Take a Break While Playing it Safe By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large February 24, 2003 Do you get jealous when the birds fly south for the winter? Do you ever get cabin fever, or a case of winter blues, and clamor for a little R&R or some fun in the sun? Perhaps it's ingrained from all those spring breaks in school growing up. Whatever the reason, each winter, just as daylight begins to stretch a little farther, the weather hints at warming, and baseball training goes into full swing, I have got to get out and go somewhere! Clearly, I'm not the only one. Each spring travelers flock to warm destinations such as Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. However, this year, given the political uncertainty, the trend is that people are taking their escapes closer to home. At Travelocity we've seen a shift towards domestic travel this spring. It looks like Hawaii, California, and Florida will be the big winners for increased visitors. Although, that doesn't mean that only domestic locales are faring well. The Caribbean and Mexico are getting a bump in tourism too. Not surprisingly, we're also seeing that international travel, and particularly European travel, is flat. Overall the most popular domestic destinations we’re seeing for this spring are: Orlando Las Vegas Phoenix Tampa Bay Fort Lauderdale Los Angeles Fort Myers New York San Francisco Denver Also in the top 20 most popular destinations for spring are favorites such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Honolulu, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, clearly not everyone is following the birds south, as Denver, New York, and D.C. are also in the top 20. Wherever you're heading this spring--near or far--here are some tips to help keep you, your traveling companions, and your stuff safe and secure. Remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Make note of exits and exit routes whenever you enter new places (hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, etc.). Remember to put luggage tags on all your items. Keep your checked baggage within the allowed weight limit (best to remain under 50 pounds). Remember that travelers checks are the only way to protect "cash" money. Consider travel insurance (this is especially popular among parents whose kids are going on spring break). Check with the state department for any warnings if traveling abroad. Many spring-breakers forego the skies altogether, piling into cars and flocking to surfside parties or restorative resorts. For you road-trippers, here are a few tips to keep in mind: Make sure your car is road-worthy before you start--check oil level, the transmission fluid, the radiator’s anti-freeze/coolant level, the windshield washer fluid, the brake fluid, the battery, and all the cables. Remember to drive defensively and safely. Plan your route in advance and have a good map on hand. Keep your doors and trunk locked to protect your valuables. Always have a designated driver. Maybe I'll see you at the beach. Wherever you go, however you get there, I hope you have happy travels! If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com Home-page photo by Tanya Tribble.

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