The Best Flights Around

Tired of the hassle looking for an airline flight? Never know which travel site might provide the best data & even better deals? Irritated with all the windows that pop-up leading you through a maze of websites? Here's a two great resources we love!

Hipmunk
This newer site is quick, easy, & a fast favorite. It displays the flight information in a different format than other flight aggregating sites altogether & we're certainly not complaining! Simply enter where you're planning to take off from, arrive at, and when you want to leave and this handy website will show you all your options in an easy to read layout. Plus, click on a flight for detailed information or you can choose to sort the flight info by agony, price, stops, departure time, arrival time, & duration. Bonus! One of my favorite sites just posted an article on Hipmunk-- check it out!

Skyscanner
Similar (but no cigar!) to other flight search engines, this website is an alternative to Hipmunk. While it tends to display flight information similarly to the rest, it is quick, easy, and much less of a hassle. It also provides links to related information such as airlines that fly to a particular destination & airport locations.

Here's another great site-- the FAA Flight Delay Map. This map allows you to see where in the USA (or by region or airport) if there are delays or cancellations. The page is refreshed often & also provides the ability to check in with your airline to see if you're flight is affected or to check out the wait times at security checkpoints.

Great tips-- Helpful Phrases to Try at the Airport When Your Flight Has Been Canceled from Real Simple

To And From The Airport- Information on how to get there, estimated travel time, public transportation, private transfers, etc

Luggage Limits- With over 100 airlines, you're sure to find all the flight specific luggage information you'll ever need

New Mekong River Cruise

VIKING RIVER CRUISES INTRODUCES
ALL-NEW SOUTHEAST ASIA PROGRAM FOR 2011

15-Day Magnificent Mekong Itinerary
Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River

LOS ANGELES (August 3, 2010)- Viking River Cruises, the world's leading river cruise line, today announced that it will be offering a brand-new itinerary for 2011, a 15-day program along the Mekong River in Southeast Asia.

"Our guests have requested that we expand to other destinations so they can experience even more of the world," said Chairman Torstein Hagen. "With the addition of this new Mekong River program, Viking now offers itineraries in six regions, which is more than any other river cruise line worldwide."

From bustling floating markets to Angkor Wat, the greatest masterpiece of Khmer architecture, the 15-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary features a combination of land programs exploring key cities in Vietnam and Cambodia with a cruise along the scenic Mekong River. Two nights in Hanoi, Vietnam includes a visit to the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" prison and a cyclo tour of the old town; three nights in Siem Reap, Cambodia features tours to visit the famed temples of Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and two nights in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam introduces guests to the city's gracious colonial architecture. The centerpiece of the trip is an eight-day river cruise among lush Mekong River landscapes with stops in Phnom Penh and a variety of small riverside villages including Cái Bè, located in the picturesque Mekong delta.

All-inclusive pricing, starting at $3,399 per person, reflects the current offer of 2-for-1 cruise and land pricing. To extend their Southeast Asia vacation, guests can add one or both of the Explore More™ land extension programs visiting either Ha Long Bay, Vietnam or Bangkok, Thailand.

“We are proud to launch this new Mekong River program and know that it will soon become a favorite of both past and new Viking guests,” adds Hagen. “This itinerary was created by the same expert Viking team who developed our award-winning and highly rated China cruisetours. We have partnered with the world’s best hosts to provide a once-in-a-lifetime journey highlighted by the history, culture and charm of the region at a value-packed price.”

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards as well as recognized as the World’s Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises as “Best River Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly, “Best River Cruise Line” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, Best Cruise Line for Luxury River Cruises at the Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence and as “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” and “Best River Cruise Line for Travel Agent Support” by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 18 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. With a $250 million investment in a fleet development program, by 2013 Viking will have several refurbishments plus the introduction of eight new ships beginning with Europe’s Viking Prestige in 2011.

Monograms: Travel Made Easy

Don't you wish you could travel without lifting so much as a finger on logistics AND have someone available at your beck & call to help throughout? It's possible. And affordable. Here's how it works:

When & Where

You choose a destination and date. Are your travels taking you to Europe, North America, South America, Asia, or the South Pacific?

Where to Stay

In each location, at least one hotel has been preselected to ensure that the level of quality is up to par and the location is near where you need to be. You may choose from the list provided or opt for one not listed.

Getting There & Getting Around

Transportation- be it from a dock, airport, or rail service- is taken care of. You'll never have to worry about how you're going to get from point A to point B. Based on when you intend to travel, all flights will be booked to perfectly coordinate with your travel plans. You'll benefit from Monograms' partnership with airlines and receive low airfares.

Things to Do

In conjunction with your destination, a variety of activities, attractions, and tours can be chosen. This selection includes the must-see sights of the city as well as other interesting things to do and see.

Chow Down

A full buffet breakfast, the most important meal of the day, is provided. For lunch and dinner, enjoy exploring a little and get a taste of the local culture.

Personal Service

From the moment you decide to travel until the moment you return home, you'll have access to a knowledgeable and helpful travel expert or local host to help with any questions or concerns. Prior to traveling, a travel expert will help you to understand and personalize your trip. Once you arrive, you'll have access to a local host who is able to provide information about the city, helpful hints and recommendations, and ensure you have what you need to make the most of your holiday. You'll have a 24-hour Service On Call phone number should you need anything.

Why?

You're likely wondering 'What's the point of using this? I could figure this all out on my own.' Well, yes, you could. But why would you when instead of spending days and multiple resources finding the same information you can take 10 minutes to choose, personalize, and book your entire trip. With a site such as Expedia, it may be slightly less expensive (likely about 5%), but you won't have access to the local host, transfers from the airport to your hotel or hotel to train station, etc. Also, you can avoid an experience like this! (After booking her entire trip & receiving all confirmations, upon arrival at the airport she was told her tickets were nonexistent.)
Additionally, more hotels, activities, & excursions have been added and prices are lower. This service is ideal for first time travelers, baby boomers, honeymooners, girlfriend getaways, families, and cruisers.