As security measures increase and lines at airports grow and grow, travelers are finding themselves spending more time on the ground at the airport then actually in the air.  We have put together a list of airports that help travelers pass the time.

Baltimore/Washington International – In the observation gallery, children can climb on a pretend plane and even listen in on live radio feeds to the control tower.  A radar board is also displayed so families can watch aircraft as they arrive/depart the airport.

Boston’s Logan International – Before sitting on a long plane ride and paying $5 for a bag of peanuts, you may want to treat yourself to a fresh lobster at Anthony’s Pier 4 Lobsters.  Any airport that serves lobster should definitely be on this top 5!

Chicago O’hare International – This airport has an amazing exhibit organized by the Chicago Children’s Museum.  Kids can enjoy a long slide exiting a two story control tower, push all the buttons in a simulated cockpit, and load a cargo hold with fake luggage.

San Francisco International –  Spend some time in the 11,500 square foot aviation museum to view aviation artifacts, pictures, and more.  Also on display, are huge fish aquariums that can teach kids about the ecosystems of the Amazon River and coral reefs.

Las Vegas’ McCarran International – For those addicted to gambling, or hoping to leave Vegas with more money than they arrived with, play numerous slot machines while waiting for departures.   If lucky, maybe we can win enough money to pay for our vacation.

It’s almost that time of the season to strap on your snowboard and bust an Indy 540 with a mute grab.  I have no idea what that means, but do remember I scored a lot of points for that skill on an addicting video game in my youth.  Kayak.com has put together this list of top snowboarding destinations around the world.

Anywhere, Colorado – The Rockies are a hotbed for winter sports.  There are so many mountains and lodges to choose from, such as Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen, to name a few.  I think Colorado should change its state nickname to “the winter wonderland.”

Big Sky, Montana – Enjoy over 150 runs down three different mountains, as lift lines are almost non-existent.   At night, the lights come on and a section of the slope is transformed into a “tubing park” for an extreme sledding experience.

Whistler, British Colombia – They are hosting the next winter Olympics!  You can be assured that the mountain is receiving some of the best treatment and attention in the world, to assure it is in pristine condition for the upcoming games.

Zermatt, Switzerland – This winter town is like no-other in the world. With car’s not allowed, pedestrians walk the narrow cobblestone streets and are treated to spectacular clear views of the Matterhorn and Swiss Alps.   The snowboarding and skiing are top-notch.

Chamonix, France – Hailed as the most famous ski town in France, Chamonix has a small town feel in the shadows of large mountain peaks.   Spend the day boarding down the scenic trails, and unwind at night at the pedestrian center featuring shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

About every three minutes, I come across another story purporting to offer definitive travel advice. More often than, these missives really just boil down to a lessons in filling water bottles in airport bathrooms (which I admit, can sometimes be tricky with those pesky motion-sensitive sinks) and packing blankets in your carry-on.  And while that kind of travel advice can be helpful for some, it’s all too often used as drivel to fill up space – and it’s also the kind of advice most savvy travelers are already well aware of. So today, folks, I’m not going to offer Kayak.com blog readers pseudo advice, like how to pack a sandwich to avoid purchasing one on your next flight (get ziplock bag, insert sandwich, go to airport).

Instead, I’m offering up four real ways any traveler can save money on airline fees and air travel. Each tip requires just a little legwork before or after your flight. Two are airline-specific, but even if you don’t fly these airlines regularly, I hope they’ll remind you to check your preferred carrier for similar deals and promotions the next time you fly. New promos and programs pop up all the time. So without further ado…

1.    Pre-purchase food online. Air Canada (PDF link) offers travelers a discount for pre-purchasing food and beverage vouchers online. Passengers can save $2 on a food and drink combo when they buy a voucher through the airline’s web site in advance. Not a huge savings for one person, but a family of four will appreciate it.

2.    Pay checked bag fees in advance when possible. Very few airlines offer pre-payment options like this (more should!), but it’s worth being aware of the ones that do. Spirit Airlines cuts the cost for checking the first bag from $25 to $10 when you pay in advance online, and British Airways offers passengers a 20 percent discount on excess baggage fees when travelers pay in advance online.

3.    Take advantage of off-airport parking discounts. Instead of making a beeline for the nearest off-airport parking lot on the day of travel, research lots near your airport in advance. Many entice new customers with printable discount coupons on their web sites, while others offer discounts for booking reservations in advance.

Find them by doing a Google search for parking near your airport. For example, AviStar near Chicago O’Hare offer 10 percent off coupons via the web, while ParkSFO near San Francisco International Airport offers a free one-day coupon that you can print from the web site and Airpark offers a free day of parking at its lots near New York JFK and LaGuardia Airports when you book in advance online.

4.    Book at hotels offering checked bag promotions. With the rise of airline fees (not to mention fares), some hotel groups have seized the opportunity to make good with harried travelers through baggage-themed promotions. Earlier this year, Kimpton Hotels started the trend with its We Got Your Bag promotion. Now Loews Hotels is offering a Baggage Buy Back offer that credits guests with up to $30 when they present their receipt for a first checked bag, while some Kor Hotels will reimburse travelers for the cost of checking their bags this fall through the Money Bags promotion. So save those receipts!

Travel during the official hurricane season (June-November) to Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Florida destinations can yield attractive bargains at hotels and resorts many travelers avoid this time of year. Even in the face of the active hurricane season we’re experiencing this year, we’re all for hurricane season travel - if you keep some tried-and-true pieces of advice in mind before, during and after you travel.

1.    Look for Hurricane Guarantees. Before you book, search for hotels and resorts that offer refund or reasonable rebooking policies in the event of severe weather. Usually, travel companies and associations will only offer this sort of guarantee for weather so extreme that transportation to and from the area becomes dangerous or impossible, but that’s not always the case. The Bermuda Hotel Association, for example, offers travelers the option of canceling reservations within five days of their trip when a hurricane-force storm is predicted to come within 200 miles of the area. Note that these policies differ from hotel to hotel, resort to resort, so be sure to read all the fine print before booking your stay.

2.    Consult the Experts. While you’re still in the planning stages for a trip that falls during hurricane season, consult the National Hurricane Center to determine which destinations are more likely to experience severe storms during your preferred travel time. The next step? Consider avoiding these destinations completely, or choosing destinations that fall outside the regions where hurricanes are most likely to hit that month. For example, in October, hurricanes have historically been less likely to hit southern  Caribbean islands like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Aruba and Barbados.

3.    Try a Cruise. If you’re set on visiting the Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season, a cruise may be one of the best ways to avoid a ruined vacation planned far in advance. Why? In the event of severe weather, cruise ships can alter their routes and ports of call. You may not get to visit the islands on your original itinerary, but you’ll still be able to enjoy your time on the high seas.

4.    Opt for Travel Insurance. Travel insurance can save the day when tropical storms threaten to wreak havoc on an expensive vacation. That said, travel insurance policies vary widely from provider to provider. Some offer solid coverage that will result in a substantial refund when a hurricane hits, while others may tack on too many restrictions to be worth the extra money. The only surefire way to know that you’re getting a good policy is to read the fine print carefully. In fact, read it twice.

5.    Be prepared before, during and after your trip. Several weeks before a trip scheduled during hurricane season, start paying close attention to weather patterns in your destination area. If a tropical storm is predicted to hit during your trip, contact your airline or travel agent immediately to discuss flight change policies and options. Being on top of things can be a huge help in this arena – especially when you’re competing for seats on alternate flights with hundreds of other similarly-affected travelers. When you embark upon your trip, take copies of any travel insurance policies, hurricane guarantees or other documents that you’ll need in the event of a hurricane. Getting your proper refund or rebooking your reservations will often depend on policy rules regarding evacuation procedures, schedules, etc. Make sure you play by the rules, or you may be out of luck when you try to submit a claim or request an itinerary change. Lastly, save any and all receipts and issued tickets. You’ll need to submit documentation after your trip to substantiate your travel insurance claim.

Do you have any great tips for hurricane travel? Share them with the Kayak.com community by leaving a comment. Or get in touch directly at lsanders (at) kayak (dot) com.

With fall stretching out before us, we’ve been thinking about the autumn leaves, hot apple cider and crisp nights ahead. From a one-family farmhouse in Wisconsin to a sprawling Tennessee estate known for combining sportsman activities and epicurean delights, here are five farms to visit this fall:

Little Sugar River Farm
The Farm
Located 30 miles south of Madison, this Wisconsin farmhouse home (pictured) for up to six adults at only $340/night is a steal for groups, but also a romantic little Midwestern hideout for couples seeking a slower pace. The owners will also cook meals in the home’s commercial kitchen using mostly organic farm produce and local products, or let guests wing it themselves with free reign over the garden and the hen house (just don’t tick off the rooster).
Farm Chores
Explore the farm’s 20 acres of pastures and fruit orchards. Pick flowers from the gardens. In winter, ice skate on the farm’s frozen pond or snowshoe across the beginnings of the property’s restored prairie land.
The Bunks
A stay here means you’ll have the run of the house. The master bedroom upstairs offers two-person soaking tub, 250-thread count linens, thick bathrobes and towels.
Get off the Farm
Less than a quarter mile from the property, the Sugar River Trail offers 23 miles of hiking and biking land – or in winter, cross-country skiing. When you’re done with the great outdoors, drive the 10 miles to the neighboring town of New Glarus and its Swiss village, complete its own brewery.

Leaping Lamb Farm
The Farm
An Oregon homestead since 1896, this family-run working farm offers a slice of the simple life with farms stays in a guest cabin suitable for families and small groups. D.I.Y. breakfasts consist of produce and eggs fresh from the farm.
Farm Chores
Sampling the homemade jams and cider the farm produces after the fall harvest. Year-round, pitch in by collecting eggs from the free range chickens or feeding the farm’s sheep.
The Bunks
One cabin offers two simple bedrooms outfitted with queen-sized beds, a covered outdoor deck, full kitchen and living room with futon couch.
Beyond the Barn
Take a drive through surrounding Alsea Valley to visit small wineries, alpaca farms and cheese producers.

Black Star Farms
The Farm
A stay in this northern Michigan farm’s eight-room inn puts you on 120 acres of land a stone’s throw from Grand Traverse Bay. Guests rave about the inn’s gourmet breakfast served each morning.
Farm Chores
Visit the property’s horse stables, the owners’ Leelanau Cheese Company creamery (known for its Raclette) and the Black Star Farms Winery (try the fruit brandies).
The Bunks
Rustic farmland abounds outside, but the guestrooms will make you forget all that. Dressed up in the kind of contemporary decor one might find in a big city boutique hotel, the rooms are wonderfully appointed with welcome touches like Aveda bath amenities and a complimentary bottle of the farm’s house red wine. Some have fireplaces and spa tubs.
Beyond the Barn
Tour the area’s many wineries (including Ciccone, owned by Madonna’s father) or explore the cute shops and laid-back restaurants in the nearby town of Sutton’s Bay.

Blackberry Farm
The Farm
In the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, this 4,200-acre estate is a farm adept at pleasing even the pickiest gourmands and city slickers. Artisanal foods produced onsite range from jams to cheese to chocolate. Other reasons to go include the Farmhouse Spa, fly fishing and Camp Blackberry for kids.
Farm Chores
While the kids are learning how to dye wool or make apple cider, the adults in your group can indulge in cooking classes, horseback riding and sporting clays.
The Bunks
The 59 guestrooms here come in many shapes and sizes. Rooms, suites, cottages and house all impress with their Georgian antiques, and all room rates include three meals a day.
Beyond the Barn
With its mountainous location, the sky’s really the limit here when it comes to outdoor activity. The farm will arrange overnight camping trips for guests, as well as cycling, fly fishing, canoeing and golf excursions.

Smithfield Farm Bed & Breakfast
The Farm
Head to the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills to find this 200-year-old gem, located about an hour’s drive west from Washington, DC.
Farm Chores
Meet the animals at Smith Meadows farm, a working farm that produces grass-fed meats and eggs and shares the property with the bed and breakfast. Pick apples in the orchard or stroll along the 350-acre property’s quiet country roads.
The Bunks
Four guestrooms and a private cottage make up the accommodations, which include gas log fireplaces and antique furnishings – some offer whirlpool tubs, canopy beds and private entrances.
Beyond the Barn
Explore Crystal Caverns in nearby Strasburg or brush up on your history with a visit to area Civil War battlefields like Antietam, Cedar Creek or Harpers Ferry.

The college football season has officially begun. College alumni across the nation are beginning to search for their favorite alma mater t-shirts and sweatshirts in order to cheer their teams on. We have laid out 5 trip ideas for the football fanatics. These college football teams attract large crowds and know how to please.

LSU (Baton Rouge) - You may want to attend one of these games just for the tailgating. Imagine parking lots full of people barbequing crawfish, mixing Jambalaya, and serving up other Cajun specialties. Once inside the stadium prepare to be surrounded with fans dressed in purple and yellow Mardi Gras attire.

Texas A&M (College Station) – Prepare to be engulfed with rowdy college-aged fans as students make up half the 82,600 stadium capacity on game days. Every midnight before home games, the students will meet for the Midnight Yell and prepare their voices for the upcoming game.

Notre Dame (Indiana) – This list of college football towns would not be complete unless it included Notre Dame. The program has won 11 National Championships, and who could forget the highly inspirational movie Rudy? Before each game players attend a mass on campus and fans block off a path from the church to the stadium so the players can have a clear walking course. Plus, who doesn’t love the air push-ups ND fans perform after every Irish score?

University of Oregon (Eugene) - If you live in Oregon, you are either a Ducks fan or a Beavers fan. The clash between Oregon and Oregon State each year allows bragging rights for the remainder of the year. Oregon’s mascot is a formidable presence having been suspended games in the past for fighting other mascots. When fans hold their hands over their head in an O and scream “OOOOOOHHHHH,” it is hard to refrain from joining in.

Florida (Gainesville) – The Gators home stadium is appropriately named the swamp. Bring your shorts and body paint to these games because the weather is guaranteed to be ideal. Thousands of screaming fans line up two to three hours before the games to take part in welcoming the home team to the stadium during the Gator Walk.

Travel by train can make for an epic adventure - whether it’s a one-day trip to view the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu or a multi-day journey through the majestic Canadian Rockies. Here, five of our favorite railroad adventures:

The Trans-Siberian Railway

The journey: There are several possible routes, but one of the most popular among travelers is the Moscow to Beijing route that travels through Mongolia. For good reviews of several different journeys, check out Seat 61’s Guide to the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Outside your window: Highlights include Lake Baikal, reportedly the deepest of the world’s freshwater lakes, as well as Mongolia’s Gobi Desert.
Passenger profile: Everyone from adventurous backpackers to business people.
Itinerary add-ons: From Beijing, you can easily hop a connecting train for travel south through Vietnam and Thailand.
Know before you go: You’ll need visas for travel to or through Russia, Belarus, China and, depending on your nationality, Mongolia. Start arranging visas after you’ve scheduled your travel and purchased tickets – about three months before your trip, if possible. Some visas are available within a few days of travel, so you’ll have to arrange for one using the method that makes the most sense with your itinerary.

Cusco to Machu Picchu aboard the Hiram Bingham

The journey: This day-long adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu and back on an 84-person luxury train includes morning brunch, a tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and a four-course dinner on the return trip.
Outside your window: Highlights include Perus’s Sacred Valley, Urubamba River and, of course, Machu Picchu itself.
Passenger profile: Western tourists who enjoy being wined and dined, skipping lines at the main attraction and – of course – the Hiram Bingham’s 1920’s-style interiors.
Itinerary add-ons: You can opt to stay overnight at Machu Picchu and take a return trip the following afternoon, if space is available. Another add-on would be continuing on, via another train, from Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca.
Know before you go: There are several other train travel options between Cusco and Machu Picchu. The cheapest options are popular among backpackers and local residents, while mid-level services often include drinks and refreshments during the journey.

Australia’s Great Southern Rail via The Ghan

The journey: two-night trip each way or four nights roundtrip from South Australia’s Adelaide to the Northern Territory’s Darwin on board the Ghan, which offers travel classes from basic, budget-friendly sleeper seat accommodations to luxurious eight-person private cars.
Outside your window: Highlights include the Red Centre and Alice Springs and the rocky outcroppings of the Top End.
Passenger profile: You’ll find the train packed with leisure travelers from young backpackers willing to spend the night in reclining seats to wealthy railroad enthusiasts forking over the big bucks for cabin stewards, roomy accommodations and evening turndown service.
Itinerary add-ons: Book the Aboriginal Sacred Sites tour, and you’ll be able to depart the train mid-journey for a three-hour guided adventure through Alice and nearby places like Anzac Hill.
Know before you go: Discounted fares are available for students, backpackers, seniors and travelers willing to pay in full for non-refundable tickets at the time of purchase. Contact the Great Southern Railway for more information about available discounts.

The Beijing-Lhasa Express

The journey: A 48-hour trip covering over 2,500 miles from Beijing to Lhasa aboard the world’s highest – and most politically controversial – train.
Outside your window: The Kunlun Mountains, the Hol Xil National Nature Reserve and miles upon miles of remote Tibetan plateau landscape blanketed in permafrost.
Passenger profile: Given the complications of securing both Chinese visas and Tibet visitor visas, the trains are populated predominately by Chinese travelers, though Western tourists do appear from time to time.
Itinerary add-ons: Check with tour operators and travel agencies to find trip extensions into Nepal and other parts of China.
Know before you go: Reaching altitudes in the neighborhood of 16,600 feet, the train is known for sending its passengers into the throws of altitude sickness. While oxygen is pumped into the cars and individual hoses for sucking down more offer additional relief, some who’ve ridden the train recommend getting a prescription medicine like Diamox to combat altitude sickness. For a solid overview of the experience, check out High Train to Tibet.

The Canadian Rockies via the Rocky Mountaineer

The journey: Multi-day trips of up to 11 days exploring the Canadian Rockies with overnights in resorts and hotels along the way.
Outside your window: Highlights on the popular Vancouver to Calgary route include Fraser Canyon, the manmade Spiral Tunnels and the rushing waters of Fraser River’s Hell’s Gate.
Passenger profile: Mostly Western tourists in couples or small groups, though families are also common. The packages are especially popular with retirees and cruise passengers.
Itinerary add-ons: Trips can be as little as two days or as many as 11. Many passengers choose to tack shorter train trips onto the beginning or end of Alaskan cruises or arrange a few days in popular destinations like Vancouver, Whistler and Banff at the beginning or end of their trip.
Know before you go: The tours offered aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train are only offered between April and October.

Labor Day is just around the corner, which means summer is fading.  Why not enjoy our remaining sunshine at a Labor Day Parade or other outdoor event. 

Brooklyn, New York – For the past 41 years, New York has celebrated Labor Day with a West Indian American Parade and Carnival. The landmark parade attracts millions of people each year dressed in bright Caribbean colors.

Washington DC – If you enjoy the performing arts, you may want to attend the free concert performed by the National Symphony Orchestra in front of the US Capitol Building.

Kansas City, Missouri – One of the largest Irish festivals, drawing over 85,000 visitors, is held annually in Kansas City.  Sample the Irish culture with dance and music performances on 5 stages.  The 3-day event starts on August 29^th.

Los Angeles, California – The L.A Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival will showcase over 200 jazz musicians. If Jazz isn’t your thing, drive to Long Beach and set up your lawn chair or family sized blanket and enjoy the Blues Festival.

Any Park, Anywhere – It’s Labor Day! The holiday was created to give all of us a break from work and celebrate the good weather.  Everyone has their favorite outdoor spot, so pack a picnic lunch or barbeque with friends and family. 

Whether it’s a weekend away or a month-long backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, booking solo travel comes with its own set of special considerations. When you’re going it alone, travel can be a lot simpler. After all, you’re not going to be stuck debating every move, schlepping your traveling companion’s overstuffed suitcases or jockeying for toiletry space on the bathroom’s single shelf. But traveling as a single person can also be more expensive. And while many of us travel solo specifically for the solitude it offers, for others, the  experience can be a lonely one.

But single travel doesn’t have to be more expensive than traveling with companions, nor does it have to be an isolating experience. I’ll tackle tips for the solo travel experience itself in a future post, but for now, some things to keep in mind while researching and booking an upcoming solo trip:

1. Pay attention to pricing schemes. It may seem like “duh” advice, but it’s important. Hotel rooms (and especially special hotel packages), vacation packages and cruises are often priced based on double occupancy. If you choose to purchase them as a single traveler, you can run the risk of paying more - i.e the dreaded single supplement - for your accommodations than you would if you were traveling along with a companion. But not every company prices its offerings that way. Your job as a savvy traveler is to pay attention to the breakdown and make the best choice based on your needs. Luckily for solo travelers, many travel search sites and online travel agencies (including Kayak.com, Sidestep, Orbitz, Expedia) price their vacation packages per person.

2. Choose a hotel with solid on-site services and amenities. When it comes to lodging in a major city, choose a property that offers onsite dining and other services (a good concierge, complimentary car service, overnight laundry, etc.) that will make your life easier should you end up arriving in the middle of the night after a delayed flight or without your luggage. Sometimes, this can mean choosing a hotel that caters more toward business travelers, who are likely to be traveling alone. Sure, you’ll strike out on your own to eat, drink and explore your surroundings, but it’s nice to have a solid home base from which to operate - and to count on when you’re jet-lagged, tired or met with some unexpected travel complication.

3. Research group travel tours carefully to find one that meets your needs and suits your goals. With more single travelers hopping around the globe than ever these days, it’s no surprise that there are more companies and tour operators catering to them than existed a decade ago. But before you book based solely on price, spend some time considering your goals for the trip. If your goal is meeting people, try booking a tour with a company or organization based in your hometown (universities with continuing education programs, civic organizations and culinary groups often offer good options). That way, the majority of the people on your trip are likely to live in your area. You can also look for companies that offer some sort of forum or community for participant feedback to give you an idea of participants’ overall experience. You might also want to consider a volunteer vacation or educational trip (anything from surf camp to language immersion) that combines interaction and socializing with time for independent activities.

4. Ease into the solo experience. If you’ve never taken a solo trip, don’t start with a month in a country where you don’t speak the language. Strike out for a weekend by yourself first or prep for that upcoming solo adventure by tacking a day or two of single travel onto a longer family vacation or group trip with friends.

5. Consider the offbeat and unusual. Before booking your plane ticket and a room at your favorite hotel chain for a quick getaway, consider new ways of traveling that may be less attractive or feasible with multiple people. Couch-surfing, for example, is often easier when you’re a party of one. If you always opt for flying, consider taking an overnight train instead, just for kicks. Opt for a hostel over a budget hotel or bunk in at a tiny bed & breakfast, where interaction with hosts is part of the package. Stay in a yurt, visit a car-free island or overnight in a lighthouse inn.

Do you have any tips for single and solo travelers? Leave comments below or send me a direct email at lsanders (at) kayak (dot) com.

I’m a man who loves a good book, and after a recent trip out east I realized there are so many destinations that honor their writers that it might be worth a ‘literary vacation’ at some point. My five favorites, and a quick note on each:

Boston
Thoreau’s Walden was written during his time living in a cabin on Walden Pond, just outside Boston. Nearby Salem is where Nathanial Hawthorne made his home, and Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick nearby.

London
Visit Westminster Abbey where authors like Chaucer, Dickens, and Tennyson have been laid to rest. The British Library holds original transcripts from such notable writers as Jane Austen and James Joyce.

Paris
Home to ‘The Lost Generation,’ this was where famed scribes like T.S. Eliot, Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and Ezra Pound found writing styles that differentiated them from other Americans at the time.

New York City
Greenwich Village is famous for authors drinking heavily in the pubs, and you can even take a literary pub crawl! Visit Central Park’s Literary Walk to witness sculptures of famous writers throughout time.

San Francisco
The town owes quite a bit to literary pasts, and has streets named after authors like London, Twain, Bierce, and Kerouac. Many of them spent time in the city and surrounding pubs talking books and travel.