The world of travel moves at lightening speed - don't let the latest news pass you by! Keep reading to learn about a hip new hotel in NYC's Nolita neighborhood, a jazz festival in Mexico, a great website for female business travelers, and more!
Wouldn't you love to win a trip to New Orleans? In celebration of their 125th anniversary, the legendary Hotel Monteleone is giving away a grand prize that includes includes two round-trip tickets to New Orleans from any location in the continental United States, a two-night stay in one of their suites, a signed copy of the Hotel’s 125th Anniversary history book, and a set of limited edition 125th Anniversary Mignon Faget cocktail glasses.
It’s easy to enter - visit the Hotel Monteleone’s Facebook Page and click “Like” if you are not already a fan. Next, click contest on the Left sidebar. Then enter your first and last name, state and email address. That’s it. The Hotel Monteleone will randomly select a winner at the end of the contest period on November 4 and will announce the winner on November 9 through Facebook. Good luck!
No more naked feet at the airport! Could we finally be spared the frustration and humiliation of removing our shoes at the security gate? This week Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said, "we are moving towards an intelligence and risk-based approach to how we screen, I think one of the first things you will see over time is the ability to keep your shoes on. One of the last things you will [see] is the reduction or limitation on liquids." I'm happy about the shoes but if she could speed up on lifting the restrictions on lotions and potions, I'll do a cartwheel down the tarmac at JFK!
New York's Nolita Neighborhood Finally Has a Hotel! The hip Nolita (North of Little Italy) is always buzzing with tourists but has never had a great place for folks to actually stay. Finally, the wait is over - the 55 room Nolitan Hotel opened in August at the corner of Kenmare and Elizabeth Streets. Boasting a great location and luxurious amenities, each reservation is followed up on with an email asking guests to 
complete a personal profile. From the right pillow type, to arranging for organic groceries in your room, or even booking a bath for your dog, the Nolitan is focused on making every guest feel at home. Another great perk - the standard check-out time is 1pm, giving you more time to enjoy New York.
Have a jazzy time in Cancun! Oasis Hotels & Resorts is bringing back the Cancun International Jazz Festival - the Oasis Jazz U Festival will take place May 17-26, 2012 at the Grand Oasis Cancun - an all-inclusive entertainment resort. The all star lineup includes Dianne Reeves, Trombone Shorty, Maceo Parker, Diego "El Cigala" and many other world renowned artists.
I enjoy reading other travel websites designed by women for women, we each fill a different niche and add a unique perspective to the topic. ViaHerWorld.com is a great resource for women business travelers. Founded in 2008 by corporate executive and frequent flyer Marie Lotode Chandra, ViaHerWorld.com offers women guidance on travel, business etiquette, safety, interviews with female executives and much more!
The New York Times Tackles Female Travel. One of the reasons I started The Black Dress Traveler is because I believe that women do experience travel differently - when I've traveled alone I've benefitted from perks but I've often had to pay special attention to safety. The NY Times article, "The Gender Gap in Travel: Myths and Revelations" is columnist Seth Kugel's response to women readers who think that many of the solo adventures he partakes in, such as dining in the homes of strangers or going alone to a nightclub, would not be wise choices for women traveling alone. What do you think?
