"Amazing Race'' to Iceland

Representatives from Icelandair will be giving away a free trip to Iceland and other destinations in Europe every day for three days, starting Thursday, Oct. 11 in Seattle in an "Amazing Race'' type contest that requires contestants to follow clues to be revealed on Facebook and Twitter.

Those who “like” Icelandair on Facebook, and “follow” Icelandair on Twitter will receive clues as to where that day’s tickets can be found in addition to that day’s password. The first person to arrive at the location and reveal the password will win a trip to Iceland or one of more than 20 destinations where the airline flies in Europe.

To celebrate it's third year of non-stop service between Seattle and Iceland, the airline and Iceland Naturally will be hosting "Reykjavik Calling," a music competition, with performances by Iceland bands teamed with Seattle musicians. The winners will be sent to Iceland to perform at this year’s the Iceland Airwaves music festival.

Details and information here. 

Prepaid travel cards

When it comes to prepaid travel money cards, fees and rules vary according to who issues the cards. Bottom line: they all add up to charging you for using your own money, and some come with rules that restrict their use in some countries. More in this week's Travel Wise column in the Seattle Times, including tips on the best way to obtain cash when traveling in another country. 

Kids traveling alone

You're planning to let your child fly alone soon to visit a parent or grandparent for the holidays. Should you worry, given a recent incident involving United Airlines? My take on the situation and some tips for parents in this week's Travel Wise column in the Seattle Times.

Hawaii: Here's some ways to save

Thinking of a trip to Hawaii this fall? The good news is the crowds will be gone, the kids will be back in school and the weather should be ideal.

The catch: Tourism is the one bright spot in Hawaii's economy. Economists from the University of Hawaii report that pent-up demand by U.S. travelers and more tourists from Canada, Australia, China and South Korea are expected to boost visitor arrivals by nearly 10 percent this year and another 3 percent in 2013.

That means higher airfares and hotel rates than in previous years. Still, with the weeks between Labor Day and mid-December being some of the slowest in Hawaii, travelers will find ways to save. See my tips in this week's Travel Wise column in The Seattle Times. 

Time for a trip to Iceland

Schnapps and smoked reindeer. Steaming hot pools. Crisp views of the dancing northern lights. These are a few of the reasons to imagine Iceland for fall or winter travel.


Tempting first-time visitors are off-season discounts and Icelandair's policy of allowing stopovers at no additional fare on flights between the U.S., Canada and more than 20 destinations in Europe.

Yes, it's dark here in winter, but not completely. The shortest days are in mid-December and the first part of January when the sun rises just after 11 a.m. and sets between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. But darkness is the point, especially this year. Astronomers predict that the northern lights will be some of the brightest in decades due to a peak solar cycle. Read more in my post for NBCNews.com.

Airline fees: What's next?

Would you be willing to pay extra for a better meal on an international flight, a ride to the plane in an electric cart, or a seat in a designated child-free area?

These are the questions airlines are pondering as they look for new ways to boost ancillary revenue — industry-speak for money earned from credit cards, vacation packages, premium seating — anything above and beyond the charge for basic fares.

Passengers might not like the idea of paying $25 to $30 to check a first bag, but they're going along with it, one reason 50 airlines worldwide reported ancillary revenue of $22.6 billion in 2011, up from $13.5 billion in just two years, according to a new report by Wisconsin-based IdeaWorks and its technology partner, Amadeus.

"Checked baggage has been a huge economic windfall for airlines in the U.S.," says IdeaWorks CEO Jay Sorensen, whose company advises airlines on new ways to boost profits and offset rising fuel costs.

So what's next? Find out in this week's Travel Wise column in The Seattle Times. 

Portland's Top 10 new eateries

I can't wait to get to Portland this fall to try out Eater PDX's recommendations for new restaurants. Its list of 10 Most Anticipated Fall Openings include the Imperial inside the Hotel Lucia and Kenny & Zuke's third location in the former Pix Patisserie space on North Williams, with breakfast to late-night, deli-inspired bar food. Also in the Lucia, the Penny Diner, focusing on "Native American" flatbreads in a "diner-like atmosphere. ''


Here's the one I'm most excited about (because it's partly owned by Nick Wood, the son of good Cincinnati, Ohio friends Tom and Janie Wood): Eater PDX reports that the long-rumored new location for Bunk Sandwiches becomes a reality — in the form of "Trigger" and a "Bunk Goes Tex-Mex" concept in the basement of the Wonder Ballroom music venue at 128 NE Russell St.. Projected opening: October


Use Eater PDX the next time you're in Portland to get out of downtown and explore some of the city's food-focused neighborhoods. No need for a car. TriMet will get you anywhere you need to go. See you there!