Spring is finally here with an additional hour for you to enjoy Twilight…  Okay, maybe not.  But if your 2010 work schedule has been anything like mine, an extended weekend trip or ‘spring break’ is just what we need to celebrate the up-coming June summer solstice.  Why not take the initiative to recharge and see what options are doable without breaking the bank or losing your job altogether?  Our best advice is to keep it close, keep it simple and keep it short!

There absolutely is no point in planning a distant African safari or a two-week oceanic cruise for a mini-vacation.  Get your domestication on and run to the likes of Las Vegas for hotel deals as low as $49.00 per night (www.lasvegas.com ) and roundtrip fares from LAX or Burbank under $200.00 on Southwest Airlines  (www.southwest.com).

Still battling wacky weather on the east coast?  Contemplate warmer weekend roundtrip fares from JFK into Miami on American Airlines listed at under $300.00 (www.aa.com). Weekend room rates in South Beach for April are very doable with junior suites at Hotel Nash starting at $227.00 per night (www.nashsouthbeach.com).  Other spring bargains are advertised on location-specific sites like ( www.southbeach-usa.com).

Not sure what to do without getting too fancy or over-the-top?  Keep it simple and relish the idea of doing next to nothing with your beasties.  Sitting in some sand on the beach never hurt, but why not enjoy the water from a houseboat?  Three to five day options on vessels that can accommodate up to 15 of your faithful Twitter followers with prices ranging from $495.00 to $2,000.00 per day; depending on the type of boat, where and when you go (www.houseboating.org).  If floating is your thing but you crave limited responsibilities, an April or May 3-day ‘Bahamas’ cruise from Miami prices under $300.00 per person (www.carnival.com) for an interior stateroom.

Lady Gaga & Beyonce’s music video for “Telephone” was a whopping nine minutes of highly debated ‘enjoyment’.  With a budget of well over what the average American makes in a year, no little getaway should ever require so much money or time!  Be smart and reasonable with the 72+ hours you have to tan, drink, dance and eat your heart out.  Since your trip probably involves more than just yourself, remember that the larger the group, the more time will be required for a good time to be had by all.  One of the best ways to consider ‘short’ vacation options is to consult the web and read what others are doing.  Peruse www.ehow.com/vacation-ideas/ or www.travel-plan-idea.com to understand that less can be more.

But the best overall last minute, extended spring weekend deals that often offer package rates to include flights, car rentals and hotels can be found thru your choice airline’s website or travel search engines like Travelocity, Expedia, Orbit, Priceline and Hotwire.com.  Just remember that you’re no longer in college and there is no summer break.  So take advantage of your right to vacate this spring and hop to it!

Been a trip reporting….

There are loyalty programs for pretty much everything these days depending on your lifestyle, budget and profession.  But when it comes to resting your pretty head at night, in some distant hotel, are you taking full advantage of everything you’re paying for?  Are you making it a ‘point’ to make that stay count for you?

Perhaps you’re in hotels a lot because of a job, your life is one big vacation or you just like the idea of not having to make your own bed every morning.  Whatever the case, why not kick off 2010 in a smart way, by making your nights away benefit you and your wallet?  Below we’ll take a look at nine of the major U.S. based, hotel chains and the loyalty programs that are worth your time. You’d be surprised how quickly free nights add up and just how hotel loyalty programs are easily linked with loyalty programs for airlines, car rentals, cruises, shopping and dining to name a few.

Currently the largest of the same named hotel chains with over 4,200 independently owned properties in 80 countries, Best Western takes the cake (www.bestwestern.com) Best Western’s Gold Crown Club, was launched in 1988 and boasts over seven million members.  Considered a mid-scale hotel, Best Western hotels can be found in many places that other chains wouldn’t even consider.  They also have a unique way of tailoring to three separate demographics within their loyalty program that includes NASCAR fans, AAA and Harley-Davidson.  These separate programs operate much the same way but allow for bonuses, deals, sweepstakes and redemption options.

Best Western is your best bet for value and location.

Choice Hotels International (CHI) ( www.choicehotels.com ) is another loyalty group that is reasonably priced with an umbrella of 11 properties.  CHI properties include: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban, EconoLodge, Rodeway Inn and the Ascend Collection. CHI has most properties in the U.S., but also has properties worldwide.  And though often seen as a chain on a budget, members have the option to redeem points with their upscale partner hotels through the Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Summit Hotels & Resorts listings.  Additionally, hotel points are transferable to 12 different airlines, Amtrak, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Wal-Mart gift cards, Home Depot gift cards, golf certificates, AARP membership and then more!

The Carlson Hotels Worldwide group consists of seven properties made up of the Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Edwardian Hotels, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites and Park Inn.  Though an international group, their program Gold Points Plus (www.goldpointsplus.com) has only 950 locations in 70 countries.  Despite their numbers, recent changes in the program allows members to earn points twice as fast and redeeming additional nights is made easy with a combination of points and cash options.

Conrad Hilton jumped into the hotel business in 1919 and since then, Hilton Worldwide has expanded to 81 countries with about 3,400 properties.  Recently acquired by the Blackstone Group in 2007, the Hilton Honors (www.hiltonhonors.com) program houses ten familiar names that ranges from the moderately priced Hampton Inn chain to the luxurious digs of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts.  Other family members include Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Home 2 and Hilton Grand Vacations.  The Hilton Honors program’s biggest draw is the ability to “double dip” where members can earn both hotel points and airline miles at the same time during a stay.  Additional points can be earned through affiliated credit card purchases, car rentals and retail purchases.

On a global scale, properties with the Hyatt hotel chain are not as plentiful as some of the other major corporations.  Regardless, the Hyatt Gold Passport (www.hyatt.com)program ranks as one of the highest with customers and garners the fewest complaints.  Properties under their umbrella include the Hyatt Regency, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Andaz Hotels, Hyatt Summerfield Suites and the more economically friendly Hyatt Place.  A free night with this program starts at 5,000 points and can go up as high as 18,000 per night depending on the property and pricing category.  Earning partners are limited to Amtrak, 34 airlines and Avis & Sixt car rental agencies.

The long gone, but historic, Pan American World Airways is responsible for the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG).  After World War II, Pan American built hotels along their flight routes for their staff and flight crew.  Today, the Priority Club

( www.priorityclub.com )program is comprised of Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.  With over 3,700 properties worldwide, Priority Club proudly displays their customer satisfaction, Freddie Award (the Grammy equivalent of the hotel industry) a guest hotel program for the last two years.  Members have the option of earning either hotel points or airline miles for stays. Elite status is accrued by the number of points or the number of paid visits.

The Marriott Rewards program ( www.marriott.com) is a must for both the serious business traveler and vacationer. Nine properties make up the over 3,000 international hotels under the names of Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites, TownePlace Suites, Springhill Suites and the Marriott Vacations Club.  Members have the option of over 250 ways to redeem points through airlines, car rentals, tour packages, cruises, gift certificates and a variety of non-profit charities.  And unlike most loyalty programs, hotel nights are available for redemption with partner hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, Orient-Express Hotels, New Otani Hotels, Peppers Retreats & Resorts, Ashford Castle and Dromoland Castle.  As for earning points, the list is just as endless with various partnerships with credit cards, car services, online companies, restaurants, certain cellular providers and a suite full of others found on the website.

The SPG or Starwood Preferred Guest program (www.spg.com ) has earned more Awards preferred than any other hotel group.  Operating nine property names that generate the idea of comfort and luxury at the very mention, SPG members eagerly voice their loyalties.  Aloft, Element, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and the W Hotel properties make up the 890 locations in over 95 countries.  SPG was also the first of its kind that didn’t have blackout dates, which meant if they had a room, they gave it to you regardless of the time of year and/or occasion.  And although they allow you to only earn points, it is easy to transfer to airline miles on a one-to-one ratio basis.  This is very popular when you consider that members get two Starwood points for every dollar spent.   Another travel rewards option is with their SPG Flights program that allows you to redeem points for the entire cost of a flight on over 350 domestic and international airlines.

The last loyalty program that we’ll touch base on is with the Wyndham Rewards program (www.wyndham.com).  With over 6,000 properties affiliated worldwide, the Wyndham line will allow you to accrue through hotel points or airline miles.  In addition, members can also join the Wyndham ByRequest program that allows one to customize their stays while receiving perks and additional benefits like free Internet access, expedited check-in, a welcome snack & drink and 10 points per dollar spent or 500 airline miles per stay.  There are 12 hotel chains affiliated with this program that include Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Ramada, Super 8, Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts, Baymont Inn & Suites, Hawthorn Suites, Wingate by Wyndham, Travelodge, Knights Inn and AmeriHost Inn.

So the next time you walk into a hotel, whether you’re paying for it or not, take a look at the brochure display at the check-in counter that holds the pamphlets for that property’s loyalty program.  All of those mentioned above are free to join and in most cases, can be completed online for immediate account number authorization and activation.  Even if you do minimal traveling, a little bit of research on your part online will show you how easy it is to accrue points without even having to spend the night.  Partners, special promotions and deals are continually updated and advertised online.   Take advantage of programs that work for you with hotel chains you prefer.

The lodging industry wants your affiliation, so it’s  just a matter of time until you realize that your next vacation can be completely covered, of course not including food, drinks and the random knick-knacks you’re suckered into buying.  Get started today and make it count!

Been a trip reporting…

The name Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab may not ring any bells like the name Taylor Swift, but this past Christmas morning, the annoying little bugger single-handedly created travel headaches for U.S. bound passengers, worldwide.

In what appeared to be a viable attempt at blowing up the Northwest/Delta Airlines Airbus A330 aircraft, security measures nationwide and internationally were immediately stepped per President Obama’s demand for heightened travel restrictions. Rising criticism from both the Republicans and others that officials had failed to prevent this incident despite having evidence about the 23-year-old terrorist was a direct hit on the already busy and heavily weather affected, holiday travel season.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) quickly added additional security checks for passengers originating or having visited Cuba, Sudan, Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen. Though these 14 countries are at the top of the ‘concern’ list, the bulk of travel into the U.S. most affected comes from both Canadian and European international airports.

I experienced the affects firsthand on my New Year’s trip up to Vancouver. Getting there was no problem on December 29th, but coming back stateside on January 2nd was another story. Canadian media outlets were constantly warning U.S. bound travelers to arrive between two and three hours prior to departure, regardless of trip length or ticket booking class. Needless to say, the U.S. bound travel lines were longer as the realization that normal carry-on baggage was not allowed. I had to pack my backpack into my suitcase and physically carry my jacket, passport, ticket and laptop. People’s patience seemed to be tested and snide remarks about “that terrorist messing up everything” could be heard.

I eventually made it through with time to spare to browse and buy something from the Duty Free shop, so I would have a bag to carry all of my belongings. Annoying as it might have been, passengers worldwide were warned that additional precautions varied from airport to airport and from airline to airline.

British airport operator BAA was one of the first to announce the use of full body scanners at six of their airports including one of Europe’s busiest passenger airports, London Heathrow.

U.S. airlines Continental and United took the initiative to keep cabin lights on for the duration of their domestic flights, in addition to others asking passengers to remain seated for the last hour of their scheduled flight. Alaska Airlines no longer offers blankets or pillows in the wake of the tightened security.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland, Janet Napolitano, described the new measures as “designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere.” And as to how long all this additional security will last remains to be seen. The best advice for anyone flying, be it domestic or international, is to log onto your airline’s website for your latest flight updates. Check out the Transportation Security Administration website www.tsa.gov and click on your airport’s website which can easily be located on sites like www.airlineandairportlinks.com. Plan to give yourself plenty of time prior to departure, especially on international flights and pack accordingly.

“Thanks a lot Umar” can easily be looked at in both the negative and positive. The negative is easy enough to figure out, but in light of the headaches and drama for passengers, perhaps we were getting too lax with our security measures since 911?
Maybe not the most ideal of times to make changes, but travel safety should never take a back seat when we all pay dearly for that stupid seat as it is (First, Biz, Coach or Cargo…?). You’ve reserved the right to get to your destination in one piece, so what harm could an extra hour or two of your time do? Safe travels, Happy New Years and a Blessed 2010 to all of you, wherever you might be flying to this year. Been a trip reporting…

In October of this year, Disney announced their plans to proceed with the 4^th installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, On Stranger Tides.  Slated for a summer 2011 release, it’s still a heck of a long way off to anticipate another watery foray into the island-hopping antics of Captain Jack Sparrow, and his crew. So why wait? You can still jump aboard for some floating mischief, with a last minute New Year’s Eve cruise.    Many cruise lines still have rooms to fill.  In this report, we’ll touch on what is still available, on most major cruise lines and ships, destinations, and price ranges.

For those of you who have never taken an oceanic romp before, or have not been on one in a while, let’s go through a few facts about cruising costs.  Rates that are mentioned below are for the cruise only and don’t include transport to the cities of embarkation.  Rates mentioned generally do not include shore excursions, taxes, security fees, and the like, so keep in mind that it may be a wee bit higher.  Rates do, however, include your room, meals, basic beverages, and various activities and onboard entertainment.  All rates are per person, based on  double occupancy and room location on the ship.  In short, if you want your own private space, you will have to pay double of what is listed.

Probably the most popular and widely known cruise line in America is Carnival Cruise Lines (www.carnival.com), also known as the “Fun Ships”.  With 22 ships to choose from and a variety of itineraries, Carnival also tends to be one of the most affordable cruise lines.  Sailing out of Miami, the Carnival Imagination sets sail on Dec. 31 for a 4-day run to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico, starting at $569.00.  For Tampa folks, the Carnival Inspiration has a fun, 5-day trip for $749.00, departing on Dec. 28.  Live a bit closer to Los Angeles?  Then climb aboard the Carnival Paradise for a 4-day run to Mexico, at $429.00, departing Dec. 31.

Monarch of the Seas

With all 21 of their ship’s names ending with “of the Seas”, the Royal Caribbean line (www.royalcaribbean.com) currently boasts the largest and most expensive fleet on the water.  Two of the boats have room for 5,400 double-occupancy passengers. That implies that space aboard should be readily available, right?  Well, as of now, the Monarch of the Seas awaits you this New Year’s for a 5-day jaunt around the Bahamas, at $699.00, out of Port Canaveral, FL, on Dec. 28.  Perhaps you want something a bit more exotic?  Then check out the 5-day trip aboard the Legend of the Seas, for a taste of Southeast Asia. Rates start at $439.00, departing Dec. 30.

Saphire Princess

In the 70s, television gave vacation cruising a boost, and a touch of class, with “The Love Boat” series, and featured two ships from the Princess Cruise line (www.princesscruises.com).  Princess still offers a taste of the ”fabulous”  life, with their current fleet of seven ships.  Spend your holidays with a well-deserved 7-day trip aboard the Sapphire Princess, along the pirate-free Mexican coastline, departing on Dec. 26.  Starting at $1,299.00 per person, you’ll be refreshed and ready to take on the Hollywood BS, with a whole new perspective.

Operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Celebrity Cruises (www.celebrity.com) is very distinct, and not just because of the signature “X” displayed on the funnel of their current fleet of 9 ships.  With 5 more to be added in the next several years, why not bring in 2010 by leaving your mark aboard the Celebrity Century?  Sailing for 5 days to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands for $759.00 could be worth the risk of running into Johnny Depp.  Ship departs Dec 30.

Best known for their “freestyle” cruising concept of no set dining schedules or attire requirements, Norwegian Cruise Line (www.ncl.com) may be the best bet for those who just don’t wanna care this New Year’s.  Those of you in the NYC area are in luck, as the Norwegian Gem sails from the Big Apple on a 7-day run to Florida and the Bahamas, departing on Dec. 26, starting at $1,590.00.  It might be cheaper to fly to Miami on Dec. 27 for a 5-day voyage to Grand Cayman and Cozumel on the Norwegian Dawn, with rates starting at $619.00.  Returning on Dec. 31, this itinerary would allow you to celebrate 2010 on dry land in South Beach!

Costa Atlantica

With more than fifty years of tradition in Italian passenger navigation, Costa Cruises (www.costacruise.com) brings a touch of romance and the “old world” to cruising.  Carrying a bounty of pasta, pizza, and more, the Costa Atlantica departs on Dec. 26, departs from Fort Lauderdale.  Stops on this 7-day, voyage includes the Cayman Islands, Honduras, and Mexico, with prices starting at $749.00.  Also at $749.00, a worthwhile 7-day trip to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas is available aboard the Costa Fortuna, departing on Dec. 27.

Seven Seas Mariner

The classiest of the “big” ship cruise lines belongs to Regent Seven Seas Cruises (www.rssc.com).  While other liners carry thousands of passengers, Regent focuses on hundreds, lavishing luxury on everyone. Most of their ships are all-suite, with balconies.  Prices usually include shore excursions, all drinks, and open-seating.  Take a stab at Regent this holiday with the Seven Seas Mariner, on a 16-day trip from Fort Lauderdale.  It’s pricey at $7,465.00, but your suite could very well come with its own butler.  Feel like taking on the world in 2010?  Update your home address to the Seven Seas Voyager, for a 135-day world cruise on Dec. 28, with stops in Panama, Australia, the Philippines, China, Thailand, the Maldives, South Africa, and the Cape Verde Islands, to name a few.  You may need to dig up some buried treasure to cover the starting price of $72,995.00.

Windstar

Perhaps you’re looking for something a bit more high-end, discerning, and intimate? Consider cruising on an actual sailing ship.  Look no further than the classy Windstar Cruises (www.windstarcruises.com) line, which operates a small fleet of 3 computer-controlled, sailing ships. Two of the ships hold up to 150 passengers, the third holds up to 300.  Be willing to splurge if you want to spend NYE aboard the Wind Spirit, which requires separate transport to the Caribbean island nation of St. Martin.  For 7 days at sea and 3 overnight stops you can walk the gang plank and drown in luxury, for $2,449.00.

Seabourne

Pirates wouldn’t know what to do with themselves aboard the ultra-luxurious Seabourn Cruise (www.seabourn.com) ships.  Known for their relatively small-size yachts that can fit into smaller ports, Seabourn vessels are all-suite, offering the finest amenities.  The average age of passengers ranges from 40 to 60.  If you have the time and budget, enjoy a 28-day trip aboard the Seabourn Legend, which begins in Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 21, and ends in Costa Rica.  Fares begin at $10,945.00 per person. Might as well make that a First Class flight home…

Whichever cruise line you decide on for indulging your holiday spirit, it will most likely trump the accommodations aboard the Black Pearl.  Cruising is a bazillion dollar industry and there is a little something for everyone.  But if you are seriously considering a last-minute New Year’s getaway, I personally advise you to be in contact with the cruise line directly, through their website, as opposed to hiring a travel agent.  It will cut the cursed communication issues, and you’ll get answers up front and immediately.  Because of the proximity of the cruise dates, you will find special deals and cheaper rates by doing the leg-work yourself and talking with the cruise lines directly.

So, screw the cold weather and TiVo the annual ball drop in Times Square.  Act now and you just might be clinking champagne glasses and bidding farewell to 2009 on the high seas, in shorts and sandals, with no designated driver required.  Regardless of what you end up doing, where you go or how you get there, safe travels to you all and Happy Holidays!  Been a trip reporting!

Physically so close, yet so far in many ways, lies the notably oppressed and totalitarian government of Cuba.  A mere 90 miles from the southern tip of the Florida Keys, this 476 mile long nation is one of those countries that most generally don’t put on their Top 10 places to visit.  But were we better educated about our close and beautifully historic neighbor, people would understand why Cuba is Canada’s reigning # 1 travel destination, why its statistically the safest & most populated (11 million) Caribbean nation and how some 150,000 Americans still manage to visit the country annually.

Pretend for a minute you’ve never heard of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the name Fidel Castro or Guantanamo Bay.  The unspoiled beaches, the diverse and ethnic make-up along with the 1950’s-like undertone are all key in describing just a few surprises this country has to offer. Cuban author, Jose Marti, was once quoted for saying that “Charm is a product of the unexpected”.  Taken to heart, any traveler could interpret this to better convey their own positive experiences in traversing foreign lands.  But when it comes to exploring Cuba, the ‘unexpected’ really is what will inevitably charm the heck out of you; granted you’re able to get there.

It is the common misconception and belief that its illegal for Americans or other foreign residents to travel to Cuba.  In accordance to the Trading with the Enemy Act, it is okay to travel to Cuba, but its illegal to spend money while there.  It’s because when traveling that one normally does spend money, that the travel to Cuba option is automatically tossed out the window.  So for those of you who really, really want to make a trip to Cuba happen, here are some travel tips and advice for going to Cuba ‘legally’ and the not-so legal but still okay way. In short, its easier getting to Cuba then it is  dealing w/ the potential drama of re-entering the US.

One of President Barack Obama’s initial moves upon being sworn into office earlier this year, was to lighten restrictions for Cubans living in America and with those with family still back home.  Currently, those with family in Cuba are now allowed unlimited visits to Cuba along with unlimited money transfers from the United States.  The partial trade embargo implemented in 1960 after Castro took power in 1959, is still wrapped up in a lot of red tape.  In a continued fight against the administration and outstanding governmental policies, the American Society of Travel Agents is just one of many that would like to see all travel restrictions lifted for Americans.   There is a lot of potential for further travel possibilities, but right now being Cuban is your best and easiest bet.

The next option would be to apply for a special license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a division of the Treasury Department.  Because its technically illegal to spend money or even receive gifts in Cuba, this special license would allow just that in accordance to guidelines set in place for journalists, government officials, those with relatives in Cuba and/or full-time professionals (doctors, environmentalists, actors, etc.) going to Cuba for a conference, research or special project.  The links below offer numerous tips and contact information for applying for such licenses, but keep in mind the application process can be lengthy and that only about 6,000 legit licenses are normally approved in a 1-2 year period.

http://www.ibike.org/cuba/ofac/cuba-travelto.htm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/13/barack-obama-cuba-us-travel-restrictions

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/7-12-2006-101992.asp

http://www.cubatravelusa.com/

http://havana.usint.gov/

http://afrocubaweb.com/travelcuba.htm

If you decide that you are going to forego the license part, which many do, then all you need is a current passport and a Cuban tourist card obtained at the airport prior to flying into Cuba.  It is strongly advised that Americans make copies of their passport and physically carry around a copy where ever they go.  Americans should also contact and register with the US Interest Section (USINT) organization based in Havana since there currently isn’t any US Embassies in Cuba.  Protected by the Swiss government, USINT (www.usinterestsection.gov/) represents Americans in Cuba and monitors activity in all 14 provinces, without the legal backing of the US government and/or military.

However you plan on getting to Cuba (and flying is highly advised), please note that there are NOT any current or direct flights from the US mainland to Havana or any other Cuban airport.  Most travelers route themselves through Canada or Mexico, though direct flights are available from Cancun, Nassau, Grand Cayman, Caracas, Mexico City, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and several others.  Airlines associated with these airports include Air Transat, Air Jamaica, Cubana, LACSA, Mexicana, Aero Caribbean and Air Canada.  Be advised that all flights can be prepaid for with a US credit or debit card, but such forms of payment are unavailable in the country.  All local transactions while in Cuba must be made by the Cuban pesos.

But as previously mentioned, getting to Cuba is usually the easier part.  It’s getting back into the US and going through customs that can often be a bit longer and tedious of a process.  Whether or not you’re an Oscar nominated actor that is known for convincing and commanding performances, it is still strongly advised that you DO NOT lie about visiting Cuba.  Under ‘normal’ circumstances you will not be denied re-entry, arrested or fined for visiting Cuba.  Remembering the following can be essential:  List all countries you went through to get to and from Cuba, prepare all documents & explanations for having or not having a license, expect a longer time at the airport (more questions, searches and verifications), claim that all Cuban items with you equals ZERO US dollars and do not to be surprised if you’re contacted at a later date (sometimes months) down the road for further clarification on your visit.

All that was mentioned above is easy enough to follow and personally do, should that adventurous spirit move you.  But if you don’t wanna hassle with all the different aspects of securing safe passage, transport and accommodations for getting to Cuba, then I’d suggest hiring a professional and experienced travel agent that is familiar with all aspects of Cuba.  Not only will they have the latest travel advice and tips about getting there, they can also put you in touch with great places to stay along with highly advisable places to see.  Yes, a travel agent could cost you a bit more than you anticipated, but their services cancels a lot of hassle and time on your part.  Some highly recommended companies worth looking into include:
Marazul Tours:  1.800.223.5334 www.marazultours.com

Common Ground Travel:  1.617.661.7653  www.commongroundtravel.com

Cuba Travel Services:  1.310.645.9460  www.cubatravelservices.com

Cuba Travel USA:  1.415.888.3459  www.cubatravelusa.com

I have no doubt that in time, travel to Cuba will be much simpler and unlike some secret government agency mission led by Jason Bourne, gone wrong.  But before it really does open up and every other American descends on Cuba while really messing things up, going now might be for the better.  Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba in 1492 for Spain.   Could this be the year that Cuba is finally discovered by you, for your own enjoyment?  Been a trip reporting…

DO NOT wait till the last minute if you are planning on traveling over the 2009 holiday season!  Mentioning again our messed up economy and the perils of spending, plays like a broken record.  But don’t let the redundancy bore you.  Just because folks don’t wanna spend money right now, it doesn’t mean people are not traveling.

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) warns that fewer passengers are flying this holiday season and the airlines know it.  Flight frequencies have been drastically cut leaving fewer planes flying to your home destination.  Especially when you consider that many of us have to take connecting flights which usually means a smaller plane with fewer available seats.  Flights are already filling up and prices are soaring for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s travel.  Most planes will fly at 90 to 100% capacity for domestic flights, including redeye and midday flights.

If you are planning on international flight travel, picking the right date is even more crucial on pricing as it can easily be a matter of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.  Be advised that flying to Europe & Africa before Dec. 15th and after Dec. 24th is your best financial bet.  However, flying to Asia is best before Dec. 10th and after the 29th.  According to international travel site www.bt-store.com, cheap seats are very limited and selling fast so you need to act quickly.

And maybe you think that taking the train this year will offset the craziness?  Passenger trains are considerably cheaper ways to travel and so a lot of peeps on a budget will be traveling this way, especially on the Northeast corridor.  Amtrak posted record passenger numbers during the last holiday season and expect upwards of a 65% increase on just the day before Thanksgiving.  More trains are anticipated to be put into service to meet the demand on popular routes.  But don’t lose your train of thought before your holiday plans get derailed because it was too late.  Act now and log onto www.amtrak.com.

Lastly, I think its pointless to advise on those planning on taking the bus as I am sure you get the idea.  But yes, Greyhound and any other bus line will be just as busy especially on major routes between large cities.  And though it could be one of the cheaper ways to travel, any distance covered does require numerous stops and a substantial amount of patience on your part.

Good luck to all of you still contemplating that flight, train, bus or what have you purchase to get home for the holidays.  A bit of luck and some smart online searching can definitely land some of you those last minute deals/fares, but I’d advise you to not count on it.  The best bet in finding tickets is to be flexible on precise dates you’re traveling and time of day, and buying it sooner than later.