If traveling like a Jetson has always been a dream of yours, you might be closer to your dream than you think.

A company called Terrafugia has successfully built a flying automobile…the Transition.  In the air the Transition looks like a small two-seater plane, but on the ground the wings can be folded in so that the vehicle is narrow enough to fit on regular roads.

Since the Transition is powered by unleaded jet fuel and requires a pilot’s license to fly, the device is technically classified as a “roadable aircraft.” The plane is not meant to be used as a car, but as a solution to hobby pilots that don’t want to pay for hanger space.  Once on the ground you can fold in your wings and drive home…keeping this little plane in the comfort of your homes garage.

The Transition’s cargo area is big enough to skis, fishing poles or golf clubs and has a flight range of 460 miles…so it is the perfect aircraft for short weekend trips. Terrafugia is now accepting fully refundable $10,000 deposits and they expect to deliver in 2010.  The cost of cruising the sky like a Jetson is anticipated to be  $194,000 and more information can be found at www.terrafugia.com

The future of airport shopping has a name and it is ZoomShops.  These technology filled vending machines sell iPods, Sony gadgets and more.

The ZoomShop vending machine’s touch screen delivers an experience similar to online shopping, where shoppers can view product photos and access complete specs. Chosen items can be added to a shopping bag, and the transaction takes a few short seconds. After swiping a debit or credit card, a robotic arm gently retrieves and delivers the product directly to the shopper. The consumer’s card is not charged until the patented optical sensors of the ZoomShop detect that the customer has received the product. A receipt is printed and the ZoomShop shopper is on their way. 

Gone are the days when vending machines were only a place to get unhealthy snack and beverage before a flight. Visit zoomsystems.com before your next trip to find a ZoomShop near you.

Earlier I posted about the Verdier Light Caravan, the ultimate green and chic camper. At the time I posted the Verdier was a concept….but it looks like it is becoming more of a reality as the company has posted a price ($129,000) and is accepting deposits.  

Unfortunately a production start-date is not yet set…..check out verdier.ca for more info

Ecotourism takes on a new meaning with the Pumpkin Inn.

Just kidding, found this photo on worth1000.com and thought it would make a good “future of travel” pic for Halloween ….it’s photoshopped so don’t spend hours on Google trying to find this new innovative inn!

Happy Halloween!

On Monday I reported on a destination club in “Becoming partially fabulous” ……and today I received some news about another destination club planning on rocking the luxury travel world, Quintess.

Quintess has been Awarded the “Best of the Best” Mid-Sized Destination Club by  Robb Report (luxury gurus) for three years in a row.  The club has announced that it is investing $210 million into acquiring more properties to it’s portfolio of 70+ multi-million-dollar vacation homes.

Among its new purchases is the seven-bedroom Villa Tavernacia set on a 1,200-acre estate in Tuscany, where the club already has three residences.

So those who think that staying in a five star hotel is glamourous, I have news for you….hotels are so passé…you’ve got to stay in a villa to impress me!