Looking for a way to add a little more fun to your next road trip? The answer is simple: paint for your car’s windows!
Buying a few sticks of car paint, which can be found at most large retailers, and filling the windows of the car with scandalous sayings and quotes can attract a lot of attention.
In the past, people’s reactions to things like “Blonde Brigade” and “Whore Wheelin'” have allowed us to make life long memories.
One “happy island” just a got a little happier…
Ritz-Carlton executives, together with newly elected Aruba Prime Minister Mike Eman, announced plans to open The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, an exclusive 320-room oceanfront resort set on the island’s popular Palm Beach. The new resort, scheduled to open in 2012, will feature several restaurants, an on-site spa, two swimming pools and a 24-hour casino. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level will be available to guests who want a more private stay, complete with concierge service.
The announcement is one of a few new hotels scheduled to join the Ritz family this year. The focus: to bring a new level of elegance to Aruba, and keep the concept of luxury travel affordable.
“Aruba is an island destination with growing appeal to discerning travelers from Europe and the United States. Its stunning beaches and majestic views make the island one of those exceptional places in the Southern Caribbean, blending serenity and scenic attractions our guests seek when planning a vacation,” said Ezzat Coutry, senior vice president, Southeast Region, Caribbean and Latin America, in a press statement.
Aruba is one of the most visited islands for east coast travelers. Legacy carriers including American Airlines, Continental, and Delta offer daily flights to Aruba, and the emergence of JetBlue’s daily flights to Aruba have helped the happy island boost tourism efforts over the past year.
The Ritz-Carlton Aruba is the hotel group’s latest project in the Caribbean. Ritz-Carlton has hotels in St. Thomas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, Mexico and The Bahamas. The hotel group will welcome the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles at LA LIVE next month, and continues its expansion into the Middle East and Asia. Check back later for my exclusive interview with Ritz-Carlton’s President and Chief Operating Officer Simon Cooper…
Planning is half the fun of any trip, and the more you know about where you’re going, the more flexible you can be with your plans.
Study local maps, get familiar with the main roads and how they intersect, and learn where your areas of interest can be found. Moreover, find out what public transportation is available and, if possible, download their routes and schedules. It’s also helpful to know something about food and shopping options for the areas in which you plan to spend time, especially if you have dietary or other concerns.
Bottom line: knowing your way around helps decreases travel stress and increase the chance for spontaneity!
Many hotels will customize your room based on your personal preferences — even going as far as to make sure you have your favorite pillows and robes in your room upon arrival.
If you have a preference for room location (high or low floor), proximity to elevator, or pillow type (soft, firm, or down alternative), or would like robes or anything else specific in your room, give the hotel a heads-up when booking your room.
As long as they’re not super busy, you’ll find most properties to be very accommodating to your requests.
No matter where the destination, chances are you’re going to be out of your usual comfort zone when traveling abroad. When I embarked on a two-week trip across parts of Europe last year, I began to feel homesick after a couple days and wasn’t enjoying my “trip of a lifetime.”
Fortunately, I discovered that my friends had tucked a few pictures of themselves in my bag before I left. This gave me a little piece of home to carry along with me.
Therefore, when leaving home for a period of time, it’s a good idea to bring something familiar with you, to quell any sadness. Whether it’s a picture, blanket, or favorite snack pack, a comfort item can handily ward off being homesick.