The Latest BrenCase Adventures

Not a one of us should need an incentive to give generously to the Haiti relief efforts; but we all know sometimes an extra nudge might influence us.  Spirit Airlines will give 5,000 free frequent flyer miles to any persons donating at least $5 to the Red Cross, UNICEF, or Yele Haiti to help with Haiti’s recovery efforts. (That amount of miles will qualify for a free flight, and the airline says it’s planning to give away up to one billion miles as part of this promotion.)

Go to Free Spirit to enroll in the airline's frequent flyer program.  Then go to Haiti Relief to choose the agency you want to donate to (I would recommend Yele Haiti).  Complete the form on that page for the 5000 miles to be credited to your Free Spirit account.

If you are not interested in going through all the above procedure, just find an agency of your choice and GIVE!



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Did you know that pizza is one of the safest foods to eat while away from home?

While many tourists can become sick from eating contaminated foods in foreign places, pizza has been found less likely to spoil than other foods. One reason for this is that pizzas are cooked at very high temperatures before arriving at your table.

Just thought you might like to know!

Find more tips for the road at KidsHealth.org.

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Family Travel Forum urges families flying to the U.S. to prepare fornew security regulations in place at international airports around theworld.


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Sometimes the best way to travel is to look for last minute deals in your own area, and plan a one or two night getaway.  Glenda and I found one of those last weekend and used it to visit friends in Charlotte on Christmas Day.

The Westin Charlotte has the following special deal:
    * Rates from $79 per night
    * Complimentary parking
    * Valid for Thursday - Sunday arrivals through March 2, 2010

Also, I discovered a downtown restaurant that is worth a visit.  The Mez Restaurant is a little hard to find, but well worth it.  The food quality is well above average and the servings are more than anyone needs at one meal.  A evening meal entree will be from $18 to $30 per person.

Email me at phillip@brencase.com to make reservations at both places.  Go ahead - get away for a night or two!



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The Transportation Department is ordering airlines to let passengers stuck in stranded airplanes exit after three hours.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Monday announced the three-hour limit and other new passenger protections long sought by consumer advocates. From January to June this year, 613 planes were delayed on tarmacs for more than three hours.

Read more at the New York Times online.

Experience Savannah's carriage rides, antique shops and ghost tours while staying at the AAA 4-Diamond Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa for $99 per night through Feb. 11.

Thisoffer applies to the resort's recently renovated Traditional rooms,which include a flat-screen LCD TV and the signature Westin Heavenlybed. A discounted upgrade to a River View room is available for $10 more per night.

The offer also includes 20% off all spa services at the new Heavenly Spa by Westin and two-for-one golf at the resort's golf course.

The Westin Savannah Resort features:

• An 18-hole PGA championship golf course, designed by Robert Cupp and Sam Snead
• The award-winning Aqua Star restaurant
• A heated outdoor pool with cabanas
• Tennis courts
• A convenient water ferry service to/from the Historic Downtown District

There are some blackout dates - contact phillip@brencase.com for more information and/or to reserve your room.


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Are you looking for a cruise departure that is close to Western North Carolina?  Following is the latest news regarding cruises from Charleston SC, the port being just over four hours from the Asheville area:

The Celebrity Mercury will offer seven sailings direct from Charleston starting in February and running through April, including alternating 10- and 11-night Caribbean voyages with visits to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Tortola on the eastern series, and Key West; Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico, and Nassau on the western lineup.

Celebrity will also offer one 16-night transit through the Panama Canal that disembarks in Los Angeles, California. Beyond next year’s schedule, the ship is also slated for a series of five sailings from Charleston in 2011.

Carnival Cruise Lines will begin 5,6 and 7 day year round cruises May 18.

Just thought you might like to know!


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Sandals Offers Free Nights for December Stays

Get first nights free for stays booked at five resorts (Grande Antigua, Grande Ocho Rios, Montego Bay,Regency La Toc, and Royal Caribbean) booked by Dec. 22 (five nights minimum). The same offer applies to family bookings (four nights minimum) at Beaches Boscobel or Turks & Caicos booked by Dec. 22,too. Travel must be completed by Dec. 26 to claim this deal.

Contact phillip@brencase.com, your Certified Sandals Specialist,  to grab this deal!.


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Are you thinking about a Christmas weekend trip, just to do something different this year?  Well, you can't beat this deal:

• offer includes an upgrade to a partial oceanview room based on availability at check-in
• 15% off all spa treatments
• cited by Frommer's as "the most opulent European-style hotel in town"

available for travel through Feb. 28, including holidays and weekends.  A deal like this will not last long; contact phillip@brencase.com for more information and to reserve your weekend getaway.

Voted #1 by TripAdvisor in Best for Families” category in 2008!

Super suite rates available from $79. Plus, new package offers $50 Food/Beverage credit with a 2 night stay!

• Complimentary hot buffet breakfast daily

• • Complimentary parking and High-speed Internet access

• • Complimentary shuttle to select theme parks based on schedule

• • Studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens

• • Heated resort-style pool and whirlpool

• • Sports Court

• • Exercise room

• • Video Arcade

• • Guest Laundry

• • Pets welcome for a fee

In addition to great rates, the following packages are offered at the Residence Inn SeaWorld:

• • SeaWorld Family Package- Stay 4 Nights/Get 4 SeaWorld Tickets

• • Incredible Golf Packages -Choose from 2 great Golf Courses

• • Super Shoppers Package - nearby Orlando Premium Outlets

• • SeaWorld & Aquatic Packages

Email phillip@brencase.com for more information and/or to reserve your package.