Insiders Vacation Guide

Why does the airline make me turn off my electronic devices?

2011-11-28T10:47:00.000-05:00

Is this flight at risk?

Millions of Americans who got on a plane over the Thanksgiving holiday heard the admonition: “Please power down your electronic devices for takeoff.”

And absolutely everyone obeyed. I know they did because no planes fell from the sky. No planes had to make an emergency landing because the avionics went haywire. No planes headed for Miami ended up in Anchorage. We were all made safe because we all turned off all our Kindles, iPads, iPhones, BlackBerrys and laptops, just as the Federal Aviation Administration told us to. Realistically speaking, I’m going to bet that a handful of people on each flight could not be bothered, or forgot to comply.
According to the F.A.A., 712 million passengers flew within the United States in 2010. Let’s assume that just 1 percent of those passengers — about two people per Boeing 737, a conservative number — left a cellphone, e-reader or laptop turned on during takeoff or landing. That would mean seven million people on 11 million flights endangered the lives of their fellow passengers.
Yet, in 2010, no crashes were attributed to people using technology on a plane. None were in 2009. Or 2008, 2007 and so on. You get the point.

Surely if electronic gadgets could bring down an airplane, you can be sure that the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, which has a consuming fear of 3.5 ounces of hand lotion and gel shoe inserts, wouldn’t allow passengers to board a plane with an iPad or Kindle, for fear that they would be used by terrorists.

New technologies are often greeted with fear and that is certainly true of a disruptive technology like cellphones. Yet rules that are decades old persist without evidence to support the idea that someone reading an e-book or playing a video game during takeoff or landing is jeopardizing safety.
Nevertheless, Les Dorr, a spokesman for the F.A.A., said the agency would rather err on the side of caution when it comes to digital devices on planes.

He cited a 2006 study by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, a nonprofit group that tests and reports on technical travel and communications issues. The group was asked by the F.A.A. to test the effects of cellphones, Wi-Fi and portable electronic devices on planes.
Its finding? “Insufficient information to support changing the policies,” Mr. Dorr said. “There was no evidence saying these devices can’t interfere with a plane, and there was no evidence saying that they can.” I’m not arguing that passengers should be allowed to make phone calls while the plane zooms up into the sky. But, why can’t I read my Kindle or iPad during takeoff and landing? E-readers and cellphones can be easily put into “Airplane Mode” which disables the device’s radio signals.

The government might be causing more unnecessary interference on planes by asking people to shut their devices down for take-off and landing and then giving them permission to restart all at the same time. According to electrical engineers, when the electronic device starts, electric current passes through every part of the gadget, including GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular radio and microprocessor.
It’s the equivalent of waking someone up with a dozen people yelling into bullhorns.
As more and more people transition from paper products to digital ones, maybe it’s time to change these rules.

Michael Altschul, senior vice president and legal counsel for CTIA, the wireless industry association, said a study that it conducted more than a decade ago found no interference from mobile devices.
“The fact is, the radio frequencies that are assigned for aviation use are separate from commercial use,” Mr. Altschul said. “Plus, the wiring and instruments for aircraft are shielded to protect them from interference from commercial wireless devices.”

Mr. Dorr reluctantly agreed. “There have never been any reported accidents from these kinds of devices on planes,” he said.

Related Article. Are Cellphones safe on airplanes?

Thailand - Bangkok Travel Advisory

2011-11-07T12:45:00.000-05:00

BANGKOK BEFORE THE FLOOD

Bangkok has been hit by severe floods. All districts have been placed on high alert, however, the worst-hit areas are the northern and eastern districts, most notably Sai Mai, Khlong Sam Wa, Bang Khen, Nong Chok, Min Buri, Lat Krabang and Khan Na Yao. Traveling to those districts is highly discouraged. The authorities have advised the locals there to move their valuables to higher grounds and be ready for a swift evacuation.
In other districts, including Central Bangkok, the water has risen to ankle or knee-level. While life continues relatively as normal, the situation is in a state of flux and could change overnight. Basic supplies like drinking water, tooth paste, toilet paper, batteries and candles are scarce or unavailable as many convenience stores and supermarkets have closed.
Rail travel is severely strained — the Northern Line to Chiang Mai is completely out of order, while the Northeastern Line is rerouted via Chachoengsao (expect significant delays). Bus travel is still possible, but many lines are rerouted causing heavy delays. Plan your trip carefully and follow the news for ongoing developments.

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Check back later for more info, and meanwhile, check out this article about Bangkok

"Bangkok as seen from the SkyTrain, appears a jumble of oxidized hovels, clotheslines, and satellite dishes, above which gathers a typically ruined Third World sky, while in the far and middle distances, a new postmodern cityscape of luxurious condominiums has seemingly been airlifted from Miami’s Brickell Avenue."

FROM TRAVEL AND LEISURE http://www.travelandleisure.com/

American Airlines - Launches Deal Finder 2.0

2011-08-09T11:04:00.000-04:00

American Airlines launches Deal Finder as an alternative to Orbitz and Travelocity.

The all new DealFinder 2.0 features a user friendly design, more search capabilities, and exclusive offers.

DealFinder is the customizable fare searching tool that you can download to your desktop, so you can easily have a personalized travel planning experience!

With DealFinder 2.0, you have access to:

Fare Search Alerts- Set up to 10 fare searches and DealFinder will alert you when your desired fare becomes available
News and Offers – Be among the first to know about the latest fare sales and news from AA.com
Exclusive Discounts – Receive exclusive offers tailored to your travel preferences

Whether you are using a PC, Mac or Linux operating system, DealFinder gives you access to all American Airlines travel deals.

Save time and gain more control over your travel planning with DealFinder.

To Download

James Dean Burial Site - Fairmount, Indiana

2011-07-27T11:08:00.000-04:00

James Dean

ROAD TRIP TO JAMES DEAN GRAVESITE

Fairmount, Indiana. This is no Pere Lachaise in Paris, France where Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf rest.

It is a small town between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Not a destination in itself, but if you are driving in the area, it maybe worthwhile to detour.

Off Route 31 you get the sense of why James Dean escaped to Hollywood.

When you walk into the Fairmount Historical Museum, you will be won over.

The museum is full of the actual items owned by James Dean. There are four rooms packed full of James Dean's own clothes, letters, photographs, school reports, motorbikes, toys and other memorabilia donated both by the local community and by his film star friends.

Park Cemetery itself is a big place, far bigger than you'd expect of a town with a population of less than 3,000, so the map they give you at the museum is essential. And there it is: a modest headstone bearing his name and the years 1931-1955. Nothing more. It's no different from the hundreds of other headstones here, just as Fairmount's no different from thousands of other towns in the Midwest.

The 2011 James Dean Festival will take place from Thursday, Sept. 22nd through Sunday, Sept. 25th. The festival's main attractions will be the Annual Museum Days and the Annual James Dean Run.

Museum Days, a four-day long remembrance celebration, will feature live music performed on the Main Street stage; free showings of "East of Eden," "Rebel Without a Cause" and "The Giant;" James Dean look alike contest, dance contests, and a number of other events and activities suitable for children and adults of all ages.

The James Dean Run will take place at Fairmount's Playacres Park and feature car judging, flame throwing contests, music, trivia and much more.

The James Dean Festival is the quintessential festival for fans that wish to honor and celebrate the young actor who personified what it meant to be "cool" - James Byron Dean.

TRAVEL - PHILIPPINES - INTRAMUROS - MANILA

2011-07-25T19:31:00.001-04:00

TRAVEL - PHILIPPINES - INTRAMUROS - MANILA

Intramuros Front Gate

My office in 2009 through 2010, was in the port area of Manila, Philippines and right outside of this gate of the old walled city. Intramuros is the oldest district of the present day city of Manila, the capital of the Republic of the Philippines. Nicknamed the "Walled City", Intramuros is the historic fortified city of Manila during the Spanish Colonial Period. Located then along Manila Bay and south of the mouth of Pasig River, its thick defensive walls were built by the Spaniards in the 16th century to protect the city from invasion. Its name in Spanish, intramuros, literally "within the walls", meaning a city enclosed by thick, high walls and surrounded by moats.

Old City Map

Often, I would go there to conduct business such as work permits and banking. My fiance, now my wife, suggested we tour Fort Santiago.

Pearl at Fort Santiago Entrance

The fort was the site of several key battles over the years. Built in 1571 it was destroyed in 1574.

Pearl at the cannon

Me at the cannon

Golden Foot Print of Rizal

1896. A national hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal, was held prisoner by the Spanish and executed nearby on December 30, 1896. Moments before his execution by a squad of Filipino soldiers of the Spanish Army, a backup force of regular Spanish Army troops stood ready to shoot the executioners should they run awry. The Spanish Army Surgeon General requested to take his pulse: it was normal. Aware of this the Sergeant commanding the backup force hushed his men to silence when they began raising "vivas" with the highly partisan crowd of Peninsular and Mestizo Spaniards. His steps are traced in gold. It was powerful to see.

Unlikely Soldier

Later, after the Spanish-American War, Intramuros was the headquarters of the US Army. The US trained Filipino soldiers and we got to try on their uniforms.

Pearl looks serious

In 1941, the Japanese invaded and kept many prisoners in the dungeons of Intramuros.


Pearl in the Dungeon

Pearl in front of Casa Maynila

After touring Fort Santiago, we headed over to Casa Maynila. It is a reproduction of how people lived in the 1800's Reproduction because, during the Battle of Manila in 1945, every building was destroyed. Not many pictures on the inside because it was forbidden to take photos. We would have done it anyway, but the guards haunt you. I guess they get a bonus if they catch you.


Pearl at the garden of Casa Maynila

I highly recommend the Carlos Celdran tour. We caught the last bit of this one as we had to go work an overnight shift. Carlos Celdran is not only knowledgeable but he is hilarious and some of routines make the history come alive. You can book him here. Overall, the tour of Intramuros was inexpensive and historical. We made a lot of our own fun. We went in January so it was cooler than usual. But still beware the tropical sun and drink plenty of water.

Philippines Travel Guide - Palawan

2011-07-12T13:39:00.001-04:00

Palawan Province

PALAWAN:

The history of Palawan may be traced back 22,000 years ago. The discovery of bone fragments of the Tabon Man in Quezon, anthropologists believe they came from Borneo. Known as the Cradle of Philippine Civilization, the remains of the ancient man were found along with his tools and a number of artifacts.

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To Do:

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines


Underground River on Palawan

A bottomless cave under the rocky marble and limestone sea cliff of Mt. Saint Paul is also present on the Island, where an 8,000 meters underground river course exists. It is known as one of the world’s wonders and also considered as the longest underground rivers in the world. The special feature of the park is to ride a boat and go inside the cave with a flashlight exploring the beautiful religious- like images of stalagmite and stalactite, which are all breathtaking views.

Take the Sabang Beach Adventure Tour.

Overall great place to explore whether you are visiting the Philippines or already live there.

SOUTHWEST Update - Working through cancellations

2011-04-03T08:56:00.001-04:00

Southwest Airlines is experiencing relatively few flight delays and cancellations while they are proactively inspecting some Boeing 737s. For more information about these inspections.

If your flight is delayed or canceled and you would like to reschedule your trip in accordance with Southwest accommodation guidelines Online Rebook

For Customers who did not purchase their ticket via southwest.com, please call 1-800-435-9792 to rebook your travel plans without paying any additional charge. Also, Customers holding reservations for a canceled flight may request a refund for an unused ticket/travel itinerary.

Link to ehow article on Southwest Cancellation policy.

Southwest may cancel 300 flights Sunday 4/3/2011

2011-04-02T20:10:00.000-04:00

Southwest may cancel 300 flights Sunday 4/3/2011

Southwest canceled hundreds of flights over the weekend as it inspected 79 aircraft from its Boeing 737 fleet after one of its planes with a gaping hole in the fuselage made an emergency landing, the airline said on Saturday.

The airline said was canceling some 300 flights on Saturday, a day after the emergency landing, and could cancel around that number again on Sunday.

"We don't at this time know what the impact will be, but it's possible that it could be in the 300-flight range again tomorrow," Southwest spokesman Brandy King

Travel Tips - Postponing or Canceling

If your flight gets canceled or postponed, see if it can be rescheduled. Getting a new date may be better than hanging around the airport for an indefinate period.

* If you decide to travel at a later date, call your travel agent or your airline as soon as possible for details on how to reuse your ticket. Generally, tickets must be used no later than one year from the date of purchase. Some changes may require a fee and/or an additional fare payment.

* If your originally scheduled flight was canceled and you decide not to travel, you can receive a full refund. To arrange for a refund, call your travel agent or call Southwest Customer Service. Southwest Airlines 800-435-9792 update - (This number has been ringing busy)

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American Airlines in battle with Online Booking Sites

2011-01-01T17:01:00.000-05:00

Expedia Cancels Relationship with American Airlines Over a Price Dispute

Expedia Inc. removed American Airlines’ airfares from its travel website today. They claim the new pricing model from AA is “anti-consumer and anti-choice,” making it harder to compare American ticket prices and options with those of other airlines, the online travel agency said in an e- mailed statement.

American doesn’t expect a “significant” drop in sales from Expedia’s move, said Ryan Mikolasik, a spokesman for American Airlines. On Dec. 23, Expedia omitted American fares from prime search displays on its site, though customers could still buy tickets. This widens the conflict between online travel agencies and airlines, such as American, that seek to drive more consumers to their own websites. Fort Worth, Texas- based American, owned by AMR Corp., has developed a system called Direct Connect that provides fare pricing and options directly to larger online travel agencies.

Last month, American pulled its listings off Orbitz Worldwide Inc., while Delta Air Lines Inc. notified three online travel sites -- CheapOAir.com, OneTravel.com and BookIt.com -- that it terminated them as authorized travel agents.

American spokesman Mikolasik said that while consumers can’t buy American tickets on Expedia anymore, the airline’s fares and schedules remain on Egencia, Expedia’s corporate travel website.

Travel App Review: AUTOSLASH.COM - Car Rental Site

2010-12-06T12:39:00.000-05:00

AutoSlash.com

Very useful site when booking a rental car. It is superior to Priceline and other all in one sites, the search feature will automatically enter promo codes for you. It also tracks changes in pricing once you reserve your car, AutoSlash sends you an alert so you can re-book if the price drops. Rental car agencies are known for changing their pricing on a daily basis.

I used the site for a recent trip and compared to Priceline, I got a better price and it was easier to use. I was also impressed with the coupon section. I always find myself clipping coupons and not using them or misplacing them. The coupon page of AutoSlash is convenient.

AutoSlash.com also has a helpful blog on it's site that advises the traveler on the tips and tricks to get the most and spend less on their car rentals. Recently, they had a tip on their blog about how rental car companies charge you for "free airline miles" when you rent.

Whether you are travelling for the holidays or you travel for business, check out AutoSlash.com.

Cool places to visit - this chart shows popular destinations

2010-12-05T10:37:00.002-05:00

AIRLINES FEES - Cool visual chart on fees

2010-12-04T20:21:00.000-05:00

Philippines: Great Bargain for Beach Vacation

2010-12-01T12:01:00.002-05:00

Do you have the Philippines Inside? You like the Philippines. The Philippines likes you.

The Philippines may be just about to rudely shove Thailand off the ‘best cheap beaches’ perch it’s occupied for the best part of two decades. While travellers argue long and hard about which is cheaper, there’s no denying Thailand is more popular.

For those who desire nothing more than to find great, undiscovered beaches, surf the odd wave and eat unique, distinctive food for under US$20 a day, the Philippines has the edge.

Camara Island, Pundaquit. San Antonio, Zambales. Philippines

Add in the possibility of beach camping along the Zambales Coast or in the Bacuit Archipelago and you’ve got the recipe for timeless island hopping that suits any budget. Ferries link many idyllic destinations in the Philippines. Expect to pay around US$5 for each hour you’re on the water.

Free Airport Wi-Fi - at Raleigh-Durham Intl. Airport, the push continues

2010-11-29T12:32:00.000-05:00

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority is raking in more money from travelers who are willing to pay for wireless Internet service, but it is hearing more gripes from folks who want their Wi-Fi free.

According to the News and Observer.

"Your continuing to charge for wireless Internet is dated, non-competitive, and a bit bush-league in the modern world," said W. Steven Burke of Hillsborough, who heads the nonprofit Biofuels Center of North Carolina, in a comment posted at RDU's feedback website.

Airport officials worry that service quality would deteriorate if they switched to free Wi-Fi. But some travelers are complaining now that RDU's Wi-Fi is balky and unreliable.

About 8 percent of all outbound passengers at RDU go online while they wait to board their flights - up from 3 percent in early 2009, according to Mark Posner, RDU's deputy director for information services.
They use subscription services or pay AT&T $7.95 for a single day's online sessions. The airport collects 60 percent of each payment.

RDU will make about $240,000 in Wi-Fi fees this year, Posner told RDU Airport Authority board members recently. More travelers have complained that the service should be provided free - 65 feedback comments filed in the past two years. But the increase in paying customers makes RDU officials reluctant to change.
Twenty-five of the nation's 50 largest airports offer free Wi-Fi, Posner said. Some of these offer a hybrid, with the option of paid Wi-Fi for travelers who want a guarantee of higher bandwidth and faster Internet connections. The other 25 airports, like RDU, offer paid Wi-Fi only.

Some airports that switched to free Wi-Fi in recent years began fielding a different kind of complaint, Posner said - about poor Internet service quality. Travelers jammed the free service with streaming video and other heavy-bandwidth activity.

"You get the business people who say, 'I can't do my e-mail. I can't do my corporate stuff. Give me a paid option so I can get this done in 10 minutes rather than wait for 45 minutes,' " he said.
But the airport also is getting those complaints about poor quality with its $7.95 paid service. David Imre, a Baltimore executive who visits the Triangle once a month, says RDU's Wi-Fi is "maddeningly slow."
"Today I decided purposely not to buy it," Imre said by telephone Tuesday from RDU, as he waited for his flight. "Because it was onerous to log in, make payment, and try to use it. It seems to be a very thin pipeline.
"It's a bargain if I can get an hour or two hours of work done, but I want a service I can count on that is robust," Imre said.

A News & Observer reporter tried unsuccessfully to buy Wi-Fi service in RDU Terminal 2 on Wednesday, the busiest travel day of the year, when the airport handled about 32,000 passengers.
Posner checked with technicians and said the AT&T service was out of commission. Service was restored three hours later. He said AT&T has promised to triple the bandwidth to accommodate users.
"I'm not sure where we are with that project," Posner said. "I expected it would have been done by now."
Airport revenues would drop to about $80,000 a year if RDU adopted the hybrid mix of free and paid Wi-Fi service, Posner said. The money flow would change directions if RDU made Wi-Fi free for everyone; that would require extra spending to support an increased bandwidth demand.

Casey Manfrin, an Oregon-based marketing executive who has visited the Triangle twice since midsummer, was annoyed after spending 20 minutes in a failed effort to buy Wi-Fi at RDU.
"I was at the Boise airport recently, and they had big banners proclaiming that Boise was offering free Internet to improve the customer experience," he said.

"Here this is the Research Triangle, and this is supposed to be at least a moderately high-tech area," Manfrin said. "And it was my feeling that it was kind of old-fashioned and slow."

Vacation Tip: Lost Luggage

2010-11-24T10:32:00.001-05:00

Even though lost luggage claims are down over 20% this year, it still hurts if it is your bags that are the ones lost. If your bags are lost, you may qualify for up to $3,300 in compensation on domestic USA flights and up to $1,700 for international flights. Check with your airline for policies.

The best advice to is to prepare so your bags are not lost. Here are some things you can do to get control:

BEFORE LEAVING:
* Book a non stop flight. Minimize the chance of a failed transfer.
* Choose an airline with a good baggage record. Compare here.
* Pack your carry-on wisely so that you can live comfortably for a few days - medications and clothes - in case you have to.
* Remove old luggage tags to avoid confusion.
* Label your suitcase well - also tuck a business card inside - Lack of ID tags is why luggage ends up in the lost luggage clearing house and is resold.

AT THE AIRPORT:
* Check in on time, if not your bags may not make the flight.
* Make sure the desk agent places the correct destination tags on your bags.
* Hang onto your baggage claim ticket. Often, it is attached to your boarding pass and is frequently left behind on the plane.

AFTER LANDING:
* Be at the carousel when bags are off-loaded.
* If your bags are lost or delayed, file a report immediately at the airport and get a copy.
* Ask the lost-luggage counter for the airline's contract of carriage, this will spell out your rights.
* The Department of Transportation recommends following up with a certified letter to the airline's customer service department restating the details of the incident.

LESSON LEARNED:
Do your best to pack lightly and travel with carry-on only. With what you save in time, aggravation and baggage fees, you could purchase what you don't pack at your destination.

Cool web site about travel by American Express: www.TravelAndLeisure.com

BLOG ROLL: Slate.com - Slate's Guide to Sneaky Airline Fees

2010-11-23T18:53:00.000-05:00

Don't Freeze My Junk!

Slate's guide to sneaky airline fees.

By Timothy NoahPosted Monday, Nov. 22, 2010, at 7:30 PM ET

Touch John Tyner's junk, and he'll have you arrested. But help yourself to Tyner's wallet, and you'll hear nary a peep. Instead of rebelling against routine screening procedures, why won't air travelers rebel against the opaque pricing of airline tickets?

Airlines always charged a little extra for headphones or one of those tiny bottles of scotch. If you put your 10-year-old on a plane without a chaperone, the airline would charge you for having to keep an eye on him until grandma collected him in Miami. But during the last two years, the airlines have been laying on fee after fee after fee, and typically you don't hear about it until you're at the airport and already settling into the zombielike state to which the physical discomforts and petty inconveniences of commercial air travel reduce us all. (Junk-touching is the least of it.)

The airlines lay on fees for three reasons. First, it allows them to make your airline ticket look cheaper than it really is, since all the customer typically knows when purchasing a ticket is the basic fare. People don't have a lot of money to waste in this economy, and airlines want them to think they're getting a bargain. Second, the laying-on of fees reduces the impact of price competition among airlines, since airlines compete only on basic fare, not on fees. Third (and least widely known), fees represent a tax dodge for the airlines. The Federal Aviation Administration charges a 7.5 percent tax on every ticket sold for domestic air travel. This tax is (with a few exceptions) levied only on the basic fare; divert some cost from the fare into a separate fee, and the airline reduces its tax burden. All the Internal Revenue Service requires is that the separate airline fee be unrelated to the transport of a person. (If it is related, like the unaccompanied-minor fee, then it gets taxed, too.) According to the Government Accountability Office, the two biggest fees—the baggage-handling fee and the reservation change or cancellation fee—brought the airlines $7.9 billion in untaxed revenue in 2008 and 2009. (Even so, U.S. airlines collectively accumulated $4.4 billion in operating losses during those two years.)

Now let's review what some of these fees are. Many thanks to Smarter Travel, Kayak, and Fare Compare, whose helpful charts informed what follows. (I verified independently all specific prices cited below.)

Baggage-handling fee. The most familiar fee because it's the most conspicuous. JetBlue gives you one bag free, and Southwest (bless 'em!) gives you two, but most airlines charge $20 to $25 for the first and up to $35 for the second. Airlines really don't want you to bring a third bag (Can you blame them?) and therefore typically slap these baggage-hold-hogs with a $100 fee. According to the Department of Transportation, Delta Airlines raked in the most baggage-fee revenue among domestic carriers ($474 million) during the first two quarters of 2010. That doesn't mean Delta is the greediest domestic airline; only the biggest. Next in line are American, ($281 million), U.S. Air ($256 million), Continental ($168 million), United ($156 million), and … AirTran ($74 million)? How did AirTran place sixth? I would guess it has something to do with a luggage policy that, in addition to charging $20 for your first bag and $25 for your second, hits you with an "overweight" and/or "oversized" baggage fee of $49 to $79 if your bag is unusually heavy (i.e., more than 50 pounds) or unusually big (more than 61 square inches).

Don't-phone fee. The novel theory of this charge is that you should have to pay extra to the airline merely for the privilege of buying something from it. Or rather, buying it by phone. That's how people bought plane tickets during the 20th century, but now the airlines would prefer that you make your purchase online. Most people with a computer already do this, so the fee is essentially a tax on people who either don't have a computer or don't know how to work one. That is to say, it's a tax (typically $10 to $20) on people who are either poor or elderly. United must have a particular aversion to talking to its customers by phone, because it charges $25 for phone reservations. Airlines most especially don't want to look at your fair visage while selling you a ticket, dear reader, and therefore will often nail you with a fee of up to $45 if you buy a ticket at the airport. Never mind that no one ever buys a plane ticket at an airport unless he or she really, really needs to.

Reservation-change or cancellation fee. This isn't really new. Airlines for some time now have been resistant to any change in travel plans, for the obvious reason that an empty seat represents lost revenue. Fees to change or cancel a ticket typically run from $100 to $150. AirTran and Virgin America take a more forgiving line, charging $75 and $50, respectively.

Food charge. The intriguing aspect of food charges on airlines is that they create the perfect laboratory for any economist who wishes to study the question of how to price a good that possesses, by universal consensus, absolutely no objective value. Answer: very, very low. Lower, in fact, than a meal at McDonald's—which, after all, represents something that a person might actually want to eat. If you're parched with thirst, the flight attendant will still give you a cup of water free of charge, I think.
Legroom fee. This fee is reminiscent of an old Borscht Belt joke. Three elderly Jews seated together in a restaurant each order a "glass tea." The third guy is a little persnickety and says, "And please, in a clean glass." When the waiter comes back 10 minutes later, he says, "Which one of you ordered the clean glass?" (Bada-boom.)

Having filled their airplanes with seats packed closer than human beings were ever meant to endure, some airlines are now marketing more (i.e., marginally bearable) legroom for an additional fee. Continental, for instance, will give you a variable amount of extra legroom (minimum: 7 inches) for a variable price. In March, an Associated Press story quoted a Continental spokesman saying that extra legroom purchased on a flight from Houston to New York would cost $59. The spokesman didn't quantify this extra legroom, but if we assumed the minimum 7 inches that would come out to a little more than $8 per inch. United is stingier with extra legroom—it offers only 5 extra inches—and pricing is all over the map (Chicago to Madison: $9; San Francisco to Las Vegas: $24; Denver to Seattle: $49). JetBlue markets special "Even More Legroom" seats for "as little as $10 more" (and as much as …?).

Blanket fee. This is a variation on the "clean glass" joke. Airplanes are cold, and there isn't much to do on them except sleep and read. Both activities usually require a blanket. American will give you a blanket and pillow for $8, JetBlue and US Airways for $7.

Airlines insist all this information is readily available on their Web sites. "Airline fees are not hidden," they told the Transportation Department this summer in response to a proposed rule requiring a smidgen more disclosure than they provide today. But it's actually quite hard to find fee information, scattered as it often is among different pages of an airline's Web site. JetBlue, American, and U.S. Air hid their information about blanket fees so well that I never found it, and had to rely on news reports. You think maybe they're just a wee bit embarrassed? The next time John Tyner goes to board a plane, his junk may or may not get touched. But if he doesn't have $8 for a blanket, it will definitely freeze.

DESTINATION TRAVEL - The Louvre - Paris France

2010-11-19T13:16:00.001-05:00

The Louvre at Dusk

The Louvre

The premiere art museum in the world. You must allow yourself two days to see it all. The Louvre is located in one of the busiest parts of the city, the first arrondissement.

GETTING THERE:

By Métro: Châtelet/Les Halles, the hub for the 1 and D lines is the largest and busiest of all Métro stations. There exists a total of seven entrances/exits scattered around the eastern end of the 1st Arrondissement, concentrated (not surprisingly) between Les Halles and Place du Châtelet, and also accessing the basement of the Les Halles shopping mall itself. If you are in a hurry—or have never used this station previously—it might be better to alight one Métro stop earlier or later. Of course, if you are transferring to or traveling on one of the RER lines, brace yourself. Châtelet/Les Halles is a French equivalent for New York City's Grand Central Station. Line 1 stops at Palais-Royal/Musee-du-Louvre.

Palais-Royal/Musee-du-Louvre - From Line 1

INSIDERS TIP: Pack lightly! I made the mistake of transversing Châtelet/Les Halles with three large bags at rush hour. I did gain some valuable insight as to how the French refer to big Americans that bump them and delay them during their daily commute. Parisiennes in huge numbers pass thru the station (on the order of 800,000 unique visitors per day according to the Mayor's office).

Line 1 line crosses travels the length of the arrondissement, arriving from Chateau de Vincinnesin the east via Gare de Lyon, and La Défence in the west. Most of the stations are fairly easy to use with the exception of Châtelet/Les-Halles. Your station will be Palais-Royal/Musée-du-Louvre.

By Air
According to Kayak, these are some flight pricing from various spots around the world.
New York: $743
Chicago: $798
Los Angeles: $810
Tokyo: $914
Hong Kong: $944
Singapore: $998

The Museum:

Exhibits:
The place is very large and to see it all allow 2 days to tour. I recommend reading up on the histroy and exhibits. This way you will have a "must see" list and you will increase your overall enjoyment. For example, The below list is a great starting place:

The Mona Lisa on Display at the Louvre

1. Mona Lisa
2. The Virgin and Child with St Anne
3. Raft of the Medusa
4. Nike of Samothrace ("winged victory")
5. Oath of the Horatii
6. Portrait of Madame Récamier
7. La maja desnuda
8. The Aphrodite of Milos
9. The Death of Socrates
10. The Death of Marat
11. The Coronation of Napoleon in Notre Dame
12. Baldassare Castiglione (Raphael)
13. The Death of the Virgin (Caravaggio)
14. Pierrot (Jean-Antoine Watteau)
15. The Wedding at Cana

Do some basic background reading on wikipedia, and then go see for yourself.

Charles and Pearl

History:
The Louvre, in its successive architectural metamorphoses, has dominated central Paris since the late 12th century. Built on the city's western edge, the original structure was gradually engulfed as the city grew. The dark fortress of the early days was transformed into the modernized dwelling of François I and, later, the sumptuous palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV.

The Facility and Access:
Metro Station: Palais-Royal/Musee-du-Louvre
Telephone: +33 1 40 20 53 17
Times: Open daily except Tuesdays and certain public holidays. Permanent collections 9 am to 6 pm (Wed and Fri til 10 pm). Under the pyramid is open 9 am to 10 pm.
Fees: Approx. $13 for a day pass. Various specials are here.

Controversy:
There are several disputes over the ownership of some of the works. The Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 and briefly returned to Italy, later returned to France in 1913. Also, several cultural properties siezed by Napoleon and later the Nazis are being resolved by the UN with the cooperation of the Louvre.

Thoroughly French McDonalds

The McDonalds under the entrance in the carrousel de Louvre has been the source of some complaints and isolated anti-American rudeness. Insider Tip: Try not to dress as if you are on a tour bus to Disney, be proud of America but don't draw undue attention.
Despite the complaints, the McDonalds food in France is far superior than the USA counterpart. Also, much less expensive than other options in Paris.

Insider Tips:

Far from the madding crowd - BUY ONLINE!

_ Avoid the mid-day and afternoon crowds by taking a break in the Jardin opposite the entrance; far from the maddening crowds.
If you are lucky, police on horses ride by and you get to stroke the horses!
Make a picnic of it.
- Travel light or join long lines at security check on entry.
- Eat in advance and preferable, elsewhere. Saves having to line up at the Louvre's eatteries.
- Buy tickets in advance. Saves having to line up to buy tickets from the machines. Machines are easy to use and equiped for the non-French reading visitor.
- Try the sweet shop in the Lourve. Great fudge. Sugar needed to keep you going.
- The Mona Lisa: Pay your respects but respect the crowds waiting to catch a glimpse of her and move on (asap).
- Take a break: grab the interpretation cards and a seat or simply, pause, look up (great decor) or out (great views).
- Use the short cuts: stairs and staff offer helpful advise.
- Make the most of extended opening hours and visit in the evening. Less crowds!

Preparing for Holiday Travel

2010-11-17T11:05:00.001-05:00

GET READY BECAUSE HERE IT COMES - Holiday Survival Guide

Gettting to enjoy it

The crowds. The lines. The security and scanning. The sprint to the gate. All of it can overwhelm air travelers -- especially during the holiday rush -- but it doesn't have to be that way. And as security measures continue to ramp up, with pat-downs and new scans, navigating overbooked, overflowing airports just got a bit more dicey.

Travel experts to provide tips to make the airport experience a smooth one, especially if you haven't flown since last holiday season.
But first, be aware that you'll have lots of company in your quest to share a turkey dinner with relatives. It's estimated that 42.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving, according to AAA and IHS Global Insight. That's an 11 percent increase from last year, when 37.9 million people traveled during the holiday. And about 24 million people will be crammed into airplanes, a 3.5 percent increase over last year, according to the Air Transport Association of America, which represents some of the nation's biggest airlines.

The busiest travel day is expected to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving, followed by the Monday after the holiday, the ATA said. The Friday before Thanksgiving week and the Wednesday before the holiday will be the other peak travel days.
The least busy travel day? The holiday itself: Thursday, November 25. No matter what day you fly, here are five tips to survive the airport this holiday season.

1. Hit the web before you head for the airport
Let modern technology save you some hassles and maybe even some money. Check in online up to 24 hours before your flight is scheduled to leave, and print your boarding pass at home. "This allows you to secure your seat assignment, double-check for any schedule changes ... and decrease your chances of getting bumped if your flight is oversold,"

New since the holidays last year: More carriers now allow you to check in from your smartphone and use a digital bar code on the screen to pass through the airport.
If you're using this option, save the bar code as a photo on your device, which will make it much easier to retrieve at security and at the gate, advised Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of TripAdvisor Flights.

If you're checking bags, many airlines have raised their fees this year, but some offer discounts if you prepay during the online check-in. Delta, Continental and US Airways, for example, take $2 off the first bag and $3 off the second if you pay online when you check in for your flight on the carrier's website.
"Know before you go," Saltzburg said. "There are fees, and it's important to educate yourself and be prepared and handle as much of the check-in process before you actually get to the airport."
He recommended the ultimate airline fee guide on SmarterTravel.com to get a clear picture of any extra charges you might pay.
Check out other great travel tips and destinations at Five To Go

2. Pack light
Avoid checked-bag fees altogether by bringing carry-on luggage only. (Be sure to check with your carrier on the maximum size of bags allowed in the overhead bins.) You can head straight for the security line when you arrive at the airport and skip the baggage carousel after your flight lands at your destination. New since the holidays last year: Spirit Airlines now charges a fee for carry-ons that passengers place in the overhead bins. (Each traveler can still bring one personal item that fits under a seat for free, such as a purse or briefcase.)
Every other Airline allows one piece of luggage and one personal item to be carried on for free by every ticketed passenger, Brown said.

3. Give yourself plenty of time
Get to the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure for a domestic flight and three hours before an international trip.
It's especially important to get to the airport early during the Thanksgiving and Christmas travel rush, because the many inexperienced fliers and families with children who are venturing out during the holidays will probably slow down the security process.
New since the holidays last year: Beefed-up screening means that lines may be moving more sluggishly.
"Body scanners and additional pat-downs are the norm these days, leave extra time to get through security,"

4. Prepare for the security line
There's no avoiding your encounter with Transportation Security Administration agents, and there's tension in the air as hundreds of travelers grab bins and shuffle through with their belongings.
"The one place you'll tend to have to queue is going to be at airport security, and it's probably your most stressful part of the trip," Saltzburg said.
You can't speed up the line, but you can do your part to prevent slowing it down. Here are some basic tips:
• Have your boarding pass and ID easily available.
• Remove your shoes. ("Slip-on shoes should make going through security much faster," Saltzburg advised.)
• Make sure all of your liquids are in a zip-top plastic bag that's kept separate from your carry-on bag and adheres to the 3-1-1 rule: Fliers are limited to 3-ounce or smaller containers of liquids or gels, that can fit in a one-quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag; one bag per passenger.
• Send coats and jackets through the X-ray machine.
• Take any items that might set off the metal detector -- like keys, loose change and heavy jewelry -- out of your pockets.
• Don't wrap any gifts. If security officers need to inspect a package, they may have to unwrap it. If traveling with food, check the TSA's list of items that should be checked or shipped ahead.
Bored at the airport? Entertain yourself with CNN iReport's holiday scavenger hunt

5. Plan for flight delays
Don't expect all of your Thanksgiving travel plans to happen without a hitch, Orbitz.com advised. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and if you have connecting flights, build buffers into your itinerary so that one disruption won't jeopardize your entire trip.
"Keep any medication you need and something to keep you busy in your carry-on bags," Brown said.
Saltzburg, who flies several times a week, said he depends on noise-canceling headphones to provide him with moments of Zen.
"I put my headset on, and it tunes out the world around me," he said.

SOURCE: http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/17/holiday.airport.survival.guide/?hpt=Sbin

BLOG ROLL: Manila-Photos.blogspot.com

2010-11-16T21:52:00.000-05:00

Very cool blog with awesome photos of the Philippines. Check it out if you get a chance.

TRAVEL APP - orbitz launches travel app

2010-11-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the busy holiday travel season, Orbitz has launched brand-new apps for both the iPhone and Android devices. The app allows you to search through flights, hotels, cars, and book full trips. And if you're in the middle of your holiday, you can use the app to check flight status, local deals, and other items of interest while you're on the road.

The apps use your phone's GPS system, so you're able to quickly find information about places nearest to you. Plus, one touch allows you to call for help if you experience trouble while booking or during your vacation. Apps for both iPhone and Android are free, and sure to help you breathe a bit easier during this busy season.

TRAVEL APP REVIEW - GPSmyCity.com

2010-11-13T20:43:00.000-05:00

GPSmyCity.com's iPhone City Walk Apps Make Business Travel A Fun Experience

Business travel can be boring. Oftentimes, after a day's hard work, one might wish to take a stroll out of hotel and explore local attractions. But what is there to see and how to get there? A bus tour may be the answer, but only if it still runs at this hour. Realistically, watching TV in the hotel room is the only thing left to pass the evening time away. But thanks to the increasingly abundant iPhone travel apps, this may soon become history. Off to a business trip soon? Make sure to bring along an iPhone loaded with a city walk app from iTunes, which is only $2.99-$4.99 a copy.

The app operates offline and can be used abroad without any roaming charges. No need to get stuck in a hotel after hours; walk the streets, see the sights and enjoy the delights the new city has to offer.

GPSmyCity.com, a Las Vegas based iPhone software company, is offering self-guided city walk software for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, allowing business travelers to become their own tour guides. The available tours cover a wide range of topics, from famous attractions to monuments to interesting sights to the cities' hidden gems.

GPSmyCity.com's motto is “Lose Yourself Without Getting Lost”, so getting lost is never an option. These GPS-powered applications come with a detailed route map and accurate turn-by-turn walking directions to guide users from one spot to the next. Many of the tours are created in conjunction with local experts—residents of the cities—many of whom are award winning travel writers with publications in Forbes Traveler, LA Times, National Geographic, New York Times, Newsweek, Time Magazine, Time Out, San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal, etc. The authors are eager to share their insider knowledge previously available only to locals.

About GPSmyCity.com: GPSmyCity.com sets on a mission to turn every tourist into their own tour guide. Its apps, designed to revolutionize the way travelers discover the world, make traditional bus tours obsolete. With over 2,000 walking tours available—spanning over 180 cities worldwide—GPSmyCity.com is the largest travel portal of its kind. To find out more, please visit http://www.gpsmycity.com.

Boracay - New Years Destination

2010-11-11T21:29:00.001-05:00

Boracay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world which are covered with the purest golden white sand lying next to the clear blue waters of the sea.

Boracay Beach

When you speak about white sand beaches with pristine and crystal-clear waters, it is perhaps in no doubt that the majestic island of Boracay comes to mind. This tiny tropical island, located about 316 kilometers (about 200 miles) south of Manila,

Boracay Sand Castle

People heading to the tropical paradise over New Years Eve can attend a number of parties and events being held by each of the many resorts and hotels spread out across the island.

To celebrate the New Year the island is famous for its huge fireworks display which is provided by the resorts on the island, with each one putting on a separate show and trying to outdo each other. The sky will be filled with color and the sound of exploding firecrackers as revelers can sit back and watch all the action.

On the night are also a number of live music performances by famous local bands and DJs who will provide the music for people to dance the night away as the evening crosses over into 2011.

An event not to be missed is also the sandcastle building contest that will feature artists sculpting awe-inspiring sand castles from the golden sand.

After a peaceful and relatively low-profile flight from Manila to Kalibo or Caticlan, tourists are immediately treated to an exciting boat ride from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay. During this 20 minute ride, tourists could enjoy the lovely view of Aklan’s pristine waters together with its rich natural resources. As you disembark the boat and prepare for your island adventure, it would be impossible to miss the majestic view of Boracay’s world famous “White Sand Beach”. The chalk-like sand is unquestionably the island’s most valuable treasure, drawing the tourists and giving the locals a source of livelihood.

Pearl and Charles enjoy a Boracay morning

I took my first vacation with my future wife to Boracay. Very romantic and many different activities around the beach. We really got to know each other amidst a relax setting.

We stayed at La Reserve Boracay, Station 1 Balabag, (63 36) 2883020 Spending your vacation at La reserve will make your holiday dream come true, full of relaxing and partying, with nice ambiance that feels and brings you in paradise. Spend the night in their elegant rooms, and enjoy breakfast on your private balcony with garden views. La Reserve is ideally located for day trips. Spend the day exploring nearby towns or the natural attractions of Boracay Island, or simply relax at the hotel. Best rates on official website start at Php 3,000

The island is already a popular tourist destination and with the influx of tourists heading for New Year, demand for a hotel in Boracay is set to dramatically increase.

North Carolina Fall Color Report - The Final Weeks of 2010

2010-11-10T17:12:00.001-05:00

North Carolina - Vacation Paradise

North Carolina - Autumn Colors

Driving from the Piedmont Triad north to Stokesdale and Route 65 toward Belews Lake provides a nice outing. Route 89 to Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County is a beautiful scenic drive. Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain State Parks are past peak but still provide some late season color.

Check out the leaf color forecaster here.

In many areas sugar and red maples continue to blaze with yellow and orange, especially when back-lit in the afternoon sun. Numerous species of oak trees are actively changing into russet and brown and combine nicely with the still colorful maples and sourwoods.

Even though autumn color throughout most of the North Carolina Piedmont region is past peak, some eastern sections of the province remain stubbornly green.

William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh, for example, reports mildly colorful landscapes while several tree species are only now beginning to yellow. Whether or not full color will eventually appear in these areas is uncertain. Kim Hyer, Naturalist at Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve in Southern Pines says the turkey and blackjack oaks, usually brilliant with reds and oranges this time of year, haven’t even begun to change.

Every North Carolina fall season is beautiful with the state’s vast forest resources in the mountain region and numerous state and local parks

Cozy Bed and Breakfast - 2 sites to help you find a good one

2010-11-06T20:58:00.002-04:00

Small and intimate locations with a personal touch provided by friendly innkeepers these are the benefits of a nice little bed and breakfast. Many of these are off the beaten path and are close to historical sites and quiet beautiful vistas. Check out this directory of Bed and Breakfasts in North Carolina.

These sites can help you plan your trip: BnBFinder.com and BedandBreakfast.com

If you are tired of an impersonal chain hotel stay, consider a bed and breakfast.

The Roanoke Island Inn

BookingBuddy.com - Travel App Review

2010-11-02T12:16:00.001-04:00

BookingBuddy (http://www.bookingbuddy.com/) is a service of Smarter Travel Media LLC. It is a free service designed to help travelers search all their favorite travel websites with fewer clicks and in less time.

"BookingBuddy.com attempts to take the hassle out of searching multiple travel sites to find the best rates and deals. Simply fill out your travel details in the box marked Step 1, and then click one of the popular search sites from the Step 2 box at the right. BookingBuddy checks Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Hotwire.com, Priceline.com, Travelocity.com, as well as numerous other hotel, air, car-rental, cruise, and vacation sites."

Negatives on BookingBuddy.com are: some find it to be slow and labor intensive. Especially around the way it is designed. Plugging in the information for what you are looking for and then choose which search engine to use. This process can be slow and requires you to select each search engine separately. Some might be able to search the other sites quicker on their own. The fact that it's owned by Expedia, there is a perceived bias in guiding the user towards Expedia.com

Others have found that BookingBuddy is useful. Especially when needing to quickly compare several ticketing sites and various travel dates. The service they give is completely free, and it has been designed to help travelers search through all the travel websites. The site will also save all your recent searches so you don't have to retype all the information again. Also you can compare prices not only from flights companies but also from hotels, cruises, vacations, travel deals and cars.

“As travelers feel more comfortable shopping on-line, they're also looking for the lowest prices available.”, says president Daniel Saul.

Now known as Smarter Travel Media, the company was acquired in 2007 by TripAdvisor and Expedia.