Thursday, October 26, 2006

From JFK to Chicago for $36

Because this is too good to pass up! JetBlue's website


NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2006 -- JetBlue Airways today is pleased to announce it will begin nonstop service to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LA/Long Beach Airport effective January 4, 2007. Chicago will be the low-fare, low-cost airline's 50th destination, and the first new destination the low-fare carrier will launch in 2007.

JetBlue is the only airline to offer 36 channels of free DIRECTV programming on every flight to/from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. To celebrate this with our customers, JetBlue will offer a special $36 fare on its new flights between Chicago/O'Hare and New York/JFK and LA/Long Beach. This special fare will only be available for the next 36 hours.

Just in case customers miss JetBlue's 36-hour, $36 fare, the low-fare carrier continues the celebration with introductory ``O'Hare Fares'' to New York/JFK and LA/Long Beach from Chicago/O'Hare. JetBlue's ``O'Hare Fares'' to New York/JFK will start at $59 each way. Regular fares will range between $89 and $249 each way. JetBlue's ``O'Hare Fares'' to LA/Long Beach will start at $89 each way, with regular fares ranging between $129 and $349 each way. On JetBlue, all fares are one-way, and a Saturday night stay is never required.

006-Costa Rica, What is Eco-Tourism to you?

Episode #6

(28 mins) One Girl, Her Backpack and a Passion for Travel

Costa Rica and Eco-Tourism

Monday, October 23, 2006

004-Boston, New Orleans, Miami, Houston

Episode #4

(25 mins) One Girl, Her Backpack and a Passion for Travel

I'm discussing my drive from Boston down the coast to Miami, then my drive from Miami to Houston. Also, highlighting a few interesting magazine articles.

One Girl in Costa Rica


Finally, I'm going to Costa Rica! I'm leaving on Oct 30 and coming back November 11. Well, I've had these frequent flyer miles that I need to use forever before they expire and I have decided to redeem them for a flight to Costa Rica on American Airlines. My flight in total is going to be $30! Then I'm taking the bus from San Jose to the Nicoya Penisula where I'll be staying at Casa Zen. The goals for this trip are: getting better at my surfing, yoga, and travel research! How exciting!

I found Casa Zen after reading aBudget Travel Magazine article about secret hotels in Costa Rica and thought that this place sounds just like me!

My criteria for finding a place to stay in Costa Rica were:

• Surfing is a priority
• Yoga is a priority
• Casual, fun atmosphere important; party scene OK, but not like Ft. Lauderdale Spring Break
• Hammocks are preferred
• Safety is the utmost importance
• The hotel doesn’t have to be on the beach but I must be able to walk there in about 2 minutes!
• Cheap! (and here’s where I ran into my problem-it’s hard to find a place with all the above requirements that is affordable. When I say affordable I mean hostel prices!)

I'll be covering my pre-departure in my podcast and then when I get back look forward to more information about Costa Rica and the backpacking scene!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

003-Boston, Argentina and Antartica

Episode #3 (28 mins) One Girl, Her Backpack and a Passion for Travel

This podcast I'm discussing my last few months in Boston, my future trip to Antarctica, and my friends tour company in Argentina.

001-One Girl, Her Backpack and a Passion for Travel

Episode #1 (12 mins)
One girl, her backpack and a passion for travel is a brief introduction to the podcast and the host. The podcast will discuss travel for those who want to live the lifestyle of a traveler and not a tourist.

Traveling to Caribbean? You need your passport now

If you're a US citizen and have been traveling in the Caribbean just by using your birth certificate, you’re about to have to stop!

According to the US State Department website: On January 8, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid U.S. passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

It is anticipated that on January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes may permit a later deadline, both the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to put all requirements in place by the original deadline. Advance notice will be provided to enable the public meet the land/sea border requirement.

So what happens if you don’t have your passport and are trying to get back into the US?

Under the law, the new documentation requirements may be waived under certain circumstances. These exceptions include individual cases of unforeseen emergency and individual cases based on “humanitarian or national interest reasons.” In addition, the State Department has processes to assist U.S. citizens overseas to obtain emergency travel documentation for those with lost or stolen passports.

For the general public, people who apply for entry but do not have appropriate documentation will be referred for secondary screening at the port. In secondary, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will evaluate any evidence of citizenship or identity the individual may have and will verify all information against available databases. However, to prevent delay at the ports of entry, we would encourage all U.S. citizens to obtain the appropriate documents before they travel.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Via Via Travel

Well, finally, after planning this for three years I have opened my own travel business, Via Via Travel. Right now, the only travel products I'm offering are cruises and hotels in the Caribbean and Central and South America. I also have access to vacation villas in the Caribbean presently. While the business is absolutely going to be organic and ever growing, I plan on branching out into eco-travel, adventure travel, and luxury travel products. And ambitiously, I would like to have my own Via Via Travel luggage line and travel products. Eventually, I'd like to offer tours and packages around the world especially in South Africa-my favorite country in the world. Further services that we presently offer-exclusive hotel discounts, cruise promotions, and reduced rates on car rentals and flight bookings.

Also, look for my friend Kristina and my travel e-book coming out in late November. The book will be available on Via Via travel as well as Kristina's site, Frugal And Fabulous.

I'd love to hear from my readers on what you think about my new website as well as any other questions, comments and concerns.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Letter to Midland, Texas

Dear Midland,

For the most part you are a physically unattractive city and slightly boring. Furthermore, you are the hometown of George W. Bush and Laura Bush (but don't worry I won't hold that against you). However, I have found that you have one redeeming quality: you have pretty good radio stations. Specifically, 95X plays decent music. I just thought I would let you know.

Sincerely,

Jerri
A visitor to Midland, TX