Layer, from the bottom up – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Start at the bottom of your suitcase and place all clothes you will need for your last day there; pants, tops, socks, undies. Next layer, next to last day there… and so on, and so on.

You will end up with the top layer being the first pair of clothes you’ll need on your arrival.

I used to tend to over pack, so this helps to organize each day. I also try to rely on very few changes of shoes… and those go around the side. A small jewelry bag with multiple compartments and a small bag for toiletries and make-up.

Three important questions to ask when booking a hotel room for a person with a disability – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re booking a room for a person with a disability, be sure to ask about the following:

  1. Does your wheelchair accessible room have a roll-in shower? Many just have grab bars over a tub.
  2. Does your hotel supply a shower chair? If it does not, plan to bring one with you. We tend to have poorer balance away from home.
  3. Is there an accessible exposed outlet by the bed? Power wheelchairs should be charged at bedside, and CPAP machines should be plugged in by the night stand.

If your hotel has an ADA coordinator, use him. The service is free and will guarantee that your needs are met.

Bring a Swiss Army Knife – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

The usefulness of a Swiss army knife or other similar utility tool can not be understated.

Beyond the obvious uses of the available tools like the can and bottle openers and the knife and scissors to open packaging, there are also several other potential uses:

  • The point of the knife is an effective screwdriver for very small screws like those seen on the battery doors of many electronic devices (fresh batteries also being an essential item to pack).
  • The scissors are strong enough to cut the binding of a spiral notebook if it comes undone.

Just be sure not to store it in your carry-on luggage — the TSA will confiscate your precious tool!

Make your own frame – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Make your own souvenir frame following the tips below! By involving the family, the souvenir you create becomes more memorable.

  1. While on your trip, collect a few items. If outdoors, collect things like shells, rocks, leaves, pods, etc.. If at an event/amusement locale, consider a ticket stub, program, autograph, etc.
  2. Take lots of photos (ensuring that family members are included in scenic pictures, increasing interest in the photos for souvenir purposes).
  3. When home, paint an inexpensive unfinished wood frame, or spray paint an existing frame.
  4. Arrange collected items around frame and hot-glue into place.
  5. Print out or process photos into appropriate size for frame.
  6. Insert photo.
  7. Enjoy!

Valentine’s Day at The Pierre

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Nothing beats Valentine’s Day in Manhattan. You have an endless supply of amazing restaurants at your fingertips, Broadway is never far and at night, the city takes on new vibrancy. To anchor your Valentine’s Day experience, the hotel must be nothing short of perfect. So, kick around a stay at The Pierre this time around. Located on the southeast corner of Central Park, this year’s package for the most romantic day of the year includes two nights in a suite, dinner for two at Le Caprice, a surprise confection from the pastry chef to be enjoyed in your room, a bottle of champagne and breakfast in bed. And, you can enjoy it for only $1,100 a night with a two-night minimum.

So, start planning your stay now. Maybe get a ride through the park on one of the horse-drawn carriages that line up along Central Park South, or catch a show only a short cab drive away.