Veteran's Day Travel Deals

Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans. It is marked by parades and church services and in many places the American flag is hung at half mast.  Because it is a federal holiday, some American workers and many students have Veterans Day off from work or school and many resorts offer incredible deals, which means there are some wonderful travel savings for our country's veterans that honor their service to the United States of America.  Here to share some of those great deals with us is The Getaway Girl, Casey Wohl.

West Virgnia
As they do every year, in honor of Veterans Day, The Elkhorn Inn & Theatre and Gillum House Bed-and-Breakfast in West Virginia are offering FREE lodging to our Military Veterans!   The Elkhorn Inn & Theatre in Landgraff, WV, is offering TWO nights FREE (November 11 & 12)  to US Military Veterans with ID. Max. 2 people per guest room; Continental Breakfast is included. The Elkhorn Inn also offers a 10% military discount on our guest room rates all year round for active duty and retired military personnel with ID and their families! (Dan is US Army Retired, and Elisse is an Official Artist for the US Coast Guard). Gillum House Bed-and-Breakfast in Shinnston, WV is offering THREE nights FREE for US Military Veterans with ID: November 10, 11 & 12, 2012. Max. 2 people per guest room; Breakfast is included. (Gillum House also offers year round  discounts to military, fireservice, and police personnel with ID; please call to enquire).
Gillum House Bed & Breakfast started "B & Bs For Vets" in 2008 in Shinnston, West Virginia. In 2010 it became an international program, with member inns providing a minimum of one guest room and breakfast on Veterans Day free of charge to anyone with a valid military or Veterans Administration ID and their companion. In 2010 over 900 bed & breakfasts in the USA, Canada, and Mexico provided rooms for active duty, retired military, and veterans with VA ID.

Branson, MO
America's largest Veterans Day celebration is held in the nation's most military, friendly golf town: Branson, MO. Veterans Homecoming Week in Branson is a seven-day tribute to active and retired military personnel which includes special events and discounts at area amenities from Nov. 5-11.

* Military members (active & retired) enjoy minimum 30% off of green fees at any of Branson's eight area golf courses now through the end of the year including Veterans Day. Branson is home to some of the state's best courses and rounds start at under $50 in many locations.

* Active and retired military are recognized at nearly every live show in Branson, in over 50 theaters in the region including Tony Orlando's Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans which includes the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Freedom presentation. There will also be a free "Veterans Are Special" show at the Hamner-Barber Theater, free lunch for Veterans at the Red Roof Mall and Radisson Hotel and lodging discounts for active and retired military at places such as Hidden Falls Log Cabin Rentals and Anchor Inn on the Lake Bed and Breakfast.

* A Patriotic Welcome to Veterans kicks off the week of activities which includes the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, WWII Big Band Dance, Veterans Day parade and reunions. Most of the special events during the seven-day tribute are free for military and their spouses and all present patriotic salutes to Veterans.
  Branson is within 500 miles of nearly every major US City in America's heartland, and is accessible via the Branson Airport, with direct flights from Houston, Chicago, Baltimore, Atlanta, Denver and other major cities.

Florida Keys
In recognition of the bravery and dedication of America's heroes, Hawks Cay Resort, located in the beautiful Florida Keys, is honoring military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and medical personnel through its Heroes Welcome Program. Now-November 18, the annual program features starting rates at just $99, special discounts on resort activities and a series of tribute events. A portion of proceeds of each room booked will benefit the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and, through a unique partnership with renowned artist Guy Harvey, additional charity organizations dedicated to assisting our heroes and their families.
* $99 is the starting rate for a hotel room and $198 for a villa
* This is a 40-50% discount on the regular rate during this time period 
* The offer is valid for active as well as retired military; however, all guests can receive a 20% discount by making a $2 donation to any of the supported charities
* A military ID or some sort of discharge paperwork is required
* For Heroes Welcome information or reservations, visit  www.HawksCayHeroes.com or call 1-888-313-5749. The highlight of the Heroes Welcome program is the resort's weekly "Heroes in Action" tribute ceremony that takes place every Saturday night at sunset around the Resort's famous Fire Pit. The heartwarming slideshow and video presentation features pictures provided by guests and iconic imagery that is followed by a lighting ceremony as a tribute to all fallen heroes and those currently in action. The evening continues with live music under the stars. Additional events planned throughout the program includes a touch-a-truck experience, fishing tournament and the resort's Down at the Docks celebration, a dockside evening event featuring Coast Guard demos, local vendors and live
entertainment.

Eagle Nest, New Mexico
Located about 100 miles northeast of Santa Fe in the mountains of New Mexico, the quaint town of Eagle Nest is just a few miles from were the gold-mining camp of Elizabethtown founded in 1867.
The historic Laguna Vista Lodge, Restaurant & Saloon dates back to the late 1890s and was built out of stolen railroad ties and on one of the routes of the Santa Fe Trail.  Calamity Jane’s historic restaurant is a culinary delight featuring authentic New Mexican and Southwestern cuisine and has received high marks from Frommer’s Travel Guide.  And the historic Saloon and former Gambling & Dance Hall was a favorite watering hole of the Lonesome Dove movie crew when they filmed in New Mexico.  You can find colorful locals and international tourists hanging out in the Saloon when you visit Eagle Nest.
The two-story lodge and nearby cabins offer comfortable accommodations close to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Park.  The Lodge is offering 50% off on rooms for all veterans on Veterans Day. It’s a great time to see the Fall Colors change during a nice, peaceful getaway.  Enjoy trout fishing almost out your back door, skiing and golf literally minutes away.


Cheers to Our "Weekend at the Waldorf"

The landmark Waldorf Astoria New York has been known as the epicenter of New York’s cultural, social and political life since it opened its famed doors in 1931. It is the preferred New York residence of heads-of-state, royalty, celebrities and corporate moguls, not to mention the New York home away from home for every sitting President since Herbert Hoover.

Not only was the hotel host to a slew of legends such as Marilyn Monroe, Cole Porter, and Frank Sinatra, it has also been the go to location for many major events throughout the years as it is home to New York City’s only four-story, two-tiered ballroom. Everything from Guy Lombardo’s annual New Year’s Eve Galas to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to the annual Peabody Awards have been celebrated in the Grand Ballroom. In addition, it is the New York City hotel of choice for movie press junkets with the ability to host numerous junkets at one time. Recent junkets include Friends with Kids, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and The Dictator.

We were fortunate enough to spend a fabulous weekend at the Waldorf complete with an incredible suite in the Towers.  High above Manhattan, on the upper floors of the Waldorf Astoria, exists a luxury Manhattan boutique hotel sure to satisfy the most discerning traveler.  The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria New York marries impeccable service and opulent amenities with residential-style luxury hotel accommodations as legendary as the guests who have stayed within.


On our first night, we dined at The Bull and Bear Steakhouse, which is one of the most historic and well-recognized bars in New York City.  This celebrated steakhouse offers signature chops with Prime Angus steaks as well as seafood. The next day we celebrated our 'Weekend at the Waldorf' with massages at the Guerlain Spa located on site at the Waldorf.

It was like stepping back in time as we enjoyed the history and luxury this hotel has to offer in this iconic city.  Many thanks to the exceptional staff who went above and beyond to ensure our stay we memorable.  And many thanks for the bubbly and festive welcome. 

Cheers to our Weekend at the Waldorf!

Road Trip Tips From The Getaway Girl®

Someone once told me that road trips are like childbirth.  Done right, they can one of the best things you will ever do.  Done wrong, and you are trapped in your own personal hell screaming “Whose idea was this?”

Before You Leave
Get Your Car Serviced & Cleaned Before You Depart
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Be sure and get your vehicle thoroughly serviced before you depart (and have it cleaned while it’s there too). Ask them the check your air pressure in all five tires (that’s right...the spare too), oil, wiper blades, belt and hose connections, tire pressure, turn signals, horn and headlights and make sure all of your fluids are full. 

Bring a Basic Repair Kit
Have a repair kit on hand for fixes you might be able to take care of yourself. At the very least, bring a few different sizes of regular and Phillips-head screwdrivers, jumper cables, vice grips, a tire iron, bottled water, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, reflectors/flares and a roll of duct tape.

Join a Travel Club
If you're not already a member of a travel club, join one before you leave. There's always AAA, which has affiliates almost everywhere, the Better World Club or an auto club offered by your car's manufacturer.

Create and Map Out Your Itinerary
Determine how many days you have for travel and where you want to go, but don't simply plot out the fastest route from point A to point B. While major highways and interstates quickly whiz you from city to city, county roads afford the best sights and out-of-the-way attractions. Don't set an overly ambitious agenda.  Plan on a maximum of 5-6 hours per day behind the wheel.  Finally, take along a current paper map, in addition to any online directions or GPS systems. Each is a good backup to the other, as none is foolproof.

Skip the Junk Food
Roadside convenience stores are notorious for lousy food. If pork rinds and a Slurpee aren't your idea of a great road trip lunch, bring a cooler on your adventure. In the morning, fill it with ice and drop by a decent supermarket. The ice should keep things cool until the next morning, when you can refresh it. Then, when the munchies hit, at least you won't be insulting your body with food products whose ingredients were developed in a secret lab in New Jersey.

Dress Comfortably & Wear Easy On/Off Shoes
Since you will be sitting for a long period of time, comfort should be your top priority. Wear soft, roomy pieces in breathable fabric. Cotton blends and jersey are great options. Avoid items like jeans (the heavy denim may be uncomfortable and will take forever to dry if something is spilled on it) and light-colored clothing that will show dirt and stains easily.  Be prepared for weather changes by dressing in layers, but skip bulky items that will cause you to overheat in the car. Have a sweater and rain gear (such a light windbreaker) handy in case of inclement weather.  Comfortable slip on/off shoes will make stops easier.


During The Trip
Pay Attention to Gauges — and Watch the Road
The gauges on your vehicle aren't there just to make the dash look pretty. They're there for a reason: Eventually, something will go wrong — and the gauges might tip you off before it's too late.
And when your eyes aren't on the gauges, they should be on the road, not on the screen of your smartphone. Over the last decade, driver distraction has become one of the leading causes of accidents. Relax, listen to some music, enjoy the scenery, and save the cellphone calls for your next stop!

Don’t Be Afraid To Take Breaks
Whether it is for bathroom breaks, meals or sightseeing, make sure you take the time to stop and take a break from driving.  This is also a good time to stretch your muscles to prevent cramps.  When you stop, be sure to walk around and do some stretching exercises.  This will keep your blood flowing and keep you loose.

Stay Hydrated
As always, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.  Often people don’t want to drink too much so they don’t have to stop for the bathroom.  But staying hydrated will help keep you awake and alert.

Take Turns Driving
Don’t leave the driving (or the navigating) to the same person. There are health hazards in driving as it places stress on your mind and body with road rage, eye fatigue and night blindness, and road fatigue.  So, it is best to take turns; making sure each person has time to contribute to the trip in various ways. 

Girls Getaway to....Exotic Driving

If only I could drive at 109 MPH every day with no traffic in my way.....life would be so much easier!  So when I was asked to come test drive a $260,000 Ferrari at the Richard Petty Driving Experience in Orlando, I responded 'yes' immediately.

When you combine some of the world’s finest automobiles with a new track layout designed for drivers to experience the awe-inspiring acceleration, speed and handling of these high performance driving machines, you have “Exotic Driving Experience.”

Best known as owner and operator of Richard Petty Driving Experience, the worldwide leader in the stock car drive and ride business, Petty Holdings has applied its expertise in delivering safe, accessible, exciting automotive entertainment to develop an experience allowing anyone with a driver’s license the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a “supercar” – a rare class of automobiles.


Exotic Driving Experience features supercars by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, and Porsche. Driving Experiences start at $169 for six laps around the circuit. Thrill Rides with a professional driver behind the wheel are available for $99.

Petty Holdings also constructed an interior road course-style section at Walt Disney World Speedway, specifically for Exotic Driving Experience, featuring a series of quick, challenging right and left-hand turns. Complete with barriers, fencing and rumble strips, this section replaces the frontstretch of the oval when the supercars are on track and, together with the backstretch, comprises another one-mile layout which has been named The Exotics Course at Walt Disney World® Speedway.  The layout allows drivers to experience rapid acceleration to high speeds on the backstretch of the oval and, when they come into the interior section, feel the incredible braking and handling characteristics of these exotic cars.

For Girls Getaways, entertainment, corporate outings, team building events or gifts, Exotic Driving Experience provides a unique, unforgettable thrill!  They also offer 'Ride Alongs' for Kids.  Videos and professional photos are taken, so you can show off your speed demon skills once you get home.  Reservations can be made at www.ExoticDriving.com or by calling 855-822-0149.

Haunted Hotels for Halloween

If you like things that go bump in the night, famous haunted hotels dot the landscape across the United States and the world with ghostly stories to share. The halls of many historic hotels are rumored to host to more than just paying customers. Whether you believe or not, one thing is certain - these friendly hauntings are sure to make for an unforgettable visit you'll remember for years.  The Getaway Girl, Casey Wohl, shares some of the spookiest haunted hotels for your next ‘ghostly’ visit.

Estes Park, CO

The Stanley Hotel is one of the most haunted hotels in the nation. The property is a ghostly "hot spot." In addition to serving as the inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining" during his stay in room 217 (one of the most spiritually active rooms), the property was also featured in several "Ghost Hunters" episodes. The Stanley even has its own on-staff paranormal investigator to monitor residual energy and serve as a concierge for the property's permanent guests.

F.O. Stanley, one of the brothers who invented the Stanley Steamer, moved to Estes Park in 1903 where he built the grand Stanley Hotel. It was the inspiration for Stephen King's novel, "The Shining." Of course there are ghosts and you have a choice of several ghost tours! The tours and restaurant are open to the public. The hotel is a popular location for weddings so on weekends you may see one or more going on.

To celebrate the Halloween season and The Stanley's Stephen King roots, guests can indulge in the Shining Ball & Murder Mystery package, which includes: two murder mystery dinner tickets, two Shining Ball tickets and accommodations in the haunted hotel. Additionally, property's on-staff paranormal investigator offers a five-hour ghost hunt sessions where guests can learn how to use authentic ghost hunting tools and test their new skills in some of the property's most haunted locations inaccessible to the general public.

Galveston, TX
Galveston is known as a top destination for haunted travel, being the place of the deadliest natural disaster in United States history: The Great Storm of 1900. The island has many sites that are considered haunted, and offers ghost tours at a variety of cemeteries, historic mansions, downtown and on Galveston's harbor. Galveston is also home to Texas' only year-round haunted house, Haunted Mayfield Manor, which is housed in a historic building that served as a morgue after the Great Storm.
The beautiful 101-year-old Hotel Galvez in Galveston, TX on the Gulf of Mexico is said to be haunted by a ghost bride. The legend is that in the mid-1950s a woman, Audra, hung herself in the hotel after hearing that her mariner fiancé had been killed by a great storm at sea. However, that was only half the tragedy. A few days after her death, Audra's mariner appeared at the hotel looking forward to a marriage that would never be.

 The hotel has documented numerous accounts from guests and staff that have experienced ghost encounters in room 501 - where Audra stayed - as well as various other parts of the hotel. Staff has reported seeing the ghost of a young girl bouncing a ball in the lower level of the hotel. Housekeeping staff has also reported feeling the presence of a man in the corner of the hotel’s laundry room. While this activity was reported in the lower level of the hotel, staff and guests have also experienced odd occurrences in the restaurant and lobby, such as candles blowing out on their own and dishes moving or breaking. Guests and staff have also reported hearing breathing sounds in the ladies’ bathroom near the Music Hall and children’s laughter in the salon bathroom.

Following Hurricane Ike, which struck Galveston in September 2008, several members of the hotel staff who stayed at the hotel as their homes were being repaired reported seeing a woman dressed in an old-fashioned maid’s uniform and a man walk through a guest room and disappear.

In September 2009, Discovery Channel’s Ghost Lab featured Hotel Galvez while investigating a correlation between weather and the paranormal. The hotel was also included in an episode on the Travel Channel’s Ghost Stories called the “Ghost of Sister Katherine.”  The hotel offers ghost tours during the month of October.   Other places for public Ghost Tours in Galveston include Bishop’s Place at Night (historic mansion) and Old City Cemetery.

England

Littlecote House Hotel is located in the Royal county of Berkshire and is set on 113 acres of grounds and gardens with lots of luxurious features. It also boasts the title of England's third most haunted building, making it one of the spookiest hotels in the country.

  The hotel dates back to Tudor times and was also once a Roman settlement, so it's no surprise that there are numerous ghosts resident at the hotel. One common sighting is of a black dog on the Jerusalem staircase. When guests or members of staff reach down to pet the dog, their hand goes straight through. Mother Barnes, who was a 16th century midwife associated with the site, is referred to in lots of the ghost stories associated with Littlecote House.

  One woman saw a shadowy figure walking across the lawn towards Mother Barnes, and found herself floating in mid-air throughout the experience - but this was many, many years after Mother Barnes' time. There is also one bedroom at the hotel that is particularly haunted, and during a séance held there, a woman was seen rocking a baby in a corner and dark shapes were seen moving around the room. Individuals in the room also felt extremely cold, although no drop in temperature was recorded on their equipment.

  Many guests see spectres at Littlecote House and the hotel also offers a ghost tour for you to get up close and personal with them - if you dare.  This hotel is ideally located for visiting some of Britain's most popular tourist destinations, such as Stonehenge, Newbury races, Ascot races, the city of Bath and Windsor castle.


The Getaway Girl® Foundation on TV

Do you have some "baggage" you'd like to leave at home?  The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl has created a new non-profit Foundation called The Getaway Girl® Foundation that empowers women through travel.

The Foundation is officially launched and on TV! To watch the TV segment from the nationally-syndicated Daytime TV Show, click here.

Our mission is to 'empower women of all ages, cultures and diversity through travel and related opportunities to transform their perspective, self-confidence and quality of life.'

To read inspiring stories, find out how to nominate someone or how you can help, visit The Getaway Girl® Foundation online at www.GetawayGirlFoundation.org.

6th Annual "12 Days til Christmas" Getaway Giveaway

With the holiday season approaching, women’s stress levels start to rise.  It’s easy to get wrapped up in the holiday craze, but the Girls Getaway Guide has a way to give back to women everywhere and help remind them how important it is to spend quality time with their gal pals.

The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl has launched her Sixth Annual “12 Days ‘til Christmas” holiday promotion.  In an effort to help beat the holiday madness, The Getaway Girl® will host a countdown to the big day.  Women everywhere can visit the Girls Getaway Guide online at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net to sign up for $14,000 in fabulous travel vacations, which are sure to provide welcome holiday cheer during this stressful time of year. 

The promotion has officially started with an open online entry form, and prizes will be given away Dec. 3-18.  On each of the days leading up to Christmas, a terrific Girls Getaway Guide vacation prize will be awarded to a lucky winner.