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Calls are coming in already seeking next years trip schedule.  Each year I spin my globe of 228 nations which I must narrow down to 30 and then finally 12.  There are hundreds of variables to consider with each country and I have a team of suppliers around the world working on them.

 

Some clients will only do cruises or Europe, others only unique places, so variety is important.  And your feedback is valuable.  I put together a short survey of 8 travel categories. 

 

Take our survey, your opinions matter!   Please click through the link below to take a brief travel survey to help us plan our 2009 schedule.  It will only take 30 seconds or less to complete. 

 

http://www.adventuresforsingles.com/afs_survey_2008.htm
 

 

We thank you in advance.

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 In no particular order

A New Reality Show - Arranged Marriages ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFS was recently contacted by the producer of a new reality show who asked us to get the word out about their search for 4 singles who want to get married. 

 

Here is a bit of what it's about..."We are looking for four people who will ask their closest loved ones- whether family or friends- to team up and choose a spouse for them; they know you, they love you, they want what's best for you; they may even have better judgement about who would make a good lifetime partner for you.

You must be ready to commit to marriage.  Your lvoed ones will match you with someone based on shared goals, values, experiences and the commitment to making it work.  It will be a leap of faith that this choice will be the basis for a healthy loving, sturdy relationship, and you must be willing to make the leap.


(In other countries around the world) many ... successful relationships have started with that leap.

If you are chosen, cameras will be a part of your life, off-and-on, for one year.  It will be a documentary-style show, so you will lead your life and we will be a fly on the wall.  This will be a tremendous, exciting and, as in all relationships, sometimes difficult journey, as you show us the ups and downs of life in the the first year of the rest of your life.

This isn't for everyone.  But, if you're ready to be a part of something big- to take a leap, be a cultural pioneer and enter a lifetime partnership- then you might be one of the fantastic people we're looking for.

Please log on to our website at http://www.arrangedmarriagetv.com or you can call or email us at casting@arrangedmarriage.com, 213.630.6530." 

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Our TSA rules may differ from those abroad.

 

On our Amazon Brazil trip, 20 in our group had scissors, clippers etc. confiscated.  Our protestations were a mute point because all foreign airports have different rules.  Some prohibit items that our TSA permits.  The reverse also holds true.  The EU permits liquids/gels up to 4oz vs 3oz for us.  No comprehensive website combines all rules of all countries, so you just have to wing it.  For USA departures, you can read more about it here:  http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm
 

Search Before You Sit - LA Times

Sometimes you may get stuck in an economy aisle seat where half your leg room is taken up by the entertainment center housed in an immovable metal box.  Go to http://www.seatguru.com before you make your seat selection.  Choose an airline, then the model aircraft with interior designs to view which seats are best.

 

New Baggage Fees!

First came the liquids, then fuel surcharges and now luggage fees.  Generally speaking when you travel abroad you're allowed up to 70lbs or 35 kilos.  But watch out for you connecting domestic leg.  American charges $15 per checked bag each way.  United is $15 for 1st bag and $25 for 2nd.  Delta is just $25 to check 2nd bag.  If you pack a lot pay for the 2nd bag.  If your bag is 1 lb over 50lbs, you'll be charged a whopping $80 and $150 if it exceeds 70lbs each way!

 

We now must be ruthless with our packing.  Maybe I'll just wear hiking boots with 6 outfits layered together.  These nickle and dime fees are getting out of hand.  Maybe they'll start charging for bathroom usage, seat belts, oversized passengers and make us bring our own lawn chairs. 

 

As I was getting this newsletter ready, I received an email from a good client and friend Client Darrell Moore (thank you!).  In it was a great satirical video on this very subject of airline fees.  You can download and watch it by following the link: 

 
 Packing Tips:  Pack as much as possible your carry on stuffing it with heaviest items.  It's imperative now to invest in a new light weight suitcase.  See http://www.ebags.com Recently at TJ Maxx I got a large Helium Samsonite, 9lbs for $65.

 

Airline Cutbacks and New Fuel Surcharges

When we went to ticket our Thailand/Cambodia group, we were informed Thai Airways will now only fly 5 days a week which totally changed our trip.  Travel Agent Magazine states that all airlines are reducing capacity by grounding or culling more planes and cutting out destinations now by 5 to 20%.  This may affect a ticket you already hold and certainly will reduce frequent flyer award seats.

 

Our air consolidator sent us a detailed list of updated fuel surcharges.  Briefly, carriers to Europe are adding up to $147 to $165 each way.  Africa and Asia flights are adding $175 to $210 each way.  We'll all just have to adjust.

 

From consumer advocate Clark Howard's website
"Best deal found: Adventures for Singles - Excellent deal for solo travelers!"