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Nancy D. Brown is a lover of all things related to travel. With What A Trip, she has combined her passion for travel with her professional writing career.

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Vacations

Wednesday
23Dec2009

Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer - Travel Gear Review

DateWednesday, December 23, 2009 at 12:00AM

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Tom Bihn Check Point Flyer Laptop Case ReviewYou're late for the airport. Fortunately you are a smart, well organized traveler. You travel carry-on; so no lost luggageon this trip. However, you are traveling with your laptop and removing the computer from the carrying case to clear TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will slow you down.

Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer Bag

Enter the Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer "checkpoint friendly" laptop bag to save the day. With this bag, it is no longer necessary to remove your computer for TSA security screening. The tri-fold bag lays flat on the conveyor belt with the molded foam shell safely protecting your laptop.

 

Durable Design - Easy to Carry

Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer Laptop Case ReviewThe Tom Bihn Checkpoint Flyer baghas pockets galore; which makes this frequent flyer happy. Two zippered front pockets can accommodate a Kindle or guidebook, while the third section surrounds the laptop compartment. This outside bag has two open slide pockets; perfect for holding boarding passes and passports. The larger pocket can accommodate several magazines.

The roomy interior of the zippered section can easily accommodate power cords, laptop chargers, a purse and a separate pouch, designed for carrying your three oz. liquids. Named the 3D Clear Organizer cube, the pouch fits neatly into one of two inside pockets.

My only complaint with this extremely durable and well-made travel gear is the $30 additional charge for the Absolute shoulder strap. At $220, this laptop bag is an investment, and as such, it should include the durable nylon webbing and comfortable neoprene padded carrying strap.

The Tom Bihn company is located in Seattle, Washington. You can follow the social media savvy company on Twitter, learn about special Facebook offers, or read their company blog.

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Saturday
19Dec2009

Bloggers in Paradise, Cancun, Mexico

DateSaturday, December 19, 2009 at 6:15AM

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

JW Marriott Resort & Spa Cancun, MexicoHola, estoy en Cancun, Mexico at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. I'm a guest of the resort as part of a "Nine Bloggers in Paradise" trip. Marriott has nine different resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean and they invited nine travel bloggers to experience the resort and tweet about their impressions. A clever idea, indeed.

The resorts are offering several limited time offer specials. Cancun Resort and Spa guests receive 40% off Club 91 rates. That's a good deal for families, because Club 91, a "boutique hotel" within the resort, offers familes numerous small meal options included with the price. The Spa is also offering several packages during the holidays.

The Pumpkin Package includes a 25 minute back, neck and shoulder massage, in addition to a 50 minute pumpkin facial for $155 USD. The Xocoatl Package starts with a 50 minute Swedish massage with chocolate oil, followed by a 25 minute facial, also for $155 USD. Spa Director Wdson Brum has put together a wonderful spa experience; there's even a kid's and teen spa menu available.

Still undecided where to go for the holidays? Visit the “Shake Up Paradise” website – click on the resort of our choce, shake the snow globe and your special offer will appear.

Follow me on Twitter for my tweets, pictures and YouTube videos of the trip. All nine bloggers will be tweeting throughout the trip using the hashtag #BlogParadise. If you’d like to check out where the other eight bloggers are headed, follow the links to their blogs shown below:

Barbara Weibel is at Marriott’s Curacao Beach Resort and Emerald Casino. (Thanks for putting this list together, Barbara)
Blog: Hole In The Donut Twitter: @holeinthedonut

Lisa Overman is checking out Aruba Renaissance Resort
Blog: Wanderlustandlipstick.com Twitter: @islandstyle29

Aaron Hotfelder is discovering the Aruba Marriott Resort
Blog: Gadling.com Twitter: @aaronhotfelder

Pam Mandel is taking photographs at  Casa Magna Cancun Resort in Mexico
Blog: Nerdseyeview.com Twitter: @nerdseyeview

Chris Gray is on St. Kitts Marriott
Blog: caroundtheworld.com Twitter: @caroundtheworld

Robin Locker landed at Grand Cayman Marriott Resort
Blog: mymelange.net Twitter: @mymelange

Julie Schwietert is at Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Blog: matadornetwork.com Twitter: @collazoprojects

Charyn Pfeuffer is tweeting from CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa in Mexico
Blog: hotelchatter.com Twitter: @global_gourmet

Adios, Cancun, Mexico y muchas gracias por un buen tiempo. By the way, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is also on Twitter.

Goodbye, Cancun, Mexico and many thanks for a good time.

 

 

 

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Monday
14Dec2009

What's New in Napa Valley

DateMonday, December 14, 2009 at 12:00AM

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Castello di Amorosa photo by Nancy D. BrownThrough my travel writing at Uptake, I was invited to do a podcast on my three day road trip to Napa Valley. Addison Scholand from IAG, a travel and aviation consulting company, interviewed me about a "Drive in Napa Valley."

 

 

This Napa Valley podcast is about 12 minutes long and touchs on:

 

  • Avia Napa - a new boutique hotel located in downtown Napa, California
  • Greenhaus Day Spa- try the Royal Bamboo massage
  • Black Stallion Winery - on Napa's Silverado Trail
  • Pink Mansion - Calistoga Bed and Breakfast
  • Solbar - Solage Calistoga's Michelin Star Restaurant
  • Twomey Cellars - Silver Oak Cellars kid-sister
  • Castello di Amorosa - Calistoga's Tuscan Castle in Napa Valley

For those of you involved with social media, you can find these contacts on Facebook and Twitter:

Black Stallion Winery on Twitter

Castello di Amorosa on Twitter

SolageCalistoga on Twitter and Facebook

What a Trip on Twitter

 

 

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Friday
11Dec2009

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa - Lahaina, Hawaii

DateFriday, December 11, 2009 at 10:00AM

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Snow on Mount DiabloThere is snow on Mount Diablo! For all of my Northern California readers, you know this is a rare occurrence. It's downright freezing in Contra Costa County!

With temperatures recording record lows in California, you might be thinking about a warm weather destination for the winter holidays.

Personally, I'll be heading to Cancun, Mexico next week to stay at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa, located off the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula.

If you like balmy weather, warm water for snorkeling, standup paddling, surfing and diving or simply snoozing on a lani while listening to the sound of the waves lapping sparkling sands, then Maui is calling you.

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, Lahaina, HawaiiI had a chance to stay at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa last June. What's new at the Sheraton? The Spa at Black Rock offers an indoor, outdoor type of experience, as the rooms are not completely closed in. I enjoyed listening to the surf and birds twittering in the background.

Speaking of twittering, follow the Sheraton's Twitter link for updates on the Sheraton, Maui. You can find "What a Trip" on twitter, too.

Are you heading anywhere for the holidays?

Mount Diablo photo courtesy of Amber Wheable. Sheraton Maui photo by Nancy D. Brown

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa 1 (866) 716-8109

2605 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761

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Wednesday
09Dec2009

Win Briggs and Riley and OtterBox Gift Certificate 

DateWednesday, December 9, 2009 at 12:00AM

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Today the Travel Bloggers' Caravan stops here at What a Trip!

Briggs & Riley 20" Carry-On For 2009 I have prizes donated from Briggs & Riley and OtterBox.

Briggs & Riley is donating a Baseline 20" Carry-On Expandable Wide-Body Upright

This expandable wheeled carry-on is ideal for those who want one bag for both domestic and international air travel. The shorter and wider configuration offers maximum packing capacity while still fitting in the overhead. Retail value $369.

 

OtterBox is donating a $100 gift certificate.

Otter Box iPhone Defender Box ReviewThis Colorado-based company started with something as simple as a box. OtterBox was created in 1996, building cases geared to the klutzy traveler who has broken a device. I prefer to think of my OtterBox as offering stylish and rugged protection for my iPhone and my active lifestyle.

Each OtterBox ranges in price to $50; you'll be able to select two boxes with your gift certificate!

POST A COMMENT TO WIN!

Do you have a favorite destination you like to visit during the holidays? Post a comment today — holiday-related or about any other travel topic  — and let me know about it and you’ll be entered to win my travel prizes!

Win a Briggs & Riley Bag and OtterBox $100 Gift Certificate
One lucky reader will be randomly chosen from all entries to win the prize pack. Contest starts at midnight on December 9 and ends the same day at 11:59 pm. Only residents of the United States are eligible to enter and win.

How to Enter 
Comment on this post between 12:00 am (midnight) and 11:59 pm on December 9, 2009. You’ll need to include your e-mail address so I can make contact if you’re the winner. Good luck!

Win More Prizes This Month!
Don’t forget to enter the daily Travel Bloggers’ Caravan giveaway. The Caravan stops at J The Travel Authority tomorrow. See the entire Travel Bloggers’ Caravan schedule here.

 

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