Summer travel forecast: Bargains
Sara K. Clarke Sentinel Staff Writer
May 13, 2009

Relatively low gas prices and widespread discounts are expected to tip the scales this summer for recession-weary Americans desperate for a little rest and relaxation.It's the year of the travel bargain, and Orlando is among the destinations ready to take advantage of the trend this summer, tourism experts say."People are looking for a deal," said Gary Sain, president and chief executive officer of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Having recently begun a marketing campaign that includes an "Orlando Smile" discount card, Sain thinks the area is well-positioned to win its fair share of summer vacationers."This year, they're going to compare," he said. "Shop and compare."

Travel watcher Peter Yesawich said leisure travelers, buffeted by 18 months of recession, are sticking to their frugal ways this summer. He said a large majority of summer travelers plan to employ various tactics, such as driving more and flying less, to keep costs down.The AAA travel club hinted Tuesday at what may lie ahead when it predicted that 32.4 million Americans will mark the unofficial start of summer later this month by taking a trip during Memorial Day weekend.That 1.5 percent increase in travel compared with 2008 constitutes a "small but psychologically important uptick," AAA said in its report, considering that travel during last year's Memorial Day weekend had been down sharply — 9.6 percent — from the previous year.Last year at this time, U.S. motorists were in shock as the price of gasoline was about to surpass $4 a gallon for the first time in the country's history. This year, the outlook is much different: The federal Energy Information Administration projected Tuesday that regular gasoline will average $2.21 a gallon during the April-through-September driving season — or about $1.60 a gallon less than last summer. AAA is a bit more cautious, saying it doesn't expect prices to average more than $2.50 a gallon this summer.

'Americans feeling better'"Sharply lower gasoline prices and plentiful travel bargains have Americans feeling better about taking a road trip this summer, which should help tourism-based economic activity throughout the nation," said Robert Darbelnet, AAA's president and chief executive officer. Indeed, AAA's Michigan office said Orlando is one of its members' top-10 driving destinations, and the only Florida destination in that top tier.But can the bargain traveler really save the summer for Orlando and other vacation destinations? Other forecasts say maybe not.One-third of Americans surveyed for an Associated Press poll released this week said they have already canceled at least one trip so far this year because of financial concerns. And only 42percent of those surveyed plan to take a leisure trip this summer, according to the poll of 1,000 adults, which was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media.Yesawich's company, Orlando-based Ypartnership, predicts leisure travel will be down 2.4 percent during the June-to-August period when compared with last year. Destinations that understand consumers' frugal ways this summer could have an advantage, he said.

New deals, new ridesWalt Disney Co., for example, reports that discounts such as its "buy four, get three free" hotel packages at Walt Disney World have helped the giant resort keep summer bookings on par with last year's performance.Universal Studios and SeaWorld say they are excited by their summer prospects. Each of the two theme parks is adding a new roller coaster this summer — Manta at SeaWorld in about a week, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal sometime later in the season.Each park also is offering deals meant for Florida residents likely to stay closer to home this year once schools are out."We are hearing that people are looking for deals, looking for value, and that is something we want to make sure we have," said Dan Brown, general manager of SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica.

Steven Cole Smith and Jason Garcia of the Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

Airport Security Issues

Airport Security Issues

Old information but good to remember

The unprecedented events of 11 September 2001 has made security an extremely high priority in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world. Although there has been an increase in the level of security at many airports, the advice on this page should provide an overview of what to expect when you are traveling through many of the world's airports.

General Security Guidelines

Carry-On Baggage:
· Air travelers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or briefcase) on all flights. Something to consider is a clear bag for ease of going through the inspection. These bags can be found at ClearSafetyBags.com.
Allow extra time:
· The heightened measures require more time to properly screen travelers. Travelers should contact their airline to find out how early they should arrive at the airport.
· Take public transportation to the airport if possible. Parking and curbside access is likely to be controlled and limited.
· Curbside check-in is available on an airline-by-airline basis. Travelers should contact their airline to see if it is in place at their airport.
Check-in:
· In the U.S., a passport or other government-issued photo ID (national, state, or local) is required for travelers age 18 and over. If you do not have a photo ID, you can also use two forms of non-photo ID, one of which has to issued by a state or federal agency. Travelers may be asked to show this ID at subsequent points, such as at the gate, along with their boarding passes.
· Automated check-in kiosks are available for airlines that have appropriate security measures in place. Travelers interested in this option should check with their airline.
· E-ticket travelers should check with their airline to make sure they have proper documentation. Written confirmation, such as a letter from the airline acknowledging the reservation, may be required.
Screener checkpoints:
· Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the screener checkpoints, except for those with specific medical or parental needs.
· Each traveler will be limited to one carry-on bag and one personal bag (i.e., purse or briefcase).
· All electronic items, such as laptops and cell phones, may be subjected to additional screening. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so that both can be X-rayed separately.
· Limit the amount of jewelry or other metal objects that you wear.
· Travelers should remove all metal objects prior to passing through the metal detectors in order to facilitate the screening process.

Basic Advice for Air Travel

Allow Extra Time for Special Circumstances

During busy periods, or when traveling with young children, infants, elderly or disabled passengers, you build in even more time.

Do Not Leave Your Car Unattended in Front of the Terminal

Airport parking rules are being strictly enforced and your car may be quickly ticketed and towed.

Keep Your Photo Identification Handy

If you do not have a photo ID, make sure you have two pieces of identification, one of which must be issued by a government authority. Minors are not required to have identification. Failure to have proper identification may result in additional security scrutiny. Some airlines may prohibit you from boarding without proper ID. For international flights, airlines are required to collect your full name and ask you for a contact name and phone number.

Beware of Unattended Packages

If you see an unattended package or bag in the terminal, report it to the airport security staff or other airport authority.

Know What You Are Carrying

Watch your bags while you are at the airport and don’t accept packages from strangers. Be prepared to answer questions about who packed your bags and whether you might have left them unattended at any time. Think carefully and answer honestly--history has shown that criminals and terrorists use unwitting passengers to carry bombs or other dangerous items on board aircraft, either by tricking passengers into carrying packages or by simply slipping items into unwatched bags. If you have any doubts, say so.

Humor is Not an Option

Do not joke about having a bomb or firearm in your possession. Security personnel are trained to react when they hear these words. Penalties can be severe, and can include the possibility of time in prison and/or fines.

Expect to Have Your Bags Searched

Both carry-on and checked bags are subject to being hand-searched, especially when airline security personnel cannot determine by X-ray the contents of a package. Leave gifts unwrapped until after you arrive at your destination. Airline security personnel will open it if X-rays are unable to identify the contents.

Leave Your Firearms and Hazardous Goods at Home

There are many hazardous goods that are either not allowed on the aircraft. Do not pack or carry firearms, fireworks, flammable materials, household cleaners, or pressurized containers. Violations of hazardous materials regulations can lead to severe civil penalties, as well as possible criminal prosecution.

Cell Phone Safety

ALL FAMILY MEMBERS SHOULD READ THIS, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN!

These crooks are getting very good!

A lady has changed her habit of how she lists her names in her cell phone directory after her handbag was stolen.

Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, purse, etc.., was stolen. Twenty minutes later she called her husband, from a pay telephone telling him what had happened.

Her husband said, 'I have just received your text message asking about our pin number and I have replied a little while ago.'

When they rushed down to the bank, the staff told them all the money was already withdrawn.

The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text her husband listed in the directory and got hold of their pin number.

With in twenty minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.

Moral of the lesson:

Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people on your call list.

Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Mom, Dad, etc., And very importantly, when sensitive information is being asked for through text messages, CONFIRM by calling back.

Also, when you are being text by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you do not reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family and friends' who text you.

PLEASE PASS THIS ON.

I never thought about THAT! As of right now, do you have 'home' listed in your cell phone directory?

Traveling to and from School

Here is some good information for all parents as school begins or through out the school year.

When parents talk about school safety these days, they're usually referring to the surge in violence at schools. But research shows that school-age children are actually nine times more likely to sustain an unintentional injury -- whether on the playground or in school -- than to be the victim of violence while at school. In fact, an estimated 2.2 million children ages 14 and under are injured in school-related accidents each year, according to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.Accidents can be prevented if parents are on the lookout for potential hazards. To help you keep your kids free from harm, here are some safety tips from SAFE KIDS, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Traveling to and from School

Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and, if possible, with intersections that have crossing guards.

Walk the route with your child beforehand. Tell him or her to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields and other places where there aren't many people around.

Teach your child never to talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers. Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your children don't know well or don't trust.

Be sure your child walks to and from school with a sibling, friend, or neighbor.

Teach your kids -- whether walking, biking, or riding the bus to school -- to obey all traffic signals, signs and traffic officers. Remind them to be extra careful in bad weather.

When driving kids, deliver and pick them up as close to the school as possible. Don't leave until they are in the schoolyard or building.

If your child bikes to school, make sure he wears a helmet that meets one of the safety standards (U.S. CPSC, Snell, ANSI, ASTM, or Canadian). Research indicates that a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent.

If your child rides a scooter to school, make sure she wears sturdy shoes, a helmet, kneepads and elbow pads. Children under age 12 should not ride motorized scooters, according to recent recommendations from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Teach children to arrive at the bus stop early, stay out of the street, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the street, watch for cars and avoid the driver's blind spot.

Remind your children to stay seated at all times and keep their heads and arms inside the bus while riding. When exiting the bus, children should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, exit from the front using the handrail to avoid falls and cross the street at least 10 feet (or 10 giant steps) in front of the bus.

Tell your child not to bend down in front of the bus to tie shoes or pick up objects, as the driver may not see him before starting to move.

Be sure that your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult and how to call 911 for emergencies.

Check the playground equipment at your child's school. Look for hazards such as rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces. The surface around the equipment should be covered with wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel, or mats made of safety-tested rubber or fiber material to prevent head injury when a child falls. Report any hazards to the school.

Avoid any drawstrings on the hood or around the neck of jackets and sweatshirts. Drawstrings at the waist or bottom of jackets should extend no more than three inches long to prevent catching in car and school bus doors or getting caught on playground equipment.

Make sure that the school's athletic director or a custodian anchors soccer goals into the ground so they won't tip over and crush a child.

Teach children proper playground behavior: no pushing, shoving, or crowding.

Give your child some strategies for coping with bullies. He should not give in to a bully's demands, but should simply walk away or tell the bully to stop. If the bullying continues, talk to the teacher.

Make sure your child's school has up-to-date information on recalled toys and children's products. Schools, daycare providers and parents can receive recall information by fax, email, or in the regular mail free of charge by calling the Consumer Product Safety Commission hotline at 800-638-2772, or visiting the organization's Web site.

From Reader's Digest

What does Christmas mean to you?

I received this from a friend and thougth it was well worth reading.

I sat in utter disbelief as I watched this year’s news coverage of “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving devoted to promotions and sales. All across our nation there were reports of old ladies getting into fist fights, store employees being trampled to death, and other violence and mischief that makes you wonder if anyone knows what this season is about anymore. I’ve been considering a name change for this holiday we celebrate in late December: SELFmas.

Yes, we should all wish one another a very “Merry Selfmas!” After all, isn’t self what this season is about? It isn’t? May I give you a challenge? It is a challenge that I, too, must complete. Take a moment and look around you. Look around your house, and your neighborhood. Look around your school or place of work. Simply based upon what you are seeing, what would the average “Joe on the street” think was the center of your holiday? What have you done to put Christ into this season?

The Bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from Santa Clause. Oh, wait, my bad. It all comes from God. A very loving God. A God who desires a relationship with you so much that He gave the ultimate gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, to make a way for us to have intimacy with Him.

Let us commit this season to make Christ the focus. And all year long to make it clear to those around us—our families, neighbors, co-workers, and even perfect strangers—exactly who our lives are centered around.

The True meaning of Christmas

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement . . ."TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children!Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten. "Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle.”Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."


He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."

Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS,
Ron & Becky Yahr
clearsafetybags.com

A Mom's Wisdom