Adventures of Travelape

Experience the Ape Project....

2008-04-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well, it is the Experience the Music Project and it is in Seattle and was funded by the uber-rich Paul Allen. Yes, that geek who co-founded Microsoft. The museum itself is a work of art and the 80,000 artifacts inside make the trip worth it.

If you are down with your ape-travel knowledge, you know Ape is talking about Seattle, Ape's favorite city in the Pacific Northwest. Ape is not a fan of zoos, you know that is where they capture my people and then tourists with cameras take pictures all day of you and they tap on the glass and they throw things at you......Just once Ape would like to......serenity now, serenity now....

Sorry, Ape was about to tell you about Seattle. Yes it rains a lot and yes there is still a lot of flannel clad latte drinking grunge heads floating out there, but this city rocks in more ways than one.

Try Discovery Park for example. This 500+ acre park is the largest in the city and when the weather is nice, it is packed with Apes. A must see when the weather is nice.

After a day at the park, head to the beach. You may just find a sea otter eating lunch or see some nude people. That is right, Seattle has some nude beaches and if you are not careful you may get the Full Monty-Ape.

Bottom line, Seattle is awesome and the Ape highly recommends a visit. Remember, the best room rates are (do I even need to tell you) travelape.com

Ape out yo.

As the wind blows....

2008-03-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Chicago is known as the Windy City and it is a fitting moniker. The weather is Chicago can often be cold and windy as Chicago is on Lake Michigan and the lake winds can be cold and howling. It goes without saying, if you don't like the cold weather to stay away from Chicago from late November to April.

So, what to check out when you are there.... The Sears Tower is a must see. At one point it was the tallest building in the world and while other buildings are taller now, it is still an impressive building offering incredible views from the top.

Another must see is historic Navy Pier. Built in 1909, the pier is now a destination shopping and entertainment attraction. You'll find restaurants, shops, theaters and much, much more. There are also many great events held at Navy pier and you find out about them here.

Chicago is known for deep dish pizza, i like mine with bananas. Depending on who you ask, you will get many different answers for who has the best. If you want my advice, try them all.

Have fun and happy traveling to Chi-town.

Send him to Detroit

2008-03-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

One of Ape's favorite movies is "Kentucky Fried Movie." There is a great scene where a samurai has disgraced his people and they are about to shank him. At the last minute, the head ape says "no, i have better punishment. Send him to Detroit." That movie was made decades ago and the Detroit of then and now are two different places.

Just across the river from Detroit is Windsor, Ontario. Detroit serves as the hub of activity for many surrounding cities such as Windsor and Toledo. Often Detroit is referred to as Motown, or Motor Town as it served as the city where the automotive assembly line was perfected by Henry Ford.

If you are heading downtown, there is a convenient people mover (looks like a monorail) that runs a three mile loop around downtown. It is elevated and the fares are really cheap, only around 50 banana peels or so. Points or interest when visiting Detroit are Belle Isle, Detroit Zoo and the Detroit Science Center. Be sure to check out a Red Wings game if you have time.

A lot has changed in Motown since Kentucky Fried Movie and a trip to Detroit is a worthwhile experience. Ape it up dude.

Ape be jammin man

2008-03-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

So I went South to Florida and after that i just kept going. All the way to Jamaica man. One of the places you will certainly want to check out is the Bob Marley House. Bob Marley didn't invent reggae, he just made it more mainstream. A must see tourist stop, more so if you are a fan of the island rhythms of reggae.

If you are looking for scenic beauty, then i would recommend the Blue Mountains. It is a little out of the way, but worth it to get a view from 7,400 feet. I walked all the way to the top, without shoes, in the snow, carrying a car and I had an asthma attack most of the way. You could just drive if you are into the easy way out though.

When in Jamaica, be sure to try the island specialty, jerk chicken. Yes, the chickens in Jamaica are rude and considered to be jerks. Actually, jerk seasoning is spicy with multiple levels of heat. Some starts out with a slow burn and then gets hot. Other is just, well, hot. Wimps need not apply.

You probably think you need to travel to England to see Cricket, the game and not the bug, but the game is very popular in Jamaica. Don't forget Jamaica was a British colony and the game is popular there.

Jamaica is a wonderful island and is filled with wonderful people who are welcoming and friendly. Enjoy it today and don't forget the best rates are always on Travelape for rooms, car, air and more. Study up dudes.

Not easy being so cool....

2008-03-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to rent a car while dressed in a perfect ape costume? You would probably not be taken too seriously. I would like to welcome you to my life.

So I have decided to rent a condo on the beach in Florida for a week or so to relax and work on my tan, well as much as i can being covered in hair everywhere except my bootie, hands, feet and face. The relaxing part is easy, the tanning, well I try and it is fun to be on the beach looking at all the people. I like just hanging out on the sandy Florida beaches. Although, I must admit, it does kind of stink having to pick all that sand out of my hair. Did you know you can get a 360 degree tour of the Miami beaches here? It is like being there, without actually having to leave your house.

I am going to chill for a bit. More updates soon and remember the best deals on travel are always at travelape.com

Ape Out.

Ape-a-citis

2008-03-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

So, the Ape has been very sick, bad case of ape-a-citis. Luckily after a few rounds of some apeibitoics, I am cured. It is not easy being a primate who can type and travel the world, but still needs to see a veterinarian to get well.

Anyway, feeling strong right now and one of the things I am going to get busy with is seeing some great shows. You can find the best deals on tickets here. I am not sure what to see first.

Maybe a show in Las Vegas on the Strip? Perhaps the latest Broadway show? Maybe I will travel the entire USA and see one show in every city.....yeah right, who wants to do that? I could do all of that, but I think I will just relax and rent a condo on the beach for a little while and enjoy the peacefulness of the crashing waves on my hairy feet. Ah, sounds so perfect.

When you beat ape-a-citis, it is almost as if you have a new lease on life. So, this is one ape who will no longer be sitting around, it is time to party down. I will share all my escapades with you.

Love and peace and hair grease,

The Ape.

Aint No Party Like The Superbowl

2008-01-31T12:11:00.000-08:00

You know how Travelape rolls and I am on my way to Phoenix to the Superbowl festivities. Im not quite sure who to root for at the game. But I will be hoping for a dance with Paris Hilton at the 944 party. There is going to be a show by 50 cent and Wyclef Jean its gonna be sick.

IF you need tickets check out the brokers section on my site. They have Superbowl tickets. Thy are ridiculously expensive, but its the Superbowl. Hvae fun while your down there and if you need a hotel at the last minute we have you covered as well. Take a look the Phoenix Hotels guide that we set up. Lots of bannana ratings.

Doesnt matter who you are backing its gonna be a great time.Yo hit me up if you are in town and you can party like an APE STAR.

The Ape

Oh where, oh where has The Ape gone?

2007-12-26T22:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks, park's closed. The Ape out front should have told you. No, you are not at Wally World, but The Ape was. Well, something like Wally World. I was taking a vacation. When I travel, there is only one place I go for the best info and deals out there. travelape.com Ape will be back tomorrow with an update or two. For now, rumors of my demise....

Is it a Mirage?

2007-12-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

No, it really is The Mirage. The first of the mega-resorts, The Mirage ushered in a new wave of building in Las Vegas. It is a must see and I recommended it to my class ape buddy.

The Mirage was home to Sigfreid and Roy for years and is now home to Vegas' hottest show, Love by Cirque du Soleil.

Be sure to make your reservations in advance as this show almost always sells out and is one of the toughest tickets in town.

If you are ready to eat, may I recommend a visit to STACK at the Mirage. STACK is a modern steakhouse, but it is not really a steakhouse, it is more of a modern American restaurant. Here you will find such goodness as pigs in a blanket (little delicious hot dogs in puff pastry) a 44 oz magnum steak, blue cheese tater tots and so much more. This sounds like simple food, and the inspiration for the dishes are, but it is far from simple.

Another thing to see and check out is the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Located adjacent to the Mirage's pool, this attraction houses cats from around the world. Tigers, Panther, Jaguars and the Ape's favorite Snow Leopard.

Coming soon to the Mirage (Winter 2008) is BLT Burger. This is a burger joint like no other. Famed chef Laurent Tourendel burger joint will open in the spot vacated by the White Tiger habitat, which was removed when the Sigfreid and Roy show was canceled.

In short, check out the Mirage. Lots of palm trees with coconuts, but no bananas. Oooga ooga. For the best hotel rates in Vegas, do the smart thing and check out travelape.

Walk like and Egyptian

2007-12-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

Ape was telling a classape about where to go and what to see in Vegas. The Luxor is a pyramid shaped building just next to Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. The Luxor is one of the largest hotels in the world and recently opened and outpost of the famed Los Angeles club, LAX. The Luxor is undergoing a transformation right now from the Egyptian theme to a more upscale property with very nice new restaurants and offerings.

Ape thinks it may be tough to walk away from Egyptian theme when your building is shaped like a pyramid. One of the most recognizable features of the Luxor is the beam of light. Shining brightly from the top of the pyramid, the beam can be seen from space by astr-ape-nauts!

Be sure to check out he IMAX theater at Luxor too. See hi-def and then some in the state-of-the-art theater featuring new movies.

The Luxor is worth a look while in Vegas. It has changed and is changing to be more ape friendly too, which is nice.

Next time, more on Las Vegas. Ooga-Ooga

Fast Times at Ape High

2007-12-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

The Ape ran into some fellow classapes from high school this weekend. I am in Las Vegas and was throwing the bananas at the craps table when all of the sudden I was tapped on my shoulder by classape. It was nice to catch up and I even gave the person some great tips on what do to in Las Vegas.

First, I told them to check out Mandalay Bay. This is the Southern most major resort on the Strip and one of the largest. The best view in town is from miX atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. This swank lounge has a view above it all. Also at Mandalay Bay is Shark Reef Aquarium. This is the nation's only predator based aquarium and while not as large as some of the other well known aquariums it is worth a visit.

Next I told them to grab some food at the best burger joint in town, Burger Bar at Mandalay Place. There is a cool mall that connects the Luxor Resort and Mandalay Bay and it is Mandalay Place. Burger Bar is operated by famed chef Hubert Keller. An outpost of Keller's San Francisco based Fleur de Lys is also at Mandalay Bay.

Burger Bar is build-a-burger at its best. Pick your: meat, bun, cheese, garden items, meat toppings (several varieties of bacon are available), sauce and any how you want it cooked. It shows up later, cooked to perfection and is delicious. They also have veggie burgers for those that prefer that. No banana burger, which stinks.

Ape will tell you more about where classapes go in Vegas next time. For now, ooga ooga.

Bo Darville is my friend

2007-11-28T22:46:00.000-08:00

You may know Bo better by his nickname, the Bandit. So, one of the Ape's favorites movies is Smokey and the Bandit. I am not sure why, maybe because it is just really funny. The Ape family always watches it after we eat our tur-ban-ucken. Which is just a fancy name for the banana tofu turkey. Ape's friend, who will be referred to as Kawasaki Mike is also a big fan of the movie. The best character is, of course, Sheriff Buford T Justice.

What is the point? Well, I have received some e-mails from some of you who wanted to know more about the ape so I will slowly let you know more about Travelape.

Anyway, back to screaming travel deals and updates....

Have you ever been to Atlanta? That is of course where the Bandit was taking the beer that Big and Little Enos bet him to take. Atlanta is a wonderful city. Some of Ape's favorite places to visit are the Martin Luther King Historical Site. This is managed by the National Park Service and the best place to begin your stop is at the visitor center.

If you love Coca-Cola (Kawasaki Mike does) then you need to check out the World of Coca-Cola. This three story building is a shrine to the tasty beverage. You will find tasting stations to sample beverages from around the world and some of the rarest memorbilla anywhere. Drink up!

Atlanta is a fun city and only a little bit has been covered here. Explore Atlanta, but you may want to stay away during the summer. A-town has a reputation for being rather humid and hot. Oh yeah, for the best travel deals anywhere, be sure and check out Travelape.

Gobble, gobble

2007-11-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

So The Ape is what one might refer to as a Fruit-a-dessert-atarian. You see Ape loves bananas and banana pie. Travelape does not eat meat, just fruit and pie. The Ape had a hard time with all of this Thanksgiving talk. There is not a place on Earth that just serves bananas and banana pie.

For the Thanksgiving holiday, Travelape actually goes to New York and watch the parade. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been around since 1924. Featuring marching bands, floats, performers and of course, me. I will be holding on to the ropes of one of the giant balloons walking the parade route.

While The Ape is in NYC, a trip to Broadway is always in the works. Phantom of the Opera is my Favorite. Phantom is one of the true classics of Broadway.

That's it for this time. More after I have had a chance to let those bananas digest.

The Beach...

2007-11-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

South Beach that is. The Ape is in Miami right now, and I walked and swam to get here. Ok, not really, but it was a rough flight over the Atlantic.

Some of the best nightlife in the world is in South Beach. The hotels along South Beach are boutique in size and art deco in style. Don't let the old style architecture fool you, the hotels are world-class in their offerings. Many of the buildings here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to bring the camera to get some shots of all the scenery. There is PLENTY of scenery.

The food in South Beach is to die for. There are cultural influences from all over, but the regional specialty is Cuban food. If you want a fried whole fish or just some tres leche, the place to go is Versailles Restaurant. Sure it has a French name, but it is Cuban food at its finest. Here you will find great food and at all hours. The service is great too. Be sure to tell them the Ape sent you.

Travelape has many friends in Miami, so you will see more posts about my adventures in the Southeast in the next few days. Until then, this is Travelape saying the best rates and info are always on Travelape.com.

Sometimes you feel like an ape, sometimes you don't....

2007-11-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

You know, all this travel can be tough on an ape, and is certainly tough on this Ape. I mean, think about it. Traveling all around the world, never fitting in because I am a traveling, talking ape and there just too many of us out there. It makes travel hard.

Anyway, enough whining.....I thought about it and I have not really shared too much about me with you so here goes:

I am a traveling ape, called Travelape.

That's it.

Au revoir.....

East Bound and down

2007-11-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

East Bound was an understatement, I crossed the Atlantic and would up in Paris. Yeah, I know I said I was going to New York and I did see it from the plane, but I wasn’t ready yet. Soon, I promise.

The Ape has been to Paris about 150 times, but never went to Jardin Des Tuileries before. This beautiful 2,500 acre park is one of the largest in Paris and was flooded with students using the natural beauty as a backdrop for painting. The ape even struck a pose and was in a painting. The artist called it “Ape in the mid-day.”

If you are going to eat in Paris and you will want to because there are endless dining options, you will want to make a reservation. The Ape had an excellent meal at La Tour D’argent which has a world famous wine selection and a great banana pie. Ok, they don’t really have banana pie, but the wine was the best on earth.

I always finish up my trips to Paris with a visit to the Crazy Horse Saloon. This cabaret has exotic females in choreographed numbers and had been a Parisian staple since 1951.

Paris is a beautiful city and one that is best enjoyed with a travel partner. Not the Ape though, Travelape travels alone.

For the best hotel rates in Paris, check out Travelape. Next time, who knows???

Houston, we have an Ape

2007-11-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

When the Ape is loose in Houston, the 4th largest US city, trouble is bound to happen. Travelape is a kid at heart and there is no better place to discover your inner child than at a children’s museum. The Children’s Museum of Houston is a place you can spend hours of time connecting with your inner child-ape. Ape loves the Expressions Exhibit which is basically a big art studio. This ape can paint.

If you go to Houston and don’t go to the Space Center, you have missed something worth going bananas over. You can learn all about Man’s trip into space and even take a five-day space school where you can learn all the details about space travel. I just want to set the record straight and remind everyone that a primate was the first one in space and yes it was my cousin, Space Ape. Regardless, be sure to check out the Space Center.

If you are thinking of going to Houston, be sure to check for great hotel rates on Travelape and plan ahead. Remember that all good trips begin with great planning.

This is Travelape saying “East Bound and Down.”

NYC by way of Texas

2007-11-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

So I had really good intentions of making it to New York. My uncle Kong had some troubles there back in his day, but i just throw on a Yankees cap and no one recognizes me. I was finding my way to New York and wound up in San Antonio instead.

Travelape loves Texas and loves to visit San Antonio. The most famous attraction in San Antonio is The Alamo. The Alamo is home to the 13 day siege that, against impossible odds, a group of 189 men held off huge forces for much longer than they should have been able to.

Another great place to visit in San Antonio is the Riverwalk. Paseo del Rio for my Spanish speaking amigos is a great place to sit in a sunken (the entire Riverwalk is below street level) cafe and grab a bit to eat.

Make sure and go to the zoo. The San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 3,000 animals and is regarded as one of the best zoos in the country. The Ape has to be a little careful when visiting, because, after all an ape who travels, blogs and runs a website would make for a popular attraction.

Travelape is going to explore Texas for while. The best hotel and places to see and do are always available on travelape.com. Now, where can I go to get a cowboy hat?

The White House

2007-11-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

Travelape has been missing in action for the last few days. The Ape was busy eating, and eating his way through and around Atlantic City. One place the Ape loves to visit is the White House Sub Shop. You probably would not put a “James Beard Award” and a “sub shop” in the same sentence, but this is the exception. White House Sub Shop is a James Beard Award winner for America’s Regional Classics.

This establishment has been around since 1946 and makes what many consider to be the best submarine sandwiches in the world, some say the universe (and beyond). This is one of those places that is usually packed so you will want to get there early and try to avoid the noon lunch hour. Travelape gets there at 11:30am to try to beat the rush.

Basically you grab a number and wait for the sub maker to call your number. When your number is called, have your order ready. Pay close attention to the size of the subs. A full sub is huge and very filling. A half size sub is just perfect for this ape. The most popular sub is the White House Special.

White House Subs is daily and is best enjoyed after you have enjoyed a few banana beers. Just make sure to take a taxi if you have had too many. Any cab driver in Atlantic City will know where to go, just tell them to take you to the “White House” and if they don’t know where to go, you should probably find another cabbie.

Travelape needs to run, but will be back soon with more on New Jersey. Someday the Ape will make it to New York, someday.

NYC for me, wait make that AC....

2007-10-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Travelape got a little side tracked on his way to the Big Banana, opps, Big Apple and made a stop off for a few days in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Most people don’t know that the Ape is a good golfer, well not good, but at least a golfer. Ape stopped off and played a round at the Atlantic City Country Club. The club is operated by Harrah’s and is located across the bay from Atlantic City in a small town called Northfield. The club is one of the oldest in the US and is often called the “home of the birdie.”

Travelape doesn’t keep score on the course, what fun would that be, but ape does keep count of the bananas and the course is not cheap so I would give it a four banana rating.

After a round of golf, Travelape celebrates the 19th hole at the famed Irish Pub in Atlantic City. The Irish Pub has a sister pub in Philadelphia by the same name. What Ape loves the most about the Irish Pub are the prices. You would think it is still 1947 with the cheap (yet good) eats offered here. And the beer (yes the ape is over 21) is cold and endless.

Travelape will write more about AC next time… For now, this is Ape saying "ooga ooga."

Memphis-Home of the King(s).....

2007-10-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

Memphis Tennessee is home to the king. Well, two kings actually. Elvis Presley and BB King. The King of Rock-n-Roll and the King of the Blues. Graceland was Elvis’ home and is now a major tourist attraction. The 14 acre estate is filled with memorabilia from the long career of Elvis. The hard-core fan will want to get married in the Chapel in the Woods.

One thing the Ape loves is the blues. BB King and the Ape have been friend for decades, well not really friends since we have never actually met, but you could say the Ape knows him, at least his music. A great place to hear his music is on Beale Street at the

BB King Blues Club. The king himself still plays many shows here a year.

After a long night jumping around Beale Street the ape was read to recharge with a great meal. There is great food in Memphis. From barbeque to fried chicken, Memphis has some tasty eats.

Just remember the saying in Memphis “If you order fried chicken, we’ll make you fried chicken. If you want chicken cordon bleu, we’ll make you fried chicken.”

Enjoy Memphis, make sure to bring your appetite and visit the kings!!!!!
Next time, the big apple……..

Vroom, Vroom....

2007-10-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

Travelape took a few days off from traveling to do my second favorite thing, sleep. After a few days of rest, the ape was ready for some fun so I headed to Sebring, Florida. Sebring is just a short ride in the car, about 1.5 hours from Orlando. The ape however walked!

The ape is a big fan of auto racing and the annual 12 hours of Sebring is one of the premier events in the American LeMans Series road racing calendar and has been a proving grounds for race teams for over 50 years. Many of the top teams from Europe come to Sebring to test their equipment.

The track is just short of 4 miles long and the best way to catch all the action is to camp out for the weekend. Travelape has been to the race in the past and recommends it for adults and parents with teenage kids. The rough terrain can be a bit much for the little toddler apes.

What makes Sebring so unique is that the track is built on an old Air Force base. Most of the track is concrete which is a very unique surface for racing. It makes for a rough surface that can tear a car apart in hours. To finish the race is an accomplishment and if you win it, you are the ape’s new hero.

The annual 12 hours of Sebring is held in March. For tickets, visit Sebring International Raceway’s site and for the best hotels and rates on hotels go to Travelape of course.

Next time=Memphis

Orlando Part Deux

2007-10-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

Every ape knows about the big theme parks in Orlando and they are fun, but for a break from all that theme-park action, Travelape got off the beaten path.

The first stop was Gatorland. Where else can you see an ape ‘rastle’ a gator? It is a 110 acre complex loaded with gators and other wildlife. Travelape felt right at home! You’ll want to make a reservation to check out Discovery Cove, located adjacent to Sea World. That’s because they only let in 1,000 people a day which means no long lines and huge crowds. By the way, your admission includes a swim with a bottle nose dolphin, so pack your swimsuit. Travelape needs to learn to swim!

The ape worked up an appetite and this ape likes to eat, not just bananas either. Check out Wolfgang Puck Café in downtown Disney for a great meal, or maybe you might prefer to eat with the locals. If that is the case, try Hemingway’s Restaurant for a taste of the keys and be sure to wash your meal down with a banana juice!

This is Travelape leaving Orlando and reminding you not everything to see and do in Orlando costs a fortune. Get off the beaten path.

Disneyworld here I come

2007-10-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

Travelape just landed in Florida. What trip to Florida would be complete without a trip to the Magic Kingdom, Disneyworld. There are four different theme parks at Disneyworld. There is Disneyworld, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

It is hard to see all that Disneyworld has to offer in just a day, so it is recommended to have at least three-four days to see it all. That may not even be enough time. Long lines can be found for the more popular attractions and can be a real drag. Bring an extra dose of patience.

Be sure to make time to check out Cindarella’s Royal Table. A unique dining experience inside Disneyworld. Make sure to take a ride on Big Thunder Railroad before lunch! A perfect end to the day (which is also a good time to avoid the long lines) is Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger. You get to help Buzz in an interactive battle!

Great hotel rates and packages are available at, whereelse of course, Travelape.

Next time…..more Orlando.

Free Vegas

2007-10-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Vegas on a budget can be a lot of fun. You don’t need a lot of money to enjoy Las Vegas. One of the great things about Las Vegas is that there is so much to do for free. Be sure to check out Fremont Street Experience located in historic downtown Las Vegas.

The Fremont Street Experience is a sensational light and sound show that happens above it all, about 75 feet above your head. As you walk down Fremont Street, there are giant poles that support an overhead canopy of video screens covering more than five blocks. This is best seen at night.

Looking for some natural beauty, be sure to check out Red Rock Canyon located about 15 minutes away from the strip on the west side of town. Giant red rock formations are visible from miles away. A must see.

If you are on the strip, be sure to catch the exploding volcano at the Mirage or the Sirens of TI show at Treasure Island. If you are near the Rio, check out the Masquerade Show in the Sky.

This is Travelape saying see you next time!!!!!