Ever wondered how to protect you against worst-case travel scenarios? On your dream vacation, the last thing you want is to have an uncontrolled circumstance ruin the trip. So what can you do to prevent this? There are things you can do to get out of certain situations and make the most of your vacation - including using a travel agent. Booking an international trip or complicated itinerary can lead for a head ache, wide spread cancellations do happen, where we have the opportunity to rebook you through other cities or on other airlines to get you to your destination.
Using credit to pay for your trip, helps in case your airline delay is because of the airline, or if any travel provider has financial difficulty. Print relevant sections on delays and cancellations in the contract of carriage right on your airlines website. Take this and your trip insurance policy right along with you. If any cancellations did occur, instead of waiting in line to cancel your ticket, simply call your travel agent instead who can rebook you on another airline!
Royal Hideaway celebrates new beach
Through 2010 – as part of their welcome guests to its expanded beach now is offering a discounted opportunity to stay at this luxury hotel. These benefits include spa treatments, beverage service and private dining on the beach, with 30% off nightly rates (starting from $278 per person). The new beachfront houses an additional 200 feet of white sand beachfront -
As a result of the completion of the Mexican government beach restoration project in Cancun.
Royal Hideaway Playacar offers unlimited meals and snacks, complimentary Wi-Fi , 24-hour room service, unlimited drinks featuring premium alcoholic beverages, a selection of house wines, juices and soft drinks, daily resort activities, evening entertainment, a DVD library, nonmotorized water sports, and all taxes and gratuities.
Luxury resort opens at Disney World -- for PETS!
-Air conditioned suites with televisions and a water park, but this resort is a bit different -- it's for dogs and cats.
- Best Friends Pet Care Resort, 50,000 sqft, indoor and outdoor space with runs, play areas, and room for up to 270 dogs and 30 cats overnight as well as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets, or four VIP suites with TVs, raised bedding and private outdoor yards, a 1,300 square-foot, "canines only" water park, a grooming salon, orthopedic bedding, and treats such as ice cream!
Disney World unveils four behind-the-scenes tours
Orlando’s Walt Disney World will soon be offering a few more things you won’t want to miss! There will be four behind the scenes tours. The first, the Backstage Magic tour starting at Epcot gives a close look at Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade at the animal kingdom! This will give you a look at the art, landscaping, costume design for the attractions and events. Tour two the inspirations tours a story from Walt Disney’s own perspective, from Hollywood studios to Magic Kingdom, and see the major event in the life of Disney world. At Christmas time, two additional tours include the holiday D-lights in Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios showing splendid holiday lighting! The Yuletide Fantasy tour shows secrets behind the holiday decorations, traveling the world showcase at Epcot, and the Main Kingdom!
Disney World to get luxury resort homes
The new Golden Oak single family housing gated community at Disney world Resort in Orlando will be a residential resort community – with homes priced from $1.5 to $8 million, with 30 homes available this year, completed in 2011. The final plans include up to 450 homes available. This community will host a private clubhouse and the Four Seasons resort Orlando, offering residents access to amenities such as the spa, restaurants, golf course and event space.
MGM Mirage properties invite guests to summer camp
Yes you read this right… MGM now invites you to SUMMER CAMP!
ARIA: has the summer vacation experience with a $50 resort credit and logo cap/tshirt for all when you bok a camp vegas or ultimate camp vegas suite from $149/night. The Vegas suite package starting from $600/night offers a $100 resort credit.
BELLAGIO: stay 2+ nights in a deluxe room for a complimentary lakeview, partial lakeview or tower deluxe upgrade and exclusive checkin, from now until Dec 23.
MGM GRANDS: Maximum Camp vegas escape includes accommodations, $25 entertainment credit and $25 spa credit.
CAMP LUXOR: guests can receive an all-day, all you can eat pass to the more buffet, two tickets to see Chris Angel, and other shows, as well as admission for two VIP to the LAX nightclub! Available from now until September 30!
'Cruise capital' Miami could lose that crown to Fort Lauderdale
1972 started Miami as the cruise capital of the world as many cruise lines crowded the waterways.. but what location has always been the runner up? Ft Lauderdale has become home for many new ships at Port Everglades. Royal Caribbean International launched the Oasis of the Seas out of this location, and Allure of the seas (Nov 2010), and next year the Liberty of the Seas. Celebrity also houses the Solstice and Equinox. By improving the cruise terminals, Fort Lauderdale is increasing the tourist landing with new contracts for 10 years. Coming this month – the Norwegian Epic will be introduced in Miami. One challenge for Miami is that it is landlocked, with very little room for expansion. A little competition for the cruise ports can be a good thing, to drive infrastructure, innovation and bragging rights, having the name of the newest ship or size of a ship.
Hilton promotes girlfriend getaways
Are you a fan of “Sex and the City?” Hilton Worldwide will be promoting a girlfriend getaway offer for a girls retreat on vacation stays through December 20! Stay at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort. From $448 per night, per room (double occupancy) on three night accommodations, one manicure per person, two 50 minute spa treatments per person and lunch in a spa restaurant! Make Sex and the City your reality!
Third Dream-class ship to be called Carnival Breeze
Looking for a new ship to jump aboard? Well Carnival Cruise Line may have the perfect opportunity come spring of 2012 on board the new carnival breeze! This will be Carnival’s 24th ship, and the 3rd in the dream class. – which will continue to show the brand evolution and fun style sailing of a Carnival ship! This ship is a 130,000ton 3,690 passenger ship to be sister of the Carnival Dream (2009) and Carnival Magic (to set sail in May 2011). On board you will find facilities and activities for all from child to adult, a 23,750sqft Cloud 9 Spa, the Lanai, outdoor promenade with whirlpools, a waterworks aqua park 300 ft long corkscrew water slide, indoor/outdoor café, live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza. Want to have options where you will lay your head at night? A range of staterooms from deluxe ocean views with 2 bathrooms, 5 berths and are ideal for families! Be sure to look for the Carnival Breeze when planning your getaway of 2012!
San Miguel Botique!
Celebrating Latin Arts, the contemporary 32room lodging of the Hotel Matilda is scheduled this year to happen in the center of San Miguel de Allende. This poses a vast change from the traditional historic locations in the area, promoting new cultural experiences. The hotel also offers an infinity pool, spa, restaurant and gallery style art.
NORWEGIAN CIRQUE DREAMS:
Coming this summer, Norwegian will unveil a new entertainment opportunity with the help of the Cirque Dreams and Dinner show producer, Neil Goldberg. A new show, performed 6 days a week on the Norwegian Epic, will launch a 2 hour show combining interactive entertainment while dining at a 3 course meal! Passengers on board this 4,200 occupancy cruise liner, will provide up close acrobats to all the audience, where performances are integrated into dining: sit on their laps, bring them drinks, put hats on audience members, perform aerial acrobats overhead. Stuart, the VP of sales and marketing for Norwegian stated, “We made a decision to change the face of cruise ship entertainment.” The expense to passengers is between $15-20 for both
DISNEY’S DREAM ADDITION!
Coming now to the cruise ship world – Disney plans to unveil a new DISNEY DREAM, which will provide the world’s first cruise ship water-coaster! From 150 feet above the ocean waters!. Dozens of famous characters will embrace company through plywood mock-ups to be featured in port holes. Imagine the first floor based video game, with virtual board tilt games! Hollywood animations will make it appear like “finding Nemo” will interact with diners during the undersea theme show! Interior staterooms will also have the addition of virtual portholes to make it seem as if you have a private window overlooking the waters!
NINE HOTELS RECEIVE HAWAII GREEN BUSINESS AWARDS:
With the importance to protect the natural environment and surroundings in Hawaii – it is a high reward for hotels to be recognized for their green environmentally friendly acts of energy usage reduction, water conservation, recycling programs, solid waste reduction and pollution prevention. The Hawaiian Lt Gov James Aiona stated that "Through innovative green practices such as conserving valuable resources, reducing waste and protecting Hawaii's environment, these businesses are doing their part to ensure that our residents and visitors can continue to enjoy a healthy environment." The hotels nominated for these awards include: Marriot Waiohai beach club and Grand Hyatt Resort in Kauai, Fairmont Kea Lani, Wailea Beach Marriot, Marriot Ocean Club and Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in Maui, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Ko Olina Marriott Beach Club and Aqua Bamboo and Spa in Oahu.
GARZA BLANCA (NEAR PUERTO VALLARTA) BEGINS LUXE SERVICE
The 42-unit Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa recently opened on Mexico's Pacific coast. Built on a property in Mismaloya area, with many coved beaches, the Los Arcos arched rock formation and the setting of the film "The Night of the Iguana." 1964. The main area serves a large infinity swimming pool with cascading waterfalls, two whirlpool baths facign the ocean and sandy beach. The name of the property, means "snowy egret," reflects pristine, natural surroundings: a lush, tropical, 85-acre,land.
Chefs are available to prepare dinners in suites, and waiters serve cocktails by the pool. In-suite spa services can be arranged. The main building contains the hotel lobby, a cocktail lounge and Blanca Blue restaurant for breakfast and dinner indoors and on a large terrace outdoors overlooking the Pacific. A large wine cellar provides a selection of wines. Lunch is offered at the poolside restaurant.
Rooms are available as: penthouses, 3-bedroom suites, 2-bedroom suites, 1-bedroom suites, junior suites & deluxe rooms. High-end rooms are 2,769-sqft penthouse suites with terraces. All rooms have travertine floors. Bathrooms feature marble showers, granite countertops and whirlpool tubs. Living areas offer entertainment systems, high-definition TVs and DVD players. Wireless Internet access is on property.
Room decor is contemporary with earth tones and a "sleek and modern" look, according to the company. The rooms' focus is large picture windows that look out on the Pacific. Rack rates range from $316 to $1,278 per night. Opening rate specials through April 11 feature discounts of 25% on those rates.
PRINCESS BEGINS EUROPE CAPACITY
Starting in 2011, Princess begins its largest deployment with six ships in Europe this summer. Now offering with the Emerald Princess 11 day Baltic Cruises, sailing this summer from Caribbean to Fort Lauderdale, 1 of 42 itineraries at 135 ports. In 2011, Princess will add itinerary from Aahus Denmark, Motril Spain, Sete France, Aghios Nikolaos in the Greek island of Crete and Antwerp Belgium.
Bookings for Princess' 2011 Europe season open March 25.
CALL US TO INQUIRE!
High-end hotels going wireless
Upscale hotels adding high-tech systems control lights, curtains, alarm clocks, flat screen TV, remote to control the electronic menu and every gadget you can imagine. Do you want to set the temperature, brightness, and time that the curtains open in the morning all with the click of a finger? There are many long term benefits to help save operational costs by automating lights, to shut off when a room is empty to reduce energy costs. Touch screen kiosts will scan credit cards.
Want to know what hotels are upgrading technology? Hotel Bel - Air: LA, remote controlled drapes and cellular service. Sheraton Hotels: touch screen computers offering directions to shops, restaurants downoad music and activities. Montage turns off the AC and lights - drapes guest check out. Aloft hotel in Rancho Cucamonga - kiosks check in guests, print flight boarding passes. Pool includes underwater speakers to play the hotels lobby music.
Top Biking Cities worldwide: Minneapolis, Amsterdam, Australia, Paris :
special lanes for 2 wheelers, bicycle friendly pedelar friendly lanes. The 1st location - Minneapolis promotes bicycling through lockers for personal security, designated street lanes, recreational trials, snowplows which clear off street paths for safe efficient locale. This promotion includes a more healthy living and healthier environment for inhabitants, with lowering pollution, cost effective, healthy lifestyles. European locations and cities still rank high as a top cycling spot. Amsterdam has a cycling population of 40% of city commuters riding to work or school. Want to visit a location in the US friendly to cycling? Visit Portland, OR - with 270 miles on street bike lanes and paved paths.
Disney's D.C. Area Hotel:
Overlooking the Potomac River in Maryland at Prince George's County, Disney plans renovation on a new 15 acre site. Construction may begin to include a hotel on the property, which is 15 minutes by auto or water taxi from Washington. This hotel is an attempt for business development as a family friendly location & entertainment for regional visitors.
Polar bears and climate change is focus of exhibit:
At the University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks, a polar bear exhibit is becoming more prominent. While the polar bear cycle of life is show ofrom mother with cubs to adolescent at play to adults on the hunt, show casing pictures of Arctic coast from Canada's Hershel Island to Point Hope, Alaska.
Cruise West details Whales & Wildlife sailings:
Cruise West will sail the 102 passenger Spirit of Endeavor to launch a 7 night Whales and wildlife tour in Mexico with 12 departures off the Sea of Cortes for 2009 - 2010. Itineraries include holiday trips at Christmas and New years and John Steinbeck inspired cruise that leaves January 9th. Small craft excursions allow the opportunity to increase opportunities to see the natural surroundings especially with Compass, an onboard enrichment program. Looking to explore Sierra Madres? Cruise West's land tour of Copper Canyon allows for a rail excursion with the natives. Rates begin at $2,599 per person, cruise options for Copper Canyon start at $4,499.
  
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