With so many presents to buy, you might be feeling a bit light in the wallet. But those who wait until the last minute to purchase flights for the holidays will likely pay big bucks – or worse, get left out in the cold. The chances of getting a good deal on your airfare are diminishing with every passing day, so if you haven't booked – make today the day!

For all the talk about the record number of fliers taking to the skies for Thanksgiving, the weekend went relatively smoothly for air travelers. Whether it was the "Holiday Express Lane," the airlines being on their best behavior, or the savvy practices of the travelers that braved the airports is hard to say. Here's round up of what went on at a few of the nation's busiest airports:

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member paolo1899.

• Despite a few periodic rush periods, check-in and security lines remained consistently short, around 10 – 15 minutes throughout the day on Nov. 20 and 21
• Due to weather, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles saw some delays from rain and fog, but overall impact was minimal.
• Some international terminals (such as LAX) experienced slightly longer check-in times.

If the weather cooperates, the airports are well-staffed, and travelers continue to "pack their patience," we may be pleasantly surprised at the airports in December too.

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Perhaps it's because it was Thanksgiving morning and everyone was hopped up on the promise of pecan pie, but on a recent flight from San Francisco to London---and that's a pretty long flight---people would not stop talking to me. And apparently I'm not the only one.

It started with my seatmate on the San Francisco to Dallas leg, who chatted away blithely even as I held my magazine on my lap, its juicy stories looking up at me teasingly while I politely endured another tale about my fellow passenger's swimming pool. Then I was subjected to a tirade on the U.S. involvement in Iraq in the waiting lounge at the Dallas Fort Worth Airport, all because I'd happened to smile at the man who sat down next to me. Finally, my seatmate on the Dallas to London part of the flight---you know, the NINE HOUR part---wanted to engage me in constant conversation about every subject under the sun. Did it matter if I was reading? If I was watching the movie? If I was listening to my iPod? It did not. He probably talked to me while I was asleep, although I wouldn't know because I strapped the eyeshade on and fell into a deep slumber just to escape his incessant chattering.

What do you do when your seatmate just won't shut up? Common advice is to bury yourself in a book, extricate yourself with a very subtle "boy, it's been a long day, I think I'll have a snooze," or even try the more direct approach of "would you like this magazine? I'm finished with it, and it's a great read."

None of these, of course, worked for me. And I'm realizing now that what I should have done is nipped the chatting in the bud right from the outset. Giving a real conversation-stopper of an answer---"I'm a mortician," for example, to the question "what do you do?"---is certainly one way to go about it. Perhaps outrageous lies don't count when you're 30,000 feet up in the air. Especially if they're only told in the name of a little peace and quiet.

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How many lists have you seen like this one, telling you what you absolutely MUST do before you die, get old, get married, or get a cold? Maybe 1,000. Or better yet, how many articles such as this one have you read, telling you that those other lists are crap? OK, so both have merit, I'll admit. Like many travel junkies, I have a list. Not to divulge too much, but it includes a Maltese adventure, Latvian beer, and an Antarctic sunrise. However, I agree that determining that there are certain things that one must do before the end is a bit strange. Diff'rent strokes, after all. One of my greatest travel memories is being seasick at night in the Galapagos, unable to find the horizon on which to steady my gaze. That's not really something that anyone would ask for or desire, nor was the nausea something I want to relive, but it was great, if only retrospectively.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member runarut

We can all talk about the places we want to go. As travelers, we have perhaps a Top Five, but we may not think of any reason to go anywhere aside from some vague desire to see a beautiful piece of land—maybe nice beaches, bucolic landscape, or cheap beer—or just to go somewhere new. There are those things, though, that cause us to travel for a reason.
Travel goals, as we can call them for lack of—or my ignorance of—a better term, can run the gamut from silly to serious. One IgoUgo member made a certain pilgrimage over the years. It would be serious were it not an idea admittedly concocted over too many pale ales. Regardless of the sobriety of the decision, it afforded a look at many North American cities and was an immersion into local fan culture. This type of travel goal is not altogether rare, and some companies help facilitate your journey. For more sports-oriented travel goals, check here.
Of course, sports need not be the basis of your travel goal, though it creates an activity to force you to act in and interact with your new surrounding. However, you could just as easily do something less active, but nonetheless involved such as, say, visiting the Seven Wonders (old or new) or eating a steak in every country from England to Japan, heading west. Actually, that one sounds pretty good. Nor do your goals need to complete some ultimatum involving the terms, “each,” “every,” or “all.” For example, I’d like to see the Aurora Borealis. There, that’s one that’s pretty simple, but that also transcends a single destination. Some of my other unfulfilled goals include the following:
-Run a “grand slam” of distance running (a marathon on all seven continents).

-Visit breweries in every country in Europe (a lofty goal, but I’m up for it).

-Drive through all 50 States.

-Sail around the Mediterranean (my nautical expertise is limited to knowing what a boat is, so this would take a lot of practice or a lot of help).

-Visit the beach where my grandfather landed on D-Day.

What are some of your travel goals?

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The best traveling companions aren’t always the ones with whom you left home. Some of my most memorable travel buddies are people I’ve met along the way: Erwin of the indigo hair in the Paris Laundromat; Paula of the free pizza on the train to Rome; Christos and Jason of the ouzo on the Greek ATVs. The list goes on.

A few weeks ago, I spent two days with a group that inspired me in ways none of my previous friends of travel happenstance can claim, and, perhaps not surprisingly, I met them in New Zealand, the friendliest and most inspiring place I’ve ever visited.

Their names are Niko, Baldy, Auntie Sugar, Reina, Corrinne, Claire, and Brent; their mountain is Ruapehu; their river is Whanganui.

That’s how they would introduce themselves. They were my guides, hosts, and companions on a Waka Tour down the Whanganui River that saw me heading a canoe; bouncing in a jet boat; singing in powhiri welcome ceremonies; and sleeping in a marae, or traditional Maori meetinghouse.

Having grown up halfway around the world, I didn’t know much about Maori culture going into the trip, and I knew no one of Maori descent. In fact, when I saw the phrase “overnight in Marae” on my Waka Tour itinerary, I thought it was the name of the city where I’d find my posh hotel room. So this immersion in Maori culture, coupled with (really, inseparable from) a foray into nature, was eye-opening; New Zealand’s Maori heritage is fascinating and I was continually at a loss for words for the amazing sights along the river (think Jurassic Park-style foliage and wild waterfalls). And I couldn’t have asked for better ambassadors to New Zealand than my Maori hosts, all community leaders as well as tour operators.

In addition to learning the rhythm of rowing (in my boat, we choreographed our movements to the tune of “Happy Birthday,” which a fellow traveler from Spain joyfully sang to…no one), we learned the etiquette for arriving at and departing maraes, particularly the protocol for the powhiri. This welcome ceremony begins with a karanga, or a woman’s call, and continues through to the hongi, when you press your nose and forehead to marae keepers’ faces to exchange the breath of life.

The effect is very intimate, and it cleared the way for an evening of shared meals, drinks, and even a common room for sleeping, complete with bedtime stories about our reasons for finding ourselves there. Much like the karanga call, listening to our hosts talk about their backgrounds, ancestors, and devotion to the Maori culture and the environment was mesmerizing. Each of our guides spoke eloquently about their personal experiences as Maoris and as New Zealanders, and our serious conversations were punctuated with peals of laughter.

When I think about my days on the river, I hear the women welcoming us with beautiful, haunting voices echoing off the water and sheep-dotted hills, and I know that, appropriately enough, these sirens will call me back sometime. I’m thankful that I got to experience Whanganui country, and I’m even more thankful that I got to see it through the eyes of some of its incredible people.

My favorite thing about traveling is that it always seems to open me up to forging new and unusual friendships. Who are some of the unforgettable people you’ve met on trips?

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Posted in Group & Companion, International Travel, Nature & Outdoors
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Calling all Thanksgiving travel warriors!

You braved the crowds, went shoeless through the x-ray machines, ate the airport food, and spent untold hours doing sudoku in the stratosphere--all for some cranberries, turducken, and a lipstick print on the cheek from Grandma.

Since we were so busy at the nation’s top airports reporting on travel conditions last week, now it's your turn. We want to hear your stories, so please tell us how it all went.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member MilwVon.

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Think your holiday travel was stressful? I'm one of the worst: after all these years of traveling, I still haven't cracked the code for getting to the airport on time. I try to keep my luggage to a carry-on only and fail. I forget to pick my seat assignment ahead of time. And I still get far too flustered over long security lines. (Will those people who walk through the scanner three times before deciding to empty their coin-laden pockets ever lose their aptitude for infuriating me? Probably not.) But when I hear about a travel disaster the likes of this past week's Explorer sinking in Antarctica, I remember to stop, take a moment to reflect, and put things into perspective.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member RSchoettger

This past Friday, G.A.P. Adventures' hallmark ship, the Explorer, collided with submerged ice that broke its hull and set the ship sinking into Antarctica's icy waters. The more than 150 passengers, all of whom had paid dearly for this once-in-a-lifetime, 19-day journey, abandoned ship and floated in lifeboats for two hours before their distress calls were answered. The real kicker? The Explorer was the first ship ever to cruise the Antarctic waters, and it was also the first ever to sink there. No one was injured, but everyone on the ship experienced the kind of terrifying travel mishap that puts our security line gripes and lost-baggage headaches to shame.

Another travel-related tragedy also popped back into the news this week: three former suspects in the 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway in Aruba were re-arrested after new evidence was uncovered via wiretaps on the men's phone lines. It's another story that makes the message real: travel can be a lot more than a headache. It can be dangerous.

But I don't bring this up to instill fear in the travelers of the world. Rather, I aim to emphasize the importance of being prepared for the worst (but expecting the best, of course!). Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to ensure that you are. Check out the CDC's tips and USA Today's Safety Guides for some of the best advice out there, and read more from the authors of this very blog on how to be prepared and what to keep in mind should a travel disaster strike.

Have you ever come close to experiencing a travel disaster? What are your favorite tips for remaining aware, staying safe, and reacting appropriately to sticky situations?

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The Wednesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving are traditionally the two busiest travel days of the year, but if Wednesday indicates what is to come today, then holiday road warriors can expect smooth travels at the nation’s top airports.

As part of Thanksgiving Task Force, I camped out at Los Angeles International (LAX) to monitor holiday crowd conditions earlier this week, and what I observed surprised me. On both Tuesday and Wednesday, ticket counter and security lines operated with few hiccups, despite the increased traffic on those days. Although the sheer number of families traveling was evidence that the holiday travel rush had begun, even Thanksgiving Eve was slower than expected with security lines between 10-15 minutes most of the day.

The reports I received from other Travelocity airport monitors who were scattered throughout the country were similar to what I observed at LAX: more travelers but quickly moving lines. Surprisingly, there weren’t many delays either, so maybe Bush’s plan to relieve congestion in the skies actually worked. Although, I speculate that Mother Nature and increased staffing played an equally helpful role in ensuring that travelers made it to the table in time for turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed that the weather holds up for holiday travelers today! If you are heading back home today, you should still expect to see more crowds than normal.

Here are a few tips to help your travels go more smoothly:

• It’s better to be safe than sorry, so plan on arriving at the airport two hours ahead of a domestic flight and three hours ahead for international.
• Pack your carry-on bag strategically, making sure to reduce your clutter. Also observe the Transportation Security Administration’s 3-1-1 rule and SimpliFly advice.
• Check-in online and print your boarding pass from home to save time at the airport.
• Check flight status and delays before heading to the airport. If you need to manage your trip from the road, visit mobile.travelocity.com from your Web-enabled mobile device.
  

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Editor’s Note: Travelocity’s Thanksgiving Task Force will be stationed at 10 of the nation's top airports, relaying important travel information to holiday road warriors on Nov. 20-21. To view up-to-the-minute flight status and security wait times from your movile device, go to mobile.travelocity.com.

Yes, it's that time of year when I start thinking about mash potatoes and gravy, turkey and stuffing, pumpkin pie and whip cream and that means it's also time for the biggest annual event we do. Our annual Thanksgiving Task Force! If you're new to The Window Seat you may be wondering just what exactly is Travelocity's Thanksgiving Task Force? Well, it's the most comprehensive and informative place to get information on holiday travel.

We'll have spotters stationed in ten of the nation's busiest airports reporting back with information on travel delays, airport security, and the mood of travel this year. The Window Seat bloggers will be posting hourly updates to provide travelers with real-time information on how things are progressing. Regardless of if we're stationed at an airport you (or someone you're dinning with) is flying through, the blog will offer copious holiday travel tips and advice relevant for all.

So stay tuned this week to learn a whole lot more. We'll let you know how the President's holiday air express lane is doing, report on whether the latest security scrutiny is resulting in slower processing lanes, as well as our annual list of the best and worst airports are for travelers and more.

Should you be flying through Atlanta Hartsfield, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Las Vegas McCarran, Los Angeles, New York La Guardia, Miami, Phoenix Sky Harbor, or Washington Reagan -- lookout for one of our spotters. You can identify them easily, they'll be wearing the gnome shirt.

Gobble, gobble.

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Editor’s Note: Travelocity’s Thanksgiving Task Force will be stationed at 10 of the nation's top airports, relaying important travel information to holiday road warriors on Nov. 20-21. To view up-to-the-minute flight status and security wait times from your movile device, go to mobile.travelocity.com.

For me, the Thanksgiving travel season officially started today, and it's evident that it began for many other holiday travelers as well. I'm no stranger to this busy season, so I did my best to anticipate and thwart off any problems that could arise ahead of my travels. Expecting holiday crowds at SFO, even on a typically uneventful Sunday, I scheduled my Super Shuttle pick-up a little earlier than normal. I also packed light and strategically, only taking one carry-on and a laptop bag to ensure that my luggage wouldn't be lost.

Here are a few other tips to help you dodge unwanted travel issues this Thanksgiving, and don't forget to share your tips, too!:

• Know the 3-1-1! All liquids must be in a 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger.
• Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag plus one personal item such as a purse or briefcase. You may check up to two peices of luggage. Verify size and weight restrictions with your airline.
• Allow ample time to park, check-in and get through security. A minimum of two hours for domestic and three hours for international is recommended during the holidays.
• Before heading to the airport, check your local traffic reports for delays along your route and allow for more commute time if needed.
• Consider shipping all gifts to your destination ahead of your travels. Wrapped gifts are opened for screening purposes, and extra fees will apply if your allotted baggage limit is exceeded.
• Check-in online and print your boarding pass from home to save time at the airport.
• Use curbside check-in to surpass the long lines at ticket counters. (Expect to pay about $2/bag.)

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Posted in Air Travel, Holiday & Seasonal, Thanksgiving '07
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Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

On Thursday, President Bush announced a plan to reduce congestion in the skies over the Thanksgiving weekend. The plan, which opens up designated military airspace to commercial airlines, has been dubbed the “Holiday Express Lane.”

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member rokiss.ch.

Depending on how the experiment works over the Thanksgiving holiday, it may again be implemented for the busy December holiday travel season.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is will have air traffic controllers working overtime, will suspend maintenance work, and impose new procedures to ease delays in New York, according to USA Today.

New York Magazine’s recent piece “Gridlock at 30,000 feet” says, “All of New York’s airports, not to mention those in Philadelphia, D.C., Boston, and the rest of New England, use one traffic-choked corridor for the lion’s share of domestic flights, a kind of airborne I-80.” Given that, it does seem that opening another lane to traffic – i.e., the Holiday Express Lane – would help to alleviate the problems. According to USA Today, three-quarters of the nation’s flight delays originate in New York.

Do you think the Holiday Express Lane will work? Let us know, and while you’re at it, share your favorite airport / flight survival tip!

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Posted in Air Travel, Holiday & Seasonal, Travel News
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Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

T'is the season for me to get up early. Today I was on the Today Show advising people on how to make their thanksgiving and holiday travels easier. According to the Air Transit Association there are going to be 27 million people traveling over the next twelve days, that's up 4% over last year. As you can imagine there are going to be some seriously big crowds at the airports this year. (And you thought it was crowded last year!) Last month Amtrak reported record high travel for the railroad this year. Seats can be hard to find on holidays no matter what mode of transit you're taking and this time of year the highways are packed too. The good news is with a little preparation all of your travels can be made a lot easier.

Here are a few of my tips to make your trip better:

1. Discover online check-in and secure your seat up to 24 hours in advance. Sometimes you can even change your seat if you want to. Not only will you have the added security of knowing you have your seat assignment you'll have your boarding pass printed out and ready to go. You can bypass the line at the airport and go directly to security. (Just remember rule # 5, this isn't an excuse to cut it close!) If you're taking the train, the lines for tickets may be extremely long, consider picking up your tickets a day in advance, even spend up for a reserved seat where it's available.

2. Expect the unexpected meaning that you should be ready for whatever comes your way. It's the busiest time of year for traveling and you want be well rested to handle the stress from crowds to weather. Double-check your flight time before you leave in case there have been any last-minute schedule changes. Just because you’re a seasoned traveler doesn't mean everyone else is. Remember that somehow, no matter how much planning you do, things never seem to go exactly as you'd like.

3. Make a back-up plan ahead of time, especially given the predictions for crowds. With one in four flights being late this year you have a good chance of being late for your connecting flight so it's prudent to have the 800 number for your airline and travel agency handy. Another consideration is if you're flying through another city and you're on the last flight of the day what would you do if you had to spend the night? Do you know anyone there? What's the next flight you can get on? Same idea for drivers, have an alternate route ready should you need it.

4. Plan for security screening and pack smart. This applies mostly to those travelers going to airports but if you're going to the bus or rail station your things may be subject to inspection. At least in the airports it's a given. Know the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 rule which requires all liquids that are being carried on-board the aircraft to be in 3 ounce containers or less. They must be placed into a single, clear, zip-top baggy. (One per passenger please.) Be ready to take your shoes off and wear socks lest you have to walk barefoot through security. Generally you want to pack light, leave the pets at home this trip, and keep all your medications as well as a change of clothes with you.

5. Start your trip early which is the best way to ensure that you're able to deal with any snafus. When you're driving putting the kids in the car before dawn is a good way to get a jump on the day. Flying early, when you can, is also a good way to minimize the chances of getting caught in major delays.

Stay tuned to the window seat to get more updates on your holiday travel as well as hour-by-hour information on Tuesday and Wednesday next week from our airport spotters.

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Posted in Air Travel, Car Travel, Holiday & Seasonal, Security & Safety, Thanksgiving '07, Trip Tips
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Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

Alright, let's get down to business: you're traveling over the holidays. You're stressing a little about it. You have a ton of questions. Honey, join the club.

(And then after you've joined the club, take a seat right over here and we'll talk it over. Ready? Ready!)

Q. Do I need to show up at the airport earlier than usual?

A. In a word, yes. I would, anyway. You've got to remember that the world and his mother (and his mother's best friend and her cousin Sally) will be traveling over the holidays and if you want to get into the math of this sort of thing, the equation looks a little something like this: larger number of people + same amount of space = longer lines. You're also going to be finding people who perhaps aren't used to traveling, and who therefore aren't down with the whole take-your-shoes-off-remove-your-laptop thing at the security checkpoint. Bottom line: give yourself an extra hour, just to be safe. (And also? Don't be the person who doesn't know to take off his shoes.)

Q. I want to bring gifts home with me. How can I do that?

A. First of all, nix the idea of a bottle of champagne or bubble bath---at least if you're planning on not checking a bag. The TSA's 3-1-1 rule still applies, meaning liquids weighing in over 3oz will be unceremoniously dumped---not what you wanted for that bottle of Chanel No.5 you were gifting to grandma. As for everything else, it's really best not wrap anything up already---however tempting that might be---as baggage handlers may need to investigate your parcels (and not just to ask you how you got the tape so smooth.) Bring wrapping paper and ribbon with you---or just buy it there---and have a last-minute wrapathon once you reach your destination. For all other questions about what you can and can't bring on board (and in your checked luggage), check out the TSA's handy list right here.

Q. I'm going to be delayed, aren't I? I just know it. What can I do to keep me occupied?

A. You know, you might, you might not. The key is to assume that you probably will, and plan accordingly. This doesn't mean showing up at the airport five minutes before take-off---it means bringing holiday cards to write, magazines to flip through,and sandwiches to nibble on. I always take advantage of my extra unexpected time in the airport by walking laps---it's good exercise, and I can see what other cool shops the people in the other terminals have (just think---I would have missed out on that Dunkin' Donuts otherwise!) If you're delayed, take a deep breath and count to ten. It happens. You'll get through it. Don't be that guy screaming at the ticket agent---did you ever see that guy un-delay a flight?

Q. But what if I'm traveling by car? What do I need to do to prepare for a road trip?

A. Here's the thing: resign yourself to the fact that you're likely going to get stuck in traffic. (Remember that equation? Holds true on the highways too.) Pad your schedule with a ton of extra time (and your body with a lot of extra deep breaths.) On the more serious side, make sure that your car is up to par before subjecting it to a long drive in potentially treacherous conditions. Make sure the brakes are working, the oil has been changed recently, and the tire pressure is up to snuff. Pack a blanket, a flashlight, the number of whichever roadside emergency service you use, and a large cooler of water and snacks.

Q. What's the absolute best piece of advice you can give me about flying over the holidays?

A. Three little words: Check in early! Pretty much every airline these days will allow you to check in online and print your boarding pass on your home computer, so take advantage and get that out of the way as early as you can (most airlines have a 24-hour policy.) Not only will be able to change your seat and avoid lines at the airport---meaning you can sleep in a little longer if you want---but the psychological peace of mind that comes from knowing you've already checked in for your flight is priceless.

Any other questions? I'm listening.

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Posted in Air Travel, Guides & Planning, Q & A
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Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

At this point, my fiancé expects the call. The moment I hear the muffled announcement saying my flight is delayed, I hop on the horn to ask him, “Where should I eat”? He dutifully begins to Google.

I can’t bear to while away three hours of my life in an airport Starbucks. The entire time I’m sipping my pumpkin latte with extra whip, all I can think about is that one terminal over there might be a local barbecue shack I’m missing out on.

Here’s a list of the best local food in U.S. airports for all the like-minded foodie travelers. Bookmark this page and fly with confidence that this year you won’t be forced to choke down an insta-burger at a national chain.

The Locals

Austin-Bergstrom International
Amy's Ice Cream
West Food Court, Concourse

Austin Java
Central Concourse

The Salt Lick (barbecue)
West Food Court, Concourse

Waterloo Ice House (burgers and sandwiches)
East Food Court, Concourse

Baltimore-Washington International
Obrycki's Crab House and Seafood Restaurant
Between gates B-9 and B-11

Boston Logan Airport
Jasper White's Summer Shack (shellfish and seafood)
Terminal A

Legal Sea Foods
Terminals A, B, and C

Sam Adams Boston Brewhouse
Terminal C

Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Billy Goat Tavern and Grill
Terminal 1

Eli’s Cheesecake-to-Go
Terminal 1

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
Blue Mesa Taco and Tequila Bar (southwestern cuisine)
Terminal D

Cousin’s Barbecue
Terminals B and D

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Pascal’s Southern Delights (southern cuisine)
Atrium

John F. Kennedy International
Brooklyn Beer Garden
Terminal 1

Deep Blue Sushi
Terminal 6

Greenwich Village Bistro
Terminal 1

Papaya King (hot dogs and fresh juice drinks)
Terminal 6

La Guardia International
Brooklyn National Deli
Central Terminal Building

Memphis International Airport
Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Que
Terminal B

PK’s Café (Fried chicken, breakfast, comfort food)
Main terminal

Miami International Airport
La Carreta Restaurant (Cuban cuisine)
Concourse D

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Axel’s Bonfire (bar)
Concourse M

Ike’s (burgers and malts)
Concourse M

Orlando
Shipyard Brewing Co. (microbrews)
Main Terminal

Reagan National Airport
Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries
Terminal C

Salt Lake City International
The Terrace Restaurant (full-service restaurant)
Terminal 1

San Francisco International
Ebisu (sushi, noodles, and more)
International Terminal Food Court

Seattle-Tacoma International
Ivar’s Seafood Bar
Central Terminal

Waji’s (sushi and pan-Asian cuisine)
Concourse C

Los Angeles International Airport
The Encounter (full-service restaurant)
Theme Building

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Posted in Air Travel, Culinary Travel, Thanksgiving '07
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We’re on day 11 of the writers’ strike, and the Great White Way has been dark for six evenings now. Seeing as New York City is the number one destination this Thanksgiving, there’s bound to be disappointment for travelers hoping to catch a show, whether it’s The Producers or Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

According to Travel Weekly, the Broadway stagehands' strike is costing NYC $2 million every day in lost revenue. Unless the disputes causing the strikes are resolved soon, travelers will miss out on these uniquely New York experiences this Thanksgiving. Luckily, New York City is no one-trick pony and there’s plenty to do in the Big Apple even if you can’t catch a show. And actually – you can catch a show! Off Broadway productions are lighting up the stage as usual – two of my personal favorites are The Fantasticks and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Keep in mind that there are eight Broadway shows not affected by the strike – Mary Poppins and Young Frankenstein among them – but there’s going to be some stiff competition at the TKTS booth, so get there early.

What else to do? As a New Yorker, I recommend spending time in Central Park – the 10-day forecast looks relatively mild, so stroll away. If you’re going to be in town on Thanksgiving Day, make sure to check out the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but also do what real New Yorkers do and head uptown to 79th and Columbus the night before the parade (November 21) to see the balloons being inflated.

Don’t forget to eat out! New York City boasts the finest restaurants in the world, so don’t you dare dine at the Times Square Olive Garden – or any other chain restaurant for that matter. Some of my favorites are Blue Smoke, Shake Shack (now open year round!), Pastis, Artisanal, and ‘ino.

I’m willing to bet lots of our readers have their favorite things to do in NYC – so now’s the time to chime in! Check out what other travelers are saying on IgoUgo.com. Your fellow travelers need your advice!

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Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

To so many Americans, Thanksgiving means being together with friends and family which, in turn, means traveling to see those people. As one of the busiest times of the year for the travel industry—somewhere around 25 million people will fly next week—Thanksgiving can strain more than your belt. So what to do when trains, planes, and automobiles seem to be more trouble than they’re worth? Well, my answer is “stay home.” Of course, I have it easy: when I go home for the holidays, I walk there. You don’t need family in The City though to enjoy all that it has to offer.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo Member Jose Kevo

There is always the most obvious event in NYC on Thanksgiving. I went for many years with my family and it is definitely worth the experience. Ideally, it helps if you know someone with an apartment or office along the parade route but, if not, be sure to dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes, and bring something warm to drink. I always preferred standing on Central Park West, not only for the backdrop of the park, but also because the lack of buildings on one side of the wide street allow for more warm sunlight during what is typically a crisp time of year. If waking up early and heading out into the throng isn’t in your itinerary, check out the balloon-inflation the night before the main event. During the Big Blowup, you can see the balloons as they expand into parade-size. The staging area is either side of the home of some other monsters—the American Museum of Natural History—between West 77th and 81st streets and CPW and Columbus Avenue.

While the Parade may mean Thanksgiving to so many New Yorkers, it’s the meal that makes the holiday for most Americans. The act of sitting to eat a prolonged meal with loved ones—and being gracious for all of it—is important. True, The Big Apple does not necessarily connote “apple pie,” but there are plenty of places to get your trytophan phix. Many places offer a prix fixe dinner, serving either turkey and stuffing or their own take on the soporific feast. Like many New Yorkers, and visitors to our fair city, you may be too busy to sit down to a drawn out meal, but all that working—or shopping—in the cold may have worked up your appetite. In that case, check around for one of the many street vendors or more mobile purveyors of grub.

One of the nice things about The City that Never Sleeps is that it never really closes or goes on vacation, either. New York empties out a great deal during the holiday, which is why it’s great for locals and visitors looking for some elbow-room. You can spend Black Friday visiting some of the big name stores, or head to Soho to see what sales the boutiques are having, if any. I’m not one for braving the crowds on this day, and will more likely be at one of these places ringing in the season with friends and family, looking forward to my walk home. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Posted in Culinary Travel, Entertainment, New York City, Thanksgiving '07
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Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

If you’re anything like me, you’re used to hearing your family fuss over Thanksgiving details. From whose in-laws to visit to what kind of cranberry sauce works best (I prefer the chunky homemade kind), there’s always something piffling to stress about. But what if you were to skip out on all of that Thanksgiving hoopla for a relaxing getaway in the Bahamas instead?

For many gay men and lesbians around the country, there isn’t always much choice in the matter. Gay people often have strained relationships with their families, which makes attending--or bringing partners to--traditional holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or even Mother’s Day, a whole new can of worms.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member shepherd333.

The gay community’s approach to Thanksgiving is as varied as the community itself. When I spoke yesterday with my contact, Jerry, at gay and lesbian market research firm Community Marketing, Inc., I learned that November is actually the least-traveled month of the year for gay people. Only 18% of respondents to a 2007 survey reported having booked travel for this month. These findings ring true with my own experience: several friends and acquaintances of mine hold annual “gay” Thanksgiving dinners with their friends at home. I’ve also seen gay couples separate on Thanksgiving, each dining with their respective relatives, since parents often want to see their child, but reject their child’s partner.

Of the 18% who do travel, some use Thanksgiving weekend to indulge in one of many exotic, fun-filled destinations. Online gay and lesbian hub gay.com recently published a list of Top 5 Thanksgiving Destinations. On it are Martha’s Vineyard, Curaçao, and several other gay-friendly destinations, as well as tips for local restaurants, lodging, and sightseeing.

Jerry agrees that warm destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean are popular with gay men and lesbians throughout the holiday season. Low rates and time off from work keep gay people on the go in late November and December, even if they’re not visiting relatives. With the gay and lesbian travel market representing $65 billion out of an overall $1.3 trillion, that’s a lot of traveling. You go, girl!

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Posted in Gay & Lesbian Travel, Holiday & Seasonal
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Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

We all have favorite movies that we answer when people ask, and favorite movies that are for more private consumption. For me, that movie is Home Alone. And the dorkiest reason why I love New York is that, during the holidays, the city is very reminiscent of the sequel to that movie—which I also love.

So I was relieved to discover that other people appreciate how Home Alone 2: Lost in New York lends itself to tourism and that organized tours of Central Park actually market sites from the movie as part of their itineraries.

Whether your idea of a holiday classic is It’s a Wonderful Life or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, here’s a rundown of ways you can celebrate the holiday season on celluloid—and get out of town:

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member RoBoNC

1. Reenact A Christmas Story in Cleveland: A San Diego entrepreneur bought Ralphie’s house and painstakingly restored it to mirror the movie’s depiction, studying the film frame by frame. The house is open for tours and has acted as something of a tourism boom for the Ohio city. Head there on November 23 for the first-ever movie convention and Ralphie look-alike contest.

2. Avoid Being Home Alone in Chicago: Illinois’ tourism branch handily provides the addresses for the major landmarks in the life of Kevin McCallister. It’s a creative way to familiarize yourself with the winter wonderland of Chicago’s North Shore.

3. Witness a Miracle on 34th Street in Manhattan (or Baltimore): Macy’s Herald Square is one of my favorite holiday-film destinations. Besides being in close proximity to the whole Home Alone 2 Central Park pigeon experience, Macy’s annual Miracle on 34th Street window display ensures you get an authentic taste of the classic movie despite the 21st-century bustle around you. For slightly less bustle, head to 34th Street in Baltimore to see how residents there got their names in lights.

4. Buddy Up with an Elf in New York: While you’re in Manhattan, head to the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center to see the world through Buddy’s eyes—and to catch a glimpse of Buddy alter ego Will Ferrell’s old stomping grounds at Saturday Night Live’s studios.

5. Remember It’s a Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls: Further north in New York, this town lays claim to being the real-life inspiration behind Frank Capra’s legendary Bedford Falls. December 7 marks the beginning of the town’s celebration of the film’s 61st anniversary, and it has ambitious plans for transforming itself into its better known counterpart.

6. Meet Santa Clause in Oakville: Even further north, this idyllic Ontario town served as the location for Tim Allen’s jolly masterpiece. It’s a lovely escape from Toronto any time of year, but recognizable as home to little Charlie when it boasts a blanket of snow. You’re guaranteed at least one star sighting at the town’s Santa Claus Parade.

7. Join National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation in Colorado: Breckenridge was the scene for outdoor shots of Chevy Chase and family in perhaps the most beloved of the Lampoon movies. Besides being prime turf for Griswold nostalgia, the ski terrain is unbeatable.

8. Sing Along to The Sound of Music in Salzburg (or Stowe): I’ve watched the von Trapps sing their hearts out countless times on screen, and even I’m not sure why someone decided that "My Favorite Things" would be a Christmas song and the movie, a television staple during this season. Regardless, the musical makes for a wonderful, wintry travel inspiration. I have very fond memories of a winter Sound of Music tour in Austria, and you can even find holiday-themed trips to the area for film buffs. Closer to home, Stowe, Vermont, is another winter favorite, and staying at the renowned Trapp Family Lodge is the stuff of Sound of Music fans’ dreams.

Have you ever indulged in a little silver-screen travel? Or can you think of holiday-movie destinations I’ve missed? Let me know!

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Posted in Entertainment, Holiday & Seasonal, New York City, Thanksgiving '07
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Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

When a giant cargo ship crashed into the San Francisco Bay Bridge and spilled 58,000 gallons of oil into one of the nation’s top tourist attractions last week, the volunteer response was so overwhelming that wannabe do-gooders had to be turned away from the oil-slicked beaches.

The busiest travel time of the year may be best known for frosty snowmen and red-nosed reindeer, but--as the Bay Area so amply demonstrated--‘tis also the season of giving. A Travelocity poll shows 11% of travelers planned to volunteer during their vacations in 2007. Also known as voluntourism, these trips can run the gamut from working with orphaned children in Ghana, to saving Costa Rican sea turtles, to just cleaning up a local park.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member Jose Kevo.

If you read just a few volunteer stories, you’ll see that there are so many inspiring ways to give during your travels, and not all of them are grandiose. If you’re traveling for the holidays and would like to volunteer in the community you’re visiting, I recommend you do your research and see where the need is. And if you don’t have time for research, a really easy thing you can do is simply carry a garbage bag and pick up trash if you go for a stroll. Stock up on canned goods at the grocery store and drop them off at the local homeless shelter. Or, put together a care package for a soldier overseas.

In my family, Thanksgiving and the holiday season always meant giving back in one way or another, whether it was volunteering with D.C. charity organization Martha’s Table to hand out meals to the needy, or inviting a newly immigrated Russian family to our home to share in and learn about the Thanksgiving dinner feast.

Will you be volunteering during your holiday travels? Any tips about other ways to give thanks when you travel?

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Posted in Holiday & Seasonal, Thanksgiving '07
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Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

You’re all familiar, I’m sure, with the idea that it’s after the holidays that you most need, well, a holiday. This year, nip that feeling in the bud by taking advantage of the low prices, nonexistent crowds, and empty flights that reign during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And since the impending holiday stress already has you on the verge of a nervous breakdown (it’s okay; I’m right there with you), I’ve lined up the best places to escape during the mid-holiday lull; all you have to do is pluck one from the list.

Paris
Not even a chill in the air and overcast skies can dampen the magic the City of Lights seems to live and breathe. If you time your visit for the weeks of late November and early December, you’ll beat the crowds (and the high-season prices) to Paris’ stunning display of holiday spirit. Grand department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette sparkle with Christmas colors and elaborate window displays; the Champs Elysees is bathed in the glow of twinkling lights; and artisan bakeries all over the city unveil their holiday macaroons (if you’ve never had a Parisian macaroon, you’re in for a treat). And I just have to say it: the Eiffel Tower’s showcase of twinkling lights is never more spectacularly romantic than during the holidays.

The Alps
While the snow is already falling, Alps tourism doesn’t hit its apex (with prices to follow) until right around Christmas. Visit in early December for ideal conditions both on the slopes and off; it’s before the crowds arrive that this winter wonderland truly feels like a fairy tale. In traffic-free Murren, Switzerland, you can take to some of the region’s most challenging runs with nary another skier in sight, and even more popular spots like Zermatt and Innsbruck offer up luxury accommodations for a pittance (relatively speaking) during the buildup to high season.

The Caribbean
For some, it’s not really an escape from the holidays unless it involves temperatures in the 80s and returning home with a tan. Partly due to the Caribbean’s high volume of US travelers (all of whom are just as buried in holiday planning, shopping, and stressing as you are), that golden time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is blissfully uncrowded and affordable. Your best bet is to aim for Southern Hemisphere proximity to up your good-weather odds: I hear that the temperate climates of Aruba and Curacao are right on the mark, and I have a special affinity for the idyllic beaches and emerald landscapes of the Grenadines (head to Grenada, aptly nicknamed The Spice Island, to broaden your seasonal sensory explorations).

Las Vegas
Though it’s not my cup of tea, Vegas is tops on many travelers’ wish lists, and many make repeated return visits. If you’re one of them, the odds are in your favor during the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when some of Sin City’s biggest bargains can be found for flights and hotel stays. Travel the week right after Thanksgiving for the best deals and blow off a little holiday steam, whether your preferred way to exorcise your stress demons is at the poker tables, on the massage table, or over a gourmet table.

Costa Rica
Though you’ll have to time it carefully, now’s the perfect opportunity to seize that perfect moment at the tail end of the rainy season when high-season (or dry-season) prices haven’t yet kicked in. Fly immediately following Thanksgiving week for a true taste of pura vida: you’ll soak in the verdant gifts bestowed by six months of rain, enjoy sparsely visited beaches, and find yourself within reach of the country’s top-notch resorts for the last time until next spring. Hit the beaches, of course, but don’t neglect the country’s less-visited mountainous regions, where you’ll find yourself among scenery so wild and lush, you’ll scarcely believe it’s real.

Where are you headed (or where have you headed) for your holiday from the holidays?

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Editor’s Note: It’s “holiday week” on The Window Seat, and our editors get into the spirit of the season with a series of articles exploring the many facets of this busy travel period.

As the shopping frenzy ensues on Black Friday, I will be lounging around the house eating leftover turkey and pumpkin pie. My holiday shopping is going to have to wait a week, but my procrastination is justified. Trust me, for this shopaholic to put off a trip to the mall, the reason is a good one. I’m contemplating taking advantage of the good travel deals that I’m seeing the week after Thanksgiving to do my shopping in a different destination.

Photo Courtesy of IgoUgo member Miss Erika.

Even though I’ll be spending a good chunk of my holiday in places with top notch shops – San Francisco’s Union Square lights up with the spirit of the season and Neiman Marcus’s flagship downtown Dallas location converts its displays into pieces of holiday-inspired art – I’m yearning for a getaway.

I don’t know if it’s the shopper in me or the traveler in me, but I’ve always wanted to wander past the elaborately decorated store windows in New York