Scott Ahlsmith, CTC's - Roads Less Traveled

Cleared for Fast Track Security

During February, 2007, four U.S. airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, will debut the Clear Registered Traveler program.  This program lets frequent travelers zip through TSA security check points.

It uses biometrics, technology that measures human physical characteristics for identification purposes.

While travelers registered with Clear can get through security faster they still have carry  their gels, pastes, and liquids in clear one-quart zip-lock bags.

Miami Gets Ready for Super Bowl

On February 4, 2007 when the referee blows his whistle and the football is kicked into the air, 75,000 fans will focus on football.  Of course 100 million of us will be glued to our television sets waiting to be entertained by the Superbowl commercials.

Before and after the big game in Miami, however, this city will entertain fans with its pulsating Latin clubs, famous restaurants, and tropical beaches.  From Miami Vice to CSI Miami, this city offers variety and spice that is unique to any worldwide destination.

Don't Pass Your Passport

Beginning tomorrow (Tuesday, January 23, 2007), all U.S. citizens  need a passport to reenter the United Sates through an airport.  The important change in the regulations is that you now need a passport if you are returning from Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean.  Previously a Government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate indicating your were born in the United States was all that was needed.

It is interesting to note that the new U.S. Passport regulations come at a time when the European Union has practically removed all restrictions when traveling between EU countries.

Where Just Crossing the Street is an Adventure

Picture no traffic lights, no police, and swarming hordes of bicycles and motor bikes between you and your desired destination.  You've just described crossing the street in Hanoi.

When crossing the street becomes an adventure, you know you've discovered a special travel experience.  Just think of the stories you'll be able to tell when you return home!

But, for now a quick lesson on how to accomplish the seemingly impossible: crossing a busy Hanoi street.

Ritz-Carlton's Doggy Day Spa

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota knows the way to their guests' hearts and minds.  They pamper their pets.

"Initially there is a log of playful behavior," says Darlene Davison, the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota's spa director, "but soon their eyelids droop and their muscles relax under the massage therapist's soothing touch."  Darlene is talking about massaging dogs -- canine.

How much do you think it costs to pamper your pooch, the Ritz-Carlton way?

Inbound U.S. Tourism Expected to Increase

Every year U.S, travel service providers, like hotels, theme parks, convention centers, airlines, and tourist boards travel to Berlin to display their wares to the rest of the world.  Their goal is to gain a larger slice of the global travel economy.  They are selling the U.S.A as a vacation destination for foreign travelers at ITB Berlin, which is the world's largest travel and tourism trade show.

This year, the U.S. delegation will be the largest since 2001.  Their message will be, "the U.S. is back in business and eager to welcome international visitors."  This comes after a steady decline in international arrivals to the U.S. and a corresponding decline in jobs in the travel and tourism sector of our economy.  There are several reasons for this decline.

There's Religion in the Air

This should probably be filed under, "A Time and a Place for Everything."  We also try not to mix religious or political commentary with our travel and tourism opinions in this blog, but there seems to be an outbreak of religious activity on board our airlines and we'd like to know what your think about this.  Just click on the "Comments" link at the bottom of this post and share your opinion.

Three events have occurred during the past few weeks that cause us to pause and ask when does religious freedom  create security risks?

Sushi Anyone?

Cuong Ly, owner of the China Rose Restaurant in Freeport, Me, has filed suit against the State of Maine.  He claims the State's restrictions placed on his ornamental fish violate his right to freedom of religion.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife seized Ly's fish last summer after receiving a tip they were on display in Ly's restaurant in violation of state law. State officials consider the fish to be invasive species that could compete with native fish populations should they be released into the wild.

Growth of Spas . . . in India

If you have any doubt about Thomas Friedman's commentary in The World is Flat that India has become a world super power, just look at the growth of their economy.  As an affluent upper middle class emerges so do all the amenities, like spas.

In 2006 India saw a blossoming of  resort stay and day spas. With the large city areas reporting a 30 to 40% growth in day spas, there has been a shift from fair skin to healthy skin, from beauty salons to day spas that offer holistic health, and also more male interest in all these categories.

Five Tips for Happy Holidays Air Travel

Air travel over the Holidays is a unique experience, but it can be enjoyable if you plan ahead.  Here are five tips to make your Holiday travel more enjoyable:

1-Pack Light -- With liquids, gels, and pastes being restricted to only as many 3-ounce bottles as can fit in a 1 quart zip-lock bag, the airline baggage systems are bursting at the seams.  Even though you are permitted to check two bags per person, one and a small carry-on is better.