Travelers Check This Out

Looking for some cool travel gadgets to help you stay organized and on top of things. I came across an ad for The Container Store’s travel sale and when I checked it out I found some pretty useful items to share with you all.

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Forget to charge up your iPod for the flight? Now you can use this battery operated turbo charger to give it instant juice and charge the battery. A similar product is offered for cell phones as well.

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Hate making a packing list each trip? Now you can purchase this multi-sheet notepad that lists just about anything you might need on your trip. Highlight the items your wish to bring and check off as you pack it.

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Make sure you avoid those annoying airline baggage fees and weigh your bag before you get to the airport with this digital luggage scale.

Visit The Container Store to check out the full sale.

Happy Travels!

U.S. Travel Community Commends President Obama’s Commitment to Improve America’s Travel Process

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U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement in praise of President Obama’s plans to improve America’s travel process:

“The U.S. travel community applauds President Obama for embracing the power of travel. Our nation currently suffers from an antiquated transportation system that deters travel and hinders America’s productivity. President Obama’s vision and leadership will benefit the millions of Americans who travel each day.

“President Obama has shown that travel is a priority for his Administration. From meeting with one dozen industry leaders in March to today’s announcement, the Obama Administration has demonstrated a unique understanding of the role that travel can play in creating jobs and strengthening the U.S. economy from coast-to-coast.

“We share the President’s commitment to building a world-class travel system that enhances mobility and look forward to working with the Obama Administration on the surface, rail and air travel challenges facing our nation.”

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $740 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel’s mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org.

Traveling with Autism

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With the Holiday Season behind us and the Spring Vacation Trips just around the corner, those of us planning trips with a family member on the Autism Spectrum have some special planning to consider making the vacation a memorable and enjoyable trip for all. We plan always to use the Hilton Family of brands as our hotels of choice when overnight facilities are needed. We use the Hilton Brands not just because I work at one of the best ones in the area: Doubletree San Jose; but because of our experience in working with the staff to meet the needs of our special son Daniel.

Both the full and limited service hotels within our portfolio offer one unique quality; a staff of hospitality professionals who recognize and meet the needs of families like ours. We receive quiet clean and mostly oversize guest rooms, swimming facilities and access to the internet for additional recreation choices, restaurants either on site or near by and tons of personal service from the staff. The rates are affordable and there are great choices in nearly every destination we consider. When we return to the same hotel which is our practice, the staff remembers us and holds our favorite room, they remember our son and make special arrangements for him and help us to navigate the maze of the change in schedule and the stress of travel.

Autism now affects 1 in 150 children and families in our country and after the initial diagnosis; families like ours want to restore as much normalcy to their lives as possible. Family vacations are part of the journey of life and traveling with Doubletree-(the warm, friendly and comfortable brand) or any number of the hotels within our company guarantees a part of the journey will be predictable and successful.

Preparation is the key to success. For more information on planning and succeeding travel with your special son or daughter, here is a great resource with helpful ideas and strategies : www.autismtravel.org/preparationiskey

As a hospitality professional and grateful member of a special group of special parents with special kids, I encourage you to get out there and have some travel adventures to create some unique memories and stories to share. Visit us soon at Doubletree Hotel San Jose

Kelly Nestlen
Director of Group Sales
kelly.nestlen@hilton.com

Why I’ll go out of my way to fly on Continental and Southwest

by Peter M. Zollman, taken from Tripso.com

It’s easy to complain, especially when things truly go wrong. But I believe the “price” for complaining, if you will, is also making sure you dish out at least as many compliments when things go right. Thus, I will frequently ask to see the manager at a restaurant, only to astonish her by saying “my waitress was terrific” or “that was an awesome dinner.” (They’re always surprised. I know why. They’re used to complaints, not compliments.)

So it’s time to talk about two airlines that treat me well. Consistently. Sure, your experiences may vary. Everyone has a favorite airline and a worst airline, and the two I cite here may be on your “most hated” list. But these two are worth a bouquet, for what they do.

Continental has converted me from a loyal, almost-two-million-miles Delta flyer to someone who says, “I’ll go out of my way, and even spend a bit more money, to fly Continental when I can.” It comes down to nine simple words: They treat me like a valued customer. Every time.

It started long before I was a “gold” elite. When I’d use their Web site, it worked. When I’d call reservations, they’d do everything they could to take care of me. If I’d ask for something specific, they’d say yes (or occasionally no) without hesitation.

And for the last three years, at least, when I’ve arrived at the airport or stepped onto the plane, every CO employee I’ve dealt with has made me feel appreciated as a customer — taken care of as the person who’s paying his or her salary. I like that. It’s a huge turnaround for CO from five or six years ago, and it’s one they can be proud of.

Southwest Airlines, too, fulfills its brand promise very well. For many years, I hated Southwest because of the interminable lines to accomplish anything and because the “bus with wings” analogy fit. But a funny thing happened. Southwest got better. And perhaps the shabby treatment we’ve become accustomed to from other airlines has made Southwest look better, too, compared to its competitors.

Southwest found a better way of seating passengers — not quite assigned seats, but close enough to eliminate the hour-long exercise of standing in line to board. It added legroom, so the plane feels a lot less like a cattle car. And it refused to add all those junk fees — wow, impressive! — that the other airlines just won’t give up, even though oil prices are one-quarter of what they were when they started imposing all the stupid fees.

You can also experience great customer service when you stay with us at Doubletree Hotel San Jose!

U.S. Pizza Styles Defined

It happens all the time. Two people in a bar start arguing about what is better: New York- or Chicago-style. Having lived in Ohio all your life, you refrain from pitching in. Heck, you are too embarrassed to admit that you don’t know the difference, pizza-wise. Until now.

This site now offers the definitive list of pizza styles. Not only will it tell you the difference between Chicago, New York, and (shudder) California styles. It will also inform you that even Ohio has its own style: Ohio-Valley.

Source: Daily Traveler Blog

Wanna come experience California Pizza? You can stay with us while your in town, Doubletree Hotel San Jose.

When searching for “best pizza in San Jose” the following restaurants are what I found…pizza-pepperoni-bacon-1.jpg
- Willow Street Pizza
- Pizza Chicago
- Amici’s East Coast Pizzaria
- Tony Di Maggios Pizza
- California Pizza Kitchen (of course we have to pay tribute to our state)

The Doubletree Hotel San Jose Welcomes You and Your K-9 Companion!

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Ok, I’ll admit it….I was never really a dog person. From the youngest age I can recall my family was always sure my older brother was allergic to dogs. Immediately after I graduated college, I moved away from my home town in Wisconsin out to sunny California, to begin an exciting career at the greatest place of employment ever, The Doubletree Hotel San Jose (no they don’t pay me to say that). About a month after I moved, my brother and his wife, and my mom and dad called to announce they had just purchased new puppies. (Turns out, he was never allergic to dogs in the first place.) They would call and tell me stories about how adorable their puppies were and what they had done that was so cute that day.

Finally, it came time for me to fly home for Christmas when I would finally meet the dogs. I fell in love with those two puppies faster than I would have ever imagined possible. They were so incredibly loveable, playful, and just an overall joy! I had them sleeping in my bed, and waking me up in the morning licking my face. I took them for walks and fed them treats behind their owner’s backs. To them, I instantly became the cool relative that would spoil them when no one was watching. I finally understood what I had been missing all my life…what dog lovers had known all along.

When I flew back to CA and was walking through the lobby of the Doubletree, I saw a young woman checking into the hotel with her gorgeous blue-eyed Siberian husky. I felt a genuine sense of pride to be employed by a place that invites dogs of all sizes and kinds to our home. In a time where travel is inevitable, and comfort and convenience is always our top priorities for our guests, we welcome you and your K-9 companion. No need to check them into a pet hotel, check them into OUR hotel! Where they will be treated just like the family that they truly are.

Jenna Hustad
Sales Manager

Heathly Meetings: Stress Busters

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Along with impacting our pocketbooks, the rather dismal state of the economy is severely impacting our psyches, as well. The American Psychological Association (APA) recently conducted a study that revealed that eight out of 10 Americans are experiencing significant stress because of the economy, which is a 14 percent increase since April 2008. This statistic is bad news for businesspeople. High stress leads to such ailments as depression, problems sleeping, high blood pressure, digestive problems, skin disorders, and more. While there is no sure-fire solution for solving the financial crisis, there are some steps you can take, both at home and on the road, to reduce your stress levels and those of your meeting-goers.

Breathe Easy
When you breathe deeply, it flushes oxygen through your system. And more oxygen means reduced tension and anxiety. Take three breaths in and breathe one out. Start out doing this practice in 15-second increments, gradually increasing your time by five seconds until you reach a full minute. Weill says this energy-boosting exercise will help you feel invigorated and more aware.

Inhale Soothing Scents
Beyond deep breathing, aromatherapy, the inhalation of healing fragrances, can be a powerful antidote to a difficult day. Among the top scents for relaxation and calming are chamomile, jasmine, lavender, rose, vanilla and ylang ylang.

Catch Some Mid-Day ZZZs
Most experts agree that eight hours of sleep are ideal for optimal health. The problem is that most of us, particularly in the midst of business travel, don’t have time to catch up on all of our beauty sleep. The solution? Consider a quick cat-nap. Most meetings do provide attendees with some down-time throughout, so encourage your meeting-goers to take a 15- to 30-minute nap.

Eat & Drink Regularly

When you get busy, it’s easy to forget to eat and stay hydrated. But noshing regularly on healthy meals and snacks comprised of fruits, vegetables, lean protein will keep your blood sugar levels consistent and allow for greater concentration and focus. Similarly, drinking water throughout the day (try for eight glasses) will keep you hydrated.

Work It Out
The American Council on Exercise says that one of the most effective methods of stress relief is exercise. While working up a sweat may be the last thing that stressed out, exhausted meeting-goers may feel like doing during a meeting, don’t underestimate the power of getting the blood pumping.

Self-Spa Techniques
You don’t have to schedule a spa appointment get the blissful benefits. According to Northwestern Health Sciences University, there are a number of spa-like techniques you can employ when feeling tense, including:
• To soothe your scalp, place your thumbs behind your ears while spreading your fingers on top of your head. Next, move your scalp back and forth slightly by making circles with your fingertips for 15 to 20 seconds.
• To relieve eye pressure, close your eyes and place your ring fingers directly under your eyebrows, near the bridge of your nose. Slowly increase the pressure for 5 to 10 seconds, then gently release. Repeat two to three times.
• For a reduction in sinus pressure, place your fingertips at the bridge of your nose and slowly slide your fingers down your nose and across the top of your cheekbones to the outside of your eyes.
• To eliminate shoulder clenching, reach one arm across the front of your body to your opposite shoulder. Using a circular motion, press firmly on the muscle above your shoulder blade. Repeat on the other side.

Thousands of years ago, King Solomon was said to have helped his followers through times of difficulty by adopting the motto, “This too shall pass.” This mantra is equally true today, but as we’re all waiting for our troubles to pass, take time for some stress relief techniques that can make the journey smoother.

From Smart Meetings Author: Julie Keller, January 2009

Stay at the Doubletree Hotel San Jose and experience our relaxing and comfortable accomodations.

Top 5 Tech Items for Travelers

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1. The star attraction at the LG booth was concealed behind a glass case: a sleek-looking watch (left) (albeit a little on the big side) with a built-in 3G phone and a music player. It’s also equipped with voice recognition and a touch screen. James Bond’s Q couldn’t have designed it better (slated to go on sale mid year in Europe; price hasn’t been announced yet).

2. Sony Webbie HD2. Sony’s candy-colored mini camcorders, the Webbie HD line (right), are as fetching as they are affordable ($169 and $199; on sale in March)

3. Netbooks–small laptops designed primarily for web surfing–made a big splash at this year’s CES but the two-pound, no-fuss Asus Eee PC T91 seemed to pack more punch than the others, thanks to its TV tuner, FM transmitter, GPS, and best of all, swivel touch screen. (slated to go on sale in mid to late 2009; price hasn’t been announced yet)

4. Powermat’s foldable travel mat (right) charges three wireless devices at once, including laptops, iPhones, GPS devices, even batteries–and only requires a single cable ($100, plus $30 per casing for each of the devices; on sale at the end of the year).

5. Polaroid’s Pogo is a digital camera and mini photo printer in one pocket-size package. The photo quality is only fair, but the instant gratification can’t be beat ($199; available in March).

Taken from Conde Naste Traveler at Concierge.com

Take a trip to the heart of the Tech world and visit San Jose, the hub of Silicon Valley. Book your stay with Doubletree Hotel San Jose

Travel Resolutions?

What are your 2009 travel resolutions? Ask your friends and business colleagues and you’ll hear different answers.

The following responses are some (not all) I’ve received from the frequent fliers whom I’ve polled:

- I’m going to travel only business or first class. No more coach for me. Nice if your budget or boss allows it.

- Please spare me from trips with multiple legs for the sake of saving a few dollars.

- I want to travel less for business and more for pleasure.

- I am going to take my wife or a child with me on business trips, when or if possible.”

- I will try to add some “measure of pleasure” to my business trips. It might be just going to a local museum or eating at the most unique restaurant in town. Better yet, I’ll ignore the TV and reconnect with out-of-town friends.

- I’m going to add on a day or two at either end of the trip (especially if it’s overseas) to see some of the area rather than only an office environment.

- I will wear loafers when I travel by air, remove my laptop and all metal BEFORE I get to security and wear a tear-away belt. But I will not be rushed to the extent that something is forgotten on the conveyor line.

- While traveling by air, I will stay away from families with small children and senior citizens (no offense, they’re just slower).

- I will seek out travelers who look like road warriors and follow them.

- I am going to bring my own meals for my flights. I’ve gained too much weight eating junk food (expensive too) sold at airports.

- Now that gas prices have come down, I plan to do more driving.

-Whenever possible, I’ll take the train rather than endure the hell that awaits travelers at today’s airports.

- I’m not going to postpone seeing family and friends who are getting older or with whom I haven’t had the time to connect because I’ve been ‘too busy.’

Resolutions of a travel junkie on Tripso.com
by Karen Fawcett

Make it your resolution to stay with us at Doubletree Hotel San Jose this year!

U.S. House Passes Travel Promotion Act

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Travel Promotion Act of 2008 (H.R. 3232), which would create a public-private partnership to promote U.S. tourism to international visitors and better communicate post-9/11 entry policies and security measures to them. The bill is now before the Senate.

This week at PCMA volume XI, Issue 40