Connecticut Halloween Events Calendar

Looking for some spooky Halloween fun this October? Check out our list of Fairfield County activities from haunted attractions and hayrides to graveyard tours and family Halloween events. Events are in chronological order, courtesy of damnedct.com.

Be sure to call ahead and check on any event you plan on attending as sometimes events will be canceled at the last minute, especially outdoor events that depend on good weather.

Legends of Fear
September 28 – November 2 (weekends); 7-10 pm
Fairview Tree Farm, 2 Saw Mill City Rd., Shelton
203.944.9090
Admission: The Hallow $25; haunted hayride $26; combo ticket $48
legendsoffear.com
More info: Try your luck at The Hallow, which includes four attractions: the Melonhead Revenge Trail (a one-mile haunted trek), Pine Hills Parish, The Dark Harvest, or the all-new Hemlock Manor Mortuary. Or visit the haunted hayride, which offers 1.5 miles in the dark with fifty creatures of the night waiting for you! Plus, a full concession with hot dogs, hot popcorn, candy, soda, hot chocolate and more.

Fright Haven
September 27 – November 3; Thursdays-Sundays (and October 31), 7-10 pm
411 Barnum Cutoff, Stratford Square, Stratford
203.799.3327
Admission: $20 in advance; VIP fast pass $39 in advance
frighthaven.com
More info: One of the state’s largest and scariest indoor haunted attractions is “back from the dead” with 20,000 square feet of scares, chills and thrills.

Virtual Reality Halloween Experiences
October 1-31; Tuesday-Sundays, times vary
Xperiment Virtual Reality, Hawley Lane Mall, Trumbull
203.502.8005
Admission: Prices start at $25 and vary by package and times
xperimentvr.com
More info: A unique haunted experience, available any evening in October. Walk through The Haunted Graveyard, Walk the plank, or enter The Manor if you dare! The Halloween themed games vary in scare level from mildly spooky to extreme scares.

Sherlock Holmes and the Haunted Cabaret
October 5 – November 3; Saturdays & Sundays, time vary by date
Downtown Cabaret Theater, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport
203.576.1636
Admission: $19.75-$25
dtcab.com
More info: It’s a choose-your-own children’s mystery! Sherlock Holmes and his faithful sidekick, Watson, need your help to solve the mystery of the haunted cabaret. Put on your detective hats because this fun and innovative new whodunit asks the audience to decide what Sherlock and company need to do to crack the case.

Spooktober
October 5 – 26; events throughout the month
Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place, Westport
203.222.1424
Admission: Prices vary by event
westporthistory.org/spooktober
More info: Spooktober offers multiple Halloween-themed event throughout the month, including: Oct. 5—Family Creep Fest!; Oct. 9—Mr. Washington Irving’s reading of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; Oct. 12—10th annual “Illuminating the Past” lantern tour; Oct. 20—Westport Sanitarium walking tour; and Oct. 26—Night at the Haunted Historical Society.

A Haunting at Mill Hill
October 18 & 19, 25 & 26; tours at 6, 7:30 & 9 pm
Mill Hill Historic Park, 2 East Wall St., Norwalk
203.846.0525
Admission: $15 – $20 (reservations recommended)
norwalkhistoricalsociety.org
More info: Among the crooked gravestones of Mill Hill, ghostly entities are waiting to share their true stories of death, murder, insanity and destruction.  A murderous train conductor, a heroic soldier from the Battle of Norwalk, and a young girl who perished on the trolley tracks at Mill Hill are some of the ghosts you will encounter along the way!

Haunted Victorian Ghost Stories at the Mansion
October 18-27; Friday-Sunday nights, 5:30-8 pm
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave., Norwalk
203.838.9799
Admission: $10
lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
More info: In keeping with the Victorian fascination with unexplained phenomena, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum’s Halloween tours will focus on ghost sightings as they relate to the house during the 19th century as well as its more recent history, and the compelling ghost stories that are part of Connecticut’s legends. Visitors may run into the Mansion’s ghosts, who are haunted by the darker memories that are part of the rarely told history of the Lockwood and Mathews families.

Great Pumpkin Festival
October 19; 1 -5 pm
Boothe Memorial Park, 5774 Main St. Putney, Stratford
203.377.2119
Admission: Free
boothememorialpark.org
More info: Events include a children’s costume parade (3:00 sharp) with prizes, DJ music, games, crafts, face painting, refreshments, pie baking contest, scarecrow judging contest, 4 Moonbounces, horse-drawn hayrides, roaming railroad, and the opening of the various historic buildings at the park, plus tours of the Model Train Museum and Observatory.

An Evening with Annabelle
October 26
Location TBA
Admission: $169
warrens.net
More info: Dig into the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren with their son-in-law Tony Spera. The evening includes a lecture, a peek into the case files, a buffet dinner and getting to the actual Annabelle doll that inspired the movies.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
October 25; 8 pm
Palace Theatre, 165 Main St., Danbury
203.794.9944
Admission: $15; props package $5
thepalacedanbury.com
More info: Get ready to do the Time Warp again when The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to Danbury’s historic Palace Theatre. Audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite character, throw props during the film, and be ready to yell back lines of dialogue as part of the audience partici-(SAY IT!)-pation. To make participation easier, prop packages which include everything you need to join in the fun can be pre-ordered when ordering tickets.

Legends and Hauntings Tour
October 25 & 26; 4 & 6 pm
Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Rd., Fairfield
203.259.1598
Admission: $10 – $15
fairfieldhistory.org
More info: Get chilled to the bone listening to haunting legends, superstitions, and local folklore as night descends. Did body snatching happen in the cemetery? Are there ghosts in Sun Tavern? Did witches really live here? Find out tonight! Attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes! Please register early, as this popular event does fill up quickly. Please bring a flashlight!

 Halloween on the Green
October 27; Noon – 4 pm
Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Rd., Fairfield
203.259.1598
Admission: Free
fairfieldhistory.org
More info: This family event will feature trick-or-treating, giveaways, displays in the historic buildings, a Food Truck Alley, a bounce house and other kid-friendly games. A Costume Parade presented by the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce will take place at 1 pm.

Source: damnedct.com

JFK Installs Facial Recognition for Boarding

In true sci-fi style, you’ll be able to use your face to board a plane. In other words, passengers will have access to ticketless boarding by using facial scanning.

In early October, a biometric self-boarding gate was installed at Lufthansa’s Terminal 1 gate at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK). Here are the details, courtesy of the New York Post.

Lufthansa has deployed the paperless, high-tech boarding process, which uses facial recognition technology to verify travelers with a photo capture, at its largest U.S. gateway at the Queens airport. Air France, Japan Airlines and Norwegian Airlines are expected to follow suit at the terminal, officials said.

The technology firm Vision Box has partnered with Customs and Border Protection on facial screening or “biometric boarding” technology, which officials say is faster and more secure, but has privacy advocates expressing concerns.

How it works

The digital boarding process validates the eligibility of a traveler without having to present a passport or boarding pass. When a passenger approaches a self-boarding gate, a biometric-enabled camera integrated in the gate captures the passenger’s facial image. That image is then securely sent to US Customs’ Traveler Verification Service, which “conducts a matching process with the stored digital facial token captured at the initial immigration process or from the US passport,” according to Vision-Box.

Within seconds, the system reconciles the passenger identity and his or her eligibility to enter the flight. The positive match of both verifications triggers the eGate doors to open and the passenger can board the airplane.

It’s not the first time biometric boarding has been used at JFK Airport. Last year, JetBlue rolled out its first biometric self-boarding gate for customers flying to select international destinations at JFK Airport’s Terminal 5. A slew of US airports already offers biometric boarding.

“It’s become crucial for airports and airlines to adopt biometric capabilities along the processes which require interaction with the traveler, therefore enhancing and scaling operational capacity for growing quicker within their existing footprint,” said Miguel Leitmann, the CEO and founder of Vision-Box, which brought the new boarding method to Terminal 1 through a partnership with US Customs and Border Protection and Terminal One Group Association.

New technology raises questions

Experts from the American Civil Liberties Union say that despite the technology starting to roll out at more airports nationwide, many questions remain unanswered.

“How is this information going to be collected? How long will it be retained? Will it be used in other ways and shared with federal agencies like the FBI?” said Neema Singh Guliani, Senior Legislative Counsel for the ACLU.

Customs and Border Protection officials say that the biometric data of U.S. travelers is not stored for long periods of time.

Connected aircraft coming soon

The new technology comes amidst the news that Airbus is experimenting with a new “connected” airplane that would track everything people do on a plane, including how often passengers use the bathroom. Executives think this is the cabin of the future, full of sensors that collect data on the on-board habits of its passengers.

In early September, Airbus commenced in-flight trials of IoT (Internet of Things) connected cabin technologies on board an A350-900 Flight Lab aircraft. In doing so, Airbus becomes the first aircraft manufacturer to undertake such flight-testing of actual connected cabin innovations. The platform, known as the Airspace Connected Experience, was unveiled at APEX Expo last year. While it has yet to be introduced to real passengers, the technology will usher in a new personalized experience for passengers, in particular this covers pre- and remote ordering of preferred meals, booking of private bin space, setting of individual seat positions as well as a tailor-made inflight entertainment (IFE) offer.

The goal is to gather data on passenger behavior and consumption on board, information that could save airlines money and relieve pain points on board for passengers such as the mad scramble for overhead bin space and lavatory queues.

Source: New York Post

Air Travelers: Get Ready for Real ID October 2020

Newsflash: If you travel by air, beginning October 1, 2020, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S.

Here’s what you need to know, courtesy of TSA and Travel Weekly.

What is Real ID?

Real ID is the new federal requirement for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver IDs to help prevent fraudulent identification. You are not required to get a REAL ID. However, starting October 1, 2020, if you typically use your driver license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other form of ID) to fly within the U.S. you probably want a REAL ID. Otherwise you will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. A standard state driver’s license can still be used for driving.

The Real ID Act passed in 2005 (in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks) that set new and higher minimum-security standards for the driver’s licenses and identification cards that will be accepted at airports, other federally regulated facilities and nuclear power plants.

State-issued Real ID driver’s licenses and identification cards meet increased security standards established by the Real ID Act of 2005. The law establishes what data states must have before issuing a license. It also lays out what technology must be encoded in the IDs and what data must be printed on the IDs.

There has been some debate and pushback from some states over the impact of Real ID, which has created confusion and delayed the official rollout of the act’s enforcement, but October 1, 2020, is now considered the firm date for enforcement at commercial airports.

Starting October 1, 2020, travelers who don’t have Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses or a state-issued enhanced driver’s license can use other acceptable forms of identification such as a passport or U.S. military identification to fly within the United States.

What to do now

Take a look at your driver’s license. If your driver’s license doesn’t have a star in the upper corner of the card, then your license is not Real ID compliant. And if you’re planning to take a domestic commercial flight any time after October 1, 2020, you’ll need to take action, make some decisions or wait for your state to get its act together.

You can decide if you are comfortable flying domestically with your passport (if you have one; only about 40 percent of Americans do) or with one of the other forms of approved identification on the TSA’s list.

“The main pushback on REAL ID is that it’s too Big Brother,” said Jeff Price, an aviation security expert with Leading Edge Strategies. “It’s a move to make everyone in the U.S. have identification, which tends to upset those who enjoy life off the grid or don’t like any more government intrusion into their lives than what is necessary.”

However, nearly every state has come into compliance. “And there haven’t been the big brother/illegal shakedown issues that some people predicted,” he said.

How to get a Real ID

The Department of Homeland Security has been phasing in enforcement of the Real ID Act in an effort to give states time to become compliant with the rules and to begin issuing enhanced driver’s licenses and ID cards in time for the October 1, 2020 deadline.

Most states are currently in compliance — including Connecticut and New York — with the Real ID Act and are able to issue upgraded licenses and IDs. The DHS website has a map with the status of all the states.

Three states (Oregon, Oklahoma, and New Jersey), plus American Samoa have been granted extensions with varying deadlines for meeting the rules. (Some had until August 1, 2019, while others have until October 10, 2019).

What this means

If your current driver’s license or ID card is from a compliant state, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept it at airports until September 30, 2020. Starting October 1, 2020, though, licenses and IDs from these states will need to bear a star or special symbol that shows it has been upgraded to conform to the new minimum-security standards.

If your current license is from one of the three states that has been given an extension, then it’s good until the date the extension expires. After that, if the state isn’t given another extension, is it possible the TSA will require an additional or alternate form of ID (i.e., a passport) between the extension expiration date and September 30, 2020.

Come Oct. 1, 2020, though, licenses from these extension states will also need to have the star or symbol that shows it has been upgraded to meet the new minimum-security standards.

The TSA has begun verbally advising travelers who use identification that’s not Real ID-compliant that they’ll not be able to use it to fly beginning October 1, 2020.

“Real ID implementation is a little more than a year away — now is the time to prepare,” said TSA acting deputy administrator Patricia Cogswell in a statement. Since April, TSA has displayed signs at airports to remind travelers about the Real ID requirements.

Source: Travel Weekly

JFK Airport Number One in Amenities, Recent Survey

Best-in-the-nation amenities helped New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport achieve a better-than-average ranking in a new study of the nation’s 50 busiest airports.

Here are the interesting results of the study, courtesy of airportnews.com.

John F. Kennedy International Airport earned the surprising score in a new study by The Points Guy, a resource for travel news. JFK’s No. 1 ranking in amenities helped place it No. 22 overall among the nation’s 50 busiest airports. Other studies have routinely judged JFK among the worst among major U.S. airports, with nearby LaGuardia Airport typically ranked lower if not last.

The study took 34 factors into account, including commute time, flight delays and cancellations, ride-hailing prices, restaurants, lounges and security wait times.

Offsetting JFK’s high finish in amenities was its long commute time (No. 49) and third-worst record for on-time flights. The three local airports accounted for the bottom three rankings in both commute time and flight delays, largely because of congested airspace and roadways and no one-seat train ride to Manhattan.

Newark Liberty International Airport had the nation’s worst commute time and on-time flight record, though it did finish fourth in amenities, pushing its overall ranking to 34th out of 50.

LaGuardia’s ranking (No. 45) was dragged down by its third-worst commute time and second-worst on-time flight record. It was No. 12 in amenities. Major construction is underway at the Flushing airport, and an AirTrain link to Willets Point is in the works, although that multibillion-dollar project is not expected to shorten the trip to Manhattan much.

A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which operates JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports, said in a statement, “With an unprecedented $30 billion committed to transform our region’s airports into true 21st-century gateways—and a relentless focus on improving the customer experience—we’re committed to taking the region’s airports from the back of the pack to world-class.”

Among the 50 U.S. airports with the highest passenger volume, San Diego International Airport was ranked best overall, followed by airports in Phoenix, Portland (Oregon), Atlanta and Sacramento.

Chicago-Midway was judged the worst overall, followed by airports in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Detroit.

Source: AirportNews.com

Glamorous Camping: New York State’s Best Glamping

You may have heard of “glamping,” which takes one of life’s simple pleasures—sleeping in the great outdoors—and elevates it with creature comforts and modern conveniences.

There’s no tent to set up, no hard rocks underneath your sleeping bag, and no outhouses.

Here are some of New York State’s best glamping locations and experiences, courtesy of iloveny.com.

Get off the grid at Gatherwild Ranch (Hudson Valley)

Sometimes you want to go where you can’t hear car horns and shouting, where you leave your phone off and feel like a human again. The Gatherwild Ranch outside the city of Hudson is just the balm for busy citygoers. Just like the resident free-range chickens, guests are invited to roam freely around the 15 acres of land. Gatherwild Ranch even offers facials and full-body massages to deepen your state of relaxation. As for where you’ll lay your head, choose between four unique yurts and one tepee. All are cozy and chic and enjoy a fair amount of private space on the grounds. When you’re ready to venture out again, explore the nearby town of Hudson’s charming antique shops, delicious farm-to-table restaurants, and adorable boutiques.

Culture and camping at Saratoga Escape Glamping (Capital-Saratoga)

Just five miles away from Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Escape Glamping experience offers comfortable camping combined with the charm of a culture-rich city. The resort has cabins, RV hookups, and tent campsites but in 2017 added glamping options: They now offer 300-square-foot tents with roll-up mesh screens providing ventilation through all four walls. Sleep in queen-size beds with fresh linens and bedding, and enjoy access to your own private grill, mini-fridge, chairs, firepit, and picnic table. Take a dip in the swimming pool, canoe or paddleboard on the lake, and take the little ones on a pony ride. You’re a quick drive from Saratoga Springs attractions, so you can catch a show at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center or experience horse racing at the Saratoga Race Track!

The best of both worlds with Posh Primitive (Adirondacks)

Stretch your legs in one of Posh Primitive’s spacious canvas cabins built with massive log rafters. Each cabin has a queen-size bed on a timber wood platform, a covered porch, and a wood-burning stove for added coziness, though you can easily build a campfire outside, too. All meals are included and if you catch a fish in one of the nearby rivers and streams, they’ll even cook it up for you! Explore a number of nearby hiking trails and take advantage of Posh’s in-house guided nature tours, courtesy of Johnny Old School Guide Service. You’ll also be just a 40-minute drive from the Barton Garnet Mines, where you can take a fascinating tour through one of the world’s largest garnet deposits.

Nature and entertainment Darien Lake (Greater Niagara)

The Glamping at Darien Lake campground belongs to Six Flags Darien Lake Theme Park, New York State’s largest theme park and water park. This means you can wake up in a beautiful, rustic canvas cabin by the lake, then walk just five minutes to the theme park with more than 100 rides, water slides, splash pools, and more. They offer special “Stay & Play” packages to sweeten the deal. The park is also dog-friendly, but just a quick note to bring your own bedding and air mattresses if needed.

Cabin camping at Harmony Hill Retreat Center (Catskills)

The glamping at Harmony Hill in the Catskills is a cross between camping and a cabin stay. Here, your lodging is an adorable, elevated yurt, replete with electricity, flushable toilets, lockable doors, a king-size bed, reading chairs, lamps, and a fully equipped kitchen. You can also cook on the charcoal grill outdoors and in either case, enjoy your food out on your personal deck. Basically, want for nothing while still enjoying the peaceful calm of sleeping deep in the woods. Adding to your comfort and enjoyment, each yurt has a domed skylight and a ceiling fan, though the density of the trees keeps things pretty cool even in summer. Your yurt even comes with its own designated parking spot.

Goat yoga at Gilbertsville Farmhouse (Central)

This husband-and-wife-run establishment is a popular wedding destination thanks to the picturesque beauty of its rolling farmlands. The canvas cabins are spacious and luxuriously decorated, with rustic chandeliers, dressers, sofas, and more. There’s a communal bathhouse that feels more like a spa than a farm shower, and an outdoor firepit. And then, there’s goat yoga. Yes, goat yoga. In a beautiful sun-lit barn you’ll settle into downward dogs and child’s poses, all while adorable baby goats clamber all over you. It’s pure magic. Plus, you’ll be less than an hour’s drive from the amazing Brewery Ommegang, where you can take tours of their famous brewery and sip a flight of delicious craft beer to cool off after a warm summer’s day.

1000 Islands Campground (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

You can stay just a stone’s throw from the beautiful St. Lawrence River in one of two glamping tents—formerly used for Civil War reenactment! The tents are elevated on a wooden platform, and you can relax on your own porch. You’ll need to bring your typical camping gear, like sleeping bags and s’mores ingredients, but you’ll find a fire pit, a picnic table, water, and electricity ready and waiting for you. Plus, this one is a great spot to bring the kiddos because the campground includes several play areas, including a large wooden boat and a wooden castle. A fantasy camping trip for all.

Mountain Horse Farm B&B and Wellness Retreat (Finger Lakes)

One of the main goals of glamping is to reconnect with nature. The Mountain Horse Farm B&B and Wellness Retreat in the Finger Lakes takes this concept to the next level by offering therapeutic interactions with cows and mini-horses along with the opportunity to sleep comfortably outdoors. Their horse & cow experiences do not involve riding the animals, but peacefully petting them, cuddling them, and enjoying their calm energy. Come nighttime you’ll sleep in traditional Sioux Indian Tipis, handcrafted by artisans. Enjoy your privacy while being just a short walk to the lodge, where you can use the full bathroom, lounge room, TV room, wrap-around porch, and fridge. You’re also welcome to use the large outdoor fire pit and grill.

The Woods at Bear Creek (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

A bit of a departure from the canvas tents, the Woods at Bear Creek offer something a bit sturdier by way of their glamping cabins. Tucked amongst the forests and meadows on 750 acres of land, you’ll feel the joy of a kid at summer camp—but with all the comforts you’d want as an adult. Your cabin comes with its own campfire area and covered pavilion, two separate bedrooms, and full bath facilities. There’s even AC, internet, and Direct TV. Swing by the full-service restaurant for dinner, or cook something up over an open flame. Cool off in the Olympic-sized pool, hit up the basketball courts, or take a canoe, kayak, or paddle boat out onto the water. We think you’d agree, this is way better than summer camp.

Terra Glamping (Long Island)

The Hamptons are often associated with glamour, and the glamping here is no exception. Terra Glamping offers 30 canvas tents on the beach, just a ten-minute drive from the buzzing streets with restaurants and boutiques. You’ll wake up on your queen-size memory-foam mattress and pull back the flaps to gaze out over Sag Harbor and Shelter Island (all tents have water views!). Enjoy access to hot showers and flushing toilets, nightly campfires, a dining and grilling area, continental breakfast, and the complimentary use of kayaks and paddle boards. Owners Rebecca Martin and David Levine know that people seek out glamping in order to unplug, so the absence of wifi is an intentional decision. There is cell service, however, and they do provide flashlights, lanterns, and cell phone chargers.

Collective Retreats (New York City)

You can now revel in the joy of glamping in one of the most unexpected and delightful places—Governors Island, NYC! You’ll depart from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan on ferry and land on the lush green shores of the island. There are three types of accommodations to choose from. The Summit Tent and the Outlook Shelter are both more private, with their own bathrooms with hot running water, a luxury spa soaking tub(!), and a king bed. The Journey Tents are part of a more communal experience. They’re spaced slightly closer together and share a bathroom, but are still elegant and comfortable. No matter where you sleep, enjoy fresh continental breakfast at the Three Peaks Restaurant and a one-of-a-kind view of Lady Liberty across the harbor.

If you’re thinking of taking the family or group of friends on a glamping trip this fall, start out and end your experience right and let us do the driving! With Hoyt Livery’s luxury group vehicles, you’ll have room enough for everyone, plus all your gear!

Source: iloveny.com

How will hotel rates change in 2020?

Modest Hotel Rate Increases in 2020: American Express Global Business Travel

Business travelers won’t see a big jump in hotel rate increases globally in 2020, according to a Hotel Monitor 2020 report, published by American Express Global Business Travel (GBT). Here are the key findings, courtesy of writer Janeen Christoff and travelpulse.com.

The recent study found that a global boom in hotel construction has led to an increase in supply of hotels, at the same time that international trade tensions are dampening demand from travelers, restricting the ability for hotels to raise their rates.

“Despite signs that the global economy is facing challenges, the number of people traveling for business and leisure continues to grow,” says Joakim Johansson, Vice President, Global Business Consulting at GBT. “But, in most cities, a full hotel development pipeline means this sustained level of demand will not feed into big rate rises.”

Other emerging hotel trends—more tech, less formal

The Hotel Monitor 2020 also identified several key trends with hotels. Most importantly, technology’s ability to drive change within the hotel experience.

Johansson said: “For several years, GBT has been charting the rise of the modern business traveler, who wants a more informal, flexible and digitally smart environment to work and rest. Hotel providers, both big global groups and more local chains, are responding to this need with new hotel formats or serviced apartments. Hotels need to be ready to accommodate this emerging traveler preference.

In addition to tech advancements, shared working spaces and a less formal environment are driving the transformation of traditional business hotels with a focus on lifestyle enhancements.

U.S. hotel rates will remain flat while Canada predicted to rise

Flat occupancy rates and a full pipeline of room construction is driving competition and limiting the ability to raise rates.

Canada’s relatively strong economic performance and slowing capacity growth could lead to rate increases. Chicago, San Francisco and Toronto will see the biggest increase in room rates (5 percent, 4 percent, 4 percent respectively), according to the Hotel Monitor 2020 while guest room rates in New York are expected to decrease by 3 percent.

Hotels in Europe, Middle East and Africa

The Hotel Monitor found that, in Europe, there will be a small increase in price. Uncertainties about Brexit and low growth in Europe’s main business centers as well as the global economic outlook will likely take a toll on demand.

Hotel development in the region is also at a record high with Germany leading the way and the U.K. following closely behind. London will see a further 10,000 new rooms open in 2019 and 2020.

Concerns about political and economic uncertainty have negatively impacted business travel in Central and Latin America, says the Hotel Monitor 2020. However, prices are expected to rise as demand continues to outpace growth. Hotel construction has decreased 25 percent year over year.

In the Middle East and Africa, a hotel construction boom across the Middle East, but largely focused on the United Arab Emirates, means supply will outstrip demand and lead to forecasted falls of as much as 10 percent in Doha and 8 percent in Riyadh.

The hospitality industry is growing rapidly across the Asia Pacific, with thousands of additional beds in key cities every year. Despite a capacity increase, rates are still expected to rise between 4 and 5 percent.

If you’re seeking to lower your travel costs, join Hoyt Livery’s Marquis Rewards. You’ll receive a free ride to the airport with every 10 rides, and you don’t have to keep track. Start saving and join today!

Source: TravelPulse.com

How to Get Through the Airport Faster

During the summer travel months, the country’s airports are more crowded than ever. But there are some things you can do to reduce your stress and make sure you catch your flight on time, courtesy of the TSA.

Apply for a trusted traveler program, such as TSA Pre✓®, Global Entry or NEXUS. These help expedite the boarding and security check process. To find out which trusted traveler program best suits your needs, see the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Program comparison chart.

Make sure you have proper ID, such as a driver’s license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a U.S. passport. Important: Make sure that your name matches your boarding pass. For a list of accepted IDs, see the TSA’s Identification page.

Don’t pack prohibited items. Knowing what is prohibited at the airport and on planes will help the screening process go much quicker. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. If you’re not sure what’s prohibited, check the TSA’s list of prohibited items.

Leave plenty of time. Arrive at least two (2) hours before your flight when flying domestic, and three (3) hours early when flying international. Allow for more time at larger, busier airports.

Be prepared for airport security checkpoints by having your ID and boarding pass out. Remove large electronics from bags, such as a laptop; remove 3-1-1 compliant liquid bags and consider checking your bags instead of carrying them on to save time.

Review the TSA’s liquid rule

According to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule, you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

Additional advice from a travel expert

Wall Street Journal travel writer, Scott McCartney, shares some useful travel tips he’s compiled over the years talking to travelers like you.

McCartney thinks the most important thing when going through airport security and dealing with the TSA is to be consistent and have a routine. For example, it’s very easy to end up losing your driver’s license when walking through the airport because you’re taking it out of your pocket a lot, and you may forget where you put it. His routine is to instantly put his license back in his wallet before he moves on.

When it comes to carryon baggage, make sure you put items, such as books, electronics and liquids back in the same compartment every time, so you know exactly where they are and where to unzip to get to them. He also thinks it’s good practice to put larger bags through the x-ray belt first, with the laptop being the last thing that goes through.

If you get delayed at the metal detector or body scanner, your laptop will be the last to come out, and you’ll have the laptop bag already. You don’t want to be standing there holding your shoes, laptop, etc. without a bag.

McCartney also suggests printing your boarding pass early. Here’s why: Not only does it eliminate a stop at the airline’s check-in counter — if you don’t have to check a bag — but it’s an important way to claim your seat on the flight. If you’re an infrequent flyer flying on a less expensive ticket, and the flight is overbooked, those who have not checked in are in greater danger of being bumped from the flight, if the airline has to bump somebody and can’t get enough volunteers.

Since compensation is based on the price of your ticket, airlines typically look for the cheapest tickets, and so, if you check in and claim your seat early, it makes it harder for the gate agent to bump you from the flight.

For more flying tips, visit TSA.gov. To learn about how you can receive expedited screening through TSA Pre✓®.

To make your trip to the airport quicker and less stressful, let Hoyt Livery do the driving. We’ll get you there and home again safely and on time!

https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

Travel Hacks: How to Pack Your Jewelry

Traveling with some key jewelry pieces is a great way to spruce up a limited wardrobe, but there are concerns about loss or theft.

Here are some travel hacks using everyday household items to help keep your jewelry organized, courtesy of herpackinglist.com.

Consider when packing

Leave your valuable jewelry at home, and definitely don’t bring pieces of sentimental value or emotional value that you’d be upset about losing or getting stolen. Instead, pack a few statement necklaces from your costume collection. They can dress up the most basic outfit, add a splash of color to neutral pieces and transform an ensemble from day to evening with ease.

How to pack

Here are some inexpensive items around the house to pack and secure your pieces:

  • Carabiners: You know those hooks climbers use? They can also be used to hook together bracelets or even necklaces by simply clipping them on.
  • Cling Wrap: Keep your delicate necklaces from getting tangled by laying them out on a piece of the “Press‘n Seal-style Cling Wrap (pull out a piece that’s long enough to fold over your jewelry). Fold the cling wrap over your necklaces and Press’n Seal your jewelry into place.
  • Contact lens case: These are great for keeping smaller items like stud earrings secure.
  • Craft store bead organizer or fishing tackle box: These are very useful if you’re planning on bringing multiple items; take advantage of the different size storage areas.
  • Drinking straws: A unique way to prevent your necklaces from getting tangled is to simply thread one side of the chain through a plastic straw and attach it at the other end. It keeps one side rigid and tangle-free.
  • Erasers: Keep the backs to your stud earrings from getting lost in transit by sticking them in a simple eraser like the ones from your school days.
  • Glasses cases: Use your glasses or sunglasses case for bracelets, earrings, and smaller items—but only if it closes securely.
  • Index cards: Push the posts of earrings through the cards or wind bracelets and necklaces around them.
  • Mint tins: Those empty metal mint containers make great jewelry containers. Add a few cotton balls to keep your pieces secure so they don’t bounce around inside the box.
  • O-rings: Metal ring clips that are used for crafts and school projects can also be used for rings, bracelets and necklaces. Simply open them, slip your jewelry pieces on, and pack them away.
  • Pill containers: Do you have an extra 7-day pill organizer? Use it to store rings and earrings on-the-go.
  • Safety pins: Loop your hoops or dainty necklaces through a safety pin like you would with the carabiner.
  • Styrofoam plate: Simply stick your earrings through the plate, which is best for studs and dangling earrings, then secure it under clothes in your suitcase.
  • Toilet paper roll: Use an empty toilet paper roll to loop your bracelets around it and then string your necklaces through the tube itself.
  • Travel soap dish: Store bracelets, earrings, and rings in an extra travel soap dish. It can protect everything and keep it in one place.
  • Washcloth and rubber bands: Simply line up your necklaces on a washcloth, roll them lengthwise and fold in half, adding rubber bands to each end to keep them secure.
  • Ziploc bags: If you have plenty of bags, place one item in each bag with end of the necklace zipped in the top. Rings and earrings can be placed into bags together.
  • Wine corks: Similar to erasers, use wine corks for earring backs.

Source: https://herpackinglist.com/how-to-travel-with-jewelry/

Hotels Ranked: The Best and Worst in the U.S.

If you travel often, you’ll want to know how America’s hotels ranked in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) on the best and worst hotel brands for 2019.

Here are the results, courtesy of Clark.com.

Customers less satisfied than a year ago

The ACSI Travel Report is based on interviews with more than 12,000 customers who were chosen at random and contacted via email from April 2018 to March 2019. Hotels were rated on a scale of 0 to 100.

Hilton and Marriott hotel brands still lead the way, but the study found that hotel guests are overall less satisfied than they were a year ago.

The ACSI report found that hotels are slipping in multiple aspects of customer service: making reservations, check in, staff courtesy, room quality, website/call center satisfaction, and more.

Loyalty programs, hotel amenities (pool, business center), and food service are the lowest rated parts of the guest experience.

And resolving guests’ complaints is more important than ever before, according to the ACSI. Many hotels are now using social media to quickly resolve issues that customers share online.

Results and rankings

Brand: Parent Type ACSI
Ranking
JW Marriott Marriott Luxury 84
Embassy Suites Hilton Upper Upscale 83
Fairfield Inn
& Suites		 Marriott Upper Midscale 83
Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Upscale 82
Marriott Hilton Marriott Upper Scale 81
Crowne Plaza
Hotels & Resorts		 InterContinental Upscale 81
Courtyard Marriott Upscale 81
Best Western
Premier		 Best Western Upscale 81
Holiday Inn
Express		 InterContinental Upper Midscale 80
Hampton Hilton Upper Midscale 79
Hilton Hotels
& Resorts		 Hilton Upper Upscale 79
AC Hotels Marriott Upscale 79
Residence Inn Marriott Upscale 79
Hyatt Regency Hyatt Upper Upscale 79
Double Tree Hilton Upscale 78
Best Western Best Western Midscale 77
Best Western
Plus		 Best Western Upper Midscale 77
Sheraton Marriott Upper Upscale 77
Hyatt Place Hyatt Upscale 77
Wyndham Hotels
& Resorts		 Wyndham Upscale 76
Comfort Inn,
Comfort Suites		 Choice Upper Midscale 76
Westin Marriott Upper Upscale 76
Holiday Inn InterContinental Upper Midscale 75
La Quinta Inns
& Suites		 La Quinta
(Wyndham)		 Midscale 74
Quality Choice Upper Midscale 73
Baymont Wyndham Midscale 72
Ramada Wyndham Midscale 71
Days Inn Wyndham Economy 68
Econo Lodge Choice Economy 67
Super 8 Wyndham Economy 65
Motel 6 G6 Hospitality Economy 63
Source: Clark.com

Pack Smarter: Flight Attendants Share Baggage Packing Tips

If you fly regularly, you know the annoyance of having to check bags, especially if you have to pay extra for them.

Even worse is getting to your destination, tired and jet lagged, and realizing your luggage didn’t make it to the baggage claim. The carry-on bag helps you avoid these frustrations, but it can also be frustrating to try and fit everything you’ll need on your trip.

What flight attendants and frequent fliers have known for years is that with the right bag and some smart packing techniques, you can cruise through security, onto the plane and out of the airport with ease.

First, get a good carry-on bag.

It’s called a 22″ spinner carry-on bag. It’s the bag you see speedily rolling behind many pilots and flight attendants as they make their way to their next gate. Look for a sturdy, well-designed but lightweight bag with roomy pockets and a wide wheelbase. Spinner carry-ons get their name because of their four wheels. Bags with four wheels are easier to move around than those with just two. Airlines require carry-on bags that are small enough to fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. Maximum size limits are typically 22″ long x 14″ wide x 9″ tall and 40 pounds. That’s why the 22″ spinner is a popular carry-on size. Most airlines allow you to carry on one small bag plus one personal item, including a laptop, purse or briefcase as long as it doesn’t exceed 36″ total and fits under the seat in front of you.

Understand what you can pack.

While you’re allowed to carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on bag, there are restrictions you must be aware of before you pack. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website, all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in 3.4 ounce (100ml) or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or rolled up are not allowed. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. For more details about what you can carry on an airplane, visit TSA.gov/311.

Utilize all the space.

The key to maximizing space in a 22″ spinner carry-on is to roll your clothes into “tubes” instead of folding and stacking them like in a store. Rolling saves space and also helps prevent wrinkles. It’s also easier to select what you want to wear from your bag without unpacking the whole thing. Roll several items together to prevent more wrinkles. Don’t pack them in the carry-on bag as soon as you roll them. Once all the clothes are rolled, stand the carry-on up and pack heavier things such as shoes and books first at the wheel-end of the case so they don’t move around and crush the other items. One flight attendant claims she can pack clothes for 10 days by rolling instead of folding them. Another advocates the use of vacuum space saver bags.

Wear your nice, and harder to pack clothes and shoes on the plane. They won’t wrinkle or take up space in your carry-on. Even if you’re able to pack everything you want in the bag, keep in mind the typical 40-pound weight limit.