The Karol Hotel Gracefully Pays Tribute to its Namesake: Legendary "Miss Florida" and "Weather Girl", Karol Bullard

In 2021 Florida's Saint Pete Beach takes not only the title by TripAdvisor of number one beach in the United States, but is also rated fifth in the world. When you've been a integral part of the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg culture for over 50 years, you've seen a lot of changes in your city but one thing is for sure: you know what your guests are looking for: service, comfort and experiences. We've stayed at many boutique hotels over the years, some of which have bore witness to absolutely amazing events, like the Southern Hotel in Covington, Louisiana, and The Karol Hotel is another that represents a completely different experience: Sunshine State Nostalgia. But don't be fooled by the salmon-hued velvet lobby furniture, the Karol represents true Florida nostalgia via its namesake.  It doesn't get any more Florida orange than Karol Bullard who, just to name a few, was the Florida Citrus Queen, Miss Florida, and Florida's first female meteorologist!

With its grand reopening in late 2019, only to be closed for several months due to Covid, the Karol Hotel began welcoming guests again in late 2020 to relax in a beautifully-appointed establishment, with personal service and attention to detail that makes for an unforgettable stay.  The Marriot Tribute Portfolio hotel does not spare on the comforts and luxury, with a signature bar & bistro as well as a rooftop bar and a ballroom, in addition to the 123 guest rooms. Hotels in this collection are each boutique-style with their own palette and personality, but closely integrated into their communities and meant to help people connect.

This was an exciting trip for LTD! Not only did we participate in the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim, but we could immerse ourselves in part of Florida's history during our stay at the Karol Hotel. This was one of several ventures away following the COVID-19 pandemic that caused a worldwide shutdown of most travel and our experience was all we hoped for!

Check Reviews for the Karol Hotel, rates, and book by clicking here!

1. Location

The Karol Hotel is adjacent to a hidden gem in St. Petersburg, Feather Sound, another community achievement of the Bullard Family.  Feather Sound is safe, quiet and isolated but yet located near both the St. Pete and Tampa airports, restaurants, downtown St. Pete and beaches.  Access to all of these locations is simple via nearby interstate 275. That is the beauty of it. For any visit to the Tampa/St. Pete area, it's hard to find a more centralized location to explore all of it. 

2. Check-in

We were greeted promptly and checked in without difficulty from very accommodating employees wearing masks appropriately. The entire staff is eager to engage you and tell you about the hotel's namesake, Karol Bullard.  They are proud of the hotel and it shows in their enthusiasm. Since it is a Marriott-affiliated property, we were greeted and treated appropriately for our Marriott status. The staff oriented us to the hotel and the surrounding area. Once we were informed about COVID policies, we elected to receive daily room cleaning and received this without any problems whatsoever. A nice touch was that we could request the time of housekeeping service and generally it was performed exactly as we asked during our stay (see below). 

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Smart, Sexy, Secure but Accessible: Keep Your Small Valuables Discreetly Locked Away with TROVA Go

When privacy and security is a must, try TROVA, a smart storage device designed with equal attention on discretion, security and appearance – perfect for jewelry, medications, credit cards and more. Tightly sealed and attractive by using a sleek aluminum alloy, TROVA vessels range from pocket or handbag sized to larger containers that can be openly displayed, while concealing its contents from inappropriate audiences. Wirelessly connected via Bluetooth and accessible through biometric scanning, TROVA’s proprietary app allows only paired users to unlock it keeping TROVA and its contents secure.

"Keep your valuables secure, but not out of sight." That’s the intriguing premise behind Trova, a smart storage device designed by a team from Colorado. Its purpose is to protect small things from theft, snooping, children or any prying eyes.

Designed as “a discreet physical storage device”, the TROVA Go is definitely a device of the times in more ways than one. Portable, sleek, and finished in a contemporary palette that would easily blend in amongst a variety of modern lifestyle and tech products, the TROVA Go could be mistaken for an eyeglass case or portable battery charger. This is the premise that makes this security Bluetooth-enabled accessory perfect for stashing away small goods discretely – a purpose TROVA founders and Colorado-based husband and wife team, Scott and Jonell Loeppert, cite as the inspiration for its creation.

Design

Credit goes to NYC design firm Aruliden for the TROVA Go’s minimalist pocketable portability, a form expressed using aluminum die forging, CNC machining, and an anodization process. The resulting product is a small, durable case intended to keep precious contents securely incognito, including aromas that might be emitted from other storage containers, thanks to the TROVA Go’s silicone over mold sealant.

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Unique, Meaningful and Healthy Valentine's Day Travel Gifts for Home and Away: 2021 Pandemic Edition

To say that 2020 was a unique year is an understatement. Since the pandemic was declared in March, safety precautions and protocols have become the stuff of everyday life — at home and on the road. With the end in sight, many of us are getting itchy feet to hit the road again with those we love. For some, romance within the restrictions of a public health crisis will be worth it; for others it won’t. LTD comprised this list of some of our favorite gifts for these unusual times that will be helpful both at home and on the road to capture memories, inspire adventure and make life healthier and more meaningful! 

Let's face it - they may not have the time or knowledge to look for great traveling items themselves.  Fortunately, LTD can give you some outstanding selections for all budgets that will certainly put a smile on their faces!!  Our guide includes items that are fashionable, healthy, useful and practical for the traveling female.  Click on the product photo or links if you wish to learn more!  By clicking and/or buying, you support our blog and our mission to bring you information about meaningful and healthy travel!  Thank you so much!!!

1.  Champagne & Whipped Cream?   

Aromatized with the finest essential oils, ESNA HOME natural scented candles are crafted from 100% natural, non-toxic, vegan soy wax. This carefully blended with the seductive scent of Champagne & Whipping cream will offer consistent fragrance release during the long burn time of 50 hours. Light it up for a moment of indulgence this Valentine's Day for someone dear to warm their heart and home.  If Paris is not for you check out scents like Fresh Cut Roses & Berries!

2.  Give them the next best thing to holding their hand!   

Banish soreness, popsicle fingers and stiffness with a hand massager!  Comfier Electric Hand massagers are specially designed to use air pressure and compressed hot air to pamper every part of their hand and work on the fingers and knuckles to ensure total relaxation. 

3.  OOLER by Chili Technologies - This is our number one recommended product because it has been a "sleep changer" for us!

Give the gift of sleep!!!! Our number one recommended product of 2020.  We first encountered Chili Technologies at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas in 2019!  In a matter of no time we became customers ourselves and can't say enough how much the OOLER and chiliBLANKET have contributed to our well-being and healthy travel!  Interrupted sleep is when our sleep is studded with prolonged periods of waking up throughout the night, usually at least four times over the course of eight hours. This condition can be caused by a sudden shift in routine (for example, a new baby in the house), travel, unexpected noises (such as a party at your neighbor’s house or a partner’s snoring), bathroom trips, menopause or other health issues or racing thoughts.  Temperature affects your baseline sleep quality and regulating temperature can help you phase shift your sleep for travel and help prevent jet lag. And do you know what we love best about the company? They stand by their product and you get a 90 day money-back sleep trial. See our full review of OOLER by clicking here! Use our coupon code to EXTRA $$ off!

4. Dual Therapy Weighted Blanket!

If you're not sure a Chili weighted blanket is for them, start with a Dual Therapy Weighted Blanket by Brooklyn Bedding. It is designed to provide the deep touch pressure support that can result in a calmer, more soothing night’s sleep and provide the best of both worlds with its cozy and cooling features. Its dual therapy features come from a flippable and removable duvet cover: one side blankets you in a traditional, ultra cozy warmth and security; the other side provides the tranquility of weight, coupled with an advanced cooling fabric. This makes for a great improvement to your current sleep experience or a great gift that your friends and family didn't know they needed!

5.  Load Photos on this Digital Frame from Wherever you are! 

It's easy to stay in touch with this highly-rated 10" digital photo frame. You send photos through the Nixplay app, Google Photos, Instagram or Facebook, and the images automatically appear in the frame, anywhere in the world.  Want a larger frame? Check out this 15.5 inch version. 

6.  If they Love to Cuddle in the Cold   

Cuddle on those cool nights at home! She can keep her side extra toasty, while he can keep his a little cooler, and no one has to fight over who gets the controller — because this heated blanket conveniently comes with two!

7.  Cashmere Scarf   

Winter is here, so help keep him them warm this season with a stylish cashmere scarf. It comes in lots of colors, so you can choose which one will go best with their style

8.  Temperature Controlled Mug   

Using an app on their phone, they can control the temperature of this sleek smart mug to ensure that their coffee or tea stays between 120ºF and 145ºF a.k.a. the perfect drinking temperature for nearly two hours. This is the newest Ember mug for those who enjoy a larger cup of java! 

9.  TUSHY Spa  

Give them the gift of a clean hiney with this bidet toilet attachment. Choose from different colors that offer water pressure control. The TUSHY bidet gives you a high-end feel without compromising quality or the price tag. 

10.  Custom Pet Portrait

Send in one of the hundreds of pictures that they've taken of their pup or cat and get a printed digital portrait shipped straight to your door. There are so many styles to choose from, even if you don't order one take a look for a smile today!

11.  Luna Bean Keepsake Hands Casting Kit

Preserve Every Precious Detail!  Share the experience of life casting from the comfort of your own home. You can't go wrong with this gift of a priceless memory and with a satisfaction guarantee why not give it to all of your loved ones?

12.  Handmade Envelope Slippers

Does she have popsicle toes? These slippers are handmade in a family studio with customizable size and soles.  These slippers have rave reviews for the quality and comfort! If you're shopping for him, check out the men's selection.

13.  Handmade Caricature Drawing

Hand-drawn caricatures are 100% proven to make a great gift. A perfect loving and fun gift for your special person. Just send a photo of the person you would like drawn and any instructions about what they should be doing in the drawing, such as in front of your favorite landmark!

14.  Is that Silverware in Your Pocket or are You Just Happy to See Me?

These have become very popular during the 2020 due to the pandemic, and what a thoughtful gift!  These portable utensils come in several different finishes so you know which set is which! They come with an elegant carrying case and include straws and chopsticks. 

14.  Phones are Important for Travel, but How Can They be Clean??!  PhoneSoap is the answer!

This is a customer favorite! AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK AND DISCOVERY CHANNEL. PhoneSoap's revolutionary bacteria-zapping technology was featured on ABC's Shark Tank and tested and proven on the Discovery Channel.  Think of the germs we are exposed to during travel! Stay healthy and charge a phone all at the same time.

15.  For the Traveler who Carries Tension (who doesn't???) or Experiences Pain

Getting a post-flight massage can beat jet lag, improve circulation, and release tension. If they can’t make it to the spa, these palm-sized firm massage balls act like a portable foam roller to work out the knots and loosen tight muscles in feet, hips, back, shoulders, legs, etc. They could use a tennis ball, but the crevice in the middle of this design is more comfortable to use around places like the spine and come with a handy carrying bag. 

16.  What Says Love more than Dreaming of Paris?   

Picture yourself walking hand in hand in Paris in a classic film. Ahhhh Paris. Doesn't this travel poster for Paris take you back and make you feel nostalgic and amorous? If you feel that way, your favorite explorer will to.  If Paris is not for you check out other vintage travel posters by Canvas On Demand.

17. Swap Travel Dreams Over A Beautifully Laid Out Cheese Board 

We love this unique gift from Vintage Garden Art.  For anyone who loves to entertain, give them this set of Silver Plated Spoon handles which are hand stamped cheese markers for cheeses from around the World.  Even better, set up a special evening for them with wine and cheeses from around the world and use these markers to make the finishing touches!

18. Build Famous Buildings!

Longing to see some famous buildings? Inspire travel in the young Valentines in your life or the young at heart with a Famous Buildings 3D cut puzzles.  Choose from other cities including Moscow, New York, Notre Dame and Italy.

19.  Watch the Most Romantic Movie of All Time and Dream of Morocco  

Inspire travel to Morocco and give the gift of enjoying the most romantic movie of all time with your favorite Valentine....Casablanca: A jaded nightclub owner in war-torn Casablanca, whose loyalties are put to the test when his old flame, Ingrid Bergman, reappears to seek Rick's help in escaping from the Nazis.

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Feds Again Set New Guidelines for Service and Emotional Support Animals on Planes

 With increasing numbers of service or emotional-support animals on flights — dogs, cats and even ducks — have come increasing numbers of problems and complaints.  The rise in emotional support animals has coincided with growing publicity on the mental health benefit of pets.  In the era of a global pandemic, need of emotional support animals has been considered by some, to be even more important.

Since 2016, one company reported an 86-percent increase in 'animal incidents', that include animals urinating, biting or showing acts of aggression. In 2017, a 70-pound dog flying as a support animal bit another passenger several times in the face on a Delta plane in Atlanta. The victim was hospitalized.

Other airlines have not released their own figures, and the Department of Transportation says it does not collect data on service and support animals on U.S. flights. However, the agency’s reports on disability-related complaints show that those involving service animals nearly quadrupled between 2012 and 2016, when more than 2,300 were filed. Scrutiny of service animals is also sharpening nationwide and nineteen States now have laws that criminalize fraudulently passing off pets as service animals.

Federal regulators have interpreted a 1986 access-to-travel law to allow support animals in airplane cabins and in apartment buildings that do not allow pets. But some passengers use untrained pets in order to get them on a plane for free, especially since it's easy to go online to buy vests or ID cards with a "service animal" insignia. Slowly modifications to airlines' rules have occurred to reflect the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) rulings. 

The USDOT today announced in December that it is revising its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation on the transportation of service animals by air to ensure a safe and accessible air transportation system.  Alaska Airline was the first airline to announce their updated policy and the others are sure to follow. The final rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals can be found HERE.

The Department received more than 15,000 comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking. The final rule announced today addresses concerns raised by individuals with disabilities, airlines, flight attendants, airports, other aviation transportation stakeholders, and other members of the public, regarding service animals on aircraft. 

The final rule: 

• Defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability;
• No longer considers an emotional support animal to be a service animal;
• Requires airlines to treat psychiatric service animals the same as other service animals;
• Allows airlines to require forms developed by DOT attesting to a service animal’s health, behavior and training, and if taking a long flight attesting that the service animal can either not relieve itself, or can relieve itself in a sanitary manner;
• Allows airlines to require individuals traveling with a service animal to provide the DOT service animal form(s) up to 48 hours in advance of the date of travel if the passenger’s reservation was made prior to that time;
• Prohibits airlines from requiring passengers with a disability who are traveling with a service animal to physically check-in at the airport instead of using the online check-in process;  
• Allows airlines to require a person with a disability seeking to travel with a service animal to provide the DOT service animal form(s) at the passenger’s departure gate on the date of travel;
• Allows airlines to limit the number of service animals traveling with a single passenger with a disability to two service animals; 
• Allows airlines to require a service animal to fit within its handler’s foot space on the aircraft;
• Allows airlines to require that service animals be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times in the airport and on the aircraft;
• Continues to allow airlines to refuse transportation to service animals that exhibit aggressive behavior and that pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others; and
• Continues to prohibit airlines from refusing to transport a service animal solely based on breed.

Bottom line:

The well-trained guide dog assisting a blind traveler is allowed to fly on airplanes, but the emotional support duck was grounded by federal officials.

Remember, if you have questions related to your health, always consult your doctor or medical professional. The information presented here is informative only and is not medical advice.

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