Archive for the ‘tips’ Category

Earning Airline Perks

February 19th
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
South America news tips

Want free airfare for your unborn child? Try to give birth on one of Bolivian airline TAM’s flights. A couple of weeks ago a woman went into labor on a flight to La Paz and ended up delivering her baby at 24,000 feet. Luckily there were both a doctor and nurse onboard as passengers who assisted in the delivery. According to the Miami Herald, the child will be given free domestic flights on the airline until she reaches the age of 18. In a funny twist, the girl’s mother named the newborn Tami in honor of the airline.

While you might not be willing (or able) to go to those lengths to get cheap tickets or free airfare, there are other things that you can do to try to get airline perks.

Fly the Same Airline – A Lot: As we all learned from watching George Clooney’s character Ryan Bingham in Up in the Air, super-elite frequent fliers are treated like royalty by airlines. News stories since the movie came out have reported airlines that have private check-in areas and procedures for these fliers, as well as unique meal and boarding services. These VIPs get rebooked as soon as there is a flight delay and even have connecting flights held for them.

Even if you don’t make the super-elite status, having any status at all on an airline is a good thing. People who qualify for the lowest level of elite status on US Airways for example, get free space-available upgrades, are allowed to check in via the always shorter first class lines, and are one of the first groups to board the airplane, meaning they don’t have to fight for overhead space. Another perk, not having to pay for checked bags, is a bonus with true monetary value these days.
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All Aboard: Take the Train on your Next Vacation

February 19th
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
destinations tips

It’s been quite an interesting couple of weeks for air travel. Last week we had a rash of cancelled flights due to the bad weather, and there’s been all kinds of personal rights controversy as of late with how the full body scanners work that are in use at numerous airports now. And then there’s the latest beef, involving filmmaker / actor Kevin Smith who was removed from his flight because of his girth and forced to buy an additional ticket to accommodate his size. He responded by shedding his Silent Bob side and lashing out about the policy via Twitter which caused a media firestorm (interestingly enough, this topic is something that was hotly debated here nearly a year ago).

All that to say, you can avoid all of these issues by considering a different travel option—one that’s been used for nearly two centuries, and was instrumental in the social and economic growth of the U.S. in the late 19th / early 20th century. Can you say, “All aboard?” Or to quote the Quad City DJ’s, “Come on ride that train!” Still vastly popular across the globe (especially if you’re on a European vacation), rail service is a viable option here in the States as well, with service across each region of the U.S. and in most major cities. There are many reasons to consider taking the train for your next trip—not in the least because it can be a vacation within a vacation. Here are several reasons why:
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Traveling with Baby

January 14th
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
tips

Because my six-year-old daughter is an experienced international traveler with more stamps in her passport than many adults have, friends with babies often come to me for advice on traveling with small children. Many of them were intrepid explorers before the arrival of junior, but are now terrified to take to the skies or road with a potentially screaming banshee. They are afraid that the upside of any cheap flights or hotel deals won’t outweigh the hassles of traveling with their new offspring.

I always tell them that it’s usually much harder in their imaginations that it turns out to be in real life. While they will probably spend more time in their Acapulco hotels than they would pre-baby, there is absolutely no reason not to take those Mexico vacations.

Anybody about to embark on a trip with their baby can read one of the hundreds of lists available on the internet with tips about the need to be flexible, to bring plenty of food, to have extra diapers and the like. The hints I am about to offer are some of the little extras gleaned through trial and error when my own daughter was small. (She is now a traveling pro who can get through a security line as fast as George Clooney does in Up in the Air.)

Buy a huge box of individually wrapped sets of earplugs: This was the single best thing we did to help alleviate the stress (ours) of airplane flights. You can’t really control whether or not your baby is going to cry, but you can control how that affects the people around you. We would board the plane and pass out earplugs to the people in our row and to those in the two rows in front of and behind us. It totally changed the atmosphere. The “Oh God, here comes a baby” looks immediately changed to smiles and laughs. People totally appreciated the fact that we had their comfort in mind. (They also appreciated the earplugs when our daughter was wailing away on takeoff or landing.) I ordered an industrial-sized box used in factories and just loaded a big handful of earplugs into the diaper bag each time we flew.

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New Year’s Resolutions: Ten Travel To-Do’s for 2010

December 29th
2009
by Jessica Mordo
posted in:
U.S. Mid-Atlantic U.S. Northeast activities beaches food outdoor adventure tips

Everyone’s been making Top Ten lists for 2009, or for the decade. I’m jumping on the list-making bandwagon, but with a twist: I thought I’d look forward instead of backward and muse on my top Northeast travel recommendations for the new year. While the economic outlook still seems uncertain, I’m also pondering recession-friendly ways to get the most out of your travel dollars, whether it’s visiting a dreamy National Park instead of a fancy resort, touring by bicycle rather than renting a car, or visiting regional destinations vs. foreign ones. So here they are, my ten picks for Northeast travel in ‘10, state by state.

acadia1) Explore Acadia National Park
The crown jewel of the wild Maine coast should really be on everyone’s list of dream destinations. Situated on offshore islands in the Atlantic, Acadia has it all: mountains, sea, lush woodlands, and lakes, not to mention abundant wildlife, including moose and black bear. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s fantasy, with ample terrain for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and other water-bound activities, and while camping is a popular option, cabins and other rentals are available for those who prefer to balance active days with cozier nights.

VTmaple2) Savor Vermont’s culinary offerings
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is known the world over as Vermont’s finest, but the Green Mountain State is famous for other delicious products that are best straight from the source. You can learn about the magical processes of tapping maple syrup and crafting sharp Cabot Cheddar cheese–and, of course, do some taste-testing. Good thing there are abundant places to experience maple and Cheddar yumminess throughout Vermont, so you’ll have a workable sample size. Pfew! (more…)

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Thanksgiving Road Trip Travel Tips

November 24th
2009
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
tips

trafficGet your motor running, and head out on the highway—along with the other 38 million Americans (as estimated by AAA) this week for Thanksgiving related travel. While you can still try to get a cheap flight with some last minute deals, the majority of holiday travelers will be crowding the roads and driving 50+ miles or more to see relatives, dine on turkey, and watch the hapless Lions play football.

It’s something I’ve sworn off for four years now, following back-to-back years of gridlocked interstates and drive times doubling from the usual seven hours to 14 (and with justifiably irritated kids crying in the back seat—you can only take so much Elmo or VeggieTales after all). But after initially planning to serve turkey at home, we made a late decision last week to brave the highways this Thanksgiving—higher gas prices, gridlock, I-75 road construction, and check engine lights be darned—and visit family for the holiday.

So to help us all with our cross-state or cross-country travel frustration (because you’ll get enough of that having to sit next to that cousin you don’t like all that much or your weird Uncle Ted at the dinner table), here are some Thanksgiving road travel tips to make sure you won’t be belly aching before taking that first bite of turkey.

Know Where You’re Going – GPS is great. But it never hurts to have written directions that you’ve confirmed with your destination host, whether it’s the concierge at the Orlando hotel where you’re staying, or your Aunt Martha. Nothing’s worse than being lost when you’re stuck in bad traffic—well, almost…
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Navigating Cancun’s Airport

November 5th
2009
by Becky Youman
posted in:
Mexico destinations tips

planeMaking my way through the obstacle course of Immigrations, Customs, timeshare salesmen, and taxi drivers after landing at the airport on my last Cancun vacation, it occurred to me that the experience might be overwhelming for somebody accustomed to traveling within the United States. I think one of the reasons that so many travelers start pounding Mexican beer as soon as they arrive to their Cancun hotels is the craziness they experience at the airport.

With that in mind, here is a step-by-step primer for making your way through the Cancun airport:

Before You Land: Customs and Immigration Paperwork

Make sure that you have your paperwork filled out correctly before you get off the airplane. That means entering your information in both the top and bottom sections of the immigration form. You will keep the bottom section with you while you are in Mexico and return it when you leave. Make sure that you turn the form over and sign it in both places that require your John Hancock.

There are people stationed to check your paperwork when you get off the plane. If yours is filled out correctly they let you continue, but if not you have to correct it there. Having your paperwork filled out the right way the first time usually allows you a jump on the other passengers when you arrive to the Immigration line.
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Seeing New York City on a Budget

September 21st
2009
by Jessica Mordo
posted in:
U.S. Northeast tips

I have a running joke about New York City: from the moment you arrive, money starts uncontrollably spilling out of your pockets. To be sure, the Big Apple is an expensive place to visit, what with its world-class attractions, bustling nightlife, exquisite eateries, and the convenience of hailing one of the city’s ubiquitous taxis. However, don’t fret–your New York City vacation can be done on a budget. Read on for the city’s top free and low-cost attractions, discounted performances, and cheap eats. The best part is, all of these savings will allow you to splurge some more on a fabulous New York City hotel.

Museums & Other Attractions

met rooftopAt select times, many of Manhattan’s top museums waive their usually steep admission fees to offer free or pay-what-you-wish entry. Friday evening is prime time for free art, as the Museum of Modern Art opens its doors gratis from 4 to 8pm, the Whitney Museum waives admission from 6 to 9pm (and offers live music and other free events to boot), and, starting at 5:45pm, the Guggenheim Museum asks for a donation amount to be determined by the visitor. Several museums–including the legendary Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History–always have a suggested donation amount that most visitors pay in full, but in reality museum-goers can pay the amount they wish. (more…)

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Mind Your Vacation Manners

September 17th
2009
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
opinion tips

sticking out tongueThere’s all kinds of rude going around these days. Whether it’s yelling at the president during a speech (or throwing shoes at him), threatening to stuff a tennis ball down the throat of a line judge, offering a sucker punch instead of a post-game hand shake, if your name is Kayne, or the guy that wouldn’t let me over into his lane on the freeway this afternoon as my exit was rapidly approaching. All of these instances would make Emily Post roll her eyes in disgust (though truth-be-told, she probably wouldn’t because that’s rude too), but they’re not alone as lack of etiquette is everywhere—even when traveling.

When on vacation, we have a tendency to let things go—after all, we’re escaping reality and leaving all its worries behind. But even if you’re headed for a New York vacation, or checking into a Miami hotel room (two places—justifiably or not—people often associate with rudeness), that doesn’t mean you should forget to pack your manners for the trip as well. The hospitality industry certainly caters to travelers, but it doesn’t give tourists the right to demand whatever they want or act any way they choose. Doing so can make vacationing miserable for employees and also ruin it for those around you.

So to help prevent Joe/Serena/Lagarrette/Kayne/the dude on the Downtown Connector-type actions from occurring while on holiday or business travel, please consider these twelve ways to mind your traveling manners—and thanks for reading:
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Phoenix Fun: Drink But Don’t Drive

September 4th
2009
by Becky Youman
posted in:
U.S. West destinations tips

madd-logo1Yes, it will still be over 100 degrees in Phoenix for the rest of the month, and yes, school started here three weeks ago, but something about Labor Day signals the last weekend of summer, even in the Valley. Whether you are enjoying one of the many Phoenix hotels, or happen to live here, you should get out this weekend and sample the wide variety of entertainment, restaurants and bars that Phoenix and Scottsdale have to offer.

If you happen to sip a few too many frosty brews or salty margaritas, be aware that Greater Phoenix has some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the country (just ask Charles Barkley ). In addition to being stupid and dangerous, driving under the influence in Arizona will cost you. Even first time offenders who record a blood alcohol content of over .08 percent will spend a minimum of one night in jail and rack up thousands of dollars in fines. In fact, AAA estimates that a DUI conviction can cost a driver more than $10,000 when it’s all said in done. In addition, Maricopa County has a website that shows the mug shots of all people convicted of DUI. Bad news anyway you look at it.

Luckily, in the wake of these justifiably stiff penalties, a number of companies and programs have sprung up to act as designated drivers for those out enjoying a night on the town. Here are some of the services that you should put in your cell phone before you head out this weekend: (more…)

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Navigating Washington, D.C. Museums: Top 10 Picks

September 3rd
2009
by Jessica Mordo
posted in:
U.S. Mid-Atlantic activities family tips

If you’re like me, experiencing a new city is as much about wandering its neighborhoods, sampling the local cuisine, and seeing how the locals really live as it is about sightseeing. Museums are particularly at the top of the agenda, and I like to visit a mix of top attractions and some (relatively) off-the-beaten-path sites. This sightseeing goal is easier to dream about than it is to plan, particularly on a Washington, D.C. vacation. Our nation’s capital is not only chockablock with historic and civic sites of interest, but it’s also stuffed to the gills with fantastic museums–19 of them alone courtesy of the legendary Smithsonian Institution in addition to dozens of others. So how to choose? You can put your guidebook aside and use my handy recommendations list of five must-see, famous museums and five lesser-known gems. And many of them are free, so you can save on attractions and splurge on a fabulous D.C. hotel.

Note: While I’ve included hours and admission prices below, some times and fees are subject to change; it’s therefore always safest to check the museums’ web sites for the most up-to-date information.

The Best 5 Big Ones

air-and-spaceNational Air and Space Museum
A) I’m not a guy, and B) I don’t geek out on cars, trains, military jets, and other examples of modern machinery. However, something about this museum’s displays of historic air and spacecraft makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. Perhaps it’s the gleaming examples of human innovation and technological achievement? Featuring the world’s largest collection of air and spacecraft history, this Smithsonian Institution museum boasts hundreds of artifacts. The Milestones of Flight permanent exhibit in the grand entry hall showcases key aircraft, including the original Wright 1903 Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s famed Atlantic solo-crossing plane the Spirit of St. Louis, the first American jet aircraft the Bell XP-59A Airacomet, Chuck Yaeger’s “sound barrier” breaking Bell X-1, and the fastest aircraft ever flown, the North American X-15. Also on display here are the Apollo 11 command module from the first moon landing, the John Glenn-piloted Mercury capsule, several planetary explorers, the first piloted vehicle to reach space, and a lunar rock sample that–unlike with most museum displays anywhere–visitors are invited to touch. Other permanent exhibits chronicle the history of aviation in America, the U.S.-Soviet Cold War Era space race, and the renowned Apollo moon mission. To celebrate this year’s 40th anniversary of the latter, the museum is currently featuring a special exhibit of paintings of the moon landing by artist Alan Bean, who accompanied the astronauts on the mission and immortalized it in his Impressionistic canvases. 6th St. and Independence Ave., SW (on the National Mall). Open daily 10am to 5:30pm; closed on Christmas Day. The museum offers extended summer hours Mar. 28 through Sept. 7, closing at 7:30pm. Free admission. (more…)

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