Travel Blue Book

Dream it. Plan it. Go there.

Visiting The Tower of London

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Mentioning the Tower of London conjures up images of ghastly torture chambers and gruesome beheadings. But, there's more to the Tower than that!

Royal palace? Check. Former prison? Check. Site of execution for TWO English queens? Check, check, and check!

The Tower of London is one of the most fascinating places in the history of the world. Built during the Norman Conquest, this historic castle has been served as a home to kings and queens, a jail for high-profile prisoners, and as the Royal Mint. It is also the current home of the Crown Jewels. Situated in Central London, the Tower of London is one attraction you can’t miss. Let’s dig in, shall we? [Read more…]

5 “Weird” Things to Do in Portland

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With its unofficial slogan of “Keep Portland Weird,” it's hard not to love Portland. Here are 5 of the best things to do in Portland!

Portland, Oregon is place after my own heart with its unofficial slogan of “Keep Portland Weird.” The third biggest city in the Northwest, Portland has the distinction of being one of the most environmentally friendly places in the world. That’s not a big surprise right? We all knew west coasters are tree hugging hippies, and Portland is probably the American leader in that cliché.

And please don’t misunderstand, I love me some tree hugging hippies. They’re awesome.

The weather in Portland is fantastic – with warm, dry summers and chilly, wet winters. This has created the perfect climate for growing roses and earned Portland the moniker “City of Roses.” So, you can head to Portland and expect to see some of America’s best.

Are you ready to keep it weird? Here are some of the best things to do in Portland! [Read more…]

6 Panama City Beach Attractions You Can’t Miss

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Traveling to PCB, Florida? Don't miss these 6 Panama City Beach attractions on your next trip to the Emerald Coast!

Known as the “Spring Break Capital of the World,” Panama City Beach, Florida isn’t just for college kids any more. Located on the northern Gulf Coast, PCB is home to about 27 miles of powdery-white sand beaches. The warm Floridan sun and brilliant green waters make Panama City Beach one of Florida’s top beach destinations for groups of all ages.

Even though it’s known as a Spring Break destination, the frat party atmosphere only lasts a few weeks. The rest of the year, PCB is a great place to take the whole family. Here are 6 Panama City Beach attractions you shouldn’t miss on your next visit to the Emerald Coast! [Read more…]

Racing Around Piazza Navona, Rome

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Piazza Navona is home to some of Bernini's most famous fountains, delicious deserts, and some of Rome's most enjoyable nightlife. Check it out here!

One of my favorite things about Rome, and Italy in general, are the lovely city squares which are called “piazzas.” Seriously, every town has at least one, and the bigger cities often have several. It seems that each narrow, character filled alleyway winds its way into a lively open living room, a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Typically filled with beautiful fountains built in front of  incredible churches, Rome’s piazzas are a feast for the senses. It’s like Christmas Day for first time travelers, with a new gift to unwrap around each corner.

And so it is with Piazza Navona. This large piazza sits in the heart of Central Rome, serving as a gathering place for local revelers and hungry tourists alike. Known for its oval shape and ornate fountains, here you can watch offbeat street artists creating works of art while enjoying some of the city’s best gelato. So, let’s dig in and and find out what makes Piazza Navona so special, shall we? [Read more…]

Xel-Ha Eco Park: Wet & Wild Family Fun

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Located in Mexico's Riviera Maya, Xel-Ha is and eco water park full of great snorkeling, exciting adventure, and family fun! Read our Xel-Ha review here!

By Angelique800326 (Xel Ha) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Located in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Xel-Ha is one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions – and for good reason. This sprawling ecological park is part aquarium, part theme park, and part nature preserve. Whether you’re looking for action or a place to relax, Xel-Ha boasts a wealth of different activities which makes it the perfect place for families and adult groups alike. [Read more…]

Visit the White and Blue of Santorini, Greece

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Come explore Santorini, Greece - where the brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean stretch from the rocky cliffs and glimmering white buildings above.When you think of Greece, what comes to mind? Likely not the comforting ache of muscles that have worked hard to take you up and down the little streets that waltz up and down and back and forth across the hillsides. No.

You probably think of glimmering, pure white buildings, reflecting the bright sun to a point of blinding, generously sprinkled by the hundreds along the cliff-like coast. The coast, where the brilliant blue water stretches away from the red and green cliffs, providing a home for sailboats and ships of all colors.

That is Santorini, Greece. [Read more…]

6 Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas

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The best things to do in Nassau, Bahamas include unique Bahamian experiences and free days at the beach. Here are 6 of our favorites!

Photo Credit: By Ricardo Mangual via Flickr and Creative Commons

When you think of the Bahamas, the first thing that comes to mind is beautiful beaches and crystal blue water. As the capital and largest city of this island nation, Nassau is the place to be. And, now that Southwest flies here, you can get here even cheaper and easier – especially if you have a Southwest Visa.

Located on the island of New Providence, the city is a popular spot for cruise ships to dock. With tourists all about, there are plenty of things to see in this bustling beach town. Here are 6 of our favorite things to do in Nassau, Bahamas. [Read more…]

Christ the Redeemer Statue: Rio de Janeiro

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The Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Standing high atop Mt. Corcovado, this 98 foot tall statue of Jesus watches over and protects the people of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With his arms open wide, it also stands as a symbol of Rio’s warm hospitality, welcoming visitors from all over the world.

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Learn how you can visit it, here.

By Artyominc (Template:Artyom Sharbatyan) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

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A First-Timer’s Guide to Tenerife

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With natural wonders and gigantic water parks, there has never been a better time to visit Tenerife! Join us as we soak up the sun in the Canary Islands!

With so many low-cost flights to Tenerife, there’s never been a better time than now to soak up the sun in the Canary Islands. There are also plenty of attractions to explore, from awe-inspiring natural wonders to historic sites and hair-raising watersports. For those planning to visit for the first time, this handy guide is here to help you out. [Read more…]

Exploring The Pantheon: History’s Most Important Building

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The Roman Pantheon is arguably the most important building in the history of architecture. It’s magnificent dome has served as the inspiration for many other buildings, including the Florence Duomo, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the U.S. Capitol Building. The building itself is almost entirely intact, allowing modern visitors the opportunity to experience the grandeur of Ancient Rome from over 2,000 years ago. [Read more…]