R.I.P. Rocky Mountain News

It seems as if the invention of the Internet is killing traditional print newspapers. For years now, I have been reading that subscriptions were down and that papers were in the red. Now, another “victim” has bitten the dust – Denver’s Rocky Mountain News. After almost 150 years in the business, the Rocky Mountain News sent out its last issue on Friday. What did the final headline read? It said “Goodbye, Colorado.” The articles went on to say “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to you today. Our time chronicling the life of Denver and Colorado, the … Continue reading

Travelers Score in Denver

And you thought China was the only place you could find a polite cab driver these days. Etiquette 101 has moved to Denver, Colorado… just in time for the Democratic National Convention. The political extravaganza kicks off in the Mile-High City on August 25th and the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau is doing everything it can to spruce up the place before millions of visitors converge on the area. As the clock ticks down to the start of the convention the tourism group is madly trying to complete training of more than 2,500 taxi drivers, front-desk hotel employees, restaurant … Continue reading

More End of the Summer Travel Destinations

Where have you gone this summer? Did you finally take that family trip to Hawaii or were you able to scrape up enough cash to jet off to Europe? With the economy in a slump many families have opted to stay closer to home this summer and it has paid off. You needn’t take a long flight or drive 300 miles to have the vacation of a lifetime; rather if you live near popular tourist attractions you can simply make the most of what’s in your own backyard. Miami, Florida The ritzy neighborhoods on the north end of Miami Beach … Continue reading

More End of the Summer Hotel Deals

It’s hard to know what’s worse these days the sky-high price of airline tickets and insane luggage fees or the record-breaking cost of gasoline. Either way any help the travel industry is willing to provide families so they can take a last-minute summer vacation is greatly appreciated (by mine anyway). A number of hotels across the country are offering package deals to aid cash strapped families the chance to travel during these tough economic times. Take a look: CHICAGO The Windy City is looking even more inviting than usual with the “Escape! Family Getaway” package being offered by the Renaissance … Continue reading

More Incredible Summer Airfare Bargains

With the skyrocketing price of fuel and the dimwitted idea of charging to check in a single suitcase it’s no wonder why millions of families around the world have decided not to fly this summer. I was one of the millions until… yesterday. That’s when I received an airfare alert from my favorite travel website and saw that incredible summer airfares really do exist. I listed some of the most outstanding ones in my previous blog and have included other spectacular summer savings that are too good to pass up below: Costa Rica Why hang out in your backyard this … Continue reading

Got Kids? Saving Money on the Road

Who says the only lodgings that embrace families are the ones where “Kids Eat Free” signs hang above the entryway? With the cost of gas soaring, house prices falling and the word “recession” appearing on newspaper headlines from coast-to-coast hoteliers are getting creative to lure families with children to their properties. The following cost-saving travel packages are not only easy on your wallet, but they are also packed with kid-friendly activities that will truly make your vacation on a shoestring a memorable one. DENVER The 196-room JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek is currently offering their Kids in the City … Continue reading

Travel Tidbits: Incentives for Early Hotel Check Out and Denver’s Newest Ritz

Let’s face it; there aren’t many hotels that willingly embrace guests who ask for a late check out—-free of charge. In fact, an increasing amount of lodgings are now imposing steep fees for guests who want to extend their stays by a few hours. Which is why I was not the least bit surprised when I heard a Florida hotel was offering incentives for guests who leave the property early. The historic Don CeSar Beach Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida just introduced a new incentive program for guests. If you check out by 10 a.m. you’ll be entered to win … Continue reading

‘Happily’ Stranded in Denver: Recovering Your Losses

Wednesday Night 8pm I’m on the phone telling my mom to call the airline. She’s telling me that she’s sure she’ll be able to get out tomorrow but her flight will probably be a little delayed. Me: “Well mom, can you see outside?” Mom: “No, not really. There’s no visibility.” Me: “Hmmmm. Mom, you know you might not make it for Christmas.” (One must prepare my mother for these things.) Mom: “Well, if I can dig my car out of the garage, the roads are open.” Me: ‘But there’s no visibility?” Mom: “No. . .but I’ll be okay.” (She has … Continue reading

Katie Couric Needs Your Help!

Incoming CBS evening-news anchor Katie Couric wants to hear from you. The former “Today” show host named as the first woman solo anchor of a network evening newscast, is embarking on a six-city tour where she will meet informally with viewers like you to hear what you’re interested in seeing on the news. Couric’s first stop will be Denver, Colorado on July 13th. While her visit is still a few weeks away, starting today (June 26, 2006), Denver residents can visit cbsdenver.com and fill out a questionnaire. One hundred people representing a cross section of the community will be invited … Continue reading