Save more, spend less and avoid rip-offs | | | help | ================================================= Clark Howard's Travel e-Scapes - 31 July
Clara Bosonetto Maerz, Editor ================================================= Travel tips, tidbits & trivia: - What's important when you book a hotel stay? Isn't is all about price and location? Until now, no major hotel travel Web site shows prices directly on a corresponding location map. HotelMapSearch.com combines the familiarity and speed of Google Maps with a network of over 70,000 worldwide hotel locations and prices. Results pages display a hotel's location as pinpoints with an average price per night. Users can a hotel map search by hotel brand, price range, star rating, pet-friendly or near landmarks, Starbucks locations to restaurant (with reviews at Yelp.com). Users can also save and share their favorite destinations, notes about their trip plans, and lists of their favorite hotel choices.
- Plans are on the table to build a high-speed public rail line between London and Scotland and connecting about a dozen cities. In a move to eliminate internal country flights, the line would make it easier for travelers in the North to get into west London by rail. The new route would also provide faster and more direct connections to European cities. For example, Sheffield to Paris would be just over three hours, Manchester to Amsterdam would take about four hours and Leeds to Frankfurt five and a half. The first phase would run from London to Leicester; a second phase from Leicester to Yorkshire and a third phase from Sheffield to Leeds and Liverpool to Edinburgh and Glasgow. The plan could be completed by 2030.
- The Express by Holiday Inn Hotels in Birmingham and in Castle Bromwich in the United Kingdom have launched a ground-breaking new hot food service to provide guests with hot meals and snacks 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The fully-automated machine delivers a range of hot foods in just 90 seconds. The service is housed in a unit which measures about a square yard with all of the services of a top cafeteria. Food choices range from a cooked English breakfast, pizzas, and fries. After customers browse the pictorial menu with prices, a food package is automatically transferred from the freezer to an oven where it is defrosted and heated to serving temperature. During the 90-second wait, customers are entertained with videos and music displayed on screens. A unique oven delivers the goods as "hot, crisped and browned." Brasserie Express have finished its testing phase and plans to roll-out the similar concept in the United States at over 2,000 locations.
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Clark said...
A slow economy plus soft travel equal globe-trotting deals!
As the economy slows, there will be bumps along the way in the travel industry -- along with some opportunities. Aloha Airlines, a full-fare airline that served Hawaii and parts of the United States, has gone out of business because it could not survive against a discount airline called go! Fares went down from about $200 one way to $49 one way because of go! We may see more full-fare failures in the industry as the discounters continue to offer appealing rates. One caveat: Those who bought their Aloha tickets with cash or a debit card (and haven't yet used them) lost their money. So be safe and only buy tickets with a credit card.
A new report finds that air travel is really softening in the United States, which means there will be great deals available. Richard Branson's V Australia opened a route between Los Angeles and Down Under and was offering a $777 round-trip special before it sold out. Meanwhile, the open skies policy will open up new flight routes between America and Europe, which will also mean lower fares.
I will update you again in the coming weeks on summertime travel deals to the Old World. On the domestic front, the decreasing demand for travel means airlines can't raise fares willy-nilly just because of high oil prices. So watch out for the gotchas, such as baggage-handling fees or high charges for bringing your pet onboard.
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Nickel & dime news
- What Ryanair does today is often copied by other carriers worldwide. So what's the low-fare leader airline doing now? In addition to its tray table billboards, the overhead cabin bins doors on Ryanair flights are now the place of advertisements. And AirTran has plans to roll-out individual passenger tray table advertisements in the fall -- as well as USAirways. Three airlines have been in touch with advert supplier, Brand Connections, to begin the program of in-your-face in-flight ads. JetBlue passengers must watch 'commercials' on the video players with ads for a beauty moisturizer which often interrupt the live flight tracker screen. A recent tray table ad brought out by Brand Connections was a Tylenol PM ad with suggestions to passengers on how to do in-flight exercises to prevent stiffness (neck and foot rolls, knee lifts).
- Delta Air Lines will discontinue non-stop service between Los Angeles International Airport - LAX and 13 U.S. cities, including Phoenix, Portland (Oregon), and Seattle.
- EVA Air, the national airline of Taiwan, has cried "Uncle." The airline which has been serving the Taipei to Auckland, New Zealand market for 14 years, will discontinue the route starting in September because of high fuel prices.
- Delta Air Lines will double the price of checking a second checked bag from $25 to $50 on domestic trips taken on or after August 5. The new fee applies on tickets purchased starting today, July 31. Delta will also raise its fees on checked items requiring special handling such as ski equipment and surfboards on both domestic and international flights.
- Renting a car for your adventure in Hawaii? It'll cost you more. A new $1 surcharge has been approved by state officials to shore up accounts for state highway road construction projects. That brings the daily surcharge on all rental cars to $4.
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SkyMiles news & changes
- Is Delta Air Lines doing its frequent flyer members a favor, or is this another rip to their loyalty program?
Starting in September, the airline will implement a three-tier system to redeem miles for award travel (there's currently a two-tier system in place).
Under the current system, passengers can travel round-trip domestically (except to Hawaii) for 25,000 (in advance) or 50,000 SkyMiles (last-minute, based on availability).
A new system sets the mileage goals at 25,000, 40,000 or 60,000 SkyMiles for round-trip flights - depending on when travel is booked.
The new 60,000 SkyMiles level 'guarantees' a reward ticket seat as long as there is an available coach seat open (excluding travel to Hawaii). For 100,000 miles, SkyMiles members can travel First Class on a domestic flight when any seat is available.
The new system will also affect redemptions to Europe. Currently last-minute redemption levels were 90,000 to 250,000 for round-trip travel to Europe. New levels will require a minimum of 100,000 miles and up to 350,000. However, the previous levels did not come with the 'last seat guarantee.'
See the changes in detail here.
Note: The only other airline with a similar three-tiered mileage program is Alaska Airlines - often chosen as one of the most favorable frequent flyer programs offered. But we can expect other major airlines to follow and tweak their programs.
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Hurry! HOT domestic & international deals
One-way from Atlanta:
- $89 each way, Rochester
- A 21-day advance purchase required
- Travel any available day
- Complete travel by September 27
- Blackouts: August 17; September 11, 21
- Valid on USAirways
One-way from Atlanta:
- $149 each way, Seattle
- A 14-day advance purchase required
- Travel any available day
- No expiration of travel
- No blackouts
- Valid on USAirways
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More domestic & international deals
The following specials have a ticket-by date giving you a bit more breathing room to make a purchase. But hurry as the airlines are now even pulling 'dated' deals when they deem the offer as sold-out, or when it was a mistake to begin with!
Round-trip from Atlanta:
- $320 London or Manchester
- Depart September 1-October 29
- Purchase by August 4
- Valid on Northwest and Delta
- Fuel surcharge: $322 RT
Round-trip from Atlanta:
- $377 Amsterdam
- Depart October 30-December 13
- Purchase by August 15
- Valid on Northwest
- Fuel surcharge: $350 RT
Round-trip from Atlanta:
- $674 Honolulu
- $714 Kauai or Hawaii (Kona)
- A 21-day advance purchase required
- Valid daily except Saturdays
- Stay at least any three nights
- Complete travel by November 19
- Purchase by August 22
- Valid on Delta
- Other airlines matching
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Top 10 Rooftop Bars
When it's time to chill, head up on the roof.....
Here are the Top 10 Rooftop Bars of North America:
- Beach, San Diego: The city's first rooftop bar features sleek loungers, hanging chairs, and private cabanas. At night, this W Hotel bar turns up the heat as locals and guests mingle beside the fire pit and cruise the heated sand floor. In summer, Beach becomes a theater, showcasing flicks under the stars.
- Pavilion Bar & Cafe, Charleston SC: Atop the Market Pavilion Hotel with a panoramic view of downtown Charleston and its harbor. Sip a Skyline Martini, the bar's signature cocktail.
- Plunge, New York: Located at the Hotel Gansevoort and overlooking Manhattan's Meatpacking District. The outdoor bar features 360-degree views of the city and river (there's a retractable glass roof for use in inclement weather). The terrace includes a landscaped garden with private cabana. Specialty drinks and light fare served.
- Castaways Bar & Grill, Chicago: Open May-September, a shipshape restaurant on Chicago's North Avenue Beach. The lakefront icon draws beachgoers with casual fare and ice-cold beer, so be prepared for crowds.
- The Rooftop Surfclub, Victoria, British Columbia: The patio at the Sticky Wicket Pub & Restaurant at the Strathcona Hotel resembles a West Coast surf hut, with a longboard tabletop, vibrant blue-and-green-stripe chair cushions, and a surfer-shape topiary (complete with board shorts). The main attraction are the 90 tons of sand form what may be the only two rooftop beach-volleyball courts in the world.
- Tarpon Club, Seaside, Florida: For the best sunset views, get to the top deck at Bud and Alley's Restaurant. Not for the crowd-shy. Listen for the 1888 steam train cast-iron bell, rung each night on the deck.
- Sky Bar at 31 Ocean, Virginia Beach: Located atop the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, with clear railings to preserve the view and an infinity pool that appears to spill into the ocean.
- Rooftop Lounge, Miami Beach: The Townhouse Hotel patio promises ocean breezes and great views from king-size waterbeds shaded by fire-engine-red umbrellas. Every Friday and Saturday night, the lounge hosts lively soirees for the see-and-be-seen.
- Sky Terrace, San Francisco: From Mission District restaurant Medjool's fifth-floor terrace, enjoy 360-degree views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and San Francisco. Cash only.
- The Top, Key West: The seventh-floor bar at the Crown Plaza Key West–La Concha is the place to go for panoramic views of the Key, the Gulf, the Atlantic Ocean - and a front-row seat at sunset.
Source: http://www.coastalliving.com
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Resort & hotel incentives
- Just a few days remain to book one of Starwood's best sales of the year! Through August 5, book a stay at select Starwood properties in North America, Canada and the Caribbean and enjoy a 50 percent savings! This huge sale is valid on stays from July 31 through September 30. Advance purchase is required and credit cards are charged the full amount at the time of booking. Reservations are non-refundable. Some blackout dates apply. Sale room rates are for single or double occupancy stays. Sample per night rates include Planet Hollywood at $69; $100 at Four Points Real Hotel & Casino, Caguas in Puerto Rico; $199 at the Westin St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands and dozens of other locations across America. For reservations, book here.
- The 'Tween Waters Inn is offering the 'Half Crazy Summer Sale' on stays through August 28. Guests book one night at regular seasonal rates and any additional nights are at 50 percent off. Located on Florida's Captiva Island, the 82-year-old inn sits on 13 Gulf and bay beach acres. Its collection of charming fishing cottages from 1931 sit between the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island. Each of the 19 seaside cottage is individually and luxuriously appointed with one, two or three bedrooms. Other accommodations include suites and more traditional guestrooms and efficiencies. Poolside rooms for a family of four start from $130. All guests enjoy a continental breakfast buffet. 1-800-223-5865.
- The Marriott South Beach is in one of Florida's hippest destinations and offers a special summer-only "South Beach Escape" package with nightly rates for two from $279. The package includes a deluxe guest room, breakfast for two in bed or in the Deco Blue restaurant, and a complimentary beach umbrella and two chairs to spend a lazy day on beautiful Miami Beach. The resort has a new beachfront pool area with stunning views of Miami Beach. Guestrooms feature Marriott's signature bedding, 32-inch TV's, high-speed internet and many rooms have private balconies. For beachside pampering, a concierge serves tropical drinks, such as the hotel's award-winning pomegranate mojito. Beachgoers enjoy an array of on-site activities including boating, sailing, waterskiing and jet skiing. Refer to package code D50 when booking. Valid on stays through September 30.
- South Carolina's Wild Dunes Resort offers a new 'Fazio Fore Two' golf package which offers guests the opportunity to play two of South Carolina's most acclaimed golf courses - the Harbor Course that skirts the Intracoastal Waterway and Links Course with finishing holes along the Atlantic Ocean. The two rounds of golf also includes accommodations at either the AAA Four Diamond Boardwalk Inn or new Village at Wild Dunes and breakfast each morning at The Lettered Olive. After a 20-month cycle of natural beach erosion, the coastline along Wild Dunes Resort has recently been revitalized through a comprehensive beach restoration project. Wild Dunes, one of Charleston's top resorts (the city is just a few miles away!), is perfect for active families, singles, romantic couples, adventures and solo getaways with a beachfront setting, golf and great dining. Rates on the golf package start from $310 a night, based on double occupancy on September 1-December 31 stays.
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Travel quote
The capacity is just not there. /
Jeff Robertson, managing director of Delta's SkyMiles program. Robertson said the number of miles issued to travelers by Delta had grown 24 percent from 2004 to 2007, but the number of redeemable award seats available on its planes did not increase.
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NOTE! Unless otherwise stated above, follow these guidelines when booking special airfares from Clark Howard's e-Scapes newsletter:
- No expiration of travel means the rate is valid on trips taken over the next 331 days, or the advance booking window allowed on most airlines
- International rates are based on mid-week travel days, or with most airlines Mon.-Thurs. (one exception is Mon.-Wed. with British Airways).
- Economy class airfares to Europe require a minimum stay requirement of a Saturday night and a maximum stay of a month.
- Economy class airfare to Asia, Africa, India and the Middle East typically require a 6-day minimum stay; 30-day maximum.
- Most domestic coach class airfares, including Canada and Hawaii, are based on mid-week travel.
- Weekend travel days are typically $10-$30 higher, per direction, for both domestic and international destinations.
- All airfares shown on e-Scapes are exclusive of taxes, fees, unless noted otherwise.
- Fuel surcharges on international trips can add from $180-$400 to base rates shown above, varying by continent. __________________________________________________
Clark Howard's Travel e-Scapes Team reminds you that the information in this newsletter is researched on the same day that you receive it. It can happen that by the time you read your copy a particular airfare may already have expired, especially the "HOT" deals listed. Airlines can publish and then 'pull', or discontinue sales without warning. Timing is everything!
Buy tickets at the offering airline or at your favorite travel Web site.
Get more of Clark's best travel deals Mondays through Fridays here.
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