Travel Update: Super Jet and Super Potty

SUPER JET How much would you pay to take one of the first flights in the world’s largest passenger jet? In a previous blog I told you that some mighty rich flyers were ponying up big bucks for the privilege. A few weeks ago Singapore Airlines put several seats on an inaugural flight in the highly anticipated 471-seat double-decker Airbus A380 on eBay with the goal of donating the proceeds to charity. Yesterday, the carrier announced it has already raised more than $1.25 million. The lucky (and rich) passengers will get a chance to see if their money was well … Continue reading →

Fall Travel: Where To Go and Where To Stay This Season

LOUISIANA Two years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, New Orleans is getting a shot in the arm from Smithsonian Magazine. The publication is teaming up with the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to host CultureFest on October 26-28th in “The Big Easy.” CultureFest is one of the magazine’s signature events, which showcases a particular state’s history, cuisine, arts and more. It typically draws several thousand visitors. In years past it has been held in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Portland, Oregon. If you are planning to make the trip to New Orleans next month for CultureFest, you may … Continue reading →

Hotel Bargain Like No Other

Remember the Watergate Hotel? It became a Washington landmark during the infamous Nixon scandal. The hotel is about to undergo a major facelift, but before it does you have the chance to get in on some incredible savings. No, the hotel is not offering $2 room rates; rather, the hotel is having a massive blow-out sale as it tries to get rid of existing beds, sofas, silver teapots… even toilets to prepare for the renovation. Don’t worry bargain hunters; you still have plenty of time to get in on the action. The sale began earlier today and will last until … Continue reading →

Would You Stay In A Hotel Like This?

I’m all for staying in an affordable, clean hotel room. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it would be nice if I didn’t have to worry about the roof falling in while I slept. I’m fairly certain all four walls would remain standing with the newest trend in hotel rooms… but then again how many hotel rooms have you stayed in that came out of a box? Qbic Hotels is introducing low-cost, high design prefabricated rooms that can be plugged into any existing space in any city in the world. Which begs the question: Would you pay to stay … Continue reading →

Hotel Parking Ain’t Cheap

When I was single I didn’t think twice about booking a hotel room in downtown Chicago. I loved being within walking distance of my favorite Windy City attractions, shops and restaurants. These days, though, I have a family plus a much stricter family budget, and when it comes to vacationing in Chi-town we stay in the suburbs and take the “L” (the city’s rapid transit system) into the city. The main reason: the price of parking. The price of parking at most downtown Chicago hotels will run you (on average) about $25 per EXIT, not per day. For $45 a … Continue reading →

Travel Alert: Dangerous Hotel Toothpaste

Is nothing sacred anymore? A word of warning to all of you travelers: If you took home complimentary toothpaste from your most recent hotel stay beware. A supplier that provides toiletries to luxury hotels has recalled tubes of toothpaste that are potentially toxic. Take a look in your toiletry kit immediately and look for the Gilchrist & Soames label. If you see a tube with that name on it, dispose of the toothpaste right away. The toothpaste was made in China. Yes, the same country that has come under scrutiny for manufacturing faulty tires, toys that make kids sick, and … Continue reading →

The Most Expensive Hotel Room In The Nation

My father used to joke that every hotel room we stayed in during our family vacations was “the most expensive hotel room in the nation.” None of them were, but chock one up for dad’s attempt to make the six of us feel that we needed to make the most of each stay. The rooms we stayed in were modest (we were allowed to ride the elevator up to the penthouse floor—-but he never let us get out); nothing at all like the room that actually holds the title as the most expensive hotel room in the nation. That crown … Continue reading →

Combating Hotel Room Germs

No traveler takes delight in knowing he or she is sharing a mattress with bed bugs. But frankly, if you believe germ experts bed bugs are the least of your worries when you are spending the night away from home. Warning: Hotel rooms are not as clean as you might think. At least that’s what doctors at the University of Arizona contend. The germ experts recently tested several hotel rooms and found they are teaming with bacteria. (Yes, again!) Researchers found germs on the carpets and the bedspread, and clusters of bacteria on the rooms’ light switches. And this was … Continue reading →

Lodging News For Girls and Greenies

GOOD NEWS FOR GIRLS Leave it to trendy W Hotel to come up with a “Wonder Woman” program. The resort is celebrating females by glamming up its bathrooms with a woman’s touch. (Which means you can lounge in style in a bathroom designed by a woman.) By next year guest will be able to relax in a bathroom, which incorporates “soothing creamy color schemes, decadent tubs, fabulous lighting and extra counter space for toiletries.” According to hotel execs, the tubs are being equipped with retractable nozzles for hair washing and a tray to hold bathing items. And my favorite amenity–the … Continue reading →

Summer Travel: Touring Dungeons and Pyramids

It’s true; summer is flying by (the school supplies are already up at our local stores). However, in keeping with the spirit of “it ain’t over til it’s over” you still have time to book that last minute summer vacation. If you are looking to travel somewhere that’s sure to translate into a memorable essay on “What I Did On My Summer Vacation” consider the following: ROME There’s nothing quite like being able to brag about touring centuries old cellars that were used to lock up Rome’s most notorious criminals, right? Well, here’s your chance. The dungeon beneath Castel Sant’Angelo, … Continue reading →