Ten ways to battle those rising gas prices

As turmoil in the Mideast sends gas prices ricing, travelers worry about the costs of their road trips going up. You certainly don't want to cancel your plans, so here from Freeshipping.org are 10 tips to help you

 cut back on costs:

Use Your Smart Phone  The GasBuddy app will coordinate your location with the best gas prices in your area. Another app worth trying is CheapGas, which provides precise directions to the nearest and least-expensive gas station.

Shop Online According to a recent study by Carnegie Melon's Green Institute, shopping online saves an average of 35 percent in gas consumption -- fuel that you could put toward your next trip. You can find free shipping coupons at sites like FreeShipping.org or CouponSherpa.com.

Lay-off the Lead Foot Speeds exceeding 40 mph force your vehicle to overcome forceful wind resistance, thus consuming fuel faster. Keep an eye on your odometer for maximum fuel efficiency.

Skip those speedy starts You're wasting a lot of gas just to reach the next stop light a second faster.

 Coordinate Carpools  Try the Carpicipate app to locate like-minded neighbors or community members interested in sharing rides.

Be Loyal to Your Reward Card Depending upon where you live, some stores offer up to 10-cents off per gallon for buying groceries and filling up at their tanks. Sometimes stores and stations offer an additional savings if you pay cash. Myself, I save a nickel a gallon using my Shell rewards debit card.

Buy Discount Gas Gift Cards  Sites like GiftCardGranny.com offer discount gas gift cards from various card vendors. 

Fuel Up at Warehouse Pumps  Filling up at your local warehouse club can save you anywhere from five to 10 cents on fuel compared to surrounding gas stations.

Give Generic a Go Buying "off-brand" gas gets your car from place to place in the same shape as fuel from name-brand stations. In fact, it's often the same gas, yet the price can differ by several  cents a gallon.

Use Low Octane According to NPR's Car Talk, using a higher octane gas when your car doesn't need it is worthless. Check your vehicle's manual to determine how low you can go. 

Search Amazon.com for road trips 

If you're 53, you may well have taken a tour

 A recent informal survey of members of the United States Tour Operators Association showed that the average age of a tour passenger is 53.  The survey also found that 16 is the average passenger age for student tours.

 

Trivial question

What is the only capital city named after a city mentioned in the Old Testament? (Answer somewhere below.)

Give me some savings and Cracker Jacks

Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa in Palm Beach, Fla. has a package revolving around the state's only stadium that hosts two spring training teams: the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals. The package offers a 10 percent discount on the resort's best available rates, a $10 credit at Roger Dean Stadium, breakfast for two each morning, and a welcome gift of a baseball, a Sharpie and Cracker Jacks. Guests also get complimentary valet parking, high-speed Internet, no resort fee, and rates starting at  $269 per night. For more information, visit www.jupiterbeachresort.com/florida-spring-training-getaway.html. For reservations, call 800-228-8810 and mention promo code SPRING.

Worth quoting

“The worst thing about being a tourist is having other tourists recognize you as a tourist.” -- Russell Baker

Tuscany and Venice for $899 a person 

Sceptre Tours is offering a six-night Upscale Tuscany - Venice Vacation package starting at $899 per person, a savings of up to $1,200 per package versus if they had booked the individual components on their own. The  vacation includes two nights at the four-star Hotel Bolognese in Venice (two separate guest rooms); two nights at the four-star La Fattoria degli Usignoli in Tuscany in a two-bedroom villa; round-trip economy class airfare to Venice; a one-week manual car rental with unlimited mileage and collision damage waiver; and breakfast daily while in Venice

This package is priced from $899 from New York or Newark; $949 from Boston, and $999 from Chicago for travel from March 10 through May 31 on select dates. The offer is available through June at slightly higher rates. Travelers can also opt to fly into Florence and out of Venice for the same price. There are, of course, taxes and fees. Call 800-221-0924 or visit: www.sceptretours.com.

Trivial answer 

Salem, Ore., is the city with the Old Testament name.

Ah, love. Ah, valentines. Ah, hotels. Ah, restaurants.

As the Clovers sang so long ago, "There ain't nothing in the world for a boy and a girl but love, love, love." As the Month of Valentines (also known as February) approaches, travel providers are going all out to make your romantic rendevous memorable. Here are some offerings:  
*In Tennessee, the Secret City Scenic Excursion Train will  offer Valentine's dinner rides, which feature a romantic setting for couples as they take in the beauty of East Tennessee, while dining in the style established by the great passenger railroads of the 1930s and '40s. The annual Valentine trips have become so popular that Southern Appalachia Railway Museum, which operates the Secret City Scenic train, has scheduled four  special dinner trains on the weekend leading to Valentine's day. The classic dinner train will run on Friday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 13 at 5 p.m;. and Monday, Feb. 14 -- the big day itself --at 6 p.m. he rides last approximately 1-1/2 hours and roll through the former Manhattan Project K-25 plant site now known as East Tennessee Technology Park in Oak Ridge, as well as through rural Poplar Creek Valley of Roane County, which includes rolling hills, pastures and hardwood forest. Tickets are $140 per couple and include the train ride, complete dinner and all taxes. Call 865-241-2140 or visit www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

*In Oregon Wine Country, the Allison Inn & Spa in the Willamette Valley offers a Valentine's and Vineyards package starting at $430. Included are a luxurious bedroom with king bed, fireplace and soaking tub, chilled champagne and a customized four-course dinner in the JORY Restaurant featuring Oregon Wine Country cuisine. Visit www.theallison.com/specials.php.

 *If you're well-heeled and want to make an unforgettable marriage proposal that will be seen on a giant outdoor screen in Manhattan, then  Eventi Hotel's "Love on the Big Screen" package is for you. The package offers the "proposing party" the opportunity to upload a marriage proposal on DVD that will appear on the Big Screen at Eventi, an outdoor 30 x 16.5 foot public arts and culture LED screen adjacent to the plaza behind the hotel at 29th street & 6th Avenue.  But this package, which starts at $2,011 plus taxes and tips, is availalbe ot only one couple on a first-come-first-served basis. Included  is a  four-course meal with a bottle of champagne in the hotel's Bar Basque, luxurious suite accommodations, complimentary "his" and "her" bathrobes, a magnum of champagne upon check-in, Urban Therapy Facial treatments for two at the Spa at Eventi, and chocolate-covered strawberries.For reservations, e-mail info@eventihotel.com. For hotel information, visit  www.eventihotel.com.

*Atlantic City, N.J. is offering up a passion-filled Valentine’s Day weekend with [heart] by Atlantic City, featured at Caesars, Harrah’s Resort, Bally’s and Showboat. There will be romantic dinners, exclusive couples' hotel packages and  entertainment. The program will kick off Friday, Feb. 11,  with specially designed menus at these restaurants:  Nero’s and Primavera at Caesars; The Reserve and Arturo’s at Bally’s; Rib and Chop House and Casa Di Napoli at Showboat; and Polistina’s and The Steakhouse at Harrah’s Resort. Dinner  is $160 per couple.  Star of MTV’s cult phenomenon, Jersey Shore, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino will be making a fist-pumping appearance at the Pool After Dark on Friday evening. A whole lot more is happening, so you might consider a hotel package. Information on those, can be found by clicking  here.

*Couples who spend Valentine's Day (which falls on a Monday) at the Kennebunkport Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine,  can take in Historic Dock Square and check out the town's one-of-a-kind shops.  Then they can check in to a guest room with a welcome gift and a romantic four course dinner in the inn'sa ward-winning restaurant One Dock.  After dinner they may want to settle in by the fireplace and  have one of One Dock's specialty drinks. (Or they may have other plans.) The romantic getaway with a continental breakfast on Tuesday morning. Rates start at $199 a couple. Call (800) 248-2621 or visit www.kennebunkportinn.com/packages.asp.

Search Amazon.com for Valentines Day 

Beer here, beer here

For some people, romance is OK but beer is better. Accordingly, the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston has partnered with Samuel Adams to offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes brewery experience. You get a private tour of the brewery and a private tasting of Samuel Adams Boston Lager and limited edition brews in the  barrel room. Back at the hotel, a three-course beer pairing dinner awaits. The Samuel Adams Behind the Scene Brewery Package starts at $429 based on double occupancy, and is available January to May and September to December.  Visit www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/Property/COP/HotelPackages/, call 800-441-1414 or see a travel agent.

Trivial question 

Travelers who visit a destination ought to know how to spell its name correctly. Can you picked out which name or names is misspelled: Carribean, Philipines, Portugese, Tuczon? (Answer somewhere below.) 

Warm up in Costa Rica ... for $200 less
Wash away your winter woes with a Pura Vida Adventures, a surf and yoga center at the beachfront locale of Malpais, Costa Rica, has a deal for you.  Book the March 12-18 (coed) or March 20-26 (women only) surf and yoga adventure by Feb. 1 and save $200. The discounted all-inclusive package rates per person are: shared accommodation, $2,195; private accommodation with shared bath, $2,395; private accommodation with private bath, $2,895. Register online at www.puravidaadventures.com/index.php/reservations/camp_reservations, or call  415-465-2162.

Fascinating fact

In 1973, Bhutan issued a stamp that looked like a record and could actually be played on a record player.

Trivial answer

All four words are misspelled. The correct spellings are Caribbean, Philippines, Portuguese and Tucson.

The (rowf!) 10 dog-friendliest beaches in the (woof!) USA

Photo from Petside.com

Montrose Dog Beach in Chicago

So you've taken your dog on your travels and now he's ready for a romp on the beach. As dog owners well know, every beach doesn't welcome their furry friends. But Petside.com has just released its list of the nation's Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches, calling them fun for dogs and their owners alike. The list:

1. Cape San Blas (Port St. Joe, Fla.) has year-round, leash-free policies and plethora of dog-friendly activities. A sailing program welcomes dogs aboard and many pet-friendly restaurants are nearby. 

2. Quiet Waters Park  (Annapolis, Md.) reserves a fenced-off area as a beach just for pooches. Moreover, the beach sponsors the annual “Howl-O-Ween Barkin Bash” costume parade for dogs and owners. 

3. Block Island (Rhode Island)  is a small dog-friendly island open year-round.  The beach has a relaxed leash policy, and bans all motor vehicles.

4. Cannon Beach (Cannon Beach, Ore.) is a four-mile stretch of beach along the Pacific, near a town filled with dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and shops. Dogs must stay on-leash, but Petside says the view is worth it. 

5. Fort De Soto Park (St. Petersburg, Fla.) has a unique Paw Playground, consisting of fenced-in areas for  big  and small dogs. The park provides dog showers, a dog beach and fresh drinking water.

6. Carmel City Beach (Carmel, Calif.)  is breathtakingly beautiful beach is perfect for the couple looking to stroll along in the sand with their pet. And after a peaceful walk on the beach, you and your dog can meander up to the charming town of Carmel, where many restaurants and shops are completely dog friendly. Carmel City Beach is ideal for a romantic day that can include your pooch.

7. Jekyll Island (Georgia) is an  eco-friendly getaway with 10 miles of unspoiled white sand beaches.

8. Coronado (San Diego) is a fun beach for pets and owners alike. The sunny beaches around Coronado are also famous for hosting some of the most unique dog competitions in the area. Our favorite is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort surf dog competition in Imperial Beach - the nation's largest surfing competition for pups.  

9. Stewart Beach (Galveston, Tex.) is  well regarded as one of the better family-oriented beaches in Texas. So bring your dog and your youngsters.

10. Montrose Dog Beach (Chicago)   is home to a wonderful dog park where residents  bring their dogs to run in the sun (off-leash) on a stretch of beach.   

Honorable mentions went to St. George Island (Fla.), Hunting Island State Park (Saint Helena (Island, South Carolina), Mission Bay (San Francisco), Jennings Dog Beach (Fairfield, Conn.) and Prospect Park Dog Beach (Brooklyn, N.Y.).

For photos and more details, click here.

Trivial question

Which two states border the most other states? (Answer somewhere below.)

Free pot brownies -- but don't get too excited

To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock, Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego will serve free Pot Brownies to  guests checking in Aug. 14-16.  But relax: The brownies, which will be served a la mode, may not exactly be what you are thinking of. They are named for the ceramic pots in which they are baked and not for any "secret" ingredients.

For hotel information, visit www.hardrockhotelsd.com.

Worth quoting

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance."

                                                                                           --- Bongo Bob

Mozart, Merlot and river rafting in Oregon

On Sept. 16-20 James Henry’s annual Mozart and Merlot and Gourmet California Cuisine Trip is offered on a rafting/kayaking/camping trip along Oregon's Rogue River. Participants can listen to the  melodies of guest violinist Cindy Albers whiledining  on wild salmon, chicken fajitas, pasta primavera, and Lamb Tagine. River sojourners will also sip  the Zinfandels, Chardonnays, and Cabernet Sauvignons of Sonoma County’s Ravenswood Winery. This is also an opportunity to hike or run the  Rogue River trail.  Cost is $975 for adults and youths. The price  includes all on-river meals and wine, services of professional guides, musicians, winemakers, oar, paddle rafts, inflatable kayaks, and transportation from Galice, Ore. and return.

Visit www.riverjourneys.com or call 800-786-1830.

Vancouver, New York hotel prices drop most
According to the the July Hotwire Hotel Rate Report, which charts the top 10 cities in North America where hotel rates have dropped the most, Vancouver and New York City lead the list, meaning there are great bargains out there. Vancouver had a 33% price reduction compared with last year, and New York had a 25% cut. The others on the list and the percent of the drop: Tampa, 24%; Oahau, Hawaii, 24 %; Portland, Ore., 21%; Las Vegas, 20%; San Antonio, 19%; Toronto, 18%; Nashville, 18%; and Miami, 18%.

Fascinating fact

Bhutan is known to its inhabitants as Druk Yul  -- Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Trivial answer

Tennessee and Missouri each border eight states. Tennesee is bordered by  Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. Missouri is bordered by Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennesee, Kentucky and Illinois.

Lufthansa flights to 50 cities now on sale

Lufthansa has put flights to over 50 cities in Europe and beyond on sale. Among those cities are Amsterdam, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Spain and Switzerland. Fares start at just $204 each way for economy class  and $859 for Business class travel. In addition (and if they haven't already been gobbled up), the first 500 U.S. trans-Atlantic bookings made on Lufthansa’s new Web site will receive a $150 pre-paid debit card. The sale ends June 24,  and is valid for U.S. departures through Sept. 12. There are terms and conditions, of course.

Visit www.lh.com. 

Fascinating fact

Windmills across the world turn counterclockwise, except in Ireland where they go clockwise.

You can actually afford these Maine resort cabins

Point Lookout, situated on  dramatic acres overlooking the Penobscot Bay just north of Camden, Maine, has rates starting at $125 per cabin (not per person) per night.  Meanwhile, three-bedroom cabins with two baths and a full kitchen,able to accommodate 6-9 people, start at $175 per cabin, per night. 
Go to www.visitpointlookout.com or call 800-515-3611.

Save a little when visiting this Oregon wine trail

A new Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route now winds through Oregon’s Tualatin Valley, the northern part of the well-known Willamette Valley. The rural driving route takes visitors to 17 small wineries along with farms (some with stands offering fresh produce), pioneer and historic sites, wildlife refuges and scenic viewpoints of the Cascade Mountains, including snow-capped Mount Hood. A coupon good for 10 percent off wine purchases is available from the Web site.

Go to www.VisitWashingtonCountyOregon.com.

Worth quoting

"Kilometers are shorter than miles. Save gas, take your next trip in kilometers.”

                                                                                                                 -- George Carlin

Kids get a Webkinz with a Hampton hotel stay

Book a stay now through Aug. 31  at a participating Hampton hotel and youngsters can bring home one of three Webkinz pets, which take on a life of their own at Webkinz.com. Look for the Webkinz Promotion package when you select your room and rate online. (Memo to my grandson: No, we are not going to book a stay just so you can get another Webkinz.)

For details, click here.