Jan
30
2009
TripAdvisor has just announced its 2009 Travelers Choice Awards which lists 100 top hotel bargains, 60 most romantic hotels, 80 family favorites and more. For now, we’re going to take a look at the Top 10 Hotel Best Bargains.
And they are:
- Hotel Vecchio Asilo, San Gimignano, Italy
- Arcadia Residence, Prague, Czech Republic
- SeaCoast Inn, Hyannis, Massachusetts, USA
- Riad Zolah, Marrakech, Morocco
- Derwent House Boutique Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
- Can-Y-Bae, Llandudno, Wales
- Garni Hotel Berc, Bled, Slovenia
- Pension Bellas Artes, San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain
- Old Ranch Inn, Palm Springs, California, USA
- Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, Venice, Italy
Once again I am very disappointed to say that I have not had the privilege of staying in any of these hotels – yet. I still have hope. Have you been lucky enough to do so? I’d love to hear from you!
Take care,
Connie
Jan
29
2009
On Monday, a cruise ship travelling up the St. Lawrence River from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to the Gaspe Peninsula, became trapped by ice.
The 300 passengers onboard the CTMA-Vacancier were on their way to a winter skiing trip in the Chic-Choc Mountains, an extension of the Appalachians. The coast guard sent an icebreaker to free the ship however it got stuck as well. A freighter was also stuck which made for a total of three ships and 500 passengers trapped by the ice.
A spokesperson for CTMA reported that there were no injuries. The cruise ship was released from the ice and continued on its way late Tuesday afternoon.
Jan
28
2009
Southwest Airlines is offering low fares to destinations across the USA for as low as $49 one-way.
All seat sale flights require a 14-day advance purchase and are only available on Southwest.com. $49 one-way fares are available for travel on Tuesday or Wednesday; $59 one-way fares apply for travel Thursday to Monday.
Sample Yes You Can sale prices include $49 one-way from Dallas (Love Field) to New Orleans or from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Chicago Midway.
Tickets must be purchased by February 19, 2009, with all travel completed by May 20, 2009. Prices shown do not include taxes/fees/surcharges and are subject to availability. Please note that travel to/from Florida, Washington Dulles, and Orange County, CA, are not included in this sale.
Dallas based Southwest Airlines flies to over 60 cities in 32 states.
Jan
27
2009
February 1st, 2009, marks the big game day – Superbowl XLIII. But there is so much more to see in Tampa Bay that everyone should take the time to visit. Here’s a quick list of just some of the highlights you’ve got to sneak in, pre or post game time.
If you’d like to learn more about planning your vacation to Tampa, you can view the electronic brochure or order a print brochure here.
Jan
26
2009
Happy Chinese New Year!
Lasting 15 days, this is the most celebrated event of the year for those of Chinese decent. It is full of fun and excitement but most of all hope for the year to come.
On New Year’s Day, it is traditional for Chinese people to dress in brand new clothing in bright red colors. Red is said to attract health, wealth and happiness for the year to come. A popular gift is the giving of lucky money envelopes known as lee see from parents to their unwed children or from employers to their employees.
It is bad luck, however, to wash your hair, to borrow/lend money, or to drop your chopsticks on this auspicious day so these tasks must be avoided.
2009 is the Year of the Ox but is actually the year 4707 in the Chinese calendar. Characteristics of people born in the year of the Ox include being hard working, patient but stubborn, honest and dependable but can sometimes be somewhat eccentric. Princess Diana was born in the year of the Ox as well as our newest President, Barack Obama.
Music, firecrackers, colorful lanterns, and lion dancing are all part of the celebrations. Most of all, the Chinese New Year represents hope.
Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Jan
24
2009
This exotic 14 day/16 night trip to China includes visits to some of the most revered tourist sites in the country.
The fully-escorted tour of the Ancient Silk Road includes Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Magao Grottos, the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors.
Return airfare is included from Vancouver, BC, to Beijing, China, along with hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, all sightseeing tours and transfers. This special tour departs on May 3, 2009 and is priced from $4559 CAD per person based on double not including taxes/surcharges or fees. For more information, contact Silk Holidays at 1-800-268-5942 or (604) 879-8000.
Jan
23
2009
While the National Transportation & Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation into last week’s crash-landing of a U.S. Airways flight into the Hudson River, U.S. Airways is already trying to make amends to the passengers onboard.
In a letter sent to all of the 150 passengers of the flight which was enroute from LaGuardia to Charlotte, U.S. Airways explained that it may be months before any belongings on the aircraft can be recovered.
In order to provide some type of compensation, U.S. Airways issued checks that included a refund of the ticket cost plus an additional $5,000 per passenger.
The letter went on to advise passengers that all items onboard the plane are currently being examined by the NTSB. They noted that it’s also possible that some items may be unrecoverable.
There were no reported injuries during the emergency landing.
Jan
22
2009
Here is a list of websites that may be helpful for anyone planning a cruise and wanting more information about their specific destination. The Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska are included in this list.
I’ve always found that doing a little research before traveling is the best way to go. I would die if I had been to New Orleans but missed visiting Café Du Monde. The key is being informed and so I hope this list will prove to be helpful for you!
Best,
Connie
Jan
21
2009
Air Canada has just announced a seat sale fare where you can travel from only $49 one-way for travel until April 30, 2009.
These great low prices are valid for travel within the United States and Canada. Sample prices include Vancouver to Toronto $179 (one-way fare) and Calgary to Los Angeles for $149 (one-way fare).
For flights within Canada, a 5-day advance purchase is required; within the United States, a 14-day advance purchase applies. All fares include 2 free bags, no fuel surcharge, and must be booked by January 23, 2009.
The above prices shown do not include any applicable taxes or surcharges; prices are shown in CAD, per person, and the tickets are 100% non-refundable.
Jan
20
2009
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is holding its Freestyle Resolution Sales Event where travelers can get up to a $500 onboard credit per stateroom.
The onboard credit can be used on ‘whatever’ during your NCL cruise including shore excursions, spa treatments, the casino and more. The deal is available on all destinations that NCL sails to including Alaska, Europe, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Hawaii.
NCL has a fleet of 11 ships with a total of 26,000 berths. The Freestyle Resolution Sales Event ends on February 1, 2009, and is valid for sailings through January 1, 2011.
Find your cruise, get your credit here.
