How to Feel Like a Chicago Family: Best Bets for Picking a Place to Stay
Laura Tiebert's picks for the most family-friendly accommodations in the Windy City--for any budget, from pennywise to princely. more>

Amtrak Rolls Out its Special Rates for Friends & Those Without
You buy your first fare at full price, get a second ticket at half price and a third ticket free. This amounts to a 50% discount for each of the three riders. If you want to be alone and ride solo, you still get 25% off. more>

This Deal's All Wet: Cool Off This Summer with $50 Off on Water Rides in Fort Lauderdale, Plus Cheap Rooms
We've already told you about the Fort Lauderdale Visitor Bureau's "Guaranteed Warmth" promotion, where you can get a free night's stay if the mercury stays below 70° during your stay through May 1, 2003. Now the group is returning with its "Ride Our Waters Free" that gives you admission coupons to area water parks and rides when you stay a minimum of two nights in 28 participating hotels. The program runs from May 15 through September 30, 2003, a perfect period to escape the midday heat with a dip in or a ride on in the water. more>

Coo Coo Caribbean: All-Inclusives with Airfare Combos for the Rest of 2003 if You Book Now
Moment's Notice, that Brooklyn-based center of last-minute bargains, is stirring up the pot in the Caribbean with package deals for The Bahamas, Curacao and Jamaica. Travel is valid through the end of 2003, but you have until only April 15, 2003 to book your reservations. These combos are all all-inclusive, with roundtrip coach airfare from JFK or Newark (and other cities for a surcharge), roundtrip transfers, hotel rooms, all meals, all drinks, non-motorized water sports, hotels taxes and service charges. more>

My United Airlines Experience
From Jamie Schwegler: "I recently flew UAL from Buffalo, NY to San Jose, CA. Everything went fine in Buffalo, and we were pleased with the ease of check in. Leaving San Jose was a different matter. There were 3 people checking passengers in; one dealt exclusively with first class. We waited in line for at least 50 minutes. Fortunately, we arrived at the airport 2 hours early. The security check went smoothly and only took about 10 minutes. This severe understaffing will hurt United's attempt to recover. I will think again about flying the friendly skies." more>

Virgin Airlines: Beware of Cancelled Flights
From kn40: "Beware -- Virgin Atlantic, which normally is fairly reputable -- is cancelling selected April flights, citing that the flights are not full -- even though travel date is over a month away. They are offering transfer to another flight (same day, different time) but you have to decide within 24 hours. Postponing flight inclurs penalties. Cancelling flight incurs penalties. This is ruining my vacation to London." more>

I'll Be Traveling Soon Regardless
From Harriet Kornit: "I am going to San Diego this week (leaving March 23) and to Italy at the end of April. I will not allow the threat of war or terrorism make me afraid to travel." more>

Southern Indiana: What to See and Do, Where to Stay?
From Marci Huff: "My husband and I plan to visit southern Indiana in May--specifically Madison, Columbus, Nashville/Brown County, Bloomington, New Harmony, Evansville, Newburg. Any recommendations on accomodations and restaurants with charm? Note: The smaller towns are prospects for a new hometown. Are we missing any other nice opportunities?" more>

Staying in Convents in Rome
From Mary Keeler: "Have you considered staying in any of the convents located throughout Rome? I will be staying in one close to the Spanish Steps in mid-March. The rates are reasonable and I understand they are very clean. The hotel rates looked a little high to me." more>

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