Instant Native Travel

If you’re heading out on the road for Labor Day weekend you’ve probably already heard that gas is going to be cheaper this week.  Well I haven’t seen it.  In fact gas where I am has gone up 2 – 4 cents in the past 24 hours alone.  Looking for cheap gas?  Try GasBuddy.com.  I use it as an app on my iPhone, but if you have a computer and a wireless connection you can avail yourselves as well.   Have a safe and happy holiday weekend everyone!

When you think of stunning national parks you usually think of things like Yosemite or Yellowstone.  What you don’t think of is El Yunque national rain forest in Puerto Rico.  As a U.S. Territory, Puerto Rico is actually a part of the national park system.  El Yunque, the gem in their crown, is a beautiful place full of colorful flowers and wildlife.  Stop by the visitors center to see the movie before you check out the park.  Then spend your afternoon hiking, splashing around under waterfalls or climbing the tower and getting a bird’s eye view of the rain forest.  It’s truly a one of a kind place.

A friend was showing me his iPad the other day and as much as I was mesmerized by it’s glossy finish I was even more fascinated by it’s case.  I’ve been researching iPad cases practically since the day iPads were released.  I figure once I’d identified the perfect case I’d buy myself an iPad.  Maware’s Eco-View case is the one.  You can set it up like an easel, hold it on your hand (via a strap on the back), use it to type or just flip it open like a book.  It’s made of leather and lined with suede, so it looks and feels luxe.  It’s $54.99 online or you can pick one up at the airport.

We’ve all used this slang, usually when we’re seated next to a crying infant on an airplane.  It’s most fliers worst fear.  Now it’s out in the media.  There was talk last week about establishing a family’s only section on airplanes. Personally I’m of two minds on the subject.  One the one hand parents can’t really “control” their children.  Kids are kids, they make noise and get bored on flights.  On the other hand if I’m paying hundreds of dollars in airfare I’d really like a quiet, restful flight.

Carriers think it’s a terrible idea because they have no clue how many families will be on each flight.  I’m curious though if they’ll change their minds and view it as a revenue generator.  Would you pay extra for a seat away from families?  You may soon be asked that question.

Two words, Stillwater Spa.  Located at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort it’s as beautiful outside as it is in.  A serene spot to relax and let your cares simply float away.  Just look at that picture above and tell me it doesn’t look like Nirvana.

You never know when you’re making a memory.

~ Rickie Lee Jones

Every hotel I’ve stayed in to recently has demanded my picture i.d. at check-in.  Specifically my drivers license.  The problem here is that if they see my drivers license then they know my address and can steal my identity.  How to solve this dilemma?  Show them your passport instead which doesn’t broadcast your address.  It’s legal i.d. in the U.S. and can’t be refused.  Sure it confuses desk clerks, but it keeps you secure.

When you head to San Francisco there are so many things to see ~ Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building, the DeYoung Museum. It’s easy to overlook the less well known attractions. Especially the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Hidden behind huge doors it is a beautifully manicured zen garden with a tea house at it’s center.  With Fall approaching it’s the perfect time to plan a visit.  The weather will be warm and the trees are turning amazing colors.  It’s a photo opportunity not to be missed.

The one thing I’m always on the lookout for a is a crossbody bag that’s small, stylish and safe.  Bric’s X-bag fits all of my requirements.  I love the color and the size.  It’s packable, lightweight and Italian which means so stylish it doesn’t look like ‘travel wear’.  I love it.  Sure the $65 price tag is bit steep, but I’ve paid more for bags I’ve loved less.  I think this will be my quintessential Fall accessory.

I found an article online this morning that reports that as many as 1 in 4 men takes a stuffed animal to sleep with when traveling. Women do it too. I guess if I was a business traveling road warrior I might do it as well. I mean you’re away from home, in a strange room with no one for company. Maybe the animal is just a comfort, a reminder of loved ones left behind. I do know that I’ve been with folks who were traveling with childhood stuffed animals.  Myself I don’t sleep with a stuffed animal, but I do have to cop to the fact that I have a couple on the dash of my car. Our cross country roadtrip demanded mascots, that’s them on the left.