In addition, the government has issued a Public Announcement for Americans visiting the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and Turkey. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid demonstrations and to maintain a low profile.

Finally, the State Department has issued a statement of Worldwide Caution, encouraging travels to remain alert to possible anti-U.S. sentiments regardless of where they travel. The statement sites recent actions in Brussels, Belgium and Damascus, Syria. The current Worldwide Caution is in effect until January 7.

Rosenfeld Group clients are encouraged not to panic as a result of these warnings, but to use common sense when traveling abroad - this includes leaving your "Los Angeles Dodgers" and "I Love New York" tee shirts at home.

For the most up-to-date travel warnings and statements, visit our travel links page and select "Travel Advisories" from the right margin.

Casa de Campo Resort. Ask a sports fan what they think of when they hear "Dominican Republic" and most will answer "Pedro Martinez and Sammy Sosa". But while baseball may be the name of the game in the cities and rural villages, golf is the big draw for travelers to this Caribbean nation.

Poised on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic - or "D.R." as it is affectionately referred to by regular visitors -- Casa de Campo is one of the most unique resorts in the world. How many resorts can boast that it has its own international airport. (La Romana airport is currently located on premises with daily American Eagle service from Miami. A new international airport is scheduled to open in December just 10 minutes away.)

And for the golfers, Casa de Campo is the jewel of the Caribbean. Its "Teeth of the Dog" course is world famous, with seven holes skirting the ocean. It is consistently ranked by Golf Magazine as the top course in the Caribbean. The second course, "Links", is a challenging inland course with rolling vistas that remind golfers of Scotland. A third course will debut its first nine holes in early 2001.

Casa de Campo has plenty to offer non-golfers, too. Packages include all meals, drinks, tennis, horseback riding, and nonmotorized water sports. The accommodations range from standard rooms, to private 3- or 4-bedroom villas with private swimming pools and maid and butler service.

These are some of the reasons that Casa de Campo was just rated one of the top 10 Caribbean resorts by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. For further information about Casa de Campo and the Dominican Republic, contact us for details.

Here's a sampling of recent trips we booked. Honeymoons to Hawaii, St. Martin, Antigua, and Aruba. An association incentive program to the Panama Canal. An autumn visit to the magical cities of central and southern Spain. A corporate retreat and incentive program to the Dominican Republic. A New Year's escape to Oahu and Hawaii's Big Island. Contact us with your leisure travel questions.

Ship Updates.
Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee launched Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas at a recent ceremony in New York. The giant ship, which like its sister Voyager of the Sea, offers unique features such as a climbing wall and Johnny Rocket's restaurant, is one of the two largest passenger ships ever built. Separately, Holland America announced that it is installing Internet centers throughout its fleet. Their newest ship, Amsterdam, already has an internet center. Seven additional vessels will be equipped by year end.

Air Aruba Folds.
The government of Aruba shut down Air Aruba due to financial difficulties. Several U.S. airlines announced they will expand capacity to absorb Air Aruba's customer base. These airlines include American, Delta, TWA and Continental. In addition, United begins seasonal service from Chicago and USAir inaugurates service from Philadelphia in mid-November.

Traveler Complaints.
A new website gives travelers an option to share their travel frustrations. The Consumer Travel Rights Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect travelers' rights and allow them to file complaints when those rights are violated. The website provides educational information and also forwards specific complaints to government and industry bodies, though it does not act as an advocate or arbiter.

Disabled Difficulties.
The head of Britain's Disabled Rights Commission was denied boarding in London because he was unable to climb steps to the airplane. The airline, Scot Airways, indicated that it is unable to physically carry disabled passengers onboard due to narrow steps. Disabled rights activists are using the incident as a rallying point to demand changes in airline policies.

Acela Rail Debuts.
After repeated delays, Amtrak will launch its high-speed Acela service along the Northeast Corridor on December 11. On the New York to Washington segment, the sleek, blue and gray trains will reach a peak speed of 135 miles per hour. The six-stop trip will take 2 hours and 44 minutes. Nonstop service between New York and D.C. will begin in 2001, and will take less than two-and-a-half hours.

Ukranian Army Vacation.
Desperate to share in the growth of worldwide tourism, the Ukrainian government is introducing "military tourism". Tourists willing to foot the bill can participate with the Ukrainian army and drive, fly, and shoot the same equipment used by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Priceline Hotwired.
Priceline.com's stock value continues to plummet amid increasing losses and the resignation of their high-profile Chief Financial Officer. Priceline's inventory of airline seats has also diminished, as several airlines have eliminated or reduced support for the website. A new website just launched offers similar services to Priceline with a promise of fewer customer hassles. Hotwire differs from Priceline in that it quotes a fixed discount fare and allows customers to specify maximum number of stops.

oneworld Continues.
Despite rumors in the Australian press, American Airlines indicates that it remains committed to the oneworld alliance. Media reports had speculated that American would leave the alliance due to continuing difficulties with U.S. and British authorities' willingness to formalize the codeshare relationship between American and British Airways. Separately, American indicated that it will no longer award mileage for USAir flights, due to USAir's pending merger with rival United.