Becoming a Tanning Butler

Looking for a job in the leisure and travel business? If so, CNN’s John Zarrella hits the beach in Miami to help you find out what it takes to be a Tanning Butler.

Bathe your cruise with the “love setting”

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that some cabins on its much-ballyhooed next ship, the Norwegian Epic, will have a “love setting” for lighting that bathes the room in a red glow.

The specialized lighting option will be available in Epic’s studio cabins — a cluster of 128 interior rooms built around a communal, two-story living area.

The love setting is one of four mood-enhancing lighting options planned for the cabins. The others: blue for calm, white and a rainbow setting. The specialized settings will be controlled from a panel on cabin walls.

And you thought Princess was the Love Boat! Romance enhanced!

Safety video shows pilot, attendants in body paint

Air New Zealand has hit on a novel way to make sure even the most jaded flyers keep their eyes glued on its flight safety briefing. The national carrier’s safety video for domestic services on its Boeing 737 planes show pilot and cabin crew dressed only in body paint. But the safety message is kept seemly by carefully chosen camera angles. A copy of the briefing has been posted on the popular Internet site, YouTube. Enjoy!

Travel games for the family

Travel games are a must for family travel. Experienced traveling parents know to pack a bag of toys and activities for kids for car trips and air travel boredom. The trick is to keep the bag’s contents a surprise! Then, pull out a new activity or surprise along the way to prevent whining and boredom.

We have tried to pull together a list of resources to help you find “Print and Play” activities to make your next Road Trip more enjoyable for the parents just as much as the kids.

• Crayola: Coloring Pages and Activity Sheets
• Mom’s Minivan: Car Travel Games for Big Kids
• Scholastic: Travel-Time Activities
• About.com: 10 Creative Travel Activities
• Kidzone: Fun Facts for Kids
• HP: Travelin’ kids

Road Trip Rules

I recently came across a great article written by Jessica Tyler at windowseatblog.com. Here are some great rules to live by when taking your next Road Trip!

Title: Road Trip Rules: What to Bring on a Car-Based Vacation

I’m not proud of it, but I’ve spent numerous vacations eating almost nothing but Del Taco bean and cheese burritos. I’ve also driven 14-hour shifts, been lost in freezing temperatures at 4am, and crashed at overpriced motels–only to wake up and find that I was just 10 miles from my destination.

In other words, I’ve been on my fair share of road trips, and I’ve got the scars to show it (emotional scars, I mean–you try living on refried beans for five days in strange places).

Next week, I’m heading out for the mother of all road trips: a drive up through Oregon and Washington to Canada’s Rocky Mountains, and back through Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. This time around, I’m going to try to do things the right way–and save time, fuel, and frustration while I’m at it. Here are some guidelines that should help make your trip less stressful and more fulfilling.

Clean Your Car Before You Go
I’m not talking a zippy drive-thru body wash–you’ll likely be staring through a bug and grime-flecked windshield half an hour into your trip anyway. Instead, ditch the fast food wrappers, dirty socks, and overdue library books to make room for your luggage (and future purchases). Do clean your headlights, though–you can lose significant visibility at night with dirty beams.

Cut Down on Fuel Costs
You may have heard that using your car’s air conditioning wastes gas. While this rule holds true for slower, in-town driving, keep in mind that it’s actually more fuel-efficient to use the A/C than roll your windows down when you’re flying down the highway at full speed. Other gas-saving methods include using cruise control, keeping your tires inflated, lightening your load (do you really need that 50-pound redwood Elvis carving?), and getting off at stops with numerous gas stations (the slightly further ones tend to be less costly).

Keep Plans Loose
Make a rough sketch of your trip before you go, and refer back to it along the way to keep your pace. Sometimes I make a day-by-day spreadsheet with mileage, driving times, and projected stops (geeky, I know, but so handy!). A word of caution: Don’t stick too strictly to your agenda, or you’ll miss out on all the fun. You never know when you’ll come across a hidden swimming hole or bizarre antique fair that you can’t pass up (just think twice about those Elvis carvings).

Eat Your Veggies
At the risk of sounding like your mother, make sure to eat as healthy as you can. I know it’s hard when the only food for the past 200 miles has been greasy burgers and gas station pretzels, but you’ve got to mix some good stuff in there if you don’t want to end up stuck (trust me). A good plan is to grab a bunch of fruit (apples hold up well, and dried fruit is even better), veggies (carrots and broccoli are my go-tos), and fiber-filled snacks before you go, or at available grocery stores–and keep the drive-thru chili dogs to a minimum.

Divide Labor Wisely
Some people are roadmap virtuosos; others couldn’t find north with a compass. On the other hand, a born navigator might be pretty lousy at finding the best place to crash or managing the mix CDs. Make sure each person gets a task that suits them best.

Join AAA
Most rental car companies offer roadside assistance, but if you’re using your own wheels, make sure you’ve got someone to call for help if needed. The American Automobile Association (AAA) also offers other perks like hotel discounts, free maps, and insurance, so they’re a great bet even if you do get a rental.

Know When to Put the Brakes On
Okay, this might be another motherism, but for gosh sakes, please stop when you’re too tired to keep going. I know your cousin’s house is just 78 miles away, but doling out $45 for a highway motel beats risking your safety, and that of your acquaintances, any day. Besides, you never know what interesting sights you might find in your pit-stop place of choice come morning.

It’s Christmas Time Again

Put your problems on probation
Run your troubles off the track,
Throw your worries out the window
Get the monkeys off your back.
Silence all your inner critics
With your conscience make amends,
And allow yourself some happiness
It’s Christmas time again!

Call a truce with those who bother you
Let all the fighting cease,
Give your differences a breather
And declare a time of peace,
Don’t let angry feelings taint
The precious time you have to spend,
And allow yourself some happiness
It’s Christmas time again!

Like some cool refreshing water
Or a gentle summer breeze,
Like a fresh bouquet of flowers
Or the smell of autumn leaves,
It’s a banquet for the spirit
Filled with family, food and friends,
So allow yourself some happiness
It’s Christmas time again!

by Bob Lazzar-Atwood

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Carefreetrip.com!

New Mexico past and future

New Mexico is rich in old mining, ranching and railroading towns. The ghosts of Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, John Chisum, and even Pancho Villa, all famous (or infamous) figures in New Mexico history, can be felt in many of the towns. Visitors can travel to these old places on the state’s beautiful scenic byways, stopping at one (or several) of New Mexico’s national and state parks and monuments along the way. There are dormant volcanoes, ancient lava flows, ice caves, fossil sites, archeological digs, and unique geology throughout New Mexico, just waiting to be explored.

But New Mexico isn’t all about the past. New Mexico continues to be on the leading edge of new science and technology. The state is home to Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, the Very Large Array, and several observatories. The clear night sky offers an amazing view of the stars. Speaking of stars, New Mexico will soon be the launch pad to them. The new Spaceport America is a visionary project many years in the making. New Mexico’s weather and wide-open spaces have been ideal for the aerospace industry since Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocketry, began conducting research in Roswell in the 1930s. He was followed by Wernher von Braun in the 1940s, and NASA in the 1980s. With the founding of Space Port America, the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, New Mexico stands on the brink of the new space age.

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, located in Northern Utah, is a byway for all seasons. Any day of the year entices you to immerse yourself in scenic splendor. Let the inviting canyon envelop you as you pass the Forest Service station just outside downtown Logan City. Travel down the hill at First Dam as the towering mountains greet you on both sides. Nature crouches around your car as you travel the narrow road and watch the undulating patterns of nature unfold.

Beaver Mountain Ski Resort

In the winter Logan Canyon offers respite and refreshment to the pent-up spirit. Enjoy Beaver Mountain just 30 minutes from the city of Logan and ski or snowboard its quaint slopes. Also in the canyon, the Sinks offer outstanding snowmobiling. Elsewhere, dozens of trails await back country skiers and snowshoers. For all winter lovers, the sun-reflecting white scene, intermingled with dark green pines, is exquisite

Green spring and the gurgling river lure winter prisoners from their homes. Come enjoy the kayaking and rock climbing along the byway. As the snow melts and earth dries, add hiking and mountain biking to the list of things to do. For awesome views, hike The Wind Caves or the Crimson Trail; to see the oldest living tree in Utah, try the Juniper Trail.

Hiking on Blind Hollow Trail

To escape the valley heat during the summer, don’t miss fishing on the Logan River or camping at Tony’s Grove. Visit Bear Lake where you can swim, sail, or boat. Its bright blue waters are inviting even to those shy of water.

Right Hand Fork in Logan Canyon in the Fall

The fall comes gracefully to Logan Canyon. Natural “fires” will delight your eyes in amazing, still fireworks of exploding colors of red, orange, and yellow. The weather cools but hiking and biking is still enjoyable. Afterwards, feast on a barbecued meal and marshmallow roast at Third Dam, beside the placid, retained waters of the Logan River.

With the waning fall and short-lived bright colors come winter snows and the pattern of seasons is repeated. Yet each canyon visit is different. Every touch with nature in Logan Canyon is unique and savory. Try a taste today, along the beaten path, but not far from the seemingly untouched wilderness.

Best personalized car service in Las Vegas!

Recently I have been going to Las Vegas more on business than ever before. As many business travelers, I get tired of trying to find safe, reliable transportation in areas I may not be very familiar with. Recently I went to Las Vegas and had the WORST cab ride in my entire career – even worse than my cab ride in New Jersey. Then I received an excellent tip from the JW Marriott to use Personal Sedan Services – best travel tip for Las Vegas yet!

Personal Sedan Services boasts that their goal is to provide the smoothest experience, whether you are going to or being picked up from the airport, need stylish transportation for your wedding events, conventions or trade shows – they deliver!

Their cars are amazingly clean! You feel like you just stepped into your own clean car. My driver was the best! Frank helped me with my bags, provided EXCELLENT recommendations for entertainment and dinner, and best of all was NICE! Because of the excellent service I received, I will be using Personal Sedan Services every time I visit Las Vegas. I have forwarded this blog post to their corporate office in hopes that Frank gets the appropriate recognition he deserves!

Whether you are going to the airport, entertaining corporate clients, planning a special event, or taking a tour especially planned for you and your guests, you will travel in luxurious comfort and safety in Personal Sedan Services fleet. Thank you Personal Sedan Services! Thank you Frank for your excellent advise on where to go and what to see as well as providing EXCELLENT customer service!

Carefreetrip.com gives Personal Sedan Services out of 5 suitcases!

I will see you again in November, when I visit the amazing Las Vegas again!

Eurostar makes travel easier

The Eurostar operating between London and Paris/Brussels is now a firm favorite with European Rail travelers taking passengers at speeds of up to 300km/186mph. The travel time between London and the continent has been continually reduced over recent years and now takes just 2 hours to Brussels and 2 hours 15 minutes to Paris since the launch of Britain’s high speed network and the move to London St Pancras in November 2007. A wide range of fares and schedules are available at discounted rates to European rail pass holders, so that you can tailor your ticket to your specific needs.

• The Eurostar service runs 17 daily services to Paris and 10 to Brussels
• Tickets can be booked up to 120 days in advance of travel
• You are normally required to check in at least 20 minutes prior to the Eurostar train’s departure.
• Less well known is that the Eurostar trains also serve Kent via the established Ashford International station and now the new Ebbsfleet International station, Calais-Frethun, Lille-Europe and Disneyland Paris, with additional services to the Alpine towns of Moutiers and Bourg St. Maurice in the ski season.
• The Eurostar offers passengers three different service standards: Premium First (London-Paris only, with a special carriage and superior service); first class (this includes complimentary food and drinks during your journey); and standard class.

The fares you are quoted will also include the price of the mandatory reservation you will need. A full buffet service and licensed bar operates on each train and all stations served by the route offer comprehensive catering and other facilities.

It was the ever-increasing traffic through London’s airports and associated problems of air and noise pollution which plagued the city, which was a driving force behind the introduction of the Eurostar service. Though troubled by initial teething problems, the Eurostar service is clearly coming into its own offering a highly efficient alternative to the environmentally damaging route by air, to the very heart of Europe. The service currently commands over 70% of the London to Paris route and 65% of the London to Brussels route.