Backlog at US Passport Centers

A rush is on for passports, no doubt because of the latest requirement of travelers to the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico to have passports. But, if you need to renew or get a new passport for any location abroad - plan ahead!

For US citizens only; here is the link:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Technorati Profile

New Airline Fees for Bikes Going Abroad

Linked above and below is information about what are new and much higher fees for carrying your bike abroad by the airlines. The story alleges collusion, for which the airlines are famous for in appearance but carefully avoid! Quality bikes for rent are possible in many places in Europe - if you know where to look. (ie - contact us!)

Corporate Collusion Leads to Price Jumps of $300 for Flying Bicyclist.

While some of the airlines are talking green, they are simultaneous
working to undermine green choices by their customers!

In the dark of winter, the airlines have effectively increased cost of
a trans-Atlantic ticket for a bicyclist by as much as $300. If the base
ticket price is $900 that is over a 30% increase in the cost of travel.

Prior to January of 2007 most airlines let bicycles on trans-Atlantic
and trans-Pacific flights fly free, in lieu of one piece of baggage (as
long as they were within the two-bag limit and underweight limit of
30kg). Early in 2007, most of the world's airlines seem to have entered
into collusion and simultaneously changed their baggage regulations for
bicycles. By February of 2007 the regulations, for most airlines, call
for all bicycles being charged on these flights. The charges range
from $80 to $160 each way -- $160 to $320 roundtrip!

It is not a weight issues because many of their lean bicycling
customers plus their bikes are going to weigh less than many of their other
customers without any bags. It is not a size issue because today's
modern airplanes can, and have, easily accommodated bicycles. And, if
is a bottom line issue, the airlines are delusional, because there
aren't enough bikes flying to make a visible difference in there
revenue.

The work around for the bicyclists is not as easy as renting a bike at
their destinations. There are very few rental bikes available in the
world that are suitable for serious environmentally-friendly,
multi-day, long distance, bike touring.

For more information on flying with a bicycle see

http://www.ibike.org/encouragement/travel/bagregs.htm

The Dark Side of Consumer Review Sites

Who is behind that posting you just read on that great travel review site?? Have you stopped to think about it? Why are these postings anonymous anyway, or mostly without any verification or credentials?

A recent story in Travel Weekly pointed out some troubling issues with postings on the famous Tripadvisor and other sites. The article by Richard Turen stated "the simple truth is that the Internet is the most efficient method ever devised to quickly transmit misinformation in a cost-efficient manner to the largest possible audience." His reasoning comes from some reliable and troubling reports:

Smart Money magazine pointed out that bloggers are being recruited with the enticement of free trips and fancy gadgets to plant "fake reviews". Apparently, this is called Buzz Marketing. Major corporations are staffing buzz marketing positions now. There is a trade group for these people.

According to Pew Research, more than 57 million people read blogs and reviews. One common thing "reviews" have about them is that they are written by someone using a fictitious identity.

The column does cite some other research and statistics, but I think it has come to be known that hotels in Trip Advisor will attack one another with fake reviews of their competition. We are even aware of one hotel in Paris that has a person on staff who is tasked with reading the Trip Advisor reports daily and refuting claims it views as incorrect. At least some of the businesses under review are able to refute. What is interesting though is that Trip Advisor and other sites similar don't want professional input. We were banned for answering questions posed by readers even though we disclosed our professional status. I understand that it was to avoid using the forum as a sales tool, which was a secondary motive, but all it does is force out good, up front information for dubious or 'stealth' postings.

After 13 years in the business, I can tell you that travel is a lot like the restaurant business in that "everyone is an expert". The fact is, what I like may not be what you like. For reviews to be meaningful, we need to know who is behind them. What are their credentials to make a review (background, experience, etc). Meaningful reviews also compare hotels or services on rating scale that is measurable and consistent, not subjective. Personal comments in free form are totally pointless. There are people in many industries who make it a point to be knowledgeable and aware of what is good and what is not for most people. They are the professional consultants we should turn to for help. The old theory of the internet as the great equalizer is once again being overrun by those who would not adhere to the intent of great ideas.

L

Book Alsace and get a FREEBIE

The new Paris-Alsace TGV high speed train line opens this year! Yeah, finally! The 5 hour train saga to Strasbourg is now OVER! One can now travel in 2.5 hours in a confirmed seat and watch the lovely countryside SPEED past!

As if that weren't enough to make a cycling or hiking tour booking in beautiful Alsace; we have decided to throw you a little party! Book either of our cycling or hiking tours before June 30, 2007 and get a FREE transfer from the new Colmar TGV station to the first hotel. Then a FREE welcome drink, Alsace Cremant! mmmmm....

Our cycling and hiking tours in this region are self guided but there is an extra level of service included. That is because our local rep wants to spend time with you to make sure your experience is complete. Its almost like a guided trip, but far less expensive.

To know more about the new TGV service, have a read at these websites: http://www.abcoffrance.com/ezine/story.cfm?id=95&category=alsace

http://www.tgv-esteuropeen.com/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=77

Enjoy,

L