Enjoy “island time” – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

When vacationing in the Caribbean, remember that everything — including service in restaurants — runs on “island time.”

Life on The Islands runs at a more relaxed, laid-back pace than most Americans are accustomed to. Plan accordingly — dining at a restaurant in the Caribbean can take 20 to 40 more minutes (or more!) than you’re used to back in the United States. To deal with this, either budget more cushion into your meal times … or don’t plan anything, and just go with the flow.

Remember — your server isn’t being lazy or ignoring you — a slower pace is simply the way of life in the Caribbean. Enjoy it, Mon. You’re on vacation!

Shop patiently – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Patience will lead you to discover the most unique souvenirs.

When you begin to explore your travel destination, it may be difficult to keep from buying the first intriguing thing you see. After all, it’s so novel to you! Over time, though, you’ll usually realize that the same souvenirs are sold in almost every shop.

Once you get used to seeing the same things again and again, unique items that cannot be found anywhere else will start to stand out to you. These are the true prizes: gifts for those back home that are truly found nowhere else in the world!

Keep important items accessible – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Before you go on your road trip, make sure to pack your car so the most important items are easily accessible.

Many people make the mistake of packing their essential items first — so as not to forget them — but this means those essential items wind up underneath multiple bags and other supplies. In case of an emergency, you need to be able to find your important items quickly and easily.

If you’re bringing food and water, place them in a position that is accessible by the driver and the front passengers seat. This will help you refrain from having to crawl to the back of the car or take your eyes off the road.

Warm your sheets – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

You’ve turned up the thermostat and called hotel management but your room still won’t get warm. A chilly hotel room can make for an unpleasant night’s sleep but there’s a simple — albeit goofy — solution to this frustrating problem: Find the iron, and warm the sheets.

Right before crawling into bed, pull back the comforter and iron the sheets. Set the iron on its lowest setting to avoid potential scorching.

The sheets and mattress pad will lock in the iron’s heat for several hours, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep in a cold hotel room!

Utah tourism off 10% in 2009, $700 million lost

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Utah isn’t quite the tourist destination it used to be. Last year, the number of visitors to the state fell by a million, and spending declined 10 percent. The recession kept people from rushing to the slopes, according to the state’s 2010 Economic Report to the Governor. Hotel occupancy rates plunged to their lowest level in six years. The number of skiers checking into the state’s 13 resorts fell by 300,000, and more visitors took cars instead of planes.

Tourist spending fell by $700 million in Utah, amounting to $6.2 billion last year, after several consecutive years of growth for the tourism and travel industry, which is one of the state’s major money-makers. Nathan Rafferty, president of Ski Utah, an industry group, told The Associated Press, “People who came out here spent their money differently. The same family of five might have come out – they’ve gotta have that ski vacation and do whatever it takes to get it. Instead of renting three hotel rooms, they squeeze into one or stay at their aunt’s house.”

Even though the green wasn’t flowing as easily, 2009 was still the third best year on record for Utah, but it’s likely to be bumped to #4 by 2010, since a modest increase is expected this year. Rafferty believes the number of skiers coming to Utah will increase by 3 percent, to 4.1 million.

[Photo by Mat_the_W via Flickr]