04 MAR 2010:  Dad got more than a detention for this one. The Federal Aviation Administration suspended an air traffic controller and a supervisor after they permitted the controller’s elementary-school-aged child to direct air traffic at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Now it’s been learned that everybody had so much fun, a second child, was allowed the same privileges the following day.  An investigation is underway.

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No idea is too farfetched these days!  A Czech travel agency is offering escorted trips for toys.  In the past week, the venture’s website has logged over 15,000 visitors. The concept is simple -  send them your favourite stuffed animal and they will escort it around the sights of Prague, taking photographs of the stuffed critter against backgrounds like Prague Castle or the Charles Bridge. The company was inspired by the 2001 film “Amelie”, in which the heroine has pictures of her father’s garden gnome posed in front of various world landmarks sent to him to convince him to fulfill his dream of touring the world.

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If there is one universal at this time of year, it’s Christmas lights. During the last month of the year, there is never an energy crisis, only an opportunity to dazzle in the most ostentatious manner possible.   

There is a house around the corner from us in Burlington that is quite famous for it’s Christmas light display.  Yes, we visit and stand in awe every December. 

But now, we will look much further… assembled below you will find videos of some of the most remarkable Christmas displays from around the world.  Accuse them of being wasteful, call them garish, but you have to hand it to them in one respect… they know how to put on a show, and we all love to be entertained!  Festive is truly in the eye of the beholder, as you will see if you click on the following merry links:

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Travel brochures are packed with useful information and pictures, and can be a great help when planning a trip.  In their traditional paper version, they are also bulky, certainly not eco-friendly, and they quickly become out of date and obsolete.   Many of my trusted travel suppliers actually produce electronic versions of their brochures, and so I added a section on my blog site to list them for you.  Just click on ‘E-brochures’ tab!

Although I love to work with my customers in researching and booking their last minute getaways,  I can also if you prefer to do it yourself on-line!   Check out my secure booking engine for all inclusive vacations.  When you book, I will receive an immediate confirmation, and will still help with any questions, issues, special requests, travel tips, and with making sure you receive and understand the trip documents.  Travelonly.com is quick and easy to use, it provides the lowest and most up-to-date pricing, and it’s the best of both worlds: you can book your trip yourself, and still receive the support of a travel agent that you can trust and count on.

With Halloween around the corner, here’s a look at 7 of the Scariest Travel Movies ever made:

The Shining
Jack and his family are stuck in the Overlook Hotel. The Hotel is haunted; it drives Jack crazy (All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!) and he turns on his poor family. Can the mystical force of The Shining save them…? 

Psycho
Marion Crane steals a suitcase of cash and flees to Norman Bates’ remote hotel. She’s the only visitor and things soon get creepy. Norman acts strangely, and who exactly is living in the big house above the hotel? Things are definitely not as they seem… Surely the original hotel-horror, Psycho will leave you reluctant to ever take a shower on holiday again.

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If you are not already receiving my monthly travel newsletter, please sign up in the top right corner of this page!  You’ll get breaking news, hot deals, useful tips, and lots of fun stuff.  Anyone who registers to receive it during the month of August will be entered into a draw for a $25 Esso Gift card!

Published in the London Telegraph

1. A tourist at a top African game lodge overlooking a waterhole, who spotted a visibly aroused elephant, complained that the sight of this rampant beast ruined his honeymoon by making him feel “inadequate”.

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Please enjoy this diverse and inspiring compilation of travel quotes.  I encourage you to put aside some time to read them all.  You’ll see why - there are gems all the way down the list.  I promise that you won’t be disappointed!  You may even find something that speaks to you and even moves you. 

Wise words have a way of touching us when we least expect it:

1. “When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” -Walt Disney

2. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” - Seneca

3. “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” - Jawaharial Nehru

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When I started this blog I wasn’t sure where it would go or what kind of legs it would have.  Now, almost a year later I am writing my 100th post!   That may seem like a lot or a little depending on your perspective, however it is a milestone in any case, and I thought I’d pause from regular scheduled programming to acknowledge it.   

THANKS to the the thousands of visitors that have checked in, and thanks especially for your feedback, your support, and and for sharing links from this page with friends.   If you are new to this site, then feel free to explore - you have some catching up to do!  :)

If you enjoy the content and don’t want to have to remember to stop in, then please sign up for my monthly newsletter in the top right of the page!  Most posts aren’t very long, but I have tried to mix it up so that there is something for everyone.

Thanks again, and feel free to contact me anytime with your comments and your travel questions.

- Kevin