Is Budget Travel going on a permanent vacation?

The New York Magazine recently reported that Budget Travel is getting ready to pack it up for good.  Say it ain't so.  We just renewed our subscription!  In our opinion Budget Travel has seen better days. Though Arthur Frommer's name is still above the title, he has been out of the picture for some time now.   Currently operated by the Newsweek Group, the magazine has seen a decline in quality content in recent years.  Once full of feature articles, now it seems dominated by ads and content readily available online.  However a rep for BT emailed NY Magazine and said "Budget Travel is not shutting down nor is it laying off staff. It’s business as usual at Budget Travel and we are currently working to produce the February issue and beyond."  After recently receiving what appears to be a thinner than usual December 2009/January 2010 edition with, we are starting to worry.   Budget Travel is currently offering an annual subscription for only $12.  Times are tough, but that is a bargian.  JJ 

2 Tickets to Parasites by Rachel Flotard-a reprinted article.

If you don’t know who Rachel Flotard is, you should. Rachel and her band Visqueen have been supplying a heavy dose of rock/pop/punk music since 2001. Their new record, Message to Garcia was released September 8^th, 2009. Their third record, it shines with well crafted, catchy songs from the heart. The record was inspired by George Flotard, Rachel’s father, who was a New York Steamfitter and no-nonsense kind of guy. After a lengthy battle with prostate cancer he passed away in April of 2008. Rachel started her own label called Local 638 Records, to honor her father and his NYC Steamfitters union.

After her father’s passing, Rachel decided to go on a journey to Laos. During her trip she started a blog to capture her experiences. Land Of A Million Elephants. And One Flotard is a collection of her stories as a first time visitor to Laos. Rachel was gracious enough to allow us to reprint one of her stories.

2 Tickets to Parasites-Originally posted on November 5^th, 2008 by Rachel Flotard

My first taste of Pho in Laos. We walked up and down the streets trying to decide on where to go. Justin had been to this little spot before, and he was still alive.

It was open to the sidewalk, hot, and a poodle with one eye was walking around. He was curly, once white, and the super cute house mascot. We pulled up some plastic chairs and ordered two chicken soups. I walked over to a small cold case and pulled out two bottles of water. Towards the back of the restaurant was a vinyl lawn chaise lounge occupied by a young man watching TV with no shoes on. When I say there is no 409 or Windex for a thousand miles I mean it. And it's great.

Shortly after our order, he got up and delivered 2 glasses of ice water brimming with future shits and a side of rickety ass limes.

The nice woman delivered the soup. It was delicious salty broth with chicken that had been simmering since yesterday (sure!). There were bits of garlic and skin with the goosebumps still on them. Justin passed me some choppers and I said a hail Mary to my metal spoon.

At that moment, Justin was about to put his chopsticks in his mouth when I noticed the "Tranny Pink" shade of Wet N' Wild on the end of his utensil. I glances at it and said, "Uhh..dude, you might want to change that out". He did. And we ate the hell out of those bowls as if our bowels were back at the room.

I'm happy to report as we rode to the market by tuk tuk and enjoyed the day, there was nary a barf or reeah among us.
Khop Jai!!

Now to anyone reading this that has not purchased Message to Garcia, do yourself a favor and get it. You will be glad you did. For more of Rachel’s writing about her trip to Laos, visit her blog Land Of A Million Elephants. And One Flotard.

I think I just saw the ghost of Abbot & Costello in Hollyweird!

Hollywood always entertains. Even in death. This October how about treating yourself to a walking cemetery tour of the stars? Visit grave sites for the likes of Cecil B. Demille, Jane Mansfield and even Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. The "Cemetery of the Stars" tour typically runs on Saturday and Sunday of each week. Click here to visit their website.

Also buried at Hollywood Forever are Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone; however, we are not sure if they are a part of the tour. Check out the famous statue of Johnny. Now that is rock n' roll! JJ

Did Leonardo da Vinci like Shamrock shakes?

I couldn't really get a good exterior picture of the Pantheon in Rome. It certainly wasn't due to a lack of trying. The piazza in front, like many things in Rome is fairly cramped. As I backed up as far as I could to capture the entire building, I gathered a faint smell of french fries. Overhead was a large red sign with golden arches. That is right, smack dab in the middle of Piazza della Minerva is a McDonald's. Not a complete surprise since McDonald's and other fast food establishments dot the landscape of this historic city. However, most of them are in train stations, busy streets, or next to hotels. This particular McDonald's provides one of the best views of this almost 1900 year old structure.

Now comes word the French are ready to place a McDonald's in the Lourve. Actually it will be located in Carrousel du Louvre, an underground mall located next to the museum. Perfect. Now you can enjoy the glory of the Winged Victory of Samothrace while eating a Big Mac. JJ

Related: L.A. Times-McDonald's to hang out its shingle near Mona Lisa's home in the Carrousel du Louvre

Austin-Help wanted. What to do in the live music capital of the world?

Same Same is taking a short trip to Austin, TX, USA very soon. Our plans include visiting the much lauded Salt Lick BBQ, a day trip to San Antonio to tour the Alamo, the San Antonio River Walk, swimming at Barton Springs and some quality time with great music.

The bands we’re looking forward to seeing this October in Austin are the Murder City Devils at the fantastic outdoor venue The Mohawk, Ruby Dee & the Snake Handlers, and we sure hope we get the chance to see Austin up and comers Oak Is Keeping. If you like Oak Is Keeping, you can vote for them in the Airwalk Unsigned Heroes contest and and help them get a record deal.

Please send Same Same suggestions if you have ideas for additional fun in Austin. We are always on the lookout for interesting activities. FB

Bar Nun-Willie’s Hi-Lead Inn Hamilton, WA

Like the Bermuda Triangle, Willie’s is shrouded in mystery & speculation. The allure is not knowing what to expect.

This truly down & out dive bar resides in a tiny hamlet halfway to nowhere near the Skagit River in a nearly windowless cinder block bunker. Perhaps the lack of seeing inside enhances the mystique? My theory about the name is it’s their warning to townspeople about the paint quality. The concrete interior is sparsely furnished with handwritten signs, juke box & indoor/outdoor carpets. Support posts in the bar are marked with tape lines indicating heights of past floods. Every year or so, furniture & electronics get temporarily moved to the roof as the mighty Skagit overflows. Many residences seen on the way through town, permanent & trailer variety, are raised up on blocks. Certainly an unusual sight to behold.

At Willie’s, activities abound. There are dart boards, horseshoe pit, pool tables & a wood paneled stage. Upon this stage has been witnessed the most horrifying karaoke to spew from a human orifice. Honestly, it’s bad. Once I saw a drunken local known as Johnny Appleseed enter, trumpet aloft, & play along with the canned music. For sure, this improved the experience. Let’s just say I’ve never seen a sober person sing here & the old dude that runs the karaoke is no golden throat, either. Most selections chosen are the C&W/1980’s variety. I guarantee they have Total Eclipse of the Heart.

One confounding thing about Willie’s is that though they do not offer premium liquor, they serve incredibly cheap delicious snacks, most of which are made right there. I have it on good authority that Monday’s special, “$1 Burger Night”, is fantastic. I’m a huge fan of their thick, crunchy onion rings ($3.75), & the breaded, deep fried mushrooms are mighty fine. They serve a homemade version of most standard bar appetizers, sandwiches, pizza, and occasionally, “broasted” meat items. I don’t know what that means, but most things I’ve eaten here were surprisingly tasty, though as with any place, there’s the occasional menu misstep. When you’re not paying for ambiance, prices can be extremely reasonable.

Back to the previous statement regarding liquor – Willie’s serves bottom shelf brands. Abundant $1 Schmidt in the can, flavored Smirnoff & the like. On one occasion, a request for better quality gin spurred a former Willy’s bartender to unpack a ladder from a storage closet, climb up to a hatch in the ceiling & retrieve a bottle of Beefeater from the roof. Evidently this is where the secret stash of middle shelf libations is hidden? Don’t worry, you don’t have to drink Schmidt. If you’re a high roller with $2.25 to blow, you can have a whole pint of High Life or Coors.

It’s also surrounded by scenic wilderness. Stop at Willie’s on the way to or North Cascades National Park or this here hiking trail.

Willy’s can be lots of fun for very little money. Don’t tease the locals & be sure to tip the bartenders well. Some of them are young folks saving up to get out of town & go to college. FB


Note: We normally offer a link to a business web site or review; however, there is none to be had. This appears to be the first review of this fine backwoods establishment.

456 Maple Street, Hamilton, WA 98255
(360) 826-4366

I want to rock n' roll all-night and sleep in my free Motel 6 room the next day.

Try throwing the TV into the swimming pool when it’s bolted to the bureau, bad boys. That’s right, (select group of) Rock Stars! Budget giant Motel 6 is willing to host you for free if you’re on the right label. They are currently working to expand their roster of touring bands that are being offered free rooms, but this is a pretty interesting promotion. Just don’t expect the groupies to be to terribly impressed to be taken back to your room. But if you’re drunk, they’ll leave the light on for you. FP

Related: NY Daily News-Keep on rockin' in the free rooms: Motel 6 shakes up image by offering free stays to bands

The Lower East Side Hotel will offer rooms with a different kind of view.

Are you brave enough to go to the bathroom in front of your bunk mate? Me either. Our friends at Hotel Chatter are reporting the currently in design Lower East Side Hotel are taking the "open concept" to a whole new level. There is a shower and toilet, but no walls for privacy. I can see it now, "Honey will you leave the room for a moment? I need to take care of some business."

The hotel will be in the Lower East Side/SoHo area and will include 220 modern European minimalist style rooms. Between this and The Standard NYC, we are kind of waxing nostalgic for the old Times Square. JJ

Alaska Airlines-They are no virgins to offering a great deal.

One of our favorites, Alaska Airlines has announced a two-season sale with fares valid until 2010. “This system-wide sale offers some of our lowest fares to the sunny Hawaiian Islands and Mexico, and includes our newest markets — Atlanta, Houston and Austin.” said Steve Jarvis, vice president of marketing, sales and customer experience. No comment from Jenn, the always willing to help CS agent.

Examples of One-Way Fares:

* $29 between San Jose and Sacramento;

* $49 between Seattle and San Francisco or Oakland;

* $59 between Seattle and Boise or Spokane; and between Portland and Oakland or Spokane;

* $79 between Anchorage and Fairbanks;

* $99 between Seattle and Houston or Austin; and between Portland and Chicago, Los Angeles or Santa Rosa/Sonoma;

* $109 between Seattle and Los Cabos;

* $119 between Portland and Atlanta;

* $148 between Seattle and Honolulu;

* $149 between Portland and Maui;

* $199 between Anchorage and Maui.

They also just announced a 10% discount off of vacation packages, in addition to receiving 1,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Bonus Miles. For more details go to Alaskaair.com.

With winter just around the corner, who wouldn’t want some coconut drinks or banana margaritas? RD