Don’t wait for anyone! Just go and do it. Make that dinner reservation at the restaurant you’ve always wanted to go to. Plan that trip to the destination that you’ve dreamed about. Head to the gym when it’s best for you. The worst thing you can do is worry about doing it alone. You’ll fine that once you start everyone will want to join you, and while you’re there, there’s always someone to keep you company.
-Romell
Welcome to the wonderful world of TravelZoo, the best travel website around. If you are unfamiliar with this website prepare to be amazed.
My first encounter with TravelZoo was back in 2011 when I was deciding on a trip to Las Vegas. Now, as many of you know flights to Vegas are not cheap, especially not from the East Coast. I had a close friend forward me an email with a bunch of deals listed and highlighted that she found a roundtrip flight out of Baltimore to Las Vegas for $150! $1-5-0! What is this wonderful deal website she sent me? Could it be a fake? I was skeptical at first, until I followed the path to freedom. TravelZoo sent me to a special airline website where I found loads and loads of $150 roundtrip flights. How did I not see this? Where were these the last time I was looking? Without hesitation, I found the timeframe I wanted (Columbus Weekend mind you), booked, and never looked back.
From that day in 2011 TravelZoo has been my go-to website for all deals and not just travel. I have booked numerous spa days, party buses, wineries, brunches, dinners, shows. Here are some examples (just to name a few): Michael Jackson’s One Cirque Soleil in Vegas only $120 middle section second row? BAM, another trip to Vegas for 4th of July? Why yes $150 AGAIN? BAM, Party Bus around 4 clubs in Vegas $39? BAM, ski-weekend in Canaan Valley for two nights all lift and ski rental included for only $249 for two people? BAM Need I go on?
I hope you take my advice and seek out TravelZoo. Go right now and sign up for Deals, Local Deals, and get the TravelZoo Weekly Top 20 where I find most of the flight deals! (recent experience: $220 roundtrip nonstop on Virgin America to San Fran brought you by TravelZoo).
This past weekend I took a trip to Steeler nation. While in Pittsburgh, I visited a few local shops, dined with friends, and enjoyed the night life. Here are 5 things you need to know before planning your trip.
1. Not a cab town
Contrary to popular belief, all large cities are not cab towns. When traveling to Pittsburgh, make sure you map out where you’re going and how you plan to get there. Conveniences such as Uber, Hailo, and Car2Go are non existent. Tip: If you find a cab you like, get their number; it’ll come in handy when you’re in need of a cab later.
2. House party central
There is a big house party culture here. People tend to host large parties in their homes. With regard to bars and clubs, patrons are allowed to smoke inside so be prepared to smell like an ash tray if you’re going clubbing. Drink prices are reasonable when compared to other large cities. The going rate for a decent vodka and cranberry was about $5.
3. Strangers with candy
Generally speaking, the people of Pittsburgh are eager to help. Whether asking for a brunch destination, a nice spot to shake your tush, or if you’re just into befriending random strangers; you shouldn’t have any problems.
4. Booze
Alcoholics, social drinkers, and everyone else in between; pay attention. The liquor stores are all state owned and operated. You can only buy liquor from 9am-9pm, all of the prices are exactly the same at each store, and you can’t buy liquor on Sundays so get enough Saturday night to last. Many of the restaurants allow you to bring your own booze. Tip: You usually can call ahead to see if the spot you’re headed to offers this option.
5. There’s a lot to do
I wasn’t able to experience all of the ‘Burgh in my short time but my lovely hosts recommended visiting Mt. Washington for great views of the city and checking out the specialty shops for items such as cured meats and cheeses.
Pittsburgh is a cool place to visit. It’s the home of Heinz ketchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and RuPaul’s drag race winner Sharon needles. Don’t let the hilly terrain or cold weather deter you, Pittsburgh has a lot to offer.
-Isaac
Klassily 