"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,....Lao Tzu, Chinese Philosopher.
Read,Research,Read......Ifif1938, epinion writer
I'm not sure this publication would be considered a travel guide but I use it as one. It's the Consumer Reports Travel letter which is published once a month. Each time I go to my mailbox and find a new one there I just have to sit down immediately and devour it. Since this particular publication is not listed in the epinion data bank but it's parent magazine, Consumer Reports is listed I thought it would be OK to place this review here..
Travel well for less is the slogan printed beneath the heading of the front page logo. Sounds like a good idea to me!
There is so much great detailed information in each issue with many varied articles aimed at helping you make the right travel decisions no matter where your next destination might be taking you..... Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing here at Epinions? Helping others make the right decisions...And, very successfully I might add, for the most part.
In every issue they repeat some of the same columns, just with different topics, for instance, this month on the front page the featured article is called:
Frequent-Flyer Programs: The Rules Keep Changing;
Everything you would ever need to know about the history and the use of those miles we all so covet, with charts comparing each airlines program plans and how many seats are reserved for the frequent flyer. Haven't you always wondered why, when you are told on the phone that there are no frequent flyer seats available, at the time when you actually board, the plane is half empty? The answers to that particular puzzle is given as well as many other questions you might have.
Another feature on the front page:
Big Deals;
Very special deals you can get during this travel season now and in the immediate future. In this months issue, there are cruise packages, weekend golf packages, a Roman holiday tour, and a "Fall in Hawaii" deal....All the prices are given and the web sites to look at or to book these packages..
Consumer Power: Our reporter gets results;
People write in with questions and ask for help on different issues, some negative, others positive..... the answers or action taken on their behalf is noted.
Heads Up: Behind the headlines;
This month an article about how some hotels add fees or hidden charges that we may not be aware of, particularly for early departures when the dates differ from when you stated upon arrival.....On the plus side, there are some bonuses offered from other hotel chains that could save you big money. For instance, Hilton's new promotion, Stay at any U.S. Hilton and you get a booklet with offers that include a "Fly Anywhere for $299.00" round-trip flight to one of 99 cities within the continental U.S., get two $50 flight credits, car rental savings, food and beverage credit and a free Sunday night stay, available through December 30th. That sounds like a great deal to me..
News You Can Use;
Telephone Check-in...Did you know, you can check in on your way to the airport? I didn't know that until reading this article, but American Airlines has just implemented a new system, whereby you can do just that as long as you are a Gold or Platinum Aadvantage member and check in within 3 hours but not less than 30 minutes before departure and have reserved seats. This could save a lot of time and hassle..
The Web: We review the sites;
In the latest issue for this month, the Major Upscale hotel web-sites are featured. If you are a frequent quest of any of the major hotels chains, such as Renaissance, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton or Westin, it may be worth your while to log onto their web-sites to check availability and prices. Even if you are not a member it would be a good place to start your research if planning a possible stay. Pictures of the rooms are given as well as all the amenities and even maps of the surrounding locations..
The newsletter checks out the sites and gives in-depth details as to what was found. The good and the bad.
Special Report: Could Chartering A Plane Be For You??
Thinking a going away with a large group? Well, this article reviews all the ins and outs of chartering a plane. It can actually cost less than buying separate economy tickets for all members of your party and, it can get you there more quickly! All the details and prices are listed.
Talk Back..... Where readers send in tips, comments, and strategies based on their experiences..
It's always helpful to read and learn from another traveler what they have to recommend or warn you about.
Hot Spots: You Can't Afford To Miss;
This month the article called "Finding your true colors" is all about the arrival of Autumn and the changing foliage across the U.S and Canada, which may be reason enough for you to take a little journey. Because peak season is limited and demand high, the article describes the best action you can take and where to take it to insure a room and what is required to get one..Usually a two night stay is required and in the most popular spots it might even be too late to do so. They list some of these spots that might still be available and the dates and prices that will be in effect during this limited time frame.
There are many other articles written each month about various related travel services, devices and helpful hints for smoother traveling experiences.
One of my favorite featured articles was in an issue a few months ago that I especially found worthwhile, comprised of a two page spread devoted to Travel Guides called "Sailing the Wide Seas of Travel Guides. How many guide books do you actually need?" They went into great detail about such books as Eyewitness guides, Fodors 2001, Frommers 2001, Let'go, Lonely Planet, Moon Travel Handbooks and The Rough Guide. Included were prices of the books and an evaluation of the usefulness of the information you received by reading and utilizing these books.
All in all, I find this a very useful tool in planning trips or just dreaming about them. Published by Consumer Reports, the writers and editors put the same work and detail into this publication as they do their main product and I would recommend it very highly to anyone interested in traveling, whether for business or pleasure, you will find the right information about travel or anything related to travel.
Happy and Safe Travels.
This is another review of mine that was placed in an retired category..I've updated and rewritten this one, and posted it where it can be found..... Thanks for your patience if you have read it already..... of course, I deleted the old one
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