All national parks free during National Parks Week!

by Kraig Becker on

The National Park Service invites everyone to “come visit” during National Parks Week, which runs from April 17th to the 25th. To entice visitors to further take advantage of “America’s best idea’, they are waiving entry fees to all 392 parks in the system, making it easier than ever to enjoy springtime in the country’s most scenic places.

In addition to the fee free week, many of the parks will also be hosting a number of special events as well. For instance, Minute Man National Historic Park in Massachussetts will be the site of a reenactment of the opening battle of the Revolutionary War, while Fire Island National Seashore in New York will offer a 2.5 mile guided hike past the famous lighthouse there. And on Saturday, April 24th, dozens of parks will have a special event just for the kids, with National Junior Day Ranger Day giving them the opportunity to earn their ranger patch!

the celebration doesn’t end with the parks themselves however, as a number of the parks’ concessioners are also getting in on the fun, offering their own deals for the week. For example, the Furnace Cree Resort in Death Valley National Park is offering a a 2 for $20 dale on their special organic t-shirts, while other resorts are offering specials on accommodations, food, and other items.

So, enjoy the week. Visit your favorite parks. You certainly can’t beat the price!

Daily Pampering: All your private aviation needs in one place

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The fragmented private jet market is coming together, making it much easier for you to satisfy your needs in this space. For travelers who use a variety of different private options, it’s no longer necessary to establish relationships with a number of companies. Now, you can just work with Flexjet. With Skyjet fully integrated into Flexjet, you can now get everything a full spectrum of travel options in one place – including charter brokerage services (Skyjet), aircraft maintenance, jet cards and fractional ownership.

“Flexibility isn’t just in our name, it’s in our DNA.” said Fred Reid, President, Flexjet. “With these recent enhancements to our business model, Flexjet has firmly established itself as the only business aviation company ready to meet travelers’ challenges with a truly complete set of customizable options.”

Want to see what’s available? Head over to Flexjet’s newly redesigned website an check out photo galleries of the fleet, which includes the Learjet 40 XR, Learjet 45 XR, Learjet 60 XR, Challenger 300 and Challenger 605 business jets. I hope you like ’em yong – the average age of these planes is only around three years.

Want more? Get your dose of Daily Pampering right here.

Renaissance Hotels let the kids pamper mom with a pancake playdate

by Scott Carmichael on

Renaissance Hotels wins my prize for the most creative Mothers Day promotion this year (and yes – we get emailed a lot of them!). On Sunday May 9th, participating Renaissance properties will open up their kitchens just for kids – and the hotel chef will guide your little ones through the art of making the perfect pancake.

Prices for this pancake brunch start at just $25, and kids can make mom the perfect pancake using their imagination or one of the specialty pancakes on offer around the chain.

In Boston, the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel bakes seasoned bacon fat into the batter to complement the Lobster Benedict.

In Washington D.C. kids can cook up a batch of organic buckwheat short stacks – with local Tuscarora Farm apple compote and McCutcheon’s wildflower honey.

By far the best sounding creation will be served at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach with Tres Leche pancakes, featuring caramelized bananas.

Of course, the best way to pamper mom is with a stay at a Renaissance, so head on over to their reservation site. Just be sure to check with the property of your choice whether they will be offering the pancake playdate.

Check out our other Mothers Day coverage here.

Senator duo working to ban Spirit Airlines carry-on bag fees

by Scott Carmichael on


The clip of Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza reporting from an overhead luggage bin suddenly makes sense – his plan to introduce carry-on bag fees has reached two senators, who are outraged over the proposal. So outraged in fact, that they are drafting legislation that will prohibit airlines from charging for bringing bags on board.

Senators Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) have created the Cardin-Landrieu Free of Fees for Carry-On Act. The bill covers the following:

  • Prohibits each air carrier operating in the United States from charging any fees for carry-on baggage that falls within the restrictions imposed by the air carrier with respect to the weight, size, or number of bags;
  • Requires each such air carrier to make detailed information about restrictions with respect to the weight, size, and number of carry-on baggage available to passengers before they arrive at the airport for a scheduled departure on the air carrier;
  • Requires each such air carrier to make available to the public and to the Secretary a list of all passenger fees and charges (other than airfare) that may be imposed by the air carrier.

Kudos to these senators for working on behalf of travelers. Of course, the bill is still in such an early stage that it is hard to determine how much support it will get.

3 Innovative Reusable Water Bottles

by Amy Chen on

Earth Day may be next week, but being eco-conscious has become a year-round trend.

When it comes to being green, here are three water-bottle designers that are breaking the mold without breaking the bank.

Bobble
This bulbous-looking water bottle comes with a built-in filter that should be changed every few months. Made with recycled plastic, the BPA-free Bobble never spilled in my bag even after sloshing around for a week. The filter also makes filling up at the airport water fountain seem just a little less distasteful.
Price: $9.95; replacement filters cost $6.95 each.
Where to Buy: This brand-new bottle is currently shipping to major retailers (including JCPenney, Whole Foods, and Barnes & Noble) and should start appearing on store shelves in the next month or so. You can also order it now from www.waterbobble.com; add from $3.95 for shipping and handling.

Vapur
This BPA-free Vapur resembles a Capri Sun drink pouch more than a water bottle. The lightweight, collapsible design means you can flatten it, fold it, or roll it up when it’s empty. The so-called “anti-bottle” can also be frozen, tossed in the dishwasher, and generally squashed.
Price: $8.95
Where to Buy: www.vapur.us; add from $4.45 for shipping and handling. Flight 001 also carries the Vapur for $10, but it’s so popular that it’s often out of stock.

Hydro Flask
The Hydro Flask looks like a typical stainless steel water bottle, but the unique insulated double wall means you can pour hot or cold liquids inside. The sweat-proof design also keeps your bag from getting soaked from any condensation.
Price: From $23.99
Where to Buy: Check www.hydroflask.com for a list of stores; for online orders, add from about $9 for UPS Ground shipping.

Al Gore would be so proud.

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