What To Do When An Airline Loses Your Luggage

These days, most major airlines are charging passengers $15.00 to $25.00 per bag to check luggage. Yet, according to Air Travel Consumer Report, which is published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, in October 2008, a total of 172,159 pieces of luggage were reported lost, delayed or mishandled by the country’s 20 largest airlines.

One year earlier, this figure was 281,657. For airline passengers, the chances of experiencing some type of luggage-related problem is about 3.55 in 1,000. According to this report, Northwest Airlines, AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines lost or delayed the most pieces of luggage in October 2008.

If an airline misplaces or delays your luggage, immediately report the problem to your airline by visiting the baggage assistance desk located near baggage claim at any airport. You will need to present your claim stubs (provided at check in), plus you’ll be asked to fill out a written report that describes your lost bags and their contents. You will then be given a special claim tracking number, as well as a toll-free phone number to track your claim.

Most lost luggage is found within a few hours and placed on the next flight to your destination city. It will then be delivered by a third-party messenger service to whatever address you supply. This delivery process can take up to 12 additional hours, so if you’re in a hurry to reclaim your delayed luggage, agree to pick it up in-person at the airport when it arrives. You may find it necessary to keep calling the airline to get an accurate estimated time of arrival for your delayed bags.

To help minimize the chances of your luggage being delayed or lost by an airline, follow these six basic steps:

1. Remove all old airline tags from your luggage.

2. When checking your luggage with the airline, make sure correctly labeled tags are attached to each of your bags by the ticket agent. The tag, which is printed on a large white sticker, should display the airport code of your destination city, along with your full name.

3. Arrive at the airport and check your luggage with the airline at least 60 to 120 minutes prior to your flight.

4. Securely attach one or two of your own luggage tags to each bag, listing your name and phone number. (Listing your cell phone number is recommended.) Listing your address is optional. Also include your contact information inside each bag.

5. Attach a colored ribbon around your bag’s handle or use a neon-colored luggage tag to help differentiate your bag from others with a similar design. This will reduce the chance of another traveler accidentally picking up your luggage in the baggage claim area. (Yes, this happens often, so make your bag look different from others.)

6. Never pack any valuables, including a camera or computer equipment, jewelry or important business papers in your checked luggage. Anything of value or that you’ll need as soon as you get off the airplane should be packed in your carry-on and kept with you. The airline limits what it will be financially responsible for if certain items are lost or damaged within your checked luggage, so make sure you do not pack and check any items that won't be covered.

Lost Luggage Tracking Phone Numbers For The Major Airlines

American Airlines - (800) 535-5225
AirTran Airways - (866) 247-2428 (Option #1)
Continental Airlines - (800) 335-2247
Delta Airlines - (800) 325-8224
JetBlue Airways - (866) 538-5438
Northwest Airlines - (800) 745-9798
Southwest Airlines - (800) 533-1222
United Airlines - (800) 221-6903

Holiday Gift Ideas For Frequent Travelers

The holidays are just around the corner, so if you're looking for some last-minute holiday gift ideas for a frequent traveler, here are my top suggestions...

GIFT IDEA #1...

A Timbuk2 Messenger Bag or one of the company's new suitcases. These bags are made using extremely durable nylon and are water-resistant. You can custom-design your own messenger bag, choose its size and colors, plus add extras (like a padded shoulder strap or a padded insert for a laptop computer). 

The messenger bags are priced starting around $90.00, but plan on spending about $150.00 for a really nice one with all of the extras. I personally own two of these bags and have traveled all over the world with them. 

The larger messenger bag holds my laptop, camera, papers, etc., and is a perfect carry-on bag. The Timbuk2 bags offer a great design, they're extremely durable, and you can personalize them to match your needs and personality. If you're buying one as a gift for someone, consider getting them a gift card from Timbuk2, so the recipient can design their own bag online and have it shipped to them within a few days.

GIFT IDEA #2...

Anyone who travels often by airplane knows how annoying it is to be surrounded by chatty people, crying babies, plus the noise of the airplane's engines. One of the greatest travel accessories that any frequent flier will come to love is a pair of Bose Noise Canceling Headphones. 

Bose's prices range from $299.00 to $349.00, depending on the model, but each offers a rechargeable battery plus a carrying case. These headsets allow the wearer to literally tune out the noise around them and get some sleep, or enjoy the flight's movie or in-flight music programming. 

Pair up these headphones with an Apple iPod or iTouch (which allows you to watch TV shows and movies), and you have the perfect entertainment system while on-the-go. Less expensive noise canceling headphones are available from other companies, like Sony.

GIFT IDEA #3...

If you live in a city where the airport has a CLEAR kiosk at the security checkpoint, give a membership to the CLEAR program as a holiday gift, so your favorite frequent traveler can get through airport security much faster and more efficiently. Depending on how busy the airport is, being a CLEAR member can save the user 15 to 45 minutes per trip. See my earlier blog entry about CLEAR. Annual membership is priced at $199.00.

GIFT IDEA #4...

Especially for frequent travelers who visit sunny climates, it's essential to be protected from the harsh sun. Sure, wearing sunblock and sunglasses is essential, but adding a Tilley Endurables hat to a frequent traveler's wardrobe will keep them looking stylish and well protected from sun or rain. 

I own a Tilley Hemp Hat (price: $79.00), which I've traveled all over the world with. It's extremely durable, comfortable and excellent in sunny or rainy weather. So, whether you're hiking through the Amazon jungle, white water rafting in Mexico, relaxing on a beach in Hawaii, or sailing throughout the Caribbean on a cruise ship, a Tilley hat makes the perfect travel fashion accessory. 

The company offers over a dozen different hat styles, plus a large selection of other clothing designed for frequent travelers. The prices aren't cheap, but the quality is top-notch. All of Tilley's products have a lifetime warrantee. They'll even replace a hat that gets lost or stolen while the wearer is traveling.

GIFT IDEA #5...

If the person you're shopping for utilizes the same airline often, a membership to that airline's club or lounges will be a welcome gift. The airline clubs/lounges offer concierge service, drinks, snacks, comfortable couches, quiet work areas and other amenities designed to make a long layover at an airport more relaxing and/or productive. 

All of the major airlines have their own clubs. Membership to the US Airways Club, for example, starts at $315.00 per year. However, one-day guest passes are available for $40.00 each. Annual membership to United Airline's Red Carpet Club costs $500.00. (One-day guest passes cost $50.00 each.) To learn more about gift memberships for the clubs and lounges offered by other airlines, visit the airline's website.

ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR TRAVELERS...

If you're looking for a less expensive gift for a frequent traveler, some great options include:

• Leather Passport Cover (Price: $35.00 to $200.00)
• Handheld Luggage Scale (Price: Under $50.00)
• Travel Power Adapters (Price: $20.00 and up)
• Padded Eye Mask (Price: $20.00 to $40.00
• Downloadable Audio Books for an MP3 Player (from Audible.com)

For any iPod, iTouch or iPhone user, one "must have" accessory that I can't recommend highly enough is the $49.95 Rechargeable Backup Battery Pack from Richard Solo. 

These battery packs give the user many hours of extra usage, which is ideal for long flights or for using an iPhone when there's no electrical outlet nearby to recharge the phone. My iPod's battery normally lasts for about two hours of video watching. Using my Richard Solo Rechargeable Backup Battery, I get at least six hours of continuous usage (just about enough for a coast-to-coast flight). 

Oh, another great gift or an iPod, iTouch or iPhone user is a gift card for Apple's iTunes service. These can be used by the receiver to purchase music, TV show episodes or movies that can be watched while on-the-go. Gift cards for $15.00, $25.00, $50.00 or $100.00 are available and they can be redeemed online using the popular iTunes service.

As you get your shopping done this holiday season, remember to spend some quality time with the frequent traveler you're shopping for, before he or she takes off on their next trip. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

W Hotels Participate In (RED) Program To Help Eliminate AIDS In Africa

Starting December 1, 2008, W Hotels across America will join companies like Apple, American Express, Converse, Dell, Hallmark, Starbucks and Gap, and begin supporting a unique charitable cause known as "(RED)'. 

This organization invites companies to offer a special product or promotion to their customers, and then donate a percentage of their profits to (RED), which is dedicated to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

As a traveler, if you stay at any W Hotel between December 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009, and mention Promo Code: WYB when making your reservation (866-924-8719 / or online), you become part of (RED)'s worldwide effort to raise awareness and money for the Global Fund.

Participating in this W Hotel promotion won't cost you anything extra to book a room, but as a hotel guest, you'll automatically receive a six month membership to (RED)Wire - a new digital magazine and online music service that delivers exclusive music from top artists like John Legend, Death Cab For Cutie, Elvis Costello and Sheryl Crow. Normally, there's a $5.00 per month fee for membership, of which $2.50 is donated to the (RED) cause. To learn more about (RED)Wire, visit www.joinredwire.com.

Your membership package when you visit a W Hotel will also include a limited edition USB drive that features DELL inspired artwork from African artist Joseph Amedokpo.

Upon check-in at a W Hotel (when you participate in this program), you'll also receive two complementary drinks, plus the guest room accommodations you reserve when making your reservation.  

So, next time you're looking for a fun and trendy hotel, consider staying at a W Hotel and participating in this program so your business also winds up helping a very worthwhile cause. For more information about (RED), visit www.joinred.com. 

According to the (RED) organization, "Every time you buy a (RED) product or service, at no extra cost to you, the company who makes that product will give up to fifty (50) percent of its profit to buy and distribute antiretroviral medicine to our brothers and sisters dying of AIDS in Africa....Every dollar goes straight to Africa. Straight to the people who need it...(RED) is an answer to an emergency. An answer that is working. Over 2.5 million people have been impacted in just two years....Your (RED) purchases have helped provide lifesaving antiretroviral treatment for nearly 80,000 people in Rwanda, Swaziland, Ghana and Lesotho."

In today's tough economy, many hotels are offering promotions that reward travelers. Free gas cards, extra frequent flier miles or free meals are among these incentives. It's very refreshing, however, to see a major hotel chain, like W Hotels, take an active role working with a worthwhile charitable cause, plus reward its guests for each of their visits.

CLEAR Offers A Quick Way To Get Through Long Airport Security Lines

If you're fed up with those long lines at airport security checkpoints, for $199.00 per year, you can become a member of the CLEAR program, which will allow you to fly through these lines in under five (5) minutes. 

Sure, you'll still need to have your carry-on bags put through an X-ray machine, and you'll walk through a metal detector, but when you participate in the CLEAR program, you'll be entitled to utilize special lanes at security checkpoints (within participating airports), and your screening process will be quicker than passing through TSA security checkpoints, plus there will be no wait.

Currently, CLEAR is offered at 21 major U.S. airports, including LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports in New York. By the end of 2009, Steven Brill, the founder and CEO of Verified Identity Pass, Inc., the company which offers CLEAR, reports upwards of 40 airports will be participating in the program. Additional venues, including sports arenas and train stations, where security bottlenecks often occur, are also starting to participate in this program.

Brill also stated that the company has developed technology that will allow passengers to keep their shoes on when passing through airport security checkpoints. This technology will be introduced shortly, once it's approved by the TSA. 

After completing an online application, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. will verify each applicant's identity at a CLEAR kiosk, and then have their fingerprints and iris eye scan data encoded onto their personalized CLEAR membership card.

Brill explained that the application process takes just minutes, and the identity verification process is done within three to five business days. For frequent travelers who leave from or visit participating airports often, being a CLEAR member can save them up to an hour per trip waiting in long airport security checkpoint lines.

Unfortunately, members still often need to wait in line to check in at their airline's ticket counter and, if applicable, check their luggage. Yet, CLEAR members report that the time savings they do experience each time they use their card makes the annual membership fee well worth it.

The $199.00 annual membership fee applies to individual members, however, family and corporate discounts are available, as are discounts if you pre-pay for a multi-year membership.

If you're interested in becoming a CLEAR member, visit the CLEAR kiosk at any participating airport, call (866) 848-2415, or visit www.FlyClear.com.

Planning An Awesome Cruise Vacation

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise, you’re probably in for an exciting high-seas adventure. Or, depending on the decisions you make, you could experience an extremely relaxing voyage during which you’ll be pampered, well fed and thoroughly entertained.

It’s important to understand that not all cruise lines or individual cruise ships are alike. Each offers a vastly different experience aboard the ship, plus its own itinerary, amenities and unique vacation experience. Thus, it’s important to choose the right ship that will cater to your vacation wants and needs. At the same time, you’ll want to select a sailing that offers an itinerary and destinations that interest you.

Some cruise lines cater to families, while others are geared more for adventure travelers, honeymooners, seniors, singles or people with special interests, for example. Even among individual ships within a cruise line’s fleet, you’ll find vast differences that will impact your vacation and the type of experience you’ll have.

Instead of booking a cruise based just on its sailing dates and price, focus on what you’re looking to experience during the cruise, and then research what types of vacationers the various cruise lines and each individual ship caters to. Next, focus on destinations and itineraries.

Performing online research and working with a travel agent that specializes in cruises will help you pinpoint the most suitable cruise line, individual ship and specific sailing that’s most appropriate for the type of vacation experience you’re looking for.

Some people book a cruise specifically for the onboard experience – the all-you-can-eat dining, the shows and entertainment, the casino, the activities, the spa and/or the cabin accommodations, for example. Others, however, utilize a cruise to get to specific destinations and find it much more convenient to settle into a cabin once at the start of a voyage, but have the opportunity to visit multiple ports-of-call (destinations) during their vacation.

If the sailing itinerary you choose includes several ports-of-call, plus multiple days at sea, make sure the places you’ll be visiting offer the activities you’re interested in experiencing. Plus, make sure what’s available aboard the ship itself is what you’re looking for.

Again, figure out what you’re looking to experience, keeping in mind that the newer and larger ships in a cruise line’s fleet are more apt to offer a broader range of activities and amenities.

Also, when shopping for cruise opportunities, don’t get tricked by extremely low price offerings. Often, while these low prices do exist, they’re for the smallest cabins located on the inside of the ship (with no windows or balconies), and airfare to the ship’s departure location is not included.

Regardless of how much you pay for your cruise package, expect to pay extra once aboard the ship for the following:

• Upgraded dining at certain onboard restaurants
• All drinks (including non-alcoholic beverages)

• Certain activities aboard the ship, including spa treatments, gambling in the casino and bingo
• All land-based excursions at the various ports-of-call
• Laundry/dry cleaning
• Telephone and Internet services
• Onboard shopping
• Tips for your cabin attendant, waiter, etc.

On a typical five to seven-day cruise, even the basic extras (drinks, limited activities, tips, etc.) can wind up costing each passenger an additional $200.00 to $400.00 (beyond the initial cruise price), or significantly more based on the land excursions and/or onboard activities you choose to participate in.

While you can often find lower prices by booking your own tours and activities at each port-of-call, it’s a good idea to book your tours and activities through the cruise line – and to do this as far in advance as possible. Popular tours often sell out and available spa appointments book up quickly.

Booking tours through the cruise line insures you’ll work with reputable tour operators and that the activities you book will adhere to the ship’s schedule. Also, all transportation to and from the ship will usually be provided, potentially saving you a fortune in taxi fares at each destination.

Another thing to consider is the size of the cabin you’re reserving and the people you’ll be traveling with. Keep in mind that cruise ship cabins are much smaller than traditional hotel rooms (and offer minimal storage space for luggage). Thus, a family of four will be very crowded within a basic cabin. (Plus, small cabins offer very limited privacy.)

Especially if you have specific wants or needs, consider booking a cruise that caters to your interests. You’ll find many of the popular cruise lines have special sailings throughout the year specifically for singles, families, seniors, the gay/lesbian community, or people with special interests.

Some of the most popular cruise lines to research include:

• Disney Cruise Lines
  
• Royal Caribbean
  
• Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL)
  
• Carnival Cruise Lines
  
• Celebrity Cruise Lines
  
• Princess Cruise Lines
  
• Holland America Line
  
• Cunard
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

While you can book a cruise through a travel agent or directly with a cruise line, discounted pricing is available from online travel services, like Hotwire, Kayak and Travelocity. You can also learn about special discounts from TravelZoo. 

Cruise lines offer their biggest discounts for advance bookings (30, 60, 90 or 120+ days in advance), while the online travel services typically offer their best discounts for last-minute bookings. Regardless of where you cruise to from the U.S., a valid passport is almost always required, so plan accordingly.

Kooza: Cirque du Soleil Visits Boston & DC

Now a worldwide phenomenon, Cirque du Soleil has been experienced by more than 80 million spectators to date. This year, the Quebec-based organization is simultaneously producing 17 extremely unique shows, including several resident shows in Las Vegas, one in Orlando, plus multiple touring shows that are currently visiting U.S. cities (as well as cities abroad).

During your next visit to Las Vegas, treat yourself to at least one incredible night of entertainment by experiencing KA, Love, Zumanity, "O," Mystere or Criss Angel Believe. These shows are all performed in theaters that were custom-built to house the multi-million dollar productions, all of which are truly breathtaking. When visiting The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, don't miss La Nouba (the Cirque du Soliel resident show presented within a custom-built theater in the Downtown Disney area.)

One thing to understand about Cirque du Soleil is that while many of the shows are family-friendly and feature incredibly entertaining and often extremely unusual circus-like acts, these shows are designed to appeal to adults. Each resident and touring show is extremely unique and offers a vastly different entertainment experience.

Currently in Boston (its next stop is Washington, DC, starting on October 30th), Cirque du Soleil Kooza is a touring show that's presented within a massive circus tent. 

This show returns Cirque du Soleil to its roots. It expertly combines state of the art lighting and sound effects with original music (performed live), spectacular sets (which become part of the show), unusual and colorful costumes, plus breathtaking acrobatic performances, classic clowning, juggling and plenty of non-stop thrills as nine unique acts are presented.

When you think of a circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus or The Big Apple Circus might come to mind. These are wonderful shows for kids, teens and adults, but Cirque du Soleil's Kooza can best be described a collection of traditional circus acts on steroids...In other words, you've probably never seen anything like the amazing acts that are presented, even if you've seen many of the other Cirque du Soleil shows. The performers are world class and what transpires before your eyes will keep you on the edge of your seat. Yes, it's that amazing!

Tickets for Kooza range in price from $55.00 to $125.00, plus special VIP seating is available for $215.00. Discounted children's tickets (for kids, ages 2 to 12), as well as student and senior citizen tickets are available. However, in my opinion, Kooza is not suitable for kids under the age of 10.

If you're looking for an amazing and memorable night of entertainment to celebrate a special occasion, to impress an important business client, or to spend quality time with your loved ones, reserve your Kooza tickets online or call (800) 678-5440. The show's length is two hours and 40-minutes (including a 30 minute intermission).

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to see most of the different Cirque du Soleil shows, including those in Las Vegas and Orlando, and several different touring shows in various U.S. cities. I must admit that Kooza is as spectacular as all of the other Cirque du Soleil shows, but this one has a more traditional (albeit extremely incredible) circus feel that I strongly recommend seeing firsthand - not on DVD. 

If you've never experienced a Cirque du Soleil show in-person, and you happen to be in Boston or Washington, DC, check out Kooza...You won't be disappointed!!!

Business Traveler Tips For Attending Trade Shows

The following tips will help you maximize your time and efficiency when attending a trade show or convention:

* Pre-register for the event you'll be attending. This will allow you to avoid long registration lines at the start of the event.

* Don't forget to bring your registration papers and/or ID badge to the event.

* Make hotel accommodations early to get the best rates and ensure you're able to get the room configuration and hotel you desire.

* Pre-schedule your meetings and appointments. For each meeting, write down the scheduled time and date, the location, the name of the person you're meeting, their company and the purpose of the meeting.

* Allow ample time (at least five to 10 minutes) between meetings to walk between exhibit booths or meeting rooms. You can obtain and advance listing of trade show exhibitors by visiting the website operated by the company coordinating or hosting your event.

* Bring a durable backpack, shoulder bag or wheeled suitcase to store and carry around brochures, catalogs, swag, free-bees and other trade show materials that you collect.

* Wear comfortable shoes (be prepared for a lot of walking and standing around), plus a comfortable, business casual outfit that's appropriate for the event you'll be attending.

* Bring a stack of business cards and/or company literature to distribute at the event.

* Bring a pad of paper and pen to take notes during seminars and meetings.

* Utilize the coat check at the convention center to store heavy items that you don't want to lug around the convention show floor.

For more useful tips, check out the series of pocket-sized Entrepreneur Magazine's Business Traveler travel guides, which are available from Amazon.com, BN.com and bookstores everywhere. Editions, written by Jason R. Rich, are now available for New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando, Washington, DC and Las Vegas.

Easy Internet Access For Travelers

Apple iPhone, Palm Treo and Blackberry users enjoy easy access to the Internet from virtually anywhere using their handheld wireless device. This is extremely appealing to travelers who know the importance of staying connected and require the ability to access their email and the web whenever and wherever they happen to be.

The drawback to accessing the web using a cell phone or wireless personal digital assistant (PDA) is the small screen, limited keyboard and dramatically scaled down web surfing capabilities these tiny devices offer. As a result, some travelers also travel with a laptop computer, allowing them to access the Internet from wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots or from hotel rooms.

This solution also has its drawbacks. While most airports and hotels offer high-speed Internet access, it comes at a cost. Airports, Internet cafes, bookstores and coffee shops (including Starbucks) throughout the country often charge a daily fee of between $6.95 and $9.95 to connect to the Web via a wireless hotspot. Hotels typically charge between $9.95 and $19.95 per night to access the Internet from a guestroom. For a traveler constantly on the go, these charges add up quickly. If you opt to use the Business Center within a hotel or resort, you can expect to pay between $.20 and $.50 per minute for internet access, plus up to $2.00 per page to print something out.

For budget conscious web surfers, it is possible to seek out free, public Wi-Fi hotspots and utilize them during your travels. The www.jiwire.com website, for example, offers a listing of more than 150,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide. The www.wifi411.com website also lists public Wi-Fi hotspots that offer free and paid access in cities across America.

The CyberCafes website (www.cybercafes.com) provides an online directory listing thousands of Internet cafes worldwide that allow users to access the Web using supplied desktop computers for a low hourly fee, usually between $5.00 to $10.00 per hour. Most public libraries and Apple Stores across America also offer free Internet access to the public. Using this solution, there’s no need to travel with your own computer.

There is another alternative. For between $49.95 and $79.95 per month, notebook computer users can subscribe to a wireless Broadband service offered by Sprint PCS, T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. By connecting an inexpensive wireless modem to a notebook computer, true wireless, high-speed (Broadband) access is available from almost anywhere, especially within major cities. No phone lines or extra cables are required, plus you’re not limited to Wi-Fi coverage areas.

When choosing which wireless Broadband Internet service provider to sign up for, don’t just compare the price of the monthly service. It’s also necessary to evaluate the service coverage map and connection speeds offered by each provider. Also, look at the duration of the required service agreement, the cost of the wireless modem, and whether or not unlimited Internet access is granted through the service plan.

For someone who stays in a hotel three to four nights per month, or who needs Internet access while on the go, wireless Broadband Internet is an extremely convenient tool for enhancing productivity and staying connected. For those not on a corporate expense account, utilizing free Wi-Fi- hotspots, Internet cafes and Web access through public libraries continues to be a low-cost option for surfing the Web while on the go.

Buying The Perfect Luggage For Your Trip

The first step to choosing appropriate luggage is to determine your needs. Figure out what you’ll be carrying and how long you typically travel for (from one to three days, from three to five days, or a week or longer). In your checked luggage, will you be packing several business suits that can easily get wrinkled or more casual attire? Knowing this will help you determine the size, design, and number of bags you should purchase to meet your unique needs.

TIP: Many pieces of luggage from high-end companies, such as Tumi (www.tumi.com) or Orvis (www.orvis.com), have seperate compartments designed to hold suits and other clothing that you want to remain wrinkle-free.

The luggage you ultimately select should be easy to transport. After all, you’ll need to navigate your way through busy airports, down long hotel hallways, and in and out of cars or taxis. Doing this with poorly designed luggage can put added stress on your back, neck, and arms. Plus, you don’t want your luggage to fall apart mid-trip.

Soft-sided luggage with durable wheels is ideal for most travelers. This type of luggage tends to weigh less, which is important, since all major airlines now have strict weight restrictions for checked luggage. Bags weighing more than 50 pounds are each subject to a surcharge of $25, $50, $100, or more, depending on the airline.

Passengers are also limited to checking only one or two bags (depending on the airline). Each additional bag is subject to a fee of $50, $100, or more. It’s important that the luggage you choose be able to hold everything you’ll need to have with you, yet meet your airline’s requirements.

The construction of a bag is as important as its design. Ideally, you want luggage designed to take a beating, yet remain strong. You’ll pay a bit extra for bags with strong and padded handles, durable wheels that glide smoothly, well-sewn seams, heavy-duty zippers, and that are made from extra-strong material - such as ballistic nylon or napa leather. But over the long-term, these bags will last much longer and keep their contents safer.

When evaluating luggage, consider the interior design of each bag. Does the luggage have enough pockets and compartments to accommodate your needs? Will it allow you to keep your toiletries separate (in case of spillage)? Also, is the bag comfortable to carry or pull? Are the handles durable, padded, and located in the best possible places?

By visiting a specialty luggage store or high-end department store, you’ll be able to see top-quality, name-brand luggage from a variety of manufacturers. Remember, when it comes to the price of the bag, make sure you’re paying for top-quality construction, not just for a designer name.

Each popular luggage manufacturer typically offers several product lines with different looks, color-schemes, designs, and levels of construction quality. If you take only one trip per year, you may be able to purchase less expensive and lower quality luggage. However, if you travel often, you should invest in durable luggage that will last.

TIP: If you’re buying luggage with wheels, make sure the wheels are well-made, spin smoothly, are quiet when they roll, and don’t wobble. Remember, when the bag is full, you’ll be pulling or carrying up to 50 pounds. Also, focus on the construction of the bag’s handles and zippers, as well as the material used for the bag’s overall construction.

The last factors to consider are the look of the bags and the color scheme, as well as how the various bags in the set interconnect for easy transport. Just because the manufacturer offers a set of luggage with five or six bags in different sizes and styles, this doesn’t mean you need all these bags. Pick and choose the bag styles that best meet your needs. Many larger bags on wheels have hooks that allow you to easily attach smaller bags.

As soon as you’ve purchased your luggage, make sure you fill out and securely attach luggage tags with, at least, your full name and phone number. (Listing your address and cell phone number are optional.) It’s also important to place your contact information inside each checked bag. This will make it easier to recover your belongings if the bag gets lost in transit or the luggage tag falls off.

When shopping for luggage, check out luggage sets by several manufacturers. Be sure to ask about the luggage’s warranty and determine the process for getting bags repaired. Some luggage companies charge a minimum of $100 per bag (plus shipping), even for a basic repair.

Remember, many bags from different manufacturers look very similar but have a very different construction quality and overall value.

Princess Cruise To Alaska..A Truly Breathtaking Experience!

In mid-August, I had the opportunity to travel with Princess Cruise Lines (800-774-6237) to Alaska. It was a truly memorable 12-day journey, four of which were spent touring on land and visiting several of Princess' lodges, while the remainder of the trip took place aboard the luxurious Coral Princess ship.

If you're looking to experience a one-in-a-lifetime experience, book an Alaska cruise aboard Princess Cruise Lines! It's that simple. What will really make your journey memorable, however, are the hundreds of different (optional) land excursions you can participate in when the ship stops at the various ports-of-call. From dog sled rides and ATV tours, to taking a helicopter tour and landing on a glacier, you can experience one exciting activity after the next....Or, when visiting the various ports-of-call, you can shop for unique souvenirs and duty-free merchandise.

When booking your cruise, Princess Cruise Lines will provide you with brochures describing all of your land excursion opportunities. This information is also available online at the Princess Cruise Lines website. It's best to book these excursions as far in advance as possible, as the most popular tours and activities book up quickly. Trust me, you don't want to be shut out.

Keep in mind, some of the land excursions that involve flight (such as helicopter tours or "flight seeing" aboard a small aircraft) could get cancelled due to bad weather, so have a back-up plan in-place. If one tour gets cancelled, you might be able to join a different tour later in the day, or work with the Tour Desk attendant aboard the ship to book a similar adventure during a stop at another port-of-call. 

Keep in mind, the optional land excursions are not included in the price of the cruise itself, so plan your travel budget accordingly. Most of the optional tours cost under $100.00 per person, however, some of the more extravagant land excursions, like the helicopter tours, can cost upwards of $400.00 per person, but are well worth it. Whatever you do, don't forget to bring a camera! As you'll see from the slideshow below, the views are spectacular. 

Almost everything aboard the ship itself is included, except for spa treatments, items from the gift shops, gambling in the onboard casino, portraits taken by the ship's photographer, and drinks (soda, alcohol, etc.).

Even if you don't consider yourself to be an overly active or adventurous person, there are plenty of exciting and breathtaking activities (both on land and at sea) that you can participate in, regardless of your age or physical abilities. While aboard the ship itself, you can be as relaxed or active as you wish. For example, you can pamper yourself at the spa, play bingo or experience the fun shows presented each evening. (If you only have time to see one show during your cruise, don't miss Dance!) Of course, you can tempt your taste buds in any of the ship's dining rooms, where an amazing selection of mouthwatering and all-you-can-eat meals await.

The seven-day cruise aboard the Coral Princess kicks off in Whittier, and includes stops at Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and ends in Vancouver. Alternate itineraries are available. 

To plan and book your cruise, you can work directly with Princess Cruise Lines, a local travel agent, or make your reservations through one of the online travel services. (When traveling, you will need a valid U.S. Passport, so plan accordingly!)

The Coral Princess carries more than 1,970 passengers and has Alaska sailings in May, June, July, August and September 2009. Princess Cruise Lines offers seven, 10 and 14-day cruises,  which can be combined with three to eight-night land tours (which include land travel aboard Princess-owned railcars) and accommodations at the various Princess lodges.

A trip to Alaska aboard a Princess ship is ideal for families, honeymooners, couples celebrating an anniversary, and even single travelers. If you'll be traveling with kids or teens, aboard the ship there are a wide range of activities that cater just to them. For adults, there's also a potpourri of activities available - both day and night. 

Several different cabin configurations are available to accommodate travelers with varying needs, but if you can afford it, be sure to upgrade to a cabin with a balcony. You'll really enjoy the views of glaciers and snow covered mountains, plus the sunrises and sunsets. 

Below is a small sampling of photos from my mid-August trip. While I've cruised numerous times to and around the Caribbean with other cruise lines, this was my first trip to Alaska, and I must say the experience was both memorable and extremely enjoyable. I can't recommend this trip highly enough!

  

Choosing The Perfect Wine

(This excerpt was taken from The Business Traveler Guide to Washington D.C. from Entrepreneur Press.)

One challenge many business travelers face is choosing an appropriate wine selection to go nicely with entrees or desserts being ordered. Not only do you want to impress the people you're dining with (such as important clients), but you want to order quality wine that's within your budget.

Andy Myers is the sommelier at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington D.C. In addition to managing the hotel's massive wine collection, one of his responsibilities is to help guests dining at the hotel's restaurants choose the best wine to accompany their meals.

"Ideally, the restaurant has a sommelier. If they do, then ask for that person, give them a basic budget for the evening, a feeling for how much your guests are likely to drink, and a rough idea of what kind of wines you like--fruity, earthy, full-bodied, light, etc. That'll solve most of your problems as a good sommelier likes to have a clear, basic profile of the table, budget and drinking habits. Using this information, we love it when you trust us to make the experience great," said Myers.

If the restaurant you're dining at doesn't have a sommelier, Myers stated, "Assume that most people put away about half a bottle of wine during dinner. This will help when figuring out how much to order. Next, as you'll never please everyone at the table, go for wines that work with lots of flavors. I recommend Sauvignon Blancs, Dry Rieslings and Chenin Blancs for whites and Pinot Noirs and Rhone Varietals (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre) for reds."

Diners at upscale restaurants should know that even if a sommelier is not available, most restaurants train their wait staff on how to assist guests in choosing appropriate wines. "Review the wine list to gather some ideas and then ask your server or manager what they think," added Meyers.

It's important to understand that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pairing wines. "Very basically speaking, with beef, go with big, chewy, tannic Cabernets. Go to California if you like fruit, and to Bordeaux if you want really dry. When ordering chicken, go with whatever wine you want, such as a white Burgundy, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, or Oregon Pinot Noir. Everything goes with chicken, as it has a little flavor of its own to get in the way. Pairing wine with fish and seafood dishes is a bit tougher. For white wines, go with quirky Italian wines, such as Vermentino, Vernaccia, Falanghina or Orvieto," explained Myers.

Since you might not want to admit to the people you're dining with that you know little about wine, Myers recommends pulling your server or the restaurant's sommelier aside to have an open and honest conversation about your wine needs, taste and budget. "Ask for their help and utilize their recommendations to ensure the best dining experience possible."

The Equinox In Vermont Offers Unique Activities For Vacationers

So, I just returned from three days as a guest at The Equinox resort in Manchester Village, Vermont (800-362-4747 / 802-362-7873 / www.equinoxresort.com). While the leaves haven't started changing colors yet, the area was still stunningly beautiful. The resort itself was luxurious and showcased a rich history (it was established in 1769).

As you'd expect from a top-rated resort, The Equinox offers several upscale dining rooms, a full-service spa and tennis courts, plus a golf course that avid golfers travel from around the country to experience. For people who enjoy hiking, the resort is also surrounded by an assortment of trails.

What really sets this resort apart, however, are the unique activities that are offered. For example, affiliated with the resort is The British School of Falconry, which is the world's first school dedicated to this unusual sport. Here, you can experience the rare opportunity to handle and interact with hawks. One-hour introductory lessons ($89.00 per person) are available, as are hawk walks ($149.00 per person), and hawk hunting expeditions ($299.00 per person). There's also a three full-day course and various other packages available to introduce participants to this sport in a very hands-on way.

The Equinox is also home to The Archery School at the Equinox and has teamed up with Orvis (www.orvis.com) to offer a fly fishing instruction and excursions.

For people looking for a bit more action-oriented fun, The Equinox offers the Land Rover Experience driving school (802-362-0687), which provides the opportunity to take a fully-equipped Land Rover on an off-road expedition, complete with instruction by a licensed and certified instructor. The off-road driving takes place on a custom-designed, 80-acre course which provides for a variety of terrain challenges. Price: $225 per vehicle, per hour. For advanced off-road drivers, a full-day program is offered.

If you're looking to experience a luxurious and memorable trip to Vermont, plus experience a handful of activities not available elsewhere, a visit to The Equinox is well worth it. While the resort welcomes kids, this is more an upscale resort catering to adults. Manchester Village, Vermont is located about 189 miles from Boston and 204 miles from New York City.