Packing for a Winter Vacation

Long Island's Premiere Limousine Service

P: (631) 587-8500

Florida and the Caribbean may still be top destination spots during the Northeast winter, but not everyone is flying South from the cold this year. Vacationing to Europe over the winter is becoming more and more popular as people embrace the cold weather (and cheaper flights!)

While you may want to bring your parka and every pair of comfy boots you own, most airlines charge for every bag after the first, so your best bet is to pack light - but smart. If you’re planning on braving the cold overseas this season, here are a few winter destination packing tips. 

Lay on the layers: Between outdoor landmarks during the day and gift shops and restaurants at night, you’re probably going to be in and out quite a bit. Massive down jackets will take up most of the space in your suitcase, leaving you without room for much else - not to mention you’ll probably spend half the time carrying it around while you’re indoors. You’re best bet is to pack one average size jacket and pile on the layers under it. 

Basic black: If you’re ever traveling light, the best two pieces you can bring are a black jacket and pair of black pants. Pair pants with a formal shirt and you’re ready to go to a nice restaurant, or throw on a sweatshirt and go sight seeing for the day.  

Two pairs only: We’ve all been there - while you’re packing you plan all the shoes you’ll "wear." Some heels (for the ladies), comfy shoes, hiking boots and sneakers of course for when you go to the gym each morning. Then, on day 5, you realize you’ve worn the same shoes every day since you stepped off the plane. We know it’s hard, but if you’re going away for a week, pack realistically. Try to bring no more than two versatile shoes that you can dress up or down depending on where you go. 

Accessories: Temperatures in Europe can hit the single digits, so while they may look good, thin scarves and gloves won’t protect you from the rain, snow and wind. Instead, pack a few heavy duty scarves, earmuffs, hats and gloves that will keep you warm and can change up an outfit you’ve already worn. 

Know when not to skimp: The few places you should not skimp on when packing are socks, underwear and thermals. One good rainy or snowy day can ruin a few pairs of socks or soak a shirt, so make sure you have two pairs of socks for every day you’re away and an extra warm shirt, just in case. 

No matter where your 2016 (or 2017) travel plans take you, Dynasty Limousine will be there to handle your transportation needs. We offer competitive rates for Airport and Ground Transportation in the New York area. Call and request a quote today (631) 587-8500! 

Holiday Travel Do's and Don'ts

Long Island's Premiere Limousine Service 
P: (631) 587-8500

 

Tomorrow is the first day of November, and that means Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, followed by the December holidays. But before you can see friends, family, and of course - eat lots of great food - you just need to get there. 

If you plan on traveling this season, make sure to first check out a few of our travel do’s and don’ts for the holidays.

Do know when to travel. Sometimes it’s inevitable, but if you can, avoid traveling at peak times. Holiday weekends tend to be the most crowded, while the actual holiday is usually pretty clear. If you’re planning a road trip, look up if and when you’ll be hitting major cities and try to avoid them during rush hour. If you plan to fly, aim to leave early in the morning or late at night, to avoid getting stuck in traffic on the way to the airport.

Don’t wait to book. Transportation around the holiday’s can get expensive. The best way to save money is to book your rental car, train ticket or flight as early as possible. Last minute blowout deals or standby flights can be tempting but may just leave you more stressed than relieved if something goes wrong.

Do look up TSA’s rules. No one wants to be the person sitting on the airport floor riffling through their luggage - so before you pack, take a quick look at the TSA’s list of prohibited items.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. As frustrating as small hiccups may be (i.e.: needing to go buy things you forgot to pack), remember that these little inconveniences are going to be the things you look back and laugh at.

Do arrive early. Plan for traffic, bathroom breaks and security lines by leaving early. The TSA suggests arriving 2 hours before any domestic flight - or, save yourself time and stress by applying for TSA’s PreCheck service. Last year, more than 97% of precheck customers spent just 5 minutes on the security line.

And for a bonus - DO book your airport transportation with Dynasty Limousine. We handle pick ups and drop offs at all major New York Airports including LaGuardia, JFK, MacArthur as well as most private airports like Farmingdale Executive Airport. Call and request a quote today: 631-587-8500! 

#TravelThursday - Winter Vacations for 2016

Long Island's Premiere Limousine Service 
P: (631) 587-8500

79 days to go until the New Year and if you’re one of the 55% of workers that still have vacation days left to use, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you want to lounge on a beach or hit the slopes (or stay bundled in the lodge - we don’t blame you), here are some of the best cold and warm weather winter getaways:

Cape Town, South Africa: 

December to March marks the best time to visit Cape Town thanks to the season’s best weather conditions, smaller crowd, and low prices. Want to indulge in some fun nightlife? Take a stroll on Long Street and visit bars like Julep, the Waiting Room, and Neighbourhood; all providing their own unique partying vibes for visitors and locals alike. Or spend your time hanging out with some penguins on the coast and exploring the lush environs of the Cape Peninsula.

French Polynesia:

French Polynesia consists of five diverse archipelagos that have a surface area larger than the European continent. From 118 islands to choose from, such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine, French Polynesia is a once in a lifetime trip for all to enjoy. Our winter is the most inexpensive time to travel to this location because it’s their rainy season - but don’t worry, there is still plenty of sunshine to go around. Come face-to-face with crystal clear lagoons, mountains, and yes, over-water bungalows - just like you pinned on your travel Pinterest board.

Swedish Lapland:

For those of you that prefer the cold - Swedish Lapland is the place to be. Each winter the original ICEHOTEL is reborn! So spend a night in a 23 degree Fahrenheit room, in a hotel created with nearly 10 million gallons of snow and ice. If you’re lucky you’ll also catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights and if you can’t bear the cold any longer, there is a heated complex next door - or a toasty luxury suite awaiting you in the permanent ICEHOTEL 365 set to open November 10th!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming:

Looking for a winter getaway without traveling too far? Try Jackson Hole, Wyoming, located in the North West of the U.S. This location provides visitors with plenty of slopes, perfect for skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and even heli-skiing. Visit during the holiday season and you’ll be showered with fireworks while on your ski runs. Venture outside of town to the Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park to experience fields of grazing bison and elk.

Now that you’re putting your remaining vacation days to use, it’s time to book your trip, your flight, and arrange your airport transportation with Dynasty Limousine! We handle pick ups and drop offs at all major New York Airports including LaGuardia, JFK, MacArthur as well as most private airports like Farmingdale Executive Airport. Call and request a quote today: 631-587-8500!