Play Goes Strong

Summer Festivals: New Haven and Beyond

ILevine — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:44 +0000

Sometimes the most enjoyable getaways are those just a stone's throw from home. No heavy packing, minimal transportation costs, and the opportunity to take a weekend or overnight getaway, or even a last-minute day trip, without using up too many precious vacation days.

If you live in the Northeast, you may want to plan a jaunt to the annual International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which will be hosted by the city of New Haven, Connecticut from June 15-29, 2013.

Summer Villa Rentals: 12 Things You Need To Know

ILevine — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:59:06 +0000

Villa rentals are becoming increasingly popular vacation alternatives because they are attractive to so many different types of groups: girlfriends seeking an intimate getaway, mancations, multigenerational travel, family reunions and business retreats.

One industry source suggests that the villa rental business is growing twice as rapidly as the leisure segment of upscale hotels and resorts, both in the U.S. and Europe.

If you are thinking about renting a villa for your upcoming summer vacation, here are some insider tips to save you time and money:

Although it's always tempting to go bigger, find the right-size rental property for your group, both in terms of number of bedrooms and shared spaces.

Because you get what you pay for, determine which amenities are most important to your group and establish priorities. For example, is location more important than having an in-ground swimming pool? Do you require or want on-site staff?

Sometimes, when you book a large villa for a smaller group and the owner is anxious to make the deal, you may be able to negotiate discounts for unused bedrooms.

If your heart is set on one particular property or location during a busy time period, plan and book ahead. Conversely, if you are flexible, a last-minute rental may save you money.

Be sure to clarify which charges and taxes are or aren't included in the per night price. If you need extra services (e.g. nannies, special diets, local transportation, golf, spa services, etc.), ask about their cost and availability.

Inquire about security, whether the property is gated and whether security staff is on-site and during what hours.

Using a rental specialist can help eliminate some of the investigatory legwork. Such an individual may be more familiar with the assets and quirks of various villa rental properties in the same location.

If you do opt to use a villa rental specialist, fees are generally paid by villa owners rather than by guests. If you go this route, speak to references to make sure the firm is reputable.

The Internet has made it exponentially easier to find and research properties online. If you do rent independently, speak to guests who have been at the property before.

Don't forget that photos and user reviews on sites like TripAdvisor.com can be valuable sources of information as you research properties.

Always be wary of owners and rental specialists who are unwilling to accept credit card payments. Credit cards offer certain protections should problems arise.

Because stuff happens, always inquire about deposit and cancellation policies. Consider the pros and cons of trip insurance.

Sources:

Julie Byrd, Vice-President, CaboVillas.com
Ben Addoms, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Quintess.com
Douglas Quinby, Research Analyst, PhocusWright.com
Nanci Kraus, Owner, Sugar Hill at Tryall Club

Also on Play Goes Strong:

On More Time To Travel:

Should You Take a Villa Vacation?

The week’s best rated TV: Seeing Stars, In A Family Way and Playing Some New Games.

ctomashoff — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:32:25 +0000

This is a very frightening time in our society. The regular television season has ended, the summer season hasn't really gotten underway and it's impossible to tell if there will ever be anything worth watching again. Don't worry, though. If you pull yourself together, and pay close attention to this list of best rated TV, things will be okay. Whether it's seeing Stars, winding up in a Family way or playing new Games, we can all make it through this trauma together.

Yountville: A Little Town with a Lot of Tradition

ILevine — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:40:56 +0000

Like any first-time visitor to Napa Valley, California, I couldn't take my eyes off the miles of manicured grape vines lining the fields on both sides of Route 29, the main stretch of road that runs about 30 miles from Calistoga (in the north) to American Canyon (in the south). With a rich history of farming, ranching, winemaking, and hospitality, the town of Yountville—which sits almost equidistant from each end—is often called heart of the Napa Valley.

Reel Review: Jeff Nichols's "Mud" -- Huck Finn lives!

wasomatic — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:17:07 +0000

I confess: I'm a sucker for movies featuring earnest young performers like Tye Sheridan (Ellis) and Jacob Lofland ("Neckbone"), stars of the new Jeff Nichols movie, Mud, which also has a handsome feller named Matthew McConaughey in the cast. More on that old-timer later.

TV finale time: A Supernatural experience, the goodbye Girl and a little Idol worship.

ctomashoff — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:16:07 +0000

Spring always seemed the wrong time to watch a TV finale. There is so much that starts this time of year. Fresh flowers start in new gardens. Young love begins at the prom. Extra credit card debt arrives as you book your summer vacation. It's odd that TV ends at this same time. Still, it's going to be a good television week even if it means the end of an Office, a Supernatural experience, a goodbye Girl and some Idol worship.

So You Think You Can Dance, Fox, Tuesdays, 8 p.m./7 p.m. CT

Norwegian Breakaway: Public Art in New York Harbor

ILevine — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:55:42 +0000

Next time you ride along the West Side Highway in New York City, you may be in for a surprise.

Earlier this week, Norwegian Cruise Line launched its newest megaship, the Norwegian Breakaway. Although the launch of any new ship is exciting, this one is especially so because it boasts eye-catching artwork painted on its hull by Pop artist, Peter Max, that will be seen by millions as they go about their lives.

Extended Stay Hotels: Making a Comeback

ILevine — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:01:24 +0000

If you are forced to live in a hotel (even a very nice one) for an extended stay, you begin to miss the simple amenities of home: a working kitchen, a living room, space to stow things, and enough room to move around.

Leonardo DiCaprio Interview: "The Great Gatsby," Favorite Books and Life Lessons from a Classic

cpearlman — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:06:34 +0000

Leonardo DiCaprio has a line on why "The Great Gatsby" is still so great.

"Gatsby was a poor youth in the Midwest and created this image that was the Great Gatsby," he says. "It's truly an American story.

"It's the American dream."

It's an early Sunday morning at the Plaza, one of New York landmark's hotels, and DiCaprio holds court in a lavish suite to talk about one of the most awaited movies of the year.

He says that he knows modern audiences will identify with the classic.

"Aren't we all Jay Gatsby?" poses the international superstar.

The Weekly TV Slate Features Season Finales That Are ‘Time”-ly, “Glee”-ful and “Men”-ly

ctomashoff — Mon, 06 May 2013 05:48:41 +0000

And so it begins. Or, to be more precise….so it ends. The weekly TV schedule is full of season finales as this television year comes to its conclusion. From the season enders for Two And A Half Men and Glee to the potential series end for Community, TV farewell month is in full swing. And if for some reason seeing all of your favorite shows come to an end (temporary or otherwise) leaves you depressed, the schedule balances that out with a special about something that at least seems endless: Cher's career.