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| Mike looks at your rights as a traveler (yea, you actually have some!) and other information to help you through the legal maze facing those who take to the road for business or pleasure.
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| Being informed about the country you are traveling to, flying on established airlines, and being inconspicuous are a few of the top ten ways of protecting yourself and your family while traveling overseas, according the Vance, a global investigation and security firm. [Full Story] |
| And you thought Italy only offered awesome wine and pasta. Nowadays, you can indulge in La Dolce Vita in the form of chocolate too (two passions and one tour -who could ask for more?). Indulge your sweet tooth and your senses in this ultimate chocolate tour with help from the ultimate gourmet candy gurus at Cocoa & Co who have created the essential chocolate tour through Tuscany. [Full Story] |
| It's reggae and in Jamaica nothing spells it better than the much loved Bob Marley. In remembrance of Marley, who would be 60 years old this year, record mogul Chris Blackwell is announcing the exclusive 'One Love' vacation package at his four ever-popular Island Outpost properties.
[Full Story] |
| Everything they say about southern California really is true and even more so in sunny San Diego. In fact, there is just so much to do you might not know where start. Here's a suggestion; dig your toes into the sand, catch a wave and watch the moon rise above the surf in San Diego and just in time for spring. [Full Story] |
| Looking for some independence from the crazy world of airline red tape nowadays? Unravel yourself on Independence Air. This Dulles-based new airline is offering more than 700 daily flights to 50 destinations. Following in the long line of discount carriers, Independence Air is growing rapidly and already adding service to Palm Beach this month and to the west coast in April and May.
[Full Story] |
| It was a phrased coined in the 80s, but it seems to be making comeback. 'What sign are you?' is as common a question at the Kohala Sports Club & Spa nowadays as the standard "Will you have cream with your coffee?" [Full Story] |
| Duluth Trading Company has long been known for tough equipment for tough guys. Their tool bags and work clothing have become famous for holding up against almost anything you can throw at them. When I heard that they had a new line of luggage, I was immediately interested.
[Full Story] |
| Aloha! Hawaiian Airlines takes the top honors in all major categories by the Department of Transportation. The governmental agency rated the airline number one in punctuality, baggage handling, and boarding reliability and in the top fine in the area of consumer complaints. Overall, they were ahead of all other surveyed airlines. [Full Story] |
| Hold onto your toga, National Lampoon is making Spring Break even crazier (if that's possible) in both Las Vegas and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Whether it's a 'food fight,' or all night poker tournament, the new travel division of National Lampoon is looking to make sure Spring Break is shaken, not stirred. [Full Story] |
| Sex, yoga, and a lei - talk about relaxation! Named one of the "sexiest spas in the world," Honua Spa at the Hotel Hana-Maui is offering a spectacular Wellness Escape Package to calm you mind and your body. With prices starting at over $550 per night, it's not cheap, but who can put a price on spiritual enlightenment! [Full Story] |
| Halloween may be over, but spirits continue to live on in East Tennessee - at least, that's what researchers at the Alternative Realities Center (ARC)claim. [Full Story] |
| American business travelers continue to use the Internet to book travel, yet many of them still use 'offline' services when making itinerary changes, according to findings from a new survey of American business travelers with online access, conducted by Harris Interactive. [Full Story] |
| ATA Holdings Corporation, the nation's 10th largest passenger carrier and owner for ATA airlines, has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana. A spokesperson was quick to add that it will continue "business as usual." This means it will maintain its flight schedule, honor tickets, and maintain its frequent flyer programs. [Full Story] |
| A new survey by Orbitz, reveals that shopping is a prime motivation when it comes to planning a vacation. It also indicates that 51% of travelers have done their holiday shopping while on vacation, resulting average sp;ending of $2,000 on out-of-town shopping sprees. [Full Story] |
| A survey of travel agents indicates that Las Vegas is the top destination for this fall travelers. The results, which listed Caribbean cruises as the number two most popular travel trend, are based on actual bookings as indicated by the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates annual "Late Summer/Fall Travel Trends Survey" for 2004. [Full Story] |
| Want more energy and increased endurance? Relaxing at a destination spa may be just the ticket. According to a recent study by Cornell University, a visit to a destination spa -- where the focus is healthy living -- can actually leave vacationers feeling rested, refreshed and energized. [Full Story] |
| To celebrate their first anniversary, Travel Savvy magazine has named their "Best of" awards for the travel industry. The awards, honor the best in various categories as chose by their readers. [Full Story] |
| Travel is among the fasting growing segments on the Internet, according to independent research conducted by Feedback Research, a division of the Claria Corporation, an online behavioral marketing company. A record 82% of those responding say they prefer to make their travel arrangements online with airline tickets being the most popular purchase. [Full Story] |
| If you are thinking of traveling anytime soon, this is the time to book your flight With airfares at a lowest levels in years, that bargin flight is waiting for you to take it Low-cost carriers AirTran, ATA, America West, jetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and the newest entrant, Independence Air, are offering some truly great fares. [Full Story] |
| Beijing Municipal Bureau of Tourism announced today that after three years of repair work, the Imperial Temple of Emperors has fully reopened. The temple, a royal dwelling for the Ming and Qing dynasties, is located in the east of the White Pagoda Temple, and has received numerous overseas visitors since it was formally opened to the public in April. [Full Story] |
| Paris-based Club Med has been named in a lawsuit involving a claim by a 95-year old woman on land that dates to pre-Castro days. Accoding to the suit, Elvira de la Vega Glen's family owned a portion of the Varadero beachfront in Cuba before the Communist Revolution. She has accused Club Med of building and operating a luxury hotel on land she says the Castro regime attempted to confiscate in the 1960s. [Full Story] |
| If you are ready to take on the best of the best in the world of travel photography, then the Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) competition is for you. [Full Story] |
| Summer is just about here and that means hot weather Why not take a break with a trip to Iceland where you will find wonderful festivals and some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. Here are a few of the special events in Iceland in the coming weeks? [Full Story] |
| The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Tourism (BMBT) has launched a major campaign aimed at the overseas tourist market. In addition to introducing 12 new tourist lines which cover everthing from the Great Wall to the exotic cuisine of China, they will also award a prize of $1.3 Million to both domestic and international travel agencies that have made significant contributions to Beijing's inbound tourist market. [Full Story] |
| As the summer travel season approaches, passengers are being reminded about the box and bag embargo on flights to certain cities from June 12 through Aug. 15, 2004.
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| From Memorial Day, the traditional kickoff of summer travel, to Labor Day, Americans say threats of terrorist attacks will not deter them from taking a hard earned vacation, according to a national poll. [Full Story] |
| There's more to the island of Jamacia than beaches, clear waters and fun. Sure, that's part of it, but there's also rich history, wonderful landscapes and architecture, and intriguing people. This year, the Jamacian Tourist Board (JTB) wants visitors to experience it all through their 'Meet-the-People' program. [Full Story] |
| "The Hong Kong Walk of Fame?" "The Chinese Avenue of the the Stars?" It may not have quite the ring as those famous places in Hollywood, but the Hong Kong is betting that their Walk of Fame will one day rival the popularity of the more famous version in Hollywood. [Full Story] |
| Jet lag can be your biggest secruity risk while traveling. According to an expert, staying healthy and alert are the two things that can put the international traveler in jeopardy and both have their roots in the dreaded jet lag. [Full Story] |
| Travelers can expect a bit more bang for the buck on their vacation this spring or summer, according to AAA. As the economy begins to show signs of rebounding, hotels will be going out their way to lure them back with a few 'extras.' [Full Story] |
| Hong is where it's at! Here is a list of just some of the events that are making Hong Kong one of the most exciting cities in the world. Events include the Hong Kong International Film Festival, Asia's biggest French arts and culture festival, and the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. [Full Story] |
| VisitScotland (the Scottish Tourist Board) is preparing to celebrate all things Scottish during the upcoming Tartan Week, which begins on April 1, 2004. It is estimated that over 12 million Americans have Scottish ancestry, a staggering figure when you consider that Scotland's current population is just over 5 million! [Full Story] |
| On April 10th, 2004 the Florida Pilot Association will have a Fly-In hosted by Flying Tigers Warbird Restoration Museum at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM). The Fly-In will be filled with airplanes of every kind including Warbirds from all over the country as they migrate south for the great spring aviation gathering at Lakeland. [Full Story] |
| Transparent Language, Inc, a leading developer of computer-based language-learning software, recently launched Before You Know It, a breakthrough language-learning program that uses innovative flash card technology to help users master essential vocabulary and vital phrases in Spanish, French, Italian and German.
[Full Story] |
| As a professional traveler, you've learned many tricks for getting the most into your luggage and out of your trip. But, there are always things we can learn. I recently stumbled across a great website that is packed (pun intended) full of useful information, tips, tricks and ideas about all things related to traveling. [Full Story] |
| Management of the the long-established Nai Lert Park Bangkok has been undertaken by Raffles International Hotels. Set in the midst of a sprawling 8.5-acre garden estate, Nai Lert Park Bangkok, is located in the heart of Bangkok's diplomatic, business, and shopping areas. The hotel is 20 minutes from Don Muang International Airport and a 10-minute walk from two Skytrain Stations along the Sukhumvit Line, namely the Ploenchit and Chitlom stations. It is also minutes from Bangkok's major business and shopping districts. [Full Story] |
| Hate to leave home without your pet? You're not alone. According to the Travel Industry Asociation, pets are quickly becoming America's newest growing travel group and estimate that 14% of Americans who vacation this year will do so with the family pet. The American Automobile Association reports that 78% of those travel with dogs, 15% take their cats and 2% take their birds while the other 5% take such other pets as rabbits, fish, turtles, and ferrets. [Full Story] |
| It's good news as the mercury plummets; the colder it gets the greater the savings at the Beacon Inn at Sidney, located in Canada's most temperate winter climate. For example, if the caller's town next day low is predicted to be -5 Fahrenheit it's converted to Celsius (-20.6) and that's the percent saving applied to the Temp-a-Cheer package price. [Full Story] |
| Oh, great, now I can never escape my emails! Good or bad, Connexion by Boeing, a business unit of The Boeing Company, will offer the ability for airlines to provide real-time, high-speed Internet, intranet and e-mail access in flight for their laptop-toting passengers. [Full Story] |
| Rail Europe is offering two new two- country rail passes for 2004. The France 'n Switzerland Pass and the Switzerland 'n Austria Pass offer unlimited travel on a given number of days on the national rail networks of the featured countries, as well as valuable passholder bonuses, such as free passage on scenic rail lines and discounts on private railroads, high-speed trains between countries, cruises, ferries, tours, museums and other attractions. [Full Story] |
| Singapore Airlines will soon have just the thing for nerds on the move - high speed Internet access on all their long distance flights. The connection, provided by Connexion by Boeing, is planned for the third quarter 2004. All you jndeed is your own laptop and a pocket protector. [Full Story] |
| The Hong Kong Touusm Board is offering the chance to win a free roundtrip airline tick to Hong Kong. A total of 800 tdickets are being given away in an simple game on their website (http://www.discoverhongkong.com) [Full Story] |
| New York City and Las Vegas top the list of most popular winter vacation destinations according to an online survey conducted by TripAdvisor. ([http://www.tripadvisor.com/]). Based on the behavior of over 15 million unique visitors over the last three months researching destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Europe and the South Pacific, the study showed an increasing preference for U.S.-based travel destinations. [Full Story] |
| In a sign of continue challenges for the tavel industry, Far & Wide, an operator of 17 travel agencies and tour companies, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing will result in the lay off of most employees and the closing of several offices.
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| We've always known that travel makes you tired, but a new study makes it's official. Research by Socratic Technologies tells us that business travelers are not only less productive while on the road, but also less productive for significant periods of time after their return - in some cases more than three days. [Full Story] |
| Armor and shield gleam in the sunlight as two mounted combatants, clad in heavy armor, face one another across the arena floor. In an instant, they lower their sharp lances and spur their horses forward in a ritual that has been played out on the field of honor for over 500 years. But this is not medieval England where the Knights of the Round Table jousted for the hand of a fair lady. No, this is - Sonora, California? [Full Story] |
| With the lifting of the SARS travel warning, Hong Kong has launched a major effort to attract tourism Called "Hong Kong Welcomes You," the promotion includes a host of "2 for 1" package deals involving five major airlines and 24 tour operators. From July 13 through September 15, visitors can choose travel packages starting at $888 for two people, including roundtrip airfare, and hotel accommodations. [Full Story] |
| Comedian Henny Youngman once quipped, "My room is so small, whenever I bend over, I goose myself on the door knob!" A room at the WJ Hotel in New York may not be that small, but it is being billed as the 'world's smallest full-service hotel room. [Full Story] |
| Electronic booking seems like a good idea - it's convenient, easy and can often save you money, but don't be too hasty. A study conducted by Web Mystery Shoppers International, Inc. says booking online may not be all it's cracked up to be. High error rates, unclear pricing, and confusing fare rules can make the the process a waste of time. [Full Story] |
| Everybody loves a good massage, but men and women differ when it comes to who they want to share the massage experience with. [Full Story] |
| During a recent meeting in Manila, the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Summit on Crisis Management noted that the SARS epidemic is under control and urged travelers to look to Asia as a tourist destination. [Full Story] |
| Want to take Fido or boots along on your next vacation but are afraid they won't be welcome? Fear no more. You can find a place at the inn for your four-footed friend by first stopping at www.BringYouPet.com, a Web site that lists pet friendly hotels and motels. [Full Story] |
| Hold on tight, this could be one of the greatest adventures of your life- Imagine walking over Ontario's longest suspension footbridge - a wispy wooden affair that sways with the slightest breeze and spans over 400 feet soars 80 feet above the valley floor -- Indiana Jones would be proud. [Full Story] |
| A unique chapter in aviation history will come to an end this Saturday, May 31, 2003 when the last commercial flight of an Air France Concorde departs John F. Kennedy airport in New York for Chales De Gaulle Airport in Paris.
[Full Story] |
| When traveling in a foreign country, most Americans think knowing how to say "I need help" in the local language is the most phrase they could learn, according to an online survey conducted by Synovate of Chicago for TravelWords (www.travelwords.com). Other important phrases include, "How do I get to," and the every popular "Where is the bathroom?" No word on anyone who wants to say, "I need help finding the bathroom," or "How do I get to the bathroom." [Full Story] |
| A new lodge, the McKinley Chalet Resort guest lodge, has opened in Alaska's Denali National Park & Reserve. Featuring an upscale restaurant tjat feartures regional cuisine and bar with views of the Nenana River, the lodge offers a wonderful new option to park visitors.
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| When doing business in Asia, be prepared to eat during a business meeting in Kuala Lampur, don't give a clock as a gift in Malaysia and never discuss politics in public. These are a few of the rules you may want to be aware of if you plan a business trip to Asia. To help the confused American, who may feel like a stranger in a strange land, when doing business in Asia, Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has put together a few tips for the first-time business traveler to the Far East. [Full Story] |
| Forget about hot dog, pretzles and beer, and , while you're at it, hold the pickles, hold the lettuce. This summer foods with an oriental flavor or regional appeal along with diversity are 'in' according to chefs at some of the nation's leading national parks and attractions. During the Delaware North Companies Chefs' Summit, March 15-19, 20 executive chefs from areas such as Yosemite National Park, Kennedy Space Center, and Niagara Falls State Park discussed the trends and tastes they expect to see this summer at America's parks, airports and sporting event venues.
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| Tired of trying to decide what to pack on your next vacation? If you visit one of the many nudist clubs in the U.S. or Canada during Nude Recreation Week from July 7-13, the last thing you will have to worry about is what to wear. [Full Story] |
| As part of the Feather Fiesta Days Celebration in Oroville, Calif., the Department of Water Resources is offering free tours to Oroville Dam, the tallest dam in the nation, on Saturday, May 10. [Full Story] |
| The Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus has kicked off a PR campaign designed to portray the city as a gay-friendly destination.
[Full Story] |
| Now that "Big Sky Country" has made it possible for outdoor sports enthusiasts to buy their hunting, fishing, and recreation licenses on the Internet, can Web-based animal rights protests be far behind? [Full Story] |
| A new study of summer travel trends offers a number of story possibilities. The study, from Delaware North Companies, offers its top three summer travel trends based on traffic and sales patterns at its parks and resort locations. The company predicts that this summer travelers will stick close to home with the car, not the airliner, being the preferred method of travel. [Full Story] |
| Road-trippers from coast-to-coast can eye giant cheese sculptures at the Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival, taste a pink tomato at the Pink Tomato celebration in Warren, Arkansas, or catapult a watermelon at the Norfolk Watermelon Festival in Nebraska. Vacationers can find these fun food festivals and more in the 2003 Rand McNally Road Atlas. [Full Story] |
| Resembling nothing so much as a giant, high-tech, two-headed flyswatter, "SWAT" recently made its debut at Six Flags AstroWorld, Houston's family entertainment complex. As they say in Southern California, "Dude, this this is radical!". Billed as a one-of-a-kind extreme thrill ride, it's obviously not for the faint of heart.
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| The U.S. car rental industry is poised for moderate recovery in 2003, according to Car Rental Market Scan, produced by Abrams Travel Data Services (ATD). Conditions in the U.S. economy, along with car rental companies balancing supply and demand between customer volume and fleet, suggest that the industry should have a more profitable year than 2002. [Full Story] |
| With more airlines declaring bankruptcy and some going out of business, now is the time to really start paying attendtion to those unused frequent flyer miles you have been stockpiling. United and US Airways are offering a way to that very thing.
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| VIEQUES, Puerto Rico -- Best known to most North American audiences as the island the U.S. Navy most recently used for target practice, Vieques, Puero Rico is now being touted by Wyndham as a luxury oasis. Just open -- Wyndham Martineau Bay Resort & Spa is being offered by the resort conglomerate as offering "a new level of sophistication and elegance (and a) lush and largely undiscovered Puerto Rican paradise. [Full Story] |
| The travel industry is facing the worst slump in recent memory. The realization that the war with Iraq with not end soon, an economy gone sour, an outbreak of pneumonia in Asia, and a growing fear of terrorism have all conspired to create a bleak forecast for travel-related businesses. Yet, in the midst of the chaos and confusion there are some bright spots and many experts predict a swift end to the travel slump. [Full Story] |
| For years you have saved your frequent flyer miles in the hope that one day you will take that dream vacation with your family. Good plan, but there is one wrinkle - the miles are on United Airlines which is already in bankruptcy and faces extinction. A halt of operations is not imminent for the airline, but if it does happen, you can kiss your miles and that dream vacation goodbye. As traveler Carl Malden used to say, "What do you do? What do you do?" [Full Story] |
| San Francisco -- One cross-country trip on his lawnmower apparently wasn't enough for Brad Hauter. Four years after setting a Guinness Book World Record with his 1999 trek cross-country, Hauter has hit the road again -- starting March 19 in San Francisco -- in an effort to break his personal 4,000+ mile record while raising awareness for the Keep America Beautiful "Great American Cleanup." [Full Story] |
| Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air have activated a planned policy to waive change fees in the event of military action. The two affiliated airlines have now implemented that policy, in light of events in Iraq, and are waiving their usual $50 change fee for customers who purchase tickets prior to April 19 for travel through May 18. [Full Story] |
| The Gilroy Garlic Festival is now accepting recipes for its annual Great Garlic Cook-off Recipe Contest. Eight finalists will be selected to prepare their garlicky dishes for a panel of five celebrity judges at the 25th Anniversary Gilroy Garlic Festival, held July 25, 26, and 27 in Gilroy. Organizers expect visitors to the event to surpass 125,000. [Full Story] |
| Perhaps because of lack of exposure, or even worse -- a bad "wrap," the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) this month chose a new public relations agency after eight years. Florida-based agency Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell, was selected, in part, because of its un-clothed eagerness to win the business. [Full Story] |
| BILOXI, Miss. -- The ladies' room at Biloxi's Grand Casino was named the nation's finest restroom as voted on by the Internet public in America's Best Restrooms II, presented by Cintas. The Mississippi restroom topped a list of finalists representing various states including California, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. [Full Story] |
| Prague, Czech Republic - During an emotionally charged opening address at a press conference during the Board of Directors Meeting in Prague, FIJET President Tajani Haddad called on world leaders to exercise caution and reason in a time when the United States is on the brink of war with Iraq. [Full Story] |
| TRUCKEE, Calif. -- Perhaps best known as the site of the poorly planned Donner "Party" -- the town of Truckee, just west of Reno, is planning a more successful Wild West event in May 2003. [Full Story] |
| SAN FRANCISCO - Leonardo da Vinci's "Portrait of a Lady with the Ermine," one of Europe's most celebrated paintings leads the list of famed artworks coming to the Bay Area, on loan from Polands leading art museums. The exhibit opens March 8, 2003 at the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, continuing through May 18. [Full Story] |
| TORONTO -- Due to the cold and lack of sunlight that has characterized the winter of 2003, travel to "sunny" spots in the United States has outpaced all destinations by 74 per cent for March departures, according to a list of the top 10 booked destinations on Travelocity.ca. Toronto remains the top destination for Travelocity.ca members travelling this month for, however. [Full Story] |
| SOUTHPORT, Conn.-- Private Retreats has added the exclusive private island, Cayo Espanto, to its collection of premier member destinations. Located in the crystal waters of the Caribbean Ocean off the coast of Belize, this four-acre tropical island offers Private Retreat members ocean-front bungalows with private pools, white sand beaches and a personal butler and chef to compliment their stay. [Full Story] |
| The Hermitage Hotel, (temporary) 'resting' place to six past presidents and Nashville's first million-dollar hotel when it opened in 1910, reopened its doors following a $17 million, 10-month restoration project. [Full Story] |
| The nation's oldest state park is getting a facelift. Although some believe Niagara Falls, which was dedicated as a national park in 1885, is looking as good as ever, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts say the 'lift' will make it more user-friendly to visitors. The new look includes a remodeled visitors center for its eight million annual tourists, renovated restaurant and more modern 'sight and sound' aesthetics. [Full Story] |
| Hooters of America, Inc., the same folks who bring you beer, chicken wings and breasts (big ones) will begin flight operations with its aviation partner, Hooters Air,in March. [Full Story] |
| Increased security warnings and even threats of war haven't deterred travelers from booking vacations for spring and summer travel, according to the AAA Chicago Travel Agency. But don't get too cocky, travel in their perilous times is not as easy as in the past. [Full Story] |
| Congress has given domestic tourism a push by providing $50 million in funding for an official campaign to promote the U.S. as a travel destination. Under the Fiscal Year 2003 Consolidated Appropriations Resolution (H.J. Res. 2), which is expected to be signed into law by the President, the money is to be spent by the Commerce Department for an advertising and marketing campaign in cooperation with the travel and tourism industry and state and local governments. [Full Story] |
| Washington, DC - From young un-marrieds to older retirees, single households of all ages generated 152 million trips in the U.S. in 2001, according to a new study by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) entitled "Travel Through the Life Stages." [Full Story] |
| Wilmington, NC - AAA-rated Four-Diamond B and B The Graystone Inn, a popular wedding and honeymoon destination on the Cape Fear Coast shows no 'fear' of intimacy, based on its latest award. Located in the heart of Wilmington's National Register Historic District, the Inn was voted as one of America's "Top 15 Most Romantic Hideaways" according to Arrington's Bed & Breakfast Journal's 2003 Book of Lists. [Full Story] |
| Napa Valley, CA - Celebrate the rich, unique agricultural and cultural bounty of Napa Valley during the 10th Annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival, February 1 - March 29, 2003. Fields, vineyards and hillsides vibrant with wild mustard in bloom provide a breathtaking backdrop for this Season of Sensational Wine Country events. [Full Story] |
| We all know that food on cruise ships is plentiful, but is it healthly? The answer depends on which cruise line you are talking about. In a review of onboard cuisine (and we're not talking about hard tack and salt pork), doctors give a "thumbs up" to Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Windstar, but caution a rough ride on Disney and Delta Queen. [Full Story] |
| The number of available hotel rooms on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts will increase by 50 percent with the opening in February of the 471 room St Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach Casino. [Full Story] |
| There is lots to see and do in and around Charleston, South Carolina. Here is a list of some of the things that will make you want to visit this beautiful and historic area, including new airline service, rennovations to historic and popular attractions and hotels, and a host of fun events. [Full Story] |
| The magic of a small town Christmas will come alive during A Southern Christmas at Stone Mountain Park November 15 - December 30, 2002. The spectacular Christmas event is Stone Mountain Park's biggest and best event yet and includes something for the whole family. [Full Story] |
| Intermezzo, a new bi-monthly magazine targeted at those interested in food, wine, and travel debuted in November. Roseann Tully, publisher and editorial director of the magazine which boasts a circulation of 275,000 notes, "We have created Intermezzo in response to readers' requests for an interesting, quality magazine that offers an escape from the stress of everyday life. What makes Intermezzo different is its broad, yet detailed, coverage of fine food and wine, home decor/renovation and travel, all in one beautifully written and photographed magazine." [Full Story] |
| Here are the "Top 20" Events in the Southeast for December, 2002 as presented by the Southeast Tourism Society. The highlights include Plantion Days in Charleston, SC, A Cajun and Creole Christmas in Lafayette, LA and Victorian Front Porch Christmas, Opelika, AL. [Full Story] |
| In a report that emphasizes what most in the travel industry already know, the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) noted that after falling nearly six percent last year, domestic and international travel spending continues to be soft and isn't expected to recover to record 2000 levels until sometime in 2004. The few bright spots include crusing and RV travel. [Full Story] |
| The world may be your oyster, but space travel could be your future. Futron Corporation says why limit your future travel to the earth? In their view suborbital space travel is the wave of the future for adventerous, and rich, vacationers. [Full Story] |
| Looking for a unique and, perhaps, dangerous pursuit for your next vacation? Check out Tempest Tours. They specialize in taking guest right into the eye of America's Tornado Alley so they can experience the wonder and fury of storm chasing first hand. [Full Story] |
| What's not to love about the beach? When it comes to vacations, most Americans think about the beach before any other destination. According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), beach travelers take longer vacations, spend more money on their trips and are more likely to rent a condo or timeshare than the average traveler. [Full Story] |
| Not even Tattoo from the old TV series "Fantasy Island" ever really expected to have his dreams come true. But Dean Grieder who runs Viking Villas in the Caribbean says on his "adult-oriented" executive retreat, you can have anything - and we do mean "anything" - you want. [Full Story] |
| Orient-Express Hotels in Europe are offering a special "passport" to culture throughout the summer. The pocket-sized book offers guests easy access to the heart of artistic life in the city they are visiting. [Full Story] |
| According to recent tourism figures, the world is discovering the wonders of China. Offical figures indicate that more than six million visitors from 234 countries and regions entered China during the first six months of this year. [Full Story] |
| U.S. Hospitality has released The Custom Visitors' Channel which they say will allow participating hotels to better communicate with their guests. The Custom Visitors' Channel combines DVD technology with the accessibility of an in-room television channel, to provide hotel and tourist information, including hotel services, area attractions and special services, to guests. [Full Story] |
| As you may already know, the United States Capitol reopened to the public for tours on December 8, 2001. What you may not know is that there are a number of strict security rules and procedures for visitors in effort. [Full Story] |
| Beginning October 17, 2002, Scand-American Tours will introduce regular scheduled charter service between The Bahamas and Cuba. The route will be serviced by four weekly flights using Boeing 737 aircraft accommodating 120 passengers. [Full Story] |
| Ignoring threats of a Presidential veto, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that would allow American citizens to travel to Cuba for the first time in more than 40 years. [Full Story] |
| Looking for the ultimate decadent destination - a place where you can indulge all of your sinful pleasures? If so, Elite Traveler has the place for you.
The luxury travel magazine, which is distributed aboard private jets and yachts and specifically tailored to the elite affluent traveler, has published their first annual Pure Decadence list of top hotel suites around the globe. The list is comprised of top suites, villas and bungalows from leading hotels and resorts, villas and private castles. [Full Story] |
| The concept of innocents abroad may be a romantic one, but once on the ground in a foreign country every little bit of knowledge and know how counts. To the end of decreasing innocence but increasing enjoyment, the Los Angeles Council of Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels has announced it will host its "World Travel 101" workshops focusing on Europe July 13th and July 27th. [Full Story] |
| Kiawah Island Resorts claims that its new oceanfront hotel and spa, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, promises to be the finest hotel built on the East Coast during the past 20 years. [Full Story] |
| Glistening lakes, towering mountains, and spectacular flora and wildlife are just a some of the exciting sites to found in Canada's most Eastern and Western regions. Via Rail wants visitors to and residents of Canada to know that discovering Canada's majestic beauty takes only a matter of hours. [Full Story] |
| Are you the 'world's greatest traveler?' If so, GreatEscape2002, the 2nd Annual Glo bal Scavenger Hunt wants you. Couch potatoes need not apply.
More than $100,000 in prizes and a truly internatonal cultural-oriented travel adventure go to the winners along with the title of "World's Greatest Travelers." [Full Story] |
| EVA Air, Taiwan's leading independently owned and operated airline, is increasing passenger services to Hong Kong from 16 to 40 per week, and introducing all-freighter flights. The expansion in the carrier's services is in accord with renewed air agreements negotiated between Hong Kong and Taiwan authorities. [Full Story] |
| Choice Hotels Canada (Choice Canada) has announced its Gold Hospitality award winners, chosen because the properties exceeded "Choice's tough quality assurance standards." [Full Story] |
| Usually telling visitors they are being recorded would keep them away. But guests at the newly re-designed Mosser Hotel in San Francisco come for that very reason. The Mosser Hotel and Studio Paradiso,is San Francisco's only hotel to feature a state-of-the-art recording studio. [Full Story] |
| For the second consecutive year, Runzheimer International predicts a decrease in business travel costs for 2003. According to the Rochester, Wisconsin-based consulting firm, 2003 will bring a 3% decrease in overall business travel costs, following a 7% decline in 2002. [Full Story] |
| Find out what's going on in the kitchen and get a "taste of Charleston" at the third annual "Charleston Entertains Kitchen Tour." The tour, a delicious twist on Charleston's historic house tours, will offer visitors an opportunity to sample the Lowcountry's finest cuisine in some of the historic district's most magnificent private houses. [Full Story] |
| A recent survey indicates that the travel industry is shaking off the aftershocks of 9/11 and both business and leisure travelers expect to hit the road more in the months ahead. However, the Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown/Yankelovich Partners 2002 National Travel Monitor also indicated that lingering concerns about the economy still pose a potential drag on travel demand. [Full Story] |
| According to a report recently released by Accenture, a management consultant and technology services firm, leisure travelers will spend as much time on the road, and in the air, as they did last year. Seventy percent of consumers plan to take a vacation last year compared with seventy-one percent last year. [Full Story] |
| Does anyone really know what this summer travel season will be like? Probably not, but everyone seems to have an opinion. The Travel Industry of America (TIA) weighs in with its opinion that while there may be a slight upward bump in travel statistics that Americans are likely to take shorter trips and spend less money.
[Full Story] |
| Footprint press announces the publication of a new book on the waterfalls of central and western New York. Titled, 200 Waterfalls in Central and Western New York - A Finders' Guide, the book highlights such falls as Eternal Flames Falls where natural gas leaks create small flames behind the falls and Skinny Dip Falls in Chautauqua County where the name implies the main activity occuring there. [Full Story] |
| A new luxury hotel, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, has opened close by world famous Torrey Pines State Reserve. But, with room rates from $425 to $525 and suites ranging from $700 per night to $3,500, it's not for everyone. [Full Story] |
| Apparently more and more of us are waiting longer and longer to make our travel plans. That, at any rate is the conclusion of a new report released by Site 59. Site 59 is a Travelocity Company specializing in technology and creative content for last minute travel on-line. [Full Story] |
| In 1967 when the United States was divided by the Vietnam War, the city of Decatur, Alabama began a festival to honor Americans in uniform and to promote patriotism generally. The Spirit of America Festival is now one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the region. [Full Story] |
| The Consumer Reports Travel Letter (CTRL) has devoted the cover story in its June issue to a comparison of the six largest independent travel web sites. The study, funded by Consumer Web Watch (CWW) concluded, not surprisingly, that consumers need to compare prices in order to save money. [Full Story] |
| It may be too soon to tell if the airline industry is on the rebound after the horrific events of last September 11, but a report this month by the Department of Transportation's Bureau of Travel Statistics (BTS) indicates that at least things aren't getting worse. The Bureau's report says that while February air travel statistics are down from the same period in 2001, they did not fall as much as in January. [Full Story] |
| To celebrate their opening, the five-star Flamenco Xcaret Resort and Spa, which is slated to open on July 1, 2002, is offering an "all-inclusive" special rate that begins at $110 per person through August 1, 2002. [Full Story] |
| In an effort to lure Europeans and bolster its battered economy, Cuba is accepting payment in Euros from European visitors at Varadero, its prime beach resort.
Visitors receive cash register receipts with the amount due in both dollars and Euros at all businesses in Varadero, a peninsula two hours drive east of Havana. [Full Story] |
| No joke -- it's the old good news, bad news situation for tourism. The bad news is that U.S. experts note that terrorism warnings along with a slow economy has business and tourist travel in a continued slump. On the good news side, Canada and Dubai say tourism is growing. [Full Story] |
| Now that summer is upon us and the chill of winter is fading, the sound of going to a place named 'Iceland' is suddenly appealing. Iceland has some exciting travel opportunities that would make for interesting and unusual stories possibilities. [Full Story] |
| You're in a strange city and can't find your way. What will you do? What will you do? If you have a personal data assistant (PDA) loaded with new mapping software, finding your way around is right at your fingertips. The new software from Handmark and Rand McNally & Company won't guarantee that you will never again get lost, but it can get you where you want to go. Best of all, you won't have to try communicating via hand signals with the man in the turban behind the 7-11 counter. [Full Story] |
| Bizkaia is certainly not a household word in the U.S., but if the Prime Minister of this small Basque Province has his way, it will be soon. At a high profile kick-off event in Miami, Prime Minister Josu Bergara Etxebarria, called on people from the U.S. and Latin America to visit the exotic local. [Full Story] |
| April, 2002 (New York, NY) -- What's your vacation type? Do you prefer relaxing days and romantic nights or is action and adventure spiced with a bit of danger more your style? If you're not sure, you should take the newly revised Vacation Personality Quiz from the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). [Full Story] |
| Hunting for a low airfare? If so, bagging one now should be as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. Airlines are offering round-trip tickets, with as little as a three-day advance purchase, for as low as $198. [Full Story] |
| You can add yet another name to the growing list of companies in the bankruptcy line. This time its 800 Travel Systems who has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. But, the Florida-based company said it's too early to start writing the obituary and vowed to reorganized if they can some debtor-in-procession financing. [Full Story] |
| Faced with rising costs and lower profits, travel guidebook publisher Lonely Planet has cut its workforce by 15 percent. Most of the 75 employees who were given their 'walking papers' worked in the company's Oakland, California office. [Full Story] |
| The Ferrari marquee has long been synonymous with automotive excellence, Formula One victories, ultimate luxury and high prices. But if the company's chairman has his way, entertainment and theme parks may soon be added to that list. [Full Story] |
| St. Maarten hotels have partnered with American Airlines Vacations to offer discounted five-night vacation packages with added value free fifth night hotel stay and fifth day rental car. [Full Story] |
| Many of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts' properties are now offering special rates just for seniors (ages 55 and over).
The Pan Pacific San Francisco - Available through December 31, 2002, starting at $160 for a superior room (compared to $365 rack rate) [Full Story] |
| A new study by Harris Interactive indicates that nearly 94% of travelers consider hotel safety a major factor when selecting a hotel. Despite this concern only 1 out of 5, or 22%, take the time to investigate security arrangements of a hotel or resort. [Full Story] |
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