For all you globe-trotters!

New Zealand … savings this Summer from Vancouver to Auckland

2010-06-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

Air New Zealand has introduced special $1,198 fares from Vancouver to Auckland, New Zealand. Flights must be booked by June 17 for travel commencing July 24 through Sept. 21. Price excludes fuel surcharge, government fees and taxes of approximately $355. (http://www.airnewzealand.ca)

Avalon Waterways … savings between July and October 2010

2010-06-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

Avalon Waterways is offering savings of up to $1,000 p.p. on select 2010 European departures. The discount applies to 32 departures between July and October with a choice of 11 itineraries, ranging from five to 24 days. For a nice appetizer-length holiday, there is the five-day A Taste of the Danube cruise from Vienna to Budapest, offered at $500 p.p. savings. All other cruises are offer $1,000 savings, including the Burgundy and Provence cruise, which includes two nights in Paris, a 12-day sailing down the Rhône River from Chalon-sur-Saône to Arles, finishing with a night in the Côte d’Azur. In addition, for those with clients looking for over three week’s holiday, there is the 24-day trip from Amsterdam to Bucharest called the North Sea to Black Sea Cruise. (http://www.avalonwaterways.ca)

St. Lucia and Barbados ... great place and very eco-friendly

2010-06-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

Barbados and St. Lucia – Almond Resorts, located on the Caribbean coasts of St. Lucia and Barbados are devoted to the conservation and eco-friendly practices. From solar-heating water supplies to conservation and recycling programs, Almond Resorts seeks to maintain and improve the natural island landscapes, enhancing the already rejuvenating guest experience.
Each of the five all-inclusive Almond Resorts in Barbados and St. Lucia has its own “Green Team” made up of representatives from each of the hotel’s departments. Green Team members are charged with keeping tabs on the progress of their resort’s environmental conservation program. All Almond Resorts depend on solar heating for their hot water supply and the lighting system throughout the extensive gardens. Almond's closely managed programs at the properties ensure that resources like energy and water are conserved - recycled to the best advantage.
Almond Resorts also participates in farmer co-ops in St. Lucia. These "growers’ agreements" give small farms the security to plan their crops and know there is a buyer awaiting their goods when they are ready for market. Not only does this help develop the local produce industry but it also provides for fresh fruits and vegetables in guest’s meals.
Almond Resorts’ Almond Casuarina Beach Resort in St. Lawrence, Barbados, is at the leading edge of the company's eco program and was designed to operate on environmentally acceptable terms ensuring the preservation of natural habitats, such as endangered sea turtles, which nest on Casuarina Beach.
Almond Casuarina Beach Resort still retains a sizable portion of the original vegetation, and is one of the few hotels in the region operating within its own tropical forest ecosystem. Most of the vegetation is salt tolerant, drought resistant and designed to minimize CO2 emissions. The successful maintenance of this ecosystem sustains all forms of local and migrating wildlife. The property composts almost all of its yard waste, thereby feeding its landscape without the need for chemically enhanced topsoil. As with all Almond Resorts, the hotel has programs to minimize the use of energy, water and other non-renewable resources as well as hazardous materials and solid waste.
Almond Resorts boasts five all-inclusive properties located on Barbados and St. Lucia. Almond Beach Club & Spa (161 rooms), Almond Beach Village (400 rooms) and Almond Casuarina Beach Resort (289 rooms) are all located on the island of Barbados, Almond Morgan Bay Beach Resort (340 rooms) and Almond Smugglers Cove (357 rooms) are located on St. Lucia.
For more information, call 1-800-4ALMOND or visit www.almondresorts.com.

This summer, why not a Villa in St. Lucia?

2010-06-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

St. Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort has introduced “Splash into Summer” savings, offering travellers 50% savings off two-, three- and four-bedroom villas. Two-bedroom villas start at US$399 per night. Plus, to ensure families fully enjoy the resort and St. Lucia, up to $1,400 in Sun Dollars (resort credit) will be provided per week depending on villa size selected. The summer program is valid for travel through Sept. 5. For families, Windjammer offers spacious villas with multi-living areas, including full kitchens; nanny service; teen programming; and the complimentary award-winning Jacquot Kid’s Club. Officials report summer airfares to St. Lucia are the lowest ever, starting at $298 roundtrip by WestJet and Air Canada, depending on departure gateway. (http://www.windjammer-landing.com)

The Top Ten: Child-Friendly Hotels

2010-06-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Happy and memorable holidays are those where the kids are happy and parents as well. Here are ten hotels around the world that have fine-tuned the art of catering to the little people.
ENJOY...complimentary milk-and-cookies at turndown and junior bathrobes and slippers, at this landmark The Ritz London.
WATCH...clowns performing during Sunday brunch at the historic Baltschug Kempinski Moscow.
RELAX...knowing the kids’ clubs at this renovated Algarve hotel, The VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa will take babies as young as six months, and teenagers up to age nineteen, providing on-and-off property activities.
DROP OFF...youngsters at the new Lions Club, complete with swings and slides, plus a chill out zone with plasma TV and Wii, at this popular Spanish golf hotel, the Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa.
BE OUTDOORSY...at this Dominican Republic beach resort, Tortuga Bay boasting walks through an ecological reserve, Segway touring and carriage rides.
GET WET...during windsurfing, canoeing and snorkeling excursions at this St. Barth's Hotel Guanahani & Spa, which offers complimentary kids (ages 2–6) and juniors (ages 6–12) activities.
FEEL...at home in Argentina’s IGUAZU GRAND Resort Spa & Casino with the Alvear kids’ amenities, including toys, DVDs and PlayStations, plus a kids’ concierge to arrange outdoor activities.
PARTY...at the nightly mini disco at this beachfront Paradisus Playa Conchal Hotel (Costa Rica) and join the daily activities at the kids’ club.
ENGAGE...in games and activities at the Thurnher's Alpenhof ski-in/ski-out hotel near Lech, with kids’ table-tennis tournaments, ski races, painting competitions and tobogganing.
SETTLE INTO...a relaxing brunch at Banyan Tree Bangkok where a magician keeps children entertained with tricks and balloons in the kids’ corner. You can find more information of all these hotels at http://www.lhw.com.

Chicago Architecture Foundation Offers Late Cruises and Walking Tours

2010-06-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is taking advantage of the sunsets on Chicago’s skyscrapers, by offering 5:30 pm tours through September. “Date Night Architecture” means river cruises every Thursday and Friday evenings at 5:30 pm. Also, there will be five different “Happy Hour” walking tours — each ending with a free drink at local restaurants.
The Architecture river cruise is on board Chicago's First Lady Cruises (luxury cruising yachts). Chicago's First Lady Cruises offer open-air decks as well as air-conditioned interior seating and a full bar. For detailed information check: www.architecture.orgPocket Guide to Chicago Architecture

Journey to Spirit Mountain, Newfounland & Labrador

2010-02-28T22:40:00.000-08:00

How about those wonderful TV advertisements showing some of the glories awaiting us in Newfoundland and Labrador! Footage for one of the advertisements was taken in Labrador's Torngat Mountains National Park and this summer Cruise North is offering an 11-night Journey to the Spirit Mountains which will include this destination. The cruise sill leave from St. John's on 2 July 2010 and details can be found at www.cruisenorthexpeditions.com
If you haven't been to the far eastern regions of our great land, maybe this is the year to add not only Newfoundland but also Labrador to your "I've been there!" list.

Istanbul... two days is not enough!

2010-02-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

A day or two in Istanbul during a tour of Turkey is not enough! Here at the Travel Society, it's one of our favourite cities ... we urge you not to rush away ... there's so much to see and do: world-famous museums and mosques, the Old Quarter with its wonderful shops and galleries, delicious food, friendly people, ferry rides to nearby islands and so much more. And if you'd like to stay in a modern apartment rather than a hotel in this fabled city, check out the Gallery Residence at www.galleryresidence.com
Istanbul is one of Europe's Cultural Capitals this year, so there will be lots to see and do in the months ahead.

Why not go to Ireland this summer...

2010-02-28T22:27:00.000-08:00

Ireland is a wonderful summer destination, whether you're planning a quick getaway or a long-stay. Ireland's Bluebook has long been a respected list of country house properties and restaurants - www.irelandsbluebook.com
- or, for those considering a longer stay, how about renting a cottage? These can be anything from rustic to luxurious, close to town for far from the madding crowd, with prices to suit any budget. Pour yourself a Guiness and settle down to browse www.imagineireland.com

. You're sure to be tempted!

Looking for Eco-friendly resorts?

2010-02-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

Eco-friendly resorts, sustainable tourism, carbon off-sets ... these are the new buzz words in the travel industry. Intrepid Tours is a tour company that has taken all these things truly to heart, committed not only to the environment but also to helping people travel in a way that is respectful of local people, their cultures and local economies. As their website states to its prospective guests: "With your participation we can help conserve the areas we visit and bring positive benefits to our host communities." And through The Intrepid Foundation you can make a difference in local communities - in health care, education, human rights, child welfare and in environmental and wildlife protection. The company offers a wide variety of 'real life experiences' all over the world and the adventures start at their comprehensive and interesting website www.intrepidtravel.com

The Great Barrier Reef ... don't missed it!

2010-02-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

Australia is on many people's wish list, and with good reason. But the good people at Tourism Australia say that people don't plan enough time for the Great Barrier Reef. They arrive somewhere on the mainland and take a day trip. A DAY TRIP! To an area 1,600 miles in length (the largest living organism in the world, in fact), complete with 300 islands ranging from tropical to rainforest. There's a wide variety of places to stay, from luxurious resorts complete with spas, to campgrounds and backpackers' hostels. And the scenery, both above and beneath the water, is spectaculr. If Australia is in your plans, don't rush away from the Great Barrier Reef region ... plan to stay a while. Check it out at www.destinationqueensland.com or, if you'd like to book a tour, investigate the offerings of 'down-under' specialists Goway Travel at www.goway.com.

Visiting Britain

2010-02-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

Every region in Britain has wonderful sites and sights for the visitor. If you're one of the millions who choose the UK as their destination every year (safe, no language problems, a sound infrastructure of road and rail connections, every type of accommodation - and food - imaginable and so on) investigate a trip to the East Midlands. I mention this because a self-cating townhouse in gracious Lincoln has won an award and it looks most inviting. And if you're travelling with a young child they not only offer a cot, but also high chairs and a stair gate to keep junior safe. Check it out at www.lincolntownhouses.co.uk

Arizona ... a stunning scenery

2010-02-25T11:27:00.000-08:00

Arizona is a favourite destination for Canadians, with its stunning scenery and beautiful desert climate (well ... perhaps not in summer!). Hotels throughout the state are renowned for being spectacular and luxurious. But if something smaller is your preference, check out Briar Patch Inn in Oak Creek Canyon at www.briarpatchinn.com where the cabins are described as "rustic elegance tailored to Nature itself". The twenty or so cottages in this complex carry names from nature - mainly birds - and each is illustrated on the website. The look so tempting, with their fireplaces, cosy beds and kitchens or kitchenettes so that guests can prepare some meals, if they wish, and truly settle into their little 'home' for a while.

Grenada a delightful Caribbean island

2010-02-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

Grenada is a delightful Caribbean island ... lush and pretty, with lots of great beaches and not as commercialised as many of the islands. Known as the Spice Island, due to its world-famous nutmeg crob, the destination offers travellers far more than a beach vacation: flora and bird life is abundant, there's sailing and hiking and a wide selection of properties for every taste and pocketbook. If you've yet to escape winter, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com and see if you're tempted!

Dreaming of a Greek island?

2010-02-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of a Greek island? Famous Crete in particular? How about staying in your own traditional villa? Did I hear you say "yes please!" Then look no further than Pure Crete, a 22-year-old British company that offers villas for rent on this much-in-demand island. The website lists houses with pools, houses by the sea, houses for couples, spring in Crete offerings, off-the-beaten-track properties and special offers. Turn your dreams of a Greek island into reality this year! But first ... dream a little via www.purecrete.com. Check a couple of guides in here ...

Rent accommodations for your vacations

2010-02-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

The internet has become a wonderful tool for those looking to rent vacation accommodation. www.friendlyrentals.com specialises in cities, with appealing properties in Barcelona, Madrid, San Sebastian, Seville, Sitges, London and the Algarve. Each property is listed with photographs, maps, descriptions of the property and surrounding area and lots of information via icons on what's to be found in each apartment. Availability of each property is easily seen on a calendar and the rate is quickly calculated and shown. It's easy to spend time on this site, dreaming of long-ish vacations in exotic cities, but compared to hotels the rates look good

Looking for Resorts

2010-02-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

Luxury 'down south' in your dreams but concerned about the cost? Well, up to 55% in savings are being offered at AMResorts for stays before 27 August 2010. Zoetry, Secrets and Dreams Resorts in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are in this group of properties, which offer spectacular beach-side accommodation, spas, sparkling pools, healthy gourmet cuisine and the opportunity to participate in cultural, artistic and educational experiences and even voluntarily contribute to the stewardship of local communities and the Earth we share. You will be sure to return refreshed with stories of more than just lying on the beach (though you can do that too, of course!). Details at www.zoetryresorts.com, www.secretsresorts.com and www.dreamsresorts.com.

The island of Montserrat

2010-02-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

The tiny island of Montserrat hit the news big time in July 1995 when its Soufriere Hills volcano, dormant throughout recorded history, rumbled to life and began an eruption which eventually buried the island's capital, Plymouth, in more than 12 metres (39 ft) of mud, destroyed its airport and docking facilities, and rendered the southern half of the island uninhabitable. In recent years, the volcano's activity has been confined mostly to infrequent ventings of ash, but last year the volcano stirred into life once again, offering locals and visitors quite a 'show'. Many people are interested in experiencing this phenomenon and the locals of Montserrat are waiting to welcome visitors to a unique - but quite safe - vacation. Dangerous areas are strictly monitored and the regions where people live and stay are safe. If volcanoes intrigue you check the offical web site www.mvo.ms and for all the details you need to plan a vacation here log on to www.visitmontserrat.com.

Don't missed the Hong Kong Arts Festival

2010-01-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

Everyone comes home from Hong Kong with tales of the region’s wonderful food, shopping, attractions and scenery. How about adding some spectacular cultural events to your stories? The Hong Kong Arts Festival is Asia’s premier arts festival that, over a four-week period, presents over 120 performances, including world premieres, in the fields of drama, opera, orchestral concerts, jazz, ballet and modern dance. Who doesn’t want to visit Hong Kong? So it’s no wonder that some of the best artists from around the world gather for this festival. The 2010 festival commences on 25 February and runs for four weeks. If you plan to be in Hong Kong at that time, tickets can be obtained at www.hk.artsfestival.org. Enjoy!

Holland is more then art and windmills!

2010-01-13T13:56:00.000-08:00

Holland is famous not only for art (and windmills!) but also for nature. Make this the year you visit the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse between 18 March and 16 May, when over seven million tulips and other bulb flowers will be blooming in their spectacular 80-acre garden. The theme in the Gardens for 2010 is From Russia with Love and you’ll find details at www.keukenhof.nl. And just one more piece of information for your spring visit to the Netherlands: 8 May has been declared National Windmill Day throughout Holland, a day when over 600 windmills, water mills and pumping stations throughout the country are open to the public and millers give demonstrations of their activities and lifestyles.

Get Insider Information on England

2010-01-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

www.TheBritishTraveler.com is a new travel web site from the World Tourism Network, specializing in travel content and a booking engine for those interested in visiting the U.K. The site recommends properties, apartments, cottages, B&Bs, pubs and inns across the U.K that can be booked on the site. Publisher Steve Langley, a Londoner and veteran of over 35 years in the tourism industry, has visited and stayed at many of the recommended properties and has included many of his insider tips on specific places and what to do and see while there. Also offered is the opportunity to sign up for a monthly newsletter, which will include a feature story, reviews, upcoming events, site updates, the latest travel deals and lots of fun information that will help users plan their trip to the U.K, and enjoy it more when they get there. The first issue will be sent in early January. Although the site covers many of Britain’s major cities and counties that appeal to the tourist, the creator company is a partner with www.VisitLondon.com, the official tourism web site for London and both sites will be participating in joint promotions in the coming year.

Be tempted this winter!

2010-01-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

There are times in the midst of a Canadian winter when a quick getaway to an all-inclusive in the sun sounds very appealing. Back in December, the nice folks from Almond Resorts were in Toronto spreading the word about their properties in Barbados and St. Lucia and they do sound very nice and not at all like the usual all-inclusives. “Our guests are encouraged to leave the property to explore,” said company President Ralph Taylor (who is also Chairman of the Barbados Tourist Authority) “and we pride ourselves on inviting locals into our properties, not only as employees but also to help share their Caribbean culture via their food, drinks, customs and even local flora. We offer authentic Caribbean cuisine cooking classes (all our restaurants, in fact, are called ‘Innes” after a renowned local restaurant owner in Barbados), a rum shop (with cocktail recipes to share) in each property and we’re ‘big’ on landscaping as everyone has a great love of our local plants and flowers. Please encourage your readers to pay us a visit soon … I’m sure they’ll love us!” There are three properties on Barbados and two on St. Lucia. For more details visit www.almondresorts.com or call 1 800 4ALMOND

Indulge in Holland

2010-01-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

In 2010, the four major cities in Holland – known as the Holland Art Cities (HAC) – will be organizing a variety of large-scale events, offering the highest concentration of art and cultural activities per square kilometre in the world. The HACs are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht and together they have developed an extensive cultural and tourist-oriented programme around the themes of Contemporary Art and Design, International Influences, Young Artists and Dutch Masters. Take a peek at www.hollandartcities.com and plan a 2010 visit to Holland.

Whatever your age ... you can go to Oxford! And no exams!

2010-01-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

Whatever your age ... you can go to England's Oxford University. ‘The Oxford Experiences’ are one-week residential summer courses (between 4 July and 7 August) that are open to all. The study (and fun!) will take place in historic Christ Church College, founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey and regarded as the most beautiful and prestigious of the Oxford colleges. More than 50 courses are offered, including The Brontës, Castles in Britain, the Twilight of the Romanovs, Beethoven and the Dawn of Romanticism, Scientific Breakthroughs of the Twentieth Century, Jewish Life in Medieval England, Enjoying the Cotswolds and many more. Participants stay in student accommodations or, for an additional fee, rooms with en suite facilities. They dine in the college’s magnificent Tudor Hall (which you may already have seen in the Harry Potter films) and three meals daily are included: a full English breakfast, a buffet lunch and a served three-course dinner. On the final night of each course everyone gathers for champagne in the flowering Cathedral Garden followed by a gala dinner in Hall. Those who sign up for two or more courses will enjoy free bed and breakfast on the intervening weekends. During the week, in addition to the lectures, participants may enjoy excursions to stately homes, tours of Oxford, pub walks and whisky tastings and so on. The deadline for registration is 1 May 2010. For more information, go to www.conted.ox.ac.uk/oxfordexperience, or write to The Oxford Experience, OUDCE, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JA, U.K.

Mexico for a winter getaway

2010-01-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

“Oh wow!” That’s what we said here in The Travel Society offices, when we took a look at a website devoted to villa rentals in Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas. They look very lovely and range in size from properties that sleep four to those that accommodate a crowd. Suggest this idea to some friends or family and discover just how inexpensive such a luxurious holiday can be. All details at www.cabovillas.com. And if you’d like to compare and learn more about the region and its offerings, enter in your search engine and you’ll be directed to many other tourism sites. There’s a good selection of airlines to take you from various gateways in Canada to Cabo too, including WestJet, Sunwing and Air Canada.