Best Cruise Approved Travel Steamer & Iron: Nori Press Review

Travel Tips & Gear

Finding a reliable, cruise approved travel steamer or compact iron can be an absolute nightmare for frequent cruisers. Most cruise lines enforce strict zero-tolerance bans on traditional clothes irons and heavy garment steamers due to fire safety regulations. If you pack the wrong one, security will confiscate it at the port before you even board. Enter the Nori Press Travel Steam Iron—the ultimate, stylish loophole designed specifically to keep your vacation wardrobe perfectly wrinkle-free without breaking port authority rules.

The compact, flat-iron style Nori Press Travel Steam Iron.

Why Traditional Steamers Are Confiscated at Cruise Ports

When packing for a cruise, looking sharp for formal nights is a priority. Unfortunately, standard heating appliances are safety hazards on a ship. Security scanners flag traditional irons immediately. The magic of the Nori Press is its innovative, hair-straightener-style design. Because it clamps over your clothes to press both sides simultaneously, it functions completely differently than a standard iron, has a built-in 10-minute automatic safety shut-off, and operates well within the bounds of safe travel gear.

Crucial Tip: Pack the Paperwork to Avoid Confiscation

Cruiser Pro-Tip: Even though the Nori Press is 100% dual-voltage compatible and cruise approved, line rules and individual security crew opinions can change at a moment's notice. Security guards screen thousands of bags a day, and an unfamiliar device might cause them to hesitate. To minimize the risk of arbitrary confiscation, always pack the original manufacturer paperwork, user manual, or a printed copy of the product specifications in your carry-on bag. Showing security the official "cruise-approved" guidelines and auto-shutoff specifications on paper will easily resolve any misunderstandings at the terminal.

Nori Press Travel Iron Top Features

• No Ironing Board Required: Its unique dual-plate clamping layout lets you quickly smooth out shirts, dresses, and pants while they are hanging or laid flat on a bed.
• 6 Fabric-Specific Settings: From delicate silks to heavy linen and denim, the precision dial ensures you won't accidentally burn your favorite outfits.
• Optional Steam Functionality: Fill it with a little water to get up to 10 minutes of continuous, wrinkle-busting steam to refresh lightly worn garments.
• Lightweight & Travel-Friendly: Weighing just 1.4 pounds and measuring 14 inches, it slides cleanly into the side pockets of your suitcase.

Real World Feedback: What Cruisers Actually Think

Actual user experiences highlight just how simple this device is to operate compared to a standard, clunky clothing iron. Regular travelers rave about its performance across a variety of fabrics, specifically pointing out how beautifully it handles stubborn linen settings—a major plus for tropical vacation wear. Thanks to its overall build quality and adaptability for quick, everyday touch-ups, a lot of frequent flyers rank it as the top portable option currently available.

However, the design does come with a few user trade-offs. While many appreciate how sleek and packable it is, a few reviewers note that it can start to feel a bit heavy if you are pressing an entire vacation wardrobe all at once. Similarly, its streamlined, luggage-friendly size means the water reservoir is on the smaller side, so you will need to refill it more often during longer steaming sessions.

Final Verdict: Is the Nori Press Worth It for Cruising?

If you are tired of wearing wrinkled clothes on your vacation or paying exorbitant cruise line laundry fees just to press a dress, the answer is a resounding yes. It's safe, efficient, and beautifully designed.

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Duravo Expandable Check-In Large Luggage Review: Best Checked Luggage for Cruise Travel and Premium Travelers

 When it comes to cruise packing and finding the best checked luggage for cruises, the Duravo Expandable Check-In Large Luggage has quickly become a favorite suitcase for travelers who want premium quality without the steep price tag. On our recent trip, we had the opportunity to test this bag in real-world travel situations, including a two-week cruise, and it exceeded expectations in many areas.

We received this luggage from Duravo to review, and while it’s a complimentary evaluation, our opinions remain 100% honest. For travelers who want durable, airline-compliant, and feature-rich luggage, this bag deserves a close look.

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Exterior Features of the Duravo Expandable Check-In Large Luggage

The Duravo checked luggage is built with Duravo’s Flexshell™ composite, a lightweight yet super-durable material made in Germany. The exterior dimensions (29” x 20.5” x 12”) comply with most domestic and international airline checked luggage restrictions, making it a worry-free choice for cruises and other flights.

Some standout exterior features include:

• Premium Hinomoto 360° ball-bearing wheels for quiet and smooth rolling.

• Aircraft-grade aluminum quick-release trolley handle for easy maneuvering through terminals and cruise ship docks.

• TSA-approved lock integrated lock

• Expandable zipper that adds 2” (5cm) of extra packing space if needed.

The combination of durability, smooth mobility, and thoughtful design makes the Duravo expandable checked bag a practical option for cruise travelers who want premium travel luggage.

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Why Kitsch Shampoo & Conditioner Bars Are the Perfect Cruise Travel Essential

Packing for a cruise comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to toiletries. Between TSA liquid restrictions on flights and limited bathroom storage in cruise cabins, finding the right hair care can be tricky. That’s where the Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo & Conditioner Bars shine. These eco-friendly, TSA-safe bars nourish your hair with rice water and protein while eliminating bulky plastic bottles. Whether you’re heading on a European river cruise, an expedition voyage, or a Caribbean getaway, these compact bars keep your hair healthy and your packing light.

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Ridiculously Affordable Fall Clothes for Your Carryon 2020

You don't have to spend your life savings to look great, be elegant and comfortable this fall! Use our guide to find great outfits for home or away! What things do we look for when we travel?????

1. Deals
2. Comfort
3. Travel well with few wrinkles
4. Pair well with other fashion pieces so you can go with a carryon only

Bottoms

With temperatures dropping we all want that one pair of bottoms that take us into those low temperatures in style! We can only wear so many pairs of skinny jeans but sometimes you want something that doesn't feel as tight around your middle! Try our favorite fleece-lined leggings by Baleaf. the pickets on each side will keep you organized and the fabric looks great from day to night.

 

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Wide leg jersey pants are a cult favorite of travelers for comfort and style. They’re sweatpants masquerading as work pants is how one influencer described the U Wide-Fit Curved Jersey Pants by Uniqlo. Details that put them in the sweatpants category, are a hidden elastic waistband and a drawstring to cinch the waist, but a good looking button and zipper highlight make them look more elevated and presentable. Tip: we love these pants with a pair of white tennis shoes for a chic casual look.

Buy at Uniqlo

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The Frugal Cruiser: A discount here, some promotions there. Eventually it adds up to big money!

It's no secret that we love cruises!  In our opinion, there's no better resort vacation. We love sailing the open seas and stopping on islands, cities or towns all over the world.  As we have showed before, cruising can be HEALTHY! But how is it MEANINGFUL? To LTD, one of the most meaningful sides of cruising is the amazing people you meet!  

It is hard to get bored while on a cruise holiday with so many places to see and people to meet!  We were delighted when our friend who we met while cruising on a Princess transAtlantic cruise wrote a fabulous article for our site!  Please enjoy hearing from the Frugal Cruiser and how she "shows us the money..."

By Melinda McMullen

My husband and I have been traveling extensively for a decade now, and have settled on cruising as our preferred way to see the world. We love the fact that we unpack once, can visit many places during a relatively short period of time and can fund at least 80% of our expenses up front.

Along the way, we’ve discovered that smart cruisers “never pay retail.” This was a discovery we made early on during conversations with other cruisers. They urged us to identify one travel agent we could work with regularly who would meet our needs which, in our case, included a discount on our cruises.  

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Things We Learned about Ourselves in A Paris Train Station

Sometimes the convenience of what some perceive as luxury is the pleasure that makes a journey healthy and meaningful.

Recently we were inspired by our love of history, wine architecture and the countryside to plan an adventure to the Loire Valley. We belong to many online collaborative travel groups, some of which reinforce several things that may influence your preferred travel modes: carbon footprint, convenience, luxury, time, or cost just to name a few.

There are limited ways to get to and through the Loire Valley. Renting a car is an easy method to get around but the thought of renting a car at CDG gives one palpitations. However renting a car in the Loire valley isn't very difficult. We chose to rent in Tours. As suggested by our Airbnb host, there is a high speed train from CDG to Tours (and back). FYI the train station at CDG is easy and of course the regional train stations such as St Pierre des Corps are simple to use.

Important points about the TGV train

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Got Wanderlust? Millennial Travel is the New Trend for Luxury Travel. Look Here for the Top 10 Trending Destinations!

Millennial International and Overseas Travel Trends for Vacation and Holidays influence where all of us will be going whether we realize it or not!

The Millennial - The largest generation is the new target for international travel. But what do Millennials want when they travel?

Millennial Jill Stevens says she "wants to see it all!"
(photo courtesy of Jill Stevens)

Adventure Travel is the overwhelming trend in Millennial Travel

Some of us may long for quiet time at a secluded resort with every whim taken care of, but the trends and desires of travelers is changing over time.  Adventure travel, as the name suggests, is not for luxury travelers who would plan only on the beach.  Adventure Tourism is one of the fastest-growing trends in the travel domain.  Defining exactly what it means is a little tricky. While for one group of travelers, adventure could mean leisurely biking and hiking tours, for the other group, it might entail base jumping into an underground cave in Mexico. So the main facets of adventure tourism usually include traveling to a distant location, interacting with different cultures and undertaking a physical activity of some kind.  According to Start The Adventure, adventure travel overwhelmingly appeals to millennials.  Mountain trekking was the number-one trip style sought by millennials, followed by sailing trips, island-hopping, music-related travel and foodie trips.

Completing the list of the top 10 travel choices are sustainable travel, spring-break, hop-on/hop-off tours, wildlife safaris, and active adventures.

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Steps to Overcome Your Fear of Flying and Panic So You Can Explore the World!

Fear of Flying can be fear that a plane will crash or it may be fear of fear itself!  You feel that if you fly, you will panic and when you do, there will be no way to relieve the panic.  Medication is probably not the answer. 

Panic on a plane is more common than you may know and it can be someone's worst nightmare and can turn into an intense phobia.  In the sky relief is literally miles away. The plane will not land until you arrive at your destination. 

You are not alone if you experience fear of flying.  Here are some tips to conquer your fear and engage in a fulfilling exploration of the world!

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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The Best Way to Pack Luggage, Fit More in Your Bag and Stay Organized with Compression Storage Bags or Cubes

While some travelers go for the 'throw it all in and hope for the best' packing method, we prefer to be a bit more organized in our luggage or backpacks. Internal compartments can be useful for separating clean clothes from dirty, but that's about as far as it goes.

Luggage space is often at a premium, especially when traveling to colder climates or with a mixture of business and leisure clothes. While some luggage comes with compression straps on the inside, outside or both, they don't reduce space all that much and only seem to work as a last-ditch effort to get an overstuffed bag to close.


Fortunately there are inexpensive ways to deal with each of these problems, as well as some innovative options that sort out both at once.  We prefer compression bags but let's give you what the options are to be complete!

Packing Cubes

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Know Your Rights When Your Flight is Cancelled, Changed or even Delayed! Knowledge and Persistence Helps!

In the United States, airlines are not required to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled.  Compensation is required by U.S. law only when certain passengers are “bumped” from a flight that is oversold.  

You suddenly receive an email that your flight for this summer is cancelled.  The airline has automatically re booked you for the flight of their choosing.  Do you have to accept the new flight?  No - you have some, but not many rights according to the US Department of Transportation.

You might be surprised to find that, in the US no federal law or regulation specifies what, if any, rights you have when an airline cancels your flight.

With cancellations, your rights derive only from the airlines' contracts of carriage, and relevant principles of general contract law. Since no federal regulations apply, your rights are not uniform and will vary from airline to airline.

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The Centurion Lounge in DFW Dallas Fort Worth gets a Well-Deserved Expansion and Face Lift

When Traveling through DFW use your American Express Platinum Card to gain Access to the Centurion Lounge Near Gate D12 for a good meal and refreshment before your flight.  

The American Express card comes with a hefty fee, but the luxury provided can be offset with using their offers. The luxury you gain can be oh so nice!

It is worth taking the Skylink to this location if you have time.  Allow 10 minutes walk and time for Skylink to get to the Centurion lounge if you are not arriving or departing from D Terminal.  

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Today is National Plan Your Vacation Day

Individuals who plan are more likely to use all of their time off, take more vacation days at once, and report greater levels of happiness in every category measured. 

Over 50% of Americans skip planning vacations and either find themselves losing time off at work or sitting around on vacation staring at social media.  Have you ever said: "I just don't have the time to take a vacation?"

It is easy to plan a vacation.  Project Time Off  is a coalition of organizations devoted to helping you plan your time off.  Their website has multiple tools available to help you plan taking your vacation, even if you want to sit at home.  The number of days that Americans take for vacation has decreased significantly over the last decade and over 600,000,000 vacation days go unused every year.  

LTD has asked themselves many times:  would we rather have "stuff" or "experiences"?  LTD chose experiences every time! It's beneficial for your relationships and family! 

How do you plan for a vacation?

1.  Ask a friend (Like LTD!)

2.  Join a travel group 
3.  Use a travel agent

4.  Research online

Get yourself a great pair of travel shoes from Spain to inspire your next adventure!  Click the photo to learn more! 

Stay Happy and Travel On!!!!

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Save Big During January When Special Beginner Programs are Offered by Resorts Across the USA

The 11th Annual Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month Kicks off on January 1, 2019

There is a Special Celebration Set for 1/11/19.

Luxury Travel Docs wrote about the benefit of traveling with Children and Healthy and Activity were two of them!  Give the Gift of Skiing or Snowboarding This Holiday Season to your children or your favorite adult!

Take Advantage of January "Deals" & State-Wide Discounted Learning Programs


MORE THAN 200 SPECIAL BEGINNER PROGRAMS (So Far) OFFERED BY U. S. RESORTS DURING JANUARY!

Here are some examples of place we have been to and the prices are pretty good:

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FREE Mobile Passport, TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry Make Cruising and Traveling Easier

Save Time Going Through Customs When Traveling for Your Next Cruise (and many flights!)

Mobile Passport app is authorized by Customs and Border Protection for US citizens and Canadian visitors to expedite their entry into the USA

April 2019 Update!!  

MOBILE PASSPORT UPDATE! There are two versions of this app. If you want to store your passport information and have it be ad free, you will need to pay $15 per year. If you want the free version of the app, you will need to enter your passport information every time you use it and of course will have to endure some advertisements!

If you read our blog, you know that LuxuryTravelDocs love to cruise!  We have used our American Express Platinum to sign up for GlobalEntry, which allows us to enter the US when flying and at some cruise ports at lightning speeds compared to most travelers.  Recently, we were delayed at Port Everglades after arriving from a 15 day transatlantic cruise.  The immigration computer system crashed and luckily rather than standing in line for the two hours it took to recover, we were allowed to wait on the ship).  But once the system was functioning, we disembarked to encounter a line of hundreds of persons waiting to be cleared by immigration.  Fortunately, we buzzed through immigration and customs using our Global Entry Cards making a few jokes that the computer crash was from the election vote recount! (TIP:  always make sure you have the physical identification Global Entry Card at Port Everglades because the staff will not let you in line without it! Even though the Global Entry Clearance is embedded in your passport, the staff need to see the physical card.  Frustrating but true! There were probably too many passengers sneaking into the line!)  The other passengers that were able to disembark as quickly as us used the Mobile Passport App.  There were even some Canadian residents who used it.  Obviously we asked our fellow passengers many questions while waiting!

Here is a description of the Mobile Passport App:  

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Is Helsinki on Your Bucket List? Maybe It Should Be!

Visit Helsinki! Summer in Finland is warm, bright and exhilarating. Most importantly, the air is fresh, clean, and pure and invigorating at all times of the year. 

Helsinki doesn’t often appear on travelers’ bucket lists. Even those who dream of exploring Scandinavia usually defer to Norway’s fjords or Sweden’s cities, but Finland’s capital is a destination in itself — and one that’s on the rise.

What is the condensed history of this great European Capital?

Sweden’s King Gustavus Vasa founded Helsinki on the mouth of Vantaanjoki River in 1550 to compete with Tallinn for Baltic Sea trade. The town grew slowly however, and the center of Helsinki was moved to its current location in the 1600s.

In 1748 Sweden began construction of the Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress off the coast of Helsinki to counter the growing threat from Russia. The massive project brought additional wealth, inhabitants and merchants to the town.

Russia conquered Finland in 1809. The status of Helsinki was raised to capital of the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland three years later. A monumental Empire-style city plan was drawn up to reflect the power of Russia and the Tsar.

Finland became independent in 1917, and Helsinki assumed the demanding new role of capital of the young republic. City planning was characterized by Classicism and Functionalism.

During World War II, Finland was in many ways a unique case: It was the only European country bordering the Soviet Union in 1939 which was still unoccupied by 1945.  Of all the European countries fighting, only three European capitals were never occupied: Moscow, London and Helsinki.

Recovering from the hardships of war, Helsinki hosted the Summer Olympics in 1952. The games created an international reputation for Helsinki as an efficient and friendly host city.

With stark differences between seasons, Finns are used to contrasts. Dark Arctic winters have their counterpart in one of the most iconic of Finnish natural phenomena, the Midnight Sun.

Many wonder how Finns survive with no sunlight in the winter, and nature replies with 24 hours of it in the summer. The intense contrast in light conditions has a profound effect on all walks of life in Finland.

For understandable reasons, public spaces come to life in the summer. After the harsh winter, endless daylight never arrives a day too early. Summer in Finland is a time spent outside the house enjoying the short but sweet season, and all worries are postponed until nights get dark again.

Often considered to be Finland's only metropolis, it is the world's northernmost metro area with over one million people as well as the northernmost capital of an EU member state. After Stockholm and Oslo, Helsinki is the third largest city in the Nordic countries.

Helsinki is a thriving city, being named the "World's Design Capital" in 2012 and as a leader in the online gaming industry, among so much more!

Visit Helsinki! Summer in Finland is warm, bright and exhilarating. Most importantly, the air is fresh, clean, and pure and invigorating at all times of the year.

Make Meaningful and Healthy Travel Happen!

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Review of Charlotte Douglas International Airport Minute Suites

Recently before boarding an International flight, LTD decided to check out the recently-opened Minute Suites in Charlotte Douglas International Airport located in the main Atrium and food court. One hour is free if you have the American Express Platinum Card and have subscribed to the free Priority Pass Lounge Membership.

The bottom line is that this is a great option for either a short visit before a flight if you need to put your feet up, watch tv, take a nap or get some work done. It is a quiet alternative to the airport lounges at CLT which can be rather noisy and crowded at times.  Alternatively it would serve as an option for a “hotel” on the dreaded occasion that your late night flight is cancelled. If you can phone ahead for a reservation, you will be more likely to get a room when needed.  The phone number is at the end of this post!

Check in was quick and a suite was available immediately.  A credit card must be given in case you incur any charges - just like at a hotel. At the entrance are decent products for sale including Jack Black and Burt’s Bees skin care products, and an entire mini pharmacy for stocking up on forgotten items or treating aches and pains.

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How can you keep Number Two's Regular when you go on Vacation

When you’re traveling, it’s easy to fall into bad habits that can lead to digestive system problems such as constipation or diarrhea.  

Constipation is a temporary condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements, passing hard stools or straining when you do have a bowel movement

There are a lot of habits related to comfortable bowel movements. Simple things like a change in your eating habits or what you drink can affect your digestive system. Even a change in the bathroom that you use that is not your own or is public can cause anxiety for some people because it takes them out of their regular routine.

If you’re concerned about using public bathrooms, try to give yourself time to relax and make yourself as comfortable as possible.

Maintaining your regular eating and drinking habits as much as possible while traveling or staying in a new place is the best way to maintain regularity and avoid or treat constipation and diarrhea.

A few key tips to help you stay regular

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Traveling with a Medical Condition Shouldn't Be Complicated! Be Prepared with Help from the TSA!

Speaking with LTD friend Scott Rigsby reminds us that traveling with medical conditions is not only possible, but safe and worry-free when you plan ahead!  

Scott Rigsby became the first double amputee in the world to finish the Hawaiian Ironman triathlon with prosthetics at the 140.6-mile World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Rigsby used “swim legs” to navigate the difficult 2.4 mile ocean swim, “bike legs” to cycle 112 miles through the heat and gusting winds of the Big Island lava fields on a standard road bike and “run legs” to complete the marathon segment in darkness and intense pain. To expand his mission worldwide, Rigsby founded the Scott Rigsby Foundation and is an experienced and frequent traveler. 

LTD as guide to Double-Amputee Scott Rigsby at the Boston Marathon 2016.

More individuals than ever are traveling with disabilities and medical conditions, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is helping them get through security screening at airports during the busy summer travel season.

Individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, who use medical devices should not think of a TSA checkpoint as a barrier to travel. It’s okay to bring along a CPAP machine or a breast pump. Yes, passengers can travel with an insulin pump or an ostomy pouch. If an individual has a temporary medical condition, perhaps a broken leg, it does not prevent him from getting through a checkpoint.

The number of passengers expected to fly this summer season is expected to be the highest in years with more than 2.2 million passengers per day expected to pass through TSA checkpoints between Memorial Day and Labor Day with almost a quarter million of those passengers going through security screening in the New York metropolitan region alone.

TSA is prepared for the start of the summer travel season, with peak travel period kicking off with the upcoming Memorial Day holiday and extending through August. During the busiest days of the summer, which are expected to be the days leading up to and immediately after Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day, TSA will screen more than 2.5 million passengers per day nationwide.

TSA officers at Newark Liberty International Airport will screen more than 70,000 passengers; JFK International Airport more than 100,000 passengers; and at LaGuardia Airport more than 50,000 passengers on a busy summer day.

All travelers are required to undergo screening at the checkpoint. Passengers with a disability or medical condition or their traveling companion may consult a TSA officer about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. Individuals may provide an officer with a TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe the condition in a discrete manner. Travelers may also request an accommodation for the security screening process.

If a passenger with a medical device, medical condition or a disability is approved to use TSA Pre✓®, he or she does not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets during the screening process. However, everyone is required to undergo screening at the checkpoint by technology or a pat-down. Also, TSA officers may swab an individual’s hands, mobility aids, equipment and other external medical devices to test for explosives using explosives trace detection technology.

Persons with disabilities and medical conditions are not required to remove their shoes if they have a disability or medical condition. However, shoes must undergo additional screening, including visual/physical inspection as well as explosives trace detection testing of the footwear. Travelers may request to be seated during this portion of the screening.

One of the most common complaints of travelers with pain is sitting at the airport and on a plane.  A useful assistive device can be a comfort seat cushion.  Click the photo below for more information about one of our favorites!

TSA’s Five Top Resources for Travelers with Disabilities

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Tips on Booking a Vacation Rental because The Short Term Rental Market has Captured the Attention of Hotel Companies

A convergence is taking place in the hospitality industry where the traditional categories of lodging are beginning to blur.

Look for tips on getting the best short term rental while staying safe at the end of this post! 

Recently a follower of LTD gave us a great review of StayAlfred.com.  Maybe you haven't heard of Stay Alfred, but you maybe you should give them a try.  Stay Alfred, a Spokane, Washington startup rents downtown apartments and turns them into short-term rentals in 22 cities nationwide, including places like Seattle, Denver, Austin and Washington DC.  A follower of LTD, has used Stay Alfred and gave good reviews.  According to her, "You get all of the cost effectiveness of an Airbnb with the reliability of an upscale hotel! The difference between Airbnb and Stay Alfred is that Stay Alfred is the sole owner/leaser of each unit."  She stayed with friends in Seattle and "couldn't believe how affordable it was compared to a hotel."  Stay Alfred’s model consists of leasing swaths of units in new downtown apartment buildings before they open and turning them into something like boutique hotels with access to amenities.  Our follower liked having access to Stay Alfred's hospitality staff for something like extra blankets, all the while being able to participate in apartment-wide events like a St. Patrick's Day party.

The wide popularity of short term rentals in the hospitality industry has not gone unnoticed among large hotel chains.  Just over two years ago, Hyatt Hotels Corporation invested in Onefinestay, a closely held company that enables travelers to rent upscale private homes.

This collaboration is called "Oasis". From Hyatt's Oasis Website:  "The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is pleased to now offer home rentals through Oasis, a global leader in serviced home rental accommodations. With thousands of handpicked homes in over 20 destinations worldwide, Oasis combines the comfort and authenticity of home rentals with the service and amenities of a hotel – including in-person check-in and check-out, fresh linens and toiletries, and on-demand concierge services."

LTD compared the price of a London Rental for the Week of May 3-9, six nights, centrally located in Westminster.  The price on Airbnb was about $1680 and the SAME location on Oasis was $2000.  The increased price was secondary to a higher per night rate.

Westminster London Rental on Airbnb (photo courtesy of Airbnb.com)

Like Stay Alfed, Oasis has limited cities where accommodations are offered.

For the most part, hotel executives have tried to distance their companies from the home-rental startups. They suggest these firms aren’t competitors because they don’t offer the same security measures and quality-control found in hotels and don’t necessarily compete for the same customer but clearly, they are losing certain customers.

In March 2018, a former Hyatt VP joined Suiteness and new concept among hotel companies:  At its core, Suiteness is a hospitality members-only company with a platform that offers online booking of multi-bedroom inventory at hotels for the first time. Membership is free, and travelers can book a hotel stay for a group of 4-10 guests.  The Penthouse suite at Nobu in Las Vegas is an example of available suite options.

Penthouse Suite at Nobu Las Vegas (courtesy of Suiteness.com)

LTD is very happy with Airbnb and has reviewed using a short term rental for your luxury vacation.  This collective of renters is very reliable, with options in even the smallest of towns, and has GREAT customer service.  Recently LTD had to cancel a reservation the day before arrival due to a family emergency.  Using proper documentation of the emergency, Airbnb's customer service was awesome, handling our dilemma quickly and refunding our money.  Another time, when a hurricane was bearing down on our short term rental in Washington DC, Airbnb notified us and offered to refund our money if we chose to leave (which we did).  In April 2018, a caller into a consumer radio show identified a problem with an Airbnb rental that canceled the DAY OF ARRIVAL.  After offering alternatives,  Airbnb refunded the renters' money, plus 20% for the headache, AND the renters' flight cancellation fees.

Recently launched, Airbnb Plus, consists of 2,000 verified listings in 13 cities around the world. These homes, Airbnb attests, have been verified by Airbnb to be “beautiful homes” with “exceptional hosts” and “premium support” for both customers and hosts. Listings include both entire homes, as well as private rooms and bathrooms.

Airbnb Plus Los Angeles Listing (photo courtesy of Airbnb.com)

Verification as an Airbnb Plus listing includes a home inspection/professional photography session that adheres to a 100-point checklist. To apply for Airbnb Plus, a host has to pay a one-time $149 application fee. In return, a host gets top placement in search on the platform, access to in-home services like design consultations, and the ability to charge more for their listings.  The website booking interface is clean, updated and more user-friendly.

How do you find the best options for short term rentals with any company?  Click READ MORE BELOW TO FIND OUT!

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March 8 is International Women's Day! Let's Talk about Women's Travel Issues!

In Honor of International Women's Day March 8, what better topic than Women's travel Issues?

Women have unique concerns when traveling.  Of course everyone should always think security first, and while that is one of the issues we discuss, there are many others that most of us do not think of right away.

The top Women's travel issues when LTD followers were polled were:

1.  Security
2.  Sleep deprivation
3.  Transportation of medications
4.  Self Advocacy
5.  Traveling with Children
6.  Health

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