AAA: Hurricane Dean could threaten gas prices in Florida

"Add the current volatility in the fiscal markets, and we may have got to state 'goodbye' to those dropping prices," Bly's statement said. The norm terms of regular in Orlando on Monday was $2.68, down three cents from a hebdomad ago and down 22 cents from a calendar month ago. On the positive side, AAA said U.S. refinery end product is "more than sufficient" to ran into current driver demand.

Travel smart: Keep your finances safe while on vacation

With summer just around the corner, getting one?s finances in order is just as essential as finding a hotel, booking a flight or packing the sunscreen when it comes to vacation planning.

In order to truly relax on vacation, consumers should safeguard against possible financial problems by taking precautions before they leave home, said Steven Katz, spokesman for Trans Union?s . Most importantly, he said, people should call their credit card companies to notify them of any travel plans."I don?t think a lot of people do it," Katz said. But letting credit card issuers in on your travel itinerary lets them know where you will be making purchases, so they can better detect any fraudulent charges, he said.Since many people feel uncomfortable carrying a lot of cash on vacation, credit cards are a popular alternative, but it is best to bring just a few — only one, if possible — while traveling, Katz said. That lessens the likelihood that cards will be lost or stolen.Similarly, any unnecessary source of identification, such as Social Security cards, should be left behind in a safe place at home, he said."You want to carry as few pieces of personal information as possible," he said.When it comes to essential travel documents, such as driver?s licenses and passports, Katz advises people to make two copies of each. They should carry one copy with them, in case the original document gets lost or stolen, and leave the other behind, either in a safe deposit box at home or with a trusted friend or family member.When traveling, particularly abroad, people should keep a close eye on their credit cards to prevent someone from stealing account information, Katz said."Keep your credit card in your sights as frequently as possible," he said. If they feel uncomfortable giving their card to someone, travelers should instead pay with cash, he said.In the midst of minding their credit cards and enjoying their vacation, many people tend to forget about bills they may have piling up back home."Sometimes they forget about their payment cycle," Katz said, and missing a bill payment can damage consumers? credit scores. To prevent that, people should check their billing cycle before they leave for vacation and, if possible, either arrange for automatic bill payment or switch the payment due date. Both of these things typically can be done online, Katz said.Also, vacationers should have the post office hold all of their mail while they are traveling. Mail that piles up in a home?s mailbox is an easy target for would-be identity thieves, giving them access to personal information, especially if any bills arrive with account numbers on them.Finally, with all of the precautions people take before leaving for vacation, it is equally important that they are financially responsible on their trip. Even the best financial intentions can be undone by overspending on a vacation, Katz said."People do tend to get themselves into some trouble," he said.One way to control spending is to pay with cash or travelers? checks whenever possible to ensure that vacationers are spending money they actually have, he said. Also, setting a budget is key, he said."If you can, know what you are willing to spend on the trip — and don?t exceed it," he said.Cara Baruzzi can be reached at or 789-5748.

Exclusive Resorts(R) Reaches $1 Billion in Owned Resort Real Estate

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Exclusive Resorts today announced that it has surpassed the $1 billion
mark in the value of its owned residential resort real estate, which it
believes is greater than the owned portfolios of all other destination
clubs combined. The Club also announced new destinations and new
experiences for its members, further confirming its place as the
industry leader in providing families the best luxury vacation
experiences possible.

Today’s announcements include:



Record-Setting Resort Real Estate Portfolio: Exclusive
Resorts passed the $1 billion mark in the value of its owned
residential resort real estate, all of which is for the exclusive use
of the Club and its members.


New Real Estate Acquisitions: In the last three months
alone, the company entered into agreements to acquire 50 new luxury
residences at Sea Island, Georgia; Mandarin Oriental, Chicago; and One
Steamboat Place, Colorado.


New Unique Experiences: Exclusive Resorts launched an
innovative new addition to its membership offering—called
“Once in a Lifetime”—that
allows its members to experience exotic, one-of-a-kind journeys.

“Today, the world’s
leading destination club has become even better, with the addition of
more residences, more destinations and more experiences,”
said Donn Davis, chief executive officer of Exclusive Resorts. “Owning
$1 billion in luxury residences in dozens of destinations around the
world allows us to provide our members with the most choice, the best
experiences, and the greatest financial security of any destination
club. Simply put, Exclusive Resorts members make the world their second
home.”

Record-Setting Portfolio

In just four years in operation, Exclusive Resorts has reached an
extraordinary milestone in its resort real estate portfolio. With over
300 residences open worldwide, and another 150 currently under
construction, the company’s $1 billion real
estate portfolio is larger than the portfolios of all other destination
clubs combined.

Historically, Exclusive Resorts members have taken on average more than
six trips each year with the Club, choosing from among renovated Tuscan
farmhouses on vast vineyards and ski-in/ski-out four-bedroom penthouses
at the base of Telluride, to cliff-side glass front residences in Costa
Rica and full service pieds-à-terre in the
heart of Manhattan. No matter which destination, Exclusive Resorts
members enjoy five-star resort amenities and the service of a
personalized Onsite Concierge. All told, Club members have taken more
than 35,000 Exclusive Resorts vacations, with an astounding 94 percent
average member satisfaction rating.

New Real Estate Acquisitions

The company has entered into a landmark deal to develop and
custom-design 24 residences in historic Sea Island, Georgia, just steps
from the famed Cloister Hotel. Exclusive Resorts members will enjoy full
access to all services and amenities of Sea Island, including
round-the-clock butler service and in-residence room service from The
Cloister, access to the new 65,000-square-foot Sea Island Spa and new
Sea Island Beach Club, and privileges at Sea Island’s
award-winning golf courses. Each Exclusive Resorts residence will
feature approximately 3,500 square feet of living space with four
bedrooms and a private pool, and the distinct Southern style and design
that have characterized Sea Island for more than 80 years.

Exclusive Resorts is also under construction on 10 four-bedroom,
ski-in/ski-out condominiums at the base of the gondola in Steamboat
Springs, Colorado. With an incomparable location, each residence also
will be complemented with access to a full range of services, including
spa, fitness, ski valet, and indoor and outdoor resort pools.

Finally, Exclusive Resorts announced its agreement to acquire 16
spectacular two-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot corner-unit residences on
floors 44 - 47 of the Mandarin Oriental, Chicago. From 24-hour room
service to access to the new 30,000-square-foot spa, Exclusive Resorts
members will benefit from all amenities and services of Mandarin
Oriental, Chicago.

Once in a Lifetime Experiences

In another industry first, Exclusive Resorts has launched a series of
intimate, once-in-a-lifetime members-only journeys that provide a new
dimension to membership. Each of these authentic experiences has been
created by the Club to provide its members added adventure and
diversity. In characteristic Exclusive Resorts fashion, members are free
to relax and explore while the Club handles all the details.

The Club’s first Once in a Lifetime
experiences are:



A cultural immersion tour of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan


A naturalist’s expedition to the Galapagos
Islands


A private Eastern African villa safari at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro


Ultra-luxury Exclusive Resorts members-only cruise in the Mediterranean

By working with prestigious institutions such as Jack Hanna and Lindblad
Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic , Exclusive Resorts
will contribute to charitable and conservationist programs and will
allow its members to immerse themselves in and learn about local
cultures. The company plans to offer new Once in a Lifetime experiences
based upon member feedback and demand.

About Exclusive Resorts

As the leader of the destination club industry, Exclusive Resorts has
set the new standard in luxury travel and is quickly becoming the
preferred way for affluent families to vacation. Thousands of Exclusive
Resorts members make the world their second home, taking thousands of
vacations with the Club each year. With an enviable portfolio that
includes over 300 residences open today, plus another 150 under
construction, in more than 35 destinations around the world, Exclusive
Resorts combines the spaciousness and elegance of a private residence
with the services and amenities of a five-star resort. Subject to terms
and conditions of Club membership, members have first come, first served
access to all Club residences and services, including a personalized
vacation planner and Onsite Concierge, in exchange for a one-time
membership fee, a portion of which is refundable, and annual dues.
Exclusive Resorts is the partner of choice for some of the world’s
leading companies, including American Express, Mayo Clinic Preferred
Response, Neiman Marcus, Marquis Jet and Merrill Lynch. For more
information, visit .