Last week in an unprecedented move, the House narrowly approved an energy bill that would limit harmful greenhouse gases--the first time any chamber of Congress has ever approved limits of this kind. Now the energy bill faces a tough battle in the Senate and already there is vocal opposition from many different camps.

Without access to Capitol Hill, I settled for the next best thing: taking straw polls at happy hour. I asked one simple question: If the climate bill passes, would you be more likely to offset your travels?

Recently, the Roaming Gnome and I had the opportunity to visit Universal Orlando. Oh the fun we had -- I faced my fear and rode The Incredible Hulk Coaster and R.Gnome got down and sang "All the Small Things" at the Rising Star karaoke bar.

But it was not all fun and games! There was work to be done as well. At the top of the list was spreading the word about Universal Orlando's sweet summer offer. There were lots of interviews on that deal and others, but just in case you missed it, you can watch this video for details on the deal, our Traveler Confidence Report and Universal Orlando's soon-to-open Rip Ride Rockit!

Today I'm stopping by The View from the Bay to do a round-up of the best summer travel gadgets. Savvy Window Seat readers already know about a few of the gizmos I'm going to talk about, but here are my top five (in no particular order):

I’ll admit it – I’m biased. I love Mexico. I’ve been twice so far this year – once to Riviera Maya and once to Riviera Nayarit – and am hoping for a third trip later this year.  That may be a little aggressive, even for a super fan like me, but the deals are so good right now, I’m not sure I can stay away.

Ahh . . . New Jersey. State of gardens, 'da Shore,' and now, 28 flights per week on Jet America. The new low-cost airline  promises nine seats on each flight will cost just $9. Now, despite the claim on their web site that this is "not a gimmick," it feels a bit gimmick-y. But for $9, who cares?

According to the Associated Press (via Yahoo), service begins July 13 with  flights at Toledo, Ohio; South Bend, Ind.; Melbourne, Fla.; Newark, N.J.; Minneapolis and Lansing, Mich.

Have you heard the news? The economy stinks. I know, you're shocked (shocked!). But despite what some reports would have you believe, people are still traveling. Maybe not at the same rates or with the same budget as in past years, but they're still going. After all, what would summer be without vacation? Like a day without sunshine? Or like a gnome without a garden?

Travelocity has just released a list of ten summer hotspots for 2009. Think of it as a "most improved," rather than a "most popular" list. These ten domestic destinations are seeing a rise in popularity despite one-third of travelers cutting back on their summer vacation budgets. Good news in tourism alert! The local economies of these destinations should benefit from their improved rankings.

Don't get me wrong -- discounted room rates are great. Like a moth to a flame, I'm drawn in by percent-off promotions when I shop for a hotel deal. And these enticing deals are everywhere -- 25% off! No, no wait, there's another one -- 40% off! Wait - 60% off!

And then I stop to think -- 60% off what, exactly? If you don't know the starting price of a hotel room, the discount may not mean much to you.

Personally, I like my discounts in dollars. Resort credits offer a specific dollar amount for you to spend while you're at your hotel on cocktails, food, spa treatments -- you name it. It is one of the most popular hotel trends in a down economy and, depending on the amount, can add a great deal of value to your vacation. Here are three  resort credit offers available right now:

I've been slacking a bit on posting deals, I know, but this one is so good I had to share. Also, it has a short shelf life so time is of the essence.

Bermuda's Fairmont Southhampton 99 Hour Sale

Rooms at the five-star Fairmont Southampton from under $99 per night. Travel now through 2010. Book on Travelocity.com/bermuda

Editor's note: I just booked this as a surprise for my parents' upcoming 40th wedding anniversary over July 4th weekend, so it seems there are few or no blackout dates. Hurry and book your trip now!

File under More Good News in Travel: Travelocity reports steep declines in Memorial Day airfares. The data show a dramatic drop in international fares for the holiday. A recent USA Today story by Marilyn Adams outlines the bargains that can be had for domestic fares.

Two key points:

 - At $295, average domestic airfare is under $300 round trip

 - At $610, international airfare is lower than 2005

I approached the podium cautiously. I knew my chances weren’t good. But I had to try.

It was nearing midnight in the Las Vegas airport and I was waiting with the huddled masses to board a red-eye flight to Washington, D.C. The flight was overcrowded, and I’d been stuck with—you guessed it—a middle seat. Normally, I just grin and bear it in these situations but not tonight. No. Tonight I really, really didn’t want a middle seat. And I was going to do something about it.

So I approached the podium. The gate agent looked up at me. “Can I help you,” she asked.

I took a deep breath. Took my ticket and put it on the counter in front of her. Putting on my most pathetic expression, I asked simply, “is there any hope”?

“You’ve got a middle seat, right,” she asked me. I nodded.

“You know this flight is completely booked,” she said sternly. I nodded again. “Okay,” she said. “Let me see what I can do.”