Travel made easier with the InterContinental Hotel Group

IHG.jpgThe holidays are upon us, and for many people that means travel, and possibly a hotel stay or two.

The Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), well-known brands such as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaze, Intercontinental Hotel, Hotel Indigo and Staybridge want to make your holiday travel a little easier this year by helping you cut travel costs:

* Check it Free – Travelers can get up to $50 toward their first checked bag on any airline when they spend a weekend at any IHG hotel across the U.S. between now and Dec. 30, 2010.

* Sweet Dilemma - IHG is offering a flexible choice for any traveler who stays twice at any IHG property from September 20 to December 31, 2010 - free nights, double reward club points or miles.


The giveaway

IHG also wants your travel to be easier by offering a chance at a “Travel Made Easy” gift basket.

The prize: A “Travel Made Easy” gift basket that includes: a new carry-on bag, decorative cosmetic bags, a travel pillow, headphones and a $25 Visa gift card. ($125 value):

IHG Travel Made Easier

1. (Required): Leave a comment here and share a tip to make holiday travel easier.

2. For an extra entry, tweet about this contest (I'm @busymom), and be sure to leave a separate comment with a link to your tweet.

2. One (1) winner will be picked randomly via Random.org from the comments.

3. Contest is open to all U.S. residents 18 years or older

4. Winner(s) has 24 hours to get back to me, otherwise another winner will be drawn.

5. Hurry! Contest ends December 13, 2010 at 10pm CST.

I received a set of the items as described above. No other payment or consideration was given for this post

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Please visit me at my personal blog, Busymom.net


Comments (119)

Plan ahead. Packing is a 3 day event for me.

Day 1: Laundry - every single piece of it.
Day 2: Layout complete outfits & pack em up.
Day 3: Load em up, move em out, rawhide!

Seems like a lot, but keeping it organized keeps me sane on crazy travel days. Also, the kids pack 1 small backpack with their entertainment items. They pack it, they can carry it!

Judy:

When I pack our bags, my boys get packed in a suitcase together. I pack all their clothes in outfits (pants, underwear, socks and shirt). Each item of the outfit gets folded up all together, and then I load them into the suitcase in the order they need to come out. This way, we're not rifling through stuff in the suitcase...everything is always right on top (starting with PJ's!) and already matched together!

Always pack light. You usually need a lot less that what you think you do. Anything you come up short, you can always grab there. Although I have rarely had to do it.

Clean ur house before u leave. It sucks when u r doing it because there are a millon other trip-related things to do. But nothing beatsb coming home to a clean house!

amy324:

We never own the latest/greatest anything, so I'm not sure how new cars come equipped these days, but if you don't own a rolling media room, you can get close. We have a "power inverter" plugged into a DC outlet up front. At the other end, it comes out AC. Like magic! Then you can plug in a surge suppressor/plug strip thing under the front seat into the back, and the kids can keep their vital stuff charged, like phones, iPods, and laptops. It will even power an Xbox. But not all of those things at once. Don't forget the headphones and a headphone splitter for the driver's sanity.

Stephanie:

I like to lay out my stuff by outfit complete with jewelry, undergarments, and shoes. There is less chance I will forget something.

Lists. Lists. Lists.

Straightening up the house and making lists are two of my best travel tips, as well. Also, packing light. I almost NEVER wear all the clothes I pack and, really, can never remember what others folks wore, either :) Thanks for the chance!!!

Make sure you bring snacks AND if you are opening presents at the grandparents make sure you pack extra batteries. Because no one wants to haul it to Walhell on Christmas Eve

LOVE that bag!
I always make sure I have a bunch of snacks for the airport waits. Granola bars, fruit, gum, etc

My best tip for holiday (or anyday) travel) is to pack a thorough carry-on with everything you need the first day. I have had too many delayed bags (especially during the holidays) and have been without a change of clothes or a brush. Now I always pack what I'll need that day so that I can be without my suitcase if something happens.

Leave the kids home! ha! :) I can't wait til my kiddos are past the santa thing cuz we are sooo going on a cruise for Christmas, and skipping all the gifts!

Holiday travel made easy--we stay home!

TC:

I get a bit stir crazy on long flights, so I always update my iPod playlist before a trip or I pack my slipper socks in my carry-on so I can be comfy on the plane. No packing tips from me as I'm a notorious over-packer :)

vickie:

Pack in advance. Get enough sleep before traveling. Be relaxed and ready for delays!

Claire:

Start thinking about what you want to bring about 3 days in advance & start up a list! Then pack it all away the day before so the next day is a little less hectic!

Patricia:

I pack in advance and also make a list of everything I do pack so I dont forget it in the hotel.

Steve S:

Purchase some large vacuum bags to consolidate your clothes so they can fit in a carry on and save the baggage fee if flying.

T. Lawson:

I like to keep snacks and a drink with me. I make sure everyone has what they like tucked inside their bag in case they get hungry and we are not anywhere where their is food available.

Adrienne Gordon:

Pack light and use laundry faciliies.

Nicole :

Make a list of everything you need and check it off as you pack.

Elena:

Always leave extra time, even for things that you're SURE won't take very long. You're much better off having left too early than to be running late!

Selene:

My main tip is to have lists for prep, packing, departure and arrival.

McKim:

I have gifts shipped directly to where we are going and just tell them NOT to open any boxes they receive. I wrap items there instead of trying to travel with wrapped presents.

Angela J:

Keep a list to add to, edit for traveling needs

Shana:

I find that it's nice to wear comfortable shoes with no socks.

Cassidy:

I make lists. Love the lists!
Also, pack snacks. :)

Shop around for the best travel deals on sites such as Travelocity or Priceline. :)

ohkeeka:

We find that having a daily schedule planned out before you even arrive works well for us. Not only do we know what we're doing, but we print out maps from MapQuest so we know exactly where we're going too.

Diane R.:

Travel as light as possible. Do carry on if at all possible. If you must check use a small carry-on with a change of clothing, medication, pens, identification. A lot of time is spent just waiting. Take something to do. Paperbacks you don't mind leaving behind when you are finished are good. Puzzles. Small video games.

Katherine:

I try to stay with a couple neutrals with one or two splurges of colors thrown to mix and match

Kristi C:

I choose everything I want to take with me and then I put half of it back. No one needs to take that much stuff on vacation.

deana c:

To make holiday travel easier I put each days outfit for my child in a ziploc bag. Then he just needs to pull it out of the suitcase each day and get dressed.

Sarah Hirsch:

Bring plenty of activities for the kids while traveling (whether by car or plane). Crayons & activity books, reading books, games, and lots of snacks!

Janna Johnson:

bring plastic bags for soiled clothing!
Merry Xmas! Thanks!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
janna@feedyourpigblog.com
www.feedyourpigblog.com

amie d:

always plan in advance. make sure you have a schedule and make a folder with your itinerary, tickets, and directions in it. thanks for the chance!

Linda Lansford:

Make a plan and follow the plan.

Nancy Meyer:

Keep all your important papers together in a folder. Don't fill your suitcase for your trip there because you'll need space for purchases and laundry on the way home.

nancymeyer1 at gmail dot com

MelissaO:

When you're traveling by air, make sure you have all of your documents organized and ready to show. Wear easy to slip on and off shoes and forget about all the baubles. Drives me crazy when someone who looks like they're about to go clubbing is holding up the line taking off all their stuff in security.

wolverina401 at gmail dot com

randy arstein:

I create a standard checklist for my fmaily on a spreadsheet and check itmes off as we pack and ready for the trip.

Anonymous:
julieh:

My tip is pack as light as possible. Most people over pack. You can get what you need when you get there!

Suzanne Lewis:

Make a mixed CD or download lots of new music on your ipod to sing along too.

txhottie_86 at yahoo dot com

Debbie C:

If you travel with kids, opt for accomodations with a washer and dryer. Then you can pack very light, wash clothes and rewear them. At the price of extra luggage on airlines now, it's worth washing instead of packing.

dchrisg3[at]gmail[dot]com

Debbie C:

Tweeted
http://twitter.com/DchrisG3/status/13868048859533312

dchrisg3[at]gmail[dot]com

We pack snacks, drinks and blankets when we travel

Janice Crespo:

When I am traveling, I try to follow my list. I usually have what I am going to do planned - so I set up outfits accordingly - with an extra outfit just in case - LOL Make a list and stick to it :) Another good idea is to bring some comfort food - not all food you like is available everywhere and sometimes you just need some comfort food :)
janicecrespo@gmail.com

Sue Farrell:

Always prepare for the worst of weather.

Roxanne Ellis Raymond:

Have patience and dont let the little things get to you, its not worth the stress

Ellie W:

When I travel for Christmas I always wait and shop when I get to my destination so I'm not packing presents. Either that or I rely on gift cards.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com

Nicole D.:

Plan lots of activities for the kids in the car!

Sharon:

Make a list of what you need to pack and check it.Pack way early before time to go.Don't forget the pillows,blankets,snacks,music and eye drops for the driver. Most of all don't forget the paper towels or wipes and the cell phone!
Thanks!

Christine :

pack in advance

Paula Michele Hafner:

Take a smaller cooler of drinks and snacks. Not only will you save money, but you'll also save time by not having to make as many stops.

Jessica A:

Make sure you have everything charged that needs to be charged. Make sure you have with you plastic zip lock bags and paper towels for emergency messes.
imjessica(at)mail(dot)com

I've been utilizing DreamHost over five years. I could not describe the amount of instances they have assisted me personally with problems. Perhaps even a few which i do not think actually had anything to do with them. I have a reseller account with about 60 forums found on it.

Mia J:

Make sure to get to the airport early and as far as packing goes fold your t-shirts and put them in a gallon size ziploc bag to avoid wrinkles.

We have been with Innohosting almost six weeks. In that time frame I actually have never went through a single issue or down time. The management panel is so enhanced over the trash which AIT gave, we simply had no clue what was missing. We're extremely pleased with Host Gator and their tech crew and shall highly recommend them to everyone, without hesitation.

Darcy B:

Take the stress out of travel--give yourself lots of extra time, and always have snacks handy. I also carry vitamin C and make everyone take it constantly.
kakihararocks@gmail.com

Erica C.:

What a great set! The best thing for traveling is to have everything you absolutely need in your carry on bag, along with an extra outfit in case your luggage is lost.

I don't want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying. Woody Allen (1935-) http://wonderwhizkids.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=238816

April :

The best way to make holiday travel easier is to not do it. Visit your family at other times of the year (grandparent's birthday, graduation, family reunion) and stay home during the stressful time of the travel year. But, if you can't do that - plan ahead and refuse compromise. If you do not want to sleep on cousin Vinny's smelly couch for the holidays, get a hotel room of your own. Share with another family member so you can split the cost of a nicer hotel.

mistysunrise:

leaving early makes Holiday traveling easier

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

mistysunrise:
Terri Grinner:

hi

Geoff K:

The tip I've found the most useful for minimizing the stress of holiday travel is to ship your gifts to your destination ahead of time rather than packing them and taking them with you - that way, you don't need to worry about them breaking or getting lost in transit and you can focus on keeping the family safe and sane while battling the hectic holiday travel scene!

Lisa Carr:

I pack an empty spray bottle to use when I unpack. I fill it with water & lightly spray clothes as I unpack them to get the wrinkles out.

lisacarr7 ataol dot com

I follow on twitter & tweeted: http://twitter.com/My3Sons33/status/14360532844814336 (@My3Sons33) lisacarr7 ataol dot com

Diane Baum:

My best tip is to find someone who has been to the city you are traveling to-they will have found some good spots and some not so good things. It's even more helpful, if you both have children around the same age.

M.A.:

Simply expect the unexpected, go with the flow, know that you'll all survive, ask for help when it's needed, relax...ENJOY!

Susan Smith:

I do laundry before we leave,pack lightly and bring snacks and activies for the children to do in the car.

charline:

My best tip load the car the night before your trip with everything you are taking, you are less likely to forget something this way.
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Julie:

I always have each of the kids a fun bag....things that will entertain them and help pass the time. Little travel games or puzzles, their favorite snacks, etc.

Tom Vigen II:

Pack snacks - you never know when you'll need a quick pick-me-up. Thanks!

kellye:

My tip would be to start packing a few days ahead of time. Be completely packed two days ahead so that you will have time to remember the things you have forgotten. Kellyeandjosh@aol.com

Cool, it was bothering me that I couldn't get this to work right. Thank you again!

kristy t:

definitely pack light! you can then go through security easier. thanks for hosting a great contest!

Make sure that you pack extra clothes in your carry on as many times my luggage has been lost and I was so thankful I did that!

deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com

meredith:

travel with ziplock bags - and double bag your toiletries - so your shampoo doesnt get all over clothes after TSA goes through your bag

patrick:

print out tickets prior to going to the airport = less line time. Ditto on the bring snacks, airport food is terrible

montgomery:

dont travel! make them come to you :) jk

i would say have all your packing done and ship presents. Try to travel light.

R Hicks:

If you travel with kids make sure to take a video player with their favorie movies!

ardy22 at earthlink dot net

R Hicks:

tweet

http://twitter.com/Ardy22/status/14451683908132864

ardy22 at earthlink dot net

Karen:

If traveling, pack early and double check and if you are flying definetly get to the airport early. Thanks.

Great wordpress blog here.. It's hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care and see you soon

BONNIE Daiello:

I always stress over my carry-on bag because I insist on packing electronics to keep me occupied for the trip.

Marilyn R.:

plenty of water and vitamin c a couple of days before you travel. it save the jet lag and helps the immunity system

Angie P:

When traveling, it helps to bring an extension cord or power strip. We usually have to charge phones, camera batteries, laptops, etc and there are not always enough outlets available.

tallcapp:

The only way to make holiday travel easier is not to expect to be perfectly on time and to not get upset by that. Bring snacks, reading material etc to pass the extra time.

Heather W:

Pack for all types of weather. You don't want to spend money buying sweatshirts when you have a hundred at home
Lovefool827 (at) yahoo (dotcom)

Jay F.:

We don't normally travel with our family dog, but we did a few years ago for Christmas. We won't do it again. The dog didn't like the long drive and threw up multiple times in both directions. It probably didn't help that she ate some spilled food while at dinner.

Jess C.:

I start making a list days and days before I have to leave on my trip. That way, I will have time as the days go by, if I think of anything else I need, I can just add it to my list.

jessicap067(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Sand:

I find it easier to wear layerable clothes and have slip on shoes to go through airport security.

Have your 3oz or less bag in the front pocket of your bag that way it's easy to remove.

Shannon:

bring snacks and something to entertain like music and games

Charity S.:

Make sure you pack early, and plan every detail of your trip.

Charity S.:

Pack clothing that can be worn several different ways and in several different outfits so you can fit it all in a small bag!

Sarah L:

Tip: Bring your own food and water such as energy bars, bananas.
Thanks for the contest.

brian e.:

Thanks for the giveaway...send yourself an email that contains PDF's of all your travel documents, itinerary, hotel info, etc., so that you can easily have access to generate copies if you lose the originals.

senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

Always Pack Snacks and Coloring Books and Crayons

freebiegoddess03@aol.com

Charlene Kuser:

My favorite travel tip is always wear a good
pair of walking shoes,you never know when you might have to do a lot of walking

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Charlene Kuser:

Tweeted this:http://twitter.com/Swtlilchick/status/14524138290946048

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Denice P:

the best travel tip i can give is be will rested and leave early just in case something should arise. also have phone numbers to the destinations to where you are going.

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