Where to go next?

It was a busy week at work and home, but I was able to squeeze in some reading here and there.  Earlier this week, I bribed myself to get some exercise on the stationary bike by finishing an old (Spring 2008) Real Simple Travel.  I love travel magazines - especially when I don't have the next trip booked and am looking for ideas.  So many places out there to experience!

1. The best article in this magazine offered solutions for where to go when you have a limited travel budget but plenty of frequent flier miles.  The suggestions?  Fez (Morocco), Budapest (Hungary), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Cusco (Peru), Koh Lanta (Thailand), Panama City (Panama), and Tulum (Mexico).  Buenos Aires has popped up in several articles I've read this year, so it's definitely on my radar.  Lonely Planet has a good overview here.

2. A similar "problem/solution" article addressed where to visit if you need a country where English is widely spoken.  Belize, Croatia, India, Israel, Norway, Sweden, and Vietnam are all great suggestions.  I would also add Ireland.  I was there earlier this year, and it was definitely a different cultural experience without having to study up on a new language before the trip. 

3. I pulled out two cute totes perfect for hauling your gear to the pool or beach; it's a little late for that this year, but at least I have a couple of options before the next trip.  The first option is made of upcycled boat sails - love these! The second option is made of raincoat cotton, and though they don't have the same style listed on the website (it has been two years!), they have other cute options. Check out this one in the blue (gulf stream) option.   

4. I picked up a new safety tip - not listing your address on your luggage tags.  Listing a home address tells, as the article puts it, "a potentially unscrupulous baggage handler" that no one is home at that address.  I'd never thought of that!  My husband travels a lot for work - so glad that he's been using a business card (with his work address) on his luggage tags. 

5. Finally, I also pulled out two random articles on A.) a quick long weekend trip to the Dominican Republic on $1,000 (sounds promising, right?!) and B.) the best time to travel to Machu Picchu, Peru (definitely on my long-term list).  If you're wondering, the best time for Machu Picchu is in March...

Total magazines read this month – 5
Magazines in queue - 168