About Author: StruxTravel

Description: Michael Figueiredo is a newly-minted travel writer based in Los Angeles, California. When he's not gallivanting around the world, he's enjoying the laid-back lifestyle and perfect weather of Southern California. So far he’s visited 36 countries and territories and hopes to see at least one new place every year. He recently traveled to Italy, Croatia, and Turkey with day trips to Montenegro and San Marino. This year he hopes to travel to Cuba!

Posts by StruxTravel

Here in America we’re all familiar with the New Year’s Eve traditions of counting down the seconds till midnight, throwing confetti, toasting with champagne and kissing your loved ones. Of course, the biggest celebration happens at Times Square in New York City with the dropping of the giant Swarovsky crystal ball. Since 2011 is drawing to a close, I thought I’d ask my friends...

23December 27, 2011

Top 10: New Year’s Traditions From Around The World

A surprisingly delightful attraction in the city of Big Bear Lake is the Moonridge Animal Park and Wildlife Center. Located at the base of Bear Mountain Ski Resort in the San Bernardino Mountains, this rare alpine zoo is only a two-and-a-half hour drive from Los Angeles. Unlike many animal parks, the Moonridge Zoo exhibits animals in their natural habitat—surrounded by towering pines and snow-capped peaks, at...

16January 25, 2011

Side Trip: The Moonridge Zoo in Big Bear, California

Tucked away on the northeast corner of the remote Azorean island of Santa Maria is the quaint village of São Lourenço. Formed by a volcanic eruption eight million years ago, the crescent-shaped bay is all that remains of the ancient caldera. Steep, rocky cliffs terraced with grapevines and dotted with charming whitewashed cottages surround this secluded hideaway. About midway along the shoreline is a popular...

21January 20, 2011

Greetings From… São Lourenço, Portugal

Nestled between the rugged foothills of the Alps and the deep, cerulean waters of Lake Como lies the comune of Varenna, Italy. Only an hour’s journey north of Milan, Varenna’s idyllic natural setting has drawn visitors from the bustle of the big city for centuries. Evocative old buildings in shades of ochre, umber, and saffron line Varenna’s labyrinthine cobblestone alleyways. Poking high above the terracotta-tiled roofline...

24January 13, 2011

Greetings From… Varenna, Italy

This Friday through Sunday, January 14th – 16th is the 35th annual Art Deco Weekend in Miami Beach, Florida. Celebrating the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the entire world, it’s estimated that a half million people will converge upon Ocean Drive to take part in the festivities. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday and features Miami Beach personality Elaine Lancaster as...

11January 11, 2011

Miami Beach Art Deco Weekend 2011

This week’s Snapshot is of Segovia, Spain—one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever visited. Set high on a rocky hilltop, the walled Old Town of Segovia exudes all the charming character of medieval Europe. Because of its proximity to Madrid, tourists often think of it as a day trip destination, but to me it’s definitely worthy of a couple nights stay. The highlight of...

32January 6, 2011

Snapshot: Segovia, Spain

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed attending the Tournament of Roses Parade yesterday morning. Sure, I only got about 2 hours of sleep and had to brave freezing cold temperatures, but overall it was a relatively hassle-free experience with a beautiful and memorable payoff. I took the Gold Line light-rail train to Pasadena to avoid dealing with traffic and parking. Then, after...

17January 2, 2011

Rose Parade Recap

7December 30, 2010

The Tournament of Roses Parade: A New, New Year’s Tradition?

Nothing’s more embarrassing than being “that guy” at the airline check-in counter, frantically pulling clothes out of your checked-luggage and stuffing them into your carry-on in order to avoid “over-weight” baggage fees. These days most airlines are charging exorbitant fees for bags that weigh over 50 lbs (23 kg). How ridiculous is it that my 53 pound suitcase was going to cost $100 to check? This...

14December 28, 2010

Tuesday’s Travel Tip: Portable Luggage Scale

With blizzard conditions on the east coast of the United States and in much of Europe, I’d say that winter has officially arrived. Of course, all this fresh snow is heaven on earth for ski enthusiasts. Where is your favorite ski resort destination? [polldaddy poll=4303864]

1December 27, 2010

Travel Poll: Favorite Ski Resort

Dear loyal StruxTravel readers, I hope you have a very merry Christmas and a joyous new year! Safe travels! ~ Michael

2December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Just outside the town of Füssen, Germany is the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Located in Southwestern Bavaria only a few short miles from the Austrian border, this nineteenth-century fairytale castle was built by “Mad” King Ludwig II. Unfortunately the eccentric monarch died (under mysterious circumstances) before ever seeing it completed. Although the exterior is done, only about 15 of the 200 rooms inside are finished. Walt...

20December 16, 2010

Greetings From… Füssen, Germany

Last month I wrote about Salzburg, Austria and its festive holiday market, the Christkindlmarkt. It was one of the most magical places I’d ever seen—twinkle lights strung along pine garlands, the smell of hot cider brewing in the wintery air, and people everywhere, bundled up against the cold and having a jolly old time. As a California native, I don’t often have the chance to...

2December 14, 2010

Travel Poll: Favorite Holiday Market

Whenever I travel to far-flung places I like to bring back a souvenir Christmas tree ornament to remind me of my trip. Of course, that’s sometimes easier said than done. Good luck finding a Christmas decoration in July… in the tropics! What I suggest is to buy an inexpensive keychain as a keepsake. (I guarantee that every tourist shop in the world sells them.) Then,...

20December 7, 2010

Tuesday’s Travel Tip: Holiday Edition

THIS IS AN ARTICLE FROM LAST YEAR, 2010. CLICK HERE TO SEE AN UPDATED STORY WITH DATES AND TIMES FOR THIS YEAR, 2011! Los Angeles might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of ice-skating. However, several local venues will help get you in the holiday spirit with their seasonal, outdoor ice rinks. So strap on some skates for some...

5December 6, 2010

Holiday Ice Skating in Los Angeles

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