EARTH DAY

Enjoy our Earth on Earth Day.

U.S. Travel Association

Roger Dow, U.S. Travel's president and CEO, recently released a press release on FAA Reauthorization Critical To Create Jobs and Add Billions of Dollars To Our Economy.   He says, "Passage of legislation being considered by the Senate to reauthorize programs for the Federal Aviation Administration is critical to improve the air travel process.   Reducing delays could add $17 billion dollars back into the economy by supporting more than 155,000 jobs in the travel industry, primarily in lodging, food services, amusement, recreation and retail.   The bill will reduce delays and airport congestion by accelerating airport modernization by implementing NEXTGEN air traffic control systems, converting the air traffic control from a ground-based system to one that uses GPS.   The bill also would require airlines to develop contingency plans for delays while passengers are on the aircraft.  Plans must include how the airlines will provide adequate food, water and access to restrooms.  Airlines must also provide passengers with timely and accurate information regarding the flight.   A 2008 travel survey found air travelers avoided 41 million trips from 2007-2008, or slightly more than 100,000 trips per day.  Translating to $26.5 billion loss to the U.S. economy.  "When travel is avoided, we lose more than just an airline ticket, Dow noted, "Hotels lose customers.  Local restaurants lose patrons.  Salesmen lose clients.  And, businesses lose the opportunity to purchase valuable goods and services."

JAPAN CRISIS

The spirit of the Japanese people is what keeps this great country together.  They have survived before and they will be survivors once again.  Our hearts go out to all of them during this time.   Kevin and Sue McCarthy

SUE ON CHANNEL 11 TODAY IN ST LOUIS

TRAVEL WARNINGS FOR SPRING BREAKERS IN MEXICO TEXAS DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY IS URGING SPRING BREAKERS TO AVOID TRAVELING TO MEXICO DUE TO CONTNUED VIOLENCE AND IS REMINDING BOATERS TO STAY ON THE U.S. SIDE OF FALCON LAKE.   BORDER TOWNS TO AVOID ARE NUEVO LEON, CIUDAD JUAREZ.    SAN LUIS POTOSI IN CENTRAL MEXICO AND SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE.   MEXICO SECURITY WARNINGS ALSO INCLUDE GUADLAJARA IN CENTRAL MEXICO.   TRAVEL TIPS:   BE SURE TO HAVE A PASSPORT.   CHECK WITH THE U.S. STATE DEPT. WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE SECURITY WARNINGS.  WWW.TRAVEL.STATE.GOV   KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THE EMBASSY WWW.USEMBASSY-MEXICO.GOV/   U.S.CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER WITH THE MEXICAN EMBASSY THROUGH THE SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) BEFORE THEIR TRIP.      VARIOUS CRIME PROBLEMS ARE ALSO EXISTING IN ACAPULCO.

Sue on Channel 2 Spectrum Resorts

www.thebeachclub.spectrumresorts.com   Check out these beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast condos.   April Specials up to 25% off. -  5 outdoor pools -  indoor heated pool -  numerous hot tubs -  white sand beach   15% off spring special WATERVILLE GULF SHORES PACKAGE FREE Zac Brown Concert Tickets -  three-night stay at a two bedroom condo -  tickets to Waterville USA 2 adults and 4 kids -  tickets to Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo   GULF SHORES DEEP SEA FISHING PACKAGE -  two-nights, two bedroom condo -  one deep sea fishing charter    from Fort Morgan Marina   GOLF AT GULF SHORES PACKAGE -  over a dozen golf courses -  green fees for one round of golf -  two-nights, two bedroom gulf front condo Total package price depends on number of golfers in each party   www.spectrumresorts.com www.golfgulfshores.com www.captben.com www.agccvb.com www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com www.navalaviationmuseum.org www.gulfshores.com www.orangebeach.com -

www.BestFares.com

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT DEALS FOR SPRING   Florida Fly In Drive Out For Only $33 A Week!!!   April 24 - June 12, 2011   Flying to Florida for Spring Break drive back home with Hertz and drop the car off at one of their locations across the country.  Some states don't apply, check out the www.BestFares.com for all details.    Go to www.Hertz.com and use codes 34618 Discount Code and DRV5 Rate Code.   March 25 - April 23 Alamo, Enterprise and National car rentals has another great deal.  $19.95 per day or $140 a week before taxes and you can keep the car for up to 21 days.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

American Airlines to operate world's only service between New York and Japan's Tokyo International Airport at Haneda after historic open skies agreement.  Less than 30 minutes from downtown Tokyo.

Four Diamond Hotel

AAA Chicago and GM Jeff Pritts Announces

"For the first time, an Illinois establishment outside of the greater Chicagoland area

appears on the Four Diamond list .  Congratulations to the Marriott Bloomington-Normal

Hotel & Conference Center."

FACEBOOK BACK

After many trials and tribulations, looping all around Facebook, answering security questions and not getting Facebook back WE FINALLY GOT IT BACK OVER THE WEEKEND!!!   We had been without our Facebook since Dec. 23rd when our Email and FB were hacked.

CONTACT LIST RESTORED

After a week of sending out emails to our contacts explaining we had been HACKED

and our contact list deleted, we can say Halleujah today YAHOO restored our original

contact list.  They also worked with us to be able to get back into our original email

account that had been hacked.  We will be using our new email address and can be

contacted at kevinandsuetravel@att.net

 

If you have been part of a computer hacker, please email us and tell us your story.

Sue will be on Fox News Channel 2 - St Louis, MO talking about the scam to

offer how to help avoid future hackers from accessing your account.  Thursday,

Dec. 30 at 7:15am.  You can go to www.fox2now.com and click on AM Show

to see the link. 

WARNING

OUR YAHOO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED AND IGNORE THE MESSAGE THAT WE HAD OUR WALLET AND CREDIT CARDS STOLEN IN LONDON AND TO SEND $2,500.  THIS IS A FALSE MESSAGE.  WE ARE NOT IN LONDON AND THIS DID NOT HAPPEN TO US.  DO NOT RESPOND TO THAT MESSAGE OR SEND MONEY.   THIS HAS ALSO WIPED OUT ALL OF OUR CONTACT NAMES, SO WE MAY BE REBUILDING OUR CONTACTS THIS NEXT WEEK IF YAHOO CAN'T RECREATE IT. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE TO YOU. SUE AND KEVIN MC CARTHY

FOX NEWS CHANNEL 2

Sue McCarthy is the Travel Expert for Channel 2 - St Louis. On this morning's segment I showed several suggestions for Travelers Holiday Gifts.  To view the video go to http://www.fox2now.com/videobeta/6a4d2d13-b09a-41d4-a7ad-f96127e302cf/News/Gifts-For-Your-Traveler http://www.smartdestinations.com/  14 cities offer the GoCard providing entrance to museums, attractions and popular tours.  Available in Blue Ridge, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Miami, New York City, Oahu, Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Toronto.  Up to 55% savings. http://www.minimus.biz/   Carry-on-Caddy   Organic Citrus $21.45  3 oz liquids kit selection with 11 toiletries, TSA approved. http://www.cityslips.com/    Fashionable and FUNKtional footwear. Ballet slipper style, folds over and comes in small bag that opens up to a tote.  Silver or Black $30 Great for wearing through security at airport, easy to get on and off.  Also, comfortable on plane. http://www.bestfares.com/   New service for vacation packages by your city.  This week's Steals n Deals out of St Louis, MO offers 3 night weekend packages including airfare, hotel and all taxes to 12 destinations all for $377 - $412 for dates of 1/19 - 22/2011.

American Airlines

American Airlines was chosen best North American airlines for first class service by readers of Business Traveler Magazine.

FRANCE OOOLALA

Travel Planners Trip to France started on a Air France flight from Chicago's O'Hare direct to Paris's Charles de Gaulle. Our friends and assistants, the Klautzers, flew American Airlines and met us at the Europe Car Rental where we picked up our Citreon Berlingo.  Be sure to ask the size of a car to see if it meets your needs as far as number of passengers (4) and luggage space. The Citreon met all of our needs.  The back seat even had a fold down tray table like the airlines.  As we toured the French countryside from Paris, Versailles, Chambord Castle,Amboise Castle and Clos Luce (resting place and home of Leonardo da Vinci), the Bordeaux Wine Region with tours in Pomerol and Saint Emilion, Montpelier, Avignon, Dijon and back to Paris.  There are toll roads throughout France that allow ease of driving and you can still see the beautiful countryside.  The Traveler's Gas and Food stops were immaculately clean and many offered a good selection of sandwiches, soups, pasta dishes and pizzas.  To keep up with our schedule of touring we would grab food and drink and eat on the go.  The cost of the toll roads varied for 300-400 miles for $30-$40 USD.  We could use credit cards, but had problems with debit cards on the toll roads. Acceptable credit cards include Master and Visa (no Discover cards). American Express was accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants, and high end stores like Cartier, but not at gas stations.  The price of gas averaged $6 USD a gallon (ouch!).

We will be writing about all the great places we visited and stayed at on our trip to France in the next couple weeks. So, be sure to check back.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines announced they have 32 wifi enabled planes now and there is a special $5 flat rate now.

Fox News Channel 2 Are Airfares Going Up

 

TMS OKLAHOMA

TMS - Travel Media Showcase held in Irvine, CA is now over and the announcement for next year's location is Oklahoma City!  Looks like a great place from the slide show.

Watch Sue on Fox News Channel 2

Airline Passengers Paid 20 - 30% more paid in 2nd quarter 2010 than in same period in 2009.   Airlines have been operating fewer flights and merging, creating fuller flights and filling them up and passengers are paying the higher price, along with the higher priced tickets onboard services are higher.   Airlines look for additional ways to make revenue: Baggage Fees range from FREE to $15 - $25 for a 1st bag and $25 - $35 for a 2nd bag.   They charge for sports equipment, golf bags, skis, surf boards, scuba gear, etc.  And for Pets.   You can save by paying your baggage fee online instead of waiting until you get to the airport.   Snacks and Meals will cost $3 - $8.   Airlines charge extra for ear phone headsets, pillows and blankets.   If you want to pay for extra comfort and legroom some airlines are charging for the bulkhead seat (the first seat in coach) at $19 - $39.

TRAVEL TIP & AIRFARE SPECIALS

TRAVEL TIP     The best time to buy a ticket is after 3pm on Tuesday  through Thursday.  If you wait the prices will be higher.   www.bestfares.com  Holiday Deal   69 days to Thanksgiving and 94 days to Christmas Roundtrip airfare for a family of four 5 nights in Orlando at The Peabody Hotel 4-1/2 star Dec. 24 - 29th $371pp includes taxes   You will save $416 by not going Dec. 28 - Jan. 1

SEAFOOD IS SAFE

Edith Parten, Communications Director/Gulf Coast RegionalDirector asked us to pass on the word that the Alabama's Gulf Coast Seafood is Safe.  Alabama Dept of Health states that "any fish available for commercial sale, the fish in grocery stores, comes from non-contaminated waters."  "We want to get the word out that seafood is safe to eat and the misconception is hurting the folks that are Alabama's seafood industry," said Bob Omainsky, President of Mobile's Restaurant Association.

CHANNEL 2 ST LOUIS

Sue was on Channel 2 today as their "Travel Expert" and discussed a great deal before the kids go back to school.   SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO NO PASSPORT REQUIRED   SEVEN NIGHTS 4-STAR BEACH RESORT   ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE AND ALL TAXES   $565 PER PERSON FROM ST. LOUIS   CONRAD SAN JUAN RESORT - CONDADO PLAZA   MINIMUM SEVEN NIGHT STAY   BESTFARES.COM CALL IN SPECIAL ONLY     PROMO CODE "LUXURY ON SALE"   CALL 800-576-1234

MARTINIQUE PHOTOS

Hotel Bakoua Trois-Ilets Sue loves the flowers Empress Josephine's bed Doodles family with mangoes

Martinique

Chocolatier Thierry Lauzea Freres Lauzea     Chocolates, we sampled...yum

Martinique Photos

Chef Johnny and Chef Guy Ferdinand aka "Chef Hot Pants" Petibonum Beach Restaurant   Black Sand Beach

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW 5/22/2010

The radio interviews are broadcast over the web and 15 radio stations throughout the U.S. www.globalamericanbroadcasting.com  GAB1 Listen Live every Saturday, 8 - 10am central.   More interviews from Martinique and photos.  The annual top travel association show in U.S. held in Orlando.  Our regulars Tom Parsons with Deals & Steals and our regular travelwriter, Patrice, with a report from the Isle of Guernsey.   HOUR 1 Gilles Duplan, owner of www.la-suite-villa.com in Trois-Ilets, Martinique overlooking the bay, hotel of charm and suites and villas. www.martinique.org   We talk about our visit to the birthplace of Josephine, Empress and wife of Napolean Bonaparte. La Pagerie Museum in Trois-Ilets, Martinique   2010 U.S. Travel Association's PowWow with over 5,000 in attendence for convention where billions in travel and tourism sales are made. We also discussed Kevin's visit to Kennedy Space Ctr, where he is the "voice" of the I-Pad for the Ctr. Sue had an adventure day (more to come on that) starting off with an airboat ride, a bi-plane ride and then "I CAN FLY" indoor skydiving at 145mph.   Weekly Kevin has the travel news and Sue has the travel tips.   Tom Parsons, www.bestfares.com Deals & Steals for our listeners.   Regular contributor, Patrice Raplee, travelwriter Editor Travel Excursion & Seattle Spotlight, columnist for www.offbeattravel.com Patrice visited the Isle of Guernsey, who knew it is closer to France than to England??? www.guernsey.com She also talked about being caught up in the delays from the volcano ash from Iceland.   All radio interviews are archived 24/7 on www.kmox.com

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO SHOW FOR 5/25/2010

We had a wonderful trip to Martinique and interviewed chefs, chocolatiers, hoteliers and talked about museums.   Hour 1 Crystal Coita, representative for Martinique with www.franceguide.com  talked about life in Martinique and their history, food and culture.   An interview with Chef Guy Ferdinand aka "Chef Hot Pants" and Chef Johnny at the Petibonum Beach Restaurant.  The black sand beach in Martinique was very hot and the gourmet meals prepared for us were outstanding.   Another interview in Lamentin, Martinique was with Chocolatier Thierry Lauzea, Freres Lauzea.  We toured and sampled his fine chocolates.   HOUR 2 Our regular, Tom Parsons, www.bestfares.com told us about the weeks Deals & Steals.   Next interview was with Chef Raphael Fletcher, Fleur de Sel, La Troise Islet, Martinique. French food...can't get any better than that.   We spent our last night in Martinique at the Relais & Chateaux, Cap Est and talked with Veronique Tauquin   Next week there will be more interviews from the wonderful tropical island of Martinique.

Channel 2 Travel Expert

Sue McCarthy

Channel 2 Anchor John Brown

Interviewing Sue McCarthy

Fox News Channel 2

Wednesday, June 16 Sue is the "Travel Expert" for Fox News Channel 2 in St. Louis and was interviewed by anchor John Brown on the Drug Crisis in Kingston, Jamaica and Mexico and the Gulf Coast Oil Crisis. Jamaica http://www.travel.state.gov/ Dept. of State warns against traveling to capital city of Kingston, Jamaica.  The Government of Jamaica has imposed a State of Emergency.  Prime Minister Bruce Manning agreed with U.S. to extradite one of the world's most dangerous narcotics kingpins, Christoper "Dudus" Coke.  His supporters have been stockpiling arms and having clashes with police.  Some airlines have cancelled flights into the capital city and access to the Norman Manley International Airport has at times been blocked by the clashes with the police and the criminal elements.  The drug lord has been compared to Robin Hood by the locals since he gives to the poor. TIPS  Avoid public gatherings and use a high degree of caution when traveling in the Kingston area. Gulf Coast Oil Crisis Edith Parten, Communication Director for the Alabama Gulf Coast Region said, "We have had hundreds of calls and requests from across the state and U.S. asking what they can do to help with the Gulf Coast oil spill crisis.  We are asking potential tourists and visitors to keep their vacation plans on the Gulf Coast.  That is the best way they can help." "There are so many things to see and do on our Gulf Coast other than getting in the ocean.  Swimming pools, shopping, great restaurants and attractions like Bellingrath Gardens and the Exploreum in Mobile, and the Zoo and Fort Morgan in Gulf Shores." "Keep your plans, the beaches are still beautiful in many areas and crews are working hard to clean up what has come ashore." http://www.alabama.travel/ www.facebook.com/AlabamaTourism Baldwin County, Alabama has 40,000 travel-related jobs that will be affected and visitor spending is $2.3 billion. Florida Governor Charlie Christ has made preparation and response to the oil crisis his top priority.  For primary updates and info on response actions and impacts to the state of Florida go to www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon Some hotels and resorts are experiencing some cancellations. The residents say they are used to hurricanes and tropical storms, but not this kind of threat with uncertainty. For maps and tracking on the oil spill go to www.CNN.com/specials/2010/gulf.coast.oil.spill/interactive/map.impact.google/index.html www.CNN/2010/US/04/29/interactive.spill.tracker/index.html The surface point of the spill is now 160 miles. Destin, FL has piled up 244 loads of sand berms to protect the 15 rare coastal freshwater dune lakes.  Santa Rosa Beach, FL has concrete barriers and mesh netting ready if needed to protect their beaches. Rescued birds from the Gulf of Mexico have been moved to the Atlantic Ocean side at Wabasso, FL. MEXICO DRUG WARS Updated travel warnings remain in effect for the Mexico border towns of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarea, Nuevo Laredo, Monterray and Matamoros. Millions of U.S. citizens visit Mexico annually and the resort and tourist areas do not see the level of crime and violence.  Most of the victims are Mexican citizens who are associated with criminal activities, security also poses a threat for U.S. citizens.  TIPS  Avoid dangerous situations, know who to contact in an emergency, avoid areas where crime might occur and visit tourist areas in daylight.

Theatrical and Literary Trip to Alabama

Radio Interviews for Travel Planners Radio Show Edith Parten, Gulf Coast Reg. Dir. Tourism Plays and Musicals Opening Night "To Kill A Mockingbird" "It's A Grand Night For Singing" "Color Purple Musical" Shakespeares "All's Well That Ends Well" Edgar Allan Poe's "Fall of the House (Usher)"   Anne Forschler-Tarrasch, Curator Birmingham Museum of Art Wedgewood Collection   Kevin Travel News Sue Travel Tips   Tom Parsons www.BestFares.com    Henry Howard (on left in surgeon photo) 1st Sgt. Medical Orderly 31st Alabama Infantry Regimental Field Hospital Re-enactment   James Hammond, Battle of Selma Re-enactment Committee Chair www.battleofselma.com

U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION 2010 POWWOW

The PowWow is America's largest travel conference held annually in different U.S. destinations.  The conference is aimed at promoting America's travel destinations to International and Domestic buyers.  Official Numbers: 5,000+ overall delegates attended 5% increase from 2009 1,000+ U.S. travel organizations represented 1,100 International and Domestic buyers attended Buyers from 70 countries 70,000 pre-scheduled business appointments 400 International and 50 Domestic Journalists Kevin and Sue have attended this conference for 8 years and have made contacts with over 100 destination/state tourism providers.  Some of the appointments were with:  TSA Secure Flight, Grand Canyon Railway, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, North Carolina, Los Angeles, Memphis TN, Wyoming, San Antonio, Virginia Beach, Hilton Head, Jacksonville FL, West Virginia (Greenbrier), The Breakers (Palm Beach), Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Anchorage Al, Anaheim CA, Haiyi Hotels Worldwide, Rosen Hotels and Resorts, Simmons Family Waterfront Restaurants SF, Kimpton and Intercontinental Hotels Worldwide, Kennedy Space Center, Las Vegas Premier Shopping, Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort. These are just a few of the interviews we'll have coming up this year after attending PowWow.