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Travel News Briefs

Shuttle Launch Opens at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Veteran Space Shuttle astronauts joined
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
for the grand opening of Shuttle Launch Experience on May 25, 2007.

The $60 million attraction immerses passengers in the sights, sounds and sensations of launching aboard a Space Shuttle. The culmination of three years of development by veteran Space Shuttle astronauts, renowned attraction experts and a design team under the guidance of NASA, Shuttle Launch Experience sends visitors through a simulation of launching into Earth's orbit from Kennedy Space Center, the birthplace of American space exploration, minutes from Orlando.
Through sophisticated motion technology, special effects seats and high fidelity presentations, the unique experience immerses visitors in the sensations of launching into space—going fully vertical in the process.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is charting a new course to bring far-reaching NASA exploration events and triumphs to visitors. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Inc. on behalf of NASA since 1995. Admission includes Shuttle Launch Experience, inspiring tours of NASA's spaceport facilities, daily Astronaut Encounters, towering rockets, IMAX(R) space films and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame(R). For more information, call 321-449-4444 or visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

Where Does The Tour de France Begin?
Good question. Most replies would say “France.’’ The Tour de France, while integral to French culture, has always been more than simply a French affair. Each year the first leg of the event starts somewhere different, either in France or another country reflecting the broad appeal of the Tour. In 2006 it was in Strasbourg, France but the year before it was Liege, Belgium. In 2007 it is coming to London and Kent.
The race begins in London on July 6 with a 4.9 mile time trial that starts at Trafalgar Square, passes Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. The following day, Stage One will take the riders past other important historic sites in the city and into the countryside before it finishes in Canterbury. Anyone who wishes to have a good viewing position for these trial runs should visit www.tourdefrancelondon.com.
Once the first stage of the tour de France is completed, the racers will have to bike more than 2000 miles back to France via a circuitous route to arrive in Paris by July 29 for the end of the race. More information available at the bilingual website for the Tour at http://www.letour.fr/indexus.html.

Ski.com Offers a Hemisphere of Possibilities for Skiers And Riders
Ski.com, North America's largest mountain-travel one-stop shop, has now added new vacation options to its lineup of already-existing summer skiing and riding adventures in South America. In addition to completely customized vacations to Chile's Portillo, Valle Nevado and Termas de Chillan and Argentina's Bariloche and Las Lenas, Ski.com's South America mountain vacation specialists are able to add exciting non-ski extensions to any South America itinerary.
For the ultimate skiing and riding vacation, Ski.com can customize a vacation experience where travelers are able to ski and ride in Chile and Argentina on one itinerary. The voyage begins in Termas de Chillan, the only resort in Chile to have a volcano-heated thermal spa and hot spring. After enjoying the resort's 3,900 vertical feet of some of Chile's finest chairlift-served terrain, travelers make a scenic voyage through the Andes Mountains to the town of Puerto Varas where they will cross four lakes in route to Bariloche, Argentina, home of 3,512 vertical feet of Patagonia runs blanketed with an average of 236 inches of dry powder each season.
Other non-ski extensions can also be arranged through Ski.com, including exploring Easter Island's 600 giant monolithic moais (statues) carved from volcanic ash, tours of the sixteenth-century town of Santiago and excursions to the native ruins in the pre-Inca town of San Pedro de Atacama, where curious travelers can experience indigenous flamingo species and world-famous salt caves.
For first-timers and practiced travelers alike, Ski.com's escorted trip to South America is the perfect way to experience the continent with a group of like-minded individuals. By participating in a Ski.com escorted trip, travelers share benefits of group travel such as discounted prices, planned activities and camaraderie, while still enjoying the flexibility and freedom independent travelers desire. This year's itinerary includes two of Chile's largest resorts; Termas de Chillan and Valle Nevado. After arriving in Santiago, passengers will enjoy four- and five-star accommodations, four-course dinners unlimited skiing and riding and much more.
For more information about www.Ski.com  and the vacation packages it offers, visit www.ski.com or call 1-800-525-2052 to speak with a Ski.com mountain vacation specialist.

Two Major Events Planned This Fall In Bermuda
October is a great time to visit this idyllic island. Less visitors, less humidity, and reduced hotel prices. But October promises to be a busy month with two major events.
-- All Fore Bermuda: For the first time in history, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf will take place in Bermuda. Zach Johnson's win at the Master's has anticipation rising to see who will join him in the season-ending showcase, featuring golf's premier foursome. The event will be hosted by The Mid Ocean Club and The Fairmont Southampton and will be held October 15-17, 2007.
-- The annual  Bermuda Music Festival brings some of the best and brightest Bermudian and international entertainers to the custom- built stages of the Royal Naval Dockyard and other venues on the island. This year, from October 3rd through 6th, visitors will once again have the chance to enjoy an amazing four days of sun, surf and song during the 12th annual Bermuda Music Festival.
For more information on Bermuda, visit www.bermudatourism.com or www.visitbermuda.com

The New York Palace Hotel Unveils The Mansion Rooms
The New York Palace Hotel, a landmark luxury property located in the heart of Manhattan on the corner of 50th & Madison, announced the completion of The Mansion Rooms, a 17-month, $12 million public space renovation project. The new 13,000 square-foot venue, luxuriously situated over the fourth and fifth floors of the hotel's famed Villard Mansion, includes seven classically designed rooms with natural light and spacious foyers overlooking The Madison Avenue Courtyard.
Originally designed in 1882 by Stanford White and the firm of McKim, Mead & White, The Villard Mansion was seamlessly blended into the construction of a 55-story hotel tower in 1978 and has served as the entranceway to The Palace since the hotel opened its doors in 1980. This new space, developed for social and corporate events such as weddings and investor conferences, is located directly upstairs from GILT, The New York Palace Hotel's critically acclaimed New American restaurant. Prior to the renovation, the floors were used as private office space.
Overlooking 50th Street from the fifth floor is The Henry Room. A quintessential self-made man, Henry Villard’s profound belief in American ideals led him to success as an abolitionist, journalist, railroad baron, philanthropist, and the creative force behind one of the finest residences in New York City. Created amidst the excitement of the Gilded Age, The Villard Mansion today has the rare distinction of both exterior and interior landmark status. To honor the legacy of this revered space, the Mansion Rooms have been named after individuals who played an integral role in the evolution of the building, along with Henry Villard. These include:
The Edison Room—Named after Thomas Alva Edison, the famed American inventor and a business   partner of Villard.
he Garrison Room—Named after William Lloyd Garrison, an outspoken abolitionist and the father-in-law of Villard.
The Rutherford Room—Named after William Rutherford Mead, an architect and founding partner of   McKim, Mead & White.
The Roswell Room—Named after Roswell Smith, an original Villard resident, noted publisher   and outspoken abolitionist.
The Louis Room—Named after Louis Comfort Tiffany, the renowned Art Nouveau stained glass artist.
The Stanford Room—Named after Stanford White, an architect and founding partner of McKim, Mead & White and noted for his architectural designs of landmark NYC buildings and churches.
With the completion of The Mansion Rooms renovation, The New York Palace now has 24 rooms for meetings and special events. These venues include The Library, The Drawing Room, The Chairman's Office, The Reid Salon, and The Villard Ballroom. The event space of The New York Palace Hotel is available for private site tours. Please call our catering office at 212-303-7766 if you wish to schedule a time.

Avis Introduces New Premium Chauffeur Service
Avis Rent A Car System, LLC has introduced a new premium service called Avis Chauffeur Drive through which Avis customers can rent a car and hire a professional driver at the same time.
Avis Chauffeur Drive is the product of a new alliance between Avis and WeDriveU, Inc. WeDriveU provides fully insured and certified chauffeurs who provide professional driving services to customers using the customer's vehicle. Now, customers enrolled in Avis Preferred or other Avis loyalty programs will be able to rent a WeDriveU chauffeur to operate the Avis vehicle of the customer's choice, adding a new level of convenience and productivity to both business and leisure travel.
Avis Chauffeur Drive costs $30 per hour with a three-hour minimum, plus standard rental car charges. Customers can rent the vehicle and use a WeDriveU chauffeur during the entire rental period or as needed. If a driver is used intermittently during a rental period, the three-hour minimum applies each time. The chauffeur can pick up the Avis rental car for the customer and meet the customer wherever desired, including airline baggage claim or curbside loading zones for airport arrivals, or at a hotel or business meeting location. The driver can also handle the return of the vehicle.
Avis Preferred members can reserve their chauffeur by calling 800-272-5839 at least 24 hours prior to rental pickup time. Customers using Avis Chauffeur Drive will be billed separately for the driver charges by WeDriveU.
Avis Chauffeur Drive service is available in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. for Avis customers enrolled in Avis Preferred, as well as members of the Avis Chairman's Club, Avis First and Avis President's Club programs. The service is available at major airports and within a 60-mile radius of these city centers.

AAA Southern New England Announces Drive Vacations Packages
To help make summer trips more affordable-and offset the cost of rising gas prices, AAA Southern New England (SNE) today announced the availability of its Drive Vacations packages.* The "all in one" travel packages are customized to popular driving destinations and include an array of valuable offerings to help members save travel planning time and money. These comprehensive vacation packages include savings such as AAA hotel discounts, complementary meals, tickets to theme parks, attractions and museums.
There are 30 packages customized to popular driving vacation spots, including educational trips to Washington, D.C. and a Civil War Tour; trips to explore the outdoors in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the island of Nova Scotia; fun, active trips to Six Flags New England and New Jersey Theme Parks; as well as spa packages - just to name a few.
Housed in a convenient, durable nylon folder (called a TripKit), the AAA SNE Drive Vacations package may include:
  -- Discounted hotel reservation confirmations
  -- TripTik(R) with exact driving directions, marked maps and TourBooks(R)
  -- "Show Your Card & Save(R)" discounts
  -- Free breakfast options and dining vouchers
  -- Tickets to theme parks and local attractions
  -- Passes to museums and sightseeing tours
  -- Shopping discounts and coupon books
For more information on AAA SNE Drive Vacations, call 877-874-7845 or visit www.AAA.com/travel.

New Website Showcases Albuquerque As Vacation Destination
The Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has launched its new website promoting Albuquerque— http://www.itsatrip.org. A vibrant new design showcases the rich culture and heritage of the area while providing powerful new online tools for planning a visit to Albuquerque throughout the 400+ pages of the re-developed and designed www.itsatrip.org  website.
The Albuquerque CVB website integrates several exciting technologies available on the Web today including RSS feeds, PDA Mobile content, online video integration and extensive behind-the-scene content management tools that enable the staff to make quick changes. Many new features have been added to the site to improve the visitor trip planning experience as well as the usability and functionality of the site including the following. "Our new site is a dynamic representation of what Albuquerque has to offer," said Dale Lockett, Albuquerque CVB President/CEO. "I am confident that the new design paired with the new features this website offers will be powerful in bringing more people to experience all that Albuquerque has to offer including rich culture and heritage, tremendous outdoor recreation opportunities, fantastic year-round climate and majestic high desert beauty."

Travelers Sans Auto Can Get Directions Via New Website
While MapQuest is popular for auto drivers seeking directions from Point A to Point B, until now there has been marginal help for those not driving. Now a new website — www.publicroutes.com —gives public transportation information for 15 US cities, two metro areas in New Jersey and Connecticut, and the city of London, England. Similar to MapQuest, users enter addresses for their journey’s start and end. But the site allows users to choose their mode of transport whether it is by bus, subway, train or even driving. There is a Local Guides option that gives users local information on restaurants hotels, stores and parking garages. More importantly, a Traffic Alert bar shows transportation delays. And for those hiking, the site also imparts walking directions.

Summer Brings New Family Thrills to SeaWorld
This summer, parents will find thrilling new ways to join their kids in the action as SeaWorld Orlando launches new fun family adventures. Big fun goes big time with twice the play area in Shamu's Happy Harbor, three new family rides and an all-new musical stage show featuring "Sesame Street" characters. And when the sun goes down, the night heats up, as Shamu stars in his own rock 'n' roll show, Shamu Rocks. The line-up of new sea-themed family rides, high-energy shows and massive play areas creates a world of opportunities for families to build lifelong vacation memories together.
"Sesame Street" has docked at SeaWorld. Guests can start their day with a fun-filled character breakfast - Breakfast with Elmo and Friends, offered daily from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., which offers a delicious buffet served-up with character favorites. Throughout the day, kids and parents also will enjoy special character connection opportunities to meet their favorite "Sesame Street" friends for hugs and photographs.
A new high-seas adventure, Elmo and the Bookaneers, features an original musical score, thrilling visual effects and live-action performances with stunt kites and high-speed water craft. In this one-of-a-kind "Sesame Street" production, open through Labor Day weekend, Elmo and his furry friends - Bert, Ernie, Rosita, Cookie Monster, Telly Monster and Abby Cadabby - share their love of reading through a comical, swashbuckling pirate adventure that combines singing, dancing and a search for buried treasure.
Now doubled in size to four fun-filled acres, the massive, kid-centered Shamu's Happy Harbor is the ultimate playground, with a squeal-inducing collection of rides, slides and splash-filled activities designed for kids of all ages. Shamu's Happy Harbor's newest rides include:
-- Sea Carousel, a marine-themed masterpiece topped by a behemoth 45-foot-wide pink octopus, allows riders to board a colorful collection of 65 sea creatures, including giant exotic fish, sea lions, otters, sharks and dolphins, and "float" up and down as the carousel revolves to the sounds of the sea.
-- The Flying Fiddler, a giant, bright-red fiddler crab with illuminated eyes that move, fills its belly with 12 children and adults and lifts them to more than 20 feet in the air. At the height of the moment, the  Flying Fiddler begins jumping in a vertical descent in a quick series of short drops, sure to bring elated faces of surprise and delight.
-- Ocean Commotion, a fanta-"sea"-themed enormous 19-foot tug boat, will take 24 riders at a time on a swinging boat ride, gently rocking back- and-forth and whirling side-to-side.
Shamu Rocks, a massive rock 'n' roll concert in Shamu Stadium, showcases music by some of the hottest rock stars in the industry, including Jennifer Lopez, KISS, Savage Garden and Shakira. A live guitarist wails out the hits while killer whales leap, splash and soar along to the tunes.
Visit http://www.seaworld.com/SWF/park_info_home.aspx for more information.
                                               
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Air Travel News & Offers

US Air Transport Forecasts Record 290 Million Passengers
The Air Transport Association (ATA) summer passenger traffic forecasts, and urged passengers to plan ahead for an optimal travel experience. The summer traffic forecast for the months of June through August anticipates approximately 209 million passengers, an increase of 3.0 percent over the same three-month period in the previous year. With a record number of passengers expected to fly this summer, the airlines are maximizing their efforts to ensure that operations run smoothly for our customers. But passengers can also help by planning ahead, using online check-in before they get to the airport and arriving at the airport early," said ATA President and CEO James C. May.
May added, "It's important to remember that smooth operations are not solely in airlines' hands. Weather plays a role. Furthermore, the current air traffic control system, which is vital to getting vacationers to and from their destinations efficiently, is straining to meet current demand. Without a rapid transition to an information-centric satellite-based system, the threat of gridlock continues to grow. Congress and the administration can do their part by supporting an aggressive modernization program and simultaneously adopting a funding scheme in which corporate jets, not just commercial airline passengers, are expected to provide system funding."
With hundreds of millions of passengers expected this summer, ATA recommends passengers allow plenty of time for checking in and security screening at the airport. Passengers are encouraged to follow these recommended tips for a more pleasurable travel experience:
  Before leaving for the airport
  -- Visit the carrier's Web site and print out boarding passes (if possible); check flight status and determine what type of meal service will be offered; be aware of carrier carry-on and checked-baggage      policies, and plan accordingly
  -- Have amenities readily accessible, including an extra supply of any necessary prescriptions or other medicines, snacks (and for those traveling with children, baby food/diapers), for use in the event of an extended delay
  -- If carrying liquids or gels in a carry-on bag, pack them in a one-quart zip-top bag and place them in a readily accessible location
  -- Remove extraneous metal objects (e.g., keys, coins) from pockets and place them in carry-on baggage
-- At the airport have your government-issued identification and boarding pass ready at the security screening checkpoint
  -- Consider purchasing bottled water or other liquids after the security checkpoint
  -- Have reading material or games readily accessible during the flight
 -- On the airplane, utilize the space under the seat in front of you for smaller personal
     items
Travelers can play a role in reducing their delays by telling Congress to transition to a next-generation air traffic control system. Visit http://www.smartskies.org.

FAA To Expand System Giving Carriers Flexibility To Avoid Summer Storms
The FAA says that this summer it will expand an air traffic control strategy aimed at minimizing delays caused by poor weather. The "airspace flow program" allows carriers to choose between accepting delays and flying longer routes to avoid stormy weather.

Airline Receives Final Approval To Launch From DOT
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted final approval for Virgin America, a new low fare U.S. airline, to begin operations. "We are absolutely thrilled to be cleared for take-off and for the opportunity to serve San Francisco, the Bay Area, California, and the American public," said Virgin America CEO Fred Reid. "I applaud the DOT for approving our application and fulfilling their long-standing commitment to competition and new choices for travelers."
The company is planning a mid-summer launch, utilizing new Airbus A320 family aircraft. Virgin America's first flights will be between its home base of San Francisco (SFO) to New York (JFK). The airline also plans to serve Los Angeles (LAX), Washington/Dulles, San Diego and Las Vegas within its first year of operations. Within five years, the company projection is to serve up to 30 cities. within five years of service. Additional cities under Virgin America's consideration include:
Virgin America's principal base of operations will be San Francisco International Airport. Website: http://www.virginamerica.com.

Alitalia Offers Special Boston-To-Rome Fare This Summer
From just $1073 roundtrip, travel from Boston to Rome between July 8 and September 9, 2007. This economy class fare requires a Sunday-night minimum stay and the maximum stay is 2 months. Tickets must be purchased online by May 31, 2007.  Website: www.alitaliausa.com

Ryanair Posts Increase in Annual Net Profit
Ryanair, Europe’s biggest low-fare airline, posted a 33 percent increase in annual net profit helped by higher ticket prices. But it predicted that growth would slow as higher interest rates prompted travelers to seek cheaper deals. Expected profit growth is est. five percent in the year ahead with average ticket prices falling as higher borrowing costs curb consumer spending in the UK, the airline’s biggest market. --Reuters

American Airlines Unveils Plans for New Way for Customers to Purchase Travel
American Airlines has unveiled plans to offer customers a new, faster and easier way to purchase travel on its award-winning Web site, www.AA.com(R) , which will provide a more customer-centric online travel booking experience. In addition, American Airlines Vacations, a division of American Airlines, revealed it is making enhancements to AAVacations.com. Customers will begin seeing changes this summer, with additional enhancements coming in following months.

British Airways May Fly Only Business Class Flights Between US and Europe
British Airways is considering all business class flights on routes between the United States and continental Europe, its chief executive said on Monday, as the carrier looks to tap the lucrative end of the expanding transatlantic market. Europe’s second-biggest airline by traffic is considering such services as a way to take high-margin business from rivals Air France-KLM and Lufthansa, as the market for flights between the United States and European Union opens up next year.
BA, Britain's flag carrier, is mulling the upscale move after start-up airlines such as Eos pioneered business class only flights between London and New York in 2005.
The airline, which has been increasing the number of premium seats on long-haul flights, is focusing on rising demand in the business and first class sector, which is more profitable than economy.
Virgin Atlantic Airways is also considering a new all-business-class service between the US and London in 2008.  Virgin says the new service would not compete directly with its existing premium-class service, Upper C lass, but would offer a better quality product than existing all-business-class airlines, such as Eos, MaxJet, Silverjet, at the same or lower prices. The service may eventually include flights to European cities from New York and other US gateway cities.

Air France to Begin Jumbo Jet Flights In Spring 2008
Air France announced it will start flying new A380 superjumbo jets next spring and has begun testing gates and other operations with an A380 at Charles De Gaulle International Airport outside Paris.

Be the Early Bird That Catches the Flight
If your holiday flight is delayed, you may have only yourself to blame. According to leading British charter airline Thomas Cook, at least 20 per cent of late take-offs are due to passengers boarding the aircraft late. Now, with a big new focus on punctuality, the airline is to close aircraft doors ten minutes before the scheduled departure time. And passengers are being urged to be the 'early bird that catches the flight'.
Big queues to go through security are taking their toll, especially at busy times. Just one passenger arriving at the departure gate a few minutes late can be enough for an aircraft to lose its departure slot and could result in a delay.
With punctuality consistently being top of the wish list in passenger research, Thomas Cook has launched a wide-ranging campaign to help on time take off. The entire airline's staff and its suppliers such as aircraft cleaners and ground handlers are involved in the big punctuality push.
The airline is also asking passengers to play their part. With new security measures at airports leading to much longer queues to go airside, Thomas Cook is urging people to help by following a simple Early Bird code:
DO allow plenty of time to arrive at the airport -and allow for traffic jams at busy periods
DO make sure you know exactly what you can take through airport security - especially what liquids and medicines you can take through and how they must be packed (see www.thomascookairlines.co.uk )
DO check in at least two hours before departure (three hours for long haul flights) and then go straight to security in case there are long queues
DO arrive at the departure gate at least 45 minutes before take off is due, allowing yourself plenty of time to find the right gate
DON'T get so involved with shopping you forget the time
DON'T get drunk and fall asleep in the departure lounge
DON'T wait at the wrong gate because you have misread the screens and not looked at your boarding card
Glen Chipp, Managing Director said: "With more complex security measures, passengers really do need to play their part in getting the aircraft away on time and should be aiming to be at their departure gate 45 minutes before their flight is due to leave. Our key message is aim to be early, not just on time. Get yourself to the right departure gate as soon as you can - you'll be helping yourself and fellow passengers to take off on schedule. If you're late, you risk not being able to fly."

Expedia Now Offers JetBlue Airways Inventory to Leisure/Business Travelers
Expedia, Inc. announced a new five-year strategic partnership with low-fare carrier JetBlue Airways Corporation, under which all of JetBlue's published fares, schedules and inventory are now available to leisure and unmanaged business travelers through Expedia.com(R) and Hotwire. In addition, Expedia(R) Corporate Travel is now offering JetBlue flights to its managed business travel customers.
“We're excited to extend our great low fares and award-winning service to the nearly 30 million travelers who visit Expedia's global sites every month, giving our customers even more options to make JetBlue their preferred airline when booking online travel," said Trey Urbahn, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer for JetBlue Airways.”

U.S., China Agree to Double Flights
The United States and China announced a broad aviation agreement that will more than double the number of daily passenger flights between the two countries by 2012. As the U.S. and Chinese economies become more intertwined, passenger traffic between the countries has surged and flights are crammed with business travelers, tourists and students.
U.S. officials said the agreement would improve the nation's commercial and cultural ties with one of the world's economic powerhouses. The deal would allow U.S. carriers to operate 13 more daily flights to China over the next five years. In 2011, the Chinese would lift all limits on transpacific cargo flights, officials said.
Until the announcement, the Chinese government had moved slowly to lift limits on flights by US carriers to Beijing, Shanghai and the southern city of Guangzhou; ten daily flights are permitted now.
Under the agreement, the US Transportation Department plans to award routes to U.S. carriers in stages through 2012. The first could be granted this summer. The daily flights would exceed by 10 the number U.S. commercial carriers were going to be granted through 2010 under a previous deal, officials said.

New York/JFK Carriers To Enhance the Boarding Experience
More airlines are partnering with concessionaires to determine which brands 'wine and dine' airport passengers in an effort to enhance the consumer travel experience before boarding, according to HMSHost, the world's largest travel dining and shopping operator. The company announced that John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the leading international air passenger gateway in the United States, is being transformed into a dining "destination" through the awarding of three food and beverage contracts to HMSHost. "Many airlines think that what we eat and drink near their gates -- or bring on board -- is an integral part of a traveler's overall experience," said Joe Waller, vice president of business development for HMSHost. "Carriers want the airport food and beverage offerings to reflect their brands and their passengers' tastes."
HMSHost was awarded a seven-year extension (through 2014) of its existing contract for construction of four new facilities. Working with Terminal One Group Association (TOGA), the company will introduce a Starbucks Coffee and the following new brands scheduled to open this spring:
In Terminal 1, new facilities include Idlewild Wine Bar; Medalist Sports Bar offering made to order grilled sandwiches, pizzas, salads and wraps; Sbarros/Greenwich Village Bistro offering a buffet of freshly prepared food with Italian flavors.
In Terminal 2,   new outlets include Balducci's Food Lover's Market; Todd English's Bonfire Steakhouse and Todd English's Bonfire Bar; the French Meadow Bakery & Café; Legends Sports Bar; and Starbucks Coffee.
Terminal 7 will offer eight new food and beverage concepts including Bombay Sapphire Martini Bar;   Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express & Wolfgang Puck Grab & Go; Zoom Interactive Café and Zoom Gadget Zone.
Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information.

JetBlue's Airbus A320 Fleet Named Most Reliable in the World
JetBlue Airways, operator of the world's largest Airbus A320 fleet, has been recognized with the prestigious Airbus Award for Operational Excellence. The award honors the low-fare, low-cost airline for having the world's best A320 technical dispatch reliability among carriers with a fleet size of more than 50 aircraft. JetBlue received the award, for the third consecutive time, at the biennial Airbus A320 Family Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand, in May where it was also recognized for having the highest daily aircraft
utilization of any Airbus A320 operator.
JetBlue currently operates 102 Airbus A320 aircraft, and continues to take regular delivery of the modern, fuel-efficient jets as it grows its fleet and expands service from focus cities in New York, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, LA/Long Beach, and Washington, DC.

JetBlue Airways Appoints Dave Barger As CEO
JetBlue has appointed Dave Barger to the position of Chief Executive Officer.  In addition, Barger retains his responsibilities as President. David Neeleman JetBlue's founder and Chief Executive Officer since 1998, will serve JetBlue as non-executive Chairman of the Board. "This is a natural evolution of our leadership structure as JetBlue
continues to grow," Neeleman said. "As Chairman of the Board of Directors, I will focus on developing JetBlue's long-term vision and strategy, and how we can continue to be a preferred product in a commodity business."
Neeleman founded JetBlue as Chief Executive Officer in 1998 and became Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2002. Mr. Barger joined JetBlue in August 1998 as President and Chief Operating Officer. The airline first took to the skies in February 2000. Since then, the low-fare airline based in New York's John F. Kennedy International
Airport has grown to 52 destinations with more than 575 daily flights.
JetBlue Names John Ross Vice President, Flight Operations
JetBlue Airways has named John Ross Vice President, Flight Operations, effective immediately. Mr. Ross will lead JetBlue's 1,700 pilots and Flight Operations team, including fleet programs for the Airbus 320 and Embraer 190 aircraft. He will report to Chief Operating Officer Russ Chew.
Prior to this appointment, Mr. Ross was interim vice president of JetBlue's System Operations department since March 1, 2007, and before that he was Director of Flight Safety since joining JetBlue in 2005. Mr. Ross joined JetBlue after 24 years with US
Airways in Flight Operations and Flight Training. Mr. Ross is a JetBlue Pilot and holds a
Captain's bid on the airline's 100-seat E190 aircraft.

US Helicopter Switches Airline Partner At JFK To Delta
US Helicopter which offers shuttle service to JFK and Newark airports from New York City has signed deals to make its inventory available in Sabre and to replace American Airlines with Delta, effective May 14, as its airline partner at Kennedy.
Any traveler, regardless of airline, can book the shuttle service via US Helicopter, which also flies from its downtown Manhattan heliport to the airport in Bridgeport, Conn. But with its partner airlines, US Helicopter takes passengers to a set airport location where they can avoid a second trip through security.
For Delta, they'll be flying passengers to Gate 11 at Terminal 3. Delta customers can check in and get boarding passes at the heliport for their final domestic or international

Virgin Atlantic Joins Marriott Rewards(R) As New Airline Partner
Marriott Rewards members can now earn Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles when they stay at over 2,700 Marriott International hotels in 65 countries. Marriott Rewards members now have 28 airline options.
Effective immediately, Marriott Rewards members who designate Flying Club as their earning preference will receive:
Two (2) miles per U.S. dollar spent at:
-- Marriott Hotels & Resorts      -- Renaissance Hotels & Resorts
-- JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts   -- Marriott Vacation Club International
  Or one (1) mile per U.S. dollar spent (room rate only) at:
-- Courtyard by Marriott          -- Residence Inn by Marriott
-- Fairfield Inn by Marriott      -- TownePlace Suites by Marriott
-- SpringHill Suites by Marriott  -- Horizons by Marriott
In addition, Marriott Rewards members can convert their Marriott Rewards points into Flying Club miles at the following exchange rates:
10,000 Marriott Rewards Points    =    2,000 miles
20,000 Marriott Rewards Points    =    5,000 miles
30,000 Marriott Rewards Points    =    10,000 miles
70,000 Marriott Rewards Points    =    25,000 miles
125,000 Marriott Rewards Points   =    50,000 miles
For information about Marriott Rewards or to enroll, call 1-888-MARRIOTT (627-7468); (801) 468-4000 in Latin America; 44 (0) 20 7584 5500 in Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East; (61) (2) 8298 5250 in Australia and Asia; and (81) 3 5405 1513 in Japan; visit the front desk of participating hotels; or log onto www.MarriottRewards.com.

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New Air-Travel Connections 

Continental Airlines has begun twice-weekly service today between George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, and Loreto, Mexico, the airline's 31st Mexican destination. The Continental flight departs Houston at 11:10 a.m. on Thursdays and Sundays during peak travel season (summer, winter and spring), arriving in Loreto at 1:18 p.m. The return flight departs Loreto at 1:50 p.m., arriving in Houston at 5:35 p.m. The Loreto flights are timed for convenient connections to the Midwest and East Coast. In the fall, the service will operate once a week on Saturdays. Continental will utilize the Embraer-145 XR jet with seating for 50 passengers in either aisle or window seats.

Frontier Airlines has launched non-stop service between Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Mazatlan (MZT), the stunning Mexican Riviera town located on the northern Pacific Coast. Passengers traveling from Dallas to Mazatlan can now enjoy three weekly flights in the comfort of Frontier's new fleet of Airbus A319s with 33 inches of legroom and 24 channels of DIRECTV(R) service and pay-per-view movies in every seat back. And, as if that weren't enough, passengers on today's inaugural flight to Mazatlan celebrated the first trip south-of-the-border-style with spicy Mexican shrimp dishes and refreshing "Bodegaritas" hosted by some of the top restaurants at DFW

United Airlines has launched of daily, nonstop passenger and cargo service between San Francisco and Taipei. United is the only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service between the U.S. and Taipei.
United is also now offering daily nonstop flights between Washington, D.C. and Kuwait.
United Airlines is strengthening its international network by launching two new nonstop flights from the United States to Asia and South America. Daily, nonstop passenger and cargo service between Los Angeles and Hong Kong, and between Washington, D.C., and Rio de Janeiro will begin October 2007. Flights are now open for sale.

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., has launched flight service at Portland International. AirTran Airways offers three daily roundtrip flights between Portland and Baltimore/Washington, with one Saturday roundtrip flight to Orlando beginning June 9, 2007. Passengers departing from Portland can travel to 43 total destinations nationwide via Baltimore/Washington and Atlanta.

Delta Airways, which emerged from bankruptcy in May,is increasing its international air service and will add nonstop flights between Atlanta and Dubai, and Atlanta and Seoul, South Korea.
Delta also announced that will begin nonstop daily flights between New York/JFK and Tel Aviv beginning next March. It already offers nonstop service from Atlanta to Tel Aviv.

American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, will begin a daily nonstop flight between  Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan, using Canadair 70-seat CRJ-700 jets. The service will start September 5.
American Eagle will also add nonstop service between Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) and Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), beginning September 5, operating round-trip service between the two cities using 37-seat Embraer ERJ-135 jets.
American Eagle will add a daily nonstop flight between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Okaloosa Regional Airport beginning September 5. American Eagle will operate the service with 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 jets. American Eagle already has two daily round trips between Dallas/Fort Worth and Okaloosa Regional Airport.
American Eagle, will add nonstop service between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Roswell International Air Center, beginning Sept. 5.American Eagle will operate two daily round-trip flights between the two cities using 50-seat ERJ-145 aircraft.
American Eagle Continues Growth in Mexico
American Eagle is adding a weekly flight between Miami International Airport and Cozumel International Airport, effective June 2, 2007.

American Airlines will begin nonstop service between New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport starting September 5, offering three daily round-trip flights conveniently timed for early morning, midday and early evening departures. The airline will use Boeing MD80 aircraft on the route configured with 16 First-Class seats and 120 seats in the Main Cabin.
In addition, because of strong demand on flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, American will increase the number of flights and the size of the jets currently flown on that route beginning September 5. American will begin flying the route twice daily using 136-seat MD80 aircraft, while American Eagle will reduce its JFK-Chicago O'Hare schedule to one daily flight. The net effect will be one additional flight, for a total of three flights daily -- two operated with MD80s -- and 222 additional seats, each way, in the JFK-Chicago O'Hare market.
American Airlines will add another new Caribbean destination from New York this fall when it begins nonstop service from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to St. Lucia. American will fly the route three times weekly beginning November 15, 2007, with flights operating into St. Lucia's Hewanorra International Airport.  Service will be flown with Boeing 757 aircraft, configured with 22 seats in First Class and 166 seats in the Main Cabin. American currently offers daily nonstop service to St. Lucia (Hewanorra) from Miami, while its regional partner, American Eagle, flies five times daily from San Juan, Puerto Rico (to George F.L. Charles Airport).
Service operates on Thursday/Saturday/Monday through Dec. 13, 2007, and then Thursday/Sunday/Monday thereafter.
Earlier, American announced it will begin nonstop service from JFK to St. Kitts and Nevis, also starting in November.

Alaska Airlines will offer more nonstop flights between Seattle and Cancun, Mexico, beginning October 28, moving from four flights a week to daily service. The flights, offering convenient connections from cities throughout the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Canada, are available for purchase at alaskaair.com or by calling (800) ALASKAAIR.
Alaska inaugurated nonstop Seattle-Cancun service last winter and operates the route during Mexico's peak tourism season, from late October to late April.
Alaska increased its capacity on Mexico flights by more than 20 percent last fall, offering more frequent flights on existing routes and adding five new nonstop routes. In addition to Seattle-Cancun service, the airline introduced flights between Los Angeles and La Paz; San Francisco and Cancun; Portland, Ore., and Los Cabos; and Portland and Puerto Vallarta. The airline offers seasonal nonstop service from Seattle to four Mexico destinations, including daily service to Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, and two flights a week to Mazatlan. Customers can travel year-round to all 10 of Alaska's Mexico destinations on flights connecting or stopping in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Alaska Airlines Vacations offers vacation packages, including round-trip air travel and hotel accommodations, to all of its Mexico resort destinations. Alaska's mealtime flights to Mexico's resort destinations offer the airline's Northern Bites meals-for-purchase service, which allows coach passengers to purchase a meal onboard for $5.
Alaska Airlines will offer year-round daily flights beginning October 12 between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Honolulu, and nonstop between Seattle and Lihue on the island of Kauai starting October 28. It will also launch seasonal service between Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and Honolulu starting December 9. Website: www.alaskaair.com

SWISS will introduce scheduled service to Delhi (India) in its 2007/08 winter timetable, and will add Shanghai (China) to its network in the 2008 summer schedules. Delhi will be served with Airbus A330 aircraft from November 25, 2007, while the service to Shanghai, which will begin on March 30, 2008, will be provided using Airbus A340 equipment. . Beijing is also set to appear in the SWISS timetable in spring 2008, under a codeshare operation with Lufthansa via Munich.
Apart from flights to and from Hong Kong, no direct services currently exist between Switzerland and China

Low-cost carrier Flyglobespan launched the first-ever nonstop scheduled air service from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport to Ireland West Airport Knock on May 27 and May 29, respectively. These landmark transatlantic flights mark the first time guests from these U.S. destinations will be able travel direct on scheduled flights to this award-winning airport, significantly easing the ability to experience the historic and picturesque Western region of Ireland.
Flyglobespan, the award-winning scheduled low-cost carrier based in Scotland and one of the largest airlines in the UK, will operate three flights weekly from JFK and two flights weekly from Logan, offering guests the option of Economy service and Economy - Premium Service Upgrade. Service from JFK will also offer Business service. These flights will be available through October 2007, and rates begin at $259 one way, exclusive of tax. Flights from JFK International Airport will depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and flights from Logan International Airport will depart on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8:45 p.m.
Flyglobespan commenced its first flight in April 2002 and now operates 21 aircraft which travel to 31 destinations in Europe, North America and Africa. www.flyglobespan.com .

In 2008, Qantas Airways will increase services to Los Angeles and South Africa and add a South American destination to its network. It will offer two additional Brisbane-Los Angeles services each week (from March 2008); one additional Sydney-Los Angeles service each week (from March 2008); an additional one weekly service between Sydney and Johannesburg (from November 2008); and begin service to South America in November between Sydney and Santiago, Chile.  In addition, it is offering additional return service between Sydney and Shanghai from August 2007, taking the total number of flights offered on the route to five per week.

JetBlue Airways has begun daily nonstop service to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (D.R.) from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The capital city of Santo Domingo is JetBlue's ninth Caribbean/Atlantic
destination and its second city served in the D.R., including Santiago.
JetBlue Airways has commenced non-stop service to Nantucket, Massachusetts from
its home base of operations at New York's John F. Kennedy International
Airport. The low-fare, high-value airline is introducing convenient daily service to the popular Massachusetts island resort for the peak season through September 24(a), with additional weekend flights operating throughout the summer. To celebrate the launch of the new route, the airline is offering its $79(b) each-way fares with no advance
purchase required for travel on nonstop flights between New York and Nantucket completed on or before June 30, 2007.

ExpressJet Airlines' new non-stop service from Colorado Springs and Oklahoma City will bring non-stop service to connect San Diego with Bakersfield, Boise, Fresno, Monterey, Omaha, Spokane, and Tulsa in time for the summer travel season. ExpressJet Airlines is located in the Commuter Terminal at San Diego International Airport.
The airline also offers new non-stop service from Jacksonville, Fla., Kansas City, Mo., and Louisville as well as one-stop service to Tucson.
US Airways is expanding its seasonal service to Ireland year round. Passengers can fly from Philadelphia to Dublin four times a week beginning October 28. Flights from Philadelphia will occur on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and flights from Dublin will be scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. US Airways will continue to serve Shannon, Ireland seasonally during the summer travel season.
In Europe, US Airways has also added service to Brussels, Athens and Zurich from its hub in Philadelphia.

Qatar Airways will begin flights four times a week from Doha International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport via Geneva as of June 26.
In mid-July Qatar will provide daily service from Doha to Dulles International Airport in Washington.

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Rail News & Offers

 

                                                                                       
Thalys Trains To Get Faster In 2008
Thalys takes just 1 hour 25 minutes to go from downtown Paris to Brussels, most of the journey made at 186 mph.  In 2008, all Thalys tracks will be high-speed and travel times Paris-Amsterdam (currently 4 hrs 11 min.) and Paris-Cologne (presently 3 hrs 50 min) will be cut to 3 hrs 9 min and 2 hrs 50 min, respectively.  Up to 27 trains travel between Paris and Brussels in each direction daily, making the service convenient as well as fast.
Thalys has given the airlines so much competition since it began operation in 1996 that all flights between Paris and Brussels were discontinued, and the airlines instead book their passengers on the train. 
The number of North Americans buying tickets on Thalys in 2006 increased 5 percent compared to 2005, reports Rail Europe, largest North American distributor of European rail products.  Last year a total of 6.5 million passengers rode the sleek red train. 
Rail Europe offers the widest range of routes and fares on trains throughout Europe and the U.K., as well as the broadest selection of rail passes.
For more information or to book, contact a travel agent or Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 in the U.S. or 1-800-361-7245 in Canada, or log onto www.raileurope.com  or www.raileurope.ca  (in Canada).

Detour of ‘California Zephyr’ to Track Historic Transcontinental Railroad Route
Scheduled track improvements on the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) in Colorado will require Amtrak to use an alternate route for the California Zephyr between Denver and Salt Lake City during five periods in July and August. The detour will follow the historic transcontinental railroad route through Wyoming and Utah.
On the following dates Amtrak will be unable to use the UP route between Granby and Glenwood Springs.
July 10 & 11
July 15-18
July 22-25
July 29-Aug. 1
July 5-8
On those days, the California Zephyr will detour between Denver and Salt Lake City via a northern route through Wyoming, making no intermediate station stops.
On the days the train detours, Amtrak will provide alternate motorcoach transportation at Denver for westbound passengers to Glenwood Springs or Grand Junction and for eastbound passengers from Grand Junction or Glenwood Springs. Service to and from Fraser-Winter Park and Granby, Colo.; Green River, Helper and Provo, Utah, will be suspended on the days the trains are detoured.
Passengers traveling between Chicago and Denver or between Salt Lake City and Emeryville in San Francisco Bay Area will be unaffected. Amtrak has informed passengers between Denver and Salt Lake City who were ticketed during the 18 days of the detour and is offering the alternate transportation (schedule attached). Passengers have also been offered travel on alternate days or refunds.
The detour route will follow a portion of the original transcontinental UP route that was completed in 1869. While the scenery is less mountainous than the California Zephyr's regular routing, it offers broad vistas of the high plains and an opportunity to see a route that passenger trains have not regularly traversed since 1997.
More information on the California Zephyr changes at http://www.amtrak.com/

American Orient Express Gets A New Name
American Orient Express, long recognized as America’s premier private train, is debuting a new name: GrandLuxe Rail Journeys. The name, which is effective immediately, is being introduced in an effort to better communicate the luxury product offered. GrandLuxe Rail Journeys’ itineraries, which are often a week long. The new name, GrandLuxe Rail Journeys, will help better distinguish the unique, in-depth, experiential journeys through the United States and Canada.
Noted for its exceptional service, outstanding cuisine and deluxe, vintage furnishings, GrandLuxe Rail Journeys offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences aboard North America’s premier train, operating year-round on regional, three to nine-night itineraries. GrandLuxe’s programs include: National Parks of the West, The Great Northwest & Rockies, Grand Trans-Canada Rail Journey. For more information, or to request a brochure, please visit www.GrandLuxeRail.com  or call 1 (800) 320-4206.

Amtrak To Offer Luxury Train Rides In Bid To Boost Ridership
Amtrak is teaming with GrandLuxe Rail Journeys to start offering rides aboard seven luxuriously equipped vintage Pullman cars on three routes. Starting this fall, Amtrak will offer the service on its Washington-to-Miami, Los Angeles-to-Chicago and Chicago-to-San Francisco routes.  Website: www.grandluxerail.com

See Italy By Train This Fall For As Little As $1,525
First-time travelers to Italy who want the ease and convenience of train travel between eternal Rome, art-filled Florence and beautiful other-worldly Venice will be glad to know about TourCrafters seven-night Italy by Train package that starts as low as $1,525 from Boston.
The package, valid from September 7 to October 31,  includes round-trip transatlantic air fare, airport transfer on arrival, three nights accommodation in Rome, two in Florence, two in Venice, a first-class Pendolino train ticket, a half-day sightseeing tour in each city, an English-speaking assistant, all entrance fees and guides, daily buffet breakfast, and hotel service charges and taxes. Also included is a free wine and cheese tasting in Rome. “Italy by Train” is available from other gateways, too, with additional fares of $80 from New York, $20 from Washington, D.C., $85 from Miami and Chicago, and $120 from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.
Flexibility is key here: Hotels can be upgraded and stays can be extended in any or all of the three cities.  But it should be noted that all hotels chosen for this package are charming, well-furnished, centrally-located and have private bathrooms. All prices are per person, double occupancy, are subject to availability and do not include airport taxes or fuel surcharges.  Reservations must be paid for within 72 hours.  For reservations, call 800-482-5995 or visit www.tourcrafters.com.

50% Discount On One-Way Thalys Tickets For France-Belgium-Netherlands Travel
One-way full-fare tickets on all routes of the high-speed Thalys train connecting Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam are now on sale at 50 percent off the normal price for summertime travel from Rail Europe. Tickets must be booked by August 15 for travel between June 1-August 31, 2007. 
This special offer is for 1st or 2nd class full-fare tickets between all French, Belgian, and Dutch cities Thalys serves.  The normal one-way full-fare ticket between Paris and Brussels costs from $204 US/$238 CAD (1st class) or $131 US/$154 CAD (2nd), compared to the promotional fare from $102 US/$120 CAD (1st) or $66 US/$ 78 CAD (2nd).  Between Paris and Amsterdam the normal full-fare ticket costs from $272 US/$319 CAD (1st) or $170 US/$199 CAD (2nd); with the summer promotion, that drops to $136 US/$160 CAD (1st) or $85 US/$100 CAD (2nd).  While full-fare tickets are fully exchangeable and refundable, the summer promotional fares are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. [Note: this promotion is not valid for travel to/from Germany.]

Save Up To 50 Percent On Future Purchase Of European Rail Products When Buying A Railpass Before June 30 From Rail Europe
Due to popular demand, Rail Europe has extended its current money-saving promotion on railpasses: buy a railpass before June 30, 2007 and Rail Europe will credit 25 percent of the purchase price towards another European rail product—either a pass or ticket(s)—booked later this year. The second purchase, to be made by December 15, 2007, must have a value of at least double the credit, which means you can save as much as 50 percent on train travel. Travel on railpasses can take place up to six months after booking, so this promotion lets you save on travel through June of 2008.
25 percent of current purchase is credited  
For example, a couple trying out the new 200 mph TGV East high-speed line (opening June 10) to explore eastern France with two France Saverpasses (from $ 390 US/$458 CAD for two passes) would earn a credit of $97.50 US/$114.50 CAD toward a pair of roundtrip Eurostar Leisure Select tickets (normally costing $259 per person US/$304 CAD in 1st class) to do some Christmas shopping in London and Paris in November or December.  (Eurostar will also be 20 minutes faster between London and Paris/Brussels after November 14.)
Since passes are valid for six months, parents could buy one Eurail Global Pass Youth (from $519 US/$591 CAD for ten days of rail travel in 18 countries within a two-month period) for their son or daughter to roam around Europe this summer and earn $129.75 US/$147.75 CAD credit toward two three-day Swiss Saver Flexipasses (normally costing a total of $470 US/$550 CAD 1st class; $312 US/$366 CAD 2nd class) for a skiing vacation as late as next March. 
This offer is available for individual or group 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 offer is valid for all rail products.  Last name must be the same on all bookings.     
To receive the 25 percent credit for a future purchase, customers simply complete a coupon (downloadable from Rail Europe’s website) and submit this to Rail Europe along with the used railpass.  They will receive notification from Rail Europe on their credit.  Full details and the coupon can be found on www.raileurope.com/pass_deals  (U.S.) or  www.raileurope.ca/pass_deals (Canada).

Rail Europe’s Pass Finder Helps You Buy The Right Railpass
With all the different European railpasses available, how do you choose the right one?  If you pick a pass that gives you more than you need, you’ve spent too much money, but buying “too small” a pass means you won’t be covered for all the train travel you’re planning. To help guide you to the right choice, Rail Europe has just introduced an easy-to-use Pass Finder function on its website, www.raileurope.com  [US] or www.raileurope.ca  [Canada]. 
The Pass Finder is located on the homepage.  Simply enter the country or countries you’re planning on visiting, specifying the number of days you want to use the train and the number of days you’ll be in each country – and voilà, you will be presented with both first and second class options.
In addition to railpasses, Rail Europe also offers a wide range of point-to-point tickets for high-speed (such as Eurostar and Thalys), scenic and other trains.  Passholders receive discounts on these special trains as well as other money-saving bonuses.
Rail Europe is the largest North American distributor of European rail travel products, with the broadest selection of railpasses, rail tickets on high-speed, scenic, and regional trains operating in more than 30 countries.
For more information or to book travel for individual or groups (10 or more) , contact a travel agent or Rail Europe at www.raileurope.com  or by calling an experienced Rail Europe reservation agent at 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.) or 1-800-361-7245 (Canada).

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations Rolls Out New Beta   
In 2006, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations’ premiered two stunning new tourist train routes in Canada’s West – the Whistler Mountaineer train and the Rocky Mountaineer Fraser Discovery Route. B-roll footage of the new routes is now available, just in time for the 2007 season!  The beta cam footage contains dramatic aerials of the journey, exterior views from onboard as well as interior shots of the guest service experience.  
--Whistler Mountaineer —This three-hour train trip links the world-class destinations of Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, the future sites of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.  Exterior footage highlights include: 
Oceanfront route along the shores of Howe Sound with views of the British Columbia Coast Mountains.
Mount Garibaldi – A large extinct volcano, lying between the popular Garibaldi Lake area to its north, and the Diamond Head area to the south.  
-- Rocky Mountaineer Fraser Discovery Route—This two-day all daylight journey takes guests through B.C.’s seldom seen interior from Whistler to Jasper, Alberta in the Canadian Rockies. Exterior footage highlights include:
Cariboo Plateau – A powerful sheet of ice a mile thick created this intensely glaciated plateau. Fraser River – The mighty Fraser River is the longest river in British Columbia and the 5th longest in all of Canada.
Rocky Mountain Trench –The longest valley in North America, the trench sits wide and deep between the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Cariboo and Columbia ranges on the west. Mount Robson – Soaring a majestic 3,956.5 metres (12,972 feet), this heavily glaciated peak is the highest in the Canadian Rockies.
Jasper National Park – Declared a protected area in 1907, Jasper Park is the largest of the Canadian Rockies National Parks.  
Also available is footage of the legendary award-winning Rocky Mountaineer train routes from Vancouver, British Columbia to Banff, Calgary, or Jasper, Alberta. Website: www.rockymountaineer.com

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                        Travel Destination:  Historic Cities of Germany

Germany’s Historic Cities Announce Summer And Fall Package Specials
Historic Highlights of Germany consists of the cities of Augsburg, Erfurt, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Lübeck, Münster, Potsdam, Regensburg, Rostock, Trier, Wiesbaden and Würzburg.  Each city has a unique character and profile; all have a rich historic and cultural heritage. 
Seven of Germany’s historic cities, members of Historic Highlights of Germany, announced a wide range of summer and fall package specials.  Whatever the fancy of the visitor, the cities are sure to surpass expectations: a weekend in Germany’s most romantic city of Heidelberg, following in the footsteps of Martin Luther in Erfurt, strolling through the UNESCO Old Town of Lübeck with its 1,300 historic buildings, exploring the many castles and gardens in Potsdam, bicycling amidst the gardens of Münster, or tasting the wines of Trier’s Mosel Valley or Würzburg’s Franconian wine region.  Most of the one- to three-day packages vary include accommodations, breakfast, guided city tour, free admission at many sights, and public transportation. Here’s a sampling:
-- The former East German city of Erfurt is where Martin Luther studied, prayed, walked and even slept.  But there is far more here than Luther.  Almost every major sight of interest is within a five-minute walk of the historic Town Hall in the Old Town including the 14th-century Cathedral and 13th-century St. Severus.  Two two-night packages, available year-round, are being offered: First Taste of Erfurt includes breakfasts, a Thuringian-style dinner at a traditional restaurant and a guided tour of the city at rates from €123 ($169) per person, double; “Happy Weekend” includes a tour of Petersberg Fortress’s underground maze of passageways, free admission to the museums, free travel on trams and buses, and a stop for coffee and Erfurt cake at rates starting at €119 ($163).  Further information: www.erfurt-tourist-info.de  or e-mail info@erfurt-tourist-info.de .
-- Romance is in the air in Germany’s most romantic city, Heidelberg.  Packages of one to three nights through October allow guests to soak up the city’s history, wander through its many museums and castles or visit the 700-year-old University.  Rates per person, double, start at €70 ($96) for one night, €110 (151) for two and €150 ($206) or three nights and include lodging with breakfast, a guided walking tour of the city, a Neckar River excursion, unlimited travel on the funicular railway, entrance into the Castle, a Castle tour and admission to no less than a dozen of the city’s museums.  Further information: www.cvb-heidelberg.de  or e-mail info@cvb-heidelberg.de .
-- UNESCO designated Lübeck’s entire Old Town and its 1,300 historic buildings as a World Heritage site. The three-day package offers enough time to get a sense of this beautiful Baltic Sea city and its rich 850-year history of trade and culture.  Its seven churches gave it the nickname, “City of Seven Spires,” the first being built in 1160, and the wide range of activities including golf, fishing, bicycling, horseback riding and sailing serve as a way to work off some of the wonderful meals.  The package includes lodging with breakfast, three days’ public transportation, and sightseeing admissions and discounts.  Prices are €105 to €159 ($144-$218) per person, double, through December 20 except during October and November - €95 to €149 ($130-$204).  Further information: www.luebeck-tourism.de  or e-mail marketing-hl@luebeck-tourismus.de
-- Visitors to Münster, Germany’s Bicycle City, encounter a town filled with 1,000 gardens and a ring of car-free promenades.  The city is a treasure trove of architecture, from the Gothic City Hall to the so-called “Baroque Island” with a wealth of historic structures and no less than 31 museums – from the Picasso Museum to Westphalian Railroad Museum.  Münster is also the gateway to Münsterland, a lush region dotted with lakes and moated castles.  The “Münster a la carte” package includes two nights’ lodging with breakfast, a bus ticket or bike for one day, guided tour of Old Town, and a visit to the city museum.  Rates start at €99 ($136) per person, double.  Further information: www.tourismus.muenster.de  or e-mail tourismus@stadt-muenster.de.
-- Trier’s Romans and Wine package initiates guests to the noble vintages of the Mosel Valley, where 2,000 years of viticulture has helped shape Germany’s oldest town.  The two-night package, available through 2007, includes accommodations with breakfast, city walking tour, wine tasting at a local winery, a vintner’s supper, a city guidebook, and choice of a four-course wine-tasting dinner or Roman-themed wine dinner according to ancient recipes.  Rates range from €165 to €205 ($226-$281) per person, double, through Nov. 4, and €152 to €191 ($208-$262) between Nov. 5 and Dec. 31.  Further information: www.trier.de  or e-mail hotel@tit.de.
-- The cosmopolitan Bavarian city of Würzburg is filled with architectural and artistic treasures – and exquisite Franconian wine.  Guests to the city sitting on both sides of the Main River have a choice of strolling through huge parks, sipping wine at a riverfront café, visiting the museums or churches, and cycling along some of the 600 miles of bicycle paths.  The Schlosshotel Steinburg is offering Wine and the City, 25 percent off regular rates through 2007.  €226 ($310) per person, double, includes two-nights lodging with breakfast buffet, picnic lunch including a bottle of Franconian sparkling wine, admission to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Würzburg Residenz palace, guided tour through the famous wine cellar beneath the palace (weekends only), ship ride to Veitshöchheim and a visit the famous rococo gardens and castle (April to November), and a five-course gourmet meal with wine tasting and wine diploma in the hotel’s castle restaurant.  Further information: www.steinburg.com/english  or e-mail Hotel@Steinburg.com.
-- The 1,000-year-old city of Potsdam, home to kings and artists for nearly as long, is offering three nights for the price of two at several of its hotels in July and August and on weekends in September, November and December.  The possibilities seem endless in this rich cultural setting - UNESCO heritage sites including the Sans Souci Palace and Gardens, the Neues Palais, the Cecilienhof Palace and the Babelsberg Palace and Gardens; the lush landscape of Lenné Gardens, Friendship Island and the Pleasure Garden; and the Baroque inner city with its Dutch Quarter, Old Guard House and Royal Stables. There’s also a lively downtown area with shops, theater and restaurants.  Further information: www.potsdam-tourism.com  or e-mail tourismus-service@potsdam.de.
Additional information and city links can be found at www.historicgermany.com.

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                                                Travel Tours

Spring In Antarctica: A Photographer's Dream
For those dreaming of genuine adventure, Antarctica has long been considered the last frontier. This pristine landscape of mountains and glaciers remains largely untouched by civilization. But concerns about the effects of climate change and global warming have moved Antarctica to the top of many travelers’ “places to go next” lists. For those most concerned about changes affecting the White Continent, traveling in November and early December – Spring in the Southern Hemisphere – offers a breathtaking experience of sea ice, glaciers and snow-covered islands, with dramatic and pristine ice sculptures. The combination and setting of colorful sunrises and sunsets with the ice, snow and water make this a photographer’s paradise.
In the Falkland Islands, spring flowers are blooming. On South Georgia Island, the shores are teeming with fur seal pups. In Antarctica, guests delight in the antics in the bustling penguin rookeries, where nest-building and pebble-stealing continue non-stop.
Early season pricing—a savings of up to 30 percent over December and January—makes November an exceptional value. Most cabins on these departures booked nine months in advance, but there are a limited number still available. Twenty-day departures November 6 -25 (from $7,995) and November 22 – December 11 (from $8,630). Website: http://www.abercrombiekent.com

International Expeditions Announces Early Bird Savings
Early birds get the worm and save $150 on any of International Expeditions’ scheduled departures in 2008.  Travelers can choose from compelling small-ship expeditions to the Amazon, Galapagos, Antarctica and West Africa or land journeys spanning the globe from Belize and Tikal to Panama, Egypt, India, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The promotional offer is valid for bookings made by June 30 2007, allowing guests to reap savings and secure themselves a spot on some of the most sought-after programs in nature travel. 
Some of the highlights for 2008 include bi-weekly departures to the upper tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon River, featuring visits with the local Ribereño villagers whom the company has helped support for more than 25 years.  On Galapagos Islands cruises next year International Expeditions and its guests will continue donating to the Galapagos Conservancy to help maintain the archipelago as one of the most prolific bird and marine life populations on the planet.  And, with its vast experience in developing ecotourism around the world, International Expeditions will launch bi-monthly departures in 2008 to Brazil’s remote Pantanal, referred by many wildlife enthusiasts as the new “holy grail” of nature travel.
Active, experienced travelers seeking new, interesting destinations; nature and wildlife aficionados; families; couples; singles; and photography enthusiasts can view International Expeditions’ 2008 Early Bird Vacation Planner at http://www.IEtravel.com
Those who book any 2008 itinerary by June 30, 2007, will enjoy $150 off regular published fares.
For more information call an International Expeditions destination specialist at 1-800-633-4734, see your travel agent or email nature@IEtravel.com . 

Tuscan Way Offers A Week Of Yoga And Opera At Its 18th-Century Villa
Tuscan Way, the nine-year-old company known for its Tuscan cooking vacations, is showcasing a seven-day yoga and wellness package, October 20-26, at Villa Poggiarello, an 18th-century villa surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills, medieval villages and natural parks, just outside Siena.  As a wonderful addition to the program, Tuscan Way has arranged for acclaimed lyric soprano, Karine Eva Darrah, to perform and lecture throughout the week, sharing her magnificent voice and depth of knowledge of both established and new operas. 
This extraordinary program, priced at the 2006 rate of $2,590 per person, double, provides a high level of personal attention to students along with a mixture of Eastern health principles (Ayurvedic & Chinese), delicious fresh Tuscan foods and the slower, arguably healthier lifestyle of Tuscan life.  The classes, ranging from hour-long meditations to instruction in Vinyassa and Hatha yoga, are taught by the renowned husband-wife yoga teaching team of Michi Holley & Brandon Jones, who run an acupuncture and yoga center in Hawaii and travel the world teaching yoga at resorts and to celebrities like Sting and John McEnroe.  
The all-inclusive trip includes accommodations in one of ten private apartments sleeping between two to six each; all meals (with vegetarian options); two hours per day of instructor-led Yoga in small groups; wine tasting at vineyards in Pienza, Montepulciano or Montalcino; daily guided excursions to Siena, Vetulonia, Montepescali, Roccatederughi, Porto Santo Stefano, Talmone, Porto Ercole and Castiglione; and transfers to/from Rome.
Tuscan Way participants are also introduced to La Cucina Povera Tuscana—the art of the traditional peasant’s style of using locally grown ingredients to prepare the freshest of dishes.  Romeo Innocenti, known throughout the area for his culinary talents, especially with certain Maremma seafood dishes, teaches optional hands-on cooking classes in an informal style, glasses of Carmignano and Chianti wines always within arm’s reach. 
Reservations, brochures and additional information can be obtained from Tuscan Way, 2829 Bird Avenue, PMB 242, Coconut Grove, FL, 33133; telephone (800) 766-2390 or (305) 598-8368, website: www.tuscanway.com.

Nordique Offers Its Popular Prague Package for as Little as $385
Nordique Tours is again offering a super value deal to Prague, its most popular package, beginning at $385 per person, double occupancy for midweek travel from October 29 through December 13, 2007. The package includes round-trip airfare to Prague with four nights of accommodations and daily breakfast at three star hotels such as the Hotel Apollo and Hotel Stirka.
The cost of the Prague package varies depending on the following US departure cities:
  -- $385 from New York (JFK)
  -- $395 from Boston
  -- $431 from Philadelphia
  -- $468 from Miami
  -- $488 from Chicago
  -- $489 from Atlanta
  -- $520 from Washington, DC
  -- $640 from Denver and Portland
  -- $661 from Los Angeles and San Francisco
Other travel times and dates are available at a higher cost. The package does not include airport taxes and fees of $299 per person. A two-hour city tour for $25 per person and airport transfer at $35 per person can also be arranged by Nordique Tours.
For more details about the Prague package, call Nordique Tours at 1-800-995-7997 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. PST) or visit http://www.nordiquetours.com.

Asia Transpacific Journeys Includes Calendar of Festivals
Asia Transpacific Journeys is at the forefront of what’s new and hot in Asia and the Pacific, yet also includes centuries-old rites and celebrations in its Small Group Trips and Custom Journeys programs.
Following are festivals coming up in Asia Transpacific Journeys 2007- 2008 calendar. For details on the trips surrounding these events, please see http://www.asiatranspacific.com .
-- July 2007 – Mongolia: the Naadam Festival was originally religious, but now celebrates Mongolian independence. It features "manly" activities including wrestling, archery and horse racing, although women now participate in the latter two. The Naadam in Ulaanbaatar is by far the most renowned in all of Mongolia: in a two-day stint you can witness the Flag Ceremony on the main square, the Opening Ceremony in the stadium, and the wrestling and archery competitions. Grab a seat for the famed horse racing in the surrounding countryside. In the evening witness a performance of Mongolian folk song and dance.
-- November 21-24, 2007—India: the Pushkar Camel Fair draws livestock traders from all over western India, but that isn't all. Like nearly every gathering, large and small across the country, the lunar calendar dictates the date of the festival, transforming a mere livestock show into an auspicious spiritual confluence of man and beast. There will be mystics and musicians, camel-wallahs and priests, and vendors plying their wares from the far corners of Rajasthan. It's a riot of color and activity, from sacred bathing rituals to camel races. Stay in a private tented camp, which provides a comfortable and secure haven for your two nights here.
-- November 23-24, 2007 – Thailand: Loy Krathong is known as the festival of lights. Thailand’s most colorful festival, falling on the first full moon each November, will take place Nov 23-24, 2007.  At noon boat races are held along the Ping River. This special festival will allow visitors to see the graceful longboats gliding through the water, straining neck to neck for the finish line. In the evening, as the sun falls, pilgrims launch thousands of tiny banana-leaf boats, each carrying a single candle. This is a delicate and mystical scene, enhanced by the light of the full moon.
-- January 2008 –Myanmar (Burma): Ananda Temple Festival in Bagan is feted for one month, coinciding with the January full moon. The temple, already stunning in the daytime setting, takes on a spectacular radiance in the glow of carnival lights. Entire villages arrive in caravans of covered carts, bringing bedding, cooking pots and dry rations, while rafts bearing pottery and other household goods float downstream toward the fair. The approach to the Ananda Temple is then lined with stall after stall selling a variety of goods for sale, from household knickknacks to huge jars to delicious sweet and savory delights.
Trips range from 14-17 days for Small Group Trips (maximum 16 guests) and cost from $4,395 per person (depending on destination) for land costs that include highest end accommodations, nearly all meals, transfers, visa fees, tips, entrance fees, medical and emergency insurance and a comprehensive pre-departure packet. Asia Transpacific Journeys can also arrange international air through its in-house air department.
Asia Transpacific Journeys has been crafting private Custom Journeys and Small Group Trips to the Asia/Pacific region since 1987.

Sanctuary Lodges & Camps to Redefine Luxury in Zambia
Sanctuary Lodges & Camps is expanding into Zambia with the purchase of a circuit of five safari camps and lodges in the country’s most outstanding wildlife parks. Founded by Abercrombie & Kent to operate on an environmentally sustainable basis, Sanctuary Lodges & Camps include Olonana in Kenya’s Masai Mara; Swala in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park and Kusini in the Serengeti; Gorilla Forest Camp in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; and four properties in Botswana…Chief’s Camp, Chobe Chilwero, Stanley’s Camp and Baines’ Camp.
The Sanctuary portfolio in Zambia includes:
- Romantic Sussi Lodge is built among huge ebony trees, just upstream from Victoria Falls in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. The 10 luxury tree houses have private views of the Zambezi River. Chuma House is an exclusive two bedroom villa located near the lodge.
- Lechwe Plains Tented Camp in the Lochinvar National Park, north of Lusaka, is a photographer's paradise. Located on the Chunga Lagoon, this World Heritage Wetland offers incredible birdlife and tens of thousands of Kafue Lechwe (antelope), an aquatic antelope of exceptional grace.
- Kulefu Tented Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park is on the wildest stretch of the Zambezi. Eight spacious tents are set on platforms at the river’s edge.
- Puku Ridge Tented Camp in the South Luangwa National Park is a real wilderness experience under canvas with exciting wildlife opportunities. This superb property is located on a ridge overlooking game rich floodplains.
- Chichele Presidential Lodge was originally built by President Kaunda and refurbished as an early colonial "Gentleman's Lodge". The hilltop setting in South Luangwa National Park overlooks plains teeming with wildlife.
Abercrombie & Kent reinvented the concept of safari lodging in 2000 with the introduction of Sanctuary Lodges & Camps. Sanctuary shares the economic benefits from upscale tourism with the indigenous population, to encourage the preservation and protection of natural habitats.
Website: www.abercrombiekent.com

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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.  

Passports: Please refer to Note on Passports at the end of this section for the latest developments in passport requirements.

-- 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. The website also provides information on Avian Flu per country and any other endangerment issues such as child abduction.

NOTE:  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 the US Transportation Security website at  http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm   or the US Dept. of Homeland Security website at http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec.

Travel Health Warnings can be obtained from from the US Government Printing Office Health Information for International Travel by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which gives a global rundown of disease and immunization advice and other health guidance, including risks in particular countries. The CDC maintains the international travelers hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), an automated faxback service at 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299) and a website at http://www.cdc.gov. CDC’s Traveler’s Letter is at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.
For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad as well as medical inoculations, as well as other travel-health information, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en .

 

NOTE ON PASSPORTS  
The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced June 8, 2007 that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government-issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.  The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was mandated by Congress in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for citizens and legitimate international visitors.  WHTI requirements for air travel took effect on January 23, 2007. 
Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State.  Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child’s proof of application.  Travelers who have not applied for a passport should not expect to be accommodated.  US citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html .
This accommodation does not affect entry requirements to other countries.  Americans traveling to a country that requires passports must still present those documents. 
Since implementation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has and will continue to exercise its current authorities in unique circumstances to allow individuals subject to the WHTI requirements into the United States based on other evidence of identity and citizenship.
As early as January 2008, the departments will begin to implement WHTI at land and sea ports of entry.  A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking outlining a phased implementation is expected to be published in the Federal Register within the next two weeks.
Travel document security remains a top priority for the U.S. Government.  Both the 9/11 Commission and the U.S. Congress urged strengthening of travel documents to prevent entry of terrorists across our borders, reduce use of fraudulent documents, and speed up entry procedures.
If you would like to request the status of your application by email, please go to the  National Passport Information Center - Passport Status Inquiry.
                                               
A new website, www.GetAPassportNow.com  was established by the travel industry to inform travelers about new passport requirements and to help them get passports.