Travel TidBits

TGIF. Here's something fun for Friday; a collection of travel tidbits that caught my eye this week.

Spirit Airlines Greases their Wheels Spirit Airlines is no stranger to controversial ads (like their MILF ad 'meaning' = Many Islands Low Fares), and now they're at it again with their "oil on our beaches" campaign [image above]. What do you think of these ads? From an advertising point of view, you can't deny they are timely and relevant. See all the ads on Spirit's homepage.

Starbucks Free Wifi People who love--and expect--free wifi rejoice! As of July 1st, all Starbucks locations in the US will offer free wireless internet. My thoughts on the subject: Dear Starbucks, thank you for making this great and monumental addition to the service in US stores on Canada Day. Couldn't you have waited for July 4th? You're killing us here up in the North.

Go High in the Singapore Sky If you're afraid of heights, don't look! I cannot contain myself, this pool is so cool! No pun intended. Commanding Singapore's skyline and spanning over 3 Towers atop the Marina Bay Sands Casino and Resort is SkyPark, an outdoor wonderland. For approximately $16 you can hang out 200m above ground and swim the backstroke for 150m end to end.

Get your Guac On I love guac, but a guac show? Holy cow, sign me up. Indulge and learn how to master guacamole next time you're in Dallas. Every evening at the Ritz-Carlton, the lobby lights dim and the hotel’s own “Guacamologist” enters the scene to whip-up some guacamole and present mini-margaritas to adult lobby guests. Again, sign me up.

Harry Potter World Quidditch fans unite, hang out with Harry and the gang at Universal Orlando. Last friday the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened its doors to JK Rowling fans...and I thought Universal's Miami Vice show was cool, wow, things have changed.

Peep Hole Curtain I didn't think you could spy on someone looking the 'wrong way' into a peep hole, but maybe you can with spy gear? As a precaution, the Marriott West Conchohoken (in a suberb of Philadelphia), isn't taking any chances offering a peep hole security curtain.

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[photo credit spirit airlines, metro news uk]

Big or Boutique Hotels?

[trip style = budget or luxe?]Do you favor big or boutique hotels? I've stayed in and like both. And surprise, surprise, each follows a unique trip style. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide which hotel style is best for you:

Big Hotels - usually win on the "amenities offered" side - offer multi-property loyalty programs, making it easier to collect points and benefits quickly - have varied in-house dining options - most have a pool(s) and a gym - are more likely to offer programs for kids - are large, and as a result, discount rooms on sites like Priceline and Hotwire

Boutique Hotels - offer one-of-a-kind decor - sometimes include breakfast - are more likely to include internet (yay) - can be more personable - are more apt to run promotions like this, recently tweeted by @kimpton: Summer Playground is here! Check into a Kimpton this June and use password "Flip Flops" at check-in for an extra surprise! - offer a more regional or localized approach to service and atmosphere - are easy to find with the StayHIP app

Two Experiences Loving the Boutique Hotel A few years ago my husband and I spent a few days in Miami's South Beach. Instead of paying top-dollar to stay on the ocean-front strip at the Ritz or Loews, we opted to stay 3 blocks from the beach at a recently-renovated boutique hotel called the Greenview. I think we payed about $69/night and had a great (basic) room, wireless and included breakfast.  It didn't have a pool, but who cares, we were close to the beach!

Loving the Big Hotel Earlier this year we stayed in a host of local, boutiquy hotels in Italy. I wouldn't change our experience, but did appreciated our 'big' hotel stay in Venice. After a week of wonderful breakfasts, locally-inspired design and hard-as-a-rock mattresses, we were ready for a plush, soft bed and roof-top pool at the Hilton Molino Stucky.

To Big or to Boutique - get out of your comfort zone, try the option you don't normally choose - if you're a family with young kids, save the boutique hotel for a romantic getaway - if you want a more localized experience, go with boutique - if you're a business traveler, big hotels offer more rewards and incentives - as for price, you can find both for similar price-points depending on what you want

[photos by me]

Not all Layovers are Created Equal

A Marathon Ever ran a marathon through JFK, Heathrow or Hong Kong's International Airport?  I have, unintentionally. It's much easier running marathons with workout gear, Gatorade stands and cheering fans versus fully clothed, parched and stressed.

A Sweaty Flight Earlier this year, I arrived at my flight to Istanbul sweaty---awesome way to start a flight---thanks to my race through Heathrow. I didn't give myself enough time. I learned my lesson after begging the Turkish Airways check-in agents to re-open the desk and respectfully dodging the 100-person-long security line-up, followed by a brisk 30 min run from security to my flight---and that's not even half the story.

Not all Layovers are Equal Travel professionals know that not all layovers are created equal. If you're a DIY traveler booking your flight path online, you may not know the ins and outs of layover planning. It's not worth risking a slightly earlier arrival at your destination to try and beat the system of deplaning, customs, baggage and security. If you're about to book an international trip online, heed the timing recommendations below.

Layover Timing Recommendations Small Regional Airports - allow 1.5 hours Domestic Airports - allow 2 hours International Airports - allow 2.5 hours Multi-Terminal International Airports - allow 3 hours

Considerations

• Bigger, multi-terminal airports provide more opportunities for delays
• What are the security regulations for each leg of your flight? For example, Israel's immigration is known for very thorough questioning, so being at the airport at least 3 hours in advance is essential.
• Are you transferring to the same or a different carrier?
• Where are you going?

[photo by chadmagiera]

Travel Trend :: Free Communication

We used to send messenger pigeons. Then we wrote letters. Then we used tin cans connected by a wire. Then we made collect phone calls.  Then we sent faxes. Then we sent emails. Then we updated our facebook status.  Then we tweeted. Then we called for free. Wow!

People long to connect, especially while abroad. Whether it's chatting with locals or updating our friends and family back home, we are constantly sending and receiving messages.

Communicating internationally used to come at a big cost. Now it doesn't. Here's how to communicate for free while traveling:

On your Computer

• Skype: download skype, then talk, video chat, text and leave voice messages for free with other skype users. Want to call someone who's not a skype user, no problem, you're simply charged a minimal fee.
• Google Voice: Direct your phone calls to one master telephone number from whichever phone you want, wherever you may be... keeping the calls local for your peops! (not yet available in Canada)
• Google Talk: Google's instant messaging service also has chatting, video and voice mail function
• MSN: if you've still got friends who use MSN's instant messaging, you can take it to the next level and call them through the service.

*note that all of these services are dependent on a good wifi connection *if your computer doesn't have a built in microphone, or you don't want the rest of the lobby patrons to talk to your grandma, you'll need a headset with mic

On your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad There are multiple apps that offer free chit-chatting on your iPhone, but one of the best and easiest is Skype. It's a free and allows you to make free calls to other Skype users as long as you are connected to wifi. (Note... until the new iPhone OS 4.0 comes out, turn off all notifications prior to making a skype call to ensure your call isn't disconnected).

Yep, you can turn the iPod Touch into a phone. I've done it! Simply attach a headset and follow the same directions as above.  You may need 3.0+ OS for this... but it's well worth the upgrade.

Your iPad also has a built-in microphone and speakers... but if you want to keep your convo private then use a headset.

On your Android Phone If you've concluded that Google is God and Apple is the devil and are rocking a droid-powered phone, then you too can download the Skype app, assuming your phone has wifi capabilities.

On your Blackberry Download the Skype app for your Blackberry, so you too can make free calls like all your cool friends with iPhones. Just remember to enable your wifi and disable your cell network connection if you want to avoid data and voice roaming charges.

On your Cell/Mobile (not free, but cheap)

• you'll need to buy or rent an unlocked GSM tri- or quad-band phone & SIM card (purchased online or in your destination)
• talk and text with local rates (make sure you're on the correct plan for your needs!)
• note that your phone # will correspond with your SIM card

With all this talk of free communication, the irony is, the lost art of letter writing is making a comeback.  Maybe messenger pigeons will too?

Save to Splurge or Splurge to Save

Should we save to splurge, or splurge to save?  Luxury travel or budget travel? Or Both? Both Each trip we take tends to be different; each has a varied trip style. Saving to splurge or splurging to save are both good strategies---assuming you're not overextending yourself financially to do so. One strategy propels the other. Saving isn't that much of a sacrifice either, it still means you can travel by doing things like camp, stay overnight in a close-to-home destination or day trip. Then you've saved, enjoyed yourself in the process and get to splurge.

Splurge to Save Let's say you save for a year to go to the Maldives. Because you're a savvy traveler you book your entire trip with your travel rewards credit card, stay at a hotel in your destination whose loyalty program you belong to, and fly there with your preferred airline alliance.  The result?  Your next trip is partially paid for. This 'bonus' allows you to indulge in another, perhaps simpler, trip style sooner than later because of all the points accumulated in the Maldives adventure.

How Travel credit card: you book the entire Maldives trip on your travel credit card, which gives you enough points/dollars to pay for a night or two at a hotel on a weekend getaway.

Airline alliance: you book all your flights to and from the Maldives with your preferred airline alliance, gaining enough miles to put toward a future trip. Let's say you left from Vancouver, Canada (YVR) and flew to Male, Maldives (MLE): your approximate return mileage would be 17,000 miles, which is 8000 miles short of a 'free trip' (depending on the airline rewards chart) in the continental US or Canada.

Hotel loyalty program: you choose a hotel in the Maldives that's part of your preferred hotel group, allowing you to accumulate rewards towards food and beverage certificates, third night free, room upgrades, etc...