Links to Information*

U.S. Dept of Transportation:  gives a wide range of airline data, from consumer rights and items prohibited on planes ( www.dot.gov ) to on-time and lost-luggage records
( airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/pubs.htm ).

U.S. Dept. of State:  lists travel warnings and basic information on local conditions worldwide, from the weather to the political climate
( www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html ).

U.S. Customs Service:  posts regulations on restricted and prohibited articles, pets, and border crossings and explains your rights regarding personal searches
 ( www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/travel.htm ).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  has tips on immunizations and updates on health conditions by destination ( http://www.cdc.gov/travel ).

FrequentFlier.com:  profiles airline, hotel, and charge-card reward programs and has links to Web sites for airports worldwide ( www.frequentflier.com ).

International Assoc. for Medical Assistance to Travellers:  provides contact information for English-speaking doctors in 125 countries ( www.iamat.org ).

Weather.com:  gives past weather conditions for your destination on the dates you've booked.  Just plug in your city and vacation dates and click on Averages and Records
 ( www.weather.com ).

Universal Currency Converter:  provides the rate in U.S. dollars - or whatever currency you choose - for more than 180 currencies in more than 250 locations
 ( www.xe.com/ucc ).

Northwest Airlines WorldPerks frequent flyer program ( www.nwa.com/worldperks/ ).
Air France frequent flyer program ( www.airfrance.us/ ).

*Taken from Conde Nast Traveler