Travel News: 06/11/13

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

New pope packages lure pilgrim tourists

Silvia MarchettiNBC News contributor

April 4, 2013 at 9:11 AM ET

Courtesy ORP Photo Archive

Pilgrims and tourists are flocking to the Vatican since the election of Pope Francis.

Rome tour operators are rolling out special Pope Francis-themed deals and packages to both entice tourists and keep up with the increased demands from pilgrims.

"Pope Francis is the Church's new speculative asset aimed at drawing in religious tourism," says Pietro Tognazzi, adviser for several tour operators.

Elected in March, Pope Francis, who hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina, has turned-out to be a revamp for Rome’s sagging economy. Tourism increased by 10 percent at Easter, according to Federalberghi, the Italian hotels' lobby. Local authorities expect thousands of pilgrims to pour into the capital as summer draws near.

Juanita del Carmelo, a 50-year-old housewife from Argentina, jumped on the first plane when she heard that her countryman had risen to the Chair of St. Peter. “I've always wanted to visit Rome, and now I'm here, I still can’t believe it. I saw him at the window blessing us. An emotion I can’t describe”.

Pope Francis has a strong spiritual charisma, but also a “commercial” appeal. Rome tour operators, busy putting together new deals for pilgrims, are in bliss. They believe the new pope has the power to lure tourists, just like Pope John Paul II before him did.

Since the white smoke first rose, the number of passengers flying the Rome-Buenos Aires routes has increased by 57 percent according to data by Italy's flag-carrier Alitalia. They include Argentines who want to come say hello to their pope, and in the other direction, Italians who yearn to discover his native world. Alitalia has introduced new cheap flights from many Italian cities to Buenos Aires and in agreement with operator Tour 2000, a 7-days package including both trips, B&B and guided city visits for 990 euro ($1267 USD) per person.

Meanwhile, the Vatican's pilgrim tour operator, Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, has signed an agreement with Italy’s national railways for 48-euro ($61) train tickets to Rome from all across the peninsula, a discount from their normal price of 85 euro ($108).

Even hotels are in a frenzy. They’re tossing in free wifi, free spa and a bottles of wine and fruit baskets. Special offers include the free shuttle bus to the Vatican, night visits of the Vatican Museums and early morning “skip-the-line” service. Forget the queues, it’ll be just you and the Sistine Chapel.

Last-minute demand is soaring. Cristina Barbieri of the Nextbt agency says she has a group of 40 pilgrims from Slovakia that were originally just 20, but the number rose after the new pope ascended. Bookings are up 15 percent for May's Pentecost and the Year of Faith celebrations, says Barbieri.

Pope-themed tour packages typically combine visits to the Vatican and Ancient Rome via guided multilingual bus tours with lunch break at authentic restaurants and accommodation in simple hotels.

However, anything can be organized by request, tour operators say, even pre-booking tickets for the pope's general audiences on Wednesday and private mass services for groups arriving with their own priest.

A selection of toursand packages centered around the new Pope

Nexbt: "Christian Rome"4 days in a 3-star hotel with half-board, private mass service, city bus tour with multilingual guide, restaurant lunch stop, visit of St. Peter’s, Vatican Museums and other basilicas. 360 euro ($460)perperson.nextbt.it

Radisson Blu: “Vatican Package”2 nights stay, visit of Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s, a welcome cocktail drink, romantic dinner at rooftop restaurant, chocolate box in room upon arrival, and a special seafood menu for two. 270 euro ($345)per person.radissonblue.com

Courtesy Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi

Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi's “The Routes of Faith” package includes a free "Pilgrim Kit."

Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi: “The Routes of Faith”The Vatican's official tourist board offers 1-3 day packages with accommodation in religious structures, city tour on the Christian Rome Open Bus, prayer sessions in churches, guided pilgrimages, insurance, medical assistance. The package includes a free "pilgrim kit," a white drawstring backpack containing a city map identifying itineraries, welcome centers and hospitality points; colored bracelet; badge-holder. 25-135 euro ($32-$172.8) per person.operaromanapellegrinaggi.org/en

Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi: “Omnia Vatican & Rome”A double sightseeing pass for Rome and the Vatican with a 3 day validity. The package includes free public transport, free tickets for Rome’s top attractions, like the Pantheon, Coliseum, and Roman Forum, fast track entrance, and non-stop use of the Open Bus. Adults 90 euro ($115); age 6-12 65 euro ($83); free for under 6.operaromanapellegrinaggi.org/en

Coppy right 2013-NBC News

TSA extends expedited security to wounded warriors

Harriet BaskasNBC News contributor

March 27, 2013 at 3:07 PM ET

Video: The TSA has announced injured veterans may sign up for expedited service in airports that will exempt them from having to remove their shoes, jackets or hats at airport security checkpoints. NBC’s Brian Williams reports.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expanded the services it offers to wounded military service members at airport security checkpoints nationwide.

Starting Wednesday, injured troops and veterans will no longer be required to remove their shoes, jackets or hats at airport security checkpoints as long as they call ahead to arrange for the expedited service.

“We’ve had a wounded warrior program in place for some time to assist injured members of the military through the checkpoint process,” said TSA spokesperson Nico Melendez. “Starting now, in airports with or without TSA PreCheck lanes, these heroes will be escorted to and through the checkpoints and will not have to remove hats, caps, light jackets or shoes.”

The expedited checkpoint rules for wounded warriors are now much the same as those the TSA offers for travelers over 75 and under 12 years of age, but in order to receive this new service, a wounded warrior or a travel companion must contact the Military Severely Injured Joint Services Operations Center via email or by phone (888.262.2396) at least 24 hours ahead of travel to be assured of the special service.

“Anything that can be done to make is easier for wounded warriors to go through airport checkpoints is a good thing,” Garry Augustine, national service director for the non-profit Disabled American Veterans, told NBC News.

He said amputees wearing prosthetic legs have reported difficult and uncomfortable experiences at airport checkpoints when asked to remove their shoes, so being able to leave shoes on “is definitely going to be an advantage.”

The new expedited program for wounded warriors is being added to the existing program that offers expedited screening to U.S. service personnel in uniform who, with proper identification, and whether traveling on official orders or not, are currently not required to remove their shoes or boots unless their footwear sets off alarms in the checkpoint security equipment.

“Last year, TSA screened 7,000 severely injured members of the military at airports,” said Melendez.

In addition to the new expedited procedures for wounded warriors, the TSA recently announced that, beginning April 25, small knives and a variety of previously prohibited items -- such as ski poles, pool cues and golf clubs (two per passenger) -- would be allowed as carry-on items.

Coppy right 2013-NBC News

The world’s top bike rides

Ron Van DijkThe Active Times

March 26, 2013 at 8:59 AM ET

Courtesy Austin-Lehman Adventures

Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is perhaps the most exhilarating and challenging way to see one of the United States' most precious natural gems.

You can often find Ron Van Dijk leading groups of travelers along bike paths in Germany, Austria, Italy and the Netherlands. As a cycling expert and the director of European operations for Austin-Lehman Adventures, he has spent years introducing people to his favorite rides. Here, Dijk shares his top 10 picks from Europe as well as the United States.

France's Dordogne Valley

Route: between Argentat and Beynac (110 miles)

This is one of my favorite regions of France, for its authenticity, peace, great food, old Romanesque churches, castles and history (such as the Hundred Years War between France and England). Make sure to divert from the valley every now and then to visit villages like St-Céré, Autoire, Loubressac, Rocamadour, as well as the lively town of Sarlat.

Italy's South-Tyrol

Route:Reschen Pass to Merano (50 miles)

Starting at the top of the pass, it's almost all downhill for about 50 miles on bike paths, and you're surrounded by some of the most majestic mountains of the Alps. Pass by villages, lakes, meadows, apple orchards and end your ride in the noble spa-town of Merano.

See more of the world’s top bike rides

Spain's Rioja Vineyards

Route: Between Logroo and Haro (35 miles)

This is best done in the fall (October), when the leaves are turning. The colors are incredible in every direction you look and you've got the roads to yourself. Villages and towns to include are La Puebla de la Barca, Laguardia, Navaridas, Elciego, Baos de Ebro, San Vicente, Rivas de Tereso, and of course Haro. Prepare yourself for some hills, and be sure to visit some tapas bars in Haro for an unforgettable and fun meal while mingling with the locals!

Germany's Mosel Valley

Route:Trier to Koblenz (132 miles)

You'll need four days to do this stretch. Every couple of miles you'll pass another quaint wine village, each tempting you with its delicious Riesling. Throughout the trip, you ride by the river and are surrounded by steep hills covered with vineyards. It's a gentle, downhill trip with winds at your back. You'll find numerous Roman buildings in Trier and a hilltop castle or ruin around every bend of the river.

Austria's Salzach Valley

Route:Gerlos Pass/Krimml to Salzburg (115 miles)

This could very easily be the most scenic of all the routes listed here. With the snowcapped Grossglockner and many other mountains by your side, enjoy lots of downhill and flat meadows (and a few ups) as you descend from Gerlos Pass (1628m = 5340 ft) to Salzburg (443m = 1450 ft).

Austria's Danube Valley

Route: Linz or Enns to Krems (80 miles)

Easy cycling along the wide river makes this an unforgettable experience. The stretch through the wine region Wachau, between Melk and Dürnstein (23 miles), is some of the most pleasant cycling you’ll encounter anywhere in Europe. Be sure to visit the Baroque Abbey of Melk: it’s a masterpiece!

Holland's Tulip Fields

Route: Gerlos Pass/Krimml to Salzburg (115 miles)

This could easily be the most scenic of all the routes listed here, with the snowcapped Grossglockner and many other mountains in sight. You'll enjoy lots of downhill and flat meadows (and a few uphills) as you descend from Gerlos Pass at 5340 feet to Salzburg at 1450 feet.

South Dakota's Mickelson Trail

Route: The Mickelson Trail (110 miles)

The Mickelson Trail–South Dakota's first rail-to-trail project–follows the abandoned Burlington Northern line that took trains from Edgemont, South Dakota up north to the Black Hills and gold mines of the Deadwood area. At approximately 110 miles, you'll see a lot of different country, ranging from unique granite rock formations to hay bale-dotted farmland. A few highlights are riding through blasted hard-rock tunnels and over 100 converted railroad bridges. Careful of the wild turkeys crossing the path!

Washington's San Juan Islands

San Juan Island offers a great 20-mile loop with a variety of places to stop along the way. San Juan routes are challenging but the views, history and wide-open space make it worth the work. The famous Pig War “Crisis” of 1859-1872 was on the island. Both the English Camp and American Camp are a must-see for history buffs. Lime Kiln Point State Park, a.k.a. Whale Watch Park, is a great spot to look for orcas in the open waters and learn about the history of the lime kilns and the nearby lighthouse. Lastly, a ride around the island wouldn't be complete without a stop off at Pelindaba Lavender Farm, where you will find some calming views (and wonderful scents) of rows of lavender.

Route: 20 miles around San Juan Island

Montana's Glacier National Park

Route: The Going-to-the-Sun Road (50 miles)

Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is perhaps the most exhilarating and challenging way to see one of the United States' most precious natural gems. Winding around curves and pumping your legs as you crawl up the Continental Divide at Logan Pass will give you a new found appreciation of the only road that runs through the heart of the national park. When you reach the turning point, stare for miles around at the jaw-dropping views in all directions, take pride in knowing you conquered the pass, and smile when you know an epic downhill is waiting for you on the other side!

Coppy right 2013-NBC News

Airfares soared in 2012, Kayak.com reports

Patricia ReaneyReuters

March 22, 2013 at 12:20 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Airfares to some of the most popular U.S. and international destinations rose by 25 percent or more last year, and June was the most expensive month to travel, according to the website Kayak.com.

The costs of flights from North America to Lima soared 33 percent, London fares were up 30 percent and tickets to New Orleans, Madrid, Munich and Sydney jumped 28 percent.

Data compiled by the website, which compares hundreds of travel sites at once, showed a ticket to Paris, Beijing, Key West in Florida and Hong Kong was 25 percent more last year than in 2011, while the airfare to Toronto slumped 3 percent.

"We found that overall airfare increased 17 percent across the board from 2011 to 2012," said Maria Katime, a Kayak spokeswoman said.

"Toronto, of all the popular destinations that we looked at, was the only one where the airfare decreased," Katime added. Kayak did not analyze the reasons for the price increases.

Despite the jump in airfare to London, which hosted the Olympics and celebrated Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, was the top international destination for North American travelers, followed by San Juan, Cancun, Paris and Rome.

Gambling mecca Las Vegas topped New York, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Francisco as the most popular U.S. city to visit.

Destinations that increased in popularity in 2012 but did not have hefty increases in airfare included Punta Cana and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Tokyo, Mumbai and Nashville.

Kayak found that the cheapest flights were in January, February, September and October for domestic flights, and February and March for international fares. January was the least busy month to travel.

The cheapest average airfares for domestic trips of up to one week are for flights leaving on Saturday and returning on Monday. For longer stays, leaving on Tuesday and returning on a Wednesday can lower airfares by an average of 10 percent.

The website found the opposite for international trips. Prices were 21 percent lower than average for passengers on short trip of up to a week if they left on Tuesday and returned on a Wednesday, and 9 percent lower for longer stays with a Saturday departure and a Sunday return.

'Cougar Cruises' find cubs to love at sea

Grace BelloNBC News contributor

March 19, 2013 at 8:49 AM ET

Coutresy Amy Luna Maderino

Amy Luna and a young friend.

Amy Luna Manderino didn't expect to attend the Singles Travel Company's annual Cougar Cruise in December 2010--let alone meet someone. But having attended a cougar event on a lark and ended up winning the title Miss Cougar San Francisco, she received a free trip on Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas.

And after meeting a young man onboard, she later received a marriage proposal.

Manderino is part of a growing group of cougars, older women attracted to younger men, who seek "cubs," younger men who are attracted to older women.

While an average cruise often skews female, the Cougar Cruise draws slightly more men than women, said Rich Gosse, who runsCougarEvents.com and whose group The Society of Single Professionals sponsors the Cougar Cruise. "We try as much as possible to get as close to 50/50 as we can, but we never succeed in getting enough cougars for everybody," said Gosse.

The Singles Travel Company debuted the Cougar Cruise in 2009. According to the company's director Ann Thomas, the most recent cruise garnered about 30 men and 25 women. The men ranged from 25-35 years old and the women were mostly in their mid-40's and up, said Thomas, with "a few in their sixties and early seventies, too."

The Cougar Cruise arranges for the group to get together every night before dinner, followed by dancing. Gosse said there is also an "obligatory" annual hot tub party.

Above all, the Cougar Cruise is an ageism-free zone. Manderino said, "The guy I ended up meeting--the one who asked me to marry him later on--I was saying to him, 'Wow, it's so great to have a safe place where you can really express yourself, because you hear all this hype about...older women being desperate.' He said, 'What are you talking about? Among me and my guy friends, [we believe that] if you can be with an older woman, you've hit the jackpot!'"

So who's onboard the Cougar Cruise? Manderino said, "There were definitely the boozy and Botoxed cougars on the cruise, for sure. But there were definitely absolutely normal, empowered, confident women that were not aggressive--that were classy." As for the men, Manderino described them as "old souls. They're very talented, they're very educated, and they don't relate to a lot of women their age."

One fellow female passenger, she said, kept in touch with a man she met onboard. But as for long-term love connections, Gosse said he's not aware of any; Singles Travel Company doesn't follow up with Cougar Cruise participants.

Manderino ended up declining the young man's post-cruise marriage proposal. But she continued to participate in cougar events. In 2011, she was named the first Miss Cougar International.

Even if single, older women don't want to self-identify as, cougars let alone go on the Cougar Cruise, Gosse encourages them to seek out younger men. "Go for the young stuff," he said. "There are more men to choose from, and they're of higher quality than dating an older man."

And Manderino, too, advocates for cougar/cub love whether on land or at sea--though she prefers the phrase "intergenerational relationships."

"When I saw The Graduate, I was 20 years old. And I identified with the daughter because she had choices," she mused. "I don't identify with Mrs. Robinson; I identify with Miss Robinson. And so does my generation."

The upcoming December 2013 Cougar Cruise departs Miami, Florida and visits Coco Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas. Prices start at $339 for a 5-night trip, which includes meals and entertainment. Currently, only Singles Travel Company offers cougar-specific cruises. Bookings: 888-286-8687 or singlestravelcompany.com.

Train vs. plane: Does Amtrak's new Acela ad do the service justice?

Ben Popken and Joe MyxterNBC News

March 17, 2013 at 12:53 PM ET

Amtrak's new Acela ad campaign focuses on addressing business travelers' pain points, many of which are common complaints about airlines.

Amtrak's new Acela ad campaign throws some elbows at the airlines, but considering how ample the elbow room can be on a train compared to in the air, those jabs aren't totally unwarranted.

Claiming to "reinvent business travel," Amtrak's new ad shows scenes of travelers doing things that are forbidden, or hard to do while flying. The passengers stand in front of a schedule board showing all trains as on time, they're able to use their devices without any one telling them to shut down their Words with Friends game, and they move about the train socializing freely. The only time any employees show up is to quickly scan a train ticket QR code from a traveler's smartphone and to make drinks discreetly in the background while business professionals smile and chat in the bar car.

Amtrak's ad highlights the Acela line, a high-speed intercity train whose Express service gets passengers from New York City to Washington, D.C., in under three hours.

"Our goal has always been to make sure all potential travelers, be it by plane, car or bus, understand the options available to them when riding on the Acela, and if they choose to take advantage of our amenities and hassle free mode of travel, then we welcome them aboard,” said Amtrak spokesperson Cliff Cole.

The ad, "using visuals similar to what one sees on an airplane, like overhead bins, sleek lines of the train ... hits very hard on the things everyone hates about flying," said Steve Posavac, professor of marketing at Vanderbilt University. While the ad "tries to establish parity with air travel by demonstrating speed and efficiency," hesaid,it also "positions the Acela experiences as far superior to taking a plane."

"Amtrak’s new ad seems to stake claim to Acela’s position as the 'un-airline,'" said "Branding For Dummies" author Barbara Schenck.

Karl Heiselman, CEO of the the international brand consultancy Wolff Olins said, "It's a "smart communications strategy aimed at the pain points of business travelers."

Plane vs. train
So how does the hype match up to the reality? NBC News' Joe Myxter recently flew to the Northeast from Seattle and spent a week in New York City. While there, he hopped the NYC-to-D.C. Amtrak Acela train. With both trips fresh in mind, here's how he ranked the services:

ComfortI spent five hours in the middle seat on a Newark, N.J.-bound Alaska Airlines flight and nearly six hours on a United Airlines jet on the return trip home. Legroom was an issue on both flights. At 6-foot-3, my knees were pressed into the back the seat in front of me, and I couldn’t get off the flights fast enough.

The Acela service, meanwhile, offered a much more comfortable ride – more leg room and space to stretch out – and getting up and moving around the train was much easier.

Winner: Train

HassleI am well versed with the airport security drill – laptop out and in its own bin, liquids and gels (no more than 3.4 ounces) in clear, zip-top bags, shoes and belt off, etc. It’s not fun, but a savvy traveler can breeze through with few issues. Both trips through TSA checkpoints were uneventful.

Hopping on the Acela at Penn and Union Stations, however, was a dream. No security checkpoints, no articles of clothing removed, no nothing. Just show your ticket and hop on board.

Winner: Train

PriceA roundtrip cross-country plane trip -- leaving Seattle-Tacoma International on a Sunday afternoon and returning late Friday -- cost about $800.

A roundtrip Acela ticket -- leaving New York City on a Thursday and departing Washington, D.C., the same day -- cost about $400.

In other words, the flight cost nearly 17 cents per mile while the rails cost about $1 per mile.

Winner: Plane

TimeWhen it comes to a journey in the Norhtheast corridor, the plane vs. train dilemma can be a toss-up. Planes are faster once in the air, but moving through train stations (no TSA checkpoints, hubs in cities instead of in outlying areas) can even the score.

When traveling 2,400 miles across the country, however, flying is easily the most time-efficient mode of transportation.

Winner: Plane

ServiceFlight attendants on both flights efficiently helped passengers get seated, briefed passengers with a safety lecture, offered food and beverage service early and were friendly in each leg of my journey.

The only service I encountered on the Amtrak was in the food car when I bought a cup of coffee for breakfast. The Amtrak worker was professional and upbeat.

Winner: Tie

Bottomline

I live in the northwest corner of the U.S. When I travel, I have to cover long distances.

While I loved the train – and train stations – for me, there is no better way to travel than by plane.

Coppy right 2013-NBC News

Boss-free globetrotter games Expedia for $1,800 in free hotels

Ben PopkenNBC News

March 14, 2013 at 8:55 AM ET

Mike Hrostoski

The death of Mike Hrostoski's mother spurred him to jettison his life and go a global road trip, partially subsidized by getting Expedia.com to give him $1,800 a year in free hotels.

After ditching nearly all his material possessions and quitting his six-figure job in a Fortune 50 human resources department, Mike Hrostoski, 31, says he's "living like a millionaire just on travel hacking."

There's no breaking into airlines' websites required. The informal term "travel hacking" means using unexpected shortcuts to quickly earn free or reduced price airfare and hotel stays. This year's first quarter already finds Hrostoski visiting Amsterdam, Berlin, Cancun, Columbia, and Olso, all for free, all from frequent flier miles.

When his mother died unexpectedly in June 2011, Hrostoski found himself asking: "Am I living my higher purpose?" The question propelled him on a 4,100-mile cross-country road trip with his 17-year-old brother to spread his mother's ashes.

He sold or donated most of what he owned, packed what remained into a few pieces of luggage, and he's been on the road ever since, checking off enough experiences to fill the bucket lists of lesser men.

Losing his mom brought him face to face with his own mortality. "I started to get conscious," he said.

He's swam with stingrays. He learned to do a standing back flip. He's shaken hands with Warren Buffett. As a self-improvement challenge, for two months he took a cold shower every morning and gave up booze, women and sex, both with partners and without. In November 2012, with zero advance training, he spontaneously ranand completed a 26-mile marathon.

For cash, he does one-on-one life coaching with "high performing men, mostly entrepreneurs," helping them design their lives to be more awesome. In his sessions, done by email and Skype at the rate of $200/hour, he helps his clients nail their sales goals, improve their relationships, and confront challenges.

Despite having enough miles to circumnavigate the globe without paying for a single ticket, Hrostoski claims he's "just a normal guy who uses it to get some free travel."

A normal guy who does things like crash on strangers' couches in other countries where he barely knows the language. Or prepays his cellphone bill by $1,000 in order to qualify for the minimum spending requirement for the latest mile-boosting credit card he's using.

The travel hackTo further cut down on travel costs, Mike gets $1,800 in free hotel rooms every year by gaming the Expedia.com "best price guarantee."

The online travel agency has a policy where if you find a better price for exactly the same room on another website that meets their accepted qualifications, they will refund you the difference and give you a $50 coupon for future hotel booking.

Using bestrateguarantee.blogspot.com, a site dedicated to finding rooms where price discrepancies exist between online bookers, Hrostoski will intentionally reserve a room he has no intention of staying in. Then he files the price match claim, gets the coupon, and cancels the reservation.

He does this three times a month, and usually calls Expedia, which takes about 20 minutes, while folding laundry or going for a walk.

According to Expedia's terms and conditions, he isn't breaking any rules. The site sets a maximum limit of three price match guarantee coupons per month.

"The customer may keep the coupon in their account" if they cancel the reservation after receiving it, Expedia spokesperson Brittny Quinn told NBC News. "However if we determine that this policy is being abused, Expedia does reserve the right to disable coupons and deactivate accounts."

Hrostoski doesn't feel guilty. "If it wasn't working financially for Expedia, or the credit card companies for that matter, then they would end the programs," he said.

"Travel hacking -- it's just making the most of what's out there."

Coppy right 2013-NBCNews