Icons, Fawcett and McMahon

Man, this has been a tough week! Ed, Johnny and all the other things McMahon did in his life - although his last few years were filled with sadness and problems. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Farrah Fawcett - cute, bright, cheery, an icon herself. I can remember cutting my hair like hers years ago, kind of no muss no fuss when you didn't want to and glamourous when you did. Ryan O'Neal - theirs is what love, companionship and togetherness stand for - whether you are married or not, it's the "standing together" in tough times that does it. Comes also from one who knows. To also stay close with friends with Lee Majors, her ex, who has nothing but good things to say. Wish there were more like both of them. Light a candle for all of them, please.

Business Options

Because so many are small business owners out there (even the large ones as it seems no one is protected)..I have a question - feedback would be nice. Do you feel that credit card merchant account companies should "be there" for their customers (you)? Or do you feel they are on their own page and timetable and really don't care?

I forgot, actually, I needed another cup of tea and hit the wrong button...so, here's more de-stress info. Have you cruised and been to Cabo, only to wish you could spend a little more time there...whether to do sports game fishing which can take a little longer (you have a Marlin, but have to get back or be forgotten, what a bummer to say good by to the fish!), duty free shopping or to take advantage of perhaps a little longer tour? Well, you can in 2010, two different dates for an overnight 2 day cruise stay in Cabo San Lucas. (If enough people do this they MAY consider more stops similar to it). Carnival Elation will offer two unique 6-day voyages from San Diego with a 2-day call in Cabo San Lucas plus a call in Ensenada. January 18th 2010 & March 6th 2010 are the two dates with FANTASTIC group rates that will go quick. Call us, don't dawdle with this one! 888 421 0270 or go to www.eaglepointtravel.com and email us!

Getaways? Sail from Florida or California on a 2 or 4 night Carnival cruise for about $100 OFF already discounted prices. Call 888 421 0270.

We all need a pick-me-up, I don't care who you are or where you are, don't let stress rule your life. Our friends at Carnival are making it easy to de-stress!! For those of you in Texas (or anywhere, actually) - read on.. Carnival Conquest 7-day from Galveston - (Montego Bay - Grand Cayman - Cozumel) Balcony Stateroom rates starting as low as $719! Again, Call 888 421 0270, but don't wait neither of these will last and WILL go FAST!

Have a great weekend....we are thinking...rain, rain, go away !!!!

Air travel, prices, Vacations

We noted this today from Seattle newspapers: Major American carriers, including Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have boosted round-trip fares by $20. Delta and US Airways started the trend, the first broad fare increase this year, with separate increases on June 10. "Domestic airlines have been searching for a bottom the past six months, and it appears this hike, along with a slowdown in domestic airfare sales, is the first sign that a bottom may be near this quarter," said Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare.com.

This is a reminder that you need to book your trip (now) early and hold lower fares, even for later this year. Gas, I note, is going up (again), airfare is going up (again), it won't be long before the other components go up as well !!

European fares are still low. Get a group of people together and go rent a villa for a week or two, take advantage of specials and off season prices beginning in September until middle of December/

AIRLINE TRAVEL, ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

This is new and updated information for ANYONE wanting to visit the USA - we want you to visit us so for those who don't always have access to this type of info: here goes -

Secure Flight Program information - all that the government and TSA want these days

Registration and for prior authorization for entry into the USA from countries who are EXEMPT from visa requirements.

Pass it on to everyone you know who may need it. Thanks!

Call or email 888 421 0270 or pat4travel@gmail.com if you need more info.

Vacation Travel to Mali

Kidnapping threats in Mali have prompted the State Department to issue a Travel Warning for the Western African nation. The department is advising travelers to avoid all travel to the north of Mali. Read the official State Department Travel Warning for Mali on travel resources page at .

Paris, Honeymoons, Italy and the Caribbean

Just in the last week I have been almost overwhelmed (but not quite) with requests for Paris, France! What a place for a honeymoon...exploring the Left Bank, Marais area, Eiffel Tower (you can see forever from the top), Notre Dame, a cup of coffee or glass of wine at a bistro table located on a sidewalk cafe. What more could you ask for?

Then the other is Barbados. A lot of people watch the Bachelor series and see all the beautiful beaches of Barbados...it really is available for people not appearing on TV as well. Almond Resorts in Barbados and St Lucia are running a great special --- 50% off on your honeymoon and a free wedding! (Limited time and this offer will not last long).

Umbria and the border of Tuscany where you can have a one bedroom villa of your own, privacy yet still have the company of others when you want. A pool to relax in and plenty to see and do. You are within driving distance to Florence and Siena. You could take the train up to Rome at the end of your weeklong stay at the Estate to see the Vatican, Spanish Steps and more.

For those who want close to home, think Mexico, the other parts of the Caribbean and Hawaii. All have great specials and many include extraordinary specials for Honeymooners. We offer a discount to Honeymooners and a free gift as well.

Come see what we can help you with!

Air France disaster, on-going news

We extend our heartfelt prayers and thoughts to all friends and relatives of those passengers and crew on the Air France plane mentioned below.

From the latest on the Air France disappearance from Chicago based news and NY City: Rescuers are searching a vast swath of Atlantic waters for signs of wreckage from Air France Flight 447, which disappeared Monday in an area of intense thunderstorms. Though one French official said the chance of finding survivors is "very very small, even nonexistent," investigators are eager to recover the Airbus A330's two black boxes, which can emit signals for up to 30 days. The plane's computers sent out automated reports of electrical damage, but they were not sent as distress calls, and the crew never reported any emergency. Early speculation has centered on a debilitating lightning strike, but the 4-year-old aircraft was equipped with an emergency generator to power critical systems after an electrical failure. Experts say it has been more than three decades since a large U.S. jetliner was brought down by lightning. Watch CNN for hourly news as well.

Southwest Information

For those who have Southwest Airlines close for travel, you will find this helpful:
Southwest Airlines plans to implement a service charge for unaccompanied youngsters between the ages of 5 and 11, boost its fee for a third piece of checked luggage, and allow cats and small dogs in carriers in airplane cabins. The changes become effective June 17. The luggage fee is expected to affect about 1% of the carrier's passengers. "We continue to allow our customers to check two bags on Southwest for free, making our baggage policy far and away the most generous in the industry," said Gary Kelly, Southwest's chairman, president and CEO.