WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE FEES, PART 2  According to Travel Weekly, United's Premier Baggage program may solve some of the luggage problems for you - at least if you travel often enough with baggage. For $249 a year, you and up to 8 people in the same ticket record will be able to check up to 2 bags each on any flight.  United has had it's Economy Plus Club for a number of years - the plan that lets you buy into the up-front seats for you and 1 companion for a year for $349.  So, it must be working for them to roll out this plan too.  So the next time you and friends or family are looking for tickets for the next cruise or trip to Walt Disney World, keep this idea in mind

WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE FEES? It is so confusing - what can I bring on the plane - what is it going to cost me to check my bag or buy a snack?  Google the"Ultimate Guide to Airline Fees", or call or email us for current information.  The web site is uptated regularly.

CULINARY TOURISM From the Home Based agent magazine of June, 2008, is a listing of Resorts in the United States that offer culinary lessons and demonstrations with your resort stay.  So if you are considering staying local this summer, ask me for information on these resorts: The Yates House in Rockeport, Mo., Blackberry Farm (America's #1 Small Hotel by both Travel+Leisure and Zagat) in Walland, Tn., The Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Tx., the White Barn Inn and Spa in Kennebunkport Me., The Washington Hotel on Washington Island, Wi., The Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness, NH., and Blair House Inn at Wimberley, Tx., and of course The Greenbrier at White Sulphur Springs, WV. 

TRAVEL+LEISURE "WORLD'S BEST AWARDS" FOR 2008

In the August issue you will find lists and more lists.  Top 5 of the 100 best in US and Canada: Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Mt., Little Palm Island Resort at Little Torch Key, FL., The Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles, The Peninsula in Beverly Hills, and the Wickaninnish Inn on Vancouver Island, Canada.

Top 10 hotels for $250 or less: Domaine Des Hauts De Loire in France, Balsams Grand in New Hampshire, Metropolitan in Vancouver, Inn at the Market in Seattle, Royal Orchid Sheraton in Bangkok, Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Hotel vintage Plaza in Portland, Mena House in Cairo, Richmond Hill Inn in Ashville, NC.,and the JW Marriott in Bangkok.

Top Cruise Line: Crystal, small ship line: Silversea, Domestic Airline: Virgin America - followed by our own Midwest Airlines.  The magazines #1 in the World: Singita Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park in South Africa. 

New to the report - Best Hotel Dining.  Best in the US: The Inn at Little Washington for Country Ham, and at the Little Palm Island Resort try the Ceviche made with Yellowtail. 

CRUISING TO PANAMA, COSTA RICA, AND BELIZE

I just returned from a CARNIVAL cruise to the above destinations - all new for me - and loved each stop. The cruise itself is 8 nights, so a lot of time on board to relax and enjoy good books, or the many activities on board. 

The all day Pamama Canal trip took us through 3 locks so very interesting and the speaker on board was excellent.  Buffet lunch - not much - but complimentary bottled water and soft drinks all day. Please don't plan on doing any exploring in Colon, not a good place except for a few shops at the port.

Costa Rica poured rain which was an experience in itself.  Our rainforest tram was well worth it.  Another very long day - with a box lunch on the bus on the way back. This is an extremely well organized group, again very informative and well laid out.  You will see a beautiful and wonderful world.

Belize - wish I had seen more of the country - the tender ride is 20 minutes to shore and our trip snorkeling to Geoff Key did not allow us extra time.  However, it was the best snorkeling ever and the most organized and informative staff!  They took us right from the ship to this little Island that had nothing more than a barbeque pit, small area for the t-shirts sales, and an outhouse.  But you swim out to the reef not more than 50 or so feet and just wonderful sights!