Travel Calendar

Whether it’s playing his trumpet, posting to his blog, or traveling the world ­– Verona’s Benjamin Blinder is out there in the thick of it.

In recapping his life’s work and accomplishments one winter’s evening, his years as a school boy in Maplewood emerge as the most sensible focal point, it was there – after all – that he met his two great loves.

The trumpet

As his fourth grade music instructor went around the room asking each student what instrument they would like to learn, Blinder’s young mind was completely blank. Truth be told, he had no preference. He blurted out “trumpet” simply because it was the instrument that he knew his older next door neighbor played. He had no idea it would get him anywhere, but it did.

Ascending through middle school and into high school, the young Blinder kept with it. In high school, he served as drum major for the marching band and ran the jazz band with a classmate. On his spare time, he worked in the pit for Columbia High School musical performances and was in the horns section for a local band based out of Livingston.

While attending Lehigh University, he again served as drum major and returned to the school even after he had graduated to play the trumpet at alumni events and parades. As he his career jumpstarted, first in technical sales and then later in providing raw materials to cosmetic companies, the desire to play music stuck with him.

Then one day, some 18 years ago, he saw an ad in the paper. The Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra was looking for local musicians to join. He didn’t have to be asked twice.

After several years last in line in the pecking order, playing “third trumpet” for some numbers and sitting out others entirely, he eventually made his way up to first position, where has remained for the past 12 or so years. He speaks of the symphony as if reviewing the stellar report card of his first child – commenting on the quality of his fellow musicians and how the symphony is the longest continuously running orchestra in the state.

In between the symphony’s three annual performances, he offers his talents during the holidays at Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Verona. More recently, he volunteers his time with Bugles Across America, an organization that provides buglers for the funerals of military veterans when the armed services are unable to send one of their own. Even after volunteering at a few funerals, Blinder is amazed by the difference his and his fellow volunteers’ small gesture makes.

“It’s a tremendous feeling,” he says. “You go there and stand around for a while, but you play “Taps” for 30 seconds and it means so much.”

Karen

“This
year, more people will be flying more miles, and we expect that
to continue in future years,” said FAA Acting Administrator
Michael Huerta. “The American people deserve an aviation system
that can keep pace with our increasing reliance on air travel
and NextGen will help us get there.”

Through
NextGen, the FAA is transforming the U.S. air transportation
system with the use of satellite-based technology that will help
passengers reach their destinations more quickly, increase air
traffic capacity, and enhance safety. New, more precise routes
will also reduce fuel burn, carbon emissions, and noise.

According
to the forecast, the total number of people flying commercially
on U.S. airlines will increase by 0.2 percent to 732 million in
2012, then to 746 million in 2013, and then increase more
rapidly to 1.2 billion in 2032. The aviation system is expected
to reach one billion passengers per year in 2024.

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Spring is just around the corner for the northern hemisphere and as the winter weather lifts, northerners might consider getting a jump on the summer holiday crush by taking a trip to the more popular places well before the heavy June-September tourist season. Online travel adviser Travel Ticker (www.travel-ticker.com) offers its top 10 spring destinations. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. China

Average temperatures during spring vary depending on the region, but from a purely weather standpoint, this is one of the best times of the year to visit China. Add on the fact that there are fewer crowds and stellar deals to be found during spring, and a visit to the Far East sounds even better. Business and leisure travel picks up in April, so consumers should try to visit in March for the lowest prices and shorter lines.

2. Ecuador

Travelers wanting a more exotic trip should head south to Ecuador. All of the many regions in this South American country boast savings during this time of the year, and this is truly a part of the world that has something for everyone. Travelers can visit the famous Galapagos Islands, relax on pristine beaches, explore the wonders of the Amazonian rain forest or take in views of the majestic Andes mountain range. Rain may linger in some areas, but that helps keep both tourist levels and prices low. Consumers can beat the peak season rates that start in May by visiting just a month or so early.

3. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the easiest island paradises to get to from the U.S., so travelers should take advantage this spring. In one small chunk of land, travelers can experience an active city life, pristine beaches, rainforests, art, history, and nightlife galore. Since Puerto Rico hasn’t yet become top-of-mind for sun seekers, prices continue to remain low and all-inclusive deals are abundant.

4. Barcelona

Spring is the perfect time to visit Barcelona, when the beautiful weather enhances the experience at historic buildings, cobblestone roads, seaside vistas and vibrant cultural center points. The current economic situation in Spain is helping to drive prices down, so the country is offering some amazing deals to attract more travel business. 2012 is a great year to enjoy traditional Spanish Tapas, visit the fantasy-like structures designed by Gaudí and lounge on beautiful beaches, all at an affordable price.

5. Argentina

Anyone who is looking for a coastal European experience should consider Argentina as a great alternative because it has an incredibly rich history and many ties to Spain. From its stunning scenery, vibrant cities, and exciting culture to world-renowned wineries, it’s a destination that always pleases. It’s also a pretty great value as over the past couple years LAN Airlines has steadily increased flights to the area, resulting in some fantastic air sales. Prices to Argentina tend to soar around the holidays, so travelers should plan a trip to Argentina in May or June to miss the crowds.

6. Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is ideal for some springtime fun-in-the-sun. Travelers generally can’t go wrong with the many islands that sprinkle this amazing region, but the Bahamas is a sure bet, where turquoise waters and white sand beaches await. With its many all-inclusive resorts competing for tourism appeal, the Bahamas tends be a deal destination year-around.

7. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Even though spring time tends to be a peak season for the Riviera Maya, travelers should still think of it as a value destination. Known for its luxe all-inclusive resorts, this tropical paradise is a place where it’s easy to get your meals, drinks, entertainment and activities all included in one price. This Mexican destination is home to several miles of serene beaches with crystal clear waters. To avoid the spring break crowds, consumers should travel mid-April and into May for great deals without sacrificing the beautiful weather during this season.

8. Italy

Italy’s sweet spot is April and May, which makes it a must-consider destination during the spring. Italy’s weather is best during these months and since it’s just before the summer peak season, travelers can find great values on airfare and hotels. Additionally, the crowds (which some cities like Venice are infamous for) are much smaller. Easy access means that a true local experience, whether you’re sitting at a café with a cappuccino or strolling the tiny streets window shopping, is easily accessible.

9. England

With the Olympics around the corner, April and May are ideal to visit England – especially London – right before the crowds and prices spike. With the abundance of new hotel rooms opening in England’s top destination, deals should be easy to find right before and after the games. The weather is also best during spring, which is particularly good if you’re looking to visit England’s world-famous countryside. Although rainfall happens all year long in this area of the world, it tends to drop during this season, giving tourists a fantastic opportunity to view England in all its glory.

10. France

France is another country that has something for every kind of traveler, blending rich history with delicious food and breathtaking scenery. Following the same trends as Italy and England, deals tend to be pretty good during spring because it’s just before the peak season. When visiting the capital city of Paris during this time of year, travelers will not only be mesmerized by walks along the Seine River, or by taking in views of the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower, but they will also get to enjoy the city with plenty of sun and perfect temperatures. But travelers shouldn’t stop there, the picturesque Loire Valley or the ritzy South of France are just a quick train ride away and are truly stunning during the months of April and May.

(Editing by Paul Casciato)

The forecast is for the number of miles flown by paying passengers to rise from 815 billion in 2011 to 1.57 trillion in 2032, with an average increase of 3.2 percent a year.

“Imagine a carrier the size of Jet Blue coming into the system every 10 months,’’ Michael Huerta, the FAA’s acting administrator, said in a statement. “That is the demand we are forecasting.’’

Airlines are expected to do their best to match the number of seats available to consumer demand so that planes fly as full as possible.

Last month, Southwest, JetBlue, United, Delta, American and US Airways raised prices on many medium-length and long flights by $10 per round trip, citing the high cost of jet fuel. Airlines raised fares about a dozen times in 2011.

The price of oil is expected to remain high, increasing to $110 a barrel by 2015 and $138 a barrel by 2032, the FAA noted.

Major airports forecast to see the greatest growth in air traffic — better than 2.5 percent a year — are Midway in Chicago, John F. Kennedy International in New York, Washington Dulles International in Virginia, McCarran International in Las Vegas, Orlando International in Florida and Houston Intercontinental.

The growth in airline travel won’t be evenly distributed. The miles passengers fly on domestic flights are forecast to decrease slightly this year and then grow an average of 2.8 percent a year over the next two decades. But passenger miles on international flights are predicted to increase 2.2 percent this year and then grow an average of 4.4 percent a year.

The fastest growth will be travel between the U.S. and South America, followed by travel to and from Asia.

The report underscores the need to continue moving forward with the FAA’s transition from an air traffic system based on World War II-era radar technology to one based on GPS technology, federal officials said. The system is expected to allow planes to fly more direct routes to destinations and to take off and land closer together, saving time, money and fuel.

The total number of people flying commercially on U.S. airlines will increase by 0.2 percent to 732 million in 2012, then to 746 million in 2013. After that, air travel is expected to pick up more rapidly, reaching 1 billion passengers by 2024. That’s three years later than the FAA had previously forecast. By 2032, annual passengers are expected to total 1.2 billion.

The Travel Goods Show has found a new home in Las Vegas.

While at the Las Vegas Convention Center this week for its 2012 show, the Travel Goods Association’s board of directors voted to bring their show back for the next four years. In the past, the trade show has bounced between the East and West coasts.

“Las Vegas is great for us,” Travel Goods Association President Michele Marini Pittenger said. “Our best attended shows over the years have always been Las Vegas shows.”

Travel Goods will take over the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in 2013, then return to the Las Vegas Convention Center in subsequent years.

Estimated attendance for the 2012 show is 4,500, equal to last year. But, exhibitor space is up.

The Travel Goods’ 2012 show floor is sold out, with a 40-company waiting list. In all, 204 exhibitors will share the 108,000-square-foot floor, which expands from 91,000 square-feet last year.

Exhibitors this year are showing customizable luggage, including pieces that compress contents with a push or a snap and let you create the bag size you need at the time. The show also featured many convertible travel items, including jackets that be can folded into travel pillows.

Also in Las Vegas this week is Exhibitor, which ended Thursday. Exhibitor 2012 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center attracted 6,000 people, up 4 percent from 2011, and had exhibits from 33 countries. At 60,000 square feet, the floor was 14 percent larger than in 2011.

“The show is going extraordinary,” said Randal Acker, president and chief operating officer of Exhibitor Media Group. “The hopeful optimism that has started last year has taken over for 2012.”

Acker said companies that have been reusing exhibits to save money are investing in booths again.

“You can only refurbish so many times,” he said. “Corporate America has some cash and is experiencing some growth.”

Acker said 60 percent of the 2012 attendees came with plans for goods and services to buy in the next few months. Buyers were so eager to get in, there were lines at the door Monday, he said.

“That hasn’t happened in a couple years,” Acker remarked.

Contact reporter Laura Carroll at lcarroll
@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588.

BERLIN (Reuters) – With a weak western European economy, fear of political unrest in North Africa and a cruise business hit by the Costa Concordia disaster, travel groups are looking to eastern Europe, China and corporate travel to brighten up 2012.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) expects global arrivals of international travellers to increase by 3-4 percent this year, after a 4.4 percent increase to 980 million in 2011, with growth driven by emerging markets.

“The whole world is skewed to the East. This is the New World,” Taleb Rifai, secretary general of the UNWTO told Reuters in an interview at the ITB Berlin travel fair.

Officials from the tourism ministries of Tunisia and Egypt, which are struggling to encourage tourists back after uprisings, said Russian tourists were now the leading visitors to their countries, and that they were keen to attract Asian travellers.

China is expected to account for 100 million arrivals by 2020 as the country’s booming economy translates into corporate investments outside China and into rising wealth for the broader population, according to the UNWTO.

German travel group TUI AG (TUIGn.DE), the owner of Europe’s largest tour operator TUI Travel (TT.L), will bring its first groups of Chinese tourists to Europe in the summer on a package tour of Europe’s cities.

“We’re calling it the tour of the Museum of Europe,” CEO Michael Frenzel said, highlighting that TUI is the only European tour operator to have a licence to organise international travel for China.

Frenzel said spending on foreign holidays by travellers from Asia-Pacific was expected to reach 349 billion euros by 2020 as it grows at an average rate of 10 percent a year, compared with growth of 4 percent for Europe.

Spending by Chinese tourists is the fastest growing in the world, having jumped 38 percent last year, followed by Brazil, India and Russia, according to UNWTO data.

“If you’re a hotel owner in Berlin, you want the Chinese to visit,” said Hubert Joly, chief executive of hotels and business travel group Carlson.

BUSINESS IN PERSON

Business bookings are also expected to buoy demand this year as companies maintain their spending on trips in order to seek out new growth markets.

“One of the lessons from the crisis is that in order to conduct business you need to travel,” Carlson’s Joly told Reuters at the IHIF hotel fair in Berlin.

“Take the example of Athens. You couldn’t solve the Greek crisis on a conference call,” he said, adding that staff flying in from the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank had helped keep hotel occupancy rates strong in Athens.

German flagship carrier Deutsche Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) said it expected business class bookings, on which airlines commonly make most of their profits, to remain stable this year.

“We know that the euro crisis and factors of economic instability have arrived in the real economy. But overall the current booking figures show that demand for business travel is relatively stable,” Jens Bischof told journalists at the ITB.

Frits van Paasschen, CEO of hotel chain Starwood (HOT.N), said the pipeline of new hotels reflected rising corporate travel to eastern Europe.

“We’re investing especially in the resource-rich countries, because that’s where much of business is travelling,” he said, citing new hotels in St. Petersburg in Russia, and Baku in oil-rich Azerbaijan.

(Editing by Will Waterman)

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Mar 09, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
The rise in gas prices doesn’t seem to be holding American’s back as
they gear up to hit the road for Spring Break. In fact, searches on
Yahoo! for “spring break” are up 149% this week as people look for the
best places and deals. Today, Yahoo!
Travel released ten great spots to shake off the winter doldrums
and get away this spring.

Yahoo! Travel considered a variety of destinations that would appeal to
many kinds of travelers — college students, families with school-age
children — even those looking for volunteer opportunities.

–
Scottsdale, AZ – Sun and baseball Get a head start
on the MLB season where Cactus League games are scheduled through
April 4. Scottsdale is also known for its luxury hotels, high-end
shopping, 100-plus art galleries and world-class golf courses. A
spring bonus: many wildflowers and cactus will be in bloom.

–
Washington, DC – Americana In addition to its
historical significance and spectacular museums, you’ll be there in
time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which this year marks
the 100th anniversary of the gift of 3,000 trees to the
United States from Japan. And if your timing is right, there’s the
annual White House Easter Egg Roll, scheduled for April 9.

–
Yosemite National Park – A natural high Spring is
one of the best times to visit Yosemite, if you want to avoid the
crowds. And there’s plenty to see, whether or not there’s snow on the
ground. Waterfalls will roar, the lakes will mirror the crystal clear
sky and Half Dome will rule over its subalpine domain.

–
Lanai Island, HI -Tranquility Get a passport to the
past on a Hawaiian island that has so few tourists you can stake claim
to your own deserted stretch of beach. Lanai, once a Dole pineapple
plantation, now offers visitors a handful of great hotels and a
low-key, lost-in-time ambiance. There is also snorkeling, hiking,
horseback riding, yoga and golf.

–
Charleston, SC – Golf and gardens Charming
Charleston–just voted the nation’s friendliest city by Travel
Leisure magazine–has something for everyone. Explore an antebellum
mansion, go beachcombing along 90 miles of scenic coastline or test
your golf skills at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort,
which will host the 2012 PGA Championship in August.
Charleston welcomes four million annual visitors and one of the best
times to visit is in the spring, when flowers are in bloom and summer
heat hasn’t descended.

–
Amelia Island, FL – Low key Located off the state’s
northeastern coast, wins the award for its peaceful, relaxed ambiance.
With pristine waters, long sandy beaches and abundant native wildlife,
Amelia Island offers plenty of things to do. It’s one of the few
places in America where you can ride horseback on the beach. Catch a
wave, kayak, or comb the white beaches for shark’s teeth and shells.

–
Telluride, CO – Spring Skiing Once a
rough-and-ready mining town, has a Wild West flavor that blends well
with its luxury hotels, high-end shops and gourmet restaurants. With
nearly 100 feet of snow since Jan. 1, Telluride has managed to plow
through winter with plenty of powder, unlike many other US ski
resorts. Add to that the mountain village’s spectacular scenery and
you have a great spring getaway destination.

–
Natchez Trace Parkway – Road tripping A legendary
444-mile Deep South drive through 10,000 years of American history,
the Parkway, a unit of the National Park Service, runs from Natchez in
southern Mississippi through Alabama and Tennessee to a point just
south of Nashville. Today’s visitors can drive, bike or hike
the scenic parkway, which preserves the original route.

–
San Diego – For the kids With the world-class San
Diego Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, and sandy beaches San Diego is as
kid-friendly as they come and the mild climates make it easy to get
outside and play.

–
Newark, NJ – Alternative It might lack the sunny,
chi-chi appeal of some popular spring fling locales, but it offers a
chance to pay it forward by doing volunteer work for United Way.
Newark is one of the sites chosen for United Way’s 2012 Alternative
Spring program. Throughout March, volunteers from across the country
will converge on the city to work hand-in-hand with local educators
tutoring students. Learn more here:

http://liveunited.org/take-action/alternative-spring-break

To read more on this story please visit:

http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/10-great-spring-break-getaways.html

SOURCE: Yahoo!

MCB CAMP BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan — United Airlines executives announced a new policy which began March 3 that exempts pets moving on permanent change of station orders from high cargo fees.

Recently, United Airlines had re-evaluated its pet travel program, making changes that could have cost pet owners more than a thousand dollars. This was avoided by the development of an important exemption for pets.

The PetSafe Program, now used by United Airlines, would have cost hundreds or thousands of dollars in increased fees when traveling to and from certain countries, such as Japan. Under the program, pets would have been treated as cargo, requiring a third-party freight forwarder, potentially resulting in fees costing between $1,400 and $4,000.

United Airlines decided to waive the program for pets traveling on the PCS orders of status of forces agreement personnel. Under the waiver, a pet and its kennel weighing 99.9 pounds or less will be checked as excess baggage, and the owner will be charged a set fee of $250.

“We appreciate United Airlines establishing a formal exemption to the airline’s PetSafe Program,” said Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific and Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “The exemption will be beneficial to service members, their families and their pets.”

“We more fully understand the impact of our implementation of our PetSafe product as a result of the constructive feedback we received,” according to a written statement by United Airlines spokeswoman Mary Ryan, as printed in Stars and Stripes. “We’ve evaluated the policies and developed a special process for military families traveling on PCS orders only, which allows them to transport their four-legged family members without the need for a third-party freight forwarder.”

The policy for heavier pets remains the same as before.“As in the past, pets and carriers which weigh 100 pounds or more will still have to be booked as cargo, and those rates will remain the same,” said Col. John C. Wright, the chief of staff for MCIPAC and MCB Camp Butler. “This requirement has always been in place.”

Military travelers should contact the airline’s PetSafe Program for more details about the new travel rules, according to Ryan.

Pet owners should be aware that there is a separate fee charged by All Nippon Airways for pet travel from Naha Airport to Narita International Airport. The fee is approximately 450 yen per kilogram.

“Customers should contact ANA and United Airlines before they travel,” said Capt. Christopher M. Gilmore, the distribution management officer for MCB Camp Butler, MCIPAC. “They should confirm ANA’s pricing, and they should also confirm their pets are properly booked with both airlines.”

The United Airlines PetSafe Program and exemption policy will not affect pet transportation via the Air Mobility Command’s Patriot Express, a U.S. government-contract flight, which provides support to U.S. military members and their families.

“The Distribution Management Office of the Passenger Travel Office will first and foremost make every effort to book all travelers and their pets on the Patriot Express … once (the office) has received port call information from the Installation Personnel Administrative Center,” said Gilmore.

Due to the limited number of pets allowed on each Patriot Express flight, booking is made on a first-come, first-served basis.

The City of Sheridan Wyoming was named the #1 Western Town in American by True West Magazine, is now home to a new online Travel and Adventure Guide.

Sheridan, WY (PRWEB) March 10, 2012

The City of Sheridan Wyoming was named the #1 Western Town in American by True West Magazine, is now home to a new online Travel and Adventure Guide. The staff of SheridanWyoming.com announced today the launch of their sophisticated web portal covering many aspects of tourism, news, and events in the region.

The guide is an exciting new way for travelers and locals to explore Sheridan County, the Big Horn Mountains and the surrounding areas. At the same time, it gives local businesses a showcase and access to thousands of viewers through social media.

Recent articles on http://www.sheridanwyoming.com featured Horseback Riding and Cowboy Adventures and The Top 3 Must See Historical Sites in Sheridan. Stories like these reach a much greater audience on the Internet than traditional media sources. In addition, because the content and comments accrue constantly, users will be able to access a brand new updated Travel Guide every time they visit.

In addition to travel, adventure and events, the guide features employment postings, real estate listings, local news, personalities in the region, and restaurants. Businesses will find a number of ways of contact with people who are already interested in what they have to offer.

NEW YORK — Hoping to get a good deal on summer travel? Start planning now.

The official start to spring is still two weeks away, but airfares for summer are rising fast. Many fare-watchers think summer prices will be significantly higher than last year.

In past years, some savvy travelers who held out on buying tickets reaped the reward when prices fell. But fleet and route cutbacks have given airlines more of an upper hand than at any time since before the recession. Hotels and rental car companies are also raising prices.

So what’s a would-be traveler to do?

STUDY EARLY: Start looking for a summer airfare about three months ahead of time (That’s right around … now.) If the fares seem too rich for your blood, don’t panic. Just because fares are higher than last year doesn’t mean they won’t fall between now and your summer vacation.

If you’re worried about waiting, use this trick: Select the flight you want and start booking it online. When you hit the point where you select a seat, look at the seat map. If it’s still fairly empty, wait. It’s likely the airline will lower prices to fill those seats.

SHOP AROUND: All travel booking websites are not created equal. Some may offer lower prices than others. There are also benefits to visiting different types of sites. Expedia and Orbitz offer package deals that can save you hundreds of dollars if you’re booking a hotel or rental car together with airfare.

FOLLOW THE DEALS: Not sure where you want to go this summer? Orlando, Fla. — home to Disney World and most recently the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal— is topping fare-watcher lists for value this year. Both Orbitz and Hotwire ranked it the top destination for deals and entertainment. The average airfare there is about $306, according to Orbitz, while the average hotel room rate is just $104.

BE FLEXIBLE: Don’t just compare airlines. It’s important to compare airports, too. A longer drive might be worth it for a cheaper fare.