From the US Travel Association:

“The Travel Promotion Act creates the Corporation for Travel Promotion, modeled after successful programs in U.S. states and other developed nations, with the mission of attracting more visitors to the United States. The initiative is funded through a matching program featuring up to $100 million in private sector contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers who do not pay $131 for a visa to enter the United States. The fee will be collected once every two years in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization. No money is provided by U.S. taxpayers.”

As noted, $10 of the money goes directly to the Corporation for Travel Promotion, while $4 remains behind for administrative purposes.

The thinking behind all of this is to play catch-up with other nations who spend millions of dollars promoting tourism for their countries.

What are your thoughts?

Do you think we will see the hoped for annual surge of 1.6 million new international visitors?

Note:  Creative Commons Flickr photograph courtesy of Ludovic Bertron

This was an oft heard phrase from my childhood.  However, in my 53 years, I don’t think I have ever actually seen a bedbug.  Nor, to my knowledge, have I ever been bitten by one.

They are actually quite ugly bugs.  Don’t you think?

I was reading a press release from Terminix (the pest control folks) the other day, and they noted that bedbugs were nearly eradicated after World War II.  However, with increased international travel, these little buggers have evidently taken our country by storm.

The 2010 most bedbug-infested cities include:

It seems that the state of Ohio wins the dubious award of being the most bedbug infested state in our nation.

Here are 10 tips from Terminix to protect yourself while traveling and at home:

Because of the bedbugs’ tendency to hitch rides from one location to the next, high-traffic areas such as hotels, motels, airplanes and cruise ships are especially susceptible to infestations. Travelers should use the following tips to protect themselves from bedbugs:

• Check headboards, mattresses and box springs for bedbugs and the dark blood spots they leave behind.
• Hang all clothing. Leave nothing lying on the bed or furniture.
• Avoid unpacking clothing and storing your clothing in the hotel’s furniture drawers.
• Store baggage on a luggage rack as far from the bed as possible.
• Vacuum suitcases when returning, and immediately wash clothing in hot water.

Consumers do not have to travel in order to bring a bedbug infestation into the home. According to Terminix data, reports of bedbug infestations in office buildings and retail shops are on the rise, and homeowners should use the following tips to protect themselves:

• Inspect furniture, antiques, used appliances or consignment items for signs of bedbugs before bringing them into the home.
• Never pick up used mattresses or furniture left curbside.
• Inspect clothing for bedbugs and wash (in hot water) new items in hot water after bringing them into the house.
• Use zippered encasements on infested mattresses and box springs.
• If you suspect you have bedbugs, have your home inspected by a trained professional. Bedbugs cannot be controlled by over-the-counter treatments.

For a further understanding of these pesky little bloodsuckers, here is a piece from Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.

Now, you might want to go check your mattress.

From USA Today:

“In most states that have banned smoking in public places, such as Kansas, the legislation allows hoteliers to exempt a certain percentage of guest rooms.

But in Wisconsin, “there can be zero rooms” that allow smoking in sleeping rooms, Trisha Pugal, CEO of Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association told me in an interview.”

I, for one, can’t stand the foul smell of a smoking hotel room.  However, we always stay in non-smoking rooms.

What do you think of this new law?  Is this fair to people who choose to smoke?

Photographed by an Expedition 24 crew member on the International Space Station, this is an oblique view that shows the eye (just left of center) of Hurricane Earl. A Russian Soyuz vehicle is docked to the station (foreground). Credit: NASA

This not only gives us our first national exposure, but also rewards us with a nice travel prize if we can deliver the most traffic to our article within a 24 hour period.

Therefore, please share in our excitement by clicking this link to read our article.

By doing so, your can read our photo essay on the Jade Mountain Resort, and Kiwi Collection will count your visit as a vote for us in the Battle of the Travel Bloggers.

Thank you for your support of The Roaming Boomers, and we look forward to bringing you valuable luxury travel information for decades to come.

Now, click this link and read our article.

Thanks!

On our recent 25th wedding anniversary tour of the Caribbean’s most romantic resorts, we overheard a distraught lady bemoaning the fact that the airport security agents had taken most of her toiletries.

She had mistakenly thought that the 3-1-1 protocol for transporting carry-on liquids was discontinued.

As a reminder, here’s the deal:

• 3 ounce or smaller containers for liquids or gels.
• 1 quart-sized clear plastic, zip-top bag holding 3 ounce or smaller containers.
• 1 bag per traveler placed in the security bin.

I will soon be doing a product review of a company called 3floz.com that might be a help to travelers.

Stay tuned!

I have reprinted them below for your convenience:

Xona Resort Suites

Half as Hot

Every Thursday XONA takes the forecasted high temperature for the day, cuts it in half, and that’s the room rate for a 1-bedroom King Suite. If the forecasted high is 100 degrees, room rate is $50 + tax for each night of stay.

• Offer valid: through 9/10/10, book through 9/9/10

The TPC Scottsdale

Golf TPC for Free

• Package price: $109 per night includes a 1-bedroom King Suite and golf for one player at the nearby TPC Champions Course. A second golfer may be added at a reduced rate.
• Offer valid: through 9/26/10, book through 9/24/10

Hotel Valley Ho

The $555 No Surprise Package

Hotel Valley Ho is offering a special package just for summer. The $555 No Surprise Package represents a 35% discount and offers the perfect opportunity to stay and play at Scottsdale’s downtown resort.

The package includes:

• Two nights in a Signature Guest Room
• Two drinks upon arrival to start your visit in style
• Your choice of any two 60-minute spa treatments
• A three-course prix-fixe dinner for two at Trader Vic’s
• Breakfast for two at ZuZu both mornings of your stay
• Extend the Weekend: For $50, delay your departure until 5:00 p.m., based on availability.

• Package Price: $555
• Offer Valid: June 1 – September 6, 2010

All taxes and gratuities included. Package meals do not include alcohol. You must notify Trader Vic’s of the $555 package when seated. Advance reservations are required for spa treatments and meals. Certain restrictions apply. Book now; this offer is subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offers. To book this package, call 480.248.2000 or 866.882.4484 and ask for the “No Surprise Package”.

4th Night On Us
Reserve a 3-night stay at Hotel Valley Ho, and the 4th night is on us!

• Package Price:
• Offer Valid: for stays through December 31, 2010. This offer is subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

To book this special now, call 480.248.2000 or 866.882.4484 and ask for the “Stay Three / Four Free” offer”.

The Inn at Eagle Mountain

A Room and a Round Golf Package

Stay and play at the Inn at Eagle Mountain and Eagle Mountain Golf Club and get one night accommodations, one round of golf and breakfast per person.

* Rates are per person, based on double occupancy.  Tax and Gratuity not included. All rates include breakfast. Will receive a coupon for each person playing golf, valid for $10 towards their meal. Upgrades available to Luxury and Premier Suites for $40.00.

The Phoenician

Family Time in Paradise

• Includes $50 daily resort credit; kids 12 and under eat/drink free
• Package price: starting from $245 per night
• Offer valid: now through April 30, 2011

Book-by dates: seven day advance booking is required and may be made online or by calling 1-866-716-8147 and mentioning Promotion Code LYF.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch

Summer of Family Adventure

Deluxe Guestroom (50% off second room), welcome arrival drink and family photo, free breakfast for up to 2 adults an d 3 kids, free dinner for kids with each paying adult, free Camp Hyatt for kids, 25% off services at Spa Avania, kids play free golf when playing with a paying adult, 10% discount on adventure experiences through Green Zebra Adventure Center, pets can come for just $25 per visit, daily drawing for a Green Zebra Desert Tomcar Adventure for two.

• Package Price: from $165 per room, per night. Room tax, gratuities and resort fee not included.
• Offer valid: through September 12, 2010

Resort details and activities – 2.5 acre water playground, complete with 10 pools, sand beach and three-story waterslide, pool kayaking, Native American Adventure Games, Nighttime Fish Safaris, Water Jousting, Big Ball Aqua Water Volleyball and Saturday Night Dive- in Movies.

Chaparral Suites

‘Suite’ Summer Value Package

This outstanding deal includes a two-room suite, complimentary full cooked-to-order breakfast and evening reception; live steel drum music poolside Friday and Saturday evenings; poolside room service; complimentary individual airport transportation 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and in-room wired/wireless Internet. Children 17 and under are free in same room with adult or guardian.

• Package Price: $ 99.00 Single/Double* OR $109.00 Single/Double* including a $50.00 Food & Beverage Credit per day (restrictions apply) (Maximum $150.00 Food & Beverage per stay at our 4th Floor Grille & Sports Bar)

• Offer valid: May 28 – September 12, 2010

*Subject to availability; Restrictions may apply. Reservations: (480)949-1414/ 1-800-528-1456 or

click on ‘Promotions’ tab on our website Reservations page!

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Labor Day Summer Holiday Getaway from $135!

Retreat to the Royal Palms Resort and Spa over a holiday weekend this summer and receive a complimentary night. Stay two nights over Labor Day weekend and receive a third night free!

• Must stay two nights to receive the third night complimentary.  Offer is valid on Best Available Rate. Cannot be combined with any other offers.  Other restrictions may apply.
• Package Price: rates start at $135 after complimentary night is applied

• Offer Valid: August 29 – September 9, 2010.

Save up to 25% with Savor Summer!

Savor the Summer and cool off with decadent dining, relaxing spa treatments and cool cocktails! It’s what summer’s all about, so spend it at Royal Palms Resort and Spa.

• $25 Resort Credit
• Complimentary Room Upgrade
• Package Price: Rates starting from $149
• Offer valid: June 1 – September 18, 2010

Promotions based on Best Available Rate cannot be combined with any other offers. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Scottsdale Resort and Athletic Club

Summer Rejuvenation Package

Enjoy a special getaway with the family or just yourself with this incredible end-of-summer value package!  Free Massage with a 2 night stay! 3-day, 2 night package includes:

• Guest Room Accommodations
• Free Continental Breakfast
• $25 Restaurant/Bar credit
• One custom massage in the Eurasia Spa plus 30% discount on additional services
• Free access to private Athletic Club with 11 tennis courts, 2 levels of fitness studios and free fitness classes
• Package price: starts at $199
  • Package rates per room type are as follows:
    • Guestroom package – $199 ($25 Rest/Bar credit)
    • Suite package – $249 ($25 Rest/Bar credit)
    • One-bedroom Villa package – $299 ($25 Rest/Bar credit)
• Offer Valid: Package available August 1st , 2010 – September 15 , 2010

All packages are subject to availability, exclude taxes and gratuities.  Rates are per room, not per person (no additional charge for solo travelers).  For more information, visit www.scottsdaleresortandathleticclub.com, call toll-free 866-733-9564 or e-mail info@scottsdaleresortandathleticclub.com.  Reference “Summer Rejuvenation Package” package.

Scottsdale Marriott Suites in Old Town

Dinner Package for Two in Old Town Scottsdale

Enjoy overnight accommodations in a newly renovated suite room, self-parking, breakfast for two and a $75 dinner voucher to Marcella’s Italian Kitchen. A bustling Italian cafe, the food is real Italian, simple and uncomplicated.  The atmosphere is welcoming and the hospitality genuine.  You’ll find great wines and handcrafted cocktails that will perfectly complement both your love of food and your love of life.

• Package price: from $149
• Offer valid: December 31, 2010

W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences

Stay & Play Holiday package

Where can you say goodbye to summer in style? Jet set to W Scottsdale for an exciting three-day, holiday weekend and gain insider access to its new exclusive summertime escape – Bungalow. Stay & Play Holiday package at W Scottsdale includes:

• Insider access to Bungalow – a cool new poolside, indoor/outdoor escape outfitted with contemporary lounge furnishings, a flat-screen TV, specialty frozen treats, a selection of popular magazines, some much-needed SPF and more
• Late check-out, 4 p.m.
• Package price: $179 per night
• Offer valid: September 2 – September 6, 2010

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa

The Best of the Boulders

Experience this unique desert hideaway in the Sonoran Desert Foothills with this exciting “Best of The Boulders” package. Priced from just $149 per night, you’ll enjoy nightly accommodations, daily breakfast, valet parking, access to the Golden Door Spa fitness facilities and classes, high-speed internet access, service personnel gratuities, and 30% off Spa Services at The Golden Door Spa. The Best of The Boulders Package includes:

• Breakfast – A daily $15 per adult breakfast credit to be utilized at Palo Verde, The Bakery, The Spa Café, Bogey’s or In Room Dinning
• Parking – Complimentary valet or self parking
• 30% off Spa Service – Enjoy a 30% off spa treatments at the world renowned Golden
• Door Spa (discount not valid on salon services)
• Fitness Facilities and Classes – Access to the Golden Door Spa fitness facilities and unlimited fitness classes
• Inclusive of Resort Fee – Includes service personnel gratuities, transportation throughout the resort, in-room high speed internet, and daily newspaper
• Package price: $149 per night
• Offer valid: through Sept. 30, 2010

Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains

Melograno Package

Includes a deluxe resort room (1 king or 2 double beds), breakfast for 2 in Zambra Grille, Two signature Melograno cocktails and a two Starbucks beverages of your choice.

• Package Price: Weekends only $109 plus tax
• Offer valid: through September 5, 2010.  $209 after September 5 through December 31, 2010 (weekends only)

A limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Tax is additional. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations required. Other restrictions may apply. Rates are per room, per night and based on availability at the time of reservations.

Carefree Resort and Conference Center

“Labor Day Splash Bash at Carefree Resort & Conference Center”

Join us at Carefree Resort & Conference Center for our Labor Day Splash Bash! Stay with us Friday 9/3/10 and Saturday 9/4/10 rates starting at $79.00 per night and you can stay Sunday 9/5/10 for $ 39.00. ($39.00 rate only valid with the Friday and Saturday night stay “Labor” Promo code rooms only)

• Live entertainment in our Red Horse Saloon Friday night from 7p – 1a
• Saturday Stay Cool at the Pool with the hottest local DJ spinning your favorite hits – from 11am-5 pm
• Saturday’s entertainment begins at 5 with a live band and A Spectacular selection of our Chef’ creations available for a $24.95 per person.
• Sleep in Sunday till 11:00 when the DJ will wake you with a mix of vacation music and a hot dog hamburger buffet at $12.95 per person.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Enjoy a Labor Day Weekend Getaway to The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa with great rates, a $50 credit and 20 percent off food and beverage and an entire weekend of Family FUN!

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa located in the heart of “new” Scottsdale, is the number one Resort in the Valley for family travel.  With the Chief FUN Officer at the helm of the “Family FUN Program,” and summer rates starting from $169 a night, guests will explore endless possibilities for a memorable family getaway.  Upon arrival to the Resort, guests can pre-purchase a Food & Beverage Credit in increments of $100 to use throughout the Resort – including the pool – and save 20 percent!

Stay on The Westin Kierland’s Summer rates and enjoy:

• Rates starting from $169 + tax
• Includes $50 Resort credit
• Valid through September 12th, 2010. Based on availability.
• “Epicurean Experience” card* can be purchased at front desk upon arrival. Choose the amount, for example pay $80, get a $100 card, pay $160, get $200 and so on!

Visit www.ilovekierlandresort.com for details or call 480-624-1202 and ask for rate plan SUMMER. Rates based upon availability and subject to change.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Bed & Breakfast package

Guests can enjoy a variety of complimentary activities offered during their stay, including: guided hikes to Pinnacle Peak Park, stargazing every Friday night, tequila and wine tasting, chocolate tasting with the pastry chef, access to the full-service Fitness Center, Kids for All Seasons comprehensive children’s program, and poolside cabanas and passed hourly amenities. Package includes $65 breakfast credit for two, including tax and gratuity and luxurious casita guest room accommodations.

• Package price: Starts at $255 per night
• Offer valid: through Dec. 31, 2010

Guests may call 888-207-9696 or visit www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale to book.

Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino

SunSational Value Package

• Package includes:
  • $75 per room, per night Resort credit that may be used at the Resort’s Ahnala Mesquite Room & Lounge, Poolside Cafe, In-room dining or Spa & Salon services at Amethyst Spa and is NOT valid at any of the casino or golf venues
  • Check-ins on Friday receive complimentary Poolside BBQ up to 4 people per room from 5-9p (includes soft drink)
  • $20 gas voucher per room to be used for gas or purchases at Baja Chevron (across from resort
  • Dive-in Movies on Friday and Saturday evenings
  • Saturday Family entertainment Poolside such as airbrush tattoos and DJ
  • Kids 12 and under eat 99¢ breakfast when accompanied by an adult (up to 4 per room)
  • Complimentary membership in Fort McDowell Casino’s Fortune Club which includes $15 per person in casino slot play for new members plus $5 additional for each day of your stay. Existing members receive $5 per day in slot play
  • Reserved guests receive discounted championship Golf at We Ko Pa Golf Club. Contact the concierge directly for seasonal rate at (480) 789-5377
  • 20% off Spa and Salon Services (excludes promotional offers)
  • Deluxe accommodations featuring our exclusive Sleep Number Bed guestroom (based on availability). This allows you to set your bed to our own perfect level of comfort
• Package price: starts at $129
• Offer valid: through Sept. 6 2010
• Package URL: www.radisson.com/sunsational PAC Code: sunsat

Instructions: Not valid for groups. Rate is subject to availability through September 6, 2010 and can not be combined with any other offer. Taxes and Resort fee additional. Resort credit has no cash value and must be used during current stay and is NOT valid at any of the casino or golf venues. Resort credit may not be used for anything that is not specifically listed in the description. Must be 21 years of age or older. Activities may not be substituted.

Go check it out,  and book yourself a nice weekend of pampered luxury at discounted prices.

The Roaming Boomers have visited a fair number of incredible resorts since we launched our enterprise back in February of 2010.

We have devised our own system of culling out which resorts we will visit, and many of them are the best of the best.  However, we do find distinct differences in these resorts that we would like to make you aware of, and simply lumping them into our current category called “amazing” isn’t very helpful.  Right?

Here is our first stab at developing a system of comparison for each of the resorts we visit:

• Our rating system will follow the common practice of having a five point system.  However, we plan to offer our system with 1/2 point increments.
• Both of us will put forth our own individual ratings of the resort.
• Our ratings will fall into eight categories:
  • First Impression
  • Staff service
  • Room Quality
  • Food Quality
  • Grounds Quality
  • Spa Quality
  • Room View
  • Overall Impression
• From these 16 different ratings, we will then average them all down to a single rating which will be rounded to the nearest hundredth.
• From our previous travels, we will establish a benchmark for each of the categories to determine near perfection.  For example, the Jade Mountain Resort possessed the best room view of all of the properties that we have currently visited.  Therefore, we will set Jade Mountain’s room view as a “5″ and rate all others in comparison.  If we find a resort room with a view greater than Jade Mountain’s, then we will change the benchmark.

I suppose our proposed system is flawed in some measure because our visits are subject to the resort’s policies on hosting travel media, and also subject to their availability.  For example, a recent Four Seasons Resort put us in a 2,000 sq. ft. suite, while one unnamed hotel put us in a 300 sq. ft. matchbox.  From our point of view, our hosts made a business decision where to host us, and this is going to certainly reflect in our impressions of the resort.  Unfortunately for the unnamed hotel, I was not happy in the matchbox.

Furthermore, it is our intention, if something is glaringly sticking out, to make a few brief comments.  For example, one recent world renowned resort we visited had vinyl shower curtains, and very mediocre products in their bath.  Whereas, a good many of our host’s bathrooms contain beautiful marble, glass, and yummy bath products.

As you get to know us, you will understand that we are constantly on the look out for attention to the small things, and continually have our antennae looking for the remarkable.

At the end of the day, we think this all boils down into something called experience.  If someone is going to spend a great deal of money to stay in a world renowned resort, the resort had better be able to deliver a mind boggling experience.

Otherwise, we would all just stay in a Motel-6.  Right?

So, these are our initial thoughts.  Please…give us your feedback!

Input, we need your input!

Leave a comment below.

Did you enjoy this article? Please click on one of the icons and share it in your networks.

]]> http://www.theroamingboomers.com/help-us-design-our-resort-rating-system/feed 8 http://www.theroamingboomers.com/flying-pasties-protect-your-privates-from-airport-scanners http://www.theroamingboomers.com/flying-pasties-protect-your-privates-from-airport-scanners#comments Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:16:33 +0000 David Porter http://www.theroamingboomers.com/?p=2423

This made me chuckle.

Not too long ago, I wrote an article about Getting Your Private Parts X-Rayed at the Airport.

Well, it seems that someone didn’t like getting their private parts x-rayed, so they came up with FlyingPasties.com.

“Flying Pasties are NOT your typical ‘Pasty’ or ‘sticker’, they are 2mm thick 100% rubber and can obscure your private areas when you pass through airport scanners. No adhesive necessary as they simply slip into your clothing!

Until now, citizens haven’t had a proper way to voice their displeasure over the intrusive nature of airport scanners.

Flying Pasties are meant to obscure your private parts when entering a typical airport scanner.
Available in four designs so you can keep your dignity in style. “Generic” Design now in stock – other styles arriving daily! (Have a suggestion for a design? email us) Order conveniently today with Paypal. Flying Pasties. Giving you back your right to privacy.”

What do you think?  Do you plan to order some today?

In August of this year, Charley Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang will be turning 60 years old.

I hope they all take a nice cruise somewhere.