Travel News
Feb 18
Spring into Savings with CheapCaribbean.com's Top Deals
CheapCaribbean.com Has High-Season Vacations at Low-Season Prices!
If you're waiting for the perfect deal on a winter or spring getaway, look no further. CheapCaribbean.com has a vacation package for every traveler and every budget.
Tons of deals on travel to high-end, luxurious resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Mexico are available now on CheapCaribbean.com, including:
* Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort. This exclusive deal,
which usually costs $649, is only available until space runs out.
(Prices start at just $299 for three luxurious nights.) *
Mexico's Cozumel Palace. Book your trip before February 21 using promo
code PALACE200 to get $100 off per person, free golf and spa vouchers,
and free excursions worth $400. (Prices start at $899 for a four-night
stay.) * Sun Village Resort & Spa in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
This package features free admission to Ocean World at no extra cost.
(Prices start at $589 for five all-inclusive nights.) * Viva Wyndham
Fortuna Beach on Grand Bahama Island. (Prices start at $699 for
four all-inclusive nights. Many other packages are also available.)
All packages are priced per person, based on double occupancy, including air. Packages also feature CheapCaribbean.com's groundbreaking "Free Your Mind" travel protection program, which includes a Passport Rebate until February 28, a $5 international phone card, a "Cancel/Change One-Time Waiver," full TravelGuard insurance and more ... all included with every vacation package at no extra charge.
"We were remarkably pleased with our recent trip - everything from the flight to the hotel was perfect," said Paige and Matt Tobin, VIP travelers with CheapCaribbean.com. "Our daughter got sick, but thanks to CheapCaribbean.com's 'Free Your Mind' travel protection program, we were able to have her treated and back on the beach by that afternoon!"
You can book online at http://www.cheapcaribbean.com/ or by calling CheapCaribbean.com's 24-hour customer service center toll-free at 800-915-2322.
About CheapCaribbean.com
Headquartered in Doylestown, PA, CheapCaribbean.com is a member of Customer Oriented Marketing and Management Group (COMM Group Inc.) and is dedicated to providing top-notch, premium service to every person who books a trip at CheapCaribbean.com for travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda, or Mexico. For more information, visit http://www.cheapcaribbean.com/.
Source: CheapCaribbean.com
Web site: http://www.cheapcaribbean.com/
Downhome Plus Uptown Equals Good Times in San Angelo
From Gemstones and Modern Art to Low Riders and Honky Tonks, Authentic Texas Experiences Abound for Travelers
Travelers looking for downhome, authentic Texas experiences and those in search of uptown culture can satisfy both urges in an unexpected place -- San Angelo, in the heart of the Concho Valley in north central Texas.
First: where to stay. There are many accommodations at all budget levels in San Angelo, and the San Angelo Convention and Visitors Bureau (http://www.sanangelo.org/) can help you choose the right one for you. One option is The Inn at the Art Center. The rooms are part of the Chicken Farm Art Center of artist studios, galleries, residences and the Silo House restaurant.
Another choice is the Hummer House, a comfortable cottage perfect for birdwatching, with Texas' highest concentration of black chinned hummingbirds. The birds aren't the only jewels to enjoy there -- check out the gems with the beautiful "Lone Star" gemstone facet design, created by family members in 1974. Owner Dan Brown can facet and set a gemstone especially for you.
San Angelo's own rock stars, Los Lonely Boys, aren't just musical wonders. They also love muscle cars. They've opened their own shop specializing in low riders and other customized rides. Stop by their Texican Chop Shop to see some of their work.
From lowriders to high art ... the San Angelo Museum of Art boasts a world-class collection of ceramics and modern Texas paintings. The architecturally magnificent museum also features monthly chamber music concerts the third Saturday of each month draw top players from all over Texas.
After (or before) checking out some of the sites, enjoy a cold beer and hot music at Blaine's Pub. Blaine's is the kind of place to hear up-and-coming Texas troubadours while rubbing elbows with the likes of Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. It's is also the kind of place that inspires people to dance on its well-worn bar.
Grass-fed, hormone-free beef and arguably the best onion rings in West Texas are the specialty at the Zentner's Daughter steakhouse at 1901 Knickerbocker Rd. It's the kind of place people drive hours to visit, and has for years been THE go-to place for dinner in San Angelo.
For a colorful bit of Texana not found in history books, stop by Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum in downtown San Angelo. A working bordello until the Texas Rangers closed it down in 1946, Miss Hattie's offers tours Thursday through Saturday afternoons. And you can rent out the whole place for the evening -- but please, only for fun, not profit.
Source: San Angelo Convention and Visitors Bureau
Web site: http://www.sanangelo.org/
Exotic, Domestic Destination Wedding Venues Often Found Close to Home
You're newly engaged and planning the big day -- perhaps even daydreaming of an exotic "destination wedding." These foreign affairs may be all the rage, but flying friends and families to far-flung destinations might best be left to the "TomKat" crowd. When work schedules and modest budgets give wedding planning a reality check, couples can look closer to home for an "exotic, domestic" destination wedding.
"Sometimes it just isn't feasible for two busy, working people to schedule an off-shore destination wedding," notes Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism -- herself a recent newlywed. "Fortunately, you often don't have to go far, or have an outlandish budget, to find a venue that will create wonderful memories and still 'wow' your guests."
New Jersey's surprising array of alternative wedding venues invites couples to save on airfare, yet still enjoy the thrill of a destination wedding -- Garden State style. Newlyweds can take their guests to the Caribbean, West Africa, even beneath the deep blue sea with a ceremony and reception at Adventure Aquarium on Camden's waterfront. Highlights include an elegant dinner in front of two movie-screen-sized windows, where the bridal party and guests will be joined by loggerhead turtles, stingrays, and thousands of brilliantly-colored fish in the adjoining 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm. The newlyweds will also enjoy strolling hand-in-hand among fierce-looking sharks in the 40-foot walk-through Shark Realm tunnel.
Hamilton's Grounds for Sculpture is as grand as any European garden, featuring 35 acres of lush landscape artfully decorated with more than 250 contemporary sculptures. For an outdoor ceremony, one of the most popular settings for weddings is at The Nine Muses sculpture by Carlos Dorrien, a piece that evokes the timelessness of ancient temples and past civilizations.
Couples who share a concern for the global environment can green up their wedding -- while reducing the jet fuel needed to carry them and their guests to an overseas destination -- with an Eco-Wedding at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor. The bride and groom can recite their vows while enjoying expansive views of 6,000 acres of pristine coastal wetlands. The newlyweds can share a toast in the beautiful gardens brimming with birds and butterflies, or simply step back to reflect on the moment and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
For a wedding steeped in the pleasures of food and wine, who needs Italy when New Jersey is home to more than a dozen romantic wineries, each ready to help couples toast their exciting new "pairing." Egg Harbor's Renault Winery features a variety of settings, beginning with the Renault Grand Ballroom, featuring a handsome staircase for a couple's dramatic entrance. For a more intimate experience, the Vintage Room heightens the romantic ambiance old-world vineyard style, with wine caskets and a working fireplace.
For more imaginative wedding ideas and off-the-beaten path reception venues, visit www.visitnj.org.
Source: New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism
Web site: http://www.visitnj.org/
Feb 16
French Train Travel Speeds Up in 2007; See More of France in Less Time
NEW YORK, NY -- February 16, 2007 -- French trains, particularly the sleek TGVs*, have been a convenient and comfortable way to travel around France for 25 years and a must-see tourist attraction for automotive-centric North Americans -- but in 2007, they will take a leap into the future with the June 10 launch of the TGV Est (East). This new line will cut travel times nearly in half between Paris and eastern regions such as Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine and Alsace, and the frequency of train service within those fascinating regions and between these regions and others in France will increase 15-20%, making it easy to see more in less time.
Late in the year (mid-November), Eurostar will operate even faster between Paris and London -- cutting an average of 20 minutes off the already quick 2 hrs 35 min journey, thanks to the completion of the final segment of high-speed track leading into -- and under -- London.
Rail Europe is the White Plains, NY-based subsidiary of SNCF (French National Railroads). The company offers the widest range of economically-priced point-to-point rail tickets (including advance purchase tickets that can save up to 45%) and is the exclusive distributor of France Railpass and related tour products used for individual or group travel in France and throughout Europe and the U.K.
The company's website, www.raileurope.com, offers a user-friendly booking engine, helpful rail trip planning information, virtual rail tours, interactive rail maps and much more. You can buy everything you need before you go. Many of the rail products sold by Rail Europe cannot be purchased in Europe.
RAIL EUROPE'S MENU OF FRENCH TRAVEL PRODUCTS:
France Railpass
If you are planning on seeing several places in France, a France Railpass could save substantially over buying individual point-to-point tickets. You qualify for even lower prices on a France Railpass if you are traveling with one or more companions, if you're 60+ or under 26 :
-- France Railpass 3-9 days of unlimited rail travel within 1 month,
starts at $ 222 (2nd class), $ 261 (1st). -- France Saverpass --
for 2 or more traveling together, starts at $191
(2nd), $223 (1st) per person. -- France Senior Pass --
3-9 days starts at $ 238 (1st only). -- France Youth Pass -- starts at $164 (2nd) or $194 (1st).
New for '07 extras/bonuses for France Railpass
There have always been discounts and other bonuses for France Railpass holders, but this year several new ones have been added -- some of which specifically relate to the new TGV East high-speed rail line:
-- 20% discount on the Strasbourg Pass (www.ot-strasbourg.fr), Nancy City
Pass (www.ot-nancy.fr), Discovery Pass in Dijon (www.dijon-tourism.com) and
admission to the National Monuments, such as Mont-Saint-Michel, La
Chapelle, etc. (www.monum.fr). -- 10-20% discount on various Accor
Group hotels, such as Mercure- Sofitel, Mercure-Novotel-Suitehotel
and Sofitel (reservations must be made in advance).
France Rail 'n Drive -- best way to see the most
Use the efficient French rail system to go quickly and easily between cities and major towns and then a rental car to explore the countryside for vineyards, mountains, chateaux or picnic spots. The combination lets you save money over buying rail tickets and car rental separately, and the big advantage over most other car rental offers is that the car days need not be consecutive.
Rail Europe's France Rail 'n Drive provides 2 rail days and 2 car rental days using 1st class rail and any one of 6 different car categories, starting at $325 for 1 adult or $271 per person for two people sharing a car (with economy car). Additional rail and car days and 6 car categories are available.
Discount on Eurostar -- see London too!
Holders of a France Railpass (or other railpass that includes travel in France) receive a low passholder fare on Eurostar tickets to London, from $81 standard (2nd) class, $144 1st class for a one-way ticket. These passholder fares are exchangeable. Comparable non-exchangeable tickets without a pass cost $94 std class, $167 1st class.
Non-exchangeable, non-refundable low fares on Eurostar are available for a limited number of seats, starting at $101 round trip (to be completed in one day). Eurostar takes just 2 hrs 35 min to travel Paris-London.
Tour products to get the most out of your vacation to France
Besides train tickets, passes and Rail 'n Drive, Rail Europe also offers American travelers to France the following tour products, including several new ones:
-- Paris Visite for unlimited use of Paris metros and buses, as well as RER and SNCF trains in the greater Paris region, starting at $26; -- Paris Museum Pass for entrance to 70 museums and monuments with no waiting in line plus free or priority admission to permanent collections, starting at $22; -- NEW Paris Historical Tour -- 3 hr 45 min guided tour by motor coach and boat of historic sites in Paris, such as Latin Quarter, Bastille, Pantheon, Notre Dame and many others, starting at $74; -- NEW Wine tasting mini-classes in Paris -- learn about the mysteries of wine from a French sommelier -- choose from "Wine Two Three" (tasting 3 wines) or go for 5 wines with "Wine & Cheese Tasting Lunch" or "Grand 7" (seven wines). A fun and informative way to enjoy great French wines in a relaxing atmosphere. Starts at $30; -- Paris Dinner Cruise -- glass-sided boats with panoramic views and live music with dinner, starting at $145; -- Grand Louvre Museum guided tour -- 2.5 hour tour starting at $54 adult; -- CitiRama Paris L'Open -- 1 or 2 days of travel on hop-on-hop-off bus with 4 different sightseeing routes, over 50 stops, starting at $37.
For more information or to book any Rail Europe product to France or anywhere in Europe, contact a travel agent or Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 or log on to www.raileurope.com. Rail Europe is the largest North American supplier of European rail travel products for individuals, families or groups.
Notes:
*TGV= Train a Grande Vitesse (French high-speed trains, traveling 186 -- nearly 200 mph):
** Prices subject to change. For the latest prices, log on to www.raileurope.com
Feb 1
Free Extra Day on Eurail Select Pass Purchased February and March 2007 From Rail Europe
WHITE PLAINS, NY -- February 01, 2007 -- Travel one more day free on Europe's convenient rail network when you purchase a 6-, 8- or 10-day Eurail Select Pass from Rail Europe here in North America between February 1 - March 31, 2007. Rail travel days may be used non-consecutively within a 2-month period up to 6 months after the purchase date -- which means that this promotion can be used during peak summer travel season, depending on purchase date.
The Eurail Select Pass is a "create-your-pass" product, allowing the buyer to select 3, 4 or 5 European countries out of 23 possibilities*. The selected countries must be connected by rail or ferry.
"This promotion has always been popular with North American travelers," notes Fabrice Morel, President and CEO of Rail Europe, the largest North American distributor of Eurail and other European rail passes and tickets. "There are many ways we try to save people money on their European trips -- we regularly offer a variety of promotions and deals, including kids ride free, or buy a pass and save 50% on your next railpass. In addition, we sell advance purchase point-to-point tickets in some countries that can save up to 40% on the usual price, for those only going between points A and B."
2007 prices for the Eurail Select Pass start at $379 US/ $444 CAD for a 6-day 3-country pass (providing 7 travel days with this promotion), $450 US/$527 CAD for an 8-day 3-country pass (9 travel days) and $518 US/$607 CAD for a 10-day pass (11 travel days); these lowest per person prices are for a Eurail Select Pass Saver (when two or more traveling together). There are also less expensive Youth versions for travelers under 26.
For more information or to book any of Rail Europe's wide range of economical railpasses and point-to-point tickets on trains throughout Europe and the U.K., consult a travel agent or log on to Rail Europe's web site, www.raileurope.com (in the U.S.) or www.raileurope.ca (in Canada) or call Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.) or 1-800-361-7245 (Canada).
Notes:
* The 23 countries from which 3, 4 or 5 can be selected include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
**Prices are subject to change; check www.raileurope.com (US) or www.raileurope.ca (Canada) for the latest prices.
Jan 26
Travelzoo Reveals Top 10 Tips for Finding the Best Family Cruise Deals
NEW YORK, Jan. 26 Travelzoo (NASDAQ:TZOO) , a global Internet media company, today revealed the top 10 tips to help families find great deals on cruise vacations this season.
"Wave season is upon us now and it's becoming increasingly important to book early for families," said Lynn Nugent, Director of Cruise Content, Travelzoo. "More than 10 million North Americans are projected to take a cruise this year and many of these bookings will happen within the next three months. Cruising has become a very popular vacation option for families since most sailings include all meals, entertainment and accommodations. They provide excellent overall value."
Travelzoo's top 10 tips for finding family cruise deals:
1. Look for cruises sailing from ports outside of South Florida
2. Consider cruising from Northeast port cities to the Caribbean during peak times
3. 'Shoulder Seasons' are best for Alaska
4. Ask for family suites or adjoining rooms
5. Consider Hawaii
6. Reserve 'best available' cabins that are assigned at the time of booking
7. Check for discounts for 3rd and 4th passengers
8. Get insurance from your cruise agent as it can be less expensive than a cruise line
9. Book your school holiday/summer vacation cruise early to get the best rate
10. Cruise prices fluctuate on a daily basis so check back often
For more information on these tips and to view Travelzoo's cruise tips video visit www.travelzoo.com.
The Travelzoo Newsdesk reports the following great values currently on cruises:
- Viva Voyage is offering a 7 night upscale Alaska cruise with summer departures on the Celebrity Mercury or Summit. Prices start at $599 per person with Oceanview cabins starting at just $100 more per person.
- CruiseBrothers.com is offering a 7 or 8 night cruise to the Mexican Riviera for $499 per person on board the Celebrity Mercury for travel dates in March and April.
- Royal Caribbean is offering a 4 night cruise this spring to the Bahamas for $249 per person for departure dates in April and May on board the Majesty of the Seas or the Sovereign of the Seas. The Majesty is currently in dry- dock getting a major makeover so this will be a great time to cruise on this ship.
For more information on these and other great cruise deals visit www.travelzoo.com. All of the offers published in Travelzoo's cruise deal section are verified for accuracy and availability by the Travelzoo Test Booking Center(TM).
About Travelzoo
Travelzoo is a global Internet media company. Travelzoo's media properties, which reach more than 10 million travel enthusiasts in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Germany, include the Travelzoo(R) Web site (www.travelzoo.com), the Top 20(R) e-mail newsletter, the Newsflash(TM) e-mail alert service and SuperSearch(TM), a travel search engine. Travelzoo publishes offers from more than 500 advertisers. Travelzoo's deal experts review each offer to find the best travel deals and confirm their true value. Travelzoo is headquartered in New York City.
Certain statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions, markets in which we participate and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts. When used in this press release, the words "expect", "predict", "project", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "seek" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because these forward- looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including changes in our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions and other factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. We cannot guarantee any future levels of activity, performance or achievements. Travelzoo undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. Travelzoo and Top 20 are registered trademarks of Travelzoo. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: Travelzoo
Just keeping in touch with some information you may find helpful! Please remember, if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, you can count on me to deliver the best results, no matter the season. Much of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals, so please keep me in mind.
Sincerely,
Valarie Blake
VALARIE BLAKE, BROKER Associate [The Real Estate Consultants]
310-574-0926
vblake@vblakehomes.com
www.vblakehomes.com
Five Winter Gardening Tips |
- Dont throw away your dead plants! Dead potted plants are full of useful, organic matter, so dont waste them. Use them in a compost pile and chop everything up into small chunks to use for great enriched soil later on.
- Take good care of your pots. Freezing temperatures can damage clay pots, so clean them up and store them out of the weather.
- Dont forget to water. As long as the ground isnt frozen, you should water some. Not too much because your plants are likely dormant, but keeping water supplied to the roots will help reduce their winter stress.
- Order Spring seeds early! If you order seeds from a catalog, be sure to order by the end of January. Youll have the best selection and can then start the seeds indoors if you want.
- Take care of your gardens best friends. The best part of a Winter garden is the birds, so make sure they have shelter, food and water to thrive all season.
