Valentine’s Day is typically regarded as a day for couples. However, the time has come to dispel that myth and show that it is another calendar day for celebration. Oftentimes, people struggle with gift ideas for that special someone, while others protest and look to avoid the holiday altogether, while other couples look to find special celebratory ideas annually. So what should you do? How should you celebrate? Should you celebrate? So many questions and we are here with some tips to help you make this the best Valentine’s Day ever! No matter your current status of single, dating, engaged or married or the length of your relationship, we have ideas for everyone so please read on.
For singles: Are you recently single, or alone by choice and looking to skip over February 14th on the calendar? The time has come to move on and plan a fun night out with friends or family members. Many area restaurants are offering special dining events and singles should look to get in on the fun and deals. If the idea of a restaurant full of romantics is pretty far down on your list, consider some fun alternatives including shopping trips, a day at the spa, sporting events or even a wine tour. It has been our experience that clients who plan these unique outings are likely to make them annual traditions.
For couples: Consider planning a romantic evening on the town. If you have children, consider hiring your favorite babysitter and make plans for a special date night. If the sitter is busy, try to find a friend or family member willing to watch the little ones. Returning the favor is always appreciated. A night of dining, with adult conversation and maybe a movie or dancing is a special way to celebrate this romantic date. Rest assured, if spending time with your children is on your list, we have some family-friendly suggestions as well (see below). For a more special weekend celebration, escaping to a rustic New England inn or securing a dinner reservation at a romantic restaurant can help you and your significant other escape the craziness of day-to-day reality. Consider establishing an annual Valentine’s Day celebration to have an easy answer to the holiday for years to come. Some easy suggestions include selecting a sentimentally favorite restaurant or local getaway spot.
For parents: Valentine’s Day is certainly about spending time with loved ones so why not include the family? There are a number of fun family activities, for all ages, in and around Connecticut and Metro New York. With a host of choices available, think about selecting a special destination or event and planning a day of themed activities. Rest assured, your children will cherish the memories made, fondly look back on what could be the start of a new family tradition.
As with anything in life, Valentine’s Day is entirely what you make of it. Our experience has been, individuals and couples who choose to embrace the day and plan fun activities are happiest. With Valentine’s Day 2012 falling on a Tuesday, the weekend before or after are both the perfect time to plan special activities with those you care about most.
We had the pleasure of finding out yesterday that Absolute Transportation LLC was again named to a repeat 3rd place finish in the Best of Fairfield County Weekly Readers’ Poll in the Best Limousine Service category. According to an article, from Fairfield County Weekly on the award process, “among the 147 winners in 188 categories” Absolute Transportation was the only winner based in Redding, CT.
A HUGE thank you to our customers for voting us to this placing! It is a pleasure serving all of your travel, special celebrations and unique chauffeured transportation needs.
It is our intent to continue to deliver top notch limousine services that meet and exceed customer demand. As always, the fleet is ready to serve your individual requests 24/7, 365 days a year.
Our recent family vacation got me thinking about the immense amount of planning that goes into a vacation with the younger members of the family. With major shifts in routines, unfamiliar modes of transportation and short attention spans, parents have their work cut out for them.
During the Planning Stages:
Make sure the proposed vacation is family friendly. We are avid cruisers and have had to make sure the ships are able to accommodate our little ones. Transporting cribs, high chairs and more are not on my to-do list and I needed to make sure these basic staples were included in our hotels and final destinations. Next, consider the food offerings and your child’s individual dietary needs. We have had to accommodate transitional phases of eating (i.e. vacation while in the midst of making the switch to baby food, early solids and more). It took some planning and creativity on our part, but our kids have been well fed while away from home. Activities are also an important part of traveling. Look for things that are family friendly and will entertain all members of the family. Additionally, local memberships to zoos and museums can oftentimes help you net a discounted admission to vacation destination parks and museums.
If you will be flying, read up on the TSA carry requirements. You have some leeway when traveling with young children with regards to carrying on food and liquids. Our pediatrician recommended bottles and sippy cups to encourage swallowing during take off and landing. This small tidbit of advice has come in very handy over the years.
When hiring ground transportation, remember to mention the young age of your children to ensure proper car seat systems are in place. Both limousine companies and rental car companies should have necessary equipment available. If they don’t, rent elsewhere, your child’s safety should be the number one priority. The second point to consider is any additional equipment you will be bringing. Strollers, diapers, wipes and all those extra changes of clothes can add up. We often have customers inquire about renting the limousine for airport transfers. Honestly, with car seats and the aforementioned items, you will likely be better off in a van if you have more than 6 passengers. A little known fact about limousines is that they truly have no more trunk space than that of a town car. Also, if a rental car is in your future, a larger vehicle may keep everyone more comfortable upon arrival.
When Packing:
Plan for the unexpected and then create lists. If your child is in diapers bring more than you anticipate needing and consider the same approach for wipes. Depending on our destination, and access to washing facilities, I often bring plenty of extra changes for the kids. Casual clothes, dressy clothes, accessories (hats, shoes, sandals and the like) along with feeding supplies may need to make your list (including pacifiers, bottles, covers and bottle brushes to facilitate cleaning).
Invest time in packing your carry-on luggage to keep everyone in your travel party and those around you happy. Our bags included favorite snacks, some special treats, comfort items, books and yet another change of clothes along with a mini diaper change kit. I typically introduce a new small toy on trips to keep the kids interest. Portable DVD players or laptops can be helpful – just remember headphones or ear buds for anyone of the age to use them.
Departure Day:
Leave yourself plenty of time. Traveling can be stressful, extra time can help alleviate problems with traffic and putting parents into a stressful situation prior to departure. If you will be flying, take the airline up on the opportunity to be among the first to board. The extra few minutes to settle kids in can make a world of difference. We discussed on this last trip if there is an optimal time to fly with kids. My opinion? No! We thought we had our afternoon flight timed perfectly to coincide with lunch and naps. No such luck. We sat on the runway at JFK for close to an hour and our youngest was not a happy camper (sorry to anyone sitting in close proximity to her – and thank you for your patience)!
Upon arrival, if a meal has been missed along the way, try to make eating a top priority. Beyond that, enjoy your vacation! No matter if your travels take you to a beach, mountain or sailing the seven seas, enjoy the time away and may you come home well-rested.
Do you have travel tips you would like to share? Please feel free to comment. I’m sure fellow parents would love to hear your tried and tested suggestions!
Are you planning on getting married at home? What a great way to celebrate your special day!
Now, time to plan for a few more details that you may not have thoroughly thought through quite yet…If not, you may end up with a scene reminiscent of the kids parking cars in Father of the Bride.
Questions to Ponder:
These are just a sampling of some stumbling blocks we have helped couples through over the years. Every wedding is different and presents its own unique set of challenges. If you are planning a home wedding and would like to discuss your circumstances, we would be happy to discuss.
In addition to wedding related transportation services, Absolute Transportation is pleased to offer our customers valet parking services that are both licensed and insured. We welcome the opportunity to help you celebrate your wedding day.
The anticipation has been building for weeks and we are so excited that the time has finally come to head west to Las Vegas for the 2011 International LCT Show. We use the trade shows as an opportunity to learn, build and strengthen business relationships and take in the trade floor first hand. Staying current in our industry is a top priority so that we can continue to deliver the top notch services our customers demand.
We continue to listen to our industry colleagues about ongoing fleet changes, with popular vehicle models being discontinued. Additionally, safety, service levels and ongoing legislation are some key areas that we need to stay abreast. Our goal in Las Vegas is to spend the time learning and sharing in an attempt to enhance our ongoing service offerings.
To our fellow operators — we look forward to meeting up and forging new working relationships that will allow us to collectively service our clients. Please feel free to email info @ absolute-transportation.com if you would like to set-up a meeting time. Look for a guaranteed post-show follow up and possibly some on site recaps.
You’ve heard it time and time again, and quite frankly, you may even be tired of hearing it. “Attending prom is one of the most important nights in your life.” At this stage in the game, it is probably the truth. Yes, adults who attended prom are probably romanticizing the evening in their minds – however, a grown society of adults can’t be that wrong, right?
First things first…Decide with your friends that everyone wants to attend the prom. For some, the idea of dressing up and attending a special event will be exciting, for others the task may seem daunting or not high atop the to-do list. However, life is short and you get few opportunities for redos of these special events. Our advice, based on experience, is to plan on attending.
Once decided that you will be attending, a few things need to be attended to early on and most has to do with a combination of logistics and this thing called supply and demand.
First the logistics: Prom can be a bit of an investment…Tickets, clothing (purchases or rentals), hair, flowers and transportation. It all adds up. Talk with your parents and figure out if you will be entirely responsible, they will be chipping in and what sort of budget you will have. Next, for service related items (hair and transportation) start making appointments and planning early. Girls, if you will be purchasing a dress, and expect to need alterations, you should be picking out your dress early on. Additionally, if you will be attending with a date, and want his tuxedo to match, colors should be decided early on.
Now, the supply and demand part: Guys, do you plan on renting a tux? They will be in high demand on prom night. As such, securing your attire needs to happen early on to guarantee availability. Otherwise, you may be stuck sporting your dad’s power blue 1970’s ruffled special. Limousines and other transportation options are no different. Wedding season competes heavily with prom season and limousines are in top demand during the warm spring months.
Know the law: If you have been discussing any sort of SUV limo with your friends, you should reconsider. The stretched Hummer, Escalade and Navigators that appear to be so cool are unfortunately out of your grasp in Connecticut. There are a few companies with smaller sized SUV limousines in Connecticut, but they are few and far between. By and large your options for limousines are 6-8 passenger stretch limos or a party bus, which features a limo like interior while accommodating larger numbers of passengers.
How do you know the vehicle is “prom legal?” The easy answer is to ask about the license plates. In Connecticut, if you will be picked up in state and stay entirely in state, your limo needs to have Livery or L license plates (these plates start and end in “L”). Intrastate license plates (which start and end with Z) are not able to provide these services nor are out of state vehicles. Party buses will not adhere to this license plate rule as most feature “bus” license plates. If you talk to an out of state company who says they can provide services – hang up and run! They are only in it for the money and are not providing ethical business services. The consequence for using an illegal vehicle? Towing of the vehicle and loss of your ride. We’ve seen the cops and Dept of Transportation inspectors at area proms. Do not become a statistic!
Does a limo seem out of your price range? You are not alone! If you want to get yourself to prom, without driving or being chauffeured by your parents, there are a few other options: Town cars can accommodate 4 passengers and often have lower reservation time requirements. Standard SUVs are also an option and can typically handle up to 6 passengers. Occasionally, customers request van service and this is certainly an option as well.
What to expect: Prom packages will vary by company and you should ask if the price quoted includes gratuity. Sales tax is not charged on prom services in Connecticut and this should not be included in any CT limousine quote you receive. Additionally, we encourage you to take the time and go see the limo you are interested in reserving. Take your friends and make an afternoon of it. This way, you guarantee something circa 1984 doesn’t show up, blasting 80’s tunes on its only modern feature, a satellite radio up front with the chauffeur. Additionally, you likely will not find too many companies willing to provide pick-up and drop-off service. Yes, this may be what you want to pay for, however, please understand that a significant amount of time goes into preparing the limousine for service, getting to/from the pick-up point and clean-up after the vehicle has been used.
Get it in writing: Contracts are designed to protect you the consumer as well as the business offering service. If you will be contracting for limousine, party bus or any other transportation services get everything in writing. Additional items to ask about include extra time with the vehicles, deposits, payment options (cash, credit cards, etc) and timeframes and if there are any mileage charges.
Planning for prom can be a mix of fun and frustration. If you start planning early and are aware of your budget, it should help minimize some of the stress in planning. We can’t guarantee it will make everything perfect – however, it should help minimize any related stress. Involve your friends, make a budget and then enjoy celebrating one of the most special nights of your life!
Valentine’s Day, it comes but once a year and seems to run on varying extremes of the popularity scale for many individuals. Oftentimes, we find people struggle with gift ideas for their special someone, while others loathe the holiday altogether, then there are the couples who find a special way to celebrate each and every year. So what is a person to do? As with so many other things in today’s world, make the day your own.
For couples: Consider planning a romantic evening on the town. If you have children, secure a babysitter and plan a fun date night. If the kids’ favorite sitter is unavailable, see if a family member or friend would be willing to watch over the little ones. You can easily return the favor in due time. Imagine the fun of eating dinner and having adult conversation without needing to cut food and constant interruption. If spending time with your children is atop your list, keep reading. Getting away to a quaint New England Inn, or securing a reservation at a rustic tavern can help you escape the craziness of the normal world. Establishing a traditional holiday celebration can be a fun way to look forward to some alone time each year. Select a sentimental favorite restaurant or destination to enhance the time together.
Are you single and dreading Valentine’s Day? Don’t sit at home hating the holiday, instead, gather a group of friends and plan a special outing. Some popular past activities have included spa days and lunch, sporting events and shopping trips. Funny enough, clients who plan these outings, typically keep them on the calendar for years to come.
If Valentine’s Day is about spending time with the one you love, why not include the family? There are so many activities in and around Connecticut and Metro New York for families of all ages. Consider finding a special event or destination and building a day of themed activities. The memories made will last a lifetime and this could be the start of a new family tradition.
Like so many other things, Valentine’s Day is entirely what you choose to make of it. Our advice is to embrace the day and plan some fun activities on or around the holiday. With February 14th falling on a Monday, the weekend before or after are both excellent times to plan some quality activities with those you care about most.
Anyone who has planned a wedding knows about the challenges of finding the perfect set of vendors to render services. First, there are the celebrity and local choice vendors who seem to sit atop every bride and groom’s list of preferred service providers. These industry professionals typically offer years of experience and scores of satisfied clients putting them in high demand. Still others are on the up and coming list and are quickly building their own following. Vendors are as varied as the services provided and finding the perfect
Prior to searching out your vendors, establish a rough budget for each item or service required. Common areas to budget for include ceremony, reception/catering, attire, jewelry, hair stylist, florist, photography, limousine/transportation services, cake, dj/band, honeymoon and wedding planning services. Some couples will have additional items, others will have less. Be honest with yourself when planning the budget; think about what is most important and what you can realistically afford. Planning a wedding is no reason to go in debt. Take into account the value provided by a skilled professional. Cutting corners on your wedding day, simply to save money, can lead to heartache, frustration and anger; all traits that most couples desperately want to avoid.
If you have already made some wedding related decisions and deposits (i.e. reception site) check to find out if there is a list of preferred or required vendors. Additionally, ask selected vendors for their recommendations. Most service providers work closely with other professionals on a regular basis and are happy to provide their insight.
Establish a list of vendors who you would like to meet with. Email or call to find out about availability for your date and set-up appointments with the service provider or a company representative. Personality and compatibility should weigh heavily in the selection process.
Take the time to meet with professionals to view their portfolio or service offerings and ask for recent references. If you have ideas or pictures, now is typically a good time to present your ideas and requests. Ask about any required deposits and inquire to the contract process. Remember, any time you contract with a vendor, a written contract should be in place to protect both interested parties.
Upon completing appointments with vendors, compare notes and take the time to call references from your chosen professional. In addition to references supplied, check out popular online sites to see if you can locate a well-rounded picture of your desired vendor. Remember, when reading reviews online; everyone is entitled to their opinion, positive or negative, and there are two sides to every story.
Try to select your vendors early on in the process. Oftentimes during peak wedding season, vendors know their limits and can only accept a set number of events.
Hiring vendors can be one of the biggest challenges for couples slated to wed. With careful planning, interviewing and research, you and your fiancé(e) will establish a team of service professionals ready to help you celebrate the day of your dreams. Good luck in your planning!
Traveling to/from any of the area airports we service (LaGuardia, JFK, Newark, Westchester or Bradley) and Connecticut? Interested in a deal? If the weekly snow storms have you down and you’re planning an escape, why not save a few dollars? Check out our discounted one way trips here. We currently have a mix of town car and SUV services offered for the dates and times outlined. The list currently runs through month-end. We endeavor to update the list daily so check back for new availability.
Email deals@absolute-transportation.com or call 203.938.0000 for specifics and let us know your pick-up town to get your customized rate quote.
As with consumers, businesses often select a brand of choice. In our case, the decision has been to maintain an all Lincoln fleet of vehicles. Why Lincoln? Most industry insiders would agree, the name Lincoln and Livery or the Limousine Industry are synonymous. Widely recognized as one of the industry workhorses, few vehicle manufacturers can compete with the longevity and durability offered in Ford’s upscale brand.
From the Park Avenue favorite of the Executive L Town Car, to the rugged snow conquering talents of our Navigator L SUV to the luxury and elegance of a Lincoln Executive super stretch limousine, the quality and workmanlike nature of our fleet is unparalleled.
We find that the passenger amenities offered on these vehicles is second to none. The comfort and convenience of our vehicles is our number one priority in consideration when growing our fleet. For our specialty vehicles, yes, we could easily incorporate less conventional stretch limousine offerings such as a Mini-Cooper, a hot pink stretched anything or a more extravagant brand such as Bentley, BMW or Mercedes into the fleet.
The team at Absolute Transportation is passionate about timeless elegance. We want you looking at your wedding photos 20 years from now admiring selections, not cringing at a period popular vehicle. As such, continuity fleetwide continues to be among our top commitments to customers.
As previously mentioned, Lincoln is making changes to their product offerings and line-up. This will eventually have implications on our fleet. With Cadillac following suit in retiring their popular DTS, many limousine companies will be struggling with their fleet growth in the next few years. Until then, we continue to support the brand that we believe offers the best return on investment; Lincoln.
Does your business have a brand of choice? We’d love to hear about it and why!
One of the top trending requests these days is for prom limousine services. As such, we thought we would provide an informational primer to parents, teachers and educational professionals outlining some of the nuances associated with renting a prom limousine. Connecticut is home to some interesting regulations that tend to be contrary to customer demand and should be understood prior to securing a reservation. Below are a combination of general best practices and state specific explanations.
Know the Services Needed:
Prior to calling around for limousine quotes, take the time to do some fact gathering. How many students need prom transportation? Do you have the specific date and times? Will there be multiple pick-up locations?
Who Can Provide Limousine Service?
Connecticut State law is very clear in who may provide limousine services and under what conditions. For consumers, your tip-off is in the license plates. Professionally registered livery vehicles in Connecticut have “L” license plates (the plates start and end with the letter L) and are allowed to provide services both inside and out of Connecticut. Interstate registered vehicles feature “Z” license plates (these license plates start and end with the letter Z) and are only allowed to provide services between states (i.e. pick-up in New York and a drop-off in Connecticut). For students attending a prom in Connecticut, with all pick-ups being at Connecticut addresses, the reservation must be completed with a Connecticut registered livery vehicle. The only acceptable alternative includes those opting to reserve a party bus, which will be registered with bus license plates. Do not allow out of state companies to tell you they are able to provide services. This is simply not the case. Out of state vehicles cannot legally come in to Connecticut to provide prom services and run the risk of being towed.
SUV Limousines are not the Norm:
If your child is clamoring for the latest hot SUV limousine rental, their Connecticut prom is not the best place to be seen stepping out of this vehicle. Yes, there are a few SUV limousines available to rent in Connecticut, however, they are few and far between and must conform to the aforementioned licensing requirements. Make sure to ask about the state of registration to prevent any prom night problems (remember, Connecticut L or bus license plates only). New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts registered companies are notorious for attempting to fill the void left by Connecticut licensing requirements. In years gone by, some very scary looking vehicles, from out of state, have appeared at area proms only to be towed off. Don’t let your child become a statistic or have their evening ruined over an illegal vehicle.
Should your child want to travel with a large group of friends, please look into party bus service. These large limousine-style buses can house larger numbers of passengers than a standard stretched limousine.
Most Companies Will Quote Package Rates:
Most companies will quote package rates, which are commonly offered with a minimum of 6 hours of service. Yes, the time will likely include when your child is at prom. While this may seem unfair, please consider the time that goes into preparing the vehicle, refreshing the vehicle mid-evening, traveling to and from your pick-up location and final evening destination. Oftentimes, the limousine company and chauffeurs are investing up to 4 hours in preparing the vehicle for your child’s use, so the service minimums are set to guarantee a break-even point.
Ask Plenty of Questions:
When calling for details on a prom reservation, you will at times feel you are being interviewed. With the battery of questions answered, now is your time to respond with your own questions. Here are some of our suggestions:
• How old is the limousine being offered?
• What is the vehicle passenger capacity?
• What is included in the package price (gratuity)?
o On a side note, sales tax is not charged on livery service in Connecticut so if sales tax is mentioned, someone is being dishonest.
• Will a written contract be prepared?
• Is the company fully licensed and insured?
• Would it be possible to view the vehicle?
Don’t be Afraid to Shop Around:
For many, price is the bottom line. With a number of expenses for the evening including dress or tuxedo rental, hair, event tickets and more, it is a costly venture. Feel free to call around and compare packages for service.
More than Limousines:
If your child will be attending with a small group of friends, consider an Executive Town Car or standard SUV for services. They can often be a cost effective solution for passengers in lieu of a super stretched limo.
Availability is Limited
While it may seem that many limousine companies are trying to put a fast sell on you or your child, most of the time, this is not the case. Instead, please know that it is simply a matter of supply and demand. Prom season competes closely with the early part of wedding season and vehicle availability can be limited. In most instances, it is a first come first serve basis. The only way to guarantee service, with the desired vehicle, is to reserve early and get everything in writing.
Items that May Increase Cost:
If you received a fixed package rate, please know that a few common circumstances may lead to additional incurred expenses including passenger drop-offs after the contracted time, pick-ups and drop-offs outside a company’s normal service area and damage to the vehicles. The service agreement or contract should closely outline the terms and conditions for pricing.
Prepare to Deposit:
Most companies will require a deposit, if not full payment, to secure the reservation. Cancellations are usually frowned up and come with stiff penalties. The deposit should be applied to any full balance.
Affiliations: Look for affiliations with industry governing bodies including the National Limousine Association (NLA) or the New England Livery Association (NELA). Companies may also be members of the local chamber of commerce or the Better Business Bureau. In return, reviews can often be found with the latter or a grade for performance, which will help you arrive at your decision.
It’s in the Details:
Small details can say so much about a limousine company. Items to expect on prom night: Purses and accompanying bags will likely have to be stored in the trunk. This is to prevent any unwanted student access to alcohol. Remember, the limousine has been contracted to help keep your special group of students safe, certain measures have been instituted to help make this possible. A signed contract is in place requesting a designated contact person. Unfortunately, the unexpected can happen; students act out, the limousine gets damaged or there are problems at the prom. The signed contract asking for a designated parental contact is asking for your help in protecting your children. We believe in asking all parents of children under 17 to sign the contract and discuss salient points with their children.
Book and Enjoy:
Renting a limousine is certainly a special occasion for any passenger and prom service is no different. With some due diligence and planning, your child can travel in style to one of the most special celebrations of their young life.
Should you have any specific questions, please feel free to drop us an email at proms@absolute-transportation.com or give us a call at 203-938-0000. It is our goal to help you navigate the seemingly complex waters of prom limousine service in Connecticut.

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Life is short, we believe in celebrating often. Remember, while many think of a limousine as a super stretched vehicle, there are plenty of other vehicles available to meet personal demand and number of passengers (Town Cars, SUVs and even party buses). No matter the occasion, it is always the perfect time to rent a stretch limousine to arrive safely and in style.
There are so many times in life when it is appropriate to use a limousine. Here are our top 9 favorites.
In an industry where we strive to listen to our customer base, we would love to hear your thoughts on a number 10 for the list.
Over the next few weeks we will be featuring some local finds for area engaged couples. First up this week is a registry event at the Crate and Barrel in Westport. Every Sunday in February, the store will open from 9-11 am, feature a tour and offer couples advice on building their wedding registry. Please call 203-222-9500 to RSVP and for additional details. The best part? Attendees will receive a free gift at the event!
For our customers with a Discover Card remember to sign up for the 5% cashback bonus on Travel and Restaurant charges, up to $800, for January through March. Details can be found here and are a great way to put some earn some extra funds to put towards an upcoming trip or night out on the town.
We accept Discover Card as a form of payment on any reservation for services including and not limited to airport transportation, wedding limousines, nights on the town, cruise, anniveraries, birthdays and more.
If you know of a great deal that our customers could benefit from, please drop us an email at deals@absolute-transportation.com and we will check it out to feature on our blog.
Traveling to/from any of the area airports we service (LaGuardia, JFK, Newark, Westchester or Bradley) and Connecticut? Interested in a deal? Did the holidays leave your wallet a bit depleated? Check out our discounted one way trips here. We currently have a mix of town car, SUV and limousine services offered for the dates and times outlined. The list currently runs through month-end. We endeavor to update the list daily so check back for new availability.
Email deals@absolute-transportation.com or call 203.938.0000 for specifics and let us know your pick-up town to get your rate quote.
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The excitement of holiday season comes with such gusto that often people are eagerly looking beyond on the holidays for normalcy. For some, January will see them take off on winter getaways to warmer destinations while others will head further north or west into snow country to enjoy the cold winter months. Still other area residents will stay closer to home and wonder what adventures New York City and Connecticut hold.
NYC & Company, the City’s partnership organization in tourism and marketing endeavors today announced the dates for NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2011. Reservations will be accepted starting on January 12, 2011. Area restaurants will be serving up memorable dishes as part of the annual tradition from January 24th through February 6th.
Something for everyone:
The list continues to grow with each offering of NYC Restaurant week; this time with 35 new additions. World-renowned establishments including Le Cirque; One if by Land, Two if by Sea; Tribeca Grill and the 21 Club are just the beginning of participating eateries.
Meals included in the program are three-course prix-fixe and will run $24.07 for lunch and $35.00 for dinner. Saturdays are excluded from the program and Sunday availability may be limited. Please note that beverages, gratuities and taxes are not included in these totals.
Deals and Discounts:
AMEX again offers members another exciting opportunity to dine out and benefit. To cash in on the offer, members should register their cards and dine out at three participating restaurants. In return, American Express will issue $15 statement credits. Travelocity is also offering deals to participants. All information can be found here.
So, when the holidays have passed, or you feel someone else should cook after hours spent in the kitchen prepping decadent meals and snacks – consider attending NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2011. You’ll be glad you did!
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Are you a bride or groom planning your wedding for 2011? Are you looking for something offered at a discount rate? Is limousine service still on your list? As with everything else wedding related, so many questions – hopefully these were easy to answer!
Now for the good news; from today through the end of the year we will be offering access to 2011 wedding limousine services at our 2010 rates. Packages start with 3 hours of consecutive service and simply require a $100.00 deposit which will be applied to the balance due.
Additionally, we are pleased to offer our customers a 10% discount on any other wedding related services including and not limited to guest transportation, bachelor/bachelorette parties, spa days, bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners and honeymoon car service.
On January 1, 2011 we will be rolling out a new series of package offerings and our 2011 pricing structure will go into effect. We continue to offer our customers a complimentary consultation regarding your wedding transportation needs. This meeting will allow us to gain valuable insight into your wedding day itinerary and offer up advice regarding scheduling and logistics. Feel free to call 203-938-0000 or email wc@absolute-transportation.com to schedule your personal consultation.
Thank you for considering Absolute Transportation as your wedding day service provider and congratulations on your upcoming wedding. We wish you a lifetime of happiness!
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There is no way around it Connecticut is an internationally recognized hotbed for higher education. Whether studying in the hallowed halls of Yale University, at smaller liberal arts schools including Connecticut College or Wesleyan University, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy or larger state schools including UConn, 1998 saw 154,229 students call Connecticut home.* Enrollment figures were projected to continue through the decade and well into next, likely finding our resident collegiate population even higher.
December typically marks the end of the fall semester and finds college students studying furiously to pass exams and hand in research papers. For some, the time will come to pack up and move home. Others will need to pack their bags and head home for the holidays. While most of the area schools offer some form of transportation to area transportation hubs, the scheduled times can often be unaccommodating to a student who has been up for nights on end, studying to pass exams. College students on limited budgets often overlook the benefit a car service company can offer. Whether needing transportation to an area airport (LaGuardia, JFK, Newark, Bradley, White Plains or New Haven), regional transit center (Stamford, Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station) or bus depot (New Haven, Bridgeport and Stamford) we are able to accommodate individual travel schedules on a flexible schedule. For the budget minded traveler, consider discount offerings or sharing a ride with fellow students. If January or February will see your return to Connecticut, consider making a round trip airport transfer reservation to ensure you are set upon return instead of waiting out in the cold. A scheduled car offers peace of mind over grabbing a seat on an airport shuttle service or college shuttle.
For the university set home on vacation, gathering a group of your friends and touring the town in a limousine can be a great way to safely take in New Year’s festivities. Packages can be customized based on group size and desired agenda.
As members of our staff have attended and graduated from area universities including the University of New Haven, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield University, UConn Storrs and Quinnipiac University, we are proud to extend a 10% discount to current students and fellow alumni. If the holidays find you traveling far from home or back to Connecticut, please give us a call for all your chauffeured ground transportation needs. We are proud to be locally owned and operated while offering our customers access to a nationwide network of service providers. Happy Holidays!
Source: Connecticut Department of Higher Education http://www.ctdhe.org/info/oldreports/rptCollegeEnrollment.htm
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They’re here…The most dreaded days of the year behind the wheel for area drivers, the notorious 2010 Gridlock Alert Days. Running from Thanksgiving until after New Year’s Day, the holiday traffic season leads to angst, anxiety and anger for residents, regulars and visitors alike.
So when are the identified dates and what can you do to avoid congestion? The good news is 25% of the dates are already behind us! Only 6 more days to go! Dates are as follows.
* Wednesday, November 24
* Tuesday, November 30
* Friday, December 10
* Wednesday, December 15
* Thursday, December 16
* Friday, December 17
* Wednesday, December 22
* Thursday, December 23
The recommendation is to avoid driving into New York City on these days. With increased levels of pedestrians, tourists and events going on within city limits, these days are notorious for gridlock. Area transportation authorities recommend mass transit on these alert days during the holiday season. From Connecticut, MetroNorth is certainly an option, New Jersey and New York residents have additional options of bus or ferry service. While driving into NYC may seem convenient, the exorbitant cost of parking alone should be enough of a deterrent.
Have tips for enjoying NYC during the holidays? Feel free to share!
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Traveling to/from any of the area airports we service (LaGuardia, JFK, Newark, Westchester or Bradley) and Connecticut? Interested in a deal? Check out our discounted one way trips here. We currently have a mix of town car, SUV and limousine services offered for the dates and times outlined. The list currently runs through month end. We endeavor to update the list daily so check back for new availability.
Email deals@absolute-transportation.com or call 203.938.0000 for pricing specifics and let us know your pick-up town.
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