I’m getting laser eye surgery tomorrow and I’ve been saving up for this for months. If I wasn’t spending my savings on laser eyes (Pew, Pew!), I would consider spending it on a trip right about now. Accor is hosting a giant Asia Pacific hotel sale from October 27 to October 29. Basically, you can apparently book a hotel room online for as low as $30 USD when you take advantage of this “Super Sale”. The offer includes 1 million hotel rooms across the Asia Pacific.

The country list includes Australia, but if I could take advantage of the sale I’d probably choose to see Thailand. Thailand is one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries in the world – imagine how awesome it would be.

I’ve been itching to travel lately. HHRay can’t yet because of his studies, but I’m not sure how much longer I can wait. After my laser eye surgery I’ll be starting to save up for a trip to another country.

So – when I go to Thailand, I will make it my mission to explore the Buddhist temples, learn more about Buddhism, and make some Buddhist friends.

Other than Thailand, other countries included in Accor’s Super Sale offer are  Korea, China, Japan, HK, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, and Bali.

Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific sounds pretty cool. There are always hotel deals and special offers flying around, maybe something like this will come along when I’m planning my own trip.

I’ve been itching to travel. Ever since I met the man I mentioned in an earlier post, the one who was going away to the U.S. in several weeks, I’ve been dreaming about going back home again, if only to visit. It dawned on me that despite all the road trips my family and I took in the U.S., there are so many places we didn’t get a chance to visit. Places like Alaska and Hawaii – the two states that I mostly associate with the U.S. when I think of it. I’m making it a goal to one day go on a luxurious cruise to Hawaii, lay by the beach all day, and drink coconut milk. That’s what I imagine it as – beach, white sand, friendly locals, and coconuts. For example, TravelStore, Inc., offers several Hawaiian cruise options for a Hawaii cruise vacation.

You can go by ship or plane. I think that despite my fear of being stuck in the middle of the ocean with sharks swirling all around me, I’d choose the ship to avoid the plane ride – during which I’d be stuck in the middle of the sky with nothingness and the possibility of a very long fall swirling all around me.

Anyway, TravelStore, Inc, offers a variety of Hawaiian cruises and even gives the browser free tips and things that should be kept in mind when embarking on a cruise. They even have Hawaiian cruise experts that help you to book the perfect vacation to suit your needs. And while the offers page seems to be undergoing some technical difficulties, the site is very easy to navigate.

I completely changed my mind. Instead of Mexico, I’m going to Hawaii when I win the lottery.

Some of our friends from the neighbourhood recently went to Mexico on vacation. We walk our dogs together a lot, so I knew about them going well in advance. I’m not sure where they’re staying, but I believe they mentioned staying at one of the properties owned by Océano Rentals when they visited Mexico before. Océano Rentals properties are Mexico beach rentals and the friends did mention staying by a beach this time again. I checked out some of the photos on their web site and they’re pretty impressive.

I often hear that Mexican sunsets are absolutely gorgeous…now…imagine a Mexican sunset by the glistening sea. Now that’d be something. In fact, if I was to ever get married, I’m pretty sure I’d want to go to Mexico on the honeymoon. And if I were to end up loving Mexico enough to want to live there, there’s good news – the company doesn’t only rent out property, but sells it as well :). Mexico, here I come! …in 9 or 10 more  years…

Oh how I miss Alabama. Especially Birmingham, the largest city in the entire state. I had almost forgotten my visit to Birmingham years ago, until I checked out the city’s guide here, on USA Hotel Guide. I’ve gotta admit, Birmingham isn’t such a great tourist hotspot – I didn’t think I’d see it in a guide :S. I saw Birmingham on the list of guides and, when I clicked on it, was instantly reminded of how great the city really was. Yeah, who would’ve thought, a great city in Alabama, right? Well Birmingham is one of those cities.

The Birmingham guide talks about different hotels and attractions that Birmingham has to offer. It’s located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and has more than 500 restaurants. One thing that kind of threw me off is mention of how many Baptist churches there are. Is this really relevant? What if a Muslim wants to visit the city? Why not list how many Muslim churches there are as well? I’d like to see a bit less discrimination and segregation religion-wise in the guide.

But then it talks about Birmingham’s Museum of Art – this brought my spirits way up because I remember going there :). There are Asian art collections, a motorsport museum, exhibits of African Art, basically anything your little heart desires.

The guide also mentions the many gardens that are located in Birmingham. And seriously, there are many. If you’re a nature lover, I’d definitely recommend checking it out. Then it mentions the obvious things – movies, shopping, etc. Of course, if one wanted to go shopping, they’d go to LA or New York ;). Nevertheless, these things are always good to know for tourists and people who live there. One thing that intrigued me the most, which I actually didn’t see during my visit, is that it turns out Birmingham has the world’s largest skylight. You learn something new every day.

If you do decide to visit Birmingham someday, be sure to check out this list of inexpensive hotels.

This is a sponsored post. But that doesn’t make the iPod any less free :D.

A few years ago, when we were still living in the U.S., my family would take a road trip across America every summer. One summer we decided to go to Niagara Falls. It was a great experience. Reaching the Falls was amazing. The whole thing is huge! And seeing it at night is simply breathtaking. There are all of these multicolored lights that decorate the water and I must say, the Canadian side was much prettier than the U.S. side.

That was quite a trip, as we tried to sneak into Canada illegally, with no success. We got caught. Oh well, we had fun watching the Niagara Falls from the bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada anyway. I’d love to visit it again. In fact, I’d just love to travel in general again.

And now it seems I would have all the more incentive to travel because turns out Trusted Tours and Attractions are offering a giveaway to those who sign up for their Trusted Travel eNewsletter. Geez, there’s all kinds of travel related freebies going around these days, aren’t there? But anyway, an iPod isn’t too shabby an offer! Those who sign up (it’s free) are entered into a drawing to win an iPod Nano…and no, it’s not one of the newer iPod Nanos, it’s a previous model. But hey, an iPod is an iPod, right? The offer ends on Dec 31, 07. I already signed up for my newsletter and keeping my fingers crossed for the iPod.

I need a getaway. I’m tired of going to the same places and doing the same things. I need a vacation – not from work, I’ve been slacking lately – but from the routine events I’ve been going through day after day. I want something different, but relaxing. I’ve been looking at destinations to dream about for the past few weeks. So when I got the chance to write about this particular island, I was ecstatic.

Picture Amelia Island.

Amelia Island is in Florida and was voted one of the top 10 islands in the U.S. by Condé Nast readers. The island boasts heavenly scenery, shopping, golf courses, incredible restaurants, and plenty of adventure (including my favorite, horseback riding!)

From now through to February 29, 2008, there is a Lodging Special on the island. If you book a two night stay, they’ll throw in a third night for free. Be sure to read the list of participating properties, however, because it doesn’t look like you can just check into any hotel and get an extra free day of adventure.

The Bed & Breakfasts that are participating in this event include the Ash Street Inn, The Amelia Island Williams House, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, The Fairbanks House, The Florida House Inn, and Hoyt House.

The hotels which can give you a free night are the Amelia Hotel, Beachside Motel, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Summer Beach Resort, Amelia Island Plantation.

The island is tiny and boasts a comforting Southern atmosphere and ancient live oaks. Amelia Island has a lot of history for curious visitors to discover. For example, apparently a former resident of Amelia Island, Kate Bailey, loved the oak that towered beside her house so much that when workers attempted to chop it down, she guarded it on her veranda with a shotgun!

I’ve wanted to visit someplace like this for a long time. Hopefully some day I’ll get the chance. And hopefully there’ll be another free night special running at that time, too ;).