Take a swing at Antigua Tennis Week

by Tom Johansmeyer on

For the fourth year in a row, Curtain Bluff will be home to Antigua Tennis Week. For seven days, you can enjoy a tennis-filled getaway at this fantastic all-inclusive resort. The package includes stroke and strategy clinics with the pros, free court time on Curtain Bluff’s four courts (including balls and rackets) and the chance to participate in Pro-Am tournaments, exhibitions and lessons. Aside from tennis, you’ll also get to enjoy the resort’s other amenities, SCUBA diving, deep sea fishing and reef snorkeling. Of course, meals and drinks are included. Rates start at $745 a night for a deluxe room with an ocean view.

If you like to spend time on the court or have a second serve to be feared, this is a great chance to play some tennis in a location that just can’t be beat.

Read our previous coverage of Curtain Bluff.

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Daily Pampering: Hit the Monte Carlo Grand Prix in style

by Tom Johansmeyer on

There is no place in the world that oozes conspicuous wealth quite like Monte Carlo. And, when the drivers start their engines for the Monaco Grand Prix,this tiny country is electrified, with the wealthy coming to play during one of the most popular events of the year. Want to count yourself among them? The Fairmont Monte Carlo has some great packages that will appeal to the affluent, making your experience more than just a day at the races.

This year, the hairpin bend in the track being officially renamed the “Fairmont Hairpin” … for a reason. Enjoy the action at this tricky spot from the comfort of the hotel, while sipping champagne in a suite and avoiding the crowds below. Or, you can take in the race from the 200 VIP stadium seats that the Fairmont is installing on its roof, offering the highest views of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

Make the most of your trip to Monte Carlo with one of the Fairmont’s F1 packages, available from May 12 – 16, 2010. Rates start at €4,800 and include buffet breakfast, rooftop access, welcome amenities and in-house Grand Prix activities.

While you’re in town, don’t forget to stop by the Sardinia’s Billionaire Club. Italian entrepreneur and F1 manager Flavio Briatore is taking his club to the Fairmont Monte Carlo for Grand Prix week this year. From 11:30 PM until 5 AM, you can hit the Salle d’Or in the hotel for music, fashion and entertainment with Monte Carlo’s elite.

Trade in 10 plastic water bottles for a free night at Starwood’s Element Hotel

by Amy Chen on

You’ve probably seen the reusable eco-chic totes that proudly proclaim “I’m Not A Plastic Bag.” Well starting today (April 5), now you can book the “I Am Not a Plastic Package” at participating Element Hotels — in exchange for turning in 10 single-use plastic water bottles at check-in, you can get a free night at a Element property if you’re one of the first 100 people to call 1-877-ELEMENT and mention the promo code GOGREEN.

The eco-friendly Starwood offshoot currently has locations in or just outside of Baltimore, Denver, Dallas, Houston, and Las Vegas (about 15 minutes from the Strip), as well as suburban areas such as Lexington, Mass. (about a 30-minute drive from Boston) and Ewing, N.J. (about 40 minutes from Philadelphia, 1.5 hours from Manhattan). Each extended-stay property has rooms with in-room kitchenettes, Energy Star-rated appliances, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and low-flow faucets — and green amenities such as complimentary bike rentals and electric car charging stations.

Though the idea is to reduce the use of disposable water bottles, I have to wonder how many people are going to actually pack 10 empty water bottles in their carry-ons or suitcases. Even so, if you are among the lucky 100 to book this Earth Day promotion, please don’t buy 10 water bottles at the nearest store once you arrive, guzzle the water (or dump it out), and then present the bottles at check-in. We all know that’s not the point.

Details: The Earth Day promotion is limited to 100 rooms at participating Element properties, where room rates typically start at $125 per night. If you are among the first 100 people to book this package, your one-night stay must be redeemed between April 22 and 25. To qualify for the free room, you must bring and turn in 10 water bottles at check-in. In addition to the free night, you’ll get a free Element-branded reusable water bottle to remind you of how it’s possible to save a little green by being green. Room taxes are also waived, but you are responsible for any incidentals. Limit one free room per guest.%Gallery-73514%

Order baby supplies online and ship them to your destination – Traveling with kids tip

by Gadling Staff on

We’ve been traveling a lot lately, and a baby usually means less room in the car/trunk.

Rather than lug boxes of baby necessities around, consider ordering supplies online — diapers, food, etc. — and shipping them to your destination. You’ll have more room in your car; there’ll be less to pack and unpack; and your neck won’t be so sore from hauling boxes in and out of the house.

Pack Woolite instead of clothes – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Looking to lighten your luggage load? Instead of bringing more clothing, bring along a small bottle of Woolite and do hand laundry instead.

By using a sink or the bath tub, you can stop and do a load of laundry anywhere you travel.

Just remember the rule of threes when it comes to hand-washing and travel:
1.) you need at least one item to wear while…
2.) one item is drying, and…
3.) a third in reserve.