US Expands Waivers For Visa’s

The waiver is not for our visa credit cards, it is instead for people coming from other countries to the USA. Now this may not effect how someone here in the US travels, but it does effect many businesses all over the USA. The waivers were made for travelers from Korea, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Slovak Republic.

It is now easier and cost less for people to come and visit the US. An increase of tourism spending is a good thing for our economy. This also effects how people travel within the IS as well. Car companies, hotels, airlines, restaurants will campaign to cater to tourist and that will allow people for the US to also get the same lower rates or specials that the industry is using to influence tourist from other parts of the world to visit.

By generating more visitors to the US also sends out a message that the United States welcomes all visitors from around the world. This also helps people like you and I, because when I am traveling around the country I benefit from these reduced rates and specials. They are designed for all travelers.

Sometimes when news like this is announced we have to look at it and see the whole picture. Many people may hear this announcement on the news and say ’so what, this doesn’t effect me’ but it really does. By increasing the amount of people who visit the US, increases money into our economy and that is a good thing!

For Your Next Trip Ship Your Luggage

If your baggage has been lost before while you were traveling, you know what a hassle it is to get your baggage delivered to you, returned home, or file for a claim if your baggage was lost forever in baggage outer space.?? Kinda like socks that get eaten by your dryer….they just somehow disappear!

United Airlines has teamed up with FedEx to order door-to-door baggage delivery, which means that travelers in the US can ship their suitcases or other items like ski’s, golf clubs etc. overnight from their home directly to their destination.

The cost is not cheap but using FedEx tracking, you can track your baggage on line. The rates are being advertised at $149.00 to $179.00 per item based on flight distance. Now believe it or not, this service??is actually less expensive than other shipping services.

Since the airlines have increased their fares and started adding cost for everything ranging from checked bags to the use of the blankets on board, this service is an item that United says is value-added. Typically certain types of luggage like golf bags are considered extra baggage, over sized and over weight limits, so travelers would be charged a premium for these items. Since this service is a fixed rate based on distance, these charges could be less than checking the items.

Since this is also offered door-to-door service travelers don’t have to worry about bringing these special items to the airport at all. That there will be convenient to travelers who hate the hassle of traveling with their sports equipment or business equipment.

There is also the option of sending these items via FedEx ground, that takes a bit longer but is about one-third less the price, and that still includes picking up your items from your home.

More Ships Cruising From US Ports in 2009

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruises Lines have reconfigured several of their ships schedules for 2009 based on the rising cost of air fares. Cruise Line officials have sited that they have changed where several cruise ships will be departing from based solely on travelers not being able to pay for the airfare to get to the ships that would have been cruising from destinations such as Europe, South America and Australia. Instead these ships will be sailing from and returning to US ports allowing more travelers the luxury of cruise travel without having the extra expense of international air travel cost.

This does assist the cruise lines as well that the ships will sail out fuller due to more people will be able to have access to additional sailings from the United States. Often in high peak travel times such as holidays and summer travel time, cruise passengers have not been able to cruise out of a port closer to home due to a shortage of inventory because of ships departing from international ports.

The US ports that will be seeing an increase of cruise options will be San Juan, Puerto Rico; Miami, FL; Baltimore, MD; Charleston, SC; and San Diego, CA.

So enjoy cruising even more from your own back yard and enjoy more cruise options from US ports.

Taylor Sailor Salutes Our Veterans

Thank You does not seem to be able to cover all you have done for us, but Taylor Sailor and I want to express our sincere Thanks to all current military and all of our veterans. We are truly grateful for your courage and commitment.

Hightech Secure Passport Holder

Technology is now reaching into products that I would never that thought there would be a need. There is now a new passport wallet designed by Kena Kai that is secure against identity theft.?? This leather passport wallet is good looking but it was mainly designed to protect travelers against the rising threat of identity theft.?? This leather wallet blocks the transmission of radio-frequency identification information from someones credit cards and passports.

The new passports contain a wireless chip that transmitts your personal data. This wallet uses several layers of RF sheilding material in a elctromagnetic sleeve. This protection within the wallet protects travelers from scanners who attempt to wirelessly ’skim’ personal information from afar without the traveler even being aware anything is happening. Other aspects of the wallet are the slots for credit cards, boarding passes and reciepts as well as holding a passport. This sounds to me well worth the $80 cost to save myself not only the hassle but the potential accumulated costs these theifs take when this happens to someone.

Reading The Fine Print With A Travel Tip Included

Even after 20 years in the travel industry, I learn something new all the time. The internet is a wonderful thing and it has allot of information for us to use and it is all accessible 24/7. But I have just been reminded again that you must always read the fine print…or if you read something and you are not sure about what it means - ask someone.

My son loves to travel by train, he has an Amtrak frequent user account. I of course am my son’s very own personal travel agent. My son has taken a new job in Austin, Texas and is moving there permanently. So instead of taking an airline flight to Austin he wanted to travel by train. I have made all of his travel arrangements on Amtrak when he was commuting from college in Florida to home in Virginia. I would say am pretty well versed on booking travel on Amtrak, but even I did not question something I read online, which caused a little minor wrinkle in my son’s moving plans. But I was reminded of a very valuable lesson to always double check something if you are not sure.

So as a reminder, if you read something anywhere not necessarily online, check the details. The travel industry, as well as almost every other industry has fine print about what they offer.

The information I learned about Amtrak? Well is has to do with baggage. When you get a confirmation from Amtrak it tells you to go online to find out about their baggage policy. The baggage policy states that you can bring 2 carry on bags and up to 3 checked bags. The policy is displayed really nice with little baggage icons and seems simple and straight forward ….?? Ah, then their is their fine print … ‘checked baggage is not available on all trains or in all stations’. So if you are online, what you have to do is then is to check each of the stations you are leaving from and going to … again with a bit a reading the fine print you’ll learn if those stations have baggage service.?? Of course, you can always call Amtrak and ask them BUT their agents have to read the fine print as well, or you can call me or your own personal travel agent like my son did.

Hope this little tidbit helps you in the future.

Largest Airline Merger Approval Complete

The largest airline merger to date was approved by the Federal Antitrust Authorities allowing Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines to merge. This multi-billion merger will create the largest operating airline in the United States when it is complete.

The airlines have been facing difficult times for years and the merger will create not only a bigger airlines but a economically stronger airline. When the merger is complete the two merging airlines will stay under the name of Delta Airlines.

As part of the merger, both airlines has created a single new board of directors that will oversee all of the merger and the future business of the combined airlines.

Delta Airlines in the past has been the airlines that has introduced many changes to the airline industry, such as the reduction and ultimately deleted commission for travel agents as well as many of the newly imposed fees being charged to travelers. Hopefully when this merger is complete the traveling public will have a more customer service based airline

Happy Haunting!

Taylor Sailor and I??would like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Halloween. Taylor Sailor will be manning the door and handing out treats this year all dressed up as… you guessed it a SAILOR!

So enjoy your day and if you see a little brown bear dressed up as a sailor - send a shout out and say ‘Happy Haunting’!

Cruise Ship Rates At An All Time Low - Everything is on Sail!

Cruise vacation prices have continued to plummet over the past few weeks, to levels not seen since immediately after 9/11.?? This may be bad for the cruise lines BUT wonderful for us the cruise vacation consumers. Where cruising has always been a great value overall, now with the lowering prices taking a cruise vacation is an exceptional value.

Cruise lines are masters at managing their ships inventory, their aim is for ships to always sail full. Unlike hotels and resorts that are willing to have empty rooms and are still charging outrageous rates, the cruise lines are allowing people to take affordable vacations in today’s economy. This also includes special sailings, Holiday sailings and last minute deals.

Hotels and resorts who normally sell a room for $325.00 a night are still selling their hotel rooms for $325.00 a night (plus tax of course). Hotels and Resorts feel they would be devaluing their product if the lowered their rates. Cruise Lines see that they may be able to introduce someone to cruising who felt they could not afford it before or entice someone who has cruised before to cruise an extra time or two. Cruise Lines are willing to slash their prices so all their ships cabins are sold.

Why do cruise lines offer these great low rates? Two reasons are most prominent.

1. On most cruise lines the crew’s compensation is based on a significant percentage they receive from the guests tips and gratuities. So when there are empty cabins, there are no tips and the crew earns less. So they cruise lines will rather lower their cabin rate cost, so their crew can still earn a similar wage.

2. The cruise lines earn a bulk of their earnings from their on board venues, such as the casino’s, spa’s, bars and lounges and the shore excursions. So if there are less people on board the ship will earn less money.

Like any type of vacation you take when you make your plans you factor in the cost of the airfare, the car rental, the hotel and maybe some of your activities and food. When you purchase a cruise many of these items are already factored in for you, so you have less to worry about when you get home that you went over budget. Unlike traditional vacations, on a cruise you can actually prepay almost all of your vacation and not have to worry about over spending.

If you buy now, put down the minimum deposit, your cruise fare is locked in, even if you are not traveling for months from now. You can even set up a payment plan and pay off your cruise vacation with monthly installments.

For those who have cruised before know that there are things you may want to do on the ship that costs above the actual cruise fare. The best solution I offer is to set an amount you want (as little or as much as you can afford) and set yourself up with a shipboard credit. This shipboard credit can be prepaid as well, so you won’t have any additional costs from the cruise when your vacation is over. All the cruise lines now have their shore excursions on line so you can sign up early and prepay. Even if you want to play in the casino, savor a massage or enjoy a glass of wine with dinner by setting up a set amount on your sign and sail account, you can have these items already paid for in advance with your shipboard credit. You can’t do that with any hotel or resort!

So plan your next vacation, book your cruise, take advantage of all the savings right now…..

Everything is on Sail!

Get A FREE Guide to Alaska

For those who have adventure in our hearts or those who wish to seek out the absolute beauty which can be found in Alaska, I suggest to sign up and get a FREE Guide to Alaska. This is an annual magazine the state of Alaska Tourism Department prints and it is just full of information, events and beautiful photo’s of the states amazing landscape.

Right now you can enjoy the amazing aurora lights that appear in the skies and create a light show in the night sky for all to view from land. So bundle up and turn out your lights for the sky and the stars have their own entertainment set up for you to enjoy.

Carnival Takes Pride In Coming To Baltimore Year Around.

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that the Carnival Pride will be coming to Baltimore, MD year around earlier than originally announce. The new date for cruises to begin out of the Baltimore cruise port will be April 27th, 2009 that is a whole five months before the earlier announced date of September 2009.

Groups and individuals will be happy to know that there will be a lot of options to enjoy cruising out of Baltimore.

Hotels Menus - they’re not just for resturants anymore.

Hotels and Resorts are now offering travelers room menus but these are not for their restaurants, they are for your room amenities.?? In this changing travel industry, hotels and resorts worldwide are now offering an array of choices for before they check in or after they arrive. It used to be that your only choice when booking a hotel room was the type of view that you got now even that comes with a menu list. Here are a few examples of what types of services and amenities hotels and resorts are now offering their guests.

Room Types:

Atrium Rooms

Parking Lot - some have shades that have scenes on them when they are closed of beautiful landscapes

Garden Views - with or without verandas

Pool Views - with or without verandas

Mountain Views - with or without verandas

River Views - with or without veranda

Ocean View - with or without veranda

Bed Types:

One Double Bed

Two Double Beds

One Queen Bed

Two Queen Beds

One King Bed

Bedding Types:

Hard Mattress

Medium Mattress

Soft Mattress

Pillow Top Mattress

Sleep Number Beds

Temporpedic Beds

Bed Boards

Hypoallergenic bedding

Down filled bedding

100% cotton bedding

Mixed cotton/poly blend bedding

Thermal blankets

Sheets thread count - 200, 400, 500, 800, Egyptian

Pillow Types:

Foam Pillows

Down Pillows

Cotton/Poly blend pillows

Pillow sizes - king, queen, standard, European

Pillow covers - cotton, cotton/poly blend, satin, silk, thread count, Egyptian

Number of pillows per bed and what types needed.

Bath Amenities:

Shampoo choices

Conditioner choices

Body Wash choices

towels - cotton, cotton/poly blend, hypoallergenic, Egyptian

Toilet paper - standard or two ply

Now don’t get me wrong, when I am traveling I like to be surrounded in comfort, but after a long day of traveling and then having to make all these choices just show me to my room and let me take a nap on my cotton, 400 count queen sized bed with 6 standard down pillows with cotton/poly blend pillow covers and with the shades closed to my garden view without a veranda sanctuary. ?? Oh, and can I have a non-foam, decafe with splendra and just a sprinkle of cinnomon with that too? Sleep tight!

Full Names Required For Air Travel By 2009

Currently when you travel by air you are only required to provide your proper last name and your proper first name initial. The TSA has announced that beginning in 2009 all air travelers will be required to provide full proper first names ( no nicknames) and full proper last names ( including full hyphenated names. The TSA has stated that passengers will be barred from air flights if they refuse to comply with these new rules.

The TSA has reported that this change will also reduce lines and delays at airports due to security checks on travelers that do not currently provide their full names. This will also reduce the number of travelers ‘hassled’ at airports because their names are similar to those on the government watch list, Homeland Security claims. These procedures will begin being implemented beginning in January 2009.

We tease my nephew Sean about being on the airlines terrorist watch list, it make us chuckle to think that this young blond hair, blue eyed 24 year old recent college graduate who is a sports fanatic just seems so far off the mark of what anyone would expect as a terrorist. I know this is a very serious situation,which I 100% support and understand but just once did my nephew book his own travel and did not use his whole prpoer name. Now everytime he travels he adds an extra hour to his check in time because of all the extra security he goes through. His biggest complaint? Other people always watching and wondering who he is when they are asked him to step aside and be checked over by additional TSA agents.

This is a very serious factor as part of traveling now a days, so be proud of the full name that you were given at birth and display it proudly on your next airline ticket.

Find a better air fare price for Thanksgiving

For many of us Thanksgiving means getting together with our families and for many people that means having to travel by plane. Now a days going anywhere by plane means a lot of time waiting, many lines and most likely a high airfare.

But there are ways to still get a fair price for an airline ticket. The best advise I can give is to avoid the most popular days for travel and for Thanksgiving that means traveling on Wednesday before Thanksgiving Thursday. If you can compare the prices for leaving Tuesday and check out the prices on Thanksgiving Day itself. Look at the early morning flights on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. You will probably find savings up to $100.00 or more.

Also if you aren’t using a travel agent to help you with your travel, here is another travel tip. If you are seatching for flights on sites like Expedia, Travelocity or Kayak when you find a fare you think is good on those go the the airlines own website and compare the fares, often there are service fees rolled into those multi-travel sites, so you may be able to save a few extra dollars by booking directly with the airlines. Don’t forget to sign up for the airlines frequent flyer programs, sometimes there are specials available to program members.

Fine Wine at Sea

Uncorked: Fine Wine at Sea

Wine is the drink of choice these days amongst many beverage aficionados.?? It’s not just the big, bold, delectable taste that has people coming back for more; it’s also the social aspect wine often brings to the table that has people raising their glasses.?? From wine tastings to wine dinners to wine tours and cruises, tasty grapey goodness is today’s latest craze.

Cruise lines have done an amazing job integrating wine onto their ships.?? Of course, there has always been wine available at sea, especially in the main dining room with dinner. Today though, hop onto any cruise ship today and you’re sure to see a wine tasting event on the activities schedule.?? Onboard wine tastings are quite popular these days.?? The tasting is often held in a shipboard lounge with either a sommelier or staff member with a vast knowledge of wine.?? A nominal fee often applies and includes a number of wines to taste.?? Wine tastings are a great way for the novice to acquire a new skill or for the wine expert to refine their palate.

Wine isn’t just for dinner anymore.??It is also enjoyed at lunch and after dinner, as well.?? Speaking of dinner, you’ll not only find a wide range of everyday wines in the main dining room, but when you choose to dine in one of the specialty restaurants (found on many of today’s cruise ships), you will often find an upgraded wine list with reserve collections and older vintages. For example, Oceania Cruises’ wine cellars hold a vast collection of over 150 vintages that even the most discerning oenophiles will appreciate.

Another way to enjoy cruising and wine together is on a specially themed wine cruise.?? Holland America, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas and Silversea are the masters of wine themed cruises and offer many sailings throughout the year, to a variety of destinations.?? Some of the events also feature celebrity chefs along with wine and food pairings.?? Highly regarded wine experts provide insight and education into the fascinating world of wine.?? One can enjoy enlightening guest lectures, wine tastings, wine and food pairings, and even optional private tours to world-class wineries and cellars.

Crystal Cruises has something very unique just for lovers of fine, rare wines.?? Onboard the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity is The Vintage Room.?? This unique enrichment experience focuses on wine, with food specially prepared and paired to complement the specific fine wines selected for the evening.?? The room is available for dinner on a first come, first served basis and is also available for private parties all at an additional fee.

Not only can you enjoy great wine on your cruise, but you can now enjoy that same wine in the comfort of your own home.?? Many of the cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises are blending proprietary wines that are available for sale on board and some are even available online.

Grab your glass and raise a toast to a great combination of wine and cruising.?? These two classics go perfectly together and are sure to please just about everyone.

The Caribbean is going blue - Jet Blue that is…

Jet Blue Airlines has announced that it plans to expand its current east coast service and introduce flight service to the Caribbean beginning sometime in the winter 2009. Jet Blue plans on offering non stop service from Orlando plus Fort Lauderdale Florida to Nassau, Bahama beginning on February 1st, 2009. This date is subject to governmental approval.

Jet Blue is also planning a new Saturday service from Boston to St. Maarten approximate start date is February 14th, 2009. You gotta love that!

So now there is no reason to get the winter blues…. the Caribbean awaits with sunshine to spare.

American Idol Tryouts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando

If you live, work or will be vacationing in or near Orlando, Florida you have a rare opportunity available to you if you can really sing. Beginning this fall, right now in 2008 you can prove you can become an American Idol while visiting the Orlando area. Guests arriving each day at Disney Hollywood Studio’s will be invited to audition for American Idol. Performances will be taking place throughout each day. Those chosen will be treated to a hair and make-up session and will work with a vocal coach. Then participants get to sing in front of judges and a live audience. At the end of the day the winner will receive a guaranteed audition for the TV version of American Idol.

So watch out Simon, Randy and Paula your friends at Disney are helping you find your next American Idol !

Solstice’s Shows Eclipses Other Cruise Lines Performances

The brand new Celebrity Solstice has dedicated itself to eclipsing other cruise lines theater performances. Their new shows will be really different than your average mega-liner entertainment.

For starters they will be introducing a really chic glassblowing show. This is a Edu-tainment merged with art. They will also be highlighting new show productions developed by Poet Theatricals. These shows will highlight vocals, acrobatics, comedy and other performers with varying acts.

So entertainment is reaching a new level on board Celebrity’s Soltice….a new star is being launched!

Conde Nast 2008 Readers Choice Awards

Conde Nast Traveler has long been a travel magazine that people who travel depend on, to report about the entire travel industry. Conde Nast Traveler has just announced their 21st Annual Readers Choice Awards for top destinations, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines and more. I am including just a few of their readers Best of the Best top choice for your information. Over 32,000 readers voted to create this listing, these are our traveling peers, people who we all depend on asking for their recommendations. Here are their favorites listed all in one place. Please feel free to read and see the entire 2008 Readers Choice Awards for Conde Nast Traveler.

Best Caribbean Islands : Bermuda and St. John

Best Hawaiian Island : Maui

Best Asian/Indian Ocean :?? Maldive Island

Best North American Island : Vancouver Island

Best European Island : Mykenos

Best Hotel in the USA : The Peninsula, Chicago IL

Best Caribbean Hotel : Hotel Saint Barth Isle de France, St Barts

Best Northern Europe Hotel : Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Budapest

Best Resort Mexico : One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos

Best Austrailian/Pacific Resort : Hotel Bora Bora

Top Cities Worldwide to Visit : Bangkok, Capetown, San Francisco, Florance, Buenos Aires and Sydney

Top 3 Cruise Lines : Cyrstal Cruises, Regent Seven seas and Disney Cruise Lines

Top 3 Car Rental Companies : Hertz, Enterprise, Avis

Top 3 Domestic US Airlines : Virgin America, Jet Blue and Midwest

Buyer Beware in Troubled Times

Even though I have been in the travel industry for 20 years, it never ceases to amaze me how many people seem to prey on the unsuspected and travel is no exception.

In today’s economy there are businesses that have not been doing well for years and are on the brink of closing and yet they are still taking peoples money. Now if a business plans on closing it’s doors, it should be honest enough to its current clients to not accept any payments for travel in the distant future. Unfortunately this is not always the case.

People plan their vacations, sometimes years in advance. The travel industry has allot of good people who work to assist people with these plans. Long term or short term plans any traveler should question the person or company they are doing business with. I had just a request earlier this week and because I pride myself on not being dishonest, I was not offended but glad that my client actually asked me about the health of my??business and the company I work under.

For the record, I am having a banner year, Thank you to all of my clients and the company that I work as an Independent contractor, Cruises, Inc. is also experiencing growth and it is financially sound. Anyone using a company they are not familiar with should ask some questions about the company they are doing business with now.

Please take caution when planning your travel, work with a certified Travel Agent or a comapany that has been in business and is currently secure. Don’t let you vacation get ruined by shady travel companies - know who you are working with and the health of their business.

Relief At The Cruise Ship Fuel Pump

Here in Virginia the price of gas at my local gas staion has decreased and so it must be as well for the cruise ships gas pumps as well. Carnival Corporation just announce that it will be suspending it’s imposed fuel surcharges as of October 31st, 2008 for all 2009 and 2010 sailings.

Go to the Carnival Cruise Lines web site and learn more about the changes they are making to the consumers benefit.

Isn’t it nice to see a large corporation being responsible and not always taking but refunding!

No GPS inside of my brain….

I get lost, allot. My family teases me that I don’t actually get lost, but instead I take the scenic route. I agree with that. Somehow I always make it home and we always have a story to tell about what happened, what we saw, who we met, what we found…maybe that is why I love to travel so much. I actually like to get lost. I have had the most amazing adventures in my life from getting lost. I don’t do this on purpose, really I don’t. I don’t have GPS inside of my brain and I do not have a natural sense of direction. Try as I may I don’t even know which way east, west, north or south is unless I can look at the sun - that is my only help.

I got this trait from my mother, she had this same infliction. She was a wise woman and said don’t worry ‘All roads lead to home’. She was right, they do.

I read in the USA Today on line that airlines are going to be getting GPS as well to conserve fuel. Does that mean that they have been getting lost as well and using up extra fuel and passing the cost off on to their travelers? Do pilots still fly by charting the stars? Well it is good that I am not the only person who may need GPS, and I hope that this does help the airlines with their needs. I know many of us rely on the airlines to get us home for special events like weddings, births or get us to business meetings and of course to our vacations. So let them get you there the best way they can and save some money while they do it.

But if you get a chance, if you have GPS turn it off and go ahead and get lost. You’ll be amazed at all you’ll see and do when you are not using your own personal GPS.

Taylor Sailor Wants Your Opinion!

Introducing our brand new polls!

Here you can tell us what you think about a travel issue. Also ask a question and I may post it as a poll as well. Taylor Sailor and I are adding more to our blog for you to enjoy and learn. Your questions and?? comments are always welcome. So partake in our polls and tell us how you feel.

Fore! 3,2,1…take to the links

If you are going on a trip either for business or vacation and you are a golfer then you understand the extra stress of bringing your personal golf clubs with you when you travel. So worry no more about getting your golf bag through baggage claim unscathed. There is a new service that offers golfers in South Florida or Orlando, Florida the option of ordering Callaway or Nike clubs delivered right to your hotel for a fraction of the cost to rent clubs at a golf course.

GolfClubsAway.com is such a service that is taking the stress away for some travelers who enjoy golfing.?? Now they may be able to get you the best clubs you can play a round of golf with BUT they can’t help you with your swing!

A weighty issue

For years I have carried a few extra pounds as some of us have a tendency to do. I have heard for years from my doctors that I really should lose some weight.

Now the airlines are being told by ‘experts’ on how they can save fuel. I have been reading many articles on this matter, and I have to say some of it I am not too sure is fuel efficient. Here are some things that some airlines have done to save money on fuel by making their planes weigh lighter.

Cut out snacks for passengers

Cut down the amount of water they have on board

Take out the microwave ovens on planes

Changed the carts to a lighter weight material, that they deliver the food and drinks in

Lighter weight life vests

Removed the paper navigational charts for the pilots and gone digital

Removed magazines and newspapers for passengers to read

Removed foot rests

Removed layers of paint and replaced with stickers

Changed some copper piping to plastic tubing

Now, I really did read this and I know they have considered it… Weigh passengers who they think are overweight and charge them extra. I think this goes against the Disability Act and personally I know my baggage maybe over weight, but I don’t want to have to be placed on a scale and told I am 15 pounds over the limit and I have to pay extra! I already get that from my doctor!

So what do you think of these ideas? Do you have an idea we can submit to the airlines to help them offset the cost of fuel? Let me know, if appropriate, I’ll post your ideas and suggestions.

Lists, Post It Notes and Reminders

I am a list writer. I have lists for all parts of my life-work, home, kids,etc. I??have been told I do have a pretty good memory but I attribute it all to my lists. This way if I write it down and can look at it then I know I have a constant reminder of things I must remember.

I have composed a list for all my travel clients as well. This list is for what you should do before you travel, while you are on travel and when you return from travel.

If you have a suggestion of something I should add to my list for everyone, I am happy to consider it. Please send me a comment with your suggestion and I’ll post it for everyone else to see as well and make sure it becomes a part of my Bon Voyage Check List.

Bon Voyage Check List

1. Put newspapers on hold

2. Hold your mail with the post office

3. Check your prescriptions, make sure you have enough for the whole length of trip

4. Make sure your passport and other identification is up to date and valid

5. Turn off the water to your washing machine at the hoses.

6. Set automatic timers for different lights in your home at different times.

7. Advise service companies such as house cleaners, gardeners, pest control that you will not need them for certain dates.

8. Alert your security and alarm company that you will be away.

9. Set cooling and heating controls for your home in your absence.

10. Make arrangements for pet care while you are gone. Have a trusted friend stay at your home to care for your pets and for added security.

11. Pay bills early that may become due while you are away.

12. Arrange all your transportation needs before you travel so you don’t encounter any delays, such as call the taxi the night before and give them a set time 10 minutes before you need them,just in case they are late.

13. Leave emergency contact information with more than just one person with a copy of your trip.

14. Check to make sure you didn’t make any appointments for Doctor’s etc. that you??will have to??miss while you are??traveling.

15. Make sure all doors and windows are locked before you travel. Don’t close all the shades because it will make your home look like you are not there.

16. Unplug all small appliances such as coffee makers, irons, curling irons etc. For safety and it helps reduce costs while you are traveling.

17. Turn off and unplug all computers while you are gone to protect them in the case of a power surge while you are away.

18. Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home for any unexpected deliveries or packages, so your home does not look like you are away.

19. Keep your alarms set and have a radio come on in the evening so your house will ’sound’ like people are in there.

20. When you get home, take an extra day before you go back to work so your body and brain have a bit of time to get used to the idea that you are back home again.

Travel Trivia - Oceans Tempature Differences

Did you know that the average tempature of the ocean off the coast of Florida is actually warmer than off the coast of California? Rule of thumb is that the ocean waters on the west side of any continent will be cooler than at the same latitude on the east side. This is due to a scientic phrase called the Coriolis effect which controls the oceans currents.

Travel Trivia - Why are there are more hotels/resorts on the west side of all of the Hawaiian Islands?

If you travel to Hawaii and look at the maps of the islands and where most of the hotels/resorts are built are on the islands west side. Ever wonder why?

Trade winds in Hawaii travel from east to west over each of the islands mountains. So the moisture laden tropical winds blowing from east to west loose most of their moisture before getting to the west side of an island.

This is not unique to just Hawaii, this is also the same in most tropical mountainous islands including those in the Caribbean, South Pacific an in the Indian Ocean.

Taylor Sailor has been a busy bear…

Being a mascot is not always an easy job. Since Taylor Sailor does not have to cheer at sporting events or do antics for large crowds his job as a travel mascot is fairly easy compared to most mascots. Of course, unlike other mascots Taylor Sailor is a beary unique cruise specialist so he is always attending events with Terry whom he works for at Cruises, Inc.

Terry has kept Taylor Sailor very busy of late marketing Terry’s Cruises, Inc. business. He has been telling everyone he meets about all the cruise specials going on right now plus all the special amenities Cruises, Inc. agents like Terry can offer their clients.

On September 15th Taylor Sailor was letting business people know how they can have their very own, complimentary website with cruise specials tailored just for their employees or members. He was attending the Business Network Expo in Herndon, VA and spoke to many people about this great offer that included the company’s own logo on the sight, along with free copies of the Cruises, Inc. Cruise Connoisseur Brochure and their yearly Cruise Magazine. All of these plus the website for FREE!

Then on September 19th he attended a lunch meeting with Terry for a new company partnership.

This past Sunday, September 21st Taylor Sailor was telling Brides and Grooms alike about the Cruises, Inc. free Honeymoon Registry at the Intimate Bridal Affair held in Ashburn, VA.

So you see what a busy week he has had? Even when he is not out on a cruise with clients of Terry’s then Taylor Sailor is making guest appearances at many events like on October 1st he’ll be attending the Sterling Women Networking Lunch. We’ll keep you posted where he’ll be making another appearance soon so maybe you can stop by and chat with him (oh and Terry too)!

Destination Tangier Morocco

When I think about this part of the world I always conjure up snippets from the old black and white??movie Casablanca. I have not been to this part of the world but I would love to add it to my list of many destinations. I should buy that book, the 1000 places to travel to before you die, so I can see how may I have been to so far and how many I??have to go….so many places and so little time.

But I digress. Tangier is on the African side of the strait of Gibraltar less than 20 miles from Spain. Tangier is Morocco’s main northern port and it has been a cross roads between Africa and Europe for centuries.

Those old black and white movies told of this area being a refuge for smugglers, secret agents and adventurers really is true. Tangier is also a thriving artist colony and a new exciting mecca for tourist. There are now several boutique hotels, many restaurants and one of the kind shops and markets.

This is also a favorite for cruise ships because Tangier remains enticingly exotic with??its Kashba, walled gardens and minarets rising silently??above the city’s whitewashed walls and houses. The bay still sparkles and I am sure everyone can find a smoke filled bar, with a tinny sounding piano playing a somewhat familiar and strangely haunting song.

Airport codes don’t always make sense

Why don’t airport codes make sense all the time? This is because often they refer to an old former name of that airport. As the airline industry grew and changed, many more airport codes worldwide were being added to the list. The 3 letter code must be an original with no duplicates or people would be traveling to places they really didn’t want to travel to for their trip.

Such as when you are going to Chicago, are you traveling to Midway Airport or O’Hare Airport??? The code CHI is used when travel industry people are looking into information about both airports, not just one. Chicago Airport ORD used to have another name before it grew into the large international airport it is now. Chicago O’Hare Airport used to be Orchard Field, so the code ORD came from OrchaRD.

DCA used to be District of Columbia Airport, hence DCA but now it is Reagan International Airport, before that it was National Airport. With all it’s name changes the airport code has stayed the same DCA.

So where are you traveling off to next? LGA? PHX? LAX? SJU? LON?

The Queen had no drawers!

When Cunard Cruise Lines introduced it’s brand new Queen Victoria ship there was a design flaw in the passenger cabins. There were not enough drawers (only 4 to be exact) for passengers. So the tongue and cheek humor of the British prevailed and they spoke of the new ship as ‘the Queen without her drawers’.

Now I find that very funny but I can understand the steady stream of complaints from passengers about not having enough drawers for their knickers. This seemed especially to distress those with the need for the extra storage because they were on long cruises, such as a world cruise.

Cunard has released information that they are adding more dresser drawers to each cabin to help passengers with all of their storage needs. I guess until then, all passengers will just have to grin and bear it with the traditional British stiff upper lip!

Contest: Win a Free Cruise for the Ruby Princess

Princess Cruises and USA Today Newspaper announced today a new contest to win a FREE cruise for 10 couples. The 10 finalist will win an all expense paid trip to Fort Lauderdale, FL November 6-8 for the inaugural of Princess Cruises Lines newest ship the Ruby Princess.

The contest is called ‘Romance on the Ruby’. To enter couple must submit an essay (less that 250 word) on what they want to celebrate on this ship and why they deserve this cruise the most. The deadline to enter is October 3rd, 2008. So hurry and don’t delay enter to win the ‘Romance on the Ruby’ contest.

They lost their Zoom…

I recently wrote about an airline that was offering fairly good deals for airfare…well that is no longer the case. Zoom Airlines is no longer open for business. They have not filed for bankruptcy or sent out any explanation - they literally closed their doors and have not run any of their operations. I will add more details when I learn the reasons why.

They lost their zoom…I guess?

How far to plan ahead?

I got a call from a client today and she asked me how far out can she plan her Alaska cruise. She thought I would only be able to book cruise reservations one year in advance. Where that may be that case for most other aspects of travel such as airlines it is 331 day and hotels and cars it is 1 year - with cruise lines, they often set their inventory available for 18 months to two years out.

So plan ahead, make a budget and make those reservations now. There has never been a better time to plan that extra special vacation for you and your family!

Shhh…don’t tell anyone about one of the Caribbeans best kept secrets.

One of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean is getting allot more notice in the past few years. The word is out on one of the West Indies’ islands - Turks and Caicos. This small, but almost unspoiled island has been gaining popularity, not only with land based vacationers but with cruise vacationers as well. This easygoing?? beautiful island has seen an increase of visitors, but even so they have not yet spoiled it’s quieter vibe.

Though bougainvillea grows abundantly all over the Caribbean, I can’t say I ever saw the colors as resplendent as I had on Turks and Caicos when I went there for the first time a few years ago. The sand seemed whiter and softer than any I had walked on in a long time, the air sweeter, fresher and unpolluted. When we gazed from the beaches out to the sea, it was hard to tell where the clear ocean blue water stopped and the cloudless sky began. Now I have been accused of waxing poetic before, but I swear I am telling the truth! The water was so pale blue it was as if it was clear and sparkling. The beaches we visited were loaded with only mile after mile of powdery soft sand, seashells and sea glass (which I now have a collection started, so I have to go back!).

I am not a diver, but I do snorkel and I have snorkeled all over the world - we saw an abundance of fish (don’t forget your underwater camera like I did!). I understand from the people that we rented our snorkeling gear from, that divers call this island area an Eden due to all the vast reefs. I have learned since then, that it supports one of the world’s largest coral reef systems.

Since the major cruise lines were only offered access since 2006 this is a new and wonderful port to add to your next cruise or land vacation.

Shhhhh…don’t tell anyone I told you this?? - we don’t want anyone to spoil the secret!

Now this is what I call room service!

I am always looking for things that make me happy. A beautiful flower, a compliment, a good book and especially a good story or antidote. I read this and thought I have to share this antidote, it was just too funny not to….

I read this in the Readers Digest September 2008 issue on age 88. It is a submission by Louis Allard.

One for the Road.

‘One our first day at a resort, my wife and I decided to go to the beach. When I went back to our room to get something to drink, one of the hotel maids was making our bed. I grabbed my cooler and was on my way out when I paused and asked, “Can we drink beer on the beach?”

“Sure,” she said, “but I have to finish the rest of the rooms first.”

Hope this brings a chuckle to your day!

Airlines Fees May Be More Than Hot Air!

I had asked in one of my earlier postings if the airlines will be charging travelers for the air they breath on their planes… I was joking. But now I wonder if it could really come down to this.

Thank You and Happy Anniversary

Today, August 31st 2008, is the 1 year anniversary of this travel blog. It is also the 1 year anniversary of my adoption of Taylor Sailor, my beary unique cruise specialist. This has been an amazing year for me and Taylor Sailor, because of all the wonderful people we have met and all the tremendous response we have had to this travel blog.

Because of you, my readers, I have had over 10,000 unique IP addresses visit my travel blog and read my postings. There are people from each of the 50 United States who visit and read my travel blog on a regular basis. There are people from 61 countries around the world who also have visited my travel blog as well.

Because of your readership of this travel blog, I have been continually listed in the top 500 (often in the mid 300’s) of the BlogTopList and have ranked as high as the 137th top blog on BlogTopSites.

I want to Thank each and every one of you for reading this travel blog, I am glad you find the postings I am providing informational and entertaining as well. I truly do enjoy writing this travel blog and sharing information that is helpful to anyone who needs to travel for any reason. I enjoy talking about cruising and sharing Taylor Sailor’s stories. I plan on continuing offering more travel tips, travel humor and of course the adventure of my beary unique cruise specialist Taylor Sailor.?? Your comments and questions are always welcome and appreciated. Please feel free to ask anything about travel you’d like to know about, I’d be happy to answer any of your questions.

Happy 1st Anniversary and Thank You for your continued support and readership.

Happy Cruising!

Terry Jones, ACC

Cruises, Inc.

Check one bag and the second bag goes for FREE

I went onto the Southwest Airlines web site the other day and they are prominently advertising that you can check in your bags for free on their flights. Since so many other airlines are now having to pay for even checking in their 1st bag ths is something to advertise and celebrate. As for me, this could actually sway me to purchase tickets from them more often as well.

I also just read in one of my many travel magazines that I get, that American Airlines has decided not to charge our military men returning from war the baggage fees as well. My first gut reaction was ‘How dare they charge these wonderful, courageous men and women in the first place’! Then I got sarcastic and said ‘How nice of them to to do this’ and then I just wanted to write a scathing letter to the airline and to every single newspaper and say they better reimburse these US military people.

So my thoughts wandered, as they often do, as to what exactly is the issue with having to check bags (besides for greed). What makes luggage so very special they get to be picked on by the airlines? So I did some research about luggage.

Did you know that the word luggage comes from the lug or to drag around? Historically luggage used to be wooden boxes or trunks. Since people did not move about that often, that when they did they needed a large piece to hold all their things. Luggage or Baggage as air travelers have taken over the years to calling it, have shrunken in size for the most part. Luggage makers even created specific sized bags to fit under the seat of an airplane or in the overhead compartments. That is how important luggage is to the airlines. So why are they picking on luggage anyway? I don’t know why, but I like Southwest Airlines idea of not charging still to bring along a few extra pieces of clothes when we travel and keeping it in our luggage.

Leave the driving to them…

When I was growing up I used to hear a radio ad that said ‘Leave the driving to us’. It was Greyhound Bus Lines advertising tag line to see the USA and of course, leave the driving to them. Greyhound is still a great value with the rising cost of fuel and a great way to avoid the hassles of the airports.

Amtrak says ‘All Aboard’ to entice travelers to come on board a train and getting to their destination. My adult son loves Amtrak ever since we traveler across country from California to Washington DC in 1998. When he left for college he decided he hated the stress of airline flight travel from Orlando to Washington DC area so he took the train. Yes, it took him a bit longer but he truly enjoyed the pace, the scenery and the chance to get up,move around and meet the people he was traveling with.

Both of these types of travel are wonderful additions to a cruise vacation as well. Or any vacation in fact. Enjoy the gentle sway of a train as you gaze out of large picture windows at the landscape. See the USA in a way not many of us take advantage of…in our rush to get to our business meeting or to start our vacation we miss out on a true journey that can be relaxing and enjoyable.

Imagine arriving at your next business meeting relaxed, your emails caught up, you anwsered all those phone calls you have had to return, your spreadsheet is complete and you had the chance to play a bit of solitaire on your computer while you relaxed in large comfortable reclining chairs on board an Amtrak train. What about how long it takes to travel by train? Well check in for flights now take up to 90 minutes due to the TSA check in, then the wait before a flight - lets say 30 minutes then the flight itself is 1 hour 15 minutes from Washington DC area to NY City, as an example. Total travel time for taking an average flight without any flight delays today is 3 hrs 15 minutes or longer. Which the Amtrak Acela train check in is 30 minutes and the actual trip time is 3 hrs 20 minutes. Almost the exact time but the level of stress taking a train is so much lower.

Amtrak and Greyhound also have stations near almost every single cruise port in the USA. So take an extra day or two..sit back, relax see the USA like you may never had considered seeing it before. Rid yourself of the stress before your next trip and leave the driving to them.

10 Travel Gadgets You Gotta Get!

Gadgets are a part of life, we all have them for our every day life and for our spacial hobbies. Think about all the gadgets we use in a typical day that were not as prominent 10, 15, 20 years ago. Gadgets such as cell phones, iPhones, MP3 players, portable DVD players, electric coffee grinders for the home, Sonicare toothbrushes etc. We are now more than ever a world filled with gadgets. And so there is a whole category just for travel gadgets - Here is my Top Ten List.

1. Apple’s Airport Express - great for those who travel with their computers and need internet access everywhere.

2. Digital Camera - as simple or fancy as you want. Take lots of pictures and enjoy the memories.

3. Franklin Foreign Language Translator - don’t get the message mangled let the translator help you. Has 12 languages stored to help you get to do and see what you want to without offending anyone.

4. Universal Power Adapter Kits - handy for cars, trains, hotels, cruises and more.

5. Personal GPS for when you get lost anywhere in the world. Hand held with car adapters so it is more versatile.

6. Stash Sandles - Flip Flops with a secret storage area in the wide rubber bottom for your cash or hotel key.

7. Swiss Army Knife with 1 GB USB Flash - Make sure you have it packed in your checked bag bu still a big help.

8. TSA approved Clear Card to sail through security lines at 20 airports in the USA. Great for frequent flyer’s.

9. Menospeak Book helps you ask someone simple questions by showing them a picture - such as of a taxi so you can be directed where you can catch one. Passport size , useful in Asia but has pictures of many items so can be used anywhere really.

10. SteriPen - this is an ultraviolet bacteria killing wand to sterilize water anywhere you travel

Exclusive Solstice cruise charter BEFORE official Inauguarl Sailing!

This week, World Travel Holdings announced the exclusive ship charter for Cruises, Inc. for the brand new Celebrity Solstice. This is an exclusive basis for a two-day sailing from Fort Lauderdale before the Solstice even it begins its regular seven-night Caribbean sailings. Cruise rates begin at $329.00. The departure date for this exclusive ship charter is November 21. Celebrity Cruise Lines recently moved up its inaugural from December 14 to November 23. So won’t you join us?