Tawanna Browne, Author at Mom's Guide To Travel

Feb 25 2016

Virtual Reality Travel Comes To Carnival Corporation

Virtual Reality Travel Carnival — Virtual Reality image of snorkeling.

Virtual reality travel will change the way people shop for vacations in the near future. Last year I “traveled” to British Columbia through an Oculus Rift experience. Oculus Rift is a system that completely emerges you into virtual worlds.

This visual tour is unlike anything that the best travel photography or videography can experience. Virtual reality transports you there.

An increasing number of travel brands are seeing the value in virtual reality and the experience that it provides potential travelers. Carnival Corporation is no different.

Carnival Embraces Virtual Reality Technology

The popular cruise company has teamed up with AT&T and Samsung to use innovative virtual reality (VR) technology to demonstrate a “virtual” cruise experience for consumers. The goal for Carnival Corp. is to reach the broader vacation market and the “new to cruise” segment with an immersive digital demo of the latest experiences available in modern cruising.

I was never a hard sell when it came to cruising but for some travelers (and you may be one of them), there’s too much uncertainty. Now with virtual cruising, potential cruisers can get an idea of what their cruise will be like.

Partnering With Technology Brands

According to a Carnival press release, the partnership uses Samsung’s innovative VR headset and exclusive VR content developed by Carnival to reach AT&T customers in 133 feature stores in 37 states with the VR cruise demo and special sweepstakes offers, including a chance to win a free cruise. The demo will also be available in 1,000+ stores nationwide.

Carnival’s intention is to use VR tech to grow demand and attract more vacationers to the “virtual” experience of cruising. For people in cold snowy locations, a tropical breeze and beach through a virtual experience will be just what the doctor ordered.

The experience in the AT&T stores allows visitors to walk up to the Gear VR demo, put on the headset and be surrounded by the sights and sounds of a warm and sunny cruise vacation. The virtual reality content is first-of-its-kind and exclusively developed by Carnival Corporation and its 10 global cruise line brands.

“Samsung Gear VR delivers an innovative way for people to transport themselves to far-away locations from around the world,” said Tim Baxter, president of Samsung Electronics America. “Now, people can immerse themselves into a one-of-a-kind cruise line adventure, powered by virtual reality. We are excited to work with the premier brand in leisure travel to bring the complete cruise line experience to AT&T’s stores across the U.S.”

Virtual Reality Sweepstakes Details

Participants will be eligible to win one of 10 seven-day cruises onboard Carnival Corporation’s following cruise lines

Carnival
Fathom
Holland America
Princess Cruises
Seabourn
Aida
Costa Cruise
Cunard
Pocruises

Details on Sweepstakes for 10 Free Cruise Vacations & In-Store Discounts

As part of the ongoing promotion, consumers can enter a Carnival complementary sweepstakes via an in-store tablet or on online at www.vrcruisewlcl.com. Participants will be eligible to win one of 10 seven-day cruises onboard Carnival Corporation’s Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line brands. Contest rules are available at http://www.vrcruisewlcl.com/terms-and-conditions/.

Sweepstakes Period: The Virtual Reality Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) begins on February 19, 2016 and endsMarch 11, 2016 (the “Sweepstakes Period”). All images courtesy of Carnival Corp.

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Feb 22 2016

12 Chain Hotels That Make You Feel Right at Home

Warm tones and Comfy Chairs

This post about comfy chain hotels originally appeared on the Hipmunk Tailwind blog.

The great thing about chain hotels is that they can feel welcome, no matter where you go. You can pick your favorite based on the service, the amenities and the restaurants, knowing that the same standards will be consistent. And these aren’t “cookie-cutter” hotels, either: each is a different experience. Here are our picks for great chain hotels.

1. Fairmont, Pittsburgh

This prime downtown location is close to everything: Heinz Hall, Monongahela Incline and PNC Park. Relax in the health club, sauna or steam room. Large 430 sq. ft. rooms include a minibar, coffee maker, LCD TV, high-speed Internet and comfortable bathrobes. Get Hipmunk deals at the Fairmont Pittsburgh.

2. Hyatt Place, Charlotte

See the NASCAR Hall of Fame or enjoy the nightlife at the Hyatt Place Charlotte. TheHyatt Place is central to all the delights, and offers rooms with separate sleeping and living areas, 42-inch TV, coffee/tea maker, mini-fridge and free WiFi. Eat anytime at the 24/7 Gallery Menu and Market.

3. Hyatt French Quarter, New Orleans

This historic Hyatt puts you right in the heart of the city on Bourbon Street. Elegant non-smoking rooms feature HDTV and luxury bath products, and you can request a balcony room. Best of all, the rates are reasonable, even during Mardi Gras.

4. Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia

Theatre and art lovers will love this hotel, located in the theater district and close to Rittenhouse Square. Dine with spectacular views in the 19th floor restaurant, and work out on the indoor running track. The luxurious rooms feature marble baths, sweeping views and 42-inch TVs.

5. Hotel Arts, Barcelona

Five-star luxury in a 44-story skyscraper right on the Mediterranean. This hotel is spectacular for its location, superb service, beautiful rooms and luxury spa. Barcelona mixes an enchanting blend of Spanish and Catalan culture, including fabulous markets.

6. Aloft Hotel, Minneapolis

If you like airy rooms with oversized windows and a hip urban location, you’ll love the Aloft. It’s in the trendy Mill District, near all that the vibrant Minneapolis arts scene has to offer. Rooms feature flat-panel TVs, free Wi-Fi and mini-fridges.

7. Radisson Blu Agua, Chicago

This is a sleek hotel with minimalist, elegant décor right on the lakefront. There’s a helpful Concierge Service to help you get around. Back at the hotel, relax in the beautiful Lifestyle Garden. Your Business Class room includes an espresso machine, fresh fruit delivered daily and use of the business lounge.

8. Hyatt Regency Resort Spa, Maui

Enjoy the gorgeous views of historic Lahaina from your own lanai. Or splash into the huge 750,000 gallon pool, complete with a 150-foot lava tube slide surrounded by grottoes and waterfalls. You can sight see while the kids live it up at Camp Hyatt Maui. And naturally, there’s 40 acres of beach and two championship golf courses nearby.

9. Sheraton, Salt Lake City

Love to ski? Try the nearby world-class slopes, some with kid-friendly and beginner trails. You can choose from two room options: The Sheraton Club, with upgraded baths and great views from the Club Lounge, or the Salt Lake Lodging, with traditional rooms.

10. Sheraton, Seattle

Panoramic city views and luxury suites are on offer at this Sheraton. The indoor lap pool overlooks Elliott Bay, and there’s a fitness center and health club. Your room has Sweet Sleeper® beds with pillow top mattresses and premium bedding.

11. JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE

All the rooms are colorful and comfortable, but if you’re in a group, splurge on a suite here, because it’s certainly worth it. This hotel is very close to the L.A. Convention Center.

12. Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

You’ll think you’re in a boutique hotel at this downtown Ritz-Carlton. It features 123 large guest rooms, a heated rooftop pool with fabulous views, luxury beds and baths, and bath butler and bath menu services. And if course, you’ll love Wolfgang Puck’s WP 24 restaurant.

Feb 15 2016

The Best Hotels In The Mid-Atlantic

Over the past six years of traveling, I’ve stayed in some of the best hotels in the mid-atlantic, all within driving distance from my home. What I like most about many of these hotels is that they are historic properties filled with rich stories of the past and standard-setting architecture.

The following post which originally appeared on The Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog, highlights a few of the best hotels in the Mid-Atlantic, a couple of which I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.

The Mid-Atlantic states are comprised of a broad range of cultures, geographies, and sightseeing opportunities—and that’s exactly what makes this such a great region to visit. Whether you have your eye on New York, Virginia, or any of the states in between, you’re guaranteed a unique travel experience. What’s more, you’ll also have access to some of the country’s best accommodations. Case in point? Just take a look at these five exceptional Mid-Atlantic hotels.

1. Fairmont Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Right in the heart of Steel City lies the Fairmont Pittsburgh, which offers 4.5-star accommodations in addition to its stellar location. You’ll never tire of things to do in the area; nearby attractions include Heinz Hall, Monongahela Incline, Heinz Field, PNC Park, and tons of theater, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities. When you’ve had your fill of Pittsburgh’s thriving cultural scene, head back to the hotel to relax via the on-site health club, sauna, steam room, restaurants, or spa, which includes massage, aromatherapy, and pedicure treatments. Even Fido is welcome in this 185-room hotel: Guests are permitted up to two cats or dogs per room.

2. Hotel Monaco Baltimore, Baltimore, MD

Unique amenities abound at Hotel Monaco—think an in-room Xbox, yoga mats, animal-print robes, a stocked bar (including organic options), and personalized wake-up calls. These modern comforts belie the hotel’s storied history: It was originally built in 1906 as the B&O Railroad headquarters. Today, some of that historical gravitas remains in the form of marble stairs, chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and stained glass. Luxury isn’t just to be found in the hotel’s architecture; guests can sip on a complimentary glass of wine by the lobby’s fireplace before pampering themselves with in-room spa services. If you manage to pull yourself away from the hotel, you’ll be able to explore Baltimore’s Inner Harbor within 10 minutes. The hotel is also near Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Baltimore Convention Center.

3. Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia, PA

Immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s rich culture by booking a stay at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. The hotel is located in the heart of Philly’s theater district. (Case in point: The Hyatt is only two blocks away from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.) It’s also only five blocks from central Rittenhouse Square, around which are a host of restaurants and upscale shopping opportunities. If you prefer history to shopping, head to City Hall (it’s less than ten minutes away on foot) or the Liberty Bell (a 15-minute walk from the hotel). The hotel is also a destination in its own right—the gorgeous building features marble baths, modern amenities, and stunning city views in addition to a nationally acclaimed fitness center.

4. Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC

Since 1930, the Omni Shoreham has played host to U.S. presidents, inaugural balls, and world leaders from across the globe. But you don’t have to be famous to enjoy the hotel’s four-star luxury accommodations. Guests can choose from a variety of deluxe rooms or luxury suites; no matter which you select, expect the room to be decked out with granite-topped wet bars, stainless steel bathroom fixtures, and gorgeous artwork. Unwind at the Shoreham Spa & Health Club, stroll through the poolside green gardens, or take a nap in a backyard hammock. Hankering for a bite to eat? Simply head to the hotel’s full-service restaurant. Or strike out into downtown Washington, DC; the hotel is steps away from a variety of restaurants, Rock Creek Park, the National Zoo, and the Woodley Park-Zoo Metro Station, which will take you to popular attractions like the White House and the Lincoln Memorial in a matter of minutes.

5. Omni Richmond Hotel, Richmond, VA

It’ll be tough to leave your room at the Omni Richmond, where luxury and Southern hospitality merge in a wonderful way. Guest rooms feature premium bedding, pillow-top mattresses, and Egyptian-cotton sheets; hypo-allergenic bedding is available upon request. Room service is available 24 hours per day, or guests can help themselves to meals or snacks at the hotel’s restaurant (Trevi’s Grille) or lounge (Trevi’s Lounge). The hotel is particularly well designed for business travelers. It offers a business center, 14 meeting rooms, and a massive conference space. Those looking to explore Richmond will love the hotel’s location—the surrounding area is packed with restaurants and sightseeing opportunities, including historical boat tours.

Feb 08 2016

Barcelona The City With Something for Everyone

Barcelona street — Barcelona has something for everyone. Football, art, and amazing food? You bet.

I loved the ten busy days that I stayed in the Barcelona area. Not only did I visit Barcelona the city but I also visited the Catalon region and was blown away by the diversity of things to do there. I visited castles, monasteries, vineyards, museums, Medieval towns and spiritual retreats all in the same trip.

Whether it is food, wine, art or history, Barcelona has something for everyone.

The following post which originally appeared on The Hipmunk Tailwind blog, illustrates the eclectic mix of activities in this cosmopolitan European city.

The seaside center of Catalonian culture, Barcelona, is one of Spain’s most scintillating cities. Top travel destinations often claim to “have it all,” but this is particularly true for Barcelona, where tourists can marvel at Gothic and Modernist architecture by day and sway to the saucy rhythms of Iberian party music by night.

Barcelona is cosmopolitan yet historic, charming yet wild and filled with sublime flavors and Michelin star restaurants. The city’s renowned gastronomy draws on unique influences from the Basque country and Catalonian region, creating a hip mix of modern and traditional Spanish flavors you won’t find anywhere else, even within Spain itself.

Sound captivating? It is. The shorter your trip to Barcelona, the longer you’ll want to stay, but then again, the longer you stay, the harder it is to leave. It’s no secret that Barcelona draws you in almost immediately, but now the only question is: Draws you into where? Hipmunk hotels in Barcelona are some of the finest in the world, and you’ll wish you never had to check out.

Art and Eats: Hotel Arts Barcelona

Not many hotels can claim to be more unique than this — a skyscraper located right on the beach with unparalleled views of the Mediterranean. As its name suggests, Hotel Arts celebrates the artistic spirit at the core of Barcelona. Your taste buds will go wild with the hotel’s six different restaurants featuring renowned chefs and exquisite cuisine. As far as architecture goes, the hotel considers itself part of Barcelona’s recent “cultural renaissance,” which means if you’re looking for a place in step with this dynamic city, this is it. Sip specialty drinks at a pool adjacent to the glistening Mediterranean Sea and sit in the shadow of Frank Gehry’s famous fish sculpture, one of the city’s most celebrated contemporary works of art.

Football and Fanfare: Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel

It’s impossible to mention Barcelona without at least touching upon the one sport that rivets the population like no other. If you’re a soccer — football in Spain– fan, get in the game by staying at Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel, just two blocks from the home of the world-famous Barcelona Football Club, the Camp Nou Stadium. Wondering why the hotel has a regal rather than a sports-themed name? That’s because it’s even closer, just one short block away, from the Royal Palace. But with the hotel’s lush five-star luxury, you won’t need to visit the nearby estate to feel like nobility.

Sights and Sounds: Olivia Plaza Hotel Barcelona

Located in the midst of the hustle and bustle, Olivia Plaza Hotel is ideal for those serial sightseers. It’s just steps away from Olivia Plaza and La Rambla, the boulevard famous for shopping and entertainment. Its prime location is also right near Catalunya, a subway hub, so those looking to explore the city inside and out will have easy access to the train network. You’ll be within walking distance to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art with the classic Arco de Triunfo in the other direction, and you’re likely to see some major landmarks just by strolling the streets around this prime hotel.

Nature and Relaxation: ABaC Restaurant & Hotel

The city of Barcelona itself is so exciting that it’s easy to stay within its bounds and forget the inspiring landscapes that surround it. That won’t happen with this stylish hotel, located near the picturesque foothills surrounding the city. This proximity to nature, as well as its excellent spa and wellness center, makes Hipmunk ABaC the ideal location in Barcelona if you just want to relax and allow the vibrant spirit of the city to rejuvenate you.

Feb 03 2016

5 Things To Help You Survive Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season is a time of year that most of us parents dread. Aside from it being a miserable time to be traveling while sick, it’s also a time that our children are prone to pick up something from somebody in the classroom.

As a parent of a critically ill child or a child with a compromised immune system, it’s downright stressful! As a matter of fact, my youngest son’s nurse practitioner sent me an email the other day inquiring whether I had gotten his flu shot yet.

Le Sigh.

I’m not a fan of the flu shot for either myself or my kids but protecting him against others who might pass it on to him is vital.

The following guest post on 5 Things To Help You Survive Cold and Flu Season is brought to you by Sili Recio and originally appeared on MyMamihood.com.

The last time I went down with a cold it was a couple of years ago and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty. It’s all fun and games til the single mami that works from home is down for the count. The Frog Princess is a bit more self sufficient now but I am here to tell you that those days were awful. Not only was she home from school with a fever which meant I was at defcon 5, but I was also stuffy, tired and probably feverish myself.

You see, my daughter suffers from febrile seizures and I have to be on constant watch when she is ill. Regardless of how I feel.

Related Content: Cold and Flu Facts

While under the weather, I rely on a few things to make my life easier. Here are a few tips to keep in mind in order to survive a cold or flu:

1. Nutrition

Chloe’s Chicken Soup: seriously folks, this is the reason I was able to keep it together. Maybe it was because of the comfort it brought (doesn’t chicken soup remind you of home?) or the 50 million cloves of garlic that I put into the soup but, Chloe’s soup is the business and I highly recommend it. I made a big batch of it.

You don’t have to have this specific soup but, having meals planned ahead will mean you can take time to rest and won’t need to be running around the kitchen while you’re feeling ill. Crock pot meals are also good for this time.

And don’t forget your fluids! Staying hydrated is always important but even more so when your body is fighting to get healthy.

2. Medicine

Over the counter medications: ibuprofen, cold/cough syrup, cough drops. Anything that you can take to make you feel better. If this is a cold virus, you probably won’t be getting any prescription meds but will still need to take a something to alleviate those symptoms. A note about these:

Always read the Drug Facts label before administering an OTC medicine
Never give oral cough/cold medicines to kids under the age of 4
It’s important to see a doctor if you have suspected influenza on day 1 or 2,especially if you are considered high risk. The following groups are considered high-risk:
- Children under 2 years
- Adults over 65
- Pregnant women
- Anyone with complicated/severe illness

Another note on over the counter medicine: be sure you’re reading all of the ingredients if you’re taking more than one medication at a time as some meds have the same ingredients. This is especially important if you have a prescription as some over the counter meds might have an adverse interaction.