March 2004

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, consider exploring the wonder and beauty of Ireland this summer on our "Alumni College Abroad in Ireland: Ennis." You won't forget your stay in the town center at the first-class Old Ground Hotel. See the town's 13th-century Franciscan Friary and walk through its bustling markets. Take amazing pictures on your excursions to the Cliffs of Moher and Inishmore, an island off the coast of the Galway. Experience Ireland's literary heritage with a trip to WB Yeats' home at Thoor Ballylee. The trip will conclude with a farewell reception, dinner and graduation ceremony.

The US government has tightened security and entry restrictions and increased tourist visa fees for residents of many foreign countries over the last two years, and some of these countries are retaliating in kind. Brazil, Russia, Thailand, Chile and China are among countries that have increased visa and entry fees for US citizens. American travelers may also want to factor inconveniences such as being photographed and fingerprinted upon entry in various foreign countries, a law the United States instituted on January 5 for many foreigners arriving at 115 airports and 14 seaports in the United States.

Many tourist venues around the world are cashing in on the popularity of hit movies featuring their locations, and the tourism economies in these countries are booming thanks to help from the silver screen. New Zealand is the big winner, with a 16 percent increase in international arrivals over the past three years, thanks to hit movies such as "The Lord of the Rings," "The Last Samurai" and "Whale Rider" that were filmed there. Japan offers "The Last Samurai" and "Lost in Translation" fans the chance to take in displays of Japanese mounted archery or see the piano bar Bill Murray visited in the Tokyo Hilton. Cortona, Italy, is the setting for "Under the Tuscan Sun." And if traveling abroad isn't appealing, there's always a location closer to home--Ashville, North Carolina, the site for "Cold Mountain," hosts an "Experience Cold Mountain" trip. The Alumni Association offers great trips to see sites like these, including the Alumni College in Tuscany trip or Golden Lands of Asia. Check them out today!

It's never been easier to get into first class, thanks to special deals and upgrade offers by many airlines. If you fly frequently, it's a good idea to look into your air carrier's elite-level frequent flier programs. US Airways and American Airlines are starting to offer unlimited, free upgrades on domestic flights to more of their elite-level frequent fliers this month, and Delta and Alaska Airlines started doing so in January. If you're a high-mileage customer, check your airline's policy on upgrades regarding how much you paid for your ticket, your frequent-flier status and your flight destinations.

If you have a hard time resting on noisy planes, trains or automobiles, consider investing in the Discovery Channel's Tranquil Sounds Eye Mask. This velvety mask provides a soft cover for your eyes and built-in earphones from which you can listen to five therapeutic sounds. Or, plug in your own stereo or CD player into the mask. You'll drift off to sleep or relaxation on your next flight, forgetting about the noisy passengers around you.

Fans of the book and movie "Whale Rider" might be interested in another book that talks about the Maori culture in New Zealand. The 1985 Booker Prize winner "The Bone People" is written by Keri Hulme, a New Zealander of Maori, Scottish and English ancestry, and focuses on the relationship between three people--one Maori, one European and one of mixed blood.

Don't go on vacation without electing safe and affordable travel insurance to protect you from trip cancellations, travel accidents, medical problems and missing luggage. The Alumni Association has partnered with Travel Insurance Services to offer its members travel insurance. Costs are low and your peace of mind is worth the expense. Visit our Web site for details.