Discovering America’s Most Beautiful and Picturesque Spots
February 10, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The moment you return from vacation, one of the first questions that people ask you is: “Can I see photos from your trip?” It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur photographer, merely taking photos of your children as they experience a new part of the country for the first time, or if you are a photographer who prides yourself on capturing the perfect photo, you want to have the best photos to help you remember the amazing times you have had for many years to come.
One of the first things that will guarantee that you will have breathtaking photos to show off is a high quality camera. Make sure that you have the appropriate setting for the area that you are in, and the chances of having a great photographic moment increase exponentially. Another way to ensure a breathtaking photo is by visiting a beautiful area of the country. There are some amazingly awe-inspiring scenic spots across the US, but there are a few that take the cake. Travelers from all over the world gather at these spots to capture the perfect moment, in the perfect spot and at the perfect time. Consider visiting the following spots and making some memories for yourself:
1. Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This beautiful part of the United States has a grand combination of both mountain ranges and wide, open spaces. This national park has been a top vacationing spot for at least 11,000 years, with many coming to enjoy the picturesque hiking trails that are dotted around the glacier lakes.
2. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona doesn’t just have rock formations and canyons. These canyons are tinted a beautiful red, and they have been shaped by the winds and floods that also formed the Grand Canyon. Depending on what you enjoy doing, you can either go camping near the rock formations, hike around Sedona, or even slide down a natural waterslide that has been formed after thousands of years of water sliding by.
3. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
Voted Good Morning America’s “Most Beautiful Place in America,” this part of the country has blue beaches that bring visitors from all over the world. Nestled in the largest cherry growing part of the world, there are many things to see in Sleeping Bear Dunes that would not be seen anywhere else. Many living in the Midwest, who dream of heading to the West or East Coasts, can plan a less expensive vacation in this beautiful part of Michigan. It’s shocking how tranquil the water can be, but the dunes themselves have a unique appeal all their own.
4. Niagara Falls, USA
Beyond being the honeymoon capital of the world, Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful places in the US. The large falls, along with “The Maid of the Mist,” the old boat that brings millions of tourists up to the falls every year, are the perfect backdrop for all types of photos. Even if you don’t want to go into the falls for a photo, there are plenty of other opportunities surrounding the three sets of waterfalls that create Niagara Falls. Visitors’ guides to the Niagara Falls state that there are several beautiful walks and drives alongside the falls, so be prepared to take the amazing photos that will make others envious of you.
Save 20% - Select Weekends at Extended Stay Hotels
February 8, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 02/10 through 02/13) and next weekend (stays 02/17 through 02/20) 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 Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver, Miami, Chicago and many others.
For Arrival Dates 02/10/2012 and 02/11/2012
* Phoenix, AZ - Rates from $34.99/night
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $47.99/night
* Denver, CO - Rates from $31.99/night
* Miami, FL - Rates from $79.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
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For Arrival Dates 02/17/2012 and 02/18/2012
* San Jose, CA - Rates from $47.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $34.99/night
* Washington, DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
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20% Off - Weekend Stays at Extended Stay Hotels
February 1, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 02/03 through 02/06) and next weekend (stays 02/10 through 02/13) 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 Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Austin and many others.
For Arrival Dates 02/03/2012 and 02/04/2012
* Phoenix, AZ - Rates from $34.99/night
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $47.99/night
* Austin, TX - Rates from $34.99/night
* Washington, DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
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For Arrival Dates 02/10/2012 and 02/11/2012
* Sacramento, CA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $51.99/night
* Baltimore, MD - Rates from $55.99/night
* St. Louis, MO - Rates from $23.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $34.99/night
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20% Off - Weekend Stays at Extended Stay Hotels
January 5, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 01/06 through 01/09) and next weekend (stays 01/13 through 01/16) 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, Sacramento, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Raleigh and many others.
For Arrival Dates 01/06/2012 and 01/07/2012
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Sacramento, CA - Rates from $33.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $55.99/night
* Orlando, FL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Raleigh, NC - Rates from $39.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $31.99/night
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For Arrival Dates 01/13/2012 and 01/14/2012
* Phoenix, AZ - Rates from $34.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $55.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $38.99/night
* Washington, DC Area - Rates from $47.99/night
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Hitting the Links: Top Golfing Spots in Florida
January 2, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Golfing trips are some of the most enjoyable and exciting to plan for you and your friends. There’s just something thrilling that comes from knowing that you get to spend a long weekend with your best pals, while you laugh, chat and reminisce about life. For some, a bad day on the course is better than a great day at the office—no matter where the course is. However, for die-hard golfers, there are certain greens that they are fiercely loyal to.
Whether you are die-hard or not, you cannot deny that some of the best golf courses in the country are found in Florida. With the constant warm and sunny weather, there are golf links available for nearly any level of player to enjoy.
Of course, if you are traveling with your family, they might not agree to a vacation based solely on time out on the course, so you will like the fact that Florida has plenty for them to do while you get some time getting to know the courses in the area where you are vacationing. Be sure to call ahead so that you know what courses are open when you visit.
Below are just a few of the Sunshine State’s most desirable golf courses for you to enjoy. If you are strategic, you can book a stay at Extended Stay Hotels, and choose one that is centralized so that you enjoy a few different greens on the same trip.
1. Jacaranda Golf Club – Plantation, Florida
This is one of the more attractive Southern Florida golf courses because of its beautiful design. This is not a golf course for amateurs, however; some of the most challenging parts of this course include the same backdrop that makes it so aesthetically appealing. Work on your accuracy while trying to get your golf ball on the shortened landing and tough complexes on the Jacaranda Golf Club.
2. Celebration Golf Club – Celebration, Florida
There are plenty of reasons to like this golf club. The course was co-designed by golf course architectural designers that are admired around the world, and is the host of several of Florida’s top golfing events throughout the year. One of the biggest benefits of the Celebration Golf Club is its close proximity to some of Florida’s family parks and attractions, which is ideal for families that want to take time for the whole family to have fun together. Plan a few days with the family at Disneyworld, Universal Studios or Sea World, and then spend a day or two out on the greens as your family recovers from all the fun.
3. Mill Cove Golf Club – Jacksonville, Florida
Players of this Arnold Palmer designed golf course are constantly raving about the rolling greens and lovely layout design. This golf course is ideal for beginners as well as advanced golfers who are looking to hone in specific parts of their game. If you need to work on your handicap, take a look at the private golf lessons and clinics offered here, or if you are interested in just relaxing, enjoy a drink at the clubhouse’s restaurant after a hard day of putting around the course.
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 (0) | 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
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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
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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 >
