Visit Cuba

Cuban leaders are working with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson to pass a bill ending the United States travel and agricultural export embargos against their country.  Seventy-four prominent Cuban political dissidents have endorsed this legislation because they believe it will help alleviate hunger in their country and assist with human rights issues.  These pro-democracy Cuban leaders have expressed their belief that an increased presence from United States citizens could help facilitate a potential future transition to a democratic state, a change that is greatly desired by many Cubans.  The United States has imposed different levels of travel and trade embargos against Cuba since the 1960s when Cuba aligned itself with the Soviet Union in the Cold War. 

The current US embargos have been criticized because of Cuba’s dire need for additional food, medicine, and clean water.  Cuban dissidents have stated that easing restrictions on agricultural imports from the United States would have an enormous impact on food shortages suffered in their country.  Some Republican members of the House Agriculture Committee oppose this bill because they believe assistance to Cuba and increased income from tourism and travel will actually assist Castro’s government.  A recent poll done in the United States indicates that 40% of Americans are in favor of ending the embargo.

Technorati Tags: agriculture, Cuba, embargos, Travel

Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood

Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, has proposed new regulations to protect consumers from airline abuses.  Frequent airline travelers have expressed frustration over the years about the poor service provided by many airlines.  In response to these complaints, the federal government has offered proposals for several regulations which include rules regarding airlines’ disclosure of fees affecting ticket prices, passengers’ ability to cancel paid tickets within 24 hours of purchase, and increased compensation for passengers bumped from flights.

Consumer complaints about airline customer service have increased over the past few years due to several factors.  One of the major concerns brought to the table by casual travelers and business travelers alike is the undisclosed or hard to find costs related to checked baggage.  Passengers have been dismayed to learn at the ticket counter that their ticket price could increase $20, $50, or even $100 depending upon the amount of baggage they need to check.  The proposed regulations would oblige airlines to prominently display and disclose fees for checked bags.  Fee transparency and disclosure will not only apply to airline websites, but to travel websites such as Expedia and Travelocity and travel agency computer systems.  The proposed legislation would also establish set procedures and guidelines for reimbursement in the case of lost or delayed baggage.

Technorati Tags: Airline, Airline Regulations, Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation

In-Flight Internet Access

A recent survey completed by Business Travel News has found that only 34% of 230 companies polled are willing to reimburse employees for in-flight internet access on domestic flights.  While the percentage of companies willing to pay for internet access on international flights increases slightly to 41%, most employers view in-flight internet access as unnecessary and too costly. 

Many business travelers argue that the ability to stay online during long flights will make their hours onboard more productive.  These road warriors will able to stay up-to-date on emails and not be backed up with a full inbox upon landing.  Despite this potential increase in employee production, however, companies remain cautious about paying for the service.  Reasons behind their hesitancy include the purportedly disproportionate quality of the internet access to its price tag.

A second reason some companies are against their employees being “plugged in” while flying is because flights are one of the few opportunities for these business oriented travelers to mentally and physically unwind and refresh.  These companies see their employees’ ability to take advantage of a break by remaining “off-line” and be revitalized for their meetings or work in each destination as a greater value than time spend on-board keeping up with email.

Technorati Tags: airline wi-fi, Business Travel, flying, internet access, Travel

Gay Friendly Travel

With the assistance of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, Expedia has recently opened a new Gay and Lesbian Travel section on its website.  Expedia’s Gay and Lesbian Travel section features top travel destinations for the gay and lesbian population and helps find hotels and resorts that are welcoming to GLBT guests.  Another area of Expedia’s new section displays major gay events across the globe in order to help gays and lesbians plan vacations and trips to places that are more welcoming. 

The international information on the site is provided to help the GLBT population find information as easily as possible while performing the usual Expedia goal of helping save its clients money.  Because the service is very new, its current information may be a bit sparse in specific regions.  However, as the Expedia Gay and Lesbian Travel section expands, it is expected to provide an easier and more convenient way to plan a GLBT friendly vacation.

Top gay and lesbian travel destinations listed on the site include San Francisco, New Orleans, Puerto Vallarta, and Amsterdam.  GLBT events which are highlighted by Expedia include Disney Gay Days in Orlando, Gay Pride in Sao Paulo, and Capital Pride in Washington DC.

Technorati Tags: Expedia, Gay, GLBT, Lesbian, Travel

The Grand Canyon

Arizona’s strict, new immigration laws may hurt the travel and tourism industries in the Grand Canyon state as companies, civil rights activists, cities, and states boycott Arizona in response to its new laws.  Arizona’s new immigration law authorizes authorities to stop anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant and demand to see proof of citizenship on the spot.  Mayor Michael Coleman of Columbus, Ohio is one of the most recent politicians to ban state-funded travel to Arizona.  His decision is based upon his disapproval of racial profiling.  Other cities that have boycotted travel to the state of Arizona include Seattle, WA; San Diego, CA; Los Angeles, CA and St. Paul, MN. 

David Krietor, the deputy city manager of Phoenix, AZ has expressed his belief that the boycotts could cause his city to lose over $90 million over the next 5 years.  Factors contributing to these losses include a decrease in conventions taking place in Phoenix, Arizona as well as a reduction in tourism.  These fears are not insubstantial.  In the 1990’s, when the Arizona refused to recognize Martin Luther King Day as a paid holiday, it lost the bid for the 1993 Super Bowl.  Despite these fears, proponents of Arizona’s new immigration law in other states will most likely not be discouraged from visiting Arizona’s natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon and the Saguaro National Forest.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Immigration Laws, Tourism, Travel

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines, Denver International Airport’s second largest carrier, has recently changed its regulations regarding small pets in the cabin.  Certain animals are now allowed on board as long as they are small enough to be placed in an approved carrier that can fit under your seat. 

Frontier Airlines charges a $75 fee for one-way travel at check-in when you bring your pet.  There are, however, restrictions as to which kinds of animals are permitted on-board.  Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and small birds are all accepted on Frontier Airlines.  Pets that are not allowed on-board include: snakes and other reptiles, amphibians (such as frogs or salamanders), insects, and spiders. 

Larger pets must be checked as baggage at the ticket counter for $150 per kennel.  This fee must be paid at check-in, so it is important for travelers with larger pets to arrive early and call in advance to reserve space for your pet as these arrangements cannot be made online.

Pet Carrying Cases

To ensure the safety of your pet, weather restrictions have also been put in place by Frontier Airlines.  If the temperature forecast in any city to which you will be traveling is below 45°F (with or without windchill) or above 85°F, Frontier Airlines will not transport your pet without a veterinarian signed Certificate of Acclimation stating that your pet is acclimated to temperatures below or above the usual guidelines.

Technorati Tags: Air Travel, frontier airlines, pets, Travel

Madagascar's King Julien

“Don’t let him on! Stop that thing! He’s carrying scissors and hand cream!” – King Julien, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

For those members of the working world who must travel on business regularly, the above quote is a humorous reminder of the post 9/11 changes to airport security.  For female business travelers who are leaving town for a single night (and therefore must pack a small carry-on suitcase which includes both their work materials and their clothing, makeup, and toiletries for the following day) these restrictions can often make packing for the short business trip a frustrating experience.

Most frequent business travelers are aware that TSA prohibits liquids or gels in containers exceeding 3.4 oz and that the aforementioned liquids or gels must be sequestered into a clear, quart-sized plastic bag.  But being aware of this fact does not necessarily make packing any easier.  

So what can you do to make sure you fit all of your necessary items into that small little baggie? 

Here are some tips and tricks:

1. Hotels typically provide their guests with small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and sometimes even lotion.  While these bottles are often unrealistically small even for single use, the hotel concierge will provide extra bottles to guests upon request.  Many people do not think to ask for more bottles, but it is perfectly fine and you should take advantage of this!

2. Many hotels also have small ketchup-packet sized samples of toothpaste.  If your frequented hotels have these available, you will not need to purchase or pack a miniature tube of toothpaste for the trip.

3. Many pharmacies sell empty 3 oz bottles which can be filled with your regular products.  Fill these with your everyday hair gel or other liquid/gel products you require for your trip including your own brand of shampoo, conditioner, or lotion if you absolutely have to use your own!  Not only are these bottles re-usable, they are much less expensive than purchasing travel-sized versions of your everyday products.

4. Pack the powder version of your foundation, blush, eye shadow, etc. rather than a liquid or gel version so it can stay in your purse or your suitcase. 

Try it out – these tips should help you free up some room for everything else you need for your overnight business trips.  Happy Travels!

Technorati Tags: Air Travel, Business Travel, Travel, TSA Regulations

Liverpool Soccer Player

Travel authorities and airlines have asked that all “non-essential travel” be delayed while they recover from the great delayed cased by the Icelandic volcano spewing ash in to European fly space. English soccer clubs Liverpool and Fulham took this to heart as they slowly made their way around the continent to fulfill their game commitments in Madrid and Hamburg. Instead, the teams used the roads and rails to arrive at their destination, and some feel they’re worse for the wear.

Other athletes affected by the ashy air space are boxing, tennis, motor sports, women’s soccer, diving and gymnastics competitors.  Liverpool and Fulham allowed a full extra day to get to their games scheduled for Thursday. Instead of a private jet, Fulham had to take trains and buses through the Channel Tunnel. Instead of a quick jaunt via plane, their grounded trek will take 10 to 12 hours. In a bonus for some, Fulham added two buses to the caravan just for their fans.

Liverpool, heading to Madrid, had a bear of a travel itinerary. They took three trains in to southern France, and then flew in to Spain. An overnight stop will help the players rest their bodies, but the travel is sure to affect them.

Technorati Tags: air travel delays, soccer travel delayed, Travel, Travel industry news

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is posting earnings in the last quarter, despite refusing to charge passengers for checked bags, as their competitors have done. Their traffic rose 1.6 last quarter, compared to their numbers from last year, and Gary Kelly, CEO, thinks his refusal to follow the trend is a strategy that’s working.

Technorati Tags: Air Travel, Southwest Airlines Earnings, travel fees, Travel industry

Coachella

The travel delays and chaos wrought by the Icelandic volcano has now affected the music industry. Coachella, one of the California’s biggest music events, had to do without some of its European acts as they, like the rest of the country, were unable to leave via airplane.

Technorati Tags: Air Travel, air travel delays, Coachella Volcano Travel Delays, Travel industry