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Colds, Air Travel and Your Body’s Defense System

April 29, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Even though we’ve mostly made it past this year’s prime flu season, every frequent flier knows the despair of being seated right next to a frequent sneezer. And who hasn’t found jet lag morphing into a ticklish throat or achy body and grumbled about that recycled, germy airplane air? Well, although the germs are certainly major players in the cold and flu game, according to a 2004 study by University of Victoria researchers, the major culprit is not germy airplane air but rather the plane’s dry air—the result of pressurized cabins.

What the dry air actually does is inhibit the body’s “natural defense system against colds,” the researchers explain. The thin, healthy mucus and cilia (tiny hairs) in our upper respiratory tract “trap viruses and bacteria and move them from the nose and throat to destruction by acids in the stomach.” Okay, sounds a little gross. However, it’s useful to know that if that defense system gets dried out and we add in the general fatigue of travel, we have lowered our ability to fight those pesky germs being so generously shared by fellow travelers. So let’s talk about four strategies for fighting back…

Strategy #1: Stay hydrated.

The first cold-fighting strategy during travel is staying hydrated—something most air travelers already know is important for other reasons. But for the purpose of keeping that “natural defense system against colds” moisturized and operating in peak condition, there are a few wrinkles. Since you want to avoid any drying of the system, it’s better to sip water all through your travel day, rather than downing a bottle of water a couple of times. Colder liquids tend to inhibit the cilia movement, but warm liquids like herbal teas are useful because they tend to have a triggering effect on the mucus system.

Strategy #2: Try nasal moisturizers.

Another, more direct form of hydrating the mucus system is using nasal moisturizing sprays, mists or gel swabs specifically formulated for this purpose.

Strategy #3: Sanitize your hands.

Of course heading off the germs is still important because even with all the hydrating, you’re still traveling in close contact with lots of hitchhiking viruses and bacteria, courtesy of passengers on your flight and also on seatbacks, armrests, tray tables, etc., where germs can hang out for 48 hours or more. The Center for Disease Control recommends washing your hands (lots!) as the most effective germ-control measure, but this isn’t always very practical in flight (and besides, there are still those door handles to touch afterwards!). So it’s time to realize that hand sanitizing gels and wipes are not just for clean freaks. Choose waterless hand cleansers that contain alcohol, and use them often. They can also be used to wipe down tray tables on which you may be setting food or just resting your hands.

Strategy #4: Eat your veggies.

There are, of course, other strategies some people swear by, like Airborne, though studies have not proven their effectiveness. Some folks also advocate loading up, both before and during a trip, on Vitamin C or Echinacea, and boosting consumption of fruits and veggies high in antioxidants (like broccoli, spinach, blueberries, and pomegranates). This is a healthy strategy even when not traveling, but also an easy one to incorporate on a trip when you’ve booked a hotel room with a well-equipped kitchen at Extended Stay Hotels.

Save 20% - Select Weekends at Extended Stay Hotels

April 27, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 04/29 through 05/01) and next weekend (stays 05/06 through 05/08) 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 Orange County, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Boston, Seattle and many others.

For Arrival Dates 04/29/2011 and 04/30/2011

* Orange County, CA - Rates from $45.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $43.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $51.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Washington, DC - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >

For Arrival Dates 05/06/2011 and 05/07/2011

* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Denver, CO - Rates from $26.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Detroit, MI - Rates from $36.99/night
* Philadelphia, PA - Rates from $63.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $35.99/night
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A Visitor’s Guide to Pow Wows, Part 2

April 25, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

If you’re interested in going to a pow wow, now’s the perfect time. We’re into the time of year when dozens are held across the country each month. So whether your travels take you on business to New York City or on a family vacation to Yellowstone National Park or the South Carolina shore, you’re likely to find a pow wow within easy reach.

One thing to consider in planning your pow wow visit is the span of time you’ll be able to set aside for the festivities. The largest and most elaborate pow wows last several days. That’s not to say that you can’t enjoy just an afternoon’s visit, but if time permits, seeing the entire celebration can be pretty fantastic. The Gathering of Nations Powwow, billed as North America’s biggest pow wow, takes place over a weekend at the end of April in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As their website emphasizes “Everyone is welcome here!” to enjoy two-and-a-half days of dance and music performed by artists from over 500 tribes. You’ll also get to see the crowning of Miss Indian World, crafts and artwork from 800+ vendors at the Indian Traders market, and, of course, you’ll get to visit dozens of food booths offering traditional Indian foods (plus hamburgers and such).

If you can make it to Albuquerque, take a look at some of the below pow wows to see if one is in your area.

Spring Pow Wows in April

  • The 22nd Annual Celebrating Life Powwow in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan (April 2-3)
  • The Pow Wow on the River in Chattanooga, Tennessee (April 2-3)
  • The Haliwa-Saponi 46th Annual Pow Wow in Hollister, North Carolina (April 15-17)
  • The 13th Annual Chumash Day Powwow in Malibu, California (April 16th)
  • The 45th Annual LIHA Spring Powwow in Gonzales, Louisiana (April 15-17)

Spring Pow Wows in May

  • The 40th Annual Stanford Powwow in San Francisco, California (May 6-7)
  • Edisto Natchez-Kusso Powwow in Ridgeville, South Carolina (May 13-14)

In addition to the traditional dancing, drums, and songs, this event also has face-painting, storytelling and demonstrations.

Summer Pow Wows

Summer is an even busier time for pow wows, and you’ll find them from coastal areas to national wilderness parks, small towns to major cities. And speaking of major cities, during the last weekend in July, New York City is the site of the 33rd Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow. Held in a beautiful apple orchard, the pow wow is the oldest and largest in the area and draws participants from over 40 Indian nations.

If a visit to Yellowstone Park is on your agenda, there are several summer pow wows within easy drive. The 30th Annual Plains Indian Museum Powwow is held in Cody, Wyoming, June 18-19, 2011.

In mid-August (18-22), you can take in the Crow Fair Pow Wow, near Billings, Montana. In addition to the traditional pow wow, the Crow Fair includes an All-Indian Rodeo, showcasing “the best in Indian horsemanship throughout Indian country.” Another pow wow that includes both a fair and a rodeo is the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival, held at the end of August, just southwest of Yellowstone, in Idaho, on the Fort Hall Reservation.

Also toward summer’s end is the huge—1500 dancers and drummers!—United Tribes International Powwow. This year’s 42nd annual celebration will be held in Bismarck, North Dakota, September 8-11, and includes all the traditional pow wow events plus a free all-you-can eat buffalo (and beef) barbecue.

For more information on the dozens of pow wows scheduled over the coming months, visit Powwows.com and 500 Nations.com. You’ll find listings by calendar date and by state, as well as links to many of the official pow wow web pages.

Weekend Nights from $26.99 - Extended Stay Hotels

April 20, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 04/22 through 04/24) and next weekend (stays 04/29 through 05/01) 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 Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Seattle and many others.

For Arrival Dates 04/22/2011 and 04/23/2011

* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $43.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $51.99/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 >

For Arrival Dates 04/29/2011 and 04/30/2011

* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Denver, CO - Rates from $26.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Detroit, MI - Rates from $35.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $35.99/night
* Richmond, VA - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >

A Visitor’s Guide to Pow Wows, Part 1

April 20, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Have you seen announcements or billboards for pow wows (also spelled “pow-wows” and “powwows”) in your travels and wondered what goes on at these celebrations? Have you wondered if outsiders are welcome? If they are, have you wondered how visitors should behave? In fact, most pow wows are open to—and welcome—spectators, but yes, as with any visiting experience, etiquette is important. With pow wows, just as with rules of the road, it all rests on courtesy and respect. One of the best ways to show that respect is to first learn more about these cultural festivals.

The Setting of a Pow Wow

Although the origin of the pow wow is uncertain, pow wows held today combine both the sacred and the social, honoring the beliefs, practices and histories of Native American peoples through ceremonies, dance, song, competitions and other activities. Lasting from half a day up to a week, pow wows draw together participants from many tribes to preserve and share their heritage and to socialize. Settings range from tribal lands to county fairgrounds, from major city sites, such as the Denver Coliseum, to college and university stadiums.

Although each pow wow will have its own unique elements and emphases, depending on region and tribal hosts, there are features common to almost all. The performance area or arena for the pow wow is circular—a shape with sacred meanings relating to earth, wholeness and cycles of life. This area, sometimes called the “arbor,” is considered sacred ground and should not be entered by spectators. Around the performance area may contain seating, however these seats are typically reserved for dancers, drummers, singers and other participants. Beyond the peripheral seating is the area open for spectators—including visitors—to stand or sit. Actual seating is not usually provided, so it’s wise to bring beach or yard chairs or blankets.

What to Expect During a Pow Wow

During the pow wow, the master of ceremonies will announce each ritual and performance, and may provide background information or commentary. The event opens with the ceremonial Grand Entry, during which dancers and performers in full regalia enter to drumming and songs. The entrance is generally led by individuals carrying flags and Eagle Staffs. Members of the audience stand and remove their hats during this processional.

At the end of the Grand Entry, the master of ceremonies will announce the series of dancers—individuals and groups—who perform traditional, exhibition and open intertribal dances, sometimes competitively. As the Pow Wow Network notes,

“Dancers have always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. Most dances seen at Pow Wows today are social dances, which might have had different meanings in earlier days. Although dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance has not.”

Each dancer’s detailed, handcrafted regalia (not “costume”) has symbolic significance, and as Becky Olvera Schultz at Pow Wow Power explains, it often includes pieces that are family heirlooms. One additional etiquette and respect note for pow wow guests: Be sure to ask permission before taking photos. Pointing is also considered disrespectful.

In addition to the dancers, drum groups and singers, a large pow wow may include the following:

  • Rodeos
  • Athletic competitions
  • Games
  • Ceremonial giveaways
  • Vendors selling craft items

Vendors selling food (including burgers, delicious Indian fry bread and tacos) can usually also be found, although visitors can also bring their own picnics. Pow wows are alcohol-free, making them especially family-friendly, so be sure to bring non-alcoholic beverages in your cooler.

Pow wow organizers and participants welcome visitors who want to learn more about Native cultures—and just have some fun. Although pow wows are held all year, the majority occur in late spring through summer, so to help you plan your visit, the next Road Warrior blog will provide a sampling of upcoming pow wows across the U.S.

20% Off - Weekend Stays at Extended Stay Hotels

April 14, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 04/15 through 04/17) and next weekend (stays 04/22 through 04/24) 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 Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Seattle and many others.

For Arrival Dates 04/15/2011 and 04/16/2011

* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $43.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Boston, MA - 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 >

For Arrival Dates 04/22/2011 and 04/23/2011

* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Denver, CO - Rates from $26.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Detroit, MI - Rates from $35.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $35.99/night
* Richmond, VA - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >

7 Simple Tips to Help Beat Travel Insomnia

April 13, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The long day is over. You’re settled into your comfy bed in your convenient hotel room… and you’re lying there, staring at the ceiling, unable to fall sleep. Whether the day has been filled with work or play, whether the trip is for business or pleasure (or both), people often have a hard time falling asleep on trips. Below are some tips to make your dreams as sweet as possible.

Tip #1: Relax a Little

After racing through airports or slogging through traffic, most of us are likely to carry tension both mentally and physically, especially in our necks and shoulders. Relaxation techniques, such as breathing and stretching exercises, can slow down the body’s over-stressed systems, letting them (and you) settle into rhythms more conducive to sleep. The University of Maryland Medical Center’s website details several such exercises, including progressive relaxation and guided imagery, that you can easily do in your hotel room.

Tip #2: Block out the Light

Creating the right setting for sleep is more important than many people realize. Most people sleep best in a room that is fully dark, so even though the sights can be beautiful, pull those drapes to cut out city lights and early morning sun. If you feel safer or more comfortable with just a bit of light, bring along a soft nightlight that you can plug into an outlet in the hall or bathroom, rather than just leaving on an overhead or table light.

Tip #3: Stay Cool

Research also shows that people stay asleep better in a cool room, so even if you’ve been freezing all day scurrying from place to place in Chicago’s brisk winds or Seattle’s rain, turn down the room temperature.

Tip #4: Calm Down with Soothing Sounds

Though you may have scoffed at those soothing music CDs and white noise machines you see in the in-flight magazines, calming background sounds can be very effective. Consider loading your laptop, cell phone, or MP3 player with restful instrumental music or nature sounds. For sleep music, you don’t need a fancy stereo system, so the speakers built into your laptop, tablet, phone, or the MP3-ready alarm clock in your Extended Stay Deluxe hotel room will work just fine. However, if you want a bit of an upgrade, you can find compact docks and speakers for mobile devices at places like Best Buy and Brookstone for under $50. Remember, too, that people relax best when they feel at home, so even if your normal sleep routine doesn’t usually include such music, you might want to start using the same CD before your trip so that your brain learns to associate the sounds with relaxation and sleep.

Tip #5: Wash Away Jet Lag

Consider, too, whether trip- or season-specific factors may be contributing to your travel insomnia. For example, if you’ve flown rather than driven cross-country, the dehydration associated with jet lag can keep you from sleeping. Try to drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated drinks during your travel.

Tip #6: Alleviate Allergies

Allergies can also interfere with sleep, and what makes this tougher is that some decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, can disrupt sleep. If you are prone to allergies, be sure to choose medicines that will not have this effect. You may also want to bring along your own pillow or at least an anti-allergy pillow cover.

Tip #7: Drink Responsibly

Travel should be fun, and that may include partying, but one final note: remember that alcohol—while it may make you feel relaxed and even sleepy—can sometimes interfere with a good night’s sleep. According to current research, alcohol “actually disrupts sleep, even at comparatively low levels. The more we drink, the more tired we end up.” An alternative is to end the evening with a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea.

While there are, of course, sleeping medications available over the counter and by prescription, try troubleshooting with these tips first. You may find one of these solutions to be a dream come true.

Nature Guides for Folks on the Move

April 7, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

It’s a bird...it’s a plane...it’s a… Buteo jamaicensis (red-tailed hawk)! Yes, you, too, can impress your friends, dazzle your kids, or just plain add to your appreciation of new places by being able to identify just what you’re seeing. No longer do you need to lug around a collection of heavy nature guides in order to have detailed descriptions and full-color photos at your fingertips. Below are some producers of nature guides with alternative ideas.

Audubon Society
Producer of nature guides since 1934, Audubon Society now offers online versions covering thousands of North American plants and creatures. Use their easy-access homepage to browse for free on your computer by topic (e.g., shells, wildflowers, birds, mammals, mushrooms) or search for specific species by their common names or their scientific designations (e.g., gray catbird or Dumetella carolinensis). In case you might want to print specific pages to carry with you, guides can also be downloaded. For in-the-field sightings, you can buy mobile apps. Especially useful is the advanced search tool, which allows you to narrow down what you’ve seen—whether tree, fish, or shell—by appearance (shape, colors, size), habitat and location, as well as other subject-specific features, such as wing shapes and songs for birds. You can also download guides for specific regions, such as “The Ultimate Florida Nature Guide.” Apps are available for iPhones, iPads, iPods, and (though with more limited offerings) devices running Android. Cost per app ranges from $10 to $15, with a multi-subject app (birds, mammals, wildflowers, and trees) costing about $30.

eNature
Another very popular guide series is produced by eNature, for both laptop and mobile devices, though the mobile apps are limited. Perhaps their biggest plus is that all eGuide content online is free. As their website notes, you can find wildlife information covering close to 6,000 species, including a couple of categories not presently offered in Audubon’s mobile apps: sky (stars, planets) and tracks, as well as guides to wildlife in 50 of the National Parks. The basic search process on this site is fairly similar to that on the Audubon site, but you can also do a what’s-in-my-neighborhood search simply by entering your zip code. Also of interest, especially to those with children, are the games, contests and flashcards on the site. Mobile apps are available only for the National Park guides and Chesapeake Bay, and only for iPhones and iPods.

Peterson
For bird watching in particular, Peterson is the big name, and it too has moved into the mobile guide field. Newly launched in January 2011 is the iPhone and iPad app, Peterson Birds of North America. This app not only provides the kind of in-depth information and identification system for which the hard-copy Peterson guides are renowned, but it also includes such features as a birder’s notebook, which allows you to record (and identify now or later) what you’ve seen and where.

National Geographic
National Geographic, another highly respected name in nature study, has its own birding app, Handheld Birds (now out in version 2.0 for around $15 for iPhone and iPod Touch). Designed to be super user friendly, it has fully-interactive referencing, and it connects you with hundreds of range maps for different species, plus over 1,600 bird images and almost four hours worth of birdsongs to playback as part of your identification process (or just for listening enjoyment).

Gone are the days of having to schlep along a hefty field guide on your walks. No longer do you need to pass a field of gorgeous wildflowers and have no idea what they are. Now, with a laptop or mobile device, you can identify them on the spot. Or just snap a few pictures with your trusty phone. Then, a few hours later, as you relax in your hotel room and begin the ID game at your leisure.

Weekend Nights from $26.99 - Extended Stay Hotels

April 6, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 04/08 through 04/10) and next weekend (stays 04/15 through 04/17) 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 Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Seattle and many others.

For Arrival Dates 04/08/2011 and 04/09/2011

* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $43.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $51.99/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 >

For Arrival Dates 04/15/2011 and 04/16/2011

* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Denver, CO - Rates from $26.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Detroit, MI - Rates from $35.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $35.99/night
* Richmond, VA - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >