Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

Now that summer’s over, you might consider thinking about your winter travel plans sooner rather than later. Although the media has been gloom-and-dooming about gas prices, airline crisis and economic downturn for months, the truth is there are some fabulous deals out there. -The airlines have cut back their schedules, so booking early is more important than ever. -Resorts are nervous about the economy so they have released great Early Booking incentives with discounted rates and free-night promotions (many require booking by October 15 for 2009 travel). -Cruise rates are lower than last year according to trade publication Travel Weekly . -Continental Airlines’ new service has decreased fares from Ithaca across the board. -Fares to the Caribbean and Mexico are the same as last year. -Fall travel deals are the best I’ve seen in years, so consider a getaway during Fall Break or Thanksgiving. On a personal note, it’s been one year since my association with Linden Travel and it’s been a ve

The Elmira-Corning Airport is getting non-stop service to Orlando’s Sanford Airport starting this November. Allegiant Airlines (no, I’ve never heard of them before either) is flying Thursdays and Sundays and the schedule is offered through February 2009 as of this posting. The flight times aren’t ideal: Elmira-Sanford 10:20am- 1:00 pm; Sanford-Elmira 7:00am-9:40am. No way will I recommend them until service actually starts, and with such a limited schedule, I would never trust them for a cruise departure. I vividly remember Transmeridian flying to Sanford from Syracuse until they went belly-up stranding thousands (not my clients though). It is a decent option for folks visiting family and Thanksgiving flights are available for $89 each way plus tax (round-trip ticket is $196.50 with taxes included) if purchased before October 15. February Break prices are considerably higher already. Allegiant Airlines is based in Las Vegas , so let’s hope that if this Florida service is successful th