January 2005

We’d like to know what you think about e-TrueBlue: Travel and how we can improve it to serve you better. You have one last chance to take this quick online survey, and you'll be entered to win one of 10 free United States and Southern Canada Road Atlas and Vacation Guides. Access the survey at http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB223X2YEZ9LW.

True Blue Featured Trips

Indulge yourself in Italy on the Alumni Association's “Mind, Body and Soul of Northern Italy” trip. You can pamper your senses at the famous spa of the Palazzo Arzaga resort, enjoy a round of golf, explore the surrounding lakes and mountains, and savor sumptuous Italian cuisine. Choose from a variety of optional excursions, including wine and olive oil tasting or a day trip to Milan or Venice, to complement your experiences. For details, including dates and prices, on this trip and the rest of our itineraries, visit True Blue Travel online.

Hints and Tips

Resolve to have a better travel year in 2005. Travel commentator Chris Elliott offers "Eight Simple Rules for Travel in ’05” to help make your adventures a little bit cheaper. His advice includes:

• Stay flexible when it comes to departure times, hotels and airport selections to save more money.
• Consider purchasing last-minute airfare, but only for domestic trips. Ticket prices should remain low up to a week in advance.
• Book six months to one year ahead for popular cruise destinations, as bargains are going to be few and far between. True Blue Travel offers a number of cruises that offer great deals.
• Pick one frequent flier program and stick with it. You’ll fly your way to elite status.

True Blue Travel News

Whether you are traveling with us or independently, it is critical that the name on your passport matches the name on your airline tickets and cruise tickets. With new security laws in effect, airlines and cruise lines are no longer accepting discrepancies between the identifying documents. You can avoid paying any airline re-ticketing charge and rush fees to the US Passport Agency either by matching cruise and air tickets to your passport name or by amending your passport prior to booking any tickets. To get started on amending your passport, visit our Express Visa and Passport Service.

Products and Gadgets

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, there are going to be times you’ll need to look your best. Samsonite’s Travel Garment Steamer helps you accomplish that a little more easily. This powerful, compact and lightweight tool removes wrinkles quickly and simply. The steamer is dual-voltage, so it can be used in North America and abroad.

Travel Trivia

After the holidays, winter can seem dull and dreary. That’s why Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, hosts the largest and oldest winter festival in America each year. The St. Paul Winter Carnival, dubbed the “coolest celebration on earth,” boasts car racing on ice, fireworks, torchlight parades, a frozen 5K race, winter sport competitions and more. Its famous ice palace attracts half a million visitors alone. This year’s festival takes place January 28-February 6.

True Blue Traveler Comments

“Our train trip to the national parks was excellent in all respects.”
--Jon March, ’66

“The Great Northwest and Rockies” trip is a step back in time aboard a fully restored train where fine dining and elegance are still found. You’ll experience the majesty of three national parks during this journey: Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton. Plus, U-M professor Philip J. Deloria will be aboard, ready to lead the discussions on various topics including Native American history, the American West and American history. For details, including dates and prices, on this trip and others, visit our Web site.