EZTravelpad

It's New Year's Eve- Why Not Resolve to Make a Difference in 2010?

Save 12% on any i-to-i adventure when you book in January!

This year, ditch the resolutions to eat less and exercise more (you’ll only crack in a couple of weeks!). Instead, celebrate the new decade by taking on an exciting new challenge abroad! Go on an i-to-i trip and you’ll experience different cultures, meet new people, make a difference to people’s lives… oh, and have loads of fun too!

To help you make this new challenge a reality, we’re offering a huge 12% off all i-to-i adventures if you book during January. You only need $100 deposit to book, so whether you want to learn to surf in Costa Rica, help orphans in Vietnam or live with lion cubs in South Africa it’s time to make it happen by booking your trip!

There are so many differences you can make!

 Make 2010 a better year by making a difference- for yourself or for someone else...

• Have a child that could grow up a little? 
• A friend with some extra time on their hands? 
• Ready for an adventure yourself? 
• Tired of the drunken beach vacation?
• Time to show your teenage children what this world is all about?
• Want to make a difference in this world?

I promise- no matter what type of trip you choose, it will be the trip of a lifetime!

Contact EZTravelpad for more details, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

It's time to get TRAINed - as in taking the Amtrak Train instead of flying...

Is The Train An Option?

As gas prices soared to records in the summer of '08 many people found a new solution- the train. The train became an alternative for many commuters - and they loved it! The trip may take a bit longer than by car - or not, depending on traffic, but there are things you can do on the train that you simply cannot do while driving (at least you shouldn't)

• Read the Newspaper or Magazine
• Text
• Surf the Internet
• Eat
• Sleep
• Read a book

 

You get the idea? But not only did commuters discover the beauty of the train, but so did some vacationers. Leisure travelers have reconnected with Amtrak, and why not? 

Want to see a brochure of what Amtrak has available right now? Click here

As airline travel becomes more and more of a hassle - less and less predictable - not to mention being nickel & dimed on everything every time you turn around....

As cabins become more crowded - more loud - less comfortable - the train presents an alternative for millions-

Looking at the Amtrak route map I would estimate that a good 75% of the country lives within a short drive to an Amtrak station. So is the train an option? - Yes, sometimes.

Let's say I'm in Chicago & want to go to....

• Kansas City
• Detroit
• Cincinnati
• Cleveland 
• St Louis  
• Milwaukee 
• Minneapolis 

for a

• Weekend
• Game
• Business Meeting
• Visit with friends and relatives

Then it's a good alternative...

Or let's say you wanted to go to...

• New York
• Boston
• Philadelphia
• Balitmore
• Washington, D.C.
• New Orleans
• Dallas

to board a cruise ship or see-

• Mardi Gras
• The Liberty Bell
• The Statue of Liberty
• The Cherry Blossoms of D.C. 
• The Today Show
• The Cotton Bowl

Great alternative! 

Sure it takes longer, but for the price of a flight you might be able to purchase a sleeper (which INCLUDES meals)... leave in the evening- arrive refreshed in the morning, basically saving 1 night's lodging!

You know what you can take on a train? 3 checked bags and 2 carry -ons - and sometimes... a bicycle

Imagine you are flying to Denver & taking bus to Keystone to go skiing for few days-

Scenario #1

You take the day off work to travel-

Arrive at airport 10:30 AM for 12:30 PM flight

Miraculously, the flight is not delayed so you arrive at your connection on time!

But, there are flight delays due to bad weather in other parts of the country, so you are delayed leaving your connection, so instead of flying out to Denver at 3:15PM as scheduled, you are delayed until 4:10 & arrive about an our late in Denver - pretty good really!

Baggage claim & finding ground transport another hour

Gets you to Keystone just in time to check it, stretch out for 10 minutes, have dinner, a cocktail then off to bed for a good night's sleep.....

Now you awaken at 7:00AM get breakfast ready to get a full day of skiing starting about 9AM

Scenario #2

You work an extra 1/2 day leaving at lunch to go catch your train at 2:00 PM (so you need to be at the station by 1:30P)

After a few hours of watching the countryside roll by, you go down to the dining car for a nice dinner - served on a table - with silverware - and someone sitting across from you - and it's included in the fare - and there's no unwrapping - and it was prepared today....

! After dinner it's up to the lounge car for some conversation with other passengers, a night cap, then back to your cabin for a good night's sleep. 

Up at 5AM, freshen up for breakfast - served in the dining car - again, it's included in the fare!

Arriving in Denver at 7:15 AM you are on a bus to Keystone for an arrival mid- morning, then check in, stretch out, and hit the slopes by noon.

Cost?

Amtrak is gonna run you around $360 per person INCLUDING dinner, beverages, snacks, breakfast and checking 2 bags plus ski equipment

Flight MIGHT be able to be bought for $250 BUT REMEMBER - it's non-refundable, so if somebody gets sick or the boss calls an emergency meeting - you're in trouble....

Plus-

• $50 in extra bag fees (at least- if you're taking your skis, boots, etc)
• Dinner at Keystone - $35 (nothing too fancy)
• Breakfast at Keystone - $10 (again, nothing fancy)

So the total cost runs about the same- (less if you can sleep in a coach seat on the train), but the experience of taking the train - the comfort of taking the train - does it make it worth it?

You tell me-

Also- remember that you can save big by purchasing rail passes for 15, 30 or 45 days- now that makes for a REALLY nice vacation - and it is THE BEST way to see this beautiful land!

Oh, Did I mention that the train is MUCH MORE GREEN than either a plane or a car? 

Find out all about it here.

Let EZTravelpad help you think through your next adventure - whether it's across the state - across the country - or across the world

Gen X & Gen Y Exclusive Travel Opportunities- Cool + Affordable

I Wish I Had Known

OK, Here's the deal. There is a company that specializes in putting young people together for affordable travel to really cool destinations across the globe - and it's affordable.

You probably know that they have been doing this since 1962,

You probably already know about it since you book your own travel online- so no need for me to mention the company- 

You probably also know that these type of trips are ONLY available to those aged 18-35, and that you meet awesome like-minded travelers, stay in castles or hostels or hotels or exclusive Contiki villages

You probably already know about it since you book your own travel online- so no need for me to mention the name of the company

You probably already know about the great specials that exist for booking trips to Europa, Asia, Australia & New Zealand & More

You probably know how to put together a trip this....

But in case you don't- there's someone on the case- EZTravelpad can show you how to save on a trip like this, but more importantly, make it EASY for you to enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Why book it online when you can have the advice & expertise of an expert- for free?

You're smart enough to know that this type of trip is going to be MUCH tougher to pull off after you've gotten married - bought a house - had some babies - whatever.

You gotta do it while you can. It's a short life - get out there and live it - with the help and advice you can only get from EZTravelpad

Contact us by email - scott@eztravelpad.com

Getting Away Close to Home - Dunes National Lakeshore Edition

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Hey Mount Baldy, Where you Goin' ??

Just a little bit west of Michigan City, IN is a great little national Park known as- Dunes National Lakeshore. Recently we went hiking Mount Baldy on a beautiful November day- which is a rare commodity in Northern Indiana! 

Although I have lived (off and on) in Indiana much of my adult life, I had never taken the time to go to Dunes. My wife had been a few years ago as part of a university excursion, and really loved it. So it was just too nice of a day to watch football (did I just say that?), so off we went, and what did we find? Mount Baldy leaving- apparently heading south....

As you can clearly see in the photo of Mount Baldy, and the sign in front- the movement has been rapid (in geologic terms). This huge sand dune has been sitting here for thousands of years, and all of a sudden (in geologic terms) it takes off- heading south at a perceptible clip. Some are claiming it has to do with humans climbing, disrupting the fragile eco-system... RIGHT

Every global climate change skeptic knows that humans cannot have an impact on the environment, nothing we do has any impact, sheeeesh...so what gives? Guess it will just remain one of life's mysteries.... 

 

One thing is certain, it's a great little getaway if you live close...

  

Cheap Thrills...no - Serenity

So you think you can't afford to getaway to the beach? Well, maybe you don't wanna go swimming in lake Michigan- but it is just as calming to walk down this stretch of beach as it is to walk the beaches of Barbados....

 

A few miles west is another section of the park system- Cowles Bog.

OK, it's no Yellowstone, or Yosemite, but this IS Indiana.

 

It's a very nice place to hike around - NOT THROUGH - it's a BOG for crying out loud, DO NOT attempt to hike through it...

 

Seriously, I had no idea that this little slice of heaven was only a bit over an hour down the road. Actually, let's say you're in downtown Chicago and you need relief from the concrete. 

Take your Netbook, jump on the Southshore train at Millennium Station, bury yourself in Netbook bliss for a little over an hour, jump off at Beverly Shores, pack the computer and hike the short walk over to the park...

There are a few different trails- spend an hour or a few, and tune in to the natural beauty that really IS all around.

Hee's a cool little video that is worth a look

Sands and Slots

Ok, I know what you're saying- you really want to go hiking, but the wife just wants to hit the craps table for a few hours... You're in LUCK!

Mount Baldy is so close to the recently renovated Blue Chip Casino that you can almost hear the slot machines... We did stop in quickly for a bite and an NFL update at The Game - Blue Chip's sports bar. I gotta tell you, I was really surprised. I had been to Blue Chip a few times previously, and had never been impressed- but this time was..different.

 
Renovations completed, new tower open, new restaurants serving, and the service was excellent. Oh, and the chicken Quesadilla my wife and I split may have been the best either of us had ever had. Is was near perfect- Bravo! And Go Colts!!!

Peace and joyful wishes to you- from EZTravelpad

Retaliating Against Bag Fees

You Don't Need to Fly Southwest to Retaliate- 

If You Pack Smart & Aggressively Your Bags Can Fly Free on Any Airline!

There once was a time when I carried on next to nothing. I would check a bag when boarding a plane, and that bag would contain everything I was taking with me on my trip. Ah, life was great!

Sure, my bag could be lost- but the advantage was worth the risk. Strolling casually through the terminal and then on to a plane with a magazine while others toted half their belongings into the cabin and frantically searched for storage space- and I watched, and chuckled, and quietly grumbled about all of these people carrying on loads and getting their stuff in my way. 

I felt like I was contributing to  more pleasant travel experience by not getting in other people's way

NO MORE- You know... they say if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Well, with the popularity of fees to check bags I've decided to get aggressive with it & see how much I can carry on. 

I'm NOT going to pay a fee for my bag, so here was my plan....

First, I got a new bag-

 

It's a beauty- 22"x14"x9" which is as large as allowed for a carry on- plus it only cost about $65 here. 

So what can I fit inside? Check THIS out-

Inventory-

• 1 Pair Water Shoes
• 1 Pair Athletic Shoes
• I pair House slippers
• 6 Pair socks
• 8 Underwear (Briefs...)
• 2 Polo Shirts
• 1 Dress Shirt- button down
• 1 Pair Dress Slacks
• 4 Undershirts
• 3 T Shirts
• 1 Swimming Suit
• 2 Pairs Athletic Shorts
• 1 Do-wrap
• 1 Tank Top
• 3 Leisure Shorts
• 3 Casual Slacks
• 1 2 Piece Men's Suit

Also Pictured- These are the comfortable travel clothes-

• 1 Pair Jeans
• 1 Sport Coats
• 1 Pair dress shoes
• 1 T shirt
• 1 Mock Turtle Neck

So here's how it fits...

Start with suit (I'm not really taking this suit, I'm giving this space to my wife for a few hanging things, but didn't want to get yelled at for "borrowing" her things to illustrate this...)

Then add Slacks & dress shirts, zip & fold up-

  

Then you end up with something like this-

Now the fun begins...

Stuff socks into shoes, fold casual slacks, stash a few T-shirts, roll up a few underwears and you have the first layer...

  

Then bring in another layer....

 

Undershirts, work-out shorts, dress shorts, strap it down & keep going... 

Then add swimming suit, slippers, water shoes, more shorts, more underwear... & keep going-

 

Finally we're going to top it off with a couple of great looking polo shirts (available from EZTravelpad apparel & make great Christmas gifts ;))

Think you can't go on a week long vacation with just a carry on? Hey, we're not even done yet...

Remember that first photo of my new bag? Front pocket was stashing the liquid carry-on in compliance with the 3-1-1 rule laid down by TSA

Here's a link to the TSA site explaining liquid carry-on policy

Next Bag

So you know you are allowed a carry on luggage PLUS a bag (purse, briefcase, tote, etc...something that will fit under the seat in front of you)

Here's my briefcase-

Here's what fits in it- EASILY

  

So here's the inventory on this-

• Laptop- it's a 15" screen
• A/C Adapter
• Mouse Pad
• Wireless Mouse
• Daytimer
• Note Pad
• 5 Magazines- for staying up to date on travel
• Cell Phone
• 2 Flash Drives
• 1 Digital Camera
• Pens, Pencil, Highlighter
• Reading Glasses
• Business Cards
• Business Brochures
• Check Book
• Ethernet Cord

Back to the liquid toiletries-

If I'm going alone, I will have more than enough space for any toiletries that I will need, but my wife has WAY more hair than I do, and she uses a couple more products, so let's assume she is going also, and we put together a carry on for her...here are the products-

 

Inventory-

Ok, I'm not going into it, suffice to say it's extensive, and covers everything from a wine opener/bottle opener & cigar cutter to Q tips & Migraine medicine

We have a combination of medicine cabinet, beauty aides, you get the idea...

So here's what we're going to do. Put all liquids in observance of the 3-1-1 rule in clear Quart Bag-

We're going to take the clear quart bag, make-up bag, blow dryer, hair styling products, grooming tools, sundries, and place- in small tote (along with a couple of empty purses, a couple of empty fanny packs, and maybe even a couple pairs of shoes... 

There may even be room for a couple bottles of water, a couple of granola bars, & a sandwich if you pack it correctly 

What Could Be Wrong With This Picture?

So I have a carry-on, plus a bag (laptop briefcase) and my wife has a carry-on plus a bag (tote)

As airline bag fees continue to rise, more and more people are going to take this approach, and there will not be adequate space- so you'd better be in line early if you're on my flight!

Hoping this helps someone save some money- and wishing everyone safe holiday travels- from yoiur friends in the travel business- EZTravelpad

Gen X & Gen Y Exclusive Travel Opportunities- Cool + Affordable

I Wish I Had Known

OK, Here's the deal. There is a company that specializes in putting young people together for affordable travel to really cool destinations across the globe - and it's affordable.

You probably know that they have been doing this since 1962,

You probably already know about it since you book your own travel online- so no need for me to mention the company- 

You probably also know that these type of trips are ONLY available to those aged 18-35, and that you meet awesome like-minded travelers, stay in castles or hostels or hotels or exclusive Contiki villages

You probably already know about it since you book your own travel online- so no need for me to mention the name of the company

You probably already know about the great specials that exist for booking trips to Europa, Asia, Australia & New Zealand & More

You probably know how to put together a trip this....

But in case you don't- there's someone on the case- EZTravelpad can show you how to save on a trip like this, but more importantly, make it EASY for you to enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Why book it online when you can have the advice & expertise of an expert- for free?

You're smart enough to know that this type of trip is going to be MUCH tougher to pull off after you've gotten married - bought a house - had some babies - whatever.

You gotta do it while you can. It's a short life - get out there and live it - with the help and advice you can only get from EZTravelpad

Contact us by email - scott@eztravelpad.com

Happy Holidays- It's a perfectly legitimate sentiment....really + Great Savings!

Merry Christmas!

At EZTravelpad we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, and for our Jewish clients and friends- Happy Hanukkah. If we have any clients who worship differently - or don't worship at all - We hope you enjoy your particular holiday celebration - or Festivus - etc. In an effort to be a bit more brief we will just wish EVERYONE Happy Holidays!

So in light of the gift giving season which is upon us, I would like to suggest a few things to think about. Rather than giving some stuff (sweater, snuggy, etc), why not consider giving the gift of EXPERIENCE

• Travel
• Dining
• Sporting Event
• Cruise
• Concert
• Spring Break trip

EZTravelpad can help with these- either planning a fabulous trip, or with just a gift certificate contribuing toward the purchase-

You don't have to wait until Christmas to give holiday gifts! Perhaps that special someone needs to make plans to get to The Rose Bowl to see undefeated Texas and undefeated Alabama square off-

There are bowl games going on in some great cities and we can put together a package especially for you- EZTravelpad can help!

Whether you are traveling or staying home for the holidays- dining is always a welcome option. Frequently you can save 80% off dining gift certificates.

Every kiss may begin with K- and you can give her a diamond if you like, but maybe surprising her with a girlfriend getaway would be even more effective- or perhaps a romantic trip to somewhere warm or a spa for the weekend- or a family trip for the extended family (think cruise or train trip or Europe or Vegas or Luxury Villa)...or maybe even an adventure to the rainforest or desert - safari or hiking Machu Picchu- or volunteering abroad...something that would create a memory to last a lifetime.

A memory like that WILL last a lifetime, and won't need to be insured against loss or theft (like a diamond does) saving you additional money for years to come! If you're not sure where to go, give the gift of INTENT and let EZTravelpad help you plan while destinations worldwide are still on sale!

If you have children, parents, or even a spouse- the gift of luggage may be the best gift you can give. I have recently purchased a new 22x14x9 carry-on piece of luggage, and will have it paid for within 3 airline segments- with the rise of airline bag-check fees, you must retaliate!

Whether it's an efficient new carry-on bag to help save money on checked bag fees, a better laptop case, backpack, travel pillow, a new purse, or even a wallet- find it here and save with free shipping!

Tickets to concerts or sporting events are gifts that appeal to all ages- See Wicked, Lion King, Cirque du Soleil, an NBA game, NFL, Bowl games,  Playoffs, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Miley Cyrus, Cheech & Chong & More

Have a golfer in your family? Even if they're a pro they can always use help with their swing - give them the gift of improved techniques- they'll love you forever & will be less likely to "lose an iron in the pond"

Does your spouse have skin? The odds are great that they could use some skin care products-

Know someone that could use a getaway? A night in the city and tickets to an event don't have to cost an arm and a leg- frequently it can be accomplished for as little as $100. Give a memory to someone who needs to getaway.... Let EZTravelpad help. Most of all, have a Great Holiday Season!

It's NOT an EZTravelpad Original - Best Turkey You've Ever Tasted

Borrowed it From Emeril 

If you haven't had Thanksgiving dinner with Scott Jones, or otherwise had the pleasure of Emeril's Funky Brined Turkey (aka Emeril's Southwestern Turkey Breast) Check out this recipe - it ROCKS! I use my own twists, so if you Googled Emeril's version it will be a bit different, but hey trust me....

I use a whole turkey rahter then the breast - these proportions seem to just fine for a turkey at least 16 lbs

Ingredients-

• 1 Turkey - cleaned & patted dry
• 5-6 jalapenos, minced
• 2 oranges cut into sections & squeezed
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1 large lemon cut into sections and squeezed
• 2 limes cut into sections and squeezed
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 cup brown sugar (how come you taste sooo good?)
• 1 cup Kosher salt
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilanto cut up into small pieces
• 2 T minced garlic
• 1 T chili powder
• 1T cumin
• !t oregano

Combine all ingredients into large non-reactive container, or a couple of sturdy plastic garbage bags (double or triple bagged - you don't want this to leak)

Marinate for 12-24 hours refrigerated

Remove turkey from brine - pat dry - rub with 1T vegetable oil & cover with Essence of Emeril - (see below)

Place into over reheated to 375 the reduce to 350 & continue baking until internal temp of 165 is reached (I remove before that because temp will continue to increase for a few minutes while resting)

this is simply the best turkey I have ever tasted. Not too spicy, just a hint of jalapeno - awesome!

Essence of Emeril spice can be used on many other dishes...

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

 -------- ------------ --------------------------------
 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
 2 tablespoons salt
 2 tablespoons garlic powder
 1 tablespoon black pepper
 1 tablespoon onion powder
 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
 1 tablespoon dried oregano 

1 tablespoon dried thyme 

Enjoy!

Hapy Thanksgiving from your friends in the travel business - EZTravelpad

Getting Away Close to Home - Indy Edition

Indianapolis - Naptown - Circle City 

No matter what you call it, Indy means different things to different people.

Perhaps it's The Greatest Spectacle in Racing - The Indy 500 

Or the 2nd largest single day sporting event in the world- The Brickyard 400

Maybe it's Home of the Indianapolis Colts. What team has the best record this decade? Hmmm?

Maybe it's just an oasis of civilizaion in central Indiana

Indy, to me, is all of these things and more - plus it's a great place to getaway locally for a weekend with friends. So where to stay? In a word - Omni

 

It's dark you say? Yes, it's Indy in November - daylight is in short supply...

The Omni Severin Hotel in downtown Indy is ideally located in the heart of downtown. Walk out the front door and you're looking at the old Union Station - still a beautiful specimen of early 20th century building. Gaze slightly to the right and you're seeing Lucas Oil Stadium (which replaced The Hoosier Dome - later named the "some company" dome- who can keep track!), the new home to the Indianapolis Colts. Turn slightly to your left and you're within beer tossing distance to one of Indy's original hotspots for partiers of all generations to have a blast - Ike & Jonesy's

 

Walk about 3 blocls to the east and you will arrive at Conseco Fieldhouse - home to the Indiana Pacers, a perennial NBA contender. A few steps up Illinois St and it's St Elmo's Steakhouse - A CLASSIC!

Dis Is It

A couple blocks down on Meridian is The Slippery Noodle Inn

 

"The Noodle" has been Indy's home for The Blues for generations

A trip to Indy is not the same without a trip to The Slippery Noodle - it's about 4x bigger now than my first trip there 25 years ago, but still retains much of it's charm - and the music is every bit as good. Top local and regional artists such as Gordon Bonham Blues Band, Governor Davis, Tab Benoit, Chris Shaffer (Why Store), Gene Deer, Charles Walker Band- bust it our nearly every night. It's original-

And CRAZY too! Here, Charles Walker himself was having Sax on the floor right in front of us! 

Across the street from Conseco Fieldhouse is Coaches Tavern. The food was great and the service was better - great little pub to eat some nachos, watch a game on one of the many screens, or hang out before the Pacer game..... Wanna save some serious money on your next visit there?      

Check out this link to great restaurant savings across the country - this day at Coaches we saved $25 on a $35 purchase, but you can save more than that sometimes too!

Back to The Omni

The Omni is also attached to the relatively new Circle Centre Mall- which is a convenient mall if you're downtown, but alas- no photos... ever been all set to snap your photo - perfectly framed - lighting just right, then BAM - a security officer rolls up on a Segway to tell you NO, NO - photos are prohibited! Well, I suppose I could have jumped through hoops to gain permission, but - nah....... If you want to go to the best mall in Indy that would be The Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing - but enough of that....

One other VERY important thing to know about Indy is where to go for the best Kosher deli around. That would be Shapiro's. South of downtown on Meridian & in the afternoon shdows of Lucas Oil stadium...

 

It's been there about 100 years, all meats are prepared under Rabbinical Supervision, it's awesome, and you won't find any ham. Just get a pastrami or coned beef sandwich on rye and move along..... maybe even some Matzo Balls, slice of cheesecake (not made in a factory), take home some bagels & call it a day!

There's much more to Indy than this, so for some expert advice I think you know where to turn - that would be EZTravelpad - where if we don't know the answer, we know someone who does!

A Taste of the Islands Courtesy of Matangi

One of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die" is Matangi Private Island Resort

Located on a private 240 acre island filled with virgin rain forests and surrounded by white sand beaches and coral reefs, this is one of the top rated destinations for honeymoons & romantic getaways-

If you can't make it there this year, at least there are a couple of cocktail recipes you can enjoy at home, and let yourself drift away in thoughts of paradise

If you are able to make it this year, with the devaluation of the Fijian dollar it's a great time- and possibly the most affordable you will ever find this paradise

EZTravelpad is a great resource for getting you there! Bula!