VACATION, All I Ever Wanted!

Never a big fan of the GoGo's in the 80's, but that classic line really stands out today. USAToday on line has an interesting article today, called the "Great Airline Sale of 2009 may be nearing an end." It's talking about how hard the airline industry was hit during the recession, and many carriers threw open their arms, welcoming travelers to book at money-losing ticket prices. As an example, Southwest was running a deal for $99 each way, to just about anywhere they flew. Now that has slowly crept up to $149 each way. Do the math, and waiting for a better deal has already cost you $100 per person. Other airlines are following suit with the rate increases, gently edging prices upward, in at least an attempt at regaining some of their former profitability. That means the vacation you've postponed, waiting for prices to go even lower, is just about to pull the welcome mat out from under you! Don't worry, it's not too late, if you pick up the phone to call me, or point and click your mouse to email me (or for those of you who are super-cool with the mouse-less keyboard, just rub and aim and press or whatever you do to contact somebody). Bottom line, I deal with a number of wholesalers who still have "bulk" air prices available to high-tourism destinations, when combined with a hotel stay. These bulk prices are often LOWER than what's available to the general public who tries to piece together a flight and hotel vacation. But availability is tightening, there's no doubt about that. Every day you sit and wait for the next big thing, it's putting you another day behind the proverbial 8-Ball, and costing you your hard-earned cash. Hotels, resorts and cruise ships all have wonderful price breaks going on, so VACATION is still within your grasp. Free nights, discount rates, extra amenities, spa and golf credits, you name it and they're offering it. Biblically speaking, "This too shall pass!" None of the hotels, ships etc. wants to give their product away long-term, so while the marketplace is working in your favor, you need to drop what you're doing and drop some coin on a vacation. Your wife or husband or kids or grandparents or whomever will love you for it! Don't have any of the above? Traveling single? Even more important to call now. When traveling as a single, you're always paying a premium or supplement, and this type of hotel/resort/cruise special pricing puts money right back in your pocket by lowering your overall cost. And many of the best deals are for people who can get up and go before the end of 2009. Once the Holiday Season and Old Man Winter hits, all bets are off. People who live in Northern states and Canada will pay anything to get warm, and the suppliers know that! It's called High Season, and it comes every year. So take advantage of getting away before the Holiday Season, before the big ball drops in Times Square, and you'll save the most money possible on your VACATION - Isn't that all you ever wanted?

Mmmmmm....Guppy Tartar

According to Police in California, a woman recently had a spat with her ex-husband, after he took back some jewelry he had given her. When he refused to return the jewelry, police say the woman took matters into her own hands. Then into her own stomach. The ex-husband returned home, and found that his 7 pet goldfish were missing. He called Police, saying he was sure his ex was to blame for the disappearance of the golden guppies. When officers went to the woman's house to confront her, she didn't deny it at all, saying only "They're in the kitchen." That's where officers found 4 of the 7 goldfish, fried on a plate with some French fries and a side salad. When asked where the other 3 were, she calmly replied, "I already ate those." After further investigation, Police say no charges will be filed, because the fish were purchased when the two people were still a couple, and thus are considered community property.

In a related story, McDonald's is looking for ways to add Fishy McBites to their .99cent super-value menu. Coincidence?