Air News & Offers

TSA Adjusts Liquid Ban, Aviation Threat Level Remains High
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in Washington announced it is adjusting its total ban on liquids, gels and aerosols effective Tuesday, September 26.  There are two significant changes: Travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounce or less) that fit comfortably in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through security checkpoints. Travelers may also bring items, including beverages, purchased in the secure, boarding area on-board the aircraft. “After the initial, total ban, we have learned enough from the UK investigation to say with confidence that small, travel size liquids are safe to bring through security checkpoints in limited numbers,” said Assistant Secretary for TSA Kip Hawley.  “We have also taken additional security measures throughout the airport that make us comfortable allowing passengers to bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure area onboard.”
TSA will be enhancing security measures throughout the airport environment, both visible and not visible to the traveling public. Examples of these measures include: more random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity verification standards and deploying more trained security officers in bomb appraisal and screening by observation techniques. It is unlikely that further adjustments to the ban on liquids, gels and aerosols will be made in the near future.
The United States and United Kingdom (UK) have continued to work closely together and have shared technical and threat information with partners in Canada and the European Union (EU). These measures are being simultaneously adopted in partnership with the Canadian government. The UK and the EU are expected to consider similar changes in the coming weeks.
The U.S. Homeland Security threat level for aviation remains at Orange, or high, and will not change at this time. This security regime will apply to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for flights originating at non-U.S. airports.
Existing exemptions including larger amounts of required medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared to security officers at the entrance of the checkpoint for screening. For additional information and travel tips, please read our information for travelers at http://www.tsa.gov.

European Union To Set New Security Rules for Air Passengers
In late September, the European Union approved a new set of airline security rules that will restrict the amount of liquid allowed to be taken onboard planes, limit the size of cabin baggage, and require passengers to remove coats at security checkpoints and other similar measures.
The EU Regulatory Committee for Civil Aviation Security, representing all 25 Member States, approved the measures, proposed by the European Commission, to address the new threat of liquid explosives.
The new rules will come into effect in early November after they have been officially published by the European Commission. However, the new carry-on luggage size rules will come into force later to allow operators solid preparation. The proposed new rules would:
  * Limit the individual quantities of liquids allowed to be carried by
    passengers to 100 ml per container.
  * Require that the number of containers fit in one transparent re-sealable
    plastic bag of a maximum size of 1 liter.
  * Require passengers to present the plastic bag at security checkpoints.
  * Limit the size of cabin baggage allowed to a maximum of 56 cm x 45 cm x
    25 cm, with possibilities for some exemptions e.g. for musical
    instruments.
  * Require passengers to remove coats and jackets at security checkpoints.
  * Require laptops and large electrical items to be removed from bags at
    security checkpoints.
The new rules will still permit passengers to buy under certain conditions larger quantities of liquids at airport shops beyond the point where boarding passes are controlled. Website: http://www.eurunion.org /

Seven US Airlines Awarded US Postal Service Contracts
The U.S. Postal Service has awarded air transportation contracts to seven passenger airlines effective Sept. 30, 2006. Those awarded contracts are: American Airlines, Dallas, TX; American Trans Air, Indianapolis, IN; Continental Airlines, Houston, TX; JetBlue Airways, Queens, NY; Midwest Airlines, Milwaukee, WI; Sun Country Airlines, Minneapolis, MN; and US Airways, Washington, DC.

Virgin Atlantic Announces Plans To Cut Aviation Carbon Emissions Up To 25%
The Chairman of Virgin Atlantic, Sir Richard Branson, this week called on the global aviation industry to develop a shared solution to the growing issue of climate change. The move follows Virgin Group's plans to invest $3 billion in renewable energy initiatives over the next ten years. Speaking in New York, Sir Richard revealed that he has written to other airlines, including British Airways, American Airlines and easyJet; engine and aircraft manufacturers such as Rolls Royce and Boeing; and airport operators including BAA in the UK, urging them to support a new cross-industry forum which will help to deliver practical ways of tackling climate change. In his letter to aviation industry leaders, Sir Richard writes, "We need to accelerate the pace at which we reduce aviation's impact on the environment. We cannot ignore that aviation does create environmental problems (around 2 percent of global CO2 emissions), although equally it produces significant economic and social benefits. (8 percent of the world's GDP)"
As a first step towards sustainable aviation, Virgin Atlantic set out its global vision for radically more efficient aircraft movements around the world's busiest airports. These changes would mean that aircraft would burn considerably less fuel and emit much lower levels of CO2, dramatically improving air quality on the ground and in the air. At the heart of its vision is the creation of "starting grids" for all aircraft departures. A starting grid is a holding area, close to the runway, consisting of several parking bays for aircraft. It means that aircraft can be towed closer to a runway before take-off, substantially reducing the time that engines need to be running.
After being towed by a small tug from its stand, an aircraft would only start its engines once on the "starting grid", around 10 minutes before actual take-off. This would substantially reduce the amount of time aircraft need to taxi with their engines running and the time spent queuing before take off.
A "starting grid" also reduces congestion around stands, meaning aircraft that have recently landed wouldn't have to wait, with their engines running, to get onto the stand. Aircraft arriving could also turn off their engines after five minutes and be towed to their stand, saving considerable extra CO2.
The "starting grid" system would make airport movements much more efficient and would reduce fuel consumption and on-the-ground carbon emissions by over 50 percent ahead of take-off at London's Heathrow airport for Virgin Atlantic aircraft, and by nearly 90 percent for Virgin Atlantic flights at JFK Airport in New York. It would also mean that an aircraft flying from JFK to Heathrow could carry around two tons less weight in the air, which would mean that the amount of fuel burnt would be considerably less, reducing CO2 emissions even further.
Virgin Atlantic pilots are also trained in a method of descent called Continuous Descent Approach. This involves aircraft beginning their descent from high altitude much earlier, leading to a slower and smoother approach before landing, therefore reducing fuel burn. Virgin Atlantic believes that all air traffic control authorities should adopt this approach, saving considerable CO2 emissions.
As part of its sustainable aviation strategy, Virgin Atlantic is also reducing the weight of each of its aircraft. It is painting the exterior of its planes with lighter paint, creating lighter fittings onboard, changing oxygen bottles from metal to carbon-fiber, and it is now using cargo bins made from lighter, but stronger carbon-fiber materials, rather than metal. The airline is even seeking to remove empty champagne and beer bottles, the contents of which have been drunk before leaving the stand, so they can be recycled before the plane leaves for its destination. These measures save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions further.
Sir Richard also said the "mess of European air traffic control is punishing the environment, with 35 different air traffic control organizations, compared with just one in America." He called for plans for a single European sky, which would optimize air routings by aircraft and improve environmental performance further. IATA, the International Air Transport Association, predicts that 12 percent of global CO2 emissions by aircraft would be saved if air traffic control systems were more efficient. "What we're suggesting would save over 150 million tons of carbon emissions a year. With global warming, the world is heading for a catastrophe. Airlines, airports, air traffic controllers and governments should seize these initiatives and ensure they're all implemented within two years. If they do so, up to 25 percent of the world's aviation emissions can be cut. The savings in fuel costs can then be ploughed back into further initiatives to reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions, and into savings for passengers."
The initiatives, which have been developed over the last year, follow a recent climate seminar in California chaired by the state Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, in which senior business leaders, including Sir Richard Branson, promised to help cut global emissions.
In the near future, Virgin Atlantic plans to announce further measures in the next few months to demonstrate how Virgin Atlantic is taking the industry lead on the issue of sustainability."

SWISS Wins World Travel Awards In Three Categories
Swiss International Air Lines has earned a clutch of further distinctions at this year's World Travel Awards in September. The airline captured the award World's Leading Economy Class Airline for the first time and repeated as Europe's Leading Airline and Europe's Leading Business Class Airline.
The 13th World Travel Awards were selected on the basis of input from more than 167 000 travel-and-tourist-sector specialists from 200 different countries. The winners received their distinctions on Wednesday, September 20 at a gala ceremony held on the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. 
 This was the fourth year in succession that SWISS has been named Europe's Leading Airline - and the second time that it has garnered the Europe's Leading Business Class Airline distinction. SWISS was further voted the World's Leading Economy Class Airline, the first time it has earned this award. "These distinctions confirm to us that we are on the right track and that our products and services are acknowledged and appreciated all over the world." commented SWISS President & Chief Executive Officer Christoph Franz.
 The World Travel Awards were inaugurated in 1993 to honor service excellence in the travel and tourism sectors.

South African Airways Announces New Daily US/S.Africa Non-Stop Service
The fastest airline to South Africa just got faster. South African Airways, South Africa's premier carrier and the continent's most awarded airline, has announced new daily non-stop service from Washington Dulles International Airport to Johannesburg, South Africa, effective October 30, 2006, which will operate year-round (with the exception of the months of July and August, when the service will be direct with a brief refueling stop). With a flight time of just 15 hours and thirty minutes, the new non-stop flight shaves more than two and a half hours from SAA's previous flight time and eliminates the route's stop in Dakar, Senegal. "No layovers. No stopovers. Your next stop is South Africa," says Marc Cavaliere, Executive Vice President of SAA - North America regarding the new non-stop service. "At SAA we are continually looking for ways to enhance our service and this new non-stop brings South Africa closer in terms of travel time for our clients further enhancing the very best service to Africa."
South African Airways' new Washington - Johannesburg non-stop will feature the airline's flagship aircraft, the Airbus 340-600. With four Rolls Royce Trent engines, the A340-600 ensures that the trip is not only incredible fast, but also incredibly quiet.
The non-stop route features SAA's Premium Business Class service highlighted by the airline's award-winning 180-degree lie-flat seat bed, as well as Economy Class service with a generous 34" pitch for added legroom and comfort. South African Airways makes short work of the long haul by treating passengers in all classes of service to travel amenity kits, on-demand entertainment systems in every seat, and complimentary South African wines and spirits.
South African Airways features the only direct service from the US to South Africa with daily departures from New York and Washington that offer travel convenience, award-winning service, and the quickest route to South Africa. The airline's Africa network is unsurpassed, featuring connections to more than 20 destinations within South Africa, and more than 20 cities across the continent, making the airline the savvy traveler's "gateway to Africa". As a recent member to the worldwide Star Alliance, South African Airways is now able to offer its customers 852 destinations in 152 countries and more than 15,500 flights daily.
For more information on South African Airways, please call 800-722-9675 or visit www.flysaa.com.

Korean Air Adds More Flights to China
In October, Korean Air will add more flights to China to total 21 destinations and further strengthen its commitment to be the preferred airline between North America and China.
New destinations include Dalian, Changsha, Nanjing and Guangzhou (Canton). Additional flights will be added to existing destinations such as Beijing, Hong Kong, Jinan, Kunming, Qingdao, Sanya, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen Tianjin, Urumqi, Weihai, Wuhan, Xiamen, Xian, Yanji, and Yantai.
Korean Air now flies from more cities in North America to more cities in China than any other airline.
Starting this winter, Korean Air will add service to Kotakinabalu, Malaysia; Kathmandu, Nepal and Utapao, Thailand, boosting Korean Air's destinations to at least 70 Asian cities from North America. In addition, Korean Air strengthened its North American network with last week's launch of Las Vegas as its 13th transpacific gateway.
Korean Air, with a fleet of 118 aircraft, operates over 80 passenger flights per week between North America and Asia. Its North American gateways are Anchorage, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and Washington, D.C.
More information is available at www.koreanair.com.

AirTran Airways To Provide Additional Services to Florida This Winter
Beginning January 4, 2007, AirTran Airways will add daily nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) aboard comfy Boeing 717 aircraft. The new service will compliment the carrier's other nonstop Florida flights from CAK to Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers. Service to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) will be the airline's seventh non-stop destination from CAK.
Nonstop Service From Chicago/Midway To West Palm Beach
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., has announced the expansion of the airline's operations from Chicago's Midway International Airport with new nonstop service to Miami International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport. As the fastest growing low-fare airline in Chicago, AirTran Airways is the only carrier to offer nonstop service to these popular Florida destinations from Midway Airport. The routes will take effect on February 7, 2007, and will operate on the efficient Boeing 717-200 and 737-700 aircraft, which make up the airline's youngest all-Boeing fleet in the country.
With these new flights AirTran Airways will offer 33 daily departures from Chicago (Midway) and continues to amplify its presence in the Windy City as Miami and West Palm Beach will be the airline's ninth and tenth nonstop markets. Other Chicago (Midway) nonstop destinations served by the airline include: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York (Newark), Orlando and Sarasota/Bradenton. Website: www.airtran.com.

Jetstar Launches New Services Between Australia & Honolulu
Jetstar, the Qantas Group's value based carrier will launch direct flights between Honolulu and the Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne, operating three times weekly return services on the direct Sydney-Honolulu route scheduled to commence from December 27, 2006, and twice weekly on Melbourne-Honolulu, a brand new Qantas Group service from December 29, 2006. All flights are subject to regulatory approval.
Qantas will continue to operate Sydney-Honolulu services 3 times weekly, which collectively will deliver over 3000 additional seats each week by the Qantas Group on the Australia - Hawaii route. Website: www.jetstar.com
Jetstar is a fully owned subsidiary of Qantas, which has rapidly grown to fly over 1000 weekly services with an existing fleet of 23 narrow body A320s within Australia and on some international routes to New Zealand. As a price leader in the Australian market, it presently serves 21 destinations.

Ethiopian Airlines Announces New Schedule From The United States 
International travelers, adventure seekers and heritage tourists have a new choice when traveling to Ethiopia and the rest of Africa. Ethiopian Airlines is adding a fourth weekly flight from Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The fourth flight means that there are two morning flights that depart on Monday and Wednesday at 10:10AM; and two evening flights that depart at 7:30PM on Thursday and Saturday.
The added morning flights insure immediate connections to many African points and easier connections throughout the entire Ethiopian Airlines route network. Mekonnen Abebe, Director of North America for Ethiopian Airlines, said, “The permanent addition of our second morning flight from Washington will allow travelers the opportunity to get to Ethiopia, early in the day.” He added, “For business travelers this is the best of both worlds. It provides an entire day for travelers to conduct their affairs in Addis Ababa as well as make easy seamless connections to other destinations in Africa.”
Ethiopian Airlines has an impressive history dating back more than 60 years, yet remains on the cutting edge of today’s technology. The airline’s website, www.ethiopianairlines.com, provides excellent information on additional flights, services and special web fares. Ethiopian Airlines is proud to be on the official Boeing 787 Dreamliner launch team and in 2008, will be among the first airlines in the world to fly the aircraft.

Virgin Atlantic And ANA Team Up To Offer Round The World Fare
Virgin Atlantic is pleased to announce that it has partnered with ANA (All Nippon Airways) to allow Virgin Atlantic passengers to fly onwards in Japan on ANA’s domestic services. The arrangement will also allow ANA travelers to fly on Virgin Atlantic
services from ANA destinations on the Virgin route network.
To celebrate this announcement, Virgin Atlantic Airways and ANA will be releasing a special joint round the world (RTW) fare utilising the networks of both carriers.   Passengers traveling from the US can enjoy RTW fares starting from $3,800.
Website:  www.virginatlantic.com

China Southern Set To Launch New Service To Seoul
China Southern Airlines announced new routes linking both Shanghai and Beijing to Seoul, Korea.
-- Shanghai (Pudong)-Seoul CZ313 Daily 8:25 11:25 A320
Seoul-Shanghai (Pudong) CZ314 Daily 12:35 13:35 A320
--Beijing-Seoul CZ317 Daily 9:50 12:50 B757
Seoul-Beijing CZ318 Daily 13:50 14:50 B757
Website:  www.cs-air.com/en

 Catch a Falling Fare On JetBlue
JetBlue Airways is offering its Fall Clearance Sale: Everyone Must Go! Fares are
designed to give JetBlue customers the opportunity to grab one more weekend of fun and sun, with Florida fares beginning at $59(a), and Caribbean destinations beginning at $79(a). More interested in seeing the leaves turn color? Then take advantage of JetBlue's Northeast fares, which start at $49(a).
Travel must be purchased by October 5, 2006, and travel must be completed by December 15, 2006. Some blackouts around Thanksgiving apply. Sale fares are valid for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday travel for domestic markets. For international markets, sale fares are valid Monday through Wednesday for Southbound travel, and Tuesday through Thursday for Northbound travel.
JetBlue Begins Non-Stop Service From Tucson, Arizona to New York City
JetBlue Airways has launched daily nonstop service between its home base at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Tucson (TUS), its 46th BlueCity. The airline is currently offering a special $129(a) fare each way between JFK and Tucson. Regular one-way fares will range between $149(a) and $399(a). Tucson, nicknamed "The Old Pueblo," is the oldest city in Arizona and the second city in the state served by the low-fare carrier, which launched service to Phoenix in October 2004.
JetBlue is also celebrating its inaugural service by offering $129(a) special sale fares each way from Tucson to the following destinations via connecting service at JFK: Boston, MA; Burlington, VT; Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, NY; Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, NC; Columbus, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, ME; Richmond, VA; and Washington DC/(Dulles). Regular one-way fares to these connecting markets will range
between $179(a) and $449(a).
New Services to:
Boston/Puerto Rico Service Begins December 13
JetBlue will exand its Caribbean network with daily nonstop service between Boston's Logan International Airport and San Juan, Puerto Rico, effective December 13. Flights to San Juan, the low-fare carrier's 22nd destination served nonstop from Boston, will
operate for the peak winter season through April 30, 2007. JetBlue offers fares ranging between $109(a) and $349(a) each way between Boston and San Juan.
In addition to the low-fare carrier's new seasonal nonstop service, JetBlue provides Boston customers with convenient connecting service to three cities in Puerto Rico year-round. The airline already serves San Juan, Aguadilla and Ponce from its hometown airport, New York's JFK, with additional nonstop service to San Juan and Aguadilla from Orlando International Airport.
New NY/JFK to Sarasota Bradenton Service
JetBlue Airways launched this month new daily nonstop service between Sarasota Bradenton (SRQ) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), making it the seventh city in Florida serviced by the low-fare carrier. The low-fare carrier will offer an additional daily flight between New York and Sarasota Bradenton. The
additional flight will be offered seasonally, between February 15 and April 30, 2007.
JetBlue's schedule between Sarasota Bradenton and New York:
New NY/JFK Service to Aruba
JetBlue Airways now offers new nonstop service between the island of Aruba and its
home base, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The daily flight will increase to seven the number of Caribbean/Atlantic destinations served by the low-cost airline and will feature JetBlue's award-winning service, complimentary first-run movies and bonus features from FOX InFlight(tm) (a), and comfy, all-leather seats with
industry-leading legroom. Regular one-way fares will range between $149(b) and $399(b) each way.
New NY/JFK Service To Cancun Mexico Starts November 30
JetBlue will inaugurate new air service out of New York/JFK to Cancun, Mexico on November 30. The airline's regular one-way fares between JFK and Cancun will range from $129 to $349 each way when booked at www.jetblue.com  or by calling
1-800-JETBLUE or 8008613372 if calling from Mexico.
JetBlue's Cancun schedule:
New York (JFK) to Cancun (CUN)               Cancun to New York
Depart - Arrive                                                 Depart - Arrive
8:15 AM - 11:25 AM                                      12:20 PM - 5:05 PM
Service to Cancun will be operated with JetBlue's A320 fleet.

BWIA To Discontinue Washington/Trinidad Services October 10
BWIA, which announced it will shut down operations as of December 31, already has moved to cut some services and will discontinue its roundtrip, thrice-weekly Washington-Trinidad service, effective October 10. "This decision was taken after analysis of the route confirmed a trend of low passenger volume vs. the overall cost of operating the services, resulting in significant financial losses," said Peter Davies, BWIA's CEO.
BWIA is contacting all affected passengers to accommodate them on other carriers.
When BWIA ceases operations on Dec. 31, a new carrier, Caribbean Airlines, is scheduled to begin service early in 2007.
The Trinidadian government will remain as the major shareholder in the new airline.

New Charter Air Service Between San Juan, PR & St, Barts Announced
Wimco, the Newport, RI, villa rental and hotel reservations company, announced new scheduled daily inter-island air service between the San Juan and St. Barts, dramatically improving access to this formerly hard-to-access island.
Wimco is the authorized air charter agent for Tradewind Aviation that will operate the scheduled daily inter-island service departing San Juan at 3 p.m. and St. Barts at noon. Tradewind is the only US turbine air carrier certified to fly commercial flights into St. Barts.
From now to Nov. 15, 2006, Wimco and Tradewind are offering an introductory rate of $350, a 29 percent savings off the posted fare of $495 one-way. In addition to booking the villa and clients’ air tickets, the reservations staff at Wimco can also book on-island activities including rental car, boat charters, villa provisioning, babysitters, including accommodation, air, transfers, rental car and even dinner reservations. To book vacations on St. Barts, including Tradewind Aviation reservations, call 1-800-932-3222.

New Website Design For JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways has launched its new design for www.jetblue.com , featuring
a new streamlined booking flow and newly organized content based on
feedback from JetBlue's customers. "The refreshed www.jetblue.com website continues to feature services important to JetBlue customers, including easy flight booking, vacation packages, and online flight check-in up to 24 hours prior to flight time," said Peter Scherr, JetBlue's Director of Interactive Marketing. "In addition to these standard services, JetBlue also offers the only fully-automated loyalty program, TrueBlue, where travel awards are automatically issued and TrueBlue members can redeem their TruePass awards online for one-way or round trip travel." Earlier this year, JetBlue introduced online bag check, where customers can check their bags in from home or office, and print the baggage tags directly from their boarding pass at the airport prior to their flight.

Virgin Atlantic Revs Up Its Booking Website
The airlines revamped website is packed with new features, designed to provide customers an easier time when making all of their booking plans for London and beyond.
-- Fare Grid: Shop around with this handy new feature that shows the fares available three days before and after the selected departure and return dates so that you can choose from the lowest possible fare
-- Take Control: The enhanced features include an inside look and the chance to upgrade your flight experience
-- Rewards!  Keep track of Flying Club rewards and Miles Plus Money inventory, and even use the calendar option to view multiple dates.
--  Your Turn: Get into the pilot’s seat and keep track of flight schedules, choose seats and obtain frequent flyer details
Check it out at www.virginatlantic.com .

Bmi To Install Flat Bed Seats In Business Class On Long Haul Flights
bmi Chairman Sir Michael Bishop has announced the carrier will install lie flat bed seats in its business cabin on all of its long haul routes operated by its Airbus 330 aircraft by June 2007.  The announcement was made at an event in Saudi Arabia marking the first anniversary of its thrice weekly London Heathrow /Riyadh service.
The Airbus 330 is operated on bmi’s transatlantic service in the US from Chicago and Las Vegas to Manchester, England and in the Caribbean from Barbados and Antigua to Manchester.
The introduction of the Perseus flat bed seats represents an investment of £2 million for bmi.  Manufacturered by Aviointeriors of Italy (www.aviointeriors.it ), the aircraft will be fitted in a 2-2-2 configuration with 16 electronically-adjustable flat bed seats with a generous 80 inch seat pitch in bmi’s award-winning business class that also features a chef that caters to each passenger in this cabin.  Premium economy seats will be reduced from 48 to 30 seats and while economy seats will remain the same at 172.
With the reintroduction of the A330 onto the Riyadh and Jeddah routes next Spring, bmi’s business class will feature 42 flat bed seats in business class and 156 in economy.
US website at www.flybmi.com  

US Airways Announces New Service in Charlotte, NC and White Plains, NY.
Effective December 3, US Airways will begin service three times per day between its hub in Charlotte, North Carolina and White Plains, New York. This new service complements five daily round trips already established between Philadelphia and White Plains, N.Y. as well as three daily round trips from both Washington, D.C. and Boston. Passengers will be able to fly the route every day, creating a perfect schedule for a business trip or vacation getaway.
Service between Charlotte and White Plains will be operated by US Airways Express carrier Air Wisconsin using 50-seat CRJ 200 aircraft.

Flyglobespan to expand transatlantic services
Scottish web-based airline Flyglobespan is adding a series of transatlantic flights from UK airports in May. It will launch a daily service from Liverpool to New York, using a two-class service: no-frills economy and premium economy.
From Glasgow, it is adding a daily Boston service (also two-class) and daily flights to Toronto.
It is also launching daily Toronto flights from Manchester and London Stansted and a weekly flight from Robin Hood Airport.
All Toronto flights will be operated with a three-class service—economy, economy premier service and business class.
More flights are expected to be added in 2007.
 
 'No EU-US Open Skies For Two Years'  Says BA Chief
No transatlantic open skies air services agreement is likely for at least two years, according to British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh. Interviewed by The Times on Saturday, Walsh said any hopes of reaching full open competition between US and European airlines on the North Atlantic had been dashed by the inability of the US to agree new ownership rules for its own carriers.
Walsh held out no hope of progress at the next round of talks between European Union and US transport officials next month. "I don't see any progress happening at the October meeting," he said. "It's very much in the hands of the US government. But this issue has to be tackled. We need cross-border consolidation. The issue of ownership and control has to be tackled at some stage."

Qantas Announces Changes To Cairns-Darwin-Singapore Routes
The Qantas Group has announced that Jetstar would commence daily operations on the Cairns-Darwin-Singapore route from 29 October, replacing the current five weekly Qantas B767 services.
The Executive General Manager of Qantas, John Borghetti, said the move to a daily Airbus A320 operation would increase capacity on the route by around 10 per cent, or 115 seats. "The change is in line with our well established, successful strategy of developing the two brands of Qantas and Jetstar," "Jetstar's Darwin-Singapore services will be timed to connect with Qantas international services between Singapore and Europe," he said.
In addition to daily Jetstar Cairns-Darwin-Singapore services, Qantas would continue to operate five international services each week from Darwin and 30 international services from Cairns.

Study Shows Air Travel Helps Spread Global Flu
A new study showing the link between air travel and the spread of influenza may help health officials decide on flight restrictions in the event of a global flu pandemic. Harvard researchers found the decline in US air travel following 9-11 also slowed the spread of that year's annual flu outbreak.
But pandemic flu is expected to be much more deadly than conventional flu, so having a few weeks of extra time to deliver protective drugs or vaccines could make a big difference in total mortality, according to the scientists who conducted the study. "If you knew there was a bubbling pandemic in Southeast Asia, you could potentially consider the idea of targeted travel advisories and targeted flight bans," said the study's co-author John Brownstein.
The finding was the "first study that actually shows there's a major contribution of airline travel" that uses real-life data rather than computer models," said co-author Kenneth Mandl.
Officials of various world health organizations have been debating the issue of travel restrictions in the event of an outbreak. Some plans call for travel restrictions only as a last resort.

Spirit Halts Service Between Fort Lauderdale, Turks And Caicos  
Spirit Airlines discontinued its eight-month-old service from Fort Lauderdale to the Turks and Caicos on September 3, according to Rebecca Rivera, communications manager. The carrier had launched daily service from Fort Lauderdale to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, on Feb. 16, followed three days later by twice-weekly service on Wednesdays and Sundays to Grand Turk.
The carrier declined to cite specific reasons for the pullout, saying only that "Spirit is continually assessing market opportunities. We will continue to monitor the various opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands."
The destination is served by American with a daily flight from New York (Kennedy), twice-daily flights from Miami and three times a week from Boston. US Airways offers daily flights from Charlotte, N.C., and five flights a week from Philadelphia. Delta serves the destination daily from Atlanta.

Northwest Airlines Announces Seasonal Service To Mexico & Caribbean
Northwest Airlines has announced seasonal service between its hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis, Tenn., and destinations in Mexico and Caribbean. The flights will be available between February 15 and April 8, 2007, operated with Airbus A320 equipment featuring 16 seats in first class and 132 seats in coach.
-- From its WorldGateway at Detroit, Northwest will offer over a dozen additional flights per week including a second daily service from Detroit to Cancun, Mexico. Flight 1093 will depart Detroit at 6:10 a.m., and arrive Cancun at 9:02 a.m. On the return, flight 1094 will depart Cancun at 5:55 p.m., and arrive in Detroit at 10:48 p.m.
-- To Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the airline is increasing its service to daily from Detroit. Flight 1327 will depart Detroit at 9:55 a.m., and arrive in Puerto Vallarta at 1:50 p.m. On the return, flight 1326 will depart Puerto Vallarta at 2:45 p.m. and arrive in Detroit at 8:03 p.m.
-- To San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico, Northwest is adding a second weekly flight on Sunday to complement its Saturday service. Flight 1779 will depart from Detroit at 9:25 a.m., and arrive San Jose Del Cabo at 12:20 p.m. On the return, flight 1778 will depart San Jose Del Cabo at 1:20 p.m., and arrive Detroit at 7:40 p.m.
In addition, the airline is adding flights from Detroit to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands to complement existing service.
-- Flight 1320 will depart Detroit at 10:37 a.m., and arrive Montego Bay at 2:35 p.m. On the return, flight 1321 will depart Montego Bay at 2:30 p.m., arrive Detroit at 7:31 p.m. The flights will operate daily except Wednesday and Friday.
-- Flight 1796 will depart from Detroit at 10:28 a.m., and arrive Grand Cayman at 2:14 p.m. Flight 1797 will depart Grand Cayman at 3:36 p.m., and arrive Detroit at 7:30 p.m. These flights will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Northwest is also adding to existing service to Cancun from Memphis and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
-- Flight 662 will depart Memphis daily at 2:25 p.m., and arrive Cancun at 4:56 p.m. On the return, flight 663 will depart Cancun at 10:00 a.m., and arrive Memphis at 12:40 p.m. This will bring to two the number of daily roundtrip flight between Memphis and Cancun.
-- Minneapolis/St. Paul will add a third service to Cancun which will operate daily except on Wednesday. Flight 817 will depart the Twin Cities at 11:25 a.m., and arrive Cancun at 3:20 p.m. On the return, flight 816 will depart Cancun at 4:20 p.m., arrive Minneapolis/St. Paul at 8:31 p.m.
Northwest's new sun destination services will be available for sale through http://www.nwa.com .

New Child-Safety Device Approved For US Airlines
The Federal Aviation Administration has approved a new type of child-safety device, the AmSafe Aviation CARES (Child Aviation Restraint) that can be used for children weighing 22 to 44 pounds. The device uses an additional belt and shoulder harness that goes around the seat back and attaches to the passenger lap belt to provide restraint for the upper part of the body. It weighs one pound and fits into a six-inch stuff sack. It also said it is adjustable to virtually any size airplane seat and usable in any seat except for exit rows (where a child would not be allowed anyway).
The device will cost $74.95 and is available at www.kidsflysafe.com

Delta Launches Atlanta-Guadeloupe Service In December
Delta will launch twice-weekly flights between Atlanta and Guadeloupe on December 13, subject to government approval. The flights will depart Atlanta at 9:55 am on Wednesdays and Saturdays, arriving in Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe, at 3:10 pm. Return flights depart on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 4 p.m., arriving in Atlanta at 7 pm.

 Eos Airlines Gains Strong Momentum
 Eos, serving New York and London, now offers a choice of flights departing twice daily, six days per week (Sunday through Friday), from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and London Stansted Airport. On Saturdays, Eos will operate one flight from each city. The new Sunday-Friday schedule offers flights from New York at 7:15 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST, arriving in London the next morning at 7:40 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. GMT, respectively. Flights from London depart at 10:40 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., arriving in New York at 1:25 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., respectively. On Saturdays, Eos will depart New York at 7:15 p.m. and London at 10:40 a.m. "JFK departures allow a full day in both cities, with the best full night's sleep across the Atlantic following a gourmet meal in the departure lounge, while London Stansted departures uniquely maximize your daytime hours," added Spurlock. "The morning flight from London also allows you to hold a business meeting in the Eos Suite and arrive in New York mid-day, while the evening flight offers the option to relax and recharge at the end of a busy work day." Website: www.eosairlines.com
Eos is an all premium-class airline dedicated to serving the needs of international business and leisure travelers. With a highly personalized level of service, Eos utilizes specially configured Boeing 757's featuring only 48 seats, each of which is a lie-flat bed "suite" offering 21 square feet of space and guaranteed aisle access for each guest

flightconsultant.com - The Total Flight Search Solution
flightconsultant.com is the first website to offer a completely comprehensive search tool for looking up any and all combination of flights, finding flight durations and benchmark ticket prices without having to select dates and times. For use by any traveler wanting to quickly research all available flight options from a single web site.
The web site is straight forward; pull down menus allow the user to select their flight itinerary with the added flexibility of not being required to select a specific airport. For example, the user can search for flights from Germany to the state of Georgia, or Las Vegas to Ethiopia. From the results shown the user can narrow down the search by selecting their preferred rewards club, airport, or airlines. The site is fast, efficient, and significantly quicker than searching for flights across multiple web sites.
Designed to be complementary to online travel sites and airline sites, the user will first run a search on flightconsultant.com to view all the possible combinations of flights and to get an indication of the distance and suggested benchmark ticket cost. They then will follow the links to go to their preferred booking agent or airline to purchase the trip.
flightconsultant.com is already working on the next phase of the site which will increase the number of available search tools to include: best airline seats, airport code lookups and a unique direct flight lookup. In addition, the website will soon be available in five languages to increase its appeal worldwide. Website: http://www.flightconsultant.com

BA To Offer Registered Traveler Program At Kennedy Airport
British Airways signed a deal to offer a Registered Traveler program this fall for its operations at New York's Kennedy Airport, giving the airline's business travelers and other frequent flyers the opportunity to pay an annual fee of about $80 for separate -- and hopefully faster -- security screening.
To qualify, under the program rules established by the Transportation Security Administration, participants must provide background information about themselves so they can be pre-screened by the TSA. They'll also provide a biometric identifier such as a fingerprint for a biometric identity card.
British Airways is offering the program under an agreement with Clear, a Registered Traveler program operated by Verified Identity Pass -- a private sector company. The BA-Clear agreement also includes provisions for marketing the program to BA customers across North America, including corporate accounts. Clear offers a discount to companies that pre-pay for 20 or more memberships with one check.   –Travel Weekly

oneworld Launches Enhanced Web Site
oneworld(TM), the leading quality global airline alliance, has unveiled a new, more user- friendly Web site (http://www.oneworld.com/ ), making it easier to check flight schedules across its unrivalled global network, see where its member airlines fly and learn how to book reservations with oneworld member airlines.
oneworld.com has been completely redesigned with a fresh, stylish look, easier-to-follow navigation and new features including:
-- An interactive network map, showing every destination that oneworld
      airlines serve, as well as the routes they fly from each of those airports.
-- The ability to check, directly from the site's home-page, schedules for its member airlines, affiliates and code-share partners, along with more direct links to each airline's own website for customers  who want to book flights online.
-- More detailed information on the alliance's unrivalled range of fares, including downloadable brochures in a choice of nine languages, maps showing sample itineraries and an interactive tool to help plan round-the-world journeys.
-- Specific sites, in local languages, tailored to key countries including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and Switzerland, with pages dedicated to travel agents in each of those countries.
-- Extensive links to the appropriate pages of its member airlines' own websites for customers who want more information about them or the alliance.
In addition to the new enhancements, popular features that had already been on the site have been retained and improved
oneworld's existing member airlines—American Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, LAN, Finnair and Aer Lingus, plus their 12 affiliates—will be joined next year —by Japan Airlines and five of its affiliates, plus Malev Hungarian and Royal Jordanian, expanding coverage to nearly 100 more destinations and a half-dozen more countries, taking daily departures to more than 9,000.
Note: LAN affiliates LAN Ecuador and LAN Argentina are not members of oneworld.

 

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Rail News & Offers

Free Extra Travel Day With Purchase Of Eurail Selectpass From Rail Europe
Travel one extra day free by train when you purchase a six-, eight- or ten-day Eurail Selectpass from Rail Europe here in North America between October 1-December 31, 2006.  Rail travel days may be used non-consecutively within a 2-month period up to 6 months after the purchase date – which means that this promotion can be used as late as June 2007, depending on purchase date.
The Eurail Selectpass is a “create-your-pass” product, allowing the buyer to select 3, 4 or 5 European countries out of the 22 possibilities*.  The selected countries must be connected by rail or ferry. This offer is valid for all versions of the Eurail Selectpass, including the youth (those under 26) and Saver (for 2 or more people traveling together) versions.
Prices for the Eurail Selectpass start at $423 US/$484 CAD for a 6-day 3-country pass, $503 US/$575 CAD for an 8-day 3-country pass and $580US/$664CAD for a 10-day pass; these lowest per person prices are for a Eurail Selectpass Saver (when two or more traveling together).
For more information or to book any of Rail Europe’s wide range of economical railpasses and point-to-point tickets on trains throughout Europe and the U.K., consult a travel agent or log on to www.raileurope.com (U.S.) or www.raileurope.ca (Canada) or call Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.) or 1-800-361-7245 (Canada) to speak with an experienced rail reservation agent.
*Note: The 22 countries from which 3, 4 or 5 can be selected include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Serbia/Montenegro, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Save On Future Rail Travel When You Buy Railpass Now From Rail Europe
Buy any railpass before November 10, and Rail Europe will credit 25 percent of the purchase price towards another European rail product – either a pass or ticket(s) -- booked before the end of the year.   The second purchase must be made by December 27, 2006 and have a value of at least double the credit – which means you can save as much as 50 percent. Travel on the first pass purchased must be completed and the used pass returned by December 15, 2006.
For example, a couple taking in the wine harvest this fall in France and Germany (two 4-day Eurail France-Germany Saver Passes selling for a total of $562 US/$ 618 CAD) would earn a credit of $140 US/$154 CAD toward a pair of roundtrip Eurostar Leisure Select tickets (normally costing a total of $318 US/$364 CAD in 1st class) to travel between London and Paris for Christmas shopping this year or a two-city mini-vacation next spring.
Since passes are valid for six months, the first purchase this fall could be two 1st class 3-day Swiss Flexi Saver Passes costing $224 US/$256 CAD each for an early December ski vacation – earning a total credit of $112US/$128 CAD -- and the second purchase could be two 1st class Trenitalia Passes (normally costing a total of $386 US/$442 CAD for the two passes) to see Florence and Venice before the crowds in the late spring of 2007.

This offer is available for bookings made on Rail Europe’s website www.raileurope.com  [in Canada: www.raileurope.ca ] or by calling the company’s toll-free number (1-888-382-7245 in the U.S. or 1-800-361-7245 in Canada).  The credit may be applied to any rail product the company sells.  Last names must be the same on both sets of bookings.
To receive the 25% credit, customers simply complete a coupon sent with the first railpass purchase, and then submit this to Rail Europe with the used pass(es) by December 15, 2006.  They’ll receive notification from Rail Europe about their credit.  Full details as well as the coupon can be found on www.raileurope.com/pass_deals (in Canada www.raileurope.ca/pass_deals ).

BritRail Offers Discounts On Select Rail Passes This Winter
BritRail is trimming rail prices this winter by 25 percent on Consecutive Day, FlexiPass, England only and London Plus passes. Passes, which can be combined with Senior, Youth, Child and Family Pass discounts, through December. 31 for travel between November 1 and February 28. A sample four-day, standard-class BritRail England FlexiPass costs $165 or $246 for first class. Travel agents who book on www.agentbritrail.com  through Nov. 30 can earn free hotel vouchers, BritRail Pass protection and $15 bonuses on orders of more than $575.

MIR Corporation Offering Private TrainTours
The all-inclusive tours aboard the Trans-Siberian Express and Shangri-La Express private trains feature the elegance of fine old-world rail travel with modern amenities, excellent cuisine and outstanding cultural excursions. Passengers from around the world join us on these ultimate train journeys.
Roll through the Mongolian steppe where Genghis Khan's armies once roamed on horseback. Follow the old Silk Road through the deserts of Central Asia and Western China in the cool comfort of your cabin. Admire the world's oldest and deepest lake - Siberia's Lake Baikal. Journey along the highest rail line in the world, the new Golmud-Lhasa line, climbing over 16,000 feet.
-- Cross the Arctic Circle under the Midnight Sun.
Save from $300 - $3,400 per person on select cabin classes of select 2007 departures of the Trans-Siberian, Crimean Express, Silk Road and Arctic Circle routes (availability is limited and some restrictions apply).
-- Trans-Siberian Mongolian, Classic and BAM Routes
Train lovers and cultural travelers can enjoy the opportunity to traverse the legendary Mongolian, Classic and BAM (Baikal Amur Mainline) routes in the comfort of a private train specially designed and adapted for this ultimate rail adventure. The Mongolian Route extends south of Lake Baikal and includes three nights in Mongolia's capital city, UlaanBaatar with a stop at the annual Naadam Festival. The most spectacular event of the year in Mongolia, Naadam features horse racing, archery, and wrestling, with a uniquely Mongolian twist.
The Classic Route is the "original" Trans-Siberian line, the main artery linking Moscow with the vast stretches of Siberia and Vladivostok in the Russian Far East. Traversing almost 6,000 miles of taiga, steppe and mountain, the Classic Route reveals the real Russian heartland.
The BAM Route takes us past the northern tip of Lake Baikal and across Russia's last frontier, through tiny villages untouched by tourism. Bracketed by the cities of Vladivostok and Moscow, the BAM line explores the more remote stretches of Siberia.
An Extraordinary Ride Along the Old Silk Road
-- Silk Road by Private Train
Travel the Silk Road on specially equipped private trains, designed to carry you in style and comfort where camels used to trudge. The route lies across the territories of Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and China. For 21 days you will visit such ancient towns as Beijing, Xi'an, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Moscow, with their half-familiar histories, teeming bazaars, blue-tiled mosques, gilded palaces and architectural monuments.
-- Crimean Express by Private Train
The Crimean Express carries us through the capitals of Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine and sets us free on the beautiful Crimean Peninsula, which the warm Mediterranean climate made "the playground of the czars". Begin with a tour of the expertly restored Amber Room in St. Petersburg’s Catherine's Palace. From here, the train heads south through booming cities and quiet backwaters with stops in Moscow, Minsk, Brest, Lviv, and Moldova’s capital, Kishinev. Next is Odessa, Ukraine’s vigorous Black Sea port city, and then the sunny Crimea. Leaving the train for several days at Feodosia, drive along the coast into palm-lined Yalta. Tour and taste at Massandra Winery, guarding some of the czars’ favorite wines. Departing for Sevastopol, visit the ruins of an ancient Greek settlement, and spend the last two days getting to know Ukraine's capital, Kiev.
--Shangri-La Express
Be among the early travelers entering Tibet's capital, Lhasa, on the highest rail line in the world. From Beijing to Golmud, where the high altitude line begins, then up the long grade to the Central Tibetan Plateau, these rail journeys lace together the far reaches of China's dominions. Remote and for years forbidden to foreigners, Tibet is one of the worlds most mysterious places; a land of immense beauty, pervasive spiritual beliefs, and a way of life vastly different than our Western lifestyle. Choose from six different Shangri-La Express private train itineraries that visit the holy city of Lhasa perched on the high grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau. Five of the six itineraries include Beijing, where we explore the classic sights, and each delivers us to Golmud, where we either board or disembark from the special train that carries passengers up over 16,000 feet at the Tangula Pass.
-- Beijing-Hong Kong Private Train
Classic Beijing, Terra Cotta Soldiers, Giant Pandas, a Three Gorges Cruise, Guilin's jagged karst mountains, Guangzhou, called Canton by the British East India Company, and booming Hong Kong – all gained in the comfort of an exclusive private train. What more could a traveler need?
-- Arctic Circle Steam Express*
Sample three outstanding cities – Kiev, Moscow, and St. Petersburg – before steaming north through some of Russia’s oldest towns into Vyborg, where Peter the Great battled with Sweden, up to treeless Murmansk on the Arctic Ocean and back down through Karelia, Russia's region of lakes.
-- Golden Ring by Private Rail
Roll around the ancient Golden Ring towns: Admire the 13th century kremlin walls of Pskov, the UNESCO-listed "White Monuments" of Vladimir and Suzdal, and the Volga towns of Kostroma and Yaroslavl between stops in Moscow and Petersburg. Winter departure features Russian New Year's traditions – rumored to be the best in the world.
The Seattle, Washington based MIR Corporation journeys to legendary destinations at the crossroads of Europe & Asia, specializing in Siberia, the Silk Road, St. Petersburg and beyond since 1986.
Website: http://www.mircorp.com; email:  Email: info@www.mir.corp

Orient-Express Trains Offers A World Of Meetings & Incentives Options
Orient-Express has many years of experience welcoming groups on board its scheduled departures, as well as arranging exclusive custom made private charters. Flexibility is everything: a dedicated sales team work closely with clients to ensure that all special arrangements are catered for, from the destination, length of journey (day sectors or overnight), customized menus and on-board goodie bags, to photographers to capture the experience and station musicians to play out the train. Any request can be accommodated.
There is an Orient-Express experience to suit every corporate need – charter the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a journey across Europe, join the Northern Belle or British Pullman for a day trip in the UK, or explore South East Asia on the Eastern & Oriental Express train. 
-- In Europe, for the ultimate Orient-Express experience, charter the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Venice or tailor make the journey to visit other historic European cities. The original Wagons-Lits sleeping carriages of the continental Orient-Express are ideal for pan-European events as they can be chartered for short sectors to host a lunch or dinner, or overnight with multiple pick-up/drop-off points along the way.
 For groups with specific conference needs, a special Italian designed, self-contained conference carriage can be provided. With seating for 22 people around the boardroom table, the carriage provides a private setting for small conferences, presentations and meetings. It has its own lounge/bar and modern audio-visual and telecommunications equipment.
Exclusive Charter: 188 guests maximum
Private charters recommended for groups upwards of 100 guests
Groups: special rates are available for groups of 15 plus
Season: March to November
Charter prices start from around $87,000 for a Rome to Venice charter (day sector) or from $205,500 for a Venice to London overnight sector on a full board basis (excluding drinks).
-- In the UK, the British Pullman carriages of the Orient-Express and its sister train in the UK, Northern Belle, leave from over 40 departure points in the UK year round and can offer a wide variety of dining experiences and days out for groups or corporate clients.
The 11 amber and cream, vintage Pullman Parlor cars all date from the 1920’s and 1930’s and are amongst the most comfortable, elegant and luxurious ever constructed. Each carriage is individually designed with seating for 20, 24 or 26 people. The Northern Belle has six carriages all styled and designed around the ‘Belle’ trains of the 1930’s with comfortable armchair seating and stylish surroundings. Both trains are staffed by uniformed stewards to serve you brunch, lunch or dinner and hold a maximum of 252 people each.
Full charter rates are calculated on an individual basis depending on the destination, length of journey, number of people traveling, chosen menu and any other special requests.  Prices start from $34,222 for Northern Belle or  $46,105 for British Pullman, exclusive of F&B.
Groups of more than 16 people get a 10 percent booking discount on the retail price, which ranges from $276 to $561 per person for a dining experience or standard day trip.
-- In Asia, the Eastern & Oriental Express travels between Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore year round, and is the only luxury train in South East Asia. It can be booked as a complete route or for shorter sectors, either for groups or private charter.
For international companies hosting events, private day charters from Bangkok to the River Kwai or the royal beach resort of Hua Hin can be arranged, as well as dinner or lunch trips out of Bangkok or Singapore.
Exclusive Charter: 132 guests maximum
Private charters recommended for groups upwards of 80 guests
Groups: Special rates are available for groups of 15 plus
Season: Year-round
Charter prices start from around $156,000 for a Bangkok to Singapore journey (three nights), on a full board basis (excluding drinks). 

Take Amtrak To Seattle Seahawks Home Games In 2006-2007 Season
With the historic Seattle King Street Station just across the street from Qwest Field, riding Amtrak Cascades service is the best way for Seahawks fans to get to the game without the traffic hassle.   Seattle Seahawk home games schedule include:

 

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Travel Alerts & Information

Warnings and advice covering travel and health issues in countries can be found at the Department of State (DOS) homesite at http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.  
-- Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country. The countries currently listed can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html.
-- The State Department issues Public Announcements to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term conditions that pose significant risks or disruptions to Americans. The current Public Announcements are listed at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html.
-- Information on countries can be found in the Consular section of the DOS website at
 http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html.
Information on Avian Flu can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html.
-- Information on the 2006 hurricane season in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915.html.
-- With trouble flashpoints erupting around the world, Americans are urged to record their out-of-country trip itineraries/residences along with passport details and email addresses with the State Department to receive assistance in case of emergency. Visit the Travel Registration Service/DOS  at  https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp.
For more information on security measures implemented at airports and other travel venues, visit www.tsa.gov.org or specifically http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm.

 

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Travel Briefs

New ‘Cuisines of Spain’ Cookbook Highlights The Regional Foods of Spain

Aficionados of Spanish cuisine will welcome this handsome new book that highlights the foods of Spain’s regions. Written for the home cook, Cuisines of Spain: Exploring Regional Home Cooking details the varieties of food found in the country with more than 250 easy to prepare recipes. Throughout the book, the author weaves a captivating narrative of Spain’s diverse peoples, landscapes and ingredients that reveal how the forces of geography, politics and culture give rise to food traditions. More than 100 photographs from Barcelona based photojournalist Jeffrey Koehler take readers to the markets, wharves and kitchens of the Spanish provinces and the visual work of Christopher Hirsheimer puts Barrenechea’s recipes on brilliant display.
Barrenechea, the former chef/owner of one of New York’s leading Spanish-cuisine restaurants—Marichú—now lives in Madrid. She won Spain’s National Gastronomy Prize in 1998 for her book The Basque Table.
Publisher: The Speed Press; 338 pages hardback; $40; £30 UK.

Travel Website Helps Visitors In US Get Travel Directions.
The website www.PublicRoutes.com helps visitors in the United States to find directions to where they are traveling. PublicRoutes is an international, directions-based web resource offering users premier travel services including organizing an entire trip to navigating around major cities in the most efficient manner possible. City dwellers, tourists and local businesses alike are able to use a single source for planning, locating and traveling to top restaurants, shops, services and popular landmarks. With PublicRoutes, you can create detailed maps, avoid traffic delays and utilize easy-to-follow directions that help you get where you need to go - faster.
On the website, users will be able to 
-- Find Directions from any point in the city by subway, walking, driving or taking the bus. 
--  Use the PublicRoutes mobile phone feature to take directions with you or send them to a friend.
--  Discover all of the hot spots and hidden gems of the city while searching in the City Pages. Then simply map it to see the entire neighborhood. 
-- Download the PublicRoutes toolbar today for quick, reliable service right when you need it.
This month leading PublicRoutes announced that Travelocity, the fifth largest U.S.-based travel agency, will power the website’s travel feature, Flights, Hotels and More. This feature will allow users to plan every aspect of travel to and from anywhere in the U.S. through a single source. By seamlessly integrating with Travelocity’s extensive database of travel information and reservation services, PublicRoutes.com users are able to use one website to: book their flight and hotel, travel to the airport, book a car service from the airport and purchase tickets ahead of time to enjoy the city’s attractions.

Savory San Francisco Unveils First Comprehensive Video Restaurant Guide
Savory San Francisco (http://www.savorysanfrancisco.com /) launches a free, comprehensive online guide to San Francisco Bay Area restaurants, taking the guesswork out of choosing the right restaurant in one of the world's greatest restaurant cities. Savory San Francisco provides detailed information including notes about the atmosphere, signature dishes, links to reviews in traditional publications such as The San Francisco Chronicle as well as well-known Bay Area bloggers and video profiles of restaurants.
The free service, started by husband and wife team Chris and Jennifer McBride, provides video profiles of restaurants and interviews with their owners and chefs. Watch Judy Rodgers (Zuni Cafe), Hubert Keller (Fleur de Lys), Laurence Jossel (NOPA), Michael Tusk (Quince) and other top chefs describe their unique establishments and cooking philosophies.
Savory San Francisco is the second online video restaurant guide launched by the McBrides this year. Their first site, Savory New York, was launched in April 2006. Each page on Savory San Francisco presents five categories of information: The Facts, Food and Drink, Atmosphere, Reviews, and Awards and Accolades. In addition to basic information like hours, price and payment options the site also includes details such as restaurant specialties, dress, number of seats and noise level.
"Like Savory New York, Savory San Francisco offers a unique alternative by providing extensive information presented on a single page, allowing a diner to make an informed and quick decision about where to eat out. We designed the Web site to be simple and very easy to use," said co-founder Chris McBride.
The newly launched service will continue to expand over the next several months as new restaurant listings and video profiles are added.
Websites: http://www.savorysanfrancisco.com and http://www.savorynewyork.com /

Canada Earmarks $17.8 Million For Atlantic Canada Tourism
The Canadian government has renewed funding for the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP) for an additional three-year period it was announced recently by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The ACTP will invest $19.95 million Canadian (US $17.8 million) to support integrated consumer and trade marketing campaigns to attract more Americans as well as overseas visitors.
Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry accounts for $3 billion annually for the region’s economy and employs over 100,000 people. Founded in 1991, the ACTP is a joint federal/provincial/industry partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the four provincial departments of tourism for New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and their provincial tourism industry associations.
  For more information, contact the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership at www.actp-ptca.ca . For information about New Brunswick, contact 1-800-561-0123 or www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca , for Newfoundland and Labrador, contact 1-800-561-0123 or www.newfoundlandandlabradortourism.com , for Nova Scotia, contact 1-800-565-0000 or www.novascotia.com  and for Prince Edward Island, contact 1-800-463-4PEI (4734) or www.gentleisland.com.

Bermuda’s Tourism Numbers Continue To Rise
Signature island events and new low fares and package deals are generating both buzz and, more importantly, resurgence in tourism business for Bermuda.  Visitor arrivals are up by an astounding 30.9 percent through July 2006 compared to the same period last year. Through the first seven months of 2006, Bermuda welcomed a total of 370,345 visitors worldwide, up from 282,863 during the same period in 2005.  Of these visitors, 178,558 came via air, representing a 9.1 percent increase over the 163,710 air arrivals through the same period in 2005.  During July 2006, hotel occupancy rates jumped to 86 an average of per cent.
the outlook for tourism in Bermuda will continue to be positive with an influx of new air service, new hotel development and more for visitors to do once they get there.
On May 4th, Bermuda welcomed the arrival of low-cost superstar, Jet Blue Airways, to its pink sands.  The new service heralded a new era of more competitive air fares to the island with fares for the new, daily, non-stop flight from JFK starting at $129 each way.  In addition, United Airlines recently announced that it will continue its direct service from Washington’s Dulles airport with flights leaving on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, through March 2007 (fares begin at $298 roundtrip).  Discount carrier USA 3000 will also continue its service from Baltimore Washington International with flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays this winter, as well, with a one-way ticket as low as $89.
In addition to increased airlift, The Bermuda Department of Tourism is also reporting an expected $1.6 billion financial investment in the island’s hotel product through 2008 via a combination of new inventory from existing properties, as well as the development of all-new product. Among the highlights of the more than a dozen hotel projects in the works including the highly-anticipated opening of a new hotel and spa at the award-winning Tucker’s Point Club.
New Promotion Extends Bermuda’s Summer Season
Travelers booking a minimum four-night stay before October 27 of this year will receive a $300 Visa® Gift Card* as part of the island’s Endless Summer Promotion.  This $300 credit can be used at any Bermuda merchant who accepts Visa, including restaurants, shops, attractions, and hotels. Trips must be booked by October 27, 2006, and for travel from August 21, 2006 – October 31, 2006 (blackout dates October 4-7, 2006 at some hotels), either on www.bermudatourism.com  or directly with participating hotels, by referencing the Endless Summer Promotion.
The island also is presenting a full roster of special events, including:
Bermuda Charity Golf Tournament Oct. 4- 7
Bermuda Music Festival, Oct. 4 – 7 – hosted by Steve Harvey, artists include Gladys Knight, India.Aire, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Teena Marie, and more
Bermuda Gourmet Getaway, October 27 – 30, hosted by superstar chef Bobby Flay and featuring top chefs from around the country
Bermuda, just under two hours from East Coast gateway cities, stretches for 23 miles along turquoise waters, surrounded by a 200-square-mile coral reef plateau. For more information, visit www.bermudatourism.com  or call 800-BERMUDA (800-237-6832).

Luggage Concierge Emerges as Solution to Travel Woes
Recent terror threats have caused tremendous lines and waiting times at all major airports throughout the world, and traveling with luggage has become more difficult than ever. Now with the "limited carry-on" policy in place for all airlines, security check-ins at airports have become much more difficult and time-consuming for all commercial travelers. But there's a solution. Luggage Concierge is a door-to-door luggage service that's taking the hassle out of travel. The idea was born after 9/11 but its customer base has exploded since last month's terrorist threat level was elevated to orange alert status.
Luggage Concierge saves time and stress for travelers who don't want to stand in line, or get to the airport 2-3 hours before their flights, and wait for what feels like forever collecting luggage at crowded baggage carousels once they've reached their destinations. Luggage Concierge ships luggage and carry-ons door-to-door throughout the United States as well as internationally.
Luggage Concierge's comprehensive service includes a Welcome Packet complete with shipping labels and all necessary documents. In addition to door-to-door delivery service of luggage and carry-ons, clients receive personalized tracking and delivery notification by choice of fax, email, or telephone to report their luggage's journey and safe arrival. Each bag shipped with Luggage Concierge is automatically insured for $1,500 domestically and travelers can purchase additional insurance for $.50 per $100, up to a maximum of $50,000. Website: www.luggageconcierge.com

Here Comes Disney's 'Year of a Million Dreams'
For 15 magical months beginning Oct. 1, a spectacular Disney event like none other will celebrate the dreams of guests. Dreams that make them smile. Dreams that soar and spark the imagination. Dreams that fulfill their grandest Disney fantasies. Dreams from once upon a time to happily ever after. During "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, literally millions of dreams will come true at Florida's Walt Disney World Resort and California's Disneyland Resort.
As part of the celebration, extra-special dreams will be awarded through a random process as part of the unique Disney Dreams Giveaway. With the sprinkle of a little pixie dust by day, a vacationing mom might be chosen to spend that night with her family in a new royal suite inside Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort, or at Disneyland, a lucky guest may be surrounded by All Things Mickey that night in a new Mickey Mouse Penthouse overlooking the Disney domain in California.
Disney Vacation Club memberships, traveling around the world as a parade grand marshal in each Disney theme park, sporting exclusive pins and Mouse ears - dreams from fun to fantastic will shower down on guests during the celebration. Other amazing dreams-come-true: magical Disney Cruise Line sailings; Adventures by Disney vacations; a private shopping spree for Disney merchandise; Dream FASTPASS badges to enjoy many popular park attractions; special park after-hour events; or a visit to Walt Disney's apartment at Disneyland including a dining experience.
For the overnight stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite, a Walt Disney World guest at the parks or Downtown Disney will be selected randomly by early in the afternoon almost every day beginning in late January. The guest and up to five members of their party will begin their dream-come-true night that evening at Cinderella's Royal Table, the popular restaurant located in Cinderella Castle.
Can't be in the parks? You may still have a dream-come-true through a mail-in entry (details at www.disneyparks.com/rules). For example, mail-in winners could win prizes such as the Disney Vacation Club membership, grand marshal of a Disney parade around the world, exclusive trading pins or Mickey Ear Hat. (Some prizes, such as the Castle stay, require same-day use so mail- in winners will receive a prize of comparable value.)
Dreams will be awarded every day at Disney parks and Downtown Disney in Florida and California. And all it takes: a tap on the shoulder by Disney cast members on special assignment as the Dream Squad during the magical year.
Guests can enter into magical worlds, living the buccaneer life by being a pirate of the Caribbean, "getting royal" with a Disney prince or princess, or joining in the dancing and singing "High School Musical" pep rally. Guests at Walt Disney World Resort might be welcomed to saddle up cowboy-style with Woody and the Disney-Pixar gang. Disney guests will also be treated to major new attractions and shows debuting at Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts as part of The Year of a Million Dreams..
For more information about The Year of a Million Dreams celebration, guests may visit www.disneyparks.com. For more specific information about the Disney Dreams Giveaway, visit www.disneyparks.com/rules .

 

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Travel Tours

United Vacations Discounting Europe Vacations Booked Through October
United Vacations is dropping prices by as much as $350 on Europe vacations booked through October 31 for travel from October 1 to November 19; from November 26 to December 17; and throughout 2007.
Sample vacation packages include roundtrip air on United Airlines, accommodations, daily breakfast and 24-hour traveler assistance. Four-night London packages begin at $549 per person, double, from New York, $574 from Boston, $619 from Washington, $659 from Chicago and $729 from Denver, San Francisco or Los Angeles, with the promotional code FALLSALE. To book, visit www.unitedvacations.com .

Asia Transpacific Journeys Announces New 2007 Itineraries For China’s Silk Road
Asia Transpacific Journeys (ATJ) announces a new itinerary along China’s Silk Road, from the company that has delved into the heart and soul of one Asian destination after another for nearly 20 years.
Remote desert outposts, large cities and rustic villages, Uyghur, Kazak and Kyrgyz peoples, pastoral walks, multiple religious traditions, tombs and temples, markets and bazaars are part of the potpourri available for the first time through ATJ for small groups of up to 16 guests. Leading the trips will be two of ATJ’s team of professionals, which was recently recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as offering exceptional knowledge and service.
ATJ will conduct two departures in 2007 and two in 2008 along China’s Silk Road. The 14-day itineraries are May 6-19 and September 9-22 2007, and May 4-17 and September 7-20 2008.
The land cost of $5,195 per person (double) includes luxury accommodations in Beijing and Xian, Western China’s best available lodging, expert tour leadership, most meals including local beer, medical and evacuation insurance, and more. Internal air is approximately $900 and international air approximately $1,300. Single supplements are $800.
This adventure begins in Beijing and ends in Shanghai.  Internal flights transport guests to Urumqi (in Mongolian “beautiful pastures”), the capital of Xinjiang, a huge western province home to lush pastures populated by herders and 13 distinct ethnic minorities. Guests sample Uyghur cuisine and overnight in Kazak yurts before flying to Kashgar, still intact from Marco Polo’s time, an intoxicating, marvelous confluence of Indian, Persian, Arabian and Chinese cultures layered one on top of the other. On another day the ruins of whole cities are underfoot as the trip skirts the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert to Karghilik and Yarkand. A highlight is the Sunday Bazaar in Hotan, with bread and steaming nutmeg tea on offer as well as sheep, goats, horses and camels.
In Jiya the 2nd Century comes alive while watching the making of traditional tie-dye raw silk called atles. Dunhuang, one of the great points of convergence along the Silk Road is the next stop, where tree-lined streets are thoroughfares for Mongolian ponies and locals wear traditional dress. From here guests explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mogao Caves, an incredible repository of Buddhist culture:  thousands of artifacts are contained therein, including murals, carvings, paintings, embroidery, hand-written texts on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, historic records, accounting books, letters and court records in Chinese, Tibetan, Sanskrit, Falu, Sute, Hetian and Huihe languages. Finally, a must see on the itinerary is an additional UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Terracotta Warriors in Xian.
For 2007 ATJ’s ever-expanding itineraries of 18 Small Group Trips and Custom Journeys encompasses 20 countries in North Asia, South Asia, SE Asia and the Pacific. Some trips also support global conservation and cultural preservation. ATJ’s own non-profit Asia Transpacific Foundation, established in 1998, works with rural Asian communities to provide clean drinking water through locally made ceramic water filters.
For more information please see www.asiatranspacific.com  or call toll free 800-642-2742.          

Holiday Cheer For Natural History Buffs From International Expeditions
What better time than Christmas to enjoy the gifts of the earth?  In the Galapagos Islands, whose wildlife led Darwin to the idea of evolution, you’ll find a veritable Santa’s bag of diverse terrain, pristine waters and unusual wildlife.  Getting up close and personal with these fearless and remarkable creatures is a priceless experience, and aboard International Expeditions’ M/V Evolution, you will enjoy a voyage such as Darwin himself could envy.  In the Amazon, aboard a classically styled riverboat, International Expeditions will take you deeper into the heart of rainforest than any other company, where you will visit remote villages of the most diverse ecosystem on earth.
International Expeditions designs travel to the world’s most stunning locales, with comprehensive itineraries, preeminent naturalist guides and a focus on environmental awareness and insightful interpretation.  All expeditions offer superb access to extraordinary sites and indigenous wildlife for small groups.  No matter how remote the destination, however, accommodations, cuisine and comfort are always first-rate.  An adventure with International Expeditions is indeed a rare holiday treat.
For its last Galapagos Islands outing of 2006, the 10-day voyage departing on December 15, International Expeditions has added two extra days to explore Quito and the Highlands of Ecuador, at no extra charge.  On Christmas Eve, guests will visit the churches and colonial center of Quito, a World Heritage Site, and enjoy an exceptional celebration with Christmas carols, a special dinner and South American music – plus Christmas Mass at a local church, if you so wish.  On Christmas Day, you will visit the highlands of the Otavalo area, famous for its craft villages, and fly home on December 26. 
Like all International Expeditions journeys, the Galapagos voyages will be led by an expert, English-speaking naturalist guide, whose knowledge and passion will add greatly to your enjoyment.  Accommodations aboard ship are spacious and comfortable, with a host of amenities including an observation deck, sun deck and canopied bar, plus snorkeling equipment and wet suits.  At 192 feet, with a maximum of 32 interested and interesting passengers, the M/V Evolution recalls a European steamer of yore, and is the perfect size for sailing among the islands.  Prices range from $4,198 to $4,798 per person, plus airfare, and include accommodations, most meals, transportation by land and boat, guides and group transfers. 
-- Another compelling adventure is International Expeditions’ nine-day Amazon voyage departing for Lima on December 16.  This, the greatest voyage in natural history, created by the company more than 12 years ago, is their most sought-after journey.  International Expeditions’ elegant riverboats are small enough to traverse narrow waterways running into the jungle, with excursion boats to take you still further, accompanied throughout by expert naturalist guides and an Expedition Leader.
The December 16 departure is $2,598 per person double occupancy, all-inclusive except airfare.  For more information on either journey, call an International Expeditions destination specialist at 1-800-633-4734, see your travel agent, email nature@ietravel.com , or visit the website at www.ietravel.com/galapagos  and www.ietravel.com/amazon .

Mountain Travel Sobek Offering 47 New Adventures In 2007
Got the adventure travel bug? Get ready for more exciting trip choices than ever this year! We've added a whopping 47 new adventures to our roster of more than 135 worldwide group programs (and these don't even include our nearly 30 Explorations programs designed especially for private individual travel!). And as always, in 2007 we will continue to explore the farthest reaches of the globe, from sailing the aquamarine waters of the South Pacific in Fiji or rafting through hidden desert oases on the Río Novo in Brazil, to hiking among picturesque medieval villages in Slovenia's Julian Alps or walking on safari through the Luangwa Valley, Zambia's best-kept secret! No matter what your travel interests are this year, we have a veritable raft of choices!
Sampling of new Trips in 2007 include Hiking the Great Trails of North America, an adventure trek across Mauritania; and a houseboat trip along the Mekong River in Laos.
For a complete list of adventures offered by Mountain Travel Sobek, visit www.mtsobek.com.

TourCrafters’ Istanbul Hot Deal is an Amazing Bargain
 Straddling Europe and Asia as it does, the historic metropolis of Istanbul really is where East meets West. TourCrafters makes this exotic city an affordable destination from November 1 to March 31 with its amazing  “Istanbul Hot Deal.” for only $229. The five day/four-night package includes not only accommodations in the charming Hotel Avicenna, airport transfers and daily buffet breakfast, but also a full-day guided walking tour of the Old Town (including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and more); a half-day walking tour of the Spice Market; and a cruise along the Bosphorus to view 19th-century palaces, waterside villas and former fishing villages.
The Hotel Avicenna, a restored Ottoman-style inn with all modern comforts (private bath, mini-bar, direct-dial telephone and satellite TV), is right in the middle of Sultanahmet, aka the Old Town, and very close to both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.    Its café-bar overlooks the Sea of Marmara and some guest rooms have views of the Blue Mosque and its minarets.
The land-only package—which is not available over New Year’s weekend from December 29 to January 4—does not include transatlantic air fare.  However, TourCrafters’ experienced reservation agents will provide the lowest possible air fare at the time of booking or travelers can use their own frequent flyer mileage for a free flight.  The price is per person, double occupancy and is subject to availability.  Reservations must be paid for within 72 hours. For more information about this and TourCrafters’ other wintertime Hot Deals, visit www.tourcrafters.com .  For reservations, call 800-482-5995.

Continental Journeys Offering Christmas Packages To Finland’s Lapland
Whether it is a personal visit with Santa in his secret cabin, a ride on a reindeer-drawn sledge or taking snowmobile safaris, travelers have plenty of memories to take home from any of four Finnish tours focused on the Christmas spirit and loads of winter activities.  The five- to eight-day offerings to Finland’s Lapland, the legendary home of Santa Claus, offer Christmas adventures for young and old.
Continental Journeys’ six-day air-inclusive “Christmas in Lapland-Rovaniemi,” starting at $2,299 for adults, $1,799 for children 14 and under, and departing New York on December 22, fills the days and nights with activities after arriving in Rovaniemi, capital of Finnish Lapland: snowmobile safari, a magical forest walk with Santa’s helpers, visit to a reindeer farm, Santa’s Workshop and Santa Park, a snow carnival and ice fishing.  Included are accommodations in tourist-class hotels, upgradeable to superior and first class hotels; most meals; daily sauna; hotel taxes and service charges.  Add-on gateways and additional nights are available at www.continentaljourneys.com.

Austin-Lehman Adventures Creates New Multi-Sport Adventure in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the best-selling destination outside of the United States and Canada for this premier adventure company that specializes in the Americas from Alaska to the Galápagos. Called the Ultimate Costa Rica Adventure, the new itinerary is an eight—day/seven-night program that starts on April 11, 2007 in San José, Costa Rica, and continues on bikes from Orotina on the Pacific Coast to Playa Agujas for a beachfront overnight and an outrigger canoe excursion to cliffs filled with pelicans and frigate birds. Scheduled trips will depart once a month for the remainder of the year.
More birds – wood storks, caracaras and hawks, among others -- reveal themselves in Hacienda Baru, home of one of Costa Rica’s finest rain forest canopy experiences accessed from the central to the south Pacific region. Here a zip line cable ride (a climbing harness attached to a pulley that is attached to a cable) transports guests from one ridge top to another, across valleys and streams. There are 14 land-based platforms and 1 tree platform with a view of the pounding Pacific.
A boating adventure through Ballena (Whale) Bay to site Humpback Whales and their calves is followed by snorkeling around Caño Island and exploring pre-Colombian artifacts believed to have once marked an offshore burial ground and ceremonial site for the indigenous Diquis cultural who inhabited the Golfo Dulce area until the Spanish arrived. Mountain biking and hiking in the Costa Rican highlands leads up to a put-in on the Pacuare River considered one of the 10 best rafting rivers in the world.
Accommodations include, among others, the Savegre Mountain Lodge on a working apple and pear farm with more than 600 acres of primary forest, and Villa Lapas, with adobe-style rooms, a butterfly garden and horseback riding on the banks of the Tárcoles River at the edge of the Carara Reserve.
Overnight accommodations and most meals are included in the per person rate that starts at $2,349 double occupancy.
Other tried-and-true Costa Rica trip itineraries offered annually by ALA include an active multi-sport adventure that explores the Arenal Volcano region and Tortuguero National Park, a beach, river and rainforest adventure that takes you hiking and rafting from the wild coastal jungles of Corcovado National Park to the cloud forests of the interior; and a lively Costa Rica Family Adventure where children as young as 5 can discover the natural wonders of this birthplace of eco-tourism.  All trips begin and end in San Jose and are all-inclusive of meals, lodging, naturalist guides and in-country transportation.
ALA specializes in multi-sport tours throughout the Americas and has been doing so since 1984.  For information on ALA’s 35 unique luxury, family and active adventure travel vacations please ask for a free, 44-page, four-color catalog by calling toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com  or log onto www.austinlehman.com

Transpacific Journeys SuggestsThree Asia Pacific Destinations For The Holidays
Asia Transpacific Journeys (ATJ) suggests a cultural awakening through travel as a way to celebrate upcoming December holidays.
For family travel Australia, specifically, is high on ATJ’s list with experiences ranging from kangaroo and koala sightings on Kangaroo Island to snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef to tramping through the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Daintree Rainforest site searching out crocodiles and colorful kingfishers; the kind of animals you've dreamt of seeing since childhood. Due to Australia's location in the southern hemisphere, December travel falls in perfectly with the kick-off to summer. Land costs start at $300 per person per day / double for beyond-the-ordinary lodging, meals, transport and private guide.
Travelers from cold climes will enjoy the warmth of South India over the holidays, says Downing Staff. Explore the burgeoning cities, the most important cultural sites, wildlife preserves, temples, and the tea and spice plantations that flourish in the lush south. Discover timeless ceremonies, classical performances, a tranquil backwaters cruise in Kerala and the pageantry of the seldom seen Uthrallikkavu Pooram festival, where a caparisoned elephant parade leads an exuberant procession. The ancient Dravidian culture still flourishes in the south, with the British, French, Dutch and Portuguese adding an intriguing European veneer.
Land costs start at $300 per person per day / double for beyond-the-ordinary lodging, meals, transport and private guide.
In December, crisp weather and lots of sunshine is typical of mountainous, still mysterious Bhutan, another ATJ recommendation for the holidays. Because of limits on visas and its history of isolation, there have been, to date, few encroachments on this Buddhist Himalayan kingdom.
Land costs start at $300 per person per day for beyond-the-ordinary lodging, meals, transport and private guide.
Included in the daily per-person land costs are accommodations, nearly all meals, transfers, visa fees, tips, entrance fees, medical and emergency insurance and a comprehensive pre-departure packet. ATJ can also arrange international air through its in-house air department. For more information please see www.asiatranspacific.com  or call toll free 800-642-2742.

Cross Country International offers Equestrian Packages at FEI World Cup Finals
Cross Country International (CCI), the world’s largest provider of equestrian vacations, proudly offers equestrians the chance to be on top of the action for the FEI World Cup Finals with the following packages, held in Las Vegas April 17 – April 22, 2007.
The finals have already captured the attention of the equestrian world. Both FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals will be held at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. New for this year, CCI will offer both Jumping and Dressage packages including hotel, VIP tickets and access to the private hospitality club suite.
Show jumping presents an exhilarating display of power, grace and teamwork between horse and rider. They race through a course of roughly 15 obstacles in only 90 seconds or so, aiming to complete every jump without knocking down a rail, balking at a jump or exceeding the allotted time. The exciting spectacle of 1,200-pound horses galloping over the course and flying over the jumps thrills spectators of all ages.
The Jumping Package Includes: five nights luxury hotel accommodations; five days attendance at all jumping sessions; daily breakfast buffet and VIP parking passes.
Price:  $1995 per person shared;  $350 single supplement; daily transfers not included
The Dressage Package includes five nights hotel accommodation in the South Coast Hotel and Casino; four days attendance at all dressage sessions in premier seats and daily hotel breakfast buffet and VIP parking passes.
Price:  $1995 per person shared; $350 single supplement; daily transfers not included.
For more information or to make a reservation, call Cross Country International at (800) 828-8768 or email us at info@xcintl.com ; website: www.equestrianvacations.com 

Just Unveiled: Unique Adventure Experiences For 2007!
 From dogsledding across the Arctic to a Stanford University professor-led Mediterranean expedition, 2007 is pinnacled by exciting new travel experiences from Adventure Collection members. The new experiences offer the utmost in distinctiveness, luxury and personalized service. The following represents a selection of Adventure Collection members' 2007 experiences (More details at www.adventurecollection.com/2007 ):
-- Dog Sledding in Norway: Slush through some of the Arctic's most stupendous scenery.
-- Western China Tribal Tapestry Trek: Follow in the footsteps of explorer and adventurer Joseph Rock, who traveled the Yunnan during the early to mid-1900's, as you hike to extremely remote villages such as Mosuo, Yi, Pumi, and Naxi.
-- The Bespoke Safari Collection: Live the life of the landed Kenyan gentry as you visit a series of private ranches, family homesteads, country estates and exclusive safari camps throughout Kenya and Tanzania with privileged access.
-- Machu Picchu Biking Trips: Follow the Inca Trail on an intimate introduction to Peru's cultural and geographic treasures.
-- Swiss Winter Alps: Explore Switzerland's Alpine wonderland by low-level balloon, enjoying lavish lunches and fine wines while drifting through spectacular scenery.
-- Stanford University Mediterranean Expedition: Join Stanford Professor Scott Pearson on an artfully-crafted Mediterranean expedition that highlights geography, history, culture, and architecture.
-- Family Easter Break Heli-Skiing: Join this inaugural adventure in British Columbia, Canada.
-- Nagaur Camel Fair: Attend the second-largest fair (a week-long event with the buying & selling of +70,000 animals) and explore wonderful places across India, including remote Jamba, romantic Udaipur, pink Jaipur, and the Taj.
-- East Africa Under Canvas Tour: Experience the great game lands of the Masai Mara, Tarangire, and the Serengeti in a series of old-fashioned,  privately guided, safaris.
--  Semester in India Program: Backpacking in the Pindari and Milam valleys; becoming first aid certified with native Indians; whitewater rafting on the holy river Ganga; and learning Yoga, Hindi, and farming using "green" methods on a traditional religious Ashram.
-- South-Central America Custom Tours: New tours added in Mexico, Costa
    Rica, Ecuador, and Peru.
Adventure Collection is a consortium of 11 leading independent active travel companies with over 300 years of combined experience specializing in experiential travel, intimately connecting guests to the places, wildlife and cultures they visit. Website: www.adventurecollection.com

Compelling New Tours & Packages To Ethiopia
Sophisticated travelers, adventure seekers and heritage tourists have long sought out Ethiopia as a land of magic, history and culture. It can be claimed that Ethiopia is the birthplace of civilization.  The remains of “Lucy”, a three and a half million year-old woman were discovered there. Also, many religious scholars believe that Ethiopia is home to the Ark of the Covenant. And when you realize that there are thirty nine different references to Ethiopia in both the Old and the New Testaments, it can be no coincidence the country has intrigued tourists and visitors interested in religious artifacts, history, culture and ancient civilizations to visit and explore, literally since the beginning of time.
Ethiopian Airlines is proud to launch three exciting new programs guaranteed to appeal to American travelers. The programs and tours feature carefully designed itineraries that make even the most jaded traveler stand up and take notice.
The three new Ethiopian Airlines packages and tours include:
-- A one-week magical journey to an Ancient Land. Arrive in Ethiopia aboard one of our modern jet aircraft at the state-of-the-art, spacious Bole International Airport and the traditional Ethiopia hospitality will instantly make you feel at home.
This one week tour takes you to Addis Ababa-Africa's Diplomatic Capital; Bahar Dar, home of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile; Gondar-the Camelot of Africa; Lalibela-The Eighth Wonder of the World; and Axum with its mysterious monoliths.  Invigorate your mind and body with the natural and historic wonders of spectacular Ethiopia.
--Ethiopia – The Total Tour: From North to South. From a city tour of Addis Ababa to exploring the wonders of the countryside, and meeting local villagers, you’ll uncover the nooks and crannies that make Ethiopia spectacular and unique.
This 16 day tour includes visits to Addis Ababa; the historic route in the north and Abraminch in the south, where you’ll experience the wonders of African wildlife at eco friendly lodges, and visit local villagers in Baco, Mursi, Hammer, Turmi and Konso.
-- Historic Ethiopia & Kenya Safari. Ethiopia is well situated in eastern Africa, and borders Kenya, home to some of the most spectacular wildlife in the world. This exciting 16 day tour allows for travelers from the US to combine the best of Ethiopia with the magic of wildlife in Kenya.
Highlights of the tour include visits to Addis Ababa; the historic route in the north, a city tour of Nairobi and an exciting safari with game drives at two of Kenya’s most spectacular game parks.
More information at www.ethiopianairlines.com

A Christmas To Remember With Santa And His Elves
—Visit Santa’s workshop, bake cookies and pastries with his elves and hear their Christmas stories, enjoy sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris, and cross-country skiing, a walk on a forest trail lit by ice candles as well as select a forest tree to decorate, hear a concert of Christmas music and participate in Christmas program is all part of the fun activities included in the Traditional Christmas package in Finland offered by Nordique Tours, a division of Picasso Travel, arriving in Kuhmo, Finland on December 22 and returning December 28.
Hotelli Kavevalla, the beautifully decorated hotel situated on Lake Lammasjarvi in this pristine winter paradise, is home for this vacation of a lifetime priced at $1239 double occupancy or $1475 single supplement. Children under the age of two are free of charge.  From two to 12 years of age, the cost is $619.
The land package includes six nights of accommodations, daily breakfast and dinner, one brunch, two lunches, and one late-night buffet, transfers to and from the hotel to the Kajaani airport and all Christmas activities described plus more on the itinerary.  The hotel has free use of saunas, swimming pool, sledges, DVD-movies, Playstation2games and a special children’s playroom.
For more information on the Traditional Christmas package, contact Nordique Tours at 1-800-995-7997 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.–5:00 p.m. PST) or visit its website at www.picassotours.com.

Natural History Tours In Tanzania, Galapagos &Chile Offered In January
This winter, Smithsonian Journeys beckons travelers, explorers and wildlife lovers alike to immerse themselves in the book of nature on a trio of great forays into natural history from Africa to South America.  Led by inspired study leaders who share their interests, lifelong learners will enjoy inside access to the cradle of humanity in Tanzania; cruise to the natural wonders of Ecuador's Galápagos Islands as they sail between hemispheres; and delve more deeply into the awesome ecological treasures of southern Chile.
-- Tanzania: From Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti, January 18-31, 2007. Join ornithologist and naturalist David Clapp on this exotic safari to northern Tanzania's five outstanding game parks. Rates start at $7,895 per person, based on doubles, land only, and include: accommodations in Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara; excursions; meals; study leader; and emergency trip evacuation insurance. 
-- Explore the Galápagos Islands, January 8-17, 2007. Blending his expertise in geology with talents in photography and music, Study Leader Kirt Kempter brings his in-depth knowledge - and guitar - to this enchanting cruise in the Galápagos, an ancient archipelago of six major islands and forty islets formed by volcanic eruptions.  Rates start at $5,995 per person, based on doubles, land only, and include: accommodations aboard Isabela II; excursions; meals; study leader; and emergency trip evacuation insurance.  A seven-day optional post-trip extension to Machu Picchu available for $3,695 per person, double occupancy.
-- Patagonia: Crown Jewel of Chile, January 12-25, 2007. The insights of leading Latin American history and archaeology expert Dr. Jeffrey Cole enrich this 14-day immersion into the culture and natural history of Chilean Patagonia. Rates start at $6,495 per person, based on doubles, land only, and include: accommodations in Santiago, Puerto Varas, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine; excursions; meals; study leader; and emergency trip evacuation insurance.  A five-day optional post-trip extension to Easter Island available for $2,290 per person, double occupancy.
Additional Smithsonian Journeys tours with a natural history theme include: Papua New Guinea aboard the MTS Discoverer, January 27 - February 10, 2007; Amazon: The Greatest Voyage in Natural History, January 26 - February 4, 2007; and New Zealand by Land and Sea, February 9-21, 2007.
Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the renowned Smithsonian Institution, is the largest museum-based travel program in the world, and is unflinchingly dedicated to the life-enriching experiences of educational travel.  Every year more than 250 inspiring itineraries to all seven continents are led by eminent Study Leaders, a Smithsonian Journeys hallmark.  For more information, contact toll-free 1-877 EDU-TOUR (877-338-8687) or visit www.smithsonianjourneys.org.

Country Walkers’2007 Catalog Now Available Listing New Tours
The 2007 Country Walkers catalog is now published. New tours for 2007 include
-- Austria & Germany: Bavaria & the Austrian Tyrol; Ireland: County Cork; Italy: Puglia; Scotland: Southwestern Highlands; Myanmar; South Africa; Mexico: Baja; California; Sonoma & Point Reyes; Colorado & Utah: Mesa Verde, Arches & Canyonlands; Family - Hawaii: The Big Island; Snowshoe - Colorado: Rocky Mountains
-- Women's Adventures: Italy: Tuscany & Umbria; Italy: Hiker's Cinque Terre; Czech Republic:Vienna to Prague; Greece: Southern Peloponnese; Morocco: From Fès to Marrakesh; Bhutan: KIngdom in the Himalayas; Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley; Arizona: Grand Canyon & Sedona
--Special Departures: Italy: Hiker's Amalfi; Western Sicily; Turkey; Hawaii: The Big Island; Colorado Longs Peak; Vermont Foliage; New Mexico Holiday; New Zealand: North Island; Peru Trek; Australia: Northern Queensland
For additional information,call US 800-464-9255 or visit www.countrywalkers.com. Email: info@countrywalkers.com  

 

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Hotel News & Offers

Playful Spirits Are Up to Their 'Old' Tricks at National Trust Historic Hotels
If the devil in you prefers tricks over treats and goose bumps are your gauge of a good time, members of National Trust Historic Hotels of America can offer a ghastly good time. Spanning three hundred years of history, these hotels have seen their share of unrequited love, untimely deaths and unsolved mysteries -- all ingredients that stir the interest of supernatural specters. Apparitions range from characters such as "the spoon snatcher" at the General Morgan Inn in Greeneville, Tennessee and Floyd the Doorman at the Windsor Hotel in Americus, Georgia. But questions remain ... Who is drinking the wine at the Napa River Inn in Napa, California? Who is playing the grand old Steinway piano at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado? And, who is the "4 o'clock knocker" at The Blennerhassett in Parkersburg, West Virginia?
For a listing of 16 ghost stories and more than 40 stories in our eerie archives, visit http://www.historichotels.org/eerie_archive. For a listing of 16 Halloween themed events, visit http://www.historichotels.org/press_release/1/47#events

Small Luxury Hotels of the World Adds Mid-East & Asian Hotels
The brand of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) announced a significant addition of four new hotels to its rapidly growing portfolio of independent, privately-owned hotels. This latest expansion is considered a milestone for SLH as it marks the brand’s first entry into the Middle East, Hong Kong and the Philippines.  “The Middle East is a market that we have been keen to penetrate for quite some time and we have now found the right hotels in Oman and Dubai to do so.” commented Paul Kerr, Joint Managing Director of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.  “Also, with interest in Asia constantly increasing, to have a presence in Hong Kong and the Philippines nicely diversifies our portfolio in a key marketplace,” he added.
The four new additions to the SLH collection are :
-- Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Zighy Bay, Oman
Tucked away in a quiet fishing village on the northern tip of the Oman peninsula and backed by mountains which wrap around a secluded one-mile-long sandy beach, the location of Evason Hideaway at Zighy Bay is nothing less than dramatic. When this hotel of uncompromising luxury opens in 2007 it will boast a private marina, as well as 85 pool villas and pool villa suites complete with personal butlers. The hotel will also offer its guests a rather unique mode of arrival – as a companion passenger of a professional paraglider.  Definitely not for the faint-hearted!  For something a little more sedate, guests will also have the option of a 10-minute speed boat transfer or a scenic drive from the top of the hill overlooking the bay.
-- Desert Palm Retreat, Dubai
When Desert Palm Retreat opens in October 2006 it will be Dubai’s first boutique resort and also SLH’s first hotel in the United Arab Emirates.  Set in 150 acres of unexpectedly lush, green countryside on a private polo estate, the hotel will set a benchmark for hospitality in Dubai. Accommodation will comprise 13 beautifully appointed Polo Rooms with balcony views over the main polo fields, four one-bedroom pool villas, six three-bedroom Pool Residences and a Presidential Suite. Guests of Desert Palm Retreat will also have the opportunity to admire the owner’s collection of priceless art and antiques. The hotel will have a choice of three restaurants offering unsurpassed culinary delights, while an innovative Aquum Spa will complete the experience
-- Lanson Place, Hong Kong
The doors of this discreet urban hotel first swung open in December 2005 to reveal beautifully executed contemporary décor throughout every one of the 194 guest rooms, which include six residences and 12 suites. Lanson Place is located on a discreet side street within easy walking distance of three of Hong Kong’s most lively neighborhoods; Central, Wanchai and Causeway Bay providing a welcome and intimate haven away from the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city. First impressions are everything, a philosophy that resonates through the intricate wall sconces and chandeliers commissioned from glassmakers in Murano, Italy located in the lobby. An elegant collection of over 300 individual pieces of original artwork feature throughout this luxurious property.
-- Discovery Shores, Boracay Island, the Philippines
On the unspoiled shores of Boracay Island in the Philippines, Discovery Shores will be the island’s first true luxury resort of international standards when it opens in December 2006. Consistently rated within the top 20 beach destinations in the world, this pristine escape known for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters is the ideal getaway for marine enthusiasts. Discovery Shores will showcase its breathtaking location with 220 feet of beach front and 88 units sloping upward from the beach to capture the spectacular ocean views. Guests at Discovery Shores will marvel at a 14foot waterfall, several cascading pools, and a swim up pool bar, whilst having access to a fitness centre and world-class Mandala Spa.
The Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand is a collection of almost 400 independently-owned exclusive hotels in 64 countries.  Carefully selected for their style and sophistication, Small Luxury Hotels of the World feature award-winning properties including spas, country houses, golf resorts, island retreats, city sanctuaries and game and wilderness lodges.  Reservations can be made at any Small Luxury Hotels of the World property by calling toll-free 800 525 4800 or via the Internet at www.slh.com. Travel agents can use the GDS code LX for LuXury.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Reopens

The original Four Seasons resort on the island of Kuda Huraa was one of the first luxury resorts to open in the Maldives in 1997. In the aftermath of the tsunami which took place on December 26, 2004, the Resort has been temporarily closed. Today, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa celebrates the re-opening of a shimmering new resort, one that is as sparklingly new as the glistening turquoise waters of Maldives.
The extensive program features brand new Beach Bungalows with plunge pools and breathtaking ocean views; extra-spacious Beach Pavilions with an increased living space of 10 m2, some with interconnecting gates which make them the perfect choice for a family on vacation; and supremely luxurious Water Bungalows with fresh new interiors and enlarged bathrooms and living area, offering endless views of sunrise, sunshine and sunset.
The stunningly designed Baraabaru restaurant which serves fine Indian cuisine is fashioned with an outdoor deck that extends 25 metres into the lagoon, providing an exquisite dining experience perched over water. A brand new contemporary restaurant, Cafe Huraa, has two dining pavilions overlooking the pool and ocean, and a wine cellar that boast of an exclusive selection of the finest handpicked wines. The expanded Island Spa with additional pavilions is a spa full of sensory surprises. The Resort, a vibrant garden island, favored for its magical Maldivian village setting, is poised to become another legendary Four Seasons resort.
The Resort can be visited individually, as part of a combined two-island experience with the group’s other new resort on the island of Landaa Giraavaru (Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru) or in conjunction with a trip onboard Four Seasons Explorer.
The Resort comprises 96 thatched beach and water bungalows. All are furnished in a modern tropical style, designed to complement the garden surround. As well as the private Island Spa and five restaurants and bars (with 24-hour in-bungalow and beachside dining options), the Resort has its own Dive Centre, Watersport Centre, Surf School and an extensive Kuda Mas Kids’ Club.
Kuda Huraa is accessed via a 25-minute speeedboat transfer from Male International Airport. Website: http://www.fourseasons.com/in_season/2006_Q4/article_6179.html

Mexico Boutique Hotels Announces The Launch Of New Boutique Villa Collection
There's no doubt that upscale villa vacations have come to the forefront of top-drawer travel. With this in mind, the owners of Mexico Boutique Hotels have launched a brand new website that brings together the best of Mexico's Costa Vallarta area with years of experience in the hotel industry.
Costa Vallarta Boutique Villas is a collection of luxury villas in and around Puerto Vallarta. What sets them apart is not only the stunning backdrop of verdant jungle, sandy beaches and deep blue water, but also the combination of fine architectural details, exquisite décor and the kind of service that has become renowned among those in the know. Fully staffed and catering to guest's every desire, these villas become the gathering places for families, the stage for intimate wedding celebration or simply an unforgettable getaway from the cares of the world.
To become part of the collection, each property must pass inspection by the Mexico Boutique Hotels' management team, and be professionally operated and maintained to ensure a high quality of service. All properties must have a full staff and have been in operation at least one year, to ensure all glitches have been well taken care of. And, as with all MBH properties, membership with Costa Vallarta Boutique Villas cannot be purchased, but must be earned.
Costa Vallarta Boutique Villas will be run using the reservations team for Mexico Boutique Hotels, whose staff will be personally familiar with each property. Concierge services will be added on as well, so the each property has services similar to those expected at any luxury or boutique hotel.
Puerto Vallarta, situated along the Costa Vallarta coastline, is one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations - equally popular with both national and international visitors.
 For more information or to reserve one of these exquisite villas, call 1-800-728-9098 or visit them online at www.costavallartaboutiquevillas.com .
Established in 1999 by John Youden's Producciones Viva, Mexico Boutique Hotels is a collection of 45 upscale member properties categorized by their intimacy, high level of service and outstanding attributes. A group of small, independent hotels within Mexico that offer a unique vacation experience for guests, Mexico Boutique Hotels are typically less than 50 rooms and often serve as destinations unto themselves. For more information, visit www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com . Supporting personal assistance is also available by phone at 1-800-728-9098 (US and Canada toll-free); 01-800-508-7923 (Mexico toll-free); or + (52) (322) 221-2277 (from other countries).

Two Mandarin Hotels In Asia & Europe Now Open
The month of September saw two Mandarin Oriental hotels opening their doors:
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Nine months to the day since it closed for a comprehensive US $140 million renovation, a traditional ceremony has taken place to mark the reopening of the legendary Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Since its debut in 1963, the hotel has consistently set standards for service in Asia and Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is set to continue its position as one of the world’s legendary hotels. Conveniently located in the heart of Central, the renovated hotel will feature 502 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms and suites, with Mandarin Oriental’s signature guest-centered technology, nine highly individual restaurants and bars, a Shanghainese-inspired holistic Spa, traditional barber, stylish hair salon, sky-lit fitness facility with pool and comprehensive banqueting facilities.
Rates range from HK$ 3,400 to HK$ 45,000 and reservations for rooms and suites can be made by calling +852 2522 0111 or by visiting the Web site at www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong .
Mandarin Oriental, Prague The Historic Heart Of The Czech Capital
The stone gates of a onetime monastery in the heart of Prague opened on September 12 to welcome the first guests to the new Mandarin Oriental, Prague. The 99- room hotel is the Group’s first venture into Eastern Europe. 
Originally a 14th Century Dominican monastery located in a peaceful yet central part of the historic Malá Strana district on the left bank of the Vltava, the hotel is just steps away from famous landmarks such as the Charles Bridge and St. Nicholas Cathedral. With three buildings centered around a peaceful garden, the hotel’s historical features include vaulted ceilings, Baroque columns, and arched windows. These have been sensitively complemented by natural materials, stylish contemporary furniture and subtle Asian touches, creating a look of elegant opulence that defines Mandarin Oriental hotels.
The Baroque dining room is a fitting showcase for the hotel‘s creative approach to cuisine, while a world class Spa at Mandarin Oriental; developed over two floors on the site of a small Renaissance church, offers the embodiment of serenity.
Guests to this newest Mandarin Oriental property can enjoy an opening offer with one complimentary night, available for bookings up to 31 March 2007.
Reservations and information available at www.mandarinoriental.com.

Venerable May Fair Hotel Reopens October After Multimillion GBP Renovation

The May Fair Hotel, located in London’s sophisticated Mayfair area, dates back to the Twenties and is renowned for its royal connections, October sees the hotel's re-birth of after a £70 million-plus refurbishment of its public areas, bedrooms, restaurants and conference facilities. Its 'must-see' Crystal Room has the largest Baccarat chandelier in Europe. There is also a 201-seat private cinema/theatre, the May Fair Bar, which has become a favorite local in the area, and the ultraluxurious May Fair Spa. A member of the Radisson Edwardian hotel chain. Reservations: resmayf@radisson.com; website: www.radisson.com.

 

Xanterra Parks & Resorts In Yellowstone Announces Winter Getaway Packages
Xanterra Parks & Resorts, operator of lodging, restaurants and activities in Yellowstone
National Park, has announced its lineup of Winter Getaway packages for
the upcoming season.
The park's winter season begins December 20, 2006 with the opening of the
Old Faithful Snow Lodge. The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel opens December 22,
2006. The lodges provide the only wintertime accommodations within the park. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel will close for the season on March 4, 2007, and Old Faithful Snow Lodge will close March 11, 2007.
 Winter Getaway packages are available Jan. 1 through March 2, 2007 at
Mammoth Hot Springs and through March 9 at the Snow Lodge.
-- Frosty Fun at Mammoth package includes a minimum of two nights at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, two breakfasts per person, welcome gift, a one-hour hot tub rental, unlimited ice skating and skates and a "Snow Card" good for 10 percent discount on certain gift shop items, meals and equipment rental. Rates start at $99 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy.
 -- Frosty Fun at Old Faithful package includes a minimum of two nights of lodging at the Snow Lodge, two breakfasts per person, welcome gift, unlimited ice skating and skates, round-trip snowcoach  transportation and Snow Card. Rates start at $245 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy.
-- Nordic Heaven at Mammoth package includes a minimum of two nights of lodging, two breakfasts per person, welcome gift, full-day ski rental and one ski drop per person, a one-hour hot tub rental, unlimited ice skating and skates and a Snow Card. Rates start at $119 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy.
 -- Nordic Heaven at Old Faithful package includes a minimum of two nights of lodging at the Snow Lodge, two breakfasts per person, welcome gift, full-day ski rental, one ski drop per person and a round-trip snowcoach tour per person, unlimited ice skating and skates and Snow Card. Rates start at $265 per person, plus tax, based on double
occupancy.
-- Guided Snowmo-deal at Mammoth package includes a minimum of two nights of lodging at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, two breakfasts per person, welcome gift, a one-day guided snowmobile tour (including snowmobile clothing) to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or Old Faithful, a one-hour hot tub rental, unlimited ice skating and skates and Snow Card. Rates start at $199 per person, plus tax, based on double
occupancy.
-- Guided Snowmo-deal at Old Faithful  package includes a minimum of two nights of lodging at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, two breakfasts per person, welcome gift, unlimited ice skating and skates, a one-day guided snowmobile tour (including snowmobile clothing) to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or Mammoth and Snow Card. Rates start at $345 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy.
Winter rates for single or double occupancy, plus tax, for individual room nights at Mammoth Hotel start at $76 for a room without a private bathroom or $102 for a room with a bathroom. Rates at the Snow Lodge are $171 for a lodge room, $123 for a Western Cabin or $85 for a Frontier Cabin, all with private bathrooms.
Winter Getaway packages must be booked by phone. Complete tour details and at Yellowstone can be made by calling (1) 307-344-7311 or toll-free 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375), or visiting the web site www.TravelYellowstone.com .

Strategic Hotels& Resorts Acquires Two More Hotels
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. has closed on its acquisition of The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess from an affiliate of Fairmont Raffles Holdings International for a purchase price of $345.0 million, and an adjacent 10-acre development parcel for $15.0 million. The company has also closed on its acquisition of the Marriott London Grosvenor Square from an affiliate of Blackstone Real Estate Partners for a purchase price of 103.0 million pounds Sterling ($181 milion).
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is a real estate investment trust which owns and asset manages high-end hotels and resorts. The company has ownership interests in 21 properties with an aggregate of 10,494 rooms. For further information, please visit the company's website at http://www.strategichotels.com.

Turks & Caicos Resort Gives Guests Every Other Night Free
There’s big news from the small island of Provo, in the Turks and Caicos. The Reef Residences on Grace Bay (formerly Coral Gardens) – one of the most popular resorts in this island chain south of the Bahamas – has just added 24 new luxury Courtyard Suites. And from now through October 31, the resort is offering a special introductory “One for One” deal: guests pay for one night, and get the next night free, and get every other night free, up to a stay of 30 days. Sitting right on a quiet stretch of 12-mile-long Grace Bay Beach, the all-suite resort offers a relaxing getaway with the best snorkeling on the island.
This fall guests can luxuriate in an expansive 786-square-foot, one bedroom Courtyard Suite, and enjoy their own private balcony or patio, at a very reasonable rate. A family of four (with two children under 10) can stay for as little as $285 per night and receive full American breakfast for four daily, free airport transfers, two complimentary massages, free snorkeling equipment, beach towels and chairs. The Courtyard Grand Suite measures a generous 1509 square feet and costs only $320 per night.
Each light-filled Courtyard Suite has a large open-plan living room with a queen sleeper sofa while the spacious bedroom features a king-size bed. Fully air-conditioned with ceiling fans and balconies or patios, all suites are equipped with TVs, DVDs, CD players and digital and data ports. Kitchens are beautifully appointed with full-size appliances as well as toasters, microwaves and coffeemakers. 
In October flights to Provo from east coast gateways on American Airlines start as low as $356 (Washington, DC), $368 (Miami), $371 (New York) and $380 (Atlanta) and there are reasonable airfares from other cities around the country.
For further information or reservations, contact your travel provider or call: 1-800-950-2862 (CUNA) or email: reservations@cunadevida.com or visit our website www.cunadevida.com.