March 14, 2001 WEEKLY TRAVEL NEWSLETTER

• Ireland
• Fittzgerald

*BONUS MILE OFFERS*

• Ameritrade And United Airlines Announce A Mileage Partnership
• Four New Offers For American AAdvantage Members
• Earn More Miles With the Roots Air-Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
• Weekend Stays Earn Marriott Rewards Elite Members 5,000 Bonus Points

• AA.com Offers Special Fares To Fly From Florida
• Northwest & Delta Offer 5% Online Fare Sales
• East to West: JetBlue Airways will begin daily non-stop night flights between New York and both Denver and Seattle in May. Fares as low as $198 round trip are available until March 30 and are good for travel through June 14. Regular one-way fares are $129 to $249, with some restrictions.
• Oneworld Offers More Of The World With Four Continental Visit Passes
• Spirit Expands Low-Fare Flights At Los Angeles International May 9
• Twin Cities direct: AirTran Airways begins daily non-stop flights between Atlanta and Minneapolis/St. Paul on May 3. Sale fares to and from the Twin Cities can be purchased until March 20 for travel May 3-June 12.
• Spring specials: Mexicana Airlines and receive a fifth ticket free, only at 800-531-7921. Fliers can travel through May, based on availability of airfares. Blackout dates apply.
• Miles and cash: Northwest WorldPerks members can combine miles and cash for tickets. For flights from the USA to Europe, purchase by March 31 for travel April 1-May 31. For flights within the USA or from the USA to Asia or Canada, buy tickets by May 26 for travel April 16-June 14.
• Added bargain: America West Airlines will take an additional 5% off Internet fares through March 18 for travel through June 8.
• TWA deals: TWA cut fares up to 50% until March 16 for travel March 27-May 31. Advance purchase required. Sample round-trip fares: San Jose-Boston, $358; Los Angeles-Aruba, $556.
• Internet sale: American Airlines offers specials to and from Dallas/Fort Worth for travel Monday-Thursday through June 7. Purchase tickets only on AA.com by March 19 and 14 days ahead of travel. Sample round-trip fare: San Francisco-Dallas, $244.
• New route: Spirit Airlines begins a non-stop flight between Los Angeles and Chicago on May 9. Round-trip airfare of $198 is being offered until April 6 for travel May 9-June 13.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>WHERE'S JOHNNY JET?<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Hola! I just returned from visiting my 5th continent! I went to South America for a wedding in Buenos Aires, Argentina. About 30 Americans made the 5,281 mile (10 hours and 8 minute) trip from New York. We were lucky to score an awesome business class seat, that was almost as good as first class.  I love getting these amenity kits to make the trip smoother. The United flight attendants going down were the best ( I even knew a few of them), the ones on the way back were the worst (you win some, you lose some).
A few interesting tid bits I learned about Buenos Aires (translates to good air, but don't let that kid you because it's polluted). I was surprised to learn that I didn't need to change my U.S. dollars into Pesos because every store accepts dollars (except Government places like the post office and bus). If you do convert your money, it doesn't get any easier: 1 Dollar = 1 Peso, so don't bring a calculator.  BA (Buenos Aires) has a real European feel to it. About 1/3 of the population is Italian, and many of the restaurants are Italian, but unfortunately the menus are in Spanish (which is too bad for me because I don't understand a lick of Spanish). Our first couple days there, Amber and I would order meals with our fingers crossed, praying it was at least close to what we wanted. This is a picture of our first meal, we were just so ecstatic that it was edible.  While in BA make sure you get one of their great treats: EMPANADAS!.  They cost about  $1 a piece and are very tasty. I would order three at a time and all different kinds (beef, chicken, and ham/cheese).  You can get them at almost any restaurant.  Delicity was my favorite and I  frequented there way too many times (I ate so many empanadas I don't even want to see one for a year).
Argentians are like me, they love their dessert! Especially caramel and gelato. That's bad news for me, because I must have put on 5 pounds in 5 days.  I don't even want to go near a scale right now because I ate at least one gelato everyday.  The only problem was that chocolate mousse  was the only flavor I knew in spanish, and after awhile it gets old.  Finally, the last night we went to a Freddo's, equilivelent to Baskin Robbins, with some locals and they taught me which flavors were which. If you don't speak Spanish, make sure to bring your translation dictionary just for the gelato flavors alone.
There's not a lot to see in BA, which has it's advantages (you can relax a bit, and not run around like a chicken with it's head cut off). It's not like Paris, where there is soo much to see, you need a vacation after your vacation. You can see BA in a day if you have to. Your first stop should be taking a walk down the second widest street in the world (translated it means 9th of July Avenue). From there you can walk to one of the coolest sections of town. Recoleta. In Recoleta, go see Eva Peron's grave (she's not really buried there), check out the churches, statues, and outdoor cafes.  This section is real touristy, with lots of restaurants (they even have a Hooters, and NO, I didn't go), and outdoor cafes. I did have a mean burger one night at Buller Brewery. This thing had it all: cheese, bacon, ham, and a fried egg (they might as well have thrown in the kitchen sink to top it off).
Another fun part of the city is San Telmo. To get there we took an ill advised ten minute taxi ride. This is a street market, almost like Venice Beach, except they sell mostly antiques. There are lots of performers, including this tango dancer and his dummy partner, a hilarious puppeteer, and real Tango dancers.  They have awesome coffee that you can pretty much get anywhere, including from this street vendor.
By the way he reason why I said ill advised Taxi ride was because when we got off the plane they handed us a flyer stating NOT to take any taxi's because they're dangerous (a lot of people were getting robbed, and mugged). Instead of taking a taxi when you arrive at the Ezeiza airport, look to your left when you clear customs and you will see a Manuel Tienda Leon shuttle booth.  Take that to your hotel, it's safe, and cheap.  I was lucky because my sister and about 20 others were on the American Airlines flight that left and arrived the same time we did, and they had transportation pre-arranged by our hotel. We walked pretty much everywhere, but when we needed a car the hotel provided it (about 3 times the price of a taxi, but at least it was safe). If you do take a taxi, make sure it's a radio taxi, not a gypsy one.

The host hotel for the wedding was one of the best hotels in BA; the Park Hyatt. Normal rate is $380, but I was able to get it for $170:-). This hotel was great.  The service was awesome, the rooms were big, and the pool was refreshing.  They even had cell phones in every room for your conveinence (it cost 50 cents a minute for domestic calls, $5.50 for Int'l). If you need to phone home, buy a $6 phone card and that will let you talk for about 6 minutes to the U.S. The phone also tells you exactly how much time you have left, so you don't need to stress.
There are plenty of malls and stores to shop at.  Amber forgot her dress for the wedding and she says her favorite streets to shop on were Santa Fe and Alveare.  She also got custom-made leather pants for $100, and took less than 4 hours. (If you want to know where, email me.)
The wedding:  (This is why we made the trip in the first place.)  I love going to weddings in foreign countries. Something about it makes it so exciting and special. This wedding was top notch too. They got married about 30 minutes outside of BA, at a country club. The wedding started at 7:30pm and ended at 4am. The actual ceremony was a lot like an American wedding. The father of the bride walked her down the aisle.  After the ceremony we hung out for an hour or so enjoying cocktails and hors d'erves.  (Which were awesome.  We had mini turkey and roast beef sandwiches, empanadas (more empanadas), spinach puffs, mozzarella, basil and tomato...) That would've been enough food for my dinner, but we were escorted to our table for our buffet style feast.  They had everything, including a pig with it's head on the table. After dinner they cut the cake and brought out other desserts (my favorite part!). The table was about 50 feet long filled with fresh fruit on  sticks (plums, strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi), all kinds of pies, and caramel crepes.
It was time for the first dance, and the garter belt toss which heated up the dance floor. Around 2 am, out came three oversized garbage bags filled with disguises, confetti, maracas, and other party favors.
After recovering at the pool all day  we had our final dinner at a great restaurant called Cabana Las Lilas in Puerto Madero. The steaks there were awesome and the menu was translated in english!
I am so glad I went, but I'm not in a hurry to go back unless of course there's another wedding.
 
 

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TIP OF THE WEEK:   By Chris McGinnis
Some Final Pretrip Tips (Part 2 of 2)
o Write all your frequent traveler program numbers and frequently called 800 numbers on a pocket-sized piece of paper for easy access.
o Always have your travel agent or reservationist provide you with a seat assignment and your boarding pass before you get to the airport. NOTE: In early 1998, some airlines stopped issuing advance boarding passes. Now that you must show photo ID at the gate agent anyway, an advance boarding pass is little more than a security blanket. But you should still request your seat assignment ahead of time.
o A nonstop flight means just that--no stops. A direct flight means that the plane will stop at least once before reaching its final destination. Know the difference.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

• THE JOY (SOMETIMES) OF GETTING THERE
• THE LONG WAY TO THE TOP ON A FAMILY SUMMIT IN ITALY
• A HIKE THROUGH CHARMING RURAL WALES
• FESTIVALS, OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS AWAIT VISITORS TO EUROPE
• THINK YOU KNOW EUROPE? TEST YOUR SMARTS HERE
• HERE ARE 12 WAYS TO SAVE WHILE VACATIONING IN EUROPE
• SURFING THEIR WAY TO SPAIN
• NEW PROJECTS ADD TO THE LIST OF MUST-SEE SITES IN LONDON
• THE DALMATIAN COAST
• THE PLEASURE OF HOUSE SWAPS
• TOP TREKS
• BRANSON HOPEFUL AFTER SPRUCING UP
• TRAVEL INSURANCE MAY NOT COVER STRIKES
• TRAVELPASS SIMPLIFIES SEEING ALASKA
• `FAMILY' VISITS IN IRELAND
• BEYOND `THE SCREAM'
• SUNDAY'S TRIBUNE
• YOU MUST BE JOKING
• TRAVEL NARRATIVES
• EUROPE FOR FREE
• AT A LONDON HOTEL, THE WHOLE THING IS STAGED
• GETTING OUR GOAT

• Castles, barges and vineyards provide colorful, alternative lodging
• Unique lodgings: If you go
• Curry: Journey into the heart of England's burning passion for Indian food
• Taking the kids: Cruises ease Europe touring
• Rating some of Europe's 'bests'
• John Flinn: Europe expert shares secrets
• Jim Mohar: Why we love Europe
• Programs mix work, education
• Ways to stay in contact when traveling
• Malibu shares its wealth with visitors
• Spring hopes eternal: State expects wildflower bonanza

• Hawaii Special Issue
• Woe Is  You? Where Weary Travelers Can Seek Redress
• News, Tips &  Bargains
• From an Ancient Mosaic, Proof That Women's Bonds Are
• On a Limb  in Humboldt
• The End of the Road

• American Airlines Vows to Apply Pay Scale to T.W.A.
• Foreign currency and the best way to get it
• Shore to Ship: Not So Fast
• The Once And Future Oporto
• In Vienna, Art Opens A Window
• A Parade of Pianists, and Plenty of Opera
• The Lineup: Verdi and 20th-Century Nostalgia
• In Athens, 5 Bold Spots That Are Still Oh So Greek!
• The Bayeux Tapestry as Guide
• What's Doing in Florence
• Planning for Guilt  Trips
• From Roman Ruins to Medieval Piazzas, Jazz Makes Itself at Home
• Clicking on the Side of Caution
• Shore to Ship: Not So Fast
• Staying Connected on the Road
• European Airlines Try To Stave Off New Rules
• Letters on Travel
• Business Travel: Airlines Providing Better Information

• Sanibel & Son: A Beach Story
• Return to Vietnam
• Photo Contest, Take 2: Face Time
• COMINGANDGOIN
• French Fried; Aruba Shines
• And Another Thing . . .
• Fiji Jeebies
• FLY BUYS
• SIGN HERE
• DETAILS Vietnam
• Shopping In Vietnam
• DETAILS Sanibel Island
• Message Center
• EXTREME TRAVEL TRIVIA
• American Airlines Increases Its Bid for TWA

• Icahn backs new bid for TWA
• Seat volunteers fare better
• Airports land better food
• 10 great places for budget island stays
• Hotels spring for fine beds
• Going to a castle and they're gonna get married
• Play ball at spring training
• A landscape carved in stone
• Picturing Morocco

• Far East partners: Japan Airlines (JAL) and Hong Kong-based Dragonair begin a frequent-flier partnership June 1. JAL Mileage Bank members can earn miles on Dragonair and redeem miles for either JAL or Dragonair tickets.

• Air New Zealand To Offer New Additional Service Through Tahiti
• Airlines & Health Experts Meet In Geneva On Blood Clot Risks

• Air Canada charged with predatory fare cutting
• When bigger isn’t better
• Foot and mouth information for Ireland
• Online travel stalled on the runway
• Luggage lost on 'ghost' BA flight
• United merger in doubt
• Priceline Expands Travel Services
• Strike set on London Underground
• So far, slowing economy not impacting US trade
• 230 List of airlines accepting NW tickets at NW hubs
• Airlines put squeeze on Web travel firms

• UA flight attendants could strike as early as April 2
• Snow Conditions Now On Cell Phones & PDAs
• How the "Other Half" Enjoys Europe: New Trends in Upscale Vacations From Hideaways International
• Newark Airport Monorail Set to Run...
• BA Woos Frequent Concorde Fliers...
• Bush Blocks Northwest Air Strike
• Secret Lives of Road Warriors Revealed in Second Annual
• Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts Survey

• The Romance of Scotland
• A Capital Travel Idea
• Leave Home For the Holidays
• A Probable Pilot Suicide
• Surviving Jet Lag
• Runway Fashions
• Should Big Passengers Pay More?

• Violence deters tourists from Zanzibar
• Air Canada rapped for high fare on western route.
• Problems reported as S. Korea races to open airport
• Union opposes United, US Airways merger
• Kennedy Center aims to become world tourist spot
• How threatened strikes could affect flight plans.
• Year of spin for London's Millennium Wheel.
• California unveils rail system improvement plan
• TWA New York- Israel flights could soon end
• Museum will tell story of the U.S. capital
• European airlines report more traffic, delays
• Israel airport strike ends after less than a day
• U.S. flight delays fall in January
• Violence deters tourists from Zanzibar
• North Korea puts out welcome mat for tourists
• Peru seeks to calm fears of Machu Picchu collapse
• Travel destinations target mature travelers
• Plane took off with five snowplows on runway
• Deep vein thrombosis linked to most travel
• Consumer complaints against U.S. airlines go up

• The Plane Truth
• Floating city gets the green light
• The Honduran government said
• Quickie cruises for the time-starved
• Northwest union barred  from striking for at least 60 days
• Women's travel:  13 adventure trips
• 'Smoke-free room' a hazy expression
• Legend Airlines

• Airline  Strike Options—What You Need to Know
• Taxing Times For Travelers
• Everybody’s  Doing It… Study, Work and Volunteer Abroad!
• Seniors  on the Go: New Bonus Credit Card Underwhelming
• Shakeout  Looms, Jeopardizing Online Miles &amp; Points
• Home  Exchange: The No-Cost Accommodations Alternative
• Taking  the Kids—On a European Cruise

• U.S. & Canadian Airlines
• U.S. & International Hotels
• Car Rentals

GOOD TO KNOW!
Europcar Offers Tips For Travel In Ireland
A fortunate 10,000-plus visitors will be on the streets of Dublin March 17 to attend the city's annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. Whether you will be among them or are planning a trip to Ireland later in the year, there are a few special things to know to make your travel as smooth as the rolling green landscape of the Emerald Isle.

Ireland affords travelers two of the most impressive bargain travel vendors currently in business. In air travel, Ryanair consistently offers intra-European fares that literally beat the cost of travel by bicycle (and definitely beat the time). In car rentals, Murrays Europcar, the country's specific division of Europcar features impressively low rates.

In 1974 Europcar purchased Murray's, Ireland's first-ever car rental company, which began in 1948. Murrays Europcar now has 14 locations in Ireland and a fleet of over 3,000 vehicles. We like the company and we also like their useful travel tips.

Using Your Green: Although you may have to exchange your U.S. dollars for punts (the Irish pound) to shop in Irish cities, keep in mind that you can get your VAT back at the airport, so save your receipts. One punt is currently worth $1.18 (USD).

Look Left Lad: Like Japan, Australia and the U.K., Ireland's road system is based on travel on the left side of the road. The speed limit is 60 mph on open roads and 30 mph in cities, unless otherwise posted. Seatbelts must be worn at all times by drivers and passengers.

Parking... A Not-so-lucky Charm: Look for posted parking information with up-to-the-minute data regarding availability in car parks throughout cities. You may want to think about leaving a local paper on the front seat of the car (instead of a map) to give criminal-type snoopers the impression that you are a local.

Lucky Numbers: The general emergency numbers 112 or 999 will put you through to the emergency services switchboard. This operator will then connect you to the appropriate authority.

Dia duit Means Hello: The official language of Ireland is Irish (or Gaelic); however, English is spoken by most of the population. Road signs are in both languages, as are all state documents.

Celtic Souvenirs: Best known for its glass, pottery and silver, Ireland is home to shops with a wide variety of special gifts. Hint: Don't forget to inquire about senior (55 and older) discounts.

The End of the Rainbow: Ireland has excellent national highways as well as quaint roads in remote regions. If you get lost, don't be afraid to ask for directions. As they say in Ireland, "There are no strangers, only friends you have yet to meet."
 
 
 
 

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