Hospitality Industry Makes Packing the Pets Easier Than Ever for Spring/Summer Travels; Travelocity Lists Top Pet-Friendly Spots and Attractions for Animal Lovers Traveling the U.S. and Abroad

Americans’ favorite four-legged companions have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, as hotels and businesses throughout the world seem to be rolling out the red carpet for pet guests. Travelocity(R) travel insiders report that hotels in particular throughout the U.S. and abroad are cashing in by catering to the four-legged set.

Accommodating this exploding trend, Travelocity has compiled a list of pet-friendly places for travelers who can’t bear the thought of leaving Fido behind as well as a few animal-themed attractions for the wildlife lover.

“Travelocity found that one in four people travel with their pets, showing that this is a big part of the growing travel market,” said Amy Ziff, Travelocity’s editor-at-large. “Travelers are no longer limited to walking their dogs in the backyard or local park. Now the entire country can be their pets’ playground.”

With special menus, a kitty concierge, a doggy translator and more, Travelocity’s editor-at-large Amy Ziff names some of the best hotels for pet lovers and animal experiences in North America.

San Diego, CA: This spot tops the list as a year-round pet lover’s paradise. There are a number of pet friendly hotels, from the boutique Hotel Solamar to the W San Diego, which is part of the chain’s PAW (pets always welcome) practices and has special events like doggie happy hours and menus. But it’s not just the hotels that embrace animals — Sea World, with the legendary Shamu shows, swimming with Dolphins, shark encounters and more, tops the list for animal interaction. The San Diego Zoo’s animal park has a summer Roar N’ Snore overnight program where visitors can sleep in the park for extra access to the animals. There are also numerous pet-friendly beaches, dog-runs, salons, and restaurants.

Boston: Beantown has a reputation for making way for our furry and feathered friends with the Boston-based book Make Way for Ducklings. There are the Swan Boat Tours and the Boston Duck Tours which guarantee a view of the area’s more active feathery friends. Beyond the gardens and the commons, Boston has pet friendly hotels such as the Fairmont Copley plaza with a canine companion named Catie. For more animal sightings, visit the Franklin Park Zoo with gorillas, warthogs, Cotswald sheep, Pilgrim geese and more. Zoo details: http://www.zoonewengland.com/.

Chicago: It’s home to the Shedd Aquarium, the world’s largest indoor aquarium featuring Beluga Whales, Black Piranha and Leafy Dragons. It opened in 1930 and added the Oceanarium in 1991, nearly doubling its size. Enjoy a stay at the Hotel Monaco and partake in the Guppy Love program, which makes a Goldfish every guest’s companion for the duration of their stay. Or, consider a Canine cruise for dogs and their people, operating Sunday mornings June - September through Mercury skyline cruises at www.mercuryskylinecruiseline.com. Walk along Magnificent Mile, Lakefront Trail, or the Riverwalk Gateway to learn the city’s history.

Denver & The Mountains: Though the mile high city and surrounding mountains are welcoming to visitors of all kinds, remember to keep pets hydrated at high altitudes. The Monaco hotels in Denver have a line of pet paw-licies that detail special pet services from gourmet canine cuisine to massages and pet-sitting. The Teatro will serve pets food in a personally-monogrammed dish and walk them as needed. When in the mountains, try spotting elk, moose, deer, coyotes, cougars, black bear, hawks and more.

Miami / Ft. Lauderdale: Miami’s SoBe catwalk is full of pooch pride. Dine at the News Cafe with your furry friend or window shop. The Ritz-Carlton, Royal Palm and the Aqua welcome pets as well. Broward county, the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, boasts more than 70 pet-friendly hotels, numerous parks and recreation areas and even restaurants that cater to pets. For pet R&R, check them into the Camp Canine Country Club & Spa in Ft. Lauderdale or the Tail End Pet Resort & Spa in Davie. Pets dine on gourmet fare from Bone Appetit in Ft. Lauderdale or Three Dog Bakery in Plantation. There is even canine couture found at Tea Cups in Hollywood.

New York City: Home to the most notorious of dog shows, the city is over-run with dog lovers each winter for Westminster. From Central Park to Battery Park and Hudson River Park to Washington Square Park, dog runs are as common as play grounds in Manhattan. Visit www.urbanhound.com for the low-down on playing with pets in the city. Visit the famous Central Park zoo featured in Madagascar and the bigger Bronx Zoo as well. Hotels like 70 Park, the Muse, the Affinia 50 (and all other 8 Affinia properties in Manhattan) as well as the five W hotels all welcome pets. The Affinia hotels run a Jet Set Pet program with a special welcome and extensive list of services whereas the W’s offer signature programs including robes (for you and your pet), treats, and a Where-to-Woof guide of dog parks, groomers and pet boutiques.

San Francisco: Take pets to the Golden Gate Park Dog Run, Mountain Lake Park or the Presidio. Even enjoy a jog at Baker Beach, Fort Funston or Ocean Beach — just be aware of the strictly enforced leash laws. Visitors and their pets can hop on and off the public transport while seeing the sites. Numerous local hotels such as the W San Francisco and the Kimpton hotels are pet friendly. Perhaps the most notable treatment is at the Fairmont where guests can sign up for the Doggy Translator which enhances pet communication.

Puerto Rico & Vieques: These destinations are a diver’s delight — for lovers of the deep blue ocean and all of the creatures beneath the water. Not only does the Caribbean offer coral reefs and brilliant fish, they have bioluminescent bays for nighttime dives as well. Bays can be brimming with phosphorescent single-cell animals that glow in the water when they are agitated or moved. Witness the phenomenon from two bays in Puerto Rico: Fajardo and Guarnica. In Vieques, the healthiest of the bio bays in the Caribbean is Mosquito Bay. Stay at Puerto Rico’s Normandie House.

Washington, DC: Even our nation’s capital welcomes pets. The White House has a history with animals from Calvin Coolidge’s pet raccoon that was purportedly walked on a leash to Woodrow Wilson’s herd of sheep. There have been gifts as outlandish as a herd of elephants and tiger cubs. So, it should come as no surprise that the Mall is a two-mile long playground for pets (although no pets are allowed IN the monuments). The city’s National Zoo is a great place to visit more than 2,400 kinds of animals. The city has numerous pet-friendly hotels including the Fairmont, Hotel Palomar, The Topaz, The Rouge, the Monaco and more.

Vancouver: Rover can roam the stunning city of Vancouver and enjoy many of the parks — even off leash! Local dog lovers have united to develop the Vancouver Dog Owners’ Association Web site with useful information including where and when to take pets to the park and which are leash free. Also check out the Doggy Style Deli on Denman Street specializing in a dog diet akin to “raw food.” Dine in or take out with meals that range from $2.50 - $6. There are many pet-friendly hotels including the Fairmont, The Delta Vancouver, The Sutton and the Metroplitan. At the Pacific Palisades Hotel, the V.I.Pets program welcomes dogs for free and offer biscuits, a Frisbee, pick-up bags, dog bowls and plenty of places to take pooches.

Even if Fido can’t come along, some great animal sightings, experiences, and festivals include:

    —  South Dakota Bear Country (Rapid City, SD)

    —  Ostrich Festival (Chandler, AZ)

    —  Camel Racing (Virginia City, NV)

    —  Sting Ray City (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

    —  Sail with your pet on Cunard’s QM2

Travelocity’s editor-at-large also has a number of tips for traveling with pets:

    —  Check with your vet before traveling as it can be stressful to
        furry friends. So, make sure it’s OK and they have what they
        need (including a letter that documents they are up-to-date on
        their shots and vaccinations).

    —  Be aware that while many hotels welcome pets, some charge
        extra. The Fairmont’s fees are from $25-$40 and the W has a
        $25 fee and a non-refundable $100 cleaning fee.

    —  Traveling with pets can be stressful so take care to acclimate
        them. Bring items from home to comfort them. Consider Comfort
        Zone’s spray & diffusers, for more information visit
        www.petcomfortzone.com.

    —  If flying with a pet, make reservations in advance and get an
        airline-approved container.

    —  For U.S. dog parks, visit
        http://animal.discovery.com/features/dogpark/map/map.html.

    —  For pet forecasts, including the best time for walks, visit
        www.weather.com.

    For more information visit: www.travelocity.com/animals.

Source:  Travelocity
Travelocity is committed to being the traveler’s champion — before, during and after the trip and guarantees everything about a customer’s booking will be right. If it’s not, Travelocity will work with its partners to make it right, right away. This customer-driven focus, backed by live 24/7 phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the fifth largest travel agency in the U.S. — booking $7.4 billion in travel worldwide in 2005. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity Business(SM) and GetThere(R) for corporate travelers, lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in travel commerce.

Update on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 10:56AM by Ellen Barone

Want to bring your pet/dog along on your next vacation? Check out these websites listing pet-friendly accommodations and much more!

 www.dogfriendly.com

www.letsgopets.com 

Artist-In-Residence Programs

You’ve probably visited a few of the National Park Service’s network of almost 400 environmental, cultural and recreational sites. But did you know that you can apply to live inside a national park as a special guest for a few weeks without paying rent? Imagine being surrounded by sea views and dramatic cliffs in Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, or observing elk, bighorn sheep and the endangered California condor in the untamed wilderness of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. Simply apply to be an Artist-In-Residence at one or more of the 29 National Parks currently participating in the program.

To find out more about Artist-In-Residence programs, visit:
http://writersdigest.com/articles/kane_artist_in_residence.asp

Budget-Conscious Tips For Your Next Caribbean Adventure

Caribbean Travel Tips

Who Doesn’t Like To Save Money? Check out these money saving tips from the editors at CARIBBEAN TRAVEL & LIFE magazine.

1. LOVE TO DINE: Sure you love to dine with the gourmands at the Caribbean’s top restaurants, but you can save a bundle by renting a hotel room with a kitchenette and eating in. Or, consider local takeout- joints.

2. PACKAGE DEALS:   Be sure to ask your resort or cruise line about package deals that combine airfare, accommodations, sports and spa treatments in one deal. You’ll save good money on taxes and fees.

3. TRAVELING DURING THE LOW SEASON: You can save from 20 to 60 percent on accommodations by traveling during the low season. Before making reservations, check your resort’s website for specific discounted dates, or call the reservations’ desk and ask. 

4.  SET SAIL ON A CRUISE: Want to hit more than one Caribbean destination on your next vacation without shelling out the cash to get to each spot? Set sail on a cruise for five, seven or even nine nights, and make your way through the islands. All onboard meals and activities are included in the rate. 

5. ROMANTIC DINNER FOR TWO: Forgo the ocean-view balcony suite and take in the serene setting of a garden - or pool-view room. You can use the money you saved toward a romantic dinner for two actually on the beach.

6. WEDDING PACKAGES:  Once you realize that the average American wedding costs $20,000 you’ll instead want to opt for inviting your closest family members and friends for an intimate Caribbean beach wedding. Hotels often have wedding packages, plus you can turn the rest of the trip into your honeymoon.

7. RENTING A VILLA:  If you’re traveling with a large family or with friends, consider renting a villa instead of taking multiple rooms at a resort. Though villa prices look expensive at first blush, when you divide by the number of rooms you’d have to book, and consider intangibles like having your own kitchen, pool, and private grounds, it can be a great deal.

8. ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS: All-inclusive resorts are excellent values for those who know they’ll take advantage of everything the resort has to offer. Big drinkers, big eaters and those who enjoy all the included beach toys and water sports can save a bunch over a similar quality of a la carte hotel. For those who prefer to see the surrounding area, sample the local food and don’t use the toys, non-inclusive resorts can be the better choice.

9. A FOREIGN VACATION: A foreign vacation is a great opportunity to expand your horizons and learn about other cultures. One of the most enjoyable ways is to skip the familiar chain restaurants and eat at local places and even roadside stands. Ask the cooks to make recommendations. Some must-trys are:

• Jerk barbecue and beef patties in Jamaica.
• Cracked conch in the Bahamas
• Empanadas in Puerto Rico
• Shark ‘n’ Bake in Trinidad

For food safety at roadside stands, only eat cooked foods that are still hot, and fruits and vegetables that you peel

10. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION:   Local transport can unexpectedly eat up a lot of your budget. Rental car prices can be high in Jamaica, for example, because credit card issuers like American Express do not cover the collision insurance as it does for domestic rentals. In Bermuda, there are no rental cars, and taxis are very expensive. A great alternative, though, are the excellent local buses, which will take you all around the island for only a few dollars.

For more hot Caribbean ideas, sign up to receive a free CT&L monthly e-newsletter at www.caribbeantravelmag.com

About Caribbean Travel & Life:
Caribbean Travel & Life magazine is the most trusted authority on the world’s favorite sun-and-fun playground serving as resource, regular inspiration and constant  connection for active travelers by presenting a comprehensive and  current package of information and ideas on visiting the Caribbean. CT&L seeks out fun, positive experiences in all the destinations, and leading readers to romantic, indulgent and adventurous escapes via stunning photographs and stories that convey the warm- breeze, soft-sand, barefoot feel of the region.

SOURCE: Caribbean Travel & Life magazine. 

Road Trip Tips for Travel With the Dog

Packing up the dog for the trip to Grandma’s? Here are some ideas for stress-free travel with your pet from 4everPets®, makers of natural nutrition products for dogs and cats:

Crate expectations: Whether traveling by air or car, a familiar crate will relax your dog. Never put a leash in the crate, as your pet could get tangled in it.

Hello gorgeous: Brushing your dog and clipping its nails before you leave will make traveling more comfortable.

Make a list: Bring water, your dog’s favorite food, bedding, toy and dishes, pet first-aid kit and old sheets to cover car seats and furniture.

Check it twice: Identify your dog with a current tag or microchip. Carry current health and rabies certificates and a recent photo.

Stair hazard: Did you know that a dog’s claws and fur can get caught in escalators? Pick up or crate your dog, or take the elevator.

No tranquilizers: The ASPCA advises not to use sedatives, because they interfere with balance and can hamper breathing. Instead, use Missing You herbal formula to relax your dog without dizziness or drowsiness.

Chow time: Traveling by car? Feed a light meal three or four hours before you leave. Never feed a dog in a moving car. Dogs should fly on an empty stomach.

Open wide: Do a health check every day you’re away from home, says the American Veterinary Medical Association. Look for runny nose and eyes, scratching or biting, lumps, limping or loss of appetite. Check any concerns with a local veterinarian.

About 4everPets
Based in Kelowna, B.C., Canada, 4everPets serves pets and their owners with all-natural nutrition products for dogs and cats. All 4everPets products are made in North America with human-grade ingredients. Gateway Nutrition Products of Everson, Wash., distributes 4everPets in the United States. Web site: http://www.4everpets.com/

Source: 4everPets

Adventures That Make a Difference

Do you want your next adventure more than just a visit to a new place? Do you want to make a difference?

 

Check out these eye-opening South Africa tours at  The Cultural Explorer , specialists in cultural and philanthropic travel.

Animals and Art — VENDA INDIGENOUS ART TOUR

For adventurous travelers who love art and animals, too! Travelers stay in one-of-a-kind hotels, visit mystical regions few tourists see, and view animals in luxurious, eco-friendly safari camps. This is a unique opportunity to get to know various South African artists and visit with them in their studios. This trip includes optional cultural excursions to local villages and philanthropic projects. This exclusive itinerary really gets off the beaten path on this trip and venture into mystical parts of South Africa where most tourists don't go. If you like art  and culture and also want to spend timeout on safari with the animals - this trip is for you!

• May 17-31, 2008

Mothers&Daughters - South Africa Adventure

For women only. This tour is designed to introduce Cultural Explorer travelers to the women and children of South Africa as they tour this spectacular country. It is a rare opportunity for families to learn and explore together. Both educational and fun. The May trip is scheduled around the 2008 Mother's Day holiday on May 11. For ages 15 and above–because travelers will witness and discuss the impact of AIDS on families and communities.

• May 3-17, 2008
* June 7-21, 2008

Making a Difference — South Africa

A special two week hands-on tour that gives travelers the opportunity to get involved and make a difference, while they explore and learn about South Africa. Here is what travelers can expect: Visit rural schools and develop plans to help with computer work stations or the library. Tutor students in English. Visit local orphanages and learn how to help AIDS orphans. Come up with a plan to get electricity to Zulu villages. Take a group of township kids on a field trip to the ocean or Robben Island. Observe animal rescue. Experience life in the townships; see what it is like to live without electricity or running water. Visit projects active in helping women develop much-needed work skills. Give developing entrepreneurs business or marketing advice and suggestions. Plus travelers will hike the Drakenberg mountains, walk Indian Ocean beaches, tour Robben island, shop Cape Town, and visit with the African Jackass penguins.

• February 9-23, 2008
• March 1-15, 2008
• September 6-20, 2008
• October 18-November 1, 2008

The Cultural Explorer (http://theculturalexplorer.com/)is a member of the African Travel Association (ATA) and is based in San Francisco. The company offers both group and individual trips and specializes in cultural and philanthropic travel experiences.

The Cultural Explorer
211 27th Avenue, Suite 301
San Francisco, CA 94121

Phone: 415-387-1335
Fax: 415-386-8334
International Cell: 415-994-0019
E-mail: Pat@TheCulturalExplorer.com

Down With Pickpockets And Thieves: Expert Safety Tips for Female Travelers from JourneyWoman.com

Too often travelers have their journey ruined because they've lost their money, credit cards and important documents to thugs and thieves. Before heading off for your next adventure, be sure to check out the info-packed article 'An Expert's Safety Tips for Female Travellers'  at JourneyWoman.com, the premier travel resource for women on the Internet.  It contains lots of easy, effective advice like (1) why you need to pack a vitamin pill bottle on every trip you take and (2) details about a great new security purse that you will love. Curious? See: http://journeywoman.com/travel101/default.html

This Holiday Season, Make it a Smooth Travel Experience With These Tips From American Airlines

The busy holiday travel season is almost here. At American Airlines, nearly 80,000 employees stand ready to fly you to that long-awaited vacation, that much-anticipated trip to Grandma’s, or even that last-minute business meeting. Wherever you go this year, consider these helpful items and tips from American to make your holiday travels go as smoothly as possible:

As You Pack…

Each ticketed customer is allowed two pieces of checked baggage free of charge. Each checked item may weigh no more than 50 pounds each, and must measure no more than 62 inches (measured length + width + height).
Customers may carry onboard one bag that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat, plus one personal item. Personal items include things such as purses, briefcases or laptops. Note: Carry on restrictions for flights departing the United Kingdom are different. See www.aa.com/baggageinfo for baggage-related information.

Remember “3-1-1.” The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits the amount of liquids, gels and aerosols you may carry on board. Each customer traveling domestically is limited to items that are each three ounces or less, all of which must fit into one, quart-size, clear zip-top bag. For more information, including limitations on international travel, visit www.aa.com/liquids The TSA’s Web site, www.tsa.gov, is also a good source of information.

Hold on to your valuables. Be sure to put all cameras, jewelry, documents, prescription medicine, car keys and other valuables in your carry-on luggage and keep it with you at all times.

Place your name and flight number inside your luggage, too. Include your name, flight number and itinerary inside each checked bag in case the bag tag becomes detached in transit. It will help in returning the bag to you more quickly.

Leave gifts unwrapped – even in checked luggage. Consider bringing gift bags and tissue paper with you instead. TSA personnel may unwrap gifts to check a package’s contents.

Think of kids’ needs. If you’re traveling with small children, prepare their own small backpack filled with crayons, coloring books, inexpensive toys and snacks.

Before Leaving for the Airport…

Bring proper documentation. Traveling domestically? You’ll need a government-issued photo ID. If you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget your passport, as well as other important documents such as visas, tourist cards and the like. Make copies and carry an extra set with you (or electronically scan them and e-mail a copy to yourself); let others back home have a copy, too.

Consider trip insurance. American offers travel insurance at a reasonable cost through AA.com. You’ll receive a refund for the prepaid, nonrefundable portion of your travel costs if your trip gets cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason. See www.aa.com/tripinsurance for details, or call (800) 628-5404.

Check in beforehand at AA.com. At www.aa.com/checkin you can check in up to 24 hours prior to flight, select or change seats, and print out your boarding pass – all of which can reduce time and stress at the airport. Checking a bag? When you arrive at the airport, simply scan the bar code on your boarding pass at a self-service machine to check your luggage.

Sign up for Flight Status Notification. By signing up at www.aa.com/notify, you’ll receive flight arrival/departure times, as well as gate and baggage information – all via e-mail, phone, pager or PDA. Or, alternatively, get gate and flight information ahead of time at www.aa.com/gates.

At the Airport…

In the event of inclement weather and flight disruptions, your itinerary will be automatically rescheduled. Passengers should log on to AA.com, check with agents at the gate or ticket counter, or call American Reservations to obtain flight reaccommodation information or for additional help in arranging a flight. At some larger airports, a special reaccommodation desk may be activated for additional assistance.

Note your parking spot. Eliminate walking in circles upon your return. Instead of trying to remember your parking location or writing it down on a scrap of paper which can get misplaced, take a picture of your location sign with a camera phone or digital camera.

Beat the crowds and arrive early. Allow extra time for traffic, parking and transportation to the terminal. Travelers should plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights and two to three hours prior to departure for international flights. Some cities have even earlier suggested check-in times because of lengthy TSA security checkpoint lines. See www.aa.com/airportexpectations for cities where earlier check-in is recommended.

Use Self-Service Check-in machines. If you haven’t already checked in beforehand at AA.com, try one of American’s quick and easy Self-Service Check-in machines. They’re a great time-saver and can be used for both domestic and international flights. You can print a boarding pass, check luggage, select or change seats, confirm flight changes and purchase upgrades or One-Day passes to the Admirals Club ® lounge.

Try Curbside Check-in. Another great time saver. Check your bag with a skycap at the curb (the fee is just $2 per bag at most airports), and then it’s a straight shot to the Security line and your gate.

Move through Security quickly by being prepared. Have your boarding pass and valid government-issued ID or passport available for Security, and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Take your laptop, portable DVD player or large electronic items out of their cases, and put cell phones and pagers in purses or other carry-on bags before getting in the Security line.

Buy beverages after clearing Security. TSA guidelines prevent bringing standard-size beverage bottles through Security, so buy your beverages in the terminal once you clear the checkpoint. Or, American offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages onboard its aircraft, and juice and milk are available for children.

Keep children safe and protected. Give your child a passcode that only you and he/she know so your child can’t be tricked by another adult in case you get separated or lost. Make sure your children know the full names of their parents and how to contact them. Keep items with children’s names on them out of sight.

Be at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure. American typically begins boarding aircraft about 30 minutes before flight time for domestic flights (45 minutes for international flights) in order to help ensure an on-time departure.

Onboard the Plane…

Bring along some entertainment. A portable video player, audio player, or reading material can make the time fly while you fly. And don’t forget your headphones. As a courtesy to fellow travelers, it’s always a good idea to use them if you have electronic equipment.

Stay hydrated. Experts recommend drinking plenty of water during your flight.

Prevent ear discomfort in small children. Air pressure changes in the cabin during descent may cause discomfort in small children. Be prepared by having a bottle, pacifier, chewing gum or hard candy with you. Frequent swallowing allows air to flow freely out of and into the ear and sinus cavities, preventing discomfort.

Let your flight attendant help. American has more than 16,000 highly trained, professional flight attendants. If you have a question or special need, be sure to alert them; they’re travel experts and are there to help make your travel experience on American an enjoyable one.

For still more valuable travel information, visit www.aa.com/traveltips. American Airlines is a founding member of the global oneworld® Alliance.

About American Airlines
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection ® airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

Source: American Airlines 

Getting Your Email on the Road: Advice From the Travel Experts at Magellan's

For many of us, daily access to Email is akin to our morning cup of coffee - we simply have trouble getting through the day without it. Whether it's a business trip or a vacation, there's a need for access to our Email. No other medium of communication can match Email's speed, convenience, and economy. But how can you stay on top of your Email when you're in Madrid or Osaka, thousands of miles from your office or home computer?

Read below for some of the best advice on the subject from the experts at Magellan's Travel Supplies:

Plan ahead
The secret to getting your Email on the road is to arrange everything before leaving home. You basically have three options: remote access to your work Inbox (often located behind a corporate firewall), a POP3 account, or a Free Web-Based Email provider. In most cases, you'll bring along your own laptop. If so, be sure to read our article How to Stay in Love with Your Laptop.

1. Free Web Based Email Providers
Even with the Internet's evolution toward fee-based services there are still countless web sites offering free Email (Hotmail and Yahoo Mail are popular examples). If you wish to avoid these big providers (which are high profile targets for computer hackers), visit FEPG.NET, which lists hundreds of free Email Providers all over the world and details which features are available from each. How can such a useful service be offered free? That's easy: You're forced to look at the ads. But this seems like a small price to pay for getting your Email worldwide

Web based Email is often a terrific choice for all your personal Email and may be used in place of the service offered by your home Internet Service Provider (ISP) (a POP3 account). Web based Email can be accessed from virtually any computer with Internet access (so you can leave the laptop at home and simply use Internet Cafes or your hotel business center), and you don't have to change your Email address if you switch ISPs or careers.

2. POP3 Access
If you wish to directly connect to either your office Email or the Email box provided by your personal ISP, you need to connect via POP3 (POP means Post Office Protocol). Connecting via POP3 is sometimes problematic. You must know your Email account information, which consists of three parts: your ISP's host name (i.e. mail.ispname.net), your username, and your password. You also need an Email client. Email client is just a fancy name for the software used to read and write Email (such as Eudora or Outlook Express) and often comes free with your computer. You also need to know if your ISP or company restricts POP3 access from the general Internet to their mail server for security reasons. Often, POP3 access is limited. It may work fine when connected from home but disallow access when using a different Internet connection. Contact your ISP or corporate IT Department for POP3 setup procedures.

3. Connecting to Your Company Email System
While you cannot beat the price of the free Email services, many business travelers prefer accessing their Email via full-featured Email software such as Microsoft Outlook. Depending on the size of your company, you may have the ability to connect directly to your company's Email system. Contact your company's IT department to see if they have any of the following:

Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN allows you to connect to your company's network via the Internet. This requires you to bring your own laptop configured ahead of time with the correct VPN software. You simply logon to the Internet, start the VPN software and enter your password, creating a secure connection to your company's computer system. Once connected you have Email access and perhaps even access to documents stored on the corporate network.

Web-Based Email Client
If your company does not offer full VPN access, they may offer a slimmed down web-based Email access. This is similar to Free Web-based Email service but connects you directly with your own company's Email server using a Web browser software such as Internet Explorer. While you do not get full access to your corporate network, you often have complete access to your Inbox, Calendar, Contacts and such in your company's Email System. Typically, this does not require any special software, so it can be accessed from any Internet-connected computer. You connect your browser to a website such as http://webmail.yourcompanyname.com, enter your account name and password and you have a browser version of your Email. Like the VPN, any activity (Emails sent, appointments entered, contact information modified, etc.) is synchronized with your desktop system upon your return.

Inbox Forwarding
For smaller and less-sophisticated companies without a VPN or Web-Based Email Client, you may be able to automatically forward your Email to a Free Web-Based Email service. Then simply logon to your Free Web-Based Email to read. Depending on your system, you may have to leave your desktop computer turned on with the Email software running to forward the Email--a distinct security risk if someone has physical access to your computer. With other systems, the message forwarding is handled by the Email server so you need not leave your computer turned on.

Accessing The Internet to Get Your Email
No matter where you are, you will require access to the Internet to get your Email.

Local Access Number
Connecting is easy if you have a laptop computer and your ISP offers a large network of local connection numbers, as do AOL, MSN and Earthlink in the United States. If you travel often you may wish to set up an account with one of these providers simply for use while traveling. Or, consider setting up an account for a short period of time and then close it once your trip is done. Finally, you may choose an alliance of Internet Service Providers, such as IPass (www.ipass.com), which has local access numbers in some 150 countries.

Hotel Connections
Many hotels are adding high-speed Internet access. The prices may run $10-$15 per day (perhaps you can add it to your expense account?). Call ahead to see if your hotel has this access. To use high-speed access, your laptop must be equipped with a Network Interface Card (often called a NIC), as it is not compatible with a standard Modem connection. If your laptop is not equipped with a NIC, they are fairly inexpensive, readily available and easily installable. If your hotel does not offer high-speed access, ask if their phones have a data port for your modem. Traveling internationally? Be sure you have the correct phone and plug adaptors. Europe alone has about 30 different telephone jack connections. Before connecting via modem, check out your hotel's telephone access fees--often a hidden profit center. An hour local call may be as little as fifty cents or hundreds of dollars.


For more information about hotel connections see Magellan's article How to Stay in Love with Your Laptop. For detailed, country-specific information regarding voltage, and electrical and telephone socket patterns, visit http://www.magellans.com, click on "Shop by Destination".

No computer?
Even if you're on the road without a laptop, you're not up a creek without a paddle. There are many places to log on.

Most public libraries have free web access although the hours of operation are often limited. Cybercafes are popping up all over the world. Along with food and coffee, these java joints serve up computers with Internet connections at an hourly rate. To locate cybercafes, use the Cybercafe Search Engine (www.cybercafe.com), which lists more than 4,000 cafes in 140 countries. Before you leave home, look at the Web sites of cybercafes at your destination for directions, hours, and prices. After you arrive, you can also ask at your hotel or local computer store about nearby cybercafes.

Many hotels offer a Business Center for faxing, copies, and document printing. They often have computers available at an hourly rate. If yours does not offer a Business Center, check out the hotel across the street. You don't have to let on that you are not a guest.

There are also Internet kiosks at most major airports, from New York to Singapore. Other possible access points include public libraries, Kinkos, and Mail Boxes Etc. For a list of available public kiosks, visit Laptoplane (www.laptoplane.com).

About Magellan's

Since 1989, Magellan's has been the world's most trusted source of travel supplies. Their current catalog is available FREE by calling (800) 962-4943, or by visiting Magellan's on-line at http://www.magellans.com. Magellan’s is staffed by trained Travel Gear Specialists, ready to answer questions on everything related to travel. All Magellan's products are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

Source: Magellan's Travel Supplies