Plan to purchase your Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation early, in order to get the best price. If you are trying to find the best deal on travel during the holidays, start looking after Labor Day . Most people believe if they wait, they will find an amazing last minute deal. This is not so, the best last minute deals are reserved for the low season. Everything is high for holiday travel. Think about it, most people have vacation time around the holidays, so that is when they want to travel.

So book early, you don’t have to pay for the trip in full, most travel agencies will accept a down payment, and you can make payments on the remainder. Call your travel agent and they will work on finding you the best deal available. If you are worried your schedule might change, purchase insurance so you have a way to get your money back if you aren’t able to travel.

Do you frequently visit Walt Disney World? Are you aware of their collection of Disney Vacation Club resorts? These DVC properties come in a variety of themes, and condo-style in their floor plans (which range from studios to three-bedroom villas.) In Walt Disney World you can find 6 properties: Old Key West Resort, Boardwalk Villas, The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club Villas, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and the brand new Animal Kingdom Villas.

There are three ways to book a stay in one of the resorts:One is to become a DVC member. Since the club’s beginning in 1991, membership has frown to 100,000 families from over 80 countries. By joining you can save thousands of dollars over the years. With the minimum investment of $15,600, the members receive a certain number of “vacation points” that go towards different trips they choose throughout the year.

 
Also, with these points, flexibility is no problem, you can stay wherever, whenever, and as often as you like, in the points’ budget. Another flexibility factor of becoming a DVC member is, if you ever choose to travel somewhere other than Walt Disney World, you can. By using your points, you can purchase non-Disney vacations, such as ski trips, European city breaks, and African safaris through DVC’s connection with Interval International.

To begin your new freedom with DVC by becoming a member, the best place to visit would be the Disney Vacation Club.

A second choice to visit the Disney Vacation Club resorts without a long-term commitment, like in being a DVC member, would be to simply book a stay at the resort of your choice by going online to Disney Reservation Center or calling 407/WDW-MAGIC.

A third and less committed way is to rent a DVC member’s points. DVC members who don’t choose to use all their points, may choose to rent them to a non-member. Though Disney does not get involved in point-renting transactions, many members do this and easily. First, both members in the transaction will want to be able to trust the other; the DVC member must trust that he will receive pay from the renter, and the renter must trust that the reservation will be booked in their name and that the DVC member will pay Disney the allotted amount of points for the trip taken. This process of renting points can save you up to $600 dollars, which would be the difference between buying the trip through the Disney Reservations Center and renting points from a DVC member.

So, staying in one of Walt Disney World’s DVC properties is both a more enjoying and less costly choice, whether you choose to be a long-term member, or to simply do it once.

August has proved to be a frustrating month to travel, and a meter showing the rapid increase in delays of flights throughout the years. In August, nearly 30 percent of the flights were delayed, which ranks as the worst on-time arrival performance since 1995, when they began keeping record. The on-time arrival rate went from 75.8 last year to 71.7 this year. These new delays are increasing customer complaints, which almost doubled to 1,634 in August, compared to the 864 in August of last year.

The government has been listening to the figures and has formulated some plans of action to help decrease the number of delays and complaints. The government is considering forcing carriers to shrink their flight schedules, also considering making them pay more to fly during peak travel periods, but some say this won’t help minimize delays, but merely result in higher fares. Recently Bush signed a spending bill to keep Cabinet departments running at current level through November, so until then, the Congress will try to raise taxes and fees to pay for upgrades to the air traffic control system. With these possibilities, the airlines are battling corporate jets and small plane operators over how they will share the cost.

The airlines and the FAA are also pressing for the building of a satellite-based air traffic control system. This system would cost about $15 billion and take close to 20 years to complete. By year 2025, they predict a double in airline traffic. This control system is known as NextGen, and the FAA already awarded ITT Corporation a $1.8 billion contract to build the first portion of the system. They also have a goal for all planes to be equipped with the navigation technology by the year 2020.

So, if the government and FAA are un-successful, it may prove more difficult to fly with ease. But out of all the bad records recently, a positive one arose; the rates of mishandled baggage fell from 8.1 reports (out of 1,000 passengers) a year ago to 7.6 reports this year. So, at least there’s some light to be found within the flying records this year.

Las Vegas is becoming more and more of a family vacation spot. Though Vegas is known for the night life, gambling, drinking, and “What happens Las Vegas, stays Las Vegas,” the strip is gaining more and more family-oriented shows and attractions. Not only with the glamour and larger-than-life buildings that are what Vegas is about, but with new attractions they’re adding due to the new boom in family vacations to Las Vegas.

When traveling with your family to Vegas, and even without the shows and family accommodations it would be just as amazing. Whether your 3 or 49, new or old, the magnificence of the hotels on the strip takes your breath away. No matter who you are, you stand in awe, gaping at the themed hotels in all their glory. As an adult you find yourself feeling like a child when faced with the Luxor, MGM, or Mirage for the first time. The sheer size and luxury blows you away. And many attractions at these hotels are free like the musical fountain show at the Bellagio, the volcano eruption at the Mirage, the Lion Habitat at MGM and the gods that come to life in sound and show at Ceasars. Though they cost, many family-friendly shows have arose in Las Vegas, such as Cirque du Soleil, concerts and comedy shows.

If traveling with a family, the Circus Circus hotel is the most family-oriented. With the Adventuredome indoor amusement park, you and your family can spend hours together riding the rides (which they have both larger and junior measurements of.) For an all-day pass to the Adventuredome it is approximately $24.95 per adult and $14.95 per child. And the Circus Circus offers luxury hotel rooms along with a KOA RV park if you drive family-vacation style.

Wherever you choose to stay, be it a hotel on the strip or one on the out-skirts, you’ll enjoy your stay with your family. Enjoying in the sites or in the shows, it will be a family vacation they won’t forget.

New, stricter rules are being applied to traveling into and out of the United States. A new requirement for United States citizens states they must present passports when traveling by air to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Now, starting October 1, Americans will need to present their passport at the airport when returning to the country from popular winter vacation spots such as Jamaica or Mexico. If unable to present a passport they will have to go through procedures of verifying their citizenship that will cause delays. Also, come January 31, both Americans and Canadians crossing the border into the US will need to present a proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and a government-issued ID to pass.

These new regulations have recently caused a drawback in the issuing of passports. The wait for receiving a passport in the mail went from the stationary 6 weeks to 12 and caused a delay in many American’s travel plans. According to the State Department, in June they were pending 2.95 million passport applications. American on a cruise that leaves from and returns to the US will only be asked to provide a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate. Though there are the few exceptions, they urge you to apply for one soon for safe measure. This time in the year is the best time to apply, as the first six months of the year tend to be the busiest. Another tip would be to apply at least a couple months before you plan on taking your trip, as to avoid any possible delays.

With the new rules, it will cause a larger demand on passport issuing, so learning about the new policies and procedures for application will help when the time comes. If for an adult, take your application to a local place that accepts them, such as a library or post office, along with proof of citizenship, photo ID, two photos and approximately $97. If for a child, they must have both parents present, or one parent and a notarized permission to obtain a passport from a missing parent. More information on obtaining a passport can be found at U.S. Department of State.

Disney World is a must do if you are in Orlando. Depending on the age of the group, you may only want to spend a few days at Disney. If you have an older crowd sped a day or two at Disney and a day at Universal Studios. Universal Studios will have more roller coasters and thrilling rides, while Disney is great for the younger kids. They offer several theme rides, and don’t forget to head over to Epcot so the kids can get their pictures taken with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, and several other Disney characters.

 
If you are planning on spending most of your time at Disney World, the convenience of staying at the park is worth the price. If you have young children, you will probably want to leave around nap time, so everyone can rest and get ready to spend the rest of the evening at the “greatest place on earth”. You will easily waste 2 hours getting in and out of the park, and driving to and from your hotel, calculate your nap time in and half the afternoon is gone. If you stay at a Disney hotel, you don’t have to pay for parking, and they have shuttles that take you to and from the park.

If you are traveling with a large group, and want to ride some of the more popular rides, have most of the group get in line to wait for one ride, while a couple of people go get the fast pass tickets for another ride. By the time you get back you will be much closer to the front of the line, and when you are done riding the ride you will be able to get in a shorter line for the next ride. You aren’t allowed to get more than one fast pass at a time.

When you arrive in Kahului Airport on Maui, gather some brochures while waiting for your luggage.

To get your rental vehicle, go outside and head over to the right where you’ll see various car rental booths. Go round the back to where the shuttles are and they’ll take you to their car lot. It’s always a good idea to check your vehicle for dents or scratches before you leave the lot.
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If you are going to Kihei use these directions: about 15 miles:

As you leave the lot follow signs to Kihei and/or Wailea.

About ¾ mile from the airport there is an intersection with a traffic light.
Continue STRAIGHT. Costco and Kmart will be on your left. Follow the signs towards Kihei.
After about 1.8 miles from the airport you will turn LEFT at the traffic light. There is a large Assembly of God church on your left. I think it’s called Mokulele Road.

After about 6.5 miles from the airport turn LEFT towards Wailea. (Don’t take the Kihei road as you end up at the opposite end of Kihei Road from where you want to be and the road to Wailea is a highway which is better.
This is the Piilani Highway. You can stop at the Piilani Shopping Center on your right and get some groceries at Safeway. Most places sell milk for about $8 per gallon but often Safeway has it for about $4.
Continue on the Piilani Highway and turn right on Ali’i Ke Alanui which is about ¼ mile beyond milepost 8. Follow the road all the way down to the ocean and turn left onto South Kihei Road.

Stay on the Piilani Highway if you’re going to Wailea.

To go to Lahaina or Kaanapali return on the Piilani Highway and follow the signs. There’s a nice lookout point at McGregor point which is after the Maui Ocean Center.

Iao Valley and Hawaii Nature Center
Where can you re-trace the footsteps of Hawaiian royalty, stand on the site of Maui’s bloodiest battle or be surrounded by the spirits of ancient chiefs and kings? The answer lies nestled in the West Maui Mountains, encircled by the dizzyingly beautiful cliffs of Iao Valley. It is the Hawaii Nature Center, a non-profit organization offering visitors and locals alike guided interpretive hikes, an interactive nature museum and a well stocked gift shop featuring Hawaiian prints and merchandise. The Hawaii Nature Center is committed to sharing the natural, historical and cultural wonders of the island through its visitors’ programs and environmental education for the children of Maui. Iao Valley is a rainforest, so it is often cool and green, with the sound of the stream a constant companion. The area is also rich with history. The Hawaii Nature Center is your interpretive guide for the “Hana” of the West side. And remember, your dollar spent helps fund our comprehensive environmental education programs for the keiki of Maui. Come explore the wonder that is Iao. Call 808-244-6500 for reservations.

Whalers Village Museum is a fascinating look at an important period in Maui’s history. This museum is believed to house the largest single collection of whaling memorabilia and scrimshaw in the world.

Mokapu and Ulua Beaches, the protected expanse before the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort, has plenty of parking, showers and restrooms and being a hotel beach is well maintained with excellent snorkeling out by the first reef.

Wailea Beach, a short but wide expanse with excellent swimming, was once very secluded, and now showcases the Grand Wailea Resort.

Polo Beach provides excellent swimming, facilities, and an underwater view of large numbers of fish among the large rocks separating Polo from Wailea Beach.

Lahaina
See the huge banyan tree. To recapture history, the Baldwin Home at Front and Dickenson Streets is a good place to begin. It was the 19th century home of missionary Dr. Dwight Baldwin and has been restored as a museum and historical center by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. Other Restoration Foundation projects worth visiting are the Wo Hing Temple on Front Street, the whaling-era Prison on Prison Street, and Hale Pa‘i (House of Printing) on Lahainaluna Road. The Lahaina Heritage Museum is located upstairs in Old Lahaina Courthouse. Lahaina Historic Trail is an interpretive, self-guided tour which tells the complete story of Lahaina through the centuries.

Drive to Haleakala National Park. Stop at the museum. On the way down stop at a flower nursery to see the beautiful protea flowers.

On the north shore east of the airport area visit Pahia and continue on to see some more beaches where there are lots of surfers.

A good website for information on the island islands is gohawaii

If your visiting Seattle and your looking for the REAL Seattle experience visit the area called Belltown. Staying here I would recommend Hotel Andra, the Westin, Edgewater and or other hotels within the Pikes Place/ Belltown areas. In terms of restaurants Flying Fish (on 1st & Bell), Assaggio’s for Italian, Bambinos for Pizza, Belltown Pizza for social pizza. Black Bottle for singles/ before meal drinks. The Metropolitan Grill for Steak but also El Gaucho for an intimate steak dinner. This is an untold secret but the BEST SUSHI is on Capital Hill called HANA (very reasonable). Also for lunch Matt’s in the Market “Catfish sandwich,” will blow your mind. As for attractions Pikes Place market and a place within the market called Jacks Fish Spot (sit in the middle area with a bottle of wine (BYOW)). For nightlife the patio at the Flying Fish and the Pampas Room after 10pm.

A couple of months back my business partner and I chartered a boat w/ a capitan and went fishing for Ling Cod. We used Fishing Seattle.com and Capitan Carl. The experience and the hospitality of Captain Carl made the trip. My brother flew in from out of town and We started the day at 7:00am at the Ballard docks where Captain Carl’s boat was moored. The whole experience lasted approximately 6 hours which seemed to fly by. The pictures tell the story of that day (oh and Captain Carl guts/ fillets it for you)… Enjoy!