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Tag Archives: Washington DC

How Southwest Airlines Saved Our Vacation….Twice

19 January 201817 September 2024

There is nothing better than finding that dream vacation that fits into your budget and offers an itinerary that crosses off a few items of your bucket list.  I was looking to book a cruise to the Caribbean where I would begin the cruise in San Juan.  I wanted to visit as many of the islands as possible without a full day at sea. I found that amazing vacation, now all I needed to do was to book the flight.  As I began my search, I immediately noticed that fares were anywhere from $600 to $800 per person, so much more than the actual price of the cruise.  I continued my search over the next couple of months, but the rates did not seem to budge.  I was waiting for flights to come down in price, but I was  also concerned that I would not be able to book the cruise at such a spectacular rate.  I was becoming a bit discouraged.

One Sunday, watching a football game, I happened to see a commercial that Southwest Airlines was offering flights to the Caribbean.  I immediately hopped online and found exactly the flight that met my criteria.  Two airline tickets for $400 per person round trip from Columbus, Ohio to San Juan, Puerto Rico.  I immediately booked the flight, followed by booking the cruise. Thank you Southwest Airlines!!

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Fast forward to the date of my departure….

I knew it was going to be a long day of travel, but what  I did NOT know was that the date of my departure would go down in history as one of the worst snowstorms in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.  With flights cancelling three plus days in advance in preparation of the storm, it was a bleak future for some travelers with connecting flights in Boston, New York, Washington DC and even as far south as Atlanta.

Weather stations were calling for unbelievable snow falls of anywhere from 3 to 6 inches in Ohio to over two feet of snow in Washington DC.  My heart sank, but I was hopeful that I would make it on the flight, until I realized that I did not have a direct flight, and I had a stopover before my last leg to San Juan!  Was the connection in Baltimore?  I immediately pulled up the itinerary and YEAH!  I was scheduled to fly to Orlando!  YESSS!!!  I would not be affected by the cancellations and I couldn’t be happier.  I wasn’t out of the woods yet….there could be snow in the morning causing flights to cancel.

Early morning and the first thing I did was check outside…NO SNOW.  This was really happening.  I was on my way to San Juan, Puerto Rico!  I left in plenty of time and arrived a couple of hours before takeoff feeling relaxed and overjoyed.  I watched the news learning about the horrific weather hitting the east coast.  I was saddened by the people stranded over 12 hours on highways that came to a stop because of the weather.

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I had a great flight to Orlando, was provided a couple of free drinks and made it to the airport ahead of schedule.  Much to my surprise, the final flight to San Juan was just a couple of gates down from our arrival gate, again, another plus for flying Southwest!

It wasn’t until I prepared to take off from Orlando that I learned close to 20 passengers did not make it out of their originating city.  Again, I was reminded of the devastating weather in the mid-Atlantic.  I was also happy that I had booked my trip one day before the cruise so that I would be certain not to miss the ship.  It was time to just sit back and enjoy the ride to San Juan!  Thanks Southwest!  I will definitely fly you in the near future.  Thanks for saving my vacation.

If you are interested in booking your flight through Southwest Airlines, visit their website at www.southwest.com or call them at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA!!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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We made it to San Juan, Puerto Rico!!

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A Photographic Review of My 2017 Travel Blogs

5 January 201816 September 2024

I have had so much fun writing about my many travels that took place in 2017 and past travel as well.  Here is an overview of my blog posts for this past year.  Don’t forget to select the link to check out more photos and additional information regarding each attraction.  Enjoy!

Indonesia:  Bali

Kuta Beach

An Evening Stroll Along Kuta Beach

North Bali

Ulun Danu Temple:  The Most Photographed Temple in Bali

Mexico:  Cabo San Lucas

El Arco in Cabo San Lucas

Mexico:  Mazatlan

The Port of Mazatlan, Mexico

Mexico:  Puerto Vallarta

A Port Day in Puerto Vallarta

Turkey: Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

DSC_2204, hagia Sophia

The Facade of the Hagia Sophia

United States:  Arizona

The Grand Canyon

The Colorado River Runs Through the Grand Canyon

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

The Painted Desert

The Spectacular Colors of the Painted Desert

Rawhide

Rawhide, Arizona

United States:  California

San Diego

Spectacular California Sunset

Sebastiani

An Amazing Visit to Sebastiani

Viansa Winery

Acres of Vineyards in Sonoma, California

United States:  Colorado

The Rocky Mountains

Camping in the Rocky Mountains

United States:  Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans:  Black & White Photos

The Old Absinthe Bar

United States:  Ohio

The Farm Restaurant in Adena

Enjoying a Fabulous Dinner at The Farm

The Merchant House

Enjoying a Fabulous Dinner at the Merchant House

The Old Arcana Restaurant

The Bourbon Praline French Toast

Cincinnati:  National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

Columbus:  Ohio Village

Celebrating 100 Years of Beatrix Potter at Ohio Village 

Springfield:

Farmer’s Market

The Historical Springfield Farmer’s Market

Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright

The Westcott House

Clifton Mill Lights at Christmas

Gorgeous Holiday Lights in Clifton

Ohio Wineries:

Bardwell Winery

Brandeberry Winery

Hafle Winery

Knotty Vines Winery

Meranda Nixon Winery

Plum Run Winery

United States:  Tennessee

Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville

United States:  Washington DC

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

United States:  West Virginia

New River Gorge

Floating down the Lower Gauley at the New River Gorge

I hope you enjoyed checking out all of my travels and post-related photos for 2017! I look forward to seeing what 2018 brings! Happy New Year!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Arlington National Cemetery, A Tribute to US Veterans

26 June 201431 August 2024

With the approaching Memorial Day holiday in sight, what better way to honor the brave Americans who have served our country and fought to protect our freedom than to plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery?  The Cemetery in Arlington

Located in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery has been the final resting place for American War heroes since the Revolutionary War.  Spanning over 612 acres, the site is a beautiful and serene location that reminds us of the lives that were given for America’s freedom…a nation where we are provided the opportunity for “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

The endless rows of white headstones represent over 300,000 brave Americans who fought for the united cause of independence.  The numbers will continue to rise until we are no longer at war.  We have our military to thank for making our country what it is today, totally open to worship in the manner in which we choose and to voice our opinions for ideals for which we support.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the most important events at the Arlington National Cemetery is the Changing of the Guard which takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  At every hour, on the hour, this ceremony takes place to pay due respect to all soldiers who have died during a time of American conflict.    In front of the tomb there are also graves of unknown veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, identified by white marble slabs that are prominent among the brick foundation.

Preparing for Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Once the officer salutes the unknown soldier retiring from his post, another sentinel takes his or her position at the tomb.  The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 1996

During my visit, there were several young children who seemed interested in the  service and began discussing the recent ceremony with the officer on duty.  I was deeply moved by their curiosity and impressed with the questions they were asking.

JFK Tomb

Among one of the most visited graves at Arlington National Cemetery is that of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.   At the request of his wife, Jacqueline, Kennedy was provided a final resting place on the Arlington National Cemetery grounds.  It was also her wish that an eternal flame be lit to mark his grave.  On November 25, 1963 at 3PM, the services began for her husband’s funeral.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Grave

Nearly 30 years later, in 1994, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis would be laid to rest beside her husband, her infant son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and their unnamed stillborn daughter.

Gravesite at Arlington Cemetary

Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s brother is also buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, next to his brother.  A presidential candidate, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 as he left the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.  Robert’s body was brought to Arlington National Cemetery from New York City by train to his final resting place.

Arlington Cemetery Headstone

There are a number of  monuments and memorials throughout the National Cemetery that are significant.   They are a reminder of many who died during times of war, near and abroad, and for those that gave their lives in service to the United States.  For a full list of monuments, visit the Arlington Cemetery’s website. Some of the more notable memorials include the Civil War Unknowns, PanAm Flight 103, Pentagon Group Burial Marker, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial  (shown) and the Spanish-American War Monument.

Entrance to Arlington Cemetary

While leaving the cemetery, I could hear the faint sound of military taps being played in the distance.  I paused for a moment of respect as my eyes filled with tears and feeling grateful for these American soldiers.  It is important that I never forget….never forget that freedom isn’t free, because in the end, someone has given their life so that I could live in one of the greatest countries of the world.  I should never take that for granted.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery?  What was the most significant aspect of your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about Arlington National Cemetery!  Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do: 

Arlington National Cemetery
Address:  Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
Phone:  877.907.8585
Hours:  Open 365 days per year
Cost:  Free, except for guided tours*

How to Get There:

  • Take the Washington DC area’s MetroRail’s Blue Line to the Arlington National Cemetery Station.
  • MetroBus stop on Memorial Avenue

*Arlington National Cemetery has partnered with Arlington Cemetery Tours, Inc. as the only provider of tour bus services within the cemetery.  $12 for adults; $6 for children; $9 for seniors and free for military personnel in uniform and disabled with valid handicap placard. (Please visit the Cemetery’s website to confirm admission fees).

The Welcome Center is located at the entrance to the cemetery and is open daily from 8AM to 7PM from April 1st to September 30th and closes at 5PM from October 1st to March 31st.  It is closed on December 25th.

You will find a number of resources at the Welcome Center as well as a bookstore.  Here you can find maps, kiosks and information services as well as restrooms and water fountains.   Extensive exhibits and displays document the history of the cemetery, from its beginnings as a gravesite in the backyard of Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House, to the formal designation of the land as a national cemetery.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 N. Court House Road
Arlington, VA  22201
Toll Free Number:  866 538 1314

Hotels in the Arlington area can be quite expensive, so if you can stay in close proximity to the Cemetery and take the Metro, I highly suggest it!

Where to Eat:

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill
2424 Wilson Road
Arlington, VA  22201
Phone Number:  703 528 3030 (for reservations) or use Open Table

If you visit during a warm, sunny day, this rooftop restaurant is fabulous, located in the Clarendon area of Washington DC/Arlington area. They have an outstanding weekend brunch menu!

What to Eat: 

  • Fried Eggplant at Peter Chang
  • Smoky Barbecue at Rocklands
  • Chinese Hot Pot at Mala Tang
  • Spanish plates at Ser
  • Peruvian dishes at El Pollo Rico
  • Russian and Uzbek cuisine at Rus Uz
  • Filipino food at Bistro 1521
  • Best Wine Bar is Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
  • For sweets its Buzz Bakeshop

Photo Guide for Washington DC:

  • Arlington Cemetery
    • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
    • Gravesites of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis
  • Air Force Memorial
  • Netherlands Carillon
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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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