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In this issue …
• That’s some vacation …
• 3 biggest mistakes business travelers make
• “That’s it! I’m outta here!”
• This might be the end of the runway for airfare increases
• How to reach yours truly
• Support this site
This issue of Elliott’s E-Mail is underwritten by Carrentals.co.uk, which provides the easiest and quickest way to search for car hire on the web. Our car rental search engine will compare the market in seconds and provide you with prices from up to 40 car hire suppliers. Cheap car hire is one search away!
FIRST | Random thoughts about the week in travel
That’s some vacation … I was supposed to be taking a week off. Didn’t happen. There’s too much going on in the world of travel to not write about it. This week’s newsletter is filled with fascinating articles and posts about everything from frequent flier mileage problems to news on fees and surcharges.
Burning question … your super-secret insider tips on non-traditional lodging, please! Do you rent a home when you go on vacation? Do you bed down in a condo? This week, I’m interested in your experiences and advice when you aren’t staying at a hotel. Send me a note and please don’t forget to include your full name, city and occupation.
Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by FirstClassFlyer.com, the only tool you need to fly first class for the price of coach — or close to it. Looking for free and purchased upgrades, two-for-ones and a fast-track to elite status strategies? Look no further than FirstClassFlyer.com
SIGHTINGS | Noted Elliott appearances online and offline
Hassled over my ‘no hassle’ miles — Jan Venegas buys tickets to Hawaii with her Capital One “No Hassle” miles. But when her airline goes out of business, her credit card company refuses to return the hard-earned awards. Is Venegas stuck with a worthless ticket? (From The Troubleshooter)
3 biggest mistakes business travelers make — A lot of business travelers come off as know-it-alls, moving effortlessly from their towncars to their first-class lounges to the front of the plane, where they’re served mimosas as they recline in their ergonomic leather seats. But these so-called “road warriors” aren’t necessarily as smart as they look. (From MSNBC.com)
Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by Skooba Design, designers of top-rated, award-winning cases and accessories for laptops and other tech/travel gear. Named “best buy” by a major independent consumer magazine, as well as leading technology, travel and general interest publications. Elliot’s E-Mail Subscribers get 20 percent off, plus free shipping (UPS Ground/48 States) on all Skooba Design orders of $50 or more. Just enter coupon code ELLIOTT20 at checkout. Some restrictions apply. Here are the details.
BLOGGED | New posts on Elliott’s Blog
“That’s it! I’m outta here!” — Sometimes, only an apology and a full refund can make up for a disastrous vacation. Iesha Walker believes her experience on Carnival’s Destiny is one of those times. (From Elliott Blog)
Are the number of airline complaints about to take off? — The number of complaints about airlines appears to be in freefall — this morning’s report card (PDF) issued by the Transportation Department says 575 people griped about air travel in June, compared with 848 a year ago — but it may only be a few weeks before they resume their climb. (From Elliott Blog)
“We were floored” — At a time when passengers expect their airline to charge for anything that isn’t bolted down, hearing about one that doesn’t is a “man bites dog” story that can give the rest of us hope. (From Elliott Blog)
That’s SeaLife! — The SeaLife Aquarium at Legoland USA opens Aug. 11, and we were one of a lucky few to get a private tour of the new attraction. (We’ve been intrigued about the park since our friends at Jaunted wrote about it a few days ago.) (From Elliott Blog)
How much more outrageous can those outragous airline fees get? — When it comes to airline fees, how much worse can it get? Much worse, apparently. (From Elliott Blog)
As flying conditions worsen, airline passengers turn abusive — The number of full-blown, reportable in-flight altercations may be near an historic low. But there there’s no shortage of abusive passengers. In fact, there may even be more of them. (From Elliott Blog)
Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by Cheapflights.com, which lets you search and compare flights to find the lowest-priced airfare for your next trip. Get the details at Cheapflights.com.
ON TRIPSO | Blog postings from the last honest travel site.
Traveling with Edouard: everything you need to know about today’s twister — Tropical storm Edouard is lashing the Texas coast at the moment, but it could affect your next trip. (From Tripso)
This might be the end of the runway for airfare increases — Here’s a little good news for air travelers who think they’ll have to take out a second mortgage the next time they fly. In a sign that the sky apparently isn’t the limit for price increases, one airline has cut its fares. (From Tripso)
Soaring fuel prices push telecommuting trend — for now — A just-released government survey suggests America’s workforce is hanging up the car keys, unpacking its bags and staying home to work. About a third of the respondents to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ 2006 omnibus survey said they telecommuted during the past week. The number jumped to 44 percent last year. (From Tripso)
“Our federal approach to transportation is broken” — America’s transportation network is broken. Now what? Transportation Secretary Mary Peters thinks she has the answer. Late yesterday, she unveiled a new plan to “refocus, reform and renew” the national approach to highway and transit systems. (From Tripso)
TALKBACK | How to sound off about this site
Read something you disagree with? Got a story idea or a gripe? Here’s how to be heard:
• Send me an e-mail.
• Call me. My direct phone number is (407) 699-9529.
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Please note: Unless you specify otherwise, all e-mails, letters and phone conversations are considered “on the record.” That means your name could be used in a future article.
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