Thanks for all the info. I knew y’all would know the scoop. Like I said we are new to Costco. Just got a membership because of Target’s anti-DEI stance. They are definitely new or more aggressive at Lowe’s, though. I had never noticed them before and the past two times I have been they have aggressively approached me with questions wanting to sell me services and products. It’s gross. I just want to get what I want to get and not have to talk to someone about gutter guards (which are terrible for my house) or a new HVAC system (which we replaced not that long ago). Just feels really sleazy.
What do people wear to a celebration of life?
They already had a wake and cremation, and this is occurring later, if that matters.
When we’ve been to them, people seem to be “business casual” or better, but most don’t have suits. Is that what others are familiar with?
Thanks in advance
In HI, for men it’s aloha shirts or business casual (mostly more subdued colors). Women have a lot of leeway and can wear pretty much anything, again subdued colors seem to be the norm for these types of events.
2 Likes
Thanks - subdued colors makes sense to me.
All depends on what people/family want. Had an Uncle who was a Penn State alum/big fan and the family requested that people wear their Penn State gear. Went to another recently where the departed requested that people wear bright colors because it was a celebration.
5 Likes
Those I’ve been to were colorful colors because that was what the person we were celebrating loved - color. Including my in-laws
1 Like
Last month I attended a celebration of life in very casual clothes. It was held at a park/campground, opening day of fishing season (no license required). The fellow had died in November, but the family knew it was his favorite day of the year… many years they had camped at same location.
Coincidentally I learned of above the death by text while at another celebration of life. That one was at the house, catered lunch buffet with tons of friends and families spilling out onto the back deck (we do get some nice days in Nov here in Colorado). Also quite casual, not sure if I wore a skirt or dress pants. This fellow was a beloved local coach, so there were some team jerseys etc.
4 Likes
I almost want to say I’d dress for the location more than the event. The family likely chose the location for a reason (like the campground above).
5 Likes
Random question.
Does anyone still use Hotwire or Priceline for random short term hotel stays??
I need to get a hotel for 1-2 nights to help D and SIL move to their new house. I think it will just be me. I literally just need a place to sleep and shower (and have a few mins of quiet…) so the only amenities I need are safe and clean and a short drive to the moving spot.
I’m not looking for a motel 6 but don’t need fru fru. I also did a quick AIRBNB look but I think hotel is a better option for this gig.
Just wondered if these sites were still a thing or even worthwhile looking at.
I use priceline fairly often, and follow their deals for a few days (in incognito mode) before I execute. I go to NYC fairly often and at some hotels prices do drop the closer you get to your dates (but there are exceptions to that, for example if some major event is happening locally at the same time.) I tend to not use airbnb when I am traveling solo (safety issues but YMMV.)
2 Likes
We normally just book directly with the hotel website. We can get either a AAA discount or a senior discount. I would not do an Airbnb for just myself. H and I don’t even do an Airbnb if it is just us for a couple of days. We always book a hotel.
2 Likes
I’m not against an Airbnb for a couple days but this is not the instance to go that route
I also know I can use one of the special rates (aaa or senior) - but there was a time some years ago that we would use Hotwire for those “pit stop” instances. Just was curious what was the current tea on these type of options!
1 Like
A good friend and her husband lost $$ booking hotel rooms in Italy via booking.com. In fact they are going to small-claims court too with their bank which apparently (eventually) received a refund but hasn’t connected it to my friends’ account after many months and hours on the phone and in the bank branch.
1 Like
I have not used Priceline in a long time. But my recollection is that it could work pretty well as a single traveler because one complaint is they might not always give the bed configuration you suggested.
I have read a variety of recent complaints on Booking and Airbnb in Europe. Seems reliable still in US? But cleaning/booking fees usually make it too pricey for short stays, few people (unless you are like my kids, willing to just rent a room and share bathroom… ha, not for me!)
I’ve never used booking.com and don’t plan to start!
I’ll probably just book through a hotel or call and see if there are any deals but thought worth asking.
We had a lot of fun spontaneous weekends with Hotwire back in the day! Embassy Suites for $89/night! Which was great with teens/kids
1 Like
A friend says he looks on Priceline and those places but then contacts the hotel directly and asks them to meet the Priceline price. If they do, he has the double advantage of a good price and booking with the hotel directly.
8 Likes
If you’re willing to walk in late you can usually get a great price on an unsold room.
One of my kids worked at I think 6 hotels before she settled into her present job. She said third party booking sites are the first to get dropped if they are oversold. With that said we used to love getting last minute deals on hotels near Disneyland when the kids were young. I now only book directly with the hotel. For Otaly and Spain many stated that direct booking was the cheapest and the preferred route.
2 Likes
We are planning a big road trip, and one of the things that makes it harder is that you can almost never get “6pm cancel” like you could in the old days. (Probably too many people were shopping around day-of, changing plans). Often you need to cancel 3 days prior. I’ve found that being a “member” of a chain helps. For example, we booked some rooms through Hilton Honors and get to cancel up until 11:59pm prior days.
I’ll also note that rooms are getting pricier. Depending on day/place, rates including tax at nice (but not grand) places can be around $200.
2 Likes
As long as one has a plan B. The hotel can easily overcharge someone who is tired and urgently needs a place to crash.
4 Likes
It’s not something I’d risk but my daughter told me that when she worked at a super high end hotel in a big city it was common practice.