Eeeewwww......part 2

Anti-microbial remote control from DirectTV

Ok.  I'll own this: I'm a bit of a germ-a-phobe.  Especially in hotel rooms.  Ironically, being a maid at my local Best Western was my first job...perhaps this is where my phobia began (ya think?) The day I had to clean chip dip off a wall and toenail clippings out of a bathtub (shudder) was my last.  

Did you know the most germy thing in your hotel room is not the nasty bedspread that NEVER gets washed, but the TV remote?  Think about it. (but not for too long - ick). My neighbor happens to be a pilot and when he checks into a hotel room he takes the plastic bag off the plastic cups and slips it over the remote.  Genius. But what if you're at..say, the Waldorf and there are no plastic bags available? 

Well, DirectTV has invented something that will make my pilot friend and other grossed-out hotel guests very happy.  The anti-microbial remote control. It's coated with a lovely germ-resistant finish. "The company says the new coating will not change the feel of remote, but will offer up to 99.99 percent protection from harmful organisms such as bacteria, mold and fungi.”   Although still in the testing stage, it shows promise.

Now, if they could just guarantee me a brand new bedspread or duvet cover every time I stay somewhere I could stop bringing my own....(I'm kidding).



To read more: Germ free hotel TV remote

Get bumped? Get clever...

A friend of mine was on a business trip yesterday and trying to get home.  His flight was bumped countless times and then canceled altogether.  Arghhh.. In his case, it was weather related, understandable but frustrating just the same.

Here's a suggestion to not only give you something to do while you're waiting (because, c'mon - I know you're just playing around on your smart phone anyway) and actually help yourself get a leg up in the competition for a seat on the next available flight. Sign up for the airline's e-mail or text alerts. Passengers who get those alerts sometimes find out about cancellations even before they're announced at the airport, allowing them to get in line faster to talk to an agent. When you find out your flight is canceled, get in line and call the airline's reservations number at the same time. Someone may pick up the phone faster than it takes for you get to the front of the line.

Glamour Girl Camping

do I see a waiter in there?

For those who hate camping...there's "Glamping"!  Short for glamorous camping. It's camping with a little something extra - or alot in some cases.  It's perfect for people who are in a "mixed marriage": one loves to camp, the other?  not so much.

I think I've camped only a couple of times in my life (I don't remember it very well - perhaps I've blocked it out).  My father was an Eagle/Falcon Owl/Big Bird Scout Leader whatever - I don't know...he was a big time scout-guy.  He could make a fire out of a couple of rocks and a cool breeze.  We ALWAYS had a big, yellow canoe strapped to the hood of our car (THAT'S not embarrassing when you're in high school).  I have to admit I did enjoy the canoeing part, but I was greatly relieved when my brothers finally got a little older and they could go on trips with my dad and I was politely "excused".

aahhh....sheets.

I don't like to get dirty (I even hate to garden).  Bugs are irritating and for some reason they think I'm delicious.  I have a strange affinity for my blow dryer and it's quite impossible for me to get by without it.  Some gals can look ever so cute in the ponytail/baseball cap combo. Me?  uummm no.  I require a hot shower and plenty of hair products.

It seems I'm not alone because more and more resorts are offering upscale alternatives to traditional camping. Although not exactly defined, "the "glamping" term generally applies to commercial camping options that involve accommodations with wood floors, premium bedding and “en-suite” amenities, such as rugs, wood stoves and propane lighting." Hmmm...didn't see anything there about providing an outlet for my Conair Ionic Turbo Styler.  I did see something about a butler and a camp chef - that I like.

no moldy sleeping bag here...

To read more: 

Glamping - The Cure For the Common Camping Trip

Glamping - Camping, But Not Quite 

A shiny new website...

TripScout has just acquired a new home:    www.TripScoutTV.com.  Although we haven't packed or called the movers just yet, we're on our way! For now, you can still find us right here. 


If you have any great travel info you want to share about a destination or a fabulous hotel, send me an email here: Naomi@TripScoutTV.com.
Later,
N

Wanted: a little inspiration...and a beach!

Cancun.  Photo courtesy of....me!

TripScout has been awfully quiet for awhile due to a serious lack of travel inspiration.  Now that summer is upon us, it's got me thinking about....next winter!!!  I need to plan a ladies getaway and here's the catch - Mexico is my fave, but we're looking for somewhere new this year.  Here's our checklist:

1.  BEACH!
2.  Has to be warm (75 degrees or so) in February
3.  Has to be less than a 4 hour plane ride away
4.  Somewhat affordable

I'm looking for fresh new ideas....got one?  send it!