first night

first night

Monday, December 12, 2011

New Years Eve in Knoxville

For those who can't make it to New York City in Times Square for New Years Eve with 999,999 other people and do not want to sit home with a six pack and a bag of popcorn, listening to the neighbors shoot Roman candles in the back yard, then you may want to check out the First Night festivities in and around Market Square.   First Night Knoxville 


It promises to be a cheap, family friendly event It is rumored that instead of a "Ball Drop" UT Alumni will be dropping Derek Dooley from a high place on the square.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Picking Out Your Luggage at the Airport Carousel

Have you been frustrated trying to determine which piece(s) of luggage are yours as you wait at the airport carousel after a long flight? Is your luggage black, or red, or olive drab; like my own Samsonite? Worse yet, has your luggage been picked up by someone other than you, thinking that they had their own bag?


Why not travel with some style and avoid those hassles. Diane von Furstenberg to the rescue!




Yes the 4 piece luggage shown above, in 28", 25", 21" carry-on, and 16" tote is available for  under $300.  Also available in Champagne and Khaki. Goodbye to dull Grey,Black, and Olive Drab.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Live Luggage and bags that deliver a charge


A British company has introduced the world's first power assisted luggage that senses when you are going uphill, upstairs, or over a curb. It also features an Anti-Gravity Handle that puts 85% of the bags weight on the wheels and away from your body, sparing your arms, shoulders and back.This is a sure bet for those who are not  professional athletes or body builders

How can you travel with all of you electronic devices and keep up with the various charging systems and their cord?. Simple, here is a video from a company that charges up to four of your devices from the bag itself!  Powerbag Video


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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

New Years Eve with 1,000,000 of your closest friends

Where will you spend the evening of Dec 31, 2011? Well you may want to check off an item on your bucket list and be on Times Square to watch the Ball Drop. So here are some tips.


You need to arrive early for good viewing, around 4pm, since 999,999 others have the same idea. Take one of the following trains to Times Square; 1,2,3,7,A,B,C.D,E,F,M,N,Q,R,S,W. Eat a big lunch and bring along plenty of  snacks like granola/energy bars, nuts, fruits,etc. Alcohol is not permitted and the police will confiscate any that they see..hello flasks!


Public restroom facilities are available at the Port Authority bus station, although they will be crowded.


The best views are along Broadway from 43rd St. to 50th St. and along Seventh Ave.  to 59th St.


The weather is unpredictable in NYC on Dec 31, so dress warm and in layers. Hats, scarves and gloves are a good idea. Backpacks are not and are not allowed. Of course you will want to record your experience so don't forget a camera or smartphone.


You will be crowded, pushed and stepped on. Bring plenty of patience and leave the brand new party shoes at home, you will be on your feet for 8 hours.


If you still want to go, but this does not sound like your cup of tea, then consider spending the evening on a ship in the harbor. They depart at 9pm arrive back at the dock at 1am. For $140 you get to see the fireworks at the Statue of Liberty, enjoy a cash bar, hors d'ouerves, and a non-stop DJ.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Rental Car Insurance Precautions

"That scratch was there when I picked up the car"!  It's your word against theirs....unless, you pull out your smartphone and take pictures before you leave the rental car lot. This takes just a few moments and you can be on your way.


But that brings up the choices that confront you at the rental counter when the agent asks you to initial "Accept" or "Decline" the CDW.  What is that acronym? It stands for Collision/Loss Damage Waiver. It makes your life easier if your rental car is damaged, but at a price; about $20 per day!


So what can you do to save money and protect yourself?

  • Use a Visa, Diners Club, or American Express Credit Card not a debit card, since debit cards do not offer any insurance.
  • Be aware that coverage on the credit card is secondary to your personal auto insurance,  unless you use Diners Club where the card coverage is primary or buy primary coverage with American Express for around $25 per rental not per day.
  • Use a Travel Insurance package that includes CDW at lower rates than the car rental co.
The card companies have limits on how long they will provide coverage:
Diners Club                45 days
American Express    30 days
MC,Visa, Discover   15 days


When traveling to the beautiful, but traffic accident prone island of Jamaica, note that the credit card companies do not provide insurance on your rental.


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

SOC for the Holidays

I will be going out to check out the red rocks in Sedona for the holidays so I am using this service to prepare my Christmas cards now and they will be mailed first class while I relax. Check out the video. SOC for the Holidays Want to do the same?Contact me.