10 Reasons Travel Agents Are Better Than the Internet

While you might put travel agent right up there with VCR repair man and video store clerk on the list of jobs that have gone the way of the Yellow Pages, there's a reason you still see them wedged into strip malls between your dry cleaner and the new VaporZone. Turns out that -- even in a world where everybody coordinates their own vacation plans -- travel agents account for about one-third of the travel industry's revenue. Seriously, in 2014. Who knew.

Not only can they do things the Internet can't, but they also still collect a lot of their fees from vendors, which means... best part, they don't even charge you! Which is why we've compiled these 10 reasons you might want to go old-school and let a travel agent plan your next trip.

1. They know whether you're actually getting a good deal.
Since 90 percent of the airline tickets you buy are for a domestic flight to see your parents, your knowledge of the relative value of a flight to London is, how shall we say, limited. A travel agent, however, books, like, 74 of those a day and will know immediately if the $600 whatever website told you is a "smoldering price" is actually reasonable.

2. Travel agents know where to go in a city, or know someone who does.
If you don't happen to be headed to one of Thrillist's 30 cities, it helps to have a reputable resource available who knows the best restaurants, dive bars, or cockfighting arenas without having to sift through a thousand ridiculous reviews about how the waitress didn't bring the table enough bread. Since they book trips all the time, TA's know this stuff like the back of their hands. And if they don't, they're one call away from getting you an answer.

3. They've got your back when it comes to flight delays/cancellations.
Try calling a website when your flight gets cancelled and the line to rebook stretches through the terminal. Even if you get through to the airline directly, they still don't have a clue who you are. Call your travel agent, though, and they'll get you squared away on another flight while you get squared away at the airport bar.

4. They can actually get you seats together, on the same flight, for the same price.
Rather than spend a week on a group text trying to coordinate your big Splashin' Safari Water Park Summer vacay, only to book your flights separately online and find you're all sitting next to different people who clip their toenails (and paid different fares), a travel agent can get your entire group the same ticket price, with seats together, on the same flight.

5. They can get you VIP status without being a VIP.
Restaurant supposedly booked for months? Yeah, that's no issue for a travel agent. Need a table at the hottest club in Sioux Falls? They've got more promoters on speed dial than a South Beach swimsuit model. Thanks to the relationships they maintain across the tourism industry, they can also score you tix to special tours, private tastings, and other events the Internet doesn't even know about. Or, if it does, has hidden so deep it'll take you hours to find out about them.

6. And speaking of hours on the Internet, TAs do all the research for you.
Websites don't seem to understand that when you say "search nearby airports," it doesn't mean "I'm totally fine with being the guy who asks my roommate for a ride to an airport 75 miles away so I can save $45". Travel Agents know your airport preferences, and won't tease you with cheap flights that involve leaving and returning to airports that're in different states. Unless you want them to.

7. They get better prices, first
That $49 one-way flight your email update indicated was a "fresh new deal" was actually available to your travel agent last week, because they have better relationships with airlines and wholesalers. Which also means their prices are... ready for this... usually better than online. Especially for complicated or premium fares.

8. They do more than book flights.
That African safari looks like a great time, but you do realize it requires a lot more legwork than just pressing "Buy Now" on the roundtrip ticket to Kinshasa, right? In addition to visas, you'll likely require a series of semi-crippling inoculations before you go, too. Unsure where to go for either visas or shots? Well, lo and behold, guess who can set both of those up for you?

9. They have Southwest's prices too.
Fun as it is planning your flight, calculating baggage, seat selection, and water fees, then repeating the whole process on Southwest.com to seeing if it's cheaper, a travel agent can do the comparison shopping for you. And he or she can do it with any other airline that doesn't play the online search engine game.

10. No-hassle 24-hour changes 
"Non-refundable" on your online reservation -- be it a flight, hotel reservation, Duck Tour, whatever -- usually means you have 24 hours to make changes without penalty. Most people don't realize this. Yes, even a "non-refundable" airline ticket can be changed. The only catch, you have to actually call and deal directly with the airline. Or, instead of spending hours on hold listening to "all agents are currently busy", you can let your travel agent happily fix the ticket. Your call.

Read More:
Matt Meltzer with Thrillist & Huffington Post

You Don't Have to Spend a Penny to Enjoy Beautiful San Diego.

Travel And See The World: 10 Fun and Free Things to Do in San Diego: Source: google.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

You Don't Have to Spend a Penny to Enjoy Beautiful San Diego.

There is no place quite like San Diego, California. Blessed with wonderful year-round weather, visitors can enjoy many of the same favorite free attractions that are well-known to the Locals. While you should probably take your wallet with you because it contains your Driver's License and you may want to grab some lunch, for most of the day, you can keep your wallet in your pocket.
10 Great Ways to Spend the Day in SD that will not Cost you a Penny

1. A Day at the Beach

Whether you like to swim, surf or sail, head west until you see one of the many magnificent beaches. Bring your blanket and soak up some rays. Beaches are family friendly and also a great place to check out the local scenery.
2. Balboa Park

When in SD, be sure to make your way to the Nation's largest urban cultural park. Park admission to the 1,200 acre property is always free and it will cost you nothing to hike on some of the 65 miles of scenic trails. There are about 20 carefully tended gardens, some of which can be enjoyed for free. While tourists will have to pay a small admission fee to tour 1 of the 15 museums, daily tours of the park are free. On Sundays, everyone is treated to free organ music concerts.
3. Old Town

Stroll through the district and see the historical buildings that date back several hundred years. The oldest school house in San Diego is among the many interesting and historic sights.
4. Torrey Pines State Reserve

Nature lovers can catch a glimpse of the rare Torrey Pine as well as many other birds that call the area home. Situated in a protected preserve, this quiet and very scenic area is a great place for enjoying the fresh ocean air while doing a little bird watching.

5. San Diego Public Libraries

At last count, there were 38 public libraries in San Diego. All are always welcome to escape the heat and relax while reading a book or browsing the internet. Most libraries have regular free film screenings and other special events.
6. North Port Art Walk

On the second Saturday of each month, from 6:00pm-9:00pm, thousands of people walk up and down Ray Street taking in a vast array of all types of art. Go from gallery to gallery, enjoy some complimentary wine and cheese and maybe, pick up an original oil painting.
7. Museum of Contemporary Art

This downtown museum features minimalism, pop art, sculpture, photography and other genres of art from the 1950s to the present. Free admission is offered on the third Thursday of every month from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
8. Mission Bay Park

Get some exercise at this 4,600 acre park. You can fly a kite, practice your jump shot, play volleyball or maybe just sit back and watch the local skateboarders do their thing.
9. The Gaslamp Quarter

Turn back the clock and tour the boutiques, art galleries and small shops in this restored part of downtown San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter features some classic Victorian buildings and intricate period architecture.

10. Mt. Soledad
This La Jolla mountain top affords spectacular panoramic views of the City of San Diego, the coastline and Mission Bay. You can see for miles in all directions.
These are just a few of the many things you can enjoy for free in San Diego. There are many more free attractions that might pique your interest. If you are thinking about a vacation, why not come to San Diego. Escape the frigid winter and stay in style at the Mission Valley Resort, the ultimate in destination hotels and resorts.

For more information about the great cities of San Diego please visit AskAboutSanDiego.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6806570

FOOD NETWORK GUIDED VACATIONS

Take a culinary vacation with Food Network Travel! Travel to Italy, France or Northern California with Food Network as your guide and experience our stars’ favorite restaurants, hands-on cooking classes, exclusive culinary experiences and explore the world’s most delicious food destinations.

For an exclusive look at our Food Network Vacations CLICK HERE

You can take Segway rides through paradise in Hawaii

You can take Segway rides through paradise It’s as easy as walking—and more fun.

You can now tour many places on Oahu on a Segway.

Segway of Hawaii offers tours of Waikiki, Kapiolani Park, Diamond Head, historic Honolulu, Kailua (pictured, right) and Lanikai.

Heard of Segways, but never ridden one? Every tour begins with a 20- to 30-minute orientation course. With no special skills, we found riding one immensely easy. The self-balancing personal transports zipped us along, and were friendly to both pedestrians and the environment, running along at 2 mph on about a dime’s worth of power an hour.

Each tour comes with a guide, usually born and raised in Hawaii. It may turn out to be the coolest thing you do on Oahu. Click here for more!

[Segway of Hawaii has two locations on Oahu: Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Road, Waikiki (808) 941-3151; Kailua Beach Center, 130 Kailua Road, Kailua (808) 262-5511). Find them on the web at www.segwayofhawaii.com ]

All you need is.... Aperitivo

In Italian culture, a very important part of the social life includes gathering with friends for an aperitivo, a pre dinner drink and snack. Usually between the hours of six and eight, most bars set up lots of little appetizers for people who buy a cocktail. You can sit, socialize, relax, drink, and eat as much as you want! Aperitivo has become much more popular recently and now the bars offer a much nicer, broader selection of snacks. It used to be that people would go to aperitivo on their way home from work for a casual meet up with friends, but now many people actually get dressed up before they go!

Many bars set up the appetizers in a buffet style on the bar, and you can eat as much food as you would like! The only thing is that you have to buy at least one cocktail, usually around 8-10 Euros. The food usually includes meats, cheeses, pastas, mini sandwiches, crostini, mini pizzas, fruit, and sometimes-mini pastries.

            There are many great places to go for aperitivo in Florence.... more

New York is filled with amazing restaurants on every corner, in every hotel, in every city. However, there are many hidden gems that most people never try.  This post is for the true foodie who doesn’t care about the fancy restaurant, but just cares about plain good food.

One of the best places in all of Manhattan to grab a great burger is The Burger Joint located inside Le Parker Meriden Hotel. This laid back restaurant serves only burgers, drinks, and incredible brownies. A burger is around 5 dollars, and a brownie only $1.50. Talk about a good deal, especially for such a pricey hotel! Also, located inside of the Trump Soho Hotel is new Italian restaurant Quattro. If you want some great wine and fabulous Italian food, this is the place to go.... more 

Kick Start the New Year: The Perfect Post-Holiday Getaway

If you’re like the average working parent, student, significant other, or all of the above, the holidays are a stressful time. From finding the perfect Christmas present, to planning a special New Years Eve, to starting off the New Year on the right foot, it seems as though the holiday season always proves to be a hectic couple of weeks. So rather than using your vacation days off from work to hide from the holidays, salvage those much needed days off during the holiday season and kick start the New Year letting askabouttravel.com plan the perfect post-holiday getaway.

For those of you looking to travel to exotic, world-renowned destinations, Jamaica’s exclusive Rock Resorts, Half Moon Rose Hall location offers the perfect destination to shake that post-holiday stress. This paradise, located on the northern coast of Jamaica’s island, is settled between enchanting botanical gardens and the enticing Caribbean Sea.

This charming and elegant location offers 197 guest rooms and suites, multiple private villas, and a multitude of accompanying amenities. Start your day off in the great outdoors teeing off on the challenging signature golf course. If you’re looking for a more unique experience, venture over to the Dolphin Lagoon for an exotic wildlife encounter or experience the equestrian center for a horseback tour of the island. Finally, you can settle in at the Fern Tree Spa for an evening of pampering, and finish up by dining at one of the many world-class restaurants.

With its spectacular seaside location, rich Caribbean heritage, warm and attentive staff and exceptional array of amenities, it’s no wonder that this iconic Jamaican destination has set the standard for luxury Caribbean resorts for more than 50 years.

If you are looking for a quicker, easier getaway, venture to the Rancho Las Palmas resort in Palm Spring, California. Known for its renowned golf courses and customizable spa experiences, this resort is the perfect holiday de-stressor. Enjoy an evening under the stars at Spa Las Palmas by cozying up by the outside fire and relax while listening to live music in the secluded desert.

The Rancho Las Palmas resort also offers something no other Palm Spring Resort offers – Splashtopia – thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and exciting activity pools. More than a thrilling water park, the resort also offers tranquility pools to melt away the day in an adults-only oasis.

Rancho Las Palmas offers a luxury travel destination that is in close enough proximity to make a quick post-holiday getaway, yet far enough away to make you forget those holiday blunders.

So no matter where you decide to go to kick off a stress-less New Year and forget the pressures of the holiday season (until next year), let askabouttravel.com plan your post-holiday getaway.

Inaugurate the first day of the rest of your lives in Panama!

Planning an exotic honeymoon for this winter? Escape with your loved one to the soothing and tranquil lifestyle of Panama! Inaugurate the first day of the rest of your lives together by immersing yourselves in the warm culture and scenic views that Panama has to offer.

To maximize your Panamanian experience, askabouthoneymoons.com has found two hotels that are fit for a romantic escape.

InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort

Only minutes away from Panama City and less than an hour away from the wonders of Panama (the Panama Canal, Amador Causeway, Punta Bruja Nature Reserve and the Gamboa Rainforest) the InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa offers tropical resort seclusion. With its 5 free form pools, access to a private beach, a 24 hour fitness center overlooking the pools and ocean, and a spa offering private cabins, saunas, Turkish baths and mediation rooms, you are sure to find the activity that complements both of you the best.


The InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa also houses a signature first-class restaurant “The Lighthouse” offering Panamanian and international food. For a quick drink or an afternoon snack visit the InterContinental Lobby Bar, an intimate enclave exclusively for resort guests, and enjoy premium spirits and live piano.

This premium resort offers special offers for breakfast, dining, spa and beach. For special rates and deals book now at askabouthoneymoon.com

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Located 30 minutes away far from the hustle and bustle of Panama City and in close proximity to the Soverania National Park Rainforest, The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is the perfect destination for a honey moon full of adventures. Experience tours such as a jungle adventure on an aerial tram, go on a Monkey boat tour on the Panama Canal, or relax at the Sensory Spa beside the resort’s luxurious pool. Surround yourselves in colorful sights, natural wildlife and Gamboa Rainforest Resort’s luxurious accommodations. Book your exotic honeymoon now starting at $175 per person per night All Inclusive! To customize your memorable honeymoon at the Gambo Rainforest Resort askabouthoneymoons.com today!



Panama offers the best of the best via these two Resorts. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a unique honeymoon that will be sure to give you memories that will last a lifetime.
Once you have booked your trip, make sure to look at the Fun Facts below for information about Panamanian lifestyle and what to expect.
Fun Facts about Panama
Weather (year round):
Panama City- 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Beach- 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit
Highlands- 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit
Official Language: Spanish, but most people also know English
Dress: Light dress is recommended due to the tropical weather. Unless one is going to Panama on a business trip, dressing comfortably in shorts and short-sleeved shirts is the norm.
Currency: Balboa: One Balboa is the exact equivalent of one American Dollar.
Commerce: Mondays to Saturdays, most shops and commercial operations open at 8am or 9am and close at around 6pm. However, entertainment venues are open until late and are also open on Sundays.
Taxes: All shopping includes a 7% tax. If shopping for medicine, food and school supplies there is no tax.
Tipping: Tips are not included in the bill. Tipping is usually between 10% and 15% in restaurants and bars depending on the service received.
Driver’s license: Visitors can drive with their international licenses for 90 days during their visit.
Religion: Most Panamanians are Roman Catholic; however other religions are present as well.
Government: Democracy
Literacy Rate: 90%

The New Dynamic Duo of Travel - Star Clippers

You may have assumed that AskAboutTravel.com has got your travel needs covered from head to toe. Whether you are looking to plan the most exclusive honeymoon getaway or the most inclusive family vacation, askabouttravel has the resources to make your desires possible. As your travel horizon broadens, however, and you begin to look for more enticing travel destination Ask About Travel is already one step ahead of you. Ask About Travel has paired up with Star Clippers Cruises, the worlds most elite cruise line, to introduce the accomplished dynamic duo of travel to all you travel buffs.

Star Clippers Cruise Line  isn’t your ordinary cruise line. This cruise line sails intriguing and old fashioned looking cruise ships to exotic destinations around the world such as the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Northern Europe, and the Mediterranean. Star Clippers has the proud distinction of sailing the largest and only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship available to cruise travelers. This ship provides its voyagers with the perfect opportunity to embark upon a unique and exciting adventure. Far from the limiting schedule of most cruise lines, the ships pride themselves on promoting an atmosphere of informal elegance for their voyagers, allowing them to choose their own schedule and make their own plans, while still presenting them with the comfort of a beautiful and authentic travel experience.

The timing of this dynamic duo teaming up couldn’t have been better. Travel Weekly recently posted an article mentioning the recent increase in the number of cruise ship weddings. This article details several very apparent advantages to cruise inspired weddings with the main advantage being simplicity. Attempting to gather hundreds of your closest family members and friends in whatever dreamy international location you yearn to have your wedding in is a rather daunting task. From the cost of traveling, to the complications of international travel, it would be seemingly impossible to pull of a seamless international wedding. If you plan a cruise wedding however, you can easily avoid all the hurdles of international travel, by leaving the problems to the cruise line crew. A second major advantage of cruise line weddings is the facilitation of mobility. More than having the unique experience of signing your nuptials over international waters, soon to be married couples have the unparalleled opportunity to celebrate their wedding in multiple destinations.

This partnership is also just in time for the holidays. Create lasting memories by embarking upon an unconventional holiday cruise. The crew on Star Clippers will cater to you and your family’s every need as you sail around some of the world’s most exotic islands. Or ring in the New Years with your closest friends on a 360-foot long world-class sea vessel. What better way to start off a fabulous 2012 year than to be in an exotic, tropical, and mysterious island?

Want to read more? Check out this article in High Seas adventures under sail on Star Clippers by Robert N. Jenkins from The San Francisco Chronicle.

So if you’re looking for an adventurous and truly memorable wedding or honeymoon, a unforgettable way to spend your holidays, or just a once in a lifetime vacation, book your Star Clippers cruise vacation getaway at www.AskAboutCruises.com

How can we sell it....We have to experience it....Office FAM to Maui

Maui - 2nd Annual Office Fam Trip Slideshow: Michael’s trip from San Diego, California, United States to Maui, Hawaii was created by TripAdvisor. See another Maui slideshow. Create a free slideshow with music from your travel photos.

Hawaii: Life's "Pause" Button

The Honeymoon Phase. It’s that time right after getting married when everything is perfect. You can’t quite shake that notion of blissful happiness as you show off your ring or share your honeymoon photos with friends and family. It’s that type of effervescent feeling that you think can’t possibly ever end! But, as more experienced couples know, sooner or later reality starts to creep in. Suddenly you feel like you aren’t spending enough time as a couple. Monday Night Football with the guys turns into Tuesday work meetings and Wednesday Yoga Night with the girls and Thursday dinner at your parents’ house…and by the time Friday roles around, you’re lucky if you have enough energy for a quick dinner and a movie! Have kids? Then you know there’s even less free time. When did soccer practice become more time consuming than a full-time job? Of course you’re still in love, but on top of life’s busy schedules, suddenly those little “adorable” quirks start to get on your nerves. You find yourself being told that you fold towels all wrong. Or, that empty milk carton in the fridge somehow “mysteriously” appears again. Either way, it’s normal for couples to feel like they aren’t spending enough time together, or to sometimes drive each other a little crazy (or a lot crazy!). It’s times like this that you wish there was a “pause” button for life, right?

Luckily for you, the geniuses at askabouttravel.com have the perfect “pause” button for you, and it happens to be just a quick plane ride across the Pacific Ocean. That’s right, Hawaii is calling your name. Before you roll your eyes and say “I can’t afford a Hawaiian vacation right now,” think again. It just so happens that askabouttravel.com not only has affordable deals, but our travel packages have everything you need to spend some amazing time with your special someone.

Take, for example, the beautiful Royal Kona Resort in Kailua-Kona. At $195 a night, you’ll be treated to the Royal Experience Package. With this, you’ll be able to start your days off right with complimentary breakfast, and end a night with a sunset dinner cruise for two! There’s nothing more romantic than watching a Hawaiian sunset on the water. Plus, you’ll get to attend a Luau for two, and start your entire trip off with a welcome bottle of champagne. Cheers to that.

If you and your spouse want a little more room, you might want to check out the Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort in Kapaa. Rates start at $245 a night and get you a roomy beachfront one bedroom condo. This package will really allow you to leave the stresses of reality behind with their fantasy swimming pool featuring romantic, cascading waterfalls. You both can unwind further in the luxurious Spa by the Sea. This beach resort allows you to reconnect with the one you love.

Another Outrigger property you simply can’t miss is their Outrigger Reef at the Beach. This paradise gives you fantastic views of the city of Honolulu for $199 a night. You’ll feel instantly immersed in the relaxed Hawaiian culture with this resort’s nightly performances from Hawaiian musicians. Dine beachfront at multiple restaurants and take in the warm breeze. And, if you are feeling as rejuvenated and happy as we’re sure you will be, they even have free Hawaiian vow renewal ceremonies.

Finally, if you’re able to sneak away for a whole week, there’s simply nothing better than our Seven Nights of Savings package at the Grand Wailea. If you pay for 4 nights, your 5th night is free. Enjoy a daily breakfast buffet and their championship golf course with both mountain and ocean views. Feeling cultural? The Grand Wailea has the largest international art collection in Hawaii. Plus, when it’s time to unwind, there’s nothing better than the full-service Spa Grande.

These are only a few of the many deals askabouttravel.com offers in Hawaii, the US, and around the globe. And while summer vacations with the whole family are wonderful, there is something to be said for a little one-on-one time with your special someone. With the endless to-do lists and worries of everyday life, that time becomes hard to find! But, all hope is not lost. On the contrary, we bet that the only thing you need to feel reconnected is a little change of scenery. Let us at askabouttravel.com help you plan your perfect little getaway, and make your Honeymoon Phase last a lifetime.

When it comes to river cruising, Viking River Cruises is the world leader

Video of Flight from SFO to Paris with the Northern Lights - Specular!!!!!

SF to Paris in Two Minutes from Beep Show on Vimeo.

Do Resorts Promise More Than They Deliver?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Pyramids of Egypt: Take Off with Captain John - Cairo

Egypt has been in the news lately. This is a great video from CaptJohn. John Roberts is an international pilot for Delta Airlines. You can find more of his videos on You Tube.

The Allure of the Seas

What is it like to sail on one of the largest cruise ships in the world?

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