There are too many travel-related apps out there to count, so how do you know which ones you need?

I’ve included some of my favorites to get you started:

For Overseas Travel:

*Oanda Currency Converter (calculates exchange rates for close to 200 currencies and is specific to credit card or cash transactions). FREE.

*iTranslate (approximately 50 languages available; just type in word or phrase to get the translation). FREE.

For Air Travel:

*FlightTrackPro (tracks flights, send notifications for gate changes, delays, etc.). $.

*Kayak (enter travel dates and destinations and it will give you list of best options). FREE.

For Accommodations:

*TripAdvisor (reviews of hotels, attractions, restaurants, etc. almost anywhere in the world). FREE.

*Priceline Hotel Negotiator (for those searching for the absolute cheapest options). FREE.

For Cruises:

*iCruise’s CruiseFinder (has a huge database that allows you to search cruise lines, itineraries, see cabin and deck layouts, and much more). $. iPhone/iPad only.

*Cruise Card Control (can set a realistic budget and easily keep track of shipboard purchases). $. iPhone/iPad only.

For Road trips:

*Google Maps Navigation (complete GPS service). FREE.

*Roadside America (find weird, unusual, and memorable things to do all over America). $. iPhone/iPad only.

Runner Ups:

Gusto.com (provides some travel discounts and lets members post travel tips, blogs, and photos). FREE.

Zagat To Go (has reviews for thousands of dining options in more than 100 cities throughout America and can use it to make reservations and get directions). FREE.

Facebook offers an app to allow members to upload photos on the spot or have a live feed of activities). FREE.

This adapted excerpt is from The Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel: Save Up to 90% on Lodging, Flights, Tours, Cruises, and More!

Planning to attend this festival?

Here’s How to Have Fun at Mardi Gras and in New Orleans…

Mardi Gras, “Fat Tuesday”, is the last day of the Carnival season. It always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, which is February 21 this year. Most visitors will arrive this weekend so they can enjoy all the festivities. Also, hotels generally require a minimum of four-night stays during Mardi Gras.

Here are some tips for enjoying Mardi Gras:

*The French Quarter is closed to vehicles during Mardi Gras. In fact, it is best to park your car and don’t move it. You might get ticketed or towed and parking is at a premium with the city full of thousands of visitors. (A good estimate is 500,000 parade attendees). There are several public transport options. Talk to your concierge or front desk clerk to learn the best options given your location.

*You need reservations to get into most restaurants during this busy time.

*Don’t take children.

*Don’t wear or pack valuables and be careful when out in the streets. There are lots of police patrolling the city during Mardi Gras but it is still a city that has a high crime rate, especially for pickpocketing.

Most hotels book up months in advance but you can still luck up with a cancellation. www.bestneworleanshotels.com

New Orleans has lots to offer in addition to Mardi Gras and first time visitors should check out some of these attractions. To find good deals and discounts, check out www.neworleanscoupons.com

Speaking of stuff to do while visiting “NOLA,” also known as “The Big Easy” and “Crescent City,” here’s my list of top ten:

1. Dine at Antoine’s, a tradition since 1840 (if you can get a reservation).
2. Drink a tasty and potent ‘Hurricane’ at Pat O’Brien’s (comes in a cool souvenir glass)
3. Visit Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo
4. Go to a jazz club (NOLA is the home of jazz)
5. Pick up a gourmet coffee and beignets in one of the French Quarter cafes and enjoy a mid-morning picnic at scenic New Orleans City Park
6. Visit the awesome Aquarium
7. Shop and stroll the French Quarter
8. Check out Riverwalk
9. Try a King Cake (a popular custom is the baking of a special cake in honor of the three kings and inside every cake is a tiny plastic baby. The cakes are festive looking with Mardi Gras colored icing of gold, green, and gold and taste delicious!
10.  Go to the parade or if you can’t handle the crowds, visit the Rivertown Mardi Gras Museum and Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum (incredible collection of Mardi Gras costumes that were made in France)

For more information, visit www.neworleansonline.com

UPDATE! A few days ago I wrote a post about a new NPS regulation requiring permits for all ORVs to access OB beaches (see below). Soon thereafter, The Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance filed a lawsuit against the new regulation. The NPS says it was done to protect turtles, shore birds, and other wildlife. The alliance says there is no proof that off-road vehicles on the beach does any damage to wildlife. Environmental groups have already begun denouncing the lawsuit.

The National Park Service is initiating an ORV (off-road vehicle) plan for Outer Banks beaches. This new regulation will go into effect on February 15, 2012. Some things you need to know before you go:

Every vehicle must have its own ORV permit. No piggybacking off someone else’s permit.

You must not exceed the speed limit, which is 15mph, unless otherwise posted.

There are two types of permits: ($50) weekly and ($120) annually. Note: No day rate but there is limited access on Hatteras and Ocracoke beaches.

The permits may be obtained at NPS offices during normal business hours, seven days a week, at:

*Bodie Island at the north end of the Coquina Beach parking lot (8101 NC 12 Highway, Nags Head, NC);

*Hatteras Island by the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (46368 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC);

*Ocracoke Island by the NPS visitor center (40 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke, NC).

You must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration. You will be required to fill out a form, pay the fee, and watch a brief educational video.

The permit must be prominently displayed on your vehicle while engaging in off-road driving. Maps are available that show designated ORV areas at the permit offices and OB visitor centers, as well as on their website, www.nps.gov/caha

For more information, call 252-473-2111 or visit the park website.

Be advised…

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Transportation Secretary  Ray LaHood has announced new airline passenger protections that will require  airlines to reimburse passengers for bag fees if their bags are lost, provide  consumers involuntarily bumped from flights with greater compensation, expand  the current ban on lengthy tarmac delays, and disclose hidden fees.  The rulemaking finalized today builds on  passenger protections issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation in  December 2009, which prohibited U.S.  airlines operating domestic flights from permitting an aircraft to remain on  the tarmac for more than three hours, with exceptions for safety, security and  air traffic control related-reasons.  The  rule also required U.S.  airlines to provide basic services such as access to lavatories and water in  the event of extended tarmac delays.

“Airline  passengers have a right to be treated fairly,” said Secretary LaHood.  “It’s just common sense that if an airline  loses your bag or you get bumped from a flight because it was oversold, you should  be reimbursed. The additional passenger protections we’re announcing today will  help make sure air travelers are treated with the respect they deserve.”

Lost Bags and  Bag Fees. Airlines will now be required to refund any fee for carrying a bag if the bag  is lost.  Airlines will also be required  to apply the same baggage allowances and fees for all segments of a trip,  including segments with interline and code share partners.  Airlines are already required to compensate  passengers for reasonable expenses for loss, damage or delay in the carriage of  passenger baggage.

Full Disclosure  of Additional Fees. Airlines will also have to prominently  disclose all potential fees on their websites, including but not limited to  fees for baggage, meals, canceling or changing reservations, or advanced or  upgraded seating.   In addition, airlines  and ticket agents will be required to refer passengers both before and after  purchase to up-to-date baggage fee information, and to include all government  taxes and fees in every advertised price.   Previously, government taxes and fees were not required to be included  in the up-front fare quotation.

In  addition, the rule announces that the Department will issue a supplemental  notice of proposed rulemaking later this year that would require, among other  things, that ancillary fees be displayed at all points of sale.

Bumping.   Today’s rule doubles the amount of  money passengers are eligible to be compensated for in the event they are  involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight.   Currently, bumped passengers are entitled to cash compensation equal to  the value of their tickets, up to $400, if the airline is able to get them to  their destination within a short period of time (i.e., within 1 to 2 hours of  their originally scheduled arrival time for domestic flights and 1 to 4 hours  of their originally scheduled arrival time for international flights).  Bumped passengers are currently entitled to  double the price of their tickets, up to $800, if they are delayed for a  lengthy period of time (i.e., over two hours after their originally scheduled  arrival time for domestic flights and over 4 hours after their originally  scheduled arrival time for international flights).  Under the new rule, bumped passengers subject  to short delays will receive compensation equal to double the price of their  tickets up to $650, while those subject to longer delays would receive payments  of four times the value of their tickets, up to $1,300.  Inflation  adjustments will be made to those compensation limits every two years.

Tarmac Delays. The new rule  expands the existing ban on lengthy tarmac delays to cover foreign airlines’  operations at U.S. airports  and establishes a four hour hard time limit on tarmac delays for international  flights of U.S. and foreign  airlines, with exceptions allowed only for safety, security or air traffic  control-related reasons.   Carriers must  also ensure that passengers stuck on the tarmac are provided adequate food and  water after two hours, as well as working lavatories and any necessary medical  treatment.       The  extended tarmac delays experienced by passengers on international flights  operated by foreign carriers at New York’s JFK Airport during the December 2010  blizzard was an important factor in the Department’s decision to extend the  tarmac delay provisions to foreign air carriers and establish a four hour  tarmac delay limit for international flights.

The  Department of Transportation’s rule will make air travel simpler and easier in  a number of other ways, including:

• Requiring  airlines to allow reservations to be  held at the quoted fare without payment, or cancelled without penalty, for  at least 24 hours after the reservation is made, if the reservation is made one  week or more prior to a flight’s departure date.
• Requiring  airlines to promptly notify consumers of delays of  over 30 minutes, as well as cancellations and diversions.  This notification must take place in the  boarding gate area, on a carrier’s telephone reservation system and on its  website.
• Banning post-purchase  fare increases unless they are due to government-imposed taxes or fees, and only if the  passenger is notified of and agrees to the potential  increase at the time of sale.
• Requiring more  airlines to report lengthy tarmac delays at U.S.  airports with DOT, including data for international flights and charter  flights.  Previously, only the 16 largest  U.S. passenger carriers were  required to file this data, and only for domestic scheduled flights.

Secretary  LaHood announced the first airline consumer protection rule in December 2009,  and that rule has resulted in the near-elimination of lengthy tarmac delays.  Between May 2010 and February 2011, the first full 10 months the rule was in  effect, the largest U.S.  airlines reported only 16 tarmac delays of more than three hours, compared to  664 from May 2009 through February 2010.   The new rule also required these airlines to post on-time performance  information for each domestic flight they or their code-share partners operate.
Most provisions of the rule will  take effect 120 days after its publication in the Federal Register.  The final  rule, proposed rule and comments are available on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket  DOT-OST-2010-0140.

As evidence that the crackdown on piracy has been successful, Somali pirates have resorted to a new form of piracy. They are now going ashore and kidnapping anyone they feel they can extract a ransom on, such as businessmen, doctors, journalists, missionaries, and aid workers.

Last fall, pirates kidnapped a female American aid worker and a male Danish aid worker. A few days ago, U.S. President Obama gave the go ahead to a team of Navy Seals to go in and rescue them. It was the same SEAL team that killed Osama bin Laden last May. The end result for this Somali Hostage Rescue operation was nine dead kidnappers and two freed hostages who are now safely back home. The rescue was deemed necessary because one of the aid workers was seriously ill and the other in need of medication, according to government intel.

Unfortunately, several hostages are still being held in Somalia, including a British tourist, an American journalist, and two Spanish doctors (who were grabbed from neighboring Kenya). This latest trend begs the question, will piracy ever end or just evolve?

(01/25/12) Congratulations to Felicity!  She has now officially become the first woman to traverse the Antarctic alone. After 1744km and 59 days, she has reached Hercules Inlet on the Ronne Ice Shelf and completed her journey. Due to bad weather, she will be spending a final night alone on the ice before a plane takes her back to civilisation tomorrow – and the promise of red wine and hot shower!

(01/08/12) Update: Felicity made it to the South Pole! She was accomplished half the amazing journey. She still has alot of ground to cover, which will most likely be more challenging than the first part of the trip. She has to reach her destination by January 26, which is when her flight departs. She has been told that they may be able to delay a couple of days, but due to the weather, that would be the most time they could give her. So, we wish her luck as she tackles the last leg of her Antarctica Adventure. Go Felicity!

(12/27/11) This is an update on my earlier post about British adventurer, Felicity Aston, who set out 26 days ago on her 70-day adventure trek. She is skiing across the Antarctica continent and if successful, will be the first person using only muscle power to cross Antarctica alone. Her goal is to complete the 1,000-mile journey by late January. If she makes it, she will also set a record for the longest solo polar expedition by a woman. At this stage, she is a little behind schedule due to some bad weather but is due to reach the Pole at any time. She remains in good spirits, thanks in part to her Twitter followers and home support team.

I have spent three weeks aboard a Russian research vessel exploring Antarctica, so I know a bit about what Aston is facing (except for the skiing across a 1,000-mile frozen tundra part–I can’t even imagine that!) I am rooting for her and will keep you posted as to her progress. Or see for yourself at www.kasperskyonetransantarcticexpedition.com

(12/2/11)A 33-year-old British woman has just begun her journey across the desolate continent of Antarctica. She is making the trek on skis. If she succeeds, she will be the first person using only muscle power to cross Antarctica alone. Also, if she manages to complete the ten-week journey, she will set a record for the longest solo polar expedition by a woman. According to Felicity Aston, “I’ve been preparing for this for ten years and only now do I feel capable of this.” Aston is no novice to this sort of experience. She has tested herself on several occasions, including running across the Sahara Desert. Having spent time in Antarctica during my adventures, I am very interested in how this turns out. I hope she succeeds! I’ll be providing periodic updates, but if you’d like to keep track, you can follow her adventure at www.kasperskyonetransantarcticexpedition.com

For those not able to set sail to warmer climates, here are some delicious drink recipes guaranteed to take the chill off on a cold winter’s night (especially the rum recipe!):

Homemade Hot Chocolate (enough for family)

2 cups whipping cream

6 cups milk

1 tsp vanilla

small pkg chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate)

Stir all ingredients in a pot on low for an hour, stirring occasionally. Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles or cinnamon (optional).

Mulled Wine Cider (for a party or girls night)

Make a spice mix by combining whole cloves, allspice, cinnamon, orange and lemon peels. Boil a bottle of wine with two tablespoons spice mix. Add more spice mix depending on taste. Or Triple Sec can be added for sweetness.

Hot Buttered Rum (for small gathering of friends, great for a game night)

1/2 pound butter (not magarine), room temperature

1/2 pound light brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp whole cloves

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp cayenne

1/2 tsp salt (optional)

Bottle of Spiced Rum

Mix all ingredients. Add one tablespoon of mix to four ounces of hot water and then add three ounces of spiced rum. Garnish with cinnamon stick.

Airline News…

This year, KLM will be the first airline to launch the “meet and seat” program. Passengers can use social media to pick seatmates. This is accomplished by linking fliers via Facebook and Linkedin profiles to check-in information. Malaysia Airlines has already announced that they will follow suit by letting their passengers see who they know on the same flight or visiting the same destination at the same time. I think it may be time to take down my Facebook page!

This month, Boeing’s much anticipated 787 Dreamliner went into service. Its innovative design includes using carbon flier construction rather than traditional aluminum and steel. But what will passengers care about, you wonder? Bigger windows (no shades but a button that controls the amount of light let in the window) and storage bins (30% bigger), double armrests (finally!), improved cabin pressure (this will help with jet lag, headaches, fatigue, and other common ailments), gadget friendliness (USB ports and electric outlets on every seat), vaulted ceilings in some areas of the plane, and a much quieter cabin. The airplane will be used on flights that last for ten or more hours.

American Airlines is upgrading their premium class service  on selected international flights. Passengers in business-class will get tucked in (yes, turn down service is included) with duvets, deluxe pillows, slippers, and pajamas!

FYI: Airfares are expected to increase slightly this year (but the main moneymaker will be add-on fees), assuming the economy continues to improve. A surcharge will be added on all flights from the U.S. to Europe to cover emission costs.

Technology news…

A new way to reduce baggage fees…Space Bag to Go is a vacuum storage bag with a zippered seal. The bag rolls up, forcing air out and creating a compact luggage bag. This will make packing more efficient, which is always a good thing.

Video streaming will soon be available. Row 44, an in-flight Internet provider, will offer video streaming for all Southwest Airlines flights. American Airlines introduced it on a few of their flights in late 2011 and looks to expand this capability in 2012. Virgin America recently announced that it expects to be able to offer its customers the ability to download video and audio files via Wi-Fi to their smart devices by late 2012. No, this will NOT be included in the price of your ticket.

Visitors to the Holyland are now able to use MP3 players to take self-guided tours of Jerusalem. How odd to see folks strolling around such an ancient place with a modern day device! http://www.jerusalem-oldcity.org.il;free

The Statue of Liberty now has webcams that offers breath-taking views, including a 180-degree panorama of the harbor and Ellis and Governors Islands. Viewers will feel like they’re on the balcony of Lady Liberty.

TripAdvisor now has free Mobile City Guides available as apps on Android-based devices for nearly two dozen of the most popular tourist cities in the world. The guides include information on tours, attractions, hotels, restaurants, history, weather, transportation, and more.

What’s Happening at Disney…

DisneyWorld has mande several changes, the most significant is doubling the size of FantasyLand. It will open in phases starting in the latter part of 2012.

DisneyLand has also made some improvement, including opening a new 12-acre area this year, Cars Land.

The first five-star hotel that is not a Disney brand will open at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 2014. Ground was just broken on the Four Seasons Disney. Not only is it not for the budget traveler, it will be an ultra-luxury hotel. Patrons can expect to pay several hundred dollars for a room per night.

Hotels…

FYI: Look for an average of five percent increase in hotel rates in the U.S. as occupancy is expected to be much higher, at least in certain markets, such as Charlotte, NC; Philadelphia, PA; Seattle, WA; Detroit, MI; and Houston, TX. Now is the time to join a loyalty rewards program, if you don’t already participate in a program.

Cruises…

Big news! The legendary Steamer American Queen returns to service in April 2012. Several different U.S. river cruises are offered. Passengers will enjoy luxurious staterooms, meals prepared by famed American Chef Regina Charboneau, and showboat style entertainment. www.greatamericansteamboatcompany.com

Disney is launching a new cruise ship, Disney Fantasy. The 4,000-passenger ship will have an adult-only entertainment only, Broadway style shows, costume salon, interactive dining areas, and much more. It will stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

FYI: Wave season is here. This is when the cruise industry rolls out some of its best prices and incentives for the year. Be ready to book by the end of March to get the best deal.

At the top and bottom of the world…

NASA is preparing for moon tourism. It won’t happen this year but the government agency knows it is on the horizon so they are in the process of determing what places will be protected from tourism.

Deep sea tourism is also on the horizon. Several prominent explorers and scientists, such as Sir Richard Branson, James Cameron, Sylvia Earle, and Graham Hawkes, are working diligently to be the first to go to the deepest point below the surface of the Pacific Ocean.

In the Carolinas:

Charleston Wine and Food Festival will be held March 4 – 12 in Charleston, SC. Some of the best chefs in America can be found in the Lowcountry, so this is a great opportunity to sample their cuisine. www.charlestonwineandfood.com

Or check out the Wilminton Wine and Chocolate Festival (February 3-5) at the Coast Line Event Center in the historic district of Wilmington, NC. www.wilmingtonwineandchocolatefestival.com

IronMan 3 will be filmed in Wilmington, NC starting this summer and throughout 2012. The movie will come out in 2013.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will unveil a new outdoor “Adventure Reef” in late spring that features a climbable reef with a moray eel slide, giant octopus, and more. In late 2012, a new whale and dolphin exhibit will be added. www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher

The 65th Annual Azalea Festival will take place April 11-15. It is one of the biggest annual events along the North Carolina coast. www.ncazaleafestival.org

FYI: In April 2011, a contract was awarded to a Colorado company to design a new cruise ship terminal for Charleston, SC. This will make Charleston much more competitive with Norfolk and Fort Lauderdale.

Be sure to subscribe to my blog so that you won’t miss out on travel deals and news.

                                                                                             (Big Ben; London, England)

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to do more travel this year?

But where to go and what to do…

Here is a list of places that are expected to be among the most popular travel destinations this year.

1. The Mayan Ruins will be big due to the Mayan calendar coming to an end at midnight on December 12, 2012. Temples, pyramids, and other historic sites will be visited in record numbers throughout Mexico, Guatamala, and Belize. Most folks don’t realize how sophisticated and intelligent the Mayan people were. They were skilled astronomers and astrologers as shown by their Mayan calenders and other inventions. www.mayanruins.info

2. London, England is expecting millions of visitors for several reasons. First, the royal wedding in 2011 renewed interested in London and the UK. Secondly, the Olympics will be held in London in Summer 2012. I witnessed alot of significant renovations during my visits this year in preparation for the big event. Lastly, London is just one of those places that folks want to visit. It has so much to offer in regards to shows, shopping, attractions, and dining. Also, it is rather safe for tourists and easy to get around and English is spoken–not to mention that it is a gateway city for much of Europe.  And, for the first time in a long time, the dollar is beating up the pound. One dollar is equal to 1.54 pounds (1/8/12). For more on tickets to the Olympics and visiting London, visit www.london2012.com and www.visitlondon.com. I highly recommend spending a couple of days in Scotland while you’re there. We loved Scotland and the 4.5-hour scenic train ride from London to Edinburgh was throughly enjoyable. If you book online in advance, you can find some cheap fares, even on first class! www.visitscotland.com

3. The most popular place in Europe is likely to be Iceland. This is funny given that several years ago when I first visited, everyone asked me if I was crazy when I told them I was headed there. Now it is one of the hippest places in Europe and Reykjavik is a gateway city for many European destinations. I always depart from Baltimore, which is less than a five-hour flight. It is a great long weekend getaway destination. Visitors will enjoy great nightlife, hiking, exploring active volcanoes and glaciers, fishing, horsebacking riding, Blue Lagoon outing, thermal pools, spas, and more. There are some great places to eat and shop too. Note: A half-day at the Blue Lagoon is sufficent. There are spas and thermal pools all over the city and day passes can easily be purchased for just a few dollars. www.visiticeland.com

4. Disney theme parks and Disney Resorts will have a record number of visitors due to Disney’s increasing popularity and some new resorts. I was at Wyndham’s new Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando last year and was very impressed with it. We had a luxurious suite and the resort lacked for nothing. Disney has made lots of improvements to its signature theme park, DisneyWorld in Florida, as well as some changes to DisneyLand in California. They built their first resort this year that is not affiliated with any of its theme parks, the Aulani Resort in Hawaii. For more information on this unique resort, go to FREE TRAVEL REPORTS on  my site. You may also visit www.resorts.disney.go.com/aulani. For help planning a Disney vacation, check out www.disneyvacations.com or see my FREE TRAVEL REPORTS titled PLANNING A DISNEY VACATION and HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON A DISNEY VACATION.

5. Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Ireland should be hot spots due to their ailing economies. Big bargains can be found on resorts, airfares, hotels, and tour packages to these places. Deep discounts are being offered in the hopes that tourism will help turn these troubled economies around. Plus, the dollar is strong compared to the Euro, so that’s great news for Americans looking for travel bargains. And we are talking about the magnificent Greek Isles, the lovely Irish countryside, sunny Spain…

 www.spain.info

www.discoverireland.com

www.visitportugal.com

www.visitgreece.gr