US Government Shutdown & Impact to Travel

There will be no impact on travel if the United States government shuts down.

Travelers in U.S. won't see snarls from government shutdown

"(Reuters) - Air and rail travelers in the United States should not feel a big impact if Congress fails to avert a government shutdown on Tuesday, since passport inspectors, security officers and air traffic controllers will all continue to work as usual.

When Is the Best Time to Buy Airfare?

Researchers in the Department of Economics at Texas A&M University studied a historical archive of airline ticket purchases and found the best deals are on the weekend.

Newswise— While folk wisdom has its place, the “folks” may not be so wise when it comes to shopping for airline tickets, say researchers at Texas A&M University.

“There’s been this industry folk wisdom that says Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to purchase airline tickets,” says Steven Puller, an associate professor of economics at Texas A&M who specializes in industrial organization. “But we couldn’t find any systematic analysis to back that up.”

Rather, he says, the weekend is the best time to book airline tickets because airlines are more likely to discount fares on Saturday and Sunday.

Final grand prize in Festival of Prizes for the Aruban Donkey Sanctuary

We have kept the best for last, must have been the thought of Setar and the Aruban Donkey Sanctuary, because we have a wonderful, terrific prize for this final week of our Festival of Prizes. When you sms the word Burico on your Setar phone to number 250, you get a chance to win and all-inclusive weekend for two in the great Occidental Resort for just AWG. 3,--.

Discover Your Play Time at the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa

Complimentary Play Time events and activities September 16 - December 21, 2013

Adventure- for the adrenaline junkies

• Distance swims and 3.1 mile beach runs with the resort's General Manager
• Bicycle tours to the Lighthouse
• African Dance workout, Zumba and Aqua Aerobics

Rejuvenation- for those searching for Zen

Dinner for Two in Festival of Prizes

Just two more weeks to go in the Setar Fiesta of Prizes for the Aruban Donkey Sanctuary. When one sms-es the word `Burico’ to number 250 with your Setar phone, you might be the lucky winner of a Dinner for Two at top restaurant Marandi. Dream away on the shore of this romantic place while sipping your drink before choosing one of the delicious options of Marandi’s menu.

Participate and chance to win an evening at popular Marandi Restaurant, where excellent quality and service are guaranteed, while supporting the construction of the new sanctuary at Bringamosa.

A Multi-Generational Vacation for the Whole Family

Thinking of the perfect place for a Christmas gathering? Why not Aruba?

Ten years ago, 3 generations of our family living in 3 separate parts of the country, began spending Christmas and New Year's together on either cruises or in Aruba on a land vacation. We started our holiday vacations when my grandmother was a young 90 years old and our dd was 8 years old and my nieces and nephew were 10, 12 and 15.

For us, up this year is the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort.

Getting Drenched in Aruba

This week you may stand a chance of winning a diving excursion including instructions. All you have to do is send the word BURICO to number 250.

This is an exclusive action by Setar, especially organized for the Aruban Donkey Sanctuary. Each time you send this message you stand a chance of winning this great prize donated by Red Sail Sports. And all this for only three florins!

Palm Beach Plaza Mall Steel Pan Night

Looking for something different for an evening activity while in Aruba?

Palm Beach Plaza Mall now offers a Steel Pan night each Tuesday 8 pm to 10 pm.

9-11 & A Heavy Heart Once Again

It has taken me this many years since September 11, 2001 to write this post. 9-11 did not affect everyone in our country, but it touched many.

So let me say that this year on 9-11 I will share the story of a couple of men, brothers, from my hometown. They were nephews of friends of my parents. Their grandmother was friends with my grandmother and lived at the house down the street, on the corner, from my Aunt. I have known this family my entire life. Enough time has passed that I can finally share their story.

Donkey Sanctuary in the clouds

The festival of prizes for the Aruban Donkey Sanctuary has been going on for a few weeks already. Every week there are new prizes to be won for participants who have a Setar phone. You can easily win by just sending the word BURICO to number 250 and for just AWG. 3,-- you are in the race for a prize.

Aruba by Cruise Ship: Diving One of the Caribbean's Best Wrecks

Link: Aruba by Cruise Ship: Diving One of the Caribbean's Best Wrecks

See Aruba Bound! for additional information on scuba diving in Aruba

Holiday Inn Aruba Drink Secrets

Holiday Inn Aruba @HolidayInnAruba

Want to learn #Aruba drink secrets?Take our #bartending class Mon, Wed & Sat at 2PM! pic.twitter.com/Lsqr0G9hpA

When Should You Book Your Flight Well In Advance?

Generally the travel experts recommend that you book air travel no more than 7 weeks in advance.

Today I would like to take a moment to contradict that advice, especially if you are flying during a peak travel time such as Christmas.

For our upcoming visit to Aruba over Christmas and New Years, we purchased our tickets on February 23 for $709.40. Today, September 3, the price for the same itinerary is $1648 per person. That is for a coach class seat in both directions.

Opening of the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

Here are the introductory prices for 2 people based upon a 7 night stay. The resort is now open for bookings from November 22, 2013 forward.

November 22, 2013
Queen, Limited view $649 +$160 taxes= $809 per night
King, Ocean view $799 + $197 taxes= $996 per night

December 24, 2013
Queen, Limited view $1,029 + $252 taxes= $1281 per night
King, Ocean view $1,329 + $326 taxes= $1655 per night

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