Gadling Take FIVE: Week of Nov. 29-Dec. 5

by Jamie Rhein on

Because I’m writing this from a town outside of Copenhagen, Denmark, these posts caught my attention right away while I was browsing through this week’s bounty. They have to do with money.

  • In general, Denmark is not a place for bargains. According to Josh, however, London and Seoul are becoming less expensive.
  • If you’re feeling generous–and it doesn’t take much money to feel generous, check out Anna’s post on the fundraiser Passports with a Purpose. Four powerhouse female travel bloggers thought up a way to raise money for Heifer International using the network of world travelers to do it. Yes, that means you.
  • Karen wrote a post about how to find a cheaper way to go to Obama’s inauguration. That seems mighty generous of her since she’s looking for a bargain to head to D.C. herself.
  • For anyone looking to maximize the money spend on a digital camera, Aaron has handy tips for turning one into a personal assistant.
  • If a trip to Hawaii is in your future, check out Brenda’s post on the bike sharing program. It will be in place in Honolulu by early summer, and from Brenda’s description of how it will work, it sounds like it will be an inexpensive way to stay in shape and see different parts of the city.

Planning to go to the inauguration? Here are some tips to be prepared

by Karen Walrond on

As I watched President-elect Barack Obama’s victory speech on November 4th, 2008, I vowed to myself that our family was going to be in Washington D.C. on January 20th — if only just to catch a glimpse of the motorcade as it went by. It’s going to be such a historic moment, I thought to myself. We should be there.

Two days later, as I was frantically googling hotels and other places to stay, I realized that my original idea of visiting the Capitol city wasn’t all that original. Prices had skyrocketed, but that didn’t seem to hinder hotels from completely booking all of their rooms. Disappointedly, I gave up on my idea of my historic trip.

Recently, however, the New York Times published a few strategies for those of you who haven’t given up on the idea of heading to Washington for the big day. For example, consider checking out Craigslist.com or Homeaway.com for some non-hotel lodging. You never know what you might get.

In any event, check it out. And if you do end up going to Washington, let me know — maybe I’ll see you there.

Got an extra hundred grand lying around? Then this inauguration package is for you

by Jeffrey White on

The Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington has gone public with what has to be easily the most expensive inauguration travel package to date.

It’s called the Commander-In-Chief Package, and it goes for $440,000 — that’s for four people to share the hotel’s two-room Presidential suite for four nights around inauguration weekend.

What do you get for this money?

How about:

  • A private jet for arrival and departure
  • A private dinner with its own entertainment
  • Chauffeur 24/7
  • Entrance to all inaugural events
  • A shopping spree worth $44,000
  • Free makeovers at Elizabeth Arden
  • A puppy

Yeah, that last one’s a nice detail. Guests get to pick their own “Presidential Puppy.”

So, if you have some extra cash to burn, this inaugural package just might be the ticket. You won’t be able to end the Iraq War, but for a few days you’ll nevertheless be treated like a president.

Get thee to the White House!

by Annie Scott on

Planning a trip for Obama’s Inauguration? Expedia will help you.

Expedia has set up a whole host of tools to get you to D.C. and into a hotel, car, tours (don’t miss the FBI!), or whatever you need with as little hassle as possible.

The Expedia 56th Presidential Inauguration Site features travel tips like which airports are nearby, what suburbs to stay in if the city’s booked, and all kinds of activities to try, including a list of great free activities like the Inaugural Parade!

It’s going to be a momentous occasion in Washington D.C. and all over the country. Don’t you want to tell your grandchildren you were there?

The best advice I can give you? Book now. Like, today. Everything’s gonna fill up fast.

Inauguration package to Washington D.C.: Ballroom, hotel room, parade, bling and more

by Jamie Rhein on

With Barack Obama’s election win finalized, here’s one subject to consider. How does a person snag a place at the inauguration festivities? Cinderella needed a fairy godmother to get her to the prince’s ball. Although you don’t necessarily need a fairy godmother, it could help if you want to go high end. Consider this option.

For $50,000, the “politically correct” inauguration package at the Ritz Carlton can be yours. What will this cool cash get you–never mind that you might have seen more than that disappear from your financial portfolio, if you have one, in the last months?

You can get:

  • a 4-night hotel stay at the Ritz Carlton (duh) during the inauguration festivities
  • two front row seats to the Inaugural parade
  • two tickets to one of the official Inaugural balls
  • a “Heart of the Nation” pendant made of white gold, diamonds, rubies and blue sapphires
  • a 24-hour on call driver who’ll tootle you around town in a hybrid car
  • a fancy dinner
  • clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Hmm. politically correct? In this economy? Part of the price tag cost is donated to charity. Oh, in that case. . .

(Deal found in this article in the Wall Street Journal. The Ritz Carlton website doesn’t list the package, but here are more details at Elite Traveler. The photo is from glass)