Health & Wellness Travel: Sedona Mago Retreat Center

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

When selecting travel destinations, many factors go into a traveler’s decision-making criteria. Is it a destination that has been on a wish list? Is it an activity offered at a location? Is there a lifestyle reason driving a certain type of vacation?

According to SpaFinder’s 2008 State of Spa Travel survey an increased interest in travelers seeking wellness/health elements at spas exists. Health and wellness is now one of the most critical considerations for today’s spa traveler, with 90 percent of travel agents reporting that health/wellness is either ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ important to their vacationing clients.

“Spa travel is increasingly a fundamental part of the health and wellness regime for many Americans, young and old,” said Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder.

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

One destination and travel experience a traveler might consider when planning their next vacation or personal wellness escape is the Sedona Mago Retreat Center in Arizona. The Mago Retreat Center is more than “treatments” as it is known for its wellness and self-improvement programs.

First, the location can not be ignored as the breath taking red rocks are some of the most splendid natural beauty in the United States one can witness and experience. Just being in this location esults in a sense of relaxation and desire to tackle the outdoors. Sedona is an ideal location for travelers’ experiences in learning, meditation and healing.

In fact, one of the attractions to this geographic area is Sedona’s heritage coupled with the Navajo, Apache, and Yavapai Native American tribes when they roamed its landscape.

“Sedona Mago Retreat is a place where you can experience spiritual values of growing your soul for total health and well-being, discovering universal principles for a meaningful life, and showing respect for our sacred home the Earth. Mago means Mother Earth in ancient Asian cultures,” Larry Rosenberg, communication director for Mago Garden Retreat Center says.

To compliment the vacation experience, be sure to participate in one of the many program offerings including the Tao Wellness Retreat, a one-day, customized program designed to rejuvenate one’s mind, body and soul. Through a private one-on-one consultation, health guide and exercise classes, your body and mind can become totally rejuvenated. A few program benefits include a morning and evening yoga class, a spa and rock sauna, starlight meditation in outdoor Jacuzzi and more. All of this for $300, inclusive of accommodations.

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

For those who are more adventurous or looking for a physical transformation, Dahn Mu Do, which is based on Korean martial arts practices, may be ideal. While very intense and physically demanding, it is also very gentle and healing for the body. According to the Sedona Mago Retreat Center founder Ilchi Lee, “everyone should master some sort of physical discipline in order to master the brain. Through overcoming the limits of your body, you overcome the limits of your mind, as well.” Depending on skill level, two courses are offered starting at $5,500 (which includes accommodations).

Another unique and beneficial retreat program is its Successful Aging Seminar which focuses on brain fitness. Based on the five-step Brain Education method and the latest findings in neuroscience, the course will show its participants simple and practical exercises to get the most out of life by using the brain to its maximum potential. This course is the perfect long-weekend escape.  Upcoming 2008 program offerings include: November 21-23; and December 19-21. A two-night session is $490 and an accommodation fee of $124 (+$35 per day for meals).

Regardless of program a traveler selects, there are other wellness activities offered too. For people who experience excessive stress and tension, or have a lot of accumulated physical/mental fatigue, there are physical relaxation, stress relief healing and energy balancing healing sessions (price ranges from $90–$250 for 30 to 80 minute sessions).

Photo Credit: SedonaMagoRetreat.org

Horseback riding is a popular excursion for many vacationers. How about horseback meditation? Partaking in this activity at the Mago Retreat Center is not just riding a horse versus it allows a rider to experience wild nature and vortex energy on horseback. This activity brings together a healing horse, energy and health. Offered at $100/hr.

There is nothing ordinary about the Mago Retreat Center’s programs or activities. Other activities include a Vortex tour, Organic Garden tour, daily exercise classes, a Ki Meditation Tour and more. Its yoga that is taught is Dahn Yoga, the only form of yoga that focuses on improving brain health thereby reducing stress, increasing cognitive ability, and other benefits. Not only do the programs, environment and activities call to a healthier well-being, but the cuisine is health conscious and organic vegetarian meals.

“Mago is a nonprofit foundation committed to advancing values that harmonize humanity and the Earth, and develop greater physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual connection,” Rosenberg explains.

Luxury does exist in wellness. Travelers can choose from a standard casita (starts at $136/night with taxes and fees included) to one of four luxury suites in its Heaven Rock House ($414/night with taxes and fees included) which features its own living room, Jacuzzi bath, kitchen, washer-dryer, cable television, wireless Internet access and more. With over 120 modern guest rooms, most of which can sleep two comfortably, the Sedona Mago Retreat Center can accommodate over 200 guests.

For more information, or to make reservations, call toll free 1-800-875-2256. To learn more, visit: www.sedonamagoretreat.org.

Traveling to this wellness center in Sedona is more than a trip…it is a life changing experience. So, in essence, the Sedona Mago Retreat Center is a vacation souvenir that travelers will keep reaping the benefits from upon their return home.

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Festival camping is so different from normal camping. For a start you have to park about three miles away from the entrance to the site so everything must be lightweight. From there you have to find somewhere to pitch your tent which is no mean feat. The hardcore party animals will have been there for hours in order to get the best pitch and it is therefore of utmost importance that you haven’t brought the biggest and most complicated tent to pitch. In the time taken to read the instructions someone else will have snuck in and used part of your space – leading to saggy tent syndrome. Which never ends well - even when the rain stays away.

In an ideal world I would take a tent with a bedroom and living quarters (for entertaining friends over a civilised meal and wine) however due to the time and space constraints a pop up tent would be ideal. Many others have the same idea so you might find yourself pitched in a field of the same tent (albeit some green others blue). Therefore some kind of patterned tent or customised tent is definitely a requirement. Unless you want to return to a drunken smelly oaf sound asleep in your tent (believe me it has happened!).

Other essentials are a wee cooking stove (so I can have a wee cuppa in the morning to wake me up) and something for boiling water in. This could double up to make porridge, beans, sausages etc. Some festivals don’t allow stoves due to the particular fire risk caused by inebriated individuals and naked flame. In this instance unless you’re prepared to lose the stove – leave it at home.

I’m not sure about essential, but I always enjoy the weekend more when I have a comfy seat. Being one of the people that always manage to sit on a huge rock or the only damp blade of grass I find that a folding chair can make all the difference. However these chairs are incredibly heavy for their size. Arriving late one year I had agreed to take an extra chair in return for a friend pitching my tent. Never again! Struggling the three miles in the blazing sunshine with two folding chairs (that got heavier every hundred yards or so) I contemplated selling the chairs to the highest bidder. Unfortunately it seems everyone had these heavy chairs & everybody was regretting it! Next time I think I’ll take a cushion!

Eating and entertaining has so far been covered but what of sleeping? Well camping usually involves a ground sheet or airbed, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, warm Berghaus jackets, warm socks, thermals and plenty of fleece layers. At a festival you should only take these if you do indeed intend to sleep. Plenty of money is wasted on these items every year by people who know that they will not see the inside of their tent from Friday evening until Monday morning.

Taking all these factors into consideration I would recommend researching the festival camping guidelines and rules before you buy any equipment and certainly before you pack up the car ready to go. I, along with many others, buy cheap and cheerful equipment and leave it behind on site. This seems like a disgusting waste of money however my local festival collects the tents, sleeping bags and other equipment and then puts them to good use. These items get distributed to those who actually need them, which makes a huge impact on others lives. Taking the equipment home would be more frugal on my part but I’d much rather replace it in a year and allow others to benefit.

Photo Credit: TremblantLiving.com

A luxury getaway in a Mont Tremblant condo or chalet can set the tone for year round family fun and relaxation without sacrifice.  Located outside of Montreal, Quebec, this resort area hosts a variety of outdoor activities ranging from snow skiing to golf.

Surrounding a pedestrian village of the resort area are several condo, chalet and cottage choices for vacationers to explore.  Mont Tremblant accommodations are available to house from 10-20 people in a variety of lavishly appointed residences.

Mont Tremblant accommodations are impressive and if the outside attractions were not so appealing, a traveler could have an amazing vacation just by staying inside.  These expansive rentals feature a multitude of bedroom and bath combinations.  The smallest option offers 3 bedrooms and 4 baths feature a billiards table with a hot tub.  The largest chalet is 8 bedrooms and includes a children’s playroom with ski-in/out options in the winter.  The ski in/out option is a must when maximizing time on the slopes. Not to mention the convenience and ability to snow shoeing or cross country skiing from the chalet door.

Photo Credit: TremblantLiving.com

Many other amenities include heated pools, saunas and home theaters as well as access to the beach and lake.  All feature a washer/dryer, fine linens, beautiful furniture and dishes to enhance the luxury experience. 

Activities abound year-round in the Mont Tremblant resort area with the title “Best snow skiing in eastern North America” 12 years running (Ski Magazine).  Sledding, snowmobiling and ice climbing are options for those seeking alternatives to down skiing.  Warmer weather activities include golf at one of the four championship courses, hiking, biking and sailing on the lake.  The excursions offer something for everyone at all physical levels not forgetting the ever relaxing afternoon nap on the porch or in front of the fireplace.

Food and night life offerings are many to visitors while in the resort area.  The pedestrian village houses several restaurants varying from French to Italian even a 5-star fine French offering for those with a more exquisite palate.  High energy dancing at many of the local bars on the resort runs from happy hour to the wee hours of the night offering an alternative to the adult crowds.  Catering and concierge services with in-home chefs preparing culinary delights are available at additional costs.

Photo Credit: TremblantLiving.com

Reaching Mont Tremblant via automobile for many of the major cities on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. is possible in a little over six hours drive time.  Air travelers may opt for either Montreal about one and a half hours drive north or Ottawa about two hours east or the smaller Tremblant airport near the resort.  The resort airport offers fly-in options from New York and Toronto via airlines such as Continental.  Several ground transportation options exist from limousines to shuttle buses with local rental care agencies near the resort. 

Taking in a winter or summer Mont Tremblant vacation in Canada can be for the romantic, the adventurous, the large family, the golf pro, or the ski enthusiast. There is something for everyone and this is one escape Travel Advocate recommends.

Napa Valley photo provided by Igougo.com

A rite of passage in the Fall is taking time to take in the orange, brown, and red hues. But, how many times have you actually taken a drive or a hike to embrace Fall foliage? For those of us who have been there and done that, IgoUgo® has pulled together a list of autumn activities that are beyond the usual. Don’t spend fall getaways in the car; check out the leaves while navigating a giant corn maze, or sipping wine at the vineyards in Napa Valley and beyond.

“Fall is a perfect time to enjoy the changing leaves, but leaf peeping isn’t the only way to experience the autumn glow,” Michelle Doucette, content manager at IgoUgo.com, says.  “There are a number of fall activities where the foliage can be enjoyed while experiencing something new.”

IgoUgo editors, with the help and recommendations of their members, have pulled together some unique and fun alternatives for welcoming the changing season:

Grape Harvesting: Fall is one of the best times to visit vineyards, as they are busy gathering the year’s crop of grapes. While the leaves are changing, wineries are harvesting and crushing grapes and blending the wines from the harvest. There’s usually a lot more to see than fermenting barrels; check local wineries to see if they have any special activities surrounding the grape harvest season - there might even be a chance to participate in the harvest itself. 

IgoUgo editors note that vineyards are taking root across the nation, and almost every one offers some sort of harvest festival. A favorite IgoUgo pick? The 25th Annual Napa Valley Harvest Festival, which occured in September - an IgoUgo member recently noted: “Wine country in general is absolutely a great place to visit, even if you don’t like wine all that much. Napa Valley’s autumn color was so beautiful we will be going back-and I’m from New England.”

Corn maze photo provided by Igougo.com

Corn Mazes: Corn is not just something for cookouts - this year there are corn mazes popping up in almost every state of the country, providing endless hours of fun for those not afraid to get a little lost! IgoUgo members recommend the Amazing Maize Maze in Huntersville, NC, which takes place from September through November.  “Every two years, thousands of people descend on Rural Hill Farms to get lost in a corn maze. One nice thing is you make new friends, as you will be certain to pass the same people over and over again who are as lost as you are.”

Hawk-Watching: While the birds are heading south for the season, look north to experience some of the most amazing hawk- and bird-watching. The fall is the best time to spot exquisite birds that are hard to find in other seasons. IgoUgo members recommend Lynchburg, Va., and the Appalachian Mountains: “If you come in fall, you can see the hawks as they make their way from north to south. Take a drive up or down the Blue Ridge Parkway, and pull off at many of the roadside areas to eye the terrific views.”

Igougo.com also recommends checking out the many spots along the Mississippi Flyway - one of the routes used by millions of birds to fly south for the winter. Horicon Marsh in central Wisconsin is one of the largest cattail marshes in the world, and a stopover for millions of migrating Canadian geese each fall.

Pumpkin Picking and More: There are “pick your own” farms across the country for all kinds of fruits of the harvest such as blueberries, blackberries, peaches and apples. IgoUgo members note that a trip to pick apples near Syracuse is “worth the drive to the country on a crisp fall day.” But it would not be Fall without at least one pumpkin-picking activity. IgoUgo editors suggest taking the activity to the next level and finding a festival.

The Pumpkinfest in Mishicot, Wis., “is a celebration of harvest with a parade, free petting zoo and hay maze, pumpkin-carving contest, hayrides and costume contest. The downtown area of Mishicot becomes a sidewalk bazaar with many local stores and craftsmen participating. The Fox Hills Resort hosted a bonfire just after sunset and we were given all the s’mores we could eat amid scary stories,” says one IgoUgo member.

Belated Fairs: Unlike summer’s often sweaty affairs, the straggling state fairs of autumn offer pleasant weather and a colorful backdrop to their even more colorful midways. Arizona’s state fair (October 10-November 2) embraces the season with kids’ harvest activities, while adults enjoy the dynamic show outdoors. As one IgoUgo member divulged, “Phoenix is a wonderful and unknown place to enjoy the changing of the seasons and the fall colors.”

What unique Fall activity have you discovered that might start a new ritual?

Photo Credit: IgoUgo.com

Besides long lines and possible winter weather delays, traveling during the holidays can be stressful for most.  With the Thanksgiving travel season (one of, if not the busiest travel times) nearing and the airlines reducing seat capacity just in time for the holidays, travelers are facing increased travel challenges.  Third party travel insurance provider Squaremouth.com’s CEO Chris Harvey advises to purchase travel insurance to protect a vacation investment and helps guide travelers to identifying the policy that meets their needs and that they do not over purchase.

He shares some basic tips with Travel Advocate for protecting costly annual vacations, especially those occuring during the holidays and during times where inclement weather is common.

In this uncertain age of travel, you’d think consumers would be keen to protect costly investments in their vacations, Harvey says. But according to the US Travel Insurance Association, large numbers of Americans still travel completely uninsured, or rely on coverage provided by credit cards and employee benefits - not realizing these sources may offer only partial protection.

“Employers, for example, won’t always compensate for lost luggage or aborted trips. Credit card travel insurance might only cover what was bought with the card,” Harvey says.

There are some unusual sources of travel-related benefits as well, he adds. Homeowners or renters insurance may reimburse part of the value of lost, damaged or stolen property. Some resorts, airlines and hotel associations offer hurricane guarantees. Such a vast range of options for coverage from different sources can be confusing for the traveler.

Squaremouth is committed to making sure its customers fully understand the travel insurance they buy. So this Thanksgiving, consider these basic tips to help decide which policy fits each family best:

Don’t assume paying more means getting more. There are often huge price spreads between similar policies. This is because competitors try to match each others’ coverage closely, yet they each have a “sweet spot” - a segment of the market to which they’ll offer a really good deal. Comparing policies side by side at squaremouth.com can show you exactly what each policy offers, so you’ll be able to choose options and a price that’s right for you.

Shop smart online. A reputable travel insurance comparison web site won’t present options you aren’t eligible to buy. It won’t pad its site with policies that companies no longer sell. At Squaremouth, we expeditiously remove obsolete products, and we lay out each benefit of each policy you’re eligible to buy within an easily searchable format. You can compare options side-by-side, and sort them by price, benefit or carrier.

Don’t spend more than you need to. If you’re a US resident traveling in the US and you have a company medical plan, you probably won’t need any extra health coverage. You may still want to consider getting trip cancellation or interruption coverage, though, which lets you recoup the cost of backing out of a trip. And you’ll need to confirm how much coverage your spouse and children receive through your work policy, or if third-party insurance is needed to cover them.

Insure a pre-existing illness. Travel insurance covers most emergency and non-routine health issues. But make sure to buy insurance that specifically covers your pre-existing medical condition. Squaremouth clearly shows every policy that allows pre-existing cover and we tell you the date you need to purchase the insurance by to qualify.

Don’t expect insurers to pick up the tab for your loss instantly. They won’t. As is true of any policy, until you’ve been told what that delayed flight, unexpected hospital stay or hurricane-routed hotel has cost you, you can’t claim for the loss.

Know all the coverage you already have. You may be partially covered through your cruise line, airline, charter company, credit card, home insurance or employee benefits policy. Knowing what coverage you already have will speed up the claims process, since you may need to track down refunds from those sources first. With medical policies, you could be asked to pay for treatment and be reimbursed later, or the insurer will cover costs up front.

It’s always a cash claim. If you cancel a trip booked with air miles, you won’t be compensated for the perceived value of those miles (though some policies reimburse the cost of re-banking frequent flier miles). Ditto your time share paid for a decade ago - you can’t recoup the value of those weeks. So don’t add in non-cash items when calculating the amount of insurance to buy. You’ll end up needlessly paying more.

Don’t buy the first policy your travel agent offers. Often, travel agents will represent only one or two insurers, and they collect a commission for every policy sold. Your choice of insurance will be limited. And you could end up paying more than you need to for less than the coverage you require.

Research who the best insurers are. If you are already on your vacation, this isn’t the time to find out you’ll need to haggle with your insurance company when problems arise. Before buying travel insurance, research who the reputable carriers are; the ones who can swiftly mobilize aid in a crisis. Squaremouth shows each carrier’s ‘AM Best rating’, an independent evaluation, and we only deal with insurers rated A- or higher.

Do not be left stranded at the gate or in the snow this holiday season. Take a look at third party travel insurance policies in a manner of what you might need. Protect your investment to ensure you have a worry free holiday celebration.

Photo Credit: Gareth Eyres (www.exposure.co.nz)

Television programming has inspired travelers with scenes of far off exotic cultures, animals and landscapes.  CBS’s Amazing Race is a reality based show where viewers follow teams around the world completing various tasks centered on local customs.  The latest country visited was New Zealand, where racers experienced the modern city of Auckland and the countryside of the north island.

New Zealand is compromised of two main landmasses, north and south islands and a number of smaller outer islands.  Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean approximately 1,000 miles east of Australia, New Zealand has a population of approximately 4 million people.  The population is compromised mainly of European descent and indigenous Maori peoples nicknamed “Kiwis.”  A large majority of the citizens reside on the north island.

Photo Credit: Kieran Scott (www.canvass.co.nz)

The capital city of Wellington nicknamed the windy city is located at the southern tip of the north island; this is also the geographical center of the country.  Auckland (City of Sails) is the largest city and is the home of SKYCITY, the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere.  From here visitors can see out over the entire seaside metropolitan city and the surrounding suburbs.  Fine dinning abounds and Auckland is home to many of the country’s vineyards.  The waterfront fish market offers visitors an opportunity to see the daily catch and sample the bounty.

The southern island is known for its rugged coastline with a number of mountain peaks over 10,000 feet high.  These Southern Alps served as the filming location for much of the fantasy film “Lord of the Rings.”  Vast glaciers, wild rivers and rain forests give this island a wondrous natural beauty for the adventure seeker.  The seaside city of Christchurch is also the largest city on the south island and offers a metropolitan alternative for visitors.  Cathedral Square is at the heart of the city and surrounds the Anglican Christ Church.

Travelers to New Zealand will require a valid passport and should check the latest information for Visa and vaccine requirements.  Several airlines such as Air New Zealand, American and United offer flights into Auckland.  Non-stop flights from the west coast of the U.S. are approximately 12 hours in duration and depart from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu.  This peaceful island country offers visitors an opportunity to experience luxuries of the city as well as the purity of nature.

Sonoma scenery: the striking natural beauty of this classic wine destination was captured here by a TripAdvisor traveler.

First aid kit? Check. GPS system or map and directions? Check. Full tank of gas? Check. Recent oil change or tune up? Check. These are just a few steps travelers do in advance of a road trip. With the recent drop in gas prices, people are taking to the road to still have a vacation or long weekend this fall. From traveling to vineyards to taking in fall foliage, Americans are taking to the roads. 

According to TripAdvisor’s annual fall survey, of the 82 percent of U.S. respondents who plan to travel for leisure purposes this fall, 48 percent of this group of travelers said they plan to drive this autumn for their leisure travel.

Even with the roller coaster of fuel prices this summer, car travel is reportedly on the rise. “Twenty-nine percent of U.S. respondents, and 25 percent of respondents worldwide, plan to take more car trips this fall than they would have if gas was still at its summer high prices,” the TripAdvisor survey reveals. “The top reason for Americans to travel this autumn is that the timing is most convenient, according to 22 percent, while 17 percent pointed to fewer tourists and crowds.”

Travel Advocate is providing its expertise on road trip preparation ideas, along with some other experts who have submitted some innovative and not-to-forget ideas! There are more tips than one can even imagine, so this is not intended to be a check list, rather these are some ideas to help travelers prepare and enjoy their road trips.

Check Up: The Drive Smarter Challenge recommends several pre-road trip tips, including inflate your tires because keeping tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage by around three percent. Another pre-trip recommendation is to select the right oil. “Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil, including re-refined motor oil, improves gas mileage by one to two percent, resulting in annual savings of up to $45,” according to the Drive Smarter Challenge Web site.

BYOB: Bring your own cooler complete with beverages. “One or two high-quality ice chests can save $20 a day or more even if you use them for nothing but cold drinks,” according to travel expert Janet Groene. “I start out with a horde of frozen sandwiches, well sealed in leak-proof bags, for lunches the first couple of days. We also like to carry juice, milk, and cereal for breakfasts. With fruit, cheese, peanut butter, jelly and crackers you can feed the crew anywhere, any time.” 

Information: During a road trip, the need for a pharmacy, hotel, auto repair shop, bank or other necessities might be needed. There is now a tool that provides information without a charge. 1-800-FREE411 can be used from a cell phone. “Not only can (travelers) skip the $2 charge for directory assistance, they can also get voice-activated MapQuest directions to any place in any town in the U.S. just by dialing this toll-free number - so no Web access, print outs or bulky directories needed,” according to FREE411 spokesperson Meghan Lee. “Travelers can even have the directions sent to their cell phone via text after the call- very helpful when in a new city or town!”

Directions: Frequent traveler and author Beth LaMie advises travelers not rely on a single directional resource. “Always bring along several map sources, such as a good atlas or state/province maps, Mapquest or other search route and a GPS, if possible,” LaMie says. “No source is error-proof, so having more than one to reference makes it much more likely that a trip will be less likely to have problems.” She also recommends using a highlighter to mark the intended travel route and using different colors to track different routes.

Safety: Once travelers are on the road and taking breaks as part of the trip, Michelle Boykins, spokesperson for the National Crime Prevention Council recommends a few simple tips.

• Carry money separately from credit cards. Carry your purse close to your body and your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
• Ask the hotel desk clerk to tell you quietly the hotel room number.  Do not overburden yourself with luggage to avoid being an easy target.
• Use deadbolt and other locks provided by your hotel - including locks on all guest room entry and connecting room doors.
• Never open the door for a stranger.  Only open the door for hotel staff if you requested their presence.

These road travel preparation tips are just a few ideas to ensure a memorable and positive journey. Travel Advocate continues to seek out additional road trip products and ideas to contribute toward the experience and will continually share in additional articles.

What is your favorite road trip tip?

Photo Credit: MacNair Travel Management

With the worst performing week on Wall Street and a worsening economic crisis, companies are looking for ways to save money. In 2008, the travel industry has been faced with rising air prices, increasing airline fees, reduced capacity and cancelled routes. What can companies do to ensure their travel costs are kept under control or even, yes it’s possible, save money without sacrificing travel?

Unfortunately for the business traveler, 2009 is not predicted to show any relief. Advito, BCD Travel’s consulting arm, expects U.S. travelers and corporations to experience further increases in air fares, hotel rates and rental car prices, according to its 2009 Industry Forecast.

The airlines will react to the challenging environment by further trying to reduce costs and exploring ways to add new revenues, leading to an increase in the total cost of air travel, as reported by Advito.

“On average we predict 2009 rates to increase against 2008 by 6 percent to 8 percent, but with clear differences by region and trip category,” said Bob Brindley, vice president of Advito. “Unlike previous years, unbundling of services and the resulting fees are on the rise, and are projected to add another 3 percent to 5 percent to the total cost of air travel.”

However, despite these rising costs, there is one travel management firm that is actually beating the odds and saving its clients money on airline ticket prices. MacNair Travel Management, a privately owned American Express Representative Office, reveals that its clients have saved an average of 23 percent on domestic tickets and 53 percent on international airfare. This consists of a combined average savings of 46 percent for the second quarter of 2008.

These average airfare figures are benchmarked against Topaz International, an organization that tracks airline ticket costs. For the second quarter of 2008, Topaz reports that the average domestic ticket price was $575.96, and $3,692.77 for international fares. The combined average ticket price for the second quarter of 2008 was $1,227.18.

By contrast, MacNair Travel’s second quarter results are an average of $446.00 for a domestic airfare ticket and an average of $1,722.00 for an international airfare ticket. This is a combined average ticket price of $663.00.

Michael MacNair, president & CEO, MacNair Travel Management & author of Smooth Landings

MacNair Travel’s President & CEO Michael MacNair says, “With increasing airline prices this year, reduced capacity and less flights available, air travel is experiencing more turmoil than ever. However, through an implemented and enforceable travel management policy, there are ways for travelers to reduce this cost.”

MacNair Travel is delivering significant savings by offering more fares on more airlines than are available from any other Web site. This is possible because the travel management company has access to legacy airline fares, low-cost carrier fees and Web fares not available through most public travel sites.

“Companies are looking to cut costs in any way they can in this tight economy and without sacrificing necessary work trips. We have found a way they can do this and still save money,” MacNair, who is author of travel management book Smooth Landings explains. “By enforcing a travel management policy, our travel team ensures the traveler is taking the travel options the company wants which might include considering an alternate airport, connection or low-cost airline if the savings to the company represents $100.00 to $500.00 or more per transaction.”

MacNair also says that the agency’s expert team of travel consultants has developed a travel management system that delivers unparalleled results.  “We can document the lowest fare offered to the traveler for the company’s use,” he adds. “I have found that when we can show the lost opportunities to a company by applying their policy thresholds, we can get the organization and its travelers on board a true travel management system that drives costs as low as possible.”

MacNair offers tips to both travel managers and the road warriors. For travel managers, he recommends:

• Clarify value expectations in your policy and police them;
• Leverage your combined volume to secure deals;
• Make sure that the system being used to deliver the lowest fares considers low cost carriers, legacies, and more; and lastly
• Book ahead more than before.

For corporate travelers, MacNair advises:

• Make sure the system you are using to search fares isn’t biased like airline sites and public sites (travel management company sites are less biased) but be aware of what you aren’t seeing;
• Book ahead as there are less seats available; and
• Consider connections and alternate airports.

“Pick your battles in comfort by insisting on comfort for longer trips but taking the cheaper inconvenient route for shorter ones,” MacNair adds.

Photo Credit: The Gatlinburg Department of Tourism

It comes once a year and it is unpredictable to predict peak time, but travelers looking to delight in orange, red, yellow and brown hues seek out fall colorful palette destinations. Fall arrives with sensory overload stimulation such as smelling leaves burning, tasting apples, touching pumpkins, telling and hearing scary Halloween tales, hiking through a brilliant canvas of colors, feeling the brisk, cooler winds, seeing trees transforming and more.

Americans seeking a view of dramatic fall foliage travel to Tennessee and Pennsylvania more than any other states, according to a recent survey of leisure travelers AAA conducted with Ypartnership.  

“Tennessee and Pennsylvania each capture 13 percent of fall foliage travelers, followed by Massachusetts and New York, which both draw 10 percent. Virginia, North Carolina and Wisconsin round out the group, each with 9 percent,” the survey reports.

One of the survey findings reveals that travelers who live in the West or Northeast are less likely to have taken a trip to see fall foliage than those who live in the Midwest or South. This is not surprising as the change of seasons for those who live in those geographic areas is common and the changing leaf colors is something that is not as a dramatic of a change as for someone who lives in Florida.

“For Westerners, the distance required to visit top fall foliage destinations may be an inhibiting factor while, for Northeasterners, easy access to the most famous fall colors may diminish the likelihood to plan viewing trips,” according to AAA’s travel experts.

AAA travel experts put together a list of some of their favorite locations to enjoy the fall foliage, including tips on when the colors will be at their peak. 

Photo Credit: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Brilliant fall colors on mountains in North Carolina.)

Blue Ridge Parkway, N.C. and Va.: This famous, picturesque 469-mile route is best seen in October. Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, the parkway shows off over 100 species of trees. Leaf color changes begin high in the mountains, progressing gradually to the lower slopes and valleys. Bobcats, foxes, white-tailed deer, and woodchucks inhabit an area overflowing with geological features, while such manmade points of interest as the Blue Ridge Mountain Frescoes enhance this AAA GEM attraction.

Fall Color Update for the Great Smoky Mountains: Species that typically change early, such as dogwood, sourwood, Virginia creeper, sumac, and an occasional maple are beginning to show brilliant reds as of October 8, 2008. Look for these species along the edges of mowed areas beside roadways throughout the park. At lower elevations walnut, buckeyes, and birch are beginning to turn to yellow. While at mid to upper elevations, birch and beech are starting to color. Most trees however are still green at this time. Good places to find early colors are along Foothills Parkway East and at high elevation along US-441 and on Clingmans Dome Road.

Photo Credit: www.myerhotels.com in Branson, MO (view of Tablerock Lake from Branson)

Branson, Mo.:  Folks treasured the physical beauty of this family-oriented Ozarks destination well before live music theater began luring visitors. Though neon signs along the strip illuminate the city year-round, Branson’s dense hardwood forests are aglow with fall color in late October. Nature lovers can ride Branson Scenic Railway through Missouri’s backwoods and, from an altitude of 500 feet, scan rugged hills and tinted woodlands aboard the Branson Balloon.

Northern New England, Mass. and Vt.: Skirting the border between Massachusetts and Vermont, this AAA Drive Trips journey meanders by covered bridges, dairy farms, cornfields, and Bennington Battle Monument, a GEM attraction. Molly Stark Trail, a AAA Scenic Byway, runs through Vermont’s Green Mountains and Green Mountain National Forest, which are known for their incredible colors. Beginning around mid-September, miles of country roads inspire hordes of veteran leaf peepers.

Seeley Lake, Mont.: The valley between the Mission and Swan mountain ranges is a great place for the outdoorsy traveler to enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and backpacking. Visitors encounter densely wooded slopes, sun-kissed streams, bald eagles, moose and otters. The region also is characterized by its western larches, or tamaracks. One of only three types of conifers that shed their needles, this tree exhibits bright yellow fall foliage. The unusual display is the highlight of mid-October’s Seeley Lake Tamarack Festival, which includes a larch interpretive center, an arts and crafts fair, and a bike race.

Plumas National Forest, Calif.: This rural hideaway in northeastern California presents nearly 300 miles of trails as well as camping, fishing and white-water rafting opportunities. Bridges, waterfalls and meadows along Feather River National Scenic Byway are well worth the trip. Here, where the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges meet, evergreens are abundant; however, a palette of fall hues is visible in mid-October.