Author Denise Nape thinks “summer travel plans are probably being discussed in your house. Where to go, how much you can afford and what’s the quickest path to fun are some of the questions swirling in your head.”

I tend to think that as some families are making these plans now, however, there are also last-minute travel planners who also, if you heed Denise’s tips, you can certainly access some cool savings for this 2011′s hot summer!

See below Denise’s tips on Savvy savings…

• First, the timing of buying tickets is pretty important. Buying them too far in advance can actually make you spend more money. The rule of thumb is to purchase between three months and 14 days before domestic travel.

• Airlines don’t actually start releasing cheaper seats until three to four months before departure for domestic travel. For international travel, the cheaper seats are released around four to five months before travel.

• The best time to shop for domestic travel is 2 p.m. Tuesday. According to FareCompare.com, Tuesday is when the maximum number of the cheapest seats are in the marketplace.

• A Wall Street Journal study found when researching a Chicago-Atlanta round-trip ticket for April travel dates the cost was $209 on Tuesday and Wednesday on American and Delta, but then $301 for the next four days.

• When Tuesday rolled around the following week, the fare dropped to $219 at both airlines for the same April dates. By Friday it was up to $307 at both. The lesson here is don’t purchase on the weekends.

• So what days should you travel? Wednesday is one of the three cheapest days for domestic travel. The others are Tuesday and Saturday. Friday and Sunday are the most expensive.

• The cheapest time to fly is typically the first flight out in the morning. I know that’s not what you want to hear. With getting to the airport two hours ahead of time, you might as well not go to bed, but you can always sleep on the flight.

• The next best times are flights during/after lunch and flights at the dinner hour. And, of course, the absolute cheapest time to fly is on the red-eye flights.

• Other things to consider are taking connecting flights. I know it’s not popular but non-stops can cost hundreds more. Also, when purchasing for your family, consider splitting up the ticket purchase.

• When purchasing multiple tickets, the airline reservation system can bump all the tickets up to the next higher price level. If you purchase one at a time, some of your tickets will be the cheapest available seats.

• Last minute emergency flights can be astronomical in price. Airlines assume that last-minute travelers have their company paying the bill and think you can afford $1,000 tickets.

Here are some ways to possibly avoid a hefty charge:

• Call for bereavement rates: Most airlines don’t have these anymore, and the ones that do typically only discount $50 or 10 percent. But it is always worth a try.

• Use miles or points: This is the perfect time to use those miles or points you have accumulated (or even those of friends).

• Last-minute specials: Typically airlines have cheap last-minute deals for off-peak travel like round-trips from Thursday to Monday or Saturday to Tuesday.

• Shop air plus hotel packages: Many packaging sites negotiate rates that are much less expensive than walk-up rates. Pick the cheapest hotel, even if you don’t need one.

• Shopper’s tip: The biggest part of getting your best price is to be flexible. It might mean traveling on weekdays, but at least you are getting away!

Source: Denise Nape/Naperville Sun

Mediterranean Sea

This inland sea is bordered on the north by Europe, the east by Asia, and in the south by Africa. This 969,100 sq. mile body of water is approximately 2,300 miles in length, and has a maximum depth of 16,896 ft. Major subdivisions include the Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, Balearic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Ionian Sea and Ligurian Sea.

Countries that boarder the Med:

Algeria,  Morocco, Spain, France, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Italy, Israel, Monaco, Malta, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Syria, Cyprus, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania.

Source: worldAtlas.com

When we at Adventuregirl.com learned about Sony Electronics’ really fly giveaway, we all asked, how do we sign up?! Alas, this time the tables are turned as it will be we at Adventuregirl.com who will live vicariously through YOUR adventurous submissions!

So, if you could imagine winning $10,000 to spend on a dream vacation, plus getting a Reader Pocket Edition™ for you and one for a friend, plus a $100 Reader™ Store Gift Card (so you can stock up on the latest bestsellers), then give it a shot!

All-righty-then, now it’s time to conjure up those creative juices and get creative!  Here’s an idea to get you started.

Imagine you’re on your dream vacation and you’re writing a postcard from that special destination. In your postcard, tell Sony where you are and what you brought along with you to read. Then have some fun telling Sony what you’re up to on vacation.

Are you thinking of what you’re going to do? What you’ll read? And the adventures… awe the adventures!

Well, that’s it. It’s pretty simple! So, get started, best of luck, and have a blast!

MORE SCOOP!

How to Enter Entry period: April 5 – April 19, 2011
*FYI: After an entry has been submitted it may take a few hours for it to appear as it needs to be validated against the Official Rules. Once approved, entrants will receive an email notifying them that their submission has been approved.
Winner selection Voting period: April 20 – April 26, 2011
*Voting begins on April 20th and participants are encouraged to promote their postcard to obtain votes. When voting begins, entrants will receive an email notifying them to start getting votes and will be given a unique URL for their entry.
Visitors to www.readergetawaygiveaway.com will be allowed to vote for their favorite entries one time per entry per day over the course of the voting period which ends April 26, 2011.
The person who submitted the postcard that receives the most public votes on www.readergetawaygiveaway.com at the end of the contest will be rewarded with the grand prize: $10,000 travel stipend, 2 Reader ™ Pocket Editions and $100 in Reader ™ Store gift cards.
*Winner will be notified and entry will be displayed on the contest microsite at www.readergetawaygiveaway.com on or around April 28, 2011.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Adventure Girl.com,
Adventure Girl, employees and officers et all are not liable or
responsible in any capacity including judging for the Sony
Electronics, Inc.10,000 Dollar Dream Vacation Giveaway promotion.
Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 & older. Begins
12:00:01 p.m. ET on 4/5/11 & ends 3:00:01 p.m. ET on 4/19/11. For
official rules, visit www.readergetawaygiveaway.com Sony Reader
$10K Getaway Giveaway is sponsored by Sony Electronics Inc.

Billionaire adventurer Richard Branson says he plans to travel to the deepest parts of the world’s oceans in a single-person submarine.

He announced in Newport Beach Tuesday that he and fellow explorer Chris Welsh plan to make five dives over the next two years.

They’ll take turns traveling to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific, the Atlantic’s Puerto Rico Trench and South Sandwich Trench, Diamantina Trench in the Indian Ocean and the Molloy Deep in the Arctic Ocean.

Branson showed off the sub, a blue-and-white plane-like craft with stubby wings and a cockpit that will be able to travel for miles over the ocean floor.

The founder of Virgin Atlantic plans to make a larger sub that can hold more people and offer trips to tourists for a sizable fee.

Source: AP

The Hotel Guanahani & Spa Closes Its Doors

For A Luxurious Revamp Of Its Property

St Barth’s largest resort is set to undergo major renovations this fall

(August 13, 2010 – New York, NY) – This fall, The Hotel Guanahani & Spa will be closing its doors, from August 29 to December 15. As always, in keeping the needs of its discriminating international guests a top priority, the largest resort of the island of St Barth’s decided to improve upon its property in order to better serve its distinctive clientele.

Famous for remaining open year-round, the hotel usually renovates and refurbishes the property with new embellishments during the low season. This year, the hotel will undergo major renovations, led by architect David Schwarz, interior designer Luis Pons and local architect Nicolas Lossent from Lotus Architectes. Most rooms will be embellished and one new, luxurious suite will be built on the property. Located in a remote setting on the beachfront, the Admiral Suite will resemble a villa and feature 2 spacious bedrooms, exclusive access to a small private beach and breathtaking views of the lagoon. Named after the title that Christopher Columbus received from the King of Spain (he was made ‘Admiral’ after his first expedition to the Americas and discovered the island of St Barth’s during his second expedition in 1493), the suite will feature custom-designed furniture that incorporates elements of leather and wood. It will also be decorated with navigation tools such as a spy glass and a sextant as a tribute to the famous explorer.

The premiere ocean view suite located at the top of the hill will be entirely revamped and turned into a luxurious 2-bedroom Butler unit: the Serenity Suite. Each bedroom will be complimented by a unique bathroom, respectively featuring a Turkish bath and a Jacuzzi. A true intimate haven of peace, the suite will offer breathtaking and panoramic views of the ocean. It will pay tribute to the literary association between water and serenity, with most elements evolving around the theme of water. A sincere accolade to spirituality, it will boast a unique waterfall and olive tree at the entrance. Guests looking for tranquility and privacy will enjoy the intimate pool, private entrances, the plush gardens surrounding the suite and the electric car exclusively available for them to drive around the resort.

The Admiral Suite and the Serenity Suite will be two exclusive additions to the 6 current Butler Suites of the hotel, providing the most luxurious comforts available including private pools and terraces that open onto the sea. Each suite has its own full-time butler on-hand to service guests’ every whim, offering to unpack the guests’ suitcase upon arrival, iron their clothes before their first evening or even draw a bath and specialize it with essential oils from the spa and fresh flowers. The Wellness Suite features 180 degree ocean and island views and after hours private access to the full service spa. For those looking for relaxation in the comfort of their suite, the Marigot Suite is the perfect setting: guests are offered 4 treatment spas per day and can choose to receive their treatment in the private treatment room located next to the garden of the suite. For beach-lovers, the Beach House two bedroom deluxe suite is ideal, situated directly on the beach with a private garden terrace and an outdoor jacuzzi. The Pelican Suite is a relaxing two bedroom suite boasting an elegant private garden setting with beautiful views of the ocean and an exclusive outdoor jacuzzi. The Garden House and La Villa are the only three bedroom suites of the resort. The Garden House offers intimacy and tranquility in a plush garden setting while La Villa stands out with its large secluded outdoor terrace and large swimming pool, perfect for those looking to spend most of their time outdoors, without leaving the premises.

In addition, refurbishments will continue in other areas of the resort, where some bathrooms will be remodeled to provide harmony with the plush tropical environment. Brighter bathrooms, opening onto private outdoor gardens, will allow a more intimate connection to nature. The terraces and outside decks of more than 20 rooms will be revamped and enlarged, providing guests with additional comfort and the ability to enjoy the unique environment and sea views of the resort. The new outdoor furniture will feature the ultimate in comfort: lavish ‘marquise’ armchairs and lounge chairs with plush pillows and elegant coffee tables.

Additionally, many existing rooms and suites will be repainted in soothing white, off-white, pearl, sand and light grey tones, with rare wood elements and soft cotton fabrics. There will be touches of Yardley English-lavender, Acqua di Parma-yellow, Hermes-inspired orange and Tiffany-blue. Overall, the Creole soul and architecture of the property will be maintained but a more natural, subtle style will emerge.

The new and improved fitness room will overlook the lagoon and will be relocated across from the beachfront. The boutique will be moved to where the fitness room is currently located. The kindergarten facility will be moved next to the new boutique, on the beach. Other phases of renovation are scheduled to take place in the upcoming years and more details will be revealed over the next few months.

Nestled in the midst of the Caribbean Sea on a private 16-acre peninsula, The Hotel Guanahani & Spa is a charming, luxurious paradise. The picturesque island of St Barth’s in the French West Indies is a symbol of fine gastronomy and French elegance and this exclusive resort exudes the same spirit. This prestigious 24-year old resort offers a remote setting unlike any other on the island: it features two private beaches, one facing the Atlantic and one facing a quiet lagoon perfect for windsurfing on Marigot Bay. All rooms are housed in private bungalows, surrounded by tropical gardens and facing the sea.

This year’s renovation of the property, which encourages a mix of luxury and intimacy, signals a heightened guest experience.

###

Less Stuff, More Vacations Brings Happiness

We had a hunch all along: a recent article in the New York Times makes the case that leisure time, not consumer goods, is the key to lasting happiness.

New research finds that experiences— such as travel, being with friends, a day at the ballpark—purchase the most happiness bang for the buck. Acquiring possessions, by contrast, is an endless, un-fulfilling  cycle, the studies show.

If unbridled acquisition results in clutter and deflated hopes, while travel with friends and family creates joy and enduring satisfaction—happiness, in other words—what are you waiting for?

“Only one component of consumption is positively related to happiness—leisure consumption.” DeLeire, University of Wisconsin; Kalil, University of Chicago

“It’s better to go on a vacation than buy a new couch.” Dunn, Van Boven and Gilovich, Harvard University.

Thank you to Asia TransPacific Journeys for this information! We love it!

The Animal Legal Defense Fund said Thursday it has sent a letter to the federal government urging a “full investigation” into Tuesday’s death of seven puppies being transported by American Airlines.

The Humane Society of the United States made a similar plea this week.

An American Airlines spokeswoman said American would of course cooperate with any government agency that investigated the puppy deaths,

The carrier is awaiting necropsy results on the dead animals.

Below is the ALDF’s letter.

August 5, 2010
Cindy Smith
APHIS Administrator
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250

J. Randolph Babbitt
FAA Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591

Tom Vilsack
Secretary of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20250

Ray LaHood
Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

Dear Administrator Smith et al.:

The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) strongly urges Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to immediately investigate the death of seven puppies after being transported in the cargo hold of American Airlines Flight 851 from Tulsa to Chicago on Tuesday, August 3, 2010.

According to recent media reports, fourteen puppies were loaded onto the cargo hold of an American Airlines plane in Tulsa that was scheduled for departure at 6:30 a.m. The plane was delayed for approximately an hour, during which time the temperature rose to at least 86 degrees. The expected high in Tulsa on Tuesday was over 100 degrees. The puppies apparently survived the flight, but were lethargic upon landing in Chicago. They were then taken to a veterinarian’s office, where seven of the puppies died.

APHIS has the authority to investigate this incident as a potential violation of the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. §§ 2131 et seq, and the regulations promulgated pursuant to the Act, found at 9 C.F.R. § 2.100 (requiring intermediate handlers to comply with the transportation standards for animals) and 9 C.F.R. §§ 3.13-3.19 (detailing the transportation standards for animals).

This incident bears a striking similarity to In re Delta Airlines Inc., 53 Agric. Dec. 1076 (1994), where thirty-two puppies died after being transported in the cargo hold of a Delta Boeing 737 from St. Louis, Mo. to Salt Lake City, Utah. Another fifty-two animals that survived experienced symptoms of oxygen deprivation and stress. Id. Like the American Airlines flight, the Delta flight was delayed in St. Louis prior to departure. Id. The USDA concluded that Delta failed to provide the animals “humane transportation” as required under the Animal Welfare Act. Id. The cargo hold lacked an adequate air supply, which led to stress, oxygen deprivation, and ultimately death for thirty-two animals. Id. The USDA issued a cease and desist order for the violations along with a civil penalty of $140,000. Id.

The death of seven puppies after travelling on American Airlines Flight 851 warrants a full investigation by APHIS. The Animal Legal Defense Fund will gladly assist with the investigation by providing legal research and any other resources that we can make available to you.

To prevent future animal deaths, ALDF urges effective enforcement of existing laws and regulations designed to protect animals from inhumane transport. ALDF also urges the Federal Aviation Administration to extend its regulations at 14 C.F.R. § 234.13 to cover all animals and ensure that employees are properly trained to handle animals in air transport.

Sincerely,

Carter Dillard
Director of Litigation
Animal Legal Defense Fund
170 East Cotati Avenue
Cotati, CA 94931

Source: Aviationblog

Effective immediately, Tiara Air is operating an expanded flight schedule with non-stop service between Aruba and Bonaire.

Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, flight #303 departs Aruba at 9:10 a.m., arriving in Bonaire at 10 a.m. Additionally, on these same days, flight #305 departs Aruba at 7 p.m., arriving in Bonaire at 7:55 p.m. On Sundays, Tiara Air will operate flight #307, which departs Aruba at 7:10 p.m. and arrives in Bonaire at 8:05 p.m.

Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, flight #304 departs Bonaire at 10:20 a.m. arriving in Aruba at 11:10 a.m. arrival. Additionally, on these same days, flight #306 departs Bonaire at 8:15 p.m., arriving in Aruba at 9:10 p.m. On Sundays, Tiara Air will operate flight #308, which departs Bonaire at 8:25 p.m., arriving in Aruba at 9:20 PM.

In addition to this expanded flight schedule, Tiara Air has also announced that effective September 12, they will add an additional two weekly rotations Aruba-Bonaire-Aruba. These new flights will take place on Saturdays, and will follow the same schedule as flights 303/304 and 305/306 currently utilize.

Visit www.tiara-air.com.