Archive for the ‘travel’ Category

Dear Santa: Please Bring Me a Free Spirit SS Sprinter Van for Christmas

Nov 9, 2012 travel

One of my upcoming goals for the next few years is to hit the road and drive around the U.S., writing about places along the way.

Since some of the places I want to visit are off the beaten track, I’d love to have a vehicle big enough to sleep in but small enough to be able to drive in town and park.

I think I’ve found the perfect vehicle.

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It’s called the Free Spirit SS and it’s a class of RV called the sprinter van. It’s just a little bit bigger than a cargo van, so it’s not too hard to drive in tight traffic areas like downtowns and such. However, inside, there is a fold out sofa bed, kitchenette, and even a bathroom with shower. Plus, the van is built on a Mercedes Benz chassis.

Yes, behind the driver and passenger seats (which swivel 180 degrees, by the way), is a couch that pulls out into a queen size bed. To make room for such a large bed, the couch area slides out when parked.

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Opposite the couch/bed is a sliding door that also has a full screen door, so if you’re parked someplace nice, you can have the sliding door open but not be letting the bugs in. There’s also a wall-mounted flatscreen TV.

Then there is a small kitchenette with sink, 2-burner stove and small fridge. Across from that is a wall of storage – everything from drawers to a closet.

And finally, in the back, is an actual bathroom, with toilet, sink, vanity counter, and a small shower. Yup, in the middle of nowhere and I can still keep up with the hygiene.

Here’s a look at the floor plan:

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The downside is that the base model starts in the low $100,000s. Of course, if I had that kind of money to spend, I would add a few modifications.

First, I’d have solar panels added to the roof, so I wouldn’t have to rely on the generator for power all the time. I’d also add a satellite for TV reception, and a stereo system.

What do you think? Doesn’t this look like a killer travel vehicle?

[images via Leisure Vans]

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Get Free Kindle Copies of Select Moon Handbooks Travel Guides

Aug 17, 2012 contests/freebies, travel

Moon Handbooks is one of the most respected travel guide publishers out there. The books usually have some information not found in other guidebooks.

This month, Moon is offering two of their U.S. guidebooks for free in the Kindle version (ebook). These books happen to be the cities that are hosting the Democratic and Republican conventions this year.

Republicans will be invading the Tampa and St Petersburg area of Florida at the end of August. But you don’t have to be going to the GOP convention to get a free download of Moon Tampa and St. Petersburg. This freebie will save you $17.95.

Democrats will be headed to Charlotte, NC, shortly after for their convention. For them – and anyone else traveling to the city – a free download of Moon Charlotte is available. You’ll save $16.95 with this freebie.

If you don’t have a Kindle, you can still take advantage of these ebook deals. Amazon has a free Kindle reading app for smartphones, tablets and computers, that you can also download (I use it).

Be sure to share these freebies with your friends, so they can get these great guidebooks.

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My Articles/Posts for January 2012

Feb 1, 2012 travel, writing

I don’t just write here. I also contribute articles and posts elsewhere on the web. So in case you’ve missed any of them, I compile a monthly listing of all of the links.

Between extremely limited internet access and having issues with my laptop, I didn’t post as much as usual, but here are my January 2012 contributions to the written web universe:

CitySurfing Orlando:
This is my Orlando/Central Florida blog. I write everything here, just about.
Visit the website at CitySurfing Orlando.

Uptake.com:

If you like any of these articles, please pass the links via Twitter, Facebook, Stumble, etc. I’d appreciate the help! =)

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My Articles/Posts for December 2011

Jan 1, 2012 travel, writing

I don’t just write here. I also contribute articles and posts elsewhere on the web. So in case you’ve missed any of them, I compile a monthly listing of all of the links.

Here are my December 2011 contributions to the written web universe, my last for the year:

CitySurfing Orlando:
This is my Orlando/Central Florida blog. I write everything here,  just about.
Visit the website at CitySurfing Orlando.

Uptake.com:

Suite101.com:

  • Nothing new for December 2011.

Guest Posts

  • No guest posts this month.

If you like any of these articles, please pass the links via Twitter, Facebook, Stumble, etc. I’d appreciate the help! =)

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My Articles/Posts for April 2011

May 2, 2011 travel, writing

I don’t just write here. I also contribute articles and posts elsewhere on the web. So in case you’ve missed any of them, I compile a monthly listing of all of the links. In April, I had some health and car issues that curbed some of my ability to get out and do reviews, so my article list is shorter than normal. I look to rebound in May, though.

Here are my April 2011 contributions to the written web universe:

Uptake.com:

Suite101.com:

CitySurfing Orlando:

Guest Posts

If you like any of these articles, please pass the links via Twitter, Facebook, Stumble, etc. I’d appreciate the help! =)

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My Articles/Posts for March 2011

Apr 1, 2011 travel, work, writing

I don’t just write here. I also contribute articles and posts elsewhere on the web. So in case you’ve missed any of them, I compile a monthly listing of story links.

Here are my March 2011 contributions to the written web universe:

Uptake.com:

Suite101.com:

CitySurfing Orlando:

Amazon:

If you like any of these articles, please pass the links via Twitter, Facebook, Stumble, etc. I’d appreciate the help! =)