Vacation Network News on KMOX - St. Louis
Saturday June 17, 2006

1. A. How can you tell if your flight might run on time and where can you find out if a flight is operating on
                 schedule.
             U.S.A. Today Flight Tracker www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/delays/tracker-index.htm
   B. The BIG PLANE is already late!
             Airbus announces six month delay in delivery of 2006-2007 planes to the airlines. Their stock drops
             26% in one day.
   
2. Interview with Med To Go founder Dr. Robert Page MD on their books about medical care for tourists in Mexico.
   www.MedToGo.com
   
3. Tom Parsons – Best Fares on great rates from St. Louis
   www.BestFares.com
   
4. Barging through Europe – Taking a cruise at it’s simplest level through the heart of many European countries. Learn about Family Charters, Gourmet Cooking Cruises and the real culture experience of barge and canal travel. 
   www.WorldWaterways.com
   
5. The Louie List: Should you drive your own car on vacation or get a rental?
   
   A. Vacation trips frequently mean hundreds if not thousands of miles added to your cars odometer by the time you return home. Have you considered the real cost of putting those miles on your family car?
   
   B. The first cost is to your “Peace of mind” if your car is over three years old it may be out of warranty which means the threat of big repair expenses are with you every mile. You probably want to prepare the car for a safe trip so buying tires and new belts and hoses are frequently pre-trip expenses owners spend which may not have been necessary for many months just driving around town! Don’t through away good tire mileage still remaining just for a vacation trip. If you drive a rental car all these worries and expenses are their problem!
   
   C. Every year the new cars get better and better gas mileage. If your cars technology is out of date or out of tune you will be blowing money out the tailpipe. A difference of 3 mpg will save or lose $25.00 per 1000 miles at today’s prices.
   
   D. A recent study says that one-third or American’s are “Upside Down” in their car loans at trade-in. That means you still owe more than the car is currently worth. Other than age the most detrimental thing to car appraisal is “Excess Mileage” so give your car a vacation by leaving it at home.
   
   E. With the rise in gas prices the rental companies have more SUV and van models sitting around so you can get a great weekly rate on a new car big enough to give the whole family space and come close to break-even on cost compared to driving your own car. Except “Peace Of Mind” there you will be way ahead!
   
   Check out the rates offered to AAA Members on www.Hertz.com