travel Archives - Other CMS

How To Save Money On Your Train-Set Summer Vacation

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 15 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

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Airport Baggage Carousel Etiquette

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 01 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Airport Baggage Carousel Etiquette

The post Airport Baggage Carousel Etiquette appeared first on Other CMS.

How To Plan A Successful ‘Retirementmoon’

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 08:30:00 +0000

How To Plan A Successful ‘Retirementmoon’

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How to Plan the Perfect MLB Spring Training Trip

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 17:59:01 +0000

Sure, the calendar might say we are but a few weeks past the official start of winter but don’t be fooled by that. In truth, Major League Baseball spring training is already om the horizon, with players reporting to their respective teams in early February. Cries of “play ball!” will echo from stadiums in Florida and Arizona before you know it.

All of which makes this the ideal time to begin planning your spring training excursion. Whether it’s going to be a few days or weeks, there are some important steps you can take to optimize your winter trip to sunny baseball climes.

Pick Your Time: If the game’s your thing, be aware the actual spring training season runs from late February to mid- to late March, and plan accordingly. Also bear in mind that weekend games tend to draw larger crowds than their weekday counterparts, particularly for teams whose fan bases are near Arizona and Florida. It’s smart to mix and match the games you want to attend.

Get A Room: Spring training is a highly popular winter destination, with more than 3 million Americans making the trip each year. Suffice it to say, hotels and resorts tend to fill quickly, with lodgings near specific stadiums going the fastest and usually at a premium. The solution? Book your accommodations as early as possible.

Don’t Just Root for the Home Team: One of the best things about the way spring training is structured is that is enables you to see your favorite team play at multiple ballparks in one trip. This is particularly true in Arizona, where all 15 Cactus League squads train in or around Phoenix. Try following your team as it makes the circuit so that you can root them on while experiencing each stadium’s individual perks and features.

Choose Seats Wisely: In general, it’s smart to purchase tickets ahead of time, particularly for rival matchups (I’m looking at you, Cubs vs. White Sox) or marquee teams. Also remember that spring training facilities tend to be much smaller and more affordable than regular stadiums, so you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get good seats. One caveat, however: Unlike in the regular season, most spring training games take place during the day, so it can get uncomfortably warm. Look for seats that maximize your time in the shade and always pack a hat, sunscreen and water.

Represent: Be sure to hit the stadium store; is there a better way to commemorate your winter-in-the-sun visit? In addition, the inventory often includes items you can’t get anywhere else, such as spring training-specific jerseys, caps and beer mugs. In some cases, you can even score regular season merch that hasn’t been released to the public yet.

Explore the City: Most spring training games take place during the day, so you’ll probably have plenty of free time at night. You could just head back to your hotel and order room service — or you could use that time to check out some of the local attractions and restaurants. Suffice it say, there is plenty to do off the diamond in both Florida and Arizona to occupy baseball tourists of all stripes.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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How to Chose an Electric Vehicle

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 19:49:25 +0000

This year’s wildly fluctuating gas prices have helped make electric vehicles (EVs) more popular than ever and it’s not hard to see why. Besides saving you those thousands of dollars you spend at the pump each year, EVs have an important role to play in protecting the environment and slowing the rate of climate change. They’re also proven to be dependable and come in lots of sporty models.

That said, consumers should put some time into researching EVs before switching from gas-powered vehicles. The reality is that even with a greater number of them on the road each year, EVs still rank among the most expensive cars in America. In addition, ongoing supply-chain issues mean you rarely have the opportunity to simply walk on the lot and drive one home. Here are some important factors to consider if you’re thinking of making the jump to an EV.

Affordability: As noted, EVs are pricey, particularly when compared to similarly performing gasoline-powered vehicles. Give that, your first step is to come up with a realistic estimate of how large a car payment your monthly budget can handle. If those numbers indicate something less than top-of-the-line, take a look at Nissan Leaf (starting price $27,400), Chevrolet Bolt ($31,500) or Hyundai Kona ($34,000). Also be aware of the federal EV tax credit, an incentive worth up to $7,500. That can make a difference, although you will first need to buy the car before the IRS gets involved.

Consider a Hybrid: Potential EV purchasers have two other challenges to think about – can they install a car charger at home and do they have access to an adequate charging infrastructure. If the answers are no, it might be time to look at a hybrid, which are substantially less expensive but still offer improved mileage. Turns out the hybrid option – even with its part reliance on gasoline – might meet most or all of your EV needs. Going Places: Another factor to consider is how much range you need given your normal driving patterns. Longer-range vehicles are all well and good, but many require a mix of large batteries, lightweight materials and aerodynamic design, none of which come cheap. Figure out how far you want to travel between charges and make your purchase accordingly, bearing in mind that EV mile-range estimates are best-case scenarios that fluctuate based on how you drive. It’s also wise to invest in a little more range than you think you’ll need.

Leasing and the Used Market: With EVs, as with their gas-powered counterparts, remember there are always alternatives to buying a new model. Leasing, for example, eliminates most of the financial pressures of acquiring an EV, although the fact you don’t own the car outright means there are limitations to its use. Meanwhile, a used EV could save you money and enable you to avoid waiting for your car to arrive from the factory. The downside is that older cars may have some wear and tear.

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Tips to Increase Your Comfort as You Fly this Holiday Season

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 22:56:30 +0000

The holidays have long been considered the most fraught travel season of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. The reality is that the final six weeks of the year find tens of millions of Americans with a desire to be home for the holidays hitting the road en masse. Throw in the prospect of inclement winter weather ranging from downpours of rain to blizzard whiteouts, and you have conditions sure to foster long lines and short tempers.

And holiday travelers find little relief in the friendly skies, particularly not this year, with inflation driving airfares to new levels and major carriers still groping with post-pandemic staffing shortages. Given that, it is more important than ever to find ways to keep your cool if you’re flying this holiday season. Fortunately, there are some basic steps you can take to keep the madness at bay and make your flight home (or away) as enjoyable as possible.

Wardrobe Department: While there’s nothing wrong (and quite a bit right) about heading to the airport in your Business Casual best, your flight time will more quickly fly by if you’re dressed comfortably. Make sure to avoid heavy or restrictive clothing, opting instead for soft fabrics and stretchy garments for peak comfort and coziness. It’s also always wise to layer, given shifting cabin temperatures, and it’s worth investing in compression socks for health and comfort during long flights.

Take Your Seat: Most domestic airlines these days give you the opportunity to choose your seat, albeit for a substantial additional cost. Spend the extra money if you can fit it in your budget, as doing so can make a big difference in the quality of your flight experience. Not only might you be able to score added legroom, but you can opt for one of the cabin’s low-traffic areas.

Time, the Avenger: Just as the proverbial watched pot never boils, your flight just seems to crawl if you’re looking at your watch every five minutes. How best to beat time? First, the moment you get to your seat set your watch to the time at your destination. Second, break out all the attention-holding material you were smart enough to stow in your carry-on bag. Focusing on video entertainment, projects from the office or simply a good book helps pass the time.

Get Some Sleep: Heading home for the holidays in a timely manner often involves taking early morning flights or, worse, dreaded red eyes. Knowing how difficult it is to sleep on a plane, it’s best to come prepared if you do hope to catch 40 winks. Essential items include good earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, a sleep mask and a high-quality neck pillow, preferably one that attaches to your seat’s headrest.

Get on Your Feet: If you are going to be in the air for an extended period, it is important you take care of yourself up there. Get out of your seat, stretch, stand or walk around when you can and don’t forget to stay hydrated and take and vitamins or medications that are part of your usual routine. You’ll feel better when you land and ready to meet the holiday joys and challenges at your destination.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful

The post Tips to Increase Your Comfort as You Fly this Holiday Season appeared first on Other CMS.

Lost Luggage: Tips to Minimize the Risk, Receive Proper Compensation

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 22:14:49 +0000

It feels like air travel has never been as fraught as it today, with the end of pandemic restrictions inspiring more Americans to fly than ever before. The conditions they’ve encountered, however, have been challenging – high ticket prices, short-staffed airlines and even in-flight confrontations among passengers and between passengers and crew. The friendly skies can sometimes seem anything but.

These conditions also have led to a sharp increase in the rate of lost luggage, with media reports regularly featuring images of mounds of mis-routed suitcases and lots of frustrated customers. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances your bag will go missing or, absent that, will receive just compensation for your luggage and its contents.

Minimize the Risk: There are things you can do to avoid lost luggage besides the most obvious strategy of not checking a bag at all. You can prioritize nonstop flights, avoid flying with multiple airlines, get to the airport extra early and take a photo of your bag. That way, if it does end up getting lost, you’ll have photographic proof of any important contents that you’ll want to later claim compensation for.

Take the Initiative: Consumers must always act as their own best advocates when dealing with corporate America and the airlines are no different. The moment you realize your bag has not arrived, go directly to the airline’s baggage desk and have the customer service representatives see if they can locate it. After all, your luggage might have been delayed but will arrive on a later flight or perhaps arrived early and was placed in a separate holding area. Always get the facts first.

Compensation: If your bag is missing, it’s time to file a claim. Filing a claim starts the clock for when you’ll be able to claim compensation. If your luggage has been missing for between five to 14 days, you’re entitled to reimbursement of the missing bag and its contents, up to $3,800 for domestic flights and $1,780 for international flights.

Insurance at a Premium: If you purchased travel insurance, read through all the terms regarding luggage. After you have filed a claim with the airline, always double check for any additional claims that can be made on your insurance.

Keep Those Receipt: Lost luggage not only disrupts vacation plans by stranding people without their belongings, but it also forces travelers to spend money on new things. The good news is you may be entitled to reimbursement for those items as long as your purchases are reasonable. Thus it is imperative you keep receipts for any purchases you had to make as a result of the missing bag, including clothes and toiletries.

Be Vigilant: If the airline is dragging its feet on providing compensation for a missing bag, don’t be afraid to file a complaint with the federal Department of Transportation. The agency’s Air Travel Service Complaint or Comment Form allows travelers to flag bad airline service as it relates to baggage, as well as other issues, like refund practices, discrimination, overbooking, family seating and more. You might also try getting the airline’s attention through social media.

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Plan Now for the Best Fall Getaways

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:53:24 +0000

Autumn looks and feels different depending on which part of the country you call home. In the northern tier of states, the season quickly morphs from sunshine and brisk afternoons to wet days and chilly temperatures that carry more than a hint of the winter to come. In the desert Southwest, by contrast, fall presents an open invitation to get out and enjoy the natural world without fear of having to confront dangerous triple-digit temperatures.

No matter where you live, however, the season offers some of the biggest travel bargains of the year, as airfare, lodging and other costs significantly drop once the kids are back in school. If you’re in a position to access those bargains, here are six fabulous fall destinations to consider.

Leavenworth, Washington: If you’re looking for a taste of Germany but overseas isn’t in the cards, head to Leavenworth. One of the nation’s most authentic Bavarian-style towns, it sits along the eastern slopes of the Washington Cascades and ranks among the best destinations for autumn foliage in the West. Not surprisingly, Leavenworth also hosts a world-famous Oktoberfest complete with outstanding brews, German cuisine, live music and a wide range of family-friendly activities.

Taos, New Mexico: Situated at nearly 7,000 feet, Taos is well known for its vibrant arts scene and natural beauty. In fall, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures among a backdrop of multi-colored aspens, golden and red cottonwoods and the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead. The city also offers the free Taos Fall Arts Festival featuring performances, projection art and installations amid historic adobe buildings.

Brown County, Indiana: Located in south-central Indiana, this rustic destination is a hidden gem well known to Hoosiers but largely overlooked elsewhere. Reputed to have the most stunning fall foliage in the Midwest, Brown County also is home to an acclaimed state park, several quaint towns and a thriving art and music scene in its largest city, Nashville. And visitors are just a short drive from Bloomington, home of Indiana University and one of the nation’s most vibrant college towns.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: For a budget-friendly fall vacation that includes the chance to explore history and haunts, try Gettysburg. Here, 51,000 union and Confederate soldiers died during a three-day battle in July 1863, the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War. Particularly popular in October is the Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour, in which visitors learn more about the battle and the fallen while strolling the grounds by candlelight. You also will find among the changing leaves apple orchards and farmers markets, as well as the opportunity to experience the increasingly popular hard cider scene.

Asheville, North Carolina: Home to one of the nation’s longest and most vibrant fall season, Asheville is a joy to visit, with its mild temperatures and Blue Ridge Mountains setting. Hiking is a way of life in Asheville but the city that gave the world Thomas Wolfe is also known for its dynamic literary, music and arts community.

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Think Ahead to Cut Fuel Costs on Your Summer Vacation

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 22:01:13 +0000

Spring is in swing and that means many of us are already actively engaged in planning summer holidays, trips that have taken on additional importance and urgency as the nation emerges from two years of pandemic restrictions. The bad news, of course, is that this summer’s road trips will be complicated by sky-high gas prices and the highest inflation rate in 40 years. It’s enough to harsh your hot-weather mellow.

Given those conditions, it is more important than ever this summer for vacationers to squeeze every cent from their travel dollars in general and fuel costs in particular. Here are a few tips for saving money while still enjoying yourself on the road this summer.

Rethink Your Destination: Suffice it to say, this is probably not the summer to take that gas-guzzler cross country. It’s a safe bet there a plenty of fine and fun destinations you can travel to without needing to take a second out on the house. In addition, this is an ideal time to visit cities in which the major attractions are clustered in one area and/or readily accessible via mass transit or, better yet, on foot. The less driving the better when it comes to summer 2022 vacations.

Tune-Up Time: If this one sounds like common sense, that’s because it is, but there is no more crucial time to make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Data reveals that properly tuned cars can increase your mileage by an average of 4%, with correctly aligned and inflated tires adding 3% on top of that. And
don’t forget to check and when needed change that oil before heading out for parts unknown. These are no-brainers, to be sure, but they are also the nagging details too many of us overlook for too long.

At the Pump: The skyrocketing costs of recent months – which have come before the increases that usually accompany the summer driving season – has spurred the popularity of apps and websites to help motorists find the lowest-priced gas. Valuable as these are when you’re tooling around town, they can have an even greater impact when you’re navigating the streets of an unknown city. It also can’t hurt to research the many credit cards offering cash back on gas. Rebates usually run 2% to 5% — not a huge sum, perhaps, but better than nothing.

(Money-Saving) Rules of the Road: Not surprisingly, you’ll find plenty of cost-cutting strategies behind the wheel. Chief among these is avoid speeding, as research confirms fuel economy (to say nothing of motorist safety) drops precipitously after you move beyond 55 m.p.h. (The things Sammy Hagar never told us!). Likewise, run the air conditioner only when absolutely necessary, as it dramatically reduces fuel economy. Most cars’ AC units have an “economy” setting for circulating un-chilled air and that might just be enough to enable you to travel in comfort.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful

The post Think Ahead to Cut Fuel Costs on Your Summer Vacation appeared first on Other CMS.