Updated
7/29/10

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TRAVEL TOOLS

FLIGHT TRACKER
Based on radar data, Flight Tracker generates online views of the status of current flights. Track a flight by airline name and flight number, or by city and arrival/departure times.  CLICK HERE or access Flight Tracker from the button on the left menu bar.

WEATHER
Get the five day forecast for your destination using the maps or searching by city name, zip code, airport code, country or province.  CLICK HERE

DESTINATION INFO
Search guides featuring food & drink, entertainment, history, tours, where to stay, and much more.  CLICK HERE

VIRTUALLY THERE®
Virtually There® works hand-in-hand with Capitol Travel Service to simplify your travel experience and give you greater access to valuable travel information. Once you have booked your trip, you have immediate online access to an up-to-the-minute display of your current itinerary. Plus, you may choose to use our other convenient travel tools, such as flight notification, eTicket Receipt, eInvoice, weather, maps and driving directions, currency conversions, destination information and more.

To use Virtually There®, CLICK HERE or use the button on the left menu bar.

PASSPORT INFO
Find information and online forms on obtaining or renewing your passport, reporting your passport stolen and more.
CLICK HERE

TRAVELER INFO
Find information on packing your carry-on items, security updates, prohibited items, and much more.
CLICK HERE

PLEASE VISIT OUR RELATED LINKS PAGE FOR MORE HELPFUL WEBSITES AND INFORMATION


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TRAVEL NEWS UPDATES

ITALY TOPS AMERICAN TRAVELERS’ WISH LISTS
The Harris Poll has found that for Americans, if they could vacation in any country in the world, outside the U.S. without any worry about the cost, Italy would be the number one country, up from number two on the list last year. Australia dropped from number one to number two this year; only the second time since 1997 it has left the top spot. The poll by Harris Interactive surveyed 2,227 adults online between June 14 and June 21. Other top spots in the survey were Ireland, up to number three from fifth last year, and Great Britain, which dropped one spot to fourth, and France, which dropped one spot to fifth.  (Travel Pulse)

AIRLINE RESULTS AFFIRM RECOVERY ON TRACK
U.S. airline results on Thursday provided new evidence that the industry recovery is on track, driving shares higher, but the bumpy economy prompted an outlook for slow progress. Continental Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Alaska Air all handily beat Wall Street expectations, reporting stronger profits on rebounding demand and big revenue gains driven by higher fares and new fees. Those reports followed profit reports from Delta Air Lines and United Airlines earlier this week, reflecting the robust revenue trend on higher passenger demand. Earlier this week, US Airways said the U.S. economic recovery was tepid. American Airlines narrowed its quarterly loss, but analysts raised concerns that its growth potential could be limited. (Reuters)

HOTELS TRY TO WIN OVER THE TOUGHEST GUESTS:  TEENS
For teenagers on summer vacation with their families, there seems to be a universal goal: Ditching the parents.  Hotels and resorts are trying to make that easier by offering souped-up teen programs—with Wii contests, sushi-making lessons and poker nights—as well as dedicated hang-out spots for the under-18 set. Think video games and "mocktails."  While hotels and resorts have long offered activities geared to younger children, companies are now realizing they need to offer something fun, and safe, for teens, especially if they want to hold onto families whose kids have aged out of the children's programs. Resorts are also finding that bored teens hanging around the lobby aren’t so desirable. Before Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa extended the hours of its teen program last summer to 1:30 a.m. instead of 11 p.m., "kids would be wandering around the property aimlessly," says Joel Ryan, group manager for entertainment at Sandals Resorts International, which owns Beaches properties in the Caribbean .
Teens say that the new activities and lounges not only give them a much-needed break from vacation-forced family togetherness, but also help them meet people their own age.  Teens are among a hotel's toughest customers: They will skip any program that resembles a children's camp or activity that seems remotely un-cool. The key to attracting teens, some hotels say, is giving them grown-up experiences—and setting limits.  While hotels say they want to give kids independence and a good time, they try to prevent mischief.  Most hotels also employ software to control which websites kids can visit in teen lounges and edit the music collection to keep it PG-rated.  And if a teen program is too compelling, there is a downside: Parents who have spent time and money to take a family vacation may rarely see their child. The teen program at the Beaches resorts, for example, keeps kids busy from 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., including during mealtimes. Counselors will, however, try to coax kids into at least a little family time. Says Beaches' Mr. Ryan, "You are guaranteed to have at least one dinner," with your teen during a week's trip.  (Wall Street Journal)

CRYSTAL OFFERING THEMED CRUISES

Crystal Cruises has planned more than two dozen 2011 Experiences of Discovery vacations on its 2011 cruises. Offerings include a Distinguished Speaker Series through New England/Canada and a new focus on sophisticated floral design in Europe . Other 2011 worldwide special interest cruises include a Wine & Food Festival; Mind, Body & Spirit; Emerging Artists on seven consecutive Alaska voyages; Science & Technology; Jazz; Golf; a Film & Theater Festival; and a Big Band & Ballroom Dance.  (PR Newswire)

"Eat, Pray, Love" helps boost tourism in Bali
Ketut Liyer is a ninth-generation healer in Bali's Pengostanan Village and a leading character in the bestselling memoir "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth
Gilbert. He and his bamboo mat have become one of the top stops for travelers seeking a spiritual tour of Bali since the release of Gilbert's book. An upcoming movie based on the bestseller is only expected to add to Liyer and Bali 's popularity. (Time)

BRAZILIAN TOURISTS FLOCKING TO FLORIDA

Brazilian tourists are flocking to the Sunshine State, reflecting the economic boom in their South American nation, the strength of their currency, easier visa approvals and more flights to Florida . Brazilians now rank as the third-largest group of international travelers to the state, after Canadians and Brits. Their numbers and spending are growing faster than others, Florida travel leaders say. In the first quarter of this year, the number of Brazilians visiting Florida soared 55% from last year to 272,000 visitors, surpassing arrivals from every nation but Canada . Most fly into Miami .  Brazilians' Portuguese is now commonly spoken at Sawgrass Mills Malls in Sunrise, the top tourist destination in South Florida and a favorite shopping spot for Brazilians. The Brazilians generally come in family groups, focusing on shopping-not beaches. Some rent cars to travel to Orlando theme parks or other Florida areas, and increasingly, they take cruises. Encouraging U.S. visits by Brazilians is the simplified procedures to obtain U.S. tourists visas. ( Miami Herald)

WHY DO YOU NEED A TRAVEL AGENT?

Reason #89: You and your fragile, aged, wealthy aunt both love animals, so you thought a “Cougar Cruise” sounded fun.  After seven days of constantly being mistaken for women on the prowl, your aunt has written you out of her will and you figure you’ll only need seven years of therapy to recover from the entire experience.

 

Recall what Warren Buffett said:  "Price is what you pay, value is what you get - Let us help you get the best value for your next trip!

 

MAKE YOUR TRIP BETTER USING 3-1-1
3 –1–1 on air travel = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure

For more details on how these measures affect you read the questions and answers on the new measures. Security Measure Questions and Answers

For more information on the new procedures, click here
or give us a call at 221-4791.

 

 

Talking Travel

"Eating Safely"

While eating new foods is fun and a very large part of traveling to exotic places, you must always remember to eat safely.  What does safe mean?  Safe means choosing foods that come with less risk of making you sick.  In developing areas, soil fertilizer can contain e-coli bacteria.  Raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and seafoods can contain e-coli or salmonella bacteria.  Travelers react differently to various bacteria.  Consult your doctor on techniques for prepping your stomach for travel.  Avoid uncooked fruits and vegetables that are unpeeled.  Well-cooked meats and fried foods can actually be healthier choices than a salad.  Larger restaurants are generally safer than open-air markets.  When visiting the South Pacific, Caribbean, or even Hawaii or Mexico , avoid cold meat and cold seafood platters.  Be aware of local warnings of unsafe fishing in certain areas due to toxins.  If you order your food cooked well and served hot, you’re halfway there.


Check back soon for another "Talking Travel" tip!

CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES

Packing lightly is a largely neglected art for most of us.  Now may be a good time to try it out.  You are still allowed to carry one piece of luggage on board with you (along with a personal item such as a purse or a laptop) free of charge.  If you can get by with one carry-on, not only will you save having to pay the baggage fees but you will eliminate waiting for your bags upon arrival and the risk of lost luggage.  These fees will be collected at the ticket counter upon check-in.  

Here is an overview of the current fees:

FIRST BAG SECOND BAG ADDITIONAL BAGS (per bag)
AIRTRAN $15 $25 $50
AMERICAN $25 airport
$20 online 
$35 airport
$30 online
3-5: $100, 6+: $200
CONTINENTAL $25 airport
$23 online
$35 airport
$32 online
nonstop flights: $75, connecting flights: $100
DELTA: DOMESTIC $25 airport
$23 online
$35 airport
$32 online
3: $125, 4-10: $200
DELTA: LATIN AMERICA free $30 airport
$25 online
3: $200, 4-5: $350. 6-10: $600
DELTA: EUROPE free $50 3: $200, 4-5: $350. 6-10: $600
FRONTIER $15 $25 3+: $50
JETBLUE free $20 3+: $75
MIDWEST $20 $30 3+: $50
NORTHWEST: DOMESTIC $25 airport
$23 online
$35 airport
$32 online
3: $125, 4-10: $200
NORTHWEST: LATIN AMERICA free $30 airport
$25 online
3: $200, 4-5: $350. 6-10: $600
NORTHWEST: EUROPE free $50 3: $200, 4-5: $350. 6-10: $600
SOUTHWEST free free 3-9: $50, 9+: $110
UNITED: DOMESTIC $25 airport
$23 online
$35 airport
$32 online
3-4: $125, 5+: $200
UNITED: LATIN AMERICA free $30 airport
$27 online
4-5: $125, 6+: $250
UNITED: EUROPE free $50 airport
$45 online
4-5: $200, 6+: $250
US AIRWAYS $25 airport
$23 online
$35 airport
$32 online
3-9: $100
US AIRWAYS: TRANSATLANTIC free $55 airport
$50 online
3-9: $100

The above rates are each way and for bags weighing less than 50 lbs. a piece.  Heavier bags have higher rates.
There are exceptions to these policies, such as travelers in First or Business class or those holding elite status with the airline's frequent flyer program.  Policies may change at any time, we recommend that you check every time you fly.  

Please call us at 221-4791 with any questions.

 

SECURE FLIGHT PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Transportation Security Administration's new Secure Flight program began taking effect on Sept. 15, 2009. Secure Flight is a behind-the-scenes program that streamlines the TSA's watch-list matching process to enhance the security of domestic and international commercial air travel.

In accordance with this new TSA policy, travelers will now be asked to provide additional information as part of the Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) requirements. SFPD is being requested for all travelers whose reservations are purchased on or after Sept. 15, 2009, but not for tickets issued prior to this date.

When customers make a reservation and purchase their tickets they will be asked or prompted to provide the following information:

  • FULL NAME (first name, middle name and last name, as it appears on the non-expired government-issued photo ID they are traveling with)
  • DATE OF BIRTH
  • GENDER
  • REDRESS NUMBER, IF APPLICABLE (This is a TSA-assigned number to customers who believe they have been mistakenly matched to a name on the watch list to help prevent misidentification. For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/trip.)

We encourage our clients to update their VIP Profiles with the necessary information.  You give us a call or you can use the online form by clicking here:  VIP PROFILE   If we have a profile for you already you only need to fill out the fields you wish to change or update.  If you have not yet created a profile yet you can use the same link to do so.

For more information on Secure Flight please visit the TSA's information page by clicking here:  TSA Secure Flight

 
If you have already traveled through us, please take a moment to complete our Traveler Satisfaction Survey.  Your input will help us to better serve you in the future. If you would be interested in receiving our eNews, please follow the link below. Have important travel news, vacation package sales, cruise specials, last-minute steals, and more delivered right to your inbox!
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FREQUENT TRAVELER?
Please take a moment to create a VIP Profile!  
This will create a personalized file for you in our reservation system, thereby saving you time and providing greater accuracy when 
making your reservations.

VIP Profile


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CAPITOL TRAVEL SERVICE, INC.
4929 Monona Drive
Madison, WI  53716
(608) 221-4791
(800) 222-4791
travel@captvl.com

 

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