Surprise Kiss

Posts Tagged ‘travel’

There are a series of books on the best places to kiss that you can buy on Amazon.com. I thought you would enjoy reading. I choose only the ones that have been published in 2000 to current. There are several that were also printed in the 1980s and 1990s but I felt they were too old to mention. They are still being sold on Amazon.

Here is the most current list:

• The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest, by Teri Citterman
• The Best Places to Kiss in Northern California, by Kate Chynoweth
• The Best Places to Kiss in Southern California, by Bonnie Steele
• The Best Places to Kiss in Paris, by Souffard Thierry

If you live or are planning on traveling to these areas you may want to pick up a copy and read it before you go. How fun would that be to plan a romantic kiss in a specific spot together. The book gives you inns and hotels that you can stay at as well as eateries, shopping, parks, museums, etc. A great little book to bring with you on your travels when romance is on your mind.

Go to www.amazon.com to purchase any of The Best Places to Kiss.

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009 – 2010, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.

You want to go away someplace special for your anniversary but cannot afford to pay the full rate for two days. Then check out the Starwood Hotels. They are having another special now through December 31st, 2010, for every night you pay regular rate, you can get next night at 50% off. So whether you stay 2 nights, 4 nights the 50% discount is applied to every second night.  If you want to get this rate you must book your room by December 30th, 2009. This special is valid for arrivals Thursday through Saturday.

I checked out the Westin South Coast Plaza in Orange County to see if this special offer was available for January 15, 2010 through January 17, 2010. See below for the breakdown.

1/15/10                                            $149.00
1/16/10                                                74.00
Tourism Assess Fee for 2 nights:             .60
Tax 8%:                                                 17.80
Total:                                                $241.40

Saved:                                               $260.00
Room Fees:                                         241.40
Money leftover:                                 $ 18.60

The Starwood Hotels are across the United States so check to see if there is one near you. Who knows you might get a better deal than I did. Please note not all the Starwood Hotels are offering the second night half off.

Start making your travel plans and see if you can get this deal by going online to:

www.starwoodhotels.com

Remember to make those reservations at least six months in advance so you can plan on saving more money if you need too. Your anniversary could be double the fun!

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009 – 2010, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.

How many of you have a wish list of things you want to do but they never quite happen? I think most of us have a wish list with items that stay on there for years. For me it has been a trip to Boston and the coast of Maine. This has been on my wish list for years. There have been many good and bad reasons why I haven’t gone yet. Well next year my husband and I are planning on making this wish happen for me.

There are two reasons for this trip. The first one is the opportunity to see and experience the beautiful city of Boston. Many people who know my husband and I say we would love this city. The second reason is to go back in time. You see I was born in a small town in Maine. My mother and I moved to California when I was five years old and I have never been back since. For as long as I can remember this has been a dream for me to go back and see it again.

A few years back we were planning on flying back to Maine when we decided that it was more important for my husband and me to fly out to Arkansas to be with his parents while they were visiting there. My husbands parents currently live in the same community as we do in California but they go back to visit about twice a year. My mother-in-law still owns the farm where she was born and raised at. My husband, like me, hasn’t been back for years. He was born in California and has lived his whole life here. I have known my husband since I was 15 years old and started to date him when I was 16 and I don’t remember him ever going there. Since his parents are in their eighties we decided we better go back while they were still alive. The joy for him and me was learning more about his family history.

We flew out to Arkansas and had made reservations to stay at a darling bed and breakfast in Fort Smith. After all, we needed our private time for a little romance. His parents and brother where staying on the farm in a small two bedroom house.  We rented a car and drove out to visit them. The first time we drove out to the farm we were sure we were lost until we hit several rolling hills. My husband yelled out rollercoaster! He remembered when he was a child and they would go back to visit his grandmother on the farm. There was a series of hills that you drove up and down and it felt like a rollercoaster. He told me we were almost there and sure enough there was the little house on his families farm, shortly after we had went up and down on a county road that felt like a little rollercoaster.

While visiting we went to the little town near by called Cecile and as we drove on this country road my mother-in-law would point out where she went to her first dance. She told us where her Aunts, Uncles, cousins and her best friend lived. We went to the cemetery that her family owned and where their ancestors where buried. There was so much we learned during that trip and we are both glad that we took the opportunity to visit. During the evenings we had our private time and the opportunity to reconnect. It was a good trip.

Next year it is my turn. We are looking at the cost of airfare and hotels and putting money away every payday so when the time comes we will be able to pay cash. It will be an expensive one and I always have a hard time justifying the cost of our flight but know that it will be an enjoyable trip that I will never forget. I am looking forward to crossing off this trip on my wish list.

The main reason I am telling you about our wish list is that I want to help you to look at yours and decide to make one of your wishes come true. I have watched couples talk about going someplace but never find the time to go and then one of them passes away and the dream is lost.

There is one couple that sticks out in my mind that had a gift certificate to stay at a beautiful bed and breakfast but could never find the time to go. They were a cute couple who loved each other very much.  The wife once opened her draw on her desk and showed me the gift certificate. I told her to take the time, it was important. Not long after I was shown the gift certificate, this couple went on a business trip for a couple of days in Los Angeles. When the wife woke up the next morning she found that her husband had passed away in his sleep. My heart broke for them because they were always working or doing things with family but never took their special time together at the beautiful little inn. I wished she could have the memory of a special moment alone with her husband. Instead the memories were of work, work, work.

Look over your wish list with your partner and find the time and money to make special moments together.

Next year cross off one item on your wish list. Whether it is a cruse or a big celebration for our anniversary, make it happen. Plan your trip, put the money away, have those special memories together. Don’t wait until it is too late.

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.

Last Monday I drove down to visit a good friend in Ojai, CA. Sheri and Kevin had recently moved there and I wanted to visit her and see their new place. Ojai is a quaint little town about 2 hours South of where we live.

Once I got to Sheri’s place (made one wrong turn and started to drive into the mountains) she mentioned that her brother and sister-in-law and her mother and husband were all planning on visiting her & Kevin for Christmas. Since there was no room for both couples at her place she asked me if I would like to drive by a couple of inns in town. Of course I said YES! She was planning on just driving by the inns but I told her that we should stop and ask to see a couple of the rooms. She was surprised that we could do this. I proceeded to tell her that my husband and I did this all the time.

We looked at four inns but one stood out above the rest. It is called Su Nido Inn. It is walking distance to art galleries, Libbey Bowl/Park, book stores, shopping and fine dining. They have nine one and two bedrooms beautifully decorated in the Mission Revival décor. There are fireplaces, soaking tubs, small kitchen and patios, King Beds, AC, hi-speed internet, LCD TV, and complimentary snacks. The entrance to all the rooms is through a beautiful courtyard.

The receptionist, Sherri, was friendly and very informative about the inn and Ojai. Since it was an early Monday afternoon and quite, she showed us seven of the nine rooms. They are all decorated differently and beautifully appointed. The rooms range in price from $159 to $489. Prices vary depending on whether or not it is on the weekend or weekday and if you are getting a one or 2 bedroom. Weekends, of course, is a little higher.

Here is the breakdown on staying at the inn for one night. I choose to stay Sunday night in the Quail Room for $159.

Quail Room        $159.00
Room Tax 10%       15.90
Total                  $174.90

Weekend expense:  You saved $260.00 – 174.90 = $85.10

You have $85.10 for dinner! Please note there is a cancellation policy and breakfast is not served at the inn.

If you are looking for a quite romantic getaway you and your spouse may want to stay at the Su Nido Inn. I am thinking about surprising my husband with reservations there. Check out their website: www.SuNidoInn.com.

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009 – 2010, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.

A few months ago I wrote about a special at the Hotel Palomar in Westwood – Los Angeles, which is a group of hotels that are part of the boutique Kimpton Hotels. Please see the blog titled Hotel and Brew, published on 7/29/2009. We decided to make reservations at this particular hotel and take advantage of their unique special. Stay one night and they give you two free beers in their bar/lounge area.

The Hotel Palomar is a hip and sexy hotel located on Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, CA. Walking distance to Westwood and just a short drive to Rodeo Dr. Also, the J Paul Getty Museum is near by.  My husband and I grew up not far from this area. I have fond memories of my mother taking me out to dinner on Friday nights in Westwood or Beverly Hills and shopping. We weren’t rich but it was fun to browse.

My husband and I decided to stay for one night and enjoy the area. For me it was a little bit like walking down memory lane. Saturday morning we drove slowly down to Los Angeles making a couple of stops along the way and had lunch. We arrived at our hotel at around 3:00 PM and checked in. The room was done in rich colors of taupes, charcoal grays and chocolate browns with a black faux fur throw on the bed. There is complimentary wine served to hotel guests between 5 and 6 PM. We choose not to attend since we are not big drinkers and wanted to have a glass of wine with dinner.  That evening we went out to dinner in Century City at Houston’s Restaurant and then walked around the Century City shopping center. Later in the evening we drove back to the hotel to enjoy our complimentary beers which were included with the special room rate. When we returned to our room after our drink there was evening turn – down service with chocolates by our bedside. Yum!

Also, in the morning there is complimentary coffee and tea available in the lobby living room for you. While I was finishing getting dressed my husband decided to go down and get a cup of coffee and go for a short walk around the area. When he came back he said that when he was in the elevator it kept stopping at several of the floors (we were on the 12th floor) and only men were getting into the elevator. There were no women. The elevator came to a stop at the lobby floor and everyone got out along with my husband and headed for the coffee/tea bar setup in the lobby. He found it quite humorous because he figured that most of them were with their partners who were getting ready like me.

For breakfast we drove to The Farm of Beverly Hills but discovered it was closed for a private party.  Oh well, our best laid plans had to change. Instead we went next door to get a bagel and across the street for a Starbucks. After breakfast we walked one small block to Rodeo Dr and walked the area. It was around 10:30 AM and because it was Sunday morning none of the stores were open yet and there weren’t a lot of people walking the streets. It was just fun to stroll hand in hand and window shop while feeling the warm sun on our face. We went back to our room finished packing, checked out and then drove to the garment district in downtown Los Angeles.  My husband bought me a couple of purses I was admiring there. How lucky was I!  As we headed out of town we stopped at The Grove which is right next door to the old Farmers Market off Fairfax. It is a great area to visit. We had lunch and then back on the road heading for home.

Here is the breakdown on our hotel stay:

Hotel Palomar Westwood – Los Angeles:                  $173.64

Weekend Total $260.00 – $173.64 = $86.36

For dinner we went to Houston’s in Century City and it cost us $86.46 with tip. It only cost us ten cents more than what was allotted for dinner. The funny thing was we didn’t even worry about cost. We figured we may have to pay a little extra and that was OK with us.  Granted that doesn’t include 1 breakfast and 2 lunches for our weekend away but those are minimal expenses if you watch were you are eating.

 I would recommend the Hotel Palomar if you are in the city kind of mood for romance at a hip and sexy hotel. The staff was friendly and courteous the whole time we were there. The rooms are clean, well decorated and have a 42” LCD flat – screen TV. The beds are comfortable and the room was quite. The only complaint I have is that when I booked the room on line there was no mention of the $30 fee for overnight valet parking until we got to the hotel. My recommendation to you is before you book the room at any hotel on-line or by phone check to see if there is an overnight parking fee. You will need to factor that in your weekly savings.

The big question is would we go back again. Yes! My husband and I both agreed we would visit the Hotel Palomar in Westwood – Los Angeles again. We had a great time and it is a wonderful hotel in a great area.

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009 – 2010, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.

How many of you travel for your company for one reason or another? Have you considered bringing your spouse along? Well you may want to consider this option next time one of you needs to go on a business trip.

Last month my husband needed to go to San Diego for a conference and he asked me if I would like to join him and of course I said yes. We traveled on Monday and came home on Friday. San Diego is about 5 hours away from were we live depending on traffic. Monday morning we got up early and proceeded to drive down to our destination.  We made a couple of stops on the way and arrived at our hotel around 4:00 PM. We stayed at the Hilton overlooking the bay. It was absolutely beautiful.

I always enjoy traveling with my husband even if we can’t be together all day. He would rise before me and get ready to go down to the conference. After he left I would dress and go down to Starbucks in the hotel and have breakfast outside while watching the activity on the bay. The rest of the morning was spent writing my blog and then meeting my husband for lunch. In the afternoon I would go for a walk either next to the bay or in town and then we would meet in our room after the conference was done. We would then walk to the Gaslamp District and enjoy dinner together.

One of the reasons I like going with my husband even when he is on a business trip is that we usually stay at a wonderful hotel. Yes, we don’t get to spend the whole day together but it is fun to go out and enjoy the area you are in. Then when you meet for dinner you get to tell him what you discovered while he was gone and he can tell you about his conference. Even when it is a business trip generally the evenings are more relaxed than when you are home, no kids, no responsibilities. There is more time for romance!

If you are considering going with your spouse while on a business trip by all means do it. During the day you can do what ever you want. Relax, read, and discover the town you are in. Go do something your spouse isn’t interested in, like visit a museum or go to a game.

You will both come back home refreshed and a little closer because you took the time to be together even if it is just in the evening. Ah……the beauty of a business trip romance!

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009 – 2010, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.

Some of these tips I can bet you already do but I am almost positive you haven’t thought of some of these.

1. Research your destination

Call the hotel or visitors’ bureau and ask specific questions, read a travel guidebook or research on line. Such as: www.tripadvisor.com

2. Make an emergency list

Include the phone numbers and account info for your Credit Card Company, bank, health insurance, personal physician, driver’s license, car rental and hotel. Also, include any reservations you may have for restaurants, activities, etc you may need to cancel. E-mail the list to your self and a very close friend or family member. That way you will always have the information available for you. You will be able to look it up on your computer if you bring it along or go to an internet café. If the area doesn’t have a place you can go to or you didn’t bring your computer at least you can call who ever you designated and get the information you need.

3. Ask your insurance agent about your car insurance and rental cars

If you are renting a car to go on a trip always ask your agent if your auto policy covers you completely when you rent a car? And ask if you are covered for luxury and SUV rentals if you are planning on renting one.

4. Cut your meal expenses

Eat at a fine restaurant and make lunch the large meal of your day. It will cost you less and you can walk it off the rest of the day. Eat a light breakfast, large lunch and light dinner. You will save money. The expensive restaurant will have the same location, same service and same great view but for a lot less at lunch.

5. Be persistent when a hotel is sold out

Reserve a second choice hotel. Then call the sales manager or the head of the reservation dept at first choice hotel and keep calling up to the last days before you depart. You’re probably going to find a room has become available because people need to cancel for various reasons. If so cancel the second choice hotel reservation. When doing this, make friends with the manager or reservationist you are talking to. They are more likely to try and help you out and give you the room when it is available.

These 5 top travel tips should help you be prepared for most situations. Remember have a wonderful time on your trip.

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009 – 2010, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.

Every week on Monday you receive a “Thought of the Week” reminding you to put money away for your romantic getaway. Most of them are corny, some are thought provoking and others are a little naughty and fun. (After all we are talking about your marriage.)

I hope every week when you get the thought of the week that you put your $5 away and that I put a smile on your face.  And more importantly I hope that you are smiling on your marriage.

Before I started to blog I would call or e-mail close to 200 people every week to remind them to put their money aside for their anniversary. There would be no thought of the week, just the reminder to put that money away. As the weeks evolved I felt I needed to add something to the calls and that is when I started to do a “Thought of the week”. What I began to notice is people started looking forward to hearing from me and the “saying” for that week. They would let me know if I didn’t call on the day they expected to receive it.

People where always asking me where I came up with these sayings? My answer was always the same, “Through the grace of God.” There is no other explanation.  I have watched and heard about the wonderful trips people have taken and would have never gone on if they had not received these weekly reminders. This is why I do this.

One Monday when I was making my regular calls, one of my savers told me how much she looked forward to me calling her every week. She proceeded to tell me that it made her smile and feel good about her marriage and that there was an anticipation of getting to do something special with her husband. What she told me was so important because at that moment I knew what I was doing was helping marriages have that special feeling so many couples claim they have lost.

So put a smile on your marriage and keep saving your $5 a week. It does a marriage good.

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009 – 2012, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.

Yesterday you learned about my favorite website, TripAdvisor.com. This is the website I to refer to before I go on a trip. Today you will see how it works. I choose Portland, OR for a romantic getaway. The hotel I chose to compare was rated number 1 by popularity on this site. Out of 5 stars it got 4 ½ stars. There were 84 reviews and 65 reviews rated the hotel excellent. Here is the breakdown on how TripAdvisor.com showed me the differences in rates for this particular hotel. You will be very surprised at how varied the price can be.

Date: 11/7/2009 through 11/8/2009

Hotel: RiverPlace Hotel, Portland OR

Room Type: Deluxe King, City or Courtyard view, Featherborne Bed

• Hotels.com  $122.10
• Orbitz.com  $160.64
• Priceline.com  $169.00
• Expedia.com  $122.10
• Travelocity.com $149.40
• PerfectEscapes.com $144.00

As you can see the difference in price can vary as much as $46.90. Please be aware these prices do not include tax and parking fees.

Also on the left side of the hotel information you can find out what to do in Portland. See the list below:

• Travel Guide
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Map

TripAdvisor.com is a great place to refer to for a one stop shop for the best prices on hotels reviewed by people like you and me. TripAdvisor.com will help you find that perfect hotel for your perfect romance.

Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009 – 2012, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.

I have mentioned to you some travel books to consider purchasing when deciding where you want to go for your romantic getaway and the importance of being an informed traveler. Well today I want to tell you about a great website I like to refer to all the time. The great thing about this site is that there are over 25 million traveler reviews and opinions.

You can get rates for airlines and hotels all in one place from:

• Expedia
• Hotels.com
• Orbitz
• Hotwire.com
• Travelocity
• Priceline
• Lastminute.com

This site will also assist you with what to do and where to go when you are visiting an area you are not familiar with. A while back a friend was telling me that he was planning on taking his wife to Hawaii. I told him to look at this website to see what the reviews were for the hotel they were staying at. He called me a couple of days later to thank me because he found out that if he and his wife wanted to lay out by the pool that one of them needed to get up early and reserve lounge chairs for both of them for the whole day. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to bask in the sun by the pool like they had planned. This was written in several of the reviews for the hotel he was staying at. He also read the reviews on where to go and the best places to eat. When he came back he called to tell me they had a wonderful time there with the help of the comments and reviews from the website.

Check out the website to see what kind of deal you can get for an airline flight and hotel room. Then don’t forget to look at the hotel reviews and where to go and what to do when you are there. It is like having a private travel agent that has visited or lives in the area.

The website I am talking about is: www.tripadvisor.com

If you want to be an informed traveler you will always refer to this website before you go anywhere.
Keep those sparks flying!
JoJo

© 2009, Surprise Kiss. All rights reserved.