Flying commercial can be a hassle, especially with the extra security checks that are now pretty much standard practice. If you often fly for business or pleasure and despise waiting in long lines at the terminal, searching for your bags, and having to deal with delays, why not charter your own personal flight?

Whether you are headed out for a business meeting or a weekend getaway, a personal charter can provide you with the pampering you deserve and the luxury you seek.

You can save time and arrive at your destination quicker by avoiding all the hassles the airport can throw at you. Your private jet will be waiting when you arrive, and leave as soon as you are ready to depart. When you arrive at your destination, you will be able to land, gather your belongings, and be on your way to your business affairs or head to the nearest beach and sink your toes in the sand.

Safely travel in the luxury of your own private aircraft. Some private charters will offer armed security, private chefs, nannies or whatever extras you need to make your trip hassle free.

If you are traveling for pleasure, luxury jet charters will whisk you away to many tropical destinations. Zip in and out of your own private terminal, avoiding all the commercial hassles. You will be relaxing at your destination before you know it, and be stress free when you arrive.

Luxury jet charters can be a bit more expensive than traveling commercial, but you have to keep in mind that you will be paying for other fees to have the privilege of flying privately. Regular airport fees can add up as it is, with extra bag fees, parking fees and everything else that goes along with commercial flying. So be ready to spend a little more for your private flight, knowing that it will be well worth your money spent.

For faster, comfortable flying without the stress, private jet charters are definitely the way to go.

Categories: Traveling
Tags: Traveling

San Diego is the perfect place to live for many reasons. Not only do you have the Pacific coast, but the beautiful climate and awesome temperatures as well. There are plenty of beaches, and the weather is sunny almost every day. Enough, at least, to earn it the title of one of the sunniest cities in the US!

San Diego is located about 120 miles south of Los Angeles and ranks second largest in the state. You can enjoy all the big city perks, but with a more relaxed atmosphere.

San Diego was the first permanent Spanish settlement in California, and home to many missions. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was the first church in the state. It is also home to many museums, cultural places and so much more. The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the country, even worldwide. It hosts over 3.2 million visitors every year. Located in Balboa Park, the zoo is one of many attractions Balboa Park has to offer. The year 2015 marks the 100^th anniversary for the park.

San Diego Bay is also a busy area, first and foremost for being the port of the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet. You can find the University of California San Diego here, and also the biotech industry, which is expanding with leaps and bounds.

San Diego is located only 20 miles from the border of Mexico, which makes much of the community of San Diego of Latino descent. Much of the city went through a face-lift of sorts, and has been renovated and restored. Areas like the Gaslamp Quarter and the Central Library located in East Village have taken on a fresh new look.

There are many different areas in which to choose your home in San Diego. Downtown includes the Marina district, the East Village, and Gaslamp Quarter which has fantastic night life. North Park and South Park, Hillcrest and University Heights are close to Balboa Park and downtown, and are great for walking around town, have delicious restaurants and showcase some beautiful older homes, which add style to the city. The public transportation is also a big plus.

La Jolla is north of the city, and is a beachy area with art galleries and plenty of boutiques for shopping. The houses are expensive and spacious. Other areas worth checking out for residence are Del Mar, Poway and Carmel Valley. Chula Vista is located to the south of San Diego and is another great place to reside.

If you plan a day trip or weekend getaway there’s plenty to see. Palm Springs and Palm Desert are located 125 miles away and offer plenty of golf and beautiful architecture.

60 miles to the east you will find Julian. This historic city used to be a gold mining town, but is still a popular stop for many. Enjoy the colors of fall, or take in some skiing in the winter months. Big Bear and Mountain High are great places for skiers, snowboarders or just some winter fun. If you feeling like taking a weekend flight you can get to Hawaii or New York in only six hours, and London is only 11 hours away!

Categories: Blog, Lifestyle
Tags: lifestyle

Philadelphia International Airport is located in between New York and Washington DC. Seeing how both of those cities have three major airports, you would think that PHL would not be very busy.  But on the contrary, about 31 million passengers a year make their way through the airport.

Philly’s Airport is conveniently located just seven miles from the heart of downtown. Public transportation, or SEPTA, is how most of the locals travel on a daily basis. Take the rail or check out one of the bus lines that serve the airport.

If you’d rather take a private taxi, you can get where you need to go from the airport for anywhere from about $10 to $28.

Within the airport you will find free internet access and plenty of electrical outlets all around so you can stay connected. Terminal B/C is a great spot to relax in a rocking chair and wait for your flight.

The Philadelphia Marketplace is the perfect place to stroll around, stretch your legs and do some shopping. There is a large food court, and over 70 eateries to choose from throughout the airport. Be sure to grab a Philly Cheesesteak! There are also several stores where you can get in some shopping. The airport also boasts a wonderful art program where you can stroll around and check out the exhibits located throughout the terminals. Local artists and art galleries have plenty for you to see, including movie posters, ceramics and much more.

When you need a good de-stressing, head to the XpresSpa or d-parture spa for a relaxing massage, facial or even a waxing. You have the time, why not get pampered?

If you happen to be stuck for a few hours, take advantage and try to see some of this fabulous city. Independence Hall is a must see for history buffs, (as is most of the city), the Betsy Ross House, and of course the Liberty Bell.

Whether you enjoyed the Rocky movies or not, you might want to check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Head inside to see the awesome collections, or just revel in the fact that you stood on the steps where Sylvester Stallone did.

The Reading Terminal Market is an historic farmers’ market with mouth-watering fresh produce and unique crafts.

If your trip ends up being overnight, head to the Philadelphia Airport Marriott, which is connected to the airport.  If that’s a little too close for you, there is a Hilton and a Hampton Inn also relatively close. The Hampton will even provide you with a complimentary hot breakfast!

Philadelphia International Airport might be perfect for your next pass through trip and help you avoid the major traffic in New York or DC.

Categories: Blog, Points of Interest
Tags: Points of Interest

Businessmen and women of today find themselves traveling more and more every day. The days of just sitting in the office and taking care of things are behind us. Even though there is much more technology, and more business can be done by just getting online, traveling has become an important part of keeping that business lucrative and running smoothly.

The gadgets of today make business travel much easier than in the past. You can stay connected pretty much anywhere you go close to home. But when you need to travel internationally, things may get a bit unsafe if you don’t know what to look for. Here are a few tips to help you stay secure.

Your main concern away from home is cyber security. When you cross a border, you need to realize that laws change from what you are used to. Be sure you know the laws you need to follow. You can easily be hacked into if your information is not secured. Be sure you have your data encrypted while you are traveling, and be sure the data centers hosting your data are secure.

Be sure your employees are educated and pay attention when downloading software from the internet or signing in through open Wi-Fi connections. Keeping an eye on your devices as much as possible can be a big plus. You may not have this option all the time, for instance during customs checks, but logging out of programs can help you be protected from identity theft or other hackers.

Be sure to have the best technology available to your employees when they travel so that you can keep them as safe as possible not matter where they go.

When using public Wi-Fi, turn off all your share settings so others can’t get in. Always make sure your firewall is turned on to ward off attacks. Be sure your web page says HTTPS instead of just HTTP. The “s” theoretically means the page is more secure. This can save you hassles later.

If possible, make sure your email accounts are SSL encrypted. This can keep hackers from reading your emails and accessing your personal data.

When you are finished with your tasks, turn off the Wi-Fi and tell your device to forget the network and not automatically connect next time. Always avoid the auto connect option if possible.

Staying secure while away from home can be time consuming but well worth it in the end. Just be vigilant and keep track of what you are doing and in what way you perform tasks, and you can save yourself stress and problems in the future.

Above all, if you don’t need to connect at all, don’t. Use a pad and pen to jot things down, or perhaps you can browse important papers that will keep you from having to go online. The world-wide-web has opened us up to many new opportunities and brings the world to your fingertips. Unfortunately, it has also brought the bad with the good. So be sure to keep yourself safe while traveling.

Categories: Blog, Travel Tips, Traveling
Tags: Travel Tips, Traveling

San Diego has so much to offer whether you are a one-time visitor, frequent vacationer, business traveler or full time resident. But what is the most convenient way to travel to different areas? Here are a few suggestions that may help you decide.

Driving your own vehicle around is probably the best way to see what you want, when you want. Though there are buses and trolleys, they may not have as many convenient stops as in other large cities. The airport also offers a shuttle service, which will take you downtown, and to Mission Beach, among other areas.

Whether you arrive in your own car or rent one from the San Diego International Airport, or just pick one up once you get to town. It’s always nice to control your own itinerary and be able to come and go when you want. You may want to hit the beaches or find the perfect restaurant. Having your own vehicle makes all this possible without hassle. Keep in mind that most of the streets do feature parking meters, so you want to be sure you have coins handy.

If you don’t like driving in traffic or just don’t want the hassle, there is public transportation available. The city Metro system hits most of the major sights, such as the Cabrillo National Monument, Balboa Park and of course the San Diego Zoo. The trolley can get you quickly around downtown, and makes stops at the San Diego Convention Center and the Santa Fe Depot. Fares are around $2 to $5 one-way, or you can purchase day passes for $5 which cover unlimited rides on most of the bus and trolley trips. Most of the Metropolitan Transit System vehicles run seven days a week, but not 24-hours.

Taxis are scattered throughout the city, so if you prefer to let someone do the driving for you, you will have no problem hailing one. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing or traveling, however, you will probably get off cheaper renting your own car.

For a different kind of ride, take the ferry or water taxi. These crafts run between the Convention Center and Coronado and the Broadway Pier. For about $4.25 per person, take the 15-minute ride and relax. These ferries run between 9 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., depending on which ferry you depart on. The water taxis depart from any dock on the San Diego Bay, charge $8 per person, and travel to most locations. These only operate on weekends from noon to 10 p.m. For more information check out San Diego Harbor Excursions.

If you are settled and want to explore the area you are in, you can always walk around the area. There are plenty of things to see and do within walking distance in the town, but if you really want to see the city you will probably need a better mode of transportation.

Categories: Blog, Traveling
Tags: Traveling

If you enjoy the perks and pampering of a 4 or 5-star hotel, here are some of your best bets when visiting the San Diego area.

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a 5-star resort with 249 rooms spread over 3 floors. The beautiful marble lobby welcomes you, and the service is impeccable. Relax in deep soaking tubs or take a dip in the 21,000 square-foot swimming pool. The beautiful Tuscan décor and Italian textiles make this resort top notch. There is an awesome golf course so you can get in a game, and when it’s time to dine the Grand Del Mar has mouth-watering cuisine. The Addison and Amaya are the hotel’s two restaurants serving French and Mediterranean dishes and top of the line wines.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is another 5-star hotel sure to pamper you. The décor is rustic and woodsy with cozy fireplaces and hardwood furnishings. Enjoy the view of the Torrey Pines golf course, and be sure to get in a game. Take a relaxing swim in the outdoor pool or soak in the hot tub, or get in a workout in the fitness center. There is also a library where you can read, shoot a game of pool, or sit down with a board game. The doormen are dressed in kilts to add to the unique atmosphere of the hotel.

The US Grant Luxury Collection Hotel was opened in 1910 by former President Ulysses S. Grant. Renovations occurred in 2005 and 2006, but the hotel has kept its old fashioned flavor. Relax on Italian linens and enjoy the original artwork that is found in each of the 270 rooms. Guests can head to the Grant Grill for some delicious California cuisine, or check out the fitness center.

The Grand Colonial Hotel in La Jolla is known for its friendly customer service and the comfortable atmosphere. Nature infused colors make the hotel seem very inviting and calming. Down bedding gives you a wonderful night’s sleep. There is an outdoor pool for exercise or just relaxing. NINE-TEN is the hotel’s restaurant which boasts fresh ingredients and awesome dishes.

Hotel Solamar, A Kimpton Hotel, is located in the Gaslamp Quarter just three blocks from the convention center. The rooms are quite welcoming with beautiful mahogany furnishings, colorful bedding, and awesome amenities like the Gilchrist & Soames bath products. Guests can relax on the sun deck or take a dip in the pool. One of the most loved perks guests enjoy is being able to have their pet accompany them. Pets will get their own designer bed as well.

L’Auberge Del Mar is a 5-star hotel named one of the best in San Diego. The 120-rooms are exquisite and luxurious. Impeccable staff will welcome you and help you get the best out of your stay. Get a beauty treatment at Spa L’Auberge, or head down the hill to the beach for some sunbathing. The on-site restaurants offer fresh seafood and there are plenty of boutiques nearby for shopping. Gold courses and the local racetrack are also nearby for entertainment.

Some of the other top listed hotels are La Valencia Hotel boasting beautiful ocean views and Egyptian cotton linens, and the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, which offers unique food options, a roof top pool, and halo-illuminated beds.

The Tower 23 Hotel caters to surfers, and has a second-floor sun deck and a fire pit. In room spa treatments are available, and the beach is right outside.

Cape Ray Carlsbad, A Hilton Resort, is located Oceanside and provides spectacular views. A large pool area is awesome for families, as is the free shuttle service to LEGOLAND.

Categories: Blog, Travel Tips, Traveling
Tags: Travel Tips

The days of waiting for hours in an uncomfortable airport chair are in the past. Whether you are stuck for a long layover, have a flight delay or cancellation, or just like to arrive super early for your flight, here are some excellent perks that will make your wait time “fly” by.

Let’s begin in Singapore, at the Changi Airport. Here you can head to terminal 1 and check out the Balinese-themed rooftop pool. For a small fee of $13, you gain admittance to the pool and jacuzzi. You will also receive a complimentary drink (non-alcoholic) to sip while you relax. If you choose to stay at the Ambassador Transit Hotel, you can enjoy the facilities for free!

Vancouver International Airport is the place to see the 30,000 gallon aquarium. The city known for its love of the outdoors wants to be sure travelers get a taste of this as soon as they reach the airport. Unwind and gaze at the humongous tank and its residents, including starfish, sea urchins wolf eels and more. There is also a tank that is home to jellyfish! A small stream also runs through the airport, along with lush plants for the complete outdoor feeling.

Switzerland’s Zurich Airport is perfect for those who want to stay in shape wherever they go. Since the airport’s renovation in 2011, travelers can now rent bicycles, Nordic walking poles, and inline skates. Adults and kids alike can take advantage of this awesome perk, and there is plenty of space to exercise around the airport. There are also walking trails for those who just want to take a stroll.

Nashville International Airport will keep you in the party atmosphere throughout your wait and beyond. Drinks on the go will let you bring your cocktail or beverage from the bar with you while you stroll around. Whether you are headed for a manicure, massage, or just want to check out the art display, you can enjoy your drink while you browse.

San Francisco International Airport is the place to be if you are into yoga. Head to the 150-square foot yoga room in Terminal 2 and forget all about the hassles you may be facing. Stretch out the stress, or head to the reflection room for some quiet meditation. Massages, facials and mani/pedis are also available at the XpresSpa.

Amsterdam Schipol Airport in the Netherlands is very popular with art buffs. Enjoy free entry into the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, the only museum you will find in an airport. Here you will find some fantastic works by Dutch artists Jan Steen and Ferdinand Bol.

Seoul, South Korea is where the Incheon International Airport is located. Here is the perfect place to get into the Korean culture. View clothing, amazing crafts, and enjoy some of Seoul’s music as well. You can even make crafts like Dancheong, various colors of paint on wooden buildings, or traditional Korean paper, which is called Hanji. Dress up in traditional Korean clothes and other items, and pose for a photo. Musical performances are very entertaining to sit and watch, and help you pass the time quite nicely.

Munich International Airport will introduce you to the famous German beer gardens. Before you head out into the surrounding areas, find out what your favorite German beer is right at the airport. You might get lucky enough to catch some live music or even a cabaret show. Tour the brewery and speak to the brewmasters.

Hong Kong International Airport caters to those golfers who missed out on their morning game due to having to take a flight. Take in nine-holes right at the airport at the Sky City Nine Eagles Golf Course. This outdoor course, outside of Terminal 2, offers equipment rental, and luggage storage.

Chicago’s O’Hare is where you can check out the awesome dinosaur skeleton. This super busy airport, one of the biggest and busiest in the world, is home to the brachiosaurus skeleton. Head to Terminal 1 and see this 72-foot long dinosaur from the past. It’s not hard to find… it towers four stories above everything!

Categories: Blog, Traveling
Tags: Traveling

Charles A. Lindbergh came to San Diego in 1927 and commissioned Ryan Airlines to create an aircraft that could achieve the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris.

The professional builders at Ryan Airlines, headed by Frank Mahoney, jumped at the chance to be a part of this endeavor. They were more than ready to design, build and test the aircraft in 60 days.

They designed the plane after their already successful aircraft, the M-2 monoplane, which was modified by Donald A. Hall to feature a greater wingspan, larger fuel capacity, and a new Wright J-5 Whirlwind engine. This was all in attempt to make it the previously ridiculous distance this plane was to travel.

Lindbergh wanted to honor the people from his hometown who helped make this happen, so therefore named this new monoplane the “Spirit of St. Louis”.

There were many test flights achieved from the local airstrips. Lindbergh then departed San Diego on May 10, 1927, and headed for St. Louis, New York, Paris, and the makings of history.

This amazing transatlantic solo flight, which occurred on May 20-21, got worldwide attention and people everywhere suddenly became interested in aviation. There were none more excited than those in San Diego, where the flight was launched.

In 1928, the passing of a bond issue for the building of an airport was established. Charles Lindbergh was in full support of this great beginning, and even agreed to let the airport use his name. “Lindbergh Field” had been established.

Here are some facts about the Spirit of St. Louis you may not know.

An immense fuel tank in front of the cockpit took the place of what should have been the windshield. Lindbergh had to use side windows to see, and a periscope to view in front of him.

The first test flight of the Spirit of St. Louis was April 28, 1927; just 60 days after the construction began. Lindbergh was in a simulated fight with a Navy fighter over North Island. Though the Navy fighter had much more speed than Lindbergh’s plane, they could not escape from being followed. Lindbergh finally retreated and ended the chase.

Henry Ford, who didn’t think the future of airplanes was looking very bright, took his first flight with Charles Lindbergh in the Spirit of St. Louis.

On May 21, 1927, Lindbergh achieved his first night landing when he set down at Le Bourget Field in Paris at 10:22 p.m.

In 1918, a prize was offered for the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris, The prize was $25,000. The Spirit of St. Louis cost $10,580 to build, only $2,000 of which came from Lindbergh’s personal accounts.

Lindbergh was 25 when he made this historic flight, and had spent the years previously as a daredevil barnstormer.

The flight, which was 3610 miles long, with 2,000 of them being over the open ocean, took 33 hours, 30 minutes, and 29.8 seconds.

Lindbergh was so famous he even got a dance named after him. The Lindy-Hop was a dance that had its start in Harlem, New York City. It was popular in the 1920s during the swing era, and was named after Lindberg, or “Lucky Lindy” as he became known as.

The 1958 film “The Spirit of St. Louis” starred Jimmy Stewart in the role of Charles A. Lindbergh.

Categories: Blog, Points of Interest
Tags: Points of Interest

Cut your packing in half for starters. Whatever you think you need, take away half of it. You will still probably have more than you need.

Pack darker colored clothing. In the event of a spill or stain, it can be hidden much easier than it can if you are wearing white.

Pack your dress shirts in dry cleaner bags. This helps to keep wrinkles at bay. Once you arrive at your destination, remove from bags and hang them in the shower. Turn shower on hot and it will smooth any leftover wrinkles with ease.

A digital luggage scale can be a time saver, and is small enough to throw into your bag. Overweight bags can cost you a bundle at airports. These scales are very small and can easily fit into a small pocket. The savings, however, can be quite large. International fees can run different than what you are used to, and you may think you are at a perfect weight only to find out they are charging you for an overweight bag. Be sure to get one that switches from pounds to kilos for easy conversion. Also, weigh your bag before departure. If you plan on purchasing souvenirs on your trip, keep your bags weight under the limit to allow for extra baggage.

Choose clothing that can be used with several outfits. Scarves are a great accessory for women, as they can easily go from one outfit to another and add a whole new look. If the scarf is large and slightly heavier, it can be used to keep warm on the plane, or used for a blanket at the beach or a cover up for your suit.

Be sure to pre-charge all your electronics the night before you depart. Don’t wait till you get to the airport in hopes of finding an un-used outlet. If you charge all your items together, you can easily pack them and their chargers together for future use.

Travel miles add up and can be helpful in so many ways. Be sure you use some sort of frequent flier program, hotel rewards, or another form of point earning program. If you like to switch your airline or hotel brands often, find a card that lets you earn points regardless of the company you choose. However, book wisely. Don’t pass up a super cheap deal just because it won’t earn you any points. In the long run, the bargain deal may be well worth it.

Book an economy ticket with a Y or B booking code. This ensures that your ticket is full fare, but you will receive a complimentary upgrade if one opens up. This and more tips can be found at TravelNerd.com.

If you are in a hurry to reach your destination, be careful how you book. A direct flight does not necessarily mean you go straight from point A to point B. It just means you may still stop, but don’t have to get off the plane. Non-stop flights are what they say.

Try to keep some of these tips in mind and your next travel experience will be hassle free.

Categories: Blog, Travel Tips
Tags: Travel Tips

Located in the Marina district of downtown San Diego you will find the beautiful convention center. The original building was completed in 1989, with expansions in 2001 and 2008 which doubled the size of the center.

The center provides 72 meeting/banquet rooms, two ballrooms, and massive exhibit space throughout the building. There is an outdoor terrace which provides magnificent views of the bay; perfect for holding receptions or outdoor functions.

The two ballrooms are column-free, and have ceiling heights of 24 and 30 feet. Sails pavilion is known for its beautiful white sails which flap overhead, and for its breathtaking panoramic views of San Diego and the beautiful bay.

The San Diego Convention Center is well known for its excellent staff and their attention to customers’ wants and needs. These professionals are ready to help you with registration, cashiering, lead retrieval and whatever else you need to make your event run smoothly.

The business center counts on FedEx to take care of all your priorities. Shipping, mailing, faxing and photocopying will all be taken care of so you can keep your plans on schedule.
For your audio visual needs, PSAV will ensure that you have the most dramatic results for your next presentation. Featuring the newest technology, and offering the best in projection, lighting, audio equipment and staging, PSAV will make sure you have a stress-free event.

The San Diego Convention Center has been the setting for many events in the past, such as the Comic-Con International convention and live tapings of the show Wheel of Fortune. Some of the upcoming events at the center include the San Diego Fall Home Show 2015, the San Diego Quilt Show, and the Performing & Visual Arts Fair. Private conferences and conventions are held often as well.

Catering at the center will be provided by Centerplate. Mouth-watering cuisine and professional service are sure to make your event the talk of the town. They can handle your friendly brunch, sophisticated dinner, or large reception with ease.

The center also does its part in keeping the earth green with environmentally-friendly meetings. Minimizing waste, conserving water and using energy efficiently are all parts of the green initiative. Food composting is a large part of doing away with tons of waste that would otherwise be in landfills.

The Convention Center is located in the perfect spot for checking out the local sights. There are plenty of restaurants, hotels, night clubs and attractions nearby to keep you entertained. The city is also full of arts and culture to give you something to check out while you are in the area.

The center is located conveniently just 3 miles from the San Diego International Airport, and less than one mile from the Amtrak Station. The San Diego Trolley also stops at two different areas in front of the center. Dozens of hotels surround the area so you will have no problem finding accommodations.

Planning your next meeting, banquet or exhibit in the San Diego Convention Center will definitely be a move in the right direction. Rest assured you will not be disappointed.

Categories: Blog, Points of Interest
Tags: Points of Interest