Holidays

Yesterday was Mother's Day in the United States. Countries around the world have similar holidays, but the actual date varies, in England it was in March and in Israel it is in February. I guess Hallmark cannot get everyone to agree to one day.
Since my mother passed away almost four years ago, I had no one to buy flowers for, or mail a card to. My roommate and I went out to lunch after he got home from church. His mother has also been gone for a number of years. It seemed most of the restaurant parking lots were crowded with families out enjoying the day. The place we chose eventually filled up with families with mothers and in some cases grand mothers.
My father used to make sure that their was a card from all the children and a present from us, which he had bought. While still in New Jersey my mother would get breakfast delivered to her in bed. As we got older it was just a big breakfast in the kitchen. But honestly, my father cooked breakfast every Sunday for the family, so only the cards and gifts made it something different.
My family accepted my lifestyle and it was not much of an issue, but so many gay men and women are disowned by their families. And that is such a waste. Relationships that grew for years are destroyed by the truth, and no one is to blame.
If life has taken you away from your family, maybe it is time for a visit? Damron Vacations can help plan a weekend trip to the old hometown. While offering packages to exciting gay destinations, along with Europe and other exotics, Damron Vacations does offer packages to most US cities with an airport. A flight and car can be of assistance if there is no airport nearby. So contact one of the experienced agents and visit your family.

Anchors AWAY!!!!

This past Sunday was the monthly Tea Cruise on the Musette. There is free parking right near the ship's berth on the south bank of the New River. After checking with Peter and his crew, the Damron Vacations' staff(no pun intended) boarded the ship. Dana, Sherry, Kirk, his partner David and yours truly took a quick tour. Kirk and David set up the Damron Vacations display in the main lounge on the first deck, meanwhile the rest of us found 'adult beverages' on the open second level and found space at the rail to watch out departure.
After a slight delay for one of the performers, are drag queens ever on time?, we pulled away from land and headed east. The New River winds it way along the south side of downtown towards the intercoastal and the open waters of the Atlantic. Lining the shores are some of the most expensive homes in the area. Large waterfront compounds with plenty of outdoor living space with pools with attached spas, outdoor kitchens that rival most suburban homes.
The on board entertainment included performance from two local female impersonators, a stripper, a porn star and a young guy in his underwear. Of the group, the stripper was DEFINITELY the best. I'm guessing that he was well into his 30s, but had a body to die for. Well muscled but not steroid looking, dark hair, what had not been shaved, and appeared to be nicely equipped under his torn, wet, white, tee shirt. YUMMY!!!
The porn star was no slouch either. A tasty looking Latin man in a well packed Speedo. One of my coworkers(and me) thought it was nicely filled in the rear. So many men work on their chests but ignore other ASSets. He did pose for a group picture, but I have included the other I took.
The weather was beautiful, sunny with a nice breeze, so was a great day for a boat tour. The Tea Cruise is an optional feature for all of Damron Vacation packages if travel includes the first Sunday of the month. There is a variation with the next cruise the last Sunday in May so as not to interfere with Gay Days at Disney.

I Dreamed a Dream

Yes, the song sung by Susan Boyle on Britain, You've Got Talent. A rather frumpy woman in her late 40's, single, lives alone with her cat, never been married or romantically involved. Up until her death a few years past, she cared for her mother. Sounds familiar?
To an extent, her life parallels a lot of gay men's lives, except for the not being kissed or romantically involved. But there are a lot of single gay men out there that pushing 50 and wondering where there youth has gone.
Growing up every child has dreams and aspiration of how they will be as adults. Changing the world for the better through science or medicine, being happily married with children and grandchildren.
Then comes reality. Career paths take detours and never get back on track, marriages or relationships falter, health fails. Sexuality changes. Outside forces alter the options forever. But time marches on, slowly ticking away from youth to middle age.
That is what makes the song I Dreamed a Dream so poignant. The words are very cutting to core of many people's lives, whether gay or straight, married or single. Life has lost most of its excitement and has become routine. Days flow into weeks, then months and eventually years. We have become our parents, something we swore we would never do.
But all is not hopeless, life is still alive. Susan Boyle always wanted to be a professional singer, but never had the chance until almost 48. After the first few notes of her song, it looks like her dream might come true, probably long after she gave up hope. The same holds true for people everywhere. Maybe it has become too late to study medicine, or discover a renewable non polluting power source, but there are other ways to change the world and make a lasting impression. Volunteering for a cause, every locale has an AIDs hotline or fundraising committee. There are possibilities everywhere to help the less fortunate. Even when you think you life has been wasted, remember somewhere there is at least one person that smiles when they think of you.
Maybe a career change is in order? If you are bored and unfulfilled at your current position, try job.travel for opportunities in the travel and hospitality industry. Jobs in travel and hospitality are world wide and encompasses many talents. Perhaps a trip to a place you have always dreamed of visiting? Damron Vacations can help with the planning. So do not let the rest of your life pass you by, make some changes to spice it up and enjoy.

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living,
So different now from what it seemed...
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed...

In Springtime thoughts turn to....

TRAVEL!!! Yes the weather is getting nice in the northern tier of states and spring is starting to show. Dogwoods and azaleas are blooming across the south along with daffodils and tulips. The warm weather is creeping slowly north and lingering.
The warming of the air typically leads to thoughts of vacation. A get of of town trip. With the slight improvement of the economy, maybe it is time to head to the Continent? The effects of last years spike in oil prices were air carriers reduced capacity on trans-Atlantic flights. Even with this reduction there is still an abundance of empty seats and airfare bargains are plentiful.
The European economy is not better than here and decreased travel has left hotel rooms empty in all countries and price categories. Offers of price reductions or free nights make Europe a bargain right now. With high hotel vacancy rates and discounted airfare, this might be the best time to head to Europe.
Spring in Europe is a riot of color, from the tulip fields in Holland, to lavender in Provence. Paris is abloom also. The weather has warmed and the Parisians have shed winter wear for more lively fashions. The Tuileries is full of strollers, lover and children with sailboats in one of the many fountains. Sidewalk cafes have returned their tables to the open air and people watching is back in vogue after a winter vacation. And pop into the restroom, it might surprise you.
One of the must sees in Paris is the Opera Garnier, the old opera house. It is the setting for the Phantom of the Opera from Broadway and cinema fame. Built in the Beaux Arts design, the imposing building is lavishly decorated both inside and out. The grand staircase is constructed of various colors of marble. The Grand Salon looks like Louis the XVI could hold court there. The chandelier hangs beneath a Marc Chagall mural painted inside the original dome.
One of the most recognizable structures in the world is to the south across the Seine, the Eiffel Tower. Built as a temporary structure for the World's Exposition in 1889, it is the most visited structure in the world The view is breathtaking both night and day. Take your postcards and mail form the post office on the second level and they will have a post mark from there. Also pay for the elevator ride, the stairs are a LONG walk.
If springtime in Paris has always been an item on your bucket list, why not make it happen? Damron Vacations can make your dream a reality. If getting away on short notice is a problem, maybe a fall visit with the sycamore trees putting on a dazzling display of leaves. Summer is usually very crowded and I would recommend not visiting then.

Ahoy Matey!!

It's the first Sunday of the month in Ft Lauderdale. It is sunny, with a little breeze and it is time to decide what to do. There is always the beach at Sebastian Street, lunch at Rosies, shopping, the possibilities are endless. As the day progresses, maybe a few drinks with friends?
Hmmmm, Steel? Scandals? Bill's? Even more options. Why not try the Tea Cruise? Departing along the New River at 3pm, what better way to spend a nice afternoon? With drinks, strippers, drag queens, and hot men, is there any place else to be? For three hours the Musette slowly glides past opulent mansions lining the waterfront. With live DJs spinning tunes it is a great time, and much better than standing inside dark bars that you've already spent the past two nights hopping between.
Damron Vacations is sponsoring the cruise on May 3rd. Not only do you have a chance to meet the great agents that work there, a prize package to Cancun is being offered. The package includes two tickets on Continental from the continental United States, double accommodations for three nights at the Hyatt Regency Cancun. Check out the Damron Vacations blog for all the details. So mark your calenders for May 3rd and set sail with Damron Vacations on the Tea Cruise and pretend you have your own yacht and are throwing the Party of the Year!!!

Good Friday

With Holy Week coming to an end on Sunday with Easter, what better destination to write about than Rome. The Eternal City. Home of the Catholic Church. Full of HOT Italian men.
Rome was the predominant power at the time of Christ. The Empire stretched form England to north Africa to the western edge of Asia and most of in between. At the time the city was ruled by Caesars, and was a mixture of religions, though mostly pagan. Temples to various gods and goddesses survive to this day, though most are in ruins. One building is relatively well preserved, the Pantheon. The imposing facade with its soaring columns and large dome is breathtaking. The immense dome is an engineering feat. Done as a single pour of concrete, the shell decreases in thickness as it climbs to the oculus. A drainage system in the floor keeps rain from accumulating. And all this built around 200 AD.
The current St Peter's replaced a much older structure with construction starting in the early 1500s. In the over 100 years it took to construct, it had many architects and many variations. Michelangelo was the main contributor to the design, with only the extension of the east end into a long nave being the only modification. The large square directly in front of the entrance was surrounded by a colonnade designed by Bernini in the mid 1600s.
Jumping back to the Roman Empire times, the Roman Forum is a collection of ruins from various temples. The Colosseum is adjacent along with the Trajan Markets. All are feats of constructions and are testaments to the engineering skills of the Romans. Sheer gravity is all that hold the Colosseum up, there is no mortar in its joints.
Modern Rome offers a wonderful array of places to dine. Of course Italian is the predominate cuisine. The various regions of Italy provide a wide variety of menu options with different shapes of pasta and sauces. The section of Trastevere is a great place to wander, window shop and eat. Rome also has a lively gay scene with most of it located near the main train terminal. just bring your Damron Guide.
To get to Rome, call an agent at Damron Vacations. With over 25 years in the travel business, the agents have a vast knowledge of the city. So is ancient wonders, delicious food and even tastier men sounds like a dream vacation, Damron Vacations can make it all come true.

Vacation Deals

Even though the economy is starting to show some signs of life, most people are still cautious over spending on luxury items, extravagant meals, designer labels, unnecessary travel. While all of these items are are fun, they are not needed for everyday life. But there are ways around this.
Most websites have places to sign up for specials. Restaurant websites offer coupons and sign up for emails. I just got one today from a dinner I frequent for a burger and milkshake for $8.99, YUMM!! Department store chains offer discount sections on line, TARGET's site also offers free shipping for orders over $50.
Many vacation websites have an email list for specials, Damron Vacations has that option. And when you sign up now, you receive $100 off your first booking of 4 nights or more, restrictions apply. After enrolling, you will receive a weekly newsletter with promotions from Damron Vacations. Makes it easy to find good deals on vacations.

Deals on a Budget

With small glimmers of hope in the economy starting to appear, maybe it has reached bottom. Car sales were down, but not as much as forecasted, factory orders increased, all signs of a recovery. Jobs are still being lost, but not at the record rate in months past. Let's all keep out fingers crossed and the worst is over.
But even with a little ray of economic good news, going overboard is not a smart idea. A loosening of the purse strings might be in order though. Maybe a treat out to dinner, one of the first luxuries that gets cut in a downturn. There are many options to find bargains. One is the site Restaurant.com, it offers discounted gift certificates at many local eateries. Just enter your zip code and press go. My local newspaper has the same deal on Friday morning's online edition. Many popular eateries have promotions that can be purchased, but quantities are limited. To me it is a good incentive to try a new place, $25 worth of food for $10 is hard to beat.
Many hotels are offering discounts too. Having a person pay a reduced rate is better than an empty room. Many establishments are trying to keep valuable employees, this may mean reduced hours for everyone, as opposed to reduced number of staff.
These great deals are also available on Damron Vacations. Many high end hotels are offering reduced rates, spa credits, food & beverage credits to name a few of the perks offered. Combining these with a reduced flight cost could make a quick trip easy, convenient and affordable. With tourism down worldwide, hotel rates in Europe have dropped and flight deals abound. The dollar has also rallied against the euro, so once there, prices are affordable. Too many months of frugality can lead to an over abundance of stress, so break out the debit card and treat yourself to a nice meal of maybe a trip, so call Damron Vacations or check out the webiste for your travel needs.

I want to be a cowboy

This weekend in the Sunshine Stampede in Ft Lauderdale. The Florida Gay Rodeo Association is hosting the event at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie. The event will draw participants from across the country and local residents.
Scandals the C&W bar in town is the host bar. They will be having specials for the weekends. Shuttles will be provided from two bars and the host hotels to the rodeo grounds. The Saturday Night festivities will include the group Expose, a flash from the past.
The competitions will start on Saturday morning and continue through Sunday afternoon. There will be some campy events like dressing up small barnyard animals in drag. But there will many of the typical rodeo events also, bull riding, barrel racing, etc. So there will be REAL cowboys in attendance.
My favorite watering hole will have a country theme. Last year there were hay bales in the parking lot and parking spaces blocked off with a split rail fence. The only downfall is there will be plastic cups at the bars since the crowd will be so big. It will be a fun weekend of cowboys and cowgirls, in tight jeans wandering around the various bars.
There was also a gay country western themed cruise that departed last weekend and will be back on Saturday morning in time for the opening ceremonies. Cowboys in tight jeans and real cowboy hats, how much closer to Brokeback Mountain can a city slicker gay man get? It is a little too late to book flights and hotel for this year, but Damron Vacations can help with next years plans. The agents are very familiar with the area since Damron Vacations is based in Ft Lauderdale(yes, I know I am lucky). So start taking those line dance and 2 step lesson and prepare for next years rodeo, maybe you can find a bronking buck for the night.

All about the Hoops!!

It is the last week of March and Spring is trying to get established across the country. Here in South Florida, it never was winter as most Americans know it. Yes, it did dip into the 30s a few nights, but when those chilly nights are followed by sunny and 70, it is hard to call it winter. We have been rather dry the past few months, though that was helped some a week ago with a rainy few days. But it is definitely better than the residents of Fargo, ND. It seems the river has crested but there is a chance of several inches of snow during this week.
In various cities around the country the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is being played. From the original 64, only 4 remain and they are heading to Detroit for the semi-finals on Saturday and the finals on Monday. In years past, the colleges were placed in brackets to provide good match-ups and also occupancy for hotels. This year, because of the economy, teams started their quest much closer to home. This allowed fans to drive to the venues instead of flying.
Memphis was the scene for the quarterfinal game of UNC and Oklahoma. Both of these school are a days drive away from Memphis, yes it is a long drive, but $75 in gas for 4 people is a much better deal than several hundred each if flights were needed. Remember, there is no 14 day advance purchase, more like 7.
I will watch the game with my alumni association in a local sports bar. Going to the finals would be fun, but VERY $$$. And tickets to the game would be EXTREMELY hard to obtain for less than the value of a kidney. If I had planned to attend, Damron Vacations could have booked my flight, hotel and car. Even though Detroit is not known as a gay mecca, it is one of the destinations offered by Damron Vacations. So if a last minute dash to Detroit to watch UNC win the championship is needed, call or go on line to Damron Vacations, and hake it happen.

On Line vs With an Agent

There are so many travel websites, booking a trip can be quite confusing. There are sites from the major airlines, discounters, last minute specialists, niche groups to name a few. Which one to use?
The travel sites associated with a major airline are well established. But the main problem is that they only offer flights on their airline and partners. This limits destinations and travel options. Most of the discounters do offer various airlines, but sometimes the flight connections are on different lines and the chance of lost baggage is increased. Plus, the flights and hotel are usually separate reservations. The last minute operators do not disclose flight times and hotel selections until payment is received. This can be problematic if the hotel needs to be in a certain area, or flights arrive by a certain time.
The main drawback to the last minute and volume discounters is customer service. There is usually no phone number to speak to a live person. Everything is done electronically. Changes are either not allowed or extremely difficult to make.
The niche operators while catering to a specific group of travelers or a certain destination, usually offer more options and can better tailor a trip to meet one's needs. Websites like Damron Vacations offer the flexibilty to book on line, or with an agent, same price. The agents are extremely well trained and knowledgeable about the destinations and optional features. The Customer Service Department is willing to work out issues with hotels or flights within established policies.
While Damron is an established name in the gay and lesbian section of society, the hotels offered include major chains in most cities that have an airport. So if the next trip is home to Butte, Montana, Damron Vacations can arrange a flight, hotel and car for a great rate. You will also be offered a selection of flight options based on service to the destination allowing for additional miles for your favorite carrier, the least expensive, or the best flight schedule.

The Conch Republic

Home of Parrotheads, wreckers, Robert the Doll and Mel Fisher, Key West has quite a colorful past and present. Located at the southern end of the Florida Keys, it is the farthest south you can get in the continental United States. The actual island is only about 6 square miles not counting the lagoons and canals.
The drive down starts of rather boring, interstate highway to the Florida Turnpike. In western Miami/Dade, there are subdivisions and gravel pits. At the end of the turnpike at Florida City, traffic is routed onto US1. Built for the most part on the former East Coast Railroad, it crosses vast grasslands of the southern Everglades. To get to the actual keys, a new bridge replaces an old drawbridge, and Key Largo starts the journey. Made famous by a Bogart movie, it has the feel of most beachside town. Since it is the largest key, views of the water are rare. South of Key Largo the islands are smaller and water views are common. Bridges from small 20 foot spans to the famous 7 mile bridge carry traffic farther south and west to the end f US 1 at the Post Office on Whitedhead.
The island and town are essentially one with not town limit signs to be seen. The western end of the island is Old Town, the original settlement area and the tourist area. In the last few years cruise ships have started to use Key West as a port of call, much to the detriment of the town's quaintness. Duty Free shopping areas and the major chains are replacing the small mom and pop shops and restaurants.
Before the advent of cruise ships, Key West was mostly known for its alternative lifestyle. Gay men would flock to the island to stay at one of the many guest houses catering to men. Most located in old Conch style cottages enclosed in a compound with pool, hot tub etc, and clothing optional is the norm. Many gay bars lined the streets from the Copa in an old movie theater on Duval to smaller bars catering to niche clientele on the side streets.
The La te Da complex is alive an kicking with its guest rooms, restaurant, bars and show room. It is a convenient base of operation. The New Orleans House and Bourbon Street Pub are a short stroll up the street, along with the 801. This past Saturday night, a pedi-cab delivered a large drag queen in her sequined gown along with two yummy bartenders in Speedos for their shifts. This is the same bar where on New Year's Eve, a drag queen named Sushi is lowered in a large red slipper.
The 801 is a more laid back kind of neighborhood bar. With doors and windows opening right onto the Duval sidewalk, tourists cannot not help but peak in. Upstairs is a show room where performances are held nightly and the performers stand out front to attract people into the show. Something that the straight tourist would not do at home, but since they are on vacation in Key West, it is okay. Attached is Saloon One on the side street and is much more cruisy.
After checking into the Fairfield Inn, we took the bus to town. We had lunch at the Conch Republic Seafood Company overlooking the marina. Several of the afternoon cruises pulled out loaded with tourist to do some snorkeling, look for dolphins and just enjoy the great weather.
With lunch done we walked to Duval Street and headed south. Since there was no cruise ship in port the sidewalks were manageable. Eventually we made it to the far south end after numerous stops along the way for browsing, shopping and a few photo ops. A quick spin past the Southernmost Point Monument and then back up Duval. After all that walking, a drink was needed and the $2 mojitos at Island Dogs quenched it well.
Some more wandering around and then a stop at Mallory Square. Unfortunately it was too early and the sunset vendors were just arriving for the nightly show. Bargain tee-shirt shopping and then the search for dinner. Menus are posted outside to make selection easier. Christine's was the front runner until it started to rain, and most of their seating is al fresco. Jack Flatts finished first.
Inside Jack Flatts was a rowdy sports themed bar. Maybe because all the televisions, at least 6, were turned to the NCAA Tournament. Luckily our booth was in front of the UNC vs LSU game, GO HEELS!! My roommate was for LSU since it was the last SEC team left, though he went to Auburn, but I informed him that I could make a four hour drive very annoying. Plus, I'm a UNC graduate. There seemed to be an equal number of fans for both sides, but LSU ended up loosing. After the UNC lead was more than 10, other closer games were switched on by the network. BTW, the food was quite good and very reasonable.
Back on Duval after dinner we headed back to the hotel. we flagged down one of the pedi-cabs, but he said it would be like $50 to get there, so we passed it up. Since the Fairfield was out on N Roosevelt, there would be no return fare and we think that was why the price was high. So we walked the mile and a half back.
On Sunday we enjoyed the free continental breakfast and checked out of the room. It was a grey overcast morning and we took a tour of the island. Just before lunch we headed back to Fort Lauderdale for a late afternoon nap. The drive home became sunny after about an hour of driving and was an easy trip, no wrecks on US1.
If Key West seems like a fun place to visit, it is. There are many options of gay guesthouses to gay friendly resorts and spas. Damron Vacations can help make all your arrangements. So plan a trip to America's Caribbean and enjoy the slow lane where most people walk, ride a bike or scooter, or takes a pedi-cab. your stress will melt away in the warm tropical sun.

Friday again

Yes, it seems that people enjoy working on Fridays. The weekend is almost here, thoughts of cold frosty adult beverages are common, people seem more relaxed. Only 76 more minutes, YEAH!!
Even though it is the kickoff for the weekend, that does not mean that work quantity or quality should decrease. Relaxed dress codes does not mean relaxed work standards. In my case, I have worked in three of my assigned duties, from 2GoMedia, Future Vacations Product Development, and Damron Vacations. Mostly just updating the week's work, some promotion at a chain of resorts, and trained one agent on 2GoMedia. I have sat in both of my desks today, I wear several hats at my job.
Tonight I will participate in happy hour at The Alibi, my favorite watering hole. The drinks are good, the videos entertaining and it is a no smoking establishment. I may wander over to Bill's or Sidelines. The Drive in Wilton Manors is the center for gay life in the Ft Lauderdale area. It is full of shops, restaurants and bars, all with in walking distance of each other. I cannot stay out too late since I am heading to Key West in the morning, I know, poor thing.
Tonight I believe is Art Walk too. Local artists will have their pieces on display at a collection of establishments tonight. So as customers walk from dinner to cocktails or the gym, they will have the opportunity to purchase. Never know when you might buy a future FAMOU$ artist. The nice weather in south Florida is conducive to many outdoor shows. Maybe a quick visit is in store for you? The agents at Damron Vacations can help with everything from flights and hotel to tickets to a gay Tea Cruise is you are here the first Sunday of the month.

All work and no play.......

Depending on a person's position in a company, sometimes a business trip is part of a job. In days of cost cutting travel expenses usually take a major hit. More teleconferences instead of face to face. Plus with the advent of cameras that broadcast over the Internet, people can be face to face.
Depending on company policy, travel is either booked by a specific person or department, or reviewed once arrangements are made. Corporate travel departments usually have arrangements with travel agents or hotel chains. Where as in small companies, individual can use their own sources.
With Damron Vacations, were offer lodgings across the country not just in the Gay Meccas. In all the major cities we offer a range of accommodations. And in smaller locales Damron Vacations still offers national chains, though not as many.
This is also true for trips home to see family or friends. Sometimes a hotel is better than your old bedroom since you cannot bring your partner in the house. A flight and car or add a hotel if needed and a trip home can be a fun time. Bring along the latest issue of the Damron Guide and the post family visit time can be filled with family.

City of Light

Yes, we have returned to Paris, the city of light. Though there is no definitive origin for the name, it thought to be from it being a center of learning and ideas, or possibly from its early introduction of street lights. Where ever it was derived from the name is fitting.
Monuments are meant to be seen, both night and day. With advancements in technology, designers are no longer confined to spot lights pointed at a structure. Halogen and ribbon lighting are two options to highlight features.
The Eiffel Tower originally erected as a temporary structure, is still standing with pride over the left bank of the Seine. Work has replaced weakened elements and light have been installed. When in Paris a trip to the top is a definite MUST. The view is amazing with the Seine winding past the base and the large boulevards designed by Haussmann stretching off into the distance.
A little up river and on the opposite bank is the Louvre, one of the most famous museums in the world. It started as a small hunting lodge and was transformed by various kings into a monumental palace. After the French Revolution, it was turned into a museum by Napoleon Bonaparte. Its most famous current resident is the Mona Lisa, La Giaconda.
Further up river, but this time on an island is Notre Dame. A massive Gothic cathedral on the Ile de la Cite. Construction lasted almost 200 years beginning in 1160 at the bidding of Bishop Maurice de Sully. During its lifetime, it has been blundered, altered and restored. It has also been home to one hunchback.
To the west of the city lies Versailles, Palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. He moved the government of France to the palace in the late 17th Century and expanded the building. Lavish spending on the construction nearly bankrupt the country(sound familiar). Later occupants were known for their love of cake, and loosing their heads.
Besides the main landmarks of Paris, there is plethora of smaller less known sights. Museums run the gamut from antiquities to Impressionism. There are monuments to former leaders, historic homes, and more churches than one can pray in. Quaint streets offer cafes to while away an afternoon sipping cafe au lait and munching on pastries. In the Marais section there is a very active alternative community with bars, clubs and cafes catering to its niche clientele.
Let the experienced agents at Damron Vacations help plan you visit to the City of Light. It is a definite Bucket List city.

More Staycation Information

This past weekend was beautiful in Ft Lauderdale. This is the dry season in South Florida. Translation: clear sunny blue skies, no humidity and a nice breeze. The reason that people move here. The only ice hazards here is too many mojitos.
On Saturday, a nice ride down A1A showed that Spring Break is in FULL SWING. I have not seen the sand that crowded in a long time. I guess the economy has curtailed some travel for Spring Breakers. Instead of flying to Mexico, 4 guys in a car driving to Ft Liquordale.
Also this weekend was the Atlantis Celebrity Solstice cruise. Celebrity's stellar new ship, the Solstice carrying over 2,500 gay men. That might be just a few too many men for me. The bars over the weekend were hopping with early arrivals, lots of new faces.
Since it was the first full weekend in March, the Las Olas Art Fair was held. The main shopping street in Ft Lauderdale is closed for several blocks and tent are set up along the median. Artists from around the country come to display their artwork. The items on display are towards the high end of traveling art shows. No puppets made out of socks. In one of the intersections was a display of large metal animals with bobbing heads painted in bold primary colors. I think a few of these by my pool on the intracoastal would be nice. Guess I better buy some LOTTO tickets so I can buy that point lot.
With the economy barely breathing, and budgets being tightened, check out your local newspaper for local events. Most museums have a free day during the month, or account holders at certain banks get discounts. Or check out your local fag rags to check out Alternative events. I know the Gay Rodeo is coming to town. YUM!! Gay cowboys.
If a trip out of town is what you desire, try Damron Vacations. With possibilities to fit any budget, Damron Vacations can make your travel dreams reality.

Travel on a Dime

The downturn in the economy has also had an adverse effect on the travel industry. With the Federal bailout, many companies have recently canceled meetings as a result of adverse publicity.
Las Vegas and other popular cities have been hard hit and trying to fill vacancies.
This does have an upside. With empty rooms to fill, bargains are everywhere. There are many websites that offer last minute deals. Also some send weekly emails with specials they have uncovered. Though some are still on the $ side, some are quite reasonable. Maybe it is just a weekend away in a nearby city that you drive to, or a cheap flight to visit friends.
Low budget does not mean boring and dull. Staying in a 5 star property in your own city for a great price is a nice get away. Instead of a few hundred dollars in airfare, use the money for spa treatments, show tickets, or that expensive restaurant you always wanted to try. So many people are always waiting for a special occasion to pamper themselves. Why wait? There could be a bus out there just waiting........
Damron Vacations offers some great deals to great destinations. The experienced agents can help plan a quick get away to Vegas, or maybe someplace warm and tropical? A little stress release is just a phone call away.

The 'Good Old Days' of Travel

I remember traveling as a child. Back in the 1960s middle America would load up the station wagon and drive off to vacation. Ours was a green 1963 Chevrolet Belair with green interior, luggage rack, AM radio, and NO seat belts. Living in New Jersey, summer vacations were spent in a rented apartment or house in Seaside Heights, NJ.
My parents would go shopping for supplies, mom would make tomato sauce and a lasagna, 'Grandma' Poplopski across the street would make us stuffed cabbage to take, and off we would go. I think mom traded another lasagna for the cabbage. The next week or two would be spent going to the beach during the day and the boardwalk at night. Amazing how much fun a child could have with $2 in those days.
I had never been to and airport until August 1968. My father had a business trip to Los Angeles and my mother could go too. We dropped her off a few days before hand so she could spend some time with her brother who lived there. I remember mom got dressed up to fly, heels, hose, and dress. At the end of the gateway, we were mesmerized as we watched her and similarly attired individuals boarding the flight. WOW!!
My first flight was in 1973 from San Francisco to Charlotte. It was at the end of a cross country trip when the family explored the West. Mom, my little brother and I flew home while dad and two older brothers drove home. We got dressed with ironed shirts and khakis, since we were on vacation, we had no ties to wear. We obeyed mom's directions and sat quietly in our seats. Even though it was a VERY long flight we never acted up, we knew the consequences.
Flash forward 30 years. Air travel is no longer for only the wealthy. With discount prices, more people have taken to the skies. Though with the discounting also comes a cheapening of the experience. People no longer look at a plane flight as anything special. No more getting dressed up, I've seen people in outfits I wouldn't sit around the house in. Children are not controlled by parents, guess the figure the flight attendants are baby sitters. Last year a family was removed off a flight because the children were too unruly and the mother was not controlling them.
Of course many groups chimed in that it was unfair. But then, what about the other passengers on the plane? Should they be subjected to loud children playing in the aisles? Besides being annoying, they are a safety hazard. A responsible parent would bring enough things to keep their children occupied during a flight.
Maybe this is why I have taken to cruises. I usually sail on Celebrity, which is mostly an older crowd. On the last cruise there were less than 20 children on a ship of 2,000, not bad odds. And on most cruise lines, dressing for dinner is the norm. Whether khakis and a nice shirt, or a tuxedo, it hearkens back to an era when travel was a special treat, not a routine event.
If the return to glamorous vacations interests you, Damron Vacations can book First or Business Class airfare, and many high end hotels. Maybe a room overlooking the Eiffel Tower to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or just because. Life is too short to fly coach!