Amazing Limousines Video

Check out this video featuring some of the world’s coolest and wackiest limousines.  Enjoy!

Extend Your Car Fleet Warranties on the Cheap

Let’s face it, it is expensive to run a ground transportation business.  There is no doubt that the limousine industry has suffered from the economic recession, not only from frugal vacationers but also from a clamp-down on business travel.  So as the market changes, so does the business plan of transportation companies.

Prior to this economic downtown, ground transportation companies had more flexibility in their budgets.  Not now.  In fact, every penny counts and one area that can save tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars (depending on the size of the fleet) is extending the life of each vehicle an extra year or two.

Limousine companies are forced to compete by having the nicest, newest vehicles they can afford.  Plus they have to keep them in great condition, maintaining that new look.  The internet is full of reviews by disappointed limousine clients who were picked-up in cars that did not meet their expectations because of age or dents and dings.

One of the best ways to get an extra year or two out of your cars is to add an extended warranty.  The problem is that automobile manufacturers charge a fortune for these extensions because they don’t want you to extend it.  Instead they want you to buy a new car!

The solution is simple, buy extended warranties on all of your vehicles through discount extended warranty wholesalers and keep your vehicles  operating for an extra 2-3 years.  This is not a tactic, but a realistic shift in business that will help company owners survive in the new economy, especially limousine service companies.

On a final note, BE CAREFUL when buying extended auto warranties for your fleet.  Here are a few noteworthy articles to help you avoid “getting taken for a ride”:

The News-Gazette.com: Area-based auto warranty firm focus of probe – The company marketed extended auto warranties, a product legitimate companies also sell to consumers, Harmon said. The options can vary, but essentially the warranties cover certain repairs to the customer’s car. …

Web vigilantes vs. extended auto warranty robo-callers on … – If you’re like most Americans, you’ve probably received a robo-call about buying an extended auto warranty. The Wall Street Journal reports that a group of web vigilantes decided to take on at least one of the operations bugging people. …

Protect Yourself From Useless Auto Warranties | FinancialHealthGuy.com – In these tough economic times, everybody is trying to save as much money as possible and extend their savings for as long as possible. But don’t allow this.

What the heck is a GroundCar Score?

Ok, for the past 2 months the ground transportation industry has been flooded with blog and forum discussions about the new objective scoring system called the GroundCar Score

The GroundCar Score was created by the Owner of TransportationReviews.com, Todd Nemet, as a way to provide objective information to travelers booking ground transportation reservations online.  Prior to the creation of the GroundCar Score the existing internet limousine directories, shuttle directories, and other transportation related sites provided only subjective user generated reviews. 

Over time, it was realized that dishonest companies were slandering the competition and using fake positive reviews about their own company.  It also became obvious that the big online reservation booking agencies were also giving biased preferential treatment based on which companies were paying them the highest royalty or affiliate commission.

The internet was like the wild, wild west in the ground transportation arena.  It became impossible to distinguish safe, reliable companies from fraudulent ones…  At least until TransportationReviews.com developed the GroundCare Score system and a directory that listed companies in order of their objective score.

This score is based on multiple factors, including certifications and permits, whether or not the site name and address match public record data, site security, and a host of other factors.  Not only that, the directory lists companies in order of this score so that companies can see how they compare to their competition. 

Many industry experts believe that this GroundCar Score will revolutionize the limousine industry and make it better.  Regardless, one thing is for certain, an objective scoring system will help provide potential clients with more comfort and security when they are booking reservations online.

Here is a video from TransportationReviews.com explaining the GroundCar Score:

For more information and to check out the directory, go to www.TransportationReviews.com.

Tips to Choose a Child Friendly Hotel

travelkid, 11 May 2009, No comments
Categories: Uncategorized

Travelling with kids is much easier if you follow these few simple tips.The hotel not only has to have a swimming pool and play area, but should also have additional amenities in them that will keep them happy during their stay.

It is preferable to stay in hotel rooms with fridges so that you can keep kids happy with cold drinks and snacks.Instead of an outdoor pool, it would be better if the hotel had an indoor pool or a play area to keep them occupied, just in case your outdoor plans are fouled by the weather.
With a separate living room and bedroom, you get the privacy you deserve when the kids are sleeping, especially on long trips.The best option are hotels with suites that provide you with the privacy you are looking for.

It is natural for kids to get hungry as soon as you arrive at your destination; so choose hotels with room service.You will really hate having to once again get everybody into the car to head to a restaurant or eatery to feed your hungry kids on reaching your hotel.Room service is a better option as you can unpack and unwind while your kids are happy.

Babysitting services are a must when looking for hotels.This way you can go exploring, while knowing your kids are in safe hands.There are many hotels offering great activities for kids so that adults get to spend some time to themselves.
Do some research on the babysitting service before entrusting your kids to their hands.Check their references, find out how long they have been babysitting and interact with the baby sitter to ensure that you are comfortable enough with them to be able to leave your kids with them. Don’t neglect your kids even though they are with babysitters; check on them periodically and you will enjoy your holiday much better as you know what your kids are up to.

For great accommodation in Chicago, Apartments in Edgewater & suites in Chicago

Places To Visit in Oahu Hawaii

travelkid, 08 May 2009, No comments
Categories: Blog, General Travel
Tags: , ,

The Honolulu International Airport every year receives millions of eager visitors who are keen to start their much-awaited vacation. Normally, their hotel will arrange pick-up and the majority will head off towards the Waikiki area of the island. The attraction of Waikiki is nearly magnetic – the bustle of the busy streets, the long and extended beaches and the rich history of the land soon make the visitors hit the streets. The excitement of discovering Waikiki is so intense that most visitors never escape its imaginary borders.Approximately 6 million of these visitors miss the very sites that locals find so endearing, remaining within the two square miles of Waikiki.

If you are thinking of visiting Oahu then you should find this interesting.

Firstly there is the Magic Island Beach Park, which can be found a short distance from the Ala Moana Shopping Center, and is a very popular Waikiki destination. The things that you would find in this park include two beaches, a 3-mile stretch of jogging path and tennis courts, and more. A leisurely stroll around the park would bring you closer to the essence of Hawaiian culture – where a large family with all the members spends a lively day together amidst delicious food and lots of sun. Magic Island beaches are unlike many, un-crowded so it can be a relaxing experience and many people decide to have a barbecue while they are there.

The Contemporary Museum Honolulu – This small museum is located high on a ridge at Makiki Heights Drive and the drive up the ridge offers amazing vistas that would otherwise be missed by most Oahu visitors. It may not be large but there is enough space to house 5 galleries and after a tour they can relax in the extensive gardens. 5 acres and offer visitors unparalleled views of Honolulu.

Leong’s Cafe – Many visitors look to a lu’au for more than entertainment especially when they are after some great Hawaiian food.However, if you’re interested in real local style Hawaiian food, you can’t beat Leong’s Cafe located at 2343 North King Street. Here they have been serving the Hawaiian population for in excess of five decades with traditional dishes enjoyed by many.

Champion Malasadas – there is a local treat that originated in portugal called Malasadas which has become so popular that they even renamed Fat Tuesday to Malasadas day. The location details, where this venerated and most popular bakery is Champion Malasadas, 1926 South Beretania Street. Although a Hawaiian treat, they are in fact Portuguese and are donuts without the hole and they are served with or without your favorite filling.

Honolulu Chinatown – A walk through the streets of Chinatown in like a walk into another time and place. This is like being in a small part of China where you can obtain anything you would expect to find in the mainland Country. The shops and streets are unforgettable, offering goods, which you would never find in an average American store.Although guided walks are popular, if you are of a mind, why not try looking around unaided, exploring the historic areas taking your time – go on, be adventurous.

The best way to experience Oahu is to allocate enough time to see outside Waikiki for that is the way locals see it. Stop by some or all of the spots listed above and see some of what truly makes Hawaii special. If you like this article you should check out Forbidden City Photos.

New England States Love Prom Limousines

Traveldad, 08 May 2009, 4 comments
Categories: Limousine, Prom
Tags: , ,

Search engine results reveal that the New England states outsearched the rest of the USA for prom limos.

Why?

Is it more of a cultural thing or an economical thing? We are not certain yet. Obviously we have some assumptions, but it would be wreckless of us to share them without really finding out why.

Share your ideas and inside information in the comments section.

Car Rental Deal of the Week & More!!!

OK, here is a quick deal for all of you business travelers who like to rent cars instead of using Limos.

Hetz: Book on Expedia and receive a free one-car class upgrade! – Ongoing

Enjoy your car rental and thank us later:)

If you are looking for a hot hotel discount, here is the hotel deal of the week:

Save big at Expedia with these hot lodging deals: Hotels from $59 Expires – 10/1/08

Hope you all take advantage of these great discounts from GroundTransportationBlog.com.

But I Thought I Ordered a Limo…

I remember a day when you could order a limo and actually get a limousine – a stretch limousine.

Those days are ‘long gone,’ no pun intended.  Today when you order a limo, you are likely to get a regular sedan or SUV.  In fact, you will have to specify a stretch limo if that is what you want.

Most limo companies today don’t even have a stretch limousine in their fleet.  Instead, they have to arrange for one from one of their partner companies/ brokers.  Often they will do their best to persuade you to go with a regular length sedan or SUV (so that they won’t have to go through a partner).

If I wanted a sedan, I would have just jumped into a taxi.

So be careful when you order your limo and make sure you get what you want.  If you want a stretch, ask for it and make sure they give you confirmation.

What is considered Ground Transportation?

When I first started traveling, I had envisioned what I thought was an appropriate way to get from airport to my hotel.  However once I arrived at the airport, I was immediately confused by all of the options available from taxis, buses, shuttles, limos, rental cars, etc.

In fact, shuttles alone had multiple categories, including hotel shuttles, commercial shuttles, private shuttles, public shuttles, shared-ride shuttles, and park-and-ride shuttles.

In a nutshell, ground transportation is any form of transportation that takes you from point A to point B without using an airplane.  Though typically the terminology is referring to airport ground transportation methods, such as vehicles-for-hire (limos, sedans, SUVs, etc), shuttles, taxis, and charter buses.

Broadly speaking, you could also include other means of public transit including trains and even rental cars.  But for the most part, when the term is used, it is referring to limos, shuttles, or taxis that can be hired to get you from the airport to and from your hotel.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles…

Traveldad, 06 June 2008, No comments
Categories: Blog, General Travel, Tips, Warning
Tags: ,

As frequent travelers have discovered, you can either take ground transportation as it comes, or you can plan your trip with comfort and satisfaction in mind.

Having experienced the worst of the worst in travel and ground transportation, I decided to create a blog and provide other travelers tips and information.

My goal or vision is to do my part in cleaning-up the ground transportation industry, so that my fellow travelers do not have to play Russian Roulette when they are simply going to and from airports and hotels.

Away we go…