Traveling with the Flu...

...While this isn't necessarily a good idea, if you absolutely have to travel while ill, please make use of these CDC tips to facilitate keeping your germs your's and not your traveling neighbor's!

First, if you have to sneeze of cough, cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or use the crook of your elbow in order to contain the cough or sneeze. Second, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.

If you don't have a tissue handy or forget to cover your mouth or you've touched your eyes, nose or mouth; be sure to wash your hands, as soon as your able, with soap and water. Don't forget to wash the backs of your hands as well! Hand sanitizer while great for killing germs doesn't remove residue or dirt from your hands.

If you can avoid traveling while sick, it might be a better idea to stay home, rest up and recuperate!

Double Check your Flight Number

As the Delta and Northwest merger of business operations goes on, travelers flying one of the airlines will continue to experience changes. The latest is the announcement that Delta is going to begin changing every Northwest flight number.

Beginning November 1, 2009 fliers departing on Northwest domestically will see their flights change and on October 24, 2009 international travelers on Northwest flights should make note of changed flight numbers.

Northwest’s international flights will be in the range of 250 and 349. Domestic flights will be set-up in two ranges: all DC-9 operated flights will fall in the 7000-7999 range, while all other domestic flights will be between 2000 - 2999.

For more information on these upcoming changes to flight numbers, visit here, or contact Delta. Delta has posted FAQ on how the merger will continue to affect customers.

9/11 Remembered...

Today is one of those days of memoriam where you stop and remember lives that were needlessly lost to a series of unfathomable events. But, none the less, these lives are remembered for their sacrifice and simply because they were loved and cherished. Our continued condolences to those family members, friends and others who were intimately affected by 9/11.

September 11, 2001 radically changed the landscape of industry and thinking in this country. Aspects of our lives we'd normally take for granted - hopping on a plane, going to work, kissing a spouse goodbye in the morning - would forever be changed in a matter of seconds for thousands of people. Eight years ago today will be forever etched in the minds of the American population. Many of us old enough to remember, can recollect the horrific scenes which were broadcast on every network for the hours, weeks and days following.

While its coming up on a decade since those tragic events in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania, for some the memory is as fresh as today. I, the author of this post, remember sitting in a college classroom when I and my classmates received word. Our professor turned on the television and we all sat dumbstruck, many in tears, as we watched the news reports and the incident unfold.

Where were you when you first heard the news?

What did you do this summer?

Remember when you had to write your obligatory essay on your summer vacation upon returning to school for the first week of classes? Well, we are not about to ask you to submit a 2-page, front and back, on college-ruled paper essay, but we would love to hear about your summer travels!

Whether you're a leisure or business traveler, there's something bittersweet about the end of the summer travel season being on the not-t0-distant horizon. You realize that now that the kids are back in school, the weather's cooling down, and we're starting the countdown to how many shopping days we have until Christmas; that the carefree days at in the surf at the beach or on that steep hiking trail in the Appalachians are drawing to a close for this year. Did you find a new place to travel to this year that has a special place in your heart? If so, where was it and what was it about that particular destination that has your mind lingering there?

With summer travel comes congestion; on the roadways, at airports, even at your favorite tourist attractions. Did you discover or create helpful hints to avoid traffic jams, make the delays fly by, or dodge the sweaty crowds at the amusement parks and concerts?

Or, maybe you didn't travel far this year. Perhaps you stayed home and enjoyed local amusements and venues. We're sure many of you have found what you consider to be the best-kept secret of your community! What was it? How and where do others in your locale find it?

All-in-all, while summer has a little less than two weeks before we bid her adieu, we can certainly take pause and remember fondly the fun, new travel memories we collected this summer!