—>The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that travel prices will rise, in some cases dramatically, in the new year. Due to the weak dollar acting as a siren song for European tourists, tourism from the old country will increase 5%, to over 54 million visitors. What does this mean to you? More expensive hotels. American Express is estimating that already pricey New York hotels will raise their rates by 18%, Domestic coach airfares will rise 3 to 5 percent, and across the nation hotel prices will increase 2 to 8 percent. —MEGHANN MARCO

Travel forecast '07 [SFGate]