May|03|2009
Biden Stirs Hornets Nest With Travel Comments
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Americas, Announcements, Health, News, People, Transport, United States, Warnings
A lot of people are on the edge these days. It’s not only due to the economic problems, but also other issues that crop up on a regular basis. The swine flu, for example; we know that this kind of occurrence will definitely affect the travel industry. This is even truer when people in authority release statements.
This is what VP Joe Biden did last week when he appeared on NBC’s Today Show. What might have been a personal opinion (I didn’t see the interview so I don’t know if he actually encouraged the nation to do as he said) has ruffled a lot of feathers. CBS News reports:
Transportation officials around the country found themselves scrambling this week to reassure worried commuters in the wake of Biden’s controversial comments Thursday on NBC’s “Today Show” that he …
Feb|26|2009
Travel Rates Go Down with the Economy
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Backpacking & Budget, Cruises, Hotels, Resorts, Tips, Transport
With the economic crisis pulling everyone’s mood down, travelers at least have something to smile about – travel costs. The travel/tourism industry is feeling the effects of the crisis since vacations and other non-essentials are of course one of the first things cut off from ordinary people’s budget when things get tight. In response to the drop in both local and international travel almost all businesses relying on tourists are giving promos and specials to encourage people to still go ahead with their plans. So before you cancel the family trip or romantic getaway you’ve been saving up for so long check the current rates because even with a smaller budget you might actually get a better bargain.
Sure shot travel options with lower rates include:
Cruises – Whether headed out to the Carribean, going on a European cruise, or want to visit South America …
Dec|28|2008
Travel Opportunities In Troubled Times
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Backpacking & Budget, Tips
It is common knowledge that when economic troubles hit, travel and entertainment become one of the least of priorities. However, this does not mean that the opportunities are not there. In fact, a lot of opportunities have opened up because of the recession – official or otherwise.
I came across a new term today – “recession marketing” – in an article at The Star:
“Recession marketing” has hit the travel industry, with everyone from hotels to cruise lines jumping on the bandwagon. First up: Holland America Line and its Vacation Stimulus Plan, offering discounted fares, reduced deposits and insurance rate breaks.
“Our message is to buy low and live high,” says HAL executive Richard D. Meadows. Cruise fare values are available on HAL sailings worldwide, with prices starting at $499 (U.S.) for seven-day Alaska sailings, $549 for seven-day Caribbean sailings …
Dec|21|2008
Bad Weather: Blessing In Disguise?
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips, Trends
If you are located in areas where the weather has been uncooperative or you are planning on traveling to these areas, you are probably cursing the weather as you read. Then again, have you heard that there is something good coming out of all these problems? Apparently, airlines are “relaxing” their fees in face of the bad weather. AP has this story:
Airlines are allowing customers affected by winter weather in parts of the Midwest and Northeast to change their travel schedule without being charged a fee.
It’s a common practice when there are big storms.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines Inc., Tempe, Ariz.-based US Airways Group Inc. and discount carrier AirTran Airways, a unit of Orlando, Fla.-based AirTran Holdings Inc., have issued statements in recent days making the offer to customers.
The offers are restricted to several cities …
Oct|04|2008
Rocking The Daisies
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Around The World, Backpacking & Budget, Festivals
First off, I’d like to apologize for posting this a little bit late – as I write, the festival is well under way. Still, there is one more day to go and if you have the means to do so, you might want to go and experience Rocking the Daisies. I got wind of the event from Backpackers.com:
Rocking the Daisies is an eco-friendly music and lifestyle festival taking place in Darling, a small town in the be-flowered Cape West Coast area.
Spring time in the Cape is a sight to see… The spectacular displays of the Western Cape’s floral kingdom are quite something to behold.
Not only does this relatively new (but very popular) festival offer some of the very best local talent, as well as an international guest star, Eagle Eye Cherry, it’s also one of the …
Oct|02|2008
Care To Go To The Spa?
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Spa
So what is so special about going to the spa? You can find a good one in most every corner in any city nowadays, after all. There are even home spa services which can provide you with the relaxation that you need in the comforts of your home at different times of the day. But have you ever heard of going to the spa while you are tens of thousands of feet up in the air?
With the new Airbus 380, this is quite possible – and indeed, it is becoming a reality. If you remember, Airbus, the other big name in the aircraft industry, has been working on the Airbus 380 for many years now. They have, in fact, encountered numerous delays in the release of the first plane, much to the dismay of …
Sep|22|2008
Why You Should Travel In Winter Continued
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips
Not yet convinced that traveling this coming winter is a good idea? I don’t blame you. What with all that is going on, it can be hard to keep a positive outlook. Then again, I will still try to convince you that, more than being good for you, going on a trip this winter can be easier on the pocket than you might think.
Believe it or not, you might be in for a better flying experience. We all hate airports and the delays we associate with them, not to mention the people that come in droves. Then again, according to surveys, more and more people will be opting NOT to travel during the holidays and in the ensuing months. If I were you, I would take advantage of this fact. Contrary to other …
Sep|20|2008
Why You Should Travel In Winter
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Carribbean, Tips, Trends, United States
Practically every travel site will tell you NOT to travel during the holiday period, especially in winter during Christmas. It is common sense, really. This is considered peak season and most everywhere you go, peak season means two things:
-everyone else is traveling
-all the prices go up.
So why am I suddenly proposing that you travel this winter? Am I going nuts? Not really. I recently read an article by Christopher Elliot and I find myself agreeing with some of what he talked about.
First, for those in the United States, things are bound to get better once the elections are over with. I believe that I am not being over optimistic about things. It is just that Americans – and the world, perhaps – have had it with the current administration. The goal of …
Aug|04|2008
Pensacola Naval Air Museum
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Cities, Destinations, Education, Family, Historical
I know a lot of people who hate airplanes because they are (maybe secretly) scared of the idea of being locked up in a “death tube.” Then again, there are more people who avoid airplanes (and prefer other modes of transportation) these days for a totally different reason – increasing airfares and additional charges. But of course, there are those people who are quite fascinated with these flying contraptions.
If you are one of them, then you might want to visit the Pensacola Naval Air Museum where rare airplanes which have been restored are on display. I think that this is going to be a big treat for airplane enthusiasts as they feature some planes which have changed the course of history.
MSN Travel writes:
Located at Pensacola Naval Air Station, the museum has:
- A seven-story atrium that …
Jul|24|2008
Traveling With Your Pet (Part 2)
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips

In the last post, we took a look at some things that you should consider if you are going to travel with your pet. Here are some more tips to help your trip more comfortable for everyone involved.
Don’t forget a tag or collar.
This should be the first thing that you do for your pet once you are sure that you will be taking him or her on your trip. Though you may have a carrier for your pet and you have no plans of letting him or her out, you never know what might happen. In case your pet gets out or gets lost somehow, having an identification tag or collar will make it easier for you to retrieve him or her.
Avoid connecting flights.
If you are flying to a far destination, you might have to get connecting …




