Travel Blog

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.

Though it’s always advised to leave extra room in your suitcase when traveling should you return home with a souvenir or two, this suggestion is especially relevant around this time of year. With some of the best Black Friday deals expected, November 26, 2010 is sure to leave some of you wondering how you’re going to get all your new merchandise back home. For those who are traveling this week and plan to take advantage of Black Friday deals, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Leave Room in Your Suitcase. Or Bring An Empty One.

This is a no brainer, yet so many travelers are forced to be cautious about what they purchase or worse, purchase something that they end up having to leave behind. If possible, bring an empty duffel bag. Or Three. Just don’t bring so many that your baggage fees end up costing more than what you saved.

2. Be Mindful of What You Purchase.

A puffy parka might not squeeze into your suitcase so easily. Neither will anything that comes in a large and/or oddly-shaped box. Since your space is limited (unless you brought the three extra duffle bags, of course), focus on items that are flat and relatively small. If you purchase something which comes in a box that is considerably larger than the product itself, remove the product from its box and package it in soft clothing or bubble wrap.

3. If All Else Fails, Mail.

If you end up buying way more than you anticipated, find the nearest Post Office – the concierge can help with this – and mail your items home. It’ll probably cost less than checking another bag anyway.

Thanksgiving is only a week away. And if you plan on traveling next week, you can expect one helluvah experience at the airport (hey, we’re just being honest). Lines will be long, parking will be nearly impossible, and people are going to be cranky. Unfortunately, this is something you must get through in order to arrive at your turkey-filled destination. So rather than dreading it, we urge you to come up with a Pre-Thanksgiving Airport Plan. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

1. When do I need to leave my house in order to arrive at the airport on time? The general rule has always been to arrive at the airport two hours in advance. During this time of year, we’d suggest three (better safe than sorry!). Add on to that the travel time from your house, plus one more hour for mishaps like traffic or forgetting something and having to turn around.

2. Aside from my checked luggage, what will I need to bring with me and what will I carry it in? DO NOT LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT A PHOTO ID. WE REPEAT, DO NOT LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT A PHOTO ID. Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents with you, and make sure they are easily accessible. We’re not sure if we’d go as far as to recommend wearing a fanny pack, but a bag or purse of a similar fashion will make your life easier when it comes to presenting your travel documents. It will also make the lives of everyone around you easier, as fumbling for your ID when it’s finally your turn can significantly hold up the line. Did we mention people will be cranky?

3. What can I bring with me that will make the whole experience a bit more bearable? Snacks, iPod, laptop, etc. Anything to take your mind off of how long you’ve been waiting to get on that damn plane.

While this by no means represents a comprehensive strategy for arriving at the gate with 10 minutes to spare, it’s a great start.

By now, you’ve no doubt heard about the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton. What does this have to do with travel, you ask? After reading this post from USAToday’s Cruise Log about whether or not the newly-engaged couple will go on a cruise for their honeymoon, we came up with a suggestion of our own.

Will and Kate, if a honeymoon at sea is in fact in your future, we recommend Norwegian’s 14-night Mediterranean cruise on the Norwegian Jade. The itinerary is as follows:

Day 1: Venice, Italy

Day 2: At Sea

Day 3: Corfu, Greece

Day 4: Santorini, Greece

Day 5: Mykonos, Greece

Day 6: Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

Day 7: At Sea

Day 8: Venice, Italy

Day 9: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 10: At Sea

Day 11: Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Day 12: Izmir, Turkey

Day 13: At Sea

Day 14: Split, Croatia

Day 15: Venice, Italy

Why do we think this cruise is perfect for a royal honeymoon? Besides the phenomenal itinerary, we think Will & Kate will feel right at home in the ship’s 3-bedroom Garden Villa (above), complete with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open up to a 1035-square-foot balcony, a living room, dining room, 3 separate bedrooms, and a private luxury bath with whirlpool tub. Oh, and don’t forget the butler service and access to the exclusive concierge lounge and private courtyard area (below) with pool, hot tub and sundeck.

When the newlyweds become hungry, they’ll have 12 dining options to choose from, including a steak house, a sushi bar, and a gourmet French restaurant. In between dining, the couple can enjoy a walk through the ship’s art gallery, shop at the Galleria Boutiques, or perhaps relax side-by-side at the Ying & Yang Health Spa & Beauty Salon.

What’s your recommendation for William and Kate’s honeymoon? Do you agree with our suggestion?

In most instances, your selected hotel room is merely a place to sleep at night. But some hotels just won’t settle for that. Instead, these hotels transform their accommodations into some of the coolest themed rooms you’ve ever seen. These are our favorites:

1. The “007” Suite at Hotel Seven in Paris, France

Aside from the usual amenities, this retro-chic accommodation features a gold toilet and every 007 film ever made.

2. The Divas Room at The Palms Retro in Atlantic Beach, Florida

The room itself is pretty basic, but the divas adorning each wall are really something special: Marilyn Monroe, Bridget Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, and Jayne Mansfield.

3. The New York Central Park Room at Wildwood Inn in Florence, Kentucky

The in-room balcony is perfect for taking in the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline – which is painted on the walls, of course.