Wednesday, March 10, 2010

I won a contest!

I entered a blog contest and won! Am pretty excited, cause I never win anything. So, I wanted to share my excitement with you, and tell you all to travel over to Clara's blog and check it out.

My winning gift is red, has wheels and is something I'll be able to use traveling. When it arrives, I'll photograph it; but for now....drum roll

Anyone care to quess?

AND speaking about contest, don't forget to get yourself entered in mine. If you don't enter, you can't win. And everyone loves to win. And let's face it, everyone loves a winner. Picture yourself with a big bright W for winner on your forehead instead of big fat L for Looser. I know you know what I'm talking about.

Click on my Traveling Suitcase badge in the sidebar to find out everything you need to do to enter. Tick Tock, the clock's ticking so don't delay; enter today.

And if you're here from EC, click on my badges (again in the sidebar); so you drop twice more on my other blogs. Just got them registered today.
Add to Technorati Favorites
Bookmark and Share

Monday, March 8, 2010

Souvenir's when Traveling

pink fleeceVera Bradley Purse

A souvenir (from French, for memory), memento or keepsake is an object a traveler brings home for the memories associated with it. Souvenirs include clothing such as T-shirts or hats, postcards, refrigerator magnets, miniature figures, household items such as mugs and bowls, plates, ashtrays, egg timers, spoons, notepads, and paintings plus many others.

The above is the Wikipedia definition for Souvenir. We all buy things when we travel, things to help us remember the vacation and the fun associated with it. I tend not to buy nick nacks or trinkets; but items I need or items that I will use repeatably. The pink fleece purchased in Savannah because the weather was colder than expected and I needed another layer. So, it's useful...serves a purpose. I had been looking for a fleece, have plenty of sweatshirts but no fleece so; this is an item I was going to purchase anyway and didn't therefore spend extra money.

The Vera Bradley purse is also an item I had been wanting, needed a new purse and would have purchased anyway. But, I think the prices are crazy and so hadn't purchased one. While vacationing in Hilton Head, hubby saw a sale sign and so.........got this baby at 50% off which makes it reasonable to me.

So, I've purchased items I needed, items I wanted, items I'm using and will continue to use and have meaningful souvenirs; but nothing to dust or get broken when knocked off the table or counter. This handy tip will save you money, but still give you the opportunity to purchase a special something in your travels. Stir clear of the tacky little knick knack souvenir shops, you'll be glad you did.

DON'T FORGET TO GET IN ON MY CONTEST, YOU CAN ENTER THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF MARCH, CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE CONTEST

Add to Technorati Favorites
Bookmark and Share

Friday, March 5, 2010

Getting the most of your Traveling Dollars

CourtyardThe above picture is from a Courtyard recently taken in St. Louis. Courtyards have a small living room space so you have a sofa to sit on and don't always have to sit on the bed. Makes things much more comfortable. Courtyards have a desk area (see chair on left) with free internet service. Courtyards also have a free breakfast buffet. The beds in the Courtyards we've stayed in tend to be Kings which is also a nice traveling feature. Courtyards are part of the Marriott System. All the rooms we've stayed in at Courtyards have a sleeper sofa.

living room at Springhill SuitesThis is a view from one of the Springhill Suites we've stayed in during our travels. Springhills Suites also are a part of The Marriott System. The tend to be less numerous than the above Courtyards, generally newer as they are the newest line in The Marriott Chain. Springhills seem to be a little larger than most Courtyards we've stayed in, though that may vary by location. Many of the Springhills we've stayed in tend to be in the downtown areas and are either a new rehab or a brand new facility. This assures nice accommodations.

Desk area at SpringhillPlenty of desk area with free internet service, both wired and wifi at Springhill Suites by Marriott. All Springhill's have King size beds with a pull out sofa which works well for us if our daughter is joining us. They have a small microwave, dorm sized fridge and extra sink area.

Suite at SpringhillThe layout's vary a bit in Springhill's but usually they have a partial wall like this photo separating the living room/desk area from the bedroom. A free breakfast buffet is also included at Springhill Suites.

Kitchen in Residence InnThis is a kitchen area at a Residence Inn, also a part of The Marriott System. Residence also have free internet service and a free breakfast buffet. They tend to be a little larger than the Springhill Suites, a little older as they've been in the system longer. Beds are queen at Residence Inn, as is the pull out sofa.

The prices for Courtyard, Springhill Suites, and Residence Inn varies from location to location; but you can see with each you get a free breakfast buffet something that can save you both time and money in your travels. Additionally with a full kitchen at The Residence you could prepare a meal. This is a good option if your trying to save money, spending more than 1 night; and are to tired to go out. The Springhill Suites give you an option to save money on meals also with their microwave. All three of these chains have a small market place in the lobby were you can purchase frozen meals, something quick and easy after your travels.

There are several benefits of sticking with one system as you travel. You become acquainted and comfortable with what to expect, you obtain frequent user's discounts, you can sign up for email alerts of specials, AND in the case of Marriott you obtain points which give you discounts elsewhere or with future travels. We've also found the service you get as a frequent user of one system tends to be better. When we've needed help re-scheduling, or upgrading a room, we've found lots of cooperation. Marriott is not the only system, believe Hyatt and other well known chains have similar benefits. Start with one and carry through with it, is my recommendation. Additionally, we've earned a free night here and there by staying with one system....you sure can't beat that for stretching your travel dollars. Marriott on the service might seem more expensive than a regular room else where; but with free breakfast, free internet (both items often extra elsewhere), and frequent discounts and points; we've found it to be a real cost saver.

**parking is free unless you're in a downtown area, then it seems regardless of where you stay you pay to park. Space is a premium.
Add to Technorati Favorites
Bookmark and Share

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Travel Tips to Eat Well and Save Money

dinner couponCoupons! Seriously, who looks for coupons when they're traveling? I do and look what I found. Lo Russo's a favorite Italian Restaurant in St. Louis. We're traveling out to St. Louis this weekend to see a play our daughter's directing. Doing a search for the restaurant in order to get the address to plug in my GPS and found this very pleasant surprise of a dinner coupon. It's been several years since we've eaten there and are really looking forward to it. Our daughter spent the last 2 years in Baltimore and so we hadn't been back to St. Louis.

So here's my travel tip for you, check your computer before you go and see what's available by way of specials and discounts. Always click on deals for this hotel to see about a cheaper room rate. Always ask the front desk for dinner coupons (we've had some luck with this too), and plug the restaurant's name in your computer before you dine to see what specials are available.

Click on my Traveling Suitcase Badge in the sidebar for details about The Contest. You still have plenty of time to get your name entered.
Add to Technorati Favorites
Bookmark and Share