Saturday, January 30, 2010

Hate that 10% battery left feeling?

I live on my I-Phone. Music, phone, text, news, games, video, Facebook...you can do it all. Unless you have a dead battery.

Enter in the Fueltank Uno from Callpod.

It's simple, plug this bad boy into a wall socket or USB port on a computer & let it charge. Now, toss that device in your purse or carry on bag and now you don't have to worry about running out of battery power on that long flight.

The Fueltank Uno has the capaiblity to fully recharge your device up to 4 times. What device? What can't it recharge? As a standard you get (2) plugs included. One for an I-Phone/I-Pod and one USB mini plug in. Want more? On their web site you can choose attachments for 3,000 other gizmos that YOU can't live without. When you order from them direct you also get a voucher for (1) free attachment cable for whatever you have.

* Charge your devices multiple times on a single tank
* Indicator lights display battery capacity level
* Proprietary voltage regulator technology senses the amount of power required to charge your devices
* Small and light (3.5 oz) - perfectly fits in your purse, glove box or briefcase
* Uses voltage regulation and current control for safe and optimal charging
* Works with thousands of mobile devices such as iPods, cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, PDAs, digital cameras, navigation units, mp3 players, digital readers and portable gaming systems


Out of the box you get a AC/DC wall plug, iPhone/iPod Direct Connect adapter, Mini-USB adapter, Carrying pouch and Voucher for 1 free adapter redeemable at Callpod.com.


ALL THIS AND MORE FOR JUST $49.95! I had to channel my inner Billy Mays, God rest his soul.  Put your mouse over this ---> Callpod Fueltank Portable Charger and get yours today. Never travel without juice again!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

A review of my #1 favorite resort EVER! Hedo II

Hedonism II - Negril, Jamaica

What can I say about my favorite vacation spot that hasn't already been said? I've been there now SIX (6) time so I know all about it. For those of you that have been there, you don't even need to read this. For those of you that haven't been - read on...


"Hedo II" has been entertaining party minded folks since 1981 and prior to that since 1976 as Negril Beach Village. Hedo II sits on 22 lush acres on the North-Western tip of Jamaica and has 280 rooms that can often times be completely sold out.

Hotel amenities officially include: A "prude resort side" and a "nude resort side" each with it's own grills, bars, pools, hot tubs, beaches and more. Overall the resort has a disco, fitness center, main dining hall (with daily lunch and dinner shows), rock climbing wall, water sports, basketball courts, volleyball, tennis and things I'm sure I'm forgetting about.



What you don't see "officially" advertised is the attitude, the mindset of the people that go and the general positive vibe of the resort. You need to understand that Jamaica has to be one of the coolest places on the planet then when SuperClubs started this club on that island it pretty much made paradise on earth. Hedo II has the highest return rate of any hotel in the Caribbean and I'd gamble to say pretty much anywhere on Planet Earth.



Hedo II is all-inclusive. Meaning book your trip, pay, go, don't pay anymore. Don't even tip people, it's not allowed. Now that does not mean you can't smile and say thank you to all the hard working people making your vacation special. All dinners, drinks, entertainment and even scuba diving is included, PAID!



Depending on what side of the resort you book, nude or prude, you might see a difference in age and type of guests. In general, the younger crown books on the prude side while the "older" crowd books the nude side. What's "older" 30's plus I'd say. (don't get offended people, I'm in that group too).



A few cool features: Hedo II has a Piano Bar that's packed nightly. Some nights you'll find karaoke, other nights a skilled piano man keeping you singing along with him. The piano bar has seen more than a few women stripping on top of the piano while favorite songs are playing. Ohhhh, Hedo.



How about the disco? (currently called Club Hurricane) It has a back drop of the prude side swimming pool so if you seen swimmers as your order your favorite included drink, don't worry. Also, the club has a stripper pole. How fun is that?



Care to partake in Hedo II's theme nights? Hedo has a weekly PJ night and Toga night among others that'll keep you in the fun. The saying goes on toga night, "No sheet, no eat!". Kidding, but come on people, join in on the fun.






SuperClubs has a "Sunshine Guarantee". The guarantee says basically you can get a free day for every day of your vacation that the sun fails to shine. BUT... If you experience a cloudy day, make sure you get your voucher BEFORE you depart the resort or you may NOT see it. Do NOT leave the resort without your Sunshine Guarantee voucher or document.



Do you hear wedding bells in your future? Then why not get married at Hedo II, paradise! Marriage ceremonies are free to guests with a 2 day residency requirement. There is a $150 administrative charge by the local parish to register your marriage certificate but even that will sometimes be waived, check with the resort before going.


Dining: Jerk Chicken. That's all I got to say. The resort offers several on-site restaurants and bars. There is a buffet-style dining at the Terrace Room. It serves Caribbean cuisine as well as traditional American fare. There also is a Japanese restaurant, Italian restaurant, a restaurant featuring Jamaican cuisine. There also are two beach grills, one on the nude beach and the other on the main beach.


T
he second hardest thing about the nude beach at Hedo is taking your clothes off the first time. The hardest thing is putting them back on. To ease into the nude beach at Hedonism II, you’ll find a long tree-covered stretch of beach between the prude and nude sides of the resort. It’s quiet, relatively uncrowded, and can be a transition zone for newbies to the nude beach where you can bare or not.


Get your drink on at Hedo II. At Hedonism II, there are five bars, two of which are swim-up bars. Popular Hedo II drinks include: Purple Rains, Dirty Bananas, Jamaican Run Punch, Hummingbirds, Purple Mother F**kers, Flaming Bob Marley shots and Jamaica Delights.



Prices at Hedo II all depend on when you're going. I've seen them around $110 per person, per day and up to $2?? per person, per day. Either way that price includes EVERYTHING other than getting yourself there.

I'll blog again about the great Hedo II, it's the type of place one could spend hours on. But mostly you just need to go and explore this Hedonistic paradise for yourself. Just remember, what happens at Hedo definitely needs to stay at Hedo. :-D

I'm not a travel agent so call your favorite agent or call Superclubs at 877.467.8737 and/or visit them at www.superclubs.com

(A fun read about Hedo II)

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Travel products to make your life better!

Whenever you travel you're out of your zone - the comfort zone featuring all the products that you love from home. You're vulnerable, you're unfamiliar but hey.....you're on vacation, so stop whining!

Instead, make your time on the road better with products like these...

1. Smartshield sunblock products

These handy to-go packs have an "eco-friendly" towelette that contains both a sunscreen rated at 30 spf and natural bug repellents. Sometimes you just don't want to take a huge leaking bottle with you on a plane and these handy packs allow you to keep protection handy at all times.

This is a handy item to take along anywhere you need to protect yourself from both the sun and insects, especially in the tropics. The SmartShield "no bugs no burn" towelettes retail for $49.50 for 50 packets.

Smartshield Sunscreen, SPF 30, 4 oz. Tube


2. A Travelsafe bag from Pacsafe


Sure we all love those room safes the hotels provide but who really has those numbers? Here's a product that'll give you an extra layer of protection.

The Pacsafe Travel Safe 100 will keep your valuables safe in any hotel or hostel and will also serve as a secondary stash while on the move. It's basically a pouch with slash-proof steel mesh, a locking cinch cable at the top, and a padlock with a key. You just secure it to any fixed or hard-to-move item like a pole or large piece of furniture. Then it would take a pair of bolt-cutters to get at your things. So you could also use this to secure items on a bus or train while you are trying to snooze, resting easier than you would if your camera and iPod were just zipped up in your daypack.

Pacsafe TravelSafe 100


3. Travel smart belts from Eagle Creek


"Pants on the ground, looking like a fool with your pants on the ground."

What's that? You don't like being a stripper when going thru the airport? The solution is here in the form of Eagle Creeks "All Terrain Money Belt". This crafty belt is made with materials that won't not set off the security scanners at airports hence saving you the hassle of stripping in front of strangers.

Bonus feature is the zipper on the inside of the belt where you can store away money. If you want to keep your money from falling into the sticky hands of a thief while traveling, the best bet is to keep your cash where it can't be grabbed.

Eagle Creek Belt

Monday, January 25, 2010

Oh Key West - Changes in Latitude

For anyone wishing to visit the tropics but wishing to stay in the lower 48 should visit Key West as soon as the opportunity pops up. This city is pure awesome! Key West itself has a lot of history and in 1860 was America's richest city thanks to the misfortune of ships crashing into coral just offshore.


Key West was relatively isolated until 1912, when it was connected to the Florida mainland via the Overseas Railway extension. In 1938 the railroad was converted into a drivable highway that then President Roosevelt toured one year later.

Since that road opened up Key West has played host to many famous guests including: Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Harry Truman (175 spent there on 11 trips) AS President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy (a month after the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis was signed) and of course everyone's favorite Jimmy Buffett who resided there for a time.




To take in YOUR Key West I'd suggest you book a room in "Old Town" Key West at one of the many B&B's (Bed and Breakfast's) this area provides. Most B&B's are in very large historical homes built in the late 1800's by ship builders who employed their craftsmanship that still works today. These skillful gentleman used old Dade County pine, Coral and tongue and groove techniques to adapt the homes to the tropical environment.

One such B&B that get's rave reviews is Marrero's Guest Mansion.

This Restored 1889 Victorian mansion has less that 30 rooms all equipped with in-room refrigerators, air conditioners, cable TV and WiFi internet. Start off each day with an expanded continental breakfast. Care to take a dip in the pool al natural? Then Marrero's won't stop you. A modern pool attracts guests that don't care for tan lines. And each day at Marrero's there is a Happy Hour which is a great touch. No pets, no smoking in the rooms and you must be 21+ to enjoy this historic party place.

Prices run from $100 to $220 depending on what room you choose and when you travel.

One word of warning:   Some have claimed Marrero's Guest Mansion is haunted by a woman named Enriquetta who was the wife of Francisco Marrero who built the house to entice her to move in with him - it worked. The husband died and she was forced to leave when ANOTHER one of Francisco's wife's (player) won the rights to the house. She claimed she'd haunt the house after death and according to some guests that stay, she's keeping her promise.

Once in Key West there's plenty to do other than sitting around naked poolside yacking it up with ghost and guests. Including...

* Famous Duval Street with it's many shops, restaurants and bars.
* Taking sailing trips, dolphin cruises and snorkeling will keep you on the water.
* The city has several museums for history buffs.
* And of course the nightly celebration of the legendary sunsets at the pier.



So go get your Key West on and remember the great works of Jimmy Buffett, "Changes in attitudes changes in latitude".

I'm not a travel agent so call your favorite agent or call Marrero's direct at 305.294.6977 and/or www.marreros.com

Sunday, January 24, 2010

5 Travel Fashion Tips!


On every travelers list of priorities, just behind avoiding getting mugged, is the wish to look good as you travel. So tonight I wanted to share with you my top 5 suggestions for looking fashionable fresh off a plane.

1. Decent shoes - Your footwear is worth investing in. Leave the sneakers at home and opt for naturally comfy leather sandals instead. The right pair is goes as well with a breezy sundress as shorts (Hint: flat thongs in brown go with everything!)

2. A white shirt - It's a workwear staple and a great vacation partner. Wear it over a tank, knotted at the waist with shorts for sight-seeing style. Or roll up the sleeves, unbutton at the top, tuck into your fave jeans and add strappy sandals for easy chic.

3. Don't buy clothes at tourist shops - If you wonder why you get hassled to buy stuff all the time, take a look at what you’re wearing.

4. Jeans - Jeans were invented for travelers. They don’t need ironing, no thief can get his hand in the front pocket. Going to the tropics? Try a pair of cargo shorts with multiple pockets WITH zippers.

5. Ditch the iron - You may have a favorite outfit that you love to wear, but if it needs constant ironing, keep it in the suitcase or leave it at home. Lose the wrinkled I-slept-in-a-ditch-last-night look by shaking out your wet laundry before you hang them up. That way all the water goes to the bottom of the clothes and gravity helps pull it straight.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Topless Tanning in Vegas - Bare Pool at the Mirage


As quoted from The Mirage itself, "Experience palm tree enclosed seclusion as you relax and enjoy European style sun-bathing at Bare Pool at The Mirage. Offering an outlet to unwind after a long day, Bare's comforting atmosphere and tropical ambiance seduce guests to relax as they are pampered by Bare's sizzling staff. Offering a variety of specialty drinks ranging from spicy Bloody Mary's, to a cornucopia of flavored Mojitos, Bare guarantees that you stay cool throughout your poolside escapades."


* 14,000 square feet
* Two luxury dipping pools
* Accommodates groups of 50 to 550 people
* Full service bar
* State of the art sound system
* DJ services
* Six plasma screens
* Poolside daybeds, chaise lounge chairs, and cabanas
* Private restrooms


How to join the party:


Hours: Bare is open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Must be 21 years old.



Monday - Thursday: $10 for women, $30 for men
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: $20 for women, $40 for men

Phone: 702.791.7442



So, here’s what I want to know. Ladies: would you go to Bare AND would you take your top off. Guys: are you cool with your girl going and taking her top off? Thoughts?


Friday, January 22, 2010

Just because I can...

10.29.2009 - Negril, Jamaica
Our Special Day

See her wonderful ring, we got it at the place below.
They really do have good deals.

80% Off Fine Jewelry

Talk for "free" while out of country!


Looking for ways to communicate cheaper as you travel? I know I am.

Old solution? Make calls on your cell phone or hotel room line. And what happens when you find yourself out of country or in a roaming area with your cell phone plan? You either A. Don't make calls or B. Spend a TON of money to do so.

New way to do it? Magic Jack! Assuming you're in an area with internet access and you can get your road weary hands on a computer you're in business.

The Magic Jack is an extremely small USB telephone adapter that allows you to make unlimited local and long distance telephone calls through a regular phone for only $19.95 per year. In order to get the magic Jack you have to pay a one time fee of $40 to get the magic Jack USB adapter and one year of service. All subsequent years of service can be purchased for just $19.95 per year. At a price of around $1.60 per month magicJack is an amazing deal. It also includes free directory assistance, free caller ID, free call waiting, and free voicemail.

Enter in it's possible uses for travel!

1. International Travel - Got Internet access?? Then you've got a US phone number. Give one of these to someone that is going to be staying overseas for months, and you've enabled them to talk with their families back in the States for no additional costs.

2. International Friends and Family - Got a friend or relative in a foreign country? Give them a Magic Jack as a gift, and now you have a way for them to call you, or you to call them with no phone cards or high long-distance charges. They'll have whatever LOCAL area code you set the device up with. (I have one set for 213 here in Los Angeles)

Just imagine being able to plug this small device into a computer in Spain then dialing your friend back home and he'd think you're still at home! Don't forget, you take whatever area code with you with the device.

But some hotels may block your access for using Magic Jack. You may want to give them a call (free from your Magic Jack at home, of course!) and find this out before you make your reservations.


So click on this Magic Jack
and get going with your cheap talk right away!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Airlines that do and don't charge for bags...


Darn those airlines incorporating extra travel fees! I'm going to try and give you an up-to-date list of some of the major airlines and what their current polices are in regards to bag costs.

Just one more reason to buy a carry-on (see post below) and slam all your stuff in one bag. :-D

The List!

1. American - First bag: $25 Second bag: $35 Any extra: $100

2. Continental - First bag: $25 Second bag: $35 Any extra: $75

3. Delta - First bag: $25 Second bag: $35 Any extra: $125

4. JetBlue - First bag: $0 Second bag: $20 Any extra: $75

5. Northwest - First bag: $25 Second bag: $35 Any extra: $125

6. Southwest - First bag: $0 Second bag: $0 Any extra: $50

7. United - First bag: $25 Second bag: $35 Any extra: $125

8. Virgin America - First bag: $20 Second bag: $20 Any extra: $20

The Winner? Southwest Airlines

There are all kinds of exceptions to these fees, especially for certain classes of frequent flyers and military personnel. These fees are cumulative and are double for round-trip travel. They are subject to change and were accurate to the best of our knowledge as of Jan 18, 2010.

AKA - Don't blame me if they're not accurate! Check before you fly.



I'm not a travel agent so call your favorite agent or call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA and/or www.southwest.com

A way cool carry on travel bag!

As quoted from Joe vs the Volcano:

Luggage Salesman: Have you thought much about luggage, Mr. Banks?
Joe Banks: No.
Luggage Salesman: It's the central preoccupation of my life.


When on the road people want to have their belongings protected and secure. And these day's I say it's best to keep those items in a carry on bag.

WHY?

1. You don't have to have other hands on YOUR bag.
2. You won't lose it. (unless you have too many overpriced drinks on the plane)
3. With the trend of airlines charging more for luggage you can save some $.

THE ANSWER

The bag I plan on buying soon?   Piel Leather - Carry-on Duffel Bag with Pockets.   You can buy it online for around $140.   Travel in style for the weekend or short trips. I love the Columbian naked leather that looks great and feels even better to the touch.

Size: 20" x 11" x 10"
Weight: 4 pounds
Extras: Double handle with padded grip & small zip-pocket in flap.
Price: Around $140 to $180 online



Piel 20' Duffel Bag with Pockets for $155

The most amazing hotel in Hyannis, Mass


Want a place to stay that got ranked #2 on Tripadvisor on the list of Top 10 Bargain Hotels in the World 2010?

Welcome to SeaCoast Inn in the Historic Cape Cod area of Massachusetts.

Anytime you get 360 reviews that are 99% good, no great, on Tripadvisor you know this local owned hotel is doing something amazing. Terri and Al, the proud owners of this hotel, are super hero hotel hosts making each guest feel as if they're #1.

Just 1/2 miles walk to this beautiful harbor



Hotel amenities?

* Easy walk to the Ferries and Main Street
* Free Continental Breakfast
* Free highspeed internet
* Each room is spotless, TV's, Cable.
* Clean, simple, excellent.
* A quaint hotel at just 26 rooms.
* Most important: The hospitality shown by Terri and Al.

Prices: $68 to the $148 during peak season for the very best room.

Located on the cape, SeaCoast Inn has easy access to to Hyannis Harbor, ferries to both Islands-Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard and Main Street with the shops and restaurants. Go whale watching, sail on a Catboat, take a scenic train ride through the Cape countryside - do it all at the cape!

I'm not a travel agent so call your favorite agent or even call the resort direct at 508.775.3828 and/or www.seacoastcapecod.com

Infamous owners "Terri and Al"

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Bad economy = good travel. Vegas baby!



Want to travel on the cheap to fabulous Las Vegas? Read on Clark Griswold...

Prices in Las Vegas hit rock bottom in 2009, and that trend is expected to continue into 2010. Las Vegas has been hit hard by the economic downturn, with fewer business and leisure travelers; this equates to a windfall of hotel and show deals in an attempt to lure travelers.

Stay with the Donald!

Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, Las Vegas


This is a new, super luxurious 5-Star resort in the heart of the Vegas Strip! The year-round heated outdoor pool offers a poolside restaurant; the hotel also contains a fitness center, lobby bar, and a full-service health spa. Rooms at Trump Hotel Las Vegas feature kitchenettes, sofa beds, and beds with 500-thread-count linens.



The deal: $99 per night, including weekends! Rates at other 5-star hotels in Las Vegas regularly top $300 a night on weekends.

* Deal includes a $50 resort credit per stay to use at The Spa at Trump, In-Suite Dining and the Michelin star rated DJT Restaurant, 4pm late checkout & 2-for-1 tickets to Cirque du Soleil's Mystere ($69 value).

* Travel through March 31 to get in on this good deal.


Barefoot Travel Trivia: The exterior windows of the upscale hotel are gilded with 24-carat gold. How cool is that?

I'm not a travel agent so call your favorite agent or even call the resort direct at 702.982.0000 and/or www.trumplasvegashotel.com



Get your skinny dip on at Sea Mountain Inn


Feeling in the mood to bask in the desert sun in all your natural glory? Visit this desert oasis located in Desert Hot Springs, CA. Located about an hour and a half (less than with a lead foot) outside of Los Angeles this quaint resort will make you feel as if you're days away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Once you arrive the staff at SMI does a fantastic job at making you feel right at home as you walk past the other guests basking in the sun and/or the spring feed pool.


Once you either check into your room or visit the lockers (for day guests) you should head over for complimentary snacks and drinks before making for your spot in the sun. You'll have a staff member stroll by soon enough to offer you drinks on the house. This is a nude resort, the pool area, hot tub area and sun bathing are all natural and the staff are either joining you in the buff or very close to it. (makes you feel at home).

The rooms are VERY VERY nice. In fact I'd rate the rooms superior to most other hotels I've ever been to. Very "zen", clean and recently updated. The bed was HUGE and they had nothing but the best materials in the room.

You'll find the resort offers many amenities such as a disco area, hot tubs, pool, snacks/drinks, great music and spa/massage treatments should you desire.


We had a great trip and have returned several times.

I'm not a travel agent so call your favorite agent or even call the resort direct at 760.251.1230 and/or www.seamountaininn.com









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