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Rates from $27.99 /night - Weekend Stays at Extended Stay Hotels
March 31, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 04/01 through 04/03) and next weekend (stays 04/08 through 04/10) 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, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle and many others.
For Arrival Dates 04/01/2011 and 04/02/2011
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $47.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Washington, DC - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
For Arrival Dates 04/08/2011 and 04/09/2011
* Sacramento, CA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Tampa, FL - Rates from $43.99/night
* St. Louis, MO - Rates from $27.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $43.99/night
* Philadelphia, PA - Rates from $59.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* See all locations >
Gotta Have ‘Em Travel Safety Gadgets
March 29, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Road Warriors who love gifts probably hate this time of year… big holiday gifting times are months past, and while mom and dad still have Mother’s and Father’s Day, the rest of us have to think up excuses for self-gifting. To help out, we’ve assembled a list of a few affordable gadgets that can be rationalized as totally practical—maybe even necessary—travel accessories.
Car Safety
For actual road trips, we all know the importance of having an emergency kit in the trunk. One of the standard kit items is flares. While conventional flares may not carry expiration dates, their effectiveness can be impaired over time, especially if exposed to water or the kinds of high summer temperatures common in parked cars. The 9-in-1 Safety Flare, however, runs off a CR123A battery that not only has a 60-hour running capacity but also a ten-year storage life. Additionally, it is waterproof and safe to use in temperatures ranging from -40º to over 200º. Available for about $25 from Duluth Trading Company, the Safety Flare’s 16 LED lights flash in a variety of patterns across a distance of 1000 to 3000 feet (day/night).
Another useful upgrade for the car safety kit, especially given this past winter’s extreme conditions, is a travel electric blanket that runs off of the car’s 12-volt charger. Several companies market these in cozy fleece (most are around $25).
Electronics Safety
Who hasn’t dropped a cell phone in the dirt, or sweated all over an MP3 player? That’s exactly why Ringerwraps were designed. These clear plastic, disposable sleeves come in three sizes to fit just about any phone or player. No, maybe not as stylish as some of the jazzy silicone skins and cases we have for everyday use at home (where a ruined device is bad but not disastrous), but the little disposable wraps provide more complete, sealable protection while still leaving your device totally functional. Get these in packages of five ($10-$20, depending on size) online from http://www.cleverwraps.com/RingerWraps/RingerWraps.
Another electronics safety issue has to do with data security.In the past few years, a number of companies like GadgetTrak have developed personal electronics tracking software and services—most require a one-time fee or (especially for laptops) a yearly subscription (around $35.00 at GadgetTrak). Because of the kind of sensitive and professional information commonly stored on laptops, many travelers may be interested in Adeona, another security software program, developed by the University of Washington. Adeona is free—and maintains complete privacy of laptop contents—because it does not make use of a proprietary central service.
Health Safety
Remember those New Year’s resolutions to eat more fruits and veggies, but not thrilled with the idea of biting into a waxy and germy apple from an airport snack cart? Carrying a few Eat Cleaner Grab ‘N’ Go wipes ($10 for 30 individually-wrapped wipes) makes that problem (or excuse) disappear. The wipes are both biodegradable and alcohol-free, so they won’t flavor the food but do eliminate salmonella and E. coli bacteria. Additionally, they can also be used as hand sanitizers.
And speaking of germs, you’ve surely heard all about the bacteria happily raising generations of offspring on your damp toothbrush. Most toothbrush sanitizer devices tend to be expensive (and one more thing to have to squeeze into your bag). But now, Le Travel Store offers a combination toothbrush case and sanitizer (8” by 2” by 1”) that uses that same UV light to kill off bacteria. For under $20, you can toss that still-damp toothbrush into its case and into your bag right before you run to the airport, knowing that you’re not nurturing an invisible science fair project in your sundries kit.
20% Off - Weekend Stays at Extended Stay Hotels
March 23, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 03/25 through 03/27) and next weekend (stays 04/01 through 04/03) 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, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Nashville, Seattle and many others.
For Arrival Dates 03/25/2011 and 03/26/2011
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $47.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $31.99/night
* Nashville, TN - Rates from $35.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Washington, DC - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
For Arrival Dates 04/01/2011 and 04/02/2011
* Miami, FL - Rates from $67.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Indianapolis, IN - Rates from $37.99/night
* Minneapolis, MN - Rates from $39.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $43.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* See all locations >
Spring Blooms Across the U.S.
March 23, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
As spring warmth edges across the landscape, there are some beautiful spots across the country that you’ll want to put on your road trip list for the coming months.
Wild Flowers, Daffodils, and Tulips in San Francisco, California
Spring beauty comes earliest to the South and West. Although Mark Twain complained that the coldest winter he ever experienced was in San Francisco one summer, he must have loved the Bay Area in March. The winter rains slow down, and daffodils and tulips are everywhere. Additionally, summer fog hasn’t started up. Weather varies from cool to warm, but it is rarely uncomfortably hot or cold. This makes spring the perfect time to view the harbor seals at Fisherman’s Wharf and to ride the classic, hand-crafted carousel on Pier 39. Wild flowers blanket the rolling hills and the slopes of Mt. Diablo and Mt. Tamalpais (“Mount Tam” to locals). And just down the peninsula, the16 acres that comprise the historic estate of Filoli Gardens are overflowing with cultivated blooms.
Exotic Desert Flowers in Phoenix, Arizona
Early spring is also gorgeous in Arizona, as the desert bursts into bloom. Outside Phoenix, you can hike any of the surrounding mountains for a magnificent display—and without the potential heatstroke that you would face during summertime in the same place. If your time (or energy) is in shorter supply, head to the Desert Botanical Garden, located between Phoenix and Scottsdale, and ramble through its many regional gardens, finishing up with a refreshing glass of prickly pear iced tea at the Patio Café.
Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.
Mid-March to early April, cherry trees blossom in various cities all throughout the East. If at all possible, at least once in your travels, you’ll want to be on hand for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, March 26-April 10, in Washington, D.C., with not only the spectacular blossom displays from thousands of cherry trees, but also performances, fireworks, fairs and other entertainment. If you can’t make the festival (or just want to enjoy the sight in more peace and quiet), you can take a blossom-viewing stroll along the Tidal Basin, throughout West and East Potomac Parks, and near the Washington Monument.
Bluebonnets in Chappell Hill, Texas
Down in Texas, by early-to-mid April, the prairies are covered with waves of blooming bluebonnets. About sixty miles from Houston, you can enjoy the Texas Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill, April 9 & 10. If you’d like to sweeten the experience with some fine food and drink, take in the Spring Bluebonnet Wine and Cheese Trail during the first three weekends in April. Wineries throughout the prairie country west of Houston (another easy daytrip) offer pairings of wines and artisan cheeses, and some even give visitors packets of Texas wildflower seeds.
Lilacs in Boston, Massachusetts
If you’re in the Boston area on Mother’s Day (May 9), you can take your choice of two beautiful garden events. Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum celebrates its annual Lilac Sunday, with performances and picnicking on the grass, surrounded by gorgeous lilacs. Or if you prefer (especially if you have kids along), head out to Boston Common to enjoy the balmy weather and to join in the annual Duckling Day/Mother’s Day Waddle, following in the footsteps of Robert McCloskey’s Mr. and Mrs. Mallard in Make Way for Ducklings.
Roses in Minneapolis, Minnesota
By June, even snowy Minneapolis is usually in full bloom, and one of the great sights is the Lyndale Park Rose Garden in Minneapolis. The second oldest public rose garden in America, the venue boasts more than 250 varieties and 3,000-plus rose plants—all in an easily strolled acre planting.
Inspiring shows of wildflowers, cultivated gardens and flowering trees can be found on hiking trails, along the roadside and in the midst of bustling cities all over America. Wherever your travels take you, be sure to set aside some time to take in some of these gorgeous sights.
Americans and Hot Dogs
March 18, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
While the popular saying is “as American as apple pie,” it’s hard to believe that Americans consume enough apple pie to rival the estimated 20 billion hot dogs a year that the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates Americans consume. Math whizzes will realize immediately that this breaks down to 450 hot dogs being consumed every second, or to 70 hot dogs per American per year.
Seriously (or not), most travelers will consume a hot dog (or many hot dogs) during their wanderings, so it seems logical to devote some thought and blog space to all things hot dog. We could, in fact, write pages on regional specialties and varieties of Le Dog, covering not only toppings but also cooking style, types of meat, buns, and even size. Hot dog fans themselves vary, with many simply loving any dog, any way, but others having decided preferences for a particular rendition, e.g., steamed rather than grilled, beef rather than pork, mustard with no onions.
Here’s where the traveling hot dog fan has a great opportunity to both widen their culinary tastes and learn a bit about this nation’s hot dog cuisines. In Cincinnati, for example, you’ll find your hot dog smothered in chili and cheese, with chopped onions and maybe mustard. The chili recipe for these will often include such unexpected spices as nutmeg, chocolate, and cinnamon. Indeed, chili dogs themselves vary tremendously. In West Virginia, you’ll get a hot dog nestled in a steamed bun, blanketed with a no-beans chili-sauce and creamy coleslaw. And although you can now find them everywhere, next time you munch a corndog, give a salute to Texas, where it was invented for the 1942 state fair.
Within a single state—or even within a single city—you may encounter classic regional versions of the hot dog that natives will swear are the “real dog” of their town or state.
From a New York City sidewalk cart, for example, you’re likely to get boiled beef hot dogs garnished with mustard, onion sauce, and sauerkraut. Yet classic in a NYC deli is the flat-grilled hot dog. It you wander into western upstate New York, you’ll encounter the “white hot” dog, a hot dog that’s literally off-white in color because it isn’t cured in the conventional way—though you may not notice as it’ll be smothered under a hot chili sauce, plus onions and mustard. If you’d like to check out these variations visually (perhaps as part of your trip planning for your next visit to New York), you can visit NYC’s American Museum of Natural History’s online exhibit called “Hot Dogs As America,” part of its “Baseball As America” exhibit.
Hot dogs are indeed mainstays of baseball park cuisine, as anyone knows who grew up feasting on Dodger Dogs (foot-long, steamed, with mustard and relish) at Chavez Ravine, ie Dodger Stadium. In fact, according to 2005 statistics posted by the website Hot Dog Chicago Style, Dodger Stadium was the dog-leader in consumption, with 1,674,400 of the puppies downed that year. However, Chicago stadiums did rank a respectable third (Wrigley with 1,543,500) and tenth (U.S. Cellular Field with 495,000). And while it’s uncertain which parks were a part of the survey, a 2008 poll showed that while only 18% of baseball fans said they “could not live without” peanuts at the park, 63% said they had to have hot dogs with their baseball.
We won’t even try to get into a “top hot dog stands” list here, but any discussion of the mighty dog must mention that most renowned of all hot dog eateries: Nathan’s Famous on Coney Island. Any true fan will want to make a trip there when in NYC. However, if New York isn’t on your travel agenda, do not worry. Nathan’s has locations all over the country, not to mention in many airports.
Rates from $31.99 /night - Weekend Stays at Extended Stay Hotels
March 16, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 03/18 through 03/20) and next weekend (stays 03/25 through 03/27) 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, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte and many others.
For Arrival Dates 03/18/2011 and 03/19/2011
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $47.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $55.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $33.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $31.99/night
* Charlotte, NC - Rates from $39.99/night
* Washington, DC - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
For Arrival Dates 03/25/2011 and 03/26/2011
* Sacramento, CA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Tampa, FL - Rates from $43.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $51.99/night
* Memphis, TN - Rates from $31.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* See all locations >
Save 20% - Select Weekends at Extended Stay Hotels
March 9, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 03/11 through 03/13) and next weekend (stays 03/18 through 03/20) 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, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston and many others.
For Arrival Dates 03/11/2011 and 03/12/2011
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $59.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $31.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $51.99/night
* Washington, DC - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
For Arrival Dates 03/18/2011 and 03/19/2011
* San Jose, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Denver, CO - Rates from $26.99/night
* Philadelphia, PA - Rates from $55.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Washington, DC - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
Your Vacation Home Base: Port Everglades, Florida
March 3, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
While a vacation that consists of traveling from destination to destination can be lots of fun, a one-stop vacation can’t be beat for relaxing and getting to know an area. The “home base strategy” can be especially attractive when you choose a location with easy access to a wide variety of activities and sights, and you book a spacious and comfy hotel from which to take it all in. This strategy can also be economical, as your home base needn’t be located directly next to one attraction (which often drives up hotel rates). One such home base that offers all this is Port Everglades, in the greater Fort Lauderdale area.
Cruising Around and Home Base Bound
If you’ve ever taken a cruise, you may already know Port Everglades. Given early departures, many passengers choose to book the night before in a cruise port hotel. It’s not too difficult to find a Port Everglades hotel that offers convenient “park and cruise” packages—allowing you to stay, leave your car at the hotel, and take the shuttle (saving the daily parking fee at the port) to your cruise terminal.
Ships departing from Port Everglades include most of the major lines and offer all kinds of cruises, ranging from those aimed at families or romantic couples to music enthusiasts or those wanting a touch of the Riviera (the daily St. Tropez Casino Cruise from Pier 22). You can find one- and two-day cruises to add a bit of high seas flare to your mostly on-shore vacation.
If you’re not planning a cruise, but just want to watch some of the ships passing by, do as the locals do and walk to the top of the 17th Street Causeway Bridge across the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Waterway for a spectacular view of the coastline and ships.
Surrounding Cities and Possibilities
With or without a cruise, all the on-shore possibilities make staying at your home base Port Everglades Ft Lauderdale hotel a great vacation plan. Situated only ten minutes south of trendy, central Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades is also close to classic beach communities and attractions, like:
• Hollywood
(This city’s beach promenade was featured in the film Marley and Me.)
The Hollywood Beach Theater’s free “Music and Dancing Under the Stars” runs year-round Monday-Wednesday evenings, and on Friday evenings, features live music along 2 ½ miles of beachfront restaurants and cafés.
Friday evenings in Hollywood are special for kids, too, with “Fantastic Fridays for Kids” (clowns, bounce houses, etc.) from 5-9:00 p.m. Live shows ranging from classical music to Doo Wop, ballet to comedies and Broadway run in nearby venues, such asBroward Center for the Performing Arts, War Memorial Auditorium and the Broward County Convention Center.
• Everglades Adventures
No sightseeing trip to Florida is truly complete without getting to see alligators and manatees, mangroves and spooky cypress in the Everglades, and this, too, is within easy reach of your Port Everglades Florida hotel home base.
There are a number of companies that offer airboat tours of various lengths. If you can spend a full day, check out Everglades Day Safari’s ecotours. Their tour includes an airboat ride as well as both a nature walk and drive, plus a leisurely boat cruise through all the variant ecosystems of the Everglades—pine savannah, cypress swamps, sawgrass prairie and mangrove estuary.
If a full day sounds like more than young travelers are up for, your family can take in the company’s shorter “Captain Bob’s Excellent Everglades Adventure” (with interactive reptile show!). Both tours are conducted in an eco-friendly manner to protect this fascinating but fragile region.
• Dania Beach
If a quieter day is what you’re in the mood for, this city’s small town feel and charm will not disappoint. Fun events for kids, like movie night, game night and swimming lessons are available.
Here, you can catch a Florida Marlins game April through October, as well as other events like “Jazz in the Gardens” (running March 19-20 this year).
Water Taxiing in the Sun and Sightseeing Fun
To explore the area and for general sightseeing fun, consider taking a water taxi tour through the inland canals of the area. You can pick up your taxi right in Port Everglades and ride all around the greater Fort Lauderdale area, gaining history and stories from the guides as you go. You can also use the water taxi all-day pass (around $15) to enjoy a no-driving/no-parking-hassles anytime.
Your water taxi guide can drop you off at one of the many gorgeous beaches for a few hours, and then drive you away to Las Olas Boulevard for shopping, dining, spa/beauty treatments, art galleries and much more! Then, once you’ve had a relaxing day, taxi leisurely through the canals back to Port Everglades.
Parking It for the Physically Fit
For those days that you’re after something more physically active, there are wonderful state parks just a few minutes away.
• John U. Lloyd State Park
This park’s beach and mangrove-lined canals are perfect for boating and rental craft of all kinds—canoes to sailboats, kayaks to paddleboats—are available. Add to that picnic and barbeque areas, volleyball courts and, of course, the beach, and you’ve got a perfect spot for burning off energy or lazily watching cruise ships pass by—whatever suits your fancy.
• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Equally close by and situated on a barrier island, this park, too, has something for everyone: beach, waterways for canoeing, hiking trails and paved skating and biking roads.
Serious paddlers can take in the 16-mile stretch of Florida’s Saltwater Paddling Trails, which begins at Oleta River State Park and ends at this park. The area is also known for sport fishing, and you can try your skill (and luck) from shore and piers, in these and other parks. If fishing catches your eye, try taking a charter boat out after deeper sea fish.
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beaches, nature preserves and waterways, shops and restaurants, arts and outdoor activities offer adventure and relaxation for everyone from honeymooners to retirees, strolling families to on-the-go outdoors enthusiasts. By making your temporary “home base” in a Port Everglades hotel, you are within reach of it all!
Rates from $31.99 /night - Weekend Stays at Extended Stay Hotels
March 1, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 03/04 through 03/06) and next weekend (stays 03/11 through 03/13) 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, San Jose, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Boston and many others.
For Arrival Dates 03/04/2011 and 03/05/2011
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* San Jose, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $47.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $31.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $51.99/night
* Washington, DC - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
For Arrival Dates 03/11/2011 and 03/12/2011
* Sacramento, CA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $43.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Washington, DC - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
Packing Light
March 1, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
With the high charges for checking bags, not to mention having to hang around the luggage carousel for what seems like hours to retrieve those bags, more air travelers are trying to just take carry-ons. At the same time, however, airlines are also getting stricter about the acceptable size for those carry-ons. Seems like an ever-escalating contest, so it’s time to bring your A-game to the travel-packing challenge.
While most people might not think to start their packing with footwear decisions, shoes are space hogs in a suitcase. The two most basic packing-light strategies to employ here are to wear the big stuff and go for versatility. In-flight, wear those boots you can’t be without or your bulky but vital athletic shoes. If your trip involves professional meetings or dress occasions, try to pick just one pair of shoes in a color and style that’ll go with all your dress clothes. That doesn’t mean that you can’t pack those great Italian loafers or that jazzy new pair of teal pumps—just make several clothing selections that coordinate with them.
In choosing clothing for the packing-light challenge, put together a mix-and-match and layering wardrobe. This doesn’t have to mean you’re doomed to a suitcase full of beige, however. Black is always classic, especially for women, though it does have the disadvantage of showing every little bit of lint. For trousers, skirts, and jackets, consider chocolate brown or grays (from dove to charcoal), which are fashionable and versatile, looking good with shirts and sweaters in almost all shades. Many travel clothing companies like Travelsmith also market reversible tops, skirts, and even light jackets, which can also extend your wardrobe without taking additional space. You can also add variety by taking along ties, scarves, and jewelry of very different styles and colors. The same suit you wore with a white shirt and sober navy tie on day one has a very different look when paired with a burgundy striped tie and light gray shirt the next day.
If you’re traveling in cold weather, you can still bring along warm clothing without bulking up your carry-on bag. First and foremost, choose a warm coat you can wear (and scrunch in your seat) on the plane. Wool tweed is warm and dressy, and travel wrinkles can be steamed out at your hotel by hanging it in the bathroom when you shower. Another good option is women’s microfleece peacoats and capes that look equally appropriate with jeans and with a dress. Wear a warm wool or fleece scarf on the plane, and then roll it up for a neck rest for in-flight comfort. Packing a few low-bulk undershirts, camisoles, and turtlenecks will take up little room, and real silk versions are surprisingly reasonable in cost and easy to wash in a hotel sink and line-dry overnight.
Which brings us to a final packing-light tip: Toss in a few in-room laundering aids. Woolite detergent is formulated for hand-laundering. Gentle enough for those silk turtlenecks and effective enough to get that mustard splotch out of your tie; it’s available in small packets to tuck into your sundries bag. Magellan’s makes inflatable hangers (2 for about $11) that help shirts and trousers dry quickly and without those funky bumps you get with regular hangers. And don’t forget to take along one of those small lint rollers. A quick run over your clothes to catch all the stray hairs, fuzzies, and miscellaneous debris you’ve picked up over the day can make the difference between looking travel-weary and looking sharp.
