Packing tips – Carry On

As times change so have the ways I pack.  It used to be I tried to pack so that I could carry on everything I needed and avoid checking bags.  I was hoping to cut down on time by not having to wait in baggage claim and also to avoid the dreaded lost luggage situation.  These days though, while both of those are still concerns and even with the advent of charging per bag, I now prefer to do just the opposite.  (more…)

Airport Security

It’s the annoying part of travel we all like to push to the back of our minds until it comes time to pack…airport security.  I’m going to leave out my personal thoughts and feelings on the subject and focus on how to help you work with the TSA agents to get you through and on to your flight as smoothly as possible. (more…)

Las Vegas – Planet Hollywood

For our last night in Las Vegas we stayed at the Planet Hollywood hotel and it was fantastic!  I have to admit I had a preconceived notion of what to expect given the reputation of the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.  Naturally the decor is over the top, it is Vegas after all, but it’s contemporary and exquisitely done.  (more…)

Las Vegas – Riviera

In 2008 we went to Las Vegas just after Thanksgiving.  Our first two nights we stayed at the Riviera.  The rooms had been recently renovated so they were running special room rates to get folks to come check out what they had accomplished.  The rooms were clean and nice, but for the time and money it didn’t seem they were quite as polished as they should have been.  (more…)