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Travel Apps for the BlackBerry

April 30, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

If you’re a loyal BlackBerry owner, the last post about iPhone apps may have had you feeling a bit overlooked, not to mention somewhat left out. With the plethora of iPhone applications available, it’s no wonder that other smartphone owners are beginning to feel slightly ignored. Still, in spite of the iPhone application hype, the BlackBerry World App Store is actually quite popular and growing at a steady rate. With a full catalog of different apps available and categories that cover just about any topic, every BlackBerry user can find an app or two that they can’t live without. The following list can provide BlackBerry users with some of the best and most indispensable travel apps around.

Essential Travel Apps

· If you’re looking to travel like a pro, WorldMate Live is the way to go. With a slew of positive reviews, WorldMate Live has been classified as one of the most essential travel apps available. With WorldMate, travelers can store and reference their entire travel itinerary. From reserving limos to monitoring airline schedules, WorldMate can guide you effortlessly through your trip.

· TripCase for BlackBerry was recently named the “Best Travel App” by Business Week magazine. Similar to WorldMate, TripCase also uses your itinerary (which you can input manually or import from one of TripCase’s travel partners) as a reference, and it will notify you of any changes to your flight, including security wait times, gate changes and baggage claim locations. TripCase also has a TripLog feature that allows users to share their thoughts and photos with friends and family members.

· If you’re wondering where the nearest coffee shops, theaters or bars are located, Poynt will lead you there. Publicized as one of the most popular travel apps, Poynt uses its GPS capabilities, allowing users to locate nearby restaurants, bars, coffee shops and more. With Poynt, users can choose from three types of searches: yellow pages, contacts and a special category for finding nearby theaters and movie venues. If you find yourself in unfamiliar territory, this application can really come in handy.

Hunger Strike

· What do you do when you’re standing in the middle of a city that you’ve never visited before and your stomach starts growling with hunger pains? Well, if you’re a BlackBerry owner you would tap into Urban Spoon. This application combines location-aware software with Urban Spoon’s reviews to help you find the perfect restaurant. With an interactive interface that spins like a slot machine, restaurants whirl across the screen until they officially stop at a restaurant of your liking. Urban Spoon is available for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry users too.

· Zagat To Go is a GPS-based travel application that includes ratings and reviews compiled from over 45 Zagat Guides. Zagat To Go offers more than 40,000 reviews for dining, nightlife, golf courses and more. With full-color downloadable maps, Zagat To Go can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Weatherman

· If your travel itinerary has you hiking or taking part in some other outdoor activity, The Weather Channel app will be just what you need. This application offers a GPS-based location tracker, interactive maps, current weather conditions and hourly and 10-day forecasts to help travelers plan all of their upcoming activities. The Weather Channel application can be downloaded in two different styles and is available for iPhone, BlackBerry and Android users. From a free ad-supported weather application to the premium ad-free version, the Weather Channel for BlackBerry provides useful and convenient weather related information.

· After you have the essential travel applications loaded onto your BlackBerry, take a moment to check out some of BlackBerry’s not-so-essential travel apps. For instance, Trip Journal is currently one of BlackBerry users’ favorites. Trip Journal lets users document their vacation experiences through text, photos and other creative features. Although apps like Trip Journal won’t inform you of a missed flight or help you locate the restaurant of your dreams, they can provide a few hours of relaxing entertainment.

Weekend Getaways on Sale - Select Extended Stay Hotels

April 29, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 4/30 through 5/2) and next weekend (stays 5/7 through 5/9) at select Extended Stay Hotels(sm) locations. Visit our Weekend Deals section by clicking here.  From there, you can book and save at least 20% on stays this weekend or next at your favorite destinations, like Seattle, Atlanta, Orlando, Washington D.C., and many others.

For Arrival Dates 4/30/2010 and 5/1/2010

* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $41.99/night
* Washington D.C. Area - Rates from $47.99/night
* Orlando, FL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* See all Locations >

For Arrival Dates 5/7/2010 and 5/8/2010

* Phoenix, AZ - Rates from $31.99/night
* St. Louis, MO - Rates from $31.99/night
* Cincinnati, OH - Rates from $39.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Raleigh, NC - Rates from $39.99/night
* See all Locations >

Travel Apps for the Iphone

April 27, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Technology has revolutionized our world in countless ways, and iPhone applications are no exception. With nearly one billion apps downloaded and approximately 50,000 (and still counting) available, it’s no wonder that the mobile industry is transforming even the way we travel. From checking a flight’s status to finding out where the locals eat, travel apps are providing users with an abundance of information, bringing a sense of self-reliance and comfort to both experienced and novice travelers alike.

The following list provides a glimpse at some of the most useful iPhone travel apps around.

  • If your itinerary includes airline travel the Next Flight application should be on your list of apps to download. Next Flight tracks scheduled departures from more than 4,200 airports and 1,100 airlines. It lists all the available flights for a chosen day from all airline carriers, including their departure and arrival timings. It also has the ability to filter by airline and search non-stop flights. For the price of a tall latte, you can’t go wrong!
  • Touted as one of the best travel applications ever, HearPlanet is like having your own personal tour guide. HearPlanet is great for travelers who want to know more about the history, geography and demographics of a town. With its GPS capabilities it can also tell you what attractions are nearby and then will read the description aloud.
  • If you’re looking for a place to eat, Urban Spoon offers the best guide to local restaurants, and it’s free! Urban Spoon recommends restaurants in more than 50 cities, and its “slot-machine like” interface has users coming back for more. Urban Spoon is also equipped with location-aware capabilities and can quickly find restaurants close to where you may be staying. Remember that Urban Spoon does rely on user reviews, so if a restaurant is near you but hasn’t been reviewed, it won’t come up.
  • Local Eats is another location-aware application that provides users with over 5,000 listings of privately owned restaurants. (No chain restaurants for this app!) Local Eats also offers dining coupons, which can easily offset its $0.99 price tag.
  • Although transit maps can be found for free at most subways stations (and online), for just $2.99 you can avoid lugging that old-fashioned paper copy around. City Transit provides transit maps that are available for New York City. It effortlessly guides you through some of the most complex subway stations around. It includes official maps, line data and GPS station finders. If you’re traveling to the San Francisco Bay Area and plan on using the services provided by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) you might want to try downloading iBart for free.
  • If getting around by taxi is more your style, check out Taxi Magic. Taxi Magic is a free taxi booking service that is linked with taxi dispatch systems. You simply choose your preferred cab company and type in your street address; it will alert you once your cab has been dispatched. Keep in mind that New York City is excluded because there are no booking systems for the cabs available.
  • If you’re looking for some of the more unique and perhaps extraneous iPhone travel apps, Sit or Squat is definitely one of them. Sit or Squat uses a built in GPS to locate the nearest lavatory. It also gives photos of the actual restroom with reviews! Gas Bag is another free location-aware application that senses your location and shows you a map displaying the closest gas stations and their prices. If you are unfamiliar with an area, both of these apps can be very convenient.

With the incredible growth of software applications available on iTunes, the iPhone has become a necessary tool for many travelers. From navigation devices to restaurant reviews, travel applications have brought comfort and confidence to even the most seasoned travelers. And once you have all the apps you could ever want, nothing could be closer to home than the comfort of your own hotel room!

A Good Old-Fashioned Guide Book

April 23, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

It’s no secret that travelers turn to the Internet for their travel inquiries. From destination spots to consumer reviews, the Internet provides a wealth of information on just about any topic. However, there are times when a good, old-fashioned paper guidebook is just what you need. For example, when you’re at the beach. It’s tough not to be concerned about getting sand in your laptop or keeping your iPhone protected and safe. And, what if your device’s battery goes dead? On the other hand, when you have a hardbound guidebook, you can dog-ear pages, highlight campgrounds and rest the entire book in the sand while you take a refreshing swim. Suddenly, you have a book that has seen some good times. It’s weathered; it’s user-friendly and it becomes a relic from your trip.

Lonely Planet is the largest travel guidebook publisher in the world. It offers a plethora of different books that can satisfy almost every traveler. Lonely Planet publishes regional travel guides such as the Antarctica Travel Guide, books about traveling on a shoestring budget, language guides and even guides for specific activities like snorkeling or cycling. They also offer a special pick and mix service where you can buy, download and print individual chapters that you need. Note: For those of you who can’t bear to let your iPhone fall to the wayside, don’t fret, there is a Lonely Planet iPhone application available, too.

Similar to Lonely Planet, Fodor's and Rough Guides also publish guidebooks that cover a variety of different travel destinations. Fodor’s, one of the world’s largest publishers of tourism information, has published close to 450 guides and covers over 300 destinations, including specialty books such as the National Parks Guide. The company prides itself on its professional, accurate and current travel information and tips. Rough Guides, initially published with the budget-sensitive backpacker in mind, has since branched out to include information for travelers of all kinds. Rough Guides travel titles currently cover about 200 travel destinations.

If you’re a student traveling on a budget, the Let's Go guidebook series is the one for you. It is the only travel guide written with the student traveler in mind. In fact, students at Harvard University conduct research, write and edit all of their guides.

Once you’ve nailed down the perfect guidebook for you, don’t forget your little travelers. If you happen to be traveling with children, Babar's USA can provide your little one with a guidebook of their own. With photos of the USA combined with Babar illustrations, children get a chance to learn about topics ranging from the Brooklyn Bridge to the La Brea Tar Pits. The Slightly Odd United States of America can serve as a guidebook for your tween. Published by Klutz, this book provides your child with an interesting look at the United States. With maps for each state, games, quizzes and facts, this guidebook can entertain and enlighten your child as you travel throughout the United States.

If you love traveling with your pooch, Traveling With Your Pet offers over 10,000 pet-friendly AAA-Rated locations across the United States and Canada.

After you’ve researched and chosen your vacation spot, your lodging choices don’t have to be complicated. With over 700 locations throughout the United States and Canada, Extended Stay Hotels should be an easy choice. So bring your pet, kick up your heels, flip through your guidebook and do your best to relax and extend your stay.

Weekend Hotel Stays on Sale - Select Extended Stay Hotels

April 21, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 4/23 through 4/25) and next weekend (stays 4/30 through 5/2) at select Extended Stay Hotels(sm) locations. Visit our Weekend Deals section by clicking here.  From there, you can book and save at least 20% on stays this weekend or next at your favorite destinations, like Los Angeles, Orlando, Dallas, Washington D.C., and many others.

For Arrival Dates 4/23/2010 and 4/24/2010

* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Washington D.C. Area - Rates from $47.99/night
* Orlando, FL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $39.99/night
* See all Locations >

For Arrival Dates 4/30/2010 and 5/1/2010

* Philadelphia, PA - Rates from $39.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Denver, CO - Rates from $29.59/night
* Memphis, TN - Rates from $39.99/night
* Phoenix, AZ - Rates from $27.99/night
* See all Locations >

Eco-Friendly Travel

April 21, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Strictly abiding by the “reduce, reuse, recycle” slogan will no doubt help to offset your carbon footprint on this world. However, many frequent travelers feel that sticking to this motto can be tricky. Sometimes the ease of plastic water bottles, alkaline batteries and other disposable travel accessories are convenient and tempting to use. Being eco-friendly, though, might be easier and more convenient than you think. From chemical-free batteries to BPA-free water bottles and reusable bags, the following simple products can help you to become a more earth-friendly traveler.

  • Most people know that staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy while traveling. Instead of paying exorbitant prices for a bottle of water inside your airport’s security gates, think about some earth friendly alternatives. For example the Platy Bottle, by Platypus is a BPA-free collapsible water bottle weighing less than an ounce. Easily stashed in your carry-on, the empty bottle helps you to breeze through airport security, no questions asked. Once inside the gates, you can fill it up at a restaurant or water fountain. Klean Kanteen is another option for those looking for a good BPA-free water bottle. Made from 18/8 stainless steel, the Klean Kanteen is extremely durable and available in a variety of cool colors and sizes.

  • Instead of traveling with a few extra sets of chemical-filled alkaline batteries, why not go green with the USBCELL. The USBCELL AA battery is the ultimate rechargeable battery and good for up to 500 charge cycles. It functions and looks like a regular AA battery but is rechargeable from any USB port. When the battery runs empty, users simply flip the top and connect it to a desktop, laptop or other portable device for a speedy recharge. Charging the USBCELL for even just a few minutes provides a few extra hours of instant use on most input devices.

  • Before you purchase your next carry-on bag, check out Rebagz. With a Green America Seal of Approval, Rebagz uses recycled materials and fair labor practices to provide you with some eco-chic handbags. Voted best eco-bag by InStyle magazine readers, Rebagz carries messenger bags to all-in-one wallets, as well as a line of limited edition bags in vibrant colors and designs that once stored rice and grain in the Philippines.

  • If you’re looking for something a bit less expensive, re-usable ChicoBags are a great choice for just under $5. In an easy-to-carry sack style, they compress down to the size of a plum and are perfect for on-the-go shopping. ChicoBags also carries a new line of ultra-lightweight packs. Made of recycled PET ripstop fabric, The DayPack rePETe™ stuffs into a small zip pouch. Produced of 89% recycled content, this eco-friendly pack is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • If you’re looking for a small place to keep your credit cards, identification and keys, the Natalie Wristlet is a perfect choice for busy travelers. The Natalie Wristlet by GG2G has a unique wrist strap providing a stylish hands-free place to keep your valuables that require frequent access. GG2G’s products are all made from recycled items including highway billboards, bicycle tubes and vintage fabrics.

Navigating the New York City Subway

April 16, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

With 468 stations, 26 subway lines and over 229 miles of routes, the New York City Subway carries more passengers than any other rapid transit system in the United States. With all but two of the 468 stations open 24-hours a day, its average daily ridership compares with the transit systems of Tokyo, Moscow and Seoul. Such an extensive and elaborate system can be confusing to an out-of-town tourist.

Just one glance at the subway's map can leave your head spinning. The subway system is by far the most efficient and cost effective way to travel, though. So, if you find yourself taking a trip to New York, the following subway information may be helpful as you navigate through the Big Apple.

Before you hop on the subway, familiarize yourself with the ins-and-outs of the MetroCard. Introduced in 1994, the MetroCard is the fare system still in use today. Vending machines, neighborhood merchants or subway stations’ booths throughout the city have MetroCards available for purchase. You can buy MetroCards in amounts ranging from $4.50 to $100. Although a single-ride on the transit will cost you $2.25, if you spend $8.00 or more on a MetroCard, you will receive a 15% discount on each ride. (Keep in mind that a single-ride fare is good only within two hours of purchase, while MetroCards usually expire one year from the date of purchase.) Senior citizens, students, children and individuals with disabilities may qualify for reduced fare MetroCards, and sometimes there are even special deals and promotions available to all MetroCard holders. For instance, the Brooklyn Museum is currently offering 2-for-1 admissions when you present your MetroCard.

Once you understand the basics of the MetroCard, your next step is to get a general overview of the organizational structure of the city’s subway system. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority(MTA) provides subway system maps and individual subway line maps for viewing online. The maps are color-coded to represent individual transit lines (such as the Hudson line, the Harlem line, etc.) You can also pick-up free printed copies of transit maps at most local bus and subway stations.

The MTA maintains an interactive trip planner with a search function to find destinations by address or landmark. From this website, you can also print a walking map that includes the subway routes. Plenty of private companies offer subway information as well. For example, you can purchase a New York City Subway Map by Hagstrom for about $4.00. Another option is to buy a copy of the New York City Subway Finder which is an extensive guidebook that gives you a way to search for particular addresses or landmarks.

If you are an iPhone user, you may want to check out the latest New York Subway iPhone and iPod Touch Application. This app provides detailed maps of most subway lines, a route planner (that doesn’t require a network connection to operate) and the option to conveniently locate the nearest subway station from your position.

Finally, if you’re headed to the city that never sleeps, but actually find yourself craving a good night’s rest, don’t forget to check the comfortable and convenient Extended Stay Hotels locations in the greater New York City area!

Weekends from $31.99/night - Select Extended Stay Hotels

April 14, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 4/16 through 4/18) and next weekend (stays 4/23 through 4/25) at select Extended Stay Hotels(sm) locations. Visit our Weekend Deals section by clicking here.  From there, you can book and save at least 20% on stays this weekend or next at your favorite destinations, like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., and many others.

For Arrival Dates 4/16/2010 and 4/17/2010

* Atlanta, GA- Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $34.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Washington, DC Area - Rates from $47.99/night
* See all Locations >

For Arrival Dates 4/23/2010 and 4/24/2010

* Sacramento, CA - Rates from $34.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Raleigh, NC - Rates from $31.99/night
* Nashville, TN - Rates from $31.99/night
* Cincinnati, OH - Rates from $36.99/night
* See all Locations >

West Coast Pizza

April 12, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Pizza has definitely become a staple of the American diet. With 93% of Americans eating at least one pizza per month, it’s no wonder that pizza has become a $30 billion per year industry[1]. From the take-out only pizza chain to the more formal Italian restaurant, local pizzerias really highlight a town. Whether you’re traveling to Los Angeles or San Francisco or anywhere in between, the following local West Coast spots will serve your taste buds right.

Los Angeles

If you’re a fan of deep dish, Chicago pizza, Masa of Echo Park should be your first stop. Located on West Sunset Boulevard, the owners (formers Chicagoans) have your deep-dish cravings at heart. This casual, café style atmosphere has a cool vibe. Food critics and Yelpers alike agree that the 2” deep cornmeal crust pizza is an excellent treat. Just remember that true Chicago-style takes time. Be prepared to wait about 45 minutes for your piping hot pie.

Pizza Salad in Thousand Oaks offers healthy choices comprised of USDA certified organic ingredients. If dietary restrictions have kept you away from the pizza craze, check out Pizza Salad. They offer pizza selections for those who require gluten-free, dairy free and/or vegan options. Pizza Salad doesn’t sacrifice taste when it comes to their healthy menu, and its unique fare gets top-notch reviews.

Abbot's Pizza Company located in Venice, is home of the unique bagel crust pizza. With six different bagel crust flavors to choose from (onion, sesame, the blend, and more), and a variety of creative pizza choices by the pie or by the slice, it is well worth the trip. If you’re looking for a nice, relaxing sit-down meal, keep in mind that the restaurant is small. Locals recommend calling ahead and taking out.

Sacramento

If you find yourself in downtown Sac and want a unique and authentic Italian experience, Zelda's Gourmet Pizza should be on your list of eateries to hit. Voted “best pizza” from the Sacramento News and Review, Zelda’s serves classic Chicago style, in-the-pan pizza. With an, “order ahead, sit down and be grateful” attitude, customers adore Zelda’s as much for the pizza, as they do for its character.

Chicago Fire, located on J Street, is well known for its “special sauce” and serves thin crust, deep dish and stuffed pizza. With an upscale causal environment and a nice selection of wines by the glass, Chicago Fire has become a local favorite.

New York style pizza lovers won’t want to miss Giovanni's Pizzeria. With three Sacramento locations, Giovanni’s Pizzeria serves real, old world New York style pizza with tons of toppings, homemade sauce and perfectly thin crusts.

San Francisco Bay Area

The perfect piece of pizza in the San Francisco Bay Area is quite possibly at Zachary's. With over 100 Best Pizza Awards, hitting up Zachary’s should definitely be on your to-do list. Zachary’s offers Chicago-style stuffed pizza and a traditional thin crust pizza, both with made-from-scratch dough. To add to the atmosphere, Zachary’s decorates their walls with one-of-a-kind art works created by their customers. With locations in Oakland, Berkeley and San Ramon, a trip to Zachary’s will be well worth your while.

Your best bet for a full-service, formal restaurant is A16. With a 350-bottle wine list and Meatball Mondays, A16 has earned quite a reputation. Its menu is diverse, and the pizzas are consistently a hit. From the classic Margherita to something more unique, like Funghi (roasted mushrooms, smoked mozzarella, grana, garlic, oregano and wild arugula), you should be able to find a pizza that’s perfect for you. And, if you’ve got a late-night hunger, A16 serves dinner until 11PM!

If all of this talk has you craving a warm pizza pie, keep in mind that one of the best things about pizza is that it can be ordered ahead and enjoyed whenever you’re ready. As Kevin James once said, “There’s no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap.” So you could even stay in your sweats, call ahead, sit back and relax, and enjoy the tangy sauce, melted mozzarella and perfectly cooked crust from the comfort of your own hotel room!

[1] Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Wisconsin Dairy Producers, Madison, WI 2010

Save 20% on Weekend Stays - Select Extended Stay Hotels

April 7, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 4/9 through 4/11) and next weekend (stays 4/16 through 4/18) at select Extended Stay Hotels(sm) locations. Visit our Weekend Deals section by clicking here.  From there, you can book and save at least 20% on stays this weekend or next at your favorite destinations, like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, and many others.

For Arrival Dates 4/9/2010 and 4/10/2010

* Atlanta, GA- Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $34.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Washington, DC Area - Rates from $47.99/night
* See all Locations >

For Arrival Dates 4/16/2010 and 4/17/2010

* Orlando, FL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $41.99/night
* Denver, CO - Rates from $29.99/night
* Philadelphia, PA - Rates from $39.99/night
* Kansas City, KS - Rates from $31.99/night
* See all Locations >