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No-Fly List Monitoring to Increase

No-Fly List Monitoring to Increase

The goal is to prevent a repeat of what happened Monday when the suspect in the New York Times Square bombing attempt was permitted to board a plane at Kennedy Airport for Dubai even though his name was on the no-fly list.

Going forward, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will require airlines to check the no-fly list within two hours of being electronically notified of additions or changes.  In the past airlines were given 24 hours to recheck the list. Maybe they should change it to the no-board the airplane list. It would seem as soon as a name is added to a ticket on any airline, the TSA would be notified immediately. The fact that the TSA is relying on the airlines to do this check rather than developing their own system which updates instantly, and prevents the suspect from passing thru security is difficult to understand. Then, as a back-up, beings the boarding process is the last possible time to stop someone, ask the airline to update thier list just prior to opening boarding.

It was because of the previous 24 hour window that Faisal Shahzad, the person charged with the attempted bombing in Times Square, was permitted to board an Emirates flight even through his name had been placed on a no-fly list earlier that same day.

The suspect made his airline reservation by phone as he drove to the airport just hours before to his flight.  At the time Shahzad paid for his ticket in cash at the ticket counter at the airport, the airline had not refreshed its information regarding the no-fly list so his name was not flagged.

While his plane was still at the gate, CBP (Customers and Border Protection) analysts found his name on a passenger manifest and notified CBP agents to board the plane to take Shahzad into custody. 

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Advices How to Choose a Hotel

12 Advices How to Choose a Hotel

1. Book hotels in advance. Hotel prices tend to rise during holidays and seasonal days. You can save 30-40 % by making a booking 2-3 months in advance.

2. Book hotels located near a public transport like a metro/station. Remember that large cities always have traffic jams. That’s why a metro/station can come in handy.

3. The hotel must be easily accessible from the airport/railway/seaport/carpark you are going to use.

4. Remember: the hotel must be reasonably priced, but not too cheap to avoid disappointments.

5. Don’t be afraid to book the hotel by yourself. It is cheaper than using the travel agencies where they charge you with a commission. You will also have time to read hotel reviews on the Internet before making your choice.

6. Pay attention to the check in and check out time of the hotels. In general the hotels have a check-in time of 12.00 pm or later, while some tourists arrive at the city in the morning.

7. Once you have chosen your hotel, make sure you find a map or a tourist guide of the region. Most of the hotels will provide you with the information you need. That way you will have time to plan your vacation on an efficient way.

8. If you only plan to eat and sleep in the hotel – choose a hotel near the centre of the city. If you are a creative person, consider to book a design hotel.

9. When you book hotels located in the centre of the city, make sure that the window is faced inside the hotel. That would allow you to avoid traffic noise during the night, which is a problem in the centre of the city.

10. Pay attention to small details: room service, smoking or not, check for noise isolation on the windows, availability of a swimming pool, gym and so on.

11. When booking a room in a warm country, make sure that the room has an air-conditioner. Often hotels only mention their air conditioning in the hotel facilities.

12. Try to find a hotel with a possibility to use a taxi transfer to the hotel. That way you don’t pay too much for a local taxi. Besides, if you don’t know the local language, you might even lose more time.

Gambling on a Great Vacation – 5 Tips for Doing Las Vegas Cheap

Gambling on a Great Vacation – 5 Tips for Doing Las Vegas Cheap!

Times are tough and money’s tight—but that’s even more reason to schedule a vacation getaway from the stress and struggles of daily living.  While many of us will be relegated to just a “day-cation” or maybe a “stay-cation,” there is a still travel destination where you can still get a really big bang for your buck.
Las Vegas.
Once upon a time Las Vegas was known as “Sin City”–famous for its casinos and show girls.  But today’s Vegas has much more to offer:  shows, shopping and plenty of family-friendly activities as well.  And you don’t need to be a high-roller to enjoy what Las Vegas has to offer; a Las Vegas vacation can be done on the cheap!
So put away the inflatable pool and pack your bags–here’s a list of tips for saving money in Las Vegas:
1. Look for Las Vegas Travel Deals
Las Vegas is a popular place for tourists so travel sites such as Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia often feature Las Vegas package deals.  I’ve seen Las Vegas hotel deals for as little as $70 per night for luxury accommodations.  You can find information about these packages–and make them even more affordable with Las Vegas coupons–at sites that specialize in deals like Savings.com.
2.  Plan in advance
Check out the Las Vegas Official Tourism Web Site for ideas on where to stay and what to see in Las Vegas.  Booking in advance can get you the best rates and making reservations for off-season or mid-week dates rather than for weekends or during holidays can save you a bundle of cash.  Also, make sure to research what shows will be in town when scheduling your vacation to help you avoid being stuck with tickets to Wayne Newton when you’re jonesing to see Bon Jovi.
3.  Don’t Gamble
…or at least set a limit and stick to it.  I know gambling has a powerful appeal to many people, although I’ve never understood the thrill of it.  Personally if I’m dropping a wad of cash, I want there to be something leather in my closet to show for it.  There are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas other than gamble–no need to spend all your time in a Las Vegas casino!
4.  Free Admission
While it will cost you a chunk of change to see Cirque de Soleil or the Blue Man Group perform, there’s a veritable wealth of amazing things to see in Las Vegas for free.  The spectacular Bellagio Fountains, the talking statues at Caesars Palace and the Shark Tank at the Mirage cost nothing and make for some great entertainment.  Maybe not quite as enchanting as Cirque de Soleil, but definitely more amusing than a Carrot Top stand-up show.  
For other cost-free forms of Las Vegas entertainment, you can have fun people-watching and window shopping–or check out this more comprehensive list of free Las Vegas attractions on About.com
5.  Deals on Meals
If you fill up at one of Las Vegas’ many all-you-can-eat buffets, you can cut down on your food costs.  One meal big meal vs. three moderate ones can save you some real money.  You can also buy deeply discounted gift certificates in advance for Las Vegas restaurants at restaurant.com.  
And, while there is no such thing as a free lunch, there are free drinks at the Las Vegas casinos–if you’re gambling.  So you can sit yourself down at a nickel slot machine and if you tip the waitress well, she’ll keep the drinks coming.  The logic behind this largess, however, is that an inebriated customer will gamble longer and lose more money.  So know your limits–for your body as well as your budget!
A Las Vegas vacation has something for everyone–from wedding chapels to art museums, shows and shopping, golfing and gambling.  By doing some research for Las Vegas packages, Las Vegas travel deals or Las Vegas coupons, you can make that Las Vegas vacation extremely affordable.  So the secret to a “winning” Las Vegas getaway is:  plan in advance, stick to your budget and never double down when the dealer has a ten or an ace!

An Indian Maharaja aboard Deccan Odyssey: Luxury Travel in India

An Indian Maharaja aboard Deccan Odyssey: Luxury Travel in India

Reinvented and revitalized the new itinerary onboard the Deccan  Odyssey – the Indian Maharaja takes you on a whirlwind tour of the choicest  of places in India. Beginning from Mumbai and traversing a course that takes you to the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora to the rendezvous with tigers at Ranthambore to Pink City Jaipur to the ultimate symbol of love: the Taj Mahal and finally to the capital city Delhi.

Train travelling has been an integral or; I’d say an unavoidable aspect of tours in India. The normal train journey in India is a test of patience and perseverance with swarms of passenger vying for the space. The luxury train tours are a welcome relief from the usual cacophonies and rush of the normal travel. Instead of worrying about which place to stay in and where to go for sightseeing along with the constant fear of fleecing by the insatiable agents, you are more than relieved onboard a luxury train in India as it chugs along to take you on a whirlwind tour of some of the most beautiful and stunning landmarks which are must-visit places in India. A luxury train travel in India has several advantages as the only thing, once onboard the train, worries the guests is that it why doesn’t it last a few more days.

The experience onboard the Indian Maharaja is an explorer’s dream come true. The interiors of the train are a reflection of the myriad hues of the rich heritage of India. The train has a total of 22 coaches and can accommodate a total of 88 passengers onboard for a luxury tour of the varied landscape and diverse cultures of northwest India each with a distinct history of their own. The train is equipped with modern amenities which includes Plasma TVs, internet access, well stocked bar, restaurants and a spa car.

The interiors of the cars of this Indian luxury train are meticulously done. The rich heritage of the Indian tradition permeates through the coaches with exquisite furnishing, carved panels, stunning artefacts and palette of muted themed hues. The traditional charm fuses seamlessly with the contemporary sophistication which makes for a sumptuous and serene stay. The elegantly appointed restaurants and the well stocked bar serves an eclectic collection of authentic cuisine and finest labels of wines and spirits. The picturesque landscape unfolding through the picture windows of the train is simply magnificent.

This royal sojourn takes you through some amazing places which are the manifestation of the rich cultural heritage of the bygone era of India. The amazing piece of rock carving and architecture at the Ajanta and Ellora caves en route the Indian Maharaja itinerary are simply breathtaking. You can but wonder at the sheer inspiration and the creativity of human mind. At the Ranthambore, rendezvous with  the tigers in a magnificent national park dotted with beautiful landscape and  the ruins of the structures made by the erstwhile Maharajas – many of them are  hunting lodges. Move on to the Pink city afterwards and ride the mammoth elephants on your way to the meticulously restored Amber Palace to take a peek into the opulence of royal Rajputana. One can also go shopping for gems, handcrafted accessories and clothes which are the speciality of Jaipur. The  penultimate halt of the Deccan odyssey’s Indian  Maharaja Itinerary is the Taj Mahal, a magnificent structure and a UNESCO  World Heritage Site, which has lured the lovers and the leisure tourists alike.

After the ends of an enchanting passage you would not like to wake up from the reverie of this royal retreat. It’s unbelievable how the time flies when you are having the  time of your life onboard this train which lets you have a glimpse of the  lavish life of an Indian Maharaja.  But of course it comes for a price…so have a chug of your life.