Taking off Travel blog

What is your computer setup?

I recently wondered whether business travelers dare to unplug in the 21st century. If your answer is a resounding ‘no’ then it’s time to look at what you need to really stay connected today. Here’s a peek at my setup. I hope you’ll share yours in the comments below.

Computer

This almost goes without saying. Over the years, I’ve fluctuated between desktops and laptops. My current set up is a Dell desktop machine for home use with as large a screen as I could afford and a small laptop (Samsung NC-110) for taking on the road.  Tip: Choose a laptop with as big a keyboard as possible; tiny keys can be hard on the hands and wrists.

Other Hardware

One essential item for me is a good headset. Not only does this prevent me from annoying others around me when I play music and videos, it also comes in handy for VOIP software. A webcam is another tool that’s almost essential. When you are talking to and meeting people online, it’s good to be able to see their faces and gauge reactions. Read more »

Park Ride Fly USA is happy to announce a new provider relationship with AARP, the nation’s largest membership organization for people over 50. We’ve linked up with AARP to offer its 40 million+ members a 10 per cent discount on reservations made at any of our off airport parking locations. There are 132 (and counting …) at 67 airports nationwide so that’s a lot of choice.

We’re happy to say that we offer better parking rates than most on site airport parking lots, so AARP members will really feel the benefit. To grab your discount, visit us online and have your AARP membership number handy. You will also need this discount code: aarp10. Your space will be waiting for you before you arrive at the airport.

Want to find out more? Park Ride Fly USA will be appearing at the AARP Expo in Las Vegas from October 22-24. In the meantime, there’s more information on http://www.parkrideflyusa.com/aarp

On my recent trip to Florida, one restaurant chain stood out for both taste and value - Sweet Tomatoes (also known as Souplantation in some areas). We happened into it one afternoon after rejecting the nearby Italian restaurant we’d been considering.

Sweet Tomatoes, Dania Beach

When we walked in we were greeted by a salad bar several feet long, and this on its own would have been enough to keep us happy. Not only did it have a huge selection of fresh individual salad items (including a couple of things I’d never heard of), but it included three lettuce based salads, two pasta salads and potato salad. You could put as much on your plate as you wanted, though we discovered that if you were too full of salad you would miss out on the other items on offer. To accompany your salad you could choose from water, iced tea, lemonade, strawberry lemonade and soda. Read more »

The countdown to Halloween has begun so it’s also time to check out Halloween vacation options. There are some great shows, attractions and deals at this time of year. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Photo credit: serpico from morguefile.com

Disneyworld got Halloween off to an early start with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Running on selected dates until November 1, the event is suitable for those who want to participate in Halloween without the scare factor. Kids will love seeing their favorite Disney characters in special costumes for the season. There is Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, which starts with the Headless Horseman and the Magic Kingdom will be transformed, with haunted hollows at intervals around the park. Read more »

In this economy, people are looking for more ways to save on the cost of travel. One good way is by using offsite airport parking. Offsite airport parking, also known as off airport parking, is parking that is removed from the main airport complex. Airport real estate is expensive, even if you’re only renting a parking space so parking on site can cost a bomb. Off airport parking lots are much cheaper and can be sited just outside the airport or a couple of miles away. With lots close to the airport, you may be able to walk to the terminal with your bags. For those further away, there is a shuttle to the airport.

Research Off Airport Parking

Once you know where you’re going, it’s a good idea to ressearch off airport parking facilities to see which one meets your needs. The services vary at each facility. Some offer self parking, where you put your car in an assigned space, while others offer valet parking. Some facilities will make sure that your car is heated or cooled for your arrival. I’ve even used facilities where the car got a wash before I picked it up. So shopping around really pays off. Read more »