Wednesday, August 31, 2011

When You Can’t Travel - How to Handle A Weekend of “Down Time” from an Ever-Moving Individual

LDPR's Lorianne Lacey gets creative when her "on-the-go" life is suddenly paused.

I’ll admit it. I have a case of S-P-A – stay-put anxiety. It’s times like the recent “hunker down” orders during the anticipation of Hurricane Irene that reinforces why I chose to live in such a bustling, non-stop city and promote travel for a living.

If you’re like me, the threat of having the MTA suspended, shows canceled, restaurants closed, and losing electricity can give you almost as much anxiety as a hurricane itself. It’s Newton’s Law: An object that is in motion will not change its velocity unless an unbalanced force acts upon it. Irene, for many of us – you were that unbalanced act!

Here are tips from an ever-in-motion individual for handling a case of S-P-A:
  • Charge all devices! That Netflix DVD that’s been sitting on your coffee table for the past few weeks suddenly gets incredibly more appealing.
  • Break out the old board games! This weekend I relived some old-fashioned fun by playing Checkers, Chess – and who knew a game of Sorry! could be so entertaining?!
  • Organize, organize, organize! Tasks such as cleaning out a closet for clothes to donate or adding photos to an album are much more enticing without other 21st century distractions (and it’s great to have these off your plate when there are more exciting things to do).
  • Do some creative “cooking.” What can you use from your fridge before you potentially lose power, and what can you create with your non-perishable items?
  • Write letters. Yes. On paper. With a pen. Friends will smile, I guarantee it.
  • Actually CALL people on the telephone. I was amazed when staying with my boyfriend’s parents how often their land line was ringing. As someone who doesn’t even have a land line anymore and uses her phone about 90 % of the time to text, it was refreshing to hear such an influx of phone conversations.
  • Last but not least (and my personal favorite) – plan your next vacation. (Of course, feel free to check out www.ldpr.com for some inspirational ideas!) Sometimes when you have down time it’s nice to think about the places you’d love to go, and explore the possibilities of getting there. I thought of a few new spots to add to my personal travel list (Maldives, Portugal, and the Carolinas).

All in all, I consider myself very fortunate that the results of this storm were limited to my case of S-P-A. My heart goes out to all those who experienced loss and damage. I hope that you fared well this weekend and stayed as dry as possible!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Enjoy a FREE three-day photography workshop in Grand Teton National Park!


Channel your inner photographer while surrounded by some of the most beautiful and stunning vistas on earth with the complimentary Jenny Lake Lodge Photography and Film Workshop in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. From September 27-30, 2011 along with the luxurious Jenny Lake Lodge inclusions, guests of the lodge will receive photography and film guidance from two industry professionals at no additional cost. Guests can call Jenny Lake Lodge Reservations at 1-307-733-4647 to reserve a room and sign up for the workshop. Topics to be covered include camera operations, composition, lenses, filters, daylight photography tips, flash photography, action photography, portrait photography, using digital darkrooms and more. Any camera or video is allowed (DLSR Cameras are preferred). The guide to student ratio is guaranteed to be at least one to six.

Guests at Jenny Lake Lodge September 27-30, 2011 receive:
  • Deluxe accommodations at the Four-Diamond Jenny Lake Lodge
  • Participation in the three-day photography and film workshop
  • Daily breakfast in the Jenny Lake Lodge Restaurant
  • Five-course nightly dinner at the Jenny Lake Lodge Restaurant
  • Horseback riding
  • Use of cruiser bicycles
Rates start $620 per night based on double occupancy. For detailed information please visit: Jenny Lake Lodge Photography & Film Workshop.

Slip Back in Time and Celebrate with a Speakeasy Getaway at Hotel Jerome, A RockResort


Hotel Jerome, A RockResort in Aspen, Colorado has just launched one of Colorado’s hottest new bachelorette party locations, Established. With the combination of the mountain and being in the heart of some of the country’s best shopping, it is sure to draw ladies looking for a chic weekend away.

Check-into Hotel Jerome in Aspen for a weekend of old-world sophistication combined with a fun and exciting “something new.” Sip on prohibition-style cocktails, like the Aspen Crud at the hotel’s ever-popular J-Bar, before heading up to the new speakeasy-inspired Established nightclub. New to the Aspen nightlife scene, Established has quickly become a Saturday night hotspot with Aspen’s own DJ Cerius.

Established is a welcome addition to Aspen, as it is the first and only nightclub of its kind that does not require membership for admission – ideal for ladies seeking a weekend away.

After a night on the dance floor, ladies can unwind at the Aspen Club & Spa. Hotel Jerome offers guests membership club privileges at this private 77,000 square foot fitness and relaxation oasis.

Hotel Jerome is located in the heart of downtown Aspen, where guests can enjoy great outdoor activities, shopping, world-class dining, and nightlife. http://hoteljerome.rockresorts.com/

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Sanctuary Retreats Reopen Sanctuary Kusini with a Special Offer


Sanctuary Kusini, the only permanent, tented camp in Tanzania’s remote region of the southern Serengeti, reopened in July 2011 following an extensive renovation.

Retaining the classic safari atmosphere that Sanctuary Kusini is known for, and with the utmost consideration for the surrounding environment, the main guest areas have been rebuilt. Updates include a new, tented dining area, reception area (now offering internet access), a bush boutique and an extended deck looking over the central fire pit and views of the surrounding plains. Each of the twelve guest tents have been replaced and doubled in size offering 500 square-feet of tented accommodation. The en suite bathroom facilities have been redesigned with twin basins installed in each and the private verandas have been enlarged to provide the perfect vantage point to enjoy the expansive plains below.


To celebrate, Sanctuary Retreats is offering a “Special Opening Offer” available for travel through December 15, 2011.


Special Opening Offer:

· Book a four-night safari in Tanzania, with two nights at Sanctuary Kusini and two nights at Sanctuary Swala, and in celebration of the camp’s re-opening, the second night at Sanctuary Kusini is free!
· Represents a savings of up to $1,500 per couple.
· Valid for new bookings only, with travel from July 1 through December 15, 2011.
· All-inclusive rates are $520 per person per night based on double occupancy.

Follow Sanctuary Retreats on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook for updates, deals and fun facts!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Residence Inn by Marriott Celebrates – Moms Night Out!

New York
Over the past month, Residence Inn by Marriott and LDPR have had the privilege to be in the company of top mommy media from coast to coast. Starting in New York City on July 18, with a second event on July 25, the extended stay brand invited influential moms and family press to spend a night at Residence Inn New York Times Square. This was a great opportunity for the moms to become familiar with the brand’s family-friendly amenities, enjoy a night out on the town and then a day of fun-filled activities.

July 18 group in front of Residence Inn New York Times Square

July 25 group in Centro Vinoteca during Foods of NY Tour

The moms were welcomed with a cocktail reception and then got the chance to see all the hotel has to offer for families on the road – from spacious suites to free hot breakfast and a full size laundry room on-site. The group was certainly impressed and excited about the free WiFi and suites with kitchen space and refrigerators. For moms traveling with young children and kids with allergies this is a huge perk.

After a night out on the town, the moms enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep, leaving everyone relaxed and refreshed! The morning began bright and early with a workout in Bryant Park, followed by Residence Inn’s signature free hot breakfast and a lively roundtable discussion on family travel.

Next, the group headed downtown for the Foods of NY original Greenwich Village culinary tour and they were in for quite a treat. The first stop was the famous Joe’s Pizza, where everyone folded their slice and dug in. Other tour highlights included a stop at Olive & Co. for a honey and truffle salt combo that had everyone swooning, a tasty treat at Milk & Cookies bakery (note: they are famous for their homemade ice-cream sandwiches) and a stop at the famous Murray’s cheese!

After a day of walking in the summer sunshine, it was time for some much needed pampering and cool down at Dashing Divas where everyone was treated to pedicures.

Thank you to all of our New York attendees!


Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego
LDPR’s Meredith Phares headed to the West Coast to San Diego for the third leg of Residence Inn’s moms celebration for the “Recharging Moms” event at the beautiful Residence Inn Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter property. The event followed the popular BlogHer conference and was designed to give moms a chance to relax and recharge after the busy conference days. The San Diego Residence Inn provided the perfect backdrop for an overnight getaway, complete with sunny weather and a rooftop pool! After the moms had the chance to unwind and lounge at the hotel, they headed to the marina for a sunset sail.

The boat docked at the chic Bali Hai restaurant, where everyone enjoyed a delicious meal before happily settling into their Residence Inn beds for a relaxing evening.

August 7 group enjoying a sunset sail in San Diego

An early morning yoga session on the rooftop deck started the day before the moms enjoyed a complimentary breakfast buffet, followed by a roundtable discussion to close out their visit.

Thank you to all of our San Diego attendees!


Residence Inn by Marriott is committed to celebrating moms and making family travel as easy and convenient as possible. Residence Inn gave out 50,000 roses to mothers on Mother’s Day and recently honored their first ever “Resident Mom” Holly Robinson Peete.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Back By Popular Demand! RockResorts/Vail Resorts 96-Hour Sale Returns!


Rates are headed downhill for ski enthusiasts! Starting Sunday, August 28, RockResorts and Vail Resort Hospitality will open up the exclusive 96-Hour Sale to the public, just in time for fall and winter travel plans. There are plenty of options for booking your winter vacation in advance – at a steal – in Colorado or Wyoming (Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Aspen and Jackson Hole) with rates starting at just $96 for travel through April 30, 2012.


Experience elegant accommodations and thrill-seeking winter adventures with access to some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding. If you want to prolong your summer tan or temperature, RockResorts properties in St. Lucia, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Miami, Santa Fe and Jamaica are also participating in this limited-time sale. To find out more on each property, visit www.RockResorts.com.

The 96-Hour Sale starts at 12:00am midnight (Mountain Standard Time) on Sunday, August 28. Bookings must be made online, ONLY at www.RockResorts.com/96Hour by Wednesday, August 31. Offer is good for travel through April 30, 2012. Based on availability. Blackout dates apply. Offer is valid for new bookings only, and cannot be combined with any other offers. All reservations booked through the 96-hour sale are non-refundable.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

LDPR Internship Opportunity!

LDPR is seeking an intern to assist with writing press releases, research, reporting, media lists, editorial calendars and distributing press materials. The position requires the following:
  • Completion of a minimum of two full years of college in pursuit of a PR, journalism, communications or related degree
  • Some PR coursework or experience
  • Strong organizational, oral and written communications skills
  • High level of dependability, maturity and professionalism

We seek an intern for 2-5 days per week (9 AM to 5 PM) from September 2011 through January 2012. The internship is unpaid but offers a stipend to cover public transportation expenses to and from work.

For more information, contact info@ldpr.com

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The World at Your Fingertips: Abercrombie & Kent Unveils World of A&K App for iPad®


It’s not where you take your iPad, but where your iPad takes you. Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has developed a free travel application http://www.abercrombiekent.com/ipad for iPad that delivers a choice of inspiring experiences combined with the ability to explore a destination more in depth and share “wish list” trips.

The World of A&K app opens with an invitation from Abercrombie & Kent founder Geoffrey Kent to “explore the world with A&K.” The home page features a mosaic of experiences that extends beyond the screen in all directions, inviting the user to dig deeper into each destination. Tiles along the top allow users to easily navigate according to their travel interests: Exotic Adventures, Family Travel, Culture & History and Nature & Wildlife. By tapping an image, the user is transported directly into the experience. Interspersed throughout the mosaics are 26 inspiring :60- to :90-second “Virtual Visits” designed to provide an immersive experience. The experiential, day-in-the-life approach blends vivid imagery and authentic audio (such as penguins chattering in the background) to capture the sights and sounds of each destination. The World of A&K app invites users to create a personalized travel map by flagging all the countries they have visited -- and marking those on their wish list. These can be exported to Google Earth, which provides a satellite tour of each destination. The new app also enables viewers to share images, videos or ravel maps with Facebook friends and Twitter followers or create and send an e-mail postcard.

For those eager to explore the World of A&K but don’t have an iPad, Abercrombie & Kent is giving away an iPad a day on Twitter, from Wednesday, August 3 to Friday, August 5. Follow @AKTravel_USA for your chance to win.

iPad® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Just Back From... Vail!

LDPR's Dana Curatolo and Lorianne Lacey just returned from a press trip exploring Vail, Colorado.

Last week, Lorianne Lacey and
I hosted a press trip with eleven fantastic media and experienced what #VailSummer is all about. This mountain town served as a breath of fresh air (literally) - following a record-breaking heatwave here in NYC. In addition to the open air, other findings proved why Vail is so much more than a world-renowned ski destination:

  • Fresh, organic, local food is everywhere —especially at RockResorts like The Lodge at Vail, Arrabelle at Vail Square and The Osprey at Beaver Creek. All properties participate in RockResorts and Vail Resorts' “Appetite for Life” program, which implements the use of sustainable ingredients in all food & beverage operations. Indigenous menu items like elk were served up on The Patio at The Arrabelle at Vail Square (accompanied by a local beer of course), as well as organic corn and scallop tamales from award-winning Chef Michael Wilganowski of The Osprey at Beaver Creek. Visitors looking to score some local produce must pay a visit to The Vail Farmer’s Market (Sundays through September 26; 10am – 3:30pm).

  • Whitewater rafting, horseback riding, Top of The Mountain Tours, hot-air ballooning, mountain biking and hiking are among the most popular activities in Vail. If you’re not much of a thrill seeker – take advantage of free Summertime Community Yoga (courtesy of Vail Athletic Club), which takes place near the lawn in Vail Village (every Saturday and Sunday in July & August; 8:15 – 9:30am). Lorianne and I opted out of yoga and hit some serious rapids instead... :)


  • In need of a place to wind-down following all of those activitiesThe Lodge at Vail, A RockResort, was the perfect place. Mickey’s Piano Bar for a late-night tune and night-cap is recommended. Another great leisurely activity was heading to Sunday's Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, where The New York Philarharmonic performed live at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.


  • Speaking of relaxing – The RockResorts Spa at The Arrabelle at Vail Square was a welcome addition to a weekend in the mountains. Experiencing the Ultimate Body Bliss Scrub, Hot Honey Foot Treatments and Fruit & Spice Body Peel were a few favorites. What a treat!

Inspired by our recent mountain experience? Head to RockResorts.com or Vail.com to learn more. To keep up with social media buzz via Twitter, follow: @LodgeatVail, @ArrabelleVail, @VailMtn, @RockResorts/@RockResortsNews


LDPR

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For over 20 years LDPR has guided some of the world’s most prestigious travel brands through an evolving media landscape with creativity, professionalism and enthusiasm. We are a highly driven and innovative travel and lifestyle public relations agency based in New York City with a global roster of clients from destinations and tour companies to exclusive private islands, hotels and resorts. Our unique culture is defined by our collaborative and strategic approach to working with clients, media and our staff, leading to a strong partnership with measurable results.