You’ve heard the term Ugly American. You may have even been called an Ugly American at some point during your travels. (Although, you probably didn’t know it!) It’s a term used to describe the loud, arrogant, thoughtless and ethnocentric behavior that some Americans display when they travel abroad; characteristics that other world citizens find demeaning and downright rude.

To re-evaluate the Ugly American sentiment and find out what Europeans really think of us and each other, lastminute.com conducted a global poll, asking the British, French, Spanish, Italians, Germans and Americans what they thought about each other. Results show that perhaps we have been somewhat brainwashed by the Ugly American sentiment and have started to believe it ourselves. In the poll, Americans called themselves greedy, rude and poorly dressed, but Europeans disagreed.

That's the headline of an Associated Press (via USA Today) article Thursday afternoon. Members of the House of Representatives traded horror stories of fellow airline passengers talking loudly and inappropriately on their phones pre- and post-flight.

According to the article, "With that, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved by voice vote a bill that would make the current Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communication Commission ban on cellphone use during flight permanent."

I say THANK GOODNESS.

Thoughts?

The other day, I got sent a question from Mibell, an intrepid Window Seat reader at the end of her rope. Frustrated with overpacking every time she takes a vacation, she's desperately seeking an answer to the following question:

"How does one “pack lightly”? I know it should seem so simple, but I am just not capable of doing so. I have not traveled extensively (yet), so far have only been to the Philippines once, Mexico three times, and within California and Oregon. And every single time, I pack as if I’m moving and am prepared for anything in between a blizzard and a heat wave. If I’m traveling for a week, somehow I pack two weeks worth of clothes and many, many pairs of shoes (what if we go to the beach? I need flip-flops? What if I exercise? I need tennis shoes! What if we go out for a nice dinner? I need heels!) However, I have a new goal to go see at least one new country, city, or state per year, and I know that being unencumbered by so much stuff might make it a bit easier and more enjoyable. But at the same time, I don’t want to be unprepared – I’m a bit “Type-A” like that. Help!"

Well, Mibell: welcome to the club! I'm a persistent overpacker myself. Scratch that, I'm actually more of a recovering persistent overpacker, as every time I travel, I'm constantly trying to pick up tips and tricks for bringing less. Read on for a few ways to lighten the load.

Air travel: more expensive and more fees. We can't control the price of air travel, but we can help you avoid a few of those pesky airline fees. Almost every domestic airline now charges for a second-checked bag, and four of the big six airlines charge for the first. Moms and dads know that air travel with the kids often means traveling with lots of gear, and no one wants to waste their vacation dollars on services that were once free. Shipping services and UPS are gaining popularity among families with (literal) baggage, but even if the cost is nominal, it’s still going to cost you. Instead, get creative and use these five ways to get around the fees.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member raymond longaray

Green seems to be the new black.

It's a trend for some, and a staple for others. Regardless, everyone feels hip and fashionable when they're deemed green. Even Surya, a London nightclub that's gotten flack for supposedly opening its doors as a publicity stunt, struts its eco-friendly stuff for club-goers. Its most impressive feature: a dance floor that generates its own energy.

The floor, which has the phrase "Dance to Save the World" written across it, is made from quartz materials that rub together when people dance on it. When the dance floor is full, about 60 percent of the club’s energy can come from the floor.

Rock on.

Issues, issues… sure they're important. But let’s talk about what really matters on The Window Seat: How well do the candidates travel? As this year's jam-packed media schedule proves, most campaign-trail maps point straight to the sky. Accordingly, both Barack Obama and John McCain have their own customized, American-manufactured Boeings to take them from baby-kissing stump stops to whirlwind meetings with foreign dignitaries.

But who has the better bird? Let’s take a look at each and see how they stack up.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member RoBoNC.

Niche marketing can be a tough nut to crack. How do you forge a connection with one very particular slice of the population, yet avoid alienating the rest? What happens when you push some of your product’s lesser-known, less popular virtues--especially when they seem at odds with its better-known qualities?

Such is the dilemma of South Carolina, whose Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department (SCPRT) recently participated in an Out Now ad campaign focusing on purportedly “gay” destinations, including Las Vegas, Boston, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. The campaign featured ads with the tagline “South Carolina is so gay” posted in London tube stations--and has pulled the SCPRT into an international imbroglio.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member RoBoNC.

A few months ago a friend came over to my desk and said, "I have a travel magazine for you and you'll never guess what's inside!"

"What? What?!" I said, getting into the spirit, wondering if there was an article about a friend of ours, a piece about some groundbreaking new airplane, or a review of a hot new restaurant in the city.

"A reader's choice award!" He started laughing and I had to snicker at myself for not hearing his sarcasm a mile away. It's no big secret that travel magazines love quizzes, reader's choice awards, gold lists, and best of rankings, and as an ex-publishing insider I know this means one thing and one thing alone: these tactics sell magazines.

Photo courtesy of Holly Burns.

Walkability may not be a factor in choosing a destination, though a walkable city is undeniably attractive, particularly when budget is an issue and gas prices are what they are. For tourists and travelers, walking provides a way to save some cash, get some exercise, be green, and—of course—see the sites. Bipedalism is not something to take for granted. Walking and running around a city gives a real feel for what’s going on and can help work out the kinks from sitting through a long flight or drive.

Travelers with plans to visit Texas and Mexico may have their plans interrupted by Hurricane Dolly, a Category 1 hurricane.

Air travelers should contact their carrier for information on flight changes and cancellations. Airlines may issue flexible policies for customers who wish to reschedule their trips. American Airlines, Continental, and Delta have all issued flexible-travel policies.

Click here for a list of airline phone numbers.

Travelocity customers should refer to the FAQ page for more information and contact information for our Customer Care representatives.

I’ve been shocked (not really) and outraged (very) at recent airline cuts including in-flight movies, snacks, and magazines. But I would lose it if access to the airplane restrooms was taken away, or only available for an extra fee. I love those things. Even if I don’t have to go, I’ll take a stroll over just to exercise my legs and see what kind of hand lotion is on offer.

So how is it possible that in one recent U.S. poll, over 40% of respondents said they would give up bathroom privileges on planes in exchange for half-price airfare? Evidently, just because these respondents didn’t have to go to the bathroom at the moment they were asked, they neglected to feel the, uh, urgency of having bathroom rights. Is this really what air travel has come to? Passengers are so irked at rising ticket prices—along with new fees for luggage, award-ticket redemption, beverages, and the like—that they’ll go to such extremes to shave off some dollars?

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo Member Ozzy-Dave

I've been looking at the numbers and there are a lot of people who are paying attention to the fact that there will be fewer seats available this holiday season. As a result, many of them are booking early to secure their tickets hoping to guarantee themselves a seat later this year to get to their holiday destination. Be it cruise, hotel, family or friend's place it's smarter than ever to book in advance.

The first thing I thought when I read this article about a member of boyband Menudo being thrown off a plane was "whoa, Menudo is still culturally relevant? Enough to make the news?"

The second thing I thought was "Wow, being kicked off a plane for refusing to stow your iPod? That's a pretty stupid reason to be kicked off a plane."

And yet that's exactly what happened. Eighteen-year-old Carlos Olivero, a member of the new Menudo---an MTV-manufactured outfit formed in homage to the Ricky Martin-led Latin boyband of the 1980s (who knew?!)---was escorted off a Delta flight to Knoxville, Tennessee this week after failing to put away his iPod when the flight attendant asked him to.

That's right: he turned it off when asked. He just didn't put it away.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member DrewD

For decades, the century-old Magneta Grandfather Clock at The Westin St. Francis was a popular meeting spot in San Francisco, bringing to life the phrase "Meet me at the clock." This social tradition died long ago, but Michael Mina hopes for a revival with the opening of his first-ever cocktail lounge, located just off the hotel’s historical lobby.

The CLOCK BAR opens to the public today, but I got a sneak-peek of the posh new venue this past weekend. My takeaway: everything from the décor to the cocktails reeks of style.

Get there early to claim a desirable piece of bar real estate - for no other reason than to catch a glimpse of the eye candy serving up the drinks. Sip on a Chartreuse Swizzle - I tried several of the signature cocktails, but this was my favorite. And order the lobster chopped salad, the lamb tenderloin panini or a charcuterie plate - Daily Candy recommends stuffing your face only after you’ve determined that there are no potential Mack Daddies in the house.

So, what do you say, meet me at the clock?!

Last Wednesday, as California's inland temperatures crawled toward the 100-degree mark, I joined some colleagues on a jaunt to the Napa Valley. Despite dry, smoke-hazed air from all of the state's wildfires, and despite a sun so big and bright it’d scared away all the clouds, I was not going to let anything like a little heatstroke deter me from doing the number-one thing people come to the Napa Valley to do: savor that exalted wine.

The day turned out to be a total treat and the heat barely registered, thanks to the following tips:

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member Sierra.

When it comes to dealing with the future of the airlines, the joys (or hassles) of air travel, and the menacing details of planning for far-off travel dates – we are all in the same boat. That’s right even I, who work in the travel biz, am too at the mercy of the airlines and their flight schedules.

*photo by Howard Ruby

Four Easy Steps to Saving $500 Bucks

Pain at the pump. Baggage fees. Airfares up 12 percent over last summer. It's almost enough to make you want to stay home. Almost. The truth is though, that most of us still want to take a vacation this summer, and why not? We work hard and deserve some time off. First and foremost: Set a budget and stick to it. Once you’ve decided how much you can spend, use these four steps to actually save money on your next trip – $500 or more.

1. Book a package. A package is not a guided tour. You pick your airline, flight time, hotel property and anything else you need to customize your trip. Bundling the elements of your trip together gives you access to savings you wouldn't have otherwise and saves you $240 on average. Savings: $240.

2. Pack light, pack smart. All six major carriers charge $25 to check a second piece of luggage and four charge $15 for the first piece of cheeked baggage, so do your best to carry on only. If you must check, choose an airline that at least allows some free checked baggage. While American Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Northwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines charge for every piece of checked luggage, there are several airlines which allow one free checked bag. They are AirTran, Delta, Continental, and JetBlue, Mexicana, Midwest and Virgin America. Southwest allows two free checked bags. Savings: $50 - $80 round trip.

3. BYOF – Bring your own food. Most airlines don’t have free food on domestic flights, but they will gladly sell you a snack for about $5. Bring your own better, healthier food and just take the free beverage. One exception: as of August 1, 2008, US Airways will no longer have free in-flight beverage service and will charge $2 for soda, juice, coffee, tea, and bottled water. Savings: $10 RT

4. Maximize time and pay less. Planning to fly out Friday night? Fly out Saturday morning instead. With the average price of a US hotel room topping $100 according to Smith Travel Research, you might want to consider taking that early morning flight instead of paying the full rate to sleep just a few hours at your hotel. Then on your return date, request a late checkout and leave your bags with the front desk. Enjoy a full day’s worth of beach going or sightseeing, because you’re taking an evening flight home. Savings: $200

Earlier this week, we brought you the news that US Airways decided to remove its in-flight movie systems, a move that will decrease the plane’s weight by about 500 pounds and save the carrier a hefty chunk of change. A post on Today in the Sky cited a statistic that supports carriers’ decisions to remove items such as food carts, movie systems and magazines that add weight to a plane: AA saves 14,000 gallons of fuel a year for each pound it lightens a plane's weight by. The estimated savings from that: $7.3 million a year at current fuel prices, CNBC says.

Makes you wonder how much the American public could save the airline industry if we all just lost that extra five or 10 pounds that we’re carrying. Maybe the airlines should invest in a Reduce your Gut, Save us Cash campaign.

Picture this: You’re in New York snapping photos of the Empire State Building. Thinking it’d be nice to get a pic of yourself in front of this famous monument, you hand the camera to a passerby--and get back a nice shot of your feet. Then, you try holding the camera out at arm’s length, facing you--and get a blurry close-up of your nostrils instead.

Sound familiar? Sure, these silly, off-the-cuff pics can be fun, but when you get home and look at the results, they’re often a letdown. That’s why New York City Photo Shoot got started: so that instead of floundering around trying to get a halfway decent picture of yourself on your Big Apple getaway, you can just relax--and get some excellent ones.

Lately I'm obsessed with good customer service. Really, it's Zappos' fault for raising the bar so high. Before a recent sojourn to Paris, I ordered some dressy sandals from the website for my trip. I waited, and waited, and waited…but they never came. Finally two days before I left I sent them a panicked email. They immediately overnighted me a new shipment for free and simply asked that I return the spare pair of sandals when I came home. I wrote them and said, "Wonderful! I love you, Zappos!" They replied:

Hello Alison,

Thank you for your email, and we just wanted you to know that we love you too! Contact us anytime for any reason.

Zappos loves me! And now, I'm a "raving fan," a term I learned from a friend in business school. In today's marketplace, top-notch businesses are striving to turn their customers into the kind of people who will spread the good news about their company--free of charge.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member RobAA.

Northwest Airlines announced Wednesday it would begin charging $15 for a first piece of checked luggage. This fee is in addition to the $25 fee for a second checked bag.

Northwest will also begin charging to redeem a frequent-flier ticket. The fee will range from $25 - $100, depending on the destination.

According to the Associated Press (via USA Today), the airline will also cut roughly 2,500 jobs.

Norwest Airlines is the fourth major carrier to charge for a first piece of checked luggage. This charge has also been adopted by American Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways. The fee will apply to tickets sold after Thursday July 10, 2008, for travel starting August 28 to the United States and Canada.

Following last month’s announcement that they will begin charging $2 for non-alcoholic beverages, US Airways slapped fliers with yet another piece of bad news: the airline will stop showing in-flight movies on its domestic flights.

A US Airways spokesperson said the video systems add about 500 pounds to a plane's weight, increasing fuel use. The airline expects to save about $10 million a year in fuel and other costs by removing the in-flight movie systems.

Tips for US Airways passengers: After you get through the security checkpoint, buy a beverage to take on your flight, and stop by the airport bookstore for a good read. No need to take to the skies thirsty and bored to tears.

For my countless fans who have reveled in my accounts of soccer, shooting, and the Super Bowl XLII Champion New York Giants, and who have already read and memorized my profile, you already know about my obsession with sports (and penchant for dressing like the Unabomber). Perhaps it’s better to say it’s an obsession with “athletics.” The “sports” debate is never-ending, but even I know that running is an athletic endeavor, not a sport. Anyway, of my many athletic obsessions, lacrosse is the most over-arching and severe. I have changed flights, ditched school, ignored illness, and infuriated loved ones for the sake of making a game on time. Over the course of any given year, I’ll play in up to nearly 10 different “seasons,” not including a variety of tournaments and one-off games. I’m not sure what it is about the game, but I’ve always gone above and beyond for the sport. This is often necessary in New York City when trying to play a game that requires a large field, 20 people, and a lot of liability.

It’s about the journey, not the destination.

That thought kept creeping into my mind as I entered my second—and then third, fourth, fifth, and sixth—hour of climbing up rock, scree, and ice in the frigid darkness that exists only as you encroach on 19,000 feet in the middle of the night. The mouthpiece of my water bottle had frozen with my very first step; my headlamp was cocked at a useless angle; and the friend trudging behind me had just collapsed into the arms of another climber for several seconds. I could quit now and call the previous five days a fantastic journey. Which was what this hike was all about, right? Or I could keep putting one foot in front of the other, steeped in wind-burnt misery, until I stepped foot at my destination: Mt. Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Each time the thought of quitting popped up, I made the decision that—just this once—the trip really was about the destination. I pushed on in the solitude of my thoughts and my multitude of insulated layers.

In Today in the Sky, Ben Mutzabaugh asks a question that I've been pondering myself: "With the high demand winter-holiday travel season approaching, should fliers find the best fares they can find now? Or, should they wait for fare sales that the airlines typically roll out in early fall?"

I'm not much of a gambler, so I decided to cut my potential losses and buy now. Last year, my roundtrip holiday ticket from SFO to DFW hovered right around $300. This year, it's nearing $500, and I don't want to risk it going any higher or not getting a seat at all.

Considering capacity cuts, the high cost of fuel and a potential drop in consumer demand, Ben's blog also notes that "most industry observers say it's still unclear just how much the capacity cutting will allow airlines to raise fares."

Would you pay a little extra to fly on an airline you knew would make your journey a little more enjoyable?

That's the dilemma I'm facing at the moment. I've got an 11-hour transatlantic flight coming up in October, and the carriers I can choose include....well, let's just say one of them rhymes with Smitish Smairways and one of them rhymes with Smunited. Both are nonstop flights and both are at times that suit me perfectly. Here's the thing: I can fly on Smunited for a whopping $184 less than I can fly on Smitish Smairways. But the question is: do I want to?

(Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member brmcga )

I was that kid who always got car sick; I couldn’t ride the Spinnaker at Six Flags; and God forbid I set foot on a boat. My first (and possibly last) cruise experience left me with a queasy shade of green and a rather painful shot in the bum, while my traveling cohorts claimed that they “couldn’t even feel the boat moving.”

Motion sickness is one of those things that pounces on you when you’re least expecting it, so the best thing to do is plan ahead. Here are a few tips from the July 2008 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports:

Well, I've yet to indulge in the New American cuisine, so I can’t speak for his food...but his dimples are absolutely to die for!

Ryan Scott (a.k.a. THE mega-hottie from Bravo’s Top Chef) is now steaming-up the kitchen at San Francisco’s Mission Beach Café. SF foodies can tell you: even pre-Ryan, this ultra-mod café was a neighborhood hotspot. And the proof is in the huevos.

Recently awarded 7x7 magazine’s pick for Best Brunch, this place is where you want to be on a Saturday morning. Heck, who wouldn’t want to start their day with Ryan Scott cookin’ them some eggs?

Besides, brunch is one of Ryan’s specialties. Just to give you a little taste of what to expect, the menu features Soufflé Pancakes with Blueberry Cream ($10); Mission Beach Egg Sandwich on a Housemade English Muffin with Roasted Tomato, Caramelized Onion, White Cheddar and Potatoes ($7.50); Citrus Cured Salmon, Potato Latkes, Poached Eggs, Hollandaise, Housemade Crème Fraîche ($13.50); and more.

Hey, Ryan, I can’t make up my mind! What does the executive chef recommend?

Photo by Chris Andre.