If you have a long layover, you may want to use an airport lounge.  Many have free nonalcoholic beverages, food, Wi-Fi and a nice atmosphere.

Here are a few tips to gain access to lounges:

1.   Attain elite status.
Loyalty does have its privileges. Most airlines offer lounge perks for customers who make elite status, with benefits that extend throughout the network.

Best for: Frequent travelers who fly exclusively on one airline. 

2.   Use your credit card. 

Getting a credit card that offers airport lounge privileges is perhaps one of the easiest ways to ensure that you'll never be stuck on the concourse again, although some of these cards carry hefty annual fees.  Airline credit cards can come with lounge perks too. The United MileagePlus Explorer card gives you two one-time-use passes to United Clubs, along with other travel extras, for $95. The American Express Delta Gold card gives you access to Delta lounges for a $29 fee.

Best for: Big spenders who don't mind paying annual fees for perks, as well as occasional fliers willing to pay a smaller annual fee for a limited number of day passes.

3. Use public lounges in some airports.

In some airports, public lounges -- where you pay a fee for comfortable chairs, snacks, Wi-Fi access, small meals and non-alcoholic beverages -- are giving the legacy lounges a run for their money.

At Baltimore/Washington International Airport, for example, you can enter the Airspace Lounge (see AirspaceLounge.com) after security in Concourse D and pay from $20 per day. At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, you can buy a 24-hour day pass to The Club (TheClubAirportLounges.com). There are shower facilities, free Wi-Fi and more. Best of all for those who have favorite vendors at the airport, you can bring in food purchased outside the lounge. One drawback: It closes at 7:30 p.m.

International travelers may want to check out Plaza Premium (Plaza-Network.com), which offers buffet meals, drinks and -- crucial for those making long-haul flights -- showers. Some even have massage and spa services for an extra fee. Current locations include Vancouver, Toronto, Hong Kong and Singapore. Rates vary by location, but in Toronto, it costs $35 CAD for two hours, $45 CAD for three and $65 for six hours.

Best for: Travelers who want more flexibility than airline lounges provide.

1.  The Best Travel Days are Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday.

Traveling on off-peak days and off-peak times-means lower fares, a less crowded cabin, and a greater chance of snagging mileage award seats.  Taking two days off for a long weekend?  Instead of flying Thursday-Sunday, save money by flying Saturday and Tuesday.

2.       Traveling between Cities in Europe or Asia: Fly Mid-Day.

Consider scheduling transportation for the middle of the day.  If you leave early, you may have to fight rush hour traffic.

3.        Visit Islands in Shoulder Season.

This means when crowds are thinner but the weather is still good. Peak season is often when the nearby countries’ vacations are scheduled.

4.        Find Hidden Deals.

Sign up for e-mail notifications.  The best airfare and hotel sales are usually unannounced: Airlines and hotels target subsets of travelers such as loyalty program members, credit card holders, or people who have registered on their website.  They alert them by e-mail to specials.  If you can make quick buying decisions, sign up for alerts from flash-sale sites that sell hotel rooms at discounts such as Jetsetter and Tablet Hotels.

5.       Book Your Stay During the Week and When There Are No Large Events in Town.

Rates are usually higher on the weekends because demand is higher.  Rates usually go down when there is a high vacancy rate, especially in luxury hotels.  If you book when there is a high vacancy rate, ask if there is a chance to upgrade to a better room.


http://www.PetersonTravelPros.com

Airline travel has changed since the old days when people use to wear their Sunday best to travel by air. Complimentary drinks, snacks and luggage assistance were all provided.. But these days, people wear comfortable shoes that easily slip on and off at the security checkpoint. Travelers fill backpacks with snacks to avoid costly airport food. 

However, some airlines are trying to offer more options to customers. Air New Zealand and other carriers feature a new class of seating called "Premium Economy." It's basically a middle ground between first class and economy, boasting seat prices that are 30 percent more expensive than economy and 70 percent cheaper than the luxury aisle. The trend is more towards economy passengers upgrading for the perks of more seat room, a lower recline, leg rest, foot rest and in-seat power. Air New Zealand premium customers also enjoy the same meals served with linen napkins and silverware as those in the airline's luxury business class. On some Delta flights you can pay extra for more leg room.  It is an easy option to select when booking online. The price usually depends upon the length of the trip.

Southwest Air is an economy-only airline that offers a few luxury perks. For example, you can check up to two bags for free, including golf bags and skis -- for up to $120 in savings in baggage fees alone. However, the Southwest experience is comparatively bare bones. While snacks and nonalcoholic beverages are complimentary, blankets and pillows are not provided and there are no seat assignments. However, you can pay extra to be one of the first to board and select your seat.   

Also check your carrier for WIFI.  Some airplanes have it, but it can be costly.  Make sure you know how much you need so you don’t get caught with a bill bigger than you bargained for. 

Also, if you bought TSA precheck coverage so you don’t have to go through long lines at the airport, you will be saving yourself time and some hassle. Make sure to check your printed ticket on the day of your flight.  Some people are randomly selected to go through precheck screening. You don’t have to take off your shoes or belt, take out your laptop or 3-1-1 liquids.  This is one of my favorite perks.   

I hope that Southwest continues to allow two free checked bags.  This is a huge savings; they also offer no charge for ticket changes.  You can apply for a SW credit card and receive a lot of bonus miles.  Their little perks add up to lot in my book. I just wish they flew to a few more places.

http://www.petersontravelpros.com

Cruise travelers are expected to surpass 22 million for the first time in 2015. Cruise Holidays International reports on the most popular longer itineraries – 15 or more days – which allow vacationers to experience more destinations and the cruise ships themselves in greater depth. 

 “A 7-day cruise is the most popular length because it allows vacationers ample time to experience their ship, plus typically experience about three or four cruise ports,” said Kevin Weisner, senior vice president of sales for Vacation.com.

“As travelers become more educated, they are increasingly selecting longer itineraries, and in some cases, cruises of multiple weeks or even months,” said Weisner.

Top 10 Cruise Itineraries of 15 Or More Days

1. 15-day Hawaiian Islands from San Francisco, California - This itinerary is offered on a variety of dates throughout 2015 on Princess Cruises.

2. 15-day Panama Canal [Westbound] from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - This itinerary is available on numerous dates and through a variety of cruise lines in 2015.

3. 16-day Trans-Atlantic [Eastbound] from Miami, Florida - Of numerous trans-Atlantic options in 2015, this 16-day itinerary by Celebrity Cruises is the most popular.

4. 15-day Hawaiian Islands from Los Angeles, California - This sailing from Los Angeles is offered on numerous dates by two different cruise lines.

5. 18-day Trans-Pacific from Sydney, Australia - Passengers on this April 2015 Celebrity Cruises sailing will travel from Australia to Hawaii via New Zealand and Tahiti.

6. 15-day Trans-Atlantic [Westbound] from London, England (Harwich) - This repositioning cruise on Royal Caribbean International allows passengers to have more time to enjoy the ship and spectacular North Atlantic ports as it shifts from a summer in Europe to North America for the fall and winter.

7. 21-day Suez Canal from Istanbul, Turkey - This ambitious itinerary on Oceania Cruises brings guests from Istanbul to ports in Israel, Egypt, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

8. 15-day Panama Canal [Eastbound ] from Los Angeles, California - Guests eager to explore the Caribbean and the engineering marvels of the Panama Canal have numerous dates to choose from in 2015.

9. (tie) 15-day Panama Canal [Eastbound] from San Diego, California - There are additional opportunities to sail through the Panama Canal for passengers departing from San Diego.

9. (tie) 21-day Southern Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - This three week itinerary enables travelers to explore lesser-visited islands such as Antigua, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao and Martinique. Holland America Line

The Cruise Holidays Cruise Trends report also looked at the size of the most popular ships being selected for 2015, no matter what the itinerary.

Group cruising – typically meaning a block of eight or more staterooms – continues to be a growing trend in 2015.

 “Groups are often able obtain special perks aboard the ship that individual travelers may not have access to. Plus, with it being virtually all-inclusive, a group cruise is an ideal way to manage costs, ” added Weisner.

For help planning your cruise, call Peterson Travel Pros: 612-559-6545.

From the super traditional to the unexpected, these Christmas markets offer up an array of festive fare sure to satisfy your appetite for holiday cheer.

Christkindlesmarkt in Nüremberg, Germany

With origins that stretch back to the mid-16th century, Nüremberg's Christmas market is one of the world's most magical while the market may be best known for its Christkind ("Christ child"), an angelic, elaborately-costumed local girl who's elected to represent the spirit of giving, its edible offerings threaten to steal the show. Snack on rostbratwurst, the petite sausages that are a town speciality, as well as lebkuchen, the spicy, honey-sweetened local version of gingerbread.  The market's 9,000 liter cauldron offeuerzangenbowle (touted as the world's largest), a hot punch of rum and wine into which flaming sugar is melted and will warm your soul. For a souvenir that's decidedly quirky, check out thezwetschgenmännle, traditional folk figurines fashioned from prunes, figs and walnuts. Through December 24.

Christmas at Liseberg in Gothenburg, Sweden

Each year, this early 20th-century amusement park transforms into a Christmas wonderland that boasts 5 million dazzling lights, more than 6,000 pounds of artificial snow, ice shows and several themed "lands" incorporating food, drink and crafts. For a unique spin on Christmas, hasten to Lapland, an area inspired by the eponymous Arctic region of Norway that's home, according to Scandinavian lore, to none other than Santa. Here you can sample suovas, or smoked reindeer meat, a traditional food of Lapland's indigenous Sami people, as well as sausages made from bear, elk and wild boar. Once you've eaten your fill, shop for the embroidered woolen mittens known as lovikka, or take a spin in a reindeer-drawn sleigh. Through December 30.

Municipal Cave Christmas Market in Valkenburg, Netherlands

This annual event is arguably a frontrunner for Europe's most unusual Christmas market. That's because the entire extravaganza takes place below ground, in one of the man-made marlstone caves for which the southeastern Dutch city of Valkenburg is known. If you're envisioning bats and stalactites, think again: During market season, the passages of the Municipal Cave are all dressed up in cheerful garlands and twinkling lights. In between perusing stalls peddling festive decorations, indulge your sweet tooth with treats like Limburgse vlaai, the lattice-topped fruit tart that's a specialty of the region, as well as appelflap (an apple-filled puff pastry turnover) andBerliner bol (a jam-filled donut). Through December 23.

Christkindlmarket in Chicago

Can't make it to Nuremberg's market this year? Consider a visit to Chicago's Christkindlmarket, which reimagines the beloved Bavarian festival in a modern urban square presided over by Picasso statuary and towering Mies van der Rohe architecture. Germanophiles will dine with gusto on a wide variety of delights like currywurst, caraway-scented thüringer sausages,leberkäse (a bologna-like meatloaf), and colossal pretzels, many of them prepared by vendors who have traveled from Deutschland to participate in the market. The square's three beverage tents offer up German-brewed beers as well as mulled wine, a handy weapon against Chicago's cutting winter wind. Through December 24.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco

While the bulk of American Christmas markets are inspired by the German tradition, always-unique San Francisco bucks the trend by taking its cues from Charles Dickens' England. The sprawling Great Dickens Fair aims to bring to life every aspect of the Victorian author's world, from the fashions (expect lots of top hats and voluminous skirts) to the era's popular entertainments (take in a Punch and Judy show, or for something bawdier, the "Saucy French Postcard Tableaux Review") to, of course, the food. With rich bites like steak pasties, sausage pies and puddings of the Yorkshire and plum varieties on offer, you may need to loosen your corset before your visit is through. Through December 21.

Christkindl Market in Denver

It's Old-World charm at 5,200 feet at Denver's Christkindl Market, which sets out to capture the spirit of Christmas in Germany and Austria. Stroll past the stalls (watch out for the roving accordion player!) in search of the perfect stein, hand-carved wooden ornament, or delicate lace doily -- or just raise a glass of hefeweizen or dunkel in the festively-decorated beer tent. When hunger strikes, dine on smoked salmon, spicy roasted nuts and kringle, a rich, baked pastry dough filled with fruit or nuts. Through December 23.

Vancouver Christmas Market in Vancouver, Canada

With more than 50 stalls and a diverse schedule of concerts and performances, the Christmas market of British Columbia's cultural capital has a flavor that's simultaneously local and international. If you're hungry for a taste of Canada, sample maple taffy (a sticky-sweet confection made from boiled maple sap thickened on a bed of snow), or shop for stocking stuffers with a locavore bent, such as honey and dried wild mushrooms. To savor Christmas around the world, check out the market's nation nights, which showcase traditional folk dances, songs and costumes of countries like Estonia and Slovenia. Stick to the international theme while you watch with dishes like Ukrainian borscht and poffertjes (petite Dutch pancakes). Through December 24.

Toronto Christmas Market in Toronto, Canada

There's plenty to satisfy your appetite at this bustling market, from traditional European holiday fare like roasted chestnuts and hutzelbrot (a German fruit bread) to decidedly unorthodox items like deep-fried, breakfast cereal-battered waffles. And if you're thirsty, you're in luck: You're in the Distillery District (a once-defunct distillery compound that's been transformed into an arts and entertainment complex), and you might say that the ghost of spirits past lives on in the market's sippable offerings. Warm up with a Drambuie Hot Apple Toddy, or hit the beer garden to sample suds from current Distillery District tenant Mill Street Brewing. And if you happen to spot a row of upside-down Christmas trees during your visit, don't worry; it's not a boozy hallucination, but rather homage to a bygone European tradition. Through December 21.

Christmas Wonderland at the Jing'an Kerry Center in Shanghai, China

Chances are Shanghai isn't the first city that springs to mind when you think of Santa, snow or stollen. In fact, the Chinese metropolis plays host to one of Asia's most authentic European-style Christmas markets. The brainchild of a French expat who missed the holiday traditions and tastes of her homeland, the market offers Eurocentric yuletide treats like bredeles (Alsatian Christmas cookies), grilled German sausages and crepes, as well as comforting cups ofgluhwein (mulled wine) and hot chocolate. Need to file your wish list with the man in red? Santa is also on hand for photo ops. Through January 4.

Start planning your adventure for next year.  Not only visit the markets, but see all of the fabulous sites in the area.  Call Peterson Travel Pros at 612-559-6545 to help with your planning. 

by Cate Huguelet, USA TODAY  12/16/2014

There are things you can do to make holiday travel less stressful.  See below.


 #1. Check Into Your Flight Online

Get a head start on check in by doing it online from home. This is especially useful if you won’t be checking any baggage, because you can skip the slow check-in lines and head straight to security. If you do have to check baggage, checking in online can make the baggage checking process move more quickly. You’ll also save yourself from being surprised by unexpected baggage fees.

#2. Leave Early

When flying, it’s best to get on the earliest flight schedule as possible. Statistics show that early flights have better on-time performance than later ones. Road travelers need to leave early this time of year too. Winter weather conditions and unexpected traffic problems are common during the holiday season, so give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination safely.

#3. Keep Your Carry-On Small

Overhead bins get overloaded this time of year, so opting to check a bag can save you a lot of unwanted stress. If you do decide to travel with only a carry-on, ask if you can check it for free at the gate, so you don’t have to worry about fighting for overhead space.

#4. Book Transit Hotels in Advance

Roadside hotels tend to fill up quickly during the holiday season. Save yourself from the stress of searching by booking the roadside hotels you’ll need ahead of time. Driving during the holidays can take a toll on you and your passengers, and having a safe, comfortable place to stay can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy the journey.

If you’ll be traveling by air and have an overnight layover, an airport hotel inside the terminal can save you from having to go through customs and security, and can ensure you get a good night’s sleep before another day of travel.

#5. Opt for Longer Layovers

Winter weather can create a dreadful amount of flight delays and cancellations. Plan your travels with two or three hours between flights, so you’re not overly stressed if your flight is delayed. Longer layovers also give you a chance to stretch your legs and slow down (or do some last minute holiday shopping) throughout an otherwise busy travel day.

#6. Check for Alternate Routes

A direct flight isn’t always the quickest or most affordable option during the holidays. Consider flying to a smaller nearby airport and renting a car or taking a train to your destination. Avoiding popular hubs can save you from the stress, annoyance and slow pace of holiday crowds.

If you’re traveling by road, always keep a couple of alternative routes on the back burner in case poor weather, busy roads or road work get in your way. Many times an uncrowded alternate route can get you to your destination quicker than a completely backed-up freeway.

#7 Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On

Flight delays, cancellations and the hustle and bustle of holiday travel can lead to the disappointment of lost baggage. Don’t worry, usually this means someone will drop your bags off at your destination within a day, but that also means you may be without clothing and toiletries until your bag arrives. Prepare for the worst by packing a few toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on, so you’re not left high and dry if your bag is stuck behind.

#8 Pack Snacks 

It’s nice to have some granola bars, nuts, or fruit so that you have something to snack on between flights or if your flight is delayed. No need to eat expensive junk food in the airport.