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iPod Travel Accessories
February 29, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
It is no doubt that an iPod is one of the handiest and most popular travel gadgets. Because many of us cart these fun media players everywhere, iPod travel accessories are necessary to prevent scratching or damage, allow us to hear music and see video better, and can also let us express our unique style.
Retro Block iPod speaker - For those Lego lovers out there this fun speaker runs off
of your iPod’s energy and is very portable.
Griffin Disko case - A tough polycarbonate shell protects your iPod while colored LED lights around the click wheel flash when triggered by movement.
Etchstar - Choose from pictured and words to create a customized etching so that every time you look at your iPod you're reminded of the sentiments of your loved ones.
Belkin Kickstand case - Watch videos on your travels with this protective case that also props up your iPod for easy viewing.
St. Patrick's Day Travel
February 27, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Celebrate Irish culture this year at one of the numerous parades happening around the country. Whether you're in town for an important meeting, or just passing through for a bit of a vacation, St. Patrick's Day 2008 is a great time for the whole family. Steal away a few minutes and take part in the festivities, here is a list of just some notable parades beyond the famed ones in New York City and Boston.
- Savannah - March 14th at 10:15am - Enjoy the second largest St. Paddy's day parade in the country, starting with Irish dancing and ending with concerts along the river.
- San Diego - March 15th at 11am - Come to Balboa Park for all the fun.
Denver - March 15th at 10am - Don’t miss step dancers, floats, clowns, pipe bands and more. - Chicago - March 15th at 10:45am - Start off with a green theme at the dyeing of the Chicago River, then stay for the parade at noon.
- Washington DC - March 16th at noon - Join the parade down Constitution Ave. right next to the famed National Mall in our nation’s capital.
- Detroit - March 16th at 2pm - The 50th annual parade will commence on Michigan Ave. in the area known as Corktown.
- Cleveland - March 17th at 1PM come for the 141st annual parade in this popular destination.
Check out even more festive cities and find convenient St. Patrick's Day hotels. Extended Stay Hotels offer many great locations so you can bring the whole family or at least just feel like you're at a home away from home.
Ride Sharing
February 19, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Being eco-friendly while traveling is on the forefront of the minds of many Road Warriors lately. We have written before about green travel and now ride sharing, an earth friendly option, has been made easier to arrange and execute through an online program.
Ride sharing can take cars off the road and benefits business travelers headed in the same direction who may want some good company. PickupPal is a website that connects drivers and passengers online. It allows you to read reviews of drivers and passengers so you can make an informed choice. Rides are usually given at a price the driver chooses, but because you are sharing the ride, this could save you money over other means of transportation.
These kinds on online ride sharing sites are in some ways similar to hitchhiking, so use caution and common sense if you decide to use the service. You could meet a great new friend or business contact, all while helping to reduce carbon emissions.
Government Discount Hotels
February 13, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Finding government or military base hotels that fit into the guidelines provided by FTR (Federal Military Travel) and JTR (Federal Civilian Travel) can be complicated. Avoid travel headaches by knowing the government’s hotel policies before you book a reservation. Check out some of these helpful government travel information portals:
State Department Travel and Business
GSA Travel Resources
Military Travel Rates
Remember, Extended Stay Hotels is registered with CCR (Center Contractor Registration) as a U.S. government contractor and all hotels are FEMA approved. In addition, Extended Stay Hotels offers hundreds of locations with rates at or below per diem, so you can choose a hotel with confidence.
Government Travel
February 12, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Extended Stay Hotels provides the ideal accommodations for government travelers. When there’s no space available in on-base housing or you’re looking for something a little more comfortable, Extended Stay Hotels suites are the perfect option. For a TDY (Temporary Duty Assignment) of a few weeks or longer, a hotel with a government and military rate that adjusts according to your length of stay always fits the bill.
Extended Stay Hotels is proud to offer special rates to government employees and contractors, as well as active and inactive duty military personnel. Booking hotel reservations at our special government and military rate is easy: just visit our Government and Military Travel Hotels page. It is specifically designed to help give information and assistance to government travelers looking for accommodations at Extended Stay Hotels. There is also a link from this page to our Military Base directory, which lists hotel accommodations for Army, Navy, Marine, and other military personnel by nearest base.
Feel like you're at a home away from home with full kitchens, on-site laundry, and high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access in every suite.
Cup Holder Meals
February 12, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
If you've spent much time in a car on the road, I’m
sure you've discovered techniques for eating while driving. For anyone
who would rather not take on this juggling feat, it looks like there
might be a solution. Maybe. Check it out,
the all in one chicken nugget drink cup. The insert fits into the top
of the cup and is the perfect place for finger foods. Then, the cold
drink is in the bottom, reachable through the straw hole.
I must admit, it has potential. It's not the healthiest meal option, but what fast food is? For a healthy alternative to this all-in-one cup holder meal, perhaps you could grab one of those drinkable yogurts, or roll up your sleeves in your Extended Stay Hotels in-suite kitchen and make your own.
Funniest Travel Movies
February 11, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Many of the best movies take us on a journey and some of the best comedies take us one of these journeys gone wrong. Whether it's a vacation, a quest, or just an old fashioned road trip, the funniest travel movies are highly entertaining. So which of these destination-bound films makes us laugh the most? Have a look at the top ten list we've compiled and let us know if you agree.
10. Forrest Gump
9. Dumb and Dumber
8. It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
7. About Schmidt
6. Little Miss Sunshine
5. The Blues Brothers
4. Darjeeling Limited
3. Airplane
2. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
1. National Lampoon's Vacation
These could be great choices to get through Netflix and watch on your next trip! Especially since every Extended Stay Deluxe has an in-suite DVD player. There is also a DVD library at the front desk, so you could borrow the movie of your choice once you get to the hotel.
Travel Humor
February 8, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Hopefully your next trip goes smoothly, but we all know that no matter how much you plan, travel can be frustrating. Sometimes the one essential thing to bring with you in order to keep your sanity is a sense of humor. To stay amused while on the road, check out some of these funny sites.
Air Traffic Controller Quotes
The Perfect Storm by Dave Barry
New Strain of Jet Lag Devastates Airline Industry by The Onion
Airline Humor from World's Best Deals
Travel Humor from Johnny Jet
Baggage Charges
February 5, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The frequent business traveler is no stranger to the hijinks of airlines as they struggle to cut costs; and here is another. Until now, baggage charges on luggage have been designated only for those traveling with more than 2 bags, or bags that weigh a significant amount. Now, overage charges seem to be a new revenue stream for flailing airlines.
United Airlines is now charging $25 for all passengers, with nonrefundable domestic economy tickets, to check a second piece of luggage. So for a round trip, that means $50 total for checking a second bag. Only customers who have attained Premier status or higher in Mileage Plus, or who have Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner, can check their second bag for free. This new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008, so take note and pack accordingly. For checking more than 2, and up to 4 bags, customers traveling on or after May 5, 2008, will be charged $100 per bag each way.
For business travelers going for extended stays on a 6 week project or the like, this can hit the wallet hard. Make sure to pack as light as possible, and build in these new baggage charges to your budget. Hopefully all airlines won't follow suite, but this may become a trend so be prepared.
Canada Travel Rules
February 4, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Many business travelers make frequent trips to our neighbor to the north, so it is important to stay up-to-date on current travel rules and regulations regarding Canada, and plan accordingly. As of January 31, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security made changes regarding identification documents necessary for entering the US from Canada by land or sea. These measures have been taken in the push for greater border security.
Passports have been required for air travel to Canada for the last year and were supposed to be required for land and sea trips as well starting in 2008. Fortunately, travelers have a reprieve on this until a later date which has not yet been determined. In the meantime, US and Canadian citizens, 19 years old and up, need to carry documents proving both identity and citizenship when crossing the border. Single documents such as a passport are acceptable, or the combination of a driver's license and birth certificate, or the like.
Keep these forms of identification handy, as there are many reasons to head north. Canada's proximity to the US makes it a convenient destination for business and vacation travel. This is why Extended Stay Hotels is proud to offer several locations in Ottawa, St. John's, and Toronto. Take advantage of the great culture and history of these cities, while enjoying a suite with many of the luxuries of home, such as a full kitchen and Wi-Fi access.
