Smoke if you got ’em: Washington DC to OK hotel smoking

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Non-smokers probably won’t be too excited by the news, but cigar smokers will rejoice. The Washington DC City Council passed a measure last week that eases smoking restrictions on hotels in our nation’s capital. The Special Event Exemption Emergency Act of 2010 carries an amendment that offers a way for hotels to be exempted from the city’s smoking ban. If you prefer your hotels sans puffing, there’s no cause for alarm – the rules are pretty narrow.

Hotels will be allowed to host special cigar-smoking events once a year, as long as at least 500 people are in attendance (which means the venue must be large enough to accommodate this number of guests). Also, the hotel will have to notify the Department of Health and pay a $250 fee. Quite simply, it has to be a pretty hefty occasion.

As with any “emergency” measure, you’d be correct to assume that this law was passed with something specific in mind. In this case, it was the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner, organized by the social organization the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Historically, the patron saint of Ireland is toasted with brandy and a cigar.

In Washington DC, most emergency legislation lasts for 90 days, but this measure stretches out for 270, as the council also wanted to protect a charity event called Friday Night Fight, which is held on November 11. Last year, it raised more than $2.8 million for Fight for Children.

Write down your thoughts – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

As a student in Aix, I kept a paper journal (the Internet was not nearly as hot, and those French keyboards really threw me!). Later, while backpacking through South America, I e-mailed home lengthy, descriptive notes. My friend dubbed them “1940’s Dispatches From Far Away.” And, now, wherever I go, I blog.

Recently, while visiting my grandmother, she produced a folder. She had printed out every electronic communication I had ever sent her. I read through them, laughed, and then immediately went home to find my journal from Aix.

Re-reading your stream-of-consciousness thoughts from “there”? That’s the best souvenir. It’s almost as good as going back.

Use a guitar case – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

A worthy and creative packing idea from a friend I met in rural Bolivia…

As a musician, my friend Sean refused to travel without his instrument. After having all his possesions stolen in Ecuador, Sean decided to buy a regular sized guitar case and a travel sized guitar. He stuffed his few necessary belongings in the extra space of the case and continued along his journey with his musical instrument and possessions in tow. He had everything he needed, and traveled with the ease of a wandering muscian without being fingered as the classic backbacking foreigner. Genius!

Pro tip: ditch the guitar and just carry the suitcase. You’re bound to look like a local.

Do your laundry before you come home – (Un)Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re anything like me, unpacking once you get home often takes as long (if not longer) than actually packing for the trip.

If you can, do your laundry the day before you leave your vacation spot (this works especially well when you’re visiting relatives).

Not only will you have clean clothes once you return, but it’s a way to make sure you actually come home with everything you either packed for the trip or purchased while on vacation. Once you’re home, unpacking isn’t so tough because alI you have to do is bring the bag in, put your clothes where they belong, and put the suitcase back in the attic.

Play ‘Radio Station Roulette’ – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

One game my friends and I developed during a few of our epic road trips is something we call “Radio Station Roulette.” Here’s how to play:

  1. Push the scan button on your car stereo.
  2. Wait until it stops on a station – the first to name the title and artist of the song playing on the station wins a point.
  3. Repeat as many times as you want. The person with the most points at the end is the ‘Music Master.’

This game is a great way to boost energy during your road trip (and it might even inspire a little fun competition among music-loving friends!)