Not long ago, people who wanted to stay in an environmentally friendly hotel had to find their sleeping spot in an obscure, out of the way inns.  Or else they would simply have to pitch a tent.  Over the past decade or so, modern boutique-style hotels have incorporated eco-friendly features into their design.  CFL bulbs and low-flow faucets have become the norm, not only for these hip, independent hotels, but for most major chain hotels as well.  Every major worldwide brand, even those operated by hotel giants like Marriot to Hilton, has a green policy.  Sometimes this doesn’t actually go beyond energy efficient bulbs and recycling bins.  But some major hotel chains have done enough to impress even the staunchest environmentalists.

Here are some of the major names in the hotel game who have put their green plans into action.

Hilton

This major hotel chain has launched the LightStay program.  LightStay analyzes the brand’s properties around the world, looking for ways to reduce electricity and water consumption, as well as lessen carbon emissions and waste outputs.  This could mean anything from recycling and composting waste to adopting non-toxic cleaners.  Hilton’s efforts are similar to those of other hotel chains.  Some people criticize them for not doing enough.  However, Hilton has properties all over the globe.  Over 3,500 of them will be following the guidelines of the LightStay program by the end of next year.

Marriot

Marriot has done the most of any major hotel chain when it comes to making their properties more eco-friendly.  They have publicized their efforts more heavily as well. As a result, more travelers know about Marriot’s green ambitions than most other major hotel chains.  Marriot hotels (Courtyard, Doubletree and Renaissance are a few franchises that are under the Marriot umbrella) do well with the eco-friendly basics: non-toxic cleaners, water use reduction, and reduced energy input and waste output.  The hotel has also adopted green building practices for new hotels and renovation projects.  Marriot is heavily involved in conservation efforts and supports organizations that help save the Amazon rain forest from logging and farming.  They also lend financial support to organizations like Conservation International.  At least one of the Marriot brands, Doubletree, is involved in grassroots environmental education programs that help local youth learn about living a more earth-friendly lifestyle.

Elements and Aloft

Starwoods Hotels owns two eco-friendly brands: Elements and Aloft.  Elements Hotels are relatively new to the hospitality game.  The hotel prototype was designed to meet LEED standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).  LEED is the most sought after green building certification in the world.   Starwoods has a plan to reduce its water and energy consumption at every one of its properties by 30% over the next 10 years.  Aloft, another hotel brand developed by Starwoods, also has an impressive list of earth-friendly features.  Their “See Green” program actually goes beyond the hotels themselves, encouraging and facilitating eco-friendly travel practices.

Kimpton hotels

Kimpton runs the EarthCare program.  This program focuses on several aspects of Kimpton properties.  On-site restaurants are asked to use sustainable foods that are grown locally and are organic whenever possible.  The hotels also have recycling and energy consumption initiatives.

Best Western

Even low-end hotels are joining the eco-inn revolution.  Best Western, arguably the most popular low-cost chain North America, if not the world, has an extensive green program.  Best Western is partnered with the US EPA’s Energy Star program to make their properties more energy efficient.  Recycling and composting are the norm at many of these hotels.

Choosing to patronize mainstream businesses often means ignoring your environmental conscience.  However, when it comes to hotels, mainstream brands can be a good choice. In the hospitality industry, at least, it seems that green is becoming the norm.  Or, at the very least, the hotel industry seems to be paying more attention to the environment than other industries.

They’re considered the best of the best. Because they’re intended to handle dangerous altercations within the bounds of the passenger fuselage, it is integral that they are among the top ranked in handgun accuracy. Every one of them is required to take the Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed training course, which prepares them for weapons handling, prisoner transport, and how to deal with criminal acts of violence.

But it’s not all sunshine and James Bond heroics. Some air marshals have found themselves in pretty embarrassing situations.

Take the situation of two FAMs on a flight to Brazil. While not a dramatic breach of security, they encountered an intoxicated woman trying to raid the beverage cart for her own personally whipped up cocktail. Upon confrontation by the FAMs she became combative and was subsequently arrested.

Another drunk bites the dust and everyone goes home safe… right? Well, not quite. When you’re the wife of a prominent Brazilian judge, your word against the FAMs carries a little more clout.

In this case, the FAMs found themselves on the other side of the conflict, with Brazilian officials suddenly fingering THEM for assault charges. Instead of face what they thought were bogus charges, the air marshals left using “alternate travel documents.”

When they’re not being unfairly wrangled into international turmoil, they’re creating justifiable international turmoil. For example: normally, forgetting something when you travel won’t turn into any kind of notable incident, unless you happen to forget those bullets and gun magazines suspiciously concealed in the air vents of your New Delhi hotel room.

When one absent-minded FAM checked out without checking around, the situation caused quite the stir. Housekeepers heard his ammo rattling in the air duct of the room that was now being occupied by Italian businessmen.

After they were hastily rounded up and grilled, it soon became clear that the former occupier of the room was to blame. This incident definitely killed two birds with one stone in angering members of the international community, the Italians for the shakedown, and Indian officials for total disregard of gun laws.

Unfortunately, there are many more tales of woe amongst FAMs, including the smuggling of drugs, money, and even explosives. Many argue that the agency has gotten too big for its britches after a tidal wave of funding followed Sept. 11. News media have put out stories of employees with criminal records and unprofessional conduct in the higher ranks. So, even if the passenger sitting next to you is a FAM, maybe you should still be wondering about them.

Sure, lavish accommodation might not be in everyone’s budget, but you can still dream. Here are some of the most luxurious hotel rooms across the globe.

Armani Hotel, Dubai

As part of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the Armani Hotel in Dubai is located on the fifth through eighth floors, including suites on the 38^th and 39^th floors. Giorgio Armani himself designed the theme of the rooms, which are now furnished with a special collection from Armani/Casa.

Four Seasons, New York

No luxurious list would be complete without an entry from New York. The Ty Warner Penthouse, in particular, shows us what $34,000 will get you… something like nine rooms with walls inlaid with pearl and gold. Designed by architect I.M. Pei, Peter Marino, and hotel owner Ty Warner, the suite takes you 52 stories up to offer a full view of the City through the floor-to-ceiling bay windows while enjoying a waterfall in the Zen Room. If you find any reason to leave, you’ll be riding in style in a Rolls Royce or Maybach.

Hotel de Crillon, Paris

Sometimes history equals luxury. Such is the case with the Hotel de Crillon, which history tells us was built by Louis XV. The French-American treaty was signed at the Hotel de Crillon on Feb. 6, 1778, but since 1909, after a time when it was seized during the French Revolution, the building as been operating as a hotel. The Louis XV room is bathed in luxury. A steam bath, sauna, and Jacuzzi are featured in the bathroom, plus you’ll find two giant plasma TVs, a vast liqueur and cigar selection, as well as decorated wood panels with the imprint of craftsmen who are part of the building’s history.

Hotel Louis C. Jacob, Hamburg

There’s no shortage of elegance in this German masterpiece; you’ll find valuable, natural stone, the finest quality carpets, oak floorboards, and the deepest greens, reds, blues, and yellows. And speaking of color, the German impressionist Liebermann lives on in one of the rooms that houses the famous Lime Tree Terrace, originally painted in the hotel itself.

Palms Casino Resort Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, Las Vegas

Perhaps Mr. Hefner’s product isn’t always synonymous with luxury, but the Las Vegas suite is in no short supply. The two-story, 10,000 square-foot space features a $700,000 Jacuzzi like none other — it juts out over the Vegas strip — as well as a rotating bed flanked by a mirrored ceiling. Cost is no object when you’re dealing with a Playboy palace; you never know where things could lead.

Ritz-Carlton, Moscow

They’ve got fancy in the name and you can find them all over the world, but the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow is quite special. For $18,200 a night, you too can enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows exposing you to all the well-known sites of the city. The 2,500 square-foot suite is decked out in classical Russian imperial style throughout the living room, dining room, library, and office and comes complete with a grand piano and a heated floor.

The Atlantis, Bahamas

The Bridge Suite at The Atlantic will run you $22,000 a night, but it won’t disappoint. Named the “Bridge” because it sits atop the two Royal Tower building at the resort, the suite overlooks the entire resort and marina, and with an 800 square-foot balcony and full-length windows the view won’t disappoint. Plus the company you could keep wouldn’t be too shabby either: Oprah, Michael Jackson, and Bill Gates have all been added to the guest lists.

Westin Excelsior Hotel, Rome

To be named to the most expensive hotel list, you’ve got to offer something of value. Despite the fact that your odds of spotting a celebrity, artist, diplomat, or big business hotshot skyrocket once you walk through the doors, you’ll be graced with world-renowned service. Chose from one of 35 suites, recently renovated for a mere $7 million, and indulge at the Restaurant Doney or in one of spectacular spa services… it will only run you about $29,000 a night.

Booking

Everyone’s looking for travel deals for the holidays. Whether you’re booking hotel or airfare online booking sites like Expedia or Travelocity offer the greatest range of options. Here’s a tip for Internet searches: If can’t find the low price you saw on a site during a previous search, open your Internet Options tools and delete your cookies to clear any record of the booking engine. You should be able to find your original price.

You may also be able to find better deals by book one-way, non-stop flights. You may have to build in a layover but it could end up saving you a large chunk of change.

If you can’t stay with family or if you’re traveling somewhere you don’t have a place to crash it’s best to search local reservation Web site in major cities like Washington D.C., Express New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. These sites are much quicker and more effective than searching generic search engines, and they’ll give you a more realistic idea of your accommodations and surroundings.

Packing

When traveling with a family for the holidays there’s plenty to bring and not a lot of space to do it in. In addition to the basic necessities, you’re packing gifts. Pack everything in clear plastic bags not only to conserve space, but also to make it easier for security. When checking luggage security will open and look through your bags, and the easier they can successfully make their scan through your stuff the better.

Oh, and never wrap your holiday gifts whether you’re carrying them on or checking them: they will be opened. If you can manage it, bring along an extra bag when traveling home for the holidays so you have somewhere to pack the gifts you receive.

Being that one of the best things about the holidays is the food and considering holiday food is all about tradition you may be inclined to bring something special and tasty along. When traveling with food remember that liquids are prohibited in carry-on items, including cranberry sauce, creamy dips, spreads (cheeses, peanut butter, etc.), salsa, jams, dressings, jams, jellies, syrup, oils, and soups. Apparently pies will make it through.

Planning

With all the policy changes being implemented by the Transportation Safety Administration recently, it’s hard to know what is and isn’t acceptable and what’s required of you regarding airport security. Read the latest security rules prior to your trip, including the TSA’s Helpful Hints for Holiday Travelers for everything you need to know about new advanced imaging technology and pat-down procedures.

Tensions run high when it comes to the holidays, but instead of arguing with family about who will travel to whom during one of the most festive times of the year, why not meet each other half way… literally. Start a new tradition and spend the holidays in a central location between family members.

And consider using your credit cards for all travel you book throughout the holidays; you may already be paying for insurance or it may be built in to your card service and could end up helping you save on your travel expenses.

Shack Up With the Relatives

Ok, so Uncle Roy snores at night or Aunt Wanda’s home cooked meals border on palatable, but when it comes to vacation time, it’s all about location, location, location. So, if Auntie or Uncle live in any highly desirable getaway locale, you may want to rethink your ability to tolerate a little family bonding.

Considering that your hotel stay often dominates a good portion of your spending, a spot to crash can be more valuable than you realize. If you’re staying more than a night or two, a free stay can mean saving literally hundreds of dollars.

Pack Light

With baggage fees raging out of control, some intelligent packing could save you a nice chunk of change. For many airlines, the charges begin with the very first checked bag and often increase from there. Some start as low as $20 per bag, while additional bags on some airlines can cost you up to $100 or more.

If it’s just a short journey, it may be wise to consider packing carry-on only. You’ll find it will reduce your stress by minimizing your time dealing with the airport rigmarole; one of the gravest of which is the dreaded lost bag. Now, your vital gear is right by your side the whole trip and you have spending money to spare.

Book Discount Travel

When it comes to ticket, hotel, rental car deals and more, it is a buyers’ market. There are so many offers and agencies to go through that the difficulty is not in finding them, but sorting out the good from the bad. Luckily, with so many travel search engine sites sprawling the Internet, getting a second, third and fourth quote is only a couple clicks away.

Reserve credit card points for travel

Airline points are one of the most common types of credit card rewards programs out there. But several plans allow you to choose how to spend your credits on everything from shopping, to entertainment, to airline miles. One way to passively build up a vacation fund is to commit to leaving your rewards points alone for day-to-day discounts and stow them specifically for travel.

Having some serious credits and discounts on your rental car, hotel stay, or airline ticket frees up any other play money you may have brought along. Consider your rewards program your vacation piggy bank and you’ll be able to ease those spending woes, instead of worrying when you just need to get away and relax.

Travel in the offseason

Certain travel destinations are typically considered seasonal, but anywhere that relies on seasonal tourism business likely has a safety net of business generating activity in the off season. And they need to work hard to draw business in the off season, often meaning savings for visitors.

Consider, Vail, Colorado; mention the name and people immediately picture fluffy, powdery snow and cozy cabins. But don’t sell Vail short. There are a number of activities to help you relax, rejuvenate, and let loose in the summer, when all that fluffy powdery stuff is gone. Try hiking, river rafting, golfing, camping, and fishing just to name a few.

The Southwestern US is more than a dry desert with a few cities surrounded by cactus trees.  It is even more than a wintertime golf destination, a place for retirees or a destination for counter-culture aficionados.  Some of the country’s best cultural attractions, ski resorts and shopping venues are located in this region of the US.  Winter is a good time to visit because of the cooler temperatures.  It is surprisingly cool for people who are not familiar with the desert climates of Arizona and New Mexico. Temperatures can drop into the 40s during the night in the Phoenix area and get well below freezing at higher elevations in New Mexico and Arizona.  These temps make it possible to enjoy some of the attractions (see below) that are inaccessible (or at least uncomfortable) during the summertime because of the heat

Here are some winter vacation ideas for people who want to look beyond Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon and find excitement, memories and culture in the Southwest.

Santa Fe Xmas

Santa Fe is the most attractive urban destination in New Mexico.  It is a atmospheric city known for its arts scene and history.  Few would-be tourists know that it is also one of the most interesting holiday destinations in the US.  There are festivals and events taking place throughout the holiday season.  Most of these events have to do with Christmas.  Las Posadas is a family-friendly, interactive parade that takes place in mid-December.  People follow actors who portray the Christmas story of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.  The crowd follows them along the parade route holding candles.  Another parade, the Farolito Walk, takes place on Christmas Eve.  Farolitos, decorated paper bags holding candles, are set all around the city’s main square creating quite a visual spectacle.    After the holidays an antiques and arts show rounds out the menu of December festivities.

Taos Skiing

Taos is another art-filled town in New Mexico.  It is high in the mountains and has a ski season that is similar to the Rocky Mountain resorts of Colorado.  With over 300 inches of snow per year and a laid-back vibe, Taos Ski Valley is a unique place to hit the slopes and a great alternative to the crowds and over-the-top “ski-scene” at more popular resorts.

Scottsdale Shopping

Scottsdale, Arizona is a suburb of Phoenix that has become a destination in its own right.  Its Fashion Square Mall is a sprawling complex that is one of the country’s biggest malls.  Shops and boutiques stretch out from the downtown area offering literally miles and miles of aisles to explore.  Scottsdale’s Old Town has a mixture of good deals, classy shopping, art galleries and tourist traps.  Still, it has a fun vibe and is popular amongst visiting tourists.  Southwestern art, both classic and modern, are for sale throughout the city.

Spectator sports in Phoenix and elsewhere

Phoenix is a sports-happy town.  During the winter, the Arizona Cardinals football team regularly sells out their stadium and the Phoenix Coyotes bring the unlikely sport of hockey to the desert.  The Phoenix Suns have been a pro basketball powerhouse in the past and still regularly sell out their arena.  Fall baseball is played in the Arizona Fall league and Spring Training brings major leaguers to town in late February and March.  Spring training, known as the Cactus League, is a great chance for fans to mingle with players and get autographs.  Arizona State University, located in Tempe, brings college football and basketball to the Phoenix area each winter and rounds out an impressive menu of spectator sports.

Sonaran Desert Tours

The beautiful Sonaran Desert, outside of Phoenix, is best visited in the winter.  Much of wildlife has become dormant, but the temperatures are much more comfortable during the winter than they are during the summer, when the only sane way to view the countryside is from the window of an air conditioned 4×4.  Horseback rides, some lasting for multiple days, and trekking tours can bring nature appreciators up close with the desert.

Of course, the Grand Canyon is still a possibility.  It is much less crowded in wintertime, when the hordes of tourists are back at school and work.  Still, with so many diverse wintertime options in the region, tourists could be forgiven for giving the famous canyon a miss.

GPSed

$1.99

Let your loved ones know where you’re headed, where you’ve been, and where you’re going when you’re away from home. The application tracks, in real time, where you’re traveling on Google Maps. You can upload photos and share them on all your social networks and your blog based on your exact location.

iBooks

Free

Books can be bulky, heavy, and cumbersome when you’re on the road. Consolidate all your travel books and guides on your iPad and get easy access to all your travel research in one location at your fingertips. Plus don’t forget you can add your favorite magazines and leisure books.

Point Inside Maps for Airports and Malls

Free

Shopping is top of the list when traveling to any major city. But there’s always limited time when on vacation. So how can you best optimize your browsing and buying? The Point Inside app is the on-the-go mall mapping application. You can search the mall to find stores, but also restrooms, ATMs, and food. You’ll know exactly where you’re going in a place you’ve never been before.

SCVNGR

Free

SCVNGR is both a social networking and a travel app. Similar to FourSquare, SCVNGR tracks where you’re located, but also allows you participate in challenges that help you engage with your location. You can complete challenges that have already been created or create missions yourself. Earn points for your performance to climb the leader board or use the app as a perfect get-to-know you for your destination of choice.

TravelTracker Pro

$6.99

Manage your travel information — hotel, flight, car rental — as well as your packing list and expenses with the TravelTracker Pro. Perfect for the business traveler and great for managing travel for a family or large group, the application integrates with TripIt so that you never have to manually enter your travel information, keeping you organized and saving you time.

TruPhone

Free

The iPad is not the iPhone, but you can turn it into a telecommunication device anytime you’re on the road with TruPhone. The app is perfect for frequent international travelers. Using VoIP technology, you can make international calls without dealing with the hassle of expensive pay phones or calling cards.

uPackingList

$1.99

There’s nothing worse than packing for a trip. Ok, there’s one thing worse than packing: forgetting something to pack. The uPackingList app will never let that happen again. Create lists for each trip, choosing from 16 categories. You can even remind yourself of tasks you need to do before you leave, and check off every item as they’re packed or completed. It pretty much does everything except actually putting the items in your suitcase.

UrbanSpoon

Free

One of the most popular Web sites for foodies can be just as helpful in a new location on your iPad. Formatted just like the Web site the UrbanSpoon app lets you search for local food establishments by category, which are reviewed by users like you. See the restaurants on the map, tap or spin the iPad if you can’t make a decision, and save the restaurant information on your iPad for your next travels.

Weather Channel

Free

If we know one thing about weather is that it’s unpredictable. Sure you can check the temperatures for your destination city prior to your departure, but weather can change in the blink of an eye. The Weather Channel app for the iPad gives you up-to-date weather alerts, customizable radar maps that integrate with GoogleMaps, and a location identifier all for free.

World FactBook

$1.99

Originally created by the C.I.A. you can find out the economic, political, and social information for 267 of countries. Learn about every destination you plan to travel to or want to travel to. You’ll get the country’s map and flag and plenty of other random tidbits of information.

Because the technology is so new the safety concerns associated with body scanners are still a little bit foggy. Depending on who you ask, you’ll come up with varying degrees of radiation exposure risk. Most experts agree that the overall risk is very low. However, experts like Dr. David Brenner, head of Columbia University’s Center for Radiological Research, suggests more research needs to be done.

For one, Dr. Brenner is concerned about what the exposure could do to sensitive individuals who are less equipped to repair their DNA when damaged by X-rays; this group includes children, pregnant women, and any individuals with gene mutations.

Many other experts consider the scanner radiation negligible in comparison to the increased cosmic radiation passengers experience as a consequence of flying at high altitudes. Using the medical standard for radiation exposure, one estimate says that flying 75,000 miles a year would put a individual at the limit of the legally permissible dose of radiation. As for the body scanners, the exposure has been compared to two minutes of a high-altitude flight.

So, not much to be worried about, right? They must be safe. After all they’re being used more and more in airports all over the world. Among those using full body scanners are airports in Japan, Canada, France, Italy, Russia, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, as well as an ever-growing number of U.S. airports.

Despite the weighing in of experts, many are concerned about up other issues introduced by the new scanners. One in particular is calibration; sure medical professionals can calibrate an X-ray machine, but how much confidence can one put in a minimum-wage-earning airport security screener when it comes to regular maintenance.

Yet another concern has nothing to do with radiological exposure: the issue of right to privacy. In case you haven’t noticed, some of the images coming out of those scanners leave VERY little to the imagination. While some argue that such excessive modesty is unnecessary, others feel a distinct sense of violation and embarrassment at the thought of a male or female security employee peering at them with real-life X-ray specs.

Although the debate will rage on, the body scanners will definitely be winning the battle; at least in the United States where federal funding for these scanners is expected to dip into the hundreds of millions. As of now, passengers can opt for a pat down instead of rolling through the device, but who’s to say that wouldn’t elicit more unreasonable suspicion. Not to mention, a pat down isn’t exactly the most unobtrusive option anyway.

It’s no wonder that so many celebrities either invest in a vessel for spur of the moment jet-setting or pick up the pricey hobby of becoming a private pilot of their own aircraft. Here are a few examples of the stars in the skies.

Pilots

John Travolta owns several planes, but one of his most notable is a Boeing 707-138B, a smaller, longer-range variant of the Boeing 707 that Qantas Airlines developed. It’s named the Jett Clipper Ella after one of Travolta’s daughter and he has the opportunity to taxi it directly on to Greystone Airport in Ocala, Fla. where he lives.

He does use his vessel for more than just personal jet-setting though; after the earthquake in Haiti he flew down there to provide aid supplies and, apparently, Scientology literature and education.

Another seasoned pilot, Harrison Ford, also flew to Haiti after the earthquake to deliver relief supplies, and he has spoken out in Congress to defend general aviation against more regulation and fees, highlighting its contribution to the economy and humanitarian efforts.

Clint Eastwood is one celeb pilot that switches it up a bit; he flies both planes and helicopters and has been doing so for more than 30 years. Check out this awesome safety video he made quite a few years back. Angelina Jolie too has ventured into helicopter lessons, and her partner Brad Pitt is beginning flying lessons as well.

Among those with more storied flying careers the cult musician Jimmy Buffett stands out. In one incident, a botched takeoff out of Nantucket in a seaplane ended with Buffett swimming his way out of a sinking ship. Perhaps his most famous adventure involved the Jamaican police opening fire on him because they thought his plane was smuggling drugs. The government later issued an apology, which Buffett used as inspiration for his song “Jamaica Mistaica” (oh Mr. Buffet, you do have a way with words).

Private Plane Owners

Of course there are those celebs who would rather take a backseat to all that technical, learning-to-fly business. It’s a status symbol for sure, but it turns out, “having a private jet” can mean more than one thing.

There are those mega-rich, singular-name celebs like Oprah or Ludacris who can afford to throw down. Oprah has a Global Express XRS Jet, a high-speed, long range executive style jet with leather and other fancy fixtures that apparently cost around $42 million.

On the other hand, there are some celebs that may just put up the appearance of zipping around the world on their own private chariot of the sky. There is a growing class of businesses that offer a sort of jet sharing, in which people buy in to partial ownership of a craft.

Sean Combs, or Diddy, or whatever the hell he goes by these days, is one celeb that has already been patronized for touting the private jet attitude, while, in fact, being only a partial owner. That’s like getting called out wearing a fake Rolex.

Some losses have to do with the inevitable costs of dealing with very high-tech, very expensive machines. The optimistic aspirations of Airbus’s A380, the reigning king of jumbo jets worldwide, was marred by an engine blow out on one of the newly designed Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines.

Qantas had to ground its fleet and put estimates for the cost of loss of business at $1 million a day. Yikes! Despite the financial cost, Qantas was equally worried about their accident-free image. Luckily, the engine blowout didn’t result in a crash and the pilot safely guided the plane back down.

Also, many customers appreciated the abundance of caution that was taken in immediately grounding the fleet. Not to mention, there are multiple players involved here; Airbus built the plane that had Rolls-Royce engines supplied to Qantas Airlines. Rolls-Royce was truly the culpable party in this case and promised to overhaul all of these engines by performing rigorous inspections and making necessary repairs. In an industry built on trust from the public, damage to the company’s image can turn out to be very costly.

Another high cost of operating an airline has to do with airlines’ the very direct involvement with the public and the public’s insatiable urge to sue. When people talk about suing for emotional distress, it’s hard to say what constitutes true emotional distress. Just how embarrassing does a situation have to be to be grounds for a lawsuit? Well, one couple returning from what must have been an interesting vacation in Vegas thought their little melee with Delta’s security was mortifying enough to sue.

When the Mrs.’s luggage began to suspiciously vibrate, the airline had an obligation to inspect it for security threats. Unfortunately, they asked her to remove the source of the buzz and… ta-da! It was an adult sex toy, drawing alleged hysterical laughter from the crew.

Sure, the couple probably doesn’t deserve a big hunk of dough for tripping an understandable security alert, but maybe Delta needs to reexamine the whole “please-remove-that-suspicious-item-yourself” policy. Don’t want to give anyone the chance to pull the trigger.

Speaking of emotional damage, how about enduring an emergency landing? Does that count as sufficient emotional distress to drum up a lawsuit? At least one woman seems to think so.

If you examine the facts in this case though, you may begin to question her claims. No passengers or crew were injured and there was only minor damage to components such as the landing gear and a few blown tires.

Her claims that airplanes flying overhead traumatize the bejesus out of her seem only to add to her hard-to-swallow hyperbolic claims of emotional trauma. Nevertheless, she was full of confidence bolstered by apparent evidence that the flight crew knew of mechanical failures early on and should have acted sooner.

They are 50,000 strong and responsible for one of the most important tasks necessary to keep Americans safe. They are the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a league of security agents, inspectors, air marshals and more who keep our transportation infrastructure safe… presumably. Unfortunately, these days the TSA is often looked at as an incompetent agency that only serves to harass airline travelers.

The TSA has reached the status of violator and persecutor and is now competing with the DMV and the IRS for the drudgery and dread it bestows upon mankind. But is it really all that simple?

The TSA was created in 2001 following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 to judiciously manage the security of the nation’s airline hubs. Before the TSA swooped in, private firms hired by the airlines were responsible for screening would-be flyers. While some are still managed by private firms, they operate under the authority of the TSA.

A great deal of criticism of the TSA comes from the reactionary nature of the security measures. Following 9/11, protocols concerning allowable amounts of shampoo and nail clippers dimmed the confidence an already nervous public had in the authorities.

The shoe bomber, Richard Reed, came along, so now everyone has to take off their shoes. Reacting to security threats doesn’t earn the agency credibility; instead, it leaves the public yearning for a security program where these kinds of close calls don’t happen.

On the other hand, sometimes the agency reacts disproportionately and the public fires back over the invasiveness of the procedure. Airport body scanners have heralded in the latest controversy with reports of the images providing your average TSA worker with what are essentially X-ray specs.

If you opt out of the body scanner you’re subject to an enhanced pat down that is more personal than ever before. In addition to being way too close for comfort, many stories express outrage over the lack of sensitivity to those with medical sensitivities.

One man who had survived bladder cancer had his medical device known as a urostomy bag (which stores his urine) spilled while overeager TSA agents gave him the once over. The resulting humiliation is, of course, not arguable.

Furthermore, some are concerned about the effects of what they are told are low level X-rays. Pilots and other airline staff who can expect to encounter scanners regularly are especially concerned. Most studies have said that the scanners are safe, and many experts cite the data that shows cosmic X-ray levels associated with high-elevation flight expose travelers to a great deal more.

Despite all of the criticism that the TSA receives, there are also a lot of behind the scenes players in the organization that are vital to security. Air marshals and other agents operate “undercover” as normal travelers to detect suspicious behavior and directly intercept any threat.

How much they’ve actually contributed to intercepting security threats is probably on a “need-to-know basis,” however the TSA does tout their triumphs in a section on its Web site titled Workforce Stories. So, judge for yourself next time you travel and choose to sneer or smile at the folks who will be your ticket to a safe flight (presumably).

Airports

According to the ACAA, all airport terminals, including parking and ground transportation, must be outfitted with accessible facilities. And the Act gives travelers with disabilities more rights; they do not have to accept assistance or special accommodations if they did not request them.

Ticket counters must be accessible, all terminals must have a least one telecommunications device for the deaf, and baggage areas and the areas between the gate and aircraft must be free of barriers, including level-entry loading bridges.

Airplane Facilities

The ACAA does require airlines to provide the following accommodations:

• Airlines with more than 30 seats will have moveable aisle armrests on at least half of the aisle seats in the aircraft
• Twin-aisle aircrafts offer accessible lavatories
• Aircrafts with more than 100 seats will have storage space in the cabin for a folding wheelchair
• Aircrafts with more than 60 seats have accessible lavatories with on-board wheelchairs. Aircrafts without accessible lavatories should receive 48 hours’ notice for need of an on-board wheelchair

While airlines are prohibited from refusing service to an individual based on physical or mental disabilities, they can issue written refusal of service if doing so conflicts with Federal Aviation Administration security standards. Passengers who require specific seating arrangements must reserve their seat 24 hour to takeoff. If no special accommodations are needed, passengers are permitted to sit in any seat; the airline can determine if the individual can accurately provide the duties required of passengers sitting in an exit row in case of an emergency.

Passengers traveling with a disability are not required to give their airline advance notice, unless special circumstances apply:

• Using medical oxygen on the plane, if this service is available
• Transporting an incubator, if this service is available
• Connecting a respirator to the aircraft electrical supply, if this service is available
• Transporting a passenger who must travel on a stretcher, if this service is available
• Transporting an electric wheelchair on planes with fewer than 60 seats
• Providing packaging for a battery for a wheelchair or other assistive device
• Accommodating 10 or more qualified people with disabilities who make reservations and travel as a group providing an on-board wheelchair on a plane with more than 60 seats that does not have an accessible lavatory

Airline personnel are trained to assist with lifting and maneuvering passengers with disabilities, but airlines are required to provide reasonable accommodations for transporting passengers onto and off of the aircraft.

Airlines are not permitted to require passengers to sign liability waivers for wheelchairs or other mobility assistance devices; airlines are responsible for loss or damage of such devices. Passengers are allowed to bring canes, crutches, wheelchairs, respirators, and ventilators on the airplane as long as they conform to the Department of Transportation guidelines. And collapsible wheelchairs can be stored on airplanes with reasonable accommodations; all other wheelchairs will be stored with baggage and can returned to the passenger either upon exit of the plane or at baggage claim. Passengers can provide written instructions for any mobility assistive devices that need to be taken apart.

Security

Travelers with disabilities are subject to all required security protocol. If use an assistive device through airport security does not activate security systems the device can be used throughout security checkpoints. Passengers’ assistive devices may, however, be subject to searches; passengers can request private screenings in such instances.

Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for people to stay at home and mingle with friends and family.  However, it is also an attractive time for travel, with cheap fares to some highly popular destinations and major events taking place at cities around the country.  Here are some of the best Thanksgiving Day destinations for travelers who want to experience something different during the holiday.

New York

New York is one of the world’s great urban destinations at any time of year.  This is especially true around the holidays when special events take place all over the city.  Thanksgiving is no exception.  The ever-popular, nationally-televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in the Big Apple.  This makes it a great time of year for families to visit.  Though the weather can be chilly, it can be fun to experience the atmosphere of America’s greatest city as it gets ready to celebrate the holidays.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is another year-round tourist favorite that is an attractive Thanksgiving destination.  Casinos and other venues put on a show for the holidays.  Some casinos offer lavish Thanksgiving meals at their in-house eateries.  These meals can range from buffets filled with turkey and stuffing to upscale haute cuisine and all-you can eat feasts prepared by celebrity chefs.  The Las Vegas Review Journal recently published a list of some of Sin City’s best holiday feasts.  Every major casino/resort has more than one Turkey Day option.

Massachusetts

Plymouth, Massachusetts is where the first Thanksgiving took place.  Though the pilgrims who first traveled from Europe to North America are long gone, their traditions live on.  Many of the sites where the original feast took place are marked by monuments.  There are modern celebrations as well.  Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower are popular destinations near this historic town.  The John Carver Inn and Spa, located on the sight of the first pilgrim settlement, offers an interesting Thanksgiving celebration, while the Plymouth Plantation is a popular place to have a Thanksgiving feast.   The Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade and Food Festival takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving and is a good reason to make an early visit to this New England town.

Hawaii

Hawaii is another tropical spot that is a popular place to celebrate the holiday.  Some resorts and restaurants have Thanksgiving Day spreads and there are some modest festivities.  November is one of the best times of year to visit the 50^th state.  High season prices are not yet in effect and the crowds of tourists have not yet made their way across the Pacific.  This is a great time to explore the island while saving some money on your trip and avoiding crowds.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C.’s Holiday Parade is held annually on Thanksgiving Day.  In addition to these festivities, there are plenty of places to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast.  Since Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, this can be a good time to visit some of the nation’s most important historic sites, monuments and museums during Thanksgiving weekend.

Chicago

Chicago doesn’t have the Macy’s parade, but it has its own version (sponsored by McDonald’s).  If you visit one parade on Thanksgiving, it has to be the New York event.  But if you want to visit the Windy City and combine the parade with other events and attractions, it is a great Thanksgiving destination.  Black Friday (the unofficial shopping holiday on the day following Thanksgiving) is a good time to get in some serious shopping along Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile or in one of the other malls or shopping streets scattered throughout this sprawling city.  If you want to get your eats – traditional Thanksgiving food or something else – Chicago is one of the world’s great food-lovers’ destinations.

Orlando

Orlando is not usually associated with Thanksgiving.  However, Walt Disney World has plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday.  Many of the amusement park’s restaurants will be selling holiday-themed meals on Thanksgiving and special Thanksgiving packages can make a family trip more affordable than it is at other times of the year.  In addition, Disney kicks off the Christmas season after Thanksgiving with decorations and special events throughout the park.  So Thanksgiving visitors can get to experience two holidays for the price of one.

So when most people are headed home for the holidays, those who decide to celebrate Thanksgiving by taking a vacation have some wonderful and exciting options.

Southwest Airlines

Homebase: Dallas, TX

Employees: 35,000

Southwest Airlines consistently ranks as one of the top companies to work for in the country. In 2010, the airline was recognized as a top employer by GI Jobs and by ComputerWorld’s Best Places to Work and is known, not only in the industry, but in the corporate world at large for making its employees as important as its customers. It probably doesn’t hurt employee satisfaction that the airline typically garners some of the highest ratings in customer satisfaction as well.

Alaska Air Group Inc.

Homebase: Seattle, WA
Employees: 9,900

According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Alaska Airlines ranks the highest in health and dental benefits for both opposite and same-sex partners. The airline was also recognized as the seventh best company to work for in Washington. Because it’s one of the smaller airlines on the list, and has a much smaller scope, most Alaska Airline employees don’t have to travel as far from their homebase.

American Airlines

Homebase: Fortworth, TX

Employees: 75,600

As the second-highest ranked airline by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, American Airlines is highlighted for diversity training and management and external sponsorship and marketing for sexual orientation and gender identity equality. The airline was named in 2010 with a Diversity Leader Award by the Profiles in Diversity Journal for outstanding diversity communication practices and also ranks in the top tier for rewards — a perk that gets translated to employees as well as customers.

JetBlue Airlines

Homebase: Forest Hills, NY

Employees: 13,000

After only ten years in the industry, this New York airline scored a perfect 100 in the annual Human Rights Campaign Foundation ranking, being recognized for its commitment to continual improvement. The airline is also known throughout the industry as one of the best places to find an entry-level position. A serious Customer Bill of Rights, means a serious commitment to its customers, which typically translates to a more equitable work environment.

U.S. Airways

Homebase: Tempe, AZ

Employees: 36,500

U.S. Airways employees are graciously rewarded with travel benefits, which may be one of the reasons the airline was ranked among the top-50 businesses for Latinas to work for. The airline was noted for its career advancement opportunities. Fortune Magazine also named the organization as one of the World’s Most Admired Airlines. And the corporate headquarters in the sunny and affordable state of Arizona isn’t a bad draw for employees either.

It’s size that counts. Fewer travelers means less-full airplanes, and each plane that departs unfilled costs the airline thousands of dollars. So, airlines have cut back on the number of flight offerings, squeezing more passengers on fewer planes, and have even been cutting capacity or reducing the number of seats.

Hit the road (or should we say the sky). You know what fewer flights means, less demand for on-board and off-board staff. That’s right, although it’s been happening for years, layoffs have been more common than not across the industry. In the past, Delta Airlines, for example have cut as much as 30 percent of its workforce.

Lighten the load. You can’t hear news about the airline industry without listening to mentions of fuel economy. Airlines have taken extreme measures in some cases to trim a few tons. Several airlines have limited their food and beverage offerings and switched from heavy metal accessories — like carts and trays — to plastic and scheduled more direct flight paths. Even their attempts to charge more for bags, has helped this cause. Travelers are carrying less luggage, which means lighter baggage storage.

Some airlines have gotten creative with this cost-saving measure, replacing old carpet with new, lightweight material and repainting with less paint. The Aircraft Interiors Middle East reports that changing out carpet alone could amount to as much as 25 percent in weight saving.

What’s yours is mine. Because all airlines are cutting back, several have joined other teams of airlines to share resources. A conglomeration of airlines called SkyTeam has formed to allow airlines to share cargo and passenger terminal facilities, integrate frequent flyer programs, consolidate sales, as well as maintenance and administrative operations.

Bring on the technology. In recent years the airline industry has quickly learned to adopt new technologies as a means of streamlining the air travel process. The Air Transport Association has backed a “Fast –travel” initiative that leverages new technologies for every step of the travel process from checking in to baggage tagging, boarding, and even baggage recovery. This shift has cut back on personnel costs and significantly increased efficiency, which translates to big savings in the industry.

Think outside the box. Innovation in the airline industry hasn’t just come in the form of technology. Airlines have worked to mitigate their problem with baggage loss, which costs the industry close to $3.8 billion a year. “Baggage go-teams” have been deployed throughout the industry that have been trained to optimize the baggage handling process.

Ask and you shall receive. British Airlines asked members of its workforce to volunteer for furloughs or unpaid time off to cut back on costs. Out 40,000 workers, 6,940 volunteered to take unpaid leave, potentially saving the company £10 million per year.

Think you can stand it? The notorious budget airline of Europe, Ryanair, proposed the idea of standing-room only seating on some flights to maximize its aircraft caring capacity. While this endeavor does nothing for fuel economy, it does allow the airline to pack in 30 percent more passengers and slash costs by 20 percent.

Foe turned friend. The slews of mergers will most likely keep on coming even as the economy takes a turn for the better; the industry’s expansion and contraction has become somewhat of a pattern throughout the decades. Since deregulation of the 1970s the airline carrier pool has diminished from 20 down to about half and, as some experts see it, could get as small as four or five airlines.

Dopplr – Dopplr is unique in that it is one of the few sites that integrates with other social networking sites: Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr. Find connections with like-minded travelers using the search-by-city function. Each search will indicate how many Dopplr users have traveled to each city each day and where they’re from, what time of day it is and a graphical representation of travel spikes in the city.  The site will also detail places to eat, stay, and explore. Need assistance planning your next trip? Through advice from other travelers and unique trips outline on the site you can get exactly what you’re looking for. And the site’s graphics are most impressive.

Driftr (currently in Beta) – Click on Driftr and all you see is a map. But what that map tells you is more than you could imagine. It highlights all the travel destinations you’ve been to and intuitively indicates related places you should go based on your preferences. The map is color based, linking up all the site’s information generated by site users, including photos, reviews, and blogs. Each city section is organized by Where to Stay, Where to Eat, What to Do, How to Get Around, which are all encapsulated in the reviews.

Tripatini – When the New York Post refers to a site as “Facebook for travelers” you know you’re on the right track. Begin by starting an account, creating a page, or joining a group. As a member, you can ask advice from the site’s expert travelers. Each category page is set up, as the New York Post describes, much like Facebook in that you can comment on the page’s wall, offering tips, suggestions, exclamations, and asking questions. The only downside to the site is you have to be a member to truly benefit from everything the site has to offer.

TripIt – One of the most popular travel social sites, TripIt provides a well-organized itinerary for any traveler. You can organize your trip based on your actual itineraries and attach maps, directions, and weather predictions for upcoming trips. You can also check in for flights and share your plans with family and friends. Travelers with smartphones can access the site in the palm of their hand throughout their entire trip to cut down on messy travel paperwork and have instant access to any travel documents they would need or access to plan or book any travel plans: restaurants, show tickets, activities, etc.

TripSay - TripSay also utilizes an interactive map, allowing you to drag and drop the icons “Best” “Loved” “Hated” “Wish to Go” corresponding to your review of cities around the world. Then compare what your fellow TripSay travelers are saying about their favorite and hated destinations. Earn travel fame by sharing your best travel secrets with the TripSay network.

Trip Wolf – Categorized by global regions, Trip Wolf’s content is fully interactive based on categories like top things to do, tips from friends, hotel accommodations, etc. The site is a content-hybrid based on reviews and tips from professional travel writers as well as thousands and thousands of travelers. More than 500,000 cities are covered by city guides, personal recommendations, blogs, and interactive maps. Compile everything you need about a specific location and download a personalized PDF travel guide, and once you’re ready to contribute your travel experiences to the site you can import your Facebook friends to the site.

Virtual Tourist – As one of the oldest and largest travel social sites —more than 1 million users — with robust content and users a plenty, Virtual Tourist takes a Facebook-style approach to travel socializing – down to the detail of listing the day’s user birthdays. Hotel reviews, travel guides, and even a travel forum are just some of the features offered on the site. Learn about transportation, nightlife, tourist traps, and local customs; the site offers travel information you can typically only get from an actual visit.

Plan Ahead

By now you should know the trick of checking in early, we’re talking 24-hours-in-advance early. Whether you have assigned seating or not, it’s one less line you have to stand in when you get to the airport. Plus, if you’re not checking any bags, you can walk straight through to the security line. You should know the drill by now: have your boarding pass and ID in hand, wear easily removable footwear, place all your carry-on liquids in a plastic baggy, and remove your laptop from your bag. There’s nothing more annoying than the person who takes 20 minutes at the conveyor belt because they’re not prepared.

If you’re getting a ride to the airport, consider having your driver, whether family, friend, or hired transportation, drop you off at arrivals instead of departures to avoid the traffic backup. And if you have loved ones who will pick you up and drop you off, consider choosing smaller, neighboring airports in the major cities to cut down on costs and hassle (i.e.; Oakland instead of San Francisco or Midway instead of O’Hare).

Pack Accordingly

If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, you’re most likely traveling to family with family. Don’t stuff your bag full of every possible wardrobe option, accessory, and toiletry; you can either borrow what you’re missing or pick up an extra once you get to your destination. It couldn’t hurt, however, to throw a few snacks in your bags, especially when traveling with little ones. There’s never a reason to pay airport prices for food, and you can avoid wasting time during your layover searching the terminal for a meal.

But if your bags must be on the heavier side — maybe you’re family happens to be the kind that lives farther from civilization than normal — consider hiring a courier service to ship your bags in advance. Not only is this a great option for large families to eliminate the hassle of trying to keep track of more than one bag per person, it will assure that your bags don’t get lost or delayed by the airlines. Plus, it will help you breeze through airport security.

It’s best to avoid packing valuables, but we understand that tradition abounds during Thanksgiving, and maybe your feast would be incomplete without great grandma’s candlestick holders. Always search your luggage right after pulling it off the carousel to make sure everything you packed is still intact. If something is missing, it’s significantly easier for airlines to catch a thief while you’re still at the airport.

And while we know you want to pack gifts or early Christmas presents for the family, airport security warns against packing wrapped gifts in luggage; oftentimes you’ll be asked to unwrap them so TSA can take a look inside.

Pick Travel Times Wisely

You’ll save tons of time and money if you schedule one of your flights on Thanksgiving Day — if you book an early enough flight you may still be able to make it in time for the feast. Or, you can plan to depart a few days early and come home the day after Thanksgiving, spending the bulk of your time with family leading up to the big day.

No matter which day of the week you fly, plan to take the first flight of the day. Getting up early is annoying, but you’ll be more likely to avoid delays and be able to find cheap fights. And make sure to build in extra time for layovers, particularly during the holidays when flights are often cancelled or delayed. Pay close attention to layover times when booking discount airfare; those sites often neglect this minor detail. You may even want to consider using a site that allows you to manually search for specified layover times.

At any given time there are 15,000 air traffic controllers responsible for overseeing 5,000 airplanes, and they do a remarkable job. But like that of the postal service, insurance company, or even the electric company, the job of an air traffic controller is one that only gets attention when things go wrong. The only difference here is that when there’s an air traffic control blunder, the consequences are pretty grave.

To understand the complexity of the air traffic control job, see what the Federal Aviation Administration’s own have to say about it.

While the job of an air traffic controller is largely reliant upon comprehensive technology systems, mistakes can always happen. In the Washington, DC area in 2010 alone, 38 officially reported errors exceeded the yearly average since the FAA began keeping regional stats in 2003. Air traffic control mistakes have risen 51 percent this year. Why? Mistakes can be the result of a combination of air traffic and pilot error or neglect, but it’s even difficult to say exactly how many errors have occurred at the hands of air traffic controllers because they are now encouraged to self-report their incidences without fear of punishment.

What we do know is that the FAA requires planes to be at least three miles apart horizontally and 1,000 feet in altitude — anything closer usually results in a problem.

In recent years, it hasn’t been actual airborne mishaps like these that have been the problem. In 2009, the FAA recorded and all major news sources reported that a JFK air traffic controller’s young son was allowed to communicate directly with at least five planes at the airport. Luckily no physical harm or air travel mishaps came out of it, but the air traffic controller was placed on administrative leave.

Then there was the near mid-air miss of a U.S. Airways jet and a small cargo plane at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Reportedly the cargo plane nearly came within 20 to 100 feet of colliding with the U.S. airways plane after neglecting to follow air traffic control orders to turn after the two planes had taken off, as scheduled, from parallel runways.

A similar type of narrowly avoided accident occurred between a JetBlue plane and an Ecuadorian passenger jet in which the passenger jet almost landed on top of the JetBlue plane just 300 feet before the runway.

While these two incidents fortunately did not end in tragedy, the same doesn’t go for a midair collision in India in 1995 when all 351 passengers aboard a Saudi Arabian jumbo jet and a Kazak airlines plane were killed. Referred to as the third-deadliest airline tragedy in history and the worst midair collision on record, the crash has been speculated to be the cause of a misunderstanding between air traffic controllers’ instructions failure at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and pilot error.

In 1979, air traffic controllers mistakenly instructed an Aeroflot plane to climb 9,000 feet to avoid hitting another plane only to have it crash in air into the fellow plane, killing everyone onboard both flights, including 17 Soviet Football Club team players.

And three years earlier, an undermanned and poorly equipped air traffic control booth in Croatia gave conflicting instruction to two incoming planes — a British Airways and an Inex-Adria Aviopromet aircraft — causing them to intersect midair and killing 176 people.

Every American citizen knows the significance of 9/11, that’s why it’s kind of hard to accept any excuse for “accidentally” bringing a handgun in your carry-on on this particular day. But that is exactly what rapper Petey Pablo did, of course, claiming the gun wasn’t his — express tickets to felony charges coming right up.

He’s certainly not the only celebrity to run into trouble with weapons at the airport. According to rumors, Apple CEO Steve Jobs got held up at a Japanese airport for trying to get through with a very cool, but very suspicious souvenir: throwing stars!

And apparently Mr. Jobs became rather huffy over the whole row. In his logic, he didn’t see any issues with the ninja gear; he was flying on his own private jet. Despite his appeal to the common man with the private jet reference, the Japanese officials would not allow his prized projectiles past security.

This next attempt at bringing something off-limits on an airplane takes it to a whole new level. The man was seated in a wheelchair, with sunglasses on (perhaps, to convince airline officials he was just really hung-over), but he wasn’t smuggling anything. He hadn’t just had too many drinks, he was no more for this world.

The two German women attempting to smuggle him — headed to Berlin from the UK — were the widow and step daughter of the deceased man. They obviously never made it on the plane, and details are still emerging as to what may have motivated them to go through with such a bold endeavor.

Speaking of bold endeavors, there are all kinds of wild attempts at bringing wildlife on airplanes. Take, for example, the Malaysian man who was trying to smuggle so many boa constrictors, 95 to be exact, in his bag that it busted open on the conveyor belt. How does that saying go: don’t put all your snakes in one basket?

Of course, who needs a bag? One man attempting to depart from Mexico City had 18 rare titi monkeys strapped around his waist destined for black market sale. “Uh, dude, your beer gut is shrieking and throwing its feces.”

Some say the issue is because of the way the airport security screening business is done. Current FAA guidelines leave the airlines responsible for providing security at the airport. The airlines contract that work out to, in most cases, the lowest bidder. In turn, the airport security ends up being staffed by low-skill minimum wage workers.

Not that minimum wage jobs are a bad thing. However, it’s important that competent individuals are paid reasonably to motivate them to keep up with the dastardly ways people are trying to get on board with something they shouldn’t be.

The Situation

Currently, depending on who you ask, jet fuel contributes to about 2 to 4 percent of the total carbon dioxide outputted by man, something known as “anthropogenic carbon dioxide.” Eight-six percent of those emissions come from passenger air travel with the remaining 14 percent coming from cargo shipping.

Additionally, the jet fuel burned at high altitudes contributes nitrogen oxides and water vapor affect the atmosphere different than land-based sources. While there is still a great deal of research to be done, scientists believe that, for one, high altitude water vapor absorbs sunlight contributing to the greenhouse effect.

One of the biggest debates in this industry, however, is over the issue of “food miles.” Basically, there has been increased criticism around the shipping of food over long distances. The opposition points out that locally grown products don’t always translate to a net-reduced carbon footprint. Further, the economies of many developing countries are stimulated by the industry created by aviation and cargo air.

The Solution

One of the simplest steps airlines have taken is to impose an aggressive increase in passenger loads per flight. This has lead to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions per passenger miles traveled ­– despite the industry seeing gains in the number of miles passengers traveling.

The tragic events of 9/11 have led to a multitude of companies going under or downsizing. With that, many of the older, less-fuel-efficient airplanes were taken out of the sky. This unfortunate shift in the business of air travel has, fortunately, sped up the transition to newer fuel-efficient technologies as airlines recover and remerge into the market.

One modern innovation, developed by Pratt & Whitney, a technology development company, involves separating the fan that draws air in and the turbine that provides the thrust. In traditional jet engines these two components are connected, operating at the same speed. However, research has shown that separating these two pieces can produce significant fuel savings by providing more efficient thrust.

Also, big companies are making commitments to use alternative fuel sources. Boeing has made an aggressive and, perhaps overly, ambitious goal to have 1 percent of commercial flight fuel come from an alternative energy source by 2015. Boeing’s short time frame for this goal is their way of trying to supercharge innovation in the alternative fuel industry.

In a purely capitalistic sense, burning less fuel is very much in the best interest of the airlines. Less fuel used per passenger translates to more money, bottom line; not to mention more “fuel” for airlines’ public relations teams.

Halloween is on the way.  While this holiday is mostly about kids and candy, there are events, from parties to parades, that are fit for people of any age.  Costumes and scares are part of most experiences, but the different Halloween activities actually have little in common beyond that.  Some, like the activities and performances in Salem, Massachusetts, are steeped in history.  Others, like Halloween trick-or-treat and haunted house events held at theme parks, are much more mainstream.  Still others, like some events that take place in cities’ nightlife areas, are strictly for the over-21 crowd, though costumes and candy are still part of the experience.

Here are some of the best Halloween events taking place this year.

Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida celebrates the spooky festivities of Halloween in a big way.  There is a wide range of attractions, from trick-or-treating and crafts to high-tech special-effects that make Universal’s haunted houses the scariest in the nation.  These spooky nighttime events are held during October and feature special effects used to make some of the more frightening movies over the past few years.  Walt Disney World hosts a more kid-friendly event with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween, which features all the Halloween staples like candy and crafts.

Halloween gets into full swing in Toronto’s nightlife scene.  There are parties held at clubs and bars around the city.  These fetes range from costume parties at wine bars and concerts at music clubs to full blown Halloween extravaganzas at some of the largest dance clubs in Canada.

Halloween gets the musical treatment with the Voodoo Music Festival in New Orleans.  This is a huge fest drawing local and regional talent and internationally famous headliners.  This year, Weezer, Muse and Ozzy Osbourne will be among the list of acts taking the stage.  Voodoo will take place on the 28^th through the 30^th of October this year.

Guavaween is Tampa’s version of a Halloween bash.  It is held in historic Ybor City and features different activities depending on the time of day.  During the daytime, Guavaween is a family affair with costume contests, parades, activities and scavenger hunts.  Things get a little more wild in the evening, as the costumes and celebrations get a whole lot sexier.  The usual kids’ cut off time is around 4 p.m.  This celebration regularly draws more than 100,000 revelers, making it the biggest event in town each fall.

New York’s Village Halloween Parade, held in Greenwich Village on Halloween night each year, is one of the largest parades in the world, according to the numbers.  It draws nearly 2 million spectators and has as many as 50,000 participants.  The festivities are known for their creativity, with life-sized puppets and unusual costumes.  The parade is over a mile long and there are plenty of events in the neighborhood that coincide with the main parade.  Some people call the Village Parade New York’s version of Mardi Gras.

Historic cities, like New Orleans and San Francisco, have walking tours that are based on the city’s supernatural legends.  New Orleans offers tours of cemeteries and some of the historic mansions in the city that are rumored to be haunted.  San Francisco’s ghostly legends are sought out by the several walking tour companies that do business in the Bay Area.  These tours are a low-key alternative for people who want to do something to mark Halloween but don’t necessarily want to visit a theme park or put up with the crowds along a parade route.

Salem, Massachusetts provides a historic take on the holiday.  Known for its controversial and deadly witch trials, the town has always had an interest in the supernatural.  Salem has a month-long festival with Halloween themed events and performances.  There are walking tours, haunted trolley rides and even boat cruises.

For Latin cultures, the Day of the Dead is an important holiday, not for candy or scary stories, but because it is the day that they visit the graves of their ancestors in order to remember them.  San Antonio is one of the better cities in the US to experience this unique holiday.  There are plenty of crafts and folk art on display and for sale.  There is a procession that heads to gravesites around the city where people lay offerings on the graves and spend time there remembering their ancestors.

Here are the world’s most over-buzzed travel destinations.

Paris

The city is known for its sights, but notorious for its snooty population.  Of course, this is not a universally true stereotype.  The ratio of friendly people to snooty people is probably the same in France as it is in many other countries in Europe.  However, once you have seen the sights and strolled through the museums of Paris, the city is pretty ordinary and you will most likely have to break through the barrier of being a foreigner in order to have any truly unique experiences.  Despite this, Paris remains the capitol city of the world’s most visited country.

Hollywood

Most of the glamour is located in LA’s other boroughs and in the surrounding metro area.  Hollywood is not the streets-paved-with-gold neighborhood of most people’s imagine.  The glamour isn’t as visible as people expect.  Of course, the shallow attitudes, high prices and un-ending traffic are very evident.  Los Angeles is a great city with lots of diversity and excitement, so it’s a shame that most people focus on Hollywood and leave the rest out.

Dubai

This glitzy city has the look: modern shopping malls, plush hotels and stunning buildings.  But it is city without accessible culture and with an authoritarian streak.  There have already been a few highly-publicized stories of tourists getting jailed for so-called moral crimes.  These events have not stopped the building in Dubai (though budget problems have slowed it).  But you have wonder what’s next for Dubai.  It seems to be trying to become, in some respects, the Las Vegas of West Asia.  But without the no-holds-barred atmosphere, it is more akin to an adult version of Disneyland (only with sandstorms).

Daytona Beach

This is a spring break hot spot, but with so many other destinations in Florida, the crowds and less-than pristine beaches make it unattractive to anyone except college kids and race car fans.  Why bother when you can find better beaches on the Gold Coast and better nightlife in Miami?

Prague

This city was one of Europe’s hip hot-spots.  But why?  The food and nightlife are ok, but not extraordinary and there is still a bit of Eastern Bloc atmosphere in the place.  Besides, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is the place that is seducing hip globe-trotters now.  Prague is still a good stopping off point on an Eastern Europe adventure, but it is hardly the destination in and of itself.

Jamaica

This is another vacation hotspot that is popular but doesn’t always stand up to comparison with similar destinations.  The island is dangerous once you step outside of resort areas, so exploring is almost out-of-the-question.  That means that there is not much to do besides hang with the crowds of tourists on the beaches.  There are other destinations that are a bit harder to get to but easier to explore.

Venice

The incredible sinking city is basically staying afloat because of tourism.  Yes, it is possible to explore the city’s back alleys and get a true taste of local culture, but the gondola rides and guided tours offer nothing but clichés and are basically designed to separate tourists from their dollars.

Singapore

This is one of Asia’s great cities.  People have criticized it for being to sterile and authoritarian.  And they are, to a large degree, correct.  There are so many other experiences to be had in Southeast Asia, from Bangkok to Hanoi to Kuala Lumpur.  It would be shame to head to this city-state and simply spend your vacation in shopping malls and air conditioned restaurants.

One thing airlines are worried about is having passengers that are too dismissive of the safety message and being unprepared in the rare event that that information will be necessary to save lives. So, they try to make them memorable while keeping the passengers fully informed. Some do so with commendable grace, others crash and burn. Here’s a look at some of the best and worst airline safety videos.

New Zealand Air

Whether it’s the advanced climate of political correctness or the lasting impression of the Puritans, no one would expect to see an American airline company make such a bold flight safety video quite like Air New Zealand has. Their approach was based on the old adage that sex sells.

Hence, this saucy safety party features Air New Zealand flight attendants walking the passengers through the usual rigmarole donning only the pigments of the paint they’re covered in. Giggly referred to as “the bare essentials” and full of shameless innuendo, Air New Zealand gets two thumbs up for keeping passengers fixated on… safety!

Delta Airlines

The only thing that distinguishes Delta Airlines’s safety video from the others is the freakish looking flight attendant narrating the whole bit. Unless, you’re a sucker for collagen injections, her gigantic lips will put the rest of her head so out of proportion that she appears to be some sort of alien life form. Who can focus on saving oneself during an airline emergency, when the true threat may be saving mankind from invasion by the Queen of Planet Collagen?

Virgin America

Full of sarcasm and Tim Burtonesque animated passengers of all varieties, Virgin America takes a poke at its own industry’s annoyances. It goes through the all proper life vest, seatbelt, exit-is-here stuff, but the unique dynamic of the animated landscape keep the passengers’ attention. Virgin America succeeds in connecting with its passengers by identifying with the eye-rolling contempt most have for banal safety measures that are by and large common sense.

George Carlin

The late, great comedian George Carlin gave his two cents on the campy safety messages pervading the industry years ago. By calling attention to the euphemisms used by airlines to quell passenger panic and anxiety — such as turning “plunge into the ocean” into “in the event of a water landing”— he struck a chord with so many Americans thinking the same thing: if this mass of metal should happen to plunge to earth unexpectedly, there is really very little recourse that will be in the hands of its occupants.

Cebu Pacific Airlines

Cebu Pacific Airlines has an original approach: they use the power of music and dance to rile up the passengers for a brief safety seminar. As the flight attendants invade the aisles to the sounds of Lady Gaga, passengers aren’t sure whether to be alarmed or intrigued. Soon enough, the choreography speaks for itself and truly communicates the organization and dedication of the crew. If they have enough spunk and energy for this charade, you can be sure they will coordinate efficiently in the event of an emergency.

Southwest Airlines

Speaking of the power of song, one Southwest Airlines attendant turned to the power of rhythm with a soulful rap that touched on all the right points. After numerous takeoffs and mundane flight safety lectures, one man decided that he couldn’t go on without a little spice. One way to make sure everyone is on board with the safety lecture: make them keep time for you with a background beat of hand claps while you spit rhymes that address all of the important issues.

That said, sometimes, if luck is on your side, there are great last-minute deals to be found if you know where to look.  Bargain-hunting fliers can find more deals on some airlines than on others.

Here are the best airlines for last minute deals.

JetBlue

JetBlue has the best plan when it comes to selling last minute tickets.  Cheap fares are advertised regularly on social media, especially Twitter.  This makes it easy to get regular updates on fares without having to constantly check and recheck airline web sites and ticket booking sites.  JetBlue’s main twitter account has more than one-and-a-half million followers.  If you live in a JetBlue hub city or focus city, you will surely find plenty of deals each week.

Southwest

Southwest has a similar approach to social media.  It Tweets deals regularly.  However, some people complain that Southwest’s deal announcements are too few and far between and a bulk of the tweets are other forms of advertising that has nothing to do with ticket deals and more to do with the image that the company is trying to build.  That said, if your city is not served by JetBlue, Southwest’s fares will be among the lowest that you are likely to find.

American Airlines

American Airlines is one of the best amongst the legacy carriers for last minute deals.  American offers package deals that include both hotel and airfare (and sometimes flight and car packages as well).  Another plus for American is that they usually list the complete price including taxes and surcharges (but not those pesky bag check fees).  Most last minute deals are sold two weeks before departure, but it is possible to buy them as late as three hours before departure.

Virgin America

Virgin America has some of the best deals in the industry currently.  However, in many cases, two-week advanced purchase is required.  This might not qualify them for the title of “airline with the best last-minute deals,” but two weeks is not that long, especially considering the competitive pricing.

AirTran

Airtran lists weekly web deals that are often for last minute travel.  Fares are reduced, though sometimes there is only a small discount.  The positive things about AirTran is that there are lots of deals listed, so it is easy to compare prices.

US Airways

US Airways, likewise, has plenty of listings on their e-Saver page.  US Airways has many deals on international flights as well (something that is often hard to find when searching for lat minute deals).  There current e-Saver listings include flights to the Bahamas and various resort areas in Mexico.

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines is now the largest airline in the country.  It does post last minute deals, but they are unfortunately difficult to find as they are not consistently listed on the airline’s web site.  That said, third party sites often list last minute savings from the airline, which has greatly increased its reach since it merged with (or took over, depending who you ask) Northwest Airlines.

Last minute deals are not completely confined to domestic carriers.  International airlines also offer deals for those who are willing to forego lots of planning and gamble that they can get a great deal on a last-minute international flight. Like their ally American Airlines, British Airways has great last minute package deals.   The best deals are found one or two weeks before departure date.  Destinations include popular vacation spots in Europe like Ibiza and Nice, as well as hotel and flight packages for the US and the Caribbean.

Qantas Airlines

Qantas Airlines runs some of the world’s lengthiest flights (between US airports and Sydney can take a grueling 14 hours).  However, Qantas has some of the best last minute deals when it comes to international travel.  This airline really tries to sell their tickets rather than taking to the sky with empty seats.  The result is the availability of sub-$1,000 fares to Australia.  These deals are not only found in economy class.  Qantas discounts business class fares by more than 50% on a regular basis.  This puts last minute business-class fares at almost the same price as a regular economy class flight.

It has long been speculated that the airline industry, which at one point in the 1985 included more than 20 individual carriers, would consolidate down to around five. And although it’s been said before, the flurry of activity just in 2010 shows that airlines could be headed in that direction at some point in the future.

Where did it all begin?

Deregulation of the 1970s saw the rise of the low-cost airline. It wasn’t just increased competition from these so-called “discount” airlines in terms of the number of providers, it was pricing that created the biggest problems for the legacy airlines during this time. But the law of gravity says: what goes up must come down.

As a result, the number of airlines quickly began to shrink due to mergers and acquisitions. Do the names AirCal, Ozark, Peidmont, PSA, Republic or Western Airlines ring a bell? Probably either only vaguely or not at all.

The industry leveled out for a number of years and leading up to the early 2000s was trending upward. But in 2001, it took quite a hit for obvious reasons. It wasn’t until 2006 and 2007 when the airline industry topped out at $172 billion — the largest revenue number since 2000 — that it actually bounced back.

What does it all mean?

Airline mergers and acquisitions have consequences that reach beyond the airline bigwigs and travelers. First of all, not only do shareholders and executive management have to agree on a complex set of terms, even the Department of Justice can weigh in on the logistics of these decisions, reviewing the deals for antitrust purposes.

Does it always come down to money? Yes. All but one of the major carriers has filed for bankruptcy at some point, and the alternative often comes down to some form of consolidation. The impetus for most airline mergers is cost reduction, taking into account, at least in recent years, gas prices and recessionary times. But along with the financial savings of mergers comes complications and consequences: the operational costs associated with the integration of workforces as well as the consolidation of aircraft fleets and systems.

Because airline mergers seem to happen in waves the question still remains, do mergers actually make sense? Michael E. Levine, a former senior airline executive, answers it this way in a New York Times article, “It is not obvious that they [mergers] do. I never understood why tying together two people with two injured legs would produce a healthy runner.”

He may have a point. Take, for example, the U.S. Airlines and America West Airlines merger a few years back; the now-singular airline is still operating with two different flight networks. Or, think about it from the employee perspective; mergers always lead to speculation of layoffs, salary changes, and seniority complexities. For the airlines themselves there are considerable drawbacks: time spent configuring solutions to complex operational issues, devising a new approach for the competition, strife among workers, and responsibility to honor increased mileage rewards to travelers just to name a few.

Where does it go from here?

The late 2000s in particular has been quite an interesting one for the airline industry. Profits have been down considerably during the recession and looming gas-price increases never spell out good news for carriers.

Significant Mergers

Delta + Northwest Airlines (2008)

The acquisition proved to be fruitful, catapulting Delta to the title of largest airline in the world and generating significant cost savings for both the airlines.

United Airlines + Continental Airlines (May 2010)

This merger usurps Delta to become the new largest airline, positioning the airlines for global and domestic competition and improved service and performance.

Southwest Airlines + AirTran Airways (September 2010)

One of the first low-cost carrier acquisitions, this deal has shook up the airline industry, proving that there’s less pressure to keep prices low and making Southwest a powerful player in the industry.

These trends probably don’t signal the end for mergers or the end for new airlines emerging; they are just another sign that the airline Armageddon is probably not something the airline industry or its travelers will have to worry about the in the near future.

Aardvark Travel – One of the most detailed and organized travel forums out there, the site is not for the feint of heart. Choose from general forum, Arrivals & Departures, The Runway, The Cockpit, Control Tower, and many others start your search; or you can just use the forum’s search function.

BootsnAll – With a tagline “The Ultimate Resource for the Independent Traveler” there’s no lying on BootsnAll. The forum is comprised of an organic community of travelers, responsible for more than 400,000 posts, more than 10,000 articles, and over 30 sites since 1999. There’s almost nothing you can’t find here, and if you really, truly can’t find it, someone online will be able to help you out.

Graffiti Wall – Could you imagine having Rick Steves walk stride in stride with you as you backpack Venice? You can’t get much closer than with Rick Steves’ Graffiti Wall travel forum. This lively community of European travelers almost offers more valuable travel information than Rick Steves’ whole site and book collection combined.

MouthfulsFood – The nice thing about MouthfulsFood Forum is that it’s almost like a social network-forum hybrid; the site lets you know how many and which users are on the site at any point in time. Since May 2007, the forum has drawn out almost 650,000 posts from nearly 2,000 members. You can search through a wide range of some of the most unique categories or look up the most recently added topics.

Thorn Tree Travel Forum – Lonely Planet does it again. Get one of their books, check in on their Web site, or, even better, engage on their forum. Search by region or country or travel topic. The site is easy to use and you can even sign up for RSS feeds for specific categories.

Travellers Point – In addition to the timely forum posts, Travellers Point combines comprehensive travel guides, travel photography, and blogs. And you can be a part of it all if you so choose. The forum’s goal is to enrich the travel experience and enrich cultural understanding.

TravelPod – Built with bloggers in mind in 1997, TravelPod has evolved to become the go-to site for the active traveler. You can give and take travel advice, as well as help improve the site by contributing to the “Topics needing more help” tab. Don’t forget to give their travel blogs a chance; they offer some blogging features not seen on most other sites.

Warm weather destinations are in high demand during the winter months.  Because of this, airfares and hotel rates rise significantly (between December and March).  During the holiday season, prices at beach destinations usually reach their annual high.  People are willing to pay more if it means that they can escape the cold for a weekend or two.

Luckily, there are ways to get around paying a premium for your trip to the beach.  Though fares are almost always higher during the winter, certain airlines still offer reasonably priced deals for those willing to do a little leg work.  Here are some of the best places to look for cheap fares and great package deals to exotic warm weather destinations this winter.

JetBlue has expanded its service to the Caribbean over the past few years.  The low-cost-carrier flies to large island destinations, and even some smaller islands, from its bases in New York, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.  In general, the closer a flier can get to Florida, the cheaper their flight will be.  Current fare prices include an under-$300 round trip fare from JFK to Puerto Rico and a sub-$200 round trip fare from Orlando to the Bahamas.  These flights can be huge money-savers for people who live near a JetBlue hub or focus city.  Even if they do not, it may be possible to book a low-cost flight between another city and Fort Lauderdale (for example) and then connect to the Caribbean.  JetBlue also offers vacation packages, with some falling under the $500 mark to destinations like Puerto Rico, the DR and the Bahamas.

AirTran and Frontier are two other low-cost-carriers that have recently expanded their service to include popular vacation destination.  AirTran offers service to beach getaway spots like Cancun and Jamaica, as well as the Bahamas, Aruba and Key West.  The positive thing about AirTran is that they clearly list fare prices between each destination on their web site.  This allows fliers to see fares not only from the airline’s hubs and focus cities, but also from a city nearer to them.  This can be extremely practical when it comes to finding out the complete cost of air travel.  Fares are listed as one-way on the site, but with a little basic math, fliers can find plenty of $200-$400 fares between their airport and the Caribbean or Mexican destination of their dreams.

Frontier offers service to Mexico and Costa Rica, mainly from its Milwaukee, Kansas City and Denver hubs.  Like JetBlue, this airline can bring these tropical destinations within reach for people who do not necessarily live in major cities like New York and Miami.  Fares are generally competitive with other offerings of major carriers.

Caribbean Airlines has service to a multitude of warm weather destinations from Miami, New York and Toronto.  Fares are competitive.  This airline’s true strength is its inter-island routes.  Caribbean can easily be coupled with regional airlines like LIAT to ferry people to smaller, less-visited islands.  On these smaller island (Grenada or Saint Lucia, for example) it is possible to find cheap accommodations at family-run inns.  This approach allows travelers to put together their own “Caribbean budget vacation package.”

Hawaii and the South Pacific can be more expansive than the West Indies for Mainland US residents to reach.  French Polynesia is the ultimate tropical winter getaway destinations.  It is also one of the most expensive to reach by air.  Air Tahiti Nui often runs family-friendly promotions that allow a child to fly free with a paid adult.  This can be a great deal for families, with the price for a two-child family flying with this deal probably equaling the price of 4 regular price tickets to Hawaii.

Hawaiian Airlines is, predictably, one of the best carriers for people traveling from the West Coast to Hawaii.  The problem: in order to take advantage of good fares and even better package vacation deals (hotel plus airfare), travelers not in the Western US need to find a connecting flight.

Alaska Airline is a similar West Coast airline that offers great deals on flights to Hawaii.  Alaska has a little larger reach, making it possible for fliers to use the airline for connecting flights before taking off for Hawaii from the West Coast.

Even legacy carriers can have good deals on airfare/hotel packages.  American Airlines and Continental Airlines are both known for their Hawaiian package deals.  Airfares may seem more expensive, but when partnered with nearly-free hotel stays, the overall cost of a vacation can be quite reasonable.

Backpacks and Messenger Bags

Let’s start with the light traveler’s options: backpacks and messenger bags. Folks tend to desire a bit more attitude and design out of these bags as they may be long-term daily fixtures for students, businessmen, backpacking travelers, and more.

Puma, for one, offers some seriously stylish options. Hey hot stuff, are you so out of this world that you embody the essence of an Italian sports car? Then flaunt it with this super hip Ferrari backpack. I’ll catch you if I can, dude.

Not feeling so much like showing off? Then send a brighter, gentler, better future for us all message with Puma’s African Unity Bag. The design is modeled after the official bag of African World Cup players and every purchase contributes to a biodiversity charity.

For the more adventurous or outdoorsy type, you’re going to need some solid cargo capabilities. REI offers loads of options that maximize carrying capacity and minimize the strain you feel while carrying it all. The vast array of styles and specifications is sure to please travelers of all walks of life from the urban vagabond to the alpine yuppie.

And speaking of adventure, you’re going to want to stay hydrated through all the excitement. Enter the revolutionary Camelbaks; these portable gallons of gulp leave you empowered to set out into the great yonder. From tactical versions that are bulletproof and have gas mask adapters to models that are built into an aerodynamic athletic shirt design, there are no more excuses for being in a parched position.

Jansport has been around for some time, but they’ve managed to maintain a fairly low key image while offering a vast collection of types and styles to meet the evolving demands of today’s students, messengers, business people, and more.

They’re also one of the most economical options; products designed with function first – but still plenty of fashion – rather than being built aesthetically around a brand or image.

Luggage

With options including aluminum and carbon fiber, it’s quickly apparent that Zero Halliburton isn’t messing around when it comes to luggage. So, hey, James Bond, need a virtually indestructible case to house that priceless 6^th Century Snake Scepter on your snowmobile ride from Ukraine to Mongolia? Oh, and does it need to be fashionable? Yeah, they got you covered.

Travelpro® likes to boast that it is the brand of luggage used by airline employees and frequent travelers most. In fact, they say their business began in 1987 when a pilot invented The Original Rollaboard® which has now expanded into an extensive line including all manners of rolling language. Today they continue to offer no-nonsense, sensible options for frequent travelers.

Another giant in the luggage game is Samsonite. They definitely maintain a superstore presence and with a cornucopia of selection, they’ve been in the game for years and they’ve managed to keep up with change.

Specialty

One of the first things people ask when they know you’re willingly enduring the hardships of modern day travel is: Are you going for business or pleasure? If it’s the latter, then there’s a chance you want to hit the links while you’re on vacation. Luckily, there are some luggage makers that have designed with you and your sticks in mind. Check out Caddy Daddy or Bag Boy Golf for some serious club protection options.

SKB makes a ton of great cases for items ranging from guitars, to hunting bows, to golf clubs. One thing they all have in common is using super-tough technology to guarantee protection and endurance from their product. If you’re traveling with something expensive – maybe a new camera or that antique musket you just inherited – spend the extra cash and get something heavy duty.

Although, not nearly as head-turning as the aforementioned Zero Halliburton products, this line is much more forgiving on the pocketbook.

Sometimes the most important details about planning a trip can get neglected, like how you’re actually going to get to and from the airport for your flight. Depending on where you live or where you’re staying this may be a simple problem to solve or a more complicated or costly one. We’ll break down all your options and weigh the pros and cons of each based on convenience and cost. Then it’s up to you to make the best choice based on your particular travel situation.

Taxi

The nice thing about the taxi option is that you can be proactive and schedule a pickup a few days in advance. You also have the option of calling for a last-minute ride (anytime of the day or night) if your other ride plans fall through or if you simply just forgot to book. You won’t have to worry about sharing your ride with any other travelers, and typically the cab driver will help with your bags – an added bonus, particularly if you’re traveling alone. One of the best reasons to take a cab, perhaps selfishly, is the potential for excellent conversation; you never know what or who you’re going to get.

Cost: There seems to be a cost threshold with taxi cabs; if you live or are staying a relatively close distance to the airport (no more than 30-45 minutes) a cab is affordable, but definitely not the most inexpensive option. From New York’s JFK to Times Square will run you about $45, including tip and/or toll fees.

Convenience: With the exception of luxury transportation options and rides from relatives, taxis are about as convenient as it comes. Door-to-door transport service that’s speedy and considerably reliable is what you come to expect from even the shadiest of cab companies.

Family/Friend

If you live somewhere that doesn’t have public transportation or that is much too far away from the airport for traditional transportation, a family or friend arrangement may be your only option. Give yourself and your potential driver plenty of advance notice to schedule your ride and you shouldn’t run into any problems. You may also want to consider a combo transportation approach and get dropped off at a public transportation stop, particularly if your transporter is on a limited timeframe or if you’re asking to be driven a long distance. The only downside is that once you open up this can of worms, you’re on the hook to the return the favor.

Cost: Free! Enough said (unless of course you kindly offer to pay for the gas).

Convenience: It doesn’t get much more convenient than this, with the exception of when your ride forgets you or when your ride is running late, but you’d be a fool to choose someone who might be susceptible to theses types of issues in the first place. This is definitely the best option for traveling families who aren’t too large.

Public Transportation

Bus, subway, street car, light rail, cable car, train, tram. If your city offers public transportation, there’s going to be at least one line or route that ends up at the airport. If you’re traveling light or you aren’t on a tight timeframe, public transportation may be your best bet. Some factors to consider include: time of day, taking public transportation during peak ride times like the morning and evening rush hour probably won’t make the juice worth the squeeze; how you’ll get to the pick-up stop, paying for long-term parking just to ride the light rail, may not be economically advantageous; and schedule, public transportation may not run early or late enough for redeye or early morning flights, and, not all public transit options are as reliable as you may think.

Cost: If you’re a frequent rider, chance are you’ll already have a ride pass, and even if you don’t, public transportation is most likely going to be the cheapest way of getting to the airport, second only to bumming a ride or hitchhiking.

Convenience: We’re not going to lie, even traveling with two bags and with more than two people on public transit can be a huge pain, and you always run the risk of a technology failure or traffic accident. The good news is, however, that you’ll most likely get dropped off right at, or sometimes, inside of the airport, and once you’re riding it’s usually smooth sailing.

Shuttle Bus

You’ve seen the blue airport shuttle vans in your city no doubt. But, have you ever taken one? The shuttle bus is an excellent option for the frequent traveler, the lone traveler (with limited friends or family in the area), or the off-hour traveler. You can schedule way in advance (maybe even when you make your flight plans, hint hint) and you don’t have to worry about a thing except walking out your front door or hotel lobby when the horn honks. The big downside to any shuttle situation is having to share a small space with strangers, who are often travel stressed to begin with.

Cost: Within city limits, the cost of a shuttle is usually reasonable, but can get fairly costly ,fairly fast the more bodies and bags you’re traveling with. You’ll spend, approximately $21 from Times Square to JFK as a single passenger, for example.

Convenience: You can get picked up right at your door, but you’ll be limited on the amount of luggage you can bring, unless you don’t mind paying a lot extra. You’ll probably have to allot for a significant chunk of extra time to get to the airport to accommodate picking up the other travelers.

Drive Yourself

You’re in charge of your schedule when you drive yourself, which is probably one of the most enticing factors, unless, of course, you’re notorious for being late. This will be your only option if you’re dropping off a rental car and may be the simplest option when getting yourself to the airport to embark on your trip.

Cost: When you factor in gas and parking cost, driving yourself to the airport isn’t cheap, especially if you’ll be gone a long time – even extended-stay lots get pricey. The typical economy lot parking will run at least $5 to $10 a day.

Convenience: It’s not the most convenient, but also not the least convenience option available; you’ll only have to heft the bags in and out of the car once each way, but you also won’t have any help. You won’t have to rely on anyone else, but you will have to worry about traffic.

Private Car/Limo

When traveling with a large group, hiring a private car or limo service can actually be easy on the wallet, not to mention it’s never a bummer to have to ride in luxury. You can schedule them at any time of day, like a taxi, or you can pick one up curbside on your return trip. Plus, who hasn’t wanted to see your name held up on one of those signs when arriving at the airport?

Cost: If splitting the cost among multiple people, a private car or limo could easily end up costing you the same as a taxi or shuttle.  A Lincoln Town Car from JFK to Manhattan, for example, will run about $115 for three or more people.

Convenience: There’s nothing more convenient than having someone reliable waiting to pick you up at the airport who already knows exactly where he or she is taking you.

Make a friend. In our opinion, it’s better to make a friend with someone in your terminal than someone you’re going to have to sit next to for hours on end once you get on the plane, especially if that person turns out to be not so interesting, fun, normal, etc. as you thought.  If you don’t hit it off with this individual in your terminal you can easily relocate; just don’t get too wrapped up with your new friend that you miss your flight.
Take it one step further: Create a different persona: a new name, history, everything for yourself. Just make sure you come up with the foundation of your new character before you engage in conversation – you may run into some roadblocks if you’re working off the top of your head the whole time.

Get to know your terminal. Conduct a search for the cheapest food, the priciest souvenir, the best artwork, the silliest gift, etc. Buy what you need and spend a good chunk of time distracting yourself from the fact that you’re not yet at your desired location. Take it one step further: Document your experience on video as if you’re a tour guide.

Get hammered. It may not be kind on your wallet, but spending your layover time at the bar will certainly make the time go by. Who knows, you may even make some new friends while you’re at it.  Take it one step further. Play a new drinking game (either with yourself or anyone else who wants to join you) that involves taking a shot for every out-of-control child you see.

Catch up with family and friends. If you’ve got your phone charger with you, plant yourself near an electrical outlet, charge up the cellular, and spend some of your downtime reconnecting with friends or family members you’ve been meaning to call for a while.  Take it one step further. Pop open the laptop and gather a few of your friends for a group Web chat to recreate some of those “just like old times” moments.

Make up stories about the people at your gate. Airports are the best for people watching. If you’re going to spend the time eavesdropping and observing everyone around you why not put some creativity into it and start dreaming up their backgrounds, life situations, names, etc.
Take it one step further. Write haiku poems about the people and situations you observe. Just remember five/seven/five and you’ll have the funniest five minutes in a long time.

Start the wave at your gate. Once the loneliness kicks in, the need for human interaction quickly takes over. You can quickly figure out who’s going to be fun to sit next to and who to avoid like the plague.  Take it one step further. Try to get wave rolling through the entire terminal and possibly further.

Peruse the Duty Free. If you’ve got the shopping bug – or even if you don’t – the Duty Free section of the airport can provide hours of entertainment. It’s the perfect place to use up the rest of your foreign currency, plus any time of year you can get a great deal on perfume for mom or a bottle of Scotch for dad and save it for the next major holiday.
Take it one step further. Find the most outrageous locally made trinket and snag it for your next white elephant gift; you’ll be the talk of the party.

Multiple-city ticket packages and “around-the-world” fares can significantly reduce the price of an international trip.  They are especially useful for tourists who plan to explore a certain region of the globe or want to actually circle the globe during their vacation.

There are different deals for these type of ticket packages.  All three airline alliances offer “around the world” packages and regional packages.  Some independent airlines have regional ticket packages, and airline ticket consolidators specialize in “around the world” and regional packages.  Each offer has its own positives and negatives, but all give a chance to get a good value on international airfares.

Airline Alliances

Airline alliances (Star Alliance, OneWorld and SkyTeam) are groups of airlines that, together, provide global reach to fliers.  All these groups offer packages that make it possible to fly around the world on member airlines.

Star Alliance, with nearly 30 members, offers the most choices for customers.  However, the other alliances also have decent reach because their main members are among the world’s largest airlines.   Star’s Regional Passes are good for continents (Africa and Asia) and for popular destinations (Thailand, China, Brazil, Western Europe, Japan).  The group’s round the world fares are priced according to miles traveled.  Prices start at just under $4,000 for a multi-stop, around the world tour.

OneWorld’s fares are similar, but are based on the number of continents visited, not the number of miles flown.  There may be some instances where this could be a better deal (such as trips in Asia, the largest continent). OneWorld also has regional packages similar to Star’s offerings.

SkyTeam figures their global fares based on mileage.  They have the cheapest round the world offerings.  The lowest price is less than $3,000, but is only good for those traveling less than a relatively-straightforward 26,000 miles.  Other fares are, more or less, comparable to the other alliances.

Specialty agents whose primary focus is selling around the world tickets often have better prices than the alliances.  Of course, you might want to factor things like frequent flier mile earnings from alliances (these could be significant on a trans-world trek).  Still, the sticker prices from specialty agency are bound to be lower than a comparable alliance offering.  This is because these agents buy tickets from airline consolidators (companies that purchase tickets in bulk and then resell them).

Airtrek, a round the world specialist, offers business-class journeys for the same price as alliances’ economy class packages.  The agency also has its own regional passes.  Though some of these are very basic (3-4 stops maximum), they are available for little more than $1,000, making them ideal for budget travelers who want to traverse a region.

In general, the more straightforward a trip, the cheaper it will be.  Visiting popular destinations (and cities that are hubs for major airlines) can lead to fares under $2,000 for around the world tickets.  Keep in mind that these are merely air tickets, not package tours, so the cost does not include hotels and ground transportation.

Theme tickets packages and regional packages are also part of a discount ticket agency’s arsenal. Airbrokers is another agency specializing in these package fares.

Some airlines, along with their affiliates, offer regional passes for prices that vary between those of airline alliances and those of discount brokers.  Cathay Pacific’s All Asia Pass is one of the industry’s better deals, with prices starting at $1,500 for a multiple city trip.

Another option is to simply go to a brick-and-mortar travel agency.  They may have contacts with various consolidators and be able to make a custom around-the-world trip for a reasonable price.  Travelers who are able to be flexible about departure dates and itineraries can get an especially low price, as the agent will be able to search for the cheapest combination of flights (usually those flying mid-week).

Travelers will have to do their homework to make sure an around the world or regional ticket package is the best deal.  Low-cost-carriers can sometimes offer dirt cheap fares that, if combined, could add up to lower prices than a ticket package for a specific region.  In places like Europe and Japan, rail travel is another viable option to a regional air pass.

But some of America’s lesser known cities deserve more attention because of their attractions, user-friendliness and/or cultural venues.  Here are some of those under-rated destinations:

Cleveland

This city in the “Rust Belt” has much more to see than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  But Cleveland does still know how to rock; it has a great live music scene.  But it also has lots of public art and world class museums (some of which do not charge admission).  There are still remnants of Cleveland’s Golden Age when big business names (like Rockefeller) paid for construction projects that still stand today.  Though there is still plenty of evidence of the city’s status as a member of the Rust Belt, it is easy to find evidence of the city’s exciting past and hopeful future.

Baltimore

Baltimore is Washington D.C.’s often ignored little sister.  Mostly known for its high crime rates and its hard-luck sports teams, the city is actually one of the better places to experience some East Coast charm without the ultra-high prices and crowds you might find in Washington DC, New York or Boston.  The shiny Inner Harbor area is aimed at tourists, but it is still a good place to find tasty seafood and saltwater smells.  The city’s museums are world class and its neighborhoods offer a gritty charm.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is mostly associated with its cold, windy winters.  However, this city is one of the nation’s most scenic, with urban lakes and parks that are packed with boaters, walkers and picnickers during the warmer seasons.  The City of Lakes has a great arts scene and its theater and music scenes are known nationally by people in the performance industries.

Louisville

Horses play a central role in this city’s culture and image.  But it is not all thoroughbreds and mint juleps.  Louisville has an attractive riverfront area and a surprisingly accessible culture.  Like the other cities on this list, certain neighborhoods can be a bit rough, but if you do your research and know where to go, you can have a great time experiencing the city’s unique blend of Southern, Midwestern and Eastern culture.

Nashville

Yes, the list of attractions in this southern metropolis include the Grand Old Opry and the state capitol building.  But the music and sightseeing scenes go well beyond these well known spots.  Venues like the Bluebird Café are known for attracting the most promising up-and-coming singers, musicians and songwriters.  Nashville has plenty of restaurants and nightlife spots that bring to mind its Southern past.  But it is also a modern metropolis with a population that is becoming more and more diverse and attractions that give it a surprisingly cosmopolitan edge.

Oakland

Oakland is often relegated to third place when people talk about the Bay Area.  San Jose is a sprawling but pleasant high-tech metropolis and San Francisco is the Bay Area’s tourist gem with its world-famous neighborhoods and iconic sights.  Oakland is a surprisingly progressive city with plenty of tough neighborhoods, but plenty of pleasant, accessible ones as well.  Many refugees from San Francisco’s exorbitant cost of living have moved to Oakland and given it new life.  There is a great arts scene and a restaurant scene that is enjoying an increase in reputation.

Atlanta

Yes, this city hosted the 1996 Olympics and is home to cable television luminaries and popular sports teams, but it is not exactly the first destination on many urban travelers lists.  It is known as a somewhat dangerous city with plenty of tourist traps and numerous traffic jams.  But Atlanta has a cosmopolitan edge and is often referred to as the capitol of the New South.  It has one of the world’s most under-rated restaurant scenes and plenty of live music in a variety of genres.

Here are 50 top golf blogs to read before you head off for a golf vacation:

1. 4Golf.com. The “destination guide” section of this site is a great source of information about the best places to go on a golf vacation.
2. Addicted 2 Golf. This is a blog that is all about improving the amateur golfer’s
3. An Ideal Golf Course. This blog is about the design and building of golf courses. It can give you great golf destination ideas. It can also give you a greater appreciation of the golf courses that you visit during your travels.
4. Andrew Rice Golf. This is a helpful instructional blog for people who want to brush up on having a better game before they start their golf vacation.
5. Aussie Golfer. This blog is about golfing in Australia but it also has other helpful golf travel posts such as a recent post on top 25 New Zealand golf courses.
6. Better Golf With Fitness. This blog is about golf-specific fitness. These fitness tips can get you in better shape for your golf vacation and also keep you safe and in shape while you’re traveling.
7. Blair’s Golf Travel Blog. This About.com blog provides comprehensive information on golf travel.
8. Boston Golf Examiner. This blog is all about golf news. Reading it before you head off on your golf trip will give you something relevant to talk about on the golf course.
9. Brandon Tucker. This website has an entire section devoted to golf destinations. What a useful tool for golf travel planning!
10. Buzzin Golf. Swag for Golfers
11. Colorado Golfing. This is information specific to golf vacations in Colorado.
12. Connoisseur Golf. This blog is related to luxury golf travel.
13. Dogs That Chase Cars. This is a fun blog about golf topics. Its energetic tone will get you jazzed up for your upcoming golf vacation.
14. Fanhouse Golf. There is nothing about golf that you can’t find out from this all-encompassing blog.
15. Florida Golf Travel Blog. This is Tee Times USA’s guide to Florida golf travel.
16. Forelinksters. Find out what the best golf courses in the world are so that you can have the ultimate golf vacation game. They just launched a section on golf travel that promises to be exciting, helpful and interesting to golfers who want to enjoy golf vacations.
17. Golf at the Kingdom. The tips, training, advice and instruction provided on this blog can help you get ready for your golf trip.
18. Golf Babes. Learn about the women who are participating in the world of golf to gain an appreciation of the co-ed experience on courses.
19. Golf Chick. This blog has tons of different golf information including course reviews and clothing ideas for golfers seeking to travel.
20. Golf Course of Rhymes. These poetic stories about personal golf experiences are an inspiring thing to read before your own trip.
21. Golf Fore the Good. This “bridge between amateur golf and charitable giving” has great ideas for a charity golf vacation.
22. Golf Girl’s Diary. This “fun, flirty, fashionable golf blog” is a great women’s escape when you can’t get away from work to travel for a bit.
23. Golf Gym Blog. Golf exercise tips to get you in shape for your golf vacation.
24. Golf Travel Insider. This is an updated collection of articles from the Golf Channel.
25. Golf Vacation Insider. This online magazine has detailed information about golf travel.
26. Golf Week Travel Blog. Useful travel information from golf experts.
27. Golf, Naked: The Blog. The “places” and “tournaments” categories of this golf are particularly useful for travelers.
28. Golf.com Courses and Travel. This is the travel section of a leading golf website.
29. GolfBlogger. Find ideas about items you might need to buy for your golf vacation at this blog.
30. Golfgal. This is a great blog for women golfers who want something inspirational to read during their golf trip.
31. In Golf We Trust blog. This blog has a great section specific to golf travel.
32. Into The Grain. News, reviews and tips make this a one-stop-shop for golfers who want to brush up before their trips.
33. Itinerant Golf. The blog of “one man’s quest to play the top 100 golf courses”; a great inspiration for ideas on courses to play yourself.
34. Karen Misuraca’s Best Golf Resorts of The World. The name of this one says it all!
35. Life in the Rough. The personal updates about this golfer’s goals and achievements can help you to set your own goals before a golf vacation.
36. My Green Jacket. This blogger shares his own experiences with golf in a way that makes you want to compete with him by enjoying your own awesome golf experiences.
37. Myrtle Beach Golf. Great information about golf from a leading golf travel destination.
38. Orbitz Golf Travel. This popular travel search engine has great tips, ideas and deals for golf vacations.
39. Ottawa Golf Blog. This blog has helpful reviews of the latest golf equipment and clothing. It can help you with pre-trip shopping.
40. Phil Bundy. This golfer’s question to play on the PGA Tour is motivating for others who play tournament golf.
41. PinkDivaGolf.com blog. Interviews and news about women’s golf; great for lady golfers planning their own golf trips.
42. Pro Golf Swing Videos. Watching these slow motion golf swing videos can help you to improve your golf game before a golf vacation.
43. Putter Zone. Do you need a new putter before your next golf vacation? The reviews on this site can help you find the right one.
44. Score Golf blogs. This is a set of blogs from different viewpoints so you can find a blogger you like and read up on golf before your vacation.
45. SpyGolfer. In addition to the blog, this site has golf deals and a golfer’s forum, which can both be really helpful in planning a golf trip.
46. The Official Blog of PerryGolf. This blog is all about international golf and travel.
47. Tour Golf Blog. This blog has a very useful section on golf equipment to help you figure out what to take on your golf vacation.
48. Travel Caddie. This is the Golf Channel’s travel blog.
49. Traveling Golfer. This is the ultimate personal experience golf travel blog.
50. WAM Golf. Course reviews and information on the top 100 courses are a few of the things you can check out on this golf blog.

• Memorize the 3-1-1 rule. This is the rule that helps you to remember how to pack toiletries for carryon. It says to put the items (such as shampoo) in travel-sized bottles that are about 3 ounces. (That’s the “3” but the exact size is 3.4 ounces.) Put this inside of one clear zip-top plastic bag that is 1 quart in size or smaller.

• Don’t overpack on toiletries and cosmetics. Even if you have an entire cabinet full of beauty items at home, take only the basics with you when you travel. Your skin and hair won’t suffer that much if you use basic soap and shampoo for a few days on a trip. If there are things that you can’t live without, see if you can buy some combos. For example, you can get sunscreen and moisturizer in one instead of packing each.

• Get luggage that has secure TSA-approved locks. Other locks will be broken and damaged by security people checking out your luggage. Locks that aren’t secure may open during travel.

• Remember “heavy on top” for backpacks. If your carry-on is a backpack then remember that the most comfortable way to pack a backpack is to put all of the lightest (but non-breakable) items on the bottom and the heavier items on the top.

• Don’t pack a guidebook. They’re too heavy. Take notes on what’s really important from them. Get a lightweight foldout map. Use phone apps.

• Spread books and notebooks across your luggage. When packing books and notebooks into your suitcase, don’t stack them. Instead, spread them out in layers for even weight distribution.

• Roll clothing. One of the top tips for smart, efficient packing is to roll your clothing items instead of folding them to create more space. An advanced tip is to roll clothes inside of tissue paper in order to prevent wrinkling. And if you don’t like rolling clothes then some other recommended options are folding your clothing together and bundling your clothing.

• Pack mix-and-match clothing that layers well. This allows you to have a variety of different outfits for different types of weather with as few clothing items as possible.

• Limit the number of jeans and jackets that you pack. These items take up the most room in your luggage. Plan to re-wear or wash these items during the trip rather than taking lots of extras.

• Pack items in separate plastic bags. Traveller’s Point recommends that you pack each different type of item (all your shirts, all your underwear, all your toiletries) in their own separate plastic bags. It makes it easy to see what you’ve packed, what you need more or less of, etc. It can also make it simpler to get through customs. Plus if you have any stinky clothes or shoes then it prevents the smell from infecting the rest of the suitcase.

• Use dividers in your suitcase. You can simply lift out the divider to reach the items that are underneath. This prevents making a big mess every time that you dig into your suitcase to get something. And this is another one that might make moving through customs simpler. Note that you can buy official dividers if your suitcase doesn’t come with them but you can also just use cardboard pieces cut to size.

• Always pack important documents in your carry-on. This includes your passport, ID, flight and hotel information, travel and health insurance information and any documents that you need for business travel.

• Choose luggage that has many different organizing pockets. This helps to keep both your regular suitcase and your carry-on neatly organized every single time that you travel.

• Split your valuables into different pockets. Cash, traveler’s checks, credit cards, ID and other valuables should not all be stored together in the same pocket. Split them up in different pockets and store some in a wallet or purse on your person. This helps reduce the chance that all items will be stolen at once.

• Appropriately mark your bags with luggage tags. Ideally, use a business address or post office box for safe return of lost luggage without compromising your home address.

Overly perky

Service with a smile is always appreciated, but sometimes too much of a good thing is… well, just that, too much! When the freshly caffeinated host of your redeye flight tries to wind the cabin up as if embarking on Magic Mountain, it can be a little abrasive. Just cross your fingers that the one on your return flight opts for a calming chamomile over a cappuccino.

Stickler

Maybe, you’re cutting all the corners you can to save time; maybe you’re sick and tired of the airline losing your bag. Regardless, sometimes you just want to deal with your bag on your own. But beware of the carry-on limits, especially if you’ve got a flight attendant who chooses to be a stickler. Now you’ve just set yourself up to be vilified by your cabin mates who incur the delay while your bag has to be checked and the, worse yet, your solitary source of luggage gets lost in the melee.

Moody

People with bad attitudes can pop up in nearly any setting, but when it’s a flight attendant, the situation can be particularly tricky. Not to downplay the importance of our hosts and hostesses of the sky, but flight attendants are in a lot of ways like servers at restaurants. The problem is: at 30,000 feet you can’t speak to management because they’re busy flying the plane or tens of thousands of miles away on the ground. Hence, the intelligent traveler must suppress any desires to snap back at a saucy attendant in order to avoid being blacklisted by the sole source of food and refreshment.

Fantasy

This next flight attendant could come straight out of a Bond movie or a teenager’s dream. Today, the fantasy flight attendant usually flies under the radar as political correctness sometimes trumps “sex sells,” but that doesn’t mean some airlines aren’t pushing the provocative. Check out the controversy this Russian airline has stirred up.

Golden Girls

Every industry has its dinosaurs and the airline industry is no exception. They’ve seen it all: unruly passengers, turbulence, grueling delays. Yet, they persevere and continue to keep the skies friendly. Take Iris Peterson, for example, a flight attendant who served from 1946 to 2007.

Creative

These flight attendants operate on novelty to distract passengers from the drudgery of air travel. Whether they’ve got a cute little rhyme, a silly little parody song, or a tightly stitched rap, hey, they’re trying to make your ride a little less gloomy. So, turn off that air rage, put a smile on your face, and soak up the entertainment. With the Sky Mall catalog full of worthless gadgetry and this guy, your dead iPod battery becomes much less of a hardship.

Fed Up

As Steven Slater showed recently, sometimes enough is enough. Following his last argument with a passenger, Slater opened the emergency exit, grabbed a beer and slid down the emergency chute. Luckily, this all took place while the plane was on the ground. Nonetheless, unnecessarily activating emergency equipment on an airliner is frowned upon more than ever these days, and Slater is facing some serious charges.

Almost Fearless – General

Almost Fearless is a blog about a new mother who decided to drop sedentary life in favor of wandering the globe as a freelance writer. She has hit 17 countries and 25 cities since setting out in 2008. In addition to writing about the places she’s visiting she helps others learn from her experiences living on the road and traveling with an infant.

Anders Meanders – General

Anders Meanders is a blog written by an older woman based out of Austin, Texas. Its target demographic is likely for middle-class folks looking to stretch their dollar on a nice vacation. Full of heads-up deals and reasonable travel destinations, it takes a practical approach to vacationing.

Art of Backpacking – Advice

With intent to capture the snapshots of simple and minimal backpacking travel adventures, the Art of Backpacking was created by friends Michael and Theresa with contributing stories from travelers around the world. The blog does a great job of demonstrating how to have fun, have adventure, while traveling in style.

Brilliant Trips – General

The Brilliant Trips blog aims to talk about just that, brilliant trips. With stunning photography from beautiful locations around the world, this blog is sure to inspire wanderlust in anyone passing by. Luckily, they include subsequent cheap hotel information for all those amazing spots.

Business Week’s Airline Blog – General

Business Week’s airline blog is well structured and offers enough variety in its content that it won’t cater to just one kind of traveler. Find out about airline business news, safety, and all kinds of issues in the world of air travel.

Consumer Traveler – General

Consumer Traveler lays claim to being “the oldest continuously published travel news and commentary site.” It shows, with a vast collection from different writers dishing out a wide variety of travel content daily.

Frommer’s Travel Blog – General

This blog is purportedly penned by the famous Arthur Frommer of the super-famous Frommer’s travel guides. Once the Internet came along, Frommer kept up, with timely blog posts about his travels along with pictures, links, and videos.

Gadling Travel Blog – General

Gadling is a good site for the young, modern traveler. Full of nightlife reviews and the latest technology for travel, this one is sure to keep your jet setting in the now.

Go Green Travel – General (Eco)

There’s no travel list these days that doesn’t mention eco-travel. Looking for green hotels, eco tours, local food, and public transportation? Look no further than this blog.

Hotel Blogs – Hotels

There aren’t many bloggers out there with a more specialized background in the hospitality, and more specifically, the hotel industry. This French Londoner’s blog pairs his passion for travel with his expertise for the industry, featuring photos, videos, reviews, and industry as well as traveler interactions.

Hotel Chatter – Hotels

As part of the Conde Nast group, Hotel Chatter covers all things hotel and lodging, including deals, reviews, celebrities, news, booking tips, etc. The site is updated daily and accepts readers submission.

In Transit (The New York Times) – Advice

Leveraging the already supreme writing of New York Times reporters and editors, In Transit features travel news, deals, and tips. The blog is also home to Globespotters, which features travel blog posts about news and events from 10 international cities.

Jaunted – General

Think pop culture and online entertainment magazine meets travel site; that’s Jaunted. It gives the new generation of travelers the quick, witty, and dirty lowdown on everything you can get in a monthly travel magazine and more.

Legal Nomads ­– Destinations

Jodi did corporate law in a previous life who saved up her big lawyer salary for five years to begin traveling around the world in 2008. Fortunately for us, she decided to blog about it. With an image dominant-format and chock-full of poignant stories from Africa and the Far East, this is a blog that isn’t to be missed.

Lonely Planet – Destinations

You know Lonely Planet to offer some of the best travel literature out there, but did you ever think the Lonely Planet team might also produce an excellent blog? Yeah, we did too. Founded by two newlyweds almost 30 years ago, the Lonely Planet team is now made up of professional writers, authors, and journalists who are known for practical travel information meshed with insider tidbits.

Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site – General

The images are awesome. The blog posts aren’t short but they’re well worth it as the trips are broken down into perfectly manageable chunks by this 20-something blogger who travels the world and chronicles it for a “living.”

Old World Wandering – Destinations

It’s a story of two travelers taking international trips – London to Shanghai and Shanghai to Cape Town. Think 20 countries in 18 months. The blogs is broken into world regions from trips: British Isles, the Continent, the Near East, the Middle East and North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Far East and features 25,000 photos.

Peter Greenberg – General

What’s a travel list without the name Peter Greenberg? The travel journalist king launched petergreenberg.com in 2007 to become one of the most visited travel sites on the Web for travel news and analysis.

Rick Steves Blog – General (Europe)

Anyone whose ever traveled to or wanted to travel to Europe has heard of Rick Steves. His books are the best travel guides in the industry, and his blog is no exception.

Ship Critic – Cruises

Ship Critic is easily one of the most popular cruise-related travel blogs out there brought to us by Anne Campbell, a journalist who has been covering the cruise industry since 1993. Her posts are in depth, insightful, and interactive.

The Cheapest Destinations Blog – General

It’s nothing fancy aesthetically, but if you’re looking for tips and information on how to save money on travel, this is the place to look. Tim Leffel is the author of The World’s Cheapest Destinations and Make Your Travel Dollars Worth a Fortune: The Contrarian Traveler’s Guide to Getting More for Less, among other titles and publications.

The Cruise Log – Cruise

USA Today’s cruise blog allows you to search for cruises, read about the latest cruise news, views, and updates, and read the most recent reader commentary.

The Middle Seat Terminal – Airlines

The Middle Seat Terminal is written by the Wall Street Journal’s well-traveled Scott McCartney who has “been on the airline beat since 1995.” This blog combines both up to date critical economic coverage and anecdotal story telling.

This Just In – General

Budget Travel is already one of the most valuable travel resources, but since 2005 the Frommer’s blog has been covering every possible travel topic on the Web for all to benefit. Known for its in-depth and unbiased coverage this blog is a must bookmark.

Travel Babel – General

Though this blogger is based out of Colorado, her blog writing takes you all over the world and offers real world advice for every type of traveler. It was also recently named one of the Top 25 Awesome Travel Blogs on Cheaphotels.net.

Travel-Best Destinations – Destinations

If you’re looking for a great travel photography blog, look no further than this Croatian Web developer’s blog. Featuring slideshows and country-by-country stats it’s the perfect blend of beauty and simplicity.

Travel Maven – Cruises

For more than 25 years, David Molyneaux has covered the travel industry as a columnist and journalist and is president of the Society of American Travel Writers. Basically, what we’re saying is, this guy knows travel and you should read what he has to say.

Travel Rants – General (UK)

Ever wished there would be someone who could speak your concerns and complaints to the masses about the travel industry? Darren Cronian is your guy. Plus when you’re not complaining, the stories are pretty good entertainment.

Traveler 2.0 – General

If you’re looking for anything tech and travel you’ll find it here. This blog gives you travel advice related to technology and features new technologies to make your travel life easier.

Travellious – General

This is the radical blog on the list. The founders consider themselves one part rebel and one part travel writer (hence the name). This blog will show you how not to follow the travel guidebook by sharing off-the-beaten trail experiences and resources.

Upgrade: Travel Better – General

This blog offers to help you live “the first class life at coach prices.” In addition to giving advice on topics such as pre-booking and baggage fees, there are plenty of fun articles and multimedia to keep you entertained.

Up Take – Hotels

Up Take does the research on accommodations so you don’t have to. The blog’s hotel information spans the globe to give the true inside scoop on a broad spectrum of hotels.

USA Today Hotels Blog – Hotels

This is USA Today’s blog all about the latest in hotel news. Topics covered include hotel, construction, business dealings, scandals and hassles. It offers a well-blended mix to make for easy reading.

World Hum – General

World Hum boasts the “best travel stories on the Internet.” Whether or not that’s true, it is safe to say the site has a huge volume of content from all kinds of writers vacationing and traveling through all kinds of destinations around the globe.

AirAsia Perks

Their biggest perk is that they offer high-quality service at a low cost. You get the best value for your money.

Air Canada Perks

This airline offers a loyalty rewards program that makes it easy to get frequent flyer seats with them

AirTran Airways Perks

Some people say the best perk of this is airline is that it’s cheap but it’s also that it’s usually got short security lines and easy check-in.

Alaska Airlines Perks

Yelp reviewers who like this airline say it’s because of their great customer service. Their accommodating whether you’re dealing with them in-person at the gate or over the phone to make flight changes.

American Airlines Perks

American Airlines has taken a lot of flak this year because of the fact that it charges for perks like good boarding. That said, they have a top loyalty rewards program which is a popular perk.

America West Perks

If you’re afraid of flying then you’ll be glad to know that this airline is one of the airlines that has not ever had a fatal crash.

Cathay Pacific Perks

Are you looking for an airline that’s going to let you stretch out your legs? Legroom is the best perk of Cathay Pacific.

Continental Airlines Perks

Many of the people who like this airline say that the reason is because of their President’s Club. It has lounges with personalized service, free wi-fi and complimentary drinks. Friendly, helpful employees in general are a nice perk of this airline.

Delta Airlines Perks

The best perk about this airline is how quickly they get you on a new flight if there’s a problem with your flight. This includes putting you on flights with sister airlines or even competitor airlines.

Emirates Perks

The best perk from Emirates is that they have the most awesome in-flight entertainment you’ve every enjoyed.

Frontier Airlines Perks

A lot of us don’t even bother to check out airline websites because we use travel search engines instead. However, for those folks who like going directly to the airlines, site Frontier is a top pick. They have the most user-friendly website of all.

Japan Airlines Perks

Here’s a real perk – most of the flights from this airline are actually on time!

JetBlue Perks

The biggest perk offered with this airline is the fact that it has the most coach seating legroom of any U.S. airline. Although pet lovers may think its best perk is that it’s dog-friendly. Other top jetBlue perks are low fares with free snacks and good in-flight entertainment.

Qatar Airways Perks

What really stands out about Qatar Airways is its business class, which includes delicious catering.

SAS Perks

This popular Scandinavian airline is one of the ones that stands out with the perk of usually having on-time flights.

Singapore Airlines Perks

What would you like best about this airline if you took a flight on it? The cabin crew! They’re helpful, good looking and professional.

Southwest Perks

It’s all about cost with Southwest. They offer no-frills, low-cost travel and don’t charge a bunch of hidden fees. As a bonus, they’re also usually on time and they’re great with social media.

United Airlines

If you enjoy eating the food on your airlines then you like the perk that this one offers which is food that’s actually really good. Heated mixed nuts anyone?

U.S. Airways

This airline doesn’t rank too high for any of their perks, unfortunately. Some people report friendly service although others don’t rank it high for this. That said, they do appear to be helpful for special needs travelers.

Virgin America Perks

If you love your laptop then you’ll like the top perks of this airline, which include at-seat outlets and free Wi-Fi. If you love the earth then you’d probably say that the airline’s top perk is the fact that it is one of the most eco-conscious airlines in the world and probably the greenest in the U.S.

Note: This information is culled together from research into recent airline awards such as The World Airline Awards and the OAG Airline Industry Awards. Various airline consumer reviews were also checked.

Sometimes it seems that the only way to get a good meal on an airplane is to spring for a first-class ticket.  In order to earn repeat fliers in the premium classes, airlines go all out by offering gourmet foods and wines for their over-paying first-class customers.  However, even in first class, it is sometimes difficult to find a quality meal.

But not all airlines have poor food.  In fact, some serve great meals, even to those sitting in economy class.  While few domestic airlines in the US are known for their in-flight edibles (how many even serve meals on domestic flights anymore?), international airlines often serve superior food.

Here are the best airlines to fly if you want to get a good in-flight meal.

Singapore Airlines:

Singapore Airlines is consistently rated one of the world’s best airlines. It takes its food service more seriously than most airlines.  The airline revisits its premium class meal offerings several times each year, trying to improve the finer points of its menu.  First class passengers also have access to fine wines and Champaign.  Though economy class fare is not as high quality (no lobster for the masses), Singapore does pay special attention to the combination of foods and presentation of the meal.  So at least your food looks reasonably nice as you munch away in your economy class seat.

Turkish Airlines:

This airline’s food rates highly in surveys.  There is nothing too special about the dishes: no celebrity chefs’ recipes or frequent menu redesigns.  They serve mostly classic Turkish/Mediterranean food.  The good thing about Turkish Airlines is that it does not try to be fancy or cutting edge.  It merely strives to produce Turkish favorites that still taste good after being re-warmed by the flight attendants.  Of course, if you are not fond of pastas or lamb, you may disagree with the rave reviews.

Etihad Airways:

Etihad Airways consistently rates as one of the best airlines in the world.  Its first-class meals are decidedly upscale with fine wines and dishes that would not be out of place at a four-star sit-down restaurant.  All passengers get food that at least sounds interesting (quiche, ratatouille, omelets with watercress salad).  These economy class eats have earned the U.A.E.-based airline almost universally positive reviews.

Cathay Pacific:

Cathay Pacific: This Hong Kong-based powerhouse is consistently atop the heap when it comes to quality.   Its premium-classes feature meals that can hold their own against the world’s other high-end airlines.  Cathay is one of the first airlines to have rice cookers and skillets on board their aircraft.  This gives at least the possibility of something besides re-warmed, plastic wrapped food.  Freshness is always a good thing, even if it is as basic as hand-made rice.>

A little closer to home:

Virgin America:

With snacks like soft chocolate cookies and fruit and cheese dishes, Virgin beats the peanuts and pretzels offered by the competition.  Cubano sandwiches and artichoke chicken sandwich wraps give the menu a little out-of-the-ordinary appeal.

Continental Airlines:

Continental Airlines was the last of the legacy carriers to give up free meals in economy class on domestic flights.  Still, its offerings, such as fried chicken and salad, are above average.  When it comes to first class food, Continental still pulls out all the stops, and is considered the best amongst domestic carriers.
Midwest Airlines serves the standard array of sandwiches and snacks.  One major difference about this airline is their baked-on-board cookies, which do not have the typically stale, cardboard-like taste that can be used to describe cookies on most other flights.  When it comes to airline food, a little freshness can make all the difference.

AirCanda:

AirCanada’s food can perhaps be described as slightly above average.  But in these times of a la carte air travel, when passengers are charged extra for just about everything from checking baggage to eating lunch while in-flight, Air Canada is tying to make it easier.  They are instituting a program where passengers can pre-pay for meals online.  They are given a meal voucher which can be used in lieu of cash or credit cards when they are on the plane.  Passengers also get a discount of 20% when they pre-pay online.  Decent food and a convenient way to pay: what more could you ask for in this era of airline mediocrity.

North Korea

What’s the first thing that pops into your head when someone mentions North Korea? A xenophobic dictator keeping his people in the Stone Age? How about a tourist hotspot? No? Well, that’s because only a handful of “western” tourists are authorized to visit North Korea, and even then, only on very restricted terms.

Although The Democratic (irony here?) People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) boasts of beautiful natural scenery and a reportedly very-low crime rate, foreboding concerns run rampant. One sign that the north might not be ready for international tourist appeal is a July 2008 incident during which a North Korean soldier shot a South Korean tourist near Mount Kumgang, a DPRK mountain resort.

The United States doesn’t maintain any kind of embassy there, and so U.S. citizens have to rely on the Swedish consulate for diplomatic assistance. Furthermore, the U.S. State Department warns that your phones, faxes, hotel rooms, personal possessions, and even you are subject to extensive searches at any time. Not to mention, taking pictures, interacting with the local population, or participating in religious activities could make you a criminal.

New York

Ah, the Big Apple: the glitzy, glamorous, city that never sleeps. New York may be the epicenter of some very important dealings in the world, but as a tourist destination, its appeal is WAY overrated.

The novelty of everyone being rude wears off quickly as you will be pushed by strangers in public and looked at with utter disgust if, guffaw, you happen to be carrying a map or tour pamphlet. Victorian manners aren’t necessary, but every shred of courtesy was purged from this city long ago.

Many of those who live and work in NYC carry with them the too-cool-for-the-world attitude, which will explain the condescending looks you get from your 70-pound waiter who has to deliver one plate at a time because “emaciation is in this summer.”

Sure, there are tons of historic landmarks and famous places to see, but they’re over-crowded, over-priced, and over-rated. Plus, there really isn’t a good time of year to visit; the summer is sweltering and winter is wet and cold.

Mexico

For those who aren’t visiting family in Mexico, going south of the border used to mean spring break, cheap vacations, and just a general sense of getting away from it all. Lately, however, that sense of hospitality is becoming a sense of hostility as violence has increased significantly over the years.

As drug gangs have gained multi-billionaire status funded by “The American War on Drugs” they have also spent a great deal of that defending their empires. Now, an arms race is underway between rival gangs and the police, sometimes erupting in public places.

Just this summer, travel advisories were issued for Nuevo Laredo – a Mexican city just across the Texas border – because drug gangs were using grenades against Mexican army troops and carjacking vehicles on the nearby highway.

Also, the U.S. State Department says there are dozens of unsolved kidnappings of U.S. citizens throughout Mexico. Suddenly the economic benefits of visiting Mexico are being outweighed by the risks of violence.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has long invoked images of sandy beaches and beautiful women. However, over the years, the darker side of Rio has come into the light: wretched slums, miserable poverty, and street violence. Although the city is slated to host highly lauded international events – the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 summer Olympics – it still has a lot of ground to gain in making tourists feel safe.

Just as recently as Aug. 22, 2010, a gun battle between gangs and police spilled in to the Intercontinental Hotel, a very popular resort for foreign tourists. The gang managed to take employees and guests hostage, staging a standoff with the police that ended only after a firefight killed one gang member and wounded other gang members and police.

This event has even been rumored to stir up second thoughts amongst the crew of the latest “Twilight” saga movie that was planning on shooting some scenes in Rio. Ooh, even the undead are staying away.

Death Valley

The single virtue of Death Valley seems to be the scenery. Vast landscapes of barren earth surround visitors exposing beautiful color palettes of the desert.

Behind all that lies a rather uneventful, exploitative history. The first people to settle in Death Valley after the Native Americans were Americans looking to mine gold and borax. And then, of course, there were a few innocent Japanese folks temporarily interned in Death Valley, moved from their WWII internment camp during a riot.

And now, the National Park Service is trying to turn people on to the wondrous offerings of the lowest, driest, hottest place in the United States? That might be a tough sell.

Depending on where you’re traveling to, it won’t always be a situation where you can hand over your insurance card and have that take care of all your needs, particularly in another country. However, you can also run into similar insurance problems even when traveling to another state if you have minimal coverage. You’ll do whatever it takes in the heat of any emergency, but what will you actually end up paying for in the end, especially if you had no protection to begin with. Take the time to do your research on traveler’s insurance before your trip; better safe than sorry right?

What is it?

There are typically two general categories of travel insurance – one specifically for medical coverage and one that specifically covers your investment in travel. When inquiring about traveler’s insurance either with your booking agent or your personal medical insurance company you may be able to choose coverage in the form of a comprehensive package or on an ad hoc basis.

If there’s a good chance you may need to cancel your trip at the last minute, look into trip-cancellation insurance (TCI) policies; these will cover you if you have to cancel a trip before you leave home or if you have to cut short the trip part way through.

Emergency medical-evacuation (EME) policies will cover the added cost of having to be rushed to a medical facility, but you can also look into bundled policies, allowing you to buy as much TCI as you want (typically subject to a $10,000 maximum), a moderate amount of EME, plus a handful of other coverage’s. The price is based on the amount of TCI you buy.

The types of travel insurance you’ll typically hear about, include:

• Trip cancellation: generally covers you for non-refundable payments or deposits when unforeseen circumstances cause trip cancellations
• Trip delay: provides you with reimbursements when your trip has to be postponed
• Accident/sickness medial expenses: covers you for medical expenses incurred on a trip (especially important when overseas)
• Medical evacuation/emergency transportation: provides coverage for costs of emergency medical transport on vacation
• Supplier default: covers your deposits and payments in the case a travel supplier goes out of business, etc.
• Baggage/personal effects loss or delay: covers your lost, damaged, or stolen items on a trip

How do I get it?

The best place to start researching traveler medical insurance is with your current insurance provider; this is called supplier provided coverage. If you’re covered under Social Security or Medicare, however, you won’t have a travel insurance option and may want to contact the American Association of Retired Persons for information about medical care coverage for travel. Keep in mind that supplier-provided coverage will typically be marked up $6 for every $100.

Almost every travel vendor, including cruise lines and other travel tour companies, offer a travel protection plan as an option with their travel packages. These types of third-party insurers will often cover you in case of a corporate financial pitfall, whereas your supplier-provided coverage will not. You can also look for other third- party travel insurance providers on the Web; just make sure to do your research because the Internet is a breeding ground for fraudulent insurance companies.

What do I look for?

Remember that price won’t be very negotiable, but that cutting back on travel insurance up front can easily come around to bite you on the back end. The cost of traveler insurance is generally 5 to 7 percent of the price of the vacation, so a $5,000 trip would cost roughly $250 to $350 to insure and to insure $1,000 worth of personal belongings for a week, it would cost roughly $50 per year.

You can never go wrong with asking a lot of questions. Just because something is stated online or in your literature, doesn’t mean it’s exactly what you’re going to get, and the last place you want to figure that out is when you’re stuck in the hospital or at the airport in some foreign country. If you’re traveling to Europe, consider the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), formally know as the E111, enabling access to healthcare abroad.

Here are some questions to consider:

• What type of medical transport will be covered (ie: transportation back to the United States for treatment)?
• Are there restrictions for the types of activities?
• What does coverage look like for pre-existing conditions?
• How will insurance payments to other countries work? Can I be assured that those payments would be taken of?
• What countries will I be covered in?
• Does the insurance program include 24-hour emergency service and assistance when abroad?
• Can I get explicit clarification on exceptions, exclusions, and any other limitations in writing?
• What documentation do I need to file a claim and how quickly do I need to file any claims for them to be valid?
• Does the insurance cover any legal costs?

Travel Hacks for Booking Travel

Save time and money on booking travel with the following ten hacks:

1.  Use multiple travel search engines to find the lowest fare. It only takes a few moments to run your search through a second and third search engine and it can save you a nice bit of money. Top search engines include Kayak, Cheaptickets and Bing Travel. Sidestep and Farechase are comparison-shopping engines that are also useful.

2.  Read the news. USA Today points out that news sites often provide the best information about hot deals. They recommend themselves and their parter company Web Flyer as well as Travelzoo.com and Bestfares.com. More up-to-date news sources include phone apps (like FareCompare for iPhone) and Twitter travel news.

3. Pay attention to flight departure and arrival times. Choose flights that are close to hotel check-in and checkout times. Consider transportation issues getting to and from the airport at different times.

4.  Give yourself plenty of time. Avoid scheduling trips that have you arriving just before you need to be somewhere at your destination. Give yourself time in case there are travel problems.

5.  Choose your layovers wisely. Give yourself enough time to catch the second flight even if the first flight is delayed. If possible, plan your layover in one of the country’s top airports. Las Vegas, Chicago and Denver have good airports for entertaining yourself during long layovers.

6.  Select a cheaper seat. Some airlines offer middle seats at a lower cost. Use SeatPlans.com or SeatGuru to search the prices of seats on your airline.

7.  Check fees before buying your tickets. Airplane baggage fees, in particular, aren’t included in the price of your ticket and can vary considerably from airline to airline. Look up those fees before you book your trip. Airfarewatchdog has a convenient baggage fee chart.

8.  Take advantage of points and rewards. Use your frequent flier miles, credit card rewards and hotel loyalty program rewards when booking travel. Use them to buy the travel and make sure that you take advantage of racking up new rewards for booking your travel. Review them carefully to see which ones offer the best deals. For example, you may find that booking your flight through a travel tool such as the one offered for Chase credit card members is a better deal than booking the flight on another miles rewards credit card.

9.  Use a credit card to book the trip. Credit cards offer financial protections that debit cards don’t offer. The New York Times reports that credit card companies are required to reimburse you for airplane trips that get canceled.

10.  Check Deal-a-day sites in the weeks leading up to your trip. Sites like Groupon, LivingSocial and Gilt Groupe’s Jetsetter allow you to pay a fraction of the cost for hotels, spas and activities during your trip. Only one deal is offered each day, though, and you never know what it will be so you need to start looking at these sites before the trip.

Travel Hacks for Packing

Do you envy those people who pack lightly and never forget a thing? These ten travel hacks can help:

11.  Buy small clear bottles. This simplifies the process of taking any liquids of toiletries on airplanes.

12.  Pack on wheels. Make travel easier on yourself by making sure that all of your luggage has wheels. Add snap-on wheels to baby seats. If you must carry a backpack without wheels, pack it with the heaviest items on top so that it sits comfortably on your back.

13.  Use a suitcase divider. Separate the top items from the bottom items. If your luggage doesn’t come with a divider just use a light piece of cardboard. This simplifies the process of getting through security lines if you have to open your bags.

14.  Roll your clothes. This saves room compared to folding your clothes. If you have items that need to be wrinkle free, roll them inside of tissue paper.

15.  Use a ready made packing list to see if you’re missing anything. There’s a good one here.

16.  Pack a change of clothes into your carryon. This gives you an extra outfit in case your checked luggage gets lost or delayed.

17.  Spread out books and notebooks. Don’t stack them in one spot in your bags.

18.  Use luggage tags. This really makes things a lot easier in case your packed bags do get lost.

19.  Check baggage restrictions. Ideally you’ll pack as little as possible. However, if you’re taking extra luggage then make sure that you’ll be able to bring it all with you. Check restrictions on weight, size and number of bags before you head to the airport.

20.  Take a walk around the block with your luggage. If it’s too heavy or cumbersome to walk around your neighborhood then you’ll know in advance that you need to make some changes before the trip.

Travel Hacks for Airports and Flights

The following ten tips and tricks will simplify the entire process of dealing with airports and flights:

21.  Check into your flight in advance. You can check in to your flight before you even get to the airport using mobile phones and the Internet. Continental Airlines has a good description of how the early check-in works. Take advantage of this. Print out your boarding pass and take it with you.

22.  Print out your itinerary and confirmation numbers. If there’s a problem checking in then it makes it a lot easier if you have a paper copy of this information.

23.  Use curbside baggage check. It only costs a dollar or two and it is usually a lot faster than waiting in line inside the airport.

24.  Know how to get to the airport. Make sure that you know in advance how you’ll be getting there, what route your taking and how long it’s going to take you.

25.  Know how to get around the airport. Print out an airport map and take it with you. Do this for your layover airport and arrival airport as well. This makes it a lot easier to get around. Tech-savvy people will find that there are smartphone apps of maps available from many airports (such as Dallas-Fort Worth).

26.  Give yourself plenty of time. Reduce your stress by getting to the airport early. Bring a book or other entertainment. Plan to eat a meal when you arrive there. Relax after you’ve checked in. You might even sleep at the airport.

27.  Let someone know if you’re running late. An airport security agent can usually help you get through lines more quickly if you are running late. Just let them know in as polite a manner as possible.

28.  Dress up. Travel and Leisure reports that you might receive better treatment at airports if you’re dressed a bit smarter. However, you do want to make sure that your clothes are comfortable.

29.  Know about Rule 240. If your flight is delayed or you get bumped from a flight, ask the ticketing agent if they can “rule 240” you. This term refers generally to getting you on to the next available flight either with the airline or with another airline. Using the lingo helps.

30.  Check with TSA for special help. The “special needs” section of the TSA website provides great tips, tricks and information for people with special needs. This includes people with disabilities, people with illnesses, people traveling with children, people traveling with pets, people traveling with special items, people with special religious or cultural needs and people in the military.

Travel Hacks for Buses, Trains and Road Trips

Planes aren’t the only way to get to your destination. Here are ten helpful hacks for buses, trains and trips in the car.

31.  Check online reviews. This can help you a lot with getting information about the safety of bus and train stations as well as the reliability of different routes. ReviewStream, Yelp, RateItAll, Viewpoints and your social media sites are top places to find reviews.

32.  Anticipate delays. They’re unfortunately common with bus and train travel and can certainly be a problem on road trips.

33.  Bring motion sickness medication. Make sure that you have the medication that you need to take on windy roads if this is something that makes you feel ill.

34.  Pack healthy snacks. You’ll feel your best if you eat healthy snacks and drink water. Pack them at home to save money.

35.  Get comfy. It’s common to sleep in buses, trains and cars. Make this easy on yourself by getting comfortable. Wear comfortable clothing. Use ear plugs and eye masks. Bring a blanket.

36.  Bring entertainment. A book or an ereader, a handheld gaming device or a mobile phone packed with games and a travel journal are great items to take with you on buses, trains and cars.

37.  Address baggage issues in advance. Double-check with the bus and train lines to find out what baggage restrictions there are. Pack your car in advance to make sure that you have room for everything.

38.  Avoid peak travel times. This is especially true for road trips. You want to time the trip to avoid arriving in major cities during rush hour.

39.  Be smart about bathroom stops. If you’re driving then you’ll want to use the bathroom at gas stations when you stop for gas. These are usually cleaner and safer than rest stops. Use the bathroom at train and bus stations.

40.  Know about tipping. It’s common practice to tip certain train crew members. In states where full service gas stations are mandatory (such as Oregon) you only need to tip if an extra service is performed (such as window washing) or if there are special circumstances (such as stormy weather).

Transportation Travel Hacks

Dealing with transportation once you’re in your destination is easier with these ten travel hacks:

41.  Use your GPS. It’s one of the best ways of getting around in unfamiliar destinations.

42.  But bring a map. You want to have a back up plan in case your GPS isn’t working. You shouldn’t rely on the technology alone.

43.  Choose a hotel close to local public transportation. This allows you to utilize public transportation during some or all of your stay. This is very convenient in many major cities.

44.  Download the local public transportation map. Again, you can print this out or get a version for your phone. It makes getting around a lot simpler.

45.  Park in a cheaper lot. If your hotel parking isn’t included in the price then it might be more expensive than need be. Drive around the area to see if there’s a secure parking garage with a cheaper cost.

46.  Get the right car rental insurance. If you have your own car insurance or you book with a credit card then you may already have liability coverage and you don’t need to get extra.

47.  Use a gas rewards credit card. Let the driving that you’re doing add up for you.

48.  Ask about the gas mileage of your rental car options. This is especially true if the rental car company bumps you up to an upgrade. The better cars sometimes have worse gas mileage and end up costing you more. Request a car with better gas mileage.

49.  Read about taxis before you go. If you’re traveling in a foreign destination, make sure that you research taxi information. For example, in Buenos Aires it is recommended that you call for radio-taxis because they are safer than the taxis you can hail on the street.

50.  Use the shuttles. Shuttles between airports and hotels are designed to be affordable and convenient. Contact the hotel in advance to find out about this option.

Hotel Travel Hacks

Reduce your costs and enjoy your accommodations using the following ten travel hacks:

51.  Use hotel alternatives. Hostels, couch surfing, working on farms, volunteering for boarding and home swaps are all affordable alternatives to staying in hotels.

52.  Choose a hotel that offers a real breakfast. This provides you with a better meal than a continental breakfast, saving you money and getting your day off to the right start.

53.  Share a hotel room. If you travel in a group then you can save a lot of money by sharing hotel rooms.

54.  Read reviews carefully. Hotel reviews can provide great insight into the pros and cons of staying in a specific hotel. Don’t just look at the star ratings. Read through the reviews to see why people did and didn’t like the hotel. People have vary different standards for accommodations so reading those details is important.

55.  Ask about early check-in and late check-out. Some hotels offer this at no charge if you ask about it in advance. Others offer it for a minor fee.

56.  Make requests in advance. If you want a room on a kids-free floor, away from the ice machine or with the best view then you should request this directly with the hotel before you go. The request will be noted in your account and you can remind the hotel staff of this when you arrive.

57.  Try to get a free room upgrade. Helpful tips include ask directly for the upgrade, schmooze the hotel staff, plan your trip for a weeknight during the off season, stay for only one night and arrive within the hour after check-in time.

58.  Ask about special discounts. Remember to ask about discounts for loyalty programs, kids, seniors, members of the military, corporate travelers, AAA members and any other specialties that may apply to you.

59.  Leave the hotel room’s mini bar alone. Those $6 MnMs and bottles of water aren’t worth it. Get your snacks from the local convenience store and bring them back to the room.

60.  Confirm price before checkout. Double-check that any add-ons charged to the room are correct.

Travel Activities Hacks

These ten travel hacks will help you out at your destination:

61.  Go to the local tourism office upon arrival. This is the best place to get free and cheap maps, information on the best current local activities and insider tips on what to do while you’re in the area.

62.  Stay healthy. Exercise, eat properly and get enough sleep when traveling.

63.  Search out free activities. Do your research to find the best free local attractions, the free days at museums, the free festivals and the free markets. Fill your calendar with these events to keep travel costs down

64.  Explore the area around your hotel on foot. This allows you to see and experience more in a small amount of time.

65.  Schedule downtime. You won’t have a lot of fun on your trip if you’re running from one place to the next to the next in an effort to see everything. Schedule plain old downtime for relaxation on your trip.

66.  Connect with local people. Check out a Meetup group, visit a friend that you only know from the Internet or attend a singles mixer. This allows you to meet people during your trip.

67.  Get coupons for major attractions. Check the Internet for coupon codes. Call and ask directly if major attractions are offering a deal.

68.  Do things that truly interest you. If you never visit art museums at home and they don’t really interest you then don’t feel obligated to check one out just because you’re on vacation.

69.  Plan outdoor activities early in the trip. This allows you the time to reschedule them if inclement weather causes you to have to cancel.

70.  Check out walking tours. Many cities offer free walking tours that give you great insight into the city. City Guides is a good choice in San Francisco. BA Free Tour is an example in Argentina.

Money Travel Hacks

Make sure to deal with your travel finances appropriately using these ten travel hacks:

71.  Set a budget and stick to it. This is the number one rule you need to save money on your vacation.

72.  Exchange foreign money at the bank in your destination. This will typically offer better exchange rates than going to a money exchange spot.

73.  Buy a cheap money belt. Practical Hacks gives a great explanation of how to turn an ordinary sports knee pad into a useful money belt.

74.  Take advantage of credit card rewards. Put all trip expenses on a credit card that gives you cash back. Pay the card off in full immediately upon return. You’ll have a complete record of what you spent in one place (on your credit card statement). Plus you’ll get money back for what you spent.

75.  Let the credit card company know that you’ll be traveling. Many credit cards freeze accounts when too many charges show up in a destination away from home. It’s smart fraud protection but it’s inconvenient when you’re traveling. Let the credit card company know about the trip in advance to avoid this problem.

76.  Be aware of fees. ATM fees, foreign transaction credit card fees and roaming charges for mobile phones are some of the travel fees to be aware of. Pay with local cash, limit ATM transactions and use a service like Skype to reduce these fees.

77.  Bargain when appropriate. Rick Steves has a great guide to travel bargaining.

78.  Spend smart when it comes to food during your trip. Don’t waste your travel budget on food. Buy inexpensive fresh produce at the grocery store. Eat out at lunchtime instead of dinner time. Choose appetizers instead of entrees. Avoid pricey tourist restaurants.

79.  Track your spending. You should track your spending during the trip to make sure that you really understand how much your spending. There are some great apps out there for tracking spending without receipts.

80.  Tip appropriately. Many Americans waste money over-tipping. Learn about tipping in Europe and other destinations before you go.

Safe Travel Hacks

These ten travel hacks will help keep your belongings safe and secure:

81.  Be smart with your documents. Make a photocopy of your passport, ID, credit and ATM cards and any other important documents. Pack the originals in your carryon luggage. Pack the copies in the bottom of your checked baggage. Scan a copy and send it all to your email so that it’s also accessible online.

82.  Know your emergency numbers. Make yourself an emergency address book. Include the fire, police and ambulance numbers if you’re going to a foreign destination. Also include the contact information for the consulate or embassy. Add any other emergency numbers, such as the local hospital. Store these numbers in your mobile phone and send a copy to your email as well.

83.  Keep your valuables in separate places. Travellers Point recommends putting your cash, cards, passport, traveler’s checks, jewelry, etc. in different pockets and bags to reduce the chance of losing everything at once.

84.  Use the security locks on hotel room doors. Always make sure that the door closes behind you. Lock the security lock when you’re inside. Don’t leave duplicate keys in the room.

85.  Check recommended vaccines and medications. When traveling to a foreign country, you want to make sure that you have the updated medications and vaccines that are recommended for the trip. MDTravelhealth.com is a good resource.

86.  Check travel safety warnings. Use the official government site to check the latest travel safety warnings before your trip.

87.  Stay aware of your surroundings. Being vigilant about what’s going on around you will help you to avoid safety issues while on vacation. Watch your bags, watch your on-person valuables, watch the people near you.

88.  Avoid intoxication. You can’t make smart choices when you’re drunk. This is especially important if you’re in an unfamiliar place and even more important if you’re traveling alone.

89.  Learn about local scams. For example, one common pickpocketing scam in South America is for someone to “accidentally” spill something on you and then offer to help clean it up. As they do, they steal your wallet.

90.  Trust your gut instinct. The best tip to follow is to trust your gut. If you feel unsafe in a situation, get to safety. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

After Travel Hacks

There is still more to do when you get home. Finish up with these ten post-travel hacks:

91.  Have someone pick you up from the airport. You will be tired from your trip so it helps to have a familiar face and help with your bags.

92.  Organize your receipts immediately. This will help you to see quickly if there are any incorrect charges.

93.  Pay off your credit card immediately. Don’t add to your travel expenses by getting charged interest on your trip.

94.  Put your passport back where it belongs. You don’t want it to be lost the next time that you need it.

95.  Eat light and healthy for a day or two. This helps your body get over the stress of traveling. It keeps your immune system strong.

96.  Seek out medical attention if you aren’t feeling well. Some travel experiences can cause medical issues a few days or weeks later. For example, if you went scuba diving during your trip then you may feel fine until you get on a plane to come home and then travel-related problems can set in.

97.  Relax when you get home. Schedule your trip so that you have an evening or a full day of down time before you have to get back to your usual busy schedule.

98.  Upload, share and organize your pictures quickly. If you wait too long then you’ll forget what the pictures are of or just put off getting them organized all together. Have a photo organization and scrapbooking day scheduled for a week or two after your trip.

99.  Organize any other documents. If you made purchases during the trip, organize the receipts. If you paid an airport re-entry fee that’s good for future trips then store that documentation. If you need to get any rebates or cash in card rewards then do that.

100. Start saving up for your next trip! It’s never too early to begin budgeting and saving for your next vacation.

Food

People tend to rate airline food just barely above school cafeteria food. Strangely enough, if you are a true foodie, there are still some diamonds in the rough when it comes to in-flight food fare.

Qatar Airways is one airline that knows how to do gourmet. Among their offerings: caviar, duck, sushi, whatever a “Japanese breakfast” is, as well as specialized meals for every imaginable condition, religion, or dietary preference.

Singapore Airlines also does not scimp on the specialty cuisine. Some of the more eccentric meal plans include the Kyo-Kaiseki style Japanese meal, which is built on special principles of taste and visual presentation. Or try the Shahi Thali, a special Indian meal style that offers a wide variety of Indian delicacies spread across several courses.

Sky Mall Stuff

Ah, Sky Mall, the delightful little catalog that distracts you, at least for a little bit, from the chaos of air travel. With enough kooky gadgets and “hey-I-thought-of-that-years-ago” inventions to fill a library, Sky Mall has for years been a staple of the travel experience.

Everyone likes dogs with silly costumes on, everyone except the dogs that is. But while you’re cooking up resentment in your best friend, why not flaunt your team spirit? Sky Mall offers these stylish get ups for your pooch with the logo of your favorite team embroidered on the back and sleeve.

How about if you just want to keep the four-legged monsters from trampling on the sofa while you’re away? The Pet Trainer Alarm is a snazzy little device that uses a (physically) harmless alarm activated by motion to deter any bold attempts by Fido to colonize the couch. And it must do one hell of a job; how else would you explain this genuinely traumatized cat?

This next Sky Mall gem gets extra points for doubling as a prop light-saber. Using rays of UV light, the Nano UV, claims to eliminate “99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses in 10 seconds.”

While you may find it useful for travel to the less-developed corners of the world, this glowing wand of safety may also get you quickly label as a goofy germaphobe if you wield the extremely inconspicuous device in the wrong place or wrong time.

And speaking of making an impression, the Iwear Vr920 is sure to make one. There’s little doubt that this super cool Star Trek-looking gaming visor will allow you to immerse yourself entirely into a fantasy world that will quickly become your only solace.

By strapping this baby on to your head you now look up, down, left, and right from inside the game! Just look how excited this guy is to be withdrawing from reality.

Shower

Anyone can shuffle down the aisle and hit the tiny bathroom for a little freshen-up, splash a little water on this face, roll up their sleeves, and soap up good. But what if you’ve been wandering nomadically for days and are in desperate need of an authentic shower? Well, then hopefully you find yourself on one of Emirates Airlines new A380s that are equipped with personal shower stalls available for people too busy to stop moving.

The Bar

Anyone can order a drink on the plane, but not too many people can order it at the bar. Strut up to Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class bar where you can socialize with your fellow first class – although at Virgin they call first class the snottier “Upper Class”- folk. So, if you can afford it, throw down for the decadence and enjoy a truly unique travel experience.

Planes

In the mid-1920s, Henry Ford bought out the German company Stout Aircraft, which designed what was later named the Ford Trimotor. With a passenger capacity of 12, the Ford Trimotor was distributed to the first airline companies between 1926 and 1932, ushering in the age of commercial air travel. While the first airlines did offer coast-to-coast flights, part of a passenger’s journey was supplemented by train travel.

The Boeing 307 introduced the first pressurized cabin, which allowed for higher cruising altitudes to avoid weather, as well as increased range and a passenger capacity – topping out at 38 passenger seats. In 1940, Pan-Am (flying into Latin America) and TWA (flying from Los Angeles to New York) purchased a fleet of Boeing 307s and began flying them commercially. World War II needs derailed the companies’ commercial air business when they were asked to fly for the Air Force, but the technology developed during the war would lead to significant post-war advances in commercial aviation.

In the early 1950s, jet technology – originally designed for bombers during the war – lead to even higher altitude and faster travel. One of the most popular models, the Boeing 707 could carry 181 passengers and was flown for commercial use through the 1970s.

Jet technology is still dominant for airlines today, but there is room for progress. The latest Airbus A380, for example, can be economy-fitted to accommodate 840 passengers. Yeah, we’ve come a long way.

Safety

From 1950 to 2008, approximately 1,300 fatal accidents involving commercial aircraft have occurred. While the fatal incidents per decade has stayed nearly static, hovering around 150, the volume of air travel continued to climb throughout this time, meaning the ratio of flights to fatal crashes has dropped notably.

One aspect of air travel safety has nothing to do with the operation of the actual aircraft; it’s smoking. Prior to the 1980s passengers had to endure what could be many hours of recirculating carcinogenic clouds. Only in the 80s did airlines begin to offer non-smoking sections on their flight, and it wasn’t until the late 90s, after several lawsuits, that smoking was banned all together.

Dress

Perhaps it is just a result of air travel no longer being reserved for the elitists, but ask anyone who traveled in the early days and one of the big differences you might hear is about how people dressed. Travelers in the 1950s dressed as if they were on their way to church or a business meeting; today’s travelers frequently don fuzzy slippers and sweat pants. It’s safe to say the difference here is less about comfort and more about a shift in cultural norms.

Cost

Airline ticket prices have gone through their share of changes throughout the history of commercial air travel as well. Beginning with deregulation in 1978, competition among airlines led to cheaper fares.  With the advent of Internet booking sites in the 1990s airlines were able to cut processing costs. They were able to maximize their distribution and advertising while filling the most seats possible.

Luckily, these cost-savings have been passed on to the passenger, and airline tickets today, especially considering inflation, are much more affordable. It is important to note, however, that average ticket costs have not come down much over the past few decades due in large part to soaring fuel costs and additional “free” amenities offered to passengers.

Charges

Granted, air travel has become accessible to more and more people as the industry has grown and advanced, but the list of associated fees has also grown, and continues to do so as we speak.

In the early days of air travel automobile parking at the airport was surely not an issue; however, it quickly evolved into a business of its own. Now with the majority of passengers driving themselves to the airport, choices range from economy and luxury, leading to vastly different costs.

It’s no doubt that airlines have tacked on about a million little fees since air travel began, but they did not have this power until deregulation took effect in the 1980s. None of this seemed to matter, however, until airlines suffered from the post-9/11 slump in business. The 2000s have seen a surge in extraneous charges ranging from carry-on bag fees, charges for meals, and blankets, to the more outrageous charges for use of the bathroom, higher ticket prices for heavier passengers, and additional fees for sitting in the first few rows of coach.

However, although the list of rules and regulations seems to grow longer and longer after every trip, there’s many implied rules when flying that should be visited every time you fly. These are more like common courtesies, than rules; but nonetheless make flying more enjoyable for everyone on the flight.

1. Use the bathroom right before boarding or as soon as you board.

This is the cardinal rule of flying. There is nothing passengers hate worse than someone who gets up from the inside seats of the plane during a flight. On long flights of course this can’t be helped; but there are pre-emptive measures that can cut down on the number of times you have to get up. Best case scenario, use the bathroom as soon as you get on the plane while passengers are still getting settled. If not, then go right before you board, even if you don’t have to go. This ultimately makes for a happier flight for you, but also your row buddies who are just trying to get a couple hours of uninterrupted sleep in.

2. Use courtesy when leaning your seat back.

Leaning back is often the point of the most discord when flying. How many times have you been enjoying an in-flight dinner or working on your laptop when abruptly the back of the chair in front of you leans backwards with no warning. If there’s someone behind me, I usually don’t even lean my chair back. Predominantly out of respect, but also because the chairs don’t go back enough to make of a different for me. Take a quick peek behind you to see if someone is using their tray table before leaning back. Consider too investing in a comfortable airplane pillow that will offer added support and comfort when trying to catch some sleep.

3. Put your music at a level that only you can hear.

There’s a reason for headphones, so other people don’t have to hear your music. I don’t want to hear your rap ditty, your stand-up comedy or whatever else you have. Start playing your music before putting the headphones in and that will give you an idea of whether it’s too loud or not. I honestly think some people just don’t realize how loud their music is.

4. Get everything you need out of your bag overhead before sitting down.

When you get on the plane, just go ahead and get everything out that you think you will need. Even if you don’t know if you’ll need it, just go ahead and get it out. Once again, this is a pre-emptive measure. You never know when your flight might be delayed on the ground or get behind schedule, and it’s those times people wish they would have pulled out both of their books, rather then just that one. Like the first point, it keeps from interrupting your seat buddies and flow of traffic down the aisles.

5. Don’t get inebriated.

Plain and simple, the airplane isn’t a bar. Of course, the plane is a great time and much needed time to have a drink. Have a couple bottles of wine and knock yourself out, but no one likes an airplane drunk. People who have too much to drink make the flight miserable for everyone.

What to Ask/Look For

Booking a private jet is serious business, mostly because it means serious cash, so you better know what you’re getting yourself into.

• Federal Aviation Administration documentation – A charter company must have a valid Part 135 air taxi certificate, authorizing the company to fly for hire. Some companies will try to sneak by with a Part 91 certificate, which the FAA has far less oversight over and which will increase your liability as a passenger.
• Insurance – The type of insurance the charter company is paying for says a lot about the type of company you’re hiring. If you’re charting a small jet (Cessna Citation, Lear 35, or Beechjet) look for $25 million insurance policies, $50 million for mid-size jets (Hawker, Lear 55, Citation III), and $100 million policies for large jets (Challenger, Gulfstream, Falcom 900). Some companies may also offer a passengers to be “named additional insured” if they’re frequent private jet flyers. It’s also important to ask for a copy of the insurance right before your flight because policies change frequently.
• Third-party audits – The Aviation Research Group (ARG/US), the FAA, and U.S. Department of Transportation all perform audits of private charter companies, their pilots, and planes. You may also want the access to pilot certificates, aircraft registration, operator certificates, accident and incident reports, enforcement actions, and ownership and management documents.
• On-site visit – Nothing can alleviate your concerns about the company you’re about to allow to take you tens of thousands of feet into the air more than seeing their facility, aircrafts, and staff first hand.
• Pilot hours/experience – Depending on the type of plane they’re flying, charter plane pilots should have at least 3,000 total flight hours logged and at least 300 hours logged on a specific plane.    

Types of Aircrafts

Private charter jets are typically divided up into size categories light, medium, and heavy. Knowing your approximate passenger count and your travel distance before inquiring about a booking will help the charter company better accommodate your needs.

Aircraft Type: Turbo Prop

Aircraft Models: King Air 90,
King Air 200,
King Air 350

Capacity: 6-8 passengers

Speed: 220-300 mph

Range: 1,500-2,000 miles

King Air 90

Aircraft Type: Light Jets

Aircraft Models: Beechjet 400,
Citation Bravo Citation, CJ1 Citation, CJ2 Citation, CJ3 Citation Encore Citation II Citation V/Ultra Hawker 400XP Learjet 31A Learjet 35A Learjet 40

Capacity: 5-8 passengers

Speed: 400-460 mph

Range: 1,600-2,000 miles

Beechjet 400

Aircraft Type: Medium Jets

Aircraft Models: Citation Excel/XLS Citation III/VI/VII,
Citation Sovereign Gulfstream G100 Hawker 700 Hawker 800/XP Learjet 45/XR Learjet 55 Learjet 60

Capacity: 6-9 passengers

Speed: 450-560 mph

Range: 2,200-2,800 miles

Citation Sovereign Gulfstream

Aircraft Type: Super Medium Jets

Aircraft Models: Challenger 300,
Citation X Falcon 2000,
Falcon 50 Series Gulfstream G200,
Hawker 1000

Capacity: 7-9 passengers

Speed: 400-525

Range: 3,200-3,600 miles

Aircraft Type: Heavy Jets

Aircraft Models:
Challenger 600,
Challenger 601,
Challenger 604,
Embraer Legacy,
Falcon 900 Series,
Global Express Gulfstream, G550 Gulfstream II,
Gulfstream III,
Gulfstream IV,
Gulfstream V

Capacity: 8-14 passengers

Speed: 500-560 mph

Range: 3,200-7,500 miles

Challenger 600

Cost

We could wrap up this section with one word: expensive. But to give you a better idea of what an appropriate cost would be, we’ll offer a quick breakdown for you.

If you’re anticipating multiple charters throughout the year, you may want to consider fractional ownership in a jet; the only problem here being that with this “sharing” model you lose a bit of the accessibility you become accustomed to.

If you’re looking for the more traditional charter method, you may be asked to pay by the hour. Most charters, however, will typically quote you an overall price for your trip much like a commercial airline. Make sure to confirm what’s included in your overall cost once you receive your quote; smaller private jets won’t include a flight attendant service but that doesn’t mean it can’t be added in for an additional cost.

If you’re somewhere in the middle between the two, you may want to consider inquiring with a company that offers packages. For example, you may be able to pay for a set number of flight days per year for a lump sum payment, ie: $35,000 for 10 days of flights or $75,000 for 25 days of flights per year.

What you’re paying for – When you book a private charter flight you’re paying for both tangible and intangible amenities. Charter companies, in addition to the traditional business overhead costs, are shelling out for additional costs like for airport fees and taxes. You, on the other hand, are shelling out for convenience – no security check points, baggage check (and fees), packing and baggage restrictions, privacy, and freedom to fly into the airport of your choice and to use the electronic devices of your choice without restrictions. Not to mention all the added amenities and services that are available to you (most likely at an additional cost):

• Hotel reservations
• Luxury ground transportation
• Concierge services
• Local entertainment arrangements
• Private, luxurious sleeping quarters
• Gourmet catering of food and beverage options for any dietary need, or want
• Wi-Fi
• Business equipment, such at AV equipment
• Comfortable tables
• Entertainment options of your choice
• First class crew cabin
• Pet services
• Secure and private terminal facilities
• Periodicals or newspapers as requested
• High end luxury on board services, such as In flight spa or salon service

How you can save

We know, the concept of “saving” on your private jet charter seems a bit far-fetched, but if you’re know what you should be paying for and what you shouldn’t you can easily cut back here and there.

You can inquire about chartered planes at your local airport; these location-specific operations already have a relationship with the airport you’ll be flying out of and may be able to save slightly on the airport and taxiing fees. Currently, Delta is one of the only commercial airlines to offer a private charter service, AirElite, but you will be able to get in contact with non-commercial private operators.

When booking your flight ask for the availability of “skulls,” “dead links,” or “empty leg flights.”

Oftentimes chartered flights are booked as one-ways, which result in those planes needing a way to fly back to their original destination. Also, when planes are booked for multi-day trips, the pilot is often required to fly back to his home base before the chartered return flight. You may be surprised how often these option is available.  The more flexible you are with your dates and airport locations, the better.

Because business and corporate flights are typically booked during the week, you may be able to snag some deals on the off days. And consider flying into a smaller, less-commercial airport to cut down on the taxes the charter owner has to pay.

Some of these products have proven effective and some are worthless, or even harmful.  The easiest answer to the trans-ocean blues is to simply keep your mind off the flight.  That might seem like obvious advice, but judging from all the unhappy faces you see while airborne for more than a  few hours, people tend to forget it.

Here is some advice for keeping yourself comfortable and entertained on long haul flights and even enjoying yourself while in the air.

Music

It might seem obvious that loading up your iPod with music is an easy way to help you avoid boredom while on a long flight.  It is best to vary the selections so that you have something to suit your mood no matter what type of sonic craving you have.  Yes, airlines will provide music as part of their in-flight entertainment, but it is good to not rely their selections completely.  If you don’t like what they offer, you will be stuck listening to airplane noises for the whole flight.  If you happen to like the music that is provided, you can listen to it, but if not, you have your own selection to fall back on.

Also, many people find their own headphones more comfortable than the cheaply-made models offered by airlines.

Other Entertainment

Laptops work better than personal DVD players on long flights because they are more versatile.  The problem is, they are larger and will constitute the bulk of your carry-on allowance.  But having games and movies at your fingertips whenever you want might seem worth the extra hassle of getting through the security checkpoint and finding a safe place in the overhead compartment. And don’t forget to pack the extra battery.

Books

Books have become a rather old-fashioned way to pass time on long flights.  If you can spring for a Kindle or Nook, they can prove invaluable because you can carry numerous books on one small device.  Another plus for books is that they are less annoying to other passengers than larger, brighter devices.  If you are really concerned about not disrupting your seat-mate’s nap, bring your own LED reading light to attach to the top of your book.  Another plus for books: it generally takes more than 90 minutes (the length of the average movie) to read them.

Movement

Being limber can really effect your state of mind.  If possible, opt for an aisle seat so that you can get up and walk around frequently and stretch your legs into the aisle without annoying other passengers.

Meditation

Meditations, such as focusing on your breathing or repeating a word or mantra over and over in your mind, can help you stay focused on positive things rather than focused on how long you have been in the plane and how uncomfortable you are.  The problem with using meditations is that it takes practice before they become effective.  You’ll have to start practicing a week or two (at least) in advance of the flight.

Food

Bring snacks.  Airline food on international flights is generally better (in quality and serving size) than the offerings on domestic flights.  However, if you can eat when you are hungry, rather than when the airline tells you it is time to eat, you will be more comfortable and won’t be counting the minutes until the next meal service.

Comfortable Clothing

This is another piece of advice that should go without saying. While slippers and sweat pants might not fit with your normal style of dress, they will give you a little “at home in the living room” vibe that can bring a little extra comfort and relaxation when you need it most. If you can’t stand to be style-less, consider changing in the lavatory after take off and again before you land.

Pills

People who often complain about not being able to sleep on flights often resort to medication.  Over the counter sleep aids, such as Tylenol PM,  can do the trick, though some people can’t get any shut-eye without prescription strength meds.  It is best to remember that these pills can leave you groggy and dry-mouthed – not the way you want to be when you disembark from a plane in a foreign country.

Boeing

Boeing has long been a giant in the airliner industry and has an immense list of customers. In 2010 alone, Boeing has processed orders from Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, Southwest Airlines, Virgin Blue Airlines, as well as countless other smaller airlines.

For commercial fleets, Boeing offers several varieties of its traditional lineup of 737s, 747s, 767s, and 777s. Each model offers different passenger capacities, ranging from about 100 passengers up to more than 400 and each satisfies the fuel and distance needs of different flight courses.

Boeing’s newest, the 787 Dreamliner, comes in 787-8 and 787-9 varieties (250 and 290 passenger capacity respectively) and promises to save 20 percent on fuel costs compared to other airplanes its size. The 787 was put together with the assistance of dozens of American and international partners, and if you’re interested in getting one yourself, you have the option of the Rolls Royce or the General Electric engine to efficiently soar on.

Airbus

One of the only other manufacturers that even comes close to competing with Boeing is Airbus. Some of Airbus’ notable clientele include U.S. Airways, United, Delta, Frontier, Spirit, Ted, jetBlue, Virgin America, and Hawaiian Airlines.

There are several “families” of Airbus aircraft each with its own subclasses that differ subtly by features, including seat and fuel capacity, passenger comfort, storage and more. Airbus offers the A300, A310, 320, 330, 340, and 350 classes, but its newest A380 class blows even Boeing’s best out of the water.

After an undertaking that began conceptually in 1988 – delayed by a complication involving software compatibility that required extensive rewiring – Airbus’s A380 finally made its first commercial flight on Oct. 25, 2007.

Perhaps it was all worth the wait; Airbus’s behemoth A380 offers some very serious competition to other giant airliners. There’s a very good reason Boeing, even with its 747, needs to be worried; by increasing the passenger capacity the A380 has been able to promise dramatic savings in the fuel-per-passenger costs.

French Airline, Air Austral ordered two A380s in November 2009, consisting of pure economy class seats, increasing the airline’s capacity per flight to a whopping 840 people. Currently, some airlines utilize this increased capacity to offer the latest, greatest luxury class in the world, including the decked-out Emirates Airlines A380 complete with onboard shower.

Bombardier

Montreal-based Bombardier Aerospace is, according to its website, “the world’s third largest civil aircraft manufacturer.” You can probably bet the farm that first and second are Boeing and Airbus, but Bombardier is giving them a run for their money by diversifying its market and developing cutting edge, smaller, regional aircrafts that airlines around the world are using.

Continental, Northwest, Delta, U.S. Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar, and Qantas are several of the many airlines that currently fly Bombardier planes.

Although the sight of a prop plane might raise a few eyebrows here in the United States, Bombardier insists there is still a great market for its commuter transport Q-Series turboprops. The planes’ ability to take off and land on less-than-perfect airstrips makes them a good choice for “developing regions.” The newer prop planes have much more advanced noise suppression than traditional versions, and the Q-Series offers models with modern comfortable seating accommodating 37 to 78 passengers.

Bombardier also offers the CRJ Series of jet planes (fitting 50 to 90 passengers) and its larger C Series (fitting 100 to 145 passengers). Using newer technology and advanced materials, Bombardier has been able to make these jets fly faster, further, and cheaper than competitively sized aircraft. Additionally, there is improved technology in the cabin, making them quieter and more environmentally friendly by producing fewer emissions.

Nonetheless the fear of flying can be all consuming for its sufferers. There are, however, some completely doable tips to follow for getting through the flying process without a meltdown. Keep in mind, though, that these are just tips, and if they don’t seem to help you may want to consider seeking clinical assistance.

Be Prepared

The most difficult aspect of flying for an aviophobic passenger is not knowing what to expect: not understanding what every noise, action, and process means. Being able to anticipate next steps and understand that the grumbling sound below the plane you hear just before landing is a good thing can make all the difference.

Talk to the frequent flyers in your life to get a “feel” for the flying experience. Tease out a detailed description from them about everything from the baggage check experience to the pilot’s loudspeaker banter, and you should be well on your way to enjoying the friendly skies.

If this ad hoc approach doesn’t seem to sway your fears, you can always take a more formal approach. General Mitchell International Airport offers a course to combat the fear of flying, which includes classroom work with an aviation psychologist and certified flight instructor and a short commercial flight at the end. The Fear of Flying Clinic at San Francisco International Airport will allow you some one-on-one time with airline industry professionals, including pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic controllers.

Avoidance is your friend

There are plenty of things you can choose to avoid when it comes to flying that might help keep some of your fears at bay. Stay away from middle row seats; it will contribute to the feeling of claustrophobia. An aisle or window seat near the wing is always better because you can either get up more freely or watch exactly what’s going on with the landing gear.

Avoid the media as much as possible leading up to a flight to prevent any flight-tragedy news from hitting your ears and seeping into your consciousness. Keep as far away from caffeine as possible before and during your flight; not only will it intensify your jitteriness, it won’t do any good if you’re considering sleep as another avoidance strategy once you board. Prevent yourself from having to rush through any part of your travel day by building in plenty of time to get to the airport, check bags, make it through security, etc. – the less flustered you are the better.

Distract and defend

The fear of flying is all in the mind, so fight mind power with mind power. Practice meditation to take your mind someplace else or just to help calm your nerves. Do yourself a favor and pay a little extra to get access to your airline’s private airport lounge for a quiet place away from the typical hustle and bustle of the airport to hone your meditation skills while you wait to board. You can generally buy a day pass for $25 to $50.

Provide your own in-flight entertainment by arming yourself with an arsenal full of distracting devices to help keep your mind off the fact that you’re voluntarily soaring through the air: books, journals, iPods, games, cards, magazines, laptops, puzzles and brain busters, or anything else you can think of. Bring a handheld, battery powered fan, because a little air can go a long way to helping you breath and relax. Plus, no on wants the air that recirculates through the whole plane blasting down on you throughout the entire flight. An alcoholic beverage can actually be a lifesaver in this situation either right before you board or during your flight to help take that edge off – just remember that a little goes a long way when you’re at such a high altitude.

Stick to the facts

While it’s likely that you’ve heard it before, it can’t hurt repeating … over and over and over again; you’re 29 times more likely to get in a car accident than an airplane accident. To put it another way, your chances of getting in an auto accident are 1 in 5,000, compared to an aircraft accident, which are 1 in 11 million. Over the past 60 years, there have been 1,300 total recorded plane crashes, taking into account both commercial and recreational flights.

The fact is that air travel still isn’t cheap, and the airfare-pricing conundrum has yet to be solved.  We do know, and it will help you to know, that the cost of airplane tickets ultimately comes down to three things: competition, demand, and inventory. Makes sense, right? What doesn’t make sense are the inconsistencies and fluctuations that go along with this model.

Airlines post their available seats on four different central reservation systems – Apollo, Sabre, WordSpan, and Galileo – but not all systems are updated at the same time on top of the fact that each system uses a different algorithm to determine pricing. And with the airline industry continuing to lose money, deals aren’t just flying off the page, pun intended, any more. But follow our advice and you may be able to nail some low-cost airfare.

Timing is everything.

21 is the magic number: booking your flight at least three weeks in advance is the optimal timeframe for airfare deals. At this point, airlines have a good idea of how likely it will be that their flights are going to fill up and can price their flights with low occupancy accordingly, which is great news for you, the flyer.

There’s also something to be said for booking last minute. Most of the time, making spur-of-the moment flight plans isn’t going to be forgiving on your wallet, but when the airlines are desperate to fill their seats, you just never know what you’re going to find. It’s also important to mention here that most airlines have a bereavement program, which may be able to offer deals to passengers who have lost an immediate family member. Call your airline for details.

No matter how close to your departure date you decide to book, always look for travel during the week. We all know that Fridays and Sundays are the most expensive days to fly, and cost only gets worse the closer you get to a holiday weekend. Obviously, it’s not possible to make it a long weekend every time you travel, but you may want to consider booking a Thursday night redeye to maximize your weekend days. If you have no option but to fly on a high-traffic day of the week, look into middle-of-the-day flights to potentially save a few bucks.

Travel agents are you friends.

A lot of people thought the travel agent industry was going to die with the coming of online ticket purchasing, but they were wrong. Why? Travel agents have access to one or more of those ticketing platforms and can see ahead of time when flight prices are about to change. Also, as we mentioned earlier, agents can often offer you some of the best lodging, entertainment, and airfare combo deals.

Also consider that the travel agent is in the business of booking travel and you’re, hopefully for you and for him or her, not the only client. Travel agents can buy tickets in large quantities to offer you a group rate discount and have access to special rates and discounts that you’ll never find no matter how deep on the Internet you search.

It doesn’t hurt to work the system.

We’ve said it before, but it doesn’t hurt repeating: being flexible is the key to getting the best deals on airfare. You hear it at almost every gate, nearly every time you fly: the gate attendant calling for volunteers to take a flight bump. If you don’t have a strict schedule, the payoff can be huge. Oftentimes the airline will pay for your overnight stay and give you a valuable flight voucher.

Obviously travelers with families, business passengers, etc. don’t have the luxury of flexibility paired with spontaneity. For these passengers we recommend getting a little creative during the booking process. Check out the possibility of flying into a nearby but less popular airport (ie: flying into Newark, NJ when planning a trip to the Big Apple) or look into the possible cost-saving measures associated with booking one-way flights (one of which could be a less popular airport).

We almost hate to say it, but you can retroactively save money on flights if you’re diligent about watching fare prices after you’ve booked. Web sites like Bing.com, formally known as Farecast.com, will alert you to when the prices of certain flights have or are about to change. It’s not out of the question to request a refund on flights that drop in price after you’ve already booked; Priceline.com even advertises this service.

They’re kind of a “duh” but we have to mention them.

You’ll always get alerted to flight deals when you sign up for e-mail lists of the major airlines and travel booking sites or when you join travel clubs or online organizations. Use discount airfare sites, particularly those that compare ticket offerings across multiple carriers (ie: Kayak and Yahoo Travel). If you’re looking to book a full vacation package consider checking sites that offer more than just airfare; Southwest Vacations is a great example.

Last but not least, be decisive. Once you find a flight that will work within your budget, don’t hesitate. Farecast projects that 50 percent of fares disappear within a 50-hour period of a price drop. Orbitz tries to help you make a decision by letting you know how many seats are remaining on the flights you’re searching for.

And it doesn’t end there. There are numerous of other ways to earn miles, use miles, and exchange your miles for other services.  Here are some of the best out there.

Southwest Airlines

When it comes to earning free flights on Southwest, they like to make it pretty simple. If you take eight flights with them in a two-year time span you get a free ticket to anywhere Southwest flies. Your credit earnings can also be doubled depending on what cities you fly in and out of.

There are, of course, plenty of other ways to build up credits. You can rake up points by signing up for a Southwest Visa card or through regular purchases at their many partners.

American Airlines

American Airlines has it nice and nailed down when it comes to earning miles. There are so many options on earning and using that you’ll never be able to keep track of it all.

If you love to dine out, then the AAdvantage Dining Program will make your mouth water. Every time you eat out at “thousands of restaurants across the U.S. and Canada” you’re eligible to earn miles.

And it’s not just frivolous expenses, like dining out and hotel stays that can help you earn miles. Paying your mortgage and energy bills could also qualify if you use the right partners. Feeling charitable? You can earn miles by donating or using your miles to translate into donations to various charities.

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines brings a few new options in to the rewards game. Do you enjoy a good Broadway show? Well you’re in luck if you fly Delta because they accept points earned on something called Audience Rewards, which is a program that earns you credits for every Broadway show you see.

And how about a way to earn miles that makes you feel good, really physically good. Then turn to Delta’s “Wellness Partners,” including Nutrisystem and Dentalplans.com, to shape up and smile your way to free air travel.

Another cool perk about Delta’s frequent flyer program is that once you log enough miles you’ll be elevated to Medallion status in which the miles you earn rollover throughout the years. So, you won’t be pressed to use up all those credits you worked so hard to earn and can use them when the time and place is right.

Continental Airlines

Most people don’t have a landing strip outside their house, so they have to take their car to the airport and find somewhere to park it. Luckily, Continental lets you earn miles the whole way. To fuel your ride, use the Continental gas credit card and once you get to the airport, park with AllRight Parking. You’ve already earned miles in two ways before you even step on the airplane.

Lufthansa

German airline, Lufthansa, has an interesting option for earning miles: play golf. Through a program called the Golf.de MeilenMasters, golfers can earn miles depending on their performance in various tournaments (in Germany that is). If you’re among the top 1,000 golfers at the end of the year, you win 100,000 flight miles.

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, except when the bad news could potentially help save you from unfortunate travel situations: the chronic offenders still remain. Our list of the worst U.S. airlines takes into consideration consistently poor performance when it comes to flight delays, baggage loss, overbooking, and customer complaints.

Flight Delays

According to FlightStats.com, a flight-tracking and data collection service, overall on-time flight arrivals in the United States decreased in 2009 from 78.7 percent to 75.4 percent. And flight delay times decreased from an average of 57 minutes to 55 minutes, reversing a four-year uptick in increasingly longer flight delays.

However, not every airline performed up to par. Atlantic Southeast Airlines was only on time 28.8 percent of the time in 2009, according to the Airline Quality Report, which also listed American Airlines as one of its top flight-delay offenders. NATCA, the National Air Traffic Controller Association, named Comair Airlines in May 2010 as having the longest average flight delays of 14.07 minutes.

Overbooked Flights

While airlines have always taken to flight overbooking to maximize plane capacity, large cutbacks in demand from travelers have forced airlines to scale back on flight offerings. Overbooked flights have become an even greater problem as a result, which hasn’t boded well for either airlines or their passengers. As of 2008, airlines have been mandated by the government to pay $800 – double the amount of money they used to – to passengers who aren’t re-booked within in four hours.

It’s safe to say that Atlantic Southeast Airlines just doesn’t have the best track record. The Georgia-based connector airline also jumped to the top of this list, bumping one out of every 3,000 passengers. Comair and American Eagle Airlines respectively bumped 3.41 and 2.44 per every 10,000 passengers in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings.  Comair, however, got into some hot water last year for flight bumping when the ­­­­­Department of Transportation fined the airline $275,000 for failure to follow proper protocol to call for volunteers to give up their seats on overbooked flights in return, in most cases, for monetary compensation. The airline also reportedly submitted inaccurate reports on the number of passengers who were involuntarily denied boarding.

Lost Baggage

One thing’s for certain, airlines have hit the jackpot both in revenue and ratings from their new checked bag fees. In the first three months of this year alone, airlines collected 33 percent more revenue from checked bags, cashing in on nearly $770 million in baggage fees alone in 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Few travelers are flying and those who do take to the skies are definitely thinking twice about shelling out upwards of $35 to check their first bag. Fewer checked bags for airlines across the board means less chances to lose them.

This wasn’t always the case for Comair, which received 8.20 baggage complaints for every 1,000 passenger. That’s a pretty dismal number when you consider that the airline has one of the lowest passenger loads – 569,553 travelers in 2009. American Eagle Airlines didn’t perform much better in terms of baggage service, mishandling the most bags out of the 17 airlines listed in the Airline Quality Report for 2010. With the worst AQR score of all, American Airlines reportedly mishandles bags at a rate of 7.78 per 1,000 passengers.

Customer Complaints

The media did a great job of playing up the fee-charging game airlines decided to play this year. While it would seem that passengers across the country were sent into a tizzy, complaints filed with the government actually dropped 16 percent this year.

U.S. Airways had the most upset passengers, according to the AQR, but it wasn’t all attributed to fee charges. The airline struggled to complete a successful crew and equipment integration and began charging for soda, which wasn’t well received by its customers. Delta Airlines’ customer complaint score also jumped this year from 1.80 to 1.96 per 10,000 passengers.

Perhaps you’re feeling anxious about flying and need to find a carrier with a spotless (or near-spotless) safety record. Or you’re all about business and time is of the essence. Whatever your needs may be, you can be sure that there is an airline out there that is the best at meeting them.

Luxury

Ask an older person about flying in, say, the 50s or 60s, and they’ll tell you about the golden age of travel when everyone was first class. Now with the extremes some airlines have gone to be economical -smaller seats and scant service – many are yearning for those days of yonder.

Not to fear, when it comes to luxury today airlines still offer some pretty cool accoutrements along with some pretty cozy accommodations.

Check out Etihad Airway’s Diamond First Class and experience the best of the best. First off, you’ll get your own cabin with your own personal mini bar. For the famished traveler, indulge in whatever your very own “Food and Beverage Manager” can have prepared for you by world class chefs.

Then, kick back and browse the plethora of on-demand entertainment available on the 24” LCD screen in front of you. Need to get down to business? Get access to the Internet right on the plane or take a quality snooze for a little recharge on the amazing bed your seat turns into – a full 6’ 8” – and able to flatten out completely.

British Airways is definitely one to compete for coziness factor with their offerings of super soft cotton pajamas and a 400-thread count duvet and pillow on a quilted mattress that the flight attendants come and relish your seat with upon request. All of this on their highly-lauded wider seats.

Additionally, your first-class seats come with their own state-of-the-art lighting system that mimics natural light patterns. You can have a sunset put you to bed or read the paper in the fresh, early

Virgin Atlantic Airlines certainly isn’t kidding around when it does first class. First of all, the airlines refers to first class with the decidedly haughtier “Upper Class.”

Plus they keep it cool with a standup bar where you can chat up your fellow affluent folk. If you do meet a tantalizing traveler like yourself, the “Upper Class” seats have an extra spot for a friend (or more than a friend) to take back for a more private conversation.

Again, if you just need to get some serious rest, Virgin Atlantic has the Snooze zone, a specific spot for passengers trying to sleep all the way through. This area of the plane is specifically designated to incur minimal noise and disruptions.

Cathay Pacific’s first class spots definitely compete with the others, especially in terms of seat length and function. Think you could snooze on 81 inches completely flattened out with massage capabilities?

Of course, they also include giant screens packed with hours upon hours of entertainment options, in addition to the same diligent personal first class service you expect when shelling out a few more bucks.

And if you really want to be sold, take their virtual tour. You can walk around, order a drink, or get some sleep in on this fun little ditty. Not only is it informative, they provide you with a foxy girlfriend to boot.

If you’re an absolute food fanatic, than Qatar Airways will probably top them all when it comes to fixing your fancy. Offered up in their five-star dining program is an “exquisite ten-course meal.” Additionally, you can sample an array of fine goods from around the world at the duty-free mall in the terminal.

On Time

What’s the reason you’re enlisting the services of an airline? To get from point A to point B. But it gets more complicated than that; you also expect to get to your destination right around the time it says on your ticket.

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, often your time is very valuable in the course of airline travel. Unfortunately, it seems delays are more and more common these days. So which airlines have the best on-time service?

Topping the list, according to the Department of Transportation, is Hawaiian Airlines who has been dominating the title for more than half a decade. In second place we have Alaska Airlines, followed by United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Continental Airlines.  Those non-continental states have got something figured out.

Cost

It’s no joke: the economy is in the crapper. Saving money counts at every turn and air travel is no different. Luckily, many carriers know this and for the sake of their own survival have had to cater to the cash-strapped traveler.

When it comes to a flight you know you’ll be taking, booking well in advance can get you some of the rock-bottom fares Southwest offers. They regularly post specials on their Web site that give a specific book-by date and a window for the dates in which you can travel.

This is a great option for flexible flyers since the deals come with special limitations. There will be blackout dates on holidays and such that you will not be able to fly on or they may only be valid on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when fewer people traditionally travel.

Ever since an announcement that they would charge for carry-on luggage, Spirit Airlines has been fighting off the criticism from every direction, but they continue to stick to their guns and embrace the “Ultra Low Cost Carrier (ULCC)” approach as they call it. In the company’s opinion: by only paying for the services you need, everybody wins.

It’s not just carry-on, but checked baggage as well that can carry fees based on dimensions and weight. There is some solace in the fact that a “personal item” is not technically carry-on, and if it meets proper dimension/weight limitations you may be allowed a small bag on the plane for free.

One more quirky thing is the Fuel Cost Breakout, which is designed to transparently communicate what percent of your ticket is going toward the fueling of the plane. The company says, in this way, customers can see a little more clearly just how good a deal is.

Safety

Airline safety is of the utmost importance; the problem is, quantifying the true risk may remain an elusive task.  Because plane crashes are so rare and there are so many aggravating factors when it comes to the ultimate cause, genuinely informative rankings are sparse.

One site taking a stab at it is AirSafe.com. Using a formula that takes into account total flights with total number of fatalities, we arrive at a ranking of airlines with the best safety records.

Several small European carriers have a zero fatality rate; when taking into account the number of miles traveled some of the top ranked “big” airlines include Southwest, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and American TransAir. Some of the highly ranked foreign airlines include British Airways, SAS, and Lufthansa.

The Five Longest

1. Newark to Singapore

Distance: 9,535 miles

Flight Duration: 18 hours 50 minutes

Singapore Airlines holds the record for the longest commercial non-stop flight to its capital city Singapore from Newark, NJ. What’s the only way to make it through a nearly 19-hour flight? Get a First Class seat with a 35-inch wide leather and mahogany seat, which folds out into a flat bed, and a 23-inch LCD screen.

2. Los Angeles to Singapore

Distance: 8,770 miles

Flight Duration: 18 hours 5 minutes

Moving across to the west coast, Singapore Airlines also operates the second-longest flight. With a route that takes passengers across the Pacific, it’s possible to leave the west coast of the United States and arrive Far East in about an hour’s less time. This flight is often booked as a layover en route to Australia.

3. Johannesburg to Atlanta

Distance: 8,439 miles

Flight Duration: 16 hours 40 minutes

Delta Airlines makes a lot of trips in and out of its hub, Atlanta, Ga., but its longest flight sees its passengers off to Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s your only option to fly out of Atlanta to the South African capital and the shortest route from the states.

4. Dubai to Los Angeles

Distance: 8,339 miles

Flight Duration: 16 hours 35 minutes

Talk about east meets west. If LA is the epitome of U.S. decadence, luxury, and excess it has finally met its match in Dubai. Can’t get enough of one? Why not take the most direct route from one twin city to the other? It only takes three-quarters of a day.

5. Los Angeles to Bangkok

Distance: 8,270 miles

Flight Duration: 17 hours 30 minutes

While the route on Thai Airlines International from the country’s capital to the major California city is the fifth longest in terms of distance, the flight actually takes longer than the previous two items on our list. But what’s another hour of flight time when you’ll be dealing with a 14-hour time difference once you get off the plane?

The Five Shortest

1. Westray to Papa Westray

Distance: 1.7 miles

Flight Duration: 2 minutes

With a population of less than 600 and even less square footage, Westray is gaining in popularity as a tourism spot of the Scottish Isles due to its prosperous fishing and farming industries, while its neighbor isle, Papa Westray, caters to fans of archaeology and wildlife alike.

2. Ipota to Dillons Bay

Distance: 4.1 miles

Flight Duration: 10 minutes

As one of the major airlines to fly throughout the South Pacific, Air Vanuatu makes the trip amongst the Vanuatu archipelago island series northwest of Australia. Tafea, home to Ipota and Dillons Bay is the southern most of the islands’ six provinces.

3. Warraber Island to Yam Island

Distance: 6.1 miles

Flight Duration: 15 minutes

The draw of the coral reef waters and native foods send travelers to this area of Queensland, Australia one of three of the Sue Islet. But to venture outside this trio you can hop on a Regional Pacific Airlines flight to Yam Island, part of the Bourke island just 100 km northeast of the Thursday Island of Queensland. Measuring just two square miles and with just under 400 residents, Yam Island is still accessible by its own on-island airport.

4. St. Kitts to Nevis

Distance: 9 miles

Flight Duration: 5 minutes

The island conglomeration of the Caribbean consists of more than 7,000 islands, islets, and reefs. The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis lie west of Antigua and southeast of Puerto Rico, but even though their only nine miles apart the only travel option is by boat or by plane. A five-minute plane ride isn’t even enough time to make it through the safety rundown, which we’re kind of OK with.

5. Saipan to Tinian

Distance: 10.8 miles

Flight Duration: 10 minutes

Separated by the Saipan Channel, Saipan and Tinian make up the three main islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Freedom Air (Guam) pilots may or may not have a difficult time landing on the island of only 39 square miles, which is most commonly known as the launch site for the United States’ dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan during World War II.

Recycling

According to Green America, a not-for-profit organization that aims for a sustainable future for all of mankind, there are no airlines that quite meet the A+ standard when it comes to recycling. In fact, Green America is quite critical of the airline industry as a whole. Basically, the organization’s assessment praises some airlines for their measures to reduce waste and to recycle, yet still faults airlines as a whole for not taking proactive approaches to the matter.

Delta Airlines and Virgin America take the top spots with B- grades for their recycling efforts in the cabin, at the gate, and in the shop (they recycle their used oil). The rankings also took into account the diversity of recyclables, future plans for recycling and reduction of waste, and employees’ motivational levels in encouraging recycling programs.

Fuel

Airline giant Boeing recently made a commitment to develop engines that efficiently use alternative fuel – their goal is for 1 percent of commercial flight fuel to come from an alternative fuel source by the year 2015. Although 1 percent may seem rather minimal, the company highlights the fact that reaching the goal in such a small span of time will spawn ambitious growth and confidence in alternative fuels.

British Airways and Continental Airlines are among the companies that have been testing Boeing’s alternative fuels since 2008; however, no regularly scheduled flights are operating with biofuel as of yet.

There is also a collective of airlines and affiliates known as the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group that supports the development and commercialization of sustainable aviation fuels.

Cutting Weight

One way for airlines to become “green” before alternative fuels take off is to reduce fuel use now. Considering the Airline Transportation Association (ATA) ranks fuel as the number two cost for an airline, fuel use has become a pretty important economical consideration as well. In the third quarter of 2008 alone, the ATA reported that the average expenditure on fuel for U.S.-based airlines was 35 percent.

Because of the dual benefits of profit and “green” PR, many airlines are taking steps to drop the pounds or kilos. Japan Airlines is rumored to have meticulously laid out every item they pulled from a typically loaded passenger flights and dissected the importance and weight reduction possibilities of each item.

Modifications

Some planes are pushing their fuel efficiency with relatively simple, inexpensive modifications to help the planes themselves fly more efficiently. Perhaps the most common is the addition many fliers have seen for some years: winglets. These delightful little sections that flip up on the tip of a wing can reduce drag leading to increase fuel efficiency. In the 1970s Richard Whitcomb of NASA came up with the concept, and, since then, air carriers have been adopting better and better winglets.

While the exact percentage of drag reduction depends on the plane and varies by the person you ask, the fact is that they do work. Even saving pennies on a process that is repeated thousands of times a day can lead to more time effective flying, and, in the long run, big dollars in savings.

Lounges

You’ve just been in a cramped stuffy cabin for who-knows-how-many hours, but when you get off the plane you have more waiting lined up for you. Not to worry, numerous airports now feature lounges geared toward worn-out travelers to offer spacious, unrestricted areas to recharge.

At London’s Heathrow Airport, Virgin Atlantic has a special lounge known as “The Clubhouse” that offers the whole gamut of pre-and-post flight pampering. For business, nourishment, rest, or pampering, The Clubhouse has it all: spots to wine or dine at, WiFi and do get business done, as well as a spa facility to get pampered at.

Restaurants

Chicago’s O’Hare, being one of the world’s busiest airports, naturally has a vast spread of dining establishments to accommodate the swarms of travelers it serves. In just four terminals there are 58 dining choices to offer the nourishment-needy traveler. So, whether you’re a jet-setting globetrotter looking for something with flare or a mild-mannered Midwesterner looking for a standard favorite O’Hare has you covered.

Let’s say you’re looking for a slightly different fill-me-up – perhaps of the barley juice persuasion – how appropriate is it that Germany’s own Lufthansa puts an authentic beer garden in their Munich terminal just earlier this year? And while this beer garden will have the traditional fixtures of brew – Bavarian pretzels and a lovely view of the Bavarian Alps – it also offers modern fixtures like WiFi and live TV.

O²

Hailed by many as a revitalizing lift to a tired body and knocked by others as a gimmick, oxygen bars have been popping up at airports all over. By touting oxygen as a hangover cure, Las Vegas McCarran International has been able to popularize the idea and set up three different bars throughout the airport.

And it’s not just the United States buying in to the fad; you’ll find oxygen bars internationally as well. The location at Singapore’s Changi airport emphasizes the energy and immune system boost (the verdict on this snippet is still out in the medical community) it can provide.

Massages

Airplanes are difficult and very uncomfortable to sleep on for most and it’s not uncommon for travelers to arrive at their destination (or layover) with a few kinks and knots they didn’t pack in their carryon. Luckily, many airports now offer spa services.

At cityvoter.com, a site that compiled a “Best of Detroit” list, Ora Oxygen Spa at Detroit’s Metro Airport was nominated for the number one massage in the city. It surely can’t hurt to have the hands of one of the best masseuses in town ready to work their magic the second even the most battered of travelers step off the plane.

Showers

People in the modern age now have practically no choice to operate in a global context; for those conducting business, this can mean a TON of time on the road (or in the sky for that matter). So, where are you supposed to fit in the time for personal hygiene?

While there will always be the tales of passengers reduced to prison-style “birdbaths” in the airport sink after having been trapped at JFK because of some volcanic ash cloud, many airports do now offer traditional shower facilities.

Perhaps one of the nicest is Cathay Pacific’s first-class Hong Kong lounge, The Pier, where the shower facilities are raved about. In addition to being able to freshen up, the distinguished, yet busy, travelers can also access a WiFi connection and a typical business workspace.

San Francisco Bay

You’ve seen photos of the Golden Gate Bridge from almost every angle imaginable, but to truly get a feel for the 4,200-foot long architectural wonder, an in-the-air-shot is a must-have for your collection. With the hilly city as your backdrop and the bay speckled with boats, the view will be breathtaking day or night and no matter which direction you approach from.

Keep an eye out for: The Golden Gate Bridge

Florida Everglades

Most commonly referred to as a swamp, the Everglades are actually a river that stretches 60 miles wide and 100 miles long, starting at the Kissimmee River near Orlando and ending at Lake Okeechobee. The land is overrun with sugarcane fields and is a fragile ecosystem that consists of wetlands sliced by river inlets. Depending on the season you’ll see golden yellows, a blend of greens, sometimes even fiery reds.

Keep an eye out for: Silly shapes formed by the river like you’d see in the clouds.

Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens hasn’t erupted since 1980, but being that it’s considered a “decade volcano” the potential for the next eruption is always on the horizon. If you’re not fortunate enough to see it in action when flying around the Seattle area you’ll still be lucky enough to marvel at its beauty as it peaks above the clouds 8,365 above sea level.

Keep an eye out for: The tiniest bit of billowing smoke.

The Grand Canyon

Some people refer to it as a really big hole in the ground, but the fact is that it’s the biggest hole in the ground – one of the Seven Wonders of the World in fact – and it’s really not comprehendible until you see it for yourself. Flying in or out of Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or Phoenix in the cold months, the canyon walls are covered with snow, but the warmer months allow the canyon’s burgundy, oranges, and yellows to show through, while the Colorado River flows below.

Keep an eye out for: Sunrise or sunset shots are breathtaking.

Yellowstone

The country’s first national park spans three states and has one of the most recognizable bodies of water in the west. The book “Window Seat: Reading the Landscape from the Air” by Gregory Dicum points out that you won’t be able to miss it from the air if you’re traveling from Denver or St. Louis to Seattle; the natural Yellowstone lakes are rounded as opposed to the other jagged bodies of water in the Rockies.

Keep an eye out for: Old Faithful

Mississippi River

Chances are if you’re flying across the country you’ll probably be crossing over the Mississippi. The view from the ground will be nothing like the scene from the sky. Stretching 2,431 miles from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico through New Orleans, the Mississippi River is the fourth-largest in the world and tenth most powerful. You can’t “miss it.” Get it?

Keep an eye out for: How many turns you can count into the horizon.

Greenwich, Conn.

The home of some of the most expensive property in the country, Greenwich is green, beautiful and covered with mansion after mansion. Being that the city is less than 70 square miles – almost 50 of which is land and close to 20 square miles is water – there aren’t many routes that will fly that direction, which will make the view that much sweeter.

Keep an eye out for: A Regis Philbin sighting.

1. I didn’t pay attention to the TSA security attendant on repeat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid traveler or if you haven’t been on a plane since the Johnson administration, once you get in that TSA security checkpoint line it becomes very clear, very fast what is expected of you. All right-minded travelers want nothing more than to breeze through airport security problem, but when you’ve got Miss Oblivious in front of you who neglects to conceal her liquids in the proper Ziploc container or Mr. Too Cool who refuses to remove his hat, the odds of getting to your gate without having an annoyance-induced heart attack increase exponentially.

2. I think this is a good spot to freshen up.

The downtime that accompanies a plane ride can be eaten up by numerous activities – reading, working, music listening, movie viewing – but it should never double as primp time. As much as you’d like to think that your armrest doubles as an invisible shield from all the plucking, flossing, blowing, picking, bathing, and reapplying going on, it doesn’t … it’s just a two and a half inch wide piece of rubber and plastic that does a terrible job of deflecting any strays produced by your personal hygiene routine. Trust us, no one wants to know how many pieces of steak got caught in your teeth during lunch or how long your nails actually were.

3. I have no control over my children, and I know you’ll understand.

Just because the airplane isn’t the most conducive place for the terrible twos, doesn’t make it OK to leave all parenting rules on the tarmac. No matter how many kids you have or how stressful your travel experience has been, there’s no excuse for allowing the cabin to become your free, multi-hour day care. Learn how to control your kids before you get on the plane, pack something strong enough to zonk them out, or give them a mesmerizing toy, or all three. No one wants to spend the better half of a three-hour flight listening to temper tantrums, watching the airplane aisle become a playground, or performing a full-on leg workout when your child has to use the bathroom every five minutes.

4. I think I’m above the carry-on bag rules.

You and everyone else on the plane have listened to the same internal monologue; I’ll do whatever it takes to avoid paying those pesky checked-bag fees. The only problem: there will never be enough overhead bin and under-the-seat space on a plane. It doesn’t matter if you’re the captain of the football team, the parent with three kids, or a “very important” business person; your too big, too many carry-on bag philosophy holds no weight with a flight attendant whose embarking on the final leg or his/her redeye shift or the rest of the passengers on the plane for that matter. Learn the rules of the air, abide by them, and don’t for a minute think you can sweet-talk anyone into giving you an exception or giving up their precious personal space; you’re just not that special.

5. I’ll talk your ear off.

You’ve finally arrived in your seat after a long, rough business trip or a no-holds-barred weekend and all you’re interested in is having some you-time, sleeping, or being nose-deep in a book/personal electronic device/mp3 player. Then, your aisle mate arrives bubbling over with energy and enthusiasm. Sure, some people can take a hint from tone or body language, but every once in a while you’re bound to run into a passenger so giddy over their airborne adventure they continue to engage you in the land of oblivion. By the end of the flight, you know their life story, they know your name, and you’ve gotten no rest.

6. I have a (drinking) problem with flying.

The practice of having a little cocktail to take the edge off before a flight is fairly widespread, but then there are those who take it a little too far. Whereas most folks think of an alcoholic drink as a way to help relax and possibly snooze on the plane, there will always be those clowns who have been pounding Red Bull vodkas since their layover began five hours ago. Now, instead of a calm, courteous passenger, we have a dazed, belligerent one that fits the profile of “that guy on the evening news who they had to land the plane for because of what his drunk ass did/said.” So, don’t be that guy; know your limits and don’t over-self-medicate.

7. I don’t know the limits of my own seat.

Personal space on airplanes is growing increasingly smaller. Therefore you have to make some attempt to extend common courtesy to your fellow passenger. One way is to follow pretty logical seat etiquette; don’t dominate that shared armrest, try to avoid excessive fidgeting, remember to leave your tray table up as much as possible so people can get by, oh yeah, and try to bathe before your flight. Air travel brings enough headaches before you even reach the gate, so don’t compound those problems by being uncivil; every passenger is in the same position, literally, and deserves the same respect and space as you.

8. I love aisle seats… and sleeping.

Not everyone gets to choose where they sit on a plane. That being said, if you tend to pass out the whole flight, maybe an aisle seat is not for you. Nothing is more awkward than having to wake up a stranger, especially if they’re a heavy sleeper and you have to shake the daylights out of them. Although, no one should give you the evil eye, the occasional selfish ass will wrinkle his brow in disapproval as if to say, “do you really need to go that bad” or “you didn’t think to bring diapers.” Yes, most people are civil, but it only takes a chance encounter to leave you screaming choice words you may end up regretting later.”

1. “Mile-High” Flights

Since 2007, a UK-based company has been fulfilling the airborne fantasies of many delighted couples. Aboard this spacious, single engine is a decked-out lovers den perfect to set the mood for a naughty romp once, of course, a safe cruising altitude is reached.

Additional romantic accoutrements include champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to toast to your romantic adventure. The company initially only flew only out of Gloucestershire Airport in Staverton (northwest of London), but has since joined the list of Mile High Club experience “providers” throughout the United States and in Belgium.

2. The Weightless Experience

NASA’s KC-135, nicknamed the “Vomit Comet,” is a variation on the Boeing 707 airliner. This notable name comes from the nature of the flights – nose-diving for roughly 20 to 30 seconds, the occupants experience near weightlessness. It’s no wonder that people get sick; moving in and out of weightlessness would undoubtedly push the guts around.

But this is all an integral part of NASA’s usual operations and is what allows them to understand how anything and everything will operate in (near) zero-gravity (it’s also the same method used to film the 1995 movie Apollo 13, documenting the doomed moon landing).

3. Home

Many folks have figured out how to use the shell of an old airplane for shelter; hell, that rugby team stuck in the Andes lived in one. Regardless, only some folks know how to do it right.

Take, Jo Ann Ussery (above) who pimped out her old plane purchased for, get this, $2,000 and then spent ten times that setting it up for habitation. Many, however, would agree that her investment paid off; she has a bathroom with a hot tub in it, a great source of natural light from all the old sturdy passenger windows, and a one of a kind juxtaposition jutting out over a lake.

4. A Bar

In Costa Rica, there’s a bar that has a very intriguing history of involvement in the Iran/Contra scandal. More accurately, it is built out of an old converted plane from the Iran Contra scandal. The CIA used this plane to conduct secret business, such as funding paramilitaries to disrupt Nicaragua’s government; the only other similarly used plane was shot down over Nicaragua, quickly exposing the aforementioned scandal.

After these dirty deeds were exposed, Costa Rica banned the CIA goons from returning as retribution; hence they were unable to retrieve their plane. In 2000, a hotel owner bought it for just $3,000 and converted it into the one-of-a-kind bar it is today.

5. Fire Fighting

Recent wildfires threatening multi-million dollar homes in California have brought the threat into the eyes of the media, but the need to suppress out-of-control fires has always been around. The ever-evolving industry of aerial firefighting continues to output more effectives aircraft to snuff out the flames that threaten lives and landscape.

The Evergreen Supertanker, a Boeing 747 outfitted to be the ultimate firefighting machine, has many advantages over traditional firefighting aircrafts. Touting seven times as much water (or retardant/foam/gel) capacity as the average fire fighting aircraft, this one promises to deliver.

The Evergreen Supertanker can drop larger concentrations of water than most on very specific locations. Furthermore, this Boeing 747 and can zip to needed spots at nearly 600 miles per hours. Wildfires BEWARE!

6. Lightning Research

NASA has used spacecraft and aircraft for years to do a great deal of research on lightning, showing everything from the nature of lightning in the eye of a hurricane to images of lightning on Saturn.

One of the most notable is a 1980s NASA study involving a daring crew that would fly into the heart of storms to have their plane struck by lightning and to see how lightening affected aircraft. In nearly 1,500 storms the plane was struck by lightning over 700 times.

Although none of these strikes downed the plane, lightning strikes did, on rare occasions, down planes before this research was done. It is notable that NASA’s research provided the data to initiate lightning safety standards that have kept U.S. airliners free of lightning-related crashes for decades.

7. Spying

Spy planes have been around almost as long as planes, but one of the latest (that we know about) promises to be revolutionary to the spy world.  Boeing’s Phantom Eye High Altitude Long Endurance Aircraft has some awesome new technology on board that gives it some unbelievable abilities.

Able to spend four days at 65,000 feet, the Phantom Eye will run on two engines that Boeing Phantom Works President Daryl Davis described as “a Ford Ranger engine converted to burn liquid and gaseous hydrogen.” The great thing about that: its only exhaust will be water.

Look for the Phantom Eye to take flight in Early 2011, after ground and taxi tests are done. Then again you probably won’t be able to see it, no matter how well it may be able to see you.

Hands down, the cheapest and easiest way to get to the airport is to leave your car at home and bum a ride from friends or family. That being said, this only works if you have family or friends who are in town, whom you get along with, and who also won’t hold the favor over your head. If the aforementioned caveats are out of the way, make it clear that you fully plan to return the favor when the situation is reversed.

Chances are, even if you have loved ones who are willing to drive you, your departure plans may not work with their schedule. Depending on the city you live in, how much luggage you’re toting, and your timeframe for getting to the airport, opting for public transportation can not only be an affordable alternative to airport parking, it can also be relatively stress free. The good news is, you won’t have to worry about traffic, and, in a well-planned city, the bus, train, light rail, or subway will drop you off right at the airport.

Not digging the idea of hauling your bags half way across the city? Look into the costs of taking a cab or shuttle bus. Book the shuttle in advance and you may end up spending less on a one-way ride than you would for one day of airport parking. You may also want to consider a combination of transportation options for your trip to and from the airport, particularly if you can easily schedule a free ride to the airport and then book a shuttle ride home the day before you leave on your return flight home.

None of these options will be advantageous, however, if you live more than 20 miles away from the airport. In that case, you might want to consider booking a room at an airport hotel the night before your flight. You won’t have to worry about rushing to the airport in the morning, and many airport hotels will give you significant discounts on hotel parking while you’re out of town even if you only stay for one night.

Your schedule and house-sitting arrangements, etc., may not afford you the luxury of being able to leave a night early for your trip. Sometimes driving yourself to the airport is unavoidable. When you have to leave your car at the airport the best policy is still to plan in advance. If you’re headed to the airport in a hurried frenzy you won’t have the time or the wherewithal to find the best parking deals.

If you’re a seasoned traveler, keep your eyes pealed for airport parking coupons in mailers, local publications, and travel Web sites, and consider asking some of the lots you’ve already used if they offer anything that resembles a frequent parker program. You can also check on special rates for AAA, AARP, and military members, as well as student discounts. Either way, if you pre-book your airport parking reservation on the Web or on the phone you could save as much as 60 percent off your total cost.

Discounts can be a huge help, but you can also cut a big chunk of your airport parking bill by choosing a lot over a garage, traveling on the weekdays, or parking a little farther away from the airport and taking a shuttle back to the airport, which could save you as much as 70 percent.

While you may not be able to control the weather, the aircraft maintenance schedule, or whatever other hang-ups are out there, you can control your personal in-flight comfort level when traveling. There are some super simple ways to maximize your relaxation and personal wellness. Take some of these tips to heart and you’re on your way to a better flight.

Eat Respectfully

Nourishment is an absolutely vital element of travel, so remember to keep your belly full … but be judicious. Remember, you’ll be in a confined space with many other people for more than a little bit; the gigantic, greasy breakfast burrito with extra beans may not be the best of choice to start your morning (or your digestive tract) off. Reach for something a little milder for those pre-flight meals – nothing too spicy, too gigantic, or guaranteed to produce gas.

Hydrate Effectively

Try to actively drink a ton of water and other replenishing fluids in the two days before you fly, that way you don’t have to try to catch up the day of your flight. For a super source of hydration try a sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, Smart Water, or any of the generic equivalents). You’ll be pleasantly surprised with how refreshed you feel and, since you hydrated ahead of time, you won’t feel like a pitcher of water has engorged your bladder, turning you into that guy that got up “like 20 times” on the two-hour flight.

Shower Regularly

As a common courtesy to all those around you, plan on bathing. Obviously, an overnighter in the airport may be out of your control and, in that case, it’s perfectly understandable to skimp on the shower, but in general, make an effort to show up fresh and clean. Not only will you feel refreshed and less grimy, you won’t contribute to the collective B.O. that’s bound to build up in-flight.

Dress Accordingly

Whether for business or pleasure, your in-flight wardrobe can be a burden or a blessing.

If you have to fly to a business meeting, try and select some wrinkle-free, breathable pants and shirts from your collection. If you’re flying for pleasure, choose something comfortable that doesn’t make you look like a vagrant.

Another important tip is to pick something that secures the items in your pockets (especially important for guys with cells phones, wallets, etc.). Some of the sleekest new smart phones are also the most aerodynamic when it comes to escaping the pockets of their masters. Do a quick personal inventory before you dash off the claustrophobia chamber to avoid a meltdown later. Nobody takes it well when they learn their $300 phone is headed to another city… unaccompanied… lonely… full of detailed personal information, accessibility to various accounts, and possibly compromising photographic content.

As far as shoes go, any recent traveler will tell you the most important part thing to remember slip on, slip off. First, this helps you breeze through security without creating any bottlenecks while you secure your laces. Second, you can ditch your kicks once you’re on the plane to get settled in more comfortably. There are a variety of brands to choose from that are perfect for this; just to name a few: the exceedingly popular Crocs, the traditional Van’s Slip-ons, and for the trailblazer, try some Keens.

Rest Comfortably

Many people approach the on-board snooze differently, but not all tactics offer the best results. While an alcoholic drink or two may offer some relaxation of the nerves, too much will just leave you feeling, groggy, dehydrated, and irritable. If you really have an issue with flying in general, consulting your doctor about possible medications or over-the-counter remedies to help you relax and/or sleep may not be a bad idea.

To avoid chemical solutions you can turn to all kinds of quirky gadgets. Try on the GLOtoSLEEP mask, designed to help you meditate yourself to sleep. By focusing on several glow-in-the-dark bands of blue set in the mask the wearer is apparently able to coax the brain into a relaxed “alpha state” conducive to falling asleep.

If you just can’t get comfortable, try a travel pillow to help you adjust. One of the most bizarre, if not seemingly most effective, examples is the Sky Rest travel pillow. When it comes to blocking out the noise on an airline flight, headphones are a great idea. Familiar examples from Sony and Bose offer the latest in high-quality noise cancelling products, but if you’re on a budget just find the pair that is comfortable on your ears and makes your tunes sound good.

New York – JFK International Airport and La Guardia Airport

Not only is New York one of the most popular tourist destinations, but as the business and financial capital of the world New York alone sees more than 48 million passengers travel through its main airport, JFK International, a year. To accommodate that many fliers, JFK pushes 44,000 thousand airplanes across 30 miles of runway; it’s bound to run into some delays – 24 percent of flights in 2009 to be exact.  While La Guardia serves just over half as many passengers – 25 million – as its counterpart, its flight delay percentage also comes in at 24 percent. You have to give the Queens-based airport some credit though for cutting its flight-delay rate by four percentage points in one year.

Chicago – O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport

Passengers are not in for much luck when flying into the windy city. Maybe it’s the wind itself or just the its central location but the airports in Chicago – Midway and O’Hare – consistently top these types of lists. Chicago Midway is the second busiest airport in the city, but experiences significant flight delays – 26 percent of all flights were delayed in 2006. And with 17 million passengers a year, Midway has significant opportunities to have air traffic get back ups. O’Hare, on the other hand, handles an unbelievable 70 million passengers a year. Factor in that number on top of the probability of weather delays and you can understand why O’Hare is always one of the worst airports for delays and the why city of Chicago suffers for it.

Atlanta – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Considering Atlanta has been the busiest passenger airport in the world since 1998 and the busiest operations airport in the world since 2005 and that there’s an average of 240,000 passengers a day and almost 2,700 arrivals and departures making their way through the city, Atlanta is almost doomed to make our list. The city is also the hub for the nation’s largest airline, Delta Airlines, which constantly shows up on the Federal Aviation Administration’s list of the worst airlines for delays. The airport maintains five runways totaling more than 48,889 feet of runway so there’s no way around the fact that there’s going to be a lot of airplane traffic.

San Francisco – San Francisco International Airport

Second to Los Angeles, San Francisco is the second biggest and busiest city on the west coast for air travel, and San Francisco International one of the ten busiest airports in the country. With a 23 percent flight delay score in 2009 – only a three-percent improvement from 2008 – San Francisco has some work to do. Fliers should consider, hassle-wise and price-wise, Oakland as an alternative.

Washington DC – Dulles International Airport

There’s a good reason why the nation’s capitol has some problems with flight delays: air traffic gets a little complicated when you factor in the travel plans of the world’s most powerful man. On top of that, Dulles International Airport welcomes more than 24 million passengers a year, and one out of four of those passengers is headed overseas serving the nation.

Dallas – Dallas-Fort Worth International

As the most commonly flown city in the Lone Star state, Dallas is a major layover destination, which may explain its 24 percent delay rate in 2009. The airport itself covers more than 30 square miles and houses seven runways, which see off about 57 million passengers a year.

Miami – Miami International Airport

Chances are if you’re flying overseas you’re going to make your way to Miami. In fact, Miami International Airport handles nearly as many international passengers – almost 16,000 in 2009 – as it does domestic passengers – almost 18,000 in 2009. But despite dropping five flight-delay percentage points in 2009, Miami International still finished out the year with 26 percent of its flights delayed.

Newark – Newark Liberty International

Although it tops out at 35 million passengers a year, Newark consistently runs into flight delay problems. Weather and proximity to New York City could play a factor, but the fact is that the airport itself also sees more than 880,000 metric tons of cargo pass over its runways.

Beijing

Following the Olympic games Beijing has exploded as one of the most common travel destinations. The “forbidden city” is not so off limits anymore because you can get a taste of both new China and ancient China. As the country’s capital – and the world’s bike capital – Beijing is home to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square. It offers so much to see and so much culture to absorb that you’ll need much longer than just a few days. Hop on a cruise of the Yangtze River, take a tour of the Olympic stadium, or visit the contemporary art district – whether you’re looking for authentic or swanky it’s all there.

Must-see: The biggest bike rack. As a sole mode of transportation for many Chinese people, bikes are serious business and so are the locks they use to secure them.

Mustn’t see: Public restrooms. Enough said.

Boston

Ditch your history class this summer. You’ll get the richest U.S. history lesson at the heart of where this country all began, Boston, Mass. One walk down the Freedom Trail alone will tell you more than a volume of textbooks could teach. Dating back to 1630 (yes, you read that right) Boston was the intellectual center of the new world, the epicenter of the Revolutionary War, and home of the Boston Tea Party. Nature and architecture buffs will find plenty of inspiration in attractions like the Public Park – the country’s oldest park – and the Hancock Tower, and do we even need to mention the draw for sports fanatics?

Must-see: The Museum of Science includes the Hayden Planetarium and has the largest lighting machine.

Mustn’t-see: The many Duck Tours. Even the Mallard maniacs won’t find value here.

Las Vegas

No matter your age, Vegas can be your playground. Harrah’s for gran and gramps, Excalibur for college students on a budget, and New York New York for the family with kids. The Strip has many options for entertainment, including Cirque du Soliel shows, the shark world at Mandalay Bay, laser light shows downtown, and, of course, gambling and drinking.  For more family-friendly options Mom can shop at the mall right on The Strip, Dad can pick a buffet off The Strip to really get his money’s worth, and the kids will get a kick out of the pirate show at Treasure Island. If you want to get away from all the flashing lights you always have the option of a day trip to Zion National Park for a true taste of the Southwest. There are many options in the City of Sin for more tame travelers, but still plenty of excess and debauchery for the legal-age crowd.

Must see: The Fountains of Bellagio never get old and are not to be missed if it’s a first-time trip.

Mustn’t see: Venetian gondola ride – way over priced, over rated, and overly awkward (not only do you have that dude hanging out in the back of your boat the whole time, but everyone and their brother walking through the hotel is staring at you as you row past).

Madison

Wisconsin is gorgeous in the summer; once all the snow has melted and the temps level off, the outdoor opportunities are practically endless. Take to the water by renting a canoe or kayak at James Madison Park on Lake Mendota for $20-$30 a day – perfect for fun-filled family day or for a romantic romp in the wilderness. The Le Fete de Marquette French festival, celebrating music and culture from around the world, typically makes its debut the second week in July and the Corn Fest the second or third week of August are can’t-get-anywhere-else attractions. For a quick trip outside the city, visit the Rock House in Spring Green (30 miles west), an eclectic home and architectural wonder that’s tacky and brilliant at the same time. The house comes to a narrow vista point 218 feet off the ground.

Must see: The University of Madison-Wisconsin Arboretum is free for kids and a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery and work off some of their energy.

Mustn’t see: Monona Terrace, the Frank Lloyd Wright building is free to see and stunning from the outside, but not worth the trip inward.

Miami

It’s hot in more ways than one. Steamy temperatures mean barely-there clothing, beach and pool lounging, and liquids become necessities. Foodies will flourish in the city where new restaurants are popping up left and right, and shopaholics will find boutiques they’ll hardly be able to live without. And we could spend all day, or should we say all night, talking about the bar and club scene; let’s just say there’s no shortage of parties in this city of luxury and intrigue. And if you need a break from the sand and surf, head an hour outside the city center to experience the everglades.

Must see: 10^th street … you’ll have to see it to believe it.

Mustn’t see: South beach is iconic, but overly crowded; you can see the same thing just a few miles down the beach.

Seattle

A great destination to do a double-dip or triple-dip vacation is Seattle. You can do some sightseeing, then hop on one of the several cruises that launch off the shore of the city or take a road trip down to Portland or up to Vancouver. The northwest is magnificent for travel this time of year as the skies clear, the temperatures warm up, and the city comes alive. Pike Place will bustle with artisans and farmers in the summer, while the Experience Music Project, a Frank Ghery designed museum, is perfect for a not-so-nice weather day.

Must see: Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods, including Capital Hill, Ballard, Freemont, and downtown, are one of a kind.

Mustn’t see: The Space Needle is not worth the money, not worth the wait and the view can be matched elsewhere in the city.

Scottsdale

Sure the temps can blast in the 115-degree range, but what you may not realize about Arizona in the summer is the world’s top-ranked resorts slash their prices and offer ridiculously low rates for services. You may finally be able to treat yourself, and/or your loved one, to a stay at the Four Seasons, The Boulders, or The Phoenician. Our advice is to stay in the pool all day, or cruise one of the city’s many air conditioned malls, and then soak up the entertainment at night. You can always plan a day trip up north of the city; in just an hour or so outside the city in Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff temps can drop nearly 30 degrees.

Must see: The brand-new Musical Instrument Museum is a one-of-a-kind compilation and history lesson in music from across the globe.

Mustn’t see: Rawhide has moved from its original Scottsdale location to the southern outskirts and it will never be quite the same.

Services

Sweet Dreams

If it’s been a long day, or a long couple of days for that matter, sleep may be a very important priority during those listless hours spent in the air.  Seat Guru offers a great resource for determining sleep-compatible seating options.  The site offers options to search by individual and breaks down how comfortable your choice will be based on what class ticket you’ve bought.  It also includes extensive comparison charts that detail seat type as well as pitch, width, and much, much more.

Mr./Mrs. Clean

Because nothing says unprofessional like a gamy scent, finding a way to bathe between jet-setting and meetings is another necessity for business travelers.  Luckily, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines now offers the first-ever showers aboard its A380.  This by-appointment option includes two different packages of products for freshening up, both made with premium “natural and indigenous ingredients.”

Connectivity

One of the most important aspects of business is connectivity, specifically Internet connectivity, and a few companies are now bringing the World Wide Web to the skies.

A service called Gogo is now providing Internet access to Air Canada, Air Tran, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, U.S. Airways, and Virgin America.  Gogo uses cell towers throughout the continental United States that point their signal skyward.

The company claims to offer absolute coverage throughout the continental United States – a feat made easier by the absence of obstructions in the sky.  The limitations? With the towers being land-based that means no coverage over water or other countries, limiting access to only those airplanes flying the continental United States. Sorry Hawaii and Alaska.

Competing with this service is Row 44, which touts its uninterrupted connectivity. Using a vast network of satellites, Row 44 theoretically covers anywhere and everywhere.  In early-to-mid 2009, trials of Row 44 started on several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Norwegian Air Shuttle, a small European carrier.  Earlier this year Alaskan Airlines instead went with Gogo for reasons that are still unclear, especially considering the limited or absent coverage over Canada and the fact that Alaskan operates in Mexico and Hawaii (other dead zones for Gogo).

Rewards

When travelling for business it is common to fly to the same destinations repeatedly and often in a short span of time. It only makes sense, then, to take advantage of reward programs that help businesses earn extras, including free flights.

One route to take is airline credit cards. The programs allow travelers to collect mileage points for every purchase made; nearly all major carriers offer some form of credit card, usually through Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.  For a useful breakdown on the differences between these cards check out the following chart.

Travelers can take advantage of the various frequent flyer programs offered by each individual airline.  For the most part, airlines offer several different rewards program options usually involving the services of airlines’ partner companies, including anything from rental car providers to retail stores to mortgage lenders.  Delta, United, and American Airlines all offer a plethora of reward programs options.

Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program aims to keep it super simple; take eight roundtrip flights in a two-year span and get a free flight, or use a combination of flights and points earned through Southwest’s partner companies.  An additional perk for Southwest business travelers is that if your ticket is booked under the Business Select option you earn extra points.

Reliability

By far one of the most important aspects of business travel is getting there on time. When it comes to reliability, the major carriers don’t tend to stick out, possibly a consequence of the major airline business model of overbooking and maximizing profit.

In 2010, Forbes online rated Japan Air as the number one most reliable carrier; following this was a number of minor carriers as well as larger carriers in other countries like Lufthansa(Germany) and Quantas(Australia) further down the list.

For an extremely detailed and up-to-date profile on specific airlines, visit this page at the Bureau of Transportation Statistics Website.  You can choose a specific airline and date range and the site automatically calculates averages concerning delays and cancellations.

1. Pack something new and exciting.

No matter the age of your kids, prepare each of them for a plane ride with a carry-on bag of their own and stuff it with a combination of their must-have and new items: stuffed animals, toys, books, games, etc. You’ll be more than prepared to combat the mid-air meltdown with the “security blanket” and the backseat boredom with a new set of coloring books.

2. Book non-stop flights.

The possibility of delays and cancelations increases exponentially when you factor in layovers, and, with a family, rebooking flights, sleeping in airports and/or finding last-minute hotel accommodations gets exponentially more complicated. You may have to pay slightly more out of pocket for a direct flight, but the benefit of avoiding flight-complication headaches is well worth it.

3. Scope out seats in advance.

You can check seatguru.com to search by airline or flight number to become familiar with the seating situation of the plane you’ll be flying on. You can use the site to help reserve your seats or, for flights on which you can’t pre-book seats, mentally prepare for which seats will be easiest to set up camp. When booking in advance, consider grouping your family’s seats together, grouping sets of children with an adult, or finding aisle seats for easy maneuvering. Avoid bulkhead seats because you’ll lose under-the-seat space for diaper bags, backpacks, etc. and avoid window seats; the sky view can only entertain them for so long. Also, it can never hurt to ask the gate attendant if there’s enough space on the plane to request an empty seat in your aisle.

Stressful situations, cramped spaces, and unfamiliar surroundings can be trying for the children and we know they can’t be easy for you either, but you’re not going to do yourself, your family, or your fellow passengers any good by losing your cool. Stay calm and understand that you’re all in the same boat (or shall we say plane) and more likely than not your seatmates will understand.

5. Feed during takeoff and landing.

Have your bottle, sippy-cup, gum, or snack ready for your kids directly before departure and arrival. Working the jaw can help relieve pressure from the ears and can avoid painful ear plugging, but make sure to avoid salty snacks – salt makes kids thirsty, thirsty kids need to rehydrate, and hydrated kids go potty often.

6. Don’t be afraid to experiment with drugs.

Consult your pediatrician about medication options that may make travel easier for the little ones.  Don’t think of it as tranquilizing your kids; the truth is reasonable, responsible doses of many over-the-counter medications can help young children with restlessness and boredom by coaxing them into nap through the flight.

7. Splurge on a separate child seat.

Unless you can test your stamina ahead of time by letting your child sit on your lap for hours on end, you’ll want your child to have his or her own seat. Check to make sure your baby seat is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to avoid any hassles at security.

1. You’re as Cold as ICE

In the little Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi there’s a hotel that revolves around one essential ingredient of life, H₂O.  When you’re situated well north of the Arctic Circle it’s more commonly referred to as ice, the medium that various architects and artists mold into a beautiful work-of-art/ tourist destination known as ICEHOTEL.  This winter will be the hotel’s twenty-first year as an innovative ever-evolving accommodation that gives its guests an experience they will never forget.  There’s even a church made of ice to host a subzero fairytale wedding and a bar to look cool and stay cool.  So, yeah, this isn’t just an igloo with a bed; in its many years ICEHOTEL has grown to roughly 5500 square meters from its humble beginnings at around 60 square meters.  For climatic reasons, this hotel only operates for a few months in the winter, melting back into the Torne River it was born of, one of the transient artistic properties that define this luxurious lodge.

2. Under the Sea

Believe it or not, there isn’t just one underwater hotel.  The first one lays 40 feet underwater in a 5,000 acre lagoon off a private island in Fiji.  Reservations are super exclusive and the hotel has to fly guests in from an airport in Fiji, unless, of course, they choose the private yacht option.  But one opening in Istanbul, Turkey this year is attempting to top that.  Seven stories deep to match the theme of a SEVEN-star hotel, this stay promises to indulge the senses and provide an unmatched vacation experience.

3. Got to Get Away

What if you happen to be interested in getting away from it all?  Really, really away.  Namibia Wildlife Resorts offers a variety of options in isolated and desolate, yet beautiful locations to escape the mundane, drink up the beautiful countryside, and catch glimpses of some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife.  Whether it’s rugged desert or vast swaths of jungle expect astounding scenery from a variety of lodgings that have all the offerings of any traditional resort.  Each location offers its own unique landscape and amazing experiences from balloon bound safaris to cruises along the Namibian coast.

4. Lavish Lakehouse

Only reachable by boat, this next one may also help you really get away from it all; not to mention it has loads of history.  Known as Lake Palace or Jag Niwas, this destination was originally built in the 1600s by Indian royalty on a tiny rock island in Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India.  In its storied history it has functioned as a royal palace, as a place of refuge for Europeans during rebellion on the mainland, and finally as a luxury hotel that can include among its guests Queen Elizabeth and Jackie O.  The conversion into a hotel began in the 1960s as the only viable way to save the by then deteriorating palace and by the 1970s it was managed by a reliable Indian company that has carried it into its present day status as a world-class destination.

5. Spooky Spots

And what if you want an experience that transcends this world?  You can always dabble into haunted destinations.  Some destinations even embrace the spooky specifics.  At Jerome Grand Hotel in the small mining town of Jerome, Ariz. guests are treated to ghost hunting tours complete with an EMT meter, IR thermometer and digital camera… whatever that does.

6. Ramblin’ Man

If you just can’t stop moving then there’s a German company, Rotel Tours, that’s built a rolling hotel.  Now, before you brighten up with visions of cruising down the highway in your king size bed and whirlpool bathtub, dash those thoughts and understand that this vessel is more function than fashion.  Although there is a bathroom and kitchen, it lacks a shower.  Oh, and your sleeping quarters are six feet long and three feet high; don’t spring up and awake too suddenly or you may just end up asleep again.

7. Treetop

This next option is not for the sleepwalking type: Tree house hotels.  They exist at a number of exotic spots around the world, Costa Rica, India, Sweden and Hawaii to name a few.  All of them are marked by clever and unique architecture and usually necessarily scant accommodations; room service and running utilities are not a guarantee.

8. Lockdown

If you’re looking for a stay that’s designed to keep you there in more ways than one then you can be locked down in the jailhotel Lowengraben in Lucerne, Switzerland.  Originally built as a jail in the mid 1800s and continuing to function until the late 1990s, this historical building now provides access to the local sights of Lucerne that its previous residents didn’t have the privilege of visiting.

9. All Work and No Play…

Remember that creepy hotel from The Shining?  What if you wanted to stay there?  Well, too bad; it’s an imaginary hotel shot at several different locations.  But truthfully the hotel that inspired the book does exist in Estes Park, Colorado.  In addition to long-standing rumors of haunting, the Stanley Hotel is where Stephen King assembled the ideas for this diabolical gem.

10. Is There an Echo in Here?

For all those spelunkers who just can’t get enough dark, musty rock, there’s the Gamirasu Cave Hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey.  Beautiful décor and traditional Turkish food will delight any guest staying in this mineral marvel whose history of inhabitance stretches back over 2000 years.  While equipped with modern amenities and utilities the striking stone walls and ceiling will serve as a constant reminder that you’re staying in an actual cave.

10. WhereTraveler

As an Apple-recommended app, WhereTraveler is like the digital version of some of the best travel books on the market. You’ll get the inside scoop on more than 61 markets from the travelers who’ve “been there, done that.” Both domestic and international locations are covered, giving you the dish on dining, shopping, entertainment, and site seeing. An all-around app, WhereTraveler also doubles as a currency converter, language translator, and tip calculator.

9. Eargenda

If WhereTraveler is the “godfather” of travel apps, consider Eargenda the Mickey Mouse? Why? Maybe because it’s a Disney World planner. Schedule your time in the park down to the minute with access to the weekly entertainment schedule, showtimes, events, as well as a five-day forecast.

8. TripIt

Air travel can be such a hassle, but you can cut through all the drama and the stress by consolidating all your travel information on one, easy-to-use app. Track flight confirmations, car and hotel reservations and reference maps from the app, or upload all information through the online version before you leave the house. Switch it into “airplane mode” once you’ve boarded to familiarize yourself with all your itineraries.

7. JiWire Wi-Fi Finder

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure you never know when the need for a Wi-Fi connection might pop up. The JiWire Wi-Fi Finder app will populate all the Wi-Fi hot spots in your area. This app comes in especially handy when traveling overseas, especially if you need to locate the confirmation number in your e-mail for a reservation, track down a bus schedule or a restaurant location.

6. Google SMS

It’s probably a cardinal sin to mention Google in an iPhone app article, but here we go. The Google SMS app is like having your own personal concierge. Locate the comforts of home or new and exciting adventures of your vacation destination by searching for everything from local bookstores and coffee shops to the best line-dancing bar or for the only place in town that sells your favorite brand of hand lotion.

5. Pano

Panoramic pictures are awesome… hands down. This new app takes your plain old iPhone vacation snapshots and converts up to 16 images into a panoramic scene. The app’s blending and color-matching algorithm technology creates a seamless image. Images stored directly on your iPhone’s photoroll.

4. Eventful

The best part about the Eventful app is that it’s great for vacation and works just as well in your hometown. Search for local events by location – concerts, shows, etc.  What makes this app unique is that it searches using your phone’s GPS service. The app draws on a database of 130,000 performers and can connect you to nearly 6 million other event goers. Use Eventful also to send e-mal alerts of events based on your interests.

3. Local Eats

Find where the foodies eat in every new town you visit. Based on the book series Where the Locals Eat, the Local Eats, this app searches the country’s top-50 cities for local eateries by category, rank or neighborhood. The list will only include establishments unique to that location and will list restaurants in all price ranges. You’ll even get listings that include descriptions of taste, atmosphere, and service.

2. Lonely Planet Phrasebook

This is the quintessential international traveler book. When you’re gallivanting across the globe there’s no way you’re going to be able to become fluent in every language and every dialect. Lonely Planet’s travel guidebooks have been helping travelers navigate the cities the world over and now it’s in your pocket. You can reference 600 common phrases for every day situations in 17 different languages, including Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Czech, Swahili, and Vietnamese. The app will even break it down into commonsense categories and spells out each phrase phonetically, giving you the option to listen to an audio pronunciation.

1. oMaps

Download maps of the cities you’re traveling to prior to your departure with oMaps to avoid racking up roaming minutes on your phone when you’re out of your local area. Navigate the maps once you touch down without using a 3G or Internet connection. While the maps aren’t as detailed a Google’s, they will be able to direct you to local ATMs, restaurants, and mass transit stations, and you can still pair them with your GPS functionality since that doesn’t require a data connection to operate.

The key to becoming a successful world traveler is flexibility. There’s no way to prepare for every predicament you’ll encounter when you’re on the road, far away from home, but you can prepare for how to handle unpredictable situations – it usually starts with a little bit of patience and a lot of creativity. We’re going to give you some of the tools you need to start out on your trip with the following _____ suggestions.

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