Travel Savings Alerts Newsletter - September 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:
Island Outpost's Summer Rates Thru Dec. 14
Grand Opening Rosen Shingle Creek
Fre.e Guided Nature Hikes
Grand Cayman Marriott "Sand Dollar" Savings
Bed Bug Blues
Crystal Value Collection Up to 52% Off
Barcelo Fall Savings
US Airways Cuts Shuttle Fare 54%
Club ABC Stockholm Getaway
Continental's Scandinavia Fare Sale
Winter Discounts at Grand Canyon
Easycruise Caribbean from $17 per Night
Greyhound Guarantees $25 Fare
TSA Prohibited Carry-Ons
Airfare Credit at the Alexandra
Divi Fall into the Caribbean Sale
Syncopation Vacations by Kay Douglas
Treat Your Wallet and Palate
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Rings and Rosy - - This sterling silver necklace is a "must-have" if
you want to wear the hottest new designer style. Configured in the
popular "Y" style, this necklace has it all: a chain made of ringlets
created from the finest sterling silver to form the basis of the 16
inch long necklace. Add to that, distinctive ruby gold Venetian glass
beads to set off the silver in style.
Get this dynamic, fresh look at an easy on your pocket-book-price of
only $99. Order from AAA Jewelry Outlet at http://www.3ajewels.biz
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Island Outpost's Summer Rates Thru Dec. 14 - - Island Outpost's summer
rates are valid through Dec. 14, 2006, perfect for crowd-weary
travelers. All packages are based on double occupancy and availability.
Blackout dates may apply.
Goldeneye, at Oracabessa, Jamaica - This 15-acre seaside hideaway was
home to author Ian Fleming where he wrote his most of his 13 James Bond
novels. Four villas on the sea, one overlooking a cove, attract
celebrities and other lovers of natural beauty. Summer rates start at
$750 per night for two people and include breakfast, lunch, dinner,
juice, house wines and spirits, local tax and service charge.
Jake's, Treasure Beach, is a 29-room resort located in the authentic
fishing village of Treasure Beach, Jamaica, with its own private beach
and saltwater pool. Summer rates start at $115 per person, per night,
and include a fr.ee trip to the Pelican Bar.
Strawberry Hill, is Jamaica's 50-acre mountain retreat with views of
the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Summer rates start at $295
per person, per night, and include all meals, beverages, taxes, service
charge, stress relieving treatment and Elemental Nature consultation.
The Caves, in Negril, Jamaica, the volcanic cliff is honeycombed with
grottoes: one strewn with flowers and illuminated by candlelight for
dining, another with a bubbling hot tub, some are portals into the sea
below. Ten cottages, each unique, blend into this landscape. Summer
rates start at $515 per night for two people.
Pink Sands, on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, features 25 oceanfront
cottages with private patios and are all about privacy. The summer
rates starts at $600 per night for two people and include breakfast and
dinner daily. 18% service charge is additional.
Island Outpost http://www.islandoutpost.com or 800/OUTPOST.
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Grand Opening Rosen Shingle Creek - - As a grand opening special, Rosen
Shingle Creek, in Orlando, FL, offers an "Our Home is Your Home" offer
for $99.39 per night, based double occupancy and availability. The
offer is valid from its grand opening on Sep. 9, 2006 through Oct. 1,
2006.
In addition to the $99.39 room rate, you can mix and match any two of
the following "Creek Combo" options for an additional $99.39.
One Round of golf (cart and range balls included), one dinner at the
resort's restaurant, one 30-minute massage or 30-minute facial,
one-hour joint Brad Brewer Swing Lessons, or two, one-day adult
admissions to Universal Orlando.
The 1,500-room resort, at 9939 Universal Blvd., off the International
Drive tourist district is 10 minutes from Orlando International
Airport.
The 230-acre resort includes 139 suites, nine-treatment rooms at its
spa, a fitness center, a golf course, four outdoor swimming pools, two
lighted tennis courts, basketball and volleyball. Situated on Shingle
Creek, the headwaters to the Florida Everglades, Rosen Shingle Creek
will feature seasonal canoe trips, nature trails, fishing and other
eco-tourism activities.
Rosen Shingle Creek http://www.rosenshinglecreek.com or
866/996-6338..
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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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Fr.ee Guided Nature Hikes - - Looking for something to do during your
visit to San Diego this November? Well throughout the month, the San
Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers lead five guided hikes. Walks
are fr.ee and open to the public. No reservations are required.
Canyoneers are San Diego Natural History Museum volunteers trained to
lead hikes and teach appreciation of plants and animals in southern
California.
The following walks are scheduled: Rose Canyon Open Space Park, Sat.,
Nov. 4, 2006; 1 to 2:30 p.m. Watch for hawks and owls in Rose Creek, a
275-acre oasis around the old Santa Fe Railroad roadbed. Volunteer
planted native garden lies near the trailhead.
Cowles Mountain (East) Sun., Nov. 5, 2006; 9 a.m. to noon. The eastern
approach to the top of Cowles Mountain (elevation gain 1000 feet)
provides a different view from the usual western approach.
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park (West) Sat., Nov. 11, 2006; 1 to 2:30
p.m. Observe seasonal changes of natural vegetation. Visit the Nature
Center for informative exhibits about the canyon.
Coyote Canyon Sun., Nov. 12, 2006; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit a variety
of desert habitats where a year-round stream is a mecca for wildlife.
High-clearance vehicles are needed for the off-road portion of this
trip. For those reluctant to drive off-road, shared rides will be
arranged to caravan from the meeting place.
Lake Hodges (East Arm) Sat., Nov. 18, 2006; 1 to 2:30 p.m. Hike
through a variety of terrains, past a waterfall, and learn about Native
American uses for plants.
San Diego Natural History Museum http://www.sdnhm.org or
619/255-0203.
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Grand Cayman Marriott "Sand Dollar" Savings - - The Grand Cayman
Marriot Beach lets you bask in luxury at an affordable price with "Sand
Dollar" savings. Prices start from $235 per night, based on
availability, through Oct. 22, 2006. Sand Dollar" savings include a
fifth night fr.ee and $75 food and beverage credit, with a four night
consecutive stay. Black-out dates apply and taxes and gratuities are
not included
Along world famous Seven Mile Beach, the 305-room resort underwent a
$15 million redesign so all rooms offer high-speed wireless Internet,
300-thread count linens, triple sheeting, private balcony and marble
bathrooms.
Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort http://www.marriottgrandcayman.com
or 800/399-7641.
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Bed Bug Blues - - The bed bug (cimex lectularius) is a wingless, flat,
reddish-brown insect about 1/4-inch long. It feeds on the blood of
humans. As the name implies, the bug usually makes its home in the bed
and surrounding areas, like the cracks and crevices in the bed frame,
wooden furniture, floors and walls.
Bed bugs feed at night while their host is asleep. They pierce your
skin with their sharp beak and inject a fluid to prevent the blood from
coagulating. An adult bed bug feeds for about 10 to 15 minutes,
swelling as its body fills with blood. Then the insect crawls away to a
hiding place to digest its meal.
To keep this cycle going, an adult female can lay up to 12 eggs a day.
The eggs hatch in six to 17 days. Babies, or nymphs, feed as soon as
they hatch. Depending upon temperature and available food, a nymph can
take 21 days to 120 days to mature into an adult. The average bed bug
lives for 12 to 18 months. Bed bugs are hardy and can survive up to a
year without eating.
Bed bugs were problems (before World War II) until the widespread use
of insecticides. With adequate control measures and improved personal
and household cleanliness, the bed bug problem mostly disappeared from
the U.S.
But over the last decade, bed bugs seem to be an increasing problem.
With concerns over environmental safety, many people stopped using
insecticides. In addition, bed bugs hitchhike home on the luggage,
clothing and furniture of travelers. Hotels (even some exclusive ones),
prisons and dormitories are reporting more cases of bed bug
infestation. And some people are bringing the uninvited guests into
their own homes.
Blood-sucking bed bugs carry a number of disease-causing organisms
(like those that cause the plague, tularemia and hepatitis B). However,
no one has ever reported any cases verifying transmission of disease to
humans. The problem with bed bugs is that some people develop an
allergic reaction to the fluid injected by the bug to keep blood
flowing while feeding. The red, itchy hives can cause a great deal of
discomfort. Scratching can cause the areas to become infected. In some
cases, it can be difficult to trace the cause of the problem to bed
bugs.
When you travel, look for signs of bed bugs. Pull back the sheets on
the bed and look for bugs or tiny dark blood spots. You may find egg
cases and tiny shed skins. For a thorough investigation, look inside
cracks and crevices near the bed or in the bed frame and check the
mattress, especially under the raised edges of the seams. Bed bugs can
also hide behind or inside a picture frame, under lamps or loose wall
paper, in sofas, upholstered chairs and recliners, and around window
frames, door casings or moldings.
As a precaution against bed bugs coming home in your luggage or
clothing, bug expert Jason Rasgon, Ph.D. of Johns Hopkins School of
Public Health, recommends placing all of your clothing in the dryer for
30 minutes when you return home. The heat of the dryer will kill the
bugs and reduce the risk of infestation at home.
If you unsuspectedly brought the critters home, vacuum your mattress,
box springs and nearby areas thoroughly. Remove the bag from the vacuum
cleaner, place it in a sealed bag and take it out of the house. Launder
bedding in hot water and steam clean mattresses, box springs, drapes
and carpets. Bedding and upholstery can also be dry-cleaned. Seal the
mattress and box springs in a plastic cover. Fill in wall cracks and
cover crevices around windows and doors. Bed bugs can't fly. To keep
the insects from crawling up the legs of the bed, some experts
recommend placing the feet of the bed inside glass jars or metal cans.
The legs may also be coated with petroleum jelly or double-sided sticky
tape.
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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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Crystal Value Collection Up to 52% Off - - Crystal Cruises offers its
2007 Value Collection where you can save up to 52 percent off regular
cruise fares aboard the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.
The collection features six 10 to 17 day sailings through the Panama
Canal, Western Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Caribbean and a Pacific
voyage from Los Angeles to Hong Kong.
There is still time to save more than 50 percent on the 11-day Athens
to Monte Carlo Mediterranean voyage on Oct. 24, 2006. At $2,2995 plus
port and security charges of $310, plus a $4 per person, per day, fuel
surcharge, a Category C cabin represents more than 50 percent off
brochure fare. Airfare is not included and no air credit is available.
Crystal also offers two-for-one savings on three Caribbean voyages: a
10-day sailing on Dec. 5, 2006 for $2,680 per person, a seven-day
cruise on Dec. 15, 2006 for $1,965 per person and a seven-day cruise
Jan. 5, 2007 for $2,145 per person. Fares are based on double occupancy
and do not include port, security and handling charges of up to $210
plus a $4 per day, per person, fuel surcharge. The two-for-one savings
apply to category C only and represents 50 percent off brochure fare.
Airfare is not included and no air credit is available.
Crystal Cruises http://www.crystalcruises.com or 888/799-4625.
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Barcelo Fall Savings - - The Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort, in Punta
Cana, Dominican Republic, offers fall savings at a selection of its
hotels.
You can choose from the premium level Barcelo Bavaro Palace Hotel, the
family friendly Barcelo Bavaro Beach & Caribe Hotel, or the Barcelo
Bavaro Golf & Casino Hotel. The beachfront Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort
features three miles of beach so the majority of guest rooms offer
beachfront views. Services and amenities include 15 restaurants, an
onsite casino, an 18-hole professional golf course and Las Vegas style
entertainment nightly.
Through Oct. 31, 2006, you can enjoy resort amenities and savings.
Five-night, all-inclusive packages include accommodations, meals, house
cocktails, entertainment and beach activities. Packages start from $269
per person at the Barcelo Bavaro Golf & Casino Hotel, $339 per person
at the Barcelo Bavaro Beach & Caribe Hotel and $539 per person at the
Barcelo Bavaro Palace Hotel which includes f.ree greens fees for two
daily. When you stay at any of the other hotels within the Resort, you
receive a 50 percent reduction on all golf greens fees.
Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort http://www.barcelo.com.
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US Airways Cuts Shuttle Fare 54% - - US Airways cut its 14-day advanced
purchase roundtrip fare by 54 percent to $100 on its hourly Shuttle
route. The Shuttle offers 16 daily roundtrip flights between New York
City's LaGuardia International Airport and Boston Logan International
Airport.
This is an everyday fare and not just a sale or promotion.
A one-night minimum stay is required. Tickets are non-refundable and
permissible changes add a $100 change fee and any applicable fare
difference. The $100 fare listed above is valid for purchase online at
the airline's web site and does not include federal excise taxes,
passenger facility charges and the security fee. Tickets purchased
through US Airways telephone reservations are $5 higher. Tickets
purchased at US Airways airports or city ticket offices are $10 higher.
US Airways http://www.usairways.com or 800/428-4322.
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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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Club ABC Stockholm Getaway - - Club ABC Tours, a private travel club,
offers a Stockholm visit at a savings. The five-day "Stockholm Getaway"
package starts at $499 per person, based on double occupancy.
Departures begin October 2006 and the package includes roundtrip
airfare on scheduled flights from Newark, hotel accommodations for
three nights with breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel
taxes and service charges.
With the package, you stay at the Clarion Hotel, the largest hotel in
Stockholm, in the trendy Sodermalm area. The hotel sits in the heart of
the city, surrounded by several galleries, clubs, bars and restaurants.
You can take the tour during the holiday season where daily
celebrations begin at the end of November and go through Christmas Day.
Stockholm offers festivals, Christmas markets with Swedish arts and
crafts, and local culinary specialties such as sweets, smoked sausages,
and mulled wine.
Club ABC Tours offers a "Helsinki Pre-Tour" cruise. For an additional
$250 per person, you get a two-night roundtrip cruise from Stockholm to
Helsinki and one night at the SOKOS Helsinki Hotel. The price includes
breakfast and a city sightseeing tour.
Club ABC Tours is a members-only travel club since 1966. Most packages
include airfare and feature first class or deluxe accommodations (4-
and 5-Star). Members book directly with Club ABC by phone, online or by
mail. Membership is $30 per year, $45 for two years, or $60 for three
years. Each membership covers up to two adults per household and their
dependent children.
Club ABC Tours http://www.clubabc.com or 888/868-7722.
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Continental's Scandinavia Fare Sale - - The fjords of Norway, the
culture of Sweden or the forests and beaches of Denmark are some of
what Scandinavia offers. Continental Airlines offers a Scandinavia fare
sale with roundtrip fares from $299.
You must book roundtrip tickets by Dec. 2, 2006 for outbound travel
through Dec. 9, 2006 and travel completed by Dec. 14, 2006. Your ticket
purchase must be at least seven days in advance of your departure and
include a Saturday night stay. All travel must be complete within one
month from your departure.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Changes incur a $200
change fee, if meeting all restrictions plus applicable fare
difference. All changes must be made prior to departure or the ticket
has no value. Fares do not include taxes and security fees. Continental
charges $50 for issuing paper tickets.
Sample one-way fares are: Newark to Copenhagen, Denmark, Oslo, Norway
or Stockholm, Sweden $249; Houston to Copenhagen, Denmark, Oslo, Norway
or Stockholm, Sweden $299; Los Angeles to Copenhagen, Denmark, Oslo,
Norway or Stockholm, Sweden $374.
OnePass frequent flyer members who fly between Newark and Oslo,
Norway, Sep. 1 to Oct. 31, 2006, earn 2,000 bonus miles.
Continental Airlines
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/deals/offers/scandinavia.aspx
or 800/231-0856.
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Winter Discounts at Grand Canyon - - Xanterra South Rim L.L.C, operator
of lodges, restaurants and activities in Grand Canyon National Park,
offers winter rates and packages at the South Rim for the 2006-07
winter season. Room rates during the winter season are up to 28 percent
lower than summer-season rates.
The winter value rate, at $76 per night plus tax, includes a room at
Maswik South or Yavapai West Lodge. For $89 per night plus tax, you can
stay at Maswik North or Yavapai East Lodge. Summer rates at these
hotels range from $76 to $124. The rates are good for single or double
occupancy. The cost for each additional person in the room is $9.
Children 16 and under stay at no extra charge. Lodge and room type are
subject to availability and seasonal closures.
The El Tovar romance package, at the elegant national historic
landmark, includes one night in a standard queen room, a bottle of
sparkling wine and fruit basket and dinner for two with a bottle of El
Tovar wine. The base package costs $274 plus tax, subject to
availability. You may upgrade to a deluxe room or suite, based upon
availability, for an additional charge. Mention promotional code
"ROMA" when making reservations.
The winter value rate is available Nov. 26, 2006 through March 8,
2007, excluding Dec. 21, 2006 through Jan. 1, 2007 and Feb. 16 through
Feb. 18, 2007. The romance package is available Nov. 26, 2006 through
Feb. 1, 2007, excluding Dec. 21, 2006 through Jan. 1, 2007.
Xanterra South Rim L.L.C http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com or
888/297-2757.
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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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Easycruise Caribbean from $17 per Night - - easyCruise's itinerary
for its second fall/winter Caribbean season makes it easy to be
flexible. With newly refurbished cabins starting at $17 per night,
easyCruiseOne returns to the Caribbean Dec. 8, 2006 with new ports of
call. The ship sails the Caribbean itinerary Dec. 8, 2006 to Apr. 12,
2007. Reservations can be booked online. The ship departs Philipsburg,
St. Maarten each Friday and calls at St. Barths (Saturday) and Anguilla
(Sunday). It returns to St. Maarten on Monday, and then visits St.
Kitts (Tuesday), Antigua (Wednesday), and Nevis (Thursday). You can
begin a cruise from St. Maarten on Friday or Monday, or in Antigua on
Wednesday, with international airports on both islands. Prices start
at $17 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Food and port
charges are not included in the cruise price.
Sample cruise prices, per person, based on two people sharing an
outside cabin are:
A three night, Friday to Monday cruise starts at $187. Use promotional
code smac31
A four night Monday to Friday cruise starts at $168. Use promotional
code smac41
A seven night cruise (from Friday, Monday or Wednesday) from $338. Use
promotional code smac71.
Sailing each morning, easyCruise arrives in a new port by late morning
so you can enjoy the day and nightlife. You can join the cruise where
and when you want, subject to a two-night minimum and a 14-night
maximum stay.
easyCruise http://www.easyCruise.com.
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Greyhound Guarantees $25 Fare - - If you are tired of limited
availability for low fares, consider Greyhound. The company is
expanding its web-only eSaver fares by offering a guaranteed, unlimited
$25 eSaver fare between Chicago and Detroit or Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Tickets must be purchased at their web site and there is no limit to
the number of seats available under the special fare. Fares are
one-way, and no advanced purchase is required as you can purchase
tickets up until two hours before a trip. Travel is good for any day of
the week at any time.
Greyhound's Elevate initiative tries to improve the travel
experience with waiting areas in clean, modernized terminals with ample
seating, plasma screen televisions and customer service personnel on
hand to answer questions. Food service and other retail amenities are
also available in each location. Refurbished buses feature reclining
seats, air conditioning and an on-board restroom.
Greyhound http://www.greyhound.com or 800/231-2222.
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TSA Prohibited Carry-Ons - - The Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) implemented added security measures, following the foiled bomb
plot in London, that initially included prohibiting all liquids and
gels in carry-on baggage. These items must be in checked baggage.
The only exceptions are baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby
or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that
matches the passenger's ticket; and insulin and essential other
non-prescription medicines. Baby formula and medicines will be
inspected at the checkpoint.
Several days later, the TSA amended the initial prohibition and at
press time these prohibitions remain. Now small doses (up to 4 oz.) of
non- prescription liquid medications are allowed through the security
checkpoint and onboard airplanes, as are low blood sugar treatments
including glucose gel for diabetics, solid cosmetics such as lipstick
and lip balm and baby food.
Laptop computers, MP3 players, cell phones and similar electronic
devices are again allowed in carry-on, but must be made available for
X-ray.
Items that must be placed in check luggage include all beverages,
shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items
of similar consistency. Aerosols were added to the prohibited list.
Beverages purchased in the boarding area, beyond the checkpoint, must
be consumed before boarding. They will not be permitted onboard the
aircraft.
TSA also requires all passengers must remove their shoes so they may
be x- rayed with their carry-on bags.
Our heightened sense of security means we will see an increase in
visibility and use of canine detection teams. Random gate inspections
and bag searches will continue.
To date, the threat level remains at Severe, or Red, for commercial
flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States.
All other flights operating in or destined for the U.S. remain at High,
or Orange.
TSA and the Department of Homeland Security will continue to evaluate
security measures and will adjust as necessary to assure our aviation
system remains secure.
To speed-up the security screening, the TSA offers several
suggestions: pack lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier
screening; arrive earlier than usual at the airport; cooperate with TSA
personnel at checkpoints and with airline personnel at all gates; be
attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity and report it to
authorities.
In response to new airport security rules, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
will provide guests with fr.ee replacements for their toothpaste,
contact lens solution, drinking water and other sundries. Part of their
"We Remember What You Forgot" program, Wyndham guests will be
offered bottled water, contact lens solution, hair spray, hair gel and
any of the 17 other personal care products available.
Crest hopes to brighten the day for airline passengers. While supplies
last, Crest offers more than 25,000 fr.ee Crest Smile Packs worth more
than $10 retail. Available at Avis locations in 25 of the top U.S.
airports, packs include full-size toothpaste, rinse and dental floss.
The packs will be placed on the seats of all Avis Preferred renters'
cars.
Proctor & Gamble http://www.pg.com
Transportation Security Administration http://www.tsa.gov.
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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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Airfare Credit at the Alexandra - - Turquoise waters and white beaches
are closer than you think, since the cost of getting to the Turks &
Caicos is returned at the end of your stay with the Alexandra's
"You Fly, We Buy" package.
Through Dec. 15, 2006, book four to seven nights in any beachfront or
ocean view studio, one- or two-bedroom suite and receive an airfare
credit on your hotel bill to combat the cost of airline travel. When
you book seven nights at higher priced room categories, you can receive
an airfare credit up to $1370.
Rates start at $280 for ocean view studio suites. The "You Fly, We
Buy" package does not include a 10 percent service charge and 10
percent government tax. The package cannot be combined with any other
offers. Airfare credits vary depending on the number of room nights and
suite category booked. The package is based on 35 percent off the room
rate. Credit is awarded per room and will reflect in the final hotel
bill at the end of your stay. The minimum discount is $390. The offer
does not include outside resort services such as spa treatments, tours
and transportation.
Directly on white-sand Grace Bay Beach, the Alexandra offers 104
designer-decorated studio, one bedroom and two bedroom suites with
queen or king beds. Room feature featherbeds and Egyptian cotton
linens; a private balcony or patio; fully equipped kitchen or
kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator; granite breakfast bar; one
to 2.5 bathrooms with twin-sink vanity; walk-in shower; an al fresco
restaurant; and high speed Internet access. All suites feature
beachfront or ocean views.
Other resort amenities include a large fr.eeform swimming pool with
swim-up bar, water sports tour desk, lighted tennis courts, fitness
center with ocean views, and a Resort Ambassador who arranges tours and
reservations.
The Alexandra, Turks & Caicos http://www.AlexandraResort.com or
800/704-9424.
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Divi Fall into the Caribbean Sale - - This fall, you can save 40
percent off nightly room rates at Divi Resorts throughout the Caribbean
with their Fall Into the Caribbean Sale. Rates start from $77 per night
at participating Divi Resorts, while rooms last.
The Fall Into the Caribbean Sale nightly room rates are:
Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort , Aruba from $77.11
Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort, Aruba from $147.80
Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, Aruba from $147.80
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, Bonaire from $87.02
Divi Southwinds Beach Resort, Barbados from $121.26
Divi Heritage Beach Resort, Barbados from $97.29
Divi Tiara Beach Resort, Cayman Brac from $77.04
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten from $119.52
You can book and travel at Fall Into Caribbean Sale rates through Dec.
22, 2006 at the Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort, Divi Village Golf and
Beach Resort, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, Divi Heritage Beach
Resort, Divi Tiara Beach Resort, Divi Southwinds Beach Resort and Divi
Little Bay Beach Resort.
At Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort you can book through Dec. 22, 2006,
and travel Nov. 18 to Dec. 22, 2006.
Rates are per room, per night based on single or double occupancy.
Tax and service charge are included, and a three-night minimum stay is
required. Children up to 15 years old may stay fr.ee in the room with
one paying adult (up to two kids) except at Divi Heritage Beach Resort
in Barbados which allows only adults over the age of sixteen. Divi
Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino in St. Croix is not included in the
Fall Into the Caribbean Sale.
Divi Resorts http://www.diviresorts.com or 800/367-3484.
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Syncopation Vacations: Ragtime Festivals - - article and photos by
Kay Douglas
Ever since the soundtrack from the film The Sting captivated audiences
in 1973, ragtime music has grown from a cult following into a
full-blown cultural phenomenon. Ragtime festivals serve as meeting
grounds for traditional jazz lovers and musicians from all over North
America and, increasingly, from around the world. With ragtime's
roots originally in the Midwest, it's fitting that many of the top
ragtime festivals are held in states such as Missouri, Illinois, and
Wisconsin, but the West Coast is also a hotbed of ragtime activity and
home to several of the most prestigious ragtime festivals as well.
Ragtime music enjoyed a relatively brief period of robust development
in the late 1890s up to the1920s, when it was eclipsed by novelty piano
pieces written for the newly invented player pianos, virtuoso
"stride" piano styles, early jazz forms, and boogie-woogie. The
Maple Leaf Rag gave way to compositions by Jelly Roll Morton, Fats
Waller, and other musical greats, but there was a continuity of lively
syncopated rhythms running throughout these ever- evolving musical
forms. It's fitting, then, that many ragtime festivals encompass a
diversity of styles and musical influences, ranging from the earliest
forms of ragtime, such as marches and cakewalks, up to contemporary
ragtime music, which often demonstrates the influence of Latin music.
My first ragtime festival experience, oddly enough, was in Kecskemet,
Hungary, at the Bohem Ragtime and Jazz Festival, where I heard ragtime
and traditional jazz played by an international line-up of musicians
from Hungary, Serbia, Norway, Denmark, Germany, and other European
countries. Since ragtime music has such worldwide appeal, there are
festivals and performances held throughout Europe, Australia, and even
Japan. The Bohem Festival sparked my interest in attending more
festivals, and so this past June I headed for Missouri, the "Cradle
of Ragtime," home to Scott Joplin, James Scott, Joseph Lamb, and
other seminal ragtime composers. One of the best-known and most
prestigious ragtime festivals, The Scott Joplin International Ragtime
Festival, is held each June in Sedalia, a town rich in ragtime
connections.
The Scott Joplin festival offers an almost daunting line-up of talent
in multiple venues in downtown Sedalia. This year's festival ran for
five days, May 31 through June 4th, with most of the entertainers
performing at multiple concerts. Admission is fr.ee for many of the
daytime concerts held outdoors under tent pavilions, though there are
indoor concerts, symposia, master classes, dinners, and other events
which require tickets for admission. An eight-event package ticket for
Sedalia cost $200, with single event ticket prices ranging from $18 to
$30.
One of the most pleasant aspects of the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival,
and indeed of every ragtime festival, is the easy camaraderie among the
performers, audience members, and festival volunteers. It's
practically impossible to go to a ragtime festival and not make at
least a few new friends. Many of the people attending ragtime
festivals stay in the same hotels as the performers, and in the case of
the Sedalia festival, the Best Western is the nexus of activity. It is
also where after-hours evening gatherings known as "afterglows" are
held. These informal sessions run until the wee hours as musicians
drop in to socialize, entertaining each other and whoever else is on
hand with rousing impromptu performances. Though attending the
afterglows requires a bit of stamina, it provides an experience
that's not to be missed.
Along with fine performances of ragtime and traditional jazz, the
Scott Joplin Festival offered fr.ee dance instruction and tea dances at
the "Cake Walk Hall." Curious about exactly what a "tea dance"
was, I soon found myself out on the dance floor in the firm grip of
"Tuxedo Tim," a dapper gentleman instructor sporting tails and
spats. Later in the day, I took in a turn-of-the century vintage
fashion contest, admiring the beautifully detailed (and very authentic)
clothing of the participants. The fashion show morphed into a parade
through Sedalia's historic district, as many of the musicians,
organizers, and dignitaries such as congressmen and state senators rode
down Ohio St. in vintage autos. The local Red Hat Society ladies
created something of a sensation with a bubble machine, along with
spontaneous dancing in the streets to the strains of music by the New
Red Onion Jazz Babies playing from the back of an antique flatbed
truck.
There were so many events and concerts going on simultaneously in
Sedalia that it was difficult to choose which performer to see when.
My festival program was soon a mass of check marks, notations, and
dog-eared pages as I scurried from one venue to another. Some of the
most memorable performances were by up-and-coming musicians such as
Adam Yarian, this year's winner of the World Championship Old-Time
Piano Playing Contest. I was also delighted to see the Bohem Ragtime
Trio, whom I'd heard in Hungary, and who were obviously enjoying
great popularity with an American audience.
The very day the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival ended, the John William
"Blind" Boone Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival started in Columbia,
MO, just a couple hours down the road from Sedalia. Blind Boone
(1864-1927) was a ragtime pianist and composer who lived in Columbia
for most of his life. He toured throughout the Midwest with a band of
musicians, and his musical talent was legendary. Wherever he went,
Boone would challenge local musicians to play a piece of music, and,
regardless of its complexity, he would immediately replay it back,
mistakes and all.
I was instantly smitten by the college-town ambience of Columbia,
which exuded a sleepy summer-term charm but at the same time had a
surprising sophistication. Taking a break from non-stop ragtime, I
toured the handsome campus of the University of Missouri, bought a
bakelite necklace at the "Ice Chalet" antique mall, on the
outskirts of town, and enjoyed several lattes in the blissfully low-key
Lakota Coffee Company.
Although the Blind Boone festival is smaller than Sedalia's, it
offers an incomparable setting at the historic Missouri Theater in
downtown Columbia. The theater is being restored to its original
splendor, including an 1800-pound chandelier, a magnificent pipe organ,
and rococo decor featuring goddesses, cherubs, and hermaphrodites.
Columbia's festival is an intimate gathering, with out-of-town
participants all staying at the Regency Hotel, which offered a special
festival rate of $60. The all-event ticket for this festival was a
bargain, too, at $80 for the three days' evening concerts and all
daytime events.
Headliners for the Blind Boone Festival included the Butch Thompson
Trio (of Prairie Home Companion fame), world-renowned pianist Morten
Gunnar Larsen, The New Orleans Jazz Serenaders, and several well-known
stride pianists, including John Gill from Perth, Australia, Paul Asaro,
Dalton Ridenhour, and Terry Waldo. In fact, the first evening's
concert was devoted to stride piano, a rollicking concert of
hard-driving rhythms. But for me the most memorable performance was on
the second night, when Larsen performed an extended version of the Kurt
Weill/Maurice Magre classic cabaret song, "Je ne t'aime pas."
This emotionally charged piece was taken to its utmost heights and
depths by Larsen, who has been called "one of the top three piano
artists in the world" by The New York Times.
The following night, Larsen paired up with his friend Vernel Bagneris
to perform segments from their two-man off-Broadway hit, Jelly Roll!
If I'd come expecting only old-school ragtime รก la The Entertainer
at this festival, I'd have been astonished by the range of styles,
but as a "veteran" with two festivals under my belt, I knew I could
expect the unexpected.
I'm now a confirmed ragtime festival addict, busy making plans to go
to the West Coast Ragtime Festival in Sacramento this upcoming
November. The Sacramento festival is one of the largest and most highly
regarded, and like the Sedalia and Columbia festivals, it offers a very
affordable ticket and hotel package with an all-event pass running $80
and double occupancy at the host hotel, the Red Lion Sacramento, at $78
per night.
And there are other fine ragtime events on the horizon, such as the
Eau Claire Ragtime Festival held in the chilly depths of January in
Wisconsin (brrrr!), the Sutter Creek Festival, held an historic
California gold-mining town, and the Alexandria Bay Ragtime/Jasstime
Festival held up near the Canadian border in New York state on the
banks of the St. Lawrence River. Plus, there are any number of small
one-day festivals and concerts held here and there, not to mention that
many traditional jazz festivals feature ragtime music. The best
sources of information for upcoming festivals and events are listed
below so that if you wish, you too can enjoy a syncopation vacation.
The Scott Joplin International Ragtime
Festival http://www.scottjoplin.org/festival.htm
The John William "Blind" Boone Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival
http://www.blindboone.missouri.org/index.html
The West Coast Ragtime Festival
http://www.westcoastragtime.com/06wcrf-home.htm#lodging
The Bohem Ragtime Festival in
Hungary http://festival.bohemragtime.com/english/index.html
Sutter Creek Ragtime Festival http://www.suttercreekragtime.com/
Eau Claire Ragtime Festival http://www.firstucceauclaire.org/ragtime/
World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest
http://member.tripod.com/~oldtimepiano/
Alexandria Bay Chamber of
Commerce http://www.alexbay.org/2004/default.asp
The Mississippi Rag festival listings (the best source of information
for upcoming ragtime and traditional jazz
festivals) http://www.mississippirag.com/festivals.html
"Perfessor' Bill Edwards' Ragtime
Links http://www.perfessorbill.com/sources.htm
The American Rag http://www.americanrag.com/
Elite Syncopations Internet Radio Station
http://www.ragtimeradio.org/home2.html
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Silky Travel Jewelry Roll -- A must have for travelers. Our silky
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Treat Your Wallet and Palate - - According to the Travel Industry
Association of America, tourists spend more money on dining out than on
lodging, shopping or sightseeing. Almost half report that dining out is
the most popular activity after reaching their destination.
Orlando, known for attractions and resorts, now offers more diverse
dining opportunities. The Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) in
conjunction with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA)
highlights the area's many fine dining establishments during the
first-ever Orlando's Magical Dining Month, September 2006.
From Sep. 1 to 30, visit a participating Orlando area restaurant and
experience special prix fixe menus featuring the restaurant's most
innovative culinary creations. A three-course meal including appetizer,
entree and dessert will be offered at a fixed price of $29 for dinner
and $17 for lunch (restaurants participating in both lunch and dinner
may vary).
If you want to visit a participating restaurant, contact the
restaurant and make a reservation. When you arrive, request the
restaurant's Magical Dining menu to take advantage of this offer.
Participating restaurants include: Amura, Cala Bella, Chez Vincent,
Ciao Italia Ristorante, Emeril's Orlando, Enzo's on the Lake,
Everglades, Fulton's Crab House, Jack's Place, Jardins Restaurant,
Journey's, Ming Court, Old Hickory Steakhouse, Pearl Steakhouse,
Plantation Room, Portobello Yacht Club, Salsa Taqueria, Samba Room,
Sunset Sam's at Gaylord Palms Resort, The Capital Grille, Timpano
Chophouse and Ultra Luce Ristorante Italiano.
The list of participating restaurants is updated daily and available
online.
Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau http://www.orlandoinfo.com/ or
800/972-3304.
Orlando Magical Dining http://www.orlandomagicaldining.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
among the locals in a house or flat. Coach House London Vacation
Rentals offers short term central London rentals
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
and see. Coach House London Vacation Rentals
http://www.rentals.chslondon.com
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NATURE'S MIRACLE PRODUCT -- in today's computerized world, we're
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-- VINEGAR!! Throw out toxic cleaners and insecticides that pollute!
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'New Zealand Immigration & Relocation Report' and transform your future
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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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FR!EE PEARL Necklace & Bracelet -- Direct from a famous jewelry
workshop. Limit 4 necklaces and 4 bracelets per person. ACT RIGHT NOW.
Click here to order http://www.a-bargain.9cy.com/
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DINNER AT 35,000 FEET -- What meals will you get on your flight? See
behind the scenes at airline catering. Preview first- and
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http://www.AirlineMeals.net
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RVShark, the online recreational vehicle publication features raw
reviews of RV parks based on real RVers' experiences. RVShark includes
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.