Please check out my newly published article about planning a trip to New York City this holiday season. You'll discover some affordable, yet exciting ways to enjoy your stay in NYC! To read the article that appears on LowFares.com, click here.
For the past two months or so, I've pretty much been spending time at home in Boston, working on two new books which will be published early next year. Watch for the release of How To Do Everything Digital Photography (McGraw-Hill) and Using iPhoto '11(Que Publishing).
Starting next week, however, my travels begin once again. First, I'm off to San Francisco for a week to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. Then, I'll be spending a week in Nashville, followed by a visit to Norway. In January, I'm really excited to be taking a cruise aboard Disney's Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Dream.
I'll be writing about my travel experience, and offering tons of travel tips and destination reviews right here at JasonRichTravel.com, but for real-time updates and photos, be sure to follow me on Twitter!
I just returned from an amazing ski trip to Utah, and I have to say that it was the most spectacular skiing experience I've ever had. This was my first time visiting Utah, and I was very pleasantly surprised.
Not only are there a bunch of vastly different ski resorts to choose from, but each offers a totally different, yet equally incredible skiing (or snowboarding) experience, absolutely breathtaking scenery, and a nice choice of nearby nightly accommodations, available at all price points. In fact, many hotels and resorts are located right at the ski slopes, so you can literally ski from your hotel room to the slopes in minutes.
Right now, Utah is offering some really great deals for Spring skiing. The best source to find these deals is SkiUtah.com. From this site, you can also learn about the various ski resorts, like The Canyons, Park City Mountain Resort, and Brighton Resort.
Skiing is still in expensive sport, since you need to purchase daily lift tickets, warm clothing, ski equipment, and potentially lessons. However, if you're going to invest in a ski vacation, you might as well have the very best possible skiing experience possible, which is why I highly recommend Utah - no matter what your skill level when it comes to skiing or snowboarding.
Beyond offering skiing that's superior to what's available in New England, and equal (if not better) than what's offered in Colorado or Lake Tahoe, for example, what sets the ski resorts in Utah apart is the lack of lift lines.
Even on the most crowded days, the wait time to get up a mountain is less than three to five minutes, so when you plan a full day of skiing, you really spend the day on the mountain, not waiting in long lines.
In addition to the skiing itself, Utah offers plenty of fine-dining restaurants (like Log Haven or Talisker On Main), day spas, museums, theatre, and other activities to keep the entire family entertained. Even the ski resorts themselves offer activities beyond just skiing. For example, there's the Alpine Coaster at the Park City Mountain Resort, which is fun for kids, teens and adults alike.
Oh, and so save a bit of money, I recommend renting your ski equipment at Ski 'N See (as opposed to at the ski resorts themselves). You'll find nine Ski 'N See locations, all located near some of the most popular Utah ski resorts.
Also, when you arrive to Utah, the Salt Lake City airport is within 30 to 60 minutes from the majority of the ski resorts, so you ski on the day (or evening) your arrive. If you're planning to do this, keep your airline boarding pass, because if you present it at a participating ski resort, you'll get a free lift ticket for the day you arrive. (Some restrictions apply, but you can read the rules for this offer at SkiUtah.com).
Salt Lake City is easy to reach from most major U.S. cities, and affordable flights are available. Thus, even if you're coming from the East Coast or West Coast, you can plan an affordable, yet memorable long weekend or week of skiing in Utah, without spending too much time flying or breaking the bank.
Check out my article about Boston's nightlife on Virgin Atlantic's vTravelled.com website - Click here. Learn about all there is to see and do in Boston once the sun sets.
When I first heard about the Barnes & Noble Nook eBook reader back in early-November, I immediately went online to www.bn.com, and placed a pre-order for a unit. In the past, I had refrained from purchasing an Amazon Kindle, because it was a first-generation product, and it seemed to have some limitations. According to the preliminary marketing and advertising for B&N's Nook, many of those limitations were overcome...at least in the ads.
About a week ago, I finally received my Nook eBook reader, which is priced at $259.00 (plus $39.00 for the case). As an avid reader, and someone who is constantly traveling, I looked forward to having one device on which I could store a handful of books to read on airplanes and when traveling. Admittedly, my expectations for this device were high.
Does the Nook work? Well, yes. The programming has some bugs, but basically it works. You can download eBooks, and then read them on the Nook's display. However, the unit itself is very slow. It takes several minutes to boot up once it's turned on, and loading books from memory, and then turning digital pages as you read is also very slow (almost to the point of being frustrating).
The battery life is also much shorter than B&N advertises, and the overall design of the unit has its own set of minor problems. For example, the unit's weight is off-balance, based on the way someone would hold it in their hand while reading. And, that cool looking, full-color, touch screen at the bottom is over-sensitive. When the menu screen is on, many of the menu options are counter-intuitive. Plus, when the lower screen is off (when you're actually reading), it appears black. Thus, if you're actually reading using light from an overhead lamp, it causes a pretty major glare and reflection which is distracting. Plus, the touch screen gets finger prints on it that also causes a glare when the light hits it. I find myself wiping off the lower touch screen several times during each reading session.
In my opinion (as someone who loves using all of the latest gadgets, and who is literally hooked on my iPhone and iPod Nano, for example), I have to admit that the B&N Nook has not lived up to expectations at all. Yes, it works. But, the overall unit design and more importantly, the programming and user interface, could have, and should have been much better designed.
My first big problem with the unit occurred when I tried to purchase, download and read the new Stephen King novel directly from the Nook. Nowhere did it say the book wasn't yet available. (As it turns out, the release date is on December 24th). Anyway, the Nook accepted my order for the book, and kept trying to download it. Because it was apparently a pre-order, the download would not work, but all I received as a generic error message stating that the unit could not connect to the network. After spending almost an hour on the phone with B&N's technical support people, they were able to tell me there's a bug in the Nook's programming and that they'd need to adjust my online account somehow before my Nook would again work properly.
So, while the concept of the Nook is great for frequent travelers, this first generation of the product still needs some fine-tuning. Unless they drop the price of the unit considerably, I strongly recommend holding off, and waiting for the next generation of eBook readers to become available. I understand Apple will be releasing some type of digital tablet device in early-2010, that'll allow people to read eBooks, plus it'll run iPhone apps on a larger screen and surf the net.
In terms of the Nook, I am also a bit disappointed with the selection of eBooks, as well as the digital versions of newspapers and popular magazines that are Nook compatible. Many of the most popular titles an avid reader would want aren't available (at least not yet). The initial ads for the Nook stated that dozens of major daily newspapers and magazines would be available in digital format upon the Nook's release. Well, it's been several weeks since the Nook was officially launched, but the selection of digital newspapers and magazines that's currently available is small and totally unimpressive.
Again, the Nook does work. However, with just a bit of extra work on the designers' part (and maybe if they tried a few focus groups with actual end users), the unit could have been so much better.
To sum this up, I don't hate the Nook, but I'm not overly impressed with it either. My expectations were not met, and in my opinion, the cost of the unit is too high. The $9.95 cost of most downloadable books, however, is very reasonable.
So, if you're considering the purchase of a Nook, I'd hold off, and see what comes out next year.
The following video contains a montage of photos from my recent trip to Hocking Hills, Ohio. As you'll see, it was a truly beautiful place to visit, especially during peak fall foliage...Enjoy!
I just got back from spending a few days exploring Pittsburgh, PA. While I have flown through the city's airport on US Airways literally hundreds of times, until this week, I never actually left the airport to see the city. In fact, all I knew about Pittsburgh until this week was that this was where Mr. Rogers lived and shot his TV show. It's also the home of Heinz ketchup.
Anyway, Pittsburgh is a lovely city that's clean, modern, friendly and chock full of places to see and things to do - especially if you enjoy outdoor activities. If you enjoy drinking locally brewed beers, for example, there is also no shortage of micro-breweries here. Besides that, Pittsburgh offers theatre, museums, culture, interesting places to explore, and, of course, sports!
Below is a compilation of photos from my three day trip. During the trip, I toured the city (and surrounding rivers) by boat, car, Segway and kayak. I'll add more descriptions of what I experienced soon, but these photos offer a preview....Enjoy!
All photos (c)2009 Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.
Check out the article I wrote for the New York Daily News newspaper about all of the new fees/charges that hotels across the country and throughout the world are now charging, plus discover tips for avoiding at least some of them. To read this article from the Monday, July 27, 2009 edition of the newspaper, click here.
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Miami, Florida. While gathering content for my upcoming travel guide, Thomas Cook Florida Hotspots, Iexperienced many of the attractions, resorts, restaurants and activities that this incredible city has to offer.
Two of the highlights of the week were my visits to Miami MetroZoo and Jungle Island. In a nutshell, these two zoos are amongst the very best and most impressive in the country. Each offers a full day's worth of entertainment and excitement for people of all ages. Even adults traveling without kids will enjoy spending a few hours exploring these two animal-oriented attractions.
If you're planning a visit to Miami, definitely make time in your schedule to visit this zoo andJungle Island! When you do, plan on walking a lot. The alternative at MetroZoo is to rent a four-passenger bike, take the zoo's monorail, or rent a Segway to explore this massive and stunning attraction. Don't forget to bring a hat, drink plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and apply sunblock during your visit. This is primarily an outdoor attraction.
I guarantee that a day at Miami MetroZoo and/or Jungle Island is one you won't soon forget. Admission to the zoo is $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child. Bike and Segway rentals cost extra. The zoo is open everyday of the year, typically between 9:30am and 5:30pm. A handful of tours and special programs are available (some for an additional fee). Visit the zoo's website or call (305) 251-0400 for details.
Jungle Island is open 365 days a year, from 10:00 am to 6:00pm. Special shows and events at this popular Miami attraction may extend the attraction's hours. Admission prices are as follows:
One-Day Admission
Adults (Ages 11-64) $29.95 plus tax Seniors (Ages 65+) $27.95 plus tax Children (Ages 3-10) $23.95 plus tax Children (Ages 0-2) Free
Those of you who follow me on Twitter know that I am spending the week in Daytona Beach, FL gathering information and taking photos for a soon-to-be published travel guide, called Thomas Cook Traveller Florida Hotspots. The book will be distributed throughout Europe early next year.
While here in Daytona Beach, I'm staying at the incredibly lovely The Shores Resort & Spa(386-767-7350 / www.shoresresort.com), which is actually located in Daytona Beach Shores. It's the only AAA-rated four-diamond resort in the area, and well worth visiting.
The guest rooms are spacious, clean and luxurious - and most overlook the ocean and beach, which is just a few yards from the resort. As you'd expect from a top-rated resort, The Shores Resort & Spa has a day spa, restaurants and a bunch of other services and amenities right on-property, so it's easy for a couple (on a romantic getaway), honeymooners, business travelers, or an entire family to relax and enjoy their time here. (The resort is also pet-friendly, which appeals to Rusty, my Yorkshire Terrier, who is enjoying his days lounging on the couch in the room and watching the ocean.)
For anyone looking for a fun-filled beach vacation, Daytona Beach is well worth the visit. While this area has a reputation for being a popular Spring Break getaway for college students (thanks in part to MTV), in reality, this is no longer true. In fact, Daytona Beach has re-invented itself over the past few years to become a premier resort and beach destination for couples and families. The college kids are enjoying there Spring Break elsewhere these days, so when you get here, you can expect more of an adult and family-oriented crowd - not a wild party atmosphere.
What may people also don't realize is that Daytona Beach is less than one hour by car from Orlando, so it's very easy and convenient to combine a Disney trip with a few days along the beach in Daytona Beach (or vice versa). You can fly into Orlando International Airport and rent a car to get here, or fly into Daytona Beach's own airport, which is much smaller, but more convenient.
Once you get here, there are all kinds of activities available for kids, teens and adults alike. If you're a NASCAR fan, you already know that Daytona is home to one of NASCAR's most famous tracks (and several NASCAR related experiences for tourists). However, for people who love the beach, this area offers 47 miles of lovely sandy beaches (along the Atlantic ocean), plus so much more - all at affordable prices!
Between NASCAR and the beaches, Daytona Beach welcomes more than eight million visitors per year. In terms of beach and water activities, you'll find whatever you're looking for - from swimming and surfing, to parasailing, fishing and kayaking.
RecommendedDaytona Beach Area Activities & Attractions
The area has plenty of restaurants at all price points, plus a variety of other activities that are family-friendly. Adults in particular will enjoy the Museum of Arts & Sciences, which includes a variety of indoor exhibits, plus several miles of paths through a beautiful wetland area, called the Tuscawilla Preserve. There's a small admission fee for the museum, but you can spend between 15 minutes and several hours exploring the outdoor preserve for free.
Another interesting (and fun) activity that's family-friendly is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station. The 175-foot tall lighthouse is open from 10:00am daily. Guests can climb to the top of the lighthouse and see an amazing, 360-degree view of the surrounding area (but be prepared to climb 203 steps). It's also possible to explore the adjacent buildings that have historic significance, as well as a light house themed gift shop.
On your way to or from the lighthouse, you'll pass the Marine Science Center, which is a wild animal rescue facility that's open to the public. This attraction is primarily for kids and offers a handful of interactive exhibits. Guests can also see the wild turtles and other sea creatures that are being rehabilitated at the center. Plan on spending between 30 and 60 minutes here.
Below are photos from my visit to Daytona Beach...
During my trip, I also had the pleasure of experiencing a private surfing lesson at Daytona Beach Surfing School (386-677-7880 / www.daytonabeachsurfingschool.com).
You'll find a handful of "surfing schools" along the beach. This one, is located at the Grand Seas Resort (2424 N. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach), but is open to anyone. What's special about this school is that its instructors are highly skilled surfers, experienced instructors, extremely friendly, patient with beginners, trained in CPR, and they're fully insured. Private or small group lessons are available to teens and adults. For a kids, a daily or week-long surfing camp is offered between June and August.
Even if you're an absolute beginner, the instructors at Daytona Beach Surfing School will have you surfing during your first one-hour lesson. While no previous experience is necessary, this is a physically challenging sport, so expect a workout.
After my surfing lesson, I drove over to the Daytona International Speedway to experience the Richard Petty Driving Experience(800-BE-PETTY). This attraction allows guests to experience the thrill of racing around the Daytona International Speedway track, in a genuine NASCAR racing car, at speeds up to 165 mph.
You'll sit in the passenger's seat as a highly-skilled driver shows you exactly what it's like to be a part of a NASCAR race. You'll not just see the experience, you'll hear, smell and feel it. While the ride-along experience is a bit pricey, it's a truly exhilarating and memorable, and something you won't soon forget - especially if you're a NASCAR fan.
The Richard Petty Driving Experience is available at other NASCAR tracks around the U.S., including in Orlando, but this one allows you to experience the world-famous Daytona International Speedway track firsthand.
For those who are truly adventurous, several more elaborate racing programs are available that allow you to actually drive a NASCAR vehicle around the track (after proper training). Expect to pay at least $400.00 per person for this unique experience.
More suitable to people of all ages is the Daytona 500 Experience (386-681-6530 / www.daytona500experience.com). This is an interactive attraction that features hands-on exhibits, an IMAX movie, actual NASCAR vehicles, and a handful of other displays. There are also several racing arcade and simulator games, multiple dining options, and a handful of other activities here - all designed especially for NASCAR fans. Plan on spending several hours here to see and experience everything this primarily indoor attraction offers.
For an additional fee, there's the VIP Hot Pass Tour, which includes a more personalized and up-close visit to Daytona Internationl Speedway - including a track tour and a look inside the driver's meeting room.
Over at the Pier area of Daytona Beach, you'll find a bunch of restaurants, carnival rides and games, arcades, shops, a movie theatre, and other activities which are open late into the night. Also here is the Daytona Lagoon water park, which is small, but will offer several hours of water-based slides, pools, rides and fun, primarily for kids and teens.
If you enjoy sailing, or you've never had the opportunity to sail a 36-foot sail boat before, but you want to try it, one of the best deals in terms of experiences that you'll find in Florida is a two-hour (or longer) sailing lesson/charter excursion with Captain Eric from Eagle Yachts (386-295-2578 / www.marinesource.com/eagleyacht).
For $70.00 per hour (with a two hour minimum), up to six people can enjoy a personalized, hands-on sailing lesson and experience with Captain Eric, aboard the 36-foot sailing vessel S.V. Eagle. No previous sailing experience is required. However, you will be expected to participate in the sailing experience - not just lounge around on the deck as a passenger. The affordable $70.00 per hour rate is for the entire group (between one and six people), not the per-person rate.
Captain Eric is an excellent teacher and guide, and the experience is nothing short of exciting and memorable. This is a great family activity, or a romantic activity for couples, for example.
When you have some free time in Daytona, consider exploring South Beach Street. Here, you'll find a variety of unique shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs. Kids and teens will enjoy stopping at Daytona Magic, which sells thousands of different magic tricks to amateur and professional magicians alike. Throughout the day, free demonstrations by highly-skilled magicians are offered.
Also along Beach Street is the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory (800-969-2634). Here, you can purchase a wide range of homemade treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth. On weekdays, a free tour of the factory is offered. This tour lasts about 20 minutes and includes free samples. This store/factory has been in business since 1925.
As you can see, Daytona is a beach community that offers plenty of fun-filled activities for people of all ages. You can enjoy quiet time at the beach or by a pool, or keep yourself entertained with thrilling activities - day and night.
A Few Words About Daytona-Area Accomodations
There are literally hundreds of hotels and motels located in Daytona Beach - most along the ocean. A few, like The Shores Resort and Spa, or the Hilton, for example, offer superior accommodations.
Some of the smaller, independently owned/operated motels and hotels, however, offer far less luxurious accommodations, starting at just $35.00 per night. Before booking one of these inexpensive motels or hotels, seek out an independent referral from someone you know and trust. As a general rule, when it comes to accommodations in Daytona Beach (and elsewhere, for that matter), you typically get what you pay for. So, for that $35.00 per night, expect a no-frills, one-star hotel or motel, with minimal amenities and services.
Some of the less-expensive hotels and motels are not family-friendly, offer only basic accommodations, are outdated, or would be classified as one or two-star properties. After spending several nights at The Shores Resort and Spa, however, I honestly can't recommend this resort highly enough. You and your family be extremely comfortable here, plus you'll feel like you're getting your money's worth.
For more information about all that there is to see and do in Daytona Beach, visit the DaytonaBeach Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau's website at www.daytonabeachcvb.org, or call (800) 544-0415.
Naples, Florida is, without a doubt, a wonderful vacation destination for seniors, families and couples looking for beaches, golf, day spas, shopping, fishing and fine-dining.
While almost every major restaurant franchise and chain has a presence in the Naples area, there are a handful of independent, one-of-a-kind restaurants that offer superior and memorable fine-dining experiences that are also surprisingly affordable.
During my recent visit to Naples and Marco Island, I had the pleasure of dining at three unique restaurants that should not be missed if you happen to be visiting or vacationing in the area.
Sea Salt
1186 Third Street South
Naples, FL
(239) 434-7258
Open daily for lunch and dinner
No matter what your taste, Sea Salt, located on historic Third Street in Naples, is a wonderful, family-friendly restaurant that offers a fine-dining experience, but in a casual, yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Chef Fabrizio Aielli is on-hand every afternoon and evening (seven days a week) and creates a daily menu based on only the freshest ingredients he's able to acquire for that particular day. Only the finest seafood, Kobe beef, pastas and vegetables, for example, are used to create mouth-watering dishes you won't soon forget.
Complementing the chef's daily creations is an extensive wine list (from an inventory of more than 5,000 bottles) from around the world. Sea Salt also has a full bar, outdoor seating, and a very well decorated dining room which overlooks the open kitchen.
While the appetizers, salads, soups and main entrees are all incredible, be sure to leave room for the home-made desserts. As you'll discover, Sea Salt is a popular restaurant amongst tourists and locals alike. In fact, during peak travel seasons, reservations are an absolute must.
The management of Sea Salt has done a wonderful job creating a friendly, welcoming and open atmosphere that's classy, yet casual - although the food is what you'd expect from the fanciest of fine-dining restaurants. While the menu is always changing, it always offers a large selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts that will appeal to everyone, including the most picky kids.
If you're looking for an enjoyable way to spend an evening, consider eating dinner at Sea Salt, and then sticking around for drinks and dessert while you enjoy the live Flamenco guitar music that's presented several nights per week.
For more information about Sea Salt, or to make a reservation, call (239) 434-7258, or visit www.SeaSaltNaples.com. I have the opportunity to travel a lot and experience restaurants everywhere. Very few offer such a tasty and memorable meal that's affordable and so expertly prepared. I highly recommend dining at Sea Salt for lunch and/or dinner!
Naples Tomato
14700 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL
(239) 598-9800
Open daily for lunch and dinner
If you're in the mood for what could very well be the best Italian food you've ever had (featuring freshly made pastas and many other entrees), look no further than Naples Tomato.
I have to admit, when I pulled into the parking lot of this restaurant for the first time, I was extremely skeptical. After all, the restaurant is located in a strip-mall, and from the outside doesn't look like much. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the restaurant and immediately realized it was going to be a memorable and extremely enjoyable meal. (The dining room was packed on a weeknight.)
Like Sea Salt, Naples Tomato is locally-owned. In addition to offering an extensive menu of Italian dishes (featuring ultra-fresh seafood, homemade pasta, steaks, and other entrees), Naples Tomato features the Enomatic self-serve wine-by-the-glass system that allows guests to taste and experience any of more than 48 vintages from the restaurant's extensive wine selection.
While the dining room is large, this is a favorite restaurant of locals and tourists alike, so expect a crowd every night of the week. Reservations are strongly suggested. The atmosphere is casual, but classy and refined. Casual resort attire is acceptable.
Naples Tomato first opened its doors about five years ago, but recently expanded its dining room and wine tasting lounge. The portions are large and the service is top-notch. Be sure to leave room for the homemade desserts.
Whether you're looking to experience a romantic dinner, an enjoyable dinner with the entire family, or you want to host a small group of close friends after a round of golf, dining at Naples Tomato guarantees a wonderful and memorable dining experience.
Guy Harvey's Island Grill
760 N. Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, FL
(850) 230-4321
While spending time exploring Marco Island, consider dropping by Guy Harvey's Island Grill for lunch or dinner. This casual restaurant is located on the water and showcases the artwork of Guy Harvey on the walls throughout the dining room. (The restaurant is located within The Esplanade shopping and dining complex, which is accessible by car, Marco Island Trolley or boat.)
This is primarily a seafood restaurant, but steak, chicken and other menu options are available, as are a selection of tasty salads. Within a dining room is a full bar. This is a mid-priced dining option that's suitable for the entire family. It's conveniently located a short drive from many of Marco Island's most popular resorts.
The current economic condition is impacting cities and tourism across the U.S., but it seems that Las Vegas is getting hit extra hard. Conventions and business meetings that would typically be held in Sin City have been cancelled, scaled-down or moved, and vacationers don't seem to be shelling out the money for Las Vegas trips like they did in the past.
To combat the reduction in visitors, the Las Vegas resorts, hotels and motels are all offering incredible deals throughout the summer, with guest rooms at three-star resorts going for as low as $31.00 per night, and rooms at the most luxurious properties along the Las Vegas Strip going for a nightly rate around $100.00 per night (sometimes less).
To find the best accommodations rates, first visit the websites operated by the popular resort hotels located along The Strip, and search for online deals and promotions. Next, check out the special promotions offered online by TravelZoo.com. Finally, compare those prices with what's being offered by the popular online travel services, like Hotels.com, Travelocity.com, Orbitz.com and Kayak.com, for example.
I checked the current Las Vegas promotions being offered on TravelZoo.com, and here's just a sampling of the great deals I found:
Excalibur Hotel & Casino (Three Stars) - $31.00 to $36.00 per night. Available Sundays to Thursdays throughout August.
MGM-Grand (Four Stars) - $55.00 to $63.00 per night on select dates throughout July and August.
The Mirage (Four Stars) - $81.00 to $99.00 per night. Available on most Sundays through Thursdays, between now and late-August.
Caesar's Palace (Four Stars) - $90.00 to $100.00 per night (mid-week, throughout July and August).
In addition to these discounts, it's easy to find inexpensive flights to Las Vegas from most major U.S. cities on the "discount" airlines, like JetBlue, AirTran and Virgin America.
When shopping for the best rates on accommodations and airfares, you'll have the best luck if your travel dates are somewhat flexible. For example, try arriving on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (as opposed to on a Friday), and try departing on a Monday (instead of on a Sunday). On return flights from Las Vegas back to the East Coast, the overnight flights are always the least expensive and most readily available.
Once you arrive in Las Vegas, leave time in your schedule and budget to see some of the amazing shows, like Le Reve at The Wynn. If music is more your thing, the Barry Manilow show is incredible, as are the Bette Midler's The Showgirl Must Go On and Cher shows.
You know you'll have an amazing evening of entertainment if you experience any of the mind-blowing and visually amazing Cirque duSoleil shows in Las Vegas, which include:
Mystere (Treasure Island)
"O" (Bellagio)
Zumanity(New York, New York) - This show is for open-minded adults only.
KA (MGM-Grand)
The Beatles Love (The Mirage)
Chris Angel Believe (Luxor)
Note: Cirque duSoleilis currently offering a 35% discount off of ticket prices for all of its shows to students, as well as a discount to seniors.
If you're planning a business trip to Las Vegas, be sure to first order a copy of my Entrepreneur Magazine's Business Traveler Guide to Las Vegas ($14.95, Entrepreneur Press) travel guide. You can order it from Amazon.com or BN.com. This book will help you save hundreds of dollars on your next business-related trip, plus insure you'll be as productive as possible, especially if you'll be attending an important business meeting or convention.
Have questions about travel insurance, or want to discover how travel blogs can help you save money when booking your next trip? Well, check out my two articles that appeared in the "Your Money" section of today's New York Daily News newspaper.
The first article deals with why travelers should consider purchasing travel insurance before their trip (especially if traveling abroad). It features an interview with a spokesperson from TravelGuard. Click Here to read it.
The second article focuses on how to use travel blogs (like this one) to help you save money when planning your next trip. Click Here to read it.
Okay, I have to admit that I am always skeptical of items being sold that make grandiose promises and sales statements that seem too good to be true.
However, being a frequent traveler, I am also always on the lookout for products that make traveling easier, more comfortable and less stressful.
Well, I've been seeing ads for Q-Link pendants in airline magazines and elsewhere, and later read in the company's promotional materials about how these pendents will help people "reduce their stress, increase their energy, focus better, improve concentration, have more restful sleep, and suffer from less jet lag when traveling." Oh, and it's also reported to help your golf game.
The company selling the Q-Link pendents is Clarus (800-246-2765 / www.clarus.com). I visited their website and discovered a complete line of these pendants, which can be worn 24-hours-a-day by men or women. (They even have a version for pets). The prices range from $39.95 to $999.95.
Being a curious journalist (and a sucker for products I see advertised), I ordered a "classic" Q-Link pendant. It just arrived today. I've been wearing it for about an hour so far. To be honest, I don't feel any different yet, but the literature that came with the pendant suggests wearing the Q-Link around your neck for at least 30-days before passing judgement as to whether or not it works.
According to the company, "Some people feel immediate effects, whereas others will notice effects increasing up to 30 days, at which point, 80 percent report positive benefits. However, tests with FDA registered diagnostic equipment show that even if there isn't a noticeable change, the Q-Link is working." So, I guess we'll see what happens. I will be traveling during most of July, so we'll see how my energy level improves and whether or not I suffer from jet lag during my travels as I continue to wear the pendant.
The Q-Link isn't magic. It uses "Sympathetic Resonance Technology," which Clarus reports has been scientifically tested and shown to consistently reduce the stress in one's body. The technology utilizes a copper induction coil and resonating crystalline water embedded with life-supporting frequencies. (Very new age sounding, huh?)
This "technology" is supposed to work well for people who frequently use a cell phone, computer, or other electronic equipment. It's also being used by athletes and golfers - some of whom report their performance playing their sport has improved dramatically.
I'll keep you all posted about my reaction to Q-Link over the next 30-days or so. If you want to learn more in the meantime, however, I suggest visiting Clarus' website.
At this point, I am not endorsing this product in any way whatsoever. I'm simply intrigued, and thought I'd share my fascination, since it potentially could help frequent travelers better cope with the physical stresses of travel and jet lag.
Between May 2nd and June 7, 2009, thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered tourists and activists flocked to Zurich, Switzerland for EuroPride ’09 – the largest festival for gays and lesbians in Europe.
All of the gay pride events held throughout the past month collimated with a massive and festive Gay Pride Parade, which attracted upwards of 50,000 people on June 6th. Winding down the streets of Zurich, dozens of organizations and corporations took part in this event. The parade featured colorful floats and thousands of individual participants (some of whom truly dressed up for the occasion).
Corine Mauch, the Mayor of the City of Zurich, kicked off the parade, however, representatives from countries throughout all of Europe took part. Zurich tourism is quick to point out that as Switzerland’s largest city, it is home to a well-established and diverse gay community that goes well beyond the typical gay bars and clubs found in many most cities throughout the world.
According to Zurich Tourism, “Zurich’s residents have a very liberal attitude towards gays and lesbians.” What was both surprising and refreshing about this year's EuroPride was the total lack of protestors, as well as the overall sense of acceptance and safety one felt throughout the city during these events.
Regardless of your sexual preference, throughout the year, Zurich is a wonderful vacation destination for anyone looking to visit a beautiful European city that has a rich history, diverse culture and an abundance of activities suitable for the entire family. From museums and art galleries, to world class shopping and dining, Zurich offers something for everyone.
Americans looking to visit Zurich can take any of several major airlines, including Swiss Air International, which offers affordable nonstop flights from several U.S. cities, such as New York, Boston and Los Angeles, to Zurich.
Once in Zurich, acquiring a SwissPass offers tourists unlimited use of the city’s ultra-modern and convenient transportation system (including buses and trains), so no rental car is needed. The SwissPass also includes unlimited entry into many of the city’s more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries, as well as admission to many popular tourist attractions and historical landmarks.
As the city that’s located in the heart of Europe and the center of Switzerland, Zurich is continuously ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in the world. After spending just a few days here, it’s very easy to see why. In addition to being a beautiful city, the people here are extremely friendly and welcoming to all visitors.
Once in Switzerland, however, don’t just limit your visit to Zurich. Using the country’s train system, traveling throughout the country as a tourist is extremely inexpensive and easy, plus top-notch hotel accommodations can be found throughout the country.
Out of all of the European countries I’ve had the pleasure to visit, Switzerland is definitely my favorite for a multitude of reasons, including the multitude of activities and attractions it has to offer, the wonderful restaurants, the abundance of shopping opportunities, and the friendliness of the population. Americans truly feel safe and welcome here.
For more information about traveling to or vacationing in Zurich, Switzerland, visit www.zuerich.com. Additional information about EuroPride ’09 can be found at www.europride09’eu.
The following is a sampling of photos from EuroPride '09...
This past week, I had the opportunity to visit Plano, Texas, which is located about 20 minutes north of Dallas (about 30 minutes from the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport). There's convenient light rail train service between Dallas and Plano, called the DART Rail, which offers a nice alternative to driving between these cities.
If you're going to be visiting Dallas anytime soon, instead of staying in the city, consider staying in Plano, where you'll find many upscale shopping opportunities, a handful of tourist attractions (including Southfork Ranch, as seen in the TV series Dallas), and many extremely good restaurants. This is an upscale and extremely beautiful suburban community that welcomes its visitors with open arms and friendly hospitality.
A handful of large corporations have their headquarters in Plano, so you'll find a wide range of hotel options suitable for either business or leisure travelers throughout the area. For example, the Marriott Dallas/Plano at Legacy Town Center is a full-service, upscale Marriott hotel which nicely combines all of the business amenities you could want, with all of the comforts of a leisure hotel. This Marriott is located on the outskirts of Legacy Town Center, which offers unique shopping and dining opportunities - all within walking distance.
If you'll be visiting Dallas or the Plano area for business, seriously consider bringing along your spouse and kids, and staying at the Marriott Dallas/Plano at Legacy Town Center for the weekend. The 404 rooms and 40 suites are large, extremely comfortable and offer plenty of amenities.
If you're looking for affordable, but more trendy accommodations than a traditional (albeit very nice) Marriott, be sure to check out the aloft Hotel or the NYLO Hotel, both located in Plano. The aloft Hotels (operated by W Hotels) are similar to Courtyard Marriott properties in terms of price, but this new chain offers a trendy atmosphere with ultra-modern decor. The NYLO also offers a trendy atmosphere. Both hotels are ideal for business travelers (they offer free Internet, long distance calling, a free business center, and other amenities), but are also child (family) and dog-friendly.
Okay, so now you're probably asking, what's there to do in Plano, Texas? Well, the dining options are extremely impressive. Forget those chain restaurants you'll find everywhere else. In addition to the chains, Plano has a large selection of independent restaurants that are truly top-notch. No matter what type of food you're looking for, including traditional Texas BBQ or an upscale steak house, you'll find it here.
For casual, Texas-style dining, I recommend Love and War in Texas. For much more upscale dining (with a strong Texas influence) make a reservation at Jasper's. One fine-dining restaurant, bar and nightclub which I was extremely impressed with was Loft 610. Here, you'll find award-winning, gourmet dining and a full-service and very popular bar. At around 10pm, there's a DJ, and the restaurant transforms into a sophisticated but upbeat club/lounge.
As for shopping, Plano has several unique shopping areas, like The Shops at Legacy, which are mainly independent boutiques (as opposed to traditional chain stores). There are also several other upscale malls that offer major department stores, designer boutiques, plus traditional mall stores.
Aside from shopping, Plano offers a wide range of activities and attractions, such as upscale day spas, golf, a wide range of other sports-related options, plus museums, galleries, theaters and other cultural activities. The Amphitheater At Oak Point Park, for example, hosts a wide range of concerts in a beautiful, 1,000 seat, outdoor venue.
The Plano area is also home to Southfork Ranch, made famous by the TV series Dallas. The daily tours take you through the ranch and allow you to see props, photos, video clips and memorabilia from the TV series.
One of the events which Plano is most famous for is the annual Plano Balloon Festival, which takes place every September. The city has become known as the "Hot Air Balloon Capitol of Texas," because the event attracts more than 75,000 people and more than 100 hot air balloons every year.
So, if you happen to be in the Dallas area, be sure to visit Plano, Texas. You'll have fun, have plenty to do, and have a chance to enjoy the incredibly friendly hospitality that Texas is known for.
For many business and leisure travelers, Courtyard Marriott hotels have become known for offering excellent quality, clean and affordable accommodations in low-rise hotels that are typically found in suburban areas.
Meanwhile, in major cities, W Hotels have become known as ultra-trendy, high-end "boutique" hotels that offer ultra-modern decor, but for a price. What if these two concepts were combined? Well, they have been -- very successfully!
The folks at W Hotels are now attempting to compete head-on with Courtyard Marriott with the introduction of "aloft" Hotels. These new properties combine the affordability of a Courtyard Marriott with the boutique feel, ultra-modern decor and trendy atmosphere of the W Hotels. aloft Hotels, however, are found primarily in suburban locations.
There are currently 21 alof Hotels open throughout the U.S., including the one I visited in Plano, Texas. By the end of 2009, more than 70 aloft Hotels will be open. Compared to W Hotels, these are scaled-down and much more affordable accommodations designed to tap into all five of a guests senses. For example, the hotels have a signature scent which you'll smell in all public areas. There are also specialized music playlists that can be heard, while your eyes and sense of touch will experience the custom-designed, multi-textured furniture and decor.
aloft Hotels are all about attitude and will appeal to young business professionals and anyone who is stylish and trendy. The chain truly represents a new type of boutique lifestyle hotel. In addition to offering very affordable guest rooms (starting at $89.00 per night in Plano, Texas, for example), free WiFi Internet access is offered throughout each hotel.
If you're traveling with kids, there's the unique "Camp aloft" program, which features special kid-oriented bedding, games and activities within the guest room. If you're traveling with your dog, the "Arf" program offered at the aloft Hotels welcomes your canine friends and provides a bog bed, treats and other amenities - all at no extra charge.
Other great services and amenities you'll find at aloft Hotels include optional, totally automated check-in kiosks (if you don't want to deal with the friendly front desk staff), as well as a trendy lobby bar, lobby games (including a pool table), a "grab and go" snack shop (offering breakfast, sandwiches, coffee, etc.), a nicely equipped workout facility and a swimming pool.
Within the guest rooms, you'll find ultra-modern, somewhat minimalist decor in a well-lit room that contains a 42-inch LCD TV, Bliss spa amenities, an oversize shower, and plenty of electrical outlets to plug in all of your favorite gadgets.
The concept behind the aloft Hotels is in a word brilliant! I'm currently spending the week exploring Plano, Texas, and in future entries will include full details about other great hotels, plus descriptions of fun things to see and do in this area - for business travelers and vacationers alike. However, no matter where you're traveling, if you're looking for a totally new experience when it comes to affordable hotel accommodations, check out one of the new aloft Hotels properties.
The aloft Hotel in Plano, Texas, for example, features a total of 136 guest rooms, including 87 rooms equipped with one king-size bed and 49 guest rooms with two queen-size beds. This hotel is located just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas (about 30 minutes from the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport). If you're headed to Dallas, but want to stay outside of the city, seriously consider the Plano, Texas area.
For more information about aloft Hotels, call (877) GO-ALOFT or visit www.alofthotels.com on the web.
As a frequent flier, I often encounter flight delays and gate changes on the days I fly (or when I need to pick up someone at the airport). I also need to know baggage claim information when I land.
Well, to keep track of last-minute travel problems, you can call the airline directly and deal with an automated system. Or, you can visit the airline's website if you have access to the Internet. You can also check the Arrival and Departure monitors located within airports.
Another much more convenient option for Apple iPhone users is to utilize the Flight Tracker application from SplashData. This $2.99 program is available from the App Store on iTunes, and makes tracking flights in real-time quick and easy - from just about anywhere. In fact, the flight data this program utilizes is often more current than the Arrival and Departure monitors at airports.
If you know your airline and flight number(s), you can access flight information in seconds from your iPhone. If you don't know your flight number(s), you can look them up with a few extra screen touches. After you enter your flight info the first time, Flight Tracker remembers the data, so you can obtain updates in seconds. The program can access data about virtually all of the major airlines. While an airplane is still in the air, detailed maps are available to show flight progress graphically.
As a frequent flyer, the $2.99 Flight Tracker program is a "must have" application on your iPhone when you're on-the-go.
The following tips will help you maximize your time and efficiency when attending a trade show or convention:
* Pre-register for the event you'll be attending. This will allow you to avoid long registration lines at the start of the event.
* Don't forget to bring your registration papers and/or ID badge to the event.
* Make hotel accommodations early to get the best rates and ensure you're able to get the room configuration and hotel you desire.
* Pre-schedule your meetings and appointments. For each meeting, write down the scheduled time and date, the location, the name of the person you're meeting, their company and the purpose of the meeting.
* Allow ample time (at least five to 10 minutes) between meetings to walk between exhibit booths or meeting rooms. You can obtain and advance listing of trade show exhibitors by visiting the website operated by the company coordinating or hosting your event.
* Bring a durable backpack, shoulder bag or wheeled suitcase to store and carry around brochures, catalogs, swag, free-bees and other trade show materials that you collect.
* Wear comfortable shoes (be prepared for a lot of walking and standing around), plus a comfortable, business casual outfit that's appropriate for the event you'll be attending.
* Bring a stack of business cards and/or company literature to distribute at the event.
* Bring a pad of paper and pen to take notes during seminars and meetings.
* Utilize the coat check at the convention center to store heavy items that you don't want to lug around the convention show floor.
For more useful tips, check out the series of pocket-sized Entrepreneur Magazine's Business Traveler travel guides, which are available from Amazon.com, BN.com and bookstores everywhere. Editions, written by Jason R. Rich, are now available for New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando, Washington, DC and Las Vegas.
I am a bestselling author of more than 52 books, as well as a frequent contributor to numerous national magazines and major daily newspapers. I am also an accomplished photographer. You can view my work at www.JasonRichPhotography.com and visit my main website at www.JasonRich.com.
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