This is a short one this week. No reading today. Doubling the pleasure with two videos.

Touched by a Wild Mountain Gorilla
Traveler gets groomed by wild mountain gorillas. How he got himself into this situation, I do not know….

Soul Flyers – FreeFly BASE 2011
Not necessarily travel related but looks like a blast. They look like giant flying squirrels!

Best Travel Deals and News – December 27, 2011 – Two Videos, No Reading is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

How I Worked My Way Around The World

A great inspirational story about how one woman quit her job and traveled around, using a variety of odd jobs, her current skills and developing new skills. For many the reason that they won’t quit the job they hate and travel or move to another country is that they don’t know how they will support themselves. It can be done, you just need to find the path for yourself.

20 Best U.S. Airports for Tech Travelers

What do tech travelers want most of all at airports? Free wi-fi and lots of electrical sockets for charging. In fact that would be great on planes too.

10 More Secrets Your Flight Attendant Won’t Tell You

Flight attendant is one of the most difficult jobs on travel. You have to be part psychologist, police officer, waitress, and baggage handler, among other things. Don’t make their lives any more difficult by doing some of the things listed.

Confessions of An Airline Baggage ‘Thrower’: Why You Should Buy A Four-Wheeler Suitcase

The four wheeler suitcase protects the baggage from handlers who throws the bags on the aircraft. The bigger planes are better for luggage because the checked items goes into large bins as opposed to being placed on individually.

It’s Time for New Year’s Resolutions Relating to Travel, and I’ve Declared a Bunch of Them

A list that shows what we may want to strive for in 2012 when it comes to travel.

Can It Be Done? Midtown on a Budget

Some good cheap options in Midtown Manhattan that I will definitely try out myself.

As Troops Leave, US Hotel Chains Move Into Iraq

There are areas of Iraq that are deemed safer than others and that is where American hotel chains are building up. Iraqi Kurdistan is that place that was spared most of the fighting, and where hotels want to put structures in place to take advantage of business opportunities.

Why Studying Abroad Is Worth the Expense

If you ever wondered if a college student could benefit from studying abroad, here is your proof to take to your parents.

How To Earn Frequent Flyer Miles Without Getting More Credit Cards

For those with bad credit or who don’t want to take on additional debt, here are some resourceful ways to gain more frequent flier miles.

The Best and Worst Days to Fly

Very detailed analysis of when to fly, according to season and holiday.

Bumping and Overbooking

Guide to what to do when planes are overbooked and then you are bumped from a flight. Know your rights and you can get more than your fellow passengers realize they can receive.

It’s Ski Season! Check Out Strategies for Cheaper Lift Tickets

It’s been abnormally warm across most the U.S. this winter, but these tips are for this winter and any in the future.

Traveling To Iran As Americans: All You Need to Know

Iran is a country most won’t even think about going to, but it is possible to travel there safely. From the article most Iranians are curious about Americans and the hate portrayed on TV seems to be the work of a small minority of people.

Best Travel Deals and News – December 13, 2011 – Airports for Tech Travelers, Type of Suitcase You Should Get, Midtown Manhattan on the Cheap, Best Days of the Week to Fly is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

The Travel Paradox And Why Women Know Best

Are women better travel planners than women? Could be. If we were to generalize, men just want to jump in there and do things, while women want to plan everything out. Again this is a generalization but found to be true in many cases. You’ll find the contrasts especially when couples travel.

My Flying Lesson
Alec Baldwin. Alec, just turn off the iPad and shut up please!

Travel Video of the Week
Health Tips for Travel to a Dangerous Country

How Panic Doomed Air France Flight 447

This story still bothers me because we don’t have all the facts with so many lives lost. The author’s hypothesis is that the pilots got scared when the plane’s systems malfunctioned. Had he calmed down and thought through the situation, he and everyone aboard would have lived, according to this article.

Sing For Your Supper, Work For Your Bed: “Free” Volunteer Vacations at Working Farms

Some of the best deals in travel. By working on farms or doing odd jobs, you can get a place to sleep and food. Sure beats staying in a pricey hotel or even a hostel. The tradeoff is the work. But if you’re able-bodied, you can do it.

How to Find Ski Lift Tickets for Less

This is the time for skiing and these are some great tips for you to save while you carve up the mountain.

Should English Be The World’s International Language?

If you talk to many people, it should. Until we get to the state of the Star Trek universal translator, we need one language so that we can all communicate. Then the argument would be, why not Mandarin Chinese? Or Spanish? Swahili? Because English is the language of the dominant Western world. In particular, the United States.

10 things to learn about yourself when traveling alone

I can say I definetely experienced all of this on my round the world trip. The one thing I really learned is that you really don’t need much to survive. I traveled for 4 months with just the clothes on my back and got on fine. It is liberating knowing that the possessions you think you need you really don’t.

How to get extra legroom on a plane

How to score extra legroom? If you don’t score one of those bulkhead or exit row seats, you’ve got to pay for it.

Get More Frequent Flier Miles Without Signing Up for Yet Another Credit Card

If you have bad credit can you accumulate frequent flyer miles like everyone else who uses credit cards (the fastest and most common way). Yes you can with a little creative work on your part.

How To Organize Your Own Press Trip

If you are a traveler who would love to get deeper into the travel industry while securing free or partial paid trips, a press trip is for you. If no one is knocking down your door offering them to you, then create your own. Sherry Ott has put together a blueprint of how to put on a press trip for yourself.

What Not to Do When Traveling Over the Holidays

Traveling the day of holidays has worked for me but this article recommends against it.

Top 25 Ways to Save on New York City Travel

Some good tips for Broadway shows and cheap meals amongst other things.

How to Travel for Less by Bartering

A traveler who stays in houses for free. Yes it is possible if you are a house-sitter. Walk the dog. Pick up the mail. Water the plants. Can you do that? Sure you can because you do it at home already. Why not do it abroad in a foreign country.

Best Travel News and Deals – December 6, 2011 – How to Get Free Accommodations, How to Find Housesitting Gigs, How to Get Cheaper Ski Lift Tickets, What You Learn When You Travel Alone is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com and sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.
If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

From loyal reader Karen
The World’s Best Airport Amenities

Need to go hiking before your flight to loosen your legs? How about some golf to practice your putting? More things you can do at airports around the world besides waiting around for your flight in hard seats and eating overpriced food.

The Plague Of American Cheapskates

Tip everyone everywhere. I think it is ingrained in me, even in cultures like Japan where they look at you strange when you leave a little something extra.

Mystery Illness Hits Cruise Ship, US Tourist Dies
Travel Video of the Week
The headline is a little deceptive. OK a lot deceptive. The mystery illness was actually the stomach flu. And the person who died had prexisting medical conditions that could have contributed to her death. But the point is that if you’re sick or even extremely out of shape, a trip of any kind could be hazardous to your health. Plus you’ll enjoy your trip more if you are active and alert. I can’t imagine a hypertensive and diabetic person like the woman who died could fully enjoy herself with her health failing.

Before You Die

Travel. Travel before you get old or life catches up with you and don’t know where the time went.

Cambodia’s surprising cuisine: Spiders, anyone?

I was going to Cambodia to eat the still beating heart of a cobra. Never got around to it. But there are other things you can eat that will make others queasy and nauseous. Have great stories for your friends back home and brownie points for being so adventurous.

Vending machine offers DIY banners at Dutch airport

I think this is a cute idea. Get to the airport and meeting a loved one? You can create a banner to greet them. “WELCOME HOME!” “CONGRATULATIONS!”, etc. Not sure how many times I’ve seen that in airports but maybe if the machines for banners are then more people would do it.

Common air travel myths — busted

Once that plane is in the air, the doors cannot be opened. The air pressure holds the door in place. Only Superman could open plane doors after takeoff.

The fun and pitfalls of taking a cruise

I keep posting these articles up and will continue to do so until I take a cruise.

Why flying on planes can make you sick – and how to stop it

Germs are everywhere on a plane. So what can you do? Wash your hands, don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth, and carry disinfectant wipes for the seat tray and other surfaces.

VIP Airport Lounge: An Oasis at the Airport

Even if you need to buy your way in, the $50 may be worth it, especially if you have a long layover. The amenities and potential free food could make that next flight that much easier and, dare I say it, enjoyable.

The TSA May Unwrap Your Christmas Gifts

Don’t wrap those Christmas gifts before your flight. Or else you might find that nice wrapping paper and all your work to put it on perfectly on the floor of the airport.

Affordable Africa: the pros & cons of overland truck tours

Doing an overland truck trip in Africa is one of those things that you really have to want to do, but once you get started it sounds like it would be a great adventure. Be ready for long rides, but you’ll have the safety of the group and an easier time getting through border crossings if you decide to go.

Tours4Fun is your one stop shop for guided tours in the USA and round the world. Please support NoDebtWorldTravel.com by visiting our sponsor.

Best Travel Deals and News – November 29, 2011 – Common Air Travel Myths Busted, How To Not Get Sick from an Airplane, Traveling Overland in Africa is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com and sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

How to avoid airline fees
This story will get harder and harder to write as more airlines put in fees that you just can’t avoid. Remember the lure: super low prices and then you add the baggage fees, the fee for the (dirty) pillow and blanket, for talking to an agent on the phone, etc. This has forced travelers to become more self sufficient trying to avoid any contact with the airline until they are actually on the flight.

New rules, tips for Thanksgiving fliers
A lot of this will apply for Christmas/New Year’s travel also. Less seats means more crowded flights. As I always preach, book your flights as soon as you know what your dates are, get to the airport early and make sure to read the fine print.

Travel Video of the Week
What is CouchSurfing?

CouchSurfing has a nice brief video that explains the concept for the traveler who has not heard of it yet. You sleep on someone’s couch, spare bedroom, etc. all for free. The intent is for cultural exchange and sharing. The host does not have to, but is assumed to entertain the hostee or at least show them the ropes of the area they are in. The traveler is not supposed to abuse the privileged of getting a place to stay for free and be on their best manners.

What Not to Pack
Have you ever gone away on a trip and realized that you did not use or wear 50% of what you packed? I used to be that person, until I learned the joy of packing less clothing and the hotel/hostel/local laundry. The article also talks about jewelry and I can’t understand why anyone is taking anything of value on a plane. Unless you’re a diamond dealer or a rapper from 80s, leave the bling at home.

The etiquette of crowded flying
“Suggested” responses to some of the more common flying quandaries, like should you recline your seat and crying babies on flights. Flying requires more and more patience these days. More people slammed into the same size aircraft. With so many people in close proximity, nerves are bound to be irritated more frequently and much faster. Take a breath (or a few) and try to get to your destination without a shouting match, or being lead off the plane in handcuffs.

TSA Turns 10: Examining the Agency’s Strengths and Weaknesses
The TSA gets ridiculed for patting down wheelchair bound grandmas, forcing cancer victims to show their prosthetic breasts and making small children cry when they have to take a “closer look” at the stuffed bear. But the fact remains there has not been a successful hijacking of a plane since 9/11. We’ve had the shoe bomber, the underwear bomber and we’ve been lucky they weren’t very good at what they tried to do.

5 ways to be international at home
If you can’t travel now, there are ways to get that international flavor without jumping on a boat or plane and getting your passport stamped. I like the postcard exchange program. Very cool. They recommend hosting an exchange student. You can also become a Couchsurfing host to have a steady stream of people in your home. There are some people who love this, especially when they can’t travel.

Cancer-Causing Airport Scanners? Enough Is Enough
The debate continues on whether the new body scanners at US airports cause cancer. We probably won’t know for another 20 years, like with cell phones.

U.S. Airlines: No Pillows In Coach, But It’s Sundae Time Up Front
First class customers, you are very special to the airlines. Very, very special.

Cambodia’s surprising cuisine: Spiders, anyone?
Cambodia was where I wanted to eat the still beating cobra heart. Never got around to it. Apparently there were other treats for me to sample had I known they were there.

Get your flu shot at the airport
Miss your flu shot? You can get them at the airport. Be warned that some think the flu shot is a scam at best and at worst, part of a worldwide conspiracy.

Is Travel to Cuba for Americans Worth the Hassle?
Is it? Until the US lifts the restrictions on its citizens, we always have to be careful about getting your passport marked with a Cuban stamp.

Tours4Fun is your one stop shop for guided tours in the USA and round the world. Please support NoDebtWorldTravel.com by visiting our sponsor.

Best Travel Deals and News – November 22, 2011 – What is Couchsurfing, How to Avoid Airline Fees, What NOT To Pack When You Travel, Why Airlines Love First Class Passengers is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com and sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

How To Find Cheap Airfares In Any Season
The first 3 tips involve social media (Facebook, Twitter) and email. Those should be your first resources because they are the quickest to access. Also don’t forget the travel agent. They have been pushed to the side because of the Internet, but there are many instances when a travel agent is your best choice. If you’re taking a cruise for the first time, or traveling with a large group, or going to a very specialized location, a travel agent can be the best bet.

Frequent Flyer Tips That Only The Pros Know
A lot of the talk is about frequent flyer programs, which the airlines are using to keep the most loyal and high volume (high revenue) customers.

Travel Video of the Week
How to Survive a Plane Crash

Not something we want to think about, but the possibility is there when we get on a flight. The good news is that the odds are you should never need this information.

Your New US Passport May Need a “Shield”
I’d like to make a correction from the article. The author says you do not get your passport back. But I did get mine back when I renewed as part of Passport Day 2011. Not sure if that was a mistake or if there are circumstances where you don’t get your passport back.
The original intent of the article was to talk about the small chip in new passports that transmits information wirelessly. You’ll want to get a passport holder that blocks the radio signals from being picked from any person who is close enough to pull the information.

15 Ways to Get the Best Hotel Rate
Read them all. Use and reuse. That is all.

Burglar targets traveling Facebook friends
There have been stories about this before and I think it is great to mention it again. You must be careful when you announce your exact travel plans on Twitter, Facebook, etc. You never know who is watching and waiting to pounce on your house/apartment and possessions.

14 Ways to Ditch the Crowds in the Caribbean
Some ideas of places to hit in the Caribbean that only the savvy traveler or local resident know about.

How to battle jet lag in your KIDS
A new take on an old topic. Jet lag in young children. One parent admitted using cough medicine to get the kids to sleep on the flight. But the options for kids to beat jet lag are pretty much the same as for adults: Drink plenty of water, get sunlight in the new location and try to work/play according to the local time zone.

How can a 16-year-old travel?
Travel is possible for everyone: even a teenager who doesn’t have any money of her own. See some of the suggestions given to her.

Bizarre hotels: Sleep in a coffin or cliff-top yurt
I love the hostel inside of the decommissioned airliner.

Tours4Fun is your one stop shop for guided tours in the USA and round the world. Please support NoDebtWorldTravel.com by visiting our sponsor.

Best Travel Deals and News – November 15, 2011 – How To Get the Best Hotel Rate, How Can a Teenager Travel, Best Ways to Find Cheap Airfares, Hidden Spots in the Caribbean is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com and sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

Why Fly When You Can Take A Cruise Instead?
I am one of the 80% of Americans that has never taken a cruise. There are some travelers who look down at cruises as not “authentic” travel. Just opinion, in my opinion. Anything that gets travelers to a country other than their own, I am all for.

Travel Video of the Week
One Day on Earth

One Day on Earth – Motion Picture Trailer from One Day On Earth on Vimeo.

Carmen Sandiego Movie Coming With Jennifer Lopez As Producer
J Lo as producer? I don’t know. But Carmen Sandiego was a big hit back in the day. How that would convert to the big screen would be an interesting test.

Hipmunk’s Thanksgiving Travel Guide (INFOGRAPHIC)
You should really consider flying on Thanksgiving Day. Less travelers and the prices may be slightly lower. Everyone want to be there on Thanksgiving morning. If you can get there by 2PM, you’re still in time for dinner and football.

An All-Night Bath Experience In Tokyo (PHOTOS)
Next time in Tokyo must try. Scrubbed fresh and clean and massaged for your time in Tokyo.

Would You Change Into Pajamas, Bathrobe, and Slippers on an Overnight Flight?
I say why not. As long as you are somewhat clothed, what’s the harm. Overnight flights are meant for sleeping so get as comfortable as possible. Just don’t strip down to your underwear and not expect to get a reaction from your fellow passengers.

Are We There Yet? When Families Fly
If you’re concerned about being separated from your kids on a flight, or not having enough milk to feed your toddler, you’ll want to read this story. The airlines are on razor thin profit margins (if there are any profits at all) so alot of the niceties they would extend to families are gone. Be prepared well in advance and don’t count on the airlines giving you any favors just because you’re bringing kids on board.

Can Egypt Overcome Its Travel P.R. Problem?
A big problem for Egypt. When there is violent revolution in a country it is hard to convince folks who want a nice peaceful vacation that they won’t get caught up in drama or not be able to leave the country when they have to. Your best protections is to stay on top of the news and make sure your travel insurance allows you to cancel for any reason. They do have those types of travel insurance policies but you’ve got to ask for it.

The Bahamas for a buck? Vision Airlines offers $2 round-trip flights BUT You End Up Paying Alot More
Remember that these prices sometimes have huge hidden costs? This one requires you to buy time at the resort, which raises the price to almost $1000. There are great deals out there, but make sure you read the fine print.

World’s happiest countries: 1 to 187
I find it sad that the bottom 10 countries are all on the African continent.

10 hostel mates you meet in hell
I laughed because most hostel visitors have encountered some of these people. But I think most would go back to hostels because the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

7 Winter Adventures (No Skis Required)
Don’t want to ski? Can’t ski? There are still many options for the winter months. I love the idea of going to Iceland and swimming in the thermal pools naturally heated by volcanoes. I did that in Costa Rica and it was great. In Iceland you can have the alternating freeze/thaw effect with the cold weather and the hot springs.

Wanted: American couple for South Africa Tourism commercial
This could be a great deal for you and your honey. Convince the South African tourism board that you would be the best representative to show the wonders of the country. Free trip! Go ahead and apply.

8 Worst-Case Travel Scenarios
Your worst fear realized. Car accident in a rental. You lose your wallet. You end up in jail in a foreign country. You may not be able to completely eliminate the risk but there are things you can do to protect yourself and speed up getting yourself out of a sticky situation.

World’s best cities for street food
Bangkok, New York, some cities just lend themselves to great street food. The food truck is really big in many North American cities and is only getting bigger. Street food can be filling, cheaper and just as tasty as any sit-down restaurant.

Learn a New Language for Under $100
One of the biggest fears of some travelers is being in a foreign place and not having anyone understand you. You don’t have time for immersion classes before you get to your destination. Personally I like the Pimsleur series for learning enough for conversational use. Here are some other ideas for learning languages, either online or with content downloaded to your computer or smartphone.

Tours4Fun is your one stop shop for guided tours in the USA and round the world. Please support NoDebtWorldTravel.com by visiting our sponsor.

Best Travel Deals and News – November 8, 2011 – Learning a Language on the Cheap, Fly on Thanksgiving Day, Bad Travel Situations and How to Get Out of Them, Best World Street Food, Flying with Kids is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com and sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

Verbling
From loyal reader K.D.
I have not used this service but K.D. thought this would be a great idea for people who want to practice their language skills without having to travel around the world.

JetBlue passengers stranded on plane for hours
By now you’ve heard about this. Most planes take off and land without problem every day in the United States and around the world. To be stuck for 7 hours without working toilets, food or water is a shame. Couldn’t they get a bus and a portable staircase and get them off the plane? Couldn’t they have brought food and water to the plane if they couldn’t take the passengers off? None of this makes sense to me. Will the TSA enforce the rule that the airline be fined $27000 per passenger? I certainly hope so.

How To Keep Young Children Safe When Flying
The key to safety is that everyone on board should have their own seat. That means that every child should be a in car seat if they cannot be buckled into the seat. Parents try to save money and contend they can hold a child in their arms. But we’ve seen that bad turbulence can toss around a cabin and make everything, including your child, go flying.

Travel Video of the Week
International Currency Exchange

Practical tips for getting money in a foreign country. In a sentence: Don’t get money from a foreign exchange counter at the airport.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Ask An Airline Gate Agent
Great article! The confirmation that dressing a little better can get you a better chance of an upgrade is good news. Courtesy and making the life of the airline gate agent easier will better your chance for better treatment. Gate agents are people too and they’ll help those who are pleasant to them, just like anyone else would.

When You Should Have Booked Your Thanksgiving Flight? Ummm…Yesterday?
Stop reading this and BOOK NOW!

Left-Handed Travelers Face Hassles
Are you a left handed traveler? Do you notice the world is geared for righties as you travel?

IPads change economics, and speed, of hotel Wi-Fi
Anyone notice that their hotel wi-fi is slower? These networks were built anticipating that there would be one laptop connecting in a hotel room. Now you may have a laptop, tablet and smartphone in one room, all competing for bandwidth. Hotels might become like the cable companies and charge for higher speeds. Another potential profit center.

Who Travels the Most? [Chart]
The Europeans and Australians should dominate this category and they do, with more vacation time than other parts of the world. The US is so far behind because of the lack of time off.

5 train trips everyone should experience
Train travel is slow and leisurely. I did it from southern Thailand back to Bangkok just for a change of pace and throughly enjoyed myself on an overnight train. These other train rides around the world will give you a difference perspective from the one that has you standing in a airport security line.

How to Choose the Right Travel Luggage
This is great criteria to look at, but for me it is all about the backpack, even for short trips. Keeps your hands free and no chance of your luggage being lost or stolen because it is on your back.

5 places that offer free classes in New York
One of the best ways to experience a new place is to take a class. I took a cooking class in Thailand that was one of the many highlights of my round the world trip. In New York City, there are free classes of many kinds. These give you a chance to take in the city in a very nontraditional way.

How to fund your travel videos
If you’re a person who loves to travel and use your creative mind for videos of your adventures, you may want to get someone else to pay for it. Here are some ideas on how to get money for those travel videos you love to produce.

Top 25 Ways to Save on Paris Travel
Paris is the City of Light and one of the most popular destinations on the planet. Use these tips to maximize your time and your money.

Tours4Fun is your one stop shop for guided tours in the USA and round the world. Please support NoDebtWorldTravel.com by visiting our sponsor.

Best Travel Deals and News – November 1, 2011 – How to Pick Travel Luggage, Ask an Airline Gate Agent, Free Classes in New York City, Keeping Kids Safe When They Fly is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com and sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

December in Las Vegas is a cheapskate’s dream
It really is. There has not been a better time to be on the Strip and not going broke to do it. The best times for the deepest cuts are during the week, but even significant discounts can be had on the weekend.

Cancelled Flights, Drunk Passengers – How to Keep Travel Nightmares From Happening to You
You can’t do much about drunk passengers (except not be one yourself) but for the cancelled flights, make sure you jump in line to change your flight, while you are on your cell phone talking to airlines reservations and if you can also trying to access the website via your tablet or laptop. If you can do 2 out of 3, you’ll beat out the rest of the passengers who can’t/won’t do that.

Travel Video of the Week
Spring
Spring in Cambodia and Thailand through the eyes of a couple traveling together. The photography is amazing along with the music used with it.

The Risks of Churning Mileage Credit Cards
You risk dinging your credit score or being rejected for future credit cards but the benefits for some outweigh it. Free tickets, access to airline lounges, free or reduced prices for luggage, etc. But it definitely requires someone who can keep track of the mileage plans and making sure you’re not spending too much on purchases or annual fees.

10 Dos and Don’ts of Traveling While Sick
Don’t travel. Stay home…if you can. Maybe the Japanese have it right with the face masks they walk about with in public. It seemed weird when I was in Tokyo, but it is really courteous to the person next to you to try to contain the germs and prevent others from getting sick.

Do you have the right to recline your seat on a plane?
You have the right, but is it right? The airlines are not making the seats any bigger and the passengers are getting bigger. Sometimes when you recline you are sitting in the lap of the person behind you. Not comfortable for any. I don’t know what a good solution is.

Keep more of your money – 6 foreign car-rental fees to watch for on vacation
This pretty much applies to renting a car in Western Europe but good to think about when you’re renting outside of the United States. For instance, I had no idea that there was a fee for picking up in one country and then dropping off in another. You may not think about it if you’re an American, but going from one country to another is common place in Europe.

Thanksgiving Flight Shopping Guide
If you haven’t bought your ticket yet for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years’, time is running out. Airlines have cut back the number of seats which is raising the prices for this short time frame of the year.

6 trends changing the hotel industry
I don’t know anyone who would take a tub bath in a hotel room but nonetheless, tubs are going away in hotel rooms. I like the electronic check-in. The keycard is sent in advance and activated on the day or your arrival with your room number. That would save lots of time wasted standing in line to be handed a key or key card. Love it!

How to avoid flights that may get canceled
The Internet is the great equalizer. Included in the post is how to look up the on-time and flight cancellation history of any flight number. That is your first step. Then there are other smaller steps you can take to avoid those flights. Now maybe you are trying to be on the flight that is cancelled so you get the money the airline is offering or other goodies. Just do the reverse of what the article says.

Eat Breakfast with a Giraffe
This sounds so fantastic. This huge head sticking in the dining room have a meal with you.

What do pilots do during long flights?
You would hope not sleep or overshoot their destinations, as some pilots have done. Most times it is very mundane. The riskiest time in flying an aircraft is during takeoffs and landings. Once you’re in the air, pilots are course correcting and trying to avoid turbulence.

Ads add up for airlines, but some fliers say it’s too much
I have not noticed ads inside the cabins of my recent flights. But if this means airlines are making money, I can expect that I will see it soon enough.

Beat huge wireless roaming charges when abroad
You always hear the stories of $500, $1000, $2000+ phone bills when people return from a trip overseas. It does not have to be that way. Just taking a few prudent steps can save you the aggravation of pleading your case to a cell phone company rep over the phone.

Will Gadhafi’s death reopen Libya to tourism?
Not me, not yet.

Have Tickets on American Airlines? There’s No Reason to Worry About Bankruptcy
American Airlines was talking about Chapter 11 recently. As many have said, don’t even worry about it…for now. But hasn’t American been collecting all these fees like the other airlines? Where did the money go?

TSA Watch: “Because of your attitude you have earned a trip into our body scanner!”
You know it should not have to come to this, but you’ve got to keep your cool when in the airport. Escalating a fight with the TSA could mean being inconvenienced or worse. We know it’s wrong and they should get you on the flight. But the unscrupulous among them will be willing to take some revenge on someone who gave them grief.

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Best Travel Deals and News – October 25, 2011 – Las Vegas, Traveling While Sick, Foreign Car Rental Fees, How to Avoid Flights that Get Canceled, Tourism in Libya is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com and sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

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Continental Passenger, Sues Airline Over Turbulence…
File this under RIDICULOUS. My lawyers out there, you ask why people don’t like you as a group? You didn’t bring the lawsuit, but one of you took it on.

Travel Video of the Week
Behind the scenes with a flight attendant — Crew Meals

You wonder how all the food on flights is heated and served? Wonder no more friends….

Not Just Couchsurfing Anymore… More Free Services That Put Hosts Together With Travelers
There are more and more services offering to connect travelers with hosts all around the world. It may make some people uncomfortable but free hosting of travelers is really taking off. I know travelers who have traveled around the world, mostly staying with other people who have put up their couches and spare beds.

Fine-Tuning Your Flight Search with More Options
There are many factors that go into finding a flight beyond just the price. Maybe taking the train is cheaper? Will the price fall or rise in the next few weeks? These and other questions can be answered by using different websites. Don’t depend on one service to search for flight information and pricing. You could be missing out on different criteria that could save you money or make it more convenient for you.

Ryanair Removing Toilets To Make Way For Seats
There is no date to implement this but Ryanair always seems to find more and more ways to puts its name in the mouths of travelers… for all the wrong reasons. There is no government or regulatory mandate that says there needs to be a minimum amount of bathrooms on a plane. In fact there is nothing that says there has to be ANY restrooms on the plane. Of course Ryanair would be the one company to find this loophole and potentially exploit it.

Twenty-five cruise lines offer sales this week
Looking for a cruise? The cruise lines are making a concerted effort to draw more people in and have coordinated to make deals all this week. Check out your favorite cruise line and see if they are going where you want to go and grab a deal.

Women-only floors at hotels making a comeback
They have the women only subways cars in Tokyo and Seoul. It seems only fitting that the women only floors make a comeback. I never knew it existed previously. How do they enforce that, if a guy accidentally or not got onto the women’s floor?

Meals Ordered by Smartphone, Delivered To Your Airport Gate While You Wait for Your Flight
I mean really? Is the airport that big that you have to order your food and have it delivered while you’re sitting waiting for your flight? Wait now that I think about it, maybe you don’t want to lose your seat?

When you and your travel companion clash
Compromise. Discuss. Compromise. Discuss. Repeat. If you don’t know your travel companion well beforehand, you could be in a world of hurt. Nothing is worse than traveling with someone you don’t like or can’t get along with. Discuss all the things that could come up beforehand. When you travel solo you don’t have these concerns. Couples have to do this all the time, but best friends, relatives traveling together have to maintain harmony. Talk it out.

Traveling with the family? Avoid these 7 mistakes
Family travel is a huge challenge. You have to somehow make both parents and kids happy. Potentially add grandparents, aunts, cousins and you have the recipe for a potential disaster. But many have done it successfully and so can you.

When Will Egypt Be Back On the Tourist Map?
Egypt is like Thailand was a year ago. Some people said go go go, you can avoid the riots. Others said stay away, you have no idea what could happen. They both are right depending on your perspective.

Talking Travel on Facebook Can Cause Trouble
We talked before about Facebook travel postings leading to robbery because people knew when your apartment or house is unoccupied. But now we need to think more about privacy. Is that photo going to be seen by the wrong person? A complete stranger? How about your boss who sees you totally boozed up on vacation? This is where tweaking your Facebook privacy settings becomes even more important to you if you’ve never thought about if before.

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Best Travel Deals and News – October 18, 2011 – Is Egypt Safe To Travel To, Discuss Travel on Facebook, Ryanair Removing Toilets, How to Travel with Family, More Options When Searching for Flights is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel