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Let It Snow and Hail: New Phone Apps That Allow for Winter Fun and Safety
December 30, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The weather outside is indeed frightful in the wintery months, especially in areas of the country where the winter storms can leave you stranded, but with the perks of having a smartphone loaded with holiday and weather apps, you don’t have to worry about life being anything but delightful. As you travel this winter season, make sure that your smartphone is loaded up with apps that will make your travels safe and fun.
Winter Survival Kit App
For those who are traveling to vacations spots in the snow, part of your winter survival kit should also be the winter survival kit app, which was recently developed by the North Dakota State University Extension Service. The app, which works for both Android and Apple phones, helps stranded drivers notify family and friends if you’ve been stuck in the snow, calls 911 and even helps motorists know how long they can keep the engine running to keep the cab warm before carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a problem.
The Winter Survival Kit smart phone app is free for users, and might just be the tool that can save your life if you need help when trapped in the snow.
Ski and Snow Report
For those who are itching to go snowboarding or play in fresh snow, this is the free app for you. This particular app is meant to give you the latest snow conditions and ski opportunities near you, which will let you be able to plan snowboarding weekend trips in a moment’s notice. Ski boarders and snow bunnies alike can also look at the snow and ski conditions of their favorite out-of-the-area slopes and snow destinations, and they can keep tabs on the latest snow news there as well. This is perfect for the last minute getaway travelers, looking for an excuse to leave the area on a three-day weekend.
First Tracks
For those who like to plan road trips to new snow spots across the country, First Tracks might be the choice for you. This app is more likely to work for your desktop or for your tablet, as it is an Adobe Air product created by Hatchling. Find everything from directions to the new ski destination you are visiting to the forecast for the whole weekend on this app. Another addition that this product affords snow seekers is frequent updates on what mountainsides are open for snow sports and which are closed due to poor weather conditions. This might save you hours of travel only to be disappointed in the end.
Fizz Snow
For detailed maps of snowboarding and skiing slopes, this is the ideal app. The freshest snow is documented through this app, which costs smartphone users $2.99. This is perfect for those who are looking for a nice interface while they check out the weather of the area they are heading to. Seven-day and 48-hour snowfall forecasts are also displayed through this app, and you will be able to see the amount of lifts and trails that are open in any given area. New snow reports and visibility are also clearly indicated, so you never have to worry about the weather forcing you to hole up for the season.
Rates from $31.99/night - Weekend Stays at Extended Stay Hotels
December 28, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 12/30 through 01/02) and next weekend (stays 01/06 through 01/09) 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 Jacksonville, Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, Dallas and many others.
For Arrival Dates 12/30/2011 and 12/31/2011
* Jacksonville, FL - Rates from $31.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Indianapolis, IN - Rates from $33.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Washington, DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
For Arrival Dates 01/06/2011 and 01/07/2011
* Orlando, FL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $33.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $35.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $38.99/night
* Washington, DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
Rocking out at Top Music Fests that Cannot Be Missed
December 26, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Music is a huge part of our lives, and it dominates both underground and mainstream pop culture. To commemorate the amazing talent of the United States’ most popular music artists, there are music fests that allow for music lovers to enjoy some of their favorite music from all over the country in just a weekend.
These festivals allow for indie fans to enjoy their favorite artists, and for pop lovers to flock together to dance to their favorite artists. No matter the genre of music, or the lifestyle of the fan, there is a music festival to go to. If you are planning on going this year, make sure to book a comfortable neighborhood hotel room well in advance, as neighboring hotels tend to run out of vacancy quickly.
1. Nerdapalooza – Orlando, Florida
All things nerd and musical can be found at this festival. The nerd culture has a strong following, and visual and digital artists from around the world come together with performers such as I Fight Dragons and Metroid Metal. Everything from nerdcore hip hop to video game music is featured at this festival.
2. SXSW – Austin, Texas
This is one of the biggest festivals in the country, and it has been a leading music event for a quarter of a century. This is also a trade show, so musicians can come and see some of the most legendary musicians, such as Bruce Springsteen, talk about what has helped them be successful.
3. Joshua Tree Music Festival – Joshua Tree, California
This festival, held at beautiful Joshua Tree, was created by a group of family and friends for the sole reason that they love music. Because this festival is in the middle of the desert, it’s important to pack a good amount of food for the duration of the festival, unless you plan on making the 8-mile trek to the nearest civilization. Some of the festival’s more recent artists include Dubconscious, Afromotive and Flowmotion, who love having their audience join in on the musical celebration.
4. Wakarusa – Mulberry Mountain, Arkansas
Wakarusa is held in one of the most unique spots in the world, the Ozarks, near the Mulberry River. Thievery Corporation, Mumford and Sons, Reelfoot and James and the Devil have performed at this festival. Unlike other festivals, Wakarusa offers yoga, Frisbee golf and other fun activities in between the performances. This is a perfect festival for those who love music and the great outdoors. This is the perfect destination after a road trip, and it will sure to be a festival that you will want to attend again.
5. Outside Lands – San Francisco, California
This isn’t just a music festival; this is a food, wine, arts and music festival. There are a plethora of stages, with artists such as Muse, Arcade Fire, Foster the People, Deadmau5 and OK Go being just a few of the big names that have graced the stages here. One of the top features of the festival is the food, which is not the standard festival fair—organic food and wine are the fare to be enjoyed.
Ringing in 2012 in Style: Top New Year’s Eve Destinations
December 23, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
As 2011 winds down, people around the world have already begun planning where they want to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Some prefer to do it quietly, with a glass of wine on their couches, while others prefer to do so with their friends and family at a house party. Others choose to find the biggest, wildest and most exciting spot possible to bring in the new year. The U.S. has quite a few spots that are ideal for celebrating the new year, but depending on what you enjoy, you will want to plan trips to different parts of the country to celebrate. Once you have made your choice on where you want to go, make sure you book a nearby hotel as soon as possible since they will fill up fast!
1. Las Vegas, Nevada—Perfect for Partiers
There’s a party in Las Vegas every weekend, but for New Year’s Eve, the celebration reaches a whole new level of fun, excitement and insanity. The midnight fireworks display is not just shot off one of the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip; the impressive fireworks display is shot off from the roofs of various hotels and casinos for everyone to see. Obviously, you want to get into the hottest Las Vegas club events if you can, as there are top-rated artists and musicians at each event. However, if you cannot get onto the VIP list, take to the streets. One of the biggest parties of the year is right on the strip itself, which is littered with beer stands for those who are looking for the perfect view of the fireworks.
2. New York City, New York—Perfect for Couples
No New Year’s Eve celebration list would be complete without the Big Apple’s New Year’s Celebration in Times Square. The event always has big name celebrities hosting the celebration, and the Times Square ball drop is always televised around the country. People from all over the world come to join in the festivities, though it can be frigid outdoors. To make this celebration complete, make sure that you have a special someone to kiss as you ring in the New Year. The entire square celebrates without alcohol, so if you are hoping to celebrate with a large glass in hand, you might want to book a table at a nearby hotel for some pre-celebratory drinks.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana—Perfect for Music Lovers
If you feel like big jazz and holiday swing are the perfect way to ring in the New Year, then plan a Mardi Gras-style New Year’s Eve celebration in the French Quarter. The New Year’s Eve celebration in New Orleans is produced by the Crescent City Countdown Club, which is dedicated to helping Jackson Square become the most beautiful place to enjoy the New Year. The Brass Band will play all the New Year’s favorites as fireworks illuminate the sky and reflect in the waters of the Mississippi.
4. Key West, Florida—Perfect for the Fabulous
If you don’t feel like dancing down Bourbon Street in New Orleans, then check out the 801 Bourbon Bar on Duval Street in Key West. This pub, located on the main party strip of the city, has a giant red high heel drop down at the stroke of midnight. Seconds before midnight, a drag queen is lowered in the shoe and pops the cork from a ceremonial champagne bottle to drink in the new year.
Save 20% - Select Weekends at Extended Stay Hotels
December 21, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 12/23 through 12/26) and next weekend (stays 12/30 through 01/02) 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 Jacksonville, Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, Las Vegas and many others.
For Arrival Dates 12/23/2011 and 12/24/2011
* Jacksonville, FL - Rates from $31.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Indianapolis, IN - Rates from $33.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $31.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* See all locations >
For Arrival Dates 12/30/2011 and 12/31/2011
* Denver, CO - Rates from $30.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $55.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* Washington, DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
Rates from $23.99/night - Weekend Stays at Extended Stay Hotels
December 15, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 12/16 through 12/19) and next weekend (stays 12/23 through 12/26) 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 Denver, Chicago, Indianapolis, Boston, Detroit and many others.
For Arrival Dates 12/16/2011 and 12/17/2011
* Denver, CO - Rates from $30.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Indianapolis, IN - Rates from $37.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $47.99/night
* Detroit, MI - Rates from $39.99/night
* Washington, DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
For Arrival Dates 12/23/2011 and 12/24/2011
* Phoenix, AZ - Rates from $23.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Raleigh, NC - Rates from $39.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* See all locations >
Toys and Tips to Keep You Calm and Relaxed While Flying
December 12, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
You’ve finally gotten your paid time off, and you’ve booked the vacation of a lifetime. There’s nothing keeping you from relishing in your well-deserved, luxurious, relaxing time—except for the flight to get you to your destination and the seemingly eternal wait at the airport.
Nowadays, it doesn’t matter what time of the year you fly, what day of the week you fly or where you fly. Regardless, the plane is usually filled to the brim, and chances are that you will have people smashed next to you on either side. More than likely, you’ll end up more stressed out and aggravated by the end of the flight, leaving you a pile of nerves at your destination.
Luckily, there are certain steps that you can take and things that you can do to keep yourself calm, relaxed and relatively stress free. You can even take items meant to soothe and relax you throughout the flight so that you don’t have any reason to lose your cool and be too aggravated to enjoy your vacation.
1. Fly non-stop, not direct.
There is a difference! Non-stop flights go from Point A to Point B with no touchdowns anywhere, while direct flights touch down at various airports. This can cause delays, which could add hours to your flight if things turn out badly. It’s better to bite the bullet, pay a little more and book a non-stop flight.
2. Buy travel insurance.
With airlines filing for bankruptcy protection after feeling the economic crunch and with turbulent weather conditions, it’s better to be prepared rather than to lose your cash because of something that you couldn’t control. Your travel insurance costs will vary, depending on where you travel, but it will not be more than a small percentage of your entire package. Some websites allow you to purchase just flight insurance, or just medical coverage, so you can tailor fit your purchase to your needs.
3. Rock your favorite tunes, watch your favorite movie or play online.
If you carry on a laptop, mp3 player, or DVD player, you’ll instantly have a more enjoyable trip. Airlines have recognized this, and some offer wireless support and headphones for passengers to use. If, for some reason, you forget your computer or other electronic devices, some airlines that offer WiFi also have laptops for use on their planes, and you can take advantage of this for a nominal fee.
4. Pack light.
One of the most aggravating parts of the flying process is waiting for your luggage at the end. There’s always a slight risk that you’ll only end up with the clothes on your back and whatever carryon items you brought with you, but there are ways to minimize that risk. There are several checkpoint friendly luggage pieces that you can purchase to use as carryon luggage, and you’ll be able to skip the wait at the luggage drop-off completely.
Remember: the goal of this trip is to relax, enjoy yourself and have a once in a lifetime experience. Do not let something as simple as a bad flight ruin your chance to enjoy your vacation.
Gnoshing at the Top Five Best Breakfast Spots in the U.S.
December 9, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Breakfast is the champion of all meals; it’s got everything that you need to keep you going throughout the day. Doctors and nutritionists have agreed that breakfast is important for a healthy lifestyle, so even while traveling, you need to get a meal that is nourishing. When traveling, it can be hard to find a place that’s got exactly what you’re looking for in a delicious meal.
There are breakfast spots all over the U.S. that claim to have the best pancakes or the best omelets you’ve ever had. To help you find which restaurants are able to deliver the best meal you’ve had in the morning, follow this list and see just how these places offer you a flavorful way to kick start your morning.
1. Salud – New York City, New York
Everyone is in a hurry in New York, especially during the morning rush. Salud, an organic restaurant, offers an adorable environment to enjoy a smoothie in the morning or a hot chocolate on chillier days for people who need a quick pick me up in the morning. For people who have time to sit down and enjoy a full meal, the family-owned organic restaurant has plenty to offer. Make sure to try a macaroon with your favorite smoothie blend, as they are made perfectly.
2. Bongo Room – Chicago, Illinois
There are few breakfast spots that are worth waiting 20 minutes for, but the Bongo Room and its intimate atmosphere is one of those places. The pancakes at this breakfast and brunch restaurant are known all around the city, and every season brings new flavors for everyone to enjoy. There are vegetarian options on the menu, and every meal is large enough to share. After waking up from a great night’s sleep in your hotel, try the tomatillo salsa scramble or the banana bacon flapjacks for a real treat before doing some sightseeing!
3. Flap Jack Family Restaurant – Lansing, Michigan
It can be hard to get your children to eat while on the road, so it’s important to find a place that serves options that they will actually want to eat. It’s hard to go wrong with pancakes, which is the ultimate child-friendly breakfast food. Flap Jack Family Restaurant makes no qualms about its family-style service. It’s not a high-end restaurant, but the quality of the ingredients is top of the line. Parents can enjoy the hearty skillets, while their children can feast on fluffy pancakes and gobs of toppings.
4. The Griddle Café – Los Angeles, California
A popular hole-in-the-wall almost seems like an oxymoron, but the Griddle Café, located right on Sunset Avenue in Los Angeles is one of the top celebrity spots that lives up to its hype. Not only are you likely to see a star or two eating breakfast at this landmark; you are likely to fall in love with everything on the menu. The cheesecake French toast is a perfect example of what you’d expect to find in the thriving diner that serves A-list celebs. You can even purchase mixes for some of their most popular dishes, such as the red velvet pancakes, to make at home.
5. Stoby’s – Conway, Arkansas
This restaurant is not for wimps; the large portions and hearty platters are definitely worth being on several top breakfast spot lists. The homemade biscuits are perfectly paired with “old-fashioned, real-deal breakfast gravy.” The omelets are gigantic and are smothered in cheese. If you’re dying for something new, ask for Stoby’s spicy white cheese dip on top for a bang.
Save 20% - Select Weekends at Extended Stay Hotels
December 7, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 12/09 through 12/11) and next weekend (stays 12/16 through 12/18) 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 Denver, Orlando, Chicago, Raleigh, Austin and many others.
For Arrival Dates 12/09/2011 and 12/10/2011
* Denver, CO - Rates from $30.99/night
* Orlando, FL - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Raleigh, NC - Rates from $39.99/night
* Austin, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Washington, DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all locations >
For Arrival Dates 12/16/2011 and 12/17/2011
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $38.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $47.99/night
* Raleigh, NC - Rates from $39.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* See all locations >
Top Tips for Buying the Perfect Gifts for on-the-go Travelers
December 5, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Having a techie in the family is both a blessing and a curse. You’ll always have someone to go to when your computer is acting up, and someone to help explain what steps to take when trying to sync your phone’s music to your laptop’s playlists. On the downside, it’s almost impossible to buy them the perfect gift for any occasion, as they tend to buy their favorite items as soon as they come out. This leaves you wondering what technology to buy someone special and leaving you grasping at straws if you don’t know what gadgets and toys are popular.
If you’re looking for something for an anniversary, a birthday or a holiday, it’s best to begin your purchasing by reading up on what’s available, setting a budget for purchases, and reading up on what other travel techies are writing about online. Travel techies are in a league of their own, and knowing what the tools and equipment that they enjoy using are will greatly help you in your search for the perfect gift.
1. Set a budget for yourself.
If your spouse, child or relative needs the “best” gadgets for traveling, you need to know how much each item costs and where you can purchase them for less. There are many online technology review websites dedicated to helping individuals find the right priced tools and equipment they want to purchase, and they can actually help people on a budget find what they can afford in a certain category of technology.
2. Look on the manufacturer’s website for ideas.
Perhaps you want to purchase your traveler a nice gift, but you cannot find exactly what they are looking for online. When this happens, go to the manufacturer’s website and see if they have equipment that is comparable to what your techie is looking for. For example, if you are looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones for your son, who likes to listen to music while traveling, go to the company that manufactures the headphones he likes and see what is available. You may be able to find better headphones than the one he wants at a better price.
3. Ask for a wish list.
Travelers have wish lists of what they want, just like anyone else. All you have to do is ask what your traveler is interested in purchasing. This might take a little of the surprise out of purchasing a special gift for someone, but at least you’ll know that what you purchased is exactly what he or she wanted. If you don’t want to ask your loved one specifically what he or she wants, go online to see other techie gift wish lists.
4. If all else fails, go with gift cards.
If you want to be certain that your gift is going to be perfect for your loved one, go with a gift card. This allows your techie traveler to find the tablet that is ideal for traveling that he or she has had his or her eye on. If anything, this will allow you to save time on what to purchase them, and the traveler can opt to save up the gift card and use it towards a more expensive item that he or she would not be able to purchase otherwise.
