Nightclubs, restaurants, theaters and hotels make this young/old city one of the most exciting places in the British Isles.  There is a strong traditional Irish music scene where folk musicians and Gaelic-speaking regulars jam and swill until the wee hours.  Belfast used to be a music town, back in the 1960s.  Rock star Van Morrison came from East Belfast, as did a handful of successful session musicians who got their start playing alongside Irish fiddles for Guinness-sipping patrons.  One might say that, as Dublin leans towards becoming a global city, Belfast is the best place to find the authentic Ireland.

Much of the nightlife takes place in an area known as The Cathedral Quarter.  Here, former enemies drink together and enjoy traditional music.  Nearby, more rocking bars cater to the younger generation of the new Belfast.

There are also some very old bars in Belfast.  Music, camaraderie and alcohol are not a new combination in Ireland.  Kelly’s Cellars, on Bank Square, was built in the 1720s.  The nearby Maddens was built in 1751.  Both feature lively atmosphere and traditional music.

Belfast is not the easiest city to get to.  Continental Airlines flies directly there from Newark, and a handful of smaller airlines connect the city with London’s airports.  But, once you set foot in Belfast, the city can be walked easily, though an occasional short taxi ride might be required.

New Haven is a mid-sized city in Connecticut known primarily as the home of Yale University.  The city has East Coast flavor, but is unique because of its history and its blend of residential and commercial.  New Haven is densely populated for a city of its size.  Its proximity to New York makes it an attractive stopping off point and even the home of many well heeled, commuting professionals who work in the Big Apple.  As with New York, New Haven has recently experienced a huge drop in crime.  It was never much of a problem in the downtown and in University areas, but now most of the city is safe, at least during daytime and evening hours.

Its residential vibe makes New Haven an attractive and comfortable place to visit.  There are numerous neighborhood cafes and eateries.  In fact, New Haven has, arguably, some of the best independently owned pizzerias in the US.  Most of the city’s best are located along Wooster Street.  They include Sally’s Apizza and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana.

The place to be on a weekend night is on Chapel Street or Crown Street in downtown New Haven.  There are plenty of Irish pubs and live music venues.  Delaney’s on Wooster is a good place for a pint, while modern jazz is always on tap at Firehouse12.  Nearby, Toad’s Place is great for those who appreciate quality indie rock and up-and-coming national acts.

Cyclists will find that New Haven is a pedal-friendly city.  Community bike rides between various venues (libraries, cafes, schools) are held almost daily.  Local bike shops offer rentals and can give you the low-down on what is happening when.

Of course, the ivy-covered buildings of Yale University are worth a visit.  But many people forget that New Haven is a seaside town.  The beaches are quite pleasant in summer and picturesque the cooler months.

A San Francisco-based company is bringing the once famous zeppelin back to American shores.  Currently, there are only three zeppelins in the world.  The other two are in Germany and Japan. Airship Ventures Inc. will be using the craft, which arrived in San Francisco last week, to give aerial tours of the Bay Area.  The tours will start from Moffett Field, a former military air base about 40 miles south of San Francisco.

A zeppelin is larger in length than a Boeing 747.  It has a metal frame, covered with canvas that makes it different from the blimps usually seen floating over college football games.

The tours will be quite costly, nearly $500 per person for an hour-long flight.  Why so much?  It is a novelty, to be sure.  It is also exclusive.  That’s because the cabin can only hold 12 people at a time, in addition to a two-person crew.

Airship Ventures says that the flight will pass over San Francisco, the area’s vineyards, the rugged northern California coastline, the city of San Francisco, and the bay.

People who know their history will remember hearing about the Hindenberg, a giant zeppelin that caught fire over New York, killing more than 30 people.  Since that disaster, no zeppelins have set down in the United States.  But there is little chance that Airship Ventures’ craft will burst into flames.  Modern zeppelins are kept aloft with non-flammable helium.  The Hindenberg, on the other hand, was filled with highly flammable hydrogen.  It was, to use the clique, an accident waiting to happen.

Airship Ventures has ordered two more zeppelins from Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik, the German company who manufactures such aircraft.  One of the two new aircraft will most likely be based in New York, while the other is rumored to be slated for a home base in Florida.

Forbes Magazine recently released its annual list of the world’s best hotels.  The results are based on the research and opinions of a panel of travel “experts” and industry insiders.  The list leans towards the upscale end of the price spectrum.  You won’t find any mom-‘n-pop motels included because of their super-friendly service.  The list is strictly for the big boys.

That said, choosing to lay your head at one of the hotels on the list means you will be getting more than enough in terms of quality and luxury.

Here is a sampling of the best hotels and resorts in the US:

1.    The Arizona Biltmore is at once classic and luxurious.  The décor has been updated, I’m sure, but the broad strokes still have 1920s and 30s written all over them.  Patrons can relive the hotel’s heyday by taking in everything from the dark wood paneling to the classic lighting fixtures.  Once a haunt of famous movie stars taking a break from L.A., the Biltmore continues to be a classic.
2.    The Asian-influenced design at Setai South Beach in Miami is quite detailed.  The rooms are huge (600 square feet) and airy with pan-Asia décor and designer furnishings.  The spa and the three secluded swimming pools make this the best of the class in South Beach.
3.    The Hay Adams Hotel in Washington D.C. is another classic.  It was built early in the 20th century and was recently renovated.  Why stay here?  Aside from the classic atmosphere and the fact that the hotel is a favorite of visiting dignitaries, the views of the White House and the Washington Monument can’t be bettered by any venue in town.
4.    The St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco is one of a kind.  There is an endless pool and a garden where the resident chef grows organic produce for use in the hotels two restaurants.  In addition, the hotel boasts a multi-million dollar art collection that goes along nicely with its location in the hip SoMa district. 

With the economy showing its first signs of life this week, the travel industry has reason to be cautiously optimistic.  After all, this is the worst economic downturn the US, and the world, has experienced in quite some time.  The travel industry has been hit particularly hard.

Airlines have been dealing with higher fuel prices and a significant drop in the number of passengers.  They are trying to stay above water by raising prices, but that seems to only further dissuade potential customers who are worried about spending extra cash on tickets while the economy struggles.  Major airlines expect to cut nearly 10% of their flights over the next few months.  Even budget carriers like Southwest Airlines and Europe’s Ryanair are cutting flights.  Meanwhile, train and bus ridership is up nearly 12%.

Hotels are also feeling the crunch.  Most places report a 5% decrease in reservations from this time last year.  Meanwhile, cancellations of existing reservations have nearly doubled in the past few months.  Some hotels rely on corporate bookings for a major part of their revenue.  So, as companies struggle to make ends meet, Hotels are struggling also.

But there are some bright spots.  Oil prices have fallen, making driving once again a reasonable alternative to flying.  And airlines have been restructuring to cater to customers on a tighter budget.  Though the slowdown has hurt airlines, it has given a higher profile to budget carriers like Southwest Airlines and Ryanair, both of whom survive by offering rock-bottom fares.  British Airways is trying to increase its trans-Atlantic service by offering cheap business class flights with its new subsidiary, OpenSkies.

In many places, investment groups and real estate developers are starting new projects aimed at creating mid-range and budget hotels.  These are signs that the industry is responding to the economy, even if they are a little late in doing so.  Hopefully, when all is said and done, there will be more options for budget travelers in search of cheaper flights and cheaper hotels.

Philadelphia, despite being the 5th largest city in the US, has never been a huge tourist draw.  It has a lot of history, but usually falls behind Boston in terms of drawing tourists interested in the sites that hearken back to the early days of the nation.  Mostly, outsiders see Philadelphia as a city with hard-luck sports teams and poverty-stricken neighborhoods.  True, these are aspects of Philly.  But…

The Old City is where much of the history that Philly is famous for it located.  Visitors to this area will be able to view Liberty Bell and Constitution Hall.  The district also has a growing artist community and is the center of a vibrant nightlife scene.  Young professionals congregate in Old City’s bars.  Things get especially happening on the weekends.

South Street is a center for Italian food and nightlife.  There is a diverse range of activity here.  Visitors could spend a couple of days simply shopping and eating their way through the area.  At night, there are live music venues, nightclubs and bars.  South Philly is also home to the city’s largest parks and all of the pro sports venues (baseball, football, hockey and basketball) in the city.

Philadelphia has decent public transit in the form of trains and buses.  Driving is not impossible.  During the summer, the city’s tourist board operates a trolley bus called the Phlash that connects the city’s major historical sites.  It only costs $5 for an all day pass.

While Philadelphia has seen improvements over the past few years, it still has one of the worst murder rates in the nation.  Most of these killings are gang-related, but robbery and assault are not unknown.  However, most areas are safe, especially during daylight hours.  Using general precautions such as avoiding side streets at night and staying in well lit areas after dark will probably lead to a safe visit.

When you’re preparing to jet off on your next vacation, don’t let missing the flight hold back your travel plans.  Planning a trip can be stressful, and it’s easy to forget about some key details when you’re frantically getting to the airport, picking up luggage and searching for the right gate for your departure.  Since you can’t control what happens after check-in, you need an action plan to keep your travel schedule right on track.  Here are six easy ways to avoid missing your flight:

1.    Pack a light carry on.  Loading up that carry on bag with too many things can slow you down considerably, especially if you’re on a flight schedule that requires multiple stops and airport changeovers.  Pack a light carry on bag so that you can keep moving ahead of the crowds and get to your next stop with ease.
2.    Get your bathroom breaks in early.  Avoid waiting until you find the gate to head to the bathroom.  You may not be able to squeeze in your break if the flight is already boarding, so plan accordingly and hit the restroom as early as you can.
3.    Eat a healthy snack at least an hour before the flight.  Eating a light snack will keep energy levels up and keep hunger pangs at bay.  Avoid the temptation of overeating at meals on your travel days so you don’t end up nauseous during takeoff – or get stuck in the bathroom right before your flight.
4.    Call your airline to confirm the flight.  If you have access to a cell phone on your way to the airport, quickly check up on your flight to make sure everything is still on time and on track. If your flight is delayed, you’ll have some more ‘breathing room’ that may lower your stress levels.
5.    Be courteous.  It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the airport when you’re trying to get form point A to point B, but minding your manners can help you get ahead.  Avoid confrontations with other passengers or flight attendants by being a calm and patient traveler more often than not.
6.    Skip the shopping circuit.  Avoid spending time at the duty-free or newsstands between flights – you never really know how long those checkout lines will be.  Do your shopping in the city you’ve been traveling to, and you’ll easily keep your travel plans on track.

As more people forego their typical travel plans in order to save money, many hotels and resorts are thinking of new ways to capture the avid traveler’s attention.  While discounted hotel stays and flight-hotel packages can encourage some travelers to go ahead with their travel itinerary, many are finding better incentives to book that hotel stay.  Some hotels are now offering gas cards to potential guests as an incentive to save money during and after the vacation. By encouraging travelers to save money on related travel expenses, hotels may be able to lure otherwise home-bound guests to their property, despite the economic downturn this year.
Many travelers have already taken steps to reduce their gas consumption and reduce their dependency on vehicles for local and regional travel.  The rising trend of ‘staycations’ allows many singles and families to forego traveling altogether and explore their neighborhood or hometown instead.  Staying at a hotel has consequently become a luxury for many, and rising travel costs are not making it easy for the average traveler to keep up with their tight budget.
Hotel rates are projected to decrease in the upcoming months, but at a steady rate.  This may encourage more people to book hotel stays and make use of incentives and package deals that help stretch those dollars to their fullest potential.  Loyalty programs are another incentive that can bring back return guests and encourage travelers to continue on with their usual vacation plans. Loyalty programs allow guests to earn points for future rewards such as discounted hotel packages, free overnight stays and other hotel specials that are not otherwise available to the average guest.
Still, incentives such as gas cards may offset some of the costs associated with travel, and smart hoteliers are cashing in on the trend by extending gas card incentives to many traveling hopefuls this year.

While many travelers turn to budget hotels and discounted packages during the troubled economy, some are turning to a new lineup of hotels that offer the luxuries and amenities of condominium living as part of the experience.  The ‘Lifestyle Hotel’ trend is on the rise as more hotel developers and resort managers tap into the growing demand for extended stays and luxury travel that feels ‘just like home.’  From stylish tech-inspired designs to custom family homes, these hotels and resorts are designed to accommodate singles and families for longer than the overnight stay.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts has already jumped into the trend with its opening of Element and Aloft, a set of hotels that accommodate for both short and long-term stays. The difference between this set of hotels and its signature line is the fresh, modern and contemporary design and plush amenities .  These sleek and spacious hotel rooms are designed to be functional living spaces with an ‘upscale, residential ambiance.’  Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units are available, and each are equipped with modern kitchens filled with healthy snacks, a spa-inspired bathroom and flatscreen LCD televisions.  These types of hotels are essentially miniature apartments for guests who want to enjoy the comforts of home while on the road.
Business travelers can also take advantage of condominium-style amenities such as heated swimming pools, state of the art fitness centers, and conveniences such as in-room dining and high speed internet access.  Lifestyle hotels are often accompanied by discounted spa and shopping services in the local area, allowing travelers a chance to make the most of the area while enjoying on-site amenities.  Many also extend loyalty programs and frequent visitor incentives that can be redeemed for future stays and qualify for discounts on packages. Lifestyle hotels  cater to all types of guests who want to relax and enjoy a home away from home.

While many people have long turned to airline mile incentives and frequent flier miles packages to make the most of their dollar, hundreds are now realizing that collecting miles may be a futile effort.   The world’s most popular airlines including Delta and Continental are restructuring their frequent flier programs and reducing the number and scope of incentives for even the most loyal traveler.  These devaluations of airline miles also means higher fees to use up those miles and co-pay agreements that allow travelers a chance to upgrade their awards.
The days of a completely free ticket are giving way to mediocre discounts and incentives that are far from attractive.  Accruing miles for frequent flying is actually becoming more costly to keep up with, especially if travelers miss the deadlines to use up the miles and have to pay fees to redeem points.  Travel experts continue to explain that frequent flier programs aren’t really loyalty programs; they are more of a ‘multichannel marketing vehicle’ that encourage travelers to collect points and use them for discounts on additional purchases.  Car rentals, groceries, phones and even hotel rooms may be available at a discounted rate for these avid travelers, and few actually collect enough to qualify for a completely free airline ticket.
Some airlines are offering alternative options for their loyal customers, giving them a cash back discount and opportunities to enroll in a credit card to rack up extra advantages and benefits instead.  Still, these incentives are not enough to offset the hidden costs.
People who continue to make purchases with high-interest credit cards just to ‘collect miles’ may also be putting themselves at a disadvantage.  Charging a credit card for high-ticket items means interest payments will soon be due, and the extra costs may not be enough to substantiate the cost of a future ticket.  Making sure that the credit card is itself a valuable investment may be in the best interest of the budget-conscious traveler.