Insider Secrets to Booking a Cheap Airfare

(graphic: simviaje.com)

No matter how often I've had to book an airfare, finding that elusive bargain is still a challenge. Often the constraints on when and how long I can travel as well as my choice of airline are the ultimate road blocks in finding that great airfare price. But with that in mind, it's still worthwhile to know these insider tips from Joe Brancantelli (of travelwebsite JoeSentMe.com) in a report from U.S. News and World Report.

Brancantelli states a common truism: For the airline's it's about getting you to pay the most you're willing to pay, which is the opposite of what the consumer wants. On a single flight, there can be more than a dozen price categories. On a 150-seat plane, there could be 150 prices. Here are his eight insider tips:

Book six weeks in advance: Passenger pay the lowest price, nearly 6 percent below the average fare, if they buy six weeks before their flight.

Best time to buy is Tuesdays at 3pm Eastern:
The recommendation is only for domestic tickets. However one critic argues that the deal can vary frequently and there's no specific day or time of the week to buy.

Cheapest day to fly is Wednesday:
The day with the more empty seats required for discounting. Other low-cost days are Tuesdays and Saturdays. The most expensive are Friday and Sunday.

Fly out early:
The cheapest is typically the first flight of the morning. The next-cheapest are during or after lunch or at the dinner hour. The absolute cheapest is on limited routes with red-eyes.

Check low-cost airlines individually:
Comparison sites like kayak.com don't necessarily do all the work for you. Some airlines in the U.S. and in Europe don't allow their tickets to be quoted on such popular comparison websites.  Also check what fees are added to drive-up the cost.

Sign-up for free alerts on AirfareWatchdog.com:
Almost every airline offers this surface even if the fare drops only $2. But AirfareWatchdog uses people to vet deals rather than computer systems. The website only issues updates when they think they've found a good deal.

Build a relationship: 
If you have an elite membership or credit card with the airline, you have a leg-up on other travelers. The more an airline knows you, the more it tailors its pricing for you. Credit cards tied to airlines offers perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding and seat selection.

Click HERE to view the full article on the U.S. News and World website.

Hangover Heaven Bus Cruises The Las Vegas Strip

Lounge onboard Hangover Heaven bus.
(photo: hangoverheaven)

Anesthesiologist Jason Burke launched a service on April 14th that seems to fit like a glove for its location. The Hangover Heaven bus roams the Las Vegas strip for those in need of a cure for a night of imbibing.

This appears to be a first class service using a 45-foot bus as the moving clinic. It can accomodate 10-14 people at one time and includes a front and rear lounge, kitchenette, consulting room and four private bunks. The two lounges have flat-screen TV with stereo sound system.

Several therapies are offered to those in need. Hangover packages include:

REDEMPTION (BASIC PACKAGE) – $99

The Redemption package is our basic service and is very effective at reducing the symptoms of a hangover and can be performed on just about anybody. It includes intravenous hydration which can help flush the toxins from your system. Many people say they feel more energized and “crisp” after this treatment. It is also useful to improve skin appearance in this dry desert climate.

SALVATION (PREMIUM PACKAGE) – $159

This is our most effective service. It includes intravenous hydration, anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory medications. These medications act to directly resolve the effects of a hangover. This package also includes vitamin supplementation. These vitamins help to clear your body of the toxins resulting from a heavy night of drinking and can improve your generalized state of health. They also make you feel better quickly since they are very rapidly absorbed and can remain in your system for days after the therapy.

IN-ROOM THERAPY – $400 (first person) $200 (each additional)

In room treatments are available from 8am to 4pm seven days a week, staff and schedule permitting.

If in-room service is not available due to scheduling, we have a VIP suite on the bus where treatment can be administered.

The in-room treatment consists of an actual doctor coming to your room and administering two bags of IV fluids, IV anti-nausea medicine, IV anti-inflammatory medicine, and IV vitamins. It is our premium service and will have you feeling better before you know it. The complete treatment takes approximately 45 minutes.

Other services offered include Myers Cocktail ($99), a nutrient drink administered with IV fluids, and B12 Shots ($20). Cures take about 45 minutes.

How about the safety? In a CBS News report:

"For the most part, it sounds safe," said Dr. Daliah Wachs, a family practice physician and national satellite radio medical talk show host based in Las Vegas. "But this is kind of gutsy. He's taking a risk."

A patient could have an allergic reaction, Wachs said, or fail to fully report their medical history. For people with pre-existing conditions, Toradol can affect the kidneys, she said, and Zofran can trigger abnormal heart rhythm. Still, Wachs said, emergency room physicians and clinic doctors have for decades provided hangover sufferers with IV drip "banana bags" - so named for their yellow color.

"I think many doctors are kicking themselves because they didn't think of this first," she added.

Visit hangoverheaven.com for more information and to book a reservation online; treatment at hotels available. Hours of operations varies. Summer hours: Mon-Thu 9am-1pm; Fri-Sun 8am-4pm.

The actual bus parked on near the Las Vegas Strip.
(photo: odditycentral) 

"Patients" being cured.
(photo: AP) 

America's Worst & Best Airports Ranked by T+L

La Guardia Airport (photo: jimcintosh/flickr)

Another report from Travel & Leisure reveals the best and worst airports in America. The magazine's readers rated the airports based on flight delays; design; amenities; food and drink; check-in and security; service; and transportation and location.

The worst list is always more interesting since we tend to argue because of how we vary in our determination of what constitutes a "best" airport. I'm disappointed that my favorite DFW is on the worst list and surprised that LAS is on the worst list.

Worst Airports in the USA:
1. New York (LGA)
2. Los Angeles (LAX)
3. Philadelphia (PHL)
4. New York (JFK)
5. Newark (EWR)
6. Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
7. Washington Dulles (IAD)
8. Boston (BOS)
9. Houston (IAH)
10. Atlanta (ATL)
11. Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
The magazine reports regarding number one worst ranked La Guardia (LGA): "Dilapidated La Guardia hasn't aged well. The airport has the dubious honor of ranking the worst for the check-in and security process, the worst for baggage handling, the worst when it comes to providing Wi-Fi, the worst at staff communication, and the worst design and cleanliness. If there was a ray of hope, its location, was considered superior to six other airports."

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
(photo: rmpenguino/flickr)

Best Airports in the USA:
1. Minneapolis (MSP)
2. Charlotte (CLT)
3. Detroit Metropolitan (DTW)
4. Orlando (MCO)
5. San Francisco (SFO)
6. Baltimore (BWI)
7. Las Vegas (LAS)
8. Seattle (SEA)
9. Denver (DEN)
10. Miami International (MIA)
11. Phoenix (PHX)
The magazine reports regarding number one ranked best ranked Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP): "This may be the cheeriest and most welcoming airport in the nation. T+L voters loved the shopping and food and drink options at this mini-mall of an airport, and when it came to ease of check-in and security, Minneapolis also took the No. 1 spot. It came in second for design and cleanliness, baggage handling, staff communication, and airport location. Only its Wi-Fi offerings were lackluster (11th place), but that still left this midwestern oasis as the clear winner."

Click HERE to view the full article and analysis of each ranking on the Travel & Leisure website.

Hawaiian Airlines First Class on the A330-200 Part 2

Vegetable chips and lemongrass coconut soup.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Hawaiian operates at least three departures daily from McCarran International Airport. This flight from Las Vegas to Honolulu HA17 departs at 1:55am. Despite the unusual time, the gate agents announce its a full flight and would appreciate if passengers remain seated until their row number is called.

The business organization paid for the ticket but that doesn't mean I couldn't take advantage of situation and with a call a couple of days earlier to the airline, I upgraded again from a coach to a first class seat by redeeming 25,000 miles from my Hawaiian Miles account.

It should be noted that the call center for Hawaiian Airlines operates from the Philippines but the service is thorough and polite. Anybody expecting no waiting has never ever called a call center. But once I got a service agent, the request was expedited.

So unlike the first class meal service on HA18 that I flew to Vegas, the return trip had a different service. What do you serve at 2am in the morning? The flight attendants still distributed a menu but there was only one selection which reads as follows:

Moemoe menu
Light, quick and delicious, this snack features the tastes of Hawai'i and is perfectly proportioned to enjoy just before a restful sleep.

- CRISPY VEGETABLE CHIPS
  Featuring carrots and taro

- CREAMY LEMONGRASS COCONUT SOUP
  With chicken, mushrooms, green onions and brown rice.

There was something comforting about this snack. It's warmth and light flavors was satisfying for the remainder of this six hour flight. There is no dessert or salad course but drinks still are poured freely.

Adding to the comfort is the mood lighting in blues and purples. No harsh fluorescents. I attempted to watch a movie "The Descendants" in an attempt to pass the time. The Airbus A330 is Hawaiian's newest jet and every seat has a personal monitor. In coach they are located on the seat backs. In first class they are in the arm rest and pop out with a gentle push.

Soothing mood lighting fills the entire cabin.

The personal entertainment center in first class.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Slot Machines at the Airport

(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Hawaiian Airlines departs from the "in need of an upgrade" Terminal 2 at McCarran International Airport. The word is airlines operating at these gates would be moved to the other terminals. The newly construction Terminal 3 is set to open in the coming months. Korean Air and AeroMexico are among the few airlines that operate at Terminal 2.

Each time I have visited Vegas, I always thought that finding slot machines in the terminal and near the departure gates seems like a punchline to vacation here. It's the last chance anyone here has to empty your wallet. I'm not tempted especially for a 1:55am departure when I'd rather be sleeping in bed.

At Night: The View From A Room at the Paris Las Vegas

Through this canyon made by the Paris Las Vegas and Bally's is a view of
the Bellagio and the Strip. See the top of the Eiffel Tower at left.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

My expectations were rather low when I learned at conference I would have attend was at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Things turned out for the better when after a first night in a room for smoking I was re-assigned a room that was on the 30th floor and corner room with spectacular views.

Over the course of my stay, I attempted to capture the view from my room at night. Compare these night views with the ones taken during the daytime by clicking HERE. (photos below: TheHopefulTraveler)

Every time the Bellagio fountain show made its big giant finale splash,
it sounded like thunder from my 30th room floor.

Above & below: Another view from the window facing west.

Above & below: The view from the north window of the corner room.

Above & below: The Venetian, Palazzo and Wynn are seen in
the distance.

(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Bellagio Las Vegas At Night

Still more time to spare before having to return to my room at the Paris Las Vegas and check-out so I take in another opportunity to take in the views offered at the Bellagio this at night. Click HERE for more photos and read the post "The Vegas Wonder of the Fountains of Bellagio." (photos below: TheHopefulTraveler)

Like a match match made in heaven it seems like the song "Time to Say
Goodbye" performed by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman was made
to accompany the dance of the Bellagio fountains.

The garden in front of the main entrance to Bellagio offers a romantic
respite from the Las Vegas crowds.

Within this garden at the Bellagio is a serene fountain and a view
of the Paris Las Vegas.

It never ceases to amaze me when the fountains burst accompanied by song. 

(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

A City of Light: The Paris Las Vegas at Night

The Eiffel Tower rises above the Paris Opera House facade.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

With only a few hours left in my visit to Las Vegas, I take the time to view the Paris Las Vegas Hotel at night. I have to admit, I've largely dismissed this hotel as a poor facsimile of the city. But after staying at this property and being able to really see and admire the extravagant details, I've come to appreciate the design and architecture of the entire endeavor. No doubt my visit here was helped by the fact I was assigned at great room at the hotel.

So rather than go on, I'll just let these photos speak for themselves. As much as possible I've attempted to take similar photos to previous ones I have posted that were take in the daytime.

The Montgolfier Balloon lit up for the Las Vegas Strip.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler) 

The constant movement of cars at the hotel give the impression of a
real roundabout around the replica Arc de Triomphe.

The porte-cochere lit up for the evening.

The hotel's Arc de Triomphe.

The Paris Las Vegas Hotel tower.

The hotel's tower rises above the replica Paris Opera House (left) and
Arch de Triomphe.

The Las Vegas version of the Paris Opera House.

The hotel as viewed from the Bellagio. 

The Paris Las Vegas glimmers above the Bellagio lake.

The Strip in front of the Paris looking south.

North view of the Strip fronting the Paris.

One more picture of the hotel's glowing Eiffel Tower.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Paris Las Vegas: Metro Station Entrances in the Casino

Representation of the Paris Metro stations marks the location of
gaming table at the Paris Las Vegas casino.
(photo credit: antydiluvian/flickr) 

One of the actual Paris Metro station entrances in Paris, France.
This one of the Chatelet station
(photo credit: iko/flickr)

No detail was left unturned. The design theme of the Paris Las Vegas even covers the casino floor. The steel structures under which are located the gaming tables are representations of the Paris Metro station entrances and includes the names of real stations in the city.

These Metro entrances in the art nouveau style feature glass canopies and a cast-iron balustrade decorated in plant-like motifs. The designs date back to 1900 and some of these iconic station entrances have been given to other cities. They can be found in Montreal, Washington DC, Moscow and New York City. Replicas can be found in Lisbon, Mexico City and Chicago.

Paris Las Vegas Hotel: Musee d'Orsay Facade

A replica of the Musee d"Orsay welcomes guest to Le Casino at the Paris
Las Vegas Hotel.
(photo: jeffk42/flickr)

Another view of the Paris Las Vegas entrance and the Musee d'Orsay facade.
(photo credit: bluethroughcrimp/flickr) 

Towering above the Musee d'Orsay facade is the steelwork of the
replica Eiffel Tower
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Most descriptions of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel cite the recreations of the Paris Opera House, Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. I've published posts about these recreations and there are other replicas from Paris inside and out of the casino and I'll write about a couple more. The next post will cover the Metro stations copies at the Paris Las Vegas. This post is about the hotel's version of the Musee d'Orsay.

The recreation of the facade of the Musee d'Orsay is obscured by the hotel's Eiffel Tower and often goes unnoticed by visitors to the hotel. The facade is flanked on each side by the replica Louvre and Paris Opera House and serves as the main entrance to the hotel.

Musee is the French word for museum and the Musee d'Orsay is housed in the former train station (Gare D'Orsay), which explains the town names and therefore train destinations, that are etched into the building's Beaux-Arts-style exterior. The railway station was completed in 1900 but by 1939 the short platforms made it unsuitable for longer trains. After various uses and then much debate before extensive interior design work, the museum opened in 1986. The museum holds some of the most famous pantings by Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet, Cezanne, Monet, Gaugin and Seurat.

Visit musee-orsay.fr for more info about the museum.

Detail of the real Musee d'Orsay.
(photo credit: kraka-manu/flickr)

Street view of the museum in Paris, France.
(photo credit: david_o/flickr) 

The museum as seen across the Seine.
(photo credit: alainmichot93/flickr)

ATMs At Your Service in the Casino

There is no denying that these ATMs located in each casino including the Paris Las Vegas probably took over the job of more than cashier. Need money or to cash your winnings, this machine does does both. Just follow the on-screen instructions. If you don't trust these machines, traditional human cashiers are still available on the casino floor. I'm heading back to Vegas next month for a real vacation since this trip was to attend a conference. I'll write a more detailed post about these machines then.

Paris Las Vegas: The Main Casino Floor

One of the most grand entrances to a Las Vegas casino.
(photo credit: davetoussaint/flickr)

A gambling avenue with tables games utilizing the hotel's resident
show 'Jersey Boys' as a theme.

The casino as viewed from the Pont Alexandre III bridge. On the rightis one of the Eiffel Tower legs.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

At every major hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, the true attraction is the casino. It's where the profits of a hotel rises and falls along the wallets of guests and visitors. The unusual look of the 85,000 square foot casino at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel is marked by three legs of the replica Eiffel Tower coming through the roof and planting its feet on the gaming floor.

All the gambling diversions are here including 100 table games, a race and sports book and more than 2,200 slot machines. The 40-foot high ceiling, painted to emulate a Parisian sky, encloses the casino's cobblestone pathways, ornate street signs and replica of the Pont Alexandre III bridge.

It wouldn't be right to visit Las Vegas and not gamble even if it's only at the rows of slot machines. So with a few more hours to spare before checking out, I attempted to at least break even on about four hundred dollars. For the first time I came out ahead and knew to stop at that point. Then it was off to take in the another last look at Las Vegas Boulevard at night.

One of the hotel's bar is at right and nestled among trees under a
painted blue sky.

The center of the casino floor.

Another of the Eiffel Tower legs surrounded by slot machines.
Behind is the Chateau nightclub.

The architecture is supposed to represents different regions in France.

Iron street lamps and lights behind the windows of the faux
architecture gives visitors a unique casino experience.

Even the columns are decorated to fit the Parisian theme.

These grand archways greets vistiors to casino who enter from Las Vegas
Boulevard.

Parisian-style information kiosk.

The Gordon Ramsay restaurant was to open in the coming weeks and
accessed from the main casino.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)