April 6th 2012 · Read More · Comments Off
North America's diverse and iconic landscapes await this spring and summer with limited time savings of up to $600 per couple on select departures for Guided Vacations, including family itineraries. Book by April 30 and save.
All guided vacations include airport transfers, land transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, professional tour director, local guides, sightseeing, exclusive activities, Just 4 Kids Surprise Pack on designated family vacations and more.
Sample Offers:
7 Day Canadian Rockies Vacation from $1,450
Traveling roundtrip Calgary visiting Icefields Parkway, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff, Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake
8 Day Wild West, Cowboys & Buffalos Family Vacation from $1,575
Traveling from Salt Lake City to Denver visiting Jackson, Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks, Cody, Ranch at Ucross, Crazy Horse, Keystone, Black Hills, Fort Laramie
8 Day California Dreamin’ Family Vacation from $1,799
Traveling roundtrip from San Francisco visiting Gold Country, Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake, Yosemite National Park, San Juan Bautista, Carmel, Monterey, Roaring Camp
14 Day East Coast USA & Canada Vacation from $2,875
Traveling roundtrip New York City visiting Philadelphia, Washington DC, Amish Country, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Franconia Notch, Boston, Newport
Prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Offer is valid on selected travel for May and June 2012 departures only. Offer is not combinable with Last Minute Deals, groups, or Early Payment Discounts. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Reservations must be made by April 30, 2012.
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April 2nd 2012 · Read More · Comments Off
We have all seen the fabulous travel photos of people and places around the world taken by professional travel photographers and wonder why our own vacation photos just can’t capture the same emotions we have experienced on our journeys. Now you can. Here are some basic tips from professional travel photographers to help you capture your vacations in full color.
The Big Picture – Look at the whole frame and use the space effectively. Ask yourself “If I were painting this scene, what would I include? What would I exclude?” Treat the camera sensor or the piece of film you are about to expose as your canvas.
Depth of Field – Shooting with a minimal depth of field can be dramatic for close-up portraits whereas a maximum depth of field can create its own unique perspectives especially for dramatic architectural shots. It’s important to remember that when you look through an SLR camera you are seeing the lens at its widest aperture, which translates as its shallowest depth of field. This lets in the maximum amount of light, which gives a bright viewfinder and allows for easy focus.
Time of Day – Early morning and late afternoon have always been the favorite times for professional travel photographers to shoot. During the middle hours of the day is a great time to photograph people in open shade or to explore museums and other interior locations.
To Flash or Not to Flash – When traveling, especially in group situations, it’s not always possible to be at the right place at the right time in terms of ideal ambient light. The use of a flash can reduce or eliminate harsh shadows under the eyes that are often referred to as raccoon eyes. Use a slight warming gel over the flash head in the morning or afternoon to create a correct color balance.
Shooting Contre Jour – The French expression “contre jour” translates as “against the day.” Shooting with the sun behind the subject eliminates harsh shadows and keeps people from squinting. This technique requires a lens shade and at times a hand to help block the direct light hitting the lens. Without a shade, a lens flare can occur or at the very least a flattening or dulling of the colors in the scene will result.
Night Exposures – Many cities thrive at night and bring a completely different dimension to the travel experience. For cityscapes and architecture use a low ISO, lockdown the camera on a sturdy tripod, lock up the mirror, and use a cable release.
Low Light – When photographing people in low light or nighttime situations, use either a flash or a higher ISO with “fast” lenses. This will alleviate a grainy photo. Shooting without flash is often required when photographing shows and in museums. The use of fast lenses can capture the feeling of what the person in charge of lighting was trying to create.
Silhouettes – Creative silhouettes can be created at any time of day by finding a camera position that puts the subject of the shot against a bright background and adjusting the exposure controls. It’s vital to have a strong contrast between the background and the object or subject you are trying to silhouette.
Environmental Portraits – Portraits of people in their environment adds an important human element to any travel story. Use medium to wider lenses for this type of photograph with the goal of creating an image that transmits emotional content and engagement with the subject. Make sure that the elements of the environment are not being blocked or too out of focus to not be recognizable.
The Travel Photo Essay – Look for stories that give the viewer an inside look into a culture by focusing on a person, a ritual, an aspect of history and more. The best photo essays are often the ones that come from a personal interest.
Presentation – Your work is not complete until the images from the trip are put in a form that you and others can appreciate. There are a multitude of online companies that will assist you in creating a coffee-table style photo book that you can enjoy and share with others.
March 21st 2012 · Read More · Comments Off
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is marking its 20th Anniversary this summer with a special collection of sailings in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Alaska.
Ranging from seven to 14 nights, these commemorative sailings on each of the line’s three all-suite ships – Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Navigator – include an array of surprises for guests. Depending on the cruise, travelers can enjoy bonus savings of up to $8,000 per suite when booked by March 31, 2012.
In honor of this two-decade milestone, guests will also receive specially designed luggage tags and commemorative pins, and a gala 20th Anniversary dinner will be hosted on each voyage. As with all Regent Seven Seas Cruises sailings, guests enjoy unlimited and complimentary shore excursions in every port.
Guests on two sailings will be joined by Regent Seven Seas Cruises' president Mark Conroy, who holds the distinction of being the longest-standing president of any cruise line. At the helm of the line since 1992, Conroy will celebrate the occasion with guests aboard Seven Seas Mariner on the 10-night sailing from Rome to Istanbul departing June 16 and then again on the 14-night sailing from Lisbon to Venice departing Aug. 23. Guests will also receive an engraved crystal Tiffany plate, which will be showcased as part of an onboard display and sent to guests upon their return home.
Depending on the departure date, guests in suite categories D-H can upgrade to Business Class air on transatlantic flights for $499 or $999 per person, each way, if reservations are made by March 31, 2012. Guests in Penthouse and higher suites receive free Business Class air. For reservations, call eTravel Unlimited at 888-770-9225.
Sample of 20th Anniversary Commemorative Sailings:
10 Night Celtic Charms from $8,794
Sailing June 3, 2012 from Southampton to Reykjavik with calls at ports in England, Ireland, and Iceland with up to 35 complimentary shore excursions available. Business Class air $999 per person, each way.
10 Night President’s Cruise ~ Classical Collection from $7,409
Sailing June 16, 2012 from Rome to Istanbul via ports in Italy, Malta, the Greek Isles, and Turkey. Up to 43 complimentary shore excursions are available. Business Class air $999 per person, each way.
7 Night Jewels of the Baltic and Scandinavian Sojourn from $6,635
Sailing July 22 and Aug 8, 2012 from Stockholm to Copenhagen with visits to Helsinki; Tallinn, Estonia; Visby, Sweden; Berlin and Copenhagen, with an overnight call in St. Petersburg. Up to 35 free shore excursions available. Business Class air upgrades per person, each way are $999 on July 22 and $499 on Aug 8 departures.
12 Night West Coast Passage from $7,233
Sailing Aug 22, 2012 from Vancouver to San Francisco, offering up to 67 complimentary shore excursions throughout Alaska, Oregon, and Western Canada. Scenic highlights include cruising the Inside Passage and Outside Passage.
14 Night President’s Cruise ~ Renaissance Rhapsody from $8,752
Sailing Aug 23, 2012 from Lisbon with calls at ports in Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, and Croatia. Includes an overnight in Venice prior to disembarkation, as well as up to 49 complimentary shore excursions to choose from. Business Class air just $499 per person, each way.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice. Air Inclusive Program applies to economy, roundtrip flights only from select U.S. & Canadian gateways. Advertised fare includes all air surcharges, airline fees and government taxes. Some airline-imposed personal charges, including but not limited to baggage, priority boarding, and special seating, may apply. Air routing, scheduling and air carrier are at the discretion of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Air Inclusive Program and Air Upgrade Offers are not combinable with 3rd and/or 4th guests in a suite. Reservations must be made by Mar 31, 2012. Ships’ Registry: Bahamas.
March 16th 2012 · Read More · Comments Off
The National Federation of the Blind in South Carolina is hosting it's first fundraising cruise to the Bahamas, in coordination with Carnival Cruise Lines and eTravel Unlimited. Carnival cruises will donate $25 for each guest who sails on this specially designated cruise and books directly with eTravel Unlimited.
The National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.
By supporting the National Federation of the Blind, you can help make a significant difference in the lives of blind people across the country. Join the NFB of South Carolina as it sails to the pink-sand beaches and crystalline turquoise seas of the Bahamas. For reservations, call eTravel Unlimited at 888-770-9224 or book online.
5 Day NFB of South Carolina Bahamas Fundraising Cruise from $319
Sailing Jan 14, 2013 on the Carnival Fantasy roundtrip from Charleston visiting Nassau and Freeport
Includes $25 donation from Carnival Cruises to the National Federation of the Blind in South Carolina
Carnival Fantasy offers resort-style pool, Carnival WaterWorks, City Sports Park, Serenity Adults-Only Retreat, Spa Carnival, programs and exclusive clubs for children, tweens and teens, Specialty Dining and more.
Prices are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Government taxes and fees of $89.97 per person are additional. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice. Carnival reserves the right to reinstate the fuel supplement fee for all travelers at up to $9 per person per day if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel. Ship's Registry: Panama
March 13th 2012 · Read More · Comments Off
Cunard Line has made the necessary legal changes to its ships' registries to allow onboard weddings as it prepares to offer wedding packages to cruisers beginning in April. All three of Cunard's ships will allow a single wedding each day at sea, arranged by a wedding coordinator.
The line changed the registry of its ships, the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Victoria, from England to Bermuda because English law requires that weddings be performed in a publicly accessible place.
A basic wedding package will cost $2,500, plus a marriage license fee of $575 which includes the venue, ceremony by ship's captain, floral arrangements, wedding cake, music, champagne and breakfast in bed for the bride and groom, among other items. Additional amenities can be purchased and added to the package.
March 12th 2012 · Read More · Comments Off
The magic of Italy comes to life as your family visits Venice, Florence and Rome with Collette Family Vacations. Experience the legendary Colosseum then step into the past at the Roman Gladiator School. Watch how Murano glass is made and enjoy a scavenger hunt on Venice’s narrow streets. Learn the art of making authentic pizza and taste Italy’s sweetest treasure – gelato!
For reservations, call eTravel Unlimited at 888-770-9225.
9 Day Italy Family Discovery Tour from $2,299 adult, $1,749 child
Traveling from Venice to Rome, visiting Murano Island, Florence, and Pisa. Tour includes accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, exclusive interactive activities for the entire family, meals, professional tour managers, and more
Prices are per person, based on 2 adults plus one or two children, and are subject to availability. Child rates are valid for children ages 4 to 14. Government taxes and fees are additional. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies. International airfare is additional. Offer may be withdrawn without notice. Certain restrictions may apply.
March 8th 2012 · Read More · Comments Off
On Saturday, March 10, 2012 Passport Services around the country will be open for Passport Day in the USA 2012. This is a once per year opportunity for any and every U.S. citizen that is entitled to a U.S. Passport, and who is thinking of traveling abroad, to come in to Passport Agency’s around the country to apply.
Passport Agency’s are open Monday through Friday, so if you work or have children who attend school during the week, this Saturday will be a great opportunity to apply or renew your passports. Plus, you will save the $60 expedited service fee required by all applicants applying at Counter Agency’s around the country.
U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government.
Information on how to apply for a U.S. passport is available at travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.
March 5th 2012 · Read More · Comments Off
Airfares jolt up and down like a plane caught in turbulence. The airlines use computer systems to calculate ticket prices based on a complicated mix of factors, including competition, demand, the state of the economy, seasonality, taxes and more. It’s nearly impossible to predict exactly where ticket prices will fall on any given day of the year. A quick search on the web can result in hundreds of fares from point A to point B on one given day. However, there are basic models to follow which can help you figure out when a potential flight will cost top dollar or when you can fly for a song.
Spring Break: Peak travel dates vary widely by destination, however it’s safe to say most colleges and universities have spring break in March and school-age children have spring break around Easter. This year, spring break starts as early as Feb 20 and lasts until April 6. Watch out for higher fares to beach and family destinations like Florida and the Caribbean during this time. To get a better idea of dates to avoid, check out the chart on Trip Smarter, which outlines the 2012 spring break dates for American colleges and universities in your area.
Summer: Summer is high season for a wide variety of destinations and accordingly, fares are driven higher by demand. The crest of summer travel is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, during which fares to most U.S., Canadian and European destinations are at their peak. Great deals can be had to low season destinations like U.S. mountain towns, the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, Costa Rica, and lots of spots in the Southern Hemisphere like Australia and New Zealand.
Thanksgiving: Peak travel dates are pretty cut and dry year after year, as the holiday always falls on the fourth Thursday of November. The period from Wednesday through Sunday around Thanksgiving wins the award for busiest travel time of the year. The dates that can save you the most money are if you can either depart on Thanksgiving Day or return the day after Thanksgiving.
Christmas and New Year's: The Christmas and New Year's holiday travel window is more or less a 17-day period that overlaps the two holidays by about five or six days. Peak days always depend on when the weekends fall in relation to the holidays, since lots of people want to travel over convenient long weekends. The cheapest fares are seen departing Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the days immediately following the holiday as long as they don’t fall on a weekend.
Winter & Low Season: Here's a hard, fast and simple rule: the best days to fly are low-season, shoulder-season or non-holiday travel dates. This will vary based on your destination, largely because of weather. Look for amazingly cheap tickets to places that draw big crowds in summer, like Europe, Canada and most domestic destinations (except ski towns, Florida and Hawaii). Excluding spring break and Thanksgiving, spring and autumn are also excellent occasions to find low-priced shoulder-season fares to these destinations.
Wednesday: It’s impossible to predict what the single cheapest day of the year to fly will be. However, travel experts generally agree on the cheapest travel day of the week. There's something about Wednesday, that mid-week hump, which draws, on average, the lowest fares.
Tuesdays and Saturdays: The next cheapest days of the week to fly are Tuesday and Saturday. Saturday might sound like a popular — hence expensive — day to fly. But in truth, most travelers prefer to come back from vacation on Sunday or even Monday. If you're eyeing a Saturday flight, however, watch out for weekend surcharges, which some airlines tack onto ticket prices for Friday, Saturday and Sunday departures or may require a Saturday stay.
March 1st 2012 · Read More · Comments Off
The world's first national park came into existence on this date in 1872 when US President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law an act establishing Yellowstone National Park. The park is located largely in the state of Wyoming, but extends into Montana and Idaho. Widely known for its geothermal springs and geysers, Yellowstone sits atop a large volcanic stratum. Many unique and once endangered species of animal make their home in the park including grizzly bears, wolves and bison.
Yellowstone is open every day of the year. Most entrances (except the North and North East entrances) close in November to automobile traffic while roads are being prepared for the winter season's snowcoach and snowmobile traffic and again in late March and early April to clear the roads for the summer season. Interior park roads are only open to over-snow vehicles during the winter season.
The park offers many activities from fishing, biking and cross country skiing to Ranger-led programs and Institute courses, depending on the season. Entrance and special activity permits are required. For up-to-date information visit the National Park Service website.
In-park lodging includes rustic to luxury accommodations at hotels, cabins, campgrounds and RV parks. Reservations are required and can be made through Xanterra Parks and Resorts.
February 22nd 2012 · Read More · Comments Off
Take advantage of these last minute specials to Mexico that includes roundtrip airfare from Denver, hotel accommodations and more. But hurry, these offers won’t last long. For reservations, call eTravel Unlimited at 888-770-9225.
Sample Offers:
3 Nights Hotel Playa Mazatlan from $699
Includes roundtrip airfare from Denver, garden view accommodations and kids 11 and younger stay free
3 Nights Riu Vallarta All-Inclusive from $796
Includes roundtrip airfare from Denver, standard accommodations, all meals, unlimited beverages, activities and more
3 Nights Occidental Grand Xcaret All-Inclusive from $825
Includes roundtrip airfare from Denver, deluxe accommodations, all meals, unlimited beverages, activities and more
3 Nights Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas All-Inclusive from $939
Includes roundtrip airfare from Denver, deluxe oceanfront accommodations, all meals, unlimited beverages, activities and more
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. Prices shown include government-imposed taxes and fees. Additional airline restrictions, including, but not limited to fees of up to $43 per bag for the first checked bag and up to $75 per bag for a second checked bag, standby policies and fees, non-refundable tickets and change fees with pre-flight notification deadlines may apply. Fees and policies vary among airlines and are subject to change without notice. Offer valid for travel on select Monday departures through March 26, 2012.
