“Discount Airlines” Rule the Skies

Even when using online-based travel services, like Travelocity.com, Hotwire.com or Kayak.com, to book airline tickets with the major airlines at significant discounts, passengers still need to pay up when it comes to all of those extras – checking luggage, food, drinks, and booking fees, for example. These fees easily add $50.00 to $100.00 to the cost of a roundtrip ticket.

As a frequent flier, I’ve begun to seriously wonder why the major airlines aren’t following in the footsteps of JetBlue, Southwest, Virgin America, AirTran, and the other “discount” airlines when it comes to offering extremely low airfares, few or no extra fees, and a friendly attitude amongst its flight attendants, ticket counter representatives and customer service personnel.

Many of these discount airlines also still offer free snacks and drinks, plus they’re not charging to check one or two pieces of luggage. They’re also a lot more flexible when it comes to cancelling or changing flights and don’t charge outrageous penalties of $100.00 or more, like the major airlines. (Pay attention United, Delta, American Airlines, US Airways, etc.!)

If you’re looking for truly low airfares with far fewer restrictions and lower (or no) extra fees, but still want comfort and convenience on the airplane, seriously consider booking your future flights on one of the “discount” airlines, like JetBlue, Southwest, Virgin America or AirTran.

Many of these airlines don’t offer their flights through the popular online travel services, so you’ll need to visit each of these airlines’ respective websites directly to compare fares, find flights and make online reservations. In fact, it’s often cheaper to book your airfare online than it is to call these airlines directly on the phone.

When visiting each airline’s website, sign up for their free email mailing list, and you’ll automatically be notified of online sales and special promotions that’ll allow you to save even more money on airfares or complete travel packages.

Simply by shopping around online and visiting the websites of the discount airlines directly, you often don’t have to worry about seven, 14 or 21-day advance purchases, or the traditional need to stay over on a Saturday night to get the lowest airfares.

This afternoon (Monday), I booked a non-stop flight on JetBlue for my mother - from Boston to Oakland, CA, departing tomorrow (Tuesday afternoon), and found a one-way airfare of just $99.00 (plus tax). Other airlines were charging $400.00 or more for a similar one-way, last-minute ticket. That brings me to the point that unlike the major airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, AirTran and Virgin America, for example, allow you to easily and cost-effectively book one way flights.

These airlines typically have fleets of new airplanes that offer comfortable seats featuring private TVs with a selection of cable TV channels (just bring your own headset to avoid a $1.00 or $2.00 charge). Some also now offer Wi-Fi Internet access on the flights (for a low fee). Check with each airline directly to see what in-flight services and amenities are offered.

Oh, and if you’re traveling with a pet, JetBlue is one of the first airlines to offer a really well thought out pet travel program, called JetPaws (www.jetblue.com/jetpaws). And, if you’re a student or senior citizen, be sure to inquire about special discounts offered by these airlines.

After recently flying with several of these “discount” airlines, I’ve become a fan, and I’m confident you will too! Plus, your bank account will appreciate it. One thing to consider before booking a flight that has one or more stops is the length of the layover. 

On a recent flight from Boston to San Francisco on JetBlue, I had a three hour layover in Long Beach, CA, which really extended my travel day. Obviously, book a direct flight whenever possible. If you do have a layover, one that lasts between 60 to 90 minutes is ideal. Any shorter, and you run the risk of missing your connecting flight, and any longer means waiting around in an airport. Happy travels!

Exciting Things To See and Do In San Mateo & Palo Alto, CA

I just had the opportunity to spend a few days exploring San Mateo and Palo Alto, California (just outside of San Francisco), and I had a wonderful time. This region is loaded with fun and exciting things to see and do, not to mention, a ton of really great restaurants, shopping opportunities, and countless outdoor recreational activities (including golf, biking, hiking, kayaking, surfing, whale watching and sport fishing).

So, if you happen to be visiting the San Francisco area for business or pleasure, consider taking a short detour to San Mateo and Palo Alto (located less than an hour from the San Francisco Airport). 

San Mateo County is located on a 60-mile peninsula immediately south of San Francisco, and is bordered on the east by the world-famous San Francisco Bay. To learn more about this region, visit www.VisitSanMateoCounty.com, or call the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at (650) 348-7600 or (800) 288-4748.

One of my first stops was a visit to Thomas Fogerty Winery & Vineyards (650-851-6777). This winery and vineyard offers a variety of ongoing events that are open to the public, including tours and wine tastings. Founded in 1981 by Dr. Thomas Fogarty, this winery and vineyard produces a handful of award-winning wines.

While tasting the wines is a treat onto itself, exploring the vineyards is a memorable experience because the mountainous landscape is simply breathtaking. If you're looking for a unique and stunningly beautiful setting to host a private event, such as a wedding, party, corporate event or any type of social gathering, Thomas Fogerty Winery & Vineyards is set up to handle groups of almost any size. 

Even if you're not a big wine aficionado, chances are you'll enjoy a visit to this winery and vineyard, which is located about 2,000 feet above sea level in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Photographs from my trip to San Mateo. (c)2009 Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.

Located about 55 miles south of San Francisco, along the Pacific Ocean, is the Ano Nuevo State Nature Reserve. It's easy to spend a few hours (or even an entire day) exploring this park, which is home to hundreds of wild elephant seals, sea lions and other marine mammals living along the shoreline. 

Visitors can view the elephant seals from just a few yards away, so you'll get an up-close look at these amazing creatures, yet visitors are kept far enough away from them so they remain undisturbed in their natural habitat. Park rangers are on-hand to answer questions. Oh, and be sure to bring a camera.

The Ano Nuevo State Nature Reserve is a lovely and beautiful place to explore. Be prepared to do some walking (however, much of the park is handicap accessible). If you want to see wild elephant seals, sea lions and other marine animals up-close, a visit to this park is far more memorable and exciting than a visit to any zoo or marine life theme park.

If seeing flowers, exotic plants and breathtaking landscaping is of interest, plan on spending at least a few hours on a walking tour of Filoli Center. Here, you'll find a gorgeous, 36,000 square foot mansion which is open for tours, plus more than 16-acres of incredible landscaping in the form of gardens. Visitors are free to explore the incredible and colorful gardens, plus take part in a wide range of activities, lectures and classes which regularly take place here. Visit the Filoli Center's website for a listing of special events.

The estate was built by William Bower Bourne II (who earned his great wealth as an owner of gold mines in California.) While the mansion is an impressive site, the gardens are truly spectacular, as you'll find literally thousands of flowers, trees and exotic plants on display here throughout the year. And, as the seasons change, so does the landscaping.

While this region features hundreds of wonderful casual and fine-dining restaurants, two which deserve a special mention are Cameron's Restaurant & Pub in Half Moon Bay (on Highway 1, about 30 minutes south of San Francisco) and MacArthur Park Restaurant (located in Palo Alto).

Cameron's Restaurant & Pub is modeled after an authentic English pub and is extremely unique. The food and drinks are top-notch, but it's the decor and atmosphere of this casual dining and drinking establishment that truly set it apart. Drop by for a drink or enjoy a full meal. In addition to traditional British menu items, Cameron's is known for its burgers.

For a much more elegant dining experience that is sure to be delightful, make a reservation for dinner at MacArthur Park Restaurant.  The restaurant is housed in a fully-restored historical landmark building designed by Julia Morgan (circa 1918). 

MacArthur Park Restaurant is home to award-winning chef Faz Poursohi, who has partnered with restauranteur Chuck Frank to create a menu that's chock full of mouth-watering specialties. 

In terms of accommodations, if you're looking for a full-service and upscale business-friendly hotel, the Sofitel San Francisco Bay (located in Redwood City, between downtown San Francisco and San Jose) offers the perfect place to stay. A free shuttle is available to/from the San Francisco Airport. The guest rooms and suites are clean, spacious, comfortable and offer a wide range of amenities that are ideal for business travelers.

Another business-friendly hotel that's located just minutes from the San Francisco Airport is the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, which is rated as an AAA Four-Diamond property. Offering luxurious guest rooms and suites, plus meeting rooms and conference facilities, this large hotel features extremely comfortable and modern rooms, with all of the services and amenities a business traveler could ask for.

Here's Just Some of What's New and Exciting In Orlando

Okay, so I just spent a few days in Orlando working on a new travel guide for Thomas Cook, and I had the opportunity to revisit all of the major theme parks, as well as a handful of lesser known and independent attractions in the Orlando area. 

First off, if you're traveling with a family, for about the same price as a standard, three-star hotel room (one room with two beds, some basic furniture, one bathroom and a television), you could stay in a large, multi-bedroom condo located just minutes away from Disney World, Universal Orlando and/or Seaworld. 

All-Star Vacation Homes (800-659-2579) offers a collection of multi-bedroom condos, complete with living room, full-size kitchen, laundry facilities, multiple bathrooms, a dining area, and in many cases a private patio and swimming pool. These condos are clean, extremely spacious, comfortable, and ideal for families or extended families that want affordable, but highly functional accommodations. 

I have stayed with All-Star Vacation Homes twice now (at two different properties located in the Orlando area), and my stays have been top-notch. I highly recommend this as a viable alternative to a traditional hotel.

Another option which I've written about here is a stay at one of the Marriott Vacation Clubs in the Orlando area. These are timeshare resort properties, however, non-owners can book nights at these resorts for about the same price as a standard three-star hotel. With several different timeshare properties in the Orlando area (with several that are literally walking distance to Seaworld), you can enjoy spacious, clean and affordable accommodations and full resort amenities. It's a perfect option for families.

During this most recent trip to Orlando, I spent time visiting some of the smaller area attractions, like Gatorland and SkyVenture, and I want to recommend both of these attractions!

Gatorland is a perfect place for families to spend a half-day. It's a family-owned attraction that's been around for decades, but they've recently expanded and remodeled. This attraction offers a wonderful opportunity to get up-close with alligators. You'll experience many different exhibits, plus a handful of fun-filled and entertaining shows. Gatorland is affordable, less commercial than the major theme parks, but offers a very enjoyable experience, especially for kids and teens.

Admission to Gatorland is just $22.99 per adult and $14.99 per child, but the food and souvenirs are very affordable, plus the parking is free. The attraction is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. For details, call 800-393-JAWS or visit www.Gatorland.com.

For teenagers and adults, SkyVenture offers indoor skydiving that's thrilling, but not scary. The one-hour experience includes all of the training and equipment you'll need. No experience is necessary. This includes about three minutes actually "flying" within the indoor skydiving tunnel. 

While you'll have the sensation of actually skydiving, when you're placed within the massive wind tunnel, you're never more than a few feet off of the ground, plus, you're always in the tunnel with a professional skydiver/instructor. This is an incredible experience that should not be missed while you're in Orlando. Plan on the entire experience lasting about an hour.

The "Intro To Flying" package is priced at $44.95 per person. It provides a wonderful introduction to the world of "body flight" and includes two to three minutes of actually flying on a 125mph column of air. Group packages and different solo flight packages are available. Call 800-SKY-FUN-1 or visit the SkyVenture website for details - www.skyventureorlando.com.

Meanwhile, if you'll be visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, be sure to check out the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you're a singer, consider auditioning in the morning. Or, if you're just a fan of the show, you can experience the interactive attraction as an audience member. It really is the closest thing possible to being at an actual American Idol live show in Hollywood. 

The entire "experience" lasts about 45 minutes, but you'll need to arrive at the theatre at least 20 to 30 minutes prior to the posted show time. Don't worry, you'll be entertained by video performance clips from past American Idol seasons.

Disney and the American Idol producers put a lot of money and effort into creating this extremely impressive attraction. It's well worth experiencing...and when you're done, head over to The Brown Derby restaurant and taste their awesome cobb salad.

Over at Universal Orlando, within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, the new ride/attraction based upon The Simpsons should not be missed. It's probably the best and most impressive ride/attraction within this park, whether or not you're a fan of the animated series. They're also hard at work building a new roller coaster that'll take guests around this theme park at lightening speed. The Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket coaster should be opening later this year. 

In between Universal Studios Florida and the Islands of Adventure theme parks is the new Blue Man Group show, which is presented once or twice each evening. If you're not familiar with Blue Man Group, it's hard to explain this upbeat musical show. Basically, the performers are covered in blue paint and wear black outfits, as they perform music using very unusual instruments. The show can be a bit loud at times, and it's very unusual, albeit very entertaining.

While it won't be open until 2010, within Island of Adventure, the new Harry Potter attraction is under construction and that looks like it'll be extremely impressive. So, if you're planning your Orlando trip for 2010, be sure to leave time to check out that attraction.

Over at SeaWorld in Orlando, the Believe show in Shamu Stadium (see photo above) continues to be the park's main attraction. It's a heartwarming and spectacular show featuring killer whales and their trainers. However, in time for Memorial Day, this park is opening a new roller coaster, called Manta that looks like it'll quickly become a favorite ride amongst thrill seekers.

Manta is inspired by the underwater flight of manta sea creatures. Riders will get strapped into this coaster and fly face-down in a horizontal position underneath the belly of the coaster. You'll experience flight at 60 mph through four inversions on 3,359 feet of track.

For adults, teens and kids alike, Orlando's theme parks always offer new and exciting attractions, and a seemingly endless supply of ways to experience a memorable and fun-filled vacation. The trick is to pace yourself and plan ahead to insure you have the opportunity to see and do everything on your agenda.

While all of the theme parks are offering money-saving admission tickets and package deals, some of which include accommodations and/or meals, if you're looking to save money on many of Orlando's smaller attractions, be sure to pick up an Go Orlando Card, which for a pre-determined number of days (one, two, three, five or seven), offers unlimited discounted admission to over a dozen popular museums and attractions. 

The Go Orlando Card offers a discount of up to 35 percent off of standard admission prices. Call 866-628-9036 or visit the Go Orlando Card website for details.

Visiting Dallas? Be Sure To Explore Plano, Texas As Well!

This past week, I had the opportunity to visit Plano, Texas, which is located about 20 minutes north of Dallas (about 30 minutes from the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport). There's convenient light rail train service between Dallas and Plano, called the DART Rail, which offers a nice alternative to driving between these cities.

If you're going to be visiting Dallas anytime soon, instead of staying in the city, consider staying in Plano, where you'll find many upscale shopping opportunities, a handful of tourist attractions (including Southfork Ranch, as seen in the TV series Dallas), and many extremely good restaurants. This is an upscale and extremely beautiful suburban community that welcomes its visitors with open arms and friendly hospitality.

A handful of large corporations have their headquarters in Plano, so you'll find a wide range of hotel options suitable for either business or leisure travelers throughout the area. For example, the Marriott Dallas/Plano at Legacy Town Center is a full-service, upscale Marriott hotel which nicely combines all of the business amenities you could want, with all of the comforts of a leisure hotel. This Marriott is located on the outskirts of Legacy Town Center, which offers unique shopping and dining opportunities - all within walking distance.

If you'll be visiting Dallas or the Plano area for business, seriously consider bringing along your spouse and kids, and staying at the Marriott Dallas/Plano at Legacy Town Center for the weekend. The 404 rooms and 40 suites are large, extremely comfortable and offer plenty of amenities.

If you're looking for affordable, but more trendy accommodations than a traditional (albeit very nice) Marriott, be sure to check out the aloft Hotel or the NYLO Hotel, both located in Plano. The aloft Hotels (operated by W Hotels) are similar to Courtyard Marriott properties in terms of price, but this new chain offers a trendy atmosphere with ultra-modern decor. The NYLO also offers a trendy atmosphere. Both hotels are ideal for business travelers (they offer free Internet, long distance calling, a free business center, and other amenities), but are also child (family) and dog-friendly.

Okay, so now you're probably asking, what's there to do in Plano, Texas? Well, the dining options are extremely impressive. Forget those chain restaurants you'll find everywhere else. In addition to the chains, Plano has a large selection of independent restaurants that are truly top-notch. No matter what type of food you're looking for, including traditional Texas BBQ or an upscale steak house, you'll find it here. 

For casual, Texas-style dining, I recommend Love and War in Texas. For much more upscale dining (with a strong Texas influence) make a reservation at Jasper's. One fine-dining restaurant, bar and nightclub which I was extremely impressed with was Loft 610. Here, you'll find award-winning, gourmet dining and a full-service and very popular bar. At around 10pm, there's a DJ, and the restaurant transforms into a sophisticated but upbeat club/lounge.

As for shopping, Plano has several unique shopping areas, like The Shops at Legacy, which are mainly independent boutiques (as opposed to traditional chain stores). There are also several other upscale malls that offer major department stores, designer boutiques, plus traditional mall stores.

Aside from shopping, Plano offers a wide range of activities and attractions, such as upscale day spas, golf, a wide range of other sports-related options, plus museums, galleries, theaters and other cultural activities. The Amphitheater At Oak Point Park, for example, hosts a wide range of concerts in a beautiful, 1,000 seat, outdoor venue.

The Plano area is also home to Southfork Ranch, made famous by the TV series Dallas. The daily tours take you through the ranch and allow you to see props, photos, video clips and memorabilia from the TV series.

One of the events which Plano is most famous for is the annual Plano Balloon Festival, which takes place every September. The city has become known as the "Hot Air Balloon Capitol of Texas," because the event attracts more than 75,000 people and more than 100 hot air balloons every year.

So, if you happen to be in the Dallas area, be sure to visit Plano, Texas. You'll have fun, have plenty to do, and have a chance to enjoy the incredibly friendly hospitality that Texas is known for.

W Hotels Offers A New (Inexpensive) Alternative To Courtyard Marriotts

For many business and leisure travelers, Courtyard Marriott hotels have become known for offering excellent quality, clean and affordable accommodations in low-rise hotels that are typically found in suburban areas.

Meanwhile, in major cities, W Hotels have become known as ultra-trendy, high-end "boutique" hotels that offer ultra-modern decor, but for a price. What if these two concepts were combined? Well, they have been -- very successfully!

The folks at W Hotels are now attempting to compete head-on with Courtyard Marriott with the introduction of "aloft" Hotels. These new properties combine the affordability of a Courtyard Marriott with the boutique feel, ultra-modern decor and trendy atmosphere of the W Hotels. aloft Hotels, however, are found primarily in suburban locations.

There are currently 21 alof Hotels open throughout the U.S., including the one I visited in Plano, Texas. By the end of 2009, more than 70 aloft Hotels will be open. Compared to W Hotels, these are scaled-down and much more affordable accommodations designed to tap into all five of a guests senses. For example, the hotels have a signature scent which you'll smell in all public areas. There are also specialized music playlists that can be heard, while your eyes and sense of touch will experience the custom-designed, multi-textured furniture and decor.

aloft Hotels are all about attitude and will appeal to young business professionals and anyone who is stylish and trendy. The chain truly represents a new type of boutique lifestyle hotel. In addition to offering very affordable guest rooms (starting at $89.00 per night in Plano, Texas, for example), free WiFi Internet access is offered throughout each hotel.

If you're traveling with kids, there's the unique "Camp aloft" program, which features special kid-oriented bedding, games and activities within the guest room. If you're traveling with your dog, the "Arf" program offered at the aloft Hotels welcomes your canine friends and provides a bog bed, treats and other amenities - all at no extra charge.

Other great services and amenities you'll find at aloft Hotels include optional, totally automated check-in kiosks (if you don't want to deal with the friendly front desk staff), as well as a trendy lobby bar, lobby games (including a pool table), a "grab and go" snack shop (offering breakfast, sandwiches, coffee, etc.), a nicely equipped workout facility and a swimming pool.

Within the guest rooms, you'll find ultra-modern, somewhat minimalist decor in a well-lit room that contains a 42-inch LCD TV, Bliss spa amenities, an oversize shower, and plenty of electrical outlets to plug in all of your favorite gadgets.

The concept behind the aloft Hotels is in a word brilliant! I'm currently spending the week exploring Plano, Texas, and in future entries will include full details about other great hotels, plus descriptions of fun things to see and do in this area - for business travelers and vacationers alike. However, no matter where you're traveling, if you're looking for a totally new experience when it comes to affordable hotel accommodations, check out one of the new aloft Hotels properties. 

The aloft Hotel in Plano, Texas, for example, features a total of 136 guest rooms, including 87 rooms equipped with one king-size bed and 49 guest rooms with two queen-size beds. This hotel is located just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas (about 30 minutes from the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport). If you're headed to Dallas, but want to stay outside of the city, seriously consider the Plano, Texas area.

For more information about aloft Hotels, call (877) GO-ALOFT or visit www.alofthotels.com on the web.