How To Avoid Getting Scammed

by: Dean Phillips

Listed below are some of the most popular and common scams:

1. Nigerian Letter Scam:

This one’s been around for many years but continues to flourish. Many of these e-mails claim to be from a person in Africa, usually Nigeria. The writer claims to have access to millions of dollars, either from a relative or from knowledge of an idle account. A percentage of this money is promised to the victim if they will allow the money to be processed through their personal bank account. The victim is instructed to keep their share and send the remaining money to the scammer.

The check given to the victims is fraudulent. The victim is then liable to the bank for the check they wrote to the scammer.

Here’s what will happen when you give strangers your bank account information: They will take your money. Period.

2. Phishing Scams:

“Phishing” is a high-tech scam that uses spam or pop-up messages to deceive you into disclosing your credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information.

Phishers send an e-mail or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organization that you deal with–for example, your Internet service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service, or even a government agency. The message usually says that you need to “update” or “validate” your account information.

Recent phishing victims include Yahoo, Citibank, eBay, Best Buy and Bank of America among others.

If you get spam that is phishing for information, forward it to spam@uce.gov.

3. Chain Letters:

In this classic scam, you’re asked to send a small amount of money (usually $5.00) to each of several names on a list, and then forward the letter including your name at the top of the list, via bulk e-mail. Many of these letters claim to be legal. They even include a section of the U.S. Postal Code on illegal schemes. Don’t be fooled. They are not legal. And if you participate, not only will you be breaking the law, you’ll lose your money as well.

4. Work-At-Home And Business Opportunity Scams:

These scams tempt victims with ads stating “no experience necessary,” promise high earnings and claim to have inside information. The scammers usually require victims to pay anywhere from $35 to several hundred dollars or more for information, kits or materials that do not provide the promised results.

Frequently, these schemes involve making handicrafts, stuffing envelopes, medical billing, or state, “Use your home PC to make money fast in your spare time!”

In the craft making or envelope stuffing scam, after paying fees and completing the assembly of the products, victims are told their work is low quality and unworthy of compensation.

Medical billing scams require victims to purchase supplies and lists of doctors who, inevitably don’t exist or are not interested in the service.

5. Bulk E-mail Scams:

These solicitations offer to sell you bulk e-mail addresses (spam software) or services to send spam on your behalf. Example: “Reach 100 million websites, $39.95″! The software is usually of poor quality. It’s spam and a scam. Don’t do it.

6. Auction and retail scams:

These schemes typically offer high-value items, such as Cartier watches, Beanie Babies and computers, in hopes of attracting many consumers. What happens is the victim wins the bid, sends the money and receives nothing or receives products of much lower quality than advertised.

7. Guaranteed Loans or Credit Scams:

This scam comes in a variety of flavors: home equity loans that don’t require equity in your home, personal loans regardless of credit history, etc. After you pay the application fees, you receive a letter saying that your loan request was denied. Usually, you never here from these companies again.

8. Credit Repair Scams:

These scams promise to erase accurate, negative information from your credit file so that you can qualify for loans, mortgages, unsecured credit cards, etc. It doesn’t work. Not only that. If you follow their advice and lie on loan or credit applications, misrepresent your social security number, or get an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service under false pretenses, you will be committing fraud and violating federal laws. Another variation of this scam is the promise of a brand new credit file. Don’t do it.

9. Vacation, Sweepstakes And Prize Award Scams:

In these scams you receive notification congratulating you because you’ve won a fabulous vacation, a car or some other prize award. All you have to do to collect your prize is pay a small fee (usually several hundred dollars). In return, what you end up getting is a toy car, (I kid you not) or a vacation certificate to the Bahamas or some other exotic vacation spot. It’s really a lousy deal. You have to pay for your own airfare, and the accommodations that they arrange are usually in rundown hotels. Let the buyer beware!

10. Employment Scams:

Employment scammers take advantage of job seekers. They claim to offer employment services, inside information or inside contacts to jobs. After paying a fee, victims learn they only provide advice, help writing a resume–or less. Some fraudulent employment services simply sell lists of companies that they have gotten from public directories. They usually have not contacted those companies directly or know if there really are any job openings.

11. Multi-level Marketing (MLM) or Network Marketing Scams:

I know I’m going to ruffle a few feathers with this one, so let me just say right now that all MLM or network marketing companies are not scams. Obviously, there are some good, reputable companies out there. However, there are so many bad ones that I’m compelled to include the entire industry on this list. Before getting involved with any MLM or network marketing company, investigate, investigate and then investigate some more. Don’t get caught up in the hype. And here’s a fact no MLM or network marketing company will ever tell you–not even the legitimate ones: Unless you have outstanding sales ability and/or people skills, it is extremely difficult to make any money in MLM or network marketing.

Here are some other things you should watch out for: Make sure the website youre visiting contains all three of the following:

1. A real persons name (not just a company or business name)
2. A telephone number
3. A street address (not just a P.O. Box)

If all three of the above are not present, walk away from the offer.

Before purchasing anything, you should always check first to see if the company has had any complaints lodged against it. The following websites publish complaints and/or scams:

• http://www.scamwatch.com
• http://www.worldwidescam.com
• http://www.bbb.org

If you do get scammed, report it to the aforementioned websites immediately. You probably wont be able to recover your money. Few people ever do. But at least by reporting the crime and making it public record, you make it harder for that company to scam anyone else.

In closing, always carefully investigate any business opportunity, and remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

It’s just like the hamburger commercial; Have it your own way! Your annual golf outing deserves to be the best possible vacation. Make it your own way. Forget “the package” and design your own special, personalized group get away.

In my last article, I gave an overview of how you can put together a terrific group golf vacation. In this article, I will go into much more detail concerning the organization and preparation. I have been setting up the ideal gathering for our group for 18 years. There are refinements every year and we think we have arrived at the optimum outing.

You will be driving this bus, so get the ball rolling. Do a little research and pick a location. This location should have plenty of vacation rental homes and a good selection of golf courses. You do not want to play the same course every day. You should be able to do most or all of your research online to find out about rental house and golf course specifics, including costs.

Get the word out to the troops. I like to send out a humorous email to introduce the event and then follow up with more emails and phone calls. I recommend you send out an email to everyone you think might be remotely interested about five months in advance. Some will not be able to make it due to family, work, interest, etc. You should hope to wind up with a group size around eight. Anywhere from six to twelve is great. Five people is the worst group size due to tee times. More than twelve is too hard to organize or find lodging in the same house.

Pick out a window of time. We usually grab the last week in February to get the northern gents out of the snow and still stay in the low rate season for the southern golf courses. As an example of an introductory email, you could send something like this:

“It has come to my attention via the minions who surround me and perform my every whim that there may be those among you desiring driving sleet, incomprehensible wind chill, unplayable lies, unreachable par 3’s, impossible odds, foot-wedging opponents, gross bending of the USGA rules, hairy greens, thick frost, lightening fast down-hillers, moguls, knee deep rough, more sand and water than water front property, Velcro removal during back swings, exploding coughs during precision chips, un-winnable stroke spreads complete with unyielding stroke givers and takers, 179-degree dog legs, and brutal rangers in leather and chains.

If this is the type of outing you’ve been dreaming about, keep dreaming. I can’t make it happen. But picture this:

-A luxurious house with a separate bed for everyone. -18 to 36 holes of golf per day on pristine courses. -A gourmet meal every night. -All the comforts, food and drink of home. -Evening entertainment. -Sensational camaraderie.

I am looking at an arrival date of (date) and departure date of (date). We will be gathering in (city, state). For a group of eight of us, and assuming we average 27 holes per day, your cost should be around $XXX for the housing, food, drink, golf and rental cars. (Note: Our cost per man for food and drink for seven days was $160 in 2005.) Please reply before (date) by answering:

What is the percentage chance you can come for these dates? What is the percentage chance you could make other dates? What dates would you prefer? Other recommendations:”

You have now set the stage. For those you don’t hear back from, get on the phone and hash it out. Through all of your responses, you will come up with the consensus of length of vacation and dates through give and take.

Over the next four months you will be: -Getting firm commitments from your group members -Arriving at a firmer consensus on golf venue -Receiving food and drink orders to allow you to make the shopping list -Reserving the vacation house and rental cars -Getting tee times

I like to periodically whet everyone’s appetite and keep the excitement level up. Setting up a website especially for your group is a great way to do this. I stripped down the one I use and put an example up at http://www.eye-mind-tricks.com/golf for your review. It is just a little thing I whipped up using MS Publisher. An easier way for you to do this would be to get a free Blog set up for this purpose. I recommend blogger dot com.

Over the years, we have realized two key things about lodging. The first is that it makes a huge difference in camaraderie when the whole group stays under the same roof. The second is the value in everyone having a separate bed (you know how guys are). The only way to achieve this is to pick a location where there are a bunch of rental homes in order for you to pick one that allows this. (Plug for Isle of Palms, SC: you can find what you need there.)

It may not seem to you like time is of the essence, but work schedules, vacation allotments, spousal plans, ticket costs, and your preparation needs demand that you DO get this ball rolling. Once you have sent your introductory email and done your phone calling, several of your planned guests will have trouble pulling the trigger. Work with them as you can, but I have found that you will need your firm group established two months ahead of time (give or take one guy or so.) A fine point for you: Ask for a nominal deposit from each of the troops. Over time, I know that the cost of our vacation, outside of airfare, will be around $900. In one of my follow up emails, I simply ask the players to send around half of that to me. It emphasizes commitment.

In selecting the location of your rental home, consider the driving time to the golf courses you will be playing. We have found that twenty minutes travel time is great, thirty minutes is OK, but forty minutes is too long. The longer drives are certainly bearable, but if you are planning a winter vacation, you will have to have a fairly early tee time in the morning to allow lunch and another 18 in the afternoon. After telling tales late into the evening, beating the sun to the course, heading home and preparing the feast, it gets to be a long day.

This takes us to the minus-two-months time frame.

In Part Three of this series, we will get into getting great golf rates, shopping lists, and easy administration.

About the Author

Randall Ulbricht is a retired Nuclear Submarine Officer. He currently works from home sharing information via several web sites, including: Knowledge, Eye Mind Tricks, Family Tree Templates, and Hair Style Photo.

Another year has come and gone, and now you’re planning a 2006 Caribbean holiday vacation to get rid of those winter blues! When considering a winter getaway, an All Inclusive vacation may be your best option if you happen to be on the after Christmas vacation budget.

If you’re new with the vacation terms such as inclusive vacation, all-inclusive, semi-inclusive, EP plan, and vacation packages provided through many Vacation Tour Companies, I will give you a crash course on what the differences are between the packages, and what you would normally expect from each individual holiday plan.

You may be surprised that the All-Inclusive package has a far better value over other package deals! Your budget will determine on what type of vacation package you would opt for, but during the final decisions, you would want to make sure you get the best value for your dollars spent.

European Package: Also known as the EP Plan, this is your most basic vacation package that only offers your hotel accommodations, airfare, and in most cases transfers to your destination of choice. Your meals, drinks, snacks and gratuities are additional, so unless you happen to be very good with budgeting, and watching your spending during the time you’re at destination, then I would suggest you stay away from this plan unless you find a price you just can’t refuse, but then I would still want to do a cost comparison.

Semi-Inclusive Package: Many vacationers get this term confused with the All-Inclusive, and the package price difference can be quiet substantial. This is why when you read the brochures, this may be easily overlooked, and before you know it, your holiday that you booked becomes more expensive than you originally imagined.

It’s always in your best interest to read all the fine print whether out of the brochure, or online information. The semi-inclusive plan is simply your resort, flight, transfers, and may not include gratuities. This type of package in most cases does not include unlimited beverages, such as pop, coffee, and alcohol, and you would have to pay for most, if not all your water sport activities at your property if available. You will see that a semi-inclusive plan could offer full daily meals, however, in most cases they may only provide breakfast, and/or lunch/dinner, leaving one meal and snacks as an additional expense.

All-Inclusive Package: These resort packages are the best for budgeting, because all your costs are paid up-front, but also be very careful with this plan, and do your research to make sure that what is included is exactly what you’re looking for in your vacation experience.

With this type of plan, you will receive your accommodations, air transportation to your destination, transfers to/from airport, and in some instances gratuities are included. Your daily meals consist of your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and most plans provide daily snacks. A large number of your water sports and entertainment are included in the price of the package, but I will explain where you may find some differences in these All Inclusive package deals.

Inclusive Hotels, Inclusive Service, And Beach Packages Are Not All Created Equal!

You will find with vacation package deals offering All-Inclusive plans are not all created equal, and in many instances you may think that you paid for everything, and later find out there are additional costs charged for amenities that you thought were in your inclusive service.

It may take a little research, but when you read the details of all the amenities that are offered, you will soon understand why your All-Inclusive package price looks so appealing! Some areas you may witness discrepancies are in your meals, drinks, water sports, and gratuities. These little oversights could be costly, and add up very quickly on the actual price you paid for your vacation. These are items and services you may have not budgeted for, and if not caught prior to booking, can easily put a strain on your holiday experience.

As you go through each of the resort packages available, you will quickly notice that price will be the indicator on what you will be getting, and don’t use the current sale or last minute prices, use the brochure or online gross price. My best advise to you, is to find the holiday package that suites your lifestyle requirements, such as beachfront resort, more A La Carte restaurants versus buffets, and higher star rated properties that offer more amenities such as 24 hour services, fitness clubs, spas, and free bottled water, which is a big oversite by many lower star rated resorts.

After you figured out what you want in your vacation experience, then the next step is to search online for the inclusive information for the resorts that appeal to you most. If you happen to see cheaper deals online, compare the two with the amenities and services offered, and make sure that the property provides everything you are requesting. Do a price comparison, and see what the cost difference is, and this can help you make your final decisions.

Keep in mind that what you budget at home is not going to be the same for your vacation. I always tell people that when you arrive at your desired vacation destination, your current budget goes right out the window! You’re in a different mindset, and when the moment arises you’re more than likely going to be more impulsive, and the normal decisions that you would not make in your everyday life, you will do it on your holidays. Remember, you’re on vacation to have fun, create new experiences, and do things that you would don’t normally do in your everyday life, that’s why they call it a getaway from reality!

You’re going to meet new friends, and they may want you to go out for intimate fancy dinners, and share exciting excursions together. With my experience, the pressure takes a toll on you, and when the pressure is on, the credit cards are pulled out, and the charges add to your vacation expense.

In conclusion, it is better to find a quality four-star resort property that offers a variety of fancy dining in combination with good buffet restaurants. Make sure the drinks such as pop, coffee, liquor, beer, and wine is available to you 24 hours a day with unlimited availability, and also see that water sports and entertainment is included with no additional fees charged.

My last suggestion is that you find a package that also offers all gratuities, because when you get to your resort, you are going to be overwhelmed with their service and amenities, which will have you dishing out more in tips than you budgeted for in the beginning. These are a few of the small expenses that wind up making your great All Inclusive deal turn into a costly holiday that you never expected in the beginning.

About the Author

About the author: William Lezubski is a professional in the Travel Industry and is the owner and author of “Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site” at www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com A great source for vacations.

Today Norm Goldman, Editor of www.Sketchandtravel.com and www.Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as a guest, writer and travel book author, Nancy Thalia Reynolds.

Today Norm Goldman, Editor of www.Sketchandtravel.com and www.Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as a guest, writer and travel book author, Nancy Thalia Reynolds.

Nancys principal area of expertise is Alaska, British Colombia, and the Yukon Territory. Nancy is co-author of Going Places Family Getaways In The Pacific Northwest.

Good Day Nancy and thank you for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

Norm:

Please tell our readers something about yourself, your educational background, and the books you have written and are now in the process of writing.

Nancy:

Im a 5th generation Pacific Northwesterner. My father had a profound wanderlust and an enthusiasm for discovering new people and places that rubbed off on me. A university professor, he held jobs around the U.S. and Brazil. I lived in California, Brazil, Washington and Oregon before moving to New York at age 17 to attend Sarah Lawrence College. My upbringing allowed me to feel at home in widely different milieus and engendered deep curiosity about other lands, and Ive had a passion for travel since childhood. Although I did cherish dreams of writing a great novel as a kid, the passion for travel writing came later.

After college, I moved to Canada and worked a few years before attending York University Law School. On graduating, I worked at public interest law firms first in Toronto, then Vancouver where I wrote and edited legal self-help materials before moving to the US to marry. At that time I made a strategic decision to abandon law and become a full-time writer.

My first venture into authoring a book was when I wrote Adopting Your Child was published in 1993.
This opened the doors for me.
I contributed the British Columbia section to the fourth edition of Going Places: Family Getaways in the Pacific Northwest, published in 2000, and went on to write Going Places: Alaska and the Yukon for Families, which comes out in April 2005. Both titles are available from Sasquatch Books.

I just completed a new Alaska travel book, Activity Guide to the Inside Passage: Whether You Have Four Hours or Four Days. Sasquatch will publish it in January 2006.

Norm:

Where is the Yukon Territory and Alaska, and how easy is it to travel from the United States, Canada or Europe to these areas?

Nancy:

Yukon Territory is bordered to the south by British Columbia, to the east by the Northwest Territories, to the north by the Beaufort Sea in the Arctic and to the west by the state of Alaska. Most of Alaska sits to the left of Canada, but the gorgeous Alaska panhandle, a narrow coastal strip with widely separated communities, many on islands, runs several hundred miles south, bordered to the east by BC. At the top of the panhandle, the towns of Skagway and Haines offer road access to the rest of Alaska, the US and Canada.

The easiest way to get here is by air. International air carriers serve Vancouver and Anchorage. National carriers serve these destinations and Whitehorse (the Yukon capital). Alaska Airlines serves major Alaska cities and many smaller communities. Air Canada and its partners serve BC and the Yukon. Throughout the region, huge distances make plane travel essential. Smaller airline, charter and air taxi service is widely available across the north. From Seattle, a non-stop flight to Anchorage takes 3.25 hours. From Vancouver, a non-stop flight to Whitehorse takes 2.5 hours.

Highways run north through BC and Alberta, connecting to the Alaska Highway, which starts officially at Dawson Creek, BC, and runs through the Yukon into central Alaska. It is 817 miles from Seattle to mile zero of the Alaska Highway; and 548 miles from Calgary.

The Alaska Highway itself is 1,390 miles long, ending at Delta Junction, Alaska. Another 98 miles brings you to Fairbanks. The road is paved all the way, and services are rarely more than 100 miles apart–usually closer.

Once in the Yukon, motorists can drive to Dawson City, ground zero of the Klondike Gold Rush, and over the Top of the World highway to Alaska. The Dempster Highway leads north from Dawson to Inuvik, through the Northwest Territories. Its not paved but in good summer weather can be driven comfortably.

In Alaska one can drive from Anchorage to Denali National Park, home of the continents highest mountain, spectacular Mount McKinley, in eight hours on good paved highway. Four more hours brings you to Fairbanks, with road access to the Yukon and points north. Many northern highways offer good driving conditions, breathtaking mountain and ocean views, and very little traffic apart from the occasional moose or bear ambling across the roadway.

Norm:

Would you consider Alaska and the Yukon Territory a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Why?

Nancy:

The answer is a resounding yes–for the right couple. This region contains the worlds largest protected wilderness, spanning Alaska, British Columbia, and Yukon Territory and designated a UN World Heritage site.

The scenery is magnificent, access to wildlife unequalled, and despite its ever-increasing popularity as a tourist destination, has many all-but-undiscovered destinations to explore. Native cultures, largely eclipsed down south, are major players in the north, and are glad to share their world with visitors. However, if your idea of a holiday or honeymoon is lying on a tropical beach, youll want to look elsewhere.

Lets look at weddings first.

Getting your wedding party up north can be a challenge, although it could also be a magnificent experience. Alaska has several five-star hotels in the Anchorage area; otherwise most choices can be characterized as comfortable but rustic. A large wedding party and guests–more than 100 people–could be accommodated in Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks or Whitehorse. The Captain Cook, in Anchorage, or the nearby Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, would be top choices. Smaller wedding parties can be comfortably accommodated in many places.

For honeymoons and romantic getaways, options are endless. Cities offer the usual urban amenities; but to experience the unique attractions of Alaska and the Yukon, try:

An out-of-the-way spot like the Boardwalk Lodge on Prince of Wales Island, a great choice for fishing enthusiasts. In recent years, visitors have clamoured for a look at the worlds largest brown bears (AKA grizzlies).

An August trip to Katmai National Park & Preserve, with a stay at the Brooks Lodge, a short walk from brown bears fishing for salmon, is unforgettable.

The lovely Windsong Lodge near Seward on the Kenai Peninsula makes a great home base from which to explore Kenai Fjords National Park where you can get up close to beautiful Exit Glacier, hike some of Alaskas loveliest trails, and kayak among glacier-carved fjords.

The Yukon, especially Dawson City and Whitehorse, come to life in summer. A trip at the start or end of the season is recommended. Even in August, fall colours are rampant and yet temperatures can rise above 25C/77F. Take a day trip up the Yukon River to Eagle, Alaska.

Norm:

You mentioned to me that you have traveled to the north by just about every means available: plane, cruise ship, sailboat, motoring. Which one did you prefer and why?

Nancy:

I enjoyed all of them. Driving is great because it allows the most access to the region. If you have the luxury of time, the options are infinite! For visiting southeast Alaska, travel by water is my top choice. The variety of options grows every year. At the high end are small luxury cruise lines, or you can book a sailboat, complete with captain and crew, for your party and go exploring. For most visitors, especially those unfamiliar with the region, large cruise-ship travel is often the most comfortable choice. To experience Alaska as Alaskans do, I suggest taking the Alaska ferry up the Inside Passage; it combines the most access at the least cost in time and money. And to simply get north fast and start exploring, nothing beats flying.

Norm:

When is the best time to visit Alaska and the Yukon Territory from the point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and the availability of flights from the USA, Canada and Europe?

Nancy:

The most affordable time to visit is the so-called shoulder season. Up north, thats May and September. Attractions are open and flights are available, but crowds are thinner. Mosquitoes, which can be a trial throughout the north, are scarce in those months, yet days are still long. Thrifty-minded visitors can find cheaper flights and often bargain for lower hotel rates at this time. Cruise fares tend to be lower as well. For a winter trip, avoid Christmas holidays and school midwinter breaks to obtain the best rates.

Norm:

How safe is it to travel to Alaska and the Yukon Territory?

Nancy:

Quite safe. The crime rate is low and human-generated risks are few. However, if you plan to get into the wilderness, youll need to be prepared, inform yourself and take sensible precautions. Read up on the terrain and the wildlife. Learn how to handle bear and moose encounters. If youre visiting in January, youll need cold-weather clothing suitable for average low temperatures of -22C/-9F. Its not unheard of for temperatures to reach -40C/-40F. On the other hand, it comes as a nice surprise to many summer visitors to the Alaska and Yukon interior that summer temperatures can soar to 27C/81F or even higher.

Norm:

Could you give our readers an idea of the costs involved if travel originates from the USA or Canada?

Nancy:

Given the wide variety of travel options, its hard to be precise. If you can be flexible, you can often find a return flight from Seattle to Anchorage for around $250. Although its closer, flying to Juneau will cost more, from $50-100 usually–US dollars of course. From Vancouver to Whitehorse, return; expect to pay at least $200, Canadian.

Drivers will find gasoline prices moderate in Canada and low to moderate in Alaska, thanks to the oil pipeline.

Restaurant prices run higher everywhere; budget about 20% more than youd need in urban Canada or the U.S. Motel and hotel costs are similar to those down south; dont be afraid to bargain during the off or shoulder season.

Cruise fares are complex and bewildering, but if youre prepared to do the homework and cost comparison required, you can obtain remarkable deals. Its possible to snag an inside stateroom for a seven-day cruise between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, for under $700 per person. This includes stateroom and meals, but no alcohol or shore excursions. Still, its a deal thats hard to beat. For a romantic getaway, consider traveling in the early shoulder season and apply the savings to upgrading to an outside stateroom with a veranda.

Norm:

If you had to choose 6 unequalled venues in Alaska and the Yukon Territory for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, which would you choose and why?

I noticed that you had mentioned to me there is some great hot springs just south of the Yukon border on the Alaska Highway and in central Alaska. Perhaps, you would like to elaborate as how this venue qualifies as a unique romantic destination?

Nancy:

Only 6? Thats not easy; Ill have to commune with my inner travel agent! OK, here goes.

For more information, my book Going Places: Alaska and the Yukon for Families explores each of these destinations in greater detail. Government Web sites are another good resource.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Its accessible (Alaska Airlines offers service to Gustavus, just outside the park) and offers a taste of just about everything the north has to offer. Although Gustavus has excellent B&Bs, for honeymooners I recommend staying at Glacier Bay Lodge, the only accommodation inside the park, which offers rustic comfort (get a room with a view of Bartlett Cove), fine dining, and activities like kayaking, fishing, biking, guided boat tours of Glacier Bay, and free guided hikes with park rangers. Go flightseeing high above the bay to get a look at the enormous icefields that generate the glaciers. If time allows, extend your trip to Juneau (a gorgeous, 3-hour ferry trip south) to visit Mendenhall Glacier, tour superb museums, shop for Tlingit art and take a boat tour to Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. The lodge is open and tours are offered between late May and early September.

Haines Junction, YT

Come again? You may never have heard of it, but this tiny town perched at the edge of Canadas spectacular Kluane National Park has a lot to offer–location, location, location, as they say in real estate. Its highway-accessible from Skagway (4.5 hours), Haines (3 hours) and Whitehorse (1.5 hours). The national parks main visitor centre is in town along with a superb small European-style inn–the Raven–with 12 spacious rooms and one of Canadas top restaurants. Also in town are several decent motels and an excellent bakery and cafe. From here, you can access excellent hiking trails for all levels of fitness, and explore the largest protected wilderness in the world. You will need a vehicle. If you dont have one with you, rentals are available in Haines, Skagway and Whitehorse. Or book a stay with one of the areas full-service resorts and let them take you exploring. NOTE TO CANADIANS: For reasons no one seems able to explain, Canadians are not permitted to bring a vehicle into Canada, which they have rented in the US. Luckily, Whitehorse has many rental outlets.

Homer, Alaska

On the southwest of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is the better part of a days drive from Anchorage. Its tiny (about 4,000 residents) but with city-sized amenities–such as one of Alaskas best bookstores, a first-rate museum, and exceptional arts and crafts galleries. Homer Spit, which extends 4.4 miles into scenic Kachemak Bay, is studded with cafes and shops. At the far end, with Homers best view, is Lands End Resort, a great destination for honeymooners. Book a suite or rent a luxurious condo. The restaurant is first rate. Soak in the hot tub at the waters edge and watch the sea otters float by.

Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

First the bad news: Unless you are lucky enough to win the road lottery that allows you to drive deep into the park in mid September, you will have plenty of crowds to contend with. The good news is that its worth it. Not only is this closest you can easily get to Mount McKinley, wildlife viewing and spectacular scenery are among the best in Alaska, and accommodation choices are superb and varied. At the park entrance you can find many choices at all price ranges, some with views to die for. To get away from the crowds and closer to the natural world of Denali, consider a stay deep inside the park at the beautiful, rustic Kantishna Roadhouse or Denali Backcountry Lodge.

Alyeska Resort, Girdwood, Alaska

This Japanese-owned hotel offers sheer, unabashed luxury. Plus its 40 miles from Anchorage and a day trip from Portage Glacier and the Kenai Peninsula. In winter come for skiing, tubing and snowboarding; in summer, for golf, hiking and wildlife. Any time of year, enjoy the first-class amenities that include a superb health club and pool and a tram up to a mountaintop restaurant This is a popular spot for weddings, well equipped to handle even lavish affairs. The high season here is winter; summer stays can be quite moderately priced. For a cheaper romantic getaway,

Muncho Lake, BC

OK, its not in the Yukon, but so close! This gorgeous turquoise lake lies in the northern Rocky Mountains–a little-known but enchanted region where caribou and stone sheep wander the highways, fishing is excellent, and crowds are nonexistent. The Northern Rockies Lodge offers fine accommodation and European dining and arrange fishing and other excursions. Hiking and fishing are great here, but the number-one romantic attraction is nearby Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park, 34 miles up the Alaska Highway. A boardwalk trail leads from the parks parking lot to two large hot springs pools. TIP: A short walk from the first, most popular pool is the second hotter and deeper pool thats more secluded and less visited, a great destination on a drizzly day. Stopping at the springs is a tradition for just about everyone who drives the Alaska Highway. If you dont want to bother with a vehicle, the lodge (its owned by bush pilots) will fly you here from the US or Canada.

Norm:

You have also mentioned to me that Asian tourists in recent years have been flocking north in winter on aurora-viewing packages. Could you elaborate as to what these entail and what can someone expect to see?

Nancy:

These are great fun and growing in popularity every year. For some years, Chena Hot Springs Resort, a rustic but delightful spot a few hours drive from Fairbanks, Alaska, has been offering such packages.

The resort has always been a favorite getaway for Alaskans for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The resort has several indoor hot pools, but the favourite is its hot-springs lake outdoors. Bask in the warm waters, surrounded by snow and subzero temperatures, while you gaze up at the aurora overhead.

Winter packages include rides on a snow catch to view the aurora. The aurorarium, nicely heated, offers a comfortable vantage point to watch the light show. Yukon and Alaska tour companies now offer aurora-viewing tour packages, usually three or four nights.

Norm:

In recent years cruises to Alaska have become very popular. Could you tell our readers why and do you have any preferences as to which cruise to take?

Nancy:

The answer is simple. Some of Alaskas most spectacular attractions are to be found along the Inside Passage. Yet, because they are separated by water and most are inaccessible by road, the only way to reach them is by plane or boat.

Another reason: cruise travel is a remarkably flexible way to plan a vacation. No matter your age or fitness level–honeymoon couples, large wedding or family-reunion parties, toddlers, college students, and retirees–anyone can enjoy a cruise. There is onboard entertainment (usually casino gambling, art auctions, Vegas-style shows, and gala dining), programs for kids, shore excursions to sample the principal attractions of major ports of call and whales, bald eagles and other wildlife to view, all from the comfort of the ship.

Cruises permit access to a beautiful but remote and rugged part of the world in sheer luxury. Visiting Alaska, I often encounter visitors who are making their third or fourth trip, but whose first was by cruise ship. Considering the bargains available, its also one of the most cost-effective ways to visit the north.

For those unfamiliar with Alaska, I recommend taking a one-way cruise from Vancouver, BC, that includes a visit to lovely Sitka (round trip cruises rarely stop at Sitka). Finishing at Skagway, Whittier, or Seward, visitors can make their way to Anchorage for a couple of days and even tack on a short 2-3 day train trip to Denali before flying out of Anchorage back to Vancouver or the point of origin. TIP: check out one-way airfares offered by the cruise lines. They are often cheaper than anything you can arrange on your own.

Amenities among the biggest cruise lines tend to be similar. For a romantic getaway on a major line, I like Royal Caribbean, Radisson or Silver Sea. If you can do without a pool and gambling, try one of the smaller lines like Cruise West or, Lindblad (if your wallet can handle the strain).

NORM:

How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in Alaska and the Yukon Territory?

Nancy:

Were trending out of my area of expertise here, but lets take a wedding first. If you need lodging for 20 or 30 people, youll find a wide range of options, many of which can be booked with no more than 6 month to a years notice–the amount of advance planning most weddings require. If, however, your guest list includes 80 or more, youll find fewer suitable destinations and those you do find will need to be booked as soon as possible. A popular choice for weddings, such as the Alyeska Resort, can be booked far in advance.

For a honeymoon, if you want the top suite at the Captain Cook in Anchorage, a remote but popular resort such as the Kantishna Roadhouse in Denali or a first-class suite on a popular cruise ship, the sooner you book the better. Otherwise, six months should be adequate.

And for a romantic getaway, surprisingly you can often make spur of the moment plans–especially if youre willing to travel in May or September–and find topnotch options. TIP: if youre looking for a great place to roost during the summer high season, try towns along the Inside Passage. Because most tourists visit via cruise ship or ferry and dont spend the night, you can often find excellent accommodation in Ketchikan (try the WestCoast Cape Fox Lodge with a spectacular view of Tongass Narrows), lovely Sitka (the Westmark Sitka is a good bet) or Haines (the historic Hotel Halsingland has several antique-studded suites). But in Juneau, the state capital, if the legislature runs a summer session the top hotels–the Goldbelt and the Baranof–are likely to be booked solid.

NORM:

What resources are available on the Internet pertaining to weddings and honeymoon vacations in?

Nancy:

Again, this is not my area of expertise. The ALYESKARESORT.COM has a wedding and reception planning page on its website. Anchorage has several wedding planners, but Im not aware of any in Whitehorse. However, a nice thing about the north is the informality and ease of booking and planning a trip. And maybe its the long cold winters, but even tiny communities in the Yukon and Alaska usually have up-to-date web sites and are more than happy to help you find what youre looking for.

NORM:

Is there anything else you would want our readers to know about Alaska and the Yukon Territory?

Nancy:

Just one more tip–for adventurous-minded couples with more taste (and wanderlust) than money, consider touring the Inside Passage via the Alaska ferry.

Ferries run north year round from Bellingham, in Washington State, 20 miles south of the Canadian border, and from Prince Rupert, BC, up to Skagway, stopping at Ketchikan (Bellingham-originating runs only), Sitka, Juneau and Haines. Their website (www.dot.state.ak.us) is handy for trip planning.

Amenities are admittedly Spartan–but private–staterooms for two or four passengers, with bath. Bring your vehicle and pet with you. Food is good and free naturalist programs are offered in summer. Its easy to craft an itinerary allowing you to get off and stay a night or two in each destination before continuing on. If you want a stateroom and/or youre bringing a vehicle, youll need to book six months in advance. Or you could do as Alaskans (even some honeymooners) do–pitch a tent on deck and enjoy the wild beauty of Alaska at a remarkably low cost.

Thanks Nancy

About the Author: Norm Goldman is editor of the book reviewing site, www.bookpleasures.com and the travel site, www.sketchandtravel.com.Bookpleasures.com comprises over 25 international book reviewers and author interviewers who come from all walks of life.Sketchandtravel.com is a travel site wherein Norm’s words are melded with his wife’s art work focusing on romantic and wedding destinations.

air carriers and then pass the savings onto the consumer. Airline consolidators and wholesalers have websites where you may search different dates, receive quotes from a variety of major airlines, and find the cheapest flights available, resulting in savings of hundreds of dollars per ticket. Also, when you fly on a discounted ticket you still earn frequent flyer miles.

Unfortunately, many travelers steer away from consolidators and discounted tickets because they are scared they will not receive a seat, they will miss their flight and their business trip or vacation will be ruined. This is a misconception and one that should be done away with immediately. Once you receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket you have a seat on the plane regardless of whether you bought the ticket from a consolidator or straight from the airlines ticket counter. Consolidator tickets often times have more restrictions, but not enough to make it worthwhile to buy airline tickets straight from the carrier.

Flying can be an expensive form of travel if you dont examine all your possibilities. Discount Air fair is a great chance to save a lot of money. Do your homework and make sure you are getting exactly what you pay for. In the end there are far better things to spend your money on while on your next vacation, or business trip.

About the author:
USF Travel Insurance provides international trip insurance products for safety and peace of mind. Or check out this Website Promotion Swervice

10 Reasons to Holiday in New Zealand Part 2Sue Taylor10 Reasons to Take a Holiday in New Zealand
Part 2 of an article first published 30 August 2005

1. Queenstown in the South Island is considered to be the “Adventure Capital of the World”. You can bungy jump or go on a thrilling jet boat ride, go heli-skiing, sky diving, fly-by-wire, and luging to name a few. Both bungy jumping and jet boating were invented in New Zealand. New Zealanders have a saying about Kiwi ingenuity which is borne out in the tourist spots within New Zealand.

2. There is a wide array of different accommodation options to cater for all tastes. At the upper end there are Lodges which are the height of luxury. These lodges are ordinarily located in very scenic and secluded areas and all gourmet meals are included in the price. The price of this type of accommodation reflects the luxury and inclusions.

The next level of accommodation is hotels, from international 5 star down to 2 star for basic accommodation. The hotels will tend to be serviced on a daily basis and usually include one room and a bathroom. Hotel rooms will include tea and coffee making facilities, fridges and most hotels would include a restaurant.

A favored option for families is the ever increasing numbers of apartments. The apartments are generally self catering as opposed to a hotel stay but the advantage is that they provide more space and are self catering which means that you don’t have to eat out all the time thus saving you money to spend on sightseeing.

Then we have motels. Generally speaking motels offer more space than hotels and tend to be serviced daily but do not tend to be as luxurious. Motels often provide a separate bedroom or two and sometimes cooking facilities. You would need to check this out when booking.

There are also an increasing number of Bed and Breakfast’s. These vary dramatically and can vary from 5 star establishments to the fairly basic. If you enjoy “getting to know the locals”, the B & B option could be a good one for you. Generally breakfast will be provided as part of the price. Dinner would be by special arrangement only.

If you are on a budget there are plenty of backpacker hostels to choose from which are centrally located and well priced.

3. New Zealand has a great culinary landscape. Being a small island country surrounded by the sea, there are a multitude of seafood delicacies on offer. The ocean surrounding New Zealand is cold water thanks to Antarctica being relatively close. Cold water fish tend to have a delicate flavor. As well as fish from the sea, there are large lakes which are trout and salmon breeding grounds. Trout can not be caught commercially so there is no danger of supplies running out. New Zealand is also quite big on game and most of the more up-market restaurants will have a game option on the menu. You will find that there are dining options to suit every taste and budget. New Zealand might be quite removed geographically from the rest of the world but it is quick to adopt new types and styles of food and the kiwi ingenuity mentioned earlier in the article is demonstrated in the food served in restaurants. There are coffee bars and cafes, wine bars serving food, pubs with restaurants, family dining options, buffet’s as well as the more up-market al la carte options.

There is also a thriving wine industry in New Zealand. Wherever you go, you will see vines and many of the wines produced are top quality. If wine is your thing, you won’t be disappointed. Marlborough located at the top of the South Island is one of the oldest and best known wine areas, most famous for production of Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand is also becoming very well known for producing excellent Pinot Noir, a notoriously difficult wine to produce.

4. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you will know that the recent series of movies was filmed in different parts of New Zealand. New Zealanders are very proud of this and whilst traveling around you will come across many mentions of parts of the movies which may have been filmed in certain spots. There are also tours catering specifically to Lord of the Rings fans.

5. New Zealand has an interesting cultural history. It is thought that the Maoris who came from Polynesia settled in New Zealand about 1000 years ago. New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. There are many excellent museums within the cities and towns which offer a great overview of the relatively short and violent history of New Zealand.

About the author:
Sue and Grant Taylor now travel extensively and they have compiled a number of tips for traveling at their website: http://www.taylortraveltales.com

Pick up any newspaper or watch any news channel and many times you will find something about the airline industry. Popular topics range in how gas prices affect airline prices, the latest merger or bankruptcy claim, an airline crash or problem with a flight and even terrorist attempts. Airlines even capture our attention by running airfare specials in the newspaper and on TV. The funny thing is, you don?t even pay attention to these advertisements unless you travel often or are planning a trip. So which airline is the best anyway?

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when deciding which airline is the best for you. Price is usually a big factor for most travelers. There are a few things to consider when thinking about price. If you live near a hub for an airline you are certain to be able to get better fares. Think about if it is worth it for you to travel to a larger airport rather than taking a flight out of the airport that you live 10 minutes away from. If you are only saving about $50.00 it is probably better to just take a flight from the airport you live closest to. Remember, you need to think of gas prices and traffic ? both of which are on the rise.

Consider being flexible in your travel days to receive the best prices. If you can leave mid-week, then you are more likely to receive a better deal than if you were to fly Thursday ? Sunday. These are the busiest travel days so the airlines take full advantage of this fact. Airlines also run special deals if you are more flexible with your departure schedule. This includes the time that you want to leave too. Early morning flights ? very early morning flights ? are often less expensive than mid-morning or evening flights. Think about rush hour traffic. If you leave before rush hour in the morning, or after rush hour in the evening you?ll most likely land a better deal.

The best time to book your own flight online is Tuesday evenings between 12 and 1 a.m. Airline?s computers change their fares at this point and this is when they are available to the public to be purchased. If you catch an airline just right, then anyone of them can be the ?best? when it comes to pricing. There isn?t any one airline that consistently has the best prices. Although, the discount airlines like Air Tran and Jet Blue tend to be cheaper. But these flights are only available in select areas so many times you cannot fly these airlines.

Another factor to look at when deciding which airline is the best is the percent of flights that they have on time. These are the results of one survey that was conducted:

Hawaiian Air
Jet Blue
Southwest
ATA
United
Sometimes it?s better to drive than to be stuck on a flight that is delayed. Consider this on shorter distance flights.

Carry on luggage has become more popular with travelers because nobody wants to be caught without their clothes and people want to get off a flight and go ? not wait around for their bag to come round the corner of the luggage carousel. This is how airlines ranked for lost baggage:

1) Hawaiian Air

2) Jet Blue

3) Southwest

4) Alaska Air

5) Continental

It?s also pretty frustrating when you have booked a flight and you aren?t allowed to get on it because someone overbooked the flight. How does that happen anyway? Here?s how the airlines ranked on passengers that were denied boarding:

Jet Blue
Hawaiian Air
United
American Airlines
US Airways
So which airline is the best? Everyone is going to have their personal opinions. But according to this, you should book a trip to Hawaii right away or else fly Jet Blue whenever possible.

About the Author: Find more information about airlines, quotes, last minute booking and more at http://www.airlineb.com

Do you love to take vacations but don’t have a lot of money? Then learning how to budget your traveling can get you more vacations every year!

Today with the economy the way it is, budget travel is becoming more and more of a necessity and more merchants are offering great deals to those that can accommodate the restrictions. Aside from travel deals, you can also do some things to keep your costs low and save on the overall trip.

First off, you need to prepare a travel budget. This means deciding what is important to you and where you can cut back a bit. For instance, some travelers are comfortable spending a bit more for a better class of hotel, while others prefer to save money by using budget accommodations and spend the money they saved on sightseeing or a special meal for the family.

Next, figure out a budget for the various aspects of your vacation, such as hotel, airfare, rental cars, sightseeing, gasoline, etc. Once you have a good idea of what each element of the vacation should cost, it is time to start shopping around for the best deals.

Once you have figured out what is most important to you, it is time to start finding out how to get the best deals. Often, admission deals on area attractions are the easiest to come by, since many theme parks, museums and other destinations run specials to attract out of town guests.

To get big discounts on area attractions, the best place to start is the web site of the attraction itself. Be sure to check the web site for any specials, such as two for one deals, free admission for children, special reduced admission days, etc.

Certain orgainzations such as the military, AAA and senior citizens groups offer discounts on lodging, attractions and travel. Most AAA offices sell discount admission tickets to theme parks, museums and other popular attractions within driving distance, and most AAA offices sell discounted admissions to popular attractions like Walt Disney World as well. The key to making your travel budget stretch farther is to ask about, and take advantage of, all discounts that may be available.

If you are driving on your vacation, make sure you get your car serviced and that it is in peak condition. This can really save you some money as things like under inflated tires and worn spark plugs can cause your gas mileage to go down thus costing you more in gas money.

A good map can also be a money saver, since it will keep you from driving around in circles and wasting gas. Finding your way easily to and from the hotel and the surrounding area will make your vacation more pleasant and less costly.

Finding good deals on your vacation travel and destinations can be a bit of work but it will be worth it in the long run with more enjoyable and more frequent vacations.

About the Author

Lee Dobbins writes for Travel Cents where you can read more articles about traveling on a budget.

How many hotels are there in Las Vegas? Hard to tell whether there’s more hotels or light bulbs . Let’s just say there’s way too many to count. And they all have their strengths and weaknesses. A major strength that hotels in Vegas require nowadays is great shopping. And when it comes to shopping, the hotel that flexes the biggest muscles has got to be Caesars and its Forum Shops. The Forum at Caesars isn’t just another mall. You’ll find gorgeously decorated Roman architecture, talking water fountains, and an enormous aquarium featuring stunning tropical fish. In addition, the Forum offer everything else that you want in a great mall, including the big brand name stores you know you can depend on and the specialty stores that meet your special needs, not to mention wonderful restaurants. And don’t miss the Race for Atlantis. Add the best parking in town and easy access and you can see why Caesars tops the list.

But shopping isn’t the only place where Caesar rules. Let’s face it, despite all the recent moves toward making Vegas a family tourist destination, gambling is still king and the sports book hotel is the first and most important factor when it comes to spending time in Vegas for many people. When it comes to picking the best sports book hotel, the grand old Roman emperor leads the pack as well. With big screen TVs everywhere-including a monster screen measuring 20 feet by 30 feet-and individual monitors to boot, Caesars is really the only place you’d ever want to watch your favorite games and races and make money while doing it. You can indulge in daily line, parlays, match-ups, futures, propositions and pari-mutuel wagering. Caesars isn’t the only game in town, however, and you just might want to check out the Las Vegas Hilton or the Stardust. After all, if you’ve already spent all day shopping at the Forums, you might be in the mood for a change of pace when it comes to laying down the bets.

Caesars also makes a bid for the best entertainment venue in town, but has to make room for Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues at the top. The Colosseum at Caesar’s offers up incredible acoustics, true, but the sheer variety of nationally recognized artists on display nearly every night at the House of Blues gives it the edge. Acoustics are one thing, but variety is the spice of life, after all.

About the Author

Bob writes for GoAllOut.com - providing Las Vegas Hotels and Las Vegas Air Fare at the lowest rates guaranteed ! Visit my blog eventoutlet.com to read more on Las Vegas Hotels.