Getting Away With Jim Bruner

Southwest Vacations

2011-07-22T09:16:00.001-07:00

Back by popular demand, Southwest Vacations has launched our Las Vegas MGM Show Ticket Deal! This sale has always been one of their top producing offers, so don't miss out on this amazing offer. On top of that, they have also added 5 more terrific deals. Save big on a Labor Day weekend getaway, or plan a trip to Universal Orlando®, Reno, Phoenix, or Charleston. The vacation options are endless! Go to http://www.gettingaway.com/directory/us/NV/cities/Vegas/main.htm for more information.

San Diego

2011-06-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well, we are back in San Diego again with our grandchildren. We try to take them someplace in the RV 2 or 3 times a year and one of the trips is always to San Diego as they love it here. We found a great RV park a few years ago and that is where we park. It is only about 50 yards from a station for the trolly so we can park our Class C and never have to drive it anywhere after we get parked. Sure saves on gas as, not only can we get around everywhere we want on public transportation, but we do not have to use the extra gas it would take to haul a vehicle behind our RV. Gotta' go - it is off to Sea World.....AGAIN!

" Baby Doc"

2011-01-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting, but I have been ill for a while. Feeling better, and now I am back but, I'm really feeling ILL now. Why? I just saw on Fox that "Baby Doc." is back. This guy practically destroyed his country, took off with most of their money (Most of which we sent to Haiti), and now has been welcomed back with open arms by the country. He probably needs more money - our money.

When will our government learn? Are the people in Washington just stupid or what? When will be begun to understand that the most important "undeveloped country" we need to help is ourselves. Americans, wake up. Contact your congressman and demand, and I mean DEMAND that more money be spent in America than it is in other countries. Let other countries fight their own wars and fix their own problems. We have enough of our own. More tomorrow!!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T16:01:00.004-07:00

Wishing everyone a very happy beginning to 2011.

My New Year's resolution is to try and post a travel special or travel related item every day this year, along with an occasional comment on the current events of the day.

For today, I have just finished Fall of Giants (you can find it on Amazon which is on my Book Page of Getting Away) and it was great. I have long been a fan of the great spy thrillers of Follett and found this to be one of his best in historical fiction. His new book inaugurates what is to be a trio of historical novels (called the Century Trilogy) that showcases the lives of five families from all walks of life and involved in various ways with the issues of the day from the outbreak of WWI to the early 1920s and reflecting these issues over a broad geographical range, the families here being from Britain, the U.S., Russia, and Germany. If you like historical fiction, you will love this one.

Christmas Morning

2010-12-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, the grandkids woke us up early asking if they could take the things out of their stockings. Of course, we said yes and the days activities begun. The fun of the stockings is over and they are getting cleaned up and dressed. Soon Pat's parents will come over (they live next door to us and are in their 90s) and we will begin the tree.

We open our gifts one at a time so it will probably take us a while. Pat and Diane (my daughter) have dinner in the oven and when it is ready, we will stop with the tree and have our Christmas Day meal. After, we will finish the tree and clean things up. Then, it is dessert time.

I hope your day will be as nice as ours and Happy Holidays.

Christmas Eve Day

2010-12-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve is here. The kids are here from Georgia. My grandchildren are still in bed as we had a late night last night. We have a day planned of baking, playing games, and watching videos. Then, it is off to Christmas Eve services. They will be going with friends they have made here in Arizona to the Baptist church. I will be heading to Green Valley to Valley Presbyterian Church where I sing in the Choir. Then, we will all gather back here at my in-laws house (they live next door to us) for a family service of Bible stories, songs, prayer and communion. As my in-laws are in their 90s and cannot get out of the house to go to church for Christmas Eve communion, we do it ourselves. I'm sure that God understands.

The Grandkids at Christmas

2010-12-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Well, on my way to the airport to pick up my daughter and son-in-law and the grandkids as they are visiting us for the holidays.

Limited Time Offers and Deals

2010-12-03T10:15:00.001-07:00

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Some Deals for the Holidays

2010-12-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

I know these addresses are a bit long, but - sometimes it is worth a bit of work to save some money. So, if the link does not work, either cut and paste the following or type in the looooong addresses:

Last-Minute Orlando Deals: Hotels from $59, Vacations from $234 - Expires 12/8/10 -
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Last-Minute Orlando Deals: Hotels from $59, Vacations from $234 - http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-277288-10545475

Flights from New York City to Rome from $610 Rooundtrip - Sale ends December 15 - http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-277288-10589547

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Flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo from $901 Roundtrip Total - Sale ends Dec 31, 2010 - http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-277288-10762075

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Why Can 't We Just Let Other Countries Alone?

2010-11-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Okay - maybe I am becoming a pacifist but, I am tired of the prevailing believe of our leaders to get involved in the politics of other countries. I am a Vietnam vet and still hurt every day because of our involvement there. I am not going to go as far as saying that we should not have been there; but I do think it is too bad we did not learn our lesson about sending young Americans half way around the world to get involved in the civil war of another country.

We already have troops fighting on two fronts and are losing too many young people to death and lifelong injury. Now, it is Korea again. Why, oh why can't we just leave them alone. I am so afraid that we are getting close to again finding another country to send our young people to face death or injury to fight in a war in some other country.

Please let our young people stay in America and work to build it instead of sending the somewhere else to help some foreign country build their country

Discover the mysteries of the Middle East

2010-11-28T12:51:00.001-07:00

Take your pick between two Deluxe trips to discover the mysteries of the Middle East. Whether you prefer a spiritual journey to Israel's Holy Land or a grand exploration of Egypt's ancient treasures, including cruises on the Nile and Lake Nasser, you'll be getting best value in Deluxe travel worldwide -- guaranteed! Act now to take advantage of our current best offers on the Middle East:

• Save up to $2,800 per couple — with these prices, you can travel in style for as little as $164 a day!

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In fact, some of our 2011 departure dates are already sold out. So, contact me today (jimbruner@gettingawat.com) , or go to www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com.

Save On Gifts For The Holiday

2010-11-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

Save on gifts for the holidays at Buy.com. They currently have a lot of very good gift ideas. So, check them out today and save lots of money. Click Here Now!

The Holidays are beginning - Don't forget the greeetngs.

2010-11-24T06:28:00.001-07:00

Now is the time to get that address book out and begin getting those cards ready to send for the holidays. Let Getting Away help.Visit Blue Mountain to Send eCards for Every Occasion. Start Free Trial!

A Good Read

2010-11-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

I just finished the Honor Bound series by W. E. B. Griffin. It is a fast-paced story of a father and son, conflicting loyalties during the war, and the interesting history of Argentina during WWII. I first became acquanted with Griffin with his series Brotherhood of War and The Corps.

In this series, in late 1942, marine fighter ace Clete Frade, Army demolitions engineer Anthony Pelosi and electronics wizard David Ettinger are sent by the OSS on a top-secret mission to neutral Argentina. The U.S. is hoping that Clete will be able to influence his estranged father, an eminence grise in Argentine politics by the name of "El Coronel" Jorge Guillermo Frade, to throw his influence behind the Allies. Meanwhile, Luftwaffe ace Peter von Wachtstein heads to Buenos Aires to consolidate the Nazi position. The Frades are convincing central characters, whose developing father-son relationship anchors much of the novel's plot.

I will leave you with that and a warning. Once you read Honor Bound you will be hooked and will be compelled to read the remaining four books in the series.

Up On The Rooftop

2010-11-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Boy, I really got away yesterday. All the way up to the roof - up and down the ladder many times all for putting up the Christmas decorations. I know. It is a bit early - but, it's finished!

It all began a couple of days ago when Pat and I were in Walmart and fell in love with a flocked Christmas tree. Our old tree was about 20 years old and looked it. So, we spent the money for the new one, one that already has the lights on it, and that was the beginning. We though that as long as we already had it, why not put it up. In the process of doing so I had to get out the Christmas decorations boxes to find something to put around the base to make it look better. And then, as I was searching for something, there were all of the outdoor lights and decorations. So, as long as I had all of the stuff down, why not just go ahead and put it up and - that's just what I did.

I spent all day doing so and am really feeling it this morning in my legs and lower back. Guess I'll just sit back and enjoy college football all day. I've earned it.

As already mentioned, it is a bit early but, do you have your decorations up yet and, if not, don't you wish you had that little chore behind you?

Elections

2010-11-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I am still a bit unbelieving of the election results. I knew the Republicans would do well, but not as well as they ended up doing. I am a registered Republican, but normally split my vote and I do not vote strictly along party lines, but by the issues and the individuals. In fact, when I ran for office in Georgia for the State House as a Republican, there were no important issues or candidates (all of them were running unopposed) on the Republican ballot so I voted on the Democratic ballot in the primaries. Boy, did I ever get into trouble with the Republican establishment. However, as the more important issues were on the Democratic, and the decision would be made as to whom I would face in the general election, I though it more important to vote as a Democrat than as a Republican. I guess I was a bit ahead of my time.

Speaking of individuals, now that things are beginning to lean back toward what this country stands for, I am going to do my best to try and persuade Newt Gingrich to run in 2012. Please let me know how you feel. I know him personally and firmly believe that he is one of the smartest Americans around that really understands this country and it's constitution.

Sorry I have been absent

2010-11-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not been keeping up with the blog. Been having a few health problems but, now am feeling much better and will try to keep more active.

I hope everyone enjoyed my last newsletter and good some good ideas from it. My December newsletter will be about river cruises. If you are interested, you may want to get a head start by clicking on the following link:
http://www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com

River cruising has become very popular, especially with those who want the luxury of a cruise without going out on the sea. With a river cruise, you can explore the waterways of Europe, Asia and other locations with an incredible journey into the heart of a destination. And, unlike other cruises, you can opt to just walk around the cities and villages you visit at no cost and at your leisure.

After you look over the cruises, and if you have a favorite you would like some additional information about, just send me an email jimbruner@gettingaway.com and I will price it out for you. All I need is a suggested date and location, and the number of passengers and I can come up with a price for you. And, if you want to save some money, get together with some of your friends and do a group cruise as there is often some good discounts for groups traveling together.

The Blue Angles

2010-10-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend with my mom and dad who came to visit with us while we are in Georgia. It was really nice to have them with us and their kids, grand kids, and great-grand kids. A very nice time all sitting around the Sunday dinner table with them.

Yesterday was also a nice day out as my dad, daughter and grandson all went to see the air show at Dobbins Air Force Base where we enjoyed all of the aerial demonstrations - especially the Snow Birds

and the Blue Angles

precision flying teams. If you have never seen any of these precision flying teams, or been to an air show, go to http://aero-pix.com/schedule/schedule.htm where you can find all of the big shows, and some of the smaller shows that are for specific types of aircraft.

Tomorrow will be our last day with the kids as we will be flying back to Arizona on Tuesday. We have had a great visit, but are looking forward to getting back home and seeing our cats - all four of them!

This is Butterscotch, our lovely male. We also have his brother Blackie who is pitch black and a bundle of trouble; and his mother, Kali (a very loving tabby) and his father, Big Guy who is a solid black short hair. The were all feral cats that we rescued. After we 'adopted the mother cat,' she brought her four kittens to the house one day. A couple of days later, daddy showed up. We took them all to the vet and got them all fixed up and kept them. After we lost two of the kittens to coyotes, we purchased an enclosure where they can be save from the predators here on the desert where we live. They each have one of these pots in the enclosure along with shelves and a 'cat condo.'

They like their enclosure and stay in it most days, except during the monsoon season when we sometimes have bad storms. They even enjoy it at night. However, they come inside each morning for breakfast and a bit of 'running around the house' for exercise. We know when they want to go back out as the begin lining up at the patio door. In the late afternoon it is back into the house for playtime and supper and then, if the weather is fine, they go back outside for the night. During the winter when the nights are pretty cold in the desert, they stay inside. Also, they stay inside if it is raining (or might rain) during the night. If you have cats, and would like to keep them inside cats so they do not pick up anything from the other cats in the neighborhood, or get into cat fights and such; you may want to consider an enclosure. Our cats love theirs, but still enjoy being inside with us for a few hours each day.

Don’t Check it – Carry it!

2010-10-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

Pat and I are still in Georgia visiting our kids. We will be flying back to Arizona on Tuesday. As I was thinking about all of the problems with packing and carry on, I though I would share them with you.

Apart from the fact that so many airlines are now charging you for checked luggage, learning how to pack so you don't have to check luggage can save you time and the possibility of lost luggage. When you arrive at your destination, it is a great feeling to be able to bypass the baggage claim area. Here are five things to consider so that you will not have to check your luggage ever again.

#1: Use the hotel amenities or collect all of that free stuff they give away during your next stay. Most hotels offer some amenities in the room – shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and more. Additionally, if you ask, you can often pick up more at the reception desk such as toothpaste and deodorant that are not normally in the room. And, if you have picked up the ‘hotel stuff’ from your last hotel visit, and packed them, you will also have that to choose from.

#2: Stay away from liquids and go solid. If it's not liquid, it can be packed in your carryon luggage. Deodorant, makeup, and even sunscreen have solid or powder alternatives. And, if you do have liquids to carry on, be sure to follow the rules for carry on liquids. The 3-3-1 Rule. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

#3: Use travel sizes whenever possible. You can find these, even some of the more upscale products, in many stores and online. You can find them at a discount store like Target for the basic grocery store items. Frequent travelers should stock up on basics like toothpaste, shaving cream, deodorant, hair sprays and the like.

#4: Buy it when you get there. I use this trick if I'm staying somewhere a week or more, especially if it's a familiar destination. Once I arrive I simply stop by the store and pick up the items I will need during the trip. Not only can I do this with things such as sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and other easily purchased items in full-sized versions; but I can also look for some good bargains on underwire, shirts and slacks. I know I always have to replace items of clothing so; I just wait until my next trip and pick them up then.

#5: And finally, don’t carry it – ship it! If you are going to be gone for a longer period of time, but will still be staying in generally the same location, ship your stuff ahead and have the hotel hold it for your arrival. You can use the regular shipping companies, such as UPS or FedEx or even the USPS. Normally, you will find the cost to be around $30 for a normal sized suitcase. There are also several companies that specialize in shipping your luggage. You will find that it is worth it for the time and headaches saved. Plus, there is the additional savings over having to replace the contents of your luggage if your checked bag is lost.

Don’t Throw Away Your Old Underwear

2010-10-14T09:58:00.002-07:00

Okay – I know this is really going to sound crazy. But, it is something I have been doing for years and it works. When my underwear is about seen its best days, instead of trashing it, I wash it a put it away for future travels. I also do the same thing with socks, as well as other items of clothing that are still usable, but just ready to replace.

Now, when it comes time to travel, I pack the old stuff and just throw it away when I am finished with it. This is an especially great thing to do when traveling overseas as I end up with extra space in my luggage for bring home souvenirs on my return flight. Also, it can be a lot of fun shopping for that special piece of clothing while on vacation in some exotic location. And, if you buy too much, you can always find a cheap piece of luggage for that extra stuff. Or, just ship it home.

Now, I am not suggesting that you keep the socks with holes in them, or the underwear that is more wear and under. And, I wouldn’t want you to save shirts, blouses or slacks that are full of holes or frayed to the extent that they really look bad. Just those items whose time has come because of being dated or perhaps pretty well faded.

2010-10-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to stay at Grand Canyon West a few weeks ago for several days. While there, I of course took awalk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, as well as taking advantage of several of the other recreational opportunities there. I stayed at the Hualapi Ranch where we had our own cabin with a nice porch that was great for sitting and reading while watching the colors change on the canyon walls as the sun was going down.

Grand Canyon West is a “destination of choice” where visitors can create their own experience whether it is a daytrip from Las Vegas or an overnight adventure at the Hualapai Ranch in canyon-facing cabins. Visitors can choose their method of transportation to the destination by driving themselves, a short 2 hours from Hoover Dam, being driven (via coach/bus, SUV or Hummer) or being flown (via airplane or helicopter). Once at Grand Canyon West, visitors have their choice from a variety of activities at three individual viewpoints - Guano Point, Eagle Point and the Hualapai Ranch – all accessible with the purchase of a basic entry package. The viewpoints are accessed by a continuously running hop-on-hop-off shuttle that enables visitors to stay at each for as long as they like. Additional experiences are available including a walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the glass walkway 4000 ft above the canyon floor, and a boat ride on the Colorado River via helicopter - Grand Canyon West is the only place in the Canyon where visitors can access a boat at the bottom of the Grand Canyon year round. Visitors can book their trip or get more information by calling Hualapai Tourism at 1-888-868-9378 (internationally at (001) 928-769-2636) or visiting www.hualapaitourism.com. Grand Canyon West is open 365 days a year (weather permitting).

About Hualapai Tourism:

Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, which is wholly owned and operated by the Hualapai Nation, manages Grand Canyon West, Hualapai River Runners (whitewater rafting), and the Hualapai Lodge. Grand Canyon West is a collection of viewpoints and attractions spread over 9000 acres of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim in Northwest Arizona, just 120 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada. Grand Canyon West is the only place in the Canyon where visitors can access a boat ride on the Colorado River via helicopter and is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass walkway 4000 ft above the canyon floor.

The site attractions are: Guano Point, with panoramic canyon views and the historic guano mine tram; Eagle Point, the location of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the Native American Village with authentic dwellings of multiple tribes, and live Native American performances; and The Hualapai Ranch, a western town with cowboy entertainment, horseback riding, wagon rides and overnight cabins facing the Canyon rim. Private cars are welcome or all inclusive tours are available from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Sedona by airplane, helicopter, coach, SUV, and Hummer. The Hualapai Lodge on Historic Route 66 and Grand Canyon West are open daily 365 days a year. Hualapai River Runners, the only one-day whitewater raft trip through the Grand Canyon, operates March – October. Visitors can view a complete list of activities, book reservations, and get directions at www.hualapaitourism.com or by calling 1-888-868-9378 - internationally at (001) 928-769-2636.

New Hoover Dam Bridge

2010-10-13T19:26:00.001-07:00

In mid November, the Hoover Dam Bypass will be open to traffic, substantially reducing the drive time from Las Vegas and California to Grand Canyon West, home of the world famous Skywalk glass walkway. Hundreds of thousands of visitors each year drive their own vehicles to Grand Canyon West, which before the Bypass was complete, was a 2.5 to 3 hour drive east of Las Vegas. The Hoover Dam Bypass is expected to take more than one hour off of the travel time roundtrip because now travelers can bypass the congestion caused by having to go over the dam.

I was able to see the bridge not too long ago and all that was remaining was the very last road section at the center. You can bet that Alp (My Class C) and I will soon be making the trip across the bridge to see the spectacular new view of the dam.

Kile's Full-Time RV'ing Blog

2010-10-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

This morning my son-in-law introduced me to another blog about travel that he enjoyes and I just wanted to share it with you. Kile's Full-Time RV'ing Blog (http://kileville.blogspot.com) has some great information on places to go and things to see and do - especially for RVers. He also has loads of great photos. I'm sure you will enjoy his blog as much as I do.

Dubi Water Fountain

2010-10-11T17:10:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine just sent me this today and I wanted to share. It is pretty spectacular, even though you may not understand the language of the song. http://www.wimp.com/dubaifountain/

Wedding

2010-10-11T07:21:00.001-07:00

Pat and I are in Georgia now. We came back to attend the wedding of a good friend of ours. He is 40 and this is his first time. We never thought we would see the day.

Max is not your normal kind of guy, but someone very special to us. Like me, he likes to travel. But, when I lean toward a nice leisurely river cruise, he opts for a jungle expedition in South America. And, being a bit on the adventurous side, his wedding was anything but the norm. He held his wedding in a railroad museum, the Southeastern Railroad Museum, and they (he and Jennifer) were married on the observation platform at the back of a vintage Pullman car. It was the same private car once used by President Warren G. Harding. I will post pictures of their wedding as soon as I download them from my camera.

Pat and I are also taking the opportunity of being in Georgia again (We used to live here in Douglasville, just west of Atlanta, but moved to Rio Rico, Arizona when we retired.) to visit with our kids and grandchildren. We are having a great time visiting with them. They live in Calhoun, Georgia where my son-in-law, Jarrett has a computer business (http://www.surpasssoftware.com/) in Calhoun, and my daughter, Diane, teaches Spanish at Christian Heritage School in Dalton, Georgia where our grandkids, Justin and Diane, attend.

Welcome to my new Blog

2010-10-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

This blog will be about my many travels, the travels of my family and friends, and others who are regular visitors of my travel site, www.gettingaway.com. I hope will enjoy this site and become a regular contributor to Getting Away With Jim Bruner. As I will also often be posting information on good travel deals and tips, I hope you will visit often.