When it comes to traveling, hotels can take an inexpensive vacation to a very expensive vacation in a blink of an eye. As the hospitality industry can be very competitive, most major chains offer a customer loyalty rewards program. While most travelers have their preferred hotel chain, some travelers (like me) really just care about the bed and, if we’re lucky, a free breakfast. This can make choosing a rewards program rather difficult- especially when you add a credit card in the mix! My goal is to examine four popular rewards programs and try to determine which one helps you accumulate free rooms faster (this is ignoring the credit card options which can help you earn rooms the fastest).

The Hilton’s reward program is called Hilton HHonors and includes partners such as Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn, to name a few.

Quick Facts:
*can be redeemed at over 3,000 hotels worldwide
*has no blackout dates
*can use free room (category 1) at 7,500 points
*the more you stay the higher your status becomes (VIP) which means the faster you accumulate rooms
*best option for accumulating rooms is getting 15 points for every $1 you spend on your room

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It’s no secret that the economy is affecting our lives. Things are getting tough, people are being laid off, stocks are plummeting, gas prices are at an all time high, homes are being foreclosed. It’s enough to make even the sanest person depressed. Sounds like a good time for a vacation? I would say so. At a time of so much disparity- wouldn’t it be great to get away from it all? Go on a cruise and just forget all our worries, travel abroad and experience a new culture?

In reality, when the economy falters the first thing to get cut is our vacations. As ironic as this can seem, it’s just the way it is. This reigned true in my situation. I was supposed to be going to Europe next week, but due to financial situations and an unplanned surgery- that trip has gone out the window. While I am sad about this fact it reminds me that while, no I don’t get to go on my Europe trip this year, that things could be a lot worse. We both still have our jobs, which is a blessing considering the industries we are in, and we are able to live comfortably. While there will be no traveling abroad for the likes of us this year, there are plenty of other trips we will be able to make. It’s a scary time for all of us- but as Joe Dirt would say:  “Keep on Keepin on!”

Checked luggage fees getting you down? Learn to pack light, not only is it good for your wallet but it’s good for your back too. Personally, I always pack light. I haven’t checked a bag in years. Although checking a bag can be convenient- meaning you don’t have to lug around a carry-on, or heft it into the overhead bins (if there is room) it also can be very inconvenient if the airline happens to lose your luggage. You’ll save upwards of $50 from the newly added fees tacked on by airlines. Controversy or not, packing light  has always been an art. One that I excel in. So here are a few tips that may or may not help you out:

1. Pack only the things you know you will need i.e. leave your hairdryer behind (most hotels have them), your extra large bottle of tums, and your third pair of shoes

2. Plan your wardrobe appropriately. Do you really need that winter coat in Phoenix? Probably not.

3. Roll your clothes- do not fold. Don’t worry you can iron once you get there.

4. Don’t waste an ounce of space- I love rollerboards because they are easy to maneuver throughout an airport, but they aren’t always the best thing to pack conservatively in. Duffel bags allow cushion room and you can pack them more full.

5. Most importantly as you are packing think to yourself: “Can I do without this?” If the answer is yes then not packing it will be quite simple!

There are many websites that offer other tips and advice that you may find valuable:

One Bag sponsored by Expedia

Pack Light and Travel Happy

How to pack light

Packing light and right

And as always happy traveling- email me and let me know of your upcoming trip!  Would love to have some guestbloggers blogging thier tips!

Scott, Mike, Me

A new movement is upon us, except it’s not new. It’s usually recognized as the term social media. The only “new” thing about it is the vehicle within the socializing is happening. It’s happening with your computer but instead of you interacting only with your computer- you are now being connected to millions of others. BlogWorld was a testimony to the fact that the Internet is changing who we are and what we listen to.

Sitting in the opening keynote session early Saturday morning with Starbucks in hand, it suddenly dawned on me that I am sitting in a room with some of the most influential people in the country.  The thought gave me chills. The Internet and means within we get information has evolved and will continue to evolve. For decades we got information solely by news media. Now we get information from the source, no more middleman reporters. Although, I do believe that reporters and news media will always have a place in society, more and more people are turning to bloggers who have been given major influence.

Anyways, back to BlogWorld. It was a little bit of a whirlwind and I learned more in two days than I did in four years of college. Enlightening would be an understatement. One of the highlights of my trip was meeting Mike Shinoda. Long time fan of Linkin Park and it was inspiring to hear him speak at day two of BlogWorld- opening keynote. He was much more down to earth than I expected and found it interesting how he explained using new media in his branding efforts.

I have to say to anyone who is just starting out in new media and blogging that this is a great place to explore, learn, and build relationships. Yes people, social media is meant to meet people and make new friendships, business partners, and learn from others. BlogWorld 2009 will you be there?

*** Thanks to The Summit Group for sending Scott and me to BlogWorld!***

ice cream at Cal State Fullerton

This past weekend I went and visited one of my best friends from high school (well she is still one of my bestest friends). It was supposed to be a quick day trip on Saturday but I ended up spending the night. Which thinking back I am really glad I did. 

Sitting on the plane in the morning, the flight was half empty and there was only one other person sitting in first class, so it was a great time to think and catch up on some episodes of flight of the concords.  Arriving at the Orange County Airport at 9:30 am I was greeted by my cute friend Jill. After excited hugs and hi’s we sped off talking a mile a minute trying to catch up. A quick Starbuck’s run and we found ourselves walking around Cal State Fullerton’s campus. Jill is an art major there and she showed me where she goes to school and where her classes are. I love walking around different college campuses. They all have a different atmosphere and I find them all to be unique.

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