Don’t miss a wonderful opportunity to experience Guatemala! LatinEscapes.com has recently announced a great travel deal that offers a 7-day trip to Guatemala. The trip features a tour through the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, the volcanoes of the Guatemala highlands, the colonial city of Antigua, a volcano-surrounded lake Atitlan, as well as tour through a mountain town of Chihcicastenango. Rates begin at $789 (for Miami departures) and includes air fares, 4 nights in Antigua at Las Floras Hotel, 2 nights in Atitlan at Porta Hotel Del Lago, daily breakfast, guided tours, and transfers throughout the itinerary. Taxes and fees are not included. Flights are also available from New York ($794/person), Los Angeles ($879/person) and other cities. In order for this offer to apply, the travel needs to be scheduled for dates prior to December 10 and must be booked by August 31. Note that the rates are calculated per person and are based on a double occupancy and mid-week flight dates. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information, visit: http://www.latinescapes.com/promotions.asp?id=132#
July 31, 2007 No Comments
Experience this year’s late-season in the beautiful environment of the Greek Island of Kos! Hotels4U has recently announced an amazing deal that is offering a luxurious 5-star Mitsis Summer Palace hotel in Kardamen on an all-inclusive basis for only $76/night per person (the rate is based on a double occupancy). The hotel features an abundance of leisure facilities, including 7 swimming pools and a separate children’s pool, sun terraces, free sun-loungers and parasols, a satellite TV area, 2 tennis courts, a gym, sauna, game-room with video games, pool and table tennis, various daytime entertainment, mini market, souvenir shop, children’s entertainment program, and a playground. Furthermore, a restaurant with a terrace, pizzeria, and a restaurant serving buffet meals, together with 3 bars are available to all guests. Sports facilities and equipment include billiards, badminton, beach soccer, darts, water polo, beach volleyball, table tennis, mini golf, aerobics, canoes, windsurfing, and a water slide, and are available daily from 10.30am to 5pm. Along with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, the all-inclusive offer grants free 24-hour room service, snacks and ice creams throughout the day, as well as unlimited soft drinks, beer, house wine, and cocktails. The offer is valid from October 6 through October 31.
For more information and terms and conditions that apply to this offer, go to http://hotels.travelzoo.com/international-hotels/314651
July 30, 2007 No Comments
Are you considering visiting Osaka, Japan any time soon? Don’t miss this wonderful deal announced by a brand new, recently opened Osaka Arietta Boutique Hotel, which is offering a $78/night special! Osaka Arietta is located in downtown Osaka just 3-5 minutes away from the subway station. The luxurious design of the hotel fuses simplistic Italian elegance with Asian elements and each of the guest rooms features a refrigerator, pay satellite TV and high-speed internet connection. Three PCs with high-speed internet connection are also available in the lobby and their use is free of charge. The Osaka Arietta hotel daily offers free bread, coffee and juice between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM in the lobby on the second floor. When booking a room, look for the ¥9,600 price that corresponds with the special. This price comes up more regularly for dates before September 30. The offer is valid through December 31 and is a subject to availability.
Follow this link for more information about the hotel: http://www.thehotel.co.jp/en/arietta_osaka/map.html
To book, go to:
https://asp.hotel-story.ne.jp/ver3d/di/?hcod1=30411&hcod2=001&seek=on&def=seek
July 27, 2007 No Comments
Picture this. You’re at the top of the mountain with the sun beating down on your face. You take a deep breath, pull down your visor, strap into your board and begin to plunge. The wind is at your back from the gravity ripping you down the sandy decline. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the popular sport of sandboarding. Its recognition has grown from curious snowboarders to the greater public, and as you will agree, sandboarding is a thrilling way to spend an afternoon. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation involving spas and other calming treatments, this is not the sort of vacation you’re looking for. Sandboarding is an adrenaline rushing, sand flying, sweat pouring activity that will really get your heart pumping.
I’m sure you have a mental snapshot, but the extreme sport of sandboarding is almost identical to snowboarding except the landscape is a sandy dune rather than a snow filled peak. This sport was first introduced by the Egyptians and other similar cultures that slid down these dry peaks with wooden planks. It may seem like a newly discovered craze, but sandboarding is everywhere. Although there are several places to sandboard all over the globe ranging from Oregon to South Australia, one of the more popular locations is Cerro Blanco in Peru. This mountainous slope is the world’s tallest sand dune at 2078 meters high. Even though most dunes have unlimited trails, the one downside of these trails is the difference in the terrain. Like myself, adapting to the sandy slopes might take some time if you’re used to slick snowy slopes.
On the brighter side, one of the activity’s best characteristics is it’s a four seasoned sport, unlike its seasonal cousin, snowboarding. This makes it easier to book a trip that will conform around your schedule. Also, if you’re unable to travel to these lengths, search for a location nearest you. There are approximately twenty three sandboarding locations in the U.S., but sandboardinging dunes are most prominent in the states of California, Oregon, and Arizona. If you are looking for somewhere in particular, check out sandboard.com for the Sandboard Magazine and look under “locations”. If you’re interested in Cerro Blanco specifically, here is a helpful website: http://www.mysteryperu.com/eng/co_cerro_blanco.html.
Although this may seem like an expensive trip to most, there will actually be less wallet-digging. The financial misconception may have derived from extensive layers and equipment necessary for the avid snowboarder. Remember, these dunes are quite hot, so the less clothing and equipment, the less expensive. To tour (ride) this exceptional landscape for a duration of six hours, the price per person is only $30. They then will provide you with the sandboarding equipment required (sandboards, goggles, wax, etc.), making it less of a hassle. If you’re curious as to how much a board cost for the keen sandboarder, it ranges anywhere from $100 to over $350, a hundred or so less then a snowboard.
Now, when planning your exciting trip to Cerro Blanco or any dune for sandboarding, there are a number of things you may want to pack. This list includes: strong comfortable footwear, sunglasses for obvious reasons, a jacket for the early morning and night time, a hefty water bottle to quench your thirst, sun block, small snacks to keep yourself from starving, cameras for the perfect Kodak moment, and a small backpack to carry these items with you for your fast paced trip. All of these things will help make your trip a bit more comfortable and less worrisome.
Now, I understand that this may seem a little unconventional as a vacation, but think of it just as a different type of vacation. It is another way of distancing yourself from the repetitive, mundane office. Try the daring lifestyle of this extreme sport and get out of your comfort zone.
July 26, 2007 No Comments
Orlando is a place for kids’ right? Not exactly. Yes, it is the home to Disney World, but Orlando can also provide a vacation filled with entertainment, relaxation, and eternal bliss for the older folk. If you’re looking to get in touch with your inner child and still act your age, I have provided some fun activities that will help you enjoy Orlando in a more age-appropriate manner.
Not so fast! Before diving out of the magical kingdom, look to see what it may have to offer you and your significant other. Explore Epcot, a part of the park that provides an exciting feel with a slice of diversity. Put on a helmet and hold on tight as you race up to the stars on Mission: Space or speed around the Test Track. If you’re spinning gut is telling you to take pleasure in a more comforting setting, check out Epcot’s Pavilions. Here you can indulge in a miniature world of vast cultures. These countries or ‘pavilions’ include: Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the U.S., and the United Kingdom. Sail from country to country and wrap yourself with the authentic traditions each pavilion illuminates!
If you’re trying to stray away from the busy theme parks and you’re into the artistic side of Orlando, there are plenty of places to visit. Tap to the beat as you experience the modern side of the Orlando Ballet with the “Orlando Ballet Pops”. If you’re more of a singer, visit the Orlando Opera in its 50th season of song. Delve into the world’s most comprehensive works of Louis Comfort Tiffany at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. By taking a step into central Florida you can take advantage of any of the 100 parks, museums, culture performances, wildlife experiences, and other attractions that are waiting to be explored by culture buffs like yourself.
Are you more of a conventional vacationer? Explore 176 beautiful golf courses and endless miles of fairway within an hour drive of Orlando. Play at some of Florida’s newer premier courses: The Ritz Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Grande Lakes,Ginn Reunion Resort, Champions Gate Golf Club, and one of Florida’s top courses recognized by “Golfweek” and “Golf Digest” magazines — Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge.
If you’re more of a nocturnal being and are looking for a lively nightlife, Orlando is a great place to investigate. Downtown Disney has a nightlife like you wouldn’t believe with a tri-level complex of three separate levels of bars. Club Paris Orlando offers a VIP feel in the historic area on Church Street. International drive also has a compilation of nighttime shopping, such as Pointe Orlando housing a large nighttime compound of shops and restaurants featuring BB King’s Blues Club, offering some southern soul food and music that will keep you intrigued. If you are looking for somewhere that will make your stomach ache of never-ending laughs, try The Comedy Warehouse at Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island.
Regardless of your age and personal interests, Orlando has a bit of everything for everyone. This is simply what makes Orlando a city that you will never be able to forget. So get lost in it all in Orlando, Florida.
July 26, 2007 No Comments
All golfers should check out this special offer! An AAA 4-Diamond PGA National Resort and Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida is offering rooms plus unlimited golf for two for an unbeatable price of $79 per night, per person! Five 18-hole championship golf courses, 19 tennis courts, 9 pools, 7 onsite restaurants and lounges, a 26-acre lake, the Health and Racquet Club with personal training facility and a croquet complex can all be found in this luxurious Florida resort. Renowned for its superb golfing facilities, it has been home to a number of grand tournaments, such as the 1987 PGA Championship, or the Honda Classic. And on the top of all that, the place offers a world-class spa with exclusive ‘Waters of the World’ outdoor mineral pools.
The PGA National Resort and Spa is under renovations during the time of this special offer, which is valid through September 30. However, while some public spaces might be closed during your stay, the guest rooms and the golf and spa areas will not be affected. Note that a mandatory cart fee of $40/person, per day, an 18-dollar daily resort fee, taxes, service charts, and gratuities are not included in the special price. For more information, visit http://vacations.travelzoo.com/adventure-vacations/314588
July 26, 2007 No Comments
Slow moving lines, screaming infants, and a beeping medal detector are just some of the airport security inconveniences that result in a pounding headache. It’s time to plan your trip well in order to avoid these annoying occurrences and finally have a smooth sailing vacation. To help, here are five things you can do that will make your next trip to the airport less painful.
1. Over packing is a no-no.
Although it may seem necessary at the time, it will just cause you a sore shoulder as well as a longer wait as airport security sorts through your over sized luggage. Supply enough to be comfortable and with a couple extra selections, but limit the extra necessities that could cause more of a pain under the medal detector.
2. Check what ever you can.
When checking in your luggage, squeeze as many bags on the conveyor belt behind the check counter as possible. This way you will have to carry less to the security checkpoint.
3. Make sure to have identification at all times.
To avoid any problems, make sure to supply enough identification necessary to the destination you’re planning to fly to. If you’re flying domestically, bring a photo id such as your driver’s license. If you’re flying internationally, don’t forget to bring your passport so you’re not stuck in the airport like.
4. Buy a ticket way in advance.
This will not only enable you to find a cheaper ticket and a better seat on the plane, but will also lower your chance of being randomly selected for baggage check.
5. Arrive at the airport at least an hour before the flight.
Showing up at the airport early is a really good thing. Not only will you wait on a shorter line, but also you will avoid a panic attack from being less rushed. The more time you have to concentrate on the little things (aka: kids, medication, etc), the less stressed your journey through the medal detector will be.
These tips will help to make you next trip a little easier and smoother. Preparation is key to a safe, less frantic, and relaxing vacation for you and the entire family. Bon Voyage!
July 26, 2007 No Comments
The extensive list of amenities that Virgin America provides combined with its low fares shake the foundation of competitors all over the country. This rumbling has caused some early friction between future airline contenders, resulting in a battle for the sky.
Even before Virgin America’s first flight, the competition was becoming restless. Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, and several other U.S. based airlines felt that this British based company, coupled with billionaire Richard Branson, was infringing on foreign U.S. territory. The airlines put up a fight stating that Virgin America was exceeding the federal restriction for foreign control of a U.S. airline at 25%. In simpler terms, Virgin America must be 75% owned by U.S. shareholders in order for it to be a U.S. competitor according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The company responded by affirming that it will make a genuine effort to sell an increasing number of stocks to U.S. investors, and as a result of these sharp glances, is also forcing Virgin America’s chief executive, Fred Reid, to step down in November.
This “domestic” feud between airlines looks like preliminary anxiety to the future success of the already flourishing Virgin Atlantic Airlines. Although Branson has experience running his own business back in the UK, a new face representing Virgin America might result in an immature company that can’t hold a candle to the big boys of the U.S. It’s up to this novice airline to hold its own on the runway.
July 26, 2007 No Comments
A great opportunity to visit Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu Falls presents itself a few days from now! TAM Vacations offer a special deal on a 6-day Iguassu Falls-Rio de Janeiro trip at fantastic rates beginning at $799 per person. The offer applies to travel dates from August 5 through December 9 and the price includes round trip economy class travel of TAM Brazilian daylight flight from Miami or New York, a 3-night accommodation with breakfast in the Lancaster Hotel in Rio including the transfer to and from the Rio airport, and a 2-night accommodation with breakfast in the Recanto Park hotel at the Iguassu Falls with transfer to and from the airport. Rates are calculated per person based on a double occupancy and don’t include airport taxes and fees, security fees and optional tours to the Argentinean side of the falls, the city of Rio de Janeiro, or to the Tropical Islands by Rio.
For more information, visit http://www.tamvacations.com/scripts/special-offer/classico-rio-de-janeiro-iguassu-falls/
July 25, 2007 No Comments
Visit Hawaii between August 24 and October 31! With the Hawaii Summer Special deal from Vacations For Less, you can get great rates for a number of Hawaiian destinations beginning at $565 for six nights per person. Ohana Maile Sky Court ($565/6 days), Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber ($699/6 days), and Waikiki Beach Marriot ($825/6 days) all offer special rates as a part of this deal. You can also chose from Castele Hilo Hawaian Hotel ($679/6 days), the Sheraton Keauhou Bay ($875/ 6 days) at the Hawaii Big Island or the Outrigger Aina Nalu in Maui at the rate of $679 for 6 days. The vacation packages include a round-trip flight on Delta Airlines to the Hawaiian island of your choice from the offer, 5 nights at one of the hotels mentioned above, as well as the hotel and land taxes. In addition, up to 2 children at the age of 16 and younger go for free, provided that they share a room with an adult. And if you chose to stay in Waikiki Beach Marriott, you receive free breakfast as a bonus. Note that the rates per person are based on double occupancy and that airfare charges are based on Los Angeles departures. Airport taxes and security fees are not included in the prices.
For more information, visit http://www.vacations4less.com/promohawaii1.htm
July 24, 2007 No Comments
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