green living, smart spending
In the spirit of the holiday season, it’s time to acknowledge airlines and hotels for how they support the underprivileged and give back to the community. American Airlines brought more than 1,300 children and spouses of fallen military personnel to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area on December 9th, four four days of all-expense-paid holiday activities, including
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Airlines, hotels and tourism boards are giving away free vacations. Some current travel contests, sweepstakes and promotions often involve little more than signing up to the company’s Facebook page. Now that I have your attention — Grand Velas Riviera Maya — the prize is a two night all-inclusive vacation for two adults and two children
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On Veterans Day 2010, let’s salute our active and retired U.S. military personnel. Let’s also salute the travel industry for the ways it supports American soldiers, sailors and Marines in 2010. The travel industry gets lots of headlines for cruise ships that have to be towed into port, delayed flights and lost baggage. Today, I’m
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Leave those scarves and mittens at home. Escape the winter by heading south. Despite the upcoming holidays, the Caribbean is on sale right now, with fourth night free and other travel discounts. Here are some Tuesday Travel bargains for family travel or romantic getaways without the kids: Curacao — Book before January 8, 2011 and
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It’s already snowing in the Rockies. The upcoming ski and snowboard season begins officially by Thanksgiving in most resorts, and as usual, the best deals are early in the season. To celebrate the start of winter, many towns and resorts in Colorado are offering budget deals for early season lodging and activity packages, with prices
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Mad as hell about all those add-on airline fees? Baggage fees, change your ticket reservation fees, extra legroom fees, even fees for getting a blanket or pillow on board. The airlines earned more than $2 billion just during April, May and June of 2010 on these fees, and nearly half of that — more than
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If you have been planning to get a U.S. Passport, or renew one, act fast. U.S. Passport fees increase dramatically on July 13, 2010. The cost of a new passport jumps from $100 to $135. Renewing your existing passport will rocket from $75 to $110, a 47 percent increase. Charges for a minor to age
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There are discounts galore from airlines and hotels. Act fast, since these travel bargains don’t last forever. AirTran Airways has a getaway sale valid for travel on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. You have to book your flights by July 8, 2010, but you can travel through November 16, 2010. Sample fares are $114 each
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As I’ve said before, airlines are working overtime to come up with new ways to increase ticket prices without actually raising the cost of the actual airline ticket. Here’s the latest scheme to increase the cost of your travel experience, from American Airlines — Pay extra and you can board first, with Group One. Pay
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Despite the BP oil spill, the worst environmental disaster in US history, most beaches along the Gulf of Mexico remain open and ready for visitors. One of the best ways you can help resort communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida is to travel there and spend your money in the local, family-owned restaurants, boutiques,
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