• What's elliott?
• About elliott
• Contact us

t o p i c s

• Business
• Commentary
• Destinations
• Help
• Leisure
• Technology
• Vault

Copyright Elliott Publishing. All rights reserved. For more information, call (305) 453-4781 or send e-mail to us.

ELLIOTT'S E-MAIL
http://www.elliott.org

August 27, 2003

>> Inside <<

* Time to Go
* Worst Domestic Economy Class Section?
* Better Late Than Never
* When to Check Out Early
* Vegas on the Web
* Sorry, Wrong Answer
* Miami Art Adventures
* Credit Card Benefits

>> First Off <<

** Time to Go
This week's transmission of Elliott's E-Mail is all about knowing when it's time to move on. First, there's my commentary about checking out of a hotel before your time (I list five reasons to take off early). Then, click over to Charlie Leocha's story that argues now is the time to check out the Web for Las Vegas bargains. Also, we've got a great Q&A, Destination of the Week and Site of the Week lined up. Speaking of going, we'll be out traveling for the next few weeks … but don't worry, the newsletter won't stop (unless our laptop gives up on us).

>> Underwritten By <<

** HotelCenter-USA.com
Simple! Great rates no hidden fees. Reserve your next hotel room online and at great "All Inclusive" rates. No service fees or additional taxes are added to the teaser rates that frequently are touted by the mega sites. We also supply you with a hotel voucher for presentation upon check-in giving you an additional level of comfort and assurance that your reservations aren't floating in cyberspace.

>> By The Way <<

** Worst Domestic Economy Class Section?
Which steerage class section in the United States do you like the least? Which tourist-class section offers the worst service, the least amount of legroom - in short, the most miserable flying experience? Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** Better Late Than Never
This week's newsletter was delayed by a few days because of some technical problems on the production end. I wish I could say they've been resolved, but much of that depends on our good friends at Dell. Let's hope they come through with a PC that works this time. Elliott's E-Mail will transmit on Sept. 1 and Sept. 15, and after that will hopefully resume its regular weekly schedule.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** When to Check Out Early
If you're an experienced traveler, you know the TV show "Fawlty Towers" is based more on fact than fiction. The 1970s sitcom, set in a small British inn that's mismanaged by a young John Cleese, features every imaginable hotel horror: Rodents in the food, deranged guests and awful service. For anyone who's spent some time on the road, every episode offers something to laugh - and cry - about. Yet watching the series through the eyes of a seasoned traveler is interesting. As you wince at the terrible things happening to the victims of "Fawlty Towers," you find yourself wondering, "At what point would I just check out?" > Details in Power Trip.

> Bad Service? Here's a Way Around It
> Four Best Hotel Chains
> Check Out Hotel Surcharges

> Hear Elliott talk about car rentals gone awry on The Savvy Traveler.

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Vegas on the Web
I have been going to Las Vegas for years. I remember when it seemed to be a string of about a half-dozen big hotels (well, if the old Flamingo could be considered big), dismal downtown and the convention center with its Hilton. The rest was sand. Every year with the enforced regularity of a trade show pilgrim, I made my way back to Vegas at least once, sometimes more often. Year by year, things changed. The Stratosphere was imploded. Wayne Newton set up shop. Prices began to creep up. >> Read more in Charles Leocha's column.

> Good Service, Bad Service
> In Search of Low Fares
> Standby Rules Toppled

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** Sorry, Wrong Answer
When faced with a disappointed customer, a travel company often tries hard to make things right. But sometimes its answer is wrong. Here are two cases in which the company dropped the proverbial ball, in my opinion - but not for lack of trying. > In Fix My Trip.

> Complaints That Didn't Make the Cut
> Duped By Priceline?
> Routed From Rio

>> Destination of the Week <<

** Miami Art Adventures
South Florida, a place known for its eccentric architecture, cuisine and people is fast being recognized for its art. But it isn't only Coconut Grove's art festival, one of the most prestigious street fares, which makes the Miami area an art magnet. The art is everywhere: in public places, such as Bayfront Park and in the Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach, where you can watch artists paint, sculpt and weld their creations into existence. > In Destinations.

>> Site of the Week <<

** Credit Card Benefits
You would be surprised by how many travelers don't know that by paying with a credit card gives you certain benefits and protection. Here's how to find out more about the card you carry:

> Visa
> Master Card
> American Express

> Site of the Week is brought to you by JohnnyJet.

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** International Living
Retire overseas. Learn about the world's six best places to live or retire. Live like royalty on $17 a day. Own an exotic beachfront getaway for $35,000. Or a romantic pied-a-terre for under $60,000. Enjoy fine restaurant dining for $7 per person. Employ a maid or gardener for $2 a day. Buy comprehensive health insurance for $20 per month. Get the details in your free report now.

** Firstclassflyer.com
Fly first class for the price of coach. Looking for free and purchased upgrades, 2-for-1s and a fast-track to elite status strategies? Look no further...these hot deals and more are available at First Class Flyer's Web site. Secrets of first class air travel are revealed to you every month in "Mr. Upgrade's" newsletter.

** Not2far.com
Where do you want to go on your next vacation? If you answered "not too far" then have we got the site for you. Not2far.com shows you the unfamiliar side to a familiar place - whether it's running with the dogs in Sun Valley, Id., or eating frogs in Fellsmere, Fla.

>> Who's Reading Elliott's E-Mail? <<

* Demographics
* Average newsletter circulation - 15,270
* Last month's total unique visitors
Elliott.org - 40,139
Ticked.com - 26,939
Triprights.com - 12,331
Not2far.com - 3,530
Total E3 Network visitors - 82,939
Change from last month +3,372 visitors/230 subscribers

>> Talk To Us <<

Read something you disagree with? Got a story idea or a gripe? Here's how to reach Elliott.

Phone (305) 453-4781 or e-mail

(Please note: Unless you specify otherwise, all e-mails, letters and phone conversations are considered "on the record." That means your name could be used in a future article.)

>> Become an Underwriter <<

This site relies on support from travelers like you. If you care about journalism that's uncompromising, cutting-edge and consumer-focused, then you're invited to become a member of elliott.org. Your contribution will help keep us operating.

>> Please Forward Elliott's E-Mail <<

Did you know the average reader forwards Elliott's E-Mail to two other people every week? We don't mind at all, but you could always save yourself the trouble by inviting them to subscribe. It's easy and it's free: just send an e-mail to this address.

>> Credits and Subscription Information <<

Elliott's E-Mail is published 50 times a year by http://www.elliott.org. (c) 2003 Elliott Publishing.

To unsubscribe, please open your Web browser and click on this address.