More is the new...

I have more work lately, you get less posts. See how it works? Speaking of more... Embassy Suites runs with the theme that is now an American staple: More of everything with Mr. More directed by Roman Coppola. (Yes, THAT Coppola. Son of Francis Ford Coppola, brother of Sofia Coppola, nephew of Talia Shire and cousin of Nicolas Cage, Coppola.) So ennyway... Perceived value is better than actual value, I suppose. Least that’s what America’s been sold on for some time. Cupholders and extended warranties ftw. As for travel, who doesn’t want more room. Embassy Suites figured out long ago that if they shoved two $55 rooms together and charged $120, people would think they’re getting an extra room. I’ve stayed there in the past with the fam and for the money – see how they got me? – it wasn’t bad. It’s a place to throw the rugrats when mom and dad want more ‘quality time’ together at night, maybe even throw in a free breakfast, but it still suffers the same issues most hotels deal with. Those same rugrats running through the halls during travel soccer season, loud ice machines or CSI-quality spreads and carpet. (Oh wait, I might be thinking Super 8, sorry.) But having recently stayed at a few chains while looking for a rental place, the word ‘suite’ is being applied too liberally in the industry these days. Note to anyone using ‘Quality’ or ‘Suites’ in your name... you’re setting yourself up. A microwave and fridge do not a suite make.

(Agency: BBDO.)

“You can lick the crack...”

Where was I all this time as Rico the Rat was shilling for Air New Zealand, aka ‘Sleazeland’ as a few people are calling the airline. An airline known for racy ads might be preferable to one with lousy customer service or worse, safety issues, no? The staff disagrees though, apparently not digging the character of Latin origin (think how Latinos feel being associated with a rat), going as far as calling out the company for allowing language in the ads that goes beyond what even employees are allowed to say:

“A female staff member who deals with the public said the advertising campaign was a ‘contradiction. Air New Zealand has strict internal policies for its own employees. Rico as the face of Air NZ is the reverse of that.’”

After watching most of the spots (here), you find some that are lame and some that are mildly offensive I suppose, like the one above comparing a screen to a woman. Is asking for permission ahead of time or forgiveness after the way to go if you want to get attention? You decide!

A cruise for every demo.

Your mom’s on Facebook and SHE’S ON THIS CRUISE, looking for Mr. Right Now. And vice-versa. Nice simple series of animated stop-motion travel spots from directors Ubik for Saga, the UK’s over-50 travel site. “Cruises” above, with “Spent That Too” and after the jump.

I just became the Mayor of latex glove.

Whether you earn that Grope badge at JFK this Thanksgiving – hurry up and fly more because Mayors are exempt from pat scans – or jump on a Gropon worth $5 off at all airport McDonald’s, keep some perspective: Automobiles account for 96% of all travel this holiday, the highest ever percentage by car according to AAA. It also helps that car rental rates have dropped this year while air fees have increased. Although I expect availability on a new 2010 Taurus might be a little trickier the closer you get to Wednesday as you try and escape the city. I’m sure the TSA’s gate rape caring and professional attention to detail now underway won’t affect your decision to drive instead of fly, will it? (Is there a *professional* way to perform a near-clinical exam on the presumably innocent without making them feel violated?) But since America is the home of lemonade and not lemons, isn’t this also a perfect time for alternative modes of travel to step up their promotional game? Train, bus or car rental brands, where you at! So until Enterprise starts picking you up with a smile and pair of gloves, rent a new Ford and see America kids.

You sure you wanna know?

Okay, how much time ya got? Snapped along the way in Wisconsin.

First of all, the whole Iraq thing...

No really, I love driving.

Much as I bitch about certain things, I love driving. I’m talkin’ about The Road. Which means making a Minneapolis > NJ run isn’t that bad–usually. The weather though this Friday and Saturday? Stunningly beautiful for 1,200 miles. Unusual because one leg of the trip always means rain. Not this time. You gotta drive through flyover country sometimes for some pretty amazing views. Okay, sappy Field of Dreams moment over.

Is Wisconsin the only state still playing Donnie Iris on FM? Good thing I brought diapers with me to make up some of the two hours lost going through Chicago on a major holiday weekend–at 4:00 pm. On second thought, mullets on women in Toledo aren’t half-bad. Oh look, the state car of PA: the dark teal Ford Escort wagon. Nicely compliments the deer carcass on the roof. (Optional on 2002 and up models.) Hey, NJ and NY drivers both welcoming me back at the state line with open arms, swerving and veering.

Goin on tour.

Ever since I saw the New Mexico Alien tourist thing, tourism campaigns came out of nowhere. Got hit today in Minneapolis with campaigns for Wisconsin: “We’re more than cheese, fireworks and large plastic animals,” Idaho: “We’re here somewhere,” Colorado: “We have more sayings than your state” or South Dakota: “We’re more than just rock formations.” It’s summer, so, yeah, I know I should expect the onslaught.

The challenge for most sites is to promote the state as a whole as tourist destination. For some, the challenge is to do that without being upstaged by any one major city, such as Nevada is with Las Vegas. Yet another challenge is overcoming popular campaigns engrained in the public consciousness: “I Love NY” or “Virginia Is For Lovers” kind of ruin it for any subsequent campaigns in those respective states. (And “What happens here, stays here” is as good as any line for a state, let alone a city.)

So with too much free time on my hands, I put together a list of state tourism sites. Does Hawaii even need a tourism board? I’m sure not going for the bowling. Oregon? Actually, pretty cool with the only visitor’s blog I’ve seen, while Alabama’s focus on art is interesting.)

Now most sites don’t go as far as New Mexico in creating an alien-themed campaign. When they do however, it’s not always that easy to get to the respective main tourism website or vice versa. And, many states separate the concept of travel from tourism and make it harder to find info in either category. From a usability standpoint, why split the two up?

Don’t forget about the amazing call to actions such as: “Visit...,” “Explore...,” “A great place to...,” “Find yourself in....” and my personal No.1 from PA: “Get your Spring on.” There are also a couple of sites that could use some design and functionality upgrades. (Email me and my gang, we can help.)

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

state tourism

Forget the Gnome. Try Kayak.

This may come off like I’m shilling for them, but I’m not. Ad people travel, yah? I just discovered this site recently when planning a trip. Kayak.com is not a travel site, but a portal that lets you look at all the TravelExpediaBitzs out there at once. Punch in your info, and the results list every damn airline you can think of faster than any travel site I’ve been on.

Tags: kayak.com