Travel Tip Tuesday: Empty Water Bottle Through Security

Yes, I know everything is expensive at the airport.   But did you know that you can bring an empty water bottle through the security checkpoint?  I do it all the time.  Instead of having to purchase a drink in an expensive post-security gift and sundry shop, just find a water fountain and fill the empty bottle you brought with you.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Win a Stay at Residence Inn

Saw this in Woman's Day Magazine.  Enter to win a four day, three night stay at the Residence Inn of your choice, including transportation.  Who wouldn't enjoy winning that?

Good luck!

Travel Tip Tuesday: American Express Platinum benefits

Platinum Cardmembers, have you read the recent mailers sent out by AmEx? Have you selected an airline and signed up at Transform Travel? Why would you pass up $200 in airline credits? Even if you don't normally travel with extra bags or do things that incur fees, I think everyone should sign up. I did. I decided that I'd use the credits to do something I don't normally do on planes - watch for-fee movies.

What will you do with your $200?

Travel Tip Tuesday: #AYCJ

The JetBlue All-You-Can-Jet pass is back again. Visit jetblue.com/aycj to find out all the details. Most notable change from last year is the ability to buy the pass and book your flights online. No more having to call in to book your pass travel. Enjoy!

Edited to Add:

Looks like Sun Country is doing a similar deal.  You can check it out here.

Travel Tip Tuesday: EZ Rent-A-Car

We tend to do much of our travel on the spur of the moment and often visit Orlando, Florida since I am a Disney junkie. Hey! It's not a problem, I can stop any time I want to. Just don't try to make me. ;)

Often, with a last minute reservation we find our preferred rental company is higher priced than we'd like. I've tried showing them a reservation from a competing company and asking them to match it without luck. So we're finding that we use our #2 choice more and more lately. EZ is located inside the terminal at MCO. The rates are good, the staff is efficient, and although there is no automated check in or preferred customer line we usually find the pickup and return process to be easy. If you choose, you can have your receipt emailed to you instantly upon check out. I do it all the time and it works out great.

The cars are comparable to any rental company; we usually take a subcompact but have occasionally been upgraded when they had no subs available. We once were given a convertible PT Cruiser.

Visit their website and sign up for the EZ Money program and the company's e-newsletter. You can also find the listing of rental locations there. This is a small company but I feel they offer a very nice product. And don't forget to look under the Coupons tab for instantly redeemable coupons (usually 5%) off your rental.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Courtyard Dunn Loring Fairfax

Should you find yourself needing a place in Vienna, Virginia, we recently stayed at this Marriott property.  The neighborhood seems to be undergoing some gentrifying from what we could tell during our brief visit.  There is adequate parking, both indoor and out.  Front desk staff is top notch.  The lobby/breakfast area is well decorated, comfortable and immaculately kept. 

The room itself was the same, quite attractive and clean, our only complaint being the bed was a little soft.  Linens were crisp and clean, there was a cooler we stashed our beverages and fruit in, bathroom was a comfortable size.  Very nice flat screen TV for watching a movie on the free cable channels.  There are also pay per view selections.  There is really no view to speak of. 

We did take a look at the hot tub/pool area but the smell of chlorine was too strong for me to consider taking a dip.

The hotel offers breakfast for a fee and has a well stocked convenience mart area.  There is lemon/lime water and coffee free in the lobby although I could not find the cups during the paid breakfast hours on Sunday. 

At just $80 for the night I felt this was a great deal and will stay there again if I'm in the area.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Busch Gardens Play & Eat

I think this is a great deal!  I've never been to Busch Gardens but this offer might change that.  Do note that you must purchase this ticket online and print it out, you cannot buy it at the gate, but what a deal, pay regular admission price and have your food and beverages included!  You can't go wrong.

Space Junkies Take Note

I don't normally post these things, but I've been a space junkie my whole life.  Haven't been to KSC in a few years, but one of the highlights of our family vacations when the kids were small was getting a pass to a launch.  I don't know how it is done currently, but at that time it was like a giant tailgate party, lots of fun and friendly folks.

I still tell people the thing I found most impressive was how bright the plume of flame from the engine is.  The shuttle is an amazing thing...and that program is nearly ended.  What will come next?  Why haven't we walked on the moon since 1972?

Win a visit to Kennedy Space Center.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Bahama Breeze $10 Gift Card

It's no secret my favorite travel destination is Orlando. Although I've not yet been to Bahama Breeze, I have passed by many, many times. Maybe the $10 gift card one can sign up for here will be incentive for me to try it on my next trip.

Travel Tip Tuesday: January 29th & 30th and JetBlue

If you're traveling on JetBlue January 29th and the few days following, please get to the airport very early, especially if you're traveling out of the larger stations like Boston, JFK or Fort Lauderdale.

The airline will be transitioning to some new software and although they've been preparing for this for some time you should expect check in to take longer than usual during that time.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Air Travel & Medications

Did you know that medications in their original pharmacy containers are exempt from the TSA's 3-1-1 regulations? Check tsa.gov for more information.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Passport Cards

Traveling to an international destination by air? Make sure to have your Passport book. Passport cards are only acceptable for travel by car or ship, and then only to limited destinations. Be smart Be prepared. Always take along your Passport when traveling. You don't want to get to the airport and find you haven't got the proper identification in order to travel to your destination.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Lap Infants

Children under the age of two years may travel by air on an adult's lap. Be prepared to prove the child's age with a birth certificate or passport as if in the airline's opinion the child appears to be over the age of two you will be required to purchase a seat for the child at the airport. FAA regulations require everyone two and older to occupy their own seat. That means that if your child turns two while you're traveling they must have their own seat for the portion of the trip that occurs after their birthday.