Trip The Lady - The Ultimate Travel Information Source

An Open Letter to HughesNet

Debbie — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:52:00 GMT

WRONG. Hire American people and fix the economy. If you make an agreement, honor it.

[Dec 6 2009 2:19:55 PM] Welcome to our chat customer support .
[Dec 6 2009 2:19:59 PM] Debbie, you have been connected to Rain
Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:20:08 PM): Thank you for contacting HughesNet Billing Support. This is Rain. I appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:20:44 PM): I appreciate if you help me.
Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:20:58 PM): Your system deactivated my account last night and billed me $697.02 In August I called and we suspended service for the remainder of my contract which expires in February 2010. i was told I would pay $27.35 a month for the remainder of my contract which I have been paying since August. I have called support so many times today. I was hung up on by Jen. I have multiple case #'s - 20781497, 20782936, and the last one from Victor was 20783416. I do not have $697.02 in my account and this is creating a hardship on my family. I am upset because this is not what I agreed to. I agreed to pay $27.35 per month til my contract runs out in February 2010. Please, please fix this by crediting my account for the fraudulent charge of $697.02 today. The dish is in a box. I am not able to plug it in. We were unemployed in June 2009, yes, we - my husband and I were terminated the same day due to budget cuts. I would rather handle this directly with HughesNet rather than making a huge issue out of this incident but I am going to if we can't resolve this. With the profit your company is showing it is simply wrong to do this to a hard working American couple. $697.02 may be a small drop in the bucket to your company but to us it was the kids Christmas. I can't believe HughesNet charged me this amount and broke our August 27, 2009 agreement. Please help me fix this and credit my account.

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:21:40 PM): I understand that you have inquiries regarding your bills, contract and the suspension that you have made, is that correct?

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:22:00 PM): yes.

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:22:09 PM): I will be more than happy to assist you. Can you please bear with me while I pull up your records?

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:22:35 PM): thank u

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:26:22 PM): Thank you for waiting Debbie.

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:26:42 PM): Thank you Rain

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:27:30 PM): It shows here based on your records that first, there was no suspension made on your account, however you have downgrade d your service and did not re run the web registration making your account decommissioned and eventually cancelled.
Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:28:45 PM): Also based on the records you are advised to reregister the account to reversed the charges.

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:29:52 PM): Are you still there?

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:29:57 PM): that is not what i was told. i was told (in August) i would pay 27.35 per month until my contracexpires in February I am unable to re-register thaccount because dish is in storage. w were unemyed in June and in August had to mov another state for work
Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:30:39 PM): leaving our kids hnow won't have Christmas because of this charge
Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:31:36 PM): leaving our kids who now won't have Christmas because of this charg.

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:31:53 PM): But based on your records Debbie there was no suspension made on your account. I'm really sorry for this but the charges that was made on your account was valid. If you want to reversed the charges you need to reregister the account in order for you to reversed the charges.

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:33:03 PM): the dish iin a box. i can't plug it in. i do not have accesso it because i left it in georgia and i am states away.
Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:34:23 PM): is there a way to actvate without powering it up?

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:35:03 PM): Is there anyway you can have to reregister your account? I really do want to help you. but as of the moment I cannot do anything for you. You need the equipment for it to be reregister and to be activated.
Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:36:44 PM): Will there be anything else, because as of the moment I cannot resolve your issue.

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:36:47 PM): we had to move to work. it is in storage. i can not plug it in from here.
Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:37:28 PM): you have to help - u are customer support

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:37:54 PM): I understand. Is there any of your family member there to reregister your account and all you need to do is to gave authorization to that person.

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:37:55 PM): i am blogging this
Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:38:37 PM): no. i did not leave the kids my key

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:39:12 PM): Well I'm sorry Debbie. That is the best suggestion that I can advised you in order for your service to be reregister.

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:39:38 PM): i need a way to fix this. please help
Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:40:02 PM): PLEASE
Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:41:23 PM): how can i activate without electricity?

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:41:48 PM): I apologIze but I wIsh I could do more. Here Is your case ID: 20783784.

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:42:16 PM): what is your id #?

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:42:38 PM): I don't have any ID number Debbie.

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:42:46 PM): where r u located?

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:43:03 PM): I'm located here in the Philippines. Will there be anything else?

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:43:38 PM): you seriously can not do anything?

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:44:21 PM): Yes. I want to help you but I cannot do anything for your issue.

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:44:49 PM): why cant u reverse the charge and leave my account with a balance?

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:45:04 PM): I cannot reversed the charges since it is valid.

Debbie(Dec 6 2009 2:45:57 PM): it is fraudulent - i agreed to 27.35 and havepaid that for 90+ days

Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:46:48 PM): As what I've said there was no suspension made on your account. Also, I do not want to take most of your time, will there be anything else aside from your issue?

[Dec 6 2009 2:48:17 PM] Agent has logged off chat.

To have a copy of this chat emailed to you, enter your email address below and can click on 'Send Transcript'. The entire chat session will automatically be sent to you.

If you need further assistance, please contact us via e-mail or chat, or call us on our toll free number at 1-866-347-3292. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for technical support.

Thank you for chatting with us on HughesNet Technical Support and have a great day.
Rain(Dec 6 2009 2:48:13 PM): I apologize but I have to disconnect this conversation since you are not responding. Again, thank you for contacting HughesNet Billing Support. Have a great day ahead.

Holidays and Kids Growing up

Debbie — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:08:00 GMT

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Madacy Entertainment. All opinions are 100% mine.

I just got off the phone with my youngest, my son, who was calling to ask me to sign paperwork so he could join the military. He graduated last year and has since been in college at South Georgia Tech. Even though he is over 6 foot tall, I still see the little boy when I look at him

The holidays are going to be real hard without my kids this year. They grow up way too fast. In the blink of an eye it's over, and memories are all that remain of the children they used to be, as they are grown adults with their own lives now.

The best times we had when the kids were little was singing Christmas carols. Frosty the Snowman was always my favorite and Silent Night was the kids favorite! Right now you can find those songs on Amazon.com to download to your MP3 for only $3.69! The download is part of their Black Friday sale and it usually retails for $9.49 giving you a huge savings and the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with your kids!

Even if your kids are grown, like mine are, you will still want to own these holiday classics for the memories it will evoke. Listening to all those songs again, sung by the Countdown Kids, has made me smile today! Go buy yours today and smile with me

60 Christmas Carols For Kids

SPONZAI!

Debbie — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:01:00 GMT

A penguin foams past the biology.

Renaissance hotel at Sea World Orlando

Debbie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:47:00 GMT

UPDATE: If you read my previous post you know I was not very happy with my room last night. This morning I went to the front desk and asked if there was a king room available that was not located by an elevator and was promptly moved! Never be afraid to go back and ask for what you want. Most of the time the hotel will accommodate your requests

For a hotel of this size I have to say there are some very quiet places you can work in the lobby.

I was not very happy about the in room fee for wireless - $15 per day seems ridiculous. There is free wireless in the lobby, where I am currently sitting, which has a three hour time limit. I don't understand the time limit, especially since this is a Blogger's conference.

The staff has been very pleasant and right now I have no complaints. I hate that this trip started with a bad experience and a beeping, talking elevator most of the night; however, I am pleased that my room issue was quickly resolved this morning.

There is so much going on today!!! Doterati conference in little over an hour on "Blogging meets Marketing". Now I just have to figure out where it's located

Manta Mania 3

location, location, location....

Debbie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

We got up at some ungodly hour to catch a 6:20 flight to Orlando for IzeaFest! The first flight was awesome, first class, not very many people and we won't even discuss the connecting flight

It cost $45, with tip, for a 10 mile taxi ride to the hotel - Marriott Renaissance at Sea World in Orlando. When I arrive to check-in the guest services attendant looked at me, after pulling up my reservation, and asks/states "You requested a room with a pool view" and I replied "No. I requested a King room".

He says "We have no King Rooms open." I replied "Ok, then can I have a free room upgrade?"

Well, to make a long story short, I did not get an upgrade. I did get a King room BUT it is right across from a talking, beeping elevator which we can hear from the other side of the room. We're going to be here for six nights and this is not my idea of a good night's sleep. I am not very pleased with customer service here. I even went to the front desk and requested a fan so it would help drown out the noise. Nada.

On the other hand the room itself is more than I expected. Quite spacious! The view sucks but I don't really care about that. The lobby is huge and has 60" flat screens in several locations. While I have been down here, I have seen at least six different people cleaning. I think there are only two other guests in the lobby right now and I can't see either. With all the space you still get a cozy feeling

Tomorrow I hope to be moved to a room that is not in front of the talking, beeping elevator and still has a King bed. Wish me luck!

Manta Mania 3

IZEAfest! The best bargain going for a social media conference!

Debbie — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:04:00 GMT

Your $229 Ticket Includes

A four night, three day social media event with speakers including Aaron Brazell, Chris Brogan, Chris Heuer, Brian Clark, Joseph Jaffe, Julia Roy, Sarah Austin, Sarah Evans and more. Mingle with the big dogs of social media and learn from the best and brightest.
Thursday Night: Trip to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens. Includes front of the line VIP tickets and bus transportation to Tampa.
Friday Night: Party with free drinks at the ICEBAR Orlando
Saturday Night: Party with free drinks at Howl at the Moon
Sunday : Blogger takeover of SeaWorld, tickets included.
Lunch on Friday and Saturday
A free IZEAFest T-Shirt
A free pair of Crocs flip flops (if you register prior to September) hmmm.... wondering if those come in size 14 for hubby.....
IZEA Hunt

Last year's conference was a blast! I learned so much and can't wait to attend this year so I can learn about personal branding. Everybody knows me as TripTheLady and now that I have several blogs I wanna be me and my blogs an extension of my person. There are less than 60 days until the conference and I am getting so EXCITED!!!

Click here to Buy your tickets TODAY!!!

Chilling in Panama City Beach

Debbie — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:31:00 GMT

The interview in Mobile went very well and on the way home we decided to make a stop in Panama City for a quick break. We're staying at the Sandpiper Beacon which is west of the main beach and usually one of my favorite places to stay. They had a special deal where if you check in on Sunday or Monday you buy 2 nights and get the third free. Not bad. They are kinda full so I wasn't able to get a beach front room. I can see the room from my balcony, but just barely. I do have a good view of the putt putt golf course. LOL. I haven't taken a picture of that but will when I get back to the room.

I had to come to the Tiki Bar to get an internet connection. A nice gentleman helped me find an outlet for my laptop, hubby got us both a Yuengling and that was breakfast at 1:30 pm - but hey! It's five O'clock Somewhere

More to come later today!

it's been awhile...

Debbie — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:53:00 GMT

and it's been awhile since I have been on vacation. My husband and I were both laid off due to budget cuts and I haven't felt like writing too much and haven't had money to go anywhere. Jekyll Island has been calling me mighty hard - I really need the time away. I need to hear the ocean waves desperately. It seems that is the one sound that balances me and brings me back to my true self. I'm still planning on Izeafest in October and I hope to see you there! Click the link below and come meet me and other bloggers, and LEARN!

hoping to hear the ocean waves soon........ sent out many, many, resumes

Have a Good Night!

WOW! You have to get to Sea World and ride the one of a kind Manta Roller Coaster!

Debbie — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:56:00 GMT

Have you been to Sea World lately? If not, it is definitely time to go! If you have been lately, you need to go again. They have this awesome new roller coaster called The Manta. Get this – you ride so that you are face down experiencing all the thrills of actually being a manta ray swimming through the ocean! You will spin, glide and skim the waters surface! Be prepared to get a little wet on this awesome, one of a kind ride!

If you go now they are offering HUGE savings on tickets! Buy a ticket to Sea World and you get a ticket to Aquatica or Busch Gardens for FREE!!! You can’t beat this deal with a fish stick!

It gets even better; Sea World Orlando is a trip on one tank full of fuel. Not many places you can go and have all this fun on one tank of gas and spend a free day at another park after spending the day with Shamu and the Manta Coaster!

Make your plans today to spend a day at Sea World and for FREE you get to spend a day at Aquatica or Busch Gardens. This is definitely the best deal in Orlando right now! If you are a roller coaster enthusiast you have to go just so you can say you rode The Manta, the only coaster of its kind in the World!!!

SeaWorld

Manta

Memorial Day Weekend Sunday and I am HAPPY!!!

Debbie — Sun, 24 May 2009 20:29:00 GMT

This has been my best Sunday in a while, a long while. I got off work early. After putting in 12+ hours yesterday, I called it quits after five and a half today. I was lucky enough to make it down to the Marina before the storm hit. The Lady is not going out today so I am hiding inside and blogging, surfing, relaxing.....

I started outside on her front deck and it was beautiful - cloudy, breezy and no rain. Well, apparently we popped the GFI in the outside outlets; so, if I wanted to keep blogging, I was forced to move inside. It is so quiet in here, other than the Sirius satellite music, that i wanna camp out here tonight The country music, the gently rocking boat, and mostly nobody needing me, is almost overwhelming in itself. Knowing I am off the next three days is intoxicating! It also requires no liquor to feel that way - just being happy has had that effect on me lately.

It's been a wonderful afternoon and I hope for an even better evening! Even while running from their boats for cover from the rain, these people were smiling and laughing. May you find smiles and laughter the rest of this Holiday weekend!

Ok, so.... so far this has had nothing to do with travel but I'm getting there, I promise!!! Like I said, I am sitting on the Lady, just chilling. Now, what is interesting, is all the boats on the lake. Not just boats either - jet skis, kids on tubes, PEOPLE everywhere! LOOK! Find something close to home - celebrate a Staycation at a State Park near you! This is brought to you from Georgia Veteran's Memorial State Park and Lake Blackshear Resort; and, of course, the Marina and the Libery Lady

Manta Mania 3

Staycation... new word or new way of life?

Debbie — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:36:00 GMT

It seems "Staycation" is the word of the year during this economic crises. Is it really a word? I don't think you will find it in any dictionary this year. Essentially, a staycation is a way for a family to spend time together, just like on a vacation, without leaving far from home. Maybe, never leaving home at all!

We have recently found the perfect Staycation idea! A bonfire in the yard where we roast marshmallows, weenies and have a few beers. Cell phones aren't allowed, pets are most welcome We sit around the fire and talk. It's so much better than having dinner together - we just talk, and stare at the flames, laughing at jokes and teasing the one who didn't mean to set their marshmallow on fire. Personally, I like my marshmallows flaming and black - mostly cuz that means the inside got warm enough to get gooey.

We've enjoyed two staycations this week with the kids How do you stay at home and have fun?

Take a night off, drag up some firewood, and talk to your kids while enjoying the great outdoors - even if it only goes as far as your backyard

The Crown Reef Resort in Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Debbie — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:55:00 GMT

The Crown Reef Resort is where we stayed on our last trip. The picture above is the view from our balcony facing to the right. I reserved because of a winter rate special they were running for November and we got rooms for $29 per night plus tax. In the summer these same rooms rent for as high as $199.

After booking, I got nervous over my choice because some of the hotel reviews at various sites were not real favorable. They stated the property was old, dirty, unkempt, etc...

We found it to be just the opposite. Yes, the rooms are dated, but all three of our rooms were spotless. There were workers painting and doing winter maintenance. All of their pools were being refurbished, one at a time. We were there for a week and we actually saw the one in the picture above be drained, completely refinished and filled again. Then it was on to the next pool. Even the pool furniture was clean and very white.

The first night we arrived there was a mix-up with our reservation requests and it was immediately corrected the following morning with all three of our rooms being placed next to each other. Guest personnel were very friendly and always smiling.

One friend in our party requires a wheel chair. The Myrtle Beach police department provides wheel chairs for the beach for free. Since it was the off season they were not readily available; but, one quick call to the local police office and an officer brought one to the hotel for us to use and they also picked it up when we checked out. This really went above and beyond my expectations!

The Crown Reef Resort is not a 5 star property; but, it is exactly what I expected from a beach front property. The staff and grounds personnel went above and beyond expectations!

If you are considering staying here, don't allow the negative reviews to influence your decision. The property is being renovated and the customer service is exceptional.

For more information or to book a reservation please visit The Crown Reef Resort!

Izeafest 2009 - Be there or miss out on a whole lotta FUN!!!

Debbie — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:17:00 GMT

Registration for IZEAFest '09 is now open!

Don't miss your chance to "discover" how Robert Scoble, Chris Brogan, Aaron Brazell, and Darren Rowse became social media rockstars.

WHEN: October 1-4, 2009
WHERE: Orlando, FL

More details and speakers to be announced soon so check back! You can also follow @IZEAFest on Twitter to be the first to receive event information.

Bigger. Better. Louder!

Click here to register for IZEAFest '09.

Event Details

This IZEA event is currently in earlybird booking. IZEAFest 2009 will be held in Orlando, Florida the first weekend in October. Exact location and details are to be announced but the date will not change. This event will be bigger and better than IZEAFest 2008, you will definitely want to be there. Expect at least 3x the awesomeness.

Due to space this event is limited to the first 500 people without exception.

Partial list of 2009 Speakers

Robert Scoble (Keynote)
Aaron Brazell (Keynote)

Sarah Austin
David Binkowski
Brett Bumeter
Chris Brogan
Sarah Evans
Michael Gray
Chris Heuer
Rae Hoffman
Joseph Jaffe
Scott Monty
Wendy Piersall
Darren Rowse
Ted Murphy
Julie Vazquez

Special guests:

Loren Baker
Michael Brito
Brian Clark
Loren Feldman
Neil Patel
Jeremy Schoemaker
Missy Ward
Lena West

...and the IZEA Insiders!

Your Ticket Includes:

Event content and all the networking you can handle
Refreshments throughout the day on Friday and Saturday
Lunch on Friday and Saturday
Three nights of parties with plenty of free drinks
Entry to win great prizes
Event T-shirt (please specify size)
IZEAHunt (if you choose to participate)
Special Super Secret Blogger Takeover

This is one of the lowest cost full-featured blogging events out there. Act now to lock in an even better deal.

Event Schedule

Thursday, October 1, 2009

8pm Opening party

Friday, October 2, 2009

7am Registration opens
9am-11:30am : Content
11:30am-12:30pm : Lunch
12:30pm-5:30pm : Content
5:30pm-8:00pm : Free time
8:00pm-? : Party

Saturday, October 3, 2009

7am Registration opens
9am-11:30am : Content
11:30am-12:30pm : Lunch
12:30pm-5:30pm : Content
6:00pm-8:00pm : IZEAHunt!
5:30pm-9:00pm : Free time
9:00pm-? : Party

Sunday, October 4, 2008

9:00am-? : Special Super Secret Blogger Takeover

More information to be announced in the coming weeks. Please note there are no refunds on early bird tickets.

Manta Mania 3

how is it that a single word can describe a sound like no other?

Debbie — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:48:00 GMT

Wave. there is no sound like it and I could describe it using a million different feelings, words, moments. I really need to sink my toes in the sand and let the waves crash upon them.

Manta Mania 3

Mother, mother ocean, I have heard you call

Debbie — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 03:16:00 GMT

My heart is hearing the call of the ocean and my head is telling me it's past time to soothe my battered soul. Nothing is so soothing as when my bare feet touch the fluffy white sands of the coast; and then, slowly make their way to the flatter sands washed smooth by the waves. Oh, the joy of finally feeling the waves touch my toes, then wash up over my ankles.

As each wave crashes, washes over my bare feet, and goes back out to sea it takes with it all my worries - one wave at a time, one worry at a time. It leaves me with a peace only the ocean can provide. I hear her calling me, beckoning to bring my feet to her shores.

Mother, mother ocean, I have heard you call...... soon, I will sink my feet upon your shores.......

Traveling Green

Debbie — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:51:00 GMT

When we visited The Sandpearl Resort in Clearwarer, FL I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was a green hotel and LEEDS certified.

If you are interested in traveling green, Travelocity has made it easier to find green hotels. I think this is a great step forward in travel and making us Think Green in all our choices!

Travelocity's Green Directory: Featuring Green Hotels so you can travel responsibly!

Sandpearl Resort Environmental Initiatives

Wordless Wednesday

Debbie — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:48:00 GMT

Does your health insurance cover you while traveling?

Debbie — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:10:00 GMT

This past week I was hospitalized with pneumonia. It was totally unexpected and I am still not feeling up to par. Thankfully I was at home and not traveling when I came down with it. The cost of an unexpected illness while traveling can be extremely high. If you’re traveling overseas, those costs can skyrocket even higher.

I have always recommended you get travel insurance to protect the investment of your trip. Now I am recommending you also get travel insurance for your health. That’s right! You can buy health insurance to protect you while traveling. MultiNational Underwriters (MNU) is a US based company that allows you to purchase health insurance for as little as $1 per day. You choose your deductible, amount of coverage, and dates you want to be covered. MNU will do the rest. No, they can’t guarantee you won’t get sick while you are on vacation or business. What they can do is provide you peace of mind knowing that if you do fall ill, it won’t bankrupt you. You are covered.

Have a graduate student who is planning time abroad after graduation? MNU has coverage for them too.

Check out their website before your next trip overseas. They offer 24 hour support – Protect yourself with health insurance for travelers. Free travel medical insurance quote.

TravelZoo Airfare Alert!!!

Debbie — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:10:00 GMT

For deals specific to your area go to www.travelzoo.com and sign up with your special interests!

Dear Travelzoo Subscriber,

American, Delta, United, AirTran and other major airlines 
have cut prices on flights all the way through April!  

We've found great deals departing out of Atlanta, Memphis, 
Nashville and other nearby airports.  

Tips for finding the lowest fare:
- Be flexible and try a few different itineraries
- Try multiple sites to ensure you get absolute best deal 
- Be sure not to check "Prefer nonstop"

But hurry, some sales end in the next day or two, and the 
most sought-after dates will sell out fast.  Flying on 
slower travel days, like Tuesdays and Wednesdays, will give 
you the best chance of finding a sale fare. 

Travelzoo's SuperSearch helps you find the best deals.
Click here: http://supersearch.travelzoo.com/?catid=1309

SuperSearch uses more than 2.5 million consumer ratings 
and Travelzoo's years of expertise to help you find the 
best fares.  Plus, you can easily compare multiple sites
without entering your information over and over.


Happy Travels!

Wordless Wednesday

Debbie — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:26:00 GMT

ok, so mine really sucked. here's one i found that makes you go hmmm.....

Superficial Gallery