You probably know that Disney has a cruise line, but you might not know that the company runs fully guided land tours all over the world. The trips are geared toward families with special activities for kids and alone time available for parents. There are currently 23 destinations offered including the Great Wall in China, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It may not be the way to travel for everyone, but it could be perfect for people looking for a vacation that children, parents and grandparents can enjoy together.

Adventures by Disney

Airlines are always competing with each other for the best business and first class cabins. Economy class, is usually ignored and looks like the same cattle car no matter who you fly with. Cathay Pacific has changed all that by introducing some unique upgrades to their coach class seats. The chairs are in a fixed shell so, instead of reclining backwards, they slide forward in their own space like a couch recliner. That means your space is always your space! The seatback pockets have been relocated under the chairs for additional legroom and the tray tables feature cupholders that can be lowered without bringing down the entire tray. At 9 inches wide, the personal TV screens are much larger than the economy standard and offer 100 movies, 350 TV shows, and 22 radio channels.

Wouldn’t it be nice if this were a new trend?

Cathay Pacific’s New Economy Class

Travel isn’t just about relaxing and vacationing. It’s also about learning, sharing and responsibility. Will and I always seek out charitable causes when we travel so we can give back to the places that give so much to us. That’s why I was thrilled to learn that Tripadvisor is planning to donate $1 million between five charities meant to promote environmental conservation and provide support to people who are less fortunate around the world. The charities are: The Nature Conservancy, Doctors Without Borders, Conservation International, The National Geographic Society and Save the Children. Tripadvisor members can log on the site to vote for their favorite between now and November 9th. The donation will be divided according to the percentage of votes received with each charity getting a minimum of $50,000.

Tripadvisor Causes

After a 10 year, $488 million renovation the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park will open its doors to the public on September 27th as the greenest museum in the world. The transformation combined 12 separate buildings into one structure, insulated with old blue jeans and a “living roof” covered with plants and wildflowers. Inside, guests can visit the largest all digital planetarium using real-time data from NASA, a rainforest habitat complete with macaws, butterflies and tropical fish, an aquarium featuring the deepest interior coral reef ecosystem and a penguin colony. There’s also a cafe and a restaurant serving local and organic foods.

California Academy of Sciences

Many people enjoy using sonic toothbrushes. Although some have travel cases, they are usually rechargeable and it’s cumbersome to carry both the brush and charger. A good option is one of these battery operated sonic travel brushes. They come with a replacement brush and a snap on cover. Unlike standard sonics, they’ll fit easily into any toiletry bag and they’re inexpensive so if they are lost or damaged on your travels you won’t lose sleep over it.

$19.85 for one, $17.85 each for two or more Magellan’s

Remember my post about the Chanel Mobile Art Exhibit? It will make its only stop in the United States at New York’s Central Park from October 20 – November 9th, 2008. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. They are available to the general public today and they will go fast so book them now!

Chanel Mobile Art Exhibit NYC Tickets

I get more hits and questions on my Philip Johnson Glass House post than any other on my blog. Most are from people hoping to visit the famous house. Tours are sold out through 2008 but I’m happy to let you all know that 2009 tours will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, September 23rd at 9am. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone. For more information, please visit the official site linked below.

Philip Johnson Glass House

In a partnership with Scootaround Mobility Solutions, Avis Rent a Car is offering scooters, power chairs and manual wheelchairs to its customers at 47 locations in the U.S. The devices can be picked up and returned with a rental car. This is great news for disabled, elderly or injured travelers that need help getting around on their trips. Avis will also outfit rental cars to fit certain special needs free of charge.

If you need to rent mobility equipment only, Scootaround has independent locations all over North America.

Avis Cares Program

Scootaround Mobility Solutions

As parent company AIG deals with major financial woes many travelers, including this one, are wondering if their current travel insurance policies with Travel Guard are sound or if it’s wise to buy new policies. According to Travel Guard’s CEO, John M. Noel, we have nothing to worry about. In a statement to the Wausau Daily Herald (the company is located in Wausau, WI), Noel says:

“AIG is different than other financial institutions that have been severely impacted by recent developments in the financial service markets. We have strong, well-positioned businesses in diverse markets around the world. We have a deep asset base, with stakeholders’ equity of $79.9 billion and assets of over $1 trillion. And as you know, Travel Guard has been a strong, dependable partner that has always been there for our travel partners and their clients.

It will be business as usual at AIG Travel Guard in the days, months and years to come. Rest assured, Travel Guard will be there when you and your clients need us most.”

The U.S. government has agreed to loan $85 billion to AIG to help keep them afloat. For now, I’m hoping for the best with the policies I’ve purchased but I’ll probably wait on buying anything additional.

The Leading Hotels of the World brand will be offering rooms at a select number of their luxury hotels for just $19.28 a night to celebrate their founding year, 1928. These are hotels that regularly cost $500+/night. The promotion will run for just 80 minutes on October 1st beginning at 8am Eastern Time. Customers will be allowed to book a stay between November 1st and December 15th, 2008 for up to two nights at one property. To get in on the deal, pre-register at the company’s website below.

Leading Hotels of the World $19.28 Special