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Gas Saving Tips For Summer Road Trips

May 15, 2013 By

The weather’s finally getting nicer, and chances are you may be gearing up for a long weekend away somewhere. Whether you’re taking a road trip to the beach or driving several hours north for a weekend of relaxation at the cottage, one of your least favourite road trip hassles is the expense of gas for your vehicle. It’s an inevitable cost, but there are a few things you can do to minimize your gas expenses regardless of how far you’re driving this weekend.

Stop Idling 

This seems obvious, but many people still opt for the drive-through rather than leaving the car for fast-food breaks. It’s often quicker to run inside to grab your burger or coffee than wait in the line up of cars to order in the drive-through lane. And if you ever find yourself in the dreaded standstill traffic of summer highways, turn off your vehicle if you end up sitting in one spot for more than 10 seconds. In the winter, you might decide to let your car warm up for a few minutes by idling it, but in the summer, there’s really no excuse for turning on your vehicle before your start to drive.

Go For A Cruise

Cruise control is awesome for several reasons, one of which being that it reduces your gas mileage. The only scenario when cruise control doesn’t help you save on gas is when you’re climbing a steep hill, so remember to turn it off in those instances. 

Turn Down The AC 

Air conditioning is essential for long car rides once the weather warms up, but if you abuse your AC by blasting it at full power for the entire 3-hour drive, your gas tank will pay the price. This does not affect some newer cars as greatly, but any older models will definitely save gas by cutting back on air conditioning. Simply roll down your windows if all you need is a light breeze.

 

Filed Under: Cars, General, Travel

Inflatable Bridge in Paris

January 10, 2013 By

Paris is also known as the City of Love, now awaiting it’s new addition of a Inflatable trampoline bridge.

The bridge will allow you to cross the River Seine by jumping and bouncing over 3 giant inflatable trampoline bridge. Each bridge is filled with 3,700 cubic meters of air.

Architects were challenged and came upon this idea because they wanted something that was elegant and different from the other 37 bridges in Paris.

Unfortunately the bridge is only for pedestrians and not vehicles of any kind.

AZC, the firm behind the design, say they want to create something “fun and frivolous in stressful Paris”.

Filed Under: Travel

Sexiest Locations to Skinny Dip

November 16, 2012 By

Planning your winter getaway? Consider these sexy destinations! Caution: may encourage skinny-dipping. Because, what’s better to beat the winter blues than going somewhere hot and taking a dip in the buff?

1. Phuket Pavilions, Thailand

Each seafront villa at the Phuket Pavilions features a private infinity pool. The bohemian motto here is “no tan lines, no interruptions”, which is perfect for couples looking for a romantic, carefree getaway. Staff are available to offer poolside massages but know when to give guests some privacy.

The villas can be yours for only $629 per night. Read more at thepavilionsresorts.com/phuket-home.

 

2. Banyan Tree Lijiang, China

Hidden from prying eyes by high tiled walls and the shadows of the Himalayan Mountains, these pool villas are the perfect place to unwind and undress. Enjoy the heated pools and stunning views at the villas at Banyan Tree Lijiang, sitting almost 7,900 ft above sea level.

Pay $618 per night to enjoy this exotic escape. Read more at banyantree.com/en/lijiang/overview.

 

3. River House, Sri Lanka

Located on the island of Serendib are five luxurious getaway Menik Suites, each with a private east-facing pool, so you can watch the sun rise from your private paradise. The Ancient Greeks referred to this tropical island as the Garden of Eden, and with good reason.

Rent a private suite for $373-$485 per night. Read more at www.anilana.com.

 

4. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

A private villa in a secluded spot surrounded by dense bamboo jungle, these thatched huts each offer a private outdoor shower overlooking the valley. The pool extends into the jungle. The only sounds beside you are your partner are the rustling of the jungle and the rushing of the Sacred Ayung River below in the valley, which can be viewed from each villa.

These villas are each $680-$850 per night. Read more at Fourseasons.com.

 

5. Soneva Gili, Maldives

The Robinson Crusoe Residences in Soneva Gili in the Maldives provide a maximum level or privacy, beauty, and serenity. Rested on stilts above a shallow lagoon, these seven villas are at least 1,000 feet away from the nearest neighbor. Swim in the Indian Ocean, or sit back to admire the view—and each other.

At a whopping $1593 per night, this is one of the sexiest places to skinny dip in the world. Read more at sixsenses.com.

Filed Under: General, Travel Tagged With: , , ,

The Best Drinking Festivals Around the World

October 22, 2012 By

Drinking on a local patio with your pals is good enough for a regular summer afternoon, but there are so many off-the-wall drinking parties in different parts of the world that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. These celebrations sit proudly at the top of the international list of best drinking festivals.

 

Mardi Gras—New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Renowned for it’s colourful display of costumes, beads, music and dancing, the drinking laws are at Mardi Gras are practically non-existent. The parade of floats and animated people in bizarre get-ups provides an exciting backdrop for partying.

 

 

National Capital Craft Beer Festival—Canberra, Australia

 

This is a great excuse to go down under! No one parties quite like the Aussies, and this festival is a brilliant example. Boasting over 80 different beers and ciders, live entertainment and even a Brewers Table Tennis Championship, the Canberrra Craft Festival is a crucial part of the international beer experience.

 

 

National Winter Ales Festival—Manchester, UK

 

Designed to showcase the best winter ales, this British bash proves that winter can be just as good for beer drinking as summer patios. However, if you find yourself in the UK during the summer, check out the Great British Beer Festival instead.

 

 


Great American Beer Festival—Denver, Colorado, USA

Tourists flock from all over the globe to enjoy this 3-day annual festival, which involves over 100 beer judges (not a bad gig!) and over 2,000 different types of American beer.

 

 

 

Qingdao International Beer Festival—Qingdao, China

 

Probably one of the best beer festivals outside of Oktoberfest, this party in held in Qingdao International Beer City combines drinking, tourism, performances, music and food. The event is held late in August and spans over 16 days of non-stop celebration.

 

 


Oktoberfest—Munich, Germany

 

We chose not to rank these festivals, because a good time is a good time and there is really no need pit these festivals against one another. HOWEVER, the annual pandemonium that is Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is the most famous and impressive party experience in the world.

Originally intended to be a celebration of Bavarian culture and spirit, Oktoberfest is mainly featured around delicious Bavarian beer and food. Not to mention the lederhosen and dirndls worn by partiers at the various festhallen! The first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich in 1810, and now there are over 300 events planned annually. Oktoberfest lasts for 16 days. It’s safe to say that Munich has perfected how to throw a decent party.

The spirit of Oktoberfest can even be found in various locations around the world outside of Munich. If you live in North America and can’t make it all the way over to Germany for this festival next October, check out the second largest Oktoberfest in the world in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada!

 

Wunderbar!

 

Filed Under: Food, General, Travel Tagged With: , , , ,

The 10 Ice Cream Shops You Need to Visit

October 11, 2012 By

 

  1. Toscanini’s, Cambridge, MA
    Most fantastic flavor: Pink- Grapefruit sorbet. Concentrated, tangy, unusually creamy.
  2. J.P. Licks, Jamaica Plain, MA
    Most fantastic flavor: Rum Raisin. Uncannily alluring rum-soaked raisins.
  3. Owners Anne & Kris of Bi-Rite Creamery
    Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream, Cambridge, MA
    Most fantastic flavor: Lime-Jalapeño-Tequila sorbet. Like a spicy frozen margarita.
  4. Bischoff’s, Teaneck, NJ
    Most fantastic flavor: Nostalgia. Not a flavor; a feeling. The 1930s live on.
  5. The Bent Spoon, Princeton, NJ
    Most fantastic flavor: Banana Mascarpone. Tastes better than any banana you ever ate.
  6. Mitchell’s Ice Cream, San Francisco
    Most fantastic flavor: Horchata. Brilliant Mexican drink even better as ice cream.
  7. Bi-Rite Creamery, San Francisco
    Most fantastic flavor: Orange Cardamom. Like bacon, cardamom makes everything better.
  8. Bent Spoon Banana Mascarpone ice cream
    Humphry Slocombe, San Francisco
    Most fantastic flavor: Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee. So classic, so intense.
  9. Herrell’s, Northampton, MA
    Most fantastic flavor: Chocolate Pudding. Your tummy will tremble.
  10. Salt & Straw, Portland, OR
    Most fantastic flavor: Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper. Whoa!
Filed Under: Food, Travel Tagged With: ,
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