Vacation Network News St. Louis

KMOX Mar. 7th. 2010

OPEN: A rare cruise accident with deaths and injuries, RCCL reprices Oasis of the Seas cabins, New cruises from Dubai and the "Oldest Profession' gets real with the current economy in Germany.

1. Last Friday the Costa Europa was damaged when high winds pushed it into a pier while docking at Sharm-El-Sheck in Egypt. The ship was on a cruise between Dubai and the Mediterranian Sea. Three crew were drowned by the flooding of the hull but the Captain was able to get the ship to the dock and limit the damage to avoid sinking in port.

2. RCCL has announced new reduced pricing on Oasis of the Seas cabins. Thisnew ship (The largest in the World) has been able to command premium prices of 77% to 110% of their usual rates since its inagural last year. he demand is slowing for vavcations on the 6,000 passenger ship so prices are coming down. The line has also announced that it will be joining Costa Cruises in sailing out of Dubai this year.

3. The world wide economic down turn has hit the German Sex Industry. Prostitution is legal there and there are more than 40,000 registered sex workers (With Unions and benefits). Business is off 30% to 50% in some cities and they are now offering "Early Bird Specials before 4 PM which include a buffet lunch with the OTHER SERVICES. Discounts to patrons arriving by bicycle are now given to promote the "Green Movement" and flat rate "All you can use" packeges are available at some establishments.

First Guest: Oceania Cruises is a relatively new entrant to the world of cruising but they have created a solid reputation for great service, interesting itineraries and spectacular food. Ms. Susan Mulligan Regional Director for Oceania and Mrs. Marion Hager a frequent guest on our show join us to talk about the coming year with Oceania's three current vessels and the new-build just floated out in Genoa. The company web-site is www.OceaniaCruises.com or call Marion Hagers office at (800) 227-7606.

Second Guest: Tom Parsons of Best Fares .com comes on to give us the deals this week for travel from St. Louis. To see all Tom has to talk about go to www.BestFares.com and enter KMOX in the search box at the top.

Third Guest: Almost any trip,especially vacations require packing your belongings to go with you. Whether of long or short duration one of the prime considerations these days are the baggage fees with the airlines and the number of times you PERSONALLY may have to lift and or carry the baggage in question. Ms. Susan Foster is a recognized packing expert with a book called "Smart Packing for Todays Traveler". She gives us some important tips on Getting Your Stuff Together, So You Can Still Lift It! Her web-site is www.SmartPacking.com and the book is available at Amazon.com and Borders.

The Louie List: Traveling with your pets:

1. Taking your animal on vacation can be fun and much more interesting for them than staying in a kennel. Try an overnight or weekend trip first to see how they fare away from home. Visit your Vet before a long trip to get a check-up, an assessment of how the pet will travel especially if they are very young or elderly. Carry copies of their vaccination certificates in case you have to board them unexpectedly. This will keep them from getting extra shots which may be required for acceptance at a kennel.

2. If going by car take an old sheet to protect your seats and some of their bedding to make them comfortable. Their own water bowl and food dish will be useful and if they have a Picky appetite some of their special food and treats. If you can take a couple of gallons of water from home so the pet wil be used to the taste.

3. A spare collar, sturdy leash and a I. D. Tag with your mobile phone number are necessities. The micro chip inserts are not as expensive as before and are the best method of making sure your pet will get back to you. Book as many hotels in advance to make sure they are pet friendly especially for pets your size. A sturdy carrier is a good idea so you always have a safe place to put the animal if you need to secure them. Remember many airlines no longer take pet kennels as baggage and only small pets can go in the cabin for usually a $100 dollar free one-way and reservations are required..

4. Some of the best information to help you have a successful trip with your pet are: www.TakeYourPet.com and for a unique vacation www.CampGoneToTheDogs.com

KMOX Feb. 28th. 2010

OPEN: Airlne Strikes galore in Europe through March, the Toyota Recall will cost you on a car rental, Celebrity Cruises has a Tummy ache and a Porn Movie causes a Moscow traffic jam.

1. Lufthansa has cancelled more flights than ever in their history due to an ongoing labor issue and British Airways Cabin Crews have not announced the date of their planned walk-out but early to mid-March looks possible. To add to the uncertantity the French Air Traffic Controlls staged a four day strike and may pull out again if they ae not satisfied with their contract negotiations.

2. Removing the Toyota Recalled portion of the rental fleet has caused a shortage of cars and increases of rates of 3% to 46%. Hertz seems to be the most affected and the biggest rate hikes are in the New York area.

3. Celebrity Cruise Lines suffered another occurance of Norovirus on a caribbean cruise with over 300 hundred passengers and many crew sick for days. The line has brought more medical staff onboard in St. Kitts and redoubled efforts to keep public areas clean. This problem can happen on any cruise ship with any line and has in the past years. Whenever you cruise keep washing your hands and watch what you touch.

4. This past tuesday around midnight at a large intersection south of the Kremlin in Moscow a huge electronic LED billboard was siezed by an unemployeed hacker from Cheyna. For about two minutes EXTREMELY graphic scenes from a porn movie stopped taffic and even caused one older motorist to have a heart attack. The intruder was caught and said he was just bored.

First Guest: When you retire if you don't have plans or don't know what to do with your time. The National Park Service would like you to join the 196,000 other citizen volunteers that help make the National Park experience the treasure that it is for current visitors and generations to come. You can take your motor home to one of their Campgrounds and serve as host for the Summer. If you live near one of the urban park locations they need help with archive work or even as a tour guide. Training is provided and in some locations even expense stipends. Ms.Jill Carter-Dir. of Volunter Services Joins us to talk about the HUGE bt little know program located in 392 parks around the country. The web site for volunteer information is www.NPS.Gov/volunteer

Third Guest: Mexico Tourism has suffered recently due to the Headlines about Drug Cartel violence, not all of Mexico is affected and it would be a shame to miss the incredible scenery and culture of this country when the problems are mostly located in a few urban areas. Mr. Colin Capros the Director of Operations for "A CLOSER LOOK TOURS" joins us to talk about the realities of Mexico Tourism and the wide range of tours they can offer you. Their web site is www.ACloserLookTours.com or call them at 1-877-938-0951

Cruise With Michael: If you would like to join Michael Dixon and his wife Gaile on ther Fall Seabourn Cruise get the details at: www.HagersJourneys.com see the itinerary at http://seabourn.com/PlanACruise/Search/index.cfm?CruiseID=SOJ101011

The Louie List - Be prepared to entertain yourself because the airlines do do it any more!!!

1. Most domestic airlines have removed all stero and movie equipment from their fleets. This was a weight and cost saving move for most carriers but this makes many flights very boring. So if you don't want to be bored be ready to entertain yourself and kids if they are with you.

2. Some of the NEW methods to occupy time are the Kindle and Sony reader. These E-Books are electronic screen devices with the ability to hold whole novels and other reading materials but all contained in a fairly small device. Current prices are setting around $200 and the price of e-novels are floating around on Amazon and at Borders.

3. For music the MP3 Players and I-Pods are king but for many older users collecting the music files to put on a player takes time and skills they may not have. One way to get a collection is to ask family (Especially Teenagers or College kids) to make your collection up as a Birthday or Christmas Present. Inexpensive for them but PRICELESS to you.

4. DVD players, either stand-alone or on your Laptop are a real treat especially on longer flights but the battery power necessary for many movies is touchy especially as a battery ages past a year or more. I recommend the purchase of TWO batteries with these players. That way you can switch them out as you use the player and the second unit is available for back-up power on linger flights. A little expensive but this will extend the usable life of your DVD Player/Laptop by at least 18 Mos. to 2 Yrs.

KMOX February 14th. Valentines Day

OPEN: Europe this Summer may be less expensive, why do the airplane flights take longer now and Coffee Servers in Seattle raise eyebrows with the cops and the Temperature of their clients.

1. The Euro fell to an eight month low against the dollar due to Euro-Zone uncertainty about a bail-out for The Greek economy and problems with Portugals banks. This improved exchange rate won't malke Europe cheap this Spring and Summer but it will help relieve some of the sticker shock from recent years.

2. If you have flown a certain route frequently over the years you may wonder if the planes have been getting slower or the cities have moved further apart. Neither has happened but the airlines have PADDED the route times to account for airport congestion, air-traffic controil issues and to make sure that the planes arrive with-in fifteen minutes of schedule so they can claim they are on time even when it takes longer to get there.

3. Seattle is the home of Starbucks, Seattle's Best and a lot of competitors trying to serve the huge local demand for coffee. Many of the smaller stands have blended coffee with a "Sex Sells" theme. With names like Brewlesque and Twin Perks the Bikini-Barristas have donned smaller and skimpier costumes down to as little as pasties! Local law enforcement is now observing and warning that at least Bikinis must be worn or ordinances on Adult Entertainment may be enforced.So if you see a long line of cars at one of these coffee stands, they MUST BE serving GREAT Coffee!

If you would like to join Michael Dixon and his wife Gaile on ther Fall Seabourn Cruise get the details at: www.HagersJourneys.com , see the itinerary at: http://seabourn.com/PlanACruise/Search/index.cfm?CruiseID=SOJ101011

First Guest: Some times due to a work assignment, extended schooling or even retirement you may move to a foreign country for months, years or even to reside there. There is a series of books written by experts who know their country well that will clue you in to how the culture may differ and how to get along well with the locals and any authorites you may need to interface with. Ms. Meriam Butterworth who wrote Living Abroad in Panama jons us to describe her adopted country and what the book contains. The series is published by Moon Inc.-Their web site is www.Moon.com

Second Guest: Tom Parsons of Best Fares .com comes on to give us the deals this week for travel from St. Louis. To see all Tom has to talk about go to www.BestFares.com and enter KMOX in the search box at the top.

Third Guest: Love is in the air this Valentines Day but no-where more than in Las Vegas. Ms. Georgette Gerry -Coordinator for The Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel (Las Vegas Largest) joins us to talk about the BIG DAY and the incredible range of weddings they offer. Their famous Pink Cadillac Elvis Wedding is one of their most rquested along with GOTH Weddings at Haloween. If you can dream it - your request is their command from flying to the alter by wire or arriving in a fairy tale coach with Chippendale Footmen, they can make it happen ! The web site is: www.VivaLasVegas.com

The Louie List: Tips forStaying Healthy while traveling:

1. Winter travel by Airplane, Train, Motorcoach is Ship will put you next to sick people. You need to take every precaution to keep well because being under the weather when traveling is a REAL misery. Our friends at www.Magellans.com have some great products for Jet Lag and even a new nasal spray to help protect you from airborne germs. Check them out to see if they are right for you.

2. Jet Lag is greatly affected by light absorbed by your eyes. So use eye shades to sleep the first night if your room is not dark. Don't nap on arrival and try to stay awake until night fall at your detination.

3. Motion Sickness effects many but the disorientation can be limited by sitting in a window seat so that you constantly see the horizion. Pills have some side-effects but some find relief with the Accu-bands that go around the wrist.

4. Airborne germs are your greatest threat. when flying avoid alcohol and try to drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Dried out nasal tissue is open to flu and other germs. The BEST Prevention is washing your hands frequently. Sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to be sure your wash long enough with soap and water. Best wishes for staying well!

KMOX Feb. 7th. Show Pre-Empted

KMOX January 31st. Show Pre-Empted by Hockey

KMOX January 24th. Show Pre-Empted by The Superbowl

KMOX January 17th. 2010 Show Pre-Empted by NFL Playoffs

KMOX January 10th. 2010 Show Pre-Empted by NFL Football

KMOX January 3rd.-2010 Show Pre-Empted by NFL Football

KMOX December 27th. Show Pre-Empted by Holiday Programming

KMOX December 20th. - 2009 Show detail not available due to Technical Problems

KMOX December 13th. - 2009

OPEN: Boeing is about to make Aviation History, Las Vegas has The Grandest of Grand Openings and Maybe not getting the Olympics is a blessing for Chicago.

First Guest: Garmin GPS devices have come WAY down in price and WAY up on features! These devices havr become standard on many new cars but there are many other applications that make great presents. Ms. Jessica Meyers joins us to talk about what's new. Their web site is www.Garmin.com

Michael describes an Internet Only Travel Deal in Stiges, Spain on the Mediterranean coast. This offers and incredible "Off-Season" vacation including Air Fare, Condo accommodations with full kitchen and a rental car at a price you won't believe. See the price and all the details at: http://seasidejourneys.com/rates-specials.htm

Third Guest: The hotel industry contines to offer incredible rates to attract customers during the current economic turndown. Mr. Robert Diener - Founder and President of www.GetARoom.com joins us to talk about their new SPECIAL Request process to get the best last minute rates available.

The Louie List: A new App for I-Pods, but something you can do almost as well online! The newest Travel Application for I-Pod phones is www.GateGuru.com this app is only $1.99 and provides the most comprehensive information on 85 U. S. Airports. From map layouts to reviews on the food vendors and any other amenities as you pass through or spend several hours traped in an airport environment. Much of this is available on the individual airport web sites but the I-Pod app is immediate and with traveler reviews.

***Tell Us Where You Want To Travel*** Please e-mail to TravelTheWorld@Cox.net To tell us about Domestic or Foreign Destinations you want to visit. Michael or Louie may arrange a trip to take you there.

KMOX December 6th. 2009

Open:

First Guest: With Winter falling around many of us we are probable interested in some warmer weather and activities. Ms. Amy Gonzalez of THE SCUBA SHOP joins us to talk about getting yourself and maybe your family involved in the world of Scuba Diving. She arranges trips around the world to some of the most interesting dive locations available. Access the web site at www.TheScubaShop.org or call her at (480) 705-9327 (480) 705-9327 .

Third Guest: The scenes of Christmas Past are not fictional, they exist only a few miles from St. Louis at Historic St. Charles. Whether you go for the weekend at one of the incredible Bed And Breakfasts in town or just take a shopping stroll through the main street and the more than 100 stores, you will find Real Christmas Spirit. There are street characters in costume, caroling concerts and a real outdoor scating rink that completes the scene. Ms. Cindy Garrett one of the Christmas event organizers joins us to give the details. Their web site is www.HistoricStCharles.com

The Louie List: Bundling up for your next trip may be in your best interest and not to KEEP WARM!

1. If you are planning a trip by air where you will also need a hotel at your destination be sure to check out the packages offered on-line by sites like Expedia and Travelocity. A long standing effort by the airline industry called a Tour Code lets the agency BUNDLING the air, hotel and even a rental car to offer the whole trip at a discount off of the individual combined pricing. These discounts CAN be considerable at 25% to even 30% or more for just adding two nights accommodation and sometimes only one night.

2. Be aware that these offers usually have SEVERE cancellation penalties up to 100% of your money if you try to change or don't go! If the proces works for you it can be a great deal but be sure before you book.

3. The cruise lines have their own Bundling called Air-Sea where your air flights and transfers to the ship are included in your cruise booking. If you feel you are capable of searching for air fares on your own or want to book your flights with Frequent Flyer miles to save on your vacation, do your best! You can frequently save money on the air fare but remember you also need to transfer to and from the ship so be sure you know the taxi or shuttle rates.

4. There is a passenger liability you MUST consider. When you buy their Air-Sea package they are fully responsible to get you to the ship even if you miss it at the port of origin due to a Late Flight. If you book your own air and transhers YOU are Responsibility for WHATEVER Happens and getting to the ship!!!

KMOX Nov. 29th. 2009

OPEN: Boeing is about to make Aviation History, Las Vegas has The Grandest of Grand Openings and Maybe not getting the Olympics is a blessing for Chicago.

Second Guest: Tom Parsons of Best Fares .com comes on to give us the deals this week for travel from Phoenix. To see all Tom has to talk about go to www.BestFares.com and enter KTAR in the search box at the top.