I’m a big fan of the symbology of dates and occurrences. One year ago to the date, I left Madrid to begin my journey back to San Francisco. Today, I’m leaving Madrid again to start a new journey… my 5 week hike through Northern Spain along the Camino Francés route of the Camino de Santiago.

Originally I had planned on begining my Camino from the tradional starting point of St. Jean Pied de Port, in Southern France. Then after realizing the difficulty in getting there, I decided on Roncesvalles, about 10km into Spain. Then after even more thought, I decided I could still give myself a big pat on the back if I started at Pamplona.

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To celebrate the launch of our new Time Out Zagreb Visitors Guide Magazine, Time Out teamed up with The Zagreb Tourist Board, Wizz Air and The Westin Zagreb, Zagreb to offer you the chance to win a three or five-night (your choice) city break in Zagreb, capital of Croatia.

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J-Pop has arrived in San Francisco. Japan Town has become a destination for more than Sundance Theaters and noodles. This three story retail fairyland takes shopping to new heights. The lobby lures you into the ticket line for Japanese films you won’t find anywhere else.

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… se hace camino al andar. - Machado

As I have mentioned in my blog before, I have taken my show on the road! I have moved back to Madrid, Spain and will continue to write for Tango Diva from Spanish soil.

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U.S. travelers are more familiar with sustainable travel terminology than they were two years ago but remain unwilling to pay more for eco-friendly travel options, according to the July travelhorizons, the quarterly consumer survey co-authored by the U.S. Travel Association and Ypartnership.

"Although consumers are reluctant to pay more to support green travel service suppliers, they are definitely paying attention to those who are green, even in this down economy," said Peter Yesawich, chairman and CEO of Ypartnership. "Travel service suppliers should therefore continue to adopt green practices that have a minimum impact on consumers' wallets."

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Steppin’ Out Adventures is offering a really cool trip to Tanzania for solo travelers - this is the last time this trip will be offered as a solo, before it becomes one of their family tours. It’s ten days, from October 26 through November 4, and includes an absolutely incredible range of activities: game viewing in the Serengeti, a spa day in Ngorongoro, hiking, biking, visiting with members of the Hadzabe tribe and a lot more. There’s also an option to add in a climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro before or after the trip itself. This is an amazing opportunity to see a unique part of East Africa with a small group of likeminded people - check out this detailed intinerary and see just what it has to offer. Don’t forget to check the main website for all of Steppin’ Out’s current trips - they always have tons, to an incredibly diverse range of places. And for a hilarious and fascinating look at one Diva’s experience in Tanzania, read Kelly Patterson’s essay here.

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Anse Chastanet Resort on beautiful St. Lucia is offering a great deal for a last-minute Caribbean getaway. The daily rates start at $300 for two in a standard room - if you book one night at that price, you’ll receive one night free. But be quick - the offer is only valid for travel from August 22- September 30; you can book it  by phone at 800 223 1108 or by emailing ansechastanet@candw.lc. The resort is on 600 acres and features a full spa, a scuba center, two restaurants, and access to great hiking trails and spectacular coral reefs. Sounds pretty fabulous - and for even more on St. Lucia, make sure to check out Shannon Connell’s great essay on her island adventure!

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Safari West is the destination of the week over at our friends Ciao Bambino. Just north of San Francisco, in Napa no less, there is 400 animals roaming around! A safari adventure for the entire family. Kids under 12 are free during August > Read the rest of this entry »

Through October, Hard Rock Hotel and San Diego Harley are teaming up to offer travelers the ultimate vacation getaway and savings that would make any speedster’s rock ‘n’ roll fantasy come true. With San Diego’s perfect weather lasting well into fall and California Bike Week kicking off at the end of October, the Hard Rock and a Hog package is the ultimate gift or vacation experience for the motorcycle enthusiast and rock ‘n’ roll fan.

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The best thing about running outside is that you get to see all the wonderful things that nature has to offer. And, what better time to do it than in the warm weather days of August and September.

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