Travel Savings Alerts Newsletter - October 2006 Issue
tips2travel
P.O. Box 91033
Columbus OH 43209
http://tsalerts.fre.espaces.com
travel...@wowmail.com
ISSN: 1542-801X, Copyright 2006, All Rights Reserved
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In This Issue:
National One-Two-Fr.ee Promotion
Qantas Aussie AirPass Extended
Atlanta CityPass
New Electronic Passports
Holidays in Spain to 70% Off
Choice Hotels 'Stay Twice, Earn Fr.ee Night
Bermuda Extends Summer thru October
Nautica Inaugural Cruises, Fr.ee Air, 2-for-1 Fare
Azores Packages From $579
Fr.ee Self-Guided MP3 Walking Tour
Alaska $50 Cruise Tax
SAA Low Fall Fares
One-Way Fares to Orlando
MSC Cruises 2-for-1 Sale
El Al Winter Savings
Kids Fly Fr.ee to Ski Country
Continental's BusinessFirst Sale
Moseying Under Missouri by Nicki Chodnoff
Alamo Vacation Sweepstakes
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Sterling Earrings for all Occasions from AAA Jewelry Outlet - - Don't
miss these sterling silver earrings that are the epitome of style and
class. You'll be the center of attention as friends and family will
surely admire this classic design.
Opal-like stones that glow and change from intense blue-green, to milky
white and fiery red are mounted on sterling silver oblong discs edged
with a braided detail.
The sterling silver disc in turn hangs from a grape-like sterling
silver cluster of fused beads that attaches to French wires.
Photographs don't do these earrings justice. This "must-have" addition
to your jewelry collection will blend perfectly with the hottest new
designer styles and conservative business attire.
Get this distinctive, classic look from AAA Jewelry Outlet at an easy
on your pocket-price of only $19. VERY LIMITED QUANTITIES!!Order from
AAA Jewelry Outlet at http://www.3ajewels.biz
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National One-Two-Fr.ee Promotion - - National Car Rental launched its
"One-Two-Fr.ee" promotion, which provides Emerald Club members with one
fr.ee rental day for every two qualified rentals made through Dec. 15,
2006. There is no limit to the number of fr.ee days you can earn, and
you can also receive one rental credit for referring a friend.
For 2006, National enhanced the One-Two-F.ree promotion by adding
serialized electronic coupon codes. When you qualify for a fr.ee day,
you will receive the serialized coupon code via e-mail four to six
weeks after the second qualifying rental. That means there will be no
need for you to present anything at the time of rental to redeem your
fr.ee day.
Emerald Club customers must register on line to be eligible for the
promotion. The One-Two-Fr.ee promotion also waives the enrollment fee
for new members to join.
National Car Rental Emerald Club http://www.emeraldclub.com/12FR.EE .
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Qantas Aussie AirPass Extended - - The popular Qantas Airways Aussie
AirPass is now extended.
With the addition of four new Queensland cities, you have the
flexibility and choice of experiencing a wider variety of Australian
destinations for travel through Dec. 14, 2007.
Fares are regional, seasonal and start from $1,099 plus taxes and fees
for low season Zone 1 travel. The Qantas Aussie AirPass includes
roundtrip economy class airfare plus travel to three qualifying cities
within Australia for one low fare. With the Aussie AirPass, you can
choose from 21 Australian cities. In addition to the newly added
Queensland cities of Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone and Gove, city
choices include: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold
Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Cairns, Townsville, Alice Springs, Ayers
Rock, Darwin, Hamilton Island, Perth, Broome, and Hayman Island.
All Qantas Airways transpacific flights include fr.ee meals, bar
service and personal seat-back entertainment screens in all classes,
with endless entertainment and game options.
Qantas Aussie AirPass
http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/us/specials/webDeals217 or
800/227-4691.
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Give a Jaguar -- An Amber Jaguar
The remarkable face of a jaguar is hand-carved onto a lovely piece of
cherry amber that's 33mm x 20 mm in size. The dramatic pendent hangs on
an ultra-chic 18" natural-colored leather necklace cord with a sterling
silver clasp. Boy will this turn heads.
High-style boutiques and jewelers charge $500 or more for this glam
piece. It's yours for only $125 plus shipping & insurance. Order at:
http://www.3ajewels.biz, click on the amber category.
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Atlanta CityPass - - CityPass celebrates its 10th year by adding
Atlanta to its line up.
Like all urban CityPass programs, the price will be close to 50 percent
of the combined admission prices, which puts the Atlanta CityPass at
$59 for adults and $45 for children age three to 12. Booklets will be
valid for nine days from the first day of use and may be purchased in
advance online or at the first attraction visited. This is the largest
CityPass offering and the first CityPass to be co-branded with the
destination.
The Atlanta CityPass line up includes the Georgia Aquarium, the
world's largest aquarium, housing more than 120,000 animals of 500
different species and eight million gallons of water; the High Museum
of Art with more than 11,000 works of art in its permanent collection;
Inside CNN Atlanta Studio Tours; and the World of Coca-Cola.
The Atlanta CityPass booklet offers four more attractions with option
tickets that complete Atlanta's "eight great" attraction
offering. One option ticket includes the Atlanta Botanical Garden,
adjacent to the High Museum of Art in Midtown, or the Fernbank Museum
of Natural History, Atlanta's home to dinosaurs.
The other option ticket is either Zoo Atlanta or the Atlanta History
Center in the heart of Atlanta's historic Buckhead district.
Atlanta CityPass includes directions for public transportation use with
a map of the Atlanta Tourist Loop. Operated by MARTA, Atlanta Tourist
Loop buses run in a continuous loop and arrive at specially designated
bus stops every 30 minutes. The fare is $1.75 with fr.ee transfers to
other MARTA buses and trains. Kids under six ride fr.ee. MARTA also
connects into the terminal building at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport.
The Atlanta CityPass booklet includes information on Atlanta's
distinctive neighborhoods, historic sites and two historic walking
tours.
CityPass, which fits in nearly all pockets, speeds visitors to the
doors of America's greatest museums and attractions by being able to
breeze past ticket windows. Cultural and sightseeing attraction tickets
are bundled with background information, transportation guides, insider
tips, and offers.
CityPass http://www.citypass.com or 888/330-5008.
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New Electronic Passports - - In August 2006, the U.S. State Department
began issuing the next generation of travel documents. Called
"electronic passports," or "e-passports," e-passports are not
paperless; they include a computer chip that incorporates
identification data and a digitized version of the passport photo.
The new passport resembles older versions but has harder-to-forge pages
with images of national landmarks and patriotic quotations. Travelers
with e-passports will use inspection lanes equipped with special data
readers. To counter fears of electronic monitoring and information
theft, the government says it has incorporated a wide range of security
features into the new passport chips.
Chip failure will not invalidate an e-passport, and all current
passports will remain valid until expiration. The new passports are
being issued out of the Colorado passport agency and will be available
nationally by year's end.
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Holidays in Spain to 70% Off - - The 245-room Rafaelhoteles Atocha in
Madrid and the new 126-room Rafaelhoteles Casanova in Barcelona offer
"Heavenly Holidays" packages with savings up to 70 percent off room
rates Dec. 21, 2006 to Jan. 14, 2007.
Packages include different features such as gourmet Christmas lunches
in Madrid; gifts and wine on arrival; fr.ee visitor cards for city-wide
museums, galleries, attractions; roundtrip fast train to Toledo; New
Year's Eve parties in Madrid and Barcelona's hottest restaurants.
The special offer is for three or more nights and starts at 304 Euro
(about $388) in Barcelona and 480 Euro (about $613) in Madrid (three
nights based on two people). Second rooms for children are discounted
30 percent off package prices in Madrid and 25 percent off in
Barcelona. Children's rates are for children under 16 years old at
Atocha and under 12 years old at Casanova. Rates do not include seven
percent tax.
In Madrid, the reduced room rate can be combined with any of five
holiday options. A three night Christmas option for two costs 480 Euro
(about $613) and includes accommodations, breakfast daily, Christmas
lunch, gift, a one-day Madrid Card per person, and roundtrip airport
transfers. This represents a room savings of 65 percent. For the best
value and most features, the seven night stays over Christmas and New
Year's includes accommodations, breakfast daily, Christmas lunch, New
Year's Eve dinner and party, roundtrip fast train ticket to Toledo, one
day Madrid Card for two, gift and roundtrip airport transfers. Priced
at 1288 Euros (about $1644) for two, this represents a room savings of
70 percent.
Themed Barcelona holiday packages start from 304 Euro (about $388) for
two people. The "Discovery" package features three nights in a
superior room; daily breakfast; bottle of wine; two, one-day tickets on
the Tourist Bus with discounted entry to 50 attractions plus late
check-out. The "Cosmopolitan New Year" package costs 500 Euro
(about $638) for two and includes three nights in a superior room;
daily breakfast; bottle of wine; New Year's dinner and party; two,
one-day tickets on the Tourist Bus with discounted entry to 50
attractions plus late check-out. A similar Christmas art and
gastronomy package costs 400 Euro per night (about $511) for two
people.
Rafaelhoteles http://www.rafaelhoteles.com.
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Fr-ee Fun San Diego -- This savings-packed FR.EE brochure features
almost 40 Fun, Fr-ee Things to do in San Diego. When heading to
Southern California, attend concerts or visit a State Historic Park and
keep that cash in your pocket by knowing what you can see and do for
fr-ee.
To order Fr-ee Fun San Diego for a $1 handling fee, send
an email to in...@onthegopublishing.com with Order Fr-ee Fun San Diego
in the subject line.
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Choice Hotels Stay Twice, Earn Fr.ee Night - - Choice Hotels
International reintroduces its "Stay 2 Times. Earn A Fr.ee Night At
Over 1,000 Hotels" fall promotion. Through Dec. 15, 2006, you have an
opportunity to earn a fr.ee night's stay at more than 1,000 hotels
after two separate stays at any Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality
Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion or MainStay Suites brand hotels in the U.S.,
Canada, Caribbean and Mexico. Consecutive nights at one hotel,
regardless of check-ins or check-outs, count as one stay.
To participate, you must be a member of the Choice Privileges guest
rewards program. You can join Choice Privileges when you check in or
check out, and your stay will immediately count toward the promotional
fr.ee night. There are no blackout dates for when fr.ee nights can be
used and no limit on the number of fr.ee nights you can earn.
Choice Privileges Visa Platinum credit cardholders earn fr.ee nights
even faster. Every time and everywhere you use a Choice Privileges Visa
card, you earn additional Choice Privileges points. Points can be
redeemed for room nights, airline miles, or gift certificates at more
than 100 national and 400 regional retailers and restaurants. The
Choice Privileges rewards program also offers other special member
benefits, including express reservations, express check-in, fr.ee room
upgrade when available, fr.ee local phone calls and incoming faxes,
fr.ee newspaper and extended check-out.
Choice Privileges http://www.choiceprivileges.com or 888/770-6800.
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Bermuda Extends Summer thru October - - If you are looking to extend
summer, you can receive a $300 Visa Gift Card when booking a Bermuda
vacation before October 27, 2006. Part of the island's Endless
Summer Promotion, this $300 credit can be used at any Bermuda merchant
who accepts Visa, including restaurants, shops, attractions, hotels,
and is awarded with each booking of at least four nights.
Bermuda's Endless Summer promotion, available for travel through Oct.
31, 2006 (blackout dates Oct. 4 to 7, 2006 at some hotels), is
designed for people needing an affordable, last-minute escape.
The $300 Visa Gift Card is good for new bookings, and limited to one
card per minimum four-night stay at a participating hotel, based on
double occupancy. The Visa Gift Cards will be issued if you purchase a
qualifying travel package when you check in and holds no cash value.
The Visa card is only valid in Bermuda during the dates of the visit
and at merchants that accept the Visa card.
The 23-mile long island of Bermuda is under two hours from East Coast
gateway cities and surrounded by a 200-square-mile coral reef plateau.
Accommodations range from luxury resorts to intimate guest cottages and
family-run inns.
Please note all people traveling to and from Bermuda will need a
passport or other accepted document establishing their identity and
nationality to enter or re-enter the United States starting Jan. 8,
2007.
Endless Summer promotion http://www.bermudatourism.com or 800/BERMUDA.
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Nautica Inaugural Cruises, Fr.ee Air, 2-for-1 Fare - - Oceania Cruises
schedules the inaugural season of the Nautica to sail to Australia, New
Zealand and Bali during winter 2007/2008. Sailing a series of 18- to
21-day voyages, these cruises celebrate the history, culture and
natural wonders of the region
Cruises include fr,ee airfare from 20 North American gateways and
two-for-one cruise fares that start from $4,199 per person. Make
reservations as early as possible to ensure the availability of fr.ee
airfare and to receive the accommodations of your choice on your
preferred voyage.
To enhance the experience, a full range of pre- and post-cruise hotel
packages and land tours will be offered in Australia and New Zealand.
Inaugural cruises include:
Southern Cross Christmas 18-days Singapore to Sydney, departs Dec. 22,
2007
Splendors Down Under 15-days Sydney to Auckland, departs Jan. 9, and
24, 2008
Passage to Paradise 21-days Sydney to Bangkok, departs Feb. 8, 2008
Oceania Cruises http://www.oceaniacruises.com or 800/531-5619
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Face-It Luggage Tags -- Your Face on Your Luggage -- There's no
mistaking your luggage with the Face-It Luggage Tag. The durable,
laminated tag displays your face and the phrase "This Face Belongs With
This Luggage."
A Face-It Luggage tag makes it less likely for a stranger
or thief to walk off with your luggage and helps you recognize your
luggage at a glance in hotels or airports. Face-It Tags are also
available for briefcases, portfolio books, backpacks, sporting
equipment, bicycles, musical instruments and more.
Click here to order Face-It Luggage Tags
http://www.onthegopublishing.com/face-it.shtml
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Azores Packages From $579 - - Tour operator Azores Express discounts
packages from Boston to Portugal's Azores Islands. Flights from Boston
take four hours, closer than many islands in the Caribbean. The Azores
offer a mild climate year-round. Summer weather can last into late
December.
Packages cost from $589 to $809 per person, based on double occupancy,
for Tuesday departures. Priced separately, airfare would cost about
$674 and the hotel about $103 a night. Each package includes roundtrip
airfare, six nights' accommodations at a choice of seven hotels on
three islands in the Azores and breakfast daily. Flights depart
Tuesdays and Fridays October 2006 through mid-June 2007. Friday
departures are $90 more. Prices are higher on holidays and after April
1, 2007. The lowest prices are October through March and taxes are
about $120 additional.
For stays at the recently opened Hotel do Canal, on the island of Faial
or a combination stay on Terceira or Faial and Sao Miguel, children
under six years old pay only airfare; children under 10 years pay 10
percent of the $809 hotel rate, plus airfare.
For $170 additional each way, you can upgrade from coach to SATA Plus
Business-Class.
Azores Express http://www.azores-express.com/ or 800/762-9995.
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Fr-ee Self-Guided MP3 Walking Tour - - Geogad, Inc. introduces the
Geogad Mobile Tour of Vancouver's Chinatown and Granville Island to its
collection of fr-ee MP3-based audio and image self-guided walking
tours. These MP3 tours are virtual tour guides for busy, independent
travelers.
These fr-ee tours can optimize vacation budgets by giving fr-ee
detailed local history and tour information. The Vancouver tour
optimizes your limited vacation time by letting you explore Chinatown
and Granville Island in a fun, non-stressful way on your schedule.
Download the Geogad Mobile Tour fr-ee from the Geogad website to your
mobile MP3 player, whether it is on a cell phone, a portable music
player, or a portable computer. The tour of Chinatown and Granville
Island lasts from two to four hours, depending on your pace and on the
number and length of breaks you take.
The Chinatown and Granville Island tour starts in the heart of
Chinatown at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden next to the Chinese
Cultural Center. The tour explains the history of the Chinese in
Vancouver and of the formation of this Chinatown. You are guided to
Victory Square, which was the heart of Vancouver's city government. The
tour winds through the Yaletown district, exploring how Vancouver grew
with the railroad, to a marina on False Creek and then to Granville
Island, with options to getting there by boat or bus.
As all Geogad Mobile Tours, the Vancouver tour consists of spoken word
descriptions and photos of well-known and not so well-known places.
Tour photos include maps to direct you from one tour location to the
next. Each tour section begins with a photo of the location so you can
double-check your position. Some tour photos focus on small,
interesting, details that can make the tour memorable but might be
missed by a busy traveler if not pointed out. The tour also includes
old photos of the tour locations so you can see how the tour location
changed over time.
Fr-ee Geogad Mobile Tours for San Francisco's Union Square, New
Orleans' French Quarter and downtown Vancouver and Gastown include
sponsored advertisements. Tours without advertising are offered for
$6.99. The tours can be downloaded and purchased from the company's
web site.
Geodad http://www.geogad.com
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Alaska $50 Cruise Tax - - Get set to pay more for a cruise to Alaska
next year. Alaskans passed a package of taxes and environmental
regulations for large passenger ships, striking a blow to cruise ship
operators already struggling with record fuel prices.
In a state primary election ballot held in August, Alaskans passed a
citizen initiative that will assess a $50 tax on each cruise passenger
and tax the cruise lines' corporate earnings and gambling revenues
obtained when the ships are in Alaska waters.
The initiative also requires cruise ships to obtain waste water
discharge permits while operating in Alaska and to pay increased fines
for any waste water violations.
Companies offering Alaskan cruises, such as Carnival Corp. and Royal
Caribbean Cruises Ltd., are already facing a slowdown in business in
the Caribbean and high fuel costs. Activists on both sides of the issue
saw the initiative as a judgment on an industry that brings about 1
million passengers a year to Alaska.
According to the Alaska Department of Revenue, the $50-a-head tax is
expected to bring in about $50 million a year, not including other
levies imposed under the initiative.
One cruise line official said the initiative would weigh on Alaska
visitor numbers because of the new costs and regulatory burdens placed
on the companies. But analysts said the impact of additional taxes
would likely be minimal because Alaska cruises tend to be more
expensive than those to the Caribbean.
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Protect Luggage with Baggage Guard Seals -- The pre-numbered, one-time
use plastic padlocks are the perfect way to protect your luggage since
they cannot be reinstalled once removed. That feature lets you
instantly know if someone tampered with your luggage. Yet when TSAs at
airports need to inspect your luggage, Baggage Guard Seals can be
easily removed. A package of 10 Baggage Guard Seals is still only
$9.95.
Click Here to Order
http://www.onthegopublishing.com/products.shtml#seals
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SAA Low Fall Fares - - If you considered an African safari or visiting
Cape Town, South African Airways' autumn fares may make those dreams
a reality. Autumn in North America heralds spring in South Africa
featuring sunny days and cool breezes for exploring Cape Town, the
Garden Route, and the game reserves of the Eastern Cape.
>From Oct. 7 through Nov. 30, 2006, you can save up to 30 percent on
South African Airways. Fares start from $1,000 per person, not
including taxes and fuel fees, on roundtrip travel to South Africa from
New York and Washington Dulles International Airport. You can fly to
either Cape Town or Johannesburg, or experience both cities with a
fr-ee stopover included in your ticket.
South African Airways http://www.flysaa.com or 800/722-9675.
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One-Way Fares to Orlando from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale - - TransFloridian,
the Florida shuttle company based in Fort Lauderdale, offers $35
one-way fares to Orlando from Fort Lauderdale and Miami on Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday. The Ft. Lauderdale station at the Seminole Hard
Rock Bus Depot is in Hollywood, FL while the Miami station is at the
Sheraton Miami Mart Hotel on 72nd Ave. The trip from Ft. Lauderdale
takes about 3 ½ hours, while the trip from Miami is about 4 ½ hours.
You can travel in style and comfort to the Orlando Station, located at
the Oak Plantation Resort in Kissimmee, FL. The 26-foot long
motorcoach, originally designed to accommodated 26 passengers, has been
redesigned for 14 passengers with leather reclining seats and nearly
two feet of leg room between rows. Fr.ee snacks and soft drinks, video
and audio entertainment, pillows and blankets at every seat, and
reading material are included in the fare. Advanced reservations are
required.
Individuals and groups who want to stay at Oak Plantation Resort
receive a package for $149 per person which includes roundtrip
transportation on TransFloridian and a two night stay at Oak Plantation
Resort's one and two bedroom villas with full kitchens and separate
bedrooms. Oak Plantation offers fre.e shuttle transportation to area
theme parks seven days a week.
TransFloridian http://www.TransFloridian.com or 877/246-4786.
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MSC Cruises 2-for-1 Sale - - For a limited time, MSC Cruises offers two
staterooms for the price of one promotion on select Caribbean and
Panama sailings of MSC Lirica.
Prices start from $50 per person, per day (after discount, not
including government fees and taxes). The offer is valid for new
reservations made through Oct. 15, 2006 in category 1to10 staterooms
on MSC Lirica's 11-night Nov. 15 and Dec. 7, 2006 deep Caribbean
itineraries and the Nov. 26, 2006 and Jan. 9, 2007, Panama
itineraries.
On the deep Caribbean sailings, the average rate for passengers starts
at $550 per person, double occupancy, after the two-for-one offer. The
starting average rate on MSC Lirica's Panama itineraries begins at $600
per person, double occupancy.
MSC Lirica's deep Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale includes three
days at sea and port calls at San Juan, St. Maarten, Grenada, Barbados,
St. Lucia, Tortola and Samana.
The Panama itinerary includes four days at sea and visits to Ocho Rios,
Cartagena, San Blas, Cristobal (Panama), Puerto Limon and Roatan Island
before returning to Fort Lauderdale.
MSC Cruises http://www.msccruises.com
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Cheap Tix Chart -- Buy Tickets at a Discount -- Special ticket outlets
sell discounted day-of-performance tickets to theater productions,
films, and sporting events. Discounts can be 50 percent or more. On The
Go Publishing's Cheap Tix Chart, still only $14, lists outlets in the
U.S. and eight foreign cities that sell discounted, day-of-performance
tickets.
Click here to order
http://www.onthegopublishing.com/products.shtml#tix
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EL AL Winter Savings - - EL AL, Israel's national airline, offers value
to passengers traveling to Israel for Thanksgiving and the holiday
season.
>From Oct. 23, 2006 to Dec. 31, 2006 (except Dec. 17 to 24), you can
fly from New York or Newark to Israel for $775 roundtrip; $875
roundtrip from Chicago; $975 from Miami; and $1,075 roundtrip from Los
Angeles.
EL AL also offers roundtrip winter fares from other U.S. cities to
Israel between Oct. 23, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2006 (except Dec. 17 to 24).
These winter fare flights include fares on a leading domestic carrier
to connect to the nonstop EL AL flight to Israel. The roundtrip fare of
$775 is available departing from Boston, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and
Washington, D.C.; $875 from Atlanta, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati
and Detroit; $975 from Denver, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston,
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, St. Louis and
Tampa; and $1,075 from Las Vegas, Seattle, San Francisco and Salt Lake
City.
The above fares are in "L" or "G" coach class on select EL AL flights.
Tickets must be purchased within 72 hours of a confirmed reservation.
Fares do not include up to $96 security fees and taxes. Fares are
subject to availability. Cancellation penalties, change penalties and
other restrictions apply.
EL AL http://www.elal.com or 800/223-6700.
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Kids Fly F-ree to Ski Country - - Ski.com and United Airlines offer
fr-ee airfare for children 12 and under to Vail/Beaver Creek,
Steamboat, Jackson Hole and Crested Butte. You can receive one fr-ee
child's ticket per paying adult. The offer is limited to reservations
for travel Jan. 3, 2007 to Feb. 15, 2007.
To make it easier and more affordable for families to hit the slopes,
Ski.com also offers select packages giving kids fr-ee lift tickets and
f-ree lodging. All packages are subject to availability.
As a bonus with United, Ski.com offers additional savings to friends
and families. Book a mountain vacation package that includes airfare on
United to any of Ski.com's 75 resort destinations worldwide by Oct. 15,
2006, and you receive an extra $100 off your total package price. To be
eligible for the $100 savings, your package must include at least five
nights of lodging and one other tour element such as lift tickets or
rental car. The offer is limited to travel Jan. 3, 2007 to Feb. 15,
2007 and the first 400 new reservations.
The following sample packages are subject to availability and you must
travel midweek.
Crested Butte: Jan. 3, to Feb. 9, 2007 - - from $789 per person based
on quad occupancy. Includes roundtrip airfare and kids fly fr-ee on
United; five nights in a two bedroom at the Buttes Condominiums which
must be booked by Nov. 30, 2006; four days of skiing and kids ski
fr-ee; full-size rental car (airport taxes not included). The actual
price for adults is $1,141 and $432 for children based on two adults
and two children 12 and under. Book this package by Oct. 15, 2006 and
save $100 off the package price.
Steamboat: Jan. 3, to Feb. 14, 2007 - - from $929 per person based on
quad occupancy. Includes roundtrip airfare and kids fly fr-ee on
United; five nights in a two bedroom at Timber Run Condominiums; five
days skiing and kids ski fre.ee; full-size rental car (airport taxes
not included). The actual price for adults is $1,318 and $474 for
children based on two adults and two children 12 and under. Book this
package by Oct. 15, 2006 and save $100 off the package price.
Ski.com http://ski.com or 800/525-2052.
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Continental's BusinessFirst Sale - - During late November and again
in mid-December, you can fly Continental's BusinessFirst business
class to Europe at a discount. To qualify for late November departures,
you must buy roundtrip tickets by Oct. 25, 2006, 30 days in advance of
your departure and travel must originate in the U.S. You can start your
trip Nov. 18 through 24, and complete it by Nov. 30, 2006. Continental
charges a $50 fee for paper tickets.
Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all
markets. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. You can make
changes but they incur a $300 change fee, if meeting the restrictions
plus applicable fare difference.
Sample one-way fares for late November departures are based on a
roundtrip purchase and do not include taxes nor security fees.
Newark to Belfast $546; Newark to Brussels or Stockholm $575; Newark to
London Gatwick or Cleveland to Bristol $615; Newark to Rome $675;
Houston or San Antonio to London Gatwick $715; Houston to Amsterdam
$725; Houston to Paris or Raleigh/Durham to Dublin $775.
The second go-round for BusinessFirst discounted tickets is for
mid-December travel. You must purchased your roundtrip ticket by Dec.
6, 2006 with a 30 day advance purchase requirement. You can start your
trip Dec. 16, 2006 through Jan. 5, 2006 with all travel completed by
Jan 11, 2007.
Sample one-way fares for mid-December departures are based on a
roundtrip purchase and do not include taxes nor security fees.
Newark to Belfast $646; Newark to Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester or
Glasgow $665; Newark to Shannon $696; Newark to Brussels, Stockholm,
Hamburg, Berlin or Cologne $675; Newark to London or Edinburgh $715;
Newark to Frankfurt, Lisbon, Oslo, Amsterdam or Copenhagen $725; Newark
to Rome, Milan or Paris $775.
Continental http://www.continental.com or 800/231-0856.
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Silky Travel Jewelry Roll -- A must have for travelers. Our silky
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This handy travel jewelry roll measures 8 1/2 x 11 inches when
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offers a place for everything with one deep pocket, a ring bar and
three zippered compartments.
Price $40. Order at
http://www.onthegopublishing.com/products.shtml
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Moseying Under Missouri - - article and photos by Nicki Chodnoff
Bacon strips, soda straws, popcorn, draperies, ice cream flows, coral
and brain rock. This is not a shopping list for a trip to my local
super-center. These are some of the descriptive names for cave
formations, or speleothems, that I came across visiting public caves in
Missouri.
Missouri has a parallel universe literally under your feet. Though
widely called the "Show Me State," Missouri is also known as the "Cave
State," with more than 6,000 caves. Of those, there are nearly 20
commercially operated "show caves."
Since most people won't belly-crawl through a muddy cave floor to
view creamy-white calcite formations, "show caves" provide
convenient access where passageways connect chambers and ceiling
breakdown (what broke off from the ceiling and fell to the floor) is
cleared from passageways to minimize obstacles. Some provide concrete
walkways and lights strung for safety, and to create atmosphere.
Apparently, Missouri is made of the right stuff according to naturalist
Eric Otto from Fisher Cave. In a very slow process, water seeped
through the limestone bedrock under much of Missouri and carved a vast
system of underground springs and caves. Missouri's show caves run the
gamut in approach, but they all nearly spring from the same forces.
Over eons, water levels rose and fell and eroded caverns underground.
Rainwater trickled through the soil above, turning into carbonic acid,
and picked up molecules of carbon dioxide. As it dripped, dripped,
dripped, the "hard water" left tiny deposits of the mineral calcite on
cave ceilings and floors.
Calcite formations can take on extraordinarily different forms and
colors. Colored formations are created from chemicals in the soil.
Water dissolves these chemicals and mixes them with white or clear
calcite. For example, add iron to the equation and formations can range
from orange to red.
To walk the cave walk, you need to talk the cave talk. As nearly all
the guides informed, stalactites are cave formations that hang from the
ceiling or wall of limestone caves while stalagmites rise from the cave
floor. After touring several "show caves" my vocabulary expanded to
include flowstones, also known as draperies or curtains, sheet-like
deposits of calcite that grow down cave walls or sometimes along the
floors. Soda straws are structures that look like their namesake. When
they plug-up, they can start columns. Columns also form when
stalactites and stalagmites meet in the middle.
It seems a cave tradition that at some point in the tour, your guide
asks if you want to see how dark the cave really is. I've also
experienced this demonstration in mine tours. This presentation is
always a hit. Total darkness, the kind where you can't see your hand
even though it is one inch from your face, is startling even when
you've experienced it seven or eight times.
Nearly all of the "show caves" we visited are still "growing." As
Christy Gilmore, our knowledgeable guide from Mark Twain cave
explained, that steady drip you hear in many caves adds, on average, a
cubic inch to a formation every 100 years or so. Gilmore, as did our
other cave guides, requested that we NOT touch the formations as they
are considered "alive," still growing and forming. Skin oils can
prevent the mineral water from clinging, thereby stunting speleothem
growth.
As I write this article it is 95-plus degrees with humidity to match.
I fondly remember my time in caves as they are great to explore summer
or winter because their temperatures are nearly constant. Temperatures
in the Missouri caves ranged from 50 to 60 degrees year-round, warm in
the winter and wonderfully cool in the summer.
My initiation to Missouri caves started along the bluffs of the
Mississippi River in Hannibal at Mark Twain Cave. The cave gained
worldwide fame in 1876 when Samuel L. Clemens, better known as Mark
Twain, published The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. About two miles long and
a maze of crisscrossed passages, it was originally called McDowell's
Cave. As Missouri's first commercial cave, it's been shown
continuously since becoming a tourist attraction in 1886. Mark Twain
Cave is dry and the floor nearly level, a contrast to the low, wet, and
muddy nature of many Missouri caves. When you stand on Grand Avenue,
the cave's longest alley, you stand 250 feet below the surface.
In the same park as Mark Twain Cave, Cameron Cave is completely
different. No lighting or broad paths here. Cameron Cave looks much as
it did when first discovered in 1925. Tour guide Christy Gilmore handed
out several lanterns to light our way through the cave's complex
passageways. Covering nine acres of land, Cameron Cave encompasses 260
passages, which total six miles if put end to end. Although passages
were made to connect some chambers, this tour gives you a more
authentic cave experience. You must duck along certain paths to clear
low ceilings and wedge your body through narrow passages. You
certainly get the sense that you are one of the cave's first
explorers.
Everyone can experience the mystery of a cave tour no matter their
physical condition. Privately owned Fantastic Caverns offers a riding
tour in a comfortable tram, the sole ride-through cave in the U.S. It
was heart-warming to hear the gasps and aahs of a young child confined
to a wheelchair, as she saw the cave's enchanting formations. The
cave's long history started when the cave's owner advertised for
explorers in 1867. Twelve women showed up with torches, lanterns,
ropes, and ladders. The women found untouched chambers with large,
pristine formations, some which you see on the tour. This was the one
tour where visitors are encouraged to touch one stretch of low ceiling.
The "Touch Me" formations are essentially dead from our skin oils. This
plain stretch is sacrificed so prettier formations aren't groped to
death.
Bonne Terre Mine is billed as the world's largest inland scuba diving
facility and the world's largest man-made underground cavern, a tribute
to what human determination can accomplish. Located 150 feet beneath
the town of Bonne Terre, MO, the five-level, 80-square-mile mine was
the world's largest producer of lead until the supply diminished in
1961. The mine closed, so the pumps that removed the water were turned
off and the cavernous underground rooms were forgotten. Twenty years
later, the mine was rediscovered. Three levels were filled with pure
spring water, making it the world's largest subterranean lake. Donna
guided us into this vast void excavated from solid earth. We descended
many steps that follow the Old Mule Trail. She explained about the
mining tools and we passed the long-abandoned carts, scaffolding,
grating, and staircases in the former mine. We all marveled at the
giant earthen pillars that hold up the ceiling in the rooms where we
walked. Week-end boat tours take you on the motionless and
crystal-clear lake. There are no fish, but you may see divers, ore
carts and other abandoned equipment.
Fisher Cave at Meramec State Park, emphasizes natural history. There
are more than 38 caves in Meramec State Park, but only Fisher Cave is
shown on a guided tour. Entering the cave gets you by the first hurdle,
stooping to get under the 50 inch clearance, a test to see if you make
it through the long, low portion in the last half of the tour. Although
you walk along a concrete walkway, this was the most natural of the
caves and seeing it by lantern light intensifies the experience. If
nothing, Fisher Cave is diverse, from low, narrow streamside passages
to huge rooms with massive 30 feet tall columns. Along the route,
Naturalist Eric Otto pointed out well-preserved bear claw marks, cave
salamanders and other cave wildlife.
Meramec Caverns - The largest cave in the"Cave State," Meramec Caverns
earned notoriety as an alleged station on the Underground Railroad and
post-heist hideout for Jesse James and gang. This family-friendly cave,
located under the Ozarks, features an underground river and is all
about entertainment. The seven story cave with 26 miles of underground
passages is also known for it two-story wine table ragonite formation,
so called because formations around it resemble grape clusters. Its
other wow factor is onyx mountain, an onyx formation 500 feet in
circumference, 200 feet thick and 33 feet high. Entertainment kicks in
at the 70-foot high, 60-foot wide and 35 foot thick formation called
the Stage Curtain. It's the largest single cave formation in the
world. Back in the 1940s, Kate Smith stood in front of the Stage
Curtain and sang "God Bless America." In a multi-colored
sound-and-light homage, you hear a recording of Smith belting out her
signature tune which ends with the red, white, and blue Stars and
Stripes projected onto the limestone curtain. Rather than patriotic, it
comes off as a cheesy climax for such a spectacular 70-million-year-old
formation.
Bridal Cave - Local legend of an Indian wedding held in the cave in the
early 1800s give the cave its name. Since 1949 when the Coles of
Sedalia, MO were married here, Bridal Cave holds the world record of
nearly 1800 underground weddings performed in front of the Pipe Organ
formation. Despite its kitschy name, Bridal Cave features some lovely
formations with giant columns, some of which you need to squeeze
between (one's called the lemon squeeze), delicate soda straws and
massive draperies. It has more onyx formations than any other known
cave or cavern. It's as entertaining to view pictures of former happy
couples, immortalized in photo albums in the visitors' center.
A tour of Marvel Cave is included with your ticket to Silver Dollar
City, a popular theme park attraction in Branson. To get a real-feel
of the cave, we took the Lantern Light Tour, which starts by
descending 300 feet to the Cathedral Room, the largest cave entrance
room in the United States. By the faint flick of candlelight, you tour
one of the state's deepest caves as your guide points out dramatic
formations and tells stories about the cave's history and
exploration. The one-hour tour is more on the strenuous side as you
climb nearly 600 stairs and many walkways while heading 500 feet below
the surface. Once at the tour's end, you climb aboard a unique cable
car and ride out of the cavern.
For more information on show caves in Missouri, http://www.visitmo.com
or 800/519-2100.
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Alamo Vacation Sweepstakes - - Alamo Rent A Car launched the 2006
"Alamo.com Family Vacation Sweepstakes."
The sweepstakes runs through Dec. 15, 2006 and will award 100 trips to
Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort. Each winning trip for a
family of four is four nights and includes airfare, rental car, hotel
accommodations, and theme park tickets.
You can register for the sweepstakes and view full terms and conditions
by visiting Alamo's web site. There is no purchase necessary for
entry, but you can increase your chance of winning by earning
additional entry forms with each qualified Alamo rental.
Alamo Rent A Car http://www.alamo.com
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Had a good experience on a plane recently? Stumbled across the perfect
place to stay, eat or drink? Tell us about it, email us at:
travelne...@aim.com
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PLEASE NOTE: All links are sent as clickable links. Some email programs
such as AOL, Yahoo, & Hotmail change the links so that they are not
clickable.
If you have problems clicking on a link, just copy and
paste the link into your browser.
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Live Among the Locals -- Forget about staying in a boring hotel. Live
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with more than 60 properties that sleep from 2 to 12 people. Each
rental comes with a neighborhood guide, breakfast provisions for the
first day or two of your stay, a telephone help line, and what to do
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Gambler's General Store -- The world's largest gambling superstore with
slots, video poker, dice, craps, roulette, books, software and more.
Gambler's General Store http://www.gamblersgeneralstore.com or
800/322-CHIP.
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DINNER AT 35,000 FEET -- What meals will you get on your flight? See
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RVShark, the online recreational vehicle publication features raw
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RV for sale listings and an RV parks for sale section. RVShark is
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Herd ostrich, ride horses or gather eggs at a family farm in
Pennsylvania, the relaxing alternative to a camping vacation. The 25
family farms roll out the red carpet for families and are found in all
corners of the state. Pennsylvania Farm Vacation Association
http://www.pafarmstay.com or 888/856-6622.