So sometimes when I am really bored and nothing else is on- I turn to the Travel Channel and watch some of their shows. I must admit- most of the times I am really disappointed. I feel like the channel tries to appeal to a specific demographic (that may or may not exist) when they could do a ton to extend their reach. I find the shows on really exotic destinations to be cool but unpractical- how about a travel show where they don’t stay in luxury hotels, they don’t go to remote locations, and they don’t eat at five star restaurants. How about showing the average traveler how to travel on an average budget and still have a fantastic time?

How about appealing to college students and teaching them how to travel abroad while utilizing hostels and tour groups. How about shows that teach how to search for the best deals and use social networks for travel purposes. I mean let’s get a little creative, and actually air shows that are useful to the general public! People love reality shows so how about a reality show on what it’s like to work on a cruise ship, or working at huge resort in a remote location. And let’s find hosts for shows who are normal people and not the most annoying person on the planet (I won’t name any names but it’s a woman who drives me nuts!).

Don’t get me wrong there are things about the Travel Channel I really enjoy but let’s be honest for the most part- half of the locations I will never visit in my life (Antigua), so while it’s cool to showcase those places- lets add some places I am likely to travel to. Take a hint from Rachel Ray’s Tasty Travels or $40 a day. It may seem a little crazy but I bet it just might change your channel around- I have many more ideas so Travel Channel- I will be waiting your call!

This is my favorite time of year at work. I love it not only because of the parties, time off and the awesome gift baskets of treats that come, but mostly because this is the time of year that most of our public relations initiatives revolve around giving to others. I love that heart warming feeling that comes when you realize you have done some good in the world.

I came across this article on CNN about volunteer vacations and I think they are a great idea. The article mentions that while third world country living conditions aren’t everyone’s thing, you can still go on a luxury vacation and implement volunteering and doing humanitarian work into a small portion of your trip. A lot of tour companies are now offering that as part of their packages. Check out the article for specific examples.

This probably isn’t something that would be of interest to everyone, as most vacations are about relaxing and forgetting your problems. But if you are going on a two week vacation why not sacrifice two days and do something good. Most likely it will make your vacation even more memorable and meaningful anyways. Not to mention the bonding that will happen between you and your fellow travelers. Keep an open mind you might be surprised by the outcome!

This post will be my first in a series of posts I will write on interesting and unique hotels that are also wallet friendly. Hotels have become such an integral component of vacations, among the many amenities that are now offered at a variety of hotels that aide in making a vacation as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.  Because of this, choosing a hotel that fits your individual needs and desires as well as budget, has become quite a challenge. 

This post is focusing on The Pod Hotel. It’s a unique and modern hotel that is also an affordable option for the notoriously expensive New York hotel market. The Pod Hotel, formerly the Pickwick Arms, has been redesigned into a modern form on a technically advanced hostel and hotel. The Pod’s unique room features include: iPod docking stations,LCD-screen televisions with cable, free WiFi, wireless mini bar, and rain-style shower heads, just to name a few.  The hotel also has a rooftop deck and a garden style cafe. The hotel offers rooms that share bathrooms, private rooms, and studio style townhouses, many different styles to fit your personal needs.

It’s a great choice for younger travelers who aren’t brave enough to try hostels because the room rates are so affordable. Rooms start at $89 per night and range all the way up to $229- a steal for downtown New York City. One of my favorite things about this hotel is the Pod Community Blog which acts as an online concierge as sorts and allows for guests who are currently staying at the hotel to interact, ask questions, get recommendations and make requests. Questions posted on the site by guests are monitored and answered directly by the hotel’s concierge.

I honestly think we are going to see more and more hotels of these sorts pop up in large metropolitan cities around the country. At least I hope they catch on (or franchise). This is a clearly targeted demographic (one that I’m proud to be a part of) that is looking for hotels with these amentities. The Pod Hotel is pushing the boundaries of the traditional hotels by being above the technology curve. Can’t wait until I have the opportunity to visit New York- have been wanting to check out The Pod myself for some time now. If you get there before me- let me know what it’s like!

I was reading through travel news and I came across this slide show and article of 15 places every kid should see. I absolutely loved it! Even though most of these places I still have not seen and according to the government I am no longer a kid (although I still feel like one), it got me thinking about some of my favorite vacations when I was younger.

First off, you can look through the slide show (which is actually really cute) or I will just recap some of the places for you. 10 of the 15 places every kid should see are the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, Colonial Williamsburg, Lincoln Memorial, Niagra Falls, Gettysburg, Alamo, Pearl Harbor, Monitcello, and Disneyworld.

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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!”

Airport security lines have gotten a little out of control. It’s gotten to the point where you just need to plan for the worst regarding arriving to the airport on time. I can think of countless times when I have been stressed and possibly even missed my flight due to the fact that the security line has been out the door.

But hooray there is a solution! A company called provides customers, for a yearly fee, a high tech card that lets you skip ahead in pre-desginated security lines. Think of it as a Disneyland fast pass for the airports. This could save some serious time for frequent flyers.

Right now the company is operating in twenty airports and is continually adding more. Airports include: Albany, Atlanta, Cincinnati, DC Dulles, DC Reagan, Denver, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Los Angeles, New York JFK, New York LGA, Newark, Oakland, Orlando, Reno, Salt Lake City,San Francisco ,San José, Westchester. I am not going to lie, a little disappointed not to see Chicago, but otherwise most major airports notorious for thier crowded lines are listed. And only $128 a year? That’s cheap. Plus, it’s even registered at some sports stadiums to get you into the games faster.

This morning I noticed an article on the drudge report that Jet Blue Airlines was auctioning off flights and vacation packages on eBay. Flights to Las Vegas, New York, the Bahamas and a few other choice locations. Even some mystery vacation packages to those brave bidders. The question you must be asking yourself, just as I asked myself this morning,  is Jet Blue hurting that much that they are selling seats  on their flights on eBay? After some deep reflection I came to the conclusion that the answer to that question is yes and no. Obviously they are looking for ways to sell a few seats on their flights but what I really think they are trying to do is some ultra savvy internet public relations. They are bringing positive attention to their brand while educating consumers to what they have to offer. In the meantime they are basking in the glow of their viral announcement which made the front page of the drudge report and no doubtedly many other news sites while all at the same time you have bloggers like me writing about it causing even more attention to their eBay auctions. Smart move? I would say definitely, in this case it benefits all parties, Jet Blue gets some amazing marketing and public relations while consumers are offered discounts on last minute trips. Happy Bidding!

So last week the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a bill placing a permanent ban on using cell phones to  make in-flight phone calls. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier. Let me tell you why. Last week I went to the doctors office and ended up sitting in the waiting room for twenty minutes listening to the most obnoxious person having the most obnoxious phone call. During the twenty minutes I learned that the lady was allergic to peanuts, hated her kid’s second grade teacher and was having trust issues with her husband. Imagine being stuck on a three hour flight where everyone around you is calling everyone they have ever met and their brother. There is no such thing as cell phone etiquette as it is- so throw 146 people in a metal tube with unlimited cell phone access and guaranteed that hostility would increase even more! Apparantly I am not alone-According to a Department of Transportation Survey nearly 60 percent of flyers are against the usage of cell phones during flights. I am willing to bet the other forty percent are the people who have no concept of cell phone etiquette.

Ok not really, but wouldn’t that be amazing? In preparation for my upcoming Europe trip, I have been keeping my eyes open to articles that will offer me advice on how to save money while I am overseas. I came across this really great article that gives tips to alleviate a tight wallet when visiting Paris. I found it really helpful as the author Gaelle Faure talks about ways to save money visiting the museums, where to stay and eat as well as how to get around. It’s worth checking out. My favorite tip- the Louvre and all other major museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, I actually rearranged my trip so that I will be in Paris on a first Sunday! Plus I love the idea of renting a bike for only 1.50 and going on a self-guided tour of Paris. It’s also good to know that Paris is a truly connected city offering Wi-Fi free all over town, gives peace of mind knowing I will be able to blog while I am in the city of lights.