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<title>Road &amp; Travel Magazine's Blog</title>
<link>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/</link>
<description>The RTM Blog caters to women about all things related to travel, automotive and personal safety 'on the road' issues and interests.</description>
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<title>Three Exotic Spa Resorts You'll Never Want to Leave</title>
<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel/~3/VkWn2_UzoWM/three-exotic-spa-resorts-youll-never-want-to-leave.html</link>
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<description>St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort (California): This Tuscan-style resort filled with natural light and water fountains is set on an Oceanside bluff between Los Angeles and San Diego. It features Spa Gaucin, which offers brilliant packages such as the Wine...</description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011572030fd4970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="Spapsps" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011572030fd4970b " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011572030fd4970b-200wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px; WIDTH: 160px" /></a> <a href="http://www.spafinder.com/Spa/1109-St_Regis_Monarch_Beach_Resort_The-Dana_Point-California-United_States"><font color="#800080" face="Verdana">St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort</font></a><font face="Verdana"> (California): This Tuscan-style resort filled with natural light and water fountains is set on an Oceanside bluff between Los Angeles and San Diego. It features Spa Gaucin, which offers brilliant packages such as the Wine Escape package, Mediterranean Meltaway, Couples’ Packages, and Bridal Boot Camp. A la carte treatments range from traditional massages to Kate Somerville facials. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Best for:</strong> Brides-to-be, Specific Packages </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Verdana"></font></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&#0160;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="http://www.spafinder.com/Spa/8762-Arion_Resort_Spa-Athens-Greece"><font color="#800080" face="Verdana">Arion Resort &amp; Spa</font></a><font face="Verdana"> (Athens, Greece): On the shore of the Aegean Sea, the Arion Resort &amp; Spa is part of a five-star resort enclave located on a private peninsula, 16 miles south of Athens. Treatments like the signature Mediterranean Greek Orange Fruit Deep Hydration Envelopment, and an assortment of massages includes Swedish, Thai, aromatherapy, and reflexology. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Best for:</strong> A wide selection of massages, Elegant Greek Experience</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Verdana"></font></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&#0160;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="http://www.spafinder.com/Spa/6441-Fiesta_Americana_Condesa_Cancun-Cancun_Quintana_Roo-Mexico"><font color="#800080" face="Verdana">Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun</font></a><font face="Verdana">: Upon arrival, guests are shown to a three-story, palapa-style lobby that exemplifies the hotel&#39;s distinctive, exotic design scheme. Lagoon-style infinity pools connected by a waterfall enhance the jungle ambiance. The Miiluma Spa fuses traditional Mexican healing approaches with spa techniques from around the world. Signature treatments like the Coconut Experience, Exotic Chocolate Wrap, and Rain Shower Body Scrub integrate flavorful elements of the surrounding landscape. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana"><strong>Best for:</strong> Exotic Atmosphere, Natural Treatments </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana"></font>&#0160;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/spas/index.htm">Click here</a> for spa reviews from RTM. </font></p>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel?a=VkWn2_UzoWM:P8srvel13Cg:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel?i=VkWn2_UzoWM:P8srvel13Cg:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel?a=VkWn2_UzoWM:P8srvel13Cg:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel?i=VkWn2_UzoWM:P8srvel13Cg:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel?a=VkWn2_UzoWM:P8srvel13Cg:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a>
</div>]]></content:encoded>


<category>Spas &amp; Resorts</category>

<dc:creator>Courtney Caldwell</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>

<feedburner:origLink>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/three-exotic-spa-resorts-youll-never-want-to-leave.html</feedburner:origLink></item>
<item>
<title>The World's Best Luxury Resorts</title>
<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel/~3/k6uecQFRZ5s/the-worlds-best-luxury-resorts.html</link>
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<description>Bathed in beauty and peddling in pure decadence, these international resorts have garnered acclaim as being rated the world's top hotels, hosting the exquisitely elite and daydreamers among all of us. From fine dining to first-class accommodations to outrageous spa...</description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;"><font face="Verdana">Bathed in beauty and peddling in pure decadence, these international resorts have garnered acclaim as being rated the world&#39;s top hotels, hosting the exquisitely elite and daydreamers among all of us. From fine dining to first-class accommodations to outrageous spa pampering, these resorts have it all.</font></span></p>
<p><font face="Verdana"><strong><span style="COLOR: #65576f; mso-fareast-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e8388340115710e60b8970c-pi" style="FLOAT: left"><img alt="Topresorts-pic-4seasons" border="0" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e8388340115710e60b8970c " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e8388340115710e60b8970c-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 5px 5px 0px" title="Topresorts-pic-4seasons" /></a> Four Seasons Punta Mita (Mexico) : </p></span></strong><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;">On Mexico’s west coast, Punta Mita is one of the area’s best spots for scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing. The Four Seasons Punta Mita is&#0160;on the northern tip of one of the Pacific Coast’s largest natural white sand bays.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;">&#0160;</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><font face="Verdana"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><font face="Verdana"></font><font color="#65576f"><span class="style391"><strong><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e8388340115720302bd970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="Topresorts-pic-villadesta" border="0" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e8388340115720302bd970b " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e8388340115720302bd970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="Topresorts-pic-villadesta" /></a> <font face="Verdana">Villa d’Este (Lake Como, Italy) : </font></strong></span></font><font face="Verdana"><span class="style341">Less than an hour from Milan by car, Villa d’Este sits amidst the flowers, terraces, fountains and gardens of a lovely park overlooking Italy’s famed Lake Como. The Villa exudes nothing short of pure, decadent European elegance</span> – and there’s a heated swimming pool floating atop the lake.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;"><o:p><strong><span style="COLOR: #65576f; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"></span></strong></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;"><o:p><strong><span style="COLOR: #65576f; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011572030471970b-pi" style="FLOAT: left"><img alt="Topresorts-pic-esper" border="0" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011572030471970b " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011572030471970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 5px 5px 0px" title="Topresorts-pic-esper" /></a> Esperanza (Los Cabos, Mexico): </p></span></strong><span class="style341"><font face="Verdana">Situated on the Sea of Cortez, Esperanza’s casually elegant Baja style runs throughout the resort’s oceanview casitas and luxe suites. Featuring a spa, art gallery, private beach, boutique, yoga studio and gourmet dining, Esperanza envelopes every guest within the perfectly pampered environment, leaving little reason to venture off the property. </font></span></o:p></span>
<p></p>
<p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span class="style341"><font face="Verdana">Continue reading <a href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/luxurytravel/2007/luxury-resorts.htm">here</a>. </font></span></p></p></p>
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</div>]]></content:encoded>


<category>Hotels &amp; Resorts</category>

<dc:creator>Courtney Caldwell</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>

<feedburner:origLink>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/the-worlds-best-luxury-resorts.html</feedburner:origLink></item>
<item>
<title>How to Fly First Class For No More Than Coach</title>
<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel/~3/1IuZllUDd9Q/how-to-fly-first-class-for-no-more-than-coach.html</link>
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<description>Fly first class for no more than coach? Not only is it possible, such fares are available all the time, says Unpublished Airfare Analyst Matthew Bennett. Bennett, also known as "Mr. Upgrade," has launched a web site that posts free...</description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e8388340115710e482a970c-pi" style="FLOAT: left"><img alt="First class" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e8388340115710e482a970c " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e8388340115710e482a970c-200wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 5px 5px 0px; WIDTH: 200px" /></a> Fly first class for no more than coach? Not only is it possible, such fares are available all the time, says Unpublished </font><a class="kLink" href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/luxurytravel/2005/firstclassflyer.htm#" id="KonaLink0" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" oncontextmenu="return false;" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" target="_top"><font color="black" size="2" style="FONT-WEIGHT: 400; COLOR: black! important; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; POSITION: static"><span class="kLink" style="FONT-WEIGHT: 400; COLOR: black! important; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; POSITION: relative">Airfare</span></font></a><font face="Verdana"> Analyst Matthew Bennett. Bennett, also known as &quot;Mr. Upgrade,&quot; has launched a web site that posts free and low-cost upgrade deals on dozens of domestic and international </font><a class="kLink" href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/luxurytravel/2005/firstclassflyer.htm#" id="KonaLink1" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,1);" oncontextmenu="return false;" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,1);" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,1);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" target="_top"><font color="black" size="2" style="FONT-WEIGHT: 400; COLOR: black! important; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; POSITION: static"><span class="kLink" style="FONT-WEIGHT: 400; COLOR: black! important; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; POSITION: relative">airlines</span></font></a><font face="Verdana"> — </font><a href="http://www.firstclassflyer.com/"><font color="#826a5b" face="Verdana" pobqp="0" yvxgr="0">firstclassflyer.com</font></a><font face="Verdana">. &quot;Since first and business class travelers represent less than 20 percent of the total airline passenger market, not much has been done to identify these little-known offers,&quot; said Mr. Upgrade. &quot;Our job at <a href="http://www.firstclassflyer.com/"><font color="#826a5b" pobqp="0" yvxgr="0">firstclassflyer.com</font></a> is to continually research all those elusive specials. They&#39;re available — if you know where to look. If there&#39;s a deal out there that will get our subscribers an upgrade, we&#39;ll find it.&quot;</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana">First Class Flyer&#39;s paid subscription service&#0160;will have you sitting pretty, knowing you booked the best seats and value for your money.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana">For more air travel advice, visit RTM&#39;s <a href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/airlines/airlinerules.htm">Airline Rules</a> Section.</font></p>
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</div>]]></content:encoded>


<category>Luxury Travel</category>

<dc:creator>Courtney Caldwell</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>

<feedburner:origLink>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/how-to-fly-first-class-for-no-more-than-coach.html</feedburner:origLink></item>
<item>
<title>Hotel Safety Tips for Business Travel or Vacation</title>
<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel/~3/VQWQeVolDLU/hotel-safety-tips-for-business-travel-or-vacation.html</link>
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<description>More than one billion travelers stay at U.S. hotels every year. While most enjoy pleasant vacations and business trips, some fall victim to theft, burglary and even assault, crimes that several hotel security veterans say may rise during a recession...</description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571fe2e7f970b-pi" style="float: right;"><img alt="19299321" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011571fe2e7f970b " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571fe2e7f970b-200wi" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px; width: 160px;" /></a> More than one billion travelers stay at U.S. hotels every year.
While most enjoy pleasant vacations and business trips, some fall victim to
theft, burglary and even assault, crimes that several hotel security veterans
say may rise during a recession as hotels cut employee hours and possibly
security staff. “When traveling, people tend to be more attractive to thieves
looking for easy targets and hotel security is usually the last thing on
travelers’ minds as they check in to a hotel. But security and safety should be
a concern for anyone staying in a hotel this summer,” </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">says Jack Feingold,
Vice President of <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.adt.com/"><span style="color: blue;">ADT Security Services</span></a>. To avoid becoming a victim
of criminals or injured in an emergency, vacationers need to pay close
attention to safety and security in their surroundings. </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>



<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">To reduce the risk of crime or injury during a hotel stay, </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">travelers should<span style="color: black;"> follow these safety tips:</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>



<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: black;"><span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none;"></span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">Avoid rooms with ground- or second-level
windows.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"> When possible, choose a room between the third and sixth floors.
Rooms on these floors are high enough to discourage access from the street, yet
are within reach of most fire-department ladders.</span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"></span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">Remember to always close and lock your door.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"> Make it
a habit to use all locks, including the deadbolt and chain. If you choose to
stay in a room that faces pools or beach areas, make sure your sliding doors
and windows have sturdy locks. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: black;"><span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none;"> </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">Park in well-lit areas and as close to the hotel
as possible</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">. Many hotel thefts take place in parking lots and structures, so
finding a well-lit area to park your car is essential. If possible, use valet
parking services. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; color: black;"><span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none;"></span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">Take note of the hotel’s emergency evacuation
plan.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"> As soon as you enter your room, take time to look at the hotel’s
emergency escape plan and make a mental note of the nearest emergency exit and
how to get there.</span></li>
</ul>
















<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">Taking a few minutes to think about hotel security is not only crucial
to a fun, relaxing vacation; it is one of the best safety choices travelers can
make.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>



<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"></span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">(Source: </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">ADT Security Services)</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
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</div>]]></content:encoded>


<category>Hotels &amp; Resorts</category>

<dc:creator>Courtney Caldwell</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>

<feedburner:origLink>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/hotel-safety-tips-for-business-travel-or-vacation.html</feedburner:origLink></item>
<item>
<title>Alone On the Highway: Tips for Pulling Over Safely</title>
<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel/~3/djAn62ce9Wk/tips-for-pulling-over-safely-alone-on-the-highway.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/tips-for-pulling-over-safely-alone-on-the-highway.html</guid>
<description>Pulling over in the middle of the night can be scary and risky for a single woman, but sometimes it must be done. If you’re having car trouble and can’t possibly keep driving, here are some tips to have the...</description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011570cd52c4970c-pi" style="FLOAT: left"></a><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571c2513b970b-pi" style="FLOAT: left"><img alt="82556476[1]" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011571c2513b970b " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571c2513b970b-150wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 5px 5px 0px; WIDTH: 150px" /></a> Pulling over in the middle of the night can be scary and risky for a single woman, but sometimes it must be done. If you’re having car trouble and can’t possibly keep driving, here are some tips to have the safest side-of-the-road experience possible. </p></span>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Try to make it to a brightly lit area such as a gas station before stopping. If you pull over along the side of the road and your car won’t start back up for some reason, you’d be stranded there as opposed to somewhere safer. In the worst case scenario, where you do end up pulled over on the highway, make sure to pull over as far off to the side as possible, and turn on your flashers to avoid being hit by a drowsy or inattentive driver. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"></span>&#0160;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Being aware of your surroundings is one of the best ways to avoid further trouble on the road – and the best way to stay aware at all times is to use a GPS. A <a href="http://www.magellangps.com/products/product.asp?segID=408">Maestro</a> or <a href="http://www.tomtom.com/products/category.php?ID=0&amp;Lid=4&amp;gclid=CJu4ireiv5sCFSQeDQodlShHBg">Tom-Tom</a> can find the closest gas station, police station, or open business and navigate you directly there, relieving the stress of possibly getting lost and getting that in-the-middle-of-nowhere feeling. The next best piece of technology to a GPS that you probably already own is a cell-phone with either GPS or texting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&#0160; </span>In a pinch, simply send a text to Google (the numbers correlate to the word on your keyboard) in the format of a Mapquest request. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"></span>&#0160;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Ex. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Send to: 466453 text: gas station near city, state<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Send to: 466453 text: From Cooley Rd. to (address of gas station)</span><st1:place><st1:state></st1:state></st1:place></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">
<p><st1:place><st1:state>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">For more automotive Safety &amp; Security tips from RTM, <a href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/travelsafety/ontheroadalone.html">click here</a>. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p></st1:state></st1:place>
<p></p>
<p></p></p></p></p>
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</div>]]></content:encoded>


<category>Auto Safety &amp; Security</category>

<dc:creator>Courtney Caldwell</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>

<feedburner:origLink>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/tips-for-pulling-over-safely-alone-on-the-highway.html</feedburner:origLink></item>
<item>
<title>Standout Summer Spa Getaways</title>
<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel/~3/vArSG-TKGlc/summer-spa-getaway.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/summer-spa-getaway.html</guid>
<description>A spa's a spa, right? If it didn't have incredible customer service along with rejuvenating treatments and a relaxing environment, you couldn't very well call it...a spa. It's not easy to stand out in the crowd, but these spa resorts...</description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571dbf581970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="Spa" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011571dbf581970b " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571dbf581970b-150wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px; WIDTH: 140px" /></a> A spa&#39;s a spa, right? If&#0160;it didn&#39;t have incredible customer service along with rejuvenating treatments and a relaxing environment, you couldn&#39;t very well call it...a spa. It&#39;s not easy to stand out&#0160;in the&#0160;crowd, but these&#0160;spa resorts&#0160;are really something special.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="http://www.spafinder.com/Spa/11160-Grand_Hyatt_Singapore-Singapore-Singapore/services"><font color="#800080" face="Verdana">Grand Hyatt Singapore</font></a><font face="Verdana">: This hotel’s lifestyle center, called Damai (“peace”) is <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN">designed to restore balance and rejuvenate the mind and soul. Its exotic spa treatments are influenced by Chinese medicine, Malay Jamu healing philosophies, </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN">Indian Ayurvedic medicine, and classic European therapies. </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><font face="Verdana">Best for: A Cultural Immersion Detox<o:p></o:p></font></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Verdana">&#0160;</font></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="http://www.spafinder.com/Spa/7386-Sheraton_La_Caleta_Resort_and_Spa_Costa_Adeje_Tenerife-Adeje_Tenerife_Canary_Islands-Spain"><font color="#800080" face="Verdana">Sheraton La Caleta Resort &amp; Spa, Casta Edege, Tenerife</font></a><font face="Verdana">: Located in Spain’s Canary Islands, the La Caleta is a contemporary, adobe-style beach resort with spa amenities such as Turkish bath, and an ice igloo where guests can cool down after heat therapies. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><font face="Verdana">Best for: A Tropical &amp; Stylish Spa Exploration<o:p></o:p></font></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p><font face="Verdana">&#0160;</font></o:p></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="http://www.spafinder.com/Spas/clickthrough.jsp?vt=1&amp;spaID=10141&amp;ulink=http://track.did-it.com/n?tid=4a5c91983f1f1&amp;url=http://www.thewhitefacelodge.com"><font face="Verdana">Whiteface Lodge Resort &amp; Spa</font></a><font face="Verdana">: Named for the mountain it’s nestled into, this lodge in Lake Placid, New York is a rustic-chic winter playground with spa treatments that takes cues from the local area, using regional ingredients and targeting outdoors enthusiasts. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><font face="Verdana">Best for: Including Men &amp; Low-Key Sports</font></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><font face="Verdana">&#0160;</font></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana">Visit&#0160;RTM&#39;s </font><a href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/spas/index.htm"><font color="#800080" face="Verdana">Spa Reviews</font></a><font face="Verdana"> Section. </font></p>
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</div>]]></content:encoded>


<category>Spa Reviews</category>

<dc:creator>Courtney Caldwell</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>

<feedburner:origLink>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/summer-spa-getaway.html</feedburner:origLink></item>
<item>
<title>New Car Review: 2009 Mazda6</title>
<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel/~3/cL4og3E2VGc/test-drive-2009-mazda6.html</link>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/test-drive-2009-mazda6.html</guid>
<description>By Thom Blackett Photos by Thom Blackett Not long ago, family sedans were about as exciting as vanilla ice cream. You know, the generic kind with the flavor of skim milk that’s been further diluted and then frozen. Thankfully, those...</description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<o:smarttagtype name="City" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"><o:smarttagtype name="place" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"><o:smarttagtype name="date" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"><o:smarttagtype name="City" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"><o:smarttagtype name="place" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"><o:smarttagtype name="date" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags">
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011570df0f78970c-pi" style="FLOAT: left"><img alt="RoadTravelfront34" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011570df0f78970c " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011570df0f78970c-250wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 5px 5px 0px; WIDTH: 250px" /></a> By Thom Blackett<br />Photos by Thom Blackett</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Not long ago, family sedans were about as exciting as vanilla ice cream. You know, the generic kind with the flavor of skim milk that’s been further diluted and then frozen. Thankfully, those days have just about run their course, and a new generation of sleek models like the 2009 Mazda6 are here to fill the void.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; BACKGROUND: yellow; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Competing with class leaders such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, designers of the Mazda6 have bestowed their midsize sedan with aggressive styling in an effort to distinguish it from the pack. Look past that revamped bodywork and you’ll find a spacious interior with realistic room for five, a split-folding rear seat that extends the already generous trunk, a smattering of soft surfaces working to offset a plethora of hard plastics, and seats that initially feel flat but prove supportive over the long haul. On the down side, the sporty appearance is due in part to a sloped rear window that can put passengers’ heads in hot, direct sunlight. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p>Priced close to $29,000, our Mazda6 i Grand Touring model included niceties like adjustable headlights and a blind spot warning system with visual and audible alerts. All 2009 Mazda6 variants are fitted with front-side and side-curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, as well as traction and stability control systems.<o:p></o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p>Out on the street, our four-cylinder-powered Mazda6 delivered sufficient pep for most situations, but when considered alongside light steering and brakes that were difficult to modulate, we had a little trouble finding the “zoom zoom” character Mazda prides itself on. That being said, the automatic transmission does feature a manual mode which allows drivers to shift on their own schedule; a V-6 is available for those who want to zip around with a bit more ease. We averaged 23.9 mpg in mixed driving, just under the EPA’s estimate of 24 mpg and on par with the 2009 Honda Accord Sedan.<o:p></o:p></o:p></span><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><br /></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Specifications</span></strong><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Test Vehicle:</strong> 2009 BMW Mazda6 i Grand Touring</span><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Base Price:</strong> $19,400</span><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Price as Tested:</strong> $28,620</span><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Engine: </strong>2.5-liter four-cylinder</span><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Transmission: </strong>Five-speed automatic</span><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>EPA Fuel Economy: </strong>21 mpg city/30 mpg highway</span><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Road &amp; Travel’s Observed Fuel Economy:</strong> 23.9 mpg</span><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong><a href="http://www.safercar.gov">NHTSA</a>/<a href="http://www.iihs.org/">IIHS</a> Frontal Crash Ratings:</strong> 5 stars / Good</span><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong><a href="http://www.safercar.gov">NHTSA</a>/<a href="http://www.iihs.org/">IIHS</a> Side Impact Ratings:</strong> 5 stars / Not Rated</span><br /><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Also Consider:</strong> Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><o:p></o:p></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; BACKGROUND: yellow; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">For more information see <a href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/roadtests/2009-new-car-model-guide/mazda.htm">Road &amp; Travel’s Mazda Buyer’s Guide</a> or visit <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/">mazdausa.com</a>.<strong><o:p></o:p></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong><o:p></o:p></strong></span></p></o:smarttagtype></o:smarttagtype></o:smarttagtype></o:smarttagtype></o:smarttagtype></o:smarttagtype>
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<category>New Car Reviews</category>

<dc:creator>Courtney Caldwell</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>

<feedburner:origLink>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/test-drive-2009-mazda6.html</feedburner:origLink></item>
<item>
<title>Top Five Over the Top Cool Hotel Pools</title>
<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel/~3/19JaSw7AGr8/top-five-overthetop-cool-pools.html</link>
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<description>From the world's largest in Chile to the most unexpected in New York to the most luxurious in Beverly Hills to the most Hollywood-esque in Barcelona, these pools are a pool-dwellers dream. If the first thing you check out following...</description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571cba51f970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><strong><img alt="Al" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011571cba51f970b " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571cba51f970b-200wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px; WIDTH: 200px" /></strong></a><strong> </strong><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571cba345970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"></a></p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">
<div>From the&#0160;world&#39;s largest in Chile to the most unexpected in New York to the most luxurious in Beverly Hills to the most Hollywood-esque in Barcelona, these pools are&#0160;a pool-dwellers dream. If&#0160;the first&#0160;thing you check out&#0160;following hotel check-in is the watery oasis that comes with your stay, you&#39;ve gotta see these:&#0160;<strong>&#0160;</strong></div></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"></span></strong>&#0160;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">San Alfonso Del Mar Resort, Chile: </span></strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">The Guiness World Record’s largest pool covers more than </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #111111; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">20 </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"><a href="http://www.hemmy.net/2008/06/14/worlds-largest-pool-at-san-alfonso-del-mar-resort-in-chile/" id="KonaLink1" oncontextmenu="return false;" style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" target="_top"><span class="klink"><span style="COLOR: #111111; TEXT-DECORATION: none; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-underline: none">acres</span></span></a> of transparent ocean water so crystal clear you can see the bottom even in the 115-foot deep end. Hotel guests can even use kayaks and small boats to navigate its waters, which are filtered directly from the bordering Pacific Ocean.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"><strong><o:p></o:p></strong></span></p></span>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571dc87d3970b-pi" style="FLOAT: left"></a><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011570e7b388970c-pi" style="FLOAT: left"><img alt="SLS_PoolDeck_9404" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011570e7b388970c " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011570e7b388970c-200wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 5px 5px 0px; WIDTH: 200px" /></a> Altitude at SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills: </span></strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">Situated on the sixth floor of the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills,&#0160;these two whimsical pools are an oasis above the busy downtown L.A. scene. The first pool is a reflecting pool with chaise lounges resting in the shallow end,&#0160;giving&#0160;guests the look of floating over water.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"></span>&#0160;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"></span><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">The Pooldeck at The Empire Hotel, Manhattan: </span></strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">A </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">hidden gem above busy Broadway on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, this bi-level Pooldeck is replete with linen curtains, day-beds, ceiling fans, LCD televisions, iPod docking stations, mini refrigerators, telephones and wireless internet access.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"></span></strong>&#0160;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">Angels &amp; Kings Pooldeck, ME Barcelona: </span></strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">This picturesque location&#39;s </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">pool has movie projections displayed over the water as well as through the waterfall feature in the center of the pool. During the evenings, the space turns into the city’s hottest nightspot, with a stage for impromptu karaoke battles.&#0160; <strong><o:p></o:p></strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"></span></strong>&#0160;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571dc8b1b970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="Grace 2" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011571dc8b1b970b" src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571dc8b1b970b-200wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px; WIDTH: 200px" /></a> Room Mate Grace, New York: </span></strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">I</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">n the heart of Times Square, this hotel has the most unusual and unexpected pool in the city. As guests walk into the lobby of the property, they are greeted by a chic, brightly neon-colored pool with its very own swim up bar.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;"></span>&#0160;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">For Luxury Travel information from RTM, <a href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/luxurytravel/archive.htm">click here</a>. </span></p>
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</div>]]></content:encoded>


<category>Luxury Travel</category>

<dc:creator>Courtney Caldwell</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>

<feedburner:origLink>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/top-five-overthetop-cool-pools.html</feedburner:origLink></item>
<item>
<title>Tropical Girlfriends Getaway in St. Petersburg, Florida</title>
<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel/~3/zK2M8PelTYQ/girlfriends-getaway-in-st-petersburg-florida.html</link>
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<description>By Sue Mead Imagine a tropical island experience complete with velvety beaches, towering palms, vivid-hued flowers, delectable dining, winding beach pathways and dunes ... that’s what we found at the TradeWinds Beach Resort &amp; Conference Center in St. Petersburg, Florida...</description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: Verdana;">By Sue Mead</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011570d5baea970c-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="Girlfirends getaways" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011570d5baea970c " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011570d5baea970c-250wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; width: 250px;" /></a> Imagine a tropical island experience complete with velvety beaches, towering palms, vivid-hued flowers, delectable dining, winding beach pathways and dunes ... that’s what we found at the <a href="http://www.tradewindsresort.com/">TradeWinds Beach Resort</a> &amp; Conference Center in St. Petersburg, Florida on our “Girlfriends Getaway&quot;. The Tradewinds pulls out all the stops, with two resorts on the island of St. Pete Beach, in the Gulf of Mexico: the larger Island Grand Resort; and the smaller, more intimate property, the Sandpiper Hotel &amp; Suites.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;">What sets this resort apart are the elements that combine to let you create exactly what you want for your getaway. Take part in a wide array of day-time activities and nightlife offered at both resorts, or explore places of peaceful and tropical ambience. Explore the Island Grand’s meandering waterway&#0160;encumbered by&#0160;exotic natural life, or the&#0160;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;">The Grand Palm Colonnade, an<span style="color: black;"> 8,000-square foot garden atrium. <br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><span style="color: black;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;">The Island Grand has pools, whirlpools, beach volleyball, a three-story inflatable slide, banana boats, wave runners, water trykes, and parasailing. Snorkeling, dolphin watch cruises, fishing charters and boat rentals are all available. The property is like a town of paradise, with a fitness facility, mini-golf, life-size chess, tennis courts, a business center, shops, a full-service salon and spa, restaurants, bars, on-the-go eateries, a coin laundry and dry cleaning. Guests also have access to 20 pristine acres of St. Pete Beach, a hub of cultural activities from art festivals to musical events. <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;">A pet-friendly atmosphere is supported by a number of Pet Friendly Suites. P<span style="color: black;">ets enjoy a true resort experience, with an “unleashed” Pet Play Zone, designated dog walk area, and a complimentary Doggie Accessory Center</span>. <span style="color: black;">The TradeWinds Resorts also cater to eco-savvy tourists. The TradeWinds resorts&#0160;are designated as Two Palm <a href="http://www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/default.htm"><font color="#800080">Certified Green Lodges</font></a>,&#0160;and St. Pete Beach received the <a href="http://www.cleanbeaches.com/"><font color="#800080">Blue Wave Award</font></a>.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><span style="color: black;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;">The resort is about 45 minutes from Tampa International Airport, and 25 minutes from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. For reviews and booking, <a href="http://www.resideo.com/us/florida/stpetebeach/02030512.hotel?u=1"><font color="#800080">click here</font></a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: &#39;Verdana&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;;">For more getaway ideas, go to RTM’s <a href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/whatwomenwant/index-travel.htm"><font color="#800080">What Women Want</font></a> section.</span></p>
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<category>Luxury Travel</category>

<dc:creator>Courtney Caldwell</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>

<feedburner:origLink>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/girlfriends-getaway-in-st-petersburg-florida.html</feedburner:origLink></item>
<item>
<title>What's Wrong With My Car? Warnings to Stop Driving</title>
<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/roadandtravelmagazine/auto_travel/~3/mgz70XpNzkI/driving-alone-warning-signs-.html</link>
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<description>Imagine yourself in this situation: you're by yourself, driving down the highway at night, far away from home, and you smell, hear or feel something weird. Your suspicion is that something's wrong with your car, but you wouldn't even begin...</description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571b80809970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="82556406" class="at-xid-6a00e550ae4e838834011571b80809970b " src="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571b80809970b-200wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px; WIDTH: 180px" /></a> <a href="http://blog.roadandtravel.com/.a/6a00e550ae4e838834011571b8078b970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"></a>Imagine yourself in this situation: you&#39;re by yourself, driving down the highway at night, far away from home, and you smell, hear or feel something weird. Your suspicion is that something&#39;s wrong with your car, but you wouldn&#39;t even begin to know what to look for if you stopped. Plus, it could just be paranoia - it&#39;ll probably just go away after a while.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana">So, what should be a concern, and&#0160;is worth the risk of pulling over? </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Pungent smell of burning plastic</strong>: Could be an electrical fire.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Steam coming from under hood/temperature gauges increasing: </strong>If&#0160;you keep driving your engine could overheat and die, but it probably just needs coolant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Can’t see:</strong> If the weather is preventing you from seeing clearly, or if your vision is getting blurry, pull over and do whatever you can to feel more comfortable, or wait it out, before getting back on the road. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Clunking of a flat tire:</strong> If you keep driving your tire will only get worse, and it may lead to wheel damage. But if it means getting to a safe place,&#0160;a little extra driving may be worth the damage. Like Dad says, “It’s easier to replace a wheel than it is to replace your life!” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Can’t steer:</strong> Depending on how much trouble you’re having, you may need to pull over the first chance you get. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Can’t brake:</strong> Put on your flashers, and decelerate until you’re stopped. Call for help. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Notice puddle of oil or coolant after you&#39;ve been parked:</strong> Drive as little as possible until you can get the leak fixed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"><strong>Hear a loud &quot;pop&quot;:</strong> Your oil filter could’ve fallen off if it wasn’t screwed on tightly enough, and this could wreck your engine.</span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Read about precautions for safe highway&#0160;driving alone next Monday. </span></p>
<p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"></span><font face="Verdana">For more Auto Safety and Security Tips from RTM, <a href="http://www.roadandtravel.com/safetyandsecurity/archives.html">click here</a>.</font> </p>
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</div>]]></content:encoded>


<category>Auto Safety &amp; Security</category>

<dc:creator>Courtney Caldwell</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>

<feedburner:origLink>http://blog.roadandtravel.com/auto_travel/2009/07/driving-alone-warning-signs-.html</feedburner:origLink></item>

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