Do you have long standing travel plans?

What to do with that vacation time?

To travel or stay home is a choice with new meaning

Did you have travel plans before September 11th, 2001? Did you alter your travel plans or follow through on them as planned?

This is a question that many in the world have faced recently. None of us wants to let terrorism win in this world. Yet when you alter your plans because of terrorism, some may say that terrorism wins.

Only you can make that decision. I travel often, as part of both my career responsibilities and my love of travel. I currently have plans for an extensive trip to Italy. Have I canceled them? No. Have I at least thought about it? Yes. Any person would these days. How long one thinks about it is the difference between us. The biggest difference in my travel plans is that I will now be saving hundreds of dollars and facing less crowded places.

The important thing to do is to take that vacation if that's what you wanted to do. It may very well be more enjoyable and cheaper than ever. You may wish to just spend time at a nearby spa or resort. Get out the maps or explore this site and see what towns are within driving distance. My best trips have often been at the last minute or over a weekend. Being spontaneous bears fun and adventure (and great deals!).

Last minute deals and bargains abound right now. Take advantage of the great specials around the world or even in your own backyard. If you do fly and want to make it easier, try to pick smaller airports. For the most part, air travel is smoother than ever. It's the larger airline hub airports that make it difficult and have the long lines you see on television. Those are also the default airports for most people's travels. Instead of LAX in Los Angeles, try for Ontario or Burbank. Instead of San Francisco, try for Oakland or San Jose or even Sacramento. And you may want to avoid Denver International altogether. Florida airports are running smoothly and crowds are down so your warm winter getaway will be better than ever.

Traveling abroad, you may want to avoid going to certain eastern countries at this present time, but most in the world are as safe as ever.

The world was affected by recent events and many countries are showing sympathy for Americans as well as all the countries that took a loss. However, these days require caution and common sense. We always recommend trying to blend in with locals in foreign countries and cities and this takes on new meaning these days. Americans can be proud of their country without being an obvious target. Leave the hats and coats bearing American based logos at home. Wear neutral colors and avoid the latest trendy fads. As we usually recommend, at least attempt to speak the native language and follow basic customs. Carry your phrase book, practice the basics like "hello" and make the best of it. Showing an effort to accommodate goes a long way to getting some great foreign hospitality in return.

I hope to see you away from home!

A great vacation may be nearby

Luxury hotels bring new meaning to service

A resort can be the destination

Travel has changed in recent weeks. Whether you consider flying, driving hundreds of miles or stay within your neighborhood, there may be a vacation that you hadn't considered. A hotel resort or spa.

The worlds top hotels get that reputation by providing luxury and service. It may be by providing you with whatever you want or whatever you don't want. Many of them contain some of the world's best restaurants and stores. You may never even leave the property and have a wonderful, luxurious vacation. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort inside Florida's Walt Disney World for example, can pamper you with food and sophistication or you can exit the door and be inside a crowded amusement park.

Spa resorts are gaining in popularity and we are currently working on a special section just for them. So you can see where they all are, how they rate and what is available.

If are into golf or tennis, there are many top notch hotels that can put you on the green. You don't need a rental car. Just a golf cart.

Even in more fast paced cities, like Las Vegas, you can be spoiled in a variety of ways. You have a choice of at least three hotels that can rank with any in the world. The Bellagio, The Venetian and the Four Seasons will fit your needs in the city of lights.

If you're already in Florida, your near one of the best in the world. The Ritz-Carlton Naples can pamper you like no other on the Gulf Coast. If you're partial to the Atlantic ocean on the east coast, The Breakers, Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons all make Palm Beach worth a visit.

A top hotel in New York City can put you middle of Big Apple and a world of culture, but your room can be your castle in luxury. Four Seasons, The Pierre, St. Regis, The Waldof can all more than fill your needs. Whether you choose to stay inside or venture outside, you will love it either way.

So whether you choose a luxury hotel to get out or to hide away from the world, make it a great visit. They can service your needs and make it so you'll never want to leave....

Our Luxury Hotel Guide