AIRLINES - new Charges, take that Credit Card!

Airline news - Last Wednesday, American Airlines added a $10 “fuel miscellaneous surcharge” to the vast majority of its fares - but only for travel on three very specific days: the Sunday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29) and Jan. 2 and 3. United Airlines followed suit, others probably will as well.

You’ll note that the Sunday after Thanksgiving is one of the two busiest travel days of the year (the other is the Wednesday before the holiday) — and of course, Jan. 2 and 3 are also quite popular. So, if you can leave a day or so earlier and come back a day or so later, you won't be paying the extra money.

Some of you may remember that, last year, procrastinators were rewarded with lower fares during the holiday period, but that probably is NOT going to happen this year, all of us would be surprised if it did.

Airlines have changed and cancelled (or re-arranged) many of their flights from certain cities...flights to Mexico are already sold out in many areas (important to remember if you are in an area that has people who typically go home to Mexico for Christmas holidays. Which means that the other flights in to LAX will be harder to get as that is one of the cities that is a focal point for going on to Mexico.

ALSO - VERY IMPORTANT - take along a credit/debit card - cash is no longer being accepted on MOST MAJOR AIRLINES for drinks and snacks. If you don't have one with you, it's liable to be a LONG LONG flight.

An African Safari for Christmas or Birthdays

AFRICA - a safari, what do those words bring to mind? Did you think a two man tent by the river? Not today - these are just some images of Africa and safari tent life. Check out the African safari video on the website. We have escorted packages from $3780 per person in January - add a hot air balloon ride for $485! Go via South African Airways from JFK or the West Coast (LAX) (air is not included). These are luxury safari trips with early morning and evening game drives. Plenty of time for relaxation and socializing, with new friends and among the Masai as well. Get to know the local people and their culture while on a marvelous safari vacation. It is something you do not want to miss!! Call or Email us for more info - 888 421 0270 or www.eaglepointtravel.com for info and videos.

Carnival Ships, New Ports, Exciting Departures

Good news for those on the East and Southern Coast lines - Charleston, S.C., will have year-round cruises when the Carnival Fantasy moves in May. The Fantasy, which can accommodate more than 2,000 passengers, will operate multiday cruises to the Bahamas and Key West, Fla.

Then for Alabama, Mississippi etc states - the Carnival Elation, which also holds more than 2,000 passengers, will move to Mobile, Ala., replacing the Fantasy. So there will be more ports to choose from regarding departures to Mexico and the Caribbean waters!

Perfect for weekend getaways, Honeymoon trips and also for Destination Wedding planning. Don't wait til the last minute to make decisions about where and when to go, call (888-421-0270) or email (pma@eaglepointtravel.com) soon. Go to www.eaglepointtravel.com to check out itineraries and start planning for your 2010 vacation.

AUSTRIA BECKONS

Fall is here - check out our various Wine favorites, newly added is the Culinary & Wine Mecca of Austria, you can zip over to Vienna and the surrounding area starting at $1589/3 nights per person (including airfare - JFK - other gateways are always available)