Travel Ideas

The first international airport built in the U.S. since 9/11 opened this May in Panama City Beach, Florida. But this new airport isn't just an airport; it's the heart of a plan to create an economic center attracting businesses, residential property and tourism to the Florida Panhandle.

Knowledge is definitely power, especially when you're shopping for a cruise vacation. While others are paying list price for a cruise, you can either save hundreds of dollars or get valuable extras if you know where the opportunities lie. And if you're in the know, you can bring your children along without paying, get Concierge Club privileges free, fly without paying airfare, get stateroom upgrades worth hundreds and enjoy free perks from wine to ice cream.

What do you get when you pay for an upgrade?

Trying to get the best deal for your money in a hotel has become as complicated as a chess game, with as many as five variations on the same room category. So how do you know when it is worthwhile to pay extra for an upgrade?

John and Mary were thrilled with the bargain price of their first cruise. They would sail from Florida and visit three Caribbean ports -- all for the average cost of a hotel room in their area and a few meals at a nice restaurant. They would have dining, entertainment and travel, along with their cabin on the ship. The couple had a great time. But when they were ready to disembark, they were stunned. When they went to the purser to settle their account, John and Mary found that they had run up a bill that nearly doubled their bargain fare. Does this really happen? Yes. Is it necessary? No. Read on to see where John and Mary went wrong.