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Why You Should Make Travel Plans to India Right Now

• Because just as the US needed support from the international community following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, so, too, does India.
• India's is a young democracy that deserves our support, and tourism is an important part of its economy.
• It's a huge country, and the crisis in Mumbai is on par with the destruction (by a home-grown terrorist) of the Oklahoma City federal building--a tragedy but a localized one.
• India is a safe country for visitors.  In fact, the Indian mantra is that visitors are to be treated as "gods." 
• India is one of the great destinations of the world, full of color and energy. 
• By visiting India, you send this message to terrorists: You cannot intimidate or frighten those of us who believe in democracy and freedom; your numbers are small and your message of hate only strengthens our resolve to live freely and support inclusive societies.
• The freedom to travel is a hard-won blessing that ought not be denied by those who would kill innocents in order to publicize their cause.

So if you've been thinking about visiting India--or have always wanted to go--don't let the events in Mumbai dissuade you any more than what happened on 9/11 would cause you to avoid New York City or Washington, DC.

If you need more convincing, check out my DVD shot this time last year in India.  There are two, half-hour episodes, "Delhi & Agra" and "Rajasthan."  Both destinations are in the northern part of the country and are often the places first-time visitors choose.  But the country is enormous and gorgeous--the Nov/Dec issue of National Geographic Traveler has an insert on India (called "Incredible India") that will stimulate your imagination and give you ideas about dozens of destinations. (This picture is from the Red Fort in Old Dehli.)

On a personal note, I had several friends who work for the luxury Taj Hotels company who were in the Taj Mumbai when the terrorists launched their attack.  I'm gratified that, eventually, all escaped unharmed.  However, the hotel's general manager lost his wife and two children in the fires that broke out in the hotel during the siege, and I grieve for his loss.  My heart goes out to all the families who lost loved ones in this horrific event that harmed so many and helped no one or their cause.   

Move Fast to Capture Biz & First-Class Seats on BA Through March 1st

British Airways just launched a surprisingly inexpensive sale on business and first class seats between the US and London. If you’ve ever wanted to escape coach, this is your chance, with round-trip fares beginning at about $2,000 between New York and London. Good for travel between Dec. 2 and March 29 with no blackouts, the sale requires you purchase your ticket by Dec. 1 and seven days in advance of travel. There’s a Saturday-night-stay requirement, as well. Taxes and fees will add another $275 or so to the price, but this is a steal compared to regular fares twice or three times as high. A first-class seat costs $4400 plus taxes and fees. Fares vary from other British Airways gateway cities in the US.  Check the airline's website and decide quickly.

Deals? You Want Winter & Holiday Deals? Travel Suppliers Have 'Em

With the sliding economy on everyone's mind, hotels, airlines, and resorts are worried that you won't splash out for a big winter vacation.  And they're right--people are downsizing expectations and looking carefully for deals.

There are thousands of deals out there involving straight price cuts or special offers that involve all kinds of extra benefits.  One of the favorite marketing tools of resorts these days is the offering of resort or hotel credits.  For every night you stay, you receive (sometimes) hundreds of dollars to spend on spa treatments, meals or other hotel or resort services.

Wherever you decide to shop for a holiday, remember you have bargaining power.  Ask about extras.  Ask what else a resort or hotel can do for you to earn your business.  Room upgrades? Free parking? Complimentary breakfast?  Everything is up for negotiation.

Here are some current deals to get you thinking:

• Stay at least three nights a participating Marriott resort in Florida until the end of the year and receive a $25 resort credit for use in restaurants, spas, and other hotel venues. Call 800-834-7015 and mention promotion code M11 or go to the hotel's web site.

• Check into the four-star El Dorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe and for every night you stay—at about $200 a night--receive a free spa treatment. The two spa options are a 50-minute massage or facial; both are valued at $130. Good through March 31, 2009. Details available at the hotel's web site or call 800-944-4455 and mention "Relieve Stress Package" or refer to booking code PKGNID.

• At the Windjammer Landing Villa Bay Resort in St. Lucia, a “recession offer” means that for every dollar you spend a day for your room, you’ll receive the equivalent of 50% of that amount in resort credits. Book a honeymoon suite for $350 a night for two guests, for example, and receive $175 back each day that you can apply to food, wine, room upgrades, excursions, or spa services. Offer is good every day until April 19, 2009, including Easter and spring break. More information: 800-958-7376

• Claim a third night free at the Beaver Creek Park Hyatt plus a room upgrade and full breakfast for two daily when you book the “Three for Free” package. Valid through Dec. 19, 2008. Pay with an American Express card and receive late check out and a welcome amenity. Ask for code AX3FF when booking on line.

• The tiny, lush island of Nevis is one of the better-kept secrets of the Caribbean. The Nelson Spring Villas & Spa offers a fifth or seventh night free based on a nightly double rate that begins at $455. Choose a one to four-bedroom villa with flat-screen televisions and state-of-the-art kitchens or just hang out on the 3.5 acres of beachfront property at this romantic getaway spot. Details: eliteislands.com or 800-345-0356. Offer of free nights is good through Dec. 20, 2008.

• How about a family Christmas in the Caribbean? The Verandah Resort & Spa on Antigua invites up to two kids to stay and eat free at the resort when staying with their parents. Rates at the all-inclusive resort begin at $635 as night, but, wait there’s more: Families receive a $2,000 airfare credit between Dec. 21^st and Jan. 3, 2009. The kids-stay-and-eat free part stretches from Dec. 21 to Jan. 6, 2009 if you book by the first of December. More information and reservations click here or call 800-345-0356.

• Interested in cold instead of warm?  There's a surplus of deals from ski resorts arond the US, and my fellow travel blogger Everett Potter does a nice job of rounding lots of them up in a recent post.  Check 'em out!