Free shuttle service, including the tip

— -- The rotten economy has compelled travel purveyors to entice would-be customers with value-added goodies, such as free upgrades, extra nights and the like. Now, one major tour operator is offering to shuttle travelers from their front doors to the airport and back.

Collette Vacations includes free car service — with tip — within a 50-mile radius of airports in 80-plus U.S. cities. For now, the perk is good only on tour packages to the South Pacific, Canada and Europe, and on its small-group tours and Smithsonian-sponsored trips.

Next year, the company plans to extend the offer for all its tours, says Collette's Paula Twidale. "It's an elite service we're bringing to the general population. "It's a differentiating feature." Information: 800-528-0351; collettevacations.com.