Experience This 360

On this episode of the Experience This 360 Podcast we are going to Find ways to get Low Flight Fares to Europe - plus how to get free upgrades with discounted tours and attractionsFlying overseas is often costly and lets face it – it is a long haul, often with one or two layovers that have you waiting around airport terminals, eating junk food, and feeling lethargic.Once you arrive at your destination, you feel tired, and your energy is sapped and it may take a few days to get you back into the swing of things and actually enjoy your vacation.But it doesn't have to be this way. You can find exceptionally good deals online and ways to make your stopover a vacation of its very own.Iceland Air is the first airline to market to North America, as a viable, safe airline, with decent pricing and a stopover vacation. They have been doing this since 1960 and offer some deals every now and then.More recently, Portugal's National Airline TAP, has been offering up much the same but with some greater deals and options.TAP flies out of 35 major US airports and only one Canadian airport, so we will focus on both JFK airport in New York City, and Pearson International out of Toronto, Canada, just too keep things simple.Doing a quick online search, a direct flight to most European cities using any other airline ranges from $700US to well over $3200. Direct flights are convenient but you end up paying a premium and that is why Iceland Air and TAP Portugal offer direct flights to their distinct countries, but offer up amazing deals with Stop Overs in each particular country.Basically, you fly into Portugal, have a layover from one to five days exploring the country, including free excursions, free wine, discounted hotel rooms, and sometimes free, yes, free domestic flights within the country.First, we'll look at the initial costs to fly to Portugal, then we'll discover the layover options and then we'll talk about TAP specifically and what to expect.More at www.experiencethis360.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to our Memphis Travel Guide, this is part 5 of this series. On this episode we will provide you with information about visiting Memphis' top attraction - Graceland.Graceland Farms was originally owned by Stephen C. Toof, founder of S.C. Toof & Co., the oldest commercial printing firm in Memphis, who was previously the pressroom foreman of the Memphis newspaper, the Memphis Daily Appeal. The "grounds" (before the mansion home was built in 1939) was named after Toof's daughter, Grace. She inherited the farm/grounds from her father in 1894. After her death, the property was passed down to her niece Ruth Moore, a Memphis socialite, who together with her husband, Thomas Moore, built a 10,266 square foot Colonial Revival style mansion in 1939.After Elvis Presley began his musical career, he purchased a $40,000 home for himself and his family at 1034 Audubon Drive in Memphis. As his fame grew, especially after his appearances on television, the number of fans that would congregate outside the house multiplied. Presley's neighbors, most of whom were happy to have a celebrity living nearby, soon came to find the constant gathering of fans and journalists a nuisance. After several complaints, Presley decided it was necessary for him to move to a property more suitable.In early 1957, Presley gave his parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley, a $100,000 budget, and asked them to find a "farmhouse" type property to purchase. At the time, Graceland was located several miles beyond Memphis' main urban area. In later years, Memphis would expand with housing, resulting in Graceland being surrounded by other properties. Presley purchased Graceland on March 19, 1957 for the amount of $102,500. which is nearly million in today's money.Graceland would remain Elvis' home until he died in 1977 and today remains one of the best kept rock n roll museum-homes of all time. Elvis fans flock to the house to get a peek into Elvis' life and those not too fond or too young to remember the music, the actor and the entertainer, will also be surprised that this is a fun tour with a lot to see and do. Even if you are travelling with younger children, you will find that the house and museum is accommodating, and includes personal ipads with children specific themes.And that is what is great about Graceland – it is very accessible for the young, the old and those with physical disabilities.Graceland is open from 9-5 each day, but there are specific days and holidays in which it is closed, or that the hours of operation change. It is best to check with the official web site for updates and special schedules.The ticket office opens promptly at 8:30 and staff are more than welcoming, engaging and helpful in determining what tour you should do.Once you have your ticket in hand you can proceed to a waiting area in which while waiting to board a motorcoach, you are provided headsets and a personal ipad. The ipad will offer up an interactive experience once you enter through Graceland's doors. It is narrated by actor John Stamos and provides information, insight and interactive elements such as photos and videos. It is really simple to use and is an outstanding inclusion on the tour.The bus ride to Graceland takes less than 5 minutes from the ticket boarding area. Once inside you are guided through the house, at your own pace.Once inside Graceland you are immersed in Elvis' personal world. John Stamos naarrates the salient events of Elvis’s life and introduce the relics that adorn the rooms and corridors. The story celebrates the life of an extraordinary man, emphasizing his generosity, his kindness and good fellowship, how he was at once a poor boy who made good, an extraordinary musical talent, a sinner and substance abuser, and a religious man devoted to the Gospel and its music. One is able to visit the entire house, except for the top floor which is off limits. The rooms in the upper floor have been kept a sanctuary and left just the same as Elvis had had them when he died. They also decided to not allow tourists on the top floor because they did not want the focus on the house to be on the bathroom floor where Elvis had collapsed and died.After visiting the main house you can also tour parts of the yard, the swimming area, Vernon's Office, the record room, and the racquetball court area. The entire house tour can take up to 2 hours and once you are completed you can board a bus back to the main ticket area where you will now begin to go through a series of brand new museums and buildings dedicated to Elvis.First up is the Elvis The Entertainer Career Museum where you immerse yourself in Elvis’ incredible career through hundreds of artifacts and photos from significant events in his life, as you tour the extensive Graceland Archives, including Elvis’ amazing collection of gold and platinum records, his stunning jumpsuits, and other clothing, memorabilia from his movies, and more! The museum is massive so be prepared to do a lot of walking.Up next is the Presley Motors Automobile Museum where you walk among some of Elvis’ favorite automobiles, including his iconic Pink Cadillac, Stutz Blackhawk, 1956 Cadillac Eldorado, Dino Ferrari, Mercedes Benz limousine, Rolls Royce sedans and more. Elvis had some great taste in cars and he had some of the most unusual as well. This is a fantastic museum that is very open so crowds will not be an issue.And there is theElvis Discovery ExhibitsIt is a themed discovery space showcase Elvis’ influences, important facets of his incredible life, and his role in launching a music and pop culture revolution. Elvis Discovery Exhibits include:Presley Cycles ExhibitIcons: The Influence of Elvis Presley ExhibitMystery Train: Celebrating Sam Phillips ExhibitElvis’ Tupelo ExhibitHollywood BacklotThe Country Road to Rock: The Marty Stuart CollectionPrivate Presley ExhibitArchives ExperienceElvis Fashion ExhibitGraceland Soundstage AThe whole area is enclosed and is designed to look like an old fashioned street and includes restaurants and cafes as well as a lot of souvenir shops. Some of the restaurants include Vernon's Smokehouse, Glady's Diner, and Minnie Mae's Sweets.You will find all the dining options to have inflated prices and the food quality is not that great. Likewise all the merchandise is priced higher than in other retail locations.For the best priced souvenirs I would suggest visiting Boulevard Souvenirs which is just a short walk from the main gates of Graceland. Here you will find great customer service as well as the very best prices.For dining options I would wait until outside of the museum area and head to Marlow's Ribs and Restaurant just south of Graceland.Just outside the main museums is another section devoted to some of Elvis' planes. Step aboard Elvis’ customized airplanes to see how he traveled in luxury. The Lisa Marie includes a living room, conference room, private bedroom and features gold-plated seatbelts, leather-covered tables and 24-karat gold-flecked sinks. Plus, you can take a glimpse at Elvis’ smaller Lockheed Jetstar, the Hound Dog II. There is an additional charge to see the planes, but it is certainly worth it.The museums will take an extra 2 to 3 hours to visit and be prepared to do a lot of walking.Graceland is a very, very busy attraction, being the second most visited home in the United States, the first being The White House. We arrived first thing in the morning and got our tickets promptly at 8:30 and yet, we were the second full motorcoach to arrive at the house. Behind us the lines and buses were full. I would suggest visiting in the morning or at 2pm when the crowds have already built up and gone through. During Elvis week and other key celebrations be prepared for long lines and crowded rooms. You can also avoid ticket lines by buying tickets online.Parking at Graceland is $10, which includes security. There is also free parking a short distance away by the RocknRoll Cafe and the shops around it – called Graceland Crossing. There are about 80 spaces, but keep in mind, these businesses pay for the parking area and it would be kind of you to visit them on your way in and out of Graceland. Additionally, you can also get a free shuttle from Sun Studios if you are visiting that attraction avoiding driving and parking fees.If you don't want to visit any of the museums and interior of the Graceland mansion, you can still stop by the iconic front gates and get a photo. You can also visit the meditation garden, where Elvis and his family are buried free of charge.There is currently a $4 off per ticket coupon available online and in the past there have even been 50% off coupons available. It is best to check online before you make any purchases. Only coupons from Graceland itself are accepted.A visit to Memphis without a visit to Graceland, to some is sacrilegious. It is an absolute must do attraction for any Elvis fan or for anyone who loves music and rock-n-roll. For some of those on the tour with us, it was their 50th visit to the home. It is easy to see why it is so popular. It is fun, educational, inspiring and motivational.Until Next time, happy travels. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Thanks for joining us on the Memphis Destination Guide Part 4 – Memphis Good Eats and Good Sleeps.Memphis is not surprisingly a very active, entertaining city, and with that comes a very unique culinary experience – from Memphis BBQ to Creole to Elvis inspired delights – Memphis has an enormous amount of variety and spice.And since we are in Memphis and you are probably here because of the King, let's get two places that are must visit out of the way first.The oldest cafe still in operation in Memphis is the legendary Arcade Cafe. Located at 540 South Main St. You can't miss the neon signs inviting you into the comfy cafe and the plush booths. It is reported that Elvis visited this restaurant frequently and enjoyed their breakfasts and burger options. Today, you can sit in the same booth that Elvis sat in and order Elvis inspired treats. The restaurant's seating is limited and it can get very, very, busy, so plan on waiting for some time if there are events going on in town related to Elvis. An interesting fact is that the Arcade was the location that sparked Memphis' film industry in 1988. Night Train was filmed here as well as many other films including Great Balls of Fire!, the docu-film about another Memphis legend – Jerry Lee Lewis.Next up on the Elvis gastronomic tour is Marlow's Ribs and Restaurant, located just minutes from Graceland and immediately recognizable by the fleet of pink Cadillac limosine shuttles that offer transport to and from the restaurant. Previously known as the Whitehaven Ranch House, it was a favourite BBQ of the King himself. This family operated BBQ offers up some excellent ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket, along with catfish, burgers and the best hunka hunka apple pie in the USA. Along with the food, you will find the service and friendly family atmosphere to be excellent. Prices are also affordable for both lunch and dinner. In the evening they offer live entertainment on some days.The next restaurant we highly recommend if you are looking for unique and romantic atmosphere and incredible food is restaurant iris. Named best restaurant, best service and best chef by Memphis Magazine restaurant iris serves up some of the most creative and delicious creole dishes in the south. Located near the historic Overton Square of Midtown the restaurant is located right inside a victorian mansion house. Parking is available free of charge across the street. There is also cheap parking at the overtone parking garage and valet service is only $8. The parking may be cheap, but the iris is a high end restaurant offering up an ever changing menu. If you want to treat yourself and your loved one to an exceptional and unique dinner, this is the place.Now I know a lot of listeners are looking for not only good eats, but cheap eats. And you can have both in Memphis. If you are looking for another Memphis delicacy that does not include BBQ sauce, check out Gus' world famous friend chicken. It is located in downtown Memphis at 310 s front st. And even though the exterior has its own southern wear and tear, get inside for the best fried chicken you have ever had. Try the coconut cream pie of the pecan pie to top off the meal. Other franchise locations are available so check online to the one closest to you.And if you are still craving southern treats, head over to Memphis' own Miss Polly's Fried Chicken and Waffles. Located right on Beale St. This simple eatery offers up some fabulous fried chicken and waffles. After a night on Beale St. This may be the best spot to cure that hang over.The summers in Memphis can be brutal and the best spot to cool down is at an old gas station. No, we are not kidding. Back on the 1920s, a Sinclair gas station began giving away free snow cones to children as their parents filled up their automobiles. The snow cones were a bigger hit than the gas filling station so by the 1960s the snow cones became the main business, along with of course, a car wash. Today, the car wash is defunct, but the snow cones and the roadside foodstop is serving up some of the best cool treats in the south. You may recognize the location from the movie Great Balls of Fire, the story of Jerry Lee Lewis.Of course, Memphis has some amazing BBQ joints and top end restaurants. Memphis loves its restaurants and I am sure you will find some amazing ones on your stay.Now you are probably going to Memphis and thinking that the best bet would be to stay near Graceland, as all the attractions should be there and there should be a great number of hotels. Even though there are some hotels in the area and the newly built Guest House at Graceland, we recommend that you stay downtown close to Beale Street.The area around Graceland has seen better times and there certainly are motels in the area that offer low rates – but there is usually a reason for this. If security is of importance to you, or you are travelling solo or with younger children, I would not recommend this area, especially if you need to come and go at night.There is, of course the huge Guest House at Graceland, that is available right next to Graceland itself, but the rooms are very costly, the food is overpriced and from the multitude of guest reviews, the service is hit and miss. If Graceland is your only stop in Memphis, then you may want to consider this, but if you wish to enjoy everything Memphis has to offer, you may want to check in elsewhere.Downtown and the areas around Beale Street offer up much more for your money. There are exceptional hotels in these areas including the Peabody, with the ducks. I just checked on experiencethis360 and it is 18% off for the suite. Check out the web site for the current promotions.We recommend The Best Western, La Quinta Inn and Suites, The Holiday Inn Express and the Westin Memphis on Beale Street. All of these hotels range from $70-250 per night but also offer discounts every now and then from 10-40% off.For the budget conscious and those with a rental car or their own transportation, you can look for some out of the area hotels and motels. East and North Memphis and some hotels around the airport are as low as $44 per night. Again, you get what you pay for and it pays to look at the reviews of other guests before making a decision.There are very limited B&Bs in Memphis so if you are looking for this type of accommodation start searching and book in advance.If you vacation to Memphis falls into any of the festivals or especially during any celebration of Elvis' life, be prepared to find a lot of restaurants booked as well as limited options when it comes to hotels. It is best to book well ahead of time and make reservations whenever possible.On our next episode we will feature our Graceland Visitor's Guide that will help you plan an enjoyable trip to Graceland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

By now you have probably figured out that there are a lot of exciting activities and great museums in Memphis, so lets slow things down a bit and talk about some easy going, relaxing travel activities that are also great with families with young children.If you have young children and are particularly fond of water fowl, head over to the Peabody Hotel to watch the famous duck march. The Legend of the Peabody Memphis Ducks started back in the 1930s, and they still visit the lobby fountain at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.They hop out of the fountain, walk the red carpet, step into the elevator and ride to the rooftop. The whole procession only takes 20 seconds, but the “duck master” talks for about 20 minutes about the history of the hotel and the ducks. Now you might think this is an odd tourist attraction, and you are right and that is probably why it is so popular.If you have little ones and you need to wear them out for the day, head over to the Memphis Children's Museum. Children will have the opportunity to learn about transportation, camping, art, weather, nutrition and health in a hands-on environment. Exhibits are located both indoors and outdoors, creating year-round fun.Here you can also ride the historic Dentzel Memphis Grand Carousel. The original carousel was constructed in 1909 and has been fully restored. Admission to the museum costs $15 per person and most people spend a great deal of a day here.The next spot we recommend is the Pink Palace. The Pink Palace is unlike what most people think of when it comes to museums. Learn about everything from agriculture, to dinosaurs, to the civil war! The Pink Palace looks back at the history of Memphis from many perspectives. The museum is undergoing renovations and new and improved exhibitions will soon be made available. It is best to check out their website for updates.For those who want a little outdoor activity head over to Mud Island. Located on the Memphis riverfront, Mud Island has various activities to entertain the family. The Riverwalk is an exact scale replica of the Lower Mississippi River. Part splash pad, part history lesson; it provides a unique opportunity to have fun while learning.$4 per person gets you on the monorail which goes across the harbor to the Riverwalk while enjoying spectacular views of Downtown Memphis and the river. Once you’ve walked down the Mississippi you arrive at the ‘Gulf of Mexico’. The ‘Gulf’ is represented a mile acre pond. You can rent paddleboats for $5 per person.If you are still enjoying the sunshine head over to Overton Park where you will find biking trails and picnic areas as well as the Memphis Zoo and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. You might find a free concert going on at Levitt Shell, the place Elvis was first paid to entertain in 1954. That show is also known as the first ever rock-n-roll concert. Today, Levitt Shell hosts 50 free concerts each year.Another great park to unwind in is Shelby Farms. Not only is it a huge green space, there is horseback riding and one of the coolest playgrounds you will ever see. In fact, it was named one of 16 coolest playgrounds in the whole world. Look for signs pointing you to the Woodland Discovery Playground.Another great experience for children is the Fire Museum of Memphis which showcases and exhibits firefighting trucks and equipment. Also, the Railroad & Trolley Museum located downtown is a popular spot for train enthusiasts. Keep in mind, however, there is some major renovations going on and they expect to be open in the fall of 2018.Now the next place we recommend going to may seem a bit odd but it is a pretty neat attraction.Located inside Memphis Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, the Crystal Shrine Grotto was designed by Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriquez and has been inspiring visitors since the 1930s.Dionicio dug a cave almost 60 feet into a hill on the grounds of the cemetery and decorated the interior with faux crags made of cement and quartz crystals. Beautiful crystals are exposed to the sunlight on the exterior end to create gorgeous glowing effects. The stonework around the grotto showcases a series of biblical tableaus with two-dimensional figures depicting the life of Jesus Christ. The peaceful scenes are a mixed media of paint and sculpted by a variety of artists. There is a peaceful ambience for those visiting and it’s easy to be in awe of its majestic scenery.On our next episode we'll talk about where to stay and where to eat. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Thanks for joining us, this is part two of The Memphis Destination Guide.Now, if you already haven't figured out, Memphis is huge when it comes to music and there is no better place to visit than the Sun Records Studio, where rocknroll all began. Sun Studio is known worldwide as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll”. It is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of the 50’s from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis; from Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock’n'roll.You will be able to stand in the very same spot that Elvis first recorded. Your tour guide will tell you the inside stories of B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf and Ike Turner, Elvis, JohnnyCash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, & Roy Orbison who were all drawn to the new SunSound.You'll get to see the priceless memorbillia from the musical legends that blended blues and country music to explode in the "big bang" of Rock'n'roll.The funny and entertaining tour includes outtakes from recording sessions from early Blues to Elvis himself.The studio is open for 45 minute guided tours every day from 10am to 6pm. The tour is $14 for adults, $12 for students and free to kids ages 5-11. Insider tip: There is free, limited parking behind the studio and the Sun Studio also operates a free shuttle service to and from Graceland, The RocknSoul Museum and of course Sun Studio.You should arrive early for your tour, to get tickets in hand, because this place can fill up quickly, especially when a bus tour arrives. Make your way into the Sun Studio Cafe (located next door) and have a seat on the iconic barstools and order up a malt milkshake. A lot of online review sites mix up this restaurant for the one at the airport (which, according to reviews should be avoided). But don't worry, this little cafe is pretty decent. While you wait for your tour time there are some artifacts on the walls, souvenirs to buy and a small old record collection to dive into and staff are friendly and attentive. You will be relieved to have a seat and cold drink when the room fills in up wall to wall.The tour takes you upstairs and into various rooms to show artifacts and tell the story of Sun Records. It eventually ends in the Sun Records Recording Studio where the energy and vibe of that Sun Sound hits everyone. Even though the cafe is swarming with bodies, each tour only accepts a certain amount of people, so it doesn't feel overly crowded.Next up, another great museum dedicated to music, hustle and talent – The Stax Museum of Soul Music. You start your tour in the true birthplace of soul music – a modest country church. Just as Stax’s music found its roots in the sounds of Southern gospel music, the museum opens in a real, circa-1906 Mississippi Delta church that has been carefully reassembled inside the museum. As the museum tour progresses you'll find yourself in a dance hall where you are encouraged to dance and singalong. You will move along toward a large collection of period recording equipment in the control room, then stand in Studio A, an exact replica of the legendary converted movie theater where Stax artists cut records. Next, you'll see the wall of sound – literally thousands of hit records recorded at Stax. But there is something even more flashy just around the corner.The Superfly! Isaac Hayes’ glittering custom Cadillac Eldorado, which was purchased as part of his renegotiated deal with Stax in 1972. The car, which was purchased for $26,000 (or, $143,000 in 2013 dollars), is fully equipped with unique amenities like a refrigerated mini-bar, television, 24-carat gold exterior trim and white fur carpeting on the floorboards. Admission is $13 and free for those under 8.Even though Isaac Hayes could afford a six figure automobile with gold trim, the color of his skin ultimately determined his social status. Our next stop is the National Civil Rights Museum. Slavery. Separate but equal. Boycotts. Assassinations. Black power. The museum tells of the history of the uprising that pushed national and international civil rights forward. The Museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King. The museum offers 260 artifacts, more than 40 films, oral histories, interactive media and external listening posts that guide visitors through five centuries of history — from the beginning of the resistance during slavery, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow, and the seminal events of the late 20th century that inspired people around the world to stand up for equality. Admission is $16 and there is parking on site.On our next episode we'll go easy on your wallet and showcase some more relaxing activities that are also good for families with younger children. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to the Memphis Travel Guide Part OneOn the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis is Tennessee's largest city and home to the historic birthplace of blues, barbecue, and rock ‘n’ roll. Memphis just doesn't attract tourists, it creates pilgrimages from all over the world.You will often find tourists stating they are on their third, 10th or even 100th visit to Memphis and who can blame them? – fantastic BBQ pulled pork, spicy dry rubbed ribs, exceptional live blues entertainment, often free, and the home of the king of rock n roll himself – The big E. --- Elvis Presley.And as much as Memphis is about Elvis, there is a lot more going on there culturally and historically that can be explored. Don't worry, we'll cover the Elvis attractions, but we will also go more in depth in a special episode giving you tips and information on visiting Graceland.One of the great things about Memphis is that it is relatively affordable to visit if you know when and where to go. In these next few episodes we will cover tourist attractions, where to stay and where to eat. We'll also give tips on how to stay on budget, and ideas for families and solo travelers.Let's start off with some recommended attractions. Even though Memphis is a large city, there are a great number of attractions situated in relatively small geographical location making it easy to see and do a lot of things in a short amount of time. One of the biggest draws to Memphis is because of its rich history in music so let's start here.Depending on when you arrive in Memphis the first stop on anyone's list should be historic Beale Street and the home of the blues. The main drag is lined up and down for several blocks of blues joints, honkytonks, great restaurants bars and tourists shops. In the evening, almost every venue hosts free live music, from Mississippi Blues to Jerry Lee Lewis tribute bands. Also at dusk, the lights turn on to the many wonderfully designed neon lights and makes for iconic photos. Drinks and food are priced moderately, even though this is a top tourist attraction. We recommend the Beale Street Tap Room and The King's Palace Restaurant where not only you can get a good beer but also some great BBQ including ribs, Voodoo Chicken and Cajun Faire.Now a lot of the action may be happening inside, but there is a lot going on outside. Street performers, acrobats and magicians sometimes perform down the main strip to the delight of onlookers. Handy Park, is usually a great place to listen to a blues band or solo artist, while enjoying the historical significance of the park.Even though Beale St. Is lined wall to wall with drinks and individuals drinking walking down the street, it is totally safe. The Memphis police department controls the entranceway's into the thoroughfare and actively patrol the street keeping everyone in check. Police monitor those underage as well and anyone under 21 is not permitted on Beale Street after 10pm – when things get a little wilder.Now if you prefer it a little slower, you can go during the day or into the evening and still enjoy Beale Street, especially if you enjoy visiting museums and historic attractions.WC Handy is considered to be the "Father of the Blues" and is one of America's most influential songwriters ever and you can take a tour of WC Handy's humble beginnings at his turn-of-the-century home on Beale Street. Admission is $6 but be aware they run a limited schedule of Tues-Sat from 10-5 in the summer months and 11-4pm in the winter months. You can find the museum at the corner of Beale St. And 4th.Another great museum to learn about Memphis' Music past is the RocknSoul Museum. The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is at the corner of historic Beale Street, and legendary Highway 61 (Third Street), also known as the “Blues Highway”. The museum is located on the plaza of the FedExForum, Memphis’ premier sports and entertainment complex, and home to blockbuster concerts and the NBA Memphis Grizzlies. The museum tells tells the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music, overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music that shook the entire world. The museum offers a comprehensive Memphis music experience from the rural field hollers and sharecroppers of the 1930s, through the explosion of Sun, Stax and Hi Records and Memphis’ musical heyday in the 70s, to its global musical influence. The museum’s digital audio tour guide is packed with over 300 minutes of information, including over 100 songs, and takes visitors at their own pace through seven galleries featuring 3 audio visual programs, more than 30 instruments, 40 costumes and other musical treasures. The museum is open daily, 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Admission is $12.50 for adults, $9.50 for youth age 5-17.Getting to Beale Street is pretty easy from anywhere in Memphis. Good Parking, however, can quickly fill up. But the good news is that Memphis has the lowest parking rates in the United States. There are 12 main lots near Beale Street and a number of smaller lots. Prices range from $10 to $20 per day, depending on distance and security.But, here is an inside tip. There is a lot located at 110 Peabody Place, between Main St. And 2nd St. South that offers an incredibly low rate of only $3.On our next episode we'll continue our guide with stops at Sun Records, The Stax Museum of Soul Music, The National Civil Rights Museum and some other fantastic locations. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Think of South Africa, and images of majestic savanna landscapes and roaming wildlife may come to mind. A South African safari is an unforgettable experience, but no visit to the country is truly complete without a cultural immersion.Luckily, the vibrant city of Durban combines the best of both worlds in the most stunning of settings. Located along the Indian Ocean coast just an hour from Johannesburg by air, Durban offers an eclectic array of activities where you can explore the city's important role in world history, the rich heritage of its Zulu people, and innumerable natural wonders - from the beach to the bush. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As international travel gains popularity each year, new destinations are added to bucket lists and new travel gadgets and accessories appear on the market.The way we travel has changed in the past few decades, but that age-old itch to explore and discover new places and experiences remains the same. So how and why are people traveling now? The results of Visa's recently released Global Travel Intentions (GTI) Survey reveal some interesting travel trends - and tips - to keep in mind for 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pop quiz: When was the last time you took a vacation? A real vacation, not one of those staycations where you stuck around town to finish a project at your home? Do you even remember your last vacation? If you don't, then you are officially vacation deprived.And you're not alone.Research from Expedia's 2017 Vacation Deprivation report shows that 50 percent of Americans are vacation deprived and that approximately 462 million vacation days will go unused this year. The study also found that millennials are the most vacation-deprived age group and that people who live in urban areas reported being more vacation deprived than those who lived in suburban or rural areas. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Experience This 360 Episode Seven One Week in San DiegoOn this episode we will go over a recommended itinerary for visiting San Diego for one week and also some tips for families, couples and solo travellers. A week should give you enough time to enjoy most of the recommended attractions and also give you enough time to relax in between. It really doesn't matter where you are staying in San Diego, as most of the major attractions are within easy driving distance.Day One: On your first day, I would visit La Jolla and spend the entire day in the beach side community. Here you will enjoy the waterfront, and be close to a lot of exciting attractions and adventures.Day Two: The second day, take in the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.Day Three: The third day I would go onto the harbour front, visit the USS Midway and The Maritime Museum.Day Four: Beach Hopping. Take a tour of all the beaches, from Coronado to Ocean and Pacific. All these beaches have a unique vibe great opportunities to mix with locals and enjoy activities.Day Five: Seaworld Amusement Park, plan a day trip here, but alternatively you could visit San Diego Safari Park.Day Six: Take a Harbour tour of San Diego, then go across into Mexico to Tijuana to enjoy more shopping, beaches and authentic Mexican culture.Day Seven: San Diego Old Town and then the Gas Lamp District for evening fun.If you are travelling with a family and young ones are in tow, there are certain other activities that I would recommend. Certainly, Legoland is a must, as is the adjoining waterpark. You will also enjoy taking them to Scripts Aquarium and visiting real tidepools. Young ones are also eager learnings when it comes to surfing, so try taking a family surf lesson. And a quick drive up the coast will make every little one's dream come true when you take them to Disneyland.Couples and solo travellers will note that San Diego has a lot of wine outlets and craft brewhouses. Take advantage of the laid back atmosphere but don't forget there are some really cool outdoor adventures waiting for you. From surfing, to sea kayaking in sea caves to paragliding. There are so many cool places to hike, to bike and to enjoy the outdoors you will never find idle time. For couples there are a lot of romantic locations in San Diego from underground fairy-tale wine bars to patios overlooking the ocean and amazing sunsets, you'll not only find happiness here, but romance.If you are travelling solo, San Diego for the most part is a very safe city. Most of the inhabitants are retired military men and women. There are certainly parts of the city where you would want to take more caution, especially at night, but all of the areas we recommended are totally safe for a solo traveller. Sometimes, attractions can cost a premium for individuals, so if you see a family or group of tourists ask if you can join their group and perhaps even get a group discount. And if you are a solo traveller looking to keep things under budget there are some less expensive hostels available throughout the area.I hope you enjoyed these episodes on San Diego and if you have any questions pop by our Facebook page and we'll try to answer them.Until next time, Happy Travels. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Experience This 360 Episode San Diego in One DayOn this episode we will go over a recommended itinerary for visiting San Diego for only one day. If you find yourself in San Diego for just one day, you'll need to make the most out of your time, because there is a lot to see and do as we have covered in previous episodes on San Diego.First of all, it really does not matter where you are staying as a lot of the top attractions are minutes apart. San Diego traffic can get congested during rush hours or during special events but you should not have too much time stuck in traffic. That being said, driver's here seem to pretty aggressive so take care and be on the defensive. If you have arrived in the morning, I would suggest heading to the world famous San Diego zoo. The zoos early mornings are less crowded allowing you to park with ease, enter without lineups and enjoy the zoo without bumping shoulder to shoulder looking at exhibits. In addition, all the animals will be more lively in the morning hours giving more of an experience.When you exit the zoo, go into Balboa Park to enjoy the multitude of gardens, museums and attractions here. Next, drive over to Coronado Beach and enjoy the Pacific surf. There are a bunch of great restaurants here, perfect for any food lover's lunch. After soaking up the sun and enjoying a swim in the waves, head over to Old Town where you can shop, and experience San Diego culture from year's past. Before leaving this area, have supper at one of the authentic Mexican Cantinas.And that wraps up a pretty busy, yet satisfying day. No doubt, you will want to check back in to San Diego as you will want to check out all the other amazing attractions. In just checking randomly at the experiencethis360 cheap flight finder – there are flights generated from US cities to San Diego from as low as $64 and hotels can be found there as well for a huge discount. Also, for coupons on attractions please visit the Experience This 360 Facebook page. We will post all the coupons we can find for all the recommended attractions.Now, go find Happiness! It's in San Diego. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Experience This 360 Episode Five San Diego Rural Exploration – Beaches, Deserts and MountainsBeyond the laid-back coastal towns and lively urban centers, San Diego has historic hamlets, close-knit suburban communities, quiet wilderness pockets, desert oases and sprawling natural spaces just waiting to be explored. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Experience This 360 Episode Four San Diego's Balboa Park and the San Diego ZooThere is so much to do and see in San Diego, but these two attractions are a must do. Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.Ever changing. Always amazing. Where culture, science, and nature collide, Balboa Park is home to more than16museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions, including the San Diego Zoo. With a variety of cultural institutions among its 1,200 beautiful and lushly planted acres, there is something for everyone.Let's first go over the most popular museums that are all located in the park and can be accessed easily by foot. It's just convenient having so many choices, in one spot. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Experience This 360 Episode Three San Diego Downtown San DiegoNow some people enjoy urban environments and some don't. A lot of downtown locations get a bad rap in the United States, but downtown San Diego is a little different. Here you will find yourself in the middle of the action and just minutes away from the huge attractions.If you are choosing to stay in the downtown area I would choose to stay in the historical gas lamp section. It is 16 square-blocks of where Victorian-era buildings and modern skyscrapers stand side by side. There are over 100 restaurants to choose and drinking holes like the Monkey Paw, a craft brew bar. And for those wine lovers, check out Vin de Syrah Wine Parlor. Its located underground and the atmosphere is very whimsical and unique. Wine selection and food is also great here.If you have children you are just minutes from the New Children's Museum, that caters to the imaginations of the little ones. Drop in art studios are available to keep your children's imaginations blossoming.And slightly older children and adults alike will most certainly enjoy a visit to the USS Midway. Its A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a historic aircraft carrier. Activities for all ages including self-guided audio tours, theater, flight simulators, climb-in aircraft, ejection seats and cockpits, guided tours of the bridge and more. Audio tours are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, French and German. There are a lot of veteran volunteers aboard that are great at explaining exhibits and entertaining inquisitive minds..... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Experience This 360 Episode Two San Diego The Coastal NeighborhoodsThe largest of its kind in the world, Mission Bay and Beaches are over 4,600-acres of aquatic playgrounds. Surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline, with a variety of waterways to explore, Mission Bay is bordered by several beach communities, each with their own distinct vibe. You will quickly discover that this bustling bay area is action packed from sun up to sun down and it is only minutes away from downtown San Diego.The area can be divided into sub categories, but we really feel you should explore them all.Let's start of with Mission Bay.... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Episode One, The San Diego Destination GuideThis guide will span over 7 episodes. We broke them up to allow you to earmark each episode for easier reference. We chose San Diego as our first Destination Guide because it offers so much and we enjoyed visiting this location and plan to do so many more times in the future.San Diego's slogan is Happiness is Calling. And certainly, a vacation in San Diego creates a lot of happiness. Happy weather, happy fun, happy food, happy drinks, happy experiences and a lot of happy memories. Whether you are family looking for a great family get-away, a solo traveller looking for adventure, or an elderly couple looking to relax, San Diego delivers. In these upcoming episodes we will explore the San Diego area, provide you with ideas of fantastic locations, give some insight into hotels, and provide some inside tips. Later on, we'll give you a sample itinerary if you are spending just a day in San Diego and also a whole week. What to do if you are on a family vacation or a couples vacation. So let's start exploring San Diego.San Diego is divided into various neighborhood areas: The Coastal Area, The Downtown Urban Area, The Inland Valley. Mountain and Desert Area and the Baja California area. And with so much to do and see in San Diego you probably want to visit many of them, if not all.And because San Diego is a coastal city, situated right on the Pacific with perfect weather conditions year round, let's start off by exploring the Coastal Areas first.This first episode we will explore La Jolla, California, one of the many places we recommend you visit while travelling to San Diego.Remember to visit www.experiencethis360.com for the best travel deals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Introducing the Experience This 360 podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.