It gives an extensive list of what each hostel provides and requires from residents.
Drawback: As I’ve mentioned on a previous blog, do not book the hostel that only has pictures of the city or historic sites, without the photos of the actual hostel. The hostel provides the photos for Hostelworld, so if they can’t even post a proper photo, you don’t want to stay there.

Hotels.com
For all those high-rollers out there who don’t need a dirt-cheap hostel, check out Hotels.com. Of all the hotel search sites, this is by far the best. You can search hotels based on landmarks, price, or the site’s recommended hotel.
Drawback: Sometimes it is difficult to find the contact information for the featured hotels.

Trip Advisor
Whenever I book a hotel, I have hotels.com and tripadvisor.com side by side. Go straight to the “Read and Write Reviews” section and find out the truth about the hotel you’re about to book. These reviews are honest and from authentic travelers. The best bit is the “candid photos” because it will show you exactly what you’re getting yourself into.
Drawback: You can’t book through tripadvisor, instead you go through another site.

Airfare Watchdog
Here’s where all of those buried fare prices hide. This is a good site for finding deals that aren’t openly advertised on other sites. They check seat availability, include taxes in the international fares, and they claim to search for "value, not just the lowest fare." Just type in your hometown and let the watchdog do the work.
Drawback: You can’t specifically input from “here” to “there,” instead, you have to put your starter city in and it will find the best deals.

Pack Your Flip-Flops: A Weekend in Tucson, Arizona

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Look beyond saguaros and Spring Training, the rodeo and the rocks, and come discover the non-tourist side of Tucson.

Besides the annual snowbirds, people flock to Tucson for baseball games and tours of cacti, but Arizona’s second-largest city has more to offer than the typical tourist traps. And though these traps can be fun, take my advice on some lesser known Tucson hotspots that have taken me three years to find.

As my time as a Wildcat comes to a close and the upcoming weeks will be my last, I’ve finally figured out my favorite places to shop, be entertained, or eat in Tucson. With graduation on the horizon, families will be rocking the Old Pueblo, so here’s a suggested itinerary to entertain the folks for a weekend:

Friday, 11:00 a.m.

When you first arrive in Tucson, dive right in. Once you’re settled at your respective hotel or dormroom floor, head out to the University of Arizona. Even for those who don’t have any connections to the UA, it’s a great walk as campus is beautiful any time of year (I might be bias, but whatever). The red brick buildings with towering palm trees set against a stark blue sky makes for perfect scenery. While on campus, check out the bookstore for some UA memorabilia or to catch up on some reading. In the student union, head into the U-Mart and get an Eegees. Every Tucsonan knows about this fruity ice treat with a flavor that never seems to end. Whether it’s in the dead of winter or in the sweltering summer, you’ll need a cool beverage and you can get this one for under two bucks. Once you make your way around campus, check out University Boulevard.

Friday, 1:00 p.m.

University Boulevard has all kinds of choices for those seeking to subside hunger and quench a sun-induced thirst. Grab a pint at Gentle Ben’s Brewery and split up some appetizers or head over to Pei Wei for some Asian food with plenty of flair. Feeling like Greek? The Fat Greek on the corner has outdoor and indoor seating, along with misters in the summer. Pizza abounds on the boulevard, but we’ll save that for Sunday.

Friday, 4:00 p.m.

While you’re roaming around University Boulevard, take note of the Old Pueblo Trolley. It runs up and down University and Fourth Avenue all weekend (25 cents on Sundays, $1 on Fridays, Saturdays). Pay the dollar toll and take a ride on the historic streetcar down to Fourth Ave., the hippy-bohemian must-see street. You can get lost in the great thrift-stores, Antigone Books, the Co-Op, and my ultimate favorite, the Hippie Gipsy…you can’t miss the latter, it’s the building with the amazing mural incorporating all the rock n’ roll legends.

Friday, 6:00 p.m.

While you’re on Fourth, stick around and grab an early cocktail at one of the soon-to-be bustling bars before the college crowd takes over. There are plenty to choose from, so pick the one that best jives with your crowd.

Friday, 7:00 p.m.

Check out what’s playing at the funky Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., a local favorite that offers wine and beer with your flick. It usually has some pretty unique feature films playing.

Friday, 10:00 p.m.

End your night with a caffeinated night cap at one of the many Starbucks or if you’re looking for a local alternative, there are several locations of Ike’s and The Coffee Exchange, or find The Epic Café back on Fourth Avenue.

Saturday, 8:00 a.m.

Kick up your hiking shoes and head up to Sabino Canyon for a morning hike (if you’re visiting Tucson in the middle of the summer, you might want to change that to an early morning hike to avoid the very real possibility of heat stroke). Sabino offers the hiker spectacular views and lots of wildlife.

Saturday, 12:00 p.m.

You’ve got a lot of options for lunch in Tucson, but the top favorites include the following. Oregano’s, 4900 E Speedway Blvd., gives you nice outdoor dining and huge helpings of whatever you so choose. The baked sandwiches are perfection and the salads are mountainous, but expect at least a 30 minute wait no matter what time of day you go. Beyond Bread, at several locations across Tucson, is a local goodie with a huge list of unique sandwiches and is good for a quick feast. Saturdays are great Indian buffet days, usually between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Shere Punjab, 853 E Grant Road, could be better; India Oven, 2727 N Campbell Ave., is great; and Cuisine of India, 6751 E Broadway Blvd., will keep you stuffed for hours.

Saturday, 2:00 p.m.

Depending on your preference, I would suggest taking Saturday afternoon to hit a few balls or to hit a few stores. When my brother Mark and his girlfriend Amanda come to town I usually allot the rest of the day to either golf or shopping; I don’t enjoy either, but for some reason, I give into their requests. Randolph Golf Complex, 600 S. Flowers for Alvernon Way, even tempts me to take a few swings on the range and they even offer two different courses if you’d like to take in a round. While the men golf, the women can check out the Park Place Mall just up the road. There’s also a Cost-Plus World Market across the street from the mall, so check in there to find a worldly treasure.

Saturday, 6:00 p.m.

Sick of golf and shopping yet, or is it just me? Ok…check out the Old Pueblo Grille, within a mile of the golf course. It is voted the best outdoor dining in Tucson and you’ll see why. Take in a drink at the lounge or outside and may I suggest the mango margarita, it’s blended to perfection. Stick around for a dinner with a Southwest kick. The Mexican food isn’t out of this world, but it’s such a nice spot for a dinner out, try it anyway.

Saturday, 8:00 p.m.

Chances are there’s a great concert happening downtown at either Club Congress or the Rialto Theatre. Both are great venues and depending on the act, you’ll want to check them out. I’ve seen Keller Williams, OAR, and Gomez rock the historic Rialto and you won’t regret seeing a show there.

Saturday, 11:00 p.m.

While you’re downtown, walk through the Fourth Avenue underpass and hit the bars with the rest of the college crowd on Fourth Ave. The Shanty, Maloney’s, O’Malley’s, and Plush are the favorites...or so I'm told.

Sunday, 2:00 a.m.

Looking for some late night grub after last call? Call ahead and order some pizza and garlic knots from Brooklyn’s Pizza, by far the best pizza in town... take it from an original New Yorker, I know my pizza and knots. If they’re closed, get some Mexican “cuisine” at one of the 24-7 drive-thrus. Del Taco tops my list, but here are some others that Tucsonans swear by.

Sunday, 9:00 a.m.

If you aren’t feeling the aftermath of late night Mexican food, breakfast at Blue Willow, 2616 N Campbell Ave., is supreme. It’s a bit more for the ladies, but men can find some hearty breakfast items, along with the quiche, crepes, and fruit plates.

Sunday, 11:00 a.m.

If you’re craving more shopping, check out La Encantada in the Foothills. It’s a scenic drive to the corner of Skyline and Campbell, where you’ll notice a stark difference in your surroundings compared to central Tucson. Far more BMW’s, Mercedes, and other pretentious automobiles roam the area as the likes of Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and Muttropolis (a boutique simply marketed for your pets…because who doesn’t need a $200 sparkle collar for their pup?) abound. But it’s fun to walk around this open-air mall and the best part is AJ’s Fine Foods. You’ll want to buy absolutely everything you see, but try to resist as the prices are a bit more than the Albertson’s or Fry's you're used to. The wine section is impressive and their beers from around the world will get your tongue wagging. Check their schedule online to see if they have any classes or wine tastings while you’re there. On your way back from La Encantada, you can check out Trader Joe’s for some of the same type of food/drinks at more reasonable prices.

Sunday, 3:00 p.m.

Head back down to the University area for lunch and check out the Frog & Firkin, a Harben family favorite. The pizzas are gigantic, deep-dish style pies and for under $20 you can feed the family for the next few days. They have some great brews, including the Kiltlifter, which might not be that awesome, but the name certainly is.

Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

Before you hit the road (or the air, depending on how you got to T-Town), grab a grande coffee at the Starbucks up the street from the Frog & Firkin. The cute courtyard usually has a fair amount of students mixed with real Tucsonans and will give you that jolt of caffeine you need for the rest of the trip.

So, this itinerary didn’t involve any cacti or baseballs, but hopefully it will help you pick out some things to do in Tucson that you wouldn’t typically find. After three years in the Old Pueblo, I’ve learned a few things— including the term “Old Pueblo,” which is synonymous with Tucson, by the way. Also, I found out Arizona drivers are crazy, there’s a good restaurant around every corner, and the University makes this town tick. If you ever find yourself here, a place I’ve come to call my home away from home, do whatever it is you enjoy: go golfing, watch Spring Training, take a tour of a cacti museum, spend your money in La Encantada, or bum around the University. Just enjoy your fun in the sun, I know I have.

Where to Stay

You better reserve hotels now if you’re coming in for graduation, as most are already booked up for the May 10—May 13 weekend. But if you can snag a spot in any of the following hotels, go for it.

Hotel Congress
Notorious for its alleged haunted status, Hotel Congress is funky, fun, and freaky all in one. The Cup Café is a nice spot for lunch whether you are staying in the hotel or not and Club Congress boasts great performances most weekends. Very vintage with a Southwestern twist of charm, a room at Hotel Congress can run between $59 to $109. The price is reasonable, but only if you can handle the potential for an other worldly experience.

Arizona Inn
Whether you want a deluxe suite or a private residence house, the Arizona Inn is a historic treasure hidden away amidst a cute neighborhood near the University. Considered in the top 50 small US hotels by the Zagat Survey, the Arizona Inn looks to have gorgeous grounds with an impressive interior to match...I of course, cannot afford it, as prices range from $200 up, up, and way up to over $400 a night.

Best Western
An unexpected and crass choice, I know…but the Best Western Royal Sun Inn and Suites at 1015 North Stone Ave. is close to all the action and is surprisingly large at a very reasonable price. For about $100 a night, the BW is close enough to I-10 to be convenient, but far enough away to not be annoying.

Marriott
Forget about the new JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in the middle of no where that was recently built on the outskirts of town, instead book the Marriott University Park at 880 E 2nd St. It’s insanely close to the University—in fact, you’re practically on campus—and it is the perfect place to spend your Marriott points. The starting bid for a room is about $200 per night.

Forget Paris: Other French Hotspots

Forget Paris.

Instead, walk along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, hit the slopes in the Alps, or explore the Loire Valley outside of Orleans.

My European adventures have usually landed me somewhere in France. So, here’s the rundown on where to visit if you’re craving more French culture and you want to go beyond Paris.

Nice

My first solo trip across the Atlantic was in high school for several weeks in the Cote d’Azur. Jo’s brother was an exchange student there, so the promise of free boarding, sun, and fun lured us to the south of France—oh, and there was the academic aspect, as we took French lessons at the Alliances Françaises, too.

Getting to Nice proved to be challenging. My hate for Charles de Gaulle airport is rooted in this very trip, where I missed my easyjet flight to Nice. I got lost for what would be the first of many times in this god forsaken airport and spent a few hours navigating the shuttle system, customer service, and security in the rain…all “en Français,” of course.

Eventually, I made it on a flight and found myself landing along a gorgeous coastline with the blazing sun beating down on it. I met up with Jo and we rode the bus to her brother’s apartment, merely blocks away from the beach.

We spent two weeks exploring Old Nice, local museums, and the Promenade des Anglais—the street lined with palm trees along the rocky beach and water. Daily swims in the Mediterranean and long walks across town to our French lessons took up most of our days.

The food in Nice is full of variety, but the best bets would be pizza or kebabs. In terms of nightlife, there are a few popular clubs along the promenade. Club Saramanga was hopping, but on the sketchy side of things.

Take a day trip out to Monaco by train and check out the renowned Monte Carlo. We managed to walk around this small area no problem. We tried to find the aquarium, but to no avail…yet, walking along the harbor and grabbing an ice cream at a typical French café proved just as fun.

It's the second-smallest independent city-state in the world and has the most millionaires per capita, according to Wikipedia. It’s probably best explored in a car, but if you’re watching your pennies, you can discover a lot by foot.

Along the Riviera you should also explore Antibes, which is on the way to Cannes. It's a typical resort town outside of Nice. The beaches are fabulous and a covered market is packed with flowers and crafts inland. We took the long way up what seemed to be a mountain to get to a seafront castle, which entertained us for a few hours. Antibes is the hotspot for the really rich, but don’t let this dissuade you from visiting for a day…there’s plenty to do for a thrifty traveler.

Back in Nice, the most memorable part of the trip included flowing music and flowing wine on every corner. It was the Fête de la Musique, which brings out all of France—and subsequently, everyone else, as it is known as World Music Day and it is celebrated all over, from Germany to China, Britain to India. On June 21, local musicians flood the streets and everyone is dancing to the beat of a different drum.

Our last night in Nice before a week-long stint in Paris was bittersweet. We were excited for a Parisian adventure, but sad to leave such a vibrant city behind. Also, we had to take sleeping shifts because we didn’t have an alarm clock and we needed to grab a taxi and 4 a.m. to catch a flight. But other than that, Nice was pretty magical. I almost don’t want to go back, as my memories of when I was 17 and with my best friend in this foreign land can’t be beat.

Grenoble

Amid snow-capped hilltops, below the French Alps, and at the meeting point of the Drac into the Isère River lays the quiet city of Grenoble. Miles away in Southeast France, here is a charming town nestled away in the mountains of Europe.

I can still sense the crisp breeze in mid-March, yet snow was more of a distant memory as the town itself was dry. But you needn’t go far to hit the powdery slopes for skiing in the Alps.

Of course, a trip to Grenoble is somewhat wasted on me, considering I don’t ski. Or snowboard. Or enjoy snow at all for that matter. I’m a flip-flop kind of girl. But, wherever my friends go to study abroad dictates where I vacation and in the spring semester of 2006 that logic luckily landed me in Grenoble.

Jo was studying at the Université de Grenoble for a year and so it was my duty as one of her travel buddies to join her. I was there during the onslaught of the rallies related to employment. I missed the violent protests during which dissenters started to set cars ablaze, throw things at police, and cause mischief on the metro, but France wouldn't be France without a strike, so I wasn't surprised when I encountered numerous protests throughout the country against the CPE.

The CPE (Contract Premiere Embauche or first hiring contract) was a work contract the French government passed for those under 26 years of age. The contract allowed employers to terminate a young person's job during the first two years of work without giving a reason. Employers in the US are acclimatized to this liberty, but the French saw this new contract as detracting from their civil rights.

All in all, the protests made for an entertaining experience, with the pristine backdrop of the Alps making them perfect photo-ops. But other than avoiding the rallies, there wasn’t a lot to do in Grenoble if you don’t ski. Overlooking Grenoble, The Bastille is the most popular of tourist attractions. It's up a huge mountain and is a series of protective forts. Take "Les Bulles," or the circular cable cars, up to the top for about 6 Euros roundtrip.

Orleans

About 80 miles southwest of Paris, the city of Orléans rests within the Loire Valley. More than 110,000 people live in Orleans, including good friends of our family, the Spencers. They've been kind enough to put my friends and I up in their home many times and have shown us the sights.

My most recent trip to Orléans was with Jo and our good friend Rachel from high school, who was studying at the Sorbonne at the time. The three of us met up in Paris and took a quick train down to Orléans for the weekend.

Orléans’ claim to fame is Joan of Arc. Back in the day, she saved the city, so now they honor her with statues all over town, the largest of which is in the center of downtown. Walking along the high street, there are several shops and restaurants and once you make it to the center, there’s a good photo op with Joan of Arc.

Outside of Orléans is the Château de Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley. This massive castle has a rich history and never-ending grounds to keep you entertained for at least an hour or two. The castle is open all year round from 9 a.m. to at least 5:15 p.m. everyday. The entrance fee is under 10 Euros and worth it.

Most of our time spent in Orléans was with the Spencers, getting a taste of French life. I could certainly get used to wine, bread, and cheese with every meal. Orléans is the perfect place to visit to find out what the real French people are like. It’s not a hot tourist spot or home to the rich Riviera type, so chances are you’ll find a slice of real life in Orléans.

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