Rising Oil Prices Not Good News for that Summer Vacation

Turmoil in the Middle East will likely result in more expensive summer vacations. The price of crude oil has risen swiftly in the wake of all the uprisings. Airlines have answered the bell by raising airfares to offset the increase in prices for jet fuel. Travelers are faced with higher ticket costs, in addition to the higher fees already announced for baggage and several other in-flight services. Plus, vacationers looking to avoid those fees and drive to their destinations will find themselves shelling out more at the gas pumps. While getting there may be half the fun, it will eat up a larger portion of the overall vacation budget than expected, especially if oil prices continue to rise.

Airlines have raised domestic ticket prices five times since the start of the year in an effort to offset rising fuel costs. While the hikes have been in the modest $4 to $10 range, the number of them has added $25 to $60 to round trip tickets for a number of popular destinations. To put the frequency of the price hikes in perspective, fares were increased four times in 2010 and three times in 2009. 2011 is young yet, and travelers will likely be faced with several more increases before all is said and done.

While business travelers may get away with purchasing one of those tickets, families booking four or five tickets, and usually traveling with more luggage, will feel the hikes in a much more pronounced way. With just the current per ticket hikes a family of four would be faced with paying $100 to $240 more for round trip tickets to their destination, without adding in baggage fees. These added costs will likely impact summer travel plans for vacationers who were just starting to feel the effects of the economic recovery.

The bad news is that more or continued unrest that the key oil supplying region of the Middle East will only trigger higher prices for oil, which will result in higher travel prices by air and ground. The sudden increase in oil prices has prompted a few lawmakers to call on President Obama to release oil from the strategic reserves in an effort to keep prices in check. Still, whether or not the president takes action, there can be little doubt the summer driving and summer travel season will be a little tougher for anyone planning on escaping for a week or so.

Family Cool Summer Vacation at One of North America’s Great Mountain

Head to the hills for a cool summer vacation at one of North America’s great mountain resorts or national parks. Kids can climb, hike and commune with nature on a high-altitude adventure.

Acadia National Park, Maine
Kids can explore Maine’s rugged coast at Acadia National Park and uncover treasures while tide-pooling during low tide along the sandbars where sea stars and anemones make their homes. Back on dry land, horse-drawn carriages and bikes traverse the 45-mile carriage road system with its long flat stretches. From May through October, rangers organize boat tours, nature walks and hikes with a side of history while exploring 125 miles of trails. Pitch a tent at 1 of the park’s 2 campgrounds or rent a cabin in nearby Bar Harbor. When hunger strikes, it’s time for tea and popovers at the park’s historic Jordan Pond House or set off on a quest for the perfect lobster roll.

Stowe, Vermont
The hills are alive with tradition at the Trapp Family Lodge. The Von Trapp family, the real-life family from “The Sound of Music,” settled here after fleeing from Austria and started welcoming guests to a more scaled-down lodge in 1950. Today, the resort’s fun is spread out over 2,400 acres. In the summer, guests can ride the private mountain-biking trails with a 1-mile beginner loop, 2.5-mile intermediate single-track trails or 10 miles of double-track for all riders. It’s back to basics at the Mountain Kids Club where kids can play whiffle ball, paint a pet rock or sing along with “The Sound of Music.” Away from the resort, zoom down the 2,300-foot Spruce Peak at the Stowe Alpine Slide and then head to the Ben & Jerry’s factory for a super scoop of your favorite flavor.

Adirondack Mountains, New York
The 1980s classic “Dirty Dancing” put Catskill Mountains on the map as the great family resort spot in New York state. But for a more modern mountain getaway, you’ll want to head farther north to the Adirondacks. The Sagamore, a palatial resort on the banks of the grand Lake George, has been pampering visitors for over 100 years. Guests can enjoy a view of the mountains aboard the Morgan, the resort’s 19th-century-style touring boat. Older kids and teens can take in the region from a different vantage point — 70 feet above ground — during a zip-line treetop adventure with Adirondack Extreme.

Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is surrounded by towering mountains in nearby national and state parks. Pisgah National Forest surrounds the city with striking mountain scenery. The kids and the grownups can take a ride down the 60-foot natural rock waterslide at Sliding Rock. Take in the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains from a room at the swanky inn at the Biltmore estate or just take a day trip to this grand Vanderbilt mansion. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, and there are 4 park entrances within 60 miles of Asheville. Pack a picnic and take a drive to the scenic overlooks and gentle hiking trails or look for elk from the car near Cataloochee Valley.

Colorado Springs, Colorado
The impressive 14,000-foot Pike’s Peak may not be Colorado’s tallest mountain, but it was the inspiration behind “America the Beautiful.” Ride the scenic Cog Railway through the mountain’s various zones and look for waterfalls and hopefully some Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. Another hotspot in Colorado Springs is the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, displays of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures dazzle older kids while pint-sized paleontologists dig for dinosaur bones at Woody’s Paleo Playground. The Broadmoor Resort is a worthy splurge with family fun including swimming, waterslides, a kid’s pool, paddle-boating on Cheyenne Lake, horseback-riding, golf and a spa where adults can relax while kids make new friends in the Bee Bunch camp.

Lake Louise, Alberta
Located on the pristine shores of Lake Louise, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a luxurious base camp for a tour of the Canadian Rockies. Children over 10 can explore Rat’s Nest Cave in Canmore with Wild Caves Tours. The cave is undeveloped with no artificial lights or railings, and twisting passages packed with stalactites and stalagmites. Younger kids can accompany parents for a gentle hike at Sundance Canyon with little elevation change or a romp at Sunshine Meadows where boardwalks and trails offer stunning views of the mountains, lakes and wildflowers. A bonus for summer visitors is the Banff Summer Arts Festival, which features outdoor theater, music and art from May to August.

Sun Valley, Idaho
Families can rough it in style at the Sun Valley resort and follow in the footsteps of Hollywood luminaries like Clark Gable and Bing Crosby who vacationed here since its opening in 1936. Once the last of the snow melts in this part of the Northern Rockies, Baldy and Dollar Mountains are open for hiking and mountain-biking. Families can set out on a white-water rafting adventure along the Main Salmon River or grab some popcorn for a movie at the historic Opera House movie theater. And while the snow may be gone, there are year-round staking rinks, skating school and ice shows every Saturday night.

Yosemite, California
School may be out for summer, but park rangers provide plenty of educational adventures in the great outdoors at Yosemite National Park. Kids can learn about the park’s history and wildlife through guided tours and interactive theatrical performances like Ranger Ned’s Big Adventure. Daily story times and Junior Ranger Walks introduce kids to the area’s wildlife and natural wonders like Half Dome and the park’s waterfalls. At night, kids can take in the clear night sky and learn about the Milky Way, the constellations and meteors during the Starry Skies program. Park accommodations range from simple canvas tent cabins at Curry Village to the Old-World luxury of the grand Ahwahnee Hotel. Even if you don’t spend the night, stop by the Great Lounge and relax by the massive stone fireplace.

Source : travelchannel.com

South Australian Vacation Destination : Kangaroo National and Conservation Parks

National and conservation parks cover more than one third of the total area of land on Kangaroo Island and are ideal to explore on your next holiday.

These are havens for wildlife and a great place to get close to Australian nature. See sea lions lolling around Admirals Arch, koalas clinging to trees in Kelly Hill Conservation Park, waves crashing against the island’s shoreline, and rock formations that will take your breath away.

From very early in Kangaroo Island’s European settlement, national and conservation parks were declared across the Island in recognition of the importance of preserving the unique plant and wildlife species that exist here. Some of these species of plants and animals are either threatened or exist nowhere else in Australia.

When you think of world famous Kangaroo Island, chances are that you picture a secluded island of native forests, teeming with natural wildlife. That’s one way of describing Kangaroo Island – but it’s a description that hardly does it justice.

The first thing that strikes you when you arrive on Kangaroo Island is the scale of the place. Only 15 kilometres from the South Australian mainland, the island is seven times larger than Singapore, with a breathtaking diversity of natural environments for you to discover.

For nature lovers, Kangaroo Island is a feast for the senses. There are secluded beaches where you can relax in the sun, or do a spot of ocean fishing. There are pastures where sheep farmers, beekeepers, and winemakers produce the renowned local gourmet cuisine.

There are small towns with intimate restaurants and stores showcasing local artwork. And there are dense, ancient forests that are only a short drive from the island’s charming hamlets.

How do you take it all in?

Take a 4WD trip into the island’s bushland areas, and you’ll see koalas, echidnas, wallabies, all in their own natural habitat. Join a guided night-time tour to see the famous little penguins march out of the ocean to their homes along the coastline.

And venture to the remarkable western coastline of the island, where two of the Southern Hemisphere’s three species of seals have made their homes among a dramatic backdrop of tumultuous seas and rocky coastal outcrops.

Your hosts will be members of an eclectic local community of farmers, artists, ecologists, fishers, and adventurer lovers. Some were born on the island. Others visited and never wanted to go home again. But they’ve all got one thing in common – a love affair with this special place.

Talk to them, and you’ll realize that there’s no shortage of things to see and do on Kangaroo Island – and one visit might not be enough to take it all in.

Kangaroo Island Flora

Kangaroo Island’s plant catalogue lists 891 species, as well as approximately 250 that have been introduced from other parts of the world.

You’ll see wildflowers in every season, and September and October reveal spectacular flowering of much of the flora.

More than 400 of the plants are found in Flinders Chase National Park, making it the most representative area of original flora. Mallee scrub dominates much of the uncleared areas.

In the east, Kangaroo Island Narrow-Leaf Mallee is the main multi-trunked mallee, and it is from this tree that eucalyptus oil is extracted. The much taller single-trunk eucalypts such as Sugar Gum, Blue Gum, Cup Gum, Swamp Gum and River Red Gum generally grow along rivers and creek banks. Two stringybark species are found in the centre to the northwest of the Island.

The number and variety of wattles match the diversity of the eucalypts. Other small trees or large shrubs include the Drooping Sheoak, two Banksia species, Dryland Tea-tree, Broombush, Scarlet Bottlebrush, several Hakea and the slow-growing Tate’s Grass tree. Because of its isolation from the mainland, Kangaroo Island has 46 endemic species; these are plants that are native to, and restricted to, a particular geographical region.

Some of these, like the two Tetrathecas, are very beautiful; others, like the prickly Kangaroo Island Conestick, are more remarkable for their uniqueness than their beauty. One Hakea (Hakea aenigma), does not put on seed in the normal way, but reproduces itself by suckering.

Spring is the best time to see the Golden Wattle – Australia’s floral emblem. Many species of wattle provide a mass of vivid yellow from Penneshaw to Cape Borda and many places in between. Other flowering plants, which bring a splash of colour to the bush, include Scarlet Bottlebrush, orange and red Cockies Tongue, purple Fringe-lily, green and red Correa, Azure Daisy bush and many others. The different varieties of scented white bearded heaths, white and yellow graceful Riceflower, green-orange, lovely pink and red Grevilleas and Spyridiums enhance the beauty of the understorey.

There are also more than 60 different species of orchid found on the Island with all but one of these being terrestrial (having small bulbs under the ground) and ranging in height from 1-100 centimetres.

Find more information vacation destination at : www.southaustralia.com

Air Travel Weekend Destination : Wonderful Long-Haul Ski Destinations Around The World

While many people think of a ski trip as something that is enjoyed over a long weekend, the fact is that there are number of wonderful long-haul ski destinations around the world. These destinations offer excellent accommodation for anyone who wants to get away for an extended period of time and enjoy their favourite sport.

The Long Haul

Embarking on a long-haul skiing holiday is a wonderful way to take your annual break (no pun intended). Or perhaps you need to get away for a special occasion, such as an anniversary, birthday celebration, or even a honeymoon trip. Here are a few examples of long-haul ski destinations that are worthy of consideration.

Switzerland

When most people think of skiing they tend to immediately think of the Swiss Alps. There are in fact a number of excellent resorts there and a wide choice of accommodation that provides extended stay facilities for keen skiers. One location in Switzerland hat has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years is Zermatt. There it is possible to combine skiing and all modern conveniences with the charm of centuries past. The major modes of transportation are electric taxis, ski buses, and charming horse drawn carriages that can take visitors to any part of the city that they desire to visit. An impressive network of gondolas, cog railways, and cable cars make it easy to reach and enjoy a number of points along the slopes, with some of these means of conveyance able to lift skiers to altitudes that are in excess of 12,000 feet.

While the first impression of Zermatt may be that the area is somewhat quaint, the fact is that it combines this Olde World charm with an amazing nightlife. After enjoying the slopes during the day, it is a simple matter to find clubs and other night venues that offer an impressive array of music and entertainment, ranging from the soft and subtle to the wild and crazy. While it does require a train ride of several hours to get to Zermatt from Geneva, the effort is well worth it.

Canada

A bit further afield, Canada is an excellent long-haul ski destination. Take a look at what Banff has to offer; the longer trip is well worth the effort. Situated among the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers spectacular views as well as skiing opportunities for everyone from the novice to the pro. Accommodation is very comfortable, the local residents friendly, and the cost can be very reasonable for someone who wants to have an excellent experience for less money. As with many of the best long-haul ski opportunities, the procedure is to fly into a larger city and finish the journey to the ski resort via shuttle. With Banff, this is accomplished by flying into Calgary and taking an airport shuttle directly to the city.

Slovakia

Back on the European continent, planning a ski trip to the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia might be just the thing for you. Like Zermatt, there are many areas in Slovakia that have an eclectic blend of the old with the convenience of the new. The setting itself is somewhat like the vision of villages conjured up by children’s fables. However, the skiing is usually so varied that it is possible to find something that is right for just about everyone. Among the snow activities that are most popular include the option of night skiing, something that is not always available in many of the better known resorts around the world. Another benefit is that this location is still somewhat of a secret, meaning that there is a good chance you can enjoy excellent prices for your accommodation as well as reasonably priced transportation to and from the area.

Japan

For something different consider a trip to Hokkaido Island, in Japan. Yes, it will be an expensive holiday but what a once in a lifetime experience! The volcanoes that make up the island offer some excellent options for long haul skiing that are hard to match anywhere else in the world. One of the factors that makes this destination such an excellent choice is the quality of the snow. With the ranges covered with an ample coating of snow that is dry and powdery, skiers of all skill levels will find that it is possible to manoeuvre with great ease, which only helps to make the skiing experience more rewarding. To get there you can fly into Sapporo, and then take the train and a series of bus transfers to arrive at Niseko. There is a wide range of accommodation that will fit just about any budget.

USA

Skiers with a desire to enjoy a long-haul ski trip somewhere in the United States will find that a trip to Aspen, Colorado is still worth the effort. Considered to be somewhat over-hyped by many skiers, Aspen still has a bit of a small town flavour that makes it appealing for anyone who wants to combine peace and quiet with excellent slopes and possibly a little celebrity watching. The pace is even and slow, and the area is also family orientated. Adults can enjoy guided ski excursions, while the kids are provided with excellent opportunities to learn the basics of skiing under the watchful eyes of instructors who not only keep them busy, but also teach young ones the essentials of skiing safely.

Other Ideas

These are just a few suggestions for long-haul skiing opportunities that can be found around the world. Other destinations in France, South America, and Russia are also ideal for anyone who wants to get away from it all and see something a little bit different. Depending on how far you can travel and the amount you can reasonably afford to set aside for the trip, there is a good chance that at least one or two possibilities can be uncovered with a quick search online, or a visit to your local travel agency.

As you consider different destinations for your a long-haul ski trip, it is a good idea to look closely at peak times associated with the destinations you are considering. Often, it is possible to secure excellent accommodation for less by choosing to go off-season, even if the trip is planned for only a week or two before the opening of the official season. Along with discounts on lodgings, there is a good chance you can also enjoy reduced rates for transportation to and from your destination, as well as special pricing on restaurants and other forms of entertainment in the area.

U.S. Airlines Converging on Suddenly Summer Season in Mexico

Leading American airlines are stepping up to give Mexico the airlift it needs as tourism increases and in the wake of Mexicana Airlines folding this past summer.

Continental Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have all announced plans to launch a slew of new flights to Mexico from several important North American travel hubs. The flights come hot on the heels of Mexico Tourism’s announcement of a 19.2 percent increase in international tourist arrivals via air to Mexico from January to August of this year.

The new flights are a welcome addition to already planned flights by AeroMexico, British Airways, US Airways, Frontier Airlines, Virgin America and China’s Hainan Airlines.

From January to August of this year, the number of international tourists arriving in Mexico by air increased by 19.2 percent, in comparison to the same period last year and 6 percent in comparison to 2008, one of Mexico’s strongest tourism years on record. From January to August 2010, Mexican airports received 7.1 million foreign visitors. The U.S. continues to be the main market source for travelers into Mexico. In the first eight months of 2010, 4.33 million American travelers arrived in Mexico, a 15.7 percent increase in respect to the same period in 2009 and a 1.9 percent increase over 2008.

Approximately 61 percent of international tourists to Mexico are Americans, according to Mexico’s Tourism Secretariat (Sectur).

Flight Plans

In October, Continental announced its plans to launch a daily nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Leon/Guanajuato, Mexico (BJX) beginning November 1, pending Mexican government approval. This new service will complement Continental’s existing service to Leon/Guanajuato from Houston. In fact, no other carrier offers more departures from the U.S. to the Leon/Guanajuato airport. In addition, Continental Airlines has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for permission to launch weekly nonstop flights to Cancun from Austin and San Antonio in Texas and Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina. Once approved, this service would begin on February 19, 2011. Currently, Continental Airlines serves 30 Mexican destinations, more than any other American airline. The airline presently serves Cancun 76 times weekly from its travel hubs in Houston, Newark and Cleveland.

In addition to the new flights planned by Continental, United Airlines is boosting service into Mexico City from hubs in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. United will launch a second daily flight from Los Angeles to Mexico City beginning October 15, and a third daily flight starting January 14, 2011. Starting November 4, United will up its current Saturday-only service from Chicago to Mexico City to twice-daily service and their daily service from San Francisco to Mexico City to twice-daily, as well. United will also begin offering once-daily service to Mexico City from Denver between December 16 and January 3, 2011, perfect for a holiday getaway. In regards to other Mexican destinations, United Airlines currently serves Cancun 31 times weekly from its hubs in Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington-Dulles.

Rounding out the announcement of new flights is Delta Air Lines, who plans to launch new nonstop Saturday flights from Memphis, to Mexico City starting January 8, 2011, pending Mexican government approval. The short 3.5 hour flight will leave Memphis at 9:15 a.m. and arrive in Mexico City International Airport (Benito Juarez International Airport) at 12:40 p.m.

Return flights are scheduled to leave Mexico City at 1:42 p.m. and arrive in Memphis at 5 p.m. Mexico is currently the city of Memphis’ second-largest trading partner, and the new flight will not only be a hit with tourists, but with business leaders seeking to strengthen ties to Mexico. This new flight will add to Delta Air Lines’ already existing seasonal flights to the Mexican beach resort cities of Cancun and Cozumel.

Airline Industry Survey : Four Top Airline Service Moments of 2010

That is a little known fact, because the airline industry suffers from an advanced case of crummy image. Most of the news you hear about airlines focuses on complaints, with airline fees a favorite topic.

By contrast, you rarely hear much about the industry’s enviable safety record or its ability to transport about 750 million passengers annually, most of whom get to where they want to go at the time they want to get there.

While good service alone does not move airline share prices, it’s fair to say that passengers prefer to book on airlines where the service has been good.

Generally, only two sets of people learn of good deeds by airline employees who went beyond the call of duty. The first is the passengers who benefit. The second is airline employees, because incidents of stand-out employee service are regularly reported in employee publications.

It is even possible to conclude that one thing that isolates airline employees from the public is that the employees are broadly aware of sometimes strenuous efforts to offer good service. But the pervasive public perception is that the service stinks.

Read on for four recent incidents of beyond-the-call service at the four biggest network carriers.

Book Keeping Airlines Tickets for Your Holiday Destination Now

With Halloween still a month out, it might be premature to buy your plane ticket for the winter holidays, but it’s not too early to start fare shopping.

The price of tickets can fluctuate widely over days, or even hours. And, by keeping a close eye on tickets to your holiday destination now, you’ll be in a better position to know when a fare is fair and to pounce before it changes.

The weak economy and high unemployment coupled with less plane capacity these days makes it hard to predict where fares are headed this holiday season, travel experts say. Airlines are keeping an eye on moves by competitors while taking the pulse of consumer demand by watching advance bookings.

“It’s a crapshoot,” says Tim Winship, publisher of FrequentFlier.com.

Bing Travel forecasts that the price of a domestic flight over Thanksgiving will average $310, a 3 percent drop from last year and 13 percent cheaper than in 2008. Domestic flights during Christmas and New Year’s will average $368, a 2 percent uptick over last year. Although if you’re traveling during the most desirable days during the holidays, you can expect to pay more than these averages.

George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com, expects fares to be up slightly overall compared to a year ago, and as much as 10 percent to 20 percent higher for peak travel times. He points out that continued consolidation in the industry, such as the pending merger of United Airlines and Continental Airlines, has left fewer players competing for customers.

When scouting for the best fares, consider:

Fare alerts Sign up for e-mail notices from travel sites such as Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia so you’ll get a heads-up when prices to your destination drop. Fare alerts often don’t give information on specific flights, so frequently check travel sites or the airlines for times and dates you’re interested in, Hobica says.

“Check every day, and when it hits a level that you think is reasonable, go for it,” he says.

October deals Travel experts say they have noticed that airlines in recent years cut fares the first two weeks of October, only to raise them after that.

It could be that bookings were weak in early October, and airlines “lowered their price to stimulate demand,” Winship speculates. Once lower fares enticed consumers from the sidelines, the airlines boosted prices, he says.

Holiday surcharges Travel close to the holidays and you might pay a “holiday surcharge” of $15 to $20, says Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com.

The holiday surcharge appeared last year, and now it’s being added to all sorts of holidays, including flights around Easter and Memorial Day, Banas says. You can avoid the fee by not traveling during these popular times or by flying with an airline that doesn’t assess it. Major carriers tend to charge the fee, but JetBlue Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Virgin Atlantic don’t, she says.

Flexibility pays As always, the more flexible you can be with your travel plans, the better your chances of getting a cheaper seat. You can save “quite a bit of money” if you travel on the designated holidays, such as Christmas Day, Banas says. Warning: You run the risk of having a flight delayed because of a snowstorm and missing the holiday party, she warns.

Expect to share armrests Airlines in recent years have cut the number of seats and flights to better match demand with supply, Winship says. Planes on average this year are flying more than 80 percent full.

“That’s very high,” Winship says. “When you get to the holiday period, flights are going to be close to 100 percent full. That translates into real discomfort for travelers.”

Don’t wait too long to book a window or aisle seat, he warns. You might save $20 on a flight by waiting but then get stuck in the middle seat. “How much is your comfort worth to you?” he asks.

Holiday vacations The holidays are all about family. But if you choose not to go home, you can find attractive fares to other locales. Consider overseas. Roundtrip airfare from Baltimore to London leaving the day before Thanksgiving and returning the Sunday after the holiday is $642, Hobica says.

Or treat yourself to business class, where you can experience a flat bed, upgraded food, priority boarding and other perks, Hobica says.

Business travel drops off during the holidays, and sometimes so do fares. American Airlines last week offered a roundtrip business class ticket from Baltimore to London around Thanksgiving for $1,600, with taxes included, while other airlines were charging around $3,000, Hobica says.

Tropical Storm Hermine Crosses Into Texas

Forecasters say Tropical Storm Hermine (hur-MEEN’) has crossed into Texas.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says the center of the storm has crossed the Rio Grande.

Hermine came ashore Monday night in northeast Mexico. By early Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center said the storm was about 10 miles (15 km) south-southwest of Harlingen, Texas, and 20 miles (30 km) northwest of Brownsville.

Hermine has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km). It’s moving north-northwest at 14 mph (22 kph).

A tropical storm warning is still in effect for Rio San Fernando, Mexico, north to Port O’Connor, Texas.

Florida Children Take 600-Mile Flight to Visit Dollywood Theme Park

Young travellers used $700 savings to pay for trip to Nashville.

Getting past America’s rigid airport security can frustrate even seasoned travellers. So a US airline is struggling to explain how three bored Florida children were allowed to take a 600-mile flight without their parents’ permission in a spontaneous pilgrimage to a Dolly Parton theme park.

With little to do on a hot summer day, Bridget Brown, a 15-year-old from Jacksonville, co-opted her 11-year-old brother, Cody, and a 13-year-old friend, Bobby Nolan, into a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, using $700 (£450) of savings.

They took a cab to the airport and were able to buy tickets from a Southwest Airlines sales desk without any raised eyebrows from the cashier.

“He said OK and told us how much it would be and then we paid him,” said Brown. “Then he put the flight things on our bags, and then he said ‘You better run because you might miss your flight’.”

At a security checkpoint, the children were not asked for any form of identification because, under a quirk of US airline policy, under-18s require only a boarding pass on domestic flights.

“We just took our stuff out of our pockets, took off our shoes and walked through,” Nolan told NBC television.

Unfortunately, the trip ended in disappointment as the intrepid trio realised, on arriving in Nashville, that they were 200 miles from their intended destination, a park named Dollywood dedicated to America’s queen of country music.

Suddenly scared at their predicament, the young travellers phoned their startled parents, who had no idea that their children had left Florida. “I never would have dreamed my kid would have got on an aeroplane without me or their mom,” said Brown’s father, James. “It was very scary.” Southwest Airlines insisted it had done nothing wrong, as it permits unaccompanied minors to travel over the age of 12. The Transportation Security Administration said there was no security risk because the children had been “screened thoroughly”.

But the jaunt prompted criticism of slack policies towards children. Richard Bloom, a security expert at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, said terrorist groups could take note of any loopholes: “In other parts of the world, young people are engaged in weapons, planting bombs, testing security.”

Mark Orwoll, an aviation commentator at Travel and Leisure magazine, wrote on his blog: “Alarm bells should have been ringing like Notre Dame cathedral on Bastille Day.”

Explore Hawaii’s Island Water Sport

Whether you’re paddling out, hoisting the jib or revving your engine, the pristine waters off the Hawaiian Islands are the perfect playground for your aquatic, adventurous spirit.

Go Underwater
The Hawaiian Islands are made up of 132 islands, but are generally recognized as the eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and Hawaii. Nestled in the Pacific Ocean over 2,400 miles from the nearest continent, these islands provide a unique and awe-inspiring underwater environment perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hawaii’s year-round, warm waters provide some of the best dive sites in the world. Each site has different skill requirements, so check in advance before booking your tour. One amazing site on Niihau is home to gigantic sea arches, endangered monk seals and large pelagic fish.

Most Hawaiian resorts and water activity companies offer snorkeling equipment rentals and instructions. The beaches of Maui, Oahu and Hawaii are some of the most popular locations for coastal explorations. This complete guide to snorkeling in Hawaii offers tips and reviews of the most popular snorkeling spots.

Ride a Jet Ski or Wave Runner
Change up the pace from the lazy flick of your snorkel fins and climb aboard a Jet Ski or wave runner. Easy to operate and maneuver, you’ll love tearing through the Hawaiian waters with your friends and family.

Hawaii Water Sports will shuttle you out to their Jet Ski course off the coast of Oahu’s Manunalua Bay. Hawaii Active lets you power through the waters off the Big Island seven days a week. Remember that you’ll need a valid driver’s license to operate one of these high-powered toys.

Paddle Out
Hawaii is home to world-class surfing. Each of the Hawaiian Islands get legendary swells, but the pipeline off Oahu’s North Shore is mind-blowing. The best swells occur between October and March, generated from storms in the North Pacific. Whether you’re a novice or looking to improve your skill set, attending a surf camp in Hawaii is the perfect vacation for those looking for a little Zen calm.

If the word “camping” brings to mind bugs, uncomfortable sleeping arrangements and bad food, don’t worry. There are a slew of camps on Hawaii’s main islands, like Surf Hawaii Surf School, that offer stylish, beachfront accommodations, healthy meals prepared in a gourmet kitchen, relaxing massage packages and cleansing yoga sessions.

Additionally, the camp will provide transportation to and from the beach as well as guided personal instruction for all abilities.

Take Flight
Parasailing, a favorite vacation activity, offers a relaxing flight above Hawaii’s crystalline waters and the lush landscapes. Parasailing is available on each of Hawaii’s major islands, but one company takes you to higher than the rest — Xtreme Parasailing on Waikiki.

Xtreme offers three different rides varying in height and length: the standard ride at 700 feet for 9 to 11 minutes; the deluxe ride at 900 feet for 11 to 13 minutes; and the extreme ride at 1,200 feet for 13 to 15 minutes. The package includes ground transportation to and from your hotel and all the safety information and equipment you’ll need.

Parasailing is an affordable and breathtaking way to spend a day in and above the Hawaiian waters.

Skim the Surface
From sailing above the boat to being dragged behind it, wakeboarding and waterskiing are exhilarating ways to soak up the Hawaiian sun and surf. Hawaii Water Sports offers both wakeboarding and waterskiing in Oahu’s tropical Koko Marina. The staff here is fully equipped to deal with any level of ability — they even offer a six-ball slalom waterskiing course in the upper marina for those looking to put their skills to the test (or maybe just show off a little.)

Almost all wakeboarding and waterskiing outfits require reservations and a deposit, so make your plans the night before while sipping a daiquiri and enjoying the Hawaiian sunset.

Set Sail
For a more relaxing way to experience the beauty of Hawaii’s waters and its majestic landscapes, book a sailing tour. Adventure Sailing on Oahu offers several different tours guaranteed to be a perfect complement to your vacation. From the barbecue sunset sail featuring cold beer, hot food and Hawaiian music to the romantic private honeymoon sail, every detail is perfectly tailored to your desires.

Book a more adventurous journey, and go whale-watching or swimming with dolphins and sea turtles. Again, equipment and instruction will be provided, but you might want to pack your own binoculars to view the humpbacks. From November to March, these beautiful creatures visit the Hawaiian waters to birth their pups — it’s an ideal time to see the graceful and caring mammals with their families.

Take the reigns and learn to sail yourself by taking some private lessons. Command the seas and your own boat by learning port from starboard and the jib from the main sail.

source : travelchannel.com

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