This weekend, Peter is broadcasting live from Fire Island, NY.

It’s officially hurricane season, so we’ll get a snapshot of how it might affect your travels, and how to stay safe if your hotel or resort gets hit.

New York-based writer and photographer Michael T. Luongo shares tips and resources for parents with special-needs children, and how they can comfortably hit the road while leaving the kids at home. www.michaelluongo.com

Elizabeth Weiss from USA Today will phone in from Beijing to talk about the city’s must-see monuments and off-the-brochure gems.

New York Times business travel columnist Joe Sharkey is back to talk about the progress on airport security checkpoints and what we can expect going forward

How green is your hotel? Outside magazine’s Kent Black will give us a peek into what the big hotel chains are actually doing to be eco-conscious.

Author Paul Theroux will discuss his book, Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: On the Tracks of the Great Railway Bazaar—a follow-up to his 30-year-old literary classic—in which he explores the lesser known places of the world by train.

And of course … YOU. Call Peter at 888-887-3837 every Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon ET, or email him at peter@petergreenberg.com so he can solve your travel problem on the air.

This show is all about our listeners so keep those questions coming!

When you think of boot camp, you may imagine our military hard at work. Well, in some places, you can make that workout a fun experience at an outdoor boot camp for civilians.

If you’re a glutton for punishment, stop by Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale area, where a guy who calls himself the Health Colonel offers Beach Boot Camp at 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on Saturdays.

These classes cost $15 each and devotees swear that it’s a healthy, fun way to hit the beach.

Or you can whip yourself into shape at the Bikini Boot Camp in Tulum, Mexico.

This six-night program starts at $1,675 and includes beach walks, body sculpting, and Pilates, with swimming and snorkeling in between.

And, if you want to incorporate a vacation into your exercise routine, check out the Blue Palace Resort & Spa on the island of Crete, where you’ll start your day with at least two hours of cardio.

Get more information about Travel Health & Fitness.

Looking for more advice? Click here for more Free Daily Travel Tips.

Texas might be a whole other country, but Miami is practically a whole other continent.

The delicious Latin American influence sets this destination apart and it’s tangible: You can literally see, taste, hear, and feel it.

At the end of a few days in Miami, you will really feel that you got away from it all, whether you’re staying firmly on the beaten path or venturing way off the brochure.

MORE THAN JUST SOUTH BEACH

Undoubtedly, you’ve heard that South Beach is the beach to go to. With bars and restaurants on one side of Ocean Drive and the warm water beckoning on the other, there’s no need to explain why it’s so popular for sunbathing and people-watching. But if you’d prefer something that’s less of a scene and more down to earth, it really does exist, even in Miami.

Key Biscayne is further south, and it’s popular with students from the nearby University of Miami and local families spending the day picnicking by the water. With Caribbean-like water, a backdrop of palm trees, and fewer people, you’re more likely to feel you’re on vacation. Access is by car, over the toll bridge ($1) where US1 and 95 South meet. The drive over the bridge is several minutes long, but seemingly endless as you can see nothing but turquoise water on either side; eventually the downtown skyline will appear on your left and you’ll drift into the oasis of Key Biscayne, away from it all.

DINING – FROM FINE TO CASUAL

South Beach dining can be pricey, and you don’t always get what you pay for. In the case of Wish restaurant, however, the cuisine and the ambiance are worth every penny. Located at The Hotel, on a balmy evening the intimate outdoor courtyard setting amidst lush palm trees and candlelight is exotic and undoubtedly romantic. Presented artistically, the gourmet food is like an abstract work of art: eclectic, vibrant, and with a dash of the unexpected. Few meals will be as memorable. 801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305-674-9474, www.wishrestaurant.com.

Don’t make the tourist’s mistake of assuming all of Miami’s fine experiences are in South Beach. In the nearby wealthy suburb of Coral Gables is 1200, one of the several restaurants at The Biltmore hotel. The setting of 1200 is much like an old-world villa, and as such it does not lack for elegance or a romantic atmosphere. Tables surround the fountain at the center of the outdoor courtyard filled with palm trees and twinkling with fairy lights. Live Spanish guitar adds to the Mediterranean feel, and the menu is a high-class, contemporary take on classic Italian dishes. 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; 305-445-1926, www.biltmorehotel.com.

Part restaurant and part jazz club, the Van Dyke Café makes for a sunny lunch spot when you need a break from emptying your pockets on Lincoln Road shopping, but it’s even better as an evening destination for cocktails and live music. Performances are every night from 9 p.m., and while they vary from night to night, the Van Dyke usually mixes it up between Latin and American jazz. Arrive early to get a seat. 846 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-532-1233, www.thevandykecafe.com.

LATE NIGHTS, LATIN-STYLE

In Miami, you could go to the hottest club to hobnob among celebrities just to say you did, or you could go to Macondo. Less of a “club scene” and more of a happy Latin party, Macondo is the young and beautiful place for dancing to Latin music all night along—and that’s what you came here for, right?

With its Colombian slant you’re likely to hear a lot of Carlos Vives, a Colombian pop star whose rhythms are hard not to dance to when you hear them. This is easily one of the best places to have incredibly giddy, old-fashioned fun. 665 Washington Avenue, South Beach; 786-276-1516, www.macondorestaurant.com.

Okay, okay, if you want something sultry and sexy for indulging your hedonism, try Nikki Beach, where St. Tropez meets Miami. Consisting of a restaurant, nightclub and beach club, Nikki is still one of the trendiest spots in town for both dancing and relaxing. Sunday night is the night to go, and the unspoken rule is to wear white. Lounge around on the beds on the beach, but don’t get too frisky—Sex on the Beach is a cocktail, not a pastime. 1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305-538-1111, www.nikkibeach.com/miami.

ART, DESIGN, SHOPPING AND BEYOND

One of Miami’s local artists is a poster child for artistic success. A native of Brazil, Romero Britto got his start selling his works on the streets of Miami until he was discovered by Absolut Vodka, who signed him on to create an ad. The rest is, well, modern history. Britto is a pop art star whose work is known for its bright colors, Cubist influence, and happy, feel-good subject matter, and such a style couldn’t be more Miami. At Britto’s gallery on Lincoln Road in South Beach you can admire the paintings and possibly a VW Beetle he painted. If the price tags are a bit too hefty, there is also a store with moderately priced gift items. 818 Lincoln Road, South Beach; 305-531-8821, www.britto.com.

Miami design got its start at the beginning of the 20th century, and one of the best examples of European-inspired, jazz age style is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Built in 1916 by James Deering, the house boasts old-world glamour and countless antiques. Wandering through the waterfront property transports you to Miami in its early days, and the elaborate gardens are a welcome retreat from the hectic city. In the gardens you’ll probably see many young women having their portraits taken for their quinceañera, the celebration of the 15th birthday in Hispanic cultures. 3251 South Miami Avenue; 305-250-9133, www.vizcayamuseum.org.

For a bit of a break from South Beach, even if you’re in South Beach, duck onto Española Way, which offers shady streets amid relaxed bohemian boutiques and outdoor cafes. You can find it about 2 1/2 blocks south of Lincoln Rd. Vintage clothing abounds, so if you need an actual 70s gold disco pantsuit, this is the place. Of course, it’s probably worth a look even if you don’t need one.

Need more vintage threads? A 10,000 square foot space on Biscayne Boulevard is home to C. Madeleine’s, one of the world’s largest vintage clothing showrooms. Dubbed by Vogue as “Miami’s best kept secret,” celebrities and stylists flock to the site for unique and rare name-brand styles, including a July 2008 Kate Moss cover shoot for W magazine. Spend an afternoon moseying around the space, which is organized by decade. It’s pricey, yes, but even an historical sightseeing trip is worth it. Plus, they occasionally have a small sale section! 13702 Biscayne Blvd., 305-945-7770, http://shop.cmadeleines.com/

Tucked into a small space on Lincoln Road is Fly Boutique, a trove of goodies for lovers of all things vintage. Catering to both male and female clientele, Fly Boutique carries vintage and new pieces by designers, as well as more obscure finds, like a handbag made from recycled Levi’s, or a lavender lace shrug. Almost all the garments in this shop are in fabulous condition and the prices are reasonable, too, so take your time poking through. You’re bound to find at least one truly unique piece that will make your statement. 650 Lincoln Road; 305-604-8508, www.flyboutiquevintage.com.

THERE’S A LITERARY SCENE IN MIAMI?

An antidote to the party-harder attitude of Miami is Books and Books, a down-to-earth bookstore in the heart of Coral Gables. But this is no ordinary bookstore: Wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves define the inside, while palm trees and fairy lights mark the courtyard.

The design and Latin American sections are particularly good. The cafe is extensive enough to be a small bistro, and the wine bar is an especially nice touch. Author events are frequent, so check the Web site to see who will be visiting when you are in town. For anyone who loves bookstores, Books and Books has personality that the big brick-and-mortar stores just don’t have. 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables; 305-442-4408, www.booksandbooks.com. There is a second, smaller branch at 933 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.

And if you’re interested local culture and history, the Historical Museum of Southern Florida offers a wide variety of tours. How wide?

They’ve got walking tours, private couch tours, boat tours, and even eco-coach tours through the Everglades, with the subject matter ranging from natural history to South Beach Art Deco. One new upcoming event even tours Miami’s cemeteries on the Day of the Dead (Nov. 1), when some of the city’s Latin American and much of its Caribbean (read: Haitian) community decorates and venerates deceased ancestors with everything from candy to sculptures to music. For more information, visit hmsf.org.

By Sumayya Essack for PeterGreenberg.com.

Get more destination ideas with our Off the Brochure Travel Guides.

Find more Florida fun off the brochure with Orlando: Beyond the Theme Parks.

Need info on getting to Miami cheaply and easily? Forget Miami International, (appropriately its code is MIA) and check out America’s Best Alternate Airports.

Madrid Crash Death Toll Rises

American Launches In-Flight Internet on 3 Long-Haul Routes

TSA’s Watch List Continues to Nab Unlikely Suspects

Small City Airports Threatened by Service Cuts

‘Dotty’ Awards Celebrate the Odd Side of Travel

MADRID CRASH DEATH TOLL RISES - MSNBC
A day after a horrific plane crash at Madrid’s Barajas airport, the death toll now stands at 153 people. Initial reports estimated fewer casualties, but rescue crews said the fire and carnage of what has turned out to be Spain’s worst air disaster in 25 years ultimately claimed the lives of all but 19 of the people on board the Spanair flight bound for the Canary Islands. The official cause of Monday’s crash is unknown, but witnesses said they saw flames coming from one of the engines shortly before liftoff. A Spanair spokesman said the plane passed an inspection in January and no problems had been reported since then.

Link: MSNBC

AMERICAN LAUNCHES IN-FLIGHT INTERNET ON 3 LONG-HAUL ROUTES – Associated Press
On Wednesday American Airlines introduced Internet service on certain non-stop routes, including New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. The service, which costs $12.95 per flight, will allow passengers to check email and surf the Web from their seats. Internet-based phone calls will be blocked, but pornographic sites will not, which has raised some concerns amongst travelers who have children. However AA officials say that their existing procedures for dealing with unruly passengers should be sufficient should any problems arise.

Link: Associated Press

TSA ‘WATCH LIST’ NETS UNLIKELY SUSPECTS - CNN
Many ordinary people whose names are similar to or the same as those in the Transportation Security Administration’s database are finding it hard to travel, and they are not happy about it at all. Airline pilots, lawyers, even children as young as five years old are being subjected to additional scrutiny at airport checkpoints, all because they share names with people who are flagged as “suspicious” by the TSA. The hassles have created a groundswell of opposition from some prominent lawmakers, who are urging the TSA to fix the problems with what many view as a burdensome and possibly even ineffective database.

Link: CNN

SMALL CITY AIRPORTS THREATENED BY SERVICE REDUCTIONS - Washington Post
As airlines struggle financially and cut back services, small city airports are the ones bearing the brunt of the reductions. Facing flight reductions of up to 50 percent, they are halting expansion projects, freezing hiring and trying to diversify into cargo and non-commercial air business because they know that the fate of the airport is not the only thing at stake. The health of the whole town is often linked with the health of the airport, but industry experts say that as long as fuel prices stay high, air carriers will stay away.

Link: Washington Post

‘DOTTY’ AWARDS CELEBRATE THE ODD SIDE OF TRAVEL - MSNBC
People do the zaniest things on planes. So zany in fact, that they can now win awards for their antics. The so-called “dotty” awards, in honor of the Department of Transportation, commemorates people such as the intoxicated woman who tried to storm off a plane that was 30,000 feet over Austria, after flight attendants refused to give her more drinks. And the impatient first-class passenger who activated the emergency slide after getting angry that coach passengers were allowed to disembark before him. And don’t forget the Denver man who suggested that all passengers should smoke marijuana before boarding to reduce the likelihood of “air rage.”

Link: MSNBC

Want to see other recent Travel News Roundups? Click here.

Or, check out more travel news you can use in our main Travel News section.

Looking for even more in-depth news coverage of the week’s top stories? Visit our Travel News Analysis Category.

Imagine you are 32 years old. You are five months pregnant.

You are sitting on the couch watching Pee-Wee Herman with your 18-month-old daughter nestled in your lap.

Life could not be sweeter or feel more complete. Then a bomb goes off in your brain.

At the hospital, the doctors give you little chance of surviving a profound cerebral hemorrhage.

So you say good-bye to your husband and beg him to keep your memory alive for your daughter. But after 10 hours of surgery you miraculously find yourself whole, complete and contemplating the meaning of life.

No one would blame you if you decided to hunker down and play it safe. But that’s not what Diane Terry did. Instead she chose to live her life as if Helen Keller’s words were etched on her soul.

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”

“Once my aneurysm shattered the illusion of safety,” says Diane, “I knew my life would be about exploring the world. And my passion—my creative endeavor as I call it—would be convincing other women to do the same.”

And so, for the past 12 years, Diane and her company, Unleashed Adventures, have taken women trekking through the Himalayas, river rafting in Patagonia, on camel safaris in Africa and rock climbing on the Easter Islands— all with a healthy dose of high-end indulgence thrown in. (This is a vacation after all).

The hardest part of any trip? “Convincing women to come along,” says Diane. “If you haven’t had a life-shattering experience, it’s so easy to cling to the idea that you are safe staying home and being a mommy or a wife or a colleague. Talking women into leaving the kids and husband or job behind and making time for themselves is a huge undertaking.”

Diane continues, “What keeps me going is seeing women who were afraid to take chances suddenly becoming aware of their amazing potential. That, and the laughter, support and friendship that makes these trips so different than the ones I do for men or families.”

If Diane had any doubts about leaving her own family to guide others through the world, they ended on September 11, 2001. “When I first met him, my husband worked on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center,” says Diane. “He changed jobs and locations, but we lost five close friends on that beautiful, sunny autumn morning simply because they went to work.”

And so Diane continues to help people shatter “the illusion of safety” and find the strength and wonder in themselves instead.

Does she ever get scared? “Sure I have fears. But my biggest one is leaving this world without the Serengeti or Tibet in my memory bank. I know there’s no point in counting on the future and I don’t want to die with regrets.”

By Jamie Simons for PeterGreenberg.com. Photo credit (top): Diane Terry.

Check more articles from the Grateful Traveler series.

Don’t miss the special two-part series that will tug at your heartstrings and perhaps change your entire view of China: Grateful Traveler: Two Worlds, One Child. Part 2 of One Child, Two Worlds is here.

A hotel concierge can be one of your best resources to finding out where to go and what to do in a city, but these days, some hotels are going high-tech with their information services.

At the Hotel Sax in Chicago, guests with Windows Smartphones can stay in contact with the concierge and send instant messages from their room.

The hotel concierge can even send discount coupons directly to you while you explore the city.

At New York’s high-tech Pod Hotel, the hotel’s online concierge sends a daily “Survival Guide” with travel tips and information on free events and activities in the city.

The hotel’s online community lets you chat with other guests to stay informed.

And, Boston’s Hotel Commonwealth has installed a virtual concierge in all of the guest rooms—this large-screen phone system allows you to see the local weather, track flights, and get information on local restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

Get more information on accommodations in our Hotels section.

Looking for more advice? Click here for more Free Daily Travel Tips.

When most people thinking of cruises, they probably imagine giant ocean liners with rock climbing walls and multiple buffets.

But a cruise doesn’t have to mean a big boat, or even an ocean-going one.

Instead, a great way to see a destination up close and personal could be a river cruise.

Check out some great river cruises in this video…

Talk about and rate this video on YouTube: River Cruising.

If you haven’t seen it, the official Peter Greenberg YouTube channel has a lot of video tips. Or watch more videos on PeterGreenberg.com.

Interested in more river cruises? Don’t miss Barging Through Europe.

153 Killed in Madrid Airport Crash

Round-the-World Helicopter Pilots Break Record

Jumbo Jets Become Increasingly Rare

Fewer Americans Traveling to Canada, Eh?

Northwest Rejects Anti-Nuclear Ad as “Inappropriate”

Quake-Ravaged Chinese Province to Invest Billions to Restore Tourism

153 KILLED IN MADRID AIRPORT CRASH - MSNBC
A Spanish jet taking off from Madrid’s Barajas airport crashed Wednesday morning, killing 153 people. The Spanair plane, which was bound for the Canary Islands, reportedly began experiencing engine trouble during liftoff, then veered off the runway, crashed and caught fire. Nineteen of the 173 people on board were injured. Dozens of firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene of the crash, which was in a wooded area near the end of the Terminal 4 runway.

Link: MSNBC

ROUND-THE-WORLD HELICOPTER PILOTS BREAK RECORD – Aviation.com
Two American men have broken the world record for circumnavigation of the earth in a helicopter, accomplishing the feat in just under two weeks. The pair set out on August 7 from LaGuardia airport in New York and touched down again on Monday, and in the process shattered the previous record of 17 days. The journey was not all smooth sailing, however: The duo encountered engine trouble, landing clearance problems at one airport, and fuel-supply issues at another. They stopped their AugustaWestland 109 Grand chopper more than 80 times to refuel.

Link: Aviation.com

JUMBO JETS BECOME INCREASINGLY RARE – USA Today
With airlines cutting back air service due to the rising cost of jet fuel, wide-body jets such as 747s and 767s are the primary casualty. An analysis of domestic flight statistics reveals that use of the jumbo jets is down by almost one-third compared to a year ago, as airlines switch to narrower, more fuel-efficient aircraft. The jets, which are often preferred by passengers because they fly more smoothly and are easier to board, are increasingly being reserved for international long-haul flights.

Link: USA Today

FEWER AMERICANS TRAVELING TO CANADA, EH? – Canadian Press
Fewer Yanks are crossing the northern border this year, and it’s mainly because of the rising value of the Canadian dollar, according to a travel industry group. Though the rising price of gasoline is also a factor in the tourism slump, the Hotel Association of Canada said that border delays and confusion over what travel documents are needed are also causing Americans to stay away. Canada saw 13 percent fewer U.S. visitors in June 2008 than in June 2007.

Link: Canadian Press

NORTHWEST REJECTS ANTI-NUCLEAR AIRPORT AD AS ‘INAPPROPRIATE’ – MSN Money
Representatives from Northwest Airlines have asked ClearChannel Communications to remove an ad from the concourse at Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport after complaints from customers and employees. Northwest said that the ad, which was placed by the Union of Concerned Scientists in advance of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, was too political and scary, and added that the use of the word “bomb” was inappropriate for an airport. The ad depicts the city of Minneapolis with target crosshairs superimposed on it, and reads “When only one nuclear bomb could destroy a city like Minneapolis … We don’t need 6,000” and was intended as a plea to presidential candidates to reduce the American and Russian nuclear arsenals.

Link: MSN Money

QUAKE-RAVAGED CHINESE PROVINCE TO INVEST BILLIONS TO RESTORE TOURISM – Xinhua
Sichuan province in China, the scene of massive property damage and loss of life after the May 12 earthquake, plans to spend 80 billion yuan ($11.6 billion) to bring tourists back to the province. Some of the money will be used to rebuild roads, hotels and tourist attractions damaged by the quake, and some to restore the world’s confidence in the region, parts of which were left unscathed. There are more than 4,000 scenic and historic sites in Sichuan, but the quake affected 360 of them.

Link: Xinhua News Agency

Want to see other recent Travel News Roundups? Click here.

Or, check out more travel news you can use in our main Travel News section.

Looking for even more in-depth news coverage of the week’s top stories? Visit our Travel News Analysis Category.

For many folks, it’s the season to head to the beach. Here are some travel gadgets that you may not want to leave home without.

Worried about leaving your valuables on the beach?

Yelpie is a water-resistant portable safe that stores your keys, credit cards, and other small items, and a siren will sound if anyone tampers with it.

If you’re worried about over-tanning, try the Personal UV Monitor by Oregon Scientific.

It costs less than $25, and monitors the level of UV radiation and the temperature, and it will alert you when it’s time to get in the shade based on your skin type.

And, here’s something crazy for you surfers out there: for about $600, you can attach a Shark Shield to your board.

It creates an electrical field to keep the sharks away—if they come within range, it causes their muscles to spasm.

And if used properly, they promise you won’t get electrocuted when you wipe out!

Get more info on great travel gadgets here.

Looking for more advice? Click here for more Free Daily Travel Tips.

It’s been a wild week in the world of travel, again.

You may have noticed that British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia are getting together.

Pretty soon there’s only going to be one airline and we’re all going to be sitting in the back of the plane with one tuna fish sandwich. Actually, let me amend that, we’re going to be sitting there with a photograph of a tuna fish sandwich.

Boy, Richard Branson is going to launch missiles on this one.

You might remember when American and BA tried to get together a couple of years ago, he painted the sides of his planes with “AA/BA, No Way.” Well, you know what, this time, there may be a way.

All three of these airlines are claiming it’s going to be great for consumers—it’s going to streamline their schedules, it’s going to result in more choices. You know, I don’t see it guys.

Every time a bank merges and they say no jobs will be eliminated and no branches will close, three days later you’re on your hands and knees begging to an ATM machine seven zip codes away. So watch out.

Especially if you’re traveling over the North Atlantic if this deal goes through. They’re going to combine flights and they’re going to dominate all the traffic over the North Atlantic, using Heathrow (my favorite airport … not) as a hub to connect through Europe.

They wanted to get that announcement done very quickly, and do you want to know why? They want to get in before the Bush administration leaves because the Bush administration wouldn’t know an anti-trust case if it saw one.

I’m really going to appeal to all the airlines to tell me why merging is going to benefit me. OK, time’s up. The answer is that there is no answer. It’s not going to benefit me.

AIRLINE PR NIGHTMARE

The other story that happened last week was a public relations disaster. Gee, a public relations disaster for an airline. It was about charging U.S. servicemen to check bags when they were on active duty.

It’s bad enough that they nickel and dime us. Why would they nickel and dime the people who are serving our country? This is nuts. It’s just indicative of what happens when the accountants start running the business. They’re all crazy, they’re absolutely crazy.

We can make jokes all day long about U.S. airlines charging us for water (that is, if they’re even carrying water). I love this—they’re going to charge for water unless you have to take medication. So what I said before and I’ll say it again, go to any drugstore or candy store, buy some M&Ms, claim it’s medication, and inform them that you’ll go into an acute depression if you don’t take your pills.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL SEPTEMBER

Airfares, believe it or not, are starting to come down in select markets. But it’s not happening in certain markets: Anytime there’s a downturn in the economy, there are four locations in this country that get nailed in terms of airlift and fares.

They would be Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, and Hawaii because the airlines consider them leisure markets. They don’t care about them because even though the flights are full, there are no business-class passengers on those flights to make a difference. So they cut the capacity, fares go up, and you’re stuck in the middle seat next to the Sumo wrestler.

What you need to do is look on the Web sites now. Don’t necessarily book on the Web sites, look on them and then talk to a human being.

Don’t wait until September. You can find some great airfares now in Europe. You know why? Because while they cut capacity here (due to deregulation, anyone can fly anywhere at anytime), in Europe because of bilateral agreements and competitive reasons, they can’t cut capacity overseas or they’ll lose the routes.

So between September 15 and around November 17, and also around the first two weeks of December, you can go bowling on some of those flights.

The bottom line is that because if there’s availability, this is the one chance you’ve got to redeem those frequent-flier miles. You won’t have to book 330 days in advance. But this is not going to last very long.

Remember, the airlines have to fly the routes whether the plane is full or not. If you wait, don’t say I didn’t warn you because come next year, it’s only going to get worse.

FAREWELL TO AIR SERVICE

We’re soon going to see 80 to 100 U.S. cities—that’s right, you heard me—that are either going to have severely reduced air service, or no air service at all by January because the airlines are pulling out. If you think that we’re going to see increased flights across the North Atlantic if the American/BA/Iberia deal goes through, you are delusional.

The same thing goes for Northwest and Delta, which, by the way, received ratification last week from the EU that they’re okay to merge on their end of the deal. The pilots have basically signed onboard, so it’s now up to the U.S. government and regulatory agencies to approve it.

And you know what? They will. So if you live in Memphis, Minneapolis and Atlanta, bye-bye …

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