CheapOair $500 Travel Giveaway!

What do you get when you combine popular woman’s magazine, Woman’s World, and CheapOair?

Another $500 travel gift certificate giveaway!

Want a vacation, but don’t have the money? Plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more- it can get expensive fast. But everyone deserves a vacation, and that is why we have partnered with the popular magazine Woman’s World to give away two $500 gift certificates!
The contest begins 12:01 am ET on July 7, 2009 and ends at 11:59 pm ET August 22, 2009.

Contest is open to all US and Canada residents, male or female, 18 years or older!

CheapOair and Woman’s World $500 Travel Giveaway

Presidential Resting Places- Virginia

Washington’s Tomb, Mt. Vernon

It’s the burial place of America’s first President George Washington and his wife Martha Washington. They are buried right on the grounds of Mount Vernon, their famous plantation estate on the banks of the Potomac.

Washington died in the master bedroom at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1799. In his will, he directed that he be buried on his beloved Mount Vernon estate. The tomb was completed in 1831 and Washington’s body was moved there along with the remains of his wife, Martha and other family members.

Arlington National Cemetery

Located in Arlington, Virginia it’s the resting place of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy actually selected the place where he wanted to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Kennedy is buried with his wife and two of their children. He was placed here March 14, 1967. His grave is marked with an eternal flame.
Besides being resting place of John f Kennedy the Arlington is often visited for the Tomb of the Unknowns which is the final resting place for unidentified combat soldiers from both World Wars and the Korean War.

Hollywood Cemetery

Hollywood Cemetery is a large, sprawling cemetery located at 412 South Cherry Street in Richmond, Virginia. Characterized by rolling hills and winding paths overlooking the James River, it is the resting place of two United States Presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler.

It was designed in the rural garden style, with its name, “Hollywood,” coming from the holly trees dotting the hills of the property.

Presidential Landmark Week

Join us this week as we explore the various hometowns and landmarks dedicated to the Presidents of the United States.

First up, Abraham Lincoln!

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Lincoln City, Indiana

Located in the Lincoln City, Indiana the memorial preserves the farm site where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1816 to 1830. During that time, he grew from a 7 year old boy to a 21 year old man. His mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, is buried here in the Pioneer Cemetery and his sister in the nearby Little Pigeon Baptist Church cemetery. The centerpiece of the memorial is a one-story limestone ashlar memorial building completed in 1944 that features five sculpted murals of the different phases of Lincoln’s life.

The Girl Monument, Delphos, Kansas

The monument is dedicated to Grace Bedell who wrote a letter to Mr. Lincoln suggesting that he grows a beard. Though the letter was originally written by Grace from Westfield in New York, she later on moved to Kansas.
The citizens of Kansas proudly raised a monument to honor the lady who acted as ‘Lincoln’s Little Correspondent” and helped in creation of most symbolic beard in American history. It is also known as the Grace Bedell Letter Monument.

Lincoln’s Death Chair at Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan

The Henry Ford Museum is home to the famous Lincoln’s Death Chair. President Abraham Lincoln was sitting in this rocking chair during the production of Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theatre when he was assassinated on April 14, 1865. The Henry Ford Museum has always considered Lincoln’s chair from Ford’s Theater to be one of its most prized possessions and is one of the key attraction of the museum.

The Dugout – Memorial to Man who Killed Lincoln’s Killer, Kansas

Boston Corbett’s monument was built by Boy Scout Troop 31 of Concordia in 1958. Boston is said to be an insane character who was assigned to the Federal Army unit that was ordered to track down John Wilkes Booth, who had just assassinated President Lincoln. In 1878 he went to Kansas and started living in a dugout which was nothing more than a hole in a hill with a stone front and a patchwork roof. He lived simply, sleeping on a homemade bed. A small wooden sign marks the spot where Corbett’s hole used to be.

Unique Churches Around the World

For centuries people have been travelling across the globe, visiting some of the World’s most inspirational and sought after destinations. Our thirst for something new and unique continues. Through this post we explore some of the more unusual churches across the continent.

Chapel of the Holy Cross, Arizona

The church sits in a most peaceful setting within picturesque Sedona, Arizona. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a compelling landmark built in 1956 to the design of Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of world-renown architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Chapel rises two-hundred feet above ground surface between two red rock formations that accentuate its 90-foot tall cross. A massive stained glass window turns the Chapel’s interior into a kaleidoscope of brilliant color. Admission is to chapel is free which opens Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Cathedral of Maringa, Parana in Brazil

Cathedral de Maringa or Cathedral of Maringa is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in downtown Parana in Brazil, measuring 124 m high. It was completed in 1972 and is the tallest church in South America and the 16th tallest in the world. The architect of cathedral Jose Augusto Bellucci was inspired by the Soviet sputnik satellites when he projected the modern design with conical shape of the cathedral, which was idealized by the archbishop Dom Jaime Luiz Coelho.

San Francisco de Asis Church, Ranchos de Taos in New Mexico

San Francisco de Asis Church is a small mission in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. Construction on the church began around 1772 and was completed in 1815 by Franciscan Fathers and its patron is Saint Francis of Assisi. The church is made of adobe as are many of the Spanish missions in New Mexico. It’s a few miles south of Taos Pueblo and has inspired among the greatest number of depictions of any building in the United States. It was the subject of four paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe and photographs by Ansel Adams and Paul Strand.

Cathedral of Brasília

The Cathedral of Brasília is located in the capital of the Republic of Brazil. It’s an expression of the architect Oscar Niemeyer. This concrete-framed hyperboloid structure has a glass roof. On 31 May 1970, the Cathedral’s structure was finished and only the 70 m diameter of the circular area was visible. Niemeyer’s project of Cathedral of Brasília is based in the hyperboloid of revolution which sections are asymmetric.

A Walk on the DARK Side of Tourism

Dark tourism is about traveling to places usually associated with death, grief or suffering. And it is a growing, and yet mysterious, segment of the traveling population. So forget the beaches and adventure theme parks, we have rounded up some of the most fascinating “Dark” destinations all aimed at educating the people about history and making them aware of the real facts.

Cheat Death and Ride Your Bike on the Death Road, Bolivia

The road commonly known as “Road of Death” descends from La Paz to Coroico, Its approximately 60 km journey passing through the tropical rainforests of the Amazon basin at about 600m above sea level. It’s the world’s most dangerous road in terms of the number of deaths over history. It is impossible to ignore the many visible reminders of death as you speed across the many crosses, shrines, memorials and bouquets of flowers that pop up at chillingly frequent intervals.

Visit the Prison Island of Coiba, Panama

There are many prison islands around the world, such as Alcatraz Island in California, Martin Garcia Island in Argentina, Dawson Island in Chile, Devil’s Island near French Guyana, etc. The penal colony on Coiba Island was established in 1912 and closed in July of 2004. Panama’s worst criminals were sent to the island along with innocent opponents of the military regimes. The island is very remote; the coastline near the island is not populated and the nearest town is hours away by boat. Coiba prison’s disintegrating cells hint at a dark past, but the island itself is a beautiful place to visit due its extremely picturesque landscape.

Exploring the Tombs of Chaucilla, Peru

Located approximately 3 kilometers from the small town of Nasca, the Chauchilla Cemetery, features the remains of a once thriving culture. The natives wrapped their deceased in finely embroidered cotton cloths before coating them with a resin and placing them into tombs in crouched positions. The visitor to the place today are greeted by bleached white skeletons, some still with dreadlocks, crouching upright on the floors of their ancient tombs. It’s an opportunity for you to learn and see how an ancient culture cared for its dead.

New Travel Requirements for US Citizens Starting June 01, 2009

New Travel Requirements for US Citizens starting June 01 2009
Please note the information below is a guideline and if in doubt you should visit the State Department website for more detailed explanations.

Remember that starting today all US Citizens returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Caribbean nations need to show their passport as part of the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Previously US citizens were able to re-enter by simply using their driver’s license.

Why the Change?

WHTI aims to strengthen U.S. border security while enabling easy entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

Changes for Traveling by Air?
All U.S. citizens are required to present a passport book to enter or re-enter the United States.

Traveling by Sea or Land?
All U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry are required present their passport or passport card. Destinations that are included under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative are:

Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Canada,
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Jamaica
Mexico, Montserrat
Netherlands Antilles
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Turks and Caicos

Changes for Children
U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

Time Out New York

Want to win a $500 gift card from CheapOair? Check out the giveaway going on with Time Out New York! Today- FRIDAY, May 29, is your last chance to enter!!

CheapOair Travel Dictionary

When traveling could you use a dictionary for the travel terminology just as much as you need that Spanish-English dictionary? Here’s a quick glossary of useful travel terms!

Add-on - An option, usually at extra cost, added to travel arrangements.

Adjoining rooms- Hotel rooms that are next to one another but do not have connecting doors.

Advance purchase requirement - An airfare that must be purchased a certain number of days before departure in order to receive the best rate.

Airport access fee – A fee that is paid by the car rental companies to the airport authority, for the use of shuttle vehicles, etc – usually passed on to the consumer.

Availability – The actual number of seats that are free to be sold at a particular rate.

Base fare – The price of an airline ticket before any fees, taxes or surcharges are applied to the price.

Blackout dates – Are a date or a series of dates where travel at a particular rate is not available. Can be used for airline tickets, car rentals, and/or hotels. These dates are set by the airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies.

Blocked space – Seats or rooms on airplanes or in hotels that have been held aside to be sold by consolidators, generally at a reduced rate.

Boarding pass – A receipt with a seat number, which is now issued only at check-in at the airport.

Business class- A relatively new class of airline service, located between coach and first class, that was created to appeal to the business traveler. The amenities provided in business class vary from carrier to carrier.

Cancellation penalty – A monetary penalty that a company will apply to its clients when they (the clients) decide to cancel an already confirmed and paid for booking.

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Consolidator – A business that has contracts with airlines to sell tickets in bulk, generally at a discounted rate.

Domestic fare – A fare charged for travel within a country.

Electronic ticket or “e-ticket” – A newer system of issuing tickets to clients whereby a “paperless” ticket is issued which allows the client to check in only using proper photo identification. Electronic tickets are preferable to paper ones because they can not be lost or stolen so they are safer to use than paper tickets.

First class – The highest class of service, available on most aircraft.

Hub – An airport or city in which an airline has a major presence and many flights to other destinations. Some major hub cities include Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New York City, Newark, Houston and many more.

IATAN - International Airlines Travel Agent Network – Administers the IATAN card, the only widely accepted form of legitimate travel agent identification.

Interline connection – A flight on one airline that connects to a flight on another carrier.

Land arrangements – All the details of the land portion of a trip (hotel, car, tours, sightseeing, etc.).

Layover – Refers to the period of time spent while waiting for a transportation connection.

LDW – loss damage waiver – additional insurance pertaining to car rentals, covering theft and vandalism in addition to accident damage.

Leisure travel – Travel for pleasure as opposed to business.

Limited service hotel – A hotel property without a restaurant.

Lowest available fare – The current lowest airfare that is available for purchase at that moment.

Maximum stay – The longest period of time one may stay at a particular destination and still qualify for a specific airfare.

Minimum connect time – The shortest amount of time needed to transfer between flights. It is generally best to give oneself more time as opposed to less.

Modified American plan ( MAP) – Meal plan that includes two daily meals, usually breakfast and dinner.

Net fare, net rate- Refers to the fare that is offered to a customer after the commission has been applied.

No show – A passenger who doesn’t show for a flight, hotel, or rental car booking.

Non-refundable- Generally used in reference to an airline ticket, that if canceled no money will be returned to the client.

Non-transferable – An air ticket that cannot be used by anyone else.

Nonstop – A flight that does not stop while on route to its first destination.

Occupancy rate – The percent of hotel rooms expected to be filled during a specific time period.

Offline connection – A change of aircraft also involving a change of carriers.

Off-peak - A time or season when less travel occurs. Also, fares tend to be lower during these times.

Operator - A company providing transportation or travel related services (airline, cruise line, railway, hotel, car Rental Company, etc.).

Overbooking – When an airline sells more seats than are available on a particular flight.

Passenger name record (PNR) – The official name of one’s reservation in a computer reservation system (CRS).

Personal effects coverage – Additional car rental insurance covering loss of personal property from the rented vehicle.

Published fare – A rate that is offered directly by the airlines. Generally these are the highest rates available.

Rack rate – The standard price of a hotel room before any discount has been taken.

Reconfirm – To recheck a reservation.

Record locator – The number assigned to a reservation in an airline’s computer system. No two reservations will ever have the same record locator number.

Red-eye flight – An overnight flight that leaves at night and arrives early the next morning.

Reissue – When a new ticket has to be created in exchange for another due to change of plans, dates, etc. In most cases a reissue will also involve fees and/or penalties.

Round trip – A flight to a single destination and a return.

Saturday night stay – A requirement by the airlines that your travel must involve a Saturday night stay over in order to obtain the lowest fare.

Scheduled carrier – An airline that operates on a regular, published schedule.

Special fare - Any fare other than those normally offered.

Shoulder season – The period of time between the high and low seasons when rates for a destination are between their highest and lowest.

Suite – A hotel room that is ranked by a property as a nicer class of room which also has more available amenities and space.

Supplier – Any company that supplies travel and/or related services to the traveling public

Travel agent-. Any person who sells travel products on a commission basis.

Travel agency- Usually used in the travel industry to refer to an ARC-appointed storefront retailer.

Unlimited mileage – No mileage restriction when renting a car.

Unrestricted fare – An airfare that has no special advance purchase, Saturday stay or certain days to travel requirements, and is usually refundable.

Waiver - A written acknowledgement that a passenger has declined something.

For more travel terminology and other great tips, check out the CheapOair travel resources!

Travel Security: Don’t Be An Easy Target

Welcome guest blogger, Steven Frischling, from the popular travel website, “Flying With Fish.”  An experienced writer, professional photographer, and world traveler, he shares with us his tips for travel security. You can learn more about him on his website, or by following him on Twitter.

A significant area of concern that is often overlooked by tourists, and travelers in general, when in unfamiliar surroundings is protecting themselves from thieves.

When visiting an unfamiliar location many travelers have a tendency to either have a false sense of security or become hyper-paranoid. Neither of these tendencies does us any good and there are safe and easy ways to protect yourself from potential predators while on the road.

As a photographer I travel often, but I learned how to keep myself, and my gear, protected while shooting a wide variety of assignments. There has been a diverse cross-section of assignments that have taught me the most
about my personal security. Some of these assignments have included spending multiple-months walking around one of the worst crime ridden and drug infested housing projects in the United States; photographing a few dozen riots; working in a city after massive natural disaster has devastated the area; working in environments where I have clearly been in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ intentionally; and oddly enough travel stories in high density tourist locations.

When I travel, which can be the next city over or halfway around the world, I make sure I protect my security in a few ways. For starters, when I walk, I walk confidently. I make sure my body language does not make me an easy target. Even if I am completely lost, and it happens, I exert a sense of confidence and pay close attention to everything around me.

When traveling in an unfamiliar location I never pull out a map and read it on the street. If I need to use a map I step in some place, often into the restroom, to read a map. Pulling out a map is a big red arrow to thieves who prey on  travelers. To blend in I often e-mail myself directions and read a Blackberry while walking, or use step-by-step
directions from my iPhone. It is commonplace anywhere in the world to see people reading their Blackberry or iPhone while walking down the street, so using these devices does not draw any attention from thieves. As an added bonus, my directions are clear in text without orienting myself with a map.

An extremely useful skill to learn is to memorize maps when possible. Very often when I am in an unfamiliar area I memorize a map the best I can.  Being familiar with a city you have never been to can allow you to walk
clearly through a city’s streets, head up, looking for images rather than stopping to read directions.

Bag selection for travelling may seem trivial, but it can reduce your likelihood of being a victim of theft. Choose backpacks that blend in with a backpack you’d use at home. I spot Canon & Nikon backpacks all over the world, and just recently spotted a traveler with a backpack that had the embroidered text “MacBook Inside” on it, with an Apple logo. Using bags that stand out can make someone an instant target, especially if the bag has easy access to the main compartments.

For those who travel with cameras or laptops should explore laptops with ‘rear-hatch’ access to either cameras or computers. Camera backpacks such as the Mountainsmith Parallax and ‘general purpose’ backpacks like 5.11 Tactical’s Rush 24 backpack offer excellent security for your valuable items on the road.

Backpack zippers are extremely important as well, as you need bags with two zippers you can link together and lock with a small combination lock. I suggest combination locks as overall they offer more security than a key-lock. It is easy to lose a key; it is hard to forget your 3-digit combination (almost all locks allow users to select their own
combination).

On the road keeping your documents secure is vital. You cannot afford to lose you passport and you should always have ‘emergency money’ with you for a worst-case scenario. To ensure my Passport, wallet and other items are safe I like to travel with secure clothing that blends in.

While I am a photographer, I avoid wearing a tan photo vest, while I work on my feet and in some odd situations I have avoided owning any tan/green nylon travel pants. I never wear shirts that read “I Love New York,” “Disney World,” “I left my heart in San Francisco,” “London Is For Lovers” (real shirt, no idea who came up with that awful slogan for London), etc etc etc.

The clothing I choose to wear blends into everyday street wear all around the world, while offering me hidden internal pockets, interior pockets and pockets generally inaccessible to pickpockets. Companies such as Columbia Sportswear make fantastic travel pants and I have been wearing shirts by 5.11 Tactical for years, recently beginning to wear 5.11 Tactical pants . Wearing clothing that is comfortable is acceptable for business and pleasure travel and offers personal security is vital in many in high-density tourist spots in some less than ideal cities around the world.

For more information on travelling around the corner or around the world visit Flying With Fish at  www.flyingwithfish.com

For travel tips and information 140 characters at a time, follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/flyingwithfish

Happy Flying!

Steven Frischling
Founder
The Travel Strategist & Flying With Fish
Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com
Blog: www.flyingwithfish.com
Twit: twitter.com/flyingwithfish

North America’s Little Piece of Europe- Montreal

Welcome guest blogger, Brooklyn Nomad!

Want to take a European vacation without the long plane ride and the European price tag that comes along with it? Don’t fret my frugal friend, because there is a place that encompasses that Euro style and comes along with a much friendlier exchange rate. That place is Montreal, Quebec, Canada. From the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, to the chic shops and restaurants along Saint Catherine Street, Montreal blends old and new effortlessly. This “must visit” Quebec province offers so much to so many different kinds of travelers.

Unlike in Europe, where the American traveler gets .75 Euros for every $1 US Dollar they fork over, in Canada it is the opposite. As of this post, your $1 US Dollar will get you $1.18 Canadian. Yeah that is not going to make you rich, but at least you are not losing money while on vacation.

Montreal is a city filled with so many great things to do and see…for free! One of the biggest attractions is Mont Royal, which is where the city of Montreal gets its name. On top of city’s most famous landmark sits Mont Royal Park. This great attraction was created more than 130 years ago by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York City’s Central Park and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Mont Royal Park has two amazing locations for absolutely breathtaking views of the city below. The park is used by locals and tourists in both the frigid fall and winter weather as well as in the pleasant spring and summer climates. Some activities include renting pedal boats and taking them out onto the man-made Beaver Lake. During the cold months in Montreal, and there are quite a few, partake in some cross-country skiing along the snowy trails in the park.

Now if you visit Montreal anytime between September and late April, you might be in store for some chilly to arctic cold weather. Temperatures can be brutal! When I visited this great city a few years ago in the month of February, the temperatures dropped to -32 degrees Fahrenheit. The weathermen on the local news said to not go outside. Yeah no kidding! Well in any other city, you might have to think up some ideas for indoor activities or just spend the rest of the day in the hotel room watching TV. But not in Montreal! This city comes equipped with an amazing Underground City! Built in 1962, Montreal created the Underground City, which links much of the city to one another without having to go above ground. I was able to take an escalator from my hotel lobby down into this Underground City and stroll (without a jacket) to the mall. Yes while the city of Montreal was blanketed with snow and experiencing a 21 century ice age outside, I was drinking an iced coffee and checking out shops and dining options down below.

Other Montreal highlights include:

• Old Montreal: this part of town is a great way to spend the afternoon. Enjoy the true European charm by simply walking down one of the cobblestone streets and stopping into a cafe.
• Notre Dame Basilica: While you are in Old Montreal, check out this stunning church that dates back to 1888. Whether you are religious or not, the interior of this house of worship is simply beautiful.
• Saint Catherine Street: This hugely popular strip is lined with top shops, restaurants and nightlife. Every July, Saint Catherine Street, or rue Sainte-Catherine, is host to a large sidewalk shopping sale for one weekend only. Anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 people attend this hugely popular event.

Top Things to do in Stockholm

Welcome guest blogger Erica from Travel Blissful. An avid traveler and writer, she shares her personal insights on this often overlooked capital city.

As one of the world’s most beautiful and exciting capitals, Stockholm attracts millions of visitors every year. The city is a great alternative to Europe’s three biggest tourist destinations Paris, London and Rome — especially in spring and summer.

The Katarina Lift

Before discovering the city from street level, I would suggest you admire it from above. The two cages of the Katarina Lift near Slussen will take visitors 38 meters up for a magnificent view over the Old Town, Djurgården, Stockholm Stream and the waterfront.

Explore the Distinct Neighborhoods

From the open green spaces in Djurgården and the attractive old buildings and many parks in Norrmalm, to the Old Town’s winding alleys, Södermalm’s relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, the fancy quarters of Östermalm, and
the area around Rörstrandsgatan and Odengatan (almost its own city within the city), Stockholm offers something for all personalities.

Go Shopping

On Hamngatan you will find the exclusive NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Sweden’s most famous shopping center. Fashion victims will also like Biblioteksgatan, Stockholm’s equivalent to Fifth Avenue in New York, and Birger Jarlsgatan lined with designer stores such as Mulberry, Versace and Gucci. Those who prefer vintage and second-hand clothing should head to SoFo — inspired by New York’s SoHo — in Södermalm. Around the streets Götgatan, Bondegatan, and Skånegatan, you will find plenty of small and personal shops.

Museums

With more than 65 quality museums, art and history buffs will not be disappointed. Above all I recommend The Swedish Museum of National History and Cosmonova, where visitors can enjoy 3-D films in the world’s largest
film format on a 760-square meter dome shaped screen. The National Museum, Sweden’s leading art and design museum, features work from both national artists and international masters such as Renoir and Rembrandt. And the Modern Museum of Stockholm, located on Skeppsholmen, presents one of Europe’s greatest collections of art from the 1900th century including Dalí, Picasso, Matisse and Derkert.

The Stockholm Archipelago

Stockholm is built on 14 islands and the Stockholm archipelago consists of more than 30,000 islands. Thanks to regular boat traffic during the warmer months, traveling through the archipelago is an easy and enjoyable experience not to be missed.

Child-Friendly Attractions

The risk of anyone getting bored will be the least of your worries if you’re traveling with kids. I vote for the science centre Teknorama at the National Museum of Science and Technology, where you can learn new stuff by doing fun experiments. Avid readers will enjoy Junibacken, a theme park dedicated to the characters in the Swedish authors Astrid Lindgren and Elsa Beskow’s famous children books. Also consider visiting Skansen Zoo and Aquarium, and Gröna Lund Amusement Park — a magical world of roller coasters, carousels and games for all ages.

See a Musical

Although Stockholm is pretty far from Broadway and London’s West End when it comes to musicals and theatre, a show at Oskarsteatern or Göta Lejon will undoubtedly make an impression. Just make sure to reserve tickets (well) in advance.

Aside from these five tips, the Swedish capital offers plenty of other attractions to guarantee a pleasant stay! Check out flights to Stockholm on CheapOair.com

Brazil: The Land Beautiful

Brazil has long been known as a land of sexy people, seducing travelers with its music and splendid beaches. The country bordering almost every other country in South America offers a

blend of cultures, cuisine, ethnic groups, as well as many natural wonders. One can just be left amazed, gaping at the variety this place has to offer.

Visit to the Iguassu Falls or Iguacu Falls

Often described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Iguassu Falls is a treat to watch. The falls are an awesome sight as tons of water tumble over cliffs, and the mist rises in the jungle. It’s well worth spending a day to watch this natural beauty.

The Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro

The Brazilian Carnival is an annual celebration in Brazil. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is known worldwide for the elaborate parades staged by the city’s major samba schools in the Sambadrome and is one of the world’s major tourist attractions.

Eat at the Churrasco

In Brazil, churrasco is the term for a barbecue. Brazilian churrasco contains a variety of meats which may be cooked on a purpose-built “churrasqueira”, which basically means a grill. Some of the brazilian “churrasqueiras” do not have grills, only the skewers above the embers. The meat may alternatively be cooked on large metal or wood skewers and roasted with the embers of charcoal.
Hungry, anyone?

Gulp down the Caipirinha

Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaca, sugar and lime. Cachaca is Brazil’s most common distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane. Nothing better to quench your thirst then glass full of the local spirit topped up with pounded ice and limes. Cheers!!

Have you been to Sao Paulo? Or other parts of Brazil? What is your favorite part? Where do you suggest a first time visitor go?

CheapOair 30 Seconds of Fame Contest!

Are you ready for your 30 Seconds of Fame?

To enter the contest-

Create your own original commercial starring CheapOair.com

Upload your video to YouTube, tag it with “cheapoair” and “travel”

Join the CheapOair YouTube Group, and add your video to the group (videos will be moderated before showing in the group)

Next, go to the CheapOair submission page and register your name and video officially.

Once you hit ’submit,’ you are on your way to fame and Europe!

Videos must be no longer than 30 seconds in length, and must not violate any copyright laws. Videos not officially registered on the CheapOair submission page will not be considered.

Contest is open to all U.S. and Canadian legal residents, April 15, 2009- May 13, 2009. The top 5 semi-finalists will be selected by CheapOair’s panel of judges. The top 5 commercials will be voted on by the public May 18-May 24, 2009. The commercial that receives the most votes will win 2 free round-trip plane tickets to Europe!

And don’t forget to read the contest rules and regulations.

One Day in Prague, Czech Republic

If you only had one day to spend in the beautiful city of Prague, CZ, what would you do? Here’s how I would spend the day.

First, start off with the traditional Czech breakfast of cold meats, rye bread, and a cup of coffee in Wenceslas Square.  Next, take some time to do some window shopping along the various stores lining the square. Famed Bohemian crystal is easy to find here (and on most shopping streets in Prague), as well as any type of jewelry you could imagine.

Wind through the city streets and cobblestone alleyways to the Old Town Square (Stare Mesto) and check out the incredible astronomical clock. When the time is right, take a romantic European lunch break at one of the outdoor restaurants along the square and enjoy the culture and atmosphere. Many of the town’s cultural events take place in the square.

From Old Town Square follow the crowds to the famed Charles Bridge. Take pictures, watch the artists, and enjoy the leisurely pedestrian pace. The Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the world. Locals will gladly explain the statues and gargoyles on the bridge to you (but never expect the same story twice).

Cross over the bridge to go find the Frank Kafka museum. The relationship between Prague and Kafka’s life and work is well known and considered a linking of destinies by some. The museum illustrates this relationship in a unique way, appropriate to the man that was Kafka.

One of the joys of Prague is that it is so pedestrian friendly. You could take a taxi or the metro between places, but if you did you would miss out on so much of the culture that is found between the ancient buildings and winding pathways. From the Kafka Museum take a long walk up to the Prague Castle (Prazsky hrad). This beautiful castle sits high upon a hill, defending her people and keeping a close eye on her subjects down below. The winding walk up the hill offers glimpses into Prague life and history that will not soon be forgotten.

The Prague Castle walls take in the Saint Vitus Cathedral viewing towers, the Royal Gardens, museums and art galleries, a monastery, Lobkowicz Palace (and others), and St. George’s Basilica. This picturesque setting is the most popular Czech destination. Join a walking tour of the castle, palace, and gardens. When you get tired, take in a thrilling evening concert at St. George’s Basilica!

After such a long day of walking, I’ll understand if you need to take a taxi back down the hill into the heart of the city. But your day is far from over. To cap off your unforgettable experience in this beautiful city, join a dinner cruise along the River Vltava. Take in the sights in the light of the sunset, while enjoying a traditional Czech dinner.

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Travel and the Swine Flu

With the sudden outbreak of the swine flu many travelers are questioning whether or not to leave home. As of Monday evening, April 25, no travel bans have been put into effect as a result of the swine flu. However, several countries have issued travel advisories, indicating that travelers should research the conditions in Mexico and certain U.S. cities before traveling.

“Today we’ve seen increased number of confirmed cases in several countries,” WHO spokesman Paul Garwood told The Associated Press. “WHO is very concerned about the number of cases that are appearing, and the fact that more and more cases are appearing in different countries.”

The European Union Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou urged Europeans to consider not traveling to parts of the United States and Mexico affected by swine flu. The number of U.S. cases doubled to 40, none fatal, and have been reported in Ohio, Kansas, New York, Texas and California. Worldwide there were 73 cases, including six in Canada, one in Spain and two in Scotland. The epicenter of the outbreak, Mexico, has seen nearly 2,000 cases of the flu.

To determine whether or not your travel destination has been affected by the swine flu, consult with the local area embassy or the local news. There is an excellent Google Mashups Map tracking documented cases, suspect cases, and false alarms worldwide, that should help all travelers.