Pictures, pictures, pictures

So with the advent of digital photography, how often do people actually print pictures anymore?  Well, we got home from our trip to San Francisco last week.  It was awesome, and I will get to drafting a detailed review soon.  But another item on my to-do list is to (1) upload the pictures; (2) go through the pictures and decide what to post/share; (3) figure out if I want to order any pictures.

In the 4 days we were there, I easily took over 1,000 pictures.  I was also using a new camera, so I was just having fun with it (42x zoom; hello!!!!!).  What will I do with these pictures aside from storing them on my computer and sharing a sampling? Who knows?!  But, I no longer need to worry about the $12 and 2 days it would take to get my pictures processed at the local drugstore.  And, I no longer need to decide whether I want to pay a few dollars extra for doubles or not.  And, I no longer need to be concerned that the picture I snapped actually came out like I envisioned (I used to hate when I get back unfocused pictures or ones that were too dark!!).  Now, with digital photographer, my motto is: snap now, edit later.  

So, I am curious, when you go on vacation, how many pictures do you average a day?  Is anyone of the "24" (you know, 24 pictures per roll) mindset anymore?

What is a "good deal"?

I was just telling my husband all the great deals I found for our San Francisco trip, such as a 4-star hotel over the weekend for $200 night.  I got this deal through priceline's "name your price" option, and I have been consistently checking prices since I booked to confirm that, yes, it is/was a good deal. 

However, when my husband actually heard the price (and calculated the total cost for the length of our stay plus taxes), he was not that enthusiastic.  I do realize that we are not talking pennies here; but, given the cost of the city and the other options this was a good deal.

So what constitutes a good deal?

First, it should be a price that you can afford.  No matter how good a deal it is (e.g., 70% off), if it is hurting your wallet or causing financial troubles, it is not worth it!!  Think of it this way, if you need to pay many months of credit card interest for the "good deal", you are better off saving your money till you can afford it later on (and it might even be on sale later too!)

Second, you should want it.  Sometimes we think we want something because it's such a good deal.  For example, I have fallen victim to buying a shirt at a department store that was either too small (hoping I'd one day fit into it) or too out-of-style, because the price tag "could not be beat."  And, while the first rule applied and it was easily affordable, the second rule did not.  Did I even want this? Would I even use it? Or will it sit in my closet for a year until I decide to donate it to the salvation army?  Well, the same rule applies for travel.  If you don't really care about going somewhere, even though the price may start get your brain thinking you want to go, take a minute and think it through.

Other factors to consider: do you have time off that you can go? What would be the total price of the trip (transportation, lodging, excursions, etc.)  I once saw a fantastic deal for a cruise around Alaska.  It was too good to be true! But once I factored in airfare, taxes, and excursions, it soon lost its appeal.

What are other ways you define a "good deal"?

-JP

Countdown time!

Isn't the anticipation of traveling and the fact that you have something wonderful to look forward to part of the joy of traveling?  Don't get me wrong, I love last minute vacations (especially last minute DEALS), but planning a trip many months out is fun too!  It helps to squash that travel bug inside me, and gives me tons of things "to do" before going.  You know, like researching the best restaurants, the landmarks, the area, etc.

Another "to do" item is figuring out transportation.  I always like to try to take public transportation on trips, since you experience the local culture from a first-hand point of view that you cannot appreciate when taking a taxi.  Also, it is often much cheaper!  Of course, given the location and the timing, this might not be possible or worth it.  For example, earlier this year we were in Turkey (perhaps I will blog about that in the future), and when researching for things to do and see, I could not for the life of me understand the public transportation system from my computer in the USA.  I am sure the language barrier did not help either.  However, after a day walking around Istanbul, the bus system seemed pretty easy to navigate afterall.  And, my did we save money - and we got a free (unintended) tour!!!

Another "to do" item that can occupy countless hours (if you let it) is itinerary planning!  I am the type of person then when I travel I want to see the most I can without becoming exhausted.  Do I find time for sleep? YES.  Do I make time for spontaneous detours and long lunches? SURE.  But when I am home planning for my next trip, it always seems that the longer I have to plan (e.g., months), the more I want to see/do/explore!

Our next trip is a 4 day in San Francisco, and this is what I have on the agenda....

Day 1: Alcatraz tour in the morning (booked) and comedy show at night (booked).  In between the two, I have lots of potential items to see/do, such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Ferry Building.  Basically, just wandering around the city.  Maybe take a ride on the cable car?

Day 2: Reservations at the Stinking Rose.  This restaurant specializes in GARLIC, and since my hubby loves garlic it was a must-stop place.  I decided to do lunch here (hopefully we can sleep late), since the real focus of the day will be going to Candlestick Park (last season the 49ers will be playing there).  Yup, 49ers are a hubby's fave too, so I guess Day 2 is really his day.  With that said, nothing else is booked.  I am sure the trip to/from the stadium, tailgating and the game itself will be exhausting enough.  Oh, and yes, we are taking public transportation there!

Day 3: Renting a car (so excited about this - first time using ZipCar and we reserved a convertible!!) and headed north to the Muir Woods, Sonoma (mmm, wine) and Sausalito.  This will be an early morning since the Muir Woods website says the parking lot fills up quick, so we want to avoid that rush.  Then off to Sonoma. I have a few wineries in mind, but nothing is set in stone.  As for Sausalito, I have NOTHING planned yet.  The only thing I printed is where to park the car.  But, I hear its a great town, so I am looking forward to having dinner there and lollygagging.

Day 4: Booked a morning tour about the history of the Golden Gate Bridge, so we will be headed there bright and early.  I read online about some bakery nearby that has the best foccaccia in the world (we'll see....), so that is a must-stop!  Nothing else is planning, but I am thinking perhaps Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park.

So those are the plans so far.  If you have any suggestions for must-see/must-do/must-stop places, let me know.  I will be sure to update the blog with a review once we get back from our journey.

-Journey Paradise

Wherever my travels may lead, paradise is where I am. -Voltaire.

A friend just posted this as her facebook status, and it seemed PERFECT for my first post.

My blogging cherry has been popped!  Stay tuned for more....

JP