Fly Free to Europe This Summer

If you need an incentive to take that dream trip to Europe this summer, how about this: You can fly there for free. When vacationers book a boating vacation in France with Connoisseur or Crown Blue Line, they will receive free airfare to Europe.

The leaders in self-skippered boating experiences on Europe’s inland waterways are giving flight credits of up to $600 per person (six credit maximum) for a two-week reservation. The credits are good toward any airline departing from a North American airport when the flight is booked through Crown Blue Line.

Travel must be booked by June 30 and completed by September 30, 2003. Depending on the size of the boat and the length of the charter, you can save big bucks on the vacation of a lifetime. For more information, visit www.crownblueline.com or call 1-888-355-9491. (5-27-03)

Safe Driving Tips for Your Vacation

Are you and your family planning to hit the road this summer? If so, you're in good company.

This spring and summer, more than 80 percent of Americans are expected to take at least one domestic road trip. With all those drivers on the road this travel season, safety will be the key to an enjoyable vacation for your family. If you’re one of the many Americans planning a road trip in the next few months, you may want to bone up on some driving safety tips from Teachers’ Insurance Plan, an auto insurance plan for educators and their families.

• Pay Attention: A Teachers’ Insurance Plan study shows that the No. 1 fear of drivers is that the other drivers aren’t paying enough attention to the road. Their fears are legitimate. More than 75 percent of drivers have admitted to doing something distracting while driving, such as using a cell phone and reading.
• Know Where You’re Going: Look at a map or print out directions online before you head out on your trip. That way you won’t have to make any sudden turns or lane changes that may endanger you or other drivers. If you do miss a turn, try to back track as soon as possible to get back on course.
• Calm Down: The same Teachers’ Insurance Plan reports that almost 40 percent of drivers admit to having “road rage” at one time or another. Don’t overreact if you are tail-gated or cut off on the road by another driver. And don’t make the other driver’s dangerous driving worse by driving dangerously yourself.
• Check It Out: Make sure your automobile is in good driving condition before you begin your road trip. It will save you money and a possible headache. Check all fluid levels, change the oil if needed, clean the windshield, check tire pressure and make sure headlights and turn signals are in proper working order.
• Be Prepared for Emergencies: Although most businesses take credit cards these days, keeping some cash around for emergency tows and tire changes is a good idea. Also, pack a first aid kit for the car that includes bandages, tape, cloths and antiseptic. A first aid kit for your car is another good idea. You might want to bring along oil, antifreeze, basic tools and a flashlight (with fresh batteries).
• Sleep: If you start getting tired while driving, switch drivers (if possible), pull over and take a nap, get some coffee or stop and spend the night somewhere. Don’t overdo it.
• Don’t Drink and Drive: You’ve heard it a thousand times before, but it bears repeating. Don’t ever drink and drive. And if you are in an area where others might have been drinking, you need to be especially aware of the drivers around you.
• Know Accident Procedures: Occasionally, with all your caution, you might still be involved in an accident. If so, stay at the scene until police arrive. Make sure everyone in your car is safe, then exchange driver and car insurance information with the other drivers involved. Don’t admit fault about the accident to anyone other than your insurance company or a police officer. Finally, move your car off to the right shoulder, if possible.

You can get more safety driving tips from Teachers’ Insurance Plan by calling 1-800-2TEACHERS or visiting www.teachers.com. (5-20-03)

“Dinner’s on Us” at Holiday Inn This Summer

Many families agree that eating dinner as a family is important. It is a great way to reconnect and bond with family members. But going on vacation can make it difficult to keep up with the family dinner ritual. The price of a sit-down dinner for the entire family can really put a dent in your vacation budget.

This year, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts is offering a solution to vacationing families with their “Dinner on Us” promotion. From May 1 through September 7, 2003, Holiday Inn is offering travelers free dinner at the hotel’s restaurant for every night of their stay.

The hotel chain already offers its Kids Eat and Stay Free program. Now, families can save even more money during their travels this summer, and they can reconnect with each other at the dinner table at the same time.

To take advantage of this promotional offer, guests must request the “Free Dinner” rate when reserving their rooms. Call 1-888-633-0255, or go online to www.holiday-inn.com/freedinner to print out a "Dinner on Us" certificate to present at check-in. The certificate is worth $24 per night ($12 per person maximum) in the hotel’s restaurant from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more details, call the number above or visit their Web site. (5-13-03)

Nix the Snacks on Family Road Trips

Using snacks in the car as a source of entertainment for your kids could be sending them the wrong message, say dieticians and experts. "Using food to keep your kids occupied encourages them to eat when not hungry, a habit that can contribute to weight problems later in life," says Joan Carter, an instructor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

It’s a common defense against boredom. Parents give their children snacks when they start whining or getting restless in the car. This practice, though, can send kids the message that snacking is a good way to occupy their time. Instead of snacks, pack games, books and other activities to help children pass the time.

On trips that are less than two hours, Carter says all you need in the car is water. For longer trips, she suggests stopping every few hours for snacks and playtime. "Find a park or rest stop where there's a place to eat a snack and run around for a few minutes," she says. "Get the kids moving a little bit, and let them burn off some energy."

When you don’t have time for a snack and play pit stop, pack bite-size sandwiches and healthy snacks such as trail mix, sliced fruit and string cheese to eat in the car, says Carter. Don’t offer any food that could pose a choking hazard to a child if you had to slam on the brakes. "An easy rule is if you wouldn't let a kid run with it in his mouth, don't let him eat it in the car," says Carter. (5-13-03)

San Francisco Named Top Walking City

If you love to walk, San Francisco is the place to head on vacation, at least according to Prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) (the doctors who take care of your feet). The pair recently named the City by the Bay a "Top 10 Best Walking City in America."

The APMA surveyed the most populated cities and then examined them for walker friendly characteristics, such as how many people walk to work each day, safe air quality, number of parks, how many podiatrists are available to keep your feet healthy and happy and how many health clubs and sports stores there are to serve walkers.

"The city's Department of Parking and Traffic has recently implemented some excellent pedestrian safety features, and we are thrilled to be recognized for these measures," says Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. "Combine these pedestrian-friendly designs with the natural beauty of our city – from the Marina Green to Golden Gate Park to our signature hills – and you have a walker's paradise."

As for San Francisco's company on the best walking cities list, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Seattle and Washington, D.C., all made the top-10. Look for special events in the area to commemorate San Francisco as a best walking city.

For information on hotel packages and reservations, events, activities and transportation in San Francisco, visit www.sfvisitor.org. For lodging reservations by phone, call (888) 782-9673 toll free within North America or (415) 283-0155 elsewhere. (5-06-03)

Report Finds Children, Senior Citizens Likely to be Victims in Fatal Crashes Involving Pedestrians

Nearly one in five pedestrians killed on America's roadways is the victim of a hit-and-run crash, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The report, NHTSA's most recent analysis of pedestrian fatalities, indicates that young children, as well as seniors, are especially likely to be the victims of fatal crashes involving pedestrians. More than a fifth of all children ages 5 to 9 killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians, and the age group with the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities are those 70 and over.

Almost 175,000 pedestrians died on U.S. roadways between 1975 and 2001, according to the report. Pedestrian fatalities now account for about 12 percent of all deaths related to motor vehicle crashes in the country.

Alcohol plays a significant role in deadly pedestrian crashes. Alcohol involvement among pedestrians in such crashes is 37 percent; for drivers, it is 18 percent.

The new NHTSA report analyzes the incidence of pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes, which accounted for more than 90 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. The report focuses on pedestrian fatalities between 1998 and 2001.

For the complete report, log on to the agency's Web site at the agency's website at: www.nhtsa.gov. (4-29-03)

Consumer Reports Announces Results of Child Car Seat Tests

Car seats have come a long way since Consumer Reports' (CR) first crash-tested them for the magazine's August 1972 issue and rated 12 out of 15 of them Not Acceptable, saying the restraints "proved shockingly inadequate."

Results of CR's most recent tests of child seats, published in the May 2003 issue, show that parents now have excellent choices in all car-seat categories. But CR also found that some of the new LATCH seats, which have been redesigned with lower anchors and a top tether to make them easier to install and thus more likely to be used correctly, had design flaws or were difficult to make fit securely.

CR evaluated 25 car seats, including 14 infant or convertible car seats and 11 booster seats, priced from $20 to $230, for their crash protection, ease of use and fit to vehicle. The ratings and full report can be accessed free online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

CR's test results underscore the importance for parents of checking the fit of any car seat they are considering in their own car and to make sure that the seat is easy to use before committing to buying it. Conversely, if parents are buying a new car, they should take their child seats with them to make sure they fit properly.

CR also recommends that parents look for local car-seat inspection sites to ensure their seats are installed correctly. Parents can find the nearest site by visiting www.seatcheck.org.

The May issue will be available April 8 wherever magazines are sold. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645. (4-22-03)

Colorado Town Hosts Bolder Boulder Annual Run

If you're looking for a relaxing, but fun mountain getaway, consider Boulder, Colo. Nestled against the Rocky Mountains, the sheer beauty of Boulder, Colo. earned it the name "Magical Place" from the Arapaho and South Ute Native American tribes, who once thrived in the bountiful foothills. Today, the quaint, resort and college town of 96,000 residents offers an appealing blend of outdoor adventure, period architecture and a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Set amidst lush parks and seemingly endless hiking and biking trails, charming buildings house a vibrant retail scene, numerous galleries and cultural institutions, plus more than 300 restaurants and bars. As home to the University of Colorado's beautiful main campus, Boulder's nightlife scene offers something for everyone, from residents and college students to visitors.

"The Sink is my favorite spot in town to hang out," says Matt Gibbs, a reservation associate at the Millennium Harvest House, Boulder. "It draws a great mix of local residents, 20-somethings and college students, and the atmosphere can't be beat. It's just a great place to go, hang out and have a few beers."

The Sink, which has been around since the early 1930s and gone through almost as many name changes as owners, has been a favorite restaurant/bar for University of Colorado students for as long as most local residents can remember. Patrons mix, match and, as tradition calls for, draw all over the walls at this hip, but down-to-earth watering hole. The Sink's menu of traditional bar food is another fan favorite. "You haven't really experienced Boulder until you've had a Sinkburger," says Gibbs.

This year, the Millennium Harvest House will once again be the host hotel of Bolder Boulder, a 10-kilometer run that is one of the region's most popular annual events. Each year, the race attracts more than 45,000 runners and walkers, including professional athletes from around the world, who compete for one of the largest non-marathon prize purses in road racing.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Bolder Boulder, which is scheduled for Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day. To celebrate its role as the event's host hotel, the Millennium Harvest House is offering a special Memorial Day weekend rate of $139 per room, per night with a minimum two-night (Saturday/Sunday) stay. The offer is based on availability, and tax and gratuities are additional.

Resting on the foothills of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains and adjacent to the University of Colorado's beautiful main campus, the Millennium Harvest House, Boulder is a recreation-oriented property for travelers looking for a relaxing and fun mountain getaway. The 269-room hotel features indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpool spas, 15 tennis courts (five covered for winter play), exercise room, jogging track, bicycle path and basketball court. A traditional American bistro, the hotel's Thyme on the Creek restaurant evokes the spirit of a mountain lodge with its rustic, spacious dining room and heated outdoor terrace. For more information, call 866-866-8086 or visit www.millenniumhotels.com. (4-15-03)

Restoration Reveals Design Changes in Imperial Austrian Residence

A new project is allowing visitors to see the many changes in interior design of the Imperial residence in Innsbruck, Austria from 1754 to 1918.

The rapid changes in design due to claims to rulership, personal tastes and short-lived fashions have now been comprehensively reconstructed as part of a project sponsored by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).

The architecture of the Innsbruck Hofburg – chiefly used as a stopping-off point on the journeys to Italy after 1665 – was long neglected. It was Maria Theresia who, in 1754, finally initiated a comprehensive harmonization and modernization of the complex's appearance.

"From then on, the main consideration was keeping the Imperial living quarters up to date as tastes and needs evolved," says Dr. Lieselotte Hanzl-Wachter, whose work has brought this interesting period back to life. “Of great help to us were the furniture repositories which are virtually unparalleled in Europe. These gave us access to original furniture and even pieces of the valuable fabric from practically every period.”

The results of the project will soon be published in the form of a book with 160 illustrations. This is a companion piece to the work performed by Dr. Hanzl-Wachter on the historically accurate reconstruction of the staterooms since 1994. These were lovingly restored following the Second World War, but the resources available at the time did not always allow the degree of historical accuracy that would have been desirable. Dr. Hanzl-Wachter's research will for the first time enable the Hofburg's staterooms to be shown to the public in a state of restoration of appropriate quality and authenticity.

For more information, log on to the Austrian Science Fund Web site. (4-8-03)

Flowers in Bloom at Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival

Where can you see a topiary in the shape of a mouse? Where else but Walt Disney World?

Epcot presents the 10th Annual International Flower & Garden Festival April 25-June 8, where visitors can see flower presentations, enjoy concerts and take in lots of topiaries.

A 20-foot-tall floral peace sign, a larger-than-life double decker bus and Lady and the Tramp are just a few of the topiaries creations that will be on display.

Concerts include Davy Jones of The Monkees, Arlo Guthrie, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Turtles and more.

Gardening experts Paul James from HGTV's Gardening by the Yard and P. Allen Smith from his self-titled show will also be on hand to offer tips.

Admission to the festival is included with your Epcot park ticket. (4-01-03)

CDC Activates Emergency Operations in Response to New Pneumonia-like Illness

In response to reports of increasing numbers of cases of an atypical pneumonia that the World Health Organization (WHO) has called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated its emergency operations center on Friday, March 14.

As of March 19, WHO has received reports of 264 patients from 11 countries with suspected and probable SARS. Areas with reported local transmission include Hong Kong and Guangdong province, China; Hanoi, Vietnam and Singapore. More limited transmission has been reported in Taipei, Taiwan and Toronto, Canada. Eleven cases have been reported in the United States. The initial cases reported in Singapore, Taiwan and Toronto were among people who all had traveled to China.

Among patients reported worldwide as of March 19, the disease has been characterized by rapid onset of high fever, myalgia, chills, rigor and sore throat, followed by shortness of breath, cough and radiographic evidence of pneumonia. Of the 264 suspected and probable cases reported by WHO, nine (3 percent) people have died.

CDC has been working with the World Health Organization (WHO) since late February to investigate and confirm outbreaks of this severe form of pneumonia in Vietnam, Hong Kong and parts of China.

"The emergence of two clusters of this illness on the North American continent indicates the potential for travelers who have been in the affected areas of Southeast Asia to have been exposed to this serious syndrome," says Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, CDC director. "The World Health Organization has been leading a global effort, in which CDC is participating, to understand the cause of this illness and how to prevent its spread. We do know that it may progress rapidly and can be fatal. Therefore, we are instituting measures aimed at identifying potential cases among travelers returning to the United States and protecting the people with whom they may come into contact."

The WHO issued a global alert about the outbreak on March 12, cautioning that the severe respiratory illness may spread to hospital staff. (3-25-03)

Car Seat Instruction Manuals too Complicated

Did you have trouble understanding the instructions that accompanied your child's car seat? You're not the only one.

A new study in the March issue of Pediatrics found that the instruction manuals for these child safety seats are written at a level that exceeds the reading skills of most consumers.

The study, "How Readable Are Child Safety Seat Installation Instructions?" determined the materials were written at an average reading level of 10th grade. Yet health literacy experts recommend that materials be targeted to the fifth- or sixth-grade level.

Previous research has found that properly installing child safety seats can reduce fatal injuries by 71 percent and hospitalizations by 67 percent. (3-25-03)

More African Americans Buckling Up Than Ever Before

More African Americans are buckling up according to a new survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The survey found that African Americans currently use safety belts 77 percent of the time, an 8 percentage point increase since 2000 and the highest level reported since the agency began conducting such surveys nine years ago. The comparable figure for the overall U.S. population is now 75 percent.

In addition to other findings from the survey, the new NHTSA statistics indicate that the gender gap for safety belt use is narrowing, although males still lag females by 7 percentage points. That compares with a 10-percentage point difference in 2000. Males are now restrained 72 percent of the time, while females use safety belts 79 percent of the time.

The latest NHTSA survey also shows a significant improvement in safety belt use among youths. Those in the 8- to 15-year-old age group were restrained 82 percent of the time in the 2002 survey. The most comparable estimate from the previous survey for 2000 showed that 66 percent of youths age 5 to 15 were buckled up. (3-25-03)

Take a Fun, Fit Getaway to Jamaica

Looking for a fun, but fit getaway? Visit Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica during the month of May, which the resort has declared Fitness Month.

The resort has planned a full schedule of classes and workshops for the month-long celebration, at no additional cost to travelers, from mat Pilates and deep breathing to high intensity resistance training and stability ball maneuvering.

Couples Swept Away will feature a different visiting instructor each week, each at the top of their field. The month starts with Clyde Norris, a boot camp specialist from South Carolina and professional body builder. Next, Paul Jusay, internationally-recognized master class presenter followed by Grandmaster of Bak Fu Pai Tai Chi, Chuan Parker Linekin. The final week will be led by Tony Morrison, the New York fitness expert and originator of the successful Serious Exercise Xchange (S.E.X.), a martial arts fitness program. Classes are scheduled Saturday through Thursday, with Friday off to enjoy the resort's vast amenities.

The Aerobics Fitness Association of America is offering three different certifications during this four week period: Personal Trainer Certification (May 3-4); Yoga Certification (May 9-10 and May 17-18) and Primary Certification (May 25).

The Spa at Couples Swept Away is also offering special savings during Fitness Month with the Spa Glow Package. The Spa Glow package, purchased at the resort, features a one-hour hot stone massage, a half-hour reflexology session and a 30-minute herbal bath for just $140, a $30 savings.

Couples Swept Away Negril prides itself in offering an environment conducive to healing the mind, body and soul by incorporating a renowned sports and fitness complex with an intimately romantic location and healthy living. Accommodations; unlimited meals, wine and cocktails; sportin;, wellness activities; tennis; land and water sports including golf, scuba and tennis; transfers; weddings; vow renewals taxes and gratuities are included. Professional instruction is included for all sports including windsurfing, water-tricycles, Hobie-Cats, sunfish sailing, SCUBA (a PADI five-star facility), water-skiing, canoeing, kayaking and snorkeling. (3-18-03)

Denver Airport Implements Kid-Friendly Pilot Screening Program

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced its kid-friendly pilot-screening program at Denver International Airport – a pilot project to help ensure a child’s trip to the airport is safe and enjoyable.

“Security for all air travelers is our first priority,” says Adm. James M. Loy, Under Secretary of Transportation for Security. “But the screeners in Denver have found a way to make the process a more enjoyable experience for small children."

Security rules require that all passengers be screened and that all checkpoint alarms be resolved. Therefore, screeners must perform additional checks on all passengers, regardless of age, when they trigger the alarm on the metal detector.

The kid-friendly process begins when families approach the lanes designated for them at the airport checkpoints. Screeners talk to the kids, give them a sticker with a smiling face and use hand puppets to entertain them as they go through the metal detector. If secondary screening is necessary, screeners ask kids to stand on special mats that feature cats and dinosaurs and use a fuzzy “caterpillar” that wraps around the hand wand, making it more friendly.

If successful, the program at Denver International could eventually be in place at all of the nation’s 429 commercial airports. (3-11-03)

Braves' Spring Training Begins at Walt Disney World

If you love baseball and are looking for warmer climes, consider a trip to Walt Disney World for the Atlanta Braves' spring training.

Each March, the Braves take the field at the newly-renamed Cracker Jack Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Many of professional baseball's best, including Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Greg Maddux and Gary Sheffield, return to the field this year as the team prepares to defend its division crown.

The Braves' slate of 16 home games at Walt Disney World started Feb. 27 and continues through March 27. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at (407) 839-3900. For more information about Walt Disney World, visit www.waltdisneyworld.com.

The Wyndham Palms Resort and Country Club, one of Orlando's premier resorts is offering a "Grand Slam Getaway" now through March 31, 2003 for baseball fans. The package starts as low as $375 and includes four days/ three nights accommodations at the Wyndham Palms Resort and Country Club and unlimited golf at the Resort's 18-hole championship golf course, Mystic Dunes.

To book your reservations, call toll-free (877) 747-4747 or (407) 226-9501. (3-04-03)

Trip Combines Fishing With Safari

If you love adventure and nothing gets your motor running like the thought of fishing on a quiet lake, consider going on the Ultimate Fishing Safari.

Eco-resorts, a group which promotes environment- and culture-oriented travel in East Africa, has arranged a trip to fish three well-known Kenyan hot spots: highland lakes, Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean. Two days are spent in the Masai Mara, one of Kenya’s best-known wildlife parks, spotting the “Big Five” as well as other game and birds for the definitive safari experience.

This 13-day/14-night trip is available October to April. The cost is $4,804 per person with two people and $4,013 per person with four people. It includes all transfers, all accommodations and meals (full board at Rutundu Cabins, Little Governors and Mfangano, bed & breakfast at Macushla House, half board in a superior room at Hemingway’s), activities including all fishing trips, equipment, skippers/guides, National Park entrance fees, local taxes and all internal flights.

For more information and a complete itinerary, log on to www.eco-resorts.com. (2-25-03)

Restraint Use Rises to Record High Level for Infants and Toddlers

A new survey from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports good news: More children are being restrained during travel than ever before.

An NHTSA survey found that an estimated 99 percent of infants under age 1 are now restrained during travel, up 4 percentage points from 2000. Fully 94 percent of toddlers are now restrained, a 3 percentage point gain over two years ago. Eighty-three percent of children ages 4 to 7 are restrained, with no past data available for this age group.

“Children are the most vulnerable passengers riding on America’s roadways. It is extremely good news that more of them are now safely secured,” says Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge, NHTSA administrator.

However, Dr. Runge indicated serious concern about other findings from the survey, which shows that many young children continue to ride in the front seat. An estimated 15 percent of infants under age 1 now ride in a front seating position; 10 percent of toddlers ages 1 to 3 ride in the front; and 29 percent of youngsters ages 4 to 7 do so.

Besides indicating increasing restraint use among infants and toddlers, the latest national survey reached these key findings:

• The link between restraint use of drivers and their child passengers remains strong. More than 90 percent of belted drivers also restrain the children traveling in their vehicles. Approximately 70 percent of unbelted drivers restrain their child passengers.
• Male drivers are restraining their children more often than they did two years ago, bringing them to near parity with female drivers. The 2000 survey indicated a 7-percentage-point disparity between men and women. That gap has now been narrowed to about 1 percentage point.
• Parents appear to be more aware of the need for appropriate restraint use based on the age and size of their children. The latest survey indicates lower incidence of “premature graduation” in the use of restraint systems. Premature graduation involves transitioning children to the next stage of restraint system use before they are ready in terms of age or size. For example, infants are placed in forward-facing seats too soon, or children are moved from a child safety seat directly to an adult safety belt too soon, bypassing the booster-seat stage. (2-18-03)

Rand McNally Names Top Road Trips

Looking to take your family on an unusual road trip? Turn to Rand McNally for some great ideas. The company recently announced their Best of the Road™ winners.