TRAVEL NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2008
(C) Tanenbaum 2008
WHO ARE WE?
We are Steve & Pat, the Travelin’ Tanenbaums. We are the
authors of The Cheapskate’s Guide to Vacations and The Cheptskate’s Guide to Cruises (Citadel-Kensington Press)
Our CTN newsletter has published continuously since 1999. Steve is currently a ‘Budget & FREE Travel’ expert with AllExperts.com. Aside from our books we have written national magazine articles and have made numerous radio & TV appearances. We have somehow managed to globe trot 6 months per year since we early retired from our ‘day jobs’ in 1999. Pure and simple, we enjoy a love of travel and do our best to share travel related comfort, convenience and money saving TIPS with our loyal readership. We always encourage and appreciate reader input. Our travel ‘motto’ these many years remains: NOTHING BEATS FREE TRAVEL! ONLINE CTN A HUGE SUCCESS
MAKE IT FREE AND THEY WILL COME….
OK, so no surprise that CTN’s subscriptions TRIPLED with the advent of our new FREE online CTN. Still, this is the very best way to share our savvy TIPS n’ TALES with the traveling public. As we have always said…..nothing beats FREE!
HOW TO GET YOUR FUTURE FREE CTN EDITIONS: The BEST way: Since some edtions contain super time dated deals it is always best to receive the newsletter on the day it is published. To do this send us your email address and we shall add you to our subscription list. Rest assured, e-mail addresses are kept strictly private and are used ONLY to send you our newsletters. Send your free subscription request to: stevepatctn@yahoo.com
Or you may simply Google our CTN periodically for new issues.
THANKS TO ALL!
THIS ISSUE’S HIGHLIGHTS:
WHY DON’T YOU?
* OUR FAVORITE ‘ENTERTAINMENT’ BOOKS
THE EBAY CONNECTION
* THE 10th MOST ROMANTIC CITY IN THE WORLD
* TRAVEL TROUBLES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
* MARRIOTT REWARD PROMOTION STILL ROCKS
* GIZMO CORNER: POSSIBLY THE BEST LOW COST
UNDERWATER DIGITAL CAMERA & THE ‘BEST’
BATTERY CHARGER
WE HAVE 400,000 BRITISH AIRWAYS MILES
WHY DON’T YOU?
The last thing we wish to do is brag about our airline accounts. With that said it is time to talk about ‘lesser’ accounts. Those secondary airline accounts we should open when circumstances are ‘right.’ Ex. Hawaiian, Alaska or British airlines issue a promotion offering mega miles at little or no cost. If we do not already have a frequent flyer account for any or all such airlines (needed in order to receive the offer’s free miles) we simply open new free airline accounts as needed. Over the years miles often accumulate in these secondary accounts. One such account, for us, is British Airways. Here are four great reasons to consider opening your own free British Airways account:
1. British Airways accounts may be pooled into a family account. BA is one of only two airlines that permits this. To our knowledge only British Airways and Hawaiian Air permit such pooled accounts. Each month BA issues a statement that lists the combined miles in our family account. They also list the miles we have in our seperate accounts. This is a major benefit. Ex. A couple needs 50,000 miles each for RT tickets to London. If one person has 35,000 miles and the other 65,000 miles they would not qualify for TWO free RT tickets on most airlines. However, in that same situation BA would issue us two free RT tickets using the pooled miles in our family account. When you open your BA frequent flyer account be sure to ask them to ‘also’ open a pooled or family account.
2. For more years than we can remember Diners Club has offered a bonus. Each Summer we transferred all our Diners Club miles to BA and received DOUBLE MILES. About three years ago the offer was modified downward to 50% bonus on all miles we transfer by September 30th. THis year we shall be transferring about 16,000 Diners Club miles which will be turned into 24,000 BA miles. Quite the nice freebie.
3. Although we ‘love’ free fee waived airline credit cards that offer mega bonus miles we are still ready and willing to pay a bargain price to ‘buy’ airline miles that would otherwise cost an arm and a leg. British Airways is one such example. To get your BA miles rolling consider applying for their Visa card. You pay the first year $75 fee and receive 20,000 BA miles. Ex. You are in Europe and wish to fly from Paris to Athens and later from Athens to Barcelona or Ireland or Scotland etc. Each leg would cost you just 10,000 or less BA miles. So that your $75 ‘investment’ will one day buy you TWO such one way tickets. Another words, $75 is a bargain price to pay for 20,000 valuable airline miles.
Here is the LINK to their offer: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/visa25kus/public/en_us
If, for any reason, the LINK does not work just Google the words: British Airways 25,000 bonus
4. Earn DOUBLE MILES when shopping on Ebay.
Many of us often shop on Ebay. We just learned that anyone with a BA account may enter Ebay through the BA web site via their ’shopping’ LINK. When doing so we get one BA miles for every dollar spent on Ebay. Even better we are not required to pay for Ebay purchases with a BA Visa card (which we do not currently have). When using our favorite Diners Club Mastercard we get BOTH BA and Diners Club miles.
5. Every so often we experience a nasty feeling that miles in our varioius accounts may expire. Such miles usually expire in 18 to 36 months depending on the airlines ever changing rules. No problem with American Airlines miles since we always have and use our Citibank AAdvantage Mastercard. Each use is considered a transaction which renews the expriration period removing any danger the miles will inadvertanly expire. Quite a different story with our other airline accounts. To avoid renewal fees we long ago, for example, cancelled our British Airways Visa card. The Ebay connection has now solved this potential danger for our 400,000 BA miles. Every Ebay purchase made per #4 above is considered a ‘transaction’ by BA so that our BA miles will always have a full three years to expiration so long as we continue making Ebay purchases. Thank you Ebay and BA. All readers are encouraged to do likewise.
OUR FAVORITE ‘ENTERTAINMENT’ BOOKS -
THE EBAY CONNECTION
We often extoll the bargain virtues of the various domestic and limited international Entertainment 2 for 1 coupon books. Aside from the value of buying the editions outright from Entertainment.com we recently found another venue for Entertainment book bargains. As we prepare for a September visit to Maui and New York (all flights are part of a single 35,000 mile free travel award) we were checking out our stock of Entertainment books. Since coupons expire November 1st the Entertainment people start emailing discount upon discount as the weeks go by from Spring until August 1st when they terminated sales of the 2008 editions. Consequently, we were able to purchase two Hawaii books for about $10 each a couple of months ago.
We have found that Ebay is another source of bargain priced Entertainment books. When it comes time to buy a book for Summer or early Fall check Ebay and compare prices to the latest Entertainment web site offer. This time around was quite interesting. We found an Ebay post for three 2008 Entertainment CARDS not books. The cards are good only for fine dining whereas the physical book has hundreds of coupons. This worked for us since the one card will be used for a $20 free ‘flaming’ meal at our favorite Lahaina (Maui) restaurant, the Kobe Teppan steak hoiuse. Here is an actual picture I took during our last visit:
The Entertainment card is good for $20 off any dinner. The Ebay cards could be registered with Entertainment foruse in any state. The cost for all three cards, which we purchased, was $8.50 total. We shall use one in Maui and the remaining two for fine dining during our upcoming September visit to historic Philadelphia. When traveling in the US, Canada or Australia we never leave home without at least one Entertainment book.
THE 10TH MOST ROMANTIC CITY IN THE WORLD
Some years ago Time magazine listed the ten most romantic cities in the world. As expected the list included the world’s most glitzy cities such as Rome, Paris, London and New York. However number ten on the list was a total surprise to everyone. Can you think of a city in the Southwest that fits the bill? Without further adieu…….drum roll…….the city listed as the 10th most romantic city in the world was TUCSON, ARIZONA. Why, you may be asking? Time magazine explained it this way: Only in Tucson can one savor unique romantic evenings. One may walk beneath a crystal clear star studded sky whilst being surrounded by majestic giant Saguaro cactus that cover the landscape and mountain sides.
We visited Tucson on two occasions in the 1990’s but failed to visit nearby Tombstone, home of the great Wyatt Earp family versus Clanton gang shoot out at the OK Coral. It was time to re-visit Tucson and mosey to Tombstone. However, this time around all notions of a romantic get-a-way were put on the back burner. This was to be a ‘buddy’ trip. Participants were Steve and his close buddy Stuart, the two growing up in the same neighborhood in Brooklyn in the 1950s. Without further adieu Steve shall take it from here….
Our ‘perfect’ get-a-way itinerary included four full days in Tucson. As for weather, the best time to visit would have been early Spring. Time constraints required we leave the last week of May. We lucked out and enjoyed three days of moderate, little to no humidity temperatures in the 90s. The fourth day went up to about 102 degrees BUT our strategy had us easily beating the heat.
TIP: Be sure to buy a Tombstone Passport. It offers 2 for 1 admissions to many of the best activities. The bargain price of the Passport is $15. See below for purchase information. Here is our four day itinerary which we highly recommend:DAY ONE AM:
KARTCHNER CAVES
This is one of the best rated cave systems in the U.S and is an easy 1 hour and 15 minute drive east of Tucson. Do this visit on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday to sync with the below visit to Tombstone. Enjoy one free entrance with your Passport.
Contact: Kartschner Caverns: http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/parkhtml/kartchner.html
Tucson Passport: http://www.visittucson.org/visitor/attractions/passport/discounts/
TOMBSTONE
Visit historic Tombstone on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday afternoon to see the best re-creation of the shoot out at the OK Coral. The show is called A Tragedy at the O.K. Corral and takes place Saturday-Monday at 5pm at the O.K. Corral 326 Allen St.
TIP: By chance we were a block away, at the Bird Cage Saloon, when I spotted a group that looked to be the Earp brothers. This was about 4:45pm. A free part of the show has the Earps walking the long block as they headed toward the OK Cora. Along the way they tangled with the Clantons. All very colorful, very loud and very free. Finally, they all head toward the OK Coral. We followed them and paid the very reasonable $7 fee for the remaining 35-45 of the show including the shoot out. All total fun in great part to the very professional actors. Here is a stylized picture I took just before the shoot out.
Contact Info: (520) 457-3931 See the very colorful Tombstone Attraction web site at:
http://www.tombstoneweb.com/attractions.html
DAY TWO AM:
THE TITAN MISSLE MUSEUM
Totally unique as the country’s only remaining intact anti-balistic missle silo that is open to the public. Your chance to see an actual Titan missle sitting in its Silo just as it did in the cold war. There is also the adjoining complex and control room where codes would be entered, keys turned to permit the missle launch. Fortunately for us the launch button was never used. The museum is located 25 miles south of Tucson. (One free entrance with Passport). Those unable to descend the many steps may request to use a special elevator by calling the museum in advance. Here is my stylized shot of the missle in its silo.
Contact:
http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/view.php?pg=2
We spent the afternoon visiting Tucson’s very popular (with locals) Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. It offers a cool a narrated, educational 45-minute, 3.8 mile shuttle tour into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. (One free with Passport)
Sabino Canyon is described as:
Experience the beauty of one of the most unique Southwestern desert canyons on a Sabino Canyon tram ride. Sabino Canyon is a natural desert oasis located in Tucson’s Coronado National Forest and is home to spectacular desert landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Contacts:
http://www.sabinocanyon.com/
http://www.sabinocanyon.com/trail_sc.htm
DAY THREE:
SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK WEST, SONORA DESERT
MUSEUM & OLD TUCSON
SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK WEST:
The absolute BEST reason to visit Tucson is Saguaro National Park with its unique in the world giant Saguaro cactus. If nothing else existed in Tucson the visit would never-the-less be worthwhile and unforgettable.
Head out in the early AM (coolest part of the day) to explore the famed Saguaro cactus up close and personal. The park is a short 25 minute drive southwest of Tucson. The Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson are literally within a ten minute drive from Saguaro Park. We took the recommended Bajada Loop drive which was fantastic. We exited our car for a short easy hike on Valley View Overlook Trail. At trail’s end we gaped from an overlook offering 100 + miles, 180 degrees view. Here is my ‘neon’ version of the view.
Contacts:
Bajada Loop pictures: http://www.saguaronationalpark.com/bajada-loop-drive.html
Bajada loop description and map: http://www.saguaronationalpark.com/scenic-drives.html
SPECIAL: See Steve’s Tucson’s NEON Desert VIDEO at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkXCc6iA8f8
THE SONORA DESERT MUSEUM
What is the SDM? The SDM says it best:
For a half-century the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has enchanted millions of visitors with its exhibits of live animals in astonishingly natural settings, while intriguing and instructing them with fascinating educational programs. At the same time, the Museum has gained a worldwide repute in the scientific community as an institution committed to researching and protecting the land, plants, and the animals of the Sonoran Desert region.
The museum is located about ten minutes away from Saguaro Park and one admission is free using your Passport.
Contacts: See http://www.desertmuseum.org/about/
OLD TUCSON
Old Tucson was voted “Best Western Movie Set” by True West magazine, and is listed among five one-of-a-kind Tucson sites by USA Today. On one hand Old Tucson Studios was the site of scores of old western films, many starring such as John Wayne. Today it continues to be the site of film and television shoots throughout the year. Best of all it offers visitors a day of wild west fun and frenzy. Read on…..
Slap on Your Spurs
For a Day of Wild West Fun
Fr
om daring cowboy gunfights and stunts to rip-roarin’ musical revues and comedies, Old Tucson offers exciting Old West entertainment. The experience is so authentic, you can taste it! We pride ourselves on our mesquite-grilled barbecue dishes at Big Jake’s. Knock it down with your favorite brew in the Grand Palace Saloon. Take a guided tour highlighting the park scenery and movie history. Get all gussied up in some old-fashioned duds for an old-time photo or take a miniature train ride into the beautiful desert surrounding the park. And don’t miss Old Tucson Studios’ very own “silent” movie star, The Reno locomotive! Proudly stationed at the north end of town, The Reno has more than 100 film and television credits.
Contact: http://www.oldtucson.com/
DAY FOUR:
Our day #4 was a ‘free day’ and so all options were open. Then, when we heard that temperatures would hit 102 degrees we picked the perfect optional activity, a one hour scenic drive to the 9,100 foot summit of nearby Mt. Lemmon. Here is a cool ‘neon’ view from a Mt. Lemmon overlook.
Enjoy an awesome birds-e
ye view of Tucson with scenic overlooks of majestic mountain landscapes and finally arrive at the 80 degree cool Ski Valley Sky Ride chair lift to the summit. The Sky Ride is yet another free ticket using the Tucson Passport.
This map points the way to your Mt. Lemmon drive:
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley LINK:
http://www.go-arizona.com/Mount-Lemmon-Ski-ValleySince our drive to Mt. Lemmon’s summit found us back in Tucson at 2PM we completed the day visiting Saguaro National Park East which is ten minutes away once one descends the mountain. This park offers a lovely loop drive we did at a snails pace. All very scenic.
Finally, we stopped at a Tucson treasure , Pinnacle Peaks restaurant.located in very colorful and funky Trail Dust Town.
Contact: http://www.traildusttown.com/
HOTEL TIP:
We found the Townplace Suites by Marriott to be perfect for our ‘buddy’ get-a-way. By perfecd I mean:
*TWO BEDROOM SUITE (really a 2BR apartment with LR and full kitchen) for $128/night.
*Central A/C plus ceiling fans
*Large screen TV in LR plus 2nd TV in large BR
*DVD player
*Great northern Tucson location
*Minutes from major I-10 freeway entrance
*Five minutes from one of the city’s major malls
*Oodles of eateries, shopping and shops of every kind
*Free continental breakfast
*Free computer use including printer
*Free fruit and gourmet cookies daily in the lobby
CONS: Very few. The pool is small with insufficient shade umbrellas. The pool chairs and chaise lounges on the other hand are new. Staff showed lack of concern that the lobby restroom was out of order.
Here is my panoramic of the suite’s LR plus BR and kitchen shots.
Contact: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tustn-towneplace-suites-tucson/
With all the above said….. I can only offer my two thumbs way up for a Tucson three or even better four day get-a-way.
TRAVEL TROUBLES & HOW TO AVOID THEM
The Sunday Travel section of our local Contra Costa Times newspaper runs a Travel Troubleshooter column written by Christopher Elliot. Although I disagree with various aspects of several recent articles they never-the-less raise issues CTN readers should be aware of.
Issue One - Traveler’s Missing Reservation:
A couple booked a Las Vegas hotel through a web site Hotwire.com prepaying $952. Upon arrival at the Wynn Hotel they were astounded to learn there was NO reservation. Due to a shortage of rooms they had to stay at a hotel 20 miles and a $62 taxi fare away from the strip. Hotwire advised that Wynn Hotel failed to complete the reservation. Yikes! What a horrid tale…..and how to avoid such a disaster? Mr. Elliott advised the couple should have refused to leave the Wynn Hotel registration desk until they were given an ‘acceptable’ room. This despite the fact that Wynn Hotel did not admit any wrong doing.
OUR ADVICE: When we make such online reservations, often in far distant hotels somewhere around the world, we print the confirmation (issued by a web vendor) AND ALSO (1) call the hotel to confirm they have our reservation and (2) send an email to the hotel confirming our reservation including exact arrival and departure dates and any necessary details about the room such as special bedding, room away from main street noise etc. We have found that the registration desk always appreciates seeing these documents and have never faced a ‘missing reservation’ issue.
Issue Two
- Airline fails to deliver Business seatsA couple booked an American Airlines Award and paid about 150,000 miles for the award. Sometime ‘later’ they called American to finalize the reservation and learned that some segments were in Economy rather then Business class. Mr. Elliott’s advice noted that airlines can do pretty much anything they wish with their programs, that we take our ‘chances’ when booking awards and worst of all that “we basically have no rights against the airlines.
OUR ADVICE: This couple finalized their reservation the day they paid their miles and paid for taxes, fuel surcharges etc. They should have BOOKED THEIR SEATS at that same time. We use www.seatguru.com so that we are viewing the very plane used for each segment as we book our seats. Had they done this the couple would have known from day one that they were not being offered Business Class seats on some segments. They could have cancelled the booking at that time with no consequences. As for ‘no rights’ that is NOT THE CASE. American Airlines ‘Conditions’ may be long and difficult to read BUT do confirm that airline consumers have the right to get what they are paying for. Specifically American’s ‘conditions’ state:
If American Airlines and/or any AAdvantage participant improperly denies a member mileage credit, travel award, or some other benefit, the member’s exclusive remedy shall be the issuance of the improperly denied credit, award or benefit if available, or such other alternative comparable benefit as determined by American….
ISSUE THREE:
Wrong hotel booking and no cancellations permitted A foreign tourist booked Days Inn rooms for Bakersfield and Williams later learning that both rooms were booked for Bakersfield. Then he came to believe, quite wrongly, that Days Inn has a NO CANCEL policy. The column advised that Day’s Inn’s web site if difficult to navigate and and no cancel policy could be found.
OUR ADVICE:
We easily found that Day’s Inn has the standard consumer favorable cancel policy, namely, one may cancel up to 6pm on the day of arrival for a full refund. Next, rest assured that credit card companies may NEVER require that we pay for something we did not purchase. In this case, if we booked the above rooms in two different cities it would be a mistake at best and fraud at worst for Days Inn to double book us in the wrong city and refuse a refund. Our proof, for the credit card bank, would be a printed copy of our Williams hotel room reservation. For this reason it is essential that we all print our reservations at the time of booking. The credit card bank would then issue a credit back to our account for the Williams paid reservation that the hotel failed to deliver.
We found a common thread in errors made to the column by complaining travelers. They usually failed to do the correct thing early on, usually at the time a reservation was made, travel award booked etc. They failed to do seating, to print copies of all transactions and to make calls when necessary to the actual hotel involved. Always read web sites rules and conditions especially for cancellations and refunds. We often use the ‘site map’ whose LINK is often found at the very bottom (small print) of the home page. Site maps have categories and one usually includes refunds and/or cancellations or something like ‘our policies.’
MARRIOTT REWARD PROMOTION STILL ROCKS
Here is how Marriott describes it:
Celebrating 25 years of Marriott Rewards® and we want to celebrate by giving you 20,000 Bonus Points PLUS a second Free Night Stay e-certificate with the Marriott Rewards Visa Signature® Card.
Why we love this promotion:
*
Category 4 includes Marriotts amenity laden Residence Inn full kitchen studios like the one pictured here.*The Visa cards are FREE for the first year. We always cancel such cards before they renew to avoid the renewal fee.
* You instantly get 20,000 free points good for a free night at any category 1-4 hotel which includes Residence Inns.
* You instantly get the anniversary bonus E-Certificate good for another free night at any category 1-4 hotel.
* We are using our two free nights for a Marriott Residence Inn studio. The studio’s web price is $160 per night. By using our two E-certificates we are saving a whopping $320.
Details of our booking follow:
Next month we visit Maui for 17 days and then use the very same American Airlines
free Maui flight award for a second free flight from Maui to New York. From our NY home base we doing a three day get-a-way to historic Philadelphia. I had my buddy Ed apply for his Marriott Visa card so that he too would qualify for two free nights. Then I booked the four of us into two studios at Marriott’s Deptford New Jersey Residence Inn which is only 8 miles from historic Philadelphia. Each couple is saving $320 and both our three day stays at the Deptbord Residence Inn will be totally free.In these days of awful gas prices we can all appreciate the value of a fun, long weekend vacation. Patty and I each obtained our Marriott Visa cards. Since the E-certificates expire after six months we are using one E-certificate for each night at the Deptford Residence Inn. Then, we shall have our 20,000 points each good for yet another future weekend get-a-way. Our $360 savings on the two free nights studio lodging will easily offset the extra gas costs for this deluxe staycation get-a-way.
Time for your money saving STAYCATION? Start planning YOUR free deluxe lodging weekend get-a-away NOW!
Contacts: Residence Deptford Inn:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phlrd-residence-inn-deptford/
Marriott Rewards Free nights Promotion:
http://www.firstusa.com/cgi-bin/webcgi/webserve.cgi?partner_dir_name=marriott
_rewards_20k_5k_anniv&page=cont&mkid=64D8
THE BEST LOW PRICED DIGITAL
UNDERWATER CAMERA and
BEST BATTERY CHARGER
In another life I spent thousands of dollars on both still (Nikonos V) and video underwater gear used on our scuba diving adventures. In recent years my rule has become the less gear in the water the better. Then, last year in Maui we ran into a group of three giant sea turtles at a distance of 5-10 feet. There I was lamenting the fact that I was sans camera.
Last month, as I prepared for September ‘08 return to Maui my curiosity got the best of me. What new waterproof cameras are available now that ‘digital’ rules? A quick visit to Ebay enlightened me. I found scores of underwater digital cameras with prices starting at less than $50! In the $50 to $150 range we are talking mini-digital pocket cameras placed into inexpensive plastic o’ring sealed housings. Very low end to be sure. The depth limit for most is 5 to 15 feet. The latter barely adequate for snorkelers. Then I found the EcoShot.
The highly rated unique Sealife EcoShot is a self contained, waterproof and shockproof digital camera. It has a great feel due to its protective rubberized shell and is built, I am told, like a Sherman Tank. Most stores sell the camera for $200-$250 plus shipping. I snagged one online for $179 delivered. Since this is a pre-field test report let me lay out the basics that led me to buy the EcoShot:
* Lightweight at 10.5 ounces and of course weightless in the water.
* If I were to scuba dive it has a built-in red filter that would cost $50 to buy.
* Six mega pixels, very good.
* Uses SD memory cards up to 1GB but larger ones will likely work as well.
* 2″ color LCD screen. Where the FUN really starts…viewing shots in the water.
* Shockproof. A youtube video shows an RV truck tire sitting on an EcoShot.
* Simple to operate
* Macro will shoot at less than 2 feet
* It also takes YouTube quality video with sound
* Uses two AA batteries
* Good to 75 feet. Since Patty can free dive it will work for her.
* Rubberized exterior prevents dings.
* Optional wide angle lens snaps on in the water.
* Underwater Sea modes and manual white balance makes for better pictures.
* Perfect for sailing, skiing and similar activities.
* A fine 6 mega pixel land based digital camera (see sample photo below)
* An accessory wrist strap keeps Eco afloat even if dropped into the ocean.
Here is an amazing in depth review with great pictures AND an underwater video clip:
http://www.digitalcameraroundup.com/3_sealife_ecoshot.html
Here are two photos. One shows EcoShot used as a land based digital camera. The other shows the black wrist strap that comes with EcoShot plus the $20 bright orange Sealife float strap. I tossed my EcoShot into the pool and a few moments later the orange strap popped to the surface.
Steve’s First Test Shot:
Yesterday, I took my spanking new EcoShot into the pool. A young couple helped by holding my yellow underwater light 3 feet away. Super bright sun made it difficult to view the LCD. Hence, the shot is off center. Otherwise, I am pleased with this first effort. I used the Sea setting with auto white balance and flash on. So far so good!
Where to buy: My purchase went smoothly and the camera arrived timely with all accessories including a USA Warranty. I purchased my EcoShot from Digital Photo Club and snagged an extra time limited $20 discount off their regular price. As of today, the camera again sells for $199.99 with free shipping. Here is the LINK to their web site. https://www.digitalfotoclub.com
Is EcoShot the ‘BEST’ low priced underwater digital camera? For the answer, see my field test report plus pictures and video clips in our next CTN edition.
THE CADILLAC OF BATTERY CHARGERS & BEST AA BATTERIES
Yes, I already have two battery chargers that work. However, I found myself dwelling on the fact that my new EcoShot will afford me little or no opportunity to replace batteries while playing in the sand and surf. My goal: find the best AA rechargeable batteries and determine if any particular charger out performs most others.
Enter PowerMax, offering two high tech goodies. First, their rechargeable AA batteries which are rated as the ‘best’ together with the similar Sanyo brand. These are top of the line 2700 mAh NiMH AA batteries. In fact, they are rated ‘minimum 2700 mAh. Apparently some testing shows they run up to 2750 mAh. The same company also makes Maha brand model MH-C401FS, the Cadillac of battery chargers.
There is a single feature of this high priced charger that makes it better than all the competition. The MH-C401FS has four independently controlled channels to charge and monitor each rechargeable battery individually. This allows each rechargeable battery to be charged to its full potential without risk of overcharging. The charger can charge one, two, three or four rechargeable batteries at a time and can charge any brand of NiMH AA or AAA size rechargeable batteries.
Here are a few reviews:
Image Resources: The MH-C401FS “a nearly perfect battery charger for Digicam Enthusiasts” “Charge completeness numbers of 94% in fast charge mode and 97% in slow charge mode are pretty good… I haven’t really found any chargers that do a better job than this.” “Overall, the C401FS looks like a nearly perfect battery charger for Digicam Enthusiasts… Very highly recommended. - Don’t think twice.”
“it’s simply a no brainer – at less than $40 this is the BEST charger on the market.”
Note: the charger kit without batteries sells for $40.
PC Photo: 
The MH-C401FS charger has a “Worldwide” travel edition, featuring a lightweight auto-switching travel adapter that works at all voltages (100-240V). This eliminates the need to carry extra transformers. ( Plug adapters are required for foreign use.) When ordering make certain you are buying the Worldwide Edition.
Final word: The charger, at $49.87, is high priced BUT comes as a kit. Included are FOUR of the above referenced top of the line Powerex 2700 mA AA batteries. These batteries sell for about $15-$20 so that $30-$35 of my purchase price covered the charger including the below listed accessories.
In addition to the charger and batteries the kit incudes:
*car charger
*110-220 volt universal and very light weight AC transformer
* A very deluxe travel case
* Two very simple plastic battery holders one each for four and eight batteries.
Where to buy: The best price I found was $49 + $8 shipping. Here is the LINK to their web page:
http://www.thomas-distributing.com/mhc401fs.htm
SHARE THE CTN WITH OTHERS
IF YOU ENJOY OUR NEWSLETTER SHARE IT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS! SIMPLY EMAIL OTHERS THE ABOVE LINK TO THIS CTN EDITION AND ALSO EMAIL THEM OUR FUN CTN PROMO VIDEO. REMEMBER, THE TEXT TO THE RIGHT OF THE VIDEO HAS LINKS TO RECENT CTN EDITIONS PLUS OUR IN DEPTH ‘HOW TO TRAVEL FREE’ ARTICLE. THE CTN PROMO VIDEO LINK IS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ0zl1jVhPI
As we prepare for 17 days on the Valley Isle of Maui
followed by a visit to New York and historic Philadelphia
we say to all….
HAPPY AND SAFE TRAVELS!
