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!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with family in Greenville, North Carolina. I spent the best part of Halloween sitting on an airplane watching episodes of the office and eating candy I had scored from my office. Even though we didn’t end up arriving to my sister in law’s apt until well after midnight, I still got to enjoy parts of the Halloween experience vicariously through thousands of scantily dressed college students (my sis in law works at ECU). It was fun- we stayed up until all hours of the night and then woke up early to attend my cute niece’s soccer game.

Although it is called North Carolina it is still very much apart of the south. Accents are rich and plentiful, although while I am out there, I am often told I am the one with the accent. Every time I venture east I am always surprised by the trees- mainly the quantity of. When we landed in Raleigh I thought we were landing in the forest. It was a beautiful time to visit though because the trees were turning colors and losing leaves.

I wish I could give you recommendations on what to do and where to eat, but this trip really was about spending quality time with family. Something that is more meaningful to me, when you don’t get to see those you love that often. Someday we will go out there and go to the beaches, see the lighthouses and the plantations. This was a quick trip and I was just as happy blowing raspberries on my 2 year old niece’s tummy and playing school with my five your old niece then venturing out and exploring the town. We did go to a place about twenty miles outside of Greenville called Deadwood, a little family fun place that had a train, a small roller coaster, a mini golf area, and other fun things. It was really cute- and for the most part the kids enjoyed it (they were a little young for mini golf) as well as the adults.

Not only the name of an amazing Subway sandwich but also oddly enough, the theme to my business trip to New Mexico last week.

I’ll be honest, I had only been there once before, and really it was to the airport (one that offers free wifi). So I didn’t know what to expect. It’s an interesting place, reminds me a lot like Salt Lake City. I was sad I didn’t have more time there because I really wanted to go to the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and I was one week late to see the hot air balloon festival. Oh well, maybe next time, I did get my share of New Mexican food though.

Things I learned on this trip:

1. Green Chilies are delicious and a New Mexico Staple
2. If you ask for a side of green chilies and a side of red chilies it’s called Christmas
3. Don’t leave a rotten banana peel in your car door- you never know who will be the next person taking shotgun
4. New Mexico Police Department has some friendly officers
5. It does snow in Albuquerque and they do have ski resorts
6. The media is unpredictable but can be responsive
7. Don’t plan on taking scissors and duct tape in your carry-on
8. You cannot buy biscoff cookies at the grocery store
9. No matter how much you plan and are prepared- something will go wrong
10. It’s ok to stress but don’t stress over the things you cannot control

Places to check out: El Pinto- it’s an old mission that has been turned into a delicious restaurant. Every single presidential candidate has their picture from their visit to the restaurant on the wall, along with numerous other famous people. El Pinto is well known for their salsa and green chili sauce. Ask for a seat on the patio, this restaurant is all about atmosphere.

Last weekend I had the pleasure to spend a few days in my husband’s home state of Minnesota. I had only been there once before and it was during the winter, so much time was spent indoors. This time I was really looking forward to the opportunity to explore the twin cities and spend quality time with friends.

The name of my blog post is more than 10,000 lakes which is in reference to the fact that Minnesota has over 10,000 lakes (There are 11,842 lakes in Minnesota 10 acres or larger in size). This became apparent as we were flying into Minneapolis- there really were lakes everywhere! Minneapolis is probably one of my top 10 favorite US cities. It has an artsy feel with tons of sculptures and galleries everywhere. The downtown area has a ton to do and see, for those of all ages. It even includes some really pretty walking paths. Our first stop was the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden; apparently the cherry on the spoon sculpture is famous. The park is filled with other unique and interesting pieces. It was fun -definitely worth it to check out.
(more…)

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.

(more…)

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

(more…)

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!

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.