The 2003 Sourcebook
Our annual directory of travel resources, including updated security information, tips on finding air fare discounts, tourism contacts and much more.
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The Federal Trade Commission calls them “trip traps,” tickets to Heartbreak Hotel.
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Airports now screen checked bags, most electronically. Here’s what else you need to know to keep your trip hassle-free.
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You’re traveling abroad, and you’ve left at home the trappings that fairly shriek “rich American”: the logo baseball caps and T-shirts, the expensive athletic shoes, the designer watch and flashy jewelry.
- 4
The State Department is warning Americans to avoid travel to these countries: Afghanistan; Algeria; Angola; Bosnia-Herzegovina; Burundi; Central African Republic; Colombia; Congo-Kinshasa; Indonesia; Iran; Iraq; Israel, the West Bank and Gaza; Ivory Coast; Jordan; Lebanon; Liberia; Libya; Macedonia; Nigeria; Pakistan; Somalia; Sudan; Tajikistan; Venezuela; and Yemen.
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Here is a list of selected government tourist offices.
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Alabama: Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, 401 Adams Ave., Suite 126, Montgomery, AL 36104; (800) 252-2262, (334) 242-4169, fax (334) 242-4554, https://www.touralabama.org.
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This list of visitor information offices, edited by The Times for space, was provided in part by the California Division of Tourism in Sacramento.
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Find out about scenic and historic sites as well as special programs, fees and directions to California’s national parks, monuments and recreation areas: Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Ft.
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Ace Rent a Car(800) 243-3443https://www.acerentacar.com Advantage(800) 777-5500 https://www.arac.com Alamo(800) 462-5266 https://www.goalamo.com Americar Rental System(800) 327-9096 https://www.americar.com Auto Europe(800) 223-5555 https://www.autoeurope.com Avis(800) 331-1212 https://www.avis.com Avis International(800) 331-1084 https://www.avis.com Budget(800) 527-0700 https://www.budget.com Dollar(800) 800-4000 https://www.dollar.com Dollar International(800) 800-6000 https://www.dollar.com Driven Image (877) 646-2433https://www.drivenimage.com Enterprise(800) 325-8007 https://www.enterprise.com Europcar(877) 940-6900https://www.EuropcarAmericas.com Europe by Car(800) 223-1516 https://www.europebycar.com European Car Reservations(800) 535-3303 https://tecr@ecrtravel.com Fox Rent-A-Car (Arizona and California)(800) 225-4369https://foxrentacar.com Hertz(800) 654-3131 https://www.hertz.com Hertz International(800) 654-3001 https://www.hertz.com Holiday Rent-A-Car Reservation System(800) 729-5378 https://www.holidaycar.com Kemwel International(800) 678-0678 https://www.kemwel.com National(800) 328-4567 https://www.nationalcar.com National International(800) 227-3876 https://www.nationalcar.com Payless(800) 729-5377 https://www.paylesscarrental.com Renault Eurodrive(888) 532-1221https://www.renaultusa.com Rent a Wreck(800) 944-7501 https://www.rentawreck.com Sixt (Europe)(888) 749-8227 https://www.e-sixt.com Thrifty(800) 847-4389 https://www.thrifty.com
- 10
In Europe, better and faster trains are the order of the day.
- 11
After returning from a recent trip to Florida, Chris McIntyre likened driving his car to life in a fishbowl.
- 12
America’s baby boomers, seeking new ways to get away from it all, have helped RV sales skyrocket in the last year.
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For every traveler who has a special need or interest, there are agencies, Web sites and other resources that can help.
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You can’t take all the risk out of travel in these uncertain times, but you can reduce the financial risk by buying insurance.
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Here is a listing of cruise lines and their vessels.
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The following is a list of selected national and international airlines that fly out of major cities in the United States.
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The Internet is generally the best way to find deals on air fares, but there are other ways to save on that ticket to London or Hawaii.
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In San Francisco, the tracks have been laid and the final touches are being put on the BART rail extension that will connect the city’s airport with downtown later this year -- a system more than 30 years in the making.
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Here are phone numbers and Internet sites for major lodging companies and associations.
- 20
From a financial standpoint, if nothing else, the benefits of home exchanging are clear.
- 21
The right shots are important, but don’t discount prudent behavior on the road.
- 22
When things go wrong on a trip and travelers seek an explanation or apology from a hotel, airline or other travel service, they often get neither.
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Our list of Web travel resources grows every year -- and with good reason.
- 24
As you’re budgeting for your trip abroad, add more money to the line marked “passport.”
- 25
I’m pretty sure somebody did a study recently and discovered there are now more companies publishing guidebooks than there are people to read them.
- 26
In the Los Angeles area these stores specialize in travel literature and accessories: California Map & Travel Center, 3312 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 396-6277, fax (310) 392-8785, https://www.mapper.com.
