The Far East is Calling - Travel Ape Welcomes Tokyo Japan

Speeding ahead with the growth of its travel guide section and the destinations it covers, Travel Ape is proud to announce the inclusion of the travel guide dedicated to the city of Tokyo Japan. This is the first of the great cities of the Far East to fall into the Travel Ape family and we couldn't be prouder. Travel Ape recently did a huge tour of the western cities of the United States with coverage of Portland Oregon and decided to take a jaunt across the great Pacific Blue. What he came back with was an excellent story and we now have the Tokyo Travel Guide. 

We start a great day in Tokyo with some fantastic ideas to see and do. So here's a little bit of advice on what to do if you happen to make the great journey to the Far East and enjoy the wonders and magic of Tokyo. Let's begin our day with any number of Tokyo Attractions, but we'll offer up a great featured attraction the Shinjuku Garden located at 11 Naito-Cho. This fantastic Tokyo attraction is world class all the way, with 144 acres of the most magnificent garden area you'll ever see. Once a private area for the elite of Tokyo government it is now a public attraction that is a must see.  Take your day to a new height with any number of Tokyo Restaurants but here's our pick. Nobu Restaurant is a new style restaurant that infuses great historic Japanese Fare with new style continental cuisine. It's perfect. Finally hit the Tokyo Night Life scene and check out the hot sizzling action of New Lex Edo. Tokyo is known for its hot nightlife and this place embodies it all the way. 

So we welcome the best that Tokyo offers here at Travel Ape. Enjoy this gem from the Far East.

Austin Texas Welcome to TravelApe.com

Travel Ape welcomes one of the newest cities to our family of travel guides...Austin Texas is now a proud member of the Travel Ape Clan bringing to you all the information we offer about destinations you've come to expect. So please take a look at the Austin Travel Guide. 

So what do we have from the capital of the biggest state in the Continental United States? Just about everything you'd need to learn and enjoy a stay or a trip to Austin. From the Austin Dining Guide you'll learn about the best and some of the most heralded restaurants in and around town, to even some of the little known places, to the Austin Nightlife guide that let's you know about the fun and excitement of the night. Of course for the tourists out there Travel Ape offers complete attractions and landmark guides.

So let's start with a little brief overview of the Austin Restaurant Guide. We have to begin with the featured restaurant of Chuy's. Chuy's is located at 1728 Barton Springs Boulevard in Austin and is the very first Chuy's restaurant. So this is the landmark. This is all Tex Mex and quality. The next restaurant is Vespaio located at 1610 South Congress Avenue. Texas may not be the first place you think about when you think of pizza or Italian food, but Vespaio is a mainstay worth seeing.

Heading out for the night check out the Austin Nightlife Guide. The Mean Eyed Cat is the place to be to have fun in a comfortable and relaxed setting. But not to relaxed. Some hot nights go down at the Mean Eyed Cat.

Take a look at the entire section of information with the Austin Travel Guide at Travel Ape. There is a lot to see and do if you pan a trip. 

Atlantic City Hotels - Getting Ready for Summer

Spring is here. Yes not the proverbial it seems nice out there, but it's spring as of March 20th 2009. There is a lot to see and do with the weather getting warmer, but as we do so often we like to make suggestions on the featured fun stuff out there in the world. Our thoughts today aren't necessarily for this spring, but to give you a little time to organize yourself to get out for a trip this coming summer. Sure times are tight, but if you live on the east coast we have a few suggestions. To that end how about considering a trip to Atlantic City New Jersey.

There is no doubt that if you know anything about Atlantic City the news hasn't been good. The casino industry is embattled with fierce competition, legislation and poor performance as of late. That's why you may be in for some great deals if you head there the deals are great, not to mention there are several events planned that you may find of interest.

Take a look at the wide array of Atlantic City hotels and the Atlantic City casinos section offered here. You won't believe some of the deals they are offering. Here are some great events

In Boxing area favorite, although he's not from Atlantic City, Kelly Pavlick is scheduled to fight Sergio Mora on July 15th or 18th.

In May Jerry Seinfeld is making his way to the Boardwall City to share some of his inane observations. 

Finally because Travel Ape is a fan of the 1980's Loverboy is performing in Atlantic City at the Hilton on August 18th.

Find out more information about other Atlantic City events with Travelape.com's complete event and ticket section. 

Vacation Packages - Many Cities You'd Never Think About

A few months ago we did a post about vacation packages to some unknown cities. The point was that for most we think about going away to exotic ports of call such as Hawaii, Florida and maybe the South Seas. The point, to get to the point for God's sake, is that there are many other great destinations and cities to consider. Let's take a glance.

Let's start as obscure and out of left field as we can. Biloxi Mississippi is a great place to check out. It's a Gulf Coast destination so you're going to find beaches. Yes beaches. There's more. There's the great Biloxi Casinos and other local entertainment.  If we had to make a pick we'd probably lean towards the Grand Casino Biloxi as a choice to check out.  Check out our complete section on Biloxi Travel at Travel Ape. 

Next how about a Trip to Dallas Texas. Yes things are bigger in Texas and for the upper crust Dallas has it all.  One great up and coming event is Andrea Bocelli appearing in Dallas June 3rd of this year. Talk about Big Time entertainment !!! Why not try out a Dallas Vacation package centered around this event. Yahoo offers a list of great tour operators with Dallas vacation packages.

Finally as spring is finally upon us why not enjoy the great outdoors.  Fishing in any number of the fresh water hot spots in America is just fantastic. Pigeon Forge is just such a place to embrace the greatness of these times. 

With so much to see and do across the country these are just a few of the off beat places, for lack of a better term, where a vacation would be fantastic. Check back often for more ideas on vacations and vacation packages soon. 

A Birthday Wish for a Special Friend of Travel Ape

It's hard to think back so far, but way before the days of 9/11, before the bubble really burst on Wall Street with the first Tech boom, before computers were almost as pervasive an appliance in every home as the stove there wasn't a Travel Ape. At least Travel Ape wasn't famous. Well to a special person who will remain nameless for the sake of anonymity, to Travel Ape there is no one more important person...Bar None !!! This person discovered, cultivated and made Travel Ape who he is today and has done the same for the website that shares Travel Ape's name, of course that is TravelApe.com. Today is this person's birthday, and straight from the Ape himself came a decree that special note be made in this person's honor. 

To many people the world is a non-stop tread mill of family, work, responsibilities that repeat and repeat. Not to say in any way that this is not a noble way to live, on the contrary, special commendations need to be made to honor the true heroes that live on these front lines. They make life in the world. To a select few a far greater burden falls upon them. To many these people live in the shadows, in the background and believe it or not are not in the limelight. These are visionaries. Whether it be artists, musicians or, yes, entrepreneurs, something pushes these people to a different path. This path is far from easy, although the pay out to the laymen observer seems like a life pitched from God above...It isn't. No better example exists, at least in the mind of Travel Ape and the rest of us here, than in the life of this person. Half self tortured and equally self driven, he's done what most people could only hope to accomplish. He's created and developed multiple and successful enterprises. He's provided jobs, opportunity and possibility for countless others. He's successfully grown his business enterprises for over 15 years...a feat not easily achieved. 

There is so much more. This man has ventured beyond the world of mere business and has excelled. He's participated in the World Series of Poker and although far from winning it, made money. He's produced video features doing so by intertwining his own special brand of personality with great professionalism.

For all of this Travel Ape wishes this great man a good day. A hearty Birthday Wish to a special friend for whom had they never met, Travel Ape surely admits his life would have been emptier and less fulfilling for the loss. 

Traveling to Florida by Car - An Ode to a Special Friend

Recently a near and dear friend to Travel Ape had mentioned that he was going to travel to the Sunshine State, that is Florida for those of you who may not know that, and do so by car. This friend lives in the North East and decided that he'd like to make the trip a little more than a short vacation so having the car with him made sense. Not to mention being a veteran in the travel business the friend felt he'd get some kind of needed bit of inspiration that comes along with a long traveled pilgrimage such as doing so by auto. 

A car ride from New Jersey to the Miami and Fort Lauderdale Florida area is about 1,200 to 1,250 miles and if you drove in one straight shot would take a little over 20 hours. Do do it in one straight shot though, that is if you have the time, is a complete waste. Over that 1,200 miles exists a treasure trove of destinations, stops and attractions to fill up a lifetime of memories. 

Today's Interstate System makes a trip like this a no brainer, but it takes you through Washington DC, Maryland, the Carolina's, Georgia and a good portion of Florida. Why not try this. On the first portion of the journey get to the District of Columbia area and take a break to see all that is available to see. The Washington DC area has too much to offer to laser in on any few suggestions and to be honest just being in the area serendipity will take over. After a few hours of soaking in DC you can head back on the road till you get to Richmond Virginia. Staying overnight to recharge the batteries is advisable so here is a link to some great Richmond hotels.  Start the next day by driving until you come to the incredible town of Savannah Georgia. Savannah may very well be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Check out the official Savannah Tourism Website for more information. From Savannah to Fort Lauderdale is just another 7 hours of driving. 

There are hundreds of variations and options to see and do but we just wanted to show you one way to enjoy a trip like this. 

To Travel Ape's friend, he hopes for him the best if and when he takes his journey. 

House of Blues is Rocking the USA - Turn Great Events into a Vacation

The House of Blues has risen to an iconic level over the last 15 years and for good reason. The commitment to excellent entertainment and events and the locations of their various venues makes it a great place to visit while on vacation. The House of Blues brand has venues in great cities such as Atlantic City, New Orleans, Anaheim, Boston, Chicago, San Diego and of course Myrtle Beach. So planning a vacation around an event at a House of Blues venue is obviously very easy. 

So the best way to start this little conversation is to provide some feedback on what and who are playing where. 

First off at the Las Vegas House of Blues coming up March 27th is Daniel Tosh. Flat out just plain funny, and Travel Ape has Daniel Tosh Tickets available for the dates. Prices range from about $110 to $350 a piece.

Second, why not head east and get in a round of golf for a Myrtle Beach Vacation and a Mystery Dinner Show at the House of Blues Myrtle Beach. On March 28th HOB Myrtle Beach will be showcasing it's comedy murder mystery show that is a laugh a riot. The event is interactive so if you're not into being part of the show this isn't for you.

There are plenty of other destinations to choose from so look at the HOB's main site link offered above to see who is playing and when. For a full list of great hotels and discount rates check out the Hotels page provided by Travel Ape. It offers links to each of the cities that The House of Blues is located and the fun never stops. 

Hotel Ratings - Making Sense of What a Rating Really Means

The advent of the internet has no doubt brought efficiencies to the retail market place. Consumers have no doubt benefited from how the internet works, how information is disseminated and how quickly they can compare prices for comparable products ensuring, in large part, that large differences in price offerings for the same products are negligible. That being said the flip side is that information found on the internet has no real way of certifying if the information is accurate or standardized. This is most glaringly obvious when it comes to hotel rating systems.

Years before the internet became the place to find information only a handful of names in the industry stood out as the "word" trusted to provide ratings and reviews for hotels and accommodations. These include AAA (the Automobile Association of America), Zagat's Travel Guide and other guides such as Frommers and Fodor's. For anyone that is even slightly familiar with the internet can attest that the number today is in the 100's. The issue is who do you trust and what can you do to ensure you get the most of the ratings you use. 

First and foremost we at Travel Ape are firm believers in the criteria and review system utilized by AAA. Another veteran group that provides the Mobil Travel Guide is a close second. Reason being, these companies/groups have inspectors that take their time and administer an excruciating level of detailed analysis on each and every hotel they review. They measure televisions in hotel rooms, inspect bathrooms, test concierge service and do so much more. Further, AAA for example only awards the very top award, which is called the Five Diamonds designation, to only five hotels world wide. So it's not even so much that hotels offer a level of service, the rating system is also done on a comparable level across the industry.

So if you're looking for ratings use the AAA guide to ratings as the gold standard and make your decisions from there. 

Spirit Air Web Site Wrought with Problems

The time has come to make public a nagging issue that has consumed our Ape friend for almost a year. As many of you who know Travel Ape he is a mild mannered, laid back, fun kind of guy that doesn't like to make waves. Most of all he hardly ever gets stressed out about the small things in life. Things like heavy traffic on the highway, the dollar bill that just wont seem to be accepted at the vending machine when buying a soda, or when the browser on the computer freezes up, all meaningless to a fella that takes life smiling along. Well today I saw his breaking point and to that end a discussion must be had.

Most of the travel that Travel Ape does on the east coast of the US is done through Spirit Airlines. The convenience, pricing, etc have always seemed to be perfect. Well in the last 12 months or so it seems that almost every time our Purple Ape friend has used the Spirit Air website some issue pops up. Whether it be the slow response of the web site, growing trend in confusion for navigation, and the big kicker, the seating chart utility has become the equivalent to a master puzzle to be solved. What's even worse is each and every time he ran into an issue and tried to contact customer service he got the same response..."Sorry, we are unable to assist you with issues relating to the website".

So what's the issue Spirit? Why does it seem that each and every day the navigation, functionality, and user experience degrades on your website? Travel Ape has been a big fan for some time of your airline and your company. What's the issue?

With that being said we'd like to maybe suggest to all of you to check out Travel Ape's Discount Airfare section. Why not right. No doubt we've been fans of Spirit for some time, but drastic times call for drastic actions. 

Hopefully Spirit Airlines will see this post and take heed. We certainly hope so.

Make Room for Basketball and a Vacation - Atlatnic City is the City to Do So

March Madness is in full bloom. The crazies are out and about flaunting their school colors and mascots as teams make their bid for conference Championships and the ultimate bid to the "Big Dance". For those of you who may not know about all of the little idioms of which I speak, this time of year ushers in the Men's Collegiate Basketball Championships of the NCAA. Our featured tournament of course is the Men's Atlantic 10 Conference that is hosting their conference tournament at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City New Jersey from today, March 11th till March 14th culminating with a Champion to be crowned and an open bid to be won with a a free entry into the NCAA National Tournament starting in a few weeks.

So to the Atlantic 10 Tournament. We at Travel Ape are in the area as of late and the tourney officials have set up some very accommodating packages to get people in the door and have fun. One such package, which we think is awesome, is if you're from the local area, that is, from the counties of Atlantic, Ocean or Cape May Counties, and you come to any of the sessions you will be afforded a special two for special. That is show your identification, such as a driver's license with proof of residency and another person can enter the session with you for free.

There are plenty of great Atlantic City Hotels and packages being offered by the local hotel association and some of the third party hotel companies so check them out.

Which ever your team whether it be Temple, St. Joseph's of Philadelphia, Xavier, Dayton or any number of other teams, the event is sure to be fun and the action hot. So don't miss out on this event this year. Atlantic City got an extension last year, but five other cities are bidding to host the event next year so this may be its last in the area.

Tampa Florida - Sun, Fun and Great Restaurants

There is so much to report about a city here and there that it almost becomes impossible to cover it all in one post. We recently received an email from a user of the Travel Ape site that wanted to know a little more about Tampa and it's restaurants. We know doubt have a Tampa Restaurants guide and reviews section, but I guess here and there we like to personalize our attention to questions and this one seems like as good as any.

To that end, SummerBum49, we have a bit of selection to offer you in the way of Tampa and it's dining. Tampa, like many other great cities has a vast array of dining to offer the inhabitants of the city in addition to the visitors and vacationers that come through the town each and every day. No Doubt that seafood would have to be our very first feature because Tampa is a port town and the catch of the day was actually caught that day. We bring you Catch Twenty Three located at 10103 Montague St, West Park Village, Tampa. Catch Twenty Three quite simply is an unassuming restaurant that brings the eater dishes that offer a combo of Latin and Caribbean style. The setting is tropical and what's best are the prices at an average of $25 per plate this is a steal. The second would have to be the famed steakhouse known as Bern's. Bern's Steakhouse is a Tampa staple that's been around since 1956. Bern's is known for superb service and one of the largest wine collections a restaurant could offer. The prices there are a little high though, where you're looking at an average plate of about $45 and that's not counting the wine you'll most assuredly want.

We have a few more choices to let you see, but we'll wait for another day. Enjoy a great meal in Tampa and if you have any more questions please let the Ape know.

Pigeon Forge Dollywood - Enjoy KidFest This August.

With many trying to find ways to stretch their vacation budget dollars we've done a little bit of researching for you. Why not a trip to Pigeon Forge. This is a charming little spot in the Smoky Mountains filled with things to do like hiking, biking, nature walks and just enjoying a destination that isn't filled with the hustle and bustle you might find in a big time destination or vacation spot. 

Well one of the top attractions in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood. Dollywood is an amusement park named after the founder of this great place, Dolly Parton. There are actually a few of these parks through out the lower southern United States, but we'll focus on the Dollywood Pigeon Forge for the moment because this park just opened it's newest attraction as she does every year, Dollywood is planning it's annual Kidsfest Celebration. 

The KidsFest Celebration at Dollywood is a great way for the family to enjoy a good, budget oriented vacation. It's just a lot of fun that offers a full docket of family fun, craft seminars and explanations by experts of the local wildlife. 

If you're interested in  planning a simple and budget oriented family vacation check out the links from above. 

Spring Weather in Atlantic City Today - Book an Atlantic City Hotel While They are Cheap

Well we woke up today at the Travel Ape compound, located in an undisclosed location, but somewhere in the North East, to unseasonably warm weather. Actually, weather that is quite bewildering, considering not more than five days ago a snow storm hit the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey areas with more than 8 inches and up to a foot in other locations. 

So with a fat budget and our Travel Ape mobile we got up early and found our way to the Atlantic City Boardwalk (Remember, you may think you caught us on where the Travel Ape compound is, but the vehicle we speak about could very well be a private jet...so there) to see spring fighting to bust out. Let me tell you something, it's doing more than trying to bust out, it's taken residence and giving Old Man Winter a noogie that would make any school yard bully proud.

Atlantic City is currently about 60 degrees and the sun is beaming. So the four of us that made a pilgrimage to the sea side town have booked a few rooms at the Borgata Resort and Casino. I'll tell you one thing, when we get back to the hotel in a few hours I'm surely going to take a restful stop at the Borgata's famous spa. Last time I was there I spent about 20 minute under the hot springs water fall. 

Well why we're on the subject and seeing that Atlantic City is a personal favorite of the big ape, we'd like to take some time to maybe suggest a stay at any number of great Atlantic City Hotels. Next weekend are some great rates at some incredible hotels. At Harrah's Atlantic City a stay from March 13th to the 15th is $515.00, head to the Showboat Casino Atlantic City and you're rate for a full weekend goes to $439 and if you're interested in trying out a whole new hotel experience in Atlantic City try the Chelsea Hotel where a full weekend is going for $327.

Spring is here and the Boardwalk is hopping. Come out and enjoy Atlantic City, you may see us at one of the Craps Tables or buffets. 

Branson Hotels - Charming Accommodations in the Ozark Mountains

A Branson Missouri vacation is the perfect idea for the over stressed, over worked, over stimulated person. Branson is known the world around for it's incredible entertainment. The city offers over 50 individual venues that feature shows and events almost every night. Of course it has other great attractions and is probably know best for good old wholesome family fun or a quiet romantic getaway.

Well with all the hub bub what are some of the featured places we'd recommend for your stay in Branson? I mean, we've certainly put ourselves on the line here. Well here are a few of some suggested Branson Hotels.

One would be remiss if in making a suggestion for a Branson Hotel that the very first place to be mentioned should be the Chateau on the Lake Branson. Imagine a castle coming out of the hills and that is all I can say to properly describe the Chateau as you drive up to it. Set against the Ozarks this is a fantastic resort. The property offers five star hotel rooms, award winning dining at the Chateau Grille and to unwind an on site spa known quite simply as the Spa Chateau. The next hotel suggested would have to be the Grand Victorian Hotel Branson. Located at 2325 West Highway 76 in Branson, the Grand Victorian is no Chateau on the Lake but the quality is very, very high. Last, but certainly not least, for a no frills but charming stay in Branson we suggest Old Matt's Guest House Inn Branson. Visitors have access to a quiet secluded pool, well appointed guest rooms free breakfast.

Take some time to see if a trip or vacation to Branson makes sense to you. I'm sure you'll find a gem of a deal today.

San Francisco Chef Food and Wine Event - A Great Time Planned for August 2009

San Francisco is by far one of the most chic cities in the entire world. Isn't it fitting that the debut of an annual festival that embraces all that is chic be hosted in this great American Town? I say yes.

Well coming to San Francisco is the San Francisco Chefs Food and Wine Festival planned to take place the weekend of August 6th to August 9th 2009 and is being presented by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, a 70 year old organization with over 900 independently owned and operated restaurants within the San Francisco Bay area. The event itself and the events that make up this major event feature some of the best in local talent from the Bay Area, with a focus on dishes and preparation of culinary presentations using ingredients from the local area including spins on locally noted cuisine. Attendees to this event will be exposed to an entire weekend of fun, flair and festivities that include sample tasting sessions, dinner events, classes and instructional seminars by well known professionals and much more. The majority of the individual events are scheduled to take place in and around historic Union Square, while indoor classes, cocktail parties and other events are planned to be held at the Westin St. Francis Hotel.
Officially the event begins on Thursday August 6th and closes on Sunday August 9th, with a possible extension through to Monday August 10th for tours to wine country and getaway tours.

Tickets and other packages available for attending this event will go live sometime by the middle of April 2009. For more information check the official web site at the SF Chef Food and Wine Festival.

Charlotte North Carolina - The Bell of the Travel Ape Ball

I do declare that Travel Ape is a true gentleman, and why not? He's invited one of the most beautiful cities in the country to the Travel Ape family....Charlotte North Carolina. 

Steaming ahead with his aggressive push towards adding cities and destinations to the library of travel guides, Travel Ape and his signature site TravelApe.com are pleased to be bringing online live the Charlotte Travel Guide.  Now this is just one beautiful city that happens to be one of those gems you have to see. Not to mention, Wow, the woman of Charlotte North Carolina are phenomenal. If you didn't know, Travel Ape is somewhat of a ladies man.

Our symian friend got back into the North East to catch the great snow fall, but he spent some time in the Charlotte area for a few weeks. Here are some featured attractions and places that are just great in the Charlotte area. Of course when it comes to Travel Ape, he loves visiting his friends at the zoo and Charlotte is home to the North Carolina Zoo. Located at 4401 Zoo Parkway, the North Caroline Zoo is home to some of the best animals you'll see at the zoo. Oh, yes, the lions, tigers and bears. Check out the official site for the Zoo here.  Go get yourself some great seafood at Upstream located at 6902 Phillips Place in Charlotte. Fine food and casual atmosphere. Last but not least enjoy a night out on the town in Charlotte at Crush located at 300 East Stonewall Street. This is the newest hot spot in a town that is constantly on the rise. 

We welcome all that Charlotte has to offer today and we'll keep you updated on more as it comes online. 

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss - Celebrate at Universal Studios

Can't You See? Can't You See? A Celebration is to Be !!! A Celebration is to Be !!! Is the Celebration for You? Or Is the Celebration for Me?

Well that seems to be the best we at Travel Ape can do to pay homage for one of the greatest Children's Authors in the History of Mankind. The famed and beloved author of great books such as "Green Eggs and Ham", "Oh the Places You'll Go", "The Cat in the Hat" and of course one of the all time Christmas Favorites "The Grinch that Stole Christmas", officially known as Mr. Theodor Suess Geisel, but known to most as Dr. Suess celebrates what would have been his 105th Birthday, today, March 2nd. What better a way to pay homage to this author that is credited with inspiring reading in children and parents that learned to love reading to their children than to highlight THE theme park attraction ride that shares the name of one of his greatest book titles. We bring you the "Cat in the Hat Ride" of Universal Studios Florida.

In classic fashion that has come to be known so well, Universal Studios Orlando Theme Park brings to life, what may be known as it's signature ride, the Cat in the Hat Ride. Quite simply the ride brings to life the beloved world and characters of Dr. Seuss in grand fashion. Visitors to the Cat in the Hat Ride enjoy the experience from the very beginning as they are loaded into the ride cars that are decorated as couches colored in blue and orange and can hold six people. The ride follows the story in perfect form and intertwines the Thing-1 and Thing-2 insanity all the way up to the resolution of the beloved Cat. Enjoy a full narrative of the story that you've come to love as you ride through the visual bonanza.

If that's not enough to give you your complete and full Dr. Seuss fix than enjoy the entire world of Suess with Seuss Landing. The extravaganza and homage to all that is fun, whacky and forever child like. 

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. From children who grew to love you and for all those that will enjoy you for years to come.