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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

May 19, 2003

>> Inside <<

* It's Over
* Disappointed by Your Last-Minute Vacation?
* Should You Become an Underwriter?
* Aren Turns One
* Dream Parks
* Watch Your Wallet
* Hey, That's Not My Van

>> First Off <<

** It's Over
Our biannual fundraiser is ending a week early. This is the very last message you'll get until October asking to support this site. Why? Because it just doesn't get any better than this. The first five underwriters to sign up at any level - that's right, folks, any level - will get the regular premium, plus the TravelPro Platinum3 Cargo Duffel, made from DuPont 1050D Cordura ballistic nylon and featuring multiple pockets, easy access packing space, and a padded shoulder strap - a $170 value. It's our way of saying "thank you" for keeping this site up and running - and in the travel industry's face. > Find out how to support the travel site that's on your side.

>> Underwritten By <<

** Travelpro
More than 425,000 flight crewmembers worldwide put Travelpro products to the test, day in and day out. And with each passing year Travelpro continues to satisfy the ever-changing needs of travelers. Travelpro's products are sold around the world under well-known brand names such as Platinum3, Crew4, FlightPro2, WalkAbout2, TPro and the Travelpro Business Collection.

>> By The Way <<

** Disappointed by Your Last-Minute Vacation?
Have you taken a spur-of-the-moment trip at too-good-to-be-true prices that ended up being a disappointment? Were there strings attached that you didn't know about? Did you not have enough time to relax and enjoy the trip? Were there extra costs? Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** Should You Become an Underwriter?
Since our latest fundraiser started, we've received several queries from readers asking why they should support this newsletter and Web site. It's a good question. Basically, if you're just an occasional reader who doesn't travel a lot, don't worry about it. Read this newsletter and enjoy it. However, if you're a regular traveler, a weekly reader, or if you've ever had one of your problems solved by the Travel Troubleshooter, then you ought to consider becoming an underwriter. (Did you know that we don't get paid for solving most of the Troubleshooter cases?) > Here's how.

** Aren Turns One
For those of you following Aren's baby blog - and I know you're reading this, because Aren's blog is only the most popular page on the Web site - here's big news: Aren turns one on May 23rd! We can hardly believe it's been a whole year. Aren's blog was recently mentioned on MSNBC (no, Daddy had nothing to do with this media hit) and all of us down here in Key Largo - Kari, Max, Aren and I, are going to miss the baby blog when it signs off at the end of the week. But not to worry - we'll be starting a new blog in its place.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Dream Parks
Theme-park vacations conjure up cut-rate motels, overpriced food, and lines as endless as summer. Not for Adele Binder. This month, she checked into the swanky Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Disney World in Orlando with husband and grandson. Their $1,100-a-night suite had a Magic Kingdom view. Best of all, she never had to wait in line. The hotel concierge tipped her off to a VIP tour of Animal Kingdom. An in-the-know guide whisked the trio through for $80 an hour plus admission fees. "I didn't know you could do that," marvels Binder, a Los Angeles designer. Neither do a lot of guests. > Details in US News & World Report.

> Where's Mickey?
> If Inexpensive is Your Theme ...
> Theme Park Evolution

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Watch Your Wallet
With much fanfare and front-page newspaper articles, the news spread of the end of commissions for travel agents. That is what the big airlines want passengers to believe. Reality tells a far different story - a story of coming intrigue and what amounts to kickbacks by major airlines to be offered to thousands of mom-and-pop retail travel agents. In a nutshell, airlines have cut only "base" commissions. The airlines expect passengers to pay for travel agent "services" while they pay nothing. But, the airlines openly admit that they will grease the palms of agencies that throw extra business their way - a secret, pernicious, underhanded, and biased payoff, about which, passengers will never learn, if the airlines have their way. > Read more in Charles Leocha's column.

> Reaction to 'Watch Your Wallet'
> Leocha: Agents are OK
> Agent Provocateur

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** Hey, That's Not My Van
He reserves a minivan through Budget in Los Angeles. But when he gets to the airport, the car rental company is out of vehicles. The substitute isn't big enough to accommodate his entire family. And they end up spending their entire vacation driving around town in two separate cars. Is a $20 gift certificate and a form-letter enough for failing to deliver the van Budget promised? > In Fix My Trip.

> Blowing the Budget
> Budget Bait-and-Switch?
> Not Getting My Dollar's Worth

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** Travelhunters.com
If you like to find great travel bargains, you've got to check out TravelHunters.com - the bargain travel community. The site was created by two brothers from Minnesota who love to help people find the best travel bargains. You'll find numerous hot deals for vacations and cruises, bargain travel articles, travel resources, and a comprehensive travel message board. Be sure to sign up for the free monthly newsletter - the Travel Hunters News - dedicated to helping people find amazing deals.

** AnitaVacation
Do you need a vacation? Do you need fresh ideas, news, and information to be inspired? Look no further than AnitaVacation.com. Editor Anita Dunham-Potter gives you timely insider tips on consumer travel issues, in-depth vacation features, and the best deals to favorite destinations, air travel, cruises, and much more. Sign up today for our free weekly newsletter with even more advice, viewpoints, and deals that show you how to have better travel experiences ~ because everyone needs a vacation.

** Alaska Travelgram
Alaska-bound? Check out Alaska travel expert Scott McMurren's free travel e-newsletter. Exclusive bargains, hot deals and inside info on what to see, where to go and how to get there in the Last Frontier.

** Journeyware.com
Exceptional luggage, business/tech cases and travel accessories from leading brands like Travelpro, Lewis N. Clark, RoadWired and more. Great prices, free shipping with low minimums, and a level of customer service that oft-abused frequent travelers will find especially refreshing. Enter coupon code ELLIOTT and click "update" at checkout for an additional 10% off your first order.

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

* Demographics
* Average newsletter circulation - 13,885
* Last month's total unique visitors
Elliott.org - 33,104
Ticked.com - 21,976
Triprights.com - 10,115
Total E3 Network visitors - 65,195
Change from last month - 4,311 visitors/+180 subscribers

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