Travel Blog

Travelers say the darnedest things. From requesting a luxury suite for the dog, to asking hotel staff to quiet the sound of the sea, there’s no shortage of entertaining stories, questions, and requests from the world of travel.

A member of the Discount Hotels team recently returned from a Caribbean cruise where one of the evening entertainment options was a comedy show in which the comedian addressed some of the most outrageous questions and concerns he’d encountered while working on a cruise ship. Read on for the three most hilarious questions (including the comedian’s responses) from cruise passengers:

1. Has this ship ever sunk? Just once.

2. Is something wrong with the microwave in my stateroom? My food isn’t getting any warmer. That’s because your “microwave” is actually a safe.

3. Does the crew go home at night? What did you think the helicopter pad was for?

Today marks the grand opening of Montage Deer Valley Resort, and we must admit – we’re quite excited. This exquisite property, opening just in time for the winter ski season, is perfectly located in Park City, Utah, just a 40 minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport. So what’s all the fuss about? Here are the three things we like most about this brand new luxury resort:

The Ski-In/Ski-out Access

With three high-speed chairlifts just outside the resort’s front door, Montage Deer Valley Resort provides phenomenal ski-in/ski-out access to the ski area that has been ranked #1 by SKI Magazine for 4 consecutive years

The Stunning Guestrooms

All 154 guestrooms and 66 suites feature an in-room fireplace, picturesque views of Deer Valley, and (our favorite) baths with heated limestone floors.

Their Commitment to Sustainability

Thinking “green” from the start, Montage Deer Valley Resort is committed to sustainable principles that help reduce its overall carbon footprint. A LEED Certified property, the resort even has a Director of Sustainability on staff.

If you’re planning on taking a ski trip this winter season, you no doubt already know the basics of what you need to bring with you (jacket, boots, gloves, etc.) But what about those easy-to-forget items that, when forgotten, can turn your winter wonderland escape into a cold, uncomfortable experience? Between the high altitudes, whipping winds, below-freezing temperatures, and physically draining activities, the following items should accompany skiers of all levels on their winter ski vacation:

1. Lip Balm with SPF, for dry or burnt lips from those long days under the winter sun

2. Aloe Vera Lotion, for dry or cracked skin that has been exposed to the harsh weather

3. Sunglasses, for blocking your eyes from the sun and/or snowflakes

4. Sun screen, because you don’t have to be in the Caribbean to get sunburn

5. Hand Warmers, so you don’t feel like your fingers are going to fall off

6. Walkie Talkies, because cell phone reception is often weak up in the mountains

7. A Whistle, so you can signal for help if you cannot be seen

Haven’t booked your winter ski vacation yet? Save on trips to Colorado, Utah, Lake Tahoe, & more at our Powder-ful Ski Sale, now through January 31, 2011.

1. Mini Travel Power Strip, $17

2. Travel Coffee Cup Holder, $15 (left)

3. Alpine FlyFit Flying Earplugs, $13

4. Lights Out Sleep Mask, $11

5. Initial Luggage Tags, $13 (right)

6. A $25 Gift Certificate from Restaurant.com, $10

7. Fun Passport Covers, $5

8. Eagle Creek Travel Gear Comfort Travel Pillow, $18

9. PicTranslator iPhone App, $5

10. Master Lock Mini Safe, $8 (left)

Gate 1 Travel recently announced their annual prediction of top tourist destinations for 2011 (listed below). Readers, do you agree with their predictions? Which destination are YOU most likely to visit?

In an increasingly digital world, the real-life establishments that incorporate digital elements into their business are the ones that stay afloat. This is becoming more and more important in the hospitality industry, as hotels begin to add hi-tech amenities from in-room iPads to facial recognition systems. If you expect the latest in digital at your next hotel stay, read on for our picks of the top hi-tech hotels.

1. Aria Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, NV
No hotel even comes close to Aria in the technology arena. They start with the basics – an iPhone dock in all guestrooms. Then they kick it up a notch with key cards that can sense when you’re approaching your room and unlock the door in advance. The grand finale? Smart rooms that turn on the lights and part the curtains upon entry. There’s even a “good night” button by the bed that turns off the lights, closes the shades, and enables the do-not-disturb sign.

2. Hilton Americas – Houston, TX
This Hilton hotel makes the list because of their newly installed surveillance camera network that does so much more than provide tighter security. Used for providing guests with better customer service, the surveillance technology allows staff to locate lost guests or their possessions with the system’s advanced facial color directional and object search capabilities. The system can also alert staff to the arrival of certain guests, again using the facial recognition system.

3. Epic Hotel – Miami, FL

The desktop PC in all guestrooms is a major perk at this Miami hotel, but we really like the illuminated do-not-disturb sign and “make up room” indicators, easily activated by the push of a button. There’s also a virtual concierge, so to speak, in the lobby – a touchscreen computer for looking up maps, sporting events, and local restaurants.