Shameless self-promotional pimping alert!

The government of France’s tourist office is running a contest, and you and I can both win. As part of their promotion of tourism to the island of Martinique, they invited bloggers to offer up their “wildest, funniest, or most exciting travel or holiday experience.” I banged out a quick synopsis of some of my 1992 travels in Russia, a story which features me standing in a train wearing nothing but my underwear at 3 in the morning, with a pimply-faced Red Army recruit pushing the tip of his automatic rifle into my chest.

Hmm… what better way to win a trip to a Caribbean island than to discuss travel to Russia in February?…

Click here to stuff the ballot box read my entry. Click on the stars at the top of the entry to cast your ballot.

Giving it five stars is appreciated (hint hint), and voting enters you into a sweepstakes for free Martinique travel of your own. Here’s hoping it’s — literally — win-win.

Other blogger-participants have been pimping their stories for days — even weeks! (How fair is that?!) I was invited to participate late, so I’ve got some catching up to do. And that’s where you come in.

It’s not often that I ask for your help. In fact, when WAS the last time I asked for your help? But I’m asking now.

The terms of the contest are here. The whole array of stories to consider is here. And, as a gentle reminder (cough, cough) my contribution is here. Vote early and often! Just vote by February 28.

And thanks!

Travelers on United Airlines will now have to pay $25 if they check a second bag, unless they’re Star Alliance Silver-level elite frequent flyer members or higher. (That includes the entry-level elite status of Premier on United.) But for an airline that portrays itself as somehow “premium,” this is another in a long series of devaluations and degradations. United has been on a downward slope since it emerged from bankruptcy. This just reaffirms it.

The charge will generate more than $100 million in revenue and cost savings each year, UAL Corp. said. The change takes effect May 5 and applies to tickets purchased on or after Monday.

Soon, United will be indistinguishable from Spirit or Skybus, except with some 747s, an international schedule, and Channel 9 on their audio program.

Thanks to the commenter with the appropriately sarcastic nom-de-plume of “Friendly Skies”, to the ever-vigilant reader J, and to the lovely and talented Kim for sending in this tip.

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Upgraded: Your chance to vent at the TSA
Homeland Security first got a blog, but now the TSA has one too. And it’s not just staffed by the man at the top. They asked for your honest opinions. Give ‘em hell. Just keep it civil. (Thanks, Stephen!)

Upgraded: Nude Aviation
Who could forget Naked Air, the chartered “airline” that transported “naturists” to sunny destinations. Now, a German travel agency will make naked flights a regular option. But for those longing for a long overnight trip in the buff, you’ll have to keep waiting. It’s just a short trip within Germany. (Seriously, why bother?)

Upgraded: Business travel blogging
Hirsute frequent flyer kingpin Randy Petersen has gathered a number of blogs related to business travel into one place — BoardingArea.com — and you’ll find Upgrade: Travel Better syndicated there, too. You’ll find some familiar names there as well, plus some spunky newcomers. The site’s launch was featured in the New York Times, too, including a photo of the hirsute proprietor. Check it out.

Upgraded: Hotel thieves
If you’ve ever stolen stuff from a hotel room, you can return those towels, glasses, bathrobes, and … punch bowls? In any case, if you’ve been a pilferer from the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, your day of amnesty is here. Bring back the contraband, no questions asked. (Thanks Dr. Vino!)

Upgraded: JetBlue’s alliance prospects
Perhaps you remember my prediction from February 6 last year, that jetBlue and Aer Lingus would try to sync up in an alliance? Looks like the prediction was right, according to WSJ reports. But Aer Lingus might find some competition from jetBlue shareholder Lufthansa, who is also looking into an alliance of sorts with the ‘blue.

Upgraded: Short runways, long flights, 2-year old sarcasm
British Airways has announced another luxury initiative, aimed squarely at its all-business class competitors. The new all-business class service will fly from London’s City airport — a tiny airport with a short runway — to an as-yet unnamed New York area airport. The flight will feature only 36 seats on an Airbus A318. Not A319. Not A320. A318. The shortest in the family, and the biggest plane legally permitted to depart from London-City. The Cranky Flier has a nice post on the logistics of the proposed service. But jeez, it looks like my sarcastic comments from April 2006 were taken seriously: “What’s next?: Will someone determine that London City airport needs nonstop business class service to White Plains or Islip?” I guess life imitates snark?

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