Travel iPhone Apps

Christopher Elliott, you're the best!

Here are his personal recommendations for his 5 favorite iPhone apps to use while traveling:

Aroundme — Where’s the nearest hospital? How about a good hotel? If you’ve ever landed in a city and wondered “what’s close by?” then this little app is the perfect traveling companion. It tells you where to find the closest banks, bars, gas stations and movie theaters, thanks to your iPhone’s built-in GPS.

Cheap Gas! — In your search for inexpensive fuel, it’s impractical (not to mention wasteful) to drive through your neighborhood to take a real-time survey. This free app does all the work for you, pinging the site GasBuddy and displaying the cheapest fuel in your area. Want to get there? This app will show you a map, too.
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CheckPlease — If you’ve ever wondered how much to tip your server at a restaurant, this is the app for you. Just type in your total, give it a percentage, and it handles the rest. Perfect for someone like me, who is really bad with numbers. This app even lets you split the bill among several people. There’s a 99 cent version that cuts out the ads and a better display, but for me, the free version works just fine.

FlightTrack — Ever wondered where in the world your flight is? FlightTrack offers a ready answer, allowing you to follow any flight worldwide. You can scan live flight maps that include weather radar, check gate numbers, and search flight schedules up to 11 months in advance. This nifty app even allows you to send an email update with your flight status to a friend or colleague. The basic version of this costs $4.99.

WorldMate — For most business travelers, WorldMate needs no introduction. Its new iPhone app offers a variety of must-have features for any traveler, including a currency converter, flight updates, integration with Google maps, and an online travel planner with the ability to consolidate your itinerary. Some of the more advanced functions require that you plunk down $39.99 for the “gold” app, but if you travel a lot, it’s worth the investment.

http://www.tripso.com/today/5-almost-free-iphone-applications-you-absolutely-must-take-on-your-next-trip/

United Airlines charging travel agents?!!!!!?!!!!!?!!!!!?

Seriously.........
What is this world coming to, when the airline won't allow travel agents to issue a ticket to the client credit card?
I'm not sure if you have read the many many many many many articles on this recent issue, but PLEASE write to your state senator, and make the airlines understand that ultimately it's the CONSUMER that suffers when changes like this are made.

The consumer always loses, when airlines get greedy!

As quoted in USA Today: "Credit card processing costs are escalating at a high rate," says United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski, noting that United's distribution costs, which include credit card fees, totaled $710 million last year. "We're continuing to explore ways in the current economic environment to reduce our costs and run an efficient airline."

Unbelievable.

Please contact your congressman to REJECT this new policy, and make sure that the other airlines won't follow suit.....
Click here to find your United States Senator; click here to find your U.S. Representative.

To read more click on any of these website articles below:

USA Today article

Eye For Travel article

Breaking News 24/7 article

Another USA Today article

United Breaks Guitars Story

Have you heard about the United Breaks Guitars video?

It's super cheesy, and funny, and yet a little sad at the same time!!!

Hopefully the airlines will take this as a lesson on what 'not' to do with their customers baggage!!!
Here is the link to You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Enbcchicago%2Ecom%2Fnews%2Flocal%2FUnited%2DBreaks%2DGuitars%2Da%2DSmash%2DHit%2Don%2DYouTube%2Ehtml%3Fyhp%3D1&feature=player_embedded

Here's the article describing what happened:
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/United-Breaks-Guitars-a-Smash-Hit-on-YouTube.html?yhp=1

Winter Olympics Vancouver 2010

Who doesn't LOVE the Winter Olympics?!?!?
I think Vancouver is a fabulous city to host it in 2010!
Here is a link to the Vancouver website to see the schedule of competition for the Winter Olympics and the Paralympic Winter Games:
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/about_vancouver/2010_olympics/2010_olympics

If you have never visited this part of the country, this is a great time to see it!!

10 Tips for Photographing Vacations

For anyone who knows anything about me, they know that I'm a photo-taking nut!!! It's escalated since I've had children, there just seems to be so many more moments to capture these days!!!!!!!!

Here are ten simple tips to get you on your way to taking better pictures.

Thank you to Kodak Gallery for this list of 10 helpful tips for picture-taking while vacationing.

1.) Do your homework
Look at travel guides, postcards and picture books of the area. Learn where the best photo opportunities are. Remember key events, festivities, and landmarks. You'll be inspired to take better pictures.
Learn the features and operation of your camera. If you're still learning how to use your camera, take the camera manual along — it's good reading on the plane.

2.) Tell a Story
Use pictures to tell the story of your trip, from the time of your departure to your return.
Capture the details. Take pictures of signs, ticket stubs, menus, local maps and more.
Capture the emotions. Take individual pictures of each member of your travel party with their favorite landmarks, rides, eatery or animal.
Carry a small note book to jot down quick details to use later.

3.) Capture the local flavor
Unique subjects make great pictures. Keep an eye out for the unusual and snap a picture when you come upon it.
Interact with the locals. You’ll learn more about their culture and take better pictures while capturing details you may have missed. (Always ask permission).

4.) Create a photo menu
Take pictures of everything you eat, especially the unique and different items. Your memory of how good it tasted may fade, but you'll have pictures. After all, eating new foods is as important a part of travel as seeing new sights.
To create a more dramatic picture, move in close and fill the frame.

5.) Look for themes
Look for common themes in your travels and take lots of pictures. This will help you tell a unique story that is just yours.

6.) Always carry your camera
Your camera won't do you any good sitting in the hotel room. You never know when an opportunity will arise, and for many photos you may not get a second chance.
A point and shoot camera is compact and easy to carry with you, be it a hike through the woods or an evening at the opera.

7.) Have fun
Take candid pictures. Ignore the impulse to force your subjects to pose.
When taking pictures of a group, don’t work too hard to position them. Let them relax and fall into a natural pose.
Blend into the environment while taking pictures to avoid making your subject self-conscious.

8.) Take lots of pictures
Not every picture will be perfect. Taking multiple pictures will give you more to choose from.
When taking pictures of children, wait for the right moment, then shoot lots of pictures quickly.
Look for themes in your travels and capture them often to highlight your story.

9.) Accessorize
Expand your picture-taking capability. Check into an accessory wide-angle or telephoto lens for your camera. It might be just what you need to capture architectural details or the local culture.

10.) Protect your gear
Sand, water, snow, and heat are your camera's worst enemies. When you're not taking pictures, keep your camera and supplies safe in a camera bag or zippered plastic bag.

Disney iPhone Apps

Walt Disney World Apps
Disney World Wait Times provides up-to-the-minute standby and fastpass distribution return times for every attraction and restaurant at Walt Disney World, across all six parks. It also provides real-time social commenting on everything, so you can share your thoughts and experiences (ride closures, great deals at shopping facilities) all over Walt Disney World with the entire community. Last but not least, it provides location and mapping services for restrooms as well as every major stop across the parks.. shopping, attractions, dining… so you can always find what’s “near you” in every major category. Just 99 cents!
WDW Dining Disney provides menus for nearly every restaurant across every park in Walt Disney World. Indispensable for those on a dining plan, as it lists every menu item that is applicable. If you’re hungry for a certain food, you can find it fast with this application. An essential tool at Walt Disney World. 99 cents.
Magic Kingdom Tour Guide will give you the best strategies for having fun at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. (Note that this app provides info for just the Magic Kingdom, not all of Walt Disney World). It will help you find age-appropriate attractions for everyone in your party, including height requirements. $1.99.
Walt Disney World Resort Times Guide - provides park open and close times, parade times, and special event information across all of Walt Disney World. Jump to any date in the near future to see what’s coming, and never hunt for a park pamphlet again. 99 cents.
Disneyland (California) App
Disneyland Resort Times Guide - - provides park open and close times, parade times, and special event information for the two Disneyland Resort parks. Jump to any date in the near future to see what’s coming, and never hunt for a park pamphlet again. 99 cents.

Thank you to Mouse Savers for this article:
http://www.mousesavers.com/iphoneapps.html

7 Ways to Annoy a Flight Attendant

OMG, this article made me laugh out loud!!
Thought I'd share.....

Thank you to Yahoo News for this fun article!
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-28078669;_ylc=X3oDMTF2YWJnM21wBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEX3MDMjcxOTQ4MQRzZWMDZnAtdG9kYXltb2QEc2xrA2Fubm95YXR0ZW5kYW50LTYtMi0wOQ--

7 Ways to Annoy a Flight Attendant
Our anonymous flight attendant has worked for a well-known commercial airline for 12 years. She dishes on what irritates her most in passenger behavior.

1. Bring your pet on the plane and then act like an animal.
Over the years, I've seen a pet on a passenger's lap, a pet tucked into a seatback pocket, and a pet loose in the aisle (I nearly hit one with my beverage cart). All of this is against federal regulations. People tell me how well-behaved their pet is, but they can't follow the rules themselves! Your pet must stay in its carrier while you're on the plane. Yes, even if you've paid a "pet-in-cabin" fee.

2. Shove your bag into the first bin you see and then walk to your seat in the back of the plane.
You think you're clever, I know. You expect to grab your bag on your way out of the plane, but you're selfishly inconveniencing others. I can't lie and say we flight attendants don't take some small satisfaction when we tell you, "We couldn't identify the bag's owner, so we sent it to cargo." It's a security issue, for real. Carry-ons need to stay near their owners! So don't look so shocked when we say, "The signs will direct you to baggage claim. You can pick up your bag there."

3. Think that because you're on an airplane you're off-duty as a parent.
Stop expecting us to have spare diapers, formula, medicine, toys, playing cards, or batteries for DVD players or Game Boys. It's an airplane, not a 7-11. Take your kid to the restroom before you board. Leave the dry cereal and Legos at home and bring snacks and toys for your kids that won't make a horrible mess.

4. Drag on an oversize bag that's too heavy for you to lift by yourself.
I won't be compensated for any injuries I might sustain if I heft your bag into the overhead compartment for you. (And other passengers shouldn't have to step up and take the risk either.) The guideline is simple: You pack it, you stack it. Try this at home as a test (and this is to you ladies, especially): After you've packed your bag, put on the shoes you plan to wear on the plane and see if you can lift your bag and place it on top of your refrigerator. You can't? Pay the fee and check the bag.

5. Gripe that you haven't been seated in a roomy exit-row seat.
The exit rows weren't created as a reward for people who are tall, overweight, or just plain nice. They were designed to help passengers get out of the plane in an emergency. The people seated in an exit row must be able to see and speak clearly, open the emergency door, and help others. I prefer to see uniformed military, firefighters, law-enforcement officers, or off-duty pilots and flight attendants sitting in those seats. While the gate agent may assign exit-row seats first, the flight attendant makes the final determination about who gets to sit in them. And the quality of our choices is one of the frequent concerns of Federal Aviation Administration officials when they audit airlines for safety practices. So please don't complain. I'm just doing my job.

6. Act like you don't know the meaning of the words "under the seat in front of you."
Someday I will be muttering "under the seat in front of you" in the old-age home for flight attendants. What is it that you don't understand? To be clear, items should not be stowed behind your calves, under your feet like a footstool, in the open seat next to you, or in your lap. It's under the seat in front of you. And it applies to everything you carry on board. Items stored carelessly can trip others, or dislodge during takeoff and get lost, or inconvenience others. And while I'm on the topic: Please don't wrap your purse (or umbrella strap) around your ankle to keep from forgetting it. What will happen in an emergency, when every second counts and there's no time to disentangle yourself from your precious bag? Will you drag it ball-and-chain-style down the aisle of a burning plane?

7. Whine about the high price of flying.
When I hear people complain about coach airfares, I know they're not keeping up with the news. Fares have rarely been cheaper. In recent years, it's not uncommon for you to be able to cross the continent for under $130 each way, with a maximum of one layover. It's a bargain! At that price, you're barely paying for the fuel to get your body there—never mind the cost of shipping your 50 pounds of gear. You're already on the gravy plane. People point to first class ticket holders and want to know why they don't get the same treatment. Wake up folks: You're getting a great deal. If you want even more, pay more!

Passports Now Required

Thank you to Travel Leaders for posting this informative article:
http://www.travelleaders.com/suntime/265835

Helpful links:
Here is the link to the U.S. Department of State website, with further info on the WHTI:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Here is the link to more information about the U.S. Passport Card:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

Applying for a NEW passport? Here is the link for these forms: (you do need to apply in person, but can fill out the forms in advance)
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

Welcome JetAmerica to Minneapolis!!!

Although change can some times be hard, we here in the Minneapolis market have seen quite a bit of CHANGE in the past year!!! From Delta gobbling up Northwest, to Southwest FINALLY making an appearance here, to JetAmerica sliding in to corner the less-traveled markets!! Uf-dah, we've had a roller coaster of a year..... But like our Minnesota nice, we welcome the change, and hope for good things in the future!!

Competition is good, keep it coming!!!

Thank you to Yahoo News for this article.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/New-lowcost-airline-targets-apf-15348934.html?.v=5

New low-cost airline targets smaller markets
Low-cost carrier JetAmerica aims to serve smaller markets it believes bigger airlines neglect
Victor Epstein, Associated Press Writer

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- A new low-cost airline will begin serving mid-sized U.S. cities that it thinks larger carriers have left behind.

Clearwater, Fla.-based JetAmerica said 34 nonstop passenger flights a week will start July 13 at Toledo, Ohio; South Bend, Ind.; Melbourne, Fla.; Newark, N.J.; Minneapolis and Lansing, Mich. Twenty-eight flights start or end at Newark Liberty International Airport. The carrier will add six more flights -- from Toledo to Minneapolis -- starting Aug. 14.

JetAmerica is targeting small and midsize cities like Lansing, which has seen the number of daily flights at its Capital Region International Airport fall from 35 to 12 the past five years. The decline is part of a national trend that has seen airfares increase at those airports as daily flights have decreased.

Robert Selig, head of the Capital Region Airport Authority, said JetAmerica will give Lansing business travelers direct access to New York City and carry leisure travelers to central Florida.
"We don't have access to either one right now," Selig said. "So, this is going to fill a major void in our schedule."
Filling that void won't be cheap.

The Lansing, South Bend, Melbourne and Toledo airports are subsidizing JetAmerica with $1.4 million in grants in its first year, along with about $867,000 in waived airport fees and $1.1 million in marketing and advertising assistance.

South Bend, Toledo and Melbourne received their grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development Program, which has awarded $104 million to 223 recipients since 2002 in an effort to restore lost service and bring air fares down.
Newark and Minneapolis, each of which serve more than 20 million passengers a year, are not offering assistance to JetAmerica.

John Weikle, chief executive of JetAmerica, said the subsidies will help insulate the new carrier from spikes in jet fuel prices. Higher fuel prices have contributed to the failures of at least four major airlines since 9/11. Smaller carriers have also been hurt.
Surging fuel prices helped bankrupt ultra-discounter Skybus Inc. last year. Weikle founded that Columbus, Ohio-based airline known for its $10 fares. The bankruptcy cost 450 employees their jobs.

JetAmerica's pricing scheme will share some Skybus characteristics.
Prices will start at $9 a seat and top out at $199. The $9 price will apply to the first nine to 19 seats on each plane. Passengers will pay $15 to check a bag. Food, drinks and in-flight TV will also come at a cost.

The carrier is starting out with one leased Boeing 737-800, expects to add a second in the first month, and have as many as four by July of next year. Weikle's business plans calls for an additional 189-seat jet to be leased every four months.

Each Boeing 737-800 can fly to four cities a day, Weikle said.

Weikle estimated JetAmerica's revenue at more than $50 million in the first year and about $150 million in the second. He compares his business model to that of Wal-Mart Inc., which started out by serving cities of less than 50,000 people because competitors were not interested in them.

JetAmerica plans to serve Melbourne, Fla., with at least six flights a week. Richard Ennis, executive director of Melbourne International Airport, said JetAmerica's planes and nonstop routes persuaded him to support the carrier. Melbourne, a coastal community about 70 miles southeast of Orlando, recorded a 45 percent decline in passenger traffic at its airport from 2000 to 2008.

Ennis said carriers with larger jets like the Boeing 737-800 charge less per seat, which is an advantage enjoyed by Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport.
"It's the only way I can beat them out," Ennis said of the neighboring airports.

Free Things to do in Europe!!!

Thank you to Yahoo News for this fun little article.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20090511/ap_tr_ge/travel_brief_european_freebies;_ylt=AkSJr.JdHnpv_Tkf9LzKeCc8sM0F

10 free things to do in Europe this summer

If you're taking advantage of the relatively strong dollar this year by heading to Europe, you'll be looking for ways to save even more when you get there.

Here is a list of 10 free and fun things to do in Europe, compiled by the European Travel Commission:

_In Madrid, the Palace of Liria, the 18th century residence of the Duchess of Alba at Calle Princesa 20, offers a collection of Spanish art, along with Flemish, German, Dutch, Italian, English and French paintings, with guided tours Fridays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.

_Rome's picturesque Trastevere area on the Tiber's west bank, a charming and colorful neighborhood, hosts a festival the European Travel Commission describes as "Fellini-esque" for eight days in the second half of July, the Festa di Noantri, with a religious procession, food and entertainment.

_In Leipzig, Germany, Porsche gives free factory tours where you can see cars like the Cayenne and the new Panamera assembled on antiseptically clean floors. The tour includes a museum with exhibits covering Porsche history. If you feel like upgrading your free tour, various packages for purchase include lunch and even driving experiences on a track. Details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10vuvnq75/*http://www.porsche-leipzig.de.

_In Paris, the Friday Night Fever — http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10stiam5r/*http://www.pari-roller.com — is a mass group tour by inline skaters of the city at night. Meeting point is Place Raoul Dautry in the 14th Arrondissement, between the Montparnasse office tower and the Paris-Montparnasse train station, at 10 p.m. The route varies every week but always covers roughly 19 miles and returns to the starting point at 1 a.m.

_Visit a sculpture park in Oslo with more than 200 works by Norway's most famous sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. The figures depict people in all stages of life and various emotions; details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10vq60aoe/*http://www.vigeland.museum.no.
_In Lisbon, the Gulbenkian Museum houses a magnificent collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian and European art. Exhibits include Japanese prints, Persian tapestries and European paintings from Rembrandt to Rubens to Renoir.

_Sandeman's New Europe tour company is offering walking tours of nine European cities — including Paris, Madrid, London and Berlin — free of charge except for optional tipping. The latest addition to the list is a three-hour tour of Prague. Details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10um1tvc9/*http://www.sandemans-new.com.

_Zurich is known as an expensive city, but a visit to the Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster) is free and the13th century building includes two modern art treasures: a large stained-glass window done by the artist Alberto Giacometti in the 1940s, along with five stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall in 1970.

_A monument to Frank Zappa, creator of the 1960s band the Mothers of Invention, can be found in Vilnius, Lithuania. Zappa is of Lithuanian descent, and the monument is located in an area known as Uzupis, known for its countercultural leanings, cafes, galleries and other artists' hangouts.

_In Amsterdam, at the Wooden Shoe Factory, you can watch typical Dutch wooden shoes being hand carved and painted while learning the lore behind them, which dates to the 14th century. Details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=112q1a58g/*http://www.woodenshoefactory.com.

Cruise with your favorite Disney Channel stars!! Disney Cruise Line

How much fun would that be to rub elbows with some of the Disney Channel's stars and rising stars?!?!? Contact us to book your Disney Cruise today!!!!!!
Or how about adding a Disney World package on to one of these great cruises!!!!

Disney Channel Summer at Sea Cruises!!

Here's your chance to see and meet sensational stars from big shows and original movies on Disney Channel! More stars are scheduled to appear, so check back soon to find out who!

3-Night Disney Channel Summer At Sea Cruise
Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*
July 9 to 12, 2009—Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 16 to 19, 2009—Jason Earles (Hannah Montana)
July 23 to 26, 2009—Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
July 30 to August 2, 2009—Debby Ryan (The Suite Life on Deck)

4-Night Disney Channel Summer At Sea Cruise
Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*
July 12 to 16, 2009—Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 19 to 23, 2009—Musical Act Mitchel Musso and Jason Earles (Hannah Montana)
July 26 to 30, 2009—Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
August 2 to 6, 2009—Alyson Stoner (Camp Rock)

*Schedule and talent subject to change without notice. Not all stars available for each sailing.

Call us to help you book one of these great cruises!!!

Swine Flu, just the facts

The Facts:
-- According to Mexico’s Health Minister, José Angel Córdova, of the 159 deaths reported during the flu outbreak in the country, only 16 were confirmed to be associated with the swine flu.
.......... Only 10% of the number originally stated by the media
.......... Population of Mexico City: 26.7 million people
.......... Relative percentage of people infected in Mexico City: 5 ten millionths of one percent
.......... The United States reports 38,000 deaths per year to the regular flu

-- According to Quintana Roo State Secretary of Tourism, no fatal cases of influenza have been reported in the main tourism destinations: Cancún, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Huatulco
-- The BBC has reported the influenza is in decline, according to Mexican Health Minister, Jose Cordova.
-- CNN reports, the health alert drop in Mexico City is a sign that Mexico City is successfully overcoming the influenza and the preventative actions taken are producing positive results, states Mexico City Mayor, Marcelo Ebrad.
-- The World Health Organization is NOT recommending travel restrictions. Scientific research indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease, according to the WHO.
-- CNN’s travel expert, Peter Greenberg states the H1N1 reporting has been blown out of proportion and has created an unnecessary ‘abundance of fear’. Watch the interview here.

Listen to what guests currently in Mexico are saying:
“If you watch the national media, you are misinformed.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsCL-WAdLSo

“If you're thinking about coming to Mexico, the rates are down, the airfare is cheap, so get down here before the rest of the country finds out.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sAw9ud5ZDs

Continental, Northwest, Delta Merger (mileage)

I was just reading this timeline……….wasn’t sure if you all were aware
I thought that October 2009 was an interesting one……CO will no longer be a partner with NW and DL, so you won’t get miles from CO on your World Perks……..

Here is the web link: http://www.delta.com/skymiles/about_skymiles/sm_wp_integration_program/index.jsp

SkyMiles/WorldPerks Integration Timeline
We're working to align the Delta SkyMiles and Northwest® WorldPerks programs to create the world's largest and best airline loyalty program—and there's a lot going on.
Check out the timeline below for the latest news and an overview of what's happening in 2009.
And remember that your base miles, elite qualification miles, membership status, lifetime mileage, and lounge memberships are safe and will be honored.The timeline will be regularly updated with the latest program news so check back often.
October 2008
Delta and Northwest merger approved.

November 2008
Delta & Northwest Elite Upgrade Reciprocity began. Delta announced expanded alliance partnership with Alaska Airlines.

December 2008
American Express named as the exclusive co-brand credit card issuer. American Express will continue to be the co-brand credit card partner for the current and integrated SkyMiles program.

January 2009
WorldPerks & SkyMiles Program alignment begins.
·Continental Airlines® announced it's leaving SkyTeam® alliance in October 2009. SkyMiles and WorldPerks members can continue to redeem miles for Continental Award Tickets until further notice.
·SkyMiles members can earn Medallion status via segment qualification.
WorldPerks program changes include:
·Award fee alignment to Delta and competitive industry levels.
·Saturday night stay requirement removed from Award Tickets.
·WorldPerks Platinum Elite members receive six systemwide upgrades.
·WorldPerks members may now book Award Travel on Northwest operated flights at low, medium, and high mileage Awards in Economy Class.
Interesting fact: Delta has offered Platinum Medallion upgrade certificates since 1997 and Northwest has had a Saturday night stay requirement for Award Tickets since 1999.

February 2009
Account linking and mileage transfer launched.
WorldPerks and SkyMiles members can link and transfer miles between WorldPerks and SkyMiles accounts; link accounts before April 15, 2009 and earn 500 bonus miles.
Interesting fact: So far more than 350,000 accounts have been linked. We encourage all others to link accounts today.

March 2009
Continued alignment of Delta and Northwest program benefits, including details of mileage upgrade reciprocity for all members and systemwide upgrade reciprocity for Platinum Elites/Platinum Medallions.
Effective March 1, 2009:
· WorldPerks Platinum Elites and SkyMiles Platinum Medallions receive two reissue and redeposit fee waivers and pay $50 for every other instance.
· Similar to SkyMiles members, WorldPerks members now earn an incremental 50 percent mileage bonus when booked in Y, B and M coach fare classes.
· SkyMiles program removes Saturday night stay requirement for booking Northwest Award Tickets.

April 2009
Communicate new benefits to Delta SkyMiles Credit Cardmembers in the United States.
For Gold and Platinum Delta SkyMiles and Delta Reserve Credit Cardmembers:
·Use Pay with Miles on Northwest operated flights.
·If you redeem a companion certificate over the phone your $20 direct ticketing fee is waived, effective March 26, 2009.
·Companion certificates issued after April 20th, 2009 can be redeemed online.
For the Platinum Delta SkyMiles and Delta Reserve Credit Cardmembers:
·If you redeem an Award Ticket less than 21 days prior to departure your award ticket redemption fees are waived.
·If you redeem an Award Ticket on a partner airline your partner airline award handling fees are waived. For SkyMiles Platinum Medallions, unlimited partner airline Award handling fee waiver.
Interesting fact: WorldPerks and SkyMiles members will be able to use Platinum systemwide upgrade certificates or book mileage-based upgrades on both Delta and Northwest flights to six continents.

May 2009
Begin communicating detailed information regarding the integration of WorldPerks into the SkyMiles program and the additional alignment of program benefits.
New benefits coming this month:
·WorldPerks and SkyMiles members’ ability to redeem mileage upgrades on both Delta and Northwest operated flights.
·WorldPerks Platinum Elites and SkyMiles Platinum Medallions’ ability to redeem systemwide upgrade certificates on both Delta and Northwest operated flights.
·The ability for SkyMiles members to book low, medium, and high mileage Awards on Northwest operated flights and the expansion of the new three-tiered Award structure to Northwest premium cabins.
Interesting Fact: In 2008 Delta issued more than 3 million Award Tickets, and 500,000 of these Award Tickets were flown on dates when other airlines blacked-out award travel.

June 2009
Launch ability for WorldPerks members to book Award Tickets on Delta operated flights at all low, mid, and high mileage Awards in Premium Class.

July 2009
Communicate launch date for when SkyMiles Gold and Platinum Medallion members will be eligible for Complimentary Medallion Upgrades on Award Tickets.

August 2009
Announce the 2010 SkyMiles Medallion/Elite program details and tentative launch date of a new domestic SkyMiles co-branded debit card.
In addition to the existing 2009 Medallion/Elite Program benefits, the 2010 SkyMiles Medallion/Elite Program will have four elite levels

September 2009
Communicate final and complete details regarding the integration of the WorldPerks program into the SkyMiles program.

October 2009
Continental Airlines leaves SkyTeam Alliance and no longer offers our SkyMiles and WorldPerks members the ability to earn or redeem miles on Continental flights.

November 2009
Program integration enters the final stage.

December 2009
WorldPerks members transition into the SkyMiles program.
·All 2009 WorldPerks Elite Qualifying Miles, Elite Qualifying Segments, and mileage balances will be transferred from WorldPerks accounts to their linked SkyMiles accounts to ensure proper status for 2010.
·WorldPerks members who do not have a SkyMiles account will receive a new SkyMiles number, and all WorldPerks EQMs and mileage balances will be transferred to their new SkyMiles accounts.
Interesting fact: The SkyMiles program will include more than 74 million members once WorldPerks members become part of the SkyMiles program.

January 1, 2010
Launch of the new 2010 SkyMiles Medallion program.

January & February 2010
Mail new SkyMiles Medallion credential kits.
Non-Medallion members will receive a SkyMiles membership card upon completion of their first Delta activity.

Cruise Terms Test Your Skills!!!

Match Game
How knowledgeable are you on cruise terms?

Match the defination to the word:

1. Basis two

2. Cross-selling
3. Alumni rate
4. GRT
5. Berth
6. Lido deck
7. Port
8. Draft
9. Space ratio
10. Magrodome
11. Quarter deck
12. POE
13. Tender

14. Starboard
15. Bow

.

A. Small boat that ferries passengers

B. Figure determined by dividing GRT by passenger capacity

C. Pool deck area with informal, buffet-like dining

D. Glass skylight that slides to cover pool area

E. Facing forward, the left side of the ship

F. Discounted rate given to those who have sailed a line before

G. The front of the ship

H. Offering client something in addition to the cruise, but related

I. Bed in a ship, also can refer to the docking space of a ship

J. Pricing per person, based in two passengers sharing

K. Depth of water a ship draws

L. Facing forward, the right side of the ship

M. Stern or rear part of upper deck reserved for ship's officers

N. Point of embarkation

O. Gross registered tonnage;determines volume of public spaces

Chicago Exhibit Welcomes Potter Fans to Hogwarts

Harry Potter has captured the attention of many readers young and old, and with the series of movies, the fan base just keeps growing for generations.

Thank you to USAToday for this great article:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-04-28-potter-exhibition_N.htm

By Judy Keen, USA TODAY

CHICAGO — Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is finally admitting Muggles.

Muggles — non-magical humans — are never seen at the mythic school where Harry Potter learns spells, potions and defense against the dark arts, but they're welcome at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, where more than 200 props and costumes from the blockbuster movies re-create Hogwarts in an exhibition that opens Thursday.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition takes visitors from the Hogwarts Express train platform through the Gryffindor common room, classrooms, the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid's hut. The tour is populated with creatures from the seven novels by J.K. Rowling and six Potter movies: life-sized centaurs, Buckbeak the hippogriff, dementors, thestrals and Dobby the house elf. Along the way are vignettes featuring dozens of elaborate costumes and icons of the Potter universe, including Harry's magic wand and round glasses.

Read More....
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-04-28-potter-exhibition_N.htm

Swine Flu --Perspective people.....perspective!

OK, we've all been overexposed to the media these past couple weeks, with all the constant -in your face- approaches to the swine flu. What, in reality, IS the impact that this is having?
I don't believe that the flu is what is spreading like wildfire, it's the media! It's once again being blown so far out of proportion, that some people actually are afraid to leave their homes! Yipes!

I just received this communication from GOGO, and I am finding it extremely informative, so hopefully this will help put some things into perspective.
-----------
Hi everyone- First and foremost, thank you for all of your support and hard work over the last few days – I know it has been very challenging. As always, the Mexico team’s goal is to provide you with honest, forthright information that you case share with your clients, both agents and end consumers. Here is the low down on our own experience, as well as the facts released from both the U.S. and Mexican Government. I am part of a task force on this issue, and I hope you will find this information useful – if there are other questions please let me know. Our goal is to provide as many facts as possible and have you come to your own conclusions.

WHAT IS SWINE FLU?
Swine flu is influenza, and as such people should take the typical precautions that they would with any other illness: Wash hands often, cover your mouth while coughing and stay home if you are sick. This having been said, the impact of the swine flu illness has been considerably smaller than the media has led us to believe. Read on……

RELATIVE PARAMETERS:
A) - Population of Mexico City – 26.7 million people. Deaths confirmed to be swine flu – 16 (see below)** Relative percentage 5 ten millionths of one percent

- Population of the United States 306 million people. Annual deaths associated to the flu 38,000. Relative percentage – 6 one millionths of one percent.

- Population of Asia 3.8 million people. Deaths associated to SARS -700 Relative percentage: 2 ten thousandths of one percent

B). Part of a press release from the Health Minister of Mexico which contains information of great importance:
“Mexico’s Health Minister, José Angel Córdova, **informed that of the 159 deaths occurred during the flu outbreak in the country, 85 remain as suspicious, 16 have been confirmed and in 58 there was no relation to the new virus.** In the case of the 16 deaths confirmed with swine flu, 11 were in México City, 3 in the State of México, one in Oaxaca and one in Tlaxcala.” The end result? Only 16 of the deaths have been 100% associated to swine flu – that is 10% of the number originally stated by the media.

C). No Confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported in any of the resort areas we work with. The Mexican Government is researching the information regarding the students that allegedly got swine flu in Cancun to research if it was indeed swine flu or the regular flu. No cases have been reported in the state of Quintana Roo at all – Cancun, Rivera Maya, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Please see attached letter from the State Government.


PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TAKEN IN MEXICO CITY: as you have seen in the media, there has been distribution of face masks, a reduction in public gatherings, mall closures and cancellation of some public events, such as soccer matches. These were PREVENTATIVE measures, not reactions to an increase in the number of people getting sick. The media had a field day focusing on this - The Mexican government made some tough decisions in order to take the responsibility of curbing this illness as fast as possible. Know what people in Mexico City are saying today? They are dying of boredom because there is nothing to do! ( CBS Sunday Morning 5/3/09)

MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
Myself and 7 other people from HQ were down in Acapulco for a Trade Event from April 23 - 29th. Acapulco is a 3 hour drive from Mexico City. We did not see any sick persons or an escalation in health activity or impact of the flu in the area were we were - convention center, main roadways, restaurants etc. We were around 3,000 other participants in the trade show, many of them from Mexico City.

Am I discounting the swine flu? Absolutely not – I flew home on Wednesday and had a doctor's appointment set for Thursday morning. Which they promptly called to cancel! When I explained where I had been for a week and that there were 3,000 people in attendance, I was told that I could come to in speak to a doctor, but without exhibiting a fever or other systems, they would not give me a blood test, swab test or prescription for Tamiflu. I went to the doctor, who showed me the US State Department Guidelines, for giving flu tests or prescriptions, and they were pretty detailed. End result? The government instituted guidelines because people were “overreacting” to the information provided from the media, creating an “infodemic” and medical offices could no longer handle the volume……… P.S. Myself and the others are fine – other than having been a little stressed out! J

From the Palm Beach Post - PLEASE NOTE THIS IMPORTANT DEFINITION – the World Health Organization (WHO) uses the term pandemic (and its number scale) to refer only to geographic spread and not to the severity of cases an illness. The two most recent pandemics — in 1957 and 1968 — were relatively mild. When we went for a number 4 to a number 5, it was based on the number of countries it had spread to, not that the number of case had doubled or tripled.

5. THE END RESULT OF AN INFODEMIC: from a recent Travel Weekly Mexico E letter L
“ Although the scope and severity of the swine flu outbreak is still unclear, recent worldwide health scares have dealt a severe blow to tourism in affected countries. For example, during the 2002-2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in parts of Asia, travel to the region plunged. SARS, which killed more than 700 people and sickened hundreds more, was blamed for a 20% reduction in air traffic to the region. Fearing the spread of SARS, some countries in Asia closed their borders to visitors from mainland China and Hong Kong, while others instituted strict health screenings at airports and border crossings.”

The impact on our Mexico business? More than 32,000 room nights and $6.1 M in cancelled or rebooked land sales, the majority for travel in May.

OUR RESPONSE – for the next 3 weeks we will gather additional information, and continue to communicate what we find. Then we will make some strategic decisions on how to begin promoting the Mexico product again. We are getting ready for a comeback!

As always, in traveling anywhere – even at home in the USA, exercise appropriate care where you are – and enjoy the destination and take back happy memories with you. Thank you and looking forward to your future support!
Colette Baruth Vice President of Product - Mexico & Latin America LibGo Travel, A Division of Flight Centre USA Inc

What if the world starts thinking like airlines....??

OK, this is an oldie but a goodie.......

Thank you to tripso for posting this again. I have read this one, and a couple other that are similar, but it always makes me giggle.

Hope this brightens you day too!!!

The following scenario may sound far-fetched when applied to buying a pair of shoes. But substitute the word airline, and …

Customer: “I’d like to buy a pair of the “Supercool Superfast” running shoes you have advertised for $39.99, size 8 medium.”

Clerk: “Certainly ma’am, that will be $159.99.”

Customer: “Wait a minute,the advertised price said $39.99.”

Clerk: “Yes, but that’s per shoe.”

Customer: “That’s still only about half of what you are charging me.”

Clerk: “Yes, but that doesn’t include the fuel costs involved to get the shoes to our store. And of course sales tax, a fee to cover our store security, and local taxes from China where the shoes were made. Plus there’s a couple others, I don’t remember them exactly.”

Customer: “That doesn’t really seem right.”

Clerk: “And that final price does include a surcharge for my personal assistance. We do have to charge a little more when you don’t order online.”

Customer: “So I could have gotten a better price without actually coming to the store?”

Clerk: “Yes, if you could have figured out our Web site, I have been told it’s a little confusing. And then there would have been a restocking fee if you didn’t like the shoes.”

Customer: “So there really were no shoes available at the advertised price?”

Clerk: “No, the ad is correct. But actually, it’s all explained in the fine print. You know the price would have been cheaper if you came in Tuesday or Wednesday night. And the least expensive price is only available for size 5 narrow. Most sizes are more. Just be glad you don’t need one of our premium sizes.”

Customer: “Well, I need the shoes, and they are supposed to be great. So fine, I’ll take them.”

Clerk: “Great, and would you like laces for an additional $20?”

Swine Flu Updates

Looking for the most comprehensive updates?
Here it is.........more information than you could possibly want, from twitter messaging to Centers for Disease Control to World Health Organization alerts, and more.....

Drumroll please..........
Here it is:
http://www.netvibes.com/btc#Flu

We're all trying to stay updated, and this is a great resource.

Swine Flu and Travel, Everyone's Talking!!!

Thank you to Yahoo News for this article: (please read it!)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20090427/ap_tr_ge/us_travel_brief_swine_flu_airlines;_ylt=Ag42NS.ZdLz5koQcgDUbHtQ8sM0F

As of right now, the airlines have not cancelled any flights due to the Swine Flu.
Many are offering a waiver to make changes, but most are to change your ticket by a week or two at most.....

(Yahoo News) U.S. health officials declared a public health emergency Sunday, saying 20 swine flu cases have been reported so far in New York, Ohio, Kansas, Texas and California, primarily linked to recent travel to Mexico. Canada became the third country to confirm human cases of swine flu Sunday and multiple nations including New Zealand and Spain also suspect infection. Some are moving to quarantine travelers from affected regions and advising their citizens to postpone travel to certain areas in Mexico.
U.S. officials said they will begin asking travelers about illness if they're entering the country from regions with confirmed swine flu.

As of right now, Northwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Continental Airlines are all offering some form of waiver. Each are a little different, and none are a full refund that I've seen.....

Happy Vacations

Not-So-Happy--Happy Vacations.......

As some of you may have heard, Happy Vacations is re-organizing........
http://www.happyvacations.com/

If you currently have a trip booked with Happy Vacations, and are looking to re-book onto another similar trip, please CONTACT US!!! We'd be more than happy to assist you! We have many tour providers that we work with that have been graciously offering exclusive discounts for us to help you out.......

We will need your current reservation information to submit, and then we can assist further.

Here is what the Happy Vacations website currently says:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2009
Happy Vacations to Reorganize
Several weeks ago Happy Vacations secured limited financing as an interim step towards a recapitalization. The company has been in discussions with a number of interested parties to add more capital and to potentially buy all or part of the company. Those discussions continue. Happy Vacations, however, has yet to obtain the needed funds and has no choice, at least in the interim, to cease current operations.
“The company has some viable components that are less affected by these very difficult economic times, and we will build on these to emerge from reorganization as a stronger company.”
“After 40 years in the business we at Happy Vacations are heart-broken about the turn of events and our difficult decision to disrupt our current operations. We truly appreciate the support and concern from our Travel Agency and vendor partners. We apologize for any disruption, inconvenience or losses.” said David Marshall, President, Happy Vacations.
Happy is working with other travel providers to protect as many travelers as possible and will distribute this information throughout the week. Travel Agents are advised to take immediate action to ensure that your clients’ trips are not disrupted.
Check this site for future developments.

Twitter's the word...Twitter...tweet tweet!!!

Here are some of my fav's

Travel Leaders (of course!!): http://twitter.com/travelleaders

Andrew Zimmern (love this guy!!): http://twitter.com/bizarrefoods

I'm a huge Disney fan (this twitter site is un-official, but I like it): http://twitter.com/TheDisneyBlog

Another great site with great YouTube links, thank you to The Disney Blog: http://thedisneyblog.com/2008/06/26/disney-parks-slowly-moves-onto-twitter/

Barbados: http://twitter.com/BarbadosTravel

Do you have a favorite that you'd like to share with me? Please drop me a line!!!

Princess Cruise Lines Twitter

Do you Twitter?????

This term is unheard of for some, and old hat for others....but if you don't "Twitter", maybe this would be a fun way to start twittering.....

Here is the webpage to follow: http://www.princess.com/goldendrydock/

Here is the TWITTER page to follow: http://twitter.com/PrincessCruises

There will be a daily photo progress report and other fun tweets. Check it out!!!!!!

Prevent your Frequent Flyer Miles from Expiration!!!

Thank you to Money Blue Book, for posting this great article:

This post dates back to October 2007. I'm sure there are updates to these programs, but here are some great tips to keep your account active....

I used to fly a lot and racked up a lot of frequent flyer miles over the years, but now I have to be extra careful. Airline travelers who don’t use their frequent flyer miles…well, frequently, may soon discover that their miles have expired. It is a growing trend, but airlines have shortened the time period that an account can remain inactive before miles expire. In most cases that time period ranges between 1 to 2 years.

Here Are the Expiration Policies For Some of the Biggest Airlines(current Oct 2007):
AirTran: Points in A+ Rewards expire after 12 months.
American Airlines: AAdvantage® miles expire after 36 months of inactivity.
Continental Airlines: OnePass miles do not expire. There is a written policy that says they do, but the airline does not enforce the policy.
Delta Airlines: Delta SkyMiles expire after 2 years of inactivity.
JetBlue: TrueBlue points expire one full year from the date that they are earned.
Northwest Airlines: Northwest WorldPerks miles expire if none are earned for 3 calendar years.
Southwest Airlines: Rapid Rewards points expire after 2 years.
United Airlines: Mileage Plus miles expire after 36 months of inactivity. Starting December 31, 2007, miles will expire after 18 months of inactivity.
U.S. Airways: Dividend Miles expire after 18 months of inactivity.

How You Can Easily Prevent Mileage Expiration
The way to prevent your miles from lapsing due to inactivity is to simply generate miles-earning activity for each airline that you have an account with. Other using than using a specialized miles-generating credit card rewards like the Starwood Preferred, another relatively easy way is by making a purchase at the airline’s own shopping portal, where you earn miles for each purchase. This will allow you to earn a few miles, enough to reset the inactivity clock. Most of the popular stores such as iTunes, Best Buy, and Circuit City can be found at each airline’s shopping website.

Links to the Major Airlines’ Shopping Websites:
American Airlines: AAdvantage® eShopping
Continental Airlines: ShopOnePass
Delta Airlines: Delta SkyMile Shopping
Northwest Airlines: WorldPerks Mall
United Airlines: Mileage Plus Mall
U.S. Airways: Dividend Miles Shopping Mall

Make Sure Your Purchases Count To Reset the Account Activity Clock
--- To ensure that you receive mileage credit for the purchase made through the airline’s shopping portal, make sure your shopping cart is empty before doing the click through. For example, don’t visit Best Buy, add something to your cart and then revisit Best Buy by clicking through the airline’s shopping portal website. You may not receive mileage credit for the items already in your cart. Visit the store through the airline’s website first before making purchases to receive proper mileage credit.
--- There is no minimum mileage you need to earn to reset the inactivity clock. If you can make a quick purchase for a $1 item that allows you to accrue a few miles towards your frequent flyer plan, that is sufficient to reset and prevent expiration.
--- One way to track your miles and monitor your most recent activity in each of your frequent flyer accounts is by using USA Today’s downloadable MileTracker application.

Too Small Cruise Cabins?

How small is TOO small?????

I read this great article on USA Today, and thought it would be an interesting post....

Today's debate: How small is too small for a cruise ship cabin?

Norwegian Cruise Line created quite a stir this week with the announcement that it's next ship, the Norwegian Epic, would have some interior cabins that take up just 100 square feet.
Just how small is 100 square feet? Consider that even some of the balconies on existing NCL ships are bigger. And even the smallest cabins on most other mass-market cruises ships have at least 35% to 50% more space.
NCL's new budget acommodations, dubbed The Studios, will be clustered around a communal living area on the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic called the Living Room, giving passengers who book the cabins a bit more room to spread out. Still, it's going to be a tight squeeze.

NCL executives say the maximum-two-person Studios, which the line is designing with a stylish, modern vibe, are aimed at a younger crowd looking for a fun, low-cost way to cruise. There will be 128 of the cabins in all.

Cruise Loggers, what do you think about the idea of super-small cabins for the budget traveler? With the economy tumbling and consumers looking for ways to save on travel, is this a concept that comes at the perfect time? Or is 100 square feet -- the equivalent of a 10 foot by 10 foot space -- just too small to work for a cruiser no matter how low the price?

Tell me your opinion!!!

What is really happening in Mexico? The REAL Story...

Thank you to Gogo WorldWide Vacations for this great info! Dated 3-24-09

We wanted to provide a full overview with respect to the recent update to the US state department alert regarding travel to Mexico There is a ton of misinformation out there, and it is very important that we work to educate you on what the real deal is. GOGO has been working with the Federal and local government to create tools that will help you to provide up- to-date, truthful information to respond to questions you may be receiving.

1. The State Department Alert is NOT NEW. It is only an update to an alert that was published over 12 months ago, and is simply to educate consumers on issues they should be informed on. The State Department has travel alerts published regarding travel to hundreds of countries in any given moment, and they can all be found on the State department website.
· “The US government issued an update to an existing Travel Alert. It has NOT issued a Travel Warning. The difference is significant and as Leslie Bassett, Business Representative of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico “…the alert does not intend in any way to discard Mexico as a tourist destination...”

2. What is the short answer on "What is happening in Mexico? "
NOTHING in the destinations we sell. Basically, the issue is associated to drug cartels and the extra pressure being placed on them by Mexican President Calderon. The areas that are affected are cities on the U.S./Mexico border, as that is the point of entry for drugs coming into the U.S. – these border towns include Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, and Nuevo Laredo. None of the issues are regarding the resort areas, which are safe and sound as you will see from information supplied further on in this email. The areas in questions are not resort areas, we don’t sell any product there, and they are literally THOUSANDS of miles away from the areas we do sell.

See the map below:


3. Want to see feedback from spokespersons in the industry? Here is a great article written by Pauline Frommer..... http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=878358

4. A different perspective - Feedback on Bill O’Reilly’s recent commentary on TV: http://www.latinbusinesschronicle.com/app/article.aspx?id=3189

5. Want to see real time, real customer feedback? We have consumer testimonials from customers that were interviewed in various resort destinations LAST WEEK!

CLICK HERE!!!

6. For additional information and to keep updated, please go to http://www.mexico-update.com/ . There is a further enhanced map to the one above, where it shows mileage distances between all resort destinations. Just move your mouse over the map and the information will pop up. There is also information on anything being seen in the news, and the website is updated daily. Perfectly fine to send out to customers as well.

7. Your help is needed! The concern regarding travel to Mexico has been increased by the amount of misinformation that is out there. Please help spread the word on what is really happening and forward this information to anyone who has questions. We need to ensure that correct information is out there.

THIS IS HOW VISITORS ARE ENJOYING CANCUN TODAY.

Testimonial 3 (US Consul in Merida and US Visitors) URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_tPnygd-Ts

Testimonial 7 (US Consul in Merida: difference between Travel Warning and Travel Alert)URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldpeNlfrZak

Testimonial 1 (US visitor)URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_gJY5sbr88

Testimonial 2 (US visitors: couple) URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV0gxBQ0V1g

Testimonial 8 (US meeting planner)URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_baXLzdEaBM

From the Puerto Vallarta CVB: "We want to share with you the Testimonial Video of the Spring Breakers in Puerto Vallarta filmed this week"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=398XtV2O4WM

Travelers in Playa del Carmen:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJNDzaV0CzQ&feature=channel_page

https://webmail.libgotravel.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.whatisreallyhappeninginmexico.com/ -Various testimonials from all different Mexico Destiations of visitors there this week and last week.