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* Apartment for rent? Paris apartment rental scams exposed *
How honest consumers empower scam artists: Most on-the-level individuals can't help but harbour at least a few small fantasies about "What if I just got lucky, for once?" Unfortunately, small-time rip-off creeps take advantage of Honest Joes all too often! [More]

* Hotwire.com *****
Hotwire.com offers flexible leisure travelers a quick and easy way to get better deals on airline tickets, hotel reservations and car rentals. For all your travel needs at a good -- no, a GREAT -- price. [More]

* SeatGuru dot com *****
Now why didn't WE think of that? Locate your airplane seat while you make your booking in another browser window. Brilliant! [More]

Air Canada extends Internet fares to U.S. flights *
Air Canada is extending to U.S. flights the same simplified, Internet-based fare structure it adopted for domestic air travel last May. [More]

Airlines on high alert as terror threat thwarted *
Thwarted: Alleged terrorists planned to use liquid explosives concealed as sports drink bottles and common electronic devices to bring down as many as 10 planes in a nearly simultaneous strike. [More]

Alaska Airlines - Bank of America card offer *
Collect points for Alaska Airlines. (Sorry, U.S. residents only.) [More]

BC Interior Hotel Discounts *
[More]

Big boys make EU 'little folk' mad *
These are not easy days for europhiles -- lovers of the euro and the concept of a united Europe, that is, as opposed to Europe itself. [More]

Britain downgrades security alert *
The British government downgraded its terror threat level from critical to severe Monday, saying intelligence suggested an attack was no longer imminent after security forces foiled an alleged plot to bring down transatlantic airliners heading to the United States. [More]

Can't carry-on your laptop? Here's the answer *
I must travel by air in the next weeks. How do I take my -- absolutely essential -- laptop with me, and assure its safety? [More]

Canada charges the Earth to fly, agency says *
Canada is unfairly discriminating against passengers on international flights by charging the world's highest airport security fees, the head of the International Air Transport Association said Tuesday [More]

Canadian dollar loses strength against greenback *
. . .amid rumours of U.S. interest rate hikes. [More]

Canadian Dollar touches 80¢ (U.S.) *
The Canadian dollar breached the 80-cent (U.S.) mark for the first time in more than a decade Friday as employment data in Canada and the United States sent the loonie and greenback in opposite directions. [More]

Canadians zip to the border for travel deals *
Flying from American cities can save Canadian passengers a lot of money -- especially efficient when travelling from Seattle! [More]

Cheap getaways: (In the) Bargain basement *
It's vacation time. Draw the curtains, douse the lights, make sure the door is locked -- and then sneak down to the cellar. [More]

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson *
Customer satisfaction is important to this outfit. They've maintained a 98 per cent guest return rating for the past 12 consecutive years. [More]

CRUISING: Tips for getaways on the waves *
A "new normal" in airline travel makes it important to protect your cruise trip. Hundreds of Canadians have missed all or part of their cruise holidays in the past few weeks because of airport foul-ups that meant they couldn't get to their ships on time. [More]

Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino on St. Croix Offers Kids Stay and Eat Free Package *

The Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino on St. Croix recently announced that children under 18 years can stay and eat free at the beautiful waterfront resort. [More]

Dollar plunges on expected rate cut *
The Canadian dollar plunged more than a cent in a delayed reaction against its U.S. counterpart a day after the central bank lowered its growth forecast and signalled that more rate cuts are on the way. [More]

Dollar tops 74 cents (U.S.) *
The dollar rose to its highest level in more than two months Friday, breaking through the 74-cent (U.S.) mark on the back of better-than-expected wholesale trade figures, which analysts said gave credence to the idea that stronger economic growth is on deck for later this year. [More]

Europe on $50 a night -- with clean toilets! *
In recent years, we've managed to extend our European trips -- and funds -- by staying at an innovative chain of discount hotels called "Formule 1." [More]

Evalu8.org's Travel Tips online resources *
Where-to-find-it resources online, for everything about travel, from time-shares to travel insurance. . . [More]

Expedia dot CA *
Canada's top travel engine. . . [More]

Fantastic fall savings to France from 1800 Fly Europe *
1800 Fly Europe is offering great savings to France this fall. Airfare from New York starts at only $327 roundtrip. August 31, 2005 booking deadline [More]

Fly to Amarnath Caves in Jammu and Kashmir for Pilgrimage *
Helicopter operations are now available for Amarnath pilgrims with 44 daily services to the holy shrine from Srinagar and Baltal in Jammu and Kashmir. [More]

Foreign electronics: Many travel solutions in one store! *
If you're looking for foreign adapters, electronics or gadgets, this is the place. Expert advice. Five stars. [More]

Free Travel Guides & Directories *
Our ever-growing list. Please write to us, if you'd like your travel guide to be included. [More]

Get smart: Use bank machines as little as possible when travelling *
It's summertime and the living is expensive if you use bank machines as a money-well while travelling. [More]

Good news for customers: There's gold in travel card rivalry *
The search for the ideal travel gold card has been complicated by Air Canada's misadventures as the airline that couldn't fly straight. [More]

Great German holidays on a small budget *
Plan to visit Germany and make your own plans? These free travel guides are sure to help the self-directed traveller. [More]

Guess The View *
A new wrinkle on the travel discount scene, Guess The View tells you how you can get into fine hotels throughout Canada, Mexico and the US -- at no cost. [More]

Hotel Confidential: Campanile Boulevard Berthier, Paris France *** 1/2
It's affordable, it's clean, it's IN PARIS. Sure rooms are small, but how much time are you planning to spend indoors when you're in Paris? [More]

How to tag your suitcase to avoid lost luggage woes *
A story of luggage lost, then found, and how to avoid the stress and time-wasting of misplaced baggage when you travel. [More]

Incredible India -- For Body, Mind & Soul *****
We have discovered an India today that offers not only tremendous travel deals, but also suggests possibilities you may never have considered. [More]

India Tourism March, 2005 newsletter *
Here's the March, 2005 tourism update from the India Tourism office. [More]

Internet travel search engine tours.com now offers worldwide travel agent search capabilities *
Tours.com -- the Internet site with the Web’s most comprehensive travel search engine -- today announced the launch of its newest search category: worldwide travel agent search by specialty. [More]

January in Paris is a Bargain-hunter's paradise *
April in Paris may be the romantic time of chestnuts in blossom, but it is January that is the prime time to visit for those born to shop. Big savings wait, plus extra discounts with shopping cards, and money-saving accommodations in comfortable Paris apartments. [More]

L'Europe à 50 $ par jour, et des toilettes propres! *
Au cours des dernières années, nous sommes parvenus à prolonger nos voyages en Europe en séjournant dans une chaîne d'hôtel à rabais novatrice appelée Formule 1. [More]

Learning to pack light -- new regs present challenge *
What a shock it was to discover diminishing baggage allowances on our annual trip to Europe last fall; and it's getting worse! Savvy travellers are finding ways and means to travel lighter and plan better. [More]

Links to Apartment rentals, Home Swaps & Time-shares *
Looking for apartment rentals, home swaps, and time-shares? Here's our list. . . [More]

Lodgers entice travellers with offers of free gas *
Gimmick seen as good attention grabber but effect on hotels' bottom line uncertain. [More]

Londres en amoreux *
A brilliant offer in the Paris Métro promoting travel to London from Paris via Eurostar for just 100 euros return. . .for two. [More]

Loonie continues to trade near 28-year highs *
The Canadian dollar continued to trade near a new 28-year high against the U.S. dollar, fuelled by surging oil and gold prices, and underpinned by speculation against the sinking greenback. [More]

Loonie cracks 84 cents *
The Canadian dollar broke through 84 cents (U.S.) Monday, hitting a fresh 12-year high against its U.S. counterpart as global currency markets continue to fret over that country's ballooning budget and trade deficits. [More]

Loonie hits 13-year high *
The Canadian loonie rose to its highest point since January 24, 1992, today. [More]

Loonie still rising *
World currency markets are in for prolonged volatility, but the Canadian dollar — which closed above the 81-cent (U.S.) mark on Friday — should weather the storm well, hanging on to most of its recent gains through to year-end, economists say. [More]

Low-cost airlines & travel deals -- Comparisons *
Sites that help you compare prices, options and amenities . . . [More]

Magic of Asia newsletter *
SARS has hit hard in Asia -- here's the first newsletter (to try to alleviate that situation) from Shangri-la Hotels and TravelWeekly... [More]

New $100 loaded with security features *
The Bank of Canada unveiled a new $100 Canadian dollar bill Wednesday souped up with an array of security features it hopes will dissuade counterfeiters from making duds. [More]

Northern BC Hotel discounts *
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Packing tips for men *
With even lower allowances for baggage on airplanes this year, it's important to pack smart. And for those who aspire to reach their destination relaxed and in perfect order, here is a MAN's guide on how to manage packing with perfection. [More]

Packing tips for women *
With even lower allowances for baggage on airplanes this year, it's important to pack smart. And for those who aspire to reach their destination relaxed and in perfect order, here is how smart WOMEN manage packing with perfection. [More]

Paris Arrondissement Maps: Never get lost in Paris again *
In a world where virtually nothing of any real value is free anymore, let us praise the Paris tourism office for offering its arrondissement maps . . . free! [More]

Passengers paying for everything in flight *
With the price of aviation jet fuel rocketing skyward, airlines are clawing back all the in-flight goodies we've come to expect. They still lose our luggage, though! [More]

Portland and Oregon Hotel discounts *
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Relief for Dad from GAS problems... *
"There's more than one way to relieve gas!" according to Shoppers Drug Mart and Petro-Canada. [More]

SARS: $1 flights to Toronto quickly sell out *
SARS-weary Torontonians flocked downtown last night lured by special deals offered to kick-start the city's faltering economy. [More]

Seattle area Hotel discounts *
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Site59.com *
For the last-minute weekend getaway flight. [More]

Sofitel Offers Winter 'Dream' Getaways *
Value-Added Dream Packages Give Guests Insight to Regional Offerings. . . [More]

Swedes deal blow to euro with big No vote *
Swedish voters delivered a stunning blow to the single European currency yesterday when they voted 56 per cent against joining the euro in a hard-fought campaign that was overshadowed by last week's murder of Foreign Minister Anna Lindh. [More]

The Best Time to Buy Everything *
Bargain-lovers know that there's a smart time to buy just about anything. [More]

The London Pass *
The London Pass is a sightseeing card that offers a variety of benefits to its holder, from free entry to many attractions and public transport to benefits and discounts in shops, restaurants and theatres around London. [More]

The Savvy consumer: How to Travel Wrinkle-Free *
For our fall-into-winter trip, we try to bring as much in solid black as possible -- even pillowcases, a thirsty towel apiece and underwear. This strategy makes doing a one-load laundry more practical, and besides -- black matches everything. [More]

The Seattle Super Saver Package *
The 2002-2003 program begins in October of 2002 offering the best rates you'll find anywhere for selected downtown hotels -- up to 50 per cent OFF! [More]

The Seattle Super Saver Package 2005 *
Seattle's Convention & Visitors Bureau's long-running Seattle Super Saver program now operates year-around and features extensive fall and winter value-added offers and new cultural packages that feature the program's lowest hotel rates of the year. [More]

The Two Best Travel Guides (Keyes overview) *
I've done my fair share of globe-trotting, and for my money the two best guidebook series for major cities are the ones by the Time Out people and the ones under the Eyewitness Travel imprint of the Dorling Kindersley publishers. [More]

The World Almanac 2006 World Atlas (Keyes review) ****
John Keyes finds much to like about the new World Almanac 2006 World Atlas from Hammond . . . [More]

Time Out Paris (Keyes review) *****
Writes reviewer John T.D. Keyes: "There is stylish prose and up-to-date material from front cover to back, even though much of the city doesn't change from century to century." [More]

Time to buy USD & Euros: Loonie hits seven-week high *
The dollar traded at a seven-week high of 88.16 cents (U.S.), close to a 14-year high, from 87.90 cents on Friday. [More]

Tips for getaways on the waves *
This week's tips and news [More]

Transport minister urges calm after terror plot revealed *
Canadians should have no fear about flying, said Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon at a news conference Thursday afternoon. [More]

Travel Bargains -- Kids fly free to Toronto *
Vancouver-based HMY Airways is launching daily Vancouver-Toronto service on June 16 and is offering a Kids Fly For Free promotion to mark the occasion. [More]

Travel gadget: BagFinder (Luggage tags) & HandleWraps (Garber review) *****
These are luggage tags and identifiers that really work, helping your same-as-everyone-else's luggage really "stand out in the crowd." [More]

Travel Savvy: Open-Jaw and Circle Fares *
When is a roundtrip not a roundtrip? When it's a circle or open-jawed itinerary. [More]

Travel Savvy: What new security measures will mean for travellers *
What impact will security restrictions have on YOUR late summer and fall travel plans...? [More]

Travel, 2007-style *
Required passports, higher fees at airports and pre-approved "fast-track" cards are just a few of the new wrinkles that will be hitting travellers in their wallets. Freighter travel, anyone? [More]

TravelSmith *
Whether you're planning a leisurely getaway or an all-out adventure, TravelSmith is your single outfitting resource. [More]

UK insurance claims for lost luggage rise by 40 per cent *
British travel insurance claims for lost luggage have risen 40 per cent this year, as British Airways, the UK’s largest international carrier, has faced a baggage crisis. [More]

Unhappy Skies: Westjet Routes from Hamilton Feedback *
Your article with the comment that WestJet offers a low fare of $166 from Hamilton to Montreal is now irrelevant. [More]

Vancouver Hotel Discounts *
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Vancouver Island Hotel Discounts *
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Watching television from afar: Nemdil et alia *
Want to follow your favourite TV channels or news shows while you travel? [More]

Worldwide Hotel discounts *
Save up to 65 per cent, wherever you travel... [More]

Secondary Sites:
Up to 40 per cent Savings With Shangri-La's Rate Break *
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is offering savings of up to 40 per cent and complimentary breakfast as part of its superb value-for-money Rate Break promotion. [More]

01 -- Bargain Hunter column for the week beginning December 30, 2006 *
The actual Bargain Hunter with Anne Garber column, as seen in TV Week magazine. [More]

Air Canada unveils new no-frills carrier, Zip *
Battling for low-paying customers after a plunge in lucrative business air travel, Air Canada unveiled its long awaited no-frills carrier on Friday, naming it "Zip." [More]

Air France brings you September and October bargains to France from just $275* one-way *
Now is the perfect time to start planning a post-summer trip by taking advantage of these great offers from Air France. [More]

America West Vacations *
America West Vacations is one of the nation's largest sellers of vacation packages to exciting destinations throughout North America. [More]

American Express Business Air Miles *
Earn travel rewards when you pay your business expenses (sorry: U.S. residents only). [More]

American Express Hilton Credit Card *
Earn 7500 Hilton "HHonors" Bonus Points with your first purchase (sorry: U.S. residents only). [More]

American Express Starwood Group Credit Card *
10,000 "Skymiles" with your first purchase (sorry: U.S. residents only). [More]

Brace for weaker greenback, IMF tells central banks *
The International Monetary Fund warned Thursday that policy makers in countries including Canada need to be on guard for the impact of further weakening in U.S. dollar and said this country should see its economy improve later this year after been battered by a string of internal and external shocks. [More]

Canadian dollar punches through 77 cents *
The Canadian dollar punched back through the 77-cent (U.S.) mark early Friday to reach a new 10-year high before sliding to close just shy of that mark. [More]

CHATEAU SONESTA HOTEL OFFERS MEALS TO GO; AND FRENCH QUARTER RENDEZVOUS PACKAGE *
The Chateau Sonesta unveils a new service to accommodate those who fly out of New Orleans. With airlines cutting back food services, hotel guests are now able to order the hotel's "breakfast- or lunch-to-go." [More]

Check out OPUS Hotel online and Check In for FREE ****
Vancouver's newest luxury boutique hotel offers web-savvy guests a chance to win... [More]

Country Inns & Suites gets high survey ranking *
No Hotel Chain Ranks Higher than Country Inns & Suites By Carlson in Customer Satisfaction, according to latest Market Metrix Survey [More]

Discover Card offer *
Earn travel miles with a Discover card (sorry: U.S. residents only) -- and 5000 bonus miles with your first purchase. [More]

Entertainment Book ****
By now, pretty well everyone is familiar with this money-saving coupon book. Now you can even save money on the book that saves you money! [More]

Madelyn Miller *
Madelyn Miller is the Executive Editor of travellady.com, a travel feature site that currently receives more than 80,000 hits daily. [More]

Press release: evalu8.org's Anne Garber begins new column in TV Week *
New column spotlights bargain dining and shopping. [More]

ROYAL SONESTA HOTEL OFFERS TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS *
A "Taste Of New Orleans" at the Royal Sonesta Hotel is a special package designed to give tourists a sampling of the highlights of New Orleans. [More]

Sept. 25: Just 88 Shopping Days Left Until Christmas and 62 Days Until Chanukah *
Combining an endless assortment of unique stores, "Shop and Stay" packages at hotels, inns and B&Bs, gift certificate programs and a colourful roster of seasonal shopping-related events and activities, Southern New England's Mystic Places region is the ultimate destination for filling holiday gift lists. [More]

The good news about a loonie aloft *
Any large increase in the value of the loonie against the currency of our most important trading partner will ultimately hurt us all. True or false? [More]

The Unhappy Skies *
JetBlue and other low-fare airlines once again held the top rankings in a U.S. survey of carrier quality, made public Monday. The survey found that people are flying more and complaining more. [More]

U.S. dollar looks dim compared with gold's lustre *
If you had the chance to look into the future and learn only one thing, what would it be? My choice would be the level of the U.S. dollar -- and by implication the value of the Canadian dollar, the euro and the yen -- because it helps to determine so much of the world's economy and markets. [More]