http://factoidz.com/profile/MinervaMom/ Laurie Cirivello articles on Factoidz en-us http://factoidz.com/long-haul-flights-tips-for-a-comfortable-journey/ http://factoidz.com/long-haul-flights-tips-for-a-comfortable-journey/ While a vacation to Europe can be an exciting proposition, the long, usually overnight journey can leave you arriving in your dream destination in a fog. Most flights to Europe leave one day and arrive bright and early the next morning. There are, however, a number of small things that we have found... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST MinervaMom http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/long-haul-flights-tips-for-a-comfortable-journey.jpg http://factoidz.com/6-movies-that-will-inspire-you-to-travel/ http://factoidz.com/6-movies-that-will-inspire-you-to-travel/ At times when travel isn't possible, a good movie can be the next best thing. Films featuring exotic settings, romantic destinations or other faraway places can inspire future adventures and help temporarily feed the travel bug. Here are a few of my favorite films that keep me dreaming until my nex... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST MinervaMom http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/6-movies-that-will-inspire-you-to-travel.jpg http://factoidz.com/one-day-in-dublin-5-suggestions-for-a-short-stay/ http://factoidz.com/one-day-in-dublin-5-suggestions-for-a-short-stay/ A recent business trip provided me with my first taste of Ireland. But it was a very short trip and I had only a little time to explore the capital city of Dublin. My challenge was to find a good mix of activities and experiences that would leave me with a rich cultural recollection despite the shor... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST MinervaMom http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/one-day-in-dublin-5-suggestions-for-a-short-stay.jpg http://factoidz.com/selecting-the-right-cabin-on-your-first-cruise/ http://factoidz.com/selecting-the-right-cabin-on-your-first-cruise/ Deciding on the right cabin for your first cruise ship adventure can be intimidating. Knowing a bit of "cabin vocabulary" can help demystify things and and help you choose your ideal accommodation. Inside, outside, balcony, suite: There are four basic cabin types. The single defi... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST MinervaMom http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/selecting-the-right-cabin-on-your-first-cruise.jpg http://factoidz.com/5-strategies-for-snagging-travel-deals/ http://factoidz.com/5-strategies-for-snagging-travel-deals/ Everyone likes a "deal". But when traveling, discounts and specials can make a big impact on affordability. I admit to being a compulsive shopper when planning travel. Here are a few of the tactics and resources that I have found to lower the price tag and increase the value of our vacations. Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST MinervaMom http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/5-strategies-for-snagging-travel-deals.jpg http://factoidz.com/cruise-vacation-shore-excursions-choose-from-a-package-or-diy/ http://factoidz.com/cruise-vacation-shore-excursions-choose-from-a-package-or-diy/ A special appeal of cruising comes from the ability to visit numerous ports and places but only unpack once. On a typical 7-day Carribean cruise, your floating hotel is likely to visit anywhere from 4 to 6 ports-of-call. The question here is, "how do you best use the 6-8 hours of shoretime?". Cruise... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:28 CST MinervaMom http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/cruise-vacation-shore-excursions-choose-from-a-package-or-diy.jpg http://factoidz.com/my-favorite-things-in-florence-italy/ http://factoidz.com/my-favorite-things-in-florence-italy/ Travel books and vacation planning websites are filled with "must see" landmarks and comprehensive itineraries covering all of the well-known highlights of popular destinations. In Florence there are, of course, many wonderful, iconic sights and experiences; from Michelangelo's David to the famed D... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:28 CST MinervaMom http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/my-favorite-things-in-florence-italy.jpg http://factoidz.com/staycations-experiencing-your-hometown-like-a-tourist/ http://factoidz.com/staycations-experiencing-your-hometown-like-a-tourist/ Most communities put great effort into attracting visitors and tourists. When vacationing out-of-town we all use marketing materials, websites and other information resources to plan our special get-away. For an equally fun and memorable "staycation" in your own town, you just need to think like a t... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:28 CST MinervaMom http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/staycations-experiencing-your-hometown-like-a-tourist.jpg http://factoidz.com/sonoma-county-beyond-the-vines/ http://factoidz.com/sonoma-county-beyond-the-vines/ Sonoma County, California is renowned for vineyards and winery tours. Guests arrive from around the world to sample some of the world's finest Chardonnays, Cabernets and Merlots. But this picturesque region, starting 45 miles north of San Francisco, has so much more to offer. From towering redwood f... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST MinervaMom http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/sonoma-county-beyond-the-vines.jpg http://factoidz.com/first-time-travel-tips-venice-on-a-budget/ http://factoidz.com/first-time-travel-tips-venice-on-a-budget/ Ah, Venezia! Venice is one of the most unique travel destinations in the world. Though often considered an expensive city to visit, there are many tips and suggestions that can both reduce stress and save money. Getting around - Water taxis, gondolas and public transpor... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:28 CST MinervaMom http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/first-time-travel-tips-venice-on-a-budget.jpg