When Not Having An Airline Seat Assignment Is Good

Recently Diane and I traveled to Orlando without pre assigned seating. Usually this is a bad thing however when made it a positive experience. We tried to print our boarding passes the evening before our flight. The only seats available were "premium" with an extra cost ($85 each). So the next morning we checked in at the airport ticket counter and were given boarding passes for "premium" seats at no additional cost.

United-Continental Airlines Merger - Good For Portland

The recent United-Continental airlines merger will be a boon for PDX. Why? More non stop flights to the New York City airports, more Boeing 737 jet service up and down the west coast (Continental has surplus 737's), better service to Ft Lauderdale (Florida's cruise capitol) enhanced service to South America and Europe via the Houston International Airport (IAH)
The airport ticket counter will have better security and be more efficient. Look for the changes in early 2011.

Legoland California

I just returned from Legoland near San Diego California. It is perfect for small children (9 and under) Adult kids will also enjoy the park! A Sheraton Resort is located next to the park with it's own entrance gate. Only purchase tickets for the main park as the water park tickets are additional and you my not have visiting time. Enjoy -
Doug

Luxury Bend Oregon Hotel

I am often asked about accommodations in Bend Oregon because we travel their so often. We recently stayed at the new Oxford Hotel in downtown Bend at 10 NW Minnesota Avenue. This deluxe 50 room hotel is plush! All of the rooms are large and face south. Rates run about $150/ night and up. Another funky overnight er is the McMenamins - Old St. Francis School. Try the soaking tub before bed. Rates $129/night. Happy Traveling

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - The Best

I can still remember my first visit to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big island of Hawaii. Walking into the lobby I saw the most beautiful white sand beach and ocean vista. Aunty Barbara Izumi greeted me. She remembered the beach and played on it before the Rockefeller's built the resort. The tennis courts are right on the ocean to the north. This allows sea breezes to cool the courts during play. Now the hotel has reopens after extensive remodeling. Special summer rates $299 - $359 per night until September 30th. Oh, did I mention the legendary golf and exquisite dinning. Aloha

Paris Hotel Montpensier

If you are looking for a reasonable good location Paris hotel (2 blocks for the Louvre) try the Hotel Montpensier. It's only 2 stars with small rooms but the location! Talking about the Louvre, the best time to visit is Wednesday or Friday evenings. Why? The crowds are small and admission is 1/2 price after 6pm. (9 Euros) They stay open until 9pm.

Africa Visit For 31 Days WOW

I am often asked about "last minute" value travel deals. Yes, it is true. Wait for 30 days before you cruise and score. This weeks best value in a 31 day African Princess cruise. $3500 per person. Next week it may be Mexico or the Caribbean. Subscribe to our "last minute travel e-mails" by contacting me Doug@walkertravel.com