TOP 3 NEW YEAR'S TRAVEL RESOLUTIONS FOR 2010

My passport got a nice workout in 2009! I was lucky enough to jet set to some fantastic places including Buenos Aires, Argentina-Punta Del Este, Uruguay-Prague, Czech Republic- Toronto, Canada and Reykjavik, Iceland. I am now working on the destination list for 2010 which I hope will be as exciting. I am hoping to travel to many places abroad, but I would also like to get in some more U.S. trips as well. So with the new year almost here, I thought I'd share my personal Top 3 Travel Resolutions for 2010. My mantra is still the same- "travel more, but be smart about it!"

1- Travel to more "Off-the-Beaten Path" Destinations: It's always great jet setting to a big city, but sometimes it's cooler staying in a smaller town just outside of the city. It's a great way to get a better feel for how the locals really live, and it's a smarter way to travel because you can probably get a hotel for half the price.

2- Go Green When Making Travel Plans: Look for hotels that are Environmentally Friendly, or take a train to a destination instead of flying- it's better for the environment and it's smarter because you could end up saving money on your total travel costs.

3- Take More Road Trips: A Staycation is not really my thing- I like to get out there, but it doesn't always have to be by way of an airplane. Sometimes, hopping in the car and traveling to a new city or town can be just as fun- plus, with all the new airline fees, it may be smarter because it may end up being cheaper than flying.

Do you guys have any travel resolutions you would like to share with me? Please feel free to post a comment below...

URUGUAY'S VERSION OF SANGRIA

It's called Clericot (pronounced Clair-ih-co) my Jet Setter friends...and on the beaches in Punta del Este, Uruguay it is the drink of choice! Bottom line, it's very much like a white wine version of Spanish Sangria.
We were in Punta del Este in March and I asked one of the waiter's at La Huella (a beautiful restaurant right on Jose Ignacio Beach where the Jet Set hang out) for the recipe. (see below) I also bought one of the pitchers they serve it in down there for the equivalent of about $3 U.S. dollars. This is why I say you can still Jet Set in this economy..you just have to Jet Set Smart to the countries where our dollar is still worth something!


RECIPE: CLERICOT
- 1 bottle of white wine (dry & not too sweet)
- 1 apple diced into small pieces (not peeled)
- 1 orange sliced (peeled)
- 2 peaches diced into small pieces (peeled)
- 1 cup of canned pineapple (if you have fresh, peel and cut into large chunks)
- 10 strawberries diced into small pieces
- 10 grapes
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- Throw all of the fruit into pitcher with the sugar, then add enough wine to cover it. Place in the fridge for 2-4 hours, or until the fruit has absorbed the alcohol. When ready to serve, pour in the rest of the wine and add ice. Buen Provecho! (Enjoy!)