Graduation Traveling

April 24, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

It's that time again.  Seniors across the country are donning cap and gown and family members are flocking to watch.  Between high schools and colleges, spring is a time for graduation and celebration. Whether you are friend or family, here are a few tips to help you play supporting cast for the big day.

Before heading to any graduation, be sure to check the weather report.  You may be outside for a while during the ceremony so sunscreen is crucial and a jacket may be very welcome if it's windy.  Also ask about the school’s rain policy since many schools only provide a few tickets per student if the ceremony needs to be moved indoors.

With a little thought and creativity, you can get the perfect graduation gift.  To figure out what to bring for the young grad, check out these graduation gift ideas.  Alternatively, consider getting a frame for the diploma or a meaningful book, like Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss.

While you're visiting to share in the special day, accommodations can be tricky.  To find a close, comfortable hotel, check out Extended Stay Hotel’s list of hotels near colleges and universities.

While you are on the road, remember that others are starting their biggest journey.

Spring Festivals

April 17, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

As the weather gets warmer, the time to head outside draws nearer.  And with all the festivals taking place across the country over the next few months, there are plenty of excuses to get out and celebrate.  Take a trip to one of these 2008 Spring Festival destinations and join in the fun!

From music to flowers, there are festivals for everyone to find something entertaining.  Go down to New Orleans for the Jazz Festival, Santa Cruz for the Blues Festival, or Chicago for the Salsa Festival.  And perhaps the best yet, the Green Apple Music Festival for Earth Day has been expanded to new cities.  For the festival this year, there will be free concerts in New York City, Washington, DC, Chicago, Miami, Denver, Dallas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

No matter where you plan to roam this spring, keep a look out for a local festival.  Just be sure to bring an umbrella and have a nice dry place to go nearby, like an Extended Stay Hotels suite.

Easter Travel

March 3, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Whether you're going for business or pleasure, Easter travel can be rewarding for the whole family. There are lots of exciting events happening all over the country to celebrate the coming of Spring.

Miami Metrozoo Egg Safari - March 22-23rd, the zoo is alive with the spirit of Easter. There will be egg hunts for kids 12 and under, face painting, mini-carnival games, rock-climbing, an appearance by the Easter Bunny and various prizes.

Richmond Easter Parade - On Easter Sunday head to historic Monument Ave. for music, arts, crafts, children’s activities, and food. The two major highlights are the Pet Bonnet, and People Bonnet Showcases on the Main Stage at Allen Ave.

Asheville Easter Egg Hunt - March 15th, bring that family to the Bojangles’ Easter Eggstravaganza. Every child will receive an Easter goody bag full of surprises, and it's all free.

Washington DC White House Easter Egg Roll - March 24th, join the first lady to rolling hard-boiled colored eggs down the lawns at the White House. The egg roll is one of the largest public events at the White House.

St. Patrick's Day Travel

February 27, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Celebrate Irish culture this year at one of the numerous parades happening around the country. Whether you're in town for an important meeting, or just passing through for a bit of a vacation, St. Patrick's Day 2008 is a great time for the whole family. Steal away a few minutes and take part in the festivities, here is a list of just some notable parades beyond the famed ones in New York City and Boston.

Check out even more festive cities and find convenient St. Patrick's Day hotels. Extended Stay Hotels offer many great locations so you can bring the whole family or at least just feel like you're at a home away from home.

Valentine Trip

January 24, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

As we reach the end of January, already the diamond jewelry ads are flooding the airwaves and candy companies are trying to cash in on the Valentine’s Day preparations.  There is even an ad suggesting we all go out and buy cell phones for our loved ones this February.  If rocks, sugar, and electronics don't quite seem like the perfect romantic gesture, start thinking mini-vacation. A Valentine trip may be just the thing.

You don’t have to go far.  Florida or California can be a sunny winter break.  Las Vegas has become known for its five star gourmet restaurants.  New York City is the perfect destination for dinner and a Broadway show.  Extended Stay Hotels has lots of locations where you can reserve a full suite.  And a nice bottle of wine and favorite dessert can be waiting in the fridge.  Or if you don't like the idea of dealing with crowds at fancy restaurants, cook dinner in the kitchen of the suite.  Be creative.  It may be a Hallmark holiday, but it’s still a nice excuse to celebrate that special someone.  Or the perfect excuse to spend a night out on the town and perhaps meet a special someone.

Super Bowl XLII

January 3, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

On Feb 3, 2008, just a month away, the excitement of the Super Bowl will be here. Fans from far and wide will be flocking to the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona to catch the action firsthand. Now is the time for those lucky ticket holders to start making those travel plans to see the big game live.

With the Patriots, Packers, and Cowboys all as front-runners, this year's Super Bowl is sure to please. And the location of the game can’t be beat. The Phoenix area, commonly called the Valley of the Sun, is a great desert escape. Visitors can enjoy a golfing oasis, with beautiful red rocks and fine dining during any down time. For more information on attractions in and around the city, visit Extended Stay Hotels’ Phoenix travel guide.

Extended Stay Hotels has 17 convenient locations in the Phoenix area with suites equipped with full kitchens and Wi-Fi. If you can't make it to Phoenix, tune into the Fox network at 4:18 p.m. (6:18 p.m. EST) to see it all, whether you’re at a Super Bowl party or the neighborhood sports bar.

Oktoberfest USA

October 2, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

With October upon us, this means Oktoberfest across the USA is getting underway. Not just for beer lovers, Oktoberfest also celebrates food and culture. After that all-important meeting why not experience the festivities and local culture.

Atlanta, GA - From October 5-7th, is Atlanta's Bavarian Oktoberfest at Atlantic Station, a unique city within a city multi-use development in midtown Atlanta.

Phoenix, AZ - Kicking off October 13th, the Phoenix Oktoberfest put on by the Arizona Center for German Cultures showcases German heritage.

Raleigh, NC - Enjoy the wursts and kraut from October 5-6th in Raleigh.

Richmond, VA - Make your way to the largest German-American festival in Virginia from October 26-27th, hosting nearly 5,000 people in the great city of Richmond.

St. Louis, MO - Take advantage of over 30 performances from October 5-7th, during the St. Louis Soulard Okoberfest.

Tulsa, OK - Going on from October 18-21st, check out Tulsa's Oktoberfest in its 29th year running.

US Open Tennis Tournament

August 15, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The final event of the Grand Slam is almost upon us. From August 27th to September 9th, the excitement goes on as the finest tennis players compete in the US Open tennis tournament.  See all the action at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and watch the major matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Get your tickets now for this momentous event, as it marks the end of summer. Road Warrior tennis fans can find an Extended Stay Hotels location nearby the stadium, which is also conveniently located for trips into New York City. Keep your eye on the ball at tennis' crowning spectacle.

Summer Music Festivals

July 18, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

In the mood to be outdoors and hear some great music? Summer music festivals are perfect for those looking to take advantage of the nice weather and a variety of music. Summer music festivals can be the main event of your trip or just a pleasant side note to the business meeting.

There is really something for everyone a music festival. Many of these events last a few days, giving you plenty of time to catch a diverse range of artists or just pick and choose your favorites. USA Today recently put out a list of the top ten music festivals this summer which has lots of great ideas for summer travelers.  If you’re vacationing with the whole family, you may want to check out The Family Travel Files site which has a full listing of festivals with something for every age group. Or, if none of the festivals on these lists are perfect for you, search for a festival by location and date on Upcoming, FestivalFinder.com, or Festivals.com.

The festival fun isn’t limited to the United States.  Don’t forget our neighbors to the North, and check out Canada’s festival dates. Or, see what Gadling.com listed as the top worldwide music festivals this summer. Although, you may be surprised. Some of the best festivals listed here are actually in nearby music powerhouse cities such as Chicago.

Wherever you go, no matter what your tastes, the music festivals await. And knowing the events going on where you are traveling, or even scheduling your trip around them, can make your trip more enjoyable and give you a taste of local culture. Extended Stay Hotels can not only help you out by offering convenient accommodations in many of these festival cities, but also has travel guides for many of these destinations to keep you informed on what else there is to do during your stay.

MLB All Star Game Time

July 10, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Get ready baseball fans, tonight is the All-Star Game between the American and National Leagues for the 78th Midsummer Classic in San Francisco. If you are not lucky enough to have tickets to AT&T Park, there are some great San Francisco sports bars where you can take in the action with locals. And while the game may be drawing all your attention right now, don’t forget to come back to the Bay Area in the second week of September for the 12th Annual Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival as a sweet end to the summer.