Friday the 13th and Travel

I happen to be related to a grown man who wouldn’t travel on Friday the 13th to save his life. No trains, no planes… okay, I guess he has been known to drive in an automobile on what is known around the world as an evil day. But even so I know he limits his driving to only absolutely essential destinations. What about you? Are you afraid to leave your home on Friday the 13th? Would you fly on a Friday the 13th or stay on the 13th floor of a hotel on Friday the 13th? Many people wouldn’t. So … Continue reading →

Summer Travel Tidbits—In Search of Slopes, Surf and Suitcase Rebates

SKI/SURF And here I thought the Big Island of Hawaii was the only place in the United States where you could surf and ski in the same afternoon. Travelers to Kellogg, Idaho know better. Last weekend visitors to the city’s newest addition—-the Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark–had the rare opportunity to ski and surf when the end of the ski season (June 1st) overlapped with the opening of surf season (May 30th). Okay, it’s not quite as natural as the ski and surf option Hawaii offers, but Idaho’s version was big enough to make headlines in that neck of the woods. … Continue reading →

Hotels: How Green is Too Green and Living Like Indy

I’m all about saving the planet. I recycle and do what I can to conserve of electricity and water. And whereas I have never stayed at an eco-friendly resort, I know they exist and applaud their efforts in preserving the Earth. However, I recently ran across an email sent to me from someone who has contact with the Green Hotels Association and I began to wonder: How green is too green? The eco-friendly lodging group has a few tips for travelers like you and me. They recommend that “beyond demanding green services, we well-intentioned travelers should call ahead to request … Continue reading →

“Villa Trapp”

My mom is beside herself today, thrilled by the news that she now has the chance to sleep in the same bed as her all time favorite movie character—Maria Von Trapp. If you are a die-hard fan of “The Sound of Music” (like my mom) then you’ll be delighted to know that the former Salzburg, Austria home of the Family Von Trapp – made famous by the popular 1965 movie musical starring Julie Andrews – is being turned into a hotel. The “Villa Trapp” sits on an idyllic piece of property on the outskirts of Salzburg and come July the … Continue reading →

How to Score a Free Hotel Room this Summer

Your pocketbook is not the only one taking a hit in these tough economic times. According to reports, gaming revenue has also plummeted, which is bad news for popular gambling destinations such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. But their bad luck could translate into you hitting the jackpot. The creative folks at the brand-new Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City’s Waterfront Tower are trying to generate buzz about their new property by giving away keys to free rooms to random people strolling the streets in various cities. Mark you calendars! Tomorrow is the day you could score a free room. If … Continue reading →

Magnificent Montenegro

Newsflash: Europe’s newest must-visit country is tiny but beautiful Montenegro. According to travel experts, the nation’s stunning medieval cities, which border the Adriatic coast; its pristine mountain villages; ancient monasteries, and spectacular dining has catapulted it to the top of many must-see lists. And right now several of the area’s best hotels are offering incredible savings to visitors. Montenegro’s most popular hotels are situated along the coast, in the ancient town of Budva and the Roman town of Petrovac (located about 10 miles from Budva). The fishing village of Sveti Stefan is also a hot spot for those traveling on … Continue reading →

Casa de Rodent

A few weeks ago I blogged about my daughter’s mouse sighting on our flight to Hawaii. The thought of a rodent rifling through the bag I placed under the seat in front of me still creeps me out, but it’s nothing compared to what some hotel guests in Washington, D.C. have been dealing with. The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center just opened for business and it’s already been plagued with a nightmarish situation—a rodent invasion. UGH! According to news reports, numerous guests—all of which were the first to stay in the brand-new 2,000-room hotel—say they had run ins with … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Royal Viewing and Happy Hybrids

I admit I was a die-hard Princess Diana fan. My mom woke me up at 2 a.m. Hawaii time to watch her fairy tale wedding to Prince Charles. I used my allowance to buy special editions of PEOPLE magazine whenever she was on the cover and I went gaga when her boys were born. So when it was announced that a dozens of Diana’s gowns were going to be displayed at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa in Florida, for a split second I considered making the trip (then reality hit and I remembered that I can barely … Continue reading →

Hotels Going the Extra Mile

Personally, I don’t ever have a problem falling asleep-—no matter what time zone I am in. However, some travelers (especially those who have no hint of narcolepsy) struggle with falling asleep especially when they are in foreign lands. Hoteliers are well aware of this problem and some are now coming to the aid of their guests by offering unique sleep services. Take for example Hyatt’s new Andaz Liverpool Street location in London. For the next two weeks the lodging will host the world’s first “Hotel Reader in Residence.” Need a bedtime story to lull you to sleep? Writer Damian Barr … Continue reading →

Affordable Accommodations in Exotic Locations

How do you spend your travel dollars? Do you pay big bucks flying off to exotic destinations and compensate by staying in budget hotels? Or do you try to find the cheapest means of travel and loosen your budget purse strings to pay for ultra-luxe accommodations? If you play your cards right in the days leading up to the busy summer travel season you could save on both. A number of airlines are offering great travel deals to exotic locations while hoteliers are aiding budget conscious jetsetters by providing package deals. Take a look: INDONESIA Bali’s Desa Seni opened less … Continue reading →