CRYSTAL GOES ALL-INCLUSIVE

Come spring of 2012 the Crystal cruise line will add gratuities, wine and bar service to its all-inclusive pricing. No more the difficult to explain and understand "As You Wish" program. Complimentary fine wines, premium alcohol, and open bar service in all lounges, plus pre-paid gratuities for all bar, dining and housekeeping staff when the all-inclusive program rolls out on the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

ENTERPRISE CAR RENTALS GONE FROM ORBITZ

As of April 1, 2011 you will no longer find any Enterprise brands on Orbitz or Cheaptickets, which  means no Alamo, National or Enterprise, and that means less competition & most likely higher prices on the remaining suppliers. An Enterprise executive claimed Orbitz was demanding too high a commission, but Orbitz doesn't want to own up to that & simply claims they will fully meet travelers' needs. If you're a fan of Enterprise & like booking your car rental at the same time as you book air & hotel then book using: www.TravelSecrets.rovia.com.

ROMANTIC GETAWAY DANA POINT, CA

Recently I stayed at the Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa in Dana Point, CA and found it to be a romantic spot worthy of Jane Eyre with sweeping ocean views and a cozy fireplace in the lobby bar. The room was large with a comfortable bed and good sheets... very important to us girls! Let me also say the fish tacos are the best I've ever had! This location is isolated enough to feel like you're really out-of-town and can let your hair down & let go of the stress, but it's also just a short drive to Laguna Beach for art galleries, restaurants, and shopping. The staff was very nice. I was there with my travel club and we had a couple celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary... I think they are happily enjoying 32 years because they celebrate with travel and romantic getaways. They said "being friends" and "good communications" helped as well.

Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa is definitely a place I want to return to.

GREAT LINK FOR JAPAN HELP UPDATE

I have to thank Emily Tang for sharing this great link for update and how to help Japan....http://www.good.is/post/earthquake-and-tsunami-in-japan-how-to-help/

Thanks, Emily! What times like these show us is the true nature of our spirit.

TSA TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM

The USA Travel Association is strongly suggesting the TSA put a "trusted traveler" program in place, but popular opinion is that unless congress steps in and demands it, don't expect it to happen. Actually, George W. Bush tried to get just such a program in place and was shut down by congress. Maybe congress needs to hear your voice. What I've read leaves me with mixed feelings; I can see fingerprints, even footprints, but our tax returns? How do our tax returns and credit scores relate to whether or not we are terrorists? I could see asking for jail records and even a mental health exam, but tax returns? What are your thoughts on what should be required to be labeled a "trusted traveler"?

JAPAN - The Home of My Youth

As we approach April and cherry blossom season I always find myself a bit homesick, but this year finds me sad and concerned. Having grown up with earthquakes I'm pretty easy-going about them. Even tho' the school I attended in Japan had been devastated in the 1923 earthquake (before I was born) and many students died. This current earthquake shares the same fault line as California. I was expecting to be flooded as I'm not far enough inland from the beach front to escape a tsunami, but we were blessed and saw no effects of the tsunami. We will feel the economic challenges as Japan is our 4th highest source of travelers to the USA and pump $13 billion into our economy as a result; mostly Hawaii, California, New York and Nevada will feel the pinch. In turn, travel plans to Japan seem to be making record cancellations. If you enjoy travel that "helps" like going to a country and build homes or schools, or assist in delivering medicine then perhaps this is a good time for a humanitarian trip. If not, and you want the 5-star treatment it's a toss up... with so many cancelations those who do show will have undivided attention and resources. I went to Mexico when the swine flu caused most to cancel and it was wonderful. Actually, Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka are in pretty good shape. The Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea reported no damage. If your vacation plans were in these cities, and especially if you don't have trip insurance then you may want to keep them. The coast of Honshu is not a major tourist destination and that is where the devastation is. Cherry Blossom time in Japan is so beautiful, romantic, hopeful and inspiring.