Inbound flights began arriving at two of New York’s major airports – LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International – on Monday night. On Tuesday morning Newark Liberty began receiving inbound air traffic. The total number of flights cancelled at all three airports was around 1,500.

The first plane to land at LaGuardia around 7.40pm Monday was an Air Canada flight from Toronto. “Everyone was clapping toward the end,” said Patrick Wacker, a passenger on the flight. Mr. Wacker was trying to get back to New York after visiting family in Germany and was stranded in Toronto.

Thousands of stranded passengers turned airline terminals into temporary hotels as air travel in the nation’s most crowded airspace almost shut down. There was a long wait while planes took off and landed on ploughed runways.

Travellers spent an uncomfortable Sunday night trying to sleep on hard airport floors, then spent Monday in long lines trying to get taxis, begging for flights or scrabbling for hotel rooms.

No form of conveyance was exempt from the storm’s havoc: from the Times Square bus terminal, usually the nation’s busiest, to the area’s commuter trains, generally known for their punctuality.

Adrienne Leptich, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the storm was New York City’s sixth worst since records began in 1869. In February 2006, the 1947 record for the depth of snowfall was broken when a storm dropped 26.9 inches of snow on Central Park. Sunday’s storm, surprisingly, wasn’t a record-breaker, leaving 20 inches of snow in Central Park.

New York taxi driver Shafqat Hayat spent the night trapped in his car on an unploughed street, then struggled to get it moving on Monday.

“I’ve never seen so many cars stuck on the roads in 22 years,” Hayat said.

At the Newark airport Frank Mann turned the situation into a game for his 9-year-old son Stephen and his girlfriend Jackie Douglas, treating their “accommodation” on the terminal floor like a camping trip. They turned luggage trays upside down to make beds and hit the snack bar for hot dogs when they got hungry. Stephen was even able to use his Kindle to finish the book he started at the beginning of the trip.

Reference:

http://www.foxnews.com/weather/2010/12/28/thousands-stranded-trains-planes-northeast-storm/#

Storm Leaves Thousands Struggling To Get Home was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

The International CES is considered to be the largest technology trade show in the world. The new Ford Focus is a perfect fit for the CES with its high tech features that are in demand. These new features include: Ford SYNC, MyFord Touch, HD Radio, and in-car Wi-Fi capability, while also delivering 40 MPG on the highway. During the show, the Ford Focus will have a prominent presence there including demonstrations, displays, product specific signage, and materials.

As stated in Market Watch, “The all-new Focus harnesses the best of what Ford Motor Company has to offer, delivering class-leading features and technologies as well as an expected 40 mpg,” said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Motor Company. “We’re excited for Focus to reach dealers in North America and Europe in early 2011 and want to share that excitement and the unprecedented level of technology Focus has to offer with the global consumer electronics industry – an increasingly important influence on new vehicles.”

Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally will deliver a keynote address at the International CES for the third year in a row. This year Ford will also increase their displays floor space fourfold, expecting to have over twenty vehicles on display during the event. As stated in Market Watch, “We welcome Ford, Alan Mulally and the new Focus to the 2011 International CES,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), producer of the International CES. “Vehicles such as the Focus are built with the latest technologies that address consumer demand for on-the-go innovations.”

Recent studies conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reveal that as many as 77 million adults make up the “so-called technology enthusiast drivers population” with more than half expressing the desire or interest for a connected communications and information system in their vehicles.

The 2012 Ford Focus has the technologies that many of these vehicle enthusiasts desire in their vehicle including: Ford SYNC, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, MyFord Touch driver connect technology, Wi-Fi availability, Sony Audio with HD Radio and Active Park Assist.

As explained in Market Watch, “Customers want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles,” said Czubay. “With the all-new Focus leading the pack, our next-generation of smaller cars and utilities will prove that Ford is ready to meet that challenge.”

2012 Ford (NYSE: F) Focus Is Named the Official Car of the 2011 International CES was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Google is trying to make this become a reality, in a safe way. This can be achieved through use of a car that is able to drive itself. With this kind of vehicle, the driver and passengers are able to use a phone, or do what they want to while “driving”.

Even though Google may be best known for their search engine, they announced last weekend they have engineers working on developing the technology for cars that are able to drive themselves.

As reported in Computer World, “Our automated cars, manned by trained operators, just drove from our Mountain View campus to our Santa Monica office and on to Hollywood Boulevard,” wrote Sebastian Thrun, a distinguished software engineer at Google, in a Saturday blog post. “They’ve driven down Lombard Street, crossed the Golden Gate bridge, navigated the Pacific Coast Highway, and even made it all the way around Lake Tahoe. All in all, our self-driving cars have logged over 140,000 miles. We think this is a first in robotics research.”

Thrun also revealed that the cars will be using video cameras, radar sensors, and a laser range finder to virtually be able to “see” other cars and the basic traffic flow. Google Maps and Google Earth also help navigate the roadways. Even though the autonomous cars are able to drive themselves, they were occupied by a “trained safety driver” and a software engineer that monitored the vehicle’s software operations.

As stated in Computer World, “We’ve always been optimistic about technology’s ability to advance society, which is why we have pushed so hard to improve the capabilities of self-driving cars beyond where they are today,” Thrun wrote. “While this project is very much in the experimental stage, it provides a glimpse of what transportation might look like in the future thanks to advanced computer science. And that future is very exciting.”

Even though self-driving cars are cool and perhaps a wave of the future, many industry watchers are wondering if Google is losing focus on what is actually making the company money right now. Companies such as VW and Intel have been active in this area as well. However, it could pay off big in 10 to 15 years though, which is exactly what Google is banking on in this endeavor.

Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) Testing Cars That Drive Themselves was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Carnival offers sailings departing from Port Canaveral and Miami with Nassau, Bahamas as the port of call. Ships depart port on Friday afternoon and arrive in the Bahamas early Saturday morning. This allows for a full day to take in the sights, sounds and culture of the Bahamas.  Ships depart early Sunday morning and spend the day leisurely sailing back to their departure ports arriving early Monday morning.

A variety of amenities are available on Carnival ships for all types of passengers. Camp Carnival provides activities for children ranging from board games to talent shows all under the watchful eyes of certified counselors. Spa and fitness facilities rival many land based resorts with rejuvenating treatments and the latest in workout equipment.  Entertainment choices abound in the form of comedians, live music and dance and seminars in the onboard lounges and meeting rooms. Fun for all ages is the theme on Carnival’s “Fun” ships.

For Royal Caribbean’s short escapes, the vessel also ports in Nassau with an added bonus port of CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island located in the Berry islands chain.  Passengers have exclusive use of the island and all of its offerings. Powdery white sand with swaying palms and turquoise water set the stage for this stop. A variety of water sports from jet skiing to parasailing are offered for the thrill seeker, along with kayaks and snorkeling for those looking to be more in touch with nature.

Fairly new is a racetrack with battery powered ATV’s for small children. Food and drinks are plentiful at the beachside BBQ lunch and the many tiki hut bars served by ships personnel. And, do not think that just because you are on a private island that shopping is not an option…there are a few stores on the island as well as a straw market type atmosphere, albeit on a much smaller scale. Bring cash when going on the island for any shopping souvenirs, but the ship card is required for any bar or water sport purchases.

There are numerous beach spots in CocoCay, including one offering cabanas and another that has many water sport activities, including a giant inflatable water slide (height requirement, so no young kids). Yet, despite having 2,000 people tender from the ship to the island, you can feel alone in the island by walking the paths and venturing into the water if the tide cooperates and walking along the sand bars. You truly feel as though you are in a tropical island paradise. The private island port of call that many cruise lines offer is a true vacation highlight.

These weekend sailings provide passengers with an opportunity to experience island adventure aboard a floating resort. Costs are often much less than all-inclusive, upscale beach resorts and can be enhanced with discounts offered for geographic location, age, occupation and group rates. Cabin preference and cruising season are factors that may require passengers to book months in advance to ensure availability of cabins and dates. Budget-minded passengers will often take a cabin guarantee instead of cabin assignment. This option allows for greater savings that can benefit the passenger with flexibility.

So in tight economic times, do not give up the dream of a cruise vacation. Consider a shorter itinerary that still provides all of the amenities, but for a lesser cost. The three-night cruise is a great sampler to cruising too to ensure travelers will enjoy this type of vacation without having to invest heavily.

Short Cruises Present Budget-Friendly Vacations with Full Amenities was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

This membership to the IATA will help to expand JetBlue’s global industry voice and also expand their partnership opportunities with other world class airlines, providing that their value based carrier meets the highest industry benchmarks. Recently, JetBlue Airways signed an interline agreement with South African Airways, which joins airlines that have interline partnerships with JetBlue, such as: Lufthansa, American Airlines, Cape Air and Aer Lingus.

Being able to join the IATA required successfully passing the IATA Operational Safety Audit. JetBlue completed their safety audit in April 2010.

International Air Transport Association members enjoy the support of an internationally renowned organization that represents, leads, and serves one of the most dynamic industries in the world. It started with 57 founding members in 1945, and now represents about 230 airlines in over 120 countries around the world. IATA members carry 93% of the world’s international scheduled traffic, including the worlds leading passenger and cargo airlines.

As stated in the JetBlue press release “On behalf of JetBlue’s 12,500 crewmembers, it is an honor to represent JetBlue at IATA’s 2010 Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Berlin,” said Dave Barger, president and CEO of JetBlue Airways. “Over the last several years, we have focused on growing our network into Central America, Latin America and South America in addition to our core North American network. Coupled with our ever-growing international connectivity – such as our agreements with Aer Lingus, American, Lufthansa, South African and soon more international carriers, led to our desire to join the international community of airlines led by IATA.”

As claimed by JetBlue, “JetBlue prides itself on offering more value to customers by offering a first checked bag free of charge, unlimited complimentary in-flight snacks, and a live in-flight entertainment system with 36 channels of free DIRECTV programming and more than 100 channels of free XM Satellite Radio at every comfortable leather seat. Customers can kick back and enjoy the live entertainment in JetBlue’s spacious aircraft cabins, which offer the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline.”

JetBlue has been voted “Most Eco-Friendly Airline” by Zagat’s Airline Survey in 2008 and 2009. On their aircraft “BetaBlue” they offer their customers complimentary in-flight e-mail and instant messaging services. JetBlue is also the first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue’s control.

JetBlue Airways Welcomed as an Official Member of IATA (NASDAQ: JBLU) was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

According to a recent MSNBC article, the problem occurs when the “steering wheel briefly shifts out of alignment with the wheels when it is turned to the extreme right or left and then quickly re-centered, such as in a tight U-turn. Toyota said it will remedy the problem by replacing the computer processor in the vehicle’s variable gear ratio steering system.”

The Japanese auto company stated last week that it would recall 11,500 of the Lexus LS sedans, including 3,800 in the United States due to a steering problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem with the Lexus sedans is occuring in the variable gear ratio steering system at low speeds. Toyota claims that the repair will fix a “temporary steering wheel off-center condition that may develop under a specific driving maneuver.”

As published in a recent article on Inside Line, Toyota spokesman Mike Michels offered this statement, “this is a normal procedure for any recall for which the remedy is not immediately available and happens more than you might think. Basically dealers cannot sell a vehicle that has not had the recall performed. The remedy will be available in late June, perhaps earlier. In hindsight, we should have announced the stop-sale along with the recall, but there won’t be a further news release on it.”

Safety recalls coming from Toyota have become quite frequent. This is the second stop sale order on a vehicle from Lexus since April, and the third time this year that Toyota has been forced to stop sales of vehicles affected by a safety flaw. As stated in Inside Line, “Toyota issued a stop sale order on the 2010 Lexus GX 460 in mid-April, following a Consumer Reports “don’t buy” warning because of rollover concerns.”

Toyota has been working to improve the reaction time to these safety problems after coming under government scrutiny and being fined $16.4 million by the U.S. for their slow response to the accelerator pedal recals which affected more than 8 million Toyota vehicles worldwide.

As a result of the ongoing concerns over vehicle safety that recent recalls have presented, United States Congress has launched the first major review of auto safety laws in Congress in a decade.

Toyota To Stop Sale of the 2010 Lexus LS 460 and Lexus LS 600h (NYSE: TM) was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Most of us enjoy going on summer vacations but often times the trips that we would like to take are cost prohibitive. We’d all like to stay at a Sandals resort on the Caribbean, but spending $5,000 plus on a week vacation doesn’t work for most people. Getting a cheap vacation is possible, but you have to know where to look and what you should expect to pay.

Often travelers think they need to go to the most common vacation destinations because those are the places that they know about, but often times travelers can get more affordable and less touristy trips when going about 25 to 50 miles away from the place that everyone goes. For example, Instead of going to Cancun, go to some of the cities about an hour south. You’ll find that it’s a lot less crowded and save some money in the process.

How do you find these just off the beaten path locations? Look no further than your personal computer. There are a number of travel forums online where experienced vacationers hang out. You’ll be able to get suggestions for vacation destinations and how to save money while you’re there.

Some people might get tempted to take out vacation loans to pay for their trips, but if you plan wisely it’s not terribly difficult to save up a reasonable amount of money and take a savvy vacation. If you find yourself looking to get a vacation loan and searching for personal loan tips instead of looking up affordable vacation destinations, step back a moment and ask yourself if you really want to come home to a new pile of debt when your vacation is over.

How to Shop for an Affordable Vacation was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

The tests for eliminating lines at Walt Disney World are similar to the revamping of the Dumbo ride when Fantasyland undergoes it’s next expansion. Instead of having guests wait in line, people wanting to ride Dumbo will be taken into an air-conditioned circus tent near the ride, where they can play carnival games, Rock Band, Guitar Hero, dance to the music played by a DJ, or watch other forms of entertainment until their turn to ride on the popular flying elephant ride. Of course, there was also an area to purchase merchandise in the waiting area, as well.

You’re not supposed to leave the ride area and come back later, however. Once you enter the designated entertainment area for the ride, you’re supposed to stay there until your group is called. Otherwise, you lose your place and will have to wait again.

The new waiting system that was tested did not replace the “FastPass” system. With Disney’s FastPass, you obtain a ticket that assigns you a ride time. You can go off and experience other areas of the park and return at your designated ride time with a little to no wait time. The line-less waiting areas would not replace FastPass on rides that have it; but rides like Dumbo don’t all have a FastPass option. This test of the “queue-less” waiting area was just that – a test. When the Fantasyland expansion is completed in 2012 or 2013 – the actual system may be completely different.

There is no way to make the theme park completely wait-free for the rides – however, having a system that gives families a place to play while waiting for their turn to take a ride is a far better option than trying to wait in line for an hour or more with young children. While you’re still waiting for your turn, you at least have entertainment options to keep your mind off the fact that you’re “waiting” – and to young children, if the fun continues before each ride starts, it may make for a more pleasant experience.

No Lines for Walt Disney World (NYSE:DIS) Theme Park Rides? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Forty-one percent of U.S. respondents said they plan to spend more on leisure travel in 2010 than they did in 2009 and 92 percent of travelers are planning to take two or more leisure trips in 2010, up from 89 percent last year.

Even with an uncertain economy, 66 percent of survey takers said the economy will not affect their travel plans for the coming year. So, the lingering question remains…where to go?

Troncones, Mexico is emerging hotspot for 2010 as reported by TripAdvisor’s TravelCast, which identifies up-and-coming travel destinations based on site data, including increases in search activity and postings for the past year on TripAdvisor.com.

Other TripAdvisor top international destinations for 2010 include:

1. Troncones, Mexico: Boasting miles of white sand beaches, Troncones is a peaceful and secluded haven nestled between the jungle foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains and the warm tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. 
2. Nairn, Scotland: Located on the Moray Forth coast, this small seaside town enjoys one of the sunniest climates in Scotland, and is a perfect base from which to explore the Highlands. 
3. El Chalten, Patagonia: Your cell phone won’t work here and the town’s limited capacity means you’ve got to book in advance – but you’ll be richly rewarded with incredible hiking in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
4. Patara, Turkey: With a 12-mile long beach (also a national park) and an abundance of Lycian and Roman ruins peeking out of the sand dunes, Patara is steeped in both natural beauty and history.
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: This picturesque Bavarian town is celebrated not only for its well-preserved medieval buildings and walls, but also for its unspoiled setting.

 Top U.S destinations for 2010 as revealed by TripAdvisor’s TravelCast include:

1. Seward, Alaska: Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, this historic and picturesque town is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, rich with wildlife, spectacular fjords and tidewater glaciers.
2. Hyannis, Massachusetts: John F. Kennedy’s former Presidential retreat can be found in Hyannis, the largest and most central village in Cape Cod’s Town of Barnstable, and its picturesque sandy stretches make it a fantastic escape.
3. Hot Springs, Arkansas: True to its name, nature’s geological wonders are a key feature of this picture-perfect town, which boasts natural hot and cold mineral springs in which to relax, restore and renew.
4. Chinle, Arizona: Drive around nearby Canyon de Chelly’s rim roads for a bird’s eye view of the spectacular scenery below, or take a tour of the canyon floor for a closer look at its breath-taking rock formations, cave art and cliff dwellings.
5. Waimea, Hawaii: Situated on the Southwest side of the beautiful island of Kauai, this unassuming beach-side town is the gateway to Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the Pacific, which oozes natural beauty.

Travelers Ready to Explore in 2010 was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Out of the 110 fatalities that have been attributed to sudden acceleration in NHTSA records, 59 of them occurred in brands other than those sold by Toyota, whose recent recalls have brought significant public attention to the issue.

The federal agency received 15,174 complaints from drivers involving unintended acceleration issues during the last 10 years. The company has ran 141 investigations of the phenomena during the last 30 years, ending 112 of them without any corrective actions.

NHSTA repeatedly concludes that these accidents occur largely because drivers mistakenly stomp on the accelerator instead of the brake. Because of the large number of cases involving human error, the NHTSA has taken complaints of runaway vehicles less seriously than they otherwise would have.

“The agency had made a determination that this was primarily a human factor, driver error, and that’s outside NHTSA’s purview,” said Joan Claybrook, a former NHTSA administrator to Bloomberg.

He continued, “The Toyota case has brought new scrutiny to other factors, and NHTSA has to look at other causes.”

Claybrook also serves as the president emeritus of Public Citizen, a D.C. based advocacy group that has sued automakers in hopes of getting crash information.

Ford and Chrysler Vehicles Causes More Acceleration Related Car Accidents than Toyota (F, TM) was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

The airline, which is based in Tempe Arizona, was hit with a $40,000 fine on March 2010. The US Airways website was found in violation of the strict guidelines handed down from the DOT. The requirements for Internet advertising clearly state, that the full price information must be listed on the first page of the screen that provides the price quotes. Short of this, a hyperlink must be included to take the consumer to a list of taxes and per person fees that will be applied to the final price.

Neither of these options was found on US Airways website for a short period of time, leading several customers to be surprised by additional charges upon checkout. US Airways is Philadelphia’s largest air carrier and serves approximately two thirds of the flying public, so the error had the potential to affect a large number of people.

US Airways has released a statement concerning the issue. They claim that its failure to comply with the Internet advertising rules put forth by the DOT was “wholly unintentional and the result of an inadvertent programming error”. They maintain that the error in fact only ended up affecting a relatively small percentage of customers and that they took “immediate and extensive action to correct the matter” once it was detected.

The fact remains though that US Airways was also slapped with the exact same charge in January 2010. A 7.5% federal excise tax was omitted and only showed up in the final payment due and this error sustained for a period of two and a half days. The programming error was also blamed for the flub in that instance as well.

In August of 2009 US Airways was also found guilty of misrepresenting the final airfare to its customers. Back in August the DOT fined the airline $70,000 but said that it would only have to pay half the fine in the event that there are no more violations.

Needless to say, not only is the full weight of the $70,000 fine now imposed, but US Airways has managed to rack up quite a few more fines in a relatively short period of time.

US Airways Fined for Price Advertising Discrepancies… Again was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

In the past two years, Ohio Attorney General Cordray reports receiving close to 300 complaints regarding travel clubs and agencies. Some consumers have paid over $2,000 to join a travel club or some other form of membership which promised discounts on lodging, food, gas and entertainment, only to discover they were unable to cash in on those benefits. The companies not only failed to keep their promises, they also failed to return money despite members following all the rules required to get a refund.

Similar complaints were reported in Florida, where Attorney General Bill McCollum has sued Suncoast Incentives LLC, a travel company that promotes unlimited free travel. McCollum was prompted to take action after receiving over 500 complaints from scammed consumers.

To avoid becoming the next victim of a travel scam, consider the following tips before making your travel arrangements.

• Do your own research- If you are working with a travel agency or travel club, research the company before signing any contracts or paying any money. Check with the state Attorney General office and the Better Business Bureau to see if previous clients have reported complaints about their business practices.
• Be wary of “free” travel offers- By using a bit of common sense, you can avoid being scammed by a con artist who is promising free vacations or other perks that just don’t make sense. This is especially true of unsolicited correspondence you may receive in the mail, by telephone or via email. Ask yourself, why is this company willing to give me free travel perks? The answer is, they aren’t and you will end up paying something for any benefits you might or might not receive.
• Get it in writing and read the fine print- All travel contracts should have all relevant information in writing before you sign on the dotted line. Membership clubs often hide fees, exclusions and other conditions that work in their favor in the fine print. Read the entire contract carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions about terms you may not understand. By making an informed decision backed up with a written contract you have a better chance of avoiding unpleasant surprises down the road.

Even if you feel confident the company you are working with is legitimate, use a credit card for all payments. This adds an extra layer of protection as consumers are allowed under federal law to dispute unauthorized charges over $50. Taking precautionary steps and using common sense will go a long way toward starting your vacation on the right foot.

Travel Scams Target Spring Travelers was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

For many individuals today, the desire to travel is strong, but the availability of funds for traveling is just not there. There are many choices for people who want to budget for their next holiday without sacrificing other areas of their life. The key for many of us today is using available options such as payday loans to have available funds for those spontaneous trips that may need a little extra money.

One way to save for your next holiday is to put away a small amount of your take-home pay each month in a savings account that you do not use for everyday expenses. Any amount will benefit you, but ideally you will want to put aside 10% of your pay towards your holiday fund. If putting away a small amount of money each month is difficult for you, try to put away larger amounts from sporadic bonuses, monetary gifts or even refunds that you may get from your tax return each year.

If you have been diligent in saving for your next holiday but have still managed to fall short of your personal goal, obtaining a payday loan can mean all the difference in having a relaxed and enjoyable time on your vacation. Rather than trying to cut corners and save money by choosing cheaper dining options or not frequenting as many sightseeing destinations, you can do the activities that you want and enjoy all the places you desire for your holiday.

There are a variety of payday loans for individuals that may need a little extra help saving for a holiday. With different interest rates and repayment options, you are sure to find a payday loan to suit your needs and flexible payroll schedule. If a payday loan is something that you are considering then be sure to explore all of the options available and ask questions if there is anything you are unclear about when it comes to repayment terms or interest rates.

Budgeting For Travel was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Transportation secretary Ray LaHood announced this week that new rules will be in effect in the spring of 2010. In the meantime Kate Hanni a passengers rights advocate is pushing for legislation which will turn the new rules into law. Hanni formed a group supporting passenger rights in response to the increased number of incidents where people are stranded on the tarmac and not allowed to deplane. Flight delays and other problems being reported by passengers have initiated the push for an “Airline Passengers Bill of Rights”.

Changes coming to the airline industry include the following:

• Airlines must have a designated employee who will monitor flight delays and cancellations. This employee must also respond to complaints in a timely manner and offer passengers information as to where they can file complaints.

• Airlines will no longer be able to make contract changes on tickets that have already been purchased if those changes will have a negative impact on consumers.

• Passengers will have the right to deplane an aircraft that has been on the tarmac for three hours as long as it is has been determined safe to do so.

• Carriers must offer food, potable water, working lavatories and medical attention to passengers on a grounded plane within two hours of the plane being delayed.

• Airlines will have to implement and audit customer service plans.

• If an airline continually schedules delayed flights, they will be subject to consequences as a result of unfair and deceptive practices.

• Airlines must update their websites to reflect accurate flight delay information.

Travelers have rights and the rules mentioned here should result in fewer customer complaints. These new rules apply to U.S. carriers operating domestic flights, therefore international flights may be subject to different rules and regulation. While this announcement may not help the millions of passengers flying this week, it should be considered a positive move in the travel industry. Purchasing an airline ticket should not result in the complete loss of consumer rights and new rules will offer consumers options and protection in the very near future.

New Rules Give Airline Passengers More Options was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

GorillaPod Flexible SLR Tripod with Bubble Level

My favorite product for travelers this season is X-treme Geek’s GorillaPod Flexible Tripod. No more asking strangers “can you take a photo for me?” This unique travel accessory is a must to pack along any day trips or longer journeys as it is compact and its’ flexibility allows you to take the perfect shot just about anywhere. Compatible with both cameras and video cameras, you can actually be in front of the lense for a change and will have a much more complete video and photo album upon return. Buy it here and readers are eligible to receive free shipping when they enter code GiftFS at checkout.

Inspirational Photo Frames with Recording Option

Another gift idea topping my list are products by Inspirational Gift Gallery, which offers a variety of frames, including one designed for grandparents and loved ones, suitable to keep vacation memories alive, both in photos and voice. These display frames have a recording function where multiple messages can be captured providing a new way to say “wish you were here” or to feature a few of your favorite memories. This is especially creative to include kids by asking them what their favorite part of the vacation was or a special greeting for a loved one.

Cruising Caddy

BVT Products offers the perfect solution for travelers who want to stay hydrated, but also have quick access to keys, phones, cameras and other necessities. The Cruising Caddy is compact and utilizes a shoulder strap, leaving hands free to take photos or video or to participate in other vacation activities. No need for a large backpack with the Cruising Caddy. It even comes with a sleeve to keep your water bottle cool when exploring your vacation destinations. Do not let the name fool you, as this compact case is perfect for beach-goers, hikers and other travelers on the go.

Caboodles Travel Case

Remember the classic Caboodles® from the 80′s? Well, the company continues to design cost-effective travel cases for women on the go who have style, yet appreciate functionality and organization. New is the In My Case^TM product which features a funky, modern design – launched and is available for purchase in Ulta and Target. There are removable storage panels, dividers and other necessities to keep all of a gal’s beauty products on hand, especially when traveling.

Motorola Talkabout MJ270

Skiing this season or taking a cruise or traveling with kids? Then, be sure to not leave home without the new Motorola Talkabout MJ270 two-way radios, which operate in many areas not covered by cell phones. These radios give a sense of independence for the younger travelers, but a large sense of safety for the parents-and all without roaming fees. With a range of 27 miles, this device offers many other useful functions including NOAA weather alerts, hands-free operation, an Emergency alert button, charging from the car and the computer. These can be purchased at Radio Shack, Best Buy, Home Depot, online and other places. Personally, I can’t wait to try these out on our next cruise as our phones never work and I know how useful these would have been on my many ski trips to Whistler, Park City and other great winter destinations.

Corel Digital Studio 2010

What to do with the photos and videos taken on vacations? There is a software program that boasts ease of use for taking photos and videos and making quick edits, creating a personalized movie, or even creating that must-have photo book or calendar. The Corel Digital Studio 2010 makes it fun to preserve vacation memories, prompts you to relive your 2009 vacations and inspires you for upcoming trips. This gift idea encourages the photographer to advance to the next level with working with video. I have always worked with my vacation photos electronically, but have never had luck with video work as I have always been overwhelmed with “what” to do, so I can not wait to put this software to the test.  Corel Digital Studio is available at www.corel.com and Amazon and at leading retailers including Best Buy, Fry’s Electronics and Micro Center.

Gifts for the Traveler was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Food Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe

Culinary travel is a growing niche for the travel industry and this fabulous coffee table book will not leave you hungry. In fact, you can eat across continents while perusing Food Journeys of a Lifetime without gaining a pound. Sharing food and beverage stories often tops the vacation memories shared upon return. Explore Cusco’s Christmas Market where this Christmas Eve, Peruvians will gather and shop for their yuletide feasts. Indulge as you sample the top 10 cheese tours of France, which of course, must be experienced with a glass of vino. Learn about the most unusual food festivals such as Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas or the Ice Cream Expo in Japan.

LIFE Wonders of the World

If a photo says a thousand words, then LIFE Wonders of the World coffee-table sized photography book is a trillion visual stories of manmade and natural adventures around the world. As you travel from the Coliseum to the auroras borealis and australis – the northern and southern lights you feel as though you could just reach out and touch these stunning destinations and sights. Presented in a gallery format, there are even removable prints that can be framed. Unlike when touring an art gallery, this personal tour is complete with educational descriptions. A perfect family gift, learning about the 50 Wonders will educate children, but most importantly, will stimulate them to explore and experience these and other travel marvels. 

JUST Learning about Wine Pack

Traveling to California’s wine country is a romantic retreat, but are you overwhelmed about the different wine varieties and distinguishing between a merlot and a pinot noir? Help is here from Justin Vineyards & Winery, located in a hot California wine region, Paso Robles. This holiday season, give the gift of wine with a private wine education. Coupled with a bottle of the winery’s 2008 Chardonnay and a bottle of the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, recipients will also receive Red and White, a book covering wine basics starting at the vineyard and traveling through the winery process to the eventual bottle. After enjoying the gift pack, plan a trip to sample your way through wine country!

Animal Holiday DVD

Animal Holiday DVD is the next “March of the Penguins” as kids travel from Santa’s home to the South Pole with the jolly soul himself and his animal friends. These winter adventures are educational as well as viewers learn about reindeer, otters, polar bears and other winter creatures.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010

On a junior level, National Geographic has compiled the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010 featuring over 500 images, interesting facts and tidbits, activities and more. Kids will get lost exploring the United States, go to Egypt, go Down Under, dive into the Arctic, travel to Europe and more. The layout of this book is quick and easy to navigate and is chalk full of interesting insights that will stimulate kids of all ages to want to travel outside of the book and into life.

Mama Mirabelle Plush Toys

What is a Christmas without a stuffed animal under the tree? Mama Mirabelle Plush Toys bring the PBS show “Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies” to life. Reminiscent of Madagascar, there are baby animals (an elephant, zebra, and a cheetah cub) to help guide kids through African adventures. Many stories await and do not be surprised if your children begin planning a real safari.

Gifts to Inspire Travel was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Airlines like Northwest, American, Delta and United have now doubled the cost of the ticket surcharges. During such peak travel times, fliers can expect to pay an extra $20 surcharge  just for flying. This surcharge is in addition to the costs of baggage and taxes. Some airlines are still offering discounted ticket prices depending on where you plan to fly so it becomes much more difficult to make travel arrangements.

Consumers who are looking to fly  really need to check out what  the options are for airfare. Many times the surcharges will be added in with the price of the ticket and the websites will only show you the total price in bold. It is up to the consumer to check out the itemized costs and decide if the travel surcharges are worth it. This will take some time so consumers will need to start planning early. Check out multiple airlines and travel sites in order to find where the discounts lie. Consumers can also check out websites like FareCompare to find the best deals on travel from every airport.

Peak travel days are still predicted to be busy, despite the extra fees but rearranging travel dates to bypass these peak days may save on travel costs. To date, the peak travel days where travelers are likely to be faced with the surcharge are November 29, and 30, December 19, 26, and 27, January 2 and 3, with additional days during spring break time and the Memorial Day weekend. On these days, travelers can also expect to find limited seating on flights.

Planning early for the holiday travel season can certainly pay off in savings because you have more time to research your options and capitalize on getting seats before they are snapped up. If airline travel  is too costly for your budget, consider traveling after the holiday rush is over or using alternative methods of travel if possible.

Travel During The Holidays and Pay Double for Your Stuff was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Thanksgiving is traditionally the most traveled holiday of the year. Digital marketing firm Zeta Interactive conducted a survey and found that 84% of people are positive about holiday travel – with buzz words like “enjoy”, “rest” and “relax” surrounding blog posts about 2009 travel plans. Last year, the same marketing firm found only about 68% of people had positive opinions about the upcoming holiday travel season.

Despite the positive outlook, the 2009 holiday travel season will differ from previous years in a variety of ways, including:

Traveling because you have to – this year, less people are using Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays to get away on a relaxing vacation. If people are traveling, it’s typically to visit family for the holidays rather than take a trip.

Being extra careful not to miss your flight – it used to be if you missed your flight, there would be another one leaving soon after that you would have a good chance of getting a ticket for. In an effort to reduce expenses, airlines have reduced their flight schedules, meaning every seat on every flight is pretty much taken. If you miss the holiday flight, you might not have the opportunity to get another one until 2010!

More opportunities to be left behind – also due to the airlines booking each flight to full capacity, you can expect an increase in the number of over-booked flights. This means the airlines sell more tickets than they have seats on the plan – assuming a few people won’t show up for the scheduled flight! While this has happened from time to time before airlines started cutting back their flight schedules – during the 2009 holiday season there is likely an increased opportunity for over bookings. Make sure you know the airlines policy if you aren’t able to get on the flight you have a ticket for.

You’ll probably have to pay to bring your luggage – most airlines have begun charging a fee for checked baggage. During the holidays, travelers tend to bring extra luggage to carry gifts to the people they’re traveling to visit so be sure to budget for the extra expense – or do your shopping after you arrive to your destination. Alternatively, you could mail your gifts ahead of time so they arrive about the same time you do! If you can pack lighter, you can get away with just your carry-on luggage but keep in mind other travelers are likely doing the same and therefore those overhead bins are going to fill up quickly.

Thanksgiving is the Busiest day for Travel: Here’s How Traveling in 2009 is Different was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: Tourism Australia, http://www.australia.com

Depressed that your summer vacation is over? You’re not alone.  TripAdvisor released results from its “post-vacation blues” survey revealing that 56 percent of U.S. travelers surveyed said they often get the post-vacation blues upon returning from a trip. There are ways to combat this feeling…plan another vacation, and the travel deals are continuing in full force providing opportunities for travelers to get away, even on a budget.

Fifty-eight percent of TripAdvisor survey respondents said planning their next vacation is the best way to snap out of a bad mood post-vacation. Sixty-nine percent of travelers surveyed said the best description of their post-vacation mood is “eager to plan the next trip” as soon as their vacation has ended.

According to the U.S. Tour Operators Association, travel savings range from 10 percent to 35 percent over last year, translating to savings up to $500 per person compared to 2008. U.S. travelers welcome the travel opportunities couple with more value.

Why the continued drop in travel prices? The economic crisis and a stronger U.S. dollar in many destinations are contributors.

“In countries as diverse as Greece, Egypt, South Africa, Australia, and Italy, the U.S. dollar has gained in strength, while domestic destinations like Hawaii are offering good deals in response to  soft tourism year,” Bob Whitley, USTOA president, says.

A recent consumer survey commissioned by USTOA found that three out of four Americans say they will travel this year, but most are staying closer to home in response to the recession.  Affordability ranked  number one consideration in planning a vacation, with almost 30%  of those surveyed saying they would seek destinations that offer more value.  And, while more than 45% of Americans said they were not going abroad this year, almost 15 percent were lured by a stronger dollar.

Following are a few tour travel options outlined by USTOA:

In South Africa, through November,  a 10-day land-only tour of Cape Town, the Garden Route and Kruger National Park for families, is $6,355 per person versus $7,855 per person in 2008 – a savings of $1500. A savings of nearly 20 percent over last year, the tour includes most meals, sightseeing and activities.  International air fare is additional.

Through December 8, a 16 day custom-planned itinerary to Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef costs $1,430 this year – or $500 less than in 2008.  The savings of 25 percent includes  round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco and all transfers in Australia.

A 7 day/6 night vacation package to Budapest and Prague that sold for $1355 per person in 2008 costs $1199 per person this year–a savings of  $150 per person, or more than 10 percent, over last year.  Included are accommodations, daily breakfast, a tour in each city, flight from Budapest to Prague, and airport transfer by private car through November.

Beat Vacation Blues by Capturing Travel Deals was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Air travel in 2009 seems to be heralding in quite a different era.

Not to trivialize the changes that the airline industry has undergone in the past few years of course. The terrible events of September 11 have forever changed air traffic security procedures resulting in vast increases in costs to ensure the safety of the traveling public. Added to that gas prices have surged way past anything we ever thought possible further pushing up the cost of travel.

As if to add insult to injury, although gas prices fell, the resultant global economic slowdown has also put a spoke in the wheels of international leisure travel, causing a notable dip in ticket sales.

These circumstances have all conspired to bring us to the point we are at today.

Let’s look at a few of the most recent price increases or otherwise ridiculous cutbacks:

• Most airlines have cut out meals on domestic flights and as a matter of fact if you want a little snack come prepared to shell out $3 to $4 if you’re on an American Airlines flight.
• US Airways stopped offering pillows to economy class passengers in February 2009. Economy travelers can bring their own or buy a Power Nap Sak emblazoned with the US Airways logo for $7. The little kit includes a pillow, neck brace and fleece blanket. Jet Blue Airways has a similar package for the same price.
• British Airways instituted a charge for choosing your seat in advance. Economy class passengers can expect to pay £20 while business class travelers will pay £50 from  October 7th, 2009.
• US Airways and Continental Airways have both added a baggage fee as well. Continental Airways charges $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second. US Airways has the same fee but if you decide to pay it at the airport instead of online when you book your ticket, you get to hand over an additional $5 on each bag, just for the inconvenience.

This is all evidence that airlines have been adding seemingly spurious charges on to the end price just to plump up their bottom lines. Makes you wonder whatever happened to operational efficiency?

Most Recent Price Increase

The usual suspects Continental and United Airways, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways and Northwest have all banded together to implement a $10 charge, each way, simply for booking on peak days. The charge was originally only on the three days around Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, but it was extended to include a period extending into the first quarter of 2010.

The new peak dates subject to the charge are as follows:

• November 29 – November 30, 2009:  Weekend after Thanksgiving
• December 19:  Saturday before Christmas
• December 26 – December 27:  Weekend after Christmas
• January 2 – January 3, 2010:  Weekend after New Year’s Day
• March 14, 2010:  Sunday before many student spring breaks
• March 20 – March 21, 2010:  Weekend after many student spring breaks
• March 28, 2010:  Palm Sunday, weekend before Easter
• April 11, 2010:  Monday of Easter, weekend after Easter
• May 28, 2010:  Friday before Memorial Day

While a $10 fee each way may seem harmless, looking at the trend, and adding up the toll from food to seat requests to baggage charges you have to wonder… what next?

If consumers aren’t responsive we may be looking at paying for flotation devices and air masks down the road.

Airlines Extend Surcharges was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

By the year 2011, more than 200 American Airlines domestic passenger flights will have Wi-Fi capability. The move is in effort to increase both the services available to airline passengers as well as bring in much needed money to the airlines. Currently, 15 of American Airlines Boeing aircrafts already had trial periods of broadband services on non-stop flights between New York’s JFK and San Francisco, Miami, and Los Angeles.

The addition of the Wi-Fi services will enable passengers to access the internet, check their emails, access corporate VPN, and send instant messages during the flight. Once the aircraft has reached 10,000 feet in the air, passengers can turn on Wi-Fi enabled devices, included hand-help PDA’s, smartphones, and laptops. Upon opening their browsers, they will be redirected to the Gogo portal page where they can register, pay, and start using the service. Gogo provides high-speed internet service to the airlines. It is powered by the Aircell ATG (air-to-ground) system, which utilizes three small antennas installed outside the plane which connects to Aircell’s exclusive nation-wide broadband network.  Upon the conclusion of the trial period, American Airlines found that indeed passengers were very willing to register for and use the mobile broadband amenities.

The cost of the services initially will depend on the length of the flight and the type of device being used. The pricing plans from Aircell are as follows:

Mobile Flight Pass $7.95
For hand-held devises, this price includes usage on flights of any amount of time.

Short Flight Pass $9.95
This is the standard price for Wi-Fi access on all flights ranging from 3 hours or less in time.

Long Flight Pass $12,95
This is the standard price for Wi-Fi access on all flights ranging 3 hours or more.

The paid sessions for the Gogo access does not include service for cell phones or VoIP services. Passengers who appreciate the opportunity to work and increase productivity while on flights, especially long flights, may find the prices reasonable and worth it to stay in touch from the skies.

It’s not just in the skies that mobile broadband is gaining popularity. You can now have mobile wireless internet everywhere with the proliferation of cell-phone broadband services. You can learn more about these services at http://www.broadbandexpert.com/.

Prepare for Wi-Fi In the Skies was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

Today, many are packing up their cars or preparing to board aircraft for a last summer getaway. Already, the cooler temperatures across the Midwest and eastern shore are previewing the change of seasons. AAA predicts that 39.1 million are taking a Labor Day vacation, which represents a 13.3 percent decrease compared to last year’s record breaking weekend travelers. Two reasons for the decrease are cited to the lateness of the actual holiday and that school has already started for many families.

Despite the predicted decrease the amount of travelers should surpass July 4^th holiday vacations.

“AAA expects this Labor Day holiday weekend to be the third busiest of the decade, even though the number of travelers will be down from one year ago,” said AAA President & CEO, Robert L. Darbelnet. “However, with Labor day falling a week later this year when many children will have returned to school, the decline may more to do with the calendar than with the economy. Our forecast shows Labor Day travel will be up over this summer’s 4^th of July holiday and that’s a positive sign.”

The preferred travel mode this holiday weekend is via car with 84 percent compared to four percent of vacationers expected to travel by airline for Labor Day trips, according to AAA. With air trips to be taken by only 1.5 million travelers, this will be the lowest number of trips by flying this decade for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

TripAdvisor revealed its Labor Day survey results demonstrating a slight increase of fall travelers. Eighty-four percent of travelers plan to take leisure trips this fall, up from 82 percent one year ago, and 43 percent said they will be traveling more this autumn than last, as revealed in the survey.

Particularly for Labor Day, 30 percent of respondents said they are traveling this weekend, nearly equal to 31 percent one year ago. Other TripAdvisor survey findings include 70 percent of travelers expect to drive to their destinations this Labor Day and 49 percent plan to travel more than 300 miles for the holiday.

Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor says “Based on what travelers are researching on TripAdvisor recently, it appears the Carolinas and Florida may be travel hot spots this fall.”

Five of Florida’s cities look to be a fall hotspot as they are appearing in the top 10 most-searched U.S. cities with airfares currently under $199. The top three most browsed destinations over the past month on TripAdvisor include: Coastal South Carolina, Jersey Shore and Florida Keys.

It’s not too late to escape, even if it’s just for a day trip! Savor the last moments of the summer season. What are your Labor Day or Fall travel plans? Is the economy effecting your travel plans? What about the fear of swine flu?

One Last Summer Travel Getaway was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

There are more than 500 airliners in the United States with wireless internet access available, including All of AirTrain Airways and Virgin America planes, 225 Delta Air Lines jets, and 100 planes from American Airlines. When airlines began charging for use, even just $1, the number of people taking advantage of the internet access decreased substantially.

While price is always a concern of travelers, another obstacle for traveling laptop and Blackberry users is the lack of power ports available for passengers. While many of the airlines aren’t revealing what percentage of travelers are buying wi-fi access on flights, Virgin America says 12% to 15% of their passengers are using the service. They may have a higher percentage than other airlines because Virgin America has the highest proportion of cross-country flights on schedule of all the airlines. Additionally, Virgin America provides power ports at all seats, making it easier for laptop users to plug in and power up during the flight.

Helping Ease Boredom of Passengers

Some airlines have decided Wi-Fi is an affordable solution for in-flight entertainment options, as it is more cost effective for them than installing television screens in the back of seats. At some point in the future, the Wi-Fi would make it possible for airlines to load their on-flight servers with movies and television shows that passengers could log in and watch from their own devices.

Helping Business Travelers Stay Productive

For business travelers spending several hours in the air each week or month, the ability to use the time productively is a big draw to in-flight Wi-Fi services. Aircell, a provider of in-flight internet access, thinks that pricing for the service will likely move to a subscription rather than a per-flight expense. This will allow passengers to buy a subscription for a set number of flights, which is ideal for business travelers.

The Future of Airline Wi-Fi

During testing, it’s been found that when Wi-Fi is free, the usage is extremely high. As soon as there is a price placed on the service, even as little as $1, the usage declines. But ultimately, the goal is that Wi-Fi will be free for most fliers, as it will enable airlines improved communication with it’s passengers, including the ability to update flight connection information, or baggage problems all in real-time during the flights.

Wi-Fi in the Sky’s was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Sandals Royal Bahamian. Photo courtesy, www.TLTravels.com

In the midst of struggling through this economy, a romantic retreat might be just what the doctor ordered to get back to being a couple and focusing on what matters most in your lives. The US Travel Association (USTA) released a series of studies showing the various benefits travelers realize by taking a vacation.

“We want to remind people that whether traveling for business or pleasure, we all benefit tremendously from the experience.” Roger Dow, USTA’s (formerly Travel Industry Association) president and chief executive officer.

Even the anticipation of vacation travel generates an increase in positive feelings about one’s life as a whole, family, economic situation, and health, as revealed in the released survey results.

Women who take more vacations are more satisfied with their marriages is another reported result with more than 40 percent feeling more romantic when on vacation. One travel recommendation for couples to escape is Sandals Resorts.

Sandals is an ultra premium couples only resort with properties in Jamaica, Bahamas, and Antigua. Imagine a private beach dinner for two, a moon and stars couples massage, or an exclusive dinner experience on a pier at sunset.

Sandals Royal Bahamian fire pit. Photo courtesy, www.TLTravels.com

In the Bahamas, The Royal Village at Sandals Royal Bahamian offers a secluded island with unique tiki style vistas to feel as though couples are isolated. Coupled with multiple pools and a lavish beach area, travelers can be as private as they would like in this quiet tropical retreat. The resort’s romantic fire pit area is unique and further contributes to the couples’ ambiance.

USTA’s revealed survey findings also say that more than half of employed Americans say they come back feeling reconnected with their family after vacation. To further connect with the family, a vacation to Sandals owned Beaches (properties in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica), a cruise, a trip to Disney or a visit to Atlantis Resort are just a few ideas that bring families together.

Deals are to be had right now. “The cost of travel remains at historic lows, giving consumers phenomenal options and the opportunity to stretch their dollars farther,” Dow adds. Sandals (as of article posting) was offering up to 65 percent off of packages and a spa credit of $250, which is about 20 to 25 percent more than typically advertised.

Couples Traveling Together Spark Romance was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Many local governments and organizations in tourist destinations are worried that their revenue from the tourism industry is going to fall dramatically in 2009 and 2010, so they’ve created opportunities for travelers to fly for a lot less. You can find bora bora packages, tahiti packages, and Morroco packages which are extremely affordable.

Maybe you’ve got some extra cash to spend, want to take a family vacation or go on a honeymoon, by doing some searching online, you’re going to find a lot of deals. For example, I’m planning on taking a honeymoon in Bora Bora in the next few months and was able to get it for a fraction of what my travel agent quoted online.

Global Recession = Cheap Vacations in Tahiti was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Here is a look and just some of the pay-as-you-go airline fees that you can be responsible for, no matter where you are going or what airline you choose to carry you to your destination.

Direct Ticket Purchase
With some airlines, you have to pay more money if you order your tickets over the phone directly with the airline, instead of making arrangements on the internet.

Bag Check
What used to be free now can cost you $15 or more. Not every airline does charge a per bag fee for the first bag but you also need to know that some airlines will even charge you extra if you do not prepay that per-bag fee ahead of time via the internet. The rate usually increases with each bag you add. Also, if your bag goes over the weight limit, expect to pay upwards of $50 for each overweight bag and even more if you are flying internationally.

Flight Change Fee
If you have to change your flight for any reason, expect to pay between $50-$150 for each ticket or up to $250 for international travel.

Drink Fees
Who doesn’t look forwards to the free soda and peanuts on a flight? Well, depending on what airline you flight, that snack might be a pipe dream. While most airlines still offer at least a free non-alcoholic beverage, expect to pay $5-$7 for one cocktail on most airlines.

Pet Fees
If you have to travel with Fluffy or Fido, expect to pay $100 or more for your pet.

While a cheap getaway flight may seem right up your alley and within your budget, don’t be deceived at first glance. Take a good, hard look at what else you have to pay to fly so “cheap”. Sure, there are legitimately great deals out there, especially via the internet but know what you are getting into before you go. It may save you money by researching other modes of travel, such as driving yourself or taking a train.

What’s The Deal With These Airline Fees? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Here are some tips for capitalizing on the best vacation and travel deals out there now:

Go For the Dream Vacation
If you have been dreaming of Paris and other other international destinations as your dream getaway, now is the time to take advantage of the reasonable prices for such travel. For instance, there are luxury African safari trips priced two-for-one. The bigger the trip, potentially the better the deal. Shop around and see where you can go that you once never thought possible.

Check Out the Conversion Rates
The US dollar is gaining more strength so traveling abroad can get you even more of a deal. Travelers can do much more on the same amount of money they might have had to spend last year around this time. Before making a final decision about where you want to go, check out the currency of some interesting countries like Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Iceland. You can get a whole lot more for a whole lot less in some really great locations.

Be Flexible
Look around at some areas of the world that have been hit hard in the tourism department. If you can keep an open mind and be flexible about the dates you can travel, you can really find a deal of a lifetime. Experts suggest you start your search with a list of places you are interested in visiting. Take that list and see which location offers you the best deal for travel.

Get Into Negotiations
Even when you nail down the details of your trip, you can still save even more cash if you are willing to ask some questions and get a negotiation going. Ask the hotel manager what extras they can thrown in for your family for their regular prices, such as free kid’s meals or tickets to local attractions.

Go Ahead and Use Your Rewards
If you have credit cards that offer rewards miles or if you have a deal with the airline for frequent flier miles, now is the time to cash them in. Airlines are looking to fill seats and so they have become more flexible about letting you exhaust your miles when you want to do it – not when they dictate the time.

While we are struggling with just surviving paycheck to paycheck, there are many ways and benefits to planning a getaway. Your frugal ways can serve you well when you make a proactive attempt to keep finding the best deals for every aspect of your luxury vacation, even if that cruise cost 60% less than it did last year.

The Recession is Opening the Doors to Big Vacation Savings was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Titus

Think every beach is the same? Been there, done that? Not necessarily. Beaches are almost as unique in their experiences as the tropical treasures travelers might discover.

There are many sources to rank top beaches. Below are the latest results by TripAdvisor.com naming its top 10 U.S. beaches, based on popularity. Hawaii and Florida top this list with the most popular beaches.

1. Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde, Florida – Beloved for its pure white sand and clear water, the park’s North Beach is a wide, family-friendly stretch of beach that is both naturally beautiful and convenient, with picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms nearby.

2. Bahia Honda State Park and Beach, Big Pine Key, Florida – An exquisite spot for snorkeling, the park draws both those who want to experience gentle, lapping waves and soft sand, as well as those seeking the beauty of the park’s flora and fauna.

3. St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida – With abundant wildlife and more than a mile and a half of beach, the park invites visitors to enjoy the exquisite waters of the Gulf of Mexico in a variety of ways, from swimming to kayaking to snorkeling.

4. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu, Hawaii – With a focus on preserving the precious natural ecosystem of the area, the preserve is ideal for swimming and observing coral, fish, turtles, stingrays and other marine life.

5. Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii – The beach’s stunning scenery and turquoise water make it an unforgettable Hawaiian destination, and visitors can enjoy it while swimming, kayaking, or simply taking in the view from the soft sand.

6. La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, California – Known for its breathtaking beauty, the cove’s small stretch of beach, and deep, clear water is perfect for swimming and sightseeing alike. Ideal picnicking nearby lets visitors continue to enjoy the views even after leaving the water.

7. Green Sand Beach, Hawi, Hawaii – Located on the southernmost point of the United States, the olive-colored sand alone is well worth the bumpy trek there, not to mention the extraordinary views and blue-green water of this legendary destination.

Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

8. Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii – Travelers rave about the exquisite snorkeling, but even from ashore the beach is stunningly picturesque, with its aqua water meeting golden sands, surrounded by the lush, hilly greens of Kauai.

9. Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida – What sets this beach apart is its undisturbed natural beauty. Not your typical “beachgoer’s beach,” it lets visitors interact with the scenic natural environment of the area, from swimming to seashells to sunsets.

10. Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island, South Carolina – This uncrowded beach draws visitors to its scenic shores, while the park itself is a perfect camping destination, with a bike trail that makes it easy to explore the quiet beauty of the area.

When planning a tropical escape, consider a new beach locale for a new vacation experience. There is a beach for everyone!

Hawaii & Florida Dominate Top U.S. Beaches List was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: U.S. State Department

A tightening of the belt for passport requirements went into effect on June 1^st, 2009 for U.S. travelers.   The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) now requires valid passports for land and sea travel with the continued exception for “closed-loop” cruises.  These are cruises that originate and terminate at the same U.S. port.  This leniency applies only to cruises and many of the cruise lines are strongly recommending to their passengers to travel with a valid passport, one that is valid for at least 6 months beyond completion of travel.

According to the U.S. State Department, travelers by air will be required to present a passport book to enter or re-enter the United States. Sea travelers may also use the passport booklet or the passport card and now the continued option of birth certificate and photo ID. 

Qualifying cruise passengers opting to take advantage of this leniency will be required to show proof of citizenship such as a original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a government issued photo ID i.e. driver’s license.  Children under the age of 16 will also be required to show a birth certificate as proof of citizenship.

All air travel and cruises that begin and end in different U.S. ports or foreign ports will still require a valid passport or other recognized WHTI compliant document.  Lynn Torrent, senior VP of sales and guest services with Carnival Cruise Lines says, “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind all our guests that proof of citizenship is required in order to travel and failure to present a valid document at check in will result in denied boarding and no refund will be issued.”

Future travelers struggling with the dilemma of “do I or don’t I need a passport?” will be better served by visiting the U.S. State Department WHTI requirements Web site.  This site offers explanations of terms and requirements as well as tips for living abroad and overseas Citizen’s services.  Applications for passport booklets and passport cards are available for printing as well as locations to apply in person and the frequently asked questions section offers a broad spectrum of answers to possible issues. 

There has been much confusion surrounding the WHTI and its requirements along with implementation dates and who is affected by the initiative. Cruise travelers have been fortunate to have the effective dates of the requirements pushed back a number of times.

However, when planning for the dreaded “what if” scenario, even travel insurance may not protect a traveler when trying to re-enter the U.S. from a foreign port if they need to return to the U.S. due to an emergency.

Bill Thomas, CEO of Tropical Latitudes Travel, explains “Since the passport card is not valid for air travel, the continued leniency policy for closed-loop cruises does present some concerns for travelers without a valid passport. Should an emergency arise and cruisers need to disembark in a foreign port and fly back to the U.S., they might face delays in admittance back to the U.S..”

The best protection? “Have a valid passport,” Thomas says.

In 2007, 18.4 million U.S. passports were issued, according to U.S. State Department spokesperson Adriana Gallegos. From 2008 through 2009, 7.1 million have been issued. “The demand has been lower than expected,” Gallegos says. “We attribute this to a delay in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the current economic conditions.”

Got Passport? Will Travel was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

The Atlantic is calm at start of Hurricane Season. Photo Credit: NOAA

Today, June 1, 2009 launches the official start of Hurricane Season. While the 2009 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Forecast predicts nine to 14 named storms (which is a less active season compared to 2008′s predictions), it only takes one to cause catastrophic damage. NOAA forecasts four to seven hurricanes, and one to three category 3+ hurricanes for this year’s hurricane season which goes through November 30.

“Tropical systems acquire a name – the first for 2009 will be Ana – upon reaching tropical storm strength with sustained winds of at least 39 mph,” according to the NOAA Web site. “Tropical storms become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph, and become major hurricanes when winds increase to 111 mph. An average season has 11 named storms, including six hurricanes with two becoming major hurricanes.”

Author of Smooth Landings and owner of MacNair Travel Management Michael MacNair explains that are steps travelers can employ to ensure smooth sailing throughout hurricane designated months.

“Whether you are taking a cruise or visiting an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean during hurricane season, a traveler’s two best defenses are to purchase travel insurance and to align with a travel partner,” MacNair says. “Travel agents know how to maneuver issues travelers’ face due to hurricane weather issues including airline and resort conditions.”

A GOES-12 visible image of Hurricane Katrina shortly after landfall on August 29, 2005 at 1415z. Photo Credit: NOAA

Following are seven recommended travel strategies MacNair recommends to help prepare for the onset of hurricane season:

1. Use a travel agent. Purchasing vacation packages through a travel agency will give travelers the peace of mind in knowing that travel professionals are their advocates and ready to help them through difficult travel scenarios. If a vacation is booked online, a vacationer may find they are on their own and it may be difficult to get through to one of their representatives.

2. Purchase travel insurance. Be sure to read the hurricane clauses of travel insurance policies or ask the travel agent for guidance. Depending on policy purchased, a pre-planned trip can be completely altered and rescheduled with no penalties. Travel insurance can also protect the traveler who lives in a hurricane zone and needs to return to their home after a hurricane hit area.

3. Do not make assumptions. Just because a storm or hurricane is spinning or went through the destination a consumer is traveling to, do not assume flights are cancelled or that a resort sustained damage. Always check with travel professional to check on status.

4. Be one step ahead. Always call the airport early to check on the status of your flights. Many airlines allow online check-in up to 24-hours prior to departure. Check the weather at your destination a few days before your trip. Knowing in advance what the expected weather pattern is going to be will help a vacationer to prepare and take necessary steps prior to their trip.

5. Sailing around the storm. If taking a cruise vacation, there is a good chance that a vacation will not be ruined by a hurricane. The cruise industry has state-of-the-art technology on all of their ships and they can alter their itineraries to avoid oncoming hurricanes. Be flexible when cruising during hurricane season and if the route is altered, look at is as a travel adventure.

6. Charged technology gadgets. Accessing the Internet on wireless devices, gives travelers up-to-the-minute storm tracking information. Be sure to carry a fully charged cell phone and have the travel agent’s number and after-hours emergency assistance number in hand in case alternate travel arrangements need to be made. Even while waiting in line at the airport, traveler should call the travel agent as they might be able to resolve the issue before reaching counter.

7. Take an extra day. Particularly when cruising out of southern ports such as Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Miami and San Juan, consider spending a pre-night prior to cruise in the departure city. This has multiple benefits including a day to unwind and get into vacation mode and gives a cushion in case of delayed flights due to inclement weather.

Hurricane Season Launches Quietly Today was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Create Your Vacay Budget
Just like with your personal finances, it is important to set your money limits before you even start exploring where you want to go on a trip. Be sure to account for everything in your budget, such as airfares, gas, hotels, food, entertainment, activities, souveneirs, and the unexpected surprises that may spring up.

Cement Your Airfare
If your flying for your trip, start looking at rates now ad book early to get the best deals and sae the most money. Websites like kayak.com can help you narrow down the best deals in airfare and travel times. Yapta.com will alert you when the airfare drops and for $15, the website will help your fight for  a refund if you have already played for your flight.

Bargain Rooms
When you are on vacation, the chances are good that, unless you are on your honeymoon, your hotel space will be used mostly for changing, bathing, and sleeping – so why spend a ton of cash for luxury digs when you never plan to be there? Visit hotels.com or tripadvisor.com to find low cost lodging and real-life reviews from those who have stayed before you.

Rental Cars
For the best rates on rented vehicles, at your destination, plan to rent from a location outside of the airport, perhaps find one near your hotel. Check out hotwire.com for the deals and the information. You can generally save a lot of cash if you shop around.

Insure Yourself
If your trip costs more that several hundred dollars, you might want to consider travel insurance to protract you. In the event of an illness, disaster, or even if the airline loses your bags, you will be protected. Insuremytrip.com can give you the lowdown on different coverage and prices.

Seek Professional Assistance
If our trip planning is not so simple, do not hesitate to consult with a travel agent. Their experience and accessibility to exclusive deals can save you way more money than you would spend on their services fees, which generally run between $50-$200.

Vacations should be a source of relaxation and fun. Getting into debt over a trip that is supposed to relieve stress, will only add to it. Planning ahead and shopping for deals can allow you to afford a vacation. If you want to even make it easier on yourself, start saving in advance so that when the time comes to go away, you’ll have the necessary cash to pay for your vacation and leave debt behind you.

More Vacation for Less Money was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

The health and safety of travelers and those they come in contact with should be the first priority of all parties. Airlines and various tour operators have waived or at least reduced penalties normally incurred when changing travel plans. This may not signify a cash refund, rather the ability to change destinations or dates of travel which normally would cost extra money or higher fares. For example under normal circumstances consumers who purchased non-refundable airline tickets are subject to $150-$250 itinerary change penalties in addition to paying more for the new flight. Some tickets paid in advance offer zero refunds when canceled or changed, which makes even a small amount of leeway appreciated by many travelers who have been forced to alter their travel plans.

Unfortunately a health warning from the government does not negate your contractual obligation which means travelers have little protection if the travel industry decides to NOT offer refunds or exceptions to the contract. If that is the case, the following tips may help consumers recover money from a canceled trip.

• When looking for refunds consumers should contact the same agencies or organizations that were paid in the first place. For example, if you booked and paid through a third party (travel agent, travel website) you must seek a refund from the same location. Contacting the hotel or airline directly will likely result in a run-around as they were not paid directly from you and therefore cannot issue the refund.
• If a government warning changes to a government action preventing you from traveling to your destination, you have the right to break your contract without penalty.
• Negotiate- In some cases you may not be able to receive a full refund however this should not dissuade you from trying to negotiate a deal. The travel and airline industry which are suffering from the recession and consumers who are traveling less may be willing to work on a deal that is mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

If all else fails and you are unable to secure a refund or exchange for a trip paid in advance you will be forced to decide if you are willing to risk your health or take the loss financially.

Refund Policies More Lenient Due To Swine Flu Outbreak was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Wellness expert and author Asha Praver explains “Take a holiday at home — nothing special there. But make this also a vacation from both speed and noise.”

During this vacation, Praver advises to spend all your time — physically, psychically, and telecommunication-wise — right where you are. Talk only to those people who are physically with you. Pay attention only to events that happen right where you are.

Living in a vacation spot, I am victim to often not taking advantage of taking time to rejuvenate at home. Not to mention the pile of “snowy” day projects (I don’t think I’ll have a snow day in southern Florida). In this economy, it is not a bad idea to make your home your tropical escape. How often when we go on vacation do we look forward to coming home? There is something in the saying, “home is where the heart is.”

Following are eight of Praver’s top tips to taking a Naycation this year. 

1. Operate at the speed of foot-power. Don’t move faster than your body can propel itself. In addition to the obvious walking or running, this includes foot-powered devices like skates, bikes, or scooters.
2. Get in synch with your children and your pets. Set no appointments, schedule, or deadlines. Give your children and animals as much of your complete attention as they will accept from you. This will naturally slow you down and bring you to a focus right where you are.
3. Play games. Not electronic games or anything that makes noise on its own. Play board games, conversation games, Pictionary, Charades, things that people of all ages can enjoy together.
4. Read. Not just thrillers or popular romances, but great, interesting, classic literature, for children or adults. Read out loud to each other. Try Shakespeare. Or, if your vacation is long enough, start, and finish something really ambitious like Lord of the Rings, or a popular version of The Mahabharata.
5. Cook your own food. Don’t go out, or order in. Food prepared by others brings with it their vibrations, which you ingest. This is a time to get in tune with yourself and with those you love. Involve friends and family, including children, in food preparation. Then sit down together and enjoy what you’ve created. Cook from scratch as much as possible.
6. Sleep outside.  If your neighborhood is safe, quiet, free from biting insects and inclement weather, move your bed outside, or set up the equivalent with a comfortable mattress, sheets, pillows, and blankets. Don’t try to sleep on the hard ground or use a tent. Fall asleep looking at the moon and stars, wake up in the early light in the fresh dawn air. It will do amazing things for your health and your perspective.
7. Talk to the people around you. Invite friends over to spend time in conversation, or in doing together all those things listed above. Be with one another without having your attention drawn off to times, places, and events brought in via electronic media.
8. Be creative. Knit, sew, paint, garden, carve, write poetry, anything that engages your creative artistic self.

Praver advises if you stick with these tips, you’ll find yourself resting and renewing on a level you didn’t know was possible. “It could turn out to be the cheapest, and the best vacation you’ve ever had,” she says.

Use this recession to reconnect with your family, tackle your “someday” list, and explore passions. Which of these tips are most appealing to creating a rejuvenating naycation?

Time for a Naycation: 8 Tips to Rejuvenate at Home was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Squaremouth.com’s CEO Chris Harvey warns that this is not the case. As of Friday, April 24, 2009, swine flu is now considered a “foreseen” event and any policies purchased on that day and after will not cover any travel-related incidents to swine flu.

As health authorities scramble to contain a dangerous new strain of swine flu sweeping through parts of Mexico, North America and Europe, Harvey advises travelers it is too late to buy travel insurance if you are concerned about swine flu.

“The bottom line is this: Don’t rush today to buy travel insurance in hopes of being covered during the swine flu crisis,” warned Harvey.

Think about it like hurricane insurance. “If you don’t buy travel insurance before a storm receives its official name, you aren’t covered for losses relating to that storm,” Harvey added. Similarly, for most companies, Friday, April 24, 2009, was the date the swine flu outbreak became what the industry calls a “foreseen” or “known event” because of widespread media attention.

That means policies bought before April 24, when the outbreak was considered “unforeseen,” may well be honored. “After that date, forget it: the swine flu was already deemed a “known event,” so claims related directly or indirectly to outbreaks in Mexico or anywhere else will be denied,” Harvey explained.

Moreover, even if you think your policy covers “unforeseen circumstances,” there may be language in a General Exclusions section exempting claims “arising directly or indirectly from epidemics or pandemics.”

“Always check the fine print to see what protections apply to you,” Harvey said. In addition, be sure to check with any travel supplier to see what options they are providing, if any, to make changes to existing reservations.

The only way to ensure cover for swine flu is by adding on the optional “Cancel for any Reason” benefit available on some policies. This allows the traveler to simply cancel the trip without needing a covered reason. “There are drawbacks,” Harvey warns, “you can only cancel up to 48 hours before you leave and you may not get 100% of your money back. Make sure you check the fine print before you buy.”

For your convenience, Squaremouth has posted travel insurance information relating to the swine flu outbreak on our home page at Squaremouth.com. “We’re compiling official swine flu position statements from insurers and posting the updates at www.squaremouth.com/travel-advice/swine-flu-outbreak,” he said.

“We’re available toll-free at 800-240-0369 to discuss your concerns about the outbreak and how it affects travel insurance. It’s all part of our commitment as an advocate on behalf of our customers.”

For now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not classified the swine flu outbreak as a pandemic. Travelers can keep up with the latest briefings on the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu. Or check the CDC Twitter link: http://twitter.com/CDCemergency

Travel Insurance May Not Protect Travelers with Swine Flu Issues was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

According to USAirways’ official baggage policy, carry-on baggage size requirements are as follows: Up to 45 in/115 cm (14 x 9 x 22 in or 36 x 23 x 56 cm); and up to 40 lbs/18 kg

Just because your bag fits in the above seat compartment, does not mean that it falls within size restrictions. On a round trip USAirways flight to Las Vegas last week, both mine and my husband’s bags were allowed as carry-on luggage; however, on the return flight both of our bags, along with about 50 other passengers’ bags were hijacked at the gate. Mine, exceeds the width dimension technically by 2 inches, so I can see why they asked me to check it at the gate through my final destination. But, my husband’s fell within the size requirements, along with many other passengers, and the gate attendant arbitrarily decided which bags to pull and which to not.

We were even told during boarding that since this USAirways flight was a full flight, there was no overhead room. Yet, upon boarding, nearly a quarter of the overhead bins were completely empty. At least we were not forced to pay the $15 fee.

It is no wonder that a recent TripAdvisor survey revealed that 54% of respondents consider checked bags the most annoying airline fee. Other poignant survey results reveal that 36% have been surprised by the cost of checked baggage fees at the airport and 19% said they always carry-on a bag to avoid additional fees, while 39% often do.

“It’s apparent that travelers are frustrated about checked bag charges and are looking for more clarity when it comes to domestic airline fees,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.

Checked baggage fees range in price for first and second pieces, as well as for oversized luggage. Be sure to check your airline policy so no surprises happen at check in. Often, airlines will offer a discount if you pay in advance online for checking bags. This includes USAirways and Spirit Airlines. USAirways recently announced that it will charge $15 for the first checked bag if paid for online and $25 for the second; however, if a traveler waits to pay this fee at the airport upon check in, a $5 service fee will be imposed. “If you booked your flight before April 23, 2009, fees will stay the same for you,” according to USAirways Web site. “And remember, Dividend Miles Preferred members are exempt from checked bag fees.”

Those traveling transatlantic, military/active duty, unaccompanied minors, confirmed first class passengers often will have checked baggage fees waived as well.

During today’s air travel the best travel advice to avoid extra baggage fees and having your bags taken from you at the gate is to travel light and pack well. Ensure you have a piece of travel luggage that falls under the maximum size requirements to avoid any confusion. Be sure to check dimensions as many baggage pieces are sold as carry-on, but fail to meet size requirements.

USAirways Hijacks Bags: Increased Carry-On Luggage Crowding Planes was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Courtesy of Trump International Beach Resort

“So bring me two pina coladas. One for each hand. Let’s set sail with Captain Morgan, and never leave dry land.” 

These Garth Brook lyrics set the mood for any tropical adventure. But, how about 12 pina coladas? On a recent quest to the Trump International Beach Resort (just North of Miami Beach, Florida), to my surprise I found more flavors of my favorite tropical drink, the pina colada than I could enjoy in a weekend. However, with the help of Trump’s entertaining bartender Geno, I sampled my way through a dozen heavenly tropical concoctions.

Imagine sitting in a tiki style bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean nearing sunset listening to a great poolside and beachside musician preparing for dinner that evening. Tempting? Well, what started off as a simple order turned out to be a complete surprise and delight to so many variations on a popular vacation beverage…the coconut and rum based pina colada.

Served up with a “clap clap” and an extra flavor surprise, Geno’s unique take on this traditional frozen specialty leaves you quenching for more! I was more than willing to take a moment to sample just a few of Geno’s combinations. From a raspberry explosion to a dirty banana colada, I have to say my favorite beyond the traditional pina colada version was the mango colada. Although, the guava colada ran a close second.

The tiki bar at Trump International Beach Resort is a tropical excursion not to miss during a visit to Miami. This resort is beyond luxurious in its accommodations, service, amenities and location! Not to mention, it’s tropical tasty!

12 Pina Coladas in Trump Tropical Paradise was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

• Coordinating a complicated itinerary- Booking one round trip flight isn’t terribly complicated but if your trip has many different locations, dates and agendas you will undoubtedly save money, time and the hassle of doing it yourself  by hiring an experienced travel agent to coordinate your itinerary.
• Time is Money- Similar to other purchases you will save the most money by shopping around. There are dozens of travel websites each claiming they have the best deal on airfare, hotels and car rentals.  Finding the best deal however often requires quite a bit of time on your part. If you do not have the time to compare all prices and packages your travel agent can do the legwork  needed to help you find the best bargain.
• Inexperienced Travelers- First time travelers are often at a loss when it comes to planning a trip from start to finish. In this situation the knowledge and experience of a professional can prevent novice travelers from making costly mistakes. If the thought of making your own travel arrangements makes you nervous, hire a travel agent to get you where you want to go at the best price available.
• Frequent Travelers- If you are frequently on the road, making travel arrangements can become more of a hassle than an adventure. Travel agents are eager to retain good customers and will work extra hard to keep you satisfied.
• Troubleshooting- There are few things more frustrating that travel arrangements that go awry. The fact remains that the travel industry is staffed by people and computers which are both susceptible to error. If a travel agent made your arrangements and you encounter problems with your flight, car rental or room reservations you have someone in your corner to resolve the problem.

When in doubt remember that  travel agents earn their livelihood making travel arrangements for business and leisure travelers. They have the resources available to find the best prices as well as the experience needed to coordinate your travel needs.

Travel Agents Can Save You Time And Money was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo courtesy of Malibu Beach Inn

In times of economic turmoil and increased stresses, a romantic getaway might be just what the stimulus package is missing and the doctor ordered. In fact, a recent Trip Advisor survey reveals that 77 percent of travelers plan to take a romantic trip with their significant other in 2009.

Paris tops the list for romantic couple destinations, according to the TripAdvisor survey. Hawaii, Bora Bora, Aruba and Jamaica also are featured in top tropical romantic escapes.

“Bolstered by seaside hammocks and tasty umbrella drinks, 49 percent of travelers said the beach is the best setting for a romantic trip with their sweetheart,” according to the TripAdvisor survey.

The second most popular setting for romance was a city, according to 16 percent of respondents.  Cities featured in the top 10 list include New York City, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Rome.

A romantic trip does not always come with a luxury price tag. TripAdvisor’s top 10 bargain romantic U.S. hotels include*:

Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages, Holmes Beach, Florida, $199 average nightly rate

Red Cliffs Lodge, Moab, Utah, $159 average nightly rate

Old Ranch Inn, Palm Springs, California, $134 average nightly rate

Casa Malibu Inn on the Beach, Malibu, California, $159 average nightly rate

Desert Pearl Inn, Springdale, Utah, $153 average nightly rate

Inn at Sonoma, Sonoma, California, $197 average nightly rate

Overleaf Lodge & Spa, Yachats, Oregon, $177 average nightly rate

Lake Opechee Inn & Spa, Lakeport, New Hampshire, $199 average nightly rate

Hotel Rehoboth, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, $184 average nightly rate

Island Bay Resort, Tavernier, Florida, $163 average nightly rate

*NOTE: Travel Advocate does not guarantee these rates as they were supplied by TripAdvisor.

These romantic properties not only provide the ambiance required, according to Alan Goldschneider, managing director, Malibu Beach Inn.  Value is a key amenity travelers realize. “If a guest has a wonderful stay and it exceeds their expectations, when they go and check-out and can see the value. It seals the deal,” he adds.

Photo courtesy of YourNovel.com

If the economy has couples not being able to take some time away to re-connect together, another virtual romantic vacation option exists. YourNovel.com gives couples the opportunity to become characters aboard a historical cruise journey, experience passion on a tropical island, embrace romance in the Outer Banks and other romantic, customized journeys.

There are 25 romantic adventures to choose from and several e-books where a couple can escape, even if it is in the depth of a romance novel, as a unique way to experience a romantic getaway. You can opt for either a paperback or a hardback version and can even add your photo for further increased personalization.

Following is one of the book descriptions, Sea Double: A Cruise Romance, available at YourNovel.com:

Sea Double: A Cruise Romance is a personalized novel where our starring couple ply warm, blue Caribbean waters aboard a luxury cruise ship. Our heroine is called upon to switch places with a rock mega-star; our hero takes on the role of her bodyguard. Both find themselves playing at exotic ports-of-call like St. Lucia, Curacao and St. Martin, and basking in first-class comfort, only to find that along with celebrity comes a price.

After selecting your destination, you then enter a series of fields to allow for customization including pet names, number of years together, favorite music and more.  You have the opportunity to see an excerpt to see how the information flows together and you can make any applicable changes if needed. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes. The hardest part is selecting the romantic escape you want you and your significant other to appear in! There are so many great stories that are sure to tempt you to travel to one of these steamy destinations for real. In the meantime, armchair travel is a great prelude!

Romantic Travel: Couples Escaping for Loving Retreats was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

In the day and age where economic woes, foreclosures, and travel cutbacks are the news headlines, it is quite the relief for those who are still traveling, whether for work or pleasure, to encounter blue ribbon level service. Jet Blue could not be named more appropriately as this airline in the midst of airlines cutting back on capacity, increasing fees and eliminating once-free amenities, this airline is still true blue.

On a recent trip to New York City (JFK International airport), I experienced a long delay for the outbound flight from South Florida as the plane was coming from Boston, which was suffering a large snowstorm that morning. Thanks to Jet Blue’s up-to-the-minute Web site I knew of the lengthy delay before arriving at the airport and was able to adjust plans accordingly. Furthermore, once the packed plane was loaded with passengers, the Jet Blue Captain himself came out in front of everyone to personally explain why the delay had occurred. Never in all of my years of travel have I seen the Captain make this up-close and personal type of address.

Jet Blue’s flight crew’s humor was on top of their game, despite the long day they had already. They kept the passengers entertained. The free inflight entertainment system offered by Jet Blue is unbeatable by any other competitor. On our flight the majority of passengers were tuned into American Idol! Yes, the earphones are now $1, but you can bring your own. From an amenity perspective, they still offer complimentary beverages and a wide variety of free snacks.

Most airlines are now charging for checked baggage, but again, here is an area where Jet Blue sets itself apart from its competitors by not charging for the first checked bag.

For those who have lost their job or might become unemployed, Jet Blue offers the Jet Blue Promise and has created a program in place to refund airfare (program details are available online). This is just another example of Jet Blue stepping up for the blue ribbon in customer service.

The Jet Blue experience does not end when landing at JFK. This new terminal is something other airports should model. It’s bright, fresh and complete with unique store and food and beverage offerings including the largest Cibo Express I have seen (I had a hard time selecting my dinner as there were so many healthy and unique offerings) and a very hip and luxurious European style pharmacy, Harmony. Plus, there’s a large children’s play area by Fisher Price and free wireless is available.

Jet Blue is a true blue winner in the travel industry today.

Jet Blue is Blue Ribbon Service when Traveling was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

What is a recession?

A recession is when there is a decline in industrial production, employment, real income, and wholesale-retail trade that lasts for six months or more. It spells trouble for all of us. Sometimes it’s hard making ends meet in the best of times, but trying to raise a family in the midst of a recession is doubly hard to do. It helps to stay optimistic in this type of a situation. We can tighten our belts a little and still share some quality time together as a family. Tough economic times call for finding ways to cut down on spending, but not on activities, even when we’re on a budget. After doing a little bit of research I’ve come up with a few ideas that may help to weather this recessional storm.

Saving Money in the Kitchen

There are lots of ways to cut back including in the kitchen so let’s start there. First, get rid of all prepared meals. Aside from being too expensive, they are loaded with excessive fat, sugar, salt and all kinds of preservatives. These are things that your family doesn’t need. Plan wisely and schedule specific meals for each day of the week. Do your grocery shopping once a week and get exactly what you need for each meal. Try going meatless twice a week. Do a little research and find recipes for low cost meals that you can make like pasta and vegetables or a home made veggie pizza. These are nutritious meals and won’t cost a lot of money.

Saving Money When Traveling

Even when arranging for a vacation or just family time together, put a schedule in place so that you don’t miss a minute of fun. Check with the local visitor’s bureau in your city and see what attractions they offer. Some cities sponsor summer festivities for a minimal fee or no cost at all. Spend the day at a local park; take along Frisbees, a baseball and bat and maybe even a set of horseshoes. Stop by your local public swimming pool one day for an afternoon of aquatic games. Even pack a lunch to serve up after the swim, picnic style, at a nearby park. Everyone develops an appetite after a day of sun and fun. This is an ideal way for a family to spend a day together. The next day, spend the afternoon watching a movie in your local theatre. If you get there early, you can get the matinée price. It’s another great way to spend the day, and see a great movie in the process.

Saving Money on Pampering

After this much activity, you deserve to pamper yourself a little. If you like to read, don’t go out and spend money on a new best seller, join your local library and read all of the books you want for free. Also, stock up on some inexpensive candles and some aromatherapy bath beads (you can get them at the dollar store) and treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the tub. If you close your eyes, you can pretend you’re at a fancy spa. You’ll feel any stress that you may have acquired from the long day begin to melt away.

You can find ways to cut back on spending and not on activities, it just takes a little bit of strategy and imagination. So plan to cut back, have fun and make some great memories to treasure for years to come.

Living In A Recession was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Keep your pantry stocked.

Depending on what part of the country you live in, the likelihood of getting “snowed in” for several days or even weeks is a thing of the past. In the event of a severe winter snow or ice storm however you may not be able to predict how long you may be stuck at home and having a fully stocked pantry can make your stay not only survivable but comfortable as well. You should aim for stocking your pantry with the minimum of three days worth of emergency food and water. In addition to these items you should also make sure you have simple winter safety tools on hand such as flashlights (with working batteries), extra blankets and an emergency weather radio.

Keep your car stocked.

This is especially important for individuals who regularly travel on rural or out of the way areas. While most folks living or working in these areas are seasoned at “reading” the weather no one can truly predict when a severe storm or blizzard may hit. Whether your car becomes disabled or the roads become impassable it is important to have a winter safety kit close at hand. Included in this kit should be blankets, canned heat (my mother always packed a candle-in-a-can), nonperishable food and water.

Keep yourself informed.

By far the best way to remain safe in the winter is to not get caught off guard when a winter storm approaches. With the technology available today there is really no reason to be unaware of an impending storm. In many cases as winter progresses people living in harsher climates tend to ignore or pay less attention to winter storm warning and advisories. Take heed when the forecast is calling for inclement weather; it is better to be safe than sorry.

For people living in areas affected by winter weather it remains unlikely that you will have to rely on these safety tips for survival but if the situation arises that you find yourself stranded either at home or in your vehicle being prepared will definitely make riding the storm out –a much more comfortable situation with which to deal.

Safety Reminders For Winter Weather was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

To begin, these underwater exploration users must visit, http://earth.google.com/and download Google Earth 5.0 to their computers. Travelers need to ensure their computers meet the minimum requirements and both PC and Mac downloads are available. Google provides a host of support articles and forums for those whom may experience any issues or have questions before downloading. 

As users begin their explorations they can select from a variety of layers to be displayed on the screen. By selecting Shipwrecks, one can view locations of wrecks.  Many of these sites offer even more detail of the wreck with YouTube video or hyperlinks to Shipwreckcentral.com for the latest information.  Animal Tracking is another unique option that allows users to see where creatures such as great white sharks, whales or sea lions have been located, and their routes of travel.  Further details provide the type of tag used on the animal and facts such as range and habitat. 

Contour of the oceans bottom can be viewed with high resolution detail of underwater mountains, valleys, plateaus and trenches. Sea surface temperature can also be selected; this option provides a colorized overlay of the oceans indicating the average temperature of the surface water. This information is provided by the U.S. Navy using date from NOAA, NASA and European weather satellites. Ocean observations can be enhanced to show real-time date of factors such as air temperature, water temperature and wind direction for sites around the world. 

Conservationist will find tools that provide information on the state of health of the oceans.  Options provide information on local sea life that is harvested for human consumption as well as dead zones.  These area areas do not have enough oxygen to sustain marine life, users can obtain more information from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science via these icons.  A global map showing the impacts of humans on marine ecosystems can be overlaid.  This information shows the cumulative impact of 17 different stressors associated with human activities.  These activities range from fishing to pollution and their impact on 20 different marine ecosystems. 

According to the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) as outlined in the Google announcement, 41% of the world’s oceans are heavily impacted and no single spot on the planet is untouched by human activities.

No longer are the mysteries of the oceans reserved for the scientist and researchers of the deep.  Today Google has provided a tool for arm chair marine explorers to venture to the depths of the planets oceans and explore our world beneath the waves.  Our oceans our one of our most valuable resources and the conservation of its bounty is everyone’s responsibility.

Armchair Explorers Venture to Depths of Oceans was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

So if you’re planning on taking a trip to Mexico, California or Palm Beach for your spring break and have college essays or other research papers that are coming due soon, don’t fret. There are a ton of resources online that you might not have thought about. There are those services that will write your paper for you if you pay them $50.00 or $100.00, but chances are you’re dealing with dishonest characters and won’t get your money’s worth. It’s very likely that the paper you’ll be given is already available online and you’re not really learning anything anyway.

So what can you do that’s within the realm of morality that will help you get your papers written by spring break? You can checkout sites like OPPapers, Anti-Essays, and SchoolSucks.com that will give you some sample papers that you can get free sources and ideas from. One of the hardest parts about writing a paper is developing an annotated bibliography (a list of sources), and if you already find some papers on your same topic, you can look through the online sources they mention and cherry pick the very best ones out.

You definitely wouldn’t want to turn one of these college papers that you find online, because any professor who’s been online for more than 15 minutes will check it against sites such as TurnItIn.com and catch you pretty easily. But the papers available are great sources of ideas and talking points for the papers that you write. You can pretty easily get a lay-out of what a paper on a given topic might look like, what some of the subheadings should probably be, and the like. Just be careful not to use too much or you might flag some of those pieces of software.

Have a paper that’s due before Spring Break? Get Help Online! was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo.com

Not ready for a black diamond run or maybe not even up for the bunny slope? Do not fret; there are other winter sports to ensure travelers enjoy fresh powder this winter season. Many winter resorts offer great add-ons or alternative winter activities to savor the landscape ranging from ice skating to horse drawn carriage rides or cross country skiing to snowmobile riding. Another favorite that does not requires skill is snow tubing. This exhilarating activity provides a fun alternative for non-skiers or boarders yet ensure wild thrills for all ages (especially at night).

To help first-time tubers prepare for the experience, IgoUgo editors have come up with some tips and its five destination recommendations to ride the slopes.

“Tubing is a great way for people of all ages to get out and enjoy the winter,” said Michelle Doucette, content manager at IgoUgo.com.  “Because there’s virtually no skill required, all you need to do is get yourself to the mountain and go.”

Photo Credit: Steve Shaluta

Alexandria, Virginia based couple David and Sharon recently escaped to Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia for a romantic escape. Staying on top of the mountain in the village was purposely selected for access to offered winter activities. “My husband is a black diamond skier and I barely ski,” Sharon explains. “When selecting a winter escape, I looked at offered alternative winter sports we could enjoy together. Snow tubing at night was a highlight of our trip.”

Snowshoe’s Tubing Park costs $17 per person for a 2-hour tubing ticket. Tubing participants must be at least 4-years-old and 36″ tall.

IgoUgo.com Tubing 101

Wherever you’re headed this winter, Doucette has tips for first timers:

Tip #1: Keep your bum up: The snow may be soft when you touch it, but not when you’re going fast. To avoid a sore bum, rest your legs over the front of the tube, hold onto the loops and keep your bum up.

Tip #2: Dress for success: You may not be skiing, but you’ll still be out in the snow so wear appropriate clothing. Winter boots, a snug-fitting hat and waterproof clothing like snow pants, a snow jacket, and gloves will make your tubing experience a dry and fun one. For an even better experience, bring sunglasses with you to keep the wind off your eyes. Note: Travel Advocate recommends you have proper snow boots (note ski boots are not allowed when tubing).

Tip #3: Stay on the trail: If your tube starts to veer off the trail as you go down, lean back into the tube and you’ll slide back into the middle. 

Tip #4: Avoid the crowds: To avoid the lines, plan your session for early in the morning or closer to closing time.  If the venue accepts reservations, make one, as the lanes can get busy.

Tip #5: Check the weather: Like skiing, tubing relies on the weather. Make sure you check with the park to confirm it is open before you head out.

Now that you are prepared and ready to hit the slopes in a different fashion, where should you go?

Five Top Tubing Spots:

1. Jackson Hole, WY: This upscale resort town is famous for its world-class skiing, but there’s plenty of fun for non-skiers too, as evidenced in member journal Snow King Resort Is Absolutely the Best!: ” Go snow-tubing while you are there! For all ages and sizes, snow-tubing is a blast!”

2. Lake Lure, NC: The family-friendly Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park in Lake Lure was a big hit with one member’s brood as reported in Mountain Delight Extraordinaire: “We had more fun than it should be legal for a family to have. As we went with our children, ages 6-17, this was the perfect place to go and have fun. The older ones made friends and formed huge trains to go down the hill while the little ones and mommy enjoyed the sissy slope. We highly recommend this activity for its value, level of fun and family-friendliness.”

3. Massanutten, VA: “No skill is required and anyone over 36 inches tall can have a great time,” writes an IgoUgo member in his journal A Week at Massanutten. Another tubing fan and IgoUgo member agrees, “Snow tubing was great. The lanes were fast enough to be thrilling but not scary. Having divided lanes made it feel more secure knowing that you were going in one direction.”

4. Smuggler’s Notch, VT: Known for family friendliness and a seemingly endless array of activities, it seems fitting that Smuggler’s Notch would offer snow tubing in the winter months. In the journal Springtime in Smugglers Notch, one member writes that tubing is just one of the great peak-season perks.

5. Winter Park, CO: Fraser Tubing Hill in Winter Park, CO gets rave reviews from IgoUgo members, including one who writes in Winter Park Ski Trip, “Before this trip, the only tubing I knew of was on water. It’s even better on snow! I would suggest taking a camera with you. My digital camera has video on it and I recorded us going down the hill, it is the funniest video I have ever recorded.”

What is your favorite winter sport to participate on when traveling?

Top Snow Tubing Travel Destinations Revealed by IgoUgo was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

When you think of Skiing, you typically think of Aspen or one of the many other skiing villages in Colorado, but if you’re not interested in driving or flying into Colorado, there are a number of other options that are closer to the major urban areas of the west coast that offer equally pristine skiing opportunities but with much less travel involved. One of these locations is Heavenly Mountain Resort, located conveniently on Lake Tahoe.

Heavenly offers several different skiing and snowboarding trails of varying difficulties, so there’s something for everyone. If you want to do some Lake Tahoe Skiing or Lake Tahoe Hiking and are just a beginning, there are several green level slopes for you to go down, and if you’re more advanced, there are a number of black diamond trails that go as high as 10,000 feet in altitude up on the mountain.

Heavenly is the largest resort in California (it borders the CA and NV borders), with over 4800 acres. It also features the longest vertical skiing drop of over 3,500 feet. The mountain has 30 different lifts, has a fleet of Prinoth350 Snowcats to handle any emergencies that come up, and has the world’s largest and most powerful snowmaking system.

If skiing or snowboarding isn’t quite your thing, Heavenly also offers a number of different entertainment opportunities to visitors.  The town of Heavenly has over 100 different bars and nightclubs for you to visit, offering musical experiences in just about any genre that you can think of. If you’d like to do any sort of gaming, there are 6 nearby Lake Tahoe Casinos which will accommodate you, including Harrah’s at Lake Takoe, MontBleu, and many more.

Looking for a Place to Ski? Checkout Heavenly Mountain Resort was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

• Know the pros and cons of renting vacation homes. One of the biggest factors that attract families to vacation homes versus hotel rooms is the ample space a vacation home provides. You will find more privacy than you would in a hotel room while being able to enjoy a more relaxed “homey” atmosphere. With the larger size many people opt to split the cost of renting a home and share the rental with other friends or extended family. Keep in mind that in exchange for the size and space of a vacation home you will likely be on your own to enjoy it. This generally means no maid service, organized activities or on site property manager.

• Save money by swapping houses. A popular trend that allows many people to enjoy vacations all around the world for little or no money is house swapping. Visit HomeExchange.com to see a listing of homeowners interesting in trading homes for vacation, the concept is as simple as it sounds; you stay in their home while they stay in yours.

• Cut costs in dining and laundry services. Dining out is a huge expense when traveling, the more people-the more money you have to shell out. When you rent a vacation home you generally have the ability to cook your own meals. This feature alone can save you hundreds of dollars in your vacation budget. Add laundry facilities and your vacation just became easier all around.

• Ask important questions. All rental homes are not created equal. Do not assume amenities or extras are include, find out by asking the right questions. Are linens, dishes, a coffeemaker, shampoo or soap included? When you are asking these important questions take the time to inquire about local restaurants, shops or stores the owner would recommend. You should also know who is responsible for cleaning and what condition the home is expected to be in upon checkout. Find out who the contact person is if you should experience any trouble during your stay.

• Know what to expect when conducting business. Renting a vacation home can be similar to renting a hotel room in that you will often be required to make some form of deposit to hold your reservation. Unlike reserving a hotel room you may be dealing directly with the homeowner when renting a vacation home; therefore rules and payment methods may vary. You may be asked to sign a contract, take the time to read the information it contains and make sure you are comfortable with the terms before you commit.

Vacations should be a time to relax and escape the chaos that many of us experience in our daily lives. If you do your research and plan accordingly you can schedule a great vacation and stay within your budget ensuring both you and your loved ones benefit the most from your efforts.

5 Tips To Help You Find A Great Vacation Rental was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

TripAdvisor® just announced the results of its airline safety awareness survey of more than 2,100 U.S. respondents, conducted from January 16 – January 20, 2009. Sixty-eight percent of U.S. respondents said they frequently pay attention to the in-flight safety presentation, with of this compilation nearly a third said they always do. Of the 32 percent who said they rarely or never pay attention to the in-flight safety presentation, 81 percent said it is because they already know it by heart, according to TripAdvisor’s survey results.

Half of travelers surveyed said they have read the seat-back instruction card in the past, but following last week’s “Miracle on the Hudson,” 62 percent are more likely to read it in the future, TripAdvisor’s survey reveals. Seventy-three percent of respondents said they always check the locations of the exits on the plane, while 20 percent often do.  

Related to the US Airways “Miracle on the Hudson,” 31 percent of travelers said they had concerns about bird strikes even before this incident.

According to TripAdvisor survey respondents, the two best ways to recognize the heroic efforts of the US Airways pilot and crew are with monetary compensation, and medals of honor.

“The events of last week gave us all–even frequent flyers– a renewed awareness of the importance of airline safety precautions and procedures. It’s clear that the majority of travelers are paying attention,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.

As reported in an official US Airways statement, “US Airways is extremely proud of the professional Crew of Flight 1549. All five of these outstanding aviation professionals performed in an exceptional way under extraordinary circumstances.”

Other TripAdvisor survey findings include:

• Twelve percent of travelers avoid booking in the emergency exit row because they don’t want the responsibility of opening the doors and assisting the crew in an emergency.
• Sixty-seven percent of respondents said that during a flight, they feel prepared in the event of an emergency. In the event of a water landing, 75 percent of travelers believe they would know what to do.
• Fifteen percent of travelers said they have experienced an emergency landing. Five percent of travelers said they have been on a flight where the oxygen masks were deployed, and two percent have had to pull the life jacket out from under their seat.
• Ninety-one percent said they always keep their seat belt fastened for the journey.

When flying with children, other issues arise. Louie Delaware, the Home Safety Guru, provides a few helpful hints to keep kids safe when flying.

1. Bring Your Own Car Seats - It is tempting to have a child that is under 2 years of age sit on your lap during your flight.  But it is much easier and safer for everyone if the child has their own seat.  “It is very difficult, and most likely physically impossible, to hold a child during turbulence,” Delaware says.  All children less than 40 pounds should be a car seat and older children in a booster seat.  Make certain that yours has the designation “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” as many car seats do not have this.  For best fit in aircraft seats, use a car seat that is less than 16″ wide.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make certain that the seat is properly installed with the airplane buckles.  It is a requirement on many international flights that every child have their own seat. 
2. Consider Using an Aviation Child Safety Device (ACSD) Strap - This is a restraint device that is allowed on airplanes for children between 22 and 44 pounds.  It attaches to the back of the seat works in addition to the lap belt.   These are much easier to carry as they are just straps.  And they install very easily.   You can order these at www.KidsFlySafe.com. 
3. Booster Seats – Also, be aware that booster seats are not allowed on many airlines.   
4. Oxygen Masks – If during your flight the oxygen masks drop from above, put yours on first as you will quickly loose your ability to deal with the emergency.  Once yours is properly on, put one on your child.  What is not communicated is that if there is a sudden loss of cabin pressure that your will possibly lose consciousness within 15-20 seconds without oxygen.  So it is very important that you can get yours on before dealing with your children’s mask.  You will not be of any assistance to them if you pass out after putting theirs on before yours. 

Take time to prepare for a dreaded “what if” scenario occurs when traveling to ensure you are ready if a crisis arises. Next time you board an aircraft, give proper attention to exit rows, safety information and demonstrations. You never know when you might need to employ these life-saving tips.

Air Travel Safety Awareness Heightened Resulting from US Airways Miracle Landing was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

If you’re looking for high-quality resources that will help you find the best deals on travel, checkout BootsnAll Travel. The site might have a peculiar name, but they have written specific guides about how to get the best travel deals to foreign countries that tourists frequently like to visit. You might not know it, but the process to get the best deal on Tickets to Japan are likely very different from those to get to the United Kingdom. BootsnAll helps you navigate the waters and get you the best deal. They make it extremely easy to figure out how to get the best deal on your next set of plane tickets.

Another feature of BootsnAll is their travel comparison search engine. It’s very easy to use and you can find some great discount airfare rates on their website. If you’re not technically savvy and want someone to find the best deal for you, they have an 800 number that you can call, and they’ll do the searching for you!
BootsnAll might not be the biggest travel site on the web, but they have great information about specific destinations and how to get the best deal to get there. Their travel search engine is also incredibly useful and easy to use, and you can use it to get some great deals.

Looking for Affordable International Airfare? Checkout BootsnAll.com was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: Denver Brown

The blue green waters off the Florida gulf coast are home to some of the most sought after table fare in the oceans.  Those seeking the thrill of bent fishing rods, screaming reels and varieties of fish need only select a vessel and skilled Captain to satisfy their cravings. The Southwest coast offers offshore action for both novice and diehard anglers within an hour’s run from the dock.   

Captain Jack’s Charters is located at the Englewood Bait House in Englewood, Florida, a small waterside town on the intercoastal waterway located approximately an hour’s drive north of Ft. Myers. Offshore anglers can charter one of three boats depending on their party size and budget to target a variety of reef species. The Mimae-Too has an old salt of a Cap’n named Bunny Davids whom has spent his entire life harvesting the bounty of these local waters.

Photo Credit: Denver Brown

The Mimai-Too is a 34′ custom charter boat or a “Six-Pack” in waterman terms. Cap’n  Bunny at the helm, a mate and license for up to six anglers, this vessel is built to handle the multitude of water conditions in this area.  Trips start at $600 for four hours on up to $1,100 for 10 hours and include all licenses, bait, tackle and beverages. To secure your spot on one of Cap’n Bunny’s fishing charters, click here.

Most offshore trips venture out between five-30 miles into the Gulf of Mexico and may make several stops at various locations to put anglers on the fish. Time of year, season of targeted fish and weather conditions are all important players for adventurers to consider before chartering any vessel.

December and January tend to be cooler months in Southwest Florida with the grouper and snapper action offshore taking the bait. Boats head out of the many passes leading from the back bay waters into the Gulf of Mexico and search for the right bottom conditions holding keeper fish.  Anglers should consult the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commision’s Web site for research as to species length and limits to help manage their own expectations from a trip.

A few additional items for anglers to remember are sunscreen, insect repellant, sunglasses and a sack lunch or snacks for the ride out and back. Depending on time of year and weather conditions biting flies can be a nuisance even several miles offshore. Seasickness medication may also be a good idea for those who tend to get bouts of motion sickness. Port-a-potty type facilities are a standard on most of the smaller boats with more updated facilities for the larger vessels. 

Photo Credit: Denver Brown

The reef fishes of Florida’s gulf coast are colorful, hard fighting and are arguably some of the best eating around. These fish have sharp teeth and gill plates that require caution while handling. For the safety of the fish, venting tools are required. These allow the air built up during ascent of a fish to be purged for a quick return to its reef habitat. A little conservation goes a long way and will provide enjoyment for tomorrow’s anglers in this wonderment of Southwest Florida.

Tight Lines in Southwest Florida was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

In addition to using the coupons in the book to get 2 for 1 specials at your favorite local restaurants and fast food shops, each book comes with a complimentary Entertainment Membership Card which can be presented at additional dining establishments, hotels, and car rental companies to help you save money even when you don’t have a coupon.  The membership card allows you to log in to the special members-only area of Entertainment.com and print additional coupons and discounted tickets to events, travel savings and more.

There are many ways to save money using the Entertainment Book.  The book itself is already at an affordable price (depending on your particular location, the prices range between $15 and $40 – but it appears Entertainment.com is running a 35% off special right now).  Within about a week’s time, most people can not only recover the cost of the book, but start seeing savings above and beyond what they paid for the book.   The rest of the year as you use your coupons and online membership discounts is pure savings!

Plan your family events, outings and vacations with help from your Entertainment book for even greater savings.  Look for attractions you can visit that offer discounts and coupons through the book; find places to eat near by where you can eat two for the price of one or save 10-25% off the total cost of your meal; rent cars at deeply discounted prices.  While most people are being forced to stick to strict budgets due to declining economic conditions – a book of coupons and discounts makes it possible for you to enjoy quality family time at prices you can more reasonably afford.

Entertainment Book Giveaway for One Lucky American Consumer News Reader:

We’ve been given the ability to give one of our lucky readers a free Entertainment Book for their specific location.  Want to get the big coupon book and start saving money?  All you need to do is comment on this blog post and use an email that we can contact you with.  On January 30th we will select one commenter at random to receive the free copy of the 2009 Entertainment Book.  You can only enter once… good luck!

Book Review and Giveaway: Entertainment Book 2009 was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: Jake McGuire

Traveling often for business in December and January, there is one distinct change I have noticed with airline travel and that is the abundance of great ticket prices, even on short notice. These flying deals are being offered amongst many airlines and even a few such as AirTran have announced New Year’s deals starting as low as $39 each way. Not to mention the weekly sales and opportunities to scoop up a flight on Spirit Airlines for as little as $1 at times (plus taxes and fees).

In my particular instance, the big airlines were offering the best availability in terms of flight times and pricing. I scored a round-trip non-stop flight to Washington, DC for under a $150 from southwest Florida. In addition, I secured a round-trip flight to Los Angeles (LA) for about $300 again from southwest Florida. I can remember flying to LA regularly for work and paying $600 on average.

Even with the reduced capacity, the seat availability was not bad on my selected airline routes. However, on two instances for my DC flights, I was unable to select a seat on my return flight. Instead the message stated “airline is assigning seats upon check in”.

A few road warrior tricks I have learned through navigating the friendly skies include:

1. Act Fast: Some online consumer booking sites will clearly state that there is only one ticket remaining at that price. I cannot tell you how many times that I have paused and did one more double-check of a competitor site just to click to purchase and find that the airline ticket price has changed.
2. Use a Travel Agent: Researching different flight options can be consuming to say the least and end up in frustration. A travel professional is an expert at quickly identifying availability, placing tickets on hold even through their technology systems, and securing a desired flight. Yes, some travel agents do charge a fee, but think about how much time you lose in terms of productivity and the travel agent just might save you additional monies on the actual airline ticket – more than making up for a fee levied.
3. Consider Alternatives: If you have some flexibility in your schedule, look at staying an extra day, which might result in a lower airfare or qualify you for some other supplier promotion offered by a car rental agency or a hotel. As an example, on one of my DC business trips, I opted to stay over on a Friday night my car rental price ended up being 50 percent less than if I had flew back the day earlier. Another example is my trip to LA where if I had taken the red eye home, my hotel would have cost me about $100 more as I would not have qualified for the 3-night sale and there were no differences in airline pricing.
4. Seasonal Travel: If your travels require you to select a flight with a connection, look at all of the different airlines and their connecting cities. If you are traveling to California in January and connections are offered through New York, Dallas or Charlotte, or St. Louis, as was the case with my flight, consider where winter weather might have the least effect on your travel plans. For me, I chose Dallas (even though an odd winter storm just crippled the Dallas area, I felt the odds were less that they would be hit twice compared to my other choices).

What are your road warrior tips when making airline travel arrangements?

Airline Travel: Scoring Flying Deals was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Standing in front of Cinderella Castle, Mickey Mouse greets guests at the Magic Kingdom, a vacation classic where magical storybooks come alive. Combining classic favorites and exciting additions, a day at the Magic Kingdom is an essential part of a Walt Disney World Resort visit.

Disney has kicked off 2009 with many free firsts. Not only is 2009 the year of “What will you Celebrate?” promotion, providing a free ticket to guests on their birthday, but they have trumped their own offer by extending a complimentary five-day park hopper (with water parks) ticket to military personnel in 2009 valid at Walt Disney World or a three-day park hopper pass valid at Disneyland. Further enhancing this military travel offer, Disney is also allowing eligible service members to purchase tickets for family at a heavily discounted price.

With the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney’s U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.

“For so many of the men and women who serve in our U.S. military, time together with their families is cause enough for celebration,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. ”We are grateful for their service and hope ‘Disney’s Armed Forces Salute’ will allow our troops to create wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends.”

At the Disneyland Resort in Southern California:

Through June 12, 2009, each eligible military member can receive one complimentary three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” Park Hopper ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. During the offer period, the military personnel member also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” Park Hopper ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket.

Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited.

For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424.

At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

Through Dec. 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel may also make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five 5-Day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Dec. 23, 2009. 

Select Walt Disney World Resort hotels may also be offering special rates for active or retired U.S. military personnel during this offer period.

For information on the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer at Walt Disney World Resort or the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, active and retired U.S. Military personnel may call the ITT office on their base. Information about “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer at Walt Disney World Resort is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military.

Sea World and Bush Gardens have also offered a regular promotion targeting military members titled “Hero Salute” for a free one-day pass for eligible personnel and up to three family members, which is generous in itself and welcomed in a tight economy. Valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, to one of the following Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks: SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Adventure Island. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. To register, visit: www.herosalute.com

Military families can leverage both promotions to create a longer vacation, particularly in Orlando and Tampa area.

Kudos to Disney and other theme parks and suppliers offering special travel promotions as a thank you to our valued military members, especially in a tough economic time and during a time when many families have been separated for long periods due to deployments. Spending time together at Disney is a great way to reconnect and to truly enjoy each other!

Disney Announces Military Travel Promotion for 2009 was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

When pricing airline tickets out of the Albany airport and into Harrisburg, the lowest I could find was $411 (including fees and taxes).  Travel time, including layovers for the cheapest rate was just shy of 5 hours.

When pricing train tickets out of the Albany-Rensselaer train station into Harrisburg, I could travel for $171 round trip.  If I wanted to pay an extra $40, I could travel part of the way there and part of the way back in business class (I say part of the way because business class seating was not available from the second train I would have to take from NYC to Harrisburg).  The total travel time was 6 hours on the way to PA and 8 hours on the way back (due to waiting times in Penn Station, to change trains).

Price alone was a major deciding factor for me, as I didn’t want to spend a fortune for a short trip and because I’m a frugal person, anyway.  And while I really didn’t want to spend a ton of wasted time sitting in either an airport or train station waiting for the next flight or train to arrive, I knew I could utlize the time working on my laptop if I had to.

Since my typical plane experiences always involve delays, I decided the longer train ride was probably about the same as what I would actually end up with if I decided to fly – if any of the flights were delayed as they usually are when I have tickets!

I chose the train, and upgraded my seat to business class (which entitled me to free drinks and my very own electrical outlet for my laptop, as well as more comfortable seating… almost too comfortable as I found it hard to work at first and wanted to nap, rocked to sleep by the constant rocking of the train!!)  It may have taken me a bit longer to get home than it would have if I flew or drove, but I saved $189 over the price of plane tickets, had more comfortable seating than I would have had on the plane, and was able to work the entire way using my laptop and the electricity provided by the train.

In my case – the train was absolutely the best option!

Should You Take the Train or the Plane? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

A skier getting some powder turns on extreme terrain at the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Photo Credit: Vail Resorts

American travelers are resilient and having weathered bankrupt airlines, gas prices nearing $5 a gallon, fuel supplements, new fees for checked bags, additional fees for airline amenities, reduced airline capacity and other news-making issues in 2008, these vacation warriors are preparing their 2009 vacations. 2009 predictions might be lower than a fairly stable 2008 vacation travel market, but travel suppliers are pulling out the red carpet in terms of deals and incentives to keep Americans traveling.

The Travel Industry Association (TIA), now known as the U.S. Travel Association, recently released its annual travel forecast indicating that an uncertain economic climate is leading American and global travelers to change their behaviors.

“Consumers are responding as we might expect during an economic slowdown,” Suzanne Cook, senior vice president of research for TIA, explains. “But travel should not simply be viewed as an economic indicator; it should be seen as a part of the solution to our economic woes. There’s no doubt that if we can spur travel, we can help to turn the economy around.”

Despite current economic conditions and lagging consumer confidence, the forecast shows that leisure travel volume remains stable for 2008 (-0.2%) and is expected to decline modestly in 2009 (-1.3%). According to the latest travelhorizons^TM survey co-authored by TIA and Ypartnership, seven out of 10 (71%) respondents intend to take an overnight trip of 50 miles or more from home during the next six months. Fully half (48%) of all respondents stated they were not planning any changes to their future travel plans as result of the recent turmoil in the financial markets.

One family out of Omaha, Nebraska just planned a ski vacation to Breckenridge, Colorado. Ski resorts have been offering incentives including a fourth night free or for a dollar to entice visitors.

This year you’ll find about twice as many price breaks and promotions on the ski slopes at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly for March and April with discounts of 50 percent or more on lodging and even at top-rated restaurants, as reported by Vail Resorts.

According to Scott Donovan, Vail Resorts vacation planning manager, spring is one of the best times to visit, especially this year. “Spring snow is historically deep and the savings will be even deeper this year with a flurry of new offers and 50 percent off deals,” he says. “Plus, there are the traditional 2-for-1 restaurant offerings and end-of-season ski gear sales.”

Historic Main Street Breckenridge in the Winter with the slopes of the Breckenridge Ski Resort in the background. Photo Credit: Vail Resorts

One such ski vacation deal at Breckenridge in 2009 is its “Spring Back to $85 room rates at Breckenridge”. Breckenridge is celebrating spring in style with $85 room rates (per night) from March 29 through its closing day of April 19. www.breckenridge.com or 800.404.3535

According to Peter Yesawich, chairman of Ypartnership, “The results corroborate what we have been preaching now for several months: American travelers are trading down, but not out.”

Consumers are likely to plan and purchase vacations differently with the pursuit of a “good value” as the primary reason why. Three quarters (76%) “expect to book a packaged vacation to save money” and six out of 10 (58%) “plan to comparison shop for prices and rates specifically on the Internet.” Seven out of 10 (67%) “plan to stay fewer nights” and a comparable percentage expects to “spend less on food, beverages and entertainment” when traveling.

Have your vacation travel plans changed for 2009 due to the economy?

2009 Travel Trends: Americans Traveling & Taking Advantage of Vacation Deals was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: www.nyctrip.com

Photo Credit: Jeff Greenberg

Even with a dismal economic outlook, one city is still breaking records for travelers…New York City (NYC). Last year, NYC surpassed top destinations such as Orlando and Las Vegas to rank number one in tourism spending in the United States for the first time and it is predicted that these just released record tourism numbers will keep NYC in the top spot. In addition to record-breaking visitor numbers and tourism spending, NYC’s hotel occupancy rate remains more than 20 percentage points higher than the national average.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert C. Lieber, and NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta announced that NYC attracted an estimated 47 million visitors and $30 billion in total spending in 2008, both record highs. The latest tourism numbers surpass the 46 million visitors and $28.9 billion NYC attracted in 2007. International tourism accounted for the increase, with an additional one million international visitors coming to NYC in 2008, bringing the total to 9.8 million.

“Despite the economic challenges all cities are facing, tourism remains a bright spot for New York City, with 47 million visitors spending $30 billion here in 2008, the highest totals we’ve ever achieved,” Mayor Bloomberg said.

As NYC maintains its position as a top global travel destination for U.S. residents and international guests alike, speaks highly of its unique offerings from shopping, dining, cultural attractions and even free travel activities.

“I will be traveling to NYC over New Year’s and will visit the major museums for free, simply by planning my visits for when they have their free days,” according to Hilary, editor of Less Than a Shoestring from Berlin, Germany.

Like Hilary, many visitors will be counting down the end of 2008 and the birth of 2009 in Times Square for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Several NYC hotels and restaurants are offering special holiday promotions. Following are two offering celebration packages.

70 park avenue hotel

“New Year’s Around the World” at 70 park avenue hotel.  The hotel will invite all guests staying on December 31st to celebrate New Year’s around the world in the city that never sleeps. Toast all day with complimentary cocktails as the international clocks in the lobby ring in the New Year, from mimosas in Melbourne to Pimms in London. Gear up for your night-on-the-town with a champagne toast that evening during wine hour, and cheers to the last few hours of 2008. Rates for New Years Eve start at $459/night.

70 Park Ave, between 37th and 38th Street; Web site: www.70parkave.com ; Phone: 1-877-707-2752

The Muse New York‘s District Restaurant

Photo Credit: www.themusehotel.com

District restaurant, located adjacent to The Muse Hotel, will celebrate the New Year with two prix-fixe menus. For those looking to dine before ringing in 2009, District will offer a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $55/per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity) at 5:30pm. A second seating at 8:30pm will offer guests a four-course prix-fixe including a Champagne toast at midnight for $125/person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Wine pairings will be available for an additional $50/person and live entertainment will begin at 9pm with a televised viewing of the ball drop in Times Square.

The Muse New York’s District Restaurant, 130 West 46th Street; Web site: www.themusehotel.com ; Phone: 212.485.2999

Traveling to NYC

Photo Credit: www.TripperBus.com

For those traveling to NYC in 2009, the trip just became easier with a new transportation option for those in the Washington, DC metro area. Starting in 2009, TripperBus.com will be offering tickets for as little as $1 per way as a special promotion, with additional seats available at $5, $10 and the standard price of $25 each way.

Traveling between Washington, DC and NYC has never been so easy, convenient, or cost-effective. Tripper Bus’ first class coaches will provide free Wireless service and electrical outlets, allowing travelers to maximize productivity during travels.

To avoid congestion and parking challenges in downtown DC, Tripper Bus is offering convenient, Metro-accessible pick-up and drop-off locations in Bethesda, Maryland and Arlington, Virginia.

Travelers can make reservations for TripperBus.com’s new travel schedules with convenient pick up and drop off locations at the Rossyln and Bethesda Metro locations for DC Metropolitan area and near Penn Station in NYC starting today at www.TripperBus.com or calling 1-877-826-2874.

What to do in NYC?

If traveling to the Big Apple, especially for the first time, the City might be overwhelming in all that there is to see and experience. By using a tour operator, such as New York City Vacation Packages (NYCVP), travelers can be rest assured that their vacation will be complete with their dream activities. Visit: www.nyctrip.com

“NYCVP has tickets to otherwise “sold out” shows like Jersey Boys and Wicked; and can provide better pricing, expert advice on hotel selection, and a complete and varied array of sightseeing/touring options that will increase the value of the vacation experience,” according to NYCVP Vice President Joel Cohen.

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC?

Temperatures May be Cold in NYC, but this City is Hot for Travelers was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor.com; The Bellagio

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor.com; The Pantheon

During a time of continued economic turmoil and with personal budgets being reduced a few luxury items such as vacations might be reduced or even eliminated. There are attractions and things people can do on their travels for free to help supplement the vacation experience.

Across the country there are free attractions available to not only make travel more cost effective, but by providing unique opportunities that travelers might not normally think of. From Seattle to Las Vegas and from Chicago to New York City, there are opportunities to help extend a vacation budget.

Karla Slate takes advantage of taking her nieces to Seattle, Washington often and purposely engages them in free activities. On her last trip, Slate embarked upon Pike Place Market. “The Market is great because it is free to enter and enjoy the sights, smells and random entertainment from fish throwing to street performers throughout the market. And best of all, we get to visit vendor booths and talk to crafters that make their own wares,” Slate explains. “It is fun for the kids to watch them in action sewing or weaving. The only cost is buying souvenirs and parking, if you can’t find free street parking (which is rare).”

A free Seattle adventure for Slate and her nieces also included a visit to what is known to locals as the Ballard Locks (official name is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks) and to the Freemont Troll, which lives under Seattle’s Aurora Bridge. “It is a gigantic cement sculpture of a troll (about 18 ft. tall) that has a Volkswagen Beetle in his left hand,” according to Slate. “The kids can climb on it for a photo opportunity, or sometimes they just like to wave as we drive by.”

For Slate, these free Seattle-based attractions were a great way for her to “save money and be able to have more to spend on souvenirs and dining out. With the economy the way it is, I will still do these things with my nieces by likely packing a lunch or scouting out a cheap dining option to pair with it, so we can save a little more,” she adds.

Zoos often top the top travel favorite list for many when traveling. Deb Howes from Dubuque, Iowa says her family visited the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. “This is a great zoo and offers free admission. We spent at least a half day here. There is a remodeled children’s zoo, a park next to it and a public beach across the street on the lake.”

Another famous U.S. attraction that extends free and unique opportunities is the breathtaking National Park system. But, beyond the vistas and Old Faithful, Barbara Heller from Afton, New York, discovered an enriching experience during her six month road trip.

Photo Credit: www.nps.gov

“The best free attractions are at National Parks…Yosemite especially. With the usual free guided hikes with park rangers to a free-two hour morning photography class led by a photographer from the Ansel Adams gallery, we so enjoyed free art classes at the art association there,” Heller says.

Yet, even big cities have bargain travel attractions. Anna Fader, from New York and editor of MommyPoppins.com, says “People have this perception that NYC has to be really expensive, but it’s really not true. New York has amazing opportunities that are completely free, like taking world-class art classes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You couldn’t pay any amount of money in another town to be able to do all the amazing things you can do for free in NYC. The only trick is to know about them.”

One New York City resident, Lisa Hanock-Jasie, says her family and friends always visit attractions (be they historic, cultural, or entertaining) on ”free admission” days/evenings. ”In these challenging times the total admission for an entire family is often cost-prohibitive,” she adds.

Some NYC freebies Hanock-Jasie advocates for frugal travelers with children include:

• Bronx Zoo – Free Wednesdays (normally $15)
• Museum of Modern Art – Free Fridays 4:00pm-8:00pm (normally $20)
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum – Free Saturdays to families 10:00-11:00am (normally $7.50)

With some advance planning and preparation, traveling to top U.S. destinations such as New York can be enhanced with free attractions.

Hilary, editor of Less Than a Shoestring who resides in Berlin, Germany, says “I will be traveling to NYC over New Year’s and will visit the major museums for free, simply by planning my visits for when they have their free days. Armed with a solid guidebook and the Internet, there is no reason why travelers shouldn’t be able to take advantage of similar offers in their destinations of choice.”

New York is not the only city to offer free admission to its awe-inspiring museums. Zachary Morrison, Chicago, Illinois, says “With some of the most influential pieces known to the art community, many of Chicago’s museums have free days…you just need to know where to look.”

For example, Morrison points out that The Art Institute of Chicago, renowned for its extensive collection of Impressionist and American art, is free on Thursdays from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Additionally, the Museum of Contemporary Art is free all day on Tuesdays.

To help travelers plan out a budget-friendly trip, TripAdvisor®, has announced the top 10 free attractions in the U.S. and Europe, according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors.

Top 10 Free U.S. Attractions

1. Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia
3. Waimea Canyon, Waimea, Hawaii
4. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
5. Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
6. U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
7. Pacific Coast Highway, Route 1, California
8. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C.
9. Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
10. Central Park, New York, New York

Top 10 Free European Attractions

1. Pantheon, Rome, Italy
2. National Gallery, London, England
3. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, England
4. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
5. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, Belgium
6. Duomo – Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy
7. Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain
8. Westminster Abbey, London, England
9. St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice, Italy
10. Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, Northern Ireland

What is your favorite FREE travel attraction? Do you plan on experiencing more free attractions in 2009 due to the economy?

Frugal Travel Destinations: Free Attractions Exist to Help Vacation Budgets was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Keeping Travel Incidentals Low

One way to cut costs is by bringing your medicine cabinet on the road with you – or at least a miniaturized version of it. Since the weather is unpredictable at this time of year, it is not uncommon, especially for kids, to come down with a cold or worse. Being on vacation with a sick child is not pleasant but it can be even more disastrous of you have a sick child (or adult) and nothing in your suitcase to help them feel better in the middle of the night.

In many places, there is no such thing as an all-night pharmacy and even if there is, you could up spending a lot of money on things you could have just as easily brought from home. Remember as you are packing up your suitcases and make up case, to prepare a first aid and medical travel kit for your family.

Some of the more common items you will want to include are:

• Thermometers
• Acetaminophen such as Tylenol in both adult and child strength
• Ibuprofen
• Cold medicine
• Cough drops/sore throat spray
• Band-aids
• First Aid Cream
• Antibacterial towlettes
• Hydrocortizone for itch relief
• Insect repellent if you are going somewhere warm
• Lip Moisturizer
• Diaper rash cream if your child is in diapers
• Tissues
• Gauze pads
• Motion sickness tablets for car or boat trips
• Gum for chewing during airline flights to help keep ears open

Also remember to pack any prescribed medications that you have access to immediately whether you are traveling by plane or by car. You might want to include a list of medication prescriptions and your physician’s phone number in the event you lose any of your prescribed medications. You should also ensure you have copies of medical insurance cards for each member of your family.

If you leave your house prepared, your trips to the convenience store will be limited and you will be able to keep more cash in your pocket to enjoy your vacation. The kids and adults alike will be able to feel better without extra stress of finding medicines or waiting for a store to open for business.

Update Your Supplies

When you arrive home after vacation, make sure you replenish any items you took from your case during your trip before you forget and then store the case with your suitcases. The next time you travel, the kit will be ready to go when you need it. If there is a significant period of time between trips, remember to use the medications before their expiration date or you will waste your money. Keep a simple list of the contents of your medical kit and the dates of expiration on your refrigerator to remind you what you have if you should need it.

Create A Traveling Medical Kit and Save Money was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: www.NoradSanta.org

When traveling internationally or even domestically, taking different time zones into consideration is important for travel planning. Well, there is no one who understands the importance of on time departure and arrivals than none other than Santa himself. Depending on where you might live, Santa’s Christmas Eve journey to visit children around the world is already underway. See Santa visiting the Great Wall of China by visiting here.

Like checking flight status of travelers who unfortunately might be caught in the havoc of the winter storm that is crippling parts of the United States, we can check Santa’s arrival status to our homes this blessed evening by visiting the American Aerospace Defense Command, also known as NORAD, site: www.noradsanta.org

According to Fox News, 500 travelers are stranded overnight at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport and report several delays at Newark and other major airports, as well as Amtrak delays. But, no fear, Santa has his own reliable transportation that can make it despite any weather conditions!

We can visit the North Pole without actually leaving the warmth of our homes by visiting the Norad site. It is interactive and offers many fun, holiday activities including one winter travel favorite, skiing!

In addition to tracking Santa in Google Maps, you can also track him in Google Earth – which allows you see 3D mountains, valleys and buildings. Visit Norad’s site to see the 3D Santa tracking.

So for a virtual around the world trip and to check on Santa’s whereabouts, visit:  www.noradsanta.org

From Travel Advocate, a healthy and safe holiday and New Year for everyone!

Santa’s Big Travel Night: Around the World Virtual Trip was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Mattel is offering unique and timeless favorites for boys and girls that will entertain when traveling over the holidays. Travel Advocate has reviewed several gift ideas that are easy to pack along:

My Meebas^TM: An exciting new toy brand for girls, My Meebas combines electronic game play with a plush surprise.  Each My Meebas is encased in a colored tube – symbolizing one of the six virtues of love, luck, beauty, intelligence, friendship, and happiness. The tube is a portable electronic gaming device (20+ games) with a sliding LCD screen and control panel. Through lots of fun, nurturing game play, girls care for their My Meebas until they are fully grown and then – surprise! The tube unlocks one of 60 different cuddly plush toys.  Retail price: 19.99  Age: 6+

Barbie® Peekaboo Petites^TM Dolls: A great travel gift for under $20.00, these adorable dolls are big on fashion and beauty play, collectibility and on-the-go play. Each doll comes tucked inside a whimsical locket case in fun shapes matching its theme such as hearts, flowers, gems, ice cream cones, ballet shoes, snowflakes and more. Packing two gifts in one, each Barbie Peekaboo Petites doll comes with a whimsical wear-and-share themed accessory for the girl such as necklaces and back-pack clips. Helping the girl on your gift list start her own collection, she will enjoy collecting all of the dolls in different themes including wedding, ballet, ice cream, gems, flowers, tea party, holiday and world travel. Retail price: $4.99 Age: 3+  

DC Super Friends^TM Basic Figure: The perfect addition to any little superheroes stocking are the DC Super Friends basic figure assortment and are perfect for taking along during holiday travels. Featuring Superman^TM, Batman^TM, The Flash^TM, Aquaman^TM,  Green Lantern^TM and Lex Luthor^TM figures, DC Super Friends introduces kids to the ultimate Super Hero universe with easy-to-use features. Each basic figure comes with an air-powered accessory so youngsters can play, protect their hometown and capture the bad guys alongside the galaxy’s greatest heroes. Retail price: $7.99  Age: 2+ 

Batman^TM: The Dark Knight^TM Battle Stations® Playset: Relive all the action packed adventures from The Dark Knight this holiday season with this unique and action-packed playset. This Batmobile^TM transforms into four different environments for Batman to battle the villains of Gotham City^TM, allowing for complete, immersive play for boys to reenact all their favorite scenes from the film. Retail price: $39.99  Age: 4+  

Matchbox® Power Scouts^TM Vehicles & Playsets: This holiday season, Matchbox introduces a track system and line of vehicles perfect for smaller hands and for packing to grandma’s house. The Power Scouts vehicles are battery-powered, rough-riding and touch-climbing adventure 4x4s, complete with griping tires. They can go from neutral hand-powered mode to battery-powered all-wheel drive with a simple tap on the back of the truck to activate the motor. The Power Scouts assortment includes eight different 4x4s – ranging from the latest licensed trucks to the coolest original Matchbox designs. Retail price for Power Scouts Vehicles: $6.99  Age: 3+ 

CARS Mini Adventures^TM Two-Pack Assortment: The perfect travel companion and playset for your little one’s stockings are the “CARS” Mini Adventures Two-Pack Assortment inspired by the hit Disney/Pixar film featuring kids’ favorite characters in all new scales and proportions. These exclusive mini vehicles are available in a variety of themes kids love, including military, fire rescue and police vehicles. The playsets are available in three different themes, all inspired by scenes from the film. Retail price for the car 2-pack: $4.99  Age: 3+

CARS Walkin’ Talkin’ Lightning McQueen: Stemming from the kids’ favorite movie “CARS”, this new version of Lightening McQueen lets kids play out all their favorite scenes from the movie as he talks, walks, and fuels kids’ imaginations. This character is perfect to take along for holiday enjoyment. Retail price: $39.99  Age: 4+ 

Barbie® Party Cruise: If taking a family cruise, Barbie’s Party Cruise keeps the vacation alive and provides the most fun and travels for Barbie and friends, featuring three separate play areas, a water slide & poolcuzzi^TM with a dolphin; a rotating buffet with “live” aquarium; and a performance deck with lights and sounds. The five-star cabin is equipped with an “entertainment system,” mini fridge, two beds, lots of play pieces and a storage area. Retail price: $59.99   Age: 3+  

Polly Pocket^TM Pop ‘N Swap^TM Fashion Dolls: Perfect for travels, the Polly Pocket dolls offer an innovative yet low tech twist on fashion. The customizeable Pop ‘N Swap Fashion Dolls let girls mix-and-match different styling outfits for Polly and friends as they Pop ‘N Swap five heads, nine torsos and nine bottoms to create over thousands of different fashion combinations in each of two sets. This one toy provides a large variety guaranteeing countless hours of play time. Retail price: $19.99 Age: 4+

Polly Pocket^TM Mega Mall Playset: A different twist on a doll house is Polly Pocket’s Mega Mall Playset. For any young shopper, this new playset allows girls to discover an ultimate shopping destination complete with magical transformation and lots of totally stylin’ new fashions and accessories for Polly and friends. Girls can swipe the credit card which opens up the Mega Mall Playset to reveal three levels of stores (including a skating rink, ski shop, pet store and candy shop) for hours of play! The Mega Mall Playset also includes a Polly doll and two adorable pets. Retail price: $49.99 each  Age: 4+

Little Mommy^TM Real Loving Baby^TM Gotta Go^TM Doll: A classic gift idea for a girl is a baby doll and is one of the most seen products that accompany toddlers and young girls on their travels. Girls will love the realistic, nurturing play elements of the doll and its accessories, which include a complete bathroom area where girls can help their doll learn to go potty and clean up. Just like a real toddler, the Gotta Go Doll goes both “number 1″ (and “number 2!”) on her very own small potty, but, unlike real toddlers, there is no mess and no water – just realistic sights and sounds! The doll can flush, knows to wash her hands and loves to do all the things a big girl does when she gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night. When traveling, while the doll is perfect as a traveling companion, the accessories might want to stay home to conserve space unless going via car and room is available. Retail price: $39.99  Age: 3+  

Matchbox® Mega Rig® Shuttle Mission: For young astronauts in the making, this inspiring playset takes boys “out-of-this-world” this holiday season with the introduction of the new Mega Rig® Shuttle Mission. This building system starts as one gigantic space ship and breaks down to 30 different combinations of space vehicles for kids to create.  Equipped with cool accessories, including a space arm to grab things, an ATV and a UFO with a space alien inside, the Mega Rig Shuttle Mission provides kids with hours of fun and imaginative play. Retail price: $44.99 Age: 4+

These products are sure to provide hours of entertainment both during the journey itself and after arriving at the holiday destination!

What is your favorite toy to give or receive that can be taken along travel adventures?

Twas a Few Nights Before Traveling… was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

CheapTickets has always been a personal favorite and the site did not disappoint this time. With just a week’s notice I was able to score a non-stop flight from Ft. Myers, Florida to Washington, DC for just over $150. I had to do a double-take. Then I researched a few car rental options and it turned out by staying two nights, the slight fare increase on the United/USAirways flight, my total package price was less due to a special car rental offer by Budget.

Despite a great flight and car rental price, I realized that extra charges could be lurking resulting in a bigger expense than what appeared on the surface. I wanted to ensure that I could avoid the baggage fees, so I packed with precision resulting in one carry on luggage item, along with my personal item. Since I typically check my bags, I do not often worry about TSA’s 3-1-1 rules as most of my liquids are in checked luggage. But this trip was different and I had to inspect each toiletry to ensure it was under the 3 oz. limit. To my surprise, a few of my “travel size” products were 3.2 oz. or larger which would not be permitted to be brought onboard in my carry on bag.

To my rescue, I previously discovered the Clear Bag System product which is a quart size, stylish, airport approved clear bag with ready to go 3 oz. and under containers for shampoo, condition, body lotion and more, complete with labels. This bag had ample room for extra liquid items such as anti bacterial liquid soap, lip gloss and my “can’t live without” hair serum!

One twist to my packing is that I came bearing gifts for the client and for the friend who was my gracious host. My husband declared that there would be no way that I could manage to pack all of the gifts plus the minimum five pairs of shoes that accompany me on my journey. I took his challenge and did sacrifice my shoes for convenience and successfully packed all “necessary” items for the trip.

The key for me to be able to get by with just my carry on and personal item is a large enough “purse” that serves almost as a piece of luggage, yet is not unwieldy. I’ve discovered the Coakley executive bag that is functional, durable and stylish. It has a place for everything and truly helps organize my pre-flight preparation.

One benefit I’ve quickly realized by traveling light is that I was able to bypass the long holiday check-in line and go straight to security with my roller in tow. I went online the night before to print off my boarding pass, which is a critical time saving step in any travels, but particularly when you are not checking luggage. But, in times of full flights, it is also wise to check-in online to ensure you indeed do have a seat.

Now I admit I did not follow the two-hour arrival rule. I arrived an hour prior as my departing day was not a peak travel day and since I was not checking luggage. Caution, do not necessarily follow in my footsteps though on this one as there have been times I have been stuck in long security lines of more than an hour.

Amenities onboard are limited now on most airlines and these flights were not exceptions. I have always packed along a few snack essentials since I’m typically traveling with a toddler in hand. I also always stop at one of the airport stores pass security to purchase a bottle of water to bring on board. While these steps might seem little, they do save money and provide convenience.

A few travel tips when planning last-minute travel during the holidays include:

• Expertise: Use a travel agent or their resources to research at-a-glance options for quick comparisons.
• Commit: Airlines have reduced capacity so flights are expected to be full this season, so when you find a price that seems reasonable, book it.
• Combine: More often than not, you can score a better deal when combining different travel elements such as airline ticket, car rental and hotel versus booking each independently.
• Planning: Depending on the amount of days you are traveling for take a few extra moments to really think about what you will need. Pack like colors to help provide additional mix and match options, reducing the need for different shoes or other accessories.
• Check In: Go online to your airline’s Web site and check in and print off your boarding pass. This is a time saver.
• Carry On: With inclement weather, possible flight delays and cancellations, if you can pack smartly to avoid checking your baggage, you’ve removed one more possible complication – lost luggage – that could damper holiday spirits. By having your items with you, you have also become more mobile in case you need to catch a quick connection or even change flights all together due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Bag It: When traveling with gifts, be cautious to not wrap ahead as it is possible security might require you to open these items. Pack some gift bags and tissue paper, which travel easily, if this is your case. Or purchase the gift wrapping essentials when you arrive.

What is your top space saver travel trick?

Tips to Navigate Busy Holiday Travel was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Beyond the traditional portable DVD, digital camera, camcorder, iPhone, Smartphone, or Blackberry, a few other electronic gift ideas for adult and children alike top this year’s travel gift list. First for trips via car there is the ever popular GPS unit. A Garmin Nuvi 255W unit was an early gift our family received in preparation of our pre-holiday tropical escape to the Florida Keys. Not to disappoint, the Garmin device allowed us to eliminate the numerous pieces of paper printed from Mapquest or trying to manage a map that is bigger than the front seat itself. A GPS is sure to delight men and women as the men will love to try out the unique features and functions (be careful while driving) and for women it will eliminate the “just stop and ask for directions” conversation.

Making pieces work together is another trend that arrives in time for holiday travel. The new Philips DCP Docking Portable DVD Player DCP951 allows the viewing of DVDs, photos and iPod videos while traveling to be easier – and bigger. The player unleashes videos from an iPod’s small screen into a brilliant, widescreen display with the retractable iPod adapter. This product also features a memory card reader which can display digital photos captured during vacation travels.

Keeping kids entertained during vacation travels can be the challenge, but these days there is no shortage of products that cater to youth of all ages and reduce the number of times parents will hear, “are we there yet?” questions. An mp3 player solves the struggle of who controls the radio dial. Catering to kids’ brand or color preferences, there is a Hello Kitty mp3 player, which has changing faceplates, created by Sakar, and comes with heart shaped ear buds. The easy to use technology allows users to convert CD’s into mp3 format and it stores up to 64 hours of music. Available at ToysRUs.

One product that is dominating kids’ wish lists this year is the continuing popular Nintendo DS. It is hard to go almost anywhere without seeing little hands moving fast and being entertained. To accompany the Nintendo DS, Ubisoft makes the Imagine series, the first ever brand of games dedicated to girls where they can play as a fashion designer, rock star, movie star, teacher and more. These games are designed to allow girls to be creative, as each has been uniquely designed to specialize in the hobbies and likes of girls ages 6-14. One game, My Secret World by Imagine, allows young girls to express themselves in a fully customizable diary. They’ll learn more about their own personality with dozens of fun quizzes. They can socialize with friends via Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, trade customization items, share secrets and play mini-games together.

Another girl-focused game is the Imagine Wedding Designer. As a young wedding designer, players create the perfect wedding that satisfies the bride’s taste and meets her expectations. Manage the weddings of six different brides, each with their own personality and specific tastes. Players can design the wedding invitation, choose the dress, veil, bouquet, the bride’s hair and makeup, the location of the ceremony, the music and more.

One tween, Morgan who is 12, loves the variety of games available to accompany her Nintendo DS. She said she likes how it’s hand held, easy to take along, that no computer is required, tons of games, and that there are ones designed specifically for girls.

“Secret World is cool, because you have to use a password and it has a sentence to complete if you forget, but don’t tell anyone. It is a little journal and you can write secrets without your parents getting in,” Morgan explains. “My grandmother gave me a diary which my parents can see so I write goofy things and I use Secret World for my real secrets.”

For younger kids, you can not go wrong with ensuring a LeapFrog product is under the tree. The original Leapster, new Leapster2, new Didj, and its portable reading system titled Tag Reading System are all great choices that entertain kids while simultaneously provide educational value and are compact and easy to pack. Our toddler is the proud owner of the Leapster and we were amazed how quickly she grasped using the “pen” and different buttons to play the various games. Nemo has been her favorite and this year the Cars game will be arriving from her uncle. She is also receiving the Tag from her uncle Santa and as parents we are excited to see her bring words to life as she is quite the story teller already.

One mom, Kim Woldofsky of Momformation, says “The Tag is great! It’s wonderful to travel with as it’s fun and educational and there are almost no parts to keep track of.”

LeapFrog’s new Didj is for the next age group of gamers after toddlers and has many unique interactive features allowing for parent monitoring and the ability to score prizes to customize their personal games.

What cool travel gadget is on your holiday wish list?

Travel Gift Ideas: Electronic Products Travel Well for Adults and Kids was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Beachhouse Vacation Rental Property; Photo Credit: Bookt.com

The government has officially declared the current economic environment a recession and coupled with the volatility of the DOW on a daily basis, the travel industry is facing grim forecasts for 2009. Yet, according to a report released by travel industry supplier Bookt, one niche travel market that is more than $24 billion is poised to grow next year – vacation rental properties.

“Widely considered to be the new hotels in 2009, vacation rental properties offer prices that are more competitive or lower than hotel rates, making them a highly attractive option for cash-strapped travelers and vacationers during these tough times,” as reported in a release by Bookt.

One reason listed as a contributor toward a possible growth for the vacation rental market is the savings travelers can realize compared to a traditional hotel or resort vacation and offset against other transportation costs such as airfare.

Personally, when choosing a rental property for several past vacations, I did so because it resulted in a unique family/group experience, allowed more family/friends to participate due to budget, provided the opportunity to share meals together in a cost-effective and casual environment and offered more privacy. Regardless if the accommodations were in a ski or beach area, the results exceeded expectations!

Bookt‘s report details the benefits of vacation rental stays for consumers in 2009, including cost savings, flexibility and convenience.

1.  Vacation rentals gain popularity with consumers, offering savings and value
Recent studies show that almost half of vacationers now consider booking a vacation rental when researching their trip plans because they provide increased comfort and flexibility for a considerably lower rate than traditional lodging choices. According to Rob Käll, president of Bookt, “Savings of anywhere from 25 percent to 50 percent from a traditional hotel or resort vacation are not unheard of, and when you offset that against increased airfares, it makes for a much more affordable vacation.”

Also, as vacation rentals offer full kitchen facilities, travelers can save a bundle by shopping and eating-in. Many vacation rentals offer added value and convenience by providing laundry facilities as well. If privacy is a consideration, having multiple rooms or choosing a location off the beaten path is ideal.

2.  More properties are available for rent, offering consumers a broader selection
Web sites like www.arubavacationrentals.com and www.gotoparkcity.com provide the necessary tools to efficiently search through and book tens of thousands of vacation homes around the world. Such Web sites allow greater transparency to the consumer, ensuring that what they are booking online will be what they find upon arrival. “There has never been a better time for travelers to consider vacation rental properties; there is an enormous online selection for consumers to choose from even two or three years ago,” Käll says.

3.  Consider an exotic vacation rental abroad
Vacation rentals are available in countries where the U.S. dollar has value. Travelers can consider a furnished apartment in the South of Spain; Jumeriah, Dubai; Alajuela Costa Rica; or The Hague in Holland, among many other exotic locales. When choosing a destination city other than the standard tourist destination or by staying outside the major cities, you can drive your costs down even further.

“The added benefits of increased living spaces, the feeling of a home away from home and all the extra amenities not found in most hotel rooms, are making vacation rental holidays the ideal alternative for 2009,” as noted by Bookt‘s report. “For consumers, whatever their budget, the recession is no reason to resort to armchair travel and glossy brochures.”

Top U.S. Vacation Rental Destinations in 2008 from Bookt

1. Orlando & Disney World
2. Colorado Ski Resorts (Aspen, Vail and Breckenridge)
3. Outer Banks, North Carolina
4. Big Island, Hawaii
5. Florida Panhandle (Destin and Fort Walton Beach)
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
7. Florida Keys
8. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
9. Utah Ski Resorts (Park City, Deer Valley)
10. Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona

Top International Vacation Rental Destinations in 2008 from Bookt

1. Southern Spain
2. Costa Rica
3. Dubai
4. Santo Domingo
5. Bahamas
6. The Alps
7. French Riviera
8. Nova Scotia
9. South Africa
10. Tuscany, Italy

Have you stayed at a vacation rental property for a vacation? If so, where did you go and what did you enjoy most?

Consumer Travel Trends in a Recession: Vacation Rental Market Offers Value was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: www.Bowdabra.com

Weather delays when traveling can wreck havoc on a planned vacation, particularly during the holidays. Coupled with reduced airline capacity, flying during Christmas and New Year’s might be causing some anxiety for travelers.

According to TripAdvisor’s December holiday travel survey, when asked about the best “gift” for travelers this holiday season, 46 percent of Americans are dreaming of a direct flight without delays, while 23 percent are wishing for good weather. 

Other tangible most wanted holiday gifts for travelers as reported by the TripAdvisor survey include digital cameras, frequent flyer miles, noise-canceling headphones, GPS device and an iPod/MP3 player.

While more Americans plan to travel for the holidays, 68 percent of survey respondents said that they will be more budget conscious with their holiday travel compared to the previous year.

Budget Friendly Holiday Tips from TripAdvisor Travelers:

1.  “Be flexible! One Advantage of the current economy is last minute deals.”

2.  “Crash at a relative’s and say you want a good old-fashioned family Christmas.”

3.  “It’s OK to haggle on pricing.  Most U.S. citizens are uncomfortable with haggling prices.  Try it in New Orleans, or any city!”

4.  “Bring leftovers from home and have a nice, hot meal in your hotel room.”

5.  “Take a small Christmas tree and ornament hooks in a suitcase and decorate your hotel room with your trip souvenirs.”

6.  “Be a traveler in your own state to boost the local economy.”

7.  “Finding someone to check in on your pets is far less expensive than boarding them.”

8.  “Check for free events happening in the city you’re visiting.”

9.  “Avoid parking fees and have a friend take you to the airport.”

10. “Ask locals where they shop and dine.  They live there so they know.”

“While more Americans plan to travel this holiday season, people are increasingly looking for inexpensive ways to enjoy this special time of year,” according to Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. “From exploring their own backyards, to taking advantage of free holiday attractions, the majority of travelers will spend time with family and friends this holiday season, while mixing in the occasional ‘escape’ to alleviate stress.”

What is your top frugal holiday travel tip?

I’m Dreaming of a Travel-Friendly Gift…and it May Not be Snow was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

However, with a little persistence and some flexibility, you too can score some great deals on flights.

Here’s how:

Fast-Forward Christmas

Of course, the world celebrates Christmas on December 25^th but no one says your family can’t do it a week earlier that the rest of the world. The point is togetherness and celebration. Does it really matter if you are drinking eggnog on the day before the week before Christmas? No! Check out flights for the week before Christmas or even the week after New Year’s. It doesn’t matter when the gifts are opened but it will matter if the plan tickets and the stress of planning completely wipe you out both mentally and financially.

Use An Online Fare Watcher

There are plenty of competing websites, such as Farcompare.com that will look all around the web to find the flight you want without you sitting at the keyboard for hours. You can check comparison flights from several popular websites and decide which is the best deal and the best time for you to purchase tickets.

Fly Standby

This is probably not the option for an entire family traveling together but it may work for individuals or couples who are more flexible with time. You might know someone who works for the airline who can give you a standby pass, which will require you to wait at the flight gates to see if you can get on the plane that still has seats available. It is not impossible as it sounds but you should make preparations in the event you can not catch a flight out for the holidays.

Opt for the Open Road

Depending on the travel time it takes to reach your destination, you may want to reconsider flying and drive instead. Larger families can combine efforts and rent a large vehicle such as a Winnebago to travel in style. They can share gas and food money and make the best of time together. Stop off in different places to add family to the trip and celebrate the family reunion all the way to your destination. It might be even cheaper to hit the road than the skies but it will require patience and flexibility.

Can You Find on Bargain on Holiday Flights? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Hotel armoire presents tipping danger. Photo Credit: HomeSafetyGuru.com

We are preparing for a mini tropical escape to the Keys in Florida where we’ll be staying at Hawks Cay Resort. We are anxious to experience the amenities and location off this family-friendly location. When traveling with kids to any hotel or resort, it is important to ensure that your accommodations are kid-proofed, just as parents do at home.

I have had the pleasure of working with The Home Safety Guru Louie Delaware and he is chalk full of great safety tips, particularly travel-related tips to ensure that extra precaution is taken to ensure no unnecessary, preventable, dreaded accidents occur dampening the vacation experience.

“Hotel rooms are full of things that a child can get into trouble,” Delaware explains. “Items like electrical outlets, windows, balconies, unstable furniture, hot water and many other items which are safeguarded at your home are now hazards once again.”

On a recent hotel stay, Delaware’s family inspected their hotel room and discovered some potential hazards for children. Something that is present in most hotel rooms is an ironing board behind a door. ”It is relatively easy for a child to push the board up and off of the hook (let alone hitting the iron and causing it to drop as well),” he adds.

Photo Credit: HomeSafetyGuru.com

Windows are a blaring red light to pay attention to in terms of hotel hazards. In the hotel room the Delaware family stayed at the room contained a tip-down window. Delaware explains that the handles can be reached by a child and pulled down and the opening is large enough for a child to fall through the window. To top off the type of window that was present, a chair was near the window, making it easier for a child to get access to the window opening, he adds.

Furniture is another hazard category. In the Delaware’s hotel room there was an armoire with a TV, not an uncommon fixture. “The risks here are either a tip-over hazard when a child pulls out a drawer and stands on it or pulls on an opened door (especially if they see the video game controller on top of the TV),” Delaware points out. “The other is the shelf that the TV set is on can be pulled out an either the TV can slide off of be tipped off of the shelf.”

Bathroom hazards for kids. Photo Credit: HomeSafetyGuru.com

The Delawares also documented the hazards present in the bathroom. The toilet was unlocked and this is a concern because Delaware reminds us that drowning is the number one cause of death in a home for children aged one- to two-years-old. For the bathtub, there was no anti-slip mat on the bottom of the bath, nor no edge protection on the hard sides. “Further, in nearly every motel / hotel that I have ever stayed at, the water is way too hot, well over the 120 degrees recommended for a child,” he says.

Delaware has created some tips to help ensure a safer and more peaceful vacation, hopefully void of any mishaps. Below are a few of his suggestions, but to see them all, please visit http://www.homesafetyguru.com/.

• Ask - Some hotels have rooms that have been childproofed. One example of this is The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. They will childproof your room ahead of your arrival if you request this service.
• BYOCG - Bring Your Own Childproofing Goods. You may need to bring items like outlet plug inserts, safe non-incandescent night lights, bathtub mats and the like to help make your room safer.
• Get Down At Your Child’s Level – Like you may have done at your home, go around the room and inspect it for hazards. Things like small items left on the floor or in drawers, sharp metal objects protruding down from the bottom of table and beds, plastic bags left by a previous guest, drawer or cabinet knobs that can come off, and rubber door stop caps.
• Duct Tape - This can be used to create barriers that a young child can’t get past. Items like windows, TVs, toilet seat covers, drawers, shower doors, drawers & cabinets, etc. can be easily “locked” by using a little creativity. You can even use duct tape with a rolled up towel to pad the corners of tables to make them less “hard”. Don’t forget to do this for night stand for kids that like to jump from bed to bed.
• Bathroom Items - Put all hazardous items on a high shelf and disconnect blow dryers and coffee makers.
• Balconies - Many older balconies have spacing that is too wide apart to be safe for a child, or are horizontal rungs which act as a ladder for the child. If in doubt, you may be able to get the hotel to put up a barrier. Otherwise, do not allow your child to have access to the area.
• Window Cover Pull Cords - Loop and tie up any longer window blind cords.  

“Your trip to a hotel should be a fun event for everyone,” according to Delaware. “A little bit of time spent at before you go to the hotel and after you get to the room can make all of the difference in your stay. A little bit of proactive work can go a long way to keeping your family safe.”

Do you have any hotel/resort safety rituals you perform?

Hidden Hotel Travel Dangers: Safeguarding the Room for Kids was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Rome, a top Holiday dream destination. Photo credit: Fototeca ENIT

As Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales surged, the travel industry is experiencing a predicted increase this holiday season with 42 percent traveling for the holidays, an increase compared to last year. Stemming from its holiday travel survey, TripAdvisor® reports of those traveling for the holidays, 66 percent plan to drive and 52 percent will fly. 

Off to grandma’s house we go with the TripAdvisor survey revealing 55 percent will travel to visit family compared to 38 percent who will host family this season. While 81 percent of U.S. respondents will see family and friends over the holidays, up from 77 percent last year, 13 percent plan to “escape” family by taking a trip this holiday season, according to survey results.

Top 10 Holiday Dream Escapes for 2008, according to TripAdvisor travelers:

  1.  Hawaii

  2.  London

  3.  Paris

  4.  Aruba

  5.  New York City

  6.  Las Vegas

  7.  Jamaica

  8.  Rome

  9.  Bahamas

  10. Tahiti

Cruising offers cost-effective travel. Photo Credit: Regent Seven Seas

While more Americans plan to travel for the holidays, 68 percent of TripAdvisor survey respondents said that they will be more budget conscious with their holiday travel compared to the previous year. Thirty-six percent of U.S. travelers are staying closer to home and 18 percent said they will fly on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day because it is cheaper.

One value-based vacation for travelers to consider is a cruise. Cruise Line Industry Association’s (CLIA) President and CEO Terry L. Dale, says “In the current economic environment, consumers want to make every penny count. A cruise vacation is always excellent value for money spent because of inclusive pricing.”

According to a recent CLIA and Cruise Critic survey, over 83 percent of families said cruise vacations are very good or extremely good value.

Another finding in the TripAdvisor survey states that 52 percent of Americans find traveling for the holiday season stressful. Despite this, 25 percent of travelers still believe taking a trip somewhere is the best way to alleviate holiday-related stress.

Cruising is often viewed as a stress-free vacation. Almost 70 percent of the CLIA and Cruise Critic survey respondents said that planning a cruise was easier than planning a resort vacation and over 20 percent cited the hassle-free “don’t need to plan anything” quality of a cruise as the most enjoyable feature of a vacation at sea.

Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of Cruise Critic, agrees, “The cruise vacation is an attractive way to travel because many elements of a stress-free family trip are wrapped up into one tidy package for passengers.”

Are you taking a holiday vacation? If so, where are you traveling?

A Holiday Travel Gift: More Americans Traveling this Season was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Games are a favorite evening or rainy day past time and are easy to pack resulting in together time and fun for kids and adults alike.

Pictionary Man^TMis the perfect gift for families, offering a contemporary twist on two old favorites – Pictionary and Charades. The new Pictionary Man  is a 3D-figure complete with accessories that are all made of “dry-erase” material, eliminating the need for paper, which is perfect for traveling. The figure digitally displays game clues on the bottom of his foot as players are challenged to bring the clue to life by drawing on “the Man” and his accessories as well as acting out the phrase so team members can guess the right answer! This is truly a great update on a known game and its use of “the Man” makes it the perfect size for traveling. Retail Price: $29.99  Age: 14+

UNO Flash^TM is a new electronic version of a classic game to pack on vacations. The element of speed is added now with a built-in timer and resulting in a new level of excitement for this classic game. Either the new UNO Flash or the classic card game provide some great one on one time together adding additional fun along the way. Retail Price: $29.99  Age: 7+

Apples-to-Apples® game is the wild, award-winning party game of hilarious comparisons and is a great choice for group play on vacation. Using the cards to “compare apples to apples,” each round of the game is filled with surprising and outrageous comparisons. This interactive game is easy to learn and fast-paced and is perfect to take along where lots of family members will be together. Retail Price: $24.99  Age: 12+  

Scene It?® Disney Channel Edition is the ultimate gift for any tween girl hooked on the Disney Channel shows. Just like its adult versions, this Scene It game is interactive, entertaining and fun for all. This is one game where the kids might overtake the grown ups! This trivia game features Disney Channel shows, including “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody,” “Hannah Montana,” “High School Musical” and many more! When traveling, another option is to take along the DVD and not the board game for a trivia game version with less pieces, but the entire game is easy to pack along. Retail Price: $34.99  Age: 8+ 

The High School Musical 3 DVD Game combines trivia, video clips, outtakes, songs and dances from all three of these popular movies. Players are sure to become Wildcats as they compete in different categories and test their knowledge of each of the High School Musical movies! For those traveling to Walt Disney World over the holidays, this game will keep the HSM parade at Hollywood Studios alive after your trip ends! Retail Price: $19.99  Age: 8+  Available: Fall 2008

Hannah Montana 2 DVD Game features Hannah Montana during her second year of high school with this performance-based DVD game. The new DVD game features real clips, trivia, songs and dance moves from the second season of the hit Disney Channel show. Even moms and dads might show off their Hannah Montana alter egos in this interactive game. Retail Price: $19.99  Age: 6+

The DVD based games are great for car travels too as they can be played in the back seat helping the hours pass during holiday travels resulting in less “are we there yet” questions. When packing up the car and suitcase on the way to grandma’s house, be sure to select a game or two to help provide some interactive family fun together this holiday season.

What is your favorite game to take along on car trips or vacations?

Photo Credits: Mattel.com

Black Friday Shopping: Games Make Great Travel Take-Alongs was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: TSA.gov

Photo Credit: TSA.gov

Photo Credit: TSA.gov

If you have ever traveled during the holidays, you have possibly experienced more stress due to increased volume at airports and on the road. Or, if you have traveled with infants and young children, you can appreciate that it just takes more time to juggle the stroller, baby, diaper bag and other kid necessities, especially as the impatient person stands behind you with no luggage waiting to rush through security.

However, this holiday season, airline travelers might be pleasantly surprised with less wait time to pass through airport security for some and reduced stress for families trying to manage little hands and extra items. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in time for this week’s Thanksgiving travel season, completed and unveiled its new family, expert and casual traveler lanes through security checkpoints in U.S. airports.

Less hassle in actual security lines coupled with an expected reduced amount of actual travelers will hopefully make holiday travels easier to navigate. Nearly 4.54 million (11 percent of holiday travelers) plan to travel by airplane, representing a 7.2 percent decrease from the 4.89 million travelers who flew last year, according to AAA.

Based on sample data released by the Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the three busiest travel days surrounding Thanksgiving Day are expected to be Sunday, Nov. 30, Monday, Dec. 1, and Wednesday, Nov. 26, respectively. On these days, ATA projects that planes will be, on average, close to 90 percent full.

“Despite the expected decline in passengers this Thanksgiving holiday travel season – the first such decline in seven years – Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel time of the year for airlines,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “And make no mistake – the airports will be busy and many flights will be 100 percent full.”

Hoping to ease congestion, provide additional help to those who need it, and to decrease wait time, the newly unveiled lanes, part of TSA’s Diamond Self-Select program currently at 48 airports, allow families, individuals unfamiliar with air travel procedures and travelers with special needs to go through security at their own pace, as reported by TSA. Click here to watch the Black Diamond Self-Select video.

Individuals traveling with medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols like baby formula, insulin, cough syrup, contact lens solution and prescription medications will undergo additional screening that will usually take less than two minutes to ensure these items do not pose a threat.

Just like a skier who sees the slopes marked with black diamonds for the “expert” to the green slope for the “beginner”, the security lines are now marked for “expert” travelers to those needing some more time to get through.

The introduction of lanes that will serve as both family lanes and dedicated lanes for passengers carrying medically necessary liquids strengthens TSA efforts to build a network of technology to detect liquid explosives, as reported in TSA’s release.

“Passengers have clearly demonstrated their preference to go at their own pace,” said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley. “Expanding these lanes to every airport and directing families and passengers with medically necessary liquids to them, increases passenger convenience and security.”

TSA has put together some tips to help people get through the screening process faster. Visit: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/screening_experience.shtm There is even a video demonstrating traveling with an infant available and special tips for this group of travelers: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

Family Travel Lanes Take Off in Time for Holiday Travel was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

You might find some package vacation deals by looking through traditional sites such as Travelocity and Expedia, but the real savings is booking vacation rentals that are owned by individuals. They are much more sensitive to the current economic climate than some of the larger hotel and resort chains. There are a number of websites which provide listings to potential vactioneers such as VRBO and Vacations By Owner.com.  

These websites have listings all across the country, as well as in Mexico, Canada and even some countries in Europe. Whether you’re looking for california vacation rentals or lake tahoe vacation rentals, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for.

Always make sure to pay with a credit card so that you have chargeback protection if the listing turns out to be a scam or not be as represented.

How to Find Affordable Vacation Rentals Online was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor.com

In less than one week, travelers will be packing up the cars, turkeys and suitcases on the way to “grandma’s house” for a Thanksgiving holiday. Or perhaps a travel destination this holiday might be to the beach or a shopping mall. TripAdvisor® and AAA have announced the results of its Thanksgiving travel survey and forecasts and each have a slightly different ending.

Despite a continued downturn in the U.S. economy, 37 percent of Americans plan to travel this Thanksgiving, equal to 37 percent one year ago, according to TripAdvisor survey results. Other findings include that 57 percent of respondents plan to drive to their destination this Thanksgiving, down slightly from 59 percent, last year, while 38 percent intend to fly, up marginally from 37 percent, one year ago.

“We continue to see that Thanksgiving is a dedicated travel holiday among our respondents, regardless of circumstance,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.

According to a released report by AAA, approximately 41 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a decrease of 600,000 travelers (1.4 percent) from last year’s total of 41.6 million. This is the first decline in Thanksgiving holiday travel since 2002 and is the fourth consecutive travel holiday this year with a year-to-year decline in the number of travelers.

Travelers are weighing spending money on holiday trips or conserving cash on other life needs. Even with the Dow dropping below 8000 on November 20, 2008, the continuing decrease in petroleum is contributing toward predicted decreases this holiday season from being worse.

“The overall state of the economy continues to present real challenges for some Americans looking to travel this Thanksgiving,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “However, the desire to spend time with family, combined with significantly lower gasoline prices than earlier this year, will provide a strong impetus for many Americans to travel this holiday season.”

AAA reports the national average for self-serve regular gasoline is $2.07 per gallon. Today’s price is 88 cents less than a month ago and $1.03 less than a year ago.

Thanksgiving travel TripAdvisor survey results include:

Family Matters

Seventy-seven percent will see family and friends for the holiday. Seven percent said they are traveling specifically to avoid family and friends. Thirty percent of respondents said they feel pressure to travel and spend Thanksgiving with family.

Fifty-five percent said seeing family and friends makes Thanksgiving travel worth all the hassle, while 25 percent said just getting away makes it worth it.

Cash Considerations

Seventy-six percent of travelers said economic and market concerns have not affected their Thanksgiving plans. If money was no object, 30 percent said their dream Thanksgiving would be exploring an exotic tropical destination, while the greatest amount, 31 percent said their idea of a dream Thanksgiving is right at home with family and friends.

Time and Distance

Twenty-eight percent will travel to their destination on Thanksgiving Day, and 28 percent will travel the day before on Wednesday, November 26. Twenty-seven percent will travel home on Sunday, November 30. Thirteen percent will travel home on Thanksgiving Day.

Fifteen percent will travel less than 100 miles from home for Thanksgiving, and 36 percent will travel less than 300 miles. Nine percent said they will be traveling overseas this Thanksgiving. Fifteen percent of respondents said they will be traveling outside the U.S. for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thirty-six percent will visit a city this Thanksgiving, 33 percent will go to the suburbs for the holiday and 15 percent will be going to a beach.

Thanksgiving Love and Hate

Thirty-four percent said they love everything about Thanksgiving. Ten percent cited flight delays as the most annoying aspect of Thanksgiving, 10 percent said getting stuck in traffic and 10 percent said they always eat too much.

Are you traveling this Thanksgiving holiday? If so, where and how far?

Thanksgiving Travel: Americans Preparing for Busy Holiday Trips was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Part view of ornate Victorian gothic architecture of the iconic Big Ben clock tower at the Houses of Parliament, designed by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin; Photo Credit: visitlondonimages/ britainonview

The Las Vegas Strip is home to 17 of the 20 largest hotels in the United States. Photo Credit: The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority

While last-minute travelers can score some good deals, this is not the case for the pending 2008 holiday travel season. Those who procrastinate might just have the Grinch steal their Christmas travel dreams.

According to the Official Airline Guide (OAG), nearly 60 million airline seats will be eliminated in the 4^th quarter of 2008, compared to available seats in 2007…just in time for the busy holiday travel season.

But here is an early holiday gift from MacNair Dream Trips (MDT). “If you have not yet planned your holiday vacation do not wait any longer,” according to Michael MacNair, owner of MDT and author of Smooth Landings. “We are still able to find special value in some of the more exciting destinations but space is disappearing quickly, so it is critical for travelers to act quickly.”

Below are some samples of great travel holiday ideas prepared by MDT Dream Trip Designers.

Costa Rica-8 Days/7 Nights Exploration

Photo Credit: www.tourism.co.cr & Photographer: www.photographerincostarica.com

Timeframe:

Departure December 21-28, 2008

Destinations: Gulf of Papagayo, Rincon Vieja Volcano, Arenal Volcano, River rafting on Penas Blanca River, Playa Tortuga and San Jose.

Activities: Special activities are planned every day to include visit to a working hacienda, horseback riding, an exciting river-tubing adventure and volcanically heated mud pools. Visitors will also be able to spot giant iguanas, monkeys, sloths, toucans and spot an occasional crocodile along with green turtles at Playa Tortuga.

Package Includes: All hotel and lodge accommodations, entertainment, breakfast, lunch and dinners, land transportation, sightseeing, luggage handling, the charter flight from Tortuguero to San José, and the services of the guides and drivers.

Resorts/Lodges: Hilton Papagayo Resort, Tilajari Resort Hotel, Pachira Lodge Tortuguero and Costa Rica Marriott Hotel

Not Included: International airfare.

Price: $2,795.00 per person

Rome Photo credit: Fototeca ENIT

Italian Dreams: Rome to Venice

Timeframe: 20-27 December; 8 Days/7 Nights

Destinations/Activities: Explore the imperial city of Rome and the legacy of the powerful Roman Empire that ruled the world millennia ago, and look up at the celebrated ceiling of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. View the amazing art treasures of Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, try the art of pizza-making and demonstration, and travel to see famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take the high-speed Eurostar train to Florence and to Venice, and enter a remarkable world of Renaissance architecture surrounded by water and take in the view of Venice from a gondola.
Package Includes: Hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing and transfers.

Hotels: Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi, Rome, Hotel Brunelleschi Florence and The Westin Excelsior, Venice Lido Resort.

Not Included: International airfare.

Price: $3,350.00 per person 

Photo Credit: Regent Seven Seas

Western Caribbean Holiday Luxury Cruise

Timeframe: December 18-29, 2008

Cruise: The Regent Navigator has a holiday sailing for December 18^th for 11 nights from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Itinerary: Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize City, Guatemala, Costa Maya and Key West.

Package Includes: All inclusive rate includes a beautiful balcony suite, airfare from Washington, DC. Round trip transfers from airport to ship, all drinks and food.

Not Included: Shore excursions.

Price: $6,245.00 per person

European Dream

Timeframe: December 18-28, 2008

Destinations/Activities: Rome: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica to see the famous Pieta by Michelangelo, the Piazza Venezia to view the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Forum, Colosseum and Circus Maximus. Venice: Cruise the canals of Venice to St. Mark’s Square, visit a glass-blowing workshop, and the Italian lake district. Lucerne, Switzerland: See the Lion Monument and stroll across the Chapel Bridge.  Paris, France:

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, an ascent to the second level of the Eiffel Tower and more. London, England: Visit the major sites of the British Capital including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and holiday shopping at Harrods.

Package Includes: Airport transfers in Rome; hotels; hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling nine breakfasts; four three-course dinners; host service in London; private luxury motor coach; sightseeing with a local guide in Rome, Paris, and London; special features and scenic highlights will vary based on availability.

Not Included: International airfare.

Price: $1,799.00 per person

Las Vegas New Years Quick Escape

Timeframe: December 30, 2008 -January 2, 2009

Destination: Stay at the exciting Excalibur Hotel and Casino and bring in the New Year Las Vegas style. The Excalibur features 4,000 rooms, a deluxe spa and fitness center, tournament of kings’ dinner show, swimming pools, 5 restaurants, 5 bars and lounges and 100,000 square feet of non-stop gaming action. Located on the 4 corners of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana, the Excalibur is one of Las Vegas’s best value resorts.

Package Includes: Roundtrip airfare from Dulles (Washington, DC) to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations. 

Not Included: Sightseeing, dining, beverages, gratuities, and transfers.

Price: $840 per person

What is your holiday travel dream destination?

Holiday Travel: Luxury Dream Trips Still Available was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: IgoUgo.com

Holiday traditions? Every Thanksgiving, a tradition for many travelers is making the trek to New York City to experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (airs live on November 27^th, 2008 at 9am EST on NBC). For those who do not make the trip, they can still witness this amazing event from the comfort of their home. Meanwhile, others take to the air and roads for their own holiday celebrations.

Thanksgiving is often boasted as one of the most traveled holidays via air and car. From day trips to long weekends, travelers are preparing for what could be a busy few days on the roads and in the air.  For Thanksgiving alone, TripAdvisor® reports that 37 percent of Americans plan to travel this Thanksgiving, which is equal to those traveling last year.

Fifty-seven percent of respondents plan to drive to their destination this Thanksgiving, down slightly from 59 percent, last year, while 38 percent intend to fly, up marginally from 37 percent, one year ago, according to the TripAdvisor survey.

“The holiday season is always the year’s busiest time for travel, but it doesn’t have to be frustrating,” according to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) President and CEO Chris Russo. “One sure way to make holiday trips smoother is by having a travel agent take care of all your travel details. Travel agents’ always have inside information and can make holiday travel a lot less stressful.”

ASTA has prepared some travel tips for both air and car trips to help ensure smooth travels. Tips for air travel include:

• Book your ticket ASAP. If you must book last minute, remember, you have options. The key to securing the best deal is flexibility in travel dates–ask your ASTA travel agent to check into holiday fares; the slow week between Christmas and New Year’s; or consider flying into an alternate airport and renting a car. If your holiday vacation includes international travel, make sure you have a valid passport.
• Arrive early. Difficult airport parking, long lines at security checkpoints and the possibility of the airline overselling the flight and bumping passengers, should all be considered when deciding what time to arrive at the airport. Give yourself plenty of extra time. Need some incentive? Keep in mind that those who arrive earliest for an overbooked flight stand the greatest chance of staying onboard.
• Avoid getting bumped. 1) Get an advance seat assignment. Passengers with seat assignments are typically only bumped if they arrive late and their seat assignment is released. 2) Check-in online. Most airlines allow you to do so within 24 hours of departure. Seat assignments that were not available at the time of ticketing may be available when checking in online. 3) Don’t be late. If all else fails, get to the airport early. Some airlines reserve a portion of their seat assignment inventory for airport check-in. If you are denied a seat assignment at check-in, put your name on the “standby” seat assignment list.
• Remember 3-1-1. New regulations limit the amount of gels and liquids passengers can take through security in their carry-on luggage to travel-size toiletries of three (3) ounces or less that fit comfortably in one (1) quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag and the one (1) bag per passenger must be placed in the screening bin.
• Know your limits. Pack light and know baggage limits. Some airlines place special restrictions during the holidays and allow only one carry-on.

Tips for travel by car include:

• Plan itineraries and arrange accommodations well in advance. Reservations for hotels, restaurants and rental cars get booked quickly during peak travel times. Your travel agent can help you get the lowest rate and make sure your rental car has room for your family, luggage and whatever souvenirs you bring home.
• Get a tune up. Before any long-distance drive, make sure to have your oil changed and your brakes, fluids and tire pressure checked. The slightest deficiency in air pressure significantly reduces your car’s gas mileage. On the flip side, too much air can result in a flat.
• Get an early start to avoid holiday gridlock. Traveling during late night/early morning hours helps. The worst times to travel are after meals since most travelers postpone leaving until they’ve eaten with their families. Make sure that all drivers are thoroughly rested.

Taking some time for preparation and planning results in travels with less-stress and anxiety…allowing time to celebrate the season.

Do you plan to travel this holiday season? If so, where are you going and how are you traveling?

Holiday Travel Tips: Thanksgiving Kicks Off Travel Traditions was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

null

Companies sell insurance to help the average consumer relieve some of the fear of the unknown.  We don’t know what’s going to happen to us in the future, and that fear of the unknown is often what drives us to purchase insurance.  While there are many good reasons to buy insurance (for your car, for your life, for your health…) there are also many insurance policies you can, and should, live without.

• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI):  PMI isn’t for you – it’s used to protect the lender against loss and is a policy required to “high risk” mortgage borrowers.  There are no benefits to you as the borrower of this insurance policy.  To avoid paying PMI,  you need a downpayment on your home of 20% or more.  A smaller downpayment puts you in the “high risk” pool of borrowers.  Alternatively, you can put down 10% of the purchase price and take out two home loans, one for 80% of the sale price of the property and one for 10% (with the loan for 10% being the other 10% that makes up your 20% downpayment!) just make sure that interest rates work out in your favor – if you are only approved for high interest rates it’s possible the PMI rate is actually lower than having two loans.
• Rental Car Insurance as Part of Your Regular Car Insurance Policy: There are a number of automobile insurance policies that allow you to add rental car insurance.  You amortize the price over your lifetime (or as long as you have that particular policy anyway), so it doesn’t seem like costly coverage but how often do you really rent a car?  Do you have a credit card that includes rental car insurance coverage if you pay for the rental on the card?  Chances are, you’re just wasting money paying for rental car insurance as part of your every day car insurance policy.
• Flight Insurance: Do you purchase flight insurance whenever you board an airplane?  Sure, your family will get $100,000 or whatever the amount your policy covers in the event the plane comes down and you don’t survive – but if you have a life insurance policy, chances are you’re covered already against a catastrophe like a plane crash.  Check into your life insurance policy to see whether or not purchasing flight insurance is necessary.
• Flood Insurance: There are only a few areas of the country that actually are at risk for flood damage.  If you’re not located next to a large source of water – chances are you’re not going to be flooded!  If your neighbors have never had flood damage – you probably won’t be the first house on the street to be flooded!  Instead of paying a monthly or annual flood premium, put that money into a savings account – you can pull it out in the very off-chance you experience a freak of nature event that floods your house.
• Unemployment Insurance: These policies are designed to help you pay the minimum payments on all of your bills if you become unemployed through no choice of your own.  While it sounds good at first glance, paying the minimums on credit cards doesn’t stop interest and finance charges from accruing so the money sent to these accounts will basically be wasted.  Instead of paying for an unemployment insurance policy, you’d probably be better off establishing an emergeny fund to help you cover your living expenses for several months should you lose your job.
• Credit Card Insurance: Yet another way the credit card companies make money from cardholders, credit card insurance plans are supposed to cover your minimum payments for qualified claims.  One of the problems is the type of qualified claims are very minimal – meaning most of the reasons you could be unable to make your payments won’t qualify for the insurance coverage.  Also, if you are self employed, you can never put in a credit card insurance claim – a small piece of information they often fail to mention when signing you up.

Before signing on the dotted line and handing over money every month for insurance premiums, find out exactly what they cover (and what they don’t cover).  You may already have coverage under larger insurance policies that protect you for many of the instances discussed here.

Insurance You Can (and should) Live Without was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

The whole point of creating frequent flier miles was to reward consumers for using an airline frequently, right?  So why does it seem that an increasing number of airlines are adding new fees and hassles to their programs?  When they make consumers jump through hoops to get their rewards, it sort of negates the idea of being “rewarding”, in my opinion.  Here’s what to expect if you’re part of Delta’s frequent flier program, Skymiles, at least as of August 2008:

• Unless you use your rewards to book a flight more than 21 days of flying, the flight will be booked a fee between $75 and $150
• Traveling domestically with your Delta frequent flier miles will result in a $25 fuel charge
• Traveling internationally with your Delta frequent flier miles will result in a $50 fuel charge
• If you have to/want to use another airline for part of the trip, you pay $25 to Delta
• Earned miles expire sooner and can be lost if not used.  Miles expire 2 years from the date of the last qualifying activity
• You need to earn minimum miles to redeem your frequent flier miles as a free round trip ticket, as is true of just about every rewards program – but Delta’s site is a bit tricky about this now!  While you still need 25,000, 40,000 or 60,000 miles to get your round trip tickets (depending on where you’re going), their website displays ONE-WAY trips making it appear that you need less mileage for redemption.  And why is it that whenever you want to redeem your 25,000 mile flights, the 25,000 mile seats are always taken?

If you fly rather frequently, you may be interested in earning miles and rewards that can be used on ANY airline rather than a specific airline.  One way to earn rewards that can be redeemed on any airline is to use credit cards with frequent flier programs.  For example, Capital One No Hassle Miles Rewards card lets users earn miles good toward any airline.  The other benefit of earning your flight rewards via a credit card rather than a specific airline is that most offer additional protection at no additional cost- travel accident protection, emergency roadside assistance, car rental insurance, and other features great for traveling is often included when you book travel tickets with your credit card.

Delta Frequent Flier Miles – New Fees and Hassles was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Get Supplies That Let You Prepare

Several weeks before your scheduled moving date, the following supplies should be obtained to make it possible for you to pack everything and still find it when you get where you’re going:

• boxes of all sizes, at least 20, but probably more!
• Packing tape
• Black markers to label boxes
• Furniture dolly / mover’s cart
• newspapers for wrapping glass and breakables

Clean Out!

Most people have clutter and unnecessary items hidden all over their homes.  Why move those unneeded items to your new home?  Now is a great time to do a deep cleaning.  Recycle anything that is in good shape but is no longer needed by giving it away, selling in a yard sale, or donating to charity.

Room by Room

The most organized way to pack is to put a few boxes in each of your rooms, and only pack items from one room into each box.  If your moving in summer, you can start with your winter items (and vice versa) since you won’t be needing them for awhile. 

As you fill each box, close and secure with packing tape and label the box with the room and a quick description of what’s in the box.  Mark all breakable items with big letters, FRAGILE, on several sides of the box.  An example would be:

• bathroom, towels and washcloths
• kitchen, baking dishes. FRAGILE

Moving Day

When the big day arrives, you should pick up the UHaul or other moving vehicle you’ve borrowed or rented, and begin moving your items out.  It’s a good idea to move your big furniture pieces in first, stacking and consolidating space as much as possible.  You can often flip a loveseat upside down and place on top of a full size couch; turn bookshelves and cabinets upright and then fill the inside of their shelves with smaller items, etc.

Try to keep all boxes with FRAGILE on them in one section, to make it easier to keep track of where the boxes are that need special care.

Unloading

When you reach your new home, resist the urge to bring everything into the first room you come to and dump it!  While you don’t need to set up your furniture configurations immediately, moving items into the rooms they belong to prevents having to move everything multiple times.

How to Better Organize Your Move was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Unlike other old west towns that have built on their history with fun tourist sites and attractions like gun fights and wagon rides, Silver City seems to have quite a few teens skateboarding up and down the street and meeting up to talk trash to one another.

The stores are less than inviting with groups of kids sitting on the sidewalk and filling the benches outside. There isn’t any clean café’s on the main street and, to be honest, the sinking disappointment of a long drive wasted took the charm out of this town.

The only interesting stores are to be to the north of Main Street but, because the town closes at an early hour and no entertainment can be found at night, not even a movie theater, the stores stay hidden.

Being home to the notorious Billy the Kid in his youth could have made an interesting walking tour, but every site we visited had been torn down with local government parking lots filling the space. One cabin was remade and donated by Ron Howard just off of Main Street, but it was out of place on the busy street with no other reconstructed historical markers. Reenactments of Billy the Kid events were nowhere to be found either.

If you go to Silver City, use it instead as a jumping off point to more interesting attractions. The Gila Forest is incredibly beautiful and not well traveled. Pull off on your drive and check out the amazing vistas.

The Gila Cliff Dwellings are not too far and you will need at least a full day to explore them in their entirety. It is a mystery where the inhabitants went after settling in the cliffs. Their way of life was very advanced for their time, so you would think the oral history of their move would have survived. There are different theories as to what happened and after you visit the site you may have your own version of what happened.

The Cat Walk is another great adventure and lies not too far from Silver City. This hike through a slotted canyon with a strong running creek accommodates both the old and young with easy ramps, wide paths, and railings to hold on to. This spot can easily fill your day, just keep in mind that when you return to Silver City, there isn’t much to do after 5 o’clock.

We searched for the fish hatchery on our way to the Cat Walk, but only found one sign and it didn’t lead us to anything. Be sure to pull off on the highway on your way to the Cat Walk to experience a most deafening silence. The view is majestic and your ears will never hear anything so purely quiet as a moment at this turnoff at the Leopold Vista on US 180 M63.6.

Where Billy the Kid Grew Up was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

After this year’s nail-biting U.S. Open win by Tiger Woods, it is no surprise that this sport inspires both beginners and experts to go for a birdie. Golf is a sport that transcends ages and sex and is an activity that is sought after not just at home, but is a requested sport from travelers visiting the perfect green in the

Debra Swersky, manager of marketing and events, Inside Sports & Entertainment Group, says “This past U.S. Open Golf was an exciting event that will make next year’s U.S. Open event an even more desirable ticket. With Tiger Woods sitting out for the rest of the 2008 golfing season the competition will be fierce, ensuring the rest of the 2008 line up of events to be further well-attended.” 

According to the National Golf Foundation there are 25 million golfers in the United States. For those traveling specifically to try out a world renowned course or for those hoping to learn something new while on vacation, destination golf resorts have something for everyone. 

To illustrate, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Half Moon Golf Academy offers a variety of instructional programs specifically tailored to fit the individual needs of all golfers – from beginners to experienced professionals, according to Half Moon’s spokesperson Jeneise Stewart.”The Golf Academy is led by Half Moon’s director of golf, Ewan Peebles, the island’s top ranked professional golfer,” Stewart says. 

Half Moon Golf Academy lesson types include one-hour private, one-hour couples, two-hour family beginner, and two-hour nine-hole playing. For beginners, the Half Moon Golf Academy provides an introductory clinic program as well as one-hour private lessons which focuses on full swing or short game golf instruction, Stewart adds. Lessons include state-of-the-art video and computer analysis. 

A member of Great Golf Resorts of the World, the par 72 championship course was designed by robber Trent Jones, Sr. and recently renovated by Roger Rulewich. Named the “Best Caribbean Golf Resort” by Caribbean World Magazine, the Half Moon course now boasts improved features for both the avid and casual golfer.

Half Moon Course Details:

• Par 72
• 7,119 Yards of Championship Tees
• 6,585 Yards, of Regular Tees
• 5,972 Yards of Women’s Tees
• 5,148 Yards of Forward Tees
• Bermuda 318 Grass on Greens and Tees
• Common Bermuda Grass on Fairways and Roughs

Here’s one of Half Moon’s featured golf vacation packages. For more information, contact your travel agent or visit www.halfmoon.com.

Golfers can take advantage of the ‘Total Golf Experience’ package with rates starting at US$630 per room per night, gives golfers a chance to play 54 holes of golf in one vacation. Golfers can tee off at any of the 3 championship courses in Rose Hall: Half Moon, White Witch and Cinnamon Hill ocean course.

Package includes:  unlimited golf green fees, cart and caddy fees, accommodations, food and beverages, in-room mini bar, water sports, unlimited use of tennis courts and fitness center, welcome golf gift, round trip airport transfers in Montego Bay.

NOTE: This package price was accurate at time of publishing on July 28^th, 2008. Pricing and availability is not guaranteed.

For vacationers looking for a golf destination, Travel + Leisure magazine releases an annual