Modern Traveling

Dolly Parton Set to Open New Water-Snow Park in Nashville

2012-01-30T20:25:00.006-05:00

The Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, is set to open up yet another attraction in Tennessee, though this time the park will be a little different. The new park is something called a water-snow park and is being described as the first of its kind in the country. The park is set to open in Nashville and will join Parton's many other Tennessee attractions.

Announced on Thursday, the same day as the singer's 66th birthday, the new $50 million park is 114 acres and is believed to be opening in the summer of 2014. According to a statement from Parton, "I'm not a bit afraid of competing with myself. They are far enough apart. I live in Nashville, so it's natural for me to have two working places."

The new water-snow park will be a partnership with Gaylord Entertainment, the same company that owns the vast Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center as well as the Grand Ole Opry county music show also located in Nashville. During the first full season of the park, 500,000 visitors are expected and the park will use 450 full and part-time employees.

As far as details go, there aren't many. Chairman and CEO of Gaylord Entertainment stated that there will be special winter festivities as well as "lots of music" and that an additional 35 acres have already been purchased in the event of expansion. Dollywood and Splash Country bring in around 4 million visitors each year. The park opened back in 1986 with the water park opening in 2001. In addition to those parks, Parton owns the Dixie Stampede dinner theater located in Pigeon Forge.

Being a winter park as well as a summer, there are concerns that the cold winter weather may hinder attendance. However, as far as Parton is concerned, "Unless there's a blizzard, we'll be ready for 'em." Reed also added that he believes the new park will help increase attendance at Parton's other attractions as well.

Overall, thoughts on the project are positive with Reed and Parton describing their partnership as a 50-50 with no worries about financing. "We have a strong balance sheet and an icon like Dolly with us," Reed said and Tennessee Governor Bill Hastlam added, "The idea is a big one. If you think about it, the state lives off sales tax. And this will be something that will mean new dollars for Tennessee."

Source: Detroit Free Press - Dolly Parton plans water, snow park
CBS News - Dolly Parton plans Nashville water/snow park

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Air Travel Set to Increase in 2012 Along with Airfares

2012-01-13T15:29:00.005-05:00

According to a hypothesis by AirpotParkingReservations.com, an airport parking aggregator, the new year means new opportunities for travel, and U.S. travelers are going to take to traveling via air a lot more in 2012. Air travel in the United States increased around 6% in 2011 and that increase is likely to continue well into 2012 as U.S. citizens schedule more trips and increase their overall travel budgets.

AirportParkingReservations.com has seen an upturn in reservations in many different markets. Owners believe that the increased air travel trend will also be supported by increased enplanement figures at a lot of the major airports when they are released by the Department of Transportation later in the year. TripAdvisor's annual travel trends survey saw 79% of participants saying they will spend a minimum of $3,000 on travel in 2012 with 57% saying they will spend $5,000. These increased budgets will be essential since airfares are predicted to increase with the decrease in airlines on the market.

The second quarter of 2011 foreshadowed the higher ticket prices when the average domestic airfare increased by 8.5% over 2010 to $370 per ticket. In addition to that, American Airlines' recent bankruptcy announcement illustrates the industry's financial burdens, which will continue to take their toll on travelers in the form of increased ticket prices.

New mileage-based fees will also go into effect in 2012, which will only serve to further increase ticket prices. The good news is that the Department of Transportation's new rules on disclosing all airline fees upfront are scheduled to begin in the next few months, so passengers will no longer be unaware of all the "extras" they are paying for.

The economy is in the toilet and airfare prices are increasing, but that isn't stopping hard-working Americans from going on some well-deserved vacations this year. Maybe the economy is doing slightly better, allowing for these increased vacation allowances, or maybe people just don't care about money because they believe that the world is going to end this year? Hopefully it isn't the latter.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle - 2012 Air Travel Forecast Predicts Increases in Travel and Airfares

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United Kingdom Most Popular Travel Destination in 2011

2012-01-01T11:25:00.010-05:00

2011 is over and 2012 has begun! The old year went out with a bang, the same way the new year started, but just because 2011 is over doesn't mean that it is forgotten. Citizens of Planet Earth did a lot of traveling last year to places all over the world but only one place could top the list as the most popular travel destination of 2011. While you may think that places like the Caribbean, the Bahamas or some other tropical place would be the most popular, it seems most travelers disagree because the most popular travel destination of 2011 was Britain, according to a study done by Expedia.

Travel to Britain saw a 10% increase in 2011 over 2010 and it appears as if the trend of domestic breaks is poised to continue strong in 2012 as well. Lots of new things to do in the region, like local culinary tours and cooking classes, as well as the increase in local bicycle shops, like Boris Bikes in London, are encouraging people to explore the country in new and exciting ways.

Andy Washington, Managing Director of Expedia UK and Ireland, stated, "It has been an eventful year for the travel industry and a tough year for certain popular travel destinations, but we've noticed time and time again that people tend to forego their annual holiday. It's encouraging to see that Brits are taking advantage of the multitude of attractions closer to home in the UK and embracing 'staycations'. 2011 has highlighted the mixed approach to holidaying taken by Brits in troubled times."

Washington also added, "As some are drawn to holidaying at home, others simply look for alternative destinations - with Spain and Turkey particularly growing in popularity during the Arab Spring. The other notable trend was deal hunting - with savvy travelers taking advantage of the great deals to be had in destinations like Egypt and Japan as these destinations recover. Yet what's absolutely clear is our determination to keep our holidays."

Expedia's study listed the top 10 traveling destinations for 2011 as:

Southern UK regions

London

New York

Paris

Las Vegas

Rome

Amsterdam

Barcelona

Regional Northern France

Edinburgh

Trends are supposed to continue strong into 2012, maybe because a vast majority of the population believes that the world is going to "end" this year. It seems that all these doomsdayers are trying to accomplish what they can before the Mayan calendar wipes us all out.

Source: Travel News - The UK topped most popular destination for travelers in 2011

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Dutch Airlines Allows Passengers to Pick Seat After Looking at Other Passengers Social Media Profiles

2011-12-19T13:09:00.004-05:00

You know how you’re always curious about who you will be sitting next to whenever you fly? It could be someone that leaves you very little elbow room, a crying baby or an individual that simply will not stop their yacking. Well, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has eliminated some of that mystery. Some people are saying that the airline has taken blind dating to the next level.

According to USA Today, KLM is developing a way that passengers can select who they want to sit by with the help of social media. The company will now be allowing their passengers to select where they want to sit by examining the social media profiles of the other passengers.

When you book your flight, you are given the option of browsing the Facebook and LinkedIn profiles of other passengers that are also on your flight. This allows you to find a seatmate that has interests similar to yours or to simply choose someone that you think is attractive. However, to be able to browse other passengers' social media profiles, the passengers must have opted to link their e-ticket to their profiles. This is not required of passengers when they buy their tickets. It is a merely an option.

Lots of people are voicing their opinions on Twitter about this new way of selecting a seat. Some people like it, while others seem to think that it is slightly creepy.
Stumac01 tweeted that it is a great way “to go 'Mile High' with the hottest girl on the flight. The power will be in your hands," he said.

However laurastott1 said, “I cannot think of anything worse than this. Matchmaking via your seat choice in-flight, more like mile-high stalking."

cklenotic simply said, "That could be a LONG flight if it doesn't work out."

Although this is a new concept for airlines, it is not their first introduction to creative uses of social media. Back in February Malaysia Airlines released a Facebook app that allows passengers to book, check-in and then search for Facebook friends that are on the same flight or are traveling to nearby destinations, all without leaving Facebook.

I think that all of it is a little bit creepy, but if people are willing to put themselves out there like that to be judged by the rest of the passengers on their flight, then that is their choice. It will be interesting to see how many people are actually willing to link their social media profile to their e-ticket.

Sources: PCMag - Dutch Airline Lets Passengers Pick Seats By Perusing Facebook Profiles and SkyNews HD - KLM To Offer Mile-High Dating Via Facebook

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Southern California May Play Home to New Harry Potter Theme Park

2011-12-05T23:24:00.006-05:00

Would you like to know what is top on my bucket list? Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida. I've been a Harry Potter fanatic since I saw the first movie some ten years ago and the opening of the theme park was literally a dream come true. However, I live in Ohio so making the trip all the way to Florida isn't something I can just do on a whim. What's worse is that there are tons of Harry Potter fans just like me who are dying to visit the park that live even farther away on the West Coast. Luckily for them, they may be getting their very own Harry Potter theme park pretty soon.

Possible plans have been announced to build a new Harry Potter theme park in California with Universal Studios Hollywood hosting the attraction. With the incredible success of the first park in Orlando, it seems that Universal is looking to build on that success and branch out to a wider audience. According to the Los Angeles Times, the theme park in Florida has been responsible for a 36% boost in attendance at Universal Orlando within the first three months of 2011.

The park itself has rides and attractions themed after the books and movies as well as a ton of replicas from popular locations, including Honeydukes, Zonko's Joke Shop and the great Hogwarts itself. It is safe to assume that similar things would be implemented in the California park as well. However, Universal Studios Hollywood must somehow figure out a way to fit the theme park into its current location due to the limited space. Organizers have stated that existing rides may need to be removed or retrofitted in order to make room for the new attraction.

The new California park could open as early as 2015 with Reuters also reporting that Harry Potter theme parks may also soon open up in other countries, primarily Japan and Singapore. All I can say is the more the merrier when it comes to Harry Potter theme parks!

Source: Digital Journal - New Harry Potter theme park may be coming to Southern California

Airports Starting to Sell Ad Space on Control Towers

2011-11-18T17:35:00.004-05:00

It is no surprise that in these tough economic times, companies are looking to put advertisements anywhere. Any surface that can house an ad for a company is being sold so that struggling businesses can make some quick cash. However, officials at an airport in Medford, Oregon have done something truly bizarre. Officials have recently given approval to place giant corporate logos on the airport's control tower.

The Medford City Council took a vote during the week to amend city code, allowing these gigantic adds to be placed. Each ad measures 25-by-25 feet with one being placed on each of the four sides of the 100-foot tall control tower, a landmark to the city.

The combined revenue of the ads is said to generate $3,000 per month and Councilor Al Densmore has said that even though he would love to keep public buildings free and clear of advertising, the money will help reduce landing fees and, in turn, make the airport more attractive to new airlines.

Medford's city planning commission actually voted against the proposal last month, which prompted the director of the airport to go directly to the council himself. Allen Adamson, Managing Director of the global branding firm Landor, stated that the idea to put advertising on the control tower is a "no-brainer" and that he expects many airports to follow the Medford's lead.

Personally, I have always found control towers to be a bit boring. Now that Medford is selling ad space on theirs, I can only hope that I will one day be flying into an airport only to see a giant advertisement for the McRib on the control tower. A 25-by-25-foot rib sandwich sure would be something to behold.

Source: MSNBC - Oregon airport to put ads on control tower

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Vision Airlines Offers $2 Round-Trip Flights to the Bahamas, Stings Attached

2011-11-06T20:20:00.008-05:00

When you see a headline that says "$2 Flight to the Bahamas", a few things probably cross your mind: Can this be safe? and What strings are attached? Well if you are thinking an offer like this is too good to be true, then you are most likely right. The offer comes from a Georgia-based low-fare airline that is launching nonstop service to Freeport from five different U.S. cities, with a few strings attached.

Vision Airlines, an air carrier that started off offering Grand Canyon charter flights back in 1994, just started twice-weekly flights to Grand Bahama Island earlier this week from Baltimore/Washington, Louisville, Raleigh/Durham and Richmond with flights five days a week from Ft. Lauderdale. The $2 promotion, which is good through March 4 if purchased by December 11, requires the customer to put in for a three-night minimum stay for at least two people at one of nine Grand Bahama resorts. However, that price does not reflect the $120 tax (per person) round-trip. So in essence you are looking at about $934.45 per couple minimum.

Regular one-way fares to Freeport will cost anywhere from $39 to $189 with an average of $99, plus a $60 tax each way. C.A. Smith, the Bahamian ambassador to the United States, was quoted saying that he hopes the Vision Airlines service will rekindle interest in Freeport, which just so happens to be the main city on Grand Bahama Island as well as the second-largest in the country. According to Smith, "The plan basically allows us to redevelop the tourism sector of the economy, and in order to do that you have to be able to have inexpensive airline seats. You have to make it convenient for people to travel."

Smith also added that Freeport was devastated by a hurricane in 2004 and 2005 and has since been eclipsed by Nassau in the recent years, especially after the opening of the Atlantis mega-resort helped initiate a hotel building influx on New Providence Island. New Providence, where Nassau is located, is also linked to New Paradise Island (the site of the Atlantis) by a causeway.

Another red flag is that it has been reported that Vision Airlines owes nearly $260,000 in unpaid passenger facility charges to the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, the location where the airliner began service in December of 2010. In addition to that, the company is also said to owe passenger facility charges and other fees to the Little Rock National Airport in Arkansas. Just a few things to keep in mind if you actually decide to cash in on this "deal".

Source: USA Today - The Bahamas for a buck? Vision Airlines offers $2 round-trip flights

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American Airlines to Offer International Curbside Check-In

2011-10-23T21:36:00.006-04:00

American Airlines is expanding its Curbside Check-In service to give any customer traveling internationally the opportunity to check their bags with the skycap. This makes the travelers trip through the airport, which everyone knows can be extremely stressful, as smooth as possible.

Curbside Check-In from American Airlines is available to any and all customers traveling to an international location. This includes countries that require a visa, making American Airlines the only airline to provide a service of this kind.

Ever since September, American Airlines has been expanding the enhanced service to 28 airports that already offer domestic Curbside Check-In services including American Airlines' cornerstone markets in Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Miami and New York at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. 31 additional U.S. markets will offer the new service by the beginning of November according to American Airlines.

According to a statement from American Airline's Senior Vice President of Airport Services Tom Del Valle, "Offering Curbside Check-In for travel to international destinations is another way American is expanding its products and services to better meet the needs and desires of customers traveling abroad. The new service offers a seamless transition from booking to boarding, and we look forward to the positive changes this will bring to our customers' overall travel experience."

Curbside Check-In allows customers to have the convenient opportunity to book, purchase and check in from their home, drop their bags on the airport curb with the skycap and move directly through the security check-in point to their departure gate in one easy process. In addition to that, this service also provides flexibility for customers traveling with a large number of bags or to anyone who prefers to bypass the ticket counter altogether.

Curbside Check-In at international airports will also coincide with regular ticket counter hours and will be available to customers who use online flight check-ins, electronic tickets or those with/without pre-reserved seats.

Source: The Sacramento Bee - American Airlines Introduces Curbside Check-In for Customers Traveling to International Destinations

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TomTom's New Go Live 1535M Nav Unit

2011-10-06T15:08:00.005-04:00

TomTom, the popular GPS manufacturer, just announced the launch of live services for the Canadian market with the introduction of the connected GO LIVE 1535M. This device combines the most comprehensive road and traffic information from TomTom HD Traffic with access to real-time information via travel-related apps. These new features are said to give people the information they need on a dedicated device that is specifically designed to offer a high quality navigational experience.

Since this device is connected, the GO LIVE can save you time with your commute, money on your gas and help lessen stress by continuously monitoring and rerouting you based on current traffic conditions. In addition to that, TomTom HD Traffic provides accurate reporting by capturing more actual traffic jams than previously possible. And if that isn't enough, TomTom HD Traffic also processes traffic conditions for all major and secondary roads within the Canadian road network and proactively delivers updates in real-time to your device every two minutes.

According to TomTom President Tim Roper, "We are excited to introduce our connected navigation solutions to Canadian drivers. By giving people the most up-to-date traffic details as well as relevant local content provided by travel apps, TomTom is bringing a new level of connectivity to drivers by providing information in the most effective platform available."

Features of the new TomTom GO LIVE 1535M include:

Intuitive Voice Recognition with one-step address entry

Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling

Integrated Mount with Flip-Screen

Crisp, sharp graphics and intuitive user menus

Expanded driving view on 5" touch screens

Spoken Street Names

Advanced Lane Guidance

Maps of the United Stats, Canada and Mexico

Lifetime Map Updates

TomTom LIVE Services Bundle, including TomTom HD Traffic

Branded Travel apps from Yelp, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Twitter and Google

The TomTom GO LIVE 1535M will be available at Best Buy, Future Shop, Rogers Stores and other nationwide retailers sometime this month with pricing starting at $269 CAD MSRP.

Source: Engadget - TomTom extends Live service and HD traffic to Canada with Go Live 1535M nav unit

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AmaWaterways Has Something Special Planned for Your Holiday Cruise

2011-09-23T17:41:00.005-04:00

If you are a planning on taking a European cruise with AmaWaterways over the December holidays, then you may be in for a special treat. AmaWaterways is planning on giving passengers an extra one to two nights on its ships located in ports in Amsterdam.

However, if that isn't enough for you, AmaWaterways is also offering "triple savings" on the holiday cruises as well. New bookings made through October 31 will be rewarded with a $500 price savings per person on the cruise as well as a complimentary one-category stateroom upgrade and a $100 shipboard credit per stateroom.

However, this offer is only available on the following two cruise lines:

AmaLegro - A two-night pre-cruise program in Prague followed by a nine-night Nuremberg to Amsterdam cruise that includes two complimentary nights on board the ship in Amsterdam. The United States Departure Date is scheduled for December 20, with a cruise embarkation date of December 23.

AmaLyra - A two-night Prague pre-cruise program followed by an eight-night Nuremberg to Amsterdam cruise that includes a complimentary night on board the ship in Amsterdam. The United States Departure Date for this cruise is scheduled for December 22 with a cruise embarkation date of December 25.

Both cruises will visit towns decorated during the holiday season including Christmas markets filled with hand-made crafts, toys, ornaments, etc... Special on board activities also include things like tree-trimming parties, crew caroling and a visit from ol' St. Nick himself. A traditional Christmas dinner will be served on both ships as well as a New Year's feast complete with fireworks in Amsterdam to bring in the new year.

Source: USA Today Travel - Deal Watch: AmaWaterways offers free nights in Amsterdam for holiday cruises

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Travel Purchases Influenced by Frequent Flyer Miles

2011-09-09T17:39:00.007-04:00

In most cases travelers tend to give some thought and consideration to earning frequent flyer miles whenever making decisions about travel purchases.

At least that is true according to a survey that was recently conducted by GO Airport Express and The GO Group, one a ground transportation company out of Chicago and the other an international franchise organization of ground transportation companies.

The survey had a total of 675 participants, all of which were asked how often earning frequent flyer miles factored into their decisions. Nearly 71% indicated that earning frequent flyer miles always, frequently or occasionally factored into their decision with only 28% saying that it never does.

According to President of GO Airport Express John McCarthy, "I think the survey tells us that people are seeking an added value when making airfare, hotel or other related purchases, as opposed to choosing on single factors such as price."

In addition to that, customers of GO Airport Express can also earn Preferred Rider miles as well as United Mileage Plus or American Advantage miles by joining the free Preferred Rider Program.

I am not a frequent flyer though I do know that if I was, I would definitely be looking into decisions that increased my frequent flyer miles. With the downward spiral our economy is on, coupled with the rising fuel costs and rising prices of airline tickets, frequent travelers can use all the help they can get.

Source: The Sacramento Bee - Frequent Flyer Miles Factor Into Travel Purchases According to GO Airport Express

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Airports Begin to Start Up Post Hurricane Irene

2011-08-28T17:53:00.009-04:00

It seems that Hurricane Irene is doing more than just forcing people to evacuate and throwing a lot of ugly storms our way. As a result of the impending hurricane, many flights to and from areas along the East coast were cancelled as airports shut down for safety protocols.

The good news is that some East coast airports have resumed partial service as of Sunday, even though travel was sluggish thanks to U.S. airlines canceling over 6,000 flights, a majority of which were located in the Greater New York, Boston and Philadelphia areas.

The Baltimore/Washington International Airport resumed service very slowly on Sunday beginning with a 10:20 a.m. American Airlines flight from Miami. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the organization that oversees Reagan National and Dulles International Airports, stated that its airports are open and sustained "no major damage" from the storms on Saturday.

More than half of the 6,000+ cancellations came from the three major airports in the Greater New York area, John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia. Despite the cancellations and storms, many airlines stated that they could resume New York service by midday Monday depending on conditions and access of the facilities.

Many of the airports on the East Coast stayed open despite empty runways. The only flights out of Boston's Logan International Airport that were expected to come through on Sunday were two late night international arrivals, according to Phil Orlandella, a spokesman for the airport.

U.S. carriers stated that they planned on resuming operations as early as 6 a.m. on Monday and no later than noon. Airlines have canceled over 1,000 flights to and from Philadelphia International Airport where there were no departures scheduled. However, the facility did reopen on Sunday at 4 p.m. after closing the night before. All East Coast airports should become fully operational at some point in the coming week.

Source: The Wall Street Journal - Travel Snarled as Airports Revive

Ford Tri-Motor at Port Clinton Airfield

2011-08-14T21:52:00.008-04:00

The large hangar at the fixed base operator (FBO) site at the Port Clinton Ohio airfield houses a partially reconstructed/restored Ford Tri-motor. In the late 1920's Henry Ford successfully endeavored to build what was the first commercially feasible passenger airplane fleet in the world - the Ford Tri-motor. The work of restoring and recreating one of these aircraft is a very ambitious project.

The local EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 1247 started this monumental task several years ago thinking to preserve the airplane for history. Warren Cermak is the lead person on the project. The club goal was to create a working aircraft. Since that time they have expanded their horizon to include housing the vehicle in a museum for the public to see and enjoy. The tri-motor will be used for sightseeing rides as well as being on display in the museum. The museum will be located on the Port Clinton airfield but on the opposite side of the field from the FBO near the roadway and will have a (50's?) diner included.

The chapter has established the Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation to accommodate donations that help support the purchase of materials for the project and the museum. Please visit their website www.trimotorheritagefoundation.org to view a video of the project and its goals. All funds donated are being matched two for one ($2 additional for every $1 donated) by a private donor.

We are amazed at the dedication of Chapter 1247 for the past few years and admire the work already accomplished.

Hotels Now Offering Rooms with Workout Equipment

2011-08-12T17:57:00.005-04:00

Let's be honest, the last thing many of us would probably want to think about while on vacation is our workout routine right? I mean, how can you enjoy your time of relaxation if you are constantly trying to make it to the hotel workout room or worrying about what you are going to eat that day? However, there may be a way to make your vacation workout time easier as many hotels are beginning to offer rooms that come equipped with weights, yoga mats and even treadmills or elliptical machines.

According to Chris Carmichael, CEO and Head Coach for Carmichael Training Systems, "The increased popularity of in-room fitness options has to do with convenience and effectiveness. People can get the job done without leaving their room, get it done quickly and get on with their day."

Keeping up with this trend, the Hotel 71 in Chicago created five 600-square-foot fitness suites as part of a $15 million renovation. Two of the rooms feature elliptical machines, three have treadmills and all have 43" TVs that guests can use to play things like workout DVDs. However, these rooms will cost you a little extra. The average nightly rate is $179, though the suites will also be offered to members of the hotel's loyalty program as an upgrade.

"Our fitness center is available 24 hours a day, but some people find it awkward to go down there in the middle of the night," said General Manager Steve Shern. "Others just want the ability to work out in their own private space."

Other, larger hotel chains are jumping on the bandwagon as well. Both Affinia Hotels and the Hilton Garden Inn chain offer complimentary fitness kits, which include yoga mats, stretching blocks, workout bands and weights. The Hilton Garden also includes an 8-lb. ball for abdominal workouts.

Some hotel companies are even making partnerships with athletic and training companies to provide everything from exercise videos to workout clothes. Guests of the Sheraton can take advantage of complimentary video-on-demand routines and "workout in a bag" kits developed by the athletic training company Core Performance. At the Westin guests can borrow complimentary athletic shoes as well as workout clothes due to a partnership with New Balance.

"Frequent travelers have realized that being fit makes travel easier," Carmichael stated. "They don't want to put their lifestyle on hold when they leave town." Shern added, "I talked to one guest who told me the machine was staring at her the entire time. She said it was a great source of motivation to actually get on it."

Source: MSNBC - Hotels bring the workout to your room

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Johnson's Island Civil War Cemetery

2011-08-08T22:09:00.004-04:00

Johnson's Island Civil War Cemetery

Even if you are just slightly interested in the Civil War, you will enjoy this well kept federal cemetery on a tiny residential island in northwest Ohio. To get there, travel on the perimeter road east of Port Clinton on the Sandusky Bay side. Watch for a very small marker to herald the entrance to the causeway leading to Johnson's Island (the cost is currently two dollars/car to cross the causeway). There will be a sign directing you to the cemetery.

Once there, you will be surprised by the fenced in rows of white grave markers that are almost all in very good condition. This area is listed as "Ohio's most significant Civil War site". The Confederate Prisoner of War Depot was rapidly built early on in the conflict labeled the Civil War. The first prisoners arrived in April of 1862. Twenty-six Confederate generals and future generals were imprisoned on the island.

History has it that they were treated very fairly at the beginning of the conflict but later on rations were greatly decreased and the facilities were overcrowded. There is a museum dedicated to preserving the history and artifacts of the camp located in Sandusky at the Ohio Veteran's Home.

Archeological studies continue at the cemetery. There is a chart showing graves wih markers and those burial sites that are unmarked but verified as having human remains.

There is a large handsome monument erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy in 1910. The monument serves as a memorial to honor the service of these men.

Marblehead Lighthouse

2011-08-08T21:59:00.008-04:00

Add Marblehead Lighthouse to Your Cedar Point Visit

Cedar Point, north of Sandusky, may be the spot the kids want to experience but you might want to sneak in this special lighthouse in the northwestern corner of the great state of Ohio.

Marblehead Lighthouse offers wonderful views of Lake Erie, a finely preserved lighthouse and home where the lighthouse keeper and family would stay, as well as a stroll around the well kept grounds.

The drive is to go north east of Port Clinton following the Lake Erie shoreline until you come to the park entrance. Enjoy the views and the walk or bring your fishing gear to try to catch supper!

Dispute Between American Airlines and Travelport Continues

2011-07-30T16:20:00.007-04:00

American Airlines and Travelport LP, a ticket middleman, have just delayed a duel between the two companies reminiscent of ones in the past that have resulted in American flights disappearing from popular travel websites and ticket brokers.

In a statement from both American Airlines and Travelport that was released yesterday, the two companies stated that agreements that are set to expire in the next couple of months have been extended to last until the end of the year. One of the deals that included Worldspan, an affiliate of Travelport, was set to expire on Sunday.

Travelport's "global distribution systems", which include Worldspan, Galileo and Apollo, provide information about airline flights and fares to travel agencies around the world. American Airlines wishes to deal more directly with travel agencies in order to reduce distribution costs and to tailor offers to customers directly.

American Airlines has also accused Travelport of breaking antitrust laws by raising fees and burying information about American flights, making travel agents see flight information and prices from other airlines before they see those from American. Several lawsuits have arisen due to the dispute involving AMR Corporation's American, Travelport, Sabre Holdings Corporation and online travel agencies which include Orbitz Worldwide Incorporated. The dispute even got so bad that American Airlines flights didn't even appear on Orbitz or Expedia.

Both American Airlines and Travelport LP have declined to comment on the current situation.

Source: Bloomberg Businessweek - American Airlines, Travelport extend agreement

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VACATION! BEACH! SUN! FAMILY! FOOD! Bethany Beach Delaware!

2011-07-20T06:12:00.008-04:00

Everybody loves the beach (or the unit that is airconditioned and looks out on the beach..). The 'beachies' have a sand chair, reading material, a cold drink, a beach towel, maybe a beach umbrella, a friend or two, music available, french fries at some point in the sunbathing day, a quick dip in the 'cool' ocean or (if you are lucky) the pool, and finally the conversation spoken (or not) about where will I eat tonight...

Then it is crabs or ribs or corn on the cob - progressing to movies or boardwalk or cards or a walk on the now cool beach. If you are lucky, you see the sand cleaner machine in action making things ready for the next day.

If you are really lucky you see dolphins just off the beach or wind surfers or kayakers.

Finally just to make you sigh in pleasure you see this marvelous moon.

Heros in Our Back Yard, Dayton Ohio

2011-07-19T18:05:00.007-04:00

Honor to the Heros

Locals were among the glitter and warmth of an evening celebration to enroll four men honored by being named into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. This year of the 50th annual ceremony was particularly special to admit Iven C. Kincheloe, Carles E. McGee, S. Harry Robertson and Thomas D White to the ranks of men and women honored.

The hundreds of people attending the black tie dinner at the Dayton Convention Center included Neil Armstrong, Amanda Wright Lane, Col. Thomas Moe, Frank Borman, Gen. Richard Cody, and Sec. of the U. S. Air Force, Michael B. Donley.

These awards are for past heroic efforts and great contributions to the history of aviation. As the biographies were read by the presenters, these men may have not been in the limelight but were outstanding by the sheer donations they have made over the years.

Col. Charles E. McGee, USAF retired was the only honoree able to accept the award on his own behalf. The acceptance speech given by this 91 year old man gave great credit to the men under his command. His 409 aerial flights over three wars is a record that tells he was in

the air with the men in his squadron. He was a fine leader who gained their loyalty, respect and admiration.

We had the particular pleasure of sitting with Betty Tach Blake. Mrs. Blake was in the first class of WASPs in 1943. These WASP pilots ferried the airplanes from coast to coast as they were manufactured. What that statment does not tell you is that these women were also the test pilots of each plane as they were inspected but not flown before they were transferred to their final destination.

Watch for the announcement next year. if at all possible you will be thrilled to attend the Dayton Ceremony.

Skydiving Middletown Ohio

2011-07-19T09:43:00.000-04:00

Here we are in Middletown Ohio for a bit of adventure in Vertical Travel.

The facilities are spacious both in the hangar and in the sky. Pilots take up to 16 passengers per jump opportunity. This is after

L.A. Residents Prepare for Carmageddon

2011-07-17T03:12:00.006-04:00

Carmageddon. Not only does this refer to an old, crazy video game about blowing up cars and what not, it also refers to the term residents of Los Angeles are giving to the inevitable and epic traffic jam that is resulting from the closure of a 10-mile stretch of the 405 Freeway until this coming Monday morning. To top it all off, the part closed for construction is located between two of the country's busiest interchanges.

The 53-hour shutdown, which just may delay motorists that long in detours, is happening in order for construction crews to demolish a bridge as a part of a $1 billion freeway-widening project. In response to this shutdown and the inevitable problems it will cause, L.A. is opening its emergency operations center for the weekend.

It wouldn't be Hollywood if celebrities weren't involved, so a number of famous actors and actresses have been doing commercials and the like in order to warn motorists about the impending traffic jam with the simple message of "Stay Away!" This has inspired a plethora of leisure destinations outside of L.A. to offer special "Escape Carmageddon" discount packages. However, most people that live and work in and around the gridlock area have no choice but to buck up and hunker down for the weekend.

Other businesses are taking action as well. The UCLA Medical Center has secured 600 dorms and apartments as temporary residences for hospital staff so as to prevent doctors from getting stuck in the traffic during an emergency. According to the Posie Carpenter, Chief Administrative Officer for the UCLA Medical Center, "We see this as a big disaster -- only it's a planned disaster." Other businesses, like the Getty Center art museum, have said that they will be closed for the entire duration of Carmageddon.

Source: Reuters - Los Angeles braces for weekend of "Carmageddon"

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Hamilton Ohio 4th of July Parade

2011-07-05T09:31:00.002-04:00

HAMILTON 4TH OF JULY PARADE

Hamilton parade had it all - in spite of the skies that continued to sprinkle the people lining the parade route. The organizers had participants from any and all directions - Shandon, Seven Mile, Madison, Edgewood, Cincinnati Christian, veterans organizations, churches, all emergency services, car clubs, scouts, and naturally Hamilton schools. Hope you enjoy their pictures and the service and pride that says "I am proud to be an American".

Decrease in 4th of July Travelers Predicted by AAA

2011-07-01T08:53:00.005-04:00

Gas prices were sweet there for a while. I don't know about you and your town, but here in and around Middletown, Ohio I saw gas prices drop to as low as $3.25 a gallon. However, that sweetness was short-lived as the Fourth of July weekend approached. I literally saw gas increase at least $0.20 in a matter of hours towards the middle of this week and it appears that I'm not the only one as AAA predicts nearly one million fewer people will be traveling this 4th of July thanks to higher gas prices and increased air fares.

According to AAA, travel will decrease by 2.5%, with roughly 39 million Americans traveling 50 miles or more from home during the long weekend that begins today and ends on Monday, July 4th according to Jim Lardear, a spokesman for AAA. This number is down roughly one million from the 40 million travelers observed last year. "AAA is projecting a slight decline in the number of Independence Day travelers, mainly due to fuel prices being about one dollar higher than last year," Lardear stated. "Increased fuel costs also are responsible for a shift in demographics of the typical Independence Day traveler, as higher prices impact lower income households more significantly."

Last year 41% of those with a household income of $50,000 or less traveled on Independence Day. That number is expected to drop to 33% for this year while the number of households making $100,000 or more is expected to increase from 26% to 35% according to Lardear. Even though fewer travelers are expected to load up the car and hit the road this year, PennDOT will stop all maintenance and construction projects to allow smooth sailing for those fortunate enough to make it out of the house.

I am one of the lucky (or unlucky depending on your outlook) to be traveling this weekend. I am headed on a two-hour car ride to Columbus, Ohio so hopefully the gas prices don't eat up my cash too much. I suppose I can always give up food for gas.

Source: phillyBurbs.com - AAA projects fewer people to travel on 4th of July

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National Parks Offering Free Admission on June 21

2011-06-17T14:47:00.006-04:00

If there is one thing I love about summertime in the United States, it's the outdoors. America is truly beautiful in the summer and some of the best activities to do are outdoors. One of my favorite things to do is go to the park. However, anybody can go to their local park whenever they want to, so why not try something different? If you are planning on traveling on June 21, then that "something different" should be a visit to one of our country's many national parks.

The National Park Service is offering free admission on Tuesday, June 21 to more than 100 national parks that would typically charge you an entry fee. The National Park Service is doing this as a way to mark the first official day of summer which is recognized around the nation as June 21.

June 21 isn't the only day you can get into a national park for free though. Other fee-free days for this year include September 24, which is known as Public Lands Day, and November 11 through the 13, which is Veteran's Day weekend.

A full list of every national park that will be offering free admission can be found on the National Park Service website. This list includes many of the best-known parks in the country like Grand Canyon in Arizona, Yosemite and Muir Woods in California, Rocky Mountain in Colorado, Everglades in Florida, Yellowstone and Grand Teton in Wyoming, Acadia in Maine, Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Arches, Bryce and Zion in Utah and Shenandoah in Virginia.

Some of the concessions at the parks also offer deals on free-entry days. Swan Mountain Outfitters at the Glacier National Park in Montana are offering $5 off standard trail rates for kids that are riding with a full-paying adult, $5 off per rider on groups of 6 or more and $5 off for Montana residents on the first day of summer. Full details of all the deals are located here.

Source: MSNBC - Free admission to national parks on June 21

New Pirate Dinner Theater Replaces Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede on the South Carolina Coast

2011-06-04T14:14:00.007-04:00

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede is out and her new Pirates Voyage is in as the country singing sensation hoists the colors high in her new dinner theater show on the coast of South Carolina.

According to Parton, "We just needed to do something new and different." Parton was in South Carolina on Friday for the opening of the first show which features actors portraying pirates and mermaids. The show also includes real horses as well as sea lions. "We have been successful for 18 or 19 years," Parton added, "but pirates is a great theme - children love it, seniors love it."

The Dixie Stampede show closed last year and an $11 million renovation of the building took place, which included the construction of a 15-foot, 750,000-gallon indoor pool. 30-foot pirate galleons are located at either end of the theater while the sunken wreck of a third ship is located in the middle of the set.

Parton mentioned that the new theme has nothing to do with the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise but did add "that's a good plus. It's wonderful the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' No. 4 came out and it's No. 1 in the world. The timing couldn't be better but we didn't base it on that as much as having a wonderful theme."

Parton went on to say, "we've been talking about this for a few years. We thought it would be more fitting being here on the beach just to have something like that and we didn't want to build an additional one so we just thought that we would convert the Dixie Stampede."

Depending on how the show does in Myrtle Beach, Parton said she may attempt to bing the show to other seaside markets as well. "It was always planned for Myrtle Beach. We had a Dixie Stampede in Orlando and it didn't do very well. We're going to try this and see. If this is going well here, we may do some more beach destinations with the pirate theme."

The new pirate show is the second new major attraction to go up in Myrtle Beach this season. The tallest Ferris wheel in the eastern United States went up back in May and stands 200 feet tall and cost $12 million to make. It also has one million LED lights on it and each of the 42 gondolas are air conditioned.

So if you are planning on taking the family on vacation this year, Myrtle Beach may be the place to go. You can spend some time at the beach, ride one of the nation's biggest ferris wheels and see an awesome pirate show at a dinner theater. I'm sold already!

Source: Yahoo! News - Dolly Parton launches pirate show on SC coast

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AAA Predicts an Increase in Memorial Day Travel

2011-05-20T12:20:00.006-04:00

Despite rising costs of airline tickets, hotels and rental cars, AAA believes that there will be slightly more residents traveling over this year's Memorial Day weekend compared to last year.

AAA, which just so happens to be the nation's largest leisure travel organization, predicts that roughly 34.9 million Americans will hop aboard their chosen means of transportation and travel at least 50 miles away from home next weekend for Memorial Day. This estimate is a 0.2% increase (roughly 100,000 people) over the 34.8 million people who set out to travel last year. AAA defines the Memorial Day travel period as running from Thursday, May 26th until Monday, May 30th.

According to Chuck Mai, a spokesman for AAA-Oklahoma, "In 2010, Memorial Day travel experienced a gain of more than 14%. This year we expect to add slightly to that gain due to an anticipated increase in air travel and an improvement in the overall domestic economic picture. Many travelers have told us they'll compensate for higher fuel costs by cutting back in other areas of spending."

Some people, in Oklahoma at least, are deciding to stay closer to home or are even going as far as delaying travel plans for the weekend. Memorial Day has long since been considered the traditional start of the summer travel season according to AAA. Another factor is schooling. A rash of snowstorms back in February caused many schools to shut down for two weeks and those schools now have to make up that time by letting out two weeks later than usual.

Nancy Winn, a travel agent with Travel Leaders/Spears Travel, stated, "Schools are getting out late so that kind of messed up people's plans. So, many people are waiting until the middle of June."

Even though gas prices are more than $1 a gallon higher than they were last year, vehicle travel is still the primary route of transportation. According to AAA, nearly 9 out of 10 holiday travelers will be getting to their desired locations via motor vehicles throughout Memorial Day weekend.

The national average price for regular gas right now is $3.95 per gallon, compared with the $2.85 per gallon price of last year. However, gas is still lower in some areas. Around my hometown in Ohio gas has dropped to as low as $3.77 per gallon.

AAA conducted a survey of intended holiday travelers and found that 6 out of 10 stated that the increase in gas prices would not affect their plans to travel. 70% of the people who said rising gas prices would affect their travel stated that they would make up for that increase by economizing in other areas. The rest of the people polled said that they would simply take a shorter trip or travel by something other than car.

AAA expects around 2.93 million people to travel by air over the weekend, which is an 11.5% increase over last year's numbers. Air fares over Memorial Day weekend are expected to be 14% higher than this time last year with the lowest round-trip cost coming in around $201.

According to Tim Smith, a spokesman from American Airlines, "The busiest travel days will be Thursday and Friday, May 26 and 27, and Tuesday, May 31 when returning holiday travelers will be running into outbound business travelers. Load factors (percentage of full seats) will be in the high 80s and low 90s. Give yourself plenty of time."

AAA also noted that their Three Diamond lodging costs are up 5% from one year ago with travelers spending roughly $148 per night as opposed to the $142 of last year. Travelers to AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect a 10% increase in price with an average cost of $109.

What about you? Will rising gas prices, air fares and hotel costs put a damper on your Memorial Day weekend?

Source: Tulsa World - AAA predicts uptick in holiday travel despite higher costs

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How to Make Traveling with Dogs Safer and Easier

2011-05-07T14:10:00.005-04:00

So, a lot of people like to travel and a lot of people like having dogs, and there are some out there that even like traveling and having dogs. However, this scenario poses a problem for these people: what to do with the dog when you travel. Well, there are a lot of different options. You can leave the dog with a friend, neighbor or relative, put the dog in a kennel or at a ridiculous doggy resort, or you can take the dog with you. Now that last option is pretty easy if your dog is small but a lot of people have big dogs and keeping them safe when you travel is hard.

If you are traveling with your dog, there are some serious things you need to consider first. First off, never let your dog stick their head out the window if you plan on traveling at high speeds. If your dog does this, you run the risk of debris or other things getting into your dog's eyes and causing some pretty bad damage. However, it seems kind of cruel to keep your dog from sticking its head out the window, so invest in some doggles. Doggles are goggles for dogs that can protect their eyes in these types of situations.

Second, never let your dog sit in the front seat. This may seem strange but hear me out. If you get into a wreck, or even a fender bender, and the airbag deploys, then that can cause some serious harm to your dog. You should also never leave your dog in the car by itself. The number one cause of death dogs is heart related issues. If you leave your dog in the car for too long and it becomes overheated, it could have heart problems and die.

If you absolutely must leave your dog in the car, then keep the air conditioner on and leave some cold water in the car, especially in the summertime. It is also recommended that you do not shave your dog for the summer. This seems to go against everything you have heard, right? Well, dogs have a built-in cooling system which goes away if you shave them. Excessive panting and a red mucus membrane instead of pink are both signs of heat stroke in your dog.

Serious dog lovers can even get a dog first aid kit to keep in their car. This works much like a human fist aid kit containing everything you would need in a doggy emergency. With this information, traveling with your dog can become much easier and much safer.

Source: News 8 - How to keep dogs safe in the summer

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Easter Travel Won't Be Hampered By Inflating Gas Prices

2011-04-22T13:35:00.004-04:00

It is springtime and Easter is fast approaching, so you know that there are going to be a lot of travelers hitting the roads this weekend and traveling all over the country to see friends and family. However, there is one thing that you would think would dampen Easter travels and that is the continuously rising gas prices.

Crude oil's cost is at its highest since about two and a half years ago, with prices in some locations reaching as high as $4 a gallon. However, AAA Michigan spokeswoman Nancy Cain says that increasing gas prices will not likely hamper spring vacation or Easter.

According to Cain, "It's an unfortunate set of circumstances for motorists. We're paying almost $1 more per gallon than this time last year."

The average gas price per gallon for unleaded in Michigan on April 19th was $3.954 per gallon which was above the national average price of $3.835 for that day.However, Michigan wasn't the only state higher than the national average on Tuesday. States like Alaska, California, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois and New York topped $4 per gallon, according to the AAA website database.

Cain stated that AAA Michigan conducts surveys multiple times each year in order to gauge holiday travel. They monitor holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the time span from Christmas to New Year's. However, AAA does not typically do Easter or Spring Break travel but, according to Cain, it is evident that travel has increased from last year.

Easter is not typically a holiday when people travel too far. A lot of people stay home or visit family members that live close by. However, even traveling to see close family members or friends will cost you a little more than you are used to.

Gas prices where I live, around Cincinnati, Ohio, have reached as high as $3.99 a gallon in some places. President Obama has already spoken on the high gas prices, let us just hope that he actually does something about it.

Source: PetoskeyNews.com - Travel, gas prices on the rise since last spring, AAA says

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Airlines Attempt to Raise Fares Yet Again

2011-04-08T18:30:00.009-04:00

Anybody who has ever traveled before knows that if you are planning on traveling by plane, you should check the price of tickets regularly. One day they could be just the price you want and the next they could jump by $100. While nobody likes the fluctuations in airline tickets, there is one thing they hate worse. No, it isn't airport security, that is a whole other post. No, what people hate is when airlines permanently increase the price of their tickets, and at least two major U.S. airlines are trying to do that now. That's right, at least two major airlines in the United States are attempting to raise the price of round trip tickets once again by $10 on some domestic routes in order to counter the rising costs of fuel. US Airways initiated the fare increase late Thursday on most of their routes. Delta Airlines later followed suit by raising prices mostly on routes where they competed with discount airlines. JetBlue and Virgin America have already matched the increase according to Jaime Baker, an airline analyst. JetBlue, in addition to raising fares, also extended travel periods for the increased fares to include dates before and after the peak summer travel season. AirTran is another airline company which plans on raising fares on some of their routes. Their increase will not include those to and from Atlanta, where they compete with Delta. This marks the first time AirTran has attempted a major fare increase in several months, according to Baker. Apparently airlines have tried widespread price increases a total of nine times this year, six of which stuck. The last three times failed in a matter of days because other airlines did not increase their fares too. One certain way to tell if this latest attempt will be successful is to see if Southwest Airlines joins in and raises their fares as well. Southwest carries more passengers than any other airline company in the United States and also regularly undercuts the fees of other major airlines. Oil has now risen above $110 per barrel, which is a 21% increase in cost this year alone. Rick Seaney, a fare watcher, points out that the airlines successfully raised prices four times in April of 2008, a time when oil prices increased from $102 to $117. In this month alone oil has risen $4 per barrel. Source: MSNBC - U.S. airlines attempt to raise fares for the 10th time

2011-04-08T18:30:00.004-04:00

Anybody who has ever traveled before knows that id you are planning on traveling by plane that you should check the price of tickets regularly. One day they could be just the price you want and the next they could jump by $100. While nobody likes the fluctuations in airline tickets there is one thing they hat worse. No it isn't airport security, that is a whole other post, no what people hate is when airlines impermanently increase the price of their tickets, and at least two major U.S. airlines are trying to do that now.

That's right, at least two major airlines in the United States are attempting to raise the price of round trip tickets once again by $10 on some domestic routes in order to counter the rising costs of fuel. US Airways initiated the fare increase late Thursday on most of their routes. US Airways was then later followed in suit by Delta Air Lines who raised prices mostly on routes where they competed with discount airlines. JetBlue and Virgin America have already matched the increase according to Jaime Baker, an airline analyst.

JetBlue, in addition to raising fares, also extended travel periods for the increased fares to include dates before and after the peak summer travel season. AirTran is another airline company who plans on raising fares on some of their routes. Their increase will not include those to and from Atlanta, where they compete with Delta. This marks the first time AirTran has attempted a major fare increase in several months, according to Baker.

Apparently airlines have tried widespread price increases a total of nine times this year, six of which stuck. The last three times failed in a matter of days because other airlines did not increase their fares too. One certain way to tell if this latest attempt will be successful is to see if Southwest Airlines joins in and raises their fares as well. Southwest carries more passengers than any other airline company in the United States and also regularly undercuts the fees of other major airlines.

Oil has now risen above $110 per barrel, which makes that a 21% increase in this year alone. Rick Seaney, a fare watcher, points out that the airlines successfully raised prices four times in April of 2008, a time when oil prices increased from $102 to $117. In this month alone oil has risen $4 per barrel.

Source: MSNBC - U.S. airlines attempt to raise fares for the 10th time

Google Makes Traveling a Breeze

2011-03-25T12:53:00.007-04:00

If you are one that loves to travel, then you are most likely fully aware of the immense amount of resources that that are available to you through the internet. There are tons of things on the internet that can assist you with your travels, but it is best not to overlook one of the more basic sources of information and that is Google.

Google's search box is capable of putting incredible amounts of information at your fingertips without ever going to another website. Have an inquiry about the weather where you will be traveling? Type in the name of the place where you are going along with the word weather and you can get the current temperature and conditions for that day as well as a four day forecast.

Google also offers you instant currency conversions. Type the amount of money and the currency in the Google search box and you will get an instant conversion to dollars, unless you specify another currency. You can do all of this without having to ever go to a currency converting website.

Google searches also allow you to track flights without the need of going to the airline or airport's website. Type in the name of a plane and you will get results on tracking the craft from one location to another and about departure time and arrival time.

Want to access the World time instantly? Oh yeah, Google can do that too. Type in "time Sydney" or "Sydney time" and the current time in Sydney, Australia is given. Google Maps is also an incredible resource. Type in your destination and hit search and, after clicking on the right destination, you will receive a map on the right side of the screen and pictures on the left. You can even get the famous "Street View" if you want it.

By clicking "Search Nearby" in Google Maps, you can find almost anything you desire that is around your destination. Whatever you type in will pop up with a distance measure from your location. Searching for hotels gives you the names of the places as well as check-in and check-out times, photos and the hotel's address and phone number.

Need help with a foreign language? Try out Google Translate. Simply find the language in the drop down box which you want translated and the language you want it translated to, type in your word and hit "Translate". It's as simple as that.

So the next time you are planning on traveling, keep things simple. Use Google and the tools provided there and I guarantee that your trip will go as smoothly as possible.

Source: Yahoo! News - Some tips for using Google for travel information

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United States Government Warns U.S. Citizens About Traveling to Japan After Record Earthquake

2011-03-11T14:28:00.006-05:00

The whole word is reeling from the aftermath of the monster earthquake that shook Japan today. In the aftermath of the 8.9 quake, the Department of State has issued a nationwide alert to United States citizens to avoid traveling to Japan from now until April 1st. The State Department said in a statement that they "strongly urge U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Japan at this time."

The earthquake, which hit at 2:46 p.m., is the biggest one to hit Japan in nearly a century. The epicenter of the quake was offshore about 231 miles away from Tokyo and sparked fires in at least 80 different locations. This prompted the U.S. National Weather Service to issue tsunami warnings to at least 50 countries and territories.

Tokyo's Narita International Airport, which was closed, is currently trying to deal with over 13,000 backlogged passengers that were delayed as a result of the earthquake according to the Bloomberg News.

No planes are allowed to land at the Narita International Airport though nine planes are scheduled to leave. Public transportation, including trains and subways, are closed in the Tokyo area with services interrupted in other areas. Haneda Airport in Tokyo, which is the second busiest airport in Asia, resumed flights after an initial shutdown.

Between 200 and 300 people have been reported dead in the coastal city of Sendai according to the Kyodo News Agency of Japan. However, the death toll is estimated to rise as few casualty counts have come in from the worst-hit areas. The unfortunate thing is that due to the magnitude of this quake strong aftershocks are likely to occur for weeks.

The U.S. government is telling all U.S. citizens in Japan to contact family and friends in the United States to confirm their well-being as soon as possible by any means at their disposal including social media like Facebook and Twitter.

U.S. citizens can also contact the Department of State at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov and are also urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program online or in person at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulates.

Source: AOL Travel - U.S. Issues Alert about Traveling to Japan after Earthquake

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Travel Deficit in Canada Widens in Fourth Quarter

2011-02-25T12:40:00.006-05:00

One of the most profitable business ventures for a country is tourism. If your country has enough appeal to bring in hundreds of thousands of people or more every year from other places, then you can seriously cash in and keep your economy flowing. The only drawback to that is that some countries can become dependent on tourism and if it gets too expensive or too difficult for people to travel, they will stop and that would put a serious damper on your country's economy.

Canadian travelers were spending their wealth pretty rapidly across the world towards the end of 2010, even more so than foreign tourists were spending money in Canada. However, the federal agency in Canada has stated that the country's travel deficit rose $157 million from the previous three months to total $3.8 billion in the fourth quarter of last year.

Canadian spending in other countries around the world rose 2.4% to total of $7.9 billion during this time with spending from foreign visitors to Canada increasing by 0.7% to total of $4.1 billion. The overall travel deficit for Canada in 2010 was $14.1 billion, an increase of $1.9 billion over the previous year. Canada's travel deficit with the United States rose $130 million to total $2.9 billion in the fourth quarter as well.

Statistics Canada stated that the value of the Canadian dollar rose 2.6% between last year's third and fourth quarters. The Canadian dollar was more valuable than the U.S. dollar as last year ended and remains more valuable as of now. According to Statistics Canada, "This likely contributed to the increase in the number of same-day car trips by Canadian residents to the United States."

Source: Canada.com - Canadian travel deficit widens in fourth quarter

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Electronic Cigarettes Banned from U.S. Flights

2011-02-11T14:21:00.007-05:00

You've heard of those new electronic cigarettes, right? Well, if you haven't, let me give you a brief rundown. Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, are battery-powered devices that provide inhaled doses of a nicotine or non-nicotine vaporized solution. Basically, you get all the addiction and feel of smoking a real cigarette without having to buy more and without all those nasty extras. They do not create second-hand smoke, or any smoke for that matter, making them virtually harmless to other people.

However, that hasn't stopped the U.S. Department of Transportation from saying that the use of smokeless, electronic cigarettes is prohibited on airplanes. The U.S. Department of Transportation is also planning on issuing a ban on them starting in the spring according to a letter from Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. In the letter LaHood stated that the department has been informing airlines, as well as the public, the it interprets smoking regulations to include e-cigs. Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, the person LaHood's letter was written to, created the 1987 law banning smoking on airplanes and has asked that transportation officials clarify the rule.

There are a number of videos on YouTube showing passengers on flights using the e-cigs. Lautenberg has even said that some passengers have interpreted flight attendant instructions to mean that the e-cigs were only prohibited when other electronic devices were not allowed to be active during takeoff and landing. A lot of airlines have already begun informing passengers that the e-cigs are not allowed on flights, however, Lautenberg said there has been confusion over their use and wanted to make sure that officials were solidly opposed to opening the door to e-smoking on planes.

According to an e-mailed statement from Lautenberg, "We still don't know the health effects of e-cigarettes, and we don't want to turn airline passengers into laboratory mice."

Users, as well as distributors, have said the e-cigs address both the nicotine addiction and the behavioral aspects of smoking - the holding of the cigarette, the puffing, seeing the smoke come out and the hand motion - without the more than 4,000 chemicals found in cigarettes. Almost 46 million Americans smoke cigarettes and nearly 40% try to quit each and every year according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. However, unlike nicotine patches or gum, e-smokers have operated in a legal gray area. E-cigs did not become easily available in the United States until late in 2006 and the industry has grown from the thousands of users that were evident in 2006 to the several million worldwide there are today.

E-cigs' future will most likely lie with the FDA, who lost a court case last year after trying to treat e-cigs like a drug-delivery device as opposed to a cigarette due to the fact that the device heats up nicotine extracted from tobacco. What do you think? Are e-cigs safe for people around them? Should they be banned from being used while on an airplane? Let us know in the comments section below.

Source: Yahoo! News - Use of e-cigs not allowed on US flights

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Infant Seat Causes Removal from Plane

2011-01-29T11:47:00.006-05:00

Ever thought about purchasing a separate seat on a plane for your baby? If so, then you might want to think twice because a mother in California has been removed from her plane after doing what she thought was the right thing.

Melissa Bradley, 39, has said that she has encountered problems twice in the last month with airline seats being too narrow for her infant carrier. And not just any carrier but her Federal Aviation Administration-approved infant carrier. According to Bradley, she was forced off of her flight on United Airlines Flight 75 at the San Francisco International Airport in a dispute over an economy-class row that was too narrow to fit the infant carrier that she was transporting her 1-year-old daughter in.

In a statement from Rahsaan Johnson, spokesman for United Airlines, Rahsaan stated that Bradley was removed because she was disruptive. "The customer refused the flight attendant's numerous attempts to accommodate her and the infant seat that unfortunately would not fit her assigned seat," said Johnson. "The captain elected to have the customer and her party removed after she became disruptive, interfering with the crew's ability to prepare the cabin for a safe departure and taking pictures of other customers on board, even after they asked her to stop."

Bradley also encountered problems with her infant carrier, the last time being two days before Christmas, on a Skywest flight leaving from Aspen, Colorado to San Francisco. However, in that instance Bradley was not asked to leave the plane. Federal officials do urge their passengers to place their children in a child seat on planes. Bradley stated that she took a picture of the narrow row on the United plane because an FAA inspector with whom she spoke after her incident with Skywest asked her for a picture. Bradley also denied the fact that she was being disruptive.

According to FAA safety regulations, airlines cannot prohibit the use of an approved safety seat. According to Kate Hanni, founder of FlyersRights.org, "The airline had the responsibility to move them - with the same class of service - and that's where United failed." Johnson added that passengers who paid for extra leg room in Economy Plus offered to trade seats with Bradley but she refused.

"That is absolutely not true," stated Bradley in an interview with msnbc.com from Hawaii. "I would have been so happy to have a seat." Bradley also exclaimed that she would have accepted a seat away from her family and flying companions. "I told them: 'All I'm asking is for my baby and me to be moved'...I said that so many times." Bradley stated that she even called a United customer service representative two weeks before the flight to ask what needed to be done in order for her to use her infant carrier on the flight. Bradley said that she was told to just inform the United employees when she arrived. However, Bradley said that when she arrived on the plane the rows in the economy section were too close together to fit her Graco Snug Ride infant carrier which is approved by the FAA.

Bradley, who also has four other children in addition to her 1-year-old daughter, said that she has been using infant carriers on planes for years with no problems until now. According to Bradley, United did book her, her family and her companions on a later flight to Honolulu and that the rows were far enough apart on that plane to accommodate her infant carrier. "Honestly, this was the last thing I wanted to have happen on that plane," Bradley said. "I begged them to accommodate me."

Deborah Hersman, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board , has been campaigning for regulations that would require all infants and young children to be secured in child seats on planes. She says that children deserve the same safety protections as seat-belted adults. An aviation advisory panel for the Transportation Department recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration conduct a new study on the issue last month.

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Cruise Lines Depart from Southern California for Other Home Ports Across the Globe

2011-01-14T17:02:00.005-05:00

Going on a cruise is one of the best vacations anybody could possibly take. Having been on two cruises to the Caribbean myself, I can certainly say that the experience of being on the ship alone is worth it. However, getting on a cruise may be tougher than you think, especially in California where reports have been piling in of cruise lines pulling out of ports in Southern California due to economic problems and fears over traveling to Mexico.

Carnival Cruise Lines, as well as other operators, are pulling out the last of their ships from Southern California due to, like I said, economic woes and fears over traveling to Mexico. Yesterday, Carnival announced that its 2,500-passenger Carnival Spirit is moving to Australia by April 2012. This move will unfortunately cost the local economy around $54 million according to the Port of San Diego. The Carnival Spirit transports more than 60,000 passengers per year to destinations along the Mexican Riviera.

The Mariner of the Seas, the 3,100-passenger ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, is leaving on its final voyage from the Port of Los Angeles on Sunday. After a tour in South America, the Mariner of the Seas will end up at Galveston, Texas, its new home port. In addition to that, Royal Caribbean's other large ship, the 2,348-passenger Norwegian Star, will also be leaving Los Angeles in May for its new home in Tampa, Florida. These two ships combined carried nearly 50% of the business of the Port of Los Angeles in 2009.

Both cruises I went on departed out of Florida and the cruise industry is seeing signs of recovery in Florida as well as other locations. However, persistent drug-related violence has caused fading interest in cruises to Mexico which was the primary destination of California-based ships. Authorities in Mexico recently found the bodies of 30 new victims, 15 of which had been beheaded, in Acapulco.

While the cruise industry managed to see a rebound in 2010, the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Diego together saw a decrease. According to Chris Chase, Marketing Director for the Port of Los Angeles, "We are struggling with our many ships to Mexico. It's the economy and the news of drug wars down there."

The number of ships that docked at the Embarcadero in San Diego was 255 in 2008. However, this is said to decrease to 103 this year. By 2013 the number of cruise ships in San Diego could fall to as low as only 76. The Elation, another one of Carnival's ships, was relocated from San Diego to Mobile, Alabama last spring.

According to Carnival Spokesman Vance Gulliksen, "Our decision to deploy the Carnival Spirit to Australia was based on the weaker relative financial performance of our San Diego program at present. Only about 1.5% of Australians have ever taken a cruise, meaning that there is a huge potential for growth." Holland America, a division of Carnival's parent company, is still going to offer cruise lines to Mexico, Hawaii, Panama Canal and South America from San Diego.

In the first six months of 2010, only 187 cruises docked in Mexican ports. Compare this to the 290 that docked in the same period in 2008 and you have quite a decrease. Port officials, as well as the travel industry, have tried to emphasize the minimal danger to tourists in Mexico by pointing out that most of the violence in Mexico takes place far from cruise destinations. However, that message has a hard time competing with images of decapitated bodies in the media.

In a statement from Terry Thornton, a Senior Vice President at Carnival, he stated that business in Mexico was being "negatively affected by the highly publicized incidents of violent crime." He went on to say that, "Fortunately, these incidents have really not been focused on tourists." Other people merely associate the loss of business as part of a constant cycle that comes with the oceanic travel industry and believe the slump will pass.

What about you? Do you think that this is just a common slump or do you believe the news is affecting travelers? Are you affected by the news? Or would you still be willing to take a cruise to Mexico? Let us know in the comment section below.

Source: MSNBC

Hotel Tax in Rome Takes Effect

2011-01-02T17:02:00.005-05:00

Planning on visiting Rome any time soon? Well, why not? It is only one of the most beautiful and most visited cities in the world! While it is true that the city of Rome is truly a wonderful place to visit, there are some things you might want to know about before you pack up the family and book a tour of The Colosseum. Visitors to the historic city are going to be hit by a new tax on tourism this year.

Starting yesterday, January 1, 2011, all visitors to Rome are expected to pay a per-person per-night tax on the first ten nights of their vacation. The rates vary on what type of hotel you are staying in. Guests staying in a one to three star hotel will be expected to pay 2 Euros per night whereas people in four and five star hotels will be asked for 3 Euros per night.

This tax will be collected at the end of your stay in Rome and funds generated by the tax will be used to financially assist city authorities in efforts to organize urban services. According to officials, authorities wish to ensure that the standard of your stay is highly efficient and of the best possible quality. Visitors to youth hostels will not have to pay the fee, but there is a 1 Euro fee for a maximum of five days if you decide to stay at a campsite inside the city boundaries.

Bed and breakfast accommodations and farm inns will require a 2 Euro payment for a maximum of ten days. There is also a fee asked from anyone who has booked or paid for a trip through a travel agency or tour operator. You then have to pay by presenting a voucher at the reception desk.

It remains to be seen how this will affect the travel industry in Rome. With money being tight, at least in America, these extra fees may cause people to take their travels elsewhere.

Source: Breaking Travel News

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5 Amazing Ski Destinations

2010-12-17T12:16:00.006-05:00

Not everybody out there may be thrilled about the oncoming snow but just because snow is approaching doesn't mean everybody is going to have a bad time. Skiers and snowboarders are thrilled to see the first signs of that beautiful white powder that transforms itself into a adult playland. But where are the best places to go? Are some better than others? You better believe it.

Snowmass, Colorado
Snowmass is located a few miles outside of Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley and offers a large variety of mountain activities. The area is 3,000 acres with a 4,000 foot vertical drop. While that sounds a bit intense, beginners will be pleased to know that Snowmass has some more mellow slopes so you can ease into it. Snowboarders will have fun on the 12-foot halfpipe (good for beginners) and the 22-foot superpipe (better for more experienced boarders). Add that to the 91 trails and 21 chairlifts as well as the shuttles to neighboring Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk.

Copper Mountain, Colorado
Favored by snowboarders, Copper Mountain offers skiing, ice skating, snow shoeing, snow mobile riding, sleigh rides and more. A Snow Day Pass this year will cost you $99 which is good for any day on which the resort gets more than four inches of snow. However, people flock to the mountain year round for other reasons too, mainly because of the resort's unique training facility, Woodward at Copper. The training facility is there for snowboarders to practice the hard tricks in a safe environment. Foam pits keep skiers and snowboarders from getting hurt when practicing those complicated flips.

Northstar at Tahoe Resort, California
Located six miles north of Lake Tahoe, this impressive resort offers 92 separate ski trails spread over a vast 3,000 acres. The resort offers snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing. After your busy day on the slopes, you can relax at the one of the resort's many lodges, condos or mountain homes or visit the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe if you are feeling fancy.

Alta, Utah
Alta is one of the oldest ski areas in the entire country and is one of the very few that does not allow any snowboarding whatsoever. The resort will also shut down once a certain number of skiers shows up. Alta is also a part of the Ski Utah Interconnect Adventure Tour, a real treat for the more advanced and expert skiers. For $295 you can follow guides through the Wasatch Mountain backcountry via routes in and out of six ski resorts.

Yellowstone National Park
When one thinks of Yellowstone, one probably thinks of Old Faithful and a summer destination. However, Yellowstone is also an unforgettable winter location. Guests will be able to take cross-country skiing lessons as well as guided trips through the park. There is a lot of exotic wildlife to view including moose, bison and wolves. If you want to take a rest from all the activities, then take a snow coach ride that gets you up close and personal to all that wildlife.

So there you have it, five of the greatest ski resorts in the country. Great for both beginner skiers and snowboarders or expert ones, everybody can find something to like in all of these destinations.

Use your iPhone To Check Into Hotels

2010-12-09T21:53:00.004-05:00

Did you know that you can fully check in to hotel rooms with merely the press of a button using a new Smartphone app from Openways? Openways is the global provider of access-management software solutions for mobile platforms, which exclusively caters to security and hospitality industries.

This Openways solution allows you to completely bypass the hassle of waiting in line to check in, waiting for the clerk to process your information etc., and go straight from your vehicle to your hotel door. The way the technology works is by implementing a rather novel idea: If you are traveling with an iPhone, Blackberry, NOKIA or Android-based mobile cell phone, you can use this app to securely obtain an encrypted room key, which of course can be used to unlock your room door. The encrypted key itself is actually “dematerialized” in the sense that it is tonal and relies upon the principle of Crypto Acoustic Credential.

Of course every new technology in security applications brings with it the natural and fundamental question of just how secure it is. Concerning how secure a given acoustic key is as opposed to traditional ‘material’ key technology, there are a few things to consider:

For those of you worried about security issues that might result from a lost or stolen cell phone, the acoustic key itself is in no way stored on the mobile device, but always remains on Openway’s servers. So when it comes to scenarios in which a lost key might compromise the security of a room, the Openways solution is actually the more secure option, since there is no material key to be lost or stolen in the first place, and every key that is used to access a room is unique each time it is used. This means that any recording of the key will be flagged as fraudulent by the technology and rendered incapable of unlocking the given door assigned to the real key.

Of course the app can only work with hotels that support the technology, so one must keep this in mind when using the Openways solution.

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Top 5 Places to Visit in Qatar

2010-12-04T16:01:00.006-05:00

When many people heard that the 2022 World Cup was going to be held in Qatar, they probably responded with "Where in the world is Qatar?". Well, the Middle East to be precise. Qatar is a little-known country that borders the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia and has a population of less than 1 million people.

What's funny is that Qatar beat out such countries as South Korea, Japan, Australia and the United States for hosting rights to the tournament. Qatar averages 95 degrees during the summer and has even been known to reach temperatures as high as 120 degrees. Couple that with the threat of sandstorms, and suddenly Qatar doesn't seem like such a great place for fans of the World Cup.

To address this problem, Qatar plans on building new stadiums and even improving some old ones in hopes of shielding players and fans from the inclement weather. According to Qatar officials, these new stadiums will feature air conditioning and even be powered by solar panels. Qatar is also creating a public bus system for the World Cup, and visitors will also be able to rent a car or hire a personal driver.

Visitors to the World Cup will have plenty to see in Qatar besides the world's best soccer players. Just because Qatar isn't a well known country doesn't mean that there isn't anything to do.

Al-Corniche
Al-Corniche is a road stretching four miles along the harbor in the capital city of Doha on the Eastern Coast of Qatar. Aside from the traditional sailing boats known as dhows and the beautiful Indian Ocean waterfront, travelers will see some of the most interesting and innovative architectures.

Souq Waqif
One of the most commercial areas of Doha is Souq Waqif. Buying and selling has been taking place in the area for hundreds of years, and the shops have been remodeled to look like 19th century Souq. Souq Waqif is one of the most traditional marketplaces in Qatar where visitors can buy spices, perfumes and garments and even handkerchiefs and locally brewed coffee.

Al-Khor
Al-Khor is located up the coast from Doha and is a former pearl fishing village. In front of the harbor is a fish market and the beaches are pristine. Qatar visitors can also go bird watching in the mangroves and gardens of the city in Al-Khor.

Bir Zekreet
On the opposite coast of Qatar lies the fantastic beach of Bir Zekreet. The beach is perfect for camping lovers and the city is also surrounded by desert allowing you to explore numerous sand dunes and find plenty of desert mushrooms. Nearby you will find a wild deer reserve as well as an old movie set reminiscent of a deserted village.

Khor al-Adaid
Khor al-Adaid is surrounded by crescent-shaped sand dunes and is known as the inland sea. Local tour operators organize both overnight camping trips as well as day trips, and you can even drive along the dunes, ride camels or sand ski along these popular Qatar dunes.

So there you have it, some interesting things to do if you decide to take a trip all the way to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.

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Are Smartphones Stealing All GPS Sales?

2010-11-26T21:47:00.005-05:00

For years researchers have been saying that the developments and advancements of smartphones would cause GPS systems to become obsolete, but until recently smartphones did not seem like a legitimate threat.

The Swedish research company Berg Insight says that it believes that PND (personal navigation device) sales will peak at 42 million units by next year and then slowly phase out due to the increase in GPS-enabled smartphones in the years to come.

Smartphone-enabled GPS systems are so much more convenient when they are compared to a separate device that you have to lug around everywhere with you like a GPS system.

The numbers concerning the decline of GPS systems are a sharp contrast from the numbers just a few years ago that showed several hundred dollar GPS systems including Garmins, TomToms, and Magellans that made the very top of some people’s Christmas lists.

To pinpoint the decline of the want or need for a GPS system, you must consider the launch of Android in October 2008. When this occurred, subscribers were provided with Google Maps and navigation programs for free. In February Nokia followed suit by providing their users with Ovi Maps, a-turn-by-turn navigation software. Berg reported that compared to the same time last year, in the first half of 2010, the use of navigation services of mobile devices grew by 57 percent.

“The technology is being partially absorbed into smartphones and in-dash devices,” said Kevin Rauckman, the Garmin chief financial officer. Despite the decline in the purchase and use of GPS systems, navigation companies are still putting up a fight. “We are also seeing the industry mature very rapidly. But that in no way means the end of the road for our business,” said Rauckman. The companies are adding features to their GPS systems like much more accurate maps, bigger screen sizes, and specific data points locating things such as sex offenders or speed cameras. They are also “fortifying” their apps so that they can directly compete with devices and services like iPhone, Android, and Symbian.

“There is no doubt that the smartphone is transforming many of these markets, not just navigation devices, but cameras and media players, too,” Andre Malm, a senior analyst at Berg Insight said. “These markets aren’t going to disappear, but they are going to change substantially.”

In spite of the figures that Berg Insight has predicted, they say that they don’t see GPS systems as devices that will completely die off. In a press release Berg said that in the years to come it is likely that most North American and European customers will own more than one device capable of taking care of navigation needs.

Malm said, “Vendors need to communicate the advantages of connected services, such as better traffic information, in order to educate potential customers and stimulate demand.”

I have begun to see the use of GPS systems decline quite a bit lately, but I agree with Berg Insight on the prediction that the devices will not completely disappear. Some people like the size of GPS systems, and others like having an actual device in their car that is specifically utilized for navigation purposes. Although the younger generation may not be interested in GPS systems and would prefer to use their smartphone, many people in older generations may prefer the various advantages and simplicity of a GPS system.

We’ll just have to see how GPS systems do in the future, and if smartphones really will take over the GPS market.

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What You Need to Know About Traveling for Thanksgiving

2010-11-19T17:53:00.005-05:00

According to recent reports released last Tuesday, an improving economy is behind an expected surge in travelers for Thanksgiving. According to numbers estimated by AAA as well as IHS Global Insight, somewhere around 42.2 million people will travel anywhere from 50 miles away or more come next Thursday for Thanksgiving. That is a lot of people. In fact, it is an 11% increase from the amount of travelers seen last year, which was somewhere around 37.9 million who traveled during the 5-day break.

AAA and IHS Global Insight have based their predictions on signs of an improving economy which includes a 2.2% gain in gross domestic product since Thanksgiving 2009. The organizations are also using the GDP growth as well as signs that many consumers are knocking off their debt as indications that more of these people will clutter highways and airports for Thanksgiving.

Over the last two years, Thanksgiving travel has dropped to a historical low. Travel last year only rose a pathetic 0.2% from 2008 when the number of travelers dropped a dramatic 25%. In most cases, people will be traveling by car which makes a near 94% of all Thanksgiving travel. A 12% increase in highway traffic is also predicted to occur compared to last year's numbers.

In an unfortunate event, gas prices have increased by $0.24 per gallon over the last year. However, AAA believes that the increase "is not sizable enough to discourage travel." AAA also stated, "Moreover, the increase in gasoline prices is expected to be offset by the healthier economic positions of households this holiday relative to last year."

Only about 4% of travelers this Thanksgiving will be traveling by air which includes a projected increase of 3.5% in air travel. This increase, according to AAA, is "based on improvements in the airline industry and its recent increases in capacity." If this is true, then it will be a distinct change in airline travel which has plummeted in recent years. However, these statistics do not take into consideration the number of people who may be deterred from flying due to the increased airport security including the full body scanners that have recently been put in place.

An increase in holiday travel is a good sign that we may be coming out, ever slowly mind you, of this economic recession we seem to have fallen into. While there has been an increase in Thanksgiving travel, I think the amount of Christmas travelers is going to be a true sign of how far out of this economic slump we truly are.

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World's Most Remote Hotels

2010-11-05T12:41:00.005-04:00

Interested in spending a weekend at the Bloomfield Lodge in Queensland, Australia? No problem, just jump on a chartered plane, drive through the rugged Australian Outback and cruise down a river. Once you do that you will be greeted by an oasis of solitude and beauty. The hotel is located in the Daintree Rainforest and is directly next to the Great Barrier Reef. While staying at the Bloomfield Lodge, guests can hike the rainforests, swim under waterfalls, fish, sail, and even get a massage all without the crowdedness of your typical resort.

The Andean Cottage in Peru is the same way with everything being about privacy. Guests at this resort are treated to a private beach and dock as well as a private resort on a private island on Lake Titicaca. One downside (or positive) is that there are absolutely no automobiles, no electricity and no televisions, so be prepared to take a couple of interesting books along. Oh, and you also get a personal 24-hour butler. Guests can make it to the island in a mere 4 1/2 hours by speedboat.

Both the Bloomfield and the Andean are but two of the world's most remote hotels and resorts. With how "connected" our world has become, what with all the smartphones and laptops and the like, the promise of a remote getaway is quite enticing. Typically vacations stop becoming vacations and begin to become working-on-the-go. To quote Elbert Hubbard, "No man needs a vacation so much as the man who just had one." This is why remote hotels are so appealing.

Sometimes, getting away doesn't necessarily mean going hundreds of miles away from the nearest person. The Kokopelli's Cave outside Farmington, N.M. has its own definition of "remoteness". Take a path and descend a ladder and you will find yourself in a hotel room in a cave, that's right, a legitimate cave 70 feet underground! This resort is definitely not for the claustrophobic.

Speaking of claustrophobia, if you have it, then you probably shouldn't take a trip to the Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida. In order to reach your hotel room, you have to scuba dive 21 feet to what used to be an underwater laboratory. Sounds a little bit like Rapture if you ask me (gamers will understand).

If you want to get away to a place that is really cool, then head on over to the Hotel Arctic in Greenland. The Hotel Arctic is the most northern 4-star hotel in the world. Positioned in a fjord, the hotel offers guests the natural beauty of the country right outside your window with icebergs, snow and sunny vistas. If you want to, you can even spend the night in an igloo.

While some of these hotels can be a little expensive, getting a remote getaway won't always burn a hole in your pocket. The Garvault Hotel in the Scottish Highlands will only set you back $200 a night (based on double-occupancy). The grounds for the hotel, which are located between two giant private hunting reserves, overlook the beautiful Loch Rimsdale. There are literally no distractions whatsoever for miles. Guests will be able to enjoy hiking over the Highlands, fishing for trout and salmon, bird watching and then relaxing by a peat fire.

Each and every one of these incredible hotels is perfect if you actually want to escape for a while and have a real, traditional vacation away from EVERYTHING. Don't let the hussle and bustle of everyday life follow you on what is supposed to be a relaxing retreat.

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Buying a GPS System

2010-11-04T18:47:00.004-04:00

If you’re looking into buying a GPS system, now is a great time. Finally, the product has matured to the point that it’s not outrageously expensive anymore. This is partially because of time and partially because of the fact that many smartphones are now equipped with navigation abilities. Before you go out and buy just any old GPS system though, there are definitely some factors that you should consider.

First, you should consider the basics of the device. Screen size is something that is very important. Right now the trend seems to be a 4.3 inch screen. Most of the newest models are featuring screens this size. If you’re willing to go for a smaller screen size than this, you will most likely save a decent amount of money. The issue with a smaller screen is that it can be difficult to read things on it. Another thing you have to consider though is that the larger the screen the more room it will take up on your dashboard or windshield. These are just some things to keep in mind.

When purchasing a GPS system, you may wonder about the maps that the device includes. Well, almost every system sold these days comes standard with preloaded maps of the United States, and some even come with Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico as well. If you need any additional maps, you can usually purchase them from the GPS manufacturer and download them via your PC or onto your SD card.

Another thing to consider when looking at GPS systems is voice control. A few systems allow you to speak commands instead of poking at the buttons on the device's screen. This is definitely safer because it allows you to control the system hands-free, but you will most likely be paying more if you want this feature. There are also some other great extras that you can find on some GPS systems like media players that can support audio, photo, or video playback from an SD card. Other more practical features would be Bluetooth capabilities. These are definitely some features that you should consider when looking at different systems.

You will also want to make sure that the system features live traffic updates. You need your GPS to have a traffic receiver so that you can find alternate routes during traffic jams. For some systems that don’t feature traffic receivers, you can purchase an add-on accessory that will give you traffic updates. Unfortunately, adding on a receiver will add to the bulk of your GPS and add yet another cord, and then you also will have to deal with paying for a subscription to live traffic updates. Basically, the point is that you want to try to find a GPS with a built-in traffic receiver.

So, after reading about all the things that you need to consider when purchasing a GPS, you might ask if it would simply be easier to purchase a smartphone with navigation capabilities. It really just depends on what you like best. If you decide to utilize your phone as your GPS system, you will have to buy something so that you can mount your phone to the windshield, and you will also have to consider the fact that using your phone as a GPS system will drain your phone's battery a lot. Some people just prefer to have a device that is dedicated only to navigation purposes. It’s really up to you to decide what you feel more comfortable with.

These are just a few things that you should consider if you’re looking into buying a GPS system. You should definitely do some research before making any kind of purchase. Make sure that your system has everything that you’re looking for. Like I said, this is a great time to be looking into a GPS system. You’re sure to find a great deal out there if you take the time to look for one.

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NYC Airports Introduce Full-Body Scanners

2010-10-23T15:10:00.006-04:00

Talk to anybody who has seriously traveled in recent years and the one thing every single one of them will tell you is that the worst part of traveling is definitely the airports. Well, not so much the airports as the airport security. And if you have ever been through an airport then you know exactly what I am talking about.

Air travelers already sacrifice their shoes as well as their bottled water in order to mosey on through airport security checkpoints. Going through security takes long enough as it is and the hassles are never few. But now air travelers will have even more security to go through, especially if they are planning on traveling through one of New York City's three major airports.

In light of new security measures being added to New York City airports, some travelers will have to start saying goodbye to their modesty. Not sure what I mean? Well, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun a slow rollout of high-tech full body scanners in New York and New Jersey.

The machines give screeners the ability to see beneath an individual's clothing in order to search for weapons or other improper articles. At the Kennedy Airport on Friday, select passengers at the American Airlines terminal were asked to step inside a large X-ray machine and raise their arms after passing through a metal detector.

The devices use a low dose of radiation in order to create computerized images of a person's body. There are a lot of potential problems with this new security system that could arise. While the TSA obviously has the well being of every passenger that passes through an airport in mind, this newest development may go a little too far.

The TSA currently has many of these X-rays devices deployed in 61 airports across the country.

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World's 5 Creepiest Places in the World

2010-10-08T17:08:00.008-04:00

The world is full of creepy, spooky places, places where things go bump in the night and the unexplainable reigns supreme. So, for all you spooky enthusiasts out there, a list of the top five creepiest places in the world has been compiled. However, you had better be ready to cash in on your frequent flyer miles, because these places will take you all over our spooky planet.

1. Bermuda Triangle, Bermuda
Everybody knows about the Bermuda Triangle, that mysterious abyss in the ocean which has been blamed for making a whole host of aircrafts and ships simply disappear. Also known as The Devil's Triangle, the area is loosely based on a triangular sea span with apexes at Miami, Bermuda and San Juan, Puerto Rico. A multitude of marine and aviation mishaps have occurred in this area at an unusually high rate. There are a few very interesting, almost sensational stories, that involve the area like an entire squadron of 1945 Navy Bombers that reportedly disappeared there without leaving a single shred of wreckage or drowned corpses.

2. Edinburgh, Scotland
Delve into the underworld, for real. A lost city lies beneath the south bridge in Edinburgh, Scotland. An underground maze of vaulted rooms, chambers, tunnels and passageways shrouded in mystery and intrigue make the perfect spooky getaway. The bricked-in city was closed in the early 1800's and was virtually unknown to the thriving city above until 1985 when it was rediscovered. It is reported that thousands of people lived and died in the vaults, many of whom never saw the light of day.

3. Lizzie Bordon Bed and Breakfast, Massachusetts, U.S.A
Who doesn't want to spend the night in a house where somebody brutally killed her whole family with an ax? Well, if that has always been a lifelong dream of yours, then the Lizzie Bordon Bed and Breakfast in Fall River, Massachusetts is the perfect place for you. Built in 1845, the house became famous for the 1892 ax murders of Abby and Andrew Bordon by their own daughter Lizzie. The house has since been turned into a bed and breakfast allowing people to stay in the historic, and paranormal, home.

4. Stanley Hotel, Colorado, U.S.A
If you think that Stephen King's book and later movie adaptation known as The Shining is one of the scariest things you have ever experienced, then congratulations, because you are just like the rest of the world! If you have ever dreamed of spending the night in the hotel that inspired the novel, then you may be a little less normal. However, the opportunity still remains for you to do that. The Stanley Hotel is said to be a paranormal hot spot housing many "other worldly" guests. Can you brave a night in one of the most haunted hotels in America?

5. Transylvania, Romania
It is hard to deny the scariness that resonates from the mythical, bloodsucking vampire. So why not take your horror factor to the next level by taking a trip to the alleged birthplace of the vampire, Transylvania? This western province in Romania is said to be the home of Count Dracula. You can even visit the Count's alleged keep, the intimidating Bran Castle. Make sure you take plenty of garlic and stakes if you dare a trip to Romania this fall.

So there you have it, the top five creepiest places in the world. Are you brave enough to give any of these spooky spots a try?

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Best Locations for an Autumn Getaway

2010-09-24T17:00:00.006-04:00

Fall is approaching fast. The leaves are turning, the weather is cooling and one thing people love to do in Autumn is take a weekend vacation to a beautiful, small town to escape the hectic day-to-day. But finding the perfect spot that is also affordable can be tricky, so here is a short list of the best and most affordable Autumn getaways.

Petersham, Massachusetts
Petersham is a quiet, quaint town in Central Massachusetts that comes equipped with all the essential features of a traditional New England town. Petersham has everything from a central green and a main street with 19th-century clapboard houses to a white-steepled church and a general store. The one thing it doesn't have is large tour buses and high prices. Visitors to Petersham can enjoy the Inn at Clamber Hill, a five-room bed and breakfast where a double room will run you a reasonable $169 per night in fall high season.

Middlesboro, Kentucky

Middlesboro has a historic downtown area and is widely known as the gateway to the Cumberland Gap. Beautiful trees like sugar maples, beech, birch and basswood trees all hit their blooming peak in mid to late October making one beautiful view. Guests can reside at the Cumberland Manor Bed and Breakfast, a grand Victorian home that dates back to the 1890's and has double rooms that start at $99.

Alpine, Arizona

Many of you probably don't think of Arizona, with its desert climate, to be a hotspot for fall. However the small town of Alpine is considered to be the Switzerland of Arizona. The town's beautifully colored aspen and oak trees draw in many visitors each fall. You can hide away at the Hannagan Meadow Lodge, which is quietly nestled at 9,100 feet in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest where double rooms start at $65.

Now there are many ways you could enjoy the beautiful scenes in all of these towns. Most people would typically just drive their cars around. But where's the fun in that? Why not try powering your own journey. Many of these towns have beautiful hiking trails and bike trails. Many of them even offer untrafficked roads, allowing you to take a road bike out for a spin.

If you want to find the best time to go, then check out the state's tourism boards' websites for all the info on the color progression for that area. Finding the peak season isn't as easy as some may think. And the best thing to do if you truly want seclusion is to book now and go midweek.

Fall is definitely one of the most beautiful times of the year so don't miss out on these perfect and affordable fall getaways.

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Top Things To Do In Munich At Oktoberfest 2010

2010-09-10T15:27:00.009-04:00

Fall is coming fast and so is one of the most beloved international festivals of all time, Oktoberfest. Each and every fall millions of people from around the world travel to Munich, Germany to enjoy all the festivities celebrating that drink of fermented barley and yeast that everybody loves.

If you are one of the many people out there in the world who hasn't had the opportunity to experience their first Oktoberfest, then you may be at a loss as to what to do when you get there. That is why a list has been compiled of the top things to do at this year's Oktoberfest.

1.) Check out the most popular tents.
If you are planning on checking things out at the main area (otherwise known as the Wiesn), then you have to visit the tents of all the major brewers. Brewers like Lwenbru and Winzerer Fhndl can't be missed.

2.) Learn the Language
Obviously if you are going to another country, then you have to know how to talk the talk. Learning a few key German phrases could help you mingle with locals a little better. Words like Biddscheen (Please), Heisl (Toilet), Bierdimpfe (Notorious Beer Drinker), Ma (One liter of beer), and Ozapfa (To tap a beer barrel) are all useful phrases for navigating Oktoberfest.

3.) Take the Bus
Parking is damn near impossible at the tents and all experts on the matter suggest using any means of public transportation that you can find.

4.) Ride a Bike
There is a lot more to do in Germany than go to Oktoberfest and since the festival is 12 days long, you may need something else to do. Munich is probably one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. That is why you should check out a bike tour to get a real taste of Munich.

5.) Explore Marienplatz
The center of the city is a 12th-century wonder and is widely known as the "heart of Munich". There are many great places for sightseeing, shopping and dining making Marienplatz a perfect starting point for any Oktoberfest.

6.) Shop in Viktualienmarkt
After spending the day in Marienplatz, you could hop on over to Viktualienmarkt, a daily farmer's market where you can find a huge variety of fresh and regional delights. There are over 140 booths offering products from local florists, bakers and restaurants.

7.) Take a hike
Hike on up the staggering 306 steps of Munich's oldest church, St. Peter's (also known as Alter Peter). The summit holds some of the most memorable and beautiful views of the city. Inside the cathedral you can witness five Gothic paintings by Jan Polack, alters by Ignaz Gunther and a ceiling fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmerman.

8.) Have a Beer at Hofbruhaus
There is nothing like getting a taste of authentic Munich beer and there is no place better to do it than Hofbruhaus, the most famous beer hall in the world. Built in 1589, Hofbruhaus is filled with old, long wooden tables with engravings from people a hundred years ago. All beer is served in one liter steins and Bavarian bands play live all day everyday.

So there you have it, a list of the top things to do in Munich when visiting Oktoberfest 2010. So if you are planning on traveling to the biggest beer festival in the world, you now have a few ideas on how to pass the time.

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Five Underrated Travel Destinations for 2010

2010-09-04T23:13:00.006-04:00

The word vacation brings to mind many destinations, most of them at the forefront of everyone's mind. Places like Disneyland and Paris are considered must-sees in the travel world, but as travel becomes more and more affordable, popular destinations are getting crowded and overrun with tourists. While it may be beautiful and romantic to lean over the railing at Niagara Falls or ride a donkey down the Grand Canyon, there are destinations that are completely unheard of as mainstream vacations, and these are the most spectacular and fulfilling places to visit. Below are five travel destinations that may sound unfamiliar, but are glorious in their own right.

Zao, Japan.

Currently skiing in Japan is all the rage among Australians. The most popular place to partake in Japan's fantastic slopes is the city of Niseko. While Niseko is indeed beautiful, a more underrated destination, Zao, has more to offer with less tourist traffic. While Niesko is overrun by Australians and has gentle slopes for everyone, Zao is secluded with dramatic mountains and the added bonus of sulfur hot springs. Guests staying at the Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort can spend the day racing down the mountainside and return to soak in the hot springs. Anyone looking for a unique Japanese experience should definitely consider Zao.

Norfolk Island, Australia.

Located off of the shore of Australia, Norfolk Island is a tiny, quiet island with a fascinating history and slow leisurely living pace. While other tourists flock to Lord Howe island or Tasmania, travelers can opt to take a boat from mainland Australia to quiet Norfolk Island and lounge uninhibited at its beautiful beaches and fish in its abundant oceans. A popular spot to visit is Anson Bay.

Asturias and Cantabria Coasts, Spain.

Located on the coast of Spain these two cities offer experiences unheard of anywhere else. They are famous for their cider houses and cheese, but the most astonishing attraction of these beautiful coasts are the prehistoric painted caves. Located here is the famous Altimira painted cave, but dozens more litter the coastline. All known caves are marked on maps and are free for the public to explore.

Hue, Vietnam.

When people think of Vietnam, names that come to mind are Hanoi and Saigon, but a little off of the beaten path is Hue. Almost unknown to tourists, Hue is a fascinating city with a lot of insight into Vietnamese history and culture. Hue housed the Citadel, home to the royal family for generations, which was almost destroyed in 1968. Travelers can also travel by boat down the Perfume River and visit the complex tombs that each emperor had built.

Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.

The most visited sound in New Zealand is Milford sound, but by now Milford is overly crowded and a veritable tourist attraction. A better, less visited destination would be Doubtful Sound. Despite its melancholy name Doubtful Sound is a secluded location where travelers can spot bottlenose dolphins and seals. Although it is harder to reach than Milford Sound, the extra effort is worth the beautiful serenity Doubtful Sound harbors.

This holiday season it may be time to give up on overcrowded and overpriced must see destinations. Instead, travelers should do some computer research and visit one of the beautiful destinations above or discover something completely new. An adventure somewhere new will certainly be more exhilarating than the same old same old.

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Five tips to make traveling with your child easier.

2010-08-21T22:47:00.008-04:00

With advances on the technological front making traveling easier and easier, one thing seems to always remain the same. Traveling with children is a pain, plain and simple. Almost every trip can degrade into a cacophony of "I have to pee!" and "Are we there yet?". Thankfully, there are steps to be taken that will ease the harsh reality of toddler travel, and while it will never equate to a day at the spa, at least you won't be bald by the time you reach your destination.

Keep the little bees busy

To a young child, a half an hour seems like a lifetime. So one can only imagine how an extended car ride can wear on a little one's patience. While toddler minds can readily jump to the conclusion that the trip is never ending, if entertainment is readily available the long, tiresome hours can slide by a little smoother. Some cars and planes now come with built in DVD players. If this is the case, make sure to bring along brand new movies for the waking hours and a few old favorites for sleep time. If no DVD player is available, most laptops can play DVD's as well. If your mode of transportation is technologically lacking, there is always the classic alternative consisting of a bag of new playthings. A good tactic is to load up on small, cheap toys and keep them handy for travel time. Don't be tempted to raid the toy box from home, because the little one will not be amused by his day to day toys. New, inexpensive trinkets will hold the child's attention for good amounts of time, and once one bauble becomes boring, low and behold, another appears to entertain tiny hands and tiny minds. Try not to hand over the whole stash at once, instead go one at a time to prolong the use of your bag of goodies.

Make eating simple and fun

Every parent of a small child can understand the horror and frustration of crushed Cheerios and old french fries littering the car floor. Even if you opt to eat inside, what if a booster seat is not available? Or your little one could be a picky eater, and demand chicken nuggets when all the restaurant offers is chicken tenders. These are the woes of every parent, but precautions can be taken to minimize food tantrums. For snack time in the car, there are cups available in most supermarkets that have a rubber lid with cut out slits, so your babies hands can reach into the cup and pull out snacks without dumping them everywhere. These no spill cups are a serious upholstery saver. Try to avoid crumbly, high maintenance snacks, and stick to the basics. Granola bars, fruit snacks, and dried fruit can all take care of a sweet tooth without overloading your baby on sugar, and all three come prepackaged and ready to go. For the picky restaurant eater try to plan ahead, and if the menu looks sparse once you're seated, ask your server if your child's favorite food can be made. Oftentimes it is no problem to turn chicken tempura tenders into bite sized nuggets, all it takes is a few knife cuts. If all else fails, you can always pack a cooler with Junior's favorites inside, since most larger gas stations offer microwaves.

They're not going to want to walk, so be prepared.

Parent and child both love amusements parks, who doesn't? Yet after the first ride or two your little one's feet are going to ache and his patience is going to run out fast. It may seem like a unnecessary pain, but always bring a stroller. Amusement parks know that little feet will need a break and often provide strollers, but the prices can be outrageous and the seats in the strollers can be hard and uncomfortable. If your baby is still in an infant seat, go for the travel system combo. The car seat will fit into the stroller without a problem and can save you the time of finding a stroller that will fit your car seat. Plus, who doesn't love to match? If your baby is older, opt for the smaller, slimmer strollers that can fold up to fit almost anywhere. These lightweight canvas strollers are perfect if baby needs a break and won't take up lots of precious baggage space in the back of the car.

Nobody likes poop.

No set of big blue eyes or gummy smile is going to make up for a big, stinky diaper on a car or plane ride. So when you smell that smell, be prepared! Pack a small carry on diaper bag for plane rides. Include a travel size wipe dispenser, a few diapers, rash cream and a simple change of clothes. Don't ever reassure yourself that baby won't deliver during the two hour flight, because he most certainly will. It is just the way of things, confined spaces equal poop pants. Plane bathrooms are tiny, and the changing tables even tinier, so go ahead and ask the flight attendant to prepare the table for you before you head to the bathroom. Trust me, they'd rather prep a table than clean up the disaster that could occur should you try to prepare the table one handed. Car rides are a little easier, repeat the previous step about the travel diaper bag and you should be fine. Make sure for both planes and cars that you bring your own changing pads, just in case of emergency.

Don't go crazy

I know, I know, you must be thinking I must never have experienced child travel to even suggest this step, but it is essential. Keep calm, keep motivated, and most importantly, keep sane. If you are traveling with your husband or wife, split up for a little bit during vacation. Let Hubby go golfing while Mom takes the kids to a museum, or let Mom have some spa time while Daddy takes the babies to the pool. Don't try your hardest to shove every activity you can into every minute of the day. Take some down time, relax. During the traveling itself don't worry if you get a little tense or snappy, it is natural. Stop at a rest stop and stretch your legs, buy your kids some candy and enjoy a moment of peace. If on a flight, let your child watch as much in-flight television as they please, be happy for the respite. The trick is to not try and make things perfect, just try your best and make them easy.

These are just a few tips to simplify travel time. Every child will be different, every vacation or trip a different experience. The most important thing is to prepare for each and every aspect of the trip. It may seem like a pain at the time, but the one thing you forget to prepare for is the one thing that is sure to happen. Make sure nothing can possibly go wrong, so when it does, you can handle it with authority and grace.

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Packing Pro is Top Travel App of 2010

2010-08-06T03:39:00.006-04:00

National Geographic called Packing Pro one of the best travel apps for iPhone. Apple showcased the app in their App Store Travel Guide and AppShouter called it "the ultimate tool for regular travelers." Examiner.com gives the app a five out of five stars rating and says, "Basically, everything you ever need for your trip is in here, and if it's not, you can add it!" Now, American Express' Travel+Leisure magazine has named Packing Pro the "Top Travel App of 2010." Let's take a look at this little app and see what all the fuss is about.

According to Packing Pro's website, the app provides you with a number of features:

An expert list assistant which creates lists based on the number of people traveling with you, their ages, how many days you'll be traveling, the temperature and destination, and preferences such as how you will wash clothes or prepare food.
Eight sample packing lists for different groups such as families, couples, campers, and business people.
Customizable fonts, layouts, and colors.
Easy navigation.
A catalog of over 800 extra items for babies, kids, pets, sports, activities, cooking, religion, and more.
Smart Search.

So how does the app work? Basically, you create your packing list and customize it by adding, deleting, renaming, or reordering categories and types of items or by using one of the sample lists provided. While doing this, the app will suggest ideas for your trip, such as "typical male/female" suggestions or suggestions based on whether you plan to travel lightly or not. You can use the app to check off items once they've been packed and keep a tally of how many items in each category you've already packed. You can even email completed lists to family and friends.

Essentially, the app helps you stay organized when preparing for a trip. It also seems like a great way to make sure you return from your trip with everything you came with. (Who hasn't gotten halfway home and realized they left that shirt in the drawer or that book on the nightstand?) Regardless of what type of traveler you are, this app seems like it could be used by anyone.

The app runs on iPhone OS 3.0 or greater, iPod Touch, or iPad OS 4.1 or greater. You can purchase the app at the Apple App store for $2.99.

See these related stories:

1. iPad Rentals are a Must-Have for Business Travel

2. Another Reason Not to Travel with Your Laptop

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The Cruise Finder App for Your iPhone

2010-07-30T19:39:00.000-04:00

If you're planning on taking a cruise soon, there's now an app for you! iCruise.com, a website for booking discount cruises online, has finally launched a cruise app for your iPhone and according to the company, it's the best one on the market.

The app, which is called the Cruise Finder, is free to download and provides lots of great information. It includes 20 cruise lines, 200 ships, and 12,000 different itineraries from the iCruise.com database. Other features include a multiple search option, which allows you to find cruises based on destination, cruise ship, cruise line, departure date, or departure port; 32,000 pictures, including cabin photos; descriptions, and deck plans.

Uf Tukel, the co-president of iCruise.com said the app was created for people who plan vacations away from their computer. He said the company wanted to build something that was "visually appealing" and included most of the content found on the website. He also says the app is the only one of its kind in the United States, because such an app is a "complicated, expensive and time-consuming undertaking to target only 25% of the U.S. smartphone market, which happens to be demographically younger than the average cruiser.”

If you've already booked your cruise, the Cruise Finder app can help you, too! You can find information such as driving directions to various cruise ports, pier parking, and even port weather conditions.

Finally, if you're not into cruises at all, Tukel said he hopes the app will appeal to you, as well. "We certainly believe that this app will appeal to cruise enthusiasts, but we really hope that mobile technology will be a new platform for us to help introduce cruising to folks who never thought they’d consider it," he said.

Right now, you can't book a cruise from the app, but Tukel said that is in the works for future versions. You can download the app at iCruise.com or through the Apple App Store. iCruise is based out Delray Beach, Florida.

Check out these related stories:
1. Don't Panic; Call a Tech Travel Agent
2. iPad Rentals are a Must-Have for Business Travel
3. Florida Computer Rentals

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Kansas City Now Has its Own iPhone App

2010-07-25T23:57:00.003-04:00

There's an app for almost everything these days and now you can include traveling to Kansas City in the mix. A new app called "Kansas City Uncovered - a Sassy Look at a Midwestern Gem" has been created by Sutro Media and it is now available from the Apple iTunes store.

It was compiled by Diana Lambdin Meyer, a travel writer and resident of the city. She came up with 109 restaurants and attractions along with 639 pictures (shot by her husband, photographer Bruce Meyer) for the app. Meyer said she tried to come up with "fun, distinct and memorable" selections and tried to include some information that even the most savvy of Kansas City residents and travelers would not know about.

According to the St. Joseph News-Press, a "marketing blurb" that comes along with the app reads, "This guide gives you the facts, as well as a little sass and trash talk as only longtime residents of the city can provide. Who would you ask about the controversial newspaper ad for the Blueberry Margaritas or what services Count Basie received at the Phoenix Jazz Bar?"

So what kind of attractions will you find in the app? There are museums, gardens, places to take children, attractions, fountains, nightlife, restaurants and even trivia. Did you know the first Walt Disney studio was located in Kansas City? Did you know the Happy Meal started there? You can also learn about different tours and hikes and some of the town's history. Visiting a specific neighborhood? You can use the app to tell what you can do in that specific area.

Meyer says she has lived in the city for 25 years and had a hard time narrowing down what she wanted to use for the app. Restaurants were the hardest things to choose from. She and her husband picked out their favorites, as well as asking others what they would suggest. She cut that list down to 50 restaurants, plus ten of Kansas City's famous barbecue places. The restaurant section includes facts such as where to get the best margarita in town and even some information on some of the city's iconic places to eat.

One of her favorites was a place called You Say Tomato. Of the restaurant she says, "It's a farm-to-table restaurant in an old building that used to be a neighborhood grocery store, and everything has tomato in it. Excellent food, independently owned and they wear tomatoes on their heads. We had to include it."

Each place to visit, be it a restaurant or attraction, comes with pictures, information such as prices, whether it's child-friendly or not, any interesting facts, and of course contact information and links to websites. There's also a map and walking or driving directions to each location.

The app can be downloaded for your iPhone for $1.99 at Sutromedia.com or the Apple iTunes Store.

Check out these related stories:

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Wi-Fi on U.S. Flights

2010-07-20T12:01:00.004-04:00

According to Computerworld, one-third of all U.S. flights are now Wi-Fi friendly. This could make air travel time pass much more quickly, and it could also be very advantageous to those who travel often on business.

Virgin Flights and AirTran can boast that they offer on-board Wi-Fi on every single one of their planes. It will cost you anywhere from $4.95 to $12.95. The New York Times claims that Delta features the most planes with Wi-Fi access though. Nearly all of their 500 different planes offer their travelers Gogo-based Internet access. Gogo is an in-flight Internet service that provides coverage for Air Canada, AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, US Airways, and Virgin America.

JetBlue and Continental Airlines are currently testing out Wi-Fi on their planes, and all other airlines seem to have at least some form of Wi-Fi available on a number of their planes. Southwest Airlines only has Wi-Fi on 6 of their 540 planes as of now, but they claim that they will have all of their planes outfitted with Wi-Fi connectivity by 2012. Alaska Airlines only has Wi-Fi access on a few of their planes as well, but they say that by the end of the year all of their planes should have access.

The two main in-flight Wi-Fi providers are Aircell’s Gogo in-flight service and Row 44’s Ku-band system. Aircell is ground-based. They use cell phone towers to transmit Wi-Fi throughout the sky. Because Aircell has ground-based service, it limits its Wi-Fi range to the U.S., but as long as you are flying within the country, you’re set with great service from Aircell. Row 44 mounts an antenna to the plane using the Wi-Fi. The antenna then connects the plane to HughesNet satellite Internet service.

It's great that Wi-Fi is finally showing up prominently in the air. It will make flights so much more enjoyable. By 2012, when Southwest features Wi-Fi access on all of their planes, I’m sure that most airlines will have followed in their footsteps. Sooner than later, Wi-Fi access will be completely standard on all airlines.

If you're looking to rent a laptop for your next trip, check out rentacomputer.com for all your computer rental needs. All Rentacomputer.com laptops come with wireless network cards that can connect to the Wi-Fi currently being used by airlines. It's the perfect solution while you're traveling.

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Gowalla Encourages Travel to "100 Best Places to Live"

2010-07-17T02:45:00.001-04:00

Money magazine has announced its annual "100 Best Places to Live in America," and Gowalla is taking full advantage of the list. The location-based social networking app is launching a series of new features that will allow users to explore and keep up with some of the higher-ranking places on the list.

The app will now feature organized trips for the top five small cities on the list. If you visit all of the spots in one of those cities, you'll get a stamp on your Gowalla Passport. These cities are Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Columbia/Ellicott City, Maryland; Newton, Massachusetts; Bellevue, Washington; and McKinney, Texas.

According to Mashable, the feature has been huge for Gowalla. CNNMoney.com (Money Magazine's official website) posted a link to the feature on its website, along with what Gowalla has trending in the top 25 towns on the list.

The pairing up of a major brand with location-based social networking is hardly a new idea. Gowalla has worked with The Washington Post in Washington, D. C.; The Courier Journal in Louisville, Kentucky; and USA Today in many major airports. And the popular game Foursquare has teamed up with The Wall Street Journal in New York, New York and the History Channel in several major cities. However, this new feature goes beyond the big cities, which could be another positive for Gowalla.

The "100 Best Places to Live in America" list was determined through public data such as median family incomes, auto insurance premiums, the number of local entertainment venues nearby, and air quality index ratings.

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Technology Rules When it Comes to Family Travel

2010-07-11T16:33:00.004-04:00

CarMax, the United States' largest retailers of used cars wants to know what parents find necessary when taking long family trips this summer. Modern technology definitely had its place within the responses.

The telephone survey was a part of the CarMax LUV2DRV campaign, which took place on Facebook until July 6, 2010. The aim was to help families make the most of their summer vacation journey. All Facebook users had the chance to enter the giveaway, which featured a grand prize of $2,500 and other items that would be great for your summer road trip!

So what were the results of the survey? Well, 42% of participants said they'd be rate their stress levels pretty high for their anticipated trips, with the average trip lasting about 8.5 hours one way. That's pretty understandable considering the group of participants was made up of 500 parents of kids ages three to fifteen. About half of the survey-takers said music was the one thing necessary to help ease their travel anxiety and the one thing they couldn't live without. 17% said movies are must-have technology, 16% said books, 11% said gaming devices and only 5% said they'd resort to games like "I Spy."

As far as what type of car travelers are using this summer, over half of the respondents said an SUV or Minivan (36% and 34% respectively). 16% were taking a normal sedan, 8% a truck, and 4% would travel in their station wagon.

Technology was definitely important when it came to the "must-have" accessory for the trip. 28% said a GPS or Navigation system is important. That was tied with a DVD System. 14% would take extra cup holders, 8% needed their car racks, as well as the 8% who needed folding or removable seats and 7% who would not leave without an extra power supply.

If you go to CarMax's Facebook page, you can currently download the LUV2DRV "Summer Road Kit Trip" and print it out for your summer vacation. The kit includes, ideas for games to play on the road, helpful app suggestions for your smartphone, quirky tourist spots, safety tips for your vehicle, and the LUV2DRV license plate, which they'd like you to hold in family photos and post on the CarMax Facebook page.

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Having a successful camp or retreat

2010-06-24T11:22:00.008-04:00

Many groups in the summer from scouts to church groups like to get away from the city or the suburbs to feel closer to God or nature. I know I spent sometime around the old camp fire singing Cumbaya.

Even though getting back to God, nature, what ever is a prime goal-some of the most important events in the camp or retreat is the presentation or meeting. The speaker only has a short time to deliver his or her important message and one way to make this presentation as effective as possible is with visual aids.
Here is an excellent article about the power of visual aids in making an effective message:http://www.hp.com/large/ipg/assets/bus-solutions/power-of-visual-communication.pdf

There is a wide array of technology that can help make presentations more memorable and meaningful such as laptops or projectors. They are highly portable and in some cases carry their own power source. How do you do this if your particular group is on a budget and your event occurs only every once in a while? You could consider renting a laptop or projector. Here are some places that your group can do this for products such as: DVD projector rentals and forApple laptop rentals nationwide . These people are technology savvy, friendly, and helpful. They will assist you in assessing your needs and can help you make the important meetings and talks memorable.

So the next time you get away form it all, bring some technology with you. It will make your event be the memorable and action provoking.

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Trade Show tips for a great trade show success!

2010-06-18T10:04:00.008-04:00

Trade shows are an important and expensive part of a companies overall marketing strategy. Presented here are ideas to help make your companies next trade show a great success!

The planning stage

Have an overall goal for your carefully chosen event staff. It is good to have a mix of experienced and new personnel. New people bring excitement and new ideas while experienced personnel avoid some pit falls and bring knowledge and expertise. A lead person should be tasked with reading the exhibitors manual which details exhibitor information such as: schedules, floor plans, time of operation, internet connectivity, and all pertinent details. If you are showing equipment, make sure that appropriate power sources are available and what electrical restrictions might apply; do this in far enough advance so you can pose questions that affect your company directly. Some times though you plan and research the event thoroughly unforeseen challenges arise. You can overcome these challenges by being flexible and being able to link back to headquarters for support, and a good tool to use is a wireless device like the Nextel Radio which provides a superior communication interface. You can find them at http://www.rentacomputer.com/events/nextel-rentals.asp

The day of the event

If possible, have the demonstrations running in automatic mode or maybe on a projector or laptop. Remember, at a trade show, you are competing for attendees attention and technology is an excellent means to accomplish this goal. Your event staff needs to be focusing on the people that have chosen to come to your booth, not going through features advantages and benefits. Use technology to do the FAB (features advantages and benefits) while the event staff concentrate on the important part of the show: human interaction! (If you need assistance with this sort of automation, try an organization like the Tech Travel Agent. You can reach them at: http://www.techtravelagent.com/ or (800) 736-8772. Make sure to do some role-play with event staff to ensure that they are up to date on all the latest company offerings and company wide current events. Finally, the weekend before give them a long weekend-you need your staff bright and energetic-not over worked and jet lagged! Make sure to get business cards from every attendee at the company booth and make sure that their phones and emails are on their business cards!

Post show

Attendees need immediate follow up after the show. There should be some one from HQ who calls the attendees the afternoon after the show, or the Monday afternoon after a weekend show to answer any question about the show, company products, or the company itself. This person is just as if not more important than the event staff! This important follow up should be probably tasked to a marketing manager, not sales staff and certainly not the sales secretary! After the show, evaluate how well the company achieved its trade show goals and fine tune your company strategy to make the next show event better!

Follow these steps, and your company will be on the way to having a successful trade show strategy!

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Magellan’s Big Screen GPS Navigator

2010-06-10T01:00:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you may feel that your GPS system just doesn’t have a large enough screen. It may be difficult to focus on the small screen while also trying to focus on the road. Well with Magellan’s RoadMate 1700, this is not an issue.

The RoadMate 1700 offers a full 7-inch screen to accommodate those who don’t want to squint to see the screen of their GPS system. They were designed more for RV and truck drivers or maybe even SUVs and minivans, but really anyone could use it. It features four times the average standard screen size which allows for easy viewing.

Now size is not the only great feature found with the RoadMate 1700. Also included is lane assist, spoken street names, and AAA TourBook travel guide information and assistance. The screen can also be used for viewing media. All that you have to do is plug in your iPod.

The Magellan RoadMate 1700 is now available for $299.

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In Case of an Emergency, Turn to Sprint

2010-06-06T11:53:00.002-04:00

When you find yourself in an emergency situation, you may have to rely on your cell phone when possible, to help get you out of that situation. Think back over the last year or so and the critical role cell phones played in many natural disasters. Sprint recognizes the role the technology can have and is offering help for your time of need, whether it's downloading an app or tips for using your phone in emergency situations.

Trough the Android Market, Blackberry App World, and GetJar, there are hundreds of apps for Spring phones that allow you to get latest news, weather, and assist emergency personnel. Here is a look at some of those apps:

1. In Case of Emergency (ICE) - This app is available for Andorid & Blackberry. It gives EMTs your critical information such as name, emergency notification numbers, blood type, allergies, doctor's name and existing medical conditions.

2. First Aid - As you can imagine, this app gives you instructions on how to offer first aid. Instructions are clear and concise and include illustrations, videos, and short text. It's only available for Android phones.

3. Medical Spanish - This app is available for Blackbery Smartphones, as well as some Android phones, and is designed to help non-Spanish-speaking medical professionals ask Spanish-speaking patients for vital information.

4. Droid 911 - This app works with HTC Hero and Samsung Moment phones to help users find the nearest police station, hospital, tow truck, fire station, auto repair shop, gas station, or ATM.

5. Florida Evacuates - When the state of Florida is evacuated or there is some sort of emergency in the state, this app will let users known where nearby shelters are, based on your location. It's available for Blackberry users only.

In addition to suggesting apps for emergencies, Sprint also offered the following preparedness tips in a press release, released last week:

Keep your phone charged at all times.

Purchase a back-up battery and keep it charged, as well.

If the power is out, a car adapter should allow you to charge your phone.

If water damage is a possibility, keep your phone and accessories sealed in a plastic bag.

Keep your family's numbers, as well as important emergency numbers stored in your phone.

If a storm is heading your way, take pictures of your belongings and upload them to your personal inbox. If items are damaged, you'll have the "before" pics for insurance purposes.

When there is a large scale disaster, most wireless networks experience heavy traffic, so don't forget to use Nextel Direct Connect or send a text instead of making a phone call.

Remember, these apps and tips are great for anyone, especially those who are traveling to places they may not be familiar with this summer!

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Get the Weather on Your Nokia N900

2010-06-01T00:08:00.000-04:00

With the new app from WeatherBug, there's no reason you should you should get stuck in the rain. The new app provides worldwide weather information for Nokia N900 Mobile Computer users.

The free (supported by advertisements) app can be purchased at the Ovi Store and it provides users with weather for over 45,000 different locations worldwide. Information provided includes current weather conditions, extended forecasts, radar maps, satellite maps, temperate maps, live camera views, and severe weather alerts. You can split the screen to see both the current conditions and the animated radar map at the same time. In the United States, the app will give you a daily video update of the national forecast.

Chris Brozenick, Vice President and General Manager of Mobile for WeatherBug, said in a press release, "With well over 30 million mobile users accessing weather information every month, weather is the number one content category on mobile devices. The Nokia N900 is an optimal device to access and interact with information from the WeatherBug Network which is exclusive in providing live, local weather content. The WeatherBug for Nokia N900 app is unique in its approach and provides some of the best maps and images available anywhere."

WeatherBug is the operator of the largest weather observing network and a provider of consumer and professional weather services. They monitor, organize, and disseminate global weather information and provide information for millions of consumers and professional organizations. They are a brand of AWS Convergence Technologies, Inc., and provide for customers by planning daily activities, safeguarding lives, and improving business opportunities based on the weather.

Check out a video of how the app works below:

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An App for Hiking

2010-05-26T23:08:00.004-04:00

If you're planning on going hiking this summer, there's an app for that. The American Hiking Society announced earlier this month that it has created an iPhone app to fit all of your outdoor recreation needs. It features over 220,000 miles of trails, thousands of trailheads, campgrounds, picnic areas and more.

If you've never heard fo the American Hiking Society, they were founded in 1976 and they are the only "national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience." And now, they're taking their knowledge to your iPhone. The app, called "HIKE GPS," features over 300 free recreational maps from all over the United States. It stores the maps on your phone, so you don't have to look for a signal when you're out in the middle of nowhere, on a hike. You can even track and record your hikes, take geo-coded pictures, and share your experiences via email and Facebook.

In a press release, Gregory Miller of the American Hiking Society said, "We’re excited to offer map resources to outdoor enthusiasts across the country with the launch of our iPhone application. For more than three decades we have been at the forefront of promoting, protecting, and maintaining trails. By embracing today’s technology, we hope this application will expand and enhance the outdoor experience for people from all walks of life and connect them with our natural and cultural heritage, promote healthy lifestyles, and serve to galvanize communities."

The app works with both iPhone 3G and 3G S and it's powered by global digital mapping company Intermap Technologies. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of miles of trails, thousands of trailheads, campgrounds, and picnic areas, it provides you with detailed locations of major public land boundaries.

The app costs $9.99 and can be purchased at the Apple's App Store or on iTunes. Users can choose to download state bundles, state and national park bundles, or special interest areas from around the country. Each bundle is free and will automatically integrate itself into bundles you've already purchased or downloaded. And proceeds will go toward hiking advocacy.

Said Miller, "As American Hiking Society works toward ensuring hiking trails and natural places are cherished and preserved for us and future generations, we believe that education and technology can help people get more from the outdoors. Additionally, proceeds from each sale of the HIKE GPS app on iTunes will help us continue our work on hiking advocacy, volunteer programs, and outreach to communities."

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5 iPad Travel Apps You Won't Want To Miss

2010-05-25T22:23:00.000-04:00

In the last month, as expected, iPad apps have been popping up everywhere. And while you can always use the apps designed for iPhone, to get the full quality of the iPad experience, you'll want to get apps specifically for your iPad. Travel apps are popular for any platform and the iPad is no different. Gadling.com picked out five different apps that are inexpensive, yet useful. Let's take a look at what they chose.

1. PointInside - Planning on going shopping and don't want to spend forever standing in front of one of those huge plastic maps of the mall, trying to figure out the key? This is the app that will help you find anything you're looking for. If you're in a new mall in a new town and you can't find the store you need, just consult your app's mall map. Looking for a bathroom or an ATM? It can help with that, too. Best of all, the app is free.

2. UpNext 3D Cities - If you're planning to be in Austin, Washington D. C., Boston, New York City, or San Francisco, you might want to check out this app. It puts Google maps to shame. Simply download one of the above mentioned cities and you've got maps with 3D buildings and, according to Gadling, a "powerful search system." This is also a free app.

3. Couch Traveler HD Earth Explorer - If you can't afford a vacation this summer, this app lets you travel the world from, well, your couch. Use maps and aerial images to sight see around the world, without leaving the comfort of your own home. Oh, and you can also use it when you're traveling and searching for something to do. Pricing for this app starts at $1.99.

4. Kayak - Imagine seeing hotel deals, old searches, and airline search options all on one screen. With the free Kayak app, that's a real possibility. You'll have access to Kayak's famous multi-airline flight search system, car rentals, hotels, and more!

5. FlightTrack Pro - The most expensive of the five apps, this one is an update of the popular FlightTrack Pro for the iPhone. Manage your trip and import your itineraries from TripIt with this app, or track the exact location of your flight. Check for flight delays and check the weather at your airport. There is so much more you can do with this app while traveling, the possibilities are endless. Unfortunately, quality comes with a price but for $9.99, you can't beat it!

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Yellowstone National Park App

2010-05-14T23:05:00.003-04:00

A lot of people go to national parks such as Yellowstone to get away from technology, but what if you could use your iPhone to make your trip more exciting? What if your iPhone alone could provide you with a GPS-guided tour of the park, along with the history of Yellowstone told by renowned tour guides? Guess what? There's an app for that!

GeoRoamer is your very own audio tour guide of Yellowstone! You'll hear over a century's worth of knowledge as you're guided through the park, from experts Aubrey Haines, John Good, and Lee Whittlesey*. While you're guided through the park, the GPS system will let you know exactly where you are where you are heading, so you don't get lost.

The app includes all major tour sites in the park in its database and is based on the revolutionary Apple iPhone 3GS mobile phone. Most visitors to the park aren't able to have their own personal tour guide. That can be expensive and the park just doesn't have the resources, but with the GeoRoamer app, you get all the same benefits. Not only will you learn everything you need to know about popular sites, but you'll learn where the best views are located. Location experts can take you to the places best for beautiful scenery. For example, if you want to visit Barronette Peak, the app will take you there, tell you where you can find the head of the trail, so you can walk up the peak, and in addition, it lets you know if the trail is accessible by wheelchair or stroller.

As you drive through the park, the app will tell you what the closest site you're approaching is and how far away it is, and provide directions from where you are. When you're near the site, the audio track will begin to play on its own. In between sites? The app allows you to listen to several "general interest subjects," such as the Fire or 1988, how the Continental Divide was determined, to simply learning about the park's bears. If you need to know the distance between towns and park sites, the app can do that, too, as well as let you know where the nearest bathroom is. You'll also find information on road construction, any type of emergencies (such as not drinking the water in a certain area), site accessibility, and local restaurant information (such as hours and menus).

From the Isa Lake to North Twin Lake, to the 45th Parallel line and more, the GeoRoamer app can help you find it, and even help you find bears!

*Aubrey Haines has been with the National Park Service for nearly 70 years and is considered the biggest expert on Yellowstone and has written several books on the topic. John Good, a world-class geologist is the park's retired Chief Naturalist. Lee Whittlesesy is the Park's Archivist, also having published a number of books on the topic.

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Priceline.com Doing Well in 2010...For Now

2010-05-10T21:04:00.004-04:00

Popular travel website Priceline.com, which helps users get discounts on everything from hotels to airfare, has some good news about their first quarter. The company announced today that its year-over-year increase in the first quarter shows that people are traveling again. Worldwide bookings through the company are creating an increase in earnings and revenue, however, the company isn't too optimistic about the second quarter.

Political unrest and natural disasters are expected to put a damper on travel plans for many people, who plan to travel outside of the United States in the near future. This news caused Priceline stocks to fall.

The company says it earned $53.9 million, nearly doubling its 2009 earnings. Last year, during the same quarter, they company earned $25 million. Analysts predicted the company's profit to be about $1.66 per share, but Priceline announced $1.70 per share.

According to Priceline, the biggest increases came in the form of making hotel room reservations and international bookings. Total travel bookings through the company's websites equaled about $3 billion in the first quarter, which is up from about $1.9 billion in 2009's first quarter.

So, what about the second quarter. The volcanic activity in Iceland, civil unrest in Thailand, and the fall of the value of the euro due to debt concerns in Europe are just a few of the reasons why Priceline isn't optimistic. But even so, summer is approaching and people are continuing to book hotels for their upcoming vacations.

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Apple Patents iTravel

2010-04-27T11:02:00.003-04:00

It's being reported that Apple has filed a patent to develop a platform for the travel industry, called "iTravel." The application would allow you to book your flights, hotels, and car rentals, and provide a paperless check-in at airports. According to eTurbonews.com, Apple, Nokia, Amazon, Google, and RIM have been competing against each other to develop such a platform for travel.

Imagine having a digital boarding pass right there on your iPhone. It would handle check-in and baggage identification, advanced electronic ID, car rentals, hotel, and airline reservations, without you having to juggle your paper ticket and your picture ID.

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Traveling with Your iPad

2010-04-14T09:27:00.007-04:00

Now that the iPad has officially been released, people are scrambling to get their hands on the gadgets and experiment with just how they plan to use the thing. Bill at padgadget.com decided to travel with his iPad instead of of his laptop, and says that while he found it to be a smooth transition, he would recommend you purchase several iPad accessories to take along for the ride.

Among the suggested accessories: Klipsch 24 in-ear headphones. Bill says he considers these are the best headphones for blocking out "engine noise or the screaming kid in seat 14c." He also says they're really comfortable. He also suggests getting an iPad Stand, an Apple Wireless Keyboard, and GoGo Inflight Internet. For more of Bill's suggestions, visit PadGadget.com.

Meanwhile, designer, manufacturer and retailer of laptop and traveler bags, TOM BIHN, has designed a personal carry-on travel bag that is designed to fit the iPad. The Co-Pilot's sleeve inside the main compartment is just the right size for your iPadk inside the Apple case. Other features the bag offers, include YKK splash-proof zippers, an ultrasuede lined iPhone pocket, a water bottle pocket, and multiple pen and organizational pockets. For $110, the bag can be ordered through the TOM BIHN website and will be available in mid-June. TOM BIHN is also creating a protective sleeve and messenger bag, both built specifically for the iPad

And finally, Tony Bradly at PCWorld.com says ditch your laptop and take your iPad along when you travel. Why? Fist of all, the iPad is lighter, thinner, and fits easily into a carry-on bag. Also, it'll be easier to get through security, due to the fact that the TSA has decided the iPad is not a laptop and can be left in your carry-on bag. He also mentions the iPad's extended battery life, versatility, and ease of use in a cramped space as reasons for taking your iPad on you next trip.

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Free Frommers Travel Tools 9-in-1 App

2010-04-14T09:00:00.004-04:00

Since 1957 when Arthur Frommer published the book, Europe on $5 a Day, the Frommer's name has been synonymous with travel. People turn to the company's bestselling guidebooks for vacation and travel tips and advice. Today, the company has published over 350 books across fourteen series, and covers over 3,500 specific destinations on their website, and now they're adding an iPhone app to the mix.

Frommer's Travel Tools is an application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch and is being called a "9-in-1 travel companion." Former apps from Frommers were simply the mobile versions of their guidebooks but this one offers travelers a number of tools, including a tip calculator, packing list, postcards, currency converter, unit converter, time translator, travel trivia, city guides flashlight, and an "apps we love" feature. Best of all, the app is free!

Gadling.com calls it "surprisingly comprehensive" compared to other travel apps. Visit Frommers.com for more information or to download the app. And for $4.99 a piece, you can also download guidebooks for Hong Kong, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, New York, Oahu, Paris, Rome, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C..

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New Hyatt Miami Hotel is Loaded with the Latest Technology

2010-04-11T08:05:00.000-04:00

Hyatt has a new hotel in Miami and among its many wonderful features is a boatload of modern technology. The Hyatt Miami at the Blue is a 240-room deluxe hotel located on 17 acres in Doral, Florida. It's just minutes from the Miami International Airport and located next to some of the most famous golf courses in the world.

The hotel is made up of 15 three story villas and each one of those is made up of hotel suites, including 700 square foot studios, 1,000 square foot one bedroom units, 2,000 square foot three bedroom units that that take up two stories. All of the suites have a terrace and golf course view, as well fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances and marble bathrooms with rain showers and separate bathtubs.

As far technology goes, the new hotels are fully equipped with the latest, allowing guests to take advantage of their own gadgets. For example, each room has an iPod docking station so you can listen to your music as you're getting ready for a night out on the town. If you want to stay in, the hotel has you covered there as well. Each room comes with a large LCD flat-screen TV and its own DVD player.

The hotel has a number of other offerings. These include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service spa, heated swimming pool with private cabanas, a poolside cafe and bar, and 5300 Chop House, the Hyatt's signature restaurant. If you're planning a business meeting or social event, the Clubhouse at the hotel offers 1,700 square feet of meeting space, as well as a well-appointed boardroom.

"We are thrilled to add Hyatt Miami at The Blue to our robust portfolio of hotels in the Southeast. The location and quality of the hotel will no doubt appeal to both group and leisure travelers. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Davidson and ING Clarion while offering guests at Hyatt Miami at The Blue the level of service and authentic hospitality Hyatt guests have come to expect," said Chuck Floyd, Hyatt Hotels Corporation's chief operating officer, in a press release.

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NileGuide's iPhone Travel App

2010-04-04T16:57:00.000-04:00

Travel apps for the iPhone seem to be all the rage lately and now there are two more on the market. Apps from NileGuide and Gliider are great apps for people who enjoy traveling.

NileGuide's new app, called What's Next, uses iPhone's GPS technology to make suggestions to people in over 290 locations throughout the world. Looking for a nearby attraction, restaurant, hotel? Maye it's a kid-friendly spot, or maybe a place to go for a little romance you need? This app's got you covered. What's Next provides information from over 30 of NileGuide's partners, including TripAdvisor, Wine Travel Guide, and Citysearch. As a matter of fact, you can get most of the same information that's available on NileGuide's original website. However, if you're looking to access your NileGuide itineraries, you'll need to get the company's other app: Guide to Go.

The app's content is organized into categories such as Restaurants, Hotels, Nightlife, and Things to do, and once you enter into a category, you'll see a list of attractions sorted by "top picks." These are chosen by online reviews, awards, and your preferences. You can sort the attractions by which ones are located closest to you, and by other categories such as "hip" or "off the beaten path."

Once you pick the place you'd like to learn more about, you'll be presented with a picture, along with the address and phone number (the phone number is clickable), the place's website, and a review from a "local expert" or one of the partners. You can save each place to a list, if you'd like, or see the place (and your entire list) plotted on a map. While looking at the map, you'll be able to see other nearby places and click on them, as well.

According to the New York Times, in April, the company plans to add events such as concerts and plays to the app, allowing you to purchase tickets. What's Next will cost you $2.99.

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Cut Your Disney World Wait Time with an iPhone App

2010-03-23T15:34:00.005-04:00

If you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation this year and you own an iPhone, there's an app that may cut down your wait time. Undercover Tourist is a discount travel company based in Orlando, Florida, and they and they've launched a new iPhone app that will help take care of those long lines at Disney attractions. It's currently the top-selling paid travel app on iTunes.

The app was developed by Undercover Tourist and Phunware, Inc., and it's definitely the first of its kind. The goal of the app is to minimize the time spent waiting in line or looking for attractions at Disney World.

"We felt we were doing a great job getting our customers through the gates of popular theme parks like Disney World. Through our app, we can now further serve them once they are inside. This application helps customers avoid long lines, navigate their way to each attraction, and learn more about rides and restaurants all when they can use it most – while they’re actually inside the Disney World parks," Ian Ford, the President and Founder of Undercover Tourist said in a press release.

The App integrates accurate wait-times and real-time park maps with information about rides, and restaurants within the parks. It also offers you the ability to purchase attraction tickets through Undercover Tourist. The information is available for Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Alan S. Knitowski, the CEO of Phunware, Inc., said in the press release, that the app will eliminate the need for bulky maps and other items tourists use to find their way around the park, "Now guests simply engage with this app, wherever and whenever they need, it that has everything they need for their visit in one simple and convenient location."

The app will be available for $3.99, but is initially being sold for $1.99 within the first 90 days of being released, or if you purchase at least $500 from undercovertourist.com.

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New App for Finding Your Luxury Hotel

2010-03-17T10:52:00.005-04:00

Do you find yourself with lots of money to spend on traveling and luxury hotels but little time to spend on making travel plans? If you're one the lucky few, Small Luxury Hotels of the World is ready to help with their new iPhone app, which is coincidentally free. The new app, which also works for iPod Touch, allows you to "discover, enjoy, and share" the over 500 lodging properties offered under the brand, anywhere, anytime.

The app, which is obviously meant to appeal to those who can afford luxury hotels, will make it so that you can book any hotel of your choice and share the information with your family and friends. It also finds nearby points of interests such as tourist attractions and restaurants.

"The free iPhone app was developed with our guests’ needs and wants expressly in mind. It provides a highly flexible and easy way to search, browse and book a hotel while on the go," says Paul Kerr, the company's CEO.

The app was designed by Fortune Cookie and is being promoted as having three main functions:

Discover: Browse and book your luxury hotel through categories such as such as destination, specific experiences or the latest special offers for a quick getaway. Whether you're looking for a relaxing spa weekend or a week at a tropical location, you'll be able to find it here.
Enjoy: Once you've arrived at your destination, you can find points of interest that will help you make the most of your trip with these personal recommendations.
Share: This function allows you to create a list of your favorite luxury hotels and share them with friends and family via Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail.

Justin Cooke of Fortune Cookie has said of the app, "We have designed the SLH iPhone application to allow SLH guests to engage with SLH at every stage of their journey – finding the right property to suit their needs, using the app to enhance their experience while staying at the property and of course, sharing the experience when they return.”

The app is available for both iPhone and iPod Touch and will be available from the Apple Apps store later this month.

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Google Adds Bike Routes to Google Maps

2010-03-10T13:52:00.001-05:00

Seems like Google is always adding something to their search engine and this time they've added to Google maps. The new feature, Bike Maps, allows you the option to get directions not just for traveling by car, foot or public transit, but for traveling by bike as well. If you're riding your bike to a destination, you're more than likely not going to go to the same route you would if you were driving a car and Google is looking to serve those people.

"We wanted to include as much bike trail data as possible, provide efficient routes, allow riders to customize their trip, make use of bike lanes, calculate rider-friendly routes that avoid big hills and customize the look of the map for cycling to encourage folks to hop on their bikes. So that's exactly what we've done," said Shannon Guymon, the product manager for Google Maps.

The over 12,000 miles of bike trail data came from Rails-to-Trail's Conservancy's database at TrailLink.com. The group, which is a nonprofit organization located in Washington DC, has been collecting the information since 2000 and has gathered maps, pictures, descriptions, and listings for over 30,000 miles of bike trails. According to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, biking has become more popular lately because it's healthier and less expensive than other options.

Google incorporated the data into its routing algorithm, included metropolitan areas with designated bike lanes and roads that were recommended by other cyclists, and took into consideration how busy certain roads are. Oh yeah, and there is the matter of hills.

"Our biking directions are based on a physical model of the amount of power your body has to exert given the slope of the road you're biking on Assuming typical values for mass and for wind resistance, we compute the effort you'll require and the speed you'll achieve while going uphill. We take this speed into account when determining the time estimate for your journey, and we also try hard to avoid routes that will require an unreasonable degree of exertion," said Google software engineer John Leen.

Google Maps for bikes launches today and as you can see from the picture above, all you need to do is choose "bicycling" instead of one of the other options ("by car" is the default option), when you go to look for directions.

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T-Mobile's New Phone Doubles as a PND

2010-03-08T23:45:00.004-05:00

T-Mobile's new Symbian OS-based Nokia 5230 Nuron isn't just a phone. It's also a portable navigation device (PND). The touchscreen 3G smartphone will cost you just $69 after a $50 rebate, but you will have to sign a two-year contract that includes a minimum $39.99 per month voice plan and minimum $9.99 per month data plan.

The phone is full-touchscreen and has a 3.2-inch display. Like any PND, the phone features on-board maps, points-of-interest data, and routing algorithm. And because the data is a part of the phone instead of a carrier's subscription-based service, it has tons of advantages. You won't have to wait for maps and other info to download over the network, you don't need a signal to access your info, and you don't have to pay to access your info.

This isn't Nokia's first PND phone. It launched an unlocked one in late 2009 in the United States and added to the selection earlier this year. However, this phone is the first one that features Nokia's preloaded Ovi Maps navigation app. It also comes preloaded with access to Nokia's Ovi Store, which makes it the first Nokia phone to do so. Other Nokia phones offered by AT&T require you to download the Ovi Store app.

Maps for the United States, Mexico, and Canada come preloaded and over 180 other countries are available for download at NokiaUSA.com/Maps. It also features pedestrian and driving route guidance, automatic rerouting, and lane assistance. The embedded database even includes real-time traffic updates, movie listings, and weather forecasts and you can use the full HTML browser for IM and email.

The Nuron will be available in the next few weeks in T-Mobile stores and select retailers. Its launch will more-than-likely lead the way for more affordable PND phones.

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Top 10 Destinations for St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

2010-03-04T23:05:00.001-05:00

The search engine HotelsCombined.com, based out of Australia, helps travelers find hotel availability and rates, and compares prices from thousands of hotels, all over the world. This year, after consulting with tourism bureaus and international travel resources, the travel website determined and put together a list of hotels for the Top Ten St. Patrick's Day Celebrations from all over the world. Here is a look at what they found.

1. La Stampa Hotel and Spa in Dublin, Ireland - It's no surprise the top St. Patrick's Day celebration in the world is located in Ireland. This luxurious boutique and stylish townhouse is located in the center of town and offers you the experience of a lifetime - the largest St. Patrick's Day Festival in Ireland.

2. Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel in New York City - You can't get more Irish than that; the name says it all. The hotel is home to the Wheeltapper Pub, which is decorated decorated with authentic turn-of-the-century memorabilia from Ireland's railroad system. Unwind here after the United State's largest St. Patrick's Day parade.

3. Drake Hotel in Chicago - This luxurious, full-service hotel is located at the top of the Miracle Mile. It's said to be the "perfect compliment" to the city's historic St. Patrick's Day celebration.

4. The Lenox Hotel in Boston - Boston is home to one of the oldest American St. Patrick's Day celebrations and in true St. Patrick's Day fashion, this innovative hotel knows all about being "green." It was named one of the top five greenest luxury hotels in America by U.S. News & World Report. Enjoy the celebration and clear your conscience at the same time.

5. Hotel Le Crystal in Montreal - This peaceful and cozy hotel is located just blocks away from Montreal's St. Patrick's Day parade route.

6. Bohemian Hotel Riverfront in Savannah - Savannah's most luxurious hotel sits above a 18th century cobblestone street, overlooking the Savannah River. Savannah is home to the United States' second-largest St. Patrick's Day celebration

7. Tropical Mansion Suites in Montserrat - This British island located in the Lesser Antilles puts a unique spin on St. Patrick's Day. Combing the Irish tradition with its Afro-Irish culture, enjoy not only the celebration, but the island's natural beauty as well.

8. Arlington Resort in Hot Springs, Arkansas - Arkansas may not seem like one of the top places in the world for St. Patrick's Day, but the Arlington Resort features a one-of-a-kind celebration, with its Irish Belly Dancers and Irish Order of Elvis Impersonators.

9. Heritage Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand - This hotel is located just above the Muddy Farmer Pub. The Pub brings Ireland to New Zealand with authentic relics and memorabilia from real Irish pubs.

10. Hotel Metropolitan in Tokyo - Tokyo is another place that may not be high on your list of St. Patrick's Day destinations, but the city's parade is one of its most popular international events. The hotel is near the festivities but also allows parade-goers to unwind in its peaceful atmosphere afterwards.

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ASUS DR-900 e-reader

2010-03-03T14:22:00.005-05:00

ASUS is throwing its hat into the e-reader ring with its new DR-900 e-reader. If you are unfamiliar with e-readers, they are basically electronic devices that you can download full books to allowing you to have a multitude of books at your disposal whenever and wherever you want.

ASUS' DR-900 comes in at around 9-inches and is fairly light. As far as size goes the DR-900 ranks in around the same as the Amazon Kindle DX. The images displayed on the black and white screen look very crisp with the DR-900's 1024x768 display. The e-link display takes about one or two seconds to refresh each page.

But the DR-900 isn't all smiles and rainbows. The touch experience with the DR-900 has been reported to be not so great. Light finger taps don't seem to register when typing into the address bar and you have to press pretty hard to select the homescreen buttons. Thankfully there up and down arrows along the right edge that offer alternate navigation.

Some more good news about those little problems is that the DR-900 is still in production. These problems occurred on a prototype floor model so hopefully they are all ironed out by the product's release. There has been no word on when the DR-900 will go into full on production let alone when it will be released. But if you don't want to wait, there are plenty of other e-readers out there to satisfy your insatiable desire to read a book without actually reading a book.

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TripIt Releases Apps for Blackberry & Android

2010-02-24T23:43:00.003-05:00

The TripIt app for iPhone was so popular, the travel website decided to develop apps for other platforms. Now, TripIt is available for both the Blackberry and the Android phones. The apps are free, but you do have to sign up for an account at TripIt.com (don't worry, the account is free, too).

The app lets you access your travel plans on the go, from your phone. Sure, lots of apps do this, but some say it's a lot more organized, particularly for a free app, than lots of the ones out there. It allows one-click access to your hotel, airline and other locations from your itinerary whenever you have a question or problem. Simply forward your confirmation emails from any airline or hotel and the app will organize your plans into one simple itinerary that lets you access and share your information with the click of a button. Also, the app sends you alerts and information about potential travel delays.

At the website, GeekSugar.com, a blogger talks about how a friend of hers used the app and received a flight cancellation notice from the app about half an hour before the airline notified her. She was able to get another flight to the same destination at the last minute before the other passengers from her trip attempted to do the same.

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Traveling Safely with Your Data

2010-02-22T17:34:00.004-05:00

When you travel, you probably take all sorts of precautions. After all, you'll be in a place you're not familiar with, with people you don't know. You probably stay on guard, keep your luggage locked up and don't keep large amounts of cash on you. But what about your data? Most people take their laptops and cell phones along when they go on trips, or they use public computers, but what are they doing to keep these items safe?

Most people may take a few precautions at home or the office to make sure their data is secure, but when you're traveling, there is a whole new set of things to worry about. For example, using public computers in cybercafes and hotels may seem like a convenient option, but most people don't realize most of them have malicious malware on them. This can include keylogger programs that record your strokes or capture screenshots of what you're doing. Both can lead to someone stealing your log-in information. Before you using one of these computers, ask an employee or attendant what sort of security measures are used on the computers or see if you can't find a security program icon and check it out yourself. If you can't find a secure computer, avoid doing anything that involves your financial information and if you check your email, change your password when you do get to a secure location.

Using public Wi-Fi on your own personal laptop is a safer option but it can cause some problems, as well. There is free, easy to get software on the market that allows people to view and analyze Wi-Fi traffic. Your data could be read by the wrong person using this software. Use a firewall for protection. The most recent versions of both Apple and Microsoft operating systems come with a free one. You'll also want to make sure your information is encrypted. You can check this by making sure your website addresses say "https." Also, while using your laptop or smartphone in public, you may want to consider purchasing a privacy screen. This will prevent nosy neighbors from getting a glance of what you're doing.

Even when you're not using it, you'll want to protect your laptop from potential thieves. Stealing laptops is big business these days, especially at airports. According to the New York Times, over 12,000 laptops are lost or stolen each week in airports. Make sure you've protected and backed up important data. Also, never leave your laptop alone. Take it to the bathroom with you if you need to and never check it with your luggage. Even if you leave it in a hotel room, you'll want to invest in a lock to prevent dishonest hotel staff from doing something they shouldn't.

Switching gears from laptops to smartphones, a smartphone is often a safer alternative for checking email and other data that you may use your laptop for. If you use your iPhone, Blackberry, or other device to connect to Wi-Fi, though, you have the same worries as you do when you use your laptop. Also, some people can use Bluetooth to snoop into your text messages and contact information. And don't forget there are apps you can buy that will help you find your phone if it's lost or stolen. MobileMe for iPhone allows users to locate missing devices on a map, set a password lock from a remote location, display a message on the screen and erase data from a remote location, as well as making your phone ring, even if the ringer is turned off.

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Google Store View Coming to Google Maps?

2010-02-18T23:07:00.000-05:00

With Google Maps' Street View, you can view almost any street in America or almost any major city in the world, but what if you can go inside the buildings? That possibility may become a reality with the rumored Google Store View.

The blog Search Engine Land received an email from a New York city candy shop, Oh Nuts, which claimed a Google representative came inside and took pictures of the store and its products. The reason is supposedly because Google is working on a new feature, which is tentatively being called Google Store View.

While no one will confirm whether or not this really happened, the store did send in photos from store security cameras, which show someone walking around the store with a camera and tripod, taking pictures. When contacted by Switched.com, Google would only say, "We are always experimenting with new features for Google Maps. We have nothing further to announce at this time."

If this really happens, it could change a lot of things about the way we shop. Customers could browse stores without leaving their homes, which is good for customers, not so much for businesses. Also, it would allow people to browse stores in locations they aren't familiar with or plan to travel to ahead of time. The other problem is the privacy concerns that often pop up with Google Maps. If people are worried about views of themselves outside of various places, you can bet they're going to be upset that they're being followed inside. Never mind the fact that it would take a lot of work on Google's part to get every store in the country to allow the photography.

While it's quite possible Google is experimenting with the idea, don't expect it to happen anytime soon. If the woman taking pictures inside the store really is with the company, her equipment doesn't really look like something they'd use for this type of venture. Also, it's a long road between one little candy shop in New York and the entire United States or even the entire city of New York.

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Sony Dash Streams TV and Movies from Netflix

2010-02-16T14:51:00.003-05:00

Sony has just announced that its Dash Personal Internet Viewer, the device seen back at CES, will feature a dedicated app for Netflix. This means that the device will allow Netflix subscribers to instantly watch thousands of movies and TV shows directly on the Dash. But that isn't all, Demand Media Inc. has confirmed that eHow, Golflink and LIVESTRONG.com will also be added to the content lineup.

The Dash wirelessly transfers real-time internet by providing always on, sequential display of more than 1,500 apps from Sony's Bravia Internet Video Platform as well as the Chumby Industries Inc. personalized content channel. The Dash can also stream online music videos, TV or film content on-demand.

The device itself offers a 7-inch color touch screen with multiple viewing angles such as upright and tilted. According to Senior Vice President of Sony Electronics' Personal Imaging and Audio Business Brennan Mullin, "We're continuing to develop innovative products that bring online music, news, video and more into our customers' homes in real-time. By adding content from Netflix and demand Media to our Dash product, Sony is giving consumers a new, convenient way to enjoy some of the highest quality entertainment and most useful information available on the internet today."

A queue-based interface allows you to access Netflix-streamed content on your Dash in which choices from a Netflix member's queue will be automatically displayed when the Netflix icon on the Dash is touched. The same concept works for eHow, which provides people the ability to research, share and discuss solutions to everyday problems.

The Dash from Sony should be available for purchase this April for around $199 at any Sony Style retail store, a variety of authorized dealers or at www.sonystyle.com. It seems that adding this to the new Ford Sync System with Wi-Fi will make those long family road trips a little more bearable.

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The Southwest Airline App

2010-02-09T20:45:00.001-05:00

Southwest Airlines has come out with its own iPhone/iPod Touch app. The iPhone app is the mobile phone version of the airline's Ding computer application. According to Southwest, it makes traveling with the airline "even more convenient" and helps you do everything from check in for your next flight to plan your next trip. For a limited time, you can get special air fare deals with the app that were previously only available with the computer widget version of Ding.

So what makes this app so great? The free app, which is currently available for download in the iTunes store, lets you book a flight, check a flight status, and check in for your flight. You can also book car rentals, reeive alerts about time-sensitive Ding deals, log into your Rapid Rewards Account, view other flight schedules, and lots more!

As Kevin Krone of Southwest puts it, "Whether you are managing Rapid Rewards credits or need to check-in for your flight, the Southwest Airlines app now offers customers the flexibility to do that and more-with plenty of Southwest flair!"

The L.A. Times Dailey Travel and Deal Blog went to their Twitter account to ask users what they thought about the app and most of the respones were positive. According to the blog, the only major complaint was about the app freezing or quitting mid-use. At iTunes, some reviewers complain about how quickly the Rapid Rewards feature expired.

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Loews Hotels' Valentine's Day Twitter Contest

2010-02-07T13:59:00.003-05:00

Are you following Loews Hotels on Twitter? If you are, you may be one of the lucky winners of a romantic weekend for two, especially if you're a film buff.

To enter the contest, simply begin following the hotel chain on Twitter (@Loews_Hotels) and keep an eye out. On Monday, February 8th and each day that week, a trivia question about a romantic movie will be posted around 8:00 AM PST. The first person who answers the daily trivia question correctly will win a $50 food and drink credit for Loews properties, as well as a DVD that relates back to the trivia question.

On February 12, once every question has been answered and a daily winner has been declared, a random winner will be chosen from the week's five finalists. The winner will receive the grand prize, the "Drive-In Movie" package. The package includes a two-night weekend stay at the Loews Hotel in city of the winner's choice, as well as free parking, daily in-room movies, and popcorn from the lobby's "concession stand."

To enter, simply answer the trivia question publicly on Twitter. You may respond anytime between 6:00 AM and 8:59 PM PST. But remember, the first person to answer correctly is the winner, so you don't want to take too long to think about your answer. The contest is only open to United States residents and only one entry per Twitter account is allowed. Good luck!

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Considering a GPS System?

2010-02-04T23:39:00.004-05:00

So have you finally gotten fed up with always getting lost when you’re in a rush? Are you thinking that maybe it’s time to look into getting a GPS system? Although most smartphones have some sort of navigation, there are many features on an actual GPS system that smartphones just don’t have. If you’re ready to look into this then read on. I’m going to let you know about some of the top-rated GPS devices available right now.

TomTom One 140-S
List Price: $199.95
Sale Price: $99 (at BuyDig.com)
I’ve written a review previously about the TomTom One specifically that discusses this system in detail if you are interested. This GPS device includes a multitude of maps and over seven million points of interest found within the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. It also has features like IQ Routes, lane assist, and multisegment routing. These are rarely found at such a entry-level price. This is definitely one to keep in mind.

Garmin nüvi 885T
List Price: $799.99
Sale Price: $276 (at BuyDig.com)
Now yes, this system is more expensive, but it has some fantastic features like voice recognition, text-to-speech conversion, enhanced MSN Direct services, great Bluetooth phone support, and tons of other advanced features. The advantage to this device is that there are now newer Garmin models, so you can easily find the 885T at a discounted price.

Magellan Maestro 4700
List Price: $299.99
Sale Price: 199.58 (at ANTOnlibe.com)
The Maestro features voice prompts, a responsive touch screen, fast route recalculations, and a feature that allows you to easily find your car in a crowded parking lot. The downside to this particular system is that it has extremely inconsistent voice recognition and can sometimes take quite awhile to lock your exact location.

Gamin nüvi 265T
List Price: $219.99
Sale Price: $125.99 (at eCost.com)
This Garmin model gives you quite a lot for the price tag. Something quite nice that they include with the 265T is a lifetime of free traffic updates. The device also includes an ecoRoute feature that can assist drivers in saving gas.

These are all reliable GPS systems that should satisfy your desire to always know where you are going. All that you have to do is decide which features you would utilize most, and you have found yourself a brand new, dependable GPS system.

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Find a Warm Winter Vacation with Fodor's 80 Degrees

2010-02-04T12:16:00.000-05:00

If you're tired of snow and sub-freezing temperatures, you may be thinking about taking a winter vacation to somewhere tropical, or at least somewhere warmer than where you are now. Well, Fodor's "80 Degrees" quiz will help you find your ideal vacation. As the website says, "tell us about your travel style and we'll recommend the perfect destination for you."

I decided to take the quiz, myself, to see what all the hoopla is about. To begin, you choose between "popular" and "off the beaten path," with three options in between, based on what your vacation desires are. Once you've picked either one (or one of the options in the middle), you hit "next" and you're given a number of other options. You can choose whether you'd like to "stay on a resort" or "go out exploring" and you can choose between "budget" and "upscale," depending on how much you'd like to spend. You then select who is going on the trip, with your choices being "just you," a "romantic getaway," "taking the kids" or "a large group." This completes Step One of the quiz.

In Step Two, you're given a list of activities and you are to choose how important each one is to you. The activities included are shopping, beautiful beaches, scuba diving, adrenaline sports, natural wonders, fine dining, excellent nightlife, casinos/gambling, golf, hiking, family activities, museums/historical sites, and snorkeling. Step Three is about lodging. First you decided how much you want to spend per night. The website gives a range of $150-450. Then it gives you optional amenities such as kitchen, pool, spa, children's programs, all-inclusive, and on the beach.

Finally, in Step Four, you have to decide on the logistics of the trip. You decided how long you're willing to travel and how many connecting flights you're willing to take, and then it gives you an option of destinations including Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize or you can select "I am a United States citizen without a passport." Once you've made all these decisions, click on "get your results" and you're provided with your top ten matches.

For what it's worth, my top spot was the Florida Keys and the website provides you information about your assigned destination. It shows how the destination matches up to the activities you've chosen, things you can do while you're there, explains the logistics of getting there and even recommends hotels in the area.

Don't like your selections? That website is easy to navigate and starting over is easy to do. If you do like your selection, you can visit Fodor's online guide to the vacation spot and start planning your trip to 80 degree weather! Fore more information and to take the quiz yourself, visit Fodors.com/80degrees.

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Get Real-Time Travel Info to Your iPhone with TripTracker

2010-02-01T12:55:00.001-05:00

Two new apps for the iPhone and iPod touch have been released by Pageonce. The apps, TripTracker and TripTracker Pro, put all of your travel documents in one place and helps you manage your itineraries. All you do is download the app, enter your airline and hotel account information, and from that moment on, anytime you travel, your information will automatically appear on your iPhone/iPod Touch.

Guy Goldstein, the CEO of Pageonce, had this to say about the apps,"TripTracker was designed specifically to be your mobile travel agent, saving traveller’s time on organising the annoying details. What makes TripTracker unique is that it’s the only app on the Appstore that automatically pushes real-time travel details to your iPhone, removing the inconvenience of adding it manually or sending e-mail commands to a third party provider."

The app features a number travel tools that will help manage your travel, whether it be for business or pleasure, in a hands-off manner. You can track live flights worldwild, including gate numbers, delays and cancellations. Also, you can keep track of hotel confirmation numbers, your check in and out dates, phone numbers and maps to the hotel.

Your iPhone will buzz with itenerary updates, even when it's not open. You'll also be provided with life flight maps and weather radars, and reports in your departing and destination locations. For future trips, your hotel and flight information will be automaticaly imported so you're not constantly having to retype everything and you can access your itenerary with one click. You'll even be notified when a frequent travel reward is granted to you. Pageonce also said that car rental information will be added in the near future.

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Americans Don’t Speed Much?

2010-01-28T23:30:00.003-05:00

Before doing some research, I would have confidently said that a huge percentage of American drivers have the tendency to speed, but according to the GPS data from the TomTom this is not necessarily true.

Recently, the company compiled their data from the Speed Profiles database of the TomTom to see how many drivers that owned a TomTom were speeding. See TomTom’s IQ Routes and Tele Atlas map business unit feature can actually track the average speed of drivers on their routes.

I don’t know about you, but it seems that every time I get on the road there’s always some crazy maniac out there flying down the highway, but according to TomTom this really isn’t that many people. They reported that drivers from the fastest states in the country, Mississippi, New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, and Alabama, were staying within or slightly above the speed limits of 65-75 mph.

As amazing as it may seem according to TomTom, drivers out there just don’t seem to be speeding, well…at least the ones that own a TomTom.

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Nokia to Offer Free Navigation Software

2010-01-28T11:40:00.003-05:00

Nokia has announced that it will be offering free Navigation software on about ten of its smartphones. The no-strings-attached-offer will let users use the navigation in their handsets without having to connect to the internet. It will include turn-by-turn directions, voice prompts, travel guides, and other features.

Nokia hopes the move will help sell smartphones. "It will serve as a defense to our product prices," Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia's head of marketing, said in a statement.

Recently, Nokia has seen its rivals Apple (with the iPhone) and Research in Motion (with its Blackberry devices) take a share of its sales. However, analysts say Nokia is also attempting to compete with Google, which is already giving away its own mapping software with the Motorola Droid and all smartphones using the Android operating system. Some say users of all smartphones will start to expect free navigation software to be a standard smartphone feature from other companies such as Microsoft, RIM, and Samsung, affecting the whole market.

Either way, the move is sure to put pressure on TomTom and Garmin, the two biggest mapping leaders. Tomtom already sells navigation software for iPhone for $70 and the move could negatively affect that type of software, as well.

Currently, Nokia users can download free Ovi Maps from its website.

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5 Ways to Learn the Language

2010-01-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

Traveling to a new country can be a very daunting experience. And even more so when you don't know the country's language. While you're probably not going to learn to speak a new language over night, there are some great options out there to help you get started, learn a few key phrases, and even take along with you to use if you find yourself lost in translation.

1. Franklin Five-Language European Translator ($19.99)

If you're on a budget and in need of an electronic translator, this one's for you. It has over 5,000 conversational phrases and 210,000 total translations in German, French, Spanish, Italian, and English. Categories of phrases include directions, shopping, emergencies, dining, and lodging. It features a QWERTY keyboard, phonetic spell correction, metric and Euro currency conversion functions and Rolodex memory. Franklin makes more extensive translators that cost a good bit more, but if you're simply taking a vacation and need a little translation help, this one works just fine.

2. Odyssey Translator iPhone App ($4.99)

As with anything, there are tons of iPhone and Blackberry apps for language translation. Unfortunately, most of them require you to access your phone's data plan to even use them. When you're traveling overseas, this can be a problem due to access limitations and extra fees. The Odyssey Translator is one that does not require data access. It offers translations of typical questions you might ask went traveling. It comes in Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, German, French, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese and each language is sold separately. The app even says the phrase out loud.

3. Rush Hour Spanish Audio Book ($19.95)

This three-CD set from Berlitz has been called "cheesy" by a Fox News reviewer but it helps you learn language the old-fashioned way: by song. Berlitz calls it "language-learning entertainment" and it does get you singing along. You'll "listen, repeat, and sing" with two characters, Jon and Elena, who meet at a gym. Before you know it, you'll have learned several new Spanish phrases and quite possibly find yourself humming a tune on your next vacation to a Spanish-speaking country.

4. 30 Words Translation Cards ($8.95)

Flash cards have been around for years and carrying them into a restaurant with you probably isn't the most exciting thing in the world to do. But these are different. The two-sided, accordion-style cards contain over 700 words and phrases, along with the phonetic spelling for each one. In addition, you can print free content to go along with your cards. They're available in European Spanish, South & Central American Spanish, French, and Arabic and they cover non-typical travel topics as well as the usual. They're even waterproof!

5. My Coach Language Series for Nintendo DS ($29.99)

If you have kids, there's no need for them to not know the language as well and Nintendo DS offers translation tools that pose as games and puzzles for Spanish, French, Chinese, and Japanese. There are drills that take advantage of the DS microphone. You can even track your progress as the game grades you on your skills. OK, admittedly, this might be fun for grown-ups, too, but it's definitely something the entire family can use to help prepare for their next vacation.

Looking for a short term mobile technology rental to to make your next trip a success? Call 800-736-8772 today and ask about our Nextel Rentals, Two Way Radio Rentals, or even our Aircard Rentals!

Stalk Celebrities on Your Next Trip to Hollywood with New iPhone App

2010-01-21T08:57:00.000-05:00

Millions of people head to Hollywood each year to experience glitz and glamour and a good celebrity sighting story to tell their friends back home. Some hope they'll bump into Clint Eastwood at a restaurant or find themselves shopping next to Julia Roberts. Others go all out and sign up for a bus tour that takes them all around the city, driving by celebrity homes and hotspots.

If you're planning to visit Los Angeles this year, chances are you hope to spot a celebrity or two. Well, thanks to B/C Interactive, there is now an app for that. Released last month, Celebrity Star Maps, a new iPhone app, is the key to making your dreams come true...sort of.

This app cuts out the need for a bus tour and guides you to the stars' homes via GPS navigation. It even provides you with aerial views of the various mansions. And just like the bus tours, it it'll take you to a host of celebrity hotspots - places voted most likely to see a star. It even provides you with various celebrity biographies.

The app is only $4.99 at the iTunes store and may be worth price if celeb-hunting is your cup of tea. Bus tours can run anywhere from $25 to over $100. Of course, you'll have to drive yourself around to your various destinations and if you've ever driven in Los Angeles, you know paying the extra cash for a chauffeur isn't always a bad idea.

Looking for a short term mobile technology rental to to make your next trip a success? Call 800-736-8772 today and ask about our Nextel Rentals, Two Way Radio Rentals, or even our Aircard Rentals!

DOT's New Aviation Consumer Website

2010-01-19T07:28:00.004-05:00

Have a complaint about air travel? Maybe your flight was delayed several hours or you lost your luggage. Now, the government is providing you with an easier way to vent about your frustrations. A new website - airconsumer.dot.gov - was unveiled by the Department of Transportation earlier this month and it includes a link for you to file a complaint online.

The DOT puts out an air travel consumer report each month that documents complaints by airline and category. November's report shows the number one complaint is about baggage (they received 117 that month) followed by flight delays, cancellations and misconnections.

Out of all the United States airlines, Delta received the most complaints (95). Southwest Airlines received the lowest number of complaints (14). But according to consumer groups, actual problems occur much more frequently than the report lets on. Many people may not be aware that they can complain or may not feel that it is worth the time. As a matter of fact, according to Cleveland.com, there were about 122,000 passenger reports of baggage incidents in November. That's over 1,000 times more than the number of complaints.

Tom Parsons of BestFares.com hopes more people will file complaints, "Hopefully now that we're becoming more Internet savvy, more people will take the time to make complaints."

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the website is part of an effort by the DOT to ensure airline passengers are treated fairly. Over the last few months, the DOT has had to pay some large fines for failing to comply with denied-boarding compensation rules. Passengers denied boarding due to oversold flights are supposed to be paid 200% of their fare to the next stopover or if need be, their final destination, up to $800.

In addition to filing complaints, users will find the DOT's aviation consumer website features guidance on aviation rules and statues, advice on airlines that have stopped operating or filed for bankruptcy protection, and several air travel tips. Several airlines have also been making it easier for consumers to complain using Twitter. Continental, Southwest, AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines all have a Twitter presence.

Looking for a short term mobile technology rental to to make your next trip a success? Call 800-736-8772 today and ask about our Nextel Rentals, Two Way Radio Rentals, or even our Aircard Rentals!