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Because many Americans make their charitable contributions during the holiday season, I pause each year at this time to recall (often in nearly the same language as last year) several nonprofit organizations that perform services for our fellow human beings in the field of travel. Their identities scarcely change from year to year, yet their activities are as valuable as ever – and each accepts tax-deductible contributions.

– Wilderness Inquiry, now entering its 32nd year, is the Minnesota-based organization (808 14th Avenue S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414, (800) 728-0719, www.wildernessinquiry.org) that enables disabled people (including those with slight mental disability) to go on adventure trips by inviting able-bodied volunteers to join them. On canoeing expeditions, treks and other active vacations, groups consist of both disabled and able-bodied people, the latter assisting their less-mobile fellow humans to enjoy the thrill of adventures in the out-of-doors. Charges are kept low by the contributions that others make to this extremely worthy nationwide tour program.

– U.S. Servas (1125 16th St., Suite 201, Arcata, CA 95521-5585, (707) 825-1714, www.usservas.org) hopes to promote world peace by encouraging travelers to mingle, converse and stay with foreign residents on vacation trips. It registers people willing to accommodate foreign visitors free of charge in their homes, and registers others desiring to enjoy such home stays, and then advises its carefully screened members of the identities of Servas members at their destinations. In continuous existence since 1948, it defrays heavy administrative expenses through contributions, among other funds.

– Wilderness Volunteers (P.O. Box 22292, (928) 556-0038, Flagstaff, AZ 86002, www.wildernessvolunteers.org) sends youthful, vigorous volunteers (mainly in their 20s to 40s) into the forest areas of America’s national and state parks and other public lands, mainly to repair the damage done by heedless visitors. They restore hiking trails, clean up debris and fire sites, plant strategically located trees and even take inventories of plant and wildlife species. Although the volunteer pays a charge (in 2008, the price was $259) for the weeklong stint, most of the other costs of Wilderness Volunteers are covered by grants and contributions.

– SATH, the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (its 13th World Congress takes place in Orlando, from Jan. 4-8) is the chief U.S. representative for disabled travelers, operating from 347 Fifth Ave., New York 10016, (212) 447-7284, and at www.sath.org. It advocates on behalf of the disabled seeking to travel, supplies information to them about travel programs and facilities for the disabled, and fights to make travel facilities accessible to them. If you have an acquaintance, friend or relative with a disability, you should not fail to advise him or her about SATH and its services, and you should also consider making a contribution to this remarkable travel organization.

– Hostelling International (8401 Colesville Road, Ste. 600, Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301) 495-1240; www.hiayh.org) is an operator of low-cost lodgings (“hostels”) in America and around the world, charging the most nominal amounts for rooms that are sometimes multibed dorms, but often – and increasingly – are private units housing two people. Contrary to a popular misunderstanding, hostels are now open to people of all ages; and especially during periods when young people are in school, they often are heavily patronized by middle-age and even elderly people. The organization enables a great many people to travel who otherwise could not do so, and it obviously is dependent on grants and contributions for a large part of its expenses. Though you might never have thought of this institution as an object of charitable giving, you very definitely should. And keep in mind that hostels are more than mere lodgings; they are warm gathering places where people mix and converse without barriers of race, religion, age or income.

– American Hiking Society (1422 Fenwick Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910, (800) 972-8608 or (301) 565-6714; www.americanhiking.org) is a nonprofit that wages a never-ending battle against degradation of our nation’s hiking trails. To that end, it offers one- and two-week volunteer vacations, during which its participants pull weeds, remove fences, dig trenches and perform other useful tasks in some of America’s loveliest national parks. Like the other organizations we’ve listed, this idealistic group partially relies on donations from both individuals and the corporate world.

Arthur Frommer is a syndicated columnist. Prices and availability of discount packages are subject to change.

Group Van Deals  group van rentals van rentals for groups van rental New York City and Newark Airport NJ to Miami Florida Orlando Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach Airports and beyond 12 and 15 Passenger VAN Rentals by IMAGE Van Rentals Company. New York and Florida based Van Rental with high quality service specializing in 12 and 15 passenger vans. You can travel in comfort and in numbers! The name says it all! We strive to provide our clients with excellent customer service and care. We aim to make your trip as comfortable and hassle free as possible. Rely on us to provide you with all your van rental needs. 1-888-718-0005

Rent our vans on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, or ask us about our shuttle services. We are the market leader in 12 and 15 Passenger Vans – Conversion Van Rental and Sprinter Vans Rental and strive to provide our customers with the highest degree of service and satisfaction. Come and check out our fleet of 12 passenger vans, and 15 passenger vans at any of our offices

 Scouting Groups – Church Groups – Nonprofit Organizations – Conventions – Music Bands – Hotels – Limousine Companies Family Reunions – Professional Associations -  Student Group Trips – Sports Teams – Summer Camps – Political Campaigns  – Universities new york movers

As the new year approaches, New York City gets ready for its annual Times Square celebration. The famous ball drop atop

New Years Eve 2009

 One Times Square has been a tradition dating back to 1906. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people descend upon Times Square to experience this free event. If you are planning to join the festivities, get there early and be prepared – you’ll be corralled into barricaded areas where you’ll have to stay for the duration. If you leave, you can’t get back to where you were.

Exotic Car Rental New York

-One great idea is to ship your gifts. With so many security regulations these days, you may have to unwrap your gifts to get through the security checkpoint. Plus, with many airlines having additional baggage fees, it may be cheaper to ship them to begin with. Many shoppers are turning to online stores and this time of year you can find a lot of free shipping deals. Rather than shipping gifts to your house, avoid the hassle altogether and ship them to your holiday destination.

-If you’re planning to fly, it might be a good idea to pack light and carry on your luggage. That way, you can avoid the possibility of losing your luggage, not have to bother with any additional baggage fees, save on check-in time and give yourself additional flexibility.

-So many travel problems occur when you miss your connection, get stuck in an unfamiliar city or have to rebook your flights. If you book a direct flight, you won’t have to worry about missing connecting flights and a good suggestion is to book the earliest departing flight possible.

-The day before and after a holiday are the most expensive times to travel. The reason for this is obviously because they are the busiest times as well. Allow for more flexibility with your travel dates so you can not only get a better deal, but also avoid the crowds.

- Rent a van and avoid the hassle of finding transportation around town. Just be sure to get a map of the city you are visiting so you’ll have a better idea of where you’re going. If possible, try to make car rental arrangements in advance.

-You’re always told to arrive at the airport early, but this statement is never more true than during holiday travel. With the added crowds, it’s important to arrive at least two hours before your departure time to allow for waiting at security checkpoints.

-Don’t forget to bring any important phone numbers that will help with your travel. For emergencies, it’s always important to bring the phone numbers of family members, but don’t forget the number for your travel agent, airline, rental car company or anyone else who may be able to help relieve headaches along the way.

For more information on car rentals during the holiday season, contact Image Rent a Car today or Image Van Rentals!

While gas prices are falling, the recession is causing a lot of cost conscious consumers to stay home this holiday season. According to a AAA survey, the number of people expected to travel 50 plus miles during the holiday nationwide is expected to drop by 1.4 percent in comparison to last year. Consumers are finding ways to cut in any way possible to ensure they have enough money for presents under the tree.

Even with the recession, an estimated 41 million people nationwide are still making plans to travel, with 81 percent of those travelers driving. U.S. airlines are taking a major hit. According to the Air Transport Association of America, this is the first time in seven years that the airlines have seen a drop in Thanksgiving travelers. This doesn’t mean that airports aren’t going to be busy around the holidays. If you’re planning to travel by air, you’ll still want to show up early for flights.

It’s no wonder so many people have decided to drive rather than fly this year. Currently, the national average gas price is $1.698. Look at this number in comparison to the highest average price that was recorded back in July at $4.114. It’s hard to believe that less than six months ago we were paying over double what we are paying today.

During the fuel spikes, several airlines began charging customers for luggage. Then the economy tanked, gas prices went down and many of the airlines never lifted the additional fees. And even with the lower gas prices, air passengers should expect to pay about 8 percent more than last year for tickets, according to an AAA report. However, you can find some airlines slashing fares to combat the weakened economy. If airlines are going to keep charging fees and don’t plan to drop prices, driving is looking like a pretty good option.

If you’d like to travel this holiday season and have time to drive rather than fly, it might be worth considering. With lower fuel prices and the potential to have less people on the highways, this is a good year to hit the road. A nice option for those driving long distances is to rent a car so you don’t have to put mileage on your own vehicle. Or, event better, rent a van and you’ll have plenty of space to stretch out during your long drive. Plus, if you’re traveling with a large family, you can rent a 15 passenger van and carpool to save on gas.

For more information on car rentals during the holiday season, contact Image Rent a Car today!

If you have been tasked with planning a birthday celebration, graduation, bachelor or bachelorette party, hammering out all of the details can be a difficult and stressful experience. If you’re planning a party with multiple destinations or would like to spend an entire weekend celebrating, finding transportation for the entire group should be top priority. Your best bet for an extended celebration might be renting a large van for the group to commute around town during your stay. Or, if you’re just needing transportation for an evening, you may consider a shuttle service. 

Whether you are planning a trip out of town or looking to stay in your hometown to celebrate, there are so many options for group activities. Obviously, your activities will depend on your location, but here are some popular ideas:

• Paintball is a great group experience that’s sure to be a lot of fun. Of course, if this is a bachelor or bachelorette party, make sure it’s not too close to the wedding as those paint pellets sure sting and have the potential to bruise! If you are concerned about the pain or bruising that goes along with paintball, another similar option is laser tag.
• Scavenger hunts can add to an evening’s festivities. If you’ve hired a shuttle service, make a stop at a restaurant, planned activity, a couple of night clubs and then back to the hotel. Pre-arrange to have small gifts or slightly embarrassing activities planned for the person-of-honor at each location.
• Head to a karaoke bar and sing the night away with your friends. Just keep in mind that some karaoke bars are frequented by regulars and there is an etiquette that is followed by audience members and singers. Sit back and listen to a few of the songs before hopping on stage and belting out your favorite tune.
  Who doesn’t like a good go cart ride every once in a while? Find a local race track and bring out that competitive spirit. Many race tracks also have arcades and other entertainment nearby, so when you think you’ve had enough racing, head to the other attractions with the group.
• Play a sport – whether it’s football, hockey or golf, nothing is more fun than getting the group together and exerting some energy while you’re at it. Try finding something that everyone in the group can play. Or, plan an alternate activity for those who aren’t interested so they can still have fun while the rest of the group is participating in the sporting activity.
• If you’re interested in traveling to another city for your celebration, New York City parties are high on the list of top cities. Whether you party in Manhattan or The Hamptons on Long Island, New York City is a happening place and offers a lot to partiers with nightclubs for every taste, party boats, and more. New York also has more restaurants per capita than any other city in North America. If you decide that New York is your destination of choice, hire a shuttle service to take you around town and you won’t have the added stress of driving in the Big Apple.

Once you’ve selected your destination and decided on your activities, the bulk of your work is complete. Since you will have a large group, it is always smart to contact restaurants, nightclubs or attractions in advance to ensure that you don’t need to make reservations. If you’re planning an extended weekend celebration, you’ll also want to find a place to stay that will fit the entire group. House rentals are always a good option or you can reserve a block of rooms at a hotel. You’ll also need to line up your transportation, whether it be renting a van or hiring a shuttle service. If you are planning a van rental, be sure to designate a driver in advance to ensure the safety of you and your guests.

While it may seem like a lot of work now, it will all pay off in the end. Planning the party is the hard part, but once it’s done, you can sit back and have a blast!

I don’t know about you, but during these cold, winter days at times it seems like I’d do anything to just get away to a warm sunny climate.It seems winter days are so chilly and dreary, that a trip to south Florida sounds like just the thing to cheer the winter blues.Imagine the scene: stress-free travel planning, warm, sunny days, a BCS championship Orange Bowl game. Wait, a minute you may say. Stress free travel planning?! Isn’t that word an oxymoron you may ask yourself. My friend, if you book your transportationwith image-exoticcarrentals.comand make plans to stay at the Quality Inn in Ft Lauderdale, anything is possible.

The BCS Orange Bowl is celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year.There are many celebratory activities planned. And let me tell you, they don’t call it the “world-class” halftime show for no reason.The halftime show itself is reason to go.But as an added bonus, you get to see two great college football teams trying to earn a championship. Bring back to your mind the image of the tropical climate and palm trees and the non-anxiety inducing trip planning. As they say in the south: Folks, it just don’t get much better than this.

“Wait, Let me get this straight.”, you may ask yourself.“This car rental company and the Quality Inn hotel chain will help me be able to enjoy my trip to the Orange Bowl without having to worry about travel plans and confirmation numbers?” image-exoticcarrentals.comis a company in which the only southern locations are in FL.What that means is that they are familiar with everything Florida, therefore ensuring you have a great time and hassle free rental. Quality Inn, Ft Lauderdale is the same story. Although they are a national chain, upon entering the lobby, you will find nothing but southern hospitality, ensuring your stay is the best you’ve ever had.

Knock, Knock.

Who’s there?

Orange.

Orange who?

Orange you on your way to book your trip yet?

Group Sports Teams have special needs and lots of flexibility. Image Van Rentals understands these needs from years of experience in managing sports teams and their Van Rental transportation travel plans.
Tournament directors, coaches, and players can be confident in knowing they will get the best prices, service, and value bar none. Image Van Rentals works hard to provide secure, reliable, and consistent travel options to help make the biggest success. That is why we cater to the Sports Team and giving them our outmost attention and VIP Service such as CurbSide Delivery of our Full Size Vans and Luxury Vans to the Airport Terminals in Orlando, Miami, New York, Ft Lauderdale, West Palm Beach Florida, Newark NJ,
Connecticut, Washington DC and more service areas added each month

Group Sports Teams & Tournament Travel Van Rentals

Call 1-888-718-0001 in NY
and in Florida 1-888-718-0005

Who is the program ideally suited for?
Scouting Groups

Church Groups

Nonprofit Organizations

Conventions

Family Reunions

Professional Associations

Student Group Trips

Sports Teams

Summer Camps

Political Campaigns

Image Van Rentals is the largest van rental company in the USA that is geared towards group transportation. Image is also convenient with locations in New York, NJ, CT and Florida. This enables IMAGE to provide curbside delivery to all area hotels and airports in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, PA, Washington DC, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach Florida*.

Their fleet includes conversion high top luxury van rentals, Mercedes Sprinter vans ( High Top 12 Person Vans ) and 15 passenger Ford/ Chevy Vans, all of which are well appointed with LCD video screens, game systems, DVD playback, iPod support, tinted windows, security alarm systems and more. Also available are optional GPS units and mobile broadband WIFI units for rent.

Image has worked with hundreds of sports groups, churches, schools, university’s, conventions, family reunions, music bands and cross country touring travelers. The Image low rates are available to all. Because we are run and staffed by efficient and professional team members, we understand the unique needs of GROUP touring business better then any other rental company, and are committed to providing the highest quality service to our clients.

For more information, or to make a reservation, please visit our website: www.IMAGEvanrentals.com or call: 1-888-718-0001 or 1-888-718-0005 in Florida.

* airports we service with van rentals: JFK LGA EWR MCO PBI MIA SFB ACY PHL DCA BOS

I don’t know about you, but I still have Halloween candy in the pantry. Suddenly I realize that the holiday season is upon us. First it’s Thanksgiving and then the next day (or so it seems!) is Christmas. Thoughts of What to make for Thanksgiving dinner, who to buy presents for, whose house are we staying all begin to bombard our minds. “How can I do it all” you may ask yourself.Between cries of “Are we there yet?” and “How Much Longer ?” You may begin wondering if it’s really worth it to drive every which way, keeping everyone happy in the 1^st place.Halfway to your destination, you may realize that you leftGreat Aunt Marge’s gift at home or that the mashed potatoes are still in the oven. While you can’t plan everything, you can plan for safe travel along your journey.

In addition to planning your travel route and planning for road conditions, safe travel begins with making sure everything is up to date and in working order on your vehicle.This includes checking tires, tire pressure, oil levels, belts etc. The list goes on and on. Since you already have enough holiday planning and arrangements to worry about, let safe travel be one less thing you have to worry about. Renting a van from Image Rent A Van will put your mind at ease.

Once you get to your loved ones house and endure all the cheek-pinching, story re-telling and turkey eating, you might realize that it’s not as bad as you had anticipated.Spending time with family and friends during the holiday season is special and makes us revel in the magic of the season.BUT, should there be just one-too-many cheeks pinched or embarrassing story told, rest assured that you can have a safe getaway in your vehicle.