FareFinder: dropping some knowledge on email "deals"

We here at FareFinder get a lot of newsletters. A lot. Most are even travel-related and revolve around deals.

Here's an example of one such "deal" I just got in the inbox this week.

Four all inclusive nights at a Cancun all-inclusive billed as "five-star" for $900 per person plus a "junior suite with jacuzzi" as the included room.

Here are some problems. First, you travel when they tell you to travel, which in this case was at the end of January. I can't make it then, but I can head down in the beginning of February. Is that price still available? Um, no. Plug those dates into the search bar and you get charged nearly $100 extra per person.

Second, you get the room they give you. That suite might sound nice, but what about something with an ocean view? Another $50 per person. What about oceanfront? Bump it up some more. And don't even think about going luxe on this trip (a swim-up suite could cost an added $650 per person through this particular "deal").

Third, you have to get there. I tried searching for a flight using their booking system out of Charlotte and it spit back airfare for two at over $1,000. Tried searching a couple big-city airports. Same thing. Now, that might be the case if you went to one of these discount airfare Web sites, but it still has to be factored into your "deal."

The kicker? Checked out this resort on PTG v.2. The resort's regular room rates start at $225 a night. Basic math: $225 x 4 nights = $900. Same as the "deal". Also, checked out the resort's Web site. Their regular rooms are ... you guessed it -- junior suites with in-room Jacuzzis.

In other words, be careful when you get these "deals" in your inbox. Many times, you can get the same price, or better, booking direct or going through a reputable travel agent.

Illinois Is, Naturally, Now Offering Obama Themed Vacations

In not-so-surprising news, Illinois tourism officials are trying to capitalize on Barack Obama's recent election (Hey! Just like everyone else!) by promoting their fair state to the general public.

The Illinois Bureau of Tourism is touting a three-day getaway titled "The Obama Trail" as part of a state wide Presidential Trails series. This three-day itinerary brings you to places like The University of Chicago Law School, The Old State Capitol in Springfield (where then-senator Obama announced his candidacy) and Grant Park, where the president-elect had a small gathering on Election Night, among others.

And of course, it's not all politically oriented; some of the stops, like the South Shore Cultural Center, focus on the Obamas' personal life as well.

This beautiful Mediterranean Revival-style cultural center on the lakefront, once an exclusive 1900s country club, offers performances that range from classical music to African dance. The Obamas held their wedding reception here.

Whether this is a fiscally viable family vacation is an entirely different story, but the nation is kind of caught up in Obama-fever right now. So if you're a history teacher, a poli-sci major or just an Americana junkie, why not at least explore the possibility?

SeaDream Makes Cruising Cool Again

Generally when people think of cruising they imagine one of three things: old people, families with young children, or drunk college students. One company has recently started breaking those stereotypical barriers by increasing the flexibility of their departure times, port selections and activities. SeaDream has been so successful at marketing themselves to adult couples, that they've reduced their average travel age by more than a decade.

SeaDream Yacht Club has managed to tap into the market of younger, affluent vacationers that make its average passenger age 47 and falling. That is about a decade younger than the average age on its competitors' ships: Most luxury cruise passengers average in the late 50s to early 60s...

SeaDream's formula -- 100-passenger ships visiting smaller ports where larger cruise ships can't go, spending nights in some ports and leaving others late -- seems to work with younger cruisers, including many who have never cruised before. And unlike the first-time cruisers on Carnival Cruise Lines or Norwegian Cruise Line, SeaDream seems to attract vacationers who otherwise might not have ever cruised.

Beyond the more flexible times, SeaDream is generally more flexible than most cruise lines about activities and the use of company equipment (i.e. more fun with tiny boats that don't belong to you). They're also the only cruise line that, weather permitting, gives guests the option to spend the night outside on daybeds with down comforters. With an average age of 47, SeaDream still may be a slightly older crowd than the vacation you had in mind. But don't be shy, the next time you're planning a trip remember that cruising has a new, slightly younger face in the crowd.

FareFinder: Delta makes post-turkey get away easier

Looking for a quick getaway after the stuffing is finished? Delta has some interesting deals, as long as you read the fine print and have a couple of vacation days left in the work bank.

Delta has a Super Off-Peak promo on its Web site, which lets you get some special deals on flights to select cities. The Super Off-Peak days run Nov. 27 and 28, then Dec. 3, 13-17 and Christmas Eve and Day. Phew.

I know, I know: What kind of deals are we talking about here? Well, LaGuardia to Orlando for $89 each way. How about jet-setting from JFK to Vegas for $259 roundtrip between Dec. 13 and Dec. 17?

My peeps in the ATL have some of the best deals (being a hub has its advantages), with one-ways to places like Chicago, Philly, NYC and every other East Coast and Midwest locale under $144.

As always, the fine print gets you, since the airline has these Super Off Peaks for the dates stated. Plus, you have to buy the tickets by this Saturday (Nov. 29). But if you're trying to get away from the cold Northeast or just need to use those remaining vacation days, there are some good deals to be had.

Maybe the Former Days Inn Owner Can Help the Economy

The former owner of Days Inn, Stanley Tollman, has run into a little bit of the old good news - bad news business with the IRS recently. The good news is that he only had to plead guilty to one count of tax fraud. The bad news is that one count is going to cost him $105 million.

Stanley Tollman, who as a principal of Tollman-Hundley Hotels was once an owner of Days Inn of America, pleaded guilty to one count of tax fraud and agreed to pay more than $105 million to the government in back taxes and various fraud penalties.

Under terms of the plea agreement with the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, other charges of bank fraud against Tollman and tax fraud charges against his wife, Bernice Nina Tollman, 77, will be dropped.

The couple have spent the last few years living in London fighting extradition, but the English courts this year would not allow extradition of either Tollman, citing Mrs. Tollman's health.

Or perhaps becaue Mr. Tollman was greasing wheels. Or whatever. The point being is that our government is getting another $105 million! What should we do with it? Weeeeeell, we could line the coffers of the rich; that seems like a good idea. Or just let the IRS sit on it.

Or ... or ... and I know this sounds like kooky-talk, but hear me out -- we could always take this money and distribute it equally across all citizens. It won't be much -- a dollar here or there, but since the economy is kind of tanking, it would be cool to see everyone get a little something for a guy that doesn't ever have to work again despite cheating the government out of nine figures.

The Way You Wear Your Hat... And Eat Your Pasta

We all know that in the history of people you can call "The Greatest," Frank Sinatra is second to none. Except maybe Muhammad Ali, but he had the advantage of actually calling himself "the greatest." Frank Sinatra helped create a style that characterized a generation. His equally cavalier and classy attitude blended the rebeliousness of James Dean with the debonair of Cary Grant. And my god could he sing.

To pay homage to this American icon, or perhaps to pilfer his name for all it's worth, the headlining restaurant in Steve Wynn's new Encore hotel will be named, "Sinatra." The hotel and accompanying restaurants are slated to open 22 December 2008.

In a recent interview, Wynn revealed the Sinatra family has loaned him their father's lone Academy Award, for best actor in a supporting role in 1953's "From Here to Eternity," and his Grammy Awards.

The priceless memorabilia will be prominently featured in the Italian restaurant which will be named Sinatra. The family has so fiercely guarded the name that Wynn, a family friend, is the only person who was granted permission to use it. Among Wynn's biggest coups was wooing Sinatra to the revitalized Golden Nugget as an exclusive headliner in the 1980s.

Now some may call me cynical. Wynn, after all, was close to the Sinatra family and this may be what they want. All I'm saying is, if they're going to use Blue Eyes' near-holy name to boost a restaurant, it better be the best damn Italian restaurant in Nevada. It better be filled with beautiful, well-dressed people. And it better have a wine list longer than Moby Dick. After all, Frank himself once said, "I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day."

PTG Presents ... Your Ski Jacket Contest Winners

We'd like to, first of all, thank all the millions of entries for the Ski Jacket Giveaway that we held earlier this year. The outpouring of "You better make sure I win!!!!1" emails from our relatives was truly inspiring. Okay, not really. But it was impressive to see how many people were dedicated enough to find all six clues all three weeks and make themselves eligible for those sweet, sweet ski jackets.

Unfortunately, not everyone can win. But these people did. (Oh, and also, we're going to give away a bunch of Apple products soon, including iPods, iTouches, MacBooks, etc., so make sure and click that orange thingie on the right side and add our feed to your RSS reader. Don't know about RSS? Click here to find out.)

But, onto the winners. Congrats to all and we look forward to your continued patronage/attempts to win all the cool free stuff that we plan to offer in the future.

Grand Prize Winner -- KJUS
Will Portice -- Telluride, CO

First Prize Winner -- Mammut Xtreme/u>
Kathryn Foster

Second Prize Winner -- Acrteryx Fission
Barabara Soderlind -- Port Angeles, WA

Runners Up -- Mountain Hardwear Compressor
Chris Caggiano -- Pennington, NJ
Jeff Kopko -- Brighton, MA
Jennifer Brace -- Littleton, CO
Nicole Brink -- Chicago, IL
Janie James-High -- Prescott Valley, AZ
Nick Spine -- Knoxville, TN
Brad Stephen -- Alpharetta, GA
Steven K.
Caroline Kenney -- West Hills, CA
Allison Hewey -- Anchorage, AK
Ashley Summerlin -- Charlotte, NC
Wendy Gruschow -- Cary, NC

FareFinder: Traditional Holiday in Williamsburg

FareFinder is getting into the holiday spirit lately, so decided to drop some knowledge about this little weekend trip that's good for the post-Turkey, pre-Santa time.

For those East Coasters who want a quick getaway (or if you want to get your Historical Americana on), the folks at Colonial Williamsburg are offering a holiday package that fits the bill. Two nights at one of the CW's Resort Collection properties, lunch at a primo CW tavern, tickets to the holiday walking tour and length of stay passes to all the CW attractions starting at $81 per person, per night.

For those who have never been to Williamsburg, it's truly a treat, especially during the holiday season. They've got plenty going on, from historic homes decorated to the nines, special dining events and kid-friendly activities, it's a hidden gem.

The package prices jump depending on the hotel you choose (the value Governor's Inn is the $81 low-end, while the five-star Williamsburg Inn is $291), but the Williamsburg Lodge selection at $147 is the FareFinder choice.

Image from CW

Japanese guy loves Mexico a little too much

My wife absolutely hated The Terminal. I mean, she wanted to walk out of the movie when we went to see it. Apparently, Hiroshi Nohara loved the movie so much, he decided to live it.

Nohara (aka, guy who apparently doesn't have a job back home) has been parked in the Benito Juarez International Airport for the last two and a half months living off donations. Why, you may ask? Well, the answer doesn't reside with Nohara.

"I don't understand why I'm here," he said through a visiting interpreter originally hired by a television station. "I don't have a reason."

There are the obvious drawbacks of living life in a Mexico City airport terminal, but at least he could've squatted in Terminal 1, with its Dunkin' Donuts, Cinnabon, 7-Eleven and Burger King. I know I could probably survive at least 120 days on some DD coffee, Whoppers and Slushees. Oh well, at least he can munch on Papa John's and Sbarro in T2.

Image from AP

Hawaiian Air scoffs at economy

Called it shrewd or call it stupid, but Hawaiian Air is continuing to make huge investments in an already shaky industry.

Hawaii's largest airline is getting another big-boy Airbus to add to its fleet after already purchasing two, which are to be delivered in 2010. These big-boys will be able to fly non-stop from the Big Island to every major airport in North America and parts of eastern Asia, making the inevitable layover in Los Angeles a soon-to-be thing of the past.

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's president and CEO, said, "These commitments to
increasing the size of our fleet and to bringing the new aircraft to Hawaii two
years earlier than planned deepen Hawaiian's already substantial investment in
our home state and its economy."

Now only if that home state economy would cooperate. According to recent reports, the state experienced a 10% drop in visitors during 2008, and those that are coming are spending less. That same report, offered by the state's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (that's a mouthful), predicts further drops in '09.

As long as Hawaiian can weather the economic storm next year (no sure thing with airlines nowadays), it could be putting itself in a great position for the future. If the new big-boys can help the company reduce costs (and they just might with increased seating capacity and improved fuel efficiency that the Airbus is supposed to provide), the company could come out looking like geniuses. Currently, Continental is the only airline to fly non-stop to The Land of Pineapples.

Now only if they could do something about that 9.5 hour flight time from PTG v.2 HQ. Maybe a Mad Max triple feature?

Image from Hawaii Magazine

FareFinder: Turkey Day Getaway

While Thanksgiving is steeped in tradition, sometimes it's refreshing to not have to slave over a stove and prepare for the inevitable family questions (So when is name of your child here going to get married/have children/grow up?).

With that in mind, LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels is offering a bunch of last-minute specials to whisk you away to some of the posh-est (is that even a word?) destinations for the upcoming holiday.

For example: The four-star Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club in Key West is rates starting at $149 nightly, a cool $100 off the regular price. Or how about a five-course meal with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey at his namesake restaurant in the newly-redesigned The London West Hollywood for $85?

It might be worth the price of the meal just to seewhether Gordon flies off the handle at an unsuspecting cook or busboy. That would certainly be more entertaining than watching the winless Detroit Lions get trounced on Turkey Day.

Sun, Sea and Song: NCL bringing them all together

Just got word on a great cruise experience. You know, for those who like parties, concerts, the Caribbean -- that sort of thing.

NCL has teamed with Sixthman, a travel company that creates "experiences" aboard cruise ships, to create two music-themed cruise trips in February. The first is Ships & Dip aboard the Norwegian Jewel, which will feature concerts by a bunch of acts -- including a little band called Barenaked Ladies -- and will be sailing around the Western Caribbean for five days. The second is Cayamo: A Journey Through Song on the Norwegian Dawn, and will feature The Indigo Girls, Lyle Lovett and Shawn Colvin, among others, over the course of a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise.

Limited space is available as of this post, and I'm sure they're going to sell out fast. Prices are starting around $750 per, which include admission to concerts, plus the standard cruise fare (food, activities, etc). Both are departing out of Miami. Sounds like it's going to be a blast.

Image via NCL

Canadian Courts Respect the Rights of, um, Heavier Folks

Canadian courts instituted a ruling last week that could have long ranging effects on the world of travel. Specifically, they decided that people of a heavier nature who decided to travel on airplanes were worthy of two seats ... for the price of one.

Obese people have the right to two seats for the price of one on flights within Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on Thursday.

The high court declined to hear an appeal by Canadian airlines of a decision by the Canadian Transportation Agency that people who are "functionally disabled by obesity" deserve to have two seats for one fare.

My initial reaction to this was "Poppycock!" Because, frankly, it's a fun word to say. Well, that and I don't like obesity being declared a disability when it's something that's relatively controllable. Also, I don't like it when people get free stuff and I'm not included, especially when I would always love to have two seats on an airplane.

But then I thought back to the last time I sat next to a heavy person on an airplane -- I was window, she was in the middle, and let's just say that I wasn't really ever able to get comfortable while flying. Had the young lady next to me been given an additional seat, per Canadian law, we would have avoided by iPod being squished, all of the awkward glares, me smelling Cheetos at 2 in the morning and I would have actually gotten some sleep.

So, hurray Canada. And your chubby laws.

The Grass is Greener on the Danish Side

I'm sure you've heard the old cliche, "the grass is always greener on the other side. " Well, apparently there are some places where it's actually true. Despite the dreary weather, betrayal, adultery, ghosts and murder that are usually associated with Denmark (if you haven't read Hamlet, never mind), it actually might be the happiest place on earth. 

According to a survey conducted by Leicester University in England, Denmark boasts the happiest people on Earth, and in these gloomy economic times, tourism officials are betting that visitors could use a little of that cheer.

One reason for the pervasive contentment, which the Danes call hygge, is the quality of local restaurants, hotels and shopping.

We've said in earlier posts that if you can afford it, now is a great time to be traveling. Besides the excellent dining and shopping, there's also beautiful art and architecture. After all, Copenhagen is nicknamed the "City of Beautiful Spires." So hop on a plane and head for the old world, apparently happiness is just a seven-hour plane ride away.

FareFinder: Christma$ in NYC grande dame

We thought FareFinder was such a good idea that we're scrapping the Tuesday/Thursday thang to give you FareFinder everyday (yeah, I know, you're welcome).

So, in honor of the first snowfall here at the PTG v.2 HQ, FareFinder decided to drop a little Christmas cheer in all your laps. And what says Christmas more than NYC and those fabulously-leggy Rockettes?

The Plaza, that venerable Big Apple landmark that provided the backdrop for such wonderful moments in Brewster's Millions, Home Alone 2 and The Sopranos, among others, is offering a "Christmas Spectacular" package that can only be described a major-league lux.

The hotel’s "Christmas Spectacular" package promises guests a quintessential holiday experience in the Big Apple and includes Premier seating for two at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, luxurious accommodations in a Plaza guest room or suite and a special "Christmas Spectacular"-themed holiday dessert to be devoured in The Palm Court.

Swank, yes. Cheap, no. Value, hells yeah. Rates might start at an eye-popping $875 a night, but considering you normally can't step through The Plaza doors for less than a grand, this is certainly worthy of a FareFinder luxury deal.

Image via YorkBlog.com

Kylie Minogue Headlines $23 Million Party to Celebrate Opening of Atlantis in Dubai

Have you seen the Atlantis hotels around the world? If not, you should at least consider checking them out on PTG -- the Cove in the Bahamas is an absolutely ridiculous site to behold -- if only to be amazed at how intricate and dominate they are in their various landscapes.

Well, a new Atlantis opened in Dubai last night, and it opened in style. Like, big style. As in, "Kylie Minogue hosting a $23 million party" big.

The world’s rich and famous gathered for the most expensive private party ever thrown - costing some £20 million - to open Atlantis Palm Jumeirah, a £1 billion resort on a man-made island shaped like a palm tree in the Persian Gulf.

Two thousand film stars, popstars, supermodels and billionaires were flown in from around the world for the all-expenses paid one-night party with many of them staying for four days.

Of course, Ms. Minogue wasn't just there because the Atlantis is one of the sickest hotels on the planet ... she was getting paid a little bit of cash too.

The highlight last night was a one-off gig by Kylie Minogue and her 113-strong dance troupe on the beach.

Apart from getting a free holiday, Miss Minogue was also paid £1.5million for a 10-song 45-minute medley of her hits – which works out at some £33,333 a minute.

The gig was followed at midnight local time by a 1million-rocket firework display with 100 computer-guided rockets costing £7million which was seven times bigger than the largest display to date - for the Beijing Olympics.

Yeah. That sounds like a decent party. Plus, when you consider that the list of celebs includes: Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron, Denzel Washington, Mischa Barton and Lindsay Lohan, supermodels Agyness Deyn, Petra Nemcova and Yasmin Le Bon, musicans Janet Jackson, Lily Allen and Shirley Bassey, sports legends like Michael Jordan and Boris Becker and some local royalty - the Royal Family of Dubai (...whew) then you have to consider that, yes, this is a pretty high end event.

Also, Oprah was supposed to show up, but canceled her last second reservation of a suite that costs about $33k per night. Pretty decent digs. And apparently, the Atlantis in Dubai is going to be mildly popular among the rich and famous.

Image via Getty

FareFinder: Five-star Turks deal (aka -- Spend a lot, save a lot)

We here at the FareFinder understand that not all of you are looking for the five-day/four-night $300 all-inclusive (But if you know of a good one, pass it along!). You might be saving for that special second honeymoon. You might just have a mountain of money that didn't get swept away in the stock market (if so, I have a great Web site investment for you). But you still want value for your hard-earned bucks.

Sometimes, you have to spend a lot to save a lot. If you're part of the champagne wishes and caviar dreams crowd, we've got a deal down in the Caribbean. Seven Stars Resort is a newbie when it comes to the luxury resorts on T&C's Grace Bay Beach, but it certainly doesn't rank near the bottom for experience or price (more on that in a bit). But there's still value to be had, evident by the email I received not too long ago from the FareFinder fairy in editorial:

[...]Seven Stars resort on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands is offering complimentary nights and other added value for guests from Nov. 16, 2008-May 31, 2009. Guests staying three nights or longer get one complimentary night; those staying at least seven nights get two nights free. In addition, they receive a 20% resort discount for their entire stay on all food and beverages, spa treatments and boutique purchases. Also, minimum stay requirements have been relaxed. No blackout periods apply, including Christmas and New Year, and the promotion is valid for all room categories.

Great deal, but like a wise man stated earlier: Spend a lot to save a lot. Rooms start around five bills; suites reach an AIG-like $5,800 a night (Do I get a bailout if I stay here?). But the five-star property is worth it according to our reviewer, so who am I to judge?

The Ellis Hotel in Atlanta Is Getting All 'Rowr' This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time of celebration. A time for caring and giving. A joyous occasion to celebrate various religious beliefs with your family. And they are also the time of Santa Clause. He brings presents to people, based on various levels of "naughty" and "nice".

But this year, thanks to a pretty foxy little Christmas package from the Ellis Hotel in Atlanta, you can totally circumvent your North Pole pal and pick your own classification.

The Naughty or Nice package covers accommodations in a king room and late checkout at 2 p.m.

In addition, if booking the Naughty plan (must request Naughty), the rate covers a bottle of champagne upon arrival, gingerbread massage oil and a $25 gift card to Victoria's Secret.

The Nice plan (must request Nice) covers hot cocoa and cookies upon arrival, a holiday music CD and a Hallmark holiday ornament.

Yes. It is in fact best called "aggressive". After all, nothing says overtly romantic quite like a bottle of "gingerbread massage oil" now does it? Personally, I'd say that the "Nice" package seems kind of, well, lame. Unless you're bringing like a platonic friend, which is waaaaay beyond awkward anyway.

Will Obama Election Change Travel Habits?

According to the folks at Travel Weekly, the recent presidential election may have positive implications for the travel industry beyond just Chicago, Washington and Hawaii. The article suggests the jubilant international reaction to Obama's election may be reason enough for American's to start pond-hopping once again. It's no secret that Europeans have, by and large, held a negative perception of the current administration. The article posits that the thought of a warmer Old World welcome might send previously skeptical Americans winging their way towards Europe.

Analysts are already predicting that inbound international tourism, especially to Obama-specific destinations such as Chicago, Washington and Hawaii, could see an increase.

But judging from the reaction overseas on election night, the reverse may also be true, as strained relations with European "frenemies" begin to thaw.

U.S. travelers, perhaps reluctant to travel to France, the U.K. or Germany during the last few years for fear they wouldn't be warmly welcomed, may now be eager to cross the pond and bask in our new international popularity.

Unfortunately for tourism boards and airlines, the economy isn't too vacation-friendly for most people right now. For the thirteen or fourteen of us that still do have jobs (does this really count as a job?), falling gas prices will also mean cheaper airfare. So get out that piggy-bank and start counting your pennies... fancy cheese, beer steins and really old buildings are just a plane ticket away.

US Airways Loses 83-year-old Grandmother

If you think you're having a bad week, Elfride Kuemmel is having a worse one. The 83-year-old grandmother was on her way home to Florida when a US Airways employee wheeled her onto the wrong flight. Instead of landing in Tampa where her daughter Vera was waiting, she found herself in Puerto Rico.

Initially, US Airways told her she would have to spend the night in the airport, but thankfully, they realized the error of their ways and saved face by providing a hotel room and first-class return ticket free of charge. Chalk it up to incompetence and add it to your list of airline blunders. Maybe US Airways should consider changing their motto from "Fly with US" to "Lose Yourself (or someone you love) with US."

H/T: Consumerist

Southwest Buys $7.5 Mil Worth of LaGuardia Landing Spots, Which Is Called 'Making a Statement'

It's no secret at all that the economy is currently "not good". Such circumstances make it tough for businesses to break even -- I feel like driving down the road I see 'Going Out of Business Sale!' signs littering the curbs -- much less prosper.

And the airline business has been hit up a little bit too. But apparently, that's not stopping Southwest Airlines, who announced today that they have purchased $7.5 million worth of landing spots at LaGuardia Airport in New York City from ATA Airlines.

"It is our intent, with the successful conclusion of the transaction, to make plans to initiate service from LaGuardia," said Southwest CEO Gary Kelly. "Even in this volatile environment, we have said we must monitor the competitive landscape and take advantage of prudent market opportunities."

And yes, technically Southwest did purchase ATA (now bankrupt) as a whole. But they seem to have zero interest in actually acquiring anything other than the landing spots, which says something pretty stout about their play in this tough market.

Southwest has clearly been marketing themselves as an airline that doesn't tack on surcharges to customers for baggage check-in, reservations by phone, non-refundable ticket refunds or curbside check-in.

So, yeah, couple their "consumer-first" attitude with this strong financial push to wedge themselves in a major market means that SW understands people are going to keep flying -- there's no better time to travel than now, actually. And by locking themselves into a major spot in one of the world's biggest airports, they appear at least poised to take a run at the "Big Three" of Delta, U.S. Airways and American.

FareFinder news Extra: House of Mouse not immune to troubled economy

Normally FareFinder is a Tuesday/Thursday thang, but I saw this lil' nugget on the PTG news desk and shed a small, but ear-shaped, tear:

The hotel industry is following in the footsteps of the plummeting financial markets, with rates diving 3.5% the first week of November and occupancy and room revenue tumbling in double digits. ... What that means for travelers is
lots of great deals. ... Disney World is giving away three free nights with the purchase of four.

The Mouse is also offering free admission to guests on their birthdays in an attempt to draw guests to their plethora of hotels and theme parks. These are the types of things that happen when you're down 10% in bookings in the first half of '09 compared to the previous year.

But not all is doom-and-gloom for The Mouse. Theme park revenue at the hap...hap...happiest place on Earth was up last quarter and The Mouse is still a Wall Street darling in many eyes. As The Motley Fool says, "Disney is built to weather the storm."

Celebrity Solstice Hailed as High Point in Ship Design

There hasn't been this much excitement about a cruise ship since Cletis launched "Governor" (pictured right) back in '98. But seriously. The Celebrity Solstice is truly one-of-a-kind. The ship cost $750 million to complete and includes unique amenities like a half-acre lawn club with real grass, where adults can enjoy lawn games at sea. Amazingly, that's not even the source of the travel-industry hype.

Most experts cite the ship's unique design and atmosphere for all the buzz surrounding Solstice's launch. Despite having accommodations for 2,850 passengers (making it Celebrity's largest ship), the Solstice maintains an intimate sophisticated atmosphere many have compared to a boutique hotel. Personally I could care less about the fancy rooms and flat-screens. As someone who keeps a set of bocce balls in the trunk of their car at all times, I just can't wait for the yard games. Maybe if we get a petition going they'll bring back lawn darts...

Flight Attendent Casually Steps Up and Helps Steer Air Canada Flight Into Heathrow

You know how in the movies there's always some crazy scenario that ends up involving a pilot getting shot or having a heart attack, etc. and then another member of the crew or a passenger (usually Kurt Russell or a svelte Leslie Neilson type) steps up and helps to land the plane under hard-fought, miraculous circumstances?

Well, that's why movies are awesome, because that stuff never happens in real life. Except on an Air Canada flight, where the co-pilot had a nervous breakdown/psychotic meltdown and a flight attendant had to step in and help land that puppy.

The flight attendant was temporarily promoted to the cockpit after the captain of the Air Canada service ordered his colleague to be handcuffed and dragged from his seat.

The flight attendant, a qualified commercial pilot, came forward after the captain asked the 155 passengers and crew if there were any professional pilots onboard.

The unnamed attendant sat in the co-pilot's seat of the Boeing 767-333 jet as the Toronto to Heathrow service was diverted to Ireland's Shannon airport on January 28.

Now, obviously this didn't happen yesterday, but it's my understanding that the news is being revealed via the ongoing investigation by the Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit.

It's kind of amazing that all of this somehow managed to stay totally under the radar until now (I know I would have been flapping my gums about it), but still not nearly as amazing as this scenario actually going down in real life. The lesson, of course, is that Air Canada's service is second only to Ryanair's.

Via Digg

U.K.'s Ryanair Has an, Um, Interesting Way to Raise Money for Charity Using Its Female Employees

A calendar of attractive ladies -- one for each month, natch -- has long been a staple of many different publications, organizations and athletic teams. It's something that's kind of dismissed in our culture as a standard practice that somehow doesn't cross over to the realm of sexism.

However, you would almost never ask female employees of a service industry business (unless you count Hooters) to take their clothes off and pose for a glossed up monthly google-fest. Fortunately for customers of Ryanair (and charity!), the normal cultural norms don't apply in the U.K.

[...]the low-cost carrier that’s the U.K.’s answer to our JetBlue, who have followed up their successful 2008 calendar showing their better looking employees with a 2009 version. For ten bucks, you get to ogle women from across the European continent monthly while helping out the kids.

At least someone is thinking of the children. Thanks, Ryanair! No, seriously though, I suppose this is okay -- presuming, of course, that the women have all been given the choice of whether to pose or not and that the majority of proceeds really are going to charity then I think I'm cool with it.

We're a touch too family friendly to be bringing you any photos other than the screenshot you see above, but if you want to pre-order the calendar, you can do so here ... and Machochip has photos and videos. Should you, you know, really be into charity. Or sociological discussion on how airlines plan to battle the economy.

Entire Jamaica Tourist Board Quits

It's not often in today's 24-hour news cycle that a single headline reaches out and grabs your attention. We are so frequently bombarded with stories, blurbs and features that the real gems of the travel industry, and the world for that matter, often slip through the cracks. So, you can imagine my surprise when I saw this title, "Entire Jamaica Tourist Board Quits." I don't know about you, but to me, that sounds like a story worth reading.

Allegedly, the entire board turned in their resignations to Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett because, "A changing landscape demands a new architecture...We need to rebuild and redesign our structure to allow us not only to survive in these times of economic uncertainty but also to prosper and grow." Here's some food for thought... what does it say about the short-term future of international travel when the entire tourism board of the friendliest vacation spot on earth starts looking for new work pre-emptively? International travel's about to get a lot cheaper. And after enduring the upcoming holiday season with your family, a little sun, sand and fruity-umbrella-topped cocktails will be just what the doctor ordered.

FareFinder: Put those free ski jackets to good use

Professional Travel Guide version 1.0 offered up a chance to grab some free stuff. Now through PTG v.2, FareFinder wants to help put those freebies to good use. Namely, hit the slopes. How does Telluride sound? I thought so.

The Inn at Lost Creek is offering major discounts on their peak-season rates for you early birds looking for a wintry getaway.

The Telluride, Colorado-based luxury, boutique hotel is offering a 20% discount for early reservations for the winter season. Book a three-night or longer stay from November 30 through April 5, 2009 (excluding Holidays and black-out dates) before November 30th to save.

I checked out their booking machine (FYI -- it's in Flash, so make sure your computer's updated) and the rates with this special drop anywhere from $80/night for a regular one-bedroom to an insane $175/night for those living high on the hog needing a two-bedroom suite.

There are some blackout dates, namely the times you'd want to get away to avoid family enjoy holiday weekends (Xmas/New Year's week, Prez's week and good ol' drink green beer week), but other than that it's a savings smorgasbord.

President Bush Takes Action to Ease the Hassle of Turkey Day Travel

Interesting -- and extremely helpful -- news out of the White House relating to travel has emerged this week: President Bush plans on issuing some sort of stra-tegery type memorandums that should make getting where you need to go on Thanksgiving a whole heck of a lot easier.

The marquee item in his strategy for reducing air traffic congestion during the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons is the temporary opening of airspace typically dedicated to the military to commercial airliners. Last year, the Pentagon freed up two East Coast corridors during Thanksgiving; Bush said that was being expanded this year to also include the Mideast, the Southwest and the West Coast, including the skies around Los Angeles and Phoenix.

[...]A lot of our citizens are nervous about travel,” Bush said in remarks before hundreds of employees at the Department of Transportation. “They are saying ‘Will traveling home for the holidays be a wonderful life or will it be the nightmare before Christmas?”

Bad movie puns aside, that's tremendously helpful news ... you would think. Certainly more airspace = less congestion = more flights on time = more time nursing the gravy bowl. Right? Perhaps not.

A National Air Traffic Controllers Association (Really? There's one of those?) spokesman pointed out that all the huff and puff surrounding these announcements really only serves to make citizens think that there's a lot of efficiency being processed through the national travel network, when the reality is that it makes very little difference.

Notes from Las Vegas and Updated Hotel Reviews

Morning to all those out there. Still recovering from PubCon out in Las Vegas last week, more from flying 'cross country than from all-night parties (thanks, Zappos.com and Microsoft). Anywho, as the resident FareFinder here at Travelin' Light, just wanted to give a shout and say that we'll be trying to help you find some diamonds in the rough.

My travel to Sin City wasn't all conference and schmoozing. Did some updates to our luxury hotel reviews for the Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas and the new Trump International Hotel & Tower. Those updates will be on Professional Travel Guide soon. Meanwhile, I stayed at Treasure Island with most of the conference guests. We here like to take what our CEO says to heart, so I went through the hotel directly and saved a good chunk -- about 100 large. Not too shabby.

Anywho, we'll keep you posted daily on deals the travel sector is offering out there. You know what to do. And if not, Brinson gave you a good explanation below. Until next time.

Hawaii Congressman Calls Out Tourism Board in a Political Fashion

A travel blog generally isn't the ideal place to talk politics ... so we're not going to. However, it is kind of interesting to see the latest news that the good U.S. Representative from Hawaii, Mr. Neil Abercrombie, is none too pleased with his home state's [in]ability to promote themselves in the wake of a native Hawaiian, Barack Obama, landing a gig in the Oval Office.

Abercrombie said Obama is an instantly recognizable world celebrity and being from Hawaii should be enough reason for the state and the tourism authority to promote Hawaii during the inaugural week. "It will be amazing, and we are missing out on it," he said.

Naturally, the tourism board is greatly appreciative of this; after all, they've had their hands pretty full lately, having to pay their former president $290k for forwarding offensive emails to friends from his work account and then trying to counter a poor economy by stepping up their advertising dollars and drawing more visitors. But hey, at least it's comfortable under those bus wheels.

Oh, Why Hello There

Hi, travel fans. And welcome to Travelin' Light, one of two blogs (we're hip, cool, etc., thanks. I know.) that are going to be featured on Professional Travel Guide. The Executive Lounge is on the way, and we'll tell you more about that shortly, but for now, we'll be having some fun here at T-Light.

We'll be discussing travel news and the lighter side of traveling in addition to finding you special fares for luxury travel and working up some travel correspondence type stuff that I think you're going to totally dig.

And while you're here, why not check us out on Twitter, or perhaps Facebook? (Also located in the far right column.) And, most importantly, make sure to sign up for our RSS feed (Really Simple Syndication - Explanation here). That way you'll be kept in the loop on all the most important travel news and our next contest -- you may recall we gave out a ski jacket or two recently.

Additionally, we'll be featuring a lot of the pretty ridiculous aspects of PTG that you might not already know about. And of course, I would be totally remiss if I didn't pimp out the new site redesign -- I'm going to assume you've probably seen it at this point, but in case you haven't please do swing over to PTG and check it out.