From February 16-23 there won’t be daily news updates as I will be traveling to Lana’i. They will continue again on the 24th.
Carlson Hotels: New loyalty program means free Wi-Fi
USA Today
In a nod to the hotel industry’s growing awareness that guests hate being nickel-and-dimed, Carlson Hotels will offer free Wi-Fi to all members – even those who are checking into a Radisson for the first time.
Carlson is also adding a new, super-VIP tier called the Concierge Elite Tier.
Michael Jackson inspires Vietnam tourism project Happyland
Empowered News
Michael Jackson continues to have a strong impact overseas nearly two years after his death.
The self-proclaimed “King of Pop” is said to be the inspiration of “Happyland”, a billion-dollar hotel and entertainment project in Vietnam. Joe Jackson, the late singer’s father, went to Vietnam and confirmed on state media about his investment in a five-star hotel that is part of the entertainment complex.
Michael Jackson “lived to make people happy and I am proud to maintain that, making Vietnamese people happier,” Joe Jackson said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “My wish is to promote this project to all friends across the world so that they understand more about your country,” he added.
Obama Budget Could Boost Fees on Airline Tickets
ABC News
Airline travelers would pay more to help finance airport projects under President Barack Obama’s budget plan.
The president’s budget released Monday would raise the “passenger facility charge” to $7 from $4.50 per flight to offset cuts in airport grants.
Just because it’s in the president’s budget doesn’t mean the increased facility charge will fly. Some Republicans with a hand in writing aviation laws have different ideas.
Airlines are also fighting the proposal, saying it amounts to a $2 billion tax increase on the flying public.
High-speed train system has a long way to go
USA Today
The Obama administration is proceeding at full speed with plans to create a national high-speed rail system, proposing billions in next year’s budget to help lay the groundwork. But political opposition and hefty costs could mean the ambitious program goes nowhere fast.
President Obama’s 2012 budget unveiled Monday includes $8 billion for high-speed rail next year, part of a planned $53 billion investment in enhanced train service over six years.
Who am I? I am a typical Gen-Xer and recovering cubicle-dweller who has a passion for all things travel. My site brings a unique perspective that is hard to find online. I am not a backpacker, nor am I...
It’s about time one of the higher end hotels offered free wifi. I won’t stay in a place if they make me pay for it. If I don’t have a choice, I make sure to write about them and “out them” and tell everyone not to stay there because they charge an arm and a leg for Internet. Let’s hope everyone else follows along.
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Matt Long Reply:
February 15th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Very true! Omni hotels is the only other one I know of that offers it across the board.
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