What Does the Future Hold for Regional Airports?

What Does the Future Hold for Regional Airports? - Travelers living near smaller airports have noticed an inconvenient trend: reduced availability of flights at their home airport coupled with soaring ticket prices.

In the current economy, the less profitable smaller markets have been first to get cut when airlines implement cost savings measures, either through discontinuation of service or greatly reduced capacity which drives up prices.

Airlines prefer to service large hubs where they know they’ll be able to fill planes multiple times during a day, and discount airlines can offer lower fares based on the sheer volume of travelers they fly. It’s a vicious circle for small airports - their travelers opt to drive to larger airports with better availability and ticket prices, which makes their airport less attractive to airlines, leading to further reduction in regional service.

For small town travelers, will flying soon mean a two hour drive to the nearest hub? Experts weigh in on precipitating events and which airports they think will survive the next decade.

A look back.

Brett Snyder, author of the Cranky Flier blog, blames the small city air service decline on the airline industry’s fickle love affairs with regional jets. The darling of the 1990s was a nimble but fuel-guzzling 50 seater jet, which was quickly ditched in the 2000s as fuel prices climbed to new heights. The airlines’ new beau is a 70 seater model, which has a lower cost per seat than the 50 seater, but is too large to serve smaller markets.

Current situation.

Based on USA Today’s analysis of Official Airline Guide’s (OAG) domestic route data, the year-over-year capacity cuts at smaller airports within a few hundred miles of larger hubs are significant. Two of the hardest hit were Milwaukee, WI (MKE) with a 20.1% drop in capacity over last year, and Manchester, NH (MHT) with a 16% reduction.

Future mapping.

According to William Swelbar from Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s International Center for Air Transportation “2012 begins a period in which U.S. air service map begins to redraw itself”. He’s confident the capacity reduction trend will continue for smaller regional airports as traffic is routed to relatively nearby hubs due to “too much duplication of service in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and parts of the Southeast”.

As airlines consolidate through mergers or acquisitions, it makes sense that their service also consolidates to the largest, most profitable airports. Is there an opportunity for smaller airlines to fill the vacuum left by the large airline exodus? PEOPLExpress Airlines thinks so - they hope to be flying to markets abandoned by larger airlines by this summer. By the grace of the FAA and the DOT, (oh, and some friends with deep pockets - its website is currently taking applications for investors to join its “owner family”) the once and possibly future airline could get its wings. Until then, small town travelers are left with few options. ( FlightView Inc )

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Tips for Holiday Air Travel

Tips for Holiday Air Travel - Crowded airports, long lines, delayed flights, and angry people. Oh sure, you love the holidays, but there is little to celebrate about holiday travel. How do you cope? Here are a few suggestions to take the sting out of your trip home.

December 21, 2010: Holiday travelers collect their luggage at the San Jose International Airport in San Jose, Calif. Flying over the holidays is going to cost more this year. And the longer you wait to book, the pricier it’s likely to get

1. Show up early! Really really early.

Yeah, we know, airports can be a tad dull, but we’ll gladly risk boredom over rolling up at the last minute, sprinting through a mob of travelers, only to watch sad-faced as your plane leaves the gate. And running with a carry on? Not cute. So show up early, allow yourself enough time to deal with any snags that may occur and, who knows, you may even encounter a kindly gate agent willing to put you through on an earlier flight. In other words, don't set yourself up for air travel failure.


2. Spend a little money on a day pass for the lounge.

Hey, it’s a holiday, and you deserve it, right? And should there be a delay, or a cancelation, or any other form of unwanted wonkiness, chances are you’ll get better customer service in the lounge. So, grab an eggnog and a handful of those little quiches that you like so much (hey, load up, they’re free!) and live a little. Plus, in case you haven't heard, airline lounges aren't just for VIPs!


3. Get the extra legroom seat!

C’mon, It’s not that much more, and won’t you be happy without your own knees in your face for 5 hours? Yes, you will. Also? You’ll actually have enough space to comfortably use a laptop, no matter how far back the guy in front of you slams his seat back. Some airlines, such as JetBlue, even throw in snazzy privileges like priority check-in and boarding. Fancy! Here's a rundown of what the airlines offer.


4. Don’t check a bag!

And don’t try cramming everything into some mammoth heavy-as-all-heck carry on either. Send them four or five days ahead to Grandma's via FedEx Ground or even the old P.O.! It’s so easy! No sitting in line to check a bag, no waiting on a bag, no lugging around a bag, no fighting for overhead space…none of that! Plus, it's often cheaper than paying checked bag fees! And FedEx has much better tracking and they'll even insure your valuables (airlines won't!). Save your cash for that extra legroom seat.


5. Don’t fritter away your miles on some dinky seat in economy!

Instead, use them to upgrade. 15,000 Miles on United gets you an upgrade from your $300 coach fare to a $1,500 (or more) business or first class seat, which is clearly a better value.


6. Be nice to airline staff, even when you don’t want to be.

Attention Alec Baldwin: Turning into a human geyser of F-words, rolling your eyes, or getting snippety with the agent will –in most cases- probably only make things worse. Plus, hello, too much ‘tude at the airport nowadays and you could very well be hauled off by the police. And won’t that make for a memorable holiday story for years to come! So if you find yourself getting steamed, find your happy place, kill ‘em with kindness! Flash a little smile, ask how they’re holding up during all this crazy holiday hullabaloo, offer a compliment, be nice!


7. Splurge on the noise canceling headphones.

When that kid starts crying at top volume in the next row, or the guy from Accounts Payable is barking nonstop into his blackberry, you won’t have to suffer through any of it! MAGIC! (Our favorite: the Bose NC-15 model. Pricey, but worth it).


8. Ok, so those neck pillows you always see at the airport?

You may roll your eyes, they may look ridiculous, but they are pretty comfy. So grab one! Nobody says you have to wear it around the airport. In fact, don’t. Hide it in a tote bag if you’re too embarrassed to be seen with one. But trust us, when you’re stuck in the middle seat, you’ll be thrilled to have it. And so will your seatmates when you’re not flopping around like a bobble head in your sleep. Everybody wins! So grab one! They're cheap!


9. Load up your iPad, laptop, Kindle, whatever doohickey thingamajig gadget with plenty of good stuff to keep your attention during the flight.

Now’s a great time to make a dent in whatever series everyone was raving about that you have yet to see. The Wire! Lost! Family Matters! Isn't that Grandma Winslow a crack up? Just, you know, nothing risqué or NC-17. Keep it classy! And if your battery power starts to fade, have a book handy.


10. You’ll get cranky on an empty stomach, so remember to eat a little something!

And don’t rely on the airline to feed you. Pack a few things in your carry on, such as fruit, or a granola bar, or grab something yummy at the airport. And don’t forget to stay hydrated. If they do happen to offer food on your flight, avoid the crazy stuff. Eating a sweaty dish of chilaquiles at 30,000 feet may do more harm than good, so maybe just stick to the cheese plate and a ginger ale. ( foxnews.com )

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Alternative attractions in Rome

Alternative attractions in Rome - Rome, the “eternal city,” isn’t the first destination many young Saudis think of when they travel to Italy, unless of course they are planning to go wild shopping in Via Condotti.

Some might even wonder: “Why exchange the intense fun you can have in Rimini and Riccione or the tidy and relaxing atmosphere of Como and Forte dei Marmi with the boring prospect of visiting antiquities in chaotic Rome?”

The social life of humanity’s first metropolis is somehow underestimated and little advertised in comparison to that of other major capitals as Paris and London. However, knowing how to select places on Lonely Planet and experiencing the city like locals do would probably change one’s impression of the town.

As European major cities, the Italian capital is a concentration of theaters, cine clubs, art galleries, cafes, concert areas and clubs coming to live under an evocative setting of historical and architectonical assets that no other city in the world can boast of. Trendiest districts among young Romans are San Lorenzo, Pigneto, Testaccio, Trastevere and Monti — areas dedicated to amusement and culture. Despite their shabby and unkempt outlook, these popular quarters hide an intense social life and attract many university students, artists, craftsmen and intellectuals.

The list of clubs and cafes where you can combine the pleasures of a chat with friends, live music and characteristic cuisine is large. Bibli, Cafe Letterario, Café Bohemien, Circolo degli Artisti, Fanfulla and Necci are amid the most popular ones. World-famous Italian intellectual Pier Paolo Pasolini was a regular client of Necci, a bar that rose in 1924 in Pigneto’s poor outskirts. Today, Necci is an unconventional restaurant where you can taste the delicious dishes of a London chef in a relaxed, informal and vintage atmosphere.

Eclectic spaces are not to miss in Rome. Alpheus is a huge disco in Testaccio divided into four main halls, which hosts meetings, fashion shows, exhibitions and reviews during the morning plus an intense schedule of concerts and black, hip-hop, house and commercial music at night.

Close to Alpheus, Palladium theater hosts public manifestations, music, cinema, ballets and seminars. “Try the Impossible” is the slogan accompanying the theater’s next public manifestation, the 2011 Roma Europa Festival, which is running from Oct. 7 – Nov. 30. Cohabitation in multiethnic societies and Arabic dances will be among the various subjects and activities within the Festival’s 39 artistic appointments, partly guested in other locations.

Likewise, the Auditorium Parco della Musica is another huge polyvalent complex in Parioli district that gathers all artistic genres. In addition to an ongoing contemporary music festival, New Musical Spaces, this spectacular arts complex, designed by world-famous architect Renzo Piano, will host the sixth edition of the International Rome Film Festival from Oct. 27 – Nov. 4.

With its lovely narrow sided streets, small boutiques and superb examples of architecture, Monti district deserves a particular attention. The area is the ideal location for tourists willing to experiment the flavor of 19th century Rome while shopping in Via del Boschetto and Via dei Serpenti or hanging out with friends in the characteristic cafes near Via Madonna dei Monti, the district’s main street. Monti’s Roman folklore irradiates with a particular exquisiteness every October thanks to the “Ottobrata Monticitana,” an annual festive event gathering Romans and foreigners in front of dinner tables, concerts, live paintings, exhibitions and movie screenings.

In addition, very touristic destinations like Villa Borghese, Villa Pamphili, Villa Ada and Villa Celimontana, that house a good portion of Rome’s works of art, have become places of social and cultural gathering among the younger generations. This is particularly true during summer when the beautiful gardens and stunning sceneries of these huge villas become an ideal location for concerts, festivals and open bars.

The Celimontana Jazz Festival in the homonymous villa and the program of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in the heart of Villa Borghese constitute, for instance, regular summer appointments for young Romans. Rome’s version of the Globe Theater is designed on a circular base with a stage in the middle of the audience in typical Elizabethan style. It was built in 2003 and represents, together with the House of Cinema and the National Modern Art Gallery, an important attraction for artists, intellectuals and students.

Talking about art galleries and “alternative Rome,” it’s impossible not to mention MAXXI, National Museum of the 21st Century Arts, in Flaminio district, designed by Architect Zaha Hadid and MACRO, another Contemporary Art Museum placed in Testaccio district.

Sympathetic to the dynamism of their districts and the high percentage of youth animating them, MACRO and MAXXI offer the most relevant national and international contemporary artistic expressions while remaining open till late. Besides, MACRO’s huge structure has been recently enlarged with a new building designed by French Architect Odile Decq that offers new expositive spaces and facilities including a bookshop, restaurant and café.

One final recommendation: In case you’ve just reserved your flight to Rome, don’t forget to visit Chiostro del Bramante, an expositive space hosting two exhibitions dedicated to Europe and the Middle East. “Orientalists. Charms and discoveries in 19th century Italian paint” is a selection of 80 works of art describing the East in 19th century Italian paint. “Women through my Lens” is a collection of photographs from Fatima Abbadi, an Italo-Jordanian photographer who tries to capture everyday femininity through the lenses of her own European and Middle East’s experience. ( arabnews.com )

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Call of the wild

Call of the wild - A once-in-a-lifetime experience of an African Safari is hard to beat. The author finds that out in Tsavo West, Kenya.

It was cold, but that wasn’t the reason I was trembling that night.

It was more due to a nice mix of excitement and fear for my life! Images of what I had seen that afternoon just wouldn’t go away, and the strange noises outside our eco-friendly hut in the middle of wilderness did their bit too. Label it as call of the wild or plain hysteria; I wouldn’t trade this feeling for anything in the world.

We had planned our safari to Kenya and Tanzania after pouring over the Internet for hours. The more we got close to our date of departure, our excitement mounted. This was a brand new experience for city-bred people like us whose idea of wild animals did not extend beyond the screenings of Nat Geo Wild on television or a visit to the zoo. We would be sharing space with these animals this time and thus choosing a good travel agent was a major priority here.

However, nothing had prepared us for this state of hyper excitement that set in right from the moment we crossed the gates of Tsavo West National Park that morning. Maybe it was the open plains of the savannah, the sight of umbrella-shaped Acacia trees or the upside-down Baobab trees. Perhaps, the fact that it was so quiet all around, gave us a sense of adventure and exhilaration that we had least expected. Whatever it was, it was a feeling shared by us all — my husband and I, along with our two young children — as we clung to the raised up roof of our van while it sped along the red dirt road.

Tsavo West National Park, covering an area a little over 9,000 sq. km, was truly enormous. We drove down about 240 km south of Nairobi to reach Tsavo West. As we entered, we could see the vast bush land stretch for miles around us, fringed by volcanic mountain ranges. I clutched my heart when I realized that this is what the world really looked like all those millions of years ago when man was just another pebble in the ocean of evolution.

We stood and looked out of our open-roofed safari van and whooped in excitement as we started spotting birds we had never seen before and laughed in delight when herds of impalas and elands stood close to the road and watched us go by.

Huge elephants covered in red dust pulled down branches of trees to feed themselves as the little ones ran around and played. Those that got a bit too adventurous and strayed out of the group were sternly dragged back by their tails. The herds, mostly made up of mothers and aunts, were a fiercely protective lot and would not hesitate to charge if threatened. Our guide forbade us to step out of our vehicle, and we never felt the need to disobey him.

Although none of us mentioned it, we were all straining our eyes to catch sight of a yellow coat in the long grass. A lion for my entire kingdom, my heart kept saying. My head was saying something too.

All I could think of now was a film I had seen long ago, titled “The Ghost and the Darkness.” This was based on the true story of two huge lions that became man-eaters in 1898 and killed close to 135 Indian laborers who were in Tsavo to build a railway bridge across a river. According to Lt. Col. Patterson, who was in charge of that British-led project, the lions were maneless and huge in size. One of them was over nine feet in length and required eight people to carry the carcass after Patterson managed to kill it. The fact that all this happened in the vicinity of where we stood made me sweat a bit more than I should have. I was almost expecting to see a pair of intense red eyes sneak out of the dry, yellow grass and take a leap toward our vehicle. The man-eaters of Tsavo was more than just a story to me; it reminded me just how powerful nature was in comparison to man.

Our guide, Geoffrey, was watching our enthusiasm with motherly affection all the while as he communicated constantly in Swahili with other rangers and trackers on his radio. He suddenly turned around and asked us to sit with our belts on, as he was going to drive a bit rough for a distance. We sat down and did as he instructed. We proceeded for a kilometer or so at break-neck speed, dust rising from the dirt road and blurring our vision.

In a short, while Geoffrey gave a whoop of delight and brought the vehicle to a sudden halt, we got up from our seats and looked in the direction he was pointing. It was then that I saw them — the lionesses. They were massive and beautiful beasts, sitting among the long grass and looking straight at us. The majestic look said it all; we were in their territory now. I cannot say anything on behalf of the others, but I know I stopped breathing! I felt that the loud thumping noise emanating from the region of my chest could be heard all over the park!

We continued to click photographs, mechanically, and clutched each other silently as the animals got up to stretch their limbs and slowly amble to another spot. There were quite a few of them in that pride and it looked like they were resting after a meal. The lionesses licked each other clean and slumped on one another, softly rubbing their heads together. We watched them for a long time, absorbing everything and wondering how we would ever visit a zoo after this. The freedom etched in their movements was so natural; these animals were never meant for captivity.

We moved away after a while with a huge smile on all our faces. Just then, a group of zebras lifted their heads and stared at us, then started galloping alongside our van. Geoffrey stopped when he realized that they were running so frantically and trying to overtake us only because they wanted to cross the road!

As the day turned to early evening, we drove around the vast wilderness, watching in awe as groups of giraffes strode gracefully toward a water hole while zebras grazed peacefully and a host of gazelles raced by. The African sunset lived up to its reputation and lit up the sky with orange fire with trees framed black against it.

Our camp was perched on the Ngulia hillside and looked down on the plains below. We were told by our driver/guide that this was leopard domain. They, along with many other animals have been spotted many a time roaming within the campsite. It was thus very comforting to see a Masai escort us to our hut when we arrived; he carried a customary spear as the only weapon of defense. We were now in the open territory and were seriously warned not to step out of our rooms without the Masai escort.

Dinner was a beautiful affair. Our escort arrived on time and shepherded us to the dining area, which took our breath away. Right below us was a lighted water hole, and we could see herds of elephants patiently lining up for a drink. We whispered through our meal and listened to the noises down below. When we came back to our rooms after dinner, it was very dark outside and soon got even darker when the generator was turned off for the night!

Hence, there I was, armed with a lone torch, listening to the gentle snoring coming from the beds nearby, and my overactive imagination making me jump at every opportunity. I could see shadows everywhere and every little sound took on a much bigger meaning. Sometimes, it had a golden mane and other times, a beautifully spotted coat. I held my breath, expecting to hear sharp nails scraping the mesh on the window behind me, and I jumped when a warthog suddenly grunted very close to the steps of our hut. Perhaps it had been hunted down by something that crept up from the rocky ledges above! I couldn’t believe I was so close to the wild.

There were many more days of our safari to come, but this first day and night was unique as it gave me a taste of what was to follow. I could have sat on the balcony and watched the moonlight spread out before me, but frankly, I did not have the stomach for it. It was better to listen. Thoughts came to my head, stumbling and tripping over one another. All I could tell them was “Be quiet! Let the night talk!” ( arabnews.com )

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Five can't-miss summer festivals

Five can't-miss summer festivals -- Soak up the summer atmosphere -- along with some sun -- by exploring the culture and creativity that fills these five festivals.

From taking in exotic art forms to chowing down on the nation's best barbecue to hearing all of your favorite musicians in one place, these events are sure to answer any summer whims you have in mind.

Enjoy the "world's best barbecue" at the National Barbecue Battle in Washington, D.C

Spoleto Festival USA -- Charleston, South Carolina

May 27-June 12

Dance, theater, jazz, contemporary circus and opera -- Spoleto caters to them all. The iconic arts festival, entering its 35th year, boasts more than 150 performances over 17 days in historic Charleston.

Among the artistic offerings: Mozart's "The Magic Flute," Spain's Corella Ballet and performances of the Irish play "The Cripple of Inishmaan."

Circa brings their contemporary circus act to this year's Spoleto festival.

Think the classical arts aren't for you? It's not all orchestra and ballet.

Modern dance, contemporary takes on old favorites and even hip hop are all coming together at Spoleto.

Utah Shakespeare Festival -- Cedar City, Utah

June 23-October 22

Show some love for the Bard at one of the nation's largest festivals dedicated to England's favorite son.

Celebrating 50 years of Shakespeare festivals in Utah, this year's gathering features nine plays, including "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Richard III," "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Winter's Tale," as well as non-Shakespeare plays "The Glass Menagerie" and "The Music Man."

The nearly four-month-long festival is also peppered with various themed shows, seminars and galas in honor of the 50th anniversary, as well as curtain call lunches and backstage tours for Shakespeare enthusiasts.

Summerfest -- Milwaukee, Wisconsin

June 29-July 3, July 5-10

Expect huge crowds and over 700 bands at Summerfest.

Lofty claims and big names abound at this massive music festival in Milwaukee, which claims to be "the world¹s largest music festival." A good question for the 11 day, 11 stage line-up is, "who isn't included?" 700 bands will be on hand to provide music all day and night.

Peter Gabriel, Buddy Guy, Owl City, Toby Keith, Maroon 5, Def Leppard, Wiz Khalifa, Katy Perry, Goo Goo Dolls, Britney Spears, The Flaming Lips, Sugarland, Kanye West and Kid Cudi are just a few of the acts. Seriously, just a few.

From creole to country, pop to hip hop and everything in between, there's something for everyone at Summerfest. That, plus numerous exhibitors, daily activities for the whole family and a 10k run.

Vieux To Do -- New Orleans, Louisiana

June 11-12

This pure New Orleans experience will have you saying "laissez les bon temps rouler."

It doesn't get more New Orleans than the French Market's Creole Tomato Festival.

The "swamp fest" combines three of the Crescent City's most popular festivals into one culture, food and music filled weekend.

Stroll through the French Market's Creole Tomato Festival, the Cajun-Zydeco Festival and Louisiana Seafood Festival in history-saturated downtown NOLA.

You'll find live music, cooking demos, parades, booths, markets and the "world's largest seafood dish and crawfish boil."

You can find separate information for each festival by visiting Frenchmarket.org, louisianaseafood.com andjazzandheritage.org.

Safeway's National Capital Barbecue Battle 2011 -- Washington, D.C.

June 25-26

If you want to pig out on the nation's best barbecue, with the promise of free samples, hit up the National Capital Barbecue Battle.

True to its name, barbecue teams from all across the nation battle it out for a prize of $40,000 and the coveted title, "National Pork Barbecue Champion." There are other contests as well, involving chicken and beef, but none so lofty as the ultimate championship.

Live music sets a soundtrack for the two days of furious barbecuing and cooking. Ticket sales benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, so you can feel good about stuffing your stomach. ( cnn.com )

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Royal Wedding Sparks Fasts, UFO Sightings, NASA Conflict

Royal Wedding Sparks Fasts, UFO Sightings, NASA Conflict - Prince William and his princess in waiting, Kate Middleton, have already received plenty of odd wedding gifts.

Now, with wedding bells set to ring in just four days, the hubbub surrounding the nuptials is growing curiouser and curiouser.

In Mexico City, a 19-year-old fasted for more than two weeks to score a trip to the royal wedding next weekend, AFP reports.

Estibalis Chavez camped outside of the British Embassy and refused to eat through much of February. Eventually, an anonymous donor offered to send her to the U.K. for the ceremony.

Chavez lost 17 pounds during the fast.

Extraterrestrials will also be on high alert during the ceremony, AOL News reports.

Retired Air Force major George Filer says it's typical to see UFOs appear during important global events -- sightings have been reported near Libya and Japan recently -- so he expects onlookers to spot a few around Westminster Abbey on April 29.

Moreover, Filer told AOL News that extraterrestrial activity has been picking up in the U.K., citing UFO sightings recently over the British Channel.

One has to wonder if NASA is in on the outer space action.

The shuttle Endeavor's final mission is scheduled for April 29 -- the very same day that Will and Kate tie the knot, according to AFP.

Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator for space operations, said the royal nuptials were not a determining factor in when the shuttle would launch. Rather, the initial mission was scheduled for April 19, then postponed 10 days. ( yahoo.com )

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Some tips : Traveling to London for royal wedding?

Some tips : Traveling to London for royal wedding? – Diane Morton will soon be flying from Florida, where she lives, to London, to be in the city when the royal wedding takes place.

She hasn't researched the procession route, and she may or may not try to stake out a spot to catch a glimpse of the carriage carrying Prince William and his bride Kate Middleton. But she just wants to be in London when it happens.

"Even if we don't see anything, it's OK just to be there, and be part of the hoopla," said Morton, 67, of Parkland, Fla., who will be traveling with her partner, Donald Ammons. "We enjoy London. It's a fun place to be, and we have a couple of good friends there. If we are lucky, maybe we'll get a glimpse of Kate in the carriage afterwards."

Morton is one of 600,000 additional people who are expected to be in London when the royal wedding takes place April 29, according to estimates from London + Partners, the city's official tourism body.

Those determined to wake up early and stand for hours along the procession route in hopes of seeing the royals in person may get their wish, but tourism experts say there are many other ways to experience the event, from street parties to watching it on giant screens to toasting the happy couple in a pub.

"The atmosphere in the city is going to be a lot of fun," said Dinah Hatch, author of a downloadable ebook, "Frommer's The Royal Wedding," just out from the travel guidebook company. "There will be a lot of pubbing and drinking, and even if you don't catch sight of Kate and Will, it'll be fun. Let's just hope it doesn't rain."

"We love a good party," agreed Karen Clarkson, Visit Britain's vice president for North America, "and there will be informal street parties happening all over London and around the U.K."

Officials have confirmed that giant screens at Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square will show live TV coverage of the event. Clarkson said Visit Britain expects screens will be put up at other locations as well "where people can watch it with a crowd, enjoy the atmosphere and experience the procession."

The route for the procession between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, where the couple will wed, runs through St. James's Park along The Mall; along Horse Guards Avenue past the Horse Guards Parade; and along Whitehall to Parliament Square. Those determined to stake out a spot should be prepared for hours of waiting.

"The key is to actually get there early; everyone knows these spots quite well," Hatch said. "There's a very specific route, past lots of major landmarks. ... There are places where you can get very close to their car or carriage."

But exactly what time you should arrive is anybody's guess. Three a.m. might be too early, but 6 a.m. might be too late. Bad weather might cut down crowds and wait time, while adding to the misery.

Crowds are also sure to be filling the streets and sidewalks beyond the palace grounds in expectation of an appearance by the happy couple after the ceremony. As fans of "The King's Speech" film know, tradition calls for the royals to emerge from Buckingham Palace onto a balcony after major events to greet the public.

"Everyone will be waiting for that moment," said Hatch. "It's a historic moment. You want to be a part of history."

Clarkson said despite the expected crowds, London had ample hotel capacity as of early April, with several new hotels just opened, including the W, St. Pancras Renaissance and the Corinthia. Those for whom the W's $440 (269 pounds) nightly rates are too steep will find plenty of alternatives, with prices falling the farther from center city you go. Early April data from Orbitz.com found average rates for hotel rooms in London this time of year are 21 percent higher over the same period from last year, at $185 nightly.

Locales like Windsor, Brighton or Cambridge offer cheaper lodging, though you'll have to commute by train an hour or more to reach London. On the other end of the spectrum, if you can afford to live like a king, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel is offering a $30,146 five-night package for two that includes views of the procession and private tours by "associates of the royal family."

Airfares, meanwhile, do not appear to be going stratospheric. On April 7, online listings offered roundtrips from New York to London for well under $800 on several different carriers.

Those with a broader interest in Britain's monarchy can visit castles, museums and other attractions offering tours and exhibits, including the Tower of London, where Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII was beheaded; Buckingham Palace, where you can watch the changing of the guard daily; St. Paul's Cathedral, where William's mother Princess Diana was married; and the National Gallery, which houses paintings of kings and queens.

A two-hour, $25 (15 pound) walking tour from Celebrity Planet will show you the history of Kate and Will's courtship, with stops at Jigsaw, the clothing chain where she was working in 2007 when Will broke off their relationship; Mahiki, a nightclub where the prince racked up a bar bill of 11,000 pounds in a week after the breakup; and St. James's Palace, the official residence of William and his brother Harry.

Elsewhere in Britain at the end of April, the birthday of William Shakespeare is being marked April 26 in his hometown of Stratford; the Cheltenham Jazz Festival starts April 27; and Scotland's Speyside Whisky Festival runs April 28-May 2. "You can toast the royal couple with a dram or two," said Clarkson.

Cynics might say the way Diana and Charles' marriage turned out has dashed all romantic illusions about the royals, but Clarkson says many American visitors to England remain fascinated by the monarchy, and plenty of royal-watchers sincerely hope William's marriage has a happier ending than his mother's. After all, says Clarkson, "Everybody loves a good fairy tale." ( Associated Press )

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