Here’s where not to touch. By CINDY KRISCHER GOODMAN SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL A woman gets into an Uber car at LaGuardia Airport in New York.in this file photo.(Seth Wenig / AP) Headed to Fort Lauderdale’s airport in an Uber? Bring your anti-bacterial wipes. A new study by insurance company Netquote finds ride-share vehicles — like Uber and Lyft — carry 35,000 times more germs than a toilet seat. The average ride-share vehicle also has about 219 times as many germs as the average taxi. Netquote mobilized a team to hail taxis, request ride-share vehicles and secure rental cars, and then swabbed various surfaces in the cars. Samples sent to a lab looked at how many colony-forming units were present per square inch followed by a breakdown of the germ type. In all types of vehicles, the team found germs including those linked to skin infections, blood infections and food poisoning. As South Florida embraces ride-hailing apps, users may want to wipe the backseat down before catching an Uber to head home from a nightclub. The study found toothbrush holders and coffee reservoirs both contained fewer microorganisms than rides-share cars. Researchers say most of the germs were found in the back seat on window buttons and seat belts. Door handles weren’t as bad, though they still had more germs than those in personal vehicles. In rental cars, bacteria appeared mostly on the steering wheels and gear shifts. Rental car gear shifts were 6,829 times germier than gear shifts in a personal vehicle. In taxis, the germiest surfaces were seat belts. “It’s only natural that a vehicle with an ever-changing roster of occupants would yield more bacteria than your own car,” said a spokesman for Netquote. 'But comfy as they may be, you’re far from the only person who’s rolling down windows, buckling seatbelts and grasping door handles and steering wheels in these vehicles." Netquote advises wiping key surfaces before you touch them. Once you leave the cab or ride-share, wash your hands as soon as possible — and avoid touching your face until you do. Hepatitis A spreading in Florida » Florida’s recent struggle with hepatitis A makes washing hands and wiping highly touched surfaces more crucial. The state has more than 1,200 reported cases. Hepatitis A is spread person-to-person through objects, food or drinks that are contaminated by small amounts of fecal matter from a person with Hepatitis A. The virus can live on a surface and spread when someone touches that surface and puts their hand in their mouth. “The disease is very hardy,” said Carina Blackmore, the Florida Department of Health state epidemiologist. “It can survive in the environment for long periods of time.” Netquote cautions that its tests were done on only nine random vehicles, which leaves room for a more scientific study. Uber said this study looked at only nine vehicles and Uber does millions of trips every day with hundreds of thousands of drivers across the U.S. “We regularly communicate to drivers that cleanliness of the vehicle can have an impact on their star rating,” the company said in a written statement. Uber also said drivers have incentive to keep their cars clean; They earn badges for having clean cars, and drivers with dirty cars can lose access to Uber when their ratings are low. #blog #moregerms #uber #lift #sun #sentinel #olamblog #better #service #olamlimo #limoservice #safe #luxury #professional #safedriver #safecars #rental #limo #carservice #book #online #longisland #nyc #newyork #newjersey

By Johanna Jainchill By Travel Weekly With two-thirds of current driver’s licenses in the U.S. not Real ID-complaint, the Department of Homeland Security said that states can allow applicants to submit required documents for Real IDs electronically. The federal government has set an Oct. 1 deadline for airline passengers to have Real IDs if they choose to use a driver's license as ID at the airport. Real IDs meet security standards laid out in the Real ID Act of 2005. DHS acting secretary Chad Wolf sent letters to state governors on Feb. 19 informing them that states may allow online submission of identity and lawful-status source documents through a secure electronic process, prior to an applicant’s in-person visit to their state’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The move, he said, would “result in a faster, more streamlined process for DMVs and the American public.” The U.S. Travel Association, which has strongly advocated allowing for online Real ID applications, applauded the move, calling it a “a step forward in streamlining the compliance process while upholding the security requirements of the Real ID Act.” “However, the challenge remains that tens of millions of Americans do not yet possess Real ID-compliant identification, and we won’t solve this issue by pushing people to the DMV,” said executive vice president of public affairs and policy Tori Emerson Barnes. “U.S. Travel testified before a Senate subcommittee last year that without significant policy changes, thousands of Americans could be turned away from the TSA checkpoint on Oct. 1,” she said. “Technology and security have advanced greatly in the nearly 15 years since Real ID was introduced, and we encourage DHS and Congress to pursue additional policy changes to facilitate Americans’ Real ID compliance.” The move comes less than a week after lawmakers introduced a bill to soften the impact of the Real ID deadline that includes a provision enabling online Real ID applications as well as allowing TSA Precheck membership to serve as a temporary alternative to a Real ID at domestic airports. Wolf said that the DHS had solicited ideas, solutions and proposals from the public, private sector, state governments, and relevant associations, in order to streamline the issuance of Real IDs. “While progress has been made, the real work is still ahead because approximately two-thirds of all licenses are presently not compliant with Real ID,” Wolf said. “Rest assured, our department will continue to examine other viable options to improve upon this process and continues doing everything it can to inform Americans on the requirement to obtain a Real ID before the full enforcement deadline later this year.” Although nearly 100 million Americans have Real IDs, the DHS said, they represent only 34% of current identification cards. #blog #blogger #traveler #airport #cruise #realid #homeland #security #olamblog #travelweekly #transportations #rental #limoservice #olamlimo #luxury #carservice #nyc #longisland #newjersey #connecticut Need transportations? Call OLAM LIMO TODAY at 1-855-598-8322 or book online at bit.ly/olambookonline

#AIRLINES #AIRPORTS MIA TAYLOR OCTOBER 24, 2019 PHOTO: Airport flight status board. (Photo via phive2015 / iStock / Getty Images Plus) Memo to U.S. travelers: you’re leaving money on the table when it comes to filing claims with airlines. A newly released study from AirHelp reveals that the vast majority of U.S. travelers remain completely unaware of their rights when flying. In fact, while more Americans understand their rights than in previous years, the new study found that a staggering 81 percent of travelers remain uninformed and often leave hundreds of dollars each year in the hands of airlines. Under European law EC 261, airlines are required to inform travelers of their rights and are obligated to pay passengers compensation of up to $700 for many types of air travel disruptions, AirHelp explained. But despite airlines‘ legal obligation to properly communicate rights to travelers, Americans’ lack of awareness continues to be a major issue, the company said. Here are some key points: —Only 55 percent of Americans who have been on a disrupted flight and thought their flight disruption was eligible have gone through the process of filing for compensation, making U.S. passengers 22 percent less likely than European flyers to file claims. AirHelp said this disparity is not surprising given that air passengers have better protections in the EU than in the United States. —Nearly half (45 percent) of Americans who think they’re eligible for compensation never file claims. “Air passengers across the globe are constantly being mistreated by the airlines, and most travelers are not even aware of how they can fight back and be compensated when they are taken advantage of,” said Christian Nielsen, AirHelp’s chief legal officer. Here’s another tip for travelers everywhere, courtesy of AirHelp: accepting a voucher or cash offer from an airline when a problem occurs is not necessarily the best course of action. “Taking vouchers may seem easier, however, these can often have expiration dates or terms that make them less valuable than the compensation they are eligible to claim,” says the new AirHelp study. “Furthermore, the cash passengers are entitled to is almost always of a higher value than the voucher.” Regardless, nearly one quarter (24 percent) of Americans have fallen prey to this and accepted an airline's offer of vouchers or food instead of getting the cash they are owed, said AirHelp. The majority of travelers who do not file claims (60 percent) have not done so because they’re unaware of their rights. Another 42 percent have not filed claims because they don’t think the airline would listen, and 48 percent did not believe they were entitled, showing that Americans‘ trust in the airlines is extremely weak and that the airline industry must work harder to make travelers better informed and more trusting. “We are glad to see that more travelers are aware of their rights in the United States than in 2018, but the airline industry has a responsibility to better treat the travelers that are keeping it in business,“ said Nielsen. “We have seen countless problems in the airline industry over this past year from airlines going belly up and leaving passengers stranded, to creating unsafe aircraft and even delaying flights for more than 24 hours. EC 261 is extremely valuable in protecting travelers, and we must continue to educate travelers and help them exercise their rights.” While 92 percent of Americans have traveled by air, about half (55 percent) of travelers have not had an airline communicate their rights to them during the flight disruption, according to AirHelp. In general, 67 percent of travelers were never informed about their rights by an airline. So what are your rights as an air traveler? Under European law EC 261, passengers may be entitled to financial compensation of up to $700 per person in the case of flight disruptions, cancellations or denied boarding. And to be clear, this covers passengers on flights to the EU on an EU airline or out of the EU. It’s also worth noting that you have up to three years after an incident to file a claim. “Airlines are only exempt from this obligation if the disruption was caused by an extraordinary circumstance such as weather, political unrest, or air traffic control issues,” said the AirHelp study. #travelpulse #blog #olamblog #blogger #booking #rental #limoservice #carservice #newyork #newjersey #airport #cruise #travel #traveler #travel #travelers

BY JILLIAN KRAMER AND FOOD & WINE Buy almost anything from the grocery store and it will come with an expiration date—a ticking time bomb until you have to throw out that bottle of soy sauce you never opened. But don't toss it just yet: A nifty infographic shows that several common kitchen items have a longer shelf life than you might expect. Why? As Keri Gans, R.D.N. and author of the book The Small Change Diet, explains, "the expiration date only applies to the nutritional value of the product," and not its safety to eat. Shelf-stable foods, like these 9, could last well after their expiration date—so long as you give them a good once-over for signs of discoloration, odor, or compromised packaging, Gans says. 1. Worcestershire Sauce Much like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce has a relatively high salt and acid content, which act as preservatives, explains Alissa Rumsey, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. That's just one reason you can keep an unopened bottle of Worcestershire sauce for five years. 2. Soy Sauce "Soy sauce can last a really, really long time unopened in the pantry," says Gans. But while it can last indefinitely unopened, popping the top puts a three-year time limit on its freshness, she says. 5 Types of Parents at The Birthday Party If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve been to a kid’s birthday. Find out which parent you are at the party! 3. Honey Perhaps unsurprisingly thanks to its rich sweetness, "honey has a low acidic pH and very low moisture levels," says Rumsey, "which prevents the growth of bacteria." Honey is safe to keep indefinitely, though it may crystalize over time. 4. Sugar Unless you're baking a cake a day, the one-pound bag of sugar you just bought could last a lifetime—and according to this graphic, that's OK. "The key thing with sugar is to just keep it away from moisture," says Gans. 5. Rice Properly-stored white rice can last indefinitely. But, "whole grain rice has a shorter shelf life because it is less processed," says Rumsey, who adds that you should keep your brown and whole grain rice no more than six months. 6. Dried Vegetables Unlike their fresh counterparts, dehydrated vegetables—think: freeze-dried kale chips or green beans—can last eight years in your pantry. "Freeze-dried vegetables have all the water removed from them so they have an extra-long shelf life," Rumsey explains. 7. Peanuts Peanuts can last up to two years, according to this graphic. And that also includes peanut butter, which is highly-processed with sugar and other food additives meant to help it last longer, says Claire Shorenstein, M.S., R.D., and C.D.N. 8. Cornstarch According to this graphic, cornstarch can also last indefinitely. But these 10 items are by no means an exhaustive list of common kitchen goods with long shelf lives. In general, "food lasts longer if it has been preserved via methods like canning, pickling, drying, smoking, pasteurization, or irradiation, or if it contains food preservatives, all of which help inhibit bacterial growth, maintain the appearance of the food, and prevent foodborne illnesses," Shorenstein explains. So before you toss out an unopened food item, ask whether it meets that criteria. And be safe. "The key is to ask yourself, what is the upside to eating potentially spoiled food? Is it truly worth the risk?" says Shorenstein. 9. Canned Fish Canned fish—such as tuna, salmon, and sardines—can last up to three years after they're packaged. Why? "Canning foods removes all air and places it vacuum-sealed containers that are the heat processed," says Rumsey. "This destroys microorganisms and prevents new bacteria from getting in." #travelblog #blogger #olamblog #olamlimo #limoservice #carservice #travel #airport #flghts #airlines #food #vacations #business #vacations #booking

FEATURES & ADVICE DONALD WOOD Christmas tree in front of Capitol Washington DC (Photo via BackyardProduction / iStock / Getty Images Plus) A new report from AAA reveals that while many travelers haven’t started thinking about flying for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the start of the best booking window is approaching fast. AAA Travel’s flight booking data showed that over the last three years, September 25 marked the beginning of the rush to book air travel around both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. For travelers looking to get the most bang for their buck this holiday season, AAA recommends to start researching options now, book flights by October 27, consult a travel agent and consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip. “Holiday travelers should make their plans now and begin booking their flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas as early as Wednesday, September 25 for the best deals and availability,” AAA Travel vice president Paula Twidale said in a statement. “Procrastinating travelers may be able to find last-minute deals on flights close to the holidays, as airlines look to fill their last few remaining seats, but flight availability for these peak travel weeks will be very limited by that time.” Photo: AAA 2019 Best Holiday Travel. (photo via AAA) When it comes to Thanksgiving, most travelers book their flights between September 25 and October 27, but research shows the best deals will be available between seven and 13 days before the holiday this year. Options may be limited, though. In terms of congestion and cost, the Monday of Thanksgiving week is the best option, with ticket prices averaging $486 and less congestion at airports. For travelers more concerned about the crowds, the Sunday before the holiday is consistently the lightest travel day. Photo: AAA 2019 Best Holiday Travel. (photo via AAA) As for the Christmas travelers, AAA found that booking your winter holiday flights between September 26 and October 25 will provide consumers with lower prices on average ($551) than more advanced bookings. Last-minute Christmas travel bookers can find the overall best pricing ($488) seven to 13 days before the holiday week, but flight availability is likely to be limited. Travelers departing in the days before Christmas will pay an average of $593 on December 21, $639 on December 22 and $603 on December 23. The research also found that Christmas Eve is the best day to travel, with the lowest average price per ticket ($527) and the lightest travel day of the week. #travelblog #olamblog #olamlimo #blog #airlines #holiday #travelpulse #airport #transportations #limoservice #blackcar #booking

By MIA TAYLOR Airplane during take off. (Photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / den-belitsky) For those who are planning a vacation anytime soon, be warned, your flight could be affected by strikes. Just today, Ryanair pilots union announced it will strike for another seven days in September. British Airways pilots are also set to go on strike on September 9 and September 10 and then again on September 27 potentially impacting travel for thousands of passengers. All of this comes after a massive pilot strike at SAS in April and May left more than 370,000 passengers stranded at airports. “We see many staff strikes every year, even among the world’s major airlines,” says Christian Nielsen, chief legal officer at AirHelp, an organization specializing in air passenger rights. Given the frequency of such labor actions, AirHelp has just released its step-by-step passenger guide to surviving airline strikes. Among the key takeaways? Read up on your rights before embarking on a holiday. Here’s a look at the other top tips from AirHelp. Wait for Airlines to Act When airline staff decides to go on strike, it is very seldom that airline authorities will cancel flights right away. Often, the airline will still try to get flights operating by actively negotiating with unions or even involving legal action to settle the dispute. As a consequence, many travelers do not know whether to reschedule their itinerary or not. “If an airline does not cancel a flight 14 days before the originally scheduled departure, it is very likely that the airline is strongly pursuing negotiation with unions and might wait to cancel the flight until the very last minute,” said AirHelp. “In such cases, passengers should not cancel the original flight before the airline confirms the flight cancellation, because airlines can refuse to pay for a refund and leave passengers paying for two tickets in the end.” Stay Calm and Know Your Rights Not having the ability to plan ahead could make you feel helpless, but that’s why the European Flight Compensation Regulation (EC261) has a comprehensive scheme to compensate travelers’ losses. “The first thing travelers need to know about is their right to care, under which they can claim compensation for meals, refreshments, and two free phone calls, emails, or fax,” said AirHelp. When travelers arrive at the airport waiting for the announcement of strike-incited cancellations, they can demand that the airline provide refreshments when a delay reaches two hours for a flight under 1500 kilometers, three hours for a flight between 1500 and 3500 kilometers, or four hours for a flight beyond 3500 kilometers. It is also possible for travelers to purchase meals in proportion to the waiting period, and claim reimbursement from the airline later, said AirHelp “Passengers should keep all receipts to claim reimbursement later,” said AirHelp. Once the airline confirms the flight cancellation, passengers can choose from three actions: refund, rebooking to the next available flight or rebooking to a later suitable flight. If the newly scheduled flight requires passengers to stay overnight at the airport, passengers can demand that the airline provides accommodation and transportation to and forth free of charge. Get Rightful Compensation for Losses Most importantly, after all these hassles, if you were traveling to or from the EU then you may be entitled to up to $700 in compensation - no matter if the airline cancels the flight and refunds the ticket, or provides a replacement flight to the original destination. As long as it is a last-minute cancellation or a flight delay of more than three hours, passengers can claim this compensation in addition to the other things that airlines provide during strikes. It’s also important to note that airlines will often reject passengers’ claims for compensation by arguing that strikes are beyond the airline’s control and that airlines are thus not responsible for paying for compensation. “AirHelp would like to raise broader awareness and reiterate that, a flight disruption caused by airline staff strike is definitely eligible despite what the airline states,” said the company. “Backed up by the latest decision from the highest European legal entity, the European Court of Justice (ECJ), airline staff strikes are a consequence of deteriorating relations between airline industry employers and employees. Even if a strike is a wildcat, the ECJ assures that passengers are still owed compensation for their losses during a strike.” #olamblog #travelblogger #airlines #airports #trip #passengers #guide #limoservice #carservice #booking #book

Hardside or softside, two-wheel or spinner, suitcase or backpack: whatever your preference, we've selected the top carry-on bags in every category. BY TRAVEL + LEISURE STAFF Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. We know the original “Keep Calm and Carry On” slogan wasn’t initially intended to have anything to do with luggage, but we really do believe in skipping the checked bag whenever possible. With all of your belongings on board, you can take comfort in knowing everything you'll need upon landing is with you — not headed to a different destination because it didn’t make the connection or lying alone on a tarmac somewhere, probably in the rain, which is how we tend to visualize our luggage when we're feeling particularly anxious watching dozens of not-your-bags roll out onto the baggage claim carousel. And less stress isn't the only pro to going carry-on-only. A carry-on bag is also much easier to handle. Have you ever had to schlep a 50-lb. bag up four sets of broken escalators to catch a train that’s about to depart? Trust us, the extra three pairs of shoes won't be worth it again. Though, if you're a very clever packer and can squeeze quite a lot into a small space, you generally won’t have to worry about weight limits like you do with a checked bag. As long as you can compress that thing back to its original size dimensions and lift it above your head without throwing your back out, you can fill a carry-on with bricks and no one will call you out. Except maybe the TSA's Instagram account. Here are a few more helpful points to consider when choosing your new carry-on luggage. Domestic v. International Carry-on Bag Sizes While there are generally only a few inches of difference between carry-on luggage dimensions you'll want to pay attention to the carry-on size restrictions of the airlines you fly most often. A good rule of thumb for domestic U.S. flights is to adhere to suitcases sized 22" x 14" x 9". If you're often flying internationally, you may want to opt for a bag that stands at 21 inches instead, just to be sure you won't run into any issues when boarding. I've found that international carry-on luggage rules tend to be a bit more strict, especially if you're flying with a budget carrier. Softside v. Hardside Carry-on Bags If you always seem to be forced to gate check, you may want to opt for a soft-sided bag. They generally hold up best to wear and tear, though hard-shell bags are adopting more aesthetically durable materials as their popularity grows. Hardside luggage is generally a little more protective of what's inside, while softside bags may allow you to squeeze in an extra bit of baggage for the way home because the fabric has that added give. Two-wheel v. Spinner Carry-on Luggage Spinner luggage has four wheels, usually multidirectional, that will allow you full control of the bag. This is helpful if you feel more comfortable wheeling your bag beside you when walking instead of hauling it behind you, and if navigating the bag down tight airplane aisles always seems to be a struggle. Do keep in mind, however, that two-wheeled suitcases don't have to lend as many inches dimension-wise to the wheels — so you may be sacrificing already precious packing space if you opt for a spinner. How to Make Sure Your Carry-on Works for You Once you receive your bag, test it out before your trip. Did you just like the look of it or is it really, functionally the best suitcase for how you travel? Stuff it full and wheel it around to see how it handles. Pick it up and lift it over your head to mimic putting it in the overhead bin. Familiarize yourself with all of the pockets and features. Even if you've read tons of luggage reviews and bought a bag from one of the best luggage brands, you'll want to evaluate the quality before traveling with it, because if there's one true law of luggage it's that if your luggage is going to break, it will absolutely find the most inconvenient time during your trip to do so. #blog #olamblog #travelleisure #travel #suitcases #carryon #airports #airlines #carservice #blackcar #limoservice #rental

By Robert Silk LAS VEGAS -- Southwest has plans to expand its Denver operations by more than 100 flights per day once new gates now under construction are operable. Photo Credit: Shutterstock "It's on pace to become our largest airport," chief revenue officer Andrew Watterson said during an interview on the sidelines of the International Aviation Forecast Summit here this week. "It's the fastest growing airport in our history." This summer Southwest peaked at 219 daily departures in Denver, making the airport its fourth largest station. The carrier operates its Denver flights out of the airport's Concourse C, where it controls 24 gates. Last summer, however, Denver began a $1.5 billion, 39-gate expansion across its three concourses. Southwest expects it will also operate out of the 16 new gates that the airport is adding to Concourse C, Watterson said. The gate expansion project is scheduled for completion by spring 2021. Concurrently, but with a different contractor, Denver was to be renovating its main terminal with completion scheduled for late 2021. However, last month the airport terminated its $1.8 billion agreement with the terminal contracting company Great Hall Partners amid delays that Great Hall had said would last nearly three years. The airport expects to resume terminal construction early next year. In response to a Travel Weekly email, Denver airport said Friday that the new gates will be operable once complete, and will not be impacted by delays in the main terminal project. The airport did not confirm that Southwest will get access to the 16 additional gates in Concourse C, saying only that the two parties are in discussions. Watterson said Southwest expects to fully utilize the 16 new gates as soon as possible after the gates are completed. Southwest's first priority in the expansion will be to increase frequencies and add destinations between Denver and eastern U.S. cities, Watterson added. Watterson also provided a broader explanation of Southwest's decision to pull out of Newark, effective Nov. 3. In July, CEO Gary Kelly attributed the decision to a combination of Southwest's disappointing results at Newark and to the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max. Absent the 75 Max aircraft Southwest expected to be flying by the end of the year, the carrier decided to redeploy planes from Newark to Hawaii to facilitate its buildup there. Watterson elaborated on the carrier's difficulty in Newark this week, explaining that the airport's customer base is comprised mostly of locals flying out of Newark. Conversely, the passengers on Southwest flights to and from the New York metroplex typically are visiting the area rather than originating there. "So we see with LaGuardia that's where people want to go," Watterson said. "Even though you tell them that Newark is a fine option if you're going to Lower Manhattan. It's got a train, no traffic, it's simple -- people still want to go to LaGuardia." Southwest will have 37 daily arrivals and departures from LaGuardia as of November. It currently flies up to 20 departures per day from Newark to 10 cities. Frontier announced this week that it will enter Newark in November with plans for 15 nonstop routes, taking over landing slots that Southwest is vacating. #travel #travelblogger #travelers #airports #southwest #airlines #olamblog #limoservice #rental #carservice

CREDIT BY: Travelpulse.com American Airlines announced during the 2019 Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) convention it has introduced improvements for corporate travelers and corporate travel managers. American Air Business Class Passenger. (Photo via American Airlines) One of the improvements revealed by American is corporate traveler recognition, which is now available on American and its Atlantic Joint Business (AJB) partners British Airways, Finnair and Iberia. For corporate travelers traveling on flights marketed and operated by AJB partners, they will be able to enjoy preferred seating, priority disruption recovery and additional enhancements available on each carrier by early next year. “Travelers expect a consistent experience whether they’re flying on American or any one of our Atlantic Joint Business partners,” American Senior Vice President Alison Taylor said. “With corporate recognition now available on American, British Airways, Finnair and Iberia, we’re elevating the recognition, prioritization and benefits that our corporate customers receive at every touchpoint possible.” Corporate customers traveling with tickets issued using American Airlines Corporate Travel Agreements enjoy complimentary access to preferred seats through the airline’s official website, with complimentary preferred seat selection available later this year on the carrier’s mobile app. American corporate travelers also receive complimentary Priority Access on the day of travel, higher priority for re-accommodation in the event of operational disruptions, access to special leisure discounts on packages through American Airlines Vacations and more. As for corporate travel managers, American plans to launch a new website dedicated to providing a comprehensive overview of the full breadth of agency, corporate and distribution related products and services available from the airline’s global sales. #blog #olamblog #travel #airports #americanairlines #cruise #vacations #personal #corporatettravelers #business #rental #limo #carservice

CREDIT: NY TIMES Budget cruises abound these days. For the price of a one-night stay at a moderately priced hotel, we decided to check one out. The destination was the Bahamas, and the price for the Grand Classica cruise from southern Florida was irresistible.CreditCreditGetty Images By Elaine Glusac July 26, 2019 The offer seemed too good to be true: a three-day cruise to the Bahamas for $129. At a minimum, that’s room, meals and transit abroad for about the price of an average hotel room. Budget cruises abound in the ever-growing industry, where some 18 new ships are expected to launch this year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. Based at the Port of Palm Beach, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line operates a pair of ships that go back and forth to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, about 90 miles away, year round. I booked a $129 sailing on the 1,680-guest Grand Classica, formerly the Costa neoClassica, launched by the Italian line Costa Cruises in 1991, repurposed in 2018 (double-occupancy rates currently run from $99 a person for an interior cabin to $459 a person for a suite). With tax and fees, the bill was about $210, still a good value provided the ship was clean, the food edible, the resort amenities diverting. I embarked in late May to find out. The embarkation gauntlet Most cruises from Florida depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral, each accessible from a major airport. Palm Beach offers fewer flights, but the cruise line’s website suggested getting tickets aboard the new Brightline train from $10 for the 43-minute trip between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. [Brightline is the only private intercity passenger train service in the country. Read more about its plans to expand in Florida.] The sleek, snub-nosed trains operate from modern downtown stations that allowed me to conduct my own pre- and post-cruise shore excursions on foot, with the occasional assist by free trolley (West Palm) and free Freebeeelectric shuttle (Fort Lauderdale). From the West Palm station, it was a 10-minute Uber ride to the ship. After a quick check-in, boarding the ship required running a gauntlet of people with something to sell: the photographer, shore excursion staff, restaurant and alcohol reps. I’d pre-booked an excursion, passed on the $33 upgrade to dine in the steakhouse and received a 6 p.m. seating assignment in the Yellow Elder dining room from a weary reservationist. “You will get a table at the window and avoid the drunkards and loud teenagers,” he said, explaining that the drinking age changes to 18 in international waters. From the size of the five-deep sales force handling alcohol, booze is where the cruise line makes money. One tout explained that drinks on the ship are $12 each and if I had five a day I would be better off buying the 10-drink package at $75.99 (there’s also a nonalcoholic package for $35, and unlimited soda for $21). When I mentioned that struck me as ordering my hangover in advance, they pushed a bucket of beer package. I finally relented and purchased a bottle of wine when the sommelier promised to store the unfinished bottle and bring it to me at dinners nightly ($49). The 1,680-passenger Grand Classica is one of two ships operated by the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line that sails between southern Florida and Grand Bahama Island year round.CreditBahamas Paradise Cruise Line The resort at sea Having taken bargain cruises, I was prepared for a tiny, interior, windowless room. Instead, exterior cabin 6126 had a large porthole window next to a small table and two chairs, a queen bed, mini refrigerator and relatively spacious bathroom with a curtained shower. Internet access cost $15 for 24 hours. Up four floors, past the Tuscan landscape art that betray the ship’s origins, there’s a fully equipped gym that in two days of use I shared only once, with a staff dancer. It is part of the spa, offering a range of treatments from $20 brow shaping to 75-minute Balinese massages for $180. At the 5 p.m. sail-away party by the aptly named Plunge Pool (there’s also a small adults-only pool), entertainers led passengers in a conga line and “The Macarena.” The ship comedian, Vince Taylor, reminded the crowd, “Remember, what happens on the cruise stays on Facebook!” At the bar, I ordered a Bahamian Sands beer ($6.50) and met a multigenerational family from Georgia celebrating a daughter’s graduation from medical school, a Colombian mother and daughter who praised the trip as “más económico” compared to alternatives, and young couples across the racial spectrum cruising for the first time. My fellow passengers were also far younger than the 50-plus set that tend to dominate longer cruises. The company says its core demographic is 25 to 45. Some took the cruise to gamble in the ship’s casino. Others combined it with an island resort stay, getting off for a few days before returning (the cruise line sells ship and hotel packages). At dinner — a light “Floribbean” meal of shrimp cocktail and seared tuna niçoise salad — I met Kathleen Young from Central Florida, who uses the ship monthly to avoid flying on a small plane to the island, where she was receiving treatment for cancer. “They practically pay me to cruise,” she said, enumerating her $129 booking, including 10 free drink tickets and a $50 shipboard credit, perks that are often included in sales (my package included both, but until I met Kathleen I didn’t realize you have to ask for the drink tickets at the bar, as they were not distributed at check-in). My new ship Sherpa, Kathleen introduced me to many secrets of the cruise, including the seated breakfast in the dining room unknown to buffet-goers, using drink coupons to buy 1.5-liter bottles of water (the ship prohibits bringing your own) and hitting the lounge to catch Sax and Songs, made up of a saxophone player and an R&B singer. She insisted on sitting in the front row for the nightly Las Vegas-style musical review performed by a cast of 10 talented singers, dancers and aerialists and carried on at the late-night Latin dance party when I called it a day. Most of the entertainment was free, except Vince Taylor’s hilarious, R-rated stand-up show, which cost $9 for two tickets during a two-for-one sale. Going Ashore “Who wants to go to the number one party beach on the island?” bellowed our bus driver on a Best of Grand Bahama shore excursion after we’d docked on the second day. Not me, but it was too late. I’d already signed up for the trip with Bahamas Adventures ($52). My intended excursion, to bike around the island ($89), was canceled for low enrollment. Unfortunately, the “best” island itinerary, involving two shopping stops and a nature center followed by an overcrowded beach club blaring Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the U.S.A.,” wasn’t close. When the early 1:45 p.m. shuttle back to the boat didn’t appear, a band of five of us pressed the staff, who eventually put us on a bus with passengers of the Carnival Freedom, also docked for the day. The happiest passengers back on the Classica had taken one of the beach excursions ($39 to $89) for a long day of uncomplicated sunning and swimming. The Bottom Line On the bus ride back to the ship, a Carnival Freedom guest asked if Bahamas Paradise was like Carnival. “Not exactly,” I said, and when our ship pulled out that evening, I could see how right I was: The Freedom had a ship-top basketball court, water slides and a giant screen beside the pool. For $129, you give up such ship amenities. But I also relinquished FOMO, the fear of missing out that strikes me on ships with daily schedules of spinning, salsa dancing and cooking classes. (Though there are some activities, including a scavenger hunt that required participants to find a man wearing a bra, among other absurdities.) For the most part, the ship frees you to sunbathe, read and, of course, party. It’s a good value and value was the talk of the ship, onboard and off. #bloggingtips #olamBlog #Blog #travelweeklytravelweekly #vacations #bahamas #transportation #CarService #LimoService #travel #book #airports #cruise #luxury

BLOG CREDIT: travelweekly.com A rendering of the redone lobby at Frenchman's Reef Resort. When the Frenchman's Reef Resort on St. Thomas reopens in 2020, Marriott won't be the resort operator. Property owner DiamondRock Hospitality Co. has tapped Aimbridge Hospitality to manage the resort. While the resort was previously a Marriott property, a DiamondRock spokeswoman said, DiamondRock and Aimbridge Hospitality have yet to officially bring on a brand for the soon-to-relaunch property. Frenchman's Reef has been shuttered since Hurricane Irma hit the island in 2017. Prior to its closure, the resort was called the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. Marriott has a long history with the resort, which opened in 1973. Marriott at one time owned the property. Frenchman's Reef is currently undergoing a $200 million rebuilding project. Following completion, the property will feature infinity-edge pools, restaurant concepts by chef Richard Sandoval and enhanced wind resiliency. Update: This report was updated to clarify that the branding for the resort has not yet been determined. #bloggingtips #olamBlog #Blog #travelweekly #marriothotels #transportation #CarService #LimoService #travel #book #airports #cruise #luxury

BLOG CREDIT: travelpulse.com Seabourn has always been known as a luxury cruise line throughout its years of existence. This still holds true today, but in 2013, the cruise line also proved to be adventurous. As the Seabourn Quest ventured to Antarctica with expedition experts onboard, a lecturing program and adventurous excursions available for guests to enjoy, it became one of the most luxurious cruise ships to explore this region. This experience paved the way for other cruise ships and itineraries, allowing adventure-seekers to have similar experiences elsewhere. Ventures by Seabourn includes activities such as kayaking and hiking and is available on select sailings with Seaborn. Travelers get to enjoy immersive experiences in remote destinations. As guests’ interests in the Ventures by Seabourn continued to grow, the cruise line realized they need to have more to offer. This led to the announcement of two new expedition ships being built in order to transfer guests to places where other cruise ships aren’t able to go. One ship will be available in 2021 and the other in 2022, and both will offer adventurous opportunities in remote destinations while still giving cruisers a luxurious onboard experience during their vacation. Visit Seabourn’s blog, Current, to learn more. #bloggingtips #olamBlog #Blog #travelpulse #transportation #CarService #LimoService #travel #book #airports #cruise #luxury