London, England
This was Sheri's first international trip and my first trip to Europe. We just could not pass up the deal we found at American Airlines; round trip flight from Dallas to London and 6 nights stay at a 4 star hotel with Thames River view for $1,600 per couple. American Airlines Vacations frequently runs this promotion so keep your eyes open.

The Tower Hotel London is located adjacent to the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. Its a nice hotel but regular rates are a pit pricey and the nearest Underground station is a good walk away. Most of London's major attractions are on the other side of town so expect to be on the tube a lot.

Our cultural activities this trip were Stomp and Phantom of the Opera. We highly recommend these memorable productions. If you don't believe TKTS half price tickets are worth it; we got front row and 3rd row tickets to these shows for almost 50% off on the day of the showing. That's impossible to get over the internet at any price!

The London Eye is an attraction that was installed to celebrate the new millenium. And like the Eiffel Tower in Paris it was so popular they never took it down. Nice opportunity to see the best arial views of London. To avoid long lines, buy your tickets one day, then go the next day.

London can be expensive, so take advantage of the free attractions: The British Museum and The National Gallery.

More London travel tips under 2006 and 2005.

Washington, DC
This trip was a last minute sale on flights from Dallas to Regan National and another use of free hotel stays earned from business travel.

The Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel is a great base of operation. The nearest Metro station is a short walk away and Chinatown is right around the corner.

Of all the great landmarks you should see in our nation's capital two you should not miss are The Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Holocaust Memorial Museum. They are next door to each other so there is no excuse to miss either one.

Michigan
This trip was to visit Sheri's family in Michigan.

Mackinac Island was one of our stops on the trip. The island has had a long association as a romantic destination ever since Somewhere in Time was filmed there. The island is charming, rustic, and in the summer, overrun with tourists. Visit in the Fall.

Lubbock, Texas
Just a quick trip to our alma mater, Texas Tech, to see the football game against Colorado.