Below is a Southwest ad, my first instinct was to chuckle but I am really wondering if this day will come. Hopefully the airline industry will never hit this low but the way things are looking, anything is possible.
I enter the sliding doors and rush up to the self-check counter, swipe my credit card, select a destination, play around for a minute trying to determine if I want a window or aisle seat, let the computer know that I will be checking one bag and to my surprise 15 dollars pops up on the screen. I'm irriatated because I thought I had gotten a way from the $2 plus tip charge that curb side charges you, but come to find out I still have some type of fee to pay.
So now I'm trying to determine if I am going to pay with my debit or credit card, because this was totally not in my trip budget. I couldn't believe that I had to automatically pay to check my bag, when I was use to only having to pay if my bag was overweight.
I pay the money, check my bags, and run through the security point, not remembering to take out my face wash. So I watch my Clean and Clear drop to the bottom of the trash can and realize that I would now have to buy a whole new tube of face wash. Another expense added on to my trip that I didn't plan for.
I head towards my gate and on my way pick up a sandwich that of course is overpriced, but they know that I am going to buy it, because the planes use to serve free food on your trip, keyword "use to". If they didn't serve a meal, they at least served peanuts. Now they give you a menu of items that you can purchase to add to your already expensive trip.
I board the plane and immediately I ask for a blanket, because I always get cold on the plane. The flight attendant informs me that there might be a few scattered around the plane, but other than that they cost. He then attempts to make a joke by saying, "Everything cost, soon you will have to pay for drinks." He further goes on to tell us he isn't joking. Joking or not it wasn't funny.
He made me realize that as you log on to cheap tickets and think that you are finding a good deal, somehow the airlines are going to find a way to make up for that discount you think you are getting. Whats next paying to use the bathroom with a quarter? I can't take this economy anymore!
- Signed a Travelista out of money
**This is a travel sound off submitted by Kenya A.**
Ok so for Memorial Day weekend my friends and I stayed at The Carlton South Beach Hotel which is located at 14th & Collins, 1433 Collins Avenue to be exact. Prior to booking our room, a minimal amount of research was conducted due to time constraints. Despite a thorough inspection of the hotel, based on the website and a few decent reviews we felt confident that we selected a hotel that would provide a comfortable, clean and inviting atmosphere. We were sadly mistaken.
I acknowledged the fact that no business or establishment is always going to have 100% satisfied customers, taking that into consideration we weren’t completely turned off when we read some unfavorable reviews on a few websites. We probably should have listened when we read the staff was rude and uninviting.
On the website the lobby looks amazing; in person it looks like a warehouse. Indeed the aromatherapy was in full effect but the couches in the lobby were flea market/good will status. The elevator looked as though it should have been in a psych ward and the bar was just lame. We take the elevator up to the 2nd floor…. The hallway feels like a sauna, the ceilings are unbelievably low and the cleaning ladies in the hallway staring at us conveniently “No ‘speaka any english”…. . Holding our breathe; I open the door….. inhale… exhale…. Mildew!!! The smell of mildew welcomes us to our humble abode, WTF I thought each room was filled with the amazing scent of aromatherapy??… Yeah Ok!! Check the bathroom…. Clearly built for midgets, so small, hot and very skeevy (gross). I was desperate for a can of Lysol. Check the closet…. 4 hangers….No fridge…..No drawers (4 hangers)…. Nice flat screen with NO cable.
Call front desk to request towels… we have no clean towels. They provide 3 towels… and there are four of us. Front desk hoe says she’s going to have someone bring us towels right away. 2-3 hours later… still no towels.
Next day, head to the beach….. return to room… Room has not been cleaned. Luckily roommate and good friend knows some Spanish and was able to tell the cleaning lady that our room had not been cleaned in two days. She enters our room and says “Ay dios mio” (however you spell “Oh my God in Spanish”. She got to cleaning ASAP!! We weren’t pleased with our hotel but we definitely made the best of our stay. Would I recommend this hotel to someone…. I’d recommended a homeless shelter first!!!
Pros
1. Bed was pretty comfy
2. Location is amazing
3. Nice flat screen
4. Air Conditioner was poppin
Cons
1. Room smelled like mildew
2. No Drawers to put your clothes
3. Shower curtain smelled like men’s locker room/dirty gym socks
4. Suspicious stains on sheets
5. Carpet stains
6. Scarcity of towels and soap
7. Clean towels did NOT smell fresh
8. No toothpaste
9. No continental breakfast… Shit no food period
10. Wouldn’t dare trust the pool
11. View sucks
CheapCaribbean.com has just reduced a 7-night Barbados vacation with prices starting at $299 per person...airfare included!!!!
This offer is for travel between Sept. 1-30. However, you must book this early-bird sale by June 18th.This offer includes:
-Roundtrip airfare from:
- Atlanta, GA $399.00
- Baltimore, MD $379.00
- Boston, MA $349.00
- Charlotte, NC $299.00
- Chicago, IL $489.00
- New York, NY $409.00
- Washington,DC $379.00
-7 Nights at Time Out at the Gap
- Free daily breakfast for two -$25 dinner voucher, car rental discount, activity and shopping discounts
For full details or to book directly click here. Or call them at 800-915-2322
Last year around this time I was preparing myself to move to London, for what I thought would be a year. But here I am, not even a complete year later, back in New York City! Most days, entirely content but every now and then I find myself secretely yearning to wake up to that London fog, grab some fish and chips at a nearby pub or simply be greeted with an amiable "Cheers".
The Chef: Todd English. For those of you who don’t know Mr. English, he has developed a unique style and approach to the cuisine of his MANY restaurants, both on land and at sea (Cunard’s, QM2, and Queen Victoria). Among them is his highly acclaimed Olives restaurant, featuring interpretive rustic Mediterranean dishes, now in six cities nationwide. This award-winning chef, author and television personality offers a modern twist on familiar favorites for his signature entrees on Deltas new in-flight menu.
Yes, I was surprised also! As a patron of the Olives Restaurant in DC, I was familiar with Todd’s work and excited to sink my teeth in anything prepared by him. So I did! The menu, of course wasn’t as large as a full restaurant menu but just as vast. From gourmet chicken bistro salad to hummus with veggies; my choice was the chicken Parmesan sandwich. Mouth watering Parmesan breaded chicken breast, marinated mozzarella slices, basil pesto with parsley, and tomato sauce on a rosemary ciabatta roll. Yea, I said mouth watering. I don’t know if it was because I was 37,000 feet in the air or because I was only 30 minutes in to a 3 hour and 10 minute flight from Vegas to Cincinnati, but I have to say, that was a pretty darn good sandwich. It was tasty, had all the right ingredients and went well with my “Copenhagen Colada.” Well don’t Todd English; you never cease to surprise me.
Price: Reasonable. $8 was extremely reasonable for a sandwich that usually costs about $10 in a gourmet restaurant.
All in all, it is a much needed improvement and wonderful way to enjoy great food in the air. The new Menu also features Vitamin water power-c and xxx flavor, and an assortment of beers, wines, spirits, and all day goodies including: Pringles, M&M peanuts, and dove dark chocolate bars. And for those of you unwilling to step over to the bad side, they still serve complimentary snacks as well.
Do you have an absolute favorite restaurant that never ceases to amaze you? How about a hotel that has absolutely amazing service? Aside from all the raves I'm sure you had a few experiences that had you in a rage... Horrible service at a restaurant? Even worst food? Was your flight ever delayed twice and then canceled? Stayed at the worst hotel EVER? Luggage always gets lost?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, Travel Tattoo wants to hear from you!!!!
Give tell-all reviews/experiences on restaurants, hotels, airlines and cities... We are waiting to hear all your rants and raves!!!
E-mail: TravelSoundOff@gmail.com
Jet Blue has a fabulous deal for all you jet setters... non-stop fares from New York (JFK) to St. Maarten for $99 each way.
*Fares are only available on if you book on jetblue.com
**Travel must be booked by June 18, 2008
***Travel must take place between June 4th and August 28, 2008
****Travel must take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday
If you can meet all those requirements then you'll be on your way... by the way after taxes, etc. the total cost would be $292.15
I think it's a steal... HAPPY JETTING!!! (beware..they may make you sit in the bathroom.lol.)
If you haven't had the opportunity to check out 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' on Broadway, now is the time. In it's final weeks (thru June 22nd Only)Broadwayoffers.com in conjunction with the NY Post is offering Orch/Mezz seats for just $69.50.
To get tickets go to www.broadwayoffers.com or call 212.947.8844
Use Code: CTNYP56
For more info on the actual play visit Cat2008onBroadway.com
The cover of today's NY Post read SKYWAY ROBBERY , I thought it was the perfect headline to describe the $15 bag fee American Airlines has just announced. Starting next month (June 14th) American Airlines passengers will have to pay $15 each way to check a basic piece of luggage--but that's just for the first piece!!! $25 for the 2nd piece and even higher for oversized bags and other special services.
Just when I thought no snacks was the worst thing ever in comes this bright idea. Thanks
Oh there's exceptions, so maybe you're a lucky one.
This fee is not going to apply...
to those flying overseas, elite members of the airline's frequent-flier program
or get this.... business class travelers as the rich gets richer... the poor little coach vacation travelers will be stuck with the fee.. go figure
Saturday consists of trying to keep up with the busiest girl I know, trips to Quicktrip, Bank of America, Taqueria Del Sol (If you're going to be in Atlanta you should treat yourself to a couple fish tacos ;-)), a trip to the most monotonous mall in Atlanta, drinks at the Fox Sports Grill, getting random men to sing Happy Birthday to Tabitha and weaving through traffic trying to make it to dinner.. ok pause:
DINNER: it was @ Straits Atlanta, a Singaporean cuisine spot in Atlanta's Midtown owned by Rapper Ludacris in partnership with Chef Chris Yeo. The restaurant opened here in April. A dimly lit, very modern spot, yet sexy and sleek. There is a full bar near the entrance and a lounge area on the first level. We dined upstairs, after climbing a full flight of stairs (thanks Luda and co. for ensuring the burning of all calories consumed before leaving the building) we were taken to our area, it was fitting for the occassion. The food was good, spicy, advententurous and fun if I'm allowed to use such words to describe food. All in all it was a good experience. The service get's a needs improvement and though the ambiance is meant to be warm and inviting it's actually pretty cold in there!!! Lastly, the music did not necessarily match the atmosphere but I guess that's what you get when Singaporean meets Hip-Hop's own Ludacris.
Immediately following dinner we were on our was to Atl's 'Dreamz' nightclub. Upon arrival we quickly noticed the entire city draped around the venue in what seemed to be a line, literally draped around the venue. Not too excited about the line we hung out in the vehicle for a couple minutes before joining the line of unknowns. So far from my normal semi-VIP experiences, I patiently waited engaging in small talk with my friends. Once inside, I realized I may have preferred standing in line. But that didn't last too long, I tuned out the bootleg dancers strategically placed throughout the large space turned nightclub, and the night ended up being all good. A bunch of regular people trying to have a good time and with that in an instant I got in touch with my inner appreciation for VIP lines, list, sections and shameless high-maintence individuals superciliously claiming to be on the master list.
Atlanta, I promise we will unite as one in the years to come but New York has my heart so my impromptu visits will have to do for now...
Yearning for a much needed break from the overcrowded subways, unpredictable weather and hectic grind I escaped to Atlanta for the weekend. I must say Atlanta is one of my sweetest escapes and after a 2 month drought I was ecstatic to find a flight and be on my way...
Ashawntee Dingle has always loved to travel so it was no surprise that she would be so thrilled to start her own travel business.
Travel Luxurious is an incredibly convenient site and will certainly gratify all your travel needs with the following services available: Flights, hotel accommodations, car rental, vacation packages, cruises, golf packages, spa reservation, new & used car purchases, outdoor excursion, honeymoon registries, flower purchases, ticket purchases for sporting events, musicals, concerts, etc., travel insurance and passport services.
The website it easy to navigate and user friendly. It has a 24-hour customer service support should you have any issues with your reservation/confirmation.
The next time you plan on traveling be sure to make it luxurious...
Liberty Travel has just reduced vacations to Fairmont resort in Bermuda by 45%
This $675 per person deal include round trip airfare from New York. Also included in this offer
- 3nights at the AAA 4-Diamond Southampton on Fairmont Hamilton Princess.
- Departure dates Aug. 22- Oct.11
- Roundtrip transfers in Bermuda
Must book by May 25th
For full details call Liberty Travel 800-447-1353
or visit http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.asp?408871
MTV's most popular reality show "The Real World" has plans on taping their next season in Brooklyn. For those who aren't so familiar with the show...
"It is the true story of 7 strangers picked to live in a house and have their lives taped" and all through the season we (the viewers) get to "find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real".
The show premiered in 1992 in New York City and each season they choose a different location from Paris to Key West to Australia.
This year the cast is in Hollywood, as the season wraps up the producers are anxious to begin filming in Brooklyn as early as this summer. According to an article in the NY Post no leases have been signed but MTV has been eying various areas to house the strangers including DUMBO, Williamsburg, Park Slope or maybe even Coney Island.
As a Brooklyn native I am sometimes afraid that the latest developments in the borough will make Brooklyn lose it's character but I do believe that Brooklyn is a very progressive city, ready to claim it's place among the top cities in the world!!!
"The Real World: Brooklyn" (i like the sound of it) is slated to debut in early 2009 and I guess it's safe to say the best kept secret will finally be exposed...
Jet Blue is being sued for $2 million by a New York man who said he was forced to sit in the bathroom for a good portion of his flight from San Diego to New York. I had to get more details when I heard about this madness so here's how it went down...
Gokhan Mutlu was traveling on a Jet Blue buddy pass (a standby travel voucher that airline employees gives to friends), he was originally told that there would not be any available seats on his particular flight but shortly after that he was advised that the flight attendant would sit in the employee jump seat and he would be given the last available seat.
Everything seemed to be going as planned until the flight attendant decided 90 minutes into the flight that the jump seat was just waaay to uncomfortable for her liking so she complained to the pilot who then forced the man to sit in the bathroom. According to an Associated Press article the pilot told the man "He should be grateful for being on board" before suggesting that he go "hang out in the bathroom".
Mutlu surrendered and headed to the toilet, as the pilot headed back to cockpit and instructed the passengers to return back to their seats just before the aircraft hit turbulence . Needless to say, Mutla had no seat to return to...
CheapCaribbean.com has just reduced a 4-night Puerto Rico vacation from New York to $399 per person!!!!
The offer includes:
- Roundtrip airfare from New York
- 4-nights at the Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa
- Departure dates through December
- Buy 1 round of golf, get one free
All AirTran Airways Destinations On Sale
Saturday night, I'm lounging in BK with "The Lawyer" (P.Roberts) and "The Mogul" (L.Janell) we're thinking about what the night will bring us, well more like deciding what we will bring the night and so we decided to travel to SEA.
- L. Janell reconnects with her long lost friend
- We meet the Spanish version of "The Clumps"
- Some random guy threatens to "drop dime" on us for sitting down without being seated, as if no one ever told him that "snitches get stiches".
- The Mojito
- The car was not towed when we got outside!!!!!!
Have you ever been in the airport, at your gate most likely waiting to board only to hear an announcement over the intercom stating that your flight has been overbooked? I am almost certain you have because overbooked flights are a fact of life!!! But back to the point, the attendant goes on to ask if anyone would like to "volunteer" to give up their seat on the flight for some sort of compensation. Depending on the length of your travel, they may offer a voucher between $200 and $400; other times they offer a first class seat on the flight you're bumped too; or even a combination of both.
I resent that every time I travel, something crazy happens. But I think what I resent more is the fact that anyone's travel that I am in any way involved, turns out to be some outrageous never-to-be-forgotten experience...
Ironically I link up with Khaliah Jackson on the M60 (who knew there was a bus that took you to LGA?!?) We are pressed for time and wishing the bus speeds up it seemed like forever before we reached the US Airways departure door. We reached the counter and WHAT?!?
Sooo today is Hot Spot Thursdays, for all you little lovelies in NYC or considering making that trip soon I have a restaurant suggestion... TAO!
Tao is a casual eleg
ant spot in Midtown East (42 East 58th Street btwn. Park & Madison) with an Asian/Pan-Asian cuisine. The food is great, service top-notch and the atmosphere, impeccable. I don't know if it's the 16-foot Buddha that floats above a reflecting pool, the sushi bar or the layout of the restaurant that keeps people coming but it's known as a favorite destination for celebrities, athletes and of course me and my girls!
Getting reservations can be a slight headache but if you're flexible you'll be good. In addition, they do accept walk-ins and there are two bars and a cool lounge to hang-out while waiting to be seated.
I went on a Saturday night it was crowded, very loud and extremely accommodating to my fairly large party. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we enjoyed our food, the waiter was very patient and knowledgeable, he recommended the Crispy Tuna Sashimi Roll with Edamame and I absolutely loved it. There's extensive options from Dumplings and Spring Rolls to Miso Glazed Chillean Sea Bass; whatever you decide to eat make sure to leave a little room for the Chocolate Lava Cake... your visit won't be complete without it.
Go experience Tao...
call: 212-888-2288 to make reservations
(they suggest you make reservations a month in advance but you can get around this if you have flexibility in your timing)
cost: expect to pay around $30-$50
... and all you West Coasters there's a Tao restaurant/night club at the Venetian in Vegas.
That's all. :)
Since I'm itching to go "somewhere" for a couple days I figure I'd just talk about where everyone else has been hanging out. Here are a few celebrity sightings. Enjoy!
Janet promoting her new CD "Discipline" at Hollywoods Virgin MegaStore... Does anyone else think her commercials on MTV are hilarious? Especially when she's imitating Diddy. haha
Haven't decided if this was taken before or after Kanye was denied entry into the Balenciaga fashion show, probably before :) Anyway here's him and Alexis in Paris.
These two spotted having a little too much fun in Jamaica.
LMAO!!! They were hanging out in Times Square. WTF is wrong with Flavor Flav?
Finding flights can be such a headache. Maybe it's just me always wanting the best deal possible... I never want to buy a ticket because in my mind I think the fare will decrease. But on the flip it's a greater possibility that the fare will increase because the date is obviously nearing the longer you wait.
wan·der·lust (wŏn'der-lŭst')
n. A very strong or irresistible impulse to travel.
I like this word, it sort of sums up my thought process when it comes to going places. I love to travel, to see new places, faces and things, experience new people, cultures and traditions and inevitably learn something new. I find that travel is an interest to many people. One thing that stands out in the definition is that wanderlust is an irresistable "impulse" to travel. Sometimes when I travel it is on just that... IMPULSE not really planned out thoroughly just kind of going with the wind and because of that my experiences are always that much more memorable.
So I invite you on my journey through the world, in the airports when every single flight is cancelled, on the way to a foreign country with a one-way ticket, on a tropical island with my favorite ladies, and even those good 'ole roadtrips with the family.
But that's not all... I'll recommend some great places to you and your friends, I'll even let you know where Jay & B was last weekend, all for the love of travel!!!
My experiences are unforgettable... they're forever... just like a tattoo :)
Stay tuned
