BP Oil Spill Impact on Gulf Travel Likely to Last 3 Years and Cost $22.7 Billion

/PRNewswire/ -- Based on a landmark analysis of 25 recent natural and manmade disasters, Oxford Economics today projected that the effects of the BP oil spill on travel to the Gulf Coast are likely to last up to three years and cost the region $22.7 billion. An aggressive and comprehensive $500 million effort to attract visitors to the Gulf Coast could reduce the total economic impact by $7.5 billion.

"History and current trends indicate a potential $22.7 billion economic loss to the travel economies of the Gulf Coast states over the next three years," said Adam Sacks, managing director of Oxford Economics USA. "One of the most cost-effective ways to mitigate these damages is to immediately fund strategic marketing to counter misperceptions and encourage travel to the region."

"Travel is a perception business and the impact of disasters like the BP oil spill on the industry is actually predictable," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "We know from this research that the oil spill will have long-term effects on businesses and jobs in the Gulf Coast region unless we counteract the usual course of events with an unprecedented response."

In an effort to save the coastal region's 400,000 travel industry jobs, the U.S. Travel Association complemented the release of the Oxford Economics study with a "Roadmap to Recovery," a 10-point plan for government to help communities in crisis by implementing specific action steps that inform public perceptions, incentivize travel to an affected area and make impacted businesses whole. Specific proposals for the federal government include:

-- Create a $500 million marketing program, funded by BP, to share
accurate information on the oil spill and attract visitors to the
region;
-- Develop a "one-stop shop" online portal where consumers can obtain
up-to-the-minute information about which areas are safe and open for
travel and business;
-- Provide tax deductions in a disaster-affected area to give travelers
added incentive to travel to and do business in that region; and
-- Intervene to provide increased access to capital, low interest loans
and tax incentives that allow businesses to remain open and retain
employees.


"We call on the federal government to immediately secure the $500 million necessary to operate an effective marketing program and prevent billions of dollars in economic harm to the Gulf Coast," said Dow. "It is not too late to save Gulf Coast jobs and keep attracting the visitors that can prevent further damage to these vital American communities."

All materials related to this announcement are available online at www.ustravel.org.

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $704 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org. Follow us on Twitter @ustravelpr.

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BOBBERTHON! Are You Registered Yet?

Your chance at guaranteed prizes awaits you! Even better, these prizes are a reward for fishing in a new regional fishing tournament – Bobberthon. 

Bobberthon is a tournament at which registered anglers have approximately two months to catch tagged bream in any of three public fishing area lakes. The angler then must register their tag. These first few steps guarantee a prize – but then even more prizes are available!

Quick Tournament Details

·         Registration: Interested anglers can register at any participating vendor (list found online at the Bobberthon website) beginning today. Registration is available through Sept. 11, 2010.

·         Fishing Locations: Once registered, anglers are instructed to fish at any of three local public fishing area lakes (Dodge County, Ocmulgee and Flat Creek) that have tagged bream.  

·         Tag Reporting: If an angler catches a tagged bream, they need to register the tag number by visiting any of the participating vendors (same vendors as registration) by Sept. 11, 2010.

·         Tournament Dates: Dates to catch a tagged bream are July 17th-Sept. 11, 2010. Anglers that catch and report a tagged bream during that time are guaranteed a prize. They then also are eligible to participate in the Grand Bobberthon Tournament on Sept. 25, 2010 (visit the website for more info on the Grand Bobberthon Tournament).

·         Prizes: Prizes could be anything from hats/t-shirts to larger prizes like cash or a boat. The Department of Economic Development and local community representatives are soliciting local and regional businesses for exciting prizes. Bobberthon committee representatives hope to be able to offer anything from hotel stays to restaurant gift cards to sporting equipment. As prizes are secured, they will be listed on the Bobberthon website.

The event is a collaborative effort between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development  and four local communities (Bleckley, Houston, Dodge and Pulaski).

For more information about Bobberthon, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com (click on Bobberthon link on home page) or call the Fisheries Management office at 478-825-6151.

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Good News as Summer Travel Increases on Jekyll Island

T2F Editor Note:  Just say "Jekyll Island" and some of our staff members go all "gooey- eyed."  Stories of years long ago of family vacations just bubble out with everyone in the office enjoying hearing them.  A friend of my family owned a couple of hotels on the island way back when and we would spend a lot of time down in Brunswick on the beach.  Ahh, the stories I could tell!  Hey, why not just go and check it out yourself?  Who knows?  You may come back with great memories for your family. In the meantime,  I'm going to check my calendar to see when I can escape back to my island of fun.

/PRNewswire/ -- With revitalization underway, Jekyll Island is beginning to see a return of visitation despite the sluggish economy. At its regular meeting Monday, the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Board of Directors reviewed hotel reports showing strong revenue growth for the month of June. Hotel revenue was up 28 percent over June 2009. The new Hampton Inn & Suites generated nearly $500,000 in revenue and achieved 92 percent occupancy for the month. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel saw revenue increase 25 percent over last year.

"The new Hampton Inn &Suites is attracting people back to Jekyll," stated JIA chairman Bob Krueger. "I spoke with a hotel guest this morning who had not been to Jekyll in many years. He was having a great time."

The growth in business was split between groups and guests on vacation. Several conventions held their meetings on Jekyll Island in June. Groups were rewarded with great weather and businesses ready to serve up a healthy dose of hospitality

Higher visitation translated into more business for island restaurants, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Summer Waves Water Park, whose revenue is 10 percent or almost $100,000 more than 2008.

"Leveraging events to gain earned media and focusing on internet marketing is paying off," stated Eric Garvey, JIA Chief Communications Officer. "We are in a good position. Our message is out there and we are being rewarded with incremental business."

Ben Porter, Chairman of the JIA Board of Directors Marketing Committee, echoed the optimism. "These results are a reflection of the staff's hard work and commitment, and I am very pleased with the direction we are heading."

With plans for two new hotels, beach village shopping and dining and a new convention center moving forward, Jekyll Island is quickly becoming Georgia's premier beach destination. The good news is timely as the economic recovery tries to pick up steam. When looking for bright spots, look to the beautiful Georgia coast and Jekyll Island.

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American Eagle Airlines Launches Nonstop Jet Service Between Dallas/Fort Worth and Columbus, GA

/PRNewswire -- American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, today began twice-daily, nonstop jet service between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Columbus Metropolitan Airport (CSG), using 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jet aircraft.

"American Eagle is pleased to introduce service to Columbus from our largest hub in Dallas/Fort Worth," said Gary Foss, Vice President - Planning and Marketing for the AA Regional Network. "With two daily nonstops, customers from both Georgia and Alabama can make a day trip to DFW or enjoy convenient connections to more than 250 destinations throughout American's global network."

Situated on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Columbus is home to several large corporations and manufacturers, as well as Fort Benning, a major U.S. Army post. Visitors to the area can enjoy numerous historic homes and museums, including the Columbus Museum and the National Civil War Naval Museum.

The schedule for flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and Columbus (all times local) is:

Dallas/Fort Worth to Columbus (DFW-CSG)



      Flight           Departs          Arrives            Days
       2977          12:45 p.m.         3:40 p.m.         Daily
       2984           6:40 p.m.         9:35 p.m.         Daily




  Columbus to Dallas/Fort Worth (CSG-DFW)



      Flight           Departs          Arrives            Days
       2980*          7:05 a.m.        8:15 a.m.          Daily
       2983           4:05 p.m.        5:15 p.m.          Daily

  *Flight begins July 16, 2010

Introductory Fares and Double AAdvantage® Mile Offer

Log on to www.aa.com and enjoy special introductory fares. Customers can also earn double miles flying between Dallas/Fort Worth and Columbus beginning today through Oct. 15, 2010. Customers must register prior to travel using the Bonus Code CSG2X. Register and obtain complete offer terms and conditions at www.aa.com/offers.

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New Megaramp at Lake Hartwell Creates Better Access for Boaters and Anglers

Anticipating more than 10,000 users each year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources opened a new megaramp on July 13, 2010 at Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell, giving boaters and anglers greater access to the lake.

The megaramp facility includes six boating lanes, plenty of parking and restrooms. The area will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This ramp is one of more than 15 ramps being constructed around the state as part of the Go Fish Georgia Initiative. This initiative seeks to establish Georgia as a national fishing destination through a three-tiered approach: 1) improving the quality of fishing in Georgia waters; 2) improving access to water bodies for fishing in Georgia; and 3) increasing participation through active promotion and marketing of Georgia’s exceptional fishing resources.

Georgia DNR received funding for the ramp as part of a natural resource damage settlement related to PCB contamination of Twelve Mile Creek which feeds into Lake Hartwell. The PCB contamination resulted from discharges from a manufacturing plant formerly located along the creek. Maintenance of the ramp will be handled by Georgia DNR State Parks and Historic Sites.

There have been several participating groups and agencies involved with the development of this ramp, including The Lake Hartwell Natural Resources Trustees, Georgia DNR, Franklin County and the City of Lavonia, the Facility Design Team for this project, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jeff Schwann for construction of the actual boat ramp and Simpson Construction Company for the development of the rest of this facility.

Situated on a wooded peninsula, Tugaloo State Park visitors have spectacular views of 55,590-acre Lake Hartwell in every direction. Fishing is excellent year-round, and largemouth bass are plentiful. During summer, the lake is a popular destination for swimming, water skiing, sailing and boating. Visitors can stay overnight in fully equipped cottages or the modern campground. The name “Tugaloo” comes from an Indian name for the river which once flowed freely prior to the construction of Hartwell Dam.

For more information on fishing or boat ramps, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com . For more information on Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, visit www.gastateparks.org .

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What I LEARNED on My Summer Vacation in Atlanta

/PRNewswire/ -- Only five more weeks of summer remain, but that doesn't mean children still can't learn something new over the summer. Below are some of Atlanta's best places to bring classroom subjects to life (and kids will have so much fun, they won't even realize they're learning!).

First Period: Science/Biology

-- Zoo Atlanta inspires value and preservation of wildlife through a
unique mix of education and outdoor family fun. The Zoo's newest
attraction, Trader's Alley: Wildlife's Fading Footprints, featuring
the debut of two new sun bears, opened in June 1010.

-- The Georgia Aquarium unveiled the newly-renovated Georgia-Pacific Cold
Water Quest Gallery featuring redesigned exhibits that provide greater
immersion into the habitats of two of the Aquarium's marquee animals:
African penguins and the Southern sea otter.

-- Fernbank Museum of Natural History invites families to explore the
amazing world of geckos - from shadowy nighttime hunters with
unbelievable camouflage, to neon-colored nectar eaters that scamper
around in daylight - with the exhibit Geckos: Tails to Toepads.

-- Families can tiptoe through the treetops at the Atlanta Botanical
Gardens on the new Canopy Walk and explore of the city's last
remaining urban forests from 40 feet in the air, then tour the Edible
Garden and Outdoor Kitchen to learn how food goes from the farm to the
table.

Second Period: English

-- The Margaret Mitchell House & Museum allows budding young readers and
writers to explore - and be inspired by - the personal journey that
led to Mitchell's Pulitzer-Prize winning book.

-- The Wren's Nest House & Museum celebrates the legacy of author Joel
Chandler Harris, most well-known as author of the Uncle Remus
folktales, with guided tours of the home and grounds. The museum's
storytellers - the Wren's Nest Ramblers - bring their favorite Brer
Rabbit stories to life on Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Third Period: History

-- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site has a permanent Children
of Courage exhibit, which is designed to engage and educate the site's
younger visitors through the stories of the children of the Civil
Rights Movement.

-- Jimmy Carter Library & Museum offers a re-designed interactive
experience focused on the Carter's humanitarian work. Offering
something for everyone in the family, a highlight includes an
interactive table that lets visitors take a virtual trip with the
Carters around the world to fight disease and promote democracy and
human rights.

-- The Atlanta History Center has recently added the Connor Brown
Discovery Trail through their six historic gardens, featuring
interactive stations that include activities and information about the
trees, plants and animals that children might encounter along their
expedition.

Fourth Period: Art

-- High Museum of Art lets younger visitors to go beyond just looking at
important works of art with the help of the museum's Discovery
Backpack, borrowed from the Coat Check area, which is filled with art
projects, puzzles, books, games, and easy-to-follow instructions.

-- The Center for Puppetry Arts celebrates the works of Jim Henson, from
The Muppets to Fraggle Rock with three exhibits on permanent display
-- Jim Henson: Wonders from His Workshop, Jim Henson: Puppeteer and
Jim Henson: a Man and His Frog.

Fifth Period: Social Studies

-- Inside CNN Center Studio Tour features behind-the-scenes
demonstrations of the studio that brings news to more than one billion
people around the globe, including the ways that weather maps serve as
background for newscasts. Kids love being in front of the green
screen!

-- At Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta children will be on a
mission to discover the many ways they can save energy and protect the
planet during Conservation Quest. They will learn about what energy
is, where it comes from, and the countless ways they can conserve
energy every day.

-- World of Coca-Cola is where children of all ages will be thirsty to
learn more about the fascinating history of the popular soft drink and
taste 60 varieties of Coca-Cola from around the world.

Sixth Period: P.E.

-- Six Flags Over Georgia is home of "40 Fun Things for Kids to Do," the
most comprehensive menu of kid-friendly, mom and dad approved fun
activities at the park.

-- Or, stop by Six Flags White Water's new attraction, The Wiggles Water
World, featuring an interactive family area boasting more than 40,000
square feet of water cannons, telescopes, net climbs, secret
crawl-throughs, port-holes and slippery slides.

-- Kids ages 3-11 get in free on Fridays at Stone Mountain Park with each
full-price paid Adventure pass, which includes new live entertainment
and Sky Hike, one of the nation's largest adventure courses.

Seventh Period: Math

Kids can work with their parents to create an itinerary and budget for their excursion, and visit Atlanta.net/summer or Atlanta.net/backyard to find a package that provides the best value!

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Fourth of July Holiday Travelers Expected to Increase 17.1 Percent, AAA says

/PRNewswire/ -- AAA today projected the number of Americans traveling this Fourth of July holiday weekend will increase 17.1 percent from 2009, with approximately 34.9 million travelers taking a trip at least 50 miles away from home. Last year, 29.8 million Americans traveled during the same period. The 2010 Fourth of July holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, July 1 to Monday, July 5.

"While financial markets continue to have volatility related to the European debt crisis, the landscape of the U.S. economy is in a much different place than it was one year ago," said Glen MacDonell, director, AAA Travel Services. "It is encouraging to see such growth this summer as Americans take to the road to visit family, friends and great vacation destinations."

MacDonell added, "AAA travel agents continue to report double-digit increases in the percentage of travelers making advanced reservations for cruises, and vacation packages and online hotel bookings via AAA.com are up over last year -- all of which are positive signs pointing to an increase in the number of Americans traveling this Fourth of July holiday."

As the Deepwater Horizon oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico continues, the situation is changing rapidly and the impact on tourism in the Gulf Coast region is still unknown. However, currently most beaches remain open and while AAA offices have reported member inquiries regarding travel to the Gulf Coast, they have not experienced widespread cancellations. Additionally, travelers visit these communities for reasons other than boating and swimming including visiting family and friends, state and national parks, golfing, shopping, dining and nightlife. Therefore, AAA is projecting an increase in travel in states in the Gulf Coast region as well.

AAA's projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA / IHS Global Insight 2010 Fourth of July holiday forecast can be found at AAA.com/news.

Air and car trips to increase

Trips by automobile are expected to increase in popularity with 90 percent of travelers, or 31.4 million people, reaching their destination by driving. This is an increase of 17.7 percent from last Fourth of July when 26.7 million travelers went by motor vehicle. AAA expects the national average price of self-serve regular gasoline to be between $2.70-$2.80 per gallon during this Fourth of July holiday weekend. Leisure air travel also is expected to grow slightly with 1.56 million holiday flyers expected. This would be an increase of 8.2 percent from one year ago when 1.44 million flew. Trips by other modes, including rail, bus and watercraft, will be the dominant means of travel used by six percent of all travelers.

AAA also cautions that the Fourth of July marks the busiest travel holiday for emergency roadside services calls. As temperatures rise, vehicles are put to the test. Without preventive maintenance the summer heat increases the likelihood of a motorist experiencing a vehicle failure, leaving them unexpectedly - and dangerously - stranded on the side of the road. AAA expects it will come to the aid of 520,000 stranded motorists during the holiday weekend. Batteries can be especially affected by heat and AAA anticipates it will replace 30,000 auto batteries on the roadside and jump start an additional 60,000 during the holiday weekend. The nation's largest motor club also will aid 85,000 motorists locked out of their vehicles and change 75,000 flat tires.

To decrease the likelihood of break down, AAA recommends motorists have their vehicle serviced regularly based on the manufacturer's recommended schedule and identify a quality repair shop. AAA offers a free public service to help consumers find quality auto repair facilities that meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service. Motorists can either look for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign at local auto repair facilities, or search for a nearby AAA Approved shop online at AAA.com/repair.

AAA also helps motorists prepare for the heavy toll summer heat can have on a vehicle batteries with its Mobile Battery Service. In many areas, AAA Mobile Battery technicians will travel to members to test their vehicle's battery and ascertain if it's near the end of its life, in need of replacement and susceptible to failure in the summer heat.

Median spending down; average distance traveled will be 617 miles

The average distance traveled by Americans this Fourth of July holiday weekend (617 miles) is forecast to be approximately the same as one year ago (614 miles). Median spending is estimated to be $644 this Fourth of July, nearly $50 less than last year when median spending was estimated at $693. Fifty-eight percent of Americans will spend time with friends and relatives over the holiday.

Airfares, hotel and rental car rates increase over holiday compared to last year

According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, airfares over the Fourth of July holiday weekend are expected to increase 13 percent from last year as air passengers will pay a lowest average round-trip fare of $192 per ticket. However, it is important to note that fares for the prior year dropped 16 percent and, in spite of the increase in 2010, fares are still below the average from two years ago. Weekend daily car rental rates will increase four percent to an average of $54. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are also expected to increase four percent from a year ago with travelers spending an average of $143 per night compared to $137 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels will pay only one percent more at an average cost of $102 per night.

AAA offers a variety of travel planning tools including free TourBook travel guides and maps for members and the TripTik® Travel Planner, available free to all travelers at AAA.com. Three iPhone apps offer access to AAA products and services on the go. The AAA TripTik Mobile app provides gas prices and information on hotels, restaurants and attractions. The AAA Discounts app, which has been downloaded more than 800,000 times, uses GPS technology to acquire a user's location and displays nearby AAA Show Your Card &Save® locations. With AAA Roadside, AAA members requiring emergency service can quickly send their location, vehicle description and specific breakdown details directly to AAA. The free apps are available for download at the iTunes Store.

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TDC Tracks Coastal Conditions with Daily Videos, Web Cams & Reports

The Franklin County (Florida) Tourist Development Council (TDC) has launched an aggressive marketing campaign to attract visitors uncertain about booking a vacation to Franklin County this summer. The multi-tiered campaign, which consists of a new web portal, daily beach reports, social media marketing, live web cams and a nationwide TV, print and internet blitz is centered around a simple concept - Keep it Honest.

Launched in mid May, the campaign is based on sharing real time information about the beaches, seafood and amenities of this area which includes St. George Island, Apalachicola, Carrabelle and Alligator Point. The first phase of the campaign has been extremely successful, increasing website traffic 811%, based on weekly averages from before and after the implementation of daily beach reports, briefings and website redesign.

The cornerstone of the campaign involves daily reports documenting actual beach and shore conditions. Each day, TDC videographers film different coastal areas of the county and conduct “daily beach and seafood reports.” The format includes interviews with visitors, industry leaders and fishing experts to show current beach conditions as well as fishing and tourist-related opportunities across the county.

The video is supplemented with a summary of daily NOAA projections, state regulatory information and local emergency information relevant to tourists. Together, the video and briefs are posted on the TDC website and on social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and uploaded to the TDC’s You Tube channel at: youtube.com/user/ANaturalEscape. A video clip from each day’s report is uploaded to the Visit Florida “Share a Little Sunshine” website for even wider exposure.

In addition to posting the information, the TDC sends the report out daily to approximately 4,000 newsletter subscribers, visitor center signups and media throughout the country. Lodging providers that receive the reports link them to their own websites, forward them to colleagues and customers and share them via their own social media marketing sites for additional exposure.

Also key to the campaign, TDC contractors have redesigned a new landing page for anaturalescape.com to better showcase the daily report videos and provide easy access to lodging provider information. They have also designed a customer emarketing banner for the daily report, added webcam links, and currently handle the daily uploading of reports and videos to the website and to the TDC’s YouTube channel.

The TDC recently implemented a new web video component which features video tagging and the ability to download videos and an embedded video player for a richer user experience. The video player page includes features that allow anyone to link the video to their own website with tag parameters in the url which automatically updates each day’s video without the need for uploading individual daily reports.

The TDC has also installed webcams in strategic spots in the county and is currently linked to three existing web cams to show coastal conditions from Alligator Point to Apalachicola in real time video. Those web links are connected also to the TDC’s social media sites.

The latest phase of the campaign involves TV ads promoting Franklin County which are currently running in key markets across the country and will continue through mid July. Ads are currently running on CBS affiliates and networks including CNN, Family Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Lifetime, Nickelodeon, TNT, USA, Travel Channel, MSNBC and even the Weather Channel.

The TDC has also contracted for print and internet advertising in feeder markets identified by local lodging providersto run through the summer. The ads include display and banner ads on a network of sites such as Cafe Mom, Women's Day, CBS and Yahoo and in the geographic markets of Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, and Houston. .

“Our beaches, seafood and fishing are all fine, and we’re happy to share this message,” says Helen Spohrer, TDC Chairman, “We want our visitors to experience Franklin County’s eco-adventures as well as the historical and cultural activities.”

Franklin County was one of eight counties to receive emergency BP marketing funds from the Governor’s office in May to help promote a positive message for the North Florida coastal counties threatened by oil. Franklin County’s grant totaled $252,350.

In addition to the marketing funds, Franklin County tourism officials say they value their network of partners in the tourism and hospitality industries that have banded together to help each other leverage small budgets into big coverage. Since the campaign launched, the Franklin County TDC has partnered with Visit Florida and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to co-op a full page ad in USA Today and a 10-second TV tag at the end of a Visit Florida ads that has been running from Baton Rouge to Baltimore.

“By working together with partners, both large and small, we can successfully meet this challenge,” says Spohrer.

Statement from the FAA in Response to the Associated Press Story about Temporary Flight Restrictions over the Gulf of Mexico

Today’s story by the Associated Press contains a number of inaccuracies with regard to the government’s oversight of flyovers in and around the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Since May 28th, the FAA has approved every request to fly over the area – more than 176 requests. While the temporary flight restriction requires pilots to stay above 3,000 feet, the FAA is working with news organizations and granting exceptions so that pilots can fly at lower altitudes throughout the day.

The reason for these requirements is safety, pure and simple. So far, there have been a number of reported near misses over the Gulf due to heavy traffic and pilots flying above the oil spill to give their passengers a closer look.

On Sunday, a helicopter carrying a member of the Associated Press violated the temporary flight restriction around the oil clean-up efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. The helicopter operator was not authorized to fly into the restricted area and was flying at various altitudes well below 3,000 feet. For over 30 minutes, the pilot was not in communication with the Customs and Border Patrol aircraft that is providing traffic advisories for all participating aircraft. Customs and Border Patrol was forced to divert other traffic in the area, creating a dangerous situation for everyone involved. When the pilot was finally reached he was told to leave the area.

A pilot deviation (an action that results in the violation of a Federal Aviation Regulation) is being filed against the helicopter pilot.

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Making The Most Of A Trip To The Beach

(NAPSI)-For surefire fun on a visit to the beach, an increasing number of families are getting their feet wet in South Carolina. What's more, new attractions and old favorites are just waiting to break up--and perk up--the trip.

For instance, there's Carowinds (www.carowinds.com) at the North Carolina state line on Interstate 77. There, a new NASCAR-themed roller coaster pays tribute to the Intimidator, legendary driver Dale Earnhardt, while providing some fast thrills for even the most experienced coaster fanatic.

On a more sedate note, nearby is Historic Brattonsville, one of the largest restoration and living history sites in the Southeast. The 775-acre Revolutionary War battlefield site features 29 historic structures and programs chronicling Carolina Piedmont development from the 1750s through the 1840s (www.chmuseums.org).

Natural history, meanwhile, unfolds off Interstate 95 at Woods Bay State Natural Area. The park preserves one of the largest remaining pristine Carolina bays, with carnivorous plants, alligators, plentiful songbirds and a cypress-tupelo swamp (www.SouthCarolinaParks.com).

In bustling, pedestrian-friendly Greenville, there's Heritage Green, a campus of museums and theatres, including a brand-new children's museum.

Columbia, the state capital at the intersection of interstates 77, 20 and 26, features Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (www.riverbanks.org), the South Carolina State Museum (www.scmuseum.org), the Columbia Museum of Art (www.columbiamuseum.org) and the largest children's museum in the South (www.EdVenture.org).

Also on your way to the beach are produce stands on nearly any major side road. Pick-your-own and working farms open to visitors also abound. You can check out the "Farms" link at www.sc-heritagecorridor.org for locations.

Learn More

More information on destinations in South Carolina is at www.DiscoverSouthCarolina.com and the South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions site, www.scatr.com.

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Spirit Airlines Strikes Again - Passengers Abandoned

/PRNewswire/ -- FlyersRights.org, the nation's foremost airline passenger advocacy group, today called upon Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza to keep his promise to secure safe passage for passengers stranded by the airline's ongoing pilot strike. On June 9th, just before Sprit Airlines pilots walked off the job, Spirit spokeswoman Missy Pinson told The Associated Press that the carrier was "partnering with other air carrier providers to continue to serve our customers" and would provide a $100 voucher in addition to free passage home. So far these claims have proven to be false.

"Despite its claims and promises, Spirit appears to have no intention to care for its customers in light of the strike and has no plan in place to address stranded passengers across the globe--who are now forced to fend for themselves," said FlyersRights.org Executive Director, Kate Hanni. "Tickets issued by Spirit are without value on other airlines and Spirit is depriving passengers of information on how they will care for them thereby perpetrating a global fraud upon its customers."

Although Baldanza promised to reroute passengers on other carriers and to refund passengers' money, FlyersRights.org is receiving hotline calls telling a very different story. One mother called to say that her daughter and a friend are stranded in Aruba. The family was assured before the trip that Spirit would not strand the girls, but they have now told them to buy their own tickets, and they will be reimbursed later. Or, they can come back in a week for a booking on Spirit. The girls' credit cards and cell phones do not work in Aruba, and they have no cash even for food. Spirit officials in Aruba confirmed that Spirit has no agreements with any other airline.

FlyersRights.org Executive Director Kate Hanni also noted that she and her entire membership would be calling upon the Congress, the Secretary of Transportation and the Justice Department to investigate Spirit as a result of its apparent fraud upon flying public. FlyersRights.org has also published information for stranded passengers to use.

In response to the crisis FlyersRights.org recommends the following to stranded Spirit passengers:

1. If you have not received a refund and the promised $100.00 voucher, call your credit card immediately and challenge the charge.

2. File a claim in small claims court for all expenses related to being stranded and/or pre-pays for trips not taken.

3. File a complaint with the DOT, who can assist you with remedies.

4. Do NOT fly Spirit Airlines. Low cost air carriers, in general, will do NOTHING for you in the event of any irregular operation, even their own operations.

5. If you are stranded by Spirit please contact FlyersRights.org via our website.

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Delta Welcomes Vietnam Airlines into SkyTeam Alliance

PRNewswire -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today welcomed Vietnam Airlines as the newest member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. With Vietnam's entrance, Delta customers immediately gain the ability to earn and redeem SkyMiles on the airline's flights, as well as access to its airport lounges in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

"SkyTeam continues to improve Delta customers' access to some of the globe's most important commercial and tourism destinations," said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. "The addition of Vietnam's leading airline to SkyTeam positions our alliance as the fastest growing in Asia and builds on the planned addition of China Eastern Airlines."

Korean Air and China Southern Airlines also are long-standing Asian-based members of the alliance.

Beginning in mid-July, Vietnam Airlines will offer codeshare service via Delta's Tokyo-Narita hub allowing passengers to purchase a single Vietnam Airlines ticket to and from the United States. Delta operates 27 peak-day departures to 22 nonstop destinations from Tokyo-Narita, including nonstop flights to 10 U.S. cities - Atlanta, Detroit, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle.

By the end of this year, Delta passengers will have the ability to connect on a single codeshare ticket from cities throughout Delta's network to Vietnam. Over time, SkyTeam's addition of Vietnam Airlines will introduce 20 new destinations not offered by any alliance member today. Vietnam Airlines currently serves the SkyTeam hubs in Beijing, Guangzhou, Paris, Seoul and Tokyo.

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Delta, Delta AirElite Introduce Industry First Program Allowing Customers to Book Commercial, Private Jet Flights in One Transaction

PRNewswire -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Delta AirElite, are introducing a service to allow customers to book scheduled commercial flights and on-demand private jet service in a single transaction using a pre-paid Air Elite account. Through Delta AirElite, Delta is the only U.S. airline offering customers combined access to commercial and private jet service.

"Today's airline customer wants more travel flexibility, extensive reach and competitive pricing all from a single source," said Jim Segrave, President - Delta AirElite. "Only the Air Elite Card gives customers the unique ability to book travel between destinations using a combination of commercial and on-demand business jet service. With a single phone call, customers can personalize their travel needs connecting them to points across the country and around the world."

Air Elite cardholders can use their account to book travel on Delta or Delta AirElite by calling a dedicated client services team. Customers purchasing or renewing an Air Elite account gain around-the-clock access to:

-- Private jet service at competitive, hourly rates that are guaranteed
not to change for up to two years;
-- Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion status, Sky Club membership and
convenient Sky Priority benefits; and
-- Select discounts on both Premium and Economy-class tickets when booked
in conjunction with a private jet segment.

Earlier this year, Delta AirElite doubled its fleet size with the acquisition of Kinston, N.C.-based Segrave Aviation. The move combined Delta AirElite's award-winning product with Segrave's leadership in online flight management and operations control.

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Family Benefits When you Participate in National Fishing and Boating Week

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation declare boating and fishing as unmatched leisure activities that help make a true connection with family, friends and the natural environment. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division encourages people of all ages to reconnect with their families during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 5-13, 2010.

“Outdoor recreation strengthens the family as a unit and children as individuals,” says WRD Chief of Fisheries Management John Biagi. “National Fishing and Boating Week is an opportunity to remind all outdoor enthusiasts to teach their children and others the importance of natural resource conservation while introducing them to an exciting activity that could last a lifetime.”

NFBW began in 1979 as National Fishing Week and was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness and to share the values and knowledge of today’s anglers with tomorrow’s anglers.

In the spirit of introducing new family members or friends to the sport of angling, Georgia offers two free fishing days during NFBW – Saturday, June 5 and Saturday, June 12, 2010. On these days, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license in order to fish. Residents can fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). Additionally, residents do not need to obtain a WMA license to fish on a PFA or on Waters Creek on these two free fishing days.

In addition to the two free fishing days, there are multiple kids fishing events scheduled across the state during the week to help introduce children to fishing. These events offer a healthy form of entertainment for kids and are an excellent opportunity for beginning anglers to experience the vast rewards of recreational fishing. KFEs are FREE, held statewide and have experienced volunteers on hand to help. Many events offer prizes, free lunches and other fun-filled activities – so make plans to attend a KFE today!

Take Me Fishing! ™ A recent national survey indicated that 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships. So take your family fishing and you will always have something in common. 

For more information on free fishing days, finding the nearest KFE or finding a place to fish, visit the WRD website at www.gofishgeorgia.com or call a WRD Fisheries Management Office.

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The Inaugural Savannah Wine & Jazz Fest June 5 at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

This Saturday, June 5 from 1-7 p.m., The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort & Spa will host the Inaugural Savannah Wine & Jazz Fest.

Travel the world with Wine and live Jazz while enjoying breathtaking views of the city. Sample and savor an expansive selection of wines spanning several continents and numerous vintages. For those with even more refined tastes, the Connoisseur’s Corner features only very high-end wines. 

Enjoy musical entertainment from some of Savannah’s finest jazz musicians including Huxsie Scott, the Eric Jones Trio, Gina Renee, the Ben Tucker Trio, the Coastal Jazz Association All-Stars and the Lavon Stevens Trio.

Food selections and grill items will be available. Admission is $55 per person and a portion of proceeds benefits local charities. Adults over the age of 21 are encouraged to attend. Admission includes a commemorative glass and unlimited tastings.

For more information look for us on the web at www.westinsavannah.com/winejazz or call 912. 525.5050 for ticket information.

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Delta Eliminates Award Redemption Fees for Frequent Flyers

PRNewswire-- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) is eliminating award ticket redemption fees for SkyMiles frequent flyer members. Effective immediately, members will no longer pay fees of up to $150 for award tickets redeemed within 20 days of departure.

Before this change, the fee to book an award ticket for travel within three days was $150 per ticket; for travel within four to seven days the fee was $100; and for travel within eight to 20 days the fee was $75. Award tickets booked 21 days or more before departure continue to have no redemption fee.

"We want members to be able to redeem their miles - whether it's for a last-minute trip or a vacation of a lifetime - and eliminating this fee for our loyal travelers makes doing so significantly easier," said Jeff Robertson, Delta's vice president - SkyMiles. "We are actively listening to customers' concerns about the SkyMiles program and are responding."

Last year, frequent flyers redeemed more than 230 billion miles in the SkyMiles program for more than 11 million award redemptions. In 2009, 8.5 percent of revenue miles flown on Delta were for award travel, among the best of U.S. network airlines according to data filed in airlines' 10-K annual reports. Delta offers more ways to redeem frequent flyer miles than any other airline - including airline tickets, mileage upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, Delta Sky Club memberships, merchandise and more than 30 types of gift cards.

Today's announcement is the latest in a series of changes Delta is making to improve the frequent flyer experience, including:

-- Introducing a Diamond Medallion tier in March and the industry's first
rollover Medallion Qualification Miles for 2010.
-- Launching a "first checked bag free" benefit - up to a $50 savings per
person on a round-trip ticket - for customers with a Consumer or
Business Gold, Platinum, or Reserve Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from
American Express which began June 1.
-- Increasing the allocation of preferred Economy seats to ensure the
most frequent travelers are guaranteed the best seats on all Delta and
Delta Connection flights by August 2010.
-- Allowing Delta's most loyal customers - Diamond, Platinum and Gold
Medallions - flying on domestic award redemptions to be eligible for
complimentary upgrades by September 2010.
-- Re-engineering the online award calendar at delta.com to make it
easier to find and redeem award seats. These changes began in May and
will be completed by November 2010.


Delta also has changed award ticket redeposit and reissue fees to make them consistent with fees for non-award tickets. These fees, which have increased from $100 to $150, will continue to be waived for SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members.

More information on redeeming miles for an award ticket is available at delta.com/awardtravel. For a complete list of Delta's upcoming SkyMiles changes, visit delta.com/whatsahead.

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Plan a weekend of culture and fun: Get cheap flights to Washington D.C.

It's our nation's capital, home to myriad federal agencies, embassies and historic monuments. But Washington, D.C., is a lot more than just a city of government; it has a thriving arts scene that can compete with that of any other big city in the country.

So if you're looking for a great place to spend a long weekend, consider checking out Washington, D.C. Frequently cheap flights are available into one of the metro area's three major airports - just keep an eye on the prices online to score the best deal.

When Washingtonians decide what to do on a weekend, they've got a lot of choices. From music to theater to museums, here's a look at some of the best the city has to offer:

The National Symphony Orchestra, which is based at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during the winter, moves outside in the summer for a series of concerts at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia. They also play some special concerts on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol on several holiday weekends. With a program of both pop and classical concerts throughout the summer, there are plenty of opportunities to hear this internationally renowned orchestra.

How about planning your weekend around some of the great theater in Washington? If you save money on cheap airline tickets, you'll have something left over for theater tickets. Check out the schedules at a few of the local stages, many of which have national reputations:

The Shakespeare Theater Company is one of the leading venues for classic theater in the U.S. with a mission to present classical theater in an imaginative and accessible way. For the big shows, the National Theater is the place to go. One of America's oldest continually operating theaters, it features touring productions of Broadway hits. For something more offbeat, try the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Known for its productions of innovative new plays, it has been called Washington's "most daring theatre company."

And not to be overlooked is the Kennedy Center, which is not only home to the National Symphony Orchestra, but also hosts popular and classic theater, as well as ballet and opera productions throughout the year.

Everyone knows about the big museums on the National Mall, but how about some of Washington's lesser-known gems? Visit the Philips Collection, America's first museum of modern art, for the opportunity to view modern masterpieces by such artists as Renoir, Rothko and O'Keefe in an intimate setting. To see an extensive collection of American art, as well as a fine collection of European masterworks, visit the Corcoran Gallery, located just down the street from the White House.

Jump online and snap up some cheap flights now so you can start planning your adventure in the capital city.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Use a smartphone to organize your summer fun

(ARA) - With summer around the corner, you might be thinking about a vacation or what to do to keep the kids busy. Luckily, you've come a long way from the days of guidebooks and day planners. Today, you have smartphones to help plan summer activities with ease.

Packed with features like e-mail, calendars, task lists and access to a wide variety of informational and entertaining mobile apps, a smartphone can serve as your all-in-one source for summer fun. Close to one in five U.S. adult mobile phone subscribers uses a smartphone, according to a Forrester survey conducted near the end of 2009, but are they taking advantage of all the perks? Here are some ideas for how you can stay organized, connected and entertained this summer:

On vacation:

* Explore new places with a GPS-enabled smartphone, like the BlackBerry Pearl. Map a route that hits key attractions and gets you to your hotel without getting lost. Not sure where to stop next? You can search a local guide and get turn-by-turn directions. You can also take GPS beyond the car with outdoor mapping apps that help you navigate hikes and walks.

* Don't risk losing small pieces of paper when you can store everything on your smartphone. Use the memo pad to save packing lists, important hotel information and confirmation numbers.

* Avoid hearing "are we there yet?" on your next road trip by loading your smartphone with music, videos and games for the kids before you go.

* With apps like Facebook for BlackBerry, you can keep your friends and family up to date on your latest vacation adventure by uploading pictures directly from your smartphone.

* Pack light by making the most of all the features your smartphone has to offer. Why carry a camera and media player when most smartphones have both built in?

Around town:

* Use your smartphone's calendar to juggle schedules anywhere, and set reminders so you don't miss anything. If you need more help keeping track of what's on your plate, use the task manager to organize activities.

* Not sure whether to bring the SPF 15 or SPF 45 when heading for a swim? Download a weather app to check the UV index. If clouds start rolling in while the kids are swimming, grab your BlackBerry smartphone to see if the weather app is flashing a thunderstorm warning. If so, come up with plan B - check the local movie schedule on your smartphone's web browser.

* Use instant messaging applications to quickly get in touch from anywhere. Effortlessly organize a group play date by adding all your child's friends' parents to a BlackBerry Messenger group - this will let you communicate with everyone at once.

* Plan a great staycation with guides like buzzd and Poynt, which can help you discover fun new destinations in your area.

Thinking of upgrading to a smartphone? Look for one with a long battery life, so you can be on the go longer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Delta Expands Commitment to Africa with New Liberia Service

PRNewswire-- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced new service between Atlanta and Monrovia, Liberia, expanding the airline's position as the leading U.S. carrier operating flights to Africa.

The new service, which is scheduled to begin Sept. 4, will connect Delta's hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Roberts International Airport in Monrovia with a stop in Accra, Ghana. The flight will be operated on 215-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, equipped with 34 BusinessElite seats and 181 seats in Economy.

Delta has received approval from the Liberian Civil Aviation Authority, and preliminary approval from the U.S. government, to sell seats for the new flight for the planned launch in September. Final U.S. government approvals are expected before the flight begins.

"As the No. 1 U.S. carrier serving Africa, Delta remains committed to expanding our presence into fast-growing African markets," said Perry Cantarutti, Delta's senior vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Our new service between our Atlanta hub and Monrovia will provide convenient connections between Liberia and cities across the United States."

Delta had previously intended to begin service to Monrovia in June 2009, but was delayed while Roberts International Airport implemented measures to ensure its compliance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Delta has worked closely with the United States and Liberian governments while the airport facilities in Monrovia were properly equipped and prepared for the new service.

"The government is enthusiastic about the prospect of Delta providing a direct flight between Monrovia and the United States, which would be the first such service in many years," said Liberia President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. "The government is working earnestly to ensure that all the necessary requirements are met so that the flights will commence as scheduled."

Added U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security: "I have been pleased to work with Delta and the Office of Global Strategies at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure that security continues to be a priority on all international aviation partnerships. As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I support TSA's international aviation security programs. Facilitating commerce without compromising security remains a reasonable approach. Today, we are one step closer to offering direct service flights from the United States to Liberia - strengthening our partnership with Africa."

Delta, which has operated in Africa since 2006, has announced its intention to serve up to 10 African destinations from the United States, with aircraft ready to begin service pending U.S. and foreign government approvals.

Delta's service between Atlanta and Monrovia via Accra will operate once weekly as follows:

Flight Departs              Arrives          Effective     Frequency
                           Monrovia at 2:25
  134    Atlanta at 7 p.m.    p.m. (next day)  Sept. 4, 2010 Once weekly
                           Atlanta at 5:30 a.m.
  135    Monrovia at 5:30 p.m. (next day)      Sept. 5, 2010 Once weekly

Bob Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies, which owns significant development projects in Liberia, said: "A few years ago while attending the Clinton Global Initiative and after hearing President Sirleaf appeal to the American private sector for support, I made a commitment to mobilize $30 million for Liberia. In June 2009, we opened the RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas, a 78-room villa style hotel. I applaud Delta Air Lines for making the commitment to provide direct air service to Liberia which will provide economic growth opportunities to Liberia from a variety of business sectors around the world."

Delta also is preparing to begin new year-round service between Atlanta and Accra. This service, announced in 2009, will begin on June 1 with three weekly flights, expanding to four weekly flights on June 14, and complement existing five-times weekly service between New York-JFK and Accra.

On June 2, Delta will also begin nonstop seasonal service between New York-JFK and Abjua, Nigeria, and in June and July will add two additional weekly nonstop flights between Atlanta and Johannesburg to support travel to and from the 2010 World Cup.

This summer, Delta will operate flights to seven African destinations. In addition to Monrovia, Delta will offer service to Accra, Ghana; Abuja, Nigeria; Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Lagos, Nigeria. Delta also intends to serve Malabo, Equatorial Guinea; Nairobi, Kenya; and Luanda, Angola once government approvals are received.

As the first carrier serving Africa nonstop from the United States, Delta has grown from 22 weekly departures to and from Africa in July 2007 to nearly 80 planned for July 2010, saving customers a significant amount of time on flights. Customers traveling between Atlanta and Johannesburg, for example, save an average of six hours each direction compared with connecting in Europe.

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Grant Will Fund Recreational, Educational Features at Ohoopee Dunes

Listed by noted nature columnist Charles Seabrook as No. 10 on the list of Georgia natural wonders to see before you die, the Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area in Emanuel County has long been considered a biodiversity hotspot by biologists. Now, a new grant will help others see it the same way.

Announced at the Pine Tree Festival in Swainsboro earlier this month, the $150,000 grant from the Recreational Trails Program and a match by project partners will provide for habitat restoration, low-impact trails, educational signage and better accessibility to terrestrial and aquatic features at the natural area.

“The funny thing is all this came about because of a complaint,” said Mincy Moffett, a wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “People were asking, ‘Why isn’t the state managing the place better?’ assuming it was a state park. But it’s not a state park. It is a natural area, designed to protect a very special and rare geologic and ecologic feature.

“Hopefully, this grant and the educational signage we put up will show people the kind of treasure they have right in their backyards.”

Part of the project, which is scheduled to begin later this year, will include adding a small parking lot to improve access to the area known as the McLeod Bridge Tract. Educational signs posted on a 1.8-mile interpretative loop trail will tell about the area’s natural history, ecological significance and related restoration efforts. Plans also include an observation deck overlooking a sandhill pond.

Another area slated for work is the Hall’s Bridge Tract, where a primitive boat ramp will be rebuilt to allow for larger watercraft and a small parking lot will be improved. The hope is this put-in/takeout point will become part of the existing network of blue trails in Georgia.

“Imagine if you could put in a canoe here in the Little Ohoopee River and paddle all the way down the Altamaha River,” Moffett said. “Now that would be a great adventure.”

Bill Rogers Jr., president of the Swainsboro Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is “very excited to have played a small part in this announcement.”

“The observation deck, interpretive trail and primitive boat ramp should give naturalists and tourists a definitive reason to visit Swainsboro and Emanuel County,” Rogers said. “Those dollars generated in our community by visitors to the Ohoopee Dunes should benefit us in a number of ways. I would also like to thank Rep. Butch Parrish and Sen. Jack Hill for their interest and assistance in the project.”

Ohoopee Dunes is one of Georgia’s most significant natural communities and floristic areas. The natural area comprises three tracts in southwestern Emanuel County. The DNR also cooperates in managing an adjacent tract owned by The Nature Conservancy and another nearby tract owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Together, these five conservation lands, arranged in an archipelago-like fashion along the eastern boundary of the upper Little Ohoopee River, encompass nearly 3,000 acres.

The central topographic feature of the tracts is a spine or ridge of ancient Kershaw sand dunes known as riverine sandhills. The natural area has several natural communities, ranging from dry (xeric) dunes and longleaf pine forests to moist hardwood hammocks and river floodplains. Altogether, this area contains nine legally protected plant/animal species, and more than 10 others of conservation-concern. More than a dozen other rare and protected species are known to occur nearby within Emanuel.

Georgians can help conserve unique places like Ohoopee Dunes and other nongame wildlife, native plants and natural habitats through buying a wildlife license plate featuring a bald eagle or a ruby-throated hummingbird. They can also donate to the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund directly or through the state income tax checkoff. These programs are vital to the Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state funds for its mission to help conserve wildlife not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as rare plants and natural habitats in Georgia.

For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com or call Nongame Conservation Section offices in Social Circle (770-761-3035), Forsyth (478-994-1438) or Brunswick (912-264-7218).

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Number of Memorial Day Holiday Travelers Expected to Increase 5.4 Percent, AAA Forecast Says

/PRNewswire/ -- AAA today projected the number of Americans traveling on vacation this Memorial Day holiday weekend will increase 5.4 percent from 2009 with approximately 32.1 million travelers taking a trip away from home. Last year, 30.5 million Americans traveled during the same period.

"While the economy continues to be rocked by waves of occasional uncertainty, improved economic performance from one year ago should cause more Americans to take vacations this Memorial Day holiday weekend," said Glen MacDonell, director, AAA Travel Services. "AAA travel agents are reporting double-digit increases in the percentage of travelers making advanced bookings for tours and cruises, hotel bookings via AAA.com are increasing and AAA's many travel industry partners have reported improved business conditions this spring."

MacDonell cautioned, "Increased travel can also mean reduced availability, especially in markets like central Florida where the opening of exciting new attractions are expected to make the area one the summer's most popular destinations." MacDonell's best advice is to "talk to a travel agent to find the best package deals and be sure to jump on a bargain if you find one."

AAA's projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA / IHS Global Insight 2010 Memorial Day holiday forecast can be found at AAA.com/news.

Air and car trips to increase

Trips by auto are expected to increase in popularity with 87 percent or 28.0 million people reaching their destination by driving. This is an increase of 5.8 percent from last Memorial Day when 26.4 million travelers went by motor vehicle. This Memorial Day weekend AAA does not expect the price of gasoline to average more than $3.00 per gallon. Leisure air travel also is expected to grow slightly with 2.15 million holiday flyers expected. This would be an increase of 2.4 percent from one year ago when 2.1 million flew. Trips by other modes, including rail, buses and watercraft, will be the dominant means of travel used by 6 percent of all travelers.

Average spending will top $800 and average distance traveled will be 626 miles

The average distance traveled by Americans this Memorial Day holiday weekend is forecast to be approximately the same as one year ago, 626 miles vs. 620 in 2009, AAA reported. Median spending is estimated to be $809 this Memorial Day*. This is a sizeable reduction from one year ago, when Americans reported average spending plans of $1,052. Sixty-one percent of Americans will spend time with friends and relatives over the holiday.

Airfares will be unchanged, hotel rates remain a deal, and rental car rates will be lower

According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, air fares over the Memorial Day holiday weekend are expected to remain unchanged from last year as air passengers will pay a lowest average round-trip fare of $176 per ticket. Weekend daily car rental rates will drop 15 percent from an average of $43.30 in 2009 to $36.65. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to remain a bargain, but will decline only one percent from a year ago with travelers spending an average of $141.60 per night compared to $142.45 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels will pay four percent less at an average cost of $99 per night.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

*IHS Global Insight reported average spending last year rather than median spending. Average spending in 2009 was $1,052.

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Delta Receives Final Chinese Government Approval to Begin Nonstop Flights between Seattle, Beijing

PRNewswire -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced it has received final Chinese government approval to launch nonstop flights between Seattle and Beijing, beginning June 4. The new route, which will operate five times weekly, will connect customers from destinations throughout Delta's and codeshare partner Alaska Air Group's network to the Chinese capital via convenient connections at Alaska's Seattle hub.

Departure and arrival times have been revised from the initial announcement of the route based on the slot times granted at Beijing's Capital International Airport. Flights will operate as follows:

Flight Departs Arrives Operates Effective
------ ------- ------- -------- ---------
129 Seattle at Beijing at Monday, Wednesday, June 4, 2010
9:05 p.m. 11:40 p.m. Thursday, Friday,
Saturday

128 Beijing at Seattle at Monday, Wednesday, June 6, 2010
8:55 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday,
Sunday


With the revised flight times, customers will continue to have full connecting options at the Seattle gateway to and from 67 nonstop destinations offered by Delta, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Delta and Alaska offer customers reciprocal codeshare, lounge and frequent flyer benefits to make it easier to connect between the airlines' domestic and international networks at Seattle.

Delta's revised Seattle-Beijing schedule will be updated in all ticketing channels, including delta.com, on Saturday, May 22. Ticketed customers with full contact information available in their reservations will be notified by Delta of any changes to their connecting flight times beginning Saturday.

The new Seattle-Beijing route is one of two new Asian flights launching from Seattle this summer as Delta continues to position the city as a key gateway to Asia. A new nonstop flight between Seattle and Osaka, Japan launches June 7. Both flights complement existing daily service from Seattle to Delta's hub at Tokyo-Narita, which offers Seattle customers one-stop connections to 12 destinations throughout Asia.

In conjunction with the new service to Seattle, Delta also will make minor adjustments to the 8:55 a.m. departure time of its existing daily flight from Beijing to Tokyo-Narita. Beginning June 6, Delta Flight 634 will depart Beijing at 6:55 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday; and will remain unchanged at 8:55 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

Flights from Seattle to Beijing; Seattle to Osaka; and Beijing to Tokyo-Narita will be operated with 216-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring 35 seats in BusinessElite and 181 seats in Economy.

At Seattle, Delta continues to invest in its products and services, including constructing a new Sky Club to open later this year and reintroducing roving customer service agents known as "Red Coats." With its summer 2010 schedule, Delta will offer Seattle customers the choice of 40 peak-day departures to 12 domestic and international destinations.

A portion of travel for some itineraries may be on Delta Connection carriers Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Chautauqua, Comair, Compass Airlines, Freedom Airlines, Mesaba, Pinnacle Airlines, Shuttle America and SkyWest.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With its unsurpassed global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 358 destinations in 66 countries on six continents. Delta employs more than 70,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France KLM. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 45 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

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Fee Changes for Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area

Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area, located in northern Floyd County, is worth the drive if you have the time. This beautiful 5,000-acre area boasts two recreational lakes, camping opportunities, swimming areas and plenty of other outdoor activities.

The area is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division and funded (operational) by the property owner Oglethorpe Power. Beginning June 1, 2010, visitors who frequent the recreation area and campground (tents and recreational vehicles) will see a change in fees.


Rocky Mountain Recreation and PFA has 36 developed recreational vehicle (RV) campsites that include grill, picnic table, 50 amp electrical hookup and a water hookup. There are nine wooded tent sites that include a picnic table, tent pad and grill. Fees are as follows:

·         Daily parking fee: $5/day (previously $3)
·         Annual parking permit: $30/year (no increase)
·         RV Campsites: $25/day (previously $20)
·         Double-site campsites: $50/day (previously $40)
·         Tent campsites: $12/day (previously $10).

A wildlife management area license is not required to fish at Rocky Mountain, but all vehicles parked on the area must have a valid parking permit, which are available at all entrances.

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2010 Is the Year To Visit The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford

/PRNewswire/ -- It is rumored that Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do...Explore. Dream. Discover." With millions of families about to embark on summer vacations, The Mark Twain House & Museum encourages Twain fans, readers, history buffs and I-95 road warriors of every age to discover Hartford.

Through the support of the museum's Centennial Sponsor The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., The Mark Twain House & Museum will host tours of the historic house, family events, literary lectures, and new exhibits celebrating the life, legacy and books of the father of American literature all year long. Located less than 90 minutes from Boston, two hours from New York and less than an hour from Interstate 95, The Mark Twain House & Museum is the perfect summer diversion.

"One thing most people don't know about Twain is that he was known for his unique travel writing long before Huck, Jim and Tom were born here at his Hartford house," said Executive Director, Jeffery Nichols. "We can't think of a more important time to make The Mark Twain House & Museum a fun and educational part of your vacation plans."

Between 1874 and 1891, Clemens raised a family and published The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, while living in Hartford. The House and its Museum Center are open every day for guided tours. Each year, more than 60,000 guests visit the home's 19 rooms, including the famous billiard room where Twain worked, and admire its many unique features, such as intricate decorative arts by Louis Comfort Tiffany's firm Associated Artists. The museum's collections boast approximately 50,000 artifacts, including original manuscripts and first editions, historic photographs and family furnishings.

In addition to Mark Twain's unforgettable mansion, visitors to Greater Hartford can also investigate the charming Harriet Beecher Stowe House, the brand-new Connecticut Science Center, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (America's oldest public art museum), the Tony Award-winning Hartford Stage, and dozens of other cultural sites.

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Georgia State Parks Launches Geocaching Challenge in Support of the 'Get Outdoors Georgia' Initiative

/PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources celebrated the introduction of geocaching in state parks with a fun and family-friendly launch and learn last Saturday. The event was supported by the Georgia Geocachers Association, and was attended by more than 100 people, including GGA members, Atlanta Girl Scouts, newcomers to the joys of geocaching and assorted media. The kick-off event for the statewide program was held at the Fort Yargo State Park in Winder. The Georgia State Parks Geo-Challenge is designed to encourage participants to find all the caches hidden in 42 State Parks across Georgia and provides three bonus caches that are a little more challenging. The introduction of geocaching, the planet's largest treasure hunt, adds to the many events, programs and activities now available in Georgia's State Parks.

The Business of Geocaching

Geocaching combines technology, the thrill of an outdoor adventure, and the fun of sharing your experience online. Participants find the cache coordinates online at www.geocaching.com, then set out to find the boxes, called caches, using GPS devices. Once a player locates the cache, the experience is shared with other geocachers. With over one million active caches around the world, and now more than 40 hidden in Georgia's parks, the entire state is waiting to be explored.

Georgia State Parks posted their geocaches at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday morning, and the first one was located by two geocachers camping at A.H. Stephens State Park at 5:45 a.m. To date, 40 of the 45 caches have been found, with the prestige of finding a brand new cache still available for the three bonus caches.

By tapping into the game of geocaching, the Georgia State Parks is focused on attracting more people to the parks and increasing revenue. While still relatively new, the program is proving highly attractive with 800 fans joining the Georgia State Parks Facebook page since the launch of the game.

Get Outdoors Georgia

The launch of geocaching in the Georgia State Parks is part of the organizations' initiative to get citizens to "Get Out. Get Dirty. Get Fit." in the great outdoors. The initiative is supported by REI who donated GPS units for those wanting to try geocaching for the first time, as well as Girl Scouts who now have a new geocaching badge to start working for.

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Pigeon Forge Aims to Take Back the Family Vacation

Do you have a friend you’d like to help with $100 in gas money? How about utilities for a year? Or 12 car payments? Or perhaps a year of mortgage payments?

The vacation destination of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., can help you accomplish exactly that.

The method is Pigeon Forge’s “Taking Back Vacation” campaign, which continues through July, when one family will win $15,000 for mortgage or rent payments.

Pigeon Forge, a major family vacation destination and a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is conducting the campaign in reaction to the nation’s economic troubles of the past two years.

“We believe in the family vacation, and we feel family vacationers are our guests. Our whole community feels this way, and ‘Taking Back Vacation’ is our way to demonstrate that. It’s unusual for a whole destination to do this, but its our way to support a lot of families,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.

All winners – and the people who nominate them – also will receive three-day vacations in Pigeon Forge.

The nomination process requires two clicks at Pigeon Forge’s Web site, www.MyPigeonForge.com, and composition of a 100-word essay. Visitors to the Web site will choose the winners from the posted essays.

“Too many people have had to curtail family time recently, and we want to draw attention to how important family vacations are. Those times together are vital, and places such as Pigeon Forge can be the glue that binds families,” Downey said.

The “Taking Back Vacation” campaign grows from April through July.

In May, 10 families will win $2,100 for utility payments.
In June, five families will win $6,600 for car payments.
In July, one family will win $15,000 for mortgage or rent payments.

Pigeon Forge made a similar outreach in 2006, a year of unexpected jumps in gasoline prices, by giving away a tanker truckload of gas.

“Our ‘Great Gas Giveaway’ was load of fun,” Downey recalled, “and we want the ‘Taking Back Vacation’ idea to be the same. Our goal in Pigeon Forge is making people happy and creating good memories.”

Pigeon Forge has a resident population of about 5,800, but it attracts more than 10 million visitors a year. It is home to Tennessee’s most visited tourist attraction, Dollywood, as well as more than a dozen theaters, scores of family attractions and more than 250 outlet, craft and specialty stores.

Its next-door neighbor, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the most visited national park in the U.S.

“We’re in a great location and have tons of fun to offer. We hope parents will see us as a destination for family fun – before their kids outgrow childhood,” Downey said.

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National Park Foundation Lauds Centennial Anniversary of Glacier National Park

PRNewswire/ -- The National Park Foundation, official charity of America's national parks, today honors the 100th birthday of one of our nation's most treasured places. On May 11, 1910, President Taft signed legislation officially protecting Glacier National Park in Montana. In honor of the anniversary, National Park Foundation President and CEO Neil Mulholland made the following statement:

"The significance of Glacier National Park's centennial could not be more apparent against the backdrop of the environmental crisis in the Gulf. While national parks are not immune to oil spills and other calamities both natural and man-made, they are places where we do our best to protect nature at its finest.

"National parks like Glacier were created and have long been protected by citizens who took action to preserve these spaces for generations to come. We congratulate the National Park Service and its partners whose celebration today reminds all of us that the parks are ours to enjoy -- and ours to safeguard in the next century and beyond."

The Glacier National Park Fund is a non-profit that works on behalf of the park, which was originally created by the National Park Foundation. Since being designated as a unit of the National Park Service, Glacier has also been designated an International Peace Park and a World Heritage Site by the United Nations.

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A Fun Twist On The Annual Vacation

(NAPSI)-An annual vacation can sometimes become monotonous, especially if your budget doesn't allow for an exotic venue. This year, consider keeping it fresh by making photography part of the adventure.

Viewing your trip through the lens of a camera can add a fun and inexpensive twist to the ordinary, while ensuring lasting memories. And according to National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson, you don't have to be a pro to take incredible pictures.

Here are some easy photo tips from Richardson to help you capture memories on your next trip:

• If you want to focus on something small or short, get down low, very close to it.

• To add color to a picture, frame your subject with leaves or flowers in the foreground and get really close to them.

• Boring pictures can become interesting pictures when you leave stuff out. If the photo is all about the details, leave out what might detract.

• Most really good night shots aren't taken at night. They are actually taken at dusk, just after sundown. Set up your tripod and wait out the perfectly balanced moment.

A great photo can happen anywhere at any time, and now those vacation shots can land one person the ultimate vacation: a trip for two to the Greek Isles with National Geographic Expeditions and the chance to be featured in National Geographic magazine in an ad for Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries.

Through June 30, aspiring photographers can visit national geographic.com/lithium to enter a photo in the 2010 Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest. There are six thematic categories: animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people/cultures, weather and action/energy.

Whether a digital photography novice, a proud picture-taking mom or a longtime photo enthusiast, all skill levels are encouraged to enter.

"You don't have to be an expert or have expensive equipment to capture a magnificent shot," said Richardson, judge for the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest. "Great photography is often about being in the right place at the right time and making sure you're prepared to capture the moment when it happens."

To learn more tips from Richardson, see past finalist and winner photos and to make a submission, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/lithium.

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Music! Tigers! Beers!

Tickets are now on sale for Brew at the Zoo and Wine too!, presented by Comcast, Saturday, May 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Zoo Atlanta. Now back for a third year, the Zoo’s signature seasonal event is rapidly gaining a reputation as the city’s most unique festival experience.

Highlights will include sampling of more than 30 brews, 12 wines and four champagnes; four live bands ranging from rock to 80s new wave to hip-hop to folk; and exclusive viewing of the source of Brew at the Zoo’s popularity: more than 1,000 animals from around the world. A portion of proceeds from Brew at the Zoo 2010 will benefit the care of Zoo Atlanta’s Sumatran tigers.

How do YOU Brew? Prior to the event, Zoo Atlanta hosts the How do YOU Brew? Video Contest, inviting creative filmmakers to submit a 30-second DVD for a chance to win a $1,000 prize package including tickets to Brew at the Zoo, an exclusive VIP animal encounter, a Brew at the Zoo T-shirt and a limited-edition pilsner glass. The winning video will premiere during Brew at the Zoo on Saturday, May 29. Entries must be received by May 14. Filmmakers can find inspiration from the original How do I Brew? commercial on vimeo.com. Full contest detailsand eligibility requirements are available on zooatlanta.org/brew. Contestants must be 21 and up to enter.

Advance tickets are available now on zooatlanta.org. Advance tickets are $35 for Zoo Members; $40 for non-Members; $45 if purchased on the day of the event. Designated drivers and non-drinkers may purchase tickets at $20. Guests must be 21 and up to drink. Visit zooatlanta.org for event details.

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14th Annual JAKES Day at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center - May 15, 2010

Looking for a way for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors this spring? Come to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s JAKES Day Saturday, May 15! This fun-filled event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s (CEWC) Discovery Area in Mansfield.

Sponsors for the JAKES Day include the Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Admission is free and includes an array of activities that focus on wildlife, conservation efforts and outdoor recreational opportunities in Georgia. Children can try their hands at archery, fishing, shooting sports, and can go on a mini-boat ride with a WRD Conservation Ranger. Show your spirit for the outdoors by getting your face decorated with wildlife art! Presentations scheduled for this event include puppet shows from Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful, retriever demonstrations, and live snake and bird of prey programs. Several exhibitors from wildlife-related organizations also will be on hand to give out information and goodies to those interested in expanding their outdoor horizons.

The first 300 kids will receive a free t-shirt and a free hot dog lunch from the Georgia Chapter of NWTF (adults can eat for a nominal fee). For kids under 17 years old, memberships in the NWTF’s JAKES club (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, & Sportsmanship) will be available for a small membership fee. Door prizes will be given away at the close of the event too! Be sure to stop by the Visitors’ Center to view an indoor planetarium set up by the Atlanta Chapter of the National Astronomy Club, tour the museum, and visit the gift shop. Discounts will be available for several gift gallery items (excludes hunting & fishing licenses and Charlie Elliott books).  

For further information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com and choose the “Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center” quick link, or call CEWC at (770) 784-3059.  To get to CEWC, take I-20 to Exit 98. Travel south on Highway 11, go through Mansfield and continue three miles south to the entrance at Marben Farms Road on the left. Then follow the JAKES Day signs to the Discovery Area.  Hope to see you there! 

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Luggage Charges Top Consumer Reports' Survey of Travel Gripes

/PRNewswire/ -- Travelers have many reasons to be annoyed, but what bugs them most are luggage charges and add-on airline ticket fees, according to a survey by Consumer Reports.

Travelers were also very annoyed by rude or unhelpful staff, whether at airlines, hotels, or rental-car companies.

In a nationally representative survey conducted in January, Consumer Reports asked 2,000 Americans to score three lists of travel gripes covering rental-cars, airlines, and hotels for a total of 24 items on a 1-to-10 scale, 1 meaning an experience "does not annoy you at all" and 10 meaning it "annoys you tremendously."

Luggage charges (8.4 overall) and added airline ticket fees (8.1), top the list, but rude or unhelpful staff at rental-car companies (7.9), hotels (7.8) and airlines (7.7) were also among the more annoying things that rub Americans the wrong way while traveling.

The complete report on how Americans ranked all 24 annoyances is available in the June issue of Consumer Reports on sale May 4, and online at www.consumerreportsenespanol.org.

Among the highlights:

Poor communication about airline delays (7.1) annoyed people slightly more than the delays themselves (6.8).

Airline travelers who hog your seat (7.0) and carry-on space (6.7) are less annoying that some other irritants. Many people give crying babies and unruly kids (4.9) on planes a pass and have apparently gotten used to puny or no airline snacks, (5.1) and long lines for security and check-in (5.2).

Women travelers are somewhat more annoyed than men. Among complaints for which the gender gap was sufficient: pricey in-room hotel snacks (6.8 women, 5.2 men); insufficient or chintzy hotel bedding (7.2 women, 6.2 men), and high pressure pitches for extra rental-car coverage or upgrades (7.1 women, 6.0 men).

Some gripes, annoyed respondents under age 50 much more than those 50 and older. Those included rude or unhelpful airline staff (8.6 under 50, 8.0 50 or older), rental-car pitches (6.8 under 50, 6.1 50 or older), and absence of the ordered car (6.5 under 50, 5.4 50 and older), However, older folks are far more ticked off than younger people by those unruly kids on planes (4.5 under 50, 5.3 50 and older).

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a telephone survey of a nationally representative probability sample of telephone households. 2,000 interviews were completed among adults aged 18+. Interviewing took place from January 21-25. The margin of error is +/- 2% points at a 95% confidence level.

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