Fly Free to Europe This Summer

If you need an incentive to take that dream trip to Europe this summer, how about this: You can fly there for free. When vacationers book a boating vacation in France with Connoisseur or Crown Blue Line, they will receive free airfare to Europe.

The leaders in self-skippered boating experiences on Europe’s inland waterways are giving flight credits of up to $600 per person (six credit maximum) for a two-week reservation. The credits are good toward any airline departing from a North American airport when the flight is booked through Crown Blue Line.

Travel must be booked by June 30 and completed by September 30, 2003. Depending on the size of the boat and the length of the charter, you can save big bucks on the vacation of a lifetime. For more information, visit www.crownblueline.com or call 1-888-355-9491. (5-27-03)

Safe Driving Tips for Your Vacation

Are you and your family planning to hit the road this summer? If so, you're in good company.

This spring and summer, more than 80 percent of Americans are expected to take at least one domestic road trip. With all those drivers on the road this travel season, safety will be the key to an enjoyable vacation for your family. If you’re one of the many Americans planning a road trip in the next few months, you may want to bone up on some driving safety tips from Teachers’ Insurance Plan, an auto insurance plan for educators and their families.

• Pay Attention: A Teachers’ Insurance Plan study shows that the No. 1 fear of drivers is that the other drivers aren’t paying enough attention to the road. Their fears are legitimate. More than 75 percent of drivers have admitted to doing something distracting while driving, such as using a cell phone and reading.
• Know Where You’re Going: Look at a map or print out directions online before you head out on your trip. That way you won’t have to make any sudden turns or lane changes that may endanger you or other drivers. If you do miss a turn, try to back track as soon as possible to get back on course.
• Calm Down: The same Teachers’ Insurance Plan reports that almost 40 percent of drivers admit to having “road rage” at one time or another. Don’t overreact if you are tail-gated or cut off on the road by another driver. And don’t make the other driver’s dangerous driving worse by driving dangerously yourself.
• Check It Out: Make sure your automobile is in good driving condition before you begin your road trip. It will save you money and a possible headache. Check all fluid levels, change the oil if needed, clean the windshield, check tire pressure and make sure headlights and turn signals are in proper working order.
• Be Prepared for Emergencies: Although most businesses take credit cards these days, keeping some cash around for emergency tows and tire changes is a good idea. Also, pack a first aid kit for the car that includes bandages, tape, cloths and antiseptic. A first aid kit for your car is another good idea. You might want to bring along oil, antifreeze, basic tools and a flashlight (with fresh batteries).
• Sleep: If you start getting tired while driving, switch drivers (if possible), pull over and take a nap, get some coffee or stop and spend the night somewhere. Don’t overdo it.
• Don’t Drink and Drive: You’ve heard it a thousand times before, but it bears repeating. Don’t ever drink and drive. And if you are in an area where others might have been drinking, you need to be especially aware of the drivers around you.
• Know Accident Procedures: Occasionally, with all your caution, you might still be involved in an accident. If so, stay at the scene until police arrive. Make sure everyone in your car is safe, then exchange driver and car insurance information with the other drivers involved. Don’t admit fault about the accident to anyone other than your insurance company or a police officer. Finally, move your car off to the right shoulder, if possible.

You can get more safety driving tips from Teachers’ Insurance Plan by calling 1-800-2TEACHERS or visiting www.teachers.com. (5-20-03)

“Dinner’s on Us” at Holiday Inn This Summer

Many families agree that eating dinner as a family is important. It is a great way to reconnect and bond with family members. But going on vacation can make it difficult to keep up with the family dinner ritual. The price of a sit-down dinner for the entire family can really put a dent in your vacation budget.

This year, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts is offering a solution to vacationing families with their “Dinner on Us” promotion. From May 1 through September 7, 2003, Holiday Inn is offering travelers free dinner at the hotel’s restaurant for every night of their stay.

The hotel chain already offers its Kids Eat and Stay Free program. Now, families can save even more money during their travels this summer, and they can reconnect with each other at the dinner table at the same time.

To take advantage of this promotional offer, guests must request the “Free Dinner” rate when reserving their rooms. Call 1-888-633-0255, or go online to www.holiday-inn.com/freedinner to print out a "Dinner on Us" certificate to present at check-in. The certificate is worth $24 per night ($12 per person maximum) in the hotel’s restaurant from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more details, call the number above or visit their Web site. (5-13-03)

Nix the Snacks on Family Road Trips

Using snacks in the car as a source of entertainment for your kids could be sending them the wrong message, say dieticians and experts. "Using food to keep your kids occupied encourages them to eat when not hungry, a habit that can contribute to weight problems later in life," says Joan Carter, an instructor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

It’s a common defense against boredom. Parents give their children snacks when they start whining or getting restless in the car. This practice, though, can send kids the message that snacking is a good way to occupy their time. Instead of snacks, pack games, books and other activities to help children pass the time.

On trips that are less than two hours, Carter says all you need in the car is water. For longer trips, she suggests stopping every few hours for snacks and playtime. "Find a park or rest stop where there's a place to eat a snack and run around for a few minutes," she says. "Get the kids moving a little bit, and let them burn off some energy."

When you don’t have time for a snack and play pit stop, pack bite-size sandwiches and healthy snacks such as trail mix, sliced fruit and string cheese to eat in the car, says Carter. Don’t offer any food that could pose a choking hazard to a child if you had to slam on the brakes. "An easy rule is if you wouldn't let a kid run with it in his mouth, don't let him eat it in the car," says Carter. (5-13-03)

San Francisco Named Top Walking City

If you love to walk, San Francisco is the place to head on vacation, at least according to Prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) (the doctors who take care of your feet). The pair recently named the City by the Bay a "Top 10 Best Walking City in America."

The APMA surveyed the most populated cities and then examined them for walker friendly characteristics, such as how many people walk to work each day, safe air quality, number of parks, how many podiatrists are available to keep your feet healthy and happy and how many health clubs and sports stores there are to serve walkers.

"The city's Department of Parking and Traffic has recently implemented some excellent pedestrian safety features, and we are thrilled to be recognized for these measures," says Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. "Combine these pedestrian-friendly designs with the natural beauty of our city – from the Marina Green to Golden Gate Park to our signature hills – and you have a walker's paradise."

As for San Francisco's company on the best walking cities list, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Seattle and Washington, D.C., all made the top-10. Look for special events in the area to commemorate San Francisco as a best walking city.

For information on hotel packages and reservations, events, activities and transportation in San Francisco, visit www.sfvisitor.org. For lodging reservations by phone, call (888) 782-9673 toll free within North America or (415) 283-0155 elsewhere. (5-06-03)

Report Finds Children, Senior Citizens Likely to be Victims in Fatal Crashes Involving Pedestrians

Nearly one in five pedestrians killed on America's roadways is the victim of a hit-and-run crash, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The report, NHTSA's most recent analysis of pedestrian fatalities, indicates that young children, as well as seniors, are especially likely to be the victims of fatal crashes involving pedestrians. More than a fifth of all children ages 5 to 9 killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians, and the age group with the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities are those 70 and over.

Almost 175,000 pedestrians died on U.S. roadways between 1975 and 2001, according to the report. Pedestrian fatalities now account for about 12 percent of all deaths related to motor vehicle crashes in the country.

Alcohol plays a significant role in deadly pedestrian crashes. Alcohol involvement among pedestrians in such crashes is 37 percent; for drivers, it is 18 percent.

The new NHTSA report analyzes the incidence of pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes, which accounted for more than 90 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. The report focuses on pedestrian fatalities between 1998 and 2001.

For the complete report, log on to the agency's Web site at the agency's website at: www.nhtsa.gov. (4-29-03)

Consumer Reports Announces Results of Child Car Seat Tests

Car seats have come a long way since Consumer Reports' (CR) first crash-tested them for the magazine's August 1972 issue and rated 12 out of 15 of them Not Acceptable, saying the restraints "proved shockingly inadequate."

Results of CR's most recent tests of child seats, published in the May 2003 issue, show that parents now have excellent choices in all car-seat categories. But CR also found that some of the new LATCH seats, which have been redesigned with lower anchors and a top tether to make them easier to install and thus more likely to be used correctly, had design flaws or were difficult to make fit securely.

CR evaluated 25 car seats, including 14 infant or convertible car seats and 11 booster seats, priced from $20 to $230, for their crash protection, ease of use and fit to vehicle. The ratings and full report can be accessed free online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

CR's test results underscore the importance for parents of checking the fit of any car seat they are considering in their own car and to make sure that the seat is easy to use before committing to buying it. Conversely, if parents are buying a new car, they should take their child seats with them to make sure they fit properly.

CR also recommends that parents look for local car-seat inspection sites to ensure their seats are installed correctly. Parents can find the nearest site by visiting www.seatcheck.org.

The May issue will be available April 8 wherever magazines are sold. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645. (4-22-03)

Colorado Town Hosts Bolder Boulder Annual Run

If you're looking for a relaxing, but fun mountain getaway, consider Boulder, Colo. Nestled against the Rocky Mountains, the sheer beauty of Boulder, Colo. earned it the name "Magical Place" from the Arapaho and South Ute Native American tribes, who once thrived in the bountiful foothills. Today, the quaint, resort and college town of 96,000 residents offers an appealing blend of outdoor adventure, period architecture and a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Set amidst lush parks and seemingly endless hiking and biking trails, charming buildings house a vibrant retail scene, numerous galleries and cultural institutions, plus more than 300 restaurants and bars. As home to the University of Colorado's beautiful main campus, Boulder's nightlife scene offers something for everyone, from residents and college students to visitors.

"The Sink is my favorite spot in town to hang out," says Matt Gibbs, a reservation associate at the Millennium Harvest House, Boulder. "It draws a great mix of local residents, 20-somethings and college students, and the atmosphere can't be beat. It's just a great place to go, hang out and have a few beers."

The Sink, which has been around since the early 1930s and gone through almost as many name changes as owners, has been a favorite restaurant/bar for University of Colorado students for as long as most local residents can remember. Patrons mix, match and, as tradition calls for, draw all over the walls at this hip, but down-to-earth watering hole. The Sink's menu of traditional bar food is another fan favorite. "You haven't really experienced Boulder until you've had a Sinkburger," says Gibbs.

This year, the Millennium Harvest House will once again be the host hotel of Bolder Boulder, a 10-kilometer run that is one of the region's most popular annual events. Each year, the race attracts more than 45,000 runners and walkers, including professional athletes from around the world, who compete for one of the largest non-marathon prize purses in road racing.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Bolder Boulder, which is scheduled for Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day. To celebrate its role as the event's host hotel, the Millennium Harvest House is offering a special Memorial Day weekend rate of $139 per room, per night with a minimum two-night (Saturday/Sunday) stay. The offer is based on availability, and tax and gratuities are additional.

Resting on the foothills of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and adjacent to the University of Colorado's beautiful main campus, the Millennium Harvest House, Boulder is a recreation-oriented property for travelers looking for a relaxing and fun mountain getaway. The 269-room hotel features indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpool spas, 15 tennis courts (five covered for winter play), exercise room, jogging track, bicycle path and basketball court. A traditional American bistro, the hotel's Thyme on the Creek restaurant evokes the spirit of a mountain lodge with its rustic, spacious dining room and heated outdoor terrace. For more information, call 866-866-8086 or visit www.millenniumhotels.com. (4-15-03)

Restoration Reveals Design Changes in Imperial Austrian Residence

A new project is allowing visitors to see the many changes in interior design of the Imperial residence in Innsbruck, Austria from 1754 to 1918.

The rapid changes in design due to claims to rulership, personal tastes and short-lived fashions have now been comprehensively reconstructed as part of a project sponsored by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).

The architecture of the Innsbruck Hofburg – chiefly used as a stopping-off point on the journeys to Italy after 1665 – was long neglected. It was Maria Theresia who, in 1754, finally initiated a comprehensive harmonization and modernization of the complex's appearance.

"From then on, the main consideration was keeping the Imperial living quarters up to date as tastes and needs evolved," says Dr. Lieselotte Hanzl-Wachter, whose work has brought this interesting period back to life. “Of great help to us were the furniture repositories which are virtually unparalleled in Europe. These gave us access to original furniture and even pieces of the valuable fabric from practically every period.”

The results of the project will soon be published in the form of a book with 160 illustrations. This is a companion piece to the work performed by Dr. Hanzl-Wachter on the historically accurate reconstruction of the staterooms since 1994. These were lovingly restored following the Second World War, but the resources available at the time did not always allow the degree of historical accuracy that would have been desirable. Dr. Hanzl-Wachter's research will for the first time enable the Hofburg's staterooms to be shown to the public in a state of restoration of appropriate quality and authenticity.

For more information, log on to the Austrian Science Fund Web site. (4-8-03)

Flowers in Bloom at Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival

Where can you see a topiary in the shape of a mouse? Where else but Walt Disney World?

Epcot presents the 10th Annual International Flower & Garden Festival April 25-June 8, where visitors can see flower presentations, enjoy concerts and take in lots of topiaries.

A 20-foot-tall floral peace sign, a larger-than-life double decker bus and Lady and the Tramp are just a few of the topiaries creations that will be on display.

Concerts include Davy Jones of The Monkees, Arlo Guthrie, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Turtles and more.

Gardening experts Paul James from HGTV's Gardening by the Yard and P. Allen Smith from his self-titled show will also be on hand to offer tips.

Admission to the festival is included with your Epcot park ticket. (4-01-03)

CDC Activates Emergency Operations in Response to New Pneumonia-like Illness

In response to reports of increasing numbers of cases of an atypical pneumonia that the World Health Organization (WHO) has called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated its emergency operations center on Friday, March 14.

As of March 19, WHO has received reports of 264 patients from 11 countries with suspected and probable SARS. Areas with reported local transmission include Hong Kong and Guangdong province, China; Hanoi, Vietnam and Singapore. More limited transmission has been reported in Taipei, Taiwan and Toronto, Canada. Eleven cases have been reported in the United States. The initial cases reported in Singapore, Taiwan and Toronto were among people who all had traveled to China.

Among patients reported worldwide as of March 19, the disease has been characterized by rapid onset of high fever, myalgia, chills, rigor and sore throat, followed by shortness of breath, cough and radiographic evidence of pneumonia. Of the 264 suspected and probable cases reported by WHO, nine (3 percent) people have died.

CDC has been working with the World Health Organization (WHO) since late February to investigate and confirm outbreaks of this severe form of pneumonia in Vietnam, Hong Kong and parts of China.

"The emergence of two clusters of this illness on the North American continent indicates the potential for travelers who have been in the affected areas of Southeast Asia to have been exposed to this serious syndrome," says Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, CDC director. "The World Health Organization has been leading a global effort, in which CDC is participating, to understand the cause of this illness and how to prevent its spread. We do know that it may progress rapidly and can be fatal. Therefore, we are instituting measures aimed at identifying potential cases among travelers returning to the United States and protecting the people with whom they may come into contact."

The WHO issued a global alert about the outbreak on March 12, cautioning that the severe respiratory illness may spread to hospital staff. (3-25-03)

Car Seat Instruction Manuals too Complicated

Did you have trouble understanding the instructions that accompanied your child's car seat? You're not the only one.

A new study in the March issue of Pediatrics found that the instruction manuals for these child safety seats are written at a level that exceeds the reading skills of most consumers.

The study, "How Readable Are Child Safety Seat Installation Instructions?" determined the materials were written at an average reading level of 10th grade. Yet health literacy experts recommend that materials be targeted to the fifth- or sixth-grade level.

Previous research has found that properly installing child safety seats can reduce fatal injuries by 71 percent and hospitalizations by 67 percent. (3-25-03)

More African Americans Buckling Up Than Ever Before

More African Americans are buckling up according to a new survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The survey found that African Americans currently use safety belts 77 percent of the time, an 8 percentage point increase since 2000 and the highest level reported since the agency began conducting such surveys nine years ago. The comparable figure for the overall U.S. population is now 75 percent.

In addition to other findings from the survey, the new NHTSA statistics indicate that the gender gap for safety belt use is narrowing, although males still lag females by 7 percentage points. That compares with a 10-percentage point difference in 2000. Males are now restrained 72 percent of the time, while females use safety belts 79 percent of the time.

The latest NHTSA survey also shows a significant improvement in safety belt use among youths. Those in the 8- to 15-year-old age group were restrained 82 percent of the time in the 2002 survey. The most comparable estimate from the previous survey for 2000 showed that 66 percent of youths age 5 to 15 were buckled up. (3-25-03)

Take a Fun, Fit Getaway to Jamaica

Looking for a fun, but fit getaway? Visit Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica during the month of May, which the resort has declared Fitness Month.

The resort has planned a full schedule of classes and workshops for the month-long celebration, at no additional cost to travelers, from mat Pilates and deep breathing to high intensity resistance training and stability ball maneuvering.

Couples Swept Away will feature a different visiting instructor each week, each at the top of their field. The month starts with Clyde Norris, a boot camp specialist from South Carolina and professional body builder. Next, Paul Jusay, internationally-recognized master class presenter followed by Grandmaster of Bak Fu Pai Tai Chi, Chuan Parker Linekin. The final week will be led by Tony Morrison, the New York fitness expert and originator of the successful Serious Exercise Xchange (S.E.X.), a martial arts fitness program. Classes are scheduled Saturday through Thursday, with Friday off to enjoy the resort's vast amenities.

The Aerobics Fitness Association of America is offering three different certifications during this four week period: Personal Trainer Certification (May 3-4); Yoga Certification (May 9-10 and May 17-18) and Primary Certification (May 25).

The Spa at Couples Swept Away is also offering special savings during Fitness Month with the Spa Glow Package. The Spa Glow package, purchased at the resort, features a one-hour hot stone massage, a half-hour reflexology session and a 30-minute herbal bath for just $140, a $30 savings.

Couples Swept Away Negril prides itself in offering an environment conducive to healing the mind, body and soul by incorporating a renowned sports and fitness complex with an intimately romantic location and healthy living. Accommodations; unlimited meals, wine and cocktails; sportin;, wellness activities; tennis; land and water sports including golf, scuba and tennis; transfers; weddings; vow renewals taxes and gratuities are included. Professional instruction is included for all sports including windsurfing, water-tricycles, Hobie-Cats, sunfish sailing, SCUBA (a PADI five-star facility), water-skiing, canoeing, kayaking and snorkeling. (3-18-03)

Denver Airport Implements Kid-Friendly Pilot Screening Program

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced its kid-friendly pilot-screening program at Denver International Airport – a pilot project to help ensure a child’s trip to the airport is safe and enjoyable.

“Security for all air travelers is our first priority,” says Adm. James M. Loy, Under Secretary of Transportation for Security. “But the screeners in Denver have found a way to make the process a more enjoyable experience for small children."

Security rules require that all passengers be screened and that all checkpoint alarms be resolved. Therefore, screeners must perform additional checks on all passengers, regardless of age, when they trigger the alarm on the metal detector.

The kid-friendly process begins when families approach the lanes designated for them at the airport checkpoints. Screeners talk to the kids, give them a sticker with a smiling face and use hand puppets to entertain them as they go through the metal detector. If secondary screening is necessary, screeners ask kids to stand on special mats that feature cats and dinosaurs and use a fuzzy “caterpillar” that wraps around the hand wand, making it more friendly.

If successful, the program at Denver International could eventually be in place at all of the nation’s 429 commercial airports. (3-11-03)

Braves' Spring Training Begins at Walt Disney World

If you love baseball and are looking for warmer climes, consider a trip to Walt Disney World for the Atlanta Braves' spring training.

Each March, the Braves take the field at the newly-renamed Cracker Jack Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Many of professional baseball's best, including Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Greg Maddux and Gary Sheffield, return to the field this year as the team prepares to defend its division crown.

The Braves' slate of 16 home games at Walt Disney World started Feb. 27 and continues through March 27. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at (407) 839-3900. For more information about Walt Disney World, visit www.waltdisneyworld.com.

The Wyndham Palms Resort and Country Club, one of Orlando's premier resorts is offering a "Grand Slam Getaway" now through March 31, 2003 for baseball fans. The package starts as low as $375 and includes four days/ three nights accommodations at the Wyndham Palms Resort and Country Club and unlimited golf at the Resort's 18-hole championship golf course, Mystic Dunes.

To book your reservations, call toll-free (877) 747-4747 or (407) 226-9501. (3-04-03)

Trip Combines Fishing With Safari

If you love adventure and nothing gets your motor running like the thought of fishing on a quiet lake, consider going on the Ultimate Fishing Safari.

Eco-resorts, a group which promotes environment- and culture-oriented travel in East Africa, has arranged a trip to fish three well-known Kenyan hot spots: highland lakes, Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean. Two days are spent in the Masai Mara, one of Kenya’s best-known wildlife parks, spotting the “Big Five” as well as other game and birds for the definitive safari experience.

This 13-day/14-night trip is available October to April. The cost is $4,804 per person with two people and $4,013 per person with four people. It includes all transfers, all accommodations and meals (full board at Rutundu Cabins, Little Governors and Mfangano, bed & breakfast at Macushla House, half board in a superior room at Hemingway’s), activities including all fishing trips, equipment, skippers/guides, National Park entrance fees, local taxes and all internal flights.

For more information and a complete itinerary, log on to www.eco-resorts.com. (2-25-03)

Restraint Use Rises to Record High Level for Infants and Toddlers

A new survey from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports good news: More children are being restrained during travel than ever before.

An NHTSA survey found that an estimated 99 percent of infants under age 1 are now restrained during travel, up 4 percentage points from 2000. Fully 94 percent of toddlers are now restrained, a 3 percentage point gain over two years ago. Eighty-three percent of children ages 4 to 7 are restrained, with no past data available for this age group.

“Children are the most vulnerable passengers riding on America’s roadways. It is extremely good news that more of them are now safely secured,” says Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge, NHTSA administrator.

However, Dr. Runge indicated serious concern about other findings from the survey, which shows that many young children continue to ride in the front seat. An estimated 15 percent of infants under age 1 now ride in a front seating position; 10 percent of toddlers ages 1 to 3 ride in the front; and 29 percent of youngsters ages 4 to 7 do so.

Besides indicating increasing restraint use among infants and toddlers, the latest national survey reached these key findings:

• The link between restraint use of drivers and their child passengers remains strong. More than 90 percent of belted drivers also restrain the children traveling in their vehicles. Approximately 70 percent of unbelted drivers restrain their child passengers.
• Male drivers are restraining their children more often than they did two years ago, bringing them to near parity with female drivers. The 2000 survey indicated a 7-percentage-point disparity between men and women. That gap has now been narrowed to about 1 percentage point.
• Parents appear to be more aware of the need for appropriate restraint use based on the age and size of their children. The latest survey indicates lower incidence of “premature graduation” in the use of restraint systems. Premature graduation involves transitioning children to the next stage of restraint system use before they are ready in terms of age or size. For example, infants are placed in forward-facing seats too soon, or children are moved from a child safety seat directly to an adult safety belt too soon, bypassing the booster-seat stage. (2-18-03)

Rand McNally Names Top Road Trips

Looking to take your family on an unusual road trip? Turn to Rand McNally for some great ideas. The company recently announced their Best of the Road™ winners.

The Rand McNally Best of the Road™ program is an annual program that selects the best road trips and spots in Maine, California, New York, Ontario, Louisiana and Indiana. Rand McNally editors take to the road to uncover local dining spots, unique shopping and new takes on well-known attractions on scenic road trips in the United States and Canada.

Each trip is about 150 to 200 miles long, can be driven in two or three days and can be enjoyed during at least three seasons of the year.

This year's winning trips include:

Maine: Coasting to Acadia
Coastal Maine may be the ultimate seaside retreat. Maine’s Route 1 delivers plenty of hearty adventures and unique discoveries from Freeport to Bar Harbor.

California: From Pacific to Palms
Starting in San Diego and ending up in Palm Springs, this trip offers beaches, mountains, deserts and a host of world-class attractions. This slice of Southern California seems made for vacations.

New York/Ontario: Beyond Niagara Falls
The natural wonder of Niagara Falls is a tough act to follow, but there’s more to see along this rolling country route through tiny hamlets, sprawling farms and fruit orchards.

Louisiana: Let the Good Times Roll!
There’s more to Bayou Country than Mardi Gras. This carefree escape through city and country takes a snaky path through lowland Louisiana for the best of things Cajun.

Indiana: Hills & Architecture
Travelers on this drive through the wooded hills and forests of southern Indiana will find friendly locals, homemade vittles and many cultural surprises, too.

For a complete description of the trips, including the sites chosen as Best of the Road™, check out Rand McNally's new 2003 Road Atlas or visit www.randmcnally.com. (2-11-03)

New Tool Allows for Cruise Comparison

How do you choose which cruise is right for you? Try the new ShipShopper Index to help consumers compare cruises on 7 Blues Seas, a Web site which offers comprehensive information on cruises.

The ShipShopper Index is the industry’s first truly objective ship rating system, says 7 Blue Seas, far surpassing the ‘star-rating’ system, which labeled ships with a certain number of stars to represent the level of amenities and quality of facilities that a particular ship has to offer.

The new index is determined by objectively analyzing all current prices of a ship over an extended period of time, factoring in the variables of seasonality and itinerary, to compute a price-based index for that ship. The index is based on the least expensive yet widely available cabin category for that ship, which prevents cabins priced as loss leaders from skewing the results.

“This index represents, on a relative scale, what cruise passengers have paid and continue to pay, on a per diem basis, for cruising on a particular ship,” says 7 Blue Seas Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Daniel Kwoh.

The ShipShopper Index provides opportunities for consumers to maximize their vacation dollar in at least two ways, says 7 Blue Seas. First, it allows them to more affectively research their cruise vacation options by presenting a list of ships ranked by their relative prices. With the ShipShopper Index, consumers may be surprised to learn that cruise ships they once believed beyond their budgets, are, in fact, affordable vacation options.

Second, the ShipShopper Index can signal a cruise of better value when compared to similarly priced cruises with similar itineraries. For example, someone trying to decide between two identical seven-day Western Caribbean cruises priced at $599 on different ships would need only to look at the ShipShopper Index. If one ship has a ShipShopper Index of 120 while the other has an index of 100, then the first cruise with a 120 represents a much better deal, as vacationers have been consistently paying 20 percent more for that ship. (2-04-03)

Disney Holds Groundbreaking for First Theme Park in China

If you're a Disney family, the company will soon be adding one more theme park for you to visit.

Disney recently held the groundbreaking for the first Disney theme park in China – Hong Kong Disneyland – scheduled to open in 2005/06.

Hong Kong Disneyland will sit on a 310-acre site on North Lantau Island and will include a Disney theme park and two hotels and retail, dining and entertainment experiences.

To create the theme park resort project, the site will have 35 miles of pipeline, 6.8 miles of cable, 1,000 manholes and 2.5 million cubic yards of topsoil created solely to support the extensive landscaping on the site.

Disney will begin construction this month. (1-28-03)

Cruises Offer Opportunity to Support Breast Cancer Research

What would you say if we told you you could help find a cure for breast cancer while enjoying a cruise? Thanks to a new program called Pink Ribbon Cruises, you can do just that.

CI Travel has partnered with breast cancer survivors and cruise lines to create a program through which a portion of the company's commissions on any cruise booking will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to fund access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.

While the program is valid for virtually any cruise booked through the program, CI Travel has put together a special package onboard the Disney Magic® for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing September 20, 2003. In addition to helping the fight against breast cancer, Pink Ribbon cruisers will get invitations to special gatherings, have opportunities to meet special guests and receive gifts and amenities.

The company is also offering a special booking incentive: Those who reserve their space during the week of February 1-7, 2003 will receive an onboard credit of $100 per cabin for balcony staterooms and suites or $75 per cabin for all other stateroom types.

Joining the cruise will be leading independent Disney aficionado and breast cancer survivor Deb Wills, the creator of AllEarsNet and the Disney resource site www.wdwig.com. Also joining the cruise will be Chuck Wagner (www.chuckwagner.com), a well-known Broadway musical actor who has starred in more than 1,200 performances of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and his wife Susan, also a breast cancer survivor.

For more information, log on to www.pinkribboncruises.com. (1-28-03)

Watch Out for Super Bowl Scams

Considering going to the Super Bowl this year? The U.S. Department of Transportation is cautioning consumers to be aware that not all tour packages include a ticket to the Jan. 26 game in San Diego.

They advised travelers that if a game ticket is not specifically mentioned in newspaper advertisements or other solicitation material or listed as a tour feature, the ticket is probably not included.

The department's Aviation Consumer Protection Division says that in the past some advertisements for Super Bowl travel packages did not appear to include game tickets. If such an advertisement does not state whether or not a game ticket is included, consumers should ask about it.

If a travel agent or other tour representative states that a game ticket is included, the consumer should require at the time of purchase that the game ticket be presented or a written confirmation of the ticket be provided. Consumers might also consider paying by credit card, where possible, which provides some degree of protection under fair credit practice laws.

U.S. Department of Transportation consumer protection rules require that an operator marketing a Super Bowl air package that is promoted as including game tickets must have the tickets in hand or have a written contract for the tickets before the operator does any advertising.

The department’s “Truth in Ticketing” rules state that if a tour is supposed to include a game ticket and you do not receive one, you are entitled to a full refund of the entire package price when you return. If the tour operator increases your price by more than 10 percent beyond what you originally agreed to pay, you have the right to cancel and receive a full refund. No price increases are permitted during the last 10 days before departure. (1-21-03)

Women Take to the Slopes for Annual Competition to Raise Funds for Domestic Violence Victims

While football fans around the country watch two top teams in the United States battle for first place in the National Football League (NFL), women of all ages will be gathering in Anchorage, Alaska, on Super Bowl Sunday, Jan. 26, for the Seventh Annual Ski for Women – the largest, women-only ski event in the United States.

The 4-kilometer ski, located at Kincaid Park, focuses on fun for participants rather than competition. Women of all ages and abilities ski in teams of two in classic/diagonal or skate/freestyle events. Awards are given to the top three finishing teams in each of three categories: Mother and Daughter, Relatives (sisters, aunts, nieces, etc.) and Friends. Women who do not have someone to ski with are matched with another single. The festive event includes refreshments, awards, door prizes and a silent auction.

The Alaska Ski for Women began in 1997 to raise awareness and funds for the Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) program in Anchorage, Alaska. Event organizers chose Super Bowl Sunday for the annual ski event to draw attention to the fact that when people gather to celebrate at home – such as holidays or large sporting events – it is often stressful, which can contribute to domestic violence. Nearly 1,450 women turned out to support the 2002 event, and organizers expect even more in 2003.

For more information about the Alaska Ski for Women, visit www.alaskaskiforwomen.org. For information about traveling to Anchorage, a 2002 All-America City, explore www.anchorage.net or call 1-800-478-1255 to order a free Official Anchorage Visitors Guide. (1-21-03)

Government Issues Warning on Car Seats

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently warned consumers to watch out for problems with child seats equipped with recessed buckles built into the seat between the child’s legs.

NHTSA said the buckles in these seats can easily collect particles of food, drink, dirt, sand or other material that may interfere with the buckle. The consumer may have difficulty latching and unlatching dirty buckles. In some cases the material may cause a “false latch” if the user mistakenly believes that the buckle is securely latched when it is not.

To ensure that the child is securely fastened in the child seat, the user should always check that the buckle is fully latched every time the seat is used. The user does this by (1) inserting the latch plate fully into the buckle; (2) listening for a click and (3) tugging firmly on the harness webbing to make sure the buckle is latched.

Consumers should be sure to inspect the car seat regularly for food or debris down in the buckle area. If the buckle becomes difficult to operate or fails to latch even after it is cleaned, NHTSA recommends that the consumer contact the child seat manufacturer and the safety agency’s toll-free Auto Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, to report the problems. If the buckle does not latch properly even after it is cleaned, the seat should not be used. (01-14-03)

Select Airports Implement New Checkpoint Program

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented a new program at 42 U.S. airports to enhance security and convenience by transferring the screening of passengers selected from aircraft boarding gates to security checkpoints where screening equipment and personnel are concentrated.

This means several things for travelers. Passengers will experience the bulk of screening at the checkpoint, where security personnel and screening equipment are concentrated. Checkpoints at these airports have been reconfigured to channel selectees through a special lane.

Passengers at these select airports must also have their boarding pass in hand before they reach the checkpoint. E-ticket receipts, itineraries and vouchers will no longer provide access through the checkpoints, and boarding passes will no longer be issued at the gates. Boarding passes may be obtained at ticket counters, through airline computer kiosks or at skycap curbside stations.

In addition to a boarding pass, passengers must show a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport at the checkpoint.

To see which airports have implemented the new program, log on to the TSA Web site. (1-07-03)

TSA Issues New Guidelines for Checked Luggage

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently issued updated guidelines for checked baggage. The TSA will screen all checked bags by December 31, yet another layer of security for the nation’s 429 commercial airports.

The TSA is urging passengers to leave their checked bags unlocked to avoid the potential need to forcibly open bags that require further physical inspection. They also warned against putting film in checked bags, because screening equipment will damage it, and to leave gifts unwrapped should screening require them to be opened. Also, put scissors, pocketknives and other sharp items in checked bags; never carry them on.

The TSA has developed bag search plans with each of the nation’s airports. Besides the large EDS machines, screening will be done using congressionally-approved methods including explosives trace detector machines, explosives-sniffing dogs, passenger-bag matching and hand searches.

The TSA also reminds passengers that all bags are subject to search, and bags may have to be opened for inspection. The TSA is moving toward providing travelers with free, padlock-like seals that screeners can snip open if a search is necessary. But for now, air travelers are advised to use cable or zip ties as an alternative to baggage locks. If a checked bag is searched, a statement to that effect will be inserted in the bag to notify the owner. (12-24-02)

Government Announces Annual Campaign to Reduce Impaired Driving

You should never drive drunk or under the influence of an illicit drug, and this holiday season the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is going to be sure you don't as part of its national campaign, "You Drink & Drive. You Lose."

From December 20 to January 5, 2003, thousands of law enforcement officers will be out in full force conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to protect citizens from this serious and deadly crime.

“Impaired drivers represent one of our nation’s greatest threats,” says NHTSA Administrator Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge. “There are nearly one billion drinking and driving trips annually which kill more than 45 people every day. This crime will not be tolerated. Today marks the beginning of a yearlong effort focused on what we know prevents impaired driving – highly visible detection, arrest and prosecution.”

“There will be no warnings,” says North Miami Beach Police Chief William Berger, representing the International Association of Chiefs of Police. “Drive impaired, and you will be spending your money on bail and towing fees instead of holiday gifts.”

NHTSA recently released a new report which, for the first time, documents the extent of alcohol-related fatalities in traffic crashes from 1982 to 2001 for every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. According to the report, after years of gradual improvement, fatalities in alcohol-related crashes are on the rise nationally. NHTSA estimates that in 2001, more than 17,000 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, representing approximately 41 percent of the total traffic fatalities that year.

The "You Drink & Drive. You Lose." campaign reminds everyone to:

• Don’t risk it – if you plan to drive, don’t drink or use any drugs.
• Choose a sober designated driver before celebrating.
• Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity is being held.
• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.
• Always wear your safety belt.

Travel the World on Unique Global Scavenger Hunt

Are you a world traveler? Do you love adventure? Do you enjoy supporting worthy causes? Then you'll jump at the chance to participate in GreatEscape2003, a scavenger hunt across the world that supports a variety of charities.

GreatEscape2003 invites a limited group of 50 of the world's most travel savvy and adventurous travelers on this around-the-world travel adventure competition. They'll travel from Los Angeles to New York – the long way!

Twenty-five teams of two will earn points by completing a series of culturally-oriented scavenges in the exotic destinations they visit over three weeks in at least 10 countries across four continents.

Like 1930s anthropologist-adventurers hot on the path of the Holy Grail, contestants will ride elephants to sacred temples, jostle atop camels around the Pyramids, haggle in ancient souks, take part in bizarre cultural festivals and, in-between the escalating daily thrills, catch their fair share of unforgettable sunsets and memorable meals.

Teams competing in The Global Scavenger Hunt will also be doing it for a good cause by logging over one million miles collectively to help raise a $1 million goal for lauded organizations like: Nobel Peace Prize-winning Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, CARE, International Special Olympics, Mercy Corps International, Conservation International and the World Monuments Fund.

Travelers interested in applying for one of the openings for the event, which takes place from April 25 to May 18, 2003, should contact the GreatEscape Foundation at 310-281-7809 or visit their world-famous noncommercial travelers Web site at www.GlobalScavengerHunt.com. The cost of the trip is $7900 per person. (12-17-02)

Web Site Provides Information for Travelers on New Security Process

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a new Web site to help you navigate through the new security process and get you on your way when flying this busy holiday season.

Before heading to the airport, be sure to log on to www.tsatraveltips.us for time-saving tips. Here are some examples of things to keep in mind when traveling:

• Passengers should wrap their gifts upon arrival at their destination or ship packages in advance. Wrapped gifts in both checked and carry-on baggage may be opened if further inspection is required.
• Travelers should carry all film in their carry-on baggage, as equipment used to screen checked baggage will damage undeveloped film.
• Travelers should avoid wearing clothing and accessories with lots of metal that will set off checkpoint alarms.
• When approaching the passenger security checkpoint, travelers should place all metal objects in their carry-on bag, take their laptop out of its carrying case and take off outer coats or jackets (does not include suit jackets).
• Travelers should think about how and what they pack and review the permitted and prohibited list carefully, as some items may be placed in checked baggage, but not in carry-on.

This holiday season comes just days after the TSA successfully met its congressionally-mandated deadline of deploying federally trained screeners at security checkpoints to all 429 of our nation’s airports.

“At a time when we celebrate our nation’s history with our families, we are proud to be able to play a part in the safe observance of this holiday,” says Adm. James M. Loy, under secretary of transportation for security. “There is no better role we can play than to ensure that families are able to come together to celebrate the holidays.” (12-10-02)

Essay Contest Encourages Students to Imagine Future of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Futures Program is sponsoring an essay contest for students in grades 1-12 to help generate interest in transportation and awareness of transportation’s needs for the future.

“Sometimes we don’t realize how important and interesting a subject is until we do a little research and organize our thoughts about it,” says U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta. “That’s what this essay contest is intended to accomplish. We want the best and brightest students from all over America to think about the important role transportation plays in our lives and to consider becoming transportation workers, managers and engineers.”

The overall theme of the contest is "Society, Technology and the Future of Transportation." There are categories for four age groups:

• Students in grades 1 and 2 should focus on the Need for Transportation;
• Students in grades 3 through 5 should focus on the Future of Transportation;
• Students in grades 6 through 8 should focus on the Transportation Environment and Energy Concerns; and
• Students in grades 9 through 12 should focus on Transportation Technology and Societal Changes.

All essays should address the future of transportation and its importance in society. Illustrations, such as art, photography, charts, tables and other graphics are encouraged. A panel of experts in transportation and education will judge the contest.

Contest information, rules, suggested essay lengths and instructions for submitting entries are on the Internet at http://education.dot.gov. The deadline for all submissions is March 15, 2003. Essays may be submitted electronically or by fax to 202-493-2288.

The Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Futures Program commemorates Garrett A. Morgan, a son of slaves and an African American who invented the traffic signal and gas mask. (12-03-02)

Canadian Spa Offers New "Grape" Therapy

Who says grapes are only good for eating? A popular new treatment also uses them to heal the body.

Beyond Wrapture Day Spa, with several locations in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, is one of the first spas to introduce Vinotherapy treatments, which use the by-products from wineries such as grape pips, stems and skins.

“Research shows that grape seeds, stems and skins contain antioxidants called polyphenols, which are 10,000 times stronger and 50 times more healing than vitamin E,” says Debra Pender, owner of Beyond Wrapture Day Spa.

For a pampering getaway, the spa offers several packages including the Grape Escape Package featuring accommodation, a Vinotherapy treatment, a wine and cheese platter and breakfast in bed for $460 per couple or $350 for an individual.

For more information, please call 250-860-0033 or log on to www.beyondwrapture.com. (12-03-02)

Expect Busy Skies and Highways This Thanksgiving

More Americans will travel this Thanksgiving than they did last year, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

AAA estimates that 35.9 million Americans will take a trip 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, 1.7 percent higher than a year ago.

AAA expects air travel to climb 6 percent, as 5.1 million Americans plan to fly this holiday. “Despite an economy that still shows only sporadic signs of recovery, holiday travelers are returning to the skies in numbers almost as heavy as during the Thanksgiving periods prior to 2001,” says AAA Travel Vice President Sandra Hughes. “This definitely is a positive sign for an airline industry that has struggled mightily in the last year.”

She cautions, however, last-minute travelers may have some trouble finding a seat. “Since nearly all major airlines have reduced their flight schedules at least 10 percent in the last year, there are fewer seats available and travelers expecting to find space at this late date will need to be flexible and most likely travel during off-peak hours,” advises Hughes.

Eighty-six percent of holiday travelers will go by motor vehicle this year, down slightly from the 87 percent a year ago, the highest percentage of auto travel ever recorded by AAA.

And you can expect to shell out more for gas this year. The nationwide average price of gasoline is $1.458 per gallon, about 25 cents higher than last year’s pre-Thanksgiving price. (11-26-02)

Red Light Cameras Also Reduce Car Accidents

Cameras designed to stop people from running red lights also are effective at reducing crashes at those intersections, according to a new study.

Researchers studied changes in the number of motor vehicle crashes in Oxnard, Calif., where red light cameras were first installed in 1997. They analyzed crash data for four cities, including Oxnard, and found that not only were crashes reduced at the intersections with red light cameras, but drivers also used more care at other intersections because they were used to driving in a community with red light cameras.

Researchers say publicizing camera enforcement is a key ingredient in reducing crashes at intersections. Red light cameras are used in about 75 communities nationwide.

The study was published in the November issue of the American Journal of Public Health. (11-26-02)

Grab the Girls and Head East

Looking for a fun all-girls weekend? If you like snow, New Hampshire has the answer – many of the state's winter resorts offer women-only classes in winter sports.

With the understanding that women often prefer to learn with other women under the leadership of women instructors, many of the resorts offer classes in everything from skiing to snowboarding. Other programs are geared to meet the scheduling needs of busy women trying to manage work, a home and kids.

Many of the resorts also offer "Ladies Day" discounts for women on different days of the week.

If you need a little mother-daughter bonding time, consider visiting New Hampshire during the annual "Take Your Daughter to the Snow Week" program the week of January 27-31, 2003. Many New Hampshire resorts are offering special promotions in support of this program which helps introduce young girls to the fun world of snowsports.

For more information on clinics, classes and discounts for women, log on to www.skiNH.com. (11-19-02)

Get Away to Paris for the Holidays

If you've been thinking of a romantic getaway for you and your partner, why settle for anything less than Paris? Low airfares are making overseas travel much more affordable, and United Vacations is offering an air and hotel package deal starting at just $499 per person based on double occupancy.

Vacations include round-trip airfare on United Airlines or Lufthansa, accommodation for four nights with breakfast (additional nights available), 5000 bonus miles per adult, a city map, a guidebook and hotel taxes. Plus, choose from a variety of sightseeing tours, rail passes or car rental.

The starting price of $499 is valid to Paris from New York and Boston, $564 from Washington D.C., $569 from Chicago, $649 from Los Angeles and San Francisco, and $659 from Denver. Prices are valid for most departures November 7 to December 14, 2002 and January 2 to March 29, 2003.

For more details, visit www.unitedvacations.com or call 1-888-328-6877.

And if you're planning to go before the holidays, why not get some gift shopping done? According to the French Government Tourist Office, the Christmas shopping season starts early November when Paris’s two chic department stores, the Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette, have dressed their windows, facades and elegant interiors in distinctive and festive holiday attire.

Late November and through early January, Paris’s avenues, streets and historic squares become a Christmas wonderland, says the French Government Tourist Office. High points include the illuminations of the Champs-Elysées, the nativity scene in front of Notre Dame and the huge ice-skating rink on the esplanade of Paris City Hall. For all holiday dos (including Christmas markets) and illuminations, visit the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site. Au revoir! (11-19-02)

Airlines Increase Number of On-time Flights and Decrease Amount of Mishandled Baggage

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), flying is going a little more smoothly these days.

According to the monthly Air Travel Consumer Report for September, flight delays, cancellations and reports of mishandled baggage for the nation's largest airlines decreased, and passengers filed fewer complaints about airline service during the same month.

During September, the reporting carriers recorded their lowest rate of mishandled baggage since this data was first reported in September 1987 and posted their best on-time performance since the department began collecting comparable data in 1995.

The on-time performance of the 10 largest U.S. carriers also rose to its best mark – 88 percent of flights on time – since the department began collecting comparable data in 1995.

The report also shows that the largest U.S. airlines continued to reduce their rates of involuntary denied boarding, or bumping, during the third quarter of this year. (11-12-02)

Government to Rate Car Seats on Ease of Use Next Year

Beginning in 2003, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will begin a program for the annual rating of child safety seats based on their ease of use by consumers.

Early next year, the NHTSA will begin posting the ratings on the agency's Web site at www.nhtsa.gov, as well as offering a brochure.

Under the new rating system, child safety seats, including booster seats, will each be given an overall ease-of-use rating at the “A,” “B” or “C” levels. Such letter grades will also be used to rate seats in each of five categories:

• Whether the seat is pre-assembled or requires assembly after purchase.
• Clarity of labeling attached to the seat.
• Clarity of written instructions on the seat’s proper use.
• Ease of installation of the seat in a vehicle.
• Ease of securing a child correctly in the seat.

“The new child restraint information program provides critical information for consumers," says Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge, the NHTSA administrator. "It will help motivate manufacturers to create child restraints that are easier to use, leading to added safety for children.” He stressed that a safety seat can offer the best protection for a child only if it is correctly installed and used.

The agency also announced it is launching a pilot testing program in simulated crash situations to better determine how well child safety seats perform, as well as pilot testing in the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) to determine how well vehicles protect children. (11-12-02)

Cheap Ski Lodging Available at Youth Hostels

Looking to ski on the cheap? Then stay at one of more than 30 ski hostels in 17 states across the U.S.

Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels (HI-AYH) has announced the locations of its 2002-2003 ski hostels, open for guests all winter long. Located close to skiing hot spots like Breckenridge and Crested Butte, Colo., Mount Hood, Ore. and Killington, Vt., HI-AYH's network of Ski Hostels provide inexpensive, quality accommodations ranging in price from $10 to $35 per person, per night.

While members of HI-AYH receive discounted overnight rates, all of HI-AYH's guests receive discounts and services at many of the ski hostels, including special lift ticket and ski rental packages and shuttle bus service to and from the ski resorts.

For more information and locations, visit the HI-AYH Web site at www.hiayh.org/hostels.

Based in Washington, DC, HI-AYH oversees a network of more than 110 hostels in 33 states and the District of Columbia. HI-AYH, a nonprofit organization, is part of the Hostelling International network of nearly 4,500 hostels in more than 60 countries. (11-05-02)

Top 25 Asthma Hot Spots

What cities should you avoid if you're an asthma sufferer? A new list compiled by analyzing cities' potential asthma triggers and prevalence of the disease has the answer.

The rankings – conducted by statistician Bert Sperling, well known for his annual "Best Places" lists – examined local asthma prevalence and mortality data, as well as other factors such as pollen scores, air pollution, asthma prescriptions, smoking laws and the number of asthma specialists.

Sperling's Top 25 Asthma Hot Spots:

"Effective asthma management is vital for asthma patients across the country, no matter where they live," says Dr. Anthony Rooklin, co-director of the division of allergy at Crozer Chester Medical Center in Philadelphia. "But people living in these hot spots should pay attention to local conditions or factors that could aggravate their asthma and make sure that their asthma is properly controlled to minimize the risk of asthma symptoms and attacks."

The rankings were sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Advair Diskus® (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder), to raise awareness about asthma and asthma triggers and to encourage people to learn more about how to properly manage asthma.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease. Both inflammation (swelling and irritation) and constriction (tightening of the muscles around the airways) cause the airways to narrow, leading to symptoms that include cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Though there is no cure, advances in research and preventative treatments in the past decade have made asthma a more controllable condition. (11-05-02)

Stay in Cancun and Win a Million Bucks

Not that you need a reason to visit Cancun, but we've got a really good one – they're giving away a million dollars!

To celebrate Cancun’s birthday, the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau is holding the Come-n-Stay Million-Dollar Giveaway – an enticing sweepstakes for visitors who stay at any of Cancun’s hotels and resorts now through January 31, 2003.

Vacationers who enjoy three or more nights in Cancun will be automatically registered to win through their hotel or resort registration cards and will also receive a certificate for a free night’s stay at the same hotel or resort redeemable any autumn through 2007.

The grand prize of a $1 million U.S. Treasury Bond will be awarded to one lucky traveler to be announced February 14, 2003. In addition to the top prize, one second-place winner will drive away with a 2003 Mercedes Benz, and one third-place winner will receive an all-expenses-paid one-week millionaire-style vacation for two to Cancun, including first-class air, limousine service, a presidential suite at any participating Cancun hotel and all-around VIP treatment.

As part of the Come-n-Stay Million-Dollar Giveaway, most Cancun restaurants, boutiques, car rental companies, shops and almost every service provider are recognizing Cancun’s birthday by offering discounts of at least 30 percent on all products and services through January 31, 2003; special stickers and posters have been designed to help travelers identify participating Cancun businesses.

For more information, visit www.cancun.info. (11-05-02)

Get Away to Indy for Gardens, Galleries and More

There's a lot more to Indianapolis than just racing and discounts on hotels and attractions are giving tourists the chance to see just that.

Attractions in Indy's White River State Park are teaming up with downtown hotels to offer visitors package deals through December 31. Visitors can save more than $100 on fall and winter getaway packages that include an overnight hotel stay and admission to three attractions. There's a choice of two packages and four hotels, and an overnight hotel stay is required to receive the discounted pricing.

The Embassy Suites Hotel Downtown, Hyatt Regency, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown and Omni Severin Hotel all are offering room rates starting at $99 or $109 (depending on the hotel), a discount of 45 percent or more.

Packages include:

• Lights, Legends and Lions – First, check out the Indianapolis Zoo to see the new African elephant preserve and lemur exhibit, and after November 29, visit Kroger Christmas at the Zoo, an annual holiday event that features more than half a million lights and light sculptures throughout the Zoo grounds. Visitors can also take in a movie at Indiana's only IMAX Theater and then head over to the NCAA Hall of Champions.