Getting lost on vacation is not fun and CoPilot Live helps travelers find their way with groovy technology for GPS enabled smartphones, whether an Android, iPhone or Windows phone. We met representatives from CoPilot Live last month during the 2nd Annual Travel Blog Exchange Conference (TBEX ‘10) in New York City to learn more about this mobile navigational system. In short, it’s like having a human co-pilot guiding the way without the bickering and backseat driver attitude.

CoPilot Live v8 rivals in-dash navigation systems by offering some sweet features. These include turn-by-turn voice directions accompanied with a map, clearer guidance at complex junctions such as instructing the driver which lane to use, speed limit indicator for those lead foots, improved voice technology for clearer spoken directions, and a walking mode with turn-by-turn directions to navigate by foot through a city.

This mobile navigation also has live weather. A practical function for use when caravanning or needing to keep track of other drivers is the ability to find CoPilot friends on-screen or online and share your location.  The premium  CoPilot Live v8 option includes real-time traffic information which is useful for assistance in re-routing due to unexpected road closures. A budget-saving option is the capability of finding the nearest and least expensive gas station.

Map coverage is available for North American countries, Europe, Australia, and several other nations.

Ready not to get lost? How about a road trip to Palm Springs or weekend getaway to Williamsburg? We have your affordable lodging needs, you just need to get there.

Family vacations are what memories are made but traveling with little ones can be a hassle especially when packing and traveling with all the essentials. You know. Packing a large suitcase with all the baby or toddler essentials. This is where JetSetBabies comes to the rescue. It’s a a company that has been helping families enjoy hassle-free vacations since Feb. 2003 by doing the shopping for you.

It’s pretty simple how JetSetBabies works. You tell them what baby supplies you need ranging from diapers to food, they do the shopping, then ship it to your hotel or resort. Yes. They ship the baby supplies you need for vacation so it’s waiting for you upon arrival. Can’t get any more convenient than that!

Parents can order items al a carte or order specific packages based on the vacation type. For instance, if heading out for a beach vacation to Myrtle Beach, order the “Weekend at the Beach” package which includes  four days worth of diapers, travel pack of wipe, disposable changing pads, two swim pants singles, and a Baby Blanket sunscreen towelette, disposable diaper sacks, sand pail and shovel, ground cover, spill proof cups, Meal Time Tote and much more!

Packages are available for weekend getaways and week-long vacations appropriate tailored for the beach, woods, pool or ski slopes.

The company shops for name brands as Huggies, Pampers and Gerber and even offers an organic option. Prices are reasonable considering the convenience. Orders are accepted online or if unsure what exactly to pack, give JetSetBabies a call at 866-990-1811 and together you can figure it out.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure opened to the public on Friday, June 18. It was quite the production as the REAL Harry Potter was in attendance, Daniel Radcliffe, along with a host of other Potter actors and thousands of curious fans. While we didn’t make the journey to The Wizarding World on opening day, we ventured over to Hogsmeade the Sunday after the attraction debuted and learned a few tips to share with readers.

Tip #1: Read and Watch. If you haven’t read the Harry Potter books or seen the movies, get busy! Now’s the time to at least watch the movies for a frame of reference. Many muggles who haven’t read the books or seen the movies had to have several things explained to them. Trust us, watch at least the first movie for a frame of reference.

Tip #2: Purchase Tickets in Advance. Save a few bucks by purchasing tickets in advance either through the Universal Orlando website (you’ll save $10 off the gate price on a multi-day ticket) or save even more when you’re a AAA member. Florida resident discounts are available, too, but blackout dates apply, including July.

Tip #3: Timing is Everything. If you’re planning to arrive early, get there early, as in, before the gates open (9 a.m.). This blogger learned the hard way and arrived 45 minutes after the park opened and waited in line for about 45 minutes before be admitting into the attraction. A couple of hours later, there were no lines to get in. Conclusion: arrive really early or a couple of hours after the park opens to maximize time. Or, enjoy some of the Islands of Adventure attractions such as The Incredible Hulk Coaster.

Tip #4: Plan. Seriously. We Mean Plan. Anticipate spending at least six hours in The Wizarding World. Yes, there are only three rides (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge) and half-a-dozen shops but thousands of fans are waiting to get in, too. Forbidden Journey is the most popular ride (albeit scary) but worth the wait. The wait time may be 120 minutes but the line moves quickly and it’s fun people watching, especially when fans wear hand-designed Potter-themed T-shirts with sayings from the books.

Lines for the shops and Three Broomsticks (restaurant) don’t move much as the number of guests allowed in is monitored. Knowing this, the first thing upon entering The Wizarding World is to hit Ollivanders to have a wand choose you. Next, hit Zonko’s Joke Shop, Honeydukes (sweets), Dervish and Banges (Quidditch equipment, Hogwarts uniforms), and Owl Post & Owlery to send a letter from Hogsmeade. Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods (more Hogwarts and Quidditch clothing, magical creature toys) can be visited when exiting Forbidden Journey.

Tip #5: Prepare. It’s summer in Florida meaning it’ll be hot early in the morning ’til mid-afternoon, when a brief thunderstorm will probably roll through. Wear sunscreen and reapply and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. Keep hydrated and take time to rest.

Tip #6: Enjoy the Magic, Have Fun! Awe in wonder at the attention to detail Universal created in bringing Harry Potter’s world to life. Look up and around while walking through downtown Hogsmeade, take time to look in the windows, and if possible, slowly walk through Hogwarts (on the way to the Forbidden Journey ride) taking in the detail. Indulge in Butterbeer (it’s as good as everyone says but save money, don’t buy the plastic mug for about $10) and enjoy the Frog Choir (Hogwarts students sing with super-sized frogs) and the Triward Spirit Rally. If really feeling in a magical mood, don your favorite Potter wear, such as glasses, a tie, or even paint a lightning bolt on your forehead.

Yes, The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter is as wonderful as the hype has made it. Potter fans will not be disappointed. Forbidden Journey is incredible and the technology creates the experience of flying with Harry Potter. Be aware the Forbidden Journey and Dragon Challenge rides are for those at least 48″ tall.

When you’re ready to see Harry Potter, let Resort Rentals International find your sleeping quarters for an affordable Orlando vacation.