Angry with Airtran

Thank you Airtran for not allowing me to travel today and making me have to reschedule ALL my plans because you not only had a delayed flight but had no alternate flights to get me to my destination. Thank you for also having a rude staff who did more telling me what they could NOT do than what they COULD do to get me to my destination.
And finally when I said rebook me the young man kept asking if I wanted a refund. Can't be good for business if your employees are giving back money and their service leaves your customers bitter and not wanting to ever rebook with you again. Its always worth it to me to pay more upfront for good service later and better yet to get to my destination ON TIME!

Fun Travel Finds – Travel Journal

Another one of my favorite travel finds is my travel journal. There was a time where I was constantly trying to remember what year I went where. My trips were all started to blur together. Not only does my journal help me stay organized but it helps me remember some details I would otherwise forget.

The Amazing Race Season 17

I’ve been trying to watch this show for several seasons now. Why did I say trying? I’ll explain that. First let me start off with why this show should be right up my alley. The travel! I can see some really exciting towns and cities right in my living room. I make some trip plans from this show as well. Even though the contestants are ‘racing’ to complete a challenge they still see a lot of great sights.

Now to why I have to try to watch this show.

Travel Movie Friday

Ferris Bueller's Day Off: Not only is this a classic, but it is a great reminder of all the things available in a major city near you. Probably things you haven't ever done or haven't visited in years.

Have a great weekend.

My Version of Route 66 drive.

We changed things up a bit from the actual route because we have family and friends along the way.

My husband and I did this drive and really loved it. Below are our stops.

Travel Movie Friday

Forgetting Sarah Marshall: I LOVE, love, love this movie. Not only is it funny but you will be booking a trip to Turtle Bay when you’re done.

Have a great weekend.

Fun Travel Finds – Passport Cover

Why was this find was so exciting for me?

Be on your best behavior, hotels to blacklist guest

This is interesting.

This will NOT fly… Literally

In addition to the normal discomforts of airline travel its interesting that a company would create a product to make seats more uncomfortable.

Favorite Hotels: The Pelican Miami

Yes green is my favorite color but read on to see why this hotel made the list?

Travel Movie Friday

The Darjeeling Limited – Great cast, will make you want to take a trip on a train!

Green Travel

One of my 2009 resolutions (yes I do those) was to “go green-er”. I really just made my habits more consistent and permanent.

One of the biggest challenges is staying green while traveling. The fuel it takes to fly or drive to a destination, along with the water and electricity used during a hotel stay made me look at what I can do better.

Beyond the tips and tricks I’ve found, I try to stay with friends and family whenever possible. No, it’s not just for the cost savings since I really enjoying having my own space.

What tricks do you try? If none will you start?

Destination Wedding

I would have never thought this but I found the perfect dress at Nordstrom.com. Nordstrom's great return policy also takes the stress out of ordering for a website. More exciting is that a few months later I saw it on the red carpet in purple!
Most stores carried dresses that were just not right (in my opinion and for what I wanted) for the beach.

When it comes time to travel, Do NOT check the dress. I’m not saying anything will happen to it. Just the peace of mind of having it with you far outweighs the convenience of having someone else handle your bags.

Friday Movie

A Perfect Getaway – A thriller that will inspire the adventure traveler in you.

Travel Websites

I’ve used Tripadvisor, Kayak/Sidestep, Expedia, Priceline and Travelocity.
My favorites:
#1) – Tripadvisor (my username is Oaklay18 if you want to see my reviews)
I will NOT go to a hotel or a city without first going to Tripadvisor. I LOVE the candid photos more than anything. Why? Because hotels use highlight the best features of their lobby, rooms etc. My concern is, does the room look the same in a picture when taken with a digital camera?
Also hotels tend to post pictures of their suites which can be more modern, larger and in general nicer than a standard room.

#2) Kayak/Sidestep
Its quick, it’s easy and you know you’ve found the best price for a flight.

#3) Priceline
I love the name your price feature. I typically use this for rental cars and have gotten the best rental car deals through this site.

What are your favorite sites?