Waiting for your flight may just have become more bareable

There is nothing easy about trying to grab a few hours’ sleep between connecting flights on those uncomfortable airport chairs, where plastic armrests and wafer thin foam pads hinder any chance of comfort. Combined with the drone of security and boarding announcement, excited children and stressed parents (not to mention the sounds and smells coming from the person next to you) it’s usually a long, trying and uncomfortable wait before you are able to board your flight for yet more insufficient rest.
While some airport terminals do have connecting hotels where you can gather a few hours of contented rest (probably the only time most of us would consider paying for a hotel by the hour), the rates are usually too steep for most to consider this an option.

An affordable solution is on the horizon however and may be coming to an airport (or even train or bus station) near you.

The Sleep Box is a budget friendly, compact hotel room featuring a modest 4sq meters of space, with single bed and a lockable door so weary travelers are able to grab a little rest in peace and security.

There are no en suite facilities and with just a plug needed to connect the rooms’ electricity, units are entirely mobile (think small garden shed with a bed inside) and can be installed in any space, without the need for extensive renovations or remodeling, making this new innovation not only practical but very affordable.

They are gradually being seen in hotels, hostels and even offices (for overworked employees) around Europe with plans to introduce these to the USA in 2012.

Prices range depending on location but are typically around $50 per night or $15 an hour for those in airport terminals.

Photo Credit: SleepBox

This time of year, most people yearn for the warm weather getaway. But perhaps you’d like to do something more memorable and unique? How about a stay at a hotel made of ice?

The Hôtel de Glace is now accepting reservations in Quebec, Canada. Located about 10 minutes from downtown Quebec City, this hotel is getting ready for its short 2012 season. And when I say getting ready, I mean it’s actually getting built. Due to the fact that the entire hotel is made of ice, it can only exist during the coldest times of a Quebec winter and must be rebuilt every year from scratch.

In addition to building and designing the hotel, each season brings a new theme to the hotel. This year is dedicated to the First Nations of Northern Quebec, the native Canadian people of the region.

The Hôtel de Glace will be open from January 6th until March 25, 2012. For $199 CAD per person, double occupancy, you’ll get a room with a Nordic style sleeping bag to stay warm in and breakfast, plus access to hotel amenities. But you’re better off going with one of the packages, starting at $399.50 CAD per person, which also includes a companion room for the evening at the nearby Four Points by Sheraton Quebec, as well as dinner at the Four Points.

Why book a room for the same night at both hotels? Well, rooms at the Hôtel de Glace do not have bathrooms due to the inability to have plumbing at the ice hotel. Also, the temps may fall below the ability to sleep in your ice room, even with the special sleeping bags.

You can book online or by phone at 877-505-0423 directly with the Hôtel de Glace.

[Image courtesy of Hôtel de Glace/xdachez.com]

Canada's Echo Valley Ranch

Imagine where you could go for $10

Want to know what it’s like to be waited on at an all-inclusive resort in Los Cabos, Mexico? Perhaps you’d prefer to go horseback riding in the Cariboo region of Canada followed with a Thai massage in the afternoon? Imagine if you had a chance at either of these prizes and it only cost you $10 bucks?  That’s right – $10 dollars. Last year someone won a seven day Norwegian Coastal Voyage for two aboard the Hurtigruten ship for $10.  Any of these travel prizes could be yours with some luck at a raffle and a $10 donation to Passports with Purpose.

Passports with Purpose is celebrating their fourth year of fund raising for a cause. I’m pleased to say that this Uptake Lodging Editor and What a Trip travel blogger has supported Passports with Purpose from the start and I continue to be involved in 2011.

Last year we raised $58,132. in support of Land for Tilers’ Freedom or LAFTI, an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Dalit (untouchable) population in India.

This year, more than 100 travel bloggers from around the world will participate in Passports with Purpose 2011.

Together, with your support, we plan to build two libraries in Zambia, Africa. This year, we’re supporting Room to Read.

Passport with Purpose Prizes

To see a list of prizes on the Passports With Purpose website. Each donated prize will link back to a full description of the prizes on the blogger’s website.

Your purchase of a $10 raffle ticket will help support Passports with Purpose and ultimately build two libraries in Africa. For each $10 in donations that you make  to Room to Read, you will will be entered to win a prize (or prizes) of your choice. The fundraiser begins on November 30th and closes on December 16, 2011. All proceeds go directly to Room to Read.

Secrets Marquis Los Cabos

Secrets Marquis Los Cabos

Secrets Marquis Los Cabos is donating three nights/four days in a Junior Suite with ocean view for two, in addition to dinner for two with one bottle of Marquis wine.  Additionally, Luxury Avenue is donating a private shopping tour of Luxury Avenue with a welcome bag and $1,000 peso gift card (value of approximately $85 USD depending on the exchange rate when redeemed.)
The suggested retail value of this Secrets Marquis Los Cabos package is $2,085. Thank you Secrets Marquis Los Cabos and Luxury Avenue for your generous donation.  Read my review of Marquis Los Cabos.

Echo Valley Ranch and Spa

Echo Valley Ranch and Spa is donating a three night/four day Experience Package. The suggested retail value of this Echo Valley Ranch and Spa package is $5,100 Canadian dollars with all fees/taxes. Thank you Echo Valley Ranch and Spa for your $5,100 Canadian dollar donation. Read my review of Echo Valley Ranch and Spa here.

Article written by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Villa Dallavalle Bed and Breakfast, Silverton, Colorado

Hundreds of  B&Bs across the United States and Canada are offering veterans a free night stay for two this Thursday, Nov. 10 with the ability to add on another night for a discounted rate.

Free B&B stay promotion for Vets

Although some of the inns are already booked, a quick browse through Better Way to Stay, a campaign devoted to turning travelers into B&B lodgers, and the organization coordinating  B&B for Vets, shows many availabilities.

Here are 10 of the still available. Each offer a slice of  history and some offer veterans discounts year round.

• Weaverville Hotel:  Weaverville, California. A stay here is a chance to take in the history of a Gold Rush town.
• Waldo Emerson Inn: Kennebunk, Maine. The inn is in Kennebunk’s oldest remaining house.
• Villa Dallavalle Bed and Breakfast: Silverton, Colorado. This once boarding house built in 1901 was home to miners who came to Silverton to seek their fortunes. Silverton is simply wonderful. Go.
• Victorian Lace Inn: Cape May, New Jersey. This gorgeous inn was built in 1869 and is just one block from the beach.
• Trumble House Bed and Breakfast: Hanover, New Hampshire. Built in 1919, a stay here means R&R on 16 acres near Dartmouth College and the Appalachian Trail.
• The Swan and the Peacock Bed and Breakfast: Ayr, Ontario, Canada. Built in 1924, this inn is filled with antiques and puts on Murder Mystery Events.  Guests are part of this interactive
  

  The Swan and Peacock Bed and Breakfast hosts Murder Mystery Events

  game.

• Rookwood Inn: Lenox, Massachusetts. Located in the Berkshires, this expansive inn started out as a tavern in 1825.
• Fassitt Mansion: Gap, Pennsylvania. This 19th century Gothic mansion, built in 1845 was the backdrop to lavish parties and has an Underground Railroad connection. Located in Lancaster County, a stay here is an opportunity to learn about the Amish whose farms are close by.
• Covered Bridge Bed and Breakfast: Philippi, West Virgina. This B&B is a National Landmark home located near the site of the first Civil War land battle and the only covered bridge still in use on a federal highway.
• The Columns of Tunica: Tunica, Mississippi. The first owner, Captain J.W. Henderson served in the Spanish-American War. His Colonial Revival home was completed in 1920 and has gone through several ownerships since. The beauty of the place has remained and offers guests Southern hospitality and charm.

Weaverville Hotel is one of the many still with Veteran's Day deals

For more B&Bs offering veterans a free stay, click here. There are several more.  I stopped browsing on Page 10 of 52 and look at the bounty I found. Besides, a look-see is a trip across the United States with a dip into Canada.

If you are planning to take advantage of this Veterans Day promotion, book through each inn. You may have to show proof of your veteran’s status.

Enjoy your stay and thanks all you veterans for your service.  One of my nephews is currently in Navy Seals training.

Related Posts:

• 13 Places to Honor American Veterans
• Unexpected Attractions in Every Town: War Memorials

Photos courtesy of Weaverville Hotel; Villa Dallavalle Bed and Breakfast and Better Way to Stay