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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Following are a few tour travel options outlined by USTOA:

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Credit: U.S. State Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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