WordPress Spelling by Lorelle I had fun during the Dutch WordCamp. I learned from Lorelle that you should write WordPress with two capitals and not with 6 like I do in the header of this post. I’m teasing her again. WordPress Future At WordCamp Lorelle predicted a great future for WordPress. I teased her with my prediction that the future of WordPress will be gloomy, as it is much too technical and people wouldn’t want to go under the hood like I do sometimes. And I know Lorelle, you told us that you blogged long before WordPress even existed and had a hard job with manually…
Selected by happyhotelier
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Happy Hotelier
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Tricking wORDpRESs when moving form one server to another server
19 Nov 2009 | 3:39 pm -
Real Zen – First post on the New Server
18 Nov 2009 | 2:29 pmAfter I imported the posts of Happy Hotelier from the old server to the new server, this clip of an interview with Robert Pirsig came up as my first draft in my drafts ghetto. Whenever I see or hear the term Zen I associate it with the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance. Currently I’m awaiting the DNS switch from old server to new server as the two have been operated together next o each other. In the meantime I have replaced a keyboard because the w key kept hanging because of ash with coffee in it. Well I was pondering the new set up for my categories as they seem to be… -
Hello world! Happy Hotelier continues on a new server
17 Nov 2009 | 12:22 pmUsually this is the first post of a new Blog. I’ll leave it here as a reminder to the fact that I changed server and had to migrate the blog from one server to another server. This didn’t go without difficulties. I started WordPress from scratch and exported the content from the other server via an XML export and then imported the content here. I believe this gives me the best result, but I’ve lost my links and categories. Well maybe it is a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity and restructure my whole categories department… some SEO gurus out there would… -
Moxie
6 Nov 2009 | 4:53 pmPhilip C Wolf of PhoCusWright What the hell is Moxie? One of the gurus in travel marketing is the very passionate Philip C. Wolf, president and CEO of PhoCusWright, a travel marketing think tank. At one of his conferences, at ITB Berlin 2009 he teached his audience that under the present economic circumstances “You need a lot of Moxie”. I didn’t have a clue what that meant. It was later explained to me that maybe you can translate this into “You need a lot of balls” or, “You need a lot of creativity”, or “You need a lot of perseverance”. -
Winding down from 2009 WordCampNL – My Heroes – Part 1 The Organization
5 Nov 2009 | 1:14 pmA rare photo of this photographer in action at WordCampNL. Thank you Henk-Jan Winkeldermaat of PunkMedia.nl, of Flickr | Eventbranche and @Punkmedia ! General I attended the first ever WordCampNL. It stands for a Dutch WordCamp or a WordCamp in the Netherlands. At first I had decided not to go, because I was very very busy. I do have to admit I thought a WordCamp would be a gathering of WordPress Newbies and/or Geeks and/or Nerds only. However, this first Dutch WordCampNL proved me wrong in that respect and in many other aspects! The people attending were normal people like you and me, some…
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Hotel Blogs by Guillaume Thevenot
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Hotel Website Marketing Conference - Hotel Blogs features as a speaker
17 Nov 2009 | 11:17 pmI will be attending the Hotel Website Marketing conference in Dublin next week on Tuesday. Hotel Blogs will be speaking in front of a crowd of hoteliers and marketers. I will give my view on new emerging 3rd parties that... -
The weekly life of a travel startup - Intro
17 Nov 2009 | 10:08 amThis is something that I was thinking to do for a long long time on Hotel Blogs. So what is it? Every week, I will bring to you a weekly update of the same brand new travel startup who aims... -
Video Interview with Eleanor Ford, Director and Founder of LikeCube.com
17 Nov 2009 | 12:12 amThis is new video interview I conducted in London in November during the World Travel Market 2009. It features a one to one conversation with Eleanor Ford and Ismael Juma from LikeCube, a pretty sweet technology which works on predictive... -
WTM - just like an ordinary edition
16 Nov 2009 | 12:12 pmAfter 9 consecutive years visiting the World Travel Market - "WTM" for regular visitors - you can probably imagine that you can get a bit blase and bored by the same old stands and the lack of changes in the... -
I have Greenland followers on @hotelblogs
28 Oct 2009 | 11:32 pmJust checked where my followers on my Twitter account @hotelblogs are coming from - thanks to @RobertKCole for sharing this nice application, Twitter Analyser - and just discovered that I have 83 followers from Greenland !!! More than in France....
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Europe A LA Carte
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Guest Post: Christmas Markets in Vienna
20 Nov 2009 | 7:47 amIn this guest post travel writer Anne-Sophie Redisch describes some of the wonderful Christmas Markets in Vienna. From mid-November to 24 December, Vienna is filled with Christmas spirit. Vienna’s Christmas markets are as charming and elegant as Vienna itself. The markets are held in several locations, including (but not limited to) Spittelberg, Schloss Belvedere, Schönbrunn and Rathausplatz (City Hall). Christmas trees for sale in Graben St, Vienna Vienna’s Christmas Markets are a long standing tradition with records from 1626 showing that huts for selling bakers’ and… -
A French love affair with Lille
19 Nov 2009 | 9:03 pmI love Lille. It’s a small village in the North of France near the Belgian border. It used to be an off-beat and out of the way destination, but now that it is a high-speed railway hub only an 90 minutes away from London and 30 minutes from Brussels, it’s now a fantastic getaway destination. Here’s some of the great stuff you’ll look forward to when you visit: Vieux Lille: The old part of the city, filled with little boutique shops, antique stores, and cafes. It’s quaint and cosy and a great place to pick up some souvenirs for your friends and yourself. -
The murals of Orgosolo in Sardinia
19 Nov 2009 | 2:46 pmIf you’re holidaying on the Eastern coast of Sardinia, take the opportunity to venture inland to the village of Orgosolo for an interesting alternative view of this rocky island. In Orgosolo, the murals that you frequently see on the sides of houses and shops in Sardinia have started to take over and the whole village has become an outdoor gallery of street-art. In fact the sleepy mountain village has become a tourist attraction in its own right purely because of the murals that people come to see and photograph. This part of Sardinia has a history of banditry and protest against the… -
Travelodge UK £9 rooms for stays 21 March to 6 June 2010
19 Nov 2009 | 6:13 amThe Travlodge Spring Sale kicks off on Thursday 26 November 2009 with £9 rooms up for grabs for stays between 21 March – 6 June 2010. Edinburgh West End Travelodge It’s well worth spending some time online to book some bargain £9 Travelodge rooms. I always try to book a family room which is more spacious than a double as it contains a bed settee. Travelodge are expanding and have bought over many existing city centre hotels to expand their capacity. -
Meet Lindsay Sydenham the most recent recruit to the Europe a la Carte blogging team
18 Nov 2009 | 10:30 amI’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Sydenham, the latest writer to join the Europe a la Carte blogging team. She has already written a couple of super guest posts for the blog, Berlin on a Budget and Dublin – a great family destination but from now on she’ll be posting on Europe a la Carte once a week. You can also find Lindsay at Looking Through Windows. I asked her to write a short bio which you can read below. “My name is Lindsay Cusworth-Sydenham. I am a public relations professional and freelance writer living in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was raised in beautiful…
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DeliciousBaby.com
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Photo Friday: Khmer Dance School
19 Nov 2009 | 8:30 pmKhmer dance school in Phnom Penh Cambodia When the Khmer Rouge controlled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, the toll wasn't limited to the estimated 1.5 million human lives lost, it was a whole culture. In an effort to return to a simplistic agrarian-based Communist society, the intellectual elite were specifically targeted for "re-education" or even death. Fine arts including weaving, metal work, music, and traditional dance were all but lost. That's why it was so touching to visit this traditional Khmer dance school, founded by one of the last living traditional dance teachers. As the country… -
What Would You Do in Paris?
19 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amD has been obsessed with the Eiffel tower lately. It's not hard, images of it appear everywhere... on the side of the DHL trucks that circle our city, in her story books, and on posters in local businesses. But what does she really think, I wondered? Does all that exposure make her interested in visiting it? Yesterday as she leafed through a children's picture book of Paris I asked her what she would want to do if we went to Paris together. "Go to the grocery store" she said, flipping immediately to a picture of French pastries. Smart girl. That's my first priority in Paris too. Inventive… -
Please Join Us for Passports With Purpose
18 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amIf you have been reading DeliciousBaby since last year, you may remember Passports with Purpose, the travel blogger's fundraiser founded by Pam Mandel of Nerd's Eye View, Beth Whitman of Wanderlust and Lipstick, Michelle Duffy of WanderMom, and myself. In a few short weeks, with the help of travel bloggers around the world, we raised $7400 for Heifer International. We also gave fabulous prizes to many donors, ranging from hotel rooms to video cameras and high-end travel gear. Kids outside their floating home in Phnom Penh, Cambodia This year we will be fund-raising to build a school in… -
Welcome Budget Travel Readers
16 Nov 2009 | 2:03 pmI'm very excited that Budget Travel's website features an interview about family travel with me today. About DeliciousBaby DeliciousBaby is about Traveling with Young Kids. We have lots of tips and helpful advice to make your family vacation easier and more enjoyable. If you are new to DeliciousBaby, you might want to check out some of these useful links and resources: Travel Tips: Flying with Babies and Kids Money Saving Trips the Travel Industry Doesn't Want You to Know Family Friendly City Guides including Rome, Paris, Chicago, and Santa Fe Travel Tips: Keeping a Child Busy on a Plane… -
Weekly Links: Favorite Travel Stories and Giveaways
15 Nov 2009 | 9:21 pmHere are a few stories I enjoyed this week. I especially enjoyed this reflective post from the father of a family who went around the world describing the enduring impact of the trip even two years later These pictures of a family road trip through Yellowstone National Park are making me jealous... and will hopefully inspire me to plan a Yellowstone trip for my own family. Did you ever wonder what it would be like to spend the winter in Alaska? Here's a list of winter activities in Anchorage This post about an unexpected snake encounter in Marrakech made me laugh Giveaways Enter to win this…
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Travel Rants Blog
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UK isn’t too hot for Wi-Fi hotspots
13 Nov 2009 | 9:17 amIt is quite incredible that an exhibition the size of World Travel Market does not have Wi-Fi access. I am not suggesting that it has to be free, but, why were they no hotspots either within the press lounge or exhibition halls. Is this evidence that travel hasn’t yet switched on to mobile or the internet. London 2012 Olympics offline The hotel I stayed in offered 24-hours internet at €20 via Orange, which was unfortunately down for most of my stay. Not the fault of the hotel but the 2012 Olympics are not that far away and I think the city really has to realise that it’s 2009 and people… -
Travel BlogCamp at the World Travel Market
13 Nov 2009 | 4:28 amThroughout Travel BlogCamp in 2008 I was quite relaxed knowing that it was the first event and if it didn’t go down well I could at least say that it was worth trying. This year, I felt added pressure because it had a lot to live up to, so imagine my relief when the night went by without any hiccups. Lost networking opportunities I would have liked to have chatted to more people, but, running around like a headless chicken meant I got very little time for networking which from my perspective is a shame. So, apologies if I didn’t get around to chat to you or if I looked distracted. It was… -
Countdown to Travel BlogCamp 2009
4 Nov 2009 | 4:35 amA few years ago could you imagine travel companies talking about their social media experiences to a room full of people from around the travel industry? Next Tuesday, both the sponsors and speakers will be interacting with the audience and sharing their experiences at Travel BlogCamp. Looking at the attendee list it should be an interesting night with plenty of discussion and networking. World Travel Market I am travelling down to London on Monday, I have plans for Monday night and Tuesday, but I will be at ExCeL on Wednesday for World Travel Market, if anyone wants to meet up for a coffee,… -
Flight taxes rise again but are consumers really bothered
2 Nov 2009 | 1:52 pmAs expected air passenger duty increased and despite all the huff and puff coming out the travel and airline industry when the increase was first announced it seems to have gone quiet. The majority of consumers will pay the flight tax without little fuss and the talk that we won’t go abroad is nonsense. Making flying greener While my main gripe is that the revenue generated from air passenger duty has never gone to help make flying more greener. I will continue to take my holiday abroad. Why? Well, there are a lot of reasons but primarily when I go on holiday I want a change of scenery and… -
Shaping the future of Travel Rants
1 Nov 2009 | 1:42 pmI have been writing this blog for over four years and I have enjoyed it, sure it has had its ups and downs. I write primarily from my own experiences and thoughts about travel, but also I receive a lot of emails from consumers which spark me into a post about the travel industry. Looking at travel from another perspective Some people have been very critical that I am always writing about the negative aspect of travel which confuses me because surely there’s so much nice positive content out there that you need someone to look at it from a different perspective. Keeping busy You may have…
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The Perrin Post
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Win Tickets to "Up in the Air" and Get Your Frequent-Flyer Problems Solved in our FlyerTalk Challenge
20 Nov 2009 | 8:32 amI've got an early holiday gift for ten lucky readers: Free tickets to a December 1 New York City sneak preview of Paramount's "Up in the Air," starring George Clooney. Any self-respecting mileage junkie will relate to this movie, which... -
Share Your Top Travel Tip and Snag Exclusive Travel Deals
17 Nov 2009 | 10:34 amHave you got a travel secret that other smart travelers should know? And would you like to snag exclusive luxury travel deals by sharing your tip with the rest of us? Then join us in a fun new monthly game that starts today. -
The Best Way to Travel in Tuscany
17 Nov 2009 | 10:15 amA reader writes: We would like to stay in the Tuscany area and visit Lucca, Montecatini, San Gimignano, Siena, and Florence, but we also want to go to Assisi and Rome. -
We've Got A Winner!
13 Nov 2009 | 1:12 pmThe "Where Am I?" Photo Challenge has its first winner! -
Introducing the "Where Am I?" Photo Challenge
12 Nov 2009 | 2:30 pmWhat corner of the globe are you bound for next? Wherever you may be headed, if you carry your copy of Conde Nast Traveler, photograph yourself or a travel companion holding it up in some fascinating locale, and then email the picture to us, we'll publish it here and challenge everybody to guess where in the world you are. Sounds like fun, right?
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soultravelers3
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Family Travel Photo - Spain
18 Nov 2009 | 1:12 pmFamily Travel Photo - SpainNovember 18, 2009Do you love thermal healing water to soak in? Our world traveling family has been "into" them since long before Do you love thermal healing water to soak in? Our world traveling family has been into them since long before our child was born, taking regular trips to our beloved Esalen in Big Sur as well as Harper Hot Springs north of San Francisco. Mozart started swimming in our Jacuzzi at four days old, so she took to it all like the proverbial duck to water. When ever we can, we enjoy finding good soaks on our world travels!After… -
Lifestyle Design a Winter in Spain!
12 Nov 2009 | 4:47 pmLifestyle Design a Winter in Spain!November 12, 2009"Lifestyle Design" has become a hot buzz word thanks to Tim Ferriss and his #1 best selling book "The 4-Hour "Lifestyle Design" has become a hot buzz word thanks to Tim Ferriss and his #1 best selling book, "The 4- Hour Workweek" as well as his hugely popular blog. We love how he inspires, so were thrilled when we were contacted and told we were featured in the new and… -
Best Halloween! Europe or U.S.?
29 Oct 2009 | 7:55 amBest Halloween! Europe or U.S.? October 29, 2009 There are so many fantastic festivalsin Europe, but no one knows how to do Halloween better than certain There are so many fantastic festivals in Europe, but no one knows how to do Halloween better than certain neighborhoods in the United States! We were spoiled and lived in one of those neighborhoods when we lived in Santa Cruz, where Mozart was born and lived her first 5 years.We lived in a country neighborhood where each family really got into the trick or treat spirit. There was always a Halloween party (as well as Christmas and usually… -
Family Travel Photo - Finland
21 Oct 2009 | 10:56 amFamily Travel Photo - Finland October 21, 2009There is nothing like great books to enhance family travel! We loved the libraries in Scandinavia that all seem There is nothing like great books to enhance family travel! We loved the libraries in Scandinavia that all seem to also have a great selection of kid's books in English, which pleased seven year old Mozart to no end! This was a beautiful library with lots of windows with gorgeous sea views in Finland in a tiny town on the Aland islands that we visited last September.Books are the cornerstone of our homeschooling and we… -
Family Travel Photo - England
13 Oct 2009 | 10:38 amFamily Travel Photo - EnglandOctober 13, 2009Tapestries and a knight in shining armor...what could capture the joys of family travel in England any better? Tapestries and a knight in shining armor...what could capture the joys of family travel in England any better? We just had a fantastic week in London from October 1st through 8th, our second time there on our world tour and took a train to the countryside to join friends from around the world for a high tea at the posh Cliveden House.This was part of Mozart's 9th birthday celebration as she has been wanting to go to a fancy high…
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Jaunted
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Would You Fake Sick In Order To Score A Better Seat On The Plane?
20 Nov 2009 | 2:59 pmFAME: Five Ways To Score Better Airline Seats For Holiday Travel You can get more than just flights with your frequently flyer miles The first glance at Virgin America's 'Fly Girls' TV showAlso: Everything about Thanksgiving Travel LAME: What Not To Do In Venice: 5 Tourist Mistakes To Avoid FAA Glitch Grounds and Delays Flights Has Anybody Flown Aeroflot Lately?Also: Demon Statues in an Airport. For real. -
Fort Lauderdale: Fort Lauderdale Airport Is The New Bunker Hill
20 Nov 2009 | 2:09 pmWhen the Colonials learned that British forces were planning to send troops out of the city to the surrounding unoccupied hills, they acted. The colonials set up shop at the top of Bunker & Breed's Hill and picked off the redcoats sending them retreating towards Cambridge. Seems to us that FLL is the new Bunker Hill, though we will leave it to you to determine which airline wears what uniform. By now we all know how Virgin America launched their 10th destination earlier this week at FLL and we have the photo gallery to prove it. However, what really struck us about our jaunt to meet them in… -
Santa Monica: Run, Don't Walk to See David Lynch's Painting Exhibit in LA
20 Nov 2009 | 1:29 pmLos Angeles' reigning auteur of "weird," director David Lynch, doesn't limit his mode of creative expression to the screen. Though better known for helming films such as Mulholland Drive and hawking the benefits of transcendental meditation on college campuses, the fabulously-coiffed Lynch actually began his career as an artist. In 2007, a major retrospective of Lynch's multimedia art was featured at Paris' Fondation Cartier, and earlier this year, a selection of his photographs were on display at L.A.'s Michael Kohn Gallery. We deemed the latter exhibition, a visual offshoot of the Danger… -
New York: Slankets, Sliders and Southwest Ale at NYC's Bryant Park
20 Nov 2009 | 1:04 pmAlmost six months ago, Southwest Airlines gave New Yorkers an outright gift: the Southwest Porch, a relaxing, open-air venue in the middle of the city at Bryant Park. During the day, workers from offices in Midtown would sit in the adirondack chairs and on the cushioned lounges to eat their packed lunches, and at night, they can return for a drink and snacks when the bar opens. The Porch is a pleasant surprise for its lack of pretension and excess of good food choices (being from Top Chef Tom Colicchio' s 'wichcraft chain). We expected it to close down for the winter when the leaves began to… -
Avoid Holiday Travel And Score Deals Like The Bahamas For Under $250
20 Nov 2009 | 12:19 pmBefore you settle in for a long winter's nap, it's time for a warm-weather getaway. Travelzoo's offering a dirt-cheap package to the Bahamas where you'll get airfare and five nights at a hotel for $229. You'll stay at Our Lucaya Reef Village in Grand Bahama Island. The hotel has a Vegas-style casino where you can blow the money you would have spent on full-price airfare and hotel, as well as two golf courses and four pools. But the most important amenity is that this resort sits right on the beach. The deal's good for travel through December 19 and from January 3 to 31. We recommend that you…
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Viator Travel Blog
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Aurora Borealis in Iceland
20 Nov 2009 | 1:45 pm“I am going to Iceland to see the Aurora Borealis,” I said confidently. Everyone was envious. Which only egged me on. “Yeah, it’s the right time of year, and I’ve just got a feeling.” Digging myself a whole trench full of trouble. Everyone knows the Northern Lights are capricious at best, downright elusive the rest of the time. But since childhood I’d wanted to see them. Lured by photographs, stories, the magical nature of them – it was on my list of life aims, and I’d already ticked off the Pyramids and climbing Everest (okay, one of these is a lie). So here… -
[Contest] Win 2 Free Tickets on a Sydney New Year’s Eve Cruise
19 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmRosemarie, last year's contest winner, on her Sydney New Year's Eve Cruise Sydney is home to one of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebrations. The fireworks display is second to none, the weather is warm & sunny, and the atmosphere is simply unbeatable. This year, you can go as a VIP by entering to win 2 free tickets on a Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve Cruise. Cruise Sydney Harbour in style aboard the Bella Vista, see the sights of Sydney and the harbour as the sun goes down and the city lights up the sky. At 9pm you’ll have a front-row seat for… -
Oberammergau Passion Play
19 Nov 2009 | 9:59 amThis may be the world’s most famous play… that you have never heard of! The 2010 Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, is a once-a-decade event that takes over, consumes, and essentially overwhelms the entire town of Oberammergau. Once every 10 years, more than half of this Bavarian village’s 5,000 inhabitants take part as actors in the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play. Stage of the Oberammergau Passion Play The local residents join together with director Christian Stückl (manager of Munich’s renowned Volkstheater), stage designer Stefan Hageneier, and music… -
Your Travel Photos - Reborn as Toys!
17 Nov 2009 | 12:34 pmSo you’ve travelled and taken lots of digital photos. Now you are now home, pining for the next adventure. What to do? Why not dust off your travel pictures and have some fun? You could show them to your friends and family again, but apparently that is boring (note to self: why aren’t people more interested in my personal travels??) and results in a lonely life. So instead, spice up the photos with some cool effects then share them around – you’ll get a much better response and have some fun in the meantime. One of my favourite effects is to make a photo look as though it was… -
Rome Catacombs Tour
17 Nov 2009 | 11:25 amI arrive for my Rome catacombs tour early and so sit in the last of the October sun munching on a suppli (a Roman snack containing a deep-fried ball of rice and mozzarella). The meeting point is Piazza Barberini at a distinctive fountain created from a large statue of Triton spouting water from a large conch. After a moment’s digestion I notice people beginning to assemble. The tour manager ticks me off her list and hands me an oval little white sticker which I press onto my lapel. San Calisto catacomb in Rome We are introduced to our guide – Angelo. It turns out we are all early and…
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HOTELMARKETING.COM
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New STR forecast not optimistic for 2010, but definitely 2011
19 Nov 2009 | 11:05 pmAccording to Smith Travel Research’s latest U.S. industry forecast, an uptick for the hotel industry won’t come soon - as in the next six or eight months - but it should be in full swing by 2011. Hopefully, that is. -
RevPAR down 19.2%, but worst should be over for Europe
19 Nov 2009 | 11:04 pmA report by Deloitte has found that year-to-September hotel performance fell across Europe. RevPAR performance in European hotels was down 19.2% to €58. This decline was driven by a 12.3% drop in average room rates to €108, while occupancy levels fell to 61.6%. -
Meeting planners struggle to control cost
19 Nov 2009 | 11:03 pmHotel managers are not the only party at the negotiating table struggling to control costs and operate within the limits of austere budgets. Meeting planners have also been given the challenge of setting up effective events at the least possible cost. -
Eight tips for effective e-mail preheaders
19 Nov 2009 | 11:02 pmThe e-mail preheader (the content in the top line of an e-mail message) has come a long way from its origins as an HTML and deliverability troubleshooter. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your preheaders. -
Brands on Twitter: 76% of accounts are infrequent users
19 Nov 2009 | 11:01 pmMost companies fail to realize Twitter's full potential as a market engagement platform. While 73% of Fortune 100 companies registered a total of 540 Twitter accounts, effectiveness based on level of activity, interaction and engagement were off the mark.
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Travel + Leisure: Articles
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America's Best Pizza
19 Nov 2009 | 1:37 pmFamily-run shops, organic ingredients, special ovens: everyone has his own take on pizza. Here<br />are the best pies and slices across America. -
Great Places to Spend Christmas
16 Nov 2009 | 1:56 pmFrom New Mexico to New Zealand, a world of Christmas celebrations awaits. -
Celebrities' Secret Winter Vacation Spots
16 Nov 2009 | 11:58 amHere’s where to find Brad and Angelina, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Jerry Seinfeld, Fergie, and other A-list celebrities in the wintertime. -
Best Winter Lodges
12 Nov 2009 | 11:56 amAcross the U.S. and Canada, classic winter lodges that make for luxurious, snowy escapes from the 21st century. -
World's Best Business Hotels 2009
12 Nov 2009 | 9:01 amThese top hotels combine service, technology, and comfort—everything that today’s business traveler needs on the road.
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HotelChatter -
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Sad Sea Lion Has Nowhere to Sleep in Punta Del Este and Other Stories This Week
20 Nov 2009 | 2:31 pmIt's our weekly recap which we call Suite-Hostel. Get it? SUITE: $19.24 for a Night at The Roosevelt Five Hotels Where You Can Sleep and Skate Which Rooftop Pool is Best for You in Seville? ALSO: Top Five Hotels for Eating Macarons HOSTEL: Punta del Este Hotels are Sold-Out for New Year's. Marriott Changing Up The Ritz-Carlton Brand Delano a No-Go for -
Is This The Real Reason Why Hotels Have Bad WiFi Connections?
20 Nov 2009 | 2:11 pmPorn jammers! Old men in the club! Fergie! Hotel Strikes!It always seems that no matter how much Celebrity Scoop we write about in a given week, there's also lots more that we didn't have time to get to. So from now on, every Friday we'll be rounding up the week's Infamous Hotels. This weekly list will include hotels that celebrities visited (and it made the news) but also hotels that really up the "Eww" factor. This can easily done by manipulating the WiFi connection for guests.The Sports Guy aka Bill Simmons recently offered up his take on Hotel WiFi after spending four weeks on the road… -
Cape Town: This Week in Hotel Lust: White Picket Fences at Cape Town's Mount Nelson
20 Nov 2009 | 1:40 pmThis week, a combination of wanderlust and hotel lust led us to research the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, which a roving HotelChatter correspondent briefly had the chance to visit last year. We deemed Mount Nelson worth a second look from afar, because of the consistent buzz it garners for its exaggerated sense of luxury. Then again, if it weren't exaggerated it wouldn't be lust-worthy, would it? Fat cats who travel to areas of the world deemed "exotic" aren't usually in the game of roughing it. Maybe they've come for a safari, but they better be welcomed home at the end of… -
Shanghai: Please Welcome The Peninsula And Its Fleet Of Phantoms To Shanghai
20 Nov 2009 | 12:30 pmWe can talk about Art Basel Miami hotels and hotels for the holidays all we want, but we can't ignore one of the biggest hotel openings of autumn, that of the Peninsula Shanghai. It officially welcomed its first guests back on October 19, and yet it's already like a landmark on Shanghai's Bund—the street of shops, other high-class hotels, and historical buildings right at the bend of the Huangpu River. The main thing to know about this Peninsula is its relatively low starting room rate: $295. With it, if you can score the deal (and we recommend searching for dates far into the future),… -
These Dog Concierges Have Written a Book, Have You?
20 Nov 2009 | 12:29 pmIt’s that time of the week again: Cute Hotel Doggie Friday! And today we give you not one but two adorable hotel doggies. Because we’re nice like that. Both of these smilin’ fools work for Fairmont Hotels—Catie Copley (the black lab) at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, and Santol (a Bernese mountain dog cross) at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City. They have the lofty title of Canine Ambassador, and enjoy all the perks that go with it—business cards, email addresses, comfy beds in the lobby, plenty of attention from guests and staff, and of course,…
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Holy Kaw!
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France vs. Ireland controversial goal video
20 Nov 2009 | 10:58 pmIn case you haven’t seen the controversial goal in the France versus Ireland game, here you go. Total coverage of soccer. Permalink | Leave a comment » -
Best and worst light beers
20 Nov 2009 | 10:25 pmMost bar dwellers would argue that the phrase “best light beer” is total oxymoron, much like “highbrow Natty Light,” but the dudes over at Men’s Fitness decided to tackle the challenge of finding the tastiest reduced calorie brewskies. So, what beer leaves the least funky aftertaste while still keeping those rock-hard abs in perfect form? Corona Light, Sam Adams Light and Coors Light all made the grade, while Rock Green Light, Heineken Light and the carb-conscious Michelob Light failed beer yumminess 101. Cruise over to Men’s Fitness for a full list of what… -
How the Telegraph uses social media
20 Nov 2009 | 9:53 pmOver on econsultancy is an interesting Q&A on social media with Julian Sambles, the Head of Audience Development at the Telegraph. According the interview, the Telegraph uses social media to 1) broaden their audience reach and 2) increase reader engagement with the newspaper's editorial. As a result, they've attracted some 75,000 unique visitors per day, solely from social media channels. I've always wondered about the pay off for newspapers in social media channels. If the Telegraph is truly pulling in so many readers and also buildling loyalty among online consumers, it looks like there… -
Fattest counties
20 Nov 2009 | 9:27 pmBut what will the neighbors think? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted the first county-by-county obesity survey. And the most obese are: • Green and Dallas counties in Alabama and Holmes • Humphreys and Jefferson counties in Mississippi Looks like they won the potbelly. Check out HuffPo's article for more on the CDC's fat findings. Permalink | Leave a comment » -
YouTube debuts automatic captioning for deaf users
20 Nov 2009 | 9:23 pmGoogle announced this week that YouTube has started rolling out automatic captions across the video sharing site. The initial roll-out only includes 13 channels, including National Geographic and Columbia, but will eventually extend across the site. The technology has special meaning to the software engineer heading up the project because he is deaf. In a post on the Google blog, Ken Harrenstien wrote, “The majority of user-generated video content online is still inaccessible to people like me.” The system still needs to work out some kinks (a demo of the feature captioned…
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NYT: Netherlands
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Dutch View of Choice in U.S. Care: It’s Limited
9 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pmWhat has been sold as a strength of the American medical system does not look like one to the health minister from the Netherlands. -
Karadzic Gets Delay, and Lawyer, in War Crimes Trial
5 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pmThe decision of the international criminal tribunal will postpone the trial of Radovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader, until March to allow the defense time to prepare. -
Karadzic Promises to Attend War Crimes Trial Tuesday
2 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pmRadovan Karadzic, the former Bosnian Serb leader, is defending himself but previously advised the tribunal that he was not ready for the trial. -
Karadzic Trial Resumes Without Defendant
27 Oct 2009 | 9:00 pmRadovan Karadzic refused to appear in The Hague and sent word once again that he wanted more time to prepare his defense. -
Karadzic Refuses to Appear on First Day of His Trial
26 Oct 2009 | 9:00 pmThe Bosnian Serb leader refused to appear at The Hague and sent word once again that he wanted more time to prepare his defense.
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nrcnext.nl
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De beste online mijlpalen
20 Nov 2009 | 8:00 amOok de International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, die sinds 1996 jaarlijks de Webby Awards uitreikt, doet mee aan het aftellen. De organisatie vraagt zich af wat de meest invloedrijke internetmomenten van het afgelopen decennium zijn. De jaren ‘00 begonnen met de Y2K-bug die niet kwam. Maar daarna ging De opkomst van Facebook? Het ontstaan van Wikipedia? Of de macht van Twitter tijdens de verkiezingen in Iran eerder dit jaar? Zoals David-Michel Davies van de Webby Awards het zegt: The Internet is the story of the decade because it was the catalyst for change in not just every… -
Muzikant en schrijver Nick Cave schreef erbarmelijke seksscène over Avril Lavigne
20 Nov 2009 | 7:00 amNick Cave, foto Rashid Akrim ‘Nick Cave and the Bad Sex award’ kopt de BBC op haar entertainment pagina. Een flauwe inkopper – die overigens niet alleen door de BBC wordt gemaakt. Waar gaat het over? Nick Cave, zanger en frontman van Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds en Grinderman, is met zijn in september verschenen tweede roman De dood van Bunny Monroe genomineerd voor de Bad Sex in Fiction award 2009. Een prijs die jaarlijks door het Britse literaire tijdschrift Literary Review wordt toegekend aan de meest overbodige, slecht geschreven seksscène in de literatuur. Dit tot groot… -
Geen vakanties in Mozambique voor Willem-Alexander
20 Nov 2009 | 5:45 amToch geen vakanties voor prins Willem-Alexander en prinses Máxima in Mozambique. Ze gaan hun vakantiehuis op Machangulo verkopen zodra het gebouwd is. Dat schrijft de prins in een brief aan premier Balkenende (pdf). Hij schrijft dat „inmiddels het risico bestaat dat de ontwikkelingen ten goede buiten beeld raken, dat elke misstap wordt uitvergroot en het project wordt benadeeld.” Gisteren werd bekend dat prins Willem-Alexander en prinses Máxima in eerste instantie vier percelen hadden gekocht in het vakantieresort in Mozambique. Hun vakantiehuis, dat op één van de vier percelen wordt… -
Vossenjacht in de jaren nul
20 Nov 2009 | 4:30 amNog 44 dagen en de jaren nul zijn ten einde. Dan is het 31 december 2009, en om middernacht beginnen dan de jaren tien. Serieus wereldwijd aftellen, zoals het geval was eind 1999 toen het millennium ten einde liep en de jaren 2000 begonnen – sommige mensen zijn er allergisch voor geworden. Jeugd van Tegenwoordig. Foto Maurice Boyer Maar toch. Nostalgie is misschien een plaag en alles verdwijnt onherroepelijk in de muil van de geschiedenis, maar lijstjes blijven populair. Simon van den Berg, in het dagelijks leven onder meer theaterrecensent van Het Parool, was bij wijze van… -
Breaking: Oprah’s show to end in 2011
20 Nov 2009 | 3:24 amOprah steunde Obama BREAKING NEWS: Oprah Winfrey stopt in 2011 met haar televisieshow. Dit persbericht werd gisteren de wereld ingestuurd en de nieuwszenders brachten het als het einde van een tijdperk. De koningin van de Amerikaanse televisie zal haar beslissing vandaag toelichten tijdens haar eigen talkshow. Tegen zoveel publicitair geweld kan Herman van Rompuy (wie?) niet op. Europees president of geen Europees president. Hij is trouwens niet eens president, maar voorzitter. Een man zonder macht. Nee, dan Oprah. “Oprah Winfrey is voor televisie wat Bach is voor muziek, Giotto voor…
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TREND HUNTER - The Latest Trends
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Electronic Zoo Animals - The St. Louis Zoo Polar Bears are Not Real, but Mechanized (GALLERY)
21 Nov 2009 | 4:40 am(TrendHunter.com) Somewhere PETA is throwing a party. To the confusion of children and families everywhere, the real life St. Louis Zoo polar bears have been replaced with electronic versions. The mechanized St. Louis… -
Fantastic Fabergé Relaunches - Fairytale-Inspired, Mystic and Dazzling Jewelry (GALLERY)
21 Nov 2009 | 4:30 am(TrendHunter.com) After 9 decades in the dark, the mystic jewelry brand Fabergé is back in business with a stunning high-end Faberge jewelry collection. Actually, Fabergé is well-known for their jeweled eggs, made for… -
59 Cozy Cocoon Creations - Innovations that Encase, Shield and Seclude You (CLUSTER)
21 Nov 2009 | 4:20 am(TrendHunter.com) Cozy encasement is becoming the design aesthetic for everything from cars to baby cribs. It seems that while we all want our personal space, it’s even better if we can get it in some fully enveloping and… -
16 Airbrushing Techniques - From Models With Belly Flab to Aerified Cosmetics (CLUSTER)
21 Nov 2009 | 4:10 am(TrendHunter.com) The world is slowly going down a slippery slope of impossible body imagery that is promoted through these airbrushing techniques. Although photoshop is truly escalating this phenomenon, airbrushing creates… -
59 Cures for Insomnia - From Light-Projecting Sleep Aids to Cozy Adult Cribs (CLUSTER)
21 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am(TrendHunter.com) With so many distractions available in our contemporary era, it’s far from surprising that we are becoming a sleep-deprived species. Ok, I shouldn’t really speak for the entire human race, but insomnia…
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Core77
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"Ultimate Factories" excerpt: Inside Ikea
20 Nov 2009 | 10:12 amWe'd love to see the introduction of a television program about industrial design that isn't an annoying reality show, but until that day comes, we'll happily settle for National Geographic's awesome "Ultimate Factories." Check out this excerpt from their inside look at an Ikea factory, where we can see what makes the LACK table so rigid: board-on-frame technology, similar to what's inside hollow-core doors. It's one thing to understand the technology, which is not that complicated; but it's super-cool to see it being cranked out at the factory. (more...) -
Daily Design Snacks
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amA bite-sized list of what's happenin' now: the vineyard gazette The Greenest Home in America property week Architect wins King's Cross design competition for converted gasholder ny times regional NYC's MetroCard gets one-word art dna india Nokia design manager Jonne Harju on "Dialing up intelligent design" dexigner For up-and-coming designers, 50 Free Registrations for the Red Dot Award Product Design 2010 design korea Design Korea 2009 exhibition/conference opens Dec. 1 (more...) -
Coroflot Design Job of the Day: Industrial Designer, Ziba Design, San Diego, California
20 Nov 2009 | 9:05 amIndustrial Designer Level IIZiba DesignSan Diego, California We are looking for an Industrial Designer level II to join our San Diego, California Product Development team. This position is responsible for driving conceptual industrial design and for the hands-on design process. This position leads design teams and personally develops design solutions to meet client needs, operating from a variety of specific, and occasionally open-ended or ill-defined, parameters. The person in this position may take a lead role in facilitating the creative process, may have lead responsibility for small… -
SCAD Students' Water-Saving Designs
20 Nov 2009 | 8:20 amID students at the Savannah College of Art & Design are currently engaged in a hands-on project with local relevance: Helping a nearby vacation destination, Tybee Island, reduce its water consumption to preserve a local aquifer. Vacationers flocking to Tybee's beaches have already found their beachside showers turned off, as the island undergoes a government-mandated reduction of water usage by 44,000 gallons a day. To that end, SCAD students are devising systems to meet Tybee's needs using rainwater, bamboo, and even Astroturf: Casper Krouse, a senior in industrial design, showed off a… -
Singapore's design push
20 Nov 2009 | 5:39 amI love the titling of the sub-sectors of Singapore's rigidly-defined design sectors: "Placemaking" (environments design, architecture), "Objectmaking" (industrial, product, and fashion design), "Imagemaking" (graphics, visual communications and advertising design). Singapore takes design seriously, as evidenced not only by its forthcoming Singapore Design Festival, but by the fact that The government here is supporting the design sector. For example, the Design For Enterprises initiative is a $12 million collaboration to help Singapore enterprises tap the creativity and design expertise of…
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Guy Kawasaki
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The 19 bloggers Inc. thinks you should read
6 Nov 2009 | 6:20 pmInc. named 19 bloggers that you should read. We’ve aggregated them all in one place: Inc19.alltop. -
How to Get Found
4 Nov 2009 | 3:29 pmThe reality is that people and technology is getting better and better a blocking out unwanted interruptions—aka, “marketing.” Brian Halligan is the CEO of HubSpot, and he explains in my post on the American Express Open Forum “how to get found.” It’s all about creating great stuff and letting Google et al do what they do: find great stuff. -
How I tweet
2 Nov 2009 | 8:47 amBy popular demand (and some complaints), I’ve done a FAQ with myself about how I tweet. Hope this helps you use Twitter for your business too. I explain how I use ghostwriters and why I repeat my tweets among other “unusual” practices. -
Current Twitter Demo Script
28 Oct 2009 | 2:26 amThis is the set of links that I used to demo Twitter by going down through this list to show why Twitter is such a valuable marketing tool. Introduction Home page Profile page Monitor Search Guy Kawasaki or Alltop Starbucks VIA introduction Search for “Prius” or “Civic” Sell Dell Outlet Kogi BBQ Support Comcast Cares Engage JetBlue Virgin America Fandango Prospect Camaro Camaro near Palo Alto Advanced searches Surfing or skateboarding (shows how to eliminate extraneous results such as “surfing the web” How I Tweet - Find Alltop MyAlltop helped me find this. -
How to Avoid Twitter Cluelessness
26 Oct 2009 | 4:24 pmOver at the American Express Open Forum blog, I explain how to not look clueless on Twitter. The first five ways are: Don’t tell other people how to tweet. Don’t tell the world that you unfollowed someone. Don’t ask people why they unfollowed you. Don’t constantly tweet mundane updates and babble. Don’t use a small picture for an avatar. To read all ten and why they impugn your intelligence, click here.
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NRC Handelsblad | Voorpagina
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Duizenden op de been tegen AOW-plan kabinet
21 Nov 2009 | 4:15 am15.000 tot 20.000 mensen demonstreren in Rotterdam tegen plan verhoging AOW-leeftijd. -
Vrijspraak Vroemen teruggedraaid, geen straf
21 Nov 2009 | 3:48 amDe eerdere vrijspraak van ex-atleet Simon Vroemen is teruggedraaid, meldt de Atletiekunie. -
Amsterdam wil informatielijn Wallen
21 Nov 2009 | 3:40 amAmsterdam wil dat bezoekers van prostituees misstanden kunnen melden. -
Sri Lanka: bewegingsvrijheid kampbewoners
21 Nov 2009 | 3:27 amTamils in interneringskampen in Sri Lanka, kunnen volgende maand het kamp uit. -
Twee aanhoudingen in zaak dode jongen Urk
21 Nov 2009 | 3:05 amDe politie heeft twee jongens gearresteerd in verband met de dood van een dorpsgenoot.
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Guardian Travel
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Let's move to Cromer
20 Nov 2009 | 4:12 pmCromer is not just about the crabs, you know, says Tom DyckhoffWhat's going for it? Enduring mystery of life no 17,978: just what is it that separates Cromer from loftier spots such as Holt and Burnham Market one way and Southwold and Aldeburgh the other? A matter of yards, I tell you! Outside Cromer's city limits, property prices soar: beyond Blakeney, you can barely get a coal scuttle for a quarter of a million. Yet Cromer's bone structure is Southwold in all but property price and plum-mouthed inhabitants fresh from Hampstead. Gorgeous beach, cliffs high enough to be… -
Walking Spain's Olive Oil Route
20 Nov 2009 | 4:07 pmA disused Spanish railway line that once transported Andalucía's mountains of olives to the coast is now a walking trail through the endless grovesIt's eight in the morning at the bus station bar in the small town of Martos in the heart of Andalucía, and an old man is muttering as he drizzles peppery, local olive oil over his toast. "Aceite de oliva, todo mal quita," he says, nodding at us philosophically."Olive oil cures all ills" is an old Spanish saying which has special significance in Jaén, the country's largest olive-oil producing region. In Spain olive oil is more than simply a… -
Sweden's highest ski lodge
20 Nov 2009 | 4:06 pmStaying overnight in a ski lodge inside the Arctic Circle allows access to an empty, off-piste paradise most skiers can only dream ofIt's difficult to embrace the quiet beauty of a place when you're shifting through it at mach 10, skidoo engine roaring in your ears, cheeks whipped to burning in the cold. But as the dying sun cast its light across the thousands of snow crystals thrown up by the wind, the ensuing rainbow which hovered above the Låktatjåkko Mountain Station compelled silent attention. Nestled 250km north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland, it's a place where you can let… -
Tropical budget bliss
20 Nov 2009 | 4:06 pmThink a paradise break in the Indian Ocean will cost a small fortune? Not on Zanzibar where a clutch of new boutique hotels offers cool style and seriously good valueFragile thing holiday serenity. Zanzibar has the full deck of tropical idyll cards – squeaky white powder beach, azure ocean, mellow trade winds and I'm trying hard to channel the sleepy, languid pace that the island operates on, but secretly I'm expecting the concierge at the Z Hotel to come bustling over telling me they forgot to add an extra zero to our bill.I was expecting to shell out more than £60pp per night for a… -
Country diary: New Forest
20 Nov 2009 | 4:06 pmNew ForestThere is something enchanting about a group of scarlet-capped fly agaric fungi nestling within a circle of silver birches. The fungus is among the brightest of autumnal sights. With its red top seemingly sprinkled with finely chopped cheese, this poisonous species is associated with birch, and advances out on to the heaths as the trees colonise them. In time, this forms new woodland. If the amount of grazing needed across the forest is to be maintained, such invasive growth must be kept in check. That explains the large pile of birch logs stacked close to Wittensford, near Brook.The…
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Marriott on the Move
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Remembering a Dear Friend and Personal Hero
19 Nov 2009 | 1:47 pmOn Sunday, November 8, my dear friend Harry Vincent passed away at the age of 90. I first met Harry in the 1960's when he was the Washington vice president of the consulting firm of Booz Allen Hamilton. He was doing work for our company and subsequently joined our Board of Directors and served faithfully for over 34 years.When we split our company, he moved over to the Host Hotel Board of Directors. Host was the company that retained the ownership of the Marriott Hotels we owned before the split and is now . . . -
Renovating Our Digital Front Door, Marriott.com
14 Nov 2009 | 4:12 pmWhen I started in the hotel business 52 years ago, the first impression customers had of our hotels was the lobby when they walked through the front doors. But in this digital age, often the first impression comes when they visit Marriott.com. It's our digital front door.Today, when you visit the site, you'll notice the front door looks very different. We have rolled out the first stage of our complete overhaul of Marriott.com.The site is already a huge success story. Last year, Marriott.com generated more than six billion dollars in gross revenue for Marriott. We've done . . . -
Analysis Is the Key to Making Good Decisions
5 Nov 2009 | 12:32 pmI recently read a book about General George Custer, famous for being annihilated in Custer's Last Stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn before the turn of the 19th century. Custer was a somewhat impetuous, but brilliant, officer. At the age of 23, he was made a Brigadier General in the United States Army and was an important contributor to the Union victory at . . . -
Being a Part of D.C.'s Heritage
26 Oct 2009 | 1:10 pmAs many of you know, our company started out as a small, nine-stool A&W root beer stand in Washington, D.C, more than 80 years ago. We quickly evolved into the restaurant business, opening a chain called Hot Shoppes.One of our very first Hot Shoppes was in the Columbia Heights neighborhood on 14th Street. The last Hot Shoppe closed its doors years ago, but the memory of that one on 14th Street is being commemorated . . . -
Colombia: The Newest Stamp on My Passport
23 Oct 2009 | 11:51 amFor as many years as I've been traveling, there is nothing like visiting a new country. My passport has stamps and visas for China, India, the UK, France, Spain, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and now, Colombia since we just opened our first hotel in Bogota. I had never been to Colombia before, but the political and economic climate is much improved for travel and tourism.Our new Marriott near the Bogota airport is owned by Ricardo Poma, who runs a family business a lot like ours. They hold many . . .
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Opus Hotel Blog
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“A Hidden Gem” or “LAME!!!”? Online Travel Reviewers to Watch out for
4 Nov 2009 | 4:47 pmIn 2007, a traveler wrote the following review of Opus Hotel Vancouver on TripAdvisor: “The GM who thought he was Ian Fleming was a real detriment to a great trip. Shame – let’s hope the hotel sees sense and releases Daniel to make another movie.” Ouch. The comment was a reference to my James Bond namesake [...] Related posts:Online Reviews: The Bane of Hotels’ Existence or an Unprecedented Opportunity to Engage Travelers? -
Online Reviews: The Bane of Hotels’ Existence or an Unprecedented Opportunity to Engage Travelers?
20 Oct 2009 | 4:46 pmA few years ago at Opus Hotel Vancouver we relocated a couple who had driven up from Washington state to celebrate the husband’s fiftieth birthday. It was a nasty thing to do, but it happens in the hotel business, more frequently than most travelers think. Like the airlines, hotels overbook when demand is high, banking [...] Related posts:“A Hidden Gem” or “LAME!!!”? Online Travel Reviewers to Watch out forThe Tyranny of the Mistreated TravellerEmerging Trends in the Hotel Industry: A Lighthearted Approach -
So You Want to Work in Hotels, Part II: The Interview
14 Aug 2009 | 4:50 pmWhen I last wrote a post about how to get a job in the hotel industry, the economy was booming and hotels were so desperate for staff they were stopping just short of dragging passersby off the street and slapping uniforms on them. These days, occupancy rates have tanked, room attendants are dozing on beds [...] No related posts. -
Lifestyle Hotels: Gotta Have Soul
7 Jul 2009 | 12:00 pmNow that luxury is a bad word, hoteliers are scrambling for ways to reinvent their hotels without spending a whack of money. The quick fix? Simply delete all references to “luxury” in marketing materials and replace them with “lifestyle”. Magically, the hotel’s image transforms from visions of champagne baths and gold-plated toilet seats to a [...] Related posts:Emerging Trends in the Hotel Industry: A Lighthearted Approach -
The Day the Earth Stood Still
13 May 2009 | 4:56 amFor the residents, businesses and visitors to Yaletown who have endured construction of the Canada Line underground rapid transit station these past three years, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, it’s a speeding train—a Canada Line train. Whether it will flatten us with a railcar of problems—traffic, parking, security—or will transport [...] No related posts.
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A Luxury Travel Blog
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Going skiing? Try Alta Badia in the Italian Dolomites…
21 Nov 2009 | 12:14 amAlta Badia, a stunning ski region at the heart of the Italian Dolomites (recently declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site), opens for the winter season today. It is made up of six picturesque alpine villages: Corvara (1550m), Colfosco (1650m), La Villa (1430m), San Cassiano (1540m), Badia (1320m) and La Val (1350m). The season launches with a Winter Warm Up promotion, a new hotel, Lagació Mountain Residence in San Cassiano, and a ski-gastro theme launching a Breakfast with Powder Snow package and 10 new dishes – created by Michelin-star rated chefs – for 10 mountain… -
Reef and rainforest experience in Queensland, Australia
21 Nov 2009 | 12:04 amA visit to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is a must-do on any East Coast Australian itinerary – and visiting is made even easier with a Reef & Rainforest four night accommodation and eco-activity package. The joint package, released by Kingfisher Bay Resort – Fraser Island and Lady Elliot Eco Resort starts from $1147.76 per person and includes: return scenic 35-minute flight from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) to Lady Elliot Island; 2 nights in a Reef View Room at Lady Elliot Island; 2 nights in a Resort Hotel Room at Kingfisher Bay Resort; return ferry… -
No news and no shoes in the Maldives
20 Nov 2009 | 4:58 pm‘No news and no shoes’ is the motto in the Maldives, especially when staying at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, and those choosing to visit for their holiday will delight in the sheer ease of life. Whether for winter sun, Christmas, a honeymoon or a break away with the whole family, the Maldives has something special for everyone. Try the recently launched and unique ‘Catch It And Cook It’ excursion from Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort. Perfect for those seeking an authentic Maldivian experience, guests spend an afternoon on a boat fishing and learning how to scale, gut and… -
How-to-Heli Ski Camp with Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
18 Nov 2009 | 5:28 pmEver dreamed of experiencing the excitement of heli-skiing, but weren’t sure if you had the skills, or even how to go about it? This coming February Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole presents the How-to-Heli Ski Camp, a special three-day, four-night camp offered in partnership with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and High Mountain Heli-Skiing. Recommended for the strong, intermediate or expert skier, the on-snow experience focuses on powder techniques and off-piste etiquette, and introduces snow safety education – all necessary preparation for big-mountain heli adventures. The camp… -
More success for the Travelwrap
18 Nov 2009 | 5:11 pmRemember the Travelwrap that we reviewed earlier this year? Well, it sounds like the company is going from strength to strength. In addition to winning Luxury Gift of the Year (UK) 2008, it’s now a recipient of the prestigious Best Company of the Year, International Women in Business at the 2009 Stevie Awards. Alongside the new autumnal colours for the Travelwrap, this season sees the introduction of luxury lounge socks – the perfect accompaniment for a winter wardrobe and Christmas stocking filler.
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Front Desk
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Marriott/Ritz Reorganization Is Smart Move
19 Nov 2009 | 7:10 amIt’s about time Marriott wised up and brought Ritz-Carlton under its big tent. This week, the firm quietly announced a reorganization plan that splits the company into four global divisions with all brands and operations, except timeshare but including Ritz-Carlton, reporting to those divisional teams.When Marriott bought controlling interest in the luxury Ritz chain in 2000, the chain’s godfather and former president, Horst Schulze, extracted a promise from Marriott that it wouldn’t tamper with the well-honed luxury culture of the brand. Since the time of the sale, Ritz-Carlton has… -
Colin Powell, the Hotelier?
18 Nov 2009 | 7:57 amThe former Secretary of State spoke at IHG’s annual leadership conference in D.C. last week and the frequent traveler said although he’s never filled out a comment card before, he had a few suggestions for the collection of hotel owners in attendance. In no order, these were the things he wanted:- Shampoo and conditioner bottles without fine print, so he could clearly know which was which and avoid washing his hair with body lotion;- An alarm clock that didn’t require “astronaut training” to use;- More room in the closet; he said you have this big suite and then a smaller closet… -
Big Troubles For the New York Hotel Show
17 Nov 2009 | 10:43 amThe organizers of the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show need to consider major changes to this once but no longer relevant event. If they don’t, the Show is doomed for extinction, perhaps soon. The recently concluded edition of the Show, which is held each November at the Javits Center, New York City’s poor excuse for a convention venue, was considerably smaller than in recent years, was poorly attended and generally failed to generate much enthusiasm. Perhaps you can blame the state of the economy, but truth is the Show has been on a downward spiral for a number of… -
Extended Stay Stays Hot
3 Nov 2009 | 8:41 amBy most measures that matter, it seems as though extended stay is still the best segment in which to own a hotel. According to new research from The Highland Group, while the segment endured a 7.2-percent increase in supply in the third quarter, it posted a modest (1.7 percent) increase in demand, a milestone the overall hotel industry hasn’t achieved in more than a year.And while extended stay rates declined more than 11 percent in the quarter, the segment still posted stronger RevPAR results than the rest of the industry. It’s no wonder developers love the product, and that’s been… -
Two Sides To the Battle With OTAs
30 Oct 2009 | 8:02 amIt’s encouraging to see the hotel industry take the offensive in its latest battle with the online travel agencies. Special kudos to Choice Hotels President Steve Joyce, who refused to blink in face of Expedia’s extortionist demands during negotiations for a new contract to represent the brand’s properties on the OTA site. According to recent press accounts, Expedia apparently blinked and the two sides are back at the negotiation table. And, judging by comments from marketing chief Dorothy Dowling at the brand’s convention last month, Best Western isn’t willing to cave-in to…
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elliott.org
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‘Keystroke error’ turns $289 rate into $28
21 Nov 2009 | 2:33 amTerry Capps finds a $28 a night room rate at a Westin hotel in Orlando. Turns out the hotel made a mistake, and that the real price is $289 a night. What now? Should the resort honor the original price or can it change the rate and force Capps to pay? -
“CheapoAir made my mother cry”
20 Nov 2009 | 4:11 amAnd they were not tears of joy at having found a bargain. Elizabeth Hutton's mother, Mary Ellyn, bought a round trip ticket from Cincinnati to Tallinn, Estonia, with stopovers in Newark and Stockholm. But something was wrong with the reservation, and she had to pay for another flight. -
What’s new on Elliott: CheapoAir made me cry, confusing holiday forecasts, and contagious niceness
20 Nov 2009 | 1:09 amCheapoAir made my mother cry. Plus, confusing holiday forecasts, a car rental disaster and contagious niceness. -
Holiday travel forecasts: “Cautious optimism” — or billion-dollar bloodbath?
19 Nov 2009 | 7:56 amThere are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. -
After car rental disaster, angry customer mails “gesture of goodwill” back to Thrifty
19 Nov 2009 | 3:23 amLike most travelers, Bette Waterstreet doesn't expect much when she rents a car. A clean, running vehicle that's in the same car class she ordered will do just fine. But that's not what she got when she rented from Thrifty in Ontario, Calif., recently.
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Travel Blog - Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique & Luxury Hotels
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L’Hôtel of the week: Hotel Particulier Montmartre
20 Nov 2009 | 8:45 amOur offer of the year – 2 nights for the price of 1 – across a wealth of properties in the UK, Paris and Morocco has been behind many a judging decision when it comes to pinpointing Hotel of the week of late. Now, the offer has just one week left to run. You’ve got just seven days to book a half-price stay at Hotel Particulier Montmartre Style Art house opulence Setting Serene secret garden Why this week? All you need is a couple of days’ annual leave, a mere 390 euro, and a penchant for autumnal Montmartre. Falling leaves, fairy lights and a bohemian air await in this… -
Christmas cooking with Raymond Blanc
17 Nov 2009 | 5:57 amWe Smiths like to rank ourselves rather highly in the cookery stakes. In fact, a week rarely goes by without Gareth bringing in baking-parchment parcels containing new-recipe treats or Anthony relaying his latest culinary combinations (eg. pork balls and rice for breakfast). But if there’s any time of year when you need skills in the kitchen, it’s coming up – so stop mass-catering meltdowns forever with a cooking class at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons… Raymond Blanc’s elegant Oxfordshire outpost is the gastronomic capital of the A40, and at this country manor, you… -
Make mine an… architectural punch bowl
16 Nov 2009 | 9:10 amJelly. A curious entity – reminiscent of school days, lumpy custard and Seventies trifles. Many would agree it’s an unlikely object of passion. Not Bompas & Parr, the oddballs behind the Horseless Carriage of Curiosities, Flavour Tripping and the breathable cocktail. Their slippery creations include wobbly wedding cake-alternatives for adventurous brides, alcoholic stars for Courvoisier, and squidgy buildings for a charitable Architectural Jelly Banquet. And let’s not forget their glow-in-the-dark, sherry flavoured Funeral Jellies, exhibited at the San Francisco Museum of… -
Hotel of the Week: Aviator
13 Nov 2009 | 10:39 amWe’ve taken to the skies this week and, after looping the loop over farm and field, we have landed in Hampshire to award our Hotel of the Week accolade to one-of-a-kind aeronautical affair, the Aviator hotel… Style: Silver belle Setting: Airfields of Farnborough Why this week? Until the end of the year, you can stay Friday and Saturday and get Sunday night free. Members will still get their Smithcard offer, so they can toast their free night with some free champagne and spend their skyward-bound stay indulging in heaven-sent chocolate-dipped strawberries. Our favourite bits We… -
Camembert, crustacea and cocktails
11 Nov 2009 | 2:17 amColumbus may have discovered America, but Team Smith recently made a world-altering find of our own: cheese macaroons. And not just any old common as muck cheese - these were Camembert- and Pont-l’Evêque-flavoured puffs of pleasure. It’s difficult to comprehend the majesty of a cheese macaroon unless you’ve eaten one, but for the uninitiated, they are an unholy trinity of creamy, crispy and chewy – savoury and sweet, and so good, we had to wangle an entire box for the office. The scene of this culinary revelation was a Normandy food-focused press event, appropriately…
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Get A Room!
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Virginia Beach and OBX are Open for Business!
16 Nov 2009 | 4:35 pmYou probably heard a lot about Virginia Beach, Virginia and the Outer Banks of North Carolina recently, what with that pesky nor'easter that parked itself on us for a few days. While The Weather Channel tagged the event as an "Atlantic Assault," the locals came to know the storm (quite well, what with the nearly four days it spent visiting us!) as "Nor'Ida," named for the remnants of a hurricane -
Virginia Beach Prepares to Welcome Whales!
9 Nov 2009 | 7:21 pmVirginia Aquarium whale watching boat tours begin late December showcasing humpback and fin whales migrating off the coast.It moves through the water with amazing grace, in search of its next meal. It plummets toward the depths of the deep sea throwing its fluke upward out of the water with great force. Then in a flash, it’s gone. It’s wintertime – the humpback and fin whales are returning to -
Welcome to the USA
27 Oct 2009 | 3:00 am -
NTA Has Some 'Splainin' to Do
22 Oct 2009 | 8:13 pmIn an article published on the NTA website entitled "NTA Takes Message of Opening Cuba to NY Media," the National Tour Association has announced that they are promoting "the freedom to travel to Cuba."Are you kidding me? I have some questions regarding the motives here, especially at a time when so many of us in the U.S. travel and tourism industries are looking for new ways to promote inbound -
Ironing Board Abuse
17 Oct 2009 | 7:51 amEver wondered why there's an unusual dent in your hotel room ironing board, or why it doesn't necessarily open or close properly?As hotel employees, we don't always know what happens to the poor, defenseless ironing boards provided in the hotel rooms... but thanks to YouTube (and videos like this one), we're getting a pretty good idea.Please don't try this at home, or anywhere else for that
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LA Times Travel
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Yosemite: Curry Village ice rink opens today
20 Nov 2009 | 2:57 pmWhether you’re on the ice to pirouette, or to practice skating in a straight line without causing any harm, you can’t have less than an awe-inspiring time at an outdoor rink in Yosemite. The national park’s ice-skating venue, which sits below Glacier Point’s cliffs, is naturally blessed with good views of popular landmarks like Tenaya [...] -
SeaWorld Aquatica’s 2010 expansion to include 4 new water slides
20 Nov 2009 | 11:33 amThe recently opened SeaWorld Aquatica water park in Orlando, Fla. will add four first-of-a-kind water slides in 2010, including a pair of inner-tube rides that go uphill with the help of a hydro-magnetic launch. The twin Tornado Walls are V-shaped slides that start with a magnetic launch that shoots a six-person inflatable raft up the face [...] -
Thanksgiving travel predicted to be up this year at LAX, down at ONT
20 Nov 2009 | 9:11 amHere we go. Today begins the 10-day stretch known in some circles as the “Thanksgiving holiday travel period,” so brace yourselves for lines, lines, lines. At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), passenger volumes between today and Nov. 29 are predicted to be 1.1% higher than they were in 2008. Airport officials expect to see 1.49 million [...] -
Before Winter Olympics, travel to Vancouver via 25%-off Amtrak
20 Nov 2009 | 5:57 amIf you’re heading to Vancouver, B.C. for the 2010 Olympic Games, you’ve probably (hopefully) got your travel plans in place. But if you’d prefer a quieter visit, get there well before Feb. 12, which is when the Games begin and crowds descend. Amtrak’s Cascades service provides an especially enjoyable means for pre-Olympics travelers to reach this “freewheeling [...] -
Ride-makers roll out new thrills for 2010 at Las Vegas expo
19 Nov 2009 | 5:34 pmRoller-coaster and thrill-ride manufacturers from around the world descended on Las Vegas this week for the annual amusement park convention, offering a sneak peek at what we can expect to see in 2010 and beyond. In my conversations with show exhibitors, I came away with one overarching message as I toured the massive International Assn. of [...]
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Intelligent Travel: From National Geographic Traveler
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Too Authentic For You?
20 Nov 2009 | 1:30 pmTransplanted Englishman Paul Rogers writes about music and lifestyle for LAWeekly, and reports for us from the Characters of Egypt Festival:"Does he have to keep using that bright pink cell phone?" groaned the lady atop the camel in front of mine as she pointed her camera down at the little lad leading the lanky beast.My fellow tourist was lamenting the otherwise exotic, trapped-in-time image in her viewfinder--the boy's hungry eyes and tousled hair emerging from atraditional earth-toned robe--being tainted by a disappointingly familiar, decidedly 21st-century fuchsia Motorola.That happened… -
Andrew Tweets Miami: Five Day Countdown
20 Nov 2009 | 12:40 pmOur intrepid writer Andrew Nelson is just five days away from his trip to Miami, where he'll be relying on the Twitterverse to show him around. So far, he's already found a great rate at the Essex House hotel, but now he's looking for restaurant recommendations and weighing his options (should he check out Red Steakhouse? El Pub? Versailles?). Be sure to follow him at @andrewnelson to help him with the planning, and then help to show him around town when he arrives. Andrew will be in Miami from Thursday, November 26th through Monday, November 30th. Tweet him your insider tips on where to eat,… -
A Top Hat for Gandhi
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amI always stop to admire the beautiful designs of foreign bills as soon as I get them from the currency exchange counter, but I'd never thought of fashioning hats for the world leaders depicted on them...until now. BoingBoing and Make magazine haven't yet confirmed with the creator of these origami chapeaus (one commenter suggested they might be from artist Yosuke Hasegawa, who has a collection of them here) but I'd encourage anyone to craft a top hat for Gandhi any day. Photo via Make Magazine Foreign exchange market - Boing Boing - Travel - Recreation - Preparation -
Festive Budapest
20 Nov 2009 | 8:00 amTwo weeks ago, Budapest's Winter Festival--a massive four-month event--kicked off. The festival includes a variety of activities, but its five-week Christmas Festival is by far the most popular. This year, the 10th annual Christmas Festival takes place today through December 29th. Attended by 600,000 people annually, it is considered one of the largest Christmas fairs in Europe. But this isn't your average tourist trap full of kitschy trinkets. Every one of the baskets, leather goods, hand-blown glass, and other crafts sold at the over 100 craft pavilions must be judged and approved by… -
Daily Radar: 11.20.09
20 Nov 2009 | 5:00 amHave you always wanted to see the famous Christmastime Macy's window displays? A new exhibit at the National Museum of American History features the art and business of commercial holiday displays, according to USA Today. The exhibit also details the history of the creation of Macy's Day Parade floats. [USA Today]This November and December, Saguaro National Park (just outside Tuscon, Arizona) is offering a variety of guided sunset and moonlight hikes. Due to popularity, reservations are recommended. [National Parks Traveler]Photo: wallyg via Flickr United States - Business - Government -…
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Living with Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog
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Capitol Fishing Tackle Owner Supports the Bards
13 Nov 2009 | 5:53 amI own Capitol Fishing Tackle Co. I went to work at the store in 1973 and bought it in 1974.The Bards treated me fairly. The space wasn't cheap, but I made a living and it was fun.Stanley and his family... -
Memorial Service for Stefan Brecht
5 Nov 2009 | 3:48 pmStefan Brecht, who wrote about and performed in the new and revolutionary theatre that erupted in New York in the 1960’s and early ‘70’s, will be remembered at a memorial to be held Sunday, Nov. 8 at 6 PM, at... -
Guest Comes Clean on Ghostly Sighting at Chelsea Hotel
2 Nov 2009 | 6:28 amhi, this is Matt, the guy who wrote about this experience. I'm sure that it's hard for people to imagine something like this happening, but I have no reason to fabricate a story such as this. FWIW, I've been completely... -
More Evidence of the Paranormal at the Chelsea Hotel
31 Oct 2009 | 3:00 amDuring a recent trip to the Big Apple, my friend and I decided to call the Chelsea Hotel home for 4 days. It has always been a secret fantasy of mine to stay here and my friend was just content... -
Mysterious Skeleton Haunts the Chelsea Hotel
29 Oct 2009 | 3:00 amDear Ed, My mom, sister, and I stayed at the Chelsea hotel a few weeks ago. The three of us decided to take a spur of the moment trip to New York before I had to go back to teaching...
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What a Trip
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Passports with Purpose
20 Nov 2009 | 8:59 pmPosted by Nancy D. Brown If you are a member of the travel blogging community, you are probably familiar with Passports with Purpose. Last year, Passports with Purpose raised over $7000 dollars for Heifer International. In 2009, we've extended our goals and hope you'll join us again for a second round of giving. This year, fellow travel bloggers are joining together to support American Assistance for Cambodia (AAfC) and independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving opportunities for the youth and rural poor in Cambodia. Our goal for 2009 is to raise $13,000… -
Garifuna Dancers of Roatan, Honduras
16 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amPosted by Nancy D. Brown Roatan, Honduras Garifuna Dancers My first visit to Roatan, Honduras and it was during November's rainy season. I was cruising on the Crown Princess as a guest of Princess Cruises. My dolphin encounter shore excursion was cancelled due to rough waters on the seas. As an alternative, I selected "The Best of Roatan" tour and discovered the Garifuna Dancers. Go With the Flow When Cruising As a person new to cruising, I have learned that you need to be flexible when it comes to ports of call and shore excursions. On this particular Western Caribbean… -
Princess Cruises Crown Princess - Day at Sea
12 Nov 2009 | 7:26 amPosted by Nancy D. Brown Crown Princess for a Day - DesireDid you ever play dress up as a child or trick-or-treat dressed as a Princess? Ever fantasized about your ultimate wedding? After a day at sea as a guest of Princess Cruises Crown Princess, I've experienced the pampering of the Lotus Spa, wandered into the adult-only Sanctuary and gazed upon a bride-to-be as she transformed from a fiancee to a newlywed, to half of a honeymooning couple on her wedding day. All of this took place during a day at sea. SPA TIPS As a newbie to cruising, I've learned that it's best… -
Pond's Travel Essentials Gift Pack Giveaway
8 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmPosted by Nancy D. Brown Nantucket Travel WalletMy hair is rumbled as I pull off my not-so-glamorous eye shades. The plane has touched down in Miami; a red eye from San Francisco and I have raccoon eyes from sleeping with my makeup. A quick trip into the bathroom with my Pond's Towelettes and I look presentable again. Pond's sent me a package of Towelettes to try out on my travels. They also included a gift pack for me to give away to you, my dear reader. Let's face it, a review of Pond's Towelettes is not going to bring eyes to this site. What about a Travel Essentials gift pack… -
Environmental Impact of Cruise Ships
5 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amPosted by Nancy D. Brown Next time you admire that glossy brochure touting a cruise to Alaska's pristine Inside Passage or are considering a Disney Cruise with Grandma, Grandpa and the entire family, look beyond the gourmet dining and children's program. Ask yourself how these cruise lines impact our environment? While some cruise lines take great care to tread lightly on their surroundings, other companies are failing miserably. Have you asked yourself if cruising is any greener than flying? Marcie Keever, Clean Vessels Campaign Director for Friends of the Earth notes,…
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Wandalust
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Seen that? - New York, as seen from Iowa
20 Nov 2009 | 6:18 pmNew York, as seen from Iowa at Wandalust There are three kinds of tourist suggestions in the world. There are those written by natives of the city in question, who tend to be old school and may be jaded by some of their ... -
Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling for the Holidays
11 Nov 2009 | 1:59 am© d'n'cThe holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Whether it is a cold or the swine flu, no one wants to ruin their holiday by spending precious time sick. While traveling over the holidays there are a few easy-to-implement tips to keep you and your family virus-free. ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Tom Bayne offers these preventative measures for staying healthy while traveling: Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water especially while flying to keep your immune system strong. Water helps keep mucous membranes moist enough to combat the ... -
Seen that? - Earthship Enterprise
8 Nov 2009 | 6:19 pmEarthship Enterprise at Wandalust New Mexico company Earthship Biotecture specialises in creating environmentally friendly, solar and thermodynamically powered homes, called Earthships. "The Earthship is a completely independent globally oriented dwelling unit made from materials that are indigenous to the entire planet." My first ... -
Where to Ski in France
30 Oct 2009 | 6:10 pm© geoftheref The Telegraph recently published an overview of ski resorts in the French Alps.When it comes to skiing , France gets a lot of things right. More than 300 resorts, many located at high altitude, provide skiers with some 5,000 miles of pistes – a great number of which are to be found in massive, efficiently lift-connected ski areas such as Espace Killy, Les Trois Vallées, Paradiski and Portes du Soleil. For those who prefer the thrill of the off-piste, there are world-class destinations to ... -
Many Caribbean Resorts Offering Free Weddings
24 Oct 2009 | 6:47 pm© √oхέƒx™ If you're thinking of getting married in the near future and you like the Caribbean, you're in luck! Several resort chains are offering free wedding packages when you book a stay in the Caribbean in the near future. Sandals is offering a Martha Stewart-designed wedding package when you book a six night stay. Those packages are worth at least $1500, depending on the package the bride and groom pick. Both Ritz-Carlton and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts are offering wedding free packages with some stays as ...
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Hotel Law Blog
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Occupancy tax update on internet hotel booking: More lawsuits against Expedia and online travel companies (OTCs) over "lost" bed taxes -- Why hotels should care about the transient occupancy tax (TOT) battle
3 Nov 2009 | 9:04 pmBy Jim Butler and Jim Abrams | JMBM's Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 3 November 2009 Hotel Lawyer: The transient occupancy tax litigation by cities and local governments continues to mushroom. On November 3, Florida filed one of the first lawsuits against Expedia and Orbitz for lost bed taxes, but using the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Although October was a big month in the OTC battles, November may be even bigger. Today, we are going to look at the latest litigation filings and what they mean. -
Hotel Occupancy Tax Alert: online travel company suits over transient occupancy taxes raise - 5 things every hotel owner and operator needs to know
1 Nov 2009 | 5:00 pmBy Jim Butler and Jim Abrams | JMBM's Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 1 November 2009 How Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity and other online travel companies (OTCs) create huge headaches for owners and operators on their suits over hotel occupancy taxes. Billions of dollars of hotel rooms have been sold through the online travel companies or OTCs. Generally speaking, no transient occupancy taxes (TOT) or bed taxes, have been paid on the portion of these sales kept by the OTCs when they resell the rooms to hotel guests. The exposure on these unpaid hotel… -
Hotel Lawyer: Distressed hotel investments -- Maximizing the value for Lenders, Borrowers and Investors
1 Oct 2009 | 6:01 pmBy Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 01 October 2009 This is one of many articles on the subject of "troubled hotel loans - workouts, bankruptcies & receiverships" in the rich library at www.HotelLawBlog.com. Our national hotel practice focuses on being the legal and business advisors for lenders, borrowers and investors. With the hotel industry suffering a record-breaking collapse of revenues and no immediate relief in sight, everyone is starting to examine available options. -
ADA Hotel Lawyers: California opens door to more ADA litigation, but also offers protection to the well-informed
30 Sep 2009 | 6:00 pmBy Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 30 September 2009 Americans with Disabilities (ADA) update. Why you need to take advantage of the "Certified Access Specialists program" (CASp)! Much needed new protection for property owners against ADA litigation even as California Supreme Court decision opens door to more ADA claims ADA Lawyer update. Worried about ADA claims? If not, you should be! There is a flood of private claims driven by evangelistic "true believers" and blackmail artists. The real tsunami is still coming. The government… -
Hotel Lawyers in Phoenix: What happened at the Phoenix lodging conference? Can we find a Black Swan?
28 Sep 2009 | 11:08 pmBy Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hospitality Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com 28 September 2009 Hotel Lawyers' insights from The Lodging Conference at the Arizona Biltmore. As our Global Hospitality Group® members compared notes from last week's Phoenix Lodging Conference, we had some observations we wanted to share. Congratulations to Morris Lasky and Harry Javer for another great event. Here is our take on what happened in Phoenix . . .
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My Jet Set Life
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Jet Set Life Unveils Top 3 Tip to Take Great Photos
6 Nov 2009 | 7:42 amThe perfect picture is one that triggers your memories. The perfect picture is the picture that makes you say “Remember that….that’s when….” When you’re taking a photo, there are no rules. Photos capture moments. When you’re traveling, you don’t just want to remember the monuments in the places you’ve been. You want to remember how delicious the food was, funny moments with your friends and especially the magic moments with your family. With the Holidays quickly descending upon us, many will be traveling abroad for a fantastic snow inspired vacation or simply… -
Join Rob & Kim Live Tonight at 8pm on Ustream for the Launch of Jet Set Money!
3 Nov 2009 | 7:39 amThis is all going to happen really, really fast……. If you’re frustrated (and maybe a little pissed off) because you know that there’s a bunch of cool s***t happening around the world that you don’t have the money or time to be a part of …now is the time to step up and make it happen. Get Jet Set Money We will offer only 20 spots for discounted pricing at exactly 8PM (when they’re gone they’re gone). Here is How You Can Get One of Those 20 Spots: Go to U-stream.tv at 8PM E.S.T. search jetsetlife (as one word) and click on the live link Go to Get… -
The Jet Set Body: Part 1
7 Oct 2009 | 11:28 amIt’s seems like the whole world is always chasing 5-15 lbs. When is the last time you hear someone say, honestly, I love my current weight and how my body looks? I’m not sure I’ve ever heard someone say that! Even the sexiest bodies always want to improve something. Millions of people every day use Google to search for the secrets to obtaining the perfect body. In fact, when doing research for this blog I came across something really interesting, however not very shocking. The word “diet plan” is searched 246,000 times a month (according to Google Keyword). -
Jet Set Life Needs Your Help!
29 Sep 2009 | 1:01 pmWe’ve been getting a bunch of e-mails from people asking us when we are going to re-open our Secrets of Successful Muses Membership area to new members. The short answer is Kim and I are not exactly sure. We really could use your help! As you know the Secrets of Successful Muses course was created to answer this one single question we get asked constantly…..How can I create my own online business and be able to travel like you guys? When we first launched the course this past summer it was sold out in less than a week! The good news was that it was a WAY bigger success then we… -
Do more of the things you love & less of the things you don’t!
9 Sep 2009 | 10:51 am“What would you do each day if you had 20 million in the bank?” This question has been posed by every online business mogul and wanna-be mogul in the universe, and now me. I recently took a poll of my Facebook friends, which some of you may have been included in, asking this exact question. The typical answers were: give money to family friends, donate to charity, do charity work and open animal shelters. The animal shelter one is definitely a chick-thing because I too want to rescue every cute and fuzzy animal without a home. But the real question goes deeper than the answer you…
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Gadling
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Drink coffee the way George Washington used to
20 Nov 2009 | 3:00 pmFiled under: History, Food and Drink, North America, United StatesRemember the coffee revolution of the Nineties, when what used to cost 25 cents at some crappy diner suddenly cost $3 at a snooty cafe? Well, at least instead of drinking what looked and tasted like dishwater you now got something that tasted like actual coffee. Ah yes, I was in graduate school then and the coffee revolution came along just at the right time! But coffee has been around a lot longer than that, as a new/old coffeehouse at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia shows. Americans have been drinking coffee since before… -
EasyJet apologizes for Holocaust fashion shoot
20 Nov 2009 | 2:30 pmFiled under: Arts and Culture, History, Europe, Germany, Airlines, NewsEasyJet has apologized to everyone who will listen over a fashion shoot that appeared in its inflight magazine. Did the models wear too little? Did they look like fourteen year-old cokeheads? No, none of the usual stuff; they happened to be posing at the Berlin Holocaust Memorial. Yes, some fashion photographer decided the concrete blocks known as the "Field of Stelae", properly called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, would be a cool place for slinky women to show off designer duds. The editor of the magazine… -
Gadlinks for Friday 11.20.09
20 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pmFiled under: Blogs, Asia, North America, China, United States We're less than a week away from Thanksgiving (gasp!). One thing I'm thankful for: Thanksgiving doesn't involve giving gifts. I still have another month to thinking about gifts (thank God!). Here are some other things to be thankful for. Since the weekend is upon us, it's time to PARTY! If you're a party goer, you definitely need to check out the world's top 10 party towns. [via Sydney Morning Herald] Backpacking and technology haven't really gone hand in hand, but here are 5 ways in which they do. [via Art of Backpacking]… -
Two North Korean diplomats arrested for smuggling
20 Nov 2009 | 1:30 pmFiled under: Sweden, NewsTwo North Korean diplomats tried to claim diplomatic immunity when they were arrested in Stockholm for smuggling cigarettes. The man and woman, who were caught driving their tobacco-filled car off a ferry from Helsinki, have been taken into police custody. Apparently, they have diplomatic status in Russia, but no accreditation in Sweden. Also, they allegedly had 230,000 Russian cigarettes. "If you come to Sweden and commit a crime, you're just like any other foreign national," Sweden's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Cecilia Julin told Reuters. What on earth two North… -
Refusal to tip for lousy restaurant service results in arrest
20 Nov 2009 | 1:00 pmFiled under: North America, United StatesView more news videos at: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video. Tipping is a really complicated issue in the US. What was once introduced as a way to reward good service, has now turned into a way for patrons to actually pay the salary of restaurant workers. One of my biggest pet peeves with tipping is the mandatory tip on groups. This used to be added to groups of 12 or more, then it dropped to 8 or more, and nowadays most places consider a group of 6 people to be large enough to warrant a mandatory 18% tip - no matter how lousy the service. Leslie…
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Tony Wheeler
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Ljubjlana
19 Nov 2009 | 3:37 amSlovenia is the fourth ‘new’ country I’ve been to in 2009, I started with Malawi when I bicycled a stage of the Tour d’Afrique. Then there were mid-year trips to Costa Rica and the Faroe Islands. Finally I walked across the border from Gorizia in Italy to Nova Gorica in Slovenia. I stayed in the Albergo Transalpina my last night in Italy, my room looked out over the Piazza Transalpina and back in the days of the iron curtain that’s where it was, right in the middle of the square. It’s new Europe, I left the hotel and strolled straight into Slovenia. A bus… -
Udine
16 Nov 2009 | 8:13 pmFrom Trieste I took the train an hour north to Udine for the town’s Fuorirotta (‘off the beaten track’) festival. Udine is one of those very swish small Italian towns, a place that looks well off. It’s a reminder that if you divided off northern Italy from the rest of the country it would be one of Europe’s wealthiest countries. If not the wealthiest.The town centre is dominated by the Loggia di San Giovanni, sporting a clock tower looking remarkably like a squashed down version of the one in Venice’s Piazza San Marco along with a collection of statuary. It… -
Trieste
14 Nov 2009 | 5:28 pmAfter my visit to western Ireland the next stop in my November travels was the Italian town of Trieste, on the Adriatic coast, right up in the north-east corner of Italy. Trieste enjoyed a visit from a notable Irishman, James Joyce lived here for a spell before WW I.It’s a city with a long and convoluted history. The town features one of the finest town squares in Italy, the Piazza dell’Unita d’Italia, crowded in on three sides by impressive buildings and lots of elegant statuary. Statue on Piazza Dell'Unita d'ItaliaThere are plenty of churches, museums, bits of Roman ruins… -
Ryanair – and the romance of air travel
13 Nov 2009 | 2:13 amI finally got around to flying Ryanair. I’ve flown on assorted LCCs – Low Cost Carriers – but never had a reason to get on the European airline which generates all the bad publicity. Michael O’Leary, the airline’s outspoken boss, specialises in being controversial. OK they’re not really going to charge fat people more, add a fee for using the toilets or offer standing room tickets, but hey, it’s all good publicity. I had to fly from London to Trieste in Italy and Ryanair were offering seats for £14.99, it was a no brainer. The flight left on… -
Galway & Inishmor
11 Nov 2009 | 2:49 pmI’ve been on the road for the first couple of weeks of November. Starting with a visit to Ireland for an Irish Tourist Board (Fáilte Ireland) conference in Galway. Walking along Galway’s main pedestrian street I came across a strangely familiar statue of that noted Irishman Oscar Wilde. Oscar Wilde & Eduard Wilde in Galway, IrelandOscar Wilde & Eduard Wilde in Tartu, EstoniaIt was indeed familiar, the gentleman he appeared to be conversing with was the Estonian writer Eduard Wilde (they never met) and I’d come across the two figures in 2005 in the town of…
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Budget Travel Tips - EuroCheapo
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New York: Buy a cupcake and save on “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” tickets
20 Nov 2009 | 7:44 amKickin' cupcakes. Photo: Magnolia Bakery As the weather gets colder and New York gears up for the holiday season, we’re daydreaming about sugary treats and high-kicking entertainment. We were happy, then, when we learned that two of our favorite city traditions are pairing up to offer a sweet deal. Magnolia Bakery (the cupcake boutique made famous in “Sex and the City”) has joined forces with the Rockettes to offer a 25% discount for tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the purchase of a special “Rockette Red Velvet Cupcake.” The cupcakes… -
Copenhagen: 7 questions for our hotel reviewer, Sarah Silbert
19 Nov 2009 | 9:05 amSarah relaxes at Copenhagen's Viking Bar. Photo: Derek Van Gorder We were very pleased to update our Copenhagen hotel reviews yesterday, adding several new budget hotel picks, and refreshing our existing listings. Sarah Silbert, our “listings guru” in the New York office, visited Copenhagen last month to tackle the job. We sat down with her this morning to learn more about her trip. As a first-time visitor to Copenhagen, what did you find surprising about the city? I didn’t think it would be so compact! All the main attractions are roughly in the same area, so… -
Madrid: A visit to the Rastro flea market
18 Nov 2009 | 8:23 amCrowds at the Rastro Market. Photo by Sylvain Bourdos. By Cynthia Kane in Madrid– If you’re looking to buy clothes, household goods, furniture, or trinkets on the cheap in Madrid, Sunday is your day. This is when the city’s sprawling outdoor flea market, the Rastro, is open between La Plaza Mayor and Puerta de Toledo. History of the Rastro The Rastro is the largest outdoor flea market in Madrid and its origins date back nearly five centuries. It’s been said that the area used to be the epicenter of the tanning trade. The word “Rastro” actually translates as “track” or… -
Stockholm Public Transportation: Bus and Metro explained
17 Nov 2009 | 9:10 amA train at Telefonplan Metro Station. Photo by harry_nl. By Marcus Cederstrom in Stockholm— Each day in Stockholm, 700,000 trips are made using public transportation. Considering only about 800,000 people live within Stockholm city limits, that number is pretty impressive. With the efficient and user-friendly SL, Stockholm’s public transportation company, it makes sense that so many Stockholmers take to the metro, buses, and more. The lowdown Stockholm is a very walk-able city, but if you’re less interested in wandering around than getting around efficiently (or if you just want to get… -
Paris Cheap Souvenirs: 5 souvenirs under €5
16 Nov 2009 | 7:54 amCheap secondhand books at Gilbert Jeune. Photo by ShimShamB. By Liz Webber— There are plenty of things to bring back from Paris, whether lasting or fleeting, that won’t eat up all your euros. Here are five of our suggestions for souvenirs that will remind you of la vie Parisien—for €5 or less. 1. Livre d’occasion from Gilbert Jeune With outlets on both sides of the St. Michel fountain, the Gilbert Jeune bookstore both buys and sells books. That’s good news for Cheapos, since the store often resells the livres d’occasion (used books) at 50 percent or more off the…
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World Hum
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What We Loved This Week: Tijuana Art, Canadian Road Tripping, The New Yorker’s Food Issue and More
20 Nov 2009 | 2:11 pmRolf Potts On Tuesday I traveled to Metuchen, New Jersey, for a reading at The Raconteur Bookshop. It was the first time I’ve read publicly from Where No Travel Writer Has Gone Before, and I recruited audience members to read the Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Uhura lines from the fantasy sequence in Part Two. They did great, and the whole reading proved quite a hoot. -
The Travel Benefit Young Americans Should Envy
20 Nov 2009 | 8:19 amAustralian Ayden Fabien Férdeline writes in a New York Times op-ed column about Working Holiday visas, and why America should follow suit and offer its citizens the same benefits her country offers. Férdeline makes a good point: I owe a great many adventures to this program and I’ve gained an appreciation for the differences that make us human. When I hear the French stereotyped as snobby, for example, I know better. When I worked in France, the people I met were warm and welcoming, despite my mediocre language skills. The United States could gain some similar good will by… -
Photoshopped: Himalayan Horn Blowers
20 Nov 2009 | 6:48 amMischievous Fark photoshoppers are playing with a photo from the Big Picture. -
Photo You Must See: The Thin Yellow Line in Chongqing
19 Nov 2009 | 1:29 pmREUTERS/Stringer Shanghai Yellow cabs line a viaduct in Chongqing, China, while waiting to get their tanks filled during a shortage. -
Jan Morris Reveals her Favorite Cities
19 Nov 2009 | 12:41 pmShe fields this question in the Guardian: What is her favorite of them all? Dear God, what a question! To my mind cities are distillations of human life itself, in all its nuances, with all its contradictions and anomalies, changing from one year to another, changing with the weather, changing with history, changing with the state of the world, changing above all in one’s own personal responses. How can I have a favourite? Sometimes I prefer one city, sometimes another. Inconstancy governs my responses to cities—fidelity in personal matters, promiscuity in civic affairs. Morris…
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Get A Room!
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Virginia Beach and OBX are Open for Business!
16 Nov 2009 | 4:35 pmYou probably heard a lot about Virginia Beach, Virginia and the Outer Banks of North Carolina recently, what with that pesky nor'easter that parked itself on us for a few days. While The Weather Channel tagged the event as an "Atlantic Assault," the locals came to know the storm (quite well, what with the nearly four days it spent visiting us!) as "Nor'Ida," named for the remnants of a hurricane -
Virginia Beach Prepares to Welcome Whales!
9 Nov 2009 | 7:21 pmVirginia Aquarium whale watching boat tours begin late December showcasing humpback and fin whales migrating off the coast.It moves through the water with amazing grace, in search of its next meal. It plummets toward the depths of the deep sea throwing its fluke upward out of the water with great force. Then in a flash, it’s gone. It’s wintertime – the humpback and fin whales are returning to -
Welcome to the USA
27 Oct 2009 | 3:00 am -
NTA Has Some 'Splainin' to Do
22 Oct 2009 | 8:13 pmIn an article published on the NTA website entitled "NTA Takes Message of Opening Cuba to NY Media," the National Tour Association has announced that they are promoting "the freedom to travel to Cuba."Are you kidding me? I have some questions regarding the motives here, especially at a time when so many of us in the U.S. travel and tourism industries are looking for new ways to promote inbound -
Ironing Board Abuse
17 Oct 2009 | 7:51 amEver wondered why there's an unusual dent in your hotel room ironing board, or why it doesn't necessarily open or close properly?As hotel employees, we don't always know what happens to the poor, defenseless ironing boards provided in the hotel rooms... but thanks to YouTube (and videos like this one), we're getting a pretty good idea.Please don't try this at home, or anywhere else for that
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nerd's eye view
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Passports with Purpose 2009
20 Nov 2009 | 4:57 pmI don’t really expect you to remember this, but I pretty much sobbed my way across Cambodia. Julius had to take my hand and lead me to sit on a quiet bench somewhere, or in a sheltered cafe, or sometimes, I just sat on the bus, staring out the window while trying to pull myself together. Phnom Pehn was the worst, we couldn’t visit a historical site or a store staffed by land mine victims or go for a drink anywhere but the Foreign Correspondents Club without me just falling apart. I calmed down some by the time we got to Angkor Wat because it was really a dream come true for me to… -
Postcard: Waikiki, 7am
16 Nov 2009 | 8:32 pmTwo guys are opening their surf shack. One of them is digging perfectly spaced holes in the sand, the other is dropping bright yellow umbrellas into the holes and popping them open. A man sits on the stone wall facing the surf, barefoot, a cell phone glued to his head, a deep frown marking his face. How can he be so unhappy, I wonder, we are in Waikiki, it is a balmy 78 degrees and there’s a light breeze coming off the ocean. Scattered leftovers from the day before line the beach, an abandoned yellow inner tube, still fully inflated, a surf worn beach mat, one flip flop. There are… -
Buy the Extra Insurance, Already.
13 Nov 2009 | 7:54 amIt’s like a horror movie for your wallet. Funny how you can barely see the damage in the video footage. The part of Kermit the Frog is played by Peter Carey, stunned passenger, Kelly Goodman. -
Re[Think] Hawaii & TEDx Honolulu
11 Nov 2009 | 9:07 amI’d been invited to travel to Oahu by the Oahu Visitor’s Bureau in exchange for blogging about my adventures there. At the same time, Christine Lu was planning re[Think] Hawaii, a small conference about start-ups, sustainability, and social media and the dates lined up perfectly. Christine generously waived the attendance fee in exchange for… well, let’s say I owe her a favor or three. Neenz, a Hawaii social, um, universe, she’s a social universe, invited the attendees of reThink Hawaii to TEDx, a morning of interesting ideas and speakers. Now for some long… -
The Amateur Traveler Podcast: Hawaii — Lanai and Molokai
8 Nov 2009 | 4:45 pmChris had me as his guest on the Amateur Traveler, we talked about… Hawaii. Lanai and Molokai, specifically and I don’t sound like TOO much of an idiot. Have a listen. Amateur Traveler Episode 206 – Travel to Molokai and Lanai in Hawaii
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Galavanting Online Women's Travel Magazine - Current Issue
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Princess Cruises Ultimate Ship Tour: The Crown Princess
18 Nov 2009 | 5:05 pmLeft to right: Courtney McGann, Kim Mance, Princess Cruises Commodore Giuseppe Romano, & Shanna Quinn on the Bridge of the Crown Princess. (note: Kim ambushed the commodore and lap-sitting isn’t a conventional pose offered during photo-ops… :) Aside from the many shore excursions at each port, the Galavanting Gals got to take a trip through the ship itself during a sea voyage we recently took. It turned out to be a fun highlight. The Ultimate Ship Tour aboard the Crown Princess is normally a three-hour tour for which a limited number of Princess Cruises passengers can pay $150… -
Tokyo's Tsukiji Market
1 Nov 2009 | 5:10 pmFrom scouting for the freshest ingredients to the way food is prepared and presented in both restaurants and private homes, Japanese people are serious about their fish. -
Altared States
22 Sep 2009 | 7:09 pmWhat if death was not the last destination, but just an exit on a larger cosmic freeway? This is the way many Mexicans have programmed their philosophical GPS systems, and their Dia de los Muertos—or Day of the Dead—holiday, celebrated each autumn, is the result. -
Pivo, Prosim: My Introduction to Czech Beer
30 Aug 2009 | 1:12 pmDark lagers of the Czech variety are often sweeter but maybe the Czech myth about women and beer had something to do with my decision as well. According to local legend and the wise bartender at my favorite pub, consumption of dark beer enhances the size of a woman’s bust resulting in dark beers often being favored by the ladies. -
MonicaZ Photography - Destination Wedding Photographer
27 Aug 2009 | 2:00 pmWith a fresh perspective and ready to take it all on attitude, Monica Zibutis is slowly photographing her way around the world. Monica, along with her husband of three years, is a destination wedding photographer.
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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site
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Consumer Travel Interview with Christopher Elliott
18 Nov 2009 | 11:34 pmChristopher Elliott is a syndicated columnist for MSNBC, the Washington Post, and National Geographic and writes about consumer rights, the travel industry, travel tips, and helps consumers troubleshoot problems they encounter. His articles frequently talk about consumer relations and he is always helping people deal with the bureaucracy of many travel companies. I lucky enough to meet him at TBEX 09 and today we get to hear his thoughts: Nomadic Matt: How did you get into consumer travel? Chris Elliott: I felt drawn to consumer travel during the early 90s, as an editor at Travel Weekly… -
Back Home
16 Nov 2009 | 6:35 amI’ve been back home for over a week now. After two months in Europe, I’ve come back to my friends, good drinks, Cheap Charlies, amazing food, great weather, and chaotic excitement. Yes, I’ve come back to Bangkok. Though born and raised in Boston, I consider Bangkok home now. When people ask me “where I live?” I usually say Bangkok, even though I really consider myself homeless since there is no apartment waiting for me anywhere in the world. Such is the life of a nomad! They say home is where the heart is and while Boston is always “home” it is more the place I was born and… -
Riding the Rails in Europe
13 Nov 2009 | 6:37 amOne of the highlights of my recent trip to Europe was all the train travel I did. Using my Eurail pass, I rode across the continent through the amazing scenery. In the past, I had done limited train travel but, usually my travel plans are always random, so I typically jet set around Europe on cheap Ryanair flights. This time though, since I had a pretty set route, I really wanted to explore Europe by train. I had heard so much about it, that it was time for me to experience it. I got to see the countrysides of.. Spain While not my favorite, the Spanish countryside was beautiful. The land… -
The Four Things I Hate About Europe
11 Nov 2009 | 5:28 amI love Europe. I really do. So much so that when I stop being Nomadic Matt, I want to move to Paris (or maybe Amsterdam). I love the cafe culture, the wine, the free health care, the liberal attitude towards life, the ability to travel to so many different places cheaply- it is all great. But there are things about Europe that really get on my nerves. Some things that keep it from being the perfect place while making me realize America, well, it ain’t so bad… Convenience- Asia really spoiled me in this area. When you live in Asia, you can get anything or go anywhere 24/7. Nothing… -
The Weekly Photo: Beaches in Nha Trang
10 Nov 2009 | 4:53 amThe beaches of Nha Trang, Vietnam ©Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. Learn to have your blog pay for your travels!
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WritingTravel.com
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Corpse Bride and Victor Van Dort figures in the window of Album, Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris
11 Nov 2009 | 6:13 pmFigures from Tim Burton's film The Corpse Bride, among others, on display in the window of Album 84 on boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris. Located here in the Latin Quarter since 1948, Album 84 is the oldest bookshop in France specializing in comics, better known as BD or bande dessinee. -
United takes back upgrade from exec in track suit
4 Nov 2009 | 5:54 pmDefinitely bad business for United, possibly even worse than their recent lost-luggage double whammy on the musician whose "United Breaks Guitars" video went viral. Travel blog Gadling reports that United revoked the first-class upgrade of a passenger traveling in a track suit. Oops! That passenger was an articulate, otherwise very well-groomed Best Buy vice president and frequent flyer. Watch the video for yourself. Will Thomas of Fox News DC has since reported that United has responded and is investigating the allegations. -
Objets de collection, Quebec City
4 Nov 2009 | 3:33 pmMore Quebec City windows: -
Wednesday Window ~ Blackberry sur La Seine, Paris
28 Oct 2009 | 9:19 pm -
Wednesday Window ~ View of Quebec City from Hotel Pur, Saint-Roch
14 Oct 2009 | 2:17 pm
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Suite101: Travel Articles
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Malaysian Festivals and Fiestas During 2010
21 Nov 2009 | 4:02 amThe Malays Have an Undeserved Reputation for Being Sober, but both Religious and Secular Malaysian Festivals, are Exciting Whether Witnessed in K L or in a village. -
Best Maritime Bird Watching Destinations
20 Nov 2009 | 10:45 pmBird watching is a favorite Maritime outdoor activity. From the endangered piping plover to the majestic blue heron, maritime birds are plentiful and fun to spot. -
Rules for Entering the State of Florida
20 Nov 2009 | 9:52 pmSome people who visit Florida make native Floridians mad by their actions. Following a few simple rules will limit the amount of times you get yelled at. -
Best Floating Holiday Light Show, Northwest USA
20 Nov 2009 | 8:10 pmPeople of all ages enjoy winter activities in scenic North Idaho. Travel by car, bus, train or plane to Coeur d'Alene for spectacular holiday lights, lodging and dining. -
Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights in Portland
20 Nov 2009 | 12:28 pmFor many Portlanders, the holidays wouldn't be complete without an evening stroll to admire the lights and scenes along quaint Peacock Lane.
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My Itchy Travel Feet
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Saturday’s scene: Open Wide
21 Nov 2009 | 12:05 amI photograph a yawning hippopotamus during our morning animal search at Madikwe Private Game Reserve. -
Spilling the Travel Beans to Wandering Educators
20 Nov 2009 | 3:48 pmOK, I really didn’t spill any beans. But I had a great time talking travel with Dr. Jessie Voigts at Wandering Educators. Want to learn how My Itchy Travel Feet came to be? Read the interview. And while you’re there, hang around to check out the rest of the excellent travel content. -
Hiking with History on Kodiak Island
19 Nov 2009 | 1:53 pmWill you be traveling to Alaska’s Kodiak Island on your next Alaskan cruise? Here’s an excursion that will satisfy any active baby boomer traveler. Photographers, nature lovers and history fans will enjoy it too. When Alan and I visited Kodiak Island while on a 52-day cruise with Regent’s Seven Seas Mariner, “The Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park Nature Walk” excursion gave us a chance to stretch our legs. Arriving at the trail head via school bus, we embarked on a 1.5-mile journey that meandered through a Sitka spruce forest to a coastal view. Although the… -
Weighing in on the Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale
17 Nov 2009 | 12:05 amBaggage Allowance. Don’t you dread those words? Meet your air carrier’s baggage weight guidelines—or pay—big time. What’s a frustrated baby boomer traveler to do? Know before you go. With the Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale, weigh your bags at home while there’s still time to rearrange the contents or leave items behind. The luggage scale, which uses 2 AAA batteries (not included), literally fits in your hands. Attach the Balanzza’s heavy duty strap to the item being weighed, press the “on” button, and lift. The item’s weight (in either lb or… -
Saturday’s scene: Shanghai’s City Lights
14 Nov 2009 | 4:50 amOn a cruise to China, Alan captured the lights of Shanghai reflected in the Huangpu Jung River.
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tripwolf | blog
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Sleeping Around At Boutique Hostels
19 Nov 2009 | 4:49 pmI was sure that I was in the wrong place. It looked like a living room done up by Ian Schrager – gorgeous wooden floors and big ceilings filled with stark, modern edge (including a deer head sculpture made out of plastic). A mojito bar was set up in the corner and the DJ was spinning some ambient something-or-other. Everyone had the same what-the-hell-are-we-doing-here look that I had. I was in a youth hostel. The Lisbon Lounge Hostel, to be precise. They’re popping up everywhere. The rage right now seems to be converting old homes or hotels and turning them into eye-popping digs. Only a… -
Buy as the Locals Do
16 Nov 2009 | 5:00 amI’ve lived in 4 countries. Due to the large amounts of time I’ve spent in each, I’ve explored their regions, learned 2 new languages, experienced their holidays, and eaten my weight in their traditional foods. Through this, I gained a heightened understanding of their culture. If only it were practical to spend years in every place on our “must visit” lists. Short visits can be fabulous, but getting ushered into Disney-like tourist traps can be frustrating – leaving you wonderingif you even saw the “real” Italy at all.My best tip for getting an… -
Peru tempts south of the border
15 Nov 2009 | 7:26 pmPeru is a travel destination for seekers. One of the oldest cultures in the world, the Peruvians hold a deep understanding of human nature, and a trip to Peru can bring you closer to self understanding – that old back packers’ dream. If hiking through ancient ruins doesn’t bring you to that special place, perhaps washing down ‘cuy’ (whole, fried guinea pig) with a glass of pisco will center you. We’re proud to offer you the complete Footprint guide book for Peru, free and online. Check out the awesome travel info, and start planning your Peru trip. Have… -
Bula from Fiji
15 Nov 2009 | 1:00 pmAt the top oF Kioa Volcano -
Surfing at Cloud Break
12 Nov 2009 | 9:33 pmAfter a big breakfast of Wahoo omelette, hash browns and the normal unlimited supply of pineapple, watermelon and papaya, we set out for the breaking waves on the horizon – towards what is known as Cloud Break, on the northern side of Vanua Levu. Bouncing along in the dinghy, squinting into the bright sun, I had high hopes and anxieties – surfing a reef break alongside the pros would at least be exhilarating to say the least. Hopefully reef rash wouldn’t take us out bleeding anyway. I crossed my fingers and secretly hoped for a small, left breaking wave. Arriving it…
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Hotel Buzz
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New Miami Art Hotel Offers Opening Rates for $20.10 in January 2010
20 Nov 2009 | 6:38 amDowntown Miami’s new Hotel Urbano bills itself as the city’s first boutique “art hotel” with an exhibit schedule directed by William Braemer, artist and Curator of Art Fusion Galleries in Miami’s Design District, who will plan seasonal art exhibitions to be displayed throughout the hotel; artwork – all from emerging artists – will also be available for purchase. An unofficial opening date is predicted for late December, but Hotel Urbano is really giving us something to look forward to in 2010 with their Grand Opening special. From January 1 through January 29, the hotel is… -
Low Rates at New Boston Hotel from $124/Night
19 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amVisit Beantown in style this fall and winter without paying a pretty penny. Ames, Morgans Hotel Group’s brand-new luxury boutique hotel in downtown Boston, is celebrating its grand-opening with special introductory rates starting at just $124/night for select stays from November 22 to January 31 – quite a bargain considering nightly summer rates are expected to be as much as $300/night. Also included in this offer are two complimentary welcome drinks. This introductory rate requires a minimum two-night stay and must be booked by December 2. Other travel dates through April 5 start at… -
7 Independent U.S. Hotels Form Collaborative Partnership
16 Nov 2009 | 1:52 pmHailing from cities as far apart as Napa and Palm Beach, the seven properties that comprise Kindred Hotels and Resorts have little in common other than their status as independently-owned luxury lodgings with long histories and reputations for excellence. But, a new collaboration will bring them closer together – at least on the Web. These properties have partnered up for PR purposes with a new website, staykindred.com, promising to use the portal to roll out deals and highlight what’s new. In one convenient location, the Kindred website presents a brief background of each property while… -
New ARIA Resort & Casino from $159/Night
16 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amSlated to open December 16, the ARIA Resort & Casino has a little extra pizzazz, boasting a 150,000-square-foot casino, and 4,004 stylish guestrooms complete with 42-inch flat-screen televisions, stocked mini bars, soft, luxurious linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Sounds heavenly, right? If you’re a penny-pincher and don’t want to sacrifice on the quality of accommodations when visiting Sin City, you’ll definitely want to check out ARIA’s great introductory rates which start at just $159/night. From December 17 through April 1, 2010, guests who stay two nights at the modern… -
Top-Honored Kentucky Art Hotel Plans Cincinnati Twin
6 Nov 2009 | 6:07 amKentucky’s hippest hotel, just voted by Conde Nast Traveler’s readership as #1 in the country (and #6 in the world) for 2009, announced plans Wednesday to debut a new sister property just upriver in Cincinnati, Ohio. The 21c Museum Hotel, an upscale boutique which opened on downtown Louisville’s Main Street in 2006, has played a key role in revitalizing Derby City’s art scene. The renovated 19th-century tobacco & bourbon warehouse has drawn national acclaim for its high-style halls packed to the brim with whimsical paintings, abstract video art, photos and sculptures (like the…
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Amenity Watch
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Paranormal Luxury
20 Nov 2009 | 1:07 pmIn Cape Elizabeth, a charming New England coastal town located on Crescent Bay just outside of Portland, Maine the picturesque Inn by the Sea offers offers travelers eco-friendly luxury, stunning waterfront views and true New England hospitality, with a paranormal twist. The resort claims to be haunted. Lydia, the ghost of a 19th century bride-to-be, seems to be making the Inn her permanent residence, but doesn’t mind sharing the newly remodeled grounds with out-of-towners. Talk to many of the staff, and even some guests, and learn about odd occurrences that are said to be linked to… -
Bath Sommelier
16 Nov 2009 | 1:39 pmWeekend getaways are always a coveted luxury; an opportunity to get away from the daily grind. Throw in a hotel with a on-site spa and you’re practically in heaven. Does it get any better? It just did. The Fairmont Chicago will actually bring the spa to your room. Included in it’s in-room dining services, the hotel offers the Serenity Bath. Order one and a bath sommelier comes and sets up a relaxing atmosphere for you. They’ll draw your bath, adding soothing aromatherapy oils. They’ll also set up neck pillows and loofahs, a fruit plate and bottled water, a variety… -
Family Pillow Fights… And Other Vacation Mischief
13 Nov 2009 | 8:29 amGetting kids to bed on a normal night can be harrowing. Trying to get them to bed while on vacation can be down right impossible. What with hallways to run down, elevator buttons to push and beds to jump on, kids have a lot of ground to cover before its lights out. But, as the old saying goes, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. So while staying at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach why not surprise your kids with a pillow fight! Enjoy this lively turndown service that will get the whole family involved (and hopefully tuckered out). Guests are armed with 30 small silk pillows and… -
Sofitel Philadelphia Launches London Taxi Service
9 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pmFrance-based Sofitel hotels are generally known for their, naturally, French flair, but the luxurious brand’s Philadelphia property is adding a dash of English charm with its new London taxi service. For hire by hotel guests only, the iconic London taxi, imported directly from England, offers free rides around town and to/from the Philadelphia International Airport (a 20-minute drive) Mondays through Fridays between 7 and 9 A.M (reservations recommended). Booking the service any other time of day will cost you, depending on the duration of your ride, upwards of $25 for lifts within the city… -
Gettin’ Ink Done on a California Vacation
3 Nov 2009 | 8:13 amGetting something permanently drawn onto your body should not be a decision made quickly. So maybe a long weekend getaway with friends isn’t the best time to sit down under the needle. That giant sun wrapped in barbwire to commemorate your trip to Florida might not seem so awesome once back home in Wisconsin. Then again, vacations are known to motivate, and friends can be pretty convincing. And what more inspirational setting then ink-clad, super-hip Venice Beach, California? And what better excuse then a hotel offering a “Ink and Stay” hotel package? Hotel Erwin, the…
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RickSeaney.com
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Odds of Getting Bumped from a Flight: Best and Worst Airlines
20 Nov 2009 | 3:04 pmThe odds you could be bumped from a flight? In a word: slim. Still, “getting bumped” happens to thousand every year, and you can read all about your “bumping chances” on specific airlines at a fascinating website called the Book of Odds - its tagline is, “the odds of everyday life” (and it includes everything from the odds you’ll date a supermodel to the odds of having a golf cart accident). Anyway, back to bumping - according the site, the odds of a passenger being bumped from a flight both voluntarily and involuntarily are about 1 in 872. Chances of… -
“Peak Travel Day” Surcharge - Fee or Airline Survival Instinct?
20 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pmIt’s been a rough couple of years for the airlines - what with the fuel crisis that sent prices into the stratosphere (well, to about $140 a barrel, back in July of 2008) - and then, the economy had its dramatic meltdown. And people weren’t flying. Which is why prices were exceedingly cheap this summer - in fact, they’re still pretty good, even during the holiday season -and that’s good for us, but not so good for the airlines. Hence, the surcharges (always wanted to use “hence” in a sentence). Annoying aren’t they? But, I kind of doubt they’d… -
Black Friday: Don’t Shop for Electronics, Adopt a Pet Instead
20 Nov 2009 | 9:48 amThe people at the Best Friends Animal Society say, forget Black Friday shopping — instead, come pick up a cat (or maybe a dog) this coming Nov. 26th and 27th (Thanksgiving Day, and the day after). There is an adoption fee. The society, based in Kanab, Utah, has teamed with Pet Airways - the only all-pet airline - to find homes for 26 cats, and there may be some “extra pets” on the flight, including (maybe) some dogs. Pet Airways will make the pick-up in Kanab on Thanksgiving Day, and over the course of the next 48 hours, will drop off animals in Denver, Omaha, Chicago,… -
What’s the Weirdest Place You’ve Seen an Airline Ad?
19 Nov 2009 | 1:37 pmI was thinking about the weirdest place I’ve seen an airline ad - while perusing an LA Times story on AirTran’s plan to put ads on the backs of seats - actually, on the undersides of the tray tables. “Hah!” I can hear you say, “I’ll pull the tray table down and make it disappear.” That won’t always work - US Airways has been known to slap ads on top of the trays. You want to escape the ads, so you grab a book from the overhead bin, and - if this is Spirit, beware the bin ads. And don’t bother calling a flight attendant to complain - Spirit… -
US Airways New 5% Surcharge: Other Airlines NOT Matching
19 Nov 2009 | 9:35 amAt least, the other airlines aren’t matching - yet. Maybe they’re waiting to see how much bad publicity - if any - will result from the move by US Airways to add a 5% surcharge to all its flights, beginning May 8. It may be that the new surcharge is accepted - after all, we accepted (grudgingly) bag fees. On the other hand, US Airways did have to drop their charges for soft drinks and water after running into a buzz saw of passenger resentment. And this 5% surcharge could sting a lot more than any $2 Coke. It’s like another bag fee, when you consider that 5% of a $300 ticket…
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Hotel News
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Sternlicht says he's focused on buying deb...
21 Nov 2009 | 3:36 amWhile it's bad enough that the boom days of commercial real estate are over, Barry Sternlicht argues that investors are stuck with their tail between their legs in the wake of the market crash. -
CityCenter Wins More Green Certification
20 Nov 2009 | 7:20 pmMGM Mirage says two more structures at CityCenter have received an environmental certification. -
Conn. deal outfoxed N.Y. by $40 million
20 Nov 2009 | 10:58 amThe efforts of state and county agencies in the past two years to keep Starwood Hotels' global headquarters on this side of the border could not match Connecticut's offer. -
MGM's Feldman Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
20 Nov 2009 | 3:30 amMGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman has won a lifetime achievement award for communications from the American Gaming Association. -
Nevada regulators approve license for Aria casino at CityCenter on Las Vegas Strip
19 Nov 2009 | 7:09 pmNevada gambling regulators have approved a casino license for the centerpiece casino at the $8.5 billion CityCenter complex on the Las Vegas Strip.
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YoungHotelier.com
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Exceeding Expectations – Every day, Every time – by Fritz Gubler
27 Oct 2009 | 5:09 amWe kick off a new series of articles (an e-column!) by veteran hotelier and educator Fritz Gubler. Here is the first installment of the series, called “Exceeding Expectations – Every stay, Every day”. Hope you enjoy it – we look forward to your comments and feedback! Exceeding Expectations: Every Stay, Every Day As a long-time hospitality professional, [...] -
Hotel Public Relations – Five Tips to get more visibility for your hotel
20 Oct 2009 | 12:01 amWe welcome our new columnist, Jennifer Rodrigues, who will be telling us all about Hotel Public Relations and sharing her insights, tips and experiences on YoungHotelier.com! By Jennifer Rodrigues, TravelInk’d For many hotels — too many in my opinion — public relations gets relegated to the backburner or is treated as an afterthought. Hotels have a sales [...] -
Winners of the Young Hotelier Summer Competition
2 Aug 2009 | 1:25 pmThe YoungHotelier.com Summer Competition Winners! A big thank you to everyone who sent in their emails, comments and entries for the Great, Grand and Famous competition with YoungHotelier.com! We’ve chosen the following 3 entries to receive a copy of Fritz Gubler’s wonderful hospitality book: Winner: “Hotel openings are like planting a seed and watching it grow” by Darren [...] -
Hotel openings are like planting a seed and watching it grow
2 Aug 2009 | 12:55 pmThis story begins when I moved to Melbourne to work for the Radisson Flagstaff Gardens Hotel, a four and half star Hotel locate adjacent to the Queen Victoria Markets. I was working for a General Manager I had worked for previously in Adelaide. Not long into the contract the GM told me of an opportunity [...] -
Magic Pots – Creating Happy Moments for Guests
2 Aug 2009 | 12:25 pmM A G I C P O T S Experienced by: Rona Lyn M. Tupaz I’m working as a waitress in Views Restaurant of F/B Department of Le Meridien Ala Aqah Beach Resort –Fujairah. The story goes like this, as a waitress there are certain responsibilities that are allocated to us everyday, one of that is [...]
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USATODAY.com Travel (Hotels) - Top Stories
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How much to tip at hotels, and when: A primer for guests
16 Nov 2009 | 11:24 pmUSA TODAY asked several etiquette and hospitality experts and hotel companies for advice on what to tip at hotels in the USA. -
Risky business: Luxury resort opening in depressed Rhode Island
14 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amA group of sentimentally attached investors is taking a $140 million gamble, building a replica of the historic Ocean House in ... -
Has Las Vegas got a deal for you!
13 Nov 2009 | 4:59 amWith rooms under $20, discounted shows and mouth-watering restaurant offers, visitors are getting the most bang for a buck in ... -
California bridal suite stars in Anne Rice's 'Angel Time'
12 Nov 2009 | 5:35 pmThe room at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a murder scene in Rice's new novel, but for newlyweds, it's a honeymoon retreat. -
New York's Hotel Marcel brings in tattoo artist 'Mister Cartoon'
12 Nov 2009 | 5:20 pmNew York's Hotel Marcel will have an artist/tattoo designer to the stars in residence from Sunday to Nov. 24.
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Hotel Sales Blog
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Expedia now has study to confirm the Billboard effect!
19 Nov 2009 | 1:44 pmAs much as many hotels feel a love/hate relationship with Expedia, research results were published this week to prove what they have always maintained — that ‘for every reservation made on Expedia, another is made through the hotel web site.’ If ever there was an example of the OTA as travel search engine and the ‘electronic billboard effect’ this is it. The study and the corresponding graph illustrated the percentage increases in reservations to four hotels’ web sites when they appeared on Expedia and when they didn’t or were dark on Expedia. The increases in reservations… -
Tweets to Appear on Search Engine Results
12 Nov 2009 | 7:22 amAm I the only one that thinks this could be game changer? While the dust up between Choice and Expedia was being heralded as ‘the story of the year’, a giddy Steve Ballmer anounced an agreement with Twitter to show Tweets in its search results on Bing. Google quickly and more quietly followed suit announcing it’s agreement with Twitter. Think about this for minute. Given how much money and time is devoted to SEO, what will it mean for hotel and destination marketng on the web? Tweets are not controllable whether they come from satisfied or dissatisfied customers. Will those… -
Hotel Sales Blog is Back
10 Nov 2009 | 11:08 amFinally, I think we have it fixed! Vicious spyders kept taking down the blog! Stay tuned for future posts! Join us Friday for a web cast you can’t afford to miss. Habits of Higly Successful Hotel Sales People — 5 Habits You Need for 2010. http://www.carolverret.net/viral/oct3009html.html -
Stop the Madness — The Madness of Hotel Rate Cutting!
3 Aug 2009 | 7:16 pmHotel sales and Revenue managers are under a great deal of pressure to generate more revenue and many in senior management beleive that cutting rates is the way to do it. They’re right — it does generate revenue for a very short time until the next hotel in the comp set that is monitoring rates in the market undercuts your rate and then the madness sets in! Hotel foreclosures and ‘troubled assets’ are on the rise as the current madness of rate cutting doesn’t allow enough ‘flow through’ to pay the bills. Rate cutting ‘madenss’ has also led RFPs to book out of their agreement… -
The Worst Sales Call Ever!
25 Jun 2009 | 7:12 pmI had the dubious distinction of being on the ‘buyer’ side of the worst sales call ever. The ‘back story’. While trying to figure out why the air conditioner didn’t work properly, it was discovered that the furnace had a cracked ‘heat exchanger’ — something I thought might be a golden opportunity to see if the carbon monoxide detectors really worked. On to new furnace but from whom. We scheduled three appointments one of which was a no show! The second was from a large reputable company. These two guys came to the house and after the first one said — ‘didn’t…
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HOTELS Magazine - News
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IHG Exec Greets Singapore CommutersIn ‘Refreshing’ Style
20 Nov 2009 | 8:34 amIHG's Jolyon Bulley provided a unique wake up call to commuters on November 20 in Singapore's Raffles Place to highlight Holiday Inn’s US$1billion relaunch. -
U.S. Investors' Short-Term Outlook Improves
19 Nov 2009 | 10:42 amJones Lang LaSalle Hotels' investor sentiment for short-term (six month) performance in the Americas has increased for the first time following six consecutive semi-annual declines. -
Starwood Hotels To Relocate Headquarters To Connecticut
18 Nov 2009 | 1:43 pmStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. will relocate its global corporate headquarters from White Plains, New York, to Stamford, Connecticut, effective in 2012. -
Amex's 2010 EuropeanBusiness Travel Outlook
18 Nov 2009 | 8:16 amOn average, only 20% of European companies anticipate an increase in their travel budget, 61% anticipate no change and 19% predict a reduction. -
Meeting Planners Struggle To Control Costs
18 Nov 2009 | 6:40 amMeeting planners continue to cut banquet menus and off-site events. Now they have begun to flex their negotiating leverage and ask for aggressive room rate concessions, PKF reports.
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HowToMakeMyBlog.com
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My Build A Better Blog presentation at London Bloggers Meetup video
16 Nov 2009 | 4:02 pmAndy Bargery, the organizer of London Bloggers Meetup, liked my blog and asked if I could present the 58 Ways To Build A Better Blog article at one of the events. So on November 3rd I did the presentation at the London Bloggers Meetup. It was my first ever presentation outside the university doors. To try and not bore people too much, I shortened the article, made it even more to the point than it was and added a joke or two. Marko Saric at London Bloggers Meetup Thanks a lot to Filip Matous of StandStrong.TV as he filmed it all, edited it and uploaded it so I can share the end result with… -
How to boost your blog traffic using trackbacks
10 Nov 2009 | 4:02 pmHowToMakeMyBlog reader Daan had the following comment to my recent post about how I built my blog traffic. 50 visitors from a trackback is a great number, in most cases it is higher than what you would get from blog commenting, so I asked Daan if he could write a guest post about his experience with building traffic via trackbacks. How to boost your blog traffic using trackbacks By Daan A blog without readers (and comments) is a dead blog. One (quite easy, but lucrative) way to promote your blog is using trackbacks. Trackback is Wordpress-lingo meaning: Trackback: helps you notify another… -
6 ways to create link magnets with every blog post
3 Nov 2009 | 4:02 pmThere is nothing easier than having a blog these days. Everyone and their dog is blogging. But that doesn’t mean that every blog is worth reading. As a matter of fact, most blogs suck and they suck for a reason. Most blogs are “me too!” blogs. By reading this blog you already proved that you don’t belong to the “me too!” crowd. Creating link-worthy blog content Creating link-worthy content should be your main concern because everything else will follow. Referring traffic, traffic from organic search and, in the end, direct traffic directly depend on how… -
My review of WordPress 2 iPhone App for mobile blogging
29 Oct 2009 | 5:02 pmWordPress 2 iPhone app has just been released. I had a quick look and I like it. It is a perfect iPhone application for mobile blogging. It is very simple to log in to your WordPress blogs (both .com and .org). Blog URL, username and password are all the things you need. WordPress iPhone app now features a very easy to use navigation on the bottom of the screen with “Comments”, “Posts” and “Pages” . This navigation allows you to easily switch between these areas. WordPress 2 iPhone comments area Comments area lets you review comments, approve, unapprove,… -
Link internally to increase blog page views, improve usability and Google rankings
25 Oct 2009 | 5:02 pmLinking to your internal blog posts is one of the most important aspects of building a successful blog. TechThinker commented on my blog traffic post: I love the way you interlink all your blog posts. Your posts always remind me of the importance of doing Internal links. Why are blog internal links important? First of all it is a great service for your readers to introduce them to an article that has more detailed information about a topic you mention. It increases your page views, improves the user-experience of your visitors and introduces them to some of your older blog posts. Blog…
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Shoemoney - Skills To Pay The Bills
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Violence, FTC Regulations, Wickedfire forums, Life, and the Economy – ShoeMoney q&a round 19
20 Nov 2009 | 10:06 amIts been a while since we did a Q&A. I asked Jamie to grab some random questions that were submitted to us from our contact form. In this q&a session we discuss a wide variety of topics everything from my recent scuffles to the state of the economy. This Post Is From ShoeMoney’s Internet Marketing Blog Violence, FTC Regulations, Wickedfire forums, Life, and the Economy – ShoeMoney q&a round 19 -
onlineprofits.com – Free shirt Friday
20 Nov 2009 | 3:00 amonlineprofits.com is an online training program to teach you how to create your own online business, or improve your existing one through internet marketing. On their homepage you can sign up to receive the free newsletter and trial of the program with the first two lessons free. If you would like to see your website or company featured on Free Shirt Friday click here This Post Is From ShoeMoney’s Internet Marketing Blog onlineprofits.com – Free shirt Friday -
BlitzLocal’s Dennis Yu Worse Person Than Originally Thought
18 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amA couple days ago I posted my personal story with Dennis Yu. The post I wrote was the longest post ever written on ShoeMoney.com. Over 4,000 words. This guy is a very dangerous person and I wanted to tell the entire story in as much detail as possible even if some of it was really embarrassing to me. You CAN’T give con men any room to go anywhere and the only real way to stop them is to get the truth out. Dennis has issued a response and as you can tell it’s all fluff about how he is only being attacked because he is hurting the industry. Which is strange because my post was not… -
Do Not Miss The Ad.ly Boat
17 Nov 2009 | 4:50 amAd.ly, the newest twitter advertising network, today announced a 12% referral system. This is HUGE. For instance if I would have signed up for ad.ly through your link just from the few tweets I have done so far you would have made almost 4 THOUSAND DOLLARS. For nothing! Just for giving me a link to signup! If making 12% off of people you refer into the ad.ly system was not enough they are also having some contests giving away macbook pro’s, ipods, and other awesome prizes! So go sign up now and refer your friends. Oh, and not to mention make money off of twitter yourself. I have… -
Dennis Yu – Rise and Fall Of A Con Man In The Affiliate Industry
16 Nov 2009 | 4:08 amI was at ad:tech San Francisco 6 months ago when this little Asian guy came up to me and asked me how I liked the post he had been writing. I had no clue who he was or what he was talking about. He introduced himself as Dennis Yu and told me the posts that Harrison Gervitz guest posted on ShoeMoney.com here and here were actually written by him. I was surprised but in this industry as I have said before everyone is full of shit so… whatever. Ironically 2 minutes later Harrison happened to be walking by us and I called him over to get it straightened out. The actual deal was Harrison had…
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ProBlogger Blog Tips
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Why Nobody Cares About Your Blog
21 Nov 2009 | 5:40 amA Guest Post by David Risley Except yours, of course. ;) However, there are a lot of bloggers who feel this way. You write. You write some more. You don’t feel as if you’re getting the traction that you want. What’s going on? There is plenty to be said about issues like proper market selection, search engine optimization and other tactical things, but let’s go deeper. In fact, let’s go deeper than most bloggers really think about when it comes to their blogging. Are You Talking At Or Talking To Your Readers? If I walked into a crowded mall, went into the food… -
Speech Recognition for Bloggers – The Ultimate Guide
20 Nov 2009 | 5:45 amSpeech recognition technology has come a long way in the last few years – in this in depth, informative and inspiring video which Jon Morrow (Associate Editor of Copyblogger and Co-founder of Partnering Profits) shares his first hand insights into speech recognition for bloggers. Jon does all of his blogging via speech recognition so he seemed like the logical guy to ask to cover the topic – in the video (I’m glad he agreed). In the video Jon makes recommendations of software, hardware (the hardware is key) and even demonstrates how he uses them in his everyday blogging. The… -
Review This Blog – Man vs Debt
19 Nov 2009 | 5:46 amLast month here on ProBlogger we ran a community review on a reader’s blog. I posted a link to a blog with some comments from the blogger and then opened it up for readers of ProBlogger to review it. The response from the post was great. 120+ comments were left including some great advice. I also had a lot of emails from readers saying that they learned a lot by reading the suggestions of others – many wanted to see these reviews done regularly. As a result I’m going to try to do these reviews on a monthly basis – today we have another one. As a little bonus to… -
Warning: Watching This Video May Lead to Work! [But It'll Also Improve Your Blog]
18 Nov 2009 | 5:55 amWhat’s your blogging Vice? Most bloggers that I know have at least one – whether it be compulsively checking blog stats, constantly tweaking template designs, obsessing over plugins and widgets, spending hour after hour ‘networking’ on Twitter, becoming preoccupied with SEO and… even allowing ourselves to become consumed by learning about blogging…. and not doing much of it. The reality is that as bloggers there are many tasks that compete for our attention. Many of them are important and can bring a lot of life to our blogs but most of them can also become… -
13 Ways I Get Back into Blogging after a Vacation
17 Nov 2009 | 5:49 amYesterday was my first day back at blogging after a 10 day vacation with my family and on Twitter I commented that I was finding it a little hard to get my brain back into blogging mode. @Mikeachim responded by suggesting I write a post on the daily rituals that I use to get my mind into gear. I thought I’d take his suggestion and jot down a few notes – both as a way of getting my head back into blogging but also because looking at the tweets I received this morning it’s a problem many bloggers face. As my head is a little scattered today (as I readjust) I’m going to…
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Copyblogger
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The Art of the Paragraph
20 Nov 2009 | 6:11 amAnyone can write a paragraph, but not everyone knows how to write one that other people want to read. You’ve seen it: You open a book, and the whole page is one long block of text. Each sentence in the paragraph makes exactly the same point, said in a slightly different way, and you wonder why they didn’t just say it once and be done with it. Every paragraph is the same length (five lines, maybe?), whether it makes sense or not, and it gives the piece a monotonous rhythm. The paragraph makes a point without telling you why that point is important, and you can’t help… -
How to Persuade People to Accept an “Unfair” Offer
19 Nov 2009 | 6:36 amEver heard of Charley Hill? He seemed like an average, ordinary guy. He lived in a mid-sized town with his wife, two children, and a dog. He went to church on Sunday, coached Little League, and drove a pickup truck. He was friendly but quiet, the sort of guy you could walk by on the street without noticing. But appearances can be deceiving. Charley Hill was one of the most successful farm equipment salesmen in the Midwest. People would travel hundreds of miles to see Charley, even when there were plenty of dealers much closer to home. What did Charley have that other salesmen didn’t? Not a… -
Free Report: How to Become a Creative Entrepreneur
18 Nov 2009 | 8:58 amI’ve written another piece of extended content, this time for Lateral Action. Rather than sending you over there, I’ll just tell you about it here. It’s a free 31-page PDF report (don’t worry, it reads fast) called The Lateral Action Guide to Becoming a Creative Entrepreneur. It’s probably the most personal I’ve gotten about my history, but it’s still heavy on actionable, real-life examples. Here’s what you’ll discover: Why I quit my cushy law firm job and turned to online publishing. How I failed miserably. How I then succeeded miserably. How I… -
Landing Page Makeover Clinic #20: TantricSexforBusyCouples.com
17 Nov 2009 | 6:14 amThis is another addition to our ongoing series of tutorials and case studies on landing pages that work. Is it hot in here or just me? Diana Daffner and her husband want to help people find a renewed sense of joy and connection in their intimate relationships through tantra. Their business, IntimacyRetreats.com, offers couples retreats throughout the year, but realizing not everyone can attend a retreat, they also want to promote their books and media products. The URL referenced above is actually the “/shop page” off their main site. Diana would like to use the page as an… -
What I Learned From Writing 42 Guest Posts in 7 Weeks
16 Nov 2009 | 7:12 amBefore you get too impressed, hear this: I did it all in self-defense. Let me give you some quick background. I have extreme Tourette’s Syndrome, as Sonia noticed recently. Tourette’s makes people move or vocalize involuntarily and occasionally results in unspeakable awesomeness. My motor tics range from eye blinking to punching myself in the face to even stranger things. My phonic tics range from clearing my throat to hooting and yowling and snarling and slobbering and screaming like the Tasmanian Devil. Did I mention that I work in a quiet library? There are only a couple of things that…
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Blog Directory, Blogs on Blogged
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Director Tapped For 'The Orphanage' Remake
Screen Rant It’s being reported that a director has been found for New Line’s English-language remake of The Orphanage, in the form of Larry Fessenden. Guillermo del Toro (who produced the original Spanish version) is producing and has co-written the... -
Too Old to Have a Baby?
Burning The Scale Advances in science have made it much easier to get pregnant now in your 50s, and in some cases, 60s. The case of Maria del Carmen Bousada of Spain, who had twin boys at age 66 and then died... -
myFICO 25% Off Coupon
My Money Blog Here’s a newly released coupon for 25% off real FICO scores at myFico.com. Use the promotional code FICOHELP25 to get 25% off, the best discount currently available: You enter the promo code... -
Oldest Living Man in Montana
A Dozen Steps Walter Breuning is being touted as the new “oldest living man” at age 112. He lives in a nursing home in Montana and says he’s grateful for his good health. The previous man to hold the title,... -
'Banned' Sprite ad unleashes a load of buzz
Adfreak It’s a fact of the advertising industry that roughly 99% of those “banned†ads you see on the Web were never banned at all — or even intended to be aired. It seems that has to be the case...
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Lorelle on WordPress
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Dreams Can Come True: Meeting Alan Dean Foster
19 Nov 2009 | 8:27 amI’m in Arizona after a very exciting and busy series of conferences, including the very successful WordCamp Netherlands, WordCamp Phoenix, and PodCamp Arizona, visiting family living near one of my favorite authors in the world, Alan Dean Foster. During WordCamp Phoenix and PodCampAZ, I shared with my audience that I was too excited to just be “this close” to the one man who completely changed my life when it came to writing, actually helping me become a professional writer. Robyn Seaton stepped up to my challenge and connected me with the master himself. This is just one… -
WordCamp Netherlands Rocked; WordCamp Phoenix Will Rock!
11 Nov 2009 | 10:04 amWordCamp Phoenix is all set to really rock and roll with great WordPress, blogging, and SEO experts on November 13, 2009, in Arizona at the Arizona Grand Resort. Some of the hottest folks in WordPress and web tech are lined up to speak and attend, taking advantage of PodcampAZ and Az Entrepreneurship Conference happening the same weekend. Speakers include Matt Mullenweg, Merlin Mann of 43 Folders, John Hawkins, Brent Spore, and Dave Moyer of Bitwire Media and WordCast. Oh, and little ole me. The Phoenix WordPress event will be live streamed thanks to sponsor, GoDaddy, so you can watch the… -
WordCamp Portland Donates to WordCamp Seattle
23 Sep 2009 | 12:24 pmYou know I’m a huge WordCamp fan. I attend as many as I can, speak at many, and work hard with the The WordCamp Report, Blog Herald, and this blog to help promote WordCamps all over the world. For those unfamiliar with WordCamp, it is a grassroots gathering, formal or informal, of WordPress fans. It can happen anywhere and in many formats, all focused on WordPress fans getting together to talk about WordPress and their online world. For those familiar with the WordCamp experience, you will not be surprised at my announcement. For those who haven’t had the joy of a WordCamp, you… -
Old WordPress Versions Under Attack
4 Sep 2009 | 3:33 pmOtto42 of OttoDestruct, a key WordPress developer and supporter, reports that there is an “attack” on older versions of WordPress right now. The number of sites hit by this is growing every hour. Protect your WordPress blog now: UPDATE NOW!!! Update your WordPress blog before you continue reading this post. That’s how critical this issue is. Things You Need to Know Now Here is what you need to know right now, constantly updated with news as we get it. UPDATE NOW! Reports are that this attack impacts ALL versions of WordPress up to 2.8.3 and 2.8.4, the most recent release. -
Summer Blog-b-que for Bloggers
18 Aug 2009 | 12:27 pmIt’s time to celebrate blogging and summer in the Portland, Oregon, area. If you are a blogger, come join the summer Blog-b-que! We’re hosting the first ever Blog-b-que at the home of Lorelle and Brent VanFossen in North Plains, Oregon, on Sunday, August 30, 2009, and you are welcome to join us. We’re inviting WordPress, WordPress.com, and all bloggers (and web and social media fans) to a picnic party on Sunday, August 30, starting about noon! The theme of the party is “Summer Food” and you are invited to bring food that reminds you of summer. In addition to…
