Marshall Jackson on Travel - This Week at MJ on Travel – April 28, 2013

Iave forgotten just how to be home for just two months in a line, nonetheless it looks like Iam planning to discover. Iave reached that spot with my day job jobs that has me in work a little more. Thatas OKAY, whilst the faster I complete this section, the faster Iall be onto anything new and back on the highway in earnest. Sounds like a good time to blog about: Weall speak about a couple of and these exact things more too, this week at MJ on Travel. -MJ, April 28, 2013

We have Dangled, Downhill Dogged and Overdosed on Donuts. Bliss!

It's our weekly wrap-up, Suite-Hostel, where we gather the best and worst resort news of the week. Get it? This week we were stunned by clinging tents, aqua yoga and yummy donuts. Pretty good time, if we should say. Got a scoop? Or just want to share a recently available resort history? Tell us all about it!

Link: Congress Approves Bill to end air traffic control permissions

Dream Friday: The $175K Tennis Specific and Other Bachelor Party Possibilities

We recently listed 5 Elopement Packages for all those wanting a wedding, but that doesn't mean you have to skip on the time-honored tradition of The Bachelor Party. Needless to say, today is Fantasy Friday, so we've got to get a little over-the-top with the alternatives, and child have we found some. But do not fear, we've got some practical back-up ideas as well. For Tennis Enthusiasts Rosewood Mayakoba's $175,000 Ultimate Golf Experience is completely insane!During the week of November 11-17, 2013, the resort's El CamaleAn Golf Club will host the OHL Classic, when the worldas top PGA Tour players will participate on the Greg Norman designed, 7,000-yard, 18-hole championship course.ATo observe this visible event (and golf-nuts everywhere) the resort produced a luxurious offer that is a bachelor's ultimate last-hurrah.The groom and two of his besties will obtain a private lesson with world famous golf coach Jim McLean, a of golf with star Greg Norman at Playa Mujeres (you'll have a private helicopter to and fro) as well as get three positions in the OHL Classic at Mayakoba Pro-Am.AOh, and though this is already an resort, you'll stay in the 6,272 square-foot Presidential Lagoon Suite. Days mean sipping drinks with the PGA Tour players (!), an invite to a private BBQ on the seashore, and a tequila sampling of some of the country's most useful labels.AThis offer is only designed for November 12-19, 2013. Book via Rosewood.com Perhaps not In Your Budget Range? Alternative: Visit Ponte Vedra and The Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa where from May 6 to 12, they'll function as host hotel for annual THE PLAYERS Championship at the world-famous TPC Sawgrass. Your number of guys can bask in the Florida sun in where a few of PGA's greats like Vijay Singh, Fred Couples, and Matt Kuchar have performed. This spring you'll see who'll be fighting it out for a beaucoup money purse ($9 million!) on the 18-hole, Pete Dye-designed program. Tickets start just $15! When you are not enjoying yourself, feel absolve to spend time in the ornate Club House (we suggest indulging in the absurd brunch spread) where you can see Padraig Harrington ' 2001 competition locker, have a few post-play cocktails, and generally speaking feel like royalty before settling into the domestic life. Deals begin at $349 per night, including everyday morning meal, a on THE PLAYERS Course, and other incentives. In this particular season and you'll usually feel just like royalty before settling into the domestic life. Book through Sawgrass Marriott's specific page. For Foodies Newport, Rhode Island's waterfront resort Forty 1A North Ais introducing their Guys Getaway Package in May, which they consider a culinary experience assurance to fulfill an assertive hunger. The two-night experience is $850 per person (double occupancy) or $1400 per person single occupancy, and features a craft beer tasting, 12-meter sailing experience, a malt scotch tasting, connoisseur dinner and Sunday brunch. The explosion begins with a of New England classics--steamed seafood, PEI mussels, oysters and fried clams and more, followed by four unique drinks. The team should go on a two-hour trip aboard a vintage 12-meter Americaas Cup racing boat the following day. Post-sail, it's a sun single malt scotch tasting time in the hotel's selection club. Choices from Scotland's Glenmorangie Distillery is going to be served while you try your hand at billiards. The men can move on to supper at the hotel's dockside restaurant, The Grill for a party of Japanese A-5 Wagyu meat, Petrossian Royal Ossetra caviar, and more. Another morning is brunch before moving home with a complete belly. Just make sure you could still squeeze into your tuxedo! Book via 41north.com or call 401-846-8018. Perhaps not In Your Cost Range? Alternative: While we often fear that the Las Vegas bachelor party can cause a Hangover-like knowledge, there's reasons why the town excels in such offers. With that in your mind, we such as the Hard Rock Hotel's $100 Guy's Night Out unique that honors cooking more than strippers. The offer starts off at 35 Restaurant with a Ketel One vodka chance, and then moves on to a four-course meal with delicious possibilities like crab cakes, beefsteak tomato salad, filet mignon, and a Daniels honey-pecan torte. Afterwards you'll head to the resorts' Vanity Nightclub, where you'll be given VIP access. For reservations call 888-681-5344 or email groupdining@hrhvegas.com. [Photos: Chanize for HotelChatter/41 North]

Link: Reality TV 'Guntucky' show puts family range gun on the map

Ghetto IFE - Virgin Atlantic to expose gate to gate IFE

Virgin Atlantic is to join how many air companies who've gate to gate In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) onboard. Currently, the IFE is switched on 25 minutes in to flight, and switched off about 40 minutes before the conclusion of a flight (as well as the security test). On following the In-Flight Safety Video/Safety Briefing is finishing particular services, this may turn into a Gate-To-Gate service. You can find two major provisos though: Before seatbelt sign is put off Ideally other plane will have their protection circumstances removed soon, allowing a regular policy for your Virgin Atlantic long term fleeta and then you can be entertained at your seat. Published by Kevincm

Link: Senators are fighting to keep open the 149 air traffic control towers

Hyatt Extends 1,000-Point Diamond Welcome Amenity To International Hotels

Hyatt Diamond elite status (25 stays or 50 nights in a calendar year) includes a bunch of valuable perks such as a 30% points bonus, room-available upgrades, Club lounge access, free breakfast, four annual suite upgrades, complimentary internet access, a 48-hour room availability guarantee, late check-out, a dedicated customer service line and a welcome amenity of either a point bonus or a food and beverage amenity during each stay.

Until now, the possibility of choosing a 1,000-point welcome amenity was limited to hotels in the US, Canada and the Caribbean, but now, Diamond members will be able to choose it at international properties as well per this announcement on Milepoint by Hyatt's Gold Passport rep.

What's new? At Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt® Hyatt Regency® and Andaz® locations outside the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, Diamond members now have a choice of welcome amenity. Diamond members can choose either a food and beverage amenity (locally inspired amenity at Andaz hotels) or 1,000 Hyatt Gold Passport® bonus points.

What remains the same? At Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt and Hyatt Regency locations in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, Diamond members can continue to select a food and beverage welcome amenity or 1,000 Hyatt Gold Passport® bonus points. And, at all Hyatt Place® and HYATT houseTM locations, Diamond members will continue to enjoy a choice of 500 bonus points or in-hotel selection (complimentary beverage at Hyatt Place or $5 credit in the Guest Market at HYATT house).

Although it was nice to walk into a Hyatt overseas and get something like a bottle of soju and persimmons at the Park Hyatt Seoul, in pretty much any instance, I'd prefer the 1,000 Hyatt points since I value them at about 2 cents each, so that's $20 back right there. This also brings Hyatt into line with other hotel programs' elite benefits such as Starwood's  250-500 point welcome amenity offered to Gold and Platinum members at properties all over the world (125 at Four Points, Element and aloft).

I almost always choose the welcome point bonus as my elite amenity, so it's nice to know that from now on I can bank on 1,000 extra points when I stay at a Hyatt overseas instead of settling for a random F&B amenity.

Link: Reports of suspicious activity cause headaches of travel after explosion of Boston

Travel Constantly With Jobs Like These

But there are a amount of other occupations that include travel as a key part of the work description. Some travel periodically and for the others, the job is on the highway. If a traveling job seems like a good match, consider thinking along these lines: Knowledge ProfessionalsPick your theme (one which you love would be a good alternative), get credentialed and put your cap in the band to show anywhere on our planet. TeachAbroad could let you know exactly about it here. The theory because of this article really originated in a teacher. Also the shooter on last Saturday's Photo of the Day, Lauren Irons is TheTravelingTeacher and her travel/work has observed Cambodia, Malaysia, Morocco, India and other places all over the world. Irons requires fans along for the experience via her website, rich in decorative photographs and first-hand reports of her adventure. Military members"Join the Navy, Begin to see the world" continues to be a really viable alternative for a profession that could have a great level of travel, and not necessarily into battle areas. The U.S. Navy, even today, touts the travel opportunities available: "If you enjoy traveling, you'll be able to benefit from flying at no cost on military aircraft while they go different places all over the world. You'll also be able to connect with lodging at different Navy bases and other military bases, which are under an American flag. This may enable you to see much more good areas while you're enlisted in the US Navy." "In college I dreamed of having a worldwide career," writes Caroline Polt, RN at Transitions Abroad, an on line source that helps people function, live, research and/or volunteer abroad. "Several years after my sister went off to foreign countries to teach English, I decided to follow the same route," continues Polt, writing, "healthcare organizations worldwide are struggling to generate nurses." Travel AgentsPart to be a agent is experiencing spots, methods of travel and other elements of scheduling travel that require personal contact. Today, webinars took the spot of a lot of what travel providers frequently saw on familiarization visits, hosted by way of a tour operator, resort, cruise line and other travel resource. Still, there are a good deal of free or reduced-price choices that will enable you to get traveling all the time. Spot IndependentsThese are people that are experts within their industry so they really go share their knowledge/gifts with others. For instance, someone who is an expert on fixing a particular enjoyment experience at Disney World is definitely an important resource. Someone who can be an expert at repairing enjoyment rides generally will soon be on your way a lot. Work On A Cruise ShipJobs are accessible and cruise lines are hiring now. Job openings are listed by allcruisejobs, currently boasting 665 cruise liner jobs from 49 recruiters. Think focusing on a floating hotel is some thing you might like to do? A reality check is so as. "They live, sleep and eat on the 2 crew-only decks if they are off-duty, and only enter passenger places to work," states Paul Motter from CruiseMates in a FoxNews statement. Yes, they do sail to exotic places all over the world, but on the ship, they are in a world very unique of spending people when not working. A bar is also included by "the crew area, generally open every day for various hours for dancing and drinks, and a deck area with a tiny pool and deck chairs," says Motter. Days are worked seven by "everyone weekly, but the amount of hours varies a great deal with respect to the particular work. " Or Any Other Job On The PlanetThe key, it seems, is always to earnestly search for the job that may have the right quantity of travel for you. Desire to be home on the weekends? You will find jobs that can make that happen. Desire to travel only in the United States? Different jobs do that too. Maybe travel isn't the main priority when looking for a job. Indeed, for a lot of, any job in a tough job market is going to do. But that certainly doesn't mean that we can not make our jobs what we want them to be, sooner or later. [Photo credit - Chris Owen] Recorded under: North America, United States, Ecotourism, Budget Travel

New York: Amanda Bynes Bunks at the T Times Square...With No Shorts On

We are no strangers to stars having total meltdowns in motels (hi, Charlie Sheen! Hello, Lindsay Lohan!), then when we read about 27-year-old actor Amanda Bynes' current spaz-out at the W New York Times Square, we considered to ourselves, "Of course." In Touch studies that Bynes was enjoying a month-long lengthy stay at the hotel recently, when her erratic behavior started initially to slide out employees in a big way. According to the article: "ian staff 'found her curled up in the place of the gym smoking i without pants on!'" Obviously, Amanda never got around to reading our convenient information on.. Because we'd positively file any particular one under "do not do." Actually. Bynes has certainly been having a tough time recently (On Thursday, per day after her 27th birthday, she declared she had an eating disorder). And she was also captured walking around Times Square (probably en route to her hotel) keeping a FedEx package, but then explained on Twitter that the girl in the photographs "was an impostor." Um, righti As we see it, the W Times Square might really be her best choice for the full time being: earlier in 2013, the hotel was supplying a detoxification program with materials for a six-day liquid clean (the promo's expired, however again, we're certain they could bend a few rules for the former star of She's The Man.

More Info: Costa Cruises accepts a $1.3 million fine on Concordia disaster

One Mile at a Time - Laptop bags vs. backpacks… my opinion is slowly changing

In addition to a 22″ (or so) rollaboard, every road warrior has either a laptop bag or backpack. I've always been firmly on "team laptop," with my primary laptop bag being a Tumi Alpha.

If I'm not checking my rollaboard, then this combo works perfectly, because as I shared in this post, I simply hang my laptop bag over my rollaboard.

But the more I travel, the more I realize how much laptop bags suck whenever not used in conjunction with my rollaboard. Perhaps it's false causation, though my left shoulder is starting to develop some issues compared to my right shoulder (at least that's what my doctor, er, massage therapist in Thailand, told me), and I can't help but think it has to do with all the years I've been carrying a laptop bag over my left shoulder. For what it's worth my laptop bags are super heavy, but I think it has to do more with the "crooked" stance than anything else.

So I've actually started taking a backpack on some trips instead of a laptop bag. I'm not sure I actually have to explain the benefits of backpacks, as Dora the Explorer does a pretty good job of it here:

My change of heart is probably due to flying Alaska Airlines. They have an amazing 20 minute baggage guarantee, so checked bags always arrive at the carousel within 20 minutes of the door opening. Given that Alaska seems to start boarding their flights on average about 56 minutes before departure, I've found it's more efficient to just check my bag and not have to get to the gate an hour before departure to secure overhead bin space. And when walking more than a few feet it's always more comfortable to have a backpack than laptop bag hanging off your back.

Link: Chinese tourists are those who spend more during their travels

Pearls of Vacation Intelligence - Choosing the Most useful Airport Car Parking Area – Choices, Choices

Parking on-site at the airport seems like no big deal throughout a quick over night trip, even if prices run from $12 to $30+ daily, specially when factoring in the cost of your time and effort. For multi-day visits, nevertheless, your choice to park on-site at the airport may not be so simple. Even with years of travel and often operating to the airport, I examine each day at see why is the most effective parking decision. Factors that go into my decision on where to park my car: Not necessarily a simple decision, is it? Now factor in numerous possibilities for where to park your car or truck. Iam sure you've thought about making a move to use a different lot and understand some, though not all, and might have driven by many parking lots on the way to the airport. Listed here are several web sites that help make the airport parking decision a bit easier and provide capacity to hold a spot the next occasion you'll need airport parking. Not merely is the cost for every day of parking exhibited, other functions could be offered as well. Some sites also provide apps for use on your own mobile phones. Airport Parking Reservations a' When you sign up with this specific site, you can work the right path towards deals on parking rates. Installing their app,AreferringAa friend, or simply booking a reservation gives details to you that you are able to put towards yet another reservation. AThis site revealed both off-site and on-site parking services for both self-park and valet. ASearch through an comprehensive set of US and Canada airport car parking lots. Most readily useful Parking a' This site supplies a great map that demonstrates to you the most crucial information quickly and easily; the price! Grey rates are standard, but you can hold on the webpage and the blues offer savings. There is also an application available on Android and iOS. About Airport Car Parking a' This website features a substantial amount of reader evaluations for the lots. You can even filter by specific services, such as for instance car washing, oil changes, and covered parking. Longterm Parking a' Also offering paid down rates for lots, what sets this website apart is their parking data for on-site airport lots. Small term parking, extended term parking, valet, and on-site hotel parking is all included for lots of the major airports. Airport ParkingA- While there's nothing striking that sets this site aside from the others, you still could be able to find a cheaper rate than the others. When doing your research, it usually helps you to have significantly more options. For tourists having to park in a airport,AAirport Parking Search and Travel Supermarketas Airport Parking Section might help discover the lowest airport parking rates. Hopefully these internet sites can help you discover the most reasonably priced, best leave, best place for you and your vehicle.

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50% Bonus For Converting Hotel Points to US Airways Miles

In addition to the current 50% share/transfer miles bonus that US Airways is having at the moment, the airline is also offering a 50% bonus on hotel points that you convert into US Airways Dividend miles. Before you get too excited and start transferring tons of Starwood points to US Airways miles, SPG is not participating in this bonus, which is too bad since 20,000 Starwood points would have been converted into 37,500 US Airways miles under the terms of this promo.

You don't have to register – the bonus is coded into the hotel point transfer page, and the promotion is running through April 30.

First, the activity date of your conversion must occur between April 1-April 30, 2013, though the T&C  also say that "the last date that activity from a qualifying partner can be received by US Airways for bonus miles consideration is April 10, 2013, regardless of the eligible activity date for such activity." So that's a bit confusing, and I'd say to be safe, convert your points before April 10.

The T&C also state that Dividend members can earn only one bonus when they transfer hotel points into Dividend miles during the promotion, so it sounds like you can only make one transfer that will be eligible for the bonus and had better choose carefully.

While this isn't an amazing opportunity to bank bonus US Airways miles since the conversion rates are pretty unfavorable in most cases (I mean, 12 Hilton points to 1 US Airways miles says it all!), if you have some stray points in various programs like Best Western Rewards, Choice Privileges or Wyndham Rewards, this could be a good opportunity to clean your slate and pick up some extra US Airways miles in the process pre-merger.

Link: The majority of the United States with local accents charm