The holiday season should be a time of celebrating, friends, family and relaxing. But for many people, just the thought of the travel madness and stress makes holidays a dreadful time of year. Here are some super ways to avoid some of the problems and ease through the holidays stress-free.

The first thing you want to do is plan ahead. Do not wait for the last minute and have to deal with the thousands of other procrastinators, rising prices on gas and airfare, and general crankiness from everyone who didn’t plan ahead. The sooner you can make reservations the better. Grab the lowest prices you can, book flights and hotels way ahead of time, and steer clear of the last minute price gouge.

If you are planning to drive, try to do so several days early to avoid more expensive gas prices and much more crowded highways.

When at all possible, try to book through an airport that has plenty of different airlines, as they will all be competing for your business. This may work out to your advantage.

If there is more than one airport in your area, check out the smaller, less busy one. Most people will go for the most popular, larger airport. You can also get deals by flying on off days, like Monday or Tuesday. Check prices on the discount airlines as well, such as Spirit and Frontier, but be sure to check for fees beforehand, as the baggage fees can be a killer.

When you are ready to book, be sure to shop around. Off peak days are generally cheaper, but you may find an awesome special that you didn’t know existed. Traveling ON the actually holiday is cheaper and way less crowded, if that is an option for you.

When searching for a hotel, use a site like Tingo.com. These booking sites are a big help, and Tingo refunds you the difference if your rate goes down after you book. This can come in handy.

If you have been saving up your frequent flyer or hotel rewards, now is the perfect time to cash them in. Loyalty perks such as upgrades, amenities and much more can be a great gift to yourself for the holidays. You might even get baggage fees waived and super-fast security checks!

Save money while traveling by trying to bring your favorite items with you so you can avoid having to purchase them while away, possibly at a much higher price.

Keep connected with your friends via social sites and you may score a special deal. Sometimes these surprises are not advertised, and word of mouth may be your only way of finding them.

Whatever your mode of travel or destination may be, make it a safe, happy and stress-free one.

Categories: Travel Tips
Tags: Travel Tips

Just when you thought your airport days would forever be boring and stressful…introducing the Modobag. A piece of luggage brought to you by Kevin O’Donnell, an inventor from Chicago, who had the idea that we could all release our stress and navigate through the airport easier if we could just ride our bag.

Wait, what? You heard right. Ride our bags. The Modobag is a new type of luggage that can be ridden go-kart style. Yes it is carry-on luggage, but you can sit on the bag and ride it through the airport, or wherever you need to get to. The “vehicle” can reach up to eight miles per hour and can travel up to six whole miles on a full battery charge! The ride-able luggage features a seat, steering column, braking system, and even has a dashboard!

To some this may seem like a brilliant idea. To others, it will make the airport an even more stressful place to be. Yes the idea of riding your bag can eliminate lugging and tugging it around with you, but it can create more problems as riders speed around you, possibly crashing into each other and causing more chaos.

You can easily store the bag after you have ridden it and boarded. Other options included in the bag are a GPS tracking system and two USB ports so you can easily charge your electronic devices.

When empty, the bag weighs only 20 pounds. This may limit the amount you will want to actually pack in it, but would you rather bring more items or have an easier time getting through the airport? I guess these are things passengers will have to decide on before purchasing the bag.

Speaking of purchasing the Modobag, there are currently two models available. The standard bag, which can carry passengers weighing up to 200 pounds, is available for $999 on kickstarter. Or you can upgrade to the Modobag Max, which carries up to 260 pounds for $1,299. The retail price of the bag is stated to be $1,899.99.

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Face it…everyone would rather fly first class. Paying for the first class ticket? That’s another thing. The price can be astronomical compared to a coach ticket, and for the average business traveler, that’s an expense that just doesn’t fit into the budget.

There are those times, however, when you get lucky enough to be moved into first class due to seat shortages or other problems that arise. It could just be your lucky day, or perhaps luck has nothing to do with it. Try some of these tips and see what happens on your next flight.

1. Just Ask…Sounds simple. But it may be all you need to do to get that special first class entry. Let them know that you are interested in an upgrade if they decide to do any, and to keep you in mind. Smile and be courteous, and you will already stand out next to most of the passengers who will be grumpy or tired of waiting in lines.
2. Arrive early. Being early is always helpful no matter what you are doing. Why wait until lines are long and agents are busy with hundreds of other customers? Get a jump start on things and you may get lucky.
3. Appear to be First Class Material. Don’t arrive in stained sweats or tattered jeans with an old t-shirt on. If you prefer to fly in casual clothes, make them look good by adding a jacket, scarf or shawl. The added extras can be all it takes.
4. Choose peak travel times. If you are flying when the airport is empty and planes are half full, you obviously won’t get a chance to be moved into first class. Book your flight for peak times and hope that the seats are overbooked enough that they will have to do some upgrades.
5. Travel alone. If you are traveling by yourself, there is a better chance that you will get plucked from the crowd to fill in one of the few seats available in first class.
6. Choose to wait for the next flight. If you are asked to give up a seat, go for it. As long as you are not on a time limit, and they assure you an upgrade on the next flight, it will be worth it. You may have to wait a bit, but think of the reward!
7. Choose the undesirable seat. Pick the seat that is smack in the middle, or next to the loud annoying child. The flight attendant may feel your sorrow and try to make up for it by upgrading you. However, if you don’t get chosen, it may be a long flight.
8. Tell the attendant it’s your birthday! Or whatever occasion it may be. Anniversary, honeymoon, whatever the reason, maybe they will decide you deserve a better seat than what you have. Don’t lie, that wouldn’t be right. But if you have a special reason, use it.
9. Inspect your area. Check that all parts of your seat area are in working order. If anything is broken, such as a seat belt or arm rest, they will have to move you. If you get lucky, it may be straight to first class.
10. Loyalty club. If you aren’t already a frequent flyer member, check it out. Upgrades are often offered to members first when agents check the list of who to move into first class. Joining several clubs will assure that you are listed no matter how you fly.

Categories: Travel Tips
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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
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Getting stuck in an airport for a delayed flight or long layover can really be annoying and inconvenient. Luckily many airports are coming up with new ways to keep you entertained, relaxed and comfortable during these times. Here are just a few of those extra amenities.

1. Yoga rooms
Many airports now offer yoga rooms or exercise rooms where you can stretch out and de-stress while waiting. Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco and Dallas are just a few who offer these rooms to travelers. Philadelphia International has stationary bikes available so you can get in a good workout before you get stuck back in an airplane seat. Some airports, such as Phoenix Sky Harbor even have indoor and outdoor walking trails.

2. CoatChex
If you are traveling from the frigid cold temperatures of New York to somewhere much warmer, don’t worry about trying to fit that bulky coat into your bag. CoatChex has partnered with Jet Blue airlines at JFK and now offers a new coat checking system. When you arrive, they will ask if they may take your coat. It will be safely stored, by visually tagging it to its owner, and upon your return you need only provide the last four digits of your phone number to retrieve your belongings.

3. De-stressing Pooches
Many U.S. airports, including San Jose, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Los Angeles have incorporated PUPs into their airport amenities. PUP, or Pets Unstressing Passengers, can be found in 20 major airports. The petting and belly-rubbing of dogs is known to be a calming act. Since San Jose incorporated the pets after 9/11, other airports caught on to the trend and it has become quite popular. The stress level in airports definitely seems to decrease once people start interacting with the animals.

4. Nap Areas
Getting stuck forever in the airport is bad enough, but when you are tired and trying to catch some Zzzs in a molded plastic chair things can only get worse. The good news is that airports are taking note of this dilemma and providing special nap areas just for you. Atlanta, Dallas Fort-Worth and Philadelphia already offer Minute Suites. Here you will find a cozy day bed freshly made, HDTV, and either an alarm or wake up call. For $30 an hour, this can be what saves you from being overtired for your big presentation. Some rooms even have workstations and showers available.

5. Ice Cream
What’s better than a delicious ice cream sundae? One you make yourself! At Logan International Airport in Boston you can do just that. The MooBella Ice Creamery Machine is an interactive stand where you just touch the screen to order. Choose from the 96 combinations of ice cream and mix-ins, and within a minute your delicious treat pops out! This may be just what you need to get through that boring layover!

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