The DOT has bad news for all you smokers out there. Well at least the smokers who use e-cigarettes and other similar devices. On October 26, 2015 the Department of Transportation announced that airline passenger and members of the crew can no longer bring their battery powered portable electronic cigarettes with them. Items such as e-cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes, personal vaporizers and the like are banned from being in your luggage.

Officials state that there have been recent incidents of e-cigarettes checked in bags can catch fire during flight. Anything that may pose as a possible hazard or threat during flight must be eliminated.

The Department of Transportation states there were more than two dozen e-cigarette related incidents since 2009 which caused explosions or fires, and some of these were in the check baggage which was on the flight.

Bostons’s Logan Airport had a bag catch fire and cause the plane to evacuate in August of 2014, and Los Angeles International Airport had a late arrival of a checked bag that caught on fire when an e-cigarette in the bag overheated.

The DOT has stated in the past that the rule, which bans the smoking of any tobacco products on passenger flights also included electronic cigarettes, they are not proposing to amend the rule to specifically name e-cigarettes in that rule.

Passengers may continue to carry e-cigs in their carry-on bags or even in their pockets, but they are not allowed to actually use the devices during flight or charge them.

This new ruling to ban these items from checked baggage is stated to go into effect within the next two weeks.

Categories: Lifestyle
Tags: lifestyle

Ride-hailing has become the new form of transportation for many individuals. Business travelers have started using this mode of travel more than others. So what is ride-hailing anyway?

Well in the past, you stood at a taxi-stand and hailed a taxi, sometimes having to wait for some time before one was available to you. You then got to your destination, had to dig out the amount due, sometimes not having enough cash on hand, or not the correct amount only to find out that your taxi didn’t take credit, and ended up paying too much with no way of getting change back.

You other option for transport is to rent your own personal car. This can sometimes be more hassle than it is worth.

This is all in the past with ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. With these services you simply alert your app that you need a ride and a designated driver will come to your location and pick you up. It’s that simple. When it comes time to pay, they will just charge your card on file. No tip needed, no fumbling for exact change.

Studies show that ride-hailing services have taken over taxis by a great margin in being the leading mode of ground transportation for business travelers.

The services are now making their way into rental car territory as well, and have already become more popular in San Francisco and Boston.

However, there are downsides to the whole ride-hailing concept. Taxi drivers have to pass extreme standards to be able to operate their vehicles on a daily basis. Uber drivers, for example, are not always regulated by government taxi licensing authorities. Though some of the drivers work for car service companies, others are driving their personal cars to make some extra money on the side.

The larger airport shuttle companies or limousines carry insurance, however the individuals working on the side don’t always have that insurance.

There is also the point of background checks and safety. It has been stated that the drivers are not properly screened for clean criminal records and such.

Be that as it may, ride-hailing is making a big move on the transportation grid, especially with business travelers. It is pretty handy to exit your business meeting and have a car pick you up no matter where you are. No time wasted looking for a taxi stand or getting your rental car.

The future will tell if ride-hailing is here to stay or if it is just a new and exciting trend.

Categories: Lifestyle
Tags: lifestyle

Autumn, or Fall, is to many the best time of the year. Temperatures get cooler. Cozy sweaters and blankets become necessary. And if you are in the right part of the world leaves turn breathtaking colors and slowly drift down from the trees. Some like to watch from indoors snuggled by a cozy fire. Others like to grab a mug of cocoa and head outside to rustle through the fallen leaves.

There are plenty of things to do and see during this season. Here are some ideas.

First and foremost would be the spectacular leaf viewing. The New England states are known for their vibrant colors and awesome picturesque landscapes in the fall. Japan is another viewing spot that won’t disappoint. Some other places you can see gorgeous foliage are Moscow and Portugal. Douro Valley in Portugal will take you on a river cruise where you can view the beautiful colors, browse the wine-making villages and sip some local wine.

If you are into football, or even if you aren’t, tailgating is a pastime some can’t live without. If you have tickets to the game come early. If you don’t have tickets, come anyway. Sometimes the parking lot is more exciting than what’s going on in the stadium. Bring your cooker, open your tailgate and let the buffet begin!

For those of you who don’t have a significant other, Singles’ Day in China may be for you. The idea of this day is kind of a payback for all those lonely Valentine’s Days you spent alone and sad. Visitors eat deep-fried flour sticks and participate in speed-dating parties around the country. The idea is to find that special someone before the next Valentine’s Day rolls around.

Many places around the world hold food festivals in the fall. Check your local area for the celebration closest to you.

State and County Fairs are another way to enjoy the season. You are sure to find a fair of some sort near your home. Google the local state fair in your state or county and you are sure to find something exciting.

If you happen to be heading to the Cayman Islands, plan to be there for Pirates Week. This event runs from November 12-22 and portrays a mock pirate invasion involving two old-time pirate ships that land at George Town harbor and capture the governor. Plenty of music, dancing, sporting events and fireworks are featured, and there is even a steel pan competition.

India has a celebration called the Festival of Light. On November 11 you can witness India’s largest and most amazing festival. Millions of people come to witness the awesome fireworks, join in prayer, and browse the markets.

Another hot spot for autumn travelers is Charleston, South Carolina. The sticky, humid summer weather is gone and you can comfortably stroll the neighborhood. Gaze at the century old mansions, walk on the cobblestone paths with the Spanish moss-draped trees overhead. Stroll the streets at night with the gas-lamps lighting your way while a horse-drawn carriage passes by. The architecture alone is worth gazing at as you visit this beautiful city.

There are many places to enjoy this season so find your perfect getaway today.

Categories: Traveling
Tags: Traveling

Traveling on a super long flight from the US to say Italy, giving a speech, and returning to the US that evening can wear one out significantly. Many business travelers have decided this is just too much wear and tear on the body, not to mention the mind.

This is where the “bleisure” traveler comes in. This term is used to identify those professional travelers who are overworking themselves with business trips, and have decided to add a little fun time into the mix.

A travel website recently reported that work travel is becoming a lifestyle for some people, rather than a necessity. Of the international travelers surveyed last year, 60% of them said they have taken bleisure trips, stating that they added two vacation days on the average to their work-related travel.

About half of those travelers said they did this on most trips, and six out of 10 said they are taking them more regularly than they were five years ago.

Travelers claim that it takes the stress out of the business travel somewhat, and makes the whole trip something to look forward to. Whether you are just taking time out to see the major attraction in the area or just relaxing for the day on the beach, professionals say it certainly helps them stay relaxed.

Some workers say that their clients will pay for them to arrive a day or two early so they will be refreshed and focused when the big moment arrives.

Mixing business with pleasure doesn’t have to be done all on your own. Plenty of travelers bring a family member or spouse with them, or even the children. Take time to see the sights or hit the local amusement park. Go hiking in the mountains or check out the Las Vegas Strip for an afternoon.

All work and no play never did anyone any good. Planning ahead can make your bleisure trip even better. Be sure to have the right apps on your phone to help your trip run smoothly. The Moovit app helps you get public transportation information from all over the world, and allows you to feel confident that you can hit the ground running and be off to your mini-vaca.

Check out Yelp or Tripadvisor to find the best local restaurants or attractions in your current area.

Sure you still have a job to perform, and most of the places you visit you will return to again and again. But some of them may be just a one-time thing. Don’t miss out on seeing the awesome landmarks the city has to offer just because you are on a business trip. Plan ahead and see what places are within range from your meeting place. Decide who, if anyone, you want to bring with you on your excursion. Most of all, relax, de-stress and have a wonderful holiday.

Categories: Traveling
Tags: Traveling

It’s that time of year again. Everyone is gearing up for that visit to friends and family and spending time together for the holidays. We all look forward to it. What we don’t look forward to is all the extra money we will end up spending on gifts, travel expenses and other things. Here are a few tips to make it a little easier on the budget.

If you are looking for the best deal on airplane tickets don’t wait until the last minute. The same goes for bus tickets, or even Amtrak. The closer the holidays get the more companies will jack up their prices for travel. Take advantage of early bird deals so you don’t have to pay ridiculous prices later. Check out the cancellation policies to be sure they have very low or no cost policies in case you have to change plans at the last minute. This way you can book way ahead for the best price but not be penalized if you can’t keep those plans.

On the other hand, if you don’t mind traveling on the actual holiday, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, you will probably receive a major discount. Since most travelers have already reached their destination, airline ticket prices will take a drop on these days to get what money they can from the stragglers who haven’t made their trip yet.

You can receive special email alerts from places like Airfarewatchdog that will keep you posted on certain fares. If you have a special route you travel often, they will alert you on any special deals that are available between those destinations.

If you have never used a travel agent, now might be a good time to start. Check out Expedia or Orbitz for the best prices. You can also get refunded if your scheduled flight drops to a lower price before your departure date.

Use those frequent flyer miles whenever possible. If you have a credit card with rewards, you can usually receive at least one free flight with the card so check into it. Loyalty programs also feature seasonal or holiday bonuses or rewards. Some companies work together so you can receive special discounts if you pair your flight with your hotel.

If you are bringing gifts with you, keep them unwrapped until you arrive. Security may end up opening them and wasting your paper, not to mention your awesome wrapping job! Bring paper to wrap later, purchase after you land, or just use gift bags for easier inspection.

A little extra preparation will make your holiday travel smoother, hassle free and hopefully a little less expensive!

Categories: Traveling
Tags: Traveling

These days everyone looks at reviews for everything. Trip Advisor, Yelp and plenty of others will tell you what you want to know about your travel destination, hotel, or whatever else you need to know. We all rely on how many stars they have to decide on our choice. But how reliable are these ratings really?

First of all you need to remember that they are all done by people just like you. Everyone has different tastes, likes and dislikes, so it just goes to say that everyone’s idea of the “perfect” hotel will not be the same.

So just because a number of people rated a certain hotel 5 stars, doesn’t mean you will think the same of the place when you stay there.

When you research a specific property, be sure to read through many reviews on many different websites. See what the people liked or did not like, or why they rated the property the way they did.

Some give high ratings because they had excellent customer service. This does not mean that on the day you arrive you won’t get the one person that is having a bad day and treats you miserably. Others will complain about every little thing and give one star because they had a noisy neighbor who kept them up all night. This does not really reflect on the whole of the hotel.

A lot of the negative one-star reviews are often times due to the customer just having a bad day. They couldn’t check-in on time, or they didn’t get the room they preferred, or the room was not as perfect as they pictured.

Take the time to read through reviews and decide if the hotel is to blame or if it is just one person’s point of view.

On the other hand, be careful of the super positive glowing reviews. Check for names of the person who rated it and beware. Sometimes these reviews are from the hotel itself, or someone who works there. You will often times see several reviews from the same person for places that don’t have a lot of reviews or don’t quite live up to what they claim their property will be like.

Hotel pictures can sometimes be outdated as well. You may see some fantastic pictures, only to realize the place looks nothing like that anymore. Try to find actual tourist pictures if possible. If you are interested in a pool, you may want to check with the hotel to be sure it is open and in working order and not closed for repairs or some other reason. These are other reasons people rate the property with low stars.

AAA has diamond ratings for properties that are pretty accurate. For instance, a five-diamond AAA rating hotel must provide guests with the ultimate luxury, sophistication and comfort, among other things. Be sure to check with your property if you have any doubts or questions ahead of time to know what to expect when you arrive.

Categories: Travel Tips
Tags: Travel Tips

You arrive at your hotel on a chilly fall day and see a beautiful stone fireplace with a roaring, crackling fire inside. Your first thought is to cuddle up next to it with a hot chocolate and a good book, or perhaps a snifter of brandy and your iPad. Here are some of the most inviting fireplaces around the US.

If you are staying in Yosemite National Park, check out the Ahwahnee. The Native American and Middle Eastern designs are evident in the rustic fireplaces around the property.

The Tamarack Lodge in Mammoth Lakes is perfect for warming your toes after a long day of skiing. The lodge boasts over 19 miles of trails to keep you active and energized. Remember you can come back to the warmth of the fireplace at any time.

The Sebastian – Vail is welcoming you when you walk into the lobby with a comfortable spot fireside. Or check out the Vista Verde Ranch fireplace in Steamboat Springs. Here you may have the pleasure of watching the horse stampede as 100 of them come home from the pasture they spend the night in.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe boasts a 55-foot fireplace. It is truly the centerpiece of the property as the rest of the place was built around the fireplace! The hotel has a theme of water and the woods, and the fireplace keeps to the theme by taking on the appearance of a tree trunk with plenty of seating around for a super cozy atmosphere.

Cloud Camp sits 3,000 feet above the Broadmoor and overlooks Colorado Springs. This is an awesome spot to sit by the fireplace and enjoy the fantastic view.

Yellowstone National Park not only has Old Faithful, but the Old Faithful Inn. The Inn was built in 1903, and it took five hundred tons of rhyolite to build the stone chimney. This chimney boasts eight fireboxes and a clock on one side that measures 14 feet tall.

For more elegant fireplaces, check out the Ocean House in Rhode Island. The stones in this fireplace are dated to 1895. This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view.

The Holiday House Bed and Breakfast in Virginia features an elegant Italian black marble fireplace with a cast iron inset. The original wooden one, built in 1830, was replaced by this marble one in 1859.

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn is the spot of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard’s honeymoon. If it was good enough for them, it should suit you as well. The fireplace in the Great Room was designed in the 1920s, and the Dining Room fireplace is made of antique Spanish tiles. Both of them are a sight to see.

For something a little more modern, visit the W Austin or the W Seattle. Both of the living rooms at these properties are fun hangouts with a warm cozy feel. The décor in the Austin hotel features a wall of 8,000 vinyl records. The Seattle property boasts 31 ceiling high sculptures resembling totem poles.

If you prefer the outdoors, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Wisconsin provides a beautiful landscaped atmosphere for you to relax by the fireplace. Surrounded by green forests and a sparkling lake, what could be more relaxing?

Enjoy the chilly weather this season by finding the perfect place to warm up and enjoy the beauty of a fireplace.

Categories: Travel Tips
Tags: Travel Tips

Halloween is a spooky time of year…either you are into the whole thing or you are not. For those who are, and want to bring the atmosphere into the workplace, go for it! As long as you aren’t breaking any office rules or going against any guidelines, make the most of the holiday.

There are some, however, who get carried away no matter what the time of year. Perhaps you choose a costume that is a bit too risqué for the office. Or maybe your definition of scary is a little bit beyond what others can tolerate.

Here are a few tips on keeping it fun for everyone involved, and for keeping yourself from being “that” person for years to come.

Announce ahead of time that the office will be doing something festive for Halloween. Maybe everyone can do some decorating, or bring in something to make the workplace seem into the “spirit” of things. But try to remember that not everyone enjoys the same level of fright. Keep in mind your normal office rules, and play it by ear. For instance a bloody gory half of a leg sticking out of your desk drawer might offend or scare people a little too much. (Save that for the trick or treaters who will stop by your house.)

There are literally thousands of decorations, homemade or store bought, that will darken your hallways without offending anyone present.

When it comes to costume time, think twice before you become the naughty French maid or throw on your Tarzan loin cloth. Decency rules will still apply in the workplace, as will dress codes.

You want to be sure not to offend anyone personally, perhaps by wearing something that will degrade their ethnicity, or otherwise hurt someone’s feelings.

You also have to think about your daily tasks. Be sure that whatever you choose to wear, it won’t hinder your ability to perform your chores. Think about how others will see you in case you have to meet with a last minute client or something of that matter.

You will also want to make sure that the majority of the workplace wants to celebrate, decorate, or dress up. Or you will definitely stick out like a sore thumb.

Also, if alcohol is involved, be sure to keep it light and don’t get out of hand. You may regret it in the future, especially with today’s social media.

Take charge of the days snacks and make it a fun time. There are so many awesome Halloween treats you can make for the party, some easy and some a little more challenging. But if you are into it, the preparation is just as fun as serving them!

Follow these tips and have a spooky fun work day!

Categories: Lifestyle
Tags: lifestyle

Chicago’s O’Hare is a bustling hub and the second busiest airport in the US. Filled mostly with United and American Airlines, O’Hare guides over 17 million passengers through its doors every year.

On-time stats for O’Hare have been around 80%, which isn’t all bad, if you consider the extra time you might have to browse around this fabulous airport.

Chicago Transit Authority will quickly transport you to and from the airport, but if you find yourself waiting on a flight or stuck with a layover, there are plenty of activities to keep you from being bored.

For starters, you won’t be stuck with airport food. Enjoy gourmet meals at some of the celebrity chef restaurants such as Wolfgang Puck Café, or Rick Bayless’ Tortas Frontera. Sure you can still find your basics like Subway or Quiznos, but why settle for the basics when you can have delicious food.

If you have extra time and want to do some sight -seeing, head to the Magnificent Mile and shop till you drop. There are shops featuring everything from home-furnishings to luxury clothes and even upscale pet items.

Millennium Park is the home of Chicago’s famous sculpture titled “The Bean”. There are free concerts at the park or even an ice-skating rink in the wintertime. If you just have a short time to spend, head to the Navy Pier waterfront and take a ride on the Ferris Wheel.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have the extra time to check out the city, make the best of your stay at the airport. The United Club offers plenty of perks to keep you satisfied while you wait at the airport. Complimentary beverages and light snacks, bar service, Wi-fi and fax machines, and conference rooms for your use.

The Admirals Club offers showers and a children’s room, along with Wi-Fi and other perks.

If you end up having to spend the night, there are plenty of hotels to accommodate you for the evening. The InterContinental is close by and has everything you need for a good nights’ rest, and the Marriott is only five minutes away and boasts an on-site Starbucks so you can get a good start the next morning.

Reviewers tend to vote mostly against O’Hare in terms of strength and price of Wi-Fi, waiting lines, and customer service. If you do have to spend long amounts of time here, you might want to either head to one of the clubs or try to get out and see the town if you can.

Categories: Points of Interest
Tags: Points of Interest

Everyone knows flying is faster than driving. But what about all the time spent in between point A and point B? Getting to and from the airport, long security lines, and of course the never ending bag carousel can take up a big portion of your travel time.

Check out these smart ideas that can improve your productivity while in flight, and get you off and moving once your plane lands.

First and foremost you want to keep well hydrated for your venture. Don’t let yourself get sick by ignoring your health. Pack yourself some healthy snacks so you don’t have to rely on the junk food that may be available to you on the plane or in the airport.

Have some tasks ready that you can do without being connected to the internet. You can write letters and lists or prepare documents that can be downloaded, sent or printed once you land and save time.

Be sure to spend the night before your flight charging all the electronics you will need. Don’t wait till you head out to realize your phone or laptop are dead. Airplane mode will help you save battery power until you can land and charge up again.

Be sure to check out your surroundings on the flight. You may be sitting next to a future customer, partner, or mentor who can help you in the long run. Be sure to meet and greet.

Try to exercise whenever and wherever you can. Many airports have an exercise room or relaxing area for stretching, or an outside trail for jogging or walking. If you don’t have time for that try working out on a flight of stairs or just getting in some good leg stretches. It will help to energize you and keep you awake for what’s ahead.

As the old saying goes…all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. This stands true for businessmen as well. If you spend a 10 hour flight doing constant work you will be worn out by the time you land. Take a break. Listen to your favorite music or play a mindless game to relax and get your thoughts off your work for a few minutes. It will help you in the long run.

If you are a fearful flyer for whatever reason, take the time before take-off to relax in whatever way you do best, whether it be meditating, listening to music or talking to that calming person. By the time you are in flight you will have gotten rid of the stress and be ready for some business.

Keeping a running list of your tasks may help you be less stressful as well. Jot down your basic itinerary from the time you board through your landing and try to finish them before the flight is over. This will keep you from getting to your destination only to realize you forgot the most important thing on your schedule.

If you happen to be one of those people who has everything done before boarding, spend your flight time relaxing and gearing up for that big meeting or presentation. You will be refreshed and ready for whatever the day sends your way.

Categories: Travel Tips
Tags: Travel Tips