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Less than $35 /night - weekend hotel deals in Orlando, Dallas, Atlanta, more

September 28, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 10/1 through 10/3) and next weekend (stays 10/8 through 10/10) 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, Atlanta, Dallas, and many others.

For Arrival Dates 10/1/2010 and 10/2/2010

* Orlando, FL- Rates from $31.99/night
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $39.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $27.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Washington DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all Locations >

For Arrival Dates 10/8/2010 and 10/9/2010

* Phoenix, AZ - Rates from $23.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL- Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $55.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $39.99/night
* Raleigh/Durham, NC - Rates from $31.99/night
* See all Locations >

Travel the Skies with Ease with Lightweight Carry-on Luggage

September 24, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

In 1903, the Wright brothers embarked on a mission which would completely change the way that people and goods move from place to place. In the ensuing century, societies around the globe used the airplane for travel, trade and war. Far-off destinations were now accessible. Isolated cultures were no longer isolated. History was irrevocably altered. And, at some point during the history making, the carry-on bag happened.

Today, luggage restrictions during air travel are more stringent than ever. If you travel a great deal, having a lightweight carry-on is both convenient and cost effective. The following three luggage brands provide some of the lightest carry-ons on the market. Together, they are part of an industry that continues to revolutionize the way people travel.

One of the lightest carry-on pieces today is the IT-0-1 by International Traveller. International Traveler is an American company owned by Landor & Hawa, a leader in luggage manufacturing based out of Essex in the United Kingdom. Sold as the Sub 0 G by Landor & Hawa in Europe, the IT-0-1 is now available in the States from International Traveller. The superior quality, however, is still the same.

International Traveller’s IT-0-1 is truly something special. Standing at 20.5 inches, it’s a fairly large carry-on. Nonetheless, it weighs less than five pounds! With this lighter carry-on, you can arrange more inside the bag and still meet any weight requirements. You can purchase this piece in black, purple or red at Amazon.com for a reasonable price.

Standing at 22 inches, the Ultra Lite carry-on by Atlantic Luggage is also a respectably lightweight bag. Weighing just over six pounds, the Ultra Lite is a bag that won’t cause a strain as you place it in a plane’s overhead compartment. With its two inline skate wheels, the Ultra Lite withstands uneven surfaces. You can wheel it just about anywhere.

The Ultra Lite is a no-frills type of carry-on. Its design is simple. Made of sturdy polyester and nylon, the Ultra Lite is available in cobalt blue and moss green. If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive bag for smaller trips, the Ultra Lite is a great choice. You can purchase it at Amazon or at Altantic’s site at affordable prices.

Those who want durability, lightness and luxury, might opt for a pricier piece from Samsonite. At less than five pounds, Samsonite’s Black Label Cosmolite is a carry-on that meets all the requirements of more discerning travelers. Standing at 20 inches and with a hard exterior, this little number has a curved outside constructed of polypropylene. It has four wheels that allow you to spin your luggage 360 degrees.

The Cosmolite is a carry-on that truly has all the bells and whistles that a traveler who is used to luxury craves. It has a TSA-approved lock that secures your belongings but allows luggage inspection. It combines toughness and lightness to create one of the best carry-ons to take to the skies. It’s modern, curved design is not too shabby, either.

Air travel is already fraught with hassles that the Wright brothers never dreamed of. Do yourself a favor and ensure that your carry-on luggage isn't one of them.

Weekend Getaways from $29.99 / Night - Extended Stay Hotels

September 22, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 9/24 through 9/26) and next weekend (stays 10/1 through 10/3) 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 Orlando, Chicago, Seattle, Houston, and many others.

For Arrival Dates 9/24/2010 and 9/25/2010

* Orlando, FL- Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $55.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $29.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Washington DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all Locations >

For Arrival Dates 10/1/2010 and 10/2/2010

* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Los Angeles, CA- Rates from $43.99/night
* Indianapolis, IN - Rates from $37.99/night
* New Orleans, LA - Rates from $47.99/night
* St. Louis, M O - Rates from $27.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $39.99/night
* See all Locations >

The Best Backpack for Your Next Adventure

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

If you’re like most Americans, you love adventure. And adventure-seekers of all stripes are typically on the move. No matter if you are wandering around urban areas of the United States or meandering over the trails of America’s gorgeous national parks, you’ll likely be lugging some belongings with you. And for that, you need a sturdy backpack. The following three types of backpacks will exceed your expectations. And they are all guaranteed to last for a lifetime.

Sometimes, to get the best backpack, you have to pay an arm and a leg for it. That’s not true with Eddie Bauer. At less than three pounds, the Vantage Point backpack is incredibly light for a bag that can hold a heavy load. Available in plum, sapphire, marigold and black, the Vantage Point is one of the best-priced heavy-duty backpacks on the market. Made of 420-denier nylon, this bad boy can withstand its share of abuse. If you want an affordable backpack that you can take anywhere, this is the one.

One of the best things about an Eddie Bauer backpack is its warranty. You can return your backpack if damaged; no questions asked. Not many places provide the same kind of warranty, no matter how much time has passed. Yes, you read that right. Even if your backpack is fifteen years old, you can still return it for a new one if it gets damaged.

For more money, however, you can get the same lifetime guarantee with a little more style. Out in Billings, Montana, a company has made a name for itself by providing some of the most durable duffels and backpacks sold today. And they all come with a “No Bull Lifetime Warranty.” Formed by two guys with experience in military-grade parachute manufacturing, Red Oxx is the type of company that makes products that can withstand the elements and the clumsiest of travelers.

Red Oxx has a full line of travel bag gear, but one of its most unique backpacks is its Airborne C-Ruck, a carry on rucksack. Red Oxx touts this bag as tough enough to meet the requirements set by World War II paratroopers. Made with suede shoulder straps, small compartments for smartphones and iPods and a specially padded pocket that can hold a laptop, this rucksack is tough, yet sophisticated. Whether you’re riding a tour bus in Yellowstone or hiking around DC, you are set with this pack. Just visit the company’s site to purchase a guaranteed durable product.

If you want even more sophistication with the same kind of lifetime warranty, you can also try the Excursion backpack by Briggs & Riley. Not many luggage companies offer protection against airline damage. Briggs & Riley does. The Excursion is well priced for the kind of guarantee that you get. Made with a large, u-shaped compartment, a few smaller pockets and a front section, the Excursion is sleek, modern and handy. Available in ocean, slate and amber, this backpack is one of the most sophisticated out there. You can purchase it at the company’s site, as well as at major luggage retailers.

Without a doubt, Americans love to travel. After all, the freedom to go wherever you please is part of the American experience. All you need is the right backpack for your day trips and the right hotel to relax and unwind in after your adventures. And with nearly 700 Extended Stay Hotels locations across the US and in Canada, there’s bound to be one that’s perfect for you… and your backpack!

Find Comfort in the Least Comfortable Place: Economy Class

September 17, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

After 107 years of flight, you would think that travel by airplane would be comfortable. In many ways, private jets and special cabins do create a restful atmosphere for wealthy jetsetters. In reality, however, the average passenger is confined to a more economical means of air travel: economy class. And the common consensus is that this area of an airplane is far from comfy.

The following items just might make your flight a little less exhausting, though. One will help eliminate ear pressure problems. Another will keep airplane noise to a minimum. The last will help you relax and sleep during a long flight.

Changes in air pressure in the ear canal cause common complaints for airplane passengers. You probably know that feeling. When you begin the descent toward your destination, your ears have so much pressure in them that you are in pain. This is called ear barotrauma. You open and close your mouth. You plug your nose and blow. The gum you are chewing does little or nothing to help.

Made by Cirrus Healthcare Products, EarPlanes are earplugs that regulate the amount of airflow entering your ears during flight. When air pressure changes, the filter in EarPlanes allows a regulated amount of air to flow into and out of the ear canal, slowing down the drastic pressure changes and alleviating the pain associated with plugged Eustachian tubes in the ears. When you use EarPlanes, your ear canals don’t have to worry about a fight with changing air pressure. You can purchase EarPlanes on Cirrus’s site and on Amazon. EarPlanes are available in a smaller size for children, and you don’t have to worry about latex allergies; the plugs are hypoallergenic, made from soft silicone.

You might be the kind of traveler who also craves silence. In the past century, noise from airplane travel has improved, but not by much. After all, you’re traveling at a fast speed thousands of feet above terra firma. That is not a good recipe for quiet. Of course, if you have a pair of noise-canceling headphones, you’re one step closer to quiet Nirvana (or listening to Nirvana undisturbed).

EarPlanes cut some of the noise, and you can wear headphones over them. Many brands manufacture so-called noise cancelling headphones. However, some of these are cheaper knock-offs to headphones sold by Bose. Bose’s QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones are the company’s latest version of its original QuietComfort headphones. Whether you want to listen to music or if you just want peace and quiet, the QuietComfort is a device that will help you cancel out any other sound. QuietComfort is available at Bose and Amazon for a modest price. If you travel by plane a great deal, however, these headphones are a priceless alternative to listening to your neighbor gab about, let’s say, her health problems for example.

Even if you have pressure-reducing earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones, you still need a great neck pillow to help you drift off to dreamland in your less-than-comfy seat. Manufactured by Imak, a leader in orthopedic products, HappiNeck is designed to relieve neck tension and pain. With the HappiNeck, you never have to put your head on your neighbor’s shoulder during the flight. Instead, you can relax all on your own. Luckily, the HappiNeck is effective and affordable.

If you’re a seasoned air traveler, you know just how tense you can get before even getting on the plane. Do you have your passport? Do you have your ticket? Where is your gate? Where will you put your carry-on baggage if you happen to be one of the last ones on the plane? Questions race through your mind and boarding is often time-consuming, so when you’re finally in-flight, you want to relax. Luckily, products do exist today with air passenger comfort in mind. And when you arrive at your destination, Extended Stay Hotels offer all the comforts of home.

Smartphone Devices for Smart Travel

September 13, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

In the late 1800s, American travelers had few comforts on the open trail. They had no rest areas. They had no road maps. They had very little to guide them, save for topographical phenomena like Chimney Rock in Nebraska or Devil’s Gate in Wyoming. As they headed westward, they rarely had the chance to communicate with anyone back East. In many ways, these travelers only had each other.

Luckily, travelers today are not as alienated! You can use a smartphone that will allow you to navigate the road AND keep in touch with family and friends back home. As long as you have a smartphone, you can pinpoint your location and direction, no matter where you are. And you can still call and brag to your friends about where you’re headed, too!

The biggest perk for having a smartphone on the road is the navigation app that you can download to your device. Still, you usually must hold the phone a certain way to receive optimal input. Fortunately, the MobileDock dashboard mount by Braketron is one item that resolves this problem.

Braketron’s universal dashboard mount fits a wide variety of smartphones. With its powerful suction, the MobileDock will keep your phone where it belongs: conveniently on the dashboard so that you can safely access your GPS system with ease. For around $30, you can purchase the MobileDock on Braketron’s site and on Amazon.com.

In addition to having your smartphone safely mounted on the dashboard, consider owning a device that contributes to the overall safety of your road trip. In several states, using a handheld mobile phone is illegal, so getting a hands-free set should be a priority before taking to the road. While many new car models come with Bluetooth capabilities, you will want to own one of the best hands-free sets on the market.

As long as your phone is Bluetooth-enabled, you can utilize the Discovery 975. Manufactured by Plantronics, the Discovery 975 costs around $130 on the company’s site and $89 on Amazon. While that is a little pricy, the 975 has a simple, modern design and is one of the easiest to use. With a dual-mic system, a call’s background noise is minimized, allowing the user to hear clearly.

Last, but no least, is the Bringrr. If you’ve ever left your phone behind while on the road, you know the feeling of backtracking an hour to search the place where you last used your mobile. After all, you can’t leave it behind; it’s a smartphone for goodness sakes! With the Bringrr, those moments will never happen again as long as your phone is Bluetooth-enabled.

The Bringrr connects to your car’s cigarette lighter. Once you start your car, if the Bringrr does not detect your mobile’s signal, it sets off an alarm to warn you that you are in the process of leaving your phone. This is a relatively new item, and you can only purchase the Bringrr for around $35 on the company’s site. If you’re the forgetful type, this price is money well spent; you’ll never leave your phone again!

Without a doubt, travel is far easier than it was back in the days of the Conestoga wagon, yet it is just as gratifying for those who love to see new sights. Americans today can travel quicker and smarter. What a difference 140 years and a few smartphone accessories can make!

Road Trip Gadgets

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

With the widespread use and affordability of the American car by the mid-twentieth century, Americans began to travel extensively. Smooth roads, motels, filling stations and road maps all coalesced to create a convenient and memorable experience. Overall, Americans relished in the endless possibilities of moving from Point A to Point B in the comfort of their cars.

Today, Americans still love to travel on the open road. With GPS navigation systems and XM radio, car travel is a piece of cake. Still, that doesn’t mean that your own trip can’t be a little easier. In fact, for your peace of mind, you might want to grab these items before your next road trip.

Even though gas prices are high these days, car travel to certain destinations is still less expensive than flying. If you like to conserve as much energy as possible while traveling, the EconoDriver is the gadget for you. EconoDriver by Lemur is a very portable tool that can boost travel efficiency and safety. With a cost of just under $80.00, this great product is available on Lemur’s website for the conservation-minded individual.

EconoDriver is a small device that you attach to your key chain that measures your car’s fuel economy as you drive. The best part is that it actually tells you when you are wasting fuel. If you really want to see how your driving style affects the amount of money you spend on the open road, EconoDriver is a gadget that is right for you.

If someone steals your car while you’re on vacation, the helpless feeling is unlike any other. To alleviate your fears, check out the Entourage by Escort. Escort typically makes radar detectors, but it is now producing theft detection and recovery equipment. The Entourage PS is a portable GPS system that runs around $300 and can be placed anywhere, including a nondescript area of your car. The Entourage CIS, on the other hand, is just for the car and must be installed. With professional installation, the CIS runs around $460. Either product, however, can be purchased through Escort or on Amazon. Both are the perfect answers to making sure that in the unfortunate event your car is stolen while you’re on vacation, you will have an alert sent to your phone and e-mail. From there, you can easily track the location of your car to give the information to law enforcement.

The worst possible thing that could happen while on the road is getting into an accident. Many highway accidents are caused by fatigue. When exhausted drivers fall asleep at the wheel, horrible things often ensue. If you are planning a long road trip, you should try No Nap. For $20, you can purchase this product through the company’s website or on Amazon. It’s amazingly portable; all you have to do is attach it to your ear. No Nap has a monitoring system that beeps whenever your head begins to tilt forward. In the end, it could save you from an accident on a late-night trip.

Even if No Nap can keep you from dozing off at the wheel, nothing makes travel more manageable than a good night’s sleep. And that’s just what you will get when you stay at any of the nearly 700 Extended Stay Hotels locations conveniently located near America’s extensive network of highways.

Keep Tabs on Your Luggage When You Travel

September 3, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

The security of your luggage during air travel is important. The moment that your luggage begins its check-in process of being weighed, tagged and placed on a conveyer belt, it—like you—goes through a lengthy process of inspection. As you take off your shoes, put your laptop in a gray container and move through a metal detector, people are quickly inspecting and routing your luggage to its final destination (which is hopefully going to the same as yours!) Once you land, you make a mad dash for the luggage terminal, in the hopes that you’ll get to your bag before someone else does. How can you be sure that you’ll see all of your belongings again? Technology, of course! With the right gadgets, you can prevent the misplacement of your belongings while taking to the skies (or to the road, for that matter).

With its small dimensions (3.5” x 1.5”), the Trackstick Mini is one of the smallest GPS tracking systems on the market. Place it in a discreet place, and you never have to worry about not knowing where your luggage has been. In addition, its lithium-ion battery keeps it powered, no matter how long your flight is.

When you arrive at your destination, simply plug your Trackstick into your computer and access a site like Google Earth. In a flash, you will know exactly where your luggage is. You can purchase this weatherproof device at Amazon.com or at Bluewater Security Professionals.

Sometimes, the best defense is a great offense, and that means having a reliable lock on each of your bags. Travel Sentry manufactures one of the best locks on the market. Like a sentry guarding a castle, this little lock packs a tremendous amount of security. Coming in a variety of colors, Travel Sentry locks don’t make you sacrifice style for security. In the event that an agent from the TSA needs to check your bags, Travel Sentry locks are approved locks, and agents will be able to inspect your luggage without breaking your Travel Sentry lock. Reasonably priced, you can purchase them at Amazon or at major retailers nationwide (such as Target).

Last, but certainly not least, is the Bag Protector Alert by Doberman Security. If you have backpacks, laptops or purses that you will be carrying onto the plane with you, you will want to ensure that no one steals any of these items. During an interlude like a restroom stop, a snack shop purchase or a wait to board a plane, you must remember that your carry-on items are always vulnerable to theft.

Unless you constantly hold your carry-ons, they can always be taken by someone else. That is why Doberman’s Bag Protector Alert is an essential item. Just attach this waterproof item to your bag, and when activated, it will sense when the bag is touched or moved. In the event that someone tries to take something from your bag, the device lets out a 100-decibel alert. The Bag Protector is sold at Amazon for a small price that provides a great deal of protection.

Because you and your luggage are separated during travel, there is always a chance that your belongings will wind up in the wrong hands. This possibility becomes more probable if your luggage is unlocked or not monitored. Any of the above items can help make sure that you and your luggage don’t forever part ways.

Last Minute Weekend Deals from $26.99/Night - Extended Stay Hotels

September 1, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 9/3 through 9/5) and next weekend (stays 9/10 through 9/11) 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, Houston, Chicago, Boston, and many others.

For Arrival Dates 9/3/2010 and 9/4/2010

* Orlando, FL- Rates from $31.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Washington DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all Locations >

For Arrival Dates 9/10/2010 and 9/11/2010

* Phoenix, AZ - Rates from $26.99/night
* Los Angeles, CA- Rates from $43.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $42.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $31.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $27.99/night
* See all Locations >