January 3rd 2012 · Read More · No Comments
As always, some places will stand out above the rest when it comes to unforgettable things to do and see. But here are some suggestions from the experts.
England: The royal wedding made it one of the world's most buzzed about destinations this year, but England is about to get even hotter. The country will celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee — marking her 60 years on the throne — with a river pageant on the Thames and a concert at Buckingham Palace at the beginning of June. Then all eyes will be on London as it hosts the Summer Olympic Games in July and August, and the Paralympic Games in August and September. There will be festivals, tours, performances and exhibitions to mark the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens.
World of Maya: Some see it as an approaching apocalypse, others as the beginning of a new era. Whatever your beliefs are about December 21, 2012, interest is skyrocketing in the Maya, the ancient civilization known for the great cities it left behind in Mexico and Central America. The date marks the end of a 5,126-year cycle on the Long Count calendar developed by the Maya, and there will be events on the occasion in Belize, Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras.
Chicago: The Windy City will be prominent on the world stage in 2012, hosting the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in April, and both the NATO and Group of Eight summits in May. Golf fans will also descend on a country club just outside the city for the Ryder Cup in September. But even if you're not planning to be there for any big event, Chicago is ready for an influx of visitors from all over the world during 2012.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: What's not to like about a tropical paradise that bills itself as "one destination, 32 gorgeous Caribbean islands"? Located between St. Lucia and Grenada, this island chain has long drawn stars and vacationers with deep pockets, but it will become more accessible to a wider range of travelers thanks to a $240 million airport scheduled to open on St. Vincent.
The Netherlands: Flower lovers who flock to the country's stunning fields of tulips and who have made the colorful Keukenhof gardens one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands will get an extra treat in 2012 at the Floriade. The horticultural expo, staged once every 10 years, showcases the world's best flowers, plants, trees, fruits and vegetables. It actually runs from April all the way through October, so there's plenty of time to visit.
Atlantic Canada: Canada's Maritime Provinces are always a beautiful destination, but the region will be in the spotlight in 2012 as it commemorates its connection to the Titanic and the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking. After the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, three ships were dispatched from Halifax, Nova Scotia — the closest major port — to bring back the bodies of the victims. Some of the passengers were laid to rest in the city's cemeteries. Halifax is planning lots of events to mark the anniversary, including a town parade, concerts and a film festival. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic — which has a huge collection of wooden Titanic artifacts, including a deck chair — will have a temporary exhibit on the crews involved in the Titanic recovery effort.
Orlando: Known for its amusement parks, local residents believe the parks have no connection to the city itself. The metropolis most people breeze by as they head to Disney World will transform into celebrity central as it hosts the 61st NBA All-Star Game in February. While there, check out the city's lakes, museums and scenic neighborhoods, including the bohemian Milk District.
December 13th 2011 · Read More · No Comments
Are you looking for something different, something exciting – a travel experience unlike any your friends have had? Look no further. Experience one of four exclusive travel packages which combine themed, small group sightseeing, private gala events and stays at some of the area's best accommodations. Perfect for experiencing "something different."
Each exclusive Tauck special event tours includes land tranportation, accommodations, professional tour director, local guides, baggage handling, gratuities, meals, admissions, private events, sightseeing, activities and more.
For reservations, call eTravel Unlimited at 888-770-9225.
Sample Offers:
Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby from $5,390
May 2 – 6, 2012, limited to 200 guests
An exclusive event celebrating the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby, where guests view the Derby as a VIP from the best vantage point Tauck’s guests have ever enjoyed – our private Trackside Village unit on the famous First Turn at Churchill Downs. Guests have a choice of two itineraries for the days preceding the Kentucky Derby: Bluegrass Country, focusing on the historic traditions of Lexington and the Bluegrass region or Thoroughbred World, perfect for horse enthusiasts, includes admission to the Kentucky Oaks
Tauck Civil War Event, a Ken Burns Event from $3,990
May 20 – 24 and October 14 – 18
Co-crafted by Tauck and documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, guests go “inside” Washington, DC for an in-depth look at the war that ultimately decided who we are as a nation. Featuring three gala events at key Washington museums, The Tauck Civil War Event is highlighted by a keynote address and an opportunity to meet Ken Burns. This event in 2011 sold out quickly, reserve early.
Culturious Costa Rica from $2,780
Mar 19 – Dec 21, 2012, limited to 17 guests for each departure date
Culturally immersive small group active travel featuring horseback riding on a 200-acre working ranch, kayak along the mangrove estuaries, raft on Class III whaitewater rapids on the Rio Pacure, learn culinary secrets of Costa Rican fare, zip-line through a cloud forest, swim under a waterfall, hike along the lunar landscape of Irazu Volcano, enjoy a scenic private flight from Tambor to San Jose.
Culturious Provence from $3,990
Apr 15 – Oct 14, 2012, limited to 22 guests for each departure date
Culturally immersive small group active travel featuring market visit in Avignon to select fresh ingredients for a chef-hosted cooking class, sample locally produced olive oil at a visit to an olive oil mill, learn the finer points of wine tasting with a local sommelier, meet Vincent Van Gogh through the eyes of a learned scholar, walk in the footsteps of post-Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne, play a game of boules in Joucas with the locals, picnic in a tranquil lavendar meadow at Abbaye de Senanque, experience a sensorial tasting and tour at a truffle museum, walk atop the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Hertiage Site
Prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Limited departure dates due to exclusivity of tours and events. Government departure taxes additional where applicable. Offers are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice.
December 12th 2011 · Read More · No Comments
Does it feel a tad naughty to treat yourself during the holiday season? Consider this Napa Valley travel package therapeutic or merely sanity-saving. Milliken Creek Inn & Spa’s prescription for surviving holiday madness is the promise of a brief, serenity-inducing escape.
The Refresh Package at Milliken Creek Inn & Spa is surely the nicest thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. Forget time and allow yourself to be pampered.
The Refresh Package at Milliken Creek Inn & Spa from $199
Includes one night’s accommodations, $75 credit (per night) towards a decadent spa treatment of your choice, gourmet breakfast for two each morning served in your room or anywhere on property your desire, daily sunset Magic Hour wine and cheese reception, concierge assistance in planning your day or evening in Napa Valley, guest passes to Synergy Wellness & Fitness Center, complimentary late-night cordial bar
Price is per person, per night, based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Offer is valid Sunday through Thursday for travel Dec 1, 2011 through Jan 31, 2012. Additional nights can be added to the package. Offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Spa credit is per day and cannot be combined on a single treatment.
December 9th 2011 · Read More · No Comments
American Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection to cut labor costs in the face of high fuel prices and dampened travel demand, capping a prolonged descent for what was once the largest U.S. carrier.
AMR Corp, the parent of American Airlines, also filed for bankruptcy and replaced its chief executive. The company, which employs about 88,000, has been mired for years in fruitless union negotiations, complaining that it shoulders higher labor costs than rival domestic and foreign carriers that have already restructured in bankruptcy.
United Continental Holdings Inc's United Airlines and Delta Air Lines Inc, both of which used Chapter 11 to cut costs and later found merger partners, are now the largest U.S. carriers. American ranks third and operates out of five major hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, and Miami.
American plans to operate normally while in bankruptcy and said it would remain an active member of the oneworld global airline alliance. However, the Chapter 11 filing could punch a hole in the pensions of roughly 130,000 workers and retirees.
For most of the 240,000 passengers who fly American Airlines each day, the airline's bankruptcy filing should have little noticeable impact. American continues to operate flights, honor tickets and take reservations. It says its frequent-flier program will be unaffected.
There is little confirmation of how the airline plans to proceed in the 18 months during the restructuring period. However, analysts speculate that US Airways, among others, will make a bid to merge with American Airlines. It could reclaim the perch of being the world’s biggest carrier, or come very close to it, by merging with US Airways. The combined company would leapfrog over Delta Air Lines Inc. and would rival United Continental Holdings Inc. for first place in passenger traffic.
US Airways is big enough to add meaningful bulk to American's network. American would add US Airways hubs in Phoenix, Charlotte, N.C., and Philadelphia. US Airways is strong in the Southwest and the Southeast, where American is relatively weak.
American's fate is in the hands of its creditors and the bankruptcy judge. More consolidation would reduce competition and likely lead to higher fares for consumers. This would help airline profits, but the companies might benefit even if American and US Airways remain independent.
December 8th 2011 · Read More · No Comments
Every holiday travel season, TSA prepares its workforce of 50,000 Transportation Security Officers to ensure a smooth holiday travel experience for travelers. Just in time for the busy holiday travel season, TSA has implemented some major changes.
Children 12 and under are now able to leave their shoes on through security checkpoints. Pat-downs of children 12 and under that would otherwise have been conducted to resolve alarms will be reduced, allowing them to pass through the screener a few times, or trace detection can be used to solve the problem in consultation with parents or guardians.
Full body scanners at airports nationwide are now using new software to further enhance privacy protections by eliminating the image of an actual passenger and replacing it with a generic outline of a person. This technology increases efficiency of the screening process, is safe for all travelers, and passengers are now able to view the same outline that the TSA officer sees.
Laptops are allowed to remain in laptop bags that meet new "checkpoint friendly" guidelines to streamline the security process. Security friendly bags should have a designated laptop-only section, completely unfolds to lie flat on the x-ray belt, with no snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section. Nothing else should be packed in the laptop-only section other than the computer itself.
For more information on TSA traveler requirements visit TSA Traveler Assistant.
For 24/7 access to the most commonly requested TSA information, download MyTSA mobile app for any mobile device.
Or download TSA's Helpful Hints for Holiday Travelers Checklist.
December 6th 2011 · Read More · No Comments
For a limited time, kids can sail free to the Mexican Riviera on Disney Cruise Line. Enjoy the beauty and fun of the Baja California and Mexican coasts on a voyage filled with unmatched Disney entertainment, legendary service and magic for everyone of every age. For reservations, call eTravel Unlimited at 888-770-9225.
Kids 17 and under sail free when traveling with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom on the Mexican Riviera sailing departing Jan 29, 2012.
Offer is available in stateroom categories 4A-10C for the Jan 29, 2012 sailing only. Offer is subject to availability and capacity controlled and can be withdrawn without notice.
December 2nd 2011 · Read More · No Comments
Can't decide between an ocean or river cruise in Europe in 2012? How about doing both in one big tour? Princess Cruises is once again teaming up with Avalon Waterways to offer a multi-week trip that combines both types of Europe cruising.
Princess' new 18-night Timeless Cities of the Rhine River cruisetour pairs an 11-night Princess cruise to Scandinavia and Russia with a seven-night Avalon cruise on the Rhine River from Basel to Amsterdam.
The Princess cruise will be aboard the 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess and include stops in several Baltic port towns. The Avalon cruise will be aboard the 138-passenger Avalon Felicity or 128-passenger Avalon Visionary and include stops in Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Mainz, Rüdesheim, Koblenz and Cologne.
November 16th 2011 · Read More · No Comments
Experience the exhilaration of a real rocket launch with America's favorite science guy, Bill Nye, as he returns to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rocket launch on November 25. Bill Nye will be sharing a special presentation titled "Martian Curiosity May Change the World" at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. EST in the IMAX Theater. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
On November 25, the MSL launch is scheduled for 10:25 a.m. with a window of opportunity lasting until 12:08 p.m. EST. The MSL mission features the Curiosity Rover, which is key in assessing the capability of Mars environment to support microbial life.
A special exhibit dedicated to Mars rovers will also be available to guests. For more information regarding MSL launch tickets and activities click here.
November 9th 2011 · Read More · No Comments
Successful winter travel is all about successful navigation of winter weather. Here are some tips, tactics and ideas to help you avoid spending your winter stuck in airports.
Fly non-stop whenever possible. If you have no alternative but to fly with a connection, try to connect through a southern city that rarely sees ice or snow. Watch your layover times carefully. With a tight connection time, weather delays may cause you to miss your next flight. Notify your flight attendant if your flight is running late as they may be able to get you to your connection quicker.
Choose a morning flight, for two reasons. First, your flight is less likely to be affected by problems at other airports. Second, if your flight is cancelled or badly delayed, the odds of getting on a different flight by the end of the day are greatly improved.
Consider alternate airports. Very often the problem is not solely weather concerns, but the overall volume at the airport. For holiday travel, don’t wrap gifts. Security will have you upwrap them whether they are in your carry-on or checked luggage. Consider shipping your gifts ahead of time. Avoid peak travel dates as best you can, particularly holiday weekends. Consider traveling a day or two before or after those peak days.
November 7th 2011 · Read More · No Comments
Seattle-based American Safari Cruises, long known for its intimate, wildlife- and nature-focused sailings in Southeast Alaska, is kicking off its first Hawaii trips on one of its three small yachts.
The line's 36-passenger Safari Explorer will operate a series of 24 voyages between Lanai and the Big Island through May 2012 before heading back to Alaska for the summer season. The seven- and 10-night trips include stops in Maui as well as the little-visited Hawaiian islands of Lanai, Molokai and Molokini.
American Safari is promising an off-the-beaten-path and culturally-rich experience as the Safari Explorer ties up in places that see just a small fraction of the tourists that travel to Hawaii's big resort areas.
Among the activities planned for American Safari passengers is a visit to a waterfall in Molokai's pristine Halawa Valley with a local resident whose family has been on the island for dozens of generations. On Maui, passengers will have the option of an early morning tour to catch the sunrise from atop the island's 10,000-foot-high Haleakala Crater. At Molokini, passengers can drift snorkel at a nearly submerged crater, go dolphin and whale watching off the coast of Hawaii's Big Island and snorkeling near Kealakekua Bay.
Fares start at $4,995 per person for the seven-night voyage and $6,495 for the 10-night cruise, both based on double occupancy. The fares include the cost of excursions, transfers; wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees.
