Posted on 28 April 2009
LeSportsac bags and accessories are perfect for jet-setting ladies. The trademark ripstop nylon fabric is water proof, washable and folds up - the perfect combination when you’re on the road and you want to be prepared for everything! For Fall ‘09, LeSportsac has some new travel pieces and updated classics that meet any and all travel needs.
Airport Friendly Laptop Bag in Traveling Print
The newest addition to the line is the TSA-approved laptop case, the Airport Friendly Laptop Bag. If you’re like me, and take your laptop with you wherever you go, then this scenario should seem familiar: You’re at the airport on the security line juggling a coat, shoes, handbag, laptop, carry-on luggage and a ziplock full of toiletries. As you’re juggling with everything you need to make sure you put your laptop in a separate gray bin. Well, those juggling days are over ladies. LeSportsac created a genius laptop case that allows you to breeze through security. All you have to do is unzip the case and - that’s it! You don’t even need to take the computer out of the case. LeSportsac just made your life much easier! Available in all of the signature prints and colors, the TSA-approved laptop case is cute, sturdy, reliable and a game-changer.
Interior View of Airport Friendly Laptop Bag
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Posted on 07 March 2009
It pays to follow @JetBlue on Twitter. I am a loyal Jet Blue customer…somtimes to the point that one might consider it silly. I don’t mind paying more sometimes…often times not. But seeing that I fly every month (and have been doing so for the past 5 years) from OAK to JFK, knowing that I’m in the hands of comfort and care is important to me. Cozy sets, extra leg room, direct T.V. and the nicest crew…These are some of the reasons I love Jet Blue and will continue to fly with them. They recently hit 100, 000 followers on Twitter and as a way of showing their thanks, they are offering 10% off select flightsbooked until tonight at 11:59 p.m. MST, use code 100k_Tweet.
Do yourself a favor and fly the friendly sky’s with Jet Blue..and don’t forget to follow them on twitter here, they take care of their tweeple!
Posted on 09 January 2009
Who wouldn’t want to do it in style? Travel that is. After Mr. McQeen ends his turn as the captain of the Samsonite Black Label luggage collaborator, Viktor & Rolf will be bringing the travel heat with a collection of too cute to check-in luggage. The “Happy Travel with Viktor & Rolf” collection is set to be available this Fall 2009. The feeling is very retro, from the bag silhouettes to the jet plane motif, you’re sure to breeze through security in style.
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Posted on 28 October 2008
Everyone has some place they need to be - whether it’s the morning commute to work, or the vacation you’ve been waiting for. Whether your mode of transport is a plane, train or automobile, the rules of travel apply. Maybe it’s the potential for lost baggage, missed connections or just being late for work, but sometimes your fellow travelers can be quite rude and inconsiderate. Here are some pointers to keep in mind when you’re traveling:
Keep The Scents Under Wraps
Never use beauty products with very strong scents in enclosed places like airplanes. No perfume spraying or polishing nails. In fact, if you’re going to wear perfume on an airplane make sure you put it on well in advance. If not, the scent will be too strong and you’ll think you smell great but in fact, you’re giving everyone around you a headache.
Out Before In
This rule applies mainly to buses, trains and elevators. Always let the people exiting get out first before you attempt to enter. When waiting, stand to the side so you’re not blocking anyone’s way.
Read the rest after the jump . . .
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Posted on 26 September 2008
With airline travel so hit and miss these days, it pays to understand your rights as an air traveler. Rule 240 is an underused tool you can use to strengthen your travel arsenal.
Rule 240 essentially states the airline’s position should they be at fault for delaying your scheduled air travel. It is a holdover from before 1978 when airline deregulation came about, and as such is no longer mandated by the federal government. However, most major airlines still hold to at least some of their old Rule 240 standards.
Rule 240 comes into play when your flight has been delayed or canceled due to conditions that are entirely the airline’s fault and responsibility. Things like mechanical malfunctions, late flights, and lack of staffing for a plane are covered under Rule 240, but not things like weather or workers’ strikes.
Rule 240 usually covers the following (though not all airlines cover everything): getting you booked on the quickest flight to your destination (sometimes just their airline and sometimes another), refunds, meal vouchers, hotel vouchers and ground transportation vouchers. Not all airlines have the same Rule 240 standards so make sure you look over your airline’s policies before you travel. It’s a good idea to print out a copy of the airline’s Rule 240 policies and have them available in your carry on bag should your travel be interrupted or cancelled by the airline.
Here are a few links to flight contracts on a few of the major airlines:
Always be familiar with your airline before you fly. Knowing their policies can save you a ton of time and a ton of cash.
Posted on 05 September 2008
If you’ve never taken a fall vacation to enjoy the changing of the leaves, you’re missing out on one of the best reasons for fall travel. Nothing is more relaxing than enjoying a weekend lazing in a cottage overlooking trees cloaked in gold, red and purple. Get out of the city for a few days and head to your nearest wooded area for a treat you won’t soon forget.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Fall Foliage Report: Generally the last two weeks in October are the best for color change.
Where to Stay: Gatlinburg is full of remarkable country inns that offer sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains. A long-standing favorite is the Buckhorn Inn, offering private cottages, large wooded grounds, hearty breakfasts, and mouthwatering candlelit dinners. Another is the Hippensteal Inn, owned by artist Vern Hippensteal. With its view of Mount Le Conte, it can’t be beat for fall leaf-watching. Don’t forget to venture into the town’s mega-touristy center and get in touch with your caramel-corn-loving, Ripley’s-Believe-It-or-Not-museum-going, airbrushed-t-shirt-coveting inner self.
Gatlinburg Image
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Posted on 19 August 2008
Got a few vacation days left to use before the end of the year? Think international! Leave the laptop at home, pack your carry on bag and your passport, and jet-set to your nearest international city for a whirlwind long weekend. Do-able in a carry on? Of course! Adhere to the 3-1-1 carry on guidelines for liquids and you’re fine. Don’t spend a lot of money on a grand hotel. Weekenders are all about getting out and exploring the city.
New York to London, England
Leaving Thursday, returning Sunday
$300+ USD
Average air time is between 7 and 10 hours.
Do-able in a carry on? You bet! Adhere to the 3-1-1 carry on guidelines for liquids and you’re fine. London weather can be cold and rainy in fall, so be sure to wear a good raincoat and carry a compact umbrella. A long pashmina can double as a scarf during the day and a shoulder wrap at night. Wear comfortable shoes and plan to do plenty of walking. London’s public transportation system is excellent, so purchase a 3 Day London Pass with Travel Pass for unlimited access to London’s city transportation as well as tons of attractions like the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, the Globe Theatre, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Queen’s Gallery and more.
London Image
Check out the other 2 stops after the jump . . .
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Posted on 24 July 2008
There area a ton of websites out there related to travel these days, and some very handy little clickies that I always seem to think about AFTER I get home. If you travel with your laptop, go ahead and bookmark some (or all) of these to have on hand the next time you’re on the road.
Takeout Taxi - Available in 15 states, this genius online food ordering system consolidates menus from dozens of local restaurants, lets you order whatever you choose from any or all of them, and brings everything to you straightaway. This is a perfect way to get to know some of the local cuisine if you’re really crunched for time, or if you don’t want to be shackled to the hotel’s in-house restaurant.
Creative Loafing - Available in 6 great cities, this is THE online spot for everything leisure-related you can imagine. Food, drink, dancing, arts, entertainment, coffeehouses, concerts, exhibits, museums … you name it, Creative Loafing lists it. It’s a great “zoom-in” to target exactly what you want to see and do before you hit the streets. Perfect for planning or on the spur of the moment.
More tips after the jump!
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Posted on 11 July 2008
In response to high gas prices and outrageous restrictions by airlines, many people are staying home instead of going on vacation. This trend has given rise to the “stay-cation” - finding things to do in your own hometown (or very nearby) that don’t cost you an arm and a leg.
But what if you want something in between? You want to sleep in another bed for a few nights, and not have to worry about making it up yourself in the morning. And you don’t want to drive far. You’re in luck! Almost every city has a pool of great hotels or resorts, and because travel is in a lull right now, most are discounting their rates to attract visitors.
Find one you like, and call them up. Talk to the manager and ask for a “locals” discount. It’s very likely you’ll get one! Particularly if you are willing to stay mid-week. Tuesday and Wednesday nights are generally wide open and discounted rates are available.
Don’t know where to start in finding a hotel in your own backyard? Have a look at TheTopTenSite.com. For example, here’s what they recommend in the way of boutique (smaller) hotels in New York City.
The Casablanca
The Gansevoort
The Bryant Park Hotel
The Hotel Elysee
The Library
The Gramercy Park Hotel
The W Hotel Union Square
The Lowell
The SoHo Grand
The W Hotel Times Square
Find a hotel that has a restaurant, a bar and a spa, and you won’t even have to go anywhere for a few days! But if you do want to venture out some, don’t forget to check out your city’s convention and visitor’s bureau pages for discounts on local attractions. Now’s the time to check out that museum or art gallery you’ve been meaning to visit. Go on … be a tourist in your hometown! Not only will you get to know your city a little better, you’ll be helping boost the local economy.
Happy Travels!
Posted on 26 June 2008
Should you rent a car when you travel, or no? The decision is a real bugger when you’re planning travel to places you’re unfamiliar with. And with gas prices through the flippin’ roof these days, traveling at all can be a strain on the old pocketbook.
Here some things to consider when determining if you need a rental car as well as a plane ticket, and a few tips to help you find the lowest prices.
If you are visiting a major city, you probably won’t need a car. Major hubs generally have good transportation systems. Do a Google search on public transportation for the city you’re considering visiting. Most large cities also offer prepaid unlimited usage visitors transit passes, so definitely look for those to help save you time and money. New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Memphis, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, and London all have good city-wide public transportation. And you can always take a cab in compact cities (like New York).
If you’re having trouble finding a public transit authority, have a look at the city’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website. Many cities that do a large amount of tourist trade often have trolley or streetcar systems in place to shuttle visitors from attraction to attraction. Gatlinburg, TN, and New Orleans, LA are great examples.
Read the rest of the story after the jump . . .
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