The Allure of the Seas

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The Wacky Logic Behind Airport Codes - How Do They Come Up With Airport Codes? Rick Seaney Explains

Most of you fliers out there are familiar with JFK, LAX and DFW -- the airport codes for New York's Kennedy, Los Angeles International and Dallas-Ft. Worth. But how many of you have flown to SUX? Yes, SUX - the airport code for Sioux City, Iowa. Luckily, residents there have a sense of humor; instead of bemoaning their unfortunate appellation, they celebrate it: the airport's website sells souvenirs including t-shirts and caps emblazoned with the bold SUX logo.

It could be worse. It appears a kindergartner might have had a hand in picking some of these airport codes: Russia's Bolshoye Savino Airport is stuck with the unlovely designation PEE, while Brazil's Poco De Caldas Airport has to live with POO. Then there's Rotorua, New Zealand ROT while Louisiana's Barksdale Air Force Base is just plain BAD.

Ever wonder how these codes came into being and what they mean? I'm going to tell you, plus I'll give more examples of truly weird ones. Like FAT and GRR.

First things first: FAT is the airport code for Fresno, Calif. (and from what I understand, the locals aren't crazy about it); and while GRR may sound like an anger management therapy center, it's actually the code for Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Where do these codes come from?

The assignment of these codes is administered by the Montreal-based International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the codes cover locations (mainly airports) around the globe.

A lot of these codes are no brainers: LGA stands for LaGuardia in New York, HOU is for Houston's Hobby Airport and SLC is for Salt Lake City.

But what about, say, LAX -- where did that "X" come from? It goes back to the early days of passenger air travel when airports simply used the same two letter codes that the National Weather Service used for cities, never dreaming they'd ever need more letters for more combinations. When they did, some airports simply added an "X" to their name, and that's why you have LAX or PHX for Phoenix.

But how to explain Chicago O'Hare's ORD? For that I turned to the Sky God -- pilot Dave English. A few years back, he wrote an excellent explanation piece for the Airline Pilots Association journal that tells the story of a now defunct community just west of Chicago called Orchard Place. In the 1940's, it became the site of a military (and later, commercial) airport called Orchard Field, which was renamed for WW II ace Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare, in 1949. However, nobody bothered to change the original "Orchard" code designation of ORD....(read more)

Rick Seaney is one of the country's leading experts on airfare, giving interviews and analysis to news organizations that include ABC News, The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, the Associated Press and Bloomberg. His website, FareCompare.com, offers consumers free, new-generation software, combined with expert insider tips to find the best airline ticket deals.

Underwater Fun at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to sleep with the fishes, but get to wake up in the morning? Now you can at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, whose signature under-water Ithaa restaurant is giving guests a chance to spend a night under water in the new “Ithaa Suite.”

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the restaurant, set approximately 16 feet below the Indian Ocean’s surface, offers guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience as thousands of fish swim across the 180-degree-arched glass ceiling. Now, the hotel has worked to turn the restaurant into an exclusive suite for two—talk about a room with a view.

For guests just looking to dine, the aqua adventure begins with a set menu composed of 23 different dishes spread out over four courses. We hear the Reef Fish with grape, almond and saffron reduction is to die for. Note: A three-course lunch menu is also offered. Daily lunch and dinner is served at 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There is only one seating for each time, so be sure to snag your table by making reservations at least 14 days in advance. Sunny Note: During the day, the dining room is so bright that sunglasses are recommended. Forgot yours? Not a problem. The resort has plenty on hand to lend.

Rangali Island is home to 50 water villas of ever increasing degrees of luxury. The elegant villas set on stilts over the ocean offer sweeping views of turquoise surrounds complemented by iridescent sunsets. With ocean view baths, private sun decks, espresso machines and Bulgari bathroom goodies, it is almost impossible to imagine anything more beautiful. Guests staying in our Maldives hotel's Superior and Deluxe Water Villas will love the Jacuzzi pool on the sun deck, while Premier Water Villas have an additional jacuzzi in the bathroom with in-built satellite TV. Two Sunset Water Villas stand in a secluded part of the lagoon and offer a private butler, glass-floored living room, rotating bed and ocean pool.

Good to Know: The special suite is available for only one night of a guest’s stay and arrangements must be made prior to arrival. Available to only one set of guests at a time, the experience comes with a private Champagne dinner and breakfast in bed.




Watch the video and you'll want to pack your bags and go!



May 10, 2010 | By: Meagan Drillinger | LuxuryTravelAdvisor

What is Yapta?

What Is Yapata? "Tag flights from your favorite airline sites and Yapta will email you when prices drop. Get refunds and credits after you buy. When the price drops below what you paid, Yapta helps you get a voucher or refund from the airline!"

The next time you visit Yapta (and if you like saving on airfare, you should) you'll notice that we've integrated our airfare tracking service with TripIt.com - a terrific trip management site that will help you organize and share your travel plans.

Using TripIt is easy. Simply forward all of your travel confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com. It doesn't matter if it's an airline, hotel or car reservation - TripIt automatically creates a master itinerary that combines all your travel plans plus weather, maps, restaurants and more. You'll love it.

So what's the benefit to using Yapta and TripIt together? Well, now when you forward your flight confirmation emails to TripIt, you can have Yapta start tracking your flights for airline refunds or credits with a single click. It will save you time, money and the frustration of not having all your travel plans in one place.

Look for the "Connect with TripIt" button on your MyTrips page and try it out today.

Another great thing about these sites is that you can link them to your Facebook page, on LinkedIn and there are apps for Google, Blackberry and the iPhone.

Happy Travels,
Yapta - Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant

Travel Quote of the Day on 2 July 2010

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
~ Shirley MacLaine

Summer Sale Hawaiian Airlines flights to Maui from San Diego & Oakland

To celebrate the launch of its two new daily, nonstop flights this summer connecting Maui with Oakland and San Diego, Hawaiian Airlines announces a special introductory fare being offered for a limited time via HawaiianAirlines.com. Both non stop flights begin on June 17, 2010.

Roundtrip summer airfares are now available starting at $428 and can be purchased through February 19, 2010.

This special introductory rate is good for travel from June 17 through September 6 between Maui and Oakland and from June 17 through August 24 between Maui and San Diego.

Flight Schedule From Oakland:

• Flight 23 - departs Oakland 12:20 pm - arrives Maui 2:20pm

• Flight 24 - departs Maui 9:35 pm - arrives Oakland 5:30 am (the next morning)

Flight Schedule From San Diego:

• Flight 37 - departs San Diego 10:35 am - arrives Maui 1:05 pm

• Flight 38 - departs Maui 10:30 pm - arrives San Diego 6:35 a.m (the next morning)



Tickets at the special introductory rate are based on roundtrip travel during weekdays. The special fare is subject to availability and may not be offered on all flights. Taxes, fees and other restricitons apply.

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas will close doors on May 2

The announcement that The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas will close its doors on May 2 could come as a surprise, but when you take a closer look, it’s an unfortunately accurate representation of the current lodging industry...READ MORE

Cougars, nude flight attendants, dirty cities, the world's scariest airports

First, let me apologize. I was unable to squeeze in many of the really important news stories in the year just ended. I tried, but our industry just cooks up so much worthwhile grub for those who feast on travel news that I find my to-do basket overflowing with stuff I have to share with you.


I never associated the decline in formal nights at sea with the growth in nude cruising, but perhaps that was a mistake. We might see evening dress recommendations listed as "towel optional" in years to come.


One other trend I missed was the advent of "cougar cruising." A cougar, for the culturally challenged, is an older woman who prefers to date younger men, described as "cubs." continue...

Article by: 
Richard Turen
Travel Weekly on January 25, 2010

Montego Bay: Jamaican Me Crazy!

Since we shared with you in one of our previous posts a little bit of travel info about Jamaica, we thought we'd share with you one of own experiences there as well!

Post by: Tina, Marketing Intern at AskAboutHoneymoons.com

In 2007, my family and I vacationed in Montego Bay at an all-inclusive resort for 7 days. Needless to say, Montego Bay was gorgeous, breathtaking, and the epitome of Rest & Relaxation. The ocean water was pristine and blue and was mere steps from the resort! I couldn't believe it- I was living the life. Imagine seeing this view outside your hotel room all day and everyday. From tanning, eating, jet skiing, kayaking, fishing and then eating again...I was pretty sure I never wanted to leave this paradise.


During our week in Montego Bay, we also took a day out to tour a local pottery factory and actually got to see the artists in action. On top of that we also went to Ochos Rios, a nearby city, to climb the Dunns River Falls!

You're probably thinking the same thing I was: climbing a waterfall?! Yeah right. Don't worry though. It was far from steep and scary but still a little thrilling nonetheless! Just hold onto the person in front of you and make sure to buy some water shoes beforehand. ( You can usually find them in sporting good stores or Target). The Dunns River Falls was probably my favorite part of Montego Bay. If you ever do plan on vacationing here make sure you don't miss out on this!

All in all, Jamaica was beautiful. I'm sure that whichever city you choose would be equally as amazing!

Other must-do's: Try Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Red Stripe Beer.

sunset outside hotel room. very romantic.

Good morning, Jamaica!
(My father and uncle fishing at the end of the dock)

sun is gone, tanning time is over =(

from left to right: cousin, me (Tina), sister

So if you were just thinking about traveling to Jamaica, hopefully this gave you that extra little push to maybe even book a trip!

Here are some suggested destinations from one of our sites AskAboutHoneymoons.com
or you can go to www.VisitJamaica.com

Also give us a ring at 858-768-2610 for more information :)

Lie back for the long haul in coach?

Forget about flying high, Air New Zealand passengers will be laid low by new seats that allow them to lie back, stretch out and sleep - a world first for economy-class travel.

While Air New Zealand is remaining tight-lipped about the new design, it indicates it has "created the ability for passengers to lie down comfortably".

It is preparing for the unveiling, on Tuesday, of a new lie-flat seat that has been a year in development. The airline has built a full-size replica of a Boeing 777-300 economy-class cabin in a shed on Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, near the Air New Zealand headquarters.....read more

Article By Rebecca Lewis of the nzherald.co.nz

Friday Poll: What would you like to do this summer?

We're starting a new thing here on our blog: FRIDAY POLLS! Every Friday we'll post a poll regarding anything about travel. Please, take some time out of your day and let us know your favorite vacation spots, the places you want to see, what you like to do, eat, etc.! Based on the responses we get, we'll post more info about each poll topic.
Also feel free to leave comments.

Happy T.G.I.F.! =)

Today's Poll:

JESSICA SIMPSON SET TO TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD TO FIND "THE PRICE OF BEAUTY" IN A NEW ORIGINAL SERIES ON VH1

VH1 New Original Series Set to Premiere on Sunday, March 14th at 10 PM*

PASADENA, CA January 15, 2010 No matter where you are in the world, chances are, you know that Jessica Simpson is no stranger to the spotlight. Her hit pop and country songs, movies, television and eponymous collection of shoes, clothes, bags etc. have helped to keep her in America's eye, but we all know Jessica for more than just her career achievements. Jessica has been followed, studied and scrutinized since she released her first hit single at the age of 19. Now, Jessica turns the tables on our culture and cultures all over the world in her new original series on VH1, "Jessica Simpson's The Price of Beauty." The series is set to premiere on Sunday, March 14 at 10PM.*

In the new VH1 docu-series, produced by RDF USA ("Wife Swap", "Secret Millionaire"), Jessica travels to Japan, Thailand, France, Brazil, Uganda, Morocco, and India then back home to Los Angeles to meet every day women and some local pop culture icons. She examines the local fashions, dietary fads and beauty regimes and even participates in some extreme practices in order to reveal what constitutes beauty in these foreign cultures....read more

Travelistic Videos!

When it comes to documenting your travels, it's safe to say that we've come a long way from the disposable camera or video recorder(you know, that giant apparatus your father would lug around on his shoulder trying to capture every mundane moment?).

In this day in age, digital cameras, video phones, and miniature camcorders make it so much easier for you to capture, remember, and share your experiences.

So combine all of the above with the INTERNET and what do you get? This cool site we found http://www.travelistic.com/ ! It's a video site for travelers compiled of creative, personal videos of people's vacations from all around the world. In other words, it's a "YouTube" solely for the inspired traveler.

We think it's pretty cool because if you wanted to do a little research about a specific destination, why not check out real experiences?!

Check out this quirky video below that a couple made while vacationing in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.





If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in the U.S. Virgin Islands, HERE are some lovely places to stay!

Happy travels....

NOW BOARDING....a unique tool to connect with other people waiting at airports

For all of our fellow world travellers that spend far too much time at the airport (though we know there is a part of you that secretly likes it), we've got a cool new tool to share with you. #BOARDING is a new Twitter-based app that helps you find other travelers within the airport who perhaps want to share a taxi, have tips about the destination you're traveling to, or may have some good insight on the best shops and food within the terminal. Chances are if they're using it, they travel just as much as you so you're bound to be in good company.

How does it work? Best part- just log on to your Twitter account, tweet #boarding and the 3 letter code of the airport (example #boarding LHR) and you'll get a reply in minutes with links to the other Twitter users nearby.

#boarding plans to soon send around its own list of great tips to airports around the world, discounts at shops and F&B outlets and more to make your airport stay more comfortable.

Want to check out more? Log on to http://www.boarding.fr/ and check out who's where around the world. Enjoy!

We added MP3 Music to our site

I don't know about you but when I traavel I have to have my tunes. I discovered the best place to get music for my iPod and the MP3 player on my phone is Amazon.com and that is why we now have a feature section on our site where you can download and buy music for your enjoyment.