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Virgin Airlines: Lucky Flier Will Get Free Space Trip


Most frequent flier programs offer only free airline trips, hanging out in posh airport lounges and a few other goodies. Now, Virgin Airlines offers one its lucky frequent fliers a free trip into outer space.

Richard Branson and his Virgin Galactic planners have been working on putting commercial flights into space for the past decade. The future seems to be getting closer, and they hope within the next few years to schedule space tours through Earth's atmosphere and beyond.

Until August 7, 2013, Virgin offers its top frequent flier the chance to upgrade to Galactic status. Whoever accumulates the most points by that date will win a free passage aboard the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo space vehicle, a $200,000 value. Some 500 eager passengers, including celebrities, have already bought tickets.

The second-place winner of the contest will get a free zero-gravity floating fun flight in a passenger jet. For more information, go to virgingalactic.com

Senior Cruisers: Check Before Booking Port Excursions PDF Print E-mail


Your travel4seniors.com editor has cruised into many ports. Some were delightful, while others crime-controlled, dirty, bad food and/or rip-off tourist traps.

Senior cruisers wandering through food markets ashore are particularly vulnerable in the most dangerous port cities. They’re typically dressed in very obvious tourist clothes, with dangling handbags, smartphones glued to ears and wallets wide open as they buy from street stands.

Do research before your ship docks. Check on the history of the area, especially about violence, disease, poor sanitation and other negative info. If it seems unattractive or dangerous to you, and you’re physically-limited, stay aboard your cruise ship. However, if you insist on touring with such negative potential, go only with a group of other passengers, preferably accompanied by professional guides throughout the shore visit.

 
 
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