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.

Dream Vacation For Yoga Enthusiasts

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Arizona and exploring the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas with Jeff Slade, the President and owner of Detours, an extremely professional tour company that offers individual and group tours throughout Arizona. My trip was extremely memorable, so I highly recommend hiring Detours if you too will be visiting the Arizona area and want to get the most out of your travels. Slade and his team are professional, extremely friendly, knowledgeable and very well organized.

Recently, Detours announced several special-interest tours - one for wine enthusiasts, and another for yoga enthusiasts. Based on where these tours will take participants, I can assure you that the folks at Detours will provide an extremely memorable, entertaining, informative and affordable vacation experience.

According to Detours, its new Yoga Elements Tour, "connects yoga enthusiasts with some of the most unique destinations in the American southwest." Each tour will include no more than eight travelers who will be accompanied by a yoga instructor (Kundalini practitioner Lauren Crawley) and a tour guide.

The five day excursion departs from Phoenix/Scottsdale. Each location where participants will be participating in a yoga session has been hand-picked because it offers breathtaking scenery, seclusion, and the perfect environment to relax and embrace nature. Tour stops include Sedona’s red rock formations, the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River and Lake Powell. Detours boasts, "The Elements Yoga Tour includes two Kundalini sessions per day in settings that engage the senses." You'll be transported in a luxury and nicely equipped van or SUV (see the above photo).

Complete tour descriptions can be seen at www.DetoursAz.com. For additional information, call (866) 438-6877 or email info@Detoursaz.com

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day In Ireland

Tourism Ireland is working with a variety of travel partners, including Aer Lingus, to make travel to Ireland from New York City, Boston or Chicago extremely affordable this spring. For example, if you travel between April 1st and June 15th, one-way airfare from NYC or Boston is as low as $169.00 per person (excluding taxes and fees).

To view a map of which airlines (including Aer Lingus, US Airways, American Airlines and Delta) travel non-stop from various U.S. destinations to specific Ireland destinations, including Dublin, Belfast and Shannon, click here.

Throughout the summer, complete travel packages, including airfare and resort accommodations, are also available for as little as $799.00 per person. Tourism Ireland is also promoting a 10-day escorted tour for $1,398. Check out the Tourism Ireland website (www.DiscoverIreland.com) for details.

About a year ago, I visited Ireland and stayed at several different Radisson SAS Hotels and Resorts (800-333-3333) in and around Dublin and Cavan and found the accommodations to be top notch, affordable and extremely comfortable. These resorts offered a wide range of on-property services and amenities. 

For example, at the Radisson SAS Farnham Estate Hotel [Phone: +353 (0) 49 4377700] in Cavan, the Farnham Estate Health Spa is one of the nicest, most luxurious and best-equipped spas I've ever experienced. It truly is the perfect place to go to be pampered for a day, weekend or an entire week.

The Radisson SAS Farnham Estate Hotel is located about a two-hour drive from Dublin, in the beautiful countryside of Cavan. The resort offers 158 guest rooms and suites, the spa, golf, pools, and a very luxurious heritage that is captured in the architecture, furnishings, stunning landscaping, and throughout every other aspect of your stay. 

Whether you're Irish and looking to revisit your heritage, or you're just looking for a fun, unique, affordable and memorable vacation destination, consider a trip to Ireland this spring - you won't be disappointed! 

Watch Out For Hidden Airline Fees Before Booking Your Next Ticket

Whether you book your next airline ticket directly with an airline, or use one of the popular travel-related services, like Hotwire.com, Travelocity.com or Kayak.com, before booking that often non-refundable ticket, determine what extra fees you'll be responsible for and calculate them into your travel budget to avoid unwanted surprises.

To determine what's included with your coach, business or first class airline ticket, contact your airline directly, or visit its website.

Some of the most common airline-related fees that many travelers forget to consider include:

* Baggage Check Fees - Most airlines allow one (1) free checked bag and then charge up to $25.00 for each additional bag. Some airlines, however, now charge $15.00 or $25.00 for each bag that's checked (including the first bag). Carry-ons continue to be free.

* Overweight Bag Fees - If your checked suitcase weights more than 50 pounds, you'll be hit with an "overweight" baggage fee of $50.00 or $75.00, depending on the airline. The airlines will actually add this fee if your bag weighs in at 51 or 52 pounds, so pack accordingly.

* Telephone Booking Fees - A fee up to $20.00 per ticket will be charged for calling an airline's toll-free phone number to book your ticket(s).

* Preferred Seating Fee - A few airlines have begin charging for a few inches of extra legroom, as well as window or isle seats in the coach cabin. 

* Pillows, Blankets and Entertainment Charges - Want to take a nap, stay warm or watch a movie during your flight? Some airlines now charge $5.00 or more for each of these added amenities. My recommendation: Load up your Apple iPod, iTouch, iPhone or laptop computer with a handful of TV show episodes or movies you download from iTunes, and then watch what you want during the flight.

* Snacks, Drinks and Meals - What used to be offered free of charge during a flight now comes with a fee. Most airlines still offer free non-alcoholic drinks, but almost all now charge for snacks and meals. If you want edible and affordable food during your flight, your best bet is to bring your own.

* In-Flight Internet Service - A few airlines have begin offering in-flight Internet access via Wi-Fi. If you want to access the Web using your laptop computer or wireless PDA device, it'll cost you up to $15.00 per flight.

* Traveling with Your Small Dog - Some airlines welcome small dogs as travel companions, but they'll need to stay in their carrier and kept under your seat. The fee to travel with your small dog in the airline's cabin will be between $50.00 and $100.00 each way. Separate fees apply if you'll be traveling with a larger dog that needs to be "checked" in the plane's cargo hold (which is NOT something I recommend for the dog's safety and well-being).

Once you add up some or all of these fees, expect to pay an extra $25.00 to $100.00 per person (each way) before and during your next flight. Keep in mind, not all airlines accept credit cards during a flight, so bring cash to purchase in-flight snacks and services.

When choosing which airline to fly with, if there's a chance you'll need to cancel or change your flight(s) once they've been booked and paid for, pay careful attention to the airline's cancellation, change and rebooking fees and policies. The majority of the major airlines charge a $150.00 change fee, plus the fare difference between your old ticket and the cost of the new flight.

These days, there are some incredible airfare bargains to be found, especially if you use the web to book your travel. However, don't forget to calculate in all of the extra fees and charges you may be responsible for.

Hyatt Better Caters to Business Travelers, While Marriott Offers Families A New Hotel Alternative

Business travelers will soon find their stays at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts more comfortable. In fact, when business travelers reserve the new Hyatt Business Plan accommodations at any of more than 190 participating hotels and resorts worldwide, they can expect a variety of new amenities included with their stay, such as:

* A full breakfast for one guest each day
* Free high-speed Internet access for one computer
* Bottle of water (replenished daily)
* Daily newspaper
* One pressed shirt or blouse (per room, per day, during business hours)
* Unlimited local, toll-free and long distance calls to the U.S. and Canada

In addition, between now and April 30, 2009, Hyatt Gold Passport members who stay eight nights will earn 20,000 bonus points redeemable for free nights at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts around the world.

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts have always been a popular choice amongst frequent business travelers, but these new amenities and incentives will help make each stay more comfortable, affordable and productive.

For more information, or to make a reservation, call (800) 233-1234 or visit www.hyattbusinessplan.com.

Hyatt isn't the only hotel and resort chain taking steps to cater to a specific audience. For families traveling with kids and teens, for example, Marriott Vacation Club has begun making its timeshare vacation properties available for nightly or weekly stays to non-owners.

For about the price of a standard (typically small) three-star hotel room at or near any popular vacation destination, guests at any Marriott Vacation Club timeshare property will enjoy very spacious, two or three bedroom accommodations, a full kitchen, living room and multiple bathrooms. Most also offer in-room laundry facilities, plus access to all of the resort's services and amenities - swimming pools, tennis courts, spa, restaurants, golf, gym, etc.

I recently stayed at a Marriott Vacation Club property in Orlando for a week and found it to be extremely comfortable. The two bedroom accommodations were clean, modern, spacious, well-decorated and the location was very convenient to Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and International Drive. In fact, the property was located about a 1/4 mile from SeaWorld. 

In addition to the accommodations being top-notch, the resort also has a wide range of on-property activities, including a fully supervised activities program for kids and teens. All this is now available to non-owners, typically at very affordable rates (compared to a typical hotel).

Instead of staying in a small hotel room, any family should consider staying at a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare property (even if they're not an owner). In addition to offering affordable nightly or weekly rates, you'll have plenty of extra space and more privacy. For a family, just having two bathrooms and multiple televisions can relieve some stress. Plus, you can save money by utilizing the full kitchen to prepare breakfasts and lunches (instead of dining out). With the in-room laundry facilities, you can also pack less, which means you can travel with less luggage.

For additional information about booking nightly or weekly accommodations at any of the more than 49 Marriott Vacation Club properties, visit http://www.marriott.com or call (800) 845-5279. While you'll probably be invited to participate in a timeshare sales pitch as a nightly or weekly guest, you are not obligated to attend.

Cancer Survivors Can Enjoy A Free Weekend In Stowe, Vermont

Between May 1st and 3rd, 2009, the 9th Annual Stowe Weekend of Hope will take place in Stowe, Vermont. It's being dubbed as a "celebration of life and learning for survivors of all cancers and those who love them." 

Registration to participate begins on February 29, 2009. For first-time attendees to this get-away weekend event, Stowe hotels is donating complimentary guest rooms, plus is offering discounted guest rooms for returning guests.

Throughout the weekend, free workshops and seminars will be offered, which are designed to be both educational and inspirational. The event's keynote speaker this year will be Joanna Bull, founder of Gilda's Club Worldwide.

According to the Stowe Weekend of Hope organization, "This unique event addresses the complex challenges and needs of people with cancer at any stage in their disease. Cancer presents families with many challenges – physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial."

Last year, the event attracted more than 300 cancer survivors and their families. To learn more or to register, visit www.storehope.org

or call (888) 247-8693.

Puntacana Resort & Club's Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic Offers The Ultimate Caribbean Getaway

If you're looking for an up-scale, ultra-luxurious, extremely beautiful, modern, well-equipped and easy-to-reach Caribbean resort getaway, check out Puntacana Resort & Club's Tortuga Bay (888-442-2262) in the Dominican Republic.

Designed by Oscar de la Renta, this resort offers a stunning oceanfront setting, plus all of the amenities and activities you could ask for - from multiple golf courses, to horseback riding, water sports, boating, a spa, a well-equipped fitness center, tennis courts, and eight fine-dining restaurants.

Tortuga Bay is an ultra-exclusive resort within the larger Puntacana Resort. It includes only 15 one, two, three or four bedroom villas (just steps from the beach) which offer privacy, security and five-star luxury, plus plenty of modern amenities.

Located in the Dominican Republic, Puntacana Resort & Club's Tortuga Bay is situated on 15,000 acres of private land located less than 10 minutes from the world's only privately-owned international airport.

Direct flights to Punta Cana are offered by several major airlines from a handful of east coast cities. From New York's JFK Airport, for example, the direct flight takes under four hours. (It's as easy as flying from New York to Florida or Puerto Rico, for example.) Guests of Toruga Bay are literally met at their airplane's door upon landing and escorted to their villa in under 20 minutes.

Toruga Bay is a perfect honeymoon destination or a wonderful place for adults to go for a romantic and fun-filled getaway. It's also a great vacation destination for serious golfers, as well as ideal for families traveling with kids and teens. A wide range of family-friendly activities, services and amenities are offered on-property. The secluded white sandy beaches create a beautiful, tropical setting which is nicely combined with immaculate landscaping and surrounded by several pristine (and award-winning) golf courses.

I just returned from a trip to Toruga Bay and can't recommend this resort highly enough. Having toured throughout the entire Caribbean multiple times over the past few years, I can honestly say that this resort offers the most luxurious, modern and comfortable accommodations I have encountered anywhere in the Caribbean. The friendly and efficient service is unparalleled.

While Tortuga Bay offers the ultimate in upscale resort accommodations, the 355-room Puntacana Hotel offers more affordable accommodations located on the same 23-square-mile property.

Yes, the Dominican Republic is a Spanish speaking country with its own currency, but you'll find most everyone at the Puntacana Resort & Club speaks fluent English and the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. High-speed Internet access, satellite television, cell phone reception and traditional phone services are readily available throughout the resort. So, if you must check your email, you can do it wirelessly from your villa, the beach, the swimming pools or the golf courses.

Tortuga Bay offers something for everyone, although your vacation experience won't be cheap. If you're looking for an extremely affordable, over-crowded, no-frills, all-inclusive resort, seek out other accommodation options within the Dominican Republic or elsewhere in the Caribbean. Tortuga Bay is designed to offer only the best-of-the-best to vacationers able and willing to pay for the experience.

The following are photos from my trip...

Track Your Flights, Learn About Delays, and Discover Gate Numbers Quickly Using Your Apple iPhone

As a frequent flier, I often encounter flight delays and gate changes on the days I fly (or when I need to pick up someone at the airport). I also need to know baggage claim information when I land.

Well, to keep track of last-minute travel problems, you can call the airline directly and deal with an automated system. Or, you can visit the airline's website if you have access to the Internet. You can also check the Arrival and Departure monitors located within airports.

Another much more convenient option for Apple iPhone users is to utilize the Flight Tracker application from SplashData. This $2.99 program is available from the App Store on iTunes, and makes tracking flights in real-time quick and easy - from just about anywhere. In fact, the flight data this program utilizes is often more current than the Arrival and Departure monitors at airports.

If you know your airline and flight number(s), you can access flight information in seconds from your iPhone. If you don't know your flight number(s), you can look them up with a few extra screen touches. After you enter your flight info the first time, Flight Tracker remembers the data, so you can obtain updates in seconds. The program can access data about virtually all of the major airlines. While an airplane is still in the air, detailed maps are available to show flight progress graphically.

As a frequent flyer, the $2.99 Flight Tracker program is a "must have" application on your iPhone when you're on-the-go.

Give The Gift of A Vacation or Experience

Looking for a gift for someone who has everything? Need a memorable wedding or anniversary gift? Well, I recently came across a company, called Smart&Co (888) 846-7269, which allows people to purchase pre-packaged vacations and experiences. Available at retailers, like Borders bookstores, these gifts are glorified gift certificates for weekend getaways, spa treatments, hotel stays and adventures.

For a flat-fee, the gift giver can choose what type of vacation getaway or experience they'd like to offer as a gift. There are more than 125 options to choose from, ranging from a choice of 105 adventure activities (like ice tunnel bobsledding, ATV driving adventures or paragliding), to spa treatments and one-night stays at a bed-and-breakfast. Prices range from $69.00 to $369.00, depending on the experience. The Smartbox "gift certificates" can be redeemed across the Northeast and California and come packaged in a nice presentation gift box.

This is a unique and fun twist on a gift certificate that allows the gift receiver to choose from a wide range of vacation experiences or activities, based on the type of Smartbox gift you (the gift giver) present. Categories include Adventure, Serenity and Adrenaline. Additional information is available from the company's website - www.smartbox.com/us.

As a reminder, almost of all the major airlines, as well as resort and hotel chains, also offer their own gift certificates and/or gift cards which can make a wonderful gift for a traveler.

Be Identified When You're Unable To Do So Yourself: Check Out "RoadID"

For anyone who engages in potentially dangerous activities or who travels overseas, RoadID (800-345-6336 / www.RoadID.com) has created an inexpensive identification bracelet that will allow emergency medical people (hospitals, doctors, etc.) to obtain your identity and any information about your medical history, even if you're unconscious and unable to share this data yourself.

The RoadID bracelet ($19.95) can be engraved with your full name, address and contact information for one or two of your emergency contacts, or quickly direct emergency medical personnel to the RoadID company's website so they can access vital details about your medical history (which you provide) - information that could potentially save your life. This Emergency Response Profile (ERP) is created by you and is available online or by telephone. Your ERP can communicate to first responders your name, address, emergency contacts, health insurance, medical information, and more.

The RoadID bracelet is available in multiple colors and can comfortably be worn by travelers to help make it easier for someone to identify you and make contact with your loved ones (or your own doctors) should an emergency arise. According to the company, "In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. It's available in five different styles. It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind."

RoadID bracelets can be ordered online from www.RoadID.com. This new twist on traditional ID bracelets makes for a potentially useful accessory for overseas travelers, and for under $20.00, it's something I'd strongly recommend (in addition to purchasing travel insurance when traveling overseas for business or pleasure.)

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.