Average airfare Today: $552
Average airfare One Year Ago: $474
This, according to FareCompare.com, for tickets purchased three days before a trip from New York to 50 top US cities.
Most of that, I presume, can be attributed to rising gas prices…
Finally, someone has made finding a hostel as easy as finding a hotel. Tfthostels.com is the world’s first online search engine for hostels, combining searches from Hostelworld, Hostelbookers and Hostelsclub to give you as many (and as cheap) choices as possible. Works just like any of those hotel search sites, except you get a much smaller bill at the end of your stay.
NEW YORK, May 12 /PRNewswire/ — The Flatotel is welcoming visiting families from London to Los Angeles this summer with great rates, spacious accommodations and action packed activities for kids at every age. The modern, midtown Manhattan luxury property is making it easy to plan an affordable getaway in one of the world’s most exciting destinations.
Families who book by June 30th can enjoy a spacious stay in one of the Flatotel’s newly refurbished deluxe one-bedroom suites; featuring a pull-out couch; fully equipped eat-in kitchen and one-and-a-half baths from $385 and up per night. The suite accommodates up to two adults and two children. Reservations and rates subject to availability and apply to travel beginning at the end of June, and through July and August.
The Flatotel has discovered how to make an adult environment work for kids and embraces family members with its cozy atmosphere and more personalized services. Upon arrival, families receive a list of kid-friendly stores close by such as American Girl Place, Build-A-Bear Workshop, FAO Schwarz, and the NBA Store, among others; along with shopping discounts and vouchers to Top of the Rock, Museum of Modern Art, and a tour of NBC Studios.
If its culture they want to explore, families can also take advantage of the legendary cultural attractions and landmarks that are steps away from the Flatotel’s front door: Rockefeller Center, Broadway, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park.
All Flatotel suites boast modern amenities that ensure comfort and convenience including custom beds with goose down duvets and Egyptian cotton sheets; Internet access; a Sony Wega flat screen TV featuring DIRECTTV and premium cable; CD player and other features. Among the other attractive amenities on property are concierge service, a business center and complimentary use of the Flatotel’s Sky Gym Fitness Center and access to The Athletic & Swim Club and Olympic-size swimming pool.
Flatotel’s onsite eatery, MODA and MODA Lounge, offers guests an inventive menu featuring Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. In addition to 24-hour room service, MODA serves breakfast, lunch, and light fare during Happy Hour and evening hours. Jazz is featured weekly during Happy Hour and at Sunday brunch.
With a bold name and concept that originates from the English word “flat” for apartment and “hotel” for flexible length of stay, the Flatotel is a four-star rated, stylish alternative to a big midtown hotel. To inquire about the special family summer rates, or for additional travel information, please contact (800) 352-8683, or book directly on www.flatotel.com.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 8, 2008 — With the Euro valued at over 1.5 US dollars, a European vacation this year means literally throwing some of your money away. “Right now, the dollar is so pitiful, travelers planning to cross the pond could end up wasting the equivalent of an entire vacation,” says Giampiero Ambrosi of VirtualTourst.com. To ease the pain of the economy and still have a great time, we’ve compiled a list of the Top Ten Places to Avoid the Euro, based on advice from members of VirtualTourist.com.
Right now, the dollar is so pitiful, travelers planning to cross the pond could end up wasting the equivalent of an entire vacation
Istanbul, Turkey: Not only is it beautiful, affordable, and loaded with things to do, it’s the only city in the world that exists on two continents; Europe and Asia.
Johannesburg, South Africa: Mysterious, complicated, and full of dichotomies, Johannesburg, or ‘Jo-Burg’ as the locals call it, is not only one of the most intriguing places on earth, but at the moment, one of the most affordable.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Often referred to as ‘The Paris of South America,’ this has definitely become the hottest go-to place for those who usually go to Paris in the summer.
Acapulco, Mexico: Jack and Jackie honeymooned here and so did Bill and Hillary. If you’re looking for a truly old-school beach vacation, this is your place.
Pondicherry, India: Once under French rule, the city retains its flavor with clean, elegant lines and a serene atmosphere. Luckily, it also promises all the excitement and bustle visitors to India crave.
New Orleans, Louisiana: Although not yet entirely whole, jazz can be heard on the streets again, beads are back around everyone’s necks, and the food is as spicy as ever.
Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly Saigon), Vietnam: Between the stunning landscapes, friendly people, and endless things to do, most visitors find it not only one of the most interesting places to visit, but the most surprising.
Scottsdale, Arizona: With the W Hotel up and running and a new shopping development complete, Scottsdale is hot in more ways then one.
Macau: Known as ‘The Las Vegas of the Orient,’ this gambling Mecca repeatedly comes up as one of Asia’s most exhilarating destinations.
Tikal National Park, Guatemala: This ancient Mayan civilization, which took researchers 13 years to fully excavate, looks like something out of a science fiction novel and is still very much a work in progress.
About VirtualTourist.com
VirtualTourist.com is one of the largest online travel communities in the world and a premier resource for travelers seeking an insider perspective on travel information, from Las Vegas hotels to New York City restaurants. At www.virtualtourist.com, real people share real advice on places they’ve traveled as well as their hometowns; they research and plan trips, and they interact with other avid travelers via travel forums and email; over six million travelers use the site monthly. VirtualTourist boasts more than 1.6 million travel reviews and 3 million photos on more than 58,000 destinations worldwide. Unbiased, user-generated content on Hotels, Attractions, Local Customs, Tourist Traps and much more is posted entirely by VirtualTourist’s more than 1,000,000 registered members from over 220 countries and territories, and the site’s Trip Planner feature allows users to create custom print-and-go travel guides. Among VirtualTourist’s awards and accolades: ‘Sites that Changed Our World,’ The Guardian; ‘Favorite Website,’ Newsweek; ‘35 Best Travel Sites,’ Travel Leisure.
NEW YORK (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) April 14, 2008 — IgoUgo.com: “2008 ‘The Summer of the Train’”
* The editors of IgoUgo (http://www.igougo.com), one of the most popular online travel communities in the world, believe the summer of 2008 may be the summer for train travel for Americans.
* Tapping into its community of savvy travelers, IgoUgo’s editors have pulled together tips, advice and itineraries for travelers looking for something other than the traditional fly-in summer vacation.
* This information can also be found by visiting the IgoUgo blog: http://www.igougo.com/travel_blog
Best Travel Site in the U.S.
Plane vs. Train
* The U.S. airline industry received the worst score ever recorded in the most recent Airline Quality Rating (AQR) study. In the same study, consumer complaints were up 60 percent over last year.
* Americans may be increasingly more open to the idea of train travel. In 2007, Amtrak reported more than 25.8 million passengers, representing the fifth straight year of record ridership.
* More than 70,000 people ride on an Amtrak train each day.
* IgoUgo editors believe in many cases, Amtrak is a convenient alternative – with intercity passenger rail services to more than 500 destinations in 46 states.
Train Travel More Energy Efficient
* The US Department of Energy found that Amtrak – on an energy-consumed-per-passenger-mile basis – is 18 percent more energy efficient than commercial airlines.
* IgoUgo editors suggest that while not every train trip is more energy-friendly than flying, it can be an added consideration when planning for a family vacation.
IgoUgo Train Travel Tips
Thinking about a train trip?
* Consider taking the train on long trips when you have kids in tow; it can be much more relaxing than driving and a better opportunity to spend quality time talking or playing cards.
* Check to see if you’re visiting a city with a historic or notable train station; if so, arrive by train. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or a total novice, it’s a special experience to roll into a landmark like Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station or Union Station in Los Angeles.
* If your flight is cancelled, booking a spot on a train may be a good alternative.
* If traveling a long distance, consider an air-rail trip: fly to your destination, then take the rail on the way home (or vice versa).
* If you’re a nature lover, consider a US route participating in Amtrak’s Trails & Rails program, which provides educational opportunities to passengers, and research national parks and scenic areas serviced by trains. One example: Glacier National Park has two Amtrak stops with daily service in summer.
Booking your ticket?
* Plan any train trip ahead of time; prices rise as departure dates near, and deluxe cabins sell out quickly.
* Get a seat high enough to see out of the windows, and consider that choosing your seat’s class might make the difference between an open-air ride and a spot behind sealed windows.
* Consider that different classes may offer vastly different amenities; if a Western-style bathroom is important to you on train trips abroad, learn which class offers that before booking.
* See if your hotel accommodation at your destination will provide train-station transfers; you may be able to avoid renting a car or taking an expensive cab ride upon arrival.
* Travel light. You may not have much storage space or much time to get organized and disembark at your stop.
* Bring a sleeping bag or blanket; trains can get cold at night.
All aboard?
* Make sure you know what time meals are served in the dining car, and arrive early to get a spot. You’ll most likely share a table with other passengers. If you don’t feel like being social or are a picky eater, pack your own food.
* If you become frustrated by delays, remember to think of your train ride as a “trip within a trip” or “just as much a part of the vacation experience as the actual vacation itself,” in IgoUgo members’ words. Relax!
* Do not lose your ticket—some rails will collect them well after you board.
* Listen carefully to station and train announcements, or you might miss learning of delays or departures. Some announcements are made only once.
* If you’re on a stopover or day trip, double-check the departure board when you arrive at the train station so you know at what time you must return.
IgoUgo Train Travel Itineraries
* For some people a train trip is their destination, but for those who need to plan a route, IgoUgo is also a great place to research train travel itineraries.
* Here are some of IgoUgo members’ favorite train travel trips and IgoUgo editor’s “top” list:
* St. Petersburg to Shanghai on the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian Railways
* Auckland to Wellington on the Tranz Scenic Overlander
* Zurich to Vienna on the OBB
* Kalka to Shimla on the Shivalik Deluxe Express Toy Train
* Tokyo to Nagano on the Shinkansen
* San Francisco to Chicago on the Amtrak California Zephyr
* Fairbanks to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad Denali Star Train
To celebrate train travel, Amtrak is holding its first annual National Train Day on May 10, 2008. More information can be found at www.nationaltrainday.com.
Quote
Attributed to Michelle Doucette, Content Manager at IgoUgo.com
* “Flight delays, schedule changes, cancelled flights, bankruptcies and mishandled baggage are pushing flyers’ frustration to an all-time high.”
* “The summer of ’08 just might be ‘the summer of the train.’ Not only does train travel provide a totally different experience, statistics show it is often better for the environment than flying.”
About IgoUgo
IgoUgo is one of the most popular online travel communities in the world. Its 350,000 members—world-seasoned and passionate travelers—share firsthand travel experiences, advice, and photos, with candid tips and inspiring stories covering more than 5,500 global destinations. Site users can search by keyword to find reviews by like-minded travelers, as well as destination guides and helpful links. Members can easily contact one another to ask questions, exchange information, and build friendships without geographic bounds. In return for writing reviews, IgoUgo members accrue valuable points redeemable for gift certificates and frequent-flyer miles. IgoUgo has garnered top industry honors, including being named one of Forbes’ “Best Travel Sites” in 2006, a Webby Award for “Best Travel Site in the U.S.,” a “Top Travel Site” ranking from USA Today, and “Best Travel Community” and “Top Travel Site” commendations from Yahoo Internet Life.
NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire - March 27, 2008) - Airline-related issues overwhelmingly outnumber all complaints tour operators receive from travelers, according to an informal member survey conducted by the U.S. Tour Operators Association. The association — whose members send 11 million people on vacation yearly — reported that over 70% of responding tour operators cited airline problems as the most common complaint, followed by money-related issues, reported by 20% of members.
Missed connecting flights because of airline delays and cancellations were the most common airline-related complaint, with lack of service coming in second. Other complaints cited were airline cutbacks, full/overbooked flights, and lengthy check-in procedures including security. The hassle of flying caused one responding tour operator to say: “Airline travel is not fun,” noting that the vacation now begins once the traveler arrives at the destination, rather than the flight being considered part of the vacation.
Money-related concerns such as high air fares, added taxes, fuel surcharges and the European exchange rate came in a distant second in terms of consumer complaints. Of these, the most common complaints concerned airlines and the weak dollar.
A minority of USTOA tour operators and vacation packagers cited dissatisfaction with hotel accommodations as a source of complaints. “In the past, most complaints centered around accommodations due to unrealistic expectations among some travelers who expected to find U.S. standards in other countries. However, today the type of complaint has shifted, where airline-related issues account for the vast majority of complaints,” says Bob Whitley, USTOA president.
The survey was based on responses of 33 total operators representing over half of USTOA’s Active Corporate members. USTOA’s members have met the travel industry’s highest standards including participation in the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, which requires, among other things, that all members set aside $1 million to reimburse consumers in case of bankruptcy or other default. For more information on USTOA consult www.ustoa.com or www.ustoa.travel.
King, NC (PRWEB) March 18, 2008 — With the kickoff of the travel season quickly approaching, Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s leading educational association for professional pet sitters, reminds pet owners to be mindful of their pets when making travel plans.
Short trips such as the weekend getaway often are the result of spur-of-the-moment decision making. Having one or more professional pet sitters on call will ensure that pets are cared for and that travelers can enjoy springtime getaways with even greater peace of mind.
“There is no substitute for utilizing the services of a pet-sitting professional,” says Patti Moran, founder and president of the 14-year-old Pet Sitters International. “Friends, family and neighbors are not the best qualified solutions for ensuring your pets are cared for while you’re away — even for shorter weekend trips.”
Pet Sitters International operates the “Official Pet Sitter Locator,” a publicly accessible database that allows pet owners to search the organization’s member listing of nearly 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses. It is available at petsit.com.
Searchable by ZIP code and services offered, the Official Pet Sitter Locator is the ‘go-to’ listing for pet owners looking to hire sitters who are serious about the business of pet sitting. The locator’s search tool provides information such as Web site links, e-mail addresses, phone numbers and other important contact information. Pet sitters in the PSI membership database list their particular qualifications such as bonding and insurance carried by the business as well as certifications and accreditations they’ve received from PSI.
Pet owners are encouraged to take the time to conduct an initial interview with the pet-care professionals who match their search results before making a final decision. PSI suggests pet owners conduct this important interview within their home and with the pet or pets present to ensure compatibility. To make this process easier for pet owners considering a professional pet sitter for the first time, PSI offers a free downloadable checklist that can used during the interview process. The user-friendly checklist can be accessed through the Pet Owners portion of the PSI Web site.
“Most pet sitters are extremely passionate about what they do, and it will show as soon as you and your pet meet them,” adds Moran. “They’ve built their businesses based on this passion for pets and pet care. They’re also taking the time and making the effort to stay current on information, training and accreditation that will make them even better at their jobs. Our organization is a place for those passionate professionals to learn, develop and maintain their caretaking skills.”
According to Moran, the spring, summer and holiday seasons are the busiest times for professional pet sitters. Pet owners should do their homework ahead of time, so that when spring fever hits or the urge to get away from it all takes hold, they can rest assured that their beloved animal companions are safe and happy at home in the caring and capable hands of a true pet-sitting professional.
NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire - February 26, 2008) -
IgoUgo Top Ten Highlights
– While the destinations on this list are some of the most amazing in the world, IgoUgo editors found that some members noted them as less fun when traveling alone.
– Because these destinations are prime candidates for romantic getaways, some solo-traveling IgoUgo members prefer to avoid them.
– IgoUgo editors have created a solo travel blog with selected members’ best tips on how to have the greatest — and the safest — solo trip.
Ten Honeymoon Destinations Some Solo Travelers Skip
– Venice, Italy
– Quebec City, Canada
– Santorini, Greece
– Las Vegas
– Aruba
– Bazaruto Island, Mozambique
– Poconos, Pennsylvania
– St. Lucia
– Isla de Margarita, Venezuela
– Suzhou, China
Top Ten Tips from IgoUgo Solo Travelers
– Choose your destination wisely
– Do your research before your arrival
– Tell someone where you’re going
– Adhere to local customs for your safety
– Choose accommodations that welcome solo travelers
– Avoid establishments that cater to groups
– Use your single status to meet other travelers
– Join locals in everyday activities
– Banish loneliness with an organized tour
– Indulge in your favorite things
Quote
Attributed to Michelle Doucette, editor at IgoUgo
– “Traveling solo is a rewarding experience. The key is knowing what you
will — and won’t — enjoy, and going to the right places for you. IgoUgo
offers you the tips of experienced solo travelers who’ve been everywhere
and can help you make the most of your trip.”
The all-new Monopoly World Edition is set to be launched, but right now at http://www.monopolyworldvote.com you can help choose the cities that make the cut.
The vote ends on Leap Day, February 29, 2008. As of now, Montreal sits in first place with 4.8%, followed by Paris, Cape Town and London.
If you don’t like their options, you can write in a city. Voting of the Top 20 Wildcard Cities will begin on February 29. Some bizarre names include; Caracas, Venezuala; Gydnia, Poland (who currently leads all Wildcard entries); and Bratislava, Slovakia. I think we’ve found a replacement for Baltic!
NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire - February 8, 2008) -
lastminute.com Survey Details
– Leading travel and lifestyle site lastminute.com put presidential candidates to the test by seeing
how they rate as travel companions.
– American respondents shared their viewpoints on which candidates they’d
most want to include in their personal vacation time.
Results
– 44 percent would like to have Senator Obama as a holiday buddy because
he seems like a downright “cool guy to hang out with.” Others said:
- He’s a great companion for everything from exploring historical
sites to partying the night away.
- He’s most likely to score discounts on the road.
- Because the guy has “personality and seems the most chilled out.”
- He’s “sexy, young, smart, energetic, fun, charming, witty, cultured
and a great talker.”
– Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton ranked second (with 23 percent) mostly
because of the belief that she truly needs a holiday. Others said it
was because:
- They believe she’s “intelligent and sensitive” with much to teach.
- And, they’d get the inside scoop on former president Clinton.
– Among Republican respondents, the favorite travel buddy is reassuring
“Grandpa” McCain (with 14 percent).
– Unfortunately for Huckabee, not many would consider vacationing with
him, unless of course he’d consider bringing Chuck Norris along!
– Where would people take the candidates on vacation? More than 45
percent think the Caribbean would be the ideal solution for a break.
lastminute.com Bonus Results
– Who could most use a vacation right now?
- 58 percent say Senator Hillary Clinton is most desperately in need.
- Runner up is Senator McCain with 18 percent of the votes.
– Who would respondents least want to get stuck next to on the plane
ride?
- More than 34 percent (the largest group of respondents) say Mrs.
Clinton.
- Mr. Romney came in second (32 percent).
– When asked who might look best in a bathing suit on the beach:
- Obama wins with 64 percent of the vote.
- Romney came in second with 21 percent.
– Which candidates are least likely to be seen in a swimming suit with a
French model?
- Respondents predict Senators Clinton and Huckabee would be nowhere
in sight.
Quotes
Attributed to Giovanna Garlati, communications manager for lastminute.com
– “The comments were the funniest part to read, and it’s amazing to see
how willing people were to respond,”
– “It is clear from their responses that the battle between Senator
Clinton and Obama seems to reach far beyond political topics.”
About lastminute.com
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