Actually, Google maps works better than you know. Here’s the awful truth.
Google’s street view isn’t really new. It’s been around since May 2007, but they’ve been adding new cities.

Last Autumn, before my family vacationed in San Francisco, we used Google’s Street view to take a virtual walk from the Hotel we chose to Fisherman’s Wharf. We were able to “walk down the streets” in Google maps, look around at all the buildings, until we arrived at our destination. A few weeks later, when we were physically in San Francisco, the experience of *really* walking down the streets was eerily familiar compared to our “virtual walk” in Google Maps, weeks earlier.

Here’s a real-world example. Click the arrows on the street to walk down the street.

Here’s when you can see in which US Cities Google provides a photographic street view.

You are planning to travel the US and you need to keep the communication lines open online with a help of an AOL connected laptop. You already have AOL Broadband on your PC. Can AOL Broadband be transferred to the laptop while you’re traveling?

You no longer need to pay AOL monthly fees to keep up your AOL e-mail address. Here are the details.

Transfer your AOL e-mail address to a FREE AOL account that requires NO AOL software.

Then use your laptop with Internet Explorer and Firefox to see the Internet without AOL slowing you down.

And save hundreds of dollars per year that you’re paying to AOL that isn’t really necessary anymore. AOL’s catastrophic member subscription decline is a true indication that AOL was once a valuable product that has now been replaced by a better, free, non-AOL Internet.

Accor North America owns or operates more than 850 Motel 6 locations in the United States and Canada. When the first Motel 6 opened in 1962 in Santa Barbara, California the nightly cost of a room was six dollars, hence, the name of the chain. Although the average room rental is now $41, Motel 6 remains one of the lowest cost national motel chains.

Cheap rooms are not the only reason Motel 6 has continued to thrive while other low cost motel chains have disappeared. Motel 6 has an easily navigated website for motel information and reservations. Booking on the internet may yield even lower room rates. They even have a budding podcast featuring Mr. Bodett. A branded Motel 6 calling card is available at the front desk. Corporate billing has also opened up the lucrative arena of business travel. However, the ongoing success of Motel 6 has been rooted in not losing its identity as a low cost place to stay with consistent standards for its motels and the services they offer.

There is no room service at Motel 6, there are no refrigerators stocked with expensive gourmet goodies, some motels don’t have swimming pools; but a guest of Motel 6 can be sure of a safe, clean room and a free cup of hot, fresh coffee in the morning. Kids under seventeen stay free in their parents’ room and well behaved pets are accepted. Local telephone calls are free and there is no access fee charged by the motel for long distance calls. Rooms come equipped with data ports. Cable television channels include both HBO and ESPN. Motel 6 has also made sure their lodges are located in the areas their clientele most wants to visit. No inexpensive motel chain has more locations in California. Seniors over the age of sixty receive a ten percent discount and rooms for the disabled are available at every Motel 6. Many motels even have roll-in shower facilities.

So the core of Motel 6 remains its knowledge of its customers. Over the last 43 years Motel 6 has upgraded its facilities and its technology but it has never forgotten that the Motel 6 guest is looking for convenient, clean budget accommodations and when a person chooses to stop at a Motel 6 that is exactly what he/she will find.

When searching for a car to rent online, start with a very general search, being specific can eliminate sites that might have savings packages outside the limits of your search. While a small car is generally less expensive to rent than a large car this is not always the case. Entering specific sizes, makes and models as part of your initial search may keep you from finding a larger yet less expensive rental. Once a search has pulled up a large number of sites, you can begin to weed out those that don’t meet your cost needs.

Odd though it may read, sometimes renting a vehicle for a longer period of time may be less expensive. Many car rental companies offer weekly specials or weekend specials that can be less than a daily rental for a shorter period of time. This is especially true if the rental is going to be for a significant length. For instance, if you are going to rent a car for six days, look at the weekly rate or if you are going to rent a vehicle for twenty-one days, check the monthly rate.

If there is a free frequent renters club join it even if you think you may never rent again. Many times frequent renters have access to better rates. Also, check for discounts given to members of other associations particularly AARP and AAA. Often there are discounted rates for members of credit unions or organizational unions. Check with your employer to see if the business you work for receives car rental discounts. Many employees and/or alumni of educational institutions are also eligible for discounts. Generally a membership number for these organizations will be required when renting online and the membership card will have to be presented when picking the rental up.

Many online travel services also give rental car discounts when the auto is part of a travel package including air travel and/or accommodations. Price the pieces of your trip separately and then price them as a package. Banks and credit card companies may also provide car rental discounts which can be used online.

Finally, be selective about the options you choose when renting a car online. Choosing to get your car on Thursday afternoon rather than Thursday morning can save you money with some car rental companies. Returning the car to the same rental office where you picked it up can be a source of major savings as can returning it with a full tank rather than an empty one. And while you should always be sure that you are fully insured be careful not to be “double insured”. Many times your personal car insurance will cover a rental car. The credit card you use to rent a car may also carry insurance coverage. Be sure, however, to read all the insurance fine print concerning deductibles and theft protection.

Even before 9/11 cruise lines had strict Coast Guard approved security and emergency preparedness plans in place. Every piece of checked baggage as well as all carry on baggage is screened. In addition, cruise lines employ metal detectors, undercover surveillance and canine patrols. Government issued photo identification, passports, visas and/or green cards are all inspected whenever passengers or crew board a ship. All cruise line employees are subjected to strict pre-hire screenings including background checks. Cruise lines also have portions of their staff dedicated entirely to maintaining security.

Still, as in any environment, each guest should take personal responsibility for his/her own safety. Making sure that you are traveling on a reputable cruise line is one of the first and best ways to ensure a safe cruise. One of the main goals of ICCL is to “foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment” and it publishes a list of its member cruise lines.

Whatever the company with which you decide to cruise follow common sense safety practices. Just as you would when you travel by air, keep an eye on your luggage at all times. Much of the crime that occurs on any trip comes from stolen personal belongings. Even more important, be aware of your surroundings at all times and stay in public areas. Lock your door when you leave your stateroom and especially when you are in it, even if you are only making a quick trip to change clothes or pick up an item.

Even though ships are built with accidents in mind, don’t take foolish chances. Most injuries and deaths on ships are caused by avoidable circumstances rather than by highly publicized events like piracy or personal attacks. Wear the proper shoes for being on slick surfaces and don’t clown around near railings. Sightsee only from appropriate areas and never hang over guard rails. Report any unsafe or damaged equipment to shipboard personnel immediately.

Be wary of strangers particularly those who ask a lot of personal questions or who attempt to divide you from people with whom you are traveling. Meet with shipboard friends in common areas rather than inviting them back to your room. If you are cruising with friends or family have a plan in case you become separated or if there is a shipboard emergency.

Listen to all shipboard safety instructions. Take the time to read any legal and safety materials given to you. Participation in shipboard lifeboat drills is mandatory so pay attention to the directions given during this important procedure.

Don’t take being aboard a cruise ship as license to behave in a way that you would not behave at home. Cruise vacations are popular ways to spend a holiday. With a little forethought and effort they can also be amongst the safest.

1. Buckingham Palace
Official residence of the sovereign since 1837, Buckingham Palace includes among other buildings the State Rooms of the sovereign, Clarence Hall and Windsor Castle. During peak months more than 6,000 visitors a day will tour at least a portion of the Palace so online tickets are almost a necessity.

2. Westminster Abbey
Every coronation since 1066 has taken place at Westminster Abbey, no visit to London is complete without a trip there. Although it is relatively low cost viewing hours are very restricted so prior planning is a must.

3. Big Ben
Most people thing of Big Ben as the giant clock which is emblematic of London, however, it is really the name of the massive thirteen ton hour bell inside the clock which was first rung in1859. Limited group tours are available on request.

4. Houses of Parliament
Also known as The Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament are comprised of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and Westminster Hall. Tours of The Palace are open to the public. The public may also view the splendidly combative debates of the two Houses although the members are prone to long recesses and absences so be sure to check ahead.

5. British Airways London Eye
Designed as part of a competition for the London millennium the London Eye is the largest observation wheel in the world. Located on the South Bank of the River Thames across from Big Ben this astounding wheel of thirty-two glass enclosed passenger capsules is not for the faint of heart.

6. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
More than just a kitschy display of wax celebrities, Madame Tussauds now includes a Spirit of London ride, a Chamber Live horror exhibit and Journey to Infinity, a digital experience of the sights and sounds of the Hubble Telescope.

7. Covent Garden
Madame Tussauds, the National Gallery and the Royal Theatre all make their homes in Covent Garden but strolling the Garden itself is a must do tourist event. Originally the pasture and gardens of the Convent of St. Peter, the area was taken over by King Henry VIII in 1548 and later saved from mass retail development in 1773 by an act of the Secretary of State.

8. Harrods
Harrods was opened by Charles Henry Harrod in 1834, burned to the ground in 1883 and reopened in the 1890s. Recognized throughout the world as the one of the premier shopping experiences, it may be best known by modern shoppers for its association with the tragic death of Princess Diana.

9. Hyde Park
Along with Covent Garden, King Henry VIII appropriated Hyde Park from the monks of Westminster in 1548. Its 350 acres now constitute one of the finest parks in world. It is open to the public from 5 a.m. to midnight 365 days a year.

10. The London Underground
Locally known as the Tube, the London Underground transit system is to London as the subway is to New York City. With 275 stations covering the city, the Tube is a generally safe, convenient and inexpensive mode of transport as well as a bit of London history.

If you’ve seen The Roaming Gnome, you know that Travelocity is one of the big players in discount air travel, along with Expedia and Orbitz. Priceline is also a competitor, but we suggest you focus on the offerings of the “Big Three” to get your best deal.

Orbitz has a “Deal Detector” that lets you register a price you want, then alerts you if it shows up. Travelocity has a “Fare Watcher” function that alerts when prices change on a route. You need to do the work yourself at Expeida.

Travelocity and Orbitz let you know when the lowest prices are available. They’ll even search alternative airports near your destination — a key money-saver. So if your schedule is flexible and/or you don’t mind a little extra driving to and from your vacation home you can take advantage of some great far-off departure dates OR a just-around-the-corner special.

Get Connected – We don’t mean that you need to buddy-up to the CEO of an airline company…you need a FLIGHT with connections. Non-stop flights are generally more expensive.

Beware of Consolidators - A consolidator negotiates bulk contracts with travel suppliers and then sells those services to travel agents or the general public. Although they were once a source for good values, today the savings over published fares are often small, and restrictions can be high. Look before you buy!

Membership Has Its Privileges – Membership in a travel club is usually priced modestly…often under $100. In exchange for your membership fee, you’ll receive information about dirt-cheap, rock-bottom unpublished fares.

Prices at theme parks and restaurants are fairly static during the summer, but because of the heavy air travel during those months air fares are high and generally don’t budge.

If summer is the only time you and your family can travel, try and keep your dates as flexible as possible. If at all possible, Talk to your kids teachers and consider taking your kids out of school for your trip (this works especially well with the younger, elementary school-aged kids, who don’t get as much homework and are less likely to miss out on something really important).

Important things first:

Make three copies of your tickets, passports and itinerary as well as your health/trip insurance papers. Put one copy in the bag you carry, one in the bag that will be checked and leave one with a person at home whom you can easily contact.

Pack any prescription medicines that you take regularly. Do not take them out of the bottles that they came in from the drug store. Also, be sure to take a supply of any over the counter drugs you may need. Although most cruise ships have OTC medicines, they might not have the brands you prefer.

Take your driver’s license and auto insurance card if you think you will be renting a car.

Don’t forget your glasses (an extra pair if you have one is also a good idea) and your sunglasses. If you wear contacts be sure and take not just the lenses but enough cleaning supplies for the length of your trip.

If you are taking a cell phone along be sure to take the charger and a current adapter if you have one. Since some cell phones can’t be used in foreign countries, it is advisable to pick up an appropriate phone card, too. Buy a phone card even if you are not taking a cell phone along.

Hopefully, you won’t need to lug a laptop but if you do again don’t forget the charger and current adapter.

Sunblock, a trip length supply of your favorite moisturizer, band-aids, antibiotic ointment and medicinal spray are always good ideas.

A small sewing kit for unexpected wardrobe emergencies can be an outfit saver.

Now for the not quite essentials:

If it’s a warm weather cruise, take a sweater or jacket that goes well with your daytime and off the ship clothes and one for more formal on board events.

If it’s a cold weather cruise, a pair of light thermal underwear can make the difference between turning blue and enjoying your trip.

Whether it’s warm or cold, take at least one pair of shoes with skid resistant soles after all you will be on a ship.

Go through each outfit you plan to wear and make sure to take all of the required items. Try as often as possible to combine items to make multiple outfits. The same pair of pants can be worn for both day and evening wear by changing the shirt and accessories worn with it.

And, remember, you are going to be living in a small space with all your belongings for the whole time you are away. You will enjoy the whole cruise more if you can live in a relaxed, uncluttered environment and packing to come home will be so much less stressful the less you take. After all, it is a vacation.

Don’t do it!

Even if you intend to rent a vehicle from either agency, Just Say No” to your airline “helper” and dial the rental company’s toll-free number directly. (Come on, you can do it!)

What seems to be a polite and convenient referral to a frequent-flier partner might result in your paying more than you have to for a rental car.

Here’s what may happen: you’ll get a really, super-duper, rock-bottom, lowball price over the phone, but when you arrive to pick up the car, the “helpful” counter person will try to convince you to sign up for a lot of extras.

This isn’t news, but it’s something we tend to forget: car-rental employees — even if they say “we try harder” — are salespeople. And what they’ll try harder to do is load you up with as many extras as possible…regardless of whether you really need them.

The most common “overcharge” is for insurance that is already provided by your credit card. Check with your credit card company before you travel to find out what coverage you already have.

Be a Control Freak

There’s what you can’t control (fees that you can expect to pay above daily rental rates are outlined below, but there’s also what you CAN control — rejecting costly options and demanding (in the nicest possible way) your discounts.

AAA and AARP Have A-1 Discounts – Use ‘Em!

If you belong to the American Automobile Association and the American Association of Retired Persons, and other similar groups, you may be entitled to discounts up to 25%, depending on the size of the car, the location and the time of the year…as well as which organization you belong to.

Damage Waiver – Take It or Leave It? (Leave it!)

Don’t be confused: CDW (collision-damage waiver) — also known as LDW (loss-damage waiver) — is not insurance. CDW relieves you of responsibility for damage or theft of a rental car and you are probably already covered by your personal auto insurance policy.

Credit cards often provide this coverage free for 15 to 30 days.

Let’s Get Personal

Personal-injury insurance is for protection for injuries to you or your passengers in the event of an accident. Your own health insurance or the personal-injury coverage in your auto insurance policy is usually sufficient

Personal-effects coverage protects you against the theft of anything left in the car — like your suitcase, a camera, or even golf clubs. Sounds good, but if you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you’re probably already covered. Check your policy for exceptions/exclusions which may include computers, furs and jewelry.

Insurance That’s a Liability

Liability insurance coverage (at about $10 per day) is usually a duplicate of coverage in your umbrella homeowners policy.

It’s Cool to Re-Fuel

Never buy fuel from the rental company if you can avoid it — you’ll usually pay up to a dollar more per gallon. You best bet is to ask for the car with a full tank and then return it full, after purchasing an affordable (but car-friendly) fuel.

Not-So-Secret Agents

Travel agents can scan their computer screens and see who’s offering short-term deals in the city you’re heading to. They also get free upgrade coupons for domestic rentals from the car-rental companies. If they don’t offer you one, ask for it.

Late Fees – Not Just at the Library

Keep your eye on the clock — most rental companies allow a 59-minute grace period (or less!) after a rental period is over. If you’re a renter-come-lately, you’ll pay exorbitant hourly rate until you reach an equally hefty per-diem rate.

Pick ‘n’ Choose

Comparison-shopping is critical, so get quotes from several companies before you make your reservation. Tell one company what another is charging to encourage them to “match” or “beat” their competitors’ rates.

Don’t Be Scared…Be Prepared! (Expect the Unexpected Fees)

Additional charges, such as airport taxes, facility-use fees, and premiums levied by off-site car-rental companies, are par for the course. Consumer Reports Travel Letter has said that these taxes and fees can pad your bill from 10 percent in Memphis to a staggering 26 percent in Phoenix. (Ouch!)

Be sure to ask about these charges when you make your reservation so you don’t get an unwelcome surprise when your credit card bill arrives.