Travel Log: November 2003 Archives

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Heavy Travel Weekend Hints of Travel Recovery

It may be too early to start talking about a "recovery" in the travel sector, but the American Automobile Association has estimated that 36 million Americans have traveled this weekend, and industry observers are suggesting it may signal the beginning of a turnaround in the beleaguered travel industry, as noted in this Christian Science Monitor report. The Chicago Tribune reports that remarkably clear skies across the whole country on Wednesday minimized flight delays on one of the busiest travel days of the year. Meanwhile, the Associate Press is reporting (in the Miami Herald) that the six largest U.S. airlines are all anticipating growth in 2004 and that Americans will be traveling more next year in general (in the Cleveland Plain Dealer).

Rick Bruner | November 30, 2003 | News, Trends | Permanent link | Comments (0)

Skytrax Seeks Survey Participants for Best Airline of 2004

Okay, the last few posts have been about the best and the worst in the travel industry. Here's your chance to make your opinion heard. A promising-looking site I just discovered, Skytrax, is conducting a survey about the best airline for 2004. Participants stand a chance to win two long-haul flights with Cathay Pacific Airways.

Rick Bruner | November 30, 2003 | Best / Worst, Interact | Permanent link | Comments (0)

Travelers Pick Worst Airline Coach Classes

Travel writer Christopher Elliott has polled the readers of his newsletter to select Delta, Northwest, United, U.S. Airways and Continental as having the worst economy class seating and service. Myself, I have always thought Continental was a cut above, but read for yourself how he supports his conclusions.

Moreover, we'd love to hear from our readers. What airlines do you think really stink when flying in other than first or business class?

Rick Bruner | November 30, 2003 | Best / Worst | Permanent link | Comments (1)

Condé Nast Traveler Announces the World's Best Resorts

For the last nine years, Condé Nast Traveler magazine has been polling its readers for their favorite resorts, hotels and cruises worldwide, which they call their Gold List. This year moe than 28,000 readers voted, and the results of the 2003 Gold List are available on Concierge.com.

Rick Bruner | November 30, 2003 | Best / Worst | Permanent link | Comments (0)

The Best Beach in the World

With so many beautiful beaches in the world, picking the best one is a daunting task at best. The Times has makes the claim that Anse Volbert in the Seychelles Islands off the coast of East Africa is the one. It's a sandy, two mile long, crescent shaped beach with beautiful blue water on Praslin, the second largest of the islands. While there are several hotels, the beach is mostly un-mirred commercially and one can find solice in a quiet stroll down the beach. The Times reports.

Steve Hall | November 25, 2003 | Best / Worst | Permanent link | Comments (0)

Thanksgiving Away From Home

Sick of relatives? How about Thanksgiving in Prague? St. Bart's? NY Times has advice for those who'd just as soon not go home again. Travel agents are reporting that holiday business to vacation locations is up this year.

Rick Bruner | November 21, 2003 | Travel Ideas | Permanent link | Comments (0)

Skiers Cheer Early Snows Out West

Christmas has come early for Western ski resorts and snow birds. Utah's Wasatch Front has receive up to nine feet of snow since Oct. 30, allowing four area ski resorts to pen early this year: Park City Mountain Resort, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort and Brighton and Solitude resorts. The snow is slated to keep falling this weekend. California's Sierra mountains, meanwhile, have seen up to five feet of snow in the past two weeks. Ski areas there, including Mammoth Mountain, Northstar at Tahoe and Squaw Valley USA, are also now open for business. USA Today reports.

Rick Bruner | November 21, 2003 | News | Permanent link | Comments (0)

Travel a Lot and Like Surveys? USA Today Wants to Hear From You

USA Today is looking for sources for their travel stories and to offer feedback on travel trends from among frequent travelers. If you're interested in participating, here is the form.

Rick Bruner | November 21, 2003 | Interact | Permanent link | Comments (0)

Boston Packs A Lot Into a Little

Only 51 square miles in size, Boston has 20 separate neighborhoods and a long list of entertaining things to do and see. And, because it is a compact city, all of your site seeing can be done on foot. Try the Freedom Trail which is basically painted red line that you follow through the city past historical landmarks from Boston's rich past. Or try skating on the Boston Common followed by a walk down trendy Newbury Street for some shopping. In the warmer weather, you can take a "duck tour" which is an amphibious tour vehicle that drives through the city then doubles back down the Charles River. New York Times Reports

Steve Hall | November 21, 2003 | Featured Destinations | Permanent link | Comments (0)

The New Face of Cruises: Younger, Cheaper, More Active

What would you guess is the average age of cruise vacation takers? Sixty? Well, 15 years ago you would have been right. Today it's 52, and 47% are under age 40. Forbes has a good article describing the changes the cruise industry has undergone to appeal to a younger demographic, including lower-priced packages and more active events like rock-climbing, rollerblading and cooking classes instead of shuffleboard, bingo and dance lessons. The article reviews some of the better cruise trips available on the market today and features a slide show of photos.

Rick Bruner | November 19, 2003 | Travel Ideas, Trends | Permanent link | Comments (0)