AirTran expands service to Columbus offering another way south

by Jamie Rhein on

Finally, a less expensive airline has decided that Columbus has a gaping hole to fill–two in fact. After first Skybus and then Jet Blue pulled out of Columbus, and other carriers cut down their service, the options for heading out of Columbus have become more expensive and less frequent.

AirTran Airways’ non-stop flights to Ft. Meyers, Orlando and Atlanta that began this week are an answer to people who want to get out of central Ohio for warmer climates, or to visit their relatives who have moved south. I know a few people who were disappointed with Skybus’s demise because their options for visiting loved ones on a regular basis had ended. There are several other flights to other destinations, but those require a plane change in Atlanta.

Unlike Skybus, that fair weather airline that overextended itself, AirTran’s reputation is one of a cautious, steady airline that is not likely to leave Columbus in the lurch.

AirTran is not one to offer less expensive seats and then charge people for every little item either. The first checked bag is free. The second costs $25. Flights also have complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Hooray!

Another detail I noticed is that the airlines seems to understand that Columbus has something to offer people looking for an affordable getaway. The AirTran Airways’ Website page for Columbus has a photo of one of Columbus’s gems–the Columbus Museum of Art, for example and there is also a link to Columbus’s GoGuide that lists where to sight see, shop and eat. I second the recommendations.

More on Caribbean travel

by Jamie Rhein on

This Sunday’s Columbus Dispatch travel section is devoted to Caribbean travel. With this morning’s post on Caribbean vacations, written before the Sunday paper arrived on my front porch, I’m wondering if I’m getting a message.

One article, “Caribbean offers comfort for less cash” by David Swanson points out an option not mentioned in today’s earlier post–Tobago. After reading about all of Tobago’s high points, I’m hesitant to let the word out because, frankly, I want the bargains to be there when I show up.

Here’s why Tobago sounds fantastic:

  • the oldest forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere
  • more than 200 species of birds for birdwatching (tour suggestions are given)
  • plentiful water sports
  • beaches tucked back in coves
  • several less expensive lodging options than some other Caribbean destinations.
  • great food at affordable prices

In the same article, Swanson outlines other Caribbean deals, including Mexico.

  • Playa del Carmen, Mexico is offered up as a lively, urban option that includes a beach.
  • Negril, Jamaica is a place to head for rock cliffs and plentiful lodging options (but avoid spring break).
  • Samana Peninsula, Dominican Republic has whale watching from mid-January to mid-March.
  • Bermuda, although technically not in the Caribbean, this island becomes cheaper in the winter starting this month. Although, the temperatures are cooler, the beauty is the same and activities like golfing cost substantially less money than during high season.

At the moment, the link to that article is not available but another feature article in the travel section touts the wonders of St. John.

According to Steve Stephens, even though St. John has undergone a boom in tourism development, ecological preservation has been a top priority. Virgin Islands Nationa Park makes up “two-thirds of the island.”

Photo of the Day (11.09.08)

by Jeremy Kressmann on

Sorting through our pool today, I found my eye particularly attracted to this photo by jamescapstone. James was in Bangkok when he took this shot of a local temple. I love the perspective – by shooting this from down low, James was able to make the temple tower and stretch up above our field of view. It looks downright otherworldly doesn’t it? I’m curious if this is some kind of camera lens trick. Way to go James…thanks for the photo.

Have any amazing photos of temples in Thailand? Or even a cathedral in Corsica? Add them to the Gadling photo pool on Flickr. We might just pick it as our Photo of the Day.

Kensington 3-in-1 review – power it, charge it, lock it

by Scott Carmichael on

In this product review, I’m going to give you a brief look at three new products from Kensington. Each of these three products has been designed with travelers in mind, and will certainly benefit you on the road.

The three products are:

  • Portable power outlet
  • MicroSaver keyed retractable lock
  • Travel plug adapter with USB charger

Portable power outlet

The Kensington portable power outlet is as the name implies, a portable power outlet.

The device is about 4″x3″ and has a 17″ grounded power cord designed to wrap around the unit itself for storage.

The device splits into 3 separate grounded outlets (one on the front, 2 on the rear) as well as two USB charger ports.

The power outlet even features an integrated surge protector with auto power shutdown and a fault indicator light.

The portable power outlet costs $24.99.

MicroSaver keyed retractable lock

The MicroSaver keyed retractable lock is a tiny notebook lock with a 4 foot retracting steel cable.

To lock your laptop, you simply extend the cable, loop it around something sturdy and use the Kensington lock port on your computer to lock things in place.

Of course, locks like this won’t provide you with 100% protection, but they certainly can delay thieves from removing your laptop. The lock comes with 2 keys and when you are not using it, the lock portion fits snugly inside the unit.

The MicroSaver keyed retractable lock costs $34.99

Travel plug adapter with USB charger

The Kensington travel plug adapter with USB charger is an ingenious little device.

The main unit features 4 different sets of retractable prongs, for various countries around the world. In total, these 4 sets of prongs allow the device to work in over 150 different countries.

Inside the device is a fuse, which should help protect you from overloading the circuits and plunging an entire floor of hotel rooms into total darkness.

The prongs lock in place when extended, and can retracted by pushing a button on the side.

What makes the travel plug adapter special though, is its ability to turn into an international USB charger. By removing the top portion of the adapter and replacing it with the included USB charger, you suddenly have a charger capable of working almost anywhere in the world. Unlike other international USB chargers, this one does not require you to carry a bag full of plug adapters along with you.

The travel plug adapter with USB charger costs $29.99.

Interested in the Caribbean? Comprehensive list with of where to head

by Jamie Rhein on

I don’t know about you, but this time of year when the sky is slate gray more often then it’s sunny, and the leaves have dropped from the trees like rain, I start thinking about warmer pastures. “Let’s get out of Dodge,” I say. Not really, but that’s what I fantasize.

The Caribbean has been an appealing option since a couple of years ago a friend asked me if I wanted to go to Costa Rica. Although, Costa Rica isn’t part of the Caribbean scene exactly, it got me thinking about that part of the world. Our trip didn’t work out and remains unfinished business. This article in The New York Times offers oodles of option ideas for a Caribbean vacation from the pricey to the not so bad. Now, I’m thinking again.

One of the reasons for the Caribbean travel deals is the beating that the weather gave to the area this year. The financial meltdown is another. Just like Las Vegas has become cheaper in order to draw tourists, so has the Caribbean.

The article touts Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman Island, Grenada, Martinique, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Marten, St. Kitts, St. John, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos and Tobago.

Each destination has a different appeal depending on what you’re after.

Curaçao’s newest resort to open since the 1990s caught my eye because it was developed to be part of the 19th century Rif Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The room rates at the Renaissance Curaçao Resort and Casino are above what we’d spend, but maybe there are cheaper hotels on the island. My adage is stay cheaper and pop over to the more expensive place for drinks, a meal and browsing.

There are cheaper digs elsewhere. One less expensive family option is The Virgin Island Campground on Water Island for $75 a night.

Reading the article is one way to get your mind wandering. Along with the places to stay suggestions are dive shops and restaurants. I’d use the article as a starting point and then see what else you can find by doing some research yourself. [The photo is of Honey Moon Beach at Water Island. You might be in competition with me if you chose this place.]