Wondering if you need a car but don’t drive enough to justify paying it? Fear not if you live in one of the 50+ major cities or 100+ universities served by Zipcar. Zipcar is the perfect service for public commuters who occasionally need to go where buses (and bikes) won’t. For these occasional drivers, Zipcar’s savings calculator shows the potential savings from using Zipcar’s services instead of financing a car.

BENEFITS OF ZIPCAR:

• Lowers the amount of unnecessary vehicles
• Encourages commuter friendly cities
• Cars are easily reserved online or via phone
• Great for college students who don’t own cars
• Great for commuters who don’t want cars
• Gas and insurance are included

Rental fees are reasonable for occasional zipcar drivers, going from $9.25/hr and $69/day on weekdays to $9.75 and $74/day on weekends. Need it be mentioned again that gas and insurance are included? There are other value plans that users can opt to join depending upon personal driving preferences and schedules. Granted, there is a $25 application fee and a small annual fee or monthly commitment depending upon the plan — but in the long run, it’s a practical choice for those who can’t afford a car (or don’t want to deal with the hassle of owning one).

If you’re an infrequent driver, why pay for your car to sit there and depreciate in value? Check out www.zipcar.com to see if they have the right value plan for you.

California is probably one of the best places to live in the country.  With gorgeous weather, awesome beaches, and a diverse culture, Los Angeles offers locals and tourists amazing things to do and see. The next time you are there, make sure you have some time reserved for these spots.

The Getty Museum offers amazing exhibitions, informative tours, live storytelling, and one of the most beautiful gardens in Southern California.  Exhibitions featured include classical art from Greece and Rome, art from Bernini, and a wide range of European impressionist and realist paintings.  Admission is free.

Graumann’s Chinese Theater is an iconic landmark in Hollywood.  It houses about 200 celebrity handprints, footprints and autographs in front of the theater entrance and makes you feel like a part of the old Hollywood glamour when you place your feet over Marilyn Monroe’s or Judy Gardland’s footprints.  Any day of the week, expect large crowds, take photos with the look-a-likes, and also wander around the Hollywood Walk of Fame that stretches through Hollywood Boulevard.

Santa Monica Pier is wonderful to walk down and explore.  Get a caricature of yourself or get a painting of the horizon.  Listen to street dancers and performers.  Enjoy amazing funnel cake or a warm pretzel.  Give fishing a try, or ride some of the rides.  The ferris wheel is my favorite at night. Enjoy a delicious hot dog at Pink’s.  Voted as one of the top places in Los Angeles to indulge, Pink’s offers delicious franks at amazing prices.  What’s also famous besides their Nacho Cheese Chili Dog and their Guadalajara Dog are the number of celebrities who have come and visited this hot dog restaurant.  Bill Cosby, Celine Dion, Snoop Dogg, and Ellen Degeneres give you an idea of the diverse cultures that come here.  There never is a short line.  Just go to the corner of Melrose and La Brea and look for the crowd and the smell of delicious meat.

Los Angeles shopping is something you can’t compare with anywhere else.  From ritzy Rodeo Drive to bargain hunting at the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles, there is something for everyone.  Visit the Beverly Center for levels and levels of shops, or Melrose for your eccentric looks, and don’t forget to do some consignment shopping, as LA has some great places, such as the infamous Decades.

These are a few hot spots to visit.  Where do you love go and do while in LA?

Has it been a while since you’ve been to the happiest place on earth? Or maybe you’ve never gone? (Blasphemous!)  Well, now here’s your chance to take a free trip to any of the Walt Disney Parks in the states, as long as it’s you’re birthday.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts recently announced a special 2009 promotion that offers guests free admissions to one Disney theme park on their birthdays.  This means a free ticket into California’s Disneyland Resort or even a spin around the Walt Disney World in Florida.

Guests will have to show a valid ID as proof of their birthdays upon entrance, and sadly, their friends will have to pay to get in (unless it’s their birthday as well); nevertheless, it’s rare to ever get a discount from Disney so enjoy it while it lasts!

So if you’re looking to plan a trip for your birthday, keep this offer in mind and consider revisiting the land of Mickey, Minnie, and all your other childhood Disney friends (and foes).

For more details, visit http://www.disneyparks.com.

We all admit that we have overpacked a few times for vacation.  Who needs five dresses for a three day trip?  Apparently, we did.  Sometimes all you need for a short getaway is a carry-on an a great handbag.  Forget checking in large suitcases and wasting time waiting in the luggage pick-up carousel.  Use some of these tips to help you reduce what you need to bring and have a fabulous trip!

Clothing
Choose appropriate clothes by checking the weather of your destination.  Also, stick to clothes that all match so you can mix different outfits with what you have packed.  Also, your clothes can be used in multiple ways; your sarong can double as a casual skirt in the evening, a fun blouse can be worn over a dress as a light jacket, and a great scarf can also be a beautiful blanket while on the plane.  Layering is key.  Pack thin layers where you can pile them on when it’s chilly, and take off a few during warmer times.  Limit your shoes to three pairs: comfortable walking shoes to wear while in flight, flip flops, and fab evening shoes in your carry-on.  Try to pack a few days before, and just before you leave, go through them again and eliminate a quarter of what you already packed.  Trust me, you will have enough.

Toiletries
We know there are strict regulations now regarding what you can or cannot pack in flight.  Remember this: three ounce bottles in a one-quart clear plastic bag.  There are amazing items that you can pack in small quantities.  Whenever I purchase beauty products, I always ask the sales associate for samples that I end up taking with me in flight.  Facial cleansers, eye cream, even facial masks come in great one-time use packages for easy disposing.  Usually the hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap.  Even liquid soap can be used as shampoo. Unless you have a strict regimen, using their products are a great way to reduce what you pack.


Electronics
You may not necessarily need to lug your laptop, so keep that at home.  Your cell phone can be your alarm.

Avoid
Don’t pack those items that are “just in case.”  You can easily purchase those items from wherever you are.  Take only a few jewelry pieces, and nothing too valuable.  Stick with fun items that are easy to maintain and put on to avoid having to worry about it while traveling.  You are supposed to be having fun, not protecting your Tahitian strand of pearls.

What are your tips for packing light?

Toronto is a great city to go to if you’re looking for something more exciting than the suburbs but not as frantic as New York City.  Toronto has it all. Good food, good theater, rich diversity, and even a nude beach.  Here’s how you can have a great weekend in the largest city in Canada.

Kensington Market (for the trendsetter). Hidden to the side of Toronto’s Chinatown is Kensington Market, a wonderful, Bohemian gem of a marketplace.  For the epicurean, you’ll find an array of fresh fruit markets and excellent coffee shops; for the shopaholic, you’ll find a bounty of eclectic, vintage boutiques and trendy shops lining the side streets and hidden in corners.  The shops are kind of a mesh between Los Angeles’ Melrose boutiques and the arbitrary clothing shops in Shanghai.  Whatever you find, you’ll love it because you’ll feel like you can’t find it anywhere else.  If you’re a trendsetter, this is your place.

Entertainment district (for the theater-lover). Liken to Broadway in New York, the Toronto entertainment district too has an array of hit musicals and plays.  In fact, it ranks behind New York and London as the next most theatrical city.  So if you find the tickets in the two other cities too hard to come by, head to Toronto for a night of Dirty Dancing.

Yorkville Glamour (for the shoppers). Yorkville hosts an array of high-end hotels and fashionable boutiques.  The “Rodeo Drive” of Toronto, Yorkville shopping boasts of Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Vera Wang, and the like.  Too expensive for the pocket book?  No problem.  The strip also has more down-to-earth shops like Banana Republic and Roots Canada for those of us who prefer to window shop Hermes Birkins.  If you’re looking for more shopping, check out the Downtown boutiques along Yonge Street as well as the Eaton Centre a comprehensive mall-experience.

Toronto Islands (and the nude beach). If you’re in town during good weather and you’re one to appreciate a day in the sun, visit the Toronto Islands.  A few bucks at the Toronto Island Ferry Terminal will get you a round trip ride from the mainland to the any of the Toronto Islands three piers on Hanlan’s Point, Centre Island, and Ward’s Island.  All three islands are actually connected, so I’d suggest going to Centre Island and renting a bike to ride around the entire island.  A few hours should get you around the island with occasional stops for photos, ice cream and the like.  Give yourself more time, of course, if you intend on sunbathing at the nude beach, or as the signs say, the “clothing optional beach.”  The beach is located along part of Hanlan’s Point and has a beautiful expanse of trees guarding it from the general trail.  It’s a very laid-back and relaxing beach with women and men of all ages tanning in the nude.

Yonge-Dundas Square (for the excitement). Here’s the Times Square of Toronto, except much cleaner and generally less crowded (unless there’s a huge event going on).  Large, flashing advertisements line the buildings surrounding the square and southwest to it is the Eaton Centre.  Be sure to check out the city’s timeline for events happening at Dundas Square when you’re in town.

Overall, it’s a great city to pay a visit. The downtown streets are remarkably clean for a city of its size and population, the public transportation is extensive and reliable, and the people are amiable and richly diverse.  Even if you’re not up for the shopping, eating or nude-beach sighting, you can still walk around to enjoy the scenery and perhaps even pick up on all the locations that Hollywood has filmed.  Yes, my friend, the filming of The Incredible Hulk and X-Men actually took place in Toronto.

Happy traveling!

It’s difficult to get a healthy meal when you’re traveling.  Most of the time, we’re so rushed at the airport that we succumb to fast food chains for a fast and cheap meal.  It gets even worse if our jobs require a substantial amount of traveling…our meals become inconsistent and we fall prey to airport candy stands.  Here are a few general rules I try to stick with to help me maintain a balance nutrition when I’m on the go.

Pack a few pieces of fruit. Leave some space at the top of your handbag or carryon for some fruit.  They’re healthy and make great snacks while you’re waiting around.  The ones that work best for me are apples, nectarines, and pears.  They’re easy to eat and less likely to bruise from all the jumbling.  Even though you can’t bring water past airport security — fruit is fine.  Carrots and celery sticks also work great if you’re looking for veggies instead.

Pay the price for a salad. A lot of restaurants (and yes, even some fast food chains) now have salads on the menu.  Granted, the price of a salad might cost more than a whole hamburger/fries/soda value meal — but it’s definitely more nutritious and won’t leave you flying with a greasy stomach.  Just watch out for high calorie dressing.  A good rule of thumb is to ask for half of what’s usually used in your salad.

Hydrate with H20. If you’re sitting around the airport with a lot of time to spare, go get a bottle of water to hydrate yourself.  When our bodies aren’t getting enough water, we sometimes misconstrue dehydration with hunger and end up unnecessarily snacking.  If paying $3 for a bottle of water is too steep for you, then consider bringing an empty, refillable water bottle in your carryon.  There are water fountains at the airport and you can always ask airline attendants to help you refill as well once you’re on the plane.

Skip dessert and drinks. If you’re a lucky snob and you’re sitting in first/business class, skip the dessert.  The quality of the desserts are generally mediocre anyway.  And of course, forgo the the alcohol and sweet drinks.  If you’re looking for a little fizz, sparking water is a nice alternative.

So next time you’re traveling, think twice about what you’re putting into your body.  It doesn’t take a lot of effort to opt for healthier meals over unhealthy junk food.

Happy traveling!

For those of us who can’t afford a stay in the Bellagio Villas while vacationing in Las Vegas, a stay in one of Bellagio’s many “normal” rooms, I supposed, is a proper second. The rooms are actually very stately and classy and have a features that understandably add to Bellagio’s popularity and acclaim. Here are a few of my favorites from my stay and why I’d love to go back.

Marble is marvelous. The shower and restroom floors and the hallway area leading into the restroom are all lined with marble flooring. I love walking barefoot on marble, but besides that, the marble interior gives the room a very pristine ambience.

Beautiful beds mean beauty rest. I love sleeping in a king size bed, especially if it’s decorated with high ceiling lights and decorous slender curtains. The bed itself is incredibly comfortable and perfect for snoozing-in if you’re partied out from the night before.

Fancy-spancy curtains. The curtains are a great feature because they can be opened and shut automatically. So for the lazy, opening the curtains is an extremely easy task in the morning — just press a button next to the bed to see the sunlight!

Armoire to amore. The dark wooden wardrobe is tastefully connected with the television and opens with with small lights to help you find the proper shirt. It’s sized to fit your weekend needs, and stands stately but unobstructingly in the room.

Grand pools and conservatory. The Bellagio swimming pools are incredibly large, great for a dip or even swimming laps if you’re motivated. For the kodak shots, Bellagio’s popular conservatory is a must-go. The conservatory exhibit changes frequently, but you’ll always be treated to a creative display arranged from fresh flowers and fruit. It’s a well-liked spot even for vacationers not staying at the Bellagio, so be sure to get the most of it if you are staying there!

If you don’t want to fork up an extra $15-$25 or wait in a long line for your checked luggage at the baggage claim — the solution is to pack so that you don’t have to check in anything.  Here are useful strategies for packing 7 days worth of clothes into just one carry-on.

(1) Maximize the size of  your carry-on. Luggage restrictions generally allow carry-on’s to be 22″ in height with slightly varying heights and depths.  From my experience, however, the height is usually what matters most and as long as you don’t expand your carry-on suitcase, you’re good to go.  Be sure to buy a sturdy carry-on that can stand upright, and that has wheels.  Forget the duffle bags unless you enjoy lugging around 40 lbs on your shoulder.

(2) Bring only what you really need. Think about what you’ll be doing in the 7 days and what type of shoes/clothes you’ll need.  Here’s a list of what I usually bring on a non-winter, week-long trip:

• 7 pairs of underwear (there’s no skimping on this!)
• 3 regular bras, 1 strapless
• 1 bikini swimming suit, with a bikini top that can be worn as a bra if necessary
• 2 tanks tops with built-in support
• 1 casual tee-shirt
• 1 casual polo shirt
• 1 nice top that can be worn in the daytime or for an evening out
• 2 jersey convertible dresses from American Apparel
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 skirt
• 1 pair of thin sweats
• 2 sets of thin sleep wear (the blankets will keep you warm at night!)
• 1 casual black blazer/jacket that can be worn in the daytime or evening
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of heels

Now you’re probably wondering how I fit all of this into my luggage.  Simple. I wear all the bulkier items on the two days that I’m traveling. That means I’m wearing my jeans, my heels, my jacket and a shirt during the plane ride.  Not only does eliminating these items from your luggage free up a lot of room, it’ll also keep you warm during the chilly plane ride.

As for the rest of the items, I make sure I roll all of my clothing before neatly placing them into the carry-on.  My boyfriend says that it’s not necessary, but I’m a firm believer that it helps — besides, I always end up carrying some of his stuff in my carry-on…so it must be working!

If you’ve done the math, you’ll realize that I put double use to my jeans and the probably the convertible dresses.  Unless you’re going to a high-profile event — chances are people won’t notice you’re wearing your jeans again, and those convertible dresses can be turned into skirts, halters and tube dresses to fit your varying mood and needs!

(3) Make your liquids and laptop easily accessible. Be sure to reduce your shampoo, makeup and other liquids to travel-size jars.  Generally, each container must not exceed three ounces, but exceptions are made for medications and contact solutions.  Check the TSA website to see the specifics.  Place all of your liquids into a 1-quart size, clear zip-lock bag and put this in an easy to access location, whether that means in your handbag or the front pouch of your carry-on.  This is a good time to think about the size of the handbag that you’re bringing on the trip.  I generally bring one that can fit both my laptop and zip-lock bag to speed things along during the security line.  Once I’ve past the security line, I’ll then unload the laptop and zip-lock into my carry-on if there’s room.  If I know I’ll be attending an even that will require a smaller purse, I’ll usually slip a small clutch into the carry-on or just carry it in my shoulder bag.

Happy traveling!

Some of the best wines and landscapes can be found at Napa Valley, located just an hour north of San Francisco.  Whether you like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, or pinot grigio, Napa Valley offers a huge selection of wineries and restaurants for you.

Visit Von Strasser Winery on 1510 Diamond Mountain Road in Calistoga.  They offer tours of the winery and cave, and have some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon.  It’s a quiet place away from all the crowds.  By appointment only, you definitely get a personalized attention and get to taste unique bottlings.

Frog’s Leap Winery is also another beautiful and quiet winery that has amazing rose wine.  Located at 8815 Conn Creek Road in Rutherford, Frog’s Leap uses organically grown grapes and traditional winemaking techniques to produce rich wines you don’t want to miss.

Robert Mondavi Winery has a ton of history and also a great Moscato d’Oro, though it is most famous for its Sauvignon Blanc.  It is located at 7801 St Helena Hwy in Oakville and is open to visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For some good food, visit La Luna Market and Taqueria, located on 1153 Rutherford Road in Rutherford.  It has amazing burritos filled with all the good stuff burritos should have: rice, beans, meats, tomatoes, onions and cilantro.  Grab one to go and enjoy it before you hit the next winery.

Boon Fly Cafe at the Carneros Inn is great for visitors to stop by. They have great coffee, fresh juices and house-baked breakfast items - including their signature Boon Fly donuts - the Café also offers tasty lunches and dinners on premises or packed to go. It is located at 4048 Sonoma Highway in Napa Valley.

There are a lot of wineries that offer free wine tasting and tours that are inexpensive throughout the area.  You can always grab a brochure located at just about every hotel and visitor’s center.  Napa Valley is truly a great getaway to spend your weekend exploring.

Let us know where your favorite wineries are!

Heading to New York City for a weekender and overwhelmed with all that’s to do there? Here are a few of our favorite suggestions to help you ensure a fabulous visit!

Indulge the Foodie in You. New York is a great place to let your palate explore the delicious flavors of the world. Don’t just stick to street-side hot dog vendors when you’re in town! Instead, visit a few of my favorite must-goes if you find yourself at a standstill when it comes to food. If you’re craving a bowl of french onion soup for lunch, then check out this delightful french restaurant: La Bonne Soupe. Their french onion soup is reasonably priced and better than most of the french onion soup I tried when I was in Paris! (Trust me, I ate A LOT when I was in France). If you’re craving something more asiatic, then pay a visit to Koreatown for a sizzling bowl of dolsop bimbimbop; or head to Chinatown to find fresh BBQ pork or duck hanging from the restaurant windows. Or how about a little Japanese-Italian fusion? Check out Basta Pasta and their popular Spaghetti con Prosciutto e Parmigiano, which is served to you in half a wheel of parmesan cheese!

Appease Your Shopaholicism. Shopping can’t be ignored when you’re at the very setting of Sex and the City! Although you shouldn’t shop ’til you burn a hole in your credit card, there’s no harm in perusing the windows of 5th Avenue, visiting possibly the largest Macy’s in the world, and gracing Barney’s Madison Avenue flagship store. If you’re on a budget, then consider heading over to Century 21 after you’ve feasted on window shopping and award yourself with last season designer goods (sold at major discount). You’ll find everything from leather Furla bags to cotton CK boxers for your man!

Dance to Broadway. If you haven’t experienced live theater, New York is the place to begin. The midtown Manhattan theater district is spotted with a wonderful variety of award-winning musicals. You can go tear up as the the phantom loses Christine in Phantom of the Opera, or you can laugh until you cry with the puppets of Avenue Q! Wicked and Mamma Mia are a couple of other personal favorites. Regardless of what you choose to watch, It’s a guaranteed fun night out. Just make sure you book your tickets in advance!

Find your Muse at the Museums. If you’re a museum-goer, then you’re in luck. You have at your leisure New York’s Guggenheim Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Museum of Modern Art. If you’ve done it all and you’re looking for something to spice things up a bit, then how about checking out The Museum of Sex for a fun dose of history and eros?

Pay a Visit to Ground Zero. Needless to say, a lot of memory and grief remains as the new Freedom Tower continues to be built over what was once the iconic twin towers of the World Trade Center. There’s not much to see when you visit Ground Zero aside from a construction site with tarp, giant cranes and the like. What tugs at the heartstrings, however, is St. Paul’s Chapel located a mere block away on Broadway and Fulton Street. After 9/11, St. Paul’s became a primary center for volunteer relief efforts, acting as a rest stop for exhausted relief workers and as a destination for letters, teddy bears, and other gifts and well-wishes from people around the world.

Ready to book your fabulous getaway? We’ve hand picked these special deals to help get you going:

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