Take Stock In Travel; Wall Street isn't the Only Sale

One of my longest-term, closest, dear friends is a stock broker. He is making money as most of the world is losing it. I have sat on the sidelines and watched him the past couple of months.

When I've asked for advice, he's explained that he can't tell me what to do, but he will tell me what he is going to do. And his instincts are usually good. So I have put my foot in the Wall Street water. So far, I have learned that there is always something else for me to learn.

Stocks aren't the only bargain in this recession.

With an unstable economy and employment shaky at best, should you travel?

While I can't tell you what to do, I can tell you what I am going to do.

Airfares are down, deals are up. Follow your instincts. If travel is important to you, cut back, don't cut out.

Though I believe our economy will get worse before it gets better, for me, now is the time to take advantage of some of the best deals I've ever seen.

The travel industry is responding to Americans as we cut back on discretionary spending and travel less. We spend less; they offer more.

Use it to your advantage. Do you have a list of places you'd go if the price were right?

Friends or family you'd like to see?

American Airlines, Northwest, Alaska and other airlines all have sales this weekend

Yesterday, my husband booked a round-trip flight to Syracuse including taxes for $227, half of what he usually pays. I am signed up for instant notifications for air sales to all the places where we have family.

As with all offers, there are stipulations. This one needs to book at least 14 days prior to departure or within 1 day of making reservations, whichever comes first, but no later than 11:59 p.m. (CT) January 26, 2009. Flights are for 14 days from now till the end of April.

As the Caribbean prepares for a tough year, why not plan a trip there? I haven't tried a Wyndham all-inclusive but their All-Inclusive Valentine's Day Deals caught my eye.

Viva Wyndham Playa Dorado at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic is offering an all-inclusive price of $80 a day per person, based on double occupancy. The fine print is a minimum stay of 3 consecutive nights required. Stay must be booked by 2/25/2009 and completed by 2/28/2009.

For fun, I looked on the American Airlines website earlier today, and plugged in the dates February 12 - Feb 17th.

To go to the Dominican Republic from Miami, it is $135 a person, from LA $249, and from Detroit $209 round trip. I haven't seen fares like this in years.

That means that if you are looking for a Valentine's Day deal today, hypothetically, two people could go from Detroit to the Dominican Republic for 5 nights - everything included except airport parking for about $1200. That's a deal.

The unfortunate thing about 'travel deals' is you have remain on top of them. You might want to sign-up for my soon to launch website - www.travelersanonymous.com for help.

Don't want to go so far, how about spending Superbowl Weekend in Las Vegas? The Mirage has a Superbowl Special for $69 a night. Two nights in Vegas for about $149. I can't throw a Superbowl Party for that. And the Mirage buffet is one of the best in my opinion.

The Four Seasons, Miami is offering 'Stay 2 nights, get a third night free.' While paying $1000 for three nights may not be a bargain to you, it is for some.

Just like some might think Goldman Sachs at $74.91 a share is a great deal. Last year when it dropped to $47.41 a share, though it was a bargain, it would have still been too high for me.

Wall Street isn't the only thing on sale, but you have to watch it just as carefully.

Cell Phones in Airports; Should There Be Limits

You are in a public airport. Your stomach is rumbling. You regret the indulgence from the last food kiosk. Rushing into the restroom, you are relieved there is no line. You sit down, and then it happens.

The person in the next stall had been on the phone all along but was listening not talking. To let them know you are there, you flush. There is an exasperated response. You freeze horrified! Your mission can’t be complete, nor do you want to leave.

You are trapped in the stall as that conversation is going on for what seems like eternity.

While it is always uncomfortable to use an airport restroom, what is worse than being in the stall trying to do your deed while someone is carrying on a conversation?

When you finally exit, as luck would have it, the other person does too. You exchange hostile glances though no one says a word.

In general, I am not a fan of public restrooms but if I am in an airport what choice do I have? It is better to wait till you are off the airplane, or is it? At least with the size of an airplane bathroom, you know you are alone.

Cell phone etiquette has become a thing of the past. We all walk around in our own bubbles oblivious to the fact that our loud conversations might be invasive to the people around us. For this reason alone, I am not a fan of allowing cell phones on airplanes or even for that matter in airport (or any other) public restrooms.