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Destination Unknown - Cleveland, Ohio, USA

In honour of our newly launched USA SIM Card & Cell Phone Bundle, we'd like to explore a few American destinations that are the perfect place to visit this fall!

Located about five hours driving distance from Toronto, Cleveland is often overshadowed by other close-by trip favourites like New York City and Chicago; it's really too bad, because Cleveland has just as much culture, cusine and as many fun attractions as any other major US city!

Things to do in Cleveland

1) Rock out at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Probably the biggest tourist attraction in the city, there's good reason why - boasting permenant exhibitions about The Beatles, Films at the Rock Hall, and Treasures from the Vault (including artifacts from legends like Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin and The Bee Gees), plus a cool roster of visiting exhibitions like Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power, there's something for every music fan.

2) Take part in a Taste Cleveland Food Tour

If you're passionate about food, this is the sightseeing tour for you! There are several tour types to choose from - our pick is the Westside Food Market, for its array of treats from artisenal cheeses to an olive oil tasting, plus the city's best falafel is said to be there.

3) Thrill seek at Cedar Point

With all there is to do in and around Cedar Point park and resort, it's no wonder it's a top-rated attraction in the USA. From rollercoasters to Challenge Park (which has activities ranging from go-karting to RipCord), you can indulge your fear factor - and maybe even conquor it - with a trip to Sandusky Island.

4) Treat your ears to the Cleveland Institute of Music's student orchestra

 Every year, the renowned CIM Orchestra performs (usually at no cost) at the gorgeous Severence Hall. The repetoire ranges from symphonic works to concertos, and spans generations of compositional talent.

5) Behold the Holden Arboretum

You can imagine how beautiful this 3,500 acre outdoor museum is in the fall! There are several tours to take part in (including a tram tour), and until late October, their Leaf Trail is out of this world. It's also the only place in the Arboretum where leaf collecting is permitted!

Stay connected in Cleveland with Brightroam’s USA SIM Card or Cell Phone Bundle, which include wireless data services.

Plan A Stress-Free Business Trip

Traveling on business can be a great job perk, but it doesn't come without its share of stress. From last-minute arrangements to getting lost (and being late for a meeting), there are many variables that could account for a snag in your plans. Here are some foolpoof tips to help you prepare for and enjoy your next business trip!

1) Travel Early In The Day

Early flights are less likely to be delayed, and you'll end up at your destination with time to tackle whatever job lies ahead.

2) Be Prepared

Give yourself ample time to prepare for your day; remember, you're in an unfamiliar place with its own unique pace. Arrange for a cab or car service to meetings the previous day so there's no last minute planning to be done. Familiarize yourself with your hotel's location, with attention paid to any meeting areas you'll be visiting, as well as places to dine with and entertain clients.

3) Take Care

Nothing derails your daily schedule like a cold. Be pro-active - stay hydrated, get some exercise, and wash your hands regularly. 

4) Use Your Free Time Wisely

Enjoy your down time by sightseeing; business trips can be taxing on your nerves, and the best way to unwind is by taking a long walk and taking in the sights. Book a massage at your hotel to clear your head, or purchase tickets to a show for an evening of relaxation.

5) Don't Overconsume

Wining and dining is usually part of a business traveler's itinerary, but too much revelry can leave you feeling sluggish and unproductive. Getting a good night's sleep and delivering a professional, memorable presentation will be more impressive to your host than going overboard on a night out.

6) Stay In Touch During Your Travels

Brightroam recently launched its new USA SIM Card and USA Cell Phone Bundle, making it easier for you to call, text or surf the net from anywhere in America. Save up to 87% on voice and 97% on data every time you use your Brightroam SIM or Cell Phone!

Unique Fall Festivals in the USA

Just because summer's over doesn't mean the fun is! Fall is a beautiful time to get away with family and friends, and where better to start than with our neighbours to the south in the USA!

Don't just settle for an ordinary vacation - check out these unusual festivals throughout October & November to help you start planning.

California Avocado Festival (Carpinteria, California)

From October 7th through the 9th, celebrate that nutritious, delicious fruit that goes great with Mexican food. Santa Barbara County is the third largest avocado prouducer in North America, and Avofest is now in its 25th year. Expect plenty to eat, drink and listen to during this tribute to the heart-smart avocado. As organizers say, it's three days of Peace, Love and Guacamole!

The Chocolate Show (New York, New York)

Few words incite such delirious excitement as "chocolate" - indulge your sweet tooth at the boothes of over 30 exhibitors from around the world.

Big Pig Jig (Vienna, Georgia)

Barbecue in November? You bet! Check out Georgia's oldest festival tribute to the tradition of sweet grilled meat. On November 4th & 5th, treat yourself to the whole hog with contests, arts & crafts, and a livestock show.

Boston Book Festival (Boston, Mass.)

Fans of the cult television show The Wire will want to attend the opening event of this year's BBF; The Art of The Wire is a panel discussion featuring cast members and writer/producer George Pelecanos.

No matter where the spirit of adventure takes you, Brightroam's USA SIM Card or USA Cell Phone Bundle lets you talk, text and surf the net for much, much less!

Talk Freely When You Travel To The USA

With so much talk about high roaming rates from service providers, Brightroam puts it in plain sight! Check out the comparison chart for our new USA SIM Card vs. the rates provided by Rogers.

Learn more about our new USA SIM Card & USA Cell Phone Bundle, and how you can save big when you go anywhere in the States.

 

Be Prepared For Back-To-School Abroad

Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Now that the Labour Day long weekend is over, all parents' thoughts have returned to back-to-school mode. Some of us have kids who will be studying abroad this year for homestay programs, exchanges and more. How can you prepare them for a successful year of studying? With a cool care package!

1) An international outlet plug will aleviate the stress of replacing current electronic items.

2) A subscription to their favourite magazine, sent to their new address, is always a nice surprise (who doesn't like receiving mail?).

3) Find out what the hottest boutique in town is, and purchase a gift certificate for your child to indulge in a little retail therapy.

4) A variety pack of teas is a greaty way to help your child de-stress or re-energize. Green tea is full of antioxidents, and peppermint calms an upset stomach.

5) Buy "airline safe" clear bottles and package up some of your child's favourite products to bring with them.

6) Brightroam's World SIM card can be used in over 200 countries, and will keep you and your child connected while they're away.

It's never easy seeing your kids off to school, whether it's just down the street or halfway across the world. Just remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder!

Brightroam SIMs Can Save You Thousands

 

Photo courtesy of Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

There have been many articles published recently about the outrageous bills people have received upon their arrival home from a getaway or business trip. In her article for The New York Times, Michelle Higgins recounts the story of Jeff Gardner, who racked up an $11,000 Verizon bill while in Jamaica for four days. Jim Eagles of the New Zealand Herald talks about two friends, who together faced roaming charges of about $800 traveling to France and Spain, each sending only a few texts and making a handful of calls.

In both cases, the articles mentioned the simplicity and spendthrift advantage of SIM cards. Brightroam's SIM cards work in over 200+ countries, and the service is post-paid, meaning you'll never use up your minutes before you're finished your trip - and the cost per minute is very, very low.

One of our customers, Steve Connolly of New York, gave this testimonial about his switch to Brightroam: "My partner and I have switched to your service from pre-paid SIM cards. We pre-order, they arrive on time and it's less hassle when we're in-country. Amazing service that saves us money."

Sounds a lot happier than Jeff Gardner, doesn't he? Read more of our testimonials here, and remember Brightroam for all your communication needs while traveling.

Have A Nice Trip!

Travel - whether for business or pleasure - always comes with a few pitfalls: long wait times and line ups at the airport; unexpected changes in the weather; a smaller-than-expected hotel room.

With some advanced planning, you can ensure that everything within your control can be managed, and make every trip a pleasant one!

1) When packing for a getaway, make sure you have the following items in a carry-on bag:

• an extra set of undergarments and an extra pair of socks
• an extra t-shirt
• a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra contact lenses and any other essential toiletries
• any guidebooks, maps or language books you require for your stay

If your other luggage is lost at the end of your journey, you'll at least have some things to get you by. Remember that most airlines don't give much in the way of reimbursement for lost bags, so don't get caught away from home without what you need!

2) Avoid jetlag by planning an overnight flight. You can sleep while you travel and wake up to a new day in a new place.

3) Rent or purchase guide videos to learn about your destination; by seeing the locations rather than simply reading about them, you'll feel familiar with your new surroundings, and more at ease.

4) Learn the following phrases in the most commonly spoken language of your destination:

• "Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to ________ (name of your lodging here)?"
• "What time do you close/open?"
• "Excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?"
• "Please" and "thank you"

These are phrases you're bound to use during your stay and learning them will help you plan, manage and enjoy your trip.

5) Renting a car while you travel is often a great way to get around; be sure to research the rules of the road, though. Find out what certain signs indicate, the speed limit of major routes, and anything else that will help you avoid getting ticketed or towed.

6) In some countries, the tip on meals is included in cheque's total. Find out if this applies where you are staying, and avoid paying to much (or too little) after you eat.

7) Don't carry your passport with you when you're out and about; make a photocopy of the information and carry that instead - keep your original passport in your hotel's safe.

8) Don't overpack! Learn the weight restrictions of your airline before packing to ensure you're not charged at the airport. If you plan on shopping on your trip, leave space for new items. This is often the main reason for weight overage charges.

9) Research any museums or galleries you plan to visit before you leave; many have reduced (or free) admission on particular days or certain times.

10) Order your Brightroam SIM or international phone as soon as you can to make sure it arrives on time. Don't suffer the surprise of high roaming fees - plan ahead and get ready to roam!

Destination Unknown - Girona, Spain

While many who travel to Spain flock to the country’s well-known cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Seville, the area of Girona (about 2 hours away from Barcelona) is a wonderful hidden gem for those looking to do something different on their European getaway.

With its mild temperature and laid-back atmosphere, visitors have an abundance of things to do during their stay, whether your interest is sports, culture or cuisine.

Photo from girona.cat

5 Things To Do in Girona

1)   Visit the Museum of Art

Spain is home to many wonderful museums and galleries, and the Museu d’Art is no exception. With a collection that spans the Romanesque period to works from the 20^th Century, the most unique feature of the museum is the Museum-Pharmacy of the Hospital de Santa Caterina. The ceiling is decorated with paintings from the 19^th Century, and the room contains pharmacy/apothecary jars and jugs dating all the way back to the 16^th Century.

2)   See the Houses on the Onyar

Brightly painted apartments line the river Onyar (which runs through Girona), and their interesting construction and unusual detailing are a sight to behold. Walk through the city and enjoy the urban scenery.

3)   Take a cultural tour of the Catedral de Girona

No matter what your religious affiliation, the austere beauty of the city’s grand cathedral should not be missed. The tour includes an audioguide, and takes visitors through the Nave, Treasury and Cloister.

4)   Enjoy a game of golf

An 18-hole game awaits you on a beautiful course at Golf Girona, designed by F.W. Hawtree. Packages are available in combination with several of the city’s hotels, and range from the “Landscape” pack to the “Luxury” pack. For more seriously sporty types, PGA Golf de Catalunya is also close by, and is ranked as one of the top 100 courses in the world.

5)   Eat at the Casa Marieta

Offering traditional dishes like Duck with Pears, this mainstay of Girona’s dining scene uses market-fresh ingredients to prepare an unfussy array of delicious plates.

Though Girona has its own airport that receives flights from many European cities, a great way to enter the city is by train. The landscape between Barcelona and Girona is peaceful and pretty, and will help ease you into your adventure in this picturesque place.

Stay connected in Spain with Brightroam’s World SIM card, which includes wireless data services.

Keep your passport safe

Last week I almost lost my passport while in Las Vegas and I thought it would be handy to offer up a few tips I've heard over the years on keeping your passport safe while you travel.

1. On route - don’t let your passport out of your sight! Don’t let the hotel front desk or tour company take your passport away to photocopy it without knowing where they take it. Don’t leave your passport sitting on your seat on the airplane when you walk to the washroom. Don't turn away from your bag while looking for cash or reading a map. Keep your passport with you at all times when traveling from departure to arrival.

2. Keep a copy at home! Passports can get stolen or lost no matter how hard you try to keep track of them. Keeping a copy of your passport at home will ensure that you have the information in a safe place just in case you misplace it while on the move.

3. Share your secrets! Make sure someone you trust has access to that photocopy in your home or a digital copy on your PC so that they can send you the information if needed.

4. Better yet – travel with a photocopy! If you lock your passport in a safety deposit box at a hotel or local post office while traveling, carry a photocopy with you at all times. That way if anything happens, you have the information immediately on hand.

Good luck and safe travels.

Drive on the right (or left) side of the road

Most travelers have experienced driving on the opposite side of the road – on purpose that is. At first it seems quite simple, you head out of the car lot and just start driving, that is until you have parked for a while and then hop back into the car and instinct takes over.

I was recently in Ireland and the rental car was equipped with ten different stickers posted in strategic places reminding me which side to drive on. If your car isn’t overloaded with such sticker reminders, here are few tips for keeping you on the right (or left) side of the road.

Find out beforehand! About a quarter of the world drives on the left, most at some point in history were British colonies, with the exception of Japan and a few others. Knowing which side of the road you’ll be driving on ahead of time will prepare you for the trip. Check out this handy chart: Table of Countries Showing Drive Direction

The Centre Line:  Unless you are in an imported specialty car, the driver always sits on the side of the car that is nearest to the centre line. So if you look out your driver’s window and notice the sidewalk, you’re driving on the wrong side.

See some additional International Driving Tips from Durant Imboden's Europe for Visitors