Today the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) released it’s annual report of the dirtiest beaches in the United States.

You may be surprised to learn that the Great Lakes have the dirtiest beach water conditions in the country.  Apparently antiquated sewage treatment systems and urban storm-drain run off pumps pollutants into the Great Lakes on a regular basis.  There have been 18,000 closing and advisory days for 5 consecutive years!  Some coastal states aren’t faring much better.  Florida, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Rhode Island and South Carolina have their own major trouble spots.  While the shores of Southwestern Florida are considered the least polluted in the country.  States having the cleanest beaches include Minnesota, New Hampshire, California and Alabama.  Although Alabama has recently been affected by the Gulf oil spill which will change everything for them.

So how can you find the best beaches for swimming in your area?  The NRDC has published a terrific map of the 200 most popular beaches in the United States which includes there star rating for cleanliness.  The 5 star ratings are based on water quality, history of ratings, testing frequency, reporting compliance and on-site beach postings.  Beaches with a five star rating have complied with all of the regulations on a consistent basis.  Just click on an umbrella to reveal the area beach’s star ratings.  You may find beaching within the same general area may have very different test results.  If you’d like a more in-depth analysis of the beaches in your area, you can read their comprehensive reports by individual state.

Of course this year we are all concerned with the Gulf oil spill and the number of southern beaches affected by the oil washing ashore.  The NRDC has also prepared a map that charts beach closings along the gulf shoreline. As of today, Texas beaches have remarkably escaped the path of the oil.

The NRDC continues to work toward the improvement of water conditions at all our beaches.  Their goal is to reduce the amount of bacterial contaminants that enter our waterways leading to health concerns like skin rashes, pinkeye, respiratory infections, meningitis and hepatitis, as well as gastrointestinal illnesses.  Everyone is encouraged to pay close attention to warnings posted at beaches concerning water quality.  And as a general rule, they recommend avoiding swimming for at least 24 hours after a flooding rain storm.

We can all appreciate the good works done by the NRDC to make sure we all have a healthy, happy and cool summer at the beach!

Our buddies at Open Skies Airways are offering a RED HOT Summer Sale for flights to Paris from New York or Washington DC

We did a quick comparative pricing for flights to Paris from New York in August.  Open Skies came in at $1886 rt including all taxes and fees, while BA, DL & AA priced flights between $4,500 and $6000 for business class.  In fact pricing for coach on the ‘big boys’ was in the $1,200 range – so for just a few hundred dollars more, you enjoy a luxury business class airline.  Open Skies is less than 1/3 of the price of American and half the price of British Airways in business class – astounding!

Here’s our trip report of a recent journey on Open Skies from Washington DC to Paris in June.  We think you’ll love flying Open Skies!  If you can’t squeak out a vacation this summer, you’ll might be interested in their Early Fall Sale with prices staring at $700 each way.  The Fall sale must be booked by July 26th.  I can’t think of a better reason to jet off to Paris for a few days!

Future Trends and Predictions
Forester Research – Henry Harteveldt, Vice President

• Very quickly China will generate the largest number of travelers across the world and they are expected to have the largest travel spend per person per day.
• Most US residents think their personal economic condition will stay the same or worsen over the next year or two
• Austerity is the mindset in Europe.  Profound social change is in the works for Europe including longer working hours, fewer benefits, reduced vacation time and an increased retirement age
• We are at the beginning of a 30 year Boomer retirement cycle.  This enormous population group will have more time than money.  They will look for value, experience and reliability first when making travel purchase decisions
  • They are willing to accept some inconveniences for the sake of saving $
  • They will however spend extra for an above average product or service
• The travel industry should expect 2 to 3 years of frugality ahead
  • Saving will be a point of pride – frugal chic
  • Travel is considered personal reward for working hard
• In the past 2 years hours of Web use has pulled even with hours of TV watching.  It is expected that time spent on the Web will outpace time spent watching television within the next 2 years
  • TV viewing has remained stagnant while internet time is growing
  • Lunch and evening is the greatest time of use
  • Travel industry must gravitate to mobile
  • Don’t think of it as a cell phone experience, mobile is becoming a stand alone communication experience.
  • Connectivity features will become more important than the phone function
  • Instead of being just your ‘phone’, your ‘mobile device’ will be your gateway to access information, interface online and communicate.
  • Currently there are 93,000 travel Apps and growing
• Mobile and Social are converging
  • 72% of travelers worldwide engage actively in social media
  • Facebook + YouTube = the largest share of global online usage
  • Eyes are looking for: #1 a deal, #2 product info, #3 interesting content
• We now have a “Splinternet” – nearly every person has multiple platforms for access which they use interchangeably all day and through the night
• Women perform social networking during the day, men in the evening
• The decline of Brand – no more loyalty.
  • 52% of purchasers have no brand in mind when they begin a search
  • It is difficult to measure the buying response from social media
  • Travelers turn to search and meta sites first
• AR is the next big thing  (Augmented Reality on smart devices)
  • Requires permission from device user to push content – still unclear how many will opt themselves in
  • Targeting – how to deliver the right message at the right time – when buyer is actively looking and ready to receive messaging
  • Messages are ‘pulled’ in rather than ‘pushed’ at consumer
  • Example – when users log into Foursquare near a Starbucks, they are invited in with a discount coupon.
• Mobile is the fastest growing element of Facebook use.
  • ½ BILLION travelers have Facebook accounts
• Affiliate Marketers are encouraging the placement of booking engines on Facebook friends pages enabling individuals to monetize their Facebook account.

Social Media – Best Practices,  Who’s Making Money?
Susan Black, Partner, The Black & Wright Group

Social Media Stats

• Estimated 400-500 Million Facebook users (and this number may be low)
• 384 million bloggers
• 168 million on Twitter
• 60 million on Linked-In
• 50% of users access Social Media at night
• 4 out of 10 wake up to Social Media first
• 56% of users check their Facebook account daily

What works in Social Media?

• It is vital to establish a two way conversation as often as possible.  Consider it like a cocktail party conversation.  If you dominate, telling all your stories and never ask for a reply or for the other person to share their experiences, no one will stay around long to continue the conversation
• SM participants are looking for Honesty, Responsiveness, Conversation, and Transparency.  Their preference is to do business and relationships with people they know and trust
• To build travel trust – go where your customers hang out.  Educate yourself, communicate to excite, engage and evangelize.
• Testimonials are extremely valuable – a good example of excellent SM use is “Nuts About Southwest”.
• Develop your social circles between Twitter and Facebook.  Offer ‘friends’ discounts.  Having a good following in both will improve your search rankings.

Who’s Doing It Right Today?

• Travelocity is prime example of doing it right – robust following, far out distancing Expedia
• Almost 50% of Facebook users recommend products on their pages.
• Travel Agent, Stacy Small (EliteTravelGal on Twitter) is an example of an individual who has built a sizeable (loyal) following and has generated substantial business as a result.
• Photos sell on social media
• Jetsetter is another example of a site that has ramped up quickly and uses Facebook and Twitter well

What’s Next With Digital Advertising/Marketing in Travel?
Future of Marketing – Gary Leopold, CEO & President ISM

• Fractured media with all components generating valuable, relevant content and vying for attention.
• People view  7,000 messages (directly and indirectly) on average per day
• Messaging is trending toward being with and for people instead of directed at people
• Branding is more important than ever to gain audience confidence in the vast array of messaging  (Gary’s opinion of Brand standing differs from opinion expressed earlier by Forester Research who predicted Brand loyalty is on the wain)
• Smart marketers are providing new experiences for people who cannot be there.  A prime example is the Nike promotion at Tour de France, they developed a “chalkbot” to paint messages of encouragement from cancer survivors and family members along the route.
• New App’s are out to help people avoid where tourists are and stay off the beaten path
• AR is where it’s going (again)
• Playful content  works because it encourages sharing
• Be generous with useful information, tell great stories
• Ask yourself how you are enriching and enhancing at every touch point?  How do you engage your audience?
• Example of a company who is leveraging positive customer satisfaction marketing through Social Media is Best Buy with their @Twelpforce agents who answer questions and troubleshoot through the Twitter account.

5 Top Things You Don’t Know About Google, Bing and TripAdvisor!
Rob Torres, Head of Travel at Google:

• “Mobile First” is the mantra at Google and prime immediate initiative
  • Mobile, Social, Local, Personal
  • One out of six are already on social media
  • 20% of all tweets are about products
  • Relevancy is key and must be delivered by trusted advisors
  • 1 in 5 searches is about places – maps get the highest number of hits
  • 5 New Tools From Google (Active or in Beta)
    • Google Places – delivers organic real time hotel prices by neighborhood on area map.You can search by date and neighborhood receiving  real time pricing AND availability
    • Maps + Street View – Check out a hotel’s location before you decide to stay.  Are there are restaurants nearby, safe area?
    • Site Links – Provide deep links into your site in the primary site listing.
    • Search Funnels – Part of Analytics, will show full cycle of a site visit and purchase. – i.e., the 20 sites visited prior to a visitor making a travel purchase.  You may be able to discern where to best intercept potential motivated travelers and influence where they make a purchase.
    • Google Goggles –  Be brilliant!Take a picture, get information.  Order a bottle of wine at a restaurant.  When your date goes to the restroom, take a picture of the label and learn all about the wine – you’ll look like a wine connoisseur on their return.  It even automatically translates – great for menus when traveling!

Christine Petersen, CMO at TripAdvisor

• TripAdvisor is the largest travel site in the world with an average of 21 reviews posted every minute of every day around the clock.

• 5 New Initiatives from TripAdvisor
  • Cities I’ve Visited – Share your map on your Facebook page
  • Trip Friends – A ‘pin’ location database that can interface with Facebook friends.  See who among your friends has been to the place you plan to visit.  See who in your home town as been there.  This allows users to access the wisdom of their friends.  You can also see which of your friends is actually visiting a city at the same time you are – cocktails anyone?
  • Mobile App Just introduced and already #1 in travel apps – Access reviews and book reservations from your mobile device.  No ads appear at this point.
  • Business to Business Division – Consider it like a classified ad listing with an annual fee available for businesses to place an ad near their review with information and special offers.  New vacation rental review section is included, meaning homeowners and rental property managers can participate. They are offering free listings for oil affected properties.
  • Trip Advisor has formed a close alliance with Facebook – Facebook friends can easily “like” properties.  Trip Advisor + FB Like = marketing power

Who’s Doing Social Media Right – Panel

• Pleasant Holidays – Successful Twitter initiative with last minute travel deals
  • Bookings are made typically within 3 days of travel
  • Primarily by males
• CheapFlights.com – They will soon have two faces, Cheap Flights for bargain hunters, and new brand, Zugu, a next generation need driven meta engine
  • They negotiate proprietary partner deals – you won’t find their pricing duplicated on other sites
  • They use variety of newsletters to target specific audience demographics
  • Recently offered a “Travel Pursuit” game that brought in good traffic increase
• WhereI’veBeen.com – has parlayed a $15,000 marketing spend into a 45,758 rank on Compete.com
  • Recommends starting conversations on social media – For instance a question posted to Twitter will generate a 5 minute peak in activity
  • Be open, social and relevant
  • Had good success with trivia questions posted to Twitter, t-shirt giveaways as prizes, question of the day (need a hint button) used as drivers to current initiative
  • Each message results in 150 click throughs
  • (Rumor has it,  they have just received $9 million in funding from Groupon)
• FareCompare.com
  • Most asked question – when is the cheapest time to fly? (Wednesday morning)
  • 3pm on Tuesday is the best time to shop for flights
  • Consider themselves as the “Kelly Blue Book” of travel
  • They are able to analyze travel trends in conjunction with current events – i.e., what has been the effect of the gulf oil spill had on airfares to southern Gulf States? – average price down $20%

How many Twitter accounts does your company maintain?

• Fare Compare – 180, many answer traveler questions, supported by extensive database of frequently asked questions
• Where I’ve Been – 500 (!)
• Pleasant Holidays – multiple including last minute deal site

Who else is doing it right outside of the conference attendees?

• Southwest – has a extensive bank of customer service reps dedicated to answering questions and concerns posted to their Twitter accounts.
  • More importantly, they are empowered to resolve problems, issue refunds and/or promotional certificates
• QR Codes – look for increasing use of QR codes (appear on print media/surfaces).  Bring a smart phone in the vicinity of a QR code and it leads you to a web landing page with special offers and/or promotional messages.  This will bring new life to “old” print media
• Joie de Vive Hotels – excellent promotions, tweets to drive traffic to their blog

What You Need To Know About Mobile Marketing Now
Priceline – Brett Keller, CMO

• Hotel centric websites are enjoying increasing traffic
• Flight based websites are down in traffic
• Total number of shoppers has decreased – they gravitate first to comparison research sites
• Conversion rates online are down
• Ad spends are currently going offline – some to TV (Southwest is prime example)
• There has been a dramatic rise in flash sales
• Priceline has introduced a new guarantee program – price match plus $25
• Major problem with Social Media is that it’s difficult to determine users intent
  • It’s hard to target individuals who may be in a buying cycle or frame of mind
• Marketplace for business may improve with new Twitter feature – Promoted Tweets
• Mobile Booking Apps attract predominantly last minute travel purchasers
  • Booking through mobile apps are considerably faster than ANY other method of securing a reservation.  Instead of standing in line or making a phone call, you can immediately access necessary information with rebooking options and execute your reservation while everyone else is on hold.
  • Ideal for travelers experiencing flight delays, cancellations etc
  • Has the potential to eliminate rebooking lines – benefit of confirmation being delivered to smart device – just show bar code and go.
  • Generates largest % of same day bookings in travel industry
  • Excellent for road trips – pick a hotel ½ hour down the road while you’re driving (eyes on the road?)
  • Priceline will be launching mobile rental car app – plane lands, book while on tarmac and you’re all set.
  • Popularity of member-only promotional sites are on the rise – keep an eye on Groupon (king of the hill), TripPr, Scout Mob, Voyage Prive, Rue La La, Jetsetter, kgb deals
  • Groupon is expected to add tours in the near future
  • Priceline booking App for iPhone only at present
  • 23% of all phones in use today are smart devices
  • By 2013 more users will use mobile devise rather than web
  • Use curve has seen increase from 1 in 10 users, to 1 in 5 users in ONE year
  • Mobile ads are currently 5% more effective than banner ads
  • Important to include ‘click to call’ strong call to action in any mobile app
  • Mobile ads require shorter, faster, mobile specific landing pages
  • Adding a prominent phone number increased ad response by 30%
  • Increasing number of travel apps will include Geo Tagging
  • Mobile is ALWAYS connected to the user
  • Has ability to pre-guess what the user will need based on geo tagging – answers questions…. Who else is in town?
• Mobile device manufacturers will get in the travel distribution market

Boston Visitors and Convention Bureau, Cathy Doran, VP Marketing

• Has introduced new mobile app featuring Events, Sites, Deals, Maps, Restaurants, Ace Tickets
  • Make a reservation and/or purchase a ticket -receipt appears on phone, show and go (like airport mobile phone boarding)
  • Currently developing GPS advertising component
  • You always have to ask….. what will this tool replace – where is the benefit to the user
  • There is a market need for a directory of mobile apps by location – none currently available

What Can Travel E-Commerce Learn From Retail?
Delta Airlines & Forester Research

• American Airlines has just launched ‘Your Choice’ platform with mobile couponing – interesting concept/development
• Delta will push flight solutions to customers during flight delay/cancellation circumstances, helping them control their flight experience
• WorldMate Mobile App already does this – may help eliminate lines at airports
• Newly designed Marriott.com site is excellent example of transitioning web content to a mobile landscape

Channels:  Established and Up & Comers

• Travel Scream, Kristen Kopplin VP Marketing
  • White label distribution of travel deals
• Travel Zoo, Shirley Tafoya, President
  • Market differential and strength is that their deals are constantly tested for link functionality and deal availability
  • They push to newsletter database and network of affiliates and pull from website
  • Introducing a new site format in the next few weeks – in final testing
  • Maintain 3 booking centers worldwide to constantly test functionality of site and offers
  • 50% of travel purchases on their site are on impulse – consumer had no intent to travel to destination prior to seeing the deal
  • 40% click through to a promotional offer but end up purchasing a different offer presented by the client
• Jetsetter, Drew Pattersen, CEO
  • Launched 9 months ago, leading invitation only travel community
  • Average travel sale/promotion open for 5 days
  • Position themselves as ‘a trusted voice’ as all properties are personally visited and inspected by Jetsetter
  • They present the “excitement of possibility” executed in sophisticated photography
  • They answer the question, “What Makes It Great?”
  • Always asking clients, “Is it Relevant, Engaging, Useful?”

In conclusion: The proliferation of choice is expanding dramatically for consumers of travel products.  The processing of data in more imaginative and analytical ways will continue to produce more customized information, providing an expansion of options for consumers.  These options will be delivered to the consumer with increasingly rapid speed through social media and smart devices.  Within a very short time consumers will turn to their smart devices first and most often (before their computer and before their television) therefore primary marketing will move to mobile platforms quickly.  With the proliferation of choice, trusted voices will increase in importance.
______________________________

About ATME: The Association Of Travel Marketing Executives (http://www.atme.org)
“The Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME), established in 1980, is a non-profit, professional association made up of experienced and innovative travel industry marketers representing all segments including: airlines; hotels and resorts; cruise lines; tour operators; online travel companies and initiatives; CVB’s; local, state, and international tourist offices; car rental companies; technology and marketing solution providers (ad, marketing, pr agencies, database, crm companies); and media executives.

ATME is the only worldwide organization of its kind to provide members with an ongoing forum for the exchange of creative ideas and effective marketing solutions within the travel industry.”

About Wicked Good Travel Tips.com: (http://www.wickedgoodtraveltips.com)

We are an online travel magazine that shares news of the latest trends in travel, fun and imaginative trip ideas, money saving travel opportunities and travel tips your best friend would be likely to share after returning from a trip.  We are a trusted voice for our community of avid travelers who love to share news of the good, the bad, and the fabulous!  Visit us and join the fun.

Susan and I were recent guests of this trendy property on rue de Ponthieu just a block behind the Champs-Élysées.  Knowing that city hotels in Europe are not like our hotels in the USA, we had no idea what to expect, but our hosts assured us the hotel was newly renovated and they were eager to have us tell our readers about their little dream property in Paris. If you have ever stayed at a W Hotel,  you will love The Beauchamp. Our rooms were modest in size but very well appointed and smartly decorated. The air conditioning was always working, the flat screen Television visible from anywhere in the room, and there was ample space for clothing.  Our rooms had all the comfort and amenities necessary for a great stay.

Upon our arrival, Damien greeted us and he could not be more welcoming.  While our rooms were not yet ready, our bags were stored with a smile, and assistance offered to help us get our bearings.  My cell phone needed charging, and Damien quickly offered to charge the phone while we were out sightseeing.  On our return a bit later, our rooms were ready and my phone was charged. As Susan and I headed up to the rooms, we were pleasantly surprised to see tall operable windows and bathrooms with plenty of space for all the toiletries, and a towel warmer.  The tub and shower was ultra modern and worked like a charm – hot, hot water!  Nevertheless, it was not until our return that evening that we fully understand the comfort of the Beauchamp Hotel. Awaiting us was bottled water and a bed SO comfortable that you sank immediately into sleep. As soon as my head it the pillow, I was fast into dreamland. I knew waking up in the morning I wouldn’t want to depart the unparalleled comfort of that bed!

Our breakfast was included with the room, and we found the restaurant to be charming and the food was both plentiful and delicious. Our server was equally welcoming and engaged in conversation immediately. The buffet has an artful display of croissants, breads, cheeses, fruits, eggs, meats, yogurts, etc. and fresh squeezed orange juice. The best part of Paris are the breads and cheeses and those were delicious. The dinner menu looked terrific and very reasonably priced as well.

Location is everything, and The Beauchamp Hotel is located near brasseries, cafes and plenty of nightlife.   (Sometimes a bit too much nightlife…. but after all it was the World Cup.)  You could easily wander out the door of the hotel in the evening and find countless opportunities for city nightlife.  We found the location very convenient to buzz in and out of during the day.  Especially after shopping excursions along the Champs-Elysees, it was just a quick detour to drop bundles back at the hotel.

Susan and I loved this hotel, and can highly recommend it for anyone looking for an intimate experience in a fabulous location – the Hotel Beauchamp won’t disappoint.

Additional Tips:

• If you are a light sleeper, you may want to request a room away from the street.
• The bathroom tubs are large and deep – a luxury in Europe.  If you have mobility problems the tall sides may give you a challenge.
• Check Expedia for specially negotiated rates!
  

We arrived at Washington Dulles and were able to check in at the British Airways lounge.  Graciously greeted and welcomed (what a novel idea of thanking the customer), we relaxed while waiting to board our flight to Paris. You are welcome to participate in pre-boarding dinning, cocktails, or simply to snack and use the business center. The lounge service was A+, and since they notify you when it’s time to board your flight. you to can relax in comfy seats and enjoy the view. Our evening flight to Paris was a short 6 hours, and didn’t quite live up to our expectations.  Our dinner and breakfast were fine (but not extraordinary), and we actually felt a bit neglected at times as the flight crew were busy trying to troubleshoot several personal entertainment devices that were not working properly. The plane was older than we anticipated which resulted in some difficulties with the seat recline mechanisms.   But hold on, Open Skies still deserved a 5 Star rating, read on…..

It Pays Not to Judge Too Soon

Fully prepared to experience the very same on our return, we were pleasantly surprised. Our Flight Attendant Michael on the return flight was extraordinary. Since the fight back was nearly 9 hours, the crew had a lot more time to expand the service and provide us with a  truly first class experience, which included complimentary wine and champagne, a three-course meal, and a snack prior to arrival.  The good news is… they serve a nice selection of food, although like most airline food it suffers a bit in translation. All the equipment was operational on this flight and the 9 hours flew by (no pun intended). It was one of the best flights we’ve had in a very long time, and we would definitely go out of our way to fly Open Skies again.  The fact that their pricing is considerably below British Air, Air France, Delta etc. for business seats is a considerable bonus.  (At writing, the round trip business seat fare is approx $1,500 in high season!)  Here are a few additional tips to insure a great flight:

• Order a special meal, they have many options and they seemed to be more carefully prepared than the normal “chicken or fish” options.
• The travel kit is quite sparse (socks, mini toothpaste and brush), so bring along your own mouthwash, eye covering, chap stick and face moisturizer.
• The crew is very accommodating, don’t hesitate to ask for anything you need.
• Make sure you get up and move those legs to prevent DVT
• Bring along your own in-seat entertainment (book, magazine, iPod) just in case the entertainment devises are finicky
• Be sure to fill out all the pre-boarding information online to expedite your airport check in
• It’s possible to book a Business Bed seat for the overnight flight to Europe and a Business Seat for the daytime return.

One of the major benefits of flying Open Skies is that you land at Orly Airport instead of Charles de Gaulle (think LaGuardia rather than JFK).  We walked off the plane, through customs, and were in a taxi within 5 minutes of landing!  The taxi ride into the city wandered through suburban Paris neighborhoods and cost approx. 35 € ($45).

In our opinion Open Skies is well worth the splurge. The price of their round trip business class flight may be only a few hundred dollars more than flying coach on another airline.  The seats are wide and comfortable, the meals are actually edible, and the service is friendly, efficient and engaging.  They actually look happy to see you – pinch me, have I returned to the 60′s?  If you are considering a trip to Europe, definitely give Open Skies a try.   You may just fall in love with flying again – and you DO deserve a little pampering on your next vacation!

#1, A young person approaches you saying, “Do you speak English?”, while holding out a large index card.  As you focus on the writing on the card (which is a jumble of gibberish), you are in fact blocking your field of vision to your purse and pockets.  Don’t accept the card – keep your hands and field of vision clear!

#2, While walking down the sidewalk someone will reach down to pick up a piece of gold jewelry saying loudly, “Oh am I lucky!!”, while holding up the gold for all to see.  When you come closer to look at the lucky find, they find an excuse why they cannot use the piece (Oh darn my ears aren’t pierced, or Oh no this ring is too big for me) at which point they will offer the gold piece to you.  If you take it, they will ask for some money in return – because after all you are getting the gold for free and it’s worth a lot of money.  Of course the jewelry is actually a fake piece of junk.  (We encountered this trick twice in 3 days!)

Our advise is to keep your valuables protected inside your clothing and always be suspicious if someone who enters your zone of  ‘personal’ space – assume they are going to try to rob you.

Each year over 60 million Americans travel to foreign countries for business and leisure.  Until now it has been a cumbersome process to gather information on the least expensive and most reliable ways to maintain communications while traveling.  We’ve all read horror stories of vacationers returning home only to find an enormous bill from their cell phone carrier because they ‘misunderstood’ the terms of their calling plan.  The FCC is hoping to help US travelers avoid this very situation.

This first week of summer has been deemed “Wireless World Travel Week” at the FCC.  Each day of the week the FCC will post helpful articles to their website:
Tuesday: Getting Ready for Your International Trip
Wednesday: Calling Options from Overseas
Thursday: VoIP – Calling Over the Internet
Friday: Back at Home – Checking Your Invoices

We say BRAVO to the FCC for simplifying the communication challenges for travelers.  Linda and I just went through this exercise before we flew off the Paris last week, and appreciate what a land-mine of choices are out there.  We’ll be digesting the FCC’s recommendations all week and will bring you the highlights.  In the meantime, be sure to bookmark their site so it will be a click away for the next time you’ll be traveling out of the country.

Sea Palace St. Maarten

Can a week’s vacation get any cheaper than this? I’ve just been reading Arthur Frommer’s Blog (great resource of top travel info), and learned about this insanely great sale.  A full week’s vacation in a resort rental apartment (studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedrooms) for a mere $199 per week. That’s not per person folks, it’s per unit for a full 7 days.  And these are not some flea bag properties, they are from the apartment rental division of Wyndham Hotels – Endless Vacation Rentals.  There are resort properties located all across the USA, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe!  I just can’t stop using !!!! this is such a great deal.

Here’s the main catch…. this is a “blowout” sale on the Wyndham Vacation last minute site.  You only have until 4pm on Friday 5/21/10 to reserve your vacation at this amazing price, and travel must take place within 30 days.    Can’t get away for a full week?  No problem, check out early (the price is still worth it)…. or split the booking with some friends and each stay a few days…that would be a vacation for $100!!!!

Now if you just can’t carve out some vacation time in the next 30 days, this is a site you should definitely bookmark and keep an eye on.  The last minute page always offers properties at amazing rates that are available for travel within 30 days. The standard rate right at the moment would be $349 per week for a studio apartment, up to $399 per week for a 2 bedroom – still a fabulous deal.  I think this is going to be my new go-to site for booking quick getaways.

Here’s my suggested strategy for cashing in on these offers:

Strategy #1
Pick a few locations from the destination list
Look for available frequent flyer seats and grab them
Go back to the Wyndham site and book the apt rental

Strategy #2
Select a destination that is served by a low cost airline (JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, AirTran etc) and look for a great airfare.  Combine that fare with a one week rental from the Wyndham site.

Strategy #3
See a great airline sale…freeze some seats, check the Wyndham last minute site for an apartment rental.

Make your friends incredulous with envy…”You paid WHAT for  your vacation????!!!!!!”  You have to love it when that happens!