US Airways Next to Nix Free Onboard Pillows?
US Airways appears to be next in line to charge for onboard pillows and blankets, according to Today in the Sky. The airline plans to take complimentary pillows and blankets off its planes, and is simply waiting to select a vendor to provide a for-purchase option.
Following last week's news that JetBlue is eliminating free pillows and blankets and replacing them with an upgraded product for purchase, I expected a great deal of outrage to pour forth from readers. I know JetBlue's move irritated me, for a number of reasons. To my surprise, however, most people were glad to see the end of those reused airplane blankets and pillows, and pledged to purchase JetBlue's $7 set, which is the passenger's to keep.
So if US Airways' scheme is similar, and the new blankets and pillows are an improvement over the old, I imagine people will similarly be receptive to the idea. Does this mean we finally have a fee worth paying?
Posted August 12, 2008 at 10:09 am ET by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Top 5 Fall Destinations
Top Five Bargain Destinations for Fall
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff - August 7, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mexico
Iceland
Ohio
Las Vegas
Ft. Lauderdale
After a summer of new airline fees, high fuel costs, and tight budgets, will fall bring better deals for travelers in search of a bargain? Choose your destinations wisely and you'll find that this fall really is a good time to travel, even if you don't have much to spend.
I've monitored trends, industry news, and sale patterns to point you in the direction of places that offer the best bargains for the coming season. Below you'll find examples of deals presently available for fall trips. Like all offers, these are sure to expire; however, a little research on your part can yield similar results when you're ready to book.
Mexico
If you're looking for a vacation that feels far away but is still affordable and easy to get to, consider a fall trip to Mexico. The country is bursting with hotel and vacation sales, and the peso still offers great value to travelers coming from the U.S. and Canada.
For a Mexico deal this fall, first check with vacation providers, many of whom are offering noteworthy discounts on bundled air-and-hotel packages. For instance, Delta Vacations has specials such as free nights at the Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas, and United Vacations is offering up to $150 off fall (or $300 for winter) Mexico air-and-hotel vacation packages.
Abundant low rates and discounts are the norm at hotels this fall as well. All-inclusive rates at Riu Hotels in Mexico start at around $70 per night. And Occidental Hotels & Resorts has fall sales at properties around Mexico, including $71 per-person all-inclusive rates at the Allegro Nuevo Vallarta.
For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Mexico Vacation guide.
Iceland
It's been a long time since Iceland was on the radar as a bargain destination. But this year, the small country has seen a precipitous 22 percent drop in the value of its currency against the euro. As a result, Iceland is on the map this fall as a more affordable alternative to mainland Europe.
The nation's national carrier, Icelandair, is advertising fall sale fares with substantial savings compared to fall flights to the Continent. For example, an October flight from Boston to Reykjavik, the capital city, is $562 (even lower than the advertised price), while round-trip flights to Paris on other carriers around the same time top $1,000.
You can also find deals on vacation packages this autumn. Icelandair is offering $120 off per person for September departures of its fall Glaciers, Geysers and Waterfalls package, which includes airfare, accommodations, most meals, and sightseeing from $1,869 before the discount. Its Iceland Airwaves special includes airfare, two nights' accommodations, and passes to the major music festival taking place between October 15 and 19, from $877 per person. Package provider go-today.com has an October three-night Reykjavik getaway from $829.
For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Iceland Vacation guide.
Ohio
Innkeepers in New Hampshire and Vermont may swear otherwise, but New England isn't the only place to marvel at impressive fall foliage displays. Even better, leaf peeping in other parts of the country can be far more affordable as well. Ohio, for instance, is dotted with state parks offering vivid autumn colors. And many are within an easy drive of major cities and airports, making the trip even more affordable.
Comparing the cost of a simple weekend getaway puts the savings in perspective. At the Shire Riverview Motel in Woodstock, Vermont, a standard room runs about $180 on weekends, putting the cost of a two-night weekend getaway at $360. Compare that to a two-night weekend package at the Burr Oak State Park Resort, located about an hour-and-a-half drive from Columbus. The Buckeye Package includes two nights' accommodations, daily breakfast, dinner for two, and a $25 gift certificate for $279. Ohio State Parks has a rate comparison chart for lodges around the state.
You can find dozens more discounts and specials on accommodations, dining, and attractions at the Discover Ohio website. When you're ready to book, check for fall airfare sales from Southwest and other airlines serving Columbus, Cleveland, and other Ohio airports.
For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Ohio Vacation guide.
Las Vegas
Tourism in Las Vegas is down this year, and the online publication Travel Weekly recently reported that the average daily room rate in Sin City has dropped by 5.5 percent. In a gamble to win back the crowds, travel providers are slashing prices and throwing in discounts and extras.
Southwest is offering $50 off Las Vegas air-and-hotel packages of three nights or longer booked by August 7 for travel through mid-December. JetBlue's current vacation packages include two nights at Circus Circus and airfare from Long Beach for $145 per person.
If you're willing to spend a bit more, now is a great time to splurge in Vegas, since even higher-end properties have deep discounts this fall. US Airways Vacations has package specials at some of The Strip's best hotels, including the Wynn and the Bellagio. Continental Airlines Vacations has a third night free offer at Trump International Hotel & Towers.
For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Las Vegas Vacation guide
Ft. Lauderdale
Tighter budgets and hurricane season mean Florida beach destinations have to work extra hard this fall to appeal to visitors. Ft. Lauderdale stands out among the state's many sun-and-sand hot spots with plenty of deals and even new air service. Plus, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel recently reported that the Ft. Lauderdale airport ranked as the fourth-cheapest airport in the country, another sign of the city's strength as a bargain destination.
No one, least of all bargain travelers, wants to be nickel-and-dimed even before landing. Unfortunately, the recent airline trend of adding fees—for everything from checking a first bag to sitting in an aisle seat—does just that.
However, Southwest hasn't jumped on the extra fees bandwagon, which makes its already competitive fares an even better deal. Plus, the airline is celebrating the November launch of new daily nonstops to Ft. Lauderdale with introductory rates of $149 one-way from Las Vegas and $89 each way from Albany, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri. AirTran is also introducing new service and will begin a nonstop route from Milwaukee this fall.
Deals on vacation packages and hotels for fall travel include Continental Vacations' fourth night free at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper, plus a $50 resort credit if you travel by the end of September. And Orbitz is offering 20 to 25 percent off Ft. Lauderdale hotel stays booked by August 31 for travel through November 24 as part of its Great American Sale.
For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Ft. Lauderdale Vacation guide.
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff - August 7, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mexico
Iceland
Ohio
Las Vegas
Ft. Lauderdale
After a summer of new airline fees, high fuel costs, and tight budgets, will fall bring better deals for travelers in search of a bargain? Choose your destinations wisely and you'll find that this fall really is a good time to travel, even if you don't have much to spend.
I've monitored trends, industry news, and sale patterns to point you in the direction of places that offer the best bargains for the coming season. Below you'll find examples of deals presently available for fall trips. Like all offers, these are sure to expire; however, a little research on your part can yield similar results when you're ready to book.
Mexico
If you're looking for a vacation that feels far away but is still affordable and easy to get to, consider a fall trip to Mexico. The country is bursting with hotel and vacation sales, and the peso still offers great value to travelers coming from the U.S. and Canada.
For a Mexico deal this fall, first check with vacation providers, many of whom are offering noteworthy discounts on bundled air-and-hotel packages. For instance, Delta Vacations has specials such as free nights at the Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas, and United Vacations is offering up to $150 off fall (or $300 for winter) Mexico air-and-hotel vacation packages.
Abundant low rates and discounts are the norm at hotels this fall as well. All-inclusive rates at Riu Hotels in Mexico start at around $70 per night. And Occidental Hotels & Resorts has fall sales at properties around Mexico, including $71 per-person all-inclusive rates at the Allegro Nuevo Vallarta.
For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Mexico Vacation guide.
Iceland
It's been a long time since Iceland was on the radar as a bargain destination. But this year, the small country has seen a precipitous 22 percent drop in the value of its currency against the euro. As a result, Iceland is on the map this fall as a more affordable alternative to mainland Europe.
The nation's national carrier, Icelandair, is advertising fall sale fares with substantial savings compared to fall flights to the Continent. For example, an October flight from Boston to Reykjavik, the capital city, is $562 (even lower than the advertised price), while round-trip flights to Paris on other carriers around the same time top $1,000.
You can also find deals on vacation packages this autumn. Icelandair is offering $120 off per person for September departures of its fall Glaciers, Geysers and Waterfalls package, which includes airfare, accommodations, most meals, and sightseeing from $1,869 before the discount. Its Iceland Airwaves special includes airfare, two nights' accommodations, and passes to the major music festival taking place between October 15 and 19, from $877 per person. Package provider go-today.com has an October three-night Reykjavik getaway from $829.
For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Iceland Vacation guide.
Ohio
Innkeepers in New Hampshire and Vermont may swear otherwise, but New England isn't the only place to marvel at impressive fall foliage displays. Even better, leaf peeping in other parts of the country can be far more affordable as well. Ohio, for instance, is dotted with state parks offering vivid autumn colors. And many are within an easy drive of major cities and airports, making the trip even more affordable.
Comparing the cost of a simple weekend getaway puts the savings in perspective. At the Shire Riverview Motel in Woodstock, Vermont, a standard room runs about $180 on weekends, putting the cost of a two-night weekend getaway at $360. Compare that to a two-night weekend package at the Burr Oak State Park Resort, located about an hour-and-a-half drive from Columbus. The Buckeye Package includes two nights' accommodations, daily breakfast, dinner for two, and a $25 gift certificate for $279. Ohio State Parks has a rate comparison chart for lodges around the state.
You can find dozens more discounts and specials on accommodations, dining, and attractions at the Discover Ohio website. When you're ready to book, check for fall airfare sales from Southwest and other airlines serving Columbus, Cleveland, and other Ohio airports.
For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Ohio Vacation guide.
Las Vegas
Tourism in Las Vegas is down this year, and the online publication Travel Weekly recently reported that the average daily room rate in Sin City has dropped by 5.5 percent. In a gamble to win back the crowds, travel providers are slashing prices and throwing in discounts and extras.
Southwest is offering $50 off Las Vegas air-and-hotel packages of three nights or longer booked by August 7 for travel through mid-December. JetBlue's current vacation packages include two nights at Circus Circus and airfare from Long Beach for $145 per person.
If you're willing to spend a bit more, now is a great time to splurge in Vegas, since even higher-end properties have deep discounts this fall. US Airways Vacations has package specials at some of The Strip's best hotels, including the Wynn and the Bellagio. Continental Airlines Vacations has a third night free offer at Trump International Hotel & Towers.
For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Las Vegas Vacation guide
Ft. Lauderdale
Tighter budgets and hurricane season mean Florida beach destinations have to work extra hard this fall to appeal to visitors. Ft. Lauderdale stands out among the state's many sun-and-sand hot spots with plenty of deals and even new air service. Plus, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel recently reported that the Ft. Lauderdale airport ranked as the fourth-cheapest airport in the country, another sign of the city's strength as a bargain destination.
No one, least of all bargain travelers, wants to be nickel-and-dimed even before landing. Unfortunately, the recent airline trend of adding fees—for everything from checking a first bag to sitting in an aisle seat—does just that.
However, Southwest hasn't jumped on the extra fees bandwagon, which makes its already competitive fares an even better deal. Plus, the airline is celebrating the November launch of new daily nonstops to Ft. Lauderdale with introductory rates of $149 one-way from Las Vegas and $89 each way from Albany, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri. AirTran is also introducing new service and will begin a nonstop route from Milwaukee this fall.
Deals on vacation packages and hotels for fall travel include Continental Vacations' fourth night free at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper, plus a $50 resort credit if you travel by the end of September. And Orbitz is offering 20 to 25 percent off Ft. Lauderdale hotel stays booked by August 31 for travel through November 24 as part of its Great American Sale.
For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Ft. Lauderdale Vacation guide.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Delta increases baggage fees
Delta increases baggage fees by as much as $300
Posted July 29, 2008 at 4:33 pm ET by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Delta announced Tuesday afternoon that it will raise its checked baggage and overweight baggage fees on both domestic and international flights. Increases apply to travelers who book after July 30 and travel after August 4. As expected, Delta said the new charges were necessary to offset fuel prices.
On domestic flights, fees will increase to $50 (up from $25) for second checked bags, $125 (up from $80) for third checked bags, and $200 each (up from $80 to $180) for the fourth through 10th bags. On international routes, you'll soon have to pay $200 (up from $150) for the third checked bag, $350 each (up from $150) for the fourth and fifth bags, and $600 each (up from $300 to $600 each) for the sixth through 10th bags. In addition to these increases, fees for overweight bags will also rise for bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds from $80 to $90 on domestic flights and from $80 to $150 on international flights. Bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds will go up from $150 to $175 on domestic flights and from $150 to $300 on international flights.
The good news: First checked bags remain free on domestic and international flights, as do second checked bags on international flights, so the lighter packers among us will still be able to sneak by without paying extra. Given travelers' strong aversion to first-checked-bag fees, Delta's current baggage policy may help it gain or retain customers who've sworn off flying other airlines that charge this fee. We'll follow the situation and see if Delta is still able to avoid this dreaded charge, and, if it does, if other airlines will seek to emulate its model.
Find Related Stories: airfare, baggage, Delta, fuel, Molly Feltner, taxes and fees, Today in Travel
Posted July 29, 2008 at 4:33 pm ET by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Delta announced Tuesday afternoon that it will raise its checked baggage and overweight baggage fees on both domestic and international flights. Increases apply to travelers who book after July 30 and travel after August 4. As expected, Delta said the new charges were necessary to offset fuel prices.
On domestic flights, fees will increase to $50 (up from $25) for second checked bags, $125 (up from $80) for third checked bags, and $200 each (up from $80 to $180) for the fourth through 10th bags. On international routes, you'll soon have to pay $200 (up from $150) for the third checked bag, $350 each (up from $150) for the fourth and fifth bags, and $600 each (up from $300 to $600 each) for the sixth through 10th bags. In addition to these increases, fees for overweight bags will also rise for bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds from $80 to $90 on domestic flights and from $80 to $150 on international flights. Bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds will go up from $150 to $175 on domestic flights and from $150 to $300 on international flights.
The good news: First checked bags remain free on domestic and international flights, as do second checked bags on international flights, so the lighter packers among us will still be able to sneak by without paying extra. Given travelers' strong aversion to first-checked-bag fees, Delta's current baggage policy may help it gain or retain customers who've sworn off flying other airlines that charge this fee. We'll follow the situation and see if Delta is still able to avoid this dreaded charge, and, if it does, if other airlines will seek to emulate its model.
Find Related Stories: airfare, baggage, Delta, fuel, Molly Feltner, taxes and fees, Today in Travel
Monday, July 28, 2008
Prepare for your destination
Whether you are traveling with children, or traveling alone, it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the place you are planning on traveling to. For example: a few years ago we were going to be stopping by Devils Tower in Wyoming, so we found Close Encounters of the Third Kind and showed it to our children. (Thank goodness they thought it was kind of an interesting movie.) This year we were passing through Hannibal, Missouri, so we watched the Tom Sawyer musical with Johnny Whittaker. Our family was also planning on being around many different early pioneer sites, so as parents we decided that on our scheduled Family Nights we would talk about the significance of the different places that we would be visiting. We engaged in this from January until June of this year. Our children were actually very much aware of the history when we arrived at the different locations and they were interested because we had already discussed them. As something fun, we had the Wizard of Oz playing while we drove through Kansas...they were tired of looking at the cornfields anyway.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Junior Ranger Program
We discovered a great thing to do with the kids on road trips. Plan to visit any National Park or Monument on your way to your final destination, unless the park is your destination. You can visit the Park Rangers at a desk inside any Visitors Center and pick up a Junior Ranger Kit. Each location is a little different and the ages that they allow may vary, but usually from ages 3-14 or so. This brochure has different activities that the children need to do, and pages they need to fill in. It is actually very informative and we learn quite a bit about each place. At the end of your stay, return your papers to the Ranger and your child will receive a Junior Ranger Badge. This program is FREE and is actually quite fun. We wish that we would have discovered this great activity several years earlier. Our kids have collected quite a few badges from many places around the country. This summer we made a badge holder to display all of their badges.
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