But those tour companies that were able to keep their doors open during the slow 2009 summer season (usually the most profitable time of year) are already planning to lure more travelers in 2010 by cutting costs. Major tour operator, Thomas Cook, headquartered in Germany, has announced that it is making significant cuts to its 2010 price tags. They are also trying to ease the minds of customers who are uncertain about their economic future. Cook will lower its 2010 high-season prices by 5% on average. Part of the cuts are due to the fact that the company’s service providers and the hotels that they use are also cutting prices.

Thomas Cook is also addressing the future economic uncertainty. Next summer is a long way away, especially for those who aren’t certain that their jobs will be intact in the future. Cook will allow customers to cancel their vacation until six weeks before departure with no penalty, should they find themselves without a job or have their salary cut (http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1256895786.html).

Trafalgar Tours, another major player in the European guided-tour sector, is offering deals that are designed for couples (or any two people who don’t mind traveling together). Their eight-day guided tour of England has an option that allows any customer who purchases a full airfare to get a free airfare for their companion (http://www.froschvacations.com/promo/view/?ID=78).

Other companies will, most likely, be following Cook and Trafalgar’s lead. Travelers with European ambitions should watch over the coming months as more operators, hotels and airlines begin to offer early bird deals for summer 2010.

Some of The Lonely Planets Top 10 Destinations are well-known as up-and-comers in the tourism game. Others are not yet considered viable destinations. However, with Lonely Planet’s blessing, all the mentioned countries and cities can expect to see guidebook-toting visitors wandering around in the coming months.

2010 Top 10 Travel Destinations

Abu Dhabi topped the list of hot cities. It is the anti-Dubai: a thoroughly modern city that is more interested in local and international culture than it is in gaudy shopping malls and over-the-top architecture. North American entries include Charleston, South Carolina, with its attractive blend of cosmopolitanism, culture and old southern charms and Vancouver Canada, the user-friendly metropolis that will undoubtedly see a spike in tourism after hosting the Winter Olympics in February. Asian cities like Singapore and Kyoto are well-known for providing pleasant tourist experiences, but often don’t make the headlines because of the East Asian region’s more famous destinations.

Countries

The biggest surprise on Lonely Planet’s 2010 list was probably Suriname. The former Dutch colonial holding in Northern South America is sparsely populated and mostly filled with dense jungle. The capitol Paramaribo is a charming city on the Caribbean with plenty of shopping and nightlife. The interior wilds offer unlimited opportunities for eco-tourists and adventurers.

Countries like Malaysia and New Zealand have already been able to generate plenty of word-of-mouth buzz. New Zealand’s laid-back culture and diverse landscapes have been drawing culturally-minded travelers and adventurers for a long time. Malaysia’s natural attractions, reasonable prices, and the cosmopolitan excitement of Kuala Lumpur have also been noticed by plugged-in jet-setters.

Read all of Lonely Planet’s 2010 forecast on Reuters’ website.

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Orbitz reports that these are these cities boast the least busiest airports during the Thanksgiving travel weekend:

• San Jose, CA — San Jose International (SJC)
• Nashville, TN — Nashville International (BNA)
• Richmond, VA — Richmond International (RIC)
• Sacramento, CA — Sacramento International (SMF)
• Jacksonville, FL — Jacksonville International (JAX)
• West Palm Beach, FL — Palm Beach International (PBI)
• Hartford, CT — Bradley International (BDL)
• Orange County, CA — John Wayne International (SNA)
• Cincinnati, OH — Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
• Fort Myers, FL — Southwest Florida Regional (RSW)

On the other hand…remember to keep breathing and plan for some extra time if you’re trveling though the #1 busiest airport, Chicago O’Hare International; Los Angeles International-LAX, Denver, San Francisco, Atlanta fill the top 5 sports with Boston Logan International, New York’s La Guardia and JFK, New York Newark and Seattle completing the Top 10 busiest U.S. airports for Thanksgiving travel.

It is advisable to confirm your flight ahead of time, check often for any changes or delays, arrive early and be prepared for waiting in check-in and security lines. Planning ahead is key in keeping your Thanksgiving holiday travel as stress-free as possible. Here are some tips that can help:

• Consider using another regional airport if you are flying to a destination with a lesser traveled airport nearby. For example, instead of flying into or out of LAX, choose Burbank, Ontario, Long Beach or John Wayne (Orange County) Airports. As John Wayne is the 8th least busiest airport it may be a good alternative, providing the logistics of getting to and from are convenient.
• When planning your itinerary, try to secure your seating assignment when you book your flight. This can save you considerable time during the check-in process.
• Check-in online and confirm your flight 24 hours in advance of your departure. If it’s an option online, pay for your baggage fees as well. Once you arrive at the airport, you will still need to wait in line to check-in your bags, but the process is streamlined for the airlines.
• Pack with security measures in mind. If possible, use TSA-approved locks – you can lock your baggage and will not need to stand around in case your baggage needs to be opened. Your carry-on should be “security-friendly” unless you plan on leaving unapproved items behind.
• Your carry-on should contain medications, chargers, travel toiletries and a change of clothes (at least some essentials). If your flight it cancelled or delayed, you’ll be prepared for the wait.
• Dress comfortably and wear shoes that come off easily. If you have a carry on, store your accessories, hats and other items before you get to the line…or you’ll be juggling more than you need to.
• In case your baggage doesn’t arrive when you do, here are some measures that may help ensure a reunion:
• Keep your baggage claim tickets handy; in case you need to report lost baggage, you have your flight information and baggage claim number available.
• Put your identification information inside your luggage as well as on an easily identifiable tag outside. Although many manufactures are designing more creative luggage, you may also want to use a colored luggage strap, ribbon or other bright tag – especially if your luggage is standard black.

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Note: Deal prices and 411 info are based on resort information and may change; contact Resort for any changes or adjustments. Lake Tahoe Resorts are listed alphabetically.

Alpine Meadows

Ski Deal: A “Stay and Ski” package at Resort at Squaw Creek costs $155/person and includes shuttle lift tickets and breakfast; kids 5-12 are $22, 12-17 are $54 (skialpine.com/squawcreek, look for the promo code on the home page). Buy a college ski pass for $299 by Dec. 1.

What’s New: All kids in the ski are now tracked by GPS, including a post see-you-can-ski web feature. Book a snowcat trip for a gourmet dinner party at mid-mountain; call (530) 581-8210 for info. Alpine offers six trail areas and Lake Tahoe’s only NASTAR-timed race course for recreational skiers.

411: www.skialpine.com (530) 583-4232. Lift tickets $69, kids 5-12, $10. Alpine Meadows has 13 lifts and 100 trails on about 2,400 acres; 1,800 vertical feet. The Resort also offers a top-notch disabled skier program. Cross your fingers for a Dec. 5 opening.

Heavenly Valley

Ski Deal: Heavenly Valley offers a non-holiday season pass for $369, and their Epic Pass for $599. Additionally, the Epic Pass includes skiing on six Colorado mountains. Food is always budget drainer on the mountains; the $9.95 “Lunch for Less” meal (entree, side dish and drink) definitely adds to this Ski Deal.

What’s New: Heavenly Valley has widened and groomed a bunch of trails to provide improved access, especially to Pinnacles trails. They’ve upgraded the tubing hill with a fully enclosed carpet lift and four lanes of 450-foot long runs. For $119, an Adventure Session gives groups of advanced skiers a guide around the mountain, ski tips and lunch.

411: www.skiheavenly.com (775) 586-7000). Call for single-day lift tickets. The website’s week-by-week pricing schedule shows a “deal” at $82/day two-day pass. Heavenly Valley has 29 lifts and 94 trails on about 4,800 acres; 3,500 vertical feet. Skiing near casinos can add some extra fun; depending on where you are, you’ll be able to see beautiful Lake Tahoe and the rust-hues of the Nevada terrain. Cross your fingers for a Nov. 20 opening.

Homewood

Ski Deal: Big bonus if you’re born during ski season: ski FREE on your birthday! Homewood honors ski passes from other resorts as well and charges $25 if you go Thursday or Sunday. Homewood randomly sells $39 lift tickets online so check the website frequently.

What’s New: High-speed quad lift – “old Homewood Express.”

411: www.skihomewood.com (530) 525-2992. Lift tickets prices: Monday-Thursday $45; Friday-Sunday $55 and holidays $59. Homewood has 7 lifts and 60 runs, on over 1,260 acres; 1,650 vertical feet. Homewood boasts skiing from “peak to shore.” Website gives skiers road condition reports. Cross your fingers for a December 18 opening.

Kirkwood

Ski Deal: $159-$199 midweek lodging special for up to 2 guests. You can also “Work Your pass Off” and earn a free pass for the 2009-2010 season.

What’s New: Check out the website for the El Nino Pass and New Year’s Eve party.

411: www.kirkwood.com (209) 258-6000. Purchase your $74 lift tickets online and save $5; it’s $111 for two consecutive days. Dog Sledding Adventure rides offers a exciting way to see the mountain. Kirkwood has 14 lifts and 65 trails on 2,300 acres; 2,100 vertical feet. Kirkwood gets a ton of show, so the skiing is awesome but roads can be closed; the website offers helpful travel info for weather, snow and road conditions.

Mount Rose

Ski Deal: “Ski and Stay” Reno packages from $69. Three consecutive-day pass for $130, Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday. Bonus Mondays, 2fer Tuesdays, Student or Over the Hill Wednesdays, Ladies Day Thursdays with $35 tickets, void during holiday periods; Runs ‘n Roses $130 family package for tickets for two adults and two kids under 12, every day. College discounts mid-week and non-holiday and Military Discounts (requires pre-purchased voucher, see website for more details).

What’s New: The new Slide Lodge is scheduled to open Christmas 2009 at the south eastern edge of the Slide Bowl base area. It features a panoramic view of the Washoe Valley and an outdoor deck ideal for take a ski break.

411: www.skirose.com (800) 754-7673. Lift tickets $65 ($50 half day), children 6-12, $19, teens 13-17, $45, seniors 65-74, $45, Super Seniors 75+, $19. Mount Rose has 8 lifts and over 60 trails on 1,200 acres; 1,800 vertical feet (the highest base elevation in Tahoe). Cross your fingers for a November 19th opening.

Northstar-at-Tahoe

Ski Deal: Double Whammy season pass gives skiers access to Northstar-at-Tahoe and sister resort Sierra-at-Tahoe for a total of 31 lifts, 136 trails, 3 superpipes and 14 parks; starting at $399, kids $119. Check Northstar’s website, they offer deals to local teachers, students, college students, civil service employees, other resort employees, airlines/travel agents and military personnel.

What’s New: The Ritz Carlton Highlands, situated mid-mountain on the resort, is scheduled to open December 9th. Featuring ski-in/ski-out access, ski concierge service, SF celebrity chef Traci des Jardins’ Manzanita restaurant, 17,000-square foot spa and fitness facility and extremely decked out deluxe guest rooms, the Ritz should be a get-away in itself. A new gondola goes directly to the Ritz from the Village. The beginner teaching area has been expanded and improved for a better learning experience.

411: www.northstarattahoe.com (800) 466-6784. Adult lift ticket $79, kids 5-12, $30. Northstar has 19 lifts and 90 trails on 3,000 acres. Cross your fingers for a November 21st opening.

Sierra-at-Tahoe

Ski Deal: Sierra-at-Tahoe partners on the Double Whammy Pass with Northstar-at-Tahoe. New Learn-to-Ski/Snowboard package for $35 (equipment rental, 2.5 hour lesson and limited lift access), Sundays to Fridays, non-holidays, 13+ years. Purchase your 3-Pak Lift Ticket for $45/day by January 1, 2010.

What’s New: The Exteremly Challenging-Experts Only Huckleberry Canyon is now part of Sierra-at-Tahoe. $49 Backcountry guided lesson on backcountry equipment, route selection and skier/rider improvement, Saturday-Sunday, 18+ expert level only, reservations required. Free hour Backcountry Tours on Fridays, 18+ expert level only, reservations required. Call 530.659.7453 x150 for reservations.

411: www.sierraattahoe.com (530) 659-7453. Buy ski lift tickets for $69 or $72 on weekends and holidays. Day care is available for children 10 months to 5 years, includes indoor/outdoor activities and snacks/lunch – reservations required. Sierra at Tahoe has 11 lifts and 46 trails on 2,000 acres; 2,200 vertical feet. Check the website for an opening day announcement.

Squaw Valley

Ski Deal: $136 weekend stay-and-ski packages per person per night. College students $49 Monday-Thursday or College Season Pass for $369, valid all week. Free night skiing with All Day Lift Tickets; free lift tickets to all active duty military personnel during this season with valid military ID (check for black out dates).

What’s New: This season marks Squaw Valley’s 60th Anniversary and the 50th Anniversary of the 1960 Olympics, so the Resort should be festive. New ski and snowboard programs for women, parents and children; new High Camp Triple Chair Lift; unveiling new mid-mountain restaurants, The Arc at Gold Coast and 39 (degree) North Latitude both eco-friendly construction. Twenty-two Bistro & Bar and Cornice Cantina in the Village/Base Area.

411: www.squaw.com (800) 545-4350. Lift tickets are $83 ($88 holidays), kids under 12, $10. Squaw Valley has 33 lifts on 4,000 acres; 2,850 vertical feet. November 27th legendary Peggy Fleming and local children sake at the Report Ice Rink. Cross your fingers for a November 21st opening.

Sugar Bowl

Ski Deals: General Admission Days – check the website for specific dates – everyone with a season pass or a qualifying lift ticket gets free rentals and a group lesson. Book your stay at the Lodge online for midweek or non-holidays and save 50 percent, rooms start at $79/day and include a Daily CORE Pass.

What’s New: Sugar Bowl celebrates their 70th anniversary all season. New chairlift that accesses the Judah Bowl area – the new lift takes skiers/riders to the ridge top of Mt. Judah and drops them off just be low the summit. Skiers and riders who want more adventure will be able to sign up for guided backcountry tours and education programs in snow safety skills required to enjoy the side country powder skiing. Additionally, skiers and boarders will be able to experience the boarder-cross Olympic-caliber course when the U.S. Olympic team is not training.

411: www.sugarbowl.com (530) 426-9000. Lift tickets $66, $20 for kids 6-12. Get The Core Pass and save even more. Sugar Bowl has 13 lifts and 95 trails on 1500 acres; 1500 vertical feet. Cross your fingers for a November 25th opening.

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Most of the Caribbean’s isles have lush, mountainous interiors and unique features like waterfalls, hot springs, and rare wildlife. Though most islands only have a fledgling adventure travel industry, some have been able to take full advantage of their unique geography to offer adventure seekers and nature lovers a place to explore.

Dominica is the least developed of the Lesser Antilles. It is known in tourist circles for its eco-tourism industry. Travelers who have discovered this green gem rave about the hot springs, the lush mountain scenery, and the many beautiful and remote waterfalls. In addition, there are eco-friendly resorts and seaside accommodations. Though it lacks a resort island’s beach scene, Dominica has other seaside attractions. There are plenty of diving sites just off the coast and the beaches of the city of Rosalie are a favorite nesting place for gigantic sea turtles.

Though Dominica has the most attractive nature in the Caribbean, other more popular mainstream islands also have attractive natural features.

The cool and hazy Blue Mountains of Jamaica are famous for the coffee plantations that dominate the landscape. But this rural place on the famous island’s interior is also home to amazing scenery and off-the-beaten-path trekking opportunities.

Cuba has a noticeably rural vibe, even in its cities. Amazing interior features like La Sierra de los Organos and the lush Viñales Valley (famous for its tobacco fields) are beautiful places to trek. With signs pointing toward an easing of tensions between the island nation and the U.S., Cuba is set to draw more adventurers than ever to its mountains and interior plains.

This list continues with the volcanic island of Martinique and the mountainous interior of Puerto Rico. There are plenty of natural spots in the Caribbean. One just has to know where to look.

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An important factor is to avoid traveling if you have the flu or flu-like symptoms. There are some preventative measures you can take to keep yourself as healthy as possible before your trip and while in the air.

Be diligent with hand washing – lots of warm water and soap. This is one way to prevent the spread of germs and to keep yourself healthy as we touch more germy surfaces than we realize.

• Get a lot of rest this winter, especially before you travel. Sleep helps your body recover from the day and keep your immunity as high as possible. Try to get some extra sleep before your trip.
• Drink lots of liquids, water is the best before and during your flight to prevent dehydration. The general rule of eight cups per day is a good rule of thumb. Augmenting your water intake with vitamin-fortified juices, herbal or green teas and other healthy liquids helps a lot.
• Avoid dehydrating beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol and caffeinated drinks – they will decrease your ability to fight off infection.
• Vitamin C and zinc help protect your immune system – a time-released vitamin C with calcium is a great combination. Consider adding these supplements to healthy eating habits – it’s a more concentrated dose than drinking gallons of orange or other citrus juice. Many travels also load up on immunity boosting supplements such as Emergen-C or Airborne (store brands are easier on the wallet).
• Consider getting a flu shot, especially if you are in a high-risk group. This year, there are two flu shots – the regular seasonal flu and the H1N1 vaccine; as they are different strains, you’ll need both vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends these as the best way to protect against the flu.
• Pack your personal items in “zip”-type plastic bags. This will help prevent germs from spreading to those items should TSA officials need to search your suitcase. These agents are exposed to thousands of traveler’s sniffles, coughs and sneezes for hours every day increasing the chance of transferring germs into your suitcase.

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Carnival Corporation reports the cruise industry is typically recession-resistant, which means many avid cruise travelers can find a number of great deals and attractive packages in even a waning economy. In addition to the revenue generated from booking cruise travel, crew members spent approximately $289 million at 29 destinations during the 2008 and 2009 season, and cruise lines spent about $279.9 million in participating destinations to cover the costs of port fees, taxes, navigation services, and ship supplies. Cruise passengers spent about $1.71 billion in the 29 participating destinations, and this included shopping purchases for clothing, food, jewelry and gifts. (Source: CruiseIndustryWire.com)

Destinations surveyed for this study included the Cayman Islands, Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago, Cozumel, Ensenada, Cartagena, Belize, Costa Rica, Grenada, Jamaica and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Regional cruise tourism options abound for U.S.-based travelers and many U.S. citizens and residents can find cheap cruise packages and airline tickets on and offline, even during the turbulent economy. Cruise operators have been offering discounted packages and incentives to generate more interest in cruise travel in the past year. Because housands of travelers have taken advantage of these deals, revenues for the major cruise lines, ports and destination countries have increased.

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Through January 15, 2010, Google is partnering with many wifi providers that power most airport pay-for-use-WiFi. Google’s free WiFi is in conjunction with Advanced Wireless Group, Boingo, Electronic Media Systems, Lilypad, Time Warner Cable and individual airports.

The Google WiFi promotion also asks users who take advantage of the free service to give back. User’s donations via the Google Checkout benefit one of three non-profits Google has partnered with. When the free WiFi ends, Google will match donations made via the airport networks up to $250,000. Users will find the link to donate after they’ve connected to the network.

Of the 47 cities with Google’s free WiFi, some already offer the service, so travelers have a choice of the existing service or the Google-brand. Many larger cities, such as Chicago, already offer free wifi…however, San Francisco is still on the “have-not” list…oddly enough.

Participating Airports with Free Google WiFi:
Austin, Baltimore, Billings, Boston, Bozeman, Buffalo, NY, Burbank, Central Wisconsin, Charlotte, NC, Des Moines, El Paso, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Houston Hobby, Houston Bush, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kalamazoo, Las Vegas, Louisville, Madison, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Monterey, Nashville, Newport News, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Orlando, Panama City, FL, Pittsburgh, Portland, ME, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Jose, Seattle, South Bend, Spokane, State College, Toledo, Traverse City and West Palm Beach.

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Times Square has been a giant streaming screen for television studios, news events, advertisement and other televised promotions. Yahoo’s free WiFi access now makes it possible to connect to the small screen. The service is available to PC and smartphone users. Once a user logs on to their laptop, a special home page directs them to a listing of Times Square events, businesses and services; users may then access other websites from there. Smartphone users will need to open a browser,  click on to the “Get Started” button on the mobile landing page. This takes the user to Yahoo’s mobile landing page for the free WiFi access.

Free WiFi will presumably impact the area’s online traffic given that the holiday’s are fast approaching and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is just around the corner. Over half a million people frequent Times Square daily, with those numbers increasing for the holiday. Both travelers and locals will be able to access information online to countless business, services and things to do in Times Square and New York  City, as well as send send emails, Twitter their whereabouts and activities and update Facebook and other social networking accounts.

Yahoo’s program donates free WiFi service for the next year and could extend to three years.

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It is easy to spend a lot of money in New Orleans, but there are plenty of ways to travel on a budget, see the sights, enjoy the food and music and have a great time.

New Orleans is a city of bed-and-breakfasts. Visitors who don’t mind foregoing big modern hotels will find warm Southern hospitality at these small family-run establishments. In addition, places like the Marquette House (a hostel with the ambiance of an old-style boarding house) often offer cheap rates. Rates start at $16.

Walking is free and travelers get a better taste of New Orleans life by walking the city. Visitors can spend a day, or maybe even two, strolling through the French Quarter, Uptown, and Carrollton neighborhoods. The historic architecture and colorful storefronts are some of the city’s most attractive aspects.  Many travelers find the colorful street life in the French Quarter to be the most memorable part of their vacation.

Riverboat cruises are pricey, but river ferries, mostly used by local commuters, are the way to go on a budget and get the same views of New Orleans from the water. Likewise, streetcar rides on St. Charles Avenue are a good way to see the city’s sights without spending a lot of money.

New Orleans is an eater’s town.  Being on the water makes seafood relatively inexpensive except at fancier restaurants in the French Quarter and Uptown. Ask the locals where they like to get their Gulf Coast specialties like po’ boy sandwiches (the original sub sandwich) and gumbo. Visitors are likely to get something that’s authentic and tastes homemade without breaking the bank.

Explore New Orleans, find your favorite landmarks and neighborhoods, enjoy its people and their culture. Frommer’s Budget Travel Guide has a informative web page about budget traveling in the Big Easy.

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