Freebies

“I Knew We Were in Vegas When . . .

Las Vegas International Airport
Slot Machines at McCarran International Airport
Joel Shprentz Photo

Are you flying Southwest Airlines anytime soon?  

I’d like to buy you a drink!

Please add your comments below for a chance to win two Southwest Airlines drink coupons!  

The coupons are good for beer, wine, spirits, or VitaminWater!

To enter the contest, just comment below with your response:

Bally Hotel in Las Vegas
The View from Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Casino
Joel Shprentz Photo

I knew we were in Vegas when . . .

we stepped off the plane and the slot machines were right there.

I knew we were in Vegas when . . .

we landed at 6 p.m. and it was 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

I knew we were in Vegas when . . .

 we looked out the hotel window and saw a showgirl.

I knew we were in Vegas when . . .

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Why I Buy all my Paper Goods from Staples

Five Reams of Staples Copy Paper
Five Reams of Staples Copy Paper

Do you find that Staples is overpriced for many office supplies and technology products?  I do.  I can generally do better shopping online at Amazon or NewEgg.  Target is great for school supplies.

If you keep an eye out for weekly specials, however, you can find some good deals at Staples.

There is a compelling reason to stalk Staples sales.  If you have one of the Chase Ink business credit cards, purchases at Staples and other office supply stores earn 5 times points.

I have a home office for my consulting business.  When I need to stock up on supplies for my business, like reams of copy paper, Staples is my go to store.  That is because they frequently run promotions that allow you to get a ream of paper, or sometimes a case, for “free after rebate.”

These purchases are not really free, because the rebate comes in the form of store credit which must be spent at Staples within a two to three month period.  If you are in the market for printer paper though, it’s fair to say that you are getting these supplies at half price.

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A Genuine Apporama

Screen Shot 2013-07-08 at 11.06.06 AMNeed a game to keep your kid occupied on your next long trip?

A dozen top-rated IOS apps have gone free today — in anticipation of the Apple App Store’s fifth anniversary on Wednesday.

These dozen apps have a combined value of $70+.

Hat tip to TUAW.

A good find for travelers is the Day One app — a popular journaling application.

Of special interest to little travelers is the Barefoot World Atlas:

a magical interactive 3D globe that invites children to explore the regions and countries of the world, discovering hundreds of fascinating features and immersing themselves in the rich wonders of our planet.

The other apps include:

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Volunteer Travel Guide: Free from Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet Volunteer Guide
Lonely Planet Volunteer Guide

For travelers looking to volunteer on their travels, Lonely Planet is offering a free download of its book:  Volunteer: A Traveller’s Guide to Making a Difference Around the World.

The book is a comprehensive resource to those looking to volunteer abroad.

It includes chapters on:

  • how to choose a volunteer experience;
  • what to expect when you are there; and
  • how to extend your experience once you return home.

It also provides a directory of organizations around the world that accept volunteers.

This guide is not a pamphlet — but the full 272 page book that sells for $14 on Amazon.

Springtime in Hershey

Hershey Gardens Photo by Joel Shprentz
Hershey Gardens 

In April, we stopped in Hershey, Pennsylvania for a day to break up a road trip from New England to Virginia.  We had visited the amusement park ten years ago, and wanted to explore other three different attractions on this trip.

First up was the free tour of the fake “Chocolate Factory,” because we love corny rides, factory tours, and chocolate!

The Chocolate Factory is a Disney-style animated ride that tells the story of how chocolate is produced from the growing the cocoa beans to producing Hershey Kisses.  On a Saturday morning, we were able to walk right in without a wait. The ride in little carts through the “factory” was lots of fun. The ride ended with a free sample and let us off in a gigantic chocolate gift shop with all manner of Hershey candy.

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Preview Tours of LAX’s Upgraded Tom Bradley Terminal

Tickets are going fast for the June 22 open house and tour at the newly renovated Los Angeles International Airport terminal.  Register now to explore, discover and enjoy special exhibits, entertainment and a chance to win a raffle prize.

LAX International Terminal Open House June 22, 2013
LAX International Terminal
Open House June 22, 2013

The renovation of the airport terminal, named for former Mayor Tom Bradley, has been in the works for four years and is said to be the largest public works project in the history of the City of Los Angeles.  Tickets and parking are free, but preregistration is required.  Visitors will see art and aviation displays, the architecture of the wave-like terminal and meet the dogs in the airport’s new Pets Unstressing Passengers program.

Do you like preview tours of new public works projects?

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