MEVANS, for all your travel needs...

So...I like to travel..a lot! These are my stories.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

What's the Deal-io: Downtown Girl

Business first, I hate to break it to everyone, but I have to change my "What's the Deal-io Wednesdays" to simply "What's the Deal-io". It's been increasingly challenging to get to my computer by Wednesday with a promising deal, and I really what you guys to get the full Expedition Evans experience. So sorry if I've been short-changing lately. Not my intention, I promise you! 

Well now for the fun stuff! I recently had the pleasure of a jaunt in NYC this weekend with some of my favorite girls! We stayed at the Millenium Hilton in the Financial District with a sick view of the work being done at Ground Zero, which didn't interrupt our stay any, but be advised that they are doing work even on the weekends there. Some pic(k)s of the hotel tomorrow, I hope! 

I happen to be searching NYC deals on Travelzoo (listed under "More deals on NYC Hotels) and came across some discounted hotel rates at the Millenium Hilton for April and onward via American Express Travel. The deals are pretty decent. 
Happy sight seeing!

xoxo mevans

 

Monday, March 28, 2011

Reality Checkpoint: The Amazing Race

So one of my favorite shows of late happens to be one about travel. Shocking, I know. Given the show has been on a few years and can get a bit monotonous, it never ceases to "amaze me". If anyone *happens* to be home on a Sunday night, I recommend watching "The Amazing Race" on CBS (Sundays, 8pm - I know, shameless plug). 

To sum it up quickly, twelve teams of two are chosen by producers to travel the world competing in one big international scavenger hunt. They need to complete different tasks and "check in" at certain areas. The last team to arrive at these checkpoints each episode is usually sent home packing (ha!). It's so interesting watching the teams get from one destination to another, and the last minute travel and planning. Some of the tasks are so exhausting, they can really mess with your head. 

Seeing the world like that would totally be my jam though. Sign me up! Four Disney Parks in one day...remember? So without further ado my friends, here are my type 5 reasons "Why I Should" and "Why I Shouldn't" be on the show. 

Why I should: 
5. I really think I should be on a TV show
4. I don't qualify for the Jersey Shore (although I did get a pretty bad spray tan recently)   
3. $1,000,000 is not too shabby 
2. I'd get really cool luggage and can wear sweatpants every day 
1. It would be the experience of a lifetime! Imagine all the blog posts. 

Why I shouldn't: 
5. I don't think a camera should follow me around for more than two hours
4. The camera adds 10 lbs. (Chandler: "So how many cameras are ACTUALLY ON you") 
3. I get "jet lagged" very easily, and I couldn't deal with any type of weird food, or horse back riding for that matter. 
2. I would end up crying at some point (and seriously, who wants to see that?)  
1. A weird bug or animal will probably bite me and a medical emergency might soon ensue

What about you guys? Reality TV anyone? 

You all know that I like to give credit when credit is due. Shout out to Luke for the inspiration for today's post!   

xoxo mevans  
  

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

What's the deal-io Wednesday: The Lazy (Travel) Song

I would kill for some sun. If you are anywhere in the Northeast this past week, I'm sure you feel my pain. It's something about that Vitamin D... My deal-io for this week includes such.

Now, I'm all about my itineraries. I like doing stuff. I like planning where to stay, where to eat, where to go, etc. Sometimes though, even I have to throw in the towel. Sometimes I'm just not man enough. What? I can't be lazy every now and then? What do you think I am? A machine? :)

This brings me to my end-all-be-all of travel laziness - THE CRUISE. You pay one price, and your accommodations, transportation (sometimes), and the most indulgent part - FOOD are all inclusive. It takes the guess work out of almost everything. I know some people can argue with me on this one, of course, you have to be a "cruise" person (I challenge the nay-sayers to write their own blog). Yes, I just used the word "nay-sayers". I'm officially 100 years old.

So maybe not a deal price wise, due to the timing of April/Spring Break, but if you live in the NY area and want to get away last minute, this deal might be for you. Carnival is offering an 8 day cruise from the port of New York to San Juan, PR, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk for roughly $1,000 per person. Keep in mind, no airfare is needed if you live in the NY metro area, and, food and activities are mostly included - for 8 days mind you. That's a lot of entertainment right there.

I took a Carnival cruise back in 2008 on the Carnival Legend and loved it. Some pic(ks) to follow on that one. Check back Friday!



xoxo mevans

Friday, March 18, 2011

Pic(k) of the Week: Hot & Fresh Out the Kitchen

There are a few things in life that I can't live without. Just to name a few, my cell phone, my hair straightener, my family and my friends of course, but also, baked goods. They make me happy. There's nothing like freshly made brownies and chocolate chip cookies. I've been told I make a mean brownie and from time to time, an exceptional chocolate chip cookie. 

You might ask where I'm going with this. I'm counting this as a travel related post because I do have to "travel" a bit to work, and plus I took pictures, and it's not like I do this every day. I thought it would be a nice way to kick off the weekend. I know, it's a stretch.


It can get crazy now and then in the office, and sometimes I like to make some treats for me and the girls to share. Especially if we have had a crazy week. We had "Thirsty Thursdays" not too long ago with smoothies and non-alcoholic beverages. "Fiesta Fridays" is also a fun one.  I've been known to work the toaster oven like nobody's business. It can be complicated, and there is a bit of a science to it.

First of all, the toaster oven is a tricky thing - you need the right setting, and the right eye especially for chocolate chip cookies - my treat of choice yesterday. I managed to bake an entire batch of the Nestle Tollhouse Mini Cookies with the toaster oven - at work. I'm Martha Stewart - only without the prison record and bad haircut. I was pretty proud of my accomplishment, and they were super delicious.

Here are some pic(k)s to document this glorious chocolate chip filled afternoon:





Well, they taste better than they look...so maybe I don't get extra points for presentation. OK Martha, I take it back.....and yes - I do keep storage containers and tin foil at work just for these situations. 


xoxo mevans


Thursday, March 17, 2011

The "Apple" of My Eye

I don' t know how much Apple spends on their marketing campaigns, but let me tell you - they work. Yes my friends, I sold myself out, and I bought the iPhone. I graduated from my pink Motoral Razr to my Blackberry Curve just last year. As soon as my cell phone carrier came out with the iPhone, I was hooked. I guess I'm just in the ideal demographic of Gen X/Y 80's kids that need a technological device to define their social status. Well done, Apple, well done. You and your catchy commercials about making life so much easier. I surrender (waves white flag), I surrender!

Enough about my frivolous purchases. This is a blog about travel, of course. I'm all about efficiency, and having a phone, ipod, and every possible Google application at my finger tips is perfect for me. Especially when I'm out and about.

Which brings me to my new love: my travel Apps. My first app installed was the "Trip Advisor" app. I can read reviews on hotels, restaurants and attractions, in seconds, and all on my phone (well, duh). There are other travel apps that I'm in the process of discovering, but really, it helps me with all my travel needs - don't even get me started on Restaurant Finder - or - the Disney related travel apps - or for that matter, Angry Birds. Hopefully this will keep me busy while I'm playing the waiting game. Loves it! 



(Photo courtesy of Apple.com


xoxo mevans 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

What's the Deal-io Wednesday: California Love

No, I don't mean the  "Cali Love" scarf. You know that I'm always itching to find a way to wing to the West Coast. I think it's my second love - I have many first loves. The only thing that usually slows my itchy "clicker" finger is the airfare. Aside, I hate to be so "airfare" related lately, there's just so much to write about and a lot of good deals! 

I've been dying to go to Disneyland for the longest time. My recent West Coast searches have included $350+ fares. I know, ouch. This really makes me hesitate, however my fabulous friends at Virgin America have put together what I like to call, a pretty awesome deal-io. Fares are currently on sale from NYC to San Francisco, LA, and Vegas starting at $149 each way. I had two awesome flights with them back in January. I highly recommend checking them out! They are really fun (um, yeah, I'm 5 years old). 

Plus they have an awesome marketing campaign. Have you seen the commercials? Pretty cool. 


If a trip to San Fran and wine country tickles your fancy, pair a flight up with this sweet deal from Hilton and you've got yourself a nice trip! 

Happy booking!

xoxo mevans 

Saturday, March 5, 2011

These pretzels are making me thirsty........

Well, not anymore Continental Airlines passengers. I recently heard on the news and confirmed via this CNN post that Continental will no longer be offering snacks on their domestic flights. Forgive my mini-rant, but seriously Continental? Seriously? 

I understand the usual suspects - the economy, the recession, rising fuel costs, blah, blah, blah. I pay $300+ for a flight, and I expect my complimentary soda and snacks. I know, people won't NOT fly Continental because of this. Hey, if they get me where I need to go at the best fare, then I will concede.

In a world where so little is free or ahem, "complimentary", I must say that I do enjoy cozying up to my half can of Diet Coke and a 100 calorie pack of pretzels. Is that so wrong my friends? I didn't think so. My recommendation is to stock up your carry-on with snacks prior to boarding. 

Happy Snacking everyone!

xoxo mevans  

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Early Pic(K) of the Week: Sunning Sea Lions at Fishermen's Wharf

You guys all know that I am really not good with animals, but these famous fellas caught my eye when we visited Fisherman's Wharf a few weeks ago. It was so funny to hear them barking and see them roll onto and off of the docks in such a lazy manner. They were quite the popular ones! No matter what time of day they had an audience! I think that makes them pic(k) worthy for this week!




Sorry for the guy's head in the way - I actually had to stand on a bench to get this picture. 


xoxo mevans 

I'm Ill - and not in the good Jay-Z Way, but then again maybe....

OK guys - I know, I know. No excuses. I think I've said that statement about 30 times since I've started this blog, and this is the first time I've posted in a few weeks. It's wrong, I know, it's wrong.  Unfortunately Expedition Evans has been "grounded" to some works stuff, sickness, illness (same thing?), some personal stuff, and a really awesome Bridal Shower (what what!).


What that means for you though is some awesome post-age coming up, as I've been home sick for three days. The creative juices have been gearing up for some serious blogging time. I know you are excited....


You know how much of a Disney nerd I am right? For those of you who don't remember, I'm  the ULTIMATE Disney nerd. I recently traveled the "World" virtually, with our friends the Millers. Since I'm good and I know ma' stuff, I gave them some recommendations on what to visit first, which attractions to Fast Pass, and some of my favorite places to eat and shop. Plus, I also know some website which have real-time waits for the attractions, and what a perfect time to test them! I was pretty accurate, and I was very pleased.  


Here are some of the pictures they shared with me during their Disney Days: 



Toy Story Ride - sooo fun! 


American Idol Live at Hollywood Studios! Where's Steven Tyler??? 

A classic, The Great Movie Ride.... 

Thanks Miller fam for the good times! 

xoxo mevans