Goodbye summer, hello travel deals! Now that Labor Day is almost upon us, we’re entering what the travel industry calls, “Shoulder Season,” the time of year when hotel and vacation rates are at their lowest, after the summer vacation rush.

So, if you can swing it, now’s the time to scoop up travel deals at a fraction of their normal prices.

CNN Travel has a great article on prime destinations, including Italy, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas and, of course, Walt DisneyWorld. Each of the destinations have amazing weather through the Fall, aren’t crowded and many offer value-added benefits too, like complimentary spa treatments and meals.

A couple of MIT grads — who just graduated in the Spring — may have just turned the travel industry on it’s head with a snazzy new travel search engine that is already winning rave reviews. Oh, and it just launched this week.

The new site, Hipmunk, displays flight results in an easy to read and assess grid — with color coding for different airlines and sort functions that allow travelers to view their grid by price, stops, travel time — and my favorite — “agony” which takes into account all three parameters. From the initial grid, you can further filter by time and other factors. Also convenient is that the grid shows timestamps for both your current city and the destination — a nice addition.

If it can stick to the bare-bones layout, Hipmunk could be the Google of travel search — uncluttered, simple and directly focused on the info you need.

Traveling with the kids can be fun, but it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep when everyone piles into two queen beds. With my kids, we try to find a way for everyone to have a comfortable place to sleep, but booking suites can be an expensive proposition. And even with the extra space, parents will be tip-toeing through the room to get to the bathroom.

I’ve found through the years that side-by-side connecting rooms are not only a comfortable sleep option, but a great way to make travel as a family easier for the entire brood. With two bathrooms, a door to close between us after the kids go to sleep, and easy access to the hallway — a trip with the kids can turn into more of a relaxing vacation.

So, how can you pull it off without breaking the bank? You may think that two hotel rooms double the price of the bill, but not always. Several hotel companies offer family packages to accommodate adults traveling with kids. At many Hyatt locations, my family has taken advantage of their family plan. The offer includes a connecting room at 50% off, free breakfast for everyone, and  even a spa discount. We’ve stayed at two Hyatt hotels in San Francisco and have also taken short summer beach trips to Huntington Beach, CA, but the most beautiful Hyatt I have ever stayed at was in Kyoto, Japan. Sign me up for family plan Kyoto — I can’t wait to take my kids there!

Two of the top luxury hotels in America are featuring an incredible summer family deals as well right now:

The Ojai Valley Inn in Ojai, California is offering a complimentary room for kids. The package is available Sunday through Thursday nights though September 2, 2010. Nestled in a lush valley near Santa Barbara, the Ojai Valley Inn is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. For kids, it’s a dream: swimming pools, tennis, a kids club, bike rentals, art classes, geo-caching, and golf lessons make a visit to Ojai perfect for families. With the quaint town of Ojai a short walk or bike ride away, there are many ways to enjoy this small-town getaway.

On the opposite coast, The Surrey in New York’s Upper East Side is also offering a complimentary connecting room for kids through September 2, 2010. Taking advantage of this family package gets you into one of the most elegant boutique hotels in New York City — where the staff is warm and friendly…perfect for families! Located one block from Central Park in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood, The Surrey is near the Whitney Museum, The Met and a quick bus trip down 5th Avenue to many famed New York attractions.

Whether you are looking for posh getaway or a bargain family vacation, check for family plans and specials this summer. There are lots to be found and you just may find that traveling with kids can be a little less stressful and more relaxed.

Now — how to find time to go the the spa, any ideas?

Children’s initial excitement over family vacations can quickly turn to restlessness once the car ride begins. Vicky Lansky, author of “Practical Parenting Tips” (Meadowbrook Press), advises careful packing and creative planning to make traveling more fun and less stressful for both you and your kids.

“Traveling with kids just takes longer, so incorporate that into your travel schedule,” Lansky says.

Try these fifteen helpful hints from the revised and updated edition of “Practical Parenting Tips” to keep kids entertained and well behaved on the road.

Restlessness

• Change seating arrangements occasionally. One adult in the back seat for all of half of a trip usually makes for a pleasant journey.

• Stop periodically to run and play with your kids. The break will be good for everybody. Pack a bottle of bubbles or a package of balloons in the glove compartment. Stash a Frisbee, ball, or jump rope under a seat.

• Announce a treat for the end of the day so everybody will have something to look forward to (a swim in the pool, dinner at a favorite restaurant, and so on).

Back Seat Bickering

• Stop the car and pull over when fighting begins and don’t go again until it ends. Get out of the car, if necessary, until your kids have quieted down.

• Let kids know that fighting endangers everyone in the car. Consider deducting something from their allowance or withholding privileges.

Food

• Carry a supply of small paper plates or coffee filters with little slits in the center. Put the sticks of Popsicles or ice cream bars through the slits, and there will be less mess on car seats and fingers.

• Cut sandwiches in different shapes for easy identification: triangles for those with mustard, rectangles for those with mayonnaise, and so on.

• Avoid taking very salty foods in the car; they inspire lots of drinking-and lots of rest stops.

Beverages

• Put liquids in well-washed plastic lemon or lime juice dispensers. (Remove the inserts with a sharp pointed object, replace after filling, and screw the caps back on.) If you freeze them before you leave, the drinks will stay cool as they melt.

• Satisfy both hunger and thirst with grapes. Older kids may prefer frozen grapes. (Always cut them in half for toddlers.) Oranges serve the same purpose, but they’re messier.

• Keep flexible straws in your purse. They make it easier for children to drink from cups in a restaurant or car seat.

Activities

• Draw faces on your child’s fingers or hands (or your own) with washable markers. Enjoy puppet “conversations” or stories!

• Store colored pencils, markers and coloring books in a metal cake pan with a sliding cover. (Crayons melt in the summer heat.) The closed top provides a work surface.

• Buy postcards at your favorite places while traveling. Write down the day’s activities on the back of the cards. Put them in a scrapbook you’ve brought along, or mail them to your home address.

Country superstar Carrie Underwood and Canadian hockey star Mike Fisher took over the entire The Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Greensboro for their wedding.

The  five-star hotel was named among the “World’s 500 Best Hotels” in Travel+Leisure Magazine in 2008.  The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation is 75 from Atlanta and is a well-known destination for elegant weddings.

The Greensboro resort has plenty of activities for wedding guests including a 26,000 foot spa and fitness center, and a 99-hole championship golf course.

Rates for this resort start at $429 a night for a standard hotel suite.  If you want to see more info, check out the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation on the Ritz-Carlton website.

Packing for a weekend beach getaway is usually simple — just toss in a bathing suit, a chic cover up, flip flops and some magazines and you’re good to go with just a little duffle. Oh…but then there’s the bulky beach towel which takes up more space than all the other items combined.

Well, thanks to this innovative little compressed beach towel from Lightload, you won’t have to upgrade your luggage just to accommodate your towel. The little 5oz disk — which is small enough to fit in your pocket — expands to a full-size, 36″ x 60″ viscose towel that’s lightweight but super-absorbant, soft and durable.

And, at just $8 each — you can stock up and also have them in your bag or in the car for those last minute beach days too!

Lightload Beach Towel – $8 at REI.com

My daughter watched “On the Town” many times the year she turned four. The funny songs and exuberant characters (with Frank Sinatra & Gene Kelly) — and setting in New York — made a big impression on her. Last week, I was finally able to plan a trip to take my daughter, now almost 11, and her younger sister on a week long adventure to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the Big Apple. What did we discover? The lyric, “New York, New York, it’s a wonderful town…” still rings true today.

We arrived at the most beautiful and quintessentially New York of boutique hotels, The Surrey on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Last year, The Surrey underwent a renovation that turned this gorgeous 1926 building into a hotel where modern design meets classic architecture. Filled with a stunning art collection, the hotel feels both glamorous and comfortable. The warm and friendly staff immediately made us feel we were right at home.

Just before our trip, we found out that two other families we know from LA would also be staying at The Surrey. All of the parents were thrilled to find that our kids were welcomed with open arms and that the beautiful neighborhood was a great place for families. In addition to Cafe Boulud in the hotel, close by were Sant Ambroeus for meals or a cup of gelato, E.A.T. Cafe for dine-in or take-out with a huge menu and their famous tower of bagel.

Major museums in the neighborhood include The Whitney and The Met. A block from The Surrey, an entrance into Central Park easily accesses the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, remote control sailboat pond, and paddle boats at the Boathouse. One night, my daughters ran through the park catching fireflies — East Coast summers truly have a special kind of magic.

Several times during our stay, we took the 5th Avenue bus down to midtown or to Greenwich Village. The hotel’s location is perfect for getting around the city and then retreating to a peaceful, quiet neighborhood. During the week we visited the Top of the Rock, The Met, MoMA, The Natural History Museum, and the Whitney. We bought chocolate at Dylan’s Candy Bar, Jacque’s Hot Chocolate Bar at Chelsea Market and at Bond Street Chocolates. We ate blueberry pancakes at Clinton St. Baking and Chef Suser Lee’s Singapore Slaw at Shang. We took taxis, rode buses, caught subway trains, and walked for blocks. It was heaven.

After a bustling day in the city my kids loved returning to The Surrey each day. On the roof deck we ordered cocktails for mom and infused lemonades for the kids. The kids even talked staffers Felipe and Christopher into some rides on the bell cart and loved to visit with the cute little hotel dog in the lobby.

Currently, The Surrey is running a special family package where parents can book a room and get an adjoining room for the kids to sleep in their own beds for free. Though there may be hotels that are less expensive, none may be able to match the chic design, friendly staff, in a hotel really run with heart.

Having a special week in NY with my daughters will be something I will never forget. My six-year old asked if we can go back this winter to ice skate at Rockefeller Center.

Sounds a like a good plan!

In dire need of a quick holiday to recharge your batteries? Take one look at this picture:

No question – you need to be there like, now.

Perched high above the flashing lights and nonstop action of the city below, this online ‘mirage’ is actually a luxurious hideaway found in Las Vegas, of all places. One of the two new outdoor venues at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, SKYBAR offers an escape from the rowdy Vegas action — guests lounge under the stars in an intimate low-key setting and enjoy an amazing view that overlooks the Las Vegas Strip. This is not the Las Vegas club scene, which is exactly how they want it.

The dramatic centerpiece of SKYBAR is the acrylic-edged pool – its peek-a-boo cutouts act as skylight windows that look over HRH Beach Club, the hotel’s other new venue, located just below. The lower SKYBAR deck features elegant teakwood floors, custom daybeds and couches, luxurious cabanas and a circular infinity pool. Extravagant and overindulgent (as is the norm in Las Vegas) but like its Los Angeles outpost, SKYBAR offers a far more intimate and relaxed setting than other city hotspots.

Aside from the hotel’s two hot new venues, it seems like the recent $750 million renovation was worth it – Hard Rock Hotel was just named Citysearch’s “Best Boutique Hotel in Las Vegas” for 2010.

Want to experience the new SKYBAR in Las Vegas for yourself? Book a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for a little as $51 a night with their summer special. (You deserve it!)

Travel & Leisure released their list of America’s Favorite Cities, which asked readers to rank U.S. cities across 10 different categories — one being cleanliness. Which cities do American’s find the dirtiest? They’re also the ones we think are lacking in the peace and quiet department, quality of public parks and overall environmental friendliness — which makes sense. Big cities including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas made the list but some of the filthy cities surprised us (St. Louis?). MSNBC has the 30 dirtiest cities listed — here’s a look at the top (or should we say bottom) ten according to Travel & Leisure‘s readers:

America’s Top 10 Dirtiest Cities

1. New York

2. New Orleans

3. Los Angeles

4. Philadelphia

5. Las Vegas

6. Atlanta

7. Miami

8. Cleveland

9. San Francisco

10. St. Louis

This year Shanghai is brimming with bright flowers, topiaries, and blue mascot statues to celebrate Expo 2010. Exhibition halls from over 100 countries showcase ideas on the theme of ‘Better City, Better Life’ along with arts and culture from all over the world. Though the Expo itself can be a daunting maze of people clamoring to get into each pavilion, we recommend you walk around to see the architecture and do anything you can to get into the inspiring pavilion built by China. A multi-screen film shows the connection between China’s history and modern life. The multi- media environments throughout the building tell stories of China’s past and future though interactive magic.

In May, Gloss was invited by The Portman, Ritz-Carlton to experience Shanghai and Expo 2010. We discovered that Shanghai is a vibrant modern city that continues to value the traditions of the ancient China.

The Portman, Ritz-Carlton is located on Nanjing Xi Lu Road in the middle of a neighborhood filled with luxury shops, local parks, shrines, and a historic exhibition hall. Hotel guests have included President Bill Clinton and more recently President Obama, who stayed in the impeccably designed Presidential Suite. The rest of us less famous will also enjoy the beautiful rooms, stunning city views, and gracious service. Located on a property with several elegant and casual restaurant choices, retail shops and more, the hotel exemplifies the best of urban life in China.

Kids will love the bright blue indoor-outdoor pool. At night a theatre in the complex offers a colorful and impressive acrobats show. Every evening musicians play traditional Chinese music in the lobby and the staff performs and candle lighting ceremony at 6pm. These touches make staying in a modern hotel feel grounded in the rituals that have been part of China’s arts and culture for generations.

Long known as a company dedicated to volunteer projects, The Portman Ritz-Carlton has found meaningful ways to be part of the local community. The hotel staff spends time helping at an orphanage and elder home in the water village of Jin An. They have also adopted the Yi Fu Vocational School as a Succeed Through Service program partner. Hotel guests can also spend some of their Shanghai visit volunteering. For the Preserving Wuzhen Ancient Water Town conservation project the day is spent planting trees and help local artisans restore their homes. Experiencing the day in the life of a high school in Shanghai in another volunteer activity. All proceeds from this event supports the school’s scholarship fund. More and more we are finding that opportunities for volunteering on vacation add meaning to traveling around the world.

Other local activities include museums, parks, and strolling along the world famous Bund with classic architecture on one side and the futuristic buildings of Pudong on the other. There is a zoo, aquarium, amusement parks and more to make any family vacation fun and memorable. Visiting the water village of Zhi Jia Jiao for shopping, food, and water taxi rides give an authentic glimpse into the world of ancient Shanghai. This magical city stole my heart, I can’t wait to go back and share it with my family.

For more travel in China options, even Disney offers a tour through China to experience the country with a  family friendly tour packages.

As you’re getting out your calendars to plan that summer vacation this year, keep in mind that you’ll be paying a bit more to the airlines to travel during the busiest summer travel timeframes. The top five U.S. airlines — American, Continental, Delta, US Airways and United — are adding “peak air travel surcharges” of $10 to $30 per ticket booked from June 10th through August 22nd. The surcharges pretty much begin when most schools let out for the summer.  The only exception? July 4th, which travel experts say is traditionally a slow day for air travel.

So, in addition to the hiked up fare surcharge, make sure to account for baggage surcharges for any checked luggage you’ll be bringing along on your summer vacation.

“It’s part of what I consider to be rather clever marketing,”  TravelZoo’s Gabe Saglie told CNN. “Pushing a very low fare is one thing, but by the time you’ve paid for your ticket and arrived at your destination, it’s a very different picture.”

So how can you keep your travel costs as low as possible this summer? Here are a few tips:

1. Book your airline tickets as early as possible. Many airlines offer discounts for advance bookings. Plus, you’re more likely to get the best rates on the days you want to fly.

2. Look for packages. Book your airline tickets and hotel (and even rental car, if you need one) as a package. You don’t need to go through a travel agent to secure packages — most websites like TravelZoo and Orbitz offer package deals.

3. Be flexible. If you aren’t required to fly on certain dates, take advantage of the ‘best fare’ searches on airline and travel sites, which recommend the best days to travel to get the lowest fares.

4. Pack light. Fees for checking in your baggage can add over $100 to your overall budget if everyone in the family checks a bag. Try to travel light or combine your travel necessities so you have to check the least number of bags.

5. Pack snacks in your carry-on: Airlines don’t offer complimentary meals anymore, so you’ll end up paying $8 for a vegetable plate and over $10 for a sandwich on many flights. Pack snacks in your carry-on to avoid paying a hefty price for meals mid-air.

When your feet have had enough of a beating during a long day, or after a party, or once you’ve settled into your seat on an airplane — give your soles a rest and swap out your heels for these handy slippers. The light, flexible Spare Soles roll up so you can stash ‘em in your purse and then they come to the rescue when your shoes just become too darn uncomfortable.

They come in a cute, zippered pouch and the slippers are waterproof and comfortable. And not only do they save your feet when their swollen and painful — but also come in handy in a pinch. I was thrilled to have a pair in my purse during a recent shoe-mergeny: the strap on my heels snapped while on a business trip and I would have been shoeless on the New York City subway if it weren’t for my Spare Soles.

Spare Soles – $22 and available in 3 styles at Flight001.com

Due to the economy’s effect on our budgets and hectic work schedules, a recent study shows that fewer Americans are planning on taking a vacation over the next year.  We all deserve a break, so if a long vacation is out of the question, a mini-vacation or a staycation might be a smart and relaxing alternative.

BnBFinder.com shared tips for some fab Bed & Breakfast deals that’ll let you enjoy a guilt-free getaway that fits into your hectic schedule.

Southern Charm: Find a little good old southern hospitality at The Olde Savannah Inn in Savannah, Georgia when you request the Adventure Tour.  A two night stay includes a $100 gift certificate for a full body massage, historic tour of Savannah with Classic Car Tours, 60 minute dolphin tour abroad a 40 foot pontoon boat chilled champagne or wine, a gourmet candlelit breakfast and dessert.

Maine Event: Office work can wait.  Grab your sweetheart and head to Brewster House Bed & Breakfast in Freeport, Maine for the Sail into the Sunset package.  The two-night special includes a sunset sail for two abroad an antique schooner.  Couples can visit the Portland Head Lighthouse and take in the beauty of Casco Bay.  Return back to the room and enjoy some private moments with complimentary sparkling cider and chocolates.  Special also includes a $100 gift card to L.L. Bean and a $50 gift certificate to a nearby restaurant.

Showoff: Bright lights aren’t limited to Broadway.  At Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast in Saugatuck, Michigan, guests can experience some of the best shows off Broadway.  The Bed and Breakfast, Dinner and Off Broadway special includes a one to two night stay, dinner for two at a fine local restaurant and two tickets to an off Broadway summer production.  Return to the inn for an early nightcap or take a short walk to a nearby beach.

Express Lane: Get a first class experience with a first class train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad.  The Rail Ride and Real Rest package from The Annabel Inn in Cottonwood, Arizona lets you take a 4 hour scenic day ride past Indian ruins, picture-perfect canyons and a 680-foot man-made tunnel.  The special also includes a European breakfast featuring fresh artisan breads from Germany, cheese from Holland, Italian espresso, French jams and pastries.

Learn about more B&B deals on www.bnbfinder.com
(Tip: look under “specials” for great prices!)

We love these all-natural deodorizers that keep luggage (or gym bags) dry and odor-free without potentially toxic, smelly scents or other frills. The Ever Bamboo mini pouches are filled with bamboo charcoal, which absorbs moisture and odors.

After about a year, when their potency runs out, you can empty the pouches and mix the bamboo charcoal into your garden or potting soil.

Ever Bamboo Mini Deodorizing Pouches – $12 at Flight001.com

Family vacation adventures deep in the Sonoran desert of Tucson, Arizona can be rustic or luxurious. Giant saguaros cacti fill the arid landscape and spending an afternoon on horseback can feel like a leaping into an old time western.

On a recent trip to Tucson, I was invited by The Ritz-Carlton to visit  their newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain – a paradise in the desert. Every detail in the hotel reflects the architecture and culture of Arizona. Each beautiful wood-beamed room features amazing views of the desert canyon landscape and the Tortolita Mountains.

Local textiles can be found throughout the hotel. Colorful lounge chairs sit in and around a pool which has a giant water slide for children. Take advantage of the kid’s programs and sneak away to the serene spa with another pool surrounded by local petroglyphs.

The Ritz-Carlton property offers bike paths, a world-class golf course, and twenty miles of hiking trails.  The incredible, clear night sky is perfect for stargazing. Chef Joel Harrington’s CORE restaurant combines dishes inspired by local produce combined with some of his favorite ingredents from around the country. Every aspect of the hotel respects the natural environment.

For a true Western experience, hotel guests take trail rides at the White Stallion Ranch. There, visitors get to see a real, working cattle ranch with Longhorn cattle. The knowledgeable staff shares their love of horses with everyone who visits or stays there. White Stallion offers 41 guest rooms for travelers who want to have an authentic dude ranch experience. The American Plan rate includes accommodations, 3 meals, horseback riding and activities. White Stallion is home to many unique events, Indian oven dinners, and family horsemanship camps in the summer.

So, whether you’re looking for a 5-star vacation or a more rustic ranch adventure, Tucson offers a unique way to experience the flora and fauna of the desert and to relax and enjoy the splendor of Arizona.

Traveling with kids can be a challenge. After battling airport lines, diffusing in-transit meltdowns, and carrying loads of luggage (plus tired tots), a vacation on the other end is more than welcome.

Trunki, award-winning luggage from the U.K., makes getting there a little easier with their ride-on suitcases for kids.  In three bright colors and with five gallons of storage space, you can stuff it to the brim with clothes, toys and treats and then pull little ones safely through busy airports.

Plus – the Trunki is carry-on approved, so their gear can be within arms reach at all times.

Trunki - $49.99 – $59.99 at Trunki.net

Happy Birthday JetBlue! The airline carrier is celebrating its 10th year in business and is holding a huge one-day sale! Today — Monday, March 8th only — customers can buy one-way fares from New York’s JFK airport to any of  JetBlue’s first 10 destinations for $10.

Cities included in the promotion are Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Tampa, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.; Rochester, N.Y.; Oakland, Calif.; Burlington, Vt.; West Palm Beach, Fla.; Salt Lake City; and Fort Myers, Fla. but there is a catch — you have to travel on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.

If that doesn’t work, the airline has some other sweet deals — visit JetBlue.com for details.

My son said to me the other day, “I could really use a massage.” My reply? “Yeah, you and me both, kid.”

If you’re in need of some the kind of TLC that includes cozy robes, cucumber water and soothing music, but are short on extra funds, then take note: SpaFinder Deal Days starts on Monday and hundreds of spas across the country are offering incredible treatments for an unheard of $50. Running March 8th through March 14th at select spas across the country, the deals include $50 massages, facials, pedicures and more. Participating luxury destinations include Spa Aquazul at Hilton San Diego BayFront; Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in Anaheim, Calif.; Nurture spa at Luxor Las Vegas; Amadeus Spa in Pasadena, Calif. and many more.

Find a participating spa near you and book an appointment at spafinder.com/dealdays.

FAA officials and travelers are fuming over audio tapes released of what sounds like a young child directing air traffic from a control tower at JFK airport.

On February 17th, at one of the world’s busiest airports, a child’s voice can be heard clearing airplanes for take-off and landing. At one point, and adult is heard joking, “That’s what happens when kids are off of school.”

The FAA isn’t laughing and have opened an investigation as to how a child was allowed to talk to pilots in the air.  In the meantime, officials say the adult accompanying the child and the controller’s supervisor have both been suspended.

Boutique hotelier Kimpton Hotels is making a bid for eco-savvy travelers by adding some deals and perks for environmentally conscious customers.

Kimpton’s Ride The Rails program offers a 15% discount to travelers arriving to Alexandria and Arlington, Va.; Atlanta; Baltimore; Boston; Cambridge, Ma.; Chicago; Dallas; New York; Philadelphia; Portland, Or.; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; or Washington, D.C via train.

And, the new Wines That Care program offers complimentary wine during evening receptions that come from eco-friendly vineyards.

For details on the promotions, visit kimptonhotels.com/promotions.

A Japanese airline is taking an extra step to make passengers more comfortable, despite a trend in the opposite direction from their peers. Starting next month, All Nippon Airlines will designate one restroom on most international flights as female-only.

It’s a customer service move, an airline rep said. Based on a survey, 90 percent of the women polled said they found the idea attractive. The official also said women don’t like using shared toilets as men sometimes leave the seat up. She said demand for women-only toilets was especially high among passengers taking long flights.

In other news…a mall in China recently opened a womens-only parking lot.

With all the new fees airlines are tacking on, this little gadget will make sure you don’t get hit with any extra baggage fees when checking in your luggage.

The On Your Weigh Travel Scale is a handheld, digital scale that quickly and accurately weights your suitcase. Just hook it onto your bag’s handle, raise the luggage using ergonomically-designed handles and the LED display will tell you if you’re over the 50 lb weight limit.

On Your Weight Travel Scale – $28 at Flight001.com

Southwest Airlines announced a 3-day sale yesterday, with select one-way fares offered as low as $39.

The sale began yesterday and ends Thursday, February 11th. The fares cover travel from March 15 through May 25, 2010 and excludes travel on Fridays and Sundays.

If you’ll need a blanket on your next American Airlines flight, be prepared to fork over $8 for the extra warmth. In addition to fees for luggage and snacks or meals on flights, the carrier is the first to start charging for amenities that were once complimentary.

As of May 1st, passengers on American Airlines flights that are more than two hours long will have to pay the fee for a blanket and inflatable pillow. If your flight is less than two hours? No blankets or pillows for you at all.

Hmm…we wonder if they’ll start cranking the air conditioning on their planes moving forward too…

With another 400,000 hybrid cars added to Toyota’s huge faulty-gas pedal recall — bringing the total to 4.6 million cars recalled worldwide — dealers are getting extra funds from the manufacturing giant to help repair the problems and — hopefully — keep their customers.

A dealership in New York is using the funds to offer customers free manicures while they wait for their repairs. It’s one of many perks dealers are providing to keep their uneasy customers. “We’re giving out free movie passes, and we drive them to the movies while their car is being worked on. We’re also giving free manicures,” an NY-area employee told the New York Post.

“We are trying to calm them down a little.”