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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 26, 2003

>> Inside <<

* Can't Stop
* Your Favorite Car Rental Company?
* Thank You!
* Join the Editorial Board
* Should I Cancel Because of SARS?
* The Truth? You Can't Handle the Truth
* Bombed Out in the Big Easy

>> First Off <<

** Can't Stop
It's Memorial Day, a legal holiday here in the States. So why is Elliott's E-Mail transmitting? Well, to be perfectly honest, I'd like nothing more than to take the day off, stoke up the barbecue, and maybe even head to the beach. But Memorial Day marks the beginning of the busy summer travel season, and I couldn't leave you without your weekly fix of travel news, commentary and advocacy. Besides, after wrapping up a record fundraiser last week (details below) how could I skip a week?

>> Underwritten By <<

** Cruisemates.com
Cruising is the world's best vacation value! And the best cruise bargains are in CruiseMates' Cruise Bazaar. One-stop Internet shopping for a variety of cruise lines and agents offering cruises around the world. Known for unbiased cruise reviews, feature articles, news and advice, CruiseMates means complete cruise information. Message boards, chat, polls, contests, humor, consumerism, family, single, teen, gay, and first-time cruiser information.

>> By The Way <<

** Your Favorite Car Rental Company?
Which car rental company do you prefer - and why? And which is your least favorite? Which one do you avoid at all costs? Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** Thank You!
This month's fundraiser was an unqualified success. OK, so we didn't raise $3.2 billion - but you managed to donate more than $2,000, which will just about cover this year's Internet service provider bill (our Web hosting alone sets us back $149.95 every month). A very special thanks, also, to the charter underwriters who pitched in with premiums: Journeyware.com, EasyTravelAir, JohnnyJet.com, Joel L. Widzer, and, of course, Travelpro. (If you'd like to be part of October's fundraiser, please send a note to me).

** Join the Editorial Board
When this newsletter transmitted its first issue in late 1997, it featured only one link, to the Crabby Traveler on ABCNews.com, and had fewer than one hundred readers. Today, each newsletter includes dozens of links and is sent out to nearly 15,000 subscribers. Somewhere along the way, I believe this project evolved from a one-man show into something that is, for lack of a better term, community property. That's why this week I'll be sending out e-mails to a core group of underwriters to ask them to join a new editorial board. The board will guide all aspects of the site's development and content-related decisions. If you're interested in learning more about the editorial board, please send a note to me.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Should I Cancel Because of SARS?
Just a mention of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, is enough to leave most of us feeling apprehensive. But for frequent travelers, talk of this mysterious virus continues to trigger a considerable amount of anxiety as well. With good reason. Spending time on planes, in airports, at hotels and in other public places appears to increase the odds of infection. But should you call your trip off? > Details in Power Trip.

> A Pox on the Passengers
> Balking at Bargains? You Could Be Sick
> Are We Sick of Traveling?

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** The Truth? You Can't Handle the Truth
In a couple of previous columns, I have encouraged readers to consider the alternative to truth telling while traveling. I have no compunction about it. While I'm on the road, I sometimes pretend to be someone I'm not, I am generally evasive about my travel plans, and I often take advantage of offers that are meant for others. As an example of my disregard for probity, let me recount my impenitent behavior on a recent business trip to Indianapolis. It began almost immediately. > Read more in Terry Riley's column.

> Wireless Lies
> Hoteliers Lie
> Toothless DOT

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** Bombed Out in the Big Easy
Her heart is set on staying at the elegant International House in New Orleans during Christmas. But there are no rooms at the inn. No worries, says a reservations agent - you should try the Loft, the hotel's more modern sister property. But when she checks into the Loft, she finds it's a little bit too modern. Now the Loft wants to charge her for the three days she didn't stay there. Is it time for this guest to pay up? > In Fix My Trip.

> B&B Burnout
> Hotel Hell
> Can't Get a Refund

>> Also 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.

** 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.

>> 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

>> Talk To Us <<

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Phone (305) 453-4781 or e-mail

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>> Credits and Subscription Information <<

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