29 Oct 2014

Do you know who (and what) you should tip while traveling?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

The attached article is a very short guide about proper tipping. It also tells who it is not proper to tip, such as flight attendants. The article also gives the proper percentage or amount to tip as well, but the main thing to remember is that the tip is mainly determined by extra services performed by the person providing the service.

For hotels, it does state that the hotel doorman doesn't need a tip for just holding the door open. If you ask them for extra help such as, for example, holding an umbrella over your head from the car to the door, though, expect to pay $2-$5. Give the hotel bellman $1-2 per bag, and more if the bags are hard to carry. And, the hotel valet, $2-$5 for taking care of your car.

Although the article doesn't mention the amount you should give the hotel housekeeping, I have seen that a $1-5 per day tip (depending on the number of beds you used and the general mess you leave) is appreciated.

Would you book a hotel room with your car’s GPS?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Book a room nearby with your car's GPS

General Motors has a new service that will let you book hotel rooms right through your car. The paid service is called "AtYourService", and will allow you to find and book a room near you through OnStar at the hotel of your choice, right through Priceline.com.

17 Jan 2015

What are you going to do with your gas savings?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

With gas prices on the decline Motorist can rack up big savings throughout 2015. Gasoline prices have not been this low since 2009. This trend is expected to continue through the new year resulting in a average saving $550.00 per household.

So - what are you going to do with the lower gas prices? Maybe THIS is the year that you take that long-awaited car trip.

7 Jan 2015

Tips for choosing a hotel for business

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Proximity to business or hotel

There are a few crucial things to keep in mind when selecting a hotel for your business travels. No, it is not the proximity to a thriving downtown with lots of fun bars. One of the most important factors to consider is the proximity of the hotel to the client's office and airport (if you are flying in). You don’t want to be spending the majority of your trip in the car or a taxi.

2 Jan 2015

We, as travellers, are totally wired

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

In our growing age of information and the constant use of technology, travelers rely on a variety of technologies for a range of purposes–from keeping in touch with family members back at home, to mapping their destinations and routes on their travels, to searching for hotels, flights, and restaurants. This is causing travel companies, like Expedia, to come out with apps that make is easier for the wired customer to find hotels.

1 Jan 2015

Tips for traveling by car in winter

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Driving during averse weather conditions can be a challenge. The following articles gives in depth, step by step instructions on how to drive safely during icy/wintry conditions and the various pitfalls to avoid during your journey. However, if it is not possible to drive safely, it would be ideal to simply stay at a nearby hotel for a short duration.