KTAR Nov. 5, 2006

Quote of the week: "Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change!"

 OPEN: 

• Mexico tourism is suffering a loss of more than $23 Million dollars a week due to the bad publicity from press reports of the Federal Police actions to reclaim the city center of OAXACA an important tourist city. The publicity has affected Mexico city and even Cancun. There is a U. S. Consular Bulletin posted for OAXACA which should be noted by visitors intending to go to that area. Any travel to other Mexico destinations should continue and especially to Cancun which has been revitalized and even improved since the damage from hurricane Wilma. Consular Bulletin:  www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2100.html        
• Northwest Airlines reports a 1.18 Billion Dollar loss for the third quarter but they say they are “On Track to be profitable next year” maybe they are taking the same track as United which reported its second quarterly profit after a long bankruptcy. There are many tracks in the airline railroad yard and the outcome usually depends on the economy and the price of fuel.
• If you know a frequent flier that you need to get a Christmas gift for you can’t go wrong with a set of “Noise Canceling Headphones” if they already have a set check out an upgrade model! These headphones make or break any long flight and they enhance MP3 and I-Pods in any enviromnment.
• Look here for the “BEST” from BOSE : http://www.magellans.com/store/Appliances___Noise_CancellationIF556?Args=&refchan=Search
  $299.00
• This Sony Unit is also good: http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=100911&WT.mc_n=4&WT.mc_t=U&cm_ven=COMPARISON%20SHOPPING&cm_cat=GOOGLE&cm_pla=DATAFEED->PRODUCTS&cm_ite=1%20PRODUCT&cm_keycode=4 
  $49.95
• For information on the Cambodia trip hosted by Michael and Gaile Dixon contact Hager's Journeys in Scottsdale (480) 998-7606 - West Valley (623) 974-4690. The tour departs Feb.15th. and returns on the 25th. $2,999.oo per person double occupancy including international flights on Singapore Airlines. 

FIRST GUEST: Ms. Emily Coleman DiBella – Asst. Director of Public Relations for  Historic Mount Vernon tells us about the latest additions to George’s Estate    On October 27, 2006 Mount Vernon will open the Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center; two new experiences that will allow visitors to discover the real George Washington. www.mountvernon.org

SECOND GUEST: Tom Parsons of www.BestFares.com updates the list of airfare deals available from PHOENIX. Go to the Best Fares web site and enter Ktar in the “Story Search” box to see the whole list.

THIRD GUEST: Dr. Curtis Page joins us to talk about their guide book to medical services in Mexico. Visit their web site to learn about their Arizona Clinic that also offer “Stop Smoking Treatments” so that you can finally enjoy international travel on those long –long, flights! www.MedToGo.com  The books are available on the web site or at Amazon.com.

THE LOUIE LIST: Tips for the infrequent Traveler!

1. Remember the new rules on carry-on liquids. Go to the TSA web site if you are unsure.  http://www.tsa.gov/  DO NOT Pack a frozen turkey in your bag just because you can buy it cheaper than your grandma can. If your bag is lost you will “Not” want it back!!!
   
2. See if your airline allows you to check yourself in on-line 24 hour before your flight, if they do get you boarding pass in hand before you arrive at the airport.
   
3. Don’t count on your regular parking lot at the airport to be available. Many will be full several days before Thanksgiving. Some off-airport lot take reservations.
   
4. Bring a book and your own snacks but get to the airport early. Some airlines now require you to check-in 45 min. before flight time.
   
5. Have patients and be thankful if your bag arrives with you!