Great Gift Ideas for the Traveler in the Family!

Christmas is around the corner. Here are a few gift ideas!

With Black Friday behind us, most of us still have a few items left on our Christmas shopping list. I am here to help with few items that will be perfect (depending on your budget) for the family that travels.
Two of my favorites (sure to keep the little people occupied for hours) are the PSP (Play Station Portable) and the Polaroid portable DVD player. The PSP has been a favorite toy since its release a few years ago. This handy little gadget plays games and movies. Kids love it and it will keep them busy for hours on end. Target has it on sale this week (online & in stores) for $169.99. On of this years’ most popular games, “Madden NFL 09” is also on sale for $39.99. Another personal favorite is the portable DVD player. Target has the Polaroid portable DVD player on sale this week for $88. This particular model plays both cd’s and DVD’s and comes with rechargeable battery, a/v cable, ac adapter, credit card size remote and the car power adapter. For $88 you get everything you need to turn your car into a mobile theater. You can’t beat the price!
My top gift picks for the traveler in the family are the Tom Tom One 125 GPS Receiver and the iPOD touch. The Tom Tom One 125 GPS Receiver is one of the best portable navigation systems on the market. This model has a 3.5 touch screen and comes preloaded with several POI’s (gas stations, ATMs, restaurants & more). My favorite feature on this model is the “daily fuel prices optional service” feature. This feature helps you find the cheapest gas on your route. How awesome is that? RadioShack has this on sale this week (http://www.radioshack.com/) for $99 (a savings of $80!).
My top top gift pick for the traveler in the family is the iPOD touch. Apple already had a great product with its current line of iPOD’s. Then they changed the game with the iPOD Touch. This little number has all the great features of the classic but with the ultra touch feature. This generation of the iPOD touch has countless applications, great games and graphics, youtube, maps and of course you can sync your existing iTunes music and movie library to your new iPOD touch. One cool feature for the traveler who is also a runner is the Nike+iPOD application. The iPOD touch works in conjunction with the Nike sensor (sold separately) that you put in your shoe. Start your run and the iPOD touch tracks your time, distance and calories burned all while listening to your favorite music. Friends this is technology at its best! Wal-Mart has the second generation iPOD touch on sale for $227.88. Remember to get an iTunes gift card!

Make someone’s travel dreams come true!

Photo of the iPOD touch courtesy of Apple!

http://www.target.com/

http://www.walmart.com/

http://www.radioshack.com/

The Travelin Diva –

Please visit: http://www.reservationsmagazine.com/

President Obama

How Wonderful it Feels to Have Been A Part of History!!!

Rejoice & Celebrate the First African American to be Elected

President of the United States of America...

President Obama & the First Family

Their first trip together as the First Family will be to Washington, DC!

Food & Rum Festival 2009

Book This Trip Now! The St. Lucia Food & Rum Festival

Food and Rum connoisseurs’ get ready! The second annual St. Lucia Food & Rum Festival is set for January 15-18, 2009. If this festival is anything like the first one you will want to make your reservations now! I had the honor of attending the first Food & Rum Festival in October of 2006 and it was a food lover’s paradise! Four days and nights of cooking demonstrations by some of the Caribbean’s best chefs, including Chef Orlando Satchell – 2005’s Chef of the Year, Ian Burrell from the UK, Paul Yellin and Trinidad & Tobago’s Chocolateer Duane Dove, just to name a few. If the delicious food weren’t enough, each 8 course meal was paired with exotic drinks featuring blends of the best Caribbean Rums. The combination of endless Caribbean cuisine and exotic drinks is enough for me!

Each day is filled with a unique cooking demonstration by a top chef. If you are the adventurous type you can sign up for the catamaran cruise to Ladera (this breathtaking resort is built inside a rainforest), for the cooking demonstration by Chef Orlando at the celebrity favorite restaurant DaSheene. Or you can hitch a ride downtown to the ‘Friday Night Fish Fry’ at the Anse la Raye fishing village and also show your dance moves off! Other options include shopping at the Castries Market or International Mall and trips to the world’s only walk-in volcano.
In addition to the food and rum tastings, each evening wraps with a concert featuring top reggae and calypso artists. Past performers have included Reggae Legends Third World, Jazz artist Monty Alexander and Calypso superstar Arrow.

If you need a break for a few days and want to enjoy awesome Caribbean food, drinks, music and tour a beautiful island, then the St. Lucia Food & Rum Festival is well worth the trip. There are several boutique hotels and resorts that offer great vacation packages. The Coco Palm, Caribbean Jewel and Ladera are all beautiful resorts located in the heart of St. Lucia. For an all-inclusive option, please check out The Coconut Bay Resort & Spa on the southern tip of the island. Don’t wait too long, hotels sell out quickly for this festival!

For more information, please visit:

http://www.foodandrumfestival.com/
http://www.coco-resorts.com/
http://www.caribbeanjewelresort.com/
http://www.ladera.com/
http://www.coconutbayresortandspa.com/

Save the window seat for me!

Kirstin Fuller
The Travelin Diva –

Please check out the latest issue of Reservations Travel Guide on our updated website: http://www.reservationsmagazine.com/!
!

Tank Talks Vacation

Tank Talks Vacation!

Grammy nominated artist Tank has been in the music game for a very long time. He produces chart toppers for artists such as Jamie Foxx and hits for himself. Chart toppers such as ‘Please Don’t Go,’ ‘Heartbreaker’ and the collaboration with mega producer Timbaland, ‘I love them Girls.’
When Tank is not climbing the music charts, producing hit music or making a hot video, he hops a flight to Miami for a mini vacation on South Beach in one of his favorite hotels. “You might catch me staying at the Bentley Beach Hotel, the Mandarin Oriental or the Delano Hotel. When I want to be with my people, I stay at the Loew’s,” laughs Tank. Miami is not the end of vacation options for Tank.
If given the opportunity, Tank would go to the beautiful island of Dubai for his ultimate dream vacation. “From all of the pictures and television specials that I have seen, Dubai looks like a beautiful place. It is simply breathtaking,” says Tank. Why Dubai? Described as the ‘Best of the East and West,’ Dubai is a modern and culturally rich city complete with breathtaking views and considered to be a shopper’s paradise with one the worlds’ largest gold markets. Another vacation treat in the city is ‘Ski Dubai.’ Ski Dubai is the worlds’ first indoor ski resort in the Middle East with 5 challenging runs and the first indoor black run (a skiers heaven!).
Dubai is a captivating city that is also home to the world’s most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah. The Burj Al Arab (where Star Jones & Al Reynolds honeymooned. Let’s not focus on that right now!) was designed to resemble a billowing sail and is the worlds’ tallest all suite hotel with 202 exquisitely beautiful suites. Amenities include a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce or BMW for airport transfers, 24 hour butler service, in suite office (complete with laptop, printer and fax machine), Jacuzzi and pillow menu (with 13 pillow & quilt options) and access to the private beach. Wow! 13 pillow options! I can’t cope with so many pillow choices!!
While we are waiting for another chart topping CD from Tank, let’s explore all the breathtaking sights that Dubai has to offer, you never know, Tank maybe there recording/producing his next hit song.
For more information on Dubai, please visit http://www.dubaicityguide.com/ and for more information on the world’s best hotel, please visit http://www.burj-al-arab.com/. Visit http://www.tankmusic.com/ for the latest on R&B sensation Tank!

This Weeks Travel Tip:
Apply for your passport now! If you don’t already have your passport, now is the best time to apply. The rush is over! No need to pay for expedition fees, turnaround time has returned to its original 2 week (or less) timeframe. Local post offices are even advertising special weekend “Passport Day’s” where you can just walk-in and apply with no appointment necessary!

Until next time…Save the window seat for me!

-- The Travelin Diva

For more of the Tank interview, subscribe to Reservations Travel Guide today!
www.reservationsmagazine.com

Photographs graciously provided by Tank and the Jumeirah Group.
The Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah Hotel

Single Parent Vacations @ Beaches Resorts

“Where’s A Single Parent to Go on Vacation?”

Justin wants to go to a place where he can play in the water all day and all night. Tyrone wants to go where he can ride roller coasters, take in a 3-D adventure and grab a hot dog in between. I just want to get away from my micro-manager of a boss. So, where does a single parent go on vacation? There are several great vacation options for today's traveling single parents. There's only one vacation giant offers vacation discounts for single parents!
Beaches Family Escapes will host Single Parent Fun Months from now thru October 31st, 2008. During the exclusive Single Parent Fun Month time frame, the $190 per night single supplement fee will be waived to honor single parents at all resorts when you book 3 night or longer vacation. That means you will an extra $190 to spend on spa treatments or souvenirs for your favorite travel writer, me!
So, what can you expect on a Beaches Family Escapes vacation? First and foremost, all Beaches vacations are all inclusive. All meals, snacks and drinks, water activities, golf/fitness center activities, supervised activities for the little ones, unlimited use of all amenities and airport transfers, hotel taxes and tips are all included in your vacation package price. Activities are endless! Each resort has something fabulous for visitors. The Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club features a newly renovated 27,000 sq. ft. Pirate Island Waterpark. Pirate Island just re-opened after a $3 million expansion that features 6 new kiddie slides, Treasure Isle Aqua Play area with water cannons and treasure chest and many more water adventures for the family. This resort also has a Kids Zone that features a zero entry kiddie pool with a misting crab and squirting sea turtle for all day water fun. Beaches in Turks & Caicos also has a Pirate Island Waterpark that has a kids swim up bar, 50s style diner and a rainforest game room. This resort also features an XBOX 360 Game Oasis Center with unlimited free play for the kids.
You’re probably thinking, ‘the kids will love it, but what about me?’ Beaches Resorts also have fabulous fun options for Mom and Dad. The ‘Red Lane Spas’ feature a variety of heavenly body treatments. From the tropical nail bar, which hosts a variety of exotic drink inspired manicures and pedicures to the menu of massages. I am partial to the Pedi Colada ($70) which caresses your feet in a coconut scrub and then massages them in coconut and pineapple scented lotion. (OMG!) Massages range from the popular Feet First and Tropical Bliss to the Discovery Lane Massage Sampler which gives you a little taste of each massage type for $160 (80 minutes). It doesn’t stop there my single parents. Beaches resorts also feature the Parents Night Out Bundle. Bring a friend, pretend that you like them and enjoy a private candlelit dinner for two with nanny service. During single parent fun months, all resorts host single parent welcome receptions, single parent social cocktail receptions (they want to play matchmaker…LOL) and kids movie nights.

Whatever your vacation dreams are for you and your little one(s), Beaches Family Resorts has something for everyone! For more information on Beaches Family Resorts or Single Parent Fun Month, please visit: www.beaches.com (click on specials in the top right hand corner for the Single Parent Fun Month deal). Next time we will find out where your little angel can vacation with Elmo and Cookie Monster!

For more travel information, please check out the latest issue of Reservations Travel Guide featuring Caron Butler in the Celebrity Travel Cover Story.

Save the window seat for me!

www.beaches.com

Kirstin Fuller
The Travelin Diva
Please visit Reservations Magazine's New Updated Website!
www.reservationsmagazine.com

Saving for that Dream Vacation...

Everyday Tips to Save for that Dream Vacation!

Vacation packages are more affordable than ever! A great number of Americans are choosing to take a ‘staycation’ (a stay at home vacation) instead of a traditional vacation. But, more Americans are still enjoying their summer vacations to exotic destinations abroad and here at home. This summer’s popular vacation destinations include Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii and our favorite Miami! You are probably thinking “I can’t afford to go to the Dominican Republic!” Yes, you can!
We spoke with personal finance expert and credit repair specialist Ms. Harrine Freeman (of H.E. Freeman Enterprises), to get a few tips on saving for that dream vacation.

Ms. Harrine Freeman created a Vacation Savings Guide, to help us get started.

1. Create a budget for your vacation. Don’t charge it! You will spend months even years paying off that high interest rate credit card.
2. Create a special travel/vacation fund. Deposit all extra money from a part-time job, bonus from your full-time job, any salary increases into your vacation fund.
3. Comparison shop online for your vacation package. You will save more money by buying everything (airfare, hotel & rental car) together versus purchasing individually. Also consider all-inclusive vacation packages (airfare, hotel, all meals & drinks) and save even more money!
4. Reduce/eliminate a few weekly expenses! For example if you and your sweetheart dine out every Friday and Saturday on average meal of $40 (just as an example friends!). Eliminating one night of dining out a week saves you $1,920 a year! ($40 x 4 weeks = $160 x 12months = $1,920).
5. Bring you lunch from home a few days instead of eating out everyday! The average cost of lunch is around $8. Bringing your lunch from home 3 days a week saves you $24 a week, $96 a month, which equals $1,152 a year!
6. Let’s not talk about our coffee or Starbucks addition! I wouldn’t dare take that from you friends! Seriously consider brewing your own coffee before leaving for work in the morning, it will save you money in the long run.
7. Luxuries are not necessities! Consider reducing household expenses such as the premium channels on your cable/satellite television bill. By eliminating one premium channel from your satellite television package can save you an estimated $168 a year ($14/month for one premium channel x 12 = $168). Other ways to reduce household expenses include using energy efficient appliances and cutting back on unused home and cell phone options.

If we followed tips 4, 5 & 7 alone, we would have $3,240 in our dream vacation fund! That’s enough for a lavish vacation and shopping money ladies. Are you with me? (LOL) These are just a few ways to add money to the dream vacation fund. For more great money saving tips, please visit www.hefreemanenterprises.com or call Ms. Harrine Freeman today for a personal consultation 301-280-5923.

Ms. Harrine Freeman is a Personal Finance Expert, Speaker and Author of the successful financial guide “How to Get Out of Debt: Get an “A” Credit Rating for Free.”

The Travelin’ Diva --

Please visit Reservations Travel Guide website: www.reservationsmagazine.com

Girlfriend Spa Getaways!

Blissful Girlfriend Getaways @ The Relache Spa!
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

You and your girlfriend trade daily text messages about how you desperately need to getaway. The kids’ first day of school was just as stressful for you as it was for them. Your micro-manager of a boss causes gray hair to sprout by the hour. You need a girlfriends’ getaway at a great spa!
I have the perfect spa for you Ladies! The Relache Spa at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is an excellent choice for a spa day with your favorite girlfriends.
The design philosophy behind Relache is ‘everything in one place.’ Friends they have accomplished this and then some. The 20,000 sq. ft luxuriously designed black & white facility hosts 12 treatment rooms, full service beauty salon, spa boutique, steam room and a signature Relaxation Room for meditation and peaceful thinking.
Relache Spa also hosts a state of the art, 24 hour - 4,000 sq. ft. fitness center connected to an indoor pool. The fitness center also houses cardio equipment (treadmills, bikes, rowing machines & cross trainers) equipped with televisions and radios. Friends you can further reduce stress levels with a personal fitness training session or personal yoga session!
You are probably thinking by now, “what about the spa treatments?” Friends, the spa treatments do not disappoint. Gaylord Hotel Spas are known for their signature spa treatments and services. Relache Spa does not disappoint! Signature treatments include: the exquisite Soothing Stone Massage (this 50/80 minute massage {my friend Marshelle’s favorite} featuring warm smooth basalt river stones rhythmically glided over your sore muscles, melts away all of your tension and worries. Reserve one now friends!). My personal favorite is the ‘Relache Spa Premier Facial.’ This 80 minute facial literally transforms your tired skin into beautiful glowing skin using perfectly PH balanced nutrients and the beauty industry’s best products. The tranquility and calmness of this facial is just what a girl (or guy) needs to restore your skins youthful, healthy glow. It is so relaxing that you will actually fall asleep during the facial (like I did…LOL). Friends it is one of the best facials that I have had outside of Miami!
Other signature services include: the Relache Signature massage, Sports Massage (for the guys), the Illuminating Radiance Body Scrub, the Skin Quencher Body Wrap and the La Vie En Roses Signature Facial (perfect for the Bride-to-Be).
Once you have recovered from your exhilarating spa treatment/service, you can relax in the luxuriously appointed lounge complete with a plasma television, comfortable chaise lounges, current magazines and your choice of refreshments. Or you can relax in the Signature Relaxation Room that reveals a breathtaking view of the National Harbor! Friends trust me when I say that you will not want to leave.
For an extraordinary facial please request Jean and for an out of this world massage please request Theresa. So grab a few girlfriends, a convertible and your husband’s credit card and head on over to Relache Spa for your own Girlfriend Getaway! Tell them that Reservations Travel Guide Sent You!

Look for me in the lounge Ladies!

Relache Spa is open 7 days a week (9a-9p)
Fitness Center: Open 24 Hours A day
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Ctr.
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD. 20745
301-965-4400
www.gaylordnational.com


The Travelin Diva –
Visit Reservations Magazine’s Updated Website
www.reservationsmagazine.com

Great Travel Websites...

Great Online Travel Websites!

If you are like me and like to manage your travel dollars all by your lonesome, I have a few ‘unknown’ discount travel websites that can help you save a lot of money on your next vacation.
The old favorites are still good for great online discounts for quick getaways, honeymoons or family vacations. Expedia, Hotwire, Travelocity and Orbitz are some of the major discount websites for online travel booking. In the past few years, new players in the online travel booking game have also made a name for themselves. I think that SideStep.com, TravelbyJen and Cheap Caribbean are well worth visiting each and every time you are ready to book a vacation.
SideStep.com (www.sidestep.com) is known as the travelers worldwide search engine. SideStep.com specializes in the best deals on airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises. What I love about this particular site is that is gives you your results from lowest to highest price range and nonstop, 1 stop and 2 stop options. SideStep.com even offers suggestions on hotels and activities in your selected city.
TravelbyJen (www.travelbyjen.com) has become the latest rage in online travel booking. Recently profiled on comedienne ‘Monique’s’ new radio show, TravelbyJen, guarantees the lowest prices on vacations in Mexico and the Caribbean. This family owned and operated travel agency’s motto is to ‘treat everyone like family.’ My favorite part of the website is the ‘search by destination’ tab that allows you to define your search quickly and efficiently.
Cheap Caribbean (www.cheapcaribbean.com) is another favorite that is known as a one stop shopping port for all vacations Caribbean. From the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Bermuda, St. Lucia to St. Maarten, CheapCaribbean.com specializes in “luxury vacations for less.” This websites motto is the lowest possible price, easy reservations and the highest level of customer service. My favorite feature of this website is the simple fact that they offer to “match any competitor’s price.” You can’t beat that!
When you are ready to book that next vacation, try an old favorite or one of the newer travel websites and save yourself some money!

For more information please visit the following websites and save on that next dream vacation!
www.sidestep.com
www.travelbyjen.com
www.cheapcaribbean.com

~ The Travelin Diva

www.reservationsmagazine.com

Travel's Newest Accessory!!!

New Way for Air Travelers to Reduce the Wait in Security Lines!


What is the most dreadful part of traveling by airplane? The wait in the security checkpoint line! You can’t avoid it! You have to do it! Most airlines require that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their flight leaves. The dreadful process begins! You have to take your shoes off and take your laptop out of its bag (and in some airports open and turn it on). Friends this is the sole reason I want my own private jet service. LOL
Well, there is a special card for air travelers that cuts the security checkpoint wait to a half an hour. Yes, with this card you will only have to wait in line for approximately 30 minutes. The Clear Card (which has been in existence since June 21, 2005), is the travel worlds’ first official pass for airport security. Upon arrival at the airport, Clear Card members use a special kiosk in the security fast lanes, where they insert their card, verify their identity and are escorted to the front of the security checkpoint line by a Clear (Card) Concierge. So, instead of arriving at the airport 2 hours before your flight, you could arrive one hour to 30 minutes before and still make your flight.

Now you’re thinking, ‘how do I get this card’ and ‘is it going to cost an arm, leg and a contact lens.’ The Clear Card costs $128 ($100 processing fee + $28 TSA vetting fee) per year (2 and 3 year rates are also available). The application process is started online (http://www.flyclear.com/) by entering your basic information and payment information (your credit card will not be charged until your application is approved by TSA).

Once your application is complete, applicants go to a Clear Enrollment Location (usually one of the 18 airports that participate in the program) where unique identity information is gathered. Your photograph along with fingerprints and iris images are taken (right now you are probably feeling like you are in the Tom Cruise movie Minority Report!) along with copies of two government issued identification (i.e. passport/driver’s license). Finally, everything is forwarded to TSA for a security threat assessment. Once approved, applicants receive their Clear Card in approximately 2-3 weeks.

Currently, eighteen US airports participate in the Clear Card program. Among the eighteen are: Dulles (IAD), Reagan National (DCA), LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK in New York. For a complete listing of participating airports visit http://www.flyclear.com/. More innovations are also on the way to further reduce the amount of time Clear Card members wait in the security checkpoint line. A shoe scanner is in the works that will allow you to keep your shoes on as you pass through. And a laptop scanner is also in the works that will allow your macbook air to stay in its case while being scanned.

If you are a frequent air traveler, the Clear Card is a great way to cut down the amount of time in the security checkpoint and spend more time sleeping, traveling, spending more time with the family, shopping or sleeping. LOL

To apply for your clear card, please visit: http://www.flyclear.com/

For more travel information please visit: http://www.reservationsmagazine.com/

The Travelin Diva

Staycation Paradise at The Gaylord National

Staycation Paradise at The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center!


The newest ticket this vacation season, during these tight economic times is the increasingly popular Staycation vacations. What is a Staycation? Well, a Staycation is a vacation taken locally, a quick getaway, right in your own hometown/state. You actually take time off from work and enjoy the local attractions of your own city; you don’t just stay at home and sleep late. For MD/DC/VA residents, I have the perfect location for a Staycation. The National Harbor in Prince Georges County, Maryland is a perfect local destination for a Staycation. Particularly the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
The Gaylord National Resort is the anchor resort of the new 300 acre National Harbor development. The resort features 2,000 luxurious guest rooms; four fabulous signature restaurants, a 20,000 square foot spa and Pose Ultra Lounge, the hottest nightclub outside of Miami (please try the Dreamsicle at the InFusion Bar).
The Gaylord (as it is affectionately called) is filled with all the luxurious amenities travelers expect (32 inch LCD televisions, high speed internet, oversized ceramic tiled showers and soaking tubs, king/queen size beds available). Balconies in the luxury appointed guest rooms open to reveal spectacular views of the Potomac Riverfront, Maryland’s Hillside and the resorts’ breathtaking atrium.
Guests can sample delectable delights from one of the resorts’ four signature restaurants. Old Hickory Steakhouse (an outstanding steakhouse featuring a unique cheese presentation that can accompany your choice steak), Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine (seafood lovers enjoy a wharf side bar & lounge), Pienza Italian Market (six market inspired stations featuring excellent Italian food & deserts) and National Pastime (the official sports bar of the Washington Nationals).
The Gaylord is a true vacation away from home. You actually feel like you are in another city like Miami or San Francisco. If you care to venture outside the resort complex, another spectacular world awaits. The National Harbor features art galleries, specialty shops and a treasure trove of restaurants. Bowie, Maryland favorite Grace’s will be opening another location in November alongside, Ketchup, Rosa Mexicano and McCormick & Schmick’s. The National Harbor also hosts FREE Friday night summer concerts (from 7-9pm), American Market (featuring unique local vendors) on Saturday’s, the SeaDog speed boat experience (love it!), the Alexandria – National Harbor Water Taxi and a host of fun filled activities for families, singles and couples. Kids can even play on ‘The Awakening’ statue that was once the centerpiece of DC’s Hanes Point. Food lovers get ready, ‘The First Annual Taste of Maryland’ is coming September 20th & 21st!
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is a perfect choice for a Staycation! Visit http://www.gaylordnational.com/ or call (301) 965-2000 to begin your own Staycation at the Gaylord! Tell them that http://www.myvoicedc.com/ & Reservations Travel Guide sent you!

Please visit http://www.gaylordnational.com/ to enjoy the special summer Saturday rates!

Next time ‘Girlfriend Getaways at the Relache Spa!’

The Travelin Diva
www.reservationsmagazine.com