Virgin Atlantic Vacation Sale

The value of the English Pound is dropping and so are the prices on their vacations. Check out their sale:

http://www.virgin-vacations.com/site_vv/pub_search.asp-t-p-iRegion-0-p-3

Giraffe Manor Hotel

This is a super cool hotel. Giraffes run freely around the grounds, poking their heads into your room, the lobby or any were else they find an open window. The hotel is located in Kenya, Africa. I would love to stay here! http://giraffemanor.com/index.html

Big Brother's Watching You!

Did you know that the Department of Homeland Security knows every time you cross an international border. Not only do they know about it, they keep a record of it. If you have traveled internationally you have a file with the Department of Homeland Security.

Your file will not only include when and where you traveled to but also where you made your arrangements, who made them, what computer the tickets were purchased on, your passport number and personal information, of every single international trip you have taken since 2002.

You can request a copy of your travel file under the Freedom of Information Act.

New Passport

I finally got my passport renewed. I have always kept my old passports al keepsakes, which were returned to me along with the renewed one. But now they don't return to old passports to you. If I had known this I would have made a copy of it. But, nothing I can do about it now.

Just keep in mind, if you will be renewing your passport soon, make a copy of your old one if you want a keepsake.

Common Shopping Scams

It can be easy to scam foreign tourist because by the time you realize you have been scammed you've already left that country. You need to be able to spot a scam before you become a victim. Here are a few tips:

* Don't believe something just because someone tells you. There goal is to make a sale. If you ask "Can I bring this item back to the States?" Nine out of ten times you will get a "yes." So you need to know what items you can and cannot bring into the States. There are honest people who will tell you upfront if you can't bring an item into the States. Once when I was in Holland I wanted to purchase some bulbs but the store clerk asked what country I was from and informed me that I could not take those bulbs into the States. So not everyone is out to scam you but you need to be on alert. It may just be that the clerk makes an honest mistake.

* Made by local artist. Many people who travel want items that are made within the country where they are visiting. You maybe told its locally made but you need to examine the item and see if you see any markings on it indicating it was made somewhere else.

* Floor Sample Switches. You may see an item on a store shelf and want to purchase it. There are none on the shelve but the store clerk tells you they will get one from the back room, which is fine. I myself have had this done. But you should always open the item and examine it before you buy it. They may have given you the wrong item (whether intentionally or not) or it could be broken. I always open the boxes and look at the item before I purchase it because you never know. If you feel uncomfortable opening a box on the shelf take it to the clerk and let them know you want to open the box to inspect the item before you buy it. A legit store will not mind.

* Refund. Just because they say they will give you a refund doesn't mean they actually will. Make sure you get something in writing and pay with a credit card so you can stop payment on the item if needed.

* Blank shipping charges. If you are having an item shipped home to you make sure the shipping charge is filled in on the form. Never leave it blank. They can fill in any amount they want once you sign the slip.

* Exchange rate. If you are purchasing an item in American dollars but the item price is given in another currency, the store clerk will figure the exchange rate for you. Ask what exchange rate they are using and make sure you know the going rate to insure that you are getting the correct exchange rate.

Cruise 411

The website cruise411 has posted their winter sale. Now is the time to get great deals on winter cruises. Cruise411 is offering a 7 night Mexican Riviera cruise out of Los Angeles with prices starting at $299. You can get a suite from $799. Sail dates are in January, Febuary and March.

They have deals to several locations. Check them out at:

http://cruise411.com/promotion/cruise411/specials/default.html

Cruise Sale

MSC cruiseline is offering up to 60% off various sailing if at least one person in the cabin is 50 years or older. For details visit:

http://www.msccruisesagent.com/emAILS/NOVEMBER_08_EMAILS/SENIORSAVER_EUROPE/SENIOR_SAVER_EUROPE.HTML

Back from our Caribbean Cruise

We're back from our Caribbean cruise. We had a great time. Even though it is the off season the weather was very nice. Some clouds but warm and no rain. It was nice because it wasn’t overly hot but yet warm enough to wear shorts and go for a swim. We had stops in Cozumel (Mexico), Ocho Rio (Jamaica) and Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands).

We sailed on the Carnival Triumph which was very nice. However, I wasn't especially impressed with the food in the dinning room. It was good but I have had better. Also the dinning room entertainment was somewhat lacking. I like it when the waiters sing and put on a show. On my Alaskan cruise our waiters sang and danced. They also had theme nights complete with hats, for example on Dutch night we were given Dutch hats to wear . On this cruise some of the waiters did do a little dance on two nights but it was the same dance both nights and it was a little lacking. But the ship did have a 24 hour pizzeria that also had salads and bread.

We had a great time on our excursions. In Ocho Rios we swam with sharks and sting rays which was a blast. The sharks skin was very ruff, like sand paper and they are very heavy. They had us sit on benches in the water and they plopped a 6 foot shark on our lap. It was Great! They also had an area that had sting rays that we got to swim around with. They were hard to hold, they were slippery.

In Grand Caymans we went to a turtle farm and got to hold the sea turtles and then we went to a small town called Hell. Yes that's really its name. It got that name because of some odd rock formations that resemble flames. Its really very odd. There is a small post office where you can mail post cards which will be post marked from "Hell." Our excursion to the Sting Ray sandbar was cancelled due to ruff seas.

In Cozumel we went to see the Mayan ruins, which was very interesting.

We had 1 night post cruise stay in Miami. We got off the ship fairly quickly so we went out to Everglade Alligator Farm. We took a ride on an airboat which was an absolute blast. We drove through a swampy area, the boat drive did a few spins and we saw a few alligators and a turtle. On the farm itself there were plenty of alligators to see as well as snakes.
Overall we had a really good time.

Long Term Airport Parking

While reviewing my budget for my up coming Caribbean cruise, I was figuring the cost for long term parking at the airport. Our plan is to drive to the airport the morning of our flight and leave our car in the long term parking at the airport. It was going to cost us between $150 and $200. Which seemed like so much money.

So I decided to do a little research and found a hotel near the airport that has a stay & fly program in which we would get one night hotel stay and up to 14 nights parking for $130. So we can go to the hotel the night before our flight, spend the night, leave our car in a secured on site parking structure and catch the hotel shuttle to the airport. It's cheaper and easier. This way we won't have to get up as early to drive from our house to the airport and save money.

This just goes to show you, it always pays to do a little research.

Cruise Sales

CruCon is holding a clearance sale. You can get some really good deals. Check them out at www.crucon.com/specials_main.htm#hollandamerica.

Caribbean Cruise

Normally I start getting ready for my trips weeks in advance. I go through all my plans and paperwork, reservations, documents, etc.. well in advance but this trip has been a little different. Due to a death in the family I have been busy taking care of family matters. I will be leaving in two weeks and I haven't packed a thing or gone through any of my paperwork. SO now its time to get serious and get out the suit cases, printout my packing list and start thinking about what I will take. Fortunately, with a tropical destination its easy to pack, a few shorts, tops, bathing suit, dinner cloths and your good to go.

We will be making stops in Cozumel, Grand Caymans and Ocho Rios. We will be swimming with sharks, sting rays and seeing the Mayan Ruins. It should be very exciting.

I look forward to sharing my photo's and experiences with you.

Tahiti Contest

Win a trip to Tahiti

http://www.airtahitinui-usa.com/

The only thing better then taking a trip is taking a free trip.

Are you Scottish?

The Gathering of the Clans 2009

http://www.clangathering.org/

On the 25th and 26th July 2009 Edinburgh will witness one of the largest clan gatherings in history.Holyrood Park will host a magnificent Highland Games over the two days, then on the Saturday evening Clan members will parade up the historic Royal Mile and take their seats on the castle esplanade for a spectacular Clan Pageant .

If you have been thinking about going to Scotland and truly want to experience old Scottish traditions this gathering is for you. Several tours are being offered to go along with the gathering.

This gathering will be extra special if you are of Scottish ancestry. This gathering will be filled with great old world Scottish culture.

Super Deal to Africa

Destination: South Africa
Provider: South African Airways Vacations and Lion World Tours (tel. 800/722-9675; www.flysaavacations.com)
Base Price: $1,999
Duration: Nine days/six nights
Additional Fees: $185
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, in-country transportation, some meals, some sightseeing, safari tours, and fuel surcharges.
When: December 1 to 15.
What's Not Included: Security fees, departure tax, and guide and driver gratuities.
Deadline: Book as soon as possible to ensure availability
Why this is a Deal: Save from $600 to $1,000 based on similar itineraries.
Complete Details: Departing out of New York or Washington, D.C. on South African Airways, this package includes accommodation at deluxe hotels for affordable prices. Accommodations are at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town and either the Jackalberry Lodge in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve or Royal Legend Lodge in The Timbavati Reserve for the three-day two-night safari portion of the trip. Transportation from Cape Town to Johannesburg is included in the price of the trip, as are all meals while on safari.

Free Things to do in Europe

If you are planning a trip to Europe and are on a tight budget, you can save money but looking for free things to do. There are many muesums and attractions that's are free. For example:

London
The National Gallery - Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of Western European painting in the world. These pictures belong to the public and entrance to see them is free.

St. Martin-in-the Fields - A 1726 church that hosts a series of free lunchtime concerts at 1pm everyday except Wednesdays and Sundays. The London Brass Rubbing Centre is also based in the cript adjacent to the cafe where you can discover the simple craft of brass rubbing. Make a rubbing of a crowned king, a knight in armour or a costumed lady. No experience is necessary, materials are provided and a free exhibition is on display.

The British Museum - This is my al time favorite museum. Among its huge collections, my favorites included the Egyptian room with all of the mummies, and artifacts and all the Biblical artifacts. This museum is a must when going to London. Its also great for the kids, my son loves it. The museum also has a nice book shop and eating area and best of all its free.

Markets:
Camden Market - One of London's more popular markets especially for those looking for something a little different. It comprises several different markets, Camden Lock being the most popular. Open every day from 10am and very busy on Sundays.

Portobello Road Market - Also comprising several different markets, Portobello Road is probably one of London's biggest. It sells everything from antiques to silverware, fruit and vegetables and second-hand clothes.Open: Monday to Wednesday 8am to 6pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Friday - Sat 8am to 7pm

Covent Garden Market - There are two markets here in addition to a range of shops and cafes: Apple market and Jubilee Market. Both sell antiques, clothing, gifts and jewelry. Open: Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm

There are several other markets as well.


Rome
The Pantheon - This Roman temple survived the millennia intact and is one of the most amazing architectural spaces in Rome.

Imperial Fori / Trajan’s Market - the Imperial Forums were built by a succession of emperors (starting with Julius Caesar. Just beyond the small park across Via Cavour are the remains of the Forum of Nerva, built by the emperor whose 2-year reign (A.D. 96-98) followed that of the paranoid Domitian.

Trevi Fountain - You will not find any other place in the world that celebrates the ever-mutating and incredible power of water like Rome. The Trevi Fountain is a fantastic work of art that is much more than a mere sculpture. This unique statue has an ancient history. Its origins go back to Roman times and it was the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct commissioned by Augustus, which was used to provide water for the thermal baths.

The Spanish Steps - With its characteristic butterfly plan, the Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous images in the world, as well as being one of the most majestic urban monuments of Roman Baroque style. In the Renaissance period, the square was the most popular tourist attraction in the city: it attracted artists and writers alike and was full of elegant hotels, inns and residences.

Paris
The Eiffel Tower - Is does cost to go up inside the tower, but you can enjoy it for free from the bottom. Its is a must see in Paris.

The Seine River - The Seine is a symbol of love in Paris. Lovers have been known to stand on top of its bridges and kiss. You can enjoy the views for free.

Notre Dame Cathedral - One of the world’s most beautiful pieces of architecture that was the inspiration for a classic novel.

Lafayette Fashion Shows - Paris is at the heart of the fashion world. Attend one of the free weekly fashion shows at the Paris Galleries Lafayette department store every Friday at 3pm.

Hot deals

Egypt & the Nile
12 Days from $2,729 USD
plus [government taxes and fees]

All This Included
Take an unforgettable 12-day tour through the stunning pyramids of Egypt. Cruise along the Nile and visit the numerous temples that make Egypt so famous. You’ll discover firsthand the rich, ancient culture of this magnificent country.
Trip costs include:
* Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
* The services of a professional Go Ahead Tour Director/Egyptologist, including special guided
sightseeing of the Pyramids of Giza, Memphis, Saqqara, the Sphinx, the Temples of Luxor and
Karnak, the Luxor West Bank, Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple and Cairo.
* 6 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath
or shower.
* All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
* 4 nights accommodation in cabins with twin beds and private shower
* Buffet breakfast (B) daily while on land
* 5 three-course dinners, including wine or beer (D) while on land
* All shipboard meals and porterage
* Private deluxe motorcoach
* Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
* Go Ahead travel bag and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit
toward your next tour
* Get two FREE optional excursions per person — a $250 value —when you reserve your Trip
of a Lifetime by December 31, 2008!



St. Thomas
Provider: Cheap Caribbean (tel. 800/915-2322; www.cheapcaribbean.com)
Base Price: $499 per person
Duration: Four nights
Additional Fees: $115
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, and savings booklet.
When: November 1 to December 18, 2008
What's Not Included: Security fees and departure tax.
Deadline: October 10
Why This is a Deal: It's 60% off the normal rate.
Complete Details: This all-inclusive vacation departing out of New York-Newark (other gateways also available) includes accommodations at the Marriot Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Beach Resort. Located on a half-mile beach and sitting on a cliff overlooking the harbor and Flamboyant Point, the hotel has pools, meeting facilities, and a 30-foot waterfall at the base of a cliff.



London
Provider: Go Today (tel. 800/227-3235; www.go-today.com)
Base Price: $849
Duration: Six nights
Additional Fees: $135
What's Included: Airfare, accommodations, daily breakfast, hotel taxes, and airline fuel surcharges.
When: November 1 to 16
What's Not Included: Security fees and departure tax
Deadline: October 29
Why This is a Deal: Save $350 per person over booking this deal independently.
Complete Details: Departing out of the New York area, this six-day London fall getaway includes accommodations at the Bayswater Inn, a tourist-class hotel located in a residential neighborhood (rooms are small but they come with a small kitchenette). The hotel is near Kensington Gardens and the Marble Arch, a convenient and popular stop on London's Tube. There's a restaurant, a small café, and a bar open till midnight in the hotel.

What to Pack

I will be leaving in 6 weeks on a Caribbean cruise and am starting to think about what to pack. I don't like to wait until a couple of days before to pack because I will forget something for sure. I usually layout my suitcases a couple of weeks ahead of time, printout my packing list which is a standard packing list I keep on my computer and I adjust it depending on our destination. I pack as much as I can and check the items off my packing list. I may add things to the list and highlight items that will be packed at the last minute. It never fails, even with my list I always think of other things I want to pack. Here are some of my must haves when traveling:

Extension Cord - it always seems that hotels or ship cabins never have enough outlets or they are in awkward places. My son takes his portable DVD player and the outlets are never in a place where he can lay on the bed and watch movies. I also need enough outlets to charge my camera and camcorder batteries at the same time.

Baggies - All my liquids go into baggies, just in case something leaks it won't get on our cloths. I also put any makeup or medications I carry on in a baggie. At some airports they will let you carry on some liquid items but they have to be in a baggie. Some airlines will sell you a baggie but its much cheaper and easier if you have your own. I also use large baggies for each persons underwear and socks. This way its easy to find them and we don;t have to go digging all over the suitcase for them.

Copy of Passport - When traveling internationally, I make a copy of our passports so when touring around I can leave our original passports in the room or cabin safe and take carry the copy with me. You should always have a copy of your passport with you and I don't want to run the risk of loosing my original passport. You will need to take your original for customs and emigration.

Feel free to share your must haves when you travel.

Tahiti Specials

Stay 5 nights from $1668*
From$1668*
Arrive in Tahiti and stay 1 night at the Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa which is situated on a beautiful black sand beach. The next day transfer to Moorea by ferry and enjoy 4 nights at the wonderful Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa with daily breakfast. Situated on 21 acres of beachfront property, near every major attraction on the island. It is a short drive from the airport and ferry landing, and just two miles from famous Cook’s Bay. This hotel is one of a few that offer bungalows, hotel rooms and suites. The property's Manea Spa and gourmet restaurant give it a luxurious rating. Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa was voted a Gold List, Conde Nast Award winning property for 2005.

http://www.airtahitinui-usa.com/specials/tahitivacationspecials.asp

Free Airline Miles

This is a super easy way to earn airline miles without having to spend a dime.

http://www.e-miles.com/

Its free to register, and you earn miles simply by briefly looking at ads and answering about 5 short questions. The questions are all multiple choice and basically ask how you felt about the ad. You normally earn 5 miles per ad. You will be sent an email telling you when new opportunities are available for you to earn miles.

You will also often fine offers to purchase a product or subcribe to their magazine in which case you will earn extra miles usually around 100-300 extra miles. Sometimes you can earn 50 to 100 extra miles just for subcribing to their free newsletter.

The nice thing about e-miles is you can choose which airline you want to earn your miles from. Once you have accumilated 500 miles the miles will be transfered to your airline miles acount.

You will be surprised how quickly you can get to 500 miles. It only took me about a month to earn my first 500. That's 500 miles without spending a penny, you can't beat that!

Hotels.com Introduces Their Rewards Program

In July Hotels.com will be introducing a rewards program in which you can earn free hotel nights. With most other hotel rewards programs you only earn points for stays at their hotels and you can only use your reward points at their hotels. But with Hotels.com you earn points for any hotel booked through Hotels.com and you can use your reward points for any hotel booked through them. So you have so many more options. You will earn 1 free night for every 10 nights or points you earn. So keep an eye out for this reward program in July.

Royal Caribbean Winter Sale

Royal Caribbean is having a great winter sale.

11 Day Egypt / Eastern Mediterranean with air

1/5/09 $2649

1/26/09 $2349

2/16/09 $2699

3/30/09 $2749

Air & Transfers Included From:Atlanta, Boston, Chicago/OHare, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, New York/Newark, New York/JFK, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto & Washington DC (Dulles)

This is a great deal if you are looking for a winter get away. These Mediterranean cruises are incredible!

http://www.onlinevacationcenter.com/newsletter/4736.cfm

Reward Ticket frustrations

When I am trying to book miles reward tickets I always do so as far in advance as possible so that I have a better chance of actually getting a flight. Its not always easy to find reward flights.

A few months ago I wanted to book 3 tickets with my reward miles, I soon found that I was not aloowed to book 3 tickets at once. Delta would only let me book 2 tickets at a time so I had to make 2 seperate reservations, 1 for me and my son and 1 for my husband.

A couple of days ago Delta sent me an email telling me that my husbands flight had been change, and not just as far as the times but the acutal flight. He was being put on a completely different flight and would no longer have a non-stop. I called Delta up and explained to them that we were traveling together so we needed to all be on the same flight. This seemed to confuse them but in the end they agreed to change him back to the original flight. I asked for an email confirmation. Always get a confirmation.

When the email came it turned out that they switch my flight to match his, so we were out the non-stop flight.

The next day I got another email telling me that they were now changing my flight so once again our flights didn't match. So I had to go through the whole process again only this time it took them twice as long to figure it out. Again I asked for an email confirmation. When the email came, for some unknown reason, they seated us one behind the other rather then next to each other when there are plenty of seats next to each other open. I had to go onto the Delta website and change our seats.

All of this took place within 2 days, I still have 54 days before my flight. I can only imagine how many changes can take place during that many days!

If I had called in to book the flights prehaps they would have let me book 3 tickets at once but they also would have charged me more miles per ticket, miles I didn't have. It seems like the airlines go out of there way to discourage people from using their miles.

3 day sale

Crucon Cruise Outlet is having a 3 day sale. This is a really great deal.

$ 879 pp - $ 899 pp- MINISUITES!

7 nt. Caribbean & Mexican Riviera Sailings
New Bookings Only
Promotion Expires : 09/19/08
Not combinable with any other discount or promotion

Travel Dates:

NCL Pearl- 7 nt. W. Caribbean RT Miami
(Miami, Roatan, Belize, Cozumel, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami)
Sailing Dates: 10/12, 10/19, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14
Add $ 50 pp (i.e. $ 949 pp) for: 1/4, 1/11, 1/18
MiniSuites: $ 899 pp!!!

NCL Dawn - 7 nt. E. Caribbean RT Miami(Miami, Samana, St. Thomas, Tortola, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami)
Sailing Dates: 11/29, 12/6, 12/13

NCL Star- 7 nt. Mexican Riviera RT Los Angeles
(Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Los Angeles)
Sailing Dates: 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/06, 12/13, 1/10*, 1/17*, 1/24*, 1/31*

Call now 800-493-6609 or Book Online at www.crucon.com/cc1.htm

Deal to Rome

Gate One is offering a great deal to Rome during the off season.

8 Day Rome, Florence & Venice by RailVisit Italy's Enchanting Cities on this Independent Rail Vacation - from $999*



Lead Price Travel Dates: Nov 27, Dec 4, 11 '08, Jan 15, 22, 29 '09Promo valid for departures: Nov '08 - Mar '09



The Deal
Priced lower than the competition, this 8 day rail package makes it easy to see three of Italy's most captivating cities on one trip. Explore independently or join an assortment of convenient and affordable optional tours. Enjoy an evening tour of illuminated Rome, the Eternal City, a walking tour of the dazzling renaissance city of Florence, or a romantic gondola serenade along the canals of Venice. Whether it's your first trip to Italy or a return visit to old favorites, this tour offers an ideal opportunity to spend a great vacation in bella Italia while we take care of the details, with flights, hotels, and reserved rail seats all prearranged for you.



Book today and you'll pay substantially less than if you tried to build this package on your own, not to mention saving yourself the hassle.



Package Includes
Flights NYC – Rome, Venice – NYC. Other departure cities available
6 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels
2 nights Rome, 2 nights Florence, 2 nights Venice
Transportation between cities via reserved rail
Breakfast daily



How to Book
http://www.gateone.com/ to book or call 800-682-3333 to speak with one of our reservation specialists.

JetBlue Auction

JetBlue is now auctioning off tickets on ebay. If you go to Ebay and search JetBlue you will find a list of available tickets. The tickets are round trip and for for specific flights, dates and times. If you have a flexible schedule you can find some real bargains.

Budget Traveling

I am a huge budget traveler. I actually worked as a travel agent but wasn’t very good at it. Not that I messed anything up I just kept showing people how to save money or travel on a small budget and since we worked on commission that wasn’t the best thing to do. We earned a percentage of the sale so the agents were always trying to “up sell” so they could earn a higher commission. Now I work as a travel advisor, which means I teach people how to plan a budget vacation.

The most important thing is to never spend more then you can afford. If you spend your vacation worrying about how you are going to pay for it, you have wasted your money. I always recommend paying for the vacation before leaving even if that means you have to save for a little while.

For me, I have what I call my “travel fund.” Which is a separate place where I keep only money designated for travel. This way I know exactly what I have to spend and thus what type of vacation I can take. I save for my vacations one dollar at a time. I do lots of little things to earn money to go into my vacation fund. I sell items on Ebay, I sell copies of photographs I take, I teach online classes and I am involved in one of those pyramid business, one that actually pays, weekly.

My son also earns money so he will have his own money to spend on the trip. Kids love to have their own money. Our deal is if he makes the money he can spend it on anything he wants. He recycles, sells his old toys, DVD and video games on Ebay. He sells other items at yard sales. I have found that he is much more careful with his spend when its his own money versus me buying him things.

If possible, pay for your vacation entirely before you go. That way you don’t have to worry about paying for it when you get back and you can have a worry free vacation.

Tips For Cruisers

• 
  When boarding the cruise ship you will be separated from your luggage. After boarding the ship it can take several hours before your luggage is delivered to your cabin. So rather then sitting around in your travel cloths, pack a bathing suit, flip flops or a pair of shorts in your carry on. This way you can enjoy the pool while you wait for the rest of your belongings.



• 
  The cruise line sends pre-printed luggage tags for your suit cases with you travel documents. You will get 2 tags per person. If you have extra tags rather then let them go to waste, put them on your carry on bag, camera case, backpack, computer case or any other valuable items you will be taking with you. If these items get lost or left behind you will have a better chance of getting them back.



• 
  One of the worse thing that could happen on your vacation is to loose your child. Chances are you won’t but be prepared if you do. Have each child a travel wallet that is worn around the neck. Put all your travel information in the wallet including flight numbers and times, your destination, your ship name, cabin number, your home and cell phone numbers, emergency contact numbers, any allergies or special needs your child has. Don’t forget to include your name and home address and your child’s name and age. Include as much information you can think of to help authorities locate you. Have your kids wear the wallets while you are in the airports, touring and sightseeing or even when they are not with you on the ship. Always carry with you an up dated picture of your kids with you, in your wallet or purse. If you get separated from your kids you will have a picture rather then just a description to show people. It will help tremendously in locating your child.



• 
  Don’t wait until the last minute to pack and don’t pack while in a hurry. Many seasoned cruisers use packing lists. They keep a copy on their computers so they can just print it out when they are ready to start packing. You can adjust the list depending on your destination, such as pack shorts rather then pants. Make sure your list is complete with any medications you might need, camera’s, tooth brushes, hair spray, etc… It’s so much easier to pack when you have a list, simply go down the list and check things off once you place the item in the suit case. Make your list well in advance and leave a copy of it out with a pen nearby so you can add items as you think of them. You will most likely not remember everything to add to the list the first time and if you have it handy you can easily add items before you forget.



• 
  Book your shore excursions before you go. All the cruise lines let you do this. Excursions sell out. There will not be room for every person. If you wait to book your excursions until you get on board you may find they have already sold out. I always book mine as soon as possible. You can book them easily online. You can also change them providing you do it a couple weeks prior to shipping.

The Oasis is Open for Business

You can now start booking your cruise on the Oasis. More information is being revealed about the ship which starts sailing to the Caribbean in December 2009. It will have a aqua theater, which by day will serve as a pool and at night will become an outdoor theater where passengers can enjoys diving and acrobatic shows.

It will also have an onboard zipline. I have to say that’s pretty cool.

The ship will also have two story suites.

Go to http://www.rccl.com/ to book a cruise.

Free Airfare

This is a nice deal if you are thinking about a November vacation to Europe. Free airfare is included from Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Celebirty Cruise Line

11 Day Mediterrian Cruise

Mon Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Tue At Sea
Wed Mykonos, Greece
Thu Rhodes, Greece
Fri Santorini, Greece
Sat Istanbul, Turkey
Sun Istanbul, Turkey
Mon Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Tue Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Wed At Sea
Thu Naples, Italy
Fri Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Sailing Date : 11/03/2008
Cabin Type Rate

Inside $2249.00

Outside $2349.00

Outside Balcony $3349.00

Port Charges Included
Taxes & Fees Additional

http://makers.cruiseone.com/travel/cruises/dealpage.do?id=22111&&kwcmp=KNC-OV&HBX_PK=ruecatt@dslextreme.com&HBX_OU=91

Apartment in London

Thinking of visiting London. Check out staying in an apartment rather then a hotel. Many places rent apartments by the day or week and they charge per night or week not per person. So if there will be a couple of you traveling together and paying your own way, an apartment can be a great bargin.

For example, several years ago I went to London and was traveling with 2 other women. We each were paying our own way. When I looked into hotel prices, one we were considering wanted around $400 per week, per person, we were staying 3 weeks. So we would have to pay about $1200 each for the 3 weeks.

Then I came across an apartment in Notting Hill, just around the corner from where they shot the movie (Notting Hill). It was a one bedroom with a pullout couch. They wanted $400 a week, so we each paid for 1 week and saved $800 each! It was a really cute apartment too. It had a full kitchen and the care taker even stocked the kitchen with milk, juice, cereal and bread. And there was a small market right across the street. We had so much fun in that apartment.

So don't dimiss staying in an apartment right off. Check few out and remember the price is per night not per person. Here is a site that has a nice apartment right near the Thames River.

http://www.hamletuk.com/

How Big is Too Big

Royal Caribbean will launch the biggest passenger cruise ship ever, with sailings starting at the end of 2009 (Oasis of the Seas). It will carry 5,400 passenger and stand 16 stories high. It is 38% larger then any other cruise ship. It will also have a unique layout. The Oasis will start sailing in the Caribbean and I can only imagine what the fares will be.

While these huge ships are alluring, many cruisers like the feel and personal service of the smaller ships. With so many passengers can you really get good service? I like it when crew members remember me, call me by name. And how well are the cruise lines equipped to hand so many passengers? Royal Caribbean’s other ships carry a couple thousand less passengers. Some of their ships carry over 3000 fewer passengers. I wonder what the check in process will be like with 5,400 people trying to check in, most at the same time. And I wonder what the expected evacuation time is and are they truly prepared to evacuation 5400 people plus over 2000 crew members? (I teach disaster preparedness classes so I’m always thinking of these kinds of things).

This ship will truly be a site to see and if any of you are lucky enough to sail on it, let me know what you think of it. And please feel free to share your thoughts about big ships verses smaller ones with us.

Here are some pictures of the Oasis will look like:

Fun Theme Cruises

Here are some fun theme cruises Crystal Cruises is offering: (I would love to do the photography one)


Crystal Cruises (tel. 888-269-9414; http://www.crystalcruises.com/) is offering up to 50% savings on six Value Collection Europe and trans-ocean cruises this winter and spring.

Fares include the line's extension of lecture program and multiple dining venues. Certain restrictions apply.

Feb. 16, 2009, 17 nights Miami to Los Angeles. Fares start at $3,595 per person and this sailing is a Crystal Wine & Food Festival cruise (#V9204)

June 7, 2009, 12 nights Civitavecchia to London. Fares start at $4,360 per person and this sailing is a Crystal Wine & Food Festival cruise (#V9213)

Mar. 9, 2009, 17 nights Los Angeles to Hong Kong. Fares start at $3,690 per person and this sailing is a Film & Theatre Festival cruise (#V9206)

May 7, 2009, 16 nights Los Angeles to Miami. Fares start at $4,995 per person and this sailing is a Mind, Body & Spirit cruise (#V9309)

May 23, 2009, 10 nights Miami to Lisbon. Fares start at $3,540 per person and this sailing is a Big Band cruise (#V9310)

June 2, 2009, 12 nights Lisbon to Venice. Fares start at $5,070 per person and this sailing is a Photography theme cruise (#V9311)

Consumer Complaint Site

One of my blog readers gave me a heads up about this site. Its a really a cool site. You can look up or post complaints about different companies. It's not just for travel other catagories include auto, health, food, service and consumer products.

Every company has unhappy customers so it would not be alarming if a company had 1 or 2 complaints (the larger the company the more complaints would be expected) however if they have numerous complaints you have got to pay attention to them. And even if there are only a couple of complaints you should consider the nature of them. If the complaint is serious enough that also should be a red flag.

At least, even if you still plan on using the company after reading the complaints, pay attention to the nature of the complaint so you can be on guard and try to avoid having the same problems. The complaints will give you an idea of the area the company lacks service in.

www.pissedconsumer.com

If you are looking for a great last minute deal to Europe check these out;

Special limited-time fares including air to Europe from only $1,199

*Enjoy relaxing days at sea and fascinating ports of call on 14- to 25-day Transatlantic Cruises this fall.

These exclusive cruise-only or cruise + air fares are available when you book now!

Plus, roundtrip airfare from 22 other U.S. gateways is available for only $200* more than listed cruise + air fares. Call us at 800-329-9002 to reserve your place!

http://www.onlinevacationcenter.com/newsletter/4670.cfm

14-Day Journey to the New WorldRome to Ft. Lauderdale: Oct 4, 2008 ms Noordam

CRUISE + AIR CRUISE + AIR CRUISE + AIR CRUISE + AIR

INSIDE FROM OUTSIDE FROM BALCONY FROM SUIT FROM

$1,199 $1,399 $1,699 $2,300

Cruise only rates also available as well as several other itineraries.

17-Day Autumn OdysseyVenice to Ft. Lauderdale: Oct 23, 2008

15-Day New World AdventureLisbon to Ft. Lauderdale: Nov 4, 2008

25-Day Mediterranean & New World AdventureAthens to Ft. Lauderdale: Oct 25, 2008

24-Day European FarewellAthens to Ft. Lauderdale: Oct 30, 2008

Roundtrip air included from these gateways for $200* more than listed cruise/air fare.Atlanta (ATL), Baltimore (BWI), Boston (BOS), Buffalo (BUF), Charleston (CHS), Chicago (ORD), Cleveland (CLE), Charlotte (CLT), Cincinnati (CVG), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Houston (IAH), Milwaukee (MKE), Memphis (MEM), Minneapolis (MSP), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Norfolk (ORF), Philadelphia (PHL), Pittsburgh (PIT), Raleigh (RDU) or Washington (DCA/IAD).

Fiji Vacation

Here's a good package deal to Fiji. If you are thinking about going to Fiji gegtting a package deal that includes meals is the best way to go. The cost of food over there is very high, around $70.00 perperson per meal.

http://www.fijitravel.com/

Package includes:

R/T Airfare from Los Angeles to Nadi on Air Pacific

Transfers to/from Resorts

7 Nights Accommodations for Two

Rates are Per Person Based on Double Occupancy

Sale Period: Until March 31st, 2009

Travel Period: Until March 31st, 2009

Travel Blackout Dates Apply

Packages Must be Purchased within 3 Days of Reservation

Does not Include Airline Tax, Airport Security Fees or Departure Tax - All Approximately $305 Per PersonAdd $60.00 for Domestic Flights

Transfers within Fiji

*Children Eat Free **Includes Daily Breakfast***Includes All Meals
Starting from: $1199 Airfare & Accommodations
Tokatoka Resort $1199 Naviti Resort $1550*
Wananavu Beach Resort $1430 Warwick Fiji $1550**
First Landing Resort $1550 Mana Island Resort $2130**
Castaway Island Resort $2290*** Matangi Island Resort $2700***

Winter in France

Here's a great winter getaway deal.

Destination: France

Provider: Air France Holidays (tel. 800/237-2623; www.airfrance-holidays.com)

Price: $1044

Duration: 7 nights

What's Included: Airfare, rental car, local mileage, and airline fuel surcharges.

What's Not: Accommodations, gas, security fees and departure taxes.

When: October 30 to December 11

Deadline: Book as soon as possible as seats are limited.

Why this is a Deal: Save over $600 from the high-season rates.

Complete Details: Departing out of the New York City area, this France Fly and Drive package lets you explore on your own. The price is per person based on two people traveling together. (The price for four people is $799 per person.) Travelers can choose their arrival city between Paris, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, or Marseille. After arriving, travelers pick up their economy, two-door, and manual transmission rental car. The Air France Holidays website has a full list of potential hotels and inns.
Destination: Atlantic City

Caribbean Specials

Now is a great time to travel to the Caribbean. The weather is warm all year around so you really can't go wrong. Bookit is offereing some really great specials. Some of these deals are air inclusive and they have extra's for kids including "stay free" and "eat free."

http://www.bookit.com/Specials/

Great Last Minute Special!

If you are looking for a great last minute cruise you have got to check this out. East coast airfare is included and west coast airfare is available for only $200. That's a steal! This cruise also has a really nice itinerary. If I didn't already have plans for this time period, I so would looking into this cruise. This is a great price and if you will be traveling with a third person in your cabin, that persons price will be even less.

You can save money by traveling with another couple and sharing a suite. Even though the suite will cost more, the price for the third and forth person will be much less then the first 2. Everyone can split the total cost of the cruise by 4 and pay equal shares.


12 Night Eastern Mediterranean Cruise NEW! Norwegian JadeBarcelona RoundtripSailing: 11/30/08 & 1/25/09Balcony $1,999! Mini Suite $2,199!Including Roundtrip Air & Transfers!

Online Vacation Center brings you an EXCLUSIVE offer from Norwegian Cruise Lines! Enjoy a 12 Night Cruise through the Eastern Mediterranean aboard the NEW! Norwegian Jade, purpose–built for the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising. Hurry - offer expires 8/31!
Air & transfers included from:New York (JFK) Boston Washington/Dulles Add $200pp and fly from:Los Angeles Miami Chicago (OHare) Atlanta Dallas/Fort Worth AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD MEMBERS: Ask about Exclusive $200 per stateroom in Onboard Spending Cash when you pay with your American Express Card!

More information is available at:
http://www.onlinevacationcenter.com/special_deal.cfm?specialsID=13444&hdrqrystr=cruise&rf=cc&cid=87&brand=ovc&tsid=385&logid=16520


Sunday November 30, 2008 Barcelona
Monday December 1, 2008 At Sea
Tuesday December 2, 2008 Rome (Civitavecchia)
Wednesday December 3, 2008 At Sea
Thursday December 4, 2008 Athens (Piraeus)
Friday December 5, 2008 Ephesus (Izmir)
Saturday December 6, 2008 At Sea
Sunday December 7, 2008 Alexandria
Monday December 8, 2008 Alexandria
Tuesday December 9, 2008 At Sea
Wednesday December 10, 2008 Valletta (Malta)
Thursday December 11, 2008 At Sea
Friday December 12, 2008 Barcelona

Ways to Earn Extra Miles

Earn miles or Paypal credits by taking surveys.
https://www.opinionplace.com/main.adp

On this site you take surveys and earn rewards. Its very easy to do. The surveys take about 15 minutes. Its free to signup. Definitely worth checking out and a easy way to earn miles. I just took a survey and earned 75 American Airlines miles. Remember to register with American Airlines on their site if you don’t have a miles frequent flyer number. You will need this number so you can collect your miles on Opinion Place. It takes a few weeks before you will see your miles posted to your miles account. You can only take 1 survey every 14 days.

http://www.e-miles.com/
This site work like Opinion Place. You earn miles for viewing various advertisements and/or answering a few questions. There are fewer question to answer so it goes quicker. You can do several short surveys in one day. You usually earn from 5 to 15 miles for each survey and are given a sign on bonus.

Here is another site worth checking out.
http://www.mileageworkshop.com/free.html

Credit Card Air Miles

Even though it seems to be getting harder to use air miles to get free tickets , its still worth it when you can use them. You can often use them for other things besides tickets. Sometimes you can cash them out or even purchased suit cases so if you have a miles card check their website to see what else you can use your miles for. You can also use them for upgrades so if you do end up purchasing a coach class ticket see if you have enough miles to upgrade to first class. So don't give up on those miles cards.

Check out this website to review different miles credit cards.
http://www.cardbenefit.com/credit-cards/airline-mileage.htm

Hotel’s have rewards credit cards as well.
http://www.e-wisdom.com/credit_cards/hotels.html

New Contest from Frommer's

To celebrate the release of the new Frommer's Apps for the iPhone and iPod touch, we are awarding two lucky winners a prize set containing an iPod touch and a $40 iTunes gift card they can use to purchase our first four mobile travel apps: Frommer's New York, San Francisco, London and Paris. Don't hesitate; enter daily now through August 31st, 2008 for your chance to win. Courtesy of Modality.
http://newsletter.frommers.com/contest.asp?sid=53U82V5BZZRGZFPYMXPR&id=33

Packing for Kids

When vacationing with kids its important to give some serious thought into what you will pack for them. When traveling with my young son I always had a few surprises for him throughout the trip.

For several months before the trip I bought a few small toys and tucked them away. I wouldn’t give them all to him at once. I gave him a couple at the start of trip to entertain him while traveling to our destination and the rest of the toys I presented to him every few days throughout the trip.

When choosing toys to buy, the first thing you should keep in mind is the noise factor. While a toy may initially seem cute after a hour of sitting in a car or on a plane listening to it over and over again it probably won’t seem so cute. You also don’t want to drive anyone around you crazy.

Good choices include coloring books and crayons, books, small dolls or action figures.
One of my favorite item to bring to entertain my son is a portable DVD player. These are worth every penny. I get a few new movies for my son, he plugs in the headphones and there you have it…peace. IPods or MP3 players are also great choices. And don’t forget the snacks.

For younger children a new stuffed animal can make a great travel companion.

When traveling by car I put several of the toys in a plastic container to keep the toys from getting lost of spilling all over the car. If traveling by plane I use a small mesh bag to keep all his toys together.

I never let my son see anything I get for him for the trip so it will be a surprise.



For help with your packing here is a downloadable packing worksheet:
http://www.frommers.com/tips/packing_tips/travel_planner.pdf

More Airline Fee's

If you feel like the airlines have stuck it to you recently with all the new fee’s and changes get ready for a few more jabs.

Some airlines including US Airways are now charging for drinks and I don’t mean the kind with alcohol. If you want a glass of water or soda you will now have to pay for it. Pretty soon you will have to pay for toilet paper if you want to……well, you know.

I think its time for passengers to fight back and come up with creative ways around some of these ridiculous fee’s. So here are a few suggestions:

Beverages
If you want to have water during your flight bring an empty water bottle with you.
While you can’t bring liquids threw the security check point, you can fill the empty
bottle at a drinking fountain beyond the check point and carry it on the plane with you.
Or you can purchase a bottle of water or soda from a vendor beyond the check point.
Who knows maybe you can still get a cup of ice for free on the plane.

Luggage
Some have suggested mailing your luggage to your destination, I personally would not
be comfortable with this unless I was mailing it to a friend or family members home.
Even if a hotel, resort or post office agreed to hold the luggage for you there are too many risks and chances for your luggage to get lost. Plus you will have to make arrangements to have it shipped back.

My suggestion is to pack less. We as Americans tend to over pack. If you have ever
Observed Europeans traveling they will bring one small bag each. If you have ever
Traveled to Europe you have probably gotten that shocked looked when people see
how much luggage you have. Do we really need a different outfit for every day?
Why not bring a few pieces that you can mix and match. There are DVD’s and books
That show you how to bring a few pieces of matching clothing and how to mix them
Up to get several different outfits.

If you are worried about getting dirty then bring a travel size tablet of laundry soap that
You can dissolve in the bath and hand wash you items. You can also bring a travel
size stain remover that you can use to spot clean your items.

Award Miles
I just got a letter from Alaska airlines with whom I have a miles card. This is what it had to say:

Award Level Changes

The domestic round-trip Coach Saver award that has been available at 20,000 miles for over 13 years is increasing to 25,000 miles whether redeemed online or through our Reservations office.

The current Saver and Peak award levels for Coach and First Class travel on Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air are increasing with the exception of intra-state travel.
The popular 15,000 mile Intra-Alaska Award has been expanded to an Intra-State Award, offering travel wholly within one individual state including AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, or WA. This represents an award level reduction. First Class Intra-State awards will also be available at reduced levels.

New Three-Tier Award Levels
The previous "Saver" award types will be re-named "Super Saver Awards." These will continue to offer excellent redemption values but, as today, with limited availability compared to other awards types.

Partner Award Fee To offset the high costs associated with redeeming miles on partner airlines, we will begin collecting a $25 fee for each award booked on a partner airline. There continues to be no award fee or fuel surcharge fee for award travel on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air. The fee will apply to all awards booked on or after November 1, 2008.

Your air miles are getting close to being worthless. Have you tired to book an awards
flight lately? Its nearly impossible!

Instead of going insane trying to use these miles why not just cash them out or use them to purchase something other then airline tickets. Many airlines let you trade your miles for dollars. It would be easier to take the cash and put it towards the flight you want rather then take a midnight flight fromLos Angeles to New York by way of China! (with only 3 stops of coarse).

Sometimes you can use miles to purchase travel items such as luggage or other travel
goodies. Call whoever you have your miles with and see what else other then airline
tickets you can use your miles for.

Even though all of these things are small when thousands of people all join to gether they add up to one big voice letting the airlines know we are not going to just lie down and take it.

Kind of reminds you of a that song -"we're not going to take it, no we're not going to take it, we're not going to take it anymore!"