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Copyright Elliott Publishing. All rights reserved. For more information, call (305) 453-4781 or send e-mail to us.

ELLIOTT'S E-MAIL
http://www.elliott.org

March 24, 2003

>> Inside <<

* The War-Free Issue
* Tech Peeves
* Got an Unfixable Trip?
* Stressed About Travel? Try Humor
* France Without the French
* Too Many Dollars For My Rental

>> First Off <<

** The War-Free Issue
The last thing you need this week is another article about traveling during war. Or even a hastily-researched "how-to" story with a list of recycled Web links. So this week, Elliott's E-Mail zigs while everyone else zags - with stories on how to laugh off the stress, plus Charlie Leocha's advice on enjoying French culture without actually visiting France. And this week's "Fix My Trip" has absolutely nothing to do with the Iraq conflict. Hey, it was the least I could do. ;-)

>> Underwritten By <<

** MilesLink Voices
If you rely on Randy Petersen's WebFlyer site for timely news and information about mileage programs, you'll want to sign up for MilesLink Voices, a new electronic newsletter published in conjunction with Ticked.com. It features the sharpest opinions about travel delivered twice a month to MilesLink subscribers.

>> By The Way <<

** Tech Peeves
What ticks you off about technology when you're traveling? Cell phones without coverage? Roaming charges? Laptop batteries? Pay-per-view TV? People who can't stop talking on their handsets? Let us know! Send us an e-mail and please include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** Got an Unfixable Trip?
Have you recently had a bad travel experience? Does the airline, hotel or car rental company refuse to answer your calls or letters? Hey, it happens. But now there's someone you can turn to. This newsletter's travel troubleshooter has recently joined the public radio show 'The Savvy Traveler' as its ombudsman. And we're looking for new cases to solve. So e-mail your trip that needs fixing to us.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Stressed About Travel? Try Humor
What's so funny about travel? If you said "nothing," you're in good company. Travel is serious, all right. Seriously stressful. A University of Washington study of commercial air travelers concluded that the number of travelers who think flying is "at least somewhat stressful" has risen to 81%. It's easy to see why, with security concerns, war worries, bankruptcy jitters and low airline employee morale making the overall travel experience anything but fun. The antidote? Humor. > In bCentral's Power Trip.

> Flying the Funny Skies
> Stupid Users? No, Stupid Technology
> Flying for Fun and Profit

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** France Without the French
Recently, many have been lamenting that they just can't stomach traveling to France in the current political climate. I think they are missing a great opportunity to enjoy Paris or Provence with minimal tourists. But nonetheless, they are reluctant. Here are two suggestions about places to go where you can enjoy the French flair for life, but spend your money with America's allies. You still get great food, fine wine and wonderful shopping. You just aren't in France. Plus your dollars will go a lot further than they will in France. > In a Cheap Charlie's column.

> Riley: Je Ne Sais Quoi
> Elliott: When are Euro Fares Coming Down?
> Mac Attack on the Continent

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** Too Many Dollars For My Rental
The car rental agent takes 45 minutes to complete her reservation. Another employee flippantly quotes from the O.J. Simpson trial when she can't find her vehicle. Then - surprise! - she's billed an extra $350 for the car. Are these jokers auditioning for the next Airplane! movie? Find out what went wrong and how this trip gets fixed. > In Fix My Trip.

> A Budget Bait-and-Switch?
> Remembering Alamo's Flat Tire
> Blowing the Budget

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** BnBFinder.com
Bed & Breakfasts are travel's best-kept secret. BnBFinder.com offers thousands of inns for vacation, honeymoons or business travel. Gift certificates are available that let your special person choose where and when to go! Sign up for their free monthly newsletter for the latest B&B specials and discounts.

** SkiSnowboard.net
Want to take a ski vacation? Click on SkiSnowboard.net, the authoritative online guide to skiing in North America. These sites have unbiased, hard-hitting information on everything you need to plan your winter vacation. Sign up for their SkiSnowboard Newsletter.

** DreamofItaly.com
Discriminating travelers with a passion for Italy finally have a timely resource for planning their next visit to the land of la dolce vita. Dream of Italy is a new, bi-monthly subscription travel newsletter available by mail or on the Internet. Each issue is packed with the latest news and insiders' advice on Italian travel and culture. For a free sample copy or to subscribe, visit its Web site at or call 877-OF-ITALY (toll-free).

>> Who's Reading Elliott's E-Mail? <<

* Demographics
* Average newsletter circulation - 13,129
* Last month's total unique visitors
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Triprights.com - 4,553
Total E3 Network visitors - 61,053

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