Travel Update -- fact vs fiction

My son Skyler and I often enjoy watching Mythbuster types of shows, where they take statements or circulated past and/or present beliefs and research them to find if they are true or not. Travel is something that often is flooded with misconceptions and untruths. So I thought it might be fun to list some common statements or thoughts and to research them to see if they are true or false.

A recent survey done by a national travel publication proved that consumers often have difficulty separating fact from fiction. What do you think?

Most of Florida is still devastated by this season's unusually high number of hurricanes and not suitable for vacationers

True or false?

False -- To be sure, the storms caused damage in various areas around the Sunshine State: Pensacola, Daytona Beach, Captiva and Sanibel Islands and Palm Beach. However, many destinations were hardly hit and are fully operational including many of Florida's premium destinations: Miami, Orlando, Naples/Marco Island, the Keys and Fort Lauderdale.

Due to previous relentless media coverage and jarring television images almost 30 percent of those surveyed thought the above areas had extreme damage. Many of these misconceptions are also because many people's sense of geography is not that great. This is often proven by the calls we continue to get from people wanting hotel only quotes for Hawaii. Clients ask for no air included in their package so they can save money and "drive" to Hawaii.

As long as there are people who think they can drive to Hawaii, I guess my job is secure. Seriously, there is no better time to go to Florida, because the rates are currently very low. For example, many of the Disney onsite hotels are now just $77 per night plus tax. Rates have dropped to encourage people to return.

Going by train is the best way to see Europe

True or False?

The answer varies depending on who you talk to, but in my opinion cruising is one option many people forget to consider as an easy and exciting way to see Europe. More than 400 cruise ships will call this year at Dubrovnik alone in the country of Croatia. Dubrovnik is a walled Medieval city and is a World Cultural Heritage site.

Carnival Cruise line just introduced the New Liberty and is offering 12-day cruises beginning at $1,499 per person for a limited time. This includes meals and most beverages, which in the end is much more affordable than rail.

Europe waterways have been used for centuries as a viable mode of transportation often preferred over land travel. There are many ways to travel the riverways of Europe -- by barge cruising, ships and other vessels. And talk about affordable, often 10- to 15-day trips start at less than $999 per person meals included.

Iceland is always cold and covered with ice while Greenland is lush and green

True or false?

A few years ago on my way to Scotland, I was fortunate to have a stop in Iceland, and what a delightful city Reykjavik is. Iceland has it all -- horseback riding, spa treatments, music events, gourmet dining, geothermal pools and some of the world's most talked about nature and nightlife. It actually is a wonderfully modern and cultural hub and during the summer is wonderful for hiking and exploring and is not covered in ice.

However, Greenland looked like a pile of cool whip as I flew over it and after a little research, doesn't sound so "green" after all. So remember, the name of a country doesn't necessarily describe the reality of what lies within its borders.

Cirque Du Soleil is a circus act

True or False?

This is one of the most disheartening statements I often hear. What is it, a circus? Geez I never saw a circus like this. These are some of the most unique and talented masters of entertainment in the world.

What can I say about Cirque Du Soleil except it is the most stimulating show around. I've seen them at Downtown Disney, "O" at the Bellagio twice and Mystere at Treasure Island ... I'm addicted!

Are you ready for another mind-expanding adventure? And here is the most exciting news of all. Cirque Du Soleil has a new destination onboard Celebrity Cruises. Yep, if you are ready for greetings from the most unlikely characters and the thrill of sights and sounds of these world-class performers just jump aboard select Celebrity Cruises. Select sailings have the thrill of a masquerade ball and a journey beyond anything you can imagine.

There are no quality hotels in Branson that take pets

True or false?

Great news -- Branson's Chateau On the Lake Resort has teamed up with Support Humane Society by introducing a pet-friendly policy. You can bring along your pet along for just $20, which is donated to the Humane Society. Dogs and cats weighing 20 pounds or less are welcome as long as they are house broken and kept on a leash. One floor is dedicated for pet lovers and the remaining portion for those without pets. Now you can go with man's (or woman's) best friend to see the Christmas lights or world-class entertainment that only Branson offers.

Carolyn Kempf is president of Elite Travel in Cape Girardeau. (334-1234, 1-800-999-6003 or elitetravelinc.com)