Tips From The Cheap Traveler

Travel Journal for 11/25/09

2009-11-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

Travel Journal

10:29 AM - mypalal: At the Las Vegas children's museum. (t) http://myloc.me/1Hybp - (Twitter)

Travel Journal for 11/24/09

2009-11-25T03:00:00.000-08:00

Travel Journal

1:06 PM - mypalal: I love that I can access the internet on the way to Vegas! (t) - (Twitter)

1:08 PM - mypalal: So the plan for lunch is to stop off in Baker and eat at Big Boys. (t) Knowing my luck this will not happen. - (Twitter)

1:11 PM - mypalal: The Hooters Hotel in Vegas is offering great rates (t) - (Twitter)

Travel Journal for 10/9/09

2009-10-10T04:00:00.001-07:00

Travel Journal

11:50 PM - Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ (4/5) on Yelp

Lucille's is a great place to go for tasty BBQ. The meat is always juicy and perfectly cooked. I've had a chance to taste all meats and they can do now wrong. The food is a little expensive but well… (Yelp)

12:00 AM - 5 & Diner (4/5) on Yelp

This quaint little diner is a delight at a great price. I had their burgers which are large and their breakfast which is great. It's a good size meal of a moderate price. Just don't put money in the… (Yelp)

Travel Journal for 9/22/09

2009-09-23T04:00:00.001-07:00

Travel Journal

1:20 PM - mypalal: Hoping to spend a little time in Catalina. I'll pay myself to take me on a tour. (t) - (Twitter)

1:41 PM - mypalal: Strolling through downtown Avalon (t) http://myloc.me/JvFI - (Twitter)

2:02 PM - mypalal: At the Avalon Casino. I feel fat and old. (t) http://myloc.me/Jw41 - (Twitter)

Travel Journal for 9/21/09

2009-09-22T04:00:00.001-07:00

Travel Journal

3:49 PM - mypalal: Attending the Cruise orientation. Talking about a lot of stuff I won't do. (t) - (Twitter)

4:32 PM - mypalal: I'm so lost on this ship (t) - (Twitter)

5:06 PM - mypalal: Getting ready for the ship's fire drill. then I'll probably be on radio silence. They want $60 an hour from me for internet. (t) - (Twitter)

5:46 PM - mypalal: Just finished the Lifeboat drill. Now let the fun begin. (t) - (Twitter)

5:47 PM - mypalal: Dinner at 6:00. I'm going for the lobster. How much weight will I gain on this trip. (t) - (Twitter)

5:49 PM - mypalal: There's a chance that I might have internet while I'm still in the states. (t) - (Twitter)

6:54 PM - mypalal: Thank you duck for giving your life. (t) - (Twitter)

6:55 PM - mypalal: Thank you duck for giving your life. (t) you did not die in vain. - (Twitter)

7:51 PM - mypalal: I feel like I'm drunk. Not easy walking on the ship. (t) Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry - (Twitter)

Phoenix Trip Recap - Planning

2009-08-19T10:57:00.001-07:00

It’s been a week and now I have a little time to recap my trip to Phoenix. The worst part of the trip was forgetting my laptop at home. I wasn’t able to get any work or updates done because I had to do everything on my BlackBerry and it’s just not worth the effort.

Planning

Once we decided to go to Phoenix for our mini-vacation, I realized, “Crap, it’s going to be hot.” Checking the weather reports I knew it was going to be blazing hot. My reports were saying 115 degree.

The first thing I did was look for things to do in the heat, basically anything indoors. I went to www.bing.com and searched “things to do in Phoenix”. Then I modified my search for “indoor things” and “things for toddlers”.

During my research I realized that there’s not a lot of stuff to do in Phoenix. Most of the phone things are outdoors and there just is not an abundance of amusement activities. So basically we had to manufacture fun and we did.

Here are the results of our survey: Science museum, Zoo, BBQ Restaurants, Indoor amusement parks, Shopping Malls.

We found that the Phoenix Zoo had an evening event called Starry Safari with lots of stuff for toddlers to do and see. Friday night, bingo, booked.

I then went to Restaurant.com and started looking for dining opportunities. I found a few, but had to pass it by the wife and then forgetting my laptop meant that I couldn’t do it. We did wind up dining at one of the places I found.

Finally we needed a room. I went to good old reliable www.HotWire.com and found a great resort for only $39 a night. I think the resort was offering the great rate because no one visits golf course resorts. We wound up staying at the Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch. 4 Star Resort for basically $90. Great deal.

I will continue my trip report in my next blog.

Phoenix Travel Journal for 8/9/09

2009-08-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

Travel Journal

10:13 AM - mypalal: Getting had and heading home - (Twitter)

10:38 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Phoenix
MyPalAl checked in @ Phoenix - (Brightkite)

10:39 AM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Phoenix
371 miles to go - (Brightkite)

11:14 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Yuma
MyPalAl checked in @ Yuma - (Brightkite)

11:47 AM - mypalal: Is driving through a lot of nothing - (Twitter)

11:51 AM - mypalal: not sure why the car is shaking. wind? - (Twitter)

12:03 PM - mypalal: Click the link and you'll see I'm in the middle of nowhere http://myloc.me/j9AC - (Twitter)

12:09 PM - mypalal: My boring view http://mypict.me/j9Fq - (Twitter)

12:18 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Quartzsite
MyPalAl checked in @ Quartzsite - (Brightkite)

12:20 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Quartzsite

Back for more jerky - (Brightkite)

12:25 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Quartzsite

Sucker for jerky - (Brightkite)

12:43 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Blythe
MyPalAl checked in @ Blythe - (Brightkite)

12:45 PM - mypalal: Officially back in California http://myloc.me/jam8 - (Twitter)

1:27 PM - mypalal: Changing baby's diaper and switching drivers to me http://myloc.me/jb5K - (Twitter)

2:03 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Coachella
MyPalAl checked in @ Coachella - (Brightkite)

2:06 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Indio
MyPalAl checked in @ Indio - (Brightkite)

2:17 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Cathedral City
MyPalAl checked in @ Cathedral City - (Brightkite)

2:22 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Palm Springs
MyPalAl checked in @ Palm Springs - (Brightkite)

2:28 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Palm Springs

Windmill farm - (Brightkite)

2:36 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Cabazon
MyPalAl checked in @ Cabazon - (Brightkite)

2:41 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Cabazon

The mighty T-Rex - (Brightkite)

2:50 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Cabazon
This dinosaur store does not believe in evolution. Yeah - (Brightkite)

3:22 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Cabazon

IMG00145-20090809-1521.jpg - (Brightkite)

4:41 PM - mypalal: Back at home, safe and sound, ready for a nap. - (Twitter)

Phoenix Travel Journal for 8/7-8/09

2009-08-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Travel Journal

August 7

August 8

11:40 AM - mypalal: Drama of the day. My cell phone ran out of power. Spent most of morning fixing problem - (Twitter)

11:40 AM - mypalal Drama of the day. My cell phone ran out of power. Spent most of morning fixing problem - (Plurk)

11:43 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Sweet Tomatoes
MyPalAl checked in @ Sweet Tomatoes - (Brightkite)

11:46 AM - mypalal Eating at Sweet Tomato aka Souplantation - (Plurk)

11:46 AM - mypalal I love clam chowddr , souplantation has the worst - (Plurk)

11:47 AM - mypalal We bought the kid a potty doll today - (Plurk)

11:54 AM - mypalal No sourdough bread until tonight - (Plurk)

12:32 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Amazing Jake's Pizza Factory
MyPalAl checked in @ Amazing Jake's Pizza Factory - (Brightkite)

12:46 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Amazing Jake's Pizza Factory
Not for toddlers. Heading to the resort - (Brightkite)

3:00 PM - mypalal: got my nap and getting dressed to meet up with Dorian - (Twitter)

3:02 PM - mypalal: i think my phone was trying to send a tweet which caused my battery to go dead - (Twitter)

3:09 PM - mypalal: Ubertwitter is working again. http://myloc.me/iPEs - (Twitter)

3:33 PM - mypalal: now it's freakin' hot - (Twitter)

3:58 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ 5 & Diner
MyPalAl checked in @ 5 & Diner - (Brightkite)

5:17 PM - mypalal: great dinner. fun talk with Dorbo - (Twitter)

6:02 PM - mypalal: the weather in Phoenix was somewhat tolerable. (t) - (Twitter)

9:21 PM - mypalal: finished first show. we won. next show at 9:45 - (Twitter)

11:57 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Old Chicago
MyPalAl checked in @ Old Chicago - (Brightkite)

Phoenix Travel Journal for 8/6/09

2009-08-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Travel Journal

6:10 PM - mypalal getting a few things done before we head out of town. - (Plurk)

6:54 PM - mypalal The kid is sad because Lexy is not going with us - (Plurk)

7:19 PM - mypalal I hate traffic - (Plurk)

7:23 PM - mypalal Don't think we will make dinosaurs at - (Plurk)

7:23 PM - mypalal Cabazon by nightfall - (Plurk)

7:39 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Sam's Club
MyPalAl checked in @ Sam's Club - (Brightkite)

7:43 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Sam's Club
Getting gas at Sam's Club because it's .35 cents cheaper than orange county - (Brightkite)

8:09 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Riverside
MyPalAl checked in @ Riverside - (Brightkite)

8:14 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Indio
MyPalAl checked in @ Indio - (Brightkite)

8:20 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Redlands
MyPalAl checked in @ Redlands - (Brightkite)

8:34 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Banning
MyPalAl checked in @ Banning - (Brightkite)

8:35 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Banning
Getting dinner at jack in the box - (Brightkite)

8:36 PM - mypalal Can't believe I left my laptop at home - (Plurk)

8:44 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Banning

Getting dinner - (Brightkite)

8:53 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Cabazon
MyPalAl checked in @ Cabazon - (Brightkite)

9:01 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Cabazon
Traffic is running real slow. Not good - (Brightkite)

9:02 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Cabazon
Looks like construction on the 10 - (Brightkite)

10:29 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Palm Springs
MyPalAl checked in @ Palm Springs - (Brightkite)

PREVIEW: Upcoming Trip - Phoenix AZ

2009-08-03T17:06:00.001-07:00

The Cheap Traveler is back and we have a real trip planned. We’re going to Phoenix, Arizona this weekend.

It’s going to be blazing hot and it’s going to be super cheap too. Be sure to come back to my blog for details of the trip. It’s me, the wife and the kid.

Travel Journal for 6/14/09

2009-06-15T04:00:00.001-07:00

Travel Journal

4:04 PM - mypalal: is getting ready to head out to Redondo Beach for some beach and pier fun (t) - (Twitter)

Travel Journal for 6/13/09

2009-06-14T04:00:00.001-07:00

Travel Journal

12:49 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Monica Blvd
MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Monica Blvd - (Brightkite)

12:50 PM - mypalal: is at the Santa monica Promenade - (Twitter)

1:03 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Arizona Ave
MyPalAl checked in @ Arizona Ave - (Brightkite)

1:05 PM - mypalal: got 2 humungus artichokes at the farmers market. - (Twitter)

1:10 PM - mypalal: at Z Gallerie. Sofa hunting apparently - (Twitter)

1:11 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Arizona Ave

HEY it's Andy Grammer - (Brightkite)

1:17 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Arizona Ave

I really don't understand art. - (Brightkite)

1:20 PM - mypalal: just trying to find q place to eat but this place is expensive - (Twitter)

1:29 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Arizona Ave

Halo Master Chief - (Brightkite)

1:53 PM - mypalal: 5 dollar footlongs at Subway - (Twitter)

2:01 PM - mypalal: heading to the pier now. - (Twitter)

2:33 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Monica Pier
MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Monica Pier - (Brightkite)

2:35 PM - mypalal: is at the Santa monica pier - (Twitter)

2:41 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Santa Monica Pier

Santa monica pier - (Brightkite)

2:44 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Santa Monica Pier

Year One Promotion - (Brightkite)

2:50 PM - mypalal: Watching men beat up women as part of a movie promotion - (Twitter)

2:57 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Santa Monica Pier

Building new bathrooms - (Brightkite)

2:57 PM - mypalal: the pier has the nastiest bathrooms - (Twitter)

3:01 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Santa Monica Pier

Trapeze School - (Brightkite)

3:02 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Santa Monica Pier

Trapeze School - (Brightkite)

3:04 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Santa Monica Pier

Santa monica beach - (Brightkite)

3:06 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Santa Monica Pier

This is new. - (Brightkite)

3:22 PM - mypalal: Time for popcorn. - (Twitter)

3:26 PM - mypalal: It's like Vegas. There are many ways for them to take your money here. - (Twitter)

3:35 PM - mypalal: Taking a break at Bubba Gump - (Twitter)

San Francisco Trip 4/25/08

2009-04-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

10:58 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Tehachapi
MyPalAl checked in @ Tehachapi - (Brightkite)

1:34 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Bakersfield
MyPalAl checked in @ Bakersfield - (Brightkite)

2:06 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Wasco
MyPalAl checked in @ Wasco - (Brightkite)

2:08 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Wasco

Freakin' Wasco - (Brightkite)

2:08 PM - mypalal: Freakin' Wasco - Photo: http://bkite.com/06QHO - (Twitter)

2:21 PM - mypalal: Just passed gun club road in paso robles. http://tinyurl.com/db4e9o - (Twitter)

2:39 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Wasco

Where the hell am I? - (Brightkite)

4:11 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Los Banos
MyPalAl checked in @ Los Banos - (Brightkite)

4:18 PM - mypalal: we're in Los Banos, but we could be anywhere really. - Photo: http://bkite.com/06QZe - (Twitter)

4:18 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Los Banos

we're in Los Banos, but we could be anywhere really. - (Brightkite)

4:19 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Gonzaga Rd
MyPalAl checked in @ Gonzaga Rd - (Brightkite)

4:50 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Gilroy
MyPalAl checked in @ Gilroy - (Brightkite)

5:55 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Clara
MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Clara - (Brightkite)

8:41 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Embassy Suites San Rafael - Marin County
MyPalAl checked in @ Embassy Suites San Rafael - Marin County - (Brightkite)

9:04 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Embassy Suites San Rafael - Marin County

San Luis Reservoir State Park - (Brightkite)

9:04 PM - mypalal: San Luis Reservoir State Park - Photo: http://bkite.com/06Rsc - (Twitter)

9:10 PM - mypalal: is finally at the hotel and ready to go to sleep. - (Twitter)

Travel Journal for 3/2/09

2009-03-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

Travel Journal

11:04 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe
MyPalAl checked in @ Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe - (Brightkite)

11:05 AM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe
got some bread for the road. - (Brightkite)

1:45 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Morgan Hill
MyPalAl checked in @ Morgan Hill - (Brightkite)

1:53 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Gilroy
MyPalAl checked in @ Gilroy - (Brightkite)

2:14 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Salinas
MyPalAl checked in @ Salinas - (Brightkite)

2:30 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Gonzales
MyPalAl checked in @ Gonzales - (Brightkite)

2:38 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ McDonalds
MyPalAl checked in @ McDonalds - (Brightkite)

3:12 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Lake San Antonio
MyPalAl checked in @ Lake San Antonio - (Brightkite)

3:13 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Lake San Antonio

Rainbow at king city - (Brightkite)

3:24 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ San Ardo
MyPalAl checked in @ San Ardo - (Brightkite)

3:27 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ San Ardo

Calm in the storm - (Brightkite)

3:42 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ San Miguel
MyPalAl checked in @ San Miguel - (Brightkite)

3:50 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Paso Robles
MyPalAl checked in @ Paso Robles - (Brightkite)

3:57 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Templeton
MyPalAl checked in @ Templeton - (Brightkite)

4:00 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Atascadero
MyPalAl checked in @ Atascadero - (Brightkite)

4:14 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Atascadero

Almost to the beach - (Brightkite)

4:15 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ San Luis Obispo
MyPalAl checked in @ San Luis Obispo - (Brightkite)

4:23 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Pismo Beach
MyPalAl checked in @ Pismo Beach - (Brightkite)

4:37 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Maria
MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Maria - (Brightkite)

5:03 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Buellton
MyPalAl checked in @ Buellton - (Brightkite)

5:31 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Goleta
MyPalAl checked in @ Goleta - (Brightkite)

5:40 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Barbara
MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Barbara - (Brightkite)

6:10 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Ventura
MyPalAl checked in @ Ventura - (Brightkite)

6:20 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Oxnard
MyPalAl checked in @ Oxnard - (Brightkite)

Travel Journal for 2/27/09

2009-02-28T03:00:00.001-08:00

Travel Journal

6:06 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Extended Stay America
MyPalAl checked in @ Extended Stay America - (Brightkite)

8:39 AM - mypalal: We're hoping to leave by 10:00 am so that we'll hit Turlock at 1:00 pm. (t) - (Twitter)

8:43 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Extended Stay America

Getting my free wifi from the parking lot. Thanks AT&(T) - (Brightkite)

9:42 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ McFarland
MyPalAl checked in @ McFarland - (Brightkite)

9:45 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ McFarland

McFarland - (Brightkite)

9:45 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Delano
MyPalAl checked in @ Delano - (Brightkite)

9:49 AM - mypalal: In McFarland California the heartbeat of agriculture. http://tinyurl.com/cerxy6 - (Twitter)

9:53 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Earlimart
MyPalAl checked in @ Earlimart - (Brightkite)

9:56 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Earlimart

Earlimart - (Brightkite)

9:57 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Pixley
MyPalAl checked in @ Pixley - (Brightkite)

10:08 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Tulare
MyPalAl checked in @ Tulare - (Brightkite)

10:10 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Tulare

Tulare - (Brightkite)

10:19 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Visalia
MyPalAl checked in @ Visalia - (Brightkite)

10:19 AM - mypalal: I'm on the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Memorial Highway in Tulare, California. http://tinyurl.com/c7lyd6 - (Twitter)

10:31 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Kingsburg
MyPalAl checked in @ Kingsburg - (Brightkite)

10:35 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Selma
MyPalAl checked in @ Selma - (Brightkite)

10:44 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Fresno
MyPalAl checked in @ Fresno - (Brightkite)

10:56 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Madera
MyPalAl checked in @ Madera - (Brightkite)

11:15 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Chowchilla
MyPalAl checked in @ Chowchilla - (Brightkite)

11:26 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Merced
MyPalAl checked in @ Merced - (Brightkite)

11:38 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Atwater
MyPalAl checked in @ Atwater - (Brightkite)

11:57 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Winton Pkwy & Joseph Gallo Dr, Livingston, CA , United States
MyPalAl checked in @ Winton Pkwy & Joseph Gallo Dr, Livingston, CA , United States - (Brightkite)

12:05 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Winton Pkwy & Joseph Gallo Dr, Livingston, CA , United States

Getting gas in Livingston - (Brightkite)

2:52 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Turlock
MyPalAl checked in @ Turlock - (Brightkite)

3:10 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Ripon
MyPalAl checked in @ Ripon - (Brightkite)

3:49 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ San Ramon
MyPalAl checked in @ San Ramon - (Brightkite)

3:59 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ San Leandro
MyPalAl checked in @ San Leandro - (Brightkite)

4:34 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Pacific Ave & Grant Ave
MyPalAl checked in @ Pacific Ave & Grant Ave - (Brightkite)

7:02 PM - mypalal: The more I drive into the city, the more I realize how much I hate the city. http://tinyurl.com/bmpkb3 - (Twitter)

7:03 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Cathay House
MyPalAl checked in @ Cathay House - (Brightkite)

7:36 PM - mypalal: Why is it so hard to find parking in this God forsaken city? http://tinyurl.com/arwtk6 - (Twitter)

7:56 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Cathay House

Shark Fin Soup. Eat your heart out P.E.T.A. - (Brightkite)

8:31 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Cathay House

A lot of dead animals here. Tasty - (Brightkite)

8:42 PM - mypalal: Animals eaten: Shark, cow, chicken, scallop, lobster, & fish. guilt: none. - (Twitter)

8:44 PM - mypalal: I forgot the shrimp. - (Twitter)

8:47 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Cathay House

All that was left was the tail and head. - (Brightkite)

8:56 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Cathay House

Yummy. - (Brightkite)

8:58 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ California St & Grant Ave

Cable car - (Brightkite)

8:59 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ California St & Grant Ave

Parking garage. Please don't mug me - (Brightkite)

Travel Journal for 2/26/09

2009-02-27T03:00:00.001-08:00

Travel Journal

7:10 PM - mypalal: our trip to San franciso begins now. - (Twitter)

7:38 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Azusa
MyPalAl checked in @ Azusa - (Brightkite)

7:40 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Azusa

Pumping gas in Azusa. (t) - (Brightkite)

7:58 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Pasadena
MyPalAl checked in @ Pasadena - (Brightkite)

8:15 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Clarita
MyPalAl checked in @ Santa Clarita - (Brightkite)

8:21 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Six Flags Magic Mountain
MyPalAl checked in @ Six Flags Magic Mountain - (Brightkite)

8:27 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Lake Castaic
MyPalAl checked in @ Lake Castaic - (Brightkite)

8:38 PM - mypalal: heading over the grapevine - (Twitter)

8:41 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Pyramid Lake Recreation Area
MyPalAl checked in @ Pyramid Lake Recreation Area - (Brightkite)

9:04 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Arvin
MyPalAl checked in @ Arvin - (Brightkite)

9:18 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Lamont Chamber of Commerce
MyPalAl checked in @ Lamont Chamber of Commerce - (Brightkite)

9:19 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Bakersfield
MyPalAl checked in @ Bakersfield - (Brightkite)

10:08 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Bakersfield

Oh Sweet Hotel Room - (Brightkite)

Travel Journal for 2/8/09

2009-02-09T03:00:00.001-08:00

Travel Journal

10:48 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Holiday Inn Express Old Town

Hotel Courtyard - (Brightkite)

10:49 AM - mypalal: is just about ready to head to Balboa Museum. They have a toddler museum. - (Twitter)

10:50 AM - mypalal: Holiday inn was a good value for $44. Although parking was $12/night. (t) - (Twitter)

10:52 AM - mypalal: OnDemand movies were $15.99. It's cheaper just to buy the movie at Walmart. (t) - (Twitter)

11:55 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Reuben H Fleet Science Center
MyPalAl checked in @ Reuben H Fleet Science Center - (Brightkite)

11:59 AM - mypalal: Is at Science Center in Balboa Park going to Kidcity, The Toddler Museum. http://tinyurl.com/cv6zls - (Twitter)

12:01 PM - mypalal: The museum is too expensive for the time we're gonna be here. We're off to the park. - (Twitter)

12:07 PM - mypalal: You see slides and swings are free. - (Twitter)

1:32 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Jack-In-The-Box Family Restaurants
MyPalAl checked in @ Jack-In-The-Box Family Restaurants - (Brightkite)

Travel Journal for 2/7/09

2009-02-08T03:00:00.001-08:00

Travel Journal

11:14 AM - mypalal: is getting ready to leave with the family. We'll be in San Diego for shows and probably museums tomorrow. - (Twitter)

12:46 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Oceanside
MyPalAl checked in @ Oceanside - (Brightkite)

1:41 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Old Town San Diego
MyPalAl checked in @ Old Town San Diego - (Brightkite)

1:42 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Old Town San Diego
Hotel is not quite ready. We have to wait an hour. - (Brightkite)

2:06 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Target
MyPalAl checked in @ Target - (Brightkite)

2:06 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Target
I'm just killing time before my class. - (Brightkite)

2:14 PM - mypalal: I really hate shopping. My room is still not ready. - (Twitter)

2:31 PM - mypalal: on my way to hotel - (Twitter)

2:51 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Old Town San Diego
MyPalAl checked in @ Old Town San Diego - (Brightkite)

12:50 AM - mypalal: is ready to turn in for the night. See ya'll tomorrow. (t) - (Twitter)

Travel Journal for 1/31/09

2009-02-01T03:00:00.001-08:00

Travel Journal

11:44 AM - mypalal: Watching Drive-ins, Diners and Dives. Papoosa (sp?) I had one of these over 20 years ago, but could not remember the name. i need to find. - (Twitter)

11:45 AM - mypalal: It looks so good. I want to die. - (Twitter)

11:49 AM - mypalal: Alright...Who knows a good place to get Pupusas? It's an El Salvadorian dish. - (Twitter)

5:59 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Saffron Noodles & Sate

Breast & leg from Saffron. My favorite (t) - (Brightkite)

Travel Journal for 12/30/08

2008-12-31T03:00:00.000-08:00

Travel Journal

10:44 PM - Sands Regency Casino & Hotel (3/5) on Yelp.com

(Yelp)

Travel Journal for 12/29/08

2008-12-30T03:00:00.000-08:00

Travel Journal

7:30 AM - mypalal: is surfing the net before heading home from Reno. (t) - (Twitter)

9:27 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Sands Regency Casino Hotel
MyPalAl checked in @ Sands Regency Casino Hotel - (Brightkite)

9:28 AM - mypalal: is leaving Reno and heading home (t) - (Twitter)

10:17 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Carson City
MyPalAl checked in @ Carson City - (Brightkite)

10:37 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Minden
MyPalAl checked in @ Minden - (Brightkite)

12:07 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Mono Lake, California
MyPalAl checked in @ Mono Lake, California - (Brightkite)

12:09 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Mono Lake, California

Mono Lake. - (Brightkite)

1:41 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Schat's-Erick Schat's Bakery
MyPalAl checked in @ Schat's-Erick Schat's Bakery - (Brightkite)

1:42 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Schat's-Erick Schat's Bakery
getting bread for the road. - (Brightkite)

2:42 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Manzanar
MyPalAl checked in @ Manzanar - (Brightkite)

2:44 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Manzanar

Manzanar Historical Center - (Brightkite)

3:44 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Lone Pine
MyPalAl checked in @ Lone Pine - (Brightkite)

4:00 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Lone Pine
MyPalAl checked in @ Lone Pine - (Brightkite)

6:11 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Hesperia
MyPalAl checked in @ Hesperia - (Brightkite)

9:20 PM - mypalal: got Lexy and is finally home. (t) - (Twitter)

Travel Journal for 12/28/08

2008-12-29T03:00:00.000-08:00

Travel Journal

12:11 PM - mypalal: is visiting the Virginia City Museum. (t) - (Twitter)

12:14 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Delta Saloon

Surrey with a fringe on top. (t) - (Brightkite)

12:15 PM - mypalal: Surrey with a fringe on top. (t) - Photo: http://bkite.com/03hRt - (Twitter)

12:17 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Delta Saloon

Ye Olde Tyme Linaments and Lotions (t) - (Brightkite)

12:17 PM - mypalal: Ye Olde Tyme Linaments and Lotions (t) - Photo: http://bkite.com/03hRE - (Twitter)

12:18 PM - mypalal: is in Virginia City doing the tourist thing. (t) - (Twitter)

12:18 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Delta Saloon

Poderosa Map. One that's Not on Fire (t) - (Brightkite)

12:18 PM - mypalal: Poderosa Map. One that's Not on Fire (t) - Photo: http://bkite.com/03hRN - (Twitter)

12:21 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Delta Saloon
Virginia City is mainly a mining town. We'll have to visit the Comstock Mines in the spring. (t) - (Brightkite)

12:21 PM - mypalal: Virginia City is mainly a mining town. We'll have to visit the Comstock Mines in the spring. (t) - http://bkite.com/03hS6 - (Twitter)

12:31 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Delta Saloon

There's gotta be a joke here. (t) - (Brightkite)

12:31 PM - mypalal: There's gotta be a joke here. (t) - Photo: http://bkite.com/03hTp - (Twitter)

12:54 PM - mypalal: says lot's of shopping in Virginia City (t) - (Twitter)

1:03 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Palace Saloon & Restaurant
MyPalAl checked in @ Palace Saloon & Restaurant - (Brightkite)

1:04 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Palace Saloon & Restaurant
getting Grilled Cheese and Clam Chowder for lunch (t) - (Brightkite)

1:04 PM - mypalal: getting Grilled Cheese and Clam Chowder for lunch (t) - http://bkite.com/03hWp - (Twitter)

2:32 PM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Palace Saloon & Restaurant

Why we're stuck not going anywhere (t) - (Brightkite)

2:32 PM - mypalal: Why we're stuck not going anywhere (t) - Photo: http://bkite.com/03i5i - (Twitter)

6:42 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Sands Regency Casino Hotel
MyPalAl checked in @ Sands Regency Casino Hotel - (Brightkite)

6:50 PM - mypalal: is having the all-you-can-eat steak buffet. (t) - (Twitter)

8:13 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Circus Circus Hotel and Casino-Reno
MyPalAl checked in @ Circus Circus Hotel and Casino-Reno - (Brightkite)

8:18 PM - mypalal: Circus Circus is a freakin' mad house. So many people in the Midway and it's hard to get around. (t) - (Twitter)

9:36 PM - mypalal: back at hotel for the night. (t) - (Twitter)

Travel Journal for 12/27/08

2008-12-28T03:00:00.001-08:00

Travel Journal

7:39 AM - mypalal: Snow and frost in Carson City. - Photo: http://bkite.com/03g33 - (Twitter)

7:58 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Carson City Nugget
MyPalAl checked in @ Carson City Nugget - (Brightkite)

11:40 AM - mypalal: just had the buffet at the Carson City Nugget. Not my favorite. (t) - (Twitter)

7:40 PM - mypalal: is booking a hotel room in Reno for Laurie's Birthday. - (Twitter)

Travel Journal for 12/26/08

2008-12-27T21:09:00.000-08:00

Travel Journal

8:02 AM - mypalal: got the tires filled with air and put the chains in the car. (t) - (Twitter)

11:35 AM - mypalal: just got over the grapevine. It's very cold. Switching drivers so I can sleep. (t) - (Twitter)

12:54 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Fresno
MyPalAl checked in @ Fresno - (Brightkite)

1:02 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Avenal
MyPalAl checked in @ Avenal - (Brightkite)

2:33 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Merced
MyPalAl checked in @ Merced - (Brightkite)

3:00 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Tracy
MyPalAl checked in @ Tracy - (Brightkite)

3:18 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Stockton
MyPalAl checked in @ Stockton - (Brightkite)

4:01 PM - MyPalAl checked in @ Sacramento
MyPalAl checked in @ Sacramento - (Brightkite)

6:19 PM - mypalal: is stuck in traffic just south of lake tahoe (t) - (Twitter)

9:05 PM - MyPalAl posted a text message @ Walmart Supercenter Store Information
it only took 11 hours to get here. (t) - (Brightkite)

9:05 PM - mypalal: it only took 11 hours to get here. (t) - http://bkite.com/03fI2 - (Twitter)

Travel Tweets for 11/20/08

2008-11-21T03:30:00.000-08:00

Travel Tweets

mypalal: is in Chinatown at Fortune Cookie Factory (t) (10:21 AM) (Twitter)

mypalal: is heading to 101 and then home. (t) (10:36 AM) (Twitter)

mypalal: is stuck in traffic in san luis obispo (t) (2:20 PM) (Twitter)

Travel Tweets for 11/15/08

2008-11-16T03:30:00.000-08:00

Travel Tweets

mypalal: One little travel tip that helps was carrying all your computer cables a box and keeping computer cables and celphone cords. (t) (10:00 AM) (Twitter)

mypalal: one of the best things about the Hilton Garden Inn. Next Door- In-n-out burgers. (t) (10:43 AM) (Twitter)

Travel Tweets for 9/6/08

2008-09-07T01:00:00.001-07:00

mypalal: feels the buffet is not bad for the price. Definitely get a club card. travel (2:19 PM)
mypalal: is eating at Viejas for lunch buffet. $7.99 w/ club card. good value. travel (1:58 PM)

Free Stuff Journal

2008-04-27T20:24:00.001-07:00

As you may know, I wrote an e-book on getting free stuff from Time Share Presentations. Well, on Wednesday I'm going to put my book into action.
I'm driving to my family banquet and I get a call from Pacific Monarch Vacation. They called to tell me that my phone number had been selected for a free prize. I would commit nothing and just give my opinion about their new resort in Mexico.
The prizes were a Vegas vacation with airfare, a Carnival Cruise and a themepark excursion with hotel. I chose the cruise. Now I just have to convince my wife.
Anyways the call made it vvery clear that they wanted my opinion about the resort and to tell my friends about it. She also said there would not be a high pressure sales pitch. Yeah, we'll see. For one thing I believe this is my home resort, so this will be interesting.
I'm supposed to get a call from a supervisor to confirm the appointment and a fax letter to bring with us.
My only concern is the prize package. Can I bring a baby and how much will I have to pay out of pocket. Come back friday and i'll report the results.
Cheers.

How to Get Free Stuff from a Timeshare Presentation E-Book

2007-09-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

I finally did it. I wrote my first e-book. It's about a topic that I know very well and that's How To Get Free Stuff From a Timeshare Presentation. Laurie and I have attended dozens of Timeshare Presentations and we have gotten hundreds of dollars of free stuff just by sitting through the presentation. Here's a list of what we got:

Las Vegas Show Tickets
Free Hotel Rooms
CD Player/Boombox
Discounted Themepark Tickets
Discounted Trips to Catalina
Free Snorkeling Excursions
Free Dinners at Expensive Restaurants
Free shopping sprees
Cash ($100 and more)
and much much more.

The cost to getting this free stuff is sitting through a high pressure sales pitch. My e-book will guide you through the timeshare presentation sales pitch and give you tips on getting through that presentation quickly and with little guilt. The cost of the book is only $6.99 and you can purchase it at www.themeparkshopper.com.

It's such a bargain. Attend just one presentation and you've paid for the e-book.

Found a great saving gem in Vegas - Palace Station

2007-09-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

We found a great way to stay in Vegas and stay near the strip pretty cheap. You're going to save alot of money and get a good value for what you're paying.

Two things to use. Vegas.com and Palace Station. Laurie and I were able to stay in Vegas on a Sunday to Tuesday for $35 a night. We booked Palace Station Hotel through Vegas.com and got a nice small gift in the form of a T-shirt that's too small for me.

For $35 you get a fairly nice room and great discounts at the restaurants.

The room. For the low price you're not staying in the towers, but your staying in their "motel" style rooms, not in the tower. In fact the motel area is detached from the rest of the casino. You have to walk across a windy walkway in order to get to your room which is kind of annoying. Apparently they recently remodeled the rooms and they did a good job. Now the rooms look great on the inside, but on the outside it feels like a motel. The rooms are a good size and you can purchase hi-speed internet. Because of the motel style, there is parking outside the rooms.

There is a pool and sauna, both descent size and fun for the family. There are towels available poolside. We went at night and met some nice people.

Food: Our room came with a nice coupon pack. We got free slots for signing up and some nice dining coupons. We decided to use the 2-for-1 dinner at the Pasta Palace in the Palace Station. Our experience was OK food and horrible service. We showed up at 6:00 pm and the restaurant was about 1/4 full. They sat us down and we waited 15 minutes before our order was taken. In fact, it was 5 minutes into the experience that we had to flag someone down to get water and menus. Then at 10 minutes we began to complain that no one was serving us. Finally we had to speak to a manager to get one of the waitresses to take our order. We were clearly upset and we were able to get our meal comped with dessert for our trouble.

I ordered spaghetti and meatballs and my wife ordered penne pasta. Both were OK, nothing to write home about and I was able to save my meal for the next morning for breakfast.

The buffet on the other hand is great. Laurie and I love the Palace Station buffet. In fact, we often make it a point to eat here on every trip. The reason: Great food for a great price. Like the hotel room, your getting good value on the price you're paying. Lunch is $6.99 and dinner is $7.99. They have the usual variety of food, plus burgers, pasta and sometimes steak to order. This has definitely surpassed the Palms as the buffet for people on a budget.

The last leg of our trip was the timeshare presentation. Marriott has a timeshare booth in the lobby and they have a good choice of experiences. Some free and some at good discounts. We chose free. We got a nice dinner at the Planet Hollywood resort (formerly the Aladdin) and tickets to V the Ultimate Variety Show. A fun time was had by all. Don't forget to go to my article on Surviving Timeshare Presentations before you go.

Alan Ng

www.mypalal.com

Disney Collectibles Store

Celebrity Resorts Travel Review

2007-09-08T01:15:00.001-07:00

Whenever we stay in Orlando, we have access to numerous locations thanks to our timeshare. For $200 we were able to secure a efficiency suite at the Celebrity Resorts in Kissimmee, FL. Let's talk about the good. It's near Disney and we got what we paid for.

The bad, we got what we paid for.

For seven days at $200, we paid basically $28 a night. What a dump. The first thing we notice the place is still under refurbishment. Outside our room was a huge dumpster for construction materials. Early in the morning we see the resort staff and construction workers talking outside.

We had the efficiency suite, which is the second bedroom to a normal suite, but it can be locked off. We found that if you open the front door, you can not get to the bathroom or mini-kitchen without closing the door. This makes it difficult to bring in luggage because you have to bring everything into the bedroom.

The bedroom had two queen beds and it all felt like a 2-star hotel. No wireless internet. There is a sauna in the bathroom, but that takes up about 80% of the entire bathroom.

In conclusion, Celebrity Resorts is a dump. Avoid if at all possible.

Alan Ng

www.mypalal.com

www.themeparkshopper.com

Another Travel Day - Las Vegas to Orlando

2006-10-29T16:21:00.000-08:00

7:00 am - wake up at the Venetian and pack. I'm at a conference so I'm packing my computer and all the electronics. We decided a few days ago to not ship part of our luggage ahead of time.

It was too expensive and we have a new duffel bag that works perfectly.

So we're going to the airport with 2 suitcases, 1 duffel for check-in. We each have a carry on (computer and tote). also for you photographers, I pack my camera bag in my suitcase just to avoid the extra security.

11:00 am - calling bell service to pick up bags. He comes to pick up bags. Didn't forget this time to tip $1 per bag. We're parked in self park garage. They asked me to pull up to valet.

11:50 pm - had to go to the front desk to check out. We were given $100 incomped food and they had to take care of it there. Long line at check out. In room and express check out is the way to go.

12:20 pm - arrive at Fed Ex to overnight Halloween ticket to ebay winner.

12:50 pm - arrive at Las vegas economy parking. Found a good spot and I'm only paying $6 per day. Beware but the parking shuttle will not drop you off at the departure level unless you are disabled.

12:55 pm - Since we are disabled, we got dropped off. Very small line we were 2nd to check in.

1:00 pm - enter security. Long lines at security, but not super long. Fortunately wheelchairs have their own line. I was worried a little. I had to take off my belt and shoes, remove my computer, remove my celphone, keys, wallet and change. On top of that I had to manage Laurie's stuff too. Fortunately, in the wheelchair line they only let 1 party through at a time. This gave me ample time to pull everything together without getting anything stolen.

1:15 pm - arrive at our gate to Salt Lake City. By the way it's really dry and I got a nasty shock on the monorail hand post. It still hurt. At the gate we have to have preboarding instruction and then get our wheelchair checked in.

1:45 pm - get on plane. We're the first ones on. I start listening to podcasts.

2:15 pm - ready to take off. Plane has problems with auxilliary power. No air conditioning. I'm dying. Problem can't be fixed. But it's not essential. We take off 10 minutes late.

4:45 pm - we land about 10 minutes late and we rush to our connecting flight to Orlando.

5:00 pm - we quickly get to the other end of the terminal to check in. We are actually very late. We check in and ask to go to the bathroom before the flight. We are now the very last people to enter the plane. Yikes.

7:00 pm - I don't know where I am. But I'm watching The Devil Wears Prada. I want to kill myself. But my iPod is down to 25 percent and I'm bored...and desparate.

11:00 pm - the captain just notified us that we'll be landing in 25 minutes. Thank God. Here's what I did to kill the boredom:

- watched that silly movie.
- watched Desparate Housewives on my iPod. Now my iPod is down to 1/4 power.
- wrote two blogs about the Nightmare Before Christmas and Professional Wrestling
- small sections of a flash book.

God get me off this plane.

11:30 pm - we land. Now it baggage, rental car, room

12:00 am - we're on our way out to the resort. Itls very late and we check in. Once we enter the room we laugh. What a dump. The addage is true you get what you pay for. It's so small.

12:30 am - hunger. We drive to some fast food and its all closed. Fortunately there's Walmart. Food and McDonalds and now to sleep.

Orleans Buffet: Vegas Review

2006-10-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Orleans Buffet Travel Review

4 out of 5 stars

The buffet at the Orleans is another good value for the cheap traveler. Although, you will have to travel off strip again to get here.

Laurie and I went for dinner on a Saturday night. We showed up around 7:30 and there was barely a line. We were seated in minutes.

They have a "world" theme to their buffet. Each station has its own theme including: Chinese, Mexican, U.S.A, Bar-B-Que, Seafood.

The choices at each station was a little sparse. Maybe 2 main dishes per station. I had the ribs, fried oysters, shrimp and chow mein. Laurie had the Mongolian BBQ. The food was good and comparable to the price. Dinner cost us about $13 each. Very good value.

Dessert was pretty basic. I was not inspired at all.

Alan Ng

www.mypalal.com

www.themeparkshopper.com

Leaving For Las Vegas 10/2006

2006-10-22T10:11:00.001-07:00

We're on our way to Vegas. Weather looks good and so does traffic.

10:45 - We leave but we have errands to run.

11:15 - Finished errands and I got some Coke and donuts. Laurie got coffee.

12:00 - We're on our way. Laurie likes to chit-chat too much.

1:15 pm - We're in Victorville getting lunch at Taco Bell. Also switching off cause I'm getting sleepy.

3:00 pm - Stopped at Baker and guess what? The Bun Boy is gone. Now its a Bob's Big Boy.

3:30 pm - passed by Stateline. There is still a lot of construction going on. It's going to slow you down if there is traffic.

5:30 pm - arrive at the Venetian it took forever to drive down the strip. The problem is that traffic bottlenecks at one point and that's at Harmon st. Cars have to fight with pedestrians because they will not stop and they will jaywalk. Avoid going northbound on the strip from Tropicana to Harmon.

5:45 pm - check in arrive at suite. There's people in our room. OMG! Hotel will hear about this.

6:20 pm - wait for valet. We left late because we're complaing to the hotel staff. It pays to have a wife who complains.

6:30 pm - car arrive. Off to Walmart to pick up stuff we forgot.

7:20 pm - arrive at Orleans buffet. Buffet was about $30 for the two of us and it wasn't that bad. Nice variety of food to chose from. Lots of locals here.

8:00 pm - poker time. Did OK.

11:45 pm - went to hotel.

Tomorrow is my conference.

The Big Trip Preparation

2006-10-18T10:38:00.001-07:00

Our big vacation is coming up. We'll be in Las Vegas for a week and then off to Orlando. Normally we wouldn't traval like this but an important conference came up that I have to be at for work in Vegas.

A two week vacation is always stressful. First, there's getting a friend to stay at my house and take care of Lexy. Check. Then there's luggage.

Luggage is a huge deal. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Laurie is limited in mobility. So she can't handle multiple bags. Since we're arriving in Vegas by car, we'll have a small set of clothes and toiletries that we'll leave in the car. For Vegas, we're going to ship some thing by FedEx Ground. Like our costumes for Halloween. We also plan to purchase many of our toiletries in Orlando when we get there.

Do you have any other tips?

Sea World Travel Review

2006-10-08T23:40:00.000-07:00

Laurie and I went to Sea World today. I had won tickets at work and we decided to take this holiday weekend to go. I was given two complementary certificates. On the certificate was nothing other than they were complementary. We stood in line for about 10 minutes and when we approached the ticket booth, we were told:

1) the tickets had expired last month

2) this was the wrong place to redeem these tickets

I didn't know they were expired, but they could have written something on the ticket regarding where to redeem these tickets. Anyways, we when to the guest services window to see if we could still get in. They gladly redeemed the tickets for us and we got into the park. VERY NICE. Thank you Sea World.

We did not spend the whole day there, we went last year and many things were the same. For a Sunday on a holiday weekend, the park wasn't that crowded. The lines were good and the shows weren't completely filled. You should still show early to shows, to get a good seat.

Pets Rule - We really liked this show, mostly because we have a dog and we like to see dogs and cats do tricks. There was a sappy part where the emcee pretends to read a letter from a dog that was rescued from the animal shelter only to be enslaved to perform daily in shows such as this. Fun show - 4 out of 5 stars.

Dolphin Show - Basic show of dolphins jumping, talking and doing coordinated leaps and getting us all wet. There was a family volunteer. Husband, wife and child. Each we're given opportunities to interact with the dophins. One is a plant and this time it was the wife. I was completely surprised. In fact, Laurie tells me that the wife was kicked off the TV show, the Bachelor this week. Take splash zone warnings seriously 4 out of 5 stars.

You go to Sea World for the sea life exhibits. This is where Sea World excels. You won't be able to get this close to as many animals than Sea World. We saw the Polar Bears, walruses, baluga whales, sharks and manatees. Great Great Great 5 out of 5.

Service - The service at Sea World left a lot to be desired. Each show has disabled seat and many were taken by non-disabled people. So when a disabled person needs a seat and it is taken by someone who is not disabled, Sea World employees will not enforce the rules.

Sea World is not Disneyland, but then again what is?

San Diego Cheap Hotel Tip

2006-10-03T16:23:00.001-07:00

Because I perform weekly at the National Comedy Theater (www.nationalcomedy.com) in San Diego, I am constantly in the need of finding a cheap hotel nearby for an overnight stay. As such, this tip is to tell you where not to go.

DO NOT STAY IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO

You can find some awesome dealt at 3 star and 4 star hotels in Downtown San Diego. We stayed at the US Grant hotel one weekend for $80/night. What they don't tell you though when booking the room is that to park in the hotel, it will cost you $20/night. Now I'm paying $100.

During a conference, I stayed at the Grand Hyatt near the seaport and parking was also $20/night.

It's not worth it. Old town and hotel circle are very fine choices and they don't charge for parking.

SEASONAL CITY

I've also never seen a city that had such radical seasonal rates. It is very expensive to stay in San Diego during the summer and the weekend of Comic Con.

Excalibur Hotel - Las Vegas Hotel Review

2006-10-02T17:06:00.001-07:00

3 out of 5 stars - Cheap Traveler Review

Laurie and I have had two opportunities to stay at the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas. We stayed there this last week for just 1 night. We were able to get a really cheap rate on Hotwire for about $50 for the night. Two years ago, we did stay for about a week.

Overall it was a good hotel for the price. I would never want to spend over $100 to stay there. $50-$75 a night is a good value. They have high-speed internet available for about $10/night - rip off. The check in and check out process was good.

This last visit their internet was out and they were unable to process credit cards throughout the entire hotel. Bad for them. I'm sure it was a fluke.

The rooms are the reason to stay. They are quite large and clean. They use the antiquated air conditioner unit under the window, but it worked. Bathrooms are large too. The room comes with basic cable. There is no automated checkout system.

The casino floor is pretty smoky. They are getting better about having adequate non-smoking areas, but this place will always reek of smoke.

The buffet was also a good value for the price and they have a nice wide selection of food. They have a Krispy Kreme on the premises. A+++.

They have a Medieval Jousting Show. Too expensive.

I also like the fact that there is walkway access to both the Luxor and Mandalay Bay. If you want good value on the strip, definitely try the Excalibur.

Palace Station - Vegas Travel Report

2006-09-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

4 out of 5 stars

So we were in Vegas for just a day and we've always appreciated the value that we get from buffets. The best buffet that we've found for the cheap traveler is the Gourmet Feast at Palace Station.

This is our favorite off-strip buffet and well worth the money. We went for lunch today and spent a total of $15 for the two of us.

For lunch, I had Salmon, Fried Chicken, Penne and Meatballs, Sweet & Sour Pork and chocolate cream pie.

There is a wonderful pasta bar featuring Artichokes and a grilled burger.

Overall the food tasted great for the price and it had a descent variety.

If you've been to the Gourmet Feast, please let me know what you think.

My First Travel Entry

2006-09-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

I'm in a situation, where I want to travel and I don't have any money. My wife and I have some pretty good tips on traveling on a budget and we'd like to share that with you.

We've got some pretty good trips coming up. So come back and share in our experience.

Next month, I have a business trip in Las Vegas and immediately following is our trip to Disney World in Orlando.