Rand McNally dives into digital
For those of us who prefer using an atlas but would rather not have one flapping around in the door pocket, it's a good time to look at going digital. Rand McNally celebrated the 90th anniversary of its road atlas last year by developing its first digital atlas. The brand's iPad app and eBook app for e-readers ($9.99 each) have all 50 states (plus all the Canadian provinces, Mexico and Puerto Rico), as well as inset maps for big cities and national parks. You can view the maps without an Internet connection (after the initial download), and pinch and zoom in on various areas. Traditionalists (or those who know not to put too much faith in batteries) can go with the 2015 midsize paper version ($9.99). Information: Randmcnally.com. neW YORK TIMES
Airlines upgrade crews' attire
With the average salary of a U.S. flight attendant sitting at about $37,000 a year, you wouldn't expect to see them traipsing around in the kind of designer clothes worn by Hollywood's A-list celebrities. Guess again. Last year, American Airlines introduced new crew uniforms created by a pair of designers who have dressed celebrities such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Halle Berry and Jennifer Aniston.
LOS ANGELES TIMES
Deal of the week
Winter wanderlust
Premier River Cruises is offering discounts and extras on a European winter holiday cruise aboard AmaWaterway's new ship, AmaSonata. The trip includes a pre-cruise night at the historic Corinthia Hotel in Budapest; 14-night cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam departing Dec. 17; two post-cruise nights aboard the AmaSonata in Amsterdam; a special shipboard New Year's Eve dinner; prepaid gratuities; several private tours and meals; and airport transfers. Package starts at $3,689 per person double, plus $336 port charges; the cruise alone typically starts at $5,299. Book by May 31. Info: 855-255-1200, www.premierrivercruises.com.
WASHINGTON POST
on the web
A multi-purpose card
Saving money for travel is hard, but Outski helps you create and fund a virtual savings account by automatically drawing money from your checking or savings account. It then lets you spend your funds with a Travel Savings Card that acts like a credit card. It also offers tools to book your trip and discover deals. For $7.95 to print and mail your Travel Savings Card, it helps with planning and provides the flexibility of booking travel on its site or anywhere else I wanted. The card is available only with Discover, but word is that Visa will be added soon
