Air Travel Consumer Report

Aviation Consumer Protection Home Page Español/Spanish Organization & Functions | Air Travel Problems/Complaints | Air Travel Consumer Report | Rules & Guidelines Travel Tips & Publications | Airline Customer Service Plans | Service Cessations | Safety/Security Information Air Travel Service Problems How complaints are handled The Aviation Consumer Protection Division (ACPD) operates acomplaint handling system for consumers who experience air travelservice problems. Consumers with concerns about airline safetyshould call the Federal Aviation Administrationtoll-free at 1-800-255-1111. Consumers withconcerns about aviation security should register their comments with theTransportation Security Administration at www.tsa.gov/public/contactus . Consumers can call, write or e-mail the ACPD to register theirconcerns about airline service. You may call the ACPD 24 hourseach day at 202-366-2220 (TTY 202-366-0511) to record your complaint. Calls are returned Monday through Friday, generally between 7:30 am and 5:00 pm Eastern time. Letters ande-mails will be reviewed and acknowledged andwill be forwarded to an airline official for furtherconsideration. Our mailing address is: Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75 U.S. Department of Transportation 400 7th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20590 Our e-mail address is airconsumer@dot.gov Whether you call, write or e-mail, please be brief and concisein the description of your problem and be sure to include thefollowing information: your name address daytime phone number (including area code) name of the airline or company about which you are complaining flight date flight number origin and destination cities of your trip. If you write, you should also include a copy of your airlineticket (not the original) and any correspondence you have alreadyexchanged with the company. If your complaintconcerns accessibility problems experienced by a passenger with a disability, oralleged discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion orancestry, please click here for information on where to file your complaint. If you determine from that document that yourcomplaint should be filed here with DOT’s Aviation Consumer ProtectionDivision, use the link in that page or your browser’s “Back” button toreturn to this page. If you are filing an accessibility or discriminationcomplaint with us, we have optional complaint forms for these two types ofcomplaints that you may download and/or print if you wish. Complaints of thistype may be filed on the appropriate form, or by letter or e-mail. Click here for additional information about filing a complaint about accessibility problemswith an airline that were experienced by a passenger with a disability. Clickhere for additional information about filing acomplaint about alleged discrimination by airlines based on race, color,national origin, sex, religion or ancestry. All complaints are entered in DOT's computerized aviation industry monitoring system, and are charged to the company in question in the monthly Air Travel Consumer Report . This report is distributed to the industry and made available to the news media and the general public so that consumers and air travel companies can compare the complaint records of individual airlines and tour operators. These complaints are reviewed to determine the extent to which carriers are in compliance with federal aviation consumer protection regulations. This system also serves as a basis for rulemaking, legislation and research. The Department of Transportation produces an annual Report to Congress summarizing complaints that air carriers receive about disability-related issues. Click here to see this report. The ACPD publishes a number of booklets and fact sheets on air travel consumer protection issues. Organization & Functions | Air Travel Problems/Complaints | Air Travel Consumer Report | Rules & Guidelines Travel Tips & Publications | Airline Customer Service Plans | Service Cessations | Safety/Security Information Additional information may be obtained by contacting airconsumer@dot.gov . Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings 400 Seventh Street, SW, Room 4107 Washington, DC 20590 http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov

family vacations, family vacation

Family Travel Files - family cruises vacations Cruise lines family vacation advice Search Family Travel Files family vacations, family vacation reviews, ideas, travel articles, news, deals and specials Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Family Travel Ezine Vacation Reviews News Articles & more Family Travel News Family Vacations Ideas and Options Vacations On File Family Events Field Trips Vacation Reviews Vacation Advice Teen Takes Vacation Deals Site Map Free Newsletter Trip Planner Vacation Reviews Ideas Options Deals USA Vacations World Vacation Guide Canada Vacations Mexico Vacations Central America South America Caribbean Vacations Europe United Kingdom Australia Vacations New Zealand Asia & Pacific Rim Family Travel Files - Family Cruises All inclusive and carefree, a family cruise vacation provides everyone a break. The cruise lines that offer benefits for families are included below. Browse our files to find the perfect fit. Family Cruise Vacation Related Ezine Articles: Ideas and Options Cruises: NCL Norwegian Dream, Creating a Storybook Cruise. Dover Grandparents with the good luck to share a cruise with their grandkids may find this specific cruise route of value. Each warm weather season the dramatically beautiful Norwegian Dream cruises roundtrip from England to Scandinavia and Russia. The storybook port list is what dreams are made of no matter your age. Ports include: London (really they mean Dover), England; Warnemunde (think Berlin), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark. News Cruises: NCL, Sailing Green with Officer Snook. NCL Corporation (NCL) has partnered with the Youth Environmental Programs, Inc. to offer the Officer Snook Water Pollution Program onboard its ships. The Officer Snook program, which launched on Norwegian Jewel this week and will be offered exclusively on all NCL and NCL America ships in 2006, seeks to educate young people about the importance of clean water, and the affects of marine pollution and ways to prevent it. On File Cruises: Norwegian Cruise Line, Togethering at Sea. Miami Ever changing ocean views, freestyle dining and plenty of open space make an NCL cruise ship the perfect solution for a large or small family reunion. Its always smooth sailing when everybody gets their own way and on a cruise everybody gets their own way. Because cruises offer variety in space, daily pace and fit all vacation budgets, the result is that more family members may choose to attend a shipboard reunion. Getting the cousins together is a little easier and a lot more fun. On File Cruises: NCL, Cruising Hawai`i, Freestyle with the Kids. Norwegian Cruise Line's "Freestyle Cruising" provides guests with a rich menu of choices making it easy to create the perfect family cruise experience. Diverse ages, eating habits and sleeping cycles meld easily when official schedules are not part of the cruise vacation itinerary. NCLs Hawaii Freestyle Cruising is ideal for those who desire variety, flexibility, and the freedom to choose how they cruise Hawai`i. On File Cruises: Florida, Launching from Port of Call Canaveral. Cruises: Florida, Port of Call Canaveral. Consider arriving early or staying on for the fun. One trip, two vacations, and twice the fun, the rich diversity of activity choices makes Canaveral a "bonus" port of call for families on vacation. It is the perfect launch spot for vacation experiences that span the gamut from high tech space tours, fine arts, and theatre to really wild experiences like turtle sighting, swamp skimming, bird watching and stargazing. Ideas and Options Florida: Fort Myers, Give the Gift of Sail Power. Few experiences in life are more rewarding than sailing or power boating with friends and family. Doing it well is a combination of learning a new skill and feeling safe and confident at all times. A gift of sail or power training is a perfect choice for the adventurer or dreamer on ones holiday gift list this year. Gift certificates in $100 increments can be purchased as a deposit for any course or clinic offered by Offshore Sailing School and its Power Cruise School. News Cruises: Crystal Harmony, Kids Sail Free and Take Tea. Six-Star Crystal Cruises is gearing up for the Alaska season with incomparable incentives for the whole family. News Cruises: Miami, The New Carnival Valor Promises an Awesome Family Vacation Experience. With expansive facilities such as a 4,200-square-foot play area and a teen dance club/recreation area, as well as a variety of new and exciting activities, including an art program, a music program, a youth spa program, and hands-on science experiments, Carnival Valor looks like it will offer the ultimate family vacation experience. The new 110,000-ton "Fun Ship" is scheduled to begin year-round seven-day Caribbean service from Miami starting on December 19. News Cruises: Set Sail with the Kids. Its easier and better than ever before. In the last few years cruise lines have made plenty of changes to meet the needs of families. From expanded activity programs spanning all age groups and shore excursions for teens to awesome waterslides, ice rinks and climbing walls, the combinations create dream vacations at sea. Add to the list plenty of nearby port options and the idea of cruising with the kids makes perfect sense. Advice Cruises: All in the Family, Oceans of Fun for Families. More than 1 million children under the age of 18 took to the High Seas with their families in 2004 and theres a reason why: Cruises offer an ever-increasing variety of amenities and activities to make them the ideal family friendly vacation, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) the cruise industrys chief marketing organization. News Cruises: Carnival and Coca-Cola Create Club 02 Teen Centers. Carnival Cruise Lines, the worlds largest cruise operator, and The Coca-Cola Company, the worlds largest soft drink manufacturer, have teamed up to create Club O2, a new teen program aboard the lines 21 Fun Ships featuring spacious, high-tech teen centers as well as expanded activities. Advice Advice: Disney, Cruising with Three Generations. Family vacations are really easy when they include a Disney Cruise. It was our first time away with the kids and not their parents. News Caribbean: Windjammer Free Sail for Kids. This summer, children ages six to 11 sail for free on Windjammer Barefoot Cruises when accompanied by parents on select Bahamas, ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), and Costa Rica and Las Perlas itineraries. Ideas & Options Cruises: Camp Carnival More Fun for Kids and Teens. From a family reading club to a recreational fitness program and even youth spa treatments, a host of new activities have been added to Carnival Cruise Lines fleetwide childrens program, Camp Carnival. 1 / 1 Family Vacation Ideas Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii Enjoy cruising "freestyle" with the kids. www.ncl.com Related Article Norwegian Cruise Line Reunions Reuniona are our specialty. www.ncl.com Related Article Eastern Caribbean Cruise Ideas Check on the best cruise for your family. www.thevacationsource.com Western Caribbean Cruise Ideas Great places to explopre on and off the ship. www.thevacationsource.com The Moorings Tortola Sail with our family escape to the sea. www.moorings.com Costa Cruise Port Everglades,Key West,Cozumel,Ocho Rios,Grand Cayman. Italian luxury. $639 www.thevacationsource.com Carnival Cruises 7 Day. Miami,Cozumel,Cayman,Ocho Rios. $499. www.thevacationsource.com Holland America Cruise Line Enjoy our "Passport for Fitness Program". www.hollandamerica.com Related Article Disney Cruise Line Pt Canaveral. St Maarten, St Thomas,Castaway Key. Disney World pkg available. $749 www.thevacationsource.com Related Article Princess Cruise Line 7 Nt. Mexican Riviera. R/T L.A.January 7,14,21,28. $609 www.thevacationsource.com Related Article Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Royal Caribbean Enchantment. Roundtrip Bayonne. www.thevacationsource.com Home 1998-2005 Travel Communications Inc. privacy statement webmaster link to us about us Advertise Pressroom Contact Family Vacation Directory USA Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio family Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Virginia Beach Washington Washington D. C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Family Travel Files Ezine Family Adventure Vacations Family Beach Vacations Cheap Sleeps Family Cruises Family Vacations Mountains Theme Parks Links Use of Travel Communications, Inc. , websites constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use Best viewed using IE 6.0 or higher Revised

vacation rental in Hawaii,

Vacation Rentals, Caribbean, Hawaii, Florida, California & Mexico Search By Property ID Now it's easy to find a vacation rental in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Florida, California, Costa Rica & Mexico. Featured Property Chrisanns Beach Resort. Luxurious Beachfront self catering apartments.Private beach, Gazebo and pool surrounded with coconut trees and tropi... Private Islands Ultra Luxury Villas Family Vacation Rentals Wedding Locations BEACH VACATION RENTALS Nothing quite compares to a beach vacation. Begin your vacation today by exploring a wonderful selection of beach area vacation rentals, including beach homes, villas, condos, luxury beach front cottages, cabins and private island rentals in Hawaii , the Caribbean , Florida , Mexico, California & Costa Rica . Find and book your ideal vacation rental. Contact the owner or manager directly. The vacation rentals listed on 4BeachNuts are privately owned vacation rentals. Search for Vacation Rentals by selecting an area of the map. Vacation Rentals for all kinds of vacations and for any sized budget. Hot Destination : Cabo San Lucas, Mexico experience why everyone is talking about Cabo San Lucas. View Vacation Rentals > Family Vacation Rentals Wedding Locations View some of the finest luxury villas and vacation rentals in the world. Rent an entire island for the ultimate vacation escape. BEACH VACATIONS 4Beach Nuts.com makes it easy for you to find a beach vacation rental and the most efficient way for owners to market and rent their rentals. 4Beach Nuts features over 2,000 vacation rentals, private beach homes, villas, condos & luxury beachfront homes. Explore these wonderful vacation home rentals, and start your vacation today. • Find a Hot Deal on Beach vacation rentals • Find a Hot Deal on Cruises • Find a Hot Deal on Package • Find a Hot Deal on Flights See all Deals 1: San Jose del Cabo, beaches of 2: New Smyrna Beach, Florida 3: Kona Coast State Park 4: Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica 5: Destin, Florida Rate a Beach » click here for more vacation rentals from goin2travel vacation rentals -- Florida Vacation Rental - Oceanfront at New Smyrna Beach - 1hr away fr... 4 br, 4 ba New Smyrna House is a luxurious staffed private home, a comfortable retreat situated high a... 3 br, 2 ba Jamaica This is a unique opp... 2 br, 2 ba Beach Home Dome of a Home Featured on Good Morning America in Pensacola Beach,Florida........ 4 br, 3 ba pensacola beach Beach Vacation Homes Costa Rica vacation rentals Florida Vacation Rentals Mexico Vacation Rentals California Caribbean Vacation Rentals Hawaii Cabo San Lucas Puerto Vallarta Rentals   Costa Rica Cape Cod Hawaii Kauai Maui Oahu North Carolina Outer Banks Puerto Rico San Diego Hilton Head Florida Destin Daytona Panama City Sarasota the Keys Virginia Beach Gulf Shores For Cabo San Lucas Vacation Rentals the world's most luxurious rental properties. Home | Contact Info | Member Login | List a Property Useful Vacation Websites All vacation rental listings on this site have been placed based on information provided to 4BeachNuts.com. Please read our DISCLAIMER notice for more information. e © 2001 - 2005 4beachnuts.com. All rights reserved.

cruise vacations, deals on

Anchors Away Cruise Travel Agents - Discount Cruise Vacations Family Travel, Family Cruise Vacations, Family Cruises, Family Reunions & Family Cruise Programs Family cruises, family cruise vacations, deals on family cruises, yourfamily can search over 10,000 cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and Hawaii.Family reunion cruises and family cruise programs on Carnival Cruise, DisneyCruise Line and more. Corporate Cruises & Incentive Cruises - Corporate Meeting Planning Corporate Cruises and Incentive Cruises, CLIA certified international meetingplanners and cruise experts will charter a cruise ship for your corporation.Professional meeting planners and Corporate Meeting planners for Corporate Traveland Incentive Travel on all Cruise Ships world wide. Corporate meetings, corporatecruises, corporate meeting planning on cruise ships, your corporate travel sourcefor corporate cruise ship charters for 100 to 3,300 guests, 3 - 30 days, worldwide.Experienced Meeting planners and corporate group cruise vacation experts willdesign cruise meetings and event planner travel packages that reflect the natureof your association , corporation or organization. Service-oriented meeting plannerswill provide an outstanding value and free audio visual, video, data and computerequipment for convention events. Group Cruises, Group Cruise Rates, Group Cruise Discounts, Group Cruise Travel Packages Group cruises and special group cruise travel rates, group cruise discounts.Our group cruise experts will design a group cruise package offering your groupthe best group cruise discounts. Exclusive amenities such as free upgrades, cocktailparties, free cabins and onboard credits for your group cruises. Family & friendreunions, School reunions, Weddings, Birthdays, Celebration Clubs and Civic groups,Religious groups, Associations, Hobby Groups, Seminars, Special Interests Honeymoon Cruises and Wedding cruises, A Cruise Vacation is the Perfect Anniversary Gift If you are looking to experience a romantic cruise your search is over. You will find discount cruise rates for honeymoon cruises, cruise ship weddings and the perfect wedding anniversary gift. Luxury cruise discounts on all luxury cruise lines. Whether your luxury cruising tastes are for luxury cruises or premuim luxury cruises you will find discount cruise prices on all luxury cruise ships, including lines such as Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruises, Silversea Cruises,Windstar Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Singles Cruises, Singles Cruise Vacations, Cruise packages and Discounts for Single Travelers cruise packages for Single cruises, single travelers. Cruise vacations to choose from a wide variety of cruise vacations, Singles cruise vacation packages from active-adventure excursions and exotic cruises to cruise tours for singles travel explorers. Senior Travel, Senior Cruises, Senior Cruise Information and Senior Cruise Specials Senior travel, senior cruises, The internet's most comprehensive senior cruise guide to finding Senior cruise travel discounts: Exclusive to seniors 55 and over. Senior travel and general lifestyle Senior cruise information, Gentleman Hosts and more... From Cruise Travel agents Cruise Specials and Deals, Cruise Discounts on Last Minute Cruises for All Cruise Lines and Cruise Ships Cruise travel agents will help to Choose Cruise Specials and deals from thousands of sailings worldwide for your dream cruise. Discover the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, Alaska, Hawaii and worldwide other destinations with last minute cruise specials and cruise deals. Discount Cruise Vacations Quote Form For Requesting a Discount Cruise Free Quote From Cruise Travel agents Our cruise specialists travel agents will research and contact you regarding your discount cruise request. Choosing the best cruise line, cruise ship, and cruise vacation itinerary for you. Travel Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance, International Travel Insurance Plans From Cruise Travel agents Travel and medical insurance, Are you looking for trip protection but don't knowwhat you need? Get real-time quotes and compare Travel Insurance plans from cruisetravel agents.

Switzerland Travel

Europe Travel - A European Vacation Travel Guide  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and the world, it has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, and it was home to artist Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century. What's not to like about this Belgian port city? See what it's all about in our latest photo Gallery: Antwerp Pictures . More Antwerp Travel: Antwerp Travel Directory | Antwerp Lodging | Antwerp Museums Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came recruiting at my college. Operatives really get to live it up when they travel, apparently. Imagine, the lucky seven of the "Surveillance Team" sent out to case the joint before kidnapping 39-year-old Muslim preacher Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, managed to spend "$39,995, not counting meals, parking and other services" for a week at Milan's Principe di Savoia ( check prices ), where a room goes for a mere $588 a night, according to Newsday . Once Abu Omar was behind bars in Cairo the CIA folks broke up and went their various ways, some to the renowned Grand Hotel Baglioni ( check prices ) in Florence , a few in cozy pairs to save the taxpayers money, no doubt. Travel Resources: Milan Profile | Florence Profile Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated tapas bars thinking, "wow, I'm gonna down me some fine, fresh seafood this evening--non of that canned stuff like we get at home..." Well, Quimet and Quimet is one of Barcelona's best tapas bars, recommended by just about anyone. Joaquim Perez, owner of Quimet and Quimet, has been called Barcelona's culinary king of canned food. That's right, a tapas king devoted to high-quality goods preserved in metal. I had heard about the increasing interest in vintage sardines , whose flavors are said to increase in intensity and complexity with aging. But Mr. Perez has extended this idea of unlikely gourmet tinkering; he buys "fresh" Galician navajas (clams) from the cannery and sets them to aging for a year or two before serving them (plain) to his customers. And they love 'em. Maybe you should go and see what this canned gourmet thing is all about. There are worse places to spend time on a research expedition. More: Gastronomic Route: Barcelona, a tapas town? Travel Resources: Barcelona Guide | Barcelona Pictures Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000 loan and turned his investment into a "faithful reconstruction of Noah's Ark in scaled down form on the basis of biblical texts," according to the Mail & Guardian . Spring is the expected launch date. No word on where the animals will come from. Travel Resources: North Holland Travel | Holland Map | Benelux Rail Passes Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink Appreciate Long John Shivers? Head for the Alps I know I frequently extol the virtues of off season travel, but there's a whole bunch of adventurers willing to go the extra mile in their long johns to enjoy icier surroundings than I'd care to experience. Those would be the Ice Hotel People. Word from Vagablond is that "a new ice hotel is being constructed 7,000 feet up into the German Alps." HotelChatter says this ice hotel might well be part of the Iglu-Dorf chain, who specialize in things like Inuit igloos in Switzerland. Like it cold? Get you thrills in the Alps this winter. I'll toast your bravado at the hearth with a steaming hot toddy. Travel Resources: Germany map and Travel Essentials | Switzerland Map and Travel Essentials . Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Europe Travel in the Off Season Why travel in the off season? Well, you know the reasons: fewer tourists, lower prices, and cooler temperatures, to name a few. But there's another reason for me, and that's the warm, slanting light that brings photos alive. See what I mean by taking a gander at: Liguria Pictures - Picture Gallery of Liguria in Autumn . And if you still want to see more pictures of Italy , try out Italy for Visitors Florence Pictures , taken in November. Travel Resources: Off Season Travel Tips | Italy Travel Map Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Travel Gifts Ok, you're thinkin' it's too late to post some ideas for gifts at this late date. Hey, you can chalk it up to sloth and indolence, but I don't start burdening my mind with thoughts about winter holidays in May like the rest of my family. The crunch starts now. So I've made up a list of recommended Travel Gifts . Of course, you could buy some of the stuff for yourself as well. Take a look. You've got language help, a deep, inside look at the Vatican, and more, not to mention that Tyrolean Boiled Wool Jacket like you've always wanted. More Stuff You Need: Top Travel Photography Gear Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Joe Torre carries the Olympic Torch in Florence New York Yankee manager Joe Torre carried the Olympic torch 400 yards to the foot of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence yesterday as part of "American day" in the two-month Olympic torch relay. It was the first time he'd been to Italy in 20 years, despite the fact that his mother was born in the village of Patina near Naples. (Source: Indystar.com ) The torch Joe carried was designed by the folks at Pininfarina , who've banged out quite a few sexy Italian auto bodies in their time. The Olympic torch is designed to work in rain, snow and wind up to 74.56 miles per hour, not to mention temperatures from -4°F to +77°F. According to what I've heard, the torch suffered much less than Mr. Torre during the run. Travel Resources: Florence Travel Directory | Florence Pictures: Views from the Arno | Naples Travel Directory Photo above: Ponte Vecchio, Florence by Martha Bakerjian, Italy for Visitors ; click "read more" to see it larger. Read more... Thursday December 15, 2005 | permalink Sunny Valencia It's cold here in my corner of California, prime time to think of warmer climes. Valencia pops to mind. Host to the 2007 America's cup, the sunny Spanish port city has been spiffing itself up lately, and many travelers have remarked that Valencia seems to be passing Barcelona as Spain's city of tourist choice. What's not to like? The spring La Fallas festival is a not to be missed attraction (plan now if you're going), the City of Arts and Sciences holds 87 acres of fascinating art, science and architecture, and the Barrio del Carmen is chock full of music, restaurants and clubs. Find out more about Valence by taking a peek at our latest: Valencia Spain Travel Information - Valencia Profile , or peruse our Valencia Travel Directory . Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Hey Santa! Take That! Scroogy Musings: So a couple guys in Germany get asked what they want for Christmas by Santa, who happens to be waiting for a train home. They've been out shopping all day, unsuccessfully one assumes, because the next thing you know they've latched on to Santa's sack and "beat him over the head with it, breaking his fingers as he tried to protect himself." ( Santa - Germany's new stress buster ) Santa on a train? in Germany? A bit early, isn't it? Has the Christmas spirit been so commercialized that the little people like us suffer with the stress of plunking down good cash for stuff we think people might like but probably won't? Where is the joy of it all? Everyone remembers the magical experience of visiting Santa in the mall when they were kids and the smile it brought to your face. Unfortunately over the last few years it seems the spirit of Christmas is slowly being lost due to many different reasons including political correctness, busier lifestyles and many more issues. Hold on a sec. Now I'm angrier than a red-nosed reindeer. Everyone doesn't remember. Some of us are way too old to conjure the disgraceful vision of mall Santas in their mothball costumes and fake beards. The statement above comes from Live From Lapland (dot com). For a bit less than 15 dollars they'll make a custom video staring Santa, who'll be talking to your kids using the words you put in his mouth via the web site's control panel. Their Santa evidently lives in a paneled room and wears mall Santa clothes and beardage. It's in the sample flick. He could be in Kansas. Still, where else you gonna get a five minute flick to your specs for $14.95? Travel Resources: Lapland (the real one) | Chrismas in Europe Tuesday December 13, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...