We all know what outsourcing and moving manufacturing overseas has done to the US economy. Maryland-based A Christmas Ornament Company is fighting the trend by selling only American-made holiday products. A recent Gallup Poll found that 72% of Americans are paying "heightened attention" to the country of origin of the products they buy, and 65% are making an effort to specifically avoid … [Read more...]
Best July Fourth fireworks + concerts
The Fourth of July and fireworks displays go together like hot dogs and mustard, kids and ice cream. Here are four of the best places in the United States for Fourth of July celebrations: New York City -- The biggest and best, of course, is the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display, the nation's largest. This year again, the pyrotechnics are from barges parked in the … [Read more...]
Best Funny and Offbeat New Year’s Eve Celebrations in USA
Everybody agrees that the two top places to ring in a new year are Times Square in New York City and anywhere in Las Vegas. But there are some other interesting, free, even quirky New Year’s Eve celebrations in the USA, from a cheese party in Wisconsin to a pickle party in Mount Olive, North Carolina. Here are some interesting alternatives to spending the evening with a couple of million of … [Read more...]
Five Top Travel Apps for Safe Holiday Road Trips
The AAA estimates more than 92 million Americans will be on the road during the holiday period between December 23rd and January 2nd, 3.1% more than last year. There is a mind-boggling selection of iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry apps to download that will help make your driving and travel less stressful and perhaps even more safe. These are my five picks for the best travel apps for … [Read more...]
Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays
We're all in a hurry at the holidays. But driving fast is not the answer, and it most certainly is not safe driving. Speed-related deaths kill approximately 13,500 Americans each year, according to the Governor's Highway Safety Association. And thousands more drivers, passengers and pedestrians are injured by speeding. Here are five reasons you should not speed: Save lives - Slowing down … [Read more...]
How Airlines and Hotels Give Back to the Community
In the spirit of the holiday season, it's time to acknowledge airlines and hotels for how they support the underprivileged and give back to the community. American Airlines brought more than 1,300 children and spouses of fallen military personnel to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area on December 9th, four four days of all-expense-paid holiday activities, including a private performance at the Mesquite … [Read more...]
Travel Contests for Free Vacations
Airlines, hotels and tourism boards are giving away free vacations. Some current travel contests, sweepstakes and promotions often involve little more than signing up to the company's Facebook page. Now that I have your attention -- Grand Velas Riviera Maya -- the prize is a two night all-inclusive vacation for two adults and two children at this AAA Five Diamond resort surrounded by … [Read more...]
How the Travel Industry Supports U.S. Military Veterans
On Veterans Day, let's salute our active and retired U.S. military personnel. Let's also salute the travel industry for the ways it supports American soldiers, sailors and Marines. The travel industry gets lots of headlines for cruise ships that have to be towed into port, delayed flights and lost baggage. Today, I'm sharing good news and giving thanks. Thank you, American Airlines for … [Read more...]
Travel Deals to Caribbean Warm up Winter Blues
Leave those scarves and mittens at home. Escape the winter by heading south. Despite the upcoming holidays, the Caribbean is on sale right now, with fourth night free and other travel discounts. Here are some Tuesday Travel bargains for family travel or romantic getaways without the kids: Curacao -- Book before January 8, 2011 and visit before April 1, 2011, and you get the fourth night free … [Read more...]
Holiday Travel Adventures and Deals to Book Now
There's still time to book special eco-friendly getaways for the holidays. These travel adventures are great gifts to give yourself. Zion National Park is one of my favorite places in the world to hike and inhale the beauty of the rugged scenery and the clear air -- that photo of me is atop the Angels Landing trail in Zion. Winter is a great time to visit, especially with the "Zion in … [Read more...]