Travelocity’s most recent poll of over 2,000 North Americans revealed that despite the troubles faced by the hotel industry in 2009, the vast majority of travelers felt service was the same or better than the year prior.

69 percent of respondents felt service was “about the same” in 2009 compared to 2008, while 23 percent felt service levels had improved. Topping the list of ways service had improved was shorter lines, more free amenities, and improvement in room cleanliness.  Just eight percent felt service was worse.

Travelocity’s most recent poll of over 2,000 North Americans revealed that despite the economic recession of 2009, the vast majority (76 percent) continued to tip hotel employees as they had in the year prior. 11 percent reported tipping less while the remaining 13 percent reported tipping more.

Good news for hotel employees, especially if you’re a bellhop or maid. Why bellhop or maid, you ask? Because of hotel staff encountered during their visits, these are the two employees most likely to get tipped by guests. Who is the poor soul at the bottom of the hotel tipping hierarchy? The pool attendant. Somewhere in between fall the valet, concierge and doorman.

Last week I was asked to appear on ABC News Now to discuss spring break deals and how to get the best deal on a hotel stay. We also talked about 100 hotels for under $100 and a great deal going on in the Bahamas. The gist of the interview is that you're going to find great hotel deals out there for spring break -- in fact, in addition to giving tips I also name four hotels with rates under $100 per night this spring. You can watch the video here:

There was a time, not too long ago, when you paid for an airline ticket and with it were able to check two bags, get a snack onboard the flight, and reserve any seat in the class of cabin you paid for. In just a few short years, airlines have moved from a more-or-less inclusive model to an a la carte pricing structure – and have made billions by doing so. What if hotels follow?

I’ve never been much into the Olympics, but after a trip to Vancouver and Whistler in January I caught a bit of a bug. Anxious to keep the spirit alive as I waited for the Games to begin, I planned an early February trip to Lake Placid, NY, home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games and a place both entrenched in and proud of its Olympic history. From ‘Miracle Monday’ specials at the famous Dancing Bears Bar to the photos of champion Olympians past hanging on the walls at the High Peaks Resort to the signs all over town wishing ‘good luck’ to local Andrew Weilbrecht, member of the US Olympic Alpine Ski Team -- the Olympic ties practically hit you over the head at every turn in this tiny town in New York’s Adirondacks.

Dear Editors,

I need some information about taking my dog with me on a flight to PA. Can you give me a site I can look at what I need to take the dog with me?

Thank you,

Lucinda

Hi Lucinda,

This is one of those situations that is very common among traveling pet owners. As such, you'd likely think there was a simple-to-understand, uniform policy across airlines that dealt with pet travel. Unfortunately, this is not the case and so there isn't one perfect resource I can direct you to for information. However, I will try my best to help you navigate various airline policies. For general information about pet travel, I recommend PetTravel.com.

Travelocity's most recent poll shows a dramatic increase in travel intentions, indicating traveler confidence is on the rise. Travelocity's second Traveler Confidence Report finds that nearly half of respondents plan to increase their travel in 2010 as compared to 2009.  The Traveler Confidence Report gauges travelers' plans and attitudes now as compared to six months prior and one year prior. The following findings are based on the intentions of more than 2,000 North Americans surveyed by Travelocity.

Traveler Confidence Report Highlights:

With Presidents Day and school vacations fast approaching, parents may want to consider a ski getaway for their family. Watch this video for tips on planning your ski trip, where to go, where to stay and what to do once you get to your destination.

If there’s one thing women know about, it’s romance. And if there’s one thing the staff of The Window Seat Blog know about, it’s travel. With that in mind, the bloggettes came together and picked nine hotels in North America they would recommend for Valentine’s Day or a romantic getaway any time of year. For great deals on hotel stays for Valentine’s Day, visit Travelocity.com/romance.

Highly subjective and listed in no particular order, the Window Seat Bloggettes' most romantic hotel picks:

El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa

Farjardo, Puerto Rico

Last week, I was asked to appear on FoxBusiness.com's web show to discuss baggage fees. We also discussed tips to avoid the fees, airfare for spring, and the value of hotels.