Roadside geology books – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Ever ponder the origins of that distant mesa? Curious about those snowy mountains, those flinty hills, the flatness of Central Indiana? Perhaps you’re bored to death by the lack of scenery?

Consider taking a roadside geology book on your next trip. These books contain an array of maps, easy to follow mileage logs, basic geologic primers, and photographs that can bring a landscape — even a “boring” one — to life: cornfields become shark infested seas, lifeless brown deserts become breezy tropical islands, and dinosaurs roam in the next road cut.

Make your summer Epic at Vail

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Flee the cities and suburbs this summer, and head out to Colorado to connect with nature and use your body as more than a wedge for subway doors. Vail Resorts is reading to for you to hit the Rocky Mountains with style and help you get the most fun and relaxation (or excitement, depending on your taste) out of your summer getaway.

The seven-day/six-night “Epic Summer” package is designed to deliver the Rocky Mountain experience as a whole. You’ll be able to raft down the Colorado River, enjoy some horseback riding on Beaver Creek Mountain and take scenic gondola rides through Keystone and Vail. You’ll eat picnic lunches, do some hiking and take an incredible walking tour through Breckenridge.

If the $1,495 (including all meals) is a bit rich for your blood, think about the four-day/three-night alternative, which starts at $289 per person per night for adults and $226 for kids. The deal runs from June 3, 2010 through September 12, 2010.

Look for menus in the city’s native language – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

When traveling to a foreign city, you can usually find the cheapest and best-tasting food by looking for menus that are written entirely in that city’s native language.

Generally speaking, these venues are frequented by locals and are found off the beaten path. Travelers will find that restaurants catering to the local population are far less expensive than their tourist-orientated counterparts. Often, the food will be fresher and better prepared, as it has to cater to the discerning local.

Not only will you find the best and cheapest food – it will add to the overall cultural experience of your destination.

New RockResort opens in Breckenridge in only one month

by Tom Johansmeyer on

One Ski Hill Place, the newest RockResort, is set to open on June 1, 2010. Want to be the first to sleep in a particular room or bed? This is your chance! With the “Be the First” package, you can, well, be the first. Yeah, it’s pretty straightforward. The opening rate for this property is as low as $75 a night. The hotel’s grand opening doesn’t come until November 12, 2010, because there isn’t a whole lot of skiing over the summer, so think of this as a chance to get in early, poke around and see if One Ski Hill Place will hit your winter skiing or snowboarding itinerary.

To take advantage of the special rate, you’ll need to book by June 1, 2010 and stay at the hotel during the month of June. In addition to the one-bedroom accommodation, you’ll also get a complimentary breakfast.

If you’re more interested in heading out to Breckenridge when there’s snow on the ground, consider the “Early Bird Winter Package.” You’ll be able to stay at One Ski Hill Place between November 12, 2010 (when the grand opening party is being held) and April 24, 2011 for only $81 a night (and up).

Change drivers often – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

When sharing driving on a long trip, it’s tempting for one driver to drive until he or she is tired, then switch to another driver. The tired driver then wants to sleep, leaving the new driver “alone” while the tired driver sleeps.

You can drive for greater distances without being exhausted if you switch drivers on a schedule — for example, every one to two hours. This way, neither driver becomes exhausted.

Additional bonus: the switch allows for a brief stretch which also tends to diminish fatigue.